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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. B09525) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 191924) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books; 1641-1700 ; 2895:28) A dead faith anatomized a discourse on the nature, and the danger, with the deadly symptoms of a dead faith in those who profess the faith of Christ. / By Samuel Mather ... Mather, Samuel, 1651-1728. Mather, Cotton, 1663-1728. 24, 108 p. Printed by Bartholomew Green, and John Allen, Boston in New England, : 1697. Preface, p. 1-24 (1st group) signed: Cotton Mather. Reproduction of original in the Boston Public Library.

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 eng Faith -- Early works to 1800. eebo A dead faith anatomized. A discourse on the nature, and the danger, with the deadly symptoms of a dead faith in those who profess the faith of Christ. Mather, Samuel, 1651-1728. 1697 138 42985 160 0 0 0 0 0 37.22 D The rate of 37.22 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2014-05 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2015-02 Sampled and proofread 2015-02 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2015-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

A Dead Faith Anatomized

A DISCOURSE ON The Nature , and the Danger , With the Deadly Symptoms OF A Dead Faith In those Who profess the Faith of Christ .

By SAMUEL-MATHER , Pastor of the Church at Windsor , in the Colony of Connecticut .

Hoc est Retia Salutis Expandere .

BOSTON in New England , Printed by Bartholomew Green , and John Allen .

1697.

This Book belongs to The NEW-ENGLAND-Library , Begun to be collected by THOMAS PRINCE , upon his entring Harvard-College , July 6. 1703 ; and was given by said Prince to remain therein forever

Preface .

THAT Great Preacher of the Gospel , and Insatiable Admirer of the Lord Jesus Christ , our Apostle Paul , in all his Writings , but especially in the Epistle , which he wrote unto the Romans , [ which was by Melancthon well called , The Protestants Confession of Faith , ] as well as his Epistle to the Galatians , does abundantly maintain this Article of our Faith , That a man is not Justified by the works of the Law , but by the Faith of Jesus Christ . Justifying Faith is a Receiving of , and a Relying on , the Gift of Righteousness from God , by our Lord Jesus Christ ; or , the Consent of a Distressed Soul , to be Justified , by Gods Graciously Imputing unto him , the Obedience which the Lord Jesus Christ , as our Surety , yielded unto God , on the behalf of His Elect . This Faith doth Justify a Sinner , not ●… s it is a Work ; but Organically & Relatively ; In●… smuch as it is the Instrument , by which a man ●… pprehends the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ , as freely Tendred unto the Sinner in the Gospel ; T is only in this Regard , that Faith , & no Grace , but this Faith , ha's the Honour to Justify us . This is the Good old way , of arriving unto Rest ; and , Aliter qui Vadit , cadit .

But every Jewe● ha's a Counterfeit . And , How shall a man know , that his Faith in the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ , for his Justification , is not a Counterfeit ?

To answer that Case , the Blessed Apostle James , under the Inspirations of the Almighty , declares unto us , the Marks of a Justifying Faith ; and those Marks are , the Works which it perpetually disposes the Believer unto .

Now among the Admonitions of the Apostle to this purpose , there is a special Remark due to that , in Jam . 2. 20. Wilt thou know , O vain man , that Faith without works is Dead ?

The Reader will presently observe in this Remarkable passage ; both the Character of the Faith , which does not produce and promote Good Works , in the man that hath it : It is a Dead Faith ; it will be of no use unto the man in whom it is ; it can do nothing for him : and then , the Character of the Man who ha's this Faith ; He is a vain man ; he seems , and he boasts , to have , what he hath not ; and he flatters himself with Hopes that never shall be made Good unto him . So that , we are now Assured , A Workless Faith is a Worthless Faith .

Paul , who Professedly handles the Doctrine of Justification , does plainly assert , That no man living is Justified by Works , but a man is Justifyed only by Faith . James does nevertheless assert , That a man is Justified by Works , and a man is not Justified by Faith only . And yet , however some of the Ancients , as well as Luther , stumbled at this Appearance of Contradiction , the Assertions do not Contradict one another at all . Paul treats of our Justification before God , and the Right unto Everlasting Life , therein granted unto us , which is only by Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ . James treats of that which may manifest our Justification unto men , that See & Hear , our Profession of our Faith ; and here Works are significant . The Conscience of a man , may be distressed with a twofold Accusation .

First , A man may be Accused of Iniquity ; It may be said , Thou hast broken the Law , and thereby wronged the Name , of God , and the terrible penalty of that Law , now belongs unto thee . The Answer to this Accusation is to be , My Lord Jesus Christ ha's fully obey'd the will of God , and suffered the penalty due to me for my Disobedience ; and I do by Faith depend on this Righteousness of my Lord Jesus Christ , for my Acceptance with God for ever .

Secondly , A man may be Accused of Hypocrisy ; It may be said , Thou Talkest of thy Faith ; but is it not meer Talk ? How canst thou prove , that thy Faith is any more , than what is in the very Devils themselves ? The Answer to this Accusation is , The works of a Sanctified man , which I am doing every Day , are the Proof of my Faith . According hereunto it is asserted by Paul , That a man is Justified alone by Faith : but it is asserted by James , That a man is not Justified by a Faith which is alone . The Question discoursed by Paul is , How a Guilty Person may come to be Acquitted by the Lord , from all the Guilt that lies upon him ? The Answer to this Question , is , Not by any Works of our own , but only by the Righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ , which is , on our part , only by Faith applied unto us . The Question discoursed by James , is , Whether a man pretending to Faith in the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ , shall be saved , though he continue without the works of an Holy Life , agreeable thereunto ? The Answer to this Question is , No , Such a man ha's no Saving Faith at all . And that James is to be taken in that sense , is evident from This : He does insist upon the Instance of Abraham ; and yet Abraham was a Justified man , Thirty years , before those Works , which are said here to Justify him . Upon the whole then , we see Paul and James , Reconciled , or , indeed , never contrdicting . And we are Advised after all ; T is a Vanity in any man to Profess , that he ha's a True Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ , if his Faith be not Fruitful in those Good Works , which may Justify the mans Profession .

There are Two very Important Cases , about which the Thoughts of every Christian , cannot but be Exercised ; and we will here bestow some of our Thoughts thereupon .

The first Case which a Christian , must Consider , if he would be a Christian , is ,

What are those Good Works , which a True Faith , will Quicken & Incline the Believer unto ?

Now we may thus conceive of them ; Good Works , are Sincere Essayes to observe the Law of God . Our God hath given us a Rule of Life , in that which we call , The Moral Law . None of our Works are Perfectly Good , if in any point they fall short of that Rule . But none of our Works do Perfectly come up to the Rule , as long as we are lodg'd in this Body which is to Dy . The Best men alive , when they look upon the Best Works of their Lives , may cry out , with one of the Ancients , Terret me tota vita mea , nam apparet mihi , aut Peccatum , aut tota Sterilitas ; The Sinfulness , and Barranness , of all my Life , strikes me with a Deadly Terror of Soul ! Nevertheless , there are Sincere Essays towards Perfection , which all Believers are Conscientiously making every Day . Now these Essayes are Good , in the Merciful Reckoning of God , our Father in our Lord Jesus Christ . Tho' none of our Sincere Essayes at Well-doing are such Good works as to Justify us , before that Thrice Holy God , who is of Purer eyes than to behold Evil , & whose Pure Eyes yet behold in our Good Works , a world of Evil : Yet our Sincere Essayes are pleasing unto our God , who by His Good Spirit ha's Excited them , & Assisted them ; and , Whose workmanship we are , Created in Christ Jesus unto Good works , which God hath before ordained , that we should walk in them . Such Good Works , as our Prayers , are , as t is said , in Prov. 15. 8. The Delight of the Lord ; and such Good Works , as our Alms , are , as t is said , in Heb . 13. 16. The Sacrifices where-with God is well pleased .

But now , to speak strictly , Good Works must have these Four Ingredients to render them such .

First ; The Matter of our Works must be , according to the Law of God , or , His Will Revealed in His Word . The Prophet could say , in Mic . 6. 8. He hath shewed thee , O man , the thing that is Good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee , but to Do Justice , and to Love Mercy , and to walk Humbly with thy God . Good Works must be such , as the Lord hath shewn to us , that He hath Required of us . They are no Good Works , whereof our God may say , Who hath required ' em ? Works of Piety , are Good Works ; for we have the Word of our God for them ; as in Psal . 92. 1. It is a Good Thing to give Thanks unto the Lord . Works of Charity are Good Works ; for we have the word of our God for them ; as in Heb . 13. 16. To Do Good , and to Communicate , forget not . No works are Good , but such as are contained in the Two Tables of the Ten Commandments ; the Commandments of Love to God , and of Love to Man .

But unto the Constitution of Good Works , it is not enough , that the matter of what we do , be according to the Law of God . Men may do Works that shall be Good for the matter of them , and yet , Every work of their Hands be unclean , saith the Lord . Plowing is Lawful , and Praying is Lawful ; and yet these works may be sinful in the Doer of them . Wherefore ,

Secondly , The Manner of our Works , must be Right , as well as the Matter of them . A man may incur the Wrath of God , by his Good Works , if he do them not in any manner according to the Law , as they should be done . We find , in 1 Chron . 15. 13. The Lord our God is offended at those who Seek Him not after the due Order . No meer External Actions are to be Esteemed Good Works ; there must Internal Cautions go along with them ; else they are but the matter of Good Works , without the Form . Good Works must be done with Regular Circumstances , if they would be called , Good .

Thirdly , The Design of our Works must be Right , as well as the manner of them . The Design which the Law of God has assigned for our Good Works , is , That the Great God , may be acknowledged , and magnified , and glorified : And the Gospel of God , coming in , has assigned a further Design for them ; namely , To express our Gratitude unto our Lord-Redeemer , for His Redeeming of us . Thus 't is Enjoined , in 1 Cor . 10. 30. Whatever ye do , do all to the Glory of God . An Evil Intention will utterly spoil any Good Works , tho' they were otherwise never so Good . And a meerly Selfish Intention is an Evil one . Good Works must all be done , with an Eye , to the Honour of God , and the Service of Christ , before any Temporal Advantage to Self : else the Best Sacrifices are but an Abomination .

Fourthly , Good Works must proceed from a Good Principle ; or otherwise they will have no Real Goodness in them . Waters that Flow from a bitter and a poison'd Fountain , can't be Good . A Good Heart , Like a Good Fountain , must be the Principle , from whence Good Works are to flow . We are told , in Mat . 12. 35. A Good man , out of the Good Treasure of the Heart , bringeth forth Good Things . A Good Principle within , is a Good Treasure of the Heart . Works done meerly from a Principle of Slavish Fear , or Fleshly Love , are not Good , tho' they be never so Good . There must be a Principle of Respect unto God in Christ , wooing us unto all our Good Works , or else they are Stark Naught . Yea , the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ , must be in us , as a Vital Principle , for our Good Works , or else they are Dead Works , every one of them . Hence , no Good Works were ever done by any one Unregenerate man , since the World began ; for every Unregenerate man is destitute of the Principle , which is to be acted in them : the most Splendid Works of the Unregenerate , are but ( as Austin call'd them ) Splendid Sins before the Lord .

And now there is a Second Case which a Christian has to consider , that so he may be stirred up , and helped on , to do those Good Works by which he may approve himself indeed a Christian .

Where Lies the Necessity of Good Works , in a Justified Belsever , to Justifie the Faith , which he is a Professor of ?

Now we do know this ; That our Good Works are not Antecedently necessary unto our Justification before the God of Heaven . For Good Works cannot be done by any man , until he be Justified . Until a man be United unto the Lord Jesus Christ , who is our Life , he is a Dead man : and what Good Works can a Dead man do ? This is a thing Livelily Preached unto us , by our Lord Himself , in the fifteenth Chapter of John ; The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it . Hence that common saying of Austin , Bona Opera sequuntur Justificatum , non praecedunt Justificandum . No , nor is Faith it self , As doing of Good Works , that which Entitles us unto the Righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ , for our Justification ; 'T is Faith , only As it Layes Hold on the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ , for the chief of Sinners , that Justifies us ; And until this be done , we cannot be carried forth unto any Good Works at all .

But then , Good Works , are consequently necessary upon our Justification . 'T is indeed said , That God Justifies the Ungodly ; but then , He does not Leave them Ungodly when He hath Justified them . Well , And where Lies the Necessity ? Truly , if we would not be vain men , we must Know such Things as these .

First , Wilt thou know , O man ? That it is in the very Nature of a Justifying Faith , to put a man upon the Doing of Good Works . Faith is a Purifier of the Heart : [ Acts 15. 9. ] and so , it cannot but be a Purifier of the Life . The same Faith , which Embraces the Lord Jesus Christ , as a Priest , for Atonement , ( and As doing this , it Justifies ! ) Embraces Him also , as a Prophet , & as a King : Now this Prophet will Instruct , & this King will Injoin , our doing of Good Works for ever . A Justifying Faith , Receives Christ the Sacrificer , and the Intercessor ; and in that Notion , it Justifies : But is this all ? No , it also , according to Col. 2. 6. Receives Christ the Lord . Now Good Works are by that Lord Required . 'T is no True Faith , which any man hath , if it be not for a whole Christ . The Devil said unto our Lord Jesus Christ , What have we to do with thee , Thou Holy One ? If a man would be concerned with our Lord Jesus Christ , only as a Merciful One , and a Gracious One , and not likewise as an Holy One , that man has no more Faith than a Devil ! Justifying Faith is a Tree , which cannot but have the Good Fruits of Good Works growing upon it . It is the Holy Spirit of God , that Creates , and that Bestows , a Justifying Faith , wherever i● is ; and that Holy Spirit cannot suffer any Soul , in which He dwells , to be wholly Remiss about the Good Works which are agreeable unto His Holiness .

Briefly ; 'T is in the very Nature of a Saving Faith to be a Working Faith . The Scriptures of Truth , assure us , in Gal. 5. 6. Faith works , by Love . It was well said , therefore by John Hus , Ubi Bona Opera non apparent ad extra , ibi Fides non est ad intra : Faith is not within , if Good Works are not without . Faith must become visible , and ( as hath been sometimes said ) Incarnate , by Good Works upon it .

Again ; Wilt thou know , O man ? That Good works are no Small part of the Great Salvation , which is the Hope and claim of all the Justified . Our Lord Jesus Christ hath Redeemed us by His Blood ; What for ? We are informed , in Tit . 2. ●… 4. To purify unto Himself , a peculiar People , zealous ●… f Good works . The following words , Let no man despise thee , Calvin thinks them spoken to the Peo●… le , because People often don't care to Hear of ●… his ; but it is a Thing to be spoken with all Au●… hority . A main Thing , Bought for us by the Righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ , is , that we may be made Happy , by our Enjoying a Resem●… lance of that Righteousness , in our own doing of Good works , wherein we shall be conformed unto His Exemple . The Doing of Good works , is one main Thing , in that Blessedness , which our Lord ●… esus Christ hath purchased for us , in His being made a Curse on our behalf : And a man ha's no True Faith in him , until he be thus perswaded ! Very grand is the mistake of men , about Salvation : Salvation is not meerly our Fruition of the Good Things reserved for us , in the unseen and future state ; but Salvation lies also in our Performance of Good works leading thereunto . Our Captivity to the Devil , is that from which we are in our Salvation rescued : and that Captivity keeps a man from doing of Good works . For a man to be set at Liberty from the Devil , and so to do those Good works , which are contrary to the Works of the Devil , This , This is our Salvation . A mans being made Able and Willing to Do Good works , like the Good Angels of Heaven , This is the Salvation , which Faith does make out after ; T is the End of our Faith , and the Salvation of our Soul .

Furthermore ; Wilt thou know , O man ? That the Commandment of Heaven hath made Good works incumbent on every man on Earth . T is true , when we are in our Lord Jesus Christ , we are not under a Covenant of works . Our own doing of Good works , is not now , the Condition of our Entering into Life . But still , the Covenant of Grace does not Release us , from all Obligation , to do those Good works , which once were the Terms of our Entering into Life ; the Language of it is that in Rom. 3. 31. Do we then make void the Law through Faith ? God forbid : Yea , we Establish the Law . Because we are under the Covenant of Grace , are we not still obliged unto all that Holiness , all that Watchfulness , all that Exactness , which was demanded in the Old Covenant ? God forbid ! Yea , we do still so Establish the Law , that if we fail in any one thing , t is our Sin , it should be our Grief , it will be our Shame ; and we must , with Contrition of Heart , make our Confession , That we come short of our Duty . Indeed , because we cannot but continually Transgress , and , In many things we offend all , therefore the New-Covenant ha's provided a Remedy for us : T is only the Good works of our Lord Jesus Christ Reputed Ours , that cause us to stand as without Fault before the Throne of God . But we must own it still , as a Fault in us , a Fault worthy of Death , whenever we miss of doing any Thing , that is demanded as a Duty , in the Old Covenant : There is a Sin , in Every Transgression of the Law ; a Sin to be Confessed , Bewayled , Abhorred . Yea , and our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel , doth , How often ? Repeat those Precepts ; in Math . 5. 16. Let your Light so shine before men , that they may see your Good works : and in Tit . 3. 8. This is a Faithful saying , That they which have Believed in God , should be careful of Good works : and in 1 Joh . 2. 1. These Things write I unto you , that ye do not Sin .

Moreover ; Wilt thou know , O man ? That without Good works we are Abominably & Inexcusably Ungrateful unto our Lord Jesus Christ , who hath done so many kind works for us ? The Evangelical Reason for our Good works , is , That we may show our Thankfulness unto Him , Who ha's Loved us , and given Himself for us ; unto Him , Who ha's Loved us , and washed away our Sins , in His own Blood . If a man have the least Grain of True Faith in him , he will make that Enquiry before our Lord Jesus Christ , in Psal . 116. 12. What shall I render to the Lord , for all His Benefits ? Now the Reply that Faith makes to this Enquiry , is the same that our Lord Himself makes ; Let those Good works be done , which may adorn the Doctrine of God the Saviour ! It was argued , in Rom. 12. 1. I beseech you Brethren , by the mercies of God , that ye present your Bodies , a Living Sacrifice , Holy , Acceptable to God , which is your Reasonable Service . Even so , All the Return , which our Lord Jesus Christ expects from us , for all His Mercies , is , That we Devote our selves unto the Service of our Lord : And Faith says , That this is a Thing infinitely Reasonable . Where Faith has been infused into the Heart of any man , there is no Motive unto Good Works more powerful than this upon him . If he could think , I sha●l escape Hell , yea , I shall merit Heaven , by my good works ! This were not such a powerful motive to good works , for an Heart that has Faith in it , as to think , I shall by my good works Glorify , my Blessed Lord Jesus Christ , who has done so much for me ! That man has no Faith in him , on whom this motive has not a very constraining operation . For us to be without good works , would be an horrible Reproach unto the Lord Jesus Christ , as if He were , A Patron of Sin , and as if He were a God that had pleasure in wickedness , and evil might dwell with Him . Now a True Faith wil● never let a man be so wicked as thus to Reproach the Lord . Foolish and Unwise are all they , that thus Requite the Lord !

Finally , Wilt thou know , O man ? That an Heart set for the Doing of Good Works , is a Qualification , and a Preparation of them that shall Inherit the Recompences of Everlasting Life . There is no passing into the most Holy Heavens , without being , as 't is expressed in Col. 1 12. Made meet to be Partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light . All the Partakers of the Heavenly Inheritance , are doing of Good Works therein for ever ; they do nothing but Good works there throughout Eternal Ages . Now , except a man have an Heart for Good works [ in Conversion , Mat . 18. 3. ] given unto him , he is not meet for that Inheritance , whereinto there Enters nothing that shall Defile . The Good works which our weekly Sabbath is to be fill'd withal , make it very wearisome unto an Unrenewed Soul : they say , What a weariness is it ? When the Sanctification of the Lords Day , was lately Urged upon a grave Ceremonious Clergyman , he reply'd , What ? Would you have a man be upon the Rack , a whole Day together ? Truly , The Eternal Sabbath , which our Glorious Jesus carryeth all His People into , Men will be weary of it , it will be a Rack unto them , they won't be suited in it , if they should not have an Heart for Good works inspired into them ; none but those that are thus pure in Heart , will be fit for the Beatifick Sight of the most Holy God . Our God must work us for that self-same thing , [ 2 Cor . 5. 5. ] or , else the Thing would be Distastful unto us : now , 't is by a Spirit for Good works , that . He does work us up hereunto . And He hath warned us , in Heb . 12. 14. Wiihout Holiness , no man shall see the Lord . Tho' we shall not go to Heaven For our Good works , we cannot go to Heaven without them .

