CHRIST IN BELIEVERS THE Hope of GLORY. BEING The Substance of several Sermons, Preached By The Learned, Laborious and Faithful Servant of Christ Mr. JOHN BROWN Sometime Minister of the Gospel at Wamphray in Annandale.  
Never before Published in English.  
EDINBURGH, Printed by john Reid. Anno 1694.   

TO THE READER  
Christian Reader,  
AMongst the Prejudices, wherewith the Hearts of many of the People of this Generation are plagued, this is not the smallest or least; that they accept of, or reject what cometh to the public view of the World▪ more as they affect or disaffect the Authors, then according to the Worth and Merit of the Thing published: And are more ready to say, As concerning this Sect, we know that every where it is spoken against, Then to say, But we desire to hear of thee, what thou thinkest, Or with the Noble Bereans, to search the Scriptures daily, whether these Things be so or not.  
But Reader, For removing thy Prejudices, know, that the following Sheets exhibit unto thee, several Precious and Excellent TRUTHS, not to be found every where so succinctly and yet clearly handled; Which, if thou hast any Spiritual Senses exercised to discern Good and evil, may by the Blessing of GOD, prove wholesome Food to thy Soul: And if thou hadst known the Reverend and Worthy Author, thou couldst not for his sake, have had the least ground to be prejudged at any Truth, that ever did come from his Pen. And for thy better Knowledge of him, he hath left some Monuments behind him of his singular Piety and Learning, which if perused, would no doubt make him great in thy Esteem: And these Monuments are extant in his Writings, both in Latin and English, in Polemic and Practical Divinity; Such as his Book, De Causa Dei, contra Anti Sabbatorios. His Refutation of the Errors of Wolzogius and Velthusius, about the Right Interpretation of Scripture, and about Church Government, And an Manuscript entitled, Defensio Ecclesiae Scoticanae, etc. Which was exhibit to the General Assembly of this Church, Anno 1692. And is not yet published, but we wait for it, and expect that it shall be of the same accuracy with the rest: All these, he hath Written in Latin▪ Moreover he hath written excellently against the Quakers, and made evident the dreadful tendency of their pestiferous Errors; And for Practical Divinity, let the first and second Part of The Life of Faith, with his Book entitled, CHRIST the Way, the Truth, and the Life, be considered, and it shall be evident that he hath done great Service to the Church of GOD, particularly in discovering from the Scriptures, the right way of making use of CHRIST for sanctification; A little Subject handled before him, especially in such a plain andclear Method.  
But Christian Reader, I would advertise thee, not to look for that Accurateness of expression in the following Sheets, which may appear in the Authors other Writings; For they are only some Notes of Sermons preached in the time of the Author's trouble, at Utrecht, for the most part in his own Chamber; Which after his Death, came to the hand of the Reverend Mr. James Koolman, Minister of the Gospel at Sluis in Flanders, and by him were published in Dutch, as an Appendix to the Dutch Translation of the Author's Book, entitled, CHRIST the Way, th● Truth, and the Life, And now are only translated out of Dutch, at first intended for the private ●se of some particular Persons, but afterward by the Solicitations of some, who had the occasion to read them, they were diligently compared with the Dutch Translation, and committed to the Press, the Original not being extant, so far as I know, that this present Translation may be compared with it, and therefore any Defects that may appear in this little Book, cannot in justice be ascribed to the Author, but to the Translators, who yet have used very great Diligence and Faithfulness in what they have done. And to conclude, I am hopeful that the Reader shall find, that what pains he shall bestow, upon the perusing of them, shall not be in vain, they containing so many Soul-Solacing Truths, so clearly proposed, together with many Pathetic Exhortations, and Soul-Searching Marks of Christians, all founded upon clear Scripture Testimony, and when perused, he shall say, that the Report he hath heard of them, was not only true, but that the half of what was true of them, was not reported.   

CHRIST THE Hope of Glory IN BELIEVERS, etc.  Coloss. 1.27. 
To whom God would make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the Hope of Glory.  
THe Apostle having made mention of the Gospel, whereof he was made a Minister, according to his ordinary Method, cannot superficially pass it over: But as he counted it his Glory, to be employed in that Glorious Ambassage of Preaching▪ the Gospel to lost Sinners, Rome 1 16. 1 Tim. 1.12. So he falleth out on all occasions in the commen●ation of that Noble Ambassage: And therefore having made mention of the Gospel, vers. 23.25. before he proceed further, he cannot but (in thi● and the foregoing verse) give it some commendatory or praise worthy Titles, to make it more amiable and acceptable.  
What he says thereof in this 27 Verse may b● summed up in ●hese few Heads. 1. That it is a Mystery, not easy to be understood by every one▪ 2. That it is merely the Fruit of fre● Garce and good Pleasure of God, that this Mystery wa● made known and manifested. 3. That whatever outward Discoveries are made thereof unto al● within ●he visible Church, yet the more special Mani●estations and Discoveries thereof, are reserved for, and made manifest unto the Saint● 4. That this is a Mystery, which hath Glory i●●t. 5. That the Glory of this Mystery is not ordinary: There is in it, The Riches of Glory. 6. Th●● this is now made known among the Gentiles. 7. Th●● the Quintessence, Ki●nel, or the Riches of th● Glory of this Mystery, or the very ●nd or ai● thereof is. Christ in you the Hope of Glory.  
What we have to say upon this Verse, we sha●● reduce to these principal Heads.  
First, There is a Glory to come, whereof som● shall be made partakers.  
Secondly, There is an Hope of that Glory, whic● may be attained in time.  
Thirdly, The surest ground and most undoub●●d Mark of that Hope, is, Christ l●ving and wo●●ing in the Soul.  
Fourthly, Here is unfolded a short sum of a the riches of the Glory of the Mystery of the Gospel, Christinus, the Hope of Glory.  
As to the First Head: We see there is a Glory, whereof Believers here have an Hope, and in the expectation whereof they are to live: This through ●he whole Scripture is sufficiently held forth as ●hat which the real Children of God, are to meet with; And in the beholding whereof, they are supported and comforted against all Rencounters ●hey may meet with in a wicked World: But who can tell what this Glory is? Seeing  
1. It do●h not yet appear what we shall be, 1 joh. ●, 2. And notwithstanding it be much mentioned in Scripture, yet is it not as yet seen; it is as yet an unseen Glory, hidden for the present from the Eyes of those, who undoubtedly shall be made partakers of the same.  
2. It is called a Glory tha● shall be revealed, 1 Pet. ●. 1 And when shall i● be revealed? Even wh●n Christ● Glory shall be revealed, then shall Believers be glad with exceeding joy, 1 Pet 4.13. When Christ who is our Life shall appear, then shall ye also appear (saith the Apostle to the same Colossians, Chap. 3 4.) with him in Glory.  
3. It is a Glory which shall be revealed in us, Rom. ●. 18. So that now it must be an unseen and superexcellent Glory; Not an outward show, or a borrowed Glance, but an inward Glory, which shall ●e revealed in us.  
4. It is such a Glory, which eye hath not seen, ●or ear heard▪ neither hath it entered into the Heart of Man to conceive what this foreordained Glory is, Isa. 64 4. 1 Cor 2 9, It were but o● small value, if Mortals by their words could express i●, yea if crea●ed Wisdom could comprehend it, or sufficiently understand what it is. Le● the highest s●aring wi●s, that are, propose to themselves the greatest Glory they can imagine▪ and let others come after them, and add to thei● highest Conceptions, and so on, until there wer● none mo●e to add thereunto: And if it were possible the whole Quintessence of their united Conceptions were molten into one Mass, or reduce● into one comprehensive Thought, it should com● short, yea very far short of that Mysterious Glory which shall be revealed, but hitherto it hath no●●ntered into the Heart of man to conceive: How unfi● are we then to speak of it, being unexpressibly greater than we can imagine. Nevertheless let us review some Scriptural Expressions concerning this Glory. As  
1. Sometimes it is holden forth, under th● Name of a Kingdom, and of a Kingdom bestowe● of the Father, Luke 12 29, 32. A Kingdom appointed by Christ, Luke 22.29. And a Heavenl● Kingdom, whereunto we are preserved, 2 Tim. ●● 18. And what greater Glory can Mortals here expect then to be Kings, and to be Heirs of Kingdoms? And O! this a Kingdom of another kind; a Kingdom of Glory, wherein there is nothing but pure and unmixed Glory: All th● Subjects of this Kingdom are Glorious, all the Exercises are Glorious, all the Air they breath in is Glorious, the Meat they feed upon, i● Glorious, all their Garments are Glorious.  
2. It is called a Crown, and a Crown of Glory, 1 Pet. 5.4. Kings highly esteem of their Crown, and the Rights and Pendicles thereof, and will spare no possible means for the defence of the same▪ Though notwithstanding of all, their Crowns may fall from their Heads, and their Right die out, either through their unjust Purchase, or possessing of the same. But this Crown is a Crown of Righteousness, 2 Tim. 4.8. A Crown incorruptible, 1 Cor 9 25. Kings with all their Crowns, more than the Beggar, cannot once buy by Death, Psal. 49.7, 8, 9 They must return unto the Dust: But this is a Crown of Life, which preserves from all Deaths, and all its Concomitants, Revel 2.10.  
3. They are said to Reign, that is▪ really to possess their Kingdom, and to enjoy the Glory of their Greatness: Earthly Kings may be Titular Kings, and no more, having the Title without the Kingdom; But the Possessors of this Glory, are truly in possession of the Kingdom of Glory. They Reign, and not only so, but they Reign with Christ. 2 Tim. 2.12. And that for ever and ever, Revel. 22.5. They sit with Christ on his Throne, as He sits with his Father in his Throne, Revel. 3 21. O who can unfold the Glory that is in this Glory! that Believers should not only behold the Glory of Christ, john 17: 24. But that also they should be made partakers with h●m therein; That He as the Head, and they as th● Members should enjoy the same Glory: How deep and unexpressible is this Ocean of Glory?  
4. This Glory is held forth under the Name o● an Inheritance, to point forth the undoubted right which they have thereto through Grace▪ and th● sure possession, which they shall have thereof i● due time; It is an Inheritance amongst all them which are Sanctified, Act. 20.22. And 26.18. A● Inheritance of the Saints in Light, Coloss. 1.12. A● Inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, 1 Pet. 1 4.5. It is called an Eternal Inheritance, Heb: 9 15. An Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God, Ephes 5.5.  
Further, let us consider, as to this Glory, what other Names, it getteth in Scripture.  
1. It is called a Crown of Glory, 1 Pet. 5 4. A Crown of Glory that fadeth not away: This is far preferable to the Crowns of yellow Clay.  
2. It is an Eternal Glory, 2 Tim 2.10. 1 Pet. 5.10. This is Glory that fadeth not away, no ways bounded nor confined within the narrow, or short Marches of time, but stretched out through all the Ages of endless Eternity.  
3. It is a Glory wherewith the Saints shall appear wi●h Christ, Coloss. 3 4 I● shall be his Livery, who is the King of Glory, and the Saints their Livery.  
4. It is a vast weight of Glory; therefore the Apostle knows not enough how to express and demonstrate it, 2 Cor. 4 17. Calling it a far more exceeding and Eternal weight of Glory; But the Original is more Emphatic, as if we should thus express it, by one Hyberbole added to another, the one supperlative expression surpassing the other: It is an Eternal weight of Glory: O how wonderful! A weight of Glory, who can poise it? An Eternal weight; when shall the weight thereof be pondered? An transcendent Eternal weight; yea not only so, but a far more exceeding and transcendent weight of Glory.  
5. It is called the Glory of Jesus Christ, 2 Thess 2.14. For Believers are made joint Heirs with him, Rom. 8.17. It is the Glory, which He ha●h purchased; The Glory which he is now in possession of; The Glory which He prepareth for His own, Joh. 14 3. The Glory, which He hath gotten from the Father, that He may bestow it on them, Joh. 17.22.  
6. It is a Glory, which is the Saints portion; Ephess. 1.18. Coloss. 1.12. Who must be made meet to be partakers of the same; For without are Dogs, Sorcerers, Whoremongers, Murderers, Idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a Lie, Revel. 22 15. No Whoremonger nor unclean person, nor Covetous man, who is an Idolater, hath Inheritances in the Kingdom of Christ, and of God. Ephes 5.5. Therefore must the H●irs of this Glory be prepared thereunto, Rome 9.23. se● Revel 21.27.  
7. It is a Glory far surpassing all Sufferings whatsomever; they are not once to be laid in t●● balance, or compared with the same, Rom. ● 18▪ For I reckon, saith the Apostle, that the Sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the Glory, which shall be revealed in us. O● Sufferings here are but Light, and for a moment▪ How can they then be compared with this Glory in respect of the weightiness thereof, seeing in superlative degree, it is wholly and exceedingl● excellent? Or to be compared, in respect of i● continuance, seeing it is Eternal? What proportion is there between a moment and Eternity? Not so much as between the tenth part of ● drop of Water, and the vast Ocean.  
8. It is a Glory that reacheth both Soul and Body, even the very lump of fl●sh; our Bodies shall be raised in Glory, 1 Cor. 15.43. And Christ Jesus shall change our vile Bodies, that they may be fashioned like unto his Glorious Body: Phil. 3.21.  
But if you should ask the Question, what really that Glory is: We must acknowledge we cannot answer it; it is far, yea very far above our Uptaking, neither hath it ever entered into the heart of man to fathom or take it up; How can we then express it? O that we had the Faith thereof established in our Hearts! We might better tell you what that Glory is not, than what it is. Let us then consider a little, what this Glory doth free the Believer from.  
1, That Glory shall then freely deliver the Believer from all distress, Sorrow, Sighing, Pains, Tortures, Stiches, Sickness and Death; There is no Death in Glory, for it is without end; The weight of that Glory is so sweet and satisfying, that the Soul, that is loaded therewith, cannot but rejoice continually, and forget all its Sorrows and Complaints; there is no Sighing under that burden; Fo●, however it be exceeding weighty, yet it is both able to bear itself, and support, and bear up the Soul loaded therewith: And the Ransomed of the Lord shall 〈◊〉 return; and come to Zion, with Songs and everlasting joy upon their Heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away, Isa. 35.10. In the Heavenly Zion, in that place of Glory, there is no Mourning to be heard, Isa. ●1. 11. That Glory cannot admit of the least tear amongst the Inhabitants ●here; For the Lord God shall wipe away Tears from off all faces, Isa 25.8. Revel 7.17. and 21 4. The Inhabitant of that Land shall not say, I am sick, Isa 33.24.  
2. That Glory shall de●iver the Believer from all occasions of Sorrow and Sadness; no Oppressor nor Persecuter shall breathe there; no Object of sorrow there; no injury shall be done to any there, no scorching Sun there; the Sun shall not Light upon them, nor any heat, Revel 7 16. Isa. 49.10.  
3. That Glory shall deliver the Believer from all sin, the very Fountain of all our Miseries; Sin cometh not within the Marches of the new Land of Glory; Corruption may pursue and molest a Child of God, to the very Ports of Glory, bu● there they part, never more to meet: There, he shall be in case to cry out, Victory, Victory! O Death, where is thy Sting? O Grave where is thy Victory? The sting of Death is Sin, but Sin shall have no access there.  
4. That Glory sh●ll deliver the Believers from all Temptations to sin, whether from within, o● from without: No Devils, nor Instruments o● Devils there, to molest or tempt us; no inward stir of Corruptions there; no Objects to divert there, no lusting of the Eye, no lusting of the Flesh, nor pride of Life, shall be there. That Glory secures the Soul, and seats it beyond the reach of all spiritual Enemy's: There, shall Believers be as Princes, Rulers and Conquerors over the World; And there, shall Satan, w●th all his Devices and Instruments be utterly routed, and eternally shackled under their feet, and shall never more be unloosed.  
5. That Glory shall deliver us from all Anxieties and Tormenting perplexities, whereunto here, we are made liable; no Hunger, Thirst, Cold, Weariness, etc. there; The Labourer shall Sweat no more there; The burden bearer shall cry no more, O my back? The poor man shall drudge no more for Bread to his Family, he shall no more travel over Sea and Land, for Back and Belly, They shall Hunger no more, neither Thirst any more; and wherefore? For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the Throne shall ●eed them, and shall lead them into living Fountains of Waters, Revel 7.16, 17.  
6. That Glory sh●ll deliver them from all Darkness of Judgement about their Duty, and doubtings and questionings concerning their State or Frame, neither suspecting it as to the present, no● everfearing a change therein as to the future: Glory is Light, and pure Light, neither can it admit of Darkness; the Light that is there, darkens the Sun; For that City of Glory hath no need of the Sun, neither of the Moon to shine in it, For the Glory of God doth Lighten it, and the Lamb is the Light thereof, Revel. 21.23. There the Bride shineth, for her Light is come, and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon her. Isa 60.1.  
7. That Glory shall deliver the Believer from all sorrowful and heart-breaki●g Eclipses and interruptions of the Beams of the Love and Favour of God: Now Clouds intervenes betwixt the Light of God's Countenance, and the poor Soul, with many Jealousies, Fears and Terrors, and sometimes real▪ and sometimes fancied Desertions, tormenting the Believer, casting him in Fevers and Distempers, waging War against him, so that he looks out into God, and the da●es of old, and he is troubled: But there is no Desertion in Glory, no Clouds, no Night there, Revel. 21 25. Their Su● shall never set, no Eclipses there▪ They shall dwell in the Light of his Countenance, and drink in Eternally the Out letting of Glory from the unmeasurable and Etternally living Fountain of Glory, and that without the least interruption; They shall everlastingly lie in the bosom of God.  
8. That Glory shall deliver the Believer from all deadness, formality, sinking under the burden of Duties, upsitting through Discouragements and sloathfulness in the waye● of the Lord, and from all such Spiritual Distempers: They shall serve him there, night and day without wearying or upsitting, Revel 7 15. All who come to land in Glory, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not be faint, Isai: 40: 31: There shall that word be fulfilled, He that is feeble among them— shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as GOD, as the Angel of the LORD before them Zech: 12: 8:  
Thus we have opened some what of that Negative happiness, (may we so call it?) which holds forth some what of this Glory: But if you ask what positively i● is, we lose ourselves, not being in case to answer it; Nevertheless the Scriptures makes use of some expressions, whereby we may come to understand somewhat of that Life of Glory: However many of them are but borrowed from such enjoyments and exercises as are most pleasant and delectable ●o us here: We only shall make mention of the most principal ones. As  
1▪ It is a Life of grea● Joy and Gladness: They shall obtainjoy and gladness, Isa. 35.10 and 51 8. Then th●s Gladness is great, it shall be an unspeakably glorious Joy, 1 Pet. 1.8. For than they shall see him; seeing the joy, which now they have, when they love him, whom they see not, and believe on an unseen Christ, is inexpressible and full of Glory: How much more inexpressibly full of Glory shall they then be, when they come to embrace him whom their Soul loveth; whom now they enjoy alone by Faith: Spiritual Joy and Gladness in the Holy Ghost is the very beginnings of it in time, Rom. 14.17. It is here a Fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22. It is an exceeding great joy, 1 Pet. 4.13. That when his Glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy: It is an everlasting joy, ●sa. 35.10. and 51.11. The very earnest thereof here enjoyed, far surp●steth the laughing joy of the wicked, Psal. 4 7 It is a peculiar joy, a rejoicing in the gladness of his Nation, Psal. 106.5. Here is Fullness of joy, Psal 16.11.  
2. It is a Life of clear Sight; we shall know no more in part, but know even as we are known, 1 Cor. 13.12. And We shall see him as he ●s, 1 Joh 3.2. Now we see darkly through a Gla●s, But than face to face, 1 Cor. 13.12. In the Light of Glory there is no Da●kness. The Soul no sooner enters the threshold of Glory, but it is delivered from all Damps, Mists, Clouds and Imperfections, and capacitate more fully and distinctly to receive the Outting of Light everlastingly flowing from that Fountain of Light, who dwelleth In the Light which no man can approach unto, 1 T●m. 6.16. Not that the Soul shall then be in case to behold Gods being, whom no man hath seen, or ca● see; He remains for ever God Invisible, 1 Tim 1.17. And the Believer a finite Creature, and s● incapable to behold the Being of God, whic● is Infinite and Invisible: But they shall be admitted to such nearness, and enjoy such immediate Manifestations and Beams flowing fro● the Fountain of Glory, that it shall be as a se●ing of him face to face, and a knowing of him as we are known, in comparison of what here enjoyed: Undoubtedly our Understanding though never so deep, shall be there completely satisfied, and that is enough, and may satished us.  
3. That Glory hath a wonderful transforming virtue, as appeareth from 1 john 3.2. 〈◊〉 shall be like Him; that is, like unto Christ, 〈◊〉 whom the Apostle speaks there, for we sha●● see him as he is. The discoveries of God in th● Land of Glory, shall transform us, and i● print in the Soul those Heavenly Accompli●●ments, which shall make us like unto him. T●● Divine rays proceeding from that Object, 〈◊〉 received by the Soul, shall make it, so far●● capable, conformable to the Object, ca●●●ing alongst with them a transforming Po●●● and Virtue: They shall imprint in the Sou●● lively Copy of the Glorious Communica●● Virtues, after a more Clear, full, Heavenly 〈◊〉 visible way, and in a far greater measure 〈◊〉 here; Though even here, the Glory of the Lord being seen as in a Glass, changeth the Believer Into the same Image, from Glory to Glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3.18. This is a powerful operative Glory; a continual refreshing Glory.  
4. That Glory filleth up the spacious desires and outstretched uptakings of the Soul; so that the Soul living in Glory can complain of no wants, but is completely satisfied, Ps. l7. 15. I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness. Then shall all the corners of the wide and vastly enlarged Soul be fully satisfied. There shall be no Hunger and Thirst there after wants, for all shall be enjoyed, what the Soul can desire. This teacheth us 1 st. That all the good to be enjoyed there, shall be real, and not apparent only and imaginary. 2 lie. It shall be a most fit and suitable good; other ways it could never satisfy; superfluity of Water is satisfying to a Fish, because in its Element; yet could not be so to man, who lives in another Element. 3 lie. There shall be no scarcity of ●hat suitable and convenient good, but a fullness that shall answer all the extended desires of the Soul. 4 lie. That the Soul shall possess and enjoy this ●ullness, that it may be satisfied therewith, and get all its wan●s filled up thereby.  
5. In ●hat Glory, the Believer is admitted to more close Fellowship with God; For there they are admitted to stand before the Throne of God, Revel 7.15. There it is, that they shall fully possess Him as their Portion, and tha● familiarly; For they stand there as Minister's o● State, attending the Kings own person; Then behold they H●s Face, and live and do rejoice i● the Light of his Countenance day and night They are made Pillars in the Temple of God▪ and they shall go no more out, Rev. 3.12. Glor● is their House and Element; They could no● live without th●t Glory; They could no● breathe without His Company; He dwells among them, even He that sitteth upon't th● Throne, Revel 7.15. There the great Tabernacle of God is with men, whereof this Tabernacle enjoyed by them in the Church Militan● is but a sm●ll resemblance; There it is, when that word sha●l be made good and lively, whic● we have Revel. 21.3. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying▪ Behold the Tabernacle 〈◊〉 God is with men, and He will dwell with them, an● they shall be his People, and God himself shall b● with them, and shall be their God. The Believe● there lieth in the Bosom of God, there it 〈◊〉 that They shall see his Face, and his Name shall b● in their Foreheads, Revel 22 4.  
6. In Glory they shall have near Communion wi●h Jesus Christ their Head, their Husban● their Brother, their Lord and King; Then they are with Christ, and enjoy Him, Phil. 1 23. 2 Cor. 5.8. And ●hat for ever and ever 1 Thess 4.17. He lives with them, and feed them; The Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them, Rev. 7 17. They shall sit with him there, upon his Throne, Revel. 3.21. There got they the Morning Star, Revel. 2.28. There do they eat of the hidden Manna, Rev. 2.17. Here the Soul is put to long for nearness with Christ, and complain of clouds interrupting the Beams of His Love; But there they shall see Him to their Contentment and Satisfaction; For they shall be continually with the Lord, and follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth, Revel. 14.4. There shall the Inhabitants of Glory be partakers of the Marriage of the Lamb, Revel. 19 7, 8.  
7. In Glory their Work and Employment shall be to serve God and the Lamb, day and night in his Temple, Revel. 7 15. and 22.3. And to praise Him there each one, and all of them shall take their Harps and Sing a new Song; saying, thou art worthy— For thou wast slain; and hast redeemed us to God by thy Blood▪ out of every Kindred and Tongue, and People and Nation: And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests— And again, Worthy is the Lamb that wast slain to receive Power, and Riches▪ and Wisdom, and Strength, and Honour, and Glory, and Blessing,— And again, Blessing, and Glory, and Honour, and Power, be unto Him that sit●eth upon the ●hrone, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever, Revel 5 8, 9, 12, 13. There they are admitted to the most honourable Employment imaginable, to the excellentest and most noble piece of Work, i● the high Court of the great King, to a work without end and interruption, or wearying; Thei● Harps shall never be mistuned, their Tongue● never wearied, and their Song shall never wa● old, but shall endure new, fresh and delight son● through out all the age's of Eternity: There is, that they cry wi●h a loud voice, Salvation 〈◊〉 our God which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto th● Lamb, R●vel. 7 9, 10. This is their Song wh●● stand before the Throne and before the Lamb arrayed with white Robes, with Palms in thei● Hands, and they are not alone in this exercis● They have the Angels singing with them, eve● all the Angels that st●nd, round about th● Throne, Saying, Amen Blessing and Glory, 〈◊〉 Wisdom, and Thanksgiving, and Honour, a●● Power and light, be unto our God for ever and ever Revel 7.11, 12. O what a sweet●est is the● And what joy ●nd satisfaction is ●here in th● restless, and ●●●rnally refreshing Exercise, 〈◊〉 singing Praise unto God, and the Lamb, an● in proclaiming everlastingly their Experienc● o● the unspeakable great Favours wh●ch th● con●●●●●lly enjoy.  
8 In Glory ●he Soul is continually ravishe● and refreshed through the continually new an● fresh Rays and Ou●goings of th● Love, 〈◊〉 Grace and Favour of God, that fl●weth fo●●●rom the Living and Eternal Fountain of all Satisfaction: There the Inhabitants of Glory e●j●●●ullness in the presence of God, and Drink of ●he Pleasures that are at his Right Hand for evermore, Psal. 16, 11. They are abundantly satisfied, and Drunk with the Fatness of that higher House, and made to Drink of the River of his Pleasures, Psal 36.8. The Lamb shall lead them unto living Fountains of Waters, Revel. 7.17. There they have substantially that Feast of Fat things, a Fe●st of Wines on the Lees, of Fat things ●ull o● M●rrow, of Win●s on the Lees excellently refined. For he will swallow up Death in Victory, and the Lord God will wipe away Tears from all Faces, Isa. 25.6 8.  
O! Then ye Expectan●s of Glory, let me lay before you some f●w Duties. As 1. Be astonished ever this wonderfully condiscending Love and free Grace of God, that hath predestinate and called you to such a s●a●e of Glory, who were as well as others H●irs of Hell. and had forfeited your Right to Glory and Salvation, as well as they, who sh●ll never taste of the Fruit of that True that grows in the midst of the Paradise of God, and of ●hat Feast of Glory: I say, stand and a●mi●● this his free Love, and begin with your Heavenly Work of Glory here in time. 2 Hold the Faith of this Glory fr●sh in your Souls, and let your Conversation wi●nes● to all men, that you believe there is an approaching Glor●, whereof you are Expectants. 3. Make sure to your selves this Inheritance of Glory through Fa●●● in Christ; and hold your Interest clear: vouch the La●b and his Interest here, that y●● may live everlastingly wi●h him hereafter.  
Be much in the Meditation thereof, and in preparing yourself thereto: Give you● self over Him, who shall make you meet ●o be a partaker of the Inheritance o● the Saints in Light, Co● 1.12 5. Fix your Affections upon and Seek thi● things which are above, where Christ sitteth at 〈◊〉 right hand of God, Col. 3 1. And not upon thin● below: How shall you otherways evident that you are Heirs of Glory? Is there such Glorious Inheritance for you above, and ar● your Hearts and Affections still below? O How unbeseeming is it to such who have th● hope and expectation of a Crown, to be sti●●gading in their Affections after Straws. 6 Lay seriously to Heart what you have expressed Philip. 3.20. Let your Conversation be in Heaven, live as Burgesses of that Glory, as having your whole Stock and Traffic there. 7. Desire and long to be there, with Christian Submission; I desire saith the Apostle (Phil. 1.23.) to depart and be with Christ. 8. Come for●h and take possession of this Life of Glory, by giving up yourselves to serve him, in receiving and enjoying Him by Faith, and by giving over yourselves to be guided and ordered according to His Will. 9 Let your Faith in Him comfort and support you here in time: And that (1.) Against Poverty and Wants here; For Glory is coming, which shall more than make ●hem all up. (2.) Against Reproaches, Shame and Contempt in the World; The Crown of Glory will recompense all wrongs, and the Garments of Glory will completely cover all. (3.) Against outward Difficulties and Persecution, especially when occasioned by steadfast standing for Christ and His Cause, for all these shall disappear so soon as the Palms are put in thy Hand, and the Triumphant Song in thy Mo●●h. (4.) Against Sin and a living Body of Death; For Glory Comes which shall put an end to it; Sin shall not enter there, it cannot once breathe in that Element of Glory. (5) Against Satan and Temptations, for in Glory, you shall no more be vexe● with them, these darts have no Place there. (6.) This should comfort against your distance from God, and the hidings of his Countenanc●● for in Glory, you shall eternally behold His Face, without any interveening Clouds. (7.) This should comfort against wearying and fagging in Duty, for that Glory will strengthen you in the work of Glory. (8.) Let this comfort you against the weakness of Grace, and especially of that of Love, which sha●l be perfect in Glory; For Love sh●ll be all there; Faith and Hope shall there t●ke ●heir farewell of the Believer, as having finished their work.  
Secondly, That which we have to mark in this Text, is the Hope, of this Glory: Which gives us ground to speak of two things: The First is more abstractly and generally hel● forth: The Second, more clearly and particularly.  
As to the First, which is by way of exclusion, Viz. That however the Believer has a Righ● to these great things, By virtue of the promises of GOD in the Covenant of Grace, an● the Merits of Jesus Christ the Cautioner; Ye● here, they have no Possession of what is purchased or promised; They must wait, and live a● those that wait: And not only they but our selusi also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, eve● we ourselves Groan within ourselves, waiting fo● the Adoption, to wit, the Redemption of our Body for we are saved by Hope: But hope that is seen 〈◊〉 not hope, for what a man se●th, why doth he ye● hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, that do we with Patience wait f●r it. Rome 8.23.24 25 Glory is purchased for them at a dear ra●e to wit, the Blood of Christ, and promised to to them by the GOD of Truth, who cannot lie▪ Nevertheless, while here in time, though now and h●● a● the LORD sees good, they may ge● some foretaste of that life of Glory, and have bestowed on them the Earnest of the Inheritance, even the Holy Spirit of promise by whom they 〈◊〉 seale●: Yet they must wai● until the Redemption of the Purchased Possession, Ephes: 1.13.14 All that is gotten here is but the earnest of what is to come, and of what is folded up in the promise, which they must follow after in Faith and hope; Here they wait for that Glory and live in the Faith and expectation of what is to come: And now abideth Faith, Hope, etc. 1 Cor: 13.13. The Lord sees it good, it should b● so, for wise and weighty reasons, we shall offer some few which may satisfy us herein.  
1 Reason, That he may attain the praise of his truth and faithfulness; when it is seen, that such who are no Fools dare nevertheless adventure their Souls and all their Concernments upon Gods' naked word, depend thereupon, and Possess their Souls in patience: and thus live in hope; Yea not only so, but Rejoice in the hope of the Glory of GOD. Rom. 5.2. Though for the present they may have very little or nothing in hand.  
2. Reason, That thereby the several Graces of Gods' Spirit may be exercised in them, as Faith, Patience, longing, etc. Whereof the beliver shall make no use, when once in possession of Glory: The hope that is seen is no hope, that is, hope has no more place, when the thing hoped for is seen and possessed; And where hope is in exercise, there is also a patient waiting; all which acknowledge Faith to be the foundation whereon ●h●y stand; Now is the time and season ●or these Fruits to grow, for a● soon as the hoped for Inheritance is attained these flowers shall no more blo●som in the Garden of the Soul. Now must we live by Fai●● and not by Sense, 2 Cor. 5.7. Now is it tha● they groan earnestly, desiring to be cloath●● upon, with their House which is from Heave● to wit, while they are in this Tabernacle, 2 Cor 5.1, 2, 4. Now abideth Faith, Hope, 1 Cor. l3. 13  
3. Reason, That they may be prepared an● made meet for ●hat Glory, and to be partakers 〈◊〉 the Inheritance of the Saints in Light, Col. 1. 1● Glory is no ordinary Life, neither shall Sinner find a breathing in that Element, they must b● changed, washed and prepared before the● come there: The rough stones win out of Nature's Womb, must be plained and polished before they can be useful Materials for the higher House. Here then, must the Expectants of tha● Glory, through the exercise of Faith, Hope, Patience, etc. Be adorned and fitted for th●● glorious Habitation. The Children that were 〈◊〉 stand before the King of Babylon, were to b● taught and ●●●●ished wi●h the King's Meat, a●● Wine, w●ich be Drank for the space of th●●● years, Dan. 1, 3, 4, 5. Far more than are 〈◊〉 Attenders o● Glory, to be prepared, whereby they may be fi●ted to stand in the presence o● the grea● King of Glory, and that everlastingly▪  
4. Reason: Th●● thereby, Glory may be the sweeter a●d welcomer unto them, when th●● get it, a lo●g expected Crown, is the welcomer when o●●●ined.  
5. Reason, That thereby He may have occasion to evidence the Glory of his Power Truth and Faithfulness, in bringing them at last to the Possession of the promised Inheritance, after some few years patient waiting, and that notwithstanding of many difficulties in the way, the deceitfulness of their own Hearts, the many discouragements, from within and from without, wherewith they had to Fight.  
6. Reason, That the ungodly among whom they live, may be the more inexcusable, who say in effect, that there is no God, and that he is not to be trusted, That Glory and Blessedness is but a mere dream and fancy; when they see that Believers among them, rest on the Faithful word of God, and comfort themselves in the Hope of Glory, which shall be revealed, and that in the midst of reproaches, Persecutions, Poverty, Difficulties, etc. And that they will not let go the hope of that Inheritance, for all the Profit and Pleasures of the World, or condescend to any thing, which in the least might prejudge that Hope, no not for the greatest of worldly advantages, Rom. 8.18.  
But here, take some words of Use alongst with you. 1. For Caution to such who now ●nd then win at some Foretasting of this glorious Life of Glory, and sometimes are admitted to the King's Banqueting-house, and filled with the Kisses of his Mouth, and Eat of his Apples of Love, and so are brought into the very Suburbs of Heaven: I would say these things unto them. (1.) Think not that that life, will always continue, you may now and then have more than ordinary Dainties, and some days of Feasting; yet remember▪ that thy Life here is by Faith, Hope, etc. And not by Sense: But providing that it please th● Lord out of his overflowing Goodness, fo● his own Glory, to da●dle you on his Knee● and to treat you more than ordinary, make i● welcome; Be not puffed up therewith, no● imagine that it will be your ordinary fare, s● long as here in time: But rather look that ther● will be a low ebb, after such a Spring-flood and that that Table shall yet again be drawn And so prepare yourself for your ordinary portion, remembering, that thy Life here, Is Life of Hope, grounded upon Faith. (2.) Wh●● of this sort of extraordinary entertainment you also get, look but on it as a Pledge or A●les-penny, and endeavour to carry your selves as Expectants of Glory, looking out into tha● which is to come, and let your desires grow● the more to complete the Harvest, since th● first Fruits are so sweet, be not satisfied wi●● what you receive of that nature as if it we●● your Portion. Glory is here not in Hand, b● in Hope to such.  
2. Use. To such, who are great Strange to the foretastings of Sense, let them not 〈◊〉 discouraged. But 1. Be satisfied though the Lord should with hold from you, these more extraordinary Out-letting of his Favour, and deal with thee, otherwise then with some; Remember that your ordinary way of living is a Life of Hope. 2. Make use of this Hope, which is your Life, to the best advantage: Exercise thy Faith, and comfort thyself, in the Hope of the Glory of God: Thus shall you Glorify Him, who hath called you to this Hope of his Kingdom, knowing that ye are saved by Hope, Rom. 8.24. And that there is an Hope ●aid up for you in Heaven, Col. 1.5. Live as those that are begotten again into a lively Hope, 1 Pet. 1.3.  
3. Use. Hereby I do advise all the Godly, who are called to this Hope, that they so carry themselves before the World, (how little soever they have in possession) as those that are rich in Hope. Merchant's can boast, and hold out a Port, as if they had much Money in Cash, by reason of the great income of some rich Cargo, which they are in expectation of, notwithstanding of their being very empty handed ●or the present: But, as the Riches of Glory, far exceed the riches of this World; So the expectation and assurance thereof, is infinitely far beyond that of worldly Riches. O! then, carry yourselves in all things, whatever Gods Dispensations may be towards you, so as becometh those, who are Expectants of Glory. Let the Hope thereof support your Souls unde● all Discouragements. Let no Dispensations Loss, Cross, any ways abate your Hope, 〈◊〉 make you carry unbeseeming such a Glorious Hope, whereunto you are called, knowing that none of these things can rob you of th●● great expected Salvation, or make you miser●able.  
4. Use, To suches are y●t Strangers to thi● Hope; I have these few things to say. 1. Thin● more than you do on the Life of the Godly, so whatever may be their condition, here in time yet they have a Crown, and a sure Inheritance and are Expectants of a Life of Glory, an● have a well grounded Hope thereof: So th●t their Life, however accompanied, with 〈◊〉 greatest of outward Calamities, yet far preferable to yours. 2. Covet & long exceeding to be amongst the number of those; Fo● however these dews & droppings of Consolation which sometime, even here, they are enjoying besuch, as the ungodly so long as they remain 〈◊〉 can never experimentally understand, yet th● are infinitely below that which is abiding then in the Hope whereof they are called to liv● Life, Light. Joy, and all is sown for the● and they and they alone have the sure and w● grounded Hope thereof. 3. Judge, who a● wisest, ye or the Believer; ye loss for little rousted Gold, wormeaten Pleasure and vain imaginary Glory, this rich Prize: A●● ye live here without Hope, whereas they through a most noble, Majestic and generous Disposition despise your silly Feckless Portion, a Compound o● mere Vanity: And look to an Incorruptible and Substantial Glory, an incomparable Inheritance, and a Crown of Glory: Neither will quite their Hope of Glory for all the fancied Satisfaction, the Art of man can squeeze out of these imaginary Pleasures, Profits and Glory of this momentary time. 4. Behold and be convinced of the reality of Religion: For certainly it can be no Dream, Fancy, or groundless imagination that makes the Believer so cheerfully forsake that which you choose for your Portion, and rest satisfied with; and makes them resolutely and deliberately undergo Shame, Discredit, Poverty, Persecution, Death and Flames, rather than Act any thing, or cede in the least Puncti●ilio, ●hat might cut off or ma●r the Hope of what ●hey are expecting. They are Men as well as others, by nature as wise and careful of their ●ope and well being, as well as others; Nevertheless, most willing for the Hope that is set before them, to turn their back on all these things: They are as little Fantastic or Crack-brained as others; yet the very ●ope and expectation of that Glory, which is promised, will support and bear them up under burdens, that would crush twenty ungodly bodies, ●t will make them sing in the midst of the Fires, as Crowned and sitting in their Chair of Stat● having only in hand the Hope of Glory.  
Now that, which is clearly held forth b● these words, The Hope of Glory, is, that the● really such a thing amongst the Godly, as th● Hope of Glory: It is true, the unjust man ha● a Hope, which perisheth, Prov. 11.7. Wh●● they die their Hope and Expectation perishe● with them, because it was after the things below, and these all pass away: And providing it be after the things, which are above, yet bei●● the badly bottomed, their Hope is but as the gi●ing up of the Ghost, or puffing out its breath a●● perisheth, job. 11.20. Even so hath the Hypocrite a Hope, but it shall perish, