The use and practice of faith: or, Faiths universal usefulness, and quickning influence into every kinde and degree of the Christian life. Together with the excellency of a spiritual life (in difference from all tother) by way of a proœme. And the excellent work and reward of converting others to the faith, commended by way of close. Delivered in the publick lectures at Ipswich. By the late eminent and faithful servant of his Lord, Mr. Matthew Lawrence, preacher to the said town. Lawrence, Matthew. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A88814 of text xxx in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E924_1). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 1534 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 348 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A88814 Wing L673 Thomason E924_1 ESTC R207547 99866591 99866591 118867 2240960261

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A88814) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 118867) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 139:E924[1]) The use and practice of faith: or, Faiths universal usefulness, and quickning influence into every kinde and degree of the Christian life. Together with the excellency of a spiritual life (in difference from all tother) by way of a proœme. And the excellent work and reward of converting others to the faith, commended by way of close. Delivered in the publick lectures at Ipswich. By the late eminent and faithful servant of his Lord, Mr. Matthew Lawrence, preacher to the said town. Lawrence, Matthew. [40], 624, [24] p. printed by A. Maxey for Willian[sic] Weekly bookseller at Ipswich, and are to be sold by John Rothwell at the Fountain and Bear in Goldsmiths-Row, Cheapside; and by Robert Littleberry at the Unicorn, Little-Britain, London : 1657. Annotation on Thomason copy: "Aug. 29 31"; "29" in annotation crossed out. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Faith -- Early works to 1800. eebo The use and practice of faith: or, Faiths universal usefulness, and quickning influence into every kinde and degree of the Christian life.: Together Lawrence, Matthew. 1657 695 282004 194 0 0 0 0 0 6.88 B The rate of 6.88 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2009-09 Assigned for keying and markup 2009-10 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2009-12 Sampled and proofread 2009-12 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2010-04 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE USE and PRACTICE OF FAITH : OR , Faiths Vniversal Vsefulness , And Quickning Influence into every Kinde and Degree of the Christian Life .

Together with the Excellency of a Spiritual Life ( in difference from all other ) by way of Prooeme .

And the excellent WORK and REWARD of Converting others to the Faith , commended by way of Close .

Delivered in the Publick LECTURES at IPSWICH .

By the late Eminent and Faithful Servant of his Lord , Mr. MATTHEW LAWRENCE , Preacher to the said Town .

— By it he being dead , yet speaketh , Heb. 11.4 .

LONDON : Printed by A. Maxey for Willian Weekly Bookseller at Ipswich , and are to be sold by John Rothwell at the Fountain and Bear in Goldsmiths-Row , Cheapside ; and by Robert Littleberry at the Unicorn , Little-Britain . 1657.

To the Right Worshipful , The BAYLIFFS & PORTMEN WITH The Residue of the Incorporation of the Town of Ipswich . Worshipful , and Beloved !

WHen this Piece is once come into your hands , there needs nothing be spoken further , either by way of commendation of the Work , or upon the account of its Dedication to you . The Author and his Labours having been of that worthy Estimation amongst you , and his Memory still so precious , as a Commendatory Epistle from us would be less . And for the Right of whatever may be call'd His , whose Name this bears , it undoubtedly resolves on You , whose he was , both by your free Choyce , and his most willing Service . Moreover , the Subject here presented , besides its own uncontroverted Excellency and Necessity , which commends it to all , comes singularly commended to You upon a double Respect ; partly , as that which was the largest and choycest part of his Labours with you ; partly , as what of all other was the Vote of his last Bed to have made publick for your use . Had himself survived to have compleated his own Papers , as he had began in his weakness to revise them , the whole surely had been more semblant and exact : yet as it is , it is his own as he left it ; not lame , or torn , though here and there undrest ( especially towards the beginning ) and such as nevertheless speaks a sufficient worth , even without its due dress .

And now two of your eminent Lights have shone before you , Mr. S. Ward and the Author . especially in this one Tract ; and have left behinde them a clear and large Path-way for you , of Living by Faith . Whose Faith , and Works of Faith , Heb. 13.7 . O that you may be found as eminently to follow ! their combined Light begetting in you the stronger heat . Surely , God expects of you an exact Hand in this Work , whom he hath grac'd with so fair Copies . Others in other places have travell'd likewise in this Theme , but we dare say , None more compactly and lively than the former , nor copiously and distinctly than this latter of yours ; Of which the one may have seem'd to have given the Text , the other the Commentary ; so as the Furniture of both makes you complete in this kinde .

Possibly the Work comes forth much later than your desire and expectation ; and truly , than ours too : not one or two , but more years having pass'd since the Authors death . But so it hath hapned through some cross and unavoidable occurrences . May the Benefit of it at length recompence the Delay , which we both hope and pray . We shall adde no more by way of Preface , but commit this so useful Treatise , and your diligent perusal of it , to Him , 1 Cor. 3.6 , 7 who alone , while Paul plants , and Apollo waters , gives the increase .

Your Servants in the Lord , JOHN WARD . NATHANIEL SMART . JOSEPH WAITE .
AN EPISTLE & PREFACE TO THIS TREATISE . Christian Reader ,

WE desire not to know to give flattering Titles to any man , Job 32. though dead ; nor to stretch our selves beyond our measure to any living : Yet being called hereunto , 2 Cor. 10.14 . We presume it our duty to Preface something to this excellent Piece of Practical Divinity , as referring to the honour of the precious Author , departed : so also to the more endearing to thy Soul that precious Grace of Faith , and its use here handled .

The little of the Life of Faith amongst men , and of Faith and Truth in Life , excites us to become , though not Midwives to deliver , nor as Nurses to dress , yet as standers by and servants to commend this Birth as Legitimate and Lovely .

1 Tim. 6.12 . Though we take not upon us to put weapons into thy hand for this good fight of Faith , ( that this Tract doth ) yet if we may but encourage to the use of them , like the Drum and Fife , and such inferior Officers , it sufficeth .

2 Cor. 3. We cannot say ( as the Apostle ) in these days , Need we Epistles of Commendation to you , or Letters of Commendation from you ? Indeed we do need them both : for our Persons , Office , Doctrine , all are under the foot of Pride and Ignorance . We love not our Food , and loath our Physick , and ( at the best ) give entertainment to the most Sermons and Books which ore heard and read , according as they that speak and write them are famed ; and esteem and approve Doctrines by Persons , Tertul. de Praescript . Haer. cap. 3. and not Persons by Doctrines , as an Ancient hath it .

That we might therefore by giving a due report to the Name of this worthy Writer , raise a Spiritual seed to him ( a deceased Brother ) and encourage thee to the Use and Practice of this his pious Piece , hear us in a few things , as furtherers of thy Faith and Joy .

For the Composer hereof , Reverend Mr. Matthew Lawrence ( though he be now in Heaven above our Praises ) yet know , he hath by his Doctrine , and living this Doctrine of Faith , Heb. 11. obtained a good report , and was of known integrity , a mighty Apollos in the sacred Scriptures ; so abundant in alleaging apt and cleef Scriptures for Grounds and Enlargements , 1 Tim. 4.6 . that he might be called , as another once was , The Ark of the Scripture .

His Life and Disposition was made up of a meek and quiet Spirit ; a melting Heart towards God , and a healing closing Spirit towards Brethren , though in some things dissenting . Such low Spirits are fitted to receive the high Revelations of Faith , and living by it .

Such empty Vessels , are most capable of the Oil of the Spirit . The meek , Psal. 25. he will teach his way . He was indeed a living Paraphrase and Comment upon his Text ; A Just man living by his Faith .

For the Treatise it self , one of us had the happiness of neer Cohabitation some years to the Reverend Author , and lived under the Divine droppings of much of this heavenly Doctrine that distilled from his lips ; which had he been delivered up unto , as it was faithfully delivered unto him , he might have been more enriched in the stock of Faith . The other of us , having perused these Papers , ( though modesty may forbid him to utter Hyperbolical Praises , as being happily , by Providence , united in neerest Relation with a Branch of that dead-living Stock , the deceased Author ) yet accounts it but the just Honour and Duty he owes him , to judge this Tract , through Gods blessing upon a serious reading and digesting it , much conducing to make an able Christian and Divine . Indeed , it holds forth to us the way that we should walk , Jer. 42.3 . and the thing that we should do to attain Heaven and Salvation .

Many Ministers and others did desire the publishing of this Treatise by the Author in his Life : but his modesty , and other constant labours , hindred . Now it is come forth , we wish it may not finde the like entertainment that the Frier wittily and sharply said his Auditors gave to his Sermons , they dealing with them , as with his Holy-Water , sprinkled on them ; they called for it eagerly , but when he cast it on them , they presently wiped it off again . Make this Book now published , more publick , by holding forth the Life and Practise of Faith in thy Life and Station . Do not onely once reade it , Verba vivenda and cast it aside , but carry it in thy heart , as the Carpenter his Rule in his hand , to square all thy actions by it .

We shall onely adde some Motives to excite thy Practise , and then commit all to the Blessing of God .

1. Consider , this Life of Faith is a high Mystery : Christ believed on in the world , is a like Mystery with God manifested in the flesh , and received up into glory . Faith in the habit or root , is not a Plant of Natures Garden : The very nourishing of it , and causing it to bring forth in our hearts , is much more difficult than that of Plants in a strange Country . Grace , in exercise is difficult . Indeed it s in us , as fire under dead ashes , or in a Flint : Exciting , quickning , cooperating Grace with us , must be added to that within us . Grace in us , lies like some Physick of dead Drugs , which works not untill stronger Physick be given . Without me ye can do nothing , Joh. 15.5 . saith Christ of his Disciples .

But especially , the living daily , in all conditions and actions by the exercise of Faith , is much more hard . To believe is above Nature ; but to act Faith in each act of Life , is above our very Grace .

Consider farther the difficulty of this Life , and so make use the rather of this Help .

Other ways of life , viz. Trades , Multi vident cruces , qui non vident unctiones . Bernard . are called Mysteries ; but this above all is a Mystery of Mysteries . We wonder how some men live , who have a secret way of Trading : but this is not onely a supernatural Secret , but directly opposite to flesh and blood .

The Carnal and Profane scoff at it , as a Fancy , Paradox , and golden Dream of Melancholy Spirits . They count all persons who admire discourse of , and practise this Life of Faith , but silly Abrahams in the world , as Want-wits for managing or getting an Estate . Yet who doth or can without this so much despised Faith , Esay 53.1 . believe our report of these things .

It grieves our Souls to observe how many professing Christians look upon the Use of Faith , as the staff of their Old Age onely ; or as a strong Cordial onely in fainting Fits ; or at best , to be worn , as our Holiday-clothes , when we attend on the Word , Prayer , Sacraments : ( then put it on . ) But this is not to live as becomes Saints , ( in all things , and at all times ) by our Faith ; as that devout Scotch Divine , whom M. Trap relates to have eat , drank , and slept Eternal Life .

Dost thou finde it hard to live by thy Labour , by thy Lands , Learning , Friends , Wits ? yet all these ways are far beneath this high Mystery of believing and living by it .

Bless God then , as for Other , so for This Master of the Assemblies , who designs in this Work to teach thee this Mystery and Trade , how to pick a living livelihood out of this ( Now ) dead Commodity , viZ. Faith .

2. Consider what may farther stir thee up to the exercise of this Grace ; as also , to the Reading and Meditating on this heavenly Directory to the Life of Faith .

We shall not forestall those things which thou maist finde in the Author ; nor dispute how far some Branches of this Tree of Life , viz. Faith , may spring out even in Heaven it self : Yet take this as Solomons Argument , that Wisdom excells , because it gives life to him that hath it , Eccles. 7.12 .

Vita optimus modus Entis . Life , is the best and highest manner of Being . A living Worm excels the Sun in glory . Rational Life exceeds the life of Plants and Beasts : So doth Faith Reason , as the highest Life man is capable of on earth .

Seneca and others may write of a blessed Life , but Faith onely finds it . This Life must come from Heaven , which is so far above the Earth , and so rare to be found in it .

He who hath all his Provisions about him of his own , must needs keep the best house , and have all ( as we say ) at the best hand : So is it by Faith ; we have all within our selves , from God in Christ . The good man is satisfied from himself .

Antisthenes gained this by Study and Learning , that he could walk with himself , as not needing to go abroad , and be beholding to others for Exercise or Delight . O thesauris omnibus opulentior fides ! O virtutibus corporis omnibus fides fortior ! O medicis omnibus salutarior ! Ambros . This is much more true of Faith : Faith walks with Christ and God on the Mount of glorious Discoveries every day , and takes all as out of his hands . What Grace more admired by Christ ! Paul spends a whole Chapter , Hebr. 11. as a Chronicle of Faiths Victories and Trophies . Its Worthies are there mentioned , as Davids elswhere .

This very Text , on which this Tract is built , is cited no less than four times : Rom. 1. Gal. 3. Heb. 10. Thrice in the New Testament , which may convince us of the excellency of it , being worthy of a double , treble Medita●●on , as the summary of our Christian Faith , both Doctrinal and Practical , Tarnovius inter opuscula . as a learned man hints on the place .

3. Consider the seasonableness of this Counsel , about living by Faith in these days .

1. As they are sickly dying evil Times , in respect of Sufferings . 2. As the latter Times , and so evil in respect of Sinning .

Quis inter haec trepidus & maestus , nisi cui spes et fides deest ; jus est enim mortem timere , qui ad Christum nolit ire . Ejus est ad Christum nolle ire , qui se non credit cum Christo incipere regna●e . Scrip●um est enim justum fide vivere Cyprian de Mort. Cyprian wrote his Book of Mortality in a time of Mortality . And this Cordial of Life is now given out in season , to teach us how to live , and fit us to die .

A Minister , as hath been related , being sick , and meeting by Providence with Mr. Ball his excellent Book of Faith , ( which then came newly out ) he took it as a Guide by the hand , to lead him through that dark Valley , and fit him for Heaven .

We wish this Book may be so entertained by thee and all others who meet it , as a Pillar and Cloud in this Wilderness , as the Rock and Manna to refresh thee , as thy Viaticum to Eternal Life and Glory .

Secondly , as these are evil Times in respect of Sin , ● Tim. 4. Apostacy , falling from the Faith , both Doctrinal and Practical ; and also the latter days of the World , wherein Faith shall fail , Luk. 18.8 .

Yea , these are the days wherein this S●●●● of Faith by many of the mighty hath been vilely cast away . 2 Sam. 1.18 , 25 , 27. Faith in Doctrine and Life is forsaken , and cast off by many formerly famous for Profession .

Now to teach the use of this Shield , and how to uncover and anoint it , is a word in season .

Credis in Christum ? fac Christi opera ; ut vivat fides tua fidem ●uam dilectio animet , actio prohet . Bernard . And sure , did men retain the Doctrine of Faith more in their Minds , they would better practise Faith in Life : And did we live more by it , we should know more of it , Joh. 7.17 .

Quest. But have not many Divines already written of this Subject ? how then can this be so season●ble a Treatise ?

Ans. We may say ( its truth ) the world abounds with Books ; and as the waters cover the Sea , knowledge aboundeth : but never less practise of Faith , especially if we consider the means and time of enjoyment .

Many Captains and Physicians , we say , may lose the City , and spoil the Patient ; but not when they agree in judgment and practise . Divines harmoniously handling the same Subject , do more clear and beat out the Truth .

Who would be offended with any who should invent a neerer way to the Indies , or , at some Design to advance Trading , or an Engine that would draw up Pearls , and the Riches out of the Sea , that all men might be made more rich , and more suddenly so , than ever ? Thus it is here . This Servant of the Lord , entring on this Subject , was desired by some of his Auditors to enlarge it ; which he , coming after many other , by the largeness of his own heart , and especially by the supply of the Spirit , hath done , and brought out of his treasure riches enough , and more than the whole world can expend .

And as concerning this Branch of the Life and Practise of Faith , we know none hath gone beyond this Treatise . So as we may say of it , as Solomon of the vertuous Wife , Thou excellest them all . Prov. 31.29 . ( With respect we mention it to other learned and painful Labours ) Especially , as to the methodical Contexture , and copiousness of the matter , for which it is highly commendable ( as the Orators Oration , the longest was his best ) and who can think that can be too much spoken , Nunquam satis dicitur , quod nunquam satis diso●tur . which is for our Life here , and Eternity hereafter . That is never taught too much , which is never sufficiently learnt .

We shall adde no more , but a few Directions for the Reading of this Book , lest we cloy thy appetite , which we desire to sharpen .

1. Then , to help thee how to read to thy profit : Come not with prejudice against the Doctrine it self , the Preacher , or his manner of handling it . A great Scholar , and learned in the School of the the Remonstrants , reading a piece in Dr. Prestons Works , could finde no excellency of it : And so Mr. R. Bolton , before his Conversion , in his first hearing worthy Mr. Perkins , had such-like thoughts of him : And so Nathaneel , in Joh. 1.46 . was prejudiced against the place where Christ was educa●ed in , and it had well-nigh hindred him of the benefit of his Doctrine . Expect not here a Garden of gawdy Tulips to please thy fancy , or Jewels of ●igh Notions to hang on thy ear , but wholesome Herbs , and Spiritual Simples , for the health and recovery of thy sick-dead Soul , and Cordials to comfort thy Heart .

2. Be sure to get the grace and habit of a true ●nd lively Faith of Gods Elect , ere thou go about to live by it : first be possessed of this Shield , then ●earn to handle it , uncover it , anoint it . Have the Bowe , then learn the use of it ; seek the Stock , and then improve it . Esay 38. By these things men live .

3. Crucifie in the strength of Christ , Sense and Carnal Reason , which will obstruct thee in this way , and rob thee of thy comfort in this living by Faith . We walk by faith , not by sight .

4. Hold up this Shield against all the fiery darts of Satan , who shoots especially against the standard-bearer . Faith , Luk. 22. Resolve as they of old , to return with , or die upon this Shield of thy Faith , in all thy contendings with the Devil .

Remember , Faith must be had , Vnde haec incredula cogitatio ? quid fàcit in domo fidei perfidum pectus ? quid , qui in Christo omnino non credit appellatur & dicitur Christianus ? Cyprian . Ambula perfidem ut pervenias ad spem , spes non aedificabit in patria quem fides non consolatur in via . August . if ever thou be saved ; and the Life of it maintained , if ever thou have comfort in Life and Death .

5. Pray much to Jesus Christ , the Author and Finisher of thy Faith , and to and for the Spirit of Faith , to direct , enlighten , Heb. 12. and strengthen thee in the reading , understanding , believing and obeying what thou readest . Go not out in thine own strength .

To conclude : Our Prayers are and shall be ( through grace ) continued , That this Universally Useful Subject may be crowned with Divine Blessing , to the highest improvements of Faith in every Christian Reader ; Especially in the hearts of our much Honoured and Right Worthy Friends ; the Magistrates and Inhabitants of Ipswich , which the Lord hath long made famous and happy , as a Valley of Gospel-Vision . Our due and deep respects of Affection are much knit and drawn out to our Christian Friends in that Town , so long eminent for Profession of Godliness . Our hearty desires are , that they may never want able Helpers of their Faith and Joy , that their Faith may flourish exceedingly , according to all the high dispensations of the Lord towards them ; that so living and dying in the Faith , they together with us , may receive the end of our Faith , the Salvation of our Souls , through Him , in whom , and for whom we rejoyce to remain ,

Your Soul-Servants , John Fuller . Samuel Smith . London , Aug. 26. 1657.
THE GENERAL CONTENTS Of the whole TREATISE . Yet referring more fully to the Alphabetical Table at the close of the Book , wherein are the Special Contents .

The TEXT . HAB. 2.4 .

Behold his soul which is lifted up , is not upright in him : but the just shall live by his faith .

CHAP. I.

Contains a Prooeme to the main Treatise , setting down a clear opposition 'twixt Believers and Unbelievers , as to their Description and Condition .

The Exposition of the Text , with its various Readings .

Two general Observations , both spoken unto , and applied briefly .

Two special Doctrines :

1 Gods People are in a state of life by way of eminency ; They are partakers of the best life .

This is set out in seven Particulars ; viz.

In the 1 Nature and Kinde of it . 2 Fountain and Principle . 3 Comforts of it . 4 Measure of it . 5 Safety and Security . 6 Continuance . 7 End of it .

Together with the Reasons of the Doctrine , and five Uses ; viz.

1 of Conviction , that there is such a Life . 2 Perswasion , to desire this Life . 3 Examination , whether we have this excellent Life . Where are 10 Rules of Trial. 4 Information , of the worst kinde of Murther . 5 Thankfulness for this Life .

Second Doctrine mainly intended :

Whatever Life the Just man lives , in a more excellent manner than other men : He lives that Life by vertue of his Faith .

Eight general Questions for the better unfolding of the Doctrine .

Quest. I.

What Faith is ?

It is a gracious habit infused into the heart by the Spirit of God , whereby the Soul rests , or rowls it self upon Christ in a way of Promise , for all things pertaining to life and godliness , for Gods glory , and its own Salvation .

Where the several parts of the Definition are explained .

Quest. II.

What it is to live by Faith ?

It implies five things : 1 A Right in Christ . 2 A clearing our way in point of Duty . 3 A clearing our Right to the Promise . 4 A searching the Scripture for Legacies bequeathed to us in the Promises . 5 A remembring them , and a seasonable applying them to particular cases and occasions .

The order or Series which is taken by the Lord , to cause a Christian to live by Faith . A fivefold step to this Life .

The Lord makes use of Faith all along from first to last , in the order of working Spiritual Life ; and that in all parts and faculties of it , which are seven .

1 Quickning faculty of Faith . 2 Expulsive faculty . 3 Nutritive faculty . 4 Digestive faculty . 5 Motive faculty . 6 Breathing faculty . 7 Augmentative faculty .

In all these respects , the Just lives by his Faith .

Quest. III.

Why a Christian is said to live by Faith , rather than any other Grace .

Where four Reasons are assigned , and two Uses .

Quest. IU .

Who it is that lives by his Faith ?

Answ.

The just , or Righteous person .

Where is shewn , that there is a double Righteousness ; viz.

Twofold Righteousness Of Justification . Of Sanctification .

The Text comprehends both , in the term ( Just )

Yet he doth not say . The Just shall live by his Justice , because the Righteousness of Sanctification is imperfect , and deserves death : but , By his Faith ; that is , that perfect Righteousness of Christ which Faith lays hold on , and applies . This is that Righteousness , whereby believers are reputed Just , and accepted with God to Life Eternal .

Hence it follows . That though an unbeliever may be predestinated to Justification and Faith , yet he is not actually Just , or justified , till he believe . For the just onely shall live by Faith .

Quest. V.

By whose Faith shall the Just live ?

Answ.

By his own , not by another mans .

Two Reasons , why it must necessarily be a mans own Faith by which only he can live .

For the right understanding of this , observe four Particulars , by way of Caution , in the amplification of this Assertion .

1 It is not so a mans own Faith , but that still God is the Author . 2 In Temporal respects , one mans Faith may benefit another . 3 In Spiritual respects , the Parents faith acted by vertue of Gods Covenant , including the posterity of the just , may benefit the children of such parents . 4 Such just ones who convert others instrumentally , may and shall have much more comfort and glory by the faith of their Converts , than otherwise they should have had .

Four Considerations , by way of Restriction , as unto this Truth , That one mans Faith may procure some benefit unto another .

1 It holds not alway in Temporal respects . 2 When anothers faith procures Temporals , yet such temporals are not sanctified to any , without an act of their own faith , exercised in the Word and Prayer , 1 Tim. 4.4 . Psal. 78.30 . 3 Though natural parents by birth , and spiritual parents by office , supposing both to be Spiritually renewed themselves , may procure much good to their children and people by their faith . Yet not 1 To all the children and people always , Gen. 17.18 . Rom. 9.1 , 2 , 3. 2 To any , so as to have comfort by such good procured , till such children and people believe themselves in their own right . 4 Those who have heen Instruments of others Conversion and Faith , shall have more joy and glory , supposing such to have faith themselves .

Hereunto is annexed a Quaere ,

Whether an unbelieving Minister may beget faith in others ?

Answ.

Very rarely : when they do , they cannot rejoyce in anothers faith sincerely , having none themselves .

See this more largely handled in the Treatise it self .

Uses of the Just mans living by his own Faith , not anothers .

1 Reproof of the Papists , whose faith is cobled up of Pride and Ignorance , it being a blinde assent and implicite obedience to the Canons and Dotages of that Apostatical Church . 2 Reproof of such carnal Professors , who have no other faith , but onely what is pinned on other mens sleeves , who put carnal confidence in their Spiritual Relations . 2Vse of Instruction : If every one must have a faith of his own , then every one must have a Minister of their own . 3Vse of Exhortation : To prove our own selves , and so to prove our own faith .

Quest. VI.

When and how long the just lives by faith ?

Answ.

No time is specified , to include All time .

The just lives by his faith All his life , and in every part of his life . The Question is double : When ? respects the season : How long ? the continuance .

The season of living by Faith , hath respect either 1 To the parts of Time . Which are three : Time Past , Present , and to Come : In all which the just lives by faith . 2 To the Adjuncts of Time .

These are especially two :

Prosperity and Adversity : Good and evil days .

First , For Prosperity , the Just lives by Faith , 1 In seeking or obtaining of it , wherein Faith directs , 1 In the right order and seeking of it . 2 In the right measure . 3 In the right means .

Which are two : 1 Diligence in a lawful Calling . 2 Not trusting to our own Diligence , but Gods Promise to the diligent .

2 In using Prosperity aright , wherein Faith works , 1 In causing a holy Diffidence in our selves and the Creature , lest we should by Pride and Security deny God , or forget him . 2 It raises a holy humble confidence in God , so that a Believer lives upon him , when he most abounds in the Creature . 3 It causes the Believer not to serve himself or his lusts , but the Donor , with his full estate . 4 Faith lays out earthly treasure so Spiritual advantages , Luk. 16.9 . 3 In being willing to part with a prosperous state . 1Vse Reproves those who live not by Faith in prosperity , in which estate we are most beset with Temptations . 2Vse , Examine whether you live by faith in prosperity .

Secondly , In Adversary the just lives by Faith .

Where you have these four particulars : 1 That it is so . 2 In what things living by faith then consists . 3 In what manner he doth so live . 4 By what Means .

Then follows Application .

Next to the Conquering of those Adversities , which happen to Believers in the course of their life : That they live the Life of Faith in Death , comes now to be treated of .

The Life of Faith in Death .

Wherein you have these particulars handled : 1 That Faith is a godly mans life at the time of his death , as appears by the living speeches of dying men . 2 Six Reasons why Believers do all of them die in faith , Heb. 11.13 . 3 Seven Vses drawn from the perpetual usefulness of faith in all estates ; especially , that the just live by it in Adversity and Death .

Quest. VII .

What Life is that which the Just lives by his Faith ?

Answ.

All kind of Life , which may truly be called Life .

First , Natural Life , a Saint lives this by Faith , 1 In the very act of living : where is shewed , the different grounds upon which believers and unbelievers injoy this Natural Life . 2 In the Conservation of Life : They use not the same means in the same manner , for maintaining of Natural Life . 3 In the Preservation of Life from such things as are destructive . 4 In the Prolongation of Life , the Just live by Faith . 5 In ordering aright all the natural and civil actions of life . 6 In respect of the Comforts and Blessings of a Natural Life . Instances of particulars , for the obtaining of which , and in the managing of which , a Saint lives by Faith : 1 Wealth : 2 Health . 3 Peace . 4 Good success . 5 Good Name . 6 Posterity . 7 Single Estate , and Marriage . 7 In the valuation of Natural Life . Faith teaches Neither to under-value Life . Faith teaches Nor to over-value Life .

USES .

1 Reproof , to those who say they trust God for Eternal Life , and yet cannot trust in him for this Temporal Life , and the things of it . 2Vse of Exhortation , to live by faith in respect of this Life Natural , seeing believers hold these things not onely by common Providence , but by Promise also from God , so far as is needful for them .

This is twofold : Spiritual Life lived by Faith . Either the Life of Justification . Or the Life of Sanctification . Life of Faith in Justification .

Wherein these Particulars are opened : 1 Wherein the Nature of Justification consists . 2 How doth the Just live by Faith the Life of Justification .

This is declared in three respects : 1 They live by Faith , for the first act of God in justifying a sinner ; or which is all one , for their being put into a justified state , which flows from their immediate union with Christ . Four ways Faith disposes the Soul for this state . 2 How Faith acts for the continuance of Justification , and renewing of pardon . 3 The Just lives by faith for the assurance of being justified . Faith is acted five ways , in order to such an assurance . 1 In moving a man to desire more faith . 2 In using and embracing such means which may assure . 3 In the trial of assurance it self , whether sound or false . 4 In answering all Objections and Doubts which cloud assurance . 5 In expectation that assurance shall be given , upon the diligent and humble sincere use of means .

All these Particulars are largely insisted on , together with divers Uses , drawn from this Life of Faith in Justification , especially Examination , whether we be in a justified state . Signs thereof . As also Motives to labour for this blessed estate , and the assurance of it . Means how to get assurance that we are justified , and how we may live by Faith , till we obtain such assurance .

The Life of Faith in Sanctification ; or Renovation .

Resolution of four Quaeres .

1 Whether there be any such life in a Christian , distinct from the Sanctification which is in Christ himself , asserted . 2 What it is , and wherein it consists . Difference 'twixt Morality and Sanctification . 3 How and by what means it is wrought in the Soul . Acts of faith in it . When Spiritual actions flow from Faith in Christ . 4 Why Sanctification is necessary in all justified persons . Means which Faith Vses to promote Sanctification .

The Life of Faith in Fructification .

How faith hath influence into Fructification , six ways .

The Uses of Faiths influence into Renovation and Fructification .

1 Examination of the Truth of Faith . 2 Reproof of Carnal Professors . 3 Apologie against Papists . 4 Exhortation to Faith , as the root of Sanctity and fruitfulness .

Motives to live by Faith the Life of Sanctification .

Motives to act Faith for fruitfulness in season .

The Life of Faith in Mortification .

1 How Faith proceeds in the Mortification of Sin . 2 Why Faith will have Sin to be mortified . 1Vse of Information , in three Particulars . 2 Marks of true Mortification . Some Objections answered , and a Case stated . 3Vse of Conviction and Reproof , to seven sorts . 4Vse of Exhortation , to mortifie Sin . Motives and Means . 5Vse of Comfort , against the vigour and rigour of Sin .

The Life of Faith in Vivification .

Wherein two things demonstrated by way of Explication : 1 Gods Children are subject to deadness : What are the Causes , Kinds and Degrees of it . 2 Saints recover by Faith out of deadness : Four Reasons of it , and how Faith acts in such recovery .

Four Arguments of Faith to quicken under deadness . Use of the Life of Vivification .

1 of Reproof . 2 of Exhortation . Eight Motives to Vivification . Six Means of Quickning . 3 Trial of true Faith in Vivifying . Four Signs of inlivening living Acts.

The Life of Faith in Augmentation .

Two Propositions : 1 The Just live the Life of Augmentation . Four Reasons of Spiritual growth . 2 Augmentation is by Faith . Four Reasons why Faith hath an influence into it .

USES .

1 Information about spiritual growth , in four respects . 2 Reproof of five sorts of men . 3 Examination . Five signs of spiritual growth . What is the increase of God , ( Col. 2.18 , 19. ) ●ig . four things . Cases of Conscience stated , about growth . 4 Humiliation for small growth . 5 Thankfulness for growth . 6 Exhortation to growth . Six Motives to growth . Nine Means of growth . Seven Impediments of growth . 7 Comfort at small beginnings in Grace . 8 Direction , how strong grown Christians should behave themselves towards the weak .

The Life of Faith in Perseverance .

Two Proposositions : 1 The Just doth persevere . 2 Perseverance is by vertue of Faith . Six Reasons why the Just shall persevere . Three Reasons why Perseverance is by Faith .

USES .

1 Confutation of the Doctrine of falling from Grace . Five respects , in which there may be falling away . Seven things from which the Elect can never fall . Seven Objections against Perseverance , answered . 2 Vse , Information about assurance of Salvation . 3 Vse , Labour for persevere . 4 Vse , Labour for Perseverance . Six Motives to Perseverance . Seven Means of Perseverance . 5 Vse , Examination of the Truth of Faith , by its persevering . How far a hypocrite may go , in six respects . Six Particulars , wherein hypocrites come short . 6 Vse , of Thankfulness for Perseverance . 7 Vse , of Encouragement to persevere amidst all discouragements . Five main Discouragements removed by Faith . Faiths Triumph over fear of Divine desertion . God may forsake his people , in five respects : yet it is but gradual and momentary , not total and final . Reasons of Gods forsaking his people . 1 For prevention of Evil , two ways . 2 For Confirmation in Good , five ways .

The Life of Faith in Consolation .

Two Propositions stated : 1 That the Just lives the Life of Consolation . 2 That he lives this Life by Faith .

Four Reasons why the Lord will have the Just live comfortably .

Six Reasons why Consolation comes by Faith .

Faith fetches in Comfort from the Trial and Evidence of the Truth of Grace .

Objections against Assurance of Divine Love , inferred from Marks and Signs of true Grace , answered .

It is a preposterous course to judge of our interest in Divine Love by our Comforts , before we have tried the sincerity of our Graces .

Differences of Regenerating Grace from Common .

Uses of the Life of Consolation in Believers .

1Vse , Information , in five Particulars . 1 Of the cause of sadness in the faithful . 2Vnregenerate souls are uncomfortable souls . 3 Religious Life , is the onely comfortable Life . Objection against this , That the Saints walk sadly , answered . Where the Rise of the Saints heaviness is discovered in three general Causes . The first is taken from themselves , in five particulars . The second from Satan . The third from God himself , who eclipses his Peoples Comforts , for three Reasons . 4 Information , what to desire for our best friends . 5 Information , what great happiness attends the end of Saints in death . 2Vse , of Reproof . 1 Of mis-judging the Life of the faithful . 2 Of Papists , who rob of Comfort , while of Faith . 3 Of such who fetch Comfort from Sense . 4 Of such who refuse Comfort upon the Promises . 5 Of such who go for Comfort to false Prophets . 3Vse of Exhortation , To live this life of spiritual comfort . 1 Three Motives : Vnder the third is set forth ten Properties , wherein a believers joy excels all natural worldly sinful joy . 2 Means to get and maintain spiritual Joy . Faith is acted seven ways for the increase of Joy .

Having seen how the Just live by Faith in regard of Spiritual Life : It remains to shew , how they live by Faith in regard of Eternal Life .

The Work of Faith about Eternal Life .

Faith assures of three things about Eternal Life .

1 That there is an Eternal Life . This Faith makes good by Scripture , and five Reasons flowing by necessary Consequence from Scripture . 2 Faith informs a Believer what the happiness of Eternal Life is , and wherein it consists ; viz. In the perfect Vision of God , which causes perfect transformation in perfect Knowledge , Love , Obedience , Joy : which perfect transformation causes perfect Satisfaction , which Satisfaction consists privatively in a fivefold freedom from whatever may annoy or interrupt the Joy of glorified Saints positively , in the possessing of whatever good can be desired to make up complete Joy and Satisfaction , which consists in a fourfold fulness of the Subject in glory , as also in the fulness of the Object , viz. The beatifical Vision of God . 3 Faith assures a Believer of his peculiar interest in Eternal Life , Under which Head is shewn ,

How Faith assures a Believer of his particular interest in Eternal Life .

This it doth six ways ▪ all which are largely handled .

Five Reasons , why Believers are kept out of possession of heaven so long , after assurance of their interest in Eternal Life .

Uses of living by Faith in order to Eternal life .

1Vse , Confutation of such who deny Eternal Life , both in respect of the Soul at present , and of the Body after the Resurrection . Five proofs of Eternal Life . 2Vse , Reproof to five sorts of persons . 1 To such as complain that Religion is a fruitless Profession . 2 To such as despair , in stead of acting Faith for Eternal Life . 3 To such as exercise their fancy more than faith , concerning Eternal Life : where vain curiosity in moving Questions about the state of glory , rather than a due care to make sure an interest in it , is condemned . 4 To such who have an interest in Eternal Life , but do not act faith to the improvement of that interest . 5 To such who minde Earth for a portion , more than Eternal Glory . 3Vse , Examination of Faith in respect of Life Eternal , Whether we believe aright , that there is such a state , and that we have an interest in it . 1 Sign . By our carriage in Life , Whether our Affections , Meditations , Speeches and Actions be heavenly , such as sute such an inheritance . 2 Sign . By our respect which we bear to Death ; viz. as a passage to Eternal Life ; as a conquered Enemy . Four Degrees of Christs Conquest over Death for all his Question stated , Whether godly persons may not be afraid to die , and unfit to die ? 4Vse , Exhortation , To live by Faith in respect of Eternal Life . Five Motives to get assurance of Eternal Life . Four Means to assure of Eternal Life . 5Vse , Comfort and Encouragement against the evils and temptations of this present life , drawn from the nature of our heavenly life : where hope or assurance of heaven is demonstrated , to bear up the heart under adversity , and to preserve the Souls integrity under temptations of Prosperity . 6Vse , Admiration and Thankfulness for our heavenly life . To excite to this , the excellency of heaven is set out five ways : 1 By the excellent Names or Titles given to it . 2 By the excellent Properties of it , which are four . 3 By the excellent Price given for it . 4 By the excellent Causes of it . 5 By the excellent Effects of it .

Thankfulness for Eternal life demonstrated , two ways .

Reasons for living by Faith .

The Eighth General Head or Quaere concerning the Life of Faith ; viz.

What are the Reasons why God will have the just to live by Faith , and why a Christian should be willing thus to live ?

First sort of Reasons , taken from a Believers Condition in the flesh . This is set out in five particulars : 1 Absence from the Lord . 2 Distance of time 'twixt the Promise and Performance . 3 The necessity of keeping the Saints humble . 4 Saints present state of Imprfection : for whose direction and support , the Word and the Ministery of it is afforded . Question herestated , concerning the Divine Authority of the Scriptures . Arguments of four sorts to prove it . 5 Past Experiences of Gods faithfulness in fulfilling his Promises , are given for a firm encouragement to exercise future Faith . Three Grounds to expect that God will make good the same Promises for time to come .

Second sort of Reasons for living by Faith ; viz. The Relation betwixt Christ and Believers .

1 Relation , Christ is the Fountain of all Grace ; of whose fulness we receive onely by Faith . 2 Relation , Christ is our Lord , and we cannot honour him without Faith .

Faith honours the Grace , Faithfulness , and Power of God .

Third sort of Reasons , taken from the nature and use of Faith .

1 It is our livelyhood , with the difference of Faith under both Covenants . 2 We first fell away from God by unbelief , therefore he will recover his honour in the way of believing . 3 That Salvation may be on free and sure grounds . The general Uses drawn from the Life of Faith . 1Vse , Information , in seven Particulars . 1 The happy condition of Believers . They have comfort in six respects . 2 The misery of unbelievers , in six respects . 3 The Reason of Satans enmity against Faith . 4 The difference 'twixt the Life of Christ , and that of a Believer . 5 Why so many remain spiritually dead . 6 There cannot be any thing of Christ , or of Spiritual life in the Creature , before Faith : As Christ and life , so Faith and life come both together . 7 What is the choice work of a Minister . 2Vse , of Reproof to three sorts . 1 Such who live upon other things , in stead of living by Faith ; as namely , their Sins , Pleasures , Creatures , Riches , Friends ; or upon themselves , either sinful Self , natural Self , artificial Self , moral Self , religious Self , These particulars are inlarge . 2 Such who profess Faith , but live not by it . 3 Such as act not their Whether 1. In Actions . 2. Conditions . 3. Elections . 3Vse , of Examination . 1 For Trial of persons , whether we be just , and in a state of spiritual life , or no ? Divers Marks of true Faith from feigned . 2 For Trial of all Doctrines and Religions , whether they be true or false : Where living by Faith is demonstrated to be the Touchstone of them . 4Vse , of Thankfulness for Faith . Five Grounds or Arguments , to provoke Believers to Thankfulness for Faith . 1 It is Gods gift . 2 It s necessary to the very Being of a Christian . 3 Such a gift as none else can give : where there are five Wonders of Faith spoken unto . 4 Faith is a most precious Gift . Three things very precious . The preciousness of Faith in four particulars . 5 The rarity or scarcity of Faith . 5Vse , Humiliation for Vnbelief . The evil of Unbelief is set forth in 7 Particulars . 1 It dishonours God . 2 It grives the Holy Spirit . 3 It pleases the Devil . 4 It is the Mother-Sin . The Brood of Unbelief . 1 Ignorance . 2 Security . 3 Worldliness . 4 Hypocrisie . 5 Heresie . 6 Apostacy . 7 Atheism . 5Vnbelief is a Step-mother to Grace . 6Vnbelief is the Nurse of Sin . 7 Judgements on Vnbelievers . 6Vse , of Exhortation : wherein four Branches . 1 Branch , Exhort . To get Faith : where Faith is proved to be the wisest Purchase , and Vnbelief the greatest Self-murther .

The excellencies of Believing : which contains , 1 Strength . 2 Wisdom . 3 Riches . 4 Beauty . 5 Honor. 6 Faith honors God . 7 Dead without Faith . 8 Faith makes to prosper .

Q : How shall we get Faith ?

Here are Means Negative and Positive prescribed .

Negative means to get faith , or the removal of the Impediments of faith . Means Negative , is the removal of the Impediments of Faith , which are these : 1 Self . 2 Satan . 3 The World . 4 Gods hardning : where hardness of heart is treated of , and Gods Justice justified in hardning some sinners . Relief is prescribed to all four . 5 General Impediment contains seven mixt Impediments of Faith ; viz. 1 False Trust . 2 Limiting of God . 3 Harbouring some Lust . 4 Our own Vnworthiness pleaded against the Promise . 5 Laying too much stress on the depth of Humiliation . 6 Want of feeling . 7 Doubt of Election . To all these , particular Cures are applied . 6 General Impediment of Faith ; viz. Neglect of the Means which should work Faith , or beget it . Five Causes of the neglect of Means . 1 Prejudice quarrels the Means of Faith . 2 Pride contemns the Means . 3 Sloth recoils from the Means . 4 Presumption postdates the use of Means . 5 Despodency quits and casts off the use . To all which , Cures are applied . 7 General Impediment of Faith viz. Supposition of having Faith already , when it is nothing so .

Differences 'twixt Presumption and true Faith .

1 In the Conception : 2 In the Birth : 3 In the Growth : 4 In the Fruit.

The second Branch of false Supposition , is , That we have not Faith , when we have it . This hinders the actings ad increasings of Faith .

Four Corollaries or Conclusions from the difficulty of Believing .

1 The Word of God : Positive means for obtaining of Faith . Every Word of God is an object of Faith , especially the Promise . How the Spirit convinces of sin . The method of converting Grace . Six Reasons , why Humiliation must go before Faith . Humility appears in all the periods of Grace . Direction to humbled sinners , how to apply Promises . 2 Means of begetting Faith , is Prayer . Question stated , Whether a natural man ought ta pray ? 3 Means , Good Society . 4 Means , Meditation on Gods Name . 5 Means , Sight of Treasure in Christ . 6 Means , Diligence in the use of Means : which signifie three things . 2 Branch of Exhortation , To keep Faith . Where is shewed , The general usefulness of Faith . Reasons why we should look well to the keeping of it . 1 Reas. The Benefit of keeping Faith . 2 Reas. The Enemies who opposite it . 1 Corruption . 2 Temptation . 3 Troubles . 3 Reas. It is the glory of a Christian to be found in the Faith at Christs appearing . Means of preserving Faith . 1 Soundness . 2 Trial of it . 3 Love of the Truth . 4 A good Conscience . 5 A right Bottom . 6 Commit it to God . 7 Prayer for establishment with Gods free Spirit .

What the free Spirit of God establishes .

How the free Spirit of God establishes .

3 Branch of Exhortation , viz. To act Faith , and to live by it . Six Motives to act and exercise Faith . Divers Helps for the acting of Faith .

4 Branch of Exhortation , viz. To increase the stock of Faith . Six Motives to increase in Faith . Five Signs of a weak Faith . Seven Means for the increasing of Faith .

Conclusive Sermons on Dan. 12.3 . An Appendix , concerning the Converting of others to the Faith .

Doctrine .

The Conversion of Souls to the Faith , as it is the most excellent Work : so it shall certainly be crowned with the most excellent Reward .

Explication twofold : 1 It is the most excellent Work . Seven Reasons to prove this , handled largely . 2 It shall have the most excellent Reward .

USES .

1 Information , of the Dignity of the Ministry . 2 Reproof , to four sorts of persons . 3 Exhortation , to Convert Souls . This is directed in general to All : but in special to Ministers . Eight Motives to quicken converted ones , to labour to Convert others . Eight Means , whereby the Conversion of Souls may be promoted . 4 Exhortation to Ministers , to preach in a Soul-saving way . 5 Exhortation to the People : 1 To be willing to be wrought upon . 2 To attend upon such Means as are proper . 6Vse of Thankfulness : 1 If we our selves are Converted . 2 If any by our Means be Converted . Seven Marks of sound Conversion . 7Vse , of Comfort to the Promoters of others Conversion , in the midst of Opposition and Reproach .

The EPILOGUE .

Courteous Reader ,

BE pleased ( before thou readest this Treatise ) to correct with thy Pen the following mistakes in printing , that the sense of the Author may not be misrepresented .

ERRATA in the Titles of the Pages . Page 230. read Bawkers of Impediments . Page 417. r. Life of Faith in the midst of Death . Page 429. r. Love of Lust . Page 510. r. Contrariety uniting in the Unbelievers ruine .

PAge 4. Line 5. read , without God . p. 9. l. 31. r. all comforts . p. 12. l. 34. r. who give p. 16. l. 30. r. grace p. 17. l. 14. r. make p. 24. l. 26. r. delights p. 40. l. 31. r. this p. 43. l. 18. r. about it p. 44. l. 28. r. us p. 51. l. 11. for And r. Cured p. 57. l. 26. r. sees p. 77. l. 1. r. they have p. 100. r. unaccustomed p. 106. l. 34. r. our hands are taken off from our own righteousness p. 121. l. 22. r. and says , O that p. 126. l. 9 r. us l. 11. r. but if p. 134. l. 18. r. glorifying l. 27. r. imputed p. 141. marg. r. examination p. 148. l. 5. adde obtain p. 150. l. 4. adde the life of p. 174. l. 25. r. revive p. 198. l. 29. r. against which p. 198. l. 15. r. to exercise their common graces p. 217. l. 18. r. Rome be not l. 19. r. is p. 118. l. 21. r. worm p. 219. l. 7. r. it p. 219. marg. r. 2 Peter 3.18 . p. 257 l. 12. r. religio p. 264. l. 26. r. be●al p. 266 l. 22. r. in the womb p. 272. l. 4. r. place p. 281. l. 13. r. 1 Thess. 3.8 . p. 288. l. 34. r. uncomfortable p. 292 l. 25. r. and shall be sure of heaven p. 297. l. 13. r. one side p. 300. l. 19. 3. 1 Joh. 3. 14. p. 301. l. 34. r. Gen. 8. p. 301. l. 27. r. act of faith which is the testimony p. 307 l. r. fled for refuge p. 313. l. 7. r. 1 Joh. 1.7 . l. 30. r. Gal. 5. p 315. l. 20. r. of the Lord l. 33. r. 6 , and 7. p. 316. l. 9. r. all l. 34. r. cases p. 324. l. 13. r. mad man p. 330. l. 14. r. possess p. 333. l. 23. r. Psa. 2.11 . p. 335. l. last , r. Luke 16. ult. p. 341. l. 31. r. 2 Cor. 5.1 . p. 363. marg 1. Phil. 1. p. 367. marg. r. 1 Joh. 3. p. 367. l. last but l. 4. adde is p. 405. l. 26. r. Luke 1.70 . p , 433. l. 6. r. breadth p. 429. l. 15. r. Job 20.12 . p. 448. l. 13. r. heart-tied p. 470 , l. 21. r. every p 475. l. 17. r. that he p. 475 l. 25. r replied p. 476. l. 2. r guidance l. 17. r special l. 25. r stand in p. 490. mar. r Mat. 7.23 p. 424. l. 34 r purified p. 505. l. 8. r all l. last , r. remove p. 505. l. 24. r our p. 510. l. 22. r wait it ●ut to the last , Man l. 31. r swarve p. 518. l. 16. r the Spirit p. 521. l. 34. r believe , and whatever p. 531. l. 12. r thorow p. 539. l. last , r at death p. 357 repeated , should be 145 and 544 repeated , should be 552 line 31. r wind p. 578. l. 5. r ●●rse p. 581. l. 11 for saith , r both p. 602. l. 8. r the same .

HABAKKUK . 2.4 . Behold his soul which is lifted up , is not upright in him ; but the just shall live by his Faith .

IN these words is set down a cleer Antithesis or opposition of two sorts viz. Beleevers , and unbeleevers . In both which we have their 1. Description . 2. Condition .

1. Their Description . First , An Unbleever is a proud man ; A Beleever is an humble man . 2. An Unbeleever lives by sense ; A Beleever by faith .

2. Their condition . The one is not right ; the other is . The Unbeleever is not right , either in point of duty , or in point of safety ; The Beleever is right in both .

In the words consider , 1. the note of Attention . Behold — It is a thing worthy our best observation . 2. The thing to be attended to : His soul is not right in him ; but the just lives by his faith .

The words are diversly read , but all to the same sense to make it the more full . His soul , quae elata est , saith one . Lifted up , as into a Tower . Psal. 24.4 . who hath not lifted up his soul to vanity . 2. Others read it , quae ebullat ; that swells like a bubble , and so at last breaks in sunder . 3. Others , quae se subduxerit , ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) ( as the 70 ) that withdrawes it self . And to the Apostle cites it , Heb. 10.22 . If any man draw back , &c. 4. quae incredula est , saith a 4th . The unbeleeving soul is not right . So , the Chaldee Bible in a paraphrastical manenr expresseth it thus : Ecce impii , &c. Behold the wicked say in their heart , these things shall never come to passe ; But the just shall ba made strong in the truth of God

All these readings do not cross , but confirm one another . For he that is lifted up , his soul doth swell like a bubble , ( he is full of aiery and empty conceits ; ) he that is thus swoln is a proud man , he that is so proud is an unbeleever , whoever is an unbeleever , he withdraws himself ( first from God's service , then from God's protection ) and by consequence , his soul is not right in him .

The Apostle Heb. 10. speaks in the person of God , — My soul shall have no pleasure in him . But that is all one too ; For Gods soul hath no pleasure in him , whose soul is not upright in himself .

So then , non est recta , His soul is not right , Not right in point of Duty . For we cannot trust to God , and trust to other things too . 2. Not right in point of Safety ; For if God be a rock of confidence , then he that makes other things his confidence , ( doth as between two stooles . ) between two rocks he makes shipwrack . His soul within , his life without is not right i.e. quiet , firm , and composed , as the Hebraisme signifies ; but is unquiet , uneven , and unequal . As a ship without anchour or ballast ; for want of faith , his life is miserable and inconstant .

Observe here . How Pride and Unbleef ; Humility and Faith are coupled together . A proud soul is ever an unbeleeving soul ; an humble soul is ever a faithfull soul . For here , A soul lifted up is opposed to a beleeving soul . Psal. 73.6 . Understand it , 1. Of Pride in the Dominion ; when a man is proud of his pride , and weares it as a chain . Otherwise it may be , where it is , as a pair of fetters . 2. Of Pride also in the degrees ; the more pride the lesse faith , See Jer. 13.15 . Jer. 43.2 and 44.10 . Habak. 2.5 , &c.

To teach us to judge the better of these sins ; the one aggravating the other ; and so to abhorre both . We think it a small thing to admire our selves and the creature , but in a same act there is a departing from the Lord , by unbelief , Jer. 17.5 . On the other side , we think it a small matter , not to believe ; we think it a piece of humility , ( O I am unworthy to believe ! ) but indeed it is a piece of pride . Behold thy soul is not right .

2. For the Trial of our faith . Questionlesse as the state of the body , so the state of the soul is discern'd , whether there be faith or unbelief , by the pulse . Unbelief hath a pulse of pride ; this beats strong , fast , and very high : Faith hath a pulse of humility , that beateth equal and very slow . As in the example of the Pharisee and Publican , Luk. 18.10 .

Observe Secondly . How his soul that is lifted up is not right .

1. Not right in point of Duty . It is an unbeleeving soul ; that withdraws from Gods precepts , promises and threatnings . From his precepts . Jer. 43.2 . — Thou speakest falsly , say they , the Lord hath not sent thee . Jer. 44.15.16 . — As for the word thou hast spoken to us in the name of the Lord , we will not hearken unto thee , &c. From his promise and threatnings . Jer. 42.7 , 8. God promises ( there ) safety , if they tarry in Judea ; if they go into Egypt , he threathens destruction : but the proud persons regard neither . Thus the proud soul is not right in point of Duty .

2. Not right in point of Safety . Unbelief makes the heart not right . 1. Their hearts are unquiet within . Isa. 7.2 , &c. The heart of Ahaz and of his people were moved , as the trees of the wood . And the Prophet tells them , If ye will not believe , surely ye shall not be established . And Isa. 57.20 . The wicked are like the troubled Sea , when it cannot rest .

Reas. 1. Because all creature-helps with God are lying vanities . Jonah 28. Therefore as the soul is lifted up in trusting to them : so it must needs be cast down as much when the creature fails them . Nahael is merry , and dead . Haman proud and dejected . Ahitophel crafty and simple .

2 Because their counsels vary , as the creatures in which they trust vary . The fool changes , as the moon . He grounds his opinion , his practice upon correspondence with the creature , or upon contingent events , therefore is unstable in all his wayes . Jam. 1. But the heart of the just is fixed , trusting in the Lord , Psal. 112.

3. Because the conscience smites . The Lord saith . Jer. 17.5 . Cursed be the man that maketh flesh his arm , &c. I have trusted , thinks he , in this and that , and therefore God is angry . His heart , as the tossed Sea , casts up , such mire and dirt , Isa 57.

4. Because he wants his anchor to keep him steady . — which hope we have as an anchor sure and stedfast . Heb 6.19 . Be carefull for nothing , but in every thing by prayer , &c. and the peace of God shall keep your hearts , Phil. 4.6.7 . Here is the true anchor-hold ; but the unbeleever cannot lay hold on it , go .

2. Unbelief makes their condition not right . 2 As their hearts are unquiet , so their condition is very unstable and tottering . His heart is not right , and his estate is not right . — As a bowing wall and tottering hedge . Psal. 62.3 . His life and lively-hood is very uncertain . Therefore a proud man ( and in particular Nebuchadnezar ) is compared to a drunkard that reels to and fro . He is a drunkard , drunk with pride , Hab. 2. and God makes him drunk with judgments . The builders of Babel had their souls lifted up , so high as if they meant to overtop Gods Judgments , but they and their Tower together fall into confusion . The soul of Pharaoh was lifted up , who is the Lord , saith he , &c. but it was not right in him . For this cause have I raised thee up , &c. Exod. 9 16. The soul of Goliah was lifted up , he defied the armies of Israel , but David coming in the name of the Lord , the Captain of Israel , slew him with a sling and a stone . 1 Sam. 17. The soul of Amaziah was lifted up , but to his own destruction . 2 Chron. 15.19 . The soul of Haman was lifted up . Hest. 3.6 . but he was lifted up as high on the gallowes , as before he was in his own conceit . cap. 7.10 . So the souls of the Israelites , Isa. 9.9 , and 11. of Nebuchadnezar . Dan. 4.30 . of Belshazar . Dan 5.1 . of the rich fool . Luk. 12. But they were not right ; you read what befell them .

Reas. 1. Because of God's threatnings . Reasons . Pride shall have a fall . Prov. 18.12 . Isa. 2.11 . Ezech. 31.10 . Exod. 18.11 .

2. Because God hath said , in his own strength no man shall be strong . 1 Sam. 2.8 . Nothing weaker then Pride ; nothing stronger then Humility . Prov. 3.5 , 6. As the thunder delights to melt the sword and spare the scabbard , to rend the heart of Oaks and spare the rinde : so God , to rent the caul of the heart of proud persons , Hos. 13.8 . Psal. 147.3 . and to bind up the broken heart .

This let 's us see how to judge of the firm standing or suddain ruine of persons , families , and nations . Many times we judge by wit , wealth , friends , and allyes , but this is a mistake , for when any grow proud and contemn God they soon go down . Prov. 16.18 . 2 Chron. 26.15 . Prov. 26.12 .

2 Let it be a warning to beware of 2 things . Pride . Sinful confidence .

1. As we love our selves , souls , safety , beware of Pride . whether 1. inward pride of heart . Prov. 5.6 . The proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord . or 2. outward pride of men , whose glory is their shame . As pride of the eyes . Isa. 10.15 . — proud looks . The first of seven abominations is a proud look . Prov. 6.17 . Pride of the tongue . Psal. 12.3 . The Lord shall cut out the tongue that speaketh proud things . Psal. 17.10 Their tongue speaketh proudly ▪ ver. 13. Up Lord disappoint him . Pride of head and feet ; and all parts from top to toe . Threatned . Isa. 3.16.17 . Pride of gesture and apparel . ibid. ver. 25.

2. Beware of sinful Confidence the daughter of Pride . Whether Confidence , 1. in our selves , in parts and gifts . Ezek. 28.3 Prov. 21.30 . No wisdom nor counsel against the Lord , or in strength . Jer. 9.23 . Let no man glory , &c. or in works and duties . Gal. 3 11. Deut. 9.4 . Or , 2. Confidence in the creature , as , Riches . Psal. 40.6 . Prov. 11.4 . Favour of great men . Psal. 118 8. Armour and amunition . Isa. 22.8 , &c. Prov. 21.31 . Psal. 33.16 . Devil and his instruments . 1 Sam. 28.4 . Isa. 28.19 .

— But the Just shall live by his Faith .

AS God speaks words of death in the threatnings , which go to the hearts of wicked men : so he speaketh words of life , Hos. 6.5 . in the promises , which go to the hearts of Gods people to revive them . But the just , &c.

From the opposition of this proposition to the former might be hinted a twofold observation .

1. As every Believer is a just person : so every Unbeliever is an unjust person .

2. As every Believer is in a state of life : so every Unbeliever is in a dead condition . But we shall content our selves with two conclusions from the words , unto which other things will be reducible in the handling of them .

D. 1. God's people are in a state of life , yea they are in a state of life by way of eminency ; they are partakers of the best life . D. 2. What ever life the just lives ( in a more excellent manner then other men ) he lives that life by vertue of his faith .

Object . But it may be objected ; It is manifest that the Prophet here speaks of temporal deliverance from the Caldeans , why then should we carry the words in a spiritual sense , of the life of grace ?

Answ. There are good reasons for it .

1 As the same blood of Christ purchased a sanctified use of temporal mercies , as well as of spiritual : so the same faith that lays hold on the one , layth hold on the other . Matth. 6. A man must first seek Gods Kingdome , before he can have a sanctified use of temporal mercies . He must first lay hold on Christ by faith before he can lay hold on temporal deliverances in him . Rom. 8.32 . God first gives us his Son , and then with him all things . The same faith that teacheth us to pray , Give us this day our daily bread ; teacheth us also to pray , Forgive us our trespasses .

2 Because the holy Ghost , who is the best Interpreter of all , gives this Interpretation of the text . Whereas a man might say , 'T is not clear to me that the Prophet Habakkuk did mean any other living by faith , than that which is concerning this present and temporal life : yes , saith the Apostle , it is evident the words are to be understood in the largest latitude , so as to comprehēd the life of grace also , the life of justification . Gal. 3.11 . But that no man is justified by the works of the Law in the sight of God , it is evident , ( and here it is evident . ) Even by this testimony of the Prophet Habakkuk ) For the just shall live by faith .

For the first Doct. then , viz. Gods people are in a state of life by way of eminency . But the just shall live —

The Doctrine ariseth cleerly from the opposition , But , &c. q.d. The unbeleever lives not ; or if he doeth live , it is a life of unquietness and full of danger . ( For he is a sentenced man by the judgment of God's mouth , and shall ere long be executed by the judgment of his hand . ) And therefore his soul is not right in him ; but the life of a Beleever is full of safety , full of peace , and that in the worst times , before the vision be fulfilled . v. 3. Besides that the one lives but by sense , the other by faith ; the one lives upon his pride and self-confidence , but the other upon his humble dependance ; the one lives upon creatures , the other upon God ; the one a natural , the other a spiritu●l life . Therefore it is a more excellent life . An unbeleever indeed hath a kind of life , but it is not worth the name of life . There 's defect in his very soul , which should give life to all the rest . But the just shall live . If you would speak of life , to the life , 't is here to be found and no where else The unbeleevers's life being like a shadow , is but a shadow of life ; as the Apostle Paul speaks of those wanton widows that live in pleasure , they are dead while they live . 1 Tim 5.6 They are quasi viventes , but verè mortuae ; as living , but dead . But the just in the greatest pressures are quasi morientes , but verè viventes ; — as dying and behold we live . 2 Cor. 6.9 .

One life is more excellent then another either in the The excellency of the life of Gods people in 7 things . 1. Nature and kind of it . 2. Fountain and Principle . 3. Comforts of it . 4 Measure . 5 Safety and security . 6. Continuance 7. End of it .

God's people live a more excellent life in all these respects . 1. The kind of their life .

First , In regard of the kind of life . 'T is spiritual Natural life hath indeed an excellency in it , but 't is common . The spiritual life of grace is peculiar to God's peculiar people , even to such , whose names are written in the book of life This life consists in the union to , & communion of the soul with God . 1 Joh. 1.3 . And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ . Called 2 Pet. 1.4 . a participation of the Divine nature . and Eph. 4.24 . conformity to Gods image in righteousness and holiness ; and is therefore , the life of God . 'T is a gracious , 't is a glorious life , and therefore must needs be excellent in the nature of it ; it is somthing indeed to live , if it be but the life of a plant ; more , to live the live of a beast ▪ better then that , to live the life of a man or angel ; But best of all to live the life of God .

Secondly , In regard of the fountain and principle of it ; 2. The principle of their life . which is Christ as Mediatour . True he is the Light that lightneth every one that comes into the world . Joh. 1. But as Mediatour , he is the Fountain of life only to his own people . Joh. 6 57. As the living Father hath sent me , and I live by the Father ; so he that eateth me even he shall live by me . Wherefore Christ is said to be our life . Col. 3 4. i. e. the fountain and principle of it . An excellent life therefore it must needs be , which hath such a spring to feed it . Psal. 36.9 . With thee is the Fountain of life , and in thy light shall we see light .

Thirdly , In regard of the Comforts of it . 3. The Comforts of their life . And indeed comfort is the life of life . Not to live , but to live comfortably is life indeed . A life under discomforts is no better then death , The Caldean be●ots himself . The Just shall live comfortably by his faith . nay death is better then that and preferred before it The life of a Christian is most comfortable , whatsoever the world and devil would whisper into our ears ; They would perswade a man , when once he turns to God , Farewell and comforts . But no such matter . Thou shalt not loose thy delights but only exchange them , for the better . Mic. 6. Thou rejoycedst before in proserity at the sound of the Harp and the Violl in thy feasts ; But now thou art able to rejoyce in adversity at the sound of the Drum , and noyse of Warre . The truth is , the worst of a Beleevers life , is better then the best of a natural mans life : and Moses chose it rather . 1 Pet. 4. 2 Cor. 3. Heb. 11. And if his discomforts be such what are his comforts ? If in sufferings a glory rests on them , how must their comforts needs exceed in glory ? Only none knowes them but they that tast them . O tast and see ! Psal. 34.8 . A Straenger shall not intermeddle with this joy . Prov. 14.10 Therefore 't is an excellent life for the comforts of it . And if they want at any time earthly comforts , they have a Comforter sent from Heaven instead of all . Joh. 14.

4. Measure of it . Fourthly , In regard of the measure of it . A man may live indeed if he have but so much as will keep life and soul together ; The Caldean shall decay , the Just shall live . but there is little comfort in that . We account that an excellent life , when a man is full of spirit ( as we say ) and full of life , such a one is a alive , and alive's like . Yet this life will decay ; the most spiritful man in the world , his heart will fail him ; the ●out-hearted must sleep their sleep . But herein is the excellency of the life , Prov. 4.18 . we have from Christ ; it is ever on the increasing hand . The Sun of righteousness ( the Fountain of their life ) is ever rising upon them higher and higher , but never setting . He came to give life , and that more abundantly as it is , Joh. 10.10 . Contrary to the nature of other life , they have more vigour and spirit , and consequently bring forth more fruit in old age . Psal 92.14 .

5. Safety of it . Fifthly , In regard of the safety and security of it . Hazard takes away the comfort of life , otherwise excellent . That which God threatēs Deut. 28.66 . Thy life shal hang in doubt before thee , and thou shalt fear day and night , &c. But the life of a Christian is sure , Col. 3.3 . The Caldean dream's of long Empire , ver. 5. but he shall dye , ver. 8. because it is hid , ( 't is laid up ) with Christ in God If the life of Christ may fail , then , the life of a Christian . But , because I live , ye shall live also . Joh. 14.19 . Besides their life is in God's keeping , Psal. 31.15 . My times are in thy hands . The Caldean threatens he will spoil and kill ; but God sayes his people shall live .

Continuance of it . Sixtly . It is an excellent life for Continuance . This is implyd in the words ; The Gospel is the power of God to salvation . Rom. 1.16 , 17. as it is written , The Chaldean may threat destruction : yet the just shall live . The just shall live by his faith . The life of God's people then is an eternal life , and therefore excellent . Every life is accounted so much more excellent , as it is of longer continuance ; the life of an oak , that continues many yeers , then the life of the grasse that grows upon the house-top , that withers before it be plucked up . Therefore as life is a blessing : so long life , Psal. is a great blessing . What account then should we make of an eternal life , that knows no end ; 1 Pet. 1. springing from an incorruptible seed , the Word of God ; and maintaind , by a never dying principle , the Spirit of God ? He that lives the longest life of nature must die at last : Gen. 5. but he that lives the life of grace shall never die . 1. His grace shall never die . 2. Though he die , he is out of the reach of the second death . Joh. 11.25 , 26. The just shall live . —

Seventhly , Lastly 't is excellent in regard of the End . 7. The end of it . The Caldean imputes his power to his God c. 1.11 . but the just , &c. 'T is the end crownes the action . God is in a more special manner glorified by this life . The strong people shall glorifie thee . Isa. 43. Now as Gods glory is the ultimate end of all his works . ( Prov. 16.4 . ) so that life must needs be most excellent that comes neerest that end . Gods glory and the creatures happiness are wrapt up together in the same end . 1 Sam. 2.30 . Them that honour me , I will honour . Therefore this life is excellent .

And this leads us to the reason of it , Reason . from Gods praise . why God's people receive a more excellent life from him . God doth it , to the praise of his free grace . Eph. 1.6 . To the praise of his grace , both in the cause ; for none could deserve this life , before they had it . ( Rom. 9.23 . ) and in the effect of it , viz. that they might walk worthy of it . As God had life in himself and did enjoy himself before there was any creature : so the reason why he made any , or gave life to any , was his own praise ; And therefore as any creature hath a more excellent life then other , 't is therefore that God may have more praise then from other . From the Saints therefore God expects that his high praises should be in your mouths . Psal. 149.6 . Even the high praises of the most high God . All thy works praise thee , and thy Saints give thanks unto thee , saith the Psalmist . Psal. 145.13 . The Saints in a special manner ; They praise God for themselves , and they praise God for the rest of the creatures , being as it were the tongue of all the rest , whilest they blazon forth the wisdom and power and goodness of the Creator in the wonderful fabrick and orderly government of the creatures .

1. Let us be convinced that there is such a life . For these things seem ordinarily as the message of the women to the disciples . Conviction that there is such a life . Luk. 24.11 . idle tales , and men beleeve them not . And so , if we never beleeve this life , we shall never seek it , and if we never seek it , we shall never be saved . Joh. 3.5 . Except a man be born again ( and so have a new life ) he shall never enter into the Kingdome of Heaven .

It is true , This life is a hidden life ; which arises . 1. In regard of the inward and secret nature of it ; The Kingdom of God is within you . 2. From the mean outside of it ; for God chooseth weak and foolish things , & things that are not . 3. From the infirmities of those , that live it , which much blemish it ; as David , Peter , &c. 3. From misreports of it — Slanderously reported of . Rom. 3. And 5. from the work of Satan , blinding the eyes of them that beleeve not . 2 Corinth. 4 3. Yet there is such an excellent life ; and that is proved , and plainly made manifest .

First , because it carryes men to actions beyond the power of nature It enables some men to forsake the pleasures of natural life for the sake of spiritual life ; and this work of self-denial proves it . Yea it makes willing to lay down natural life , if need be ; therefore such must have a better , that gives as skin for skin , so life for life .

Secondly , because when natural life is weakest , the acts of spiritual life many times appear strongest . Therefore there is a life besides that of nature . 2 Cor. 4.10 . There , the dying of the Lord Jesus in Pauls body , makes manifest the life of Jesus in the same body .

2. To perswade us to desire this life . Life of all things is most sweet . Perswasion to desire this life . And therefore the tree of life was plac'd in the midst of Paradise , as if it were the perfection of all other comforts . How sweet is then the sweetest life ? In comparison whereof all other life is but death . Luk. 15. last . Thy brother was dead , and is alive — O , that we had eyes to see , & hearts to consider the excellency of this life ! Look how much difference there is , betwixt the life of a child in the womb , and the life thereof , when 't is come abroad into the world , where it hath freedom of breathing , hearing , seeing , and exercising all the senses : so great a difference there is betwixt the life of nature and grace , as also betwixt the life of grace and glory . We do no more know , what is reserved for us in Heaven , then a child in the womb what is reserved for it when it comes into this wide world . Only as there is a natural instinct in the child to go forth of the prison of the womb into a better life : so there is a spiritual and supernatural instinct in all Gods children to be made partakers of a better life , For as the whole creation groans : so we ourselves groan within ourselves , &c. saith the Apostle , Rom 8 22. In the mean time before we come to enjoy the life of glory to the full , glorious things in their degree are spoken of the life of grace , in regard of the nature , Psal. principle , comforts , &c. of it , as abovesaid . To all which we might adde it's excellency in regard of operations ; viz. the crucifying our corruptions , overcoming the world , and all opposite powers , making us more then conquerours in Christ .

Therefore 't is an excellent life , and thence most desirable . Did a beast know the life of a man , he would desire it ; did a natural man know the life of a Christian , he would desire that too : For it is as farre above the life of a man , as his above the life of a beast .

Hence Christ to the woman , Joh. 4. — If thou hadst known the gift of God : and who 't is asketh of thee , &c. So I say , If thou hadst but known the excellency of this life , thou wouldst greatly desire and ask it of Christ .

3. For Exam. Let us try whether we have this exclellent life or no. Examination . There is not much need of giving motives . 1. None come to live the life of glory , but such as live the life of grace , all are Saints on Earth , before Saints in Heaven . 2. Till we know whether we have this life or no , we can neither seek it , if we want it , nor praise God for it , if we have it . 3. Besides we have command to make our calling and election sure . 2 Pet. 1.10 .

For Rules of Trial. 1. Did God ever give thee to see thine own deadness , 10. Rules of Triall . and to bewail it ? Though thou maist leave sin and perform duty , if thou dost this by thy own strength thou art not alive . 1. Sight of deadness . When such a soul comes to it self neverthelesse it cryes , O sick , sick ; give me somthing to comfort me . ( Cant. 2.5 . ) Alas ! sick of unbelief , and a hard heart ! &c.

2. Knowledge of this life . Secondly , Dost thou understand the Nature of regeneration , of this life and this new birth ? Nichodemus did not , before Christ told him . Joh. 3. 'T is said . 2 Cor. 5.17 . He that is in Christ is a new creature : New in understanding , will , affections , and conversation .

3. Instrumental cause of begetting . Thirdly , If thou art alive , what was the instrumental means of begetting this life , under God ? was it the power of Word preach'd upon thy soul ? 1 Pet. 1.33 . being , born again not of corruptible seed , but of incorruptible by the Word of God , &c.

Affections stirring without the Word , or moral perswasion with the word , or corrupt seed beside the Word , these are not enough . See 1 Thess. 1.5 . 2 Cor. 3.6 .

4. Cause main●aining . Fourthly , if alive , what is the instrumental means of maintaining this life , under God ? and every creature desires food ; even the insensible creature , the youngest plants thrust their fibra's into the earth to suck nourishment thence . And the young Lambs suck the duggs of their damme's upon their bended knees . Every life desires food for self-preservation , and the nature of the food must be suitable to the nature of the life , spiritual life must have spiritual food . That which will feed a swine fat , Ex iisdem nut●rimur , &c. will starve a sheep . What is begotten of the word , will be nourished of the word 1 Pet. 2.2 . And the more life , the more desire after food . The healthfull child cryes most eagerly after the breast . Such was Davids hunger and thirst after the word . Psal. 42.1 . &c.

Fifthly , If thou art alive , thou hast a faculty within to resist and expel whatsoever is an enemy to life . 5. Enmity of the contrary . 1 Pet. 5.8 . Sin is a spiritual poyson , and Satan a murderer . Dost thou so resist them ? Or when there is deadness of spirit , dost thou rub and chafe thy soul by prayer ? Quicken me , O Lord , by thy Word . Psal. 119. A good sign .

6. If thou art alive , thou shalt perceive it , as by outward sense and motion , so by inward quickning and vivification . 6. Sense and motion . 1. By outward sense and motion . Every living creature exercises some sense . Examine this by , what Breathing faculty thou hast . Where there is the inspiration of spiritual life , there is the expiration of holy speeches . ( Only 't is not wholsom when our expiration exceeds our inspiration . ) 2. Exam. what sight thou hast ? Ephes. 4.18 . with 5.8 . 3. What hearing ? He that is of God heareth us , &c. 1 Joh. 4.6 . 4. What tasting ? 1 Pet. 2.3 . — If so be you have tasted how gracious the Lord is . 5. What smelling ? Cant. 1.3 . Thy name is an oyntment powred forth . 2. By inward quickning and vivification , of the heart . As the heart is first formed , so informed , and reformed . Primum vivens . Rev. 3. And without this , there is but a name to live . The heart is the first member of the new man . Gal. 4.4 . If sons , God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts , &c. Deut. 30.6 . The Lord thy God shall circumcise thy heart , &c. All performances without the heart are dead workes . God begins at the heart , therefore examine the heart .

7. Spring of life . Seventhly , If thou saist thou art alive , then what is the spring and principle of thy life and the actions thereof ? Is it thy own strength , and opinion of thy own parts , and applause of men ? Or dost thou in an humble distrust of thy self , look up to Christ for strength ? Quest. How is that known ? Ans. If Christ's glory he made the end , then the grace of Christ is the principle . The stream is never higher then the fountain . 2. Besides , then this strength comes in a promise . 'T is Christ in a promise . What promise dost thou lay hold on ?

8. Growt● . Eightly , If alive , where is thy growth ? where ever there is life there is growth , till the creature comes to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Eph. 4.11 . Till we all come to the measure of the the stature of Christ . Object . If this be so , ( may some say ) then I have no life . Answ. spiritual growth is not discern'd by every dayes observation : but some long time , as the shadow on the diall . 2. A soul careful to grow , and mourning for want of growth , I dare pronounce it doth grow , though it perceive it not . Trees though they do not grow , are fitted for growth in winter .

9. Propagation . Ninthly , If thou art alive , know it , not only by growth and augmentation , but also by a desire of a propagation , and conveiance of that life to others . The Father delivers the lamp of his life to his son ; as one candle lights another . So 't is in this life of grace , it begets the like to it self . Examine therefore whether thou art one like Pharaoh that seekest to kill the children of grace in the birth , ( this is to play the tyrant , nay the Devill Rev. 12. ) Or whether thou art like God , and godly men that say , as the Apostle . Gal. 4.19 . They desire to see Christ formed in others .

10. Delight● . Tenthly , If alive what company delights thee . Psal. 16.2 . my delight is in the Saints , and the excellent . The living converse with the living ; and not among Tombes , unlesse they be possest , as the man in the Gospel . Why seek ye the living amongst the dead , said the Angel ? Such are dead company , as dead men .

Fourthly , This informs us , If the spiritual life be the most excellent life , what is the worst murder . Information of the worst murder . Surely that which takes away the best life . And that is the murder of the soul . God commands , in the sixth commandement : Thou shalt do no murder . Every man startles at that ; but many are found guilty of soul-murder . See Ezek. 33 8. If the watchman warn not , the blood of them that perish in their sins , God will require at his hands . This made Paul so careful to purge himself . Act. 20.26 . I am free of the blood of every one of you . See also Ezek 13.18 .

Fifthly , Bless God for this life , where it is , and makes much of it . How desirable a thing as Gaius , Thankfulness . to have our souls prosper . 3. Epist. Joh 2. And if we find any decay , remember the counsel to the Angel of the Church of Sardis . Rev. 3.2 . Be watchfull and strengthen the things which remain ; that are ready to die ; for I have not found thy works perfect before God .

But the Just shall live by his Faith .

Whatsoever life the just man lives , in a more excellent manner then other men , he lives that life by vertue of his Faith .

THE Apostle confesseth this was his life ( And what is the life of one faithful man as faithful , is the life of all ) Gal. 2 , 20. The life that I live , I live by the faith of the Son of God , &c.

This is a lesson that is often taught , and yet very hardly learned . For as the life of a Christian is a hidden life : so the means of conveyance of it is in a hidden way ; hidden and dark to a natural man . This water of life runs , as it were in a conduit-pipe under the ground A natural man perceives it not , But the Just shall live by his Faith .

For the better unfolding of his mysterious and useful trade of living by faith , we shall endeavour by God's assistance ( who is , the Author and Finisher of our faith ) to shew these things , Heb. 12.2 . viz.

First , What Faith is . Secondly , What it is to live by Faith . Thirdly , Why living is by Faith , rather then love , &c. Fourthly , Who it is that lives by Faith . Fifthly , Whose Faith he lives by , viz. his own . Sixthly , When and how long . Seventhly , What life it is he lives by Faith . Eighthly , The Reasons why . Lastly , What use we are to make of all .
QUEST. I. What Faith is .

FOR the first ; You have the definition , at least the description set down by the Holy Ghost . Heb. 11.1 . It is the subsistence of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen . For example , tell a natural man of God's favour and the comforts of his Spirit , and the future recompence of reward , which is more worth , then all the comforts of the world , he thinks it a mere notion , that there is no reality in it but all feigned . But a Christian by faith seeth there is truth , reality and subsistence in these things , and in whatever God promiseth , who calleth those things that be not , as though they were Rom. 4.17 . To whom all things are possible . Mark 9.23 . And thereby becomes a kind of omnipotent faith .

By others it is defined thus . In general , A believing the Gospel . In particular , Definition of Faith . A gracious habit infused into the heart by the Spirit of God , whereby the soul rests , or rolls it self upon Christ in a way of promise , for all things appertaining to life and godliness , for Gods glory and it 's own salvation .

It is not then 1. a bare disposition , but an habit . 2. An habit not acquired by frequent acts , but infused by the spirit ; called therefore , 1 Cor. 4.17 . the spirit of faith . 3. Infused not into the head only , but the heart . Rom. 10.10 . with the heart man believeth . And therefore it stands more in affection than notion . Indeed in faith there is both an Assent of the mind to the truth of the message sent to sinners indefinitely . 1 Tim. 1.15 . and a consent of heart and will , to the goodness of it , whereby this or that particular sinner receives it to himself . Gal. 2.20 . — Christ Who loved Me. Joh 21. — My Lord and my God , which differ as a garment in the cloth and on the back . Christ is put on by faith .

Fourthly , We say , — whereby the soul rests , or rolls its self , or leans . For assurance and full perswasion is not of the being of faith , but the well-being . There 's faith of Evidence , and faith of Reliance ; Or rather there is a double evidence , 1. Of sense . 2. Of reliance . Faith in Scripture is set out in regard of the latter , in such terms as we have given . Psal. 37.5 . Isa. 50.10 . Mark 9.24 .

Fifthly , Vpon Christ ] Who is the main object of faith ; and it is not sufficient to believe in God out of Christ . Joh 14.1 . Ye believe in the Father , believe also in me ; and otherwhere , None cometh to the Father but by me .

Sixthly , In way of a promise ] No promise , no Christ . Abraham laid hold on a promise in those extraordinary things as an ordinary mean . Rom. 4.20 . — he staggered not at the promise through unbelief . See 2 Pet. 1.3 . Eph. 2.12 . — Covenant of promise , &c.

Seventhly , For all things , &c. ] First for Christ , and then all things with him . Rom. 8.32 . Wherefore the promises in Christ , are called Rich and Precious promises .

Eighthly , For God's glory ] Rom. 4.20 . — gave glory to God , and our own salvation . Heb. 10. last — that believe to the saving of the soul .

QUESTION . II. What it is to live by Faith .

To live by Faith . Ans. TO live by Faith , is not only by laying hold on Christ by faith , to receive life by Christ . 1 Joh. 5.12 . He that hath the Son hath Life .

Secondly , But also in the use and exercise of faith , to receive daily from Christ both the preservation and increase of this life . Eph. 4.13 .

Thirdly , Enabling a Christian by vertue of Gods grace to perform all duties of thankfulness , 1 Stirring him up to duty , Gal. 5.6 . Faith works by love ; and Jam. 2. Faith without works is dead . 2. Directing what to do . Psal. 119.66 . Teach me good judgement and knowledge , for I have beleeved thy Commandments . 3. Strengthning to do it . Phil. 4.13 . I can do all things through Christ strengthning me . 4. Finding acceptance in doing . Heb. 11.4 - whereby he received witness that he was righteous , God testifying of his gifts .

Fourthly , Assuring him of all needful encouragement of blessing by vertue of God's promise , 1. In beleeving the promise of reward . Matth. 4.4 . Man lives not by bread , alone , but by every Word of God . 2. In suing out the promise by prayer . Psal. 119.49 . Remember the word to thy servant , upon which thou hast caused me to hope . 3. In praising God for it , Heb. 13.15 . — Let us offer to God the sacrifice of praise continually — giving thanks to his Name .

So that to live by faith is to rest satisfied with God's command , though we see no reason of it ; Heb. 11.8 , 9. and with God's promise though we have no present performance , yea , even then when providences crosse promises ; as to beleeve we shall come to the Haven in the greatest storm , in case we have a promise , as Paul . Act. 27.22 , &c. As a wordly man ( in his way ) lives comfortably , that hath good store of bonds in his coffers , though all his money be out of doors , and in other mens hands ; how much more do believers live comfortably , that have bond and seal , and oath from the God of truth , though they have nothing in hand for present .

Thus the Just lives by faith . Caution . Not as if there were any natural or moral worth or efficacy in faith to beget this life , or to make us righteous ; But only as an instrument of the spirit applying Christ , our life and righteousness . And indeed it is he begets faith in us , For it is the gift of God . Eph. 2.8 . Christ is the root , faith is the instrument of this life .

Thus living by faith implyes , these 4 or 5 things , 1. Right in Christ . Gal. 2. 2. A cleering our way in point of duty . Rom. 14. What is not of faith is sin . 3. a cleering our right to the promise . Heb. 11.17 . — He that had received the promises . 4. a constant searching of the Scripture for the legacyes bequeathd to us . Joh. 5.39 . Search the Scriptures , for in them ye think ye have eternal life . The heir cannot sue for his legacyes or inheritance , unlesse he know what it is . Act. 20.25 . Luk. 22.19 . 5. A remembring them . Psal ▪ 119.52 . And a seasonable applying of them to particular cases and occasions . What can a plaister do if it be only kept in the pocket , and not laid upon the soare ?

Which implyes , it is not enough to have the habit of faith to possesse it , but the act also is required that we may comfortably live by it . We must put it to use . Therfore Act. 13.39 , faith is set forth by the act of beleeving . — By him , all that beleeve in him are justified . For howsoever it is true He that possesseth the habit of faith , shall never totally and finally fall away ; yet for want of acting of it , as he sins against God so he looseth the comfort of his life , Luk. 24.25 . Matth. 8.26 . and in his own apprehension is like a dead man , or at least exceeding dull , heartlesse and fearful . Usually in proportion to the acting of the life of Justification will be the strength of the life of Sanctification ▪ for faith works by love , the more faith , the more love . Whence is Paul's exhortation to blow up the gift of God in him As a man lives by exercise , 2 Tim. 1. and grows diseased for want of it : So it is in spirituals .

To shew then how a Christian lives by faith , this is the summe of what hath been spoken ; He lives by faith as a mean or instrument , not as the efficient cause or author of this life . But this is the order or series .

First , God predestinates or determines this life to such . Eph. 5.5 . — Having predestinated us , &c.

Secondly , He gives Christ his Son to death for the purchasing this life ; because by nature every man is in a state of death ; dead in sins and trespasses . Col. 3.4 . 1 Joh. 5.12 .

Thirdly , He makes known and holds forth this life in a promise to poor sinners Rev. 22.17 .

Fourthly , He requires faith in the promise of all such as would have the benefit of this life ; that so they may glorifie God's truth and goodness and power in beleeving that he will and can make his word good . So he calls men to beleeving in the preaching of the Gospel Joh. 3.16 .

Fifthly , He bestowes faith upon the soul of his free grace ( because by nature we are shut up under unbeleef . Rom. 11.32 . ) Eph. 2.8 . — it is the gift of God . So he calls men inwardly by his Spirit .

So that faith and life and Christ come all together . Only he works this life in a way of believing , and makes us sensible of it by the act of faith . So that a Christian hath his life from God in Christ : from Christ in the promise : Col. 3 , 3 : from the promise apprehended by faith : from faith working by love and other graces ; which is the exercise of this life . All graces are enlivened by faith ; faith receives life from the promise ; the promise from Christ ; Christ as mediatour , from God the Father . Joh. 6.57 . God in Christ is the fountain of spiritual life , the promises are so many Conduit-pipes that convey it , faith is the hand that turns the Cock , or the mouth to receive the water of life .

So that however God in Christ is the sole author and finisher of spiritual life , yet he makes use of faith all along from first to last in the order of working , and that in all parts and faculties of spiritual life ; viz. in the quickning , expulsive , nutritive , retentive , motive , and breathing faculties .

First , God makes use of faith in the Quickning faculty , 1. Quickning faculty of faith . or first infusion of life . So the just lives by his faith . Eph 2.5 . with 8 ▪ Even when we were dead in sins , he hath quickned us together with Christ — for by grace ye are saved , through faith . The heart is primum vivens in grace , as well as in nature ; and the heart is enlivened by Christ in a way of faith . Eph. 3.16 . That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . So that whereas there is great dispute among men , whether Christ , or faith , or righteousness of life comes first to the soul ; all is answered in one word , They come all together , not any one before or after another . Christ brings all along together with himself . So soon as ever a soul is quickned , it doth believe , and so soon as ever it believes it is quickned . Yet faith is most perceptible in the act of Adherence .

2. Expulsive faculty of faith . Secondly , God makes use of faith in the Expulsive facultie ; in expelling the enemies of spiritual life . And so the just lives by his faith . Act 15.9 . — By faith purifying their hearts . Unbelief and other corruptions are deadly enemies to spiritual life . Faith expels them and purifies the heart from them . As the living fountain , if dirt be cast into it , never leaves working and working , until it hath wrought it self cleer again : So a beleeving heart , if earthly thoughts from Satan , like dirt , be cast into it , never leaves working , till it hath wrought it self pure , and fit for God's service . 2 Tim. 2.21 . If a man purge himself from these , &c. It overcomes and abandons all within , and all without , resists Satan , 1 Pet 5.8 , overcomes the world . 1 Joh. 5.4 .

3. Nutritive faculty of faith . Thirdly , God makes use of faith in the Nutritive facultie , or attractive faculty , in drawing such things to it self , as whereby is life nourished and maintained . And so the just lives by his faith . Faith like the first-born of graces ( though indeed they are all twins ) delight to be in the arms of God's mercy ( where it first receives life , ) and there it lyes at the brest of the word , at the nipple of the promises , drawing virtue and strength , and nourishment from them ; tasting every day how sweet and gracious the Lord is . 1 Pet. 2.3 . Psal 34.8 . O tast and see that the Lord is good ; blessed is the man that trusteth in him . q.d. by trusting in God we live upon God , and taste how good he is ; For else we tempt God . It were a miracle to live without meat . But the more strength , the more food .

4. Digestive faculty of faith . Fourthly , God maketh use of faith in the Retentive and Digestive faculty , turning the word into wholsome blood . And so the just lives by his faith . Whereas an unbeliever hearing the word , receiving the food of his soul , is like a man of a weak & bad stomack ; no sooner is the meat down , but it mixeth with some base humor & up it comes again ; it will hold nothing to do it good . So it is with an unbeliever not mixing the word with faith ; but being mixed with some base humour of pride or passion , up it comes again with violence , though it be in the very face of the Physician . Prov. 9.2 . He that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot . But where the word is mixed with faith , it meets with a good stomack , and there it turnes into good nourishment ; the party grows and thrives , and comes on in grace , and so lives by faith , as a man lives by a good stomack . See Psal. 36.7 , 8. They that put their trust under the shadow of Gods wings , are abundantly satisfied with the fatness of his house , &c. Good meat doth well , a good stomack is better ; Gods blessing upon both is the best of all : and so it is in the life of Grace .

Fifthly , God makes use of Faith in the Motive faculty : 5. Motive faculty of Faith . And so the just lives by his Faith . For as bodily exercise profits much for bodily health ( when the Apostle sayes , It profiteth little , his meaning is , in ordine ad spiritualia ; 1 Tim. 4. for doubtless , as to bodily health , it profiteth much , it is instar omnium , in stead of all Physick , and without this the best diet in the world will be defective ) It is so with the soul . Be the diet , the means of grace never so good , yet without exercise of grace and godliness , all comes to nothing . Now it is Faith , and onely true Faith , which puts a man upon profitable exercise . Faith will not suffer a man to be idle in his calling It will not onely move his tongue , ( though it will move that too ; Acts 4.20 . We cannot but speak — 2 Cor. 4.13 . I believed , therefore spake — For he is a very dead-hearted Christian , that hath the dead palsey in his tongue , that cannot speak a word for God ) But it will move his hands also , and his whole man to be active for God . Jam. 2. Shew me thy faith by thy works . Christians full of faith , are full of action , and so full of life . ( See Acts 6.3 , 6 , 8 , 10 ) Whereas unbelievers are like sluggards with hand in bosome , or like Idols of the Heathen , Psal. 115. having eyes , and yet see not ; ears , and hear not ; feet , and walk not ; neither speak they through their throat : and so prove dead for want of this exercise .

6. Breathing faculty of Faith . Sixthly , God makes use of Faith in the Breathing faculty : And so the just lives by his faith . Breath is the Chariot of life ; called therefore , The breath of life ▪ This breathing is twofold : 1. Inspiration : 2. Expiration ; these maintain life . And both these in a spiritual sense do spring from Faith .

1. Inspiration . First , for the act of Inspiration . For howsoever , every first inspiration of the Spirit gives life , yet Faith draws more and more of this heavenly air from day to day , for the maintaining and increasing of this life . A man can no more live a spiritual life , without the continual breathing of Gods Spirit into his soul , than he can live a natural life without the continual sucking in of fresh air into his body . And therefore it is observable , Our blessed Saviour chose to convey the Holy Ghost under that similitude : Joh. 20.22 . He breathed on them , and said , Receive the Holy Ghost ; q. d. Ye can no more live the life of grace , without my Spirit , than you can live the life of nature , without the breath of your nosthrils . We are all by nature like Ezekiels dried bones . Now it is the voice of Faith that cryes out , Ezek. 37.9 . O Breath , breathe upon these slain , that they may live . And again , when a man hath life , and begins to exercise himself in the way of Gods Commandments , he knows he cannot exercise to purpose , unless it be in this fresh air of the Spirit . Therefore Davids Faith put him upon this practice , I opened my mouth ( saith he ) and panted ; for I longed for thy Commandments , Psa. 119.131 . He took in fresh gales of the Spirit from day to day , to uphold the vitals of the New man .

Secondly , 2. Expiration . There is another act of the Spirit in spiritual life , and that is Expiration ; an holy breathing out of holy speeches , and holy prayers . And usually in proportion to our inspiration , will be our expiration . As in Nature , 't is unwholesome to breathe out more then we suck in , when the expence of spirits is beyond our receipts : so also in grace , when our expiration of holy speeches , doth exceed our inspiration of the holy Spirit . But when these go hand in hand , all springs from Faith , 2 Cor. 4.13 . We having the same Spirit of faith , as it is written , I believed , therefore have I spoken ; we also believe , and therefore speak . Faith will put a Christian upon it . Faith is as it were the very breath of his nostrils .

Seventhly , God makes use of Faith in the Augmentative or growing faculty : And so the just lives by his Faith . 7. Augmentative faculty of Faith . As Faith grows , ( for Rom. 1.17 . the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith ) so other graces grow with it . See 2 Thess. 1.3 . having mentioned the growing of their faith ; then follows , And the charity of every one of you aboundeth . So 2 Pet. 1.5 . Adde to your faith vertue , and to vertue , &c. all follow Faith . Again , 2 Pet. 3. last , Grow in grace : how ? — and in the knowledge ( or faith ) of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . Shew me thy faith by thy works , Jam. 2. Not onely the truth , but the measure of our Faith is seen by our works . And so much for the second general Question , What it is to live by Faith ?

Onely now it were good to examine our selves upon all this , Whether we do thus live by Faith , making our particular application of our souls to each of the particulars fore-mentioned ? But I pass to the third Question .

QUESTION III. Why a Christian is said to live by Faith , rather than any other Grace ?

WHy not by Love , or Thankefulness , or Patience , & c ? The reason is ( in a word ; for what is said already may give light hereunto : ) First , because Faith is not onely the grace which receives Christ , Joh. 1. 12. who is our Life ; but it is also the grace that receives all other grace from Christ . Therefore Faith is the first link of all that Chain of Graces , 2 Pet. 1.5 , &c. at least in order to their working . Otherwise indeed , we know all graces are infused simul & semel , in respect of their being and existence . See Joh. 7.38 . He that believeth in me , out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water . The graces of the Spirit run into the Soul , and out again in the issues of life , and all through the conduit-pipe of Faith .

Indeed a Christian hath great use of other graces , but Faith onely layes hold on Christ for all . Sanctified knowledge saith , There is an infinite fulness in Christ , the fulness of a Fountain ; Faith saith , This is all for me , for he is my Husband ; then Prayer sai●h ▪ If all this be thine , I will go and fetch it for thee ; and Thankefulness sayes , I will return praise to God for it ( and that 's better than the receiving of mercies ) Psal 63.5 . My soul shall be filled with marrow and fatness , and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips .

It is plain therefore , however spiritual life is much exercised in other graces , as well as in Faith ; as in Prayer , and Patience , and Love , and Thankfulness : yet because Faith acts and exercises , and puts life into all , therefore a Christian is said rather to live by his Faith . As may be seen , Heb. 11. through the whole Chapter . For Prayer is no prayer , unless it be a prayer of Faith , Jam 5. and Patience is no patience , unless joyned with Faith , Here is the faith and patience of the Saints , Rev. 13. and so of all the rest .

Secondly , Because Faith layes hold upon that Word by which man lives . For man lives by the word of God , Mat 4.4 . Other graces are begotten by the Word , but do not lay hold on the Word . So as no word , no means can profit us without Faith .

Thirdly , Because when other graces and comforts ( to our sense ) lie dead , and useless , even then Faith lives , and acts its part . It is like the Cork that swims aloft , when the Leads , and all the Net is under water . It is like the Card or Compass , when Heaven and Earth fail ; no sight of Earth or Heaven , or comfort from either ; when 't is a day of darkness and gloominess , as that described Zeph. 1.15 . or when 't is with us , as it was in Pauls voyage , Acts 27.13 . to 26. neither sun nor star appearing for many dayes ; or a time as that , Isa. 50.10 . wherein we sit in darkness , and see no light ; yet then saith , can trust in the Name of the Lord . It is as an Anchor in a storm ; so long as the Anchor holds , there is hope ; but if that break , there is no more governance of the Ship . So Faith is compared , Heb. 6.19 . It is as the Widows Oyl ; when all other provision failed , she lives upon that , because she had a word from God . So when all fail , Faith shall not totally nor finally fail , because there is a word from God , which was spoken to Peter in person , of all the faithful , Luke 22.32 . I have prayed for thee , that thy faith fail not . Or like the heart in the body , though other parts be dead , yet so long as the heart lives , the man is alive . Psa. 73.26 . My flesh and my heart faileth , but God is the strength of my heart , and my portion for ever .

Thus David lived by Faith when all failed , and by it thus speaks himself , Psal. 42.5 . Why art thou disquieted , O my soul ? — still trust in God , for I shall yet praise him . When graces fail , performances fail , so that we abhor our selves and duties , yet Faith sayes , We are a holy Priesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifices , acceptable to God ( 1 Pet. 2.5 . ) by Jesus Christ . When Paul cryed out , Rom. 7. O wretched man that I am , &c. yet by Faith he can thank God through Jesus Christ . When the Church is under water , yet she can speak thus in Faith , Mic. 7.8 . Rejoyce not over me , O mine enemy ; though I fall , I shall rise again . When Job considers his body turned to dust and worms , Job 19.19 , 25. yet by Faith he sees , my Redeemer lives , &c. Even when Patience failed in Job , yet Faith failed not . Though God kill all other graces and comforts , and my soul too , yet he shall not kill my Faith , sayes he . If he separate my soul from my body , yet not Faith from my Soul . If he kill me , he shall not kill my Faith . And therefore the just lives by Faith , rather then other graces , because when all is gone , yet Faith remains ; and Faith remains , because the Promise remains : For ever , O Lord , thy word is setled in the heavens , Psal. 119.89 . And this is the proper and principal meaning of this place .

Fourthly , Because even then , when neither graces , nor comforts do fail , yet then the just lives principally by his Faith : 1. Because there is yet more to be believ'd then we already enjoy ; for we walk not yet by sight , and therefore by faith , 2 Cor. 5.7 . 2. Because Faith is sur●r , then any sense or feeling in the world . When the Apostle had spoken of the glorious Vision ; and their being eye-witnesses , 2 Pet. 1.19 . yet , sayes he , We have a more sure word of prophecy , &c. Now 't is the property of Faith to live upon the word .

Therefore , 1. Esteem of Faith , as precious Faith , precious above all other graces .

And learn , That Faith serves not onely for manifestation that we are alive , but to live by , and maintain the life of all other graces .

QUESTION IV. Who it is that lives by his Faith ?

THe Text sayes , The just — Ob. But where shall we finde him ? Does not the Scripture speak expresly , Psal. 14.2 . There is none just , no not one ? And again , Rom. 3.10 &c. They are all gone out of the way , they are all become abominable , &c.

A. The meaning is not , as if a man should be just , before he come to believe ; but because his believing makes him , and proves him just , in applying the justice and righteousness of Christ , Isa. 53.11 . By his knowledge my righteous Servant shall justifie many . And therefore Jer. 23.6 . he is called , The Lord our Righteousness . And this is imputed Righteousness , the Righteousness of Justification .

But that is not all . He that believes , is just also in some measure by inherent Righteousness , or that which he doth in his own person by the help of Christs Spirit : 1 Joh. 3.7 . Let no man deceive you ; he that doth righteousness is righteous , even as he is righteous . Whereas we are apt to be deceiv'd , and to say , Faith is sufficient of it self to declare that I am righteous , you are deceiv'd , saith S. John : for ver. 3. He that hath this hope purifieth himself , as he is pure ; and here , doth righteousness , as he is righteous . So you see plainly , as there is a righteousness of Justification . so there is a righteousness of Sanctification , and the word of the Text comprehends both ; The just —

Yet mark : He doth not say , The just shall live by his Justice ; because the righteousness of Sanctification is imperfect , and deserves death : but by his Faith , because that implyes the Righteousness of Justification , the righteousness of Christ , and that is perfect . And this distinction is enough to avoid that evil and slander , which is cast upon the Ministers of the Gospel at this day . They say , we preach Law and Gospel , Note . Christ and Works both rogether in point of Justification . But this is a meer Cavil . For however we teach , That every believer must evidence his Faith , or his Righteousness of Justification , by his works of Sanctification ; yet we do not say his Righteousness of Sanctification , is his Righteousness of Justification , no more then we say , His Righteousness of Justification is his Righteousness of Sanctification ( as some would vainly confound one with the other . ) Though we say , He that believes the Gospel , must do the things contained in the Law ; yet we do not say , He that doth them shall live in them ( for that is the voice of the first Covenant , the Covenant of the Law ) but we say , He that doth them shall live by his Faith : ( for that 's the voice of the second Covenant , the Covenant of the Gospel , the Covenant of Free-grace . For this tells us , There must be a justice in the person that believes , ( not an antecedent , but a consequent justice ) yet he lives not by his justice , but by his faith ; and by his faith , as applying the Free-grace of God in Christ . The just shall live by his faith . And thus for the fourth Question , Who it is that lives by his Faith ?

Onely let me now remember you of what I hinted at the first , That as every believer is a just person , or a justified person ; so every unbeliever is unjust or unjustified . For the just , is opposed to unbeliever . And , therefore to say that a man is just or justified before he believes , I beseech you to consider , Note . how contrary it is to this Text , and to the Scripture phrase throughout .

We grant , an unbeliever may be predestinated to Justification as he may be predestinated to Faith ; but to say he is actually justified before he believes , is to be wise beyond that which is written . For there is no such thing written in the Scripture ; and therefore such wisdome is forbidden . If we may not think , much less may we speak above what is written , 1 Cor. 4.6 . We are bound to keep our selves not onely to the patern of wholesome matter , but to the patern of wholesome words , or sound words , 2 Tim. 1.13 . Hold fast the form of found words , &c , Now to say that a believing person is a justified person , that is wholesom and sound , for the Text warrants it ; but to say an unbeliever is just , or a justified person , is unsound and unwarrantable . For as he that lives by Faith is just : so he that lives not by Faith is unjust .

See briefly from hence further , How much the folly of all those is , that boast of Faith , and yet live in all manner of unrighteousness and sin . These shall not live : for , Know ye not , saith the Apostle , that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdome of God ? whatever they talk of their Faith .

But so much for the Person , who . The just shall live —

QUEST. V. By whose Faith shall he live ?

AND the answer is in the Text , By his ( own ) faith ; not by another mans faith . Therefore in the Confession of Faith , every one saith for himself [ I believe ] not my Friend , not my Father , not my Brother believes for me , but I my self believe for my self . One mans prayer may obtain good for another , but one mans faith cannot save another . No more than one mans soundness of constitution can give health to another that is sick ; or one mans soul give life to another , that is in a dead or dying condition . No , the just man shall live by his own faith Mat. 9.22 . There Christ speaks to the woman with the bloody issue , Thy faith hath made thee whole ; not the faith of any other that were about him . So Luke 7. last . And he said to the woman , Thy faith hath saved thee , go in peace . Reasons of living by a mans own faith .

And why must it necessarily be a mans own Faith ?

1. Because it is the nature and essence of saving Faith , for a man to make particular application of Christ to himself , as we heard before , Gal. 2.20 . — that loved me . And Thomas , when he had any stirrings of spiritual life cryes thus , My Lord , and my God . Yea , in the greatest shakings of Faith , there is some secret application and appropriation of God to the soul . When we seem to put God away with the one hand , we pull him to us with the other . As it was in the speech of David , and Christ too , My God , my God , why hast thou sorsaken me ! Forsaken me ? and yet my God still . Where there is any life at all , there some Faith . None can live spiritually , none can live eternally ; but such as have faith of their own . It is both the means , and the mark of eternal life : Mark 16.16 . He that believeth , shall be saved ; he that believeth not , shall be damned . There must be a particular application of Christ to the souls of all that are saved . They live by their own Faith . Therefore Christ in Scripture is compared to those things , that can do a man no good unless they be applyed ; as to Salve , Job 6.53 . Gal. 3.27 . to the Balm of Gilead , to Meat and Drink , and Garments . What good can Salve , &c. do me , unless it be applyed to my body ? 'T is not enough that my nearest or dearest friend applyes these to himself , that will not heal me , nor feed me , nor cover my nakedness . Every man lives by his own eating and drinking , is covered and kept warm by his own garments : so the just lives by his own Faith .

2. Because he that hath the most Faith , hath none to spare for another man ; and therefore every man must live by his own Faith . They are guilty of pride and folly ( proud Fools ) that think they have faith enough , and grace enough both for themselves and others ( 't is the Prerogative Royal of the King of Saints , to justifie others by his Righteousness . ) And though they may seem to be humble , that would be beholding to another for such a favour ; yet they are but humble fools , Mat. 25.8 . the foolish Virgins said to the wise , Give us of your oyl — of your faith , and grace : For the wise answered , Not so , lest there be not enough for us and you . They had enough for themseves , they had none to spare for others . He is a foolish Souldier , that being to go into the field with a wise and vigilant Commander , thinks to borrow Arms of his fellow-Souldier ; if his fellow-Souldier would part with them , his Commander will never suffer it . Every Souldier must appear at the general Muster with his own Arms : Every Christian Souldier ( I am sure ) must ; else there is no looking Christ in the face , who is the great Lord General of the Field , and the Captain of our Salvation . Heb. 2. Every Souldier must appear compleatly armed : Eph. 6.11 . Put on the whole armour of God ; and ver. 13. Take unto you the whole armour of God . Mark , first , every Souldier must have it : 2. Put it on : 3. He must put on all : 4. Above all , the shield of Faith ver. 16. So that every Christian Souldier must be armed with his own shield of faith ; he must either stand or fall to his own Master , viz as he appears in this posture , or otherwise .

Now shall we come to the Use . Rules about living by a mans own faith . But before to speak something by way of Caution : 1. In the Amplification : 2. In the Restriction of this Truth .

First , for Amplification : for the right understanding of it , here observe these Particulars :

First , Not so a mans faith , but still it is Gods ; he is both the Author , and the Finisher of our faith . 'T is the faith of the operation of God , Col. 2.12 . Hence God will have us see our own backwardness both first and last : what ado to believe at first ? what ado to keep it when we have it ? how oft at such a loss , that if the mighty power of God should not revive our dead faith , we and our faith should both dye together ? We are kept through faith , but it is by the power of God to salvation , 1 Pet 1.5 . So that if at any time we glorifie God by believing , we may say as David , 1 Chron. 29.14 . Of thine own have we given thee : we live indeed by our own faith , but so our own , that it is Gods more then ours : Eph. 2.8 . By grace ye are saved , through faith , and that is the gift of God .

Secondly , A man doth not so live by his own faith , but in temporal respects the faith of another man may do him good . Masters by their faith obtained healing for their Servants ; Parents for their Children : Mat. 15.28 . O woman , great is thy faith ! Mat. 9.2 . Jesus seeing their faith , healed the sick of the Palsey . Gods people for the town or place where they live : The innocent ( i. e. the faithful doer ) shall deliver the Island , Job 22. ver. last . Gen 18.32 . If ten righteoous persons shall be found there , I will not destroy it for ten sake . Especially in Magistrates , Moses . Numb . 14. Hezekiah , Isaiah 37. put up prayers , and God saved the people , and places they praid for : Then Phineas executed judgement ( appeased God by faith ) and so the plague was stayed , Psal. 106.30 .

Thirdly , In spiritual respects also , another mans faith may do good in the exercise of it . Parents faith may do much for the spiritual good of their children : By faith Isaac blessed Jacob , and Esau , concerning things to come ; and , By faith Jacob blessed both the sons of Joseph , Heb. 11.20 , 21. They plead a kinde of hereditary right by the grand Charter . As the Devils Covenant runs much in a blood , ( many times ) where there is a curse upon a family : so Gods Covenant , where there is a blessing , Gen. 17.7 . I will bless thee , and thy seed after thee . And so Rom 11. They are beloved for the fathers sake , i.e. for Gods promise of Free-grace made unto the Fathers , and pleaded , and sued out by the faithful . Parents have God upon the hip ( to speak with reverence ) when they wrestle with him in Prayer for their children . So you reade of an hereditary faith , as of hereditary temporal possessions ; and 't is a strong hold , if the Livery be sued out : I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith which is in thee , which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois , and thy mother Eunice , 2 Tim. 1.5 . 'T is a strong pair of bellows to blow up the grace of God to a great flame . So in the Ministery , who are spiritual Parents , faith may do much good exercised in Preaching and Prayer , to beget the like faith in others ; as one Candle lights another , or one Natural Life begets another : so one Spiritual Life begets another , by the immortal seed of the Word , warm'd and inlivened by the Spirit of God . 1 Cor. 4.15 . Though you have ten thousand instructers in Christ , yet not many fathers ; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel . Hence the Apostle writing both to Timothy and Titus , useth great boldness of speech , 1 Tim. 12. To Timothy , my own son in the faith ; 1 Tit. 4. To Titus , my own son after the common faith , sayes he . That faith which was in Paul , did beget the like faith in Timothy and Titus .

Fourthly , A man may have much more comfort and glory also , by the faith of other men , than otherwise he should have , when he under God hath been an instrument of it . 1 Thess 3.7 , 8. Brethren , we were comforted over you , in all our afflictions and distress , by your faith ; for now we live , if you stand fast in the Lord . See , the Apostle did even live by their faith ; i.e. far more comfortably than otherwise he should have done . Phil. 4.1 . My brethren , dearly beloved , and longed for , my joy , and crown , so stand fast in the Lord , my dearly beloved . The Apostle calls the believing Philippians , his joy , yea his crown of rejoycing ; his Crown , not onely here , but hereafter to all eternity . Dan. 12.3 . They that turn many to righteousness , shall shine as the stars for ever and ever . O how should this quicken us to the duty ! Jam. 5.19 , 20. Brethren , if any of you do erre from the faith , and one convert him , let him know , that he which converteth a sinner from the errour of his way , shall save a soul from death , and shall hide a multitude of sins .

Thus much for Caution by way of Amplification . Secondly , by way of Restriction ; and there arise these Considerations :

1. Though sometimes in temporal respects , the faith of one may do good for another , yet not alwayes . The case may be such as in Ezek. 14.20 . Though Noah , Daniel and Job were in the land , as I live , saith the Lord God , they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters , they shall save onely their own souls by their faith . Nay , Christ himself , though he trusted in God his Father perfectly , yet had not faith enough to save some temporally : Mark 6.5 . And he could there do no mighty work , save that he laid his hand upon a few sick folk , and healed them . Take heed we never so harden our hearts against God , as to be rendred uncapable of good by others faith and prayers for us .

2. Though one mans faith may procure much temporal good for another in many things , yet it is not sanctified in any , without an act of their own faith exercised in Word or Prayer : 1 Tim. 4.4 . Every creature of God is sanctified to us by the word and prayer . Moses had faith enough to obtain many temporal blessings for the people , which ( because they had not faith to use them ) were turned into curses and judgements , Psal. 78.30 . They were not enstranged from their lust , but while the meat was yet in their mouthes , the wrath of God came upon them .

3. Though natural Parents , and spiritual Parents , procure much good to their Children and People by their faith ; yet not 1. To all their Children and People alwayes : Abraham could not do it for Ishmael , Gen. 17. v. 18. O that Ishmael might live before thee , said he . Paul could not do it for the Jews , Rom. 9 , 1 , 2 , 3. I could wish my self accursed from Christ , for my brethren , my kinsmen according to the flesh , who are Israelites ; and therefore carries away a heavy heart , v. 2. 2. Not to any , ( so that they shall have any comfort by it ) till they believe themselves . Look as Parents convey a natural life under God to their children , but they have no comfort in it , till they live themselves , till they see with their own eyes , and breathe with their own nosthrils , &c. So it is in spirituall life , though they may be means under God of conveying , yet for all that the children do not live by their Parents faith , nor people by their Ministers faith , but children , and people , and all live by their own faith ; every man must stand upon his own bottome , according to the foundation he rests upon . The [ just ] shall live by his faith .

4. Though such as have been instruments of others conversion and faith , shall have more joy and glory , yet you must understand that onely of such as have faith themselves . Onely such can say , I live , if ye stand fast in the Lord . I will not dispute whether an unbelieving Minister can beget faith in others . I suppose it may be so ; Note . else God himself by the mouth of the Apostle would not suppose it , 1 Cor. 19 27. lest while I preach to others , I my self become a cast-away . They may be like the builders of Noahs Ark , that made the Ark to save others , but were drowned themselves . But I suppose very rarely God doth honour them so . But suppose it prove so , I am perswaded it's little joy to them . But as some carnal Parents complain they have so many children ; so they complain when any of Gods children spring up under their Ministery . And surely their Consciences tell them , that such must rise up in judgement against them another day . Thou that teaehest another ( and by preaching convertest others ) teachest thou not thy self , Rom. 2. Therefore such have no joy in others faith , unless they believe themselves : So that in every respect it is true in a sound sense , The just shall live by his faith .

Now for Vse .

It reproves the dotage of the Papists , that talk much of the Coblers Faith , Against the ●aith of Papists . who had no faith of his own , but by saying he believed as the Church believed , drove away the Devil . And ( for my part ) I believe it may be true , that the Devil was willing to be driven away upon these terms , that he might confirm the blinde Papists in the Coblers Faith , that is cobled up of Pride and Ignorance ; Pride in their great ones , that think they have so much faith and grace to spare ; and Ignorance in their mean ones , that are so silly , as to think they may borrow , or buy of others for love or money , what they want themselves . And therefore Mat. 25.9 . as the five foolish Virgins they are sent to buy oyl for themselves of them that sell it . Some conceive those words [ Go ye rather , and buy ] to be , not an Exhortation , but a Derision of foolish people , that think they may buy the Oyl of Grace , of others . As if a true Christian in the day of Judgement , should say to an obstinate Papist , ( then , when he is glad to lay hold on the skirt of a Christian , and say , O let me go along with you , and appear where you appear ) No , we must look to our selves , go your way to your Bishops and Priests , and purchase your Pardons and Indulgences from them , and see if they can save you from the wrath of the Lamb , we cannot help you ; every man must live by his own faith . Ezek. 18. as the soul that sins shall die the death ; so the soul onely that believes , shall live this Spiritual and Eternal Life .

2. This reproves such carnal Professors , as have no other faith , Of them that pin their faith on others . but what is pinn'd upon other mens sleeves . Ask them , why they are of his Faith and Religion , rather then any other , they can give no sound reason from the Word of God , but rather from Tradition ; they received it by Tradition from their Elders ; their Fathers , and Forefathers were of that Religion before them , and therefore they will be so too . Others it may be are profane , and irreligious themselves , but they hope God will shew them favour for their friends sake . It may be their Father or Mother , or some in the family , are eminent in the faith , and they hope they shall fare the better for their sake , and that they shall slip into heaven under their wing , or by taking hold on their skirts . Certainly , there may be a carnal confidence in spiritual friends ; Zech. 7. therefore the Apostle saith by way of prevention , 2 Cor. 5.16 . Henceforth know we no man after the flesh ; yea , though we have known Christ after the flesh , yet now henceforth know we him no more . Alas , it will be little comfort to a man that he hath kinred in Christ after the flesh , that he hath been in his company many a time and oft , and heard him preach , and shewed some respect unto him ; and yet this is that which wicked men do bear up themselves withall , insomuch that they shall with much confidence plead it to Christs own face at the day of Judgement , Luk. 13.26 . Then shall ye begin to say , We have eaten , and drunk in thy presence , and thou hast taught in our streets , &c. but what is Christs answer ? I tell you , I know you not whence you are ; depart from me ye workers of iniquity . But assure we our selves , Satan will not onely delude wicked men with carnal knowledge of Christ , but with a carnal and common knowledge of their Christian friends : They shall bolster themselves up in this , my Father , or my Grandfather were eminent Professors of the faith , and therefore I doubt not but I shall crowd into heaven in their company . The Jews boasted much of Abrahams faith ( who was their father ) and so of Isaac , and Jacob , and of the Prophets , surely they had a strong presumption that they should fare the better in the last day for their sakes : and therefore Christ to take away their carnal confidence , tells them plainly , Luke 13.28 . There shall be weeping , and gnashing of teeth , when they shall see Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob , and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of God , and they themselves thrust out . O many a wicked Wife , Son , &c. shall see his glorified Father , Husband , &c. but little enough to their comfort then : there shall be two in one bed , the one shall be taken , and the other left ; the one shall go to heaven , the other to hell . Why so ? The one was a believer , the other an unbeliever . And look as the unbelievers infidelity cannot prejudice the believer ; so the believers faith faith cannot priviledge the unbeliever . Every man shall then stand upon his own bottome , whether he hath built upon the rock , or upon the sands . And therefore as it was wittily said of Non-residents , He that serves his place by a Curate , must go to heaven by a Curate : so we may say truly and seriously in this case , He that believes onely by another , must onely go to heaven by another : for he shall never come there himself , unless himself believes ; for the just shall live by his faith .

2 Use . If every one must have faith of his own , then every one should have a Minister of his own ; Instruction . for that 's the usual way of begetting and increasing faith , Rom. 10.17 . Faith cometh by hearing , and hearing by the word of God . I confess God may sometime bless the Ministery of a stranger : but that which God delights to work by most commonly , and most effectually , is a Minister of our own . Heb. 13.17 . Submit to them that have the rule over you ; for they watch for your souls , as they that must give account . Every soul then should have a Watchman . Think seriously what answers they will be , Note . when God asks three Questions on the sick-bed , and you need spiritual help and comfort : 1. Why do ye not send for the Minister ? according to Jam. 5.14 If any be sick , let him send for the Elders of the Church , and they pray for him . And you answer , Lord , we have none of our own . 2. Why no Minister ? according to that in Heb. 13.17 . Answer , We were not able to maintain one , unless he would vow perpetual single life . 3. And then God asks , Are you not able to expend twice , thrice as much in things less necessary for feeding or clothing the body in one moneth or week , than you should in a whole year to your Minister ? And you feign to answer , I 'll beg mercy of God : At what time soever a sinner repents , he shall finde mercy . When alas , that answer is not Scripture , but coyn'd . This is Scripture , Prov. 1.28 . When distress and anguish cometh upon you , then shall they call upon me , but I will not answer : they shall seek me early , but shall not finde me , for that they hated knowledge , and did not choose the fear of the Lord .

3 Use . It exhorts us to prove our own selves , and so to prove our own faith . 2 Cor. 13.5 . Examine your selves , Exhortation . whether you be in the faith ; prove your selves . We will examine our gold and silver , and if we suspect it , we will not take a piece , but we 'll bring it to the ballance and touchstone : and why so ? because we are like to have an interest in it , it is like to be our own , we are like to be the gainers or losers by it , or else we would not take so much pains about . And shall we not try our own faith , whether false , or counterfeit ? Yet this is a common fault , we are more busied about other mens matters then our own , as Peter said , Joh. 21. Lord , what shall this man do ? or what do you think of such a man ? is he right ? and all this while it may be we are strangers at home . As the Lapwing draws the traveller as far as she can from her Nest : so the Devil draws men as far as he can from the examining their own faith , he fills their heads full of curiosity , either in matters of opinion , in stead of matters of Faith and Life , and living by faith ; or if they be busied about matters of practice , then to be more curious about other men , than to make inquiry into our own condition . But the truth is , we shall never have comfort in such a way ; if ever we would have sound comfort , we must prove our selves , our own faith , our own works . Gal. 6.4 , 5. Let every man prove his own work , so shall he have rejoycing in himself , and not in another .

QUESTION VI. When and how long the just lives by Faith ?

ANswer , All his time , and at all times . Therefore no time is specified ( to include all . ) Now this Question is double : 1. When ? 2. How long ? When ] hath respect to the season . How long ] to the continuance .

The season hath respect either 1. To the Parts ; or 2. Adjuncts of time . The Parts of time are three ; viz. Past , Present , and To come . The Adjuncts are especially two , Prosperity , and Adversity : whence dayes are said to be good or evil dayes , 1 Pet. 3.10 . Not as if there were any inherent good or evil in one time more than in another , simply considered . But onely as sin and misery makes them so . Now in all these seasons , the just lives by his faith , all his life , and in every part of his life .

1. Parts of Time . And , first for the Parts of time , Past , Present , to Come .

Time past . 1. He lives by faith in respect of Time past . Though a natural man makes little or no use of time past , but looks at it as lost , that which death possesseth ; unless sometime vainly wishing , O mihi praeteritos referat , &c. O that I had my time before me again ! or , O that I were young again ! Yet a good man makes good use of time past , and faith lives upon that which God hath done long before , or enabled is to do in our dependance upon him . Faith gathers ground upon God , by such like Arguments as these : 1. For himself . I know God loved me in times past ; therefore sutely he loves me still . Jer. 31.3 . The Lord hath appeared to me of old , saying , Yea , with an everlasting love have I loved thee , &c. He did good to me in time past , therefore he will do good to me again . Psal. 77.5 . I have considered the dayes of old — Will the Lord cast off for ever — I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High . Psal. 71.5 , 6 , &c. Thou art my hope , O Lord , from my youth , &c. 2. For the Church . Isa. 51.9 . Awake , awake , O arm of the Lord , awake as in the ancient dayes , in the generations of old , &c. As if he had said , Thy power is everlasting , and thy Covenant is everlasting , that 's the same for ever : Ergo. Thus faith puts life in the soul , by laying hold on time past . Though times change , Mal. 3 , 6. yet God changeth not .

2. For Time Present . Thus Faith lives upon God : Time Present . 1. In asking daily bread , and all other necessaries , because God promiseth to be the God of his people at all times , and in all places for ever . Heb. 13.5 . Phil. 4.11 . 2. In being content with the present condition , and believing that present dispensations are for our good . Thus 1 Cor. 3. — Present things are said to be ours . Faith tells a man , whatsoever is done in the course of Providence in Heaven or Earth , it is ours , and for our good . Whereas unbelievers are never content with the present , but alwayes Wishers and Woulders .

3. For Time to Come . Time Future . All that God will ever do ( and that is much ) all shall be for our good , come what can come . Faith sayes , My Father sits at the stern ▪ and guides all . Unbelievers , though well for the present , are ever distrustfully careful for the morrow , next day , next year ; O what shall become of me and mine ! But the believer lives by his faith . Gen. 17. I will be thy God , and the God of thy seed after thee . Heb. 13. — I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee .

Thus he lives by faith in the several parts of Time , past , present , and to come . And faith in the one , strengthens faith in the other : 2 Cor. 1.10 . Who hath delivered us , and doth deliver , in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us .

Secondly , for the Adjuncts of time ; Prosperity , 2. Adjuncts of Time . and Adversity , good and evil dayes , one or other . Psal. 62.8 . Trust in him at all times , ye people — God is a refuge for us .

1. Faith in time of Prosperity . 1. For Prosperity . And as touching it , we shall observe how the just lives by faith ; 1. In obtaining : 2. In using : 3. In parting with a prosperous condition .

1. In seeking it . 1. He lives by faith in obtaining Prosperity : For , faith both directs a man in the right order of seeking it ; viz. By seeking the kingdome of God , and the righteousness of it in the first place , and then expecting all other things to be added , Mat. 6. Mat. 6.33 . And they are the best riches , that are thus got by way of consequence . While the unbeliever hastes to be rich , O cives , cives , &c. and hath an evil eye ( Prov. 28.22 ) and cries , Money , money before all . And faith also directs a right measure and moderation of Spirit , in seeking . Prov. 30.8 , 9. Give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed me with food convenient for me ; making us willing to be at Gods carving . And moreover , in the right means , as giving understanding out of the Word , to hate every false way , Psal. 119.128 . not as the unbeliever , who lives by his wits , not by his faith . First , Negatively ; Faith seeks not Prosperity either by Vsury , Prov. ●8 . 8 . or by Cheating , 1 Thess. 4.6 . or by Gaming , Prov. 13.11 . [ Which Gaming , besides it hath no blessing , is also the occasion of many sins , as Covetousness , Anger , Blasphemy , &c. and believe it , such sport will bring down judgement in earnest . ] Secondly , Affirmatively ; Faith directs to seek Prosperity : 1. By Diligence in our Calling . Prov. 10.4 . The hand of the diligent maketh rich . 2. By not trusting to our diligence , but Gods promise to the diligent : Prov. 10 22. The blessing of the Lord , it maketh rich . Not sacrificing to our own Net , but acknowledging with the Psalmist , that unless the Lord build the house , they labour in vain that build it , &c. Psal. 127.1 .

2. In using it . 2. He lives by faith in the using of Prosperity . As 1. with an humble diffidence in our selves and the creature , lest when we are full of the world , full of our selves , by pride and security ; and self-confidence , Prov 30 9. we should forget God . The Moon at the full is furthest from the Sun , and in greatest danger of Eclipse , because the earth is then between . Wherefore faith applies that Caveat , Psal. 62.10 . When riches increase , set not your heart on them . 2. With an holy confidence in God , when we have most , as if still as poor as Job , 1 Tim. 6.17 . Charge the rich , that they trust not in uncertain riches , but in the living God , &c. Faith applies that charge . It then crucifies a man to the world , when he is full of the world . 3. In not serving himself , or his lusts , but serving God in his good estate . So did Job , by the Devils own confession , when he said , Doth Job serve God for nought ? Job 1.10 . To be rich in good works , is made the right use of riches : 1 Tim. 6. Honour the Lord with thy substance ; that 's the Command , Prov. 3.9 . An unbeliever sayes , May I not do what I will with my own , & c ? He remembers not , that what he hath is Gods , and himself but a steward : therefore he serves himself , and makes provision for the flesh , Rom. 13. to satisfie the lusts of pride , of drunkenness , of uncleanness , &c. When I fed them to the full , they were as fed horses , ( Jer. 5.7 . ) A full-fed horse that lifts up his heel against his Master , is unworthy of his provender . But ordinarily , this poor creature is more loving to his Master , then men to God ; according to that complaint , Isa. 1.2 . Lastly , in laying his goods out to spiritual advantages ; so making friends of enemies ( for ordinarily no greater enemy to our salvation , than these things ) friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness , Luke 16 9. So to lay out , is to lay up against a time of need , not onely in the world to come , but in this world . Eccles. 11.2 . Give a portion to seven , and also to eight , for thou knowest not what evil shall be on the earth : Contrary to the reasoning of an unbeliever , or churlish N●bal .

3. As he lives by faith in obtaining and using , 3. In parting wi●h it . so in being willing to part with a prosperous condition . He that in prosperity terminates his desire in the creature , lives by sense : But he that terminates his desire in God , lives by faith . For as we must rejoyce in God when we have no Creature-comforts , ( as Hab. chap 3.17 . ) so when we have all manner of Creature-comforts . We are by faith to set loose from the world , when we have most of it ; as a passenger that stayes but for a fair wind , and then he is willing to let loose from the shore , and hoyse up sail into the Main ; if God give a fair call , willing to leave all : as Job , chap 2. and those Christians , Heb. 10.34 . — that suffered joyfully the spoiling of their goods ; or the faithful Priests and Levites , that left their suburbs and possessessions , to go to Jerusalem from the Idolatry of Jeroboam , 2 Chron. 11.13 , 14. The natural man , when he hath abundance , sayes he hath something to trust to ; Soul , eat , drink , aad be merry , thou hast much good laid up for many years , &c. as the rich fool , Luke 12. 'T is dangerous to live upon the creature : For Jer. 17.5 . Cursed be that man that maketh flesh his arm , &c.

By the way , let this Reprove all those that live not by faith in prosperity ; whether in getting ; or using , or parting with it . We think we stand in much need of faith in adversity , to live in troubles ; but never think how we may live by it in prosperity : whereas indeed this is the harder of the two . There is danger in both , ( supposing our vile and corrupt nature ) and therefore it was a holy prayer of an holy man , Prov. 30. to have neither poverty nor riches . But there is most danger in prosperity . It hath slain its ten thousands , as was said of David in the Song . The prosperity of fools slayes them , Prov 1. last . Whereas adversity sometimes saves them . So David , Psal. 119 It was good for me that I was afflicted : Periissem , nisi periissem , as he said . Therefore you have the need of faith in prosperity so pressed : Deut. 8.10 , 11 When thou art full , take heed , &c.

2. It were good also hence to examine our selves , whether we live by faith , by considering what we do about our prosperity , according to the Particulars spoken of , in getting , using , and being willing to part with our Estates .

But so much for the first Adjunct of Time ; viz. Prosperity .

Now let us see how a believer lives by faith in Adversity . Things adverse , fall out either 1. In time of Life : 2. Faith in time of adversity . or 2. In Death : He lives by Faith in respect to either .

First , in time of Life . I Branch . In Life .

And this is principally meant here , where this great Oracle of our Faith , or living by faith is delivered . The people being in great distress by means of Babylon , the Prophet upon his Watch-tower , expostulates the case with God : God answers , He will deliver them , but not yet . — The vision is for an appointed time . Obj. But how shall they be able to subsist in the mean time ? A. The Lord by the Prophet answers , That , the proud person will scorn to to wait upon the Lord so long . — His soul that is lifted up : and withdraws it self to false refuges ; yea , But the just shall live by his faith in these evil times , and in the midst of greatest discouragements .

For the further clearing of this , we shall let see , 1. That it is so , The just does then live by his faith . 2. In what things living by faith then consists . 3. In what manner he does it . 4. By what means : and then apply it .

First , That the just does live by faith in the Adversity which happens in this life , we have the example of Paul , Gal. 2.20 . Though the Apostle was crucified with Christ , i.e. partaker of his sufferings , Nevertheless , I live , sayes he : he is also partaker of the life of Christ . Moses , Heb. 11. ●4 , 25. by faith chose afflictions , rather than the pleasure of sin . David , 1 Sam. 30.6 . under heavy affliction and adversity , comforted himself in his God . See for all , Psal. 119.50 . This is my comfort in my affliction : for thy word hath quickned me .

Secondly , In what things he lives by Faith in Adversity . Ans. 1. In relation to inward troubles , Ans. 1. In relation to inward Troubles . he lives by faith under Corruptions , Tentations , Desertions . 1. Instance of the life of faith under Corruptions , you have in the Church : Mic. 7.19 . He will subdue our iniquities , and thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea . And in Paul , Rom. 7. — O wretched man that I am , &c. yet , I thank my God through Jesus Christ my Lord . He puts up head from under water as it were . 2. For Faith under Temptations , see 1 Pet. 5.8 . Whom ( ie . Satan ) resist , stedfast in the faith . Fairh can resist him . Besides , faith sees the devil chain'd up , ( 2 Pet. 2.4 . ) that he cannot tempt whom , when , how far , how long he willeth . Clear instance in Job's case , Chap. 1.10 . 3. Under Desertions also : For though Communion with God may be debarr'd for a time , yet Vnion is unchangable ( Heb. 13.5 , 6. ) I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee : So that we may boldly say , The Lord is my helper , &c. And that 1. On Gods part , Rom. 5.10 . If when we were enemies , we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son , much more being reconciled , we shall be saved by his life . Therefore he that sits in darkness , and sees no light ( as it is Isa. 50. last ) hath encouragement to trust in the Name of the Lord . See how David stayes his heart in this case , Psal. 42.5 . Why art thou sad , O my soul ; put thy trust in God , I shall yet praise him , &c. 2. The Union is unchangeable on our parts too : For God hath promised , Jer. 32.40 . to put his fear in our hearts , that we shall not depart from him , as he will not from us . Wherefore the Apostle sayes , 1 Joh. 3.9 . He that is born of God cannot sin , ( i.e. utterly ) because the seed of God remaineth in him . 3. On the enemies part also , as to any thing they can do to break it . Rom. 8.35 . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? shall tribulation , or distress , or famine , or nakedness , or peril , or sword ? &c.

2. In relation to outward Troubles : 2. In outward troubles . he lives the life of faith , both in respect of the Troubles themselves , and the effects of those troubles .

The troubles themselves may be considered : 1. As in the Body . And here are sicknesses and infirmities . In these he lives by faith , as acknowledging them the effect of his sin , Lam 3.39 , 40 , and therefore is stirred up to search and try his wayes ; and then with David , to cry to the Lord for healing : Psal. 41.4 . Heal my soul , for I have sinned against thee . The touch of faith can heal . The prayer of Faith and Hezekiah , Isa 38. The prayer of faith saves the sick , Jam 5. 2. Or in the Estate ; and here are losses , and crosses , and wants . Faith in the loss of goods , apprehends a better and more enduring substance , Heb. 10.34 . In the loss of Friends , Faith sayes , Yet my God lives ; if a Husband . Yet my Husband Christ lives ; if a Father , Yet the faithful can say , Our Father which art Heaven ; if Children , David you see could comfort himself in the loss of his Childe , 2 Sam. 12.23 .

Obj. Yea , and so could I , if I were assured of their good estate .

Ans. However , thou mayest have comfort by vertue of these general promises : Psal. 25.10 . All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth , to such as keep his Covenant . And Rom. 8.28 . We know that all things work together for good to those that fear God . 3. In Name : and here are reproaches , lies , slanders , &c. You have a large instance of faith , bearing up against such evils , Heb. 10.33 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38. 4 In Doubtful actions . Here faith hath a promise ; Psal. 37.5 . Commit thy way to the Lord , and he shall bring thy desire to pass . 5. Or in Opposition of Enemies ; whether 1. Wicked men , Psal. 3.6 . Or 2. Satan , 1 Pet 5.8 . Or 3. The World , 1 Joh. 5.4 . 6. Lastly , troubles may arise from the Displeasure of Friends . Faith also overcomes these : Jacob's faith his Brother Esau's anger , Gen. 32. Moses faith , the wrath of Pharaoh , Heb. 11.27 . Daniels faith made him fearless of the Kings Decree , Dan. 6.10 .

So for the Troubles themselves . 2. The just lives by faith also in the effects of outward Troubles ; and that either 1. In themselves ; whence arises Passion : or 2. Towards others ; whence arises Compassion .

Faith in Passions . First , he lives by faith in those disquieting Passions and affections , which outward troubles stirre up in the soul : which are especially three ; Fear , Sorrow , Care . Fear is stirred up from the apprehension of imminent evils : Sorrow , from the feeling of present evils : and Care , from both ; viz. to prevent , if the evils be imminent ; to bear , or remove , if present . Now a Christian lives by faith in all these .

1. Of Fear . 1. In his Fears . Fear is a strong Passion ; it makes sometimes the very life hang in suspense . See Deut. 28.66 . Peter on the water cryes out for fear , Save , Master , I perish . Now , What time I am afraid , sayes David , I will trust in thee , Psal. 56.3 . So Jehosaphats fear drove him to God : 2 Chron. 20. — He feared , and proclaimed a fast ; and cryed , Lord , we know not what to do , but our eyes are up unto thee . But this may be the case of David and Jehosaphat onely , and such eminent Saints . No : for 't is said of any faithful man , Psal. 112. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings ; How so ? — his heart is fixed , trusting in the Lord . Whereas a carnal man , sometimes he is killed with the very fear ; Dan. 5. as Belshazzar , his fear strikes him to the very heart at first : But a believer presently looks at both Command and Promise , Isa. 8.12 , 13. Fear ye not their fear , nor be afraid , but sanctifie the Lord in your heart ; let him be your fear and your dread , and he shall be for a Sanctuary , &c.

2. Of Sorrow . 2. In Sorrows . Though a believer puts not off natural affection , yet he does not sorrow as those without faith , — without hope , 1 Thess. 4.13 . But according to that of the Apostle in another place , 2 Cor. 6.10 . He is as sorrowful , yet alwayes reioycing . — Rejoycing in hope , Rom. 5.2 . even before the evil be removed : ver 3. — We glory in tribulations , &c.

3. In Cares . Whereas a carnal man is eaten up of cares ; 3. Of Care . cares choak the seed of the Word in him : Faith teacheth a Christian to cast all his cares upon God , 1 Pet. 5.7 . viz 1. By looking to the Promise : Heb. 13.5 . He hath said , I will never leave thee nor forsake thee . 2. By making his request known , Phil 4 6. 3. By doing his duty , and leaving the success to God : Psal. 37.5 . Commit thy way to the Lord ; he shall do it . What is begun in his strength , trust him with the end and issue . 4. In making God his portion in want of all things : Psal. 16.2 . O my soul , thou hast said to the Lord , Thou art my Lord . See there how a believing soul acts faith in the worst hours , even when the grave and hell is apprehended , ibid. v. 9 , 10. Yet then , O my soul , though hast said unto the Lord , Thou art my portion . My good extends not unto thee ; yea , but thy goodness extends to me . Mark : my goodness extends not to thee — if I had all the world . ( For magis and minus make no difference . ) Yea , but thy goodness extends to me , if I had nothing in the world . There is virtually in God , whatsoever is in all Creatures : So that God can nourish without meat , as well as with it ; warm without clothes , &c. Therefore God is a sufficient portion of himself , And faith believing this , can chearfully embrace Christ and Reproach , Christ and a Prison Christ and Poverty , Christ and Death . Thus the soul lives by faith in adversity , as having nothing , 2 Cor. 6. and yet possessing all things .

Secondly , Faith in Compassions . He lives by faith in the effect of our own trouble towards others , and that is Compassion . Faith tells us , this is one main end of our sufferings , that we may pity others : 1. In Soul straits . One that knows what belongs to a wounded Spirit , cannot but pity : Pro. 18.14 . Other infirmities a mans own Spirit can sustain , but a wounded Spirit who can bear ? 'T is a true saying , ( besides reading , meditation , and prayer ) Temptation makes a good Divine . Therefore such an one is set out as meetly qualified for a High Priest — who can have compassion on the ignorant , and on them that are out of the way , for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity , Heb. 5.2 . And also 2. In outward troubles ; as sickness , poverty , banishment , and the like . One that hath been in them , knows the better to pity others : Exod. 23.9 Ye know the heart of a stranger , seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt . 2 Cor. 1.4 . We are comforted in our tribulations , that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble , by the comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of God .

Quest. How does the just live by faith in point of Compassion ?

Ans. Divers wayes : 1. In observing the Precept unto it : 1 Pet. 3.8 . Have compassion one of another ; love as brethren ; be pitiful ; be courteous . 2. In heeding the threatning of judgement without mercy ( Jam. 2.10 ) to them that shew no mercy . 3. In eying the Promise , Mat. 5.7 . Blessed are the merciful , for they shall obtain mercy . And Prov. 19.17 . He that hath pity on the poor , lendeth to the Lord , and he will repay him again : And saith Christ , With the same measure that you mete , shall it be measured to you again , &c. Luke 6.38 . * * And here I cannot but give you of this place thanks for your liberality to the poor , the stranger , the fatherless , and widows , for the many bowels refreshed by you , &c. And these are the things which the just lives by faith in concerning adversity .

Thirdly , We come to enquire , in what manner he lives by faith in troubles ? or in what particular passages of Providence . And here are these things observable :

Ans. Manner of living by faith in troubles . 1. That he does it , 1. In preventing the storm : So 2 Kings 19.6 . upon Hezekiahs prayer of faith , the storm of Sennacheribs invasion was driven back . And Jon. 3. the Ninevites believing God , drave back that storm threatned by Jonah . Nor Devils nor Witches have any power over a man , if he believes ; therefore Christ to Peter , Luk. 22.32 . Simon , Simon , Satan hath desired to have you , that he may winnow you as wheat ; but I have prayed for thee , that thy faith fail not : as if he had said , So long as Faith holds out , Satan hath no power , whom therefore resist , stedfast in the faith , 1 Pet. 5.

2. In looking at God Ordaining all troubles ; sc. 1. That every man must look for some , Rom 8.29 . where speaking of sufferings , he sayes , We were predestinate to be conformable to the image of his Son . 2. What and how many every man shall have . Faith sees the Cup in a Fathers hand : Thou couldst have no power , unless it were givon thee from above , said Christ to Pilate .

3. In looking at God Ordering and Disposing all things in middest of Confusion . Joseph his selling , imprisoning , and exalting again , all was by Gods disposing ▪ though the instruments knew it not . Phil. 1.12 . Paul tells them , that the things which happened to him , seemingly as a stoppage , in truth made for a furtherance of the Gospel . And Rom. 8.28 . We know that all things work together for good , to them that love God .

4. In seeing God Bounding and Limiting troubles , as in Jobs case , Chap. 2. When affliction breaks in as the sea , Faith hears God say , Huc usque ; Hitherto , and no further , shall thy proud waves come : Isa. 10 22. The consumption determined , shall overflow in righteousness . And so again , Isa. 27.7 , 8. In measure thou wilt debate with it : He will stay his rough wind in the day of the east wind .

5. In seeing Gods Protection ; that however the storm comes to fall upon us , yet he is so merciful , as to hold his holy hand of protection over us . Yea , Psal. 91.4 . He shall cover thee with his feathers , and under his wings shalt thou trust , his truth shall be thy shield and buckler .

6. In Supporting , or seeing Gods Support ; that however the storm comes and falls upon us without any shelter , yet God is merciful in giving sufficient strength to bear it : 1 Cor. 10.13 . God is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able , but will with the temptation make a way to escape , that you may be able to bear . It is many times a wonder , nay a Miracle , to see how God supports his people , when they cannot get off the trouble , yet making them hear , My grace is sufficient for thee , viz. my grace applied by faith .

7. In Sanctifying troubles : Rev. 7.17 . There , they that came out of great tribulations , washed their robes , and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. There is a malignity in all afflictions ; but faith in Christ crucified , takes away that malignity and venomous sting ? Isa. 27 9. This is all the fruit ( of those troubles ) To purge away their sin .

8. In Saving and Delivering , or fitting the soul for deliverance ; that howsoever troubles lie on a great while , the Lord will send help in due time : Therefore God is styled , A present help in time of trouble , Psal. 46. And although many be the troubles of the righteous , yet the Lord delivers them out of all , as it is Psal. 34.19 . Wherefore it is noted , that it was by faith , that Israel was delivered out of Egypt , when they passed through the Red sea , Heb. 11.29 .

9. In Sanctifying Deliverance : Luke 1.74 , 75. Who hath delivered us out of the hands of our enemies , that we might serve him , in holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our lives .

Now further : By what means does the just live by faith in the troubles of this life ?

Ans. Means of living by faith in troubles . Ans. First , in weighing spiritual mercies against temporal evils . 1 Sam. 30.6 . David ready to be stoned , comforted himself in the Lord his God . The Lord himself propounds a spiritual mercy against a temporal evil , to sustain his people under it . Isa 30.20 . Though the Lord give you the bread of affliction , and the water of affliction , yet shall not thy Teachers be removed into a corner . The Apostle make use of such a support , 2 Cor. 4.16 , 17. For this cause we faint not ; for though our outward man perish , our inward man is renewed day by day .

2. In making the soul to rest upon the naked Word of God , though it be against ordinary reason . So Abraham , Rom. 4.17 . Believed in hope against hope — according to what was spoken , so shall thy seed be . In hope of Faith , against hope of Reason . Thus by faith we believe the Creation of the World by the bare Word of God , without precedent matter , Heb. 11.3 . Faith looks up to the promise . Isa. 43.1 , 2. — When thou passest through the waters ; I will be with thee ; and through the rivers , they shall not overflow thee . when thou walkest through the fire , thou shalt not be burnt , &c.

3. In enabling the soul to relye on Gods Attributes , which make good his Word and Promise . As 1. His Power , Gen. 17.1 . I am God Almighty , walk before me , and be thou perfect . 2. His Truth , ( and this binds him , as Power enables him to help ) Psal. 31.5 . Into thy hands I commit my Spirit — O Lord God of Truth . Heb. 11.11 . Sarah believed him faithful who had promised . 3. His Love , to help , and even to prevent , as the Prodigal's father ran to meet his son afar off . Isa. 65.24 . Yea , before they call , I will answer ; and while they are yet speaking , I will hear . See Psal. 32.5 . 4 His Vnchangeableness . Jam. 1.17 . with whom there is no shadow of change .

4. In making the absent good to be present . Faith looks beyond the clouds and skies , and seek all clear above . Moses , Heb. 11.25 , &c. looks through the affliction and reproach of Christ , and sees the recompence of reward . We rejoyce ( now ) saith the Apostle , in hope of glory , Rom. 5.2 . So faith sees the after-good of the Church as present , Revel. 18.2 . Babylon , as good as fallen above a thousand years before .

5. In strengthning Patience . Therefore Faith and Patience are joyned together . So Heb. 10.35 , 36 , 37. Cast not away your confidence , which hath great recompence of reward : For , you have need of patience , that when you have done the will of God , you may inherit the promise . Now by patience we possess our souls ; through it , all is calm within , while storms are without . A wounded conscience within , is worse then the outward burthen ; like a sore back to the horse : But faith heals this sore , giving us peace with God , and so enables to bear the outward burthen , the inward burthen being removed . As for this , it casts all the burthen of its cares , fears and sorrows , upon God ; and so is quiet . And thus much for the Life of Faith in those Adversities which happen in the course of our Life .

Now see how he lives the Life of Faith in Death .

II Branch Of Adversity , viz. Faith in death A believer lives by faith in Death . Faith is a godly mans life at the time of his death ; as it appears by the living speeches of dying men . David , Psal. 23. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death , I will fear no evil : Simeon , Luke 2. Lord , now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace .

The Cloud of Witnesses , Heb. 11. All these died in faith , v 13.

Reasons . 1. 1. They died in faith , because they believed the accomplishment of promises to be fulfilled after death : as in the same place , Heb. 11.13 . — not having received the promises , but seeing them afar off , and perswaded of them . Believers dye in faith , 1. For their Posterity ; as in the examples of Isaac and Jacob , Heb. 11.20 , 21. who , because God had promised to be the God of their seed , when they were dying , applied it to their posterity , and blessed them concerning things to come . 2. For the Church , believing that God will make it a praise in the earth , Isa. 67.2 . 3. For Themselves , when they go down to the waves of hell and the grave ; they see land afar off . Stephen , ready to be stoned , Behold , sayes he , I see heaven opened , and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God , Acts 7.56 Stephen sees heaven opened to receive him . And Job , chap. 19.25 . I know my Redeemer lives — and though after my skin , worms destroy this body , yet in my flesh I shall s●e God . Moses likewise , in the hazarding of himself in Egypt , had respect to the resurrection of his name and body , and the recompence of reward , Heb. 11.26 . The Saints ( like Moses upon the top of Mount Nebo , Deut. 34.1 . ) take a view of Canaan by faith , and then they are willing to dye . See Paul for further instance , 2 Cor. 5. from v. 1. to 9.

2. Believers dye in faith , because they see it a Conquer'd enemy . Death , saith the Apostle , is swallowed up in victory , by Christ . Hos. 13.13 . O death , I will be thy plagues ; O grave , I will be thy destruction . 'T is part of Christs victory to conquer Death : 1. By conquering the devil , that had the power of death . 2. Our fear of death , See Heb. 2.14 , 15.

3. They see the sting of death pull'd out ; so conquered , as disarmed . 1 Cor. 15.55 . O death , where is thy sting ! — The sting of death is sin — But thanks be to God , who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ .

4. They see it , not onely a conquered and disarmed enemy , but made their servant . All things are yours , saith the Apostle to believers , 1 Cor. 3.21 ▪ 22. as Paul , or Apollo , or Cephas are yours , so death is yours , sayes he . As you are under God , that is under you .

5. Nay , they see it as a Friend . 1. In freeing them from the miseries of this life : 2. In being their Porter or Usher into eternal life . There are five Concomitants of this life which make it troublesome , and Death befriends the Saints in them all , by taking them away from them .

There is , 1. The sinfulness of their Natures , which makes them cry out with Paul , O wretched man ▪ that I am , who shall deliver , & c ? 2. There is the vanity of the Creature , a sore evil . For here , Omnia vanitas , All is vanity . 3. The Wickedness of the World , that constrains the Saints many times to complain with David , Psal. 120.5 . Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech , &c. 4. There are also Gods judgements upon the world . In which respect death makes the godly happy : for as 't is Isa. 57.1 , 2. — they are taken away from the evil to come ; they rest in their beds , &c. 5. The last evil Concomitant is , the believers distance from Christ : 2 Cor. 5.6 . while we are at home in the body , we are absent from the Lord : therefore we desire , sayes he , to be absent from the body , and present with the Lord .

6. Death is not onely chang'd to a believer , but faith in death is seen also by altering our judgements concerning death . The natural face of death is terrible to Nature , and fear'd : but faith sees it with desire . Paul and Simeon can say , I desire to be dissolv'd . Christ hath not onely conquered death for his , but the fear of death , as was said before , Heb. 2.14 .

And this resolves the second part of the Question , How long a believer is to live by his faith : and that is , All his life long , till death , and then in death : Therefore 't is said , Rev. 2.10 . Be thou faithful unto death , and I will give thee the crown of life . And Gal. 2.20 . I live , saith Paul ( all the while I live ) by the faith of the Son of God , &c. Hence the word of the Text is put in the Future tense , [ The just shall live by his faith ] to signifie the perpetuity of this life of faith . As long as we live , we must live by faith .

But no longer . And therefore though Faith is excellent in some respect ; yet Love is more excellent in another , viz. in regard of durance . 1 Cor. 13.8 . to the end , 't is said there , Love never faileth . But knowledge , and means of knowledge , shall cease , and faith shall cease , but Charity never . And therefore though Faith is * * above before Charity in the first apprehension of Christ ; yet Charity is above Faith in the everlasting enjoyment of Christ , and the society of true Christians , However , Faith is of excellent use all ou● life long ; till we come to a perfect vision , we live by faith ( 2 Cor. 5.7 . ) But no longer ; for we need it no longer : As a man that sends home a friend wi●h a candle and lanthorn in a dark night , commands the messenger to light him to his own door , and then to return again : for 't is supposed he hath more light in his own house , than the lathorn could afford . Such a charge God gives to his Word , ( and to faith the lanthorn-bearer ) Psal. 119.105 . Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet , and a light unto my paths : Go , give such a man light until he come to Heaven , and leave him there . Or , as God gave Commission to the Angel , Acts 12. to awaken Peter , and to shake off his chain , to clothe him with garments , to open the gates , to lead him through the first and second Ward : and when he had done so , forthwith the Angel departed from him . Just so , Faith is like this Angel ; it awakens us out of the the sleep of sin , shakes off the chains of Satan , clothes us with the righteousness of Christ , opens the door of the ear and heart , leads us through the first and second Ward of all oppositions and temptations , yea through the iron gate of death it self , and then it leaves us . Or as the Pillar of the Cloud and fire went along with the Israelites al●●●e way of the Wilderness ( and a very comfortable companion it was , indeed the very Angel of God's presence : ) But when it once came to Canaan , then it left them , they saw it no more . So Faith is a sweet companion , to direct us in a right way in the wilderness of this life , till we come to the Celestial Canaan , that flows with the milk and honey of Gods Beatifical Presence ; and then it leaves us , because then we shall have in possession what before we did hope for , and apprehend by faith . Thus see how long we live by faith : as the Stars give light till the Sun ariseth ; so Faith , till Christ , the Sun of Righteousness shines bright in Heaven . A man hath no use of a Ship or Boat any longer than he is at Sea ; when he once comes to the Haven , it will carry him no further ; if he will have it any further , he must carry it , it will not carry him : So faith carries a man upon the waters of this troublesome world , till we come to the haven of Eternal Happiness , and then there is no further use of it . In the mean-while , make much of it , and take heed above all things , that thou make not shipwrack of faith . 1 Tim. 1.19 . To conclude , Faith is a Christians Companion all along : it saith to the Soul , as Ruth to her Mother , Ruth 1.16 , 17. — Whither thou goest , I will go ; and where thou lodgest , I will lodge ; where thou diest , will I die , and there will I be buried .

Now for the Use of this sixth Head of the Life of Faith .

See from hence the Excellency of Faith , as it triumphs over death , and all other Adversity .

Discovery of the excellency of Faith . 1. It triumphs over Death : It is a Conqueror over Conquerors ; and therefore makes us more then Conquerors , through Jesus Christ that hath loved us , Rom. 8.37 . Faith is sure of victory before-hand . Nay , though we are overcome in some respect , we overcome those that overcome us in other respects . Even those that have power to put us to death , we may overcome them by dying . Rev. 12.11 . And they ●vercame him ( the Dragon ) by the blood of the Lamb , and by the word of their Testimony ; and they loved not their lives unto the death .

2. Here 's also the Excellency of Faith : A Christian lives by it in time of all adversity . When all other comforts dye , this lives . 'T is like the Laurel , it flourishes in winter , when all other Trees cast their leaves . 'T is like Noah's Ark , it lifts a man above the floods of many waters , when others sink into the gulf of despair . And indeed , it was not so much the Ark of Noah , as the Faith of Noah , that bare him above the waters . Heb. 11.7 . By faith Noah — prepared an Ark , to the saving of his house , &c. All other men in the floods of adversity are born up with bladders , the windy bladders of some vain confidence in Creature-comforts , O they have such a friend , such a device , & c ! And when these break , down they sink . But a believer by Faith is born up by the everlasting mercy of God . Deut. 33.27 . Vnderneath are the everlasting Arms , &c. And therefore he can never sink so low , but faith will raise him up again . Psal. 32.6 . Surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him . Faith therefore is an excellent grace ; A Christians strong water in fainting-fits : ( Psal 27.13 . I had fainted , but that I hoped to see the goodness of God ) Yea , 't is his life in Death .

Secondly , Hence make Tryal of your Faith , Tryal of faith from adversities . both for the Being of it , and Degree . In Luke 8.13 . you reade of some that believe for a while , but in time of Temptation fall away . These had never true faith , if they totally and finally fall . There may indeed be shakings of faith in adversity , as the Disciples in the storm were full of fears . Mat. 8.26 . But then it argues the less Faith ; Why are ye fearful , O ye of little faith ? The more faith , the less fear ; and the more fear , the less faith . You shall have some men in prosperity , O they are marvellous confident , as Peter was , Mat. 26. Though all men shall be offended because of thee , sayes he to Christ , yet will I never be offended : yet in adversity their hearts sink , and they are ready to deny Christ , as he Prov. 24.10 . If thou faint in the day of adversity , thy strength is but small . Every bungler can sail fairly in a calm : but it proves a skilful Pilot to govern a Ship well in a storm . Every common Professor can believe in health , in wealth , in prosperity : But if thou canst believe in sickness , in poverty , in adversity of all sorts , then bless God for his free grace in Christ , with Paul , Phil. 4.13 . I can do all things through Christ , which strengtheneth me .

Thirdly , Hence also see the Necessity of Faith , and be stirr'd up to labour for it . Shewing the necessi●y of fai●h in adversities . O build on the Rock ; when the rain descends , and the floods come , and the winds blow . We cannot live comfortably without it one day , one hour , minute ! Mat. 7.24 . Every time is either prosperous or adverse : we need faith in both ; in every thing we do , suffer , enjoy . We hear by faith , we pray by faith , buy and sell by faith ; eat and drink by faith : therefore we cannot live without it . Non aqua & igni magis utimur . We use not fire and water more ; no , not the air which we suck into our nostrils . We cannot be one moment without it .

Fourthly , Exhortation , by faith to get patience in adversity . Learn patience in adversity . There are many impatient ones , like Micah robb'd of his gods , Judg 18. or like Rachel , Jer. 31. weeping , and refusing to be comforted ; or Cain , Gen. 4. that complain of their punishment , as greater than can be born . But 't is for want of faith ; strangers in this to the Covenant of Grace . If we be in the Covenant , then know , 1. That there 's living in adversity ; yea , possibly better living than without : Never less in prison , than when in prison : Never less overcome of the world , than when I lose all the world ; as a gracious woman said . 2. There 's more exercise of faith in adversity . If we lose friends , we are put upon seeking friendship with God ; if we lose goods , or silver , or gold , there 's increase to be made of the golden Grace . 1 Pet. 1.7 . The tryal of your faith , much more precious than gold : Therefore be patient , faint not Prov. 3 11. My son , despise not the chastening of the Lord , nor be weary of his correction . There are two extremes to be avoided under afflictions ; the not bearing them , or their overbearing us .

Fifthly , Labour then for much faith , and make much of faith . To make much of faith as our life in troubles . To cherish and nourish it , may increase it , 1 Pet. 2.2 . As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word , that ye may grow thereby . And we need it all : For if the righteous scarcely be saved ; the just that lives by his faith , if he scarcely ( i.e. quoad nos ) be saved , what shall those do that are without it ? We should make much of our faith , as men make much of that Medicine , or that Strong-water , that stands them in stead , and preserves their life at a dead lift . Get good store of that we must live by in adversity . Therefore as Sailers provide Tackling fit for a storm ; so provide we for that storm , when this earthly Tabernacle shall crack ; when the keepers of the house shall tremble , and the strong men shall bow themselves , and the grinders cease , &c. as you have it in that elegant description , Eccles. 12.3 , 4 , 5. That degree of faith which will serve turn in a ship , will not serve turn when we come to walk upon the waters , with Peter , Mat 14.28 , 29 ▪ That degree of faith which will serve turn in a calm , will no serve turn in a storm . Peter walked till he saw the wind boisterous , then he was afraid , and began to sink . Therefore pray Christ , as the Disciples , when they had a hard task set them , Luke 17.3 , 4 , 5. Lord , say they , increase our faith .

Sixthly , And the main Exhortation is , To live by faith in adversity . In troubles inward , corruption , tentations , Live by faith in adversity . desertion ; in troubles outward , in body , goods , and actions , from friends or from enemies , learn to live by faith .

Motives . Motives . 1. God is more glorified in our living by faith in adversities . Sure God is made known for a good Master , when his servants are seen to stick so close to him as Job , Chap. 1. ●0 , 20 , 21. and Chap. 2.5 , &c. So Job 13.15 If he slay me , I will trust in him .

2. The Church , and our fellow-Members , are hereby edified . As many were strengthened through Paul's bands and imprisonment , Phil. 1.12 &c. And sanguis Martyrum , was called semen Ecclesiae .

3. Our selves shall be the rather comforted and rewarded : Heb. 10.35 . Cast not away your confidence , which hath great recompence of reward . Jam. 1.12 . Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : for when he is tryed , he shall receive the crown of life , which the Lord hath promised to them that love him . 1 Pet. 1.7 . The tryal of your faith , much more precious than of gold which perisheth , shall be found to praise , and honour , and glory , at the appearing of Jesus Christ .

Seventhly and lastly , ( or rather indeed to have been the first Use ) Hence is Reproof to those that live not by faith in adversity . Reproof for want of faith in ▪ bearing evils . As they are justly reproved who live not by faith in prosperity , but upon themselves and creatures , resolving to repent and believe when they come into straits ( who keep faith , as men keep Bezoar or Aqua-vitae , for a dead lift ) so they are to be reproved , who seem to live by faith in prospe●ity , but nothing so in adversity . As if a man should ride with sword and buckler all the way , and then cast them away when he meets with the enemy . While Prosperity and Profession go hand in hand , who but they ? Though all men deny thee , yet will not I deny thee . But when they come to the High-Priests Hall , then deny , and swear , and forswear , They know not the Man . Whilest it is fair weather , all Birds sing merrily ; but , few sing in a storm . Few Christians sing the praises of God in a storm of adversity . Few , like the Nightingale , sing in the dark night , with the thorn of Persecution at their breast . Few sing , nay few live , especially the life of faith : Or , if they live the life of nature , are ready to take the counsel of Job's wife , Curse God and dye . The reason is , Because they are not sound in prosperity . If faith shake in affliction , 't is weak ; if wholly lost , 't was false . There is building on the Sand , Mat. 7.24 . Therefore be sound in the faith : for , an hypocrites hope , is as the spiders web , Job 8.14 . yea it is nothing : for , ( Job 27.8 . ) What is the hope of the hypocrite ? If you be such as Peter , you will fall shamefully ▪ if such as Simon Magus , you will fall irrecoverably . Not to live by faith in adversiry ; it argues , That such 1. Prize not spiritual Mercies . 2. Relye not on a naked Promise without a Pawn . 3. Count not on Gods Attributes ; believe not his Truth , Power , Willingness , Unchangeableness .

QUEST. VII . What Life is that the Just lives by his Faith ?

ANd the Answer is very general , All kinde of life , that may truly be called life . For the life of sinners , though never so pleasurable , is a death rather than a life . He or she that liveth in pleasures , is dead while she liveth , 1 Tim 5.6 . yea , twice dead , Jude v. 12. For the death of the soul , is the separation of the soul from God , who is the life of the soul , as the soul is the life of the body .

But all kinde of life , that is worth the name of life , the just lives it , by faith . Therefore 't is spoken of , indefinitely [ The just shall live , &c. ] that it may include all lives . As all life comes from that God in whom there is a Trinity of Persons : so from this God , the just doth enjoy a Trinity of lives . 'T is said , Gen. 2.7 . Jehovah Elohim breathed into mans nostrils the breath of lives ; viz. either the Vegetative life , common with Plants , the Sensitive , common with Beasts ; and Rational , common with Angels : Or else take it of life Natural , Spiritual , and Eternal : All which , in some respect , the just lives , by vertue of his faith .

First then , for Natural Life : he lives this , by faith ( I speak not of corrupt Nature , I. Natural life lived by faith . but of that life which flows from the conjunction of Soul and Body ) 1. In respect of the act of living . Gal. 2.20 . I live , yet not I , 1. In the act of living . but Christ liveth in me ; and the life I now live , I live by the faith of the Son of God , who loved me , and gave himself for me . That a justified person is suffered to live and breathe , it is by the benefit of faith .

Obj. But you will say , All enjoy natural life , even unbelievers as well as they that do believe .

Ans. Yet upon different grounds . It 's true : All being sinners in Adam , and in our selves , we have forfeited our lives : yet God takes not the forfeiture on believer● , no nor on unbelievers . But on different grounds . To make it plain by a Similitude : Suppose two men condemn'd to dye ; the one is Repriev'd , the other Pardon'd by the mediation of a friend at Court . The Reprieved man is dead in Law , though he live ; and must dye shamefully at last . But the other lives so , as not to be questioned again ; and when he dies , he dies with honour and respect . Just so , an unbeliever lives as a man Repriev'd : Joh. 3.18 . He that believeth not , is condemned already . A believer lives as a man pardon'd & absolv'd by the merit & mediation of his friend in the Highest Court of Heaven ; and though he die , his death is honourable ; 't is but a change for a better life . Thus we reade of David pardoned in respect of his temporal life , 2 Sam. 12.13 . The Lord hath put away thy sin , thou shalt not die .

2. In the conservation of life . 2. In respect of the Conservation of life in the use of means : For however a believer and unbeliever use both of them the same means for the maintaining of life , yet not in the same manner . They use both the same ayre , the same exercise , the same bread : but the unbeliever useth these means as a beast , and rests in the means , and never looks higher : Luke 12.19 . Soul , thou hast much goods laid up for many years , take thine ease , eat , drink , and be merry . The believer by faith looks above the means ; he knows man liveth not by bread alone , Mat. 4. but by every word that cometh out of the mouth of God ; he knows , except the Lord build the house , Psal. 127. they labour in vain that build it , &c. Indeed faith teacheth him to use the means , else he should tempt God : But faith teacheth him not to relie upon the means , for then he should sligh● God .

3. In respect of the Preservation of life from such things as are destructive ; as sicknesses , enemies , 3. In the Preservation of life . and the like . Therefore faith is called a Shield , Eph. 6.16 . Thus Daniel lives by faith in the Lions den , the three Children in the fiery Furnace , Hezekiah in his mortal sickness ( and is recovered to his perfect strength again ) Paul in his shipwrack , Acts 27.25 .

Obj. But these had particular Promises for their faith to rest on .

Ans. It is true ; yet we have all that general ground of the Psalmist . Psal. 31.15 . My times are in thine hand , deliver me , &c. But of this before in the sixth Question .

4. In respect of the Prolongation of life . As a just man prolongs his Parents life , so God prolongs his . 4. In the P●olongation of life . Compare Prov. 15.20 . & Gen. 27. last . Thus a childe dutiful to the natural Father , layes hold on the fifth Commandment ( which is the first with promise ) and so hath life prolonged . Eph 6. Heb. 12. Thus also a childe dutiful to the Father of Spirits , layes hold on that promise , Prov. 3.16 . Length of dayes are in her right hand , and in her left riches and honour . ( See before , v. 2. ) Or that , Isa. 40.30 , 31. Even the youths shall faint , &c. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength , &c.

5. In ordering the Actions of life ▪ as eating , 5. In the Actions of life . and drinking , and even recreation , labour , and rest . Eccles. 10 ▪ 16. W●e to thee , O Land — when thy Princes eat in the morning . Happy art thou , O Land — when thy Princes eat in due season , for strength , and not for drunkenness . And Rom. 14. last , Whatsoever is not of faith , is sin : if it be not a particular for these things , yet it is a general Rule .

6. He lives by faith , 6. In the Blessings of life . in respect of the Comforts and Blessings of a natural life . In general , 1 Pet 3.10 . He that will love life , and see good dayes , let him refrain his tongue from evil , &c. More particularly in respect of

1. Wealth , Prov. 3.16 . Wisdom ▪ there , hath both hands full of blessings , if thou hast but a hand of faith to receive them . And Prov. 10.22 . The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich ; and he addeth no sorrow with it : whereas the riches of an unbeliever will not suffer him to sleep , Eccles. 5.12 . The abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep , viz. Through his care of getting , or keeping , or losing .

Obj. But many believers are poor .

Ans. Temporal blessings are promised onely so far as needful for our frame of Spirit , and present condition . See 1 Pet. 1.6 ▪ Now , if need be , ye are in manfold temptations : and so , if need be , ye shall be crowned with many blessings .

2. Health , Prov. 3.8 . Wisdome ( in which faith is included ) shall be health to thy navil , and marrow to thy bones . Davids experience , that depended on God by faith , Ps. 103.3 . who healeth all thy diseases ; and v 5. maketh thee young . The love of God strengthneth the Creature .

Obj. By this rule they should never die , who alway live by faith on God for health .

Ans. Temporal promises are made onely pro tempore , and to be applyed so long as they shall be meet and expedient for us , ( as was said of the former ) and no longer . Now so long as God by faith raiseth up the heart to lay hold on them , it is a sure sign he means to fulfil them ; But when he means to withdraw them , he layes the keyes of Faith and Prayer out of the way .

3 , Peace . The just live by faith for peace : 1. By looking at the promise of it : Prov. 16.7 . When a mans wayes please the Lord , he maketh his enemies to be at peace with him . 'T is a promise on condition , yet of free grace . 2 At the Precept , as a means to peace : Rom. 14.19 . Let us follow after the things which make for peace , &c. We must follow the temper of love described , 1 Cor. 13.5 7. Charity doth not behave it self unseemly , seeketh not her own , is not easily provoked , &c. It beareth all things , believeth all th●ngs , hopeth all things , endureth all things ; viz. unless the actions or Doctrines of men be app●rently evil : for then the contrary is required , 2 Epist. Joh. v 10. If there c●me any unto you and bring not this doctrine , receive him not in●o your house , nor bid him God speed : Rev. 2 20. The Church there is reproved for suffering the woman Jezebel to teach , and seduce Christs servants , and commit fornication , &c So we must not suffer , if any teach Antinomianism : for Christ sayes expresly , Mat. 5 17. I came not to destroy the Law , but to fulfil it .

4. Good success , in the improvement of a mans natural life , not onely for his own good , but for the publick good . And this implies many particulars : For Faith teacheth a man , 1. To improve his Natural life , in undertaking some place of imployment in a civil life . It will not suffer a man to live without a Calling . So 1. Cor. 7.20 . Let every man abide in the same calling , wherein he was called : which is meant of a particular Calling , and supposes every Christian must have such a Calling : for he mentions it as a charge under that general , of keeping the Commands of God , ver. 19. 2. It stirs a man up to look to God for gifts for the discharge of that Calling . 1 Kin. 3.7 , 9. Now O Lord my God , thou hast made thy servant King , — and I am but a little childe , I know not how to go out and in — Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people , &c. So the Apostle directs to live by faith in this case , as well as other : Jam. 1.5 . If any man lack wisdom , let him ask of God . 3. It stirs a man up in the use of those gifts , to seek not his own things , but the things of other men . Non nobis solum nati sumus ; No man is born to serve himself , but his generation : Acts 13.36 . David , after he had served his generation according to the will of God , fell asleep . A Christian hath not a private , but a publick spirit . 4. It stirs him up in serving his generation , and in serving men , to serve God , Eph 6 5. Even servants ( there ) in serving their Masters , are to serve Christ . So again , Col. 3.22 . Israel is reproved ( Hos 10 ▪ 1. ) because as an empty vine he brings forth fruit unto himself . As one end of natur●l life , is the civil life : so the end of both is a religious life , to the glory of God . 5. It teacheth him to depend upon God in all for good Successe . So we are taught , Prov. 3.5 , 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart , and lean not to thine own understanding : in all thy wayes acknowledge him , and he shall direct thy paths . Psal. 1.3 . Whatsoever the righteous doth , the Lord shall make it to prosper . 6. It teacheth him to make a voluntary , humble , and bold Resignation of his calling , and so of his civil life , and natural life also into Gods hands , when he shall call for it . As in the forementioned example of David ( Acts 13.36 . ) who fell asleep , according to the will of God , as soon as he had served his generation . So Aaron ( Numb. 20.23 &c. ) by faith put off his Office , as willingly as a man puts off his clothes , when he goes to bed . Such a disposition there was in Paul , 2 Tim 4.6 , 7. I have fought a good fight , I have finished my course — henceforth a crown of Glory , &c. As a believers success is from God , so into Gods hands he resignes his place with his Spirit And then he may lay down his head , he may lay down his life with comfort .

5. Good Name : for God sayes , 1 Sam. 2.30 . Them that honour me , I will honour ; and they that despise me , shall be lightly esteemed . And Psal. 17.6 . There is a promise , that if the righteous trust in the Lord , though they were under a night and cloud of reproach ▪ yet their name shall break forth as the light .

6. Posterity . Psal. 112.2 . He that fears the Lord , his Seed is promised to be mighty , and his Generation blessed : As on the contrary , wicked men can entail nothing but a curse on their children , Psal. 109.9 , 10 , 12 , 13.

Onely understand all these Promises to be made in Christ , Note and not to Duties abstractly considered out of Christ .

7. Single state and Marriage . He lives by Faith ;

1. For the blessings of single life , when God calls him thereto , especially in troublesome times , and troublesome places , and in unsetled conditions : 1 Cor. 7.8 . I say to the unmarried and widows , that they abide even as I. Thus then he lives by faith in this condition , in the use of means for the upholding him : whether 1. Ordinary , as moderation of diet , exercise , civil and religious company : Or 2. Extraordinary , as fasting , and prayer , and covenanting with himself , as Job 31.1 . He charged those Sentinels , they should not betray the stronger Fort of his heart into the hands of the weaker vessel . So Mat. 19.12 . Some have made themselves Eunuchs for the Kingdome of Heaven .

2 For the blessing of a Married condition , when God calls thereunto , especially in times of peace and prosperity : He looks at a meet Help , as a portion promised from God , for the better bearing the manifold incumbrances of this present life . Eccles. 9.9 . Live joyfully with the wife of thy youth — all the dayes of thy life , &c. for that is thy portion in this life , and in thy labour which thou takest under the Sun . The truth is , a good Conscience within , and a good Consort without , are two of the most comfortable helps under heaven , for the better bearing of the greatest burthens upon the face of the earth . The poor beast with a great burthen on his back , goes cheer'd partly with his Provender , partly with the musick of his B●lls . A good Conscience is musick within ; the Bi●d in the breast . A good consort is musick without ; the Bird in the ear , who shall do thee good , and not evil , all the dayes of her life , Prov. 31.12 .

Lastly , The just lives by faith this natural life , in respect of the prizing or valuation of his life ; 7. In th● valua●ion of life . so as neither to be a Prodigal nor a Niggard of it . Faith teaches a man neither to undervalue nor overvalue his life . A Christian holds the rein of life by the hand of faith , neither too fast , nor too loose . Reason will teach a man a notional valuation of his life , but onely faith will teach a man a practical valuation of it .

1. Not to undervalue it . Natural Reason tells a man That of all temporal blessings , natural life is the greatest ; but every sinner sets more by his lusts than his life . 1. The envious person , whiles he envies another mans life , pines away himself , and destroyes his own : He is neither fit to live by others , nor enjoy his own life : Prov. 14.30 . Envy is the rottenness of the bones . 2. The lustful and luxurious person , he sins against his own body : He falls not onely into a consumption of his estate , but his flesh also ; Prov. 5 10 , 11. And mourn , when thy flesh and thy body are consumed . 3. The covetous person ; he loves his goods better then his life . If it would save his life , he hath not power to eat thereof , Eccles. 6.2 . He punisheth both back and belly , and so wastes his life , and dies . If a man had faith , it would rectifie Reason in these particulars , or rather fortifie Reason by Scripture : Mat. 6.25 . Is not life better than raiment , & c ? yea , the Devil could allege , That Skin for skin , and all that a man hath will he give for his life , Job 2.

2. Not to overvalue life . An unbeliever overvalues his life , when he prizeth it above his soul , which is the life of his life ; yea , above the Gospel and Christ , who is the life of his soul : Mat. 19.20 , 21 , 22. The young man there would not exchange his possessions for treasure in heaven . But faith teacheth better husbandry , not onely to lose goods , but life also for the Gospels sake : Acts 20. Neither count I my life dear , so I may finish my course with joy . Paul counted his life cheap in comparison of the Gospel , and the preaching of it . Heb. 11.35 . Others were tortured , not accepting deliverance , that they might obtain a better resurrection . He that either undervalues or overvalues his life , he murthers himself ; the one directly , by loving danger ; the other indirectly and by consequent , exposing himself to the judgement of God : for Mat. 10.39 He that findeth his life shall lose it , and he that loseth his life for my sake , shall finde it .

Thus the just lives by faith , in regard of the good things of this natural or temporal life , as well as of eternal life ; as he hath the promises for this life , as well as for that which is to come . Look as the same love and care in an earthly parent , that moves him to give an inheritance to his Son at the last , moves him to maintain him , and provide for him in the mean time : And the same spirit of filial dependance that moves the childe to depend upon his fathers love and care to provide him an inheritance , moves him to depend upon him for maintenance in his minority : So 't is in this case ; the same faith that moves us to depend upon God for eternal life , moves us to depend upon him for the good things of this life ; and the one assures us of the other . Luke 12.12 . Fear not little flock ( viz. in regard of temporal provision ) for it is your heavenly fathers pleasure to give you the Kingdome . And in truth , he that will not trust God for a penny , will not trust him for a pound : He that will not trust him for temporal life , how will he trust him for eternal ?

But so much for the first ; The believers living by faith in respect of the life which we call natural .

Some Use of this Branch .

1. Reproof , to those that ( as they say ) trust God for eternal life , yet trust not in him for temporal ; that trust him for their souls , but not for their bodies ; for an heavenly inheritance , but not for worldly estates . Though there is promise for life and estate . For estate , Mat. 19.29 . Every one that hath forsaken houses , or brethren , or sisters , or father , or mother , or wife , or children , or lands , for my names sake , shall receive an hundred fold , and shall inherit eternal life . For life , Mat. 10.39 . — He that loseth his life for my sake , shall finde it . Yet many will trust God no further then they can see him : That , whereas they say , they love God above all the world , &c. indeed they love the world above God , and so make a god of the World , and are enemies to God ; according to what is written , Jam. 4.4 . & 1 Joh. 2.15 . He that loves the world , the love of the Father is not in him .

2. Exhortation , to live by faith in respect of this life , and the things of this life . And indeed , God doth train up his servants to exercise faith for better things , by exercising their faith first in things of lesser moment . The Church in her infancy was trained up this way ; God first exercised her faith for earthly Canaan , and then for that which is heavenly . So 't is with each Christian in his infancy : God doth first exercise his faith in things more sensible , and then in things more spiritual . And if we exercise not faith and faithfulness in these , how can we exercise the same in things of higher concernment ? Luke 16.10 , 11. If ye have been unfaithful in the unright●ous Mammon , who will commit to your trust the true riches ?

'T is true , all both good and bad possess the same life , health , wealth , &c. but some hold these upon better Tenure than others do . Look as amongst men , there are diversities of Tenures in reference to men , some Copy hold , some Free-hold , and these we prize far above the other : So in reference to God , some hold by common Providence , but some by Promise from God , 1 Tim 4.8 . Godliness hath the promise of this life , &c. These are Free-holders indeed : John 8. If the Son make you free , then you are free indeed ; as , free from other sins ; so , from usurpation of the creatures . I do not deny but wicked men have a civil right to the creatures , and that by Gods own appointment also ; but a wholesome and a sanctified use , they have not : This is proper only to the faithful . Others are but Copy-holders , at the will of the Lord , ( and therefore forfeited that too ) but these are Free-holders ; they hold in Capite from Christ their Head and King : 1 Cor. 3.21 . All things are yours , and you are Christs , and Christ is Gods . This is the best Tenure under heaven ; this is the sweetest enjoyment of the creatures : As Waters are sweetest that are drank out of the Fountain ( or at least , in such a stream as is united to the Fountain ) Whereas all carnal men drink of the creatures , as of Puddle-waters ; there 's neither that sweetnesse nor that wholesomenesse in the enjoyment of them ; their very table is made a snare , and that which should have been for th●ir welfare , becomes a gin and a trap , Psal. 69 22. And so like a company of Flesh-flies , or venomous Wasps , they are drowned in the very Honey-pot of worldly pleasures Their wealth is their utter undoing ; the prosperity of fools shall slay them , Prov. 1.32 . and that because they live not by Faith , but by Sense ; they have no other wisdome in the enjoyment of the creatures , but what is either earthly , or sensual , or devillish : Jam 3.15 . The unclean Spirit doth possesse them , and what they know naturally , as brute beasts even in those things they corrupt themselves , Jude ver. 10.

As an unbeliever extracts some evil out of the greatest good upon earth ( as good creatures , good meat and drink , the bane of the Soul ; and the good Word of God , 2 Cor. 2. the savour of death to them : ) so a believer extracts some good out of the greatest evil , out of the eater comes sweet meat . Faith sucks sweet Honey out of the Lions carcase , out of wasting and devouring afflictions , out of the Rock of Offence : that which is made a Rock of Offence to others , is made a Rock of Defence and Shelter to them .

Look as the heavenly Bodies , the Sun , Moon , and Stars , have a strong influence upon these inferiour Bodies , and make a sweet extraction from the earth , from whence we have our Honey-dews , that fall down into the Mothers lap , in which they were first begotten , ( as Job 38.28 . hath the rain a father ? or who hath begotten the drops of the dew ? ) So this heavenly grace of faith ( which is no other than the arising of the Day-star , and the shining of the Sun of Righteousnesse in our hearts ) hath a sweet influence upon these inferiour things , and makes a sweet extraction from common experiments of Gods goodnesse and faithfulnesse in things of a lower nature , from whence the Soul gathers many sweet Honey-dews of Gods unchangeable love and favour in Christ . By this I know thou favourest me , because mine enemy doth not triumph over me , Psal. 41.11 .

II. Spiritual life liv'd by faith . Secondly , In respect of Spiritual life , the just lives by Faith : for so the Apostle applies this Text very frequently , to prove that the just man lives a Spiritual life by Faith .

Obj. But the Apostle may seem to wrest the words , because the Prophet speaks here of a temporal deliverance from the Chaldeans .

Ans. 1. Their deliverance from temporal Babylon , was a Type of their Deliverance from Spiritual Babylon .

2. However , the secondary objects of Faith be divers , some Temporal , some Spiritual , some Eternal : yet the prime and principal object of faith , is still one and the same , and that is Jesus Christ , and Gods favour in Christ ; and before I can embrace the other ; I must first embrace this : Therefore the same faith in Christ , that enables me to live in temporal things , enables me to live in spirituals also ; and so the Apostles argument from one to the other holds good . Well then , the just lives by Faith , in respect of Spiritual life , which is far more excellent then the other , as grace is above nature . And this is either the Life of

I. Justification , whereby the Soul layes hold upon Christ : or ,

II. Sanctification , whereby the Soul draws vertue from Christ .

And that is either ,

Renewing and Cleansing vertue , the Life of Renovation : or Fructifying , the Life of Fructification : or Mortifying Vertue , the Life of Mortification : or Vivifying , the Life of Quickning and Vivification . Confirming Vertue , the Life of Conservation , that God will not forsake his people ▪ Augmenting , whereby life is encreased ; and Comforting Vertue , the life of Consolation .

In the first our spiritual life is purified , in the second beautified : and in all these , the just live by faith .

THE LIFE of FAITH IN JUSTIFICATION .

1. HE lives by faith the Life of Justification , and so the Apostle applies this very Text : Rom. 1.16 , 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith , as it is written . And so again , Gal. 3.11 . ( where he doth oppose justifying by faith , to justification by works of the law ) But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God , it is evident ; for the just , &c. The just doth not live by his own justice , but by faith ; that is , by the application of the justice and righteousness of another .

That we may the better understand the excellency of this Life of Justification , it will not be amiss to adde the definition of it , according to the Scriptures seeing whatsoever is truly known , is known by the causes thereof . Justification therefore is thus defined : It is a most gracious and righteous action of God , whereby he imputing the righteousness of Christ to a believing sinner , absolveth him from his sins , and accepteth of him as righteous in Christ , and as an heir of eternal life , to the praise and glory of his own Mercy and Justice .

For Explication , consider ,

1. The Act ; to justifie . 2. The Object ; a sinner , and yet a believing sinner , and so made righteous . 3. The Application of the Act to the Object ; and that 's onely by Faith .

1. The Act to justifie : Now to justifie , signifieth properly to make just ; as to magnifie , to make great ( though sometimes onely to declare great ) Now God makes just , either

By Imputation : or Infusion of Righteousness .

The first is the life of Justification ; the second of Sanctification : the first perfect , the latter imperfect .

2. The Object is a sinner : God doth not justifie those that were just before , but such as were unjust : 1 Pet. 3.18 . Christ hath once offered for sin , the just for the unjust . There was a time then , when we were unjust , a time when we were sinners , when we were ungodly : Rom. 5.6 . Christ dyed for the ungodly ; and , While we were yet sinners , Christ dyed for us , much more then being justified , we shall be saved from wrath through him . So that as to heal , signifies of a sick man to make sound ; so , to justifie , is of a sinner to make righteous : and if it were not so , where were the excellency of Gods free grace to make us righteous , if we never were in a state of sin ? He that in no consideration looks at himself as a sinner fallen in the first Adam , cannot possibly look at himself as a righteous person recovered in the second Adam . How can God be said to shew mercy to that man , that was never in misery ? to redeem that man , that was never lost ? Lost ( I say ) and that really , and not onely in his own conceit and apprehension .

3. The Application of the Act to the Object , and that is by Faith ; as here in the Text. Though a sinner be justified , yet it is onely a believing sinner ; and so of a sinner is made just : Rom. 5.1 . being justified by faith , &c. By Faith , how ? not as the meritorious , but onely as the instrumental cause of our justification . For the clearer understanding of this , we must know , according to the former definition , there are several causes of our Justification ; viz. Efficient , Material , Formal , and Final .

The Efficient cause is either 1. Principal : or , 2. Instrumental .

Principal , is either 1. Working : or , 2. Moving to the Work .

Causes of Justification .

1. Principal .

The 1. Principal working Cause is God himself . It 's an action of God , Rom. 8.38 . it is God that justifieth : Isa. 43.25 . I , even I am he , &c. Vide Rom. 9.16 . All other causes are nothing to this ; though man believeth , and man wills , and runs on chearfully in the wayes of God , yet from whence comes all this , but from God that justifieth a poor sinner ? So that it is not of him that willeth , or of him that runneth , &c. but of God ; of God the Father , as the Primary Cause ; the Son , as the Meritorious ; the Holy Ghost , as Applicatory . It is God that justifieth , who shall condemn , &c. He that is the Law-giver , he justifies from the offences committed against the Law .

The 2. Principal Cause , Moving or promoting to the Work , is either 1. Internal , Gods Mercy Justice It 's a gracious and a righteous action of God , nothing without him , the first Mover . 2. External , 1. Mans Misery , moving to pity ; the Samaritan , &c. the Infant , Ezek. 16. 2. Christs Merit , moving to forgive , Col. 1.14 . In whom we have redemption through his blood , even the forgiveness of sins .

2. Instrumental Cause : 2. Instrumental . and that 1. On Gods part ; the Word : Manus offerentis . 2 Cor. 5.18 . He hath given to us the Ministery of Reconciliation , Dan. 12.3 . Rom. 4.11 . 2. On our part , Faith : Manus accipientis . Rom. 4.5 . But to him that worketh not , but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly , his faith is accounted for righteousness . Rom. 10.5 &c. Therefore faith doth not justifie by merit , and dignity of the work , ( for then we should be justified by works , though by faith ) but onely by the Instrumentary application of Christs Righteousness .

2. The Material Cause , Christs Righteousness : Material cause . ( as Jacob gat his blessing in Esau's garment ) therefore called , The Righteousness of God , Rom. 1.17 . the Righteousness of that Person who is God . Now there is a twofold Righteousness in Christ , 1. Active . 2. Passive .

For in that we owed a double debt to the Law , the one being perfect obedience for the present ; the other most deserved punishment for our f●rmer disobedience . It was requisite that Christ be●ng our surety , should pay whatsoever we owed unto God ; and that was the double debt of Doing and Suffering whatsoever the Law of God required at our hands .

1. Active , fulfilling all Righteousness , and that for us , as he became a Creature , and not for himself , Matth. 3.15 .

2. Passive , Gal. 3.13 . Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law , being made a curse for us ; as it is written , Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree .

Thirst after this Righteousness : Mat. 5.6 . Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Righteousness , &c. Philip. 3.7 , 8. and , that I may be found in him , not having my wn righteousness , &c.

Formal Cause . 3. The Formal Cause , Imputation of Christs righteousness . As by imputation of Adams sin , we are guilty : so by imputation of Christs righteousness , we are righteous . Rom. 5.19 . For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners , so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous . Rom 4.5 , 6. But to him that worketh not , but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly , his faith is counted for righteousness .

His righteousnesse is onely perfect . Heb. 7.26 . For such an High-Priest became us , who is holy , harmless , and undefiled , separate from sinners , and made higher than the heavens . Jer. 23.6 . He is the Lord our righteousness : Onely his righteousnesse is infinite , and everlasting , Dan. 9.24 . to bring in everlasting righteousness , &c. The righteousnesse of Angels and Saints , is finite , as well as tattered and torn : the poor , weary , and heavy laden naked Soul , can never lie down with rest in his bed , ( Isa 28 20. ) for the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on 't , &c. but Christs righteousnesse is so long and so large that it gives a man rest on his sick-bed : Psal 41.3 . The Lord will strengthen him upon his bed of languishing . What is his comfort then , but a clear sight of Christs righteousnesse ? Job 33.23 , 24. If there be a messenger with him , to shew unto man his righteousness , &c. Rest on the death-bed , and afterward in the grave . Isa. 57.2 . They shall lie down in their beds , and peace shall be with them , &c. Rev. 6.11 . And white robes were given unto every one of them , and it was said unto them , that they should rest . So that as God saith , Psal. 134.14 . This is my rest for ever ; so may the Soul .

Final Cause . 4. Final Cause .

1. Supreme . 1. The Supreme , Gods glory . Prov. 16.4 . The Lord hath made all things for himself , &c. This is the end of all , especially this work , ( Rev. 5.9 . ) The glory , either of

1. Mercy and Love : God so loved the world , &c. Joh. 3.16 . Well , saith God , rather than Souls shall perish , I will pour out the blood of my own Son . Rom. 5.8 . But God commendeth his love towards us , in that while we were yet sinners , Christ dyed for us . Rom. 8.32 . He spared not his Son , &c.

Or 2. Justice ; not forgive without satisfaction . Psal. 145.17 . The Lord is righteous in all his wayes , and holy , or merciful in all his works .

2. Subordinate 1. Sanctification . 2. Subordinate 2. Salvation . Rom. 6.22 . But now being made free from sin , and become servants to God , you have your fruits unto holiness , and the end everlasting life .

All , or most of these causes , are set down by the Apostle , Rom. 3.20 , to 29.

1. The Efficient primary moving Cause , internal free grace , v. 24.

2. External moving Cause ; Mans Misery , v. 23. Christs Merit , v. 24.

3. Instrumental ; 1. The Word , v. 21. 2. Faith , v. 22.

4. Final : 1. The glory of Gods 1. Severest Justice , v. 26. 2 Richest Mercy , v. 24. 2. Glorification of Man , in Gods Justification , and Salvation of Man v. 23 , &c.

How doth the just live by Faith , the life of Justification ?

The answer shall extend to the several parts and degrees of Justifications Manifestation . For though it be a perfect act of God , yet it is a continued act ; and there are degrees of the manifestation of it . To speak therefore 1. Of the Act it self : 2. Of the Continuing and Renewing of the Act: 3. Of the Assurance of the Act. See how the just lives by Faith in all these .

1. For the first Act and work of Justification . Faith in the act of justifying .

First , Faith Convinceth a man of sin in a saving manner , and so of his need of Christ , and of his own impotency to obtain Justification and Salvation without Christ , Mat. 5.3 . Blessed are the poor in spirit ; as Gal. 5.6 . Faith worketh by love ; so by poverty of spirit .

Secondly , Faith puts persons into a Mourning , confessing , prayerful frame , Mat. 5.4 . Blessed are they that mourn ; but no blessedness , if not springing from faith . Zech. 12.10 . I will pour upon them the Spirit of grace and supplication , &c. Jer. 31.9 . They shall come with weepings , and with supplications will I lead them . Acts 2.37 . They were pricked at their hearts , &c. This is the work of Faith , though not alwayes so easily discerned to be of Faith by the party himself .

Thirdly , Faith subdues the heart , to lay down all Oppositions against God , and to be willing to take any course God directs for Justification and Salvation . Matth. 5.5 . Blessed are the meek , &c. Acts 9.5 , 6. Paul speaks reverently , Lord , what wilt thou have me to do ? Jer. 31.18 . Surely I have heard Ephraim bemoaning himself , Thou hast chastised me , and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke ; turn thou me , and I shall be turned , for thou art the Lord my God , &c. He submits obediently ; they are tame as a lamb , Isa. 11.6 .

Fourthly , Faith fixeth the heart upon Christ alone , and his Righteousness held out in the Promises , with renunciation of our own , even with indignation in point of Justification . The Soul is hungry after Christs Righteousness , as most excellent , and loaths its own as dung and draught : Phil. 3.6 , 7 , 8 , &c. What things were gain to me , those I counted loss for Christ ; yea , doubtless I count all things loss , that I may win Christ , and be found in him , not having my own righteousness , &c. See these , or most of these , Luke 15. in that gracious Convert , mentioned Luk. 15. set out as a patern , as a picture , and as a lively inviter , for a poor sinner to look to , that desires to partake of the like mercy .

1. Faith Convinceth him to be in a perishing condition , without his Fathers love , ver. 17. And when he came to himself , he said , How many hired servants of my Father have bread enough , and to spare , and I perish with hunger . I say , it was Faith that wrought this same conviction ; for it was not before he came to himself , that is , before he raised him up from his dead condition , &c. Verse the last .

2. It puts his Soul into a mourning , confessing frame , v. 18. I will arise , and go to my Father , and say unto him , Father , I have sinned against heaven , and before thee .

3. It subdues his heart to lay down all Opposition , and to take any course for his living , v. 19. — make me as one of thy hired servants . Observe , he uttered not so much as he intended , his Father prevented him with his mercy ; as Psal 32.5 . I said , I will confess my transgressions to the Lord , and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin .

4. It fixeth his heart upon his Fathers mercy , not upon his own merit . Faith tells him , Though thou hast forgotten the duty of a Son , thy Father hath not forgot the bowels of a Father . The word Father runs much in his minde : I will go to my Father , &c. Here now a Spirit of Adoption begins to work , whereby he cryes , Abba Father . O dear Father ! Father , I have sinned against heaven , &c. But yet thou art my Father . This is the last act of justifying Faith , by which the Soul is put into a child-like condition , and fit to receive a childes portion of God . All is of his free grace : Jer. 3.19 . And I said , How shall I put thee among the children ? Thou shalt call me , My Father , &c. Thus the just lives by Faith in the work of Justification , Vid. Cotton p. 14. & D. Downame . ☜ Faith in the Renewing of justification . in the Conscience of the sinner .

2. For the Continuance and Renewing of Justification . ☞

The just lives by Faith daily , as well as at the first day that he believed . So Abraham , Rom. 4.3 , 4. He believed God , and it was imputed to him for righteousness ; which is cited out of Gen. 15.6 . and so it appears to be after such time as he was in Covenant with God , and in the state of Grace . Yet still his Justification is continued by a renewed act of Faith ; and so David sues out his Justification by a renewed act of Faith and Prayer , Psal 51. though he were justified before .

And therefore Christians are much to blame , who after they have once believed in God for Justification , do not labour to renew this act from day to day : and thence comes flatness in Spirit , and deadness in Duties , when we see not a daily need of going out of our selves into Christ . And surely if Christ applies his own sacrifice daily to us by intercession with his Father . [ Heb. 7.25 . He ever liveth to make intercession for us — ]

Why should not we apply it daily by Faith and Prayer , that God for Christs sake may forgive us our daily trespasses , as we are taught to pray ? And this is to live by faith in a continued act of Justification : Therefore it is put , not in the Present Tense , but in the Future ; it is not here [ doth ] but he [ shall ] live by his Faith ; that is , as long as he lives .

Take heed the blood of Christ run not cold in the veins of Faith ; that you trust not more to grace received , than to the fountain of grace and pardon in Christ . The truth is , our best duties stand in need of pardon , and our best graces of quickning , and nothing will quicken us more , than the assurance of our Justification . And therefore though a mans spirit be without guile , and he knows nothing by himself ( he allows himself in no known evil ) yet even at such a time , 1 Cor. 4. he is not thereby justified , but then , he must fly to Christ for Justification , and say , Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven , &c. Psal. 32.1 , 2.

Faith in the assurance of being justified 3. For the Assurance of the Act ; the just lives by Faith . 1. In moving a man to desire more Faith . 2. In using and embracing such Means by which we come to Assurance . 3. In the Tryal of Assurance . 4. In An●wering all such Objections and Doubts which do cloud and darken this Assurance . 5. In Expectation of Assurance .

First , In moving a man to desire more Faith . In Motives to Assurance .

The reason is ,

1. Because true Faith , ( if but as a grain of Mustard-seed ) moves man to desire more Faith . Luke 17.5 . Lord , encrease our faith . Mark 9.24 . Lord , help my unbelief : And never rests rising higher and higher , till it comes to full Assurance . Therefore lazy faith is false faith , that saith , I cast my self on God , and there 's an end ; I never desire more , so I can but rub out , &c. This is a sign it is not true : The just lives by Faith , for the encrease , till assured ; and true Faith suggests Motives , to perswade us to seeke after full Assurance .

Quest. What are those Motives ?

Ans. 1. 1 Motive . Gods Commandment ( which Faith looks at ) as to believe , 1 John 3.23 . [ And this is the Commandment , We should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus ] Christ ] So to be assured . 2 Pet. 1.10 . Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure . Both ; 1 John 5.13 . These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God , that ye may know that ye have eternal life , and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God .

2. Because it 's the End why the Scriptures were written ; yea , the end of the Seals ; 1. Publike , the Sacraments : 2. Privy , the Spirit witnessing . Therefore saith Faith , Receive not the grace of God in vain . There are many deceived : Micah 3.7 . Then shall the Seers be ashamed , and the Diviners confounded ; yea , they shall all cover their lips , for there is no answer of God . Mat. 7. 1 Cor. 6.9 . Know ye not , that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God .

3. A difficili ; that which would discourage another , doth encourage a faith●ul man the more , because many objections and temptations : therefore strive — Tu ne cede malis — The kingdom of heaven suffers violence , &c.

4. A possibili ; — Both are objects of Christian fortitude . Example — Job 19.25 . For I know that my Redeemer lives , &c. Paul , Rom 8. For I am perswaded neither death , nor life , nor angels , &c. Steven saw heaven opened , Acts 6.

5. A necessario ; ( not ad esse , but bene esse ) as health and vigour to the well-being of natural life . 3 Joh. 2. I wish thou mayest prosper , and be in health , as thy soul prospereth . Health comprehends life & aliquid amplius ; so Assurance , Faith , and the joy of Faith . Faith may be without Assurance , but no true Assurance without Faith .

6. Ab utili , strong Faith is able to do that which weak Faith cannot ( as a strong man can work under a burthen ) though both receive Christ . — Nothing shall be impossible to you . Mat. 15.28 . O woman , great is thy faith : be it unto thee even as thou wilt . — Luther said , Domine , fiat voluntas mea : Lord , let my will be done . Neh. 8.10 . The joy of the Lord is your strength .

7. A decoro ; or , ab honorifico : for 1. This brings more honour to God . Such are more fruitful . Heb. 6.11 , 12. And we desire , that every one of you do shew the same diligence , to the full assurance of hope unto the end , that ye be not slothful , but followers of them , who through faith and patience inherit the promises . 2 Cor. 5.14 . For the love of Christ constraineth us , &c. 2. Receives more honour from God . Rev. 2.17 . To him that overcometh , will I give to eat of the hidden Manna . And mark , the Promise is made , not to the Combatant , but the Conqueror [ To eat of the hidden Manna . ]

Obj. But Christ is that Manna : Joh. 6. I am the Bread came down from heaven ; therefore the weakest believer eats of him .

Ans. Yet such a one tastes not at the first so much sweetness : Exod. 16.31 . The taste of it was like wafers made with honey — A pleasant taste , but not at first . Manna was set within the Holy of Holies ( Exod. 16.32 . ) before the Testimony : they did not taste it so soon as they entred into the Temple .

8. A jucundo ; Luk. 10.20 . Rejoyce , because your names are written in heaven : like Paul , are caught up into the third heaven . By the least degree of faith , a man is in the first heaven ; by a strong faith , in the middle region of a Christian : by full assurance , in the third heaven . This is to be with Christ in the Garden , in the Wine-cellar , in his Bosom , as John ; Cant. 1. to be kissed with the kisses of his mouth to wear his favour which he gives to his especial favourites ( Joh. 15.15 . All things that I have heard of my Father , I have made known unto you ) to be è secretioribus consiliis : a joy that the world knows not of . Prov. 14.10 . A stranger doth not intermeddle with their joy .

9. A periculoso ; or , ab incommodo : for 1. Life is uncertain , as a vapour , and death uncomfortable , if it come before we be assured . Therefore David , Psal. 39. ult. O spare a little , that I may recover strength , &c. Simeon — Lord , now : not before . Say to thy Soul , I may be dead before night , and in hell before morning , therefore it is good to be sure — For temporal estate , it s a great trouble to think estate is not made sure to Wife and Children ; it s a great mercy to set our house in order , Isa. 38.1 . but a greater to set our souls in order ; they are dearer then the dearest : and then we shall not fear , though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death , Psal. 23.4 . 2. If it were certain , yet there 's danger in deferring this : 1. When God commands to make sure , and we do not endeavour after it , this is rebellion , as the sin of witchcraft . 1 Sam. 15. 2. It 's more difficult to obtain ( in ordinary course of working ) Mark 9.21 . If Satan long possess , he is hardly outed . 3. The best condition of life is bitter without this . Dan. 5.5 , 6. Belshazzar troubled in his feasting , &c. è contra , this will sweeten the most bitter affliction , cause to sing in prison , Matthew 9.2 . Christ said to the man sick of the Palsey , Sonne , Be of good cheer .

10. A minori ad majus ; si isti callidi rerum aestimatores , &c. If men take pains to make sure the World , yea Hell , let their folly teach us wisdome . If any thing be given by Will , man rests not till he see his own Name written , &c.

11. Such have great boldness at the Throne of Grace in Prayer , if they know Christ their High-priest , Heb. 10.21 , 22.

2. Means of Assurance . 2. In using of the Means by which we may come to Assurance . True , the Spirit is all in all : Rom. 8.16 . The Spirit beareth witness with our spirits , &c. yet this witness comes by means used : As ,

General Promises . First , Applying general Promises to our particular condition : Whether they be 1. Such Promises as are made to sinners in general ; as 1 Tim. 1.15 . This is a faithful saying , &c. And therefore saith the Soul Though I am a sinner , though I am the chief of sinners , as he said there , yet there are no rails made about the promise to keep me off : onely , I must know thus much , I can no sooner lay hold of the promise , but the very first touch will draw vertue from Christ , to make me a new man in the frame of my heart : Acts 15.9 . Purifying their hearts by faith : Or

2. Whether such promises were made to sinners , so , and so qualified ( not as if these qualifications did spring from themselves ; for God himself worketh all in all as he pleaseth . ) As for Example , Matth. 11.28 . Come unto me , all ye that are weary , &c. Now then , when I see my self not onely in this condition , that I am weary of my sin , but willing to obey the Command , surely then I have as great cause to apply the Promise , as to apply the Commandment ; I may as well claim the Promise for my Comfort , as the Commandment for my Duty . If I be willing and obedient , in yielding to the Commandment ( and my heart tells me its holy , and just , and good ) why then God tells me from his Word , That if my sins were as scarlet , they shall be as wooll , Isa. 1.17 .

3. Or in laying hold of the Promises tending directly to Assurance it self . Isa 60 16. Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles , and shalt suck the breasts of Kings , and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour , and thy Redeemer , &c. Isa. 57.19 . I create the fruit of the lips , peace , peace , to him that is afar off , and to him that is near , saith the Lord ; and I will heal him . ]

2. In receiving the spirit , in the sealing work of it : Sealing of the Spirit . For there is one work of the Spirit , whereby we cast our selves upon a Promise , before we get assurance , ( yet this is faith , Isa. 50.10 . Who is among you that feareth the Lord , &c. — that walketh in darkness , and hath no light , let him trust in the Name of the Lord , and stay upon his God , ) And another work of the Spirit , after this Faith is begotten , that assures us , we do indeed believe , Eph. 1.13 , 14. — In whom also , after that ye believed , ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of Promise , which is the earnest of our inheritance , &c. And this especially in Scripture is called a Seal , wherein Christ is offered particularly , as meat and drink : 1 Cor. 11.24 . Take , eat , this is my Body , &c.

Exercise of Prayer . 3. By stirring us up to exercise the spirit of grace and supplication , more abundantly than formerly . Psal. 35.3 . Say unto my soul , I am thy salvation . Zech. 12.10 . They shall look upon him whom they have pierced , and mourn : Then they shall have a clear sight of Christ crucified , and they shall mourn .

Obj. But where is Assurance in this mourning condition ?

Ans. Godly sorrow doth nothing hinder godly joy ; nay , they are ever twins of the same womb : for as godly sorrow , so joy springs from Prayer : John 16.24 . Ask , and ye shall receive , that your joy may be full . Dan. 9.23 . & the 10 , 11 , & 19 verses . Faith puts the soul upon prayer ; the more faithful , the more prayerful : I have believed , therefore have I spoken : therefore Prayer is called , The Prayer of faith , Jam. 5.14 . è contra , Rom. 10. How shall they call on him , in whom they have not believed ?

Hearing of Prayers . 4. By stirring us up to observe how God hears our Prayers : for this assures us both of Gods love to us , and of our loves back again to him . Psal. 116.1 . I love the Lord , because he hath heard my voyce , and my supplication . Judg. 13.23 . If the Lord were pleased to kill us , he would not have received a burnt-offering , and a meat-offering at our hands ; neither would he have shewed us all these things , &c.

5. By receiving the Spirit in the sanctifying work of it : 2 Pet. 1. from ver. 5. to 12. 1 John 3.19 . Hereby we know we are of the truth , and shall assure our hearts before him . Psal. 50.23 . To him that ordereth his conversation aright , will I shew the salvation of God . John 14.21 . He that hath my commandments , and keepeth them , he it is that loveth me , and he shall be loved of my Father , and I will love him , and will manifest my self to him . Cant. 6.4 . But let every man prove his own work , and then he shall have rejoycing in himself alone , and not in another .

6. By making a bold and resolute Confession of Christ : Christ useth to confess such , and acknowledge and own them . Matth. 16.16 , 17 , 18. after Peter had confessed Christ , Christ confesseth him , calls him by name , tells him his privilege , and that which flesh and blood had not revealed to him . Rev 3.8 , 9. — Thou hast not denied my name , behold , I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan to come and worship before thy feet , and to know that I have loved thee . There 's a new Name legible to him that overcomes .

7. By getting and using an humble Spirit : the proud , God beholds afar off , but comes near to the humble , to them will he look , to revive them , Isa 66 2. & 57.15 . See 1. Pet. 5.5 . Mary Magdalen the woman of Canaan , calls her self a dog , and so hath a special expression of love from him .

8. By attending diligently upon the use of all Means for the further knowledge of God in Christ , private and publike , hearing , asking Questions , &c. Cant. 3.1 , 2 , 3 4. It may be thou hast used some , but not all , and therefore wantest assurance .

9. By labouring to be eminent in the filial , reverential fear of the Lord , such God more and more assures of his love . Mat 4.2 . To you that fear my name , shall the Sun of Righteousness arise , &c. Acts 9.31 . The fear of the Lord , and the comfort of the Holy Ghost , are coupled together : Psal. 25.14 . The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him : Prov. 14.26 . In the fear of the Lord is strength and confidence . Parents do not use to shew much countetenance to such children , as they know will grow wanton under the expression of their favours : So he : but for such as grow more awful and regardful of their commandments , the more kindeness they receive , they care not how much love they shew to such , &c. And Faith begets fear , Heb 11. Noah moved with fear , &c.

10. By calling to minde experiences , Psal. 77.3 , 7. &c. there 's great reason to do this , for his love is everlasting .

11. When all is done , or when all fail , in renouncing all in thy self , and relye on the free grace of God in Christ : it may be the reason why thou art not assured , thou leanest too much on thy own Graces , Duties , or Works , as the meritorious cause of Assurance ; not as meerly instrumental , as being the effects of free grace . Oh! thou despairest , because thou art a great sinner ; if less , there were hope . But relye onely on Christ : for 1. God loves freely . 2. Invites such as have no worth , Isa. 55.1 . 3. There is Mercy promised to him that cannot work , but believe , Rom. 4.5 .

Caution . If true Assurance , then presently it will change the heart .

12. By a right apprehension of God in his Nature and Attributes , very Truth . Tit. 1.2 . ( God that cannot lye ) Power , Rom. 4.20 , 21. what he promiseth , he is able to perform .

3. Tryal of Assurance . 3. He lives by Faith in the Tryal of his Assurance : for bold presumption is most blinde , and yet most confident . Hos. 8.1 , 2 , 3. Israel cryes , My God , we know thee : yet , set thy trumpet to thy mouth , he shall come as an Eagle , &c. Some love not to be tryed : Joh. 3.20 21. For every one that doth evil , hateth the light , neither cometh to the light , lest his deeds should be reproved . But true men love to be put upon their tryal . Jacob , Genes. 31.32 . With whomsoever thou findest thy goods , let him not live : before our brethren , discern thou what is thine with me . A fool is confident , and he rageth if you question his tenure , as a man in a fine dream rageth , if awaked : — O , I was in the finest dream ; I dreamt heaven was mine , and Christ was mine , that I was supping with him , and feeding upon him , but as Isa. 29.8 . he is empty still : so , &c. Be not deceived with such dreams . Jer. 29 8. Let not the prophets and diviners that be in the midst of you , deceive you , &c. I had rather awaken you now , than that the last Trump should awake you — But as true Faith saith to God , Lord prove me , and search my heart , Psal. 26.2 . & 139.23 . So to men , Mal. 2.7 . The priests lips should keep knowledge , and they should seek the law at his mouth , &c. as men go to Lawyers to ask counsel in their Conveyances and Assurances , &c. So to its own Soul , 2 Cor. 13.5 . Prove your selves , whether you be in the faith .

1. There 's great reason to try Assurance : Reason of Tryal . All is not gold that glisters .

1. One may have a great name in the world to live , and yet be dead , as Sardis , Rev. 3.1 . 2. Men may be confident and bold , yet blinde Bayards : Hos. 8.1 , 2. 3. There 's an assurance and peace in the Soul from Satan : Luke 11.21 . When a strong man armed keepeth his palace , his goods are in peace . 4. An inheritance may be hastily gotten at the beginning , but the end thereof shall not be blessed , Prov. 20.21 . So , &c.

Quest. How shall we know true Assurance from false ?

Ans. By the inward witness of the Spirit : It 's true , those that have received this , cannot be deceived ; but because those that have not received it , may be deceived , and think they have it : Ergo , Try ; as Doctrines , so Assurances : 1 John 4.1 . Beloved , believe not every spirit , &c.

Quest. But how shall we know true Assurance ?

Ans. From the Cause instrumental , the Word : Tryal it self . The Spirit works by the Word : Isa. 57. ult. I create the fruit of the lip , peace , peace , &c. 2 Cor. 5.19 , 20. He hath committed to us , the word of Reconciliation — not revelations without the word : Psal. 119.81 . I hope in thy word : that is the object of Faith , No Word , no Faith .

2. Effects of New-birth ; Love .

1. To God , begetting this assurance : 1 John 4.19 . We love him , because he loved us first . 2. To the Word , by which begotten : it 's sweeter than the honey and the honey-comb — Not magnifie the Spirit to slight the Word : John 14.26 . The Spirit comforts by the Word , and brings to remembrance . 3. To the godly , begotten of God : 1 John 5.1 . Every one that loveth him that begat , loveth him also that is begotten . 4. To Holiness , the fruit of all true assurance : 1 John 3.3 . Every one that hath this hope , purifieth himself : This is no Doctrine of looseness , as the Papists say . Prov. 25.19 . Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble , is like a broken tooth , and a foot out of joynt , &c. Ask , doth thy Assurance make thee more holy , & c ?

3. By the Manner of working , both in the work , and after it . There 's some difficulty ; therefore , strait is the way — strive to enter , &c. Mat. 7.14 .

1. In the first work , therefore called a Birth , John 3.5 . When was any birth without pain ? A spirit of bondage , Rom. 8.15 . I speak not this , as if we should indulge our selves in these pangs so and so long — I will not say , how long hast thou been about it ? for Ephraim was a foolish son , because he stayed so long in the place of breaking forth of children , Hos. 13.13 . However , it is difficult .

2. After the work , still some wrestling against Doubts & Fears . Reason : No grace of the Spirit , but it hath something of the Flesh to wrestle against . Gal. 5.17 . The Spirit lusteth against the flesh , and the flesh against the Spirit : therefore they that never doubt after once they are assured , but are alwayes alike , have cause to suspect themselves , that they are not right . Philip. 3.12 . Not as though already perfect , saith the Apostle . They that think they are at the top of the ladder at the first step , it is likely they never set a step upon the ladder : If you never doubted after believing , faith was perfect at first , and so no growth , &c. True faith is of a growing nature .

Obj. The heart is deceitful : therefore fruits are no evidence .

Ans. It 's true , of Vnregenerate men , not Regenerate ; such by proving may know : Gal. 6.4 . Let every man prove his own work , &c. John 21 17. Peter could appeal , Lord , thou knowest that I love thee . Salvation is far from the wicked , though they may be confident : 1 Cor. 6.9 , 10. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdome of God , &c. Psal. 119.155 .

4. He lives by Faith , 4. Objections against Assurance . in answering all such Objections that might cloud and hinder his Assurance ; as the Sun dispels and scatters all clouds and mists , that would hinder the light and heat thereof : so the Sun of Righteousness , by the powerful work of Faith , dispels and scatters all such Objections and Doubts , by which Satan , and our corrupt hearts , would hinder and darken the light and heat of our Assurance . As for Example .

Satan , and thy corrupt heart , objects , Dost thou ever look to be forgiven , that art guilty of such sins ? Thy sin is greater than can be forgiven , Jer. 4.13 .

Faith answers , As great sinners as thou art have been forgiven : Manasses , Solomon , Mary Magdalen , and many more . Though my sins are great sins , ( not Mole-hills , but Mountains ) yet God is a great God , and his Mercies are very great ; he hath a sea of Mercy , that is able to drown Mountains , as well as Mole-hills . The Mariners tell us , the Sea is so deep in some places , that they can finde no bottom , no line will reach so far . I am sure , such is the Sea of Gods Mercy , we cannot finde the bottom , but must cry , O altitudo , O the depth , &c.

I am afraid I have out-stood my time and opportunity , &c.

Faith answers , Eccles. 9.4 . To him that is joyned to the living , there is hope , especially if thou seekest God for his own sake , because he is lovely in thine eyes : Psal. 69.32 . Your hearts shall live that seek God .

I am afraid I am not humbled enough , and so God will not give me a good look , Isa. 66.2 .

Faith answers , The greatest humility in the world , cannot deserve the favour of God . If God hath but troubled thee so far , to desire Christ upon his own terms ( with his Cross , as well as his Crown ) then come , and welcome , if thou beest willing to put off the Devils yoke , and to put on Christ's . Mat. 11.28 , 29. All ye that are weary and heavy laden , take my yoke upon you .

But alas ! I am as a bullock accustomed to the yoke .

The just not onely lives by faith in the Promises , but Commandments : Psal. 119.66 . I have believed thy Commandments : Rom. 14. the last , Yea , every Commandment hath the vertue of a Promise , because God worketh all our works , in us , and for us . Isa. 26.12 . Lord ! thou wilt ordain peace for us , for thou also hast wrought all our works in us : Ezek 36.27 . I will put my spirit within you , and cause you to walk in my statutes .

But my heart is very hard , I cannot repent nor believe as I ought : Sermons do me little good , Corrections no good . I think there 's no body hath such a heart as I have , so insensible , so incorrigible .

Faith answers , If thou hadst no grace , thou wouldst never complain so much for want of grace : a man can never desire that he knows not , or that he tastes not . Jer. 31.18 . Ephraim was in a good condition , when he bemoaned himself .

But me thinks , saith Unbelief , if I had any faith in my Soul , I should have lively feeling and assurance of it .

Faith answers , There 's difference 'twixt believing and seeing , betwixt faith and sense : Heb. 11.1 . Faith is the evidence of things not seen . There 's a twofold evidence ; the one of Sense , the other of Faith : Assurance by the witness and fruits of the Spirit . 2 Cor. 5.7 . We walk by faith , not by sight . Therefore it cryes out to God , in stead of answering the doubts of Unbelief , Lord , I believe , help my unbelief . It 's a comfort to have a lively feeling , but others may have Faith also : Blessed are they that have not seen , and yet have believed , John 20.29 . and that is certain , for the conclusion of all , That Soul that wrestles against the disease of unbelief , hath some life of faith in it , it is a justified Soul .

5. He lives by Faith in the Expectation of Assurance , 5. Expectation of assurance . if he hath it not : Gen. 49.18 . I have waited for thy salvation , O Lord : Cant. 3.1 . By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loved : Isa. 8.17 . I will wait upon the Lord , who hideth his face from the house of Jacob. Faith saith , as Psal. 97.11 . Light is sown for the righteous , &c. Psal. 85.8 . I will hearken what God the Lord will say , for he will speak peace , &c. Surely God shall command his loving kindness in the day-time . True , it thinks long : Why tarry the wheels of his Chariots ? Cant. 2.8 , 9 , & 17. & Cant. 4. the last , Be as the Chariots of Amminadab : Psal. 40. the last , Make no long tarrying , O my God . Yet it will wait , as Jacob for Rachel : yea , Faith chides the Soul out of unbelief , by propounding the Promise of future Assurance , Psal. 42.5 . Why art thou cast down , O my soul , & c ! Psal. 27. last . Faith gives courage in waiting ; Psal , 31. Be of good courage , and he shall strengthen thy heart . Christ hath his several seasons of manifesting himself * * Vide Mr. Reynolds . . Blessed are all they that wait for him . He that believeth , maketh not haste : Though he tarry , wait for him . Christ shewed himself first to Mary , then to Cephas or Peter , then to James , then to the twelve , then to above five hundred brethren at once : 1 Cor. 15.6 . and last of all he was seen of Paul , as of an abortive ; because there is more pain in the birth of such . But as in the bodily sight of Christ , some saw him sooner , and some later ; so in the spiritual : and as he shewed himself soonest to those , that stood most in need of comfort , as Mary , and Peter , for what was past , and James for what was to come , Acts 12. so spiritually Christ shews himself soonest to those have most need , &c. And as he entred the doors , being shut , when they were full of fears , Job . 20.19 . so sometimes he comes into the heart , when we think the doors most fast shut up . Onely wait , and then sooner or later he will shew himself , to some in their middle age , to some in their old age , to some at their death , to some at the Stake ; as that gracious Martyr cryed out joyfully to his fellow-sufferer , He is come , he is come . Therefore be sure to wait , and he that hath appointed to come , will come , and will not tarry : Blessed are all they that wait for him . Rom. 8.25 . If we hope for that which we see not , then do we with patience wait for it .

Reason why wait ; Because true faith can never be lost , till it come to full assurance : Matth. 12.20 . A bruised reed , &c. This is the life and comfort of a weak Christian , A babe shall be a strong man : Philip. 1.6 . He that hath began this work , will perfect it : Luke 22.32 . Christs Prayer for Peter .

If the godly live by Faith , in regard of the assurance of the Act of Justifying ; then

1. This Reproves those that wait not : Believe in the Lord your God , so shall you be established , &c. 2 Chron. 20.20 .

2. Reproves those that Rest in the first degree of Faith , and say , I care not if I can but go to heaven at last . Other things grow up to their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & decay again ; but the faithful grow from strength to strength . He is no good natured childe , that will say , I am sure to have my Fathers inheritance at last , and therefore I care not though he frown upon me in the mean time : No , a good childe prizeth his Fathers love , and the light of his countenance , above his inheritance : even Absalom , 2 Sam. 14.31 . could say , Let me see the Kings face , &c.

3. Exhortation , To live by Faith in waiting for Assurance .

Motives . 1. It 's certain , He that hath appointed to come , will come , Heb. 10.37 . 2. It 's worth the staying ; as Jacob stayed for Rachel . This is better then life , Psal. 63.3 . 3. It 's the sweeter when it comes , Olim haec meminisse , &c. as the Sun rising , after a long Winter night — half year night . Prov. 13.12 . Hope deferred makes the heart sick ; but when the desire cometh , it is a tree of life . 4. It 's the property of Faith , not to make haste : Isa. 28.6 . He that believeth , maketh not haste .

4. See the difference 'twixt just and unjust : The just , as they expect , so they shall be assured , though poor in spirit ; yea , because poor , Matth. 5.3 . Psal. 9.18 . The expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever : Prov 24.14 . Thy expectation shall not be cut off . But for the wicked , Job 8.13 , 14. Their hope shall perish , and be as a spiders web : Job 11.20 . Their hope is as the giving up the ghost . Therefore fear God , and be righteous : For Prov. 10.28 . The hope of the righteous shall be gladness ; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish . Therefore , Prov. 23 17 , 18. Let not thine heart envy sinners ; but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long : for surely there is an end , and thine expectation shall not be cut off .

5. Comfort to such as believe , but want Assurance . He may yet live by Faith in the expectation of it . Be not discouraged , when thy Soul is ready to faint for the salvation of God . Lift up the hands which hang down , and the feeble knees : Be assured , where there is any true light , it will encrease more and more , till the perfect day , Prov. 4.18 . The state of the Soul is good , and Salvation is certain in the mean time . Though many complain for want of Assurance , yet if they can but trust , &c. Isa. 50.10 . He that walketh in darkness , and hath no light , let him trust in the Name of the Lord , and stay upon his God . They are sure to be comforted at the last , and supported in the mean time .

Thus you see , how the just lives by Faith the Life of Justification .

Vse of all in general .

1. OF Humiliation :

Use of the Doctrine of Faith in justification

1. Humiliation .

If a Christian lives by Faith the Life of Justification , in applying the righteousness of another , it may be matter of Humiliation . A Prisoner that is freed from Condemnation by a Pardon from the King , and not by Self-justification , hath cause to walk humbly for ever after . This is our case , &c. It was a great sin in Absalom , after his Father had pardoned his Murther , and received him into favour again , and kissed him , the next news we hear of him , he prepares him Chariots , and Horses , and Men to run before him , that by stealing away the hearts of the people , he might step up into his Fathers Throne , and thrust him out . And surely it is the greatest expression of neglect and unthankfulnesse that can be , after God hath pardoned our sins , and received us into favour , for us to steal away the hearts of his people , and to set up our selves , in stead of magnifying the Name of God ; to draw Disciples after our own selves , in stead of drawing Disciples after Jesas Christ . It is a sin , and a temptation , which is common to the nature of man , even the Regenerate themselves are not out of this Gun-shot : Paul was in danger to be xalted above measure ; and the great contention among the Disciples themselves , was Who should be the greatest ? If this was the Condemnation of the Devil ; and after that , the Devils Temptation upon our first Parents , that they might fall by Pride , as he did : I see not why any should secure themselves from this Temptation in the state of grace . Therefore you that stand , take heed lest you fall ; though you shall never fall finally by this sin , yet you may fall fearfully , if you look not well about you . And surely , this is one good means among the rest , to keep us from falling to consider . We are justified by the Righteousnesse of another . We live as pardoned men ; we live upon mercy , we live upon alms . A poor creature , who ( like lame Mephibosheth ) is fed at the Table of another , and clothed with the garments of another , and hath nothing that he can call his own , hath little cause to be proud : this is our condition . We live at Gods finding for meat , drink , and clothing , not onely for our Bodies , but for our Souls also , from day to day . As God hath put meat into our mouthes ; so he puts words of prayers into our mouthes first : Hos. 14 2. Take unto you words , and say unto the Lord , Take away all iniquity , and receive us graciously : And so our blessed Saviour , Give us this day our daily bread , and forgive us our trespasses , &c. Mark ye , here are Petitions put into our mouthes every day , as well as the first day of our conversion , both concerning giving and forgiving : though some are so proud now adayes , they know not how to say that Prayer . Shall Christ teach them how to pray , or shall they teach Christ ? Is there a greater Soloecism , than to be proud Beggar ? A Beggar , and yet proud ! A Beggar , and yet one that scorns to beg ! One whose wants beg , and cry aloud , and yet his tongue begs not ! I know no better means to cure this pride , than the consideration of this ; We live not upon our selves , but upon God : the very life of our Souls , the food of our Souls , the clothing of our Souls , all is from God .

2 Use . Examination ; Whether we do live this life of Justification . Examination .

Quest. How shall we know ?

Mark 1. Ans. 1. It 's a Soul-humbling life , if we lay hold on Christs Righteousnesse , our hands are our own . Psal. 134.2 . In thy sight shall no man living be justified . Unjustified persons are proud of their pride . Rev. 5. They cast down their Crowns . Luke 18.14 . The Publican , as he was humble , so justified . Isa. 64.6 . All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags : Phil. 3. I count all but dross , and dung , &c.

2. A Soul pacifying life : Isa. 57.19 . Mark 2. I create the fruit of the lips , peace , peace , &c. Rom. 5.1 . Being justified by faith , we have peace with God .

Obj. But I am troubled .

Ans. 1. Yet thou art supported : Cant. 2.6 . His left hand is under my head , and his right hand doth embrace me .

2. There is the seed of peace and joy in thee . Light is sown for the righteous , and joy for the upright in heart . Psal. 112.

3. A God-glorifying life : Rev. 4.10 . Mark 3. The four and twenty Elders fall down before him that sate on the Throne , and cast their Crowns before the Throne , saying , Thou art worthy , O Lord , to receive glory , &c.

1 In all holy Actions , Rom. 6.15 , 16 &c.

2. In humble Passion or Submission ; i. e. in all Sufferings . He that is justified by God , will even justifie God in all that befalls him : He will not quarrel , and say , Lord , I am a justified person , why dost thou punish me ? but as David , Psal. 51.4 . that thou maist be justified when thou speakest , &c. or as Ezra 9.13 . — Thou our God hast punished us less then our iniquities deserve , &c.

4. A Christ-magnifying life : 1 Pet. 2.7 . If we believe . Mark 4. Christ is precious . Luke 7. Kiss his very feet , wash , and wipe , &c.

3 Use . This should teach us , 1. Instruction . To acknowledge this life of Justification in others : 2. To imitate God our selves , and justifie those that sin against us .

1. Acknowledge this in others . Let us justifie those whom God doth justifie , when once it appears to us ; Receive such as God receives , though weak in the faith , Rom. 14 1 , 2 , 3. One that is made a Freeman of your Town , a Member of your Corporation , you receive into your Society and Communion upon all occasions . Now all justified persons are made free ipso facto , and admitted into Communion of Saints , Eph 2.12 , 13. It was Simons sin , he would not justifie that gracious woman whom Christ himself had justified ( and he might see it by the fruits too ) Luke 7. Luke 7.37 . Like those Priests Ezek. 13.22 . They condemn whom the Lord justifies , and justifie whom the Lord condemns .

2. Imitate God , in justifying or forgiving those that sin against us ; I mean , so far as it concerns us : Forbearing one another , &c. Coloss. 3.13 . Matth. 18.21 , 28. Forgive thy brother , untill seventy times seven times . God forgives more than we can .

Motive . This Confirms the Assurance of our own forgiveness : Matth. 6.14 , 15. If ye forgive men their trespasses , your heavenly Father will also forgive you , &c. The one the cause of the other : Our forgiving others , is a natural effect of Gods forgiving us .

Obj. By this Rule , there should be no need of Courts of Justce among men : If Offences must be forgiven , no man should accuse one another , no man witness , no man judge ; and so , as the Anabaptists say , No Magistrate , &c.

Of forgiving offences . Ans. Offences and wrongs must be considered in divers relations :

1. As they concern our selves alone , here we have power to forgive , to hide , and conceal them : Love covers a multitude of faults , Jam. 5.

2. As they are of a publike interest : There is a threefold interest ; Reipublicae of State , Ecclesiae of Church , Dei of God . As in Theft , Murther , Idolatry , all have an interest , every one of these is wronged , Deut. 13.6 . these we must not conceal . He that is partner with a thief , hates his own soul , Prov. 29.24 . Here the Accusers , Witnesses , and Judge , must do their parts ; yea , and their Justification and Redemption ties them to this : Luke 1.74 . — that being delivered out of the hands of our enemies , might serve him without fear , &c. Else they were abominable . He that justifieth the wicked , and condemneth the just ; even they both are an abomination to the Lord , Prov. 17.15 . So a man who hath his person justified by God , may for some particular unjust act , be condemned by the Magistrate ; Luke 23.41 . And we indeed justly , for we receive the due reward of our deeds , &c. Rom. 13 , 1 , — 7. Onely have a care to do justly in judgement . Observe : Malach. 3.5 . I will be a just witnesse against those that oppresse the hireling in his wages , the widow , and the fatherlesse , &c.

4 Use . Bless God for this Life of Justification . Thankfulness . Psal. 103.1 , 2 , 3. Blesse the Lord , O my soul — who forgiveth all thine iniquities , who healeth all thy diseases . As the Philosopher , who blest God , That his Life was Rational , That he was a Man , Born in such a Countrey , and City , That he was a Philosopher . This is Gods end : Ephes. 1.6 , 12. To the praise of the glory of his Grace , wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved , &c.

Suppose 1. A poor man in Debt , and the Creditor cross the Book : O happy man ! Psal. 32.1 . Blessed is he whose iniquity is forgiven . And Psal. 51.1 , 2. — according to the multitude of thy mercies , blot out my transgressions , &c.

2. If a poor naked man lying in the mire ready to perish with cold , should be clothed with warm and rich Apparel , O how thankful would he be ! ( Not like the Snake , that when the Husbandman brought it to the fire , and it was well warmed , spit in his face ) but as Jobs poor Hospital-men , Their very loins whom he had clothed did bless him . We were such naked polluted creatures , Ezek. 16.6 . Therefore let us bless his Name so much the more , as clothing the Soul is better than the Body , &c.

3. Suppose an Imprisoned man set at liberty , &c.

4. Suppose a Condemned man absolved ; O how thankful would he be ! Christ hath procured our absolution ; In whom we have redemption through his blood , even the forgiveness of sins , Col: 1.14 .

5 Use . Exhortation , to seek after this Life of Justification , Exhortation . this is not a vain thing ; as Deut 32.47 . Pray for it . Isa. 43.26 . declare that thou maist be justified ; and say what thou canst . But Job 9.14 , 15. How shall I answer him , and choose out words to reason with him ? Every one would be glad to be accounted just before men ; How much better is it to be so in the sight of God , who , out of Christ , is a consuming fire ? Let us not rest in our own or others Righteousness , Angels or Saints .

Obj. We lived this Life from eternity , onely now we are to labour for the sense of it .

Ans. 1. Then what is the meaning of those places ? Luke 15. the last vers . It was meet that we should make merry , and be glad : for this thy brother was dead , and is alive again ; he was lost , and is found . And Ephes. 2.1 , — 3 , &c. You hath he quickned , who were dead in sins and trespasses . 1 John 3.14 . We know that we have passed from death to life , &c.

2. We could not live before we had a being ; nor be justified before we were .

Motives .

1. A poor weary , and heavy laden Soul , can never lye down with rest in the bed of his own Righteousness , &c.

2. Hereby our persons are pleasing to God : This is my beloved Son , in whom I am well-pleased : Cant. 1.15 , 16. Thou art all fair , my love , &c.

3. Then duties are accepted , Gen. 4. Abel and his offering : First the tree good , and then the fruit good . Our duties cannot be accepted out of Christ , because imperfect .

4. Hereby we are encouraged , and strong to duty : Surely , shall one say , In the Lord have I righteousness and strength , Isa. 45.24 . The joy of the Lord is your strength , Nehem. 8.10 .

5. Hereby freed from Condemnation : Rom. 8.33 , 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect ? It 's he that justifieth , who shall condemn ! Whereas all unjustified persons are liable to Condemnation ;

From 1. The Law , Gal. 3.10 . As many as are under the works of the Law , are under the curse . 2. Conscience : Rom. 2.15 . — their conscience bearing witness , and their thoughts the mean-while accusing or excusing one another . Tit. 3.11 . — He that is such , is subverted and sinneth , being condemned of himself . 3. Satan : Psal. 109.6 . Let Satan stand at his right hand . 4 Men : as they tempt one another , so accuse one another ; as Adam layes the fault on Eve , she on the Serpent . 5. The Gospel : John 3.19 . This is the condemnation . 6. The mouth of the Judge : Matth. 25.19 . Then shall he say to them on the left hand , Depart from me , &c.

But all believers , and justified persons , are free from condemnation : Rom. 8.1 . There 's no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus .

Of 1. The Law : Gal. 3.13 . Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law , &c. Acts 13.39 . And by him all that believe are justified from all things , from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses . Rom. 7.6 . But now we are delivered from the Law , &c. 2. Conscience : Rom. 5.1 . Being justified by faith , we have peace with God , Heb 9.14 . 3. Satan : Rev. 12.10 . The accuser of our brethren is cast down , which accused them before God day and night . Zech. 3.2 . The Lord rebuke thee , O Satan ; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem , rebuke thee . 4. Men : Num. 12.8 . Gen 4.6 . Luke 7.39 &c. 5. The Gospel : Rom. 1.16 . For I am not ashamed of the Gospel . 6. The mouth of the Judge : Mat. 25.34 . Then shall the King say to them on his right hand , Come ye blessed , &c.

6. The Righteous are bold , Prov. 28.1 . as a Lion ; fear not enemies , Mic. 7.8 , 9 , 10 , 16 , 17 , 18. Psal. 91.5 , 6 , 7.

II. THE LIFE of FAITH IN SANCTIFICATION .

THE second Part of Spiritual Life , is the Life of Sanctification : 2 Cor. 5.17 . Therefore if any man be in Christ , he is a New Creature . And thus the just lives by Faith also . As Faith layes hold upon Christ for Justification ; so it draws vertue from Christ for Sanctification : and that either Renewing and Cleansing , or Fructifying , Mortifying , and Vivifying , &c. ut supra .

So then the just live by Faith the life of Sanctification : for , as Faith works by Love ; so , by Humility , Patience and other Christian Graces : and so the Apostle applies this very Text , Heb. 10. where he perswades them to possess their souls in patience . Yea , but how shall they get patience ? Why , get Faith , and they shall be sure to get Patience , and all other needful Graces : Ver. 36 , 38. For ye have need of patience , that after ye have done the will of God , ye might receive the promise . Now the just shall live by Faith , sayes he .

Branch . 1. Renovation . And first , for the Life of Faith in Sanctification it self , or the Renovation of the Soul .

For the better prosecution of this Point , it will not be amiss to give you in brief the Resolution of these Questions : 1. Whether there be any such Life of Sanctification in a Christian , besides the Sanctification that is in Christ himself ? 2. If there be so ; then what it is , and wherein it doth consist ? 3. How , and by what means it is wrought in the Soul ? 4. What 's the reason , that such a Life is necessary in all justified persons ?

Quest. 1. Whether there be a life of Sanctification in believers . 1. For the first , it may seem a Question out of question , but that the vanity and petulancy of mens fancies and opinions begins to call all into question in these dayes , and so this .

That which starts the Question , is the wresting of certain Scriptures , which they pervert , ( as they do many others ) as

1 Corinth. 1.30 . He is made to us ( amongst other things ) Sanctification . Therefore , say they , there 's no other .

Heb. 10.14 . He hath by one offering for ever perfected those that are sanctified . Therefore , say they , Christ is our Sanctification , and it can be no other , because it is perfect .

Before we Answer these Scriptures , we shall shew the contrary by the full evidence of other Scriptures , which will give us the clearer light in answering those former alleged places .

There is therefore a Life of Sanctification inherent in every true Christian , besides that which is inherent in the person of Christ himself . Which is proved by these Arguments :

1. Because there is a Sanctification of the whole person in parts and faculties by the Spirit of Grace : 1 Thess. 5.23 . And I pray God your whole spirit and soul , and body , be preserved blameless , &c. Every believer is thus sanctified , as Water is warmed , or the Air enlightened , all at once .

2. There is a Sanctification of the Conversation , 1 Thess. 4.3 . For this is the will of God , your Sanctification : 1 Pet 1.15 . As he which hath called you is holy : so be ye holy in all manner of conversation .

3. This is part of the New Covenant , Ezek. 36.25 , 26 , 27. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon them , and they shall be clean , &c.

4. Argument is drawn from an absurdity : If there were no Sanctification in a Christian , besides that in Christ , then there should be a confusion of these two great Benefits of Justification and Sanctification ; but the Apostle doth every where distinguish these , as in the forementioned place , 1 Cor 1.30 . Righteousness , Sanctification , &c. So 1 Cor. 6.11 . — But ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justifi●d . And indeed , there is a great deal of difference : for

1. Justification is imputed ; Sanctification is imparted : John . 16. Of his fulness have all we received , and grace for grace .

2. Justification is without a man ; Sanctification is within him .

3. Justification absolves a man from all his sins ; Sanctification does not so . Who can say , I am clean from my iniquity ?

4. Justification is perfect , and compleat : Acts 13.39 . Being justified from all things . Sanctification is imperfect : so saith the Apostle , Phil. 3.12 . Not as though I were already perfect . Christ hath laid hold upon me , that I may lay hold upon him , to draw still further vertue from him ; therefore it is not perfect at the first .

But what then shall we say to that place of Scripture , Heb. 10.14 He hath by one offering , &c.

Ans. 1. The words import no more but this , ( as appears by the context ) That what is wanting in our own works and duties , ( and so in our Sanctification ) Christ hath perfected by the benefit of our Justification : or

2. By that offering of his , he hath sanctified and set us apart to be his own peculiar people . For sometimes to sanctifie , signifies no more , than to set apart from a common use , to some special service :

So Times Things Persons are said to be sanctified .

Then whereas it is said , 1 Cor. 1.30 He is made to us sanctification , &c. The meaning is no more but this , That he is the Author and Finisher of our Holiness , as well as of our Faith , as we shall see in the resolution of the third Question . In the mean time , let us come to the second Question .

Quest. 2. What Sanctification is . Sol. 2. What this Sanctification is , and wherein it doth consist ? And it may be thus described : It is an inward and powerful change of a person justified , whereby the image of God is renewed in him , by the work of the spirit .

It is a change , and a powerful change , to distinguish it from that work that may be in a civil man , whereby his corrupt nature is suppressed , and restrained , though his corruption be not mortified .

2. An inward change , to distinguish it from outward reformation , such as was in Herod , who heard John gladly , and reformed many things ; and yet his heart was not changed : but true grace doth ever begin at the fountain , it purifies that in the first place , and then the streams which flow from thence , Mat. 23.25 . Psal. 51.10 .

3. It is the change of a justified person , to shew , that however Justification be not Sanctification , nor Sanctification Justification ; yet Sanctification is a necessary fruit , and an inseparable companion of Justification . That person that is once justified , is also sanctified , as in the place before-named , 1 Cor. 6.10 .

4. The form of Sanctification , consists in the Renewing of Gods Image ; in which Image Man was created at the first , having not onely a spiritual substance , a Soul , and spiritual faculties of that Soul , Reason and Will ; but spiritual and divine Properties of those Faculties , Light in his Reason , to know the Truth ; a sweet flexibility in his Will to obey the Truth , according to the Will of God . Now after the Fall , though man have the same Soul , and the same Faculties , yet he hath not the same divine Properties of those Faculties : for as he fell by the Devils temptation , so he fell into the Devils sin and condemnation . The Devil fell by Pride he would needs be above God , or as God , & so he tempted our first Parents to fall by the same kinde of Pride ; and ever since , man in the state of corruption , would be some-body in those two main Faculties of his Soul , Reason and Will : ( and therefore we are all naturally Papists and Arminians in this Point ) his Reason he would lift up above the Word of God ( as they do their Traditions ) and his Will above the Will of God ; whereby it come to pass , that his Pride makes him very wilful in sinning against God , Jer. 44.16 . or else presuming upon a false supposed liberty of converting himself to God at his own pleasure : whereas the Apostle saith flatly , It is not in him that willeth , &c. Rom. 9.

But this is the condition of Man in the state of corruption ; the Image of God is thus fearfully defaced . Now when grace comes in the work of Sanctification , there is presently a change wrought , not in the very substance and faculties of the Soul , but onely in the properties of them : presently the lofty looks of man are humbled , and the haughtiness of men is bowed down , and the Lord alone exalted in that day , Isa. 2.11 . There 's no more , My Reason , but , Thy Word , Lord , shall be my guide ; then , no more My Will : but , Thy Will be done : Let it be done in earth , as it is done in heaven ; then , no more , I will do this or that by my own strength ; I will repent when I am old ; I can convert my self to God when I list — No : but as poor Ephraim cries out , Turn thou me , and I shall be turned ; convert thou me , and I shall be converted : for thou art the Lord my God , Jer. 31.8 . Thus truth of Grace sanctifies Reason , and it sanctifies the Will , and so it sanctifies the Affections to love God , and by consequence , to love that which God loves , and to hate the contrary ; it sanctifies the Conscience to accuse , and excuse upon just grounds ; it sanctifies the Memory , to retain good things ; it sanctifies the Tongue , to speak good things , or at least it is pain and grief to keep silence ( Psal. 39. ) it sanctifies the ear to hear good things , and shut the door against the contrary ; it sanctifies the hand to do good things ; it sanctifies the feet , the feet of the Soul , to walk in good wayes . In a word , it sanctifies the whole man to the service of that God , who hath redeemed him from death . And thus the form of Sanctification , consists in the renewing of the Image of God in righteousness and holiness , Eph. 4.24 . which implies also the defacing of the Image of old Adam , and of Satan ; the pulling down of the old structure of sin , before there can be a rearing up of the new structure of Grace ; a putting off the old man , before there can be a putting on the new .

Thus you see the second Question resolved , What this Sanctification is , which by the way should teach us to examine , whether we live this Life or no.

Vse . Examine , whether we are sanctified .

Motive . The just lives by Faith in the Trial of his Sanctification , as well as Justification , Psal. 139.23 . Search me , O God , and know my heart , &c. Master , is it I ? 2 Cor. 11.2 . I am jealous over you , &c. Is there any more in us then Civility or Morality can produce ? Is there an inward , powerful , universal change ?

Quest. What difference is there between Morality and Sanctification ?

A●s . This is a profitable question , because many are deceived in this particular , as the young man , Mark 10.20 . so many at this day rest in Civility , &c.

Obj. Is there any hurt in Civility and Morality ? why do you Preachers speak so much against it ?

Ans. We speak not against the things themselves , Of Civility . but mens trusting to them , and resting in them : they are good in themselves , and lovely dispositions ; as Christ looked upon the young man , and loved him : But when men rest in them , and cry them up for true Sanctification , there 's the danger . Though Silver and Gold are the best Metals , yet Brass , Copper , and Tin , are good in their kinde : but if a man will set the Stamp of good Coyn upon Copper , Brass , &c. and gild it over , that he may put it off for Gold , &c. he deserves to suffer for it : So if a man will set the Stamp of true Grace upon Civility or Morality — Jer. 6.28 30

Quest. What difference ?

Ans. A meer Moral mans Obedience is not general :

As ,

1. For Extent : Difference betwixt Morality and Sanctification . The Civil or Moral man his obedience is not general . Herod must have his Minion , Mark 6.17 . Therefore Jam. 2.10 . He that offends in one point , is guilty of all : but a gracious man doth all ( in purpose of heart : ) Acts 13.22 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : è contra , Saul , 1 Sam. 15. will pick and choose .

2. For Object : The Moral mans obedience is more to the Law than the Gospel , because the Law is revealed by nature , Rom. 2.14 . but the Gospel not so , it is a mystery , 1 Cor. 2.7 8. therefore he slights Christ : Publicans and Harlots shall go into the Kingdom of God sooner than they . On the other side , Rom. 1.16 . the Gospel is powerful to salvation .

3. More in duties of the Second Table than the First , ( because these are more known by nature than the first . ) Hence profane ones take Gods Name and Sabbath in vain , either in Oaths , or ordinary talk ; as , O God! O Lord ! though ( Deut 28.58 . ) It is a glorious and fearful Name ; but Psal. 119.228 . I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right , sayes a Saint .

4. For Quality : Moral men are onely for the form , not the power of godliness ; they hate that : as Vlpian the great Lawyer , Galen the great Physician , and Porphiry the great Philosopher , great enemies to godliness . Difficult duties , exact walking , loving enemies , Matth. 5.43 . these things they love not to hear of ; but especially that hard lesson of Self-denial , Luke 14.33 . as that young man , Mark 10.22 .

5. His obedience is outward , not inward , so long as he abstains from actual Murther , and Adultery , Matth. 5.21 . But Christ shews there the spiritualness of the Law : 2 Cor. 10.5 . Casting down imaginations — bringing into captivity ever thought , &c. Rom. 6 17. Ye ( true believers ) have obeyed from the heart .

6. He makes no bones of small sins , as the Scribes and Pharisees , Mat 5.19 , 20.

7. He hates such as are powerfully godly , Acts 7 ▪ 54. as they were out to the heart , and gnashed on Steven with their teeth : è contra , 1 Joh. 3.14 . We know that we have passed from death to life , because we love the brethren .

8. A meer Moral man doth commonly and willingly fail in the Principle , End , and Manner of Duty .

1. Principle : He doth all in his own strength , but the other in the strength of Christ : Phil. 4.13 . I can do all things through Christ that strengthneth me .

2. End : His own glory ; Jehu , 2 King . 10.16 . Come see my zeal , &c. So he ; See my gift in prayer : Mat. 23.5 . to be seen — Contrà , Psal. 115.1 . Not to us , O Lord , not to us , &c.

3. Manner : as well as matter of actions , either he rests in the notion ; Rom. 2.18 . And knowest his will , approving the things more excellent , &c. or if he be drawn down to actions , yet affection is wanting : Heb 9.14 . dead works ; Chearfully , Diligently , Zealously , Rom. 12.11 .

9. They love not to be touched in their Free-hold ; they love not discriminating differencing Doctrines ; according to Jer. 15.19 . Separating the precious from the vile , &c. Luke 4.29 . When they heard these things , they were filled with wrath , and thrust him out of the City . But one that hath any grace , loves to be tried , and that God would send a messenger to search my heart to the bottom , Psal. 139. Luke 7.23 . Blessed is he that is not offended ; i.e. offended with it , or the messenger of it , which Christ spake in the same case : The poor receive the Gospel ; men of eminent parts for Civility and Morality are passed by , and those men that renounce all these in point of Justification , and are poor in spirit , these are blessed .

Thus Faith tries Sanctification , 1 Pet. 1.21 . And if upon examination we be found guilty , take the counsel , Rev. 3.17 , 18. Because thou saist , I am rich , &c. — I counsel thee to buy of me gold , &c. If upon examination we finde we be truly sanctified , prize Christ . Phil. 3.6 , 7.8 What things were gain to us , we count loss for Christ . Be thankful , 1 Tim. 1.13 , 17. — who was before a blasphemer , &c. but I obtained mercy : so , &c.

Quest. How shall we do to live this Life of Sanctification ?

Ans. The answer to the third Question will resolve this ; viz.

By what means Sanctification is wrought . How , and by what means this Sanctification is wrought in the Soul .

The truth is , the main Original Cause is God ; He is the Author , as of the first , so of the second Creation : Eph. 2.10 . For we are his workmanship , created in Christ Jesus , unto good works .

God the Father as the Efficient Cause : Jude , ver. 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father .

God the Son as the Meritorious Cause : Heb. 2.11 . For both he that sanctifieth , and they who are sanctified , are all one .

God the Holy Ghost , working this : 1 Cor. 6.11 . — But ye are sanctified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ , and by the Spirit of our God .

It springs not from our selves , nor from our parents : no , though they be holy , it springs not from them .

Sow the purest Wheat you can get , yet it springs up with chaff again , when it brings forth another Crop : So the best parents bring forth children , with the chaff of natural corruption cleaving to them . Grace comes not from Nature , but from God ; 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 . God therefore is the Original and principal Cause .

Vse . Go to God for Sanctification for our selves or others : 1 Thess. 5.23 . And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly , &c. Mat. 8.2 . And behold , a leper came , and worshipped him , saying , Lord , if thou wilt , thou canst make me clean . Psal. 51.7 , 10. Create in me a clean heart , &c.

But now Faith is the Intrumental Cause of the Life of Sanctification , in the order of working ; and so the just lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification . Acts 15.9 . Faith purifies the heart ; and ch. 26.18 . it purifies the life of the whole man , that they may receive inheritance among them that are sanctified , by faith that is in me .

Quest. And how doth Faith purifie ? or how doth the just live by Faith the Life of Sanctification ?

Ans. 1. Acts of faith in sanctifying . 1. Applying Christ , either 1. In general . As laying hold on Christ the principal object of Faith , especially on the blood of Christ , the meritorious Cause of cleansing .

I say , in general , laying hold upon Christ , the principal object of Faith ; not as if Faith had this life , or this power to give life in it self , no more can it give the life of Sanctification , than of Justification : but as by it we are united to Christ our Head , and Fountain of Life . Faith comes from Christ , and returns to Christ again ; like the Flower call'd The Wonder of the World , it grows out from the stem or stalk , and turns round to it again : So Faith comes from Christ and turns round to him again , to draw still more vertue from him . As our Communion with Christ in grace , flows from our Vnion with him : so also all spiritual Operations , or living acts of spiritual life . Look as in the natural body , the life of all the Members is from the Head , and that Life conveyed by certain nerves and sinews to every part : so the Life of Sanctification in all the Members , is derived from Christ the Head , and that by the sinews and nerves of Faith , conveyed to all the elect in due time , by which they live , and more and more encrease from day to day . Vide Ephes. 4.15 , 16. Coloss. 2.19 .

Quest. But how shall I know , that my spiritual actions and operations ( suppose Prayer , Preaching the Word , practising of that we hear in any particular ) do spring from my Union with Christ ?

Ans. This is a profitable and necessary Question , When spiritual actions spring from faith in Christ . because a man may do many good things , and yet these actions not flow from our Union with Jesus Christ . A man may have excellent common graces ; nay , and he may counterfeit saving graces too , and yet these not spring from Union with Christ . Nay , a man may be strengthened by Christ to do work and service for Christ , and yet that strength and those services not flow from Union .

Isa 45.1 , &c. Concerning Cyrus his doing friendly offices for the Church , and this prophecied of him about 200 years before he was born .

Isa. 1O . 3 . O Assyrian , the rod of mine anger , &c. correcting and afflicting the Church , and they had their strength from God , — a staff in his hand , and yet they did not know this , nor acknowledge it themselves ; v. 7. Howbeit , he meaneth not so , &c.

A man may have excellent common graces , as Judas had , and those , Matth. 7.22 . Lord , have we not prophecied in thy Name , and in [ thy Name , i e. in thy power ] cast out devils ? &c.

A man may counterfeit saving graces even to the life , that he may deceive others : Rev. 3.1 . Thou hast a name that thou livest , and art dead — ( Though God is not mocked . )

Quest. The Question then is , How shall I know , whether my holy actions , motions , and operations , do spring from Union with Christ , or no ?

Ans. 1. ( To follow the Metaphor of Head and Members ) If thy holy actions proceed from inward principles , ( 1 Cor. 6.17 . Being made one spirit ) and not outward principles onely .

As a living hand or foot , is moved from invisible nerves and sinews within ; but a wooden hand or foot , is moved onely by outward ligatures , by which it is bound to the body : So a man may pray and preach , and be onely moved by outward ligatures — of profit , credit , envy , &c. Philip. 1.15 . Some preach Christ of envy and strife , and some of good will . So Mat. 6.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. They gave alms , and prayed in the streets to be seen of men : but he that doth it by vertue of Union , is moved by an inward principle of the Spirit of Christ .

Obj. But may there not be a common gift of the Spirit to move a wicked man ; as 2 Chron. Ezra 1.1 . The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia ? &c.

Ans. Yes : but then it proceeds not from the inhabiting Spirit of God , whereof the Elect are the Temple , 1 Cor. 6.19 . but onely from a present , common , and transient work of the Spirit , as in Baalam : so sometimes good and evil spirits have had power to enter into bodies , and carry them up and down ; but yet not to inform them , as the Soul informs the Body , nor to dwell there , &c. — So the Spirit of God , &c.

Quest. How shall I know my Spiritual actions proceed from the inhabiting Spirit ?

Ans. By savouring and minding the things of the Spirit , Rom. 8 5. They that are of the flesh , do minde the things of the flesh ; but they that are after the spirit , the things of the spirit .

Though Gods Spirit spake in and by Baalam , yet he had no through relish of what he spake ; for he still loved the wages of unrighteousness .

2. We may know it by the End of spiritual actions , if it be the glory and honour of Christ , and a care to preserve the things of Christ ; as the Members of the Body have a principal care of adorning and preserving the Head : The Arm receives a blow to defend the Head ; so a living Member of Christ , truly united to him , as he goes to Christ for strength , Phil. 4.13 . so he refers all to the honour of Christ in conclusion , another adventures himself far for the truth and cause of Christ ; as Paul , Acts 20. Neither is my life dear unto me , so I may fulfil the Ministery of Christ , &c. So in general Faith lives on Christ .

2. In particular , Or , 2. In particular he lives by Faith in the Application ,

Means 1. His Death . 1. Of the Death of Christ ; for though we have benefit by the Birth of Christ ( Luke 2.10 , 11. ) ( as we shewed this day fortnight ) yet not so much as by his death ; and joy in birth , onely in relation to his death : He is born a Saviour , i.e. one that shall die for your sins , Rom. 5.10 . Heb. 2.14 . Through death he destroyed him that had power of death , that is , the devil .

Yet there is joy in his Birth , as in the approach of a friend that comes to loose as out of Prison , if we be in for Debt or Murther : We then rejoyce , when he comes to the door , but onely in reference to paying of the Debt ; for if he should then turn back , it would sad us the more : So in this case .

Must Aarons ear , and hand , and foot be sanctified ? it must be done by the application of the Blood of the Covenant , Exod 29.20 . Thus our hearing , thus our words , thus our works , thus our walking , is sanctified in the application of the Blood of Christ . Heb. 9 14. — the Blood of Christ purge your consciences . 'T is all the price of Blood . 2 Cor. 5. ult. He hath made him to be sin for us , &c.

Faith sanctifies , as by laying hold of the Blood and Death of Christ ; so of the Resurrection and Life of Christ .

Means 2. His Resurrection . As the Resurrection of Christ is a Birth , ( so , he is called , The first-born from the dead ) so , the assurance of his Resurrection ( proved by the powerful government of the Church , and of the whole World , for the Churches sake , in his Session at the Right-hand of his Father ) this begets a lively hope , and so a spiritual new birth in us : 1 Pet. 1.3 . We are begotten again to a lively hope , by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead . Faith or Hope makes use of Christs Resurrection , and this New birth of faith begets a New life of Sanctification . Coloss. 3.1 . If ye then be risen with Christ , &c. The love of Christ dying for us , and rising for us , and reigning for us , ( acting all our affairs at the Right-hand of God his Father ; yea , the love of Christ begetting of us to this lively hope , by his Death and Resurrection : all these constrain us to a holy life , 2 Cor. 5.

Ver. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us , because we thus judge , that if one dyed for all , then were all dead : and that 15. He dyed for all , that they which live , should not live henceforth unto themselves , but unto him which dyed for them , and rose again : Therefore 16. We live no more after the flesh ; i.e. with carnal and sinful affections . And 17. If any man be in Christ , he is a new creature ; a new man , a regenerate person , and hath a renewed conversation .

Therefore ? Wherefore ? because he , seeing the love of Christ , by the eye of Faith , in dying for him , and rising again ; this raiseth up his heart to newness of life : As if he heard Christ perswading of him , like as a tender-hearted mother perswades her childe , per viscera , by her own bowels , If thou art my childe , if thou dost own me for thy Mother , then obey my commandments , and follow my advice : so saith the Apostle , Col. 3. If ye be risen again with Christ , if ye be partakers of a New Birth , through the pangs of his Death , and the power of his Resurrection , if ye be his children , if ye acknowledge God for your Father , set your affections ow things which are above , Phil. 3.20 . and let your conversation be in heaven . And so the just lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification , in the application of the Death and Resurrection of Christ .

3. He lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification , Means 3. His Appearing and Judgment . in the application of the Appearing of Christ , and the Judgement of Christ : 2 Tim. 4.1 . I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ , who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing , and his kingdom , Preach the word , be instant , &c. Look as the warning of an Assize or Sessions makes one careful to provide themselves , that their cause may be found good , that they may be able to stand in Judgement : so in this case . The same argument , see Tit 2.13 . — Live soberly , righteously , &c. looking for the glorious appearing of the great God , and our Saviour Jesus Christ . And 1 Cor. 15. last , The●efo●e my beloved brethren , be ye stedfast , &c. Wherefore ? for as much as ye know , &c. i. e knowing by faith or believing , your labour ( one day ) shall not be in vain in the Lord . A cause of all sins is made , not believing the Judgement : 2 Pet. 3.3 , 4. Where is the Promise of his coming , & c ? and a cause of holy walking , the believing of it ; ver. 11 , 12. What manner of persons ought ye to be in all h●ly conversation and godliness , looking for , and hasting to the coming , &c. Therefore it is observable in Scripture , where-ever almost there is mention of the last Judgement , it speaks of Christs judging men by the fruits of Faith , rather then by Faith it self ; that the believing of the last Judgement , may stir us up to a holy life . Mat. 25.35 , &c. 2 Cor. 5.10 . & Rev. 20.12 . there the Books are opened ( the Book of Gods Decree ) and yet men judged according to their works . Think of this , you that have to do in Judgement this day * : other Books must one day be opened . It may make a Felix tremble ; it may move all to be holy and righteous in all their actions .

Means 4. His Word . 4. He lives by , Faith the Life of Sanctification , in the application of the Word of Christ . Without Faith , the Word profits not , neither this , nor any other way ; but being mixed with Faith , Heb. 4.2 . it is quick , and powerful , and mighty in operation , 2 Cor. 10 4. to the pulling down of strong holds ; i.e. proud thoughts , earthly thoughts , unclean thoughts . Joh. 15.3 . Now are you clean through the word that I have spoken to you : Psal. 19. The word of the Lord is clean , and endures for ever . And as it is clean in it self , so it is a cleansing word in the effect : Joh. 17.17 . Sanctifie them through thy truth , thy word is truth . Not as if the Word had power to sanctifie without the Spirit , but the Spirit doth it by the Word : the Word is an instrument of cleansing in the hand of the Spirit . 1 Pet. 1.22 . Ye have purified your souls on obeying ( i. e. in believing ) the truth through the spirit .

As the Spirit makes use of the Word of Precept and Threatning ( Psal. 17.4 . By the word of thy lips have I kept me from the paths of the destroyer ) so of the word of Promise also , 2 Cor. 7.1 . Having therefore these Promises , let us cleanse our selves . What ? hath God promised to be a Father to me , ( as it is in the words before ) and that I should be a son or a daughter to him , this Lord God Almighty , upon condition that I will separate my self , and touch no unclean thing ; and shall not I be willing so to do ? Nay , hath God promised to perform the condition for me , namely , to sprinkle clean water upon me , that I might be clean , Ezek. 36.25 . and to subdue my iniquities , and sanctifie me throughout , in Soul , Body , and Spirit , and shall not I make use of these his Promises ? Hath God shewed so much love to me in making the Promise , and shall not I shew love to him in obeying his Precept ? And thus by laying hold upon the Word , both of Promise and Precept , the just lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification : therefore Faith is called , Most holy Faith , Jude , n. 20. namely from the effect , because it works holiness in him that hath it . Most holy Faith : it is not said , Most holy Love , Joy , or Peace , but most holy Faith , not Subjective , sed Effectivê : All lean on this building as the Foundation ; Christ is the foundation of Merit ; Faith , of Order : Christ is the Foundation which Faith findes , and tries as the Workman , &c.

Faith is like a strong purge , that never leaves working ▪ so long as there 's any corruption in the body : So Faith never leaves working , so long as there is any corruption in the Soul , and that is as long as we live : Onely , as Faith grows stronger , corruption grows weaker from day to day ; but , it is not wholly purged out , till our daying day , and therefore there is use of Faith as long as we live : but because when we die , our corruption shall die with us also , there shall be no use of Faith any longer .

Means 5. Sacraments . 5. He lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification , in the application of the Sacramental Signs . These are means of our Sanctification : Eph. 5.26 . Christ is said to give himself for his Church , that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word . And Tit. 3.5 . He saved us , by the washing of Regeneration . But this washing is by Faith . Philip said to the Eunuch , Act. 8.37 . If thou believest with all thine heart , thou maaist be baptized .

Obj. Then Infants are not to be baptized , because they cannot believe .

Ans. God looks at Infants in their Parents faith . Gen. 17. I will be thy God , and the God of thy seed . So far as want of faith might hinder circumcision , so far it may hinder Baptism . For 1. The Covenant is the same , Rom 14.11 . and the Seals are the same for substance , 1 Cor. 10 1 , 2. 2. The Grace of God is the same ; yea ; more abundant , Tit. 2. ver. 12. The grace of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , hath shined forth : Opposed to the shadows of the Old Testament . And did God shine upon Infants in those times , and shall we put them under a cloud now ? Want of faith did not hinder them then , and why now ? It hindred heathens then , and so now . No Proselytes were admitted , but such as made profession of the Faith of Abraham : So , &c.

Means 6. Afflictions . 6. He lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification , in the right use and application of Afflictions . Afflictions sanctified , are a means of sanctifying us : That may be one reason why they are called a Baptism ; Mat. 20.23 . Christ said to the two Disciples , Ye shall indeed be baptiz'd with the baptism that I am baptized with : Meaning , a portion of his Afflictions . If Christ learn obedience by the things which he suffered ; much more may we . Heb. 5.8 . Afflictions sanctified , work the quiet fruit of righteousness , Heb. 12.11 . Afflictions are like the Red-sea ; they drown some , but they save and purge others . And what is the reason of the difference ? Some have faith to pass through them , but some have none : They drown those that have no faith , but they purge and preserve those that have Faith : Heb. 11.29 . By faith they passed through the Red-sea , which the Egyptians assaying to do , were drowned : And this was not onely a Baptism of Affliction , but of Purgation and Sanctification ; 1 Cor. 10.2 . And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud , and in the sea . Thus the just lives by Faith in time of Adversity , not onely as preserved therein , ( which was handled before ) but as washed and sanctified thereby . Revel. 7.14 . These are they which came out of great Tribulation , and have washed their Robes , &c.

Lastly , The Prayer of Faith is a mean to sanctifie : Means 7. Prayer . and the just lives by Faith in the exercise of Prayer , carrying the Soul to the Fountain of Life , Joh. 4.10 .

Therefore if God be the Author and Effector of this Life of Sanctification , go to God for it . Dost thou feel the want of Sanctification of Spiritual Life ? Dost thou feel thou art dead in sins and trespasses ? It argues the beginnings of Life ; but go to God for more Life ; pray him to sprinkle and apply the Blood of Christ ; Psal. 51.7 . pray him to apply the Word , to speak to thy heart in that voice behinde thee ; pray him that is Jehovah , Isa. 30.21 . to give a being to his Promise ; pray him to make Sacraments effectual , and to Baptize thee with the Holy Ghost , and with fire ; Ma●. 3. pray him to open thine ear to hear Discipline , and seal thy Instruction , that when thou art corrected , Job 33.16 . thou maist be sure to be instructed . In a word , pray him who is the Author of Sanctification , to cause thee to live by Faith ( through all means ) the Life of Sanctification . Go to God by Prayer ; by the prayer of faith . For the just shall live by Faith in this respect . Jam. 1.5 . What S. James sayes of one saving grace , Wisdom , we may say of all , If any man lack — any grace , or all grace , let him ask of God , &c. But let him ask in faith . Faith lives the Life of Sanctification , in drawing holiness from the Fountain in the Conduit-pipe of Prayer : Isa. 12.3 . With joy draw ye the waters out of the wells of Salvation : Lye at the breast of the Promise , if thou hast any life at all , and draw out , of the sincere milk of the word , that thou maist grow thereby , 1 Pet. 2.2 . which must needs be meant of the Life of Sanctification ; for the Life of Justification is perfect at the first , though it be a continued act . Therefore do not onely hear the Word , but Pray . Hearing the Word , is the laying the mouth to the breast ; but Prayer is the drawing of the breast . Therefore draw hard .

New-years-day . O thou that createdst the first Heaven , and the first Earth of nothing ! O thou that createst the New Heaven , and the New Earth , ( wherein dwells Righteousness ) when sin had made the creature worse then nothing ! O thou that createst the New Jerusalem , coming down from Heaven as a Bride ! O thou that createst the New Creature , the New man , fit to be an inhabitant of the New World , of the New Jerusalem ! O thou that hast said , Behold , I make all things New : Create thou in me , even in me , Psal , 51. a clean heart ; renew a right Spirit in me . Plead with God , and say , Lord , thou hast commanded me , whilst it is called , Heb. 1. To day , to hear thy voice , and not to harden my heart : I beseech thee therefore whilst it is called , To day , hear my voice , and harden not thy heart against me : For if thy heart be hardned against my Prayer , my heart must needs be hardned at thy Word . Say , Father , let others give what gifts they please to their friends , if thou please but to give me grace , Eph. 4. grace to put off the Old man with the Old year , as the circled Snake casts her skin ; and to put on the New man , Psal. 103. as the Eagle renews her bill and her age both together : I shall esteem it the best New-years-gift that ever was given : And say , Father , I have fast hold on thee , and I will not let thee go , Gen. 32. except thou bless me ; except thou giv'st me this blessing , this New-years-gift of a new heart . Lord , I lay hold of thee in thine own promise ; Thine everlasting Truth is a cord strong enough , strong enough to hold Thee : and Lord , I must needs make bold to binde thee to thy Word . Hast thou not said , Lord , A new heart will I give you ? Lord , for whom is this new heart laid up in thy Promise : for them that have it , or for them that want it ? &c. Therefore I beseech thee , of thy faithfulness to answer me , and in thy righteousness , say unto me , Though thy faith be weak , Be it unto thee even as thou wilt : Let there be light , Mat. 8. let there be heat , let there be a new heart : Be thou holy , as I am holy , that thou maist be happy for ever , as I am happy .

Thus much for the third Question , How , and by what means this Sanctification is wrought in the Soul .

4. Questions follow ; Quest. 4. What Reason of the necessity of Sanctification . What is the reason that such a life is necessary in all justified persons ?

1. Reason . Because this is one of the great Ends of our freedom by the Death of Christ : He died not onely to redeem us from Hell , and from Satan , and all our Enemies , but from our vain conversation also , 1 Pet. 1.18 . Tit. 2 14. He gave himself for us , that he might redeem us from all iniquity , and purifie to himself a peculiar people , zealous of good works . Yea , he delivered us from the hands of all our enemies , that we might serve him in holiness , Luke 1.74 .

2. Because it was one of Gods great designs in the work of our Redemption , to make us conformable to the Image of his Son , as in suffering , Rom. 8.29 . so in sanctity ; that as we have born the Image of the Earthly : so we might bear the Image of the Heavenly . 1 Cor. 15. We look upon Christ by the eye of Faith , ( as they look'd upon the brazen Serpent ) not onely to save us , but to transform us and heal us . The vision of Christ , begets transformation ; and transformation , satisfaction : this is partly in this life , but perfectly in the life to come . Psal. 17. ult I shall behold thy face in righteousness : when I awake , I shall be satisfied with thy likeness . In the mean time , there are degrees of transformation and satisfaction to the Soul , so far as it is able to look upon Christ by the eye of faith , in the glass of the Ordinances : 2 Cor. 3. ult. But we all , as with open face , beholding , as in a glass , the glory of the Lord , are changed , &c. To be changed into the Image of Christ , is a great part of a Christians happiness , a great part of this happiness , is his holiness : without which , even heaven it self , and the glorified Presence of God , would be a hell to him : for so long as men are unregenerate , and wicked they say unto God , Depart from us , we will not have the knowledge of thy wayes , Job 21.14 . Therefore that they may be made like Christ , and take comfort in the fellowship of Christ , it 's necessary they should live by Faith the life of Sanctification .

3. Because , from the first Adam we stand guilty of a twofold sinfulness : 1. Imparted : Rom. 5.19 . As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners : so , &c. 2. Imparted : Job 14.4 . Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ?

4. This is for the honour of Christ : Philip 1.27 . Onely let your conversation be as becomes the Gospel , &c.

2 Sam. 10.4 . Hanun's abusing Davids Servants , was to cut off half their garments .

5. Because Gods free love in the Life of Justification , cannot but stir us up to love God again ( 1 John 4.19 ▪ ) And love is active , and full of inventions to do service for the beloved : And so he must necessarily live the Life of Sanctification ; and so Sanctification is an evidence of Justification . How doth Christ prove many sins were forgiven to Mary ? ( Luke 7.47 . ) Because she loved much . And how doth she prove her love ? by the fruits , her cost , and care , and pains , ver. 37 , &c. If ye love me , keep my Commandments , sayes Christ , Joh. 14.15 . Faith works by love , Gal. 5.6 . As Faith applies Promises for Comfort , so commands for Performance of Duty , Psal. 119 66.

And so much for the first Branch in Sanctification ; viz. Renovation .

BRANCH . II. THE LIFE of FAITH A LIFE OF FRUCTIFICATION .

SEcondly , The just lives by Faith the Life of Fructification : ( for we shall speak of the Use of both together , in the fruits of New Obedience : And this , in these particulars :

How , or in what manner faith hath influence into the life of spiritual Fructification : 1. Faith makes us good trees . 1. In making of us good Trees . A man must be a good Tree , before he can bring forth good Fruit , Mat. 12.33 . Now Faith makes us good Trees , by grafting us into the Mystical Body of Christ : Rom. 11.17 . Thou being a wilde Olive-tree , wert grafted in , and partakest of the root and fatness of the Olive . Thou derivest sap , and juyce , and life of grace in Christ , and so thou dost not onely bud and blossom ( as Aarons Rod , Numb. 17. ) by good words , and fair Promises , but thou bringst forth fruit of New Obedience , to the glory of God Joh. 15.1 , 2 , &c.

2. In telling of us , or discovering to us , 2. Faith discovers what is good Fruit. what is good Fruit.

For the Matter . Faith tells us what is Gods revealed Will ; and it layes hold of the Command of God for direction , as well as of the Promise of God for consolation , Psal. 119.66 . I have believed thy Commandments : and whatsoever is not thus of faith , is sin , Rom. 14. ult. So Faith laying hold of the Word , tells me what is my duty as a Magistrate , as a Minister , as a Master , as a Neighbour , as a Fellow-Member , &c.

If I do not live by Faith in all these , the fruit I bring forth cannot be good . Prov. 19.2 . That the soul be without knowledge , is not good , &c.

3. In stirring up the Soul to be fruitful : 3. Faith stirs up the Soul to be fruitful . How ? First ,

First , By guickning Considerations , drawn not onely from our duty , but from the Promise of God , and the glory of God .

1. The Promise of God ; as Moses , Heb. 11.26 , 27. choosing affliction , &c , for , he had an eye to the recompence of reward . So saith Faith , If thou dost this , the Promise is thine . 2. Glory of God . Faith tells the Soul , 2 Thess. 1. ult. Matth. 5.16 . Herein is thy heavenly Father glorified , if thou bringest forth much fruit , Joh. 15.8 .

Secondly , By drawing strength from Christ the Root : John 15.4 , 5. Abide in me , &c. Nothing without Christ , all through Christ : Therefore Faith and Prayer sucks strength from Christ : Psal. 119.4.5 . Thou hast commmanded me to keep thy Precepts : O that my wayes were so directed , &c.

4. In timing and seasoning of the Fruit , 4 , Faith suits all our scruples to a proper season which is a beautiful thing . Eccles. 3.1 . True indeed , our whole time is due to God , Luke 1.75 . Gods Trees are so full of sap that they must bring forth fruit all the year long . Yea , but yet there are several fruits for several seasons , for several moneths , Ezek. 47.12 . There are several winds which blow upon the Garden of the Heart , and cause several fruits to flow out , Cant. 4.16 . There are gales of the Spirit , and gales of Providence : Gales of the Spirit Joh. 3.8 . The wind bloweth where it listeth — so is the Spirit : O set up thy sails , when thou hast so fair a wind , if thou art bound for the Land of Promise : Gales of Providence , viz. The north-wind of adversity ; O now bring forth fruit with patience : The south-wind of prosperity ; O now bring forth fruits with joy , and thankfulness .

Besides , there are seasons of grace for thy self and for others . For thy self : see 2 Cor. 6.2 . Now is the accepted time , &c. when God calls by his Word , or by his Rod ; whilest the waters are troubled , John 5. then is the time of healing . For others , in gaining them to bring forth fruit to God . Some are made Fishers of m●n . It is excellent to know the season , and the bait , to cast out the Net at Gods word and his time . ( Faith teacheth this . ) It is good fishing in troubled waters ; that is the season . As it is with a man ready to be drown'd : you must take him when he riseth up , and holds forth his hand , and cries for help , &c.

Beloved , there is no Ordinance , no Providence , but calls for some seasonable duty at our hands . As every day hath its proper trouble ( Mat. 6.34 . ) so every day hath its proper task and service . Now 't is Faith onely that can instruct us , and enable us to know our time and take our time . As he that believes , makes not haste , Isa. 28.16 . So he will not be too slow , Heb. 6.12 . — not slothful . Natural men , and unbelievers , know not their times , nor the seasons of their visitation , Luke 19.42 , &c. So nor of their Fructification . Natural men know natural seasons of Sowing , Setting , Planting , Plowing ; every Almanack can tell this . But onely the true Believer , the spiritual man , is instructed in the spiritual good husbandry , to know the right seed-time and harvest of Grace , and to know the season of every fruit of Grace : Eccles. 8.5 , 6. A wise man knows time and judgement , &c.

5. The just lives by Faith the Life of Fructification , 5. Faith ripens the fruits of new obedience in ripening the fruit . Faith is a bright beam of the Sun of Righteousness , that ripens the fruit of New Obedience : without Faith , it is but crude , and raw fruit ; yea , dead , and withered fruit ; dead Prayers , dead Preaching , dead Hearing , dead Practice , dead Works . As Faith without Works is a dead faith , Jam. 2.17 . So Works without Faith are dead works : Heb. 9.14 . How much more shall the blood of Christ purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God . There are works that are called dead works , that have all the outward lineaments of good works , onely they want life : and we are purged from these by the blood of Christ , applied and sprinkled upon the conscience by Faith , and so there is life put into them , and they are made living works , fit to be presented to a living God .

6. And so lastly , He lives by Faith in Fructification , 6. Faith procures acceptation of our fruitfulness through Christ . in regard of the Acceptation of this fruit , when it is presented to the hands of the great Master of the Vineyard . Faith presents it by the hand of a Mediator , and so 't is accepted , which otherwise would certainly be rejected . Look as , Whatsoever we ask the Father in Christs Name , it is granted : so whatsoever we present to God in his Name , is accepted . Gen 27. Jacob gat the Blessing in the garments of his elder Brother . Take the same good works for matter : Suppose the one presented by the hands of a faithful man ; the other by the hands of a proud unbeliever , whose heart is lifted up in him , and he thinks God is beholding to him for his service ; the one is accepted , the other is rejected . The Lord had respect to Abel and his offering ; but to Cain and his offering had he not respect , Gen. 4. And what 's the reason of the difference ? The difference is not in the Offering , but the Offerer . The one had Faith , the other had none . By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain — God testifying of his gifts , Heb. 11.4 . The diversity of the persons , makes a diversity in the Present . They are like the two Baskets of Jeremiah's figs , ( Jer. 24. ) The one had very good figs , like the figs that are first ripe ; the other had very naughty figs , that could not be eaten , they were so bad . True Faith dares invite God to eat of the fruit of his own Planting , and of his own ripening . Though it be not full ripe in it self , 't is mellow'd in Christ . Cant. 4. last , Let my beloved come into his garden , and eat of his pleasant fruit .

Thus the just man lives by Faith the Life of Fructification ; both the Life of Renovation , and the Life of Fructification . Now for the Use of both together .

Vse of all in general .

FIrst , Let us hence Examine the truth of our Faith . Vse 1. Example of Faith by its ●eno●●●ing & ●ructifying . If it be right , then we live by it the Life of Sanctification in Renovation , &c. as well as of Justification . Many say , They live by Faith the Life of Justification , but we see nothing in them of Sanctification : Therefore their Faith is not true . True Faith is full of Vertue : 2 Pet. 1.5 . — adde to your faith , vertue . True Faith is an active grace : As it is wrought powerfully , Eph. 1.19 . — according to the working of his mighty power : So it works powerfully ; Col. 2.12 . it is called — Faith of the operation of God . Faith puts a Christian not onely upon all holy speeches , ( Prayer , Preaching , and Conference , are the breathings of Faith ) as 2 Cor. 4.13 . I believed , therefore have I sp●ken : Acts 4.20 . We cannot but speak the thing , which we have seen and heard : But also upon all holy actions and duties . There is the work of faith twice mentioned , 1 Thess. 1.3 . 2 Thess. 1.11 . An idle Faith is vain , Jam. 2. a dead faith ; and a dead Faith is as good as no Faith at all . The Wisdom that is from above , is full of good fruits , Jam. 3.17 . It is as impossible for a Christ●an to live the Life of Justification , without Sanctification , as for a man to have life without breath .

Secondly , It Reproves two sorts of people ; Vse 2. Reproof to Papists and carnal Professors . Papists on the one side , and carnal Professors on the other side : who separate these two precious Lives , which God hath inseparably joined together , Justification and Sanctification . Being Twins or Sisters of the same Womb , and ever born and brought forth together in the Christian Soul . Other Twins may die , at least one of them ; but these live and die together : yea , they live and never die . As Jacob took hold of the heel of his brother ; so the Life of Sanctification follows the Life of Justification close at the heels . 1 Cor 6 11. — But ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified — As you cannot separate the light of the fire from the heat thereof ; no more can you separate the light of Faith in Justification , from the heat of Faith in Sanctification . Mat 3.11 . — He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost , and with fire .

And yet , I say , Papists on the one side , and Carnal Professors on the other side , seperate these two precious Lives , or at least they would cause one of these Sister-Twins to devour the other . The Papists make Sanctification to devour Justification ; and the Carnal Professor makes Justification to devour Sanctification .

First , the Papists make Sanctification to devour Justification : For , they say , in effect , Our Sanctification is our Justification . For , they say , to justifie , is onely to make just by inherent Righteousness . Again , they make Remission of sin not to be the Pardon of sin , but the utter deletion or expulsion of sin by infusion of Righteousness ; as darkness is expell'd by light , and cold by heat .

Thus they make Justification wholly to consist in the parts of Sanctification : For whereas Sanctification is partly Privative , which we call Mortification ; and partly Positive , which we call Vivification ; which is either Habitual , Vide Down p. 50. Papists make sanctification to devour justification . Carnal Professors è contr . ( consisting in the habits of grace ) or Outward and Actual ( consisting in the exercise of that grace , in the fruit of good works ) All this , and onely this , they make the matter of their Justification . And so they make Sanctification to devour Justification .

On the other side , Carnal Professors , they make Justification to devour Sanctification . O , say they , our Justification is our Sanctification , we have no holiness in our selves . And thus the Devil drives men to extremes ; and , like a cunning Wrestler , he twitches on both sides . For the first of these Opinions proceeds from Pride and Presumption : The other from false and feigned Humility , joyned with Despondency , and with a kinde of spiritual sloth and laziness of Spirit .

O , sayes the Papist , we have no righteousness in Christ ; onely Christ hath merited , that we should merit . And Rank Pride is the root of this Opinion . O , Rank Pride the root of P●pish sanctity . sayes the Carnal Professor , we have no righteousness nor holiness in our selves . Alas ! what can we do ! 't is all one , whether we do any thing or nothing ; we have no Righteousness or Sanctification but in Christ . And thus , as with a wet finger , he shakes off all the duties of godliness : and this springs , as I said ; from false or feigned Humility , Feigned humility and ●●ziness of spirit the root of Libertinism . and laziness of Spirit . This is the sluggards hinge , upon which he turns himself about to no purpose . As good never a whit , saith he , as never the better . When you press him to duty he holds up this , as Ajax his Shield , to bear off all blows . Tell him of his Omissions and Commissions , O , sayes he , Christ is my Righteousness and Sanctification ; as if he might sin , that grace might abound , or that grace had abounded , that he might sin . But you see this Errour confuted . There is a Sanctification in Gods people inherent , besides that which is in Christ . The just lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification . Therefore justly are reprov'd such Christians , as bury themselves above ground . As Cato said of Idleness , it is vivi hominis sepultura : Such indeed are dead whilest they live , 1 Tim. 5 6. As good be out of the world , as do no good in the world ; meer cumber-grounds , Luke 13.

Third Use , may be a just Apologie for true Christians , Vse 3. Protestants apologie against Papists , who say , we deny the use of good works . against the unjust Cavil of Antichristian and Popish Spirits : who say , That because we teach a man is justified by Faith alone , therefore he is justified by such Faith as is alone . But there is a great deal of difference betwixt these two Assertions . Though they differ not much in words , yet they differ much in sense . There is difference betwixt Fide Solâ , and Fide Solitariâ ; Faith alone , and Faith that is alone . To make it plain by Similitude : Suppose Esther , attended with her Maids , goes in to the King to beg the life of her people ; Esther alone obtains their life , but not Esther when she was alone ; for she was attended by her Maids , and they were witnesses of the fact . So Faith alone , through Christ , obtains the life of Justification but not Faith as alone in the person , for it is ever attended with good works , that are witnesses of that life . Or as a man that is guided in his way by the benefit of a Torch ; he is onely guided by the light of the fire : but that is never alone , for it is accompanied with heat : So a Christian man , he is guided in his way to heaven , by the light of the knowledge of Christ through Faith : but the light is never alone for it is ever accompanied with the heat of love ; Gal. 5.6 . Faith works by love . Therefore they slander , when they affirm we teach the contrary : For we teach , That a Christian lives the life of Sanctification and Fructification in many powerful and quickning Considerations . Wherefore let us by well-doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish and malicious men . 1 Pet. 2.15 .

Vse 4. Exh. to faith , &c. as the root of conveying all godliness & fruitfulness . Fourthly , for Exhortation and Quickning , in three Branches .

1. To labour for Faith , and encrease in it . Why ? because Faith is the Root of Holiness and Fruitfulness , or the foundation , as it is Col 2.7 . Rooted and built up in him , and established in the faith , &c. A man that would have a goodly and a fruitful Orchard , will be sure to plant Trees with a good Root : Otherwise , have they never so goodly Tops , they will but the sooner wither away , and come to nothing : So those that would be fruitful and flourishing Trees in Gods Orchard , should be sure to look to the Root of Faith , the root of all Holiness and Fruitfulness : otherwise be the Top and Branches , and Leaves of our Profession never so great , all will soon wither and come to nothing . Such will be as trees twice dead , and plucked up by the roots , Jude v. 12.

2. To live by Faith this Life of Sanctification . 2 Exhort . 1. Motives to live by faith the life of Sanctification .

Motive . 1. Else we shall never manifest we live the Life of Justification ; for they are Twins , as hath been said .

2. This is the most excellent Life ; makes us like God , and is therefore called , The life of God . How do men aspire to imitate great men in their speeches , gestures , 2. Eph. 4.18 . actions ? O that we could aspire , and desire to imitate the great and good God , to be like him , and live the life of Holiness . It is something to live , if but the lowest life ; but the life of grace is above all lives : for this is to live the Life of God . Holiness is the highest Attribute of Honour .

3. Without holiness , none shall see the Lord , Heb. 12 14. Our happiness consists in the Beatifical Vision : 1 Joh. 3.2 , 3. and , He that hath this hope in him , purifies himself , as he is pure .

4. This Life of Sanctification , is the onely Life of Thankfulness . A justified person should say ▪ What shall I render to the Lord ? Psal. 116. And as David , Psal. 103. Bless the Lord , O my soul , and all that is within me , bless his holy Name . Nor is that enough ; but surely all that is without us too should bless him ; our Tongues , our Hands , and all our Members : All our very bones ; Psal 35.10 . All my bones shall say , Lord , who is like unto thee ? &c. All our actions ; and so our Bodie ; as well as our Souls . It is the Apostles argument , Rom. 12.1 . I beseech you by the mercies of God , that you present your bodies a living sacrifice , holy , acceptable to God , &c. Let us therefore live unto him , by whom we enjoy our lives : Let us live to him the Life of Sanctification , from whom we receive the Life of Justification : Let us live to him the Life of Fructification , from whom we receive the Life of Faith .

5. This is The way to glorifie God : Psal. 50. last . Whoso offereth praise , glorifieth me : and to him that ordereth his conversation aright , &c. God the Father is glorified , Joh. 15.8 . Herein is my Father glorified , that ye bring forth much fruit . God the Son , or Jesus Christ ; for hereby it appears , Heb. 7. he is able to save to the uttermost : how ? by saving from sin , as well as from hell : Mat. 1.21 . The Spirit is glorified ; for the fruits of the Spirit , are , love , joy , peace , long-suffering , goodness , &c. Gal. 5.22 . 'T is the way to glorifie and adorn our Profession . Tit. 2.10 . Servants are commanded to be faithful : Why ? That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things . To glorifie Free grace : Tit. 2.11 , 12. The grace of God hath appeared , Teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts , and to live soberly , &c. Otherwise , it is the greatest dishonor to the grace of God , when we turn it into wantonness , Jude v. 4. yea , 't is to deny God , Tit. 1.16 . in works deny him .

Exhort . 3. Resolve to be fruitful , but take the present time . 3. To do it timely . Not onely resolve to be fruitful , but take the Time . Time is one of the most precious things God hath committed to the sons of men . Redeem time , Eph. 5. viz. at any rate . How hath God laid out the glory of his wisdome and power , in making so many glorious Bodies to measure out Time to us ? that we might learn to take notice of the preciousness of it , and do all our works in time : yet we squander it away , as if we knew not how to spend it fast enough . And we put off to the future , what belongs to the present . We hardly return brazen Performances for golden Opportunities .

Remember , 1. 'T is excellent to know and take the time . It was the commendation of the men of Issachar , 1 Chr. 1.32 . As on the contrary , nothing more unpleasant , than doing things out of time : Pro. 10.26 . As vinegar to the teeth , and smoke to the eyes , so is the sluggard to them that send him .

2. It is very difficult to know and take time . The foolish Virgins lost their tide : the wise had much ado to gain it . Mat. 25. Jacob said , Surely God was in this place , Gen. 28.16 . and I was not aware : So may we say — In this Time , in this Providence ; and yet I was not aware of it . In Cant. 5.3 . &c. The Church was but a minute too slow , and she paid dear for it .

3. It makes every duty easie , if we do take it in time ; or else it is difficult . 'T is easie to enter , if the gates of a Castle be open , and the Governour invites ; but if there be stay till it is shut , and the Portcullis let down , it may cost much blood . 'T is easie to lift a great weight whiles many lift together ; but if each asunder , most hard . So while God sayes , Hear now , &c. it is easie to move in grace or duties ; but if we go about it after , we may move as Pharaoh's Chariots , Exod. 14. with the wheels taken off . And late fruit , we know , is kill'd with Winters frost .

4. If we do not take it , Opportunity may be irrecoverable . A tree may be fruitful next year , if not this , if it stand ; but it may be the Ax may cut it down : So it may be , we may never have the like opportunity , as now . Time and Tide stay for no man . We may happen on a day after the Fair.

5. We know not how soon the folding-doors of time shall be folded up together ; when the Heavens , 1 Cor. 7. 2 Pet. 3. that measure Time , shall be rolled up as a Scroll . And though time should last never so long to the world in general , yet how soon the Angel may swear concerning thee or me , Time shall be no more ( Rev. 10.6 . ) we know not .

6. We must not onely account for the means of fruitfulness , Isa. 5. What could I have done more , & c ? but for the time afforded for fruitfulness , Luk. 13.7 . These three years have I come looking for fruit , and behold , I finde none : Cut it down , &c. Eccles. 11.9 . God will take account of the days of thy youth , therefore call thy self to account , and be fruitful in season .

7. Lastly , What would the damned in Hell give now for one of these hours to become fruitful ? If the rich glutton , Luke 16.27 . would so willingly have a messenger sent to his five brethren : What would he have given to have been the messenger himself ? but could neither .

So much for the two first Branches in the Life of Sanctification , which the just man lives by his Faith . Now follows the Third .

BRANCH III. IN THE LIFE of FAITH IN SANCTIFICATION ; VIZ. MORTIFICATION .

THE just lives by Faith the Life of Mortification : which consisteth in the killing and crucifying of sin ; and this follows fitly upon the Life of Fructification . For sin is the Caterpillar upon the Branch , that devours all the fruits : Nay , it is the Worm at the Root , that hinders the fruitfulness of it ; or else it is the Toad at the Root , that poisons the fruit . Deut. 32.32 , 33. Their vine is of the vine of Sodom , and of the fields of Gomorrha ; their grapes are grapes of gall , their clusters are bitter , their wine is the poison of dragons , and the cruel venom of Asps. The best fruits of natural men , where sin lives in the dominion of it , are no better than such poisonous fruits . Therefore the just man lives by Faith of Mortification : He is dead to sin , and dead to the law , that he may bring forth fruit unto God , Rom. 7.4 For the more sin dies , Faith resem●les the expulsive faculty in the natural body . the more grace lives ; and the more sin lives , the more grace dies . Therefore Faith lives in killing that , which is an enemy to its life ; and is as the expulsive faculty in the body .

Obj. But is not sin dead as soon as a man believes ? Rom. 6.11 . Likewise reckon ye your selves to be dead indeed unto sin , but alive unto God , through Jesus Christ our Lord .

Ans. Sin indeed hath receiv'd its deadly wound at the first blow , but yet it will not be wholly dead , till we die . Nay , it fares with it , as with a creature that hath received its deadly wound ; it struggles and strives more violently than ever before . Rom. 7.8 , 9. Sin taking occasion by the commandment , wrought in me all manner of concupiscence ; for without the law sin was dead , &c. Insomuch that this combat continues till our dying day . Gal. 5 17. The flesh lusteth against the spirit , and the spirit lusteth against the flesh , and these are contrary the one to the other ; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would . And Satan , he takes part with our corruption ; he is Sins Second in the field . Now Faith is a Christians chief weapon , by which he defends himself , and offends his adversary : Eph. 6.16 . — the shield of faith .

For the method of proceeding in this Head ; it shall be to shew , 1. How Faith proceeds in Mortification of sin . 2. Why Faith will have sin to be mortified . 3. The Uses hence .

Quest. I. First , How Faith proceeds in mortifying sin ?

I answer ,

It does it as men use to do in the prosecution of a Malefactor : As the avenger of blood pursued the Murtherer in a legal way : Sin is put to death by the law : Rom. 3.22 . By what law ? of works ? nay , but by the law of faith . So that as the Jews said of Christ , faithful men may say of sin , We have a law , and by our law he ought to die .

First , there is a rising of the heart against the person . How faith goes about the mortifying of sin . Gal. 5.6 . A man will never prosecute him whom he hath no quarrel against . So Faith stirs up a Christian to hate his sin ; as it stirs him up to love God , so consequently to hate sin , Gods deadly enemy : yea , he hates it to death : Col. 3.1 , 5. Ye that love the Lord , hate that which is evil , Psal. 97.10 . Nay , sayes Faith to sin , I will have thy life ; nothing shall satisfie me but thy life . Thou hast wrong'd my dear God , therefore I will be reveng'd of thee . True Repentance , and true Faith , work indignation and revenge ; 2 Cor. 7.11 . Yea , what indignation , what revenge — As we cannot love God too much , so we cannot hate sin too much .

Secondly , There is a diligent enquiry after the Malefactor . So faith sends out Hue and Cry , Where is the Rebel , the Traytor ? It is the voice of Faith , that Lam. 3.40 . Let us search and try our wayes , &c. Faith knows , if we finde not sin out , sin will finde us out ; Num. 32.23 . and if it sees us first , it slayes us , as the Basilisk . Faith knows all the haunts of sin , as Saul said of David to the Ziphites , 1 Sam. 23.22 . Go , I pray you — know and see his place where his haunt is . It searches the root of all actual sins : Psal. 51.5 . In sin was I shapen , &c. An unbeliever hides , extenuates , excuses , denies his sin : But Faith never leaves till it discover , and brings it before the judgement-seat . As Rahab entertained the spies , Heb. 11 31. So faith entertains the spies of enlightned reason , Psal. 119.105 . and Prayer , Psal. 139.23 .

Thirdly , Faith brings in the Accusers of sin : 1. The Law , Joh. 5.45 . There is one that accuseth you , even Moses : Rom. 7.7 . I had not known sin but by the Law . 2. The Gospel , though it saves the sinner , it condemns the sin , Rom. 6.1 , 2. Shall we ( we believers ) continue in sin , that grace may abound ? God forbid . How shall we that are dead to sin , live any longer therein ? 3. The Renewed man , converted by the Gospel : Rom. 7.17 . It is no more I that do it , but sin that dwelleth in me : whereas sin accuseth the godly man to be the troubler of the person , family , 1 Kin. 18.18 . Josh. 7.25 . state , &c. Faith sayes to sin , Thou art the troubler of Israel , therefore thou deservest to be stoned to death : Jam. 4.1 . From whence come wars and fightings amongst you ? come they not from your lusts ?

Fourthly , Faith brings in Witness against sin : whereas sin pleads for it self , and accuseth Holiness and strictness to be the cause of all misery . Faith brings in witness to the contrary : 1. Outward ; By faith we understand the world was made , &c. Heb. 11. and so , that the world was destroyed by sin ; once drown'd ; again reserved for fire , to wash , 2 Pet. 3. to burn out the filth of sin . All evils that ever befel the world , in the world , from Adam to this day , is laid to the charge of sin . Faith sayes , As where no transgression no curse ; Rom. 3. so wheresoever there is curse , there is transgression . Whatever sad stories are reported , of 70 years Captivity , of Sword , of Pestilence , and Famine , &c. yea , sayes Faith , you may thank sin for all this . Was Cain a runnagate , Pharaoh drown'd in the Sea , Josephs brethren in sad perplexity , & c ? Surely they may say , We are verily guilty , Gen. 42.21 . &c. Yea , Gods people may thank sin for all their affliction : Isa 27.9 . This is all the fruit , to purge away your sin . Sin is like a stubborn Tenant , or a Thief , that will not out , unless the house be fired over his head . 2. Inward Witness , which is the Conscience ; in stead of a thousand witnesses : Rom. 2.15 . Their own consciences bearing them witness , &c. What saist thou Conscience ? did not sin do thus and thus , and is the cause of all this misery , & c ?

Fifthly , Faith empannels the Jury of Saints or Believers ( not as unbelievers , that compare themselves with themselves ; 2 Cor. 10.12 . For what part hath he that believeth with an infidel , 2 Cor. 6.15 . ) and calls in the Judge . For sin must be judged by God and the Bench : See Psal. 50.5 , 6. and not by the Countrey of Carnal men . For though the Conscience of Carnal men can bear evidence against sin , yet they are partial Jury-men ; they would fain have sin live : Let loose Barabbas , and crucifie Christ . But the Bench of godly men ( sitting with Christ upon his Throne ) as they shall judge the world , 1 Cor. 6. so they judge sin . They finde sin guilty and worthy of death , and cry out for Justice , Justice , my Lord , upon sin . These are the cloud of Witnesses , and Jury-men , that account sin as the greatest burthen in the world , Heb. 12.1 . Therefore , sayes Faith , ( if asked , to which of the Saints wilt thou turn ? Job . 5.1 . ) I will be judged by all the godly in the World .

And this Jury , ground their Verdict upon Evidence : Note . Works outwardly , Conscience inwardly , have brought in this witness against sin . 1. 'T is a deadly enemy to God and his Grace : Rom. 8.6 . — 't is enmity against God . Nothing is contrary to God , but sin . 2. It gives Laws against God : Rom. 8.2 . — the law of sin and death . God sayes , This must be done ; Sin sayes the flat contrary . 3. It forceth its Obedience ; 't is a Tyrant over Gods people ; makes them cry out , O wretched man that I am , who shall deliver me , Rom. 7.24 . Luke 19.14 . Indeed wicked men are voluntary slaves . 4. It is guilty of all the slain that lie in the pit . If it be said , Who slew all these ? we may say , Sin . 2 Kin. 10.9 . Though the Devil be a Murtherer , John 8. yet he cannot slay one Soul , without the assistance of Sin . The Soul than sinneth shall die , Ezek. 18.5 . 'T is guilty of Christs blood . Sin , thou hast crucified the Lord the Life : Our sins were the nails in his hands , and spear in his side ; and is not he worthy to die , that put Christ to death ?

Sixthly , Faith calls in the Judge ; as the importunate widow , Luk. 18.3 . Avenge me of mine adversary . Faith makes God in his Word to be the Judge ; ( viz. the Doctrine of the Twelve Apostles ) Both , Whether sin be thus guilty , or no ? Jam. 1.13 . Let no man say when he is tempted , I am tempted of God , &c. Sin would lay the fault upon God ; but God layes the fault upon sin . And secondly , What punishment sin is worthy of : No less than death , saith God . Therefore thou must die , saith Faith to Sin . 1 Cor. 11.31 . For this cause many — sleep , i.e. die .

Seventhly , He therefore lives by Faith for the condemnation of Sin . God hath condemned sin to die : Rom. 6.14 . Sin shall not have dominion over you . Therefore , sayes Faith , I have Gad on my side : Sin must not reign : nay Sin must not live . As the soul that sins must die : so the Soul than is freed from death , is freed from sin , both in the guilt and power .

Eighthly , He lives by Faith in the Execution of the Sentence upon Sin ; Heb. 11.17 . Offers up the dearly beloved sin . And that in respect 1. Of the time ; presently , whilest it is called to day . There is no truce , no reprival , no sparing of sin : Life must go for life . Sin is never the better for kinde usage : Some sinners are won that way , but not sin it self . God cannot reconcile sin to himself , though he reconcile sinners to himself . 2. For the Means : where there is , 1. Arming our selves , Eph. 6. Take to you the whole armour of God — especially the shield of faith . 2. Disarming sin : The strength of sin lies either in the Law of God , 1 Cor. 15.56 . The strength of sin is the law : Or in the power and policy of Satan : Ephes. 2.2 . — that worketh in the children of disobedience . Now Faith disarms Sin : 1. It cuts the sinews of the Law ; Rom. 6.14 We are not under the law , but under grace . 2. It cuts the sinews of Satan ; 1 John 3.8 . For this cause the Son of God was manifested , that he might destroy the works of the devil . Therefore , that Soul that is willing Christ should live in it , shall be sure to have sin die in it . Lastly , Taking sin captive ; leading this Captivity captive ; Eph. 4.8 . Psal. 149.6 . and putting it to death by the two-edged sword of the Word in its hand , and so executing the judgement written . Heb. 4.12 . So much for the first Quaere .

Quest. II. Secondly , What are the Reasons , why Faith will have sin to be mortified ?

Answ.

Many . 1. Reasons of the mortification of sin . Because sin is most contrary to the nature of Faith . Faith is a most holy Faith , Jude v. 20. It is that which purifies the heart , Acts 15.9 . And sin is loathsome and impure : For it defiles 1. The Person : Tit. 1.15 . To the unbelieving , — even their minde and conscience is defiled . 2. The Actions : Hag. 2.12 , 13. — every work of their hands , and that which they ●ffer , is unclean . 3. The Name : as Jacob said to Simeon and Levi , Gen. 34.30 . Ye have troubled me , to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land . 4. It defiles others ; as that incestuous Person 's sin , 1 Cor. 5.6 . as leaven , spreads over the whole lump . 5. The Land it self : Gen 6 11. The earth also was corrupt before God , and the earth was filled with violence . So the Lord sayes , Num 35.33 . The land is polluted and defiled with blood . Therefore Faith and Sin are contraries and contraries hate one another to the death ; Mutuò se expellunt — they cannot live together .

Because they have most contrary Ends and Designes . The design of Faith is to bring life to the Soul . The just shall live by Faith . The design of Sin is to bring death to the Soul . Ezek. 18. The soul that sins shall die the death ; and , The wages of sin is death , Rom. 6. last . Therefore Faith must kill sin , or else not bring its design to pass : for Rev. 21. last , No unclean thing shall enter into life . Even Gods own people shall not enter , until they attain perfection of Sanctification .

Because the mortification of sin , is the end of Christs death : Rather than sin should not die , he would die , Rom. 4. ult. who was delivered for our transgressions , &c. O , sayes Christ to Sin and Death ; I will be your death , though it cost me my life . Hos. 13.14 . O death , I will be thy death , &c. He was crucified , that our old man might be crucified with him , Rom. 6.6 . Therefore , says Faith , as I believe in Christ crucified , I must also crucifie sin , Rom. 6.11 . Wherefore reckon ye your selves dead unto sin ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Hoc enim refero ad fidei syllogismum , says Beza . 'T is the reasoning of Faith .

Because it is the Commandment of God ; as God commanded the Avenger of blood . Onely 't is in this unlike , that there is no City of Refuge for sin . Col 3.5 . Mortifie therefore your members on earth ; fornication , uncleanness , inordinate affection , evil concupiscence , &c. And Gods command is the object of Faith , as well as a Promise .

Because Promise is also made . Alas ! sayes the Christian , I have no power to deal with Sin or Satan ! O , saith God , I will help thee , I will give thee my word for it , if thou wilt take it . Micah . 7.19 . He will subdue our iniquities , and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depth of the sea . As Satan is Captain on the one side : so is Christ on the other side ; as was held forth in the Vision to Joshua , cap. 5.14 . As Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come . 2 Chro. 20.12 . Therefore , sayes the faithful Soul , I know not what to do ; though I have no power , yet mine eyes are unto thee . And so , as David against Goliah , they go out against sin , in the Name of the Lord , with this poor Sling of Faith , and the Pebble-stone of the Word ; and so strike this Giant of Corruption in the forehead , that it sinks down by degrees , and at last they tread upon the neck of their proudest Lusts .

Information from this Branch of the Life of Faith , in several particulars .

1. From the Object of Mortification , sin ; viz. 1. From the object of mortification . That those that are in Christ , have sin and sinful affections remaining in them . For what must the just that lives by Faith mortifie ? Surely , not his grace . It is something that is sinful ; he must not fight with his own shadow . The body of sin must be destroyed ; Rom. 6.6 The law of sin and death abolish'd , Rom. 8.2 . God sees something , and an enlightned Soul sees something that is to be mortified , and fights with some-body . Col. 3.5 . Mortifie therefore your members that are on the earth , &c. And lest they should say , We have no earthly members ; the Apostle gives instance — fornication , uncleanness , &c. And lest they should say , We do not live in these sins now , the Apostle answers by way of Concession , Ver. 7. You do not live in them indeed , you do not walk in them ; but yet a remainder of the seeds of these sins is in you still ; you may be tempted to them , and therefore strive against them : Put off all these vile affections , &c.

2. From the Act. To mortifie , is to kill outright . 2. From the Act. It 's not enough to abstain from the outward acts of sin ; but we must subdue the inward desire , will and affection to sin . Why ? Because abstaining from the outward act , is but a restraining or imprisoning of sin . But the subduing the inward desire , will , and affection of Sin , is the Mortifying of Sin . For , the Life of Sin lies in the Will. And therefore of the two ( in evil things ) it is less dangerous to do that which we will not , Rom. 7.19 , 20. than to will that which we do not . Sin is never mortified , until inordinate affections be mortified : In these lies the heart-blood of sin . Mat. 5.27 . Whosoever shall look — to lust — hath committed adultery in his heart .

3. From the Instrument . 3. From the Instrument . If by Faith sin be mortified ; see the mistake of those , that will needs have sin mortified before they believe , or else they will not believe . O , say they , The errour of such who will not believe till first made whole . if such and such a lust were mortified , I could believe ; but so long as the case stands thus , I dare not . As much as to say , If they were rid of the disease beforehand , they would go to the Physician , and take Physick . Indeed it s required , they should be sensible of their disease . And though we do not say , we must thus prepare our selves ; yet we may safely say , God thus prepares his people for Christ . Mat. 9.12 , 13. They that are whole need not the physician , but they that are sick — I am not come to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance . Now then , seeing we cannot be rid of our disease , till we come to the Physician , and we cannot come without faith , therefore we see the errour and mistake of those that will not believe , till first made whole .

Let us Examine if we live by Faith in Christ , by this ; Then we live the Life of Mortification . Examination . Gal. 5 24. They that are in Christ , have crucified the flesh , with the affections and lusts . Hast thou done so ? Many are mistaken , and think , some , that sin is not mortified , when it is , others , that it is , when it is not . A poor childe of God cries out , Mine enemies ( my sins ) live , and are mighty & c ! therefore I live not by Faith . But a Moral man , he can say , I was once a Drunkard , or Swearer , but now I have left all my vain company , therefore my sin is mortified : and yet it may be he is as covetous now as luxurious as before . Wherefore , its hard to know whether sin be truly mortified : for as in some , Grace hath a name to live , and is dead ; so in others , Sin hath a name to be dead , and is alive . Sometimes , one sin drives out another ; while particular ends and aim , or light of Nature , &c. over-rule in this , rather than that .

Therefore Examine . But how shall we know if sin be mortified indeed ?

Ans. 1. If sin die , then we are first sick of sin : Marks of true Mortification . as commonly before men die , Ipsa senectus , morbus ; themselves are weary of themselves . As the Soul is sick of love to Christ , Cant. 2.5 . so it is also sick of sin : Psal. 38.4 . Mine iniquities are gone over my head ; as an heavy burthen they are too heavy for me : my wounds stink , and are corrupt , &c.

2. If sin dies aright , it dies in all parts . 2 Mark . Col. 3. Mortifie your members , not one member onely . As a natural death seizeth on all parts , heart and all ; so true Mortification extends it self to all parts of the old man ; even to the best beloved sin , and that which lies next the heart .

3. Then there is no more delight in sin . 3 Mark . Rom. 6. If sin be dead in us , we are dead to sin . Bury my dead out of my sight , said Abraham of his beloved Sarah , when she was once dead , Gen. 23.4 .

4. Further , let us see , 4 Mark . if we have proceeded against sin as the avenger of blood , in those eight Particulars above-mentioned ; viz. Is there 1. A rising of the heart against sin ? 2. A diligent enquiry after it . 3. An accusation of it , &c.

Obj. But my sin revives in me , rather than is mortified .

Ans. I answer , as before : When a beast is struck , it struggles . Besides , as Christ died a lingring death ; so doth a believers sin , that is crucified with him . There is a long Combate between the flesh and Spirit , as there was between the houses of Saul and David . Gal. 5.17 . 2 Sam. 3. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit , &c.

Obj. Yea , but there is a combate in the Conscience of Natural men against sin ( as there is in the Regenerate , of the Spirit against the flesh : ) And I am afraid mine is no more ; how shall I know it ?

Marks of the combate of flesh against Spirit . Ans. Know it thus : 1. By the Cause . What is the Cause of this Combate or Trouble of Conscience ? Is it onely some gross sin or great judgement ; That , may proceed from the horror of natural Conscience ? But if thy very corrupt frame of Nature troubles thee , and its putting forth in the least sins , in sinful thoughts , in sinful looks , &c. This combate proceeds from a Nature renew'd by the Spirit of God : Rom. 7.23 , 24. I see a law in my members , rebelling against the law of my minde — O wretched man that I am , & c !

Second Mark of the difference 'twixt a true and false combate . 2. By the Aim . The aim of a natural man in his combate or wrestling , is onely to give sin a foil , or at most , a fall ; and he is willing to let it rise again , so it will be quiet , and not bring him to shame , by giving him a fall in the place of lookers-on . But the aim of a spiritual man in his combate , is not onely to give sin a fall , but to kill it , and crucifie it . He lives the Life of Mortification ; he desires that all that natural enmity which is in his heart against God , Eph. 2.16 . may be utterly slain .

3 Mark . 3. In the Effects and Issue . For 1. the combate of a Natural man drives him to false succours . When the evil Spirit troubles Saul , he runs now to his Musick , now to the Witch of Endor ; Cain to his building of Cities : But a spiritual man runs to Christ ; Rom. 7.25 . Who shall deliver me from the body of death ? I thank God , sayes he , through Jesus Christ our Lord . 2. The combate of a Natural man endeth usually either in Despair , or Dissoluteness . The flesh gets the better hand , and at last his troubled conscience comes to be drown'd or sear'd . But the combate of Spiritual men ends in Victory : his conscience is more tender , and smites him for the lap of a garment , or any small thing ; and so he gets more power against sin from day to day . Though he halts for it , yet he gets the victory .

Thirdly , It Reproves all that live not by Faith the Life of Mortification . Conviction & Reproof to 7 sort of persons

1. Such as rather make peace with sin , than fight against it . Though the Lord hath sworn that he will have war with ( this ) Amalek , from generation to generation . Exod. 17.16 . What is this , but to make a Covenant with Death , and to be at an Agreement with Hell ? Isa. 28.15 .

2. Such as in stead of fighting against sin , fight for it . See also Jer. 44.16 . As the Sodomites for theirs , Gen. 19. or the Benjamites in defence of theirs , Judg. 20. or the Ephesians for their Diana , Acts 19. Such take the Devils part , and fight against Christ , as the Dragon against Michael , Rev. 12.7 .

3. Such as nourish and cherish their Sin ( as the countryman did the Snake ) till it sting them to death , What Solomon sayes of one Sin , may be said of all , Prov. 23.32 At last it biteth like a Serpent , and stingeth like an Adder , These are such as make provision for the flesh , to fulfil the lusts of it , Rom. 13. last .

4. Such as seem Neuters in this Christian Warfare . Though none are so indeed ; for all are either with Christ , or against him . But some seem Neuters , as Laodicea , Rev. 3.16 . that is neither hot nor cold . Double-minded men , that are unstable in all their wayes , Jam. 1.8 . Such as the Lord will spew out of his mouth . Why halt ye between two , said Elijah , 1 Kings 18.21 . if Baal be God , follow him , if God be God , follow him .

5. Such as will chide and rate their Sins , and themselves for their Sins ; as Saul did before David , My Son — I have done very foolishly : and Pharaoh before Moses , 1 Sam. 14.16 . Exod 9.27 . The Lord is righteous , but I and my people are wicked : and Judas did before the High-Priest , I have sinned , in betraying the innocent blood ; and yet for all that , they spare the life of them . They had rather kill themselves , than kill their Sins ; as Saul did , and Judas also .

6. Such as will restrain Sin , or imprison it , or binde it to its good-behavior , or cast it so bound into a pit ( as Joseph was cast by his Brethren ) that the world may not see their wickedness , Gen. 27.21 . but they are resolved they will never kill it outright : No , but they plead for the life of it , as Reuben pleaded for the life of his Brother ; Let us not kill him , 2 Sam. 18.5 . &c. Or as David for Absolom , Deal gently with the young man . Just so men deal with their Sins ; they are kinde-hearted to their Sins , but cruel to their Souls .

7. Such as will whip and scourge their Sins , and themselves for their Sins , but spare the life of it : As Papists do , by their Fastings , Pilgrimages , and Scourgings ; and then presently give a new Indulgence to Sin . As the worshippers of Baal cut themselves with knives and lancers : 1 Kings 18. So these mortifie the outward man , but the inward man is never pricked at the heart . Alas ! it's easier to endure all outward torments , than to mortifie one lust . The sinner will endure any pain , Job 2. so his sin may live : Skin for skin , and all that a man hath will he give for his life . Now Sin is the very life of a sinner , in his own apprehension , dearer than his right hand or his right eye .

8. Such as deal with their Sins ( as those Cutters in the 10 of Luke , dealt with the Traveller between Jerusalem and Jericho ) wound them sore , and leave them half dead . He that was drunk over night , smites upon his breast in the morning , as if he and his sin would die together . But alas ! worldly sorrow doth but leave it half dead ; and therefore no sooner is it carried to a common Inn , but presently it recovers life again .

9. Such as would be willing to kill some Sins , but not all . They seem to kill many of these spiritual Amalekites , but they spare Agag , 2 Sam. 15. and the best of the spoil ( some fat , profitable Sin , of Bribery , or Oppression , or Lying , or Over-reaching in Bargains , &c. ) this they are resolved to spare . But as good never a whit , as never the better . True Mortification strikes at all Sins : Jam. 2.10 . He that offendeth in one , is guilty of all : kill all , or we kill none . He that onely lops and tops his Sin , and never strikes at the root , he does but make it grow the thicker and the faster . By true Faith are pull'd up vitiorum fibrae , the sprigs of wickedness ; lest any root of bitterness should spring up , to the destruction of the Soul , Heb 12.15 .

Fourth Use . Let us make use of Faith for this end , Exhortation to mortifie sin . to mortifie our Sins : Not onely as a shield ( a weapon defensive ) to defend us from our enemies , but as a sword ( a weapon offensive ) to kill and destroy our enemies , especially our Sins , our worst enemies . The life of a Christian , is a Souldiers life : The life of man upon earth , is a warfare , sayes Job . Our first Sacrament is a military Sacrament ; we take Christs Prest-money to fight manfully against the Flesh , the World , and the Devil : and he that conquers the Flesh , will easily conquer the other two . And therefore , I say with the Apostle , 1 Cor , 16.13 . Behave your selves like Souldiers ; watch ye , stand fast in the faith , quit your selves like men , be strong in this war : Let nothing satisfie but the life of your adversary . Lo , here is a lawful Murther , such an one as is both commanded and commended , to mortifie our earthly members . And let no man say , I have done this already , and therefore what need I do any more ? for this is a work we must be doing to our dying day . Natural Corruption is that monstrous Hydra ; as some Heads are cut off , others are still springing up in their room : and therefore we must follow our first blow as long as we live . We must not be negligent in following the victory : Jer. 48 10. Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord negligently ; and cursed be he that keepeth back his hand from blood . And if he be cursed that spareth the life of Sinners , ( when God calls him to their slaughter ) much more he that spares the life of Sin . Therefore that Gods Trumpets may put some life into you in this Spiritual warfare , let me adde some quickning Alarms to stir you up to live this Life of Faith in Mortification . ( The Ministers of God were to sound the Alarm before the battel , Num 10.8 , 9. ) And then some Means or Martial Discipline , by which you may know your postures .

Motives to Mortification . First , The first Alarm or Motive , is , Gods Command , above all Motives . The great General of the Field , he gives the Word , and therefore we must fall on . God speaks , as Absolom to his Servants , 2 Sam. 13.28 . When I say unto you , Smite Amnon , then kill him ; fear not , have not I commanded you ? Be couragious , and be valiant .

Secondly , Consider the Danger of violating Gods Command . 'T is present death in a souldier , not to obey the Word of his Commander . As it is a great sin to kill where God hath said , Thou shalt not kill : so 't is as great a sin not to kill , where God hath said , Thou shalt kill . Remember what God said to Ahab , 1 Kings 20.42 . Because thou hast let go out of thine hands a man , whom I appointed to utter destruction , therefore thy life shall go for his life . If we kill not sin , sin will kill us . In Col. 3.4 , 5 , 6. it is observable , that Mortification of sin is set between Life Eternal and Death Eternal . As if God should say , When I command you to mortifie your sins , I set before you Life and Death : Life , if your sins die ; and Death , if your sins live .

Thirdly , Sin is Gods Enemy , as well as ours . Suppose sin were our dear friend , yet if Gods deadly Enemy , we must not spare it . Who is on the Lords side ? said Moses , Ex. 32.26 . — slay every man his brother , &c. If we be of Christs spiritual kindred , we will avenge his blood on sin . Sin crucified the Lord of Life : Acts 3. Psal. 105. this was the iron that entred into his soul . God indeed hath appointed a City of Refuge for sinners , even for those that murthered the Lord of Life ; they may hide themselves in the wounds themselves have made : but no City of Refuge for sin . Therefore follow it to the death .

Fourthly , God will help us in our warfare . What encouraged Joshua and Israel to be strong , and of a good courage ? Because God had said , I will not fail thee , Josh. 1. nor forsake thee . Take heed you bring not an evil report upon the Lords Battels , Num. 13. as the Spies did on the Land of Canaan : Our Corruptions are so strong we shall never master them , &c. But remember it is the Lord your God that fighteth for you ; therefore be strong and couragious , 2 Cor. 10.4 .

Fifthly , We are sure of the victory before-hand ; and so more than Conquerors , Rom. 8. This should make us fight with courage : 1 Cor. 15.57 . Thanks be to God , which giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord . As Jehosaphat encouraged the people , 2 Chron. 20.17 . Ye shall not need fight in this battel , set your selves , see the salvation of the Lord : or as Jonathan himself , and his Armour-bearer , 1 Sam. 14. So should we , though there be the greatest unlikeliness , because of the Lords Promise .

Sixthly , It is the Property of all true Christians , all that are espoused to Christ , thus to do . The Soul cannot be married unto Christ , unless the first husband be dead ; viz. The Law and Sin , Rom. 7.1 , 2.

Lastly , If we die with Christ , we shall live with Christ , If our old man die with him , our new man shall live with him : For ye are dead , Rom. 6. and your life is hid with Christ in God , &c. Now who would not be willing to have sin die , that Christ may live in their Souls , and they in him to all eternity . Otherwise , if sin live to eternity , we must die to eternity . If sin be not kill'd here , it will never be kill'd . In Isa. 66. last , 't is said of the damned , Their worm shall never die . Therefore now learn to live by Faith this Life of Mortification .

Quest. It may be thou wilt say , I am willing to kill my sins , if I knew how : what means therefore should I use ; for I am a very unskiful Souldier in this warfare ?

Means of mortification . Ans. The first Means is to look up to God , who teacheth thy hands to war , and thy fingers to fight . Go out in his Name , as David did against Goliah . Fall down before him , as Joshua before the Captain of the Lord , host , Josh. 5.14 . Be much in Prayer , and adde Fasting to Prayer . Some sins cannot be cast out without this .

Secondly , Learn to loath and hate sin . A man hates to death , what he mortifieth ; and though he cannot kill it outright , 1 Job . 3. yet , as he that hates his Brother is a manslayer ; so he that hates his sin ( as sin ) is a sin-slayer , in Gods account . For ye are dead — sayes the Apostle , Col. 3.3 . then follows , Mortifie therefore your Members , &c. ver. 5.

Thirdly , Get assurance of the Love of Christ , and this will constrain to suffering and doing : 2 Cor. 5.14 . For the love of Christ constraineth us . We love our sins naturally as our right eye , and therefore are loath to part with them . It must be the sense of a greater love , that will make us willing to pluck out our right eye . He that was next of kin to the person murthered , was to be the Avenger of blood , because it was to be supposed , he loved him best . If we consider what enemies our sins are to Christ our best beloved , we shall do that part . Love Christ much , and you will hate sin much ; and the way to love Christ much , is to be assured of Christs love to us ; 1 Cor. 15.31 . I protest by our rejoycing we have in Christ Jesus , I die daily .

Fourthly , Apply the Cross of Christ ; Rom. 6.6 . knowing this , that our old man is crucified with him . The death of Christ is the death of sin : First , because it is the meriting Cause , meriting the Spirit by which our sins are mortified . Secondly , the serious Consideration of Christs death , doth give sin a deadly wound . What , did Christ die for my sins ! O let me crucifie them , that crucified him ! Did Christ love me so well , as to be willing to lose a precious life ? Let me love him so well , as to part with a sinful life , or the life of sin . The death of Christ , is the slaying of the Enmity , not onely betwixt man and man , Eph. 1.16 . but between God and Man : I am crucified with Christ , sayes the Apostle Gal 2.20

The fifth Means is set down , Eph. 6.11 . Put on therefore the whole armour of God , &c. Where you see two things , 1. God hath provided for a Christian Complete Armour . 2. Every Christian that would stand in the day of battel , must put it on .

But what is the Armour God hath provided ?

Ans. See there in the verses after ; they are the Graces of Gods Spirit , all Christian Vertues

1. Truth , the Souldiers Belt , that knits all other graces ( all other pieces of the Armour ) fast together . Truth of Doctrine , opposed to Errour ; Truth of Graces and Actions , opposed to Hypocrisie . Hypocrites are fearful ; true men are valorous : One true man beats two or three thieves , Prov. 28.1 .

2. The Breast-plate of Righteousness : Righteousness imputed , and Righteousness imparted ; and this is Murus aheneus . Though infirmities may be in many , yet this saves the Vitals .

3. Shoes of Patience , like brazen Greaves , whereby the Christian Souldier treads upon Scorpions ; he treads down Satan under his feet in this Spiritual Combate .

4. The Shield of Faith above all , or over all : For this covers all our Armour , all our Graces , and strengthens them in the Combate .

5. The Helmet of Salvation , which is Hope , 1 Thess. 5.8 .

Then lastly , there is the Sword of the Spirit , which is the Word of God ; of which in the next Means .

Sixthly , Hear and apply the Word . In Hos. 6.5 . God hews them by his Prophets , and slays them by the Words of his mouth . This is a sharp and two-edged sword , that pierces to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit , Heb. 4.12 . And here apply the threatnings as well as the Promises , to the mortifying of sin . When the Minister reproves such sins as we are guilty of , every one should turn the Point to his own breast . Suppose it be Lying , or Adultery , or Idolatry , &c. out of that place , Rev 22.15 . If there be an hundred in the Congregation , every one should say , Surely God meant , I should take this to my self : Suppose Despising of the Word , out of Prov. 1.25 . Suppose partaking of other mens sins , out of Psal. 50.18 . When thou sawest a thief , thou consentedst , &c. We should do as Job's friends advised him , Job 5.27 . Hear it , and know it for thy self . This was that , which prick'd their hearts , Acts 2.36 , 37. when Peter told them , they had crucified that same Jesus .

Seventhly , Entertain the Spirit : for , the Word is but the Sword of the Spirit : Rom. 8.11 . If ye by the spirit mortifie the deeds of the flesh , ye shall live : Gal. 5.16 . Walk in the spirit , and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh . This will conquer Corruption : For 1. It is of a most contrary nature to it ; a holy Spirit . 2. It is an Almighty Spirit , able to cast corruption out : 1 Joh. 4.4 . Greater is he that is in you , than he that is in the world . Therefore walk in the guidance and strength of the Spirit Look higher than our selves for new supply of strength , as we have new Employments , new Trials , new Temptations . Do not onely desire it , and pray for it , but use it kindely . The Spirit is of a tender and delicate nature ; very free , where it is entertained , and acts with freedom . If thy Soul welcom the Spirit , he will soon thrust out those domineering lusts , that have disturb'd his quiet and peaceable possession . And hereunto look with an eye of faith unto those great Promises of the Spirit , Isa 44.2.3 . Ezek 36.25 , &c. Joel 2.28 . The Spirit is promised to be poured out largely under the Gospel ; as Ezekiel's waters , chap. 47. 't is observable , the further they run , the deeper they grew . They took the Jews up to the ankles , the Primitive Christians to the knees , the Middle Times to the loyns , &c.

Eighthly , Moderate the use of lawful things . Satan gets great advantage in these things : Corruption is strengthned by immoderate use of lawful things . Luk. 17.27 . They eat , they drank , they married , and gave in marriage — and the flood came and destroyed them all . They were first drown'd in their security and unbelief , and then the flood drown'd them :

Ninthly , Keep corrupt Nature in compass by Vows . As they vow'd the death of Paul , Acts 23. so do thou of thy sins . Vows are against , either things absolutely unlawful ; and these binde ad semper , alwayes , as the Vow in Baptism , against the World , Flesh and Devil : or things indifferent , but in danger to be abused ; and these it is best to be made onely ad tempus , for a time , lest afterwards they become a snare .

Lastly , Shun Occasions of Temptations . Some do tempt the Devil to tempt them , by thrusting themselves upon apparent danger of sinning ; as , into evil company , and lewd houses : whereas the Holy Ghost sayes , Remove thy way far from her , and come not nigh the door of her house , Prov. 5.8 .

The last Use : A word of Comfort to a Christian , Comfort against the vigor and rigor of sin . against the vigour and rigour of sin , which is like the Egyptian Taskmasters , every day imposing new burthens , by fleshly lusts ever warring against the soul . A great discomfort this is , which makes a gracious Soul complain with David , Psal. 120.5 . Woe is me , that I sojourn in Mesech , that I dwell in the tents of Kedar : or Paul , Rom. 7.24 . O wretched man that I am , who shall deliver me from this body of death ! Yet here is comfort , he lives by faith the Life of Mortification . Faith tells him , 1. Christ is on his side , as Jehu cried , Who is on my side , who ? 2. The victory is sure , 1 Cor. 15. pen. Let this therefore comfort a Christian that is troubled more for sin , Job 36.21 . than affliction . And it is our duty to strengthen the hearts and hands of such in their spiritual , warfare : Heb. 12.12 . Lift up the hands that hang down ; Isa. 40.1 , 2. Comfort ye , comfort ye my people , saith your God ; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem , and cry unto her , that her warfare is accomplished , &c. As the house of Saul grew weaker every day , so shall sin . Though there be cause to be humbled ; yet also Blessed are they that mourn , for they shall be comforted . And as the Apostle exhorts Christians not to sorrow as men without hope for the dead , 1 Thess. 4.13 . because they shall live again at the last : So say I , let not Christians sorrow as men without hope , by reason of their living enemies , their powerful corruptions , for they shall die at the last . It may be said to a Christian at his last gasp . These Egyptians whom ye have seen to day , ye shall see them again no more for ever : The Red-sea of death shall drown them all .

BRANCH IV. IN THE LIFE of FAITH IN SANCTIFICATION ; VIZ. VIVIFICATION .

THE just lives by Faith the Life of Vivification . When his heart is ready to sink , Faith lifts it up again , and puts a new Life as it were into it : And the very Text seems to drive at this also , if we make out the Antithesis or opposition to the full betwixt Unbelief and Faith . The Unbeliever lifts up his heart , in Creature-strength ; but the Believer lives by Faith in Gods strength . Jehosaphats heart was lift up in the wayes of the Lord , 2 Chron. 17.6 . In the midst of all damps , he liv'd by Faith this Life of Vivification : which is as it were ( under God ) the life of our lives , or at least the liveliness of our life ; as we say , Such an one is a lively Christian , or a man full of life . For I do not here mean by Vivification , the first quickning work of the Spirit ( for that we spoke of before , in the Life of Renovation ) but I mean the quickning and reviving work of the Spirit , after some deadness hath seized upon the Soul .

Two Propositions . Therefore two things are to be demonstrated : 1. That Gods own Children are subject to be overtaken with spiritual drowziness or deadness of Spirit at some times , as the foot may be asleep through obstructions .

2. That at such times as these they live by Faith , and by Faith recover the quickness and activity of their spiritual life again .

1. Gods children subject to deadness . The first we premise ; That the best of Gods Children are subject to deadness : Even the five wise Virgins , as well as the foolish , all slumbred and slept , Matth. 25.5 . The Spouse complains of her drowziness , Cant. 5.2 : I sleep , but my heart waketh . Christ chargeth the Church of Sardis with this , Rev. 3.1 , 2. Thou hast a name that thou livest , and art dead . What! quite dead ? No ; but ready to die , as it follows , ver. 2. And so Mr. Perkins expounds it . Experience shews this daily : How many Christians full of complaints of their deadness , as David , Psal. 119.25 . My soul cleaveth unto the dust , quicken thou me , &c.

Quest. How comes this to pass , or what is the reason and cause of it ?

Ans. It is good indeed to know the cause . The cause of a disease being found out , it is half cured . For answer then hereunto , we must distinguish of Deadness .

Causes of this deadness . A Christians deadness , is either Accidental , Sinful , Penal , or Probational .

1. Accidental . 1. The cause of Accidental deadness springs sometimes from age , sometimes from sickness , sometimes from melancholly . In which cases , a man may have a very good will to do service with life and activity : but bodily weakness pulling him down , and the natural spirits being low , he is just like a Bird that hath her wings clipt , who would fain fly , but cannot . And this unfits to any duties , as well natural and civil , as religious .

2. There is a Sinful deadness , 2. Sinful . when a man hath little heart or affection to the service of God . And if we enquire into the reason of this , it springs from sinful causes : Which are either Privative , as the want of good Food , the Word , which is animae pabulum : Or good Exercise ; 1 Tim. 4.7 . Exercise thy self rather unto godliness : Or good Company , which is quickning ; one stick of this fire kindles another ; he that 's all alone soon falls asleep : Or good Air , I mean , a good Ministery . Heb. 10.24 , 25 As the presence of these things in nature , makes men active and vigorous , and the want of them , makes heavy and dead : so in Grace .

Or else they are Positive causes . And such are 1. Excessive cares or pleasures , which do overcharge the heart , Luke 21.34 . 2. Bad Company : Peters heart was deaded in the High-Priests Hall . 'T is said of Nero , he tied the bodies of living men to those that were dead ; which was cold comfort , and half a death to them . Nothing dulls more , than the society of dull and dead-hearted men . 3. Custom in Sin , which makes insensible in sinning . Prov. 23.34 , 35. They have stricken me , and I was not sick ; they have beaten me , and I felt it not , &c. 4. Satan oft rocks the cradle . It was more than a natural drowziness , that the disciples were so heavy and sleepy , when Christ was upon his Passion . You may know the disease by the remedy , watch and pray , says our Savior , that ye enter not into temptation . Mat. 26.40 , 41.

3. There is a Penal deadness : and God inflicts this as a punishment of former sins . Is. 6.9 , 10. Go and tell this people , 3. Penal . Hear ye indeed , but understand not ; and see ye indeed , but perceive not : make the heart of this people fat , and make their ears heavy , lest they see with their eyes , and hear with their ears , &c. The word sometimes makes men worse , rather than better ; as the beams of the Sun harden the Clay , and soften the Wax ; withers the grass upon the house-top , and makes the grass in the meadows flourish ; comforts sound eyes , and offends sore eyes .

4. Probational . 4. There is a Probational deadness ; which God dispenseth or permitteth , for the trial of his Servants graces . This was in Peter for a time , to let us see what we are , when God leaves us to our selves . Summer were not so comfortable if we had not a Winter . Look as it is in natural life , Psal. 104.29 , 30. Thou hidest thy face , they are troubled ; thou takest away their breath , they die and return to the dust : Thou sendest forth thy Spirit , they are created , &c. So in spiritual life : whence there is so much difference betwixt one man and another ; yea , in the same man at one time , and at another .

Propos. 2. Saints recover by faith out of deadness . But it is better to know how to come out of this estate , than how we come into it ; though both be needful . Therefore I come to the second Proposition :

That , at such times as these , the just lives by faith , and by Faith recovers the quickness and activity of his spiritual life again . In the 2 of Tim. 1.6 . the Apostle perswades Timothy , to stir up the gift of God that was in him , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to thrive , or rekindle it , to blow it up as a spark into a flame . Now Faith is as the bellows to blow it up . The breath of the Lord indeed is the wind that breathes upon dead bones , so upon dead Souls : But Faith is as the bellows , that draws this wind , and blows it forth again . And therefore if you observe it , the Apostles Exhortation [ to stir up , or blow up the gift ] is grounded upon the former verse viz. I call to minde the unfeigned faith that is in thee , which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois , &c. As if he should have said , Thou that hast faith , art too blame , if thou dost not stir up the gift that is in thee , ( Ministerial gifts especially ) by the exercise of thy faith .

This is the Aqua-vitae of a Christian in fainting fits and dead fits , when Qualms of sorrow and spiritual sickness come over the heart . Psal. 42.5 . Why art thou cast down , O my soul , why art thou disquieted within me ? still trust in God , for I shall yet praise him , who is the health of my countenance , and my God . There was the cure , his Faith did revive him : and were it not for this , we should quite sink away ; Psal. 27.14 . I had fainted , but that I hoped to see the Lord , the Lord in the land of the living . So then , the just lives by Faith the Life of Vivification .

And the Reasons of it are :

1. Because Faith doth assure us in present deadness , that a time of quickning shall come ; — I shall yet praise him : as before . Psal. 138.7 . Though I walk in the midst of trouble , thou wilt revive me — and thy right hand shall save me : The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me , &c.

2. Because Faith is a Mean of quickning ; an active grace , that works and sets all a work , like the Spring in the Watch. If Faith lies dead in a Christian , all is dead : If you winde up the Spring of Faith , if you act your Faith , it moves every Wheel , it quickens all your Humility , your Patience , Love , Zeal : and the stronger Faith , the quicker the motion . Should we speak for God ? As strong wine must have a vent ; so strong Faith . This made the Apostles speak so freely , Acts 2. when others thought they were fill'd with new wine . Thus Elihu , Job 32.18 . I am full of matter , the spirit within me constraineth me : Or do much for God ? Act 6.8 . Steven full of faith and power , did great wonders and miracles among the people : This suffers us not to be slothful , Heb. 6.12 .

3. Because it puts the Soul upon quickning Means : As 1. It layes hold on a quickning Word : Psal. 119 50. Thy word hath quickned me . Heb. 4.12 . The word of God is quick and powerful , &c. and Faith , layes hold on that Word : Especially the quickning Promises , Heb. 9.14 . & 12.11 , 12. Hos. 14.5 , 6 , 7. Isa. 40.3 last verses . Jer. 29 10 , 11 , 12. Prov. 12.25 . Heaviness , saith Solomon , in the heart of a man , maketh it stoop ; but a good word maketh it glad ; that is , a word of Promise . 2. On a quickning Saviour , 1 Tim. 6.13 . God , who quickneth all things . How ? in and by Christ . 1 Cor. 15. Iohn 6. The second Adam is a quickning Spirit ; that hath life in himself , and gives it to all others . As the root quickneth the branches ; so Christ , Joh. 15.5 . The life of the branch in winter is hid in the root ; so is our life hid with Christ , Col. 3.3 . And 3. Faith receives a quickning Spirit : Joh. 6.63 . It is the Spirit that quickneth ; Where the Spirit of the Lord is , there is liberty , 2 Cor. 3.17 . and where there is liberty , there is activity . Psal. 119.32 . I will run the way of thy Commandments , when thou shalt enlarge my heart . The Spirit is compared to water , Joh. 7.38 . not to standing water , but to running or living water , because it is alwayes in motion : Psal. 45. Cor meum ebullit , &c. my heart bubleth up , as a spring . Hence also it is compared to fire , Mat. 3. Fire is an active element , it 's alwayes mounting upwards ; and it warms those that come near it . Dead and frozen members , are made useful and active by the heat of the fire : so are dead and benummed Souls by the warmth of the Spirit .

4. Because Faith puts the Soul upon quickning Meditations , or Arguments . Whilest I was musing ( says David ) the fire kindled , Psal. 39.3 . Whether we meditate on good or evil , Meditation will blow up the fire . The faithful man is described to be a man full of Meditation , Psal. 1.2 . — he meditates day and night : and , Psal. 119.147 , 148. I prevented the dawning of the morning — Mine eyes prevent the night-watches , that I might meditate on thy Word .

Quest. But what Meditations or Arguments does Faith put the Soul upon to quicken it ?

Answer . Such as are drawn , 1. From former Experience , Arguments of faith to quicken the soul under deadness . that God who once quickned the Soul , will quicken it again : Psal. 77.3 , 5 , 6. I remembred God , — I have considered the dayes of old — I call to remembrance my song in the night . — Will the Lord cast off for ever , & c ?

2. From Gods Attributes , of Mercy and Faithfulness : Psal. 77.8 . Is his mercy clean gone for ever ? doth his faithfulness fail for evermore ? Of his Perfection : His works are perfect , Deut. 32.4 . A perfect God will perfect his works .

3. From Gods Glory . An active Christian brings him in more glory in one day , than another in a thousand . Psal. 80.18 . Quicken us , and we will call upon thy Name : Psal. 119.175 . Let my soul live , and it shall praise thee , &c.

4 From the Danger of Spiritual drowziness . First from the Judgement threatned , Revel. 2.5 . Repent , and do thy first works , or I will remove thy Candlestick . Amos 8.10 , 11 Such as sleep by candle-light , are in danger of burning the house over their heads , or of their Masters removing the candlestick . Secondly , from the Judgement felt , Psal 32. David was in a dead condition of Soul , he made no confession of his sins , but God quickned him by his afflicting Rod ; ver 3 , 4. Thy hand was heavy upon me , &c. And as Faith will feel the Rod , so it is that Heavenly Wisdome will teach us to hear the Rod , and who hath appointed it , Micah 6.9 . An unbeliever is not stirr'd , Jer. 2.30 . & 5.3 .

Vse of all in general .

Use of the Life of Vivification 1 Reproof . FIrst , this then Reproves the want of living by Faith this Life of Vivification .

Divers men , though they are dead and dull , and can sometimes complain of it , in Prayer , in Hearing , in Practice , O weary of themselves ! yet labour not to blow up the fire , to stir up the gift , Gen. 49.14 . but like Issachar , bow under their burthens . They are like such as are troubled with the Green-sickness , or some such lazy disease : Though motion be the onely way of cure , they had as lieve die as stir ; they will not act their Faith . O , say they , God must do all , I can do nothing ; and under this pretence , they give themselves up to Spiritual sloth : That look as some , turn the grace of God into wantonness , who under pretence that Christ died for sinners , take occasion to run into all excess of riot : So others turn the grace of God into slothfulness , who under pretence that God must do all , wil do nothing at all themselves . But the Scriptures reason the contrary way . God our heavenly Master works all the works of his poor Servants , Phil. 2. in them and for them : therefore we should be encouraged to work . As when the Master is willing to hold and guide the hand of the Scholar , he should be encouraged to write . That is the Argument , Phil. 2.12 , 13. Work out your own salvation — for it is God that worketh in you , to will and to do of his good pleasure . Thus , as the Father said , Agimus acti ; when God helps us in the action , we should be willing to act the grace receiv'd , and employ the talent bestow'd . The slothful Servant and the wicked Servant are put both together , Mat. 25.26 . Therefore they are justly Reproved , who live not by Faith this Life of Vivification , but give themselves up to spiritual sloth and laziness . Such are in danger of a sudden blow from God , if they smite not on their own hearts to quicken themselves . The warning that Christ gives to the Church of Sardis , is proper to such , Rev. 3.1 , 2 , 3. — Be watchful , and strengthen the things which remain , that are ready to die , &c. Else he threatens to come as a Thief upon such drowzy Souls : A Thief comes suddenly and terribly ; and so will Christ . Though he may save their Souls at last , yet it may cost them a scouring in the mean-while .

Obj. But what can I do ?

Ans. 1. Thou maist come to the place of hearing : 2. Thou maist frequent good Company : 3. Thou maist complain of thy deadness to God . This I do , but I am not quickned : I confess my deadness is a burthen to me ; O that I might meet a Messenger , one of a thousand , Job 33. to deliver my Soul out of this pit of deadness . In answer to this therefore , We shall propound a Second Use ; viz.

Of Exhortation

To perswade us to live by Faith the Life of Vivification . Vse 2. Exhortation . In prosecution whereof , I shall first propound some Motives to make willing , and secondly , some Means to make thee more able .

Motive 1. We should be active , stirring , lively Christians ; because as God is a pure Act , so he is active for us . 1. Motives to Vivification . Joh. 5 17. My Father worketh hitherto , and I work , says Christ : and therefore of him 't is said , Acts 10.38 . — He went about doing good , and healing all — for God was with him . Wherefore we should be alwayes working for him , 1 Cor. 15. — Alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord .

God loves active and lively Servants , as he is a living God : And as the God of Spirits , he loves to be served in the Spirit , not onely as 't is opposed to falseness and dissimulation , but as 't is opposed to sloth and negligence . God would not have an Ass to be offered up in Sacrifice , Exod. 13.13 . because that was a dull and slow creature . He maketh his Angels his Messengers , because they are all Spirit . And God would have us as Angels , not onely in our Intellectuals , but in our Practicals , that his Will may be done on Earth , as it is in Heaven ; and that is , with life and vigour . However , in Scripture , Christians are compared to Stones ; 't is not for their coldness or deadness , but onely for their firmness ; and then they are called too , Living stones , 1 Pet. 2.5 . Therefore as their faith is a living faith * * Joh. 11.26 . , their hope a living hope † † 1 Pet. 1.4 . ; so their prayers should be lively and fervent prayers , ascending up as Incense ; their works living works . The first Lesson , the very A B C of a Christian , is Repentance from dead works , Heb. 6.1 . In a word , himself should be a living Sacrifice , if acceptable to God , Rom. 12.1 . In the 3 of Rev. 20. after Christ had reproved them for lukewarmness , and exhorted to be zealous , he then invites them to Supper : where we may observe , a lukewarm temper to be the worst temper , and a zealous temper the best temper : the first , is a Dish for the Devil , but the latter is a Dish fit for Christs own palate . Now where there is zeal , there is heat , and where there is heat , there is activity , as fire mounts Heaven-ward : Therefore God would never have the fire go out upon his Altar , to signifie , there should be heat in all our spiritual Sacrifices , of Prayer , of Preaching , of Hearing , of Meditation , Wisd. 4.13 . and Practice . In all these , we must live by Faith the Life of Spiritual Fervor .

An active Christian lives long in a little time , as others live but a little in a long time . For we live no longer to any purpose , than we fulfil the end of our life , which is to do God service . Ioh. 20.4 . Herein active Christians do like that Disciple that out-ran Peter , and came first to the Sepulcher . And indeed , they are fittest for the Sepulcher in another sense , that are swiftest in their Christian race . It is the highest commendation of a Christian on earth , and will be their Crown in Heaven , through Free-grace , to have been active for God . Their Commendation on Earth . The honorable salutation of active Christians , stands upon Record , that all that are gracious may call them Blessed , Rom. 16.12 . Salute Triphena and Triphosa , who laboured in the Lord : Salute the beloved Perfis , who laboured much in the Lord . And their Crown in heaven . Mat. 25.21 . 'T is said to him that had receiv'd and gain'd five Talents , Well done , thou good and faithful Servant — I will make thee ruler over many things ; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . They shall have the comfort of it to all eternity , that have been active & stirring for God in their little time upon earth . There is a blessing upon him that loves the Lord with all his strength ; Ier. 48.10 . and a curse upon him that doth the work of the Lord negligently , that puts not forth that strength which God hath given him , but quencheth the Spirit . Such a man loyters and loses his time ; whereas the other redeems time : and we had all need redeem the time , considering how much we have lost already , Ioh. 9. and how little there is behind . The Sun is going down , and the night is coming , when no man can work .

Satan hath great advantage of a dead-hearted Christian : for he is like a man half asleep ( in a secure condition ) he may soon be deceiv'd , as Samson was , Judg. 16.19 . It was the field of the sluggard , not of the watchful and active man , that was all overgrown with thorns and nettles , Prov. 24.30 . What are those thorns and nettles , but those extravagant wayes of sin , which though they seem to be smooth and pleasing at the first springing up , ( as thorns and nettles are ) yet at the last they prove more dangerous , and prick like a thorn , and sting like a nettle . And therefore , that we may not be overcome of these Spiritual Philistines , we should , like Samson , rowse up our selves with all our might , to live by Faith this Life of Vivification .

Rev. 12.12 . Times call for Activeness : They are laborious times , and dangerous times with the Church . Satan was never more active , because his time is short : His instruments never more active , compassing Sea and Land to gain one Proselyte : The Churche , never more distressed and standing in need of our help . Germany , Ireland , Scotland , England , all stretch out their hands for help : As in Harvest time , every one is with his sickle in his hand . See Rev. 14.15 . And in Building-time , like as in Nehemiah's dayes , Neh 4.17 . — every one with one of his hands wrought in the work , and with the other held a weapon . It was a shame for the Disciples to sleep , when Christ was in the midst of his Agony : and a shame for Christians to be dead-hearted , when the Church is in her Agony . When Zion cries , For the Lords sake ; and the Lord cries for Zions sake , You that are the Lords remembrancers , give him no rest , till he establish , and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth , Isa. 62.1 . & 7. The times therefore call for activeness , which springs from this Life of Vivification .

'T is the nature of true Grace , to be more and more active , if it be supernaturally natural . All natural motion is in fine velocior , swiftest near the end : whereas things moved by violence , are slower . We throw a stone up with difficulty , but it drops down of it self . The true Christians , they go from strength to strength , Psal. 84.7 . As it is said of Time , Senescit , non Tardescit : So may it be said of a gracious person , Though he grows more old , yet not more slow , but brings forth more fruit in old age , Psal. 92.

Note , It is so , if we yield to deadness . Dead-hearted service , is a vain service , and so a taking of Gods Name in vain , against the Third Commandment . That is vain , which is not accepted , and so attains not it's end . Isa. 29.13 . — this people draw near me with their mouth , and honour me with their lips , but have removed their heart far from me , &c. which our Saviour interprets , Mat. 15.9 . In vain do they worship me . Religion is a part of Gods Name , and must be used with zeal , Rev. 3.15 . I would thou wert hot or cold . We are commanded to serve God with all our might .

The coldness of the Times should make us active , as men in cold seasons are most active to get themselves into heat . These are cold times for the Soul , as well as for the Body . The Charity of many waxeth cold , as Christ foretold ; and so do other Graces . Men are hot for the Disputes of Faith , and very cold in the Life of Faith : Therefore we should be the more active to keep our heat . It was cold weather , it seems , when Peter warm'd himself among the Servants at the fire in the High-Priests hall . But he went to the wrong fire , and to the wrong company ; he should have gone to Gods fire : and indeed Gods people use to do so in cold times . Others coldness makes them the hotter , and others deadness makes them the quicker , as contraries quicken one another by an Antiperistasis . It is time for thee to arise , sayes David , Psal. 119.126 . because they have made void thy law : Then addes in the next verse , Therefore I love thy Commandments above gold . Therefore the coldness of the times should make us active , not cool and lazy . Fenner .

These are the Motives . We come now to the Means of Quickning .

The first and chiefest of all , Means of Quickning . 1. Influence of Christ . is to get into the Sun-shine of Jesus Christ . You know poor Bees , and other Flies , if they can creep into the Sun , it quickens them , and puts a new life into them . So the Chickens that hang the wing , get under the warmth of the Hen. The nearer we press to Jesus Christ by Faith , the more spiritual life and heat . He is the Sun of Righteousness , that arises with healing in his wings , Mal. 4.2 . The beams of his grace revive the drooping Soul : as she said , Joh. 11. If thou hadst been here , my brother had not died ; but I know thou art able to raise him up again : So may a Christian say , If thou hadst been here , my Soul had not died , not been in this dead and sad condition ; but thou canst quicken it again . Faith draws quickning vertue from Jesus Christ , as we heard before in the Reason .

2. Ordinances . The second Means are quickning Ordinances , which are as beams from the Sun . One of these Ordinances is a quickning Ministery ; this puts life into the Soul . The Word of God is compared to fire : 1. Word . and therefore John Baptist is said to be a burning and shining light , Joh. 5.35 . A shining light ; so he taught the people : A burning light ; so he quickned , Did not our hearts burn within us , said the two Disciples going to Emmaus , Luke 24.32 . while he talked with us , and opened to us the Scriptures ? The Ministers lips are as fire , Peoples hearts as tinder . Elisha liv'd in a dead time , and therefore he praid for a double measure of the Spirit of Elijah , which was an active , powerful Spirit , that he might quicken the people If the Ministers lips be touched with a Coal from Gods Altar , they do oft inflame the hearts of the hearers . Live under such a Ministery , if thou wouldst be quickned . A lively Ministery makes a lively people ; a dead Ministery makes a dead-hearted people . And therefore it 's observable , Rev. 3.1 . that the deadness of the Church of Sardis , is charged upon the Angel or Minister of the Church ; Vnto the Angel of the Church of Sardis , write , &c. Therefore pray for your Ministers , that themselves being quickned , they may quicken you . Another quickning Ordinance is Prayer . 2. Prayer . Psal. 119. How oft doth David pray for quickning grace ? five or six times in one Psalm . He begins many a Prayer with an heavy heart ; and before he hath done , he is full of life . Therefore pray much , because all life is from God , and he quickens whom he will . Onely let me adde this Caution , Caution . before I let this pass , Be sure thy understanding and affection go along together in every Ordinance , and in every part of the Ordinance , as thou wouldst have it a quickning Ordinance . Many complain they are dead under Ordinances : and no wonder : They hear , and they pray without understanding , or without affection . It is a Rule , Quicquid agit , agit per contactum : Whatsoever thing acts effectually upon another , it is by some kinde of touch or close . When our Souls do not close with the duty in Prayer or Hearing no marvel if it put no life into us . When we give way to distractions , to wandring thoughts , to wandring looks , &c. we do but take Gods Name in vain , and the Ordinance is vain to us . There is no life in it , therefore no wonder if there be no life from it . Therefore keep thy head and thy heart close to the duty , if possible , from first to last , and then it will quicken .

Thirdly , make use of Death to quicken Spiritual Life . 3. Meditation of Death . Eccles. 9.10 . Whatsoever thine hand findeth to do , do it with all thy might ; for there is no work , nor device , nor knowledge , nor wisdome in the grave whither thou goest . Think of the shortness of our time of service , in comparison of the eternity of the reward : Say of service ( which is most affliction , passive service ) Our light affliction , which is but for a moment , worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory , 2 Cor. 4.17 .

Fourthly , set before thine eyes , 4. Gods Eye . the All-piercing Eye of God . So was Peter quickned by a look from Christ . Rev. 2.18 , 19. These things saith the Son of God , who hath his eyes like a flame of fire — I know thy works , and charity , and service , &c. and again , Chap. 3.1 . I know thy work , that thou hast a name to live , and art dead ; q. d. I look upon the inside , where the life of the action is . This would quicken in Prayer , Hearing , &c. Eye-service indeed , in relation to men , is not good : Eph. 6.6 . not with eye-service — Partly , because men cannot alwayes look upon us ; and partly , because the Conscience hath a superiour tye , from an heavenly Master , at whose command they are bound to do service to their earthly Masters : But Eye-service towards God , ( who looks upon his children with an eye of Love , as well as an eye of Observance ) is very commendable . This it was made David so watchful , Psal. 139.1 , 2. O Lord , thou hast searched me , and known me ; thou knowest my down-sitting , &c. And it was Gods charge to Abraham , Gen. 17.1 . Walk before me , and be thou upright . God hath an eye into our brests ; therefore Faith will make a man take heed how he hears , take heed how he prayes , take heed what he thinks ; Psal. 16. it will make him keep his heart with all diligence , because God searcheth the heart and reins , and ponders the spirits . Faith setting God at our right hand , will keep us from falling .

5. Assurance of Gods Love . Fifthly , get assurance of Gods Love : This will make us love him again , 1 Joh. 4.19 . We love him , because he loved us first . Love will make us very active . Men care not what they do or suffer , for those whom they love dearly : Jacob served two hard Apprentiships for the love of Rachel ; he endured the heat of the day , and the cold of the night , and all was nothing to him , Gen 29.20 . Love is as strong as death , Cant. 8.6 . and active as fire : Much water cannot quench love . There is a constraining power in Love : 2 Cor. 5.14 . The love of Christ constraineth me , sayes the Apostle . You need not much perswade such a man to be active for God , he hath arguments enough in his own bosome . That Disciple who lay in Christs bosome , how much love doth he express to God and Men ! Oh how active and passive too , was Paul for God! ( 2 Cor. 11.23 . ) and no marvel ; for , Who shall separate us , sayes he , from the love of Christ ? shall tribulation , &c. Rom. 8 35.

6. Gods Power . Lastly , look at Gods Almighty power , able to quicken the deadest heart . Rev. 3.14 . Thus saith the Amen , the Faithful and True Witness , the Beginning of the Works of God . Ephes. 2.10 . We are his workmanship , created in Christ Jesus unto good works , &c. Therefore David prayes to God , Psal. 51.10 . Create in me a clean heart , renew a right spirit . And there is a Promise for Faith , Hos. 14.7 . They that dwell under his shadow , shall return ; they shall revive as the corn ( after winter ) and grow as the vine , &c.

Vse of Examination .

Whether we do live by Faith the Life of Vivification : Vse 3. Trial of Faith in vivifying . And need we have to Examine , lest we be deceived . Many seem to be very active , and yet they do not live By Faith for all that . Therefore say to thy self , as Isaac did when he thought Esau had brought him venison , Gen. 27.21 . Art thou my very son Esau ? sayes he : So , Art thou that very Life of Vivification ? Say to this or that particular Duty , Art thou the very true Issue and Childe of such a life ? The DeVil is cunning to deceive us ; as he raised up a counterfeit Samuel in stead of the true Samuel , 1 Sam 28. So he cozens men with a counterfeit Life of Vivification in stead of a true .

Quest. But how shall I know one from the other ?

Ans. This is partly delivered before . At present , they may be known by Examining them : 1. In their Principle . 2. In their End . 3. In their Manner of working . 4. In their issue and Event .

First , in their Principle . True living actions spring from a living and inward Principle . Though a Clock moves , we do not say it is alive ; because it is moved by the Weights . Though an heavy Milstone moves apace , we do not say it is alive , because it is moved ab extra , by the Wind or Water . But if we see a little Fly or Ant move , we say there is life , because it is moved from an inward Principle . So he that lives the Life of Vivification , his activity proceeds from an inward principle of life .

And how is that discerned ?

Ans. His actions spring 1. From Faith , both in the Precept , Psal. 119.93 . I will never forget thy precepts , for by them thou hast quickned me ; and in the Promise , whether of Assistance , or Acceptance , or Reward : as we see in Moses , Heb. 11.25 , 26. 2. From Love , 2 Cor. 5.14 . The love of Christ constraineth me . A natural man , or hypocrite , is not moved by any such Principle .

Secondly , they differ in their End . A true Christian aims at Gods glory : Elias is zealous for the Lord of hosts , 1 King . 19. Whether he eats or drinks — he does all to the glory of God , 1 Cor. 10.31 . And others Salvation ; ver. 33 Even as I please all men in all things , not seeking mine own profit , sayes Paul , but the profit of many , that they may be saved . An Hypocrite , though zealous , and he sayes 't is for God , yet 't is for himself , that he may be seen of men , Matth. 6.6 . So Jehu , 2 Kings 10.16 . Come see my zeal for the Lord : This is his end , and this is his Principle . For , Finis movet agentem ; That which is last in Execution , is first in Intention . Hence also his most lively actions spring from envy , and sinful emulation ; they scorn any should go beyond them : Some preach Christ of envy , sayes Paul , Philip. 1.15 . But a gracious heart is glad when others are active , and exceed .

Thirdly , in their Manner of working , where there is true Vivification . 1. It strives against Coldness , and meets with opposition ; swims against the stream . An hypocrite may be as active as he will , he findes nothing to let him . 2. He that is truly active , desires to approve himself to God , and had rather God should approve him , than all the world commend him : 1 Cor. 4.3 , 4. It is a very small thing , I should be judg'd of mans judgment — but he that judgeth me is the Lord . Nay , 2 Cor. 10. last , Not he that commendeth himself is approved , but whom the Lord commendeth . See Psal. 139. Iohn 21.17 .

Lastly , in their Issue and success . The true Life of Vivification , increaseth strength and spirits : Prov. 24.5 . A man of knowledge increaseth strength . The counterfeit life of Vivification , decreaseth strength and spirit ; like the blazing Comet that wastes it self ; or as unnatural predatory heat , devours the spirits and strength , whereas natural heat increaseth both . False zeal , is like Nebuchadnezzars Image , Dan. 2.32 the head of gold , but downward worse and worse .

BRANCH V. IN THE LIFE of FAITH IN SANCTIFICATION ; VIZ. AUGMENTATION .

NOw next , the Just lives by Faith the Life of Augmentation , he draweth increasing Vertue from Christ . Christ is to the Church , what the Head is to the Natural Body ; not onely a principle of life and motion , but of increase also : Col 2.19 . Not holding the head , from which all the body by joynts and bands having nourishment , ministred and knit together , increaseth with the increase of God . Now what are these joynts and bands , but the Spirit and Faith uniting each Member to the Head : So that by Faith the Soul draws both quickning and increasing Vertue from Christ the Head . The just lives the Life of Augmentation in Spiritual Respects , however he fares in Temporal ; to apply it to the occasion of the Text. Whereas it might be objected , The Caldeans will so crush the people of God , that they will make them even weary of their lives , ( as Jethro said to Moses , Exod. 18.18 . Thou wilt surely wear away , both thou and this people . ) The Text answers , Now the just shall live by his Faith ; though the outward man decays by affliction , yet the inward man , in all true Believers , is renewed day by day , 2 Cor. 4.16 . i.e. Gods people are quickned , strengthned and enlarged in their Spiritual Life one day after another . And to this increase of Spiritual Life , the Prophet alludes in the very Context of this Chapter , ver. 14. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord , as the waters cover the Sea : Which words , howsoever some do refer to the manifestation of Gods glory , in the destruction of the Caldeans ( which is true also ) yet others extend them further , even to the abundant pouring forth of the Spirit of grace , ( as a fruit of their affliction . ) So the very same words are used isa. 11.9 . where he shews , how such men as have been Wolves and Leopards , shall be made of a Lamb-like disposition : And how so ? For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord , &c. So that these words do necessarily refer to the abundant increase of grace ; and so the just lives by Faith the Life of Augmentation in the Winter of Affliction . As the unbeliever swells at first [ ebullat , ] but vanishes to nothing afterwards : So the believer is small at first , but increaseth exceedingly . What John Baptist said , I must decrease , but he must increase ; so may the unbeliever say . See ver 5 , 6 , 7.8 .

We are then to insist upon two things : 1. That the just lives the Life of Augmention : 2. That he lives this Life by Faith .

Propos. 1. Just live the life of Augmentation . First , the just lives the Life of Augmentation : It is his duty , property and practice , to grow and to increase : 2 Pet. 2. last , But grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ : 1 Thess 4.1 . — abound more and more , ver. 10. — increase more and more : Col. 1.10 . — increasing in the knowledge of God . They that travel heaven ward , they go from strength to strength , Psal. 84.7 . Nicodemus was weak in grace at first , and so was Joseph of Arimathea , for they both came by stealth to Christ , at the beginning of their Conversion , for fear of the Jews . But afterward they grew so strong in grace , that though Christ was crucified , they came boldly and begg'd his body of the Governor , Joh. 19. and committed it to the grave with an honorable Burial . Peter was so weak at the first , that the breath of the Damsels voice makes him fall back ; but afterwards he grew so strong , that he stands like an unmovable Rock at all the Thunder-claps , and terrible threats and stripes of the High-Priests , Acts 4. and Rulers of the people . Thus it was with the rest of the Disciples , and so it is with all Gods people .

And the Reason is drawn ,

Reasons of spiritual growth . 1. First , From the nature of true Grace : It is of a growing nature . Thus it is with the Kingdom of God , or Church in general ; it increaseth from very small beginnings , to a great bigness : like Gideons Barley-cake , or like a Snow-ball , it rowls up and down the world , and grows bigger and bigger , and subdues all before it . Therefore 't is compared to a grain of Mustard-seed , Mat. 13.31 . which being the least of seeds when 't is sown , yet the greatest of herbs when 't is grown . Besides , Mustard-seed , you know , sows it self , after the first year : and so 't is in the growth of Gods Kingdom : Therefore Psal. 72.16 . 't is compared to a handful of Corn upon the top of the Mountains , ( a barren place ) which yet by shaking , and so growing afresh , fills the whole earth with plenty . So did the Law which went out from Mount Zion . This is that Stone cut out of the Mountain without hands , which grew so fast , that at last it filled the whole earth , Dan. 2.34 .

And as it is thus with the Kingdom of God in general , with the Kingdom of God without us : so it is with the Kingdom of God within us , with the Kingdom of grace in every particular Christians heart : it grows from small beginnings to a great height ; from a spark to a flame ; from break of day , to high noon . Hence grace in Gods people is compared to the morning light , Prov. 4.18 . to Ezekiel's waters , Chap. 47.3 . to Elijah's Cloud , 1 Kings 18.44 . And the reason hereof is , because grace is not perfect at the first ; and theaefore there must be a growing till we come to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . And because this is not till the end of our life , therefore we must be growing all our life long . We are never at our full height , till we be ready to be cut down by death ; never at the end of our race , till at the end of our life . The Apostle himself , who had outstript all the rest of the Apostles , yet he was growing still , and running still ; and he gives the reason , Because he was not yet perfect , Phil. 3.12 , 13. Not as though I were already perfect , or had obtained , &c. Every thing , you know , in nature grows , till it comes to its perfection , as a childe till he comes to be a man . As a man is not born a perfect man in nature for degrees , though he be perfect for parts ; so it is in grace also : and a Christian must grow , till he comes to perfection . We reade 1 Joh 2.12 . of little children , young men ; i.e. strong men , and old men in Christ ; onely with this difference , In the old age of grace there is no decay of strength of spirits , or fruitfulnesss : Psal. 92.14 . They shall bring forth fruit in old age , &c. We are bound , you know , to love God with all our hearts , even to love him perfectly for degree , as well as kinde : But so long as we live here , as we know but in part , 1 Cor. 13. So we love but in part and are gracious but in part ; and therefore we must ever be upon the growing hand , till we come to perfection , — perfect man in Christ , Eph. 4.13 .

Grace is of a sweet and desirable nature ; insomuch that he that hath once tasted of the sweetness of it cannot but desire more . [ He that saith , he hath enough , plainly discovers he never had any at all . ] 1 Pet. 2.2 , 3. As new born babes , desire the sincere milk of the word , that ye may grow thereby : If so he ye have tasted , &c. He that hath once tasted , cannot but thirst for more . Though the painful thirst of total indigence be quenched , and so he shall never thirst , Joh. 4.14 . yet the thirst of delight , and the thirst of desire for further enjoyment , is not removed , but increased . And blessed are they that thus hunger and thirst after more righteousness , for they shall be filled , Mat. 56. Hence also the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a Treasure , Mat. 13.44 . in digging up whereof , a man doth every day more and more enrich himself .

This was the End of Christs Commission , which he received from his Father at his Mission ; and the very end of his coming in execution of that Commission , not onely to bestow spiritual life upon his people , but to increase it also day by day . That was the extent of his Commission , Joh. 10.10 . I am come that they might have life , and that they might have it more abundantly . As a living spring bubbles and boils forth , and empties it self , that the channel might be fill'd with water ; and it , as it runs along , here it meets with one Spring , and there with another ; it may be it meets with an hundred fresh Springs , that it may be fill'd more abundantly , till it runs out at last into the Ocean it self . So Jesus Christ , the Fountain of Living Waters , empties himself by the work of his Spirit into the believing Soul . He that believeth in me , saith Christ , out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters , Joh. 7.38 . And as the believer runs along in his Christian course , here he meets with one fresh spring of grace , and there with another , Psal. 84. ( as they that go through the valley of Baca , they dig up fountains still ) it may be they meet with an hundred fresh springs of grace , till at the last those sweet streams of grace , are swallowed up in the Ocean of glory : and then is fulfilled the saying that is written , I am come , that they might have life , and that they might have it more abundantly . And this is the third Reason , why the just lives the Life of Augmentation , The End of Christs coming .

The fourth is taken from Gods Faithfulness . Seeing God daily puts Christians upon higher duties , as Fasting and Prayer ; ( Mat. 9.15 . — then shall they ●ast ) and stronger Temptations ; ( not having yet resisted to blood , Heb 12.4 . ) and new wine not being fit for old bottles : Therefore God is so faithful , as to give them more grace . And Philosophers define the end of natural Augmentation to be , Ad edendas actiones proprias & convenientes . Magir. Phys. p. 465. For exercising the proper Functions : God will not be wanting here . 2 Cor. 12 9. When Paul had a new temptation , sayes God , My grace is sufficient for thee : and so 1 Cor. 10.13 . God is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able , &c. If God command to make more brick , he will give more straw ; yea he will give more strength . And so much for the first thing .

Now follows the second .

The just lives this Life of Augmentation by his Faith : Propos. 2. Augmentation is by faith His faith doth increase in it — from faith to faith , Rom 1.17 . As faith increaseth or decreaseth , so doth his Lie of grace : As Philosophers say of the ebbing and the floving of the Sea , The position and disposition of the Moon is the cause of it , which is apparent in your Spring i●es at the Chance and Full of the Moon ; as the Moon increaseth , the Waters , and all moist Bodies , do increase ; and as it decreaseth , they decrease again . So is i● betwixt Faith and other Graces ; as Faith increaseth , ( Faith under the Sun of Righteousness ) so they increase ; Mal. 4. and as Faith decreaseth , so they decrease again . 2 Thes. 1.3 . We are bound to give thanks to God for you , brethren , — because that your faith groweth exceedingly , and the charity of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth . Mark , as their Faith abounded , so their Charity abounded , and so other Graces abounded also : 2 Pet. 1.2 . Grace and peace be multiplied unto you , through the knowledge of God , and of Jesus our Lord . See here , the Apostle prayes for the multiplication of grace : but how should it be multipled ? he tells you , through the knowledge of God , and Jesus our Lord : What is meant by the knowledge of Jesus our Lord , but Faith in Jesus our Lord ? as Joh. 17 3. This is eternal life , to know thee , i.e. to believe in thee , and him whom thou hast sent , Jesus Christ . So that then all grace is multiplied , in the increase and multiplication of Faith .

The Reason is , Because Faith is a Radical grace ; it 's like the Root of a Tree , in relation to the Branches . They which had no depth of root in the Parable of the Seed , ( Luk. 8.13 . ) are such as had no depth of faith : Col. 2.7 . we are said to be rooted and stablished in Christ by faith . Now then , you know , as the root grows , so the branches grow ; as the root decayes , so the branches decay ; if the root once rot within the ground , though you see not that , yet you shall soon see the branches rot above ground . So , however you cannot easily see how a mans faith decayes , because that is as the root ; yet you shall soon perceive a decay in the exercise of other graces , because they are as he branches . And on the other side , as the root of faith prospers , so other graces thrive , and bring forth fruit in the branches : 2 Pet. 1.5 . Adde therefore unto your faith vertue , and to vertue knowledge , &c. See here how Faith is made the root of all , Vertue , and Knowledge , and Temperance , and Patience , &c. all grow upon Faith as upon ●heir root . As the increase of the root , increaseth the branches ; so the increase of faith , increaseth other graces .

Caution . Yet we a●● to understand this warily : We must not so take it , as if faith were a Root ( exclusivè ) excluding Christ himself : for Christ is the Master-root , and Faith but a spurn , or a sucker from him . Therefore in the place fore named , Col. 2.7 . we are said to be rooted in him , when we are established in the faith . And this mindes us of a second Reason , why the just lives by faith the Life of Augmentation :

Because Faith is an uniting Grace , ( It unites the Soul to Christ , as the Cien is united to the Stock , as the Members in the body are united to the Head ) not originally , or as the principal Efficient , for that is the work of the Spirit , 1 Cor. 12.13 . but instrumentally , as Sinews and Nerves unite the Members to the Head , and so are the instrumental cause of the growth of them ; not that they can give any nourishment of themselves , but onely as they convey it from the Head , as Organical means : So Faith doth nourish other graces , not of it self , but as it sucks and draws , and so conveys nourishment from Christ , who is the Head of the Church , to every Member , as appears from Ephes. 4.15 , 16. compared with vers. 13.

The third Reason why a Christian lives by Faith the Life of Augmentation , is Because he liveth by Faith the Life of Fructification and Vivification . For that which doth act grace , and put it to the use , doth necessarily increase grace also : Not onely in a rational way , in a way of sound Reason ; in that , frequent acts do strengthen each habit with Gods ordinary concurrence ( as a Scholar that is diligent in his way , by often hearing , and reading , and writing , and speaking , and disputation , and meditation , and studying , becomes rich in learning , that his very lips feed many hungry Souls ) But also , in a way of grace , or in a way of Covenant-mercy , by vertue of Gods Promise , which he hath made to the diligent hand : The diligent hand , saith God , maketh rich , Prov. 10.4 . As rich to the world , so rich Heaven-ward . Use grace , and have grace , saith God , Mat. 25.24 . For unto every one that hath shall be given , and he shall have more abundantly ; but from every one that hath not shall be taken away , even that which he hath . To every one that hath — What 's that ? that hath made good use of Talents formerly receiv'd ( as appears by the context ) that man shall increase , he shall have more abundantly . This is that honest and honorable Vsury , by which we may lawfully put out , not Money , but the Grace of God to Use , till we grow rich towards God in all utterance , and in all knowledge , ( as it was said of the Corinthians ) so that we come behinde in no gift , waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ : Being like those fruitful Trees planted in the Courts of the Lord ; they are not onely fruitful , Psal. 92. but they increase in fruitfulness . Whereas on the other side , men of excellent parts for want of Faith to exercise their grace , they are blasted and wither away , and come to nothing ; they are as trees without fruit , twice dead , and plucked up by the roots , Jude v. 12.

The fourth and last Reason , Because faith removes , or at least helps us against the hindrances of Spiritual growth it is Causa removens , as well as promovens . As

1. The Commonness of the ground , when 't is like the High-way , without hedge or wall ; a very road for the Devil to pass up and down in , and spoil all . But now Faith sets a fence about the heart , and guards it against such temptations as might render it unfruitful : 1 Pet. 5.8 . — whom resist , stedfast in the faith .

2. The Stonyness of the ground , that hindred the growth of the Seed in the Parable : for which Faith layes hold on that Promise , Ezek. 36.26 . I will take away the heart of Stone , and I will give you an heart of Flesh .

2. The Thornyness of the ground , which also hinders growth . And these thorns are expounded by the Maker of the Parable , to be the Cares of the world , and deceitfulness of riches . But faith removes this hindrance , 1. Joh. 5.4 . This is the victory that overcometh the world , even our faith . Faith will tell us , All things are but loss and dross in comparison of Christ .

4. The Worm of sinful corruption : this at the root hinders growth . But the just lives by Faith the Life of Mortification , and therefore of Augmentation .

5. Evil Winds , that blast the fruit , hinder growth These winds are Errors and false Doctrines : but Faith removes this hindrance . They that are well stored with Faith , will not be like children tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine , by the sleight of men , and cunning craftiness , whereby they lie in wait to deceive , Eph. 4.13 , 14.

Hence then we may receive Information in divers Particulars .

First , see the Difference between this life and all other lives . Other lives , as they have their increase , Information about spiritual growth . so they have their decrease also . Like the Sun , when it once comes to the high Noon , it declines again , and at last goes down , and leaves the world in darkness . There must come a time when the Sun of our life must set : Though it may be morning yet with some , and high-noon with others , yet the night of death comes , when no man can work . The times come on apace , when the keepers of the house shall tremble , and the strong men shall bow themselves , and the grinders cease , because they are few , and they that look out of their windows be darkned , &c. Eccles. 12. The strongest life in nature must yield to death : but this Spiritual life of the Soul , is always on the increasing hand , and never declines . The just lives by Faith the Life of Augmentation to his dying day , even till he comes to the state of perfection , and in that state he stands for ever . How excellent therefore is this life above all other lives ! yea , above all other things in the world ! All flesh is grass , ( Isa. 40 ) of a withering nature ; but the word of the Lord ( and that life which is begotten by that Word ) endureth for ever ; it is ever upon the growing hand . Some love to give in their Coat of Arms , a young Branch , or the Moon increasing , with this Motto — Plu●Vltra . But alas ! if they look at Temporal things , they do but speak as they would have it , not as they shall have it : 'T is but a dream , not a reality . They think their houses shall continue for ever , and their dwelling-places to all generations : but alas ! they do but think so ; for , man being in honour , abideth not , he is like the beasts that perish , Psal. 49 They shall be sure to perish , and their houses too . The greatest Persons , the greatest Families , the greatest Kingdoms have their periods ; they have their declensions , old age , and death , as well as their youth and manhood . Grey hairs are here and there upon Ephraim , Hos. 7.9 . though he know it not : But true grace is ever in the Spring , there is no fall of the leaf in this Region : Psal. 1.3 . A Christians Arms are indeed like Joseph's , A fruitful Bough , even a fruitful Bough by a well , whose branches run over the wall , Gen. 49.22 . Some fruitfulness indeed doth hinder the growth of trees ; but a Christians fruitfulness doth increase his growth ; though he be fruitful , yet his branches run over the wall . His life of Fructification doth help forward his life of Augmentation . The just lives by Faith the life of Augmentation .

A second Point of Information , is , To let us see the difference betwixt a Believer and Unbeliever , or a true Believer and an Hypocrite . True Believers are like the Moon in her increase ; Hypocrites like the Moon in her wane , ever less and less , till it altogether disappears . They are like the grass upon the house top , Psal. 129. which withereth afore it groweth up to its full height : But true Faith is ever upon the growing hand .

Thirdly , it informs us , That there are Degrees in Sanctification , because there is a growth in Sanctification ; and therefore Sanctification is not perfect at the first : For where any thing is perfect , there can be no addition or diminution . But in Sanctification there is a daily addition and augmentation . They that are truly gracious , grow in grace , 2 Pet. 3. and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . And therefore it shews the Mistake of those , who conceive Sanctification to be perfect at first ; and so make no difference betwixt Sanctification and Justification : whereas the Scripture makes a wide difference : for ▪ Justification is imputed , Sanctification is imparted and inherent : Justification is perfect , Sanctification is imperfect in this life in the best of Saints , even in the Apostle himself : Phil. 3.12 . — I count not my self perfect . Therefore there are degrees in Sanctification , it is not perfect at the first . Though all Saints are justified alike , they have an equal measure in that grace ; yet all are not sanctified alike , each hath his measure , Eph. 4.7 . some have two talents , some five , &c. Mat. 25.

Yet fourthly , observe , No man should content himself with a small measure of grace . He that hath Faith , lives the Life of Augmentation . So that it is not enough to walk according to the Rule in some things , but our endevour must be to walk up to the utmost extent , even to the height and breadth of the Rule , which is to walk accurately , Eph. 5.15 . And till we come up to the Rule , we must ever be on the increasing hand , getting ground of corruption , and coveting earnestly the best gifts . For this is the man that lives by Faith the Life of Augmentation ▪ And if we do not grow and go forward , we are sure to go backward ; as it is with the Mariner that is rowing against the stream , if he do but intermit a stroke or two , he loses of his course ; and as it is in our vital heat , Vid Ames . cas. consc . l. 2. c. 12. it never stands in one state , if it increases not , it decays .

It also serves for Reproof .

First , to those that grow not at all : Reproof for want of due growth . They are like Trees or Beasts that are hide-bound , they stand at a stay , they thrive not , they come not forward : May be , they had as much knowledge , love to God , &c. seven years ago ▪ as now ; and so when for the time they ought to be teachers , they had need one teach them which be the first principles of the Oracles of God , Heb. 5.12 . Like those silly women spoken of by the Apostle , 2 Tim. 3.7 . ever learning , and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth . Have these the true life of grace ? Remember the grounds before laid down : That 1. Grace is of a growing nature . 2. Of a sweet and desireable nature . 3. That the End of Christs coming , is frustrate in respect of them . Again , have these any Faith ? For 1. as Faith increaseth , so other graces : Where is the Root , when there is no growth in the Branches ? 2. How are such united to the Head , that grow not ? O what a dishonour to their Head , as if he had no vertue to communicate to his Members ! 3. How do such remove the impediments of Spiritual growth ? How can such as these have any good assurance that they are planted in the Courts of the Lord ? You would wonder , in case you had purchased a piece of ground in a good soil , planted a yong Orchard , appointed a skilful Gardiner , took notice of the height of your Trees , if you should come ten or twenty years after , and finde them no higher . You would say , I never saw the like in all my life , these Trees were just as high when I planted them , as now ; I could reach the tops of them then , and so I can now : it 's the strangest thing that ever I saw ; surely they are dead . And yet do but change the name , and thou art such a Tree : thou wert planted in God● Orchard twenty years ago , thou hadst then as much love to God , and zeal for God , as now : it is to be feared thou art dead , though thou hast a name to live . Rev. 3.1 .

Secondly , this is so much the worse , when the very judgement is corrupted . As the Apostle speaks ▪ Tit. 1.15 . Their very minde and conscience is defiled . If a mans judgement be corrupted , how should he get the victory over corruptions ? As diseases are most dangerous , when they take the Brain and the Heart , and so seize upon the vital and animal parts : So in this case , they grow not ▪ and they think verily they need not grow . Oh , sayes one , I love God with all my heart : I thank God , I have a strong Faith , sayes another ; I am as perfect as ever I shall be , sayes a third ; as perfect as Adam in the state of Innocency , or the Saints in heaven . Indeed , if this were so , we need not grow ▪ if our assurance were as good at first , without all doubting , as ever it shall be , we need not pray , Lord , increase our faith ; or , Lord increase our other graces . But because we are but babes in grace at the first , we had need grow , and pray that we may grow , till we come to be perfect men in Christ .

Thirdly , it Reproves such as grow downward in stead of growing upward ; they grow lower , in stead of growing higher ; they move earth-ward , in stead of moving heaven-ward . These are Monsters in grace , such as have declined from their first love ; as Ephesus did , Rev. 2.4 . It may be , time was , they had great love to God , his Word , his Messengers , to Family-duties , but now they are grown more remiss and luke-warm , if not altogether opposite to what they so much loved before . Gal. 4.15 . Where is then the blessedness you spake of ? For I bear you record , that if it had been possible , you would have plucked out your own eyes , and have given them me . Am I therefore become your enemy , because I tell you the truth ? Some that profess'd great love , now opposite to those persons whom they loved before , and opposite to those duties which they loved before ; they think they are above such duties , they fear not to neglect them , and so seldom perform them ; truly fulfilling , what was falsly laid upon Job , Thou castest off fear , Job 15.4 . and restrainest prayer before God .

Fourthly , it Reproves such , Opposers of growth in piety , are the Devils first-born . as are so far from growing themselves , that they do what they can , to hinder the growth of others . And doubtless , the Spirit of Satan is in such men . The Devil , if he cannot hinder the Conception of Grace , he will do what he can to prevent the Birth ; if he cannot prevent that , he will do what he can to devour it , so soon as it is born , or at least to hinder the growth . And so 't is with men that are acted by that Spirit , if they cannot hinder the beginnings of Grace , they will do what they can to hinder the growth of it . They are as the Plague of Locusts where they live : As the Locust and caterpiller devour every green thing ( Exod. 10.15 . ) no sooner doth a bud or blossom begin to peep out , but they devour it ; so it is with these men , no sooner do they perceive some fair puttings forth , or blossoms of Grace in any , but they will be sure to snub them , and to carp at them . O , say they , what need you be so forward ! you are too hot to hold ! you cannot be content to do as the rest of your Neighbors do ! Are you wiser than Goodman — such a one ? or Master — such a one ? And thus , many an old weather-beathen sinner , is just like some old stinking Alder-tree , it grows not it self , but cumbers the ground , and hinders the growth of all the Plants that are round about it , by the unwholesom and malignant droppings of it , and is good for nothing but the fire . Such as these , have much to answer for ; they must be answerable not onely for all the good they have neglected themselves , but for all the good they have hindred in others . Methinks , when I consider the judgement of these men , I seem to hear the voice of that revenging Angel , Rev. 8.13 . flying through the midst of Heaven , saying , Wo , wo , wo to the inhabiters of the earth : for this is that very wo and curse , which is pronounc'd from the very mouth of Blessing , I mean , from the mouth of Christ himself , Mat. 23.13 . Wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites , for ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven before men ; for ye neither go in your selves , neither suffer ye those that would enter to come in . Thus these kindes of men neither grow themselves , nor suffer they those that would , to be upon the growing hand . I say , they grow not themselves ▪ or if they do grow , it is the wrong way , ( as I said before ) they grow worse and worse , till they have filled up the measure of their iniquity . Evil men , and seducers , grow worse and worse , deceiving , and being deceived , 2 Tim. 3.13 . And believe it , these are sins that fill up the measure apace , when what they can do , is done by taunts , and by threatnings , or cruel mockings , to hinder the growth of others . Such as these , are far enough from living the life of Faith in Augmentation .

Lastly therefore , it Reproves such as grow in sin , instead of growing in grace ; that exceed the deeds of the wicked , while they strive to out-drink , out-swear , out-vie one another . As 't is said of Herod , He added this yet above all , that he shut up John in the prison . There are measures in sin , as well as in grace ; and it shall be more tolerable for some sinners in the day of Judgement , than for others . Therefore take heed of growing in sin , for with the same measure that we mete withall , shall it be measured to us again .

Vse 3. Examination about spiritual growth . Next , let us examine whether we live by Faith aright ; for then we live the Life of Augmentation . True grace is of a growing nature ; the true Members of Christ are ever increasing . Col. 2.19 . The whole body , and every part of the body , increaseth with the increase of God . Therefore , 1. Dost thou increase ? And 2. is that increase the increase of God , equal , uniform ?

Quest. How shall I know whether I grow ?

Ans. The first sign of growth in grace , First sign of growth . is lessening of corruption ; as one increaseth , the other decreaseth , as it was with Paul and David . And in particular , the lessening of sinful Self-love . The more a man loves God , the less he values his own Self-interest , the more willingly he parts with it . Therefore , where Christ bid the young man , Go sell all , Mat. 19.21 . he proves he was not so well grown in grace , as he took himself to be : Yea , such as had truth of saving grace , declared their weakness by this ; Self-interest made Peter and the rest deny Christ : but when they had more grace , they neglected their liberty and their lives ; they rejoyced they were counted worthy to suffer for him . What things were gain to me , those I counted loss for Christ , sayes Paul , Phil. 3.7 . This was Levi's commendation for eminency of grace , Deut. 33.8 , 9. Who said unto his father , and to his mother , I have not seen him , neither did he acknowledge his own brethren , &c.

Second sign of growth . Secondly , if thou growest , thou desirest , and takest in more nourishment . This is a good sign , and strong evidence of growth , a strong desire of nourishment , proceeding from a right principle . The natural Philosopher gives this to be the reason , why children and yong men feed the oftner , and more than others do , because they grow faster . Men that are either declining , or standing at a stay by reason of age or sickness , are but pinglers at their meat , in comparison of the others ; they must have thus and thus dress'd or sawc'd , or else little or nothing will down with them : Whereas the other that grow apace , will eat and digest any thing that is Mans Meat . So in Spiritual respects , it 's a good evidence of a fast and well - growing Christian , when he is a well - feeding Christian . Oh! he comes constantly to the Ordinances , he is so hungry and thirsty after the Word , he will not easily be perswaded to miss a Meals Meat : He lies drawing and sucking at the brests of the Ordinances , like a battening and well-thriving Childe : 1 Pet. 2.2 . Job 23.12 . He saith with Job , I have esteemed the words of his mouth , more then my appointed food . Whereas another , who grows little or nothing , is a very pingler at his meat , he cares not how seldom he hears or prayes ; he is full of noisom humours , and therefore his full soul loaths the honey-comb of the Word . He must have it thus and thus cook'd , or else he turns the the dish about , and cries , Tush , this is no meat for me . It may be the very smell of the meat offends his dainry stomach , and so he rises up from the Table , and turns his back upon the Ordinances : Whereas a growing Christian feeds hard upon a plain dish , he can well digest plain Preaching ; he inquires not how toothsom , but how wholesome his meat is . A well-feeding Christian therefore gives an infallible sign of a well-growing Christian .

Onely take it with these three Cautions : Caution in 3 particulars . 1. If he desires all parts of his nourishment . 2. If he desires it from all persons , whom God hath set apart to dispense it faithfully . 3. If he desire it at all times , when God administers opportunity , and he may take it .

First , if he desire all parts of this nourishment ; viz. the word of Correction , as well as the word of Comfort and Instruction . Herod fed gladly upon the latter , but the former would not down with him . And it is so with many hearers , they must have all sweet , or nothing will down with them ; sweet flowers upon the top of the dish , and sweet sawce at the bottom ; the flowers of humane Eloquence for the manner of speaking , and the sweet sawce of Placentia for the matter . Isa. 30.10 . Which say — to the Prophets , Prophecy not to us right things , speak unto us smooth things , &c. They cannot endure any thing that is sharp , and bitter , though never so wholesome ; they will not swallow all the Roll : though the Apostle saith , Tit. 1.13 . Rebuke them sharply , that they may be found in the faith ; and David saith , Psal. 141.5 . Let the righteous smite me , and it shall be a kindness , &c.

Secondly , it 's a good evidence of growth , if we desire it from all Stewards , or from all Cooks , that dispense it faithfully . An hungry stomach is not over-nice in the choice of a Cook , so he be confident of his fidelity , that he will mix no poison with the meat : Whereas it may be a weak stomach longs for such a dish , and it longs for such a Cook too , or else he can eat nothing ; and when he hath it , it does him little good . As I have heard the story of a Scholar , who falling sick many miles from his College , had a great minde the Cook should be sent for to prepare him a dish : Accordingly he came , and prepared it ; when the Scholar had it , he could eat none . O says he , this is none of the College-broth : Nay , said the Cook , you have not your College-stomach . So it is with many Christians now adayes , who formerly had a notable stomach to the Word ; now , they must have such or such a Cook to dress it , or else none will down ; and when they have what they desire , they feed not , they grow not as they were wont to do , because they have not the stomach they were wont to have . And truly , this argues little grace , and much carnality in a Christian : 1 Cor. 3.4 . For while one saith , I am of Paul , and I am of Apollos , are ye not carnal ? Note the phrase , Luk. 1.70 . As God spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets , &c. there 's Prophets in the plural Number , and Mouth in the singular ; as if all the Prophets had but one mouth . Therefore as God speaks by the mouth of all his Prophets , we should hear from the mouth of all the Prophets : As they speak as it were with a single mouth , so we should hear with a single ear ; not sinfully preferring one before another , while they all speak the same truth . This was Ahabs fault , his false Prophets must dress all his dishes ; there was but one faithful Cook ( Micaiah ) and he cries out against him , as if death had been in the pot , I hate him , says he , for he does not prophesie good unto me , but evil . Whereas all the fault was in the stomach , not in the Cook ; Micaiah was not an evil speaker , but Ahab was an evil hearer , full of prejudice , and full of partiality .

Thirdly , it is a good evidence of growth , if we desire this nourishment at all times . As David saith , Psal. 106.3 . Blessed is the man that doth righteousness at all times : So we may say , Blessed is the man that heareth the Word of Righteousness at all times . Men may be Time-servers in their hearing , as well as Time-servers in their speeches or actions . Herod , and Agrippa , and Felix , had their good moods in hearing at some times , but they were soon weary : Act. 24.25 . Go thy way , says Felix to Paul , for this time , and when I have a convenient time , I will send for thee . But we never reade of that convenient season any more , it seems he had enough of him at that time . Some will have a Sermon at a running-pull , as it may be they will have a Meals meat , once a week or once a moneth , or upon some high-day , as they call it , and yet disdain the same Word at other times . As if Sermons were like some kinde of dainties and rarities , onely in season at such a time . Thus multitudes desire a Sermon upon Christmas day , ( as they call it . ) I do not deny , but some may desire it out of a kinde of conscience to the duty : but I am confident the major part , though they desire a Sermon , yet they more desire their carnal liberty , &c.

Thirdly , it is a good evidence of growth , Third sign of growth . if thou gettest more strength by thy nourishment . When the Gospel comes ▪ not in word onely , but in power , thou gettest more strength ; Explicated in 3 things . 1. To do more : 2. To bear more : 3. To shake off the yoke of Ceremonies and Indifference with more ease .

This is an evidence of growth .

1. Thou canst do more than formerly , 1. Strength to do duties . in performance of holy Duties . 2. In resisting Temptations .

1. In performance of Duties : a strong man will do twenty times as much as a childe or a sick man . How doth Christ convince the Church of Ephesus , that she had lost her first strength of love to God , but because she had lost her first works ? Therefore he saith , Rev. 2 ▪ 5. Remember whence thou art fallen , and repent , and do thy first works . On the other side ▪ how doth he prove the Church of Thyatira to be on the growing hand ? How doth he prove her grace to be more than formerly , but by her works ? because her works were more , Rev. 2.19 I know thy works , and charity , and service , and faith , and thy patience , and thy works , and the last to be more than the first . If Christians can pray better , and hear better , and confer better , and meditate better , and practise better , and all this from an inward Principle , it argues they are upon the growing hand : Therefore they are grown to a strange pass , that cast off all care of duties .

And resist temptations . 2. If thou growest , thou canst ordinarily do more in resisting Temptations . 1 Joh. 2.14 . I have written to you , young men , because ye are strong , and have overcome the wicked one . How doth he prove they were strong in grace , but because they had overcome the evil one ? On the other side , how did it appear that Samsons strength was departed from him , but because he could not do as at other times , when the Philistines came upon him ? It argues a Christian is weak , and decays in grace , when he cannot resist Temptations as formerly ▪ Time was , when Jerusalem was beautiful , and yet could resist Temptations to Spiritual Adultery : but when she had once yielded , and was overcome by her filthy lovers , God saith , How weak is thy heart , O Jerusalem ! Ezek. 16.30 . He hath most grace , who taking to himself the whole armour of God , Eph. 6 ▪ 10. is strongest in the Lord , and in the power of his might , that he may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil .

2. Strength to bear . 2. As he is able to do more , so to bear more : He is the strongest Christian , that can bear the heaviest burthen ,

In 3 things . 1. Of Afflictions and Persecutions : 2. Of Wrongs and Injuries : 3. Of his Brethrens Infirmities .

1. Afflictions . 1. Of Afflictions or Persecutions . It argued a great growth of grace in the Apostles , that whereas before Christs Passion , they could not so much as endure to hear of it with patience ; ( O saith Peter , Be it far from thee , Lord ▪ this shall not be unto thee , Mat. 16.22 . ) Now they themselves can suffer and that not onely with patience , but with much rejoycing : Acts 5.41 . They rejoyced , that they were counted worthy to suffer for his Name .

2. He is grown stronger , 2. Injuries . that can bear a greater burthen of Wrongs and Injuries . Time was , he could bear no thing , but was fire and tow ; like the two Disciples , that would have fire come down from heaven to consume the Samaritans : but now he is grown so strong , he can pity and pray for those that wrong him most , as Steven did . It is very observable , that when Christ commands his Disciples to forgive those that wrong them seven times a day , Luke 17.5 . they pray , Lord , increase our faith ; as much as to say , there must be a great strength of faith to enable to forgive injuries .

3. He is grown stronger , 3. Infirmities of others . that can bear a greater burthen of his brethrens Infirmities . When he sees they are weak in knowledge , weak in love , weak in the government of their passions , yet he beareth with them , he will not presently cast them off , and unbrother them . Time was , when he was weak in grace himself , he was very censorious , when he saw the failings of others , he would say , The man hath no grace in him , I will have nothing to do with him : but now he is grown stronger , he can better bear the infirmities of the weak , Rom. 15.1 .

3. He is stronger , 3. Strength to shake off Ceremonies . that can shake off the yoke of Ceremonies , and things indifferent , with more ease , not making conscience of them as of things necessary . Therefore Rom. 14.7 . the Apostle shews they were weak that made a difference of meats and days , where God had made none . Now they , because they would be sure to eat no forbidden meat , would live onely upon herbs : He that is weak , saith he , eateth herbs . It is the weakness of Christians , to be too scrupulous in meats and dayes , especially where the Ordinance of man hath onely made the difference : This is not their strength , but their weakness .

4. Though he that hath most grace hath most strength , Fourth sign of growth . yet he is also on the growing hand , that is most sensible of his weakness . For the strongest Christian hath much remaining weakness . Now it is part of our strength of grace , to be sensible of this weakness : When I am weak , then am I strong , 2 Cor. 12.10 . A weak Christian is ready to think himself strong , as Peter did , when he was weak as water ; Lord ( saith he ) though all men should deny thee , yet will not I. But a strong Christian is most sensible of his weakness , for his sight is clearer to see his sin , and his will is more sanctified to hate it : therefore if thou saist thou art rich , it argues thou art poor . Rev. 3.17 . Thou saist thou art rich , and hast need of nothing , and knowest not thou art poor , and wretched , and miserable : and if thou saist thou art poor , it argues thou art rich ; Rev. 2.9 . I know thy tribulation , and poverty , but thou art rich : And the reason is ▪ because the true sense of our own poverty and weakness , doth cause us to run to God ; and like the Conies , to make our burroughs in the everlasting Rock of his Name . Here is the strength of a feeble people : Prov. 30.26 . The Conies are a feeble people , yet make their houses in the Rock . It argues strength of grace , when we are so far gone out of our selves , out of our graces , duties , parts , performances , that we burrough our selves deep in God .

Fifth sign of growth . 5. The more any aim at Gods glory in what they do , the more grace they have received from God . The Scribes and Pharisees were men of great parts , but they did all for their own glory , Mat. 6.2 . therefore they were but Hypocrites , they had no grace : but they that have most grace , do most seek Gods glory , Isa. 25.3 . The strong people shall glorifie thy Name : and the more Job saw of God , the more he debased himself ; Job ▪ 42.5 , 6. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear , but now my eye sees thee ; therefore I abhor my self , and repent in dust and ashes .

Thus we are to examine whether we do increase or no.

And 2. Is that increase the increase of God ? Exam. 2. What is the increase of God . 1. For the Author . 2. For the Matter . 3. For the Manner . 4. For the Measure .

1. There is an increase , which is but the increase of the Creature , a natural increase , which a natural man may attain to , in the exercise of Moral Vertues , the habit whereof is strengthned by frequent acts : for , Rom. 2.14 . They do by nature the things contained in the Law : This onely makes the increase of the natural man .

2. There is a Diabolical increase , when a man is puft up with knowledge , with a superstitious observation of a voluntary Humility in meats , and drinks , and days , Col. 2.16 , 17 , 18 , 19. and worshipping of Saints and Angels . It is an easie matter to increase in this kinde of devotion ; the Devil will be a mans Tutor in this School ; this is but a Diabolical increase . It may be truly said of such persons . Non crescunt sed turgent , They do not grow , but swell ; like some excrescence , like a Byle or Wen upon the Body , it hath no kindely growth from the Head , but unnatural Tumour , from some vicious humour : Hab. 2.4 . His soul which is lifted up , [ or , which is swoln ] is not upright in him .

But 3. there is an increase which is cald the encrease of God . Col. 2.19 .

First , as God is the Author of it , not any Creature . 1. Author of Divine increase . As God begins this life , so he carries it on : Joh. 1.13 . They that believe , are born , not of blood , nor of the will of the flesh , but of the will of God : And he increaseth it , Phil. 1.6 . He begins the good work , and he will perform , or finish it , to the day of Christ .

Secondly , for the Matter of it . True Humility , 2. Matter . Self-denial , saving Faith , which are Graces incommunicable to natural men and hypocrites : These are graces which do accompany Salvation , as the Apostle speaks , Heb. 6.9 . And they are God's for the matter of them , under a more special consideration .

Thirdly , for the Manner . 3. Manner . The increase of God is uniform and proportionable ; such a man increaseth in all parts alike , Head , Heart , Hands , Feet , and all ; he increaseth in the knowledge of the Truth and the love of the Truth proportionably . But now the increase of the Hypocrite is very uneven and unequal , a monstrous increase ; like the increase of some Monster , Simile . that hath a great Head , and a little narrow Brest , without Hands and Feet ; such is the increase of an hypocrite : he may have a great Head , a great deal of superficial knowledge , but a narrow Brest , no love to the Truth , no Hands to practice that which is good , no Feet to walk with God : This is a monstrous increase .

4. Measure . Fourthly , for the Measure . The increase of God is a great increase ; as in Scripture , Trees of God , signifie great Trees ; and Mountains of God , great Mountains : so the increase of God is a great increase . Though the beginnings of such as have the truth of grace , be small , yet their latter end doth greatly increase , Job 8.7 . Every gracious person goes beyond an hypocrite , he grows beyond the sphere of his activity , beyond the sphere of nature or art ; and so he increaseth not with the increase of a Creature , but with the increase of God , 2 Coloss ▪ 19.

Q. But will some say , If we must thus judge of our growth , then I fear I have no Faith , no Grace , because I cannot perceive that I grow , unless it be downward ; methinks I grow worse and worse , therefore I fear I have no Grace .

What to judge in sense of want of growth . Ans. 1. Possibly thou hast none indeed , therefore examine whether ever thou wert soundly humbled or no , so as to be effectually driven home to Christ , and hast received him for thy King and Prophet , as well as Priest .

A. 2. If so ; yet know , it 's possible for a gracious person , for want of watchfulness in the use of Means , to stand at a stay , or to decline and fall back .

Q. But you will say , What then is the difference between the falling back of an Hypocrite and a true Believer ?

Ans. 1. The Believer is humbled when he loseth ground , Difference of drawing back . therefore he cries out , as David , Psal. 119. ult. I have gone astray like a lost sheep ; Lord , seek thy servant : but so doth not the Hypocrite .

A. 2. A Believer recovers himself again ere it be long , and gets strength by his fall , as Peter did ; but an Hypocrite doth not so , but still goes down the stream , and will never take the pains to row up again .

A. 3. Whereas thou saist , Thou dost not grow ; it may be it is with thy Soul , as with Trees in Winter , though they do not grow above-ground , yet they grow under-ground ; though they do not grow in the branches , yet they grow in the root ; and the growth of the root in the Winter , will further the growth of the branches when Summer comes . And this is Gods method with his people , he makes them first grow in the root , before they grow in the branches : Isa 37.31 . The remnant of the house of Judah shall take root downward , and then they shall bring forth fruit upward . Now it may be thou dost not grow so much upward for the present , ( which is the grief of thy Soul ) yet for thy comfort , if thou growest more downward in Humility , and Self-denial , and Self-abhorrency , thy condition is good , and the Spring of Grace will come upon thy Soul ere long , when thou shalt hear that comfortable voice of Jesus Christ , Cant. 2.10 , 11 , 13. Rise up , my love , and come away ; for lo , the winter is past , the rain is over and gone , the flowers appear on the earth , the time of the singing of birds is come , &c. So that , even your complaining of your want of growth , may be a sign of your growing in the root . I had rather hear an humble Soul say , Alas ! I am wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blinde ▪ and naked ; then to hear a proud Pharisaical Laodicean say , God I thank thee , I am not as other men , I am rich , and increast with goods , and have need of nothing .

A. 4. I answer , Whereas thou saist , thou dost not grow ; it is not an easie matter to perceive growth very suddenly . If a man stands and looks on a Tree never so long , he cannot perceive it to grow ; but if he take the height of it , and come again five or six years after , he shall easily perceive it is grown . And so it is in grace ; it is not easie for the present to discern its growth : Mar. 4.27 . The seed springs and grows we know not how ; but in time we shall easily perceive it is grown .

A. 5. Whereas thou saist , Thou dost not grow ; it may be it is true , for the present thou dost not grow at all , but art like the parched earth ; yet if thou canst but lay hold of Gods Covenant by Faith , that will make thee grow afresh ; as the Rain and the Sun makes the grass to revive , that was even withered and dead before . This was Davids comfort , though he was like a branch springing out of a dry ground , as it is said of Christ , Isa. 53.2 . yet , 2 Sam. 23.3 , 4 , 5. he was assured , God would make him grow again , even as the tender grass out of the earth , by clear shining after rain .

Vse 2. Humiliation for small growth . The fourth Use is for Humiliation , in that ( upon trial ) we finde so little growth amongst us . We grow more opinionative from day to day , but we grow not more active : we deserve not the commendation of the Church of Thyatira , Rev. 2.19 . Thy last works are more than thy first ; but rather the reproof of the Church of Ephesus , ver. 4 , 5 Thou art faln from thy first love ; repent , and do thy first works . Therefore we have cause to be humbled , and repent . Christ may say to England , as to Ephesus , I have this against thee , that thou art faln from thy first love . We are like forgetful and careless Scholars , deserving to be put down into a lower Form : Whereas it is the property of such as are admitted into the School of heavenly Wisdom , to increase in learning . Prov. 1 5. A wise man will hear , and increase learning : and Prov. 9.9 . Give instruction to a wise man , and he will be yet wiser . It is true indeed , our heads are full of disputes , but our hearts are so little grown in the love of the Truth , that we are but very dwarfs in practical Religion . If we compare our selves with the Worthies of God in former generations , ( as the Spies said of the inhabitants of Canaan ) they may well seem as Giants in our eyes . What a deal of heavenly-heartedness , what love , what humility , what faithfulness was to be found among them ? If Luthers Courage , Calvins Painfulness , the Martyrs Zeal ( hotter than the fire which consumed them ) might be found in our days , I should hope we did then begin to grow , and to recover our first love . But alas ! while we are so lukewarm , that we can bear them that are evil , Rev. 2. and bear evils in our selves , where is our growth ? Do not many question , whether the Pope be Antichrist , and whether the Church of Rome be a true Mother ? Others , though they cannot deny , but that the Church of Rome i● the Scarlet Whore , the Jezabel spoken of in Scripture , yet the zeal of some is grown so cool , they could finde in their heart they might have a Toleration , even for Jezabel her self , contrary to manifest Scripture : Rev. 2 20. Thou sufferest the woman Jezabel , which calleth her self a Prophetess , to teach , and seduce my servants . Histories tell us , That Adrian and Heliogabalus , and some other Roman Emperours , did command all kinds of Worship in one and the same Temple ; but it tended to no other purpose , than the like device of Julian the Apostate , who gave Hereticks freedom amongst right believers , not that he cared for one or the other , but that by their mutual distractions and dissentions , they might destroy both . And therefore what those Factors of Satan did invent for the advancing of his Kingdom , let it be far from the practice of Saints : Let us rather recover our first love to the Truth of God ; yea , let it grow and increase : and truly if we grow not , how shall we be able to look Christ in the face , when he comes to take account of us ? We are planted in such a soil , ordered by such an Husbandman , watered by such heavenly showers , in the dispensations of Ordinances , that we shall be both the wonder and shame of Christians , if we grow not .

Vse 5. Of thankfulness for growth . The fifth Use , is to stir us up to thankfulness , that the just lives by Faith the Life of Augmentation , especially in such times as these ; That grace should thus increase , either in the Church in general , or in any particular Christians heart , considering how great opposition it meets withall : When ever doth a man in earnest profess himself a Christian , but all the Powers of Darkness , in Hell , and upon the Earth , proclaim open wars against him ? Besides the clog of his own sinful corruptions , which hang heavy upon him , ( for the Flesh is ever lusting against the Spirit ) and yet he grows ; In spight of Satan , the Prince of the Air , Eph. 2. who blows forth many a terrible storm to blast the fruit ; In spight of the World , which sends forth many a sharp frost , to nip the fruit in the bud ; In spight of Corruption , which lies as a Worm at the Root , to eat out the very heart and power of godliness ; yet he grows for all this . And how comes this to pass ? Surely you will say , here is aliquid Dei , the finger of God must needs be in it . The preservation of Grace in this case , is wonderful . If you should see a Rush-candle set without doors in the midst of stormy Winds and Rain , and yet continue light , you would stand and look upon it with admiration ; and yet thus is the little Candle of Grace preserved . Psal. 18.28 . The Lord my God will light my candle ; yea , he keeps it light , when the Prince of the Air , and all his instruments , joyn all their forces to blow it out . God lighted such a Candle by Luthers Doctrine , as could never be blown out to this day : All the breathings , and threats , and bellowings of the Romish Bulls ; all the thunderings of the Popish Canons , could never blow it out . This is the Lords doing , and it ought to be marvellous in our eyes : Marvellous indeed , that truth and grace should be preserved under such opposition , but much more marvellous , that it should be increased thereby , that it should be like the Camomile , the more it is trodden upon , the more it grows ; like a Tree , the more it is lopt and topt , the more is flourishes and spreads . That the Churches should be edified , and multiplied , when they had rest through all Judea , and Galilee , and Samaria , it is not so wonderful , Acts 9.31 . but that they should then grow and increase , when there was no rest , no peace to him that went out , nor to him that came in ; That the Blood of the Martyrs should be the Seed of the Church ; That the Church should grow and thrive best under opposition , this is the Wonder of Wonders ! which plainly shews , the increase is not of man , but of God ; and therefore he should have all the glory of it .

The sixth Use , is for Exhortation , Vse 6. Of Exhortation to growth . To labour to live by Faith the Life of Augmentation . It is a shame for a Christian not to grow : A Christian should out-grow others , as much as the Palm-tree exceeds ordinary Plants : Psal. 92.12 , 13.14 , 15. therefore labour to grow , 1. In * * Prov. 2.7 . & 10.14 . & 15.7 . Isa. 11.9 . Col. 1.10 . Pro. 2.3 , 18 & 2.1 , 5 , 8 , 9. Phil. 1.9.10 . Knowledge ; Let the word of Christ dwell plentifully in you , Col. 3.16 . 2. In Faith ; to be rich in faith , though poor in the world , Jam. 2 5. Col. 2.7 . 3. In Charity , and in good Works , Phil. 1.9 . The poor Macedonians were rich in their liberality , 2 Cor. 8.2 . The abundance of their joy and deep poverty , abounded to the riches of their liberality . It is the best riches of rich men , to be rich in good work● , 1 Tim. 6.18 . Let not rich men give poorly , while poor men give richly ; let not a poor Widow cast in more , than all the rich men , into Gods Treasury : However we grow in wealth , let us labour to grow in Grace .

1 Motive to incite us to it , may be à decoro , Motives from the comeliness of it . It is the sweetest sight that can be , 1. Comeliness . to see a Christian flourishing as the Palm-tree , and growing like the Cedar in Lebanon , as Psal. 92.12 . Such are indeed the excellent of the earth , as Psal. 16.2 . We say of tall persons , they are proper persons : Oh what comely persons should we be ; if we were tall in grace ; without this , the best of natural perfections are but as so many Jewels in a Swines snout , Prov. 11.22 . Let us therefore labour to grow in grace , as we desire to be comely in the eyes of Jesus Christ , Cant. 7.6 , 7. Christ saith of his Church , How fair and how pleasant art thou , O love , for delights ? thy stature is like a Palm-tree : O let us not be as low shrubs , but as tall Palm-trees , if we desire to be comely in his eyes .

2. Pleasantness . 2. A jucundo , from the pleasantness of it , Prov. 3.17 . Her ways are ways of pleasure , and all her paths peace : So that the further you go , the more pleasure still you meet with ; the deeper you drink in this cup , the sweeter still ; the more you grow in grace , ( in ordinary course of dispensation ) the more you grow in comfort , Rom. 14 17. The Kingdom of God is righteousness , peace , and joy in the Holy Ghost . The more righteousness , the more you increase your peace and joy , till you come to enter into the joy of your Lord ; such as grow in grace , get nearer heaven from day to day . For grace and glory do onely differ in degrees . Therefore , as that sweet Bird of the morning , the Lark , sings and mounts upward , raising her Body and her Note both together , rising still higher and higher , nearer heaven , and further from earth : So a Christian raised up upon the wing of heavenly Affections , Meditations , Prayers , holy Actions , whilst he thus grows in grace through the strength of Christ , he gets nearer heaven , and further off from the earth : Col. 3. Phil. 3. He sets his affections on things above , and not on things on the earth : His conversation , and City and Trade , is in heaven ; and thus he riseth higher and higher , and is translated from glory to glory , even as by the Spirit of our God : and is not this a pleasant life ? and what is it , but to begin heaven upon earth , even to sit with Christ in heavenly places .

3. Ab utili , from the profit of it : 3. Profit . Though we could earn nothing but damnation by all our obedience , as of our selves ; yet God is so merciful , that he rewards every man according to his works , Psa. 62.12 . Also to thee , O Lord , belongeth mercy , for thou renderest to every man according to his works . So that if we yield our praise and increase to God , the earth shall yield her increase to us : Psal. 67.6 . Then shall the earth yield her increase , and God , even our God , shall bless us , when the people praise him . But if we withdraw our service from God , the creatures shall withdraw their service from us . Hos. 2.9 . I will take away my corn in the time thereof , &c. But if we yield our increase to God , then heaven and earth , and all creatures , yield their increase to us : ver. 21. I will hear the heavens , saith the Lord , and they shall hear the earth , &c. Some are of opinion , that we shall not onely have more blessing upon earth , but more glory in heaven , conceiving that there shall be degrees of glory , according to our degrees of grace . There are Arguments on both sides : Some conceiving , glory shall be equal , because the Merit of Christ is equal ; Therefore in the Parable of the Vineyard , he that laboured most received no more , than he that laboured the shortest time ; every man receives his penny , Mat. 20. But the Parable cannot be meant of eternal life ; for there are no murmurers in heaven , such as you finde in the Parable , that murmured because they had no more . But that other Parable in the 19 of Luke , doth rather set forth the state of glory , upon the return of the Nobleman , where he that gained most , received most reward ; he that gained ten talents , was made ruler over ten Cities ; and he that gained five , was made ruler over five . Yet this doth not infer merit of Works neither , but a gracious disposition in God , to encourage his servants in a way of well-doing . It is the Apostles argument , to quicken up Christians to be upon the growing hand . 1 Cor. 15. ult. Therefore my beloved brethren , be ye stedfast , unmovable , always abounding in the work of the Lord , for your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord . However , suppose it were in vain in respect of our glory , yet we are sure it is not in vain in respect of Gods glory . You know what Christ saith , Joh. 15.8 . Herein is my Father glorified , that you bear much fruit . Now we should prefer Gods glory before our own Salvation : therefore we should be upon the growing hand .

4. Equity . 4. Ab aequo , from the justice and equity of it : for , God affords us as great means for our increase in these Gospel-times , as ever he did ; he puts us into fat pastures , and well watered , Psal. 23. therefore it is a shame for Gods people not to grow , not to bring forth twins , as Cant. 6.6 . They should grow twice as fast , bring forth twice as many Lambs , twice as much Wooll , twice as much Milk , as those that go upon bare Commons . All the world may cry shame on such a man that is high fed , and often fed with fat and sweet Ordinances , if he be still like Pharaohs lean Kine , as lean and ill-favoured as ever he was before . Certainly , fat Ordinances and lean Souls do not well agree . We are to look upon it as the greatest of Judgements , to have ( as Psal. 106.15 . ) leanness sent into our souls , while we are fed with Manna . We look on it as an affliction , to have an over-lean Body ; but it 's a far sadder condition , to have a lean Soul . Of the two , it were much better to have a well-thriving Soul , and a lean Body , than a well-thriving Body , and a lean Soul : it is a great mercy when both prosper , 3 Joh. 2. I wish above all things , that thou maist prosper , and be in health , as thy soul prospereth . Oh it is a sweet thing , especially to have a prospering Soul , and still upon the growing hand : and God expects it should be so , where he affords good diet , great means of grace ; as Dan. 1.10 . The Prince of the Eunuchs said to Daniel , I fear my Lord the King , who hath appointed your meat and your drink , if you should look ill , who fare so well , I should be sure to bear the blame ; it were as much as my head is worth . So certainly , where God affords precious food for precious Souls , if these Souls be lean under fat Ordinances , either those that are fed , or those that feed them ; either the Stewards , or the household ; either Minister or people , or both , are sure to bear the blame . It is but equal and just that such should grow . We do not wonder to see lean Sheep upon bare Commons ; but when we see Sheep continue lean in fat Pastures , we think their meat is ill bestowed on them : and therefore let us strive to be on the growing hand .

Obj. But it may be you will say , Whatever means we enjoy , what can we do , without the Spirit which worketh all in all ?

Resp. Therefore as a further Motive , or incentive of this Motive , thou hast in this respect , great advantage from the Time : For these are the times , wherein God hath promised to pour out his Spirit more abundantly ; Joel 2.28 . I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh . The Spirit was not given before , in comparison ; but now God hath promised it shall be poured forth ; therefore sue out the Promise , and you shall grow : Luk. 11.13 . If ye being evil , know how to give good gifts to your children , how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost to them that ask him ? In this respect it was prophecied , that Christians should be stronger , and better grown in the latter age of the world . We have every way greater advantage : we do not onely stand upon the shoulders of our Forefathers Examples and Experiences , but we have ( or may have ) more Spirit within us also . Indeed , in regard of bodily stature , the first age brought forth Giants , and the last Dwarfs : But in regard of Spiritual growth , it was prophecied , the last ages should bring forth the Giants , in comparison of the former : Zech. 12.8 . — He that is feeble among them , at that day shall be as David , and the house of David shall be as God , as the Angel of the Lord before them . Under the first Covenant , the Church was like a little childe in her minority , under Tutors and Governors , because she was weak : but now under the second , being adult , and of riper years , it is expected she should be taller and stronger in grace . Therefore as there is growth in the Church in general , so there should be growth in every particular Christian also ; the plenty of means , and the pouring out of the Spirit in these dayes , calls for it at our hands .

5. Safety . 5. A tuto , from the safety of this growth . A man indeed may grow too great in other things ; but there is no danger of exceeding in this growth . And yet it is strange to see , how little Christians affect this better kinde of growth . They will say , They have Knowledge enough , and Grace enough : but one shall hear few say , I am rich enough , and strong enough , and honourable enough . Men love growth in their bodies , in their estates , in their children , yea , growth in their cattel and trees : Oh how do they rejoyce to see them grow well , and come forwards ? and why should we not much more love growth in our Souls ? For a man may grow too great in other things , but there is no danger of exceeding in this growth . A man may grow too exceeding tall , he may become a Monster ; he may grow too fat , he may grow to be a burthen to himself ; he may grow too rich , as well as too poor : Therefore sayes Agur , Give me neither poverty nor riches , but feed me with food convenient , Prov. 308. Yea , one may grow too rich , though in the place of a King : Deut 17.17 . He shall not greatly multiply to himself gold and silver , i.e. immoderately addict himself to get riches ; and the reason is given , Deut. 8.13 , 14. Because excess in these things , lifts up the heart , and makes it forgetful of God : therefore a man may grow too rich , there is danger in that ; but a man can never be too gracious too zealous , too holy , there is no danger in that : for it is written , 1 Pet. 1. Mat. 5. Be ye holy , for I am holy ; Be ye perfect , as your Father which is in heaven is perfect . There is safety in this growth .

6. A necessario , from the necessity of growth : 6. Necessity . 1. In regard of the Precept ; for God commands us to grow in grace as well as to have any grace at all : 2 Pet. 3. ult. Grow in grace . 2. In regard of the End ; 1. That God may be glorified by our growth : Such as grow not , dishonor God , discredit Gods Ordinances , as if there were no strengthning vertue in them ; they discredit his Promise , as if there were no truth in them : therefore Psal. 92.14 , 15. They shall be fat and flourishing , to shew that the Lord is upright ; as those that grow apace , declare Gods righteousness , that he is faithful upon his word ; so those that grow not , as much as in them lies , would fasten unfaithfulness and unrighteousness upon God . 2. As we our selves desire to attain that happy end of appearing before God in Sion , we must go from strength to strength , Psal. 84.7 . On the other side , there is woful danger in standing at a stay , not increasing , but hiding our talent in a Napkin : Mat. 25.28 , 30. Take therefore the talent from him — and cast ye the unprofitable servant into utter darkness , there shall be weeping , and gnashing of teeth . The Word of God is a precious talent ; but how many by their slothfulness and unprofitableness , have deprived themselves of that precious treasure ? What admirable Prerogatives had the Jews once above all the world ? To them were committed the Oracles of God , Rom. 3.2 . & 9.4 . But because they did not grow in grace , but received it in vain , therefore was the Bread of Life taken from them , and they now suffer that miserable famine spoken of Amos 8.11 . a famine of hearing the Word of God . Not much better is the condition of the Greek Churches , which being planted by the Apostles themselves , enjoyed the light of the Word as we do ; but because they did not walk answerably to the light , and grow in grace , therefore the sad night of Turkish Darkness and Tyranny hath overspread them . That the like judgement may not befall us , Let us labour to grow by the Means , that God may continue them to us , and that we may leave them as a Legacy to our Posterity after us

Q. But what are those Means , in the use whereof we be enabled to grow ?

R●sp . For understanding whereof , however it is true , we can do as little by any power of our own , for the increasing of our spiritual stature , as for the increasing of our natural . Mat. 6.27 . Which of you by taking care , can adde one cubit to his stature ? Yet as we must not neglect eating , and drinking , and exercise , under pretence that we cannot adde a cubit to our stature ; so we must not neglect the use of spiritual Means , under pretence that we can adde nothing to our spiritual stature .

Q. What are these means then ?

Means of spiritual growth . R. If thou wouldst grow , plant thy self in a good soil ; not onely in Christ , but under Christ , in the society of the faithful : Psal. 92.13 . They that be pla●ted in the house of the Lord , shall flourish in the Courts of our God . With the holy , thou wilt still be more holy ; but with the froward , thou wilt learn more frowardness . The Tree grows not , that is planted in the barren heath , but that which is planted in a fruitful orchard .

2. Mean . Much Prayer . 2. Be much in Prayer , That God would make thee increase and abound in love , 1 Thess. 3.12 . Paul may plant , and Apollo water , but God gives the increase , 1 Cor. 3.6 , 7. Pray for wholesome showers , fair winds , and seasonable Sun-shine , that thou maist grow .

1. Pray for wholsome showers . Isa. 5. First , for wholesome Showers . When God would not bless , but blast his Vineyard , he commands his clouds , that they should rain no more rain upon it . What are these clouds , but the Ministers of his Word ? Deut. 32.2 . My doctrine shall drop as the rain , my speech shall descend as the dew , as the small rain upon the tender herb , and as the showers upon the grass . What the Minister draws and exhales out of the deep Fountain of Gods Word , is distilled down again by the heat of the Spirit into the hearts of the people , and so they grow .

Secondly , pray for fair Winds : a good and a wholesome air , makes much for growth . 2. For fair winds What are those fair Winds , but the sweet gales of the Spirit , going along with the Word ? The rain rides along upon the wings of the wind ; and if the wind of the Spirit do not bring the rain , we will never grow , so as to be fruitful in Christs Garden : Therefore pray with the Church , Cant. 4.16 . Awake , O North wind , come thou South , and blow upon my Garden , that the spices thereof may flow out .

Thirdly , pray for seasonable Sun-shine . It is the Sun , 3. For seasonable Sun-shine . with the rain , that makes fruitful : 2 Sam. 23.4 . The tender grass springs out of the earth , by clear Sun-shine after rain . The calidum and humidum in a sweet mixture , is the life of every creature . What is this Sun-shine , but the sense of Gods love in Christ warming our hearts ? Mal. 4.2 . The healing wings of the Sun of Righteousness .

3. We must Exercise grace much , 3 Mean . Much exercise . as well as pray much , or else we tempt God in prayer . Bodily exercise is a special Means of natural growth , else the best diet does no good : So is Spiritual exercise a Means of Spiritual growth . Therefore Paul directs Timothy , 1 Tim. 4.7 , 13 , 14 , 15. Exercise thy self unto godliness , give attendance to reading , to exhortation , to doctrine , — Neglect not the gift that is in thee — Meditate upon these things , give thy self wholly to them , that thy profiting may appear to all .

4. Let the use of all Means be mixed with Faith . 4 Mean . Use all means in faith . The just lives by faith . Therefore pray , as Luk. 17.5 . Lord , increase our faith ; without it , no Word , nor Sacraments , nor Prayer , nor any Ordinance , can be profitable for increase : Heb. 4.2 . But the Word did not profit them , being not mixt with faith in them that heard it . As some meats , mixt with some ingredients , nourish much ; so do the Ordinances , when mixt with faith , As Daniels Pulfe , mixt with faith , made him look better , and grow fatter , than those that fed on dainty fare : So men living under ordinary Means , may thrive better , mixing the Word with Faith , than those that live under higher enjoyments , continuing in unbelief .

5 Mean . A good stomach . 5. Get a good Stomach to thy Spiritual diet , if thou wouldst grow . Though men have never so good meat , yet they thrive not if they have no appetite to it : So it is also in Spiritual respects ; Luk 1.53 . He filleth the hungry with good things , but the rich he sendeth empty away . Mat. 5.6 . Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness , for they shall be satisfied .

6 Mean . Draw influence from Christ . 6. If thou wouldst grow , thou must be daily applying thy self to Christ thy Head , for constant and renewed influence from him . As all life , so all increase is from the Head : Christ is the Head , from which all the body by joynts and bands , having nourishment , ministred and knit together , increases with the increase of God , Col. 2.19 .

7 Mean . Applying the Promises of growth , and pleading them . 7. Lay hold of the Promise of growth , and plead it , if thou wouldst grow to purpose . That is the best growth , when there is a growth to a ripe harvest ; and that is the best harvest , that is both ripened and reaped by laying hold of the Promise , as the root of all growth : Gen. 8. ult. Seed-time and harvest shall not fail , says God ; and so he hath said concerning Spiritual seed-time and harvest , Psal 126.5 , 6. They that sow in tears , shall reap in joy ; he that goeth forth and weepeth , bearing precious seed , shall doubtl●ss come again with rejoycing , bringing his sheaves with him . Plead this Promise of God , when thou perceivest the seed of grace is sown in thy heart , but thou mournest for want of growth ; Lord , thou hast promised , Seed time and harvest shall not fail , &c. make this good to my Soul . Job 8.7 . Thou hast said , Though the beginnings of thy people be small , yet the latter end shall greatly increase . Thou hast said , Such as are planted in thy house , shall be fat and flourishing , Psal. 92.13 . Thou hast said , I will be as the dew unto Israel , and he shall grow as the Lilly , Hos. 14.5 , 6 , 7. Thus lay hold upon God , and binde him fast in the words of his own Promise ; and say , Gen. 3 2. I will not let thee go , except thou bless me with this blessing of growth : and then thou shalt certainly finde vertue flowing from Christ , in the Conduit-pipe of the Promise . By these things do men live , Isa. 38.16 . Mat. 4. 1 Kin. 17.16 . even by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God . As life comes at the first in a way of Promise ; so life is increast also thereby from day to day . And thus by Faith , laying hold on the Promise , the just live the life of Augmentation ; their life ( as the Widows Oil ) increasing by the Word of the Lord .

8. Labour to take Delight in the ways of God , 8 Mean . Delight in Gods ways . to finde what is promised . Job 22.26 . Thou shalt have delight in the Almighty . What children delight in , they prove excellent in that way , they grow up to perfection in it . If we could delight our selves in the law of the Lord , then we should be as Trees planted by the rivers of water , that bring forth their fruit in season . Psa. 1.2 , 3.

9. Be careful to remove Impediments of growth .

First , root up the Weeds of sinful Corruption , 9 Mean . Remove all Impediments . which choak the good corn : Cast out those noisom Humours out of the stomach of the Soul , which sowre the good Milk of the Word , and make it unprofitable . 1 Pet. 2.1 , 2. Wherefore laying aside all malice , and all guile and hypocrisies , and envies , and evil speaking , as new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word , that you may grow thereby .

Secondly , Take heed of a conceit of perfection , 2 Imp. that we are grown enough already . What made the Church of Laodicea so lazy and lukewarm , Rev. 3.17 . but because she said , she was rich and full ? What made Paul so active for God , but because he was very sensible of his imperfection ? Phil. 3.12 . He look'd upon himself as not come up to his full attainments , not yet perfect , therefore he was still pressing forward .

Thirdly . Take heed of Envy and Contention , 1 Cor. 3.1 , 2. The Corinthians were but babes in Christ : why so ? they were full of contentions : The Body of Christ edifies it self in love , Eph. 4.16 . Therefore it consumes it self , by fretfulness and envy .

Fourthly , Take heed of Hypocrisie and Vnfruitfulness . I put them both together , because they are never asunder . Those that have nothing but leaves without fruit , like the barren Fig-tree , are ne●r unto cursing and blasting : Such are so far from growing , that they wither away , and are good for nothing but the fire , becoming trees twice dead , and plucked up by the roots , Jude 12.

Fifthly , Take heed of Despising Ordinances ; they are given to advance growth : Eph. 4 11. He gave some Apostles , some Prophets , and some Pastors and Teachers , for the perfecting of the Saints , for the work of the Ministery , for the edifying of the Body of Christ , &c. Therefore where these are despised , there must needs be a decay ; therefore 1 Thess. 5.19 , 20. Quench not the Spirit , and Despise not Prophecying , are put together , to shew , That despising Prophecy , is the way to quench the Spirit .

Sixthly , Take heed of unnecessary Conversation with wicked men : This is a hindrance of growth ; this cools your zeal , and gives a check to your speed in your Christian Race : therefore David , Psal. 119.115 . Depart from me ye evil doers , for I will keep the Commandments of my God . As if he could not possibly go on and grow in grace , so long as the wicked stood in his way .

Spiritual pride and self-confidence . Seventhly , We must know , That Gods withdrawing the influence of his grace from the Soul , may cause a stop or a decay for a time ; which God usually does , either to prevent , or else to cure Spiritual Pride and Self-confidence . When Peter was confident of his own strength , Christ tells him , Before the Cock crew , he should deny him : and it was Christs looking back upon Peter , that quickned him again ; therefore , I suppose , it was not so much the strength of the tentation , as Peters weakness in resisting , and that weakness proceeding from Gods withdrawing himself , that was the cause of Peters fall : For his tentation was as strong afterwards , when he was threatned by the same Authority yet answered so couragiously , Acts 4.19 But now God assisted , before he did withdraw . Therefore take heed of Spiritual Pride , and trusting to the Mountains of Grace received , Psal. 30.6 . for then God turns away his face , and we are troubled ; he withdraws the influence of his grace , and then we decay ; it is fall of the leaf with us , as with the Trees in Autumn , and we cannot grow again , till the Sun of Righteousness make a new spring .

The seventh Use , is for Comfort to those that are apt to be discouraged at the small beginnings of grace ; Comfort at small beginnings of grace . as the old men wept , when they saw the Foundation of the second House , how far it came short of the Glory of the first , Ezr. 3.12 . So many , when they consider the first fabrick , how God made Man after his own Image , in perfect Righteousness and Holiness ; and then look on the second , in the work of Regeneration , how far it comes short , they lament , Alas , alas ! are these Bodies and these Souls the Temples of the Holy Ghost ? To such I would say , as Zech. 4.10 . Who hath despised the day of small things ? Though the second Temple at the beginning be far short , yet in conclusion it shall exceed the former . Hag 2.9 . This Temple is made of living stones , 1 Pet. 2.5 . nay , of growing stones , Eph 2.21 . We wrong a mans work , if we judge it before it be finisht : so we wrong Gods work , and our selves , if we judge it before it be finisht . The just should live by Faith the Life of Augmentation , to encourage him against all discouragements . 2 Cor. 4.16 . Therefore we faint not — while we look not at the things that are seen , but at the things that are not seen . It was such an encouragement to Elijah , when he discerned but a cloud about the bigness of a hand , that he could from thence foretel abundance of Rain , 1 King . 18. So it may be an encouragement to us , if we can but discern the least beginnings of grace , for then it will certainly increase , till it be perfected to the day of Christ , Phil. 1.6 .

Vse 8. Direction of behaviour towards the weak . The eighth Use , is for Direction , how to carry our selves towards the weak , not in a way of morosity , to despise them , or discourage them ; but in a way of lenity and equanimity , to be tender over them , and encourage them . As Christ is far from breaking a bruised reed , or quenching the smoking flax , that he strengthens the one , and blows up the other : so should we do ; and by this means it may come to pass , that many that are last , may be first ; they may out-grow many that went before them . We do not expect that from new-born babes , that we expect from grown men : but , because they are so little and tender , we are very indulgent towards them ; we nourish and cherish them , and so they grow on to maturity . Thus they that are grown Christians , should carry themselves towards them that yet are but babes in Christ . Thus we have seen , that the just lives by Faith , in reference to the Augmentation or increase of his life , with the uses of it .

BRANCH VI. IN THE LIFE of FAITH IN SANCTIFICATION ; VIZ. PERSEVERANCE .

THe just man lives by Faith in reference to the Conservation of life , or Perseverance . He draws from Christ confirming vertue ; and this doth fitly follow the former : yea , it is that which sets a crown upon all the rest . For otherwise , should a Christian grow never so rich in grace , if it might be said of his Spiritual riches , as the Prophet Jeremy speaks of the Temporal riches of the wicked , Jer. 17 11. He shall leave them in the midst of his days , and at his end shall be a fool : what were he the better for all his growth ? Now this is the very crown of Augmentation and Fructification , that as he lives by Faith for the present , so his Faith carries him on still to be faithful unto death , that he may receive from God a Crown of Life , Rev. 2.10 . And that this is also the meaning of the Text , you may see by the words themselves , and by the application of them by the Apostle .

1. By the words themselves ; for it is not said , The just doth live by his Faith , but , The just shall live ( vivet ) therefore saith Calvin upon the place , Futurum tempus , vitae perpetuitatem designat : The Future Tense points out the perpetuity of this life . He begins that life by Faith , which shall never have an end .

2. This is clear by the Apostles Application and Interpretation of the Text , Heb. 10.37 . where the Apostle perswading to patient continuance in well-doing , he brings this very Scripture , for an encouragment , The just shall live by faith ; he shall so live , as to go on and persevere in his Christian course . And that this is the very sense , doth plainly appear by its opposite member , But if any man draw back , my Soul shall have no pleasure in him : Where we see clearly , drawing back , or falling off , is directly opposed to living by Faith . So that to live by Faith in the sense of the Text , and in the sense of the Apostle , who best knew the meaning of the Text , it is to live by Faith the Life of Conservatior . He draws from Christ conserving vertue , and so lives by Faith in reference to Conservation and Perseverance .

Two things therefore we are to shew : Two Propopositions . First , That the just doth Persevere . Secondly , That he lives this Life of Perseverance by Faith .

1. The just doth Persevere . 1. That the just doth so live , as that he shall persevere , and hold out to the end . Solomon tells us , That the righteous is an everlasting foundation . Prov. 19.25 . a foundation that never shall decay . Our Saviour Christ compares him ( Mat. 7.24 . ) to a building founded on a Rock , that out-stands all winds and weather . David compares him to a Mountain , a Mountain that cannot be removed , Psal 125 1. The Prophet Isaiah gives him a Name , An Everlasting Name , that shall not be cut off , Isa. 56.5 S. Peter compares his beginning to Seed , Immortal seed , that shall never die , 1 Pet. 1.23 . The Psalmist compares him to a Tree , a Tree planted by the rivers of waters , that shall never wither , Psal. 1.3 . Our Saviour himself calls the gift of saving grace , The good part , or portion , that shall never be taken away , Luke 10.42 . and therefore it is fitly compared to fire , to that holy fire which came down from heaven , that never went out , Levit. 6.12 , 13. If once that holy fire of grace be kindled in a believers heart , it shall never go out : Mat. 12.20 . He shall not quench the smoking flax , till he send forth judgement into victory . Poor weak Christian , is thy judgement right for God , onely thy grace is so weak , there is as much smoke of corruption , as there is fire of good affection ? yet let this support thee , He shall not quench the smoking flax .

Obj. But though Christ do not quench it , or put it out himself , yet something else may blow it out , or pluck it from us , Corruption , and Satan , and the World , are very strong .

Ans. As Christ will not quench it himself , so he will not suffer it to be quenched by any opposite power whatsoever : Job . 10.28 . No man shall pluck them out of my hands . The Apostle was confident of this , Rom. 8.35 , &c. Who shall separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ ? &c. Shall tribulation , or distress , or famine , or nakedness ? The Apostle is not onely assured against these , but against all that Life , or Death , or Angels , or Powers , &c. can do , to separate us from the love of Jesus Christ . The just then shall persevere .

2. Perseverance is by vertue of Faith . 2. He perseveres by vertue of his faith . He lives by Faith the Life of Conservation ; 1 Pet. 1.5 . Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation . Which words are are set down as an argument of strong consolation to Gods people , against that great Temptation of Backsliding , by reason of their own weakness , and their enemies power . For whereas it was said in the former verse , there was an incorruptible inheritance reserved for them in Heaven : they might object , But alas ! we fear our grace is not incorruptible ; though the Kingdom of Heaven fades not away , yet our grace may fade away , and so we may fall short of that Kingdom . For their comfort , he tells them , as the Kingdom is kept for them , so they are kept for the Kingdom : and how kept ? through Faith ; Who are kept by the power of God through faith to Salvation . Hence Faith is compared to a Shield ; not an ordinary one , but to such a Shield , as enables the Souldier to fight it out , to see the last enemy slain , to persevere to the end of the Battel ; Rom. 8. yea , to be more than Conquerors , even to conquer Principalities and Powers , &c. therefore saith the Apostle , Take unto you the whole armour of God , that you may be able to stand in the evil day ; and having done all , to stand , Eph. 6.13 . Mark , that Christian Souldier onely withstands his enemy as he should , that in the right use of his Spiritual Armour , is able to stand it out unto the last . And I pray what is the principal part of this Spiritual Armour ? Is it not Faith ? ver. 16. Above all , taking the Shield of Faith , whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one . As if he should have said , Faith is all in all , and without this , all the other parts of the Armour as good as nothing : By this we withstand all our enemies ; and having done all , are able to stand it out to the last : So that a Christians life is conserved by Faith . Come we now to the Reason , 1. Why the just man perseveres . 2. Why by Faith .

1. Why the just perseveres ? Reasons . 1. Why the just shall persevere .

1 Rat. is drawn from Gods Everlasting Purpose of Election . What did God Elect his people unto ? No less than to Eternal Life : Act 13.48 . As many as were ordained to Eternal Life , believed . He doth not say , As many as believed were ordained unto life eternal : but contrariwise , As many as were ordained to eternal life , believed . To intimate , That Faith foreseen , 1. From Election . was not the cause of Election , but Election was the cause of Faith ; and so the same Election is the cause of Perseverance in Faith , or else their Life should not be eternal . Therefore that strong conclusion of strong Consolation , ( Rom. 8.35 . ) is fetcht as far as from that everlasting Well-head of Gods Fore knowledge and Predestination ; ver. 29. For whom he did fore-know , he did predestinate ; and whom he did predestinate , them he also called ; and whom he called , them he also justified ; and whom he justified , them he also glorified . Therefore the Apostle is bold to make that brave challenge , Who shall charge us ? Who shall condemn us ? Who shall separate us ? As if he should have said , Neither Sin nor Affliction , nor Men nor Devils , shall ever be able to break this Golden Chain of Gods Election , till it ends in glory : Therefore the just perseveres . God hath elected him to no meaner a life , than that which is Eternal ; and therefore he shall certainly have it , Rom. 11. the Election must needs obtain it .

2 Reas. From Gods Love , from which , 2. Gods love . this Election springs in order of working . Gods love is an Everlasting love : As God is from Everlasting to Everlasting , so is his Love ; for , whatsoever is in God , is God . Jer. 31.3 . I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee : which , I conceive , is not to be understood à parte post , after we are drawn to believe and obey ; but even before also , à parte antè Gods love here , is made the cause of our being drawn to believe and obey , and not our obedience a cause of his love .

Obj. But is it not said , Joh. 14.21 . He that hath my Commandments , and keepeth them , he it is that loveth me ; and he that loveth me , shall be loved by my Father , and I will love him , and will manifect my self to him : therefore our love of God , goeth before Gods love to us ?

Resp. There is a love of Benevolence , whereby we bear good will to another ; and a love of Beneficence , whereby we testifie our love in doing good to him . Gods love of Benevolence , is before our loving of him , Joh. 4.19 . We love him , because he first loved us : but Gods love of Beneficence , at least in part , doth follow our love to him , and is the reward of it , according to his free grace . If Gods love therefore be everlasting , this must needs be an everlasting fruit of it , even the life of Grace and Glory to all eternity .

3. The Covenant . 3 Reas. From the Covenant of God made with his People , which is an everlasting Covenant , well ordered , and sure , 2 Sam. 23.12 . & Jer. 32.40 I will make 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 , that they shall not depart from me : Whereas the poor Soul might say , God indeed saith , he will never depart from us , so long as we do not depart from him ; but then he might justly depart from us . Therefore Gods Covenant is , That we shall not depart from him ; I will put my fear in their hearts , and they shall not depart from me . Therefore the just lives not from any stability in himself , but from the stability of Gods Covenant .

4. Gods Unchangeable nature . 4 Reas. From the Unchangeable Nature of God . Mal. 3.6 . I am the Lord , I change not ; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed . You are not consumed , not because there is no principle of change in you , but because there is none in me . As if God should have said , When I first entred Covenant with you , I saw you polluted in your blood , and I foresaw full well , how ignorant , how impotent , how unconstant , how untoward you would be afterward : but I am resolved , as I did not choose you at the first , for the good I saw to be in you ; so I will not reject you , for the evil that I see in you , but will forgive it , and heal it : for my gifts and calling are without repentance , Rom. 11 29.

5. Reas. From the Power of God . 5. Power of God . If Gods people do not persevere , it is either because God will-not preserve them , or because he cannot . But

1. Not because he will not ; for it is his own good pleasure moved him to make an everlasting Covenant ; and his own unchangeable Nature moves him to fulfil it to this day .

2. Not because he cannot ; for nothing limits Gods Power , but his Will , Psal 135.6 . Whatever the Lord pleased , that did he in heaven and earth , &c. Therefore if the Lord will preserve his Saints in a state of grace for ever , he is able to do it . Though we are not able to stand of our selves , yet he is able to make us stand ; Rom. 14. or in case we fall , he is able to raise us up again , Psal. 37.24 . Though he fall , he shall not be cast off , for the Lord putteth under his hand .

6 Reas. From the Merit of Christ , 6. Merit of Christ , &c. the Prayer of Christ , the Spirit of Christ . As Christ hath merited Eternal Righteousness and Eternal Salvation , Heb. 5.6 . So he applies his Merit eternally by his Intercession , and the operation of his Spirit : Wherefore , Heb. 7.25 . Intercession of Christ , he is able to save to the uttermost , all that come unto God by him , seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them . Wherefore we must either deny , That God the Father hears the Prayers of his Son , ( which is blasphemous to imagine , and contrary to Christs confession , 1 Joh. 11.42 . I know that thou hearest me alwayes ) or else we must need acknowledge , That all such as are once in a state of Grace , shall persevere , and be saved to the utmost . Further , they that are Christs , And Spirit of Christ . have the Spirit of Christ ; and so long as the Spirit doth not depart from them , they shall never depart from God , for the Spirit leads into all Truth . But the Spirit of God doth never depart from them . Isa. 59.21 . As for me , this is my Covenant with them , saith the Lord , My Spirit that is upon thee , and my words which I have put in thy mouth , shall not depart out of thy mouth , &c. Therefore they shall never finally depart from God .

Thus we have the Reasons , Why the just shall persevere . 2. Why perseverance through Faith . Now see the Reasons , Why they live this life by Faith .

1. Faith layes hold on the Promise . 1. Because Faith lays hold on the Promise of Perseverance . 1 Cor. 18. He shall confirm you to the end , that you may be blameness in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ . Phil. 1.6 . He that hath begun the good work in you , will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ . Mat 16.18 . The gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Church . Now Faith layes hold on these Promises , as the pursued person laid hold on the Horns of the Altar , 1 Kings 1.50 , 51. And so the just lives by Faith for Perseverance .

2. On Gods power and faithfulness . 2. Because Faith layes hold on the Faithfulness and Power of God in the fulfilling of these Promises . Therefore 1 Pet 1.5 . We are said to be kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation : Because Faith layes hold on the Power of God ; Faith hath no power to save us of it self , but as it layes hold on the Power of God to Salvation . Thus the Apostle lived by Faith in the worst times . 2 Tim. 1.12 . I know whom I have trusted , and am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him till that day . He laid hold upon the Word of God , and the Power of God , in fulfilling that Word , and therefore he suffered , and was not ashamed .

3. Faith never fails . 3. Because true Faith never fails , therefore true Grace never fails . Luke 22 31 , 32. I have prayed for thee , that thy faith fail not .

Obj. But this Prayer was made for Peter , or for the rest of the Apostles eminent persons , as Peter was ; and what is this to such as we are ?

Resp. What Christ prays for Peter , and the rest of the Apostles , he prays for the rest of the faithful to the worlds end , Joh. 17.20 . Neither pray I for these alone , but for them also which shall believe in me through their word . And if Faith fails not , then other graces fail not ; not onely upon this reason , That he that hath one grace hath all ; but also upon this ground , Because Faith hath a special influence on other graces , to quicken and strengthen them . 2 Pet. 1.2 . Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God , and of Jesus Christ our Lord . Where observe , That knowledge is put for faith in God and Christ , as Isa. 53.11 . Joh. 17.3 .

Vse 1. This may serve for Confutation of Arminians and Papists , who hold falling away from Grace ; Confutation of the doctrine of falling from Grace . and many in these days , who cannot abide the Name of Antichristian , and therefore fasten it upon others , yet embrace the thing , embrace Antichristian Doctrines ; as , those of Universal Redemption , Free-will , and Falling from Grace . For my part , I had rather suffer in the Name , whilst I hate the Thing , than embrace the Thing , while I seem to hate the Name .

Obj. 1. But is there no danger of Gods peoples falling away ? Doth not the Scripture often admonish them ? as Heb 3.12 , 13. Take heed , lest there be in any of you an heart of unbelief , in departing from the living God ; but exhort one another daily , lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin : 2 Pet. 3.17 . Beware lest ye also being led away with the errour of the wicked , fall from your own stedfastness .

Resp. 1. We answer by way of Concession , That

1. Moral gifts and endowments , By way of concession ; as 1. To Moral Gifts . though they have a great resemblance to the truth of grace , may be lost : Men may go far by the improvement of Natural Principles : Rom. 2.14 . They do by nature the things contained in the law ; yet these men , when they know God , yet glorifie him not as God , neither are thankful : God may give them up to unnatural and monstrous lusts . Moral endowments may be lost , these are but flesh , they spring from flesh , they are not the fruits of the Spirit ; and all flesh is grass , and grass will wither , come to nothing , Isa. 40.6 .

2. Common grace . 2. Common graces of the Spirit may be lost , which are given as an advancement to those natural excellencies , and many times given for the good of others , rather than of the party himself which doth possess them . These , I say , may be lost . So Saul had both the Spirit of Government and of Prophecy , and both departed from him , 1 Sam. 16.14 .

3. Some taste . 3. Such as have a Taste onely of the Heavenly Gift , may possibly fall away , Heb. 6.4 . When a man goes to buy a thing , he may taste of it , and yet go his way , and so he may never eat and drink of it to the full . There are many common Professors , many chapmen for Christ , who seem to bid fair , and take a taste , and yet never go through with the bargain : and that their attainments were but as a taste , and short of saving grace , is clear , by comparing ver. 9 , 10. with ver. 5 , 6 for there he speaks of better things than these , and such as accompany Salvation .

4. True grace , as to 1. Degrees . 4. He that hath truth of saving grace , may lose it , 1. In the Degrees , both extensively , in regard of the muchness of it ; and intensively , in regard of the quickness of it . 2. Sense . 2. The Sense and Feeling of it , wholly , to his apprehension of it , may be lost ; as Cant. 4.1 . the Church thought she had lost Christ , and could not tell where to finde him . 3. Operations 3. He may lose the present Operations of it : He may be like fire raked up in the embers , or like a man in a swoon , who lies as if he were quite gone ; as it was with Peter in the High-Priests Hall .

5. As to the doctrine of faith . 5. He may lose the doctrine of Faith , in some part or branches of it , as some of those Churches in the Revelations did .

Secondly , We answer by way of Exception or Restriction , By way of exception . There are seven things from which the Elect can never fall :

1. They can never lose Eternal Life , Joh. 10.28 . Seven things never lost . Christ saith of his Sheep , I give unto them eternal life , and they shall never perish , neither shall any man pluck them out of my hands : and therefore it is said , Joh. 5.24 . He that believeth , hath everlasting life , and shall not come into condemnation , but is passed from death to life . He that believes , hath eternal life already , as he that believes not , is condemned already , Joh. 3.19 .

2. They shall never lose Confirming Grace : In some degree they may , but not as to the securing of their Spiritual state and station in Christ ; 1 Cor 1.8 . Who also shall confirm you to the end : Psal. 94.14 . The Lord will not cast off his people , nor forsake his inheritance .

3. They shall never lose Forgiveness of sins past , and repented of , Jer. 31.34 . For I will forgive their iniquity , and remember their sin no more .

4. They shall never lose the Seed of Grace , 1 Joh. 3.9 . His seed remaineth in him , and he cannot sin , for he is born of God . He doth not lose that , but it still remaineth in him . It is noted of Job , Chap. 2 , 3. when he had lost all his Cattel , his Servants , his Children , all his Temporal goods , yet he kept his Spirituals in spight of Satan , he kept his integrity ; he will sooner part with his life , Job 27.2 . than part with that . As it is with a man at Sea in a great storm , when all is cast over-board , the very Corn that feeds him , the very Clothes that cover his nakedness , yet he makes much of his life , he swims to the shore with that , though he lose all the rest : So it is with a gracious person , whatever he loses in Troubles and Tentations , he shall never lose the seed of grace . We may say of him , as Paul , Acts 20.10 . Trouble not your selves , for his life is in him .

5. They can never wholly lose the Spirit of Sanctification , from whence this grace springs : As God promised he would not take his Spirit from Solomon , as he took it from Saul , 2 Sam. 7.14 , 15. So Christ hath promised he will never wholly take away his good Spirit from his Elect , but it shall abide with them for ever . Joh. 14.16 He prays for a Comforter for them , that should abide with them for ever .

6. They shall not lose the habit of Faith , Luke 22.32 . I have prayed for thee , that thy faith fail not . Though Peter lost the acting of Faith , yet not the habit , that ceas'd not : as a man in sleep loseth the acts of Seeing , Hearing , Speaking , but not the habit ; so a Christian in Tentations , may lose the acts , but not the habit of Faith .

7. They never lose their Vnion with Jesus Christ , being knit to him by Faith and the Spirit . As a Member knit to the Head by Nerves and Sinews , though it may be benumm'd or asleep , yet it is united to the Head still : so is a true Believer at the worst , though he may be stupified or benummed by corruption or temptation , yet he is united to the Head still .

Yea 3. Though the righteous fall , he is so far from being cast off , so far from falling finally and totally , that through mercy he gets strength by his fall ; he grows more wary and watchful , he trusts himself less , and trusts God more , and so gets more strength by tentation & opposition . As a broken bone well set again , is stronger than before : As we see in the case of Peter , and so in the case of Job , Satan comes on purpose to destroy his grace , and Job waxeth stronger in it ; as some reade the words ( Chap. 2.3 . ) He holds fast his integrity ; Job 2.3 . or , increaseth in strength in his integrity . So that true grace gains by opposition ; the more it is assaulted , the more it is increased , so far is a true believer from finally falling away from grace .

Obj. 2. But we reade of some , which for a while believe , Luke 8.13 . and in time of Tentation fall away . Therefore how doth the just live by Faith for Perseverance ?

Ans. 2. This believing , was no more , than giving credit , or bare assent . to the Word , as Devils , and making Profession of the Faith , as Simon Magus did ; Their hearts were never right with God : which appears by this , the seed ne'r sunk into their hearts , they were stony ground , stony hearts at the best : and though they heard the Word with joy , as Herod did , yet not every part of the Word ; for they could not digest the Doctrine of Self-denial , no more than Herod did .

Obj. 3. But we finde , Joh. 15.6 . Branches planted in Christ , that yet may wither , and be pluckt away , and cast into the fire .

Ans. 3. There is a twofold implantation into Christ : 1. Common and outward , by Baptism and external Profession . 2. The other inward and spiritual , by true Faith . They who are thus implanted , are ever fruitful ; and as Cant. 6.6 . there is none barren among them .

Obj. 4. It is said , Ezek. 18.24 If the righteous turn away from his righteousness , and commit iniquity , in the sin that he hath sinned , he shall die : Therefore a righteous person may fall away , and perish .

Ans. 4. 1. Some conceive the Text speaks of those onely who are morally righteous . 2. Others conceive , that onely temporal judgement , and death , is here spoken of : for , the peoples quarrel with Gods proceedings , in reference to temporal judgement , is the occasion of this answer from God . 3. If it be meant of such as have justifying Faith , and in reference to eternal death , yet we say , A conditional speech , is but an eruditional speech , to warn us of our own weakness , and to make us watchful : Nihil ponit in esse , it proves nothing directly of it self .

Obj. 5. We reade of some , 2 Pet. 2.20 . that had escaped the pollutions of the world , through the knowledge of Christ ; and were washed , and yet return with the Swine to the wallowing in the mire .

Ans. 5. He speaks not of the true faithful , but of hypocrites , who were cleansed from gross and scandalous sins , and yet returned again to their mire , so that they remained Swine , for all their washing .

Obj. 6. But we have the Example of Solomon , 1 King . 11.4 . falling into Sensuality and gross Idolatry , and so continued , for ought we reade in the story .

Ans. 6. It is confest he fell grievously , to be an admonition to us , that no man might trust to his wisdom , or created grace : but yet he repented , and was saved . 1. The Holy Ghost gives him this Name , viz. Beloved of God , 2 Sam. 12.24 . and Nehem. 13.26 . he is said to be a man Beloved of God . 2. He was a Prophet , and Pen-man of Scripture , and therefore a holy man , 2 Pet. 1. ult. The Scriptures were delivered by holy men , as they were moved by God . Obj. But he fell from his holiness . Resp. but he recovered again : for Luk. 13.28 . All the Prophets are in the Kingdom of God . 3. God had promised , That he would not forsake Solomon utterly , though he did correct him , 2 Sam. 14.15 . 4. His Book of Ecclesiastes , declares his unfeigned Repentance ; and therefore is a testimony of Gods acceptance of him , and of his Salvation .

Obj. 7. But this Doctrine will make secure and careless .

Security twofold , Spiritual . Ans. 7. There is a twofold Security : 1. Spiritual , that makes the Saints secure in God ; as Psa. 23.4 , 6. Though I walk through the valley and shadow of death , I will fear no evil , for thou art with me — surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life . Carnal . 2. Carnal , when a man is secure in himself , in trusting to his own strength So that this Doctrine doth not make the Saints secure and careless , but more couragious and diligent . However , though they shall not fall totally and finally , yet , without heed , they may fall dangerously and fearfully ; and therefore they have cause to be watchful , and to be working out their Salvation with fear and trembling .

2 Use , is for our Information , That a man in the state of grace , may be assured of his Salvation . Information about assurance of salvation . For the main argument against the certainty of Salvation , is , The uncertainty of Perseverance . If Perseverance be certain , then is Salvation certain : for , He that continueth to the end , shall be saved , Mat. 10.22 . But the Saints shall continue : Psal. 138.8 . The Lord will perfect that which concerneth us ; Phil. 1.6 . He that hath begun the good work , will perform it till the day of Jesus Christ . The Apostle was confident of it , and so may we : for what is the ground of this confidence ? not any thing in our selves , ( we are apt to fall way ) but the Promise , and Faithfulness , and power of God . He hath begun the work , and he hath said it , and he will perform it , therefore we may be sure of Salvation .

3 Use . We should from hence be Exhorted to labour for Truth of Faith , and Truth of Grace , To labour for truth of grace . above all other things . Why ? because they are so durable . In all other things we love Certainties , and cannot abide to be at an uncertainty . We do not love to be Tenants at will , to be turn'd out at an hours warning ; yea , we rather desire to be Freeholders , than Tenants upon the best terms . Oh how careful are men to make all sure to them and their heirs for ever , &c. Surely , Si isti callidi rerum aestimatores , If the crafty esteemers of things , do prize Meadows and Lands above other goods , because they are not so subject to hurt and casualty ; how much more should we prize the truth of grace , which gives us interest in eternal life , and can neither be snatcht away by force , nor stoln away by craft ? it can neither be lost by fire nor water . The best of other possessions , in the account of Christ , are but other mens goods , Luke 16.12 . because ere long they must go to another ; and are like a Foot-ball , now one man hath the Ball on his foot , by and by another takes it from him ; within the turning of a hand , a third catches it from him , and so it goes on from one to another . So these worldly things turn , and are tost up and down ; they are not our own , but another mans goods as well as ours : but grace he calls our own , Luke 16.12 . because we shall never lose it , it is durable riches indeed , Prov. 8.18 . Let us therefore take our Saviours advice , Joh. 6 27. Labour not for the meat that perisheth , but for the meat that endures unto eternal life : and Mat. 6.19 , 20. Col. 3.3 .

This also is for Exhortation to us , To endevour to persevere and hold out to the end , Labour after Perseverance . that it may appear , that our grace is indeed true grace , and that we live by Faith . It is said of the Parthians , They begin their Battels with as great valour as any people whatsoever , but they faint quickly , and continue but a while : The like may be said of many in their Spiritual Warfare , With the Parthians , and with the Galatians , they begin well , but they cannot say with S. Paul , they have fought a good fight , they have finished their course ; because , like Hymenaeus and Alexander , they have faln away from the Doctrine of the Faith , and it may be from the Profession of the Faith also . But it is the glory of a Christian , to persevere to the end . Therefore whatever you part with , do not part with your grace , as Job 2.3 . He held fast his integrity : Though he lost Goods , and Children , and Friends , and almost life too , yet still he held fast his integrity : Let it be our resolution , that whatever we lose , ( by Gods help ) we will never let go our grace . Let us say of grace , as Jacob to the Angel , I will not let thee go , till I have got the blessing . As a man at Sea , is willing to part with all , so he may but save his life : So let us be willing to part with any thing so we may keep Christ and his grace ; for this is even the life of our lives .

Mo●ives to Perseverance . That we may be the more effectually stirr'd up to endevour to persevere :

1. Consider , that God is constant in his love to us : 1. Constancy of God in his love . Heb. 13.5 . He hath said , I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee ; therefore we should be constant to him . And indeed , our constancy to him , is a certain fruit of his unchangeable love towards us . The Saints will never utterly forsake God because God doth never utterly forsake them . And the consideration of his Faithfulness should , as an argument , prevail with us to be faithful , Heb. 10.23 . Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering , for he is faithful that hath promised . As God hath loved us with an everlasting love , Jer. 31.3 . So let us love him with an everlasting love , à parte post , though we cannot à parte antè .

2. It is the honour of a Christian , 2. A Christians honour . to persevere against all opposition . God himself seems to admire it in Job , chap. 2.3 . that notwithstanding all his sufferings , yet he held fast his integry . To hold fast our integrity in trying times , is not onely commendable , but admirable . To continue good , while we suffer evil , is the very height and crown of Goodness . Look as it makes sin out of measure sinful , when we hold fast our sins in the midst of Judgements ( Amos 4.6 , &c. I have smitten you thus and thus , yet you have not returned to me , saith the Lord : That was the aggravation of their sin ) So it makes grace , out of measure gracious ; it is the highest commendation and exaltation of grace , when we can hold fast our grace in the midst of Tentation and Opposition . As God sets a brand of Infamy upon such as trespass more in the day of their distress , This is that King Ahaz , saith God , 2 Chron. 28.22 . when his Conscience within was seared , as with an hot iron , God sets a brand upon his Name without , as Malefactors are branded at the Bar , that all may know them for Rogues and Thieves : So God sets a Mark of Honour and Renown upon such as persevere in evil times , This is that Job , saith God , that holds fast his integrity in the worst of times ; and therefore deserves to be ranked among the best of men , none like him in all the earth , Job 1.8 . It is the honour of a Christian , to hold fast his integrity : It is his honour here , and it shall be his honour to all Eternity ; Rev. 2.10 . Be thou faithful to the death , and I will give thee a Crown of Life . On the other side , Oh what a disgrace it is to fall from grace ! yea , if it be but from some degrees of grace ! We think it a great shame to be degraded , and so devested from Titles of Honour : he that falls back , and proves Apostate , he degrades himself , he un-Saint , himself . Christ hath made us Kings and Priests to God his Father ; Rev. 1.6 . but he that falls back , suffers another to take his Crown , Rev. 3 11. Hold fast that which thou hast , that no man take thy Crown .

To backslide , is a dishonour ,

To backslide a dishonour . 1. To the Persons themselves : Luk. 14.30 . This man began to build , and was not able to finish : He was mock'd for it as a foolish undertaker .

2. To the Cause , as if it were not worth the owning , or maintaining ; as if we were ashamed of Christ and his words , Mark 8.38 .

3. It is a dishonour to others : All suffer for the Apostacy of some ; therefore David prays , Psal. 69 6. Let not them that wait on thee , O God , be ashamed for my sake . However , it is a disheartening to others ; therefore we should say as Nehemiah , Neh. 6.11 . Should such a one as I fly ? Should such a one as I backslide ? How many may I be a means of deterring from coming in ? how many may I force to backslide ?

3. Examples of Apostacy and Gods Judgements . 3. Examples of Apostates , and Examples of Gods Judgements against them , should make us look to our standing . How many that have shined like glorious lights in the Firmament of the Church , have been swept down to the very earth by the tail of the Dragon ? Rev. 12.4 . All these seem to cry to us in the language of the Apostle , 1 Cor. 12.12 . Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth , take heed lest he fall . Cyprian , in his Sermon de Lapsu multorum , makes mention of one that went up into the Capitol at Rome , to abjure and recant Christian Religion ; which he had no sooner done , but he was presently struck dumb , and so justly punish'd in that very Member wherein he had offended , by making his wicked Recantation . A woman also he speaks of , who being revolted from the Truth , yet presumed , without Repentance , to thrust her self into the society of them that received the Holy Supper of the Lord . But mark the hand of God upon her : No sooner had she received the Sacrament , but as if she had received with it the Sentence of death , trembling and stamping , she fell down dead . Sleid. l. 21. The History of Francis Spira , a famous Italian Lawyer , is very notable : who being at first very zealous in the Protestant Religion , yet complaints being made against him to the Popes Legate , being then at Venice , he was perswaded to recant his Religion : but shortly after he fell into a grievous sickness both of Body and Minde ; and though he had perfect understanding , could receive no comfort from any Promises , but was overwhelmed with a certain fearful looking for of judgement , and fiery indignation , which shall devour the adversaries , and so he died . Mr. Fox , Acts and Monuments , 2101. tells us of one Burton of Crowland , who having swallowed the Principles of Christian Religion in King Edwards days , when the King was dead , up came his Protestant Religion : But see how God spued him out of his mouth , by a remarkable Providence . One day as he was riding , a Crow flying over his head , let fall her excrements on his Nose and Beard , so that the poisoned scent thereof so annoyed his stomach , that he never left vomiting and cursing the Crow that poisoned him , and so within a few days died desperately .

4. It concerns us to be diligent in labouring to hold out , because Satans Rage is more in these last days , 4. Satan his rage . than formerly : Rev. 12.12 . Woe to the earth , because the Devil is come down , having great wrath , because he knoweth he hath but a short time . Therefore we should carefully attend to the Apostles Exhortation , Heb. 4.14 . To hold fast our profession , as a man would hold a precious thing , that another is pulling and tugging from him , he takes fast hold , and gripes it hard ; so should we hold fast our Profession .

5. God his liking 5. God takes it well at our hands , when we persevere , and hold out in evil times against all opposition . God takes special notice of such , Rev. 12 13. I know thy works , and where thou dwellest , even where Satans seat is ; and thou holdest fast my Name , and hast not denied my faith , even in those days , when Antipas my faithful Martyr was slain . To hold fast , and hold out in such times , and under such troubles , Rev. 14. Here is indeed the faith and patience of the Saints . And this God takes special notice of , as if a Master should take notice of a Servant 's not forsaking him , though he venture his life for him : So God seems to be affected with such Servants .

6. Else no Christ no salvation . 6. Without Perseverance , we have no Christ : Heb. 3.14 . We are made partakers of Christ , if we hold the biginning of our confidence stedfast to the end . 2. No Salvation , Heb. 10 ult. they that draw back , draw back to perdition : He that draws back , destroys himself ; he that perseveres , is saved . A man may be drowned , when he comes within sight of the shore , as well as in the midst of the Sea . Oh what a misery is it , to perish in the very haven ! and yet how often do Apostates do so ? As it is not sin simply , but final perseverance in sin without repentance , that damns the Soul : So it is not grace , or any good received , but final perseverance in that good without Apostacy , that saves the Soul .

Q. But I finde my self exceeding apt to backslide : what means should I use , that I might be able to hold out , and persevere in the faith ?

Ans. 1. Be careful to make sure , that God is your God , Means of Perseverance . that you may be able to say , He is my God in Christ : and then , Rom. 8.15 . 1. Particular assurance . Who shall separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ ? A man will not easily part with that which is his own ; much less when he can say , God is his . Psal. 48.14 . This God is our God for ever and ever , and he will be our guide even unto death . And that you may prize an interest in God , labour to see your misery without him , Eph 2.1 , 2 , 3 , 12. what a childe of wrath , what a slave of Satan , how without hope and help , whilst thou art without God! and then give up your selves to him in Covenant through Jesus Christ : for without him , God is a consuming fire ; and therefore accepting of Jesus Christ , subscribe with your hand unto the Lord , to become one of his : Isa. 44 5. I will be your God , and you shall be my people , go both together . God will never fail nor forsake them , that are in Covenant with him : But unto the ungodly God saith , What hast thou to do to take my Covenant into thy mouth ? Psal. 50.16 .

2. Set up in thy Soul a firm Resolution to cleave to God , 2. Res●lution of cleaving to God . as they , Dan. 3.16 , 17. that whether God ( whom they served ) would deliver them out of their danger or no , they were resolved to serve none but him . When the Scales hang even , in aequilibrio , a little thing will cast it this way or that : but if a great weight lies in one end , or it be fast nailed to a Pillar , it is not easily stirr'd : So it is with our hearts , if they be different ad oppositum , then a little thing will cast them , and weigh them down ; but if they be resolved in the ways of God , they will not easily be moved or removed . Therefore , Acts 11.23 . the Exhortation is given , That with full purpose of heart we should cleave unto the Lord .

3. Be thus resolute in Gods strength , not in thine own . 3. Resolve in Gods strength . Peter at first was resolute , but it was in his own strength ; therefore he fell foully , though not finally : God let him see his own weakness . Therefore if thou wouldst be strong indeed , be sure to be strong in God , and in the power of his might , Eph. 6 10. God is α and ω , to shew , that as the beginning of Grace is from him : so our perseverance in Grace is from him also .

4. Good grounding . 4. He that would persevere to the end , must be sure to make a good beginning . He that would have his building stand for ever , must be sure to lay a good Foundation ; he must be sure to be well grounded in the fundamental truths of Religion : Col. 1 23. They must be well grounded and setled in the faith , that would not be moved from the hope of the Gospel . They that would hold close to the Truth , must be well grounded in the knowledge of it . A little errour in the foundation , makes a great errour before you come to the top of the building : And who are they that are led aside into so many and great errours in these days , but such as were never well catechized ? So that , however some of them presume to be Teachers , themselves had need that one should teach them , which be the first principles of the Oracles of God , Heb. 5 12. These are soon made a prey to Atheists and Papists . When a cunning Jesuitical seducer shall come , 1. With some colourable pretence of Scripture : 2. Some flourish of Authority from the Ancients : 3. Glorious Titles of Apostolical Succession and Antiquity : 4. Voluntary Humility of Fasting and Penance , Col. 2.23 . &c. not sparing the body : 5. Feigned Miracles , 2 Thess. 2.9 . 6. Flattering and fair speeches , Rom. 16.18 . 7. A Roman Fortitude , in suffering for their Cause . I say , when seducing persons shall come in all this deceiveableness , how shall a silly unstable Soul , that was never grounded in the knowledge of the Fundamentals of Religion , withstand these assaults , or the like , from other seducers ? How easily are ignorant persons drawn to any novel opinion ? As a childe is sooner cozened , than a man of parts : so such as are children and novices in the Doctrine of Faith , will easily be tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine .

5. Christians that would persevere , 5. Watching over one another . should be careful not onely to watch over themselves in particular , but to watch over one another mutually , Heb 3.17 . Exhort one another daily , while it is called , To day , lest any of you be be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin . Where we may observe , 1. There is none , even the strongest in the flock , but have need of this mutual help . 2. There is none so poor and contemptible , but the care of their standing belongs to all , even to such Christians as are most eminent . 3. Sin hath so many ways and devices , whereby it is apt to beguile and seduce us , that each particular person had need of more eyes than his own upon him , more observers than himself alone ; therefore he that would stand and persevere , let him not slight this Ordinance .

6. Take heed of Vnbelief or Misbelief ; 6. Taking heed of Unbelief . strive against it , pray against it , be humbled for it : for , as the just lives by his Faith , the Apostate departs from the living God by his Vnbelief , Heb. 3.12 . As Faith unites the Soul to God ; so Unbelief separates the Soul from God : Unbebelief denies to God the honour of his Truth , Mercy and Goodness , and by consequence robs the Soul of that comfort it might have in the application of these Attributes by Faith .

7. 7. Examples of crowned Saints . Look to the Examples of all the persevering and crowned Saints : Look to the Cloud of Witnesses , Heb. 11. who all died in the faith . See the excellency of Paul's Spirit , Acts 20.24 . who was nothing moved with afflictions , neither counted his life dear to himself , so he might finish his course with joy : and see how comfortable you finde him at the end of his race , 2 Tim. 4.7 . having fought a good fight , and finished his course , and kept the faith , and now expecting his Crown : Especially look to Jesus Christ , the Author and Finisher of our Faith , Heb. 12.2 . This Example the Apostle in a special manner sets before us , while he is Exhorting us to run with patience the race that is set before us : So that he that would hold out to the end of his race , must not so much look upon his discouragements , his own Corruption , Satans Tentations , the Worlds Oppositions ; as upon his incouragements : his eye must be fixed on his Jesus , with loving and longing looks ; he must look upon him as the Author and Finisher of his faith ; as upon such a Jesus , who hath not onely purchased Salvation it self , but also the grace of Faith , to lay hold on this Salvation ; and not onely the grace of Faith , but Perseverance in this Faith to the end . He is the Finisher , as well as the Author of our Faith . He must look upon him , as upon his Patern and Example ; as one who doth not onely point out the way of Perseverance , by his Directions and Commands , but even tread and trace it out before us by his Example . Such as look upon Jesus as a Patern in the work of Perseverance , may safely look upon him as a Patern in the Reward : as he had joy set before him , so have we ; and as he , for the hope of that joy , ran with courage , so must we ; as he ran with the Cross upon his back all the way , and in particular , with the Cross of Shame , or shame of the Cross , so must we ; as Christ made light of all their Reproaches , despised their Despisings , shamed their very Shame , as unworthy to be taken notice of , when put into the balance against the glory that is to be revealed , so must we ; as Christ overcame all at length , and hath now laid hold on all the joy and glory for which he ran , so shall we also in due time : If we suffer with him , we shall also reign with him , 2 Tim. 2.12 . Because he lives , we shall live also , Joh. 14.19 Therefore he that would be strengthned and enabled to persevere , he should be still looking to Jesus Christ , that he may daily be more conformed to him .

5 Use . This should put us upon the Examination of ourselves , Examinatiō of truth of Faith by its pe●severing . whether we have the true life of Grace , and true Faith , for then we shall persevere . Joh. 8.31 . If you continue in my words , then are you my Disciples indeed . Some indeed fall from the truth , but they never were truly of the Church , onely tied to the Body , as wooden Legs , never living Members : 1 Joh. 2.19 . They went out from us , because they were not of us ; if they had been of us , they would have remained with us . Therefore examine , whether thou art a true child of God , or no : a true child of God abides in the house for ever . Joh. 8. A true Christian is no changeling no Time-server in matter of Religion ; his Yea is Yea indeed , and his Nay is Nay ( as 2 Cor. 1.17 , 18. ) He knows Christian Religion is not a thing that a man may play fast and loose with , say and unsay , do and undo , as times , and company , and occasions alter : No , 't is Religi à Religando , of binding a man fast to God , and his Principles . A man is then a Christian , when his confidence in Christ is held stedfast to the end , Heb. 3.14 . Examine therefore , if thou hast such graces as do accompany Salvation , such as are not common to hypocrites . An hypocrite may go far :

1. He may esteem the People of God a blessed People , How far an hypocrite may go . as Balaam did .

2. He may joyn himself to them , as Simon Magus did .

3 He may reform his outward conversation in many things , as Herod did .

4. He may in outward appearance be like a wise Virgin , have his Lamp , and make a shew with it , though he want oil .

5. He may have much knowledge , and excellent gifts of Preaching and Praying , Mat. 7.22 .

6 He may have some sweet taste and joy in the word of Truth , such as Philosophers do finde in their studies : for , the contemplation of every Truth , bringeth with it naturally a delight ; and the more eminent the Truth , the greater is the delight .

Q. But what is wanting then ? whence is it that such an one comes short of Salvation ?

Where an hypocrite comes short . Resp. 1. An hypocrite never come up to delight in the whole Truth , in every part of the Truth ; When it is a piercing and searching word , a cutting word to say then , Good is the word which the Lord hath spoken . Herod did not so . Therefore examine thy self , how impartial thou art in receiving the whole Truth of God , and that in the love of it .

2. He does not desire grace as grace , but onely out of a natural desire of happiness , as Balaam : therefore consider how sutable a good is grace to thy Soul . Art thou , as Isa. 55.1 . thirsty , and is grace as Milk and Wine , to the refreshing of thy Soul ? There is not in hypocrites a Spiritual appetite to feed upon Jesus Christ , to eat his flesh and drink his blood .

3. If thou wouldst go beyond an hypocrite , there must be an unfeigned study , not onely to keep from external acts of sin , but to mortifie all that is flesh in us , with all the affections and lusts of it , Gal. 5.24 . and to serve God in the Spirit : This care is wanting in hypocrites

4. Thou must attend to do what thou dost in obedience to the Word , that proved Josiah a good man indeed , 2 Chron. 35.26 . viz. His goodness according to that which is written in the law of God .

5. Thy great study and aim must be in all thou dost , to approve thy self to God , to please God and not men , to serve God and not thy self , Gal. 1.10 . If I yet please men , I should not be the servant of Christ , Col 3.22 , 23. even servants in their meanest imployments in serving their Masters , must not do what they do as men-pleasers , but in singleness of heart fearing God ; and whatever they do , do it heartily , as to the Lord , and not unto men .

6. All thy Obedience to God , must spring from Faith working by love , Gal 5.6 . If sins be forgiven , all duties will spring from Love ; the Soul loving much , having much forgiven , Luke 7.47 . In all these Particulars , hypocrites come short , and therefore it is no wonder if they fall short at last , but he that in these things is sincere , shall never be moved .

Obj. But what shall we say of David and Peter ? what difference between these , and Saul and Judas ? Did not these fall away from the grace they had received ?

Resp. There may be great intermissions in the actings of grace in a truly regenerate man , in time of Tentation or Spiritual Desertion : yet he shall not continue in that condition , but shall recover his fall by the restoring grace of God : Psal. 37.24 . Though he fall , he shall not utterly be cast down , for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand : Jer. 32.40 . I will put my fear into their hearts , that they shall not depart from me .

6 Use . In that the just lives by Faith , and perseveres by Faith in this life , Of Thankfulness . this should excite and stir us up to Thankfulness . If Adam had cause to be thankful to God , for making him in his own Image , placing him in Paradise , and giving him dominion over all creatures ; how much more have the Faithful cause to be thankful , who are instated in a better condition of happiness , than either Adam in Paradise , or the Angels in Heaven before their Fall : For however it is true , their condition was very happy and glorious , yet it was mutable , they might fall , and fall they did ; and we finde by woful experience to this day , the mortal wounds and bruises that cleave to the Sons and Daughters of Adam through his Fall . But God ( I say ) hath instated the faithful in a better condition , that though in themselves they are weak creatures , yet through his provision for their security , they shall never totally fall from the grace of Regeneration . And therefore , if we ought to be thankful for outward mercies of health , wealth , liberty , peace , and the like , which at best are very fading , like the flower of the field , ( How soon may a mans health be turned into sickness , wealth into poverty , liberty into bondage , and slavery and peace into war ? ) How much more should our hearts be raised up in thankfulness for such mercies , as are not onely Spiritual , and therefore more excellent in their very nature , but are also the sure mercies of David , unchangeable ! But the sure mercies of David are unchangeable , and therefore more excellent in their continuance . A man would be thankful to a friend that would give him a livelyhood for seven years ; much more to such a one that would freely settle the perpetuity upon him and his Heirs for ever . How thankful then should we be to that God , who freely bestows upon us not a livelyhood onely , but even life it self . And what life ? not of Nature onely , but of Grace also ; not Temporal , but Eternal : Psa. 21 24. He asked life , and thou gavest it him , even length of days for ever and ever . We prize lives according to their duration ; some creatures , they say , are born , and die again the same day , and are therefore of little account : But we prize those most , that continue longest . The long life is a blessing of that Commandment , Eph. 6. which is the first Commandment with promise . And it was a blessing of the first Age of the World , where God graciously provided , that men should live longer , because they were sown thinner : Therefore some lived seven hundred years , some eight hundred , some nine hundred and odde ; but at last it is said of the best , and strongest , and longest of the Sons of Men , Et mortuus est , that he died : That is the way of all flesh , in regard of natural life : But it is not the way of all flesh , in regard of Spiritual life ; Joh. 11.26 . Whosoever liveth , and believeth in me , shall never die : His Soul shall never die , though his Body die . Fear not those that kill the Body , but are not able to kill the Soul , Matth. 10.18 . they are not able to kill the Soul ; no , nor are they able to kill the grace of the Soul : Rev. 14.13 . Blessed are the dead , which die in the Lord . Therefore say with David , Oh let my Soul live , and it shall praise thee .

6 Use , is of Incouragement against all Discouragement . That the just live by Faith the life of Perseverance , Of incouragement concerning Perseverance . That the just live by Faith the life of Perseverance , and shall persevere in the grace and favour of God : Nothing shall separate from the love of Christ .

There are four main Discouragements incident to a Christian in his earthly Pilgrimage .

1. The inconstancy of Creatures towards Creatures .

2. The Creatures inconstancy towards God

3. A mans weakness , compared with the strength of enemies opposing .

4. A mans own sinful Demerits , daily forfeiting all his Mercies .

To which adde ,

5. The uncertainty of future Events .

But this Doctrine , that the just lives by faith the life of Perseverance , is a great Incouragement against all Discouragements .

First , The inconstancy of the Creature . 1. In the inconstancy of the Creature in it self . Job 6.15 Job complains , his friends had forsaken him like a deceitful brook , that is full in raining times , when there is no want of water ; and empty and dry in Summer heat , or when there is greatest need . For a man shall have many friends , so long as God rains down showers of blessings from heaven upon him : but if God once search him with the fiery trial of some such Judgement , as dries up all his substance , he shall hardly finde a drop of comfort from such , as in time of prosperity did run in a full current of kindness towards him . Well , suppose it be so , yet this is great Incouragement to a poor Believer , when he can thus reason ; Well , though my friends leave me upon earth , yet Faith assures me , Heb. 13. I have a friend in heaven that will not forsake me , who doth usually let out most of himself to his people , when they have the least of Creature-comforts ; he delights to visit his people in Egypt ; in the fiery Furnace . His Servant John Baptist in the Isle of Patmos ; Paul and Silas in the Prison , when they had little or no comfort from the Creature ? And what is Heaven , but the Presence God ? Where there is most absence of the Creature , viz. in Heaven , where there is neither marriage , nor giving in marriage ; neither buying , nor selling , nor possessing , nor rejoycing in the earthly Comforts of this life ; yet there is joy enough for all that , when there is no Creature-comfort at all : 1 Cor. 15. God himself shall be all in all . And if the Presence of God it self alone , shall be enough to make Heaven , when all the world shall be left , am I not bound to believe Gods Person is enough upon earth , if all Creatures should forsake me ? If I can live by Faith the Life of Perseverance , in respect of influence from God , what if I do not live by Sense the Life of Perseverance , in respect of influence from Creatures ? The former is Incouragement enough of it self .

2. Creature-inconstancy towards God . Secondly , The second great Discouragement , and indeed greater than the former , is this , The Creatures inconstancy towards God . The Creatures goodness , is as the morning dew , Hos 6.4 . that is soon gone . O how quickly are they turned out of the way , saith God , Judg 2.17 . Peter is ready to swear Allegeance to his Master , and as ready almost to forswear with the same breath ; and do not think that thou hast a better heart than Peter had : for , as in water , face answers to face ; so the heart of man to man , Prov. 27.19 . One face is not more like another , represented in water or in glass , then one mans heart is naturally like another's : All are very fickle , and very inconstant in the love and service of God . Now this is sometimes a great Discouragement to a gracious Soul .

Saith such a Soul , I have such a base backsliding heart , I shall never be able to hold out to the end : what will become of me ?

For thy answer , Beware of Discouragement : though thou art unconstant and unbelieving , yet God is faithful , and he hath promised to make thee constant and faithful , or at least to heal thy unconstancy and unbelief : 2 Tim. 2.13 . If we believe not , yet he abideth faithful , he cannot deny himself ? What ? if we believe not at all ? that 's not the meaning of it : For he gives Faith , when he intend Mercy ; but if there be intermissions and interruptions in our Faith or at least in the activity of our Faith , yet God is faithful to heal our back-slidings , and to love us freely , Hos. 14.4 . And this is a great Incouragement , Gods constancy in Covenant , opposed to our fickleness and inconstancy : He will so put his fear into our hearts , as we shall never utterly depart from him , Jerem. 32.40 .

Thirdly , A third Discouragement , 3. In our own weakness . is our own Weakness , as well as our own Inconstancy : yea , were we never so constant in our resolutions , yet how weak are we in our performances ? We are weak , our enemies strong , our trials many and great ; and this is a great Discouragement to a gracious heart , that howsoever the Spirit is willing , yet the flesh is weak , that should God leave us to ourselves , we should fall away from him every day : in which respect , Christ commands us , to watch and pray , lest we enter into temptation . Mat 26.41 .

Well , be it so , that a Christian is so weak on the one side , and his enemies so strong on the other , yet Faith administers this notable incouragement , in the sight and sense of all our enemies and greatest infirmities . 1 Cor. 10.13 . But God is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able to bear , but will with the temptation also make a way to escape : and so the weakest believer , if a true believer , shall be kept by the power of God , 1 Pet. 1. 2 Tim. 1.12 . I know in whom I have believed , and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to his trust against that day .

Fourthly , The fourth Discouragement , 4. Against sinful distempers . is a mans own sinful Distempers , daily forfeiting all his Mercies . All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags , Isa. 94.6 . There is so much earthliness in our Spirits , so much vanity in our Conversation , so much deadness in our Duties , that we do enough every day to deserve , that God should strip us of his grace , and cast us out of his Presence for ever . Well , be it so , there 's the incouragement , Faith assures us , though we deserve no better , yet Christ deserved better ; he hath deserved , that God should continue his love and favour to us to the end . This he hath merited , and this he prays for , That they may be kept for ever , in the Name of his heavenly Father , as many as are given him , Joh. 17.11 . And this Christ is able to save to the utmost all those that come to God by him , seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them , Heb. 7.25 .

5. Uncertainty of future Events . 1 Cor. 10. The fifth Discouragement , is , The uncertainty of future Events . True , a believer may say , There hath hitherto no Temptation taken me , but such as is common to man ; other men have been in as bad a condition as I am in : but alas ! I do not know what may befall me for time to come ! It may be I may be afflicted and tempted , as never man was ; It may be I may fall into such sins , as yet never any of Gods people have faln into , and it may be such Judgements may befal me , as never yet befel any of Gods people ; and may I not then forsake God , and God forsake me ? Who can tell what may bef●l a man for the time to come ? I can tell what is past , but who can tell what is to come ? Is not this the language of the Scriptures ? Eccles. 11. Eccles. 11.2 , 5. For thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth : As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit , nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with childe ; even so thou knowest not the works of God , who maketh all . As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit ; that is , what is the way of the wind , as some interpret it ; Joh. 3. Thou hearest the sound thereof , but canst not tell whence it cometh , nor whither it goeth : Or , as others interpret it , Thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit of man ; that is , thou knowest not what are his thoughts , what is in his minde , God onely is the searcher of the heart ; the Devil himself cannot know the heart of man , but by some external expressions ; much less then canst thou know the minde of God , what God means to do with thee the next year , or the next day : which is very elegantly set forth by another similitude , Thou knowest not how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with childe ; even so thou knowest not the work of God , who maketh all . Which is as much as to say , If thou dost not know what so nearly concerns thy self , thy very natural being , and that whereof thou maist be ( under God ) either the natural or material cause ; how much less then canst thou understand that which is more remote and spiritual ? If thou dost not know what is in the natural womb , for that is laid up amongst the Secrets of God , Psa. 139.15 , 16. Onely thine eyes , saith David , did see my substance , when I was made in secret ; How then shalt thou know what is in the Womb of the next year , or of the next day ? for such a phrase you reade of in the Scripture , Prov. 27.1 . Boast not thy self of to morrow , for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth : Jam. 4.13 . Go to now , ye that say , To day , or to morrow we will go into such a City , and continue there a year , and buy and sell , and get gain : whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow : You know not what shall appear to come forth of the womb of the morning . Gods purposes from eternity , are the conceptions of all productions of Providences , that are as it were the births of several days and years . Our purposes oftentimes ( and that without God ) are false conceptions , they bring forth a lie : But Gods purposes are ever true conceptions , they never miscarry . Prov. 19.21 . There are many devices in a mans heart , but the counsel of the Lord , that shall ever stand . But alas ! how shall I know what is the minde and counsel of God , and the way he will go in ? How shall I know the womb of the morning ? I little know what birth the next morning may travel with ; what Sin , or what Judgement it may bring forth . It may be , when I shall say , Peace , peace , then may sudden distress come upon me , as travail upon a woman with childe , that I shall no way escape . True indeed , if thou wert an unbeliever , it might be so ; but if thou art a true believer , thou hast a Promise for future Events , as thou hast Security for what is past : and that , both in respect of sin and affliction .

First , for Sin : Whereas thou saist , It 's possible I may fall into such sins , as may for ever make a separation between God and my Soul .

I say , No , it is impossible : let this be spoken to thy comfort , 1 Joh. 3.9 . Thou shalt never fall into the Unpardonable sin , because the seed of God remains in thee ; thou shalt never sin that sin unto death , 1 Joh 3.9 .

2 Obj. But it may be some sore Affliction may make a separation , I know not how it 's possible I should hold out , in extremity of Famine , or the cruelty of the Sword , or some such Persecution , as it may be , was never yet invented . What do I know what is the womb of the morning ?

I answer , There is no new thing under the Sun , Eccles. 1.9 , 10. What ever falls out , thou hast a Promise for thy Security , it shall not separate thee from God , Rom. 8.35 . nay , that very Providence is thine , and appointed for thy good . Things to come are ours , as well as present and past , 1 Cor. 3.22 . Think seriously upon that golden precious Promise , more precious than gold that perisheth , if thou hast but a hand of Faith to receive it ; he that can receive it , let him receive it . Heb. 13.5 . I will never fail thee , nor forsake thee . Come what can come , here is a Promise to lean upon , Luk. 16.17 . Psal. 9.10 . that will never fail : The heaven and earth shall pass away , but my words shall not pass away . Those that seek God sincerely , shall never be forsaken : Our own experience , and the experience of Gods people all the world over , in all places , and in all ages , will make good this Promise , They trusted in God , and were helped ; Psa. 22.4 , 5. Those called upon God , and were delivered ; yea , Gods answers have exceeded their desires and prayers : Eph. 3.20 . and if God will never forsake us , we shall not ●●rsake him .

Obj. But you will say , How is this true ? Gods people have complained in all ages , Why hast thou forsaken us , Psal. 2● . 1 . Psal. 77.9 . O Lord ? why hast thou forgotten us ? Were all these deceived ? was it their sin thus to complain ? or did this complaint spring from the weakness of their Faith ? Possibly it might be so in the Saints , you say , but it could not be so in Christ : yet Christ himself complains , My God , Mat. 27.46 . my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? Never did any more seek to God , and in that hour , when he had most need of help ; and never did any more complain of Gods forsaking of him . And though God hath not forsaken me , I know not what he may do for time to come .

Ans. For the clearing of this doubt , Of Gods forsaking . we shall propound to you several Considerations :

First of all , there may be a forsaking in appearance . 1. In appearance onely . As there may be a real forsaking , so there may be a forsaking in appearance ; As there may be the real presence of a thing , when it is not visible and apparent . Many things have a real existence , when they give us no manifest evidence of that their existence : God may be really present , when he seems to be absent . For example , the Beauty of Christ is real , he is altogether lovely , the fairest of ten thousand : but 't is not manifest to the greatest part of the world . Isa. 53.2 . He hath no form nor comeliness , there is no beauty in him ( say they ) that we should desire him . The Comforts of a Christian are real , but not always visible ; and therefore it is called , The hidden Manna , Rev. 2.17 . The Soul of Man , and the Deity , are real , but not visible . It 's one of Gods Properties , to be Invisible . The Winds have a real existence , as we see plainly by their powerful operations : we have much ado to bear up our Sails against them sometimes , and yet cannot see them . The Sun it self is so visible that it makes all things else visible ; and yet when it is under a Cloud , though we then see all other things by the light of it , yet we cannot see the Sun it self . As in Paul's dangerous voyage , neither Sun nor Star appeared for many days together , Acts 27 20. The rich Mines of Silver and Gold , and the streams of precious Rivers , they run sometimes under the earth many miles , and no eye takes notice of them . How near was Hagars Well of Water , Gen: 21.19 . and yet she saw it not , till God had opened her eyes ? Peter was really delivered out of Prison by the Angel , but for a good while together , while he looked upon Creatures , he thought it had not been true , but that he had seen a Vision , or Representation of such a matter , Acts 12.9 . The Mountain where Elisha stood , was full of Horses and Chariots , but his Servant saw no such matter , till he was faint to pray , Lord open his eyes , that he may see , 2 King . 6.17 . And doubtless it is thus in Spiritual respects . There may be many strong influences from God upon the Souls of his Servants , which they perceive not ; many eminent supports in their trials , which they take no notice of : They take notice of the hand that cast them down , but they do not take notice of the hand that holds them up . Job took notice of Gods afflicting hand , but he did not take so much notice of Gods supporting hand , till the affliction was over . And so David , Psa. 31.22 . I said , I am cut off from before thine eyes . He speaks like a man forsaken of God : but what follows ? Nevertheless , thou heardest the voice of my supplications , when I cried unto thee . Observe , God was nearer than he was aware of . As Jacob said of his solitary journey to Padan-Aram , Surely the Lord is in this place , and I knew it not , Gen. 28.16 . God is nearer to his Servants many times , than they are aware of : so as they may say with Job , Job 9.11 . Lo , he goeth by me , and I see him not ; he passeth on also , but I perceive him not . The poor childe crieth after the Mother , What shall I do for my Mother ! Oh my Mother , my Mother , what shall I do for my Mother ! And it may be the Mother stands behinde the back of the childe , onely she hides herself , to try the affection of the childe : So the poor Soul cries after God and complains , Oh my Father , my Father ! where is my heavenly Father ! Hath he forgotten to be gracious ? Psal. 77.9 . Hath he shut up his loving kindness in displeasure ? when God is nearer than they think for , Zech. 12. Rom. 8. shining upon them in a Spirit of grace and supplications , with sighs and groans that cannot be uttered . Thus the gracious woman Mary Magdalen , she seeks after Christ , she enquires , she cries after him , and weeps , My dear Saviour , my dear Lord and Master , he is taken out of the Sepulchre , Ioh. 16.20 . and I know not where they have laid him . Thus she complains to the Disciples , and thus she complains to the Angels , when Christ stood at her very back , and over-heard all : nay , when she turned her about , and saw him , yet at first she did not know him ; nay , when he spake to her , and she to him , yet she knew him not , but thought he had been the Gardiner , Joh. 20.11 . Thus it is with many a gracious Soul though God speaks home to their hearts in his Word , and they speak to him by prayer , and they cannot say , but the Spirit helps their infirmities ; yet they complain for want of his Presence , as if there were nothing of God in them .

Obj. But are all such complaints of Gods people meer mistakes ? Did they not complain upon good ground ? Psal. 44.9 . Thou hast cast us off , and goest not forth with our Armies .

Ans. Therefore by propounding a second Consideration , That there are many times real forsakings by God , 2. In temporal respects onely . and not imaginary onely : but then 't is rather in Temporal , than Spiritual respects . For look as on the one side Gods influence may be great in Temporals , when he dries up the streams of special Mercies ; men may have fat bodies , and fat estates , whilst they have lean Souls : so on the other side , Gods influence may be great in Spirituals , when he dries up the streams of Temporal Mercies . Gods people may have thriving Souls , when they have least estates in the world . Jam. 2.5 , 6. Hearken , my beloved brethren , hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith ? Yea , but yet sometimes in a temptation they are ready to complain of Gods forsaking of them , if he do but forsake them in some outward and temporal respect : They are ready to reason as Gideon did , Judg. 6.13 . when the Angel said , The Lord is with thee , thou mighty man of valour : Ah! saith Gideon , if the Lord be with us , why then is all this befaln us ? Hath not the Lord forsaken us , whilst he gives us up into the hands of the Midianites ? So reason another sort , The Lord hath forsaken me , or else I should never be so poor ! Surely the Lord hath forsaken me , saith another , or else I should never be thus bowed down with continual sickness . Surely the Lord hath forsaken me , saith another , or else I should never be so friendless ; Lovers and friends hast thou put far from me , and mine acquaintance into darkness . And this was Jobs argument , he confesses God was sometimes gracious to him , but now he looks at him as an enemy : And why so ? because he was under his afflicting hand ; he had stript him of outward Mercies , Job 13.24 . And this was Naomi's argument , Ruth 1.20 . she said to her Neighbors , Call me not Naomi , but call me Mara , for the Lord hath dealt very bitterly with me : I went out full , but the Lord hath brought me home again empty . But what though she came home empty of temporal blessings , so long as she came home full of spiritual grace ? she had little cause to complain of hard dealing on Gods part . But I say , Gods people are apt to complain in cause of Temptation , if God do but withdraw himself in some particular and temporal respects , they are ready to say out , God hath wholly and utterly forsaken them in all respects .

Obj. But will God onely forsake his people in temporal good things , and not in spirituals also ? May not the Ordinances be taken from them , or they from the Ordinances ? as doubtless many of Gods faithful ones were , when they were banished into Babylon .

Ans. I answer therefore , 3. Gods forsaking in spirituals , viz. Means . God sometimes forsakes his people in spiritual good things ; but then it is rather in outward spiritual good things , than in those that are inward . 'T is true , God took his Ordinances from his people , when he removed them into Babylon ; but he did not take away his Spiritual , nor his gracious Presence from such as were faithful . It is a Promise God makes to such as were banished from the Sanctuary , Ezek. 11.16 . Although I have cast them far off amongst the heathen ; and although I have scattered them amongst the countries , yet will I be to them a little Sanctuary in the countries where they shall come . As if God should have said , Though they want the ordinary Sanctuary , and the ordinary means of Teaching , yet I will be a Sanctuary to them my self , and teach them by my Spirit : they shall not want inward Spiritual Mercies , though they want the outward Means of Grace .

Obj. But doth God forsake his people in outward Spiritual Mercies , 4. Forsaking in spiritual comforts , not grace and doth he not forsake them in those that are inward also ? Why else do they so much complain of their Souls and Spirits , Psal. 77.3 . I complained , and my Spirit was overwhelmed .

Ans. Therefore he may also forsake in regard of inward Spiritual Mercies ; but then , it is more in their inward Spiritual Comforts , than in Spiritual Graces . Some Christians indeed have more Comforts , but less Graces , as in the day of their first espousals to Jesus Christ : for that is a time of love and rejoycing , Jer. 2.2 . I remember , saith God , the love of thine espousals . But some Christians have more Graces , and less Comfort , as strong grown Christians , Heb. 2. whom the Captain of their Salvation puts upon hard services , for the trial of their Christian fortitude . Psal. 44.17 . All this is come upon us , yet have we not forgotten thee , neither have we dealt falsly in the Covenant : our heart is not turned back , neither have our steps turned from thy way , though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons , and covered us with the shadow of death . Indeed , the face of Dragons , and the face of Death , was very terrible ; but yet the hiding of Gods lovely face , was much more terrible , ver. 24. But yet for all that , though God did with-hold their Spiritual Comforts , yet he did not with-hold their Spiritual Graces ; for they had never more strength of grace , than when they were able to grapple with Dragons , and with Death it self .

Obj. But doth God forsake his people in respect of Spiritual Comforts ? Is it not said , That such as have the Comforter once , he shall abide with them for ever , Joh. 14.16 . If that be so , why then should any believer be dejected ? Therefore I fear I never had true comfort .

Answ. That 's true , the Comforter abides for ever , but not in the Act of Comforting , John 16.7 , 8. I will send the Comforter to you , saith Christ : What then ? Must they expect nothing but comfort , so soon as ever the Spirit is come ? No , there is an act of Conviction from the Spirit in the first place , Note . When he is come , he will convince the world of sin . The office of the Spirit , is to empty us of our selves , to humble us , and to convince us , as well as comfort us : All these are acts of the Comforting Spirit , though not acts of Comfort . They are all such acts as tend to comfort , and are conducible to that end . As searching the Wound by the Chirurgeon , and stirring the humours by the Physician , are conducible to the act of healing , though they are troublesome and painful for the present . Neither doth God always forsake his people , at such times as he doth withdraw their Spiritual comforts . Note . Did God forsake Christ upon the Cross ? or doth he forsake Christians in their mourning condition ? No , surely , he is most in them oftentimes by the graces of his Spirit , when he is least in them by the comforts of it .

Obj. But doth not God forsake his people in their Graces , as well as in their Comforts ? and do not Gods people complain for want of grace , as well as for want of comfort ? Doth not David pray , Psal. 51. Take not thy holy Spirit from me ; as well as Restore to me the joy of thy Salvation . The resolving of this doubt is needful , for the better clearing of the Life of Perseverance , and for the better incouragement against all discouragements of this nature , concerning Gods forsaking of us , or our forsaking of him .

Ans. I answer therefore , 5. Forsaking in graces not absolutely necessary . God may withdraw from his people such graces as are called accessory graces , but not such graces as are absolutely necessary . We call such graces necessary , as tend to the very being of a Christian , and without which he is no Christian at all ; as Faith in Jesus Christ , and so Justification , and the Spirit of Adoption : In these God will never forsake his people , 1 Joh 3.9 . Now accessory graces , we call such as are added to these , for the well-being of a Christian , without which , he cannot so well act his part , as otherwise he might do . As for example : Though a Christian have Faith , and the Spirit of Adoption in some measure , yet he cannot so well discharge his duty , unless he be zealous in believing , zealous in praying , zealous in preaching : But now in these , sometimes God doth forsake his people , when his people for sake him , by falling from their first love , and from their first degree of zeal , Gal. 4.15 . But God doth never forsake his people so far , as to suffer them to fall altogether from those necessary graces , which tend to the very being of a Christian . A man indeed may lose Aptitudinem ad Regnum , but not Jus ad Regnum ; he may lose his fitness for his present entrance into the heavenly Kingdom ; his Lamp may want some trimming , but he can never lose his right to the Kingdom , because at the worst he hath some oil in his Lamp : Justification , and Adoption , and the Spirit of Regeneration abide for ever . These graces necessary to Salvation , shall never be taken away .

Thus you may see , in how many respects God may be said to forsake his people , and how not .

Obj. Love is a necessary grace , and yet may be lost , Rev. 2.4 . Therefore to all these Considerations , we shall adde one more , that is this , All these forsakings we have spoken of , are but

Ans. All forsaking , but gradual & momen●any . First , Gradual , in respect of their Measure .

Secondly , Momentany , in respect of their Duration ; which we ground upon that place , Isa. 54.7 , 8. For a small moment have I forsaken thee , but with great mercies will I gather thee : In a little wrath I hid my self from thee for a moment , but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee , saith the Lord thy Redeemer .

Q. But why is it said , God hath forsaken his people in a little wrath , and for a moment ?

Ans. In a little wrath , because he suffers not his whole displeasure to arise , he forsakes them not totally , therefore in a little comparatively .

1. Compared with their deserts , Ezra 9.13 . Thou hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve . It was little in regard of our deserts .

2. And secondly , little in regard of others . Others shall suck out the dregs of that Cup , whereof they shall but sip , to let them but taste what they have escaped by the sufferings of Christ .

Secondly , For a moment , because not finally ; as not totally , so not finally . What are the sufferings of Gods people upon earth , to the suffering of his enemies in hell ? Alas ! they are but momentany , if compared with their joys in heaven , not worth the speaking of : These light afflictions , that are but for a moment , Rom. 8.18 . 2 Cor. 4.17 . work for us a far more excelling and eternal weight of glory .

Obj. But why doth God forsake his people so far as we have heard , though it be but by trials temporally ? It may seem to be a great interruption to the Life of their Consolation .

Ans. No , it is for the good of his people , and not for their hurt . Indeed he doth it in much compassion to their Souls .

Q. But you may say , What good is it to their Souls ?

Ans. Much every way , because it prevents a world of evils :

1. For God forsakes us , that we may not forsake God . Reasons of Gods forsaking . As the Mother leaves the childe for a time , and hides her self , when she is about to go into a Fair or Market , 1. 1. For prevention of evil . that the childe may cry after her , and cleave the faster to her all the day after : whereas otherwise , she may lose it in a crowd . Thus God forsakes his people for a time , that they may not forsake him for ever . Experience sometimes of Gods withdrawing himself , doth teach Gods people , That they cannot live without him , had they Mountains of Wealth , of Honour , of Natural Strength to live upon . Psal. 30.6 . I said in my prosperity , I shall never be moved ; Thou Lord , by thy favour , hast made my Mountain to stand strong : What follows ? Thou didst turn thy face from me , and I was troubled : And what of that ? Why , then I cried to thee , O Lord , and unto thee , Lord , I made my supplication . Then he cries after God again and again , and cleaves faster to him , than ever he did before .

2. God forsakes us , that he himself may not forsake us ; he forsakes us one way , that he may not forsake us another ; he forsakes us in lesser matters , that he may not forsake us in greater : And it is the end that is all in all , and that gives denomination in every action . Therefore Gods forsaking , upon the matter , is no forsaking ; nay , all the withdrawings of himself , tend to the clearer manifestation of himself . Indeed , Saul gave Michal his daughter to David , that she might be a snare to him : But God will not give his servants some things , lest they should be a snare to them : He denies them their desires , and so far he forsakes them ; he forsakes them in appearance , that he may not forsake them indeed ; he forsakes in Temporal things , that he may not forsake them in Spirituals ; he forsakes them in their Comforts , that he may not forsake them in their Graces ; he forsakes them in their accessory graces , that he may not forsake them in necessary graces : and to conclude , he forsakes them in a little wrath , and for a little time , that he may not forsake them wholly , and for ever . Therefore God least of all forsakes his people , when he forsakes them .

2. For confirmation of good . As it prevents evil , so it confirms Gods people in that which is good ; it quickens and strengthens their graces .

1. Their Confidence in God , and their Diffidence in themselves . Christ left Peter for a time to trust to himself ; but after that Peter had such experience of his own weakness , he will never more boast , that he loves Christ more than all the world besides . It is well , if I can say in Gods strength , Ioh. 20. Lord , thou knowest all things , thou knowest that I love thee .

2. Self-abhorrence ; loving of our selves , we are apt to make our selves our own Gods , to set our Reason above his Word , and our Wills above his Will : Therefore there is no way for God to set up himself in us but to pull down our selves in our selves , and that 's by his withdrawing .

3. Crying after God , and longing for his Presence , Hos. 5. last . When God hides himself , his people will seek him early . In this life , one while God hides himself , anoother while he manifests himself , and his hiding prepares for manifestation . Whilst we are in the body , we are not fit for constant manifestations of God to our Souls . In Heaven , there shall be perpetual light , and no night ; but in this life , in Spiritual respects , there is a mixture of day and night , Zech. 14.7 . But it shall be one day , which shall be known to the Lord , not day nor night , neither perfect day , nor perfect night , that we may long and cry after God .

4. A cleaving closer to God . When Christ had withdrawn himself , and the Spouse had hold on him again , she held him faster than ever before , Cant. 3.4 . I held him , and would not let him go .

5. A clearing of God . Oh , says a Soul , if God forsake me , it is just ; for I have forsaken him days without number . Thus David clears God , when he forsook him , Psal. 51.4 . that thou mightest be just when thou speakest , and clear when thou judgest . Therefore , though God forsake his people in some sense , yet in the main , he never forsakes them ; and if he never forsake us , we shall never forsake him : and this is great incouragement , against the greatest discouragements we can meet with in our Christian course .

Thus have you heard how the just lives by Faith the Life of Conservation .

BRANCH VII . IN THE LIFE of FAITH IN SANCTIFICATION ; VIZ. CONSOLATION .

WE come now to the last , which is the Life of Consolation ; which God makes the sweet closure of all the rest : and indeed , Christ reserves the best wine till last . Ioh. 2. The Devil feeds his followers with sweet Comfits at first , but he gives them a deadly Pill at last : But Christ gives the bitter at first , and the sweet at last . At the last , the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation . You have heard how the just lives by Faith the Life of Justification , in laying hold on the righteousness of Christ , and making it his own . You have heard also how he lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification , whereby the believing Soul draws vertue from Christ ; and that either Renewing Fructifying Mortifying Quickning Increasing Confirming Comforting Vertue : So he lives the Life of Renovation . Fructification . Mortification . Vivification . Augmentation . Conservation , or Perseverance . Consolation .

So that we are come to the last , to the highest Stair on this side Heaven . The just goes on so far from strength to strength , and from faith to faith , and from life to life , till at the last , with great delight , he sits down under the shadow of Jesus Christ , and his fruit is sweet unto his taste , Cant. 2.2 . He lives by Faith the Life of Consolation ; he is a true Disciple of his heavenly Master ; he hath taken all his Degrees in the School of Christ ; his Grace hath past from the Life of Justification , to the Life of Sanctification ; and herein from the Life of Renovation , to the Life of Fructification ; from the Life of Fructification , to the Life of Mortification ; from the Life of Mortification , to the Life of Vivification ; from the Life of Vivification , to the Life of Augmentation ; from the Life of Augmentation , to the Life of Conservation ; from the Life of Conservation , to the Life of Consolation : and now he is as high as he can go , till he enter into Heaven it self . Yea , the Life of Consolation is a piece of Heaven , like the the sheet in Peters Vision , let down to the earth : and so the just in believing , is transformed from glory to glory , 2 Cor. 3. as by the Spirit of our God . He lives by Faith the Life of Consolation . And indeed , this is the proper use and effect of Faith , to rejoyce the heart ; though not always an immediate effect , especially to our sense and feeling ; yet we may safely say , The seed of Peace , and the seed of Joy , is sown in the heart , so soon as ever a man believeth . Psal. 97.11 . Light is sown for the righteous , and joyful gladness for the upright in heart ; though it may be he reaps the full Harvest many a year after . There is first the sprouting , and then the blade , and then the ear , and after that the full Corn in the ear , Mar. 4.28 . And look as it is in the rising of the Sun , though there be light at the first in some measure , yet there is but a little light , and less heat , in comparison of that which follows : So in the first manifestations of the Sun of Righteousness to the Soul , there is some light of knowledge , and some heat of comfort at the very first , but little in comparison of that which shall be : And therefore the just lives by Faith , in expectation of a glorious Noon-tide of Peace and joy to follow after ; and in the mean time , the more he increaseth his Faith , the more he increaseth his Joy . You may easily see it in your selves and others . It is possible a person may be both justified and sanctified ; he may live both these lives , and yet for the present he may be much to seek in his comfort , in his own sense and apprehension ; he may be in sad , and as it were in a dead condition , for want of comfort ; and therefore in due time , by the exercise of Faith , God addes to both the former , the Life of Consolation , which is more properly called Life . Indeed it is the very Life of our lives : for what is life without comfort , but a living death ? When Adam had tasted of the forbidden fruit , he did not die presently , if we take it in a strict sense ; but he was made subject to all diseases , and all kinde of miseries , which is all one as if he had been dead : it is a dying daily , 1 Cor. 15.31 . Whereas on the other side comfort and joy , is called Life in Scripture phrase ; they are used promiscuously , sometimes Life is put for Joy , and Joy is put for Life , as if they were all one : Psal. 30.5 . In thy favour is life ; heaviness may endure for a night , but joy cometh in the morning . All one , as if he had said , Life comes in the morning , according to the former expression , In thy favour is life . The Philosophers have a Position ; Nec voluptas sine vitâ , nec vita sine voluptate : Pleasure cannot be without life , nor life without some kinde of pleasure . And it is true in Divinity , he onely deserves the name of a living man , who injoys some comfort in his life . And indeed , Eternal Life is nothing else but Eternal Joy : For otherwise , the wicked shall live eternally , if we take the word in the largest sense ; but their Eternal Life , is called Eternal Death , because they live not in Joy , but Misery . So that it 's clear , to live , most properly , is to live comfortably : 1 Thess. 1.3 Now we live , if ye stand fast in the Lord . We live , how is that ? Did not the Apostle live both the life of Nature and the life of Grace , whether the Thessalonians should stand or fall ? Without all question he did : but his meaning is , Now we live comfortably , if ye stand fast in the Lord : which life , is onely worth the name of a life . So that when it is said , The just shall live by Faith ; the meaning is , he shall live a sweet and comfortable life , whatever his outward troubles may be ; he shall not want sweet supports and comforts within ; he shall , even then , live by his Faith . And that this is the sense of the Text in the latitude of it , seems to be clear by the opposite member ; as the Life of Gods People is opposed to the Life of the Caldeans ( their enemies ) and so the Joy of the one to the Joy of the other . Their enemies have a kinde of superficial flashing joy , arising from the immoderate use or abuse of the Creature ; and this joy tickles them , or puffs them up for the present . In which respect , the Caldean is compared to a drunken man , who , you know , thinks himself the onely merry man in the world ; he is merry as Cup and Cann : while the spirit of the Wine is in him , and his heart is lifted up , he thinks there is none so merry as himself : But behold his heart that is thus lifted up , is not right in him ; or , as some expound it , it is not quiet in him ; he hath no true peace , or solid joy , but even as it is with a drunken man , it may be the next morning , when the spirit of Wine is gone , his heart sinks down , as Nabals did , as heavy and as dead as a stone ; and therefore his heart that is thus lifted up with carnal joy , is not quiet , it is not right But the Just shall live by his faith ; that is to say , He shall live comfortably , as the strength of the opposition doth necessitate the sense ; he shall live comfortably in the midst of troubles , as the other lives troublesomely in the midst of comforts . For as an unbeliever hath inward troubles , and unquietness of spirit in the midst of all outward comforts ; so a believer hath inward comforts , in the midst of all outward troubles . Be his condition what it will be , or what it can be in other respects , yet the just shall rejoyce : 2 Cor. 6.9 . As sorrowing , saith the Apostle , yet always rejoycing . And what resolves this Riddle , but the Mystery of Faith ? For the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation .

For Method , we shall first prove it , That the just doth live by Faith the Life of Consolation , and give Reasons for it .

Two Propositions . First , why God will have the just to live the Life of Consolation : and

Secondly , why he is said to live this Life by Faith , and then we shall endevour to apply it .

Propos. 1. That the just lives the Life of Consolation . 1. The just doth live the Life of Consolation . Comfort is the proper Portion of Gods People : Isa. 40. Comfort ye , comfort ye me people , saith your God ; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem . God commands his people to speak comfortably to his own People . But he never commands his People to preach comfort to the wicked , whilst they remain so : Isa. 57. ult. no , There is no peace to the wicked , saith my God . And God complains of such Ministers , as make sad the heart of the righteous , and strengthen the hands of the wicked , by Preaching Peace and Comfort to them , whilst they continue in their sins , Ezek 13.22 . because with lies ye have made the hearts of the righteous sad , whom I have not made sad ; and strengthned the hands of the wicked , that he should not return from his wicked ways , by promising him life : for , True joy is the Portion of the just ; The just lives the Life of Consolation

2. He lives this Life by Faith : Propos. 2. The just lives the Life of Consolation by his Faith . As his Faith doth Justifie , so his Faith doth Comfort him ; not originally , but instrumentally : It is the Conduit-pipe of Comfort , as well as of Grace . The just live by Faith the Life of Consolation : God gives faithful men leave to be chearful ; Psal. 5.11 . Let all those that put their trust in God , rejoyce ; yea , let them shout for joy . Nay , he commands them to be chearful , Luk. 8.48 . And he said unto her , Daughter , be of good comfort , thy faith hath made thee whole ; go in peace . Mark , he commands her to be of good comfort ; and why ? not so much because she was whole , as because Faith had healed her ; and so she had inward peace , as well as outward healing . Thence it is , that Joy and Faith are usually coupled together in Scripture , Phil. 1.25 . [ and joy of faith ] It is called , The Joy of faith , as if all true Joy did come from Faith : 1 Pet. 1.8 . In whom believing , saith the Apostle , ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable , and full of glory . Mark , when they were full of afflictions , and full of temptations , as appears by the connexion , yet they were full of glorious joy : And how came that to pass , but by vertue of their Faith ? In whom believing , ye rejoyce , &c. That 's the reason , why the Apostle would pray for the increase of the Peoples joy , when he prays for the increase of their Faith . Rom. 13.13 . Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing , that ye may abound in hope , through the power of the Holy Ghost . As if there were no joy without faith , and the more faith the more joy . No sooner did the Eunuch believe , Act. 8 39. but the Text says , he went on his way rejoycing , as if he felt not the ground he went upon ; his joy was a pleasant companion by the way , who is as good as a Chariot . No sooner did the trembling Jaylor believe , but it was said , Act. 16.34 . He set meat before the Apostles , and rejoyced , believing in God with all his houshold . It was the merriest meals meat that he made in all his life . I do not say , that all believers have the same degree of joy , much less that they have the same joy at the first , 't is enough that they have the seed of joy . Suppose it were a wet and troublesome Seed-time , it may be they sow in tears , yet this is sufficient security , God hath given us his Word for it , in due time thou shalt reap , and reap in joy , if they faint not . Therefore let all those that put their trust in God , rejoyce .

But we come to the Reasons .

Reasons . First , Why God will have the just to live the Life of Consolation .

Secondly , Why he is said to live this Life by Faith .

1. Why God will have the just live comfortably . For the first , God will have the just live by Faith the Life of Consolation , because it makes much for the Glory of God ; he delights in the service we perform to him , when we our selves delight in it also . 1. For his honor . As God loves a chearful giver , so he loves a chearful worshipper : Psal. 100.2 . Serve the Lord with gladness , and come before his Presence with a song . The chearfulness of the service , commends the Masters service . You may well think there is the wine of Consolation in the heart , where you see the oyl of Gladness in the countenance . Therefore God glads the hearts of his Servants by the grace of Faith , that their very countenance and carriage may commend his service to all the world . 'T is true indeed , the service of Christ is called a burthen , Mat. 11. and a yoke , and 't is so for our corrupt nature ; but so far as we are spiritual , although the yoke is rough ( you see nothing at the first , but Afflictions , and Persecutions , and Self-denial ) yet the inside is smooth , and easie , 't is tied on with the silken string of Love , and stuft with nothing but Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost . It 's better to feel ; than to see : for many have boggled at the yoke , that have but look'd upon it afar off ; but never any that took it up and wore it , but highly commended it to be the sweetest and easiest yoke in the world , they have found such comfort in it . And this , I say , makes much for the honour of the Master .

2 Reason . 2. For their own support . God will have the just live the Life of Consolation , that the comforts of God may Support their Spirits in the midst of many Troubles , Afflictions , and Temptations they meet withall in their Christian course . You know it is a Statute-Law of Heaven , We must through tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God , Act. 14.22 . Therefore God , in much Wisdom and Faithfulness , proportions the comforts of his Servants to their sufferings , lest they should faint in their minds , and be weary . Psal. 94.19 . In the multitude of my thoughts within me , thy comforts delight my soul : and so the more suffering for Christ , the more comfort in Christ . 2 Cor. 1.5 . For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us , so our consolations also abound by Christ . As Christ himself had greatest comfort in his greatest temptation , ( for then it was that Angels came and ministred unto him , Mat. 4.11 . ) so Gods People may expect greatest comforts in their greatest sufferings , especially if it be in a good cause . 1 Pet. 3.14 . and 4.13 . If ye suffer for righteousness , if ye be reproached for the name of Christ , happy are ye ; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you . So that , as it was said of him that knew not how to pray , Let him go to Sea ; so we may say of the Christian that knows not how to rejoyce , Let him take up the Cross that lie ; in the way of his calling , let him be willing to go to the Prison , or to the Stake , if God call him thither . Etiam hîc eris mecum , bone Jesu , said the good Martyr ; Even here , Lord Jesus , I finde and I feel , thou wilt be present with me : So he that would meet God , and enjoy most of God on this side heaven , let him not look for it in Princes Courts , but let him look for it in the Dungeon of Adversity : There God met with Joseph , and there he met with Jeremiah , and there he met with Peter , and there he met with Paul and Silas , Act. 16.25 . They were so full of comfort , they could not hold , they must needs sing at mid-night . Their hearts were never more at liberty , than when their feet were fast in the stocks . Simile . Wicked men , like other ordinary Birds , can sing in a Sun-shine day of Prosperity ; but Gods People are Nightingals , they sing best in the mid-night of adversity . And were it not thus , Gods People would not be so ready to suffer in the cause of God , they would be ready to say , Oh! there is a Lion in the way , Pro. 22 13. I shall be slain in the streets . But when they remember God can bring Honey out of the Carcase of the Lion ; he can bring Meat out of the Eater , as he did , Judg. 14.14 . he can bring strength and nourishment to the Soul , out of sharp destruction , and devouring affliction , they are not so much afraid of the Cross . And that 's the second Reason , why God will have his People live the Life of inward Consolation , that they may the better live the Life of outward Affliction .

3. To cause longing for heaven 3. God will have them live the Life of Spiritual Consolation in some measure upon earth , that they may long the more to be in heaven . Indeed , the best estate of Gods People here below , is but a mixt estate in respect of comfort . Here is Night as well as Day , Winter as well as Summer : but there is Day and no Night , Summer and no Winter . It is true indeed , he gives them some light , some first-fruits of comfort here : but to what end ? certainly , that they may the more earnestly long for the Harvest . When Paul was but a little while caught up into the third heaven , he was never well till he came there again : Phil. 1. I desire to be dissolved , and to be with Christ , which is best of all . God gives his People a taste , to set the mouth of their Souls on water after heaven . Taste of my Hidden Manna , saith God , and as you like that , take more . Now , when they have once tasted , they long to be at the Kings Banquetting-house , where is fulness of joy , Cant. 2. Psal. 16. and pleasures for evermore . The Martyrs had but a taste , and they were ready to run through fire and water to get to a full draught . And were it not thus , did not God sometimes give to his People the first-fruits of his Spirit , & of heavens joys , they would be ready either to be deter'd in their journey to Canaan by the perils of the Wilderness , or else to be allured back again by the flesh-pots of Egypt , or at best , to take up their rest with the two Tribes and a half , on this side Jordan . Therefore , God gives his People something of the very comfort of Heaven , whilst they are in the way thither , ( like the Bunch of Grapes that was brought out of Canaan before-hand ) that they may long to be in Heaven , and so to enter into that joy there , that doth but enter into them here .

4. Here , 4. To be able to comfort others God will have his People live the Life of Consolation themselves , that they may the better minister comfort to others . A Scholar that knows the World by Map , can give some direction to a Traveller , but nothing so exact , as he that hath travelled the same way himself . A man that never tasted of Honey , may discourse of the sweetness of it , but nothing so feelingly , as he that hath suck'd the Honey-comb : So a man that never tasted of the comfort of the Holy Ghost , or peace of Conscience , may discourse of it at random to others , but nothing so effectually , as he that feels the powerful working of it effectually in his own brest ; he will say , Come , Psal. 34. and I will tell you what the Lord hath done for my Soul . Whereas a man that never felt that comfort himself , but is a meer stranger to the joy of Gods chosen , he is very unfit to comfort others . One sorrowful man is a miserable comforter to another : Like the sad reflections of some doleful Echo , that doubles and trebles the complaint ; and so , one woe returns many : Or like the answer of an evil Conscience , that always prophecies evil , and not good , to him that inquires of it . But such a one as hath felt the comforts of God himself , is able to speak more feelingly to others . Now that they may do so , God reacheth forth the Cup of Salvation , and the Cup of Consolation to some of his children , that they may commend it to others upon their own experience ; that they may say , O how sweet is the Cup of Gods Consolation ! will you not pledge me ? will you not drink of the same cup ? O taste , and see that the Lord is good . O how sweet is he in the forgiveness of sins ? how sweet in the comforts of his Spirit ? how sweet in supporting and chearing the hearts of his People in time of afflictions ? God comforts his People in this manner , that they may comfort others by their own experience ; Like Birds , that having found a heap of Corn , never leave their chirping , till they have called in their fellows to partake of their Banquet : 2 Cor. 1.14 . Blessed be God , who comforteth us in all our tribulations , that we may be able to comfort them that are in any trouble , by the self-same comforts whereby we our selves are comforted of God . As if God should say to his afflicted fainting Servants , Lo , here is a Cordial from Heaven , drink of it your selves , and when you have done , write upon it Probatum est , and so commend it to your Christian friends : Thou being converted , and comforted , strengthen thy brethren . And these be the Reasons why God will have the just live the Life of Consolation .

2. Why Consolations come by Faith . 2. But then why are they said to live this Life by Faith ? There are many weighty Reasons of this also : as , Because Faith , the hand that takes hold of this Cup , it takes hold of the right object of Consolation : or if you will ,

First of all , because Faith is a powerful hand to keep off all such things as are comfortable , and so to arm us against all discomforts : For that must needs be a great comfort , that doth arm the Soul against all discomforts ; and so doth Faith : for it is a supporting hand to our burthened Souls . Faith is Omnipotent in the strength of God : Nothing is impossible to him that believes , Mark 9.23 . An establishing hand to the wavering Soul ; it is a protecting hand to the weak Soul .

'T is a Supporting Hand to the overburthened Soul . 1. Faith is a supporting hand . It is Faith that teacheth a man to cast the burthen of his care upon God , Psal. 37.5 . And what a hearts ease and what a comfort is this ? They must needs have a light heart , that are eased of such burthens . Faith is like the Cup of Consolation , which the Jews gave to the friends of the deceased , that they may drink and forsake sorrow , Jer. 16.7 . Neither shall men give them the Cup of Consolation for their father : Prov. 31.6 . Give wine to those of heavy hearts .

'T is an Establishing Hand to the wavering Soul : 2. Faith is an establishing hand . It cures the Soul of the Spiritual Palsie , when it quakes and quivers up and down , is full of fears and doubts , and knows not where to fix or stay it self . Fix thy self here , saith Faith , fix thy self upon God , fix thy self upon his Word , this will stay the wavering Soul , as a Ship at Anchor in the midst of the winds and waves of Temptation : Heb. 6.19 . Which hope we have as an anchor of the Soul stedfast and sure , which entreth into that within the veile . I appeal to such as have been tost at Sea , to tell you , what a comfort it is to have a sure Anchor in a Storm ; and such is the comfort of a Christian , by the Anchor-hold of his Faith : Psal. 112.6 , 7. Surely he shall not be moved for ever , he shall not be afraid of evil tidings : Why ? His heart is fixed , trusting in the Lord . His heart is established , he shall not be afraid . So Faith is an establishing hand to a wavering Soul .

'T is a Protecting Hand to the weak Soul : 3. Faith is a protecting hand . It is such a Hand as not onely holds a childe , but it is a Shield it self , to bear off all blows . Now is it not a comfort to have such a Shield ? and such a Shield is Faith , Eph. 6.16 . It doth not onely bear off all blows from wicked men . Psal. 56.4 . In God have I put my trust ; there is the Shield : What follows ? I will not fear what flesh can do unto me : but it bears off all blows from wicked Spirits : Eph. 6.16 . Above all taking the shield of faith , whereby ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one . It is a safe guard from all evil : Psal. 99.9 . Because thou hast made the Lord thy refuge , even the most High thy habitation , there shall no evil befal thee , nor any plague come near thy dwelling . Yea , it bears off all blows from God ; it hath such a piercing eye , it can see a Fathers heart , under a seeming Enemies hand : Though he kill me , yet will I trust in him , Job 13.15 . And so the shield of Faith is not onely useful all our life ; but 't is Armour of Proof against the stroke of death . And so , it is a Protecting Hand to the weak Soul . It is every way a powerful hand , to arm against all discomforts , and so an argument of no small comfort to a true believer .

The second general Reason , why the just lives the Life of Consolation by his Faith , Why Consolation comes by Faith . is , Because Faith is a Powerful Hand , to draw into the Soul all necessary Comforts . Faith lays hold on the right Object of Consolation ; it lays hold on that God , who is the Fountain of all light and life : Psal. 36.9 . With thee is the fountain of life , and in thy light shall we see light .

1. Faith lays hold on God the Father . 1. Faith lays hold on God the Father , who is called the Father of Mercies , and the God of all comfort and consolation , the Beginning of all Divine Operations . As all Rivers come from the Sea ; so all streams of Comfort come from God the Father .

2. Faith lays hold on God the Son . 2. Faith lays hold on God the Son , as the Conduit-pipe or Channel , through whom all comfort is derived from God the Father , to the Souls of his People : For it pleased the Father , that in him should all fulness dwell , that of his fulness we might receive , as grace for grace , so comfort for comfort : for he was anointed with the oyl of gladness , as well as with the oyl of grace , above his fellows , that he might appoint to them that mourn in Sion , to give unto them beauty for ashes , the oyl of joy for mourning , and the garment of praises for the spirit of heaviness , Isa. 61.3 . And hence it is , that Christ is called , The Consolation of Israel , Luk. 2.25 . because all Gods People receive their comfort from him . As all Stars borrow their light from the Sun ; so all the Saints borrow their light from him , who is called , The Sun of Righteousness , Mal. 4.2 . But unto you that fear my name , shall the Sun of Righteousness arise , with healing under his wings . But how do they receive this comfort from Christ ? it is by Faith : for , Christ dwells in their hearts by faith , Ephes. 3.17 . As he is a comfortable guest ; so 't is Faith that receives him , and bids him welcome when he is come .

3. Faith lays hold on God the Holy Ghost : Gal. 3.2 . 3. Faith lays hold on God the Holy Ghost . Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law , or by the hearing of faith ? As if he should say , Surely by the hearing of the Word mixed with Faith . Faith receives the Spirit of God , which is called The Comforter , because it is the special office of the Spirit , to comfort the hearts of Gods people , and to witness to their Spirits , that God is now their reconciled Father in Jesus Christ , and so it is called a Seal ; and this comes after Faith , Eph. 1.13 . In whom after ye believed , ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of Promise . And this must needs be matter of unspeakable joy : for the love of God is better than the love of all Creatures ; nay , it brings along with it the love of all good Creatures ; and by this love , the hatred of evil Creatures shall do us no hurt . The love of God , Job 5.23 . is the life of the Soul , as the Soul is the life of the Body ; nay , 't is better than life , Psal. 63.3 . Thy loving kindness is better than life . Note . Now Faith lays hold on the God of Love and on the love of this God , and therefore must needs afford matter of strong Consolation . Consolation , what properly . For what is Consolation , to speak properly , but a certain Reasoning of the Soul , whereby we oppose some certain good , to some oppressing evil ? whereby we mitigate our sorrow , and bear the evil with more ease . Now the greater and sorer the evil is , the greater and surer good is required to weigh against it . Now then , forasmuch as a Christian seeks comfort against the greatest of all evils , which is sin , and eternal damnation for sin ; therefore , it is not every good , nor indeed any good , but onely the Summum Bonum , the chiefest good , which is God , that can be a sufficient remedy and cordial against this , the greatest of all evils .

So then ,

1. How Faith comforts . Faith lays hold upon this God , reconciled to us in Jesus Christ , forgiving all our sins , because of his sufferings ; and

Forgiving them Freely , Frankly , Fully , Affectionately , Most Advantagiously , and In respect of us .

For it ( viz. Faith instrumentally ) redeems from Sin as a Debt ; then from the Prison of Hell ; then from the Jaylor , Satan , and re-instates in all the good forfeited by sin . Believers shall have all things work for their good in this life , and of Heaven at last . And this is a Plaister broad enough to cover all our sores ; If God speak peace , who can make trouble ? Job 34.29 . Here is an object of unspeakable comfort , God reconciled in Christ ; and this Reconciliation witnessed by the Spirit of Truth . Again ,

2. Second way , wherein Faith comforts . Faith lays hold on the Ordinances , which are as Conduit-pipes from the Brest of Jesus Christ , as Christ is a Conduit-pipe from the Father . And Faith , as the mouth of the Soul , lies sucking at this Brest , and so draws in abundance of Spiritual strength and comfort . Christ hath intrusted his Spouse , the Church , with these Brests , for the nourishing up of all his children . Oh how sweet it is , to ●ie in the Lap of such a Nurse ! Isa. 60.10 , 11. Rejoyce with Jerusalem , and be glad with her , all ye that love her ; rejoyce for joy with her , all ye that mourn for her , that ye may suck and be satisfied with the brests of her consolation , that ye may milk out , and be delighted with the abundance of her glory . For thus saith the Lord , I will extend peace to her like a river , and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream : Then shall ye suck , and be born upon her sides , and be dandled upon her knees . As one whom his mother comforteth , so will I comfort you , and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem . Lo , here are the sweet brests of the Church . Now the Word is one of these Brests , the Seal of the Word is the other .

First , the Word : 1 Pet. 2.2 . 1. The Word is one of Christs Brests . As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word , that ye may grow thereby , if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious . There is much sweetness in this Brest . Psal. 19.10 . The statutes of the Lord are right , rejoycing the heart ; more to be desired are they than gold , sweeter are they than the honey and the honey-comb . Oh this is a sweet Brest , especially the Word of Promise : for that is , as it were , the very Head and Nipple of this Brest ; Put this into the mouth of the most distressed Soul , and it will still it , when it cries out by reason of affliction . Psa. 119.49 , 50. Remember thy Word unto thy servant , upon which thou hast caused me to hope . And that must needs be the Word of Promise . For what follows ? This is my comfort in my affliction , for thy Word hath quickned me . But how doth this Brest quicken and comfort the children of God ? Surely , not unless they draw and suck out this Milk of Consolation by the mouth of Faith . Heb. 4.2 . The Word preached did not profit them , not being mixed with faith in them that heard it . The most comfortable Promise in all the Word , if it be not applied by Faith , it hath no manner of sweetness in it : But if thou canst receive it , and apply it to thy self in believing , Jer. 15.16 . it will be the very joy and rejoycing of thy heart .

Second Brest of Consolation The second Brest of Consolation , is the Seal of the Word , the Sacrament . Oh , there is much sweetness in this ; there is much sweetness indeed in the Word of Promise , as you have heard . Yea , but is this true , says the Soul , that begins to believe , but is weak in Faith ? Or does all this belong to me ? Will God give Christ to me , and the Spirit to me , and Heaven to me ? Will God indeed love such a vile wretch as I am ? I am half afraid it is too good to be true ! O that I had some further assurance of it ! O that God would set to his Seal that this is true , that I might set to my Seal that God is true ! O that he would set me as a Seal upon his heart , that I might set him as a Seal upon my heart ! I can and will , says God to the believing , and yet weakly believing Soul . Art thou so desirous of assurance ? I 'll give thee a Seal in the Sacrament . Lo , that 's a Seal of my love , and all the fruits of it : As sure as thou receivest the outward elements , so sure shalt thou receive what is signified and sealed thereby , my Christ , my Spirit , my Comforter . And therefore this must needs be a sweet Brest , where God does so sensibly put comfort into the mouth of the Soul .

Note . A great neglect of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper . And if so , surely we have the greatest cause to lay it to heart , and to cry to our heavenly Father , That one of our Mothers Brests is in a manner dried up , or that some of his children do frowardly wean themselves from this Brest , and therefore God may justly take away the other also . And doubtless we finde the less comfort in the Word , because we neglect the Seal of the Word . It may be in a Womans Brests , if one be dried up , the other may be the fuller ; because that nourishment which should run into two , doth now run into one vessel - But it is not so here , for the neglect of one Ordinance , makes the other more unprofitable , because God never appointed any Ordinance in vain , and will not indure the contempt of any . Well then , poor Soul , dost thou complain for want of comfort , thou canst not finde that comfortable assurance of Gods love active or passive , thou wert wont to finde ? It may be there is more estrangedness every way . I answer , If it be so , blame thy self , and not God : thou dost neglect a comfortable Ordinance , thou sufferest one of thy Mothers Brests to be dried up for want of sucking ; in which , thou mightst otherwise finde abundance of comfort . You read in 2 Chron. 30.21 , 26. Gods people kept the Passover with great gladness ; there was such exceeding great joy in Jerusalem , that there had not been the like many years before , in those times when the Sacrament was neglected . And you know the Sacrament of the Passover , and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , are all one for substance . And so you read Act 2.46 . They continued in breaking of bread from house to house , with gladness of heart . Well then , dost thou want this gladness of heart , this Life of Consolation ? Consider , whether this be not the cause , thou hast not for a long time laid thy mouth to this Brest : No wonder then , if thou complainest for want of comfort .

I would not be mistaken : Caution . for I speak to none but true children ; as Christ says of his Bread , so I say of his Brest , It is not meet to take the childrens bread , and give it to whelps . For we must know , though this Brest be sweet , it is so onely to the believing Soul : The unbeliever sucks poison out of it ; he eats and drinks his own damnation . Therefore , saith the Apostle , Let a man examine himself , and so let him eat . And what must he examine ? Surely his faith above all the rest . 2 Cor. 13.5 . Examine your own selves , whether ye be in the faith . The Word and Sacraments are the two Brests , and Faith is the Mouth ; and so the just by Faith sucking at these two Brests , he lives the Life of Consolation .

And that 's the second Reason .

3 Reason , Because by Faith a Christian lives the Life of Justification , Why consolation comes by Faith . as we have heard at large ; and therefore by consequence , by the same Faith also , he lives the Life of Consolation . For , as sorrow is more properly the consequent of sin , than sufferings : ( For suppose suffering without sin , and they are more truly the occasions of joy , than sorrow ) So on the other side , comfort is more properly the consequence of Righteousness , than of all outward Blessings whatsoever : Rom. 5.1 , 2 , 3. Therefore being justified by faith , we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ , and we rejoyce in hope of the glory of God ; and not onely so , but we rejoyce in tribulations . And so tribulations cannot hinder the glorious rejoycing of a justified person .

The golden Chain & Order of Righteousness , Peace , and Joy in the holy Ghost . Therefore in that Golden Chain , Rom. 14.17 . The Kingdom of God is Righteousness , Peace , Joy in the Holy Ghost : Observe the order ; First , Righteousness , when a a person is justified through the Merits of Christ ; then Peace , when we understand God and we are friends : for what strikes terror but this , Oh! I have sinned , says the Soul , and God is mine enemy ? And what speaks peace but this , I am justified from my sins , and now God is my friend ? And then thirdly , comes in Joy in the holy Ghost ; for as nothing wounds the Soul , more than to look at God under the notion of an enemy , so nothing comforts the Soul more , than to look at God under the notion of a friend , and reconciled Father . Therefore as Peace is the fruit of Righteousness , so Joy is the fruit of Peace ; and then both Joy , Peace , and Righteousness , the fruit of Faith : Therefore a Christian lives by Faith the Life of Consolation . As you cannot separate the heat of the Sun from the light of it ; no more can you separate the comfort of Justification , from the life and assurance of it ; and the stronger the assurance , the stronger is the comfort .

4 Reason , Because by Faith a Christian lives the Life of Sanctification , Why Consolation comes by Faith . both in purifying the heart from sinful corruption , and in quickning of it to all holy duties , as we have already proved .

Now howsoever it is true , Caution . the forsaking of sin on the one hand , and the practising of holy duties on the other hand , doth not deserve the least comfort or incouragement from God ; and in this sense we do not ground our comfort upon our duties : Yet this we say , from good Warrant from the Scripture , God of his free grace doth usually make holy ways comfortable ways , and sinful ways uncomfortable ways , even to his own children . Hereupon David says on the other side , Psal. 38. There is no rest in my bones , by reason of my sin . And Solomon says on the other side , Pro. 3.17 . All her ways are ways of pleasantness , and all her paths are peace . Hear what S. Luke saith , Acts 9.31 . Walking in the fear of the Lord , they walked also in the comfort of the holy Ghost . God deals with his children , as we do with ours , though we intend not to disinherit them for every fault , yet we will discourage them by correction when they do ill , and incourage them by rewarding them when they do well . It is not all one in point of comfort , whether we sin or sin not . God is a wise , as well as a loving Father ; he will shew no countenance to his own children , if they regard iniquity in their heart , Psal. 66 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart , God will not hear my Prayer : But blessed are the pure in heart ; Why ? they shall see God , Mat. 5.8 . What of that ? why , here 's the comfort , here 's the happiness , here 's the very heaven of a Christian , to see God , 1 Joh 3 2. For , Vision of God , works Transformation into the Image of God , Satisfaction ; and Satisfaction , even abundance of Soul-ravishing Consolation . Now this Wisdom , Transformation , Satisfaction , and Consolation , God onely disposeth to the pure in heart . And yet I do not mean such as are pure in heart from all acts of sin , ( for we sin in our best duties ) but such as are pure from the approbation and allowance of any sin , from the regarding of any iniquity in their heart . If a justified person do not act his Faith to the purifying of his heart and life , ( In that sense we speak of ) God will certainly suspend his comfort for a time : The Sun of Righteousness will not shine upon a Dunghil heart but upon the Garden ; for the Spirit of God is grieved by the sins of his own people , or else that Exhortation were needless , Eph. 4.30 . And grieve not the holy Spirit of God , whereby ye are sealed unto the day of Redemption . And if we grieve the Spirit of God , be sure it will grieve our spirits ; it will make us glad to cry , Restore unto me the joy of thy Salvation , Psal 51.12 . And if we rejoyce the Spirit of Ged , it will rejoyce ours , Prov. 8.17 . I love them that love me , saith Wisdom ; so , I rejoyce them that rejoyce me : and what rejoyces Gods Spirit , but purity of heart and life ? Prov. 11.20 . The upright in the way are his delight . So God dispenses peace to such , Psal. 85.8 . It is God who will speak peace to his Saints , to his sanctified ones . 'T is true indeed , a man cannot be sanctified before he be justified ; and so soon as he is justified , he hath the ground-work of peace . But the Word doth strongly infer , That no man is justified , but he is also sanctified at the same time : And God is pleased to speak peace to none , but such as he is pleased to sanctifie at the same instant , when he first begins to speak peace unto them . Well , but what shall we say for after times ? May they then live as they list , when God hath once spoken peace to their Souls ? No , as ever they desire to keep it when they have it , as they love their peace , let them not again return to folly . As much as to say , If they be so foolish to turn again to their former sins , God will turn again to his former displeasure , of which he had spoken in the former verses : Not that God will hate them , or look at them as his enemies , but they shall know for all that , though God continues to be their Father , yet a Father knows how to frown upon his children , and how to come with a Rod in his hand , if they once wax wanton under the expression of his love and favour . Rev. 3.19 . As many as I love , I rebuke and chasten ; be zealous therefore , and repent . Well then , as ever thou desirest to live the Life of Consolation , be sure to live the Life of Sanctification : Though God do not dispense comfort for thy Sanctification , yet he will never dispense it without Sanctification . The water of Consolation must run in a clear channel . Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they shall see God to their comfort . Therefore , as Faith purifies the heart , Act. 15.9 . so it comforts the heart . And so the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation .

Quest. Yea , but how shall I know I am sanctified , that I may have the comfort of it ?

Ans. I answered to this , in that precedent Chapter , viz. Life of Faith in Sanctification . Vid. supra .

5 Reason , why the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation ; it is , Why Consolation comes by Faith . Because by Faith a man reflects upon his own Sanctity and Sincerity ; he proves it , and brings it to the touchstone , and when he knows it is right , he hath the comfort of it . For as Faith purifies the heart and conscience , so the conscience thus purified , doth the office of a faithful examined Witness and Judge ; who , upon examination , gives in this Judgement , Thou art sincere , saith Conscience to the believing Soul , thou art in the Faith ; Christ is thine , and therefore thou hast cause to rejoyce : 2 Cor. 1.12 . For our rejoycing is this , the testimony of our conscience , that in simplicity and godly sincerity , not with fleshly wisdom , but by the grace of God , we have had our conversation in the world , and more abundant to you-wards . ( Mark ) the ground of Paul's rejoycing was , the reflect act of Faith , in the testimony of his renewed conscience . And lest any man should say , This was a singular case , 't is possible Paul might have ground of rejoycing , upon the thorow examination of his own condition , but ordinarily Christians cannot have the like : Therefore the Apostle makes it a general case to all believers , either they do , or they ought to do so . Gal. 6.4 . But let every man prove his own work , and then shall he have rejoycing in himself , and not in another . ( Mark ) this is the duty of every man that desires comfort , of every man that is in the Faith . Wouldst thou have comfort ? Then make use of thy Faith to the proving of thy self , and the proving of thy work . It may be thou thinkst thy Joy and Consolation must evidence thy good estate ; but the Word saith , The evidence of thy good estate upon Proof and Trial , must bring sound comfort , if ever thou hast it upon good grounds . Thy comfort must not be thy evidence , Note . but thy evidence must be thy comfort . Now this is the proper act and evidence of Faith : And so by Faith the just lives the Life of Consolation . As for example , the Word saith , Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord ; Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness ; Even by this we know we are translated from death to life , if we love the brethren , 1 Joh. 3.4 . But saith the conscience renewed by Faith , I fear the Lord , &c. therefore I have cause to rejoyce .

Obj. Oh , but these Marks and Evidences may fail you .

Ans. Heaven and Earth shall pass , but not one tittle of the Word shall fall .

Obj. But you may think you have these , when you have them not .

Ans. Therefore they are first to be tried by the Rule , for their Principle and Existence .

Obj. If it be said , You may think you have the witness and comfort of the Spirit , when you have not : Is there not a joy of the stony ground , and of an hypocrite , as well as the joy of a true Christian ? And is there not a peace from Satan in the heart , as well as the peace of God ? Luk. 11.21 . When the strong man armed keepeth the palace , his goods are in peace .

Ans. Oh , but he that hath the true peace and joy in the holy Ghost , cannot be deceived ; so he that hath the true fear of God , and hunger , &c. cannot be deceived .

But of the two , Note . it is easier to be deceived in our Comforts , than in our Graces . Therefore the Scripture commands us to try our comforts by our graces , but never to try our graces by our comforts , as in the place before-alledged , Gal. 4.6 . And because ye are Sons , God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts , crying , Abba Father .

It is true , the first evidence of a Christians Justification in order of nature , is a pure simple act of Faith , laying hold on Gods free grace in a Promise indefinite , made not to righteous persons , but to sinners , ungodlly persons , and to enemies , and to such as are simply so : For God will strip a man of all conceits of his own Righteousness , before he clothe him with the Righteousness of Christ .

But then the second evidence of Justification in order of nature , ( though it be at the same instant in order of time , if we could perceive it ) is a heart renewed and sanctified , and in some measure indowed with a love of that God , who hath begotten us to a lively hope , 1 Pet. 1.3 . and with a love of our fellow-brethren , who are begotten of the same incorruptible seed , and born of the same womb ; 1 Ioh. 5 2. who hang upon the same Brests , and are heirs of the same inheritance with our selves . Now when we see these things in our selves by a reflect act of Faith , the testimony of a renewed Conscience ; this evidence must needs bring abundance of comfort to the Soul . This reflect act of Faith , it is like the Rainbow , which is nothing else but the reflection of the Sun in a watry Cloud ; which though it be no Cause why the earth shall no more be drowned with waters , yet it is made a sure Sign thereof by the Ordinance of God , Gen. 2.10 , 11 , 12. So we say of this reflect act of Faith , in the looking upon the work of Love , and other sanctified Graces in the Soul ; though they are no causes why the believing Soul shall be no more overflowed with the deluge of Gods wrath , yet they are a sure sign and token thereof by Gods appointment , as the Rainbow was . And indeed , the way of grace in Gods sanctified ones , is nothing else , but the reflection of the Sun of Righteousness in a watry cloudy Soul , warming and melting it into tears , because it can love Jesus Christ no more , or can get no more assurance of his love . Well , saith Christ to such a Soul , I will establish my Covenant with thee , and this shall be the sign of it , Isa. 54.9 , 10. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me , as sure as the Covenant made with Noah concerning the waters . For as I have sworn , that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth ; so have I sworn , that I would not be wroth with thee , nor rebuke thee : For the Mountains shall depart , and the Hills be moved , but my kindness shall not depart from thee , neither shall the Covenant of my peace be removed , saith the Lord , that hath mercy on thee . Therefore examine thy Grace .

Objections against trial of our comforts by our graces , rather than of our graces by our comforts . Obj. Oh , but he that hath but common graces , may go very far ; so that it is hard to discern the one from the other , if we try our selves by our Graces , and not by our Comforts .

Ans. As there are common Graces , so common Comforts ; such comforts as are common to Hypocrites , as well as true Believers . There is the joy of an Hypocrite , of the stony ground , of Herod , who heard John gladly .

Obj. How then can we discern the one from the other , the joy of Gods People , from the joy of an Hypocrite ?

Ans. Though an Hypocrite may rejoyce in some part of the word , as to hear of a Christ , of a Saviour , of Heaven , and Glory ; yet he cannot indure to hear of Affliction , and Self-denial . But a true Believer rejoyceth in every part of the Word , even in that which holds forth Christ as a King , a Commander , a Crucifier of the Body of Sin , as well as of his own Body for sin . Oh how glad is he , when the Word strikes at the Master-root of his corruption ! Oh , more of that , saith he ; let the righteous smite me again and again : Good is the word which the Lord hath spoken . But an Hypocrite is so far from rejoycing in such a Word , that he flies in the face of the Reprover , as Herod did , Note , that the same difficulty of trial , and proneness to mistake , is as incident to that preposterous way of judging our selves by our comforts , as by our graces . when John came once to touch him to the quick But that is the first answer ; viz. There are common comforts , as there are common graces ; Ergo , The trial of our selves by our graces , is as easie as by our comforts .

2. We answer , when we speak of the Touchstone of Trial , from which a Christian receives his comfort ; our meaning is this . That we receive it onely in such graces as accompany Salvation ; as , the true fear of God , the true desire after God , in hungring and thirsting after his Righteousness , and a true love to the People of God .

Obj. Oh , but there may be in an Hypocrite or Unregenerate man , all these ; A fear of God , a desire after God , a love to his People .

1. A fear of God , yea , such a fear , as to depart from evil : Jonah . 1.16 . Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly , and offered sacrifices to the Lord , and made vows : Gen. 26.6 . Abimelech was with-holden from Adultery , by the light of natural conscience .

2. A desire after God , and after grace , as the five foolish Virgins desired oyl , Mat. 25.8 .

3. A love to Gods People , with great respect ; such as was the respect of the Egyptians to the Israelites , that they would lend them not ordinary houshold-stuff onely , but that which was most dear and precious to them , Jewels of Silver and Gold ; and this was generally throughout all the Land of Egypt : And what favours did Pharaoh shew to Joseph ; Nebuchadnezzar to Daniel ; Ahasuerus to Esther and Mordecai ? Therefore these graces may be in unregenerate men .

Difference of regenerating grace from common . Ans. And though there may be a kinde of fear of God , and desire after God , and love to his People , which unregenerate men may have , yet not the true and saving fear of God , &c.

Q. But how shall we know the difference ?

Ans. Why , the Word doth clearly hold forth a difference :

1. In the fear of God . As for the first , An unregenerate man may have such a fear of God , as to endevour to depart from some evil , but not from all ; like the Samaritans , of whom it is said , after the Lord sent Lions amongst them , They feared the Lord , and yet feared their own gods too ; and therefore the Lord accounted it as no fear at all , 2 King . 17.33 , 34. But he that truly feareth God , makes conscience to depart from every evil way : Prov 8.13 . The fear of the Lord is to hate evil , if not in action , yet in affection and serious endevours .

2. In desire of grace . 2. An ungenerate man ; though he may have a kind of desires after grace , yet he desires not grace as it is grace : First , he desires not grace for the love of grace , but for the love of happiness . As the Virgins desired oyl when they were ready to die , not because they loved the oyl or the light , but because without that oyl and light , they could not go in with Christ , but must be shut out , to have their portion with the Devil and his Angels for ever . But the oyl of grace is truly lovely to a gracious heart : They have spiritual sense , to smell the sweet favour of the oyntment , Cant. 1.2 and they love the light , Joh 3.21 . He that doth truth , cometh to the light .

3. In love to Gods people . 3. Though an unregenerate man may love Gods People after a sort , yet not in a sanctified manner ; that is to say , neither all the People of God , nor all their graces , at all times .

First , Not all the People of God ; they hate some , as they seem to love others . They are guilty of sinful partiality , Jam. 2. having the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ in respect of persons . They seem to love the rich , and despise the poor .

Secondly , Not all their graces . They may admire their common gifts , as Pharaoh admired the wisdom of Joseph , and Nebuchadnezzar the wisdom of Daniel , but not their saving graces : Every one that doth evil , hateth the light , Joh. 3.20 . Even that light of good works .

Thirdly , Not at all times . God sometimes indeed over-rules their spirits strongly , as he over-ruled the spirits of Lions , to preserve Daniel ; and of the Ravens , to feed Elijah : but so soon as that over-ruling Providence is over , they are as they were before God , for a time , gave the Israelites favour in the eyes of the Egyptians ; but before and after , they were their utter enemies : but he that hath truth of grace , he loves ;

1. All the Saints , poor as well as rich : Phil. 1.15 . and love unto all the Saints .

2. All their graces , saving as well as common ; and more than common , because the Image of God is most in those .

3. At all times , because his love springs from an inward principle , from likeness of nature , and therefore it is unchangeable . Now this upon trial is ground of singular comfort ; and this trial is made by Faith . Therefore by Faith the Just lives the Life of Consolation , because by Faith a man reflects upon that Sanctity and Sincerity which God hath wrought in the believing Soul .

6 Reason , Because Faith makes a thing absent , Why Consola - flows in , by Faith . to be as it were present : For joy is properly the delight we take in some present good . God , who seemed before to be absent , is present : things promised , are present ; Heaven it self is present : He hath made us through faith to sit together in heavenly places , Eph. 2 6. As it is said of the destruction of enemies , Revel. 18.2 . Babylon is fallen . Now what a comfort is this , it is even Heaven opposed to earth ? What a comfort and content is it to a man , when he looks through a Prospective glass , and sees a friend coming towards him many Furlongs off : It may be he looked before in the glass , and either he saw him not at all , or else he doubted whether it was his friend or no ; but the glass draws him so near , that it puts all out of doubt , he sees the very colour of his clothes , of the hair of his face , and the proportion of his parts , so perfectly , as if he were present with him ; and therefore he smileth to himself , and salute him at a distance , Oh my dear friend , I am glad to see you . Faith is such a Prospective glass , that looking upon God , and Heaven , and things promised , at a great distance , even as far as Heaven is from Earth , yet it draws these good things so near , and makes them so present , so sure to the Soul , that it cannot but rejoyce with joy unspeakable , and full of glory ; as Abraham saw Christs day afar off , and rejoyced to see it ; and so the rest of the Patriarchs , Heb. 11.18 . though they received not the things promised , yet having seen them afar off , through the glass of Faith , they made them so near to their apprehensions , Heb. 11.13 . that they even fell upon the neck of the Promises , and saluted them , as dear friends salute and embrace one another at their meeting . And in this respect , Faith is said to be the substance of things hoped for , and the evidence of things not seen , Heb. 11.1 . It puts a man , as it were , into a possession of good things to come ; or at least it makes them as sure , as if they were present . What comfort is this ? We say , It is good to be sure : we do not onely rejoyce in the excellency of a thing promised , but in the certainty of it ; Yea , but is this true , saith the poor Soul ? Yea , saith Faith , thou maist be as sure of it ; as if thou hadst it already in possession ; for thou hast the Word of God , the Promise of God , the Oath of God , the Seal of God : And why so many ties and engagements one upon another ? but that by these immutable things , Heb. 6.18 . in which it is impossible for God to lie , we might have strong consolation , who have fled for refuge , to lay hold upon the hope set before us . Faith lays hold upon all these ingagements ; and so the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation .

Vses of the Consolation of the Faithful .

The first Use of Information ,

TO let us see what is the main cause of that sadness and sorrow of heart , Information of the cause of sadness . which the Prophet Jeremiah called , The curse of God , Lam. 3.65 . Not as if all were cursed that are sad and sorrowful ; for God knows how to fish in troubled waters : but to shew , That of it self it is the greatest of all evils ; for , the spirit of a man will sustain his infirmities , but a wounded Spirit who can bear ? Prov. 18.14 . Now let us inquire what is the cause of this wound , of this sadness and sorrow of heart : certainly , it is not the greatness of any outward troubles , it is not Imprisonment , for the Apostles were so merry , they fell a singing in the very Dungeon , Act. 16 25. It is not Reproach , for Job professeth , if his adversary should write a Book against him , he would take it , Job 31. and binde it as a Crown upon his head : And if a man rejoyce not in a Crown , what should be the object of his joy ? It is not Poverty : for it is said of the faithful , They suffered with joy the spoiling of their goods , Heb. 10.34 . It is not Persecution : for it is said , Act. 4. the Apostles rejoyced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name of the Lord Jesus . It is not simply Sin , Psal. 49.5 . Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil , when the iniquities of my heels compass me about ? It is not Dis-respect , and ill-will from men , Heb. 11.27 . By faith he forsook Egypt , not fearing the wrath of the King . Well then , if it be not any outward trouble , that is the cause of sadness and sorrow of heart , what is it then ? Surely you shall finde upon search , it is nothing else but Want of Faith , or at least want of acting of Faith in the Promises of God . Heb. 11.27 . He endured , as seeing him who is invisible . Had we but Faith as a grain of Mustard-seed , and had we skill to act it , we should say to Mountains of Sorrow that surrounded us , Be ye removed , and they should obey . For the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation in the midst of troubles ; and therefore in case thou art at any time oppressed with sorrows , ask thy Heart and Soul that question which David did , in the like case , Psal. 42.5 . twice in one Psalm , Why art thou cast down , O my Soul , and why art thou so disquieted within me ? and certainly the Soul would return answer , My distress of sadness springs from my Vnbelief . You may know the disease by the cure : In the very next words , O put thy trust in God , hope thou in God , for I shall yet praise him , who is the health of my countenance , and my God . All sorrow of heart springs principally from our Vnbelief , not from the greatness of other evils ; I mean , destructive sorrow , for godly sorrow is a friend to godly joy . It is not so much the weight of the burthen , as the soreness of the back , that troubles the poor Beast : So it is not so much the weight of outward evils , as the inward soreness of a galled Conscience ; not purified nor healed by faith , that vexeth and troubleth the poor Creature . Were all sound and well within , a believer might look upon the grimmest visage of outward troubles , and laugh in their face . Job 5.22 . It is a believer he speaks to , At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh ; neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the field . O the sweet Security that holy men do finde under the shield of Faith ! It is not onely a guard from outward evils , but it guards the Hearts and Minds of Gods People from the very fear of evils approaching , and from the sorrows of present evils . This is a Receipt from Christ , to keep the Heart in a cheerful frame : Carry this about with thee continually , and then shalt thou be never overwhelmed with sorrow . I dare not say , Thou shalt be free from trouble ; but this I dare say , Thou shalt never be overcome of trouble , so long as thou canst believe . Hear what the Apostle saith , 2 Cor. 4.8 . We are troubled on every side , yet not distressed ; we are perplexed , but not in despair ; persecuted , but not forsaken ; cast down , but not destroyed .

An unregenerate heart is a comfortless heart , Inform. 2. Unregenerate soul uncomortable soul . and so a faithless heart . Where there is no shield against sorrow , how can there be comfort ? Where there is nothing but deadness , where the Soul is without God , without Christ , without the Covenant of Promise , Eph. 2.12 . what ground can there be of Hope ? It is the presence of the Sun that makes day , and the absence of the Sun makes night : So the Presence of God maketh a day-light of Comfort , and his absence makes a night of Sorrow and darkness . Creature-comforts are but Star-light at the best ; yea , without God they are vanity , and vexation of Spirit : but when God is against a man , they take part with God against the possessors of them ; as Balaams Ass riseth up against her Master , when he riseth up against God . How can a wicked man have comfort in his Possessions , when God once possesses him with the serious thoughts of Death , of Hell , of Wrath ?

Therefore an unregenerate heart is a comfortless heart . Though Josephs brethren had their Sacks full of Corn , and their Bags full of Money , yet their hearts were full of fear : and why ? They doubted they had not the favour of the Lord of the Countrey ; and they knew they could not live without him ; they must to him again , when their Corn were spent , and they were afraid his displeasure would be their utter undoing So it is with a wicked man , though he abound in worldly comforts , although he have his Pastures full of flocks , his Barns full of corn , his Coffers full of silver and gold ; yet for all that if God be not reconciled in Christ , all these are but miserable Comforters , he may lie down in sorrow for all that , Isa. 50. last . Therefore an unregenerate heart is a comfortless heart , There is no peace , there is no joy to the wicked , saith my God . Who would rest in such a condition , where there is no rest to be found ? O who would lie down in such a bed of Snakes ?

Inform. 3. Religious life the only comfortable life . The onely truly comfortable life , is a religious life , a Life of Faith . Some seek it in Profits , some in Honour , and some in Pleasures of Sin ; but when all is done , it is no where to be found , but in God . Faith draws comfort from God , when sense can draw none from the Creature . There was a time , when Davids Mountain of Prosperity was removed , so that he could finde no comforts in his Wives , nor in his Children , nor in his Possessions , nor in any thing that was formerly comfortable to him , for the Amalekites had swept all away : yet even then he could comfort himself in the Lord his God , 1 Sam. 30.6 . When there is the greatest famine of Comforts upon earth , yet Gods People finde bread enough in their Fathers house ; and it is Faith that opens the Cupboard door : when unbelievers perish with hunger , Faith opens the Cupboard-door of their heavenly Father . The just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation : O then learn to take notice of the difference betwixt the godly and the ungodly , the believer and the unbeliever , in this respect . Hear what God says , Isa. 65.13 , 14. Therefore thus saith the Lord , Behold , my servants shall sing for joy of heart , but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart , and bowl for vexation of spirit . Wicked men indeed may have a counterfeit joy , as they have counterfeit grace : they may set a good face on it , when they have a full sorrowful heart ; Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful , and the end of that mirth is heaviness : Whereas true joy is the upright mans portion ; Psa. 32. last , Be glad in the Lord , and rejoyce , ye righteous , and shout for joy , all ye that are upright in heart : Gal. ●2 . But the fruit of the Spirit is in love , joy , and peace .

Obj. But wicked men are very merry and cheerful without any such check ; they are so merry , they are the very Musick of the company , as Job saith of himself , Job 17.6 . He hath made me also a by-word of the people , and aforetime I was a tabret . What he said as a Patient , ( for they played upon him , as men play upon Instruments ) they may say as Agents , We are the Musick of the company where we go .

Ans. I answer , They may be so , upon a gross mistake of their own condition ; as a godly man may be sorrowful upon mistake of his condition , because he knows not his own happiness : So a wicked man may be merry and cheerful , because he knows not his own condition . Belshazzar was in a miserable condition , before he saw the Hand-writing upon the wall ; but he was merry and jovial before , because he knew it not : but so soon as he saw that intimation of Gods displeasure , his guilty Conscience strook him , and he was all a-mort . So it is with all wicked men , though they rejoyce in sin at the first , though it be sweet in their mouths , yet at last it shall prove the gall of Asps in their belly , Job 20.12 , 13 , 14. Though wickedness be sweet in the mouth , though he hide it under his tongue , yet his meat in his bowels is turned into the gall of Asps within him .

Obj. Oh , but some may say , Faithful persons ( experience tells us ) they are sometimes very uncomfortable , what should be the reason of this , or how comes this to pass , that it is so with them ?

Ans. It springs from themselves , Satan , or from God . Rise of the S●s . heaviness .

From themselves .

1. Either from the Commission of some speciall Sin . 2. The inordinate Aggravation of sin committed in some special case , from Natural Constitution , or Spiritual C●●dition . 3. Ignorance of the right way to attain assurance of forgiveness of sin . 4. Not Acting their Faith , though they have the habit of it . 5. Their Forgetfulness of taking Christ on his own terms ; or that they have taken Christ upon such terms .

From themselves . First , from the committing of some special and notable sin . 1. Sorrow from the commissiō of some sin . God will not frown upon his Children for every weakness ; but if they commit some scandalous wickedness , he will not onely frown , but strike with the Rod also , and make them cry Peccavi , as it was with Peter and David , and many of Gods chosen . Such as will not be guided by the Light of the Sun of Righteousness , shall not be warmed with the heat of it for the present ; but God will put his Face under a Cloud , till they know how to injoy their Fathers smiles : Isa. 17.18 . For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wrath , and smote him ; I hid me , and was wroth , and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart .

Cause 2. Inordinate aggravation of sin . Secondly , it falls out from the inordinate aggravation of sin committed . It is the policy of Satan , before the Commission of sin , to lessen sin and magnifie mercy : but after the Commission , to magnifie sin , and lessen mercy : As Cain said , My sin is greater than can be forgiven . Yea , sometimes believers themselves are over-taken with this Temptation , Fain I would believe , saith a poor Soul , but I am so sinful , so unworthy , I cannot lay hold on the Promise , and so the comfort is suspended . But it were good for such to remember , the grace of God is free : Christ came not to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance ; yea , the greatest of sinners , such as Paul , Manasses , Mary Magdalen , &c. No matter what the disease be , if thou wilt come humbly to Christ , the Physician of Souls : And tell me , when did he ever turn away any diseased person without cure ? He hath one Medicine of sufficient vertue to cure all diseases , 1 Joh. 1.27 . The Blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin . Nothing but the Blood of Christ can cleanse from the least sin ; and the Blood of Christ can cleanse from the greatest : But this is the second stop-Cock to the waters of Comfort , immoderate aggravation of sin , and too much poring upon our own unworthiness .

The third is , Cause 3. Ignorance of forgiveness . Ignorance of the right way to attain assurance of forgiveness of sin , and of Gods favour ; conceiving the promises are onely made to such as do actually believe ; and thereupon they conclude against themselves , No Promise can belong to them , because they do not believe ; and upon that ground they should be kept from believing as long as they live . Note . For God doth not make a Promise to a man , because he believes ; but a man believes , because God makes a Promise : Because we may believe , Promises are laid as Foundations of Faith , and not Faith laid as Foundations of Promises . Now the Ignorance of this , strips the Soul of comfort for a long time : So the mistake of the Spirits witness , whilst men take it to be some vocal Testimony , and so wanting that , they fall into no small perplexity , not knowing , that the fruits of the Spirit are sufficient evidences , that we are led by the Spirit , and are not under the Law , Psal. 5 18.22 . But the mistake of this evidence , doth much eclipse our Comfort .

The fourth Impediment of Comfort , is , Cause 4. Want o● acting Faith . their not acting of Faith , though they have the habit : They forget the application of Gods faithful Word , or of his faithful Works according to his Word , to their present condition , and then they must needs want comfort .

1. In application of Gods faithful Word . 1. The Application of his Faithful Word , Heb. 12. The believing Jews were apt to faint in their minds , and to be weary in the time of trial ; why so ? ver. 5. They had forgotten the word of Exhortation , which speaks to them as unto children , Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord , nor faint when thou art rebuked of him . They had forgot the word of Exhortation , and the word of Promise , whereby God had ingaged himself to be as a Father to them in their greatest affliction , and therefore they wanted comfort .

2. In application of Gods faithful Works . They forgot the Application of his Faithful Works , according to his Word , Mat. 16.17 . The Disciples were very solicitous and careful about bread , it troubled them much , they had no more provision : and what was the reason of it ? They had forgotten the application of his Faithful Works according to his word ; v. 9. Do ye not understand , neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand , and how many baskets ye took up ? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand , &c. So that the wanting of acting of our Faith in the Word and Works of God , is the occasion of the the want of Comfort .

Cause 5. Overlooking the terms on which Christ is had . Fifthly , Their forgetfulness to take Christ on his own terms , with the Cross ; and therefore when the Cross comes unlooked for , they are troubled , they are troubled out of measure , and it may be they want inward comfort too : and why so ? because Christ will not speak peace to a Soul , till he makes it willing to take him upon Gospel-terms , and that is , with the Cross : Luk. 14.26 . If any man come to me , and hate not Father and Mother , and Wife and Children , and Brother and Sister , yea , and his own Life too , he cannot be my Disciple : and whosoever doth not bear his Cross , and come after me , he cannot be my Disciple . These are the Articles of Agreement betwixt Christ and the Soul ; these must be signed and observed , before we can have comfort ; and we must remember them , as we desire to retain our comfort : for in case we forget them , a little thing will offend us , and throw our comforts off the hooks . And thus sometimes the want of comfort in Gods People , springs from themselves .

At other times it springs from Satan , 2. From Satan . who because he is miserable himself , would fain make all others like himself : But because he cannot hinder the happiness of Gods people , therefore he will do what he can , to hinder their comfort in the mean-time ; and therefore so far as God will give him leave , he will be sure to toss them in the Fan of Temptation , and to throw at them many fiery darts of Opposition : he will be ready to inject into their minds many hideous thoughts of Atheism and Blasphemy , the venom whereof are ready to drink up their Spirits : and it is no marvel if they want comfort at such times . Sometimes he prevails to tempt them to sin , Cast thy self down . 1 Chron. 21.1 . And Satan stood up against Israel , and provoked David to number the people : Zech. 3.1 . And he shewed me Joshua the High-Priest , standing before the Angel of the Angel , and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him .

This springs from God , 3. From God . who is pleased to dispense himself in much wisdom and faithfulness , that one-while his Saints shall have comfort , and another-while it shall be eclipsed again : And why so ?

1. To shew , that he is the God of all our comforts ; therefore he doth sometime withdraw our comforts , to make us know we are not Free-holders , but Tenants at will : He turns his People out of their comforts , though he never wholly turns them out of their possessions of grace : He creates darkness as well as light in the Soul , that we may give him the glory of our light and comfort to all Eternity . Isa. 45.67 . I form the light , and create darkness ; I make peace , and create evil .

2. God doth this , Why God eclipseth his peoples comforts . to fit them and frame them for some special work and service : He humbles them , and proves them , Deu. 8.2 , 3 , 16 to do them good , and to do much good by them in the latter end . Amongst men , such as we train up for some special imployment , their Parents acquaint them with all conditions ; they are sent from School to the University ; from University to the Inns of Court ; from thence to travel into remote places of the World , and indure much hardship : So God , when he will mould a man for some notable imployment , he makes him travel through all conditions ; he must go through thick and thin , heighths and depths , and from thence he calls him out to his service .

3. God withdraws his comforts for the present , to prepare them for the more comforts afterwards . The darkness of the night , makes the light of the day more sweet and comfortable : So the sorrows of Gods People , do but prepare them for more fulness of constant joy . As contraries opposed , makes both to shine the brighter : And therefore it is said , Blessed are they that mourn , for they shall be comforted , Mat. 5.4 . And why shall godly mourners be comforted ? Note . Because sorrow , like the rest of those declining Passions , it is not made for it self , but for some higher use ; As hatred for love , and fear for confidence ; so sorrow is made for joy , it is subservient to that very end . God will have his People sorrow much at one time , that they may rejoyce the more at another . Those usually have most of heaven upon earth , that formerly have met with most of hell upon earth : Psa. 116.3 . The sorrows of death compassed me , the pains of hell got hold upon me , I found trouble and sorrow : ( As Jonas crying out of the belly of Hell ) But look upon him within two or three verses after , and you may see him in an Extasie , as if he were in heaven ; ver. 7. Return unto thy rest , O my Soul , the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee . And these are the causes in which , and these are the causes for which God doth sometimes with-hold comforts from his servants . Other ways , and at other times , the onely truly comfortable life , is a Religious life , the Life of Faith : And that 's the third Head of Information .

The fourth follows , to let us see what we should desire and endevour for our best friends ; yea , Inform. 4. What to desire for our best friends . for such as are a part of our selves , our Children . We all desire they may live long , according to the Promise of the fifth Commandment ; and that they may live a comfortable life , as well as a long life : And if so , then it should the chief desire and endevour of Parents , that their Children may inherit their Faith , as well as their outward Possessions . For the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation : Oh then labour to make them partakers of the second Birth ; Let the same minde be in you , that was in the Apostle , when he said , My little children , of whom I travail in birth , till Christ be formed in you . If Christ be once formed in them by Faith , they shall be sure to live comfortably themselves , and they will surely be the greatest comfort of their believing Parents . Prov. 23.24 , 25. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoyce ; and he that begetteth a wise childe , shall have joy of him . Thy father and thy mother shall be glad , and she that bare thee shall rejoyce . They shall indeed , if they be spiritual Parents as well as natural ; they shall have double and treble joy . The Apostle , that was but a spiritual Parent onely , yet mark how affectionately he writes to Timothy , 1 Tim. 1.2 , 3 , 4. To Timothy my dearly beloved Son , I thank God for thee , I greatly desire to see thee , that I may be filled with joy . As if onely a sight of Timothy would fill his heart full of joy : How much more then , when Parents are both natural and spiritual Parents both together ? It must needs be a strong stream , where two such Rivers meet together . Surely , the comforts of the Childrens Faith , will have a strong reflection back again upon their Parents . Look as the children of wicked Parents , that brought them up in Lying , and Swearing , and Stealing , shall rise up and call them Cursed , Cursed be the father or mother that lays a stumbling block before the poor childe : so the children of believing Parents , that have been instruments under God of their new birth , shall rise up and call them blessed , Prov. 31.28 . Her children rise up and call her blessed : And blessed be those Parents , might Timothy say , who instructed me in their Faith , and prayed me into that faith , wherein I greatly rejoyce , even into that faith which dwelt first in my grandmother Lois , and now through free grace dwells in me also . It is a sweet thing , when faith and free grace descends , where corruption had first descended : when Faith once acts , and by degrees draws out corruption , both Parents and Children have just cause to rejoyce . For the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation

Inform. 5. What happines in the end of the faithful . Information to inform us , If there be such happiness in the way , what happiness then is there at the end of the journey ? If there be such comfort in believing the thing , before it be injoyed , what is then in injoying of the things , which before were but believed ? If that saying be true of the Life of Faith in the state of grace , Eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , what god hath prepared for them that love him , how much more shall it be verified of the state of glory , when Faith shall be turned into Fruition , and Hope into present Possession ? When we shall have cause to say with the Queen of Sheba , The one half hath not been told us . No doubt that Queen was much affected to hear of the Wisdom of Solomon , she was much taken with it , or else would she never have taken so long a journey : But how much joy more was she affected with , and admiration , when she saw with her own eyes the glory of his house , and heard with her own ears the rare expressions of his unparallell'd wisdom ? Before she saw with other mens eyes , and heard with other mens ears , but now she heard with her own , and therefore she was affected with much more delight and wonder , insomuch as there was no more spirit left in her : which intimates the surpassing greatness of the joy and comfort she took in it For great affections let loose , do even drink up the spirit : she was fuller of affection than she could well hold . But in heaven , there shall be an inlargement of the vessel , as well as the liquor of heavenly joy ; and therefore how great shall that joy be ? If there be such joy in believing , and that weakly too ? What joy shall there be in a plenary comprehension ? If it revived the spirit of old Jacob to hear that Joseph was alive , and to receive his tokens at such a distance , Gen. 45.27 . how much more do you think was the good old man revived , when he came to see , and to imbrace his Son ? So , if it do revive the heart of a Christian so much , to understand by Faith , that Jesus Christ , who was dead , is alive , and behold he lives for evermore ; and is ascended to give gifts unto men : how much more shall their spirits be revived , when they come to be dissolved , and to be with Christ , which is far better ? Phil. 1.23 . If the Sealing of the Conveyance be so comfortable , what is the taking of the Possession ? and what the injoyment of all , to all eternity ? If the Espousals be so full of joy , what are the Nuptial Rites or Solemnities upon the Marriage day ? What Soul is there , thaa is truly betrothed to Jesus Christ by Faith and Love , that would not make the Conclusion of the Book of the Canticles , it s own importunate and summary Love-shout , Make haste my beloved , and be thou like to a Roe , or to a yong Hart upon the Mountains of spices .

The next general Use , is for just Reproof of such as look at the life of Religious persons , Reproof of mis-judging the life of the faithful . as the most sad melancholly life in the world ; yea , some are so deluded by Satan , as to think Religion is nothing but the fruit and effect of a melancholick disposition . And therefore by the way , Note . let Religious persons take heed , how they carry themselves , and how they walk towards them that are without , that they be neither so light and jocund in their carriage , as thereby to confirm carnal men in their unlawful liberties : Nor on the other side , so full of sadness and austerity , as to give them occasion to imagine there is no manner of joy in the ways of God . But the truth is , if there be comfort to be found in any way under heaven , certainly it is to be found in the way of Faith . Faith being so powerful a hand to keep off such things as are any ways uncomfortable , and to draw in also , all such things as are truly comfortable to the Soul . David was a religious man , and yet a comfortable man ; yes , therefore cheerful , because religious . The sweet singer was usually as comfortable as a Bird in May. Belshazzar was extremely sad in the midst of his Cups ; and therefore sad , because wicked : he looked as pale , when he saw the hand-writing upon the wall , as if there had been death in the last Cup he drank . It is true , wicked men may be outwardly merry , as Gods People may be sometimes sad : but look , as in a wicked mans joy there is always the seed of sorrow ; so in a godly mans sorrow , there is always the seed of joy . Therefore saith Christ to his Disciples , Luk. 6.21 . Blessed are ye that weep now , for ye shall laugh : but he threatens the contrary to such as be of a contrary spirit , ver. 25. Woe unto you that laugh now , for ye shall mourn and weep . He is a wise man , that will sorrow for a moment , that he may rejoyce for ever : But he is a mad man , that will purchase his joy at so dear a rate , as to rejoyce for a moment , although he pay for it in sorrow to all eternity . It is the wise mans judgement of the fools mirth , Eccles. 2.2 . I said of laughter , It is madness , and of mirth , What dost thou ? A wise man may give his judgement of a fools joy ; but a fool is no competent judge of a wise mans joy . Prov. 14.10 . A stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy . And therefore when a wicked man speaks evil of the ways of God , he speaks evil of the things he knows not . For the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation .

The second Use Reproves the Papists , Repr . 2. Papists rob of comfort , while they rob of faith . who rob people of their Comfort , whilst ( by their comfort ) they rob them of their Faith , or at least of any hope of full assurance of their faith : For that is certainly proportionable to the assurance of a Christian . Where there can be no assurance of the things promised , there can be no sound comfort : But the Doctrine of Papists is , There can be no such assurance , therefore no sound comfort . Their Doctrine therefore is an uncomfortable Doctrine . Note . Therefore they that have received the Mark of the Beast , have no rest day nor night , Revelat. 14.11 . They sting the Consciences of men like Scorpions , Revelat. 9.5 . They can never be quiet in their mindes , whilst they hang in suspense ; they know not whether they are in the way to Salvation or Damnation .

This serves to Reprove such as live not the Life of Consolation by Faith , but by Sense : Repr . 3. To such as fetch comfort from sense . They are all for sensual delights , such as warm themselves not at Gods fire , but their own ; They compass themselves with their own sparks , and therefore this they shall have at Gods hands when they go to their graves , they shall lie down in sorrow , Isai. 50. last . Such as these rejoyce either in the comforts of Sin , or in the comforts of the Creatures .

1. In the comforts of sin : When thou dost evil , then thou rejoycest , Jer. 11.15 . It is a dangerous thing to do evil , but it is the height of wickedness , to rejoyce in wickedness , Rom. 1. ult. They not onely do the same things , but take pleasure in them that do them . What superlative degree of wickedness is this , to make that the object of our joy , that should be the object of our greatest sorrow ? Psal. 119.136 . Rivers of tears run down mine eyes , because men keep not thy law .

2. They rejoyce in the comforts of the Creatures ; not that it is unlawful to rejoyce in the Creature , but it is then unlawful , when it draws the Creature further from God . When men so rejoyce in Corn , Psal. 4. and Wine , and Oil , &c. that the light of Gods countenance , and the consolations of God seems small , and of no account to them . In this case God will either return and take away these comforts from them , or else will give them no other portion in this life , which is worst of all .

Repr . 4. To such as refuse comfort upon the Promises . It Reproves such as refuse to be comforted by a Promise , unless they may have present performance . These live not by Faith the Life of Consolation , though they have Gods Hand and Seal , and Oath for it too : All is little to their esteem . Is it not a shame , that a covetous wretch can take so much comfort in his Bonds and Bills , though he have little or no Money in his Coffers , because he knows those Bonds and Bills will fetch in the Money it self in due time ; and yet a Believer , that hath so strong a Bond from the God of Truth , sealed with the Blood and Spirit of the Lord Jesus , should be so dejected , and onely because he wants the present possession of that which God hath reserved for a better time , and for which he hath given all sufficient Security in the mean time ? The strong Obligations of God , should bring in the Souls of Believers strong Consolation .

Repr . 5. To such as go for comfort to false Prophets . Such are to be Reproved who in stead of living by Faith , which is ever grounded on the word , comfort themselves in false Doctrine , and false Prophets : Ezek. 13.10 , 17 , 18. They have seduced my people , saying , Peace , and there was no peace ; ( as affirming , That God sees no sin , and that there needs no sorrow for sin ) like them 1 Cor. 15.32 . Let us eat and drink , for to morrow we shall die . Such smooth words , smother mens Souls in a feather-bed of security .

For Exhortation .

Exhortation . First , to live the Life of Spiritual Consolation , &c.

Secondly , To make much of Faith , because by the exercise of this grace , we live this Life .

1. 1. To live this life of Comfort . For Exhortation to live this life of Spiritual Consolation . One would think , one should need no perswasions to this : But the truth is , Some make as much of their sorrow , as some do of their joy ; They think they do well to be sorrowful , as Jonah thought he did well to be angry . But let such know , it is their duty to labour to live the Life of Consolation . Shall I give you some Motives to perswade to this ?

1. It is Gods Command : Son , be of good comfort , thy sins be forgiven thee . Mat. 9. ● . If a creature lives the Life of Justification , he is commanded to live the Life of Consolation .

Q. Why do we exercise the affection of love , or hope , or fear , & c ?

A. Because God commands us . By the same reason we should exercise the affection of spiritual joy , because of Gods command : Rejoyce in the Lord evermore ; and again I say , rejoyce , Phil. 4.4 .

2 Motive , is from the End and Vse of it . Spiritual joy is very useful , it is like oyl to the wheels in all duties ; it makes a Christian strong and active in the work of the Lord : Nehem. 8.10 . The joy of the Lord is our strength . Therefore the Apostle puts [ Rejoyce continually , 1 Thess. 5.16 , 17. before Pray continually .

The third Motive is drawn from the excellent Properties of this heavenly joy , above all natural , worldly , The joy of a believer excels all natural worldly sinful joy , in 10 properties . or sinful joy . It is more Solid and Substantial , more Rational , it is more Spiritual , it is Greater , it is Stronger , it lasts Longer , it is Pure , and it is sure , it is Fresher , and Wholesomer , and therefore more desireable in every respect .

It is more Solid and Substantial : A wicked mans joy is very overly vain and vanishing ; he sets a good face on it outwardly , when he hath a full sorrowful heart : Prov. 14.13 . Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful : But a godly man sets the worst side outward , when his outside is full of afflictions , and persecutions , and infirmities , his inside , his heart is full of joy . Carnal men are Quasi gaudentes , they carry themselves so , as if they were the merriest men in the world , and yet are truly sorrowful : But godly men are Quasi dolentes , As sorrowful , yet alway rejoycing , 2 Cor. 6.10 .

2. A rational joy . A godly mans joy is more Rational . A carnal man , as he is unreasonable in his rage and persecution , 2 Thess 3.2 . so he is unreasonable in his joy : The mirth of such men ( as Solomon speaks in his Book of Ecclesiastes ) is no better than madness . Is not he a mad-man , that rejoyceth to see his own house on fire , and after that , to throw fire-brands up and down the Town ? So it is with every sinner : Prov. 26.18 , 19. As a man-man who casteth fire-brands , and arrows , and death , so is the man that sins against his neighbor , and saith , Am not I in sport ? It 's a most irrational and absurd joy . But a godly man's joy is a most rational joy , his Affection is ruled by his Reason ; and his Reason is sanctified , and therefore regulated by Grace : God commands him to rejoyce , bids him w●lcome to all comforts , Temporal , Spiritual , and Eternal , and therefore he hath good reason to rejoyce . His joy is Rational .

3. A spiritual joy It is most Spiritual . The joy of Carnal men must needs be carnal and sensual like themselves ; they can a little rejoyce in corn , Psal. 6 , 7. and wine , and oyl , in Creature-comforts that affect the senses : But a godly man rejoyceth in the light of Gods countenance , in the want of all other things , which must needs be a more excellent joy , as the object is most excellent . Spiritual joy is the joy of Angels , there 's joy among the Angels in heaven , over one sinner that repenteth , Luke 15.10 ) But sensual joy is common with us to the very Beasts ; they delight in meat , drink , and sensual pleasures .

4. A great joy . It 's a Greater joy . A Carnal man , if he hath any joy at all , it is very small , it 's like the joy of a man , that dreams he is Rich , and Honourable , and Victorious , when indeed he is poor , and base , and servile : which joy , as it is a false , so 't is a slender joy , in comparison of his , who is truly rich , honourable and victorious . God threatens the enemies of his Church , Isa. 29.8 . that it shall be with them , as with an hungry man , who dreams he is eating , but when he awaketh , his soul is empty ; or as when a thirsty man dreameth , and behold he drinketh , but when he awaketh , he is faint , and his appetite is not satisfied : So is the joy of all Carnal men , it s a faint and unsatisfactory joy . But the joy of Gods people is full , and satisfying ; and therefore , though it cannot be set out to the full by any outward resemblance , yet 't is compared to those things , in which men use most of all to rejoyce , as to the joy of harvest , Isa. 9.3 . To the joy of a marriage feast , Rev. 19. To the joy of a new discovered treasure , Mat. 13.44 . So 't is a great joy , Behold ( say the Angels ) we bring you tidings of great joy , Luk. 2.10 .

It a stronger joy , i.e. stronger in regard of its effects . 5. A strong joy . The joy of Carnal men is but weak , because it 's not able to hold out in a storm . The terrors of God can easily drown the greatest of worldly comforts ( as we see in Belshazzar , Dan. 5. ) But the terrors of the world cannot drown the comforts of God ; as we see in the noble Army of Martyrs , singing in the Prison , triumphing at the Stake : So that we may say of True Joy , as Solomon says of True Love , It 's strong as death , the coals thereof are as coals of fire , which hath a most vehement flame ; many waters cannot quench it , neither can the floods drown it , Cant. 8.6 , 7. This joy of Gods people is therefore called strong Coonsolation , Heb. 6.17 . And indeed , the word ordinarily used , intimates as much , Consolatio , quasi Consolidatio ; q. d. a making one strong and solid , against all opposite evils ; which onely the comforts of God can do : And therefore they should not seem small to us , Job 15.11 . For the comforts of God are his peoples strength , Job 16.5 .

It 's a more Durable joy ; as it 's stronger , 6. A durable joy . so it lasts longer : The joy of Carnal men is like Jonah's gourd , it 's born and dies again within the compass of a day or two : The joy of an hypocrite is but for a moment , Job 20.5 . it 's but for a flash , like the crackling of thorns under a pot , though it makes a great noise , it 's soon gone . But of all flashes , it 's most like a flash of Lightning , it continues but a while , and it sends after it a Thunder-clap of Judgment , and extreme Misery . — But the joy of Gods people , springing from an Immortal seed , abides for ever , it continues with them all their life long ; nay , it out-lives life , and is a comfort in death : They that have it , shall never lose it . Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads , Isa. 35.10 .

7. A pure joy . It 's a Purer joy . The joy of Carnal men is like a Pit of Puddle-water ; They dig unto themselves broken Cisterns , Jer. 2.13 . Their comforts are not lasting , nor cleer , but puddle-water , full of many sinful admixtures of gross and unmortified corruptions , which make them like a pot of honey , full of stings . — But the joys of Gods people are pure , they drink out of the fountain , Psa. 36.8 . There is no mud in the bottom , no after-stings of a defiled and accusing Conscience : they are sweet , serene , and pure joys .

8. A sure joy . It 's a Surer joy . A Carnal man hath his joy upon very uncertain Tenure : He is not sure of it before-hand , and when he hath it , he is not sure he shall hold it , it depends upon many If 's and And 's : If I have my health , if such a business succeeds well , if such a friend be as good as his word , I shall then rejoyce , saith a Curnal man , therefore his joy rises and falls , as outward Providences do ebbe and flow : whereas he that lives by Faith upon a word of God , hath sure comfort ; so long as the word holds , his joy holds . If for the present he have it not , he is sure of it afterwards ; as sure , as that Harvest follows Seed-time . They that sow in tears , shall reap in joy , Psal. 126.6 . And when he hath it , he is sure to hold it ( though there may be some intermissions of the lively feeling of it ) Your heart shall rejoyce , and your joy shall no man take from you , saith our Saviour to his Discples , John 16.22 .

It 's a Fresher joy . 9. A fresh joy . All other joys have but their Honey-Moons ; and though they do not presently sowre , yet they grow flat and dull within a while : if they die not altogether , yet ever and anon they come to the fall of the leaf . But the joys of Gods people are as fresh and flourishing at the last , as at the first : His leaf also shall not wither , Psal. 1. The Bed of Jesus Christ is always green , Cant. 1.16 . The Poets fancy of a Continual Spring in the Golden Age of the World , is here a Reality . The joys of Gods people are ever springing and budding forth new comforts .

It 's a more Wholesome and Safe joy . 10. A safe joy . The joy of Carnal men , 't is a destructive joy : Destructive to Spiritual good . How hardly is that man reclaimed , who makes sin the object of his joy ? And 't is destructive even to Natural good There 's danger in excesses of joy , as well as sorrow : And what the Apostle saith of worldly sorrow , may be said of worldly joy , It worketh death . How many men have lost their Wits , nay their Lives in excessive joys ? Such heights of joy have set the door of the heart so wide open , that the Spirits have run out of a sudden , and returned no more . This is sometime a fruit of Carnal joy . But Spiritual joy is safe and wholesome , wholesome for the Soul : It 's a good means to concoct our knowledge , To love the Truth , and rejoyce in what we know ; while otherwise , the sweetest Truths will lie raw and indigested upon the stomach of the Soul . And , it 's wholesome for the Body : A cheerful spirit expels superfluities , helps concoction , quickens the understanding , cheers the countenance , and in a word , Prov. 17.22 . A merry heart doth good like a Medicine .

And now , who would not be perswaded to savour these Spiritual Comforts , and to live in them , which have such excellent properties , that worldly joyes are not worthy to be named the same day with them ; they are not meeet to be put into the scales with these , which are so Solid , so Rational , so Pure , &c. as ye have heard .

Qu. But you will say , What Means may we use to possesse more of this Joy , ( of which I have given you but a little tast ? ) And yet as little as it is , methinks every soul that hath heard me , should cry out with the woman of Samaria , Joh. 4. Lord , evermore give me of this water , that I thirst not , neither go to the worlds pits to draw any more comfort thence .

Means of joy . Ans. I answer , Therefore learn the Composition of this best Cordial , better then ever the World could make ; t is not of my making , but of Gods prescribing : T is Laetificans-Christi .

Faith . 1. Then , Labour for Faith , and the increase of it . It 's the very Doctrine now in hand ; The just man lives by Faith the life of Consolation . Let us keep our Faith then , and it will keep our Joy ; Let us increase our Faith , and it will increase our Joy : For Faith as it is the Mother , so it s the Nurse also of Joy ; as it breeds it and brings it forth , so it feeds and maintains it till it comes to a perfect age in Christ , so that as the Just goes on from Faith to Faith , so he goes from Joy to Joy , till he comes into heaven it self . As his Faith grows stronger , so his Joy is sweeter : All fruits the nearer to maturity , the sweeter they are ; and so is the fruit of Faith in Spiritual Joy , it s sweeter in the ear then in the blade . Exercise Faith therefore every Day as thou desirest abiding , and increasing Comforts . Wouldst thou have the warmth of Spiritual joy abiding in thy heart ? and that holy fire never to go out ? Actings of faith for the increasing spiritual joy . Be sure then to blow up the Gift of Faith by daily Exercise .

Qu. But how shall I make use of my Faith , to the best Increase of my Joy .

1. On the right object . Ans. 1. Remeber what was said in the Reasons , Be sure to lay hold on the right Object of Consolation , God himself , and the Ordinances of God , with joy draw water out of the wells of salvation , Isa. 12.3 . Live the Life of Justification , and Sanctification , and thou shalt not fail to live the Life of Consolation : whereas otherwise there can be comfort , no more than fruit upon a Tree without a Root .

2. Act thy Faith in Prayer . Pray , 2. In Prayer . that your joy may be full , Joh. 16 24. If joy be not worth asking , 't is worth nothing . No wonder , some have so little comfort , they pray so little : Ye have not , because ye ask not , Jam. 4.2 . Thou hast ( it may be ) praid for Grace , not for Comfort . Learn now of David , Psal. 51.8 . Make me to hear joy and gladness , that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce : as if David had said , Lord , I have had thy Messenger the Prophet Nathan speaking peace to me ( for that 's the Title of the Psalm ) and saying , The Lord hath put away thy sin , thou shalt not die : But Oh let me hear thy Spirit say so too , or else my heart cannot rejoyce . As I have heard therefore a comfortable message from thy Minister , let me hear the same also from thy Spirit : Make thou me to hear joy and gladness . If all the Ministers in the world should preach peace to a penitent Soul ( as they have cause ) though it be in a safe , yet it cannot be in a comfortable condition , till God by his Spirit speak peace also .

Q. To what purpose then should we attend upon the Ministery of the Word ?

A. Because though the Ministery cannot do it without the Spirit , yet the Spirit delights to work in the Ministery of the Word , or soon after . When the Spouse in the Canticles , wanting comfort , inquired of the Watchmen , it was but a little while , ere she found him whom her soul loved , Cant. 3.3 , 4.

Q. But why doth not the Soul finde comfort in every Ordinance , at all times ?

A. There may be many causes : Among the rest , this may be one , Lest we should ascribe so much to the Ordinance , or to the Instrument dispensing it , as to neglect looking up by Prayer to the God of the Ordinance : whereas , when we experience the best Ordinance sometimes empty , and the best Instrument ( without the Spirit ) a miserable comforter , This will quicken us to look above both to God himself , saying , We will use both , but we will lift up our soul to God alone : Rejoyce the soul of thy servant , for unto thee , O Lord , do I lift up my soul , Psal. 86.4 . and elsewhere , Psal. 35.3 . Say unto my soul , I am thy salvation . That 's the second Means to act faith for Comfort in Prayer , — Pray , that your joy may be full , Joh. 16.24 .

3. In crucifying worldly joy . 3. Act Faith in the Crucifying of worldly and Carnal joys , if you would profess Spiritual and Heavenly . For the first of these do exceedingly quench the latter , as water doth fire : so that ( as in the strife of fire and water ) if heavenly joys get not the Mastery , Worldly will . 'T is true , God makes a feast of joy , a feast of fat things to his people , Isa. 25.6 . But remember what the Apostle saith , 1 Cor. 10.21 . Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table , and the Table of Devils . Now the delights of sin , are the several dishes with which the Devils table is furnished ; and he that is filled with these , hath no stomach to the consolations of God , nay he abhors them . Prov. 27.7 . The full stomach loaths the honey-comb : He loaths the honey-comb of the Word and Ways of God ; And what 's the reason ? He was never yet weaned from the Worlds Brest . David indeed could say of Gods Word , Oh! it's sweeter than the honey , and the honey-comb , Psal. 19.10 . And why so ? Surely , because the same David could say of all worldly delights , Surely I have behaved my self as a childe that is weaned of his mother , my soul is even as a weaned childe , Psal. 131.2 . Wean thy Soul therefore from worldly delights , and thou shalt be the bettter prepared to delight in the Lord , who is both willing and able to give thee thy hearts desire . And that 's the third Means .

4. 4. 1 Sam. 7.2 . In spiritual mourning . Act your Faith ( in case you are in a mournful frame ) to mourn after the Lord : For certainly , as worldly joy ever ends in sorrow , so godly sorrow ever ends in joy : Mat. 5.4 . Blessed are they that mourn , for they shall be comforted . God can no more withhold his sweetest comforts from those that mourn after his presence , as their chiefest good , than the tender Mother can withhold the Brest from the crying childe . Oh! every cry goes to her heart , and she cannot be quiet her self , till she quiet the childe . Isa. 49.14 , 15. When Sion sits in the dust ( like a poor childe lamenting the parents absence ) saying , My God hath forsaken me , my God hath forgotten me : What is Gods answer ? Can a woman forget her sucking childe , that she should not have compassion on the fruit of her womb ? yet will not I forget thee : Behold , I have graven thee on the Palms of my hands — As if God should say , So long as thou mournest after me , I may as soon forget my self as thee , for I have graven thee on the palms of my hands . If thou desirest comfort then , mourn after the Lord , not after corn , and wine , and oil ; not after the harvest of the Lord , but the Lord of the harvest ; and then doubtless such as thus sow in tears , shall reap in joy .

5. 5. In raising spiritual affections . Act Faith in digesting and bringing down Heavenly Notions into Holy Affections , and Righteous Actions , then you will finde them sweet in the taste and swallow . It 's not the looking upon Divine Truths by a meer notional act of the Understanding , but the chewing and digesting them by Faith and Love , that makes them truly comfortable . [ Thy words were found , and I did eat them — And thy word was unto me the joy and rejoycing of my heart , Jer. 15.16 . ] Most persons look upon Divine Truths , as people in a Market do on Commodities ; they pass by them , or taste a little , and cheapen them : they onely have the true comfort of them , who buy and eat , and are satisfied . And such are they , who digest their knowledge into practice , to such it 's the joy and rejoycing of their heart . Joh. 13.17 . If ye know these things , happy are ye if ye do them . Knowledge to a wicked man , is as the morning light to a Thief ; Job 24.17 . it 's as terrible as the shadow of death . But to a godly man , it 's like the morning light to an honest Traveller or Watchman ; it 's most desired beforehand , and its most welcome when it comes . And therefore the saving knowledge of God is compared to such a light : Psal. 130.3 . [ My soul waiteth for the Lord , more than the watch for the morning ; I say , more than they that watch for the morning ] . Act Faith therefore to the digesting of knowledge into love , and the practice of it . Study Affections , more than Expressions or Notions .

6. In true prizing heavenly joy . 6. Act Faith to the true prizing of heavenly joy . Such as truly prize the joy of the Spirit , shall have plenty of it . Now it 's onely Faith sets a true estimate upon the joy of Gods people , Heb. 11.25 , 26. The Spirit of God is a Tender and delicate Guest , it loves to make its abode , and stay longest , where 't is most freely welcome . But if we check , damp , resist , quench , and grieve that Spirit , how can we hope , that it should rejoyce our spirits . But prize it , make it heartily welcome , and thou shalt have more of its sweet company and communion . The truth is , we should prize one comfort from the Spirit , more than all the world ; and then , we should finde more than a world of Comforts in that single Comforter , who is therefore called The Comforter , by way of eminency . Thou maist have comfort indeed in a Friend , a Brother , a Childe , a Yoke-fellow : but what are all these to the comforts of the Spirit ? The Spirit is able to comfort without these ; but these are not able to comfort without the Spirit . Prize the comforts of the Spirit , and be thankful for them , and more shall be given . The Primitive Saints prized the comforts of the Spirits so high , that they would rather chuse to endure any Tortures from men , than part with those comforts from God , They were stoned , Heb. 11.37 . were sawn asunder , &c. Therefore God made them to rejoyce the more , even with Joy unspeakable , and full of glory — which is not the ordinary lot of all Christians , but of suffering Christians . They were filled with Heaven , when they seemed to sense to be in Hell , as if Hell and Heaven were met together in the same persons : An Hell of Torments from Satan and his Instruments ; an Heaven of Joys from God , even glorious joys , as if the God of this World , and the God of the World to come , did strive , whether Torments or Comforts should get the Victory in the Saints : But in conclusion , Comforts triumph over Torments , Love and Joy is stronger than Death : while they die , they overcome , and are more than Conquerors through Christ that hath loved them . [ They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb , and by the word of their Testimony , and they loved not their lives unto death ] Rev. 12.11 . Prize the joys of God in life , and thou shalt finde such joy as will drown the sorrows of Death . That 's the fifth Means .

7. Act Faith to make right use of our Joy , 7. In right using joy , when had . Isa. 2.11 . Luk. 8.15 . when we have it . Take heed of too much sail , and too little ballast , lest you overturn all — Rejoyce with reverence — And bring forth the fruit of joy with patience , lest unfruitful joy be nipt in the bud , or turned into sorrow . God comforts not his servants for nothing , Neb. 8.10 . but that the Joy of the Lord may strengthen them , and encourage them to service ; and that they may comfort others , 2 Cor. 1.4 . with the same comfort wherewith they have been comforted of God . And if we use it not to these ends , we may soon suffer an eclipse in our comforts . Why does God cause the Sun to shine upon the Moon , but that the Moon may bestow that borrowed light on this Inferiour World ? Why does the Sun of Righteousness shine with beams of comfort upon any Souls , but that they may communicate the same comforts to others . Are ye then who were once darkness , made light in the Lord ? Eph. 5.8 . walk as children of light , lest God eclipse your comforts , Amos 8.9 . and make your Sun to set at noon . So long as the Cock runs , the Fountain freely empties it self into the pipes . We are but the Conduit-pipes of Comfort , God is the Fountain . The more we empty our selves into others ( comforting others ) the more will God empty himself into us , comforting us — The liberal person shall have plenty , and he that scattereth shall have rain , Prov. 11.25 . 'T is true of spiritual , as well as corporal Alms , both are comfortable . And he that comforts others , shall have the more himself . And that 's the seventh and last Means of acting of Faith , so as to live the Life of Consolation .

Thus the just man lives by Faith in regard of Spiritual Life .

Now thirdlly , He lives by Faith in regard of Eternal Life . Hab. 2.5 , 6. The Chaldean lays hold upon this present world , ver. 5 , 6. He is all for the body , and sins against his Soul , ver. 10. Hab. 2.10 . But Gods people lay hold on that knowledge which shall fill them with glory , ver. 14. Even the knowledge of the Righteousness of God to Life Eternal : For so the Apostle applies this Text to that very degree of Faith , Rom. 1.16 , 17.

Not that there is any need of Faith in Heaven , or the Means of Faith ; for these shall cease , 1 Cor. 13.8 . But because in this life , by Faith , we lay hold on Eternal Life , 1 Tim. 6.12 . we have the seal and assurance of it : A carnal man says , Seeing is Believing : but a spiritual man saith , Believing is Seeing , Heb. 11.1 .

The work of faith about eternal life . Now Faith grounded on the Word of God assures us of Three things about eternal life .

1. That there is an eternal life of the Saints after this is ended .

2. What the Happiness of this life is , and wherein it consists .

3. It assures a Believer of his peculiar interest in this life .

1. Then , Faith assures a Believer , That there is an eternal life . Three degrees of it . That there is an eternal life .

There are divers degrees of this Life . The first degree is here below in this world , Joh. 5.24 . Eternal life is begun here .

2. The second degree of it , is , in the end of this life , when the body of a Saint rests in the Bed of the Grave , and the soul is with God in Paradise , Luk. 23.43 .

3. The third degree of it , is , After the day of general Judgement , when body and soul being reunited , the whole person shall be wholly glorified to all eternity , 2 Thess. 1.10 .

Now that there is such a life , Faith makes good .

1. By plain Testimonies of Scripture .

2. By necessary Consequence , and deduction from Scripture .

1. By evident Testimony of Scripture . Scripture .

In the Old Testament , Psal. 16.11 . At thy right hand are pleasures for evermore . Dan. 12.2 . Many of them that sleep shall awake , some to Everlasting life .

In the New Testament . Mat. 25. ult. And the righteous into life eternal . Joh. 3.16 . That whoever believeth should not perish , but have [ Everlasting life . ]

2. By necessary Consequence from the Scriptures .

As ,

1. From the act and End of mans Creation and Redemption . Man was made after Gods Image ( Gen. 1.26 , 27. ) And renewed after it , Eph. 4.24 . that he might have perpetual Communion with God , 1 Joh. 1.3 . As God therefore lives for ever , so shall those who are redeemed by Christ , live ever too , Joh. 14.19 .

2. From the Kingdom and Headship of Christ , which are both eternal — Of his Kingdom there shall be no end , Luk. 1.33 . If Christ be a King for ever , he must have Subjects throughout that Eternity . If Christ be an Head for ever , his Members must needs live for ever ; otherwise , Christ must be a King without Subjects , an Head without Members : both which are Vnreasonable , and Dishonorable to Christ .

3. From Christs Prayer , That all his may be with him for ever , to behold his glory , Joh. 17.24 . Now the Father hears the Son alway , Joh. 11.42 .

4. From the Nature of the Soul : It 's immortal , Mat. 10.28 . yea , it hath in it sparks and desires of Immortality , ( Now Natura nihil dedit frustra ) which have appeared , not onely in the life , but at the death of Saints , in which , God hath been pleased to give his people a sight of Heaven , and glorious apprehensions of the life to come . Steven sees the heavens opened , Act. 7.56 , 59. To which may be added , the Devils design to gather Souls in Reversion ; as in the stories of Witches .

5. Ab absurdo . If there were no life after this , Christians would be of all men most miserable , 1 Cor. 15.19 . — Here wicked men many times fare best , and Gods people are chastened every morning , and have sorest Temptations on their Death-beds : So that it would be exceedingly derogatory from the Wisdom , Holiness , and Justice of God , if there were not another life , wherein every man shall rejoyce according to his ways , Luk. 16.25 . 2 Thess. 1.6.7 .

Thus Faith gathers Arguments from the Word , That there is an eternal Life .

2. What the happiness of eternal life is . 2. Faith informs a believer much of the Happiness of this life , and wherein it consists in the main . For however it be true , that none of the Saints departed which are gone to heaven , ( as Enoch , Elias , &c. ) have Commission to come down and tell us what the joys of heaven are , yet we have Moses and the Prophets , Luk. 17. ult. Nay , though there were a man once caught up into heaven , and let down again to the earth , yet it was not lawful for him to utter what he had heard and seen , 2 Cor. 12. yet ( for all that ) Faith looks into heaven per transennam , through the lattice , Cant. 2.9 . and findes so much comfort therein , that from thence it makes a strong Collection , That certainly the Happiness of the Creature , must needs consist in the perfect Vision of God , which is to be had in heaven , Vision of God fourfold . and not before : for there 's a fourfold Vision of God .

1. Natural , in things created : For the invisible things of God are cleerly seen from the Creation , &c. Rom. 1.20 .

2. Specular , or Symbolical ; In the Word , and in the Signs of Gods love , we see God . — For these were appointed to be lively remembrances and representations of Christ to the Soul . Gal. 3.1 .

3. There 's the Vision of Faith , which looking through the Word and Sacraments ( as through a Perspective-glass ) draws God neerer to the Soul .

4. But fourthly , There 's the Vision of Glory in the World to come . Here we see God darkly , as in a glass , 2 Cor. 3. but there face to face .

Now Faith doth further assure us , Perfect Vision of God causes perfect transformation . That this perfect Vision of God shall perfectly transform us into the likeness of God , so far as Creatures can be like God . For Faith argues thus ; If the Specular Vision of God , works some measure of this gracious Transformation , ( as it 's said 2 Cor. 3. ult. ) How much more shall the Perfect Vision of God in glory , work a perfect change of a believer into the likeness of God . And so indeed saith the Apostle , — We shall be like him , [ For ] we shall see him as he is , 1 Joh. 3.2 . And this was Davids comfort in his saddest hours , When I awake ( that is , out of the bed of the grave ) I shall be satisfied with thy likeness , Psal. 17. last . Perfect Vision of God shall work perfect Transformation , and this perfect Transformation shall work perfect Satisfaction .

Q. But wherein doth this perfect Transformation consist ?

A. Doubtless , in the Perfection of all graces : So Faith assures , that

1. Perfect knowledge . There shall be a Perfection of the Knowledge of God . Here the best Scholar , that learns most from Books , Sermons , Conference , Observation , or from the Spirit it self , yet knows but in part : But when that which is perfect is come , then shall that which is imperfect be done away , 1 Cor. 13.12 . Then shall nothing be hid from us , which we can desire to know . Now we know God in the knowledge of other things ; Then we shall know other things in the knowledge of God , and therefore we shall know one another , Mat. 17.4 .

Here we know things either by Sense , or by Reason and Argumentation , or by Faith ; In Heaven , there will be no need of these , there the clearness of the object shall put All past all dispute . Here , things seen or known , are far distant , the Medium dim , the Organ weak : But then , God shall be present , and open-faced ( as it were ) and the eye of the Soul shall be fortified to behold the King in his glory . Isa. 33.17 . Eccl. 11.7 . Solomon tells us , that the light is sweet , and a pleasant thing it is to behold the Sun . And yet as pleasant as it is , sometime the eye is offended by looking on the Sun Could the eye look stedfastly and strongly on the Sun without offence to it , what a glorious sight would it be ? In Heaven , the Saints shall behold the Sun of Righteousness , in the highest firmament , and the eye of their Soul shall be strengthned to behold his glory to eternity . That 's the first Perfection of knowledge .

2. Perfect love . Faith assures , That in Heaven there shall be a Perfection of Love , both to God and one another . Indeed this follows from the former ; Perfect knowledge of God begets Perfect Love : The Saints then shall love God beyond all measure , who is infinitely lovely .

Here , it 's the grief of a gracious heart , that it can love God no more , there it shall be the joy of a glorious Soul that it shall love God above all , yea , above it self , and both it self and all other things in God . And in this respect , the Apostle gives Love the preheminence , 1 Cor. 13. above Faith and Hope , that when Faith shall be turned into Vision , and Hope into Comprehension , yet Love abideth , or endures to eternity .

Faith assures , That in Heaven , 3. Perfect obedience . Obedience to the will of God shall be perfect : and this follows likewise from the former . Perfect Obedience springs from perfect Love : If ye love me , keep my Commandments , Joh. 14.15 . The Saints knowing God perfectly , shall perfectly love him ; and , perfectly loving God , shall perfectly keep his Commandments : Rev. 22.3 . His servants shall serve him ; ver. 4. — And they shall see his face . Here , we see onely the back parts of God ; In Heaven , we shall see him perfectly , and serve him perfectly .

Faith assures , 4. Perfect joy . That in Heaven there shall be perfect Peace and Joy . The Kingdom of Heaven is righteousness , [ peace and joy ] Rom. 14.17 . When our righteousness is perfect , then is our Peace too . Here , indeed , imputed Righteousness is perfect ; but imparted inherent Righteousness is not to be perfected till the life to come , and then shall be perfect peace , — Peace with God , with our fellow-Citizens , with our own Consciences : And perfect joy too ; — At thy right hand is fulness of joy , Psal. 16. ult. — A full joy , and so a full reward , 2 Joh. v. 8.

There is a double fulness Of the Object . Of the Subject .

Faith assures the Saints of both :

First , There shall be a fulness of the Subject . Fourfold fulness of the subject in glory . Every part of Soul and Body shall be filled .

1. The Vnderstanding shall be full of light , that every question shall then be put out of question .

2. The Will so full of subjection to the Will of God , that there shall be no reluctancy .

3. The Affections so full of harmony , there shall be no jarring .

4. The Body so full of glory , that it shall be made like to the glorious body of Christ , Phil. 3. ult.

Fulness of the Object . Secondly , there shall be a fulness of the Object . The Saints in glory shall have whatever may make them happy , whatever they can desire . Joh. 14.8 . They shall see God , and so see the Father , as that it shall suffice them : They shall have Rest , 2 Thess. 1.8 . And that which hath rest , hath obtained its perfection to the full .

In a word , 1. We shall be freed from whatever may annoy us . 2. We shall enjoy whatever we can desire .

Fivefold freedom in heaven We shall be freed , &c.

1. From all the labours of this life . Here , we are born to labour , Job 5.7 . as the sparks to fly upwards : There is rest .

2. From the Necessities of Nature . There is no need of Meat , 1 Cor. 15.28 . Drink , Physick , Clothing , Lodging . God shall be all in all .

3. From the filth and power of Sin . Here the best cry out , Oh wretched , &c. Rom. 7.24 . There we shall never sin more .

4. From the company of sinners . Here is complaining , Woe is me , that I am constrained to dwell in Meshech , Ps. 120.5 . There shall be a perfect separation without any mixture , Wheat with Wheat , and Tares with Tares , like to like , to all eternity .

5. From all sorrows and pains , Rev. 21.4 . The life of the best here is an April-day , it hath some gleams of comfort , but many showers : In Heaven shall be constant Sun-shine for evermore .

Secondly , We shall be possess'd of whatever good can be desired . There we shall enjoy the sweet society of God , Christ , Angels , Saints , and with all these an eternal Sabbath .

And thus Faith ( like Moses on the top of Mount Pisgah ) discovers the promised Land afar off ; or ( like the Spies ) gathers up some Clusters of Canaan , and brings them to a Believer here in the Wilderness .

Thirdly , 3. Faith assures , That eternal life is the Believers . Faith assures a believer of his peculiar interest in this Life Eternal . And indeed , this is the very life of this life , to know our right to this Tree of Life in Jesus Christ . For as 't is nothing so comfortable to a man that beholds another mans Temporal Inheritance adorned with Woods , Orchards , Gardens , Rivers , and goodly Buildings , as to be able to say with good warrant , All these are mine , I have good Evidence to shew for them : So is it nothing so comfortable , to be able to discourse of the happiness of Heaven , as by the certainty of Faith to say , By the grace of God , all this is mine , I have good Evidence to shew for it . Indeed otherwise , it 's a punishment , nay it 's a part of Hell , ( it 's poena damni ) to know that there is such a Glory in Heaven , while himself hath neither lot nor part in it . This is like Balaam's sight of Heaven , or Dives his beholding Lazarus in the bosom of Abraham , while there was a great gulf between them : This ( I say ) is part of the Torment of Hell . But this is the Life of a Christians knowledge concerning Life Eternal , when he can upon good grounds say , This is mine ; The lines are fallen [ unto me ] in a pleasant place ; yea , I have a goodly heritage , [ therefore ] my heart is glad , my glory rejoyceth , my flesh also shall rest in hope , Psal. 16.6 , — 9. — I know that [ my ] Redeemer liveth , &c. For [ we ] know , &c. 2 Cor. 4.1 .

Now how is a Christian assured of this his interest in Eternal Life , but by Faith ? For , Eternal Life is the End or Ultimate Object of Faith : — Receiving the end of your faith , even the salvation of your Souls , 1 Pet. 1.9 .

There are indeed many witnesses of it , Three in Heaven , and three in Earth , 1 Joh. 5.7 , 8 , &c. And this witness of Faith is one of the Three on Earth : The Spirit , and Water , and Blood ; The Spirit witnesseth to our Spirits , Rom 8.16 . By Water , is meant the Benefit of our Sanctification ; By Blood , our Justification by Faith in Christ , or Expiation by the Blood of Christ applied by Faith ; ( and it may here be observed , That though Blood alone saves a Christian , yet it doth not alone witness his salvation : Sanctification goes not into the matter of Salvation as a cause , yet it goes into the matter of witness ) But according to the former Exposition , Faith laying hold on the Blood of Christ , witnesseth to a Christian his salvation . So it 's explained further , 1 Joh. 5. ver. 10. He that believ●th on the Son of God , hath the [ Witness ] in himself . The Witness ; of what ? Of Eternal life , ver. 10 , 11. This is the record that God hath given to us , [ Eternal life ] and this life is in his Son : He that hath the Son hath life , and be that hath not the Son hath not life . And what is it to Have or Receive the Son ? But to believe on him , Joh. 1.12 . To as many as [ received ] him , &c. — Even to as many as [ believe ] in his Name . To Receive Christ , and to Believe in his Name , are both one . And those who believe on Christ , are Sons ; [ He gave them power to become the Sons of God ] and so Heirs of Eternal life through Christ . So that Faith assures a Believer of his interest in life Eternal

How Faith works assurance of heaven . Q. How doth Faith assure a Believer of his particular interest in life Eternal ?

Ans. 1. By laying hold on the Promise of the faithful and unchangeable God ; 1. From the Promise . In hope of eternal life , which God [ that cannot lie ] hath promised , Tit. 1.2 . — So , Joh. 10.18 . And I give to them Eternal life . Aye ! may a Christian say , If I were one of Christs sheep , I might be assured ! The 26 ver answers , Ye believe not , because ye are not of my sheep — . Such as believe then , are sheep , and to them Christ gives Eternal life .

2. By arguing from the effect to the cause . 2. From the effects . Faith is an infallible effect of Gods ordaining a person to life Eternal . Acts 13.48 . As many as were ordained to Eternal life , believed — But I believe , ( saith a gracious Soul ) therefore I know I am ordained to life .

Obj. But it 's impossible for a man to know that he believes ?

Ans. Not so : for then

1. The Apostle would not have said , I know whom I have believed , &c. 2 Tim. 1.12 .

2. The Apostle would not exhort men to try whether they were in the faith , 2 Cor. 13.5 .

3. By arguing from the first-fruits to the Harvest , 3. From the earnest . from the beginning to the perfection , from the seal and earnest to the full possession .

1. Faith assures Gods people , That they have the first-fruits of heaven upon earth : Rom 8.23 . We our selves , which have the first-fruits of the Spirit , wait for the Adoption . By the first-fruits , Deut. 26.1 . the whole crop was sanctified and assured ; Believers then , having the first-fruits by Christ , Faith tells them , That they shall have the harvest . Dost thou remember , what admirable joy thou hast found in Prayer , Hearing , Conference , in a Promise , at a Sacrament , so that thy heart did burn ? That was a glimpse of Heaven , and an assurance of it .

2. Faith assures a believer , That he hath the beginnings of life Eternal , Joh. 5.24 . and Joh. 6 , 54. He that eats the flesh , and drinks the blood of Christ , hath Eternal life : This eating and drinking , is believing . Now , this beginning doth assure a Christian by Faith of Perfection , 1 Cor. 1.8 , 9. Deut. 32.4 . His work is perfect . Phil. 1.6 . Being confident of this , that he that hath begun a good work in you , will perform it until the day of Christ .

Obj. May not God repent , and change his minde ?

Ans. No : The gifts and callings of God are without repentance , Rom. 11.29 .

3. Faith assures a Believer , That having the Seal and Earnest , 2 Cor. 1.22 . Eph. 1.13 . he shall have the full possession , Ephes. 1.13 , 14.

And Faith assures this upon a double ground :

1. Because the beginnings of saving grace , are special Love-tokens ; and the love of God is unchangeable , Jer. 31.3 .

2. God is able and willing to make good what he hath thus sealed : Faithful is he that hath called you , who also will do it , 1 Thess. 5.24 .

Obj. This were indeed good assurance , if I had saving grace : but how shall I know that ?

Ans. We may know whether Grace be saving :

1. By the Root of it , JESVS CHRIST , Gal. 2.20 .

2. By the Extent of it , ( the New man . )

3. By its Manner of working ; True grace works love to all that is good , because pleasing to God ; and batred of all evil , because displeasing to God , Psal. 119.6 .

4. From Sonship . 4. Faith assures a Believer of his interest in Life , by an argument drawn from the Filiation of all Believers : They who have the first-fruits , Seal , and Earnest of Heaven ( as before ) are made the children of God , Rom. 8.24 . And what of that ? If children , then heirs , v. Right of Sonship , proves the Right of Inheritance . By nature we are not the children of God , but of Wrath , Eph 2.3 . But Believers are the children of God by Adoption , v 15.16 . Adoption ( as it 's used in the Civil Law ) is the free and voluntary act of a man , Adoption in the Civil Law , how taken . whereby he doth chuse any one that was a stranger before , to stand up in the place of a Son .

Used in a threefold case . This Adoption was wont to be 1. In case of Barenness . 2. Of Death of Children . 3. Of Degeneration , and Wickedness of Children .

And in this last case , we being all degenerate by the fall of our first Parents , and so fallen from God , God chuseth some of his free grace to be his children in Christ , Jer. 3.19 .

Obj. But God chuseth as bad as those that are fallen from him , yea the very same .

Ans. It 's most true : But yet he leaves them not in the same condition he found them in : Double act of free grace in Adoption . for there 's a double Act of Gods free grace in Adoption .

1. The one is Acceptation in Christ , whereby he is pleased to call those his Chosen People , which were not his Chosen ; and those Beloved , which were not beloved .

2. And the other is Regeneration , whereby they are born of God ; and so not onely called Children , but made the Children of God , partakers of the Divine Nature , 2 Pet. 1.4 .

And herein lies the great difference between Gods adopting a Childe , and Man's . Difference twixt divine and humane Adoption . One man adopting another mans childe , may accept him for his own , give him the priviledge of a Son in his Inheritance , and so in all Outward respects ; but when all this is done , he cannot give him the priviledges of a natural Son in Inward respects ; that is , he cannot communicate his own Qualities and Nature to him . But God addes both in Adoption , God gives the inheritance & the nature of children . he both gives the Inheritance of Children , and the Nature of Children ; he fits them for their Inheritance , as he fits the Inheritance for them . Thanks be to God , who hath made us [ meet ] to be partakers of the Inheritance , &c. Col. 1.12 .

The Argument therefore is strong , If Sons , then Heirs . There is no power in Heaven that will hinder it , none in Earth or Hell that can hinder it .

Other Heirs may spend all , Difference twixt heavenly & earthly heirs may be cheated of their Inheritance , may have it violently wrested from them , as Naboth ( Ahab was sick for his Vineyard , before he had it , and as sick of it , when he had it ) Or if none of these happen , yet a Father may conceive displeasure against a Son , and disinherit him : Or there may be so many Sons , that all cannot inherit ( as in Abrahams Family ) But none of these can befal a Childe of God , in respect of his heavenly Inheritance .

1. Through Gods free grace , he cannot spend it : He is kept by the power of God unto salvation , 1 Pet. 1.

2. The Devil shall never cheat him of it , as he did our first Parents of the first Paradise : The gates of Hell shall not prevail .

3. It can never be taken from them by force : As they are reserved for that , so that is reserved for them in the heavens .

4. Their Father will never take up such a displeasure , as to disinherit them . Gods Covenant is as the Waters of Noah ; for , As I have sworn , ( saith the Lord ) that the waters of Noah should be no more on the earth , so I have sworn , that I will be wroth with thee no more , nor rebuke thee , Isa. 54.9 .

5. And God hath blessings enough for all his children , Gen. 27.38 . He hath more than One.

Thus , the more we look into the Scriptures , still the Argument appears stronger and stronger ; If Sons , then Heirs .

Quest. But how shall we know that we are Sons ?

Rom. 8.14 , 15 , 16 , &c. Explained . Ans. First , the Apostle resolves it , ver. 14. ( of Rom. 8. ) If ye be led by the Spirit , then are ye sons . The Spirits Manuduction , or leading , is an Argument of our Manumission , or freedom from under the power of our first Master , Sin and Satan . It 's a Metaphor taken from blinde or weak persons , who are glad when one leads them , and supports them in their way . Thus , Gal. 5.18 . If ye be led by the Spirit , ye are not under the Law : and Rom. 6.16 .

Secondly , in the 8 of the Rom. ver. 15. Rom. 8.15 . But ye have received the Spirit of Adoption , &c. Spirit of Adoption implies two things . Which implies two things .

1. The Sons of God have the Nature of children in them . As children naturally run to their Parents , not to Strangers , so do Gods children . If you have a Lamb in your arms , and seeing a company of Ewes about you , would know , which is its Dam , set it down , and you will soon know : Nature will teach it to run to its Dam. Dost thou desire to know , whether thou art Gods childe , or no ? Observe the Bent of thy Spirit , To whom dost thou run on all occasions ? especially in thy wants ? Wicked men run to the World , consult with Flesh and Blood , ( it may be ) go to the Devil . A childe of God runs to his Father .

2. The Sons of God have the Spirit of Prayer : Behold , he prays , Act. 9.11 . which is further intimated , Rom 8. ver. 26 , 27.

Others may have the Gift of Prayer , but the Sons of God have the Spirit of Prayer . He that hath onely the Gift of Prayer ( it may be ) says much , but prays nothing ; such as have the Spirit of Prayer ( possibly ) say nothing , but pray much ; as Hannah , 1 Sam. 1.

Thirdly , in the 16 ver. The Spirit it self , &c. Rom. 8.16 . The Spirit witnesseth our Sonship , by a more immediate work upon our Spirit . The Apostle had spoken of the Fruit of the Spirit ( before ) in the 15 ver. Now he speaks of the Testimony of the Spirit it self ; which is an inward , Testimony of the Spirit it self , what ? secret , and unspeakable Work of the Spirit , perswading a Believer of Gods special love to him in Christ ; Even of his love shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost , Rom. 5.5 .

Obj. But I feel not this Witness , though I feel the fruits of the Spirit .

Ans. The Lord will give it at one time or other : Wait for it , knowing , Note . that God reserves the choicest comforts for the fittest time . When Daniel was in the Lions Den , the Three Children in the furnace , Paul and Silas in the stocks , then had they most of this Witness and Comfort . And so , doubtless , when thou art plunged into distress , when persecuted by enemies , or forsaken by friends , when sickness doth arrest , and Death draw near , and so hast most need of these comforts , then thou shalt have them : God , who hath an appointed time wherein to come , will come , and will not tarry .

Now if by these , or any of these , we are assured that we are Sons ; then we may conclude our selves Heirs too . Thus Faith assures by arguing from our Sonship .

5. From the Chain of salvation . 5. Faith argues from the Order and Inseperate Method of that Golden Chain , Rom. 8.29 , 30. [ Whom he did foreknow , he also did predestinate , &c. and whom he did predestinate , them he also called ; and whom he called , them he also justified ; and whom he justified , them he also glorified ] But saith a Believer , I am effectually called and justified , therefore I shall be glorified : All the men in the world , or Devils in hell , cannot break or pull asunder the Chain which God hath thus coupled together .

6. From Christs being in Heaven . 6. Faith argues from the present Possession of Heaven by our Elder Brother , Joh. 14.1 , 2. The elder Brother sometimes takes Possession of the whole Estate , in the right of all the Family , 1. As our elder Brother . though the rest do not come to possess their part a long while after . And this Act is an Assurance to them all , as if they had their Estate present . Thus is a Believer ascertained by Christs possessing heaven : So that , as we are said to be Risen again with Christ , Col. 3.1 . So may we be said to be ( in a manner ) Ascended with Christ ; [ He hath raised us up , and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ ] Eph. 2.6 . The Apostle speaks , as if Believers were in heaven already , because Christ hath taken Possession of heaven in their behalf ; and thereby offers strong assurance , That they also shall possess it in due time .

Hence also is Christ called our Fore-runner , Heb. 6. last , 2. As our Fore-runner . In the 19 ver. All true Christians are compared to Sea-faring men , and Christ comes first to Haven , to take possession for all the rest .

So that , the World is as a Sea ; An elegant Allegory . The Church as a Ship ( out of which there 's no safety ) Christ is the Pilot ; All true Believers are Passengers , that have a common Adventure ; The Land it 's bound for , is the Kingdome of Heaven ; the Card or Compass , is the Word of God ; the Wind that drives it along , is the Spirit of God . For the Materials : The Bottom and Ballast of this Ship , is made of Humility ; the Top , of open Simplicity ; the Sides , of Patience ; the Sails and Banner , of Love ; the Cords , of Charity ; the Rudder , of Faith ; and the Anchor , of Hope . This Anchor is described , Heb. 6. ver. 19. to be sure , and stedfast , such an Anchor as will hold , till the storm be over , and till we come at Heaven .

Q. But how does he prove that ?

Ans , By two Arguments :

1. Because this Anchor is entred within the veil ; that is , Comfortable inferences from Christs being our forerunner . into Heaven ; ( alluding to the Holy of Holies ) therefore it hath sure Anchor-hold .

2. Because ver. 20. The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the fore-runner is for us entred ; that is , Jesus Christ , the great Master-Pilot .

Where these Particulars may be noted :

1. Christ was once in the Ship of the Militant Church , tost upon the waves of Temptation , as much , nay more than any other , yet without sin .

2. Christ is now gone ashore ; that is , to Heaven , where the Ship of the Church desires to land .

3. Christ went ashore for us , as much as for himself ; upon our business , as much as his own . — A Forerunner [ for us ] is entred :

And that in two Respects .

1. Christ assures our landing . 1. To assure our Landing : Christs landing is an evidence of ours ; He is , where our Anchor is ; and so , holds all fast by the hand of his Power .

2. He facilitates it . 2. To facilitate our landing : Christs landing makes ours the more easie . Christ went to heaven , as to prepare a place for us , ( Joh. 14.2 ) so a passage for us . Christ opens the door of heaven , Acts 7.56 . He draws the ship to the shore . As when he ascended the Cross , he drew all his to believe in him ; so being ascended into heaven , he draws all believers after him .

And this Ascension of Christ , is a certain assurance of ours ; He possessing heaven , assures , That we shall possess it in due time .

Q. But why do Believers possess life no sooner ? Why do they live by Faith so many years together ? Why does not God give them full possession of it in this life ? It 's an Inheritance reserved , 1 Pet. 1.4 . 2 Tim. 4.8 . Col. 1.5 . Why is it thus ?

Why believers are without possession so long . Ans. A Believer lives without present possession of life Eternal in his own person ; Not for want of Power , Love , Care in God , but out of abundance of love and fatherly care the Lord thus orders it .

1. To binde his Children to their good behaviour , that they may know and acknowledge their beholdingness to God all their days . It 's a wise expression of a Parents love , to do their children good in such a manner , and by such degrees , that they may still remain sensible of their dependance and wants . They give them not so much at first , but they will have something left to give them at another time . Fond Parents dote so much on their children , that they sometimes put them into too early possession of all , which makes them forget their Parents , and slight them , as if they could do well enough without them .

Now the Lord knows how apt we are to abuse priviledges , and to be dis-ingenuous to God . Popery is natural to every man : if he hath a little more grace , or doth a little more good than others , he is ready to think of Merit presently , as if he could live without God , or as if God were beholding to him : And therefore God gives his people imperfect parcels , and first-fruits onely , to cherish their dependance on him .

From the present condition of Believers : They are in this life , like children or heirs under age . The greatest heirs have their Estate in Reversion ; if they had it in full possession , it might do them more hurt than good . Christians are not capable of their whole possession ; as Christ saith , Joh. 16.12 . I have many things to say unto you , but ye cannot bear them now : so God hath much glory to communicate to his children , but they cannot bear it now . Therefore God drops it into them here , ( as we do water into narrow-mouth'd vessels ) as they are able to receive , and not as he is able to give . God keeps them in their Wardship , and puts them not into full possession , till they come to full age , to a perfect man in Christ : The heir , as long as he is a childe , differeth not from a servant , Gal. 4.1 . It 's spoken , to shew the difference between Law and Gospel , but may be applied to the difference between Earth and Heaven .

To put a difference between Earth and Heaven . Had believers as much happiness here as there , there would be no difference ; and so no desires would be at work after heaven . Christians would not be willing to leave this world , and go through the narrow passage of Death , unless it were to obtain a better life . Therefore God will put a difference in the degrees of their happiness , that there might be difference in their affections , that their affections may be raised as much above the world , as heaven is above the earth ; that their hearts may be where their treasure is ; that whilst worldly men minde onely earthly things , the conversation and City-trade of Gods people may be in heaven , Phil. 3.20 .

God so orders it , to Exercise the Graces of his People .

Especially ,

1. Faith . Though they have little in hand , they will trust God for the more . God will try what credit he hath with his servants . The Devil objects , Gods People will serve him no longer than they have their pay in hand , Job 1. But God makes it appear , they are willing to wait for the Reward , and will therefore trust God , Job 13.15 . & 19.25 .

2. To Exercise Patience . Gods Word is called , The Word of his Patience , Rev. 3.10 . because it requires submission to the Cross for the present , and reserves the Crown till the Race be done : Therefore , saith the Apostle , ye have need of patience , that after ye have done the will of God , ye may inherit the Promises , Heb. 10.36 . So Rom. 8.23 , 24 , 25.

3. To Exercise Humility , and Self-denial , in as much as that we are not fit to be trusted . In our Creation , God gave us our Pay beforehand : But what follow'd ? We soon grew proud , and disdainful , and so fool'd away that precious Inheritance , to satisfie a wanton Eye , and an intemperate Appetite . Therefore God , to keep us humble , keeps our estate in his own hand : He will not trust us with it any more , till we come to that place , where there shall be no Devil to Tempt , or Flesh to Betray us .

That Heaven may be Heaven indeed ; That glory may become exceeding glorious . Prov. 13.12 . Prov. 13.12 . [ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick ; but when the desire cometh , it 's a tree of life . ] If we had our Heaven at first , without any preceding Exercise , it would be nothing so sweet and precious to us . But then Canaan is Canaan indeed , when People have gone through a Red-sea , and an howling Wilderness . Contraries opposed , shine the brighter : The God of all grace [ after ye have suffered awhile ] comfort , stablish , settle , and strengthen you , 1 Pet. 5.10 . Perfection is most welcome , after a state of imperfection ; strength , after a state of weakness ; establishment , after a state of shaking ; and glory in heaven , after a state of baseness and suffering in this world . A Mole upon the face , sets forth the beauty of the face : So the blackish Mole of the Saints infirmities and sufferings on earth , sets forth the beauty of the Church , and the glorious Holiness and Happiness of Heaven . And this is one Reason why they are afflicted here , before they are made happy hereafter .

Therefore the Just lives by Faith in regard of Eternal Life .

Vse 1. Of Confutation .

1. Confutation of those that deny Eternal Life . There are a number of such in the world . Confutation of those that deny Eternal life . As the knowledge of the chief Good , is much obscured by the Fall of Adam : so is the desire of it also weakned ; and so much the more , as men are taken captives by Sin and Satan . That men may sin with the more liberty , Satan perswades them there is no Eternal Death ; and if no Eternal Death , then they must believe withall , that there is no Eternal Life ; and if he can but perswade them , that there is no Reward or Punishment after this life , he knows he may win them to sin with more freedom . When Elisha had blinded the eyes of the Aramites , he might lead them to Samaria in stead of D●than : so when the Prince of Darkness hath so blinded the eyes of men that they cannot see , at least not see afar off , not see so far , as to an Eternity after this life , he may easily tempt them to commit all iniquity with greediness , and to run into all excess of riot . He that saith , There is no Eternal Life , doth in effect say , There is no God : for God saith , that there is an Eternal Life ; and he that denies the Truth of God , denies God himself . Now when once the fool is perswaded to say in his heart , There is no God : What follows ? Corrupt are they , and become abominable ; there is none that doth good , no not one , Psal. 14.1 .

Therefore the Devil tempts some to deny the Eternal Life of the Soul :

And some that hold this , yet deny it to the Body .

Either of both these Opinions , are very Dangerous and Destructive , and open a gap to all licentiousness . If there be no Resurrection , ( saith the Apostle ) let us eat and drink , for to morrow we shall die . Yea , but ( saith Paul ) certainly there is a Resurrection of the Body , therefore let 's take heed we be not deceived by such evil words , which do necessarily corrupt good manners .

Now what hath been said in the Doctrinal part , may confute both these Rotten Opinions ; Rotten in their Root , and Rotten in their Fruit also .

1. Of the Body . 1. Therefore , it confutes such as hold there is no Eternal Life of the Body : For if we deny the Article of the Resurrection of the Body , how can we believe the next Article of Life Everlasting , ( especially in respect of the whole man ? ) But the Scripture is as clear in this , as if the truth of it were written with the Sun-beams , Isa. 26.19 . [ Thy dead men shall live ; as my dead body shall they arise : Awake and sing , ye that dwell in the dust , for thy dew is as the dew of herbs , and the earth shall cast forth her dead ] Which words are propounded by the Prophet , as a strong consolation against the strength and violence of the Churches affliction : for in the former verse , the Church is brought in as a painful travelling Woman , that is in hope of a joyful deliverance : but when all comes to all , she travels with the wind , or brings forth a dead childe . Thus may the Church complain , Not many of her Members are dead , but all : Some die in the Prison , some upon the Rack , &c. Well , admit all this , saith Jesus Christ , yet they are not out of my reach ; I can deliver them not onely from the greatest Dangers in this life , but from the very power of the Grave . [ Thy dead men shall live ; as my dead body shall they arise ] As if Christ should have said , As sure as I raise my own body , I 'll raise theirs ; yea , I look at theirs , as my own : I do not look at my self , or my Mystical Body as perfect , so long as any particular Members do lie in the Grave : Therefore as [ my ] dead body shall they arise . If they shall say , How can this be , seeing they are withered and dead ? Christ answers [ My Almighty Power shall fall upon them , and revive them , as the dew from Heaven , falling upon the withered and dead grass , doth revive and quicken it afresh again . ] And that is added in the latter part of the verse , For thy dew , &c. So that here you have a strong Argument , both from the Scriptures and the Power of God , to prove the Resurrection .

What 's the Reason that either the Old or New Sadduces deny the Resurrection , but for want of Faith in one of these two ? Ye erre , not knowing the Scriptures , or the Power of God , Mat. 22.29 . For thus doth Faith reason ; Why may not that great God , who made all things of nothing , make this something being once corrupted , that which it was before ? He that with a Word of his Mouth gave a Being to all Creatures , and with the Breath of his Nostrils can bring them to nought again , what shall be impossible for this great God to effect ? Shall not He that made the glorious Heavens , bedecked and bespangled with such an innumerable company of Glorious Bodies ; that made this Mass of the Earth that we tread upon , hanging like a Ball in the midst of the Air , and yet so fast , that it cannot be moved at any time ; that commands the Waters , and they will not drown ; the Fire , and it will not burn ; That shuts up the mouth of Lions , that they may not hurt his Servants ; and opens the mouth of Ravens , that they may feed them . I say , Why may not this great God , that can thus miraculously invert and turn upside-down the whole course of Nature , why may not he Turn man to destruction ; and yet say , Return again , O ye children of men ? Psal. 90.3 . This therefore confutes such as hold there is no Eternal Life of the Body .

2. Of the Soul . 2. It confutes such as hold , That there is no Eternal Life of the Soul , or at least doubt of it ; as that Wicked Pope , Paul III. at the time of his death , said , He should now be resolved of three Questions , Note . that he had doubted of all his life : 1. Whether the Soul were Immortal ? 2. Whether there were a Hell , or no ? 3. Whether there were a God , or no ?

Indeed , he was like to be resolved to his Cost . But it 's better to be resolved beforehand , that we may prepare for the eternal good of our Souls .

Some think , The Soul dies with the Body , and is raised again at the Day of Judgement ; or that it is in a kinde of sleeping condition in the mean time : But the case of Lazarus , of the Theef upon the Cross , and the Souls under the Altar , do declare That Opinion to be no better than a Dream : For ( Num. 24.3 . & 23.10 . ) The man that had his eyes open , could say , Let me die the death of the righteous , and let my last end be like his . Balaam was perswaded of that truth . Rev. 14.13 . [ Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord , even so saith the Spirit , that they rest from their labours , and their works follow them . ] Their Souls are in a blessed condition , as soon as they are separated from the body . Indeed there shall be an addition to their glory in the last Day , when Body and Soul shall be glorified both together : But they are in a blessed condition in the mean time .

I shall say no more in Confutation of such persons as deny Eternal Life ; but onely refer to what was said , in proof of the Point in the second Particular : Where it was proved , That there is such an Eternal Life ; 1. By plain Testimonies of Scripture , out of the Old and New Testament . 2. By necessary Consequence and Deduction .

As , 1. Five proofs of Eternal Life . From the Fruit and End of Mans Creation and Redemption . 2. From the Kingdom and Headship of Christ . 3. From the Prayer of Christ . 4. From the Nature of the Soul , and the Devils desire to gain Souls in Reversion . 5. From the Absurdity that would follow , if there were no Eternal Life , then were Gods people of all other most miserable : which were most absurd to imagine .

All which Arguments are strong enough to convince gain-sayers , and to stop the mouth of Cavillers , unless they be such as the Apostle speaks of , ( 2 Thess. 3.1 , 2. ) that will hear no Argument , because they are absurd and unreasonable men ; and then , Prayer is the best weapon to deal with such . If you cannot subdue them by Reason , yet you may subdue them by Prayer . Finally , brethren , pray for us , that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men ; for all men have not faith .

And so much for the first Use .

Vse 2. Reproof of divers sorts .

1. Of such as complain of Religion , as if it were a fruitless Profession . Reproof . But certainly , the Profession is not fruitless , unless the Professors be fruitless , Hos. 10.1 . Without controversie , Religion no fruitless Profession . as Great is the mystery of godliness : so Great is the gain of godliness . He that casts any seed upon the waters , for Christs sake , shall finde it , shall receive an hundred-fold in this life : but greater is the gain in the world to come , even Life everlasting ; Joys that cannot be numbred , that cannot be measured ; that are above our Comprehension , above our Apprehension . And therefore if men do highly prize an Earthly Inheritance , though it be but in Reversion , when there is but one Life between them and the Inheritance ; How should we prize the Reversion of this Heavenly Inheritance , of this Heavenly Kingdom , where there is but one poor short frail life betwixt us and it ? Doubtless , the Reversion of an Heavenly Kingdom , is better than the present Possession of all the Kingdoms of the World , and the glory of them .

2. Reproof of Despair . 2. It Reproves such , as in stead of exercising their Faith for Life Eternal , give way to Distrust and Despair of Mercy , as if nothing but Hell were their Portion . It 's true , Naturally we are children of wrath , and can claim nothing but Hell as our inheritance : But in Christ , through the free grace of God , Eternal life is held forth as the gift of God , to every one that believeth . Therefore exercise thy Faith for Life Eternal .

Obj. But alas ! I cannot believe that God should give Eternal Life to such a vile wretch as I am , that have deserved nothing but Eternal Death .

Ans. 1. And such were all they to whom God gives Eternal Life . There is not one Saint now in Heaven , but deserved to have been in Hell .

2. If thou canst not believe , pray that thou maist believe : Cry out with tears , Lord , help my Vnbelief .

Obj. But to what purpose is it for me to pray , when I finde the very flashes of Hell upon my Conscience already ? Will God , or can God hear such a one ?

Ans. Yes , God may hear such a one : Psal. 116.3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. The sorrows of death compassed me , [ The pains of hell gat hold upon me , &c. ] Then called I upon the Name of the Lord ; O Lord , I beseech thee deliver my soul — But what follows ? [ Gracious is the Lord , &c. Return unto thy rest , O my soul , for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee .

Therefore they are much to blame , that give way to despair , and do not exercise their Faith in Prayer for Eternal Life .

3. 3. Against vain curiosity . It Reproves such as exercise their Fancy more than their Faith about Eternal Life ; such as busie their heads about curious Questions concerning Heaven , in stead of busying their hearts in making of it sure to themselves by Faith .

Enquiring .

1. Whether the Glory of the Saints shall be Equal in Heaven ?

2. Whether there shall be any difference between Learned and Vnlearned men , when they come in Heaven ?

3. Whether the Saints shall know one another in Heaven , or not ? Though ( for my part ) I think this a Question out of question : For how can it be supposed , that we should have less knowledge of one another when we are made perfect , than we have here in a state of imperfection ?

4. Whether there shall be any use of speech there ? or if there be , What that language shall be ?

5. Concerning the place , where this Life Eternal shall be ?

6. Whether Paradise , Abrahams Bosom , and Heaven , be all one ?

7. What are the Diversity of Mansions in Heaven ?

8. Whether the Saints shall have liberty to come down on Earth ? or , Whether Earth it self shall not be turned into Heaven , or made as glorious as Heaven ? because God saith , I create New Heavens , and a New Earth ] Isa. 65. & 66.

And thus men busie their heads with these and the like Questions concerning the Place , and yet all this while hardly ask their own hearts this serious question , But art thou in the way thither , O my Soul ? Art thou in the way to Heaven ? Hast thou any thing to shew for it , that Heaven is thine ? Dost thou live by Faith , in regard of Eternal Life ? There may be some profit in this question , but little in the other . In all labour there is profit , but the talk of the lips tendeth onely to penury , Prov. 14.23 . 'T is not Talking of Heaven , but Walking in the way ( taking hold upon Christ ) that must bring a man thither . Simile . Look as it is not a curious Paper of Verses , or an Eloquent Oration made in the praise and Encomium of such a Mannor or Lordship , that will give a man a good Title to it , but a sound and plain Evidence in Law , from him that had power to make a good Conveyance of it : So , it 's not a curious Discourse , or a bare speculation of Heaven which will bring a man thither ; no more , then the Reading of the History of such a Countrey , or the Beholding of it in a Map , which will transport a man to the place it self : But there must be a sound and full Conveyance of it to the Soul . And so the just must live by Faith in regard of Eternal Life .

4. Reproof of not improving Eternal Life . 4. It Reproves such , who though they have somewhat to shew for their Inheritance , ( Because they are Believers ) yet they live besides their Means , because they do not act their Faith ; at least , so much as they should , in respect of Life eternal . We say of many a worldly man because he doth not enjoy or improve his estate , He lives besides his Means . It 's one of the vanities that Solomon discovered under the Sun , Eccl. 6.1 , 2. A man to whom God hath given riches , wealth and honour , so that he wanteth nothing of all that he desireth , yet God giveth him not power to eat hereof ; This is vanity , ( saith he ) and an evil disease . And is it not a greater vanity , when God hath given a man heavenly riches and honour , and yet he lives not by Faith upon it , improves it not to the best advantage ? Such an one lives beside his means . How is it , that Gods people are so cast down in Troubles , Wants , weaknesses , in Reproaches , in Persecutions ? Did they but act their Faith , to believe that they shall one day as surely possess heaven , as they possess the very house they dwell in upon earth , how would the Apprehension of future joys , drown and swallow up the sense of present miseries ? Why should the Kings Son be so lean from day to day ? Who hath such an Inheritance at the last , and such a Father to provide for him in the mean time . Luk. 12.32 . Fear not little flock , for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom .

5. This Reproves such as are Earthly-minded , 5. Reproof of Earthly-mindedness . for such live not by Faith in respect of Heaven , or Eternal Life : They live as if they were ( Terrae filii ) Sons of the earth , as if that curse of God were fallen upon them Jer. 17.13 . All that forsake thee shall be written in the dust . The Church of the first-born are said to be written in heaven , Hebrews 12.23 . But these men , as if they had nothing to shew , but onely for the earth , are said to be written in the earth : as if God should say , Go thy way thou art an Earth-worm , and therefore Earth shall be all thy Portion . It may be , thou hast many writings to shew for a piece of the earth , but nothing for heaven ; and therefore , says God , write him down , An Earthly-minded man , and An Earthly-portion'd man . Psal. 17.14 . They are called , Men of this world , which have their portion in this life . Give them but a fat portion in this life , on this side Jordan : take Canaan , take Heaven who will for them . The Devil casts so much dust in their eyes , they cannot see to live by Faith in respect of Heaven .

Obj. But it may be , these men will say , [ We are too uncharitable , for they are profess'd Christians , and they well remember the two last Articles of their Creed , Resurrection of the Body , and Life Everlasting .

Answer shall be made to this in a third Use .

Vse 3. Of Examination .

Examination of Faith in respect of life Eternal . 3. This is of use for Examination , to examine , whether we believe as we profess , when we say , We believe the Resurrection of the Body , and Life Everlasting .

And we may know this 1. By our carriage in Life . 2. By the respect we bear to Death .

By our carriage in Life . 1. By our Carriage in life ; and that in respect of our 1. Affections . 2. Meditations . 3. Speeches . And 4. Conversation .

1. Our Affections . 1. By our Affections . A man that is far distant from his Native Country and dear friends , he mingles many a Meal with his tears , when he thinks of the distance of the place . But how doth he rejoyce , when he is once upon his return ? Especially when he comes within sight of land , his very heart leaps within him , and he cannot hold from saluting the place , Oh my dear Country ! Blessed be God , that I have lived once again to see thee , and am so near to enjoy my surest friends within thee . ] Just thus is it with a man that is bound for heaven , that lives by Faith in regard of Life Eternal : When he well remembers his great distance from God , and Christ , the Saints departed , ( for whilst we are here at home in the body , we are absent from the Lord ) I say , when he remembers this , it fetcheth many a sigh , and tear , and groan from his heart . Psal. 137.1 . By the waters of Babylon we sate down , and wept when we remembred thee O Sion . See how they hang their heads , and they hang their harps by the water-side , as if they neither took delight in themselves , nor any thing else , whilst they are so far from their Native Country : So 't is with a creature that is Heaven-born , and Heaven-bound , he cries and sighs , and groans while he is so far from home . 2 Cor. 5.4 . For we that are in this tabernacle do groan , being burthened , &c. And how glad are such , when they come near their journeys end ? See how Paul skips in his desires , like the Iron to the Load-stone : I desire ( saith he ) to be dissolved , and to be with Christ , Phil. 8. which is best of all . And old Simeon falls a singing , as if his Deaths-day were his Birth-day , Lord , now littest thou thy servant depart in peace , &c. Therefore , Examine thy self well , what are thy chief Sorrows , and what are thy chief Joys ? Dost thou sorrow most of all for thy distance from Christ , and thy heavenly Country ? Dost thou rejoyce when thou thinkest of drawing near thy journeys end ? This is a good evidence , that thou hast something to shew for Heaven . But on the other side , if all thy delight is in the World , in the flesh-pots of Egypt , and the remembrance of thy latter end is bitter to thee , and thou art ready to say , as an Atheist once , [ I know what I have here , Grand Atheist but I know not what I shall have hereafter . ] That 's a shrewd sign , thou hast onely thy portion in this life , and no faith at all for the Life to come .

2. Our Meditations . 2 We may know by our Meditations . For if we would flatter up our selves that we have heavenly Affections , and yet want heavenly Meditations , we do but deceive our own hearts , and bring our selves into a Fools-Paradise : for that 's most certain , look where our Affections are , there will our Meditations also be ; we cannot keep our thoughts off from what we love , and prize dearly : Where our treasure is , Mat. 6. there will our heart be also ; there will our minde be ; Vbi amat , non ubi animat , where it loves , not where it lives . Is our Meditation therefore , and Contemplation in Heaven ? It s sweet indeed to contemplate the visible part of the Heavens ; Psal. 19.1 . For , The Heavens declare the glory of God , and the Firmament sheweth his handy worke : But it is far more sweet to a gracious soul to contemplate the Inside : For the starry Vault is but the pavement of Gods house , and the Clouds are the dust of his Feet : And if there be so much glory without , what is there within ? Oh! how sweet is it to a gracious Soul , to look into the Holy of Holies , to take a turn with Christ every-day in his Banqueting-house ? For so is heaven call'd , Cant. 2.4 . And this is the property of a Soul espoused to Christ by Faith : Rev. ult. The Spirit and the Bride say , Come . And if Christ come not to her so soon as she desires , she will be sure to go to him ; at least , in her serious thoughts , and heavenly Meditations : She lays out much of her Soul in Meditation ; the Meditation of Christ and heaven , is very sweet , Psal. 104 , 34. She says of heaven , as David of Gods Law , O how do I love it , it is my meditation all the day . Psal. 119.

And this is a good sign we live by Faith in regard of eternal Life . But if on the other side , we are meer strangers to all heavenly Meditations , we can think of the world ( as if we were possest by the Spirit of the world ) but seldome or never have a serious thought of heaven . It may be we have a thousand thoughts of the world , for one serious thought of heaven , Doth not this proclaim to Men and Angels , whatever we say , or profess about Heaven and the Resurrection , we believe no such matter .

3. We may know it by our Speeches ; I mean , 3. Our Speeches . by our outward speeches , ( For Meditation , is the speech of the heart by it self ) by our speeches to others . Where there is much of heaven in the heart , there will be something of heaven in the tongue . Several Countrymen , have a several dialect or language , and you may know what Country a man belongs to , by his speech . As the damosel said to Peter , Even thy speech bewrayeth thee : So a mans speech will bewray him , and shew whether he belongs to heaven or earth : He that is of the earth speaketh of the earth , and he that is of heaven speaketh of heaven , Joh. 3.31 . When God would shew the sound conversion of the Egyptians to the Faith , he saith , Five cities in the land of Egypt shall speak the language of Canaan , Isa. 19.18 . that is , They shall have heavenly hearts , for they shall have heavenly tongues . 'T is true , a man may learn and counterfeit the language of another country where he hath never dwelt , and hath nothing to do in the priviledges of it , ( and there are too many such Beggarly , Canting Christians . ) And therefore we are to examine not onely what we speak , but from what Fountain and principle we speak : Psa. 45.1 . My heart is inditing a good matter ; and then , My tongue is the pen of a ready writer . Pro. 16.23 . The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth . So then , if we do but observe our selves , when we speak out of the abundance of our hearts , our speech will certainly bewray what country we belong to . Never say therefore , that thou livest by Faith in respect of heaven , so long as thy speeches are earthly , sensual , or devillish .

He that believes he hath a great inheritance in another country , he loves to be talking of it ; and so does a Citizen of Heaven . 2 Cor. 4.15 . We having the same Spirit of faith , according as it is written , I believed , and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe , and therefore do we speak .

And however some may indevour to counterfeit the language of Canaan , yet there will be one Shibboleth or other that will discover them . At the best , they are but like mongrel Jews , born of outlandish women , who had Jews for their Fathers , and Ashdodites for their Mothers , and therefore they speak a mongrel Language , half in the language of Canaan , and half in the language of Ashdod , Neh. 13.23 , 24. And so do these , one while their mouth is full of Blessing , and holy speeches ; another while they are full of Cursing , and Blasphemy , and Ribaldry , according as their company suits their humour .

Obj. If you shall say , How is this possible ? Can the same fountain ( as S. James speaks ) send forth at the same place , sweet water and bitter , or salt and fresh ?

Ans. I answer , No , it cannot : And therefore onely one of these kinde of speeches springs from the Fountain of the Heart ; namely , Cursing , &c. Holy speeches are but counterfeit . And therefore God abhors such gross and affected mixture in mens speeches ; and resolves to turn himself to a people of a pure language , Zeph. 3.9 . And this is that , which discovers a Citizen of Heaven , when such a speech doth naturally flow from the heart , ( I mean , from a principle of renewed nature ) and so it 's true , which Christ speaks , By thy words thou shalt be justified , and by thy words thou shalt be condemned , Mat. 12.37 .

4. Our Actions . 4. We may know it by our Actions and Conversation . Our Meditations , our Words may speak much , but our Actions speak more . He that hath something to shew for Heaven within himself , hath something also to shew without himself . 'T is not a dark Lanthorn that conveys a man to heaven : Mat. 5.16 . Let your light so shine , &c. that men may see your good works , and glorifie [ your Father which is in heaven ] So that , every one that sees such a man , may say , God is his Father , Heaven is his Country .

Gods people look at themselves as strangers upon earth , and therefore they fashion not themselves according to the world , but conform themselves according to the manners of their own Country . Examine therefore , what hope thou hast of a better life : for , all true hope , Joh. 3. is a purifying hope . Dost thou as a stranger , abstain from fleshly lusts ? Is thy conversation in Heaven , from whence thou expectest the Lord Jesus Christ ? Phil. 3.20 . That 's a good evidence , thou art in the way to heaven .

But if thou canst live in known and gross sins , under the Power and Dominion of them ( I know the best have their failings , which they groan under as their burthen : ) but , if thou canst wittingly , willingly and constantly live under the Power of any reigning lust , and yet for all that , thou sayest , Thou livest by Faith in respect of eternal Life ; I say , Thy Faith is but a Fancy ; it 's a strong Presumption , and therefore a strong Delusion . Thou art grosly deceived , if thou thinkest to get Heaven , or to inherit the Kingdom of God in such a way .

I deny not , but a Fornicator , an Adulterer , a Drunkard , being humbled , and so laying hold upon Christ , and in the self-same act repenting and forsaking his sin , may finde mercy of God , and admittance into heaven of his free grace .

But if a man thinks himself already in Christ , and in the high-way to Heaven , and yet remains under the power and Dominion of these reigning lusts , he is grosly deceived . They are the very words of the Apostle , 1 Cor. 6.9 . Know ye not , that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God ? Be not deceived , neither Fornicators , &c.

And thus we may know how , whether we live by Faith in respect of Eternal Life , — By our Carriage in Life .

Mark 2. By the thoughts of Death . We may know it , by our Respect we bear to Death ; viz. as a passage to a better life . For a faithful man looks at Death , as a conquered Enemy : Isa. 25.8 . it 's said , He will swallow up Death in victory . Now there are Four Degrees of this Victory of Jesus Christ over Death ; Degrees of Christs victory over Death . The first is past and gone ; the two next are present ; and the fourth is yet to come .

1. In his own death . 1. The first was performed by Christ ( proprio Marte ) in his own single combat with Death and Hell . Christ taking upon him the sins of Gods people all the world over , Death sets upon him most furiously , and seems at the first Bout , to get the better ; it kills him , and lays him in the grave . But behold the glorious Victory of Jesus Christ ; as Samson , when he was shut up in the City of Gaza , Judg. 16. He arose in the night , anâ carried away the gates of the City , and bars and all : So Christ , our Spiritual Samson , was shut up in the Grave with a great stone upon the Grave , and brake open the brazen gates , and iron bars , and hath carried them away to the top of the Mountain ( of Mount Sion ) that they shall never hurt his people more .

Acts 2.24 . He was raised up by the power of his God-head , having loosed the pains of Death , because it was not possible he should be holden of it . [ Loosed the pains of Death ] It 's a word used in the birth of Children , as if the Grave were pained ( as a woman in child-birth ) till it was delivered of him who was the first-begotton from the dead , and so had the prerogative of the first-born , to be a Conqueror , even a Conqueror over Death . Therefore it is said , Rev. 1.18 . I am he that liveth , and was dead ; and behold , I am alive for evermore , Amen , and have the Keys of Hell and Death . [ The Keys ] What 's that ? By the Keys , is certainly meant the Conquest ; as when a Town or City is subdued , the Keys are presently delivered to the Conqueror , as acknowledgments , and Ensigns of his Victory . So , the Keys of Hell and Death are delivered up into the hands of Christ , to signifie , that Christ being raised from the dead , dieth no more , Death hath no more dominion over him , but he for ever hath dominion over Death .

So that the first and chief part of the victory belongs to Christ in his own person , as he was mightily declared to be the Son of God , by his Resurrection from the Grave : Rom. 1.4 . the other three belong to us .

The second Degree of Victory over Death , is , 2. In our Death . The altering its nature to all Gods people . For no sooner had Death struck Christ ( like a furious Wasp ) but it presently lost its Sting : For , the sting of Death sticks in Sin , and therefore Christ having taken upon him the sins of his people , Death strikes in her sting so deep , that she is forced to leave it behinde her : So that now the case is altered to Gods people , however they die as well as others , yet to them , the sting of Death is taken out , and so the nature of Death is quite and clean altered , as if it were not the same . Before it was a passage into prison , [ where the Spirits are now in prison ] Now it 's made a passage out of Prison , [ Having a desire to be dissolved , Phil 1.23 . ] Before it was a curse ; now a Blessing , Blessed are the dead , which die in the Lord , Rev. 14.13 . Before it was an Enemy ( a wicked man might say , Hast thou found me , 1 Kings 21.20 O mine enemy ! ) but now it 's a Friend , and does many friendly offices . Before it was loss ; a man lost his friends , he lost his possessions , he lost his very hopes , Eccles. 9.4 . but now it 's gain , Phil. 1.21 . To die is gain : He gains much access of glory for the present in his Soul , in regard of its communion with God ; and he hath hopes of more , when his body shall be raised again from the grave . Prov. 14.22 . The wicked is driven away in his wickedness , but the righteous hath hope in his death . And this is the second part of Christs Victory over Death .

3. 3. In our judgements of death The third ( which most concerns the matter in hand ) is in Altering our Affections , Judgements , and Apprehensions concerning Death . A most excellent Conquest ! ( 2 Cor. 10.4 , 5. — Casting down imaginations . Prov. 16.32 . ) For suppose the Nature of Death should be altered , so that of an enemy it should be made a friend , yet if our judgements should not be altered , but we should look at it still under the notion of an enemy , we could have little comfort in the approach of it . And therefore here is both the Mercy and Power of Christ seen , in altering the judgement of his people concerning Death , that now they can in some measure look at ●t as a Friend , and as a Messenger sent from their heavenly Captain , the Lord Jesus , to take them off from their hard service . How glad is the poor Souldier , that hath stood Centinel a long cold night , when the morning Watch comes ? Or one that hath been fighting against his Enemies as long as he can well strike or stand , how glad is such a one , when his Captain sends Relief to take him off , and bids him Welcome home , with a large Reward for all his dangerous and difficult service ? Now such , and no other , is the office of this Messenger , Death : and therefore Gods people looking upon it under this Notion , love the appearing of it , and rejoyce in it , as the Apostle did , 2 Tim. 4 6 , 7 , 8. For I am now ready to be offered , and the time of my departure is at hand ; I have fought a good fight , I have finish'd my course , &c. Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness , which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day ; and not to me onely , but to them also that love his appearing . ] Mark : it 's the property of a gra●ious ●oul , which Christ comes to it , either in the particular , or general Judgement , to love his Appearing . And this is the third Degree of Christs Victory over Death : As it 's altered in it self , so it s altered in his peoples Apprehensions of it . And this is a double Mercy .

4. In the general Resurrection . The fourth and last Degreee , ( which I shall but name ) is in the last and general Resurrection . Look , as when Christ arose personally from the Grave , he then obtained perfect Victory over Death for himself , he died no more ; Death had no more dominion over him . So when Christ Mystical , when we that are believers , shall arise from the Grave , we shall obtain a perfect Victory over Death , we shall die no more , &c. Then , even then , shall be brought to pass the saying that is written , When once this corruptible shall have put on incorruption , and this mortal shall have put on immortality ; then shall be brought to pass that saying that is written , Death is swallowed up in victory , 1 Cor. 15.54 . And this is the fourth and last Degree of Christs Victory and Triumph over Death : after which , there shall be no more death , nor sorrow , nor crying , nor pain , Rev. 21.4 .

Well then , to bring all home to the present Use .

Wouldst thou know whether thou livest by Faith in regard of Life Eternal ? Do but tell me in earnest , or rather tell thine own Soul , what respect thou bearest to Death . Dost thou indeed look at it as a conquered Enemy ? or rather such an one , as of an enemy is now become a friend .

Is thy judgement altered concerning Death , as the nature of Death it self is altered ? Then well and good : For thus 't is with all Gods people in some measure , Death and they are made friends , they look at Death as a sweet passage to this Everlasting Life that we are speaking of ; and therefore they bid it welcome . What Heir would not be willing to come to his Inheritance , and therefore as willing to welcome the Messenger , that had Power and Commission to put him into present possession ? This was the Apostles practice ; His whole life was a Meditation of Death , and a Preparation for Death : I profess , saith he , by our rejoycing which I have in Christ Jesus , I die daily ; that is , I am every day prepared for death , 1 Cor. 15.31 . Therefore you may see his judgement was altered concerning the nature of death ; he looked at it as an enemy before conversion , but now he looks at it as a friend . He that is reconciled to God , and God to him , he is reconciled to death , and death also to him : for , death is but the Servant of Jesus Christ ; and if Christ be yours , death is yours also , 1 Cor. 3.21 , 22.

Obj. But may not Gods own people be afraid of death , and unfit to die ?

About the fear of Death . Ans. 1. They may be afraid , because every Christian man is a double man , consisting of Flesh and Spirit ; and therefore , though the Spirit is willing , yet the Flesh is weak , Mat. 21.46 . Therefore so far as he is natural , he is afraid ; and yet so far as he is spiritual , he overcomes that fear : So that here is the difference between the fear of a wicked man , and a godly man : A wicked man ( when God opens his eyes ) is swallowed up of fear ; a godly man , though he may have many conflicts and combats with the fear of death , yet at last he overcomes his fear , by the exercise of his Faith ; so that he is not in bondage to his fear , as the other is . Heb 2.15 . Christ came to deliver them , who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage .

2. A godly man is not at all times alike fit to die ( though he be willing in the main . ) It may be , he hath some work to do for God , or for his Church , that yet is not done : It may be , he hath weakned himself by some present distemper , and hath not strength of Faith sufficient for such a solemn and serious Work , as is his passage to Eternity . And that was the cause of Davids Prayer , Psal. 39. last , O spare a little , that I may recover strength , before I go hence , and be no more . In such like cases as these , a godly man may be somewhat unfit , and therefore somewhat unwilling to die ; otherwise , I say , in the main , he looks at death as his friend , because God in Christ is his friend ; and therefore the more he loves God , the less he fears death .

If love were perfect , it would cast out all fear . In the mean time , as the love of God increaseth , the fear of death decreaseth from day to day . And that is a good evidence the creature lives by Faith in regard of Life Eternal .

But now , if we look at Death as the greatest of Evils , of all terrible things , the most terrible , as if it were the Annihilation of the Creature , or the reducing of it into a far worse condition than it was in before . So that , when a Man dies , his Hope dies with him too , Job 11. vers. the last . It is most evident , That such a man lives not by Faith in regard of Life Eternal : for , if he did , he would surely welcome that Death , which is no other than a passage to that Life .

Vse 4. Of Exhortation .

Exhortations : Exhortation to live by Faith in respect of life Eternal . To live by Faith in regard of Life Eternal . This is the most excellent Object of them : Therefore , as one sayes of Prayer , Thou when thou prayest , pray for great matters ; pray not for Riches , for these are Snares ; pray not for Honour , 't is but a vain Breath of Fame , pray not for Life Temporal , 't is but a Bubble : But thou , when thou prayest , pray for great matters ; pray for Pardon of sin ; pray for Christ , Grace , Heaven ; pray for Eternal Life . These things are worth the praying for . So say I of Faith , Thou , when thou believest , exercise thy Faith about great matters , ( though 't is not unlawful to believe in God , for a seasonable supply of Temporal blessings ) Yet above all , exercise thy faith about Heaven , and Eternity ; be sure to lay hold on Eternal Life ; for , the best of Temporal Blessings , at last will give thee the slip .

And what should be the reason , that God mixeth temporal comforts with so many discomforts , but to knock off our fingers from laying too fast hold on them . As if God should say to his People , Arise , this is not your rest : Get you up to the top of the Mount , and by the eye of Faith take a view of your Spiritual Canaan , as ever you desire to enter into that Promised Land of your Eternal Rest . And if all the Crosses we meet withall in our Christian Pilgrimage , are little enough to take off our hearts from the world , how should we love it , and cleave to it , should we meet with no Crosses at all ?

Motives .

Shall I give you some further Motives , why we should by Faith lay hold on Eternal Life .

Consider ,

1. Without the assurance of this Life , we had better never have enjoyed Natural life . For if we have a part in natural life onely , better it were to live the life of Vermine , and Toads , than the life of Men : For those poor creatures , when they die , there is an end of them and their Misery for ever . But when a Man dies , if he hath not laid hold on Eternal Life , he is sure to die an Eternal Death , where the worm dies not , and the fire is not quenched , Isa. the last and the last .

2. If we have not Eternal Life here , we shall never have it . He that believes , hath everlasting life , Joh. 5.24 . He doth not say . He shall have it hereafter , but he hath it already , though not in so full a measure . Therefore get it now , or never . For a man to think to go to heaven when he dies , that never cared for heaven all his life , is a strong presumption .

3. It is the property of Gods People , to look at heaven and happiness by the eye of Faith , Heb. 11.13 . And Unbelievers are blinde , and cannot see afar off ; they look on present things , 2 Pet. 1.9 . But a wise man hath eyes in his head , Eccl. 2.14 , 15. He looks as far as to Eternity , he sees that , which a natural man cannot see . 2 Cor. 4. last . Whilst we look not at the things which are seen , ( by the eye of sense ) but at the things which are not seen : for the things which are seen are temporal , but the things which are not seen are eternal .

4. This will make a man of a heavenly conversation , whilst he is upon earth . To live by Faith in regard of Eternal Life , this will bring down heaven to the earth . If the creature cannot go to heaven , yet a lively Faith will bring heaven to the creature , and that both the grace of heaven , and the joy of heaven .

1. The Grace of heaven . It will make a man of a heavenly conversation whilst he lives upon earth , to consider what the company of heaven , and what the work of heaven is :

1. The Company of heaven are , God and Christ , holy Angels , and the Spirits of just men made perfect . And

2. The Work of heaven is , ( without reluctancy , without weariness ) to praise God for ever and ever . The belief of this , will bring down much of the grace of heaven into the heart ; and the creature will reason thus by Faith ; Shall it be a great part of my happiness in heaven , to enjoy perfection of holiness , and shall I not then endevour this work upon earth ? Shall I not endevour to perfect holiness in the fear of God , 2 Cor. 7.1 . and to do Gods will upon earth ? Surely , if holiness becomes Gods house for ever , holiness must needs become his houshold-servants , Psal. 93.5 . so soon as ever they begin to wear his Livery of Christian Profession . Do we believe we shall see the face of God without blushing ? and shall serve him without fainting ? Seeing we look for such things , how diligent should we be , that we may be found of him in peace , without spot , and blameless ? Yea , what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation ; looking for , and hasting unto the coming of the day of God , 2 Pet. 3.11 .

2 It will bring down much of the joy of Heaven . And we might have added this , by way of Reason , why God will have his Servants live by Faith in regard of Eternal Life ; viz. That the full assurance of it might be a present Comfort , whilst the possession of it is deferred . But we will bring it in as a Motive : For Christ being willing to cheer up the drooping Spirits of his Servants in the absence of himself and heaven , seems to say of Faith , as he said of his Spirit , ( or , if ye will ) of the Spirit of Faith , Joh. 14. I will not leave you comfortless , I will pray to the Father , and he shall give you another Comforter . What is this Comforter ? but the Spirit of Faith , or the Spirit in the grace of Faith ? Oh! there is strong consolation in Faith and Hope . It is true , says Christ , I must leave you , Joh. 16. I must go to Heaven ; and , whither I go , you cannot come , as yet : but , I assure you , I go to prepare a place for you , and to prepare you for the place : and so soon as that is ready for you , and you are ready for that , Joh. 14. I will come and receive you to my self in due time . And in the mean time , that I may not leave you comfortless , I will give you something of the joy of heaven , as a Pawn and a pledge in hand before you come thither . And what is that ? but the Grace of Faith , and the Joy of Faith ! Let not your hearts be troubled , says Christ , though I go to heaven before you , yet you shall be as sure of heaven at the last , as if you had it for the present . And how assured ? but by Faith : 2 Pet. 1.5 . You are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation , ready to be revealed in the last time . And what of that ? why , this brings Joy in the mean time : For so it follows , Wherein ye greatly rejoyce , though now for a season ( if need be ) ye are in great heaviness through manifold temptations . And speaking of Christ ( who is gone to heaven ) within a verse or two after , he hath this expression , Whom having not seen , ye love ; in whom ( though now ye see him not ) yet believing , ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable , and full of glory . As if he would have said , Though you cannot see Christ with your bodily eye , with the eye of sense , ( and so you are apt to be troubled , as the People were when Paul said , Acts 20. they should see his face no more ) yet you shall see him , and do see him , by the eye of Faith , and rejoyce in that sight , as if that heaven it self were come down into your hearts : You rejoyce with joy unspeakable , and full of glory . For what is joy full of Glory ? but joy full of heaven ? Like the Vision upon Mount Tabor , where God did bow the heavens , and came down in glory . And that is the fourth Motive , that it will be heaven upon earth , to live by Faith in respect of Eternal Life .

5. That to live by Faith in regard of Heaven and Eternal Life , will make the poor creature live above the world . If it do not draw him quite into heaven , it will draw him a great way above the earth . That , look as a Bladder , or a thin shell , that is filled up with the pure Dew that comes down from heaven , do but lay it in the Sun , and the power of the Sun-beams will draw it up from the earth heaven-wards : So it is with the Soul that is filled with this heavenly dew of grace , let it but look wistly upon the Sun of Righteousness by an eye of Faith , and the powerful beams of his Love will draw it so far above the earth , and all earthly respects , that it shall live above the world , above the pleasures of the world , the profits and honours of the world , and above all the troubles of the world . And is not this an admirable , is it not a desireable condition ! If you would be ambitious ( lawfully ambitious ) let this be your ambition , to be thus exalted by the Grace of Faith .

1. It lifts a man up above the Troubles of the world . Faith lifts a man above the troubles of the world . If you could suppose a dwelling above the Clouds , above the Thundrings and Lightnings , and terrible Storms , would it not be a peaceable , a comfortable habitation ? Such is the condition of a Christian , who lives by Faith in regard of Eternal Life : He lives above the clouds of worldly Troubles . What if such a Trouble should come , as may take away his life ? Faith will smile in the face of that Trouble : Alas poor Trouble , says Faith , thou thinkest to do me a great deal of mischief , when indeed thou dost but set my Soul at liberty to go out of an earthly Prison , into a heavenly Palace , Job 5.22 . A man that lives by Faith for Heaven , is above the clouds of the lower Region ; Heb. 12. Act. 4. he can endure the Cross , he can despise the shame , he can rejoyce that he is accounted worthy to suffer persecution for the Name of the Lord Jesus : He can refuse to accept of life upon base terms ; that so , he may obtain a better Resurrection : Heb. 11. He can set an higher esteem upon the very reproach of Christ , than upon all the Treasures of Egypt ; so long , as he hath Faith enough to see him who is invisible , and thereby to have respect to the Recompence of Reward . He lives above the Troubles of the world .

2. He lives above the Pleasures , Profits , and Honours of the world . Let the Devil shew him all the Kingdoms of the world , Mat. 4. and the glory of them , as he did to Christ himself ; Faith in Christ , will teach him to slight the proffer . Alas , says the believing Soul , what is all this to the glory of Heaven ? Through Gods Mercy I am above all these : I look at these as flitting , fading , empty Nothings , gilded Pictures upon a rotten Post . I know God hath put all these in subjection under my feet ; and therefore I will not put them as a Crown upon my Head , or place them as a Treasure in my Heart , but keep them there where God hath set them , and that 's under my feet . 'T is wonderful indeed , but 't is not so strange as true . Rev. 12.1 , 2. Thus the Church , and every true believer , is cloathed with the Sun of Righteousness , whose powerful beams in the grace of Faith and Love , draw up his Soul so far above the world , that he tramples the Moon , and all sublunary things under his feet : He looks at all worldly excellencies of Pleasures , Profits and Honours , as changeable as the Moon . On the other side , he looks at the Word of God , and Gods love in Christ , and the fruits of that love in the glory of Heaven , as the onely unchangeable good things ; and therefore these he wears as a Crown upon his Head , but the other he puts as a Footstool under his feet . We use to distinguish worldly things into Moveables , and not moveables ; but we must go to heaven to make good one part of the distinction , Heb. 12.27 , 28.

Qu. But what means should I use , Means to assure Eternal Life . that I may live by Faith in regard of Eternal Life ; my sin hangs on so fast , that I may as soon raise up by Body above the clouds , as raise up my Soul heaven-ward ?

Ans. 1. Lay hold on Christ , that is the way thither , and the meritorious cause , and the Loadstone there , to draw thy Soul after him . Christ is the great Engineer , who hath a Pulley to draw thee to Heaven . Joh. 12.32 . When I am lift up , I will draw all men unto me . I have seen an artificial Instrument , a device quo trahens trabitur . So the more we lay hold on Christ by Faith , the more strongly are we drawn to Christ : so is fulfill'd the Promise , Jam. 4.8 . Draw near to God , and he will draw near to you .

2. Act thy Faith upon the Promises of God for thy Spiritual cleansing from the burthen and filth of sin , Rev. 21. ult No unclean thing shall enter . Therefore 2 Cor. 7.1 . Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit . And some Promises God hath made in special , for that very work of cleansing the Soul . See Ezek. 36.25 &c. Like as Jeremy lying in the Dungeon , when he took hold on the Cord that was let down , he was drawn up by the men that stood aloft : So we , lying in the Dungeon of Sin and Misery , whilst by the hand of Faith , we take hold of the Cord of Promise , which is let down from Jesus Christ now sitting at the Right hand of God in heaven , we are drawn in Soul and Spirit heaven-ward .

3. Be sure thy Faith be fruitful in good Works , if thou wouldst be sure of heaven . 2 Pet. 1.5 . Adde to your faith vertue , and to vertue knowledge , &c. for so ver. 11. An entrance shall be administred unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom . Not that good Works merit any thing , but because God will encourage his people in well-doing , by shewing to such the salvation of God , Ps. 50. last .

4. As a means of both under Christ . Be careful to sanctifie Gods Sabbath , which is a sign and a pledge of heaven ; and the resting of that day , a powerful means under Christ to prepare Gods people for eternal rest . However , we are not tied to the observation of the Jewish Sabbath , yet there remains a rest to the people of God , Heb. 4 9. As the full rest and Sabbatism does remain and will remain , not to be fully possest by them , till the general Resurrection ; so that percursory Rest and Sabbath which is ordained to be a sign and a pledge of the other , must needs remain , till we come to enjoy that , whereof this is a pledge . If this Sabbath be a sign and pledge of heaven , and of Gods perfect sanctifying of his people in Souls and Bodies ( Exod. 31.13 . ) then it must be kept till we come there : for if we lose the pledge of a Benefit , we lose the evidence of that Benefit , whereof it is a Pledge .

Consider further , the Sabbath was not onely ordained to be a pledge of Eternal Rest , to assure us of it , but to be a Means also to fit us for it . The Sabbath was made for man , for mans benefit ; and that , not onely for his bodily rest , but especially for the rest of his Soul , that he might cease from the works of sin , and learn to do the work of God . And experience shews , the right sanctifying of the Sabbath , is a powerful means under Christ , to sanctifie us , to increase Faith , Love , Zeal , and all saving graces . It takes a man off from the world ( for such a man thinks not his own thoughts , speaks not his own words , does not his own works . ) I say , it takes a man off from the world and puts him ( as it were ) into heaven for the time . As Paul was caught up into heaven ; so , such a man as is in the Spirit on the Lords day , Rev. 1. ( as it were ) in heaven on the Lords day . You cannot have a more lively resemblance of heaven on this side heaven , than is a Sabbath sanctified in an heavenly manner . It onely differs in degrees of glory and durance : for what is heaven , but an Eternal Sabbath ? and what is a Temporal Sabbath , but a short , a little Heaven ? Therefore be careful to sanctifie the Sabbath , as thou desirest in a lively manner to live by Faith in regard of Life Eternal .

The great Cloud of Witnesses , in Gods manifold blessings temporal and Spiritual upon such as carefully sanctifie the Sabbath , and his many remarkable judgements in both kindes , upon those that profane it or contemn it , doth proclaim a necessity of keeping this Rest , as ever we desire by Faith to enter into that other Rest , Heb. 4.9 . which yet remaineth for the people of God . Our delighting to sanctifie Gods Sabbaths on earth , gives full assurance to our Faith grounded upon Gods Promise , that we shall enter into Gods eternal Rest in Heaven . For so runs the Promise , Isa. 58. last . If thou call the Sabbath a delight , &c. then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord , and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth ; that is , in sure and safe places , ( that 's for earthly blessings ) and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father ( that is ) with a heavenly inheritance . For what is the heritage of Jacob , but Canaan in the Type , and Heaven it self in the Antitype ? Dost thou desire then to be assured of heaven by Faith , if God raise up thy heart to delight in the sanctifying his Sabbath upon right grounds , I can assure thee from the mouth of God , that heaven is thine . Thou shalt certainly be fed with the heritage of Jacob ; for ( as it follows in the very next words ) The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it . And so much for Exhortation .

Vse 5. Of Comfort .

Comfort from our heavenly life . 5. Here is Comfort and Encouragement against the Evils and Temptations of this present Life . As our days are few , so full of evil and tentation . There are tentations on the right hand , as well as on the left : I mean , Temptations of Prosperity , as well as of Adversity . The best things of this present life , prove the worst without Gods special grace preserving the Soul . Now living by Faith in respect of Life Eternal , is a singular means to preserve the Soul under Temptations of both kindes .

Against Adversity . First , under the Tentations of Adversity , which lie so sore and heavy upon the poor creature , that if its hope were onely in this life , it could not but apprehend it self of all creatures most miserable . 1 Cor. 15.20 . Hear what the Apostle saith , 1 Cor. 4.11 . Even unto this present hour , we both hunger and thirst , and are naked , and are buffeted , and have no certain dwelling-place , and labour , working with our hands ; being reviled , we intreat ; being persecuted , we suffer : we are made as the filth of the world , and the off-scouring of all things unto this day . This is the common Lot of Gods people in this world ; and therefore , if their hope were onely in this life , they were of all men most miserable . Yea , but the assured hope of a better life , bears up their heads and hearts from sinking in the midst of all these waves . For thus , he that lives by Faith in regard of Eteral Life , will reason ; What though I hunger and thirst here , and am pinch'd with famine , yet I shall come to such a place , where I shall hunger and thirst no more . Rev. 7.16 . Though I be ragged , and naked here , I shall be clothed with Robes of Righteousness there : Though I am buffeted here , yet those marks of the Lord Jesus , those scars I received for his Names sake , shall appear like so many Stars of Glory : Though I labour here even unto faintness and failing of spirits , yet I shall rest from all my labours , when I come there . And though I have no certain dwelling-place ; or if I have , I know not how soon I shall be turned out of doors by my earthly Landlord , or by my heavenly Landlord , yet there I have a building of God , a house not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . 2 Cor. 5.1 . Though here I be reviled , and though I be defamed here , yet there God shall wipe away all reproach from my name , as well as all tears from mine eyes : for , Psa. 1 49. Such honour have all his Saints . Though I be persecuted here , afflicted and tormented , yet I know my sufferings for Christ have not so much abounded in this life , but my consolation in Christ shall much more abound in the life to come . If we suffer with him , we shall also reign with him , 2 Tim. 2.12 . Though I be here made the filth of the world , and the off-scouring of all things , yet I know I shall have honour enough there , when I shall be glorified in Christ , and Christ shall be glorified in me : When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints , and admired in all them that believe , 2 Thess. 1.10 . Though I am ignorant here , and at the best , know but in part , yet I shall have fulness of knowledge there , and shall know , as I my self am known . Though here I am imperfect in all my graces , and in all my duties , so that there is more of sin than of grace in every duty ; yet there I shall never sin against God any more , never grieve his Spirit more , dishonour his Name more : When that which is perfect is come , 1 Cor. 13.10 . that which is imperfect shall be done away .

Now what a comfort and encouragement is this in the midst of all our Troubles , either of sin or of affliction ? Here we are sure to drink of a bitter cup , ( Ye shall indeed drink of the cup which I drink of , saith Christ ) but the Meditation and Application of Life Eternal by Faith , is a Christians Sugar , which is fetcht out of the Canaries of Heaven , to sweeten this bitter Cup. Here we are sure of a troublesome Pilgrimage , we pass through the valley of Tears ; but the Meditation and Application of Life Eternal by Faith , will be like Elijah● Chariot , or like Jacobs Ladder in his troublesome journey to Padan-Aram : When he slept upon the stone , he had a hard Pillow , but a sweet Dream , whilst God made his Bed ; he dreamed , and behold a Ladder , &c. And what a refreshing was this to Jacob in his troublesome journey ? As if the Lord had said to him , Jacob , thou hast a long journey to go , thou must not onely go to the remote parts of the earth , but thou must travel as far as heaven ; how will you ever get thither ? where will you finde a Ladder long enough , and strong enough ? If all the Ladders in the world were tied together , can they reach thither ? Canst thou rear them up , or darest thou venture upon them ? Shouldst thou joyn together all thy good desires , all thy good Prayers , and all thy good Works , thy own Works , or other mens Works and Merits , darest thou venture upon them ? The Ladder will crack , and you must needs fall as low as Hell . But lo , here 's a Ladder ( saith God ) that reaches from Earth to Heaven , and that 's Jesus Christ : His Humane Nature is upon Earth , and his Divine Nature especially manifested in Heaven ; Eph. 1. in both , he reconciles all things in heaven and in earth , and makes a passage for lost man to re-enter his heavenly Paradise . Now , I say , the Meditation and Application of this by Faith , will be as great a refreshing to us in our troublesome journey to heaven , as it was to Jacob in his tedious journey to Padan-Aram . It is true indeed , no man must look to go to heaven in a feather-bed , or in such a broad-way , that he may drive a Sumpter-horse before him : Mat. 7.13 . for , straight is the gate , anâ narrow is the way that leads to life , and few there be that finde it . As there is no way to heaven but by Christ : so there is no way to heaven but by the Cross . Christ and his Cross are inseparable Companions . This is the way that Christ himself , and all his Saints have gone to heaven before us in , and we must not think of a smoother way , or of a shorter cut . Onely the happiness , the joy , the glory in the end of our journey , are enough ( if applied by us ) to bear up our hearts under all the troubles and temptations in the way . And so you see how the Life of Heaven ,

1. Bears up the heart under the Temptation of Adversity .

2. It will bear up the heart , 2. Under Prosperity . and preserve the Soul under Temptations of Prosperity .

And indeed the Temptations of Prosperity , are far more dangerous than the Temptations of Adversity . Heaven upon earth , destroys more than Hell upon earth : 1 Cor. 1. Not many wise , not many mighty , not many noble or rich are called : Mat. 19. O how hardly shall a rich man enter into the kingdom of Heaven ! But Faith in regard of Eternal Life will preserve the Soul under the Temptations of Prosperity .

Quest. What are the Temptations of Prosperity ?

Ans. Luke 12.19 . Soul , take thine ease , eat , drink and be merry ; take up thy rest and thy portion , saith the Devil , to flesh and blood in these sensual delights : O no , saith the believing Soul , that hath Faith for heaven , I 'll never play the childe so much , to sell my heavenly Inheritance for a Plum , for a Counter , for a Rattle , for a Trifle ; there 's none but children will do so . Moses made a manly choice : A wise mans choice is , when he chooses holy sufferings before sinful pleasures . Heb. 11. Should I not then choose heavenly pleasures before such as are sinful ? nay , before such as are otherwise lawful ? Suppose thou hast a goodly House , rich Furniture , a full Table , sweet and faithful Friends , whom thou lovest as thine own Soul . And now flesh and blood saith , as Peter , Lord , it is good for us to be here ; Let us not onely make a Tabernacle , but a Temple , or a Mansion-house , that we may not think of removing any more . O no , saith Faith , these are sweet blessings indeed , sweet mercies of God , but they are not Heaven : These are good Inns by the way , but they are not Home : Home is home , be it never so homely ; much more when it is so rich and glorious as heaven is . Therefore saith the believing Soul , I cannot suffer my thoughts to rest upon any flowers of Content by the way-side , having such a sweet Garden and Paradise of Delight to repose themselves in at the end of the journey . And thus Faith for Eternal Life , will preserve the Soul under Temptations of Prosperity . And thus was Moses preserved , whilst he cast an eye of Faith upon the reward and recompence in the heavenly Inheritance , he had power to stop his ears against the Egyptian Syrens of worldly delights .

Vse 6. Of Admiration .

Admiration & Thankfulness for heavenly life . 6. Use of Admiration and Thankfulness . As we are to rejoyce in hope , so also to be thankeful in hope . A Christian hath cause to be thankful , not onely for mercies past , but for mercies to come ; as Jehosaphat was , 2 Chron. 20. who sings Triumph , before he had the Victory : for Faith makes a believer as sure of the Victory , as if he had it already ; and as sure of heaven , as if he had it in present possession . Therefore he hath cause to look upon this expression of the goodness of God , with Admiration and Thankefulness .

First , with Admiration . We have cause to admire the love of God to poor sinners , that God should bestow Heaven and Salvation upon such as deserved nothing but Hell and Condemnation . It is much that God should receive such as we are into the condition of children . St. John admires it , 1 Joh 3.1 . Behold , what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us , that we should be called the Sons of God! But this is much more to be admired , that God should bestow upon such an Inheritance . If we may judge of Love by the Gifts , that Love must needs be infinite , that bestows such an infinite Reward . It was a great expression of love in Ahasuerus to Queen Esther , when he said , What is thy petition , and what is thy request , and it shall be granted thee to the half of the Kingdom ? Esth. 7.2 . How much greater expression is it of love in God to his people , to give them a whole Kingdom , and that incorruptible , undefiled , that fades not away . David was much taken with that expression of Gods love to him and his , when God said , 2 Sam. 7.16 . Thy House and thy Kingdom shall be established for ever before thee : Thy Throne shall be established for ever . Then ( saith the Text ) went King David in , and sate before the Lord , and said , Who am I , O Lord God , and what is my House , that thou hast brought me hitherto ? And this was yet a small thing in thy sight , O Lord God : But thou hast spoken also of thy servants House for a great while to come : And is this the manner of man , O Lord God ? Do men use so freely and bountifully to do good to their Inferiors and to their Enemies ? Thus he admires the goodness of God to him and his ; and so may every faithful Soul , when he looks upon his present possession of grace , he may well say , with David , Who am I , O Lord God , and what is my Fathers house , that thou hast brought me hitherto ? First , that thou hast done so much for me , as thou hast done already . But when he looks by the eye of Faith upon his future possession of glory , he may well hold up his hands , and stand and wonder at the goodness of God to a poor worthless Creature , and say , How great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for such as fear thee , & c ? ( Psal. 31.19 . ) Lord ! as if the gift of grace were a small thing in thy sight , thou hast spoken of thy Servants glory and happiness for a great while to come , even as far as to Eternity . And is this the manner of man , O Lord God ? Can any man in the world , or all the men in the world , if they would lay their heads , and hearts , and hands together , to exalt a poor Creature , can they do this ? Can they redeem their brothers Soul from Hell ? Ps. 49.6 , 7 , 8 , 9. or can they make him happy to Eternity ? No , no , they must let this work alone for a God to perform ; all the world can never do it . And therefore admire this unparallell'd expression of Gods goodness to a poor Creature .

And

Secondly , be Thankful for it . If we be bound to be thankful for the least mercy , for the least mercy of this present life , how should we be thankful for the greatest gift , the gift of Eternal Life : Rom. 6. last . The wages of sin is death , but the gift of God is Eternal Life , through Jesus Christ our Lord : Therefore be thankful for it . And indeed , the excellency of it , the excellency of Life Eternal , should raise up our hearts to thankfulness .

The excellency of Heaven set out , Which excellency appears , 1. By the excellent Names and Epithetes that are given to it 2. By the excellent Properties of it . 3. By the excellent Price given for it . 4. By the excellent Causes of it . 5. By the excellent Effects of it .

1. By its Names First , By the excellent Names and Epithets given to it . It is called , An Everlasting Kingdom ; The Kingdom of Heaven ; A House ; The Fathers House , not made with hands ; A Mansion ; The Presence Chamber of God — Abrahams Bosom , where Gods people are safe , as children in their Parents bosom — Paradise , Luk. 23.24 . in comparison of which , the Garden of Eden was but a dunghil ; ( Lords Joy ) Matth. 25.21 . — The New Jerusalem , Rev. 21.10 . and Gal. 4.16 . Jerusalem which is above : All the glory of the Old Jerusalem in Solomons Temple , was but a Type of this — The Immortal Inheritance , 1 Pet. 1.4 . — The glory of God — Rest , 2 Thess. 1.7 . — Refreshing , Acts 3.19 . — Peace , Isa. 57.2 . And what is more desireable than these things ? Therefore be thankful for it ,

Secondly , 2. By its Properties . the excellency appears by the excellent Properties of it . For

1. of all , the happiness of heaven is most pure , Rev. 22 1. It is called A pure river of water of life , clear as Chrystal , proceeding out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb. All earthly Pleasures have their admixtures of the mud of Sin and Misery , but this is pure .

2. It is most sure and secure , because out of the reach of Satan and all enemies . Rev. 20.10 . The devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of fire and brimstone , where the Beast and the false Prophet are and shall be tormented day and night , for ever and ever . In this world , the greatest comforts are upon a very uncertain tenure ; but there , all is sure and secure .

3. It is most Satisfactory . The River of Life must needs quench your thirst : Rev. 7.16 . They shall hunger no more , neither thirst any more ; there shall be no want of any thing their Souls can desire , Psal. 17. last .

4. All this shall be Eternal . When thou hast lived so many thousand years as there are little sands on the shore , piles of grass on the ground , stars in the Sky , thy happiness shall be as new to begin , as at thy very first entrance . As long as there is a God , and a Christ , thy life shall last . O then , be thankful for it .

Thirdly , the excellency appears , 3. By its Price . by the excellent Price given for it . We judge the worth of things by the value : Would you not be thankful , if one should give you an Inheritance should cost so many hundred thousand pounds ? but heaven is such an Inheritance , that cannot be bought with all the Silver and Gold in the world . For neither we , nor our inheritance , were redeemed with corruptible things , as silver and gold , but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ , as of a Lamb undefiled , and without spot , 1 Pet. 1.18 , 19. That must needs be a precious Inheritance , that cost such a precious price . Therefore be thankful for it .

4. By its Causes . Fourthly , the excellency of it appears from the excellent Causes of it : As ,

1. The primary Efficient Cause , is , God the Father , and his free love from all Eternity .

2. The Meritorious Cause , is Christ , his Son : 1 Joh. 5.11 . And this is the Witness , that God hath given us eternal life , and this life is in his Son .

3. The Instrumental Cause offering and holding forth Eternal Life is the Everlasting Gospel , Rom. 1.16 , 17. The Instrumental Cause receiving , is , The precious grace of Faith , Eph. 2.8 . Ye are saved through faith , and that not of your selves , it is the gift of God .

4. The Sealing Cause , is , The Holy Ghost . Eph. 1.13 , 14. In whom , &c.

5. The Final Cause , is , Gods Glory , and our Glory : Gods Glory in glorifying his Servants ; his Servants Glory , in the glorifying of God : Whilst they do behold the glory of God , they glorifie God to all eternity , and are glorified by God ; ( Joh. 17.24 . Behold my glory ) and so glorifie God , and receive glory from God . For in beholding Gods glory , we are transformed , 2 Cor. 3.18 . Therefore , Rev. 5.13 . Blessing and honour are to him . O who would not praise God for such a life ? Why do you not begin your Heaven upon Earth ? which will be strong assurance to you , that you shall go to Heaven when you die . As wicked men begin Hell upon Earth , whilst they curse God , and blaspheme God , and dishonour God by their wicked words and actions : So do you begin your Heaven upon Earth , in praising God for your living by Faith in regard of Life Eternal .

5. By Effects . Fifthly , the excellency of Life Eternal , appears as from the Causes , so from the Effects also , which are admirable and glorious ; viz. Man's being made like to the very Angels , Matth. 22.30 . yea , as like to Christ himself as may be . As we have been like him in sufferings , so like him also in glory . He that is willing to conform to Christ in the former , shall be made conformable to Christ in the latter . Phil. 3. last , He shall change our vile bodie , that it might be made like his glorious bodie , &c. And as in Body , so in Soul also ; in the whole man . Was Christ a King , Priest , and Prophet ? so are they that are Christs . Revel. 1.6 . He hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father : What follows ? Therefore to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever . Amen . If all Gods Saints have such honour , how should they honour Him who thus honours them of his free grace , and will honour them to all Eternity ? If Eternal Life be so excellent a gift , as appears by the Epithetes that are given to it , by the excellent Properties of it , by the excellent Price given for it , by the excellent Causes of it , and by the excellent Effects of it : Then surely , as we have cause to admire the unparallell'd expressions of Gods goodness to us herein ; So have we cause to break forth into thankfulness , as oft as we think of it , and act our Faith for it . No sooner did the Apostle Peter think of that heavenly Inheritance , but he must needs break forth into blessing of God , before he can tell how to speak of it , or to utter what he had conceived about it : 1 Pet. 1.3 . Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , which according to his abundant mercy , hath begotten us again unto a lively hope , by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead , to an inheritance incorruptible , &c. Mark , he cannot think of the inheritance , but he is forced to break forth into blessing . What though we have not reaped our full harvest ? yet you know Gods People were commanded to bring their Oblation of Thanksgiving , when they received their first-fruits , because the first-fruits were a Pawn and Pledge of the whole Harvest , Deut. 26. So we are bound to be thankful to God , when we have but received the first-fruits of grace , ( when we have but so much grace , as to live by Faith for Life Eternal ) because the first-fruits of grace do ascertain us of a full Harvest of glory in due time . What though we have not yet a perfect victory over all our enemies , Sin , Satan , and Death ? yet as Moses , when God had delivered him and his People from the danger of the Sea , and Pharoabs host , he sings a Song of Thanksgiving to the Lord ( Exod. 15.1 . ) though the perils of the Wilderness , and other evils were still behinde ; yet , I say , he is thankful , because these first victories were a Pawn and a Pledge to them of a full and plenary Conquest ; and that God would never leave them , till he had planted them in Canaan it self : yea , in that Celestial Canaan , where God reigns for ever and ever . And this was the ground of Moses his thankfulness , ver. 14. The People shall hear , and be afraid , &c. ver. 16 , 17 , 18. Fear and dread shall fall upon them by the greatness of thine Arm , they shall be as still as a stone , till thy people pass over , ( O Lord ) till thy people pass over which thou hast purchased : Thou shalt bring them in , and plant them in the Mountain of thine Inheritance ; in the place , O Lord , which thou hast made for thee to dwell in ; in the Sanctuary , O Lord , which thy hands have established . The Lord shall reign for ever and ever . Thus Gods People ( like Moses ) are thankful for Victories , not onely present and past , but future also . Though Gods People are yet upon the Sea of this world , and not past the Wilderness , they have , cause to be thankful , as Moses was , because they have both a Promise and a Pledge of Canaan , as he had . Therefore it is observable , that Gods people under the New Testament , standing upon the glassie Sea of this world , are said to sing the Song of Moses , and of the Lamb , Rev. 15.2 , 3. And I saw as it were a Sea of glass , &c. They sing the Song of Moses the Servant of God , and the Song of the Lamb , that is . They sing such a Song as Moses did sing , both for Mercies past , and also in assured hope of Mercies to come . And this Song is taught by the Lamb , ( that is , by the Lamb of God ) to all such as are redeemed by him , and none can sing this Song , but such as are redeemed . A man cannot be thankful for that which he hath nothing to shew for : he that hath nothing to shew for Heaven , how is it possible such a man should be thankful for it ? And therefore such as have the White Stone , and the New Name , and the Name of Christ and his Father written in their Foreheads , are such as sing this Song of Thankfulness : Rev. 14.1 , 3. And they sing ( as it were ) a new Song before the Throne , and before the four Beasts , and the Elders , and no man could learn that Song , but the hundred fourty four thousand , which were redeemed from the earth . None but holy Men , and holy Angels , are fit for this work ; none can give hearty praise to God for victory over Sin , Satan , and Antichrist , or for the Comforts of another World , but they that have a part and a lot in that Inheritance . As a stranger intermeddles not with the joy of Gods people : so neither with that Praise which is onely comely in their mouthes , Therefore let the redeemed of the Lord praise him , and be thankful to him .

Quest. How should they express and prove their Thankfulness ?

Ans. First , In the hatred and forsaking of all sin .

Secondly , In the practice of all holy duties , and good works .

First , In the hatred and forsaking of all sin ( at least , 1. Thankfulness shew'd by forsaking sin . in regard of the Dominion of it ) And why so ? Because by Sin 1. A man dishonours the Donor of this great Gift . 2. He wrongs his own Soul .

1. He dishonours the Donor execedingly : Rom. 2.24 . Sin dishonors God . The Name of God is blasphemed and dishonoured among the Gentiles through you ; You , for such as you , who have received so much Light , and so much Mercy from God , to walk thus , O what a shame is it , for you thus to dishonour God! God loves you so dearly , that he hath kept nothing from you ( no , not heaven it self ) I say , he hath kept nothing from you , but his own glory : And will you be so unthankful , as to rob him of that by your sinful carriage ? A gracious Soul , when he is tempted to sin , and thereby to commit Spiritual Adultery against God , and to stain his Glory ; should answer , as Joseph did , Gen. 39.8 , 9. My Lord and Master hath committed all that he hath to my hand , there is none greater in all the house than I ; neither hath he kept any thing back from me , but thee , because thou art dear to him ; ( Gods glory is dear to him , as the woman who is the glory of the man is dear to him ) how then can I do this great wickedness , and sin against God ? It was a great sin in Absalom , 2 Sam. 15. when David had received him into favour , after his three months banishment , and upwards , and he was now declared his Reconciled Childe , and Heir Apparent to the Kingdom , in due time ; I say , it was a great sin in him , in stead of being thankful to his Father , that he should presently prepare himself , Horses and Chariots , and a strong Guard , endevouring to steal away the hearts of the men of Israel , and his Crown also from his Father , both at once . And surely , it is a great expression of unthankfulness in any , after God hath once received them into favour , and by Faith assured them of Eternal Life , for such to return again to folly , and walk crossly , and to rob God of the Crown of his Glory by their sins . God took it very unkindly at Davids hands , that he of all other men should so dishonour God , after he had bestowed a Temporal Kingdom upon him , 2 Sam. 12.7 . Thus saith the Lord God of Israel , I anointed thee King over Israel , and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul , and I gave thee thy Masters house , and thy Masters wives into thy bosom , and gave thee the house of Israel , and of Judah ; and if that had been too little , I would moreover have given thee such and such things : Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord , to do evil in his sight ? As if the Lord should say , O David , dost thou use me thus ? Did I ever deserve this at thy hand ? Is this thy kindness to thy friend ? And if the Lord took it so unkindly from Davids hands , because he had bestowed a Temporal Kingdome upon him ; how much more unkindely may God take it from your hands , whom by the grace of Faith he hath assured of an Eternal Kingdom ? Deut. 32.6 . Do ye thus requite the Lord , ah foolish people , and unwise ? Is not he thy Father that hath bought thee , & c ? And is it not he that hath bought Heaven it self for thee , and wilt thou thus dishonour him by thy sins . By Sin a man dishonours the Donor of this great Gift .

And secondly , He wrongs his own Soul : for , Sin wrongs the Soul . he blots the Evidence or Conveyance which God hath given him , to assure him of this heavenly Kingdom . What sayes Christ , Luk. 10.20 . Rejoyce , that your Names are written in Heaven , or in the Book of Life . First , that you know this , that you have this Evidence ; God hath a threefold Book :

1. Of Providence : God hath a threefold Book . which is Gods Fore-knowledge and Disposing all things in the world . Of this David speaks , Psal. 139.16 . Thine eyes did see my substance yet being imperfect , and in thy book ( first in the Book of Providence ) were all my members written .

2 A Book of Mens Works and Ways , Rev. 20.12 . And I saw the dead small and great stand before the Lord , and the Books were opened , and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the Books , according to their Works .

The third is the Book of Mens Ends and Rewards , which is called , The Book of Life , Dan. 12.1 . At that time thy people shall be saved , every one that shall be found written in the Book . Now this Book is either in the Original , which is Gods Calendar of such as are appointed to Life and Salvation in his own Fore-knowledge and Decree : for , The Lord knoweth who are his , 2 Tim. 2.19 . Or else the Counterpane of it , in the Hearts and Consciences of such as do believe : 1 Joh 5.10 . He that believeth , hath the witness in himself . Now howsoever it is true , He that is once written in Gods Book of Life , ( if we take it for Gods Fore-knowledge and Decree ) can never be blotted out again ; ( The foundation of God stands sure ) yet , if we take it for that Witness that is written in the Heart and Conscience , it may be much blotted and blurred , and obscured by our wilful sinning against God . It is true , God will speak peace and pardon to his people , but let them not turn again to folly . For if they do , though they lose not their pardon , yet they may lose their peace ; so far , that they shall not be able to reade their Pardon or their Assurance for Heaven . Therefore such a man , as he dishonours the Giver : so he sins against his own Soul . Therefore let him declare his Thankfulness by the hating and forsaking all sin .

And ,

Thankfulness to be shewn by performance of all duties . Secondly , By the Practice of all holy Duties and good Works . If God be so abundant in Reward ( to assure us by Faith of Eternal Life ) it calls upon us very strongly to be so much the more abundant in our work . It is the Apostles Argument , 1 Cor. 15. last , ( having discours'd at large of the glorious condition of Gods People after the Resurrection ) Therefore my beloved Brethren , be ye stedfast , unmoveable , always abounding in the work of the Lord , forasmuch as you know , that your labour is not in vain in the Lord . O that we would oft consider , there is an Eternity for Reward , but a short time for work ! and when the time of this Life is once past , there is not a second opportunity , there is no returning back again , there is no doing of any thing in the Grave : Therefore let us work , Joh. 9.4 . while we have the light of Life ; the night of death comes , wherein no man can work ; no man can then believe , or repent , or bring forth the fruits of repentance : There is no repentance in Hell to any purpose ; and if we repent of any thing in heaven , it shall be of this , that we did God no more and no better service upon earth . And therefore so oft as we cast an eye upon the Eternity of Reward , and the short time of our work , let us bestir our selves in our places . Take the counsel of the Wise man , Eccles 9.10 . Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , ( either for God , or for the Church of God , or for thy own Soul ) do it with all thy might ; for there is no work , nor device , nor knowledge , nor Wisdom in the grave , whither thou art going : He that thinks seriously of his Eternal condition after death , cannot be an unprofitable Servant in his life .

And so much for the seventh Particular , what Manner of Life the Just lives by Faith . All that is worth the Name of Life , Natural , Spiritual , and Eternal Life : Faith is the Key that opens to us the Kingdom of Heaven : So says Calvin in his third Sermon on Gen. 15 , 6.

THE EIGHTH GENERAL HEAD . QUEST. VIII . What are the Reasons for living by Faith ?

WE come now to the Eighth Particular , the Reasons why God will have the Just to live by Faith . We have given particular Reasons to the particular Branches before , ( as , Why the Just lives by Faith the Life of Justification , Sanctification , Renovation , Fructification , Mortification , and Vivification , &c. ) We shall now give the general Reasons , which reach to all in general ; Why God will have the Just to live by Faith . It is true , God is not bound to give us a Reason , or give us an account of any of his Matters , Job 33.13 . It is the folly of vain man , to call Gods Wisdom to the Bar of his shallow Reason But Rom. 9.20 . Who art , &c. Gods Will may well stand for a Reason . And yet , God is pleased in this particular , to give us a Reason of his Will. Wicked men , in the Scripture , are said to be unreasonable men , 2 Thess. 3.2 . they do a thing , because they will do it , though they have no good Reason for it . But God , though he is most Absolute and Independent , is pleased in this matter of Faith to give us a Reason of his Will , That man might not dispute and wrangle with God , and say , What Reason have I to live by Faith , seeing I have little or nothing in hand . Therefore God tells us , There is all the Reason in the world , a man should live by Faith . Therefore unreasonable men are said to be such as have no faith , 2 Thess. 3.2 . because there is great reason a Christian man should live by Faith . So , though Faith be above Reason in some sense , to wit , above carnal , corrupt Reason : yet it is not above inlightned and rectified Reason .

There is manifold reason , Reasons for living by faith why a Christian should be willing to live by Faith . All may be reduced to three Heads .

1. From a Believers Condition in the Flesh . 2. From the Relation between Christ and a Believer . First sort of Reasons . 3. From the Nature and Vse of Faith .

First , From a Believers Condition in the Flesh . From our condition in the flesh . For distance of place between the person that makes the Promise , and the person to whom it is made , requires the Evidence of Faith to assure of the Performance .

Now first , The Believer is absent from the Lord , 1. Absence from the Lord . and from the Presence of Jesus Christ . Though he do enjoy in some measure the presence of his Grace , yet so long as he lives here below , he cannot enjoy the presence of his Glory . He that is far distant from him that makes a Promise , had need have some good Evidence and Obligation of his faithfulness and ability . 2 Cor. 5.6 . Whilst we are at home in the body , we are absent from the Lord , from our last home . What of that ? ( therefore saith the Apostle in the next words ) we walk by faith , and not by sight . As if he should have said , He that hath not the Evidence of Sense , had need have the Evidence of Faith from a sure Word of God . But Gods People in this life have not the Evidence of Sense or Sight in their highest degree ; therefore they had need have the Evidence of Faith for their Security . Their life is a Life of Faith : for , Faith is the evidence of things not seen , Heb. 11.1 . And that is the first Reason .

2. Distance of time . The second Reason , is drawn from the great distance of time betwixt Gods Promise , and the Performance of the thing promised . Sometimes some scores , some hundreds , some thousands of years ; therefore Gods People stand in need of some Security in the mean time , to assure them that God will make good his Word at the last . Now this security is Faith ; and therefore observe the connexion of the Text , to the former verse , The just lives by his faith : Why so ? because , saith the third verse , the Vision is for an appointed time . Gods Promise ( manifested by Vision to the Prophet ) shall not presently be fulfilled , but in its appointed time . Therefore , in the mean time , the just man lives by his Faith , he takes Gods bare Word for it , he believes it shall be so : The Spirit of God working by the Promise , assures him it shall be so ; and this puts life into the Promise , and life into him that apprehends the Promise .

Faith is a Christians Security , till God pay in that which he is bound for in the Covenant of Free Grace . It is just like the Witness and Seal to the Bond ; as , He that believes , sets to his Seal that God is true , Joh. 3.30 . So God himself , by giving Faith , sets to his Seal and Witness , that he means truly and faithfully to perform his Promise : 1 Joh. 5.10 . He that believeth , hath the witness in himself . Now I say , This Witness and Seal is very needful for the support of poor weak creatures , because there is so great a time betwixt the Promise and the Performance . It is nothing so much to rejoyce in the things promised , when we see them fulfilled by the eye of Sense . Luke 2. As old Simeon falls a singing , when he saw Christ with his bodily eyes , and embraced him in his very Arms , he might well say , with S. John , That which we have seen with our eyes , which we have looked upon , and our hands have handled of the Word of life , even that declare we unto you : and therefore he could not but rejoyce . But it was much more in old Father Abraham , Ioh. 8. when he did so much rejoyce to see Christ and his day , so many thousand years before he came into the world ; when he could see him no otherways , but by the eye of Faith , and yet he rejoyced , as if he had been in Simeons condition : as if Christ had been present with him at that very time , because Faith assured him it should be so . And in this respect all Believers stand in need of Faith , because usually there is some good distance of time betwixt the Promise and the Performance , and Faith is their Security in the mean time . And that 's the second Reason .

The third Reason is this , 3. Need of Humility . To keep us in a continual frame of Humility . God will have us to live by Faith as long as we live in this life . For the truth is , The best of Gods Servants ( in regard of remaining corruption ) when they possess much in hand , they are apt to to be puft up with pride and self-confidence , as Hezekiah was . Isa. 39. Therefore to that end , that no flesh might glory in his presence , look as God chooseth the weak , and base , and despised things of the world , in their first conversion ; so he keeps them in such a manner of condition all their life long , that by Faith they might be fain to go to him for every thing they want in Temporals and in Spirituals . In Temporals they must live like Beggars , they must beg of him their daily Bread ; and so in Spirituals also , Mat. 6. they must go to God for new supplies of Grace , and for new strength , upon the performance of every new duty . The most eminent Christian hath not grace beforehand in the stock for one year , or day , or hour ; not enough to perform the next Duty , or to resist the next Tentation from Satan or the World . 2 Cor. 3.5 . Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves , but all our sufficiency is of God : Phil 4.13 . I can do all things through Christ that strengthneth me : But will Christ strengthen those to do any great matter , whom he doth not strengthen to believe ? No surely , According to thy faith be it unto thee , Mat. 8.13 . & 9.29 . Therefore a Christian lives by Faith every day , and in every duty . He fetches strength from Christ , as well as sight . ( Isa. 45.24 . Surely , &c. ) Sight , for the acceptance of my person ; Strength , for the performance of my duty . God feeds them , and supplies them but onely from hand to mouth , lest they should be exalted above measure . 2 Cor. 12. And the hand that receives ( to wit , the hand of Faith ) is an empty hand too : It brings nothing to God , but it receives all from God ; but yet it receives not presently , but tarries his leisure . Nay , God gives not onely the Gift it self , but the very hand that receives the gift , lest any man should boast . For , Faith is the gift of God , Eph. 2.8 . And all this , to keep us humble .

Faith is the Christians Caterer , or Purveyor , or Petitioner . It is like a little poor Boy , that is sent out of doors , and so goes up and down to beg a living for his old decrepit father , who lies bedrid at home : I say , We , like poor creatures , can earn nothing of our selves by the merit of our own works , towards our living . Now Faith , like the little Boy , it goes a begging to God for a living : For Faith sets Prayer a work , and Prayer sets God himself a work for our good : And so the Just lives by his Faith . Now he that lives upon Alms , upon his meer dependance upon anothers good will , he hath great cause to be humble . There is nothing more odious and absurd , than a proud Beggar : But he that lives by Faith , lives meerly upon the good-will and free grace of God in Christ ; and therefore hath great cause to be humble . And that is the third Reason under the first general Head , drawn from a Believers Condition in the flesh .

The fourth Reason under the first general Head , 4. End of the Word and Ministery . is from the End of Gods giving the Word and the Ministery of it to his People in a state of imperfection ; viz. For their direction , and for their support in all conditions , till they come to a state of perfection . Eph. 4.11 . He gave some Apostles , and some Prophets , and some Evangelists , and some Pastors and Teachers , for the perfecting of the Saints , for the work of the Ministery , for the edifying of the Body of Christ , till we all come in the unity of faith , and of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ : Till we come where there is no need of Temple , no need of Temporal and Spiritual light by a Medium , as it is Rev. 21.22 , 23 Well then , as long as we live in this life , the Word is written for our direction , and for our support . But how shall we be directed or supported by it , if we do not apprehend it by faith ? Heb. 4.2 . The Word profits not , not being mixed with faith . And indeed , the very End why God gives us his written Word , is , That we might lay hold of it by faith , for our comfort in our worst condition . Joh. 20. last , These things are written , that ye might believe , that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God ; and that believing , ye might have life through his Name . And if this be the main End of the Scriptures writing , then there is all the reason in the world , we should live by Faith in it : Otherwise , we do what we can , to frustrate the Scriptures end , and to make it vain . Yea , we take Gods Name in vain , if we believe not : for , the Word of God , is the greatest part of Gods Name , by which he makes himself and his good Will known to us , ( as men are known by their Names ) Psal. 138.2 . Thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name . But he that believes not , vilifies this Word ; he looks at it as a vain word , and so he takes Gods Name in vain .

Obj. But it may be you will say , How do you know the Scriptures to be the Word of God ? If I knew it to be the Word of God indeed , I would not onely l●ve by Faith in it , but I would say and profess ( as you do ) There was all the reason in the world that men should believe it , and live by Faith in it : As it is written , Let God be true , and every man a liar , Rom. 3.4 . ]

Ans. I will not at this time undertake to handle this subject at large , as I hope to do hereafter , if God please to continue life and opportunity : For , I conceive , it is one of the most necessary foundations to be laid . And for want of setling and ramming down this Truth , men become foolish builders , they are loose in the whole fabrick of Religion , they are loose in their Faith , and as loose in their Practice .

Arguments of four sorts . There are four sorts of Arguments , ( besides the witness of the Spirit , which is the greatest of all to them that have it ) to prove the Scriptures to be of God : Whereof some are drawn from the Scriptures themselves ; Some from the Penmen thereof ; That the Scriptures are the Word of God . Some from the Opposites or Enemies of the Scriptures ; and last of all , Some from God himself , bearing witness from Heaven to the Word of his Truth . I shall onely speak a little of the first .

1. Some Arguments from the Scriptures themselves ; and that , The Scriptures excellency . Whether we respect the Antiquity of the Scriptures , or the excellency of the Matter therein contained , it will plainly evince , they are of God : Had we but time , and were it so pertinent to this present subject , to run over all the Particulars .

The excellency of the Matter appears , in the Sublimity , Majesty , Purity , Verity , and powerful Efficacy of the Scriptures . It will be too long to speak of all . I will onely pitch upon one ; and that is , The infallible Truth and Verity of the Scriptures , Verity . which prove them to be of God : And this Truth will appear , both by the Consent of all parts generally , and more particularly by the fulfilling of the Prophecies .

First , by the Consent of all the parts generally . Consent of parts . For doth not Joshua confirm Moses ? Do not the Judges confirm Joshua ? Samuel the Judges ? And so we might run through all the rest , to the end of the Bible . Do but consider a little what several Authors have ever writ of the same subject in any humane Art or Science , which have not differed in some particular , and brought probable Arguments on both sides ? Whereas the Scriptures , though written by several men , in several Ages , and several Parts of the World , do never cross one another , or call in question what formerly had been delivered .

It is true , I confess , Vnlearned and unstable men , throughout all Ages , have wrested the Scriptures to their own destruction , 2 Pet. 3.16 . But where did ever any one holy Penman of God , Correct what another of them had written ? And the reason is , Because however several men wrote several parts of the Scriptures , yet they being all acted by one and the same Spirit , they had all but one and the same Heart ; and , as I may so say , one and the same Mouth . And I may well say so , Because the Scriptures sayes it before me , Luke 1.10 . As God spake by the mouth of the Prophets , which have been since the world began . Observe , There is Prophets in the Plural Number , and Mouth in the Singular . All the Prophets had but one Mouth ; because they all spake one and the same Truth , without contradiction of one another . Thus there is a Consent of all the parts of Scripture generally , which proves them to be of God .

Secondly , This Consent will yet more particularly appear , in the fulfilling of each Prophecy therein contained . There hath indeed hardly fallen out any matter of moment from the beginning of the World set down in the Scriptures , but hath been foretold before the Accomplishment ; that so , when it came to pass , men might know and believe , that God is the God of Truth , and his Word the Word of Truth . To omit the great Promise of the Messiah , and those other also , concerning the calling in of the Gentiles to be of the Church and People of God , ( which was as unlikely and unprobable to Humane Reason in those days , as the calling back of the Jews to the acknowledgement of Christ in these days . ) And yet , that God that hath so wonderfully and miraculously fulfilled the former ( and is fulfilling of it to this day , in the Conversion of poor Indians ) will ere long as gloriously fulfil the other ; and , it may be , some of you that stand here shall not taste of death , till you see these things fulfilled : Isa. 66.8 . Who hath heard such a thing , who hath seen such things ? Shall the Earth be made to bring forth in one day , or shall a Nation be born at once ? This is a wonder indeed , and shall be for a wonder ! And yet , so it was in the first Coming of Christ ; whole Nations of the Gentiles were converted all of a sudden , and so it shall be at the second Coming of Christ , or a little before , the Nation of the Jews shall be reconverted to God , and grafted in again . Rom. 11. And the Lord prepare that woman for the day of her Travel .

But not to insist any longer upon these , let us for more particular instance , cast our eyes upon that Remarkable Prophecy , 1 King . 13.2 . when Jeroboam had erected an Idolatrous Altar in Bethel , for the worship of his golden Calf , God sends presently a Prophet to him , with this Message , That there should be a Childe born unto the house of David , Josiah by Name , and that he should sacrifice or burn upon that very Altar , the bones of his Idolatrous Priests ; which was fulfilled a matter of three hundred years after , 2 King . 23.15 , 16. It is most admirable to consider , that not onely the Judgement it self , but the very Name of the Man should be foretold , by which it was to be put in execution , and that so many years before his Birth .

Consider , in the next place , how punctually the Prophet Isaiah , Jeremy , and others , do speak of the Babylonish Captivity , of the number of the years it should continue , and in the conclusion , of the means of their freedom thence ; yea , they set down also the very Name of the man ( Cyrus ) whom God had raised up accordingly for their deliverance , Isa. 44.28 . & 45.1 , 4.

And last of all , ( to instance no further ) take but a view of the Prophecy of Daniel , and he may serve in stead of all : For he foretels what should fall out for the space of Six hundred years , in the four great Monarchies of the World , the Babylonian , the Persian , the Grecian , and the Roman ; and that , so punctually and exactly , that he might seem rather to have writtten a History , than a Prophecy . Therefore the Scriptures are certainly of God .

Obj. Now if any man shall object , and say , But who knows whether these things were so foretold before they came to pass ? It may be , when such things fell out , a Prophecy was afterwards fained , and fathered upon them , to gain more credit to their Writings ?

Ans. I answer , That 's a thing altogether impossible . For , first of all , That Prophecy of the Man of God against the Altar in Bethel , it must needs be really extant so many years before the birth of Josiah : For it is most manifest , ( as well by the Custom of the Jews , as of all other Nations in the World ) That the History of the Kings and Chronicles were written , and set down from year to year , the self-same time , that , the things therein specified , were acted and performed .

And as for the Prophecy of the Captivity , with their return by the help of Cyrus , it is as impossible , it should be feigned after the Event , as the other : And my reason is this , Because the People going into Captivity , the Scriptures also ( the Law and the Prophets ) went along with them , and from thence were dispersed almost into all Regions of the World . So that , if any such Prophecy had been thrust in afterwards , the discovery would soon have shewn the vanity of such a policy .

And so the Prophet Daniel's History tells us , That he lived under the first of these Monarchies : And therefore it is not possible the Prophecy should be feigned after the things were fulfilled . Yea , and we reade of Alexander the Great , that he read at Jerusalem in the Book of Daniel , the things which himself had atchieved .

And it is without all Controversie , That when Ptolomy King of Aegypt , ( who was styled Ptolomeus Philadelphus ) I say , when he caused the Scripture ( and so , the Prophecy of Daniel among the rest ) to be Translated into Greek by the Seventy Interpreters , there were then many things in that Prophecy , which were not yet accomplished , neither could there be the least suspicion of alteration afterwards , in respect of the great accompt was made of it . For howsoever , that Learning loving King had in his Library a matter of Fifty thousand Books , yet this of the Scriptures , he esteemed the greatest Treasure of all the rest ; shewing no less care in the Preservation , than he had before manifested both care and cost in the Translation of it .

All these things therefore being laid together , it must needs follow , That the Prophecies were revealed and set forth by the God of Truth ; and so the Event confirming the Prediction , it doth plainly declare there was no jugling , no deceipt , no cunning device of man , but that the Original was of God .

If therefore the Scriptures be of God ( as appears by the infallible Truth and Verity of them ) there is all the reason in the world , we should believe them . If the Scripture speaks nothing in vain , Jam. 4.5 . we should hear and receive nothing of it in vain , but live by Faith on every word that God speaks in the Scripture . And that is the fourth Reason under the first general Head .

5. The fifth Reason is this , Because Gods People , 5. Experiments of past things . whilst they live here below , have had ( both they and their Fore fathers ) manifold Experiments of Gods goodness and faithfulness for the time past , in fulfilling his Word : I mean , the Word of his Promise ; not onely in fulfilling the Word of Prophecy in general , ( as was proved in the former Reason ) but also in fulfilling the Word of Promise , as shall be made out in this . And hath God made good his Promise to so many generations for the time past ? And have we not then great reason to live by Faith in the Promise of such a God for the time to come ? Remember what Joshua said to the People , Josh. 21. last , and 23.14 . You know in all your hearts , and in all your souls , that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you ; all are come to pass unto you , not one thing hath failed thereof . And this he speakes to this end , that he might perswade them to live by Faith , and to trust in the same God for the time to come . Therefore , Deut. 7.17 . To cure the peoples diffidence and distrust , God puts them in minde of former experiences , If thou shalt say in thine heart , These Nations are more than I , how can I dispossess them ? Thou shalt not be afraid of them , but shalt well remember what the Lord thy God did unto Pharaoh and all Egypt ; So shall the Lord thy God do unto all the people , of whom thou art afraid . As if he should say , That God who hath made good his promise in his peoples deliverance for the time past , he will do it for the time to come also . This was Davids gracious Logick ; both Reason rectified , and Grace taught him to argue thus , 1 Sam. 17.37 . The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the Lion , and out of the paw of the Bear , he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistim . Paul fetches such another Argument from his deliverance out of the paw or mouth of the Lion : And what of that ? 2 Tim. 4. Mark his Argument ; The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work , and will preserve me to his heavenly Kingdom , to whom be glory for ever and ever . Amen . Observe : all these holy men of God , by their former experience , were built up in future confidence , and so should we be .

Obj. If you shall say , Where lies the strength of this Reason ? viz. Because God makes good his Word and Promise at one time , to such as trust in him , are we therefore sure he will make it good at another ?

Ans I answer , We may well be assured of it , and that upon these grounds :

First , from the Nature of Gods Covenant and Promise : His Covenant is an everlasting Covenant , Jer. 32.40 . His Promise is very comprehensive , it reacheth to all persons that are heirs of the Promise , it belongs to all Saints , Eph 3.18 . To all places where ere those persons come , 1 Kings 20 28. To all times , Heb. 13.5 . Isa. 40.8 The Word of God standeth for ever . Therefore , whom God once delivers in a way of Covenant-mercy , he will for ever deliver .

Secondly , We may argue from the Nature of God : For , were the Covenant made never so sure ( like the Laws of the Medes and Persians ) that it should not be changed , yet if God were of a changeable Nature , all were as good as nothing . As we see in the Covenants of vain and changeable men , ( they snap them asunder as Samson did his cords ) But God is an Vnchangeable God , and this puts life into that unchangeable Covenant , Mal. 3.6 . I am the Lord , I change not : therefore you Sons of Jacob are not consumed . He is unchangeable in all his Attributes , Unchangeable in his Love , Jer. 31.3 . In his Truth , Psal. 117.2 . In his Power , Isa. 59.1 , 2. And therefore by the same reason that we trust in God once , we have cause to trust in him for ever . Isa. 26.4 . Trust in the Lord for ever , for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength .

Thirdly , The third and the last Argument , is drawn from the Nature of the Price paid by Jesus Christ to his Father , for all the good things that he hath promised . The price of his own Blood , which Blood of his ( in the Merit and Value of it ) is ever pleading and speaking better things than that of Abel , Heb. 12.25 . By vertue of his blood , Christ pleads thus for each believing Soul , Father , bestow this Mercy on such a man , for I have paid for that Mercy also : And , Father , bestow such a Deliverance upon him , for I have paid the price for that Deliverance also ; and so for a Thousand Mercies and Deliverances one after another . As when the Price o● Ransom is paid for one in Prison , when one or two doors are opened , 't is an assurance to the poor Prisoner , that the rest will soon be opened , because the price is paid for the opening of all : So in this case , upon these grounds and experiences of Gods goodness and faithfulness for time past , do we and ought we to strengthen Faith for the time to come .

The second sort of Reasons , Second sort of Reasons for living by faith viz. The relation betwixt Christ and a Believer . is drawn from that Relation which is betwixt Christ and a Believer .

1. Christ is the Fountain , and out of his fulness we do all receive grace for grace . 2. Christ is our Lord and Master , and therefore we are bound to give unto him the honour that is due to his Name .

But we can do neither the one nor the other without Faith ; we can neither receive from Christ what we want , nor give unto Christ what is his due , without Faith .

Christ is the Fountain of Grace . 1. Christ is the Fountain , and out of his fulness we all receive grace for grace : but without Faith , we cannot be united to this Fountain , nor draw any thing from him . The Water-Cock is in the house , but the Spring-Head is in the field : So the Water-Cock of Grace is in the Soul , but the Spring-Head that feeds this , is in Christ I am the life , saith Christ , Joh. 14.6 . Life is radically in Jesus Christ : [ Psal. 36.9 . For with thee is the fountain of life .

Now then , there must be some Conduit-pipe to convey this Water of Life to the Soul , and that is Faith : Joh. 7.38 . He that believeth in me , ( as the Scripture ha●h said ) out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water . And thus a believer lives by a Principle out of himself , namely , in Jesus Christ . Gal 2.20 . I live by the faith of the Son of God , who hath loved me , &c. 1 Joh 5.12 . He that hath the Son , hath life : and what is it to have the Son , but to believe in the Son ? to be united to him by Faith ? As the the Water-Cock is united to the Fountain by the Conduit-pipe . As the Heads of those Rivers that water the Garden of Paradise , were out of Paradise : So the Head and Spring of those Streams of Grace that water the Soul , are out of the Soul , even in Christ the Fountain : All my fresh springs are in thee , Psal. 87.7 . Though some understand it of the Church of God , it is more eminently true of God himself : Therefore a gracious Soul lives by Faith , because by Faith he is united to Christ the Fountain of all Grace .

Christ is our Lord , and we cannot honour him without Faith . Secondly , As Christ is our Lord and Master , we are bound to give to him the honour due to his Name . Mal. 1.6 . If I be a Lord and Master , where is my fear and honour ? But we cannot honour him without Faith : Faith brings a great deal of Honour to God and Jesus Christ ; therefore he will have the just to live by his Faith .

1. Faith honours the grace of God . First , it puts a great deal of Honour upon the free grace of God , as we shall hear afterwards : Rom. 4.16 . Therefore it is of faith , that it might be by grace . For the act of Faith doth necessarily exclude Merit : It is an act of self denial , a holy despair of any thing in our selves ; and a firm reliance onely upon the Merit and Free-grace of Jesus Christ . As a full hand receives nothing , but the hand that is empty is fit to receive any thing : So Faith is an empty hand , laying hold upon Jesus Christ , and of his fulness receiving grace for grace , Joh. 1.16 . Luk. 1.53 . He filleth the hungry with good things .

Secondly , it puts honour upon the faithfulness of God . 2. Faith honours the faithfulness of God . ●uppose God speaks a word of Promise for such or such a thing and we see no likelyhood of its performance , in the order of Nature , or second Causes , yet saith the believing Soul , I 'll trust God upon his word , upon his naked word , though I have nothing in hand ; I 'll trust him , though his Providences cross his Promises ; I 'll trust him , I am sure he is faithful , he cannot deny himself . 2 Tim. 2.13 . This puts a great deal of Honour upon God . Look as it is the greatest dishonour can be done to God , when we will not trust him upon his Word ( as it is a dishonour to a man , when he cannot be trusted ) and much more to the Most High God , for , He that believes not , 1 Joh. 5.10 . makes God a liar : ) So on the other side , he puts a great deal of Honour upon God , that relies upon the truth and faithfulness of God , 1 Thess. 5.24 . Therefore God is of some Credit with his own People : Whereas the wicked will trust him no further than they see him . A Believer puts honour upon the Faithfulnesse of God .

Thirdly , 3. Faith honours the power of God . he puts honour upon the Power and All-sufficiency of God . Though we are never so weak and impotent to procure to our selves what God holds out in a Promise , yet when by Faith we look at God as a God All-sufficient , and Omnipotent , to give a Being to his own Word , this puts much honour upon God . And thus did Abraham glorifie God by his Faith , Rom. 4.18 , 19 , 20 , 21. And so do all such as tread in the steps of faithful Abraham , they glorifie the free grace , and power and faithfulness of God : therefore God will have the Just live by his Faith . God will put much honour upon that grace , that puts so much honour upon God .

Third sort of Reasons from the nature and use of Faith . The third sort of Reasons are drawn from the Nature and Vse of Faith .

1. T is our livelihood . First therefore , a Believer lives by Faith , because a Believes layes hold upon the Word of Life , ( as hath been partly shewed already ) the Word of Promise , the Promise of free grace : for , By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God , doth man live , Matth. 4.4 . ( yet not upon the Word of Promise , separated from the thing promised . ) 'T is true , once God said , Do this , and live : Now he saith , Believe this , and live . When God said , Do this , and live , suppose man had done what God required , yet he had not lived by Merit of his Obedience , Rom. 4.7 . ( as Calvin well observes in his Sermon of Abrahams Faith ) But by vertue of Gods gracious Promise annex'd to his believing ; If thou believe this ( saith God ) which I promise , thou shalt live : And so , by every Word that God speaks , Difference of faith in both Covenants . doth man live . In both Covenants God required Faith , but yet with a great deal of difference , both in respect of the Object and Principle of Faith .

First , in respect of the Object of Faith . The first Covenant required no more but to Believe the Truth of God , which promised , Do this , and thou shalt live : but in the latter , God requires Faith in Christ , and in Christ crucified , and in all the Promises of free grace , which are Yea and Amen in Christ .

Secondly , they differ in respect of the Principle of Faith . For the first kinde of Faith , man had by the grace of Creation ( viz. Power to give credit to God in what he spake ) But the second kinde of Faith a man hath not , but by the grace of Regeneration . It is the gift of God to believe in a crucified Saviour ; and so the Covenant still savoureth of more grace , because the just lives by this latter kinde of Faith , laying hold upon the Word of Life , upon the Promise of free grace : For this is the proper act of justifying Faith . Now by Promise God makes himself a Debtor ( though he was none before ) and Faith puts the Promise in Suit ; thereupon , God pays his Debts , and this is the creatures livelyhood : And therefore the Just must needs live by his Faith .

Secondly , God will have his People live by Faith , 2. We fell by unbelief . because we first fell away , and departed from God by Unbelief and Distrust . Our first Parents would not give credit to God , when he said , Gen. 3. In the day thou eatest of the forbidden fruit , thou shalt surely die ; but gave more credit to the Devil , when he said , Ye shall not die : And so they fell ( I say ) by Vnbelief and Distrust ; therefore now God so orders the matter , that whosoever will be saved , must be saved by Faith . God will recover his honour in a way of Faith , as he was first dishonoured in the world by Vnbelief .

Thirdly , That their Salvation might be , as upon freer , That salvation might be on free and sure grounds . so upon surer grounds , Rom. 4.17 . Therefore it is of faith , that it might be sure to the seed .

1. Upon freer ground , upon a ground of free grace : for , What is Faith , but a casting away our own Righteousness , and putting on of the Righteousness of Christ ? As a poor Beggar is content to cast away all his filthy Rags , so that he may put on a good Sute , that is freely bestowed upon him : So the Apostle , Phil. 3.8 , 9. Yea doubtless , and I do count all things but loss , &c. The Righteousness which is of God by Faith , that is the Righteousness which Faith receives , not the Righteousness which is wrought by Faith : For , Faith hath a twofold Property ; the one , To act for God ; the other , To receive from God . It acts for God , while it purifies the heart , and the life , and worketh by love : but so it doth not justifie . It receives from God , whilst it lays hold on the Merits and Righteousness of Jesus Christ : and so it doth justifie . Thus the Just lives by his Faith , that his Justification and Salvation might be upon the freer grounds .

2. That it be upon surer grounds , that it might be sure to all the seed . Rom. 4.16 . Mans life and salvation depending upon his Obedience , was not sure before the Fall : for , as he was created in a possibility of standing ; so he was created in a possibility of falling also : and fall he did , as is manifest to all the world by woful experience . Much less then would there be any certainty of this Salvation after the Fall , should it depend upon the perfection of his own Righteousness , Isa. 64.6 . for all our Righteousness is as filthy Rags . But when nothing else is required of us ( in point of Justification ) but the renouncing our own Righteousness , and the accepting of that , which was performed by Jesus Christ , who hath fulfilled all Righteousness , to the utmost demand of the Law . When once God gives us grace to do this , ( as this is done by the grace of Faith ) we may be sure the gates of Hell shall never prevail against us . Therefore God would have the Just live by Faith , that his Salvation might be upon surer grounds .

General VSES .
Vse . I. Of Information .

FOr Information : If the just lives by Faith , First , see the happy Condition of Believers , Joh. 6.29 . Information in 7 things . It is comfort against all discomforts .

What is thy Discomfort ? What troubles thee ?

The happy condition of believers .

They have comfort

1. Against self-condemnation .

Is this thy discomfort , when thou lookst into thy Self , thou seest nothing but the Sentence of Death and condemnation in regard of thy sinfulness of Nature and Life ? yet thou maist say , ( though I see nothing but Death it self ) By Faith I live .

1. Doth the Law condemn thee ? Gal. 3.10 . Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law , to do them .

2. Doth thine own Conscience condemn thee , taking part with the Law , which is written there ? Conscience is a Practical Syllogism : The Law affords the Major , Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law , to do them : Conscience affords the Minor , But I have not continued in all things written in the book of the Law , to do them ; Therefore I am cursed .

3. Doth the Devil condemn thee , who sails with wind and tide , making use of the Law and Conscience ? As the Devil is called , The Accuser of the Brethren .

4. Do other Men condemn thee , with whom thou hast sinned by counsel , consent , or incouragement ? Thou hast been partaker of other mens sins , and these come to rise up in Judgement against thee .

5. Doth the Gospel it self condemn thee ? At least , for the time that is past ? Thou hast outstood many thousand sweet proffers of Grace and Mercy , therefore thou art afraid that Sentence belongs to thee : Prov. 1.24 . Because I have called , and ye refused ; I have stretched out my hand , and no man regarded , &c.

6. Dost thou fear sometimes condemnation from the Mouth of the Judge , who shall judge men according to the things that are written in the Books , Rev. 20.12 . yet , here is thy comfort , if thou believest , thou art in an estate of Life . The Just shall live by Faith : Faith unites him to an everlasting Principle of Life . And , There is no condemnation to them that by faith are implanted into Christ , Rom. 8.1 . They are freed from condemnation , Joh 5.24 .

1. Of the Law , Rom. 7.6 . We are delivered from the Law , in regard of Exaction , Curse , and Malediction , Rom. 8.2 , 3. We are not under the Law as a Covenant , but onely as a Rule . Rom. 10.14 . Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness , to every one who believes .

2. Of Conscience : Heb. 9 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ , who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God , purge your consciences from dead works , to serve the living God . This blood is sprinkled by Faith , which purifies the heart , Act. 15.9 . and as it purifies , so it pacifies , Rom. 5.1 . Being justified by Faith , we have peace with God .

3. Of Satan : Rev. 12.10 . For the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before God day and night . His accusations are cast out of the Court , like the Accusations of some troublesome Informer , or busie Promoter . And how are we freed from his Accusations , but by Faith ? 1 Pet. 5.9 . Whom resist , stedfast in the faith : Repel his Accusation of God , as if he did not love you , because he afflicts you : For of such an Accusation he there speaks , as appears by the Means which there is fitted to that kinde of resistance , Whom resist , stedfast in the faith , knowing that the same afflictions are accomplish'd in your brethren .

4. Of Men : Rom. 8.33 , 34. The Apostle challengeth Men and Devils . If the Superior Judge will absolve and justifie , what hath the Inferior Judge or Witness to say against the party ?

5. Of the Gospel . Indeed , if they who believe , had stood out to the end , the Sentence had belonged to them But because they did by Faith receive the Gospel at the last , all their former rejecting of it , shall not so much as be mentioned : Rev. 3.20 . Christ stands at the door and knocks , and makes a gracious Promise , If any man hear my voice , and open the door , I will come in to him , and will sup with him , and he with me . But alas , who hears at the first knock ! Christ stands there many a day , it may be many years , before the poor creature opens and believes ; yet if he opens at last , Christ comes in , and makes good his Promise .

6. Of the Judge : for , God shall judge the secrets of men according to the Gospel , Rom. 2.16 . Believers shall hear a Sentence of Absolution , Come ye blessed : So , There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus , Rom 8.1 .

Secondly , is this thy Discomfort ; 2. Comfort against absence from the Lord . Thou art absent from the Lord : O when shall I come and appear before God ? Faith draws God near to the Soul in the Promise , and in the Seal of the Promise : Thou seest the face of God in a lively picture , in a clear glass , in the glass of the Word and Sacrament ; and that 's a great comfort . As it is some comfort to have the lively Picture of an absent friend ; but no picture can draw one friend so near to another , as these lively pictures do draw God to the Soul : Therefore , when we act our Faith , we are said to draw near to God , Heb. 10.22 .

3. Against distance of things promised Thirdly , is this our Discomfort , The distance of the thing promised ? yet this is our Comfort , Faith gives us such Security , as if the thing had a present subsistence . Heb. 11.1 . Now faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen .

4. Against Temporal and Spiritual wants . Fourthly , is this thy Discomfort , That thy Wants are many in Temporals and Spirituals ? and thou knowest not how to get them supplied ? yet , this is thy Comfort , Christ is a Fountain , and the Word a Treasure : and as long as there is any thing left in the Word , or in Christ , in whom all fulness dwells , thou canst never want ; Thou maist go to the Spring-head upon all occasions : Psa. 23.1 . The Lord is my shepherd , I shall not want .

5. Against Spiritual pride . Fifthly , is this thy Discomfort , Thou art afraid thou shalt be exalted above measure ? yea , but here is thy Comfort , Faith will keep thee humble ; Faith tells thee , Thou livest upon Alms , upon a Principle without thy self .

6. Against fear of not honouring God . Sixthly , is this thy Discomfort , Thou art afraid thou shalt not honour God as thou art bound ? yet , this is thy Comfort , Faith will help thee to honour his Free-grace , Faithfulness , and All-sufficiency : As Abraham by believing gave glory to God , Rom. 4 20.

2 Information , See the Misery of all Unbelievers ; they are no better then dead men , Misery of Unbelievers , in fix respects . or condemned men . Joh. 3. last , He that believeth not the Son , shall not see life , but the wrath of God abideth on him . The wrath of a King is as the roaring of a Lion , as the messengers of death , Prov. 16.14 . & 19.12 . O what is the wrath of the King of kings ! Who is able to stand under the burthen of it ! Who among us is able to dwell with everlasting burnings ! Isa. 33. O remember the dangerous condition of all Unbelievers , who are

1. Not purified [ Tit. 1.15 . Vnto the pure all things are pure ; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving , is nothing pure , but even their mind and conscience is defiled .

2. Unbelievers are not pacified . Isa. 57.19 , 20.21 . I create the fruit of the lips , Peace , peace , to him that is afar off , and to him that is near , saith the Lord ; and I will heal him : But the wicked are like the troubled Sea , they cannot rest ; whose waters cast up mire and dirt . There is no peace , saith my God , to the wicked : They are no better than condemned men .

Respect 1. First , they are condemned by the first Covenant , viz. by the Law of Works , Gal 3.10 . And the Gospel helps none against the first Covenant , but such as receive the Gospel by Faith .

Resp. 2. Secondly , they are condemned by their own Conscience , not being purged by Faith . An Unbeliever commonly hath either a dead Conscience , or a raging furious Conscience , that , like Zimri , slays his own Master , and yet hath never the more peace after it . An Unbelievers Conscience is his own Accuser , Witness , Judge , Condemner , and Executioner : it is that , that puts a man into Hell upon Earth .

Resp. 3. Thirdly , he is condemned by Satan , the great Accuser ; first a Tempter , then a Tormentor ; yea , he is under the power of this Jaylor , who as he binds , Luk. 13.16 . Act. 26.18 . so blinds the minds of them that believe not , 2 Cor. 4.4 . As the poor Prisoner is blindfold a little before his Execution , Psal. 109.6 , 7.

Resp. 4. Fourthly , he is condemned by men , not onely good men shall rise up in Judgement against him , such as repented and believed at the Preaching of the Prophets ; but even wicked men shall rise up in Judgement one against another : Though they were never such good-fellows in sin together , yet , when once God calls them to account ; as the man laid the blame upon the woman , and the woman upon the Serpent ( though they were all in fault : ) So shall one sinner accuse and condemn another , and say , Woe worth the time that ever I saw thy face ; if it had not been for thee , I had never committed such a sin ; if thou hadst not made the motion , I had never yielded : And the other shall say , If thou hadst not yielded , the motion had never been put in execution . Indeed , where there is Faith , the Accusation is easily answered , we can send the Accuser to our Surety ; but the Unbeliever sinks under the weight of the Accusation , and must bear it off by head and shoulders , both his own and his other mens sins .

Resp. 5. Fifthly , he is a dead man by the Sentence of the Gospel : for though the Gospel be the Power of God unto salvation , yet it is onely to the Salvation of them that believe , Rom. 1.16 . The Gospel condemns the unbeliever as much as the Law , and more too . Joh. 3.18 , 19. He that believeth not , is condemned already , because he hath not believed in the Name of the onely begotten Son of God : Joh. 3. and , This is the condemnation , that light is come into the world , and men loved darkness rather than light , because their deeds swere evil . There is no condemnation like this ; This is the condemnation , by way of eminency . As the sharpest Vinegar is made of the sweetest Wine : So the sharpest Judgements spring from the abuse of the sweetest Mercies : And who are they that abuse sweet Gospel-mercies , but Unbelievers ?

Resp. 6. Sixthly , he shall be condemned from the mouth of the Judge himself : for if the Gospel do condemn him , Mercy himself cannot save him ; ( for God is onely merciful in a Gospel-way ) if the Gospel do condemn him , the Judge must needs condemn him : for , As many as have sinned under the Gospel , shall be judged by the Gospel ; as those that have sinned under the Law , shall be judged by the Law : Rom. 2.12 . For as many as have sinned without law , shall also perish without law ; and as many as have sinned in the law , shall be judged by the law . Therefore , all unbelievers shall hear the Sentence of Condemnation , Go ye cursed , &c. This is the Gospel Rule , the standing Rule of the everlasting Gospel , He that believeth shall be saved , and he that believeth not shall be damned , Mark 16.16 . As the Just lives by Faith ; so the Unbeliever dies by his Unbelief . He is subject to the first death in the most terrible manner , the sting was never yet pulled out by such a man ; and he is subject to the second death , viz. Death of the Body and Soul to all eternity , where the worm dies not , and the fire is not quenched . O who would continue in such a condition ! Why do we not cry out of our unbelief to God! Why do we not mourn and weep under the burthen of it ! We can weep over our dying friends ; O that we could weep over our own and friends dead Hearts and Souls ! For he that hath no Faith , hath no Christ he that hath no Christ , hath no Life : The Unbeliever is in a dead condition , he dies by his Unbelief , as the Just lives by his Faith .

Secondly , see the misery of all Unbelievers , 2. Their dead condition . they are in a dead condition : If the Just lives by Faith , they must needs be dead who have no Faith ; and that , because they want that which should unite them to him who is the Principle of Life : 1 Joh. 5.12 . He that hath the Son hath life ; he that hath not the Son hath not life . Alas poor creature ! he is dead while he seems to live ; he is dead in sins and trespasses , Eph. 2.1 . He is active indeed , to that which is evil , and that is his misery : but he is dead to all that is good . As Faith works by love , and so sets love and all other Graces on work : So Unbelief sets all manner of sin on work ; and sin when it is finished , Jam. 1. bringeth forth death . Unbelief is the cause of all sin and misery . As the Just lives by his Faith ; so the wicked man dies by his Unbelief . All sins are pardonable to him that believes ; but Unbelief binds all other sins upon the Soul to condemnation . O the miserable condition of all unbelievers ! and such are we all in our natural condition ! Let us confess it , and bewail it at the Throne of Grace , That God may give us this excellent gift of Faith , that we may live by Faith upon the living God .

Thirdly , See the reason why Satan is such an enemy to Faith ; Reason of Satans enmity against Faith . Because by it ( under God ) the creature lives . Now Satan is an utter enemy to the creatures life and happiness , he was a Murtherer from the beginning , and therefore an enemy to Faith from the beginning . He was an enemy to that Faith that was proper to the first Covenant . Gen. 3.1 . Now the Serpent was more subtile than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made : and he said unto the woman , Yea , hath God said , Ye shall not eat of every tree of the Garden ? His great Temptation was to perswade Eve , not to trust God upon his Word ; Yea , hath God said , Ye shall not eat of every tree of the Garden ? And he is as great an enemy to that Faith which is proper to the second Covenant , whereby a poor sinner casts himself into the arms of Gods Mercy through Christ , held out to him in a promise of Free-grace . Luke 22.31 , 32. you may see , Satan was an enemy to Peters faith , and so to the faith of every believer . How do you know this Word ( saith the Devil ) to be the Word of God ? or if it be so ) how dost thou know it belongeth to thee ? Dost thou think God will ever make good his Promise to such a vile creature as thou art ? and a thousand such Objections ! No marvel Satan is such an enemy to Faith , seeing the Just lives by his Faith . Faith is that which puts life into our Zeal , our Courage , our Prayers , all our Christian duties : The Devil knows , if he can but ham-string our Faith , we shall halt and go lame all our days , and in all our duties . As our Faith is weakned , our Zeal is cooled , our Courage daunted , our Prayers infeebled , our Graces languishing , and our Duties decaying from day to day . Therefore as the Devil strikes most of all at our Shield of faith , let us be perswaded to hold it so much the faster : Eph. 6.16 . Above all , taking the shield of faith , wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one . If thou wouldst know , how a Christian doth ? Ask him , How his faith does ; if thou wouldst have him a thriving Christian , perswade him to look well to his Faith . 1 Thess. 3.5 . For this cause when I could no longer forbear , I sent to know your faith , lest by some means the Tempter hath tempted you , and our labour be in vain . The Tempter fights neither against small nor great , but against our Faith . If he robs us of that , 2 Pet. 1.1 . he robs us of our greatest Treasure . Saving Faith is precious Faith ; and it is that which maintains the most precious life . Therefore it is no marvel , Satan is so great an enemy to our Faith .

Fourthly , Difference between the life of Christ and ours . This informs us of the difference betwixt the life of Christ and ours . Christ hath life of himself , as the Father hath life of himself , Joh. 5.26 . He is the Principle of Life to himself , he receives it from no other . But our life is a derivative life , we derive our life from him who is the Fountain of life , and the Fountain of light too : Psal. 36.9 . For with thee is the fountain of life , and in thy light shall we see light . Therefore , as this puts us in minde of the glorious Dignity of Jesus Christ , who is as the Sea to all living creatures , ( especially such as live the Life of Grace ) to whom he is the Fountain of light and life . So it should reminde us of the Humility which befits creatures in such a condition as we are . As we should have high thoughts of Christ ; so , vile and mean thoughts of our Selves : For , though Christ could live well enough without us ( as he did , before we had any Being ) yet we cannot live without him ; he is the main Object of our Faith , and therefore the very Principle of our Life : for the Just doth live by his Faith .

Fifthly , This informs us , why there are so many dead creatures in the world : As Christ saith , Why so many dead . Mat. 8.22 . Let the dead bury the dead ; let such as are dead in sins and trespasses , bury such as are naturally dead . How manymen in the world have no life to any thing that is good ; dead-hearted creatures , and yet insensible of their deadness ; alive unto sin , but dead unto all gracious performances . The very reason is , They want Faith . Nevertheless , when the Son of Man comes , shall he finde Faith upon the earth . Luke 18.8 . There is little Faith in the world , and therefore little Life in the world : Nay , many of those who have a Name to live , are dead , ( Rev. 3.1 . ) because many who make Profession of Faith , do want the Faith which they do profess . They are not by Faith united to Christ the onely Principle of all Spiritual Life , and of all living actions ; and therefore their most specious good works ( such as are materially good ) are no better than dead works , and so sinful works , because formally evil , as not springing from a living Principle , to wit , from the Spirit of Grace dwelling in the creature , and uniting him by Faith to Jesus Christ , who is the Fountain of Life . I confess , a wicked man may perform many excellent works , and that by the help of Gods Spirit too , and yet have no life in him for all that : for , There is a twofold help from the Spirit of God ; the one , from the inhabiting Spirit of God , dwelling in the heart , and changing the nature of the creature ; the other , springing onely from some common work of the Spirit , strengthning a man to this or that particular action , by the Elevation of his natural parts , and the improvement of them in outward Expressions . There is a great deal of difference betwixt a creature that is moved by a Spirit that dwells in it , and informs it , ( That is forma informans , and so , acts it from an inward Principle ) and that which is moved by a Spirit that dwells not in it , but doth onely make use of it , or assist it pro tempore , that is , but forma assistens , as the Angel , that made use of a body in appearing and speaking to Manoah and his Wife . Thus it is with men of most eminent parts ( if they have not Faith ) though they may have a Name to live , yet in truth they are but dead , dead in their persons , and dead in their works ; for , without Faith , there is no true life , either in this man , or in any thing that comes from him . For the Just lives by his Faith .

Sixthly , This shews the unsoundness of their opinion , who say there may be life in a creature , No life until Faith . and Christ in a creature , before there be Faith in the creature : as if Faith did onely give Evidence of that life which was in the Soul before Faith . But the Text is plain , The just lives by his faith : Therefore , as Christ and Life , so Faith and Life come both together ; and Faith is an Instrument of applying Christ for the maintaining and acting of Spiritual Life .

So that Faith is not onely an evidence to shew that we are alive ; but it is an Instrument ( under Jesus Christ ) of Spiritual Life . Therefore look as when it is said , By faith the walls of Jericho fell down ; it is not onely meant , that by Faith they saw when they were down ( for they could see that with the eye of sense ) but the meaning is , Faith was the Instrument or Engine , laying hold of the Vertue , Truth and Power of Christ , who stood upon the top of the wall , and bid them compass the City six days , and blow with Rams-horns , and give a shout the seventh day , and the walls of Jericho should fall down . Now they doing this in Faith , and believing God , would make good his Promise ,

It is said , By faith the walls of Jericho fell down ; their faith was an Instrument of their falling , and not onely an evidence that they were fallen : So I say , Faith is an Instrument of Spiritual Life , and not onely an evidence , that the Creature doth live . The Just shall live by his Faith .

Seventhly , This shews us , what the Ministers of God are principally bound to preach , The Ministers chief work . and what people principally should desire to hear ; and that is , the Word of Faith , because this is indeed the Word of Life . The Just shall live by his Faith ; and therefore we make bold to be the longer upon this subject . It is true indeed , we are bound to preach of Good Works also , and of Duties to God and Men : but these are to be set in their due place and order , to be brought in , as fruits and effects of Faith and Repentance , and not as the causes .

Simile . To speak altogether of Good Works , and Good Duties without Faith , is all one , as if one should make Roof of a House , without any Walls or Foundation . To speak altogether of Faith , without the fruits of it in Good Works , is all one , as if one should lay a Foundation and build the Walls , but never set on the Roof . The one of these ought to be done , and the other not to be left undone . Howsoever , the chief of these is Faith : In order to the Foundation , it lays hold upon Christ ; He is the onely sure Foundation of all our building , and therefore the Word we preach , is called the Word of Faith , Rom. 10.18 . As if Faith should be the principal subject of our Preaching ( as indeed it should ) For the end of all Preaching , The End of all Preaching . is either to beget Spiritual Life , or else to maintain it and increase it where it is begotten ; and this is done in a way of Faith . For the Just shall live by his Faith .

Vse II. Of Reproof .

Reproof to 3 sorts . To Reprove divers sorts of men .

1. Such as live by other things , in stead of living by Faith .

2. Such as profess Faith , but live not by it ; like a man that makes Profession of such a Calling , but never works upon his Trade .

3. Such as not onely profess Faith , but have the habit of it , and yet act it not : They live not by it , like a rich man that hath wealth enough , and yet is ready to starve himself for want of making use of that which God hath bestowed upon him .

First , It Reproves such as live upon other things , First sort Reproved . in stead of living by Faith : And the world swarms with such kind of men . It is hard to name the several sorts of them ; every man hath something or other to live upon , but few live by Faith . For ,

1. Some live upon their very sins ; 1. Such as live upon their sins . they account that their life , which is no better indeed than their Death : How many make a living of Theft , of Deceit in Bargaining , of Oppression , or of keeping such Houses of Filthiness , as are no better than Lark-Nets to catch the simple fool , as Solomon faith . The truth is , there is no sinner ( under the power of sin ) but he loves his sin as his very life ; he had as lieve part with his life as with his lust . O he hugs it , and makes much of it , he keeps it as a sweet bit under his Tongue ! Joh. 20.12 . Though he hath poisoned himself with the Devils Sweet-meats ( as he spoke within a verse or two ) His meat within him is turned into the gall and poison of Asps. Some Poisons do not work in many days or years after they are received ; and such are the Devils Poison : you shall not , it may be , perceive the deadly operation of them in many years after you have taken them ; and yet at the last , they will certainly prove the bane of your Souls , without Repentance . O do not live upon that , which will certainly prove your Death .

2. Some live upon their Pleasures and Recreations . 2. Upon pleasures O they account them the very life of their life , they spend more time in Hunting , and Gaming , and Sporting , than in the lawful works of their Calling . Such a life as this , deserves the name of death rather than life : They are dead whilst they live , who live in pleasures , 1 Tim. 5.6 . There is nothing more opposite to the Life of Faith , which chooseth rather to suffer affliction with the people of God , than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season , Heb. 11.25 . Such as live upon Pleasures , Simile . are just like foolish Children or Women that are taken with the Green Sickness , who feed upon dust and ashes , and such like trash , in stead of wholesome food , till they are again ready to be turned into dust and ashes themselves : So do those who feed upon Pleasures , Isa. 44.20 . They do but feed upon ashes , because a deceitful heart hath turned them aside . How well might they live , if they would live by Faith ? but how poorly do they live , who live upon Pleasures ? They do but live upon ashes , they lay out their money for that which is not bread , Isa. 55.

3. Upon creatures 3. Others live upon the Creatures , without them , in stead of living upon God by Faith : They put those things in their hearts , and upon their head , which God by Creation and Ordination hath placed under their feet . The body of man lives not by bread , without a word from God , how much less the Soul ? The Creature is vain , therefore it is vain to live upon the Creature : It 's vain in its nature , vain in its strength and efficacy , if God withdraws his influence , and vain in its duration , having in it self a Principle of its own corruption ; and why should Immortal Souls offer to live upon Mortal Creatures ? and yet , thus do most men ; in stead of living by Faith upon God , they live upon the Creature .

1. As Riches . 1. Some live upon their Riches , though God hath put in a Caveat to the contrary : If riches increase , set not your heart upon them : with a special charge , 1 Tim. 6.17 . Charge them that are rich in this world , that they trust not in uncertain riches , but in the living God . The living God , Note . is the godly mans living : but he is a dead-hearted creature , that lives upon creatures as dead as himself . It was the speech of a very fool , Luk. 12.19 . Soul , eat , drink , and be merry ; thou hast many goods laid up for thee , &c.

2. Or Friends . 2. Others live upon their Friends : O they have such a friend that supplies all their wants from year to year ; or such a friend that hath ingaged both his fidelity and ability for their preferment , or for their maintenance ; he hath made a faithful Promise , and they dare take his word , and trust to it . Alas , poor deceived Soul , darest thou lean upon the Word and Promise of a Creature , of a Mortal Creature , a vain and vanishing Creature , ( for every man at his best estate is altogether vanity ) and darest thou not lean upon the Word and Promise of the All-sufficient Jehovah ? Out of thy own mouth , and out of thy own practice thou shalt be condemned : Thou canst live by Faith in the Creature , and yet wilt not live by Faith in God : and therefore hear thy doom , Jer. 17.5 . God hath spoken it , and the Creature shall finde it ; Thus saith the Lord , Cursed be the man that trusteth in man , and maketh flesh his arm , and whose heart departeth from the Lord . Mark ye : where there is a trust and confidence in the Creature , there is always a distrust and diffidence in respect of God . And therefore in this case , no help or blessing a man can finde among the Creatures , can save him from the Curse and Judgement of God .

4. Others live upon the Creature within themselves , 4. Upon themselves . in stead of living upon God by Faith . For the Creature is apt to live upon the Creature within it self , as well as to live upon the Creature without it self . Nay , he that scorns to live upon another ( either God or Man ) yet he prides himself in this , That he can live ( as he thinks ) of himself . And indeed , nothing is more contrary to the Life of Faith , than this . The Life of Faith is a Life of Self-denial ; and the setting up of Self , is the denying of the Faith , and a denying of God : Yet most men live upon themselves , they set up sinful Self , or natural Self , or artificial Self , or moral Self , or religious Self .

1. Some set up Sinful Self : for their sins are themselves , 1. Sinful Self . and the forsaking of sin is the forsaking of Self . But of this we have spoken already .

2. Some set up Natural Self , 2. Natural Self . in stead of living by their Faith .

1. They live by their Wits , and Cunning Shifts : but this is a poor shift in conclusion ; for God taketh the wise in their own craftiness , Joh. 5.12 .

2. Some live by their own Reason , and will believe no more , nor do no more , than corrupt Reason gives assent to . As for Example : Let God command kindness to strangers , such as a man never saw before , and is never like to see again : In this case , Natural Self disputes , quarrels and reasons the case ; 1 Sam. 25.11 . Shall I take my bread , my water , and my flesh , and give it unto men who I know not whence they be ?

3. Again , suppose God threatens downfal to sinners in the greatest height of Prosperity , Natural Self will not believe it , so long as it sees no visible means . Tush , saith Babylon , the words of the Prophet are but wind ; I sit as a Queen , and shall never be moved .

4. Let God promise deliverance out of the lowest Dungeon of Adversity , Natural Reason will never believe it , unless it sees visible means of relief . If God should make windows in heaven , could this thing be ? Can God prepare a Table in the Wilderness ? What ? in the Wilderness ? where there is neither Corn , nor Roots , nor Fish , nor Fowl , nor any beasts that they can lay their hands upon ? The beasts of the Wilderness may devour them , but they can never feed upon the beasts . Therefore whatever God promise , they will believe nothing , unless they see a Reason for it , because they set up Natural Self .

3. Artificial Self . 3. Some live upon Artificial Self : A mans Art and Trade is called his living ; ( and so it is indeed under God ) but when we set it above God , that 's dangerous . When men make a Diana of their Trade , because by that craft they get their living : this is to thrust out the true God , and to make an Idol of their Art and Skill ; and so to Sacrifice to their Net , or to their Plough , or to their Pen , or to their Trade , or to their Merchandize . Woe be to such men ! Habak. 1. last . Haggai 1.6 . They put what they have into a broken bagge , a bagge with holes .

4. Some live upon Moral Self , 4. Moral Self . because they are fairer conditioned towards men , and have committed ( as they think ) no gross enormous actual sin against God . O they think , all is well , they are in the way to life and salvation , before they come to understand the breadth of Gods Commandments , and the Spiritual meaning of the Law . They make no question , but they are in the way to life and salvation , Rom. 7.9 . For I was alive without the Law , says the Apostle , but when the commandment came , sin revived , and I died . Before the Commandment came home to my Conscience , I was alive , I thought my self in a good condition , sin never troubled me ; but after it came home to the purpose , I saw my self in a dead condition , without a Saviour : for , Rom 3.20 . By the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight .

5. Some live upon Religious Self , besides Moral Self . 5. Religious Self . O they have received such and such Graces , they perform such and such Duties , far beyond an ordinary Moralist . Luk. 18.12 . The Pharisee was not onely eminent in Moral Duties to men , but in Religious Duties , yea , and extraordinary Religious Duties to God ; for he fasted no less than twice every week . Now this puts life into his heart , that he dare plead with God himself for acceptance ; he made no question but he was in the state of life : But he was grosly mistaken , Whilst he goes about to establish his own Righteousness , he cannot submit to the Righteousness of God , and so he falls short of the Life of Justification . For the poor Self-denying Publican went down to his house justified rather than the other . Note . Whoever sets up Religious self in point of Justification , he stands in his own light ; he sets up himself betwixt Christ and his own Soul , For he is the true light , who lightens every one that comes into the world : And the Just shall live by Faith in him . And therefore he that sets up Religious Self in the room of Christ , he sins against his own Soul . And thus some live upon other things , in stead of living by Faith .

2. Second sort reproved . Such as profess Faith , but live not by it . Secondly , It Reproves such as profess Faith , but live not by it ; like a man , that makes profession of such a Calling , but never works upon his Trade . So multitudes make a Profession of Faith , and say , I believe in God , the Father Almighty , &c. and in Jesus Christ , &c. But when they have made this Profession , they live not by this faith , which they so solemnly profess . Indeed , many talk of it , but few walk by it : Many swear by it , few live by it . It is a rare thing to finde a man that makes use of his Faith in all his dealing . Many make use of their carnal Reason , and many make use of Sense , but few make use of Faith in those things which are above the grasp of Sense and Reason . Our Saviour Christ might well say , Luk. 18.8 . Nevertheless , when the Son of Man cometh , shall he finde Faith upon the Earth ? Look upon the vast Globe of the Earth , into what narrow compass they are brought , that make any Profession of the Faith . Doth not the Turk possess the greatest part of the Eastern World ? Amongst those that do profess the Faith ( for Name sake ) how many do fulfil that sad Prophecy of Paul to Timothy , 1 Tim. 4.1 . Now the Scripture speaketh expresly , In the latter times some shall depart from the faith , giving heed to seducing Spirits , and doctrines of Devils ( or Daemons ) speaking lies in hypocrisie , having their Consciences seared with a hot iron , forbidding to marry , and commanding to abstrain from meats . Is not this as lively a description of their Popish Doctrine , as if the Apostle had been alive to see what they do , and to hear what they speak at this day ? And doth not this Doctrine over-spread the greatest part of the Western World ? Besides whole Clouds of Errours and gross Opinions arising daily out of the Bottomless Pit , and obscuring , for the present , the bright Beams of the Sun of Righteousness . Is there not in these days a Resurrection of Hymeneus and Philetus , ( or at least a Resurrection of loose Opinions ) who deny the Resurrection , and say it is past already , and by this means overthrow the faith of some , 2 Tim. 2 17 , 18.

Again , amongst those who do profess the true Faith for the Doctrinal part , and are well principled in it , how few are there that walk up to their Principles , and so live by Faith in the practical part of their life ? That saying is fulfilled which is written . Tit. 1 last , They profess they know God , ( and so they profess they believe in God ) but in works they deny him , being abominable and disobedient , and unto every good work reprobate . Though they make Profession of Faith , look upon them in their eating , and drinking , and buying , and selling , and discoursing , and ( in a word ) in the whole Series of their conversing with men , you shall see no more of Faith in them , ( saving the bare Profession ) than if they were very heathens . And these are the second sort to be Reproved , such as make Profession of the Faith , but they live not by it .

Thirdly , The third sort are such , 3. Third sort Reproved . Such as duly act not their Faith . who not onely profess Faith , but have the habit of it , and yet act it not ; they live not by it . As a rich man , that hath wealth enough , and yet is ready to starve himself for want of improving what he hath : So do some men in a Spiritual sense : It may be God hath inrich'd them with the grace of Faith , and yet at some times , and in some cases they live as if they had no faith at all , as in difficult duties , especially in great and sudden Trials : Like a young Fencer , Simile . when he meets with an unwonted stroke , he is put besides his skill , and besides his ordinary guard , and throws down his weapons : So did the Disciples upon the sudden storm , Luk. 8.24 . Insomuch as Christ says , Where is your faith ? Faith they had indeed , but there was none to be seen at that time . And therefore in the other Evangelist , Mark 4.40 . Christ saith upon the same occasion , How is it that ye have not faith ? What ? had they no faith at all ? were the Disciples Vnbelievers ? No , certainly , there 's no question but they had the habit of Faith , but there was no apparent act of Faith , and therefore they were justly reproved by their Master . And so are all such , who having the grace of Faith , do not labour upon all occasions to make use of it , and to improve it for their own and others best advantage . For this is properly to live by Faith . But many are too blame in this particular ; they suffer their Faith to lie asleep : And we may say to such , as Christ to the Disciples , Where is your faith ? They act not their faith in the Precept or Promise , upon all occasions living upon a Word from God , as they ought to do : and therefore we may say , Where is your faith ? For as Faith is the life of the Soul : so the Word is the life of Faith , and God is the life of the Word . And therefore , such as live not by Faith , upon a Word from God , upon particular emergent occasions , we may say , Where is your faith ? To instance a little in some particular , in regard of our 1. Actions , 2 Passions , and 3. Elections .

Whether in 1. Actions . 1. For our Actions : Doth God call for Obedience as a necessary fruit of Faith in such plain and known Duties , and thou standest with a stiff neck , and wilt not bow or buckle to the serious Performance thereof : May we not say in this case , Where is thy faith ? Is not the Word plain ? Faith worketh by love : and , If ye love me , keep my Commandments ?

Again , doth God call for Mercy and Almsdeeds , with Promise of a large Retribution , and thou hardenest thy heart , and knittest thy fist , and bendest thy brows against the Poor ? Where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Promise to ground thy faith upon , Prov. 19.17 . He that giveth to the poor , lendeth to the Lord , and the Lord will recompence him that which he hath given .

2. Art thou in a prosperous Condition , 2. Conditions . Psal. 62.10 . and dost thou trust to thy Mountain of Prosperity ; O where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word ? If riches increase , set not your heart upon them . Art thou in a troublous condition , and dost not pour out thy Soul to God in Prayer ? O where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word , Psal. 50.15 . Call upon me in the time of trouble , and I will deliver thee , and thou shalt glorifie me . Art thou cast into Poverty , or dost thou fear straights for want of Maintenance ? O where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word for it , Mat 6.25 , 31. Take no thought for your life , what ye shall eat , or what ye shall drink , & c ? Or if thou saist , How if such a Frind should die , or such a Bond be lost ? Where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word , Heb 13.5 . I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee , Indeed , if thou canst say , How if Christ should die , or the Covenant fail ? it were something .

So 3. in point of Elections , there is to be Faith in them , 3. Elections . Heb. 11.25 . Art thou to make choice of the place of thy Habitation , and thou , with Lot , choosest to dwell there , where thou maist have many advantages for Worldly riches , rather than for Heavenly treasure ? O where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word , Psal 27.5 . One thing have I desired of the Lord , and that will I seek after , that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life , to behold the beauty of the Lord , and to enquire in his Temple . And again , Psal. 84. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God , than to dwell in the Tents of wickedness . Art thou to choose a Servant ? is thy main enquiry to know what skill or ability he hath to do thy Work , and thou never enquirest how well he is fitted to do the Work and Service of God ? O where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word , Psal. 101.6 , 7. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land , that they may dwell with me : he that walketh in a perfect way , he shall serve me : He that worketh deceit , shall not dwell within my house ; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight ? Art thou to choose a Friend , and thou enquirest how witty how wealthy , how pleasant ? but never , how Religious , how faithful ? Where is thy faith in the mean time ? Hast thou not a plain Word , Prov. 25.19 . Confidence in an unfaithful man , is like a broken tooth , and a foot out of joynt ? Such a friend will fail thee , when thou dost most stand in need of him . The more thou leanest upon him , the more he will vex thee . Art thou to choose a Yoke-fellow , thou enquirest what Portion , and what Proportion , how rich , how beautiful , but not how good , how gracious , how rich heaven-ward ? Where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word , 2 Cor. 6.14 . Be ye not unequally yoked together with unblievers ? for what fellowship hath Righteousness with Vnrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ?

Digression upon Election of the Town-Magistrates . To come home to the Work of this Day . Art thou to chuse a Magistrate or Inferior officer ? Dost thou enquire whether such a man be thy Friend , or thy Kinsman , or thy Customer , or one that hath bespoke thy Voice ? and dost thou never enquire , How just he is , and faithful to men , or how Religious in his carriage to God ? O where is thy faith ? Hast thou not a plain Word , Exod. 18.21 . Moreover , thou shalt provide out of all the People , able men , such as fear God , men of truth , and hating covetousness ? And hast thou not a gracious Promise , Isr . 1.26 . I will restore thy Judges as at first , &c. afterward thou shalt be called , The City of Righteousness , The faithful City .

O that you would live by Faith in this Word of God , in the Work of this Day ! Do not judge Gods Messengers as busie-bodies in other mens matters , whilst they give Magistrates their Charge from God , and People their Charge also in the Choice of Magistrates : for the Text before-cited will bear us out in both . I shall not descend to particulars , onely in general : Be sure to discharge your Oaths , and a good Conscience therein , both as Freemen of this Town , and as Freemen of Jesus Christ ; keep to your Charter , and you shall not do amiss . As I take it , you have a Double Charter ; one , from the highest Power upon earth ; the other , from Jesus Christ , who hath all Power in Heaven and Earth . I suppose , the first of your Charters will direct you to chuse honest and just Men , in regard of Communicative and Distributive Justice : I am sure your second Charter ( by vertue whereof you are the Freemen of Jesus Christ , and of that Jerusalem which is above , which is the Mother of us all ) I am sure this Charter doth charge you ( as near as you can ) to chuse men fearing God , Religious men , such as you apprehend to be really so . I know we all profess Religion , but all do not walk answerably to their Profession . I would there were not some publick Contemners of the Means of grace , and such as commonly and ordinarily walk contrary to the Rule of the Gospel . You know , it is a Gospel-Rule given to us Ministers , Preach the Word , be instant in season , out of season ; and therefore you might well say , Woe be to us , if we preach not the Gospel accordingly . And surely , upon the same ground , People are bound to hear in season and out of season , in case extraordinary occasions take them not off . I need not tell you , ( unless it be in way of acknowledgement ) the great Charges you are and have been at , for a long time , in maintaining the Publick Ordinance , twice in the Week , upon your ordinary days . I have heard it hath been one of the most Ancient Lectures in the Kingdom . But I fear , if you well observe one another in this particular , though there are many constant and willing Auditors , yet there are some that hear me this day upon this Civil occasion , whose faces you saw not here of many days before ; no , I am afraid , many a week together . For my part , I do not see how such as are faithful to their Heavenly Charter , and have to do in Election of Officers , can shew any countenance to such persons as do usually discountenance and slight the Publick Ordinance . If they judge the Ordinance not worthy of their Presence , me thinks others should judge them not worthy of Publick Trust . I confess , for my own particular , I have not desired , in satifying a curious ear , to speak to you in the enticing words of mans wisdome ; yet , I hope , I may say with the Apostle , I have endevoured to approve my self to every mans conscience in the sight of God . I desire to speak nothing but the truth of God in the patern of wholesom words ; and that word of Faith , by which every one of you shall be judged in the latter day . And in this case , whosoever despiseth the weakest Messenger of Jesus Christ , he despiseth Christ himself ; and whosoever despiseth Christ , you know his doom : My hearts desire ; and prayer to God , is for the contrary . I hope I may say with Job , My Record is in heaven , that my principal aim is the good of your Souls ; and next to that the Publick good of this Town , which is not likely to be advanced by such as despise and undervalue the Ordinances of Christ : Such as render not unto God the things that are Gods , are not likely to render unto Men the things that are theirs . And therefore , I beseech you , exercise Faith in matter of your Election , not onely of your Chief Magistrates amongst you , ( for I hope there will be no scruple in that ) but of Inferior Officers . Simile . A man that would have a good Orchard , hath the greatest care of his first Plantation , and so I hope will you , I must needs say , your last years Work , and some other passages of Providence , do give grounds of hope , that God intends yet further good to this Town . For the present , do that which is your Duty , and leave the Success to God .

I shall forbear to speak further for this time , desiring to second that by Prayer , that hath been said already .

[ The end of this Sermon . ]
Vse III. Of Examination . Examination .

Use of Examination and Trial :

First , Of Persons .

Secondly , Of Doctrines and Religions .

1. Of Persons , whether we are Just , 1. For trial of Persons . and in a state of Life , of Spiritual Life , or no ? for then we have Faith . For the Just lives by his Faith . There is no other Life , there is no other Righteousness to be attained unto , but that which is by Faith : Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth the Righteousness of Faith without Works , Rom. 4 6. Well then , that we may know whether we have Life or no , or whether we have Righteousness or no , the main Quaere will be , Whether we have Faith , or no ? And this is worthy the enquiring after , and worth the trying . The more precious any thing is in the true nature and quality of it , the more exact we use to be in the trial of it , lest we should be cozened with that which is false and counterfeit , in stead of that which is right and good . We do not use to be so exact in the trial of things of lesser moment , but marvellous exact and accurate in the trial of Gold and Precious Stones ; and that which makes us so accurate in the trial of them , is , because they are so precious . Now Faith in the Scripture , is called precious Faith : Now , for what is it precious , but for the rarity and excellency of it ? and so the trial of Faith is called Precious Trial , whether it be tried by the Word of God , or whether it be tried by the Works of God in the Furnace of affliction , it is a precious trial , 1 Pet 1.7 . At this time we shall endevour to try it by the Word of God , which is the Touchstone of Faith : And this Trial , if well applied , may be very precious to us , and of singular use . For in case upon trial we finde ( through Mercy ) we have true Faith , we shall have great cause to be thankful , to rejoyce in the God of our Salvation . But in case we finde we have not Faith , as we shall have great cause to be humbled , so as great cause to seek God in the use of means for this excellent grace of Faith : for it is our very Life . The Just shall live by his Faith .

Marks of true Faith from feigned . But how shall we know , whether we have Faith or no ? For as there is Faith unfeigned . 1 Tim. 1.5 . so there is feigned and counterfeit Faith also .

Quest. How shall we know the one from the other ?

It loves to be cried . Ans. 1. First , to be sure this is one remarkable note of Distinction , That Faith which is true , loves to be tried ; that which is false , cannot endure to come to the Trial. In this case , it is just as it is betwixt a True man and a Thief : The true man , if he chance to be suspected , he loves to come to the Trial , that he may clear himself ; but the Thief declines it all that he may , because he knows himself guilty . A man that hath false and counterfeit Faith , he loves to take all for granted that he doth believe , he cannot endure to put himself to further trouble ; he doth not like these Uses of Trial and Examination : Like a man that is false upon his Accounts , he cannot endure his Books should be examined ; but he that hath true faith , he desires nothing more than the through Trial of his faith : O he would not for all the world be mistaken in a matter of so great concernment ; and therefore he likes that Ministery best , that is most searching . And when the Ministery hath done all it can do , such a Soul goes to God by Prayer , and saith , Lord , give me grace impartially to apply the searching Word ; I have heard this day , nay do thou thy self search me , O Lord , examine me , and prove me , try my reins and my heart , Psal. 26.2 . And that 's the first Discovery of true Faith and true Grace ; It loves to be tried .

But how shall it be tried ?

2. It is tried both by the Cause and by the Effect , 2. It is known by the Cause . which are the best means to come to the knowledge of any thing .

First , by the cause Instrumental . It is wrought by the Word , Rom. 10.17 . Faith cometh by hearing : Though other means may help to Faith , ( The conversation of the Wife ) 1 Pet. 3.1 . ( And the Samaritans believ'd , because of the Woman , Joh. 4.42 . ) Yet , the Word of God is the onely ground of Faith .

And this Word works in the whole man .

1. It works in the Vnderstanding a clear sight of our Misery by Nature , and of the Remedy in Christ dying for sinners .

2. It works in the Affection a godly sorrow to Repentance , and a longing desire after Christ , Act. 2.37 . They were pricked in their hearts , and said , Men and Brethren , what shall we do to be saved ?

3. It works upon the Will a closing with the Promise , and Christ in the Promise , ( suppose , 1 Pet. 2.6 . or Joh. 1.12 , &c. ) grounding upon his willingness to receive all such as come to him , upon his ability also , and faithfulness to make his Word good . It receives whole Christ ( Prophet , Priest , and King ) into the whole man .

Secondly , it is tried by the Fruits and Effects , And by the Effects . which are ,

1. A high prizing of the Word , which is the Instrument of Faith : 1 Pet. 2.2 . As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word , that ye may grow thereby : If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious . An Unbeliever doth not so prize the Word , he can set a humane Testimony Cheek by Jaw with the Word of God .

2. A high prizing of Christ , who is the Object of Faith , 1 Pet. 2.7 . Unto you that believe he is precious , especially the Righteousness of Christ is very precious . All other things , Persons and Performances , are vile in comparison , Phil. 3.8 . An Unbeliever cannot thus prize Christ , but says , We see no form or comeliness in him , that we should desire him , Isa 53.2 .

Effect 3. 3. A high prizing of the Image and likeness of Christ , the inseparable Concomitant of Faith . The Vision of Christ by Faith , works a strong desire of Transformation into the likeness of Christ . It is the height of such a Souls ambition , to have the Image of the Lord Jesus stampt upon it , both in inward impressions of Grace upon the heart , ( to be humble and meek as he was ) and in outward expressions of Holiness and Righteousness in their conversation , Psal. 17. last . When I awake , saith David , I shall be satisfied with thy likeness . We are now indeed the Sons of God , saith S. John ; but 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 , 1 Joh. 3.2 . As if they should say , We esteem this our very Heaven and Happiness , to be made like to Christ . A formal Professor may desire to be saved by Christ , but he doth not seriously desire to be made like to Christ : So a real Believer loves Gods Image in others , 1 Joh. 5.1 .

4. Other effects and fruits of Faith : You have in the fruits of the Spirit set down , Gal. 5.22 . Gal. 5.22 . The fruit of the Spirit is love , with peace , long-suffering , &c. And though Faith it self be a fruit of the Spirit , yet those other Graces coupled with it , are also fruits of Faith in order of working .

As for Example :

1. When a Soul is once Reconciled to God by Faith , it cannot chuse but love him : Faith worketh by Love . So far as we have any saving light from the Spirit , we do also receive heat from the Spirit : He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire . Why so ? because the Holy Ghost is like fire , comes with heat , as well as with light : Nay , of the two , the heat of our love to God , is more sensible than the light of our Reconcilement . Many a Soul that is much in the dark concerning Justification , yet cannot but confess they love God ; yea , should God hide his face from them , yet they cannot chuse but love him , for his Holiness , Truth , Goodness , Justice , and such other Perfections . And indeed the soundest way to comfort a weak Believer , is , First to convince them of their love to God : For upon the manifestation of love , in due time , follows Joy : That 's the second fruit of the Spirit and of Faith .

2. Joy : for the proof of our love to God , doth most infallibly prove his love to us ; 1 Joh. 4.9 . We love him , because he first loved us . And so far as Gods love is cleared to us , we must needs rejoyce , Luk. 1.47 . My Spirit hath rejoyced in God my Saviour : So that our Joy in God is weaker or stronger , not as Gods love to us is weaker or stronger , but as the Manifestation of it is weaker or stronger : And what we say of Joy , we may also say of Peace , which is the third fruit of the Spirit and of Faith .

3. Peace : for being justified by Faith , we have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord , Rom. 5.1 . But this Joy and Peace doth not always immediately follow upon believing , but ( as the Sun rising follows the dawning of the day ) some good distance after . However , so soon as ever we believe we have the ground-work and seed of Peace , Psal. 97.11 . Light is sown for the righteous , and joyful gladness for the upright in heart .

4. A fourth fruit is long-suffering , not onely in regard of Men , but in respect of God himself : when God carries himself as if he were an enemy to us , yet we will be friends with him , we will make the best constructions of Gods Corrections , Isa. 8.17 . and we will wait for the manifestation of his love , who hideth his face from the house of Jacob. As Jacob himself waited many a year , and endured much hardship for the love which he did bear to Rachel : So will a believing Soul be content to wait with long-suffering for the love he bears to Jesus Christ : whereas an unbeliever flings away in a chafe , and says , What should I wait for the Lord any longer , seeing this evil is of the Lord , 2 King . 6.33 .

More Evidences of true Faith . Many other evidences there are , to distinguish true faith from that which is counterfeit : I will name but three .

The first is in regard of evil Actions . The second in regard of good Actions . The third in respect of both .

1. In point of sins . 1. For evil and sinful Actions : Though it is possible a Believer may fall into such , through the violence of Temptation ; yet this is the property of true Faith , it never gives quiet possession to sin long together . This is part of the good fight of Faith , 1 Tim. 6.12 . though it may be foiled by the flesh , yet it is never so overcome , but there is a rising again , and a lusting of the Spirit against the flesh , Gal 5.17 . David and Peter , and other of Gods Saints , were miserably foiled for the present , but yet they rose again by a renewed act of Repentance and Faith ; and soon after recovered their former strength : Whereas an Unbeliever , though he may sometimes have some strivings and struglings in his natural Conscience ; yet at last he gives quiet possession to Sin and Satan , being resolved to put himself to no further trouble : Luk. 11.21 . When a strong man armed keepeth his palace , his goods are in peace : An unbelievers peace is his rest in sin , Prov. 4.16 . But a believers peace is his rest in Christ , Psal. 116.11 . and not in sin , Psal. 77.4 . & 19 last . Job 8.34 . Rom. 6.20 . He never gives quiet possession long together , he will not do the least evil , that good may come of it ; nor omit the least good , for fear evil should come of it .

2. In point of good actions . 2. For good Actions . A believer ( so far as he is himself ) he does all he doth in the strength of Christ : Therefore the very first act of Faith , is called a laying hold on Gods strength , Isa. 27.5 . Let him take hold of my strength , that he may make peace with me , and he shall make peace with me . An Unbeliever , while he sins against God , lifts up his strength against God , and like a si●ly Briar and Thorn , he fights against a consuming fire . Or if he chance to perform some good Duties , yet he doth all in his own strength , as he doth all to his own ends : All is done in the strength of his own parts and preparation : for he perceives not that he is weak , and poor , and blinde , and miserable , and naked . But a Believer , as he lives upon God , so he does all he does in the strength of God : I say , so far as he is himself , he does so . And if at any time , or in any duty , he be overtaken with self-confidence , to relie upon the Mountain of his created strength , or created Grace , he is never well , till he hath deeply humbled himself for it , as David did , Psal. 30.6 . And therefore , I say , a Believer , so far as he is himself , does all he doth in the strength of God . If he be to preach , if he be to pray , whatever he be to do , he dares venture upon nothing in his own strength , lest God should blast his endevours in stead of blessing them [ 2 Cor. 3.5 . Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves , but our sufficiency is of God ] Phil. 4.13 . I can do all things ( saith the Apostle ) through Christ that strengthneth me : yea , bear all things in the strength of Christ , but nothing in his own strength . This is an infallible symptome of the Life of Faith , Psal. 84.5 . Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee .

3. The third and last Evidence , hath respect to both : 3. In point of both . for whether a Believer be to resist that which is evil , or to perform that which is good , as he goes out in Gods strength : so he goes to God by Prayer in both respects ; for prayer is a calling in of the strength of God : and a believing creature is ever a praying creature , unless under Tentation ; and therefore , true Prayer is called the Prayer of Faith : and indeed , Prayer is one of the first evidences of Faith ; I do not mean , the Gift of Prayer , whereby we can express our selves in good words . But the Spirit of Prayer and Supplications , whereby we express our selves in good and child-like affections . No sooner hath a man Faith , but together with his Faith , he receives the Spirit of Adoption , whereby he cries Abba Father , Rom. 8.15 . therefore as the same Apostle saith , Rom. 10.14 . How shall they call on him , in whom they have not beleeved , ( they are but poor formal Prayers , without Faith ) So we may say on the other side , How shall they not call on him , on whom they have believed [ 2 Cor. 4 13. We having the same Spirit of faith ( according as it is written , I believe , therefore have I spoken ) we also believe , and therefore we speak ] none of Gods children are born tongue-ty'd : I am sure , not so hard tyed , but there will be inward sighs and groans , and wrestlings with God , when there are no outward expressions at all . The Spirit of Faith is ever attended with a Spirit of Prayer and Supplication . And this is the last Evidence , by which we may judge of unfeigned Faith , from that which is feigned and counterfeit .

Branch II. Of Examination .

Living by faith is the touchstone to try all Doctrines and Religions , whether they be true or false . And as this serves for the Trial of Persons , so also of Doctrines and Religions . That Religion which teacheth us to live by Faith , and to lay hold on the Righteousness of Christ , who was made sin for us , that we through him might be made the righteousness of God to life Eternal ; that is undoubtedly the true Religion . But that Religion which slanders the Life of Faith , as if it were absurd to be justified by the Righteousness of another ; That which teacheth we have no Original Sin remaining in us , but that all is wash'd away in Baptism , contrary to that of the Apostle , Rom. 7.24 . O wretched man that I am , who shall deliver me from the body of this death ! That which teacheth inherent Righteousness necessary to Justification ; and that it is possible also , a man may so fulfil the Law of God , as to Merit at Gods hand , yea , that he is able not onely to do what the Law requires , but to over-do , even to do so much , as to spare of his oyl for others . This is a Doctrine and Religion , savouring of horrible Pride and Presumption , and therefore false . But that which teacheth us to go out of our selves , and to give the Glory of Salvation to Free-grace , and so to live by Faith ; this is true , and there is no unrighteousness in it .

Now in case we finde upon search , That we do believe , we have infinite cause to be thankful . In case we finde we believe not , we have as great cause to be humbled , and to seek out for Faith .

Vse IV. Of Thankfulness .

The fourth Use , is of Thankfulness , for them that have obtained Faith , and know how to live by it : Thankfulness for Faith . Thankfulness for our selves , for our Friends . Yoke-fellows , and Children ; as the Apostle is thankful , Ephes. 1.15 . Phil. 1.3 . Col. 1.3 , 4. What ? hath God given them Faith ? he hath given them an excellent livelihood . We rejoyce when great Lands and Livings fall to us or our friends : but what is all this to Faith , which is the very life of our lives , our living to Eternity ? All the blessings of Natural , Spiritual , and Eternal Life , are wrapt up in Faith . Indeed , there are many quickning Considerations should stir us up to be thankful to God with all our Souls ; Grounds of our Thankfulness . That we should say as David , Psal. 103.1 , 2. Bless the Lord , O my Soul ; and all that is within me , bless , &c.

First . For first of all , 1. 'T is Gods gift . Faith ( as the Scripture saith ) is the gift of God , Eph. 2.8 . If we could obtain Heaven by our own Workmanship , or Faith it self as a particular work of our own to fit us for Heaven , we might have some cause to boast , and so the less cause to be thankful . But neither the works which the Law requires in general , nor this work which the Gospel requires in particular , is of our own working , or springs out of the liberty of our own Will , but it is the gift of God . Look as Christ fulfilled for us all that Righteousness which the Law requires : So he bestows upon us that very Faith which the Gospel requires also . And Faith is like an empty hand , or an empty Beggars Dish , and such a Dish as is given , together with the Alms it self , that all the glory may be given to God , and none at all to the Creature . And as we are bound to be Thankful to God for the very first Faith he worketh in us : So also , for all the degrees and increases of our Faith . Luke 17.7 . The Apostles pray , Lord , increase our Faith ; to intimate , That all the growth and increase of Faith is from God , as well as the first seed of Faith . For , The Righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith ; as it is written , The just shall live by his faith , Rom. 1.17 . As God is the first Author , so he is the carrier on , and Finisher of our Faith , Phil. 2.6 . Heb. 12.2 . And when he begins , he will also make an end : therefore be thankful for Faith from first to last . It is his Gift , it is his free Gift , without the least desert on our part ; therefore let him have the praise of it .

2. 'T is a gift necessary to our being : 1 Thess. 5.8 . Secondly , It is such a Gift , as is absolutely necessary to our very being in the state of Grace . If it were a Gift of less consequence , we ought to be thankful for it ( because a Gift ) In all things give thanks , saith the Apostle . But this is such a Gift as is all in all : It is absolutely necessary to the very being of a Christian : others are necessary to their well-being , but this to their very being . Therefore we have the more cause to be thankful . What saith the Scripture ? Heb. 11.6 . Without faith it is impossible to please God : and so , Without faith it is impossible to be saved . Eph. 2.8 . Ye are saved by faith . [ Mark 16.16 . He that believes shall be saved ; he that believes not shall be damned . So that Faith in grown persons , is absolutely necessary to Salvation : you cannot be saved without it ; you may be Rich , and you may be Beautiful , and you may be Strong , and you may be Nobly descended , and you may be Learned , without Faith , but without Faith you can never be saved .

Obj. You will say , So , without Hope , and Love , and Zeal for Gods Glory , we cannot be saved .

Ans. That is true ; yet there is something more in Faith than in all the rest , in tendency to Salvation : For Faith ( in order of working ) is the very Root of all other Graces : Our Hope , and Love , and Zeal , and all the rest , do spring from our Faith , Rom. 12.3 . So far as we believe , we hope ; so far as we believe , we love ; so far as we believe , we are zealous for God : and so of the rest . Therefore Faith is in a special manner necessary to Salvation , being the onely instrument of laying hold upon Christ . And therefore in a special manner are we bound to be thankful for it .

Thirdly , It is such a Gift , 3. Such a gift as none else can give . as is impossible for any other to give , but God alone : Therefore it is called , The faith of the operation of God , Col 2.12 . as if God alone could work it . If an Angel from Heaven should perswade you to believe this or that , yet if God do not perswade you by his Spirit , you cannot believe . You reade Luk. 1.20 . the Angel tells Zacharias , he should be struck dumb , because he believed not the words of the Angel . If all the Angels in Heaven should preach to us , if God himself doth not preach to us by his Spirit , we cannot believe . And if all the Angels upon Earth ( I mean , all the Ministers ; for they are called the Angels of the Churches ) if all these one after another should preach to one particular Soul , yet that Soul would not believe , unless God open the heart of it ( as he did the heart of Lydia ) to believe .

Obj. You will say , But Experience shews , such and such have been Converted by such and such Ministers .

Ans. It is granted : but it was not the man without God , but God in the man that did it ; else why is one man converted rather than another ? Why the same man at one time , rather than at another , and by means more improbable , but to shew it is God in the man ? That ( as the Apostle saith ) the faith of Gods people might not stand in the wisdom of men , but in the power of God , 1 Cor. 2.5 . that so he might have all the praise and glory . Therefore the Apostle in this respect makes nothing of the Min●ster , that God may be all in all in all his Ministers , 1 Cor. 3.5 , 6 , 7. Who then is Paul , and who is Apollo , but Ministers by whom ye believe ?

And as none can help ( as to Faith ) but God alone : So we cannot help our selves , we cannot work up our own hearts to believe ; we are not onely like sick men naturally , but as dead men in the grave , shut up under the grave-stone of Unbelief ; [ Rom. 11.32 . He hath shut up all in unbelief , that he may have mercy upon all ] That is , that Gods mercy might be the more magnified in bestowing Faith upon them , that were as unable to believe of themselves , as a dead man is unable by his own power to arise out of his grave . The wonders of Faith . All the steps of Faith are wondrous difficult to a poor Creature ; yet know , all things are possible with God .

As for Example :

1. To see and believe what God requires of us in the first Covenant : For till we know this , we think our selves in a good condition , and alive without the Law , Rom. 7.9 . And we cannot see and believe this , till God himself open our eyes , 1 Cor. 2.14 .

2. To see and believe how far we come short of the Law , naturally how sinful we are , and cursed by sin : For we are like the young man that said , All these have I kept from my youth upward : But till wee see our selves sinners , and feel the weight of sin , we shall never look out after a Saviour . The whole need not a Physician , but the sick , Mat. 9.12 .

3. To see and believe , that not onely our gross sins , but our best Righteousnesses do leave us in a miserable condition without a Saviour . This is wondrous difficult : for no sooner do we attain to some parts , and the performance of some Duties , but we are ready to say , with the Church of Laodicea , I am rich , and increased with goods , and stand in need of nothing ; and perceive not that we are wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blinde , and naked : and it is nothing but Eye salve from Jesus Christ , that can make us perceive this , Rev. 3.17 , 18. that can make us believe and confess , that All our Righteousnesses are as filthy polluted rags , Isa 64.6 . This is wondrous hard . Naturally we are full of Self-love , and Self-admiration ; but a Soul that comes to Christ is full of Self-loathing , and Self-detestation : Job 42.6 . I abhor my self , and repent in dust and ashes .

4. To see and believe the perfect Righteousness , and surpassing Excellency of Jesus Christ . For a Natural eye seeth no beauty in him , Isa. 53.2 . and yet before we can desire him , we must see the beauty that is in him .

5. To see and believe the Necessity and the Duty of the poor Souls coming to Christ , Psal 2 12. Leaning upon him for Righteousness and Salvation ; and that so doing , it shall never be cast out : For naturally we are ready to think and to say , There is no need of coming to Christ , or not need of us and our coming . Though God will be merciful to others . I am afraid he will not be merciful to me ; Though he do not cast out others who came to him , I am afraid he will cast out me . Therefore it is the wonderful Work of the Spirit of Christ , to perswade the sin-repenting Soul to come to Christ , Joh. 6.44 . and when it is come , to perswade it , that Christ will not cast it out again . And so the Spirit fastens the Promise upon the Soul , Joh. 6.36 . It is the wonderful Work of the Spirit , to perswade enemies to become friends ; to perswade strangers to draw nigh , and be acquainted with Christ . This is such a difficult Work , that it is the Work of a God , and not of a Creature : All the Ministers in the World cannot do it without the Spirit ; and therefore it is said , Gen. 9.27 . God inlarge , or God perswade Japhet to dwell in the Tents of Shem. The Jews came of Shem , and were the first Church ; of Japhet came the Gentiles , and they were strangers to the Common-wealth of Israel . Now it must be the Work of an Almighty God , to perswade them to believe , and so to dwell in the Tents of Shem. We are all naturally so imprisoned and lockt up under Unbelief , that in case our hearts are once set at liberty to imbrace the Promise , and Christ in the Promise , we may well say , as Peter said when he came to himself , and found that he was delivered out of Prison , Acts 12.11 . Now I know of a surety , that the Lord hath sent his Angel , and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod , &c. So may a Believer say , who is awakened out of his dead sleep , ( as Peter was ) Now I know of a surety that God hath sent his Spirit , and hath deliverd me out of the hand of the spiritual Herod , out of the hand of Satan : It is he that hath delivered me out of the prison of Sin : It is he that hath caused the Iron-gates of my unbelieving heart to fly open of its own accord : It is he , that by the Power of his Spirit hath loosed and shaken off all the Chains and Bolts of natural Corruptions and sinful Customs ; what was impossible to me , God hath made feasible and easie : and therefore to Him be all the praise and glory , who hath fulfilled the work of faith with power , 2 Thess. 1.11 . Thus it was with David , who naturally being the servant of Sin , and perceiving himself redeemed , and manu-mitted by the Power of Gods Grace , he doth freely , in a way of Thankfulness , offer up himself to the Service of God , as if it were his perfect freedom , Psal. 116.16 . O Lord , truly I am thy servant , I am thy servant , and the son of thine handmaid , thou hast loosed my bonds : What follows ? I will offer to thee the sacrifice of Thanksgiving . And this is the third Consideration that should move us to be thankful .

Fourthly , It is such a Gift as is very precious , 4. Faith is a most precious gift . and therefore we should be very thankful for it . It is true indeed , Christ is very precious , he is so in himself , whether we believe or no : But he is not so to us , unless we imbrace him by faith , 1 Pet. 2.7 . This sets a price upon him to the purpose . Therefore we should account that faith precious , that makes Christ himself so precious to our Souls . Men use to be thankful for precious gifts .

Now there are three things in Scripture accounted precious . Three things very precious .

First , The Pearl it self .

Secondly , The Cabinet that holds it .

Thirdly , The skilful Hand , that hath Right and Power to open the Cabinet , and lay hold upon it .

1. The Pearl it self , viz Jesus Christ , he is 〈◊〉 precious , Mat. 13.45 , 46. so precious , that the Merchant-man is content to sell all that he hath , so he may but compass this Pearl . Farewel Profits , farewel Pleasures , farewel Honours , farewel Sin , so I may but injoy Christ , I am willing to part with all .

2. The Cabinet that holds the Pearl , is precious , 2 Pet. 1.4 . There are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promises , whereby we are made partakers of the Divine Nature . One Promise is more worth than all the world . How should we know where to finde the Pearl , if God had not laid it up in such a precious Cabinet ! Therefore the Cabinet also is precious .

3. The skilful Hand , which hath Right and Power to open the Cabinet , and lay hold upon the Pearl ; that is 〈◊〉 precious hand . Were the Cabinet and the Pearl never so precious , yet if we had no hand to open the Cabinet , or lay hold on the Pearl , what were we the better ? But Faith hath skill and power from God to open the Cabinet , and to lay hold upon the Pearl , and to say , This is mine ; and therefore this Faith must needs be precious Faith , The preciousness of Faith in 4 respects . 2 Pet. 1.1 . It is a precious hand in four respects .

1. Because it lays hold upon precious things , Precious Christ , Precious Promises , Precious Righteousness , and Precious Holiness : For we are justified by Faith , and sanctified by Faith , as we have already proved at large .

2. Because in case it lays hold on things not precious , it makes them precious . As it makes difficult things easie ( all things are possible to him that believeth ) so it makes vile things become precious , Rom. 8.28 . And this we know ( saith the Apostle ) that all things work together for good to them that love God : 'T is all one , as if he had said , To them that believe in God . For Faith worketh by love , it turneth Iron-fetters into Golden chains . There is much talk of the Philosphers Stone , what great wonders it would do , if it could be found out : But this is true of Faith , It turneth all that it toucheth into that , which is most precious . It was fabled of Midas , That it was his desire , whatever he touch'd might be turned into Gold : he had his desire ; and yet he repented himself when he had done , ( say they ) Because his very meat was turned into gold , that should have preserved his life . But , whatever a Believer touches by Faith , if it be not turned into Gold , it is turned into that which is more precious than Gold . Suppose he meet with Poverty , or with Bonds , and Imprisonment , I know , saith the Apostle , that this shall turn to my salvation , through your prayers , and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ , Phil. 1.19 . And thus Faith is precious , for it maketh even vile things become precious .

3. Because it lays hold on precious things for it self . The Master of a Ship may carry abundance of Treasure for another man : But whatever precious things Faith lays hold on , it makes them it s own . My God , and my Lord , saith Thomas : I live by the faith of the Son of God , saith Paul , who hath loved me , and given himself for me . My beloved is mine , and I am his ; My Christ , My Promise , My Heaven : All is mine , saith Faith . All things are yours , and you are Christs , and Christ is Gods , 1 Cor. 3.23 .

4. Because it lays fast hold , it lays hold for ever on those precious things . If a Believer should lay hold , and let go again , his Faith were not so precious . Nay , the more happy a man esteems himself in the enjoyment of a good thing the more miserable he apprehends himself to be in the loss of it . But Faith lays hold upon Christ for ever : Once thine , and for ever thine : for , The Just lives by Faith the Life of Conservation or Perseverance . It may be , thou art afraid thou shouldst let thy hold go of Christ . But to be sure , Christ will never let his hold go of thee ; yea , he will establish and confirm thy hold of him . Phil. 1.6 . Being confident of this very thing , that he which hath begun a good work in you , will perform or finish it , until the day of Jesus Christ . 1 Pet. 1.5 . Ye are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation . Job 17.9 . The righteous shall hold on his way , and he that hath clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger . Jer. 32.40 . I will put my fear into their hearts , that they shall not depart from me .

This is the fourth respect , wherein Faith is such a precious Gift , viz. Faith lays hold on Christ , and consequently on whatsoever is precious , so as never to let go its hold : which Consideration ought to excite our Thankfulness for so rich a Jewel as Faith . which everlastingly entails all the Priviledges of the Covenant .

5. and lastly , We should be Thankful for Faith , 5. Faith is rare . because it is so rare , and scarce to be found : This Flower grows not in every Garden . We should indeed be Thankful for good things , though they are common : but I know not how it comes to pass , we take little notice of such Mercies . Among outward things , what more precious than the Sun , the Air , and the Water ? and yet because they are common , how few are affected with Gods goodness in these things , as they ought to be ? But what is scarce and hard to be found , we are usually much taken with such a thing , and can prize the Donor of it . Now such a thing is true Faith , it s very hard to be found : When the Son of Man cometh , Luke 18.8 . shall he finde Faith upon the earth ? Doubtless , many may be found that have the Profession of Faith in their mouths , but few that have the Grace of Faith in their hearts , or the Fruit of Faith in their lives : As there are few that shall be saved , so there are few that do truly believe : for , He that believeth shall be saved , Mark 16.16 . Now of those few , there are very few wise , and mighty , and noble , upon whom God bestows this precious Gift of Faith . A poor despicable creature , that hath obtain'd Faith at Gods hands , may say , Blessed be God , though I have but little in the world , yet God hath given me that which he hath denied to many wise , and mighty , and noble men in the world . Therefore such a man hath great cause to be thankful , to be thankful , I say , even to admiration : Joh. 14.22 . Lord , how is it that thou dost manifest thy self unto us , and not unto the world ? This is that , for which Jesus Christ himself is so thankful to his heavenly Father , Mat. 11.25 . At that timt Jesus answered and said , I thank thee , O Father , Lord of Heaven and Earth , because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent , and hast revealed them unto babes ; even so , Father , because it seemed good in thy sight . Here is something very remarkable in the speech of Christ , which we shall take notice of in the Resolution of two questions .

Quest. 1. Why it is said , At that time Jesus answered , when we reade not any body said any thing to him before ?

Ans. I answer , S. Luke will resolve this question , Luk. 10.21 . In that hour Jesus rejoyced in the Spirit , and said , I thank thee , &c. Observe : God spake joy to his Soul inwardly , though nothing was spoken outwardly , even such joy as makes men exult or leap for joy ( as the word signifies ) And in answer to this inward work of joy , Jesus answered and said , I thank thee , &c.

Quest. 2. But then secondly , it may be questioned , Why an inward answer of Thankfulness , might not serve the turn to an inward voice of joy ?

Ans. For this , we must know , Christ doth return his answer in an audible voice , for their sakes that stood by , ( as he said in another case , Joh. 11.42 . ) viz. To stir up the Disciples , and all Gods People , to be the more thankful for such a choice and singular Mercy ; He sets before us a pattern of Thankfulness ; he tells us what we should be thankful for , above all other things , namely , That God hath revealed to us the great Mystery of Salvation : And how is this revealed , but by Faith ? and why should we be so thankful for the revelation of this Mystery by Faith ? even because there are so few that do believe , it is a Mystery that is hid from the wise and prudent , and revealed to a few babes , that have no more knowledge of heavenly things by nature , than if they were babes . It is kept secret from the wisest part of the world , and from the greatest part of the world : And therefore if Faith be so rare and scarce , as well as precious , we have the greater cause to be thankful . Each true Believer may stand and wonder , and say , Lord , who am I , that whilst so many Millions go in the broad way that leads to destruction , who am I , that I should be one of those few that do believe , to the saving of the soul , Heb. 10.39 .

Vse V. Of Humiliation .

The fifth Use , is for Humiliation , in case upon Trial we finde we believe not , Humiliation for Unbelief . we have great cause to be humbled for our Unbelief : for , as the just lives by his Faith ; so , the Unbeliever dies by his Unbelief , as we have heard .

We should look at Unbelief , as the most deadly and dangerous of all other sins , and therefore be humbled for it . When Christ saith , His Spirit should convince the world of sin ; Joh. 16.9 . he says no more but thus , It shall convince the world , because they believe not on me ; as if Unbelief were the greatest of all other sins . O that we could conceive it so ! We startle at Murther , Adultery , Theft , &c. and good reason we should do so : in the mean time , it may be , we are little troubled that we do not believe ; nay , it may be we think we do well to doubt of the Promise , as Jonah thought he did well to be angry .

The evil of Unbelief . And yet this sin of Unbelief exceeds all other sins in some respect .

For ,

1. It dishonours God . First , it is a sin that doth exceedingly dishonour God . Indeed , it calls the Divinity it self in question : for if God be not a God of Unchangeable Truth , and of Infinite Power , he is as good as no God : But Unbelief questions the Truth of God . God saith , He that trusts in him , shall not be confounded : But saith the Soul , Though I should cast my self upon his Promise , I question whether it should be made good to me : Thus , 1 Joh. 5.10 . He that believeth not God , hath made him a liar . So Unbelief another while questions the Power of God : Can God prepare a Table in the Wilderness ? and the like : Can God forgive , or can God subdue such sins ? Now what a dishonout is this to God ?

2. It grieves the Spirit of God . Secondly , it 's a sin that doth exceedingly grieve the Spirit of God . When King Ahaz would not believe the comfortable Promise that was brought to him from God by the Prophet Isaiah , what saith the Scripture ? Isa. 7.13 . Is it a small thing for you to weary or grieve men , but ye will weary my God also ? And with whom was God grieved fourty years in the Wilderness ? was it not with them that sinned through Vnbelief , Heb. 3.17 . Suppose a rich man should freely invite all the Poor of such a Town to a feast , with Promise of kind and hearty welcome , if they will but come , &c. Upon the Invitation , first one , and then another should begin to make exceptions against themselves , and say , Surely he did not intend that I should come , &c. If I do , I 'll be sure to eat nothing : I cannot think he should bid me welcome ; or if he do , that he means as he says : I am so unworthy , I have nothing to pay for my entertainment . Would not this grieve the Master of the Feast , and displease him ? Might not his displeasure turn into wrath ? Luk. 14.21 , 24. The Master of the house was angry , and said , None of those men which were bidden shall taste of my Supper . Doth God say , Whosoever will , let him eat of the bread , and drink freely of the water of life , Isa. 55 1. Rev. 22.17 . and shall any of us say , Though I hunger and thirst also , I cannot believe the Promise belongs to me ? How do we quench and grieve the Spirit of God by our Unbelief ?

Thirdly , 3. It pleases the Devil . it 's a sin that doth exceedingly please the Devil : It was the very first sin he tempted our first Parents to , and 't is the main of all his Temptations to this day . Let the Word be preach'd never so powerfully ; yea , But is this true , saith the Devil ? The Devil doth what he can to bring God out of credit with his People . Luke 8.12 . These by the high-way are they that hear ; then cometh the Devil , and taketh the Word out of their hearts , lest they should believe and be saved . Mark : the Devil knows that without Faith there is no Salvation : therefore he that is an enemy to the Salvation of People , is as great an enemy to Faith . Thou canst not do a greater pleasure to the Devil , than to say , I question whether this be true or no : or whether God will make this Promise good to me , though I should cast my self upon the Word of his Free-grace . O Christians ! think of this , think seriously of this , how you rejoyce that wicked Spirit ( The Father of Lies ) and how you grieve and vex the holy Spirit of God ( The Spirit of Truth ) by your Unbelief .

Fourthly , consider the sin of Unbelief , 't is a Mother Sin . As the Devil is the Father : so Unbelief is the Mother of all other sins . The brood of Unbelief . Unbelief was first the Devils Bastard , and then he makes it his Concubine ; and by his incubation upon an unbelieving heart , he begets a world of other sins .

As ,

1. Ignorance . First of all , Wilful and affected Ignorance : For if the Devil can but perswade a Soul , either that the Word is not of God , or that it belongs not to it self in particular ; then the next Temptation is , To what purpose shouldst thou labour for the knowledge of such a Word that concerns thee not ? And therefore Unbelief and Ignorance are coupled together , and both proceeding from the Devil : 2 Cor. 4.3 , 4. But if , &c. in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not , lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ , who is the image of God , should shine unto them : Whereby it comes to pass , that so many are ignorant , in the midst of so much light .

2. Security . Secondly , another dangerous sin ( the off-spring of the Devil and of Unbelief ) is , Sinful Security . The Devil begets this sin upon an Unbelievers heart , and when he hath done , he rocks the Cradle . When God threatens , and the awakened Conscience begins to cry ; then , Peace , peace , Gen. 3.1 . saith the Devil : Yea , hath God said , Ye shall die , if ye eat of the forbidden fruit ? I say , Ye shall not die ; The words of the Prophets are but wind : Jer. 5.13 . what need ye regard or fear the threatning . Indeed God hath said , The Drunkard shall be clothed with rags ; Prov. 33.21 . Isa. 33.1 . The spoiler shall be spoiled ; and , The flying Roll of Gods curse shall enter into the house of the Thief , and of him that sweareth falsly by the Name of God , Zech. 5.4 . But do you not see , threatned folk live long , saith the Devil ? Doth not many a Drunkard , Oppressor , Thief , and Swearer , live many a fair day ? And thus the poor Soul is presently rock'd asleep again in its Unbelief , and becomes resolute in an evil way . Eccl. 8.11 . Because sentence against an evil work is not speedily executed , therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil . They are secure in the midst of danger , they fall asleep upon the top of the Mast .

Thirdly , 3. Worldliness . another dangerous sin springing from Unbelief , is Worldly-mindedness : for if we believe not what is promised concerning Heaven , or what is threatned in regard of Hell ; why then , saith Demas , let us embrace this present world . Let Noah preach of Judgement to the old World , and righteous Lot to the Sodomites , so long as their words seem to them as idle tales , there 's no care to prevent the imminent Judgement , but all their care is how they shall live another day , when it may be they have not a day to live : They ate , they drank , they bought , they sold , they planted , they builded : they were all for the world , even to the very day that those dreadful Waters upon the one , and that terrible Fire upon the other , came down from the Lord out of Heaven : And all this because of their Unbelief .

Fourthly , 4. Hypocrisie . another dangerous sin ( the fruit of such a cursed Parent ) is , Gross Hypocrisie . Counterfeit Faith ever springs from real Unbelief : for durst a man make shew of Religion to serve his own turn , and to serve his own lusts , ( as many men do ) if he did believe that God was a God searching the heart and the reins , and such an one as would smite all painted walls , and whited sepulchres , he durst as well eat fire as do such a thing . O , saith many a vile wretch , I carried my self like a Saint , whilst I was in their company ; and yet it may be the same man at another time , and in another company , carries himself more like a Devil incarnate , than a Saint : And why so ? from whence springs this gross Hypocrisie , but from gross Unbelief ? For had he but Faith to believe the Omnipresence of God , he would labour to be the same at all times , and in all companies .

Fifthly , 5. Heresie . another dangerous sin ( the Daughter both of Unbelief and Hypocrisie ) is , Heresie ; a departing from the Faith in some Points of Religion , for a mans own outward advantage . For if a man believe not what he professeth , to be true , he will be soon ready either to lay down or to take up Opinions , as he may best serve the present time for his own interest . In this respect an Unbeliever is a Time-server : 1 Tim. 4.2 . He speaks lies in hypocrisie . If any new Doctrine may but swell the man up in his own Name , or in his Estate , he makes no bones of it , to speak lies in hypocrisie .

6. Apostacy . Sixthly , another dangerous sin ( the fruit of Unbelief and of Heresie ) is , Apostacy , or falling off from the Truth . For by the same reason that an Unbeliever may fall from one Article of his professed Faith , he may come in time to fall from all . For if his Religion be no more but a State-Profession ; then , in case the State changeth Religion where he lives , his Religion is changed also . And such is the Religion of all such People as are either extremely simple , or extremely wise , ( I mean ) worldly wise , they know no other Religion than the State owns , and that 's as good as no Religion at all ; because the State owns it , it is vain to him : For though that be supposed to be true which the State owns ; yet when a man owns it not , because it is true , but because the State owns it , Isa. 29.13 . Mat. 15.9 . it is vain to him In vain , saith God , do they worship me , whilst their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men .

7. Atheism . The seventh and the last dangerous sin , is down-right Atheism , when men grow to that height of Profaneness , to deny God and his Word . Lo , here 's descensus Averni , those slippery and dangerous stairs of Unbelief , Prov. 5.5 . by which men depart from the living God , and go down to Hell . Heb. 3.12 . Take heed , brethren , lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief , in departing from the living God . And thus you see this sin of Unbelief it s a Mother sin , it s exceeding prolifical in a dangerous brood of Vipers , that without Repentance will sting the sinner to death .

And further , as Unbelief is a fertile Mother to all sin : so 't is a cruel Stepmother to all Grace . Unbelief a Step-mother to Grace . An Unbeliever cannot love God , because he cannot cast himself upon the love of God . Joh. 5.42 . Christ saith to the unbelieving Jews , But I know you , that ye have not the love of God in you . An Unbeliever cannot submit with patience to the afflicting hand of God ; and therefore Vnbelief and Murmuring against God , are ever joined together . An Unbeliever cannot pray for what he wants : Prayer is the daughter of Faith ; How shall they call on him , on whom they have not believed ? Rom. 10. An Unbeliever cannot be thankful for any mercy received : unless by Faith a man sees his interest in the Giver , he can never be thankful for the Gift . Psal. 118.28 . Thou art my God , and I will praise thee ; thou art my God , I will exalt thee : As if he should have said , Lord , thou hast bestowed thy self , as well as thy Benefits upon me ; and therefore I have found in my heart to praise thy Name In a word , an unbeliever cannot perform any acceptable service to God ; you must make the tree good , before the fruit can be good , Mat. 7 18. and we are onely made good trees by Faith : For by Faith we are grafted or planted into Christ , without whose powerful influence we can bring forth no acceptable fruit to God . Joh. 15.3 . Abide in me , and I in you : as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self , except it abide in the Vine , no more can ye , except ye abide in me . We may indeed bring forth wilde grapes , and sowre grapes of our selves ; but the sweet grapes of New Obedience , and such as may be pleasant to Gods own palate , we can never bring forth , till we are planted into Christ by Faith : For without faith it is impossible to please God , Heb. 11.6 .

Adde to this , in the sixth place , 6. Unbelief the Nurse of sin . That as unbelief is the Mother of all sins : so it is the Nurse that maintains and keeps life in every sin , it binds every sin upon the Soul , both in the guilt and power of it . Where there is no Faith , there can be no true evidence of forgiveness of sins : for , Men receive forgiveness of sins by faith in Christ , Acts 26.18 .

7. Judgments on unbelievers . Seventhly , and lastly , consider the Judgement that hangs over the heads of unbelievers , if it be but partial unbelief , I mean , the distrusting of God in any particular Promise ( though we have Faith in the main to believe the reconcilement of our persons to God ) yet even that partial unbelief may deprive us of many sweet mercies on this side heaven . Isa. 30.15 . In quietness and confidence shall be your strength . A man of an unquiet and unbelieving Spirit , may create much trouble to himself in this present life . Moses was a man in the state of Grace yea , and in so great favour with God , that the Scripture gives this testimony of him , Deut. 34.10 . There arose not a Prophet since in Israel like unto Moses , whom the Lord knew face to face . Yet this Moses for a particular passage of unbelief , in speaking hastily to the people , Num. 20.8 , 11.12 . when he should have spoke to the Rock ; and in striking the Rock , when he should but onely have spoke to it ; I say , for this particular passage of unbelief , he was shut out of the Land of Canaan , though he was not shut out of Heaven : yea , though he had a strong desire to enter in , and exprest this desire by an earnest Prayer ; Deut. 3.25 , &c. I pray thee let me go over , and see the good land that is beyond Jordan , that goodly Mountain , and Lebanon . Lo , this was his last and great request to God ; yea , but for all that , he must not go over : for so it followed in the Text , But the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes , and would not hear me ; and the Lord said unto me , Let it suffice thee , speak no more unto me of this matter , thou shalt not go over this Jordan . And Moses may thank his unbelief for all this : Numb. 20.12 . The Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron , Because ye believed me not , to sanctifie me in the eyes of the children of Israel , therefore ye shall not bring this Congregation into the land which I have given them . And thus you see , that even partial unbelief may deprive us of many sweet mercies on this side Heaven . How many thousands , as well as Moses and Aaron , were cut short of Canaan for their unbelief , and murmuring against God ? And the Lord forgive the sin of this present Generation in this respect , who are even ready to run back into Egypt , because God hath brought them into the Wilderness , in the present Dispensations of Providence .

O the danger of unbelief , though it be but in some particular Promise ! O how dangerous then is that total and universally reigning Unbelief , when we believe nothing at all , when we have not so much as laid hold of any Promise to make peace with God! Partial unbelief deprives us of many Mercies on this side Heaven ; but total unbelief deprives men of Heaven it self : Mark 16.16 . He that believeth not shall be damned . O the misery of that poor Soul , that never yet believed one Promise ! O that we could even with Soul-bleeding tears bewail our unbelief ! O that God would give to each of us a heart to get into a corner , and to weep in secret over our unbelief , each man bemoaning himself as Ephraim did , Jer. 31.18 . O that I should have such a stiff neck , such a base hard unbelieving heart ! O that I should spend so much time to so little purpose , for death hath possest all that part of my life wherein I was an unbeliever . The heathen man could say , O Friends , we have lost a day ! but many of us may say , O Friends , we have lost many days , and many years , wherein we have done God little or no service ; nay , a great deal of disservice by our unbelief ! O that I should be so foolish and slow of heart to believe all that Lord hath spake by his Prophets and Apostles ! Luke 24.25 . O how justly may God upbraid me for my unbelief , Mark 16.14 . &c. that I should be so backward to believe the God of Truth , and so forward to believe the Father of Lies ! Blessed Saviour , lay not this great sin , this Mother-sin , to my charge , which is the Mother of Abominations . Thus should we pray : Consider not how often I have dishonoured thy Majesty , and grieved thy holy Spirit by my unbelief ? But , O thou Mirrour of Patience and Pity , who didst sometimes mourn over the People , because of the hardness of their hearts , Mar. 3.5 . I beseech thee , let that be the object of thy Pity , which might be the object of thy Fury ! O pity , and heal mine unbelieving heart ! Doubtless , if we can but thus bemoan and bewail our selves in our unbelief , that God , who made good that gracious Promise to him that went on frowardly in the way of his heart , I have seen his ways , and I will heal him , Isa. 57.18 . will much more make it good to such an one as with all his heart , and with all his soul , bewails his own frowardness and backwardness to believe ; I will restore comfort to him and his mourners .

Vse VI. Of Exhortation .

Of Exhortation . The next Use , is for Exhortation : 1. For our selves . 2. For others .

For our selves :

1. To perswade us to labour to get Faith : As Solomon saith of Wisdom , with all thy getting , get wisdom : So with all thy getting , get Faith , for it is thy life .

2. To keep it when we have it , Non minor est virtus , &c. It is no less a piece of Spiritual good husbandry , to keep our stock of Faith when we have it , than to get it at the first .

3. To live by it , or use it , as well as to keep it . It s far better to put our Faith to use , than our Money to use . The Just makes a living of his Faith , whilst he puts it to use .

4. So to live by it , as not to live barely and poorly , but so as to increase the stock of our Faith . Faith is such an excellent grace , we can never have too much of it ; he that increaseth his Faith , increaseth his livelihood : For the just shall live by his Faith .

First therefore , labour to get Faith . Branch I. To get faith . There are many things that men labour to obtain in the world : Some are all for their Profits , others for their Pleasures , others for their Preferment ; and so every man as his Principle leads him . But when all is done , nothing is so worthy of our diligence and best endevours , as is the getting of Faith . Should a man gain all other things , and lose this , he makes a hard bargain : Mat. 16. ●6 . For what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world , and lose his own soul . Should a man lose all the rest , and gain this , he makes a wise bargain : Job 2.4 . Skin for skin , and all that a man hath will he give for his life . Now Faith is the very life of the Soul ; For the just shall live by his faith : and therefore , with all thy getting , get Faith ; it is thy life . Should a man hear of such a Medicine as would certainly preserve his life , and cure all manner of Diseases , whither would he not travel ? what would he not give , to procure such a Medicine ? And such a Medicine is Faith , commended unto us from the hand of our heavenly Physician ; Be of good comfort , saith Christ , Luke 7.50 . & 17.19 . thy faith hath saved thee ; and , Thy faith hath healed thee . Faith is a Remedy against all diseases : yea , suppose a faithful man dies of his disease , yet his Faith is a Remedy against death it self . Woe is me , saith the natural man , there is no friend against death : But blessed be God , saith the true believer , for to me to live is Christ , and to die is gain . Phil. 1.21 . The greatest of evils , is turn'd into the greatest good by Faith ; even death it self is made advantage . Who would not labour for such a Grace ? What should I say , to raise the price of Faith in your esteem : What do we esteem instead of Faith ? Certainly the best of men , and the best of blessings , are but dead things without Faith : Faith puts life into a man , and into all that a man enjoys ; Without faith , men of high degree are a lie ; Psal. 62.9 . and so are all those things which make them so high : Honours , Profits , Pleasures , all these promise much ; O say they , we 'll make thee a happy man , if thou wilt set thy heart on us : But they lie when they say so . Jon. 2.8 . They that follow after lying vanities , forsake their own mercy . If thou wouldst not forsake thine own mercies , labour for Faith . He is merciful to the purpose , that is merciful to his own Soul , Prov. 11.17 . and that man is the most desperate Self-murtherer , that is willing to live and die in his unbelief . I beseech you , I beseech you Friends , listen to the voice of your Immortal Souls : Me-thinks every man now and then should hear the voice of his precious Soul , crying out in this manner , Am I not the most excellent piece of Gods Workmanship ? And did God make me so for nothing ? Is not my being to continue to everlasting ? Do I not feel in my self the very spark of Immortality ? Must I not be either happy or miserable to all Eternity ? Is there but one means under Heaven to make me happy , which is to get Faith ; and shall I neglect that ? Is this the great Work that God hath given me in charge , that I should believe in him whom he hath sent , Joh. 6.29 . and shall I do evething else before I do this ? Is my life but as a day in this world , and the night of death coming on so fast , wherein no man can work this great Work of God , Joh. 9.4 . and shall I trifle away my time , and dally with Eternity , and be cruel to my self , where Charity should begin ? Shall the blood of this Immortal Soul cry out against me to all Eternity , because I would not hear the cry of it in time ? And I pray you , what 's the cry of the Soul when it is most it self ? O give me Christ , saith the enlightned Soul , or else I die ! Give me Faith to apply him , or I am undone for ever ! I beseech you in this case , do not stop the mouth of your Souls with Profits and Pleasures , and such kinde of Trash , which is not fit meat for an Immortal Soul to feed upon , but labour to get that which thy Soul cries for , that thou maist say , Psa. 116.7 . Return unto thy rest , O my Soul , for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee . That 's without all question , there can be no comfortable life in thy Soul , till there be Faith in the Soul : without Faith thou art but a dead man , and all thy works no better than dead works : for , The just shall live by his faith .

O consider it , friends , in time ; if you get Faith , you are made for ever ; if you live and die without it , you have undone your selves to all Eternity . The Heathen wondred to see how much one man excell'd another . It 's most true in regard of Faith ; How much doth a Believer excel an Unbeliever ! When God weighs men in the Balance , he weighs their Spirits , Prov. 16.2 . and when he weighs their Spirits , he ponders how much Faith is in their Spirits : O woman , great is thy faith ; great is thy Faith in me , and so great is my esteem of thee , Be it unto thee , even as thou wilt , Mat. 15.28 . If you can say , Such a man is a Believer in sincerity , you say all that can be said : What is of worth , or what is of true price in all the world , The excellencies of believing . but you may finde it in a true Believer ?

To instance in some Particulars :

1. Do we prize Strength ? If you speak of strength , 1. Strength . Job 9.19 . he is strong indeed ; as Job saith , for he is clothed with the strength of God : As a Prince he hath a power with God and with men , to prevail in his undertakings , Gen. 32.28 . The actings of Gods Power towards us , are answerable to the actings of our Faith towards him : Mat. 9.29 . According to your faith , be it unto you , saith Christ , when he was about to open the eyes of the blinde men . Faithful men , are wonder-working men in the world ; these are the people that do the great exploits ( as Daniel speaks . ) Look into Heb. 11. there you shall see a Catalogue of their famous atchievements : By Faith Abel , and Noah , and Abraham , and the rest of those renowned Worthies , did thus and thus : The greatest Exploits of the most daring Heathens , are but empty vapours to these . O beloved , there is a kinde of Omnipotency in Faith . Mark . 9.23 . All things are possible to him that believeth , because faith in the promise beleeving the truth of God , it also sets the power of God on work in way of providence . It engageth God accordinge to his promife to take part with a weake beleeving Creature , and so it doth things above created strength in the power of God . As that witty childe sometimes said he could rule all Athens ; for , saith he , I can rule my Mother , and my Mother can rule my Father , and my Father can rule Athens : So Faith can go as far as the Promises , and the Promise can go as far as we can ask or think , and farther too , and that 's as much as is any ways needful for the good of the Church , or of any particular Member thereof in any condition they can be cast into : And what can we desire more , than to have whatever we desire , that may be for Gods glory , or our own good . And hence it is that Faith is so powerful in Prayers for the obtaining of good , and for the removing of evil , and for the subduing of enemies . Men that are strong in the Faith , are mighty in Prayer : The Prayer of Faith draws near with holy boldness to the Throne of Grace , Ephes. 3.12 . And it will have no nay ; Let me go , saith God ; I will not let you go , saith Faith , except you bless me , Gen. 32.26 . It is a marvellous large Promise , that Christ makes to a believing Prayer : Mark 11.24 . What things soever ye desire when ye pray , believe that ye receive them , and ye shall have them . We reade of Vzziah , 2 Chron. 26.15 . that he made strong Towers , and upon those Towers he planted Engines invented by cunning men , to shoot Arrows and great stones upon his enemies . And thus the Name of the Lord is a strong Tower , Prov. 18.10 . Faith is like a mighty Engine , planted upon the top of this Tower , which laying hold of the Promise of God , sends forth such a volley of shot , such a volley of Prayers , that it fires the power of God against the enemies , and discomfits mighty , Armies . The Devil himself cannot stand before a Prayer of Faith ; Whom resist , stedfast in the faith : 1 Pet. 5.9 . Jam. 4.7 . Resist the Devil , and he will fly from you . And although we have that within us , that is worse than the Devil ( our own corruptions ) for all the Devils in Hell could not hurt us , had they not intelligence from , and compliance with our own corrupt and deceitful hearts within us ) yet even those strong corruptions of ours , like the mighty walls of Jericho , shall fall down by degrees before the Prayer of Faith . Hebrews 11.30 . By faith the walls of Jericho fell , after they were compassed about seven days . And what if in stead of so many days , it proves so many years , or so many weeks of years , yet down they shall , as sure as God hath spoken it , if we can but believe it : Mic. 7.19 . He will subdue our iniquities . Corruption is not so strong to resist Faith , but Faith is stronger for the subduing of Corruption . If you speak of strength , a true Believer is strong indeed , he triumphs over Sin , over Satan , over the World This is the victory that overcometh the world , even our faith , 1 Joh. 5 4. In a word , Tantum possumus , quantum credimus : The Christian can do as much as he can believe upon good grounds ; Rom. 8.37 . He is more than a Conqueror through Faith in Christ Jesus : Whereas an unbeliever is a poor weak creature ; Ezek. 16.30 . How weak is thy heart ? saith God to Jerusalem , in the state of her Apostacy and Unbelief . Unbelief cuts the very sinews of the Soul ; it enervates the strongest Arm of created strength ; nay , it weakens the Arm of Christ himself . It is a strange passage that you reade , Mark 6.5 , 6. He could there do no mighty work , because of their unbelief . As unbelief binds our hands from doing service to Christ : so unbelief binds Christs hands from doing good to us , till such time as he is pleased to set us at liberty to believe . An unbeliever is a poor weak creature ; but a believer is strong in the Lord , Eph. 6.10 . and in the power of his might .

Secondly , Do we prize Wisdom ? 2. Wisdom . If you speak of wisdom , he is wise indeed , who puts his trust in the Lord , and lives by Faith in him . Solomon tells us of a wise man , who under God , lives by his wisdom , and preserves the life of others , Eccles. 9.15 . And so the Just lives , &c. And of four despicable creatures , that yet are admirable for wisdom , Prov. 30.23 , &c. There be four things ( saith he ) which be little upon the earth , but they are exceeding wise ; amongst the rest , he tells us the Conies ( or as some reade it ) the Mice of the Mountains ) are a feeble people , yet they make their houses in the Rocks ; that so the strength of the Rock may supply the defect of strength in themselves . And indeed , there is the wisdom of a true believer , he is a wise builder , that builds his house upon the Rock , Mat. 7.24 . and that Rock is Christ , 1 Cor. 10.4 . And he that believes in him , builds upon him ; and he that builds upon him , shall never fall , The gates of Hell shall never prevail against him , and therefore he is a wise builder : Psal 125. They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion , which cannot be removed , but abideth for ever : whereas he is a fool with a witness , who despising this Rock by his unbelief , builds Castles in the Air , trusting to his Wit , or Wealth , or created Strength in time of need . Behold , saith the former part of the Verse , his Soul which is lifted up , in Arce , as in a Tower of created Confidence , his Soul is not right , he is not right in his wits indeed : But the just shall live by his faith , because he is so wise to build upon the true Rock ; the other is a Fool , he is Chronicled for a Fool , that trusts to his wealth , Luke 12.20 . And the wise man sets out the folly of such persons , who trusts in any thing but the Name of the Lord , which is the onely strong Tower of Safety ; and therefore in the very next words he hath this expression , Prov. 18.11 . The rich mans wealth is his strong City , and an high wall in his own conceit . Mark those words , in his own conceit : as if he should say , What a mad conceit is this , for a man to trust to his wealth ; there 's no man would ever do so : he is a very conceited fool , that puts his trust in his wealth ; but he is a wise man , that lives by faith , and puts his trust in the Name of the Lord : This man builds upon the Rock indeed , but the other is a foolish builder , for he layeth his foundation in the Sands , in the quicksands of worldly Comforts , that are here to day , and gone to morrow . Do we prize Wisdom ? Then , O let us prize Faith . Remember , the wise Virgins were the believing Virgins ; the foolish Virgins were the unbelieving Virgins : They had Lamps indeed , but they had no Oil ; they made Profession of Faith in their lives , but they had no truth of Faith in their hearts . Wicked men indeed account Gods people very fools , because they live all upon Promise from God , and refuse the present Profits and Pleasures of sin . But let them say what they will , you must give losers leave to talk , they shall one day befool themselves . When all is done , the believer will prove the wise man in the end : for when he that is so wise , to make himself ready beforehand to go in with the Bridegroom , such as are unprepared shall be shut out , like fools as they are . No question but Noah was accounted the veriest fool in all the world all the time the Ark was preparing , 2 Pet. 3.3 , 4 , 5. But when the Flood came in earnest and the Scoffers being put to their shifts upon the tops of the Mountains and Trees , begin to cry out to Noah , For the Lords sake receive us into your Ark , might he not justly have repl●ed , Who is the fool now ? O beloved , when Poverty , and Sickness , and Death it self , comes like an armed man upon your jolly Scoffers at Religion , who will prove the fools then ? Be wise now therefore , O ye Kings ; be instructed , Psal. 2. last . ye Judges of the Earth : Kiss the Son , lest he be angry , and ye perish in the way ; when his wrath is kindled but a little , blessed are they that put their trust in him . Doubtless , he will prove the wisest man in the conclusion , that lives by Faith in God . This is the man that hath protection from God in dangerous times ; This is the man that hath direction from God in dark and obscure times . And surely , he is a wise man , that leans not to his own carnal wisdom , but trusts in the Lord for guidance and direction : And thus doth every true believer , whilst unbelievers are wise in their own conceit , and consult with flesh and blood upon Principles of Profit , Credit , and the like , and so the threatning takes hold upon them : Isa. 5.21 . Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes , and prudent in their own sight ; for such shall be sure to fall by their own counsels . On the other side , such as live by Faith in God , as they deny themselves in other things : so by Faith they are taught to deny their own wisdom , and to lay hold upon Jesus Christ for direction in all their ways , and so the Promise is made good to them : Christ is made unto them Wisdom . As he is made their Righteousness , Strength and Redemption : So he is made their Wisdom , 1 Cor. 1.3 . He is made their Counsellor in all their doubts , that is his Name , Isa. 9 6. Beloved , as there are certain special times , wherein God will let us see our need of him for other things ; he bringeth us sometimes into sickness , that we may cry to him , who is the God of our health and salvation ; he brings us into poverty , that we may acknowledge him to be the God of our Plenty ; he brings us into thraldome , that we may see in how much need we stand of him for our liberty ; he brings us into great dangers , that we may see how much need we stand of his Power for our protection and preservation : So he brings us sometimes into the dark , or into some inextricable wilderness , that we may see how much we stand in need of his Wisdom for our direction . As God doth many times Non-plus the Power of the creature : So he doth Non-plus the wisdom of the creature , that it may live by Faith in him for direction and counsel . As the Mother leaveth the childe in the dark , or steps aside at a cross way , that the childe may cry after her , and acknowledge its beholdingness to her for guidance and direction : So deals God with his children in dark and difficult times . And if ever Gods People had need to live by Faith in him for direction , surely in these times , wherein many things are very obscure , and the wisest of men are at a stand . How doth it concern us , at such times as these to improve our Faith in God by Prayer , grounded upon his Promises for our direction ? A believer acting his Faith , hath great advantage of an unbeliever ; an unbeliever is froward and passionate , and heady and hasty , when he is put to plunge , he waits not for the Counsel of God , Psal. 106.13 . He leaps before he looks , before he hath eyes to see his way ; but a believer is quiet and confident , and silent and patient , and prayerful , Psa. 113.2 . and standing upon his Watch-tower , to see what God will answer at such a time . Never did the eye of a servant look with more intention to the hand of his Master , nor the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her Mistris , observing every little cast of their eye , every little beck of their finger , than the eyes of the faithful look to the hand and eye of God for their direction in difficult times : They look to the Promise of God , for direction from the Word of God . Psa. 119.105 . This Word is a lamp unto their feet , and a light unto their paths ; and if the Word be dark in any thing , they look to the Promise of the Spirit , for the right understanding of the word : Isa. 30 21. Thine ears shall hear a word behinde thee , saying , This is the way , walk ye in it : when ye turn to the right hand , and when ye turn to the left . Now this Promise is made good by Faith ; Psa. 119.98 . Ibid. 24. so that a Believer is made wiser than his enemies , because Gods Testimonies are his Counsellors . He must needs be wise , who hath the God of all Wisdom to be his Counsellor . And this is the Portion of a true believer . If you speak of Wisdom , HE is wise .

Thirdly , Do we prize Riches ? 3. Riches of Faith . ( for I dare not oppose a believer to a rich man , as if they were incompatible ; though I oppose him to such an one as trusts in his riches ) If we speak of Riches , HE is rich indeed . As a man lives upon his Riches under God : so the Just lives by his Faith : Hearken , my beloved brethren , Jam. 2.5 . hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith ? A man may be a rich man , though he be a poor man ; rich heaven-ward , though poor in respect of this world , so long as he is rich in Faith ; that man can want nothing , that wants not Faith : Faith is the golden Key that openeth the good Treasury of God to his Children upon all occasions , they can but ask and have . O the preciousness of Faith , that is able to procure the most precious things at the hand of God! Worldly men use to say , A man well stor'd with Money , can want nothing , and Solomon hath something to that purpose , Eccles. 10.19 . Money answers all things . A man may have most things for money , Meat , Drink , Clothes , House , Land : and what not ? But a gracious heart can more truly say , A man well stor'd with Faith , can want nothing ; Faith answereth all things : as Adonijah said to Bathsheba , The King cannot say thee nay in any thing , 1 King . 2.17 . So may I say to a faithful man , The King of Heaven cannot say thee nay in any thing . It is very observable , that Abraham ( when he interceded in the behalf of Sodom ) did cease to act his Faith in Prayer , before God did cease to gratifie Abraham in the thing praid for . Praying believers , they are or may be the richest beggars in the world , As having nothing , and yet possessing all things , 2 Cor. 6.10 . It may seem a strange Paradox , and yet 't is good sense : Extreme Poverty , and sublime Plenty , may concur : His poverty is but comparative , as having nothing ; but his riches are absolute , without a quasi , and yet possessing all things : All things are yours , saith the Apostle to believers , and you are Christs , and Christ is Gods , 1 Cor. 3.21 . A believer is a rich man indeed , he is rich in present possession , but he is richer in reversion : All the Promises of God are entail'd upon believers ; these are the Saints Legacies , none can lay claim to them , but such as do believe : for , All the promises of God are Yea and Amen in Christ , they are onely made good to such as do believe in him , 2 Cor. 1.20 . That man that is a stranger to Christ , is also a stranger to the Covenant of Promise , Eph. 2.12 . and he that hath right in Christ , hath right also to the Promises through him . There are great riches above-ground , but they say there are greater under-ground , in the rich Mines of Silver and Gold , that lie still within the bowels of the Earth . So 't is true , the people of God are rich in what they do already enjoy through Faith , but they are far richer in those inestimable Treasures that are lockt up within the bowels of so many precious Promises ; one Promise is more worth than a thousand worlds : And Faith is ever digging in these Mines , and making new discoveries of the richest Mercies ; it is ever putting some Promise or other in Suit , or God is ever discharging some Bond or other , for the enriching of his poor creatures .

Fourthly , Do we prize Beauty and Comeliness ? 4. Beauty of Faith . If you speak of Beauty , a true believer is truly Beautiful ; all external beauty is but deformity without this : Like as a Jewel in a Swines snow● , so is a creature externally beautiful without Grace and without Faith ; 't is Faith onely that makes the creature beautiful ; 't is Faith that puts upon the deformed creature the rich and glorious Robes of the Righteousness of Christ ; 't is Faith that puts upon the creature the very Image and Likeness of Christ , and therefore they that do believe in Christ , are said to put on Christ , Gal. 3.26 , 27. And they must needs be beautiful and glorious , that are clothed with the Sun of Righteousness : Mal. 4.2 . Ezek. 16.13 , 14. Thou wast exceeding beautiful , thy beauty was perfect through my comeliness which I put upon thee , saith the Lord . Yea , mark those words , saith the Lord , whose judgement is always according to Truth . The blind world can no more judge of Beauties , than a blind man can judge of Colours ; but a believer is beautiful in his sight , whose eyes are as a flame of fire , and can see when the Kings daughter is all glorious within . Psa. 48. This is a beauty that takes the eye , and ravisheth the heart of Christ himself : Cant. 4.1 , 7. Behold , thou art fair my love , behold thou art fair , thou hast Doves eyes ; there is no spot or blemish in thee . The Believer is truly beautiful .

5. Honour . Fifthly , Do we prize Honour ? If we speak of Honour , a believer is honourable indeed . We may call believers Right Honourable , Psa. 149.9 . Phil. 3. without flattery , as it is written , Such Honour have all the Saints . The glory of others , many times , proves their shame ; but that which may seem to be the shame of a Christian , Faith turns it into glory : Gal. 6.14 . God forbid that I should glory , save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ , whereby the world is crucified unto me , and I unto the world : 1 Pet. 4.14 . If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ , happy are ye ; for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you . And if there be so much glory in the very sufferings and reproach of a believer , what is the glory then which they shall receive after their sufferings , and in a gracious recompence of their sufferings : for , If we suffer with him , we shall also be glorified together with him , Rom. 8.17 . O the glory of a true believer ! Where ever there is Christ in a creature , there is glory in a creature : Christ in you the hope of glory , Col. 1.27 . and not onely the hope , but by the vision of Faith there is a present Transformation from glory to glory , as by the Spirit of our God , 2 Cor. 3.18 . Thus a believer is truly honourable . Isa. 43.4 . Since thou wast precious in my sight , thou hast been honourable .

6. Faith honours God . Sixthly , Dost thou desire to honour God in thy Place and Calling ? ( for a gracious heart is not so careful of his own glory , as of the glory of God ) O that I could but honour God in my Place , saith a gracious heart , I should then be the less careful in other things ! Why this is the onely way to put honour upon God , upon the Truth , upon the Power , upon the All-sufficiency of God . He that is strong in the faith , gives much glory to God , Rom. 4.18 . And this is that which the Saints prefer before their own Salvation : Joh. 12.28 . Whatever become of us , they say ( as Christ said ) Father , glorifie thy Name . 'T is true , Faith is highly to be prized , because it is an instrument of our Salvation : Eph. 2.8 . Ye are saved by faith ; but it is much more to be esteemed , as being such a special instrument of the glory of God . Joh. 11.40 . Said I not unto thee , that if thou wouldst believe , thou shouldst see the glory of God ? They that believe , as they bring more glory to God than other men do ; so they see more of Gods glory than others can see . And that 's a sixth Consideration that should move us to labour for Faith , it brings abundance of glory to God . Many other Considerations might be added .

Seventhly , Without this we are but dead men : 7. Dead without Faith . Faith and Life come into the Soul both at once . All other Life will soon decay ; our very natural Life is but a continued drawing on to Death ; but our spiritual Life , the longer it continues , the stronger it grows .

Eighthly , 8. Faith makes to prosper . This is the onely way to prosper in all we possess , and in all we take in hand . 2 Chron. 20.20 . Believe in the Lord your God , so shall ye be established ; believe his Prophets , so shall ye prosper . 'T is true , wicked men and unbelievers may prosper after a sort , they may prosper as fatted Beasts in the stall prosper against the day of slaughter : The prosperity of fools shall slay them , Prov. 1.32 . They are cursed in their very Blessings : But a true believer doth prosper in Soul , Joh. Ep. 3. as well as in his Body or Estate , his Prosperity is sanctified , and all that he possesseth is pure and clean to him , but to the defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure , but even their meat and drink , yea even their minde and conscience is defiled , Tit. 1.15 . If a believer be cast into straits , Faith is that which brings submission to the Will of God , and a sweet contentation with the present condition . Phil. 4.11 . it was the speech of a believer , I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content . Faith lets the believer see the present condition is best for him ; and therefore he is the better content with it . On the other side , where there is want of Faith , there are perpetual discontents , every little thing troubleth such a creature . A gall'd back is soon hurt . Num. 14.11 . How long will it be ere this people believe me , ( saith God ) of the murmuring Israelites in the Wilderness ? An unbelieving heart is evermore an unquiet , & a discontented heart . He that doth not enjoy God by Faith , how is it possible he should be satisfied with Creature-enjoyments , especially in the midst of Creature-discontents ? Faith is that which sweetens our very Natural Life ; how much more then that which is Spiritual and Supernatural ? Wouldst thou be assured that Christ is thine ? Faith in due time will give thee this assurance : for , Christ dwells in the heart by faith , Eph. 3.17 . Wouldst thou be assured thou art a Childe of God , and maist come in for a Childs Portion ? Faith will give thee this assurance also : Joh. 1.12 . To as many as received him , he gave power to be the Sons of God , even to as many as believe on his Name . Wouldst thou receive more abundance of the Spirit of Christ Jesus ? Faith is a Conduit-pipe , in which this heavenly water delights to run : Joh. 7.38 . He that believeth on me ( saith Christ ) out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water : This spake he of the Spirit , which they that believe on him should receive . Certainly , the Life of Faith is the most excellent Life that any Creature can live upon the face of the Earth .

Note . In a word , Remember what you have heard in many Sermons . Do you desire to be presented Just and Righteous before the Throne of God ? you must labour to get Faith then ; for , by Faith a Creature lives the Life of Justification . Do you desire to be sanctified throughout in Body , Soul , and Spirit ? you must learn then to get Faith : without doubt , the more Faith the more Holiness : for , The Just lives by Faith the Life of Sanctification . Do you desire to be more abundant in Good Works than ever you have been ? Learn then to get Faith : for , By Faith the Just lives the Life of Fructification . Do you desire to have your Corruptions subdued , and your sinful lusts ( that fight against the Soul ) mortified ? Learn then to get Faith : for , By Faith the Just lives the Life of Mortification . Do you complain of the Dulness and Deadness of your hearts in holy Duties , and do you desire above all things to be more quick and lively in the Service of God ? Learn then to live by Faith : for , By Faith the Just lives the Life of Vivification . The more Faith , the more Life in all holy Duties . Do you bewail your Leanness , and Vnprofitableness , and Unthriving disposition under the plentiful means of Grace , and is it the desire of your Souls to increase and grow up , as the Calves of the stall ? Mal. 4.2 . Learn then to get Faith : for , By Faith the Just lives the Life of Augmentation . Gal. 3.3 . Are you afraid lest you should fall off from God , and having begun in the Spirit , should at the last end in the flesh , and do you earnestly desire to be setled , stablish'd and confirm'd , that the gates of Hell may not prevail against you ? Labour then to live by Faith ? for , By Faith the Just lives the Life of Conservation . Again , Doth sorrow possess and oppress your spirits ? O you are burthened with such and such afflictions or temptations , and you would fain live a comfortable life ! Learn then to get Faith : for , By Faith the Just lives the Life of Consolation . Again , are you troubled when you begin to think of Death ? O how shall I do to walk through the valley of the shadow of Death ! Psal. 23.4 . would you fain be armed against the Terror of it ? O learn then to get Faith : for , By Faith the Just finds Life in the midst of Death . He that lives in Faith , shall undoubtedly die in Faith ; Heb. 11.13 . All these died in the faith . Again , Doth the shortness and uncertainty of this life afflict the Spirit , and thou wouldst fain be assured of a better life , before thou partest with this present life ; thou wouldst fain know if thou shalt go to heaven when thou diest ? O learn then to live by Faith ; for , By Faith the just lives in regard of Eternal Life . O let the excellency of the Life of Faith , move us to seek the grace of Faith with all diligence . The life of a faithful man is as far above the Life of a Rational man , as the life of a Rational man is above the life of a Sensual Epicure . Some men indeed are meerly led by Sense , and ever like Swine rooting in the dunghil of Earthly Profits and Pleasures ; others mount higher into the Middle Region of Reason and Humane Learning : but a Believer soars above them all in the Highest Region of Faith , Phil. 3.20 . and hath his conversation in heaven , from whence he expects the Lord Jesus Certainly , all the enemies of our Salvation cannot make that man miserable , that hath once obtained this precious grace of Faith : Psal. 2.12 . Blessed are all they that put their trust in him . And therefore what Solomon saith of Wisdom , Prov. 3.13 , 14 , 15. we may say of Faith , Happy is the man that findeth Faith , for the merchandize thereof is better than the merchandize of silver , and the gain thereof is better than gold : she is more precious than pearls , and all the things thou canst desire , are not to be compared unto her .

Obj. But it may be some will be ready to say , I am sufficiently perswaded of the excellency of Faith , and I would fain get it , How to get Faith . if I knew how or where to finde it : but may we not also say of Faith , as Job saith of Wisdom , Job 28.12 . Where shall it be found , and where is the place of it ? The Depth saith , It is not in me ; and the Sea saith , It is not with me : neither is it to be found in the Land of the living . No creature in Heaven or Earth can bestow Faith upon its fellow-creature : O where then is it to be found ?

Ans. I answer as Job doth in the the 23 Verse of that Chapter , God understandeth the way thereof , and he knoweth the place thereof . And therefore if we be careful to make use of such means as he doth direct , we shall undoubtedly finde out this precious Pearl of Faith .

Means . You will say , What are those Means , that we may use them ?

Negat . 1. First of all , as Builders use to do , God would have us to remove the Rubbish of all the Hindrances of Faith ; and then to make use of all those Spiritual Helps and Furtherances that God hath appointed for the begetting of Faith , that we may lay a sure Foundation .

The Lets and Hindrances of Faith , are many , Le ts and hindrances of Faith . which we must take notice of and labour to remove out of the way . What 's the reason so much is daily spoken of Faith , and we are it may be convinced of the necessity and excellency of it , and yet very few , in comparison , attain to it , or improve it to any purpose ? What 's the reason of this ? O there are many Hindrances of Faith , which were never yet removed ! O beloved , we are naturally dead in sins and trespasses , and there is many a heavy stone lieth upon the mouth of the Grave : and we may say , with those good women , Mark 16.3 . Who shall rowl us away the stone from the door of the Sepulchre ? All those several Impediments of Faith , are as so many great stones upon the mouth of the Grave , which must be removed by the mighty power of the Angel of the Covenant , Mal. 3.1 . before we can believe . Have you not heard many a poor Creature complain ( nay , do you not hear those complaints in your own bosom ? ) Alas ! alas ! I have heard of Faith by the hearing of the ear many a time and often ; how many days , and how many years hath the Word of Faith , and the Doctrine of Faith sounded and resounded in mine ears ? and yet alas ! to this very day I am not able to believe , or at least to act and exercise my Faith as I ought to do . O that I could meet with some good Messenger from God , one of a thousand that could tell me where the stop lies , and how I should remove it ! that would do for me , as Jacob did for Rachel , Gen. 29.10 . Help me to rowl away the stone from the mouth of the Well , that my thirsty Soul might drink of the water of life freely , Rev. 22.17 .

Come we therefore to the Particular Impediments or Hindrances of Faith , and the way to remove them .

1 Let. Self . The first and the greatest Impediment is thy Self . Self is the greatest enemy to Self in point of believing ; the heaviest stone that lieth upon the mouth of the grave , is thy stony heart : for a stony heart is an unbelieving heart ; and an unbelieving heart must needs be the greatest enemy to Faith . Darkness is not more opposite to light , than an unbelieving heart is opposite to Faith : and such hearts are in all the Sons and Daughters of Adam by Nature . Adam indeed in the state of Innocency , had power to believe whatsoever God spake and to live upon the Word of his Promise : but after the Fall , both he and his Posterity lost this ability . Our very birth , in this respect , is no better than a death ; we are born in the very grave of unbelief , we are all shut up under the power of it , Rom. 11.32 . O beloved , a hard , stout , proud heart , will not endure to lay down Self , Self-wisdom , Self-righteousness , Self-greatness ; but Faith is nothing else but a laying down of Self-righteousness , with an humble submission to accept of the Righteousness of God in Christ , Rom. 10.3 . O this goeth against the hair to a natural man ! He cannot endure to strip himself of Himself , and to become a poor empty nothing , that he may be fill'd with the fulness of God in Christ .

And yet thus it must be if ever we believe : He that is wise in his own conceit , 1 Cor. 3.18 . must become a fool , that he may be wise ; and he that is rich , and increased with spiritual goods in his own conceit , Rev. 3.17 . Mat. 11.5 , 6. he must become poor , that he may be made rich . Vnto the poor ( saith Christ ) the Gospel is preached , and blessed is he that shall not be offended in me . 2 Cor. 8.9 . O this offends a carnal heart , that he must become poor for Christs sake , as Christ became poor for his sake ! that death is become the way to life , if ever he mean to live , he must believe in a poor , despised , crucified Saviour . Now this a proud , perverse , unbelieving heart knoweth not how to stoop to ; and such a heart have all men by nature . And this is the first Impediment .

Well , but who shall remove this Impediment ? how shall we rowl away this stone of an unbelieving heart ?

I answer , If we would remove it , Cure . we must labour to finde it out , to confess it , to bewail it , and to pray against it : And thou , when thou prayest , enter into thy Closet , Mat. 6. Psa. 4. and shut the door ; Commune with thine own heart , and be still : Make thy complaint to God in private , pour out thy Soul before him , and say , O thou blessed God of Truth , how have I wrong'd thee by my base , false and unbelieving heart ? What a heart have I , that can relie upon a great man , or a good man , if I have his Word or his Bond , and yet cannot relie upon the great and the good God , who keepeth Mercy and Truth for ever , Psa. 146. with them that are in Covenant with him ; and hath bound himself by Promise , by Oath , by Seal , to be good and faithful to such as put their trust in him . O that I should have such a base heart , to trust more to the Means , than to that God who hath ordain'd the Means , puts life into the Means ! And yet such is the baseness of my heart , that when I see any visible means for the producing of such an effect , I am secure and confident : and when the outward means fail ( though God be ever the same ) I am as fearful and diffident , as if I had no hope at all ! Is not this to trust to the Means , and to trust to the Creature , in stead of trusting to God ? Now when we have thus found out the unbelief of our hearts , and bewailed it , we should pray to God that he would forgive it , and subdue it for us . Just as the Parents of the Rebellious Son brought him to the Magistrate : so should we bring our Rebellions and unbelieving hearts to God , praying him to subdue them for us : We should pray him to rowl away this stone , even to take away our stony hearts , and to give us hearts of flesh , that we may believe ( according to his Promise , Ezek. 36.26 . ) and doubtless God will remember his Word , for such as put his Promise in suit . And so much for the first Impediment , and the Means to remove it .

2. Impediment of Faith . Satan . The second Impediment is from Satan : He sails with the Wind and Tide of an unbelieving heart , and labours , if it be possible , to keep us still under the power of unbelief ; he knows well enough they are under his power also . When once they begin to believe , they are turned from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan to God , Acts 26.18 . And therefore no sooner doth the Soul lay hold of the Promise , but Satan is forced to let his hold go : and therefore the Devil fights neither against small nor great , 2 Chro. 18.30 . but against the grace of Faith above all the rest . If he can but strike the Sheild out of our hands , he 'll soon hit us , and wound us where he list . Nay , if it be possible , he 'll prevent the very making and forming of this Shield . Either thou shalt have no Minister to preach of Faith , as 't was the Policy of the Philistims , they might have no Smith in Israel to frame their Weapons of War , 1 Sam. 13.19 . that they might the better keep them in subjection : So 't is the Policy of Satan , we should have no Spiritual Smiths in Israel to help to frame this Weapon of War , this Shield of Faith , Eph. 6. that he may the better keep us under his power . Or if thou hast such Ministers as preach of Faith , if it be possible , he 'll raise up Prejudice in thy heart against them , and against the Word which they preach . Therefore , Acts 13.8 . Elymas the Sorcerer ( who is call'd a childe of the Devil for that very thing ) he withstood the Apostles in the Work of their Ministery , seeking to turn away the Deputy from the faith . Mark ye : why was the Devil so great an enemy to the Preaching of the Word ? because he was an enemy to the Faith of the Deputy . And this is the second Impediment or Hindrance ; The Devil he is an enemy to the Faith of Gods People ; he doth what he can to perswade people to continue in Ignorance and Unbelief .

2 Relief . But well , How should we remove this Impediment ? How should we rowl away this stone ?

Why , Fly to him by Prayer , who by death destroyed him that had power of Death , that is , the Devil , Heb. 2.14 . who is able to cast out the strong man armed , and is willing also , because he hath promised , to tread down Satan under your feet , Rom. 16.20 . Pray God , to rebuke Satan , when he casts into thy heart thoughts of Blasphemy , or Unbelief , and say , Lord , are not these things grievous to thy Spirit , as well as to mine ? Doth not Satan aim as much at thy dishonour , as at my destruction ? and therefore , if not for thy poor Creatures sake ( who is as a hunted Partridge upon the Mountains ) yet for thy Names sake , and for thy Honours sake , rebuke him . 1 Sam. 26.20 . If thou canst but lift up thy heart to God in this or the like manner doubtless God will answer thee in mercy , and he will answer Satan in fury , as he doth in the like case , Zech. 3.2 . And the Lord said unto Satan , The Lord rebuke thee , O Satan ; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem , rebuke thee : Is not this a Brand snatcht out of the fire ? So will the Lord say , Is not this poor Soul that waits upon mine Ordinance , as a Brand snatcht out of the fire , out of the fire of Hell , and the flames of an accusing Conscience ? Have I forewarn'd it by these Terrors to fly from the wrath to come , and to make peace with me by Faith , Mat. 3. and art thou so cruel and ma●●●ous to put it into the fire again , by holding it under the power of Unbelief ? The Lord rebuke thee , O Satan , the Lord rebuke thee ; Even he that hath chosen the Soul of the poor creature to Life and Salvation , rebuke thee . And this is the second Impediment of Faith , and the Means to remove it .

The third is from the World . 3. Impediment . The World . The World and Faith are opposites ; and either Faith must overcome the World , or the World will overcome Faith . The World hath profits , pleasures , preferments , honours , on the one side , to allure thee ; and reproaches , racks , faggots , fire , on the other side , to terrifie thee : The World trieth both fair means and soul means , to draw thee , or to drive thee from the Faith . Besides , if either the Multitude , or the Pomp and Magnificence of such as reject the Faith , may prevail with thee , the World will be sure to propound both , as a scotch in the Wheel , and a clog to thy Faith : Joh. 7.48 . Have any of the Rulers or the Pharisees believed on him ? As if they should say , Are you so mad to believe on him , and to go in a singular way ? Look about you in the world , and you shall see there are not many men at least not many great and learned men , that are so forward : Me-thinks you should be willing to do as the most do , and then you shall be sure the fewest will blame you . Why should you be so foolish to expose your self to the shame and hatred of the multitude ? And this is the third Discouragement and Hindrance of Faith , the World .

Well , but how should we remove this Impediment , how should we do to rowl away this stone ?

3 Relief . I answer , The best way to remove this stone , and Rock of Offence , is , To remember that the Church of God is but a little Flock ; Mat. 6. and that the greatest number of men run headlong in the broad way that leadeth to destruction : The multitude of offenders doth no whit lessen , but rather aggravate the offence . Remember the solemn charge of God , Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil , Exod. 23.2 . He that sins with the multitude ●ust look to suffer with the multitude : He that sins after the example of great men , shall be greatly tormented . It s a sad thing to go to Hell for company : It s a doleful Welcom , when Hell from beneath is moved for thee ; for thee , I say , that didst sin after the example of the most of men , or the greatest of men . Hell from beneath is moved for thee , to meet thee at thy coming , saith the Prophet , Isa. 14.9 . It stirreth up the dead for thee , even all the chief ones ( or great men ) of the earth : All they shall speak , and say unto thee , Are you also become weak as we , are you become like unto us ? or as one of us . Mark ye : if there be any triumph among damned Spirits , it is this , Even to insult over those , that at last prove as miserable as themselves . You shall sometimes see such a hellish disposition in wicked men , whilst they live upon earth : if they can but do their Neighbors a mischief , they care not to do twice as much to themselves . O how they triumph , if they can but drink and swagger others into the like shame with themselves ; and rail and revile others into the same passion , and play and game others into the same poverty ! O what is this wicked practice , but even Hell above-ground ! For this is the language of Hell , Art thou become like one of us , & c ! especially when they can draw a Professor into sin , and by sin into judgement . Oh! how they triumph at such a prize , What , art thou become as one of us ! Thou that didst walk like a Saint upon earth ; thou that didst shine like Lucifer the bright Morning-Star ; thou that wert eminent in the Profession , and it may be in the preaching of the Faith , how art thou fallen from thy heavenly condition ? How art thou fallen from thy professed Faith into Unbelief , and by Unbelief into the Bottom of Hell ? Lo , this is the triumph of the damned Spirits . Look as there is Joy in Heaven among the blessed Angels over one sinner that r●penteth , more than over ninety and nine just persons , Luke 15. which need no amendment of life : So there is triumph in Hell amongst Apostate Angels over one eminent Professor that falleth from the Faith into the condemnation of Unbelievers , more than over ninety and nine wicked persons , that never made any such hopeful Profession . O remember how Hell it self will laugh thee to scorn , if thou shalt follow a multitude to do evil ! This is the shameful welcome those Infernal Spirits shall give to their new guests , when a poor deluded Soul , following the steps of the multitude , goes down into the Chambers of Eternal Death . This is that scornful language , Art thou also become like one of us ? Didst thou follow us in Sin and Unbelief , and now dost thou follow us into Torments ? If thou wouldst not be the shame of Devils and damned Spirits , let not the example of the World perswade thee to continue in Unbelief . And this is the third Impediment of Faith , and the Means to remove it .

4. Impediment of Faith . Gods hardning The fourth is from God . That 's a most observable passage , which you reade , Joh. 12.39 , 40. Therefore they could not believe , because Isaiah had said again , He hath blinded their eyes , and hardened their hearts , that they should not see with their eyes , nor understand with their hearts , and be converted , and I should heal them . These things said Isaiah , when he saw his glory , and spake of him . As if he should say , These are such things as did not onely concern the Prophets own time , and the men of his generation , but they are such things as are to be fulfilled under the Gospel in the Kingdom of Christ , for the Prophet foretold them , when he saw the glory of Christ , and did Prophecy his Kingdom . Now both the Vision , and the particular Prophecy , you have in the 6. of Isaiah .

Obj. But you 'll say , This is wonderful : How can these things be ? How is it possible , that the same God which commands all men every where to repent and believe , Acts 17. where the Gospel comes , should nevertheless blinde the eyes , and harden the hearts of some , lest they should repent and believe ? Alas ! you 'll say , What can the poor creature do , if God shut their eyes , who can open them ? if God harden the heart , who can soften it ?

Ans. I answer , Therefore you are carefully to look to the meaning of the Prophecy , which is nothing else but a denunciation of Spiritual Judgement against the people , for their former contempt of his Word and Means of grace . As if God should say , Are you so obstinate ? will nothing work upon you , notwithstanding so many gracious proffers of Mercy ? will nothing move you to believe ? Then you shall not believe . Will nothing move you to repent ? Then you shall not repent : Will nothing move you to cleanse your selves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit ? Then you shall not be cleansed : He that is filthy , let him be filthy still , Rev. 22. And that this is the very meaning of the words , you may see by the same Prophecy , cited by S. Matthew , Chap. 13. First , he sets down Gods blinding their eyes , and hardning their hearts , in the 14 Verse ; and then he sets down the peoples wilful shutting of their own eyes , and hardning of their own hearts , in the 15 Verse , as the very cause of the former : for , saith he , This peoples heart is waxed gross , and their eyes have they closed , &c. Because they wilfully closed their own eyes , and would not see so much as they might have seen by the improvement of the means , therefore God gave them up to further blindness ; because they wilfully hardned their own hearts against Judgements and Mercies , therefore God gave them up to further hardness . 'T is true indeed , we are all naturally blinde , and hard-hearted : but when unto this natural blindness and hardness of heart , we do adde an affected voluntary wilful blindness of mind , and hardness of heart : Then at the last , after the exercise of a great deal of patience and long-suffering ( for 't is observable , this very Prophet was Preaching to them , and proffering mercy upon their Repentance , above threescore years together ) I say , at the last , after the abuse of so many precious Means , Mercies , and Motions of his Holy Spirit ; at last , when Gods patience is tired out , so that he can bear and forbear no longer ( I am weary with repenting , saith God , Jer. 15.6 . therefore at the last God gives up to judicial blindness of minde , and hardness of heart . Their affected , voluntary , and wilful blindness , is at the last ( after so long a time , as the Author to the Hebrews speaks ) it is punished with judicial blindness and hardness of heart : and this is the sorest blindness on this side Hell , to be given up to this judicial blindness and unbelief . As Jacob said of his Vision , Gen. 28.17 . This is none other but the House of God , and this is the gate of Heaven : So may we say on the other side , of this Judgement of the Prophets Vision , This is none other , but the very house of the strong man armed , and this is the gate of Hell .

But you will say , How then should we remove this Impediment , and who shall be found able to rowl away this stone ?

I confess , Hic labor , hoc opus est , This is a work which all the Angels in Heaven , and Men upon Earth , are not able to do . It is possible , judicial hardness and unbelief may come to such a height , that there is no remedy ; as God himself saith , 2 Chron. 36.16 . But they mocked the messengers of God , and despised his words , and misused his Prophets , until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people , there was no remedy . O who is able to rowl away this stone ! Note . And therefore my advice is rather to prevent this Impediment , than to be put to the removing of it ; for it is far easier to prevent it , than to remove it . As thou lovest thine own Soul , take heed of wilful and obstinate blindness and hardness of heart , lest God lay it upon thee , so as at the last thy very sin be turned into thy Judgement .

4 Relief . O take heed of Disputing , Quarrelling , Cavilling and Mocking , when the Word shines bright upon thee : For what is this , but to shut the door of thine eyes , ear and heart , lest the light should come in upon thee ? And in this case , God may justly clap a Lock , and a Chain , and a Bolt upon the Door , and say , It shall never be opened more . Isa 28.22 . Be ye not mockers , lest your bands be made strong . O remember that fiery Thunder-bolt of Gods Threatning , and let it be as a Warning-piece to thee , Ezek. 24.13 . I would have purged thee , and thou wast not purged , thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more , till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee : So may God say , 1 Pet. 3. Time was , when once my long-suffering waited for thee ( as in the days of Noah ) Time was , when I would have gathered thee as a Hen gathers her Chickens under her wings ; Mat. 23.37 . Time was , that I would have pacified thy heart and life by Faith , but thou wouldst not believe : yea , thou hast despised the riches of my goodness , Rom. 2.4 , 5. and forbearance , and long-suffering , not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance : but after thy hardness , and impenitent heart , that cannot repent , thou treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath , and revelation of the righteous judgement of God . And therefore I say once again , as thou lovest thy own Soul , take heed of wilful blindness , lest God deliever thee up to judicial blindness , and to the power of Unbelief .

Quest. But you will say , Is there no remedy , is there no hope in Israel concerning this thing ?

Ans. I answer , Though it is possible for a creature to come to that pass , there is no remedy ( as I said before ) yet for all that , I must tell you , there is a lower degree of judicial or probational hardness , which God sometimes layeth upon his own deer Children , as a just Correction of their former negligence , and as a means to heal it also : and so this may be removed .

Quest. But you will say , How shall it be removed ? how shall we rowl away this stone ?

Ans. I answer , It is done by Humiliation and Prayer , and laying hold of Gods Covenant of Free-grace afresh . Take this for thy comfort , though thou art troubled with much remaining hardness of heart , yet that hardness of heart which is to thy grief , shall never be to thy ruine . That which works kindly to thy Humiliation , shall never be to thy Condemnation : as in the case of Ephraim , Jer. 31.18 . And therefore plead Covenant , plead with God in Prayer , as his People do in this very case , Isa. 63.17 . Lord , why hast thou hardned our hearts from thy fear ? If we can but thus pray , and thus be humbled , there is hope in Israel concerning this thing ; nay , there is certain assurance . If we judge our selves , we shall not be judged ; The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it , 1 Cor. 11.31 . Thus much for the fourth Impediment of Faith , and the Means to remove it .

Obj. But against this that hath been spoken concerning this fourth Impediment , it may be objected . Why should God punish any with judicial hardness and blindness , for that which we cannot help ? Our hearts are so hard they cannot repent or believe .

Ans. As that Reverend Fenner in his Book of Self-murther , It is not so much a wicked mans cannot , as his will not , that condemns him ; he will not understand , repent , believe , therefore he is justly condemned .

Obj. There is a fallacy in that , for his will not , and cannot , are both one : There 's impotency in his Will , as well as in his Understanding and other Faculties ; his Will is not free to that which is good , he cannot will as he ought to do , therefore to what end is it either to perswade natural men to will what is good , or blame them if they do not ?

For Ans. Divers things ; though that ( Rom. 9.18 . ) might satisfie .

1. Gods hardning cleer'd . 1. If God had never given us ability , it were something : but he gave ability in Adam to obey him in all his Commandments , to believe him in all his words . Therefore when thou sayest , By Nature our hearts are so hard , &c. I answer , Not by our first Nature ( Naturâ integrâ ) but corrupt nature : Therefore thank our Selves , our Parents , blame not God . Simile . Suppose a Master command his Servant to go a Journey of ten miles ; he by Drunkenness and quarrelling spends so much of his time and strength , that he cannot finish his Journey in such a space ; whose fault is this ? Hath the Master lost his Power to command , because the Servant hath lost his Power to obey .

Ans. 2. I say , a natural man doth not so much as he might do , therefore God may justly strike him with judicial blindness : If he would do that , great hopes God would help him to do more . Simile . If a Father or a Master should say to his Servant , Take up all these burthens , some lighter , and some heavier , and when you cannot lift them your self , I will help you ; and the Childe or Servant should say , I 'll take up none at all , because I am sure there are some I cannot stir : Might not the Father or Master justly punish such a slothful and wilful Childe or Servant ? So God commands all men every where , where the Gospel comes , to attend upon the Means of Grace , to Repent and Believe . Now though they cannot Repent and Believe , ( these are beyond their power ) yet they may attend upon the Means . Why may they not go to a Sermon as well as to a Tavern , or sit at home ? Why may they not reade the Scriptures , as well as a Play-book or an idle Pamphlet ? Why may they not pray as they are able , as well as smother the very work of their natural Conscience ? Acts 8.22 . Pray God , if perhaps , &c. Indeed , to put natural men to duties , and not to preach Christ to them withall , were harsh ; but the Apostle doth both . As if he should say , Simon , thou art in the gall of bitterness , and bond of iniquity , do not sit still and despair , but use the means for all that , and it may be God will shew mercy to thee . What if thou canst not do so much as thou shouldst , yet do as much as thou canst , and God will help thee to do the rest : otherwise , this destruction is of thy self , and who will pity thee ?

Ans. 3. I answer , This hardness of heart falls not onely upon the Children of Perdition , but upon Gods own People : Therefore when we speak to a promiscuous multitude , we know not which of them God may be pleased to heal and cure ; however , the rest shall be left without excuse .

Ans. 4. Perswasions from the Word to that which is good , to Repent and Believe , are not in vain , because it is the triumphing Chariot in which the Spirit of God delights to ride along conquering and to conquer , 2 Cor. 2.14 . Do not say , Alas ! what do you speak to us to repent and believe , and take heed of hardning our hearts , you had as good speak to a company of dead men . Within the compass of these walls , are many dead men under ground , and there possibly are many dead men above ground . I answer , What do we know but the Spirit of God may joyn with the Word , whilst we are speaking of it , or soon after : Acts 10.44 . Whilst Peter yet spake , the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word .

Obj. We have often preached in vain , no Repentance no Faith , &c.

Ans. Yes , in some ; possibly , in many : And for others , wait , proving if God at any time shall give repentance , &c. There is a time , an hour , wherein the Word shall be powerful : Joh. 5.25 . The dead shall hear , &c. Not , as if we could cause this ; Psa. 119.32 . but , When God shall enlarge the heart , they shall run the ways of his Commandments . What do we know , but this may be the day and hour , and so I beseech you in the Name of Christ , Heb. 3. To day if you will hear his voice , harden not , & c ? Lest God give you up to this fourth Impediment of Faith , Judicial blindeness of heart .

Fifth general Impediment , contains seven mixt Impediments of faith . Fifthly , Thrre are other Impediments which are of a mixt nature , and do spring partly from our own corrupt Hearts , and partly from Satan , and partly from the World .

1. False trust . 1. Our trusting to the Mountain of some created strength , our living upon our own stock , in stead of living upon God , whether it be in Temporal things , Health , Wealth , Friends ; or in Spirituals , when we trust to the Grace we have received already . O we think we have so much knowledge , and so much love to God , and so much zeal for his Glory , that we are confident , though all men should deny Christ , we 'll never deny him , we trust to grace received , and so we live not by Faith on God , but we live upon our own stock .

But how shall we remove this Impediment ? how shall we rowl away this stone ? Cure of false Trust .

I answer , 1. By considering the greatness of the Sin : For Blessings received , and Graces received , are but Creatures : and so to trust to them , what is it , but flat Idolatry ? To give that Worship and Service to the Creature , which is due to the Creator , who is blessed for ever , Rom. 1.25 .

2. By considering the greatness of the Punishment , it is that which causeth God to hide his face , and to withdraw the manifestation of his favour from his dearest Servants , Psal. 30.6 , 7. And in my prosperity I said , I shall never be removed ; Lord , by thy favour thou hast made my Mountain to stand strong : But what follows ? Thou didst hide thy face , and I was troubled . O remember , Friends , how by trusting to the Mountain of any created strength , either in Temporal or Spiritual things : we wrong God , we wrong our Selves , we weaken our Faith , and we cause God to withdraw his wonted influence .

3. Pray God to deliver thee from trusting in any thing else , as God hath directed his People to pray in the like case , Hos. 14.3 . Ashur shall not save us , &c.

2. A second particular Impediment of Faith is this ; 2. Limiting of God . Our measuring of God by our selves , by our own strength , or by our own Reason or Understanding . Suppose God promise this or that , and we presently consulting with Flesh and Blood , cry out , It is impossible , or at least improbable , and so we 'll never believe it . Thus it was with Nicodemus at the first , when Christ spake to him of a second birth , Joh. 3. How can these things be ? ( saith he ) How can a man be born , when he is old ? Can he enter a second time into his Mothers womb , and be born ? And it was so with Mary the Mother of our Lord , when the Angel told her she should conceive the Saviour of the World , How shall this be ( saith she ) seeing I know not a man ? Luk. 1.34 . And thus it was with that incredulous Lord , when God foretold the plentiful relief of poor besieged Samaria , within the compass of a day , Behold ( saith he ) if the Lord would make windows in heaven , might this thing be ? 2 Kings 7.2 . And thus when God promiseth deliverance to his People in their greatest straights , when there is no apparent or visible means to be seen , when God promiseth the Resurrection of the body from the Grave , and many such like things , I 'll never believe it , saith a natural man : Why so ? It is altogether unlikely , it is above the reach of Reason , it is above the reach of all created strength . And this is the second particular Impediment of Faith .

Well , but how shall we remove it ? how shall we rowl away this stone ?

Cure . I answer , By considering the infinite disproportion betwixt God and us ? What if the thing promised be above the grasp of our wisdom and strength ? is it therefore above the wisdom and strength of God ? It is the silliest thing in the world to measure God by our selves . Hear what the Lord saith , Zech. 8.6 . If it be marvellous in your eyes , should it be also marvellous in my eyes , saith the Lord of Hosts ? Those things that are impossible with men , are possible , yea , most facile and easie with God . Note . And therefore it is the proper work of Faith , to lay hold upon the Power of God , as well as upon the Truth and Mercy of God . If God doth but speak a thing , Faith doubts not of the Power of God to make his Word good . When carnal reason saith , How is it possible ? How can this be ? Faith gets aloft upon the head of Reason , and seeth quite beyond it : when Reason can see no further , Faith saith , It is so , it is so , and claps the hands , as if it had the thing in present possession : and so it is an evidence of things not seen by the eye of carnal Reason . Heb. 11.1 . Rom. 4.19 , 20 , 21. Thus Abraham believeth against all common Reason that he should have a Son , because God had said it , although he and his wife were as good as dead in the course of Nature . Thus Joshua believed that the walls of Jericho should fall down at the blast of Rams-horns , Heb. 11.30 . which was against all reason . Judg. 7.19 , 20 , 21 , 22. Gideon , against all reason , believes that he and his poor three hundred men should overcome the invincible Host of the Midianites with nothing but lamps and earthen pitchers in stead of better weapons . These Worthies of God did not measure God by themselves , but they considered the faithfulness and power of him that had promised , and so should we . And so much for the second particular Impediment of Faith , and the way to remove it .

The third is the harboring of some beloved sin , 3. Harbouring some Lust . which we are loth to part with . For Faith , when it comes into the heart , will come as a purifying Faith , or else it will not come at all . Now if a man prefers the satisfying of his lust , before the satisfying of his Faith , there 's the stop , and there 's the check in the work of Faith . Therefore saith Christ to those that were carried away with the lust of ambition , How can ye believe , which receive honour one of another , and seek not the honour that cometh from God onely ? Joh. 5.44 .

Now to remove this Impediment , Cure . and to rowl away this stone , Remember , all fleshly lusts , though they flatter us , and make fair as if they were our intimate friends , yet are our deadly enemies , and under-hand they fight against us : Dearly beloved ( saith Peter ) I beseech you as pilgrims and strangers , abstain from fleshly lusts , 1 Pet. 3.11 . which fight against the Soul ; against the grace of it , against the peace of it , against the very life of it , the spiritual and eternal life of the Soul . And therefore suppose the lust be never so dear , yet let thy Salvation be dearer : Suppose it be an adulterous eye , or suppose it be a deceitful hand , a hand that bringeth in so much profit by the year , and were it not for this , thou couldst finde in thine heart to believe , and to become a Christian in earnest . O remember what this lust must cost thee , that justles out thy Faith ; it will cost thee the precious life of thy immortal Soul : and therefore were it as dear to thee as thy right eye , or thy right hand , away with it , and cast it from thee . Remember what Christ saith , Mat. 5.29 , 30. It is better for thee that one of thy members should perish , than that thy whole body should be cast into hell . And so much for the third particular Impediment , and the way to remove it .

4. Our own unworthiness pleaded against the Promise . The 4. Impediment , Is the sight and sense of our own unworthiness . O , saith many a poor creature ! do you perswade me to believe ? What me ? you know not what a vile wretch I am ; you little think what sins I have committed , what precious means and mercies I have abused ; and were it not high presumption in such a one as I am , to offer to believe , ot to lay hold of a Promise ? Thus men are apt to strain courtesie with God , and to put a bar in their own way .

Cure . But to remove this Impediment , and to roll this Stone out of the way ; I beseech you to consider : Was it presumption in Manasses , or in Mary Magdalen to believe , out of whom he cast seven Divels ? Is not the grace of God Free ? else it were no grace . As no man is accepted for his own worthiness : so no man is rejected , simply , for his unworthiness : It is no hindrance , but a furtherance to thy Faith ; for the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost : Mat. 9. Thou art never like to find him , till thou come to be at a losse in thy self . And this is the fourth Impediment , and the way to remove it .

5. Laying much stress on the depth of humiliation . The 5. Is this : O but I have not been humbled to this very day , at least so far as I ought to be humbled ! It may be I have grieved a little for my sins , but not so much as I ought to do , or as such sins call for at my hands , and therefore , why should I believe , till I be further humbled ? To remove this Impediment , Cure . and to roll away this Stone , we must know ,

1. God makes not a promise of Mercy to such a degree of Godly sorrow , but to the truth of it , Matth. 5.4 .

2. God accepts of the Will for the Deed , if we would be further humbled , and yet cannot .

And 3. Nothing humbles and breaks the heart more , then the laying hold upon Christ in a promise of Free Grace . Note . It is impossible there should be through humiliation without Faith . The Flinty heart of a sinnner is broken upon the Feather-bed of Gods Mercy . One looke from Christ , or one look towards Christ by the eye of Faith , melts the heart more then a thousand strokes of the hammer . Zech. 12.10 . I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem , the Spirit of Grace and Supplication ; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced , and they shall mourn for him , as one mourneth for his only son . Observe , nothing melts the heart so kindly , as looking upon Christ crucified , by the eye of Faith . O saith the believing Soul , that Christ should deal so kindly with me , that have dealt so unkindly with him ! O that he should overcome my evil with his exceeding goodness ! O that he should die for me , who once did hate him to the very death ! O these are melting arguments that come from faith ! Remember thou canst never be throughly humbled , till thou beginnest to believe . Other Arguments may Batter the heart , but Arguments drawn from Faith do only Break it , and melt it . And therefore let not this consideration keep thee from believing , to say , I have not yet been humbled enough ; for by that reason we should never believe as long as the world stands . For where is the man that can say , He is humbled enough ? especially before such time as he begins to believe . But so much for the fifth particular Impediment , and the way to remove it .

The 6. Is this , They want the sense of Gods love , nay , 6. Want of Feeling . they feel the sense of his wrath and displeasure , and therefore why should they believe ?

Now to remove this Impediment , Cure . and to roll this Stone out of the way , we must know it is impossible to have the sense and feeling of Gods love , till we begin to believe : For being justified by Faith we have Peace with God , Rom. 5.1 . and not before . God sometimes carrieth strange to his own children , as Joseph to his brethren , and Christ to the woman of Canaan . Yea , whom the Lord loves he corrects , and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth , Heb. 12.6 . The father knoweth how to frown , and how to strike with the Rod too , and yet he is a father still . His chastisements are Castigatory , Probatory , and Purgatory ; they purge out the remainders of sinful Corruption . And if we have but grace to carry towards him , as Children under the Rod , we may be sure by that , that God offers himself to us as a Father . Therefore be not discouraged , though God seem to frown , but say as Job , If God should kill me , yet will I trust in him : I am sure to die if I fly from him ; ( Whither shall I fly from thy presence ? Psal. 139. ) and I can but die , if I fly to him : nay , I am sure I shall not die , if I can do so , for he hath said it , and he will perform it : Joh. 6.37 . He that cometh unto me , I will in no wise cast out . And therefore do not reason against thy self , and say , Oh , God is a terrible and a furious God , he will never be at peace with such an one as I am . True indeed , if thou standest out in opposition against him , he is a furious God ; but if thou layest down thy weapons of War , and yieldest up thy strong-holds of Carnal Reason and Self-will into his hands ; in this case , mark what God saith , Isa. 27.4 . Fury is not in me . As if he should say , Thou thinkst I am a furious God , there 's no dealing with me ; but if thou wilt submit , thou shalt finde fury is not in me . Indeed , if thou settest thy self still in battel against me , I will be as a consuming fire unto thee ; but if thou hast a real desire to submit , and to make peace , take my Word for it , Thou canst not be so forward to make peace with me , but I am as forward to make peace with thee : And therefore be not afraid , for so runs the Promise , Fury is not in me ; who would set the briars and thorns against me in battel , I would go through them , I would burn them together : Or let him take hold of my strength , that he may make peace with me , and he shall make peace with me . O what a gracious Promise is this ! How should it overcome all the hard thoughts and jealousies we are apt to entertain of God!

O but in the seventh place , 7. Doubt of Election . I am afraid the Promise belongs not unto me , for I fear I am not Elected , and therefore why should I believe ? This is another great Impediment and an heavy stone upon the mouth of the Sepulchre , and how should this be removed ?

Thus : Who tels thee so ? not God , if any body , Cure . the Divel . Deut. 29.29 . Secret things belong unto the Lord our God , but those things which are revealed , belong unto us and to our children for ever . Election of this or that particular person , is a secret thing , and cannot be known , by any thing à priori that goeth before , but à posteriori , from the latter it may be known by our Faith and effectual calling , we may know we are Elected , and not before , 2 Thes. 1.3 , 4. But here 's the Divels policy to puzzel mens heads and hearts in Election , when they should busie their heads and hearts about Believing ; in thirsting after Jesus Christ , in being willing to make peace with him , and wholly to receive him . And if God hath given thee such a Will , I am sure the Promise belongs to thee : Rev. 22.17 . Let him that is a thirst come , and whosoever will , let him take the water of Life freely . And so much for the seventh particular Impediment , and the way to remove it .

The Sixth Hindrance , Sixth General Impediment of Faith ; viz. Neglect of Means . Is a wicked and sinful neglect of the Means which God useth for the begetting of Faith . ( Of which , by Gods assistance , we are to speak in due time ) If Christ , and Heaven , and Faith , will drop into their mouth at unawares , so it is ; but under pretence that God doth call in the working of Faith , they are resolved to use no means under God , but cast off all Ordinances as if they were to no purpose . Now so long as a man neglects the means , he is never like to attain the end . Now of this neglect of the Means , there are divers subordinate causes , especially these five , Prejudice , Pride , Sloth , Five Causes of Neglect of Means . Presumption and Despondency of Spirit : We shall speak of them particularly , and the way to remember them .

1. Prejudice Quarrels the Means of Faith The 1. Is a strong and strange Prejudice against the Means of begetting Faith , or against the Instruments dispensing the Means . Tush , saith one , this Preaching , this foolish preaching , t is but a light kind of food ( as they said of the Manna ) and how should this do me any good ? I 'le never believe this foolish Preaching can be a means to save my soul . And for these preachers , saith the poor deluded soul , what are they , but a company of infirmous men , whose bodily presence is weak , and their speech contemptible ? men that shew much passion , but little learning or discretion , and therefore why should I give any heed to them , or believe what they say ?

Cure of Prejudice . Now to remove this Impediment , and to roll away this Stone ; Let all be granted ( though it is a thousand to one the Divel is a lier in most that is suggested , yet ) let all be granted , you must not expect a Minister without infirmities . What say the Apostles themselves , Acts 14.15 ? We also are men of like passions with you : As if they should say , Lift us not up too high , nor put us not down too low , but bless God for us , and pray for us , for we also are men of like passions with you . And for our Preaching , God would not have us come in the Excellency of words , or of mans Wisdom , but in the Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power . That our Faith should not stand in the Wisdom of men , but in the Power of God , 1 Cor. 2.4.5 . What though the world account plain preaching foolishness ? yet it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching , 1 Cor. 1 to save them that believe .

Therefore take heed thou dost not Wit thy self into hell ; Caution . take heed thy sinful prejudice against the plain preaching of the Word , cost thee not the life of thy soul . O say not as Naaman the Syrian ! because he was a noble Captain , and a brave Courtier , when the Prophet directed him ( for the cure of his Leprosie ) to wash seven times in the common and plain water of Jordan ; Are not Abana and Pharphar Rivers of Damascus , better then all the waters of Israel ? may I not wash in them and be clean , 2 Kin. 5.1 , 2 ? Are not the excellent and elegant expressions of many Moralists and humane Authors , better then the Scriptures , and the plain preaching of them , for the rectifying of my judgment , and reforming of my manners ? O be better advised ( as Naaman was at the length ) be sure to wash in the poor despised Fountain of the Scriptures , even those holy and healing waters that run from under the Threshold of the Sanctuary , Ezek. 47.1 . That Christ may say unto thy Soul purified by Faith , Now art thou clean through the Word that I have spoken unto thee , Joh. 15.3 . And this is the First Subordinate cause of the neglect of the Means , and the way to remove it .

The 2. Is Pride : Pride I say , which is the mother of sinful Shamefastnesse , as sometimes t is the Mother of sinful boldness . 2. Pride Contems the Means of Faith . It may be thou art ignorant of the Scriptures , and as ignorant of the state of thine own Soul ; as little read in the one as in the other . And what shouldst thou do in this case , but enquire at the Ministers lips , which should preserve knowledge ? Yea , but it may be thou art as much asham'd to beg , as thou art unable to dig in those heavenly mines , asham'd to beg Counsel and Direction . Thou art asham'd to say , Acts 8 I pray you of whom speaketh the Prophet this , or that ; of himself , or of some other man ? I pray you , shew me the meaning of this or that place of Scripture , I pray you shew me the state and condition of my Soul , that I may know upon what termes I stand with God . O this we think will argue ignorance , it will bewray our weaknesse ! What ? ( saith the poor creature ) shall I that have gone for somebody in the world , and might have been a teacher of others , at least within the compass of my own family ? Shall I shew what need I have to be taught my self , which be the first principles of the Oracles of God ? Heb. 5 Shall I be instructed and Catechized like a child ? I le never stoop so low to shame my self in this fashion . Prov. 15 12. The scorner will not go unto the wise .

Now then to remove this Impediment , and to roll away this Stone : Cure . It 's good to remember , it 's better to shame our selves now before two or three , then to shame our selves before men and Angels in the last day ; and to have our folly proclaimed to all the world , when Christ shall come in flaming fire to render vengeance on them that know not God , 2 Thes. 1.8 . Do not say it is a foolish and a childish thing for a man to discover his own weakness in Knowledg or Faith . Remember what the Apostle saith , 1 Cor. 3.18 . Humility the Cure of Pride . If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world , let him become a fool that he may be wise . Remember what our Saviour saith , Mat. 18.3 . Except ye become as little children , ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven . That is , Humble , Teacheable , and Tractable as children are . And this is the second Subordinate cause of the neglect of the Means , and the way to remove it .

3. Sloth Recoyls from the Means of Faith . The 3. Is Sloth and Laziness . Though a man be convinc't in his conscience of the Necessity and Excellency of the Means of Grace , yet when he considers what a deal of pains it must cost him , in Hearing , and Praying , and Practising , and Denying of himself , he is even scar'd at the sight of the work , and starts back again . What ? ( saith he ) Must the Kingdom of Heaven suffer violence ? and must the violent take it by force ? Then take it whosoever will for me , saith the lazy person ; I had as live be as I am , as take such a deal of pains : Just like a Sluggard when he lyeth in bed , and seeth a great deal of work before him , and the weather is cold , and he puts out his hands , and by and by puls them in again ; 't is death to arise , to a lazy person . And so 't is to a lazy professor , when God calls upon him to awake , and to arise out of the bed of security , and to be diligent in the use of Means , as ever he desires Faith and the comfort of it . Joh. 6. O this is a hard saying , and he cannot bear it ! if God will save him without his own endeavours , well and good ; but he is resolved to go to his journeys end in a Feather-bed , if ever he come there .

Now then to remove this Impediment , Cure . and to roll away this Stone : Remember the danger of Spiritual sloth and security . Prov. 21.25 . The desire of the slothful killeth him ; for his hands refuse to labour . If a man did but know the house were on fire over his head , it would startle the arrantest Sluggard in a Country . Gods Ministers are commanded to cry , Fire , fire , Hell-fire , as the portion of all slothful persons , Mat. 25.30 . Cast ye the slothful and unprofitable servant into utter darkness , there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . O think of this before-hand , that ye may be awakened ! Jude 23. And others save with fear , pulling them out of the fire . O do not talk like a Sluggard , Yet a little sleep , a little slumber , a little folding of the hands to sleep , lest thy spiritual poverty come as a traveller , and thy want as an armed man , Pro. 24.33 , 34. Besides , Christ can make difficult things easie , Mat. 11.30 . My yoke is easie . Isa. 26.12 . Thou hast wrought all our works in us . Phil. 2.13 . It is God that worketh to will and to do . And this is the third Subordinate cause of the neglect of the Means , and the way to remove it .

The 4. Is Presumption : 4. Presumption Post dates the use of Means . Cure . Presuming we may use the Means soon enough many daies or years after . They think they may repent and believe when they list .

But to remove this Impediment , and to roll away this Stone ; It is good to remember , that not so much as our natural life is in our own power , Eccl. 8 8. Much less that which is Spiritual and Supernaturul ; it 's possible we may have but a little space of time to live , and it may be lesse space of time to repent . Rev. 2 21. I gave her a space to repent of her fornicateon , and she repented not ( saith God of Jezabel . ) God giveth a space of time to particular Persons , Cities , and Nations , which is called the Accepted Time , and the Day of Salvation ; 2 Cor. 6.2 and if we come not in the space of this Time , the Door may be Shut , and we may Knock too late : Mat. 25 , 10. Whilst the foolish Virgins went to buy oil , the Bridegroom came , and they that were ready went in with him to the Marriage , and the door was shut . And this is the fourth Subordinate cause of neglect of the Means , and the way to remove it .

5. Despondency quits the use of Means . The 5. Is Despondency of Spirit : Through an extreme fear that the time of Grace is past . It may be we have us'd the Means of Grace long , and we conceive we are never the better ; and therefore we fear it is to no purpose to attend upon the Means for the time to come .

Cure . Now to remove this Impediment , to roll this Stone out of the way , Let us remember , It is not for us to know the Times and the Seasons which the Father hath placed in his own power , Acts 1.7 . Let us continue to do our duty in seeking , and we may be sure God will be found at the last , though he hide himself very long to our apprehension , Isa. 38.18 . Blessed are all they that wait for him . Hast thou waited twenty or thirty years for Grace or Comfort ? resolve to wait still . Joh. 5.5 . There was an impotent man , who had waited thirty eight years for healing , and yet by a word of Free Grace from Christ himself , he was healed at the last . There 's no time past , but God may heal thee for all this , though thou hast waited many a year . And therefore resolve to stand it out to the last man , He that continueth to the end shall be saved , Mat. 24.13 . And thus have we spoken of the sixth grand Impediment , which is a sinful neglect of the Means of Grace , and also of the way to remove it .

7. Supposition of having Faith already . The Seventh Impediment , Is a vain Supposition that we have Faith , when we have it not , or else a supposition that we have it not , when we have it ; the one hinders the obtaining of Faith , and the other hinders the actings of it , and we are apt to swear on both sides , Pro. 37.7 . There is that maketh himself rich , and yet he is poor ; and there is that maketh himself poor , yet hath great riches . First , There is that maketh himself Rich when he is poor ; there is a supposition that a man hath Faith , when he hath it not . Now hear's the mischief of this Conceit ; He that presumes he hath a thing , when he hath it not , it takes off all endeavours for the obtaining of it : So he that presumes he hath Faith , when he hath it not , it takes him off from the use of Means for the obtaining of it .

Now for the removing of this Impediment , Cure . and for the rolling away of this Stone ; There 's no better way then to bring our Faith to the Test , or Touch-stone , that we do not bless our selves in giving entertainment to a bold-fac'd presumption , in stead of a true Faith .

Quest. How shall I be able to distinguish between Presumption and true Faith ? For as the Harlot laid her dead child , in the room of the true mothers living child , 1 Kin. 3.20 . So the Divel pops men off with a dead Faith ( which is no better then presumption ) in stead of a true and Living Faith . How therefore shall we know the one from the other , the dead child from the other ?

I Answer . Differences of Presumption and Faith . ( Besides what hath been said already in the use of tryal ) You may know Presumption from true Faith , by its Conception , Birth , Growth , and Issue or fruits .

1. By its Conception : 1 In the Conception . Presumption is nothing but our own Conceit , the Brat of our own brain ; a strong imagination without any real Foundation upon the Word of God , whereas true Faith is ever grounded upon the Promise , it is Begotten by the incorruptible seed of the Word , 1 Pet. 1 23.

Only let me add this by way of Caution : Caution . There may be a false application of a promise , as well as a true and saving ; a promise may be presented to the Soul by Satan , as well as by the Holy Spirit of God .

Quest. How shall we know the difference ?

Answ. That when ever Satan presents a promise to the Soul , he presents it in a Wrested sense ; or he presents it for a Wrong end , as Mat. 4.6 . It 's written , He shall keep thee , &c. This promise is presented in a Wrested Sense , so as the meaning of it could not stand with that other Scripture , Thou shalt not tempt , &c. God doth promise to protect in such dangers as his providence casts us into , in the way of our calling , but not in such dangers as our own folly and presumption casts us into , when we forsake our way . And therefore the Divel cunningly , and wickedly leaves out that part of the Word , In all thy wayes , Psa. 91.11 , 12.

2. It is presented for a Wrong End , To separate Justification from Sanctification , and so to make us bold to sin against God ; as here , see Jude 4. Turning the grace of God ( i. e. Gracious promises of Mercy ) into wantonness . But ( now ) when the Promise of God , is presented and applyed by the Spirit of God , it is presented in a true sense , such as may well stand with all other parts of holy Scripture ; for the Spirit doth never contradict it self . And it is presented for a Right and Good End ; Even for the furtherance of our Sanctification , as well as of our Justification , and so the promise is made a Transforming Promise , 2 Cor. 3.18 . And a Cleansing Promise , so as to make the Soul willing to be purged from every sin . Consider seriously of these Scriptures , 1 Joh. 3.2 , 3. ( Perfect Vision , perfect Transformation . In the mean time , so much as we see of God , so much we shall desire to be like him ) Joh. 15.3 . Now are ye clean , &c. 2 Cor. 7.1 . Having such Promises , Let us cleanse , &c.

2 In the Birth 2. In the Birth : The Birth of Presumption is very easie and speedy . Presumptuous persons think it is the easiest matter in the world to Believe ; they meet with no opposition , either from their own hearts , or from Satan ; A sign 't is no good Faith , when the Divel is so good a friend to it . But the Birth of true Faith is very difficult , it meets with many Pangs of unbelief from Satan and from the flesh ; for even in this , as well as in other graces , The flesh lusteth against the Spirit , Gal. 5.17 . I confesse , He is an unwise child that staies long in the place of bringing forth children , Hos. 13.13 . Yet some pain there is in Self-denial .

Thirdly , they may be differenced by their Growth . 3. In the growth . Presumption is a Monster , it is born as big and as tall as ever it will be ; like Jonah's Gourd , it springs up in a night , and it withers as soon as the Sun of affliction and persecution beats hot upon it . But true Faith grows up by degrees , like the grain of Mustard-seed ; the new Creature is a Babe in faith , before he becomes a strong man : The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith , Rom. 1.17 . Some say they are as much assured at the first , as ever they shall be , their faith is as strong as ever it will be ; but let them take heed in the mean time , they do not presume in stead of believing , for true faith is of a growing nature .

Fourthly , 4. In the fruit . They may be differenced by their Issue and Fruits : It may be said of the Presumptuous , as Deut. 32.32 . Their vine is the vine of Sodom , — their clusters are bitter . The fruit of Presumption , is carelesness in the use of the means of Grace . Tush , saith the Presumptuous person , what need we hear so much , and reade so much , and pray so much ? away with Duties . The fruit of true Faith , is carefulness herein ; I believed , 2 Cor. 4.13 . therefore have I spoken , therefore have I heard , therefore have I read , therefore have I prayed , &c. The fruit of Presumption , is Licentious liberty to sin against God : Tush , saith the Presumptuous person , Christ died for sinners , what need we care , let us sin , that grace may abound . Rom. 6.1 . Ver. 18. The fruit of true faith , is a holy liberty to serve God , and a holy fear to sin against God . Be not deceived , ( saith Faith ) neither Fornicators , nor Idolaters , nor Adulterers , nor effeminate , &c. shall inherit the Kingdom of God , 1 Cor. 6.10 . And thus you see there is that maketh himself rich in faith , when he is poor ; and this is a great Impediment to the obtaining of faith , and therefore we must labour to remove it . Impediments of faith in the second branch of false supposition .

And secondly , There is that maketh himself poor , when he is rich . There may be a supposition that we have not faith , when we have it : and this will hinder both the actings and increasings of our faith . Some are afraid they have no faith at all , because they have not the highest degree of faith , which is full Assurance ; or because they want the comfort which others attain to , 1 Pet. 1.8 . even joy unspeakable and full of glory .

Cure But for the removing of this Impediment , and for the rolling of this stone out of the way , we must remember there are several degrees of faith , as we have already proved ; therefore 't is possible thou maist have faith , though thou hast not the highest degree of faith , and so joy of the Spirit , that 's rather a fruit of faith , than faith it self . It is indeed , Note . to speak properly , rather a living by sense , than a living by faith , when we are cheered up with continual Cordials : Such a life is more like heaven than earth , where faith shall cease . A stronger faith is required to live upon God without comfort , than when God shines in upon our Spirits with abundance of joy . It s nothing for the Childe to believe the Mother loveth it , whilst she sets it upon the knee , kisseth it , and feeds it with sweet meats ; but to see the Mother love through the twigs of the Rod , and through all the clouds of her frownings and hidings , this argues no small strength of love , and of natural affection in the Childe . I know your thoughts out-run me in the Application , so that there may be strong faith , where there is little comfort : Therefore let every man prove his faith , that he may not be to seek in the acting of it . And so much for the several Impediments of Faith , and the way to remove them .

From whence we may deduce these Corollaries or Conclusions .

Corollaries . First , there is no Faith without a great deal of opposition . Opposition from Self , opposition from Satan , opposition from World , opposition from professed Enemies , opposition from Friends , A mans enemies shall be those of his own house ; these shall oppose him , these shall judge him , not onely for his outward actions of Faith , but for the very intentions of his heart in the exercise of Faith : as Davids brethren said unto him , I know the pride of thy heart ; this is nothing but a spice of vain glory and ostentation . Paul was opposed in the preaching of Faith , and in the practice of Faith , and no way in the world left to apologize for himself , but to appeal to the Searcher of hearts , 1 Cor 4.3 . With me it is a very small thing , that I should be judged of you , or of mans judgement , &c. But thus true faith meets with opposition , both from those without , and from those within the Church . True faith in the saving knowledge of the Son of God , is as the very door and entrance into Gods Kingdom ; but you must look to meet with opposition at the very threshold . Mat. 23.13 . Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites , for ye shut up , &c. The Lord grant none of us may be found amongst the number of opposers , making sad the hearts of those God would not have made sad , but rather be found helpers of one anothers faith : For all is little enough , in regard of the opposition we shall meet withall from without .

Secondly , it is no easie matter to believe : all things are easie to him that believeth , but it is no easie matter to believe .

Thirdly , The exceeding greatness of Gods power is seen in all them that do believe , according to the working of his mighty power , which he 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. No wonder so few believe ; 't is a Miracle of Mercy that there are so many .

Fourthly , He that would believe , must be resolved to break through all Impediments ; as Davids Worthies brake through the Host of the Philistims : Armies of oppositions are against us , yet be resolute , If God be for us , who shall be against us ? The beginnings of faith will remove all these Mountains that lie in the way , by laying hold of the Promises : Isa. 54.14 . Cast ye up , cast ye up , prepare the way , take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my people . See Isa. 40.3 . and 42.16 . and 62.10 .

But we pass from the Lets and Impediments , to the Helps and Furtherances of Faith , which are the second sort of Means to be used for the obtaining of this precious Grace of Faith .

2. Positive means of Faith . We have already removed the Rubbish , we come now to such helps as may tend ( through Gods blessing ) to the advancing of the Building : Onely take it with this Caution , Caution . Nothing that we can do , either by way of preparation , or otherwise , can be effectual ( as from any power in our selves ) either to the begetting , or to the increasing of Faith : Rom. 9.16 . It is not in him that willeth , nor in him that runneth , but in God that hath mercy . And hence it is sometimes , that Gods Spirit delights to grapple with the most opposite gainsayers of his Word and Ways . A man comes to the Congregation with all the prejudice that may be , both against the Ordinance it self , and the dispensers of it : Well ( saith he ) I 'll go hear what this prating Preacher , what this babler can say , if it be but to make my self merry , or to see if I can entangle him in something that is delivered : and yet it may be God meets this man in the full career of his opposition , as he met Paul when he was a Saul , Acts 9. and tells him , 'T is hard for him to kick against the pricks . One of Christs arrows shot out from the mouth of the Minister , wounds him to the very heart , and he cannot be quiet , till the same hand that wounded him , do heal him again : I kill , and I give life ; I wound , and make whole , ( saith the Lord ) which is as true of the Soul , as of the Body , Deut. 32.39 . Now all this plainly sheweth the work is wholly of God , and not of our selves , nor in the power of second Means . But yet for all this , I say means are to be used , by way of Gods Ordinance , though the efficacy of the means depends wholly upon God , and not upon our selves . And therefore it is very observable in that most miraculous Conversion of the Apostle in the 9th of the Acts , when God met him , and unhors'd him , and astonish'd him , and strook him into a trembling Fit , and whilst he was breathing out threatnings against the People of God , he so tam'd his proud spirit , that he is glad to say , Lord , what wilt thou have me to do ? yet I say , it is very observable , that however God begun the work of his Conversion by his own immediate hand , yet he would not finish it without second means , without the hand of an Instrument . And therefore when Paul said , What wilt thou have me to do , Lord ? Christ doth not say , I would have thee do this or that , neither doth he restore his sight to him for the present , but he bids him go to the City , and there Ananias must be an instrument under Jesus Christ to restore his sight , and to give him in charge what God would have him do . Much more then , in the ordinary way of Gods working , are we bound to the use of second means , as ever we desire the recovery of our Spiritual sight , or the obtaining of this precious grace of faith .

What are those means then that we must use and attend upon ?

Answ. 1. Is the Word of God , Means . the Preaching of the Word ? The Scripture is very clear in this . 1. Word of God . Rom 10.14 How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard ? and ver. 17. So then Faith cometh by hearing , and hearing by the Word of God . Therefore as Faith is the Life of the Soul , under God ; so the Word is the Life of Faith . As the Just lives by Faith , so Faith lives upon the Word . No Humane Testimony ( though great respect and reverence is to be had to the Church , and Godly writers ) yet I say , No humane Testimony can be the ground of Divine Faith . 'T is true indeed , the Word cannot work Faith without the Spirit ; I will not say , The Spirit cannot work Faith without the Word : But this I say , That Ordinarily the Spirit doth not work Faith without the Word . Though the Spirit be not absolutely bound to the use of Means , yet we are bound to the use of them , as ever we expect the Spirit : Here will I meet with thee , saith the Spirit . Therefore it is very observable , Where God makes a Promise of the Spirit ; in the same place also he makes a Promise of the Word , to continue with his Church to the end of the World . Isa. 59. last . As for me , this is my Covenant with them , saith the Lord , My Spirit that is upon thee , and my Words which I have put in thy mouth , shall not depart out of thy mouth , nor out of the mouth of thy seed , nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed , saith the Lord , from henceforth and for ever .

The Word and the Spirit you see go hand in hand , therefore we are not to expect the Spirit without the Word ; neither are we to expect Fath , which is wrought by thy Spirit , unlesse it be also wrought by the Word , as the Organ or Instrument of the Spirit . And hence also the Word of God is called the Word of Faith , Rom. 10.8 . Because Faith in grown persons is wrought by the Word , and so the Word is both the Object , and the Instrument of Faith . It is Verbum quod creditur , and Verbum quô creditur , the Word that is believed , and the Word by which we are moved to believe this or that . And how should we then with all care and conscience attend upon the Ministery of the Word , as ever we desire faith , as ever we desire life . Would we live for ever , O hear , says God , and your soul shall live ; and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you , even the sure mercies of David , Isa. 55.3 . Mark that : Hear , and your soul shall live ; no hearing , no life ; because , no hearing , no faith : for , The just lives by his faith , and his faith lives by the Word . And therefore such as live above Ordinances , and above the Word , I know not what to make of them ; they are such as live not by faith , but above faith : They must either be in Heaven , or nearer to Hell than they are aware ; for all the true Members of the Church upon earth do live by Faith , and that faith upon the Word . And therefore such persons as live above Ordinances in that sense , so as to be content to live without them , are of a strange temper . They are like such conceited persons who in a distemper of melancholly do think they can live without meat : and indeed as well may the body live its natural life without meat , as the Soul live its Spiritual and Supernatural life without the Word : Job 23.12 . I have desired the words of his mouth , mo●e than my appointed food : the Word of God is the food of the Soul . Faith is both begotten and encreased by the Word , by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God doth man live , Mat. 4.4 . The Word of God is like blood in the natural Body , Vehiculum Spiritûs .

The Word , The Word the ordinary mean of Faith . is the power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth , Rom. 1.16 . This is the main end of that great Ordinance of the Ministery which was given for the begetting and for the encreasing faith , till we all come in the unity of the faith , and the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the fulness of Christ , Eph. 4.13 . And therefore I say , attend upon this Ordinance : as ever thou desirest Faith , make use of these despicable Rams-horns , as ever thou desirest the mighty walls of Jericho should fall down ; for the weapons of the Ministery are mighty through God to the pulling down of all the strong holds of sin and Satan , all the Opposites and Impediments of Faith : Wait at the Pool of Bethesda , Joh. 5.2 , 5. as ever thou desirest to be cured of thy Spiritual Maladies . A Miracle , yea a Million of Miracles will not beget faith in thee , if that Word do not beget it , which was at the first confirmed by Miracles . If ordinary and living Preachers do thee no good , neither wouldst thou believe , if an extraordinary and miraculous Messengers should arise from the dead and preach to thee . Luke 16.31 . Therefore such as look for faith by Revelation , without and beyond the Word , certainly this perswasion cometh not of him that calleth : Gal. 5.8 . Such a perswasion , and such a revelation is of Satan , and not from God . For God saith , To the Word , and to the Testimony , if they speak not according to this Word , it is because there is no light in them , Isa. 8.20 . Therefore as ever thou desirest true Light , and true Faith , attend upon the ministry of the Word .

Object . But you will say , What part of the Word should we attend upon , that we may attain this Promise of Grace ?

Every Word an Object of Faith . Answ. I Answer in general , Every part of the Word of God , both Precept , and Promise ; where ever God hath a tongue to speak , we should be sure to have an ear to hear .

Especially the Promise . Gal. 3.24 Especially , we are bound to attend upon the Promise of the Gospel . As for the Ceremonial Law , it is abolished , it was our School-master unto Christ , but no longer ; As for the Moral Law , though it be abolished as a Covenant , Do this and thou shalt live ; Rom. 10.5 if thou do it not , thou shalt die , so it is abolisht : Yet the Apostle tels us in Romans 7. there is still , even under the Gospel this use of the Law , To convince us of sin , and so to shew us our need of Christ .

Object . If it be Objected , The Spirit of Christ doth this , John 16.8 . and therefore , what need of the Law ? How the Spirit Convinceth of sin .

Ans. I Answer , The Spirit doth it indeed , but by opening and applying the Rule of the Law ; for so saith the Apostle who himself was guided by the Spirit when he uttered those words , Rom. 7.7 . I had not known sin , but by the Law , for I had not known lust , except the Law had said , Thou shalt not Covet .

Thus the Spirit convinceth by the Law , and that so powerfully and effectually , when God is pleased to set it home upon any particular soul , that he apprehends the Minister speaks so , as if he knew his very heart , or so as if the Minister spoke to none but him in all the Congregation .

Now the word thus apprehended , doth usually work some measure of humiliation with fear and terrour in some more , in some lesse . ( for we prescribe not a certain measure to any ) Now this ( though it be but a common work in it self , yet ) where God is pleased to sanctifie it , and to set it home , it is a means to drive the Soul nearer to Jesus Christ , and that by reasoning in this manner , O that I should be such a vile wretch , to transgress a law , so Holy , so Just , so Good ! I confesse if God should look upon me in the first Covenant , he might justly set open all the Flood-gates of his wrath , he might even rain down Hell out of Heaven upon such a vile wretch as I am .

But What ? Is there no remedy , sayes the perplexed Soul ? Is there no Balm in Gilead ? Jer. 8.22 Is there no Physician there that is able to cure a sick and a sinful Soul ?

O yes , sayes Christ , I am that Physician of greatest value , The whole need not the Physitian , but the sick , Mat. 19.2 for I am not come to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance . The Spirit of God is upon me , Luk. 4.18 because he hath anointed me ( on purpose ) to preach good tidings unto the meek , he hath sent me to binde up the broken hearted , &c. and therefore fear not poor soul , I am sent to thee in a special manner , my errand is to thee , and therefore do not thou run from me , but come to me : Mat. 11.28 O come to me thou that art weary and heavy laden , and I will give rest unto thee .

What , to me ? sayes the poor dejected soul ? Is it possible God should intend any mercy to such a dead dog as I am ? Yes , even to thee , sayes Christ , do but come to me , and thou shalt be welcome . I have paid all thy debt , pacified Gods wrath for all that are willing to receive me , and believer in me ; whateve their sins have been . O this now melts the heart of a sinner ! and now he can mourn for sin , as it is sin , that ever he should offend such a gracious God . Hereupon he comes to be meekly content to use any means that God shall prescribe for his Souls good ; To wait in hope , To hunger and thirst after Christ , To sell all that he hath ( though his all is worth nothing at all , yet highly prized by him ) but this he is well content to part withall , even with all his lusts and darlings , yea all his best works and self-righteousness , Phil. 3.7 , 8 so he may win Christ and be found in him , he is willing to part with all , and to count it as dross and dung . Now when God of his Free Grace , hath brought the Soul to this passe , then after that , he is pleased to reveal himself in a gracious manner , Gen. 45.3 as Joseph revealed himself to his brethren , I am Joseph your brother : So sayes God , Jer. 31.3 I am thy God and Father , Lo I have loved thee with an everlasting love : and therefore with loving kindnesse have I drawn thee . And thus God seals him by his Spirit , and lets him see his right to the promise of his Free Grace , and so the soul layes hold upon Christ in the Promise , and rests upon him for Righteousnesse and Salvation .

Quest. If you shall say , Why doth God usually thus humble men , more , or lesse , and stir up in them strong desires after Christ , before they come so fully and so clearly to lay hold of the Promise ? ( This question is needful to clear up the manner of the working of the Word , or ( at least of the laying hold of it . )

Reasons why Humiliation must go before Faith . Answ. I answer , First , Because there must be a renouncing of our own righteousness , wrought in us by the Spirit of God , before there can be a submitting to the righteousness of God . Rom. 10.3 . For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness , and going about to establish their own righteousness , have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God . Now it is impossible to suppose a man to be brought to that pass , to renounce his own righteousnesse , but he must be humbled . 2 Chr. 12.6 . Whereupon the Princes of Israel and the King humbled themselves , and they said , The Lord is righteous . Luk. 18.10 , &c. to 15. See the example .

Secondly , Because God hath joyned Repentance and Faith together in the Gospel , Mark . 1.15 . Repent ye and believe the Gospel . Now it is impossible to suppose true repentance without some measure of humility and godly sorrow for sin , as the Apostle describes it , 2 Cor. 7.8 , 9 , 10 , 11. v. 9. Now I rejoyce , not that ye were made sorry , but that ye sorrowed to repentance , for ye were made sorry after a godly manner . v. 11. For behold the self-same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort , what carefulness it wrought in you ? yea what clearing of your selves ? yea what indignation ? yea what fear ? yea what vehement desire ? yea what zeal ? ye what revenge ? In all things ye have approved your selves to be clear in this matter .

Thirdly , God doth humble them that they may hear and receive the message of the Gospel with the more meeknesse and readinesse , Jer. 13.15 . Hear ye , and give ear , be not proud , for the Lord hath spoken . And in this Text , tell a proud unhumbled sinner of Mercy , of Faith , and of a Saviour ; What need of a Saviour , or Mercy ( sayes he ) unlesse I were in misery ? But when God hath taken him down a peg lower , Psa. 141.6 and he is overthrown ( as it were ) in stony places , O then he will hear the words of reconciliation , for they are sweet ! O then if a Messenger , or an Interpreter , Job 33.23 one of a thousand shall shew to this man his righteousness , that it is in Christ , and not in himself , he is very willing to hear on that ear , it is the sweetest message that ever came to his ears . And that is the third reason , why , God humbles men more or lesse , before they come so fully to apprehend his love in Christ .

A Fourth reason is , That they may be more thankful afterwards , Prov. 27.7 . The full soul loatheth the honey-comb , but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet . This is Gods usual method ; he is wont to hunger-bite the Soul , and then to fill it . Luke 1.53 He filleth the hungry soul with good things : Why so ? Because a hungry beggar will be thankful for every crust and crum , and so will a hungry Soul . Psal. 66.16 . O come , saith such a one , I will tell you what the Lord hath done for my Soul . I will tell you something , but I cannot tell you all , what is wanting in expression shall be made up in admiration of the goodness of God to all eternity .

Fifthly , because a true sight of God , and of a mans self , doth humble the creature . Job 42.5 , 6. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear , but now mine eye seeth thee , wherefore I abhor my self , and repent in dust and ashes ; and that not onely a sight of Gods Power and Justice , but even the least glimpse of his Mercy in Christ . Believing in Christ , is said to be looking upon Christ by faith , Joh. 3.14 , 15. And as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness ; even so must the Son of Man be lifted up , that whosoever believeth in him , should not perish , but have eternal life . Now this look doth break the heart , and humble the heart above all other means whatsoever . Zech. 12.10 . And I will pour upon the house of David , and upon the Inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of Grace and Supplication , and they shall look on me whom they have pierced , and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his onely Son , and shall be in bitterness for him , as one that is in bitterness for his first-born . See this in that great Convert , Luk. 7.47 . Wherefore I say unto thee , Her sins which are many , are forgiven , for she loved much : but to whom little is forgiven , the same little : because she loved much , she mourned much .

Sixthly , because God hath said he will give grace to the humble , 1 Pet. 5.5 . Likewise ye yonger submit your selves unto the elder : yea , all of you be subject one to another , and be clothed with humility : for God resisteth the proud , and giveth grace to the humble :

Grace in the 1. Inchoation . 2. Augmentation . 3. Conservation . 4. Perfection .

1. Grace in the Inchoation ; Humility in all the periods of grace . not as if a man could be truly humble before he hath grace , but to intimate he hath no grace till he be humble : for , he that hath one grace , hath all graces ; and therefore he that hath faith , hath also humility . The new man hath all his parts and members , so soon as ever there is a new birth in the Soul : He hath therefore humility as well as other graces . Yea poverty of Spirit is made the beginning of all grace . Mat 5.3 . Blessed are the poor in spirit , for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven . Thus in the inchoation or beginning of grace .

2. In the Augmentation or increase of grace . Jam. 4.6 . But he giveth more grace , wherefore he saith , God resisteth the proud , but giveth grace unto the humble . He giveth more grace to the humble : As a Tree , the deeper it roots , the more it spreadeth in its branches , and increaseth in its fruits : so the deeper the creature is rooted in humility , the more abundant it is in the fruits of Piety : the high Mountains are barren , when the lowly Valleys are very fruitful .

3. In the Conservation or establishing of Grace received , he g●ves to such the grace of Perseverance . Spiritual Pride will certainly have a fall ; but he that stands low in his own apprehension , he stands sure : When we are weak , that is , sensible of our own weakness , then are we strong , 2 Cor. 12.10 . Such are like to stand , when others are offended and fall away .

4. God gives grace to the humble in the perfection of it , which is attained in glory . Therefore it is said of the Heavenly Courtiers , Rev. 4.10 , 11. The four and twenty Elders fall down before him that sate on the Throne , and worship him that liveth for ever and ever , and cast their Crowns before the Throne , saying , Thou art worthy , O Lord , to receive glory , and honour , and power , for thou hast created all things , and for thy pleasure they are and were created . Mark ye : as dejection in the bottom of the nethermost Pit cannot strip the devil and wicked men of their Pride ( for they wil blaspheme the name of God ) they may be humbled , Rev. 16.11 . but they will not be truly humble to all Eternity : So on the other side , exaltation to the highest degree of glory , does no ways devest the Saints of God of their former humility . Nay , the more glorious , the more gracious , and therefore the more humble .

Thus God gives grace to the humble in the Inchoation , Augmentation , Conservation , and Perfection . Therefore there is no Soul brought home to Christ , but must needs be humbled .

Thus you see Gods manner of working Faith by the Word , and why God doth usually humble men more or less , and stir up in them strong desires after Christ before they come so fully and clearly to lay hold of the Promise , or at least in their very first apprehension and laying hold of it . It is impossible to suppose Faith in a Soul that was never humbled .

Thus , I say , you see the ground of Gods method , and the matter of humiliation , as the fore-runner of Peace and Consolation .

I shall onely adde this , before I have done with the first Means of begetting Faith .

Direction in applying the Promises . If thou wouldst believe , apply to thy self in particular , what Promises God makes in general and indefinitely : As for Example , in the Scripture , when Christ saith , Joh. 6.37 . All that the Father giveth me , shall come to me , and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out . Apply this to thy self . Therefore if I come to Christ by vertue of this Word , I am sure he will not cast me out .

So when the Scripture saith , Joh. 1.12 . But as many as received him , to them gave he power to become the Sons of God , even to them that believe on his Name ; to as many as receive him , he giveth the power or priviledge to become the Sons of God . Apply this to thy self . Therefore since God hath made me willing to receive him ( for my King and Saviour ) I am sure I have this priviledge , 2 Cor. 6.18 . to be the Son or Daughter of the Lord God Almighty .

So when the Scripture saith , in that notable Proclamation of Christ in the great day of the Feast , Joh. 7.37 . If any man thirst , let him come unto me and drink : Apply this to thy self . Therefore since God hath given me grace to hunger and thirst after the Righteousness of Christ . I am sure I have as good warrant to take of the water of life as any other in the world : Rev. 22.17 . — And let him that is a thirst , come ; and whosoever will , let him take the water of life freely . Therefore saith the thirsty Soul , 'T is as free for me , as for any other in the world . And thus is Faith begotten in the Soul , by a particular application of a general Promise . And so much for the first Means of begetting Faith , and that is the Word .

The second is Prayer : Second Mean of begetting Faith by prayer . Pray that God would bless the Word , and all other Means : For the Word hath no Power to beget Faith of it self , without the powerful concurrence of the Spirit , by which the Word was breathed forth at the first . Neither have we power in our own will to make the Word effectual . Those that talk so much of Free will , it is a shame then they believe no more , and do no more , if they had that freedom they boast of : but indeed , the very practice of such men , is enough to confute their Opinions . I 'll never believe a man would be willing to lie in a nasty Dungeon all his life , if he had liberty and power to go out at his own pleasure .

O be much in Prayer to God therefore , that he would set thy imprisoned Soul at liberty , that thou maist have power to believe . Thus did David , Psal. 142.7 . Bring my soul out of prison , that I may praise thy name , &c. As if he should say , O Lord , I confesse I am a poor prisoner to sin and Satan , I would fain be set at liberty to believe thy Word and to do thy will but alas I cannot ! I find many a door fast shut upon me in this prison , and many a lock upon the doors , many lets and impediments which I am never able to remove ; and therefore gracious Lord , do that for me , which neither I my self , nor all the friends I can make , are ever able to do for me ; pay the debts of thy poor prisoner in my blessed surety , and set open the prison doors , O bring my soul out of prison , ( O Lord ) that I may praise thy name !

Thus should we pray for Faith , as ever we desire the Word should be made effectual for our good . Col. 4.3 1 Cor. 16.9 The Ministers should beg the prayers of the people ( as Paul did ( that he may have a door of utterance , and the people should beg the prayers of the Minister , that they may have a door of entrance , that the immortal seed may be made an instrument of spiritual life , and the Just may live by Faith .

If ever we have Faith , if ever we be born again , the power of the Holy Ghost must overshadow our souls , John 3.18 Expounded . and put life into the seed of the Word , Joh. 1.13 . Gods people are born not of bloods , nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man , but of God .

First , Not of bloods : What 's that ? You know a man that comes of such a parent , is said to come of such a blood . Now then put all the parents in the world together , and you shall find , grace runs not in any blood , they are not born of Bloods .

Secondly , Not of the Will of the flesh : What 's that ? A fleshly carnal man cannot convert himself , he cannot keep alive his own soul , Psal. 22.29 .

Thirdly , Not of the Will of man : What is that ? Take a Regenerate man , the best man in the world , yet he hath not power to convert another unlesse God be with him in the work , and so the truth is clear , Gods people are born not of Bloods , nor of the Will of the Flesh , nor of the Will of man , but of God . Remember what Christ saith , Joh. 6 44. No man can come to me , except the Father which hath sent me draw him . And therefore the Church prayes , Cant. 1 4. Draw me , we will run after thee . Plead thus with God , and say , Lord thou commandest to believe , but I find I am shut up under unbelief : O thou that lettest me see my own weaknesse and inab●lity to believe let me also see thy power in creating this grace of Faith in my heart . And this is that other powerful means for the begetting of Fai●h . Remember Preaching is the First ,

Prayer is the Second .

Let not Preaching justle out Prayer , nor let Prayer justle out Preaching ; as some would have the Ordinances quarrel one with another , whereas all lend their hands , and their natural help to give a lift at Faith . It is not the Word without the Spirit can do it : Therefore do thou pray the Spirit may speak to thy heart , while the Minister Preacheth to the ear . That is a remarkable passage , Act. 11 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them , ( with the Preachers ) and a great number believed , and turned unto the Lord . Mark that , The hand of the Lord was with them : We may preach long enough before we convert one soul , if the hand of the Lord be not with us ; till the bellows be burnt , Jer. 6.29 .

Therefore as Ministers should spend time before-hand in praying , as well as in studying : So should people also in praying for the Minister , as well as in hearing of him . Before thou goest to the Congregation , lift up thy heart to God in this or the like manner : Lord , let thy powerful hand go along with the Minister this day . O let thy hand go along with his tongue , that I may have grace to believe what he speaks to my Soul in thy Name ! whilst he knocks at the door of my heart , let thy Spirit unlock it for me ; as the heart of Lydia was unlocked , Act. 16.14 . Whose heart the Lord opened , whilst Paul was preaching to her . To conclude , Eph. 2.2 Remember Faith is the gift of God ; and therefore good reason that we should pray God to give us Faith .

Prayer of a Natural man . It is Objected , We cannot pray without Faith , and therefore how can we pray for Faith before we have it ? This is to put a natural man upon duty before he be come to Christ , and what fruit can we expect from this ?

I Answer , 1 God hath no where freed a natural man from his duty , though he hath lost his power to perfom it .

2. As we tell natural men their duty , so we are to let them know from whom they may have power to perform it , namely , from Christ , if they be willing to close with him .

3. It is evident , natural men are called upon to perform some duties before they do believe : As for hearing , the case is plain . Rom. 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing , therefore we must hear , before we can believe ; and so for Prayer . Act. 8.22 , 23. Peter cals upon Simon Magus to pray , though he was in the gall of bitternesse and bond of iniquity .

Object . But may not such prayer justly be abominable to God , whilst we are strangers to God and Christ ? If I were a friend indeed , then I might hope to speed ; according to that expression of Christ , Joh. 15.15 . Henceforth I call you not servants , — but friends , &c. And therefore in the next verse , he saith , Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name , he shall give it you . Friends may look to speed , but strangers may ask and go without .

Ans. I answer , It is true the prayers of such as are strangers to Jesus Christ , may justly be abominable : But yet if we observe it , God gives some incouragement a loof off , that such as are strangers may not utterly be discouraged to cry to God for the bread of Life , for the Scripture tels us , an importunate suiter may be heard , though not as a friend ; yet for his Importunity sake , Luke 11.8 .

Object . But where do you find , that God hath heard the prayer of a natural man , or unconverted ?

Ans. I answer , 1. The Scripture saith nothing in vain , Jam 4 5. But Act. 8.22 . Such a one is exhorted to pray to God .

2. Though God threatneth wicked men that are resolved to go on in their sins , that he will stop his ears to their prayers ; yet sometimes when they are deeply humbled ( though not wholly converted ) God hath heard their prayers , that this his goodness might lead them to through repentance . He heard the prayer of Abimilech , Gen. 20.4 . and of the heathenish Mariners , Jonah 1.5 , 14. Of Ahab , when he humbled himself , 1 Kin. 21. last . And of Jehoahaz , 2 Kin. 13.3 , 4. And Jehoahaz besought the Lord , and the Lord hearkned unto him , &c.

Yet this is observable , Caution . that the prayers of the righteous man availeth much more , Jam. 5.16 . The incouragement of Simon Magus was but , if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee , Acts 8.22 .

And God threatens such as afflict any widow , or fatherless child . Exod. 22.22 , 23. If thou afflict them in any wise , as if he should say , Take heed thou dost not . Why ? If they cry at all unto me , I will surely hear their cry .

Object . But these prayers are for temporal mercies , and not spiritual .

Answ. If God will hear the prayers of such for temporal mercies , then much more for spiritual mercies , because those prayers are more agreeable to Gods will , to seek the things of his Kingdom : When Solomon asked wisdom , 1 King . 3 6 , &c. 10. And the speech pleased the Lord , that Solomon had asked this thing . Jam. 1.5 . If any of you lack Wisdom , let him ask of God , that giveth to all men liberally , and upbraideth not : and it shall be given him .

Object . But a natural man cannot discern , nor yet desire the things of God , 1 Cor. 2.14 . Rom 8 7.

Answ. We must distinguish of natural men ,

1. Some left wholly to themselves .

2. Some are stirred up and enlightned in a great measure , though not wholly converted : Of such Christ speaks , they are not far from the Kingdom of God , Mar. 12.34 .

Though all natural men be infinitely distant by Nature , yet God brings some neerer and neerer by degrees , till they enter in : Although others may be neer and never enter ; of such also speaks the Author to the Hebrews , 6.4 . For it is impossible for those who were once inlightned , and have tasted of the heavenly gift , and were made partakers of the holy Ghost , and have tasted the good Word of God , and the powers of the world to come , if they shall fall away , to renew them again unto repentance .

Now though some such fall away , yet others in the use of Means come at last to be fully converted , and Prayer is one Means among the rest . Look upon Manasses , 2 Chro 33.12 , &c. When he was in affliction , he besought the Lord his God , and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers , and prayed unto him , and he was intreated of him , and heard his supplication . Look upon Paul , Act. 9.11 . — behold he prayeth . Yet his Conversion was not wholly perfected , ( though his conscience was stirred , and he was much humbled ) for as yet he was not instructed by Ananias , he had not received his sight , ( a pledge of the cure of his Spiritual blindness ) he had not received the holy Ghost , ( for that he received after the preaching of Ananias , ver. 17. )

To conclude , Let all men ( as God shall assist ) lift up their hearts to God in Prayer , that they may have grace to believe the Gospel ; for who knows , but that the Spirit of Supplication and Faith may be poured upon them both together : Zech. 12.10 . I will pour upon the house of David , and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem , the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications , &c. Luke 19.3 — 9. Zacheus his strong desires after Christ , were answered with grace . If they have strong desires , it argues there are the seeds of Faith , and therefore such are encouraged to pray : Mat. 5.6 . Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness , for they shall be filled . Therefore pray that thou maist believe ; and believe , that thou maist pray .

4. If thou canst not pray thy self , yet beg the prayers of others in thy behalf ; as Simon Magus begg'd the prayers of the Apostles , apprehending their prayers to be more prevalent than his own . It is possible God may hear the prayers of Job for his friends , Job 42.8 , 9. when he will not hear them for themselves . However , pray thy self , and be sure to beg the prayers of others ; that the new creature in thy Soul , may be as Samuel , which signifies , 1 Sam. 1.20 . One that is begg'd of God : That the prayers of thy faithful friends may be as the Spiritual Midwives of thy new Birth .

How did Paul travel in the Spiritual birth of others ? sometimes by Preaching , and sometimes by Prayers ; sometimes by one means , and sometimes by another : Gal. 4.19 . My little children , of whom I travel in birth again , until Christ be formed in you .

The Jaylors Conversion , Act. 16.25 . is set down as the consequent of the Apostles prayers ; not onely their deliverance out of his Prison , but his deliverance out of the Devils Prison , is set down as a fruit of their Prayers .

Pray therefore thy self , and beg the Prayers of others , that the heavy grave stones , and all those other Impediments we have spoken of , may be rolled out of the way , that thou maist have power to believe , and so power to become the Son of God by Faith . And so much for the second Means , which is Prayer .

The third is Society , Third mean of begetting faith , Good Society . and frequent converse with faithful men . Remember what Solomon saith , Prov. 13.20 . He that walketh with wise men shall be wise ; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed .

There is much power in Company to make a man either very bad , or very good . But beside the Moral Efficacy of Vices and Vertues held out by way of Example , ( for we are apt to conceive , as Labans sheep , according to the patterns that lie before us ) I say , besides the Moral Efficacy , there is much more power in the threatning , taking hold upon a wicked Company-keeper . If God say a wicked company shall be destroyed , it were desperate presumption to expect Salvation in such a way : And there is much power in the Promise on the other side ; If God say , a Companion of wise and faithful men shall be made wise and faithful himself , we may well expect a blessing in that way , when God once gives us a heart to desire , and to delight in the company of such persons .

As for vain Companions , you must never look to get good by them ; the more they warm you with their outward comforts , the colder will your hearts be to Jesus Christ , ( as it was with Peter in the High-Priests Hall ) their Reproaches , their Mocks , their rotten and corrupt Communication , is like cold water cast upon smoak●ng flax .

But now in the company of gracious persons , there is some good to be gotten , they are like Lanthorns , they disperse their light round about ; it is good walking by such a light , whilst we are in the dark our selves . They are like Precious Stones , they do in a very lively manner hold forth the vertues of him , who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light , 1 Pet. 2.9 . If thou beest much in their company , thou shalt see much of Christ , and hear much of Christ , and it may be at the last their discourse will warm thy heart : Did not our hearts burn within us , while he talked with us by the way , and while he opened to us the Scriptures , Luk 24.32 . Agrippa was almost perswaded to be a Christian , whilst he was talking with Paul ; and the Eunuch in the 8 of the Acts , was not onely almost , but altogether perswaded , whilst he was talking with Philip.

If thou dost frequently and conscionably converse with such as these , thou shalt hear them discoursing , one while of mans misery by Nature , another while of the excellency of Jesus Christ , another while of the manner and means of the●r own Conversion , another while of Gods dealing with them since they were converted , in removing their fears , in answering their prayers , in satisfying their desires , and the like : O come , say they , Psa. 34. and we will tell you what the Lord hath done for our souls . And thus , like the good and faithful Spies , they tell such good news of the Land of Canaan , and present such goodly Clusters of the first-fruits to the view of others , that their mouthes also fall a watering , and their Souls fall a longing to be in the same condition . That was the fruit of the gracious discourse that passed between the Spouse and the Daughters of Jerasalem , Cant. 6 1. Whither is thy beloved gone , O thou fairest among Women , whither is thy beloved turned aside ? that we may seek him with thee . And thus is many a poor ignorant Soul stirred up to enquire after God , by conversing with godly persons . O friend , saith such a one , I perceive you are in love with Jesus Christ , and have received precious Love-tokens from him , you have Truth of Faith , and Truth of Grace ; but alas , I am a stranger to Jesus Christ , I pray then tell me how and where I should finde him , and what is the readiest way to believe in him , that my Soul also may seek him with yours . And thus is the poor creature drawn after Jesus Christ .

As the Devil hath his Coy-birds ( Black-Birds of Hell ) to draw others into his Net to their destruction : So God hath his Coy-Birds also ( Birds of Paradice ) to draw others into his Net to their Salvation . God makes his Ministers both Fowlers and Fishers of men , ( and private Christians in their places must endevour to draw and allure others to come within the compass of the Net ) to prove if God peradventure will give them repentance , to the acknowledging of the truth , and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil , who are taken captive by him at his will , 2 Tim. 2. the two last verses . And thus of the third Means and Furtherance of Faith , namely , Society , and frequent converse with faithful men .

Fourth mean of begetting Faith , Meditation of Gods Name . The fourth , is the consideration of Gods glorious Name : Exod. 34 6 , 7. The Lord , the Lord God merciful and gracious , long-suffering , and abundant in goodness and truth , keeping mercy for thousands , forgiving iniquity , and transgression , and sin , and that will by no means clear the guilty , &c. Especially the consideration of his mercy , and readiness to receive sinners when they come to him for mercy : This will encourage a poor worthless creature to believe in him . For naturally it is otherwise with us in regard of our own guilty Consciences , we have hard thoughts of God , as if he were a very cruel and austere Master , reaping where he hath not sowed , and gathering where he hath not strowed , Mat. 25 24. expecting to reap the fruits of Obedience , where he never did sow abilities of Grace for the producing of such fruits : Though this be utterly false , if we look as far as to our first Parents . But these , I say , are those hard thoughts of God , that naturally spring up in our w●cked hearts ; and these thoughts are many times heightned and improved by Temptation from the Devil , who , as he represents God made all of Mercy to a presumptuous sinner , without any consideration of his Justice ; so on the other side , he represents God made all of Justice to an humbled sinner , without any consideration of his Mercy : And doubtless , he that in the state of Innocency durst be so bold to accuse God to our first Parents , as if he envied their happy condition , will much more accuse God of severity to men lying in a state of guilt and corruption , who are much more inclinable to suck in the Temptation . This is that envious person , that is evermore sowing the seeds of Contention :

Accusing Man to Man , Ephes. 4.26 , 27. Man to God ; as Job 1.9 . God to Man , Gen. 3.5 . That , if it be possible , there may be no Reconciliation , no Mercy held forth on Gods part , and no Faith to receive that Mercy on our part .

Now therefore God on the other side , that he may encourage poor guilty creatures to believe and come in . He holds forth in the Gospel , the glorious Riches of his Free grace , professeth his unfeigned willingness to receive all such as are willing to receive him , and his Son Jesus Christ upon Gospel-terms , that is , to receive Christ wholly to be their Prophet , Priest , and King . God is so willing to receive poor Creatures , that he causeth these glad tidings of the Gospel to be published , makes Proclamation of Pardon to all that are willing to lay down their arms , and come in . Nay , he inviteth , perswadeth , intreateth , wooeth , beseecheth , ( Mercy upon her bended knees , becomes a suiter to Misery to accept of Mercy ) and if this be not enough , he Commandeth poor lost creatures to believe on his Son Jesus Christ .

Now the serious consideration of this , is a special Means , under God , to make the Creature willing to believe .

Object . But I know not whether God commands me to believe , or no ? Or whether the death of Christ shall ever be effectual for my good ?

Answ. Thou canst not know whether the death of Christ shall be effectual for thy everlasting good , till thou dost believe : For he that believeth on the Son of God , hath the witness in himself , 1 Joh. 5.10 . And he that believeth not the Son , shall not see life , but the wrath of God abideth on him , Joh. 3. last .

But this thou maist be sure of , God Commands thee to believe : Because in the season of Grace , God commands the Gospel to be preached to every creature , Mar. 16.15 , 16. And what is the sum of the Gospel but this , 1 Joh. 3.23 . This is his Commandment , that we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ .

And what is it to believe in him , but to receive him to be our Prophet , Priest , and King : Joh. 1.12 . But as many as received him , to them gave he power to become the Sons of God , even to them that believe on his Name . The one expounds the other ; Believing in Christ , is Receiving of Christ ; and Receiving of Christ , is Believing in Christ ; and he that thus Receives Christ , and thus believes in Christ , shall never perish . The death of Christ shall certainly be effectual for the good of all such , and for none else . And so much for the fourth Means , The consideration of Gods readiness to receive sinners that fly to him for Mercy .

Attributes of God special Means to beget Faith . I might adde other Attributes of God besides his Mercy , as special Means to beget and strengthen Faith :

As ,

1. Power of God . First , the Power of God in making good his Promise , all the Devils in Hell , and wicked Men upon Earth , cannot hinder him . And this was that which encouraged Abraham to believe , Rom. 4.20 , 21. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief , but was strong in faith , giving glory to God ; and being fully perswaded , that what he had promised he was able also to perform .

2. Truth of God . Secondly , the Truth and Faithfulness of God : 1 Thess. 5.24 . Faithful is he that calleth you , who also will do it . It is better to trust God upon his Word , than all the men in the world upon the strongest Bonds and Engagement that can be devised . Judg. 16.11 . Samson told Dalilah , how she might binde him with strong cords that he could not go from her ; but he told her false : But God tells us how we may binde him to our selves , by the Word of his Promise that he cannot get from us ; and he tells us true : Mat. 5.18 . Heaven and earth shall pass , but one jot or tittle of the Word shall never fall to the ground . The Truth of God is a special Foundation of Faith .

Thirdly , the Vnchangeableness of God . 3. Unchangeableness of God . He is the Unchangeable God , and so there is no occasion why God should in the least alter his Word , because he doth never alter his minde , he is an Unchangeable God , Mal. 3.6 . I am the Lord , I change not , therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed .

Now , I say , the consideration of these Attributes of God , that he is Merciful , Powerful , Faithful , and Unchangeable , the self-same God from Generation to Generation , without the least shadow of Change : Jam. 1.17 . The consideration of all these , will be a special Means to strengthen Faith .

But Fifthly , if thou wouldst believe , Fifth Mean of begetting faith , Sight of treasure in Christ . Col. 1.19 . & 2.3 . Joh. 1.16 labour to see thy own Wants and Weaknesses , on the one side ; and those infinite Treasures of all good that are laid up in Christ , on the other side : to that end , that going out of our selves into him by Faith , we might out of his fulness receive grace for grace . For indeed , as unbelief is nothing else , but going out of God into our selves : So Faith is nothing but a going out of our selves into God through Christ . O labour therefore to see thy own wants and weaknesses ; thy want of Wisdom , want of Righteousness , want of Grace , want of Strength : and labour to see Treasures of Wisdom in Christ to make thee wise ; of Righteousness , to cover thy sins ; of Grace , to supply all thy defects ; of Strength , to enable to all holy service : and this will quicken thee to believe in him .

Doubtless , vain and ignorant men think they see an emptiness in Christ , and the ways of Christ , and a fulness in themselves , and in the Creature : Therefore they leave Christ , and embrace the Creature ; Rev. 3.17 . Thou saist I am rich , and increased with goods , and have need of nothing ; and knowest not that thou art wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blinde , and naked .

But Gods People see an emptiness in themselves , and all other creatures , but a fulness in Christ .

In Christ there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 .

Self-sufficiency , All-sufficiency , Sole-sufficiency .

1. He is Self-sufficiency , he is Jehovah , he hath a being of himself , without any dependance upon any other , and therefore onely to be trusted to : for that which depends upon another , may fall , as the greatest of men : Psal. 146.3 , 4 , 5. Put not your trust in Princes , nor in the Sons of men , in whom there is no help : His breath goeth forth , he turneth to his earth , in that very day his thoughts perish . Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help , whose hope is in the LORD his God .

2. All-sufficiency : Gen. 17.1 . I am the Almighty God , walk before me , and be thou perfect . All good is to be found in God : This or that creature hath but a particular good ; Meat is good against hunger , clothes against nakedness ; but clothes will not satisfie hunger , nor meat cover the nakedness : but God is All-sufficient .

3. Sole-Sufficiency : That is , he is only sufficient , all without him is but vanity . He is God only good , as God only wise . He fils all in all ; every wayes able to supply all our wants , and therefore a most suitable object of our Faith . It was that which drew the Prodigal home to his fathers house . Luk. 15.17 . viz. A sense of his own wants , ( I perish with hunger ) and apprehension of his fathers fulness , ( in my fathers house is bread enough . ) What follows upon that ? A gracious Act of repentance , and faith , ver. 18. I will arise , and go to my father , and will say unto him , Father , I have sinned against heaven , and before thee , and am no more worthy to be called thy son , &c. And this is the fifth means ; labour to see thy own wants and weaknesses on the one side , and those infinite treasures that are laid up in Christ , on the other side .

Sixthly , and last of all , 6 Last Mean . Mat. 11.12 Diligence in all Means . As we must seek Christ and Faith in the use of Means , so we must use the Means with all diligence , if we desire to speed . 2 Pet. 1.5 , 10. The Apostle cals upon us , Giving all diligence , add to your faith virtue , &c. And , give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure . Now this Diligence implyes three things .

1. A very high Esteem of the Means : For a man will never use diligence in that which he values not . Psal. 119.71 . The Law of thy mouth is dearer to me than thousands of gold and silver .

2. A great deal of Prayers and Labour in the use of the Means : ( a diligent man is ever laborious in his way ) Pro. 2.4 , 5. If thou seekest her as silver , and searchest for her as for hid treasures ; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord , and find the knowledg of God . You know what pains they take who labour in silver mines , and such pains should they take who seek after Faith .

3. This Diligence implyes the use of all Means with Perseverance : We do not account him diligent that works but by fits and by starts , and when he doth work , he will be sure to pick and chuse , to take that he likes and leave the rest . Neither is that soul diligent in the use of the Means that takes up one ordinance and layes down another ; or takes it up at one time , and layes it down at another , though God cals for it at both alike . He that wilfully contemns God in one thing contemns him in all . Therefore , remember to seek God in the use of all Means , with Perseverance ; The blessing and promise is intailed to such , Prov. 8 34. There is the blessing : Blessed is the man that heareth me , ( saith Wisdom , ) watching daily at my gates , waiting at the posts of my doors : Jer. 29.13 . There is the promise : And ye shall seek me , and find me , when ye shall search for me with all your heart . Therefore be sure to use all means with all diligence , as ever we desire to find the precious pearl of saving Faith .

And hitherto of the first Branch of the Exhortation , If the Just lives by Faith ; if Faith be such an excellent Grace labour to get it : With all getting get Faith .

We come now to the Second .

2. Branch of Exhortation to keep Faith . 2. Labour to keep it when thou hast it : It is no lesse piece of Spiritual good husbandry to keep our stock of Faith when we have it , then to get it at the first . It is not enough that once we have believed and laid hold of the promise , but we must keep our Faith , and keep our hold , as we desire to keep our Grace , and to keep our Peace ; and indeed to keep our God . And therefore observe how the Apostle cites this Text , Heb. 10.38 . Now the just shall live by his Faith : but if any man draw back , my soul shall have no pleasure in him : As if he should say , It is to little purpose to believe for a time , and in the hour of temptation to fall away ; For as such a soul takes little or no pleasure in God , so God takes as little pleasure in him . It is the precept of the Apostle , Heb. 10.23 . Let us hold fast the profession of our Faith , without wavering , to the end . Now the profession of our faith , and faith it selfe , is all one with God , and should be all one with us ; because there ought to be no profession of faith without the Grace of Faith . And this we are to hold fast without wavering to the end .

It was the ordinary practice of the Apostles , not only to beget many to the Faith , but when they had done , they went up and down to visit those places and persons on purpose to establish and confirm them in the Faith , Act. 14.22 . Confirming the souls of the Disciples , and exhorting them to continue in the Faith , &c. Act. 16.4 , 5. It was the Apostles exhortation to the Corinthians , 1 Cor. 16.13 . Watch ye , stand fast in the Faith , quit you like men ; be strong . It is not enough that we have faith , but we must endeavour to keep it , and to stand fast in it when we have it . Therefore he perswadeth the Colossians , to be setled and grounded in the faith , Col. 1.23 . If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled , and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel , &c. Setled and grounded , is a Metaphor taken from Buildings set upon a sure foundation . And in the second chapter , the seventh verse , he perswads them to be well rooted , and established in the faith . A Metaphor taken from trees , that are planted with good and sufficient roots . A tree ( especially at the first planting ) had better want branches then roots , branches will never beget roots , but good roots wil soon beget branches . And therefore the Apostle perswadeth them to be well rooted and established in the faith ; Both in the Doctrine of faith , and in the Grace of faith . And what he holds forth to the people by way of precept , that he holds forth also in his own practice , 2 Tim. 4 7 , 8. I have fought a good fight , I have finished my course , I have kept the Faith : Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness , which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day . Marke he doth not say , I am sure of a Crown of righteousnesse because I have received the faith , but because I have kept the faith . For no man is crowned except he strives lawfully , and no man strives lawfully but he who keeps his faith to the end .

Be sure therefore to keep it when thou hast it : Will not an artificer keep his tools and instruments ? Will not a Scholar keep his books ? A Traveller his bils of direction ? A Marriner keep his compass ? A wise man keep his friend ? A good houswife keep her keyes ? Will not a purchaser keep his evidences for house and land ?

The general usefulness of Faith . Now all this , and much more also , is Faith to a gracious soul : It is the Instrument he works by , the Book he learns by , the Letter he is directed by , the Compass he sails by , the Friend he lives upon , the Key that opens all the good treasures of God , and the main Evidence he hath to shew both for this life and for that which is to come : And therefore keep thy faith as thou wouldst keep thy life , For the Just shall live by his Faith . Reasons why we should look to the keeping of our Faith .

Keep thy Faith , and thy Faith will keep thee : As Solomon speaks , Pro. 4.6 . Forsake her not , and she shall preserve thee ; love her , and she shall keep thee . Keep faith alive and Faith will keep thy life , 1. The Benefit of keeping Faith . as it is in ver. 13. — Keep her for she is thy life .

You know a Souldier so long as he keeps his shield , his shield keeps him ; Ephes. 6.16 but if once he lose his shield , he may soon lose his life . So it is with the shield of Faith , keep that , and thou keepest thy Life , lose that , and thou losest all . Isa. 26.3 . Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace , whose mind is staid on thee ; because he trusteth in thee . Observe , so long as we have Grace and Faith to keep our God , Our God by the grace of Faith will keep us .

Object . But you will say , Cannot God keep us without Faith ?

I Answer , I will not dispute about the absolute power of God , it is our duty to look to his revealed will : Now the Scripture tels us , 1 Pet. 1.5 . We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation . We are kept indeed by the power of God , but the power of God puts forth it self in giving power to our Faith . Therefore keep thy Faith as thou wouldst keep thy life .

2 Reas. Enemies that oppose Faith . Remember , Secondly , Thou hast many enemies that do oppose thy Faith , and pull hard to twitch it from thee , and therefore thou hadst need be the more careful to keep it , and to hold it fast .

First , 1. Corruption . if we look into the Corruption of our own Natures , there is a world of Unbelief fighting against our Faith : we are like men that row against the stream , and therefore if we intermit a few strokes , if we ply not our Oars , we are presently carried down the stream , more than we can regain of a long time .

Secondly , 2. Temptation . if we look upon the Tentations of Satan this is like a strong wind , that goes along with the Tide of our own corruption , and all to overturn this poor Vessel , 1 Tim. 1.19 . that we might make shipwrack of our faith . When Satan desires that Peter may fail , it is his great desire that his faith may fail : Luk 22.31 , 32. And the Lord said , Simon , Simon , behold , Satan hath desired to have you , that he may sift you as wheat : But I have prayed for thee , that thy faith fail not .

Thirdly , 3. Troubles . if we look upon the Troubles and Persecutions of the World , here is still stronger opposition against Faith . Therefore in the midst of Troubles and Persecutions , the Apostle was jealous over the Thessalonians lest Satan should take an advantage to shake their faith at such a time as this . 1 Thess. 3.5 . For this cause , when I could no longer forbear , I sent to know your faith , lest by some means the Tempter have tempted you , and our labour be in vain . Therefore , as a violent storm does but make a man girt his garment faster about him , so should it be in this case : The more violently the World and the Devil rageth against our Faith , the faster should we girt our Spiritual Armour , and labour to keep our faith when we have it .

Obj. But you will say , If once we have justifying faith , Faith cannot be lost . we shall never lose it ; and therefore , what need you perswade us to keep it ?

Answ. 1. I answer , First , because God works by means , and so he is pleased to keep his people sound in the faith , by setting before their eyes the danger of Apostacy , Heb. 3.12 . Take heed brethren , lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief , in departing from the living God .

Answ. 2. Secondly , because , however Gods people can never lose Faith totally and finally , yet they may lose the comfort of it , and the actins of it without a great deal of circumspection ; and therefore it will be our wisdom , not onely to keep faith when we have it , but to keep it in its power and vigour , that it may not be like those things that are not the better , but the worse for keeping .

Therefore keep thy Faith , as thou art charged to keep thy heart , Prov. 4.23 . with all diligence : Or as men keep their Orchards and Gardens , with good Fences about them : Or so as thou wouldst keep thy dwelling-house , wind-tight and water-tight : Or so as thou wouldst thy lodging-room , or the bed wherein thou sleepest ; nay , the bed wherein Christ and the Church sleepeth , Cant. 3.7 . Behold the bed which is Solomons , guarded with threescore valiant men of Israel : Or so as thou wouldst keep thy Treasure under Lock and Key ; for Faith is a precious Treasure : Or so as thou wouldst keep thy bodily health ; 3 Joh. 2. Beloved , I wish above all things , that thou maist prosper , and be in health , even as thy soul prospereth : Or so as thou wouldst keep the Apple of thine Eye from the least mote or mite of offence : Or so as thou wouldst keep thy very life ; for Faith , under God , is the very life of the Soul . Solomon tells us , Prov. 13.3 . that he that keepeth his mouth , keepeth his life : we may as truly say , He that keepeth his Faith , keepeth his life : for , The just shall live by his faith .

Other things a man may be careful to keep , and it may be they will prove of very little use when all is done . The time will certainly come , when thy best friends cannot help thee , thy Meat and Drink cannot nourish thee , Physicians cannot cure thee , thy large Possessions cannot comfort thee ; yet even at such a time as this , if thou canst but lay hold of a Promise , thou maist live upon the Word which God hath spoken , when thou canst not live upon thy Revenues , nor live upon thy Calling , nor live upon thy Friends , nor live upon the Creatures of Meat and Drink ; yet even then maist thou live upon thy Faith : when the just man can live upon nothing else , he can still live upon his Faith . Keep Faith therefore , for it is thy life : Now skin for skin , Job 2.4 . and all that a man hath will he give for his life . If one should deliver a very precious thing into the hand of a Friend , with this or the like charge , Be sure to keep this about you wheresoever you come , and nothing shall be able to hurt you , no ill savour or pestilential air shall be able to infect you .

O how careful would a man be to keep such a Receipt ! he would keep it as his very life . And such a Receipt , Faith a spiritual Charm . such a Spiritual Charm is Faith : he gives this solemn charge , Keep your Faith as you would keep your life ; keep your Faith , and nothing shall be able to hurt you : Luk. 10.19 . Behold , I give you power to tread on Serpents and Scorpions , and over all the power of the enemy , and nothing shall by any means hurt you .

As this was true of the Faith of Miracles in those days : so it is as true of saving Faith , in a sound and saving sense at this day . Such as keep their Faith in safety , shall keep themselves in safety , and shall tread down Satan , that old Serpent , under their feet , and nothing shall be able to offend them .

And therefore , where the Holy Ghost makes mention of the greatest troubles that befel the Church , he makes mention also of their guard ; Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints , Rev. 13.10 . and 14.12 . Keep thy Faith therefore , and thy Patience , as ever thou desirest to be kept in the great hour of Temptation : Rev. 3.10 . Because thou hast kept the word of my patience , I will also keep thee from the hour of Temptation , which shall come upon all the world , to try them that dwell upon the earth . O remember , this will be the comfort , It is the glory of a Christian to be found in the faith . and the glory of a Christian , to be found in the Faith , when Christ comes to make a scrutiny either of death , or at the general Judgement : 1 Pet. 1.7 . That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth , though it be tried with fire , might be found unto praise , and honour , and glory , at the appearing of Jesus Christ . It is nothing to say , Such a man had Faith ; or , Such a man once made a glorious Profession of the Faith : but this is the glory of Christians , to be found in the Faith when Christ comes to Judgement . This was the height of Pauls ambition , to be found in Christ when he came to give up his account . Phil. 3.8 , 9. That I may win Christ , and be found in him , not having my own righteousness , which is of the law , but the righteousness of God by faith .

Now he that keeps the Faith , and endures stedfast to the end , is sure to be found in him , and none else .

Quest. But you will say , What should I do , that I may keep Faith safely , and be found in the Faith in the most dangerous times ?

Means of preserving faith . 1. Soundness . I answer , First , if thou wouldst be found in the faith , be sure to be sound in the faith ; for unsound things do not use to last long . An Apple that is rotten at the Core , will soon be gone . Apostacy is the usual Catastrophe of Hypocrisie : He that would deceive in his Profession , is justly deceived of his Salvation . That 's the reason the Apostle so often perswades them to be sound in the faith , Tit. 1.13 . and 2 2. Let us build our Faith upon good ground , upon Gods Word ; and so , let us build our hearts upon Faith , and not build Faith upon our own deceitful hearts : Prov. 28.26 . He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool ; but whoso walketh wisely , he shall be delivered . That is the first Rule , Be sound in the Faith .

2. Trial of it . Secondly , if thou wouldst keep thy Faith , and be sound in it , be sure to bring it to the Testimony , and examine it to the bottom . How do we know things to be sound or unsound , but upon their trial : Therefore be sure to try thy Faith , if thou wouldst have it lasting Faith . Some take it for granted , their Faith is good and sound : whereas if they should but feel the Pulse of it , they would finde it very sick and weak . It is said of Joseph and Mary , Luke 1.41 . they went a days journey , supposing Jesus Christ to have been in their company ; but when they came to a through scrutiny , they perceived they had lost him , and were fain to go back again to seek him . It is to be feared , many a professed Christian plods on many a days , and many a years journey , supposing Faith , and Christ by Faith to be in their company ; when , if they would make a diligent search , they should finde themselves at a loss , and such as had need go back again , and begin all their work afresh : and indeed , a man had better begin twenty times , than be once mistaken in a matter of that moment . Therefore be sure to examine thy Faith at the first , as thou desirest to keep thy credit with God or Man . A wise Merchant , that would keep his credit and keep his estate , is often casting up his Books of Accompts , but he is like to keep neither of the former , that is careless in the latter . Be thou therefore this wise Merchant , if thou wouldst keep thy Faith to the last , be sure to make trial of it at the first . How it ought to be tried , I shall not now stand to shew you , but refer you to that which was said in the particular Use to that purpose .

Thirdly , he that would be kept sound in the Faith , 3. Love of the Truth . must be sure to love the Truth , and to hate every false doctrine : for , Corruption in judgement will soon weaken our faith . 2 Pet. 3.17 . Ye therefore , beloved , seeing ye know these things before , beware lest ye also being led away with the errour of the wicked , fall from your own stedfastness . An unconstant man , that halts between two Opinions , will soon prove an unstedfast man : Jam. 1.8 . A double minded man is unstable in all his ways . 1 Tim 4.1 . Now the Spirit speaketh expresly , that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith , giving heed to seducing spirits , and Doctrines of Devils .

4. A good conscience . Fourthly , he that would keep his Faith , must keep a good Conscience in all things ; and he keeps a good Conscience , that walks up to his light : Faith loves to dwell in a sweet lodging ; 1 Tim. 3.9 . Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience The Mystery of Faith is kept in a pure conscience , if once the chamber of Conscience be sluttish and nasty , farewel Faith . To be sure , Faith and a good Conscience come and go both together : He that makes shipwrack of the one , cannot long preserve the other from sinking ; 1 Tim. 1.19 . Holding faith and a good conscience , which some having put away , concerning faith have made shipwrack . A good conscience , as we told you , is available to the holding both the Doctrine of Faith , and the Grace of Faith . And though these words are primarily meant of the Doctrine of Faith , as we shewed you , when we spake of living by Faith the Life of Preservation , or Conservation , in answer to the Arguments of the Papists from this place : yet the Argument is good by necessary consequence , à fortiori , from this Scripture . If a good conscience be so available for the keeping of the Doctrine of Faith ; then much more for keeping the Grace of Faith : forasmuch as an evil conscience is more inconsistent with the Grace of Faith , than with the Doctrine of Faith . For howsoever , an evil conscience is a very ready way to bribe and corrupt a mans judgement : yet many for a time have taught sound Doctrine , who have been very unsound in their practice . Mat. 23.3 . All therefore that they bid you observe , that observe and do ; but do not ye after their works , for they say , and do not . But an habitual corruption of conscience and conversation , cannot stand with the soundness of the grace of Faith . Joh. 1.6 . If we say that we have fellowship with him , and walk in darkness , we lie , and do not the truth . And 2.4 . He that saith , I know him , and keepeth not his commandments , is a liar , and the truth is not in him . Therefore , 1 Tim. 1.5 . he couples the grace of Faith and a good Conscience together : Now the end of the Commandment is charity out of a pure heart , and of a good conscience , and of faith unfeigned . Be sure therefore to keep a good conscience , as thou wouldst keep thy faith .

Fifthly , if thou wouldst keep thy Faith , 5. Right bottom . build it not upon false Promises ; that is , when thou makest a Promise to thy self , over and above that Promise which God hath made in his Word . Many a man , when he first begins to make Profession of the Faith , he promiseth to himself a great deal of ease , and riches , and credit in the world ; whereas he should expect the contrary , a great deal of trouble , and Persecution , and Poverty , and Disgrace , &c. Now when such a mans End fails him , his Faith also will fail him , and he is ashamed of the very Profession of it . Such low and carnal ends , are just like the weights that hang upon a Clock , so long as the weights move , the Clock moves , but when the weights are once at ground , the Clock stands still : So 't is with such men , so long as their carnal ends move them in Religious ways , they are moved ; but when once their ends fail , they stand stark still , and will move no further . Therefore beware of false ends in the Profession of the Faith . Promise to thy self no more than God hath promised , lest failing of thy expectation , thy faith fail thee also . He is a wise and sure builder , that sits down and counts the cost at the first : but he is a fool , and his building like to come to nothing , that after he hath laid the foundation , repents him of his work , and saith , I never thought it would have cost me half so much , Luk. 14.28 .

Sixthly , if thou wouldst keep thy Faith , 6. Commit it to God . commit it to Gods keeping ; whatsoever we commit to his trust , is put into a safe hand : 2 Tim. 1.12 . For the which cause I also suffer these things : nevertheless , I am not ashamed , for I know whom I have believed , and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day . Therefore be sure not onely to commit other things to God by faith , but even thy faith it self , commit that to his keeping , pray him to keep it for thee . You know what Christ said to Peter , I have prayed for thee , that thy faith fail not , Luke 22.32 . Now Christs Prayer is as good as a Promise , Joh. 11. for we know that his Father heard him always . Therefore ground thy Prayer upon his Prayer , and say , Lord , hear me in that Prayer which I have taken out of my Saviours own mouth : O let not my Faith fail ! That which thou hast committed to my trust , Lord , I desire to re-commit to thy trust ( for I dare not trust my self ) Therefore as David saith of his mouth , Psal. 141.3 . Set a watch ( O Lord ) before my mouth , and keep thou the door of my lips : So should every true Believer pray in relation to his heart ; Set a watch ( O Lord ) before my heart , and keep thou the door of my Faith . That as the Lord is the keeper of thy person , Psal. 121.5 . The Lord is thy keeper : So he may be the Lord-Keeper of thy faith also . And that is the sixth Means , Look unto him by Prayer , who is the Author and Finisher of thy faith , Heb. 12.2 .

7. The free Spirit . Seventhly , if thou wouldst be establish'd in faith , pray God to give thee his Free Spirit , for that is an establishing Spirit : Psal. 51.12 . Establish me with thy free Spirit : With thy free Spirit ? what is that ?

1. The Spirit of God is not onely a free Spirit in it self , ( for we may say of the Spirit of God , as the Apostle speaks of the Word of God , 2 Tim. 2.4 . It is not bound . )

2. Yea , and it is free in the Donation of it , it is most freely bestowed , where God giveth it . Joh. 3.8 . The wind bloweth where it listeth , and thou hearest the sound thereof , but canst not tell whence it cometh , nor whether it goeth . So is every one that is born of the Spirit . God is as free in the work of the Spirit , as in the work of the Minde : All the men in the world cannot command the Wind ; no , nor the Devil himself ( though he be called , Eph. 2. The Prince of the Air ) he cannot command the Wind without a Commission from God ; as we see in the case of Job : so , no man can command the Spirit .

3. Yea , but the Spirit is not onely free in the Nature of it , and in the Donation of it : But it is also free in the Effects and Operations of it , that is to say , It makes those free that receive it : Joh. 8.36 . If the Son shall make you free , ye shall be free indeed . And how doth he make men free , but by his Spirit ? The Spirit of liberty is opposed to the Spirit of bondage : 2 Cor. 3.17 . — and where the Spirit of the Lord is , there is liberty . And this Spirit is an establishing Spirit . Establish me with thy free Spirit .

If you shall demand ,

Q. What this Free and ingenuous Spirit is ? and how it doth Establish ?

Ans. It is a Spirit Free ,

First , Because it Frees us in some measure , What the Free Spirit of God sets Believers Free from . from that which might occasion Back-sliding and Apostacy from the Faith .

Secondly , In particular , it frees a man ,

1. From the Bondage and Power of his own Lusts , that sin reigns not in him .

2. It frees him from Bondage and slavery to the Lusts of other men . 1 Cor. 7.23 . Ye are bought with a price , be not ye the servants of men .

3. It frees him from the Bondage and slavery of the World : The world gets not the victory over him . It is a base Spirit that stoops to the worlds lure , as Demas did . He is not in Bondage to the pleasures or profits of the world : Therefore the Spirit of the world , and the Spirit of God are opposed . 1 Cor. 2.12 . Now we have received , not the Spirit of the world , but the Spirit which is of God , &c.

4. He is free from the Exaction , Curse , and Malediction of the Law , of the Moral Law ; and free from the burden of the Ceremonial Law .

5. He is free from that which is the fruit of that curse , a Slavish and a Servile Fear : Either of God , or man , which makes men weary of their lives , and yet extremely affraid to dye .

The Free Spirit of Christ , by degrees , doth set his servants at liberty from these fears . Heb. 2 15. He came to deliver them , who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage . 2 Tim. 1.7 . For God hath not given us the Spirit of fear , but of power , of love , and of a sound mind .

How the Free Spirit of God Establishes . Thus you see what this free and ingenious Spirit is , and how it doth free us from those things which might occasion apostacy from the Faith ; and by that means it becomes an establishing spirit to us . For in case the Spirit of God do not free men from these fears and burdens , the sinful flesh will soon lighten it self ; it will purchase to it self a carnal liberty by rebellion and apostacy , if the Spirit of God do not administer a Spiritual liberty by which the yoke of Christ is made easie , and so the poor creature is confirmed in the Faith . Therefore pray God to establish thee with his free Spirit .

We have given many Motives before , I shall add but this one , and so conclude .

Motive to pray for the Free Spirit . As the right use of Christian liberty is a special means to preserve Faith : So Faith also in the right use of it , is a special means to preserve Christian Liberty , ( which was purchased by the blood of Christ ) as one hand helps another , and one leg supports another , so it is in this case , betwixt Faith and Christian liberty ; Faith & Christian Liberty supports each other . they do mutually strengthen and support one another . There are certain graces that are Custodes libertatis Christianae . ( The Lord give us the thing , as well as the name . )

Faith an excellent means to preserve Christian Liberty in many Respects . Now Faith is one of these graces , and a principal one ; lose thy Faith , and lose thy Liberty , keep thy Faith and keep thy Liberty .

As for Example :

First , Such as believe in Christ , are free from the Law of sin and death . Rom. 8.2 . For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus , hath made me free from the Law of sin and death .

Some indeed professing the Faith , account it their liberty to sin against God , and are never troubled for it . But they are men of corrupt minds , and destitute of the truth of Faith , 1 Tim. 6.5 . For the liberty that Christ hath purchased , is not to be free from his service , ( as in other manumissions of servants ) but free to his service : His service is perfect liberty . He hath set us at liberty from other service , ( from the service of sin and satan . ) That we might serve him without fear , in holiness and righteousness before him all our daies , Luke 1.74 . Now I say , He that keeps his Faith , keeps his Freedom ; he that loseth his Faith , loseth his Charter , or at the least the Evidence of his Charter for his Spiritual Freedom .

Secondly , He that is strong in the Faith stands fast in exercise of the liberty wherewith Christ hath made him free , Gal. 6.1 . But he that is weak in the Faith , is also weak in the use of his Christian liberty . Rom. 14.1 . Him that is weak in the faith receive you , but not to doubtful disputations ; viz. in the use of things indifferent : And so we may say of other parts of our Freedome from other bondages .

As First , From the Bondage of Sin . The stronger is thy Faith , the weaker is thy Lust ; for Faith purifieth the heart . Acts 15.9 . And put no difference between us and them , purifying their hearts by Faith .

And Secondly , from the bondage of Inordinate Fear : The more Faith , the less fear ; and on the other side , the lesse Faith , the more fear , Mat. 8.26 . Why are ye fearful , O ye of little Faith ? Keep thy Faith therefore , as thou desirest to keep thy Christian Liberty , which is the most excellent Freedom in the world . And so much for the second Branch of the Use .

The First was to exhort to get Faith , ( if it be so excellent a grace . )

The second is to keep it when we have it .

Now the Third is ,

3 Branch of Exhortation to Act Faith . 3. To act it , and to live by it , as well as to keep it : It is far better to put our Faith to use , then our Money to use : The just makes a living out of his Faith , whilest he puts it to use . O lay not up this precious treasure in a Napkin , for then it will rust for want of using ! And we may say of our spiritual treasure , as the Apostle James speaks of temporal treasure , Jam. 5.2 , 3. Your riches are corrupted , and your garments moth-eaten : Your gold and silver is cankred , and the rust of them shall be a witnesse against you . O let not our Faith Rust for want of using .

Object . But you will say , Is it possible to have Faith and not to use it ?

Ans. I answer , It is possible at some times , and upon some occasions : A man may have the Habit of Faith and not act it as he ought to do , unlesse he be very careful to stir up the grace of God that is in him . 2 Tim. 1 Moses had the habit of faith , and yet he failed in not acting of it at the waters of Meribah .

The disciples of Christ had the habit of faith , yet they failed in acting of it in the time of danger , insomuch that Christ saith , Where is your Faith ?

Let us not therefore content our selves that we believe in Christ , and we have the habit of faith , but let us be sure to reduce this Habit into Act upon all occasions .

We say all , The excellency of an instrument consists in the use . That is a good Knife , or Spade , or Sword , or Shield that is good for use . So ●t is with the Shield of faith , that is the most excellent faith that is good for use .

Motives to Act Faith .

For First , It is the most Lively Faith ; when we Act it , so that we live by it . As we say , an active man , is a lively man : whereas a sluggard , or unactive creature , is counted a dead creature , one that is all amort . So an active Faith , is a Lively Faith ; whereas a fruitlesse and unactive faith , is called a dead Faith , Jam. 2. and a dead faith is as good as no faith at all . We love other things and persons that are Active and Lively . O let us love a Lively Faith !

Secondly , Consider the Acting of our faith : when we have it , it is that which brings most Honour to God .

When we trust God with everything we possesse , both for the Keeping and the Using of it . we take in hand : So that we dare do nothing without craving his Advice , Blessing .

This puts a great deal of honour upon God . As the natural son honours his natural father by this means : So Gods children much more honour their heavenly father when they thus by faith do acknowledge him in all their wayes . Prov. 3.

Thirdly , This is that which brings no lesse Comfort and Hearts ease to our selves , then honour to God ; therefore faith is called a casting our burden upon the Lord , Psal 37.5 Roll thy way upon the Lord , trust also in him , and he shall bring it to passe . Psal. 55.22 . Cast thy burden upon the Lord , and he shall sustain thee : he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved . Oh! what an ease ? what a comfort is this ? when we have burdens that are ready to break our backs , and our hearts too , and we go to God by faith and prayer , and so find ease and comfort .

When the perplexed Soul says , O how shall I do to subdue such a Corruption , to get such a Grace , to conquer such an Enemy , to dispatch such a business , to hold out to the end ! In this case faith takes off the burthen of fear and care : Take no thought , says faith , but go to God by Prayer , Isa. 26. for he hath promised to work all thy works for thee , and he will be as good as his word : And therefore put thy faith to use in these particulars , and you shall finde abundance of ease and comfort . Take a man that hath but little business ( in comparison ) yet if he hath no faith , but relie meerly upon his own wit or strength , let this man be never so little crost in his designs , he is presently at his wits end , it breaks his sleep , and he can have no quiet . Take another man that hath business of the greatest importance in the world , yet suppose this man by faith to have committed the work to God , he sleeps as quietly , and lives as comfortably , as if he had nothing at all to trouble him . And is not this a most sweet and comfortable life ? He that acts his faith upon the Promise , may have more troubles than another man without , but certainly he hath more peace and quiet within . He is just like a candle in a close Lanthorn , that burns clear and fair in the midst of a Tempest .

Mot. 4. Fourthly , as this acting of faith doth marvellously comfort and support the Spirit in the mean time : so it is that which infallibly brings in the greatest advantage in the latter end . When all is done , we shall finde living by Faith will bring in the best living to the creature at the last .

This is a sure Rule , Gods outward actings for us , are usually proportionable to his inward actings upon our Spirits : He first sets our Faith on work , and then our Faith sets his Hand on work for us . You know the usual expression in the Gospel , According to your faith be it unto you ; according to our faith , such and such Promises are made good to us : As if God should say , I am able to do enough , if you are able to believe enough . Unbelief shuts the door , but faith acted and excited , is that which turns the key , and opens the door of all the good Treasures of God , to be drawn out for our seasonable supply . Could we but act faith , nothing could make us miserable .

Suppose we be afflicted and persecuted , yet afflictions and persecutions are so far from making us miserable , that they are a special gift and love-tokens from God , when he is pleased to give faith in the first place : Phil. 1.29 . For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ , not onely to believe on him , but also to suffer for his sake .

Mot. 5. In a word , to conclude , This is that for which the Saints of God have been commended , and left upon Record with an honourable Remembrance to all Posterity , not so much for that they had the habit of faith , as that they acted their faith in such and such noble Exploits , as are eternized to their everlasting praise , in the 11th to the Hebrews , By Faith Abel and Enoch , Noah and Abraham did thus and thus ; their faith was very active and operative , and so should ours be , if we desire to obtain the like good report , which they obtained : for by it , by faith , yea , by the acting of their faith in the several particulars there mentioned , the Elders obtained a good report , Hebr. 11.2 .

What a dishonour is it to a faithful man , The not acting of faith foils & shames a Christian . ( on the other side ) when his strength goes from him , and he becomes weak like another man : He is no more able to perform a duty , no more able to resist a temptation , than another ordinary man . O what a shame is this ! And yet thus it is with a faithful man , if he do not act his faith , and keep close to his Covenant .

Obs. He is as Samson was , when his hair was cut off , he becomes weak like another man . Insomuch , that carnal men uncircumcised Philistims begin to reproach him , and say , Lo ! this is one of our Professors , this is the man that lives by faith ! Lo ! this is the man that trusted in God , that he would deliver him ; let him deliver him if he will have him , &c. And thus they reproach and speak evil of the ways of God , when in truth , the fault is neither in God , nor in the grace of Faith , but in our own slothfulness : we act not our faith when we have it .

Quest. But you will say , What should we do , that we may act our faith ?

Helps for the acting of faith . Answ. I answer , First , be sure to clear up thy interest in Christ . 1. Cleering up interest in Christ . Receive Christ on Gospel-terms :

1. Wholly .

2. Renouncing thy sins : Isa. 59.20 . And the Redeemer shall come to Sion , and unto them that turn from transgressions in Jacob , saith the Lord .

3. Renounce thy own Righteousness : Rom. 10.3 . For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness , and going about to establish their own righteousness , have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God .

4. Take Christ with his Cross . Mat. 16.24 . Then said Jesus unto his disciples , If any man will come after me , let him deny himself , and take up his cross , and follow me . And by thy interest in Christ , clear up thy interest in the Covenant of free Grace . Isa. 42.6 . I the Lord have called thee in righteousness , and will hold thine hand , and will keep thee , and give thee for a Covenant of the people , for a light of the Gentiles , Isa 49.8 . And by the Covenant , thy interest in all the precious Promises of God ; For all the Promises of God in him are Yea , and in him Amen , unto the glory of God by us , 2 Cor. 1.20 . Once prove thy self in Christ , and thou maist prove thy interest to all the Promises of God : for , if in Christ , then a Son ; if a Son , then an Heir ; if an Heir , then an heir of the promises , Heb. 6.17 . Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of Promise the immutability of his counsel , confirmed it by an oath . This is the first and great thing that is to be done .

But yet this is not enough : for ,

Secondly , Help . 2. Application of the Promises . next to the clearing up of thy interest in Christ , and in the promises : Thou must give all diligence not only to acquaint thy self with the promises , and rich Legacies of thy heavenly father , but thou must also endevour seasonably to apply them to thy particular occasions and conditions , as also to put the promises in suit by prayers , and so make use of them by faith , ( in drawing out vertue from Christ ) as a rich man makes use of his mony , or stock and store when he improves it and imploys it for the supply of his particular wants , to feed him , to clothe him , &c. What a shame and a vanity is it ( as Solomon speaks ) for a man to have abundance of wealth , and yet not to have a heart to make use of it for the supply of his wants ? And the like shame it is to a Christian to have a stock of Faith and precious promises , and yet not to have a heart to make use of them for the supply of his daily wants . So that to live by Faith ( then ) is to act our Faith in the promise , and to go to them upon all occasions , as a man goes to his treasury for the supply of all his wants .

For faith is nothing else but a believing of Gods promise , and a trusting to it , through Christ for supply in the time of need .

As for Example .

First , Art thou in doubt , or , dost thou want wisdom , Several cases wherein Faith is to be exercised . for the ordering of thy temporal , or spiritual affairs , then act thy faith in that promise ? Jam. 1.5 . If any lack wisdome let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally ; and upbraideth not , and it shall be given him .

Secondly , Suppose thou art in outward troubles , and seest no visible means for thy escape , act thy faith in that promise , Job 5.19 . He shall deliver thee in six troubles , yea in seven there shall no evil touch thee .

Thirdly , Art thou in inward trouble of spirit , for want of the light of Gods countenance , Live by faith in that promise , Psal. 85.8 — . He will speak peace unto his people , and to his Saints , &c.

Fourthly , Suppose thou art afflicted in this : Thy corruptions are strong , and thy graces weak . O live by faith in that promise . Mica . 7.19 . He will turn again , he will have compassion upon us , he will subdue our iniquities , and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the Sea . Or that 2 Cor. 9 8. God is able to make all grace abound toward you , that ye always having all sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good work .

Fifthly , Art thou afraid of enemies , act thy faith in that promise , Isa. 54. Last — . No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper , &c.

Sixthly , Art thou afraid of Satan , or any in league with him . Away with that fear , act thy saith in that promise . Numb. 23.23 . Surely , there is no inchantment against Jacob , neither is there any divination against Israel .

Seventhly , Art thou afraid of the fury of the oppression , act thy faith in that promise , Psal. 9.9 . The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed , a refuge in times of trouble .

Eighthly , Art thou afraid of want in thy estate . Act thy faith in that promise , Psal. 34.10 — . They that seek the Lord , shall not want any good thing .

Ninthly , Art thou afraid of disgrace upon thy name , act thy faith in that promise , Zeph. 3.20 . I will make you a name , and a praise among all the people of the earth — saith the Lord .

Tenthly , Art thou afraid of bodily sickness , or death , Act thy faith in such promises , where God engageth himself either to prevent sickness , or to support thee under it , or to make death a passage to a better life .

Eleventhly , Art thou afraid thy labours and endeavours in thy calling will prove fruitless ? Act thy faith in that promise , Psal. 1.3 . Whatsoevor he doth shall prosper . Which is still to be understood with subordination to Gods glory and our own salvation .

Twelthly , Art thou afraid what may become of thy children , when thou art dead and gone , Trust God with them , and act thy faith upon that promise , Psal. 112.2 — . The generation of the upright shall be blessed .

13. Art thou troubled to see the present differences among Gods people ? Live by faith in that promise , Jer. 32.39 . I will give them one heart , and one way , that they may fear me for ever , for the good of them , and of their children after them .

14. Art thou afraid of unprofitableness under Gods ordinances , because thou findest much backwardness to them , and much deadness under them , apply that promise , Isa. 12.3 . Ye shall with joy draw water out of the wells of salvation .

And that , Isa. 48.17 . I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit , which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldst go .

15. If thou be afraid of the hardness of thy bea rt , and thy want of love to the Lord , act faith in that promise , Deut. 30.6 . And 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 , that thou maist live .

And thus might we instance in other cases , and other promises , but these may suffice to give light to the rest .

Let us thus carefully make use of the talent of our faith , in trading with God upon all occasions that our one or two talents may gain more . Simile . God is the first fountain of all grace and comfort , the promises are as several spring-heads , our acting faith upon the promises , is like the conveiance of waters in pipes to the several rooms in a house for the best service of the inhabitants . Let us therefore act our faith that we may live comfortably upon the promises , those heavenly wells of salvation . And if God answer not presently , we must act our faith in tarrying the lords leasure , if the vision be for an appointed time , the just shall live by his faith .

And that is the last branch of the exhortation , ( respecting our selves ) if faith be so excellent a grace , even the very life of the soul .

Then.

First , as we should labour to get it , and ,

Secondly , to keep it , when we have it .

Thirdly , to live by it , and act it , as well as keep it .

Branch IV. Of Exhortation .

So fourthly , we should labour to increase the stock of our faith .

Increase of Faith . Faith is such an excellent grace we can never have too much of it . He that increaseth his faith increaseth his livelyhood : For the just shall live by his faith .

It was the high commendation of those poor Christians , Jam. 2.5 . That however they were poor in other things , yet they were rich in faith . The Thessalonians are commended for this , that their faith was on the growing hand , their faith grew exceedingly , 2 Thes. 1.3 . Paul gives the like commendable testimony of the Corinthians that they abounded in faith , 2 Cor. 8.7 .

What should I say more , this is recorded to the everlasting praise of him that is stiled the father of the faithful , that he was strong in the faith , Rom. 4.20 .

Let us all labour therefore that profess the same faith to attain ( as neer as we can ) to the same growth , that we may be strong in the faith , giving glory to God as he did .

And the rather should we be perswaded to grow , because .

Motives to increase in Faith .

First , there are degrees of faith , 1. Faith hath degrees . and no man attains to the highest degree at the first ; faith is like a grain of mustard seed before it comes to be a goodly tree , and the faithful are first babes in Christ , then young men , then strong men , 1 Joh. 2.12 , 13 , 14. The Disciples are oft reproved for their little faith , and the good woman is commended for her great faith . Mat. 15.28 . Jesus answered and said unto her , O woman great is thy faith , be it unto thee even as thou wilt , it seems therefore there is little faith , and there is great faith ; there is weak faith , and there is strong faith , and yet he that is stronger may grow still : Paul was a strong and valiant champion in the faith ( no whit inferiour to the very chief of the Apostles ) and yet he speaks of himself as if he had little or nothing in comparison of that which he desired and endeavoured after , Psal. 3.9 . in the third to the Philippians he tells us , that he counts all things loss and dung that he may know Christ , and the power of his Resurrection . Why ? Did he not know him already , and believe in him already ? doubtless , he did , but in comparison of what was to come , and what he aimed at , he accounted that which he had already , but very little . And therefore says he in the very next words , Not as though I had already attained , or were already perfect , but I follow after , if that I may apprehend that , for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus . And therefore still he desireth to know more , and to believe more , he never thought he had faith enough . And therefore beloved , if such a strong man in the faith as Paul was , desires still to be upon the growing hand , how much more should such as are new beginners and but weak in the faith , desire to grow from strength to strength according to that gracious promise . Job 17.9 . The righteous shall hold on his way , and that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger , In other things men desire to grow : In things natural , no child but desires to grow till it be a man : In things artificial , no scholar , apprentice , but desires to grow , till he become a perfect artist : In the things of the world , no man of mean estate , but desires to grow , till he be rich , onely in grace men are content to be poor still . Where we should be covetous , there we are well contented with a little . 1 Cor. 12.31 . Covet earnestly the best gifts . And where we should be content , there we are covetous , as in outward things .

Mot. 2. Growth of faith an evidence of its truth . And this puts me in mind of a second Motive to quicken our growth in faith . None have truth of faith but onely such as desire to grow in faith . and therefore when a professor shall presently grow secure , and say , So , now I believe , all is well , I have as much faith as will carry me to heaven , and what need I care for any more , it is a shrewd signe , such a man hath no true faith at all , a painted child grows not ; but a living child grows taller , and taller from year to year . For in case a man had had truly tasted , how gratious the Lord is by the mouth of faith , he must needs say as they did of that bread and water of life : Lord evermore give us of this bread , evermore give us of this water . A man thinks he can never have enough of it ▪ True faith is never content to stand at a stay : And the reason is because it springs up of immortal seed , if the seed of faith could rot and die then it might cease to grow , 1 Pet. 1. but because the seed of it is immortal and incorruptible , therefore it must needs be up on the grownig hand . It may be nipt a little for a time like winter corn , but even then it grows in the root , and will grow the faster for it , afterwards in the blade also . What shall we say then of those , that are alwayes standing at a stay , that are children in the faith , for the space of fourty or fifty years together , these are monsters in the life of faith . It is confessed , every thing must have a beginning both in nature and grace , but it is a shame to be alwayes beginning , and never carrying on a work , to be a beginner from first to last is very strange , and inconsistent with the grace of faith .

Thirdly , consider the faster our faith grows , Mot. 3. Faith makes all graces grow . the faster all other graces do grow , and the fruits of those graces also in all manner of good works . It is a sweet thing for a Christian to be full of grace and full of good works . 2 Pet. 3.16 . But grow in grace , and in the knowledg of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ — . As it is said of Dorcas , Act. 9.36 . This woman was full of good works , and alms deeds which she did . But a man can never be full of these , unless he be full of faith , for faith is a radical grace , all graces and good works spring from faith as from a root , and are therefore called the fruits of faith . Christ is the master-root , but faith is a subservient root . Now you know , the faster the root grows , the faster the branches grow and the fruits also .

So the faster our faith grows , the faster our love , our patience , our zeal for God and all other graces grow , and the faster our good works also do grow and multiply all good works ( if good works indeed ) do spring from faith . In vain do Christians heap up precepts for a holy life , if in the mean time they neglect their faith , which draws power from Christ , which inables them to walk with God in the performance of those good works , for without me saith Christ , ye can do nothing . Joh. 5.5 .

Fourthly , consider , as more faith , more grace , Mot. 4. More Faith more Peace . so the more faith the more peace , in ordinary course of dispensation . Rom. 5.1 . Being justified by faith we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ . So the stronger is our faith , the stronger our joy and consolation , therefore the Apostles joyns both together . Rom. 15.13 . Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing , fulness of faith brings fulness of joy and peace . And the reason is , because faith is the bond of union that knits Christ and the soul together : Now the stronger and neerer our union is unto Christ , the sweeter and fuller is our communion with Christ . It is true , a weak faith may be sufficient to salvation , but it is not sufficient ( in all cases ) to consolation . A weak believer crawls to heaven with much adoe , but a strong believer runs his race to heaven with much joy , even in the midst of afflictions and persecution . Such a one hath an humble boldness at the throne of grace in all conditions . And as he prays with more confidence , so he can wait with more patience , till God is pleased to answer his prayer . Therefore get good store of faith as thou desirest good store of peace and joy .

Fifthly , consider , we should labour for much faith , because the troubles of believers are many , and their enemies are many , that fish for them in those troubled waters .

Mot. 5. Troubles of believers are many . First , there troubles are many , Psal. 34.19 : Many are the troubles of the righteous : sometimes outward troubles , and sometimes inward troubles , they are seldome without some or other : And sometimes they are more then the hairs of their head , as David speaks . Psal. 40.12 .

And secondly , their enemies are many , that fish for them in these troubled waters , and as they are many , so they are strong :

Corruptions are strong , and the Devil is strong , he is called , the strong man armed ; And the world is a strong enemie . Now how shall a weak faith stand up against so many strong enemies , and against so many stout temptations . Therefore , Ephesians 6.10 , 16. we are bidden , be strong in the Lord , and in the poor of his might : And above all , taking the shield of faith , which is needful to quench the fiery darts of the wicked .

3. Besides , these enemies put forth their strength against us when we are at the weakest , they come upon us ( as Simeon and Levi upon the Shechemties ) when we are sore , opprest with sore and heavy troubles ; Gen 34.25 . Then Corruptions are most impetuous and violent , then they tempt us to inordinate care , fear sorrow , and sometimes to despair , or to fretting and murmuring against the Lord : Then Satan tempts strongly to cast off God , and his service .

It was the Devil that spoke in Jobs wife ( for , all that Job had , was delivered into his hand , Chap. 1.12 . ) when she said , Dost thou still retain thine integrity ? Curse God and die . Then the World strikes in with a word of opposition : It will smile upon thee , it may be , in a time of prosperity , [ Riches ( saith Solomon ) gather many friends ; yea , but the poor is separated from his Neighbour ] It will frown in time of adversity . Now , I say , how shall a man be able to stand up with a weak faith in the midst of so many troubles and enemies . Who mould venture into a rough and a boisterous Sea , in a weak and slender Vessel ? In strong Temptations , a weak faith is ready to betray us to inordinate fears . Mat. 8.26 . Jesus said to the Disciples , Why are ye fearful , O ye of little faith ? Plainly intimating , That the greatness of their fears did spring not so much from the greatness of their troubles and dangers , as from the weakness of their faith . And therefore because we know not what troubles or oppositions we may meet withall before we come to die , or at least in that hour . It is good wisdom to lay up store of faith before-hand : Time may soon come we may need all we have , and it may be , desire we had more ; however , store is no sore , especially in things of this nature .

Besides that , as the night of your troubles may come sooner than you look for , ( it is possible your Sun may set at Noon ) so it may be , that night may prove longer than you are aware of , and therefore it is wisdom to prepare good store of light to carry you through the darkness of the night ; whether that darkness do spring from outward troubles : for , The withdrawing of the Presence of Christ makes the saddest night of all , ( He is the Sun of Righteousness , therefore his Presence makes day in the Soul , and his Absence makes night ) and this night ( I say ) may prove longer than we are aware of ; therefore get good store of faith , for faith is your light , which being nourished by the sure word of prophesie and promise shineth in a dark place , until the day dawn , and the day-star arise in your hearts , 2 Pet. 1.19 .

Suppose a man were to go a great and difficult way in a very dark night , and had but a little piece of a candles-end to direct him over narrow Bridges and dangerous Passages , where the least errour might cost him his life , how uncomfortable would his condition be , when that little piece of candle was burnt out : So it is in this case ; therefore be sure to get good store of faith , and good store of oyl in your Lamps . As you desire to be found amongst the number of the Wise Virgins , when the Bridegroom cometh .

Lastly , consider , a great Profession , and a little Faith , do not hang wel together . 6. A great profession and a little faith agree not wel . Most men indeed love to be accounted rich in faith , rather than to be so ; but a solid Christian says , I had rather be rich in faith than to be accounted so : for in case thy faith grow not as fast as thy Profession of it , thou wilt be just like a Ship that hath more Sails than Ballast ; like a Bird that flies out of her nest , before she hath wings to carry her : Like that foolish King , who going to make war with ten thousand , Luke 14. provokes him that comes against him with twenty thousand . For the very Profession of the faith may provoke an Adversary , as well as if we had really , as much as we do profess . And how shall such a man endure the stroke , that provokes much , and can resist or bear nothing ? Or he is like an Apprentice , that buyes out his time , before he hath either sufficiency of Stock to set up withall , or sufficiency of Skill to manage his Stock : So it is with men that set up the Trade of godliness , with as great shew upon the Stall , as most men do , and yet have but little stock of Faith within doors to bear it out ; they soon either prove Bankrupts , or take a sore fall , either into some foul errour in judgement , or into some foul sin in their practice .

All these Considerations should perswade us to increase and grow strong in the faith :

Quest. But how should I know whether I do increase or decrease ? whether my faith be strong or weak ?

Answ. It appears to be weak , Signs of a weak faith . by the frequency of doubtings and fears ; therefore little faith , 1. Frequency of doubtings . and much fear or doubting , are usually joyned together in Scripture , as S. John saith of Love , 1 Joh. 3.18 . Perfect love casteth out fear ; he that feareth , is not made perfect in love : So we may say of Faith , Perfect faith casteth out fear ; he that feareth , is not perfect in faith . It is true , there is none so perfect upon earth , but he may fear sometimes : But yet this holds true , The more faith , the less fear ; and the more fear , the less faith .

Secondly , 2. Unsetledness in Gods truth . a weak faith is soon discovered by a mans inconstancy and unsetledness in the Truths of God . You know a strong man ( in regard of bodily strength ) is not easily turned about , and staggered at every twitch : but a childe is weak , you may turn him this way and that way at your pleasure , with one of your fingers : So it is in grace , a strong man in the faith is not easily moved by every new upstart and ungrounded Opinion , but a Novice in the faith , as he is soon lifted up by pride : so he is as soon cast down by the wind of Errour ; therefore , saith the Apostle , Eph. 4.14 . Let us be no more children tossed to and fro , and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men , and cunning craftiness , whereby they lie in wait to deceive .

3. Carefulness in worldly things . Thirdly , weak faith is discovered by a mans extraordinary care about worldly things . He that hath strong faith , will trust God for the things of this life , as well as of that which is to come ; Heb. 13.5 . his conversation is without covetousness , and he is well content with such things as he hath , because God hath said , I will never leave thee nor forsake thee : So that he can boldly say , The Lord is my helper , I will not fear what flesh can do unto me , Heb. 13.5 .

But a man of a weak faith , as his heart is more full of worldly fears and cares : so his mouth is more full of distrustful ( or at least , doubtful ) expressions : What shall we eat ? Mat. 6. what shall we drink ? and , what shall we put on ? all which do spring either from want of faith , or at least from the weakness of it : As Christ says , Mat. 6.30 . Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field , which to day is , and to morrow is cast into the oven ; shall he not much more clothe you , O ye of little faith ? Plainly intimating , the reason why they had so much worldliness in their hearts , was , Because they had so little faith there . Faith and the World are Combatants . 1 Joh. 5.4 . — This is the victory that overcomes the world , even our faith . Therefore when Faith gets above the World , it argues Faith is strong ; but when the World gets above Faith , it argues , Faith is weak .

4. Backwardness to holy duties , and remissness in them . Fourthly , a weak faith is discovered by a mans backwardness to holy duties beforehand , and by his remissness in them afterwards . The Watch stands still , when the Spring is down ; and it moves but slowly , when the Spring is weak . Now faith is ( as it were ) the Spring of the Soul , it sets all a work in Prayer , in Hearing , in Practice . Therefore where the Spring of faith is weak , the Soul moves weakly and slowly , toward and in those holy duties ; but where the Spring grows stronger and stronger , it moves more strongly and vigorously from day to day : I believed , and therefore have I spoken , saith David . We having the same Spirit of faith , we also believe , and therefore we have spoken , saith the Apostle , 2 Cor. 4.13 . Strong Faith is like strong wine , it must have a vent in gracious speeches , and holy actions , Job . 32.18 . For I am full of matter , the Spirit within me constraineth me ; Behold , my belly is as wine which hath no vent , it is ready to burst like new bottles . I will speak that I may be refreshed , I will open my lips and answer . Look as strength of love to Jesus Christ constrains to holy duties , 2 Cor. 5.14 . ( For faith works by love , Gal. 5.6 . ) So the more faith , the more work the creature doth for God ; the less faith , the less work . Only take it with this Caution , that the work springs from a principle of Love to Jesus Christ .

Otherwise he that hath lesse faith ( or no faith at all ) may yet , do more work seemingly for God , more external work , springing from a principle of Self-love , and Self-seeking in praise or profit . But such a man carries not his work before him , he doth it but to the halves ; he serves God with bodily exercise , but he serves him not in Spirit and truth .

Fifthly , 5. Sign , Yielding to Temptations . A weak Faith is discovered by a mans easie yeelding to the temptations of sin : A weak souldier is soon overcome , but a valiant champion stands it out stoutly , and bears many a blow before he yields . Therefore a weak faith is soon overcome by any little temptation of profit or pleasure , and the like ; whereas a strong faith stands out manfully as Moses did , who by Faith refused to enjoy the pleasures of sin , Chusing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God , Heb. 11.25 . So also by yielding under temptations of tryal , Joh. 6.6 . And this he said to prove him ; viz. Philip in the miracle of multiplying the loaves , for he himself knew what he would do . As also the rest of the Disciples in the tempest at sea . Consider Abraham , Gen. 22. . And the woman of Canaan , Matth. 15.28 . Both were patterns of strong faith in two very eminent tryals .

By these therefore and the like rules we may examine our faith , whether it be upon the growing , or decaying hand .

Quest. But some will say , Suppose my faith be weak and feeble , what means should I use , that I may increase it ?

Means for the increase of Faith . Answ. The first is , by an assiduous and diligent attendance upon the Word of God : which in general is called the word of Faith ; 1. Attendance on the Word . not onely because it begets faith at first , but because it doth nourish it afterwards , till a believer comes to his full growth . Ex eisdem nutrimur , ex quibus constamus : We are nourished by the same means by which we are begotten at the first . The Word is the immortal seed , to beget our faith . 1 Pet. 1.23 . Being born again , not of corruptible seed , but of incorruptible , by the word of God , which liveth and abideth for ever : And the Word is the heavenly Milk to nourish it , 1 Pet. 2.2 . As new born babes , desire the sincere milk of the word , that ye may grow thereby . It is observed , Thomas was but once absent , and he lost much of the confirmation of his faith , Joh. 20.24 , 25. Remember the charge , 2 Tim. 4.2 . Preach the word , be instant in season , out of season , reprove , rebuke , exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine : And the Promise , Prov. 8.34 , 35. Blessed is the man that heareth me , watching daily at my gates , waiting at the posts of my doors : For who so findeth me , findeth life , and shall obtain favour of the Lord . Therefore the Apostle professeth , what great desire he had to see the Thessalonians , and to preach to them , to that end , that he might perfect that which was lacking in their faith , 1 Thess. 3.10 . And it was his last farewel to the Ephesians , when he told them they should see his face no more , Acts 20.32 . And now brethren ( saith he ) I commend you to God , and to the word of his grace , which is able to build you up , and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified . As if he had said , Look as by the preaching of the Word of God , I laid the first foundation of Faith amongst you ; so now I commend you in my prayers to the same God , and to the guidance of the same Word , which God , and which Word , or which God by his Word , is able to build you up in the Faith , till you come to your journeys end , even till you come to enter upon the possession of your heavenly inheritance , among all them that are sanctified . And this is the first Means .

The second , is , the Promise , 2. Promises of the increase of faith an especial part of the Word : for , Faith lives by the Promise , as the just man lives by Faith .

Obj. Some say , Where have you any Promise that Gods People shall believe ? Or if they do believe , where is any Promise that they shall grow and increase in the Faith ?

Ans. To satisfie these men , they may look upon both , in one Promise : Rom. 1.17 . For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith : as it is written , The just shall live by his faith . The Apostle in these words affirms two things :

1. That Gods People are made righteousness in the sight of God , not by any inherent righteousness of their own ; but by the righteousness of God supernaturally revealed by the Word and Spirit of God , and applied by Faith .

2. He affirms , That this Faith is ever upon the growing hand : And so God will shew himself righteous in making good his Promise for the increase of faith . The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith ; that is , in causing Gods People to grow from one degree of faith to another .

The like phrase is used , Psal. 84.7 . They all go from strength to strength , that is ; from one degree of strength to another . So 2 Cor. 3.18 . We are changed into the same image from glory to glory , that is , from one degree of glory to another .

Note . God is righteous in causing his People to grow in faith , according to his Promise .

It is true , that by faith we are first grafted and planted into Christ , as the Gospel speaks . And it is as true , that the Psalmist speaks , They that are once planted in the house of the Lord , shall grow and flourish in the Courts of our God , Psal. 92.13 , 14. And why so ? what is the Reason of this growth in Faith and Grace ? It follows in the very next words , ver. 15. To shew that the Lord is upright , and that there is no unrighteousness in him .

The very same , in effect , with that expression of Paul , The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith : Rom. 1.17 . and therefore the next way to increase faith , is to act faith , in these and the like Promises , which God hath purposely made for the increase thereof .

3. The Sacrament . The third Means is the Sacrament , especially the Sacrament of the Lords Supper . This is the Sacrament of Confirmation : for the Word begets Faith , and the Sacrament is the Seal of the Word , and the Seal of the Covenant , or the visible Word ; Rom. 4.11 . and so it confirms Faith .

Men do not use to set a Seal to a Writing or to a Covenant , before the Parties be agreed , or to make them agree , but to stand as a sure Testimony of their former agreement or stipulation each to other , and that they may the better trust one another for the real performance of the Covenant on both sides : So God doth not ordain this Seal to be set to a blank , before there be any Covenant made ( for what is that , but to mock God , and to tell a real lie to seal to a Covenant , when there is no such matter betwixt God and the Soul ? ) but God ordained it to confirm our Faith in the Covenant already made .

And we may say of Gods Seal , what the Scriptures speak of Gods Oath , it is for Confirmation , Heb. 6.18 , 19. Wouldst thou have thy Faith confirmed and strengthned ? O come in faith ! If God ordain Rams-horns for the pulling down the Walls of Jericho , Josh. 6.5 . Lamps for the overthrow of the Midianites , Judg. 7.20 . Jordan for the curing of Naamans Leprosie , 2 King . 5.10 . Pulse for the nourishing of the three young men , Dan. 1.12 . These means shall be effectual ; and so shall the Sacrament : Onely let a man examine himself , and so let him eat of that bread , and drink of that cup.

Examine ? you 'll say : What should he examine ? Examine two things in order to the Sacrament . Let him examine his Meat , and let him examine his Mouth and his Stomack .

1. Let him examine his Meat , whether he can see and discern the Lords , body under those Elements , or no : for he that doth not so , 1 Cor. 11. stands guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ , in profaning that holy Ordinance , which is a Seal of the same .

2. Let him examine his Mouth and his Stomack , Joh. 6 53. Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man , and drink his blood , ye have no life in you . The best meat in the world can do no good , where the creature hath neither Mouth nor stomack to feed upon it .

Now what is this Mouth , but Faiths believing in Christ , and feeding upon Christ , are both one ( as he oft explains himself in the same Chapter ) Therefore let a man examine his Mouth and his Stomack , as well as his Meat , 2 Cor. 13.5 . Examine your selves , whether ye be in the faith , prove your own selves .

Not that this excludes the Minister , who is bound to know the state of his Flock .

If this be good at all times , surely it is best of all at the Sacrament , where the Apostle calls for examination in a special manner : Let him examine his Mouth as well as his Meat . We do not use to put meat into a dead mans mouth .

The Councel of Carthage condemned it as an abuse of the Sacrament , to give it to a dead Body , Sacrament not to be given to dead-hearted unbelievers . because Christ saith , Take , and Eat ; but a dead Body can neither take nor eat . The same reason reacheth to an Unbeliever ( if we could as easily discern the one as the other ) who is yet dead in sins and trespasses , and therefore hath neither the Mouth of Faith , nor a Spiritual Stomack to feed upon Christ ; but where God of his mercy hath given both , this brest of the Church is of singular use to nutse up her children , 2 Pet. 3.18 . and to make them grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . For God hath appointed no Ordinance in vain . The greater surely is the want of this Brest in these days , and the cause of so much leanness amongst Gods own Children in most places .

Complaint of the interruption of the Sacrament , and the corruption of it as the cause . I know not whether I should complain more of the Nurses or of the Children , or whether it were not better to turn our Complaints into Compassions , and both complaints and compassions into Prayers , that God would direct both Ministers and People to seek him in due order , and to restore that Ordinance in a better manner than formerly ; that he may not make any farther breach upon us ; that children may not fast so long , till they lose their stomacks for want of sucking , and Nurses may not disuse and withhold the Brest so long , till it be dried quite up for want of drawing . And this is the third Means which God hath appointed for the increase of Faith , The Sacrament .

4. Prayer . The fourth is Prayer : for this puts the Promises in suit , and sanctifies both the Word and the Seal of the Word for the increase of Faith .

The Scriptures tell us , That God is both the Author and the Finisher of our Faith , Heb. 12.2 . If he be the Author , we are bound to pray to him for the beginnings of Faith ( as in any poor measure we are able ) but if he be the Finisher of our Faith , we are much more bound to pray for the increasing of it afterwards , because our incouragements and abilities are far greater . For 't is impossible a man should pray in Faith for the obtaining of Faith , before he hath it : but he may pray in faith for the increasing of faith , when once he hath received a beginning of it .

If therefore a Natural man be bound to pray for Faith before he hath it , ( though he be very unable to pray as he ought to pray ) how much more is a Spiritual man bound to pray for increase of Faith , when he hath already tasted how gracious the Lord is , 1 Pet. 2.3 . in bestowing that grace upon him , and hath in some measure received the Spirit of Prayer and Supplication , whereby he is inabled to go to God for the supply of all his wants ?

The man that to his own apprehension had but a little Faith , and much Unbelief , cries out with tears , Lord , I believe : help mine unbelief , Mar. 9.24 . Yea , the Disciples themselves had not so much Faith , but still finding the want of more , they put up this great Request to the Lord , Increase our faith , Luk. 17.5 . and if such as they had need , much more have we to pray to God for the increase of Faith .

The fifth Mean , 5. Christian communion . is Christian Communion of Gods people one with another . This is a singular Mean to strengthen Faith ; the very sight of the Brethren doth embolden and encourage in the Faith , Act. 28.15 . How much more the mutual Instruction and Exhortation one of another ? Job 4.3 , 4. Eliphaz says thus to Job , Behold , thou hast instructed many , and thou hast strengthned the weak hands : Thy words have upholden him that was falling , and thou hast strengthned the feeble knees . You see , Christian Communion is a Mean to strengthen in the Faith .

God in his Wisdom communicates special strength diversly to divers Members of the Body of Christ , to some more , to some less ; to that end that the strong may support the weak , and comfort the feeble-minded . 1 Thess. 5.14 . 1 Cor. 14.26 .

It is the Rule of the Apostle , Let all things be done to edification ; that is , to the building up of one another in the Faith . And this is to be aimed at , not onely in publick Ordinances , but in private converse of Christians one with another , 1 Thess. 5.11 . Wherefore comfort your selves together , and exhort one another , and edifie one another , even as also ye do . Stones of the same building , do uphold and strengthen one another ; and so should living and Spiritual stones in the holy Temple of the Church . This is a special and powerful means to strengthen in the Faith . In this respect Aquila and Priscilla are called fellow-helpers of the Apostle , Rom. 16.3 . because they confirmed the Faith in those in whom the Apostle had formerly planted it , by the preaching of the Gospel , Rom. 16.3 . And thus all of us should be helpers one of anothers faith , and one of anothers joy : And indeed it is the main end , why God doth convert us at the first , and why he doth help us up again when we are fallen , that we may convert others , and strengthen them also in the Faith when they are converted . Luke 22.32 . Thou being converted ( saith Christ to Peter ) strengthen thy brethren . And this is the fifth Means of growth .

6. Love to God . The sixth Means , is , to prove our Love to God : for this will prove his Love to us . 1 Joh. 4.19 . We love him , because he first loved us ; and the assurance of Gods love towards us , will marvellously strengthen our faith towards God . Therefore our faith in him , and the manifestation of his love to us , are coupled together : Gal. 2.20 . I live by the faith of the Son of God , which hath loved me , and given himself for me . Now what better way is there to manifest Gods love to us , than by the manifestation of our love to him ; for our love to him , is no other than a reflexion of his love to us .

Labour therefore to prove thy love to God , that if Jesus Christ should ask thee the same question he asked Peter , Joh. 21.15 . Lovest thou me ? thou maist answer as he did , Yea , 2 Cor. 8.8 . Lord , thou knowest that I love thee . And if Jesus Christ should answer again , How dost thou prove the sincerity of thy love ? Thou maist answer again , Lord , I prove it by my love to thy sheep , and by my love to thy lambs ; though I cannot feed them in every respect as Peter did , yet I desire to feed them as I am able : I do not love them for my own ends , because I would feed upon them , and clothe my self with their fleece , but that I may clothe them and feed them as their necessities do require . And this is that which in the judgement of Jesus Christ himself ( publish'd in the face of al the world in the last day ) doth publish the sincerity of our love to him : Mat. 25. ●0 . Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of these my brethren , ye have done it unto me . Prove therefore thy love to God , and that will strengthen thy faith in God : for , as faith works by love , Gal 5.6 . so the works of love do strengthen faith . Faith as the occasion of its exercise , and an evidence of its being , but faith is not perfected in its essence and nature by Works , but by the Promises .

The seventh and last Mean , is , 7. Experiences . To stir up the manifold Experiences of Gods goodness and faithfulness to us for the time that is past : for this is a special Mean to strengthen our faith for the time to come . Former Experiences may , and ought to build us up in future Confidences . If God hath delivered for the time past , and doth deliver for the present , we are bound the more firmly to believe , that he will yet deliver for that which is to come , 2 Cor. 1.9 , 10. For when God fulfils with his hand , what he speaks with his mouth , 1 King 8.15 . such a Providence being a further Seal of his Promise , ought to confirm our Faith . For why ? we know God is still the same God , and changeth not ; the Covenant is the same everlasting Covenant ; the Mediator of the Covenant is the same , Jesus Christ , yesterday , and to day , and for ever : why should not our faith be the same also , and more abundant ? If a Christian may say , God hath delivered , and doth deliver , and will yet deliver ; why may he not also say , I have trusted in this God , and do trust in him , and I will trust in him for the time to come ? Come what can come , I am resolved to trust in him . Job 13.15 . Though he should slay me , yet will I trust in him . I have ever found him a faithful Master to me , and why should not I continue a faithful Servant to him ? His Word reports him to be a faithful God , and his Works also do speak the same : I know this ( may a gracious Soul say ) by my own experience , and therefore they that know thy Name , will put their trust in thee ; for thou Lord hast never failed them that seek thee , Psal. 9.10 . Be sure therefore to keep a Catalogue of Gods merciful Providences , in answer to thy Prayers . This was Davids Cordial in a fainting Fit , I remember the years that are past , Psal. 77.5 . & 143.5 . It was that which incouraged him against the Philistim , when he remembred how God had took his part against the Lion and the Bear : 1 Sam. 17.37 . The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the Lion , and out of the paw of the Bear , he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistim .

And 't is that , which may exceedingly strengthen the faith of a poor creature , when it is able to say , I prayed to God at such a time , and he heard me graciously ; I was in a Soul-straight , and he spake peace to my Soul ; I had such an enemy rose up against me , and he changed his heart , that he would not hurt me ; or he withered his hand , that he could not hurt me ; I was in doubt , and he made my way plain before me ; I was in woful perplexity , and he said to my heart , Fear not ; yea , I never sought him in sincerity , but he was ever found of me in mercy . And therefore if I should now begin to distrust this God , after all this experience , he may justly say to me , as one faithful friend says to another , when he begins to grow jealous or suspicious , What , will you not take my word ? did I ever fail you ? was I ever false to you ? what iniquity hast thou or thy Fathers found in me , that thou shouldst now begin to suspect me ? O ( may God say to an experienced Christian ) of all men in the world , thou hast the least cause to stagger at the Promise : If thou doubtest of the Word , yet at the least , thou shouldst believe me for the works sake , Joh. 14.11 .

And thus you see former experience may , and ought to build up in future confidence . And these are the Means by which a weak Faith may be strengthned . And so have we now dispatch'd the first general Branch of the Exhortative part of the Application relating to our selves .

If Faith be our Life under God , then should we labour , 1. To get it . 2. To keep it when we have it . 3. To act it , and live by it , as well as keep it . 4. So to live by it , as to increase the stock of our Faith from day to day .

The poorest Cottager lives as truly as the richest man in the world , but not so comfortably nor so fully : he is faint to pinch himself both back and belly , he goes to bed with many a hungry meal , and the like ! And so it is with him that is weak and poor in the faith ; he lives indeed by faith , but not so fully and comfortably as he that is rich in the faith : His Comforts are fewer , and his Fears are more .

All these things should perswade us to increase our faith . Second Branch of Exhortation , Of Converting others to the Faith . But we leave that Branch of Exhortation that concerns our selves , and come now to that which relates to others ; and in concluding this , by Gods Assistance , we shall conclude the whole subject of Faith .

For if Faith be such an excellent Grace , ( then , as in other good things , so also in this ) the more common it is , the better it is . It is an excellent thing to be instrumental in the propagating the common Faith , Tit. 1.4 . Jude 3. and the common Salvation .

Look as a Father or Governour that lives comfortably upon his outward means himself , thinks himself bound in conscience to maintain his Family , and to lay up for his Children , and so do good to the poor , that they may live the better by his means , as well as himself : So that man that lives by Faith himself , and findes the sweetness of it , should desire to communicate this life to others , and to endevour that they also may live by it as well as himself .

If the Life of Faith be such an excellent Life , who would not labour to convert others to the Faith ?

Me-thinks I hear God by his Spirit speaking to the Soul of each faithful man , Behold , thou art converted thy self , Hast thou here any besides ( as the Angel said to Lot , Gen. 19 12. ) Son in law , and thy sons , and thy daughters , that are still in Sodom , still in the state of Nature ? O bring them out of this condition , that they may learn to live by Faith also , as well as thy self .

This is ( indeed ) the great Work of the Ministers , and ought to be the endevour of every private Christian in their private Admonitions and Exhortations , to convert others to the Faith .

Dost thou desire thy Children , thy Friends , thy Neighbours may live comfortably as well as thy self , O labour to convert them to the Faith , and labour that they may live by Faith when they are converted . There 's no Life under heaven to be compared with this Life .

But to press home farther and more effectually what I intend in this Point , I shall refer most of that I have to say , to that notable place in Daniel , which I shall adde as an Appendex to this Subject of Faith .

AN APPENDIX Concerning The Converting of others TO THE FAITH . They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness , as the stars for ever and ever .

WHere the Prophet Daniel foretelling the greatest troubles that ever befel Gods People from the beginning of the World ( which some understand of the great Persecution under Antiochus Epïphanes ; and others of the last and great Persecution under Antichrist ; and others understand it of both : and indeed , the first was a Type of the latter ) I say , the Prophet foretelling the greatest troubles that ever befel Gods People , he foretels also ( as was needful for their support at such a time ) the greatest comforts and encouragements that could be .

First , in the very time of their troubles .

And secondly , in the issue and fruit of their troubles .

First , in the time of their troubles : and that is , in the glorious appearance and assistance of the great General of the Field , the Lord Jesus Christ , the Angel of the Covenant , pleading the Cause , and fighting the Battels of his Servants . Here 's the comfort ; though there be no troubles like their troubles , yet there is no Saviour like their Saviour , ver. 1. And at that time shall Michael stand up , the great Prince , which standeth for the children of thy people , and there shall be a time of trouble , such as never was since there was a nation .

Secondly , in the issue and fruit of their troubles : As no troubles like their troubles , so no deliverance like their deliverance .

Which is set forth ,

1. In the glorious Resurrection of all the faithful to life Eternal , in these words , viz. And at that time thy people shall be delivered , every one that shall be found written in the Book : and many of them that sleep in the dust , shall awake , some to everlasting life .

2. In the special glory that is promised to those that lay forth themselves in a special work ; viz. in the Conversion of others to the Faith , v. 3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament , and they that turn many to righteousness , as the stars for ever and ever .

Explication .

They that be wise ] Some reade it , that make others wise , or cause them to understand .

So , They that turn many unto righteousness ] i. e. they that turn men to the righteousness of faith , ( as Interpreters do expound it ) they that are instruments of others Conversion , they shall shine as the stars for ever and ever . As if the Prophet had said , 'T is possible the rage of Antichrist in the night of Persecution , may burn hottest of all against the Teachers of the Word , and such as draw others to the knowledge of Christ , because they stand as it were in the fore-front of the Battel : yet let them be no whit discouraged , for as the stars shine brightest in the darkest night , so shall they shine , that are called Stars , Rev. 1.20 . and all such as labour in Conversion of others , they shall shine as the stars for ever and ever .

You may behold in the words , 1. The Description and Commendation of the most excellent Work : 2. The Intimation or Proposal of the most excellent Reward ; and the latter set down as an encouragement to the former .

1. The Description of the most excellent Work ; They that turn many unto righteousness .

2. The Intimation or Proposal of the most excellent Reward ; They shall shine As the Firmament As the Stars for ever and ever .

Take the result of both in this one Proposition : The turning of men unto Righteousness , Doctr. or the Conversion of Souls to the Faith , as it is the most excellent Work , so it shall certainly be crowned with the most excellent Reward . They that be wise , &c.

I. Branch . 'T is an excellent Work .

1. The turning of men unto Righteousness , the Conversion of Souls to God , is the most excellent Work .

It is an excellent Work indeed , by Prayer and other means to heal a sick body : Jam. 5.15 . The prayer of faith shall save the sick , and the Lord shall raise him up . Yea , but it is a far more excellent Work to heal a sick and sinful Soul , ver. 19. Brethren , if any of you do erre from the truth , and one convert him , let him know , that he which converteth the sinner from the errour of his way , shall save a soul from death , and shall cover a multitude of sins . This is an excellent Work indeed ; and it is that excellent Work that was so much in Davids eye , he was marvellous earnest with God , to help him in the work of his own Conversion , or in the renewal of his Repentance ▪ and why so ? that he might be the better fitted to convert others to God . Psal. 51.13 . Then will I teach transgressors thy ways , and sinners shall be converted unto thee . This was the great and noble design of David , the Conversion of Souls : He desired , though he could not make God amends , yet to take a holy Revenge upon Satan , by drawing Subjects from him to God . And indeed , it appears to be a most excellent Work in many respects .

For ,

First . it is a difficult Work , and all excellent things are difficult . It is a difficult work . It s an easie matter to damn a Soul : Facilis descensus averni : We go down the hill , and so down to Hell , fast enough ; but it 's the hardest matter in the world to save a Soul .

Psal. 22.29 . 'T is too hard for a man to convert himself : No man can keep alive , or quicken his own Soul . 'T is too hard for a man ( by his own power ) to convert another ; 't is too hard for the Parent to convert the Childe ; 't is too hard for a gracious man to infuse grace into another : There 's no party within to joyn in the carrying on of that work . Rom. 8.7 . The carnal minde is enmity against God . And there is Satan without , opposing and withstanding , Act. 13.8 . Suppose any Soul to be born again , certainly it is born not of blood , nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man , but of God , Joh. 1.13 . There is God in the work , if ever it be done . All the Ministers under heaven cannot convert a Soul , without the help of God : and therefore it is a difficult work , and therefore it is an excellent work also .

Secondly , ( which follows upon the former ) it is a Work of great skill and wisdom , It is a Work of great skill . 1 Cor. 2.4 . Col. 4.4 . and therefore an excellent Work . The most skilful works , are accounted the most excellent works : But this is a work of the greatest skill and wisdom in the world ; and therefore it is said , They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament . And others reade it , They that make others wise : and it may well be read both ways , for they that make others wise , are truly wise themselves , especially such as are best fitted for the work : and therefore Solomon tels you , He that winneth souls , is wise , Prov. 11.30 . Or , he that catcheth Souls out of the snares of the Devil , and its own deceitful heart , and fetcheth them within the compass of Gods Net , he is a wise fisher of men , he is a wise man indeed .

Every fool can cast away a Soul , but he is a wise man that wins a Soul . As it was said of Daniel , ( so it may be said of such ) Excellent wisdom was found in him , Dan. 2.12 .

The world indeed judgeth them fools , Note , and their preaching foolishness , ( 1 Cor. 4.10 . We are fools for Christs sake ) but the God of wisdom pronounceth them wise : and of the two , it is far better to be Gods wise man , and the worlds fool , than to be the worlds wise man , and Gods fool : For not he whom man , but whom the Lord commendeth shall be approved , 2 Cor. 10.18 .

He is wise that winneth Souls , and they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament .

Thirdly , it is a Work of the greatest Love and Compassion , and therefore an excellent Work . 'T is true , It is a Work of greatest love , the Gift of Miracles , and the Gift of Tongues , are excellent Gifts : but what are these to the Gift of Charity . 1 Cor. 13.1 . Though I speak with the tongues of Men and Angels , and have not Charity , I am become as sounding brass , and as a tinkling cymbal . And of all other Charity , that is most excellent , that is exercised towards the Souls of poor Creatures . 'T is true , 't is a good thing to be charitable towards the bodies of the needy , to deal out bread to the hungry , and to clothe the naked , Isa. 38.7 . But when all is done , that 's the most excellent Charity , that is bestowed upon the most excellent part , the Soul . Otherwise , a man may give all his goods away to the poor , and yet have no Charity for all that , 1 Cor. 13.3 . And therefore , look as God commends his love to us in this , that his principal care was for the good of our immortal Souls , so should we also in this particular commend our love one to another .

That 's most certain , Soul-friends are the best and truest friends in the world ; and Soul-compassion is the best compassion that can be shewed . Jude ver. 22. And of some have compassion , making a difference , and others save with fear , pulling them out of the fire . It is an act of the greatest compassion that can be imagined , to pull a Soul out of Hell-fire , whether it be by fair means or by foul : Is not such a Soul as a brand snatch'd out of the fire ? Zech. 3.2 . O blessed ! for ever blessed be that hand , that snatches any such brand out of the flames of eternal fire ! It is a work of the greatest love and compassion , and therefore the most excellent Work .

Fourthly , it is the most excellent Work , because it aims at the most excellent End ( and we know it is the End that crowns the Action . It aims at the most excellent End . ) But the winning of Souls to God , aims at the most excellent End . For 't is such a work as brings most glory to God , and most good to the Creature , and therefore must needs be a most excellent Work .

1. It brings most glory to God . 1. It brings most glory to God : and this is the great end of all ends . Prov. 16.4 . The Lord hath made all things for himself , or for his own glory . Now this blessed End is the main issue of this blessed Work .

'T is true , God will have glory even in the perdition of ungodly men ; and therefore it 's added in the same place , Yea , even the wicked for the day of evil . The Lord hath made all things for himself ; yea , even the wicked for the day of evil . But the Argument is very strong : If God have glory even in the destruction of some men , how much more hath be glory in the Salvation of others ? Rom. 9.23 . He makes known the riches of his glory in the vessels of mercy . O the admirable riches of Free-grace shining forth in this work of God , in the Conversion of Souls ! It glorifies all Gods Attributes , and magnifies every part of his Name .

It glorifies his Love , it discovers the bredth , and length , It glorifies his Love . and depth , and height of the love of Christ , which passeth knowledge , Eph. 3.18 , 19.

2. It glorifies his Power . The Psalmist says , His Power . Who knows the power of thy wrath ? Psal. 90.11 . But we may say , Who knows the power of thy Grace ? God puts forth as great power in the Conversion of a Soul , as in the Raising of a dead body , as raising the body of Jesus Christ , Eph. 1.19 , 20. as great a power as in the making the World : and therefore the Work of Regeneration is called a Work of Creation : Eph. 10. For we are his workmanship , created in Christ Jesus unto good works .

3. It glorifies his Wisdom , His Wisdom . the manifold Wisdom of God : Though we preach Christ to some a stumbling-block , and to others foolishness , yet unto all such as are called and converted , as Christ becomes the Power of God , so also the Wisdom of God , 1 Cor. 23.24 .

4. It glorifies the Word of his Grace . The Word of his Grace . Though the Word of the Lord be reproached , whilst people slight both the threatnings and the Promises of it ( as if God would do neither good nor evil ) yet it is marvellously glorified in the Conversion of Souls , whilst the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God , in pulling down strong holds of Satan , in the unsanctified wit and will of man . In this respect we are to pray , that the Word of the Lord may run and be glorified , 2 Thess. 3.1 . Thus God glorifies his Word .

His Kingdom . 5. God glorifies his Kingdom : for what 's the honour of a King , but the multitude of his Subjects ? Prov. 14.28 . Now the Conversion of Souls , is nothing else but the addition of so many Souls to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ , and this makes much for the honour of it . Thy Kingdom come , is the next Petition to Hallowed be thy Name , to signifie , that Gods Name is then most hallowed , when his Kingdom is most enlarged . David ( we know ) took not a little content in numbring of his People ( and surely , the sin lay not so much in the bare numbring of them , as in his carnal confidence in them . ) We are sure Jesus Christ takes a great deal of content in the numbring of his Subjects , he keeps a List and Roll of their Names . No sooner is a Soul converted , but presently his Name must be entred into the Church-book in the best sense : Psal. 87.4 , 5 , 6. This man was born there ; and of Zion it shall be said , This and that man was born in her , and the Highest himself shall stablish her ( her Charter is sealed by the King of Heaven ) The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people , that this man was born there . Selah . Thus God glorifies his Kingdom . The Conversion of Souls is such a Work as brings most glory to God .

2. It brings most good to the Creature . Secondly , it is such a Work as brings most good to the Creature ; and that not onely to the creature converted , but to many others also that have cause to rejoyce in their conversion

1. To the converted . 1. To the Creature converted : His Conversion is a means of his Salvation ; and that not of his Body onely , but of his precious Soul also . He that knows not how to prize a Soul , let him weigh the price of a Soul in the Blood of Jesus Christ ; let him look upon Christ crying , sweating , bleeding , dying , and all to save Souls . Now he that converts a sinner saves a soul , saith S. James : and he saves it from death , from the first Death , and from the second Death also , Jam. Chap. 5. ver. 20.

Nay , he restores such a Soul to life , to a better life than ever the Creature enjoyed before : and therefore it is said . Prov. 11.30 . The fruit of the righteous is as the Tree of Life , and he that winneth Souls is wise : Comparing such a man as makes it his work to convert Souls , to the Tree of Life planted in the Garden of Paradise ; and that in many Particulars .

1. Because it was Gods planting , and grew not out of the Earth of its own accord : So is a righteous man a piece of Gods special husbandry ; for true Grace grows not up in any by natural Propagation , but is of Gods particular Plantation .

2. Because it was more excellent than other Trees , and therefore placed in the midst of the Garden : So is the righteous more excellent than his neighhour , Prov , 12.26 . whatever the world accounts of him .

3. In regard of the fruit of it .

For ,

1. As that one Tree bare divers kinds of Fruits , and bare those Fruits at all times of the year , Rev. 22.2 . So doth a righteous man , he bears divers kinds of Fruits , and that at all times , Psal. 106.3 .

2. As the Fruit of that Tree was a special means to preserve the life of those that took it ( therefore called , The Tree of Life ) So is a righteous man a special means , under God , to preserve the Life of others , and therefore also called a Tree of Life ; Vt supra . The fruit of the Righteous is as the Tree of Life . Nay , in some respect it is more excellent than the Tree of Life in Paradise : for that did but preserve a man from death , so long as he continued in his uprightness : but this hath power ( in the strength of Christ ) to raise up a sinner from the dead . The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God , and they that hear shall live , Joh. 5.25 . They shall live the most excellent life , they shall so live , as never to taste of the second death : and therefore it is such a Work as brings most good to the creature converted . Yea , and

Conversion brings good to others that see the Conversion It rejoyces 1. The Minister . Secondly , it brings good to many others also , that have cause to rejoyce in their Conversion .

As ,

1. How doth it rejoyce him that ( under God ) is made an instrument of that happy work . Solomon tells us no less than three or four times in the Proverbs , that a wise Son maketh a glad Father , Prov. 10.1 . & 15.20 . & 23.24 , 25. And if this be true in some sense of natural Parents , and natural Wisdom , how much more is it true of Spiritual Parents , and Spiritual Wisdom ? If the natural Parent so soon forgetteth all her sorrow , Joh. 16.21 . for joy that a man-childe is born into the world ; how much more do Spiritual Parents ( whom God makes Instruments of the New-birth ) forget all their sorrow , whilst they were labouring and wrestling with God by Prayers and Tears many years together , for the Conversion of such a poor Soul ? I say , how much more doth such an one forget all his sorrow , and rejoyce with exceeding great gladness , for joy that a Spiritual childe is born and brought forth into the Kingdom of God ?

How doth the Apostle rejoyce to call Timothy his natural Son in the faith ? and to call the converted Philippians his dearly beloved , and longed for , his joy , and crown of rejoycing in the Lord , Phil. 4.1 . Never did natural Parents rejoyce more in their natural children , than Spiritual Parents do rejoyce in their Spiritual children . And if God would please so to bless my Labours this day , as to make me a poor Instrument of begetting one Soul to Jesus Christ , I should think it an hour well spent : I should have cause to bless God to all Eternity for this days work . O remember , I beseech you remember ! whilst you stout it , and stand it out against God , as you grieve the Spirit of God : so you grieve the Spirits of your Ministers , that desire to be faithful ; you compel them to give up their accounts with grief , and not with joy . Heb. 13.17 . But when you come in , and believe and obey , they can say with S. John , in Ep. 3. v. 4. I have no greater joy , than to hear that my children walk in the Truth ; to hear that such an one that was awhile ago an enemy to God and all goodness , is now made a friend , a favourite , a childe .

For indeed , Conversion brings a great blessing to the instrument . this is such a work as brings a great Blessing along with it : And that ,

1. From God , Mat. 5.9 . Blessed are the peace-makers , for they shall be called the children of God : and surely , if they that make peace betwixt man and man , much more they that make peace betwixt God and man ( betwixt God and the Souls of poor sinners ) may well be accounted and called Blessed .

2. There 's a blessing also from Man . If the children of natural Parents , how much more shall the children of Spiritual Parents rise up and call them blessed , Prov. 31.28 . O blessed be God ( says a poor Soul ) that ever I heard such a man preach and dispense the Word of Life . I was before in the very gall of bitterness , and bond of iniquity ; but blessed be God for such an Instrument , that under Jesus Christ was a means to work upon my heart , and to draw me out of that wretched condition . And thus the blessing of him that was ready to perish comes upon the Spiritual Parent ( as Job speaks ) and therefore it is great ground of joy . Job 29.13 .

Secondly , 2. The Church of God . This is that which doth exceedingly rejoyce the Church of God in general : for whoever be the particular Father , under God , of any mans Conversion , that 's most certain , the Church of God is the true Mother . Zion is daily travailing in pain for the bringing forth of Gods elected ones . And never had any Mother in the world more joy in the birth of a childe , than the Church of God : Jerusalem which is above , and is free , and is the Mother of us all , Gal. 4.26 . hath joy in the happy birth of new converted Souls . Oh! how she hugs them in her arms , and dandles them upon her knees , suckles them at her brests , as the Lord speaks , Isa 66.11 , 12. Then shall ye suck , and be satisfied with the brests of her Consolation : — ye shall suck , ye shall be born upon her sides , and be dandled upon her knees : As one whom his mother comforteth , so will I comfort you , and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem . 'T is a comfort to the children , 't is a comfort to the Mother : no doubt 't is a great joy to both .

3. The particu●ar Society . 3. 'T is joy to the particular Society and place where they live ( if they understand themselves ) the Family , the Town , the City , the Kingdom where they live , fares the better for such .

'T is most true , impenitent sinners are very evil Instruments in any Society whereever they come : They are the Jonas's , the Achan's , the Ahab's , the troublers of Israel whereever they live ; they bring plagues and judgements upon others , as well as upon themselves : One sinner destroys much good , Eccl. 9.18 . But it is as true on the other side , an humble gracious converted Soul brings a blessing with him whereever he comes : Laban is blest for Jacobs sake ; Potiphar is blest for Josephs sake ; and Zoar is spared for Lots sake ; and Sodom had been spared too for ten righteous persons ( if they had been found there : ) The poor godly wise man delivers the City , Eccl. 9.15 . The innocent deliver the island , and it is delivered by the pureness of his hands , Job 22.30 . and therefore 't is joy to the particular society and place where they live .

4. The Angels . 4. 'T is joy to the blessed Angels of Heaven . As 't is joy to the Terrestrial Angels , the Ministers of the Churches : so 't is joy to the Coelestial Angels , those blessed ministring Spirits , who are sent forth to minister for them that shall be heirs of Salvation , Heb. 1. last . Those glorious creatures , as they delight to pry into the Mystery of Christ , and to preach the Gospel ( for the first Sermon that was ever preached after the birth of Christ , was preach'd by an Angel , Luk. 20.10 . ) So they do no less delight in the conversion of Souls by that Ordinance . Luk. 15.7 . So likewise I say unto you , there is joy in heaven in the presence of the Angels of God , over one sinner that repenteth . Wouldst thou rejoyce Heaven and Earth at once ? Oh be converted thy self , and travail in the Conversion of others .

Look as those damned Spirits ( the Angels of Darkness ) rejoyce in the destruction of Souls ( Your adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about , seeking whom he may devour , 1 Pet 5.8 . ) O how Hell it self is moved , and enlargeth her self at the approach of such new-comers as these ? Isa. 5.14 . & 14.9 . So those blessed Angels of Light do no less rejoyce in the Conversion of Souls .

5. Nay , Fifthly , 5. Inferiour Creatures . 't is that which after a sort doth rejoyce the very inferiour Creatures ; they do far more readily and cheerfully serve the godly than the wicked : For however they do ( indeed ) serve the lusts of wicked men , yet it is but a kinde of ravishment , and forced service . They are made subject to vanity in it , Rom. 8.20 . because impropriated from their first institution in the state of Integrity : For they were appointed at first to serve the Sons of God by Creation ; Note . and therefore ( in this kinde ) they do rejoyce to serve the Sons of God by Regeneration : yea , they do even groan to be made partakers of that liberty , that being delivered out of the former bondage of serving the lusts of sinful men , they might serve no other but the Sons of God , Rom. 8.19 . And thus we see it is a most excellent Work , because it aims at the most excellent End .

Fifthly , 'T is the most excellent Work , because it is a Work that is most pleasing to Jesus Christ : and surely , It is most pleasing to Jesus Christ . that is the most excellent Work , that is most excellent in the account of Jesus Christ .

And I pray , why was Christ content to be born in a Stable among the Beasts , and to live as a servant and a slave , and to die amongst the most notorious Malefactors ? Nay , why did he rise again from the Grave , and ascend on High ? but that he might give gifts unto men , for the work of the Ministery , for the Conversion of Souls , for the perfecting of the Saints , Ephes. 4.12 ? And when Christ once sees this Work going forward , it does him good at the very heart . O now ( says Christ ) I have enough , now that I see of my Spiritual seed , now that I see of the travail of my Soul , I am satisfied , Isa , 53.11 . O now I judge all my pains and cost well bestowed : I do not repent me of one drop of my Blood , that was shed for the Redemption of my dearest People . For why did Christ neglect his own Body and Soul ? but to save the Bodies and Souls of others . Simile . Writers report of the Pellican , that she sprinkles of her own blood upon her young ones when they are dead , whereby they revive and recover their former life . Whether this be true or no , I know not : But this I am sure of , He that compares himself to the Pellican , Psal. 102.6 . he doth so , he revives his people by his own blood , by the blood of sprinkling ; and when they are thus revived , O this life of theirs is ( as it were ) the life of Christ himself ! Now I live , ( saith Christ ) if ye live , if ye stand fast in the Life of Faith .

Sixthly , 'T is the most excellent Work , because it is the most Honourable Work ; It is the most honourable Work . and it is the most Honourable Work ,

1. Because in this Work a man hath the most honourable fellow-labourers ; not onely the Angels of Heaven , ( as we heard before ) but the God of Heaven : Jesus Christ himself was a Minister and Preacher ( as well as a Purchaser ) of the New-Covenant . Hence we are said in this great Work to be fellow-labourers , and fellow-workmen together with God himself , 1 Cor. 3.9 .

2. 'T is an honourable Work , because 't is conversant about the most excellent Object , The Souls of men ( one Soul being more worth than all the world . )

They that are imployed in securing the Estates of men , as Lawyers and Magistrates ) or in preserving the Bodies of men ( as Physicians are ) or in preserving the Honours of men ( as Heralds and Historians are ) I dare not say , but they have a lawful and an excellent Calling : yea , but not so excellent as those that are specially imployed in the conversion and salvation of the Souls of men .

Look as those men that were imployed in the Tabernacle in all cunning work of Silk , and Purple , and fine-twined Linen , of Silver and Gold and Precious Stones , they had a more honourable service , than such as were imployed in Goats-hair , in Rams-skins , and Badgers-skins : So such as are imployed for the good of Souls , have a more honourable service , than such as are imployed for the good of mens Estates , Bodies , or Names . That 's the most excellent Work , that is imployed about the most excellent Object .

What is the Body , or what is the outward Estate of a man , in comparison of his Soul ? Nay , what are all the goods in the world , to be laid in the Balance with the Soul ? the whole Globe of the Earth , with all the glory of it ( in comparison of this ) is lighter than vanity . He that well knew the worth of both , hath said it , What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world , and lose his own soul ? Mat. 16.26 . And if the loss of a Soul be so great a loss , then the gain of a Soul must needs be as great a gain .

Doubtless , the Salvation of Souls is the most excellent Work , because it hath the most excellent Object .

3. It is the most excellent Work , because it works the most excellent Changes , converting from sin to righteousness , from hell to heaven , Act. 26.18 .

II. Branch . It hath the most honourable Reward .

And lastly , It is the most excellent Work , because it hath the most excellent Reward ( and this brings in the second part of the Doctrine . It hath the most excellent Reward . )

The Doctrine was this :

The turning of men unto Righteousness ; or , The Conversion of Souls , as it is the most excellent Work , so it shall certainly be crowned with the most excellent Reward .

And what 's the Reward ? To shine as the firmament , and as the stars for ever and ever . And this proves it to be the most excellent Work : for God shall reward men according to their works ; though not according to the merit of their work , yet ( of his Free-grace ) according to the nature of their works .

Such is Gods method of Retribution , that as you may reade mens sins in their punishment : so you may behold the excellency of the work in the glory of their Reward . As works of darkness shall be punished in the place of utter darkness : so such as have been ( as John Baptist was ) burning and shining lights in the work of the Ministery , they shall shine as the glorious lights of Heaven for ever and ever . They did shine as stars here , Rev. 1.20 & 12.1 . therefore they shall shine as stars hereafter .

O how should the consideration of this great Reward , quicken us up in the performance of the Work ( for to that end doubtless it is spoken . )

'T is true , we should labour in the Conversion of Souls , were there no reward at all : how much more then , when it brings so great advantage every ways ? not onely to the person converted , but to him also that is the Instrument of his Conversion ? They shall shine as the brightness of the firmament , and as the stars for ever and ever .

O what a garland of Glory is put upon the Head of these Conquerours ! Beloved , such as conquer but a Kingdom or two , they think they gain much ; and sometimes they are so lifted up , they know not what ground they stand upon ( though the Word tells us , they are set in slippery places ) But ( how do you think ) they would glory , if they should conquer all the world ? And yet for my own part , if I could but conquer one Soul , and bring it home to Jesus Christ , I should think I had cause ( in the strength of God ) to out-glory all such men : one single Soul ( as we heard ) being more worth than all the world : When all is done , Soul-Converters are the greatest Conquerors under Heaven . Thanks be to God , which always , and in every place , causeth us to triumph in Christ , 2 Cor. 2.14 .

He is the best Conqueror indeed , that brings the most Subjects unto Jesus Christ , and he shall have the best Reward : His head shall be compass'd with a Crown of Glory . And thus have we seen the Truth of this Doctrine , The turning of men , &c.

Vse 1. Of Information .

The first Use , Information of the dignity of the Ministery . is to Inform us of the Dignity of that Calling , whose proper work it is to convert Souls ; I mean , the Calling of the Ministery . If the Life of Faith be such an excellent Life , then that Calling , whose special work is to convert others to the Faith , must needs be an excellent and honourable Calling .

I confess , I could willingly have spared this Use ( wherein Ministers may seem to seek themselves ) were not God himself despised in the contempt of his Servants .

And Oh that we could bewail it with tears of blood , Note . that even some of those that cannot deny ( if they have any grace at all ) but that God wrought upon their hearts by the Ministery of the Word , should now go about to disclaim their Parents , contemning both the Ministery of the Word , and the word of those Ministers , whom sometimes they received as Angels of God ; yea , even as Christ Jesus ! Gal. 4.14 . living above Ordinances , contemning the Word and Messengers of God , under pretence of magnifying the Spirit of God .

But this is no new thing . It was just thus in the Apostles time , he was fain to use this very Argument , 1 Cor. 9.2 . If I be not an Apostle to others , yet doubtless I am to you : for the seal of mine Apostleship are ye in the Lord . As if he should say , If you be true Converts , I am a true Minister : for you had no other Conversion , but by the Ministery of that Word which I preached to you .

I will therefore press this Use , with that solemn Charge of same the Apostle , 1 Cor. 4.1 . Let a man so account of us , as of the Ministers of Christ , and Stewards of the Mysteries of God .

I confess , there is a respect and honour due to all those that labour in the Conversion of Souls ( as private Christians , by their private Admonitions Exhortations , Counsels , Prayers , &c. wherein they may be singularly helpful to the Ministers of God : ) But principally this is due to those whose peculiar work and calling it is to convert Souls , to turn them from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan to God . He therefore that despiseth , despiseth not man but God , who hath given unto us his holy Spirit , 1 Thess. 4 8.

Vse 2. of Reproof .

Reproof of Secondly , this Reproves many . If the Conversion of Souls be such an excellent Work : then it Reproves

1 : Them that slight this work First , Such as slight this Work , and make no account of it , as if it were not worth the while to Convert Souls .

1 Sort. 1. Such as Cloister up themselves in a solitary Monastical life , as a state of greater perfection . Though they profess the Faith , yet they bring forth little fruits of it , they are all for Contemplation , little for Action ; all for themselves , little for others , in the propagation of the Faith . Let others sink or swim , all 's one to them : So they may save their own Souls , they care little what becomes of others . Gen. 4. But this is not the voice of Faith , to say , Am I my Brothers keeper ?

2 Sort. 2. Such are to blame , who though they have many opportunities , in regard of their frequent converse with men : yet they take not those advantages to win Souls .

They can compass Sea and Land , and take all possible advantages to win Proselytes , and to win disciples to themselves , to win men to their Opinions , but not to win them to the Faith ; to win wealth , and to win friends , and to win credit and honour , but not to win Souls .

How many of these , whilst they seem to lay siege against a sinner , make use onely of such carnal weapons of humane Eloquence and fleshly Wisdom , whereby they take onely the out-works of mens fancies to win them to themselves , but never use such weapons as strike to the heart and conscience , and are mighty through God , 2 Cor. 10.2 . to the pulling down of strong holds , and to the taking of the Castle of their Hearts , to win them to Jesus Christ .

All that labour is but vain , that tends not to the Conversion of Souls .

Secondly , 2. Them that strive not to win Souls by such means as God hath appointed . it Reproves such as strive not to win others to the Faith by fair means ( or by such means as God hath appointed ) Gen. 9.27 . but force them to the Faith by fear and terror . Indeed , they rather force them from the Faith , than to the Faith : Fides non cogitur ; Faith cannot be forced , when we have done all we can . Fire and Faggot are Arguments from Rome , and Argumets from Hell , rather than from Heaven . To devote Hereticks ( as They call them ) to destruction , because they believe not , is an argument of a strange spirit .

You read , Luk. 9.54 . because the Samaritans would not receive Jesus Christ , presently the Disciples ( James and John ) were fire and towe against them ; nothing will serve their turn , but that fire must immediately come down from heaven to consume them : But in stead of incouragement , they meet with a check from Christ , ver. 55. But he turned and rebuked them , and said , Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of ; for the Son of Man is not come to destroy mens lives , but to save them .

Certainly , they are of strange spirits , that would send men quick to Hell , because they will not be perswaded to go in their way to heaven . But this is the way to destroy Souls , and not to save them .

3. Them that neglect this duty . Thirdly , It Reproves such as do utterly neglect this great duty of winning Souls unto God . And surely , if they are wise that labour to win Souls , they must needs be fools that do wittingly and willingly neglect it . And yet many such there are in the world , such as never speak a word from one end of the year to another to their Neighbors , or to their Friends ; nay , hardly to their Children , Servants or Yoke-fellows , to draw their Souls to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ .

O cruel Husbands , and cruel Fathers ! may such Wives and such Children say ; as Zipporah said to Moses , A bloody husband hast thou been to me . And surely , if he that hath power to save a man from temporal death , and doth not , is no better than a murtherer ; Then he that ( for ought be knows ) might save a man from Spiritual and Eternal death , and doth not use the means ( in the compass of his Calling ) he is no better than a Soul-murtherer in the sight of God : His blood ( says God ) will I require at thy hands ; thy life shall go for his life , and thy soul for his soul , Ezek. 33.7 , 8.

4. Them that pervert from the Faith . Fourthly and lastly , Much more then are they to be Reproved , who are so far from converting others to the Faith , that they do what they can to pervert them . In stead of drawing others to God , they drive them from God ; and if they draw them any ways , they draw them farther into sin : Such men as they , do the very office of the Devil himself .

Look as those that win Souls to God , are fellow-workers with God : so those that destroy Souls , are no better than fellow-workers with the Devil ; they are Tempters under him , and act the Devils part : Prov. 1.11 . Come , say they , let us lay wait for blood , let us lurk privily for the innocent without a cause , &c. Cast in thy lot among us , and let us all have one purse .

Such men as these think it not enough to be Thieves , and Drunkards , and Adulterers , and Blasphemers , and Contemners of Gods Ordinances , themselves ; but do what they can to draw others to the same sins , and to make them sevenfold more the children of Satan than themselves .

What ? are your own sins too light , that you do thus cry for more weight ? not to ease your pain , but to increase it ? for such as are partakers of other mens sins , shall certainly be partakers of other mens judgements , Rev. 18.4 .

Oh! that there should be such an itch in this Spiritual Plague-sore , to infect others to make them as sinful and as miserable as themselves .

O hear , and fear and tremble , thou that makest it thy work to tempt others so sin against God . For if they shall not escape , that have not furthered the Salvation of others , where shalt thou appear , that hast furthered the damnation of others , and sent them post to Hell ? I say , where shalt thou appear , unless thou repent and be deeply humbled for this thy superlative wickedness ? And surely , if ever thou dost repent , thou wilt be ready to admonish thy fellow-Drunkard , or Adulterer , or Blasphemer , that they may become partners with thee in thy Repentance , that have been partners with thee in thy sin .

The penitent Thief upon the Cross had but a little time to turn him in ; and yet a good part of that little , Note . he spent in labouring to gain the Soul of his fellow-Thief : Luk. 23.40 . Dost not thou fear God , seeing thou art in the same condemnation ?

Be assured of this , that as the gain of Souls is the best of all gains : So the blood of Souls , of all other blood , will lie the heaviest upon the Conscience of such as are guilty of it .

Vse 3. Of Exhortation .

Exhortation to convert Souls . The third Use may be for Exhortation .

1. To all sorts of Christians in general : and then

2. In special , to those whose Office and Function calls upon them more importunately to labour in the Conversion of Souls .

Branch . 1. In general to all . First , To all in general ( for we must not think it is the Ministers work alone ) For what knowest thou , O wife , whether thou shalt save thy husband ? or how knowest thou , O man , whether thou shalt save thy wife ? 1 Cor. 7.16 . And what knowest thou , O Christian , whether thou shalt save thy Neighbor ? Do what thou canst in a wise way , it may be God may second thy endevours , thy Reproof , or thy Exhortation , by his own Spirit .

The poor Woman of Samaria was an Instrument , under God , of drawing on her Neighbors to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ , Joh. 4. And what dost thou know , but God may bless thy endevours with the like success ?

And therefore , whilst others spend time in idle discourse ( for he that is of the earth , Joh. 3.31 . speaketh of the earth ) let Christians spend their time in Exhorting , and Comforting , and Edifying one another , as the Apostle speaks , 1 Thess. 5.11 .

Branch . 2. In particular to Ministers . And if all in general , then surely Ministers of all others . Ministers in a special manner should aim at the Salvation of Souls , because the great end of their Commission from God , is to take Curam animarum , the Care of Souls , to turn men from darkness to light , from the power of Satan to God , Act. 26.18 .

Note . It was an excellent saying of him that was in this place before me ( and deserved to be so in every respect ) in his Book of the Loadstone , Chap. 8. says he , If God would give a Christian his wish , especially a Minister of the Gospel , and say to him , as sometime he said to Solomon , when he offered a thousand burnt-offerings at Gibeon , Ask what I shall give thee , 2 Chron. 1.7 . what should he desire either before , or more than this , viz. than that he might receive a large portion of that Magnetical vertue from God , which was bestowed upon Peter and Paul , and other Primitive Preachers , whereby they drew many thousand Souls to the knowledge of Jesus Christ , and the world went after him .

Therefore let all sorts of Christians ( in their place and sphere ) especially Ministers of the Gospel , labour in the Conversion of Souls .

Shall I give you some Motives ? The Reasons may be Motive enough . For of all works , it is the most excellent , The excellency of Converting Souls . and men generally delight to be imployed in excellent works . Men will do and dare any thing , to become great in the world : but this is the onely way to become great in the sight of the Lord . Luk. 1.15 . He shall be great in the sight of the Lord , ( says the Angel , speaking of John the Baptist ) And why great ? Mark ! ver. 16. Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God . Conversion of Souls to God , makes men of great account in the sight of the Lord .

Secondly , consider , This is a main end of our Calling , The end of the Ministery . and of all those Ministerial Gifts we receive from Jesus Christ , for the better discharge of our Calling . He gave all for the perfecting of the Saints , for the work of the Ministery , for the edifying of the body of Christ , Eph. 4.12 , &c. He gave not these Gifts , that we might gain profit or applause to our selves , but that we might gain Souls to him .

Thirdly , consider , The Conversion and Salvation of Souls , cost the blood of the dearest Soul that ever was , Souls cost the blood of Christ and that is the blood of Jesus Christ . Therefore should Ministers take special heed in feeding of their flock , and in the Salvation of those Souls which Christ hath purchased with his own blood , Act. 20.24 .

Fourthly , If we be negligent herein , it will cost us our own blood : Else it will cost our blood . If we neglect our duty ( our duty ) they may die in their iniquity , but their blood shall be required at the Ministers hands , Ezek. 33.8 , 9.

Fifthly , Not onely the Precept , but the Example of Jesus Christ , Example of Christ . doth press us to this duty of Conversion of Souls . He was a diligent and constant Preacher himself , and it was his very meat and drink to take occasion of converting Souls , Joh. 4.

He is the good Shepherd , that seeks up his lost sheep , and when he hath found it , he lays it on his shoulders rejoycing , and bringeth it home , that others also may rejoyce with him , Luk. 15. Nay , it was the very last work that Christ commended to us by his Example , when he took his leave of us , and left the world . He converted the poor Thief at the last gasp ; as if Christ had said , This work is the very end of my Death , that poor sinners might live and be converted . And this work I commend upon my death to all my friends , if you love me , do as I have done in my last farewel : Let this be your work , to convert Souls to God ; I have given you an example , that you should do as I have done before you .

Sixthly , This is the best and truest Testimony of our unfeigned love to Jesus Christ , Best sign of love to Christ . Joh. 21.15 , 16 , 17.

Upon Christs threefold Interrogation , Lovest thou me ? and Peters threefold Profession of his love to Christ ; you have Christs threefold Injunction : Feed my Lambs , Feed my Sheep , Feed my Sheep : As if the feeding of Souls , the saving of Souls , were the truest testimony of our love to Jesus Christ .

Seventhly , This is also the best testimony of our thankfulness to Jesus Christ for our conversion , Testimony of our thankfulness to Christ . when we endevour the conversion of others . It was that which David promised to God in a grateful acknowledgement of Gods mercy in the pardon of his own sins , Psal. 51.13 . Then will I teach transgressors thy ways , and sinners shall be converted unto thee : As if he should say , Lord , if thou wilt convert me , I will endevour also the conversion of others unto thee .

Eighthly , We should labour the conversion of others , because we our selves were once in the same condition with those that are yet aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel . Remembrance of our own condition .

God commands his People to pity strangers , because themselves were sometimes strangers in the Land of Egypt : So , should we not pity such as are strangers to God , because we our selves were sometimes so ?

I have heard of many a Drunkard and loose liver , who being once converted , would ever after pity those in the same condition , admonishing of them , and visiting them in their sickness , and saying , Well , what do I know but such an one may belong to God as well as I ? What do I know but God may change his heart as well as mine ? This is the Apostles Argument , Tit. 3.2 , 3. Shewing all meekness to all men , for we our selves also were sometimes foolish , disobedient , deceived , serving divers lusts and pleasures , &c. But afterwards the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards us appeared , &c. As if he should say , Let us therefore be pitiful to the Souls of others , as God shewed mercy to us , who sometimes were as vile and sinful as any others . And these are the Motives .

Quest. But some may say , What means should I use for the Conversion of Souls ?

Answ. I answer , First , make sure thy own conversion . Means for the conversion of others . 1. Being converted a mans self . Luk. 22.23 . And when thou art converted , strengthen thy brethren .

Then the Word comes in a lively manner .

That that comes from the heart , is most likely to go to the heart : Every life begets like to it self .

Propagation of kinde , is natural to every Creature ; and so it is in Spiritual Life : They that have this new Life , desire to beget others to God .

I will not deny , but an unconverted man may convert another , but 't is very rare : God usually delights to make use of such as are converted themselves ; and they have as great a delight to do the work , Phil. 2.20 . Tim thy — who will naturally care for your estate : And why so ? because Timothy was his natural son in the faith .

Make use of the Word : for that 's the power of God to salvation , Make use of the Word . Rom. 1.16 . and the incorruptible seed , 1 Pet. 1.23 . The sword of the Spirit , which is the Word of God , Eph. 6.17 . God delights not to work by other means , though men be never so eloquent ; and therefore say of that , as David of the Sword of Golias , 1 Sam. 21.9 . There 's none like that : So may we say of the two-edged Sword of the Word of God , that Sword , There 's none like that , in the cutting down of sin , and the stone out of the heart .

Go out in Gods strength : 2 Cor. 10.4 . The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God , Go in Gods strength . to the pulling down of the strong holds of Sin and Satan .

Therefore be as diligent in Prayer , as in Preaching , if thou wouldst convert Souls . 'T is our duty to labour , but when all 's done , the success is from God ; He that planteth is nothing , 1 Cor. 3. nor he that watereth , but God that giveth the increase . Therefore be as earnest for Spiritual children , as Rachel was for the children of her Womb , Gen. 30.

He onely can help Ministers to teach profitably , Eph. 6.19 . And for me , that utterance may be given me , that I may speak , &c.

He onely can help People to hear with profit : Psal 48.17 . I am the Lord thy God , which teacheth thee to profit .

Look to thy Life , as well as to thy Doctrine , if thou wouldst convert Souls . Teach by Life . 1 Tim. 4.16 . Take heed unto thy self , and to thy Doctrine , for in so doing , &c. People observe what a mans hand speaks , as well as what his tongue speaks . Surely , say they , if this man were in earnest , he would do as he speaks .

Observe the Disposition of those with whom thou dealest , and become all things to all men , Observe dispositions . 1 Cor. 9.22 . so far as thou canst with a good conscience , that thou maist win some , 1 Cor. 9.19 , &c. As Fishers bait their hook according to the season and kinde of the fish they are to take .

For Ministers are called Fishers of men , and in that respect had need beg wisdom of God , that we may so cast forth the hook , and the Net of the Word , that we catch men .

If thou wouldst convert men from their sins , Convincing of sin . labour first to convince them of sin : that 's Christs method , Joh. 16.8 . that they may be wounded for their sins ; for , the whole have no need of the Physician , but the sick .

Hold forth the Promise of Grace , and of Christ . In the Promise , offering Mercy , Hold forth Christ in the Promise . with all the freeness and openness of heart that may be , to all that are willing to receive him wholly and intirely : Joh. 1.12 . To as many as received him , he gave power to be called the children of God , &c. Rev. 22.17 . Let him that will , come , and take of the water of life freely .

What dost thou know , but whilst thou art speaking to the ear , God may speak to the heart by his Spirit ? Act. 10.44 . While Peter yet spake these words , the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word .

Work every part of the Word : first upon thy own heart ; do not onely work it into thy head , Work the word on thine own heart . but work it into thy heart : Ezek. 3.1 . Son of Man , eat that thou findest , eat this roll , and go speak , &c. As Nurses put into their own mouthes first .

Vse 4. Of Exhortation . Exhortation to Ministers to preach in a Soul-saving way .

Exhortation to Ministers to preach in such a way , as is most fit to win Souls ; to preach in a Soul-saving way : not to stroke the ear , but to strike the heart . O thirst for Salvation of Souls !

Teach in such a way , as is most sutable to the opening and unfolding of heavenly Mysteries .

Christ findes fault with the Scribes and Pharisees , that they shut up the Kingdom of Heaven before men : Mat. 23.13 . So do they that either preach not at all , or preach above the ordinary capacity of ordinary people ( who have Souls to save as well as other men ) we shall be no better than Barbarians to them , 1 Cor: 14. if we preach in a Language they understand not , which may be as well in some kinde of English , as in Latine or other Language .

Therefore we should remember , the use of Language is just like the use of a Key , which is nothing else , but aperire quod clausum est , to open that which is shut : and therefore we do not esteem that the most excellent Key , which is made of the most excellent Metal , but that which is made of the best and fittest form , in reference to the opening of the Lock : So we should not esteem that the most excellent preaching , that is made up of the finest and bravest stile , but that which is fittest for the opening of the understanding , by convincing the judgement ; and also for the opening of the heart , by working upon the affections .

Vse 5. Exhortation to the People .

To People , twofold . 1. To be willing to be wrought upon , and to be converted .

2. To be willing to attend upon such means , as is most proper for the effecting of that great Work .

1. To be willing to be wrought upon . First , To be willing to be wrought upon , and to be converted .

For if it be such an excellent thing to be an Instrument of others Conversion , then it must needs be excellent to be converted .

O remember the vast difference betwixt a man in the state of Nature , and in the state of Grace ; betwixt a man converted and unconverted . O remember , whilst you are unconverted , you are in a state of Darkness , Enmity , Death .

But when once converted , in a state of Light , Peace , Life .

Motives .

1. When ye are unconverted , ye are in a state of Darkness , Eph. 5.8 . Once darkness , &c.

1. Darkness of Ignorance , Ephes. 4.18 .

Alas ! they know nothing , 1. Of themselves and their miserable condition by nature , Rev 3.17 . I counsel thee to buy of me eye-salve , &c. 2. Of Christ , in a Soul-saving way , Ephes. 2.12 . Without Christ , &c.

2. Darkness of Sorrow : at least when unconverted persons lie down in the Grave . Isa. 50. last . They shall lie down in sorrow .

2. In a state of Enmity , Ephes. 2.3 . Children of wrath as well as others , Joh. 3.36 . God is an enemy to unbelievers , and to be sure they are enemies to God . Rom. 8.6 , 7. The carnal minde is enmity against God , &c. O what a dangerous condition this is ! It were better to have all the world enemies to us , than God . Remember what God saith , Ezek. 22.14 . Can thy heart endure , or thy hands be strong in the day that I shall deal with thee ?

3. In a state of Death : Ephes. 2.1 . Dead in sin , and liable to death for sin ; to a first death , and a second death : and this of all terribles is the most terrible .

But secondly , when once converted , thou art in a state of Light , Peace , Life .

Mal. 4.2 . 1. In a state of Light . Ephes. 5 8. Ye were once darkness , but now are ye light in the Lord . The Sun of righteousness doth arise with healing in his wings : Healing the darkness of Ignorance , & Sorrow .

True Light and Heat come both together .

2. In a state of Peace . Rom. 5.1 . Being justified by faith , we have peace with God : It is better to have God to be our friend , than to have all the world beside .

3. In a state of Life . Luke 15. last , This thy brother was dead and is alive . And thus the just lives by his Faith the most excellent life that can be desired . Therefore come in , and be willing to be wrought upon , &c.

Obj. If you shall say ( as they in Jeremy ) There is no hope , I am so great a sinner , God will never shew mercy to me : It were presumption for me to offer to lay hold on the Promise .

Answ. Look to the Pattern of great sinners , converted on purpose to incourage others to come in to Christ . Did Manasses , or Mary Magdalen , or Paul , presume when they did believe ? 1 Tim. 1.13 . I was a blasphemer , a persecutor , injurious , &c. and v. 16. How be it for this cause I obtained mercy , that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering , for a pattern to them that should hereafter believe .

Onely be humbled for thy sins , and accept of Christs Righteousness ; go not about to establish thine own , Rom. 10.3 .

Remember , As no man is accepted for his own Righteousness , but Christs : So no man is rejected for his own unrighteousness , but for his final impenitency and unbelief . Therefore be perswaded to come in .

Accept of mercy while God offers mercy : Do not draw back , when God is drawing of you . I hope you have some good thoughts , Act. 26. some good desires in your hearts . You are almost perswaded : O be not onely almost , but altogether .

Perhaps some of you are even upon the very pangs of the New-birth : O let not Spiritual difficulties cause you to draw back , as Ephraim did , Hos. 13.13 .

O strive ! O pray ! The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence . O be earnest with God , and bemoan your backwardness ! Jer. 31.18 . I have surely heard Ephaim bemoaning himself thus , Thou hast chastised me , and I was chastised as a Bullock unaccustomed to the yoke : Turn thou me , and I shall be turned , &c.

Pray God to open the everlasting doors , &c. Psal. 24 ult. O yield to God when he perswadeth , when he beseecheth ! When Christ and Satan are Suitors and Competitors , do not put off Christ , and yield to Satan . Be not cruel to your own flesh , and enemies to your own Souls ,

Remember how you rejoyce Angels , The Churches , Christ himself , Your own Hearts .

Therefore be perswaded , &c.

Secondly , 2. To be willing to attend upon such means as are proper . Be willing to attend upon such means as are most proper for the effecting of that great Work : To attend upon a Soul-saving Ministery . God complains by the Prophet Jeremy , that as the false Prophets did Prophecy smooth things , and false things ; so his People did love to have it so , Jer. 5 last .

That same Athenian itch in the people , to hear some new strange thing , Act. 17. doth too often draw forth an Athenian scratch from the speaker , to tell what they so much desire to hear , Act. 17.21 . But 't is wisdom in both , to be conversant in the pattern of wholesom words : To give and receive that Spiritual food , which may not so much please the palate , as nourish the person to Life Eternal .

Doubtless , he preaches best , and he hears best , that preaches and hears to the Salvation of the Soul . Many thousand Souls in heaven shall bless God for ever for the plain and powerful preaching of the Word . And many thousand Souls in hell shall complain to all Eternity , that their hurt was soon healed and skinned over with silken language , and soft words , as the Prophet Jeremy speaks .

Vse 6. Of Thankfulness .

Of Thankfulness . Of Thankfulness , in case

1. We our selves are converted .

2. If any by us or by our means be converted .

1. If we be converted our selves . First , if the conversion of Souls be such an excellent Work ; Be thankful if we our selves be converted . 1 Tim. 1.13 , 17. Now unto the King eternal , immortal , invisible , the onely wise God , be honour and glory for ever . This shout of Praise follows upon the acknowledgement of Pauls Conversion : and it were easie to shew , how those Attributes have an influence on Conversion . Eternity is little enough to praise God for such a Mercy . Luk. 10.20 . Rejoyce not in this , that the spirits are subject unto you ; but rather rejoyce , that your Names are written in heaven . Psal. 33.34 . Sing unto him a new song ; play skilfully with a loud noise , for the word of the Lord is right , and all his works are done in truth . ( This for Converting of thy Soul . )

The life of heaven , is nothing else but a life of Thankfulness for this unspeakable mercy . God might have rejected us as fire-brands of Hell for ever .

Quest. But how shall I know that I am converted , and effectually called , that I may be thankful ?

Answ. If thou art turned to righteousness , thou art turned from sin , Act. 26.18 . Perfecta contrarietas nullum medium admittit .

Ob. There is sin in the best .

Answ. True , there is sin in the best , but not with allowance .

Observe : Sin is cast out of its Throne , though not out of the Man in a regenerate person : Rom. 6.18 . Being made free from sin , ye became the servants of righteousness . There 's no sin with peaceable possession : The strong man armed is cast out .

Secondly , There is a love of , and endevour after Righteousness and Holiness : 1 Joh. 3.3 . Every one that hath this hope , purifieth himself , even as he is pure . We were redeemed , Luke 1.75 . that we should serve him in holiness and righteousness all our days .

It is in fieri , though not fully perfected .

Thirdly , By resolved reliance upon God . Job 13.15 . Though he kill me , yet will I trust in him ; at least earnestly desire so to do .

Fourthly , By renouncing all other Confidences . He that lays hold on God , le ts go all his other holds : God hath knock'd off his hands and his heart from other things . Psal. 44.5 , 6. Through thee will we push down our enemies , through thy Name will we tread them under , that rise up against us : for I will not trust in my bowe , neither shall my sword save me . Hos. 14.3 . Ashur shall not save us , we will not ride upon horses , neither will we say any more to the work of our hands , Ye are our God : for in thee the fatherless finde mercy . He that turns to God , renounceth all other confidence ; yea , even his own Righteousness : Rom 10.3 . They that establish their own righteousness , have not embraced the righteousness of God . So they that are turned to Gods Righteousness , are turned from their own , i.e. from trusting to it in point of Justification .

Fifthly , By the Testimony of Gods Spirit , and our own regenerate Spirit : Rom. 8.16 . For the Spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirits , that we are the Sons of God ; at least testifying to us in point of Holiness , if not in point of Comfort .

Sixthly , By the Spirit of Prayer , and Supplication , and Adoption : Rom. 8.15 . Ye have received the Spirit of Adoption , whereby we cry , Abba , Father . None of Gods children are born tongue-ty'd .

Seventhly , By our Love , or working of our love to a threefold object : for Gods People partake of Divine Nature . 2 Pet. 1.4 . and this Divine Nature is discovered in nothing more than in a way of love , 1 Joh. 4.16 .

1. To God and Jesus Christ as our chief portion . Psal. 119.57 . Thou art my portion , O Lord , I have said that I would keep thy words : 1 Pet. 2.7 . Vnto you which believe , he is precious .

2. To the Word of God , which was an instrument to beget us to God : 1 Pet. 1.23 . Being born again , not of corruptible seed , but of incorruptible seed by the Word of God , 1 Pet. 2.2 . As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby .

3. to our fellow brethren , that are begotten with us as children of the same womb and loyns , that have Father and mother the same . 1 Joh. 5.1 . Every one that loveth him that begat , loveth him also that is begotten of him . 1 Joh. 3.14 . We knew that we have passed from death unto life , because we love the brethren . If we see these marks of our conversion , and spiritual cleansing we are commanded as the leper upon the like discovery of their cleansing to present our offering of praise as a testimony of our unfeigned thankfulness .

If he hath cause to be thankful that receives a change from sickness to health , Mat. 8.4 . from poverty to riches ; how much more is he bound to be thankful that is changed from sin to righteousness , and from death to life .

Secondly , not only so , 2. Thankf . If we have bin instruments of others conversion . but we should be very thankful also if God hath made us instruments of others conversion : for they that turn men unto Righteousness , &c. Is the work such an excellent work that the angels admire it ? And is the reward such an excellent reward that the very lustre of the heavens is little enough to resemble it ? How should we then be thankful , if God hath made us instruments of others conversion ! If God hath blest our Admonitions , Exhortations , Examples , Prayers , as private men : Especially Ministers . Or if God hath blest any of our indeavours in the publick ministry to that happy end .

1. We should be thankful that God hath let us in such a calling . We deserved not to be so much as door-keepers in his house .

2. Thankful that Christ hath in any measure gifted us for the discharge of our calling : for t' was he that did ascend to give gifts unto men : Eph. 4.12 .

3. Thinkful , especially , that God doth bless our endeavours in the exercise of those gifts to the conversion of souls : for , how many men of great gifts and parts do fish all night and all day too , yea many dayes and years and catch nothing , though they cast out the net of the word many thousand times ?

Therefore be thankful , that God should vouchsafe to imploy any of us , in so honorable work and service who deserved not to wash the feet of his servants . That God should crown our poor weak indeavours with the conversion of souls .

If God hath so honoured us , Give God in Christ the honour of conversion . let us put the honour back upon him , yet not we , but Jesus Christ may be admired among the people .

As they said of their bodily cure , Act. 3.12 . So should we of the conversion of a soul ; Why look ye so earnestly on us ? as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk ? No : The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob hath glorified his son Jesus Christ , — and his name , through faith in his name , hath made this man strong , whom ye see and know . Yea the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all .

Ministers are but Trumpets . Alas , we are but trumpets ( Isai 58.1 . Lift up thy voice like a trumpet ) and therefore if God breath not in us , we are as dead as others are , neither can we raise others from the dead .

T is true indeed the dead shall be raised in the last day by the sound of the trumpet ; but not by the power of the trumpet it self , but by the power of him that ordained it . So those that are dead in sin shall be raised in the mean time by the trumpet of the gospel , but not by the power of the gospel it self , or of the publisher of it but by the power of that God who appointed the foolishness of preaching for the conversion of souls , 1 Cor. 3.5 , 6. Who is Paul ? and who is Apollo , but the ministers b●y whom ye believe ; Paul may plant , and Apollo may water , but it is God along that giveth the increase .

If God therefore be the strength of his servants in the conversion of souls , there is good reason he should be their Praise , we have cause to bless God , if any rise up and call us blessed we might have been so far left , to partake in other mens sins , that others might have risen up and called us cursed .

Therefore let God have all the glory , if any of us have been made instruments of the conversion of any : Thus Paul . 1 Tim. 1.12 . I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who hath inabled me , for that he hath counted me faithful putting me into the ministry .

Of comforts to them that are Instruments of others Conversion . Vse 7. Of Comfort .

Comfort to those that are instruments of others conversion in the midst of all discomforts they meet withall from the world for to that end ( as we told you in the beginning ) is this argument brought : Be it so , that those that perform this Spiritual piece of service for God and the Church in the conversion of Souls , do meet with more than ordinary opposition and contempt from the world : yet let this be their comfort , their reward and encouragement from God is more than ordinary . What if stones fly about Stevens ears upon earth , so long as heaven is opened to him , and he can see the glory of God , Acts 7.56 . and Jesus standing at the right hand of God , this makes amends for all .

And truly , this Text is as the opening of Heaven to those that labour in the conversion of Souls .

It may be the lot of such to be made with the Apostles , the very filth of the world , and the off-scouring of all things , 1 Cor. 4.13 .

But what of that ? the more they suffer , the more they shall be glorified . The adversaries Reproaches shall be turned into Crowns of Glory ; and therefore they may say with Job , 31.31 . If mine adversary should write a book against me , yet would I take it and binde it as a Crown upon my head .

This therefore ( I say ) may be matter of comfort against all that discomfort which the Ministers of God meet withall . I plead not for all that are called by that Name , who wear a garment , or a name to deceive , who prophecy of wine and strong drink ; who seek themselves , and seek the fleece more than the good of the flock : Let such bear their own burthen . But I speak of such as are faithful , and seek the things of Jesus Christ .

Let wicked men spit out their gall and spleen against Gods faithful Messengers : Let them rail and revile , and cast dirt upon their faces , &c. God himself shall undertake to wipe away all reproaches and all their tears ; when shame , everlasting shame shall cover their adversaries : Then , they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness , as the stars for ever and ever .

THE EPILOGUE : OR , A Pathetical Conclusion of the whole Work .

THus you see how such as live by Faith themselves , should labour to convert others to the Faith . And thus have we done ( through Gods grace assisting ) with this whole Subject of Faith , I have now but two Requests to make unto you by way of Conclusion : the one is , that I may obtain the help of your Prayers , that I may be enabled from God to hold forth by Pattern , what I have so long held forth by Precept in the Life of Faith , whatever Trials should come .

And the other is , That you would be perswaded to follow after , in walking according to the Rule that hath been set before you ; That what hath been spoken , may be prest and imprinted upon your hearts by the Spirit of the living God .

You have heard much of Faith in my Reverend Predecessors time , as appeareth by what is left upon Record ; and God hath directed me to strike upon the same Nail ; I may say , as many years together , as I intended days at the first . But he that multiplied the barley loaves , and the broken meat , was pleased in the dividing and distributing of this Subject of Faith , to multiply my Meditations far beyond my first intentions

I heartily desire this 〈◊〉 be the fruit of my poor labours , That when I have done preaching of this Subject , you may so begin and continue to practise what hath been taught , that your life may be a living by Faith , and a perpetual Commentary upon the Text.

And Oh that I could perswade you to live this Life of Faith , before you lay down this Life of Nature , or else you die , and die for ever . And do not say thus within your selves . I 'll do it the next Year , Moneth , Day . How many Scores yea , hundreds have been cut off by Death , since we began to speak of this Life of Faith . And it may be many of them thought themselves as likely to live as any of us , and it may be they were so indeed , in the course of Nature . But remember , our Times are in Gods hands , and not in our own . And therefore let us put our hearts into his hands also , that he may fit us for our times , how long or how short soever our lives may prove .

Some have said , I have been too long upon this matter of Faith : but I confess they were some such as heard me not ; and therefore I do the less respect what they say , because they speak evil of the things they heard not , and therefore of the things they know not . It hath been some encouragement ( and an Argument of Blessing ) that such as were usual hearers , have not been tired out ( as hath appeared by these days assemblies , compared with the other Lecture-day . )

But I beseech you , be you Believers and doers of this word , and not hearers onely , deceiving your own selves . Jam. 1. Else I shall have cause to complain , I have not stood long enough upon this Subject : For that is never sufficiently taught , that is not sufficiently learnt and put in practise .

My hearts desire and Prayer to God for Ipswich is . That as they have heard much of Faith : so they might live by it as much ; that whilst our Neighbors look upon us , and mark our steps , they may not see in this Town , here a company living by Sense ; and there another living by Wits , Shifts and Projects ; and a third living upon their Lusts ; and a fourth upon their unrighteous Mammon ; and a fifth upon their Self-righteousness : and so the rest . But we might so generally live by Faith ( through the grace of God ) that I might have cause to glory of you , as the Apostle doth of the Romans , Chap. 1.8 . I thank my God through Jesus Christ , that your Faith is spoken of in all places .

However , in the mean time I bless God , that I have found some fruits of my weak endevours , in helping any to set their faces Sion-ward , who have acknowledged the moving of the Spirit upon the waters ; & that God hath drawn out the desire of their souls to the remembrance of his name . I have great cause to be confident , That where God hath begun this good work of Faith amongst you , he will perfect it unto the day of Jesus Christ . And therefore grounding upon this good Word of Promise , I shall conclude my Preaching of this Subject , in that Prayer of the Apostle Peter , 1 Pet. 5.10 , 11. Now the God of all grace , who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus , after that ye have suffered awhile , make you perfect , stablish , strengthen , settle you . To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever . Amen .

FINIS .
AN ALPHABETICAL TABLE Of the Principal CONTENTS . A Abstinence . ABstinence from sin is far from Mortification , Page 158 Accusation . Satan accuses God of envy and severity , to hinder reconciliation 'twixt God and Man , p 536 , 537 Acting . Activity . Activity of faith is the excellency of it , 556 The acting of faith most honours God , 557 It brings most comfort and hearts-ease to us , ibid. Acting of faith brings advantage and advance , 558 , 559 The not acting of faith foils and shames Christians , 559 Gods outward actings for us , carry proportion to his inward actings upon us , 558 Could we but act faith , nothing could make us miserable , 559 Helps for the acting of faith , 560 See living by faith . Adoption . See Heirship . It proves our right to a heavenly Inheritance , 344 Adoption in the Civil Law , how taken , 344 Adoption used in a threefold case , ibid. Double act of free-grace in Adoption , 345 Difference 'twixt Divine and Humane Adoption , ibid. The Spirit of Adoption implies two things , 347 The Spirits testimony of our Adoption , what it is , ibid Adversity . The just live by faith in Adversity , 49 In relation to inward and outward troubles , 50 , 51 See Troubles . Motives to live by faith in Adversity , 65 , 66 Reproof to such who do not so , 66 It argues a threefold evil , 67 Affliction . Faith makes a right use of Afflictions for growth in Sanctification , 131 Antipodes . The discovery of Antipodes in the new world , from 429 to 434 Apostacy . See Backsliding . Confutation of the Doctrine of the Saints Apostacy , 241 , 242 , 243 See Perseverance . Examples of Gods Judgements on Apostates , 250 , 251 Apostacy is the fruit of Vnbelief , Hypocrisie , Heresie , 464 Apostates triumph'd over be damned spirits , 491 Arraignment . The process of faith in the Arraignment of sin , 152 , 153 , 154 The Arraignment of Vnbelief , 467 Ascension . Christs Ascension a pledge of believers glorification , 348 Assurance of Justification . Faith uses 12 means to attain it , from 92 , to 97 Four Reasons for the trial of the truth of assurance , 97 Three Marks of true assurance , 97 , 98 Faith answers all objections which may cloud assurance , 99 , 100 , 101 The just live by faith in expectation of assurance , 101 , 102 Five Vses of living by faith in order to assurance , 103 , 104 One in a state of grace may be assured of Salvation , 247 How faith assures of heaven , from 342 , to 351 Motives to get assurance of Eternal life , 374 , to 379 Want of assurance and joy may consist with strong faith , 514 Divine Attributes rightly apprehended and applied , breed assurance , 96 Atheism . Atheist . Instances of two grand Atheists , 356 , 363 Living upon Self , is a high degree of Atheism , 432 Atheism is the fruit of Vnbelief , 464 Attributes of God . They are special means to beget faith , 538 , 539 Rightly apprehended and applied they breed assurance , 96 Augmentation . See Growth . The just by faith draw increasing vertue from Christ , 190 , 191 Reasons of spiritual Augmentation , 192 , to 195 Augmentation in grace is by faith , 195 , to 199 See Growth in grace . B Backsliding . Difference 'twixt a believer and a hypocrite in this , 215 It is a great dishonor to backslide , 250 See Apostacy . Beauty , or Compleatness . Believers are the most beautiful persons , 479 Believers . Their description and condition , 1 They lead a super-excellent life in seven particulars , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 They only can have comfort against a sixfold condemnation , 417 , 418 , 419 Christ is the Principle and End of their duties , 447 The believing creature is a praying creature , 448 The complicated excellencies of a believer , from 471 , to 481 Benefit : How far one mans faith may benefit another , 38 Blessings . Seven belong to the natural life , for which the Saints live by faith , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 Blindness of minde . Gods judicial inflicting of it , justified , 496 , 497 Book . God hath a threefold Book , 395 , 396 C Carefulness , In worldly things , a sign of weak faith , 572 Carriage . See Conversation . Care of our carriage in this life , is a sign of right to heaven , 362 Censure . The wicked censure Religion to breed Melancholy , 319 , 320 Certainty . True grace is certain , and durable above all things , 247 , 248 Charter . The believers Charter for Eternal Life , 341 , 342 Chastisement Gods , is castigatory probatory Purgatory , 504 Christ His Merit , Intercession and Spirit , is a cause of Perseverance , 239 Christ was an Example of Perseverance , 256 See Perseverance . Overlooking the terms on which Christ is to be had , viz. the Cross , is a cause of unexpected sadness , 314 Difference 'twixt the life of Christ and a believers , 425 What it is to receive Christ on Gospel-terms , 560 To clear up our interest in Christ , is a means to act faith , ibid. Church . Church of Christ compared to a Ship , 349 Circumspection . It ought to be seen in our affections , meditations , speeches , actions , 362 , 363 , 364 Civility . See Morality . It is dangerous to rest in it , and trust to it , 119 Difference 'twixt Civility and Sanctification , ibid. Combat . Differences 'twixt a true and false combat with sin , 160 Comfort . See Consolation . Sound comfort flows from proving our own faith , 43 The Comforter abides for ever , though not the act of Comfort , 272 Communion . Christian Communion is a means to increase faith , 579 Compassion . The Just live by faith in point of Compassion , and how , 54 Condemnation . Believers are set free from a sixfold condemnation , 111 , 112 The intailment of Condemnation on Vnbelievers , 417 418 , 419 , 421 Confession . Resolute confession of Christ , is a means of assurance , 95 Confidence . See Pride . Self-confidence hinders growth in grace , 231 Sinful confidence , how manifold and dangerous , 6 Carnal confidence in spiritual friends , 41 Conscience Renewed by faith , it acquits and quiets , 299 The testimony of a renewed Conscience , is nothing else but a reflex act of faith , 301 Conscience purified , makes the believer cheerful , 308 A good Conscience is a means to keep faith , 550 Consolation . Vide Comfort . Vide Joy . The just live by faith the life of Consolation , 278 Consolation is the Saints complete Commencement , 279 The suburbs of heaven in the consolations of faith , 280 , 281 Christs best reserve in the Wine of Joy , 282 Proofs from Scripture , that the just live the life of Consolation , 282 The just live the life of Consolation by faith , 283 Faiths activity the magazine of Comfort , 284 Gods design in promoting the Saints Comfort , 284 , 285 , 286 , 287 , 288 The influence of faith into Consolation , 288 , to 292 Consolation , what properly , 292 Consolation from the touch of faith , 292 , 293 The Word and Sacraments , are the Brests of Consolation , 393 , 394 , 395 Reasons why Consolation comes by faith , 298 , 299 , 305 , 306 We must try our Comforts by our Graces , and not our Graces by our Comforts : See why 300 , to 304 It is easier to be deceived in our Comforts than Graces , 301 See Joy . Papists rob of Comfort , while of faith , 321 Comfort from sense and sensual delights , ends in sorrow , 321 To refuse to be comforted by the Promises , dishonors God , 322 Comfort in false Doctrine and Prophets , dangerous , 322 Motives to live by faith the life of Comfort , 323 Consolation brings activity of Obedience , 323 There may be strong faith where little comfort , 514 Constancy . See Perseverance . Gods constancy in his love , a motive to perseverance , 249 Conversation . See Carriage . Vnnecessarily imbraced with wicked ones , hinders growth in grace , 230 Conversion , Vnbelievers rarely Convert others ; if they do , they take no joy in it , 39 The method of converting grace , how it gradually proceeds from conviction of sin to a closing with Christ , 521 , 522 Its not the Word without the Spirit , which can convert , 529 Conversion of Souls is a most excellent work , for seven Reasons , from 585 , to 600 Such reproved who slight the converting of others , 602 , 603 , 604 Exhortation to convert souls , 606 Eight Motives to convert others , from 607 , to 610 Means for the conversion of others , from 610 , to 612 Exhortation to People to be willing to be converted , and to attend on such means as are proper for it , 612 , 613 , 614 , 615 , 616 The misery of such who are not converted , 613 The happiness of converted ones , 614 Objections of Discouragement answered , 614 , 615 Thankfulness for our own and others Conversion , 616 Conviction . It is an act of the comforting Spirit , though not an act of Comfort , 272 The Spirit convinces of sin by opening and applying the Law , 520 , 521 Covenant of Grace . This is a cause of the Saints perseverance , 238 Creature-inconstancy . Faith triumphs over it , 261 , 262 Curiosity . Vain curiosity concerning heaven , condemned , 359 D Deadness of Spirit . Gods Children subject to it , 172 Causes of spiritual deadness , which is fourfold , 173 Sinful deadness springs from four privative causes , and from four positive causes , 173 Penal and probational deadness , 174 Saints recover by faith out of deadness , 174 , 175 Reasons why faith recovers out of deadness , 175 , 176 Four Arguments or Meditations whereby faith quickens , 177 Motives to quicken under deadness , 179 , 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 Means to quicken under deadness , 184 , 185 , 186 , 187 Vide Vivification . Death . Die . Faith in death , 58 469 Six Reasons why believers die in faith , 59 , 60 No need of faith after death , 61 , 62 Christs death applied by faith , a means of Sanctification , 126 Greater happiness in the death , than life of Believers , 318 , 319 Degrees of Christs Conquest over Death , from 368 , to 373 Believers conquer Death in rectified opinion of it , 370 Reasons why true Believers are loth to die , 372 Desertion . The just live by faith under desertion , 50 Faith triumphs over fear of Divine desertion , from 267 , to 275 Desertion in appearance only , 267 , 268 269 Desertion in respect of temporals onely , 270 Desertion in respect of Spiritual means , 271 Desertion in respect of Spiritual comforts , 271 , 272 God deserts his people onely in accessory graces , 273 , 274 Vide Forsaking . Despair . It is Reproved , 358 , 359 It quits the Vse of the Ordinances , 510 Desires . Strong desires after Christ are the seeds of faith , 533 Diligence . It leads to assurance in the use of holy means , 95 What it implies , and how it breeds faith , 541 Discipline . Holy discipline and strictness , the sphere of Comfort , 297 , to 300 Discouragement . Faiths triumph over five main discouragements , 261 Doctrines . These are to be judged true or false , as they slander or advance the life of faith , 448 , 449 Doubting . Frequency of it , a sign of weak faith , 571 Duration . Faith must be acted as long as we live , yet love excels it in duration , 60 , 61 Duties . Backwardness to holy duties , and remissness in them , is a sign of a weak faith , 572 E Election . It is a cause of perseverance , 237 Doubting of Election hinders believing , 505 Envy . It is an Impediment of growth in grace , 230 Establishment in Faith . Reasons why we should labor to be establisht both in the Doctrine and Grace of faith , 544 The benefit of Establishment in the faith , ibid. Enemies which oppose the establishment of faith , 545 Though faith cannot be lost , yet God establishes in the use of means , 545 Seven Means of establishing faith , 548 , to 556 See Keeping of Faith . Eternal . See Life . Examination . See Trial. Evidence of grace upon examination brings comfort , 300 Examine two things in order to the Sacrament , 577 Excellency . Faiths excellency in two respects , 62 , 63 The complicated excellencies of a believer , 477 Example . Examples of crowned Saints a means of perseverance , 255 Experiences . These called to minde breed assurance , 96 They are a firm ground for future faith , 409 Reasons for the deduction of faith from experiences 410 They are a means to increase faith 581 F Faith . It s definition in eight branches 19 , 20 What it is to live by faith , in five particulars 21 , 22 Faith , Life and Christ come all together , yet in order 23 Faith described in seven faculties of spiritual life 23 , to 28 Why Saints live by faith rather then any other grace , 28 , 29 , 30 Why no man can live , but by his own faith , 33 , 34 Caution in four particulars amplifying that truth , 35 , 36 , 37 Restriction of it in four Considerations , 38 , 39 Make much of faith as your life in troubles , 64 , 65 True faith is known by its renewing and fructifying vertue 141 Faith is the root of holiness and fruitfulness , 144 Faith resembles the expulsive faculty in the body 150 Faiths triumph over personal weaknesses , 263 Its triumph over sinful distempers , 264 Faiths triumph over uncertain events , 264 , 265 Its triumph over fear of sinning or suffering , 266 , 267 Its triumph over fear of divine desertion , 267 , 268 See Desertion . Faith reflects on Sanctity and Sincerity to comfort , 299 Faith produceth comfort , as it makes future good things to be ( as it were ) present , 305 306 Want of acting faith in Gods Word and Works , though there be the habit , is a great cause of sadness , 313 , 314 Faith is the mother and nurse of spiritual joy 328 Faith to be acted seven wayes for the increase of joy , 328 to 334 Faith assures that eternal life is the Believers 341 How faith assures a Believer of heaven , 342 to 351 Examination of true faith as it respects eternal life , 362 Faith lifts up a man above the troubles of the world , 377 382 383 Faiths manly choice , or charm against prosperity 385 What are the Reasons why the Just must live by faith 398 to 417 Living by faith a very reasonable duty 399 Faith puts life into the Promises 400 Faith is a Saints security for all his hopes 400 , 401 The exercise of faith keeps the soul humble 401 Faith makes up the match 'twixt Christ and the soul , 411 Faith is the Conduit-pipe to convey spiritual life 412 Faith brings in a revenue of honor to God 413 In both Covenants God required faith , but with a large difference ; what that is . see 414 415 Faith establishes salvation on freer and surer grounds then the first Covenant did or could 415 Faith discovers life in the midst of death 417 The triumph of faith over a sixfold condemnation 418 Faith a Cordial against fainting fears 420 Faith not an Evidence , but an instrument of spiritual life 427 Faith not improved , exposes to reproach 436 Faith seems extinct where it is not exercised 437 The conduct of faith in every action , condition and choice , 436 , 437 , 438 The Touch-stone of true justifying faith 442 , 443 The Fruits and Effects of saving faith 444 , 445 Faith never gives quiet possession to sin 446 Living by faith the touchstone to try all Doctrines and Religions , whether they be true 448 , 449 The life of gratitude for the life of faith 449 Faith such a gift as is all in all Faith in order of working is the root of other graces 451 Faith cannot be implanted by any creature 452 The wonders of faith in its several steps 453 Faiths rarity or scarcity , 458 Exhortation to get faith , 469 The notable exploits of faith 472 True faith is omnipotent faith 473 Faiths safety is grounded on the promise 475 Faith consults with God in the Word 476 Faith is the Christians Al-sufficiency 478 Faith honors God 480 Faith and Life come into the soul both at once 481 Faith makes to prosper 481 Faith a sweet companion from first to last 483 Means how to get Faith . Impediments and Hindrances of faith , together with Directions to remove them , 486 to 515 Faith no easie matter , though it makes all things easie 515 Positive means of faith to beget it 517 to 543 Exhortation to keep faith 543 Faith a Treasure to be secured ibid. The general usefulness of faith 544 Reasons why we should look to the preserving of our faith , 544 to 548 Comparisons to excite chariness over faith 546 Faith is a spiritual charm or antidote 547 Means of preserving faith , 548 to 556 Exhortation to act faith , and to live by it 556 Far better to put faith then mony to use ibid. Motives to act faith , 556 to 560 Means to act faith , 566 to 564 Six Motives to increase in faith 565 to 571 Signs of a weak faith 571 Means for the increase of faith 574 Fear . Filial fear of God assures of his love 95 Difference 'twixt true and false fear of God 304 Forgiveness . We must imitate God in forgiving others , yet this overthrowes not Civil Courts of Judicature 108 , 109 Ignorance of Gods forgiveness causes great sadness 313 Forsaking . See Desertion . God only forsakes his people gradually , and for a time 274 Reasons of Gods forsaking his people 275 to 278 It confirmes a fivefold good 276 , 277 Free Spirit of God . How many wayes said to be free 552 , 553 What the free Spirit of God sets believers free from , 553 Gods free Spirit establisheth in freedom 554 See Christian Liberty . Friends . What to desire for our best friend 317 , 3●8 Fructification . Or New Obedience . How faith hath influence into spiritual fructification , 135 Faith makes sinners become good trees 136 Faith discovers what is good fruit , 137 Faith excites the soul to be fruitful two wayes , ibid. Faith suits our fruit to the seasons of grace , 137 , 138 Faith ripens the fruits of new obedience 139 Faith procures acceptation of our fruitfulness , 139 , 140 Motives to be fruitful in season , 147 , 148 Fulness . There is a fulness of the subject and object in heaven , 339 , 340 Sight of Christs fulness , is a means to beget faith , 539 540 G Gift . Faith is Gods gift 449 Faith is a gift necessary to the very being of a Christian , Faith is such a gift which none but God can give , 451 Faith is a most precious gift , 455 , 456 , 457 Faith is a rare gift , 457 Glory . The more we aim at Gods glory , the more we grow in grace , 212 There is much glory in the sufferings and reproaches of Believers , 480 Gospel . Gospel revelation requires solemn gratulation , 459 Grace . See Growth in Grace An elegant description of its nature in a Metaphor , 302 How to distinguish common grace from saving , 303 , 304 An hypocrite cannot desire grace as grace 304 Growth in Grace . See Augmentation . Just live the life of spiritual growth 191 , 192 Reasons of spiritual growth , 192 , 193 , 194 , 195 The influence of faith into spiritual growth , 195 , 196 Four Reasons why the growth of grace depends on faith , 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 Life of grace is always on the growing hand , 199 , 200 There are degrees in grace , ergo aspire to increase , 201 Reproof for want of due growth 202 Reproof of such as think themselves perfect , 202 , 263 Reproof of such who decline in grace , 203 Reproof of such who hinder growth in others , but grow in sin themselves , 204 , 205 The touchstone of true spiritual growth , 205 to 217 Vide Strength . Vide increase What to judge in the sense of want of growth , 214 , 215 Humiliation for want of growth 217 , 218 Thankfulness for growth , against opposition , 218 , 219 Motives to grow in grace , 220 to 226 Means of spiritual growth , 226 to 231 Seven Impediments of spiritual growth , 229 , 230 Comfort to young beginners in grace , 231 232 How strong grown Saints should carry themselves toward the weak , 232 H Hagiography , Or spiritual boundaries to the loose professing world , 434 435 Hardness of Heart . Gods judicial hardning of the heart , is an Impediment of faith , 492 Divine justice justified in adding judicial hardness to wilful & affected , 493 , 496 Partial hardness mourned over , is probational , 495 Health . How the just live by faith for it 70 Heaven See Life Eternal . A fourfold fulness of the subject in heaven 439 , 340 A fivefold freedom in heaven 340 Christs being in heaven assures believing of glory 348 Heaven a reserved inheritance , why ? 350 , 351 , 352 Curious Questions concerning Heaven , condemned 359 The meditation of heaven is to be improved , 360 , 361 The excellency of heaven in five respects 388 , 389 Citizens of heaven known by their Language 365 Degrees of Glory in heaven 221 Heaviness . Rise of the Saints heaviness from 312 to 317 See Sadness Heirships . Difference twixt heavenly & earthly heirs 345 , 346 See Adoption Heresie . It is the daughter of unbelief and hypocrisie 463 , 464 Holy . Holy life is a sign of Right to Heaven 366 , 367 Honour . It is a Christians honour to persevere 249 250 Believers are the only right honorable ones 480 Hope . The touchstone of sound celestial hope 362 to 373 Hope of heaven is a buckler against fear of adversity , 382 Hope of heaven is a charme against prosperity 385 Humility . Humiliation . It is a means to attain assurance , 95 Feigned humility is the root of licentiousness , 143 Laying too much stress on the depth of humiliation is a great hindrance of Believing , 502 , 503 Reasons why humiliation must Precede faith , 522 , 523 524 Humility in all the periods or degrees of grace , 525 Hypocrisy . It is an impediment of spiritual growth 230 How far an Hypocrite may go , 257 Wherein an Hypocrite comes short , 258 An hypocrite cannot rejoyce in the whole word of God , 302 , 303 Hypocrisy springs from unbelief , 463 I Ignorance . Vnbelief is the root and parent of it , 462 Increase . There is a divine and diabolical increase , 213 How the increase of the natural man in moral vertues , differs from the increase of God in saving graces , 213 , 214 See growth , See strength Injoyment . Believers have the firmest tenure and sweetest injoyment of earthly blessings , 77 , 78 Interest . Interest in Christ clears up interest in the covenant of grace ; and this , an interest to all the promises , of which sons in Christ are heirs , 560 Joy see Consolation . How to discern the joy of a hypocrite from that of a Saint 302 , 303 The joy of a Believer excells all natural worldly sinful Joy in 10. Properties , from 323 , to 328 Means to breed , Spiritual Joy 328 , to 344 Judgment . Faith applies the last judgment as a means of sanctification , 127 , 128 Judgments on unbelievers , 466 Examples of Gods judgments on apostates , 250 , 251 Just. Who are such , and why said to live by faith , not by their justice 31 None are just or justified till thy believe 32 Justification . The life of Faith in justification 80 The definition of it ; which contains , the act , object , and application of both , and its fourfold causality , 81 to 85 Faith puts forth a fourfold act upon the conscience & heart of a sinner to fit him for pardon 86 , 87 Faith how it acts in the continuance of justification 88 Faith how it fetches in assurance of justification Faith moves a man to desire more faith , in order to assurance of his justification , and uses 11 Motives 89 to 92 Vses of the Doctrine of faith in justification 105 Justification by free grace breeds humiliation 105 106 Four Marks of true justification 107 We must not justifie sinners , or condemn Saints 108 Motives to seek for the five-fold benefit of justification 110 , 111 Justification and sanctification are inseparable twins , 141 , 142 The first and second evidence of justification , what ? 301 K Keep . See Establish . Exhortation to keep faith , 543 Reasons why we should look to the keeping of our faith . 544 Seven Means whereby to keep faith 548 to 552 See Free Spirit . See Perseverance . L Libertinisme . The root of it is feigned humility and laziness 143 Liberty . Faith and Christian Liberty support each other 554 Many account it their liberty to sin 555 See Free Spirit . Life Spiritual . Gods People are in a state of life by way of eminency 8 The excellency of the Saints Life in seven particulars , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 Saints Life is a hidden life , and why 12 Spiritual life proved to be existent in believers 12 Spiritual life very desirable 13 Signes of Spiritual life 14 15 , 16 Life Natural . Five evil and troublesome concomitants of it 60 Believers injoy it by faith upon different grounds from unbelievers 67 , 68 Saints live a natural life by faith in seven respects 68 , to 76 Life Spiritual Is twofold , either the life of Justification or Sanctification ; the just life by faith in both , 79 , 80 Four differences twixt true living Spiritual actions and false 187 , 188 Spiritual life is alway increasing 199 , 200 The comliness and pleasantness , profit , equity , safety , and necessity of such a life as it increaseth , 200 to 226 Vide growth . Life Eternal . See heaven . The work of faith about eternal life 334 It assures , that there is an eternal life from scripture and reason , with the degrees of it 335 , 336 What the happiness of eternal life is 336 337 Wherein it consists , from 337 to 341 Confutation of those who deny eternal life , 353 , 354 Motives to get assurance of eternal life , from 374 to 379 Means to get this assurance The believers homage-penny for eternal life 386 The excellency of eternal life , from 388 to 391 Life of unbelievers . They live on their lusts , pleasures , upon Creatures , and upon a fivefold undoing self 429 to 434 Limiting of God . It is a great impediment of faith , how cured 499 500 Logick . Faiths holy logick 348 , 349 , Love of God . It is a reason why the Saints persevere , 237 , 238 The want of feeling it should not hinder believing , 503 Love to God , is a means to increase faith , 580 Love to the Saints . Difference 'twixt that which is true and false , 304 , 305 Lust . Love of lust is the life of a sinner , 429 Lusts haboured oppose faith , with considerations how to abandon them , 501 M Marriage . How Saints live by faith in it , and in single estate , 73 Meanes . In the conservation of the natural life , must be used in faith , 68 , 69 Meditation . It is the fruit of holy affection 364 Meditation on Gods Attributes , especially mercy , is a good means to beget faith 536 Melancholy . It is a scandal to Christian profession , 319 , 320 Mercy . Gods mercy becomes a suiter to mans misery 537 Ministry . See Preaching What the chief work of a Minister is 427 , 428 The dignity of the Ministry , 601 Exhortation to Ministers to preach in a soul-saving way , 611 , 612 God usually blesses a setled proper Ministry 42 Merry . Merry madnesse 311 Morality . Difference 'twixt morality and Sanctification in nine respects , 119 , 120 , 121 Mortification . The influence of faith into the life of mortification , 149 The art of faith in mortifying of lusts , 151 to 154 Reasons why faith will have sin to be mortified , 155 , 156 Error of such who refuse to believe till sin he mortified 158 Marks of true mortification 159 , 160 Enemies unto , and juglers in mortification reproved , 161 Alarm to Mortification , 163 Motives to Mortification , 164 165 Means of Mortification , 166 , 167 , 168 , 169 Murther . Soul Murther , is the worst kind 17 , 470 N Natural men . They are distingusht into two ranks 532 Necessity Of faith in Adversity 64 New Obedience . See Fructification . Nourishment . Strong desires after Spiritual nourishment , are a signe of Growth is Grace , with three Cautions in this particular 206 , 207 , 208 , 209 Nursery Spiritual . Faith lays hold on Christ in the Ordinances , as breasts of Consolation , and thence draws strength 293 , 294 , 295 O Opposition . There is no true faith without Opposition , 514 , 515 He that would believe , must break thorow opposition 515 , 516 Gods Spirit delights to grapple with the greatest opposers of his word and wayes that he may convert them 516 Ordinances . See Word . Despising of them , is an impediment of Spiritual growth 230 Neglect of the ordinances hinders believing 505 Five causes why men neglect the ordinances 505 to 511 Though it be not in the Power of the ordinances , to beget or increase faith , yet they are to be used 516 , 517 They who live above , that is , without ordinances are absurd 518 , 519 P Papists , and carnal Professors . These make Sanctification & justification devour each other 141 , 142 Papists faith is cobled up of pride and ignorance 40 Pardon . A pardoned state is a peaceable state 296 Passion . How faith moderates and subdues the Passions of Cares , fear and sorrows 52 , 53 477 Patience . Faith in adversity teaches and exercises patience 64 Peace . Saints live by faith for it , in two respects 71 The golden chain and order of righteousness , peace and Joy 296 Perfection . Conceit of perfection is an impediment of spiritual growth 229 Knowledg , Love , Obedience , and Joy , are perfect in Glory 338 , 339 Perseverance . Faith triumphs in the life of Perseverance 233 , 234 Proofes from scripture that the just doth persevere 235 Perseverance is by vertue of faith 236 Reasons why the just shall persevere 237 to 240 Reasons why perseverance is through faith 240 , 241 Confutation of the doctrines of falling from grace 241 Five concessions wherein there may be a falling away 242 Exception to 7 particulars which can never be lost 243 244 Objections against perseverance answered 245 , 246 Motives to perseverance from 249 to 253 Means of perseveranee from 253 to 257 Truth of grace demonstrated by perseverance 257 Thankfulness for perseverance 259 , 260 Faiths incouragement to persevere amidst all discouragements 261 Vide establishment in faith . Posterity . Saints live by faith for blessings on posterity 73 Power of God . It is a cause of the Saints perseverance 239 Praise . It is due from Saints for their spiritual life 11 , 12 Prayer . The exercise of it , is a meanes of assurance 94 As also observation how God hears our prayers 94 The prayer of faith , is a means of sanctification 131 , 132 , 133 Prayer is a means of spiritual growth 226 , 227 Prayer is a means to increase spiritual Joy 3●9 Prayer may subdue hereticks when reason cannot , 357 Prayer & preaching must not justle out each other , 529 Prayer a means to beget faith 527 , 529 Natural men ought to pray , though they cannot pray acceptably without faith , 530 , 531 Pray , that thou maist believe & believe that thou maist pray with acceptation , 533 Prayers of others , helpful to conversion , 533 Whether a natural man ought to pray ? The question stated affirmatively , and all objections answered , 530 , 531 , 532 Prayer is a good means to preserve faith 551 , 552 Prayer is a means to increase faith 578 Preaching . See Ministry . The right Art of successful preaching , 427 , 428 Precious . Three things very precious , 455 The precious touch of faith in four respects , 456 , 457 Prejudice . It quarrels the means of faith its cure 506 , 507 Presumption It postdates the use of means which should beget faith , 509 510 Presumption of having faith already hinders believing , together with its cure , 510 , 511 Differences 'twixt presumption and true faith in the conception , birth , growth , issue or fruits , 511 , 512 Presumption is a Monster of pride and security , 513 Pride . Pride in the reason and will subdued in Sanctification , 117 , 118 It is an hindrance of spiritual growth 231 Pride and unbelief are associates 2 , 3 Proud persons are neither obedient nor safe 3 Pride how manifold , and how dangerous 5 , 6 Rank pride is the root of Popish Sanctity 143 Pride contemns the meanes of faith 507 , 508 Profession . Multitudes make a profession of faith , who live not by it , 434 , 435 Promises . Three-sorts of them all tending to assurance 92 , 93 Apply the promises of growth for growth in grace , 228 229 Promises applyed are a believers livelyhood 414 , 415 Our own unworthyness pleaded against the promises is a main hindrance of believing , its Cure 502 Direction in applying of the promises 526 Faith built on false promises of our own , will fail 551 Promises to increase faith , are a means to increase it 575 Prosperity . How the just live by faith in Prosperity 46 , 47 , 48 The temptations of prosperity 385 Protestants . Their Apology against papists in point of work 144 Purchase . The wisest purchase , is faith in Christ 468 , 469 Q Questions . Curious vain questions concerning the state of glory , busy mens fancies , when as their faith should be acted to make sure their interest in that shate 359 R Rainbow . How grace is like it , as a sign of sparing mercy 301 , 302 Rarity . Faith is the greatest Rarity in the world 458 Receive . What it is to receive , Christ on Gospel terms 560 Regeneration . See Unregeration . Love to God , his word , Saints , holiness , an effect of it , 98 Difficulty of the new birth , it is not without doubting , 98 We are not born again of bloods nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man ; how this is to be understood , See 528 See Sanctification . Rejoyce . See Joy . It is the heigth of wickedness to rejoyce in it 321 To rejoyce in the creature as it draws from God , is sinful 321 Relations . See Friends Religious . Religious life , is the only comfortable life 310 , 311 Religious persons must neither be jovial nor austere 320 Religion no fruitless Profession 358 Renunciation Of self , a reliance onely on free grace , brings assurance 96 Resurrection . Christs Resurrection is a means of Sanctification , 126 , 127 Resurrection of the Body , proved 354 , 355 Riches . A Believers Riches are inexhaustible 477 , 478 Righteousness . That of Sanctification is not to be confounded with that of Justification , yet they are inseparable 32 , 33 S Sabbath Rightly sanctified , it is a short and little heaven , 381 Sacrament . Faith applies Christ in the Sacraments for Sanctification 130 A complaint for neglect of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper 294 Sacraments are a means to increase faith 576 Sacrament not to be given to dead-hearted unbelievers , 577 Complaint for interruption of the Sacrament , and the corruption of it as the cause , 578 Sadness . See Heaviness . Vnbelief is the spring of sadness 307 , 308 , 309 Why the Lord suffers his Saints to fall into sadness 315 , 316 See Consolation . Sanctification . Vide Regeneration . The submitting to the Spirit in this Work , is a means of assurance 94 The life of faith in Sanctification 113 There is a life of Sanctification in Believers , besides that which is inherent in Christ himself , proved by four Arguments , 114 , 115 How Sanctification and Justification differ , in four respects , 116 What Sanctification is , and wherein it consists , 116 , 117 It works an holy change on the whole man , 118 Difference 'twixt Sanctification and Morality , in nine respects 119 , 120 , 121 Means whereby Sanctificacation is wrought 122 Faith applies Christ for union as the root of Sanctification 123 Faith applies Christs death for Sanctification and his Resurrection 126 , 127 Faith applies Christs second appearing and the last Judgement for Sanctification 127 , 128 Faith applies the Word of Christ for Sanctification , 128 , 129 Faith makes use of the Sacraments for increase of Sanctification 130 Faith rightly uses and applies affliction for Sanctification 131 The Prayer of Faith is a means to sanctifie , 131 , 132 , 133 Reasons of the necessity of Sanctification ( five ) 134 , 135 Five Motives to the life of Sanctification , 145 , 146 There are degrees in Sanctification 201 , 202 Vide Growth . Sanctification not the meritorious ground of comfort , yet a necessary qualification evidencing our right to comfort 297 , 298 Satan . Satans rage should be a motive to perseverance 252 Satan is a great enemy to the comfort of the Saints , 315 Reasons why Satan is such an enemy to faith , 424 , 488 , 489 Satan presents and applies the Promises in a wrested sense and for licentious ends , 511 , 512 Scriptures . They are a staff to believing Pilgrims 403 Arguments to prove their Divine Authority , 404 , 405 Accomplishment of Scripture-Prophecies , is a wh●tstone to sharpen our assent to their Divine Authority , 406 , 407 There is all the reason in the world why we should believe the Scriptures , 408 , 409 Sealing of the Spirit . It is a consequent priviledge of believing 93 Security . It is the off-spring of the Devil and Vnbelief , 462 Security twofold , Spiritual and Carnal 246 , 247 The Saints Security for a sevenfold treasure 243. 244 The best security for the best purchase 380 Seducers . Their sleights to beguile unstable Souls 254 Seducers are the Devils Factors 604 Self . Shifting self is shiftless folly , 433 Self a great Impediment of faith 486 Its Cure 487 Self-love . The blessing of it is a sign of growth in grace , 205 , 206 There is a fivefold self contrary to the life of faith , 431 , 432 , 433 Sense . Living by Sense is a great impediment of faith , 503 , 514 Sin . It dishonours God and wrongs the Soul , forsake it as the highest demonstration of ingratitude 393 , 395 Sins great defilement in five respects 155 Believers have sin remaining to be mortified 157 Life of sin lies in the will ; ergo subdue desires , 158 Sin may revive where it is mortified 159 Comfort against the vigour and rigour of sin , 169 , 170 Scandalous sins cause great sadness 312 Inordinate aggravation of sin sinks into sadness , 312 , 313 Sincerity . The excellency of sincere grace , in that 't is durable , 247 , 248 Sloth . It recoils from the means of faith . It s Cure , 508 , 509 Society . Good society is a means of begetting faith , 533 , 534 , 535 Soul . Eternal life of the Soul proved 356 , 357 See Life Eternal Speech . Our speeches either condemn or justifie us 365 Spirit of God . What its testimony and witness is 347 The Spirits testimony may be separated from its fruits 347 , 348 Difference 'twixt the Spirits in dwelling in Believers , and common assistance in hypocrites 426 , 427 The Spirits perswasion out-weighs and quickens all means & motives in drawing to Christ 454 , 455 We must pray for Gods free establishing Spirit 552 What Gods free Spirit is , from what he sets believers free , and how he establishes , 552 , 553 , 554 , 555 See Free Spirit . See Establishment . Strength . A believers strength , 471 , 472 , 473 Strength to do duties and resist temptations , a sign of growth 209 , 210 Strength to bear afflictions and injuries , a sign of growth 210 , 211 Strength to bear others infirmities , as also to shake off Ceremonies , a signe of growth 211 Its part of our strength to be sensible of weakness 212 Success . This in the improvement of natural life , is fetcht in by faith , and that in six respects 71 , 72 Sufficiency . All - sufficiency , Self - sufficiency , Sole - sufficiency in Christ 540 T Temptation . The just live by faith in temptation 50 Satan tempts sinners to conceit God to be either all Mercy or all Justice , 536 Yielding to temptations is a sign of weak faith 573 Such who tempt others to sin , are Satans factors , and shall have deep condemnation , 604 , 605 Thankfulness . Be thankful for the life of Justification 109 , 110 The Saints thankfulness for the blossomings of Eternal life 391 , 392 , 393 How that thankfulness is exprest 393 to 397 Thankfulness for faith , with the grounds of it 449 Time . The Just live by faith in respect of all the parts of Time 44 , 45. Tradition . Traditional faith is unsound , 40 , 41 Trial. True faith is tried by undergoing adversity 63 We must try our comforts by our graces , and not our graces by our comforts , 300 to 304 Triumph . The triumph of damned Spirits over unbelievers , 491 Troubles . These are various , yet the Saints live by faith in them 51 Manner of living by faith in troubles , nine ways , 55 , 56 Means of living by faith in troubles , five ways , 57 , 58 Trust . Such reproved who say they trust God with their souls , and yet cannot trust him for temporals 75 , 76 False trust on Creatures or Grace received , hinders faith , together with its Cure 498 , 499 V Valuation . See Precious . A Believer neither over nor under-values his natural life 74 Vision . Vision of God fourfold 337 Perfect Vision causes perfect transformation ibid Vivification . The liveliness of faith in the cure of spiritual deadness , 171 What meant by Vivification , 172 Reasons why the Just live by faith the life of Vivification 175 , 176 Four Arguments or Meditations whereby faith quickens 177 Reproof of such who act not faith for Vivification , 178 , 179 Motives to Vivification , 179 , 180 Means to live the life of Vivification , 184 , 185 , 186 , 187 Trial of true faith by its vivifying power , 187 , 188 , 189 Vide Deadness . Unbelief . Unbelievers . Unbelief is a piece of pride , 3 It makes the heart and condition not right 4 , 5 Unbelievers lead a sordid life , 8 Unbelief is the spring of sadness 307 , 308 , 309 Unbelief was the root of mans first Apostacy 415 Their dead condition 423 Humiliation for Unbelief , 459 Unbelief is the Goliah-sin , 460 Unbelief grieves the Spirit , but pleases the Devil , 461 The monstrous brood of Unbelief 462 The Unbeliever is the greatest Time-server 464 Unbelief is a Stepmother to grace 465 Unbelief is the Nurse that maintains life in every sin , and which binds it on the Soul 465 , 466 Unbelief is a merciless Sequestrator 466 The Arraignment of Unbelief 467 Unbelief is the greatest Self-murther 470 The contrariety of presumption and despair unite in the Unbelievers ruine , 510 Naturally we have hard unbelieving thoughts of God 536 Unbelief is a going out from God into our selves , 539 Unchangeable . Gods unchangeable nature is the cause of the Saints perseverance 239 Union . Signs of spiritual actions flowing from Union with Christ 124 , 125 Union with God is unchangeable 50 Unregenerate . Their Soul is no fit soil for comfort 309 , 310 See Regeneration Unsetledness In Gods truth its a sign of weak faith 571 W Watching . Watching over one another , is a means of perseverance 255 Wealth . How the Just shall live by faith for it 70 Wisdom . The believer is the onely wise builder 474 The believer is never at a stand , because Christ is his Wisdom , 475 , 476 , 477 Word . See Ordinances . Faith applies the Word of Christ for Sanctification , 128 , 129 The Word mixt with faith is a means of growth , 227 , 228 The Word is one of Christs Brests 293 How the Word works faith ; 443 Cavilling and mocking at the Word is the Seal of Vnbelief 494 The Word is the life of faith 517 The Word and Spirit go hand in hand 518 The Word both the object and instrument of faith 518 Living above the Word , is living by a deluded fancy , and not by faith , such are neerer Hell 518 The Word is appointed to work faith , not miracles 519 Every divine Word is an object of faith , especially the Promise 520 Attendance on the Word , a means to increase faith 574 Worldly . World . Worldly-mindedness reproved 361 , 362 Worldly-mindedness springs from unbelief 464 The World tries fair means and foul to hinder faith 489 Wordly examples of the multitude not to be follow'd , 490 FINIS .