Now what should be the Result of our Thoughts upon these Two Cases thus offered , but This ?

We are to be advised , first of all ; That we do not Expect , to be Justified by our Good works , or to Do any Good works until we are Justified , in our Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ . It is of no little Importance unto us , That our Good works have their due place in our Divinity : and many Treatises of such Divinity as the English Nations has been of later years Defiled and Abused withal , have not only been Ineffectual to procure those Good Works , which they have pretended for , but also been really prejudicial thereunto , for their want of This . We must Beware how we go to patch up a Righteousness of our own , out of those Good works whereto God may Enable us , or do like them , who in Rom. 10. 3. Being ignorant of Gods Righteousness , and going about to establish their own Righteousness , have not submitted themselves unto the Righteousness of God . There is not a more fatal Rock for the Shipwrack of a Soul , than this ! When Sinners are Awakened , with the Apprehensions of the Divine Vengeance pursuing of them , for their Sins , this is the First Thing that they usually betake themselves unto : They fly First unto the Good Works of a Reformation in their faulty Lives . No , O vain man ; Wilt thou Know ? Thy First Flight should be unto the Lord Jesus Christ , for His Righteousness to be conferred upon the most Loathsome Sinner out of Hell ; and that thou mayst , Be found in Him , not having thy own Righteousness , which is of the Law , but that which is thro' the Faith of Christ , the Righteousness which is of God by Faith . 'T is a vain Imagination that thou mayst not Believe on the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ , for thy Justification , until by doing of Good works thou art made Fit for the Imputation of that Righteousness . Many say , indeed they would Lay Hold on the Lord Jesus Christ , and on His Righteousness , but they dare not , because they are not Fit for Him . Alas , this also is but another and a finer strain , to set up our own Righteousness . How , Not Fit ? The wretched circumstances of thy Soul , that make thee say , Not Fit , are thy very Fitness . We must come to our Lord Jesus Christ For those things , which the preposterous Hearts of men would come unto Him , With . It is an Error for men to venture their Everlasting Interest upon the Lord Jesus Christ , under this Encouragement , That they have attained unto such and such Godly Dispositions , as will Recommend us unto Him ; We must go to Him , and His Righteousness , and venture to cast our selves upon it , as Recommended by nothing , but our own Horrible misery , thereunto . Certainly , It will never make Sincere Converts , to talk of Rapping off mens Fingers from catching Hold of Christ , before they are fit for Him . 'T is our Catching Hold of Him , that must make us Fit for Him , and for every Good work ! We shall do Good Works when we have come utterly without them , unto the Lord Jesus Christ , first , for a share in the Righteousness of the Good Works which He did for us , and then , for the Assistance to Do Good Works our selves , in a measure Like unto them . Well , and when we have Done our Good Works , we must after all , Remember this , That we are to Renounce them all ; Renounce all Dependence on them for the purchase of the Divine Favour unto us . When some told our Dying Herbert , the many Good works which he had been doing in his Life , he only said , Good Works , if sprinkled with the Blood of Christ ! It is the Blood of Christ , and not our Good works , that must be of any value with us . They that Build their Faith on their Good works , Build on a Sandy Foundation : The Primitive Christians were sound in this Article ; ( Justin Martyr will clear it : ) That we are Justified only by a wonderful Commutation between our Lord and us , He taking our Guiltiness , and we having His Righteousness : 'T is well declared by Cyprian , Non aspernatur Dei Filius carnem Hominis induere , ut cum peccare ipse non posset , aliena peccata portaret . Immortalitate interim posita , fieri se mortalem patitur , ut Innocens pro Nocentium Salute Perimatur : 'T is well declared by Theodoret , who Expounding that passage in the Psalms , I restored that which I took not away , applies it unto our Lord Jesus Christ . q . d . Others robbed God of His Glory , but I ( says our Lord ) have restored it again ; the Sins by which t was ' done , they were mine by Imputation , tho' never mine by Inhoerency . The Protestant Reformers were so full in this Article , That they did not scruple to say , Amisso Articulo Justificationis , simul amissa est tota Doctrina Christiana ; and as they Liv'd and Dy'd in the Judgment of that Martyr , whose Expiring words , were , Behold , a marvellous Exchange , my Lord has my Guiltiness , and I have His Righteousness ! thus , they have generally ever since been clear in it , until some of Late , have darkened the Truth , under pretence of preserving the Interests of Holiness ; Albeit , as our Incomparable Owen , says , I am not satisfied , that any of those , who at present oppose this Doctrine , do in Holiness and Righteousness , and the Exercise of all Christian Graces , surpass those who in the Last Ages , both in this and other Nations , firmly adhaered unto it . Yea , some of the Papists themselves , have been under such Convictions , as have compelled them to Subscribe unto this Article ; especially , when the Approaches of Death , have given them with a Lively Sense to feel themselves going to appear before the Judgment-Seat of God . Ernestus , the Arch-bishop of Magdeburgh , when he was near his Death , was comforted by a Minorite , who told him , That the merit of his Good works , would make sure a place in Heaven for him ; whereupon the Dying man cryed out , Nullo modo , I will by no means trust unto the merit of any Good works , done by any man whatever , but the Good works of Christ are sufficient for me ! Bellarmine himself , who had Lived so Blamelesly , that he was not conscious of his ever having once told a Lye , and when he came to Auricular Confession he could find nothing to mention , without Looking back so far as his Childhood , yet when his Death was arresting him , he durst no more trust unto the merit of his Good works , but would have that clause inserted in his Will , That he desired the Lord ●● Receive him , Non ut oestimator meriti , sed ut Largitor veniae ; Not on Merit , but in Mercy !

But we are in the next place to be Advised , That having first Believed on the Lord Jesus Christ , that we may be Justified , we do then Abound in those Good works , which are the proper and Genuine Symptoms of Believers ; those Good works , which the Oracles of Heaven call , The Fruits of Righteousness . We should , as the Apostle speaks , in 1 Cor . 15. 58. Always abound in the work of the Lord . The Bible has no Good words any where , for those Antinomian Wretches , with whom Good works are despised & neglected : It spits nothing but Sulphureous Fire , in the Faces of those Libertines ! If we are destitute of Good works , we have none but a Dead Faith , and a Dead ●aith will very little befriend a Dead Soul . To have no Good works then , is a woful Thing : and , the Praemonition is , in Math . 3. 10. Every Tree which bringeth not forth Good Fruit , is hewn down , & cast into the Fire : What then will be the Wo , how woful will be the Doom of those that are full of Evil works , and bring forth much of that Evil Fruit , which grows on the Vine of Sodom , & in the Field of Gomorrah ? Sad will it be for us to perish among Unbelievers , after we have seemed mightily to Believe ; & after a fair show of our Faith , to be Damn'd among , The workers of Iniquity . Surely , If we would with the Joy of Faith , be Satisfied , that the Seal of the Holy Spirit , which we seem to have , when we Entertain our Assurance , That the Righteousness of God , which is by the Faith of Jesus Christ is upon us , is not a Cheat , a Sham , a Self-deluding Enthusiasm , it becomes us , with a Constant Zeal for Good works , to Exercise our selves , at keeping a Conscience void of Offence towards God and man . It becomes us , to Ponder , How much we Owe unto our Lord Jesus Christ , and Study , How to Serve the Lord that has Bought us ; & with Good works alwayes to be at work for Him . It becomes us , to forethink , How little Time we have to be Working in , how near we are to the Time where there can be no Working , and to Do as many Good works , as we can in our Time ; yea , to call our selves unto a Daily Account , with unspeakable Trouble , if we have let one Day pass without many of them . It becomes us even to raise our Civil and Natural , as well as Religious works , unto the Dignity of Good works , by the most Frequent , most Explicit , & most Ennobling Dedications of all our Works , unto the Lord . So , it will not be long before we rest from our Labours , but our Works will follow us .

These Things being so , 't is a Great Service unto the Souls of men , to supply them , with Rules of Trial , by which they may Examine themselves , as well concerning their Faith , as concerning the Good works , which they pretend unto . Now , to accommodate his Neighbours with such Rules of Trial , the Reverend Author of the Ensuing Discourse , ha's permitted their Desires to be gratified in the Publication of it . The Discourse is what was delivered unto a Popular Auditory , for which cause , the Reader must not wonder , if he find somewhat of Inculcation in it : he will seek in such a Discourse , Non Scientiam , sed Saporem ; and no doubt , he will find what he seeks . But such was the Savour which it left upon the minds of the Hearers , when it was delivered , as that the Notes thereof are here come abroad , for them to Ruminate , yet more thoroughly upon that , wherein they have already found themselves not a little Edified . The Author is known , throughout the Churches of the famous and happy Colony , to none of the least whereof he hath for many years been a faithfull Pastor ; Known , for his Piety , Gravity , and Usefulness , more than any Recommendations of mine can render him : and my Relation to him , will easily excuse me as well as his Modesty forbid me , for saying any more . Nor have I any thing further to add , but my Hearty Prayers , That these Good Works of this Worthy Person , may be so Profitable among the People of God , in this Wilderness , as may fully answer the Holy Designs , of him that has thus offered unto the Service of the Tabernacle .

Cotton Mather .
A Dead Faith Anatomized James 2. 20. But wilt thou know , O Vain Man , that Faith without Works is Dead ?

THE Apostle Paul had abundantly taught ( as appears in divers of his Epistles ) that man is Justified by Faith alone , without Works : See Rom. 3. 28. Therefore we conclude , that a man is Justified by Faith , without the deeds of the Law . Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not Justified , by the Works of the Law , but by the Faith of Jesus Christ . This Doctrine did this Apostle much insist upon , especially in the Epistles , but now mentioned : neither did any of the Apostles of Christ teach otherwise , or contrary thereunto : howbeit , it seems there were some , that made an ill use of this Doctrine , as also they did of some other things , in Pauls Epistles . See 2 Pet . 3. 16. Some be like there were then that did turn the Grace of God into Wantonness , thinking to be Saved by Faith ( not knowing indeed what Faith is ) and so to Live a loose and careless Life : ( and thus it is with many , in these our times , wherein the Gospel hath been so abundantly Published , and with so much perspicuity and clearness . ) These , and such like persons , this Apostle James rebuketh , and endeavoureth to rectifie . He had told them in verse 17. that Faith without Works is dead : in this 20th . verse , he inculcateth , and presseth the same Doctrine again ; and he sheweth ,

1. That there is such a thing as a Dead Faith : this is plainly implied in the words .

2. He sheweth what this Dead Faith is , viz. a Faith without Works : such a Faith as hath not Good Works to be the fruits thereof : that Faith which doth not bring forth good fruit , is a Dead Faith , and hence can be no evidence of Life in that Soul , where it is found .

3 He calleth him a vain man , that would , from any thing that had been taught , by any of the Holy Apostles , gather any other conclusion .

4. He affectionately expostulates the case with such , in those words , but wilt thou know , &c. q d . wilt thou understand , and be convinced ? it is easy to see the Error here , unless men be willingly and wilfully ignorant : wilt thou know , &c. it is true , we read of some that hold fast deceit , and refuse to return . Jer . 8. 5. and many such there be in our days also .

But the point of Doctrine is this : viz.

DOCTRINE .

That there is such a thing as a Dead Faith , with which some under the Gospel do deceive themselves .

They think that they have Faith , or do Believe , and that they shall be Saved , but in the issue they are disappointed , and ashamed of their hopes ; and how fearful is it , when so it is ! See Heb . 10. 31. Psal . 119. 116. Such are at last Led forth with Workers of Iniquity , as Psal . 125. ult . and to them will Christ profess , and say , I never knew you : depart from me , &c. as Math . 7. 23. A Dead Faith is a deadly thing : A Soul-ruining thing . A true , a Living Faith Saveth ; but this we speak of is contrary , it ruins and undoeth men , because it deceiveth them : and yet this is all the Faith that many have , who yet think that they have something that will stand by them .

The first thing that I shall do , in handling this point , is to shew in general , That there is such a thing as a Dead Faith ; a Faith that is not a true Saving Faith , and yet the Scripture calls it a Faith , a Believing .

1. See the verse before the Text : Thou Believest that there is one God , thou dost well ; the Devils also believe and tremble . The Heathens say that there are many Gods : thou art no Heathen ; it is well , so far ; yet remember the Devils believe too , and tremble : So then , a man may believe , and be affected also , with what he doth believe , and yet his Faith , for all that , be no other than a Dead Faith , tho' you should see a man to believe and tremble ; or , to believe and rejoyce , as Mat . 13. 20. this proves not his Eaith to be a lively , or a Living Faith . 1 Pet . 1. 3. there is a lively hope , or a living hope , or an enlivening hope , under which , Faith is included , from whence this Hope ariseth : for hope is ( as it were ) the Daughter of Faith : So on the other hand , there is a Dead Faith , yea , where there is much affection stirring , as will more appear , by and by : when persons find their affections much moved towards Spiritual Things , they are apt to be taken with it , and to conclude that there is some true Grace in them , but alas , it often times proves otherwise : a multitude of Sacrifices will not prove true Grace to be . Isa . 1. 11. so neither will abundance of affections prove a mans Faith to be a lively or a living Faith : In this case , it is not so much the quantity , as the kind or quality that is to be considered . Certainly they miss it much , that think , that true Grace differs from that which we call common Grace , only in degree : Let common affections , such as be often found in Unsound Professors , be enlarged never so much , this will not alter a mans Estate God ward ; he may be a deeper , and a more profound Hypocrite , but this will not make a man sincere ; for that which is naught can never come to be good by increasing : hast thou affections God-ward , so had they . Isa . 58. 2. consider then , not so much how great they be , as whether they be of the right kind , or sort : a little true Gold will be accepted , when a heap of Counters will be rejected wholly , as Coin that will not pass at all . Eph. 4. 24. we read of True Holiness , or , Holiness of Truth : So there is True Love , &c. a little of it is better than Gold ; but abundance of affections may be towards Spiritual Things , and yet no Truth ; no Spiritual Life ; it is a Dead Soul still ; and abiding as it is , will be a Damned Soul too , e're long .

2. See Joh . 2. 23 , 24. Many believed in his Name , but Jesus Christ knew them , and would not trust himself with them : Mark it , it is said , Many believed in his Name . Why did not Christ commit himself to them ? the reason was , he knew all men ; and he knew that their Faith was but a Dead Faith , and would not hold , and abide the Furnace : for as Gold is tried in the Furnace , so shall every mans Faith be tryed , one time or other . 1 Pet . 1. 7. and happy are they , whose Faith on tryal , is found unto praise , and honour , and glory , at the Appearing of Christ . Christ knew all men , and he knew that such as now Cried , Hosanna to the Son of David , would some of them e're long , cry , Crucify him , Crucify him , away with him : and truly , we may see something of this often , how common and frequent is it for such as for a season were much affected , and taken with the Word of Christ ( as it is called , Col. 3. 16. ) in the Publick Dispensation of it , to turn quite about , and quarrel with it ; of such Paul complains , Gal. 4. 14 , 15 , 16. they received him as an Angel , they could have pluck'd out their Eyes for him once ; yet now he was become their Enemy , for telling them the truth ; the case was quite altered with them : little do persons think , many times , what they shall be , and the reason is , they know not what they are at present . 2 King . 8. 12 , 13. Hazael seemed at present to abhor the thoughts of doing such a great wickedness , as the Prophet foretold that he would do : Is thy Servant a Dogg , that he should do this great thing ? Alas , he did not know his own heart , what a Dogg he was , what a furious beast he would prove in time . And thus it is with many , while yet they are under restraints , and feel not what cursed Hearts , and Natures they have ; especially when under common Convictions , they cannot think , that they shall ever be , or do , as they see many others do : yet sometimes such as these come to be found among the worst of men : their Faith and Affections issue in the highest degrees of wickedness : tho' other some are still held under restraints , and they wear out all their time in Formality , and in an Unprofitable Profession of Religion .

3. See Luk . 8. 13. where we read of some , That receive the Word with joy , and yet they have no root , and for a while believe , and yet fall away in a time of Temptation . Mark what is said of them : they Received the Word ; they did not wholly reject it , as many others did ; and they received it with joy too ; and they believed for a season ; and yet fell away in a time of Temptation ; for they had no root ; their Faith was a Dead Faith , whatever it seemed to be ; thus i●… is with many under the Gospel , they are much affected with the Word for a time , they hear i●… gladly , as also Herod sometime did . Mark 6. 20 ▪ and they shew much love to it , as they did , Ezek 33. 31. and they believe the Word , but it is bu●… a Dead Faith ; yet it may deceive not only themselves , but others too , seeing there is so much joy and affection with it : there are many that have been much taken with their own affections , and undone by them ; they joy in their own joy , and at last ly down in sorrow ; see Isa 50. ult . Walk in the light of your fire : do so a●… long as you will , and if it be never so long , ye●… the end will be to Ly down in Sorrow .

4. See Act 8. 13. Simon believed , and was baptised , &c. yet verse 21 , 23. see what is said o●… him ; he was in the gall of bitterness , & in the bon●… of Iniquity : see how much he was wrought upon , it is said , he believed , the Word had some effect in him , and upon him : some entertainment the Word had with him ; and he was baptized ; now he makes a Publick Profession of the true Religion , and so to do , was in those days a great thing , as much as a mans life , and all he had in this World , was worth : also he continued with Phillip , and was much affected with what he saw , he wondred it is said , &c. yet his heart was not right in the sight of God : in his own sight perhaps it was ; and many precious ones did hope well of him , for a season : but he was in a miserable condition : he believed , but his Faith was a Dead Faith ; and hence left him , in his sins still ; and in them he perished , for ought appears to the contrary . Let us see one Instance more .

5. See Psal . 106. 12 , 13. compared with Psal . 78. 35 , 37. for in both places he speaks of the same people , and it is said , They believed his Word , and sang his praise : but soon forgat his Works ; they remembred that God was their Rock , and the High God their Redeemer ; yet their heart was not right with him . And how are many wrought upon , when some Special Providence helps to set on the word ; great Awakenings , and strange Enlightnings they have ; they Seek God , they Enquire early after him ; there is much Reformation , for they return , and these things work on unto a seeming good issue of Faith in Christ as their Redeemer ; they remembred that the Lord was their Rock , and their Redeemer , and yet all is but a Dead Faith : thus it is with many .

When Persons Conversions want due , and rightly expected Reformations , we judge their work was not a thorow work ; and so when persons have had great Convictions , and have been in much trouble , and all dyeth away , after a while , without any work of Faith at all , such cannot be in any good , or right way : but when much trouble for sin , and about a mans Estate , issues ●… n a work of Faith , and comfort from some Promise ; we hope well of such many times , but if ●… t be , ( as oft it is ) but a Dead Faith , the condi●… ion is sad , and the end like to be misery for ever : If never so many Promises come to a mans mind , and if never so much Comfort arise ●… here-from ; yet if a person do take comfort ( as many do ) and yet not take Christ , his comfort ●… hall be taken from him , some time or other : yea , if he take Christ also , as many do , after a ●… ort , yet if it be not by a Lively Faith , ( and what that is we shall shew ) it profits him no●… hing : many will say , Lord , Lord , we have pro●… hesied in thy Name , and in thy Name have cast out Devils , &c. yet he will profess that he never knew ●… hem ; and they must depart from him for ever : see Mat . 7. 21 , 22. many think they have Christ , who yet indeed fall short of him : not knowing ●… im indeed , Whom to Know is Life Eternal , Joh . 17. 〈…〉 . nor knowing the way to him , nor what it is to believe aright in him : they believe , but their Faith is a Dead Faith .

The point being thus far confirmed , in the next place , we shall Enquire more particularly , What this Dead Faith is , and Why it is so called ; and we must endeavour to make some discovery of it , and to distinguish it from that which is a true Saving Justifying Faith : Now the Apostle tells us , that Faith without Works is dead : And the Enquiry may be , How may we understand that ?

Answ 1 It is a sure Evidence that a mans Faith is a Dead Faith , when it is without Works ; or when it is alone : Indeed Works don't Justify us , they have no hand in that at all : it is Faith only that Justifies us , Rom. 3. 28. — A man i●… Justified by Faith without the deeds of the Law Rom. 5. 1. Therefore being Justified by Faith , & c●… yet it is also true , that that Faith which is alone is not a Justifying Faith : and therefore as Context , verse 18. Shew me thy faith without thy works , saith the Apostle . This is the miserabl●… delusion that many are held in , they believe ( a●… they say ) and they trust in Christ , and ther●… they rest themselves , but they take no due car●… of good works : ask them where their Faith is they do think they can tell you : but alas ! wher●… are their Works ? where is their Repentance , thei●… Sorrow and Mourning for Sin , where is thei●… Mortification of Corruptions ? See Rom. 8. 13●… where is their daily Watch , and Warfare ; thei●… Fighting , and Wrestling , of which the Scripture speaks ? Where be their Tears , and Prayers , and Cryes , and Sighs and Groans Unutterable ? these alas are not ; and what saith our Apostle in this case ? Wilt thou know , Oh! vain man , that Faith without Works is dead ? hast thou Faith , shew it by thy Works : it is in vain to talk of Faith without Works answerable : when persons profess , that they believe , and trust in Christ , but do not walk in any measure answerably , they deceive themselves ; yet many such there be , They Profess to know God , but in works deny him . Tit . 1. ult . they say they believe in Christ , but their Conversation saith otherwise ; and their secret Walk is otherwise ; Oh! it is a Dead Faith , however such deceive their own hearts :

2. It is not every kind , or sort of good works that will evidence a mans Faith not to be a dead faith : for they in Psal . 78. forenamed , sought God , they returned , they enquired early after God . Also Herod Mark 6. 20. heard John gladly , and did many things . So those in Isa . 58. 2. Sought him daily , and asked of him the Ordinances of Justice ; they took delight in approaching unto God : yet were they not upright before God : there are many that are full of good works . Isa . 1. 11. They have a multitude of them ; they are good for the matter of them : and yet God abhors them , because they proceed from no other than a Dead Faith . See at large , Isa . 1. 13 , 14 , 15. Surely they made great account of their Works , otherwise they would not have so abounded in them ; yet the Lord did not accept them : nay , all was Iniquity , a Trouble to him , and he was weary to bear them . Some are full of good works , ( as we may call them ) and of good desires , and of good affections ; and yet their Faith is naught , it is but a Dead Faith ; and this is so plain from the fore-named Instances , as that there is no room to make any objection . And those good works , ( as they seem to be ) when searched into , are but dead works , tho' seemingly never so full of Life ; and hence they are all as rotten , and unsound things . Heb . 6. 1. we read of dead works : and indeed all a mans works are such , until he come to a true Faith in Christ ; his most affectionate Prayers , yea , his highest Reformations are but dead works ; tho' a person afflict ( not his Body only , but ) his very Soul ; yet God will take no knowledge of it . Isa . 58. 3. and how many be in such a case as this is , and how miserable are they , wretched , naked , and know it not . Rev. 3. 17.

3. The works that the Apostle here speaks of are not such as are only Moral , but Evangelical , and in that sense good : Works Evangelically good , will evidence a true Faith , but no other works , how many , or how good soever they be : We shall therefore open this particular a little , and shew when a persons works may be said to be Evangelically good : for I would not mention any thing to Enlighten our way , and then by mentioning a thing in general only , leave the matter in a manner as much in the dark as it was before .

Two things then make our good works to be Evangelically Good . ( 1. ) They must be from : and ( 2 ) Unto the Lord . And if they be the first , they will be the latter : we shall therefore chiefly consider the former , viz. whether our good works are from the Lord , and shew what is the import , and meaning of that expression . — Now they are from him , when we acknowledge him , and deny our selves in all we do : when so to do is the frame and disposition of our hearts : when there is that Principle in us , that Enableth us ( through Divine Assistance ) so to do ; and disposeth our hearts to desire that we actually , and daily do it , tasting ( at least at times ) a precious sweetness in that way of living and doing , together with a dislike of the contrary in our selves . See Isa . 26. 12. Lord ( say they ) thou hast wrought all our works for us , or in us . I Live , saith Paul , yet not I but Christ lives in me . Gal. 2. 20. Also see Gal. 5. 22 , 23. All our good works are fruits of the Spirit ; and God would have us own all our fruits to be from him : hence he tells us , Hos . 14. 8. From me is thy fruit found . So then if you think you have good works , consider whether you can deny your selves in them , and acknowledge God in them all : Perhaps you say , I Live , but do you say also , yet not I but Christ , &c. If your works be from God ( in that sense we are speaking of ) God will own them , accept them & reward them : what is his own , he will acknowledge and reward it in us , though it be never so little , and never so much despised in our own eyes , or in the eyes of others . Zech . 4. 10. The day of small things is apt to be despised : yet what are ( in some sense ) small things , are sometimes great things : Poor Prayers as we count them , small performances , little weak things , are great things , when they are fruits of the Spirit ; works of faith and love ; and they will when we meet them again another day appear to be such , as we can hardly acknowledge them to have been ours : Math . 25. 37 — Lord when saw we thee an hungry : Lord , when did we Pray , and Love , and Believe in such manner , and perform such duties ? & then shall all be opened , and made plain ; and the Lord shall have the Glory of his own works , in his , and they the comfort for ever .

But some may say , who is there that will not own all his Works to be of God , and deny himself in them ? This may seem to be no great matter : did not the Pharisee do so . Luk . 18. 11. God , I thank thee , &c. he seems to acknowledge God , and his Grace , in what he was , and did , or had attained unto in Religion : and so it is with many still , who are yet unsound .

Answ . 1. A verbal acknowledgment is an easy thing many times , and especially when a Good Education leads us to own the truth ; many have a form of knowledge , and of the truth , being instructed , &c. Rom. 2. 18 , 20. to speak good words , is no hard matter : this many can do in Praying , in Preaching , and in discourse with others , and have excellent Gifts indeed , who yet are Strangers to the thing that we are speaking of ; and there be divers things that concur to it : it may be a man hath been well Educated , he hath lived where this truth hath been generally acknowledged by all ; visibly opposed by none , and frequently inculcated ; and hence he goes with the stream , he gives a common assent to the truth , and owns in words , That a man of himself , is Nothing that is good . Also common experience teaches persons something of this : there is hardly any man , that endeavours to do any thing in religious works , but he finds something of his inability to do what he should : unsound ones have some experience of themselves as well as others ; and many go far , that yet fall short at last : this Paul knew ; and hence that 1 Cor . 9. 27. a man may be able to teach others , and yet himself be a Cast away : Education , common experience , and industry meeting together , may , and doubtless doth carry many a man far , and make him see in somewhat , nay , much in Religion , when as he is but like them . Rev. 3. 1. Who had a name ●… o live , but were dead .

2. A thorow sight of a mans own nothingness ●… s a great thing , and very far different from what ●… s in unsound ones . I shall endeavour to make ●… ome discovery of it .

1. It is not only Notional , or Doctrinal , but it is Experimental also : a man doth not only hear it , or read it in some good book , but he doth also feel , and find it , as he said , Rom. 7. 21. I find then a Law , &c. how did he know that there was such a Law of Sin in him ? such a sinful heart , and nature , why , saith he , I find it : he had bitter experience of it : he saw it not only in some book : but in his members , warring there , verse 23. he felt it in himself ; and so must you feel your own Nothingness and Inability , or else you will never be throughly convinced of it , and suitably affected with it . A man may hear it , and be affected with it , but this goes but a little way ; till a man comes to find , and feel , there will want deepness , Mat . 13. 5. as the Stony Ground did : when a man sees and feels , this will be something indeed .

2. This knowledge and thorow conviction of a persons own Nothingness , uses not to come easily : a man is brought to it through much difficulty , and opposition : that which is easily gotten , is hardly good : Mat . 7. 14. but it may be you come lightly by your knowledge of your selves ; Oh! take heed that you be not deceived , as many , many be . Now I say , it is not easily obtained , and that upon divers accounts .

1. In that the heart of man is Naturally so averse unto it : there is a marvellous opposition in mans carnal heart against it : it is impossible but that it must be an exceeding bitter , yea , a killing thing to a mans carnal heart to see his heart , so far forth as it is carnal ; and every mans heart is so , in some degree at least , and most mens hearts are wholly and only carnal : 1 Cor . 3. 1. Such as are in Christ are yet carnal in some measure , but others are wholly . so : and hence some opposition against this knowledge , and the increase of it , will be found in the best ; how much more in those that are yet Unbelievers , in whom as yet pride , ignorance , and security do reign , with divers other lusts , and corruptions ? To illustrate this a little : Suppose a man Rich in this World ; or suppose that he have but a little , and that which he hath , whatever it be , got with much labour , and difficulty , will such an one easily part with what he hath , and sit down upon a dunghil ? or if a man hath thought himself to be Rich , at least worth something , if such an one come suddenly to see himself to have been deceived , and not worth one mite , how will it trouble him ? especially , when he sees at present no way to recover what is lost ; nay , sees that he can never do it . Such like is the case we are now speaking of . Some Ungodly Ones think , they are Rich in Spiritual Things . Rev. 3. 17. and whatever any may say , or think to the contrary , there is no secure , unconvinced Sinner , but what thinks he hath more than indeed he hath ; most think they have ability to turn to God , and promise themselves that in their own time they will do it : and what Promises do they make in times of sickness , danger , when fears are upon them : Others please themselves in thinking that they be bad , yet not so bad , &c. and hence hope to deal with God about Pardon of Sin , and acceptance at an easy rate : however there is something in themselves , upon which they have a secret dependance , and relyance ; and are not themselves aware how it is with them . Now for such an one to be strip'd of all , to suffer the loss of all , yea of those things which were once gain to him , as he speaks , Phil . 3. 7 , 8. this will not be easy ; nay , it wil be a killing thing : for these things are a mans Life , until a better Way be discovered unto him . Rom. 7. 9. I was alive once , ( that is in his own conceit , ) but when the commandment came , sin revived , and I dyed . Consider then ; Know you what it is to Dy ? nay , to be Slain , as verse 11. — It slew me : Is it a light or small matter ? Oh! when the real tryal shall come , it will be found otherwise ; nay , it may be , you know nothing of that LIFE that should be taken away ; and so are alive still , as Paul once was , but indeed dead .

2. In that persons will hardly believe , or be thorowly convinced of their own Nothingness , until they have tryed the matter ; they will first try whether they can do nothing , before they will be convinced throughly that so it is indeed . Nothing but their own Experience will convince them , for what else can be supposed to do it ? there is nothing in themselves to do it , until experience do it : there is something of the Law in all mens hearts , Rom. 2. 14. out not one tittle of this : man in his first estate was able to keep the Law of God ; and he knows nothing but that he can do so still , save what he doth experience to the contrary . And very handly will be believe his own experience in this matter ; he will try , and try , and try again , and try the matter out to the utmost , before that he will indeed yield the case , and sit down humbled under that acknowledgment : viz. I am Nothing , I can do nothing that is good . It is true , the word shews it plainly , that we in our selves are nothing ; and that in us dwells no good thing : but the word in this thing is no more believed than in other things ; and Ignorance , Atheism and Unbelief are ruling or reigning things , in every Unconverted mans heart . Hence tell a man what you will , and let him in words own what he will concerning his own Nothingness ; yea , though he think he doth believe it ; yet whensoever he shall be in good earnest about his Soul , by a powerful awakening , he will try what he can do , before he will yield , and fit down under the conviction before mentioned ; he will work , and he will try ; yea he will not be convinced , until he have wrought himself unto death , and then will be own himself to be a dead man ; and then , and not till then , will God shew him the way unto life : he must despair in himself , before he will , or can indeed believe in Christ . Now a man doth not easily come to take such pains , as we have been speaking of ; it must be a great awakening to bring him to it ; they must be hard driven that shall travel thus far , especially if we consider what opposition is in all mens hearts against any thing which is good , or tendeth thereunto : Sin within , and Satan without , will do their utmost to hinder : it is folly to expect any other .

And further consider this : we say , persons will try what they can do , when awakened , before they will be convinced that they can do nothing : for how can it be otherwise ? what shall a poor Sinner do ? Shall he sit still , and ly quietly in his Sins ? No , he shall not , he cannot : the terror of the Lord makes him afraid ; there is no rest in his Soul now by reason of his sin , and the danger that he is in thereby : well then , shall he fall in with the way of the Gospel ? He should indeed , but he cannot : for he is ignorant thereof , as they were . Rom. 20. 3. though he have heard much of it , yet he understands i●… not ; though he think he doth , yet he doth not ; nay , till God shew it , he cannot know it , it is foolishness to him , 1 Cor . 2. 14. Hence the first thing a man doth naturally when awakened , is to seek to Save himself , and when he finds he cannot , he will despair in himself , and is so fa●… prepared for to hear of a new , and living way , o●… which nature knoweth nothing , though of the Law it knows something . So then , this knowledge of a mans nothingness doth not use to come easily .

3. This knowledge of a mans self , and nothingness , is an heart affecting thing : it goes to a mans heart , when he is made to see his own heart , and to know himself : not only the head is enlightned , but the heart is much affected also . There be many that have much knowledge in their heads , but they have hardned hearts ; they have head knowledge , but they want heart knowledge . And hence that in Jer . 24. 7. I will give them an heart to know &c. But that which I am now to open , and shew is this , viz. that this self knowledge , or knowledge of ones self is an heart affecting thing . And so it is , for ( 1. ) It fills a man with shame ; when he comes to see himself , he is ashamed of himself : as he said when he saw and viewed his own , and others sinfulness . Ezr. 9. 6. O my God , I am ashamed , & blush . And every new discovery of a mans own self to himself hath something of this Effect on him . In Rev. 3. 18 — We read of the shame of a Persons Nakedness : when Persons are strip'd Naked , they are ashamed : and so it is much more , when Persons are made to see their own Spiritual Nakedness , or Nothingness , they will then be ashamed . Jer . 2. 26. A thief is ashamed when found , or discovered . So is a Person when he comes to have his own heart discovered to him ; and he that never was ashamed of himself , never yet saw himself as he ought to see . ( 2. ) It abaseth a man , it lowereth and takes down a mans Spirit in him , which is naturally very high , and lifted up in him : it makes and keeps a man poor in Spirit , as Math . 5. 3. There are some such ; but Persons do never come to be such , until they come to see themselves . See what Paul saith of himself . Eph. 3. 8. he calls himself , less than the least of all Saints : and it was no complement ; he speaks his heart in those words ; and every one that sees himself aright can say after him , in some measure . But in Preparation work a man doth not see himself to be Little , but , Nothing , quite Nothing that is good , and this wonderfully abaseth a man , and lays him very low , in his own eyes : and it is meet that he should be in his own eyes , what he is indeed : for why should he live in ignorance , & in self deceivings ? ( 3. ) It even breaks the heart in a man , when he sees himself , and also the Evil that is in Sin . There is such a thing as a broken heart ; though few ever feel it , and but a few understand what it is . Isa . 61. 1. And this sight breaks the heart ; it doth not only ashame , and abase a man , but breaks the heart , or doth give a great stroke towards it ; and this is a great thing : For ( 1. ) When the heart is indeed once broken , all the world cannot heal it again : Until the Blood of Christ be applyed , there is no healing : If Christ don't heal , there is none else that can . Daubing , as the Prophet calls it Ezek . 13. 10. is indeed very dangerous . But in this case it availes nothing , when God wounds , and breaks the heart indeed , there is none that can heal , but he only that wounded : it is his work . ( 2. ) The Spirit failes , if the Lord dont step in and help . For both these , See Isa . 57. 15 , 16. & 61. 1. Now then consider these things . Did you ever know , or feel what a broken heart is ? if not , you never saw your own nothingness aright : and all your Good Works , are but an Abomination before the Lord , how many and good soever they be , or seem to be .

4. This knowledge of a mans Nothingness , makes him to abhor his own Righteousnass , and to magnify that of Christ . That is , this ever follows there upon , when God will do good unto any : you have both these in that one place : See Phil . 3. 8. ( 1. ) He accounts all that he had before he knew Christ , as Loss ; yea as Dung : his Good Works , his Prayers , his Tears , his good Desires , or what ever else he had of like nature , before he knew Christ : what doth he do with them all ? he throws them all out upon the Dunghill ; all is loss , and dross , and dung , in comparison of Christ , and the knowledge of him . Let such as read consider ; Sirs , do you know what this means , to suffer loss , yea the loss of all things , yea of those things , which once were accounted gain , to account them loss , and dross ? It may be these things are a Mystery unto you , and you know them not : you have no experience , and so , no understanding of them ; consider the matter well ( 2. ) He magnifies the Righteousness of Christ : that was glorious in his eyes : the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord . Oh! Consider ; was the Righteousness of Christ , ever , the most glorious thing in your eye , that ever you saw ; or diddest ever admire , and wonder at it . He is wonderful , Isa . 9. 6. It is his Name ; and as is his Name , so is He : not only in himself ; but in some measure , in the eyes of those that are His . See also 1 Pet . 2. 7. To such as believe , he is precious : and unless when they slumber , and neglect him , he is more and more so , unto them .

5. This knowledge of a mans own Nothingness , is a growing thing : it still increaseth ; and a Christian still groweth ( as one may say ) a greater Nothing . You will say , perhaps , how can this be ? when a man is brought to Nothing , he can go no further : there is not any thing beyond that . Answ . Yes , there is a further , a fuller , a clearer discovery , of that which he saw before : for in this life , there is nothing perfect . And consider it , there is no growth in Faith or in any good thing without a growth in this : wherefore let him that heareth consider it well : have you been growing in this thing ? have you been growing less , and less since your first Conversion , and can you now say , more sensibly than ever , as he did , Phil . 3. 8. Who am less , than the least of all Saints ?

The next thing is to shew , why this faith that hath not works , Evangelically good , to be the fruits of it , is called a Dead Faith , tho' it have with it , never so many affections and works , that are morally good ? The reason is because all those works that are not Evangelically good , are but Dead works , though they may seem to be full of Life ; and as the works are but Dead works , so the Faith is but a Dead Faith .

Obj. But how can Fasting and Prayer , and Mourning and Reforming , and the like , be Dead works ? and how may it appear that sometimes they are such ? and how may we discover and discern it , when they be such ?

To all this I Answer , in the following Propositions .

1. That such works are sometimes no better , no other than Dead works , may appear thus : viz. That God neither accepts the works , nor the Persons with whom they are found : this is the case many times : and see , what God saith of such works , Isa . 1. 13 , 14 , 15. He calleth them Vain , Iniquity , and Abomination ; He saith , I cannot away with them ; my Soul hateth them , they are a trouble to me , I am weary to bear them ; and when you make many Prayers , I will not hear . Why doth the Lord speak thus of them ? Oh! they were all Dead works ; and hence as lothsome to him , as a Dead , rotten Carcase is unto us , and more also . By the way , Note , Oh! what disappointment will many meet with , who now think themselves Rich , as they did , Rev. 3. 17. And in the issue , all are but Dead works ; their best works as a lothsome Carrion . See an other example , in Luk . 18. 11 , 12 , 14. He thought with himself ( and thanks God for it too ) that he was not as other men ; & yet indeed he was Nothing ; blind and naked ; though he fasted twice in a week , and payed tithes of all that he had ; though he was not as other men , yet God accepted him not : all his works were Dead works , otherwise surely he had had acceptance with God : who accepts of us , a little , so it be Sincere : Yea two mites , is accounted a great deal , if it be all we have ; much more than the abundance of self-righteous Pharisees . The most lively , and affectionate Prayers , & performances of unsound , of unregenerate ones , are but Dead works : though at present Persons don't see , or think them to be such , yet indeed they are such , and will at last appear to be such : and how much so ever such may justify themselves ; yet God knows their hearts : and oftentimes , that which is highly esteemed among men , is an abomination in the sight of God : as Luk . 16. 15.

2. These works are dead works in regard of Spiritual Life , whatever there be of any other Life in them . In a true Christian there is a twofold Life . ( 1. ) That whereby he lives as a man . ( 2. ) That whereby he lives as a Christian , or as a sound Believer . Of this latter sort , there is nothing in Unconverted persons : see Gal. 2. 20. a man , as he is a man , can labour , and reason , and take pains ; and he hath many natural affections , as of fear , love , delight , sorrow , &c. and these affections may be stirred , and moved ( tho' as yet there be not true Grace ) so as to set a man on to the doing of many things that are morally good , though there be no Spiritual Life : See Mark 6. 20. Herod heard the Word gladly , and did many things : and yet he was still Dead in his Sin . And yet this is all the Conversion which many have , and in which they rest : viz. through the power of common Convictions , they have their natural affections stirred up , and drawn forth , even towards things in themselves , spiritual , and good ; & hence a great Change follows , both in the Conversation Outwardly , and in the Heart Inwardly , yet no Spiritual Life ; another heart there is , and another man : as 1 Sam . 10. 6 , 9. but not a New Heart , which is necessary unto Salvation , Ezek . 18. 31. there is nothing of that new man , of which we read , Eph. 4. 24. he that is thus wrought upon , is not a New , though another man : and though he walk on now , in a way not so manifestly filthy and vile ; yet really and indeed , the end thereof is the Wayes of Death . as Prov. 14. 12. And this woful priviledge he hath , viz. he can go down to the pit , more quietly , and with less disturbance then otherwise he could . Some make it manifest what they are : Isa . 3. 9. 2 Tim . 5. 24. others ( as it were ) Steal down to Hell more quietly ; others don't suspect them , and they themselves hope all is well , until a fearful disappointment . Let them see what must be thei●… Everlasting Condition .

3. Spiritual Life is an effect of Creating Power : where this Life is , there is a new Creation , a new Creature , Eph. 4. 24. 2 Cor . 5. 17. If any man be in Christ , he is a New Creature , as we have already hinted ; not the old one altered , and in many respects amended , but a New One . Wherefore consider this , it may be you are much , perhaps very much altered and amended , perhaps all round about , gaze upon the Change , and many rejoyce to see it , but is there a New Creation ; otherwise all thy works are but dead works ; tho' never so good , and glorious in thine own eyes , or in the eyes of others : Oh! take heed , that you don't rest in Changes , though never so great , without a New Creation , which brings in not only another , but a New Life . And if any one say , but how shall we know whether there be in us , this New Creation , and so any Spiritual Life , or not ? I answer , attend to and consider what followeth .

This Spiritual Life , may be discovered , or enquired after , in considering these things .

1. It is brought out of Death : i.e. e . where was nothing but Death , there is now Life ; and the Soul is made sensible that it was once dead , if now it be alive , Eph. 2. 1. Ye were dead . That they were so is certain , but he speaks of it , as of a thing which they knew full well : you that never knew and felt your Spiritual Death , have none of this Spiritual Life : you have it may be had Convictions , and that many and great also ; and you have been wounded much , but never slain , as Rom. 7. 11. you have found your selves weak and feeble , and that of your selves you could not do what you should , nor what ( you think ) you would ; but you never found your selves dead , quite dead in Sin , and shut up under Sin . as Gal. 3. 22. if so , it is to be feared , that you are dead still : and whatever life , or religious liveliness be in you , yet that there is no Spiritual Life . And to open this a little further , consider these things .

1. When a man sees himself dead in sin , as he must see , if good come unto him , it is by a Spirit of Conviction that he sees it : it is by a Light that powerfully breaks in upon the Soul : it is made to see , whether it will or no ; there is now put forth a power irresistable , and hence comes a light unavoidable , shining into the heart ; for could persons shut their eyes , and avoid this light , they would surely do it : but now , that which perhaps a person had heard , and read , full many a time , and knew it doctrinally , he now knows it otherwise : it is now ( in some measure at least ) plain , clear , evident unto him ; in that there is both light and experience to shew it ; it is a thing both seen and felt , as Rom. 7. 10. I found to be unto death See verse 21 , 23. I find , I see : he found and felt , and saw ; so it is in this case ; it may be you think you have seen , but if you have not found and felt your own deadness , the rest will profit little .

2. When a man sees this his deadness aright , it may be truly said , that he sees what he did not see before . Now that the Spirit is come to convince a person , he sees that , and sees so , as all his hearing , reading , studying , could never shew him , before the Spirit of Conviction came upon him : See Joh . 16. 8. it is the Spirit that convinceth of Sin ; and so of our deadness in it : it may be , you think you have seen your own deadness : but I say , how came you to see it ? is it by your own abilities , making improvement of means ? or have you also had a Spirit of Conviction come upon you , to shew it to you ? is it a work of the Spirit ? is it that which you did not once see , and could not have seen , had not a work of the Spirit shewn it to you , nay would not have seen , had not a powerful work of the Spirit prevailed against all opposition against it ; either from the corruption of the heart within , which make no little opposition ; or from the Evil One without , who also hinders what he can ? for as in other respects , so in this also , the God of this World doth blind men . 2 Cor . 44.

3. When a man sees his Deadness aright , then that Life which he once had , or seemeth to have had , is taken away from him . Rom. 7. 9. I was alive once . i . e . in his own conceit . So is every natural man alive , as Paul was , what ever he saith to the contrary . Now then consider this , hath that Life that once you had been taken away ? yea the things that were once gain to you , Phil . 3. 7. In Death there is a Privation of Life : what Life have you been deprived of ? Paul saith , the Commandment came , sin revived , and I dyed : can you say so too ?

4. When a man comes to see himself not only sick & weak , but also Dead , he is wonderfully affected with it . When he knew it only by hearsay , it did not so much affect him , but now he is much moved at it : and it is a time of great difficulty and distress with the Soul ; and that upon diverse accounts : For ( 1. ) A Person now hath lost all his former hopes : that is , his presumptuous , and self righteous hopes . He was full of them once , and had none other : but now they are gone , they are lost , they are cut off : as they said in another case , Ezek . 37. 11. Our Bones are dryed , our hope is lost ; we are cut off for our parts . The ground-work , and foundation of all former hopes faileth : A poor Creature thought that he was something that is good , or could do something , or get something : and he had light and slighty thoughts of Sin , and of God ; he counted that he could easily deal with him , about his Salvation : but now he finds it far otherwise than he thought . And indeed all that Peace and Security which ungodly ones , and unsound Professors have , ariseth chiefly from , a secret Contempt of God , in their hearts , and slighty thoughts of sin . See Psal . 50 21. Thou thoughtest I was altogether such an one as thy self . Ungodly ones dont know God , and hence don't fear him aright : And whatever any of them pretend or think , Atheistical Principles are predominate , and reign in them . ( 2. ) It is a time of distress with the Soul now : because he sees his danger is real , present , great ; and he sees no way of escape : all his own wayes utterly fail him : and though there be a way of escape , yet he sees it not : God hath not yet discovered it to him . He is therefore in a sad case , in his own account and reckoning : he is going unto destruction ; he is in the way of Death ; he is under Wrath , and God is angry with him : and he sees no way of escape : and hence he cannot but be much affected now .

Lastly , A Person comes to find and feel his Deadness , by the irritation of Corruption ; the stirring of it up . Rom. 7. 9. When the Commandment came , sin revived , and I dyed . Many Lusts that were not seen before , now appear and shew themselves : so that a person finds himself to be such as once he little thought he was ; and it is with him in this case , much like as it is with a sick man , that grows worse and worse , until he is qu●te Dead . He sees more and more of his own Sinfulness , until he see himself to be quite dead , in trespasses and s●ns . O consider these things , and weigh them deeply in your secret thoughts : you ( it may be ) hope you have some Spiritual Life , but how came you by it ? was it brought out of Death ? when did you see , and feel your selves quite dead in sin ? you perhaps think your selves to be alive , but it may be , it is no otherwise then Paul was afore his Conversion . Rom. 7. 9. I was alive : how was that ? he was brought up at the feet of one that was a Doctor of the Law : Yes , and he profited much in his own Religion : but it was with him , as now a days it is with many that have a good Educatin ; he was a forward Professor indeed , but without a powerful , killing work of the Law ; and what he did in Persecuting of the Church , he did it in his ignorance and in a zeal of God . See Phil . 3. 6. You have a work , it may be , unto much Conviction , and unto great awakenings , but not such as to shew you THIS DEATH : and hence though you have been much wounded , yet you have recovered again to Security by false comfort : you never came to Dy , and so are Dead still ; and your best works are Dead works , and how sad is that condition !

2. Where this Spiritual Life is in any , there is a double life . This we have hinted at before . See it further opened now : from that place , Gal. 2. 20. — The life which I now live in the flesh . He now lived a life , which befoe he did not . So that where Spiritual Life is , there is a New Life , a double life . Mark , that I say not an other life only , but a new one : for in many unsound 〈◇〉 ▪ there is a very great Change ; an other man , and an other lise , but not a new one . The distinction here is good , and founded upon the word of God , as hath been already shewen . See 1 Sam . 6. 9. If a man be never so much , & so often changed , and that for the better too , all is nothing , as to Salvation , unless he become a New man , a New Creature ; such , in the Apostles sense , 2 Cor . 5. 17. Many , and great Changes , some unsound ones meet with , and they live other lives than once they did , but yet still it is not a new life , which they live : it is the old life which they live still , though much altered in many things , from which alteration it is that we call it an other life .

And concerning this New Life , this Spiritual Life ; we may consider these few things , to make some further discovery of it , that we may know what we be , and what our faith is .

1. It differs from the former religious Life ; not in degree only but in kind : So it was with the Life that Paul said he now lived ; before Conversion , he lived a sensitive , a rational life , as other men did ; and he had a Religious Life too : touching the Righteousness of the Law , blameless : he was also zealous Phil . 3. 6. And so were they , Rom. 10. 2. But now he lived an other Life , such as he never did before : and this Life differed from the former , not only in degree , for then he had been only a greater Pharisee , and indeed a worse man than he was before : but this life differed in sort , or kind from what he had before . Now let such as hope consider this . You ( it may be ) have had the benefit , or advantage of a good Education , and have had Convictions also , by hearing and reading of the Word , and otherwise , and thereby have been brought on to some Profession , and Practise of Religion , without being born again ; this is the case with many : but know that you must have a Religion of a new kind , or else perish in your old Religion , though you increase it , or add to it never so much , and it become never so fair and specious . You know , Men and Beasts are both of them Animals , living Creatures , yet they differ in kind , notwithstanding the other agreement . So much must your Religion differ from what it once was else it will prove to be of little worth , at last , even no more than that of the Pharisees .

2. He that hath this new Life , he lives a Holy Life , without which no man shall see the Lord . Heb . 12. 14. he is Spiritually minded , he Walks after the Spirit . Rom. 8. 1 , 4 , 5 , 6. he minds and seeks the things above ; the things of another World , where Jesus Christ is . Col. 3. 1. Phil . 3. 19. he that minds Earthly Things , his end his destruction : this is the true Word of God . Joh . 17. 17. Thy Word ●… s Truth . Let men flatter , and deceive themselves now they will ; if they do not live a holy life , and walk after the Spirit , they are in their Sins still ; and their saith , if they pretend to any , is but a Dead Faith . It is true , this Spiritual Life may be much clouded , and the Operations of it much impedited , and hindred , but there it is ; ●… t is not always easy to be discovered , as it is with a Child in the Womb , if it have Life , it will ●… ir , and be felt at times , though sometimes , and ●… n some cases , it may be not of a good while : ●… o it is in this case : and this Life may perhaps at some times be best discovered , by the opposition that is made against it ; by that Lusting spoken of in Gal. 5. 17. of the Flesh against the Spirit : by that Warring . Rom. 7. 23. Some persons fear they have no Life , because they have that which is indeed a good evidence of Life : if there be any thing of the Spirit in us , the Flesh will Lust against it ; and so also as that we cannot do the things which we would : if there be that Law of the mind spoken of , Rom. 7. 23. there will be found another Law warring , and bringing us into Captivity , unto the Law of Sin , which is in our members : and it is true also , that a Christian must not sit down under complaints , and give way to the inward workings of Corruptions , the issue of that will be sad ; yet where a Lively Faith is , that Soul is full of sad and sorrowful complaints Paul was so , and who more than he ? see Rom. 7. at large : and indeed , if there be no War , there is no Life of Grace ; and he that will approve himself to be a Living Christian , must be in good earnest in this Warfare , and will have a sorrowful experience daily of what it is to be brought into Captivity . Oh! wretched man that I am : be saith not , that I was , but , that I am . Let those think of this , who go on in an easy way ; neither Sin , nor Satan trouble them much : Formality may pass on easily ; but the Power of Godliness will meet with the sorest Conflicts and Oppositions ; for this strikes right down blows at Sin , and meets with answerable opposition : who had more Grace than Paul ? and who more sensible of Opposition , than he ? so that when , or when ever he would do good , any good thing , evil was present with him . Rom. 7. 21. thus it was with him , thus it is with others . And for this there is a cloud of Witnesses : may the number of them be increased daily !

3. Where this Spiritual Life is , Christ lives in the Soul : Gal. 2. 20. Christ lives in me . — Oh! see here the priviledge , the glory , and the happiness of a Child of God : and consider it ; you it may be , have many duties , good desires and affections , and the like , in which you secretly trust : but consider , doth Christ live in you ? doth he dwell , and rule in you ? if not , you have no well grounded hope , Col. 1. 27. Christ in you the hope of Glory : If Christ be not in you , you have no well grounded hope of Glory . Consider it well ; you have this in you , and that in you , and the other thing , it may be increased in Goods , as they said of themselves . Rev. 3. 17. common Convictions have brought you on to many things ; well , but is Christ in you , or not ? if he be not , e're long you will be ashamed of your hope .

Now if Christ be in you , Then ,

1. You live a Life of self abasement : the more Christ lives , and rules in any one , the more mean , and low , little and not hing is such an one in his own eyes : who have had more of Christ in them than Paul had ? none more ; or for certain , he had very much : yet see what he saith of himself . 2 Cor . 12. 11. — I be nothing , Gal. 2. 20. I live , yet not I. Eph. 3. 8. — Who am less then the least of all Saints . When a man lives a self-righteous life , he exalts himself ; all his abasements and humiliations , are in the issue , but his exaltation , and as a stepping stone to raise himself upon ; the secret language of his heart is , I , I : I am this , and I am that , and I can do , and do do these and those things : But when Christ comes in to the Soul , there is a great change , then the language is still ; Not I , not I ! then Christ is all in all : a person desires to acknowledge him in all : and to set the Crown upon his head ; and the Soul seeks it self , in abasing it self , and in exalting of the Lord Christ : and fain would do so , more , and better ; and if this be not the frame of out hearts , and the Spirit of our Religion , we indeed may call it Christian , but the Lord will not call it as we do . Wherefore consider this ; did you ever find any thing of this Change , of this new way of living ; do you grow still less and less , and doth Christ grow greater & greater in your hearts as John said of Christ ; he must increase , but 〈…〉 must decrease . Joh . 3. 30. and as verse 29. therein he would rejoice : know you what it is , thu●… to rejoice ? did you ever feel any of this kind o●… joy ? the Lord help you rightly to reflect upo●… your selves , and to consider thereof .

2. If Christ live in you , there will be a dyin●… unto the world . Gal. 2. 20. I am crucified with Christ Crucifyed , unto sin , and unto the World . If Persons Love the World , and the things of it , as I Joh . 2. 15. Christ doth not live in them : in this case the word is plain , let persons look to themselves as well as they can . Also see Gal. 6. 14. If you be not Crucified unto the World , and that to you , you have as yet no saving acquaintance with the Cross of Christ . And yet we would have none of the Children of God discouraged : and therefore if any such object , and say , I can find but little or nothing of this dying unto the World , yea rather there seems to be much of the contrary . viz A heart much cleaving unto these things . I answer , yet it may be God is carrying on this work : you know there is pain upon the Cross , and so , it may be ( 1 ) The Lord is embittering unto you , all these things , in which you have been too much seeking rest : it may be you have seldom had any outward Comfort , but you have had your Cross with it ; yea the greatest Comforts , and Sweets , have had their bitters with them . All thy Roses have had their thorns ; and ( 2. ) It may be God hath made you weary of the worldliness , and carnalness of your own hearts ; and also shewen unto you a better way of living ; though you cannot come at it , at you would , yet you can account it precious , if you could attain it : and you say , Oh! how happy should I be , if I could live in a Spiritual Frame , and walk after the Spirit . as Rom. 8. 1. Now ask your selves , what you would have , if you might have what you would ; cannot you say as he did . Psal . 119. 30. I have chosen the way of truth . Perhaps you will say , I find a strong desire after the things of this World , and I doubt , I chuse these things . Answ . But are there not times when it is otherwise ; and hath not God shewn unto you , a more excellent way ? perhaps it is now a dark time , but consider what hath been ; remember the times , of which you are ready to say , then it was better with me , than Now : had you never any sensible fellowship with the Father , and with his Son Christ Jesus ? yea , doth not your judgment still stand for a Spiritual way of Living , though you cannot regulate , and command your affections as you would , but are daily brought into Captivity unto the Law of Sin , as he complains . Rom. 7. 23.

3. If Christ live in you , he will sometimes manifest himself unto you . Joh . 14. 21. he will not be wholly a Stranger unto you , he will sometimes let you see something of his face , and some times more than at other times . Sometimes you shall sit down under his shadow , if not with great , yet with some delight at least . as Cant . 2. 3 and his Fruit shall be sweet unto your tast . Yea , he will bring you into his Banqueting House , though your Entertainment there may not be so full , and large , as some have experience of . And to op 〈…〉 , consider these things .

1. So●e●●mes he manifests himself to his by a sudden and sensible breaking in of light upon the Soul , 2 Cor . 4. 6. As in the first Creation , so in this second . God who Commanded the light to shine out of darkness , hath shined in our hearts , to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God , in the face of Jesus Christ . This is sometimes sudden , it is e're a person is aware . As Cant . 6. 12. The Word of God is Light . 2 Pet . 1. 19. And one principal use of it , unto us , is to give us light : Even Spiritual light , and Spiritual discerning of Spiritual things . Psal . 19. 8. & 119. 130. It doth enlighten the eyes , and giveth light : and if it have not this effect in us ; we have no real benefit by it : if thus it be hid to us , we are lost . 2 Cor . 4. 3 , 4. But that which I shew is , that the Lord can , & sometimes doth make the light of his word , suddenly and gloriously shine in upon the hearts of them that are his . Oh! how precious is a word , sometimes made to be unto a Child of God , which he hears or reads , or is made to come , into his mind ! And he thinks he shall never forget such a word , and such a time . And many times , these breakings in of light are at such times , when they are least of all expected . And he that hath any tast of this , will desire more of this light , and enlightning . Thus he Psal . 119. 18. Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Law . And all these Openings and Enlightnings , come from above ; they can in no wise be gotten , unless they be given . Jam . 1. 17. And doth any poor Soul that hath had them , fear they are of his own making ? let him then , if he can make more . The Lord gives them , how , & when , & to whom , and in what degree , he pleaseth .

2. Sometimes by a more gradual discovery of the way of the Gospel , whereby the Soul comes to see more clearly into it . This is sometimes , as the dawning of the day , by degrees , and hence less sensible unto them that have it ; but yet hereby Christ is more known ; and the Soul increaseth in Spiritual knowlege , or understanding , as it is called . Col. 1. 9. There is a notional knowledge of Spiritual things ; and a Spiritual understanding ; this is only found with true Believers . 1 Cor . 2. 14 , 15. And some thing of it , with all such : and where it is , it shall be increased : and this should be much endeavoured by all such . 2 Pet . 3. ult . And this is that which the Apostle so much desireth for them , in Eph. 1. 17. By the improvement of Sanctified reason , called by the Apostle , the Spirit of Wisdom ( for so I understand it ) Christians grow into a further measure of the knowledge of God , and of his Son Christ Jesus , whom to know , is life eternal . Joh . 17. 3. And so are by degrees further rooted and built up in him , and more established in the faith . Compare Col. 2. & Verses 2 , 7.

USE . I.

Try your selves whether your faith be a Dead faith , or no : I suppose you to have faith , to be believers , and to have hopes that your condition , God ward , is Good ; and it may be you say you will trust in Christ , and whatever come of it , you will do so ; and for all the World , I would not willingly stagger the hopes , and make sad the heart of the meanest of those that are indeed true Believers in Christ Jesus . Nevertheless ( these times abounding with such as be but formal Professors ) let us search and try the matter , and not lightly pass it over . And Consider ,

Trial . 1. It may be your trust in him ariseth from one , or all of these things : and so it is with many , and if so , with you ? your faith is a Dead faith ; and what ever else you be , you are yet in your sins . ( 1 ) Perhaps it ariseth from ignorance of your selves , and of sin , and of God &c. It will one day appear , that the very bottom and foundation or some mens faith , the Corner stone of it is laid in , and springs from ignorance of themselves , and of sin ; and from secret , unseen , but a real Contempt of God , whom they seem to fear , and pretend to trust in : they trust in him , so did they , Mic. 3. 11. Not because they knew him , but rather because they knew him not . Oh! consider it , you say you trust in Christ , but it may be you never saw your selves yet , nor the Plague of your own hearts . The Commandment never came , & sin never revived , as he speaks , Rom. 7. 9. It may be you never saw the evil of sin . You neither know God , nor have seen your ignorance of God . Now while a man is thus without a thorow Conviction , it may be a thing of no great difficulty for him , to trust in Christ ; as he thinks : but when he comes to see himself , and the Law , his faith and trust will vanish ; and he must begin again upon a new bottom : and now it appears that his former trust and faith , was nothing , but Presumption , rashness , folly , delusion : all which had its foundation laid , in a destructive , ruining ignorance of himself , and of that , holy , holy dreadful Majesty with whom we have to do , & who will by no means clear the guilty . ( 2 ) Perhaps it ariseth only from an Historical , notional knowledge , of the way of the Gospel . It may be you have read , and heard much of this way , and seemed to fall in with it , and there you rest , but know nothing of the power of it , of the difficulties that be in it . See 1 Cor . 4. 20. The kingdom of God is not in word , but in power . 1 Thes . 1. 5. Our Gospel came , not in word only , but in power . The Law must come in power to kill us , that we may Live unto God , Gal. 2. 19. And so must the Gospel come in power too , or else we shall have no saving benefit by it . In power . ( 1 ) To overcome the heart , that we may submit to it : for the heart is ever full of opposition to the way of the Gospel ; and that upon diverse accounts . 2 Cor . 10. 4 , 5. Pulling down strong holds , casting down imaginations , or reasonings , and every high thing that exalts it self , &c. ( 2 ) To affect the heart much ; it is an affecting thing , when the Gospel comes in power , An excellent , and wonderful thing is in the way of the Gospel : in it self it is so , and to all that have a right understanding of it . Phil . 3. 8. Also it is powerful in melting the heart for , and turning of it from sin . Tit . 2. 11 , 12. ( 2 ) Perhaps your faith is a cover of , and a pillow for Spiritual sloth ; and then it is surely a Dead faith . Sometimes persons being unsound , they are lazy and slothful ; they will not watch , and war , and work , as they ought ; they secretly mentain a Truce with their lusts , they will not be at pains to purge themselves , and to mortify their lusts ; which yet they must do , or dy in them , and for them . Rom. 8. 13. Well , what rest can they have in that way , and how can they be quiet ? Answ . They trust in Christ , as they say , and will venture themselves there , and this quiets them . Oh! Adulterous Generation ! Do you make Christ a Pillow for sloth , a Patron of sin ? It is no better : will ye fight against him with his own Weapons ? Cry , Hail Master , and betray him ? he knows how to discover , and to deal with such well enough ; and will do it in due time ; he will discover the guile and treachery of their own hearts to themselves , and to all the world . Ponder that place , 1 John 3. 3. He that hath this hope ( which springs from a lively faith ) purifies himself . But he that sits down in sloth , and loves his sin , hath a Dead faith . I say not , he that Complains of Spiritual slothfulness in himself : for what almost do many Godly ones complain of more ? and they account that it is never better with them , then when they can get some power against it . How often doth the Psalmist beg , and pray , Quicken me : And see Psal . 119. 32. When thou shalt enlarge my heart , &c.

Trial 2. If your Faith be not a Dead Faith , it will have fruits : even such as we read of . Rom. 6. 2. Fruits unto holiness : I shall instance in three things . ( 1. ) Repentance . ( 2. ) Mortification . ( 3 ) Vivification . Now these are great points , and to open fully any one of them , requires a treatise by it self . I mention them only by way of trial , to discover whether our Faith be a Dead Faith or not . And therefore must pass over them briefly .

Fruit 1. One fruit is Repentance ; and this makes way for , and unto holiness of heart and lite . Acts 11. 18. it is therefore called Repentance unto Life . Repentance ( if it be true ) and Faith go together . Mark 1. 15. Repent ye , and beeieve , &c. there is a Repentance preparatory , and antecedaneous unto Faith : and there is a Repentance that is a consequent , and a fruit of it . Now 't is this Repentance of which I am to speak ; and I shall consider these few things only , in speaking to which yet I may take in , some of those things 〈◇〉 , which are preparatory to , tho' chiefly I shall speak of those things which follow Faith : the design of the whole is , to discover to us what our Faith is , whether a Dead Faith or not . ( 1. ) A sight of sin . ( 2. ) A sorrow for sin . And ( 3 ) A shame , or self-abasement for it . ( 4. ) The main , or principal spring and rise of that sorrow or shame , viz. some Gospel consideration , something seen of Christ , and of the Gospel .

1. There must be a sight of sin : until a man sees sin , he will never , he can never repent of it : and he must see it aright , e're he can repent of it aright : and to that end there must be an enlightning , and an opening of the eyes : a turning from darkness unto light , which is a main work , and fruit of the Ministry of the Word . Acts 26. 18. Mans natural state , is a state of darkness , blindness , ignorance , though he know it not , yet so it is : now when God will do good to any , He calleth them out of darkness into his marvellous light : but that which I shew is , that when God will do good to any , by giving them Repentance unto life , he gives them a sight of sin : till they see it , they will not repent of it ; and when they do see it , they will repent of it , and turn from it .

Obj. But don't all men own themselves to be Sinners , and most men own themselves to be great Sinners too ; what is this sight of sin , of which you speak ?

Answ . There are ( among the rest ) these three things in it , which I shall observe from that seventh of the Romans , where Paul sheweth how it was with him , when God came to do him good . ( 1. ) Such a sight as came from the coming of the Commandment , verse 9. the Commandment came . How ? Why , it came with light , and was set on with power upon his heart : there is no thorow knowledge of our selves , and of sin , without this . verse 7. I had not known sin , but by the Law : i.e. by its coming thus : for otherwise he knew the Law before , and Sin too ; and thought he knew all that he had need to know : this is therefore to be considered ; you say , you know , and see sin , but I ask , how did you come to see it ? did the Commandment ever come with light , and power ? hath the Word ever been a powerful , enlightning word unto your Souls ? Psal . 19. 8. yea , hath there been such a sight , as could never have been obtained , by all reading , hearing studying , and use of means , without this work of which we speak ? ( 2 ) Such a sight as comes from the reviving of sin : sin revived saith Paul : the Commandment came , and sin revived : what is that ? Answ . See verse 8. Without the Law , sin was dead : the Sin before that seemed to be dead , was now irritated , now it revives , it appears to be alive , and shews it self . You may understand it thus ; I will open it in three things only , and briefly .

1. There be all sorts of sin , there is every lust in the heart of every man : there is a mighty Host , and Army of Sins , and Lusts in the heart ; and hence the heart is said to be full of evil . Eccles . 9. 3. and hence when he had a sight of himself in such renewed convictions as God saw meet to give him , he saw his Sins to be innumberable , even more than the hairs of his head : Psal . 40. 12. and so Paul , Rom . 7 8. saw in himself all manner of concupiscence ; and it is frequent with persons under convictions , to say that they find in themselves all manner of sin : but that which I say is , what-ever they see , every sin is there really , and they shall know it too , e're the Lord have done with them , if he mean to make thorow work with them .

2. All these particular Lusts that be in the heart , do not always actually stir or work ; they are like to Enemies that Ly Entrenched , all ready , upon the Watch word , or Alarm given , to shew themselves , and to make a fierce assault , as occasion may be ; whereas many of them Ly still , and stir not at all , or but little , of a long time together : much so it is here , in this case . All men are by nature , what any one is ; Unclean , Drunkards , Murderers , and the like ; all these , and all other sins are in them , they Ly Encamped , and Entrenched in the heart , all ready when a Temptation shall come , and restraints be removed , which are many , and various , and of which , I cannot now speak in particular ; they will surely shew themselves , as much as any other sins , which do stir , and work in the heart or life . Hazael will shew himself to be a Dog , though at present he himself cannot think it . 2 King . 8. 13.

3. When the Commandment comes , there is as it were a great Alarm given to Corruption , and hence there is a great stir in the Soul , as it were a rally , and up rising of Corruptions ; and hence Paul saith , that when the Commandment came , it wrought in him : i.e. it did irritate , and stir up in him , all manner of Concupiscence , or Corruption . Sin was now , ( if I may so express it ) all up in Arms ; when the Commandment came , it fell upon sin in good earnest to destroy it , and to root it out ; and hence sin , did ( as it were ) stand up for its Life : it shewed it self , its strength , its rage unto the utmost ; before this the Commandment did nothing to the purpose , it made no vigorous on set upon the Soul ; the most it did , was to bring the Soul to some Outward Conformity to the Law , which Sin within might the more easily dispence with , because it might still live , and reign in the Soul , notwithstanding that : but when indeed the Commandment comes , the case is otherwise ; sin perceives it self to be in real danger , it is very life and being is sorely struck at ; and hence it will stir , work and shew it self , even all that it can . Alas , what do many persons think of Sin ! will it dy easily , and quietly leave its station , will it do nothing ? and speak never a word for its life ? are our Lusts such tame and seeble things ? Oh! no Paul found it otherwise ; and so shall any one that shall indeed put the matter upon tryal : yea after Conversion , tho' sin , and formality may tollerably agree together ; yet where-ever th●… Power of Godliness , is in any good measure , there ensueth a sore war with Sin ; and the more there is of the Power of Godliness , the more sore an●… close will the Combate and Conflict be : who complains more , than that great Christian . Rom. 7. 23 , 24. and in the foregoing verses ? and why doth he thus complain ? was it because he was weaker , and had less Grace ? No , it was just the contrary . In a word , let us be sincere , and in good earnest with our Lusts , to destroy them , and we shall then have a very humbling , abasing experience of their strength and power in us : while in the mean while Formality may pass along in the world , and thorow all our religious performances much more quietly .

3. It must be a killing sight of sin . See Rom. 7. 9 , 10 , 11 , 13. Sin revived , and I dyed — I found to be unto death — and by it slew me-working death in me . Here is a heap of expressions , all of them shewing the same thing in general ; we must consider therefore the more deeply what may be the meaning of them . This then I say , this sight must be a killing sight , such as will slay a man : It slew me . When Paul saw himself full of all manner of Concupiscence ; and when he saw sin appearing in its own colours ; it had no vizard on , it did but look like it self ; it did appear sin , verse 13. he immediately falleth down dead at the sight of it ; it wrought death in him , it slew him . And note here , it is a great thing to dy , and it is more terrible still to be slain . Now to open this a little , this dying , killing , slaying , hath these things in it , besides what else might be named .

1. it takes away from a person the life which once he thought he had , and in which he trusted ; every man naturally thinks himself to be alive , though indeed he be dead in sins . Rom. 7. 9. I was alive once ; i.e. in his own conceit : so are many : and they trust in this life , they lean , and live upon it , it is their confidence , and their rejoycing , they account it gain , as he speaks , Phil . 3. 7. and this many do , whatever they think , pretend , or profess to the contrary : now this Life is taken away , when a person comes to see himself , and his sin aright . Consider then these things , know you what this meaneth to have this life taken away ? else you be alive still , as Paul before Conversion was : that is , in conce it alive , but dead indeed ; and on some accounts in a worse condition , then many of those , who are yet far from Christ : you must dy , you must be slain , that so you may be quickened , and may Live unto God . Gal. 2. 19. mark what he saith , — I am dead ▪ that I might live . ▪ q d . It was needful that I should dy , that I might live : a man without this may indeed live unto himself , but not unto God , how religious , soever he may be , or seem to be .

2. It leaves a man without the least ability , or hope to help himself : he saith , he findeth , and feeleth that he hath no ability to help himself , no more than a dead man hath : and he hath no hope in that matter ; we say , as long as there is life , there is hope ; but when a man is once dead , there is no hope : so it is here , while a man is alive in himself , he hath many self-righteous hopes ; but when the Commandment comes , and sin revives , and he dyes , all these hopes are gone ; and truly persons do not easily come to say there is no hope . Isa . 57. 10. Men indeed do easily own themselves , many times , to be wholly helpless in themselves , but when they come indeed to feel , and find it so , it is grievous , it is a killing thing to them , and cannot be otherwise ; but I shall not enlarge in this point , yet a word of it ; wherefore I say ,

3. It is a terrible thing unto the Soul to come unto this , as we have formerly , and but now also hinted ; and that for these reasons . ( 1. ) The Soul is now under the deepest sense of Soul concerns , & highly engaged to seek for help ; he cannot make a light thing of perishing , as many do , and as perhaps himself once long did ; no , it is now unto him , as indeed it is in it self : a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God . Heb . 10. 31. he cannot bear the thoughts of perishing for ever : he lies under a deep sense of a necessity of having help ; he hath no rest because of sin , and his iniquities are an heavy burden , too heavy for him . Psal . 38. 3 , 4. the Spirit is wounded , and he cannot bear it ; a sense of wrath lyes on him , so that now he can no more rest , and sleep as in dayes past . ( 2. ) All that he hath built , and leaned upon , now faileth him : he would have done what they endeavoured . Rom 10 3. viz. have established his own righteousness . There is not one man among all Adams Posterity , that is not naturally very strongly inclined this way ; but he sees now that he cannot do it ; he cannot make his own way stand ; he labours in vain ; and instead of growing better , he complains that all is worse and worse , and therefore now knows not what to do , nor what course to take , nor which way to turn himself . Act. 2. 37. and then ( 3 ) He sees no other way of help as yet : the right way he knows not . Isa . 59. 8. and as yet there is no judgment in his goings : all his own wayes fail him ; and hence he must needs be distressed ; and a thorow sight of sin doth not come off lightly with any ; though some have more grievous , and sorer travel than others have Oh! consider these things , it may be , you have not taken the first step towards Repentance , you have not had a thorow sight of sin : if so , the rest is wanting , and your Faith , but a Dead Faith .

2. Another thing in this Repentance , which is a fruit of a lively Faith , is Sorrow for Sin ; the Scripture abundantly makes mention of this ; and often sets it forth in very high Expressions . See Ezek . 7 16. Where true Repentance is , there is a Mourning for sin . — All of them mourning , every one for his iniquity : and Zech 12. 10. They shall mourn , as one mourneth for his only son , and shall be in bitter ness . 2. Cor . 7. 9. Yee sorrowed unto Repentance .

3. Another thing in this Repentance is Shame , and Abasement of Soul for Sin . See Rom. 6. 21. — Those things whereof yee are now ashamed . When God gives Repentance to a Person , he is ashamed of his former wayes and courses ; whether he walked in a way of grosser sinning , or in a way of Pharisaism , and self righteousness , as Paul once did , trusting in a blameless Life , as he calls it , Phil . 3. 6. When his eyes are opened , he will be ashamed of himself , his sin & folly , shewing it self , in his former wayes and courses . And of this sorrow and shame I shall say these things briefly ; a little to open , and enlighten the things we are upon , as we go along . ( 1. ) This sorrow and abasement arises from an enlightning to shew a man more of sin , than once he saw in himself ; and to shew him the evil that is in sin . First there must be an enlightning , Act. 26. 18. To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkness to light . There must then be an enlightning , as also we have already hinted : and they have nothing of this enlightning , that know nothing of their own blindness and darkness , who never saw , felt and mourned under that : And this enlightning is to shew a man more of himself , that once he did see : for this is certain , persons though they live under the light of the Gospel , yet they don't know how bad and vile they be , until God open their eyes , and cause them to know their abominations ; which is usually by the work of the Ministry , Ezek . 16. 2. The Spirit working with the word ; otherwise all is nothing : or the most that a person will attain , is an Historical knowledge of himself , and of his own vileness ; and his Faith and Repentance will be answerable . Also the evil of sin ( as we said ) must be seen : sin must be seen in another manner , and look with another face , than once it ●id : it must appear sin , which it doth but to a ●●w , and become exceeding sinful . Rom. 7. 13. And ●hen a man will be ashamed and mourn , and not else . ( 2. ) This sorrow and mourning hath alwayes a great mixture of hardness and pride of heart with it : for in nothing are we perfect in this life ; and what is there almost that a humbled Soul complains of more , and desires to get rid of more , than of an hard , and a proud heart ; and so much of this is sometimes seen , and felt , that a person fears there is nothing else . See Isa . 63. 17. This is certainly one part of a Christians work , and his Warfare is within his own heart , with the pride , hardness , unbrokenness , and other distempers thereof . Some Professors indeed find no hard work with their own hearts , they think they have all things , and have need of nothing ; but these are indeed miserable , wretched , blind and naked , Rev. 3. 17. They indeed Pray for many things , but not from a sight and sense of their wants : they are only empty words , which they speak and the lord abhors their best Prayers . ( 3. ) This sorrow and abasement is a growing thing : if other Graces grow , this doth ; and as this groweth so do all other : if a person don't grow in Humiliation and Repentance , he groweth not at all , so as indeed to increase with the increase of God . Now this growth in some , indeed is very little ; as some men , so some Christians are very low in stature : and there are Winter seasons in many Christians lives , in which they grow but little , or not at all : yet in their general course they do grow . Joh . 15. 2. He purgeth them that they may bring forth more fruit . Now consider this ; some say , they have Repented of sin ; and hence sit down , as if all the difficulty were over , and they had no more to do : but if their work be right , it must continue , increase and grow . If your Repentance be all over , and done , it was never yet well begun : Alas you have deceived your selves : think of it , while time lasteth .

4. The main spring of this sorrow and abasement , is some Gospel Consideration : something of Christ , and the Grace of God in him . Tit . 2. 11 , 12. What is that which effectually teacheth a person to deny his sin , and to repent of it ? Truly nothing so much as this : viz. the Grace of God appearing . There be other things , but this is the main . See Ezek . 16. two last verses . Consider then what influences , and motives you are under ? is it things Legal or Evangelical ? is it Law or Gospel that chiefly moves you ? you will say , how shall I know that ? Answ .

( 1. ) Hath the light of the glorious Gospel . ever been made to shine in unto your hearts ? To some it is hid . See 2 Cor . 4. 3 , 4 , 6. But God shines into the hearts of some to give light . Hath he ever shined into thy heart ? Hath the light of the Gospel been unto thee , the most glorious light ?

( 2. ) Do Gospel Considerations influence , and work on your hearts ? it may be you can sometimes fear : but doth the Love of Christ ever constrain you . 2 Cor . 5. 14 , 15. If you do live at all a Spiritual Life , you Live to him that dyed for you , and his Love constrains you : and indeed whatever we do in Religion , if it be not a fruit of Faith , and of Love ; ( for faith works by Love , Gal. 5. 6. ) all is nothing ; and whatever , and how much soever it be , the Lord accepts it not with any good will .

Now here is a Knot that should be untied , as we go along lest we leave matters too dark . viz. Some think they have Love to Christ , when indeed they have none : and some fear they have none , when indeed they have much , at least some . A word of each .

1. Some think they have much Love to Christ , but they have none in truth : or no true Love . for as we read of true holiness : or holiness of truth . Eph. 4. 24. So there is a true Love ; and a Love that is not of truth ; and the Love which many have to Christ is no better than that which they had of old , who one while Cryed , Hosanna to the Son of David ; and alterward , Crucify him , Crucify him , away with him : or that of the young man that came running to Christ , with much zeal , and by and by , he turns his back on him ; he went away sorrowful . So it is with many , they seem to have much Love for a season , but in time it withers , as Joh . 5. 35. The reason is , they never know Christ , nor themselves neither , not thorowly : and hence it is with them , as with the stony ground . Matth . 13. 5 , 20 , 21. There wanted deepness of earth : thorowness of Conviction ; and hence though the word were received with joy , yet all dureth but for a while ; he hath no root in himself : no inward principle of Spiritual life & love ; only the natural affections are raised , by the power of Convictions , and turned ( in some sort ) another way than formerly ; but there being no Sanctifying change , in time , all turns again to the old Channel : or else a person contents himself with common love , and affections , instead of that which is Spiritual , and flows from a Sanctifying change in the Soul .

2. There are some that have much Love , or at least true Love to Christ , that fear that they have none at all . Obj. How can this be ? if a man have true Love , he may know it , one would think . Answ . No , not alwayes : we can neither discern Christs Love to us , nor our Love to him , unless the Spirit of God , discover the same unto us . 1 Cor . 2. 12. We are said to receive the Spirit , that we may know the things that are freely given to us of God . So also those things that are freely wrought in us , will be all clouded & in darkness , unless the Spirit do enlighten our minds , and discover them unto us . See Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self bears witness with our Spirit . Our Spirit will , it can witness nothing to us , for our comfort , unless the Spirit of God joyn & witness together therewith : if this Spirit as to this work of it , be withdrawn ( as many times it is ) we are all in darkness , and have no light , though we fear God and obey him ; there is no light sufficient to discover that to us , which indeed is in us . A persons love to Christ is always seen , and discerned by Christ , but not always by himself , yet we should seek to find it out in our selves : and therefore as we pass along in our work , consider only these two things in this place .

1. Have you seen Christ ? if you have , you cannot but Love , and believe in him : and so e ' contra . Seen him ? how is that ? Answ . Not with bodily eyes : for when he was on earth , many saw him so , and perished for ever : and to see him now with out bodily eyes , would be like to confound us , rather than profit us ; however it is not to be expected by us . Not by hear-say , and report only : for so all see him under the Gospel : but have you seen him , by a work of the Spirit revealing Christ in you ? Gal. 1. 15 , 16. When it pleased God to reveal his Son in me , or to me . Christ is never seen , or known by any , how much soever they hear of him , till God reveal him . Now , if you have seen him , there is at least a latent , rooted Love to , and belief in him , which shall never utterly fail , but in due time appear , and at last be found unto Salvation . And if you have seen him , you have seen your Spiritual ignorance of him ; and that ignorance that yet remains , is among your chief complaints .

2. If you Love him , you will Love those that are his 1 Joh . 3. 14. And on this account , for that of him , that is in them : and he that doth not Love the people of God , doth not Love God himself 1 Joh . 4. 20. If we Love him , l we shall Love them that are his , because they are his : and they are one , as God and Christ are one . John 17. 11 , 21. 22.

2. The second fruit to be considered of ( by way of tryal ) is Mortification of sin , or the purifying of the Soul from it , which is a fruit of faith . Acts 15. 9. Purifying their hearts by faith . The heart is never purified ; and sin is never mortified , until faith come : and that always doth something this way , unless it be a Dead faith . Sin may be as it were stunned , and knockt on the head , by Convictions , and legal terrors , but is never mortified , until faith come , and then something is done indeed .

Now , having mentioned this , as one thing to try our selves by , we must clear and open the point , and endeavour to free it , ere we leave it , from whatsoever might cloud and darken it : And the difficulty is to shew the difference between the effects of Legal terrors , and Common Convictions in restraining sin , and that of Faith in mortifying sin : and the difference between that effect which that faith which is yet indeed but a Dead faith may have upon sin , and that which a Lively faith hath in mortifying of sin .

And first we shall consider the difference that is between Legal Terrors restraining Sin ; and that of Faith in mortifying it . And here I premise this one thing : viz. that particular Lusts , by Legal Terrors , and common convictions , are many times , as it were benummed , in a swound , when not at all mortifyed ; and here many deceive themselves ; they find no present disposition , or inclination to their former lusts , but some aversation from them , and hence they think they are throughly reformed , and mortified , when as there is no such thing ; they have only changed their way of sinning ; as he that was a gross Sinner perhaps , is now a formal Professor , a self-righteous Sinner : Sin in him now runs out in another channel ; he is as much a Sinner as ever , tho' in another way , and he sees it not .

Now when sin is only stunned and benummed with Legal Terrors , and forced as it were to pull in its head , and to shrink back into the deep , & dark corners of the heart , and so to find another vent , a more secret , and undiscovered passage . Then ,

1. A mans life in Religion is mercenary ; all his Obedience is Legal , and Servile ; not filial : such a persons Obedience is but an endeavouring to pay the debt of Satisfaction for Sin which he ows to God , and to pacify his anger , which he hopes to do , by a better walking then formerly ; and though such persons do not profess so , yet really it is so , with them . And hence one of these things following , may be said of them : either ( 1 ) They deceive themselves in thinking all is well with them , when it is not . ( 2 ) They find that they cannot make their peace with God , and so return again to folly ; or else ( 3 ) Spend their time in a wearyish formality , and so perish for ever at last . — ( 1 ) Some think they have paid their debt , by their repentings , and reformings , and other good works ; and hence their minds are at rest , in some measure ; but there comes an after reckoning at death , when it appears that their coin is not current : & what they trust to will not be accepted ; the Lord abhors all that they have offered to him for payment ; and hence they are cast into Hell , where they are for ever tormented ; for they can never pay the debt . ( 2 ) Some find that by all they do , they cannot make their peace with God ; they are still running into arrearages : still God is provoked by them dayly ; and hence complain that their labour is in vain , that they serve an hard master . Mat 25. 24. that gathers where he had not sowen ; that requires obedience , but gives not strength answerable ; and hence grow discouraged , and like the Israelites of old , finding the difficulties of the Wilderness , would return into Egypt again : so these forsake the Lord , and his Service , and return to their old wayes again , or some other as bad : as the dog to his vomit . 2 Pet . 2. ult . ( 3 ) Some wear out their time in a heartless , uncomfortable , and unprofitable attendance to the duties of Religion ; they do hope , and fear much according as be the wainings or increase of their own righteousness , or legal performances : for the way of peace they have not known ; and there is no judgment in their goings .

But now the true believer , his obedience is filial : he goes to work , but not to pay his debt : for he hath seen that done already by another , or knows that if ever it be done , it must be by another ; and hence the main spring of his obediebce , is Love to God , and his great Redeemer ; his faith works by love . Gal. 5. 6. it will work , or set a man on work ; but how ? by love . 2 Cor . 5. 14. The love of Christ constrains us , saith the Apostle . This Faith then doth not set a man on work , to pay old debts , or new , which no man can do any thing of , either more or less : though many attempt it daily , who yet perhaps understand not what they do , and so undo themselves , but see not how , until it be too late .

2. Then a mans hope and comfort is not like that of a true believers : What is the legal mans hope ? Answ . That God will not cast him into Hell , hen he dyes . What is his comfort in this world ? Answ . His comfort is partly that hope , and partly somew lust , or creature-comfort , that he feeds upon , and commits Spiritual Adul tery with every day , continually . What do these hopes stand on ? What are they built on ? Answ . His own Obedience and something in himself ; and hence as he find things there , better or worse as he reckons , so his hopes are higher , or lower , they ebb or flow accordingly , as we have but now intimated . Well , how is it with the true believer , what are his hopes ? Answ . That God is at peace with him throuh his Son , Christ Jesus : and also that he shall see , and enjoy him for ever , of which Inheritance he hath some earnest here ; and hence hopes , and sometimes perhaps longs also for the full possession . Phil . 1. 23. Having a desire to depart , and to be with Christ , which is far better , than any thing , than all , than every thing that ius here in this World to be had Obj. But do all true believers find in themselves , this desire to be with Christ ? Answ . No , unless it be at times ? In some , the love of this World prevails , and that sadly , and that for a long time ; one would hardly think , that there were any Grace in them : Others are almost always under clouds and darkness . Isa . 50. 10. they walk in darkness , and have no light ; and hence dying is terrible unto them : but they have all that principle in them , which ( if the actings of it were not one way or other obstructed in them ) would shew it self in such hopes and desires , as we have mentioned . But what is the true believers comfort here in this World , for the present , so far as he is , and acts like a believer , like himself ? Answ . One main thing in which is lies , is this : viz. in what he can get and enjoy of God here : hence let his hopes stand never so fast , he can mourn for his want of getting more of God here ; that he can find so little of him in his Ordinances , and Duties of his Worship : if the Lord be much , or long absent , he will lament after him ; if he cannot see , as he hath seen in his Sanctuary ; yea though he do dwell in his house , yet if there he cannot behold his beauty , he will complain , Cant 5. 6. my Beloved had withdrawn himself , and was gone , — my Soul failed when , &c. the Legallist mourns not if his hopes will bu●… stand : for his comfort lies in that , and in an Adulterous Communion with Creature comforts , and the vanities of this World : And if you ask , what the believers hope is built on ? Answ . Christ , and Free Grace is the foundation of it . Col. 1. 27 Christ in you the hope of glory . 2 Thes . 2. penult . Good hope through grace . 1 Tim . 1. 1. Jesus Christ which is our hope . Nothing so hard , nothing so sweet , as to live on the free , rich Grace of God in Christ Jesus only ; and nothing so pleasing unto God , as that we should do so ; and hereby he hath more glory by us , then if we could present him a perfect Obedience of our own .

3 When sin is only benummed , &c. whatever convictions there have been , yet the Commandment never so came , as to make sin revive , and so as to work in a man , all manner of Concupisence , so as to make a man feel sin , in its strength ▪ and dominion in him : for this would bring him to despair in himself , and spoil all his own righteousness , and self righteous hopes ; and prepare him to seek a remedy , not in himself , but out o●… himself , in the Grace of God in Christ Jesus when discovered to him ; and unto unprepared ones , it is not wont to be discovered . Luk . 3. 5. Every vally shall be filled , and every mountain , and hill shall be brought low ; — and then , All flesh shall see the Salvation of God . It is through the Law that we are dead unto the Law . And the Law is our School master to bring us unto Christ . Gal. 2. 19. & 3. 24. we then must come under a work of the Law , that we may be prepared , for the light of the Gospel ; it is shining into our hearts , which many wanting , whatever they profess , the Gospel is hid unto them ; it shines not . 2 Cor . 4. 3. not as to the hear say of it , but as to the power , and saving efficacy of it .

The next thing to be spoken to is this , viz. the difference between that effect which that faith , which is indeed but a Dead faith may have upon sin , and that which a Lively faith hath in mortifying of sin : for there is in some a work ; not only meerly legal , or rather , in that degree legal : for some legallists are more gross than others : but together with it , there is a Faith , though indeed , but a Dead faith , and even this faith hath in them , some effects on sin , to restrain it , though it never mortify it . Thus , I conceive it was with them , Psal . 78. 34 , 35 , 36. They sought him ; and they returned , & enquired early after God : and not only so ; but they remembred that God was their rock , and the high God , their Redeemer . What then is , and how may we discover the difference ? In true faith there is Love ; so in that which is yet but A Dead faith , there is A Love too , though not such a Love , as is in the former : we must then see , if we can make the difference , or shew it , in some few things at least .

1. Where this true love , or lively faith is , which purifies the heart , and engageth the Soul in mortifying of sin , there is an hatred to All sin . Psa . 119. 104 I hate every false way . In others there may be a falling out , with a sin , a quarrel with it for a season ; as true Lovers may have their fallings out : but here is a real , and a rooted Hatred . Now it must needs be a great work whereby , & a great change wherein a person is brought to Hate that which he once Loved above all other things . To Hate those things which once he delighted in , and which were to him as a Right Eye , or a Right Hand ; yea as his very self . Math . 16. 24. Let him deny himself . How impossible is this to every man , and how far is he from it , until a great work , and change be wrought in him ? he may think he can do it , and doth do it , but if eer the matter come indeed to tryal , he will find himself as far from it , as unable to do it , as a dead man from raising himself out of the Grave , and doing the works of the living . It is God only , by his mighty power , that can give life unto the Spiritually dead . Eph. 2. 1. 5. When ye were dead in sins . And where this hatred is , there are these things . ( 1. ) A sensible mixture of Love to that which a man hates : so that he loves what he hates , and bates What he loves , and abhors himself for that love he finds unto sin . Rom. 7. 15. What I hate that do I. And he not only did it , but there was also some love to it : for his hatred of sin was not perfect , though sincere . Phil . 3. 12. Not already perfect : no , not in any one point ; he was yet carnal and sold under sin , as to the unregenerate part , vere 14. though as to the inward man , it was otherwise , as verse 22. As long as we have sin in us , we shall have some love to it : those then that think they have no love to sin , in them , do deceive themselves ; they do not know themselves ; and it is to be feared , that they have no true hatred . ( 2. ) A making out , in the use of means after , an utter abolition , and rooting out of sin : so that nothing will give the heart full rest , or content , while any thing of sin still remaineth . Outward comforts , inward affections , and enlargements , and assistances in duties , and such like are things in which many unfound ones rest . But he that Hateth all sin , will never rest , until it is All gone : yea the more help he hath against sin , and the more it dyes in him , he more he is set against it still : whereas it is contrary with others , that take up their stand , and make their rest in Reformation , without Mortification .

2. This true , lively faith , which makes a person to seek to Mortify his sin ; it sets him on work , as Gal. 5. 6. He will up , and be doing . That he may mortify his lust ; he must work , Phil . 2. 12. And not only so , but it teaches him , as to work , so to look beyond all his own works , and doings and to own himself to be a poor Nothing else it is but ( as I may call it ) a legal faith . Pau●… did much , and so did Apollos too , yet neither of them were any thing , 1 Cor . 3. 5 , 6 , 7. So in this case , for a person to do much , and yet after all to say , I am nothing , as he did , 2 Cor . 12. 11. is a Mystery , which faith only teaches ; and few know what it is , to be diligent in doing , and to rely only , on the power & grace of God in Christ for supply of all wants . We may have a general notion of this , but a lively sense and feeling of it , is both bitter and sweet , and an effect of a Lively faith only .

Now it is true that an unsound Professor may do many things , as Herod did , Mark 6. 20. he may abound with Religious performances , as they Isa . 1. 11. had multitude of sacrifices , yet to no purpose : the Lord saith that he was full of them : So they Isa . 58. 2. Sought him daily . Yet there is this difference also , besides what hath been said . ( 1. ) Such as be unsound ones , usually rest in the External performance of dutis ; and much farther from that they never go . But true faith teaches a man to look chiefly where God looks chiefly , viz. to the manner of performance , to the sincerity and uprightness of the heart in all duties . And hence what complaints do true believers many times make of Hypocrisy , and by ends in duties , of self seekings , and the like , which they cannot wholly lay aside & free themselves from ? Something of this nature no doubt he found which brought forth that cry , Psal . 119. 80. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes , that I be not ashamed . A true Christians great work in all his religious Services , is with his own heart , that in all he may approve himself unto God . ( 2. ) Unsound ones do seek , and rest in themselves in all they do . Zech . 7. 5 , 6. They did fast , and mourn &c. but saith God , did ye at all do it unto me , even unto me ? they did aall for themselves . A sound believer hath respect to God , and the pleasing of him , and finds rest in this . Psal . 19. ult . Let the words of my mouth , and the meditations of my heart , be acceptable in thy sight , O Lord my strength , and my Redeemer . q . d . if God accept me , if I may please him , it is well , it is enough ; he hath been good to me , my Redeemer , and if I may but please him , that is the great thing that I seek . Here , understand aright .

1. There is no man that can deny himself , so as not to seek himself more than he should : self will be rising up , but grace will snub and rebuke it , and say to it , get hence ! and would have no more to do with it ; as they said of their Idols . Hos . 14. 8. Self is the great Idol which almost all men , worship and serve .

2. No man is bound not to ahve any Eye to himself at all , in what he doth . Heb . 11. 26. yet a gracious respect to God , should and doth influence every gracious Soul , in what he doth , in his Service . And many there be , I doubt not , that if called to it , would deny themselves , so as to forsake all for Christ , yea , to dy in his cause , however they have jealous , and low thoughts of themselves ; and so it is with many that hold on in a steady way of obedience , attending conscientiously to all the ordinances of God , and known duties of his Worship ; what they do , is in some measure from their good respect , and love to God , and his wayes , who yet cannot say it of themselves , and not from servile fear only . And that appears thus . ( 1 ) If it were from servile fear only , they would in time grow weary , of Gods wayes , as many do . Mal . 1. 13. & Isa . 43. 22. it is true , there is often some , yea much servile fear in a Child of God , and there is also a weariness in Spiritual work ; but then how is this complained of ? do not they loath themselves for it ? are not they weary of that weariness ? and God makes good that promise unto them . Isa . 40. ult . the meaning is , not that they shall find no weariness , or faintings at all , who wait on God , but that it shall not prevail so , but that as in the beginning of the verse , they shall renew their strength , and go on still . 2 Cor . 4. 1. — we faint not : but hold out still : so here ; but as verse 16. they don't faint , because the inner man is renewed day by day . Yet David complained that his Soul fainted for Gods Salvation . Psal . 119. 81. ( 2 ) If it were only from servile fear , a Form of Godliness would content them , they would not still be making after , and prizing the Power of Godliness , in their own hearts , and lives , and in others too : yea , the Power of Godliness would be a thing unknown to them ; as it is unto many : and there be these things in it . See Phil . 3. 13 , 14. ( 1 ) A forgetting the things that are behind , contrary to a resting in present attainments , as they did , Rev. 3. 17. who had enough , and need of nothing : as a man that runs in a race , he minds not what is behind him : and when a man forgets the things that are behind him , he sees a need to be doing still , and is desirous of getting more still , as well as of getting some at first : for what profit is it , to set out in a Race , if a person do not hold out , and go on in it ? ( 2 ) A clear conviction of a persons imperfections , and a sight of things yet before him , which are precious in his eyes ; as more strength , and diligence in duties ; more conformity unto the will of God ; a further rest , and a fuller contentment , and satisfaction in God , as a mans portion . Psal . 16. 5. these are things before a man , and precious in his eyes , if the Power of Godliness be in him : Hence ( 3. ) There is a reaching after these things : a pressing on towards them : a person doth not only use means , but in them he seeks after these things : if the question be as to them of old , Joh . 1. 28. Whom seek ye ? the answer will be as before ; more of God , and more of Christ , &c. these are the things which they so much seek ; to whom it may be said , as to them , in Mat . 28. 5. fear not , ye seek Jesus ; and that they so did , appears in those sad complaints which tehy made , when Ordinances are , or seem to be , empty things to them ; and him whom they seek , they do not there find . Oh! consider it ; you attend means , but what seek ye ? is it to pacify Conscience , and to satisfy Convictions only , and to patch up a self-righteous peace only ; or is it Jesus that you seek , and more of him ? Let your peace be , according as you find in these things .

3. The third Fruit mentioned by way of Tryal ; ( for it is an Use of Tryal that we are upon ) is Vivification , or a living , or a being alive unto God , as it is called . Rom. 6. 11. Gal. 2. 19. Now seeing there is such a thing as living unto God , or being alive unto God , and that it is , where-ever true Faith is , as appears from the last named place , verses 19 , 20. compared together ; it concerns us to consider , whether we have any thing of this Living to God , or no . Let us then consider a few things , as briefly as we can , out of this last named Text , which may help us to discover whether we be alive to God , or not .

1. A man must be dead unto the Law , before he can be alive unto God : he that is alive unto the Law , is alive unto himself , as Paul once was . Rom. 7. 9. and indeed such an one lives unto himself , while he seems most of all to e alive unto God ; and the Lord abhors even the best , that is to be found with such a man : well then ; a man must be dead unto the Law , be-fore he can , I say , can live unto God . Now this is a great thing , and it is a great work of God , to bring a person to it : viz. to be dead unto the Law , none but he that made Heaven and Earth , can do it : for consider ,

1. Every man naturally is alive unto the Law , as Paul saith he once was ; and to take away life is a great thing , and makes a very great change , in what sense soever you understand it : it is great in respect of the change , that is made ; and in respect of the reluctancy and opposition that is made against it : indeed there is a difference , some die more easily than others do . Now I say , that every man naturally , is alive unto the Law : i.e. he seeks life by the Law , as they did . Rom. 9. penult . many times persons don't know that they do thus ; they may profess , and protest against it , and yet do it ; and it is surely so with persons , when they have only a doctrinal knowledge of the way of the Gospel , but never saw any need of , or never came under a powerful work of the Spirit , to convince them of righteousness , as well as of sin : there is as much need of the one , as of the other : for if there be any difference ( as I think there is , on divers accounts ) we are more easily convinced of sin , then of the way of the Gospel : for we naturally know something of he Law , but of the Gospel , we know nothing by nature : and all the whole body of death in us , opposes it , unto the utmost ; there is nothing in us , but as it is under the management and influence of Corruption , opposes the way of the Gospel , not only much , but unto the utmost , or as much as can be : it is far easier to convince a man , that he is a Sinner , and deserves to dy ; than convince him , that he may be Saved by Faith in Christ Jesus : yet how many know nothing of the Plague of their own hearts in this matter !

2. He that is Dead unto the Law , hath experienced his own inability to perform , or keep the Law . It is not persons having heard , or having been told , that will suffice thorowly to convince them , of their inability to keep the Law : for they will not throughly believe it , until they have tryed it , and have an Experimental knowledge of it . This we see by constant Experience ; & it may be otherwise evidenced also : though persons have Lived all their dayes under the Gospel , and have had a good Education , and have gathered much head knowledge , yet when Convictions , and awakenings come upon them , the first thing that they do , is to seek Righteousness , as it were by the works of the Law . Some indeed have a notion , and also some experience , of their own inability to keep the Law ; but yet for want of a thorow awakening , and thro' the prevailings of a Spirit of slothfulness , and averseness unto Spiritual work , they never make thorow tryal and so never come to a thorow sight of themselves , and of their own Nothingness : they say Oh! they can do nothing of themselves ! and that they find it so too : but it is no otherwise with them , than with a slothful Servant , that lifts a little at a heavy burden , and crys out , thyat he cannot stir , or move it , whereas he never put forth hi●… strength , to try what he can do ; a cudgil or whip would make him do more , a great deal . So it is here , small awakenings , bring forth small endeavours , and leave persons alive unto the Law still . Consider this then , it may be thy Convictions of thy own nothingness are but what the slothful Servant hath ; if so , thou must go to work again : and get thee to thy old fears and terrours , which were smothered , by one means or other , and dyed away too soon . There be many that dy in the birth ; many whose Convictions issue in formality , refined self righteousness , and self deceiving .

3. He that is dead unto the Law , is convinced of the evil and folly of seeking righteousness by it . He hath been made to see the pride and folly of his own heart in that matter , and is ashamed of it . Persons must be ashamed of their own wayes , before they will come to God way . You that say , you never sought righteousness , as it were by works of the Law , you always knew better than to do so ; you may do well to consider deeply whether you do not deceive your selves . And this know for certain , that whatsoever your Religion , progress , & attainments therein be ; you don't live to God , and your faith is but a Dead faith , if you be not Dead unto the Law ; all you have ( if it be much ) will be found at last to be , no better , no other , than a fine spun thred of Pharisaism , and self delusion ; and after all you have done , a fearful perdition , will be the issue .

2. He that lives unto God , lives a Life of faith ; or , the life that he now lives is by the faith of the Son of God , as he speaks , Gal. 2. 20. Not a Dead faith ; but that of the Son of God . And where this faith comes and prevailes in the Soul .

1. It doth as it were Annihilate the Creature 2 Cor . 12. 11. It Empties a man , it ( as it were ) takes him off his own legs : it makes a man , in his highest attainments , to be nothing in his own eyes . So , in that second of Gal. I live , yet not I. This is a Mystery , I , and yet not I. Before faith comes , or before a man is humbled , he is A Great Something , in his own eyes , though indeed worse than Nothing . Rev. 3. 17. But when faith comes , he is both a real something , and a great nothing . And this , as I said , is a great Mystery ; a piece of unintelligible nonsense to a carnal heart . 2 Cor . 3. 5. E're faith comes a mans felf sufficiency is gone , and all his sufficiency is of God ; he hath no sufficiency in himself , no , no not so much as to think a good thought .

And in this Annihilation of the Creature , there are these things to be considered , besides what else might be named .

1. A disappointment of Expectation , as to the way of liveing a Life of Religion . First , a man thinks he hath something of himself , and he will not easily think otherwise ; and then he expects to have something given to him , whereby he may set up again , and live upon himself ; but when the matter comes to tryal , he finds that he must live upon another ; and live ( as we say ) from hand to mouth : Yesterdayes Assistance , will not help him for this dayes work . He that could do all things Yesterday , can do nothing this day , unless he have Assistance from the same hand , which is Arbitrary , given or taken or denyed , as he pleaseth from whom it is . And hence often arise great discouragements . A person saith , I thought ere now , I should have been able to do more , than , I find , I can : I am still vile , still a poor wretched Creature ; I can do nothing , perform no duty , as I ought : yea the Children of God , are oft left to themselves , that they may know themselves , and where their dependance is . See 2 Chron . 32. 31. And in a Christians ordinary course , wonted Assistance may now and then be withdrawn , on the same account .

2. An Abasement of Soul : A person is brought to be poor in Spirit : he hath a low esteem of himself . Eph. 3. 8. is exceeding vile in his own eyes . Job 40. 4. Faith indeed purifies the heart , but it also opens a persons eyes , so that he sees something of the sin that still dwells in them ; and great Faith , and a little sight of that , will hardly consist together : sometimes , where true faith is , there is a great mixture of presumption , which makes faith seem to be much more , and greater than indeed it is .

3. An Inward Contest , or Strife in the Soul respecting this Nothingness and Abasement ; the unregenerate part reluctates , and opposes , this way of abasement ; the now man closes with it , as the best way , as an excellent way . Phil . 3. 8. the knowledge of Christ , and the way of the Gospel , hath an Excellency in it . And the knowledge of our selves , Christ , and of our own Nothingness go together : He that Exalteth Christ must debase himself ; he that prizeth Christ , must deny and abhor himself : Self exalting , and Christ exalting , are inconsistent , in the power thereof .

Now consider this ; you that can easily exalt , and magnify Christ ( as you think ) verily you have cause to fear that you never knew what it was : you are utter strangers to a Life of Faith , Which though it be sweet , and precious , yet by reason of Corruption , and through Temptation , it is usually very difficult , especially at times .

2. This Faith carries out the Soul unto God , and that in these three respects . ( 1. ) As looking to Him for all it wants . ( 2 ) In acknowledging him , in All it hath . ( 3. ) In uniting the heart to God in Love .

1. In Looking to Him for all it wants : Faith leads the Soul to Wisdoms Gates , to the posts of her door , and there it stands and knocks , and waits , as Prov. 8. 34. the heart will be stealing out , and turning aside to other doors , but when this is seen , the Soul rebukes it self for it , and is ashamed of its own folly . Now is it thus with you ? whither go you for help ? perhaps you you will say , I go to God alone ? but do not you turn aside elsewhere sometimes : if you say no : you do not know your own hearts : and it is as if you should say , you have no unbelief , no self righteousness working , and prevailing in you ; and who shall believe you in that ? this sin , if any , dwells in you , and will carry you Captive , sometimes : But I say , Faith carries the Soul out of it self , unto God , in Christ Jesus , for supply of wants ; and therefore in this respect it doth two things . ( 1. ) It shews the Soul its own emptiness . ( 2. ) Christs fullness , or all sufficiency .

1. The Soul is made to see its own emptiness , and nothingness : It may be you will say , this you have seen , and do see this : but I say , consider , whether it be so indeed , or not : have you ever seen a need of Almighty Power to make you see it , to cause you to see it . Ezek . 16. 2. have you seen the enmity and opposition of your hearts against this sight of your selves : Doctrinal Knowledge of Spiritual Things , is more easy , but Experimental Knowledge , and clear convictions , affect mens hearts , and break them to pieces ; and there is much in the heart to oppose , and withstand the same .

2. The Soul is shewen , or made to see the Sufficiency of Christ Jesus : it could never see it , or believe it , if it were not shewen , by a powerful work of the Spirit : yea , the heart of man makes strong opposition against the way of the Gospel , it hates the knowledge thereof . Prov. 1. 29. and the secret language and voice of the heart is , as Job 21. 14. we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes . It is true , there is in the heart an enmity against God , and all of God ; all his Wayes and Laws , and people ; but especially against Christ , and a saving knowledge of him : and hence I say , there must be a mighty work of the Spirit , to shew Christ , and his fitness , and sufficiency to Save Lost Sinners ; and it is a glorious fight when see . Joh . 1. 14. We beheld his glory , the glory , &c. consider it then , hast thou ever seen the Glory of Jesus Christ ? you have heard of him , read of him , spoke of him ; but hath he been revealed to you , and have you seen him ? Joh . 6. 40. you must see him , not with bodily eyes , for that would confound you : and God must shew him , else you cannot see him : and if you see him not , you cannot believe in him : Hence if the Gospel be hid ( which sets him forth ) it is to suh as be lost 2 Cor . 4. 3. and hence in verse sixth , God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness , hath shined in our hearts , to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God , in the face of Jesus Christ . Here mark ; it is God that gives this light ; it is he that shines in our hearts ; and there must be an Almighty Power put forth , else to us the Gospel will be hid . He must command the Light , &c. else the God of this World will blind us , so as that , the Light of the Gospel of the glory of God ( for so I read the words ) shall not shine unto us , or in our hearts : in darkness we be by nature , and so abide , until he do powerfully call us into his marvellous light .

2. In acknowledging him in all it hath : as the Soul receives all from God , by Faith : so Faith leads it , to acknowledge him in all it hath ; as he said ; I live , yet not I , but Christ lives in me ; and again , else-where , he saith , he could do all things through Christ strengthening him : Still whatever he did , he ascribes all to Christ : so he , Psal . 144. 1 , 2 , 3. The Lord my strength , who teacheth my hands to war , — my goodness , &c. mark , how he ascribes all to God . Now this the believing Soul doth in some measure , and desires to do it more fully : it is a pleasure to a Believer to be doing for Christ , and when he hath done all , to be setting the Crown still upon the head of Christ ; I , yet not I but Christ ; it is the voice and language of Faith . Indeed to acknowledge Christ in all a person hath , or doth , in words only , is easy ; but really and sensibly to do it , is difficult , and much averseness is in the heart of a man against it . Consider then , how you find it , do you acknowledg Christ in all ? do you find it a hard thing so to do ? do you bewail the contrary , and beg help against it ? if you think it an easy thing , you know not what it is ?

3. In uniting the heart to God by love : Faith and Love alwayes go together ; they cannot be separated . 1 Tim . 1. 14. he that believes , he also ●… oves : as soon as a man hath a sight of Christ , he falls in love with him : he is altogether lovely : ●… s soon as the Grace of God that brings Salvation , doth appear unto the Soul , it doth unite the ●… eart unto him , by love . Eph. 6. 23. Peace be unto the brethren , and love with faith ; he means an increase of love , and faith : and puts them together , because they are never separated ; and hence he curseth all that don't Love the Lord Jesus .

Now , ( as we go along ) because that many a gracious Soul may be at a loss , and unable to find their love to Christ , and thereupon be discouraged ; we shall mention some things , in which , it usually discovers it self , and may sometimes be found , when persons cannot look directly on it , and find , and feel those sensible workings of it in their Souls , which at some other times perhaps they can ; and therefore tho●… they have it , they can't discern it .

1. In a desire of fellowship , and communion with him in his ordinances , as Cant . 1. 1. Let him kiss me with &c. his Love is better than wine — this was a sign , and an evidence of Love in them , and so was that in verse fourth , Draw me &c. so here when the Soul desires Christ in his Ordinances , and breaths after , or accounts precious , the discoveries and manifestations of Christ unto the Soul , in hi●… Ordinances , this is better than wine ; when though many will say , who will shew us any good ; yet the Soul joyns with them that say , Lord , lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us , Psal . 4. 6. And it is not Ordinances , and duties that will satisfy the Soul , but Christ in them ; this is an evidence of Love . Cant . 3. 1. I sought him whom my sou●… loveth : that seeking sheweth love . You then tha●… wait on , and attend to these and those Ordinances , and duties of Gods Worship , what , or whom seek yee ? is it , the Lord Jesus Christ ? or is it some what else ? if it be him you seek ; it is from a likeance of , and a love to him .

2. This love appears sometimes , in that they are so deeply sensible of it , when they see any wrong offered unto the Lord , his name , wayes , ●… eople , or institutions , Psal . 69. 9. And that this ●… s from Love to God , and his wayes , appears in ●… hat they are so ready to Condemn themselves , ●… s well as others : they are grieved at the evil wayes of others , Psal . 119. 158. But they judge ●… hemselves as chief of sinners , abhor and loth them●… elves , especially at times . Job 42. 6.

3. In their following after God , in all the ●… ayes that he hath appointed , Cant . 31. I sought HIM whom my soul loveth . I sought Him and ●… hat by night too , on her bed : this was an evi●… ence of Love . So when the Soul seeks God , ●… ot only in Publick duties , but also , where no eye ●… f man sees ; and it is the Lord himself that is here sought ; this is an evidence of much love ●… ometimes . I say not when much pains in duties 〈…〉 taken ; for that may come from other causes , ●… ut when also CHRIST is sought for in them : ●… sal . 63. 8. His soul followed hard after God . ●… lothfulness in duties argues little , or no love ; but when God is sought , and that diligently too , it is ●… n evidence of love : especially when not his favour only , but his holiness is sought for , to be partakers of that . Heb . 12. 10.

USE . II . Of Exhortation and Direction .

Take heed of resting in a Dead faith ; and labour for a Lively faith . In other words , see that you accept the Offers of the Gospel , sincerely ; or that you submit to , accept of Christ as offered in the Gospel : I use that word submit : the Apostle uses it . Rom. 10. 3. We cannot find a better word . You will say , how is Christ Offered 〈…〉 Answ . As a Prophet , as a Priest , as a King . Thes●… things , I shall briefly open , when first of all , 〈…〉 have premised these things .

1. It is the Person of the Lord Christ that true faith closes with : it is Him that true faith look to . Isa . 45. 22. Look unto ME . HE is the Prop●…tiation : as many as received him , Joh . 1. 12. H●… is the portion of the Soul , and in Him it hope●… Lam . 3. 24. In Him the Soul doth acquiesce an●… rest . Psal . 73. 25. And hence the Counsel , an●… Direction here is this , viz. See that you don●… fall short of Christ himself ; for nothing else b●… Christ himself , will stand you in any stead . Yo●… have it may be many things ; as gifts , commo●… graces , affections , and enlargements , comfort and the like : but have you Christ himself ? a●… you married unto him ? have you closed wit●… him ? He that hath the son hath life , and he that hath not the son , hath not life ; for life is in the son . 1 Joh . 5. 11 , 12. But it comes to none , but to such as receive him . If a woman be never so rich , he only hath hers , that hath her , or matcheth with her . Would you have Christs benefits ( he is rich ) than match with him ; if you have him , you have all ; miss of him , nd you have nothing , but conceit .

If you say , how shall I know whether I have Christ or no ? I Answ . As your Conviction is , such your faith is : as is the preparation work , such is the closing with Christ . It is a sure rule ; and this is the reason , why we so much , and so often press for preparation work . The Soul must be prepared for Christ , before it can come to Christ , or close with Christ . See Luk . 3. 4 , 5 , 6. And there is more preparation needful , than many think for : it is a great work of God to prepare the Soul for Christ , which is naturally full of all enmity and opposition , against Christ : the heart being every way , on every side , straitly shut up , and fortified against Christ ; and there are strong holds to be pulled down . Consider that place , 2 Cor . 10. 4 , 5. Here then Consider whether you have seen Christ or not : for till a person see him , he cannot come to , or close with him , as Joh 6. 40. as we have already intimated . Persons do not use to match with a person , whom they have never seen ; or if they do , it seldome proves well afterwards : so in this case : Christ must be seen , and then the Soul will love , and chuse , and close with him : otherwise it may match indeed with him , after a sort , through common Convictions &c. but it will not prove well ; in a time of tryal and temptation , such an one will forsake Christ , and his cause : and thus many do , that do not openly Apostatise , yet their hearts are secretly withdrawn from him , and his works , and they inwardly cast off his yoke : and will not mortify their lusts , and purify themselves , as he is pure ; as all true believers do , 1 Joh . 3. 3. Now if you have seen Christ , you have seen your ignorance of him . See Prov. 30. 2 , 3. That light which discovers Christ unto the Soul , shews a person both his former , & yet abiding ignorance of him . 2 Cor . 4. 6. This light comes out of darkness .

2. If you have seen him , it hath been a wonderfull sight . Jesus Christ is a wonderful one ; his name is wonderfull . Isa 9. 6. And when he is seen , he appears so to be unto the Soul : he is so in himself , and will be so to his for ever . His Prayer for his was , that they might behold his glory . Joh . 17. 24. A little glimmering of which , here , at times , outbids all that the world hath to give ; and makes us despise the one , and long for more of the other . See Rom. 8. 23. We have the first fruits , &c.

3. When Christ is seen , it makes a person vile in his own eyes , Isa . 6. 5. When his eyes had seen the King , the Lord of Hosts , he crys out , I am unclean &c. The more any one knows of Christ , the viler he is in his own eyes : who ever knew more of Christ than Paul did ? yet see what he saith of himself . See 1 Tim . 1. 15. — Chief of sinners . And Eph. 3. 8. Less than the least of all Saints . Hence several sorts of Persons may receive Conviction .

1. Such as close with Christ only upon a notional historical knowledge of him : they have had , it may be great Convictions , and much inward trouble , about their own sinfulness , and guiltiness ; and hence fly to and catch hold of Jesus Christ ; and the bottom of all is ( if they could see it ) to Ease them in , and not to Save them from their sins : and this faith of theirs smothers their Convictions ; and they are healed slightly ; and cry peace , peace to themselves , when there is no peace . Consider what knowledge of Christ you have , is it more than may be obtained by common industry , without a Supernatural work of the Spirit of God ? it is true ; you may have great enlightnings , and yet fall short of Christ : such as hardly fall short of a miracle , Heb . 6. 5 , 6. yea , you may work miracles , and yet perish for ever . As Matth . 7. 22. Wherefore consider further .

2. Such as close with Promises , but not with Christ in them . Thus do many : there be precious Promises in the word ; as to such as mourn ; to such as hunger and thirst after righteousness &c. I am such an one , saith a person , and hence takes comfort , but takes not Christ . Perhaps you have read many Promises , and have had much comfort from them , but have you had Christ in them ? Comfort without Christ , is but like a Shaddow without substance , or worse . Many there be that catch at , and take hold of Promises , that do miss of Christ , and hence have nothing , when they think they have all things . Rev. 3. 17. Among the rest that might be named , I shall mention one sort . viz. Such as look at peace more than holiness ? Consider wherein is your rest ? is it in peace and satisfying Convictions , or in conformity to the will of God ? to be conformed thereto , is this glory , and happiness in your account ? Christ came to Save his people from their sins , Matth . 1. 21. And to unlose , or destroy the work of the Devil in them , 1 Joh . 3. 8. To set men at liberty from sin , as well as to deliver them from wrath to come . Is he then , on that account dear , and precious unto you ? And consider all that hath been said ; and what is it , that you have closed with ? is it Christ himself , or is it not ? And I further add two things .

If you close with , and love the Lord Christ himself .

1. You will abhor your selves ; and there will be a continual contest with , and opposition against your own righteousness : you will still endeavour to be beating down that : as he Phil . : 3. 8 , 9. and you will never wholly get clear of a self righteous principle , and the workings of it while you live ; it will still be working , and making trouble one way or other , more or less when you would reject it , and think perhaps yo●… have , it will arise again , and be present . Rom. 7●… 21.

2. If you Love him , you will Love what i●… his : his House . Psal . 26. 8. his Laws . Psal . 119 〈…〉 97. his People . 1 Joh . 3. 14. here note , that tru●… love springs out of a seen , felt enmity against God and all of God , which the Soul hath been greatly humbled , and abased for .

3. If you Love him , you will Love his Holiness , his Graces ; and seek to keep all his Commandments : see Joh . 14. 21. he that hath m●… Commandments , and keeps them , he it is that lovet●… me . And there will be not only some outward conformity thereto ; but more than that ; as he said , Psal 119. 129. Thy Testimonies are wonderful , therefore doth my Soul keep them .

We have shewen that Christ himself is close●… with by a true Faith ; now I add more particularly ; in all his Offices he is closed with , or accepted of , otherwise we fall short of him a last .

1. As a Prophet : Jesus Christ is a Prophet ; an●… it is a precious consideration : it was foretold o●… him that he should be so . Deut . 18. 15. Acts 〈…〉 22. and he executeth this Office in revealing t●… his people the will of God , and their duty t●…wards him : this he doth , not only in his Wor●… ( for so it is revealed unto multitudes of repr●…bates ) but by a mighty work of his Spirit , in ●… hem that are his : else his Word would be as a ●… lasped or sealed book to them , and the Gospel be ●… id , as to any saving knowledge thereof ; and so ●… n seeing , they should see and not perceive , which ●… s the woful condition of many . Mat . 13. 14.

I shall open this particular thus .

1. We have the Will of God revealed to us , ●… n the Word of God : and the Word of God is ●… ompleat , and perfect ; thre is no need to have it ●… ltered , by adding to it , or taking from it . Prov. ●… 0. 5 , 6. Rev. 22. 18 , 19. so that if in any case we would know what our duty is , what we be , or what God would have us be , we must look into the Word of God . Isa . 8. 20. to the Law and Testimony : and if we will follow the guidance of the Word of God , we shall walk safely : in all our difficulties , temptations , dangers , we shall at last be more than conquerors ; and he took that course , Psa . 119. 24. Kings use to have their Counsellors , and so had David ; but above all , in all his difficulties , which were many , he sought his guidance in , and from the Word of God ; his ●… estimonies were his Counsellors ; and verse 105. ●… is word a Lamp to his feet , and a Light to his path .

Hence all that do indeed believe , have a great ●… espect unto the Word of God : have they been ●… orn again ? It is by the word of God . 1 Pet . 1. 23. 〈…〉 have begotten you through the Gospel , saith Paul unto them , in 1 Cor . 4. 15. And have they found th●… narrow way which Leads to Life , which few d●…find , Mat . 7. 14. It is the light of the gloriou●… Gospel of Christ , which shewed them the way and led them by Christ , to God , whom they had lost , and were meer strangers to , when there was no judgment , or nothing right in their goings , but they made crooked paths unto themselves , not knowing the way of peace . Isa . 59. 8. and had wandered and wildered all their dayes , and perished for ever , had not the Word of Christ been a light unto their path : it is from the Word that they seek the mind , and will of Christ their Prophet : and it is by that , that he teaches them , that are his : it was by that , that he got understanding ; and hence the Word was so sweet to his tast : Psal . 119. 103 , 104. and hence that request , verse 133. Order my steps in thy Word . The best and sweetest life is when a persons steps are most of all ordered in , or according to Gods word : hence a true believer loves , and esteems much of Gods Word : as Psal . 119. 127 , 128. Teach me the way of thy statutes , give me understanding , and I shallkeep thy Law ; yea , I shall observe it with my whole heart : make me to go in the way of thy Commandments , for therein do I delight .

Now then consider what esteem you have o●… the Word , by which Christ reveals his , and his Fathers Will unto his people ? if you accept o●… him , as your Prophet , you will regard his Word and hence we enquire what esteem you have thereof ? hear what he said , Job 23 12. I have esteemed the word of his mouth , more than my neces●… ry food . it may be you will say , I hope I love and prize , and esteem his word much more : but to some I may reply , how is it then that you look into it no more ? that you medicate in it so little ? perhaps you can let the Book of God ly by you day after day , and not so much as Look into it at all : others there be that do indeed read in it dayly , by course , but improve it not ; they labour not to find the power of it in their hearts : and when so , is it not a Dead Faith that such rest in ; or in great measure a Religion of words without works , or such works as may evidence a Lively Faith ? the matter should be considered by them , whom it doth concern .

2. Christ reveals things to us by his Spirit , and hence we have the Promise of the Spirit , Joh . 16. 7. And we read of the Spirit of Wisdom , and of revelation . Eph. 1. 17. The word indeed is full of light . 2 Pet . 1. 19. It is a light thta shineth &c But the misery is , our minds are full of darkness : we walk in the thick , dark shades of our natural blindness , until God call us out of it : and though the light shine in the word , and in the dispensation of it , never so brightly , our darkness comprehendeth it not , as Joh . 1. 5. Hence we need the Spirit to enlighten ; and a great work of the Spirit it is to Call us out of darkness , as the phrase is 1 Pet . 2. 9. It is a work of the Spirit to give us eyes : we have much light in the word , But alas we want Eyes : Sin and Satan , hath put out our Eyes , and blinded us . 2 Cor . 4 4. And it is the work of the Spirit to open the blind eyes . See Isa . 42. 7. And if your faith be right , it will lead you to Christ for this : for the Spirit will never come unless he send it .

And of these that come to him , for this enlightning , these things may be said .

1. They have seen their need of it : how else should they go to him , for his help ? did you ever mourn under your darkness , and find a need of the Spirit to enlighten you ? did you ever see your selves to be in darkness , in the midst of light ? do you know what that means , to see , and yet not to see ? Matth . 13. 14. — Seeing ye shall see , and shall not perceive . Did you ever see a need to know the things , that you knew before : to know Spiritually , what you know Doctrinally ; there is a form of knowledge , and of the truth . Rom. 2. 20. And there is a Spiritual discerning of Spiritual things , Which no natural man hath . 1 Cor . 2. 14 , 15. In haven , we shall see Christ with bodily eyes : Job 19. 27. But even there , there is a Spiritual fight of him , and of Spiritual things , something of which is here ; and before Conversion there is nothing of it : but when it comes it is life eternal . Joh . 17. 3.

They know something of the necessity thereof . There is not only some need , but a Great necessity thereof . He that walks in much darkness , will quickly come into much deadness ; and formality of Spirit will grow upon him : and hence that request of Paul for them , in the forenamed , Eph. 1. 17. This light is indeed , in some sort , the life and strength of the Soul : where there is no light , there is no life , no strength . See Psal . 36. 9. With thee is the fountain of life , in thy light &c.

2. They have tasted the sweetness of this light : it is a pleasant thing to behold the Sun : much more to have the light , which comes from the Son of God , the Sun of Righteousness . Mal . 4. 2. when soever he shall arise upon the Soul ; for there is also healing in his wings , and such shall go forth , and grow up : if you would grow , labour for an increase of Spiritual Light .

3. They have seen something of the enmity , and opposition of their hearts against the knowledge of the Truth , and the Light of the Gospel ; the heart naturally is full of this enmity , and opposition . 2 Cor . 10. 4 , 5. the true believer knows something of this , of those strong holds , of those reasonings , of those high things , which exalt themselves ( in the Soul ) against the Knowledge of God , and the things of God : and he sees the more a need , a necessity of Christ , of going to , and closing with him , for his help : mans natural frame is that in Prov. 1. 29. he hates life , but Christ teaches powerfully , commands the light to shine . 2 Cor . 4. 6.

2. As a Priest : He is a Priest , and as such to be looked to , and closed with . Heb . 7. 17. 21. the Priests work was to Offer Gifts and Sacrifices for Sins . Heb . 5. 1. now Christ Offered up Himself . Heb . 7. 27. His design therein was to take away our sin . 1 Joh . 3. 5. and hence he is the Propitiation for our sin . 1 Joh . 2. 2.

Christ Suffered for us , in our room , and stead : and for our Sin . 1 Pet . 2. 21 , 24. — that also Suffered for us — his own self hear our sin — and chap. 3. 18. Christ also hath once Suffered for sins ; and he hath fully satisfied for Sin , there is nothing left for us to do in that matter , if there were , he would not be a perfect Priest , if he needed any of our help : and hence I say , we must look to him , and to him only , for pardon of sin , and acceptance with God . Wherefore accept him and his righteousness , and Sufferings , and all is well : And this is the next thing that you are to be Exhorted to , and directed in .

And here consider these things .

1. Every man , one as well as another , is inclined naturally to seek righteousness , by the works of the Law , as they did . Rom. 9. 31 , 32. and 10. 3. men are not at any time more addicted to their vile lusts , which they hardly part with , than unto this ; how hard is it to bring persons off from their Lusts ? and it is as hard , or more hard in some respects , to bring them off from their own rightteousness ; it is ( and on sundry accounts ) of the two more hard to deny righteous self , then to deny sinful self : it is naturally so to any man , and to all men . Do you find it thus , o be you a stranger to these things ? Consider further ,

2. If any man think he be not strongly inclined this way ; it is because he doth not know himself , and because the matter never came in-deed to tryal , in the Soul . Many there be that have a national knowledge of the way of the Gospel , and they seem to fall in readily with it , as the only way . But two things are to be considered , wherein they miss it .

1. Those that thus fall in with the way of the Gospel , do indeed but abuse it , while they seem to close with it ; they make it an Asylum , or Sanctuary , for them to shelter themselves in , while in the mean time , they live in Sin , and so fight against God , and ( as one saith ) they take the Light of the Gospel , to let them see by , to Sin the more securely ; they secretly fight against God with his own weapons : a deep ditch of deceit it is , in which many lurk , and ly hid , until a dreadful day discover them . And here consider that nothing sets a man more against Sin , and strengthens him in his Warfare , then a true discovery of the way of the Gospel . Tit . 2. 11 , 12. the Grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness .

2. Such persons never had the matter brought to tryal , in their own Souls : persons may think , that they can do this , or that , until the matter be brought to trial , and then they find it otherwise , than they thought : so here , the matter ( in this point ) was never brought to trial : i.e. e . they were never throughly convinced of Sin : of the strictness of the Law : their consciences ( whatever convictions they have had ) were never throughly enlightened , and awakened , they never knew what it was to have Sin revive in them , and to work death in them ; as he speaks , Rom. 7. 9 , 13. to take hold on them , as Psal . 40. 12. No , they would then know what he did mean , when he said , his heart did fail him , and he was not able to look up : before a mans eyes are opened to see himself , and his Sin , he can look up well enough , his heart don't fail him : but when Sin is seen , there is a great change : if God do not some way or other uphold him , he sinks into the lowest bottom of despair , And no man can help him .

3. When persons make Objections against believing from their own sinfulness and vileness , it is from their ignorance of , and opposition against the way of the Gospel : it is not , because they are deeply humbled , ( as some may think ) but rather because they are not humbled enough ; it is from their ignorance , and Spiritual Pride which still prevails in them : to believe , is an act of Obedience . 1 Joh . 3. 2 , 3. this is his Commandment , that we believe ; and what Humility is that which leads us to disobey the Commandment of God ? you say , perhaps that you dare not believe , you dare not cast your selves upon Jesus Christ , and you think you are much humbled ; but the truth is , you are full of ignorance , and Spiritual Pride , and in danger of eternal ruin . See Mat 16. 16. Joh . 3. ult . the wrath of God abides upon you , while you abide in Unbelief : and abiding in that condition there is no hope , nor help for you .

4. The way to have a Saviour is to accept him on free gift : and consider what should hinder your acceptance . ( 1. ) Are your sins many and great ? Christ hath done enough to satisfy for them all . See Isa . 1. 18. & 55. 7 , 8 , 9. The number and greatness of your sins , should not in the least hinder you from coming to Christ : his Blood cleaneth from all sin . 1 Joh . 1. 7. All manner of sin . Matth . 31. You dishonor him , if you think otherwise ; and submit not to the way of the Second Covenant , and see not the vileness of so doing : and wo to you if you do not see , and bewail it , before you go hence and appear in another world . ( 2 ) Do you want a Righteousness to render you acceptable unto God ? the righteousness of Christ , which is the righteousness of God . Rom. 10. 3. is a perfect righteousness , every way sufficient . Rev. 3. 18. ( 3 ) Do you say , but I do and shall sin still . Answ . See 1 Joh . 2. 1 , 2. If any man sin we have an Advocate with the father . One that is every way able to plead , and manage our case . ( 4 ) You object , Oh! but I cannot come to , and believe on Jesus Christ . Answ . It is true ; but consider what hinders you ? The main thing is , you will not come to him Joh . 5. 40. Rev. 22. 17. Whosoever will let him come : The Spirit and the Bride , say come . God & Christ , and all that are friends to him , say , Come , and if you do not , it is because your Will is not bowed there unto ; and from your Ignorance of Christ . Hence the Exhortation is , Come unto Jesus Christ . See Isa . 55. 1 , 2. And here mind , first the invitation , Come , let him Come ; arise then , and Come ; behold he calls thee ; even thee , whoever thou art : and then mind the terms propounded , against which no Objection can be made , except what proceeds from Pride , Ignorance of , and Enmity against the way of the Gospel , Come without Money , and without price : have you no worthiness , none at all ? than come without : yea , so come , or you will never come , or not aright . And why do you spend your labour for that which is not bread , and which satisfyeth not ! The things of this world are such , and your own righteousness is such : you would fain make your selves better , but you labour in vain , you can never do it : when will you see the fruitlesness , folly , and sinfulness of your own way ? And if any obstinately stand out , they must perish : yea the Lord saith , let them perish ; he will not pitty them . 1 Cor . 16. 22. Let them be Anathema Maranatha ; it is just they should , and they must perish for ever and ever .

3. Jesus Christ is a King , and a such to be submitted to , and is so , where true Faith is : and this submission also you are to be exhorted to , and directed in . Concerning which I will express my self thus .

1. Jesus Christ is a King : as he is a Prophet and a Priest , so he is a King . Psal . 2. 6. Act. 17. 7. 1 Tim . 6. 14 , 15. 1 Cor . 15. 25. He is the blessed , and only potentate , the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , and he must reign : and let his Kingdom come .

2. We must submit to his Government : he must rule us ; dispence to us , dispose of us , and of all that doth concern us , as he will : and he that will be his disciple must deny himself , take up his Cross and follow him . Matth . 16. 24. This is difficult , and yet it must be done , and that daily , Luk . 9. 23. This submitting is in a low degree in some of the Children of God : but where there is nothing of it , thre is no true faith . And he lives the sweetest life of all , that lives most in a a real resignation of himself , and of all his concerns , into the hands of Jesus Christ , submitting all unto the will , and wisdom of this King of Kings : and this is to be endeavoured by all that profess faith in Christ Jesus . To believe in him , and rebel against him , how do these agree ? or to say , he shall be King , but yet not rule us : but we will direct him in his dealings with us , or with ours , or with the Church of God . It is certain that there are many that reject the Government of Christ , and hence whatever they pretend , their Faith is not right . And when I have opened this a little , you will further see what it is , that I exhort , and direct you to .

1. Some do openly and manifestly reject the Government of Christ Jesus : they live in open rebellion against him . Isa . 3. 9. They practically say as Luk . 19. 14 , 27 We will not have this man to reign over us ; and he calls them his Enemies . Some do openly , and manifestly cast off his Government . ( 1 ) Sometimes by living in sins of Commission . ( 2 ) Sometimes by living in sins of Omission ; when they will not attend to every known duty . Luk . 1. 6. They did Wal●… in all the Ordinancs , and Commandments of t●… Lord : when any known duty , or ordinance Christ is neglected , and men continue so to do how doth Christ rule in them ; do not th●… cast off his yoke ?

2. Some do secretly cast off his Government ; though they make an outward profession of Religion , and be outwardly conformable unto his Laws ; yet inwardly they reject him , and cast off his Government . Thus do many , as .

1. Such as live in any particular known sin , though it be secret : thus do many . 2 King . 17. 9. There is secret Drunkenness , and secret Uncleanness , and secret neglets of duties , and Closet work : now when persons live in secret sins , they do really though not manifestly cast off the yoke and Government of Chris . Eph. 5. 12. It is a shame to speak what some do in secret . And what some do actually , others do in their secret thoughts and cogitations : there is heart Adultery , and heart Murder , and heart Pride , and the like ; little or nothing of which appears outwardly : but the day comes , when the bidden things of darkness , shall be brought to light , and the counsels of the heart made manifest . 1 Cor . 4. 5. And then it will be seen that many that now carry a fair face among men , are abominable Creatures .

2. Such as are not at all kept at work with their own hearts day by day : these secretly cast off his Government : it appears thus ; our great work every day is with our own hearts , ●… nd we must watch them , and keep them for Christ . He hath so commanded , Prov. 4. 23. The heart is the Temple of God in which he desires to dwell ; and we must endeavour to keep it for him , least we prove treacherous and traitors . See 1 Cor . 3. 16 , 17. We may talk of trusting in him , but we deceive our selves ; we have faith , but it is a Dead faith . It is in vain to cry , Hail Master , to make a fair Profession , while our hearts are in a manner only a possession of unclean , or vain things .

3. Such as quarrel with crosses and afflictions . Amos 3. 6. no evil in the City , but the Lord hath done it ; no cross , but he hath sent it ; it is his cross ; now when persons will not take up the Cross , but their hearts will break , before their wills will bow , how doth Christ now reign , and rule in their hearts ? it is true , much unsubduedness is in some of the Children of God , even Jonah was very froward . ch . 4. 9. but when persons will not labour to ly under the will of Christ , & so to do is not precious to them ; truly they cast off his Government , and may consider whether or not there is cause to fear that he will reject , and cast off them at last , as such as would not deny them selves , and submit to his Cross .

4. Such as seem to submit themselves unto the will of Christ , but not by the power of Christ : what they do is by their own power , and ability : this is to bring in a forreign power secretly , and Christ is not King in that Soul , he doth not reign there . See 2 Thes . 1. 11 , 12. He must work all , by his power , that he may be glorified . Now consider this ; you say , you do this or that , and you submit to the will of God , but by what power ? is it by the power of Christ ? you will it may be , say , Yes : but I answer , consider it well : if it be , then the more you attain , the meaner and lesser you will be in your own eyes , as Paul that had attained unto much , yet saith , I am nothing . 2 Cor . 12. 11. do you find it thus ? as I may say , gaining one way , and loosing another , growing greater , and yet withal growing less ? understand aright , and consider it .

5. Such as seem to submit to Christ , but not out of respect , and love to Christ , but in all they do , they seek themselves , as they did . Zech . 7. 5 , 6. did you do it unto me , even unto me . — So here , you read , you pray , you do many things , which Christ comands ; did not Herod as much . Mark 6. 20 but if the Lord say at last , did you do it unto me , even unto me , that will be said , Again , some seem to submit under Crosses , and Afflictions , but sometimes it is rather hardness of heart , than submission ; they cry not when he binds them ; they despise the chastisement of the Lord ; and then seem to submit : in other-some it is more from natural temper , than from Grace . And often there is no Submission , where there seem to be a great deal ; and that which is a great tryal to one man , is none at all to another .

Now to close , and shut up all that I sall say on this Subject , consider only this word ; viz. if your Faith be found at last to be a Dead Faith , it will be dreadful : for consider what else might be said .

1. These few Sermons will be so many Witnesses against you that have heard them ; they will rise up in Judgment against you : He that Uttered them , and all they also that profited by them , shall appear in Judgment against you ; and perhaps these and those whom you now despise , shall one day be your Judges . 1 Cor . 6. 2.

2. It shall then appear that you had means of Conviction : but you would not see that you held fast deceit , as they did . Jer . 8. 5. that you would not come unto the light ; now it may be , you say , you are willing to see , but then it will appear , that you refused Conviction ; and being evil , chose darkness rather than light , and indeed hated knowledge . Prov. 1. 29.

3. Your Damnation will be the greater , your Hell the hotter , your punishment the heavier , and torment the more intollerable : you may now neglect Sabbaths , and make light of Sermons , and soon forget all Searching Truths ; but there is a day coming , when persons shall be judged , according to what they have been , and done , and means of Grace which they have enjoyed ' : it is good to think much of that great and dreadful day , and thereby be stirred up to labour for , and to make sure of , A Faith in Christ , which will not at last be found a Dead Faith ; all such will be Led forth with Workers of Iniquity : as Psal . 125. ult . whose Faith is when tried , but a Dead Faith . Let your great care be to be Sound in the Faith , as the phrase is . Tit . 1. 13. and Examine your selves dayly , whether you be in the Faith ; prove your own selves . 2 Cor . 13. 5. all we can do here , is little enough to prepare and provide for that one hour of Death ; that time when we must go hence , and be no more seen in this World .

FINIS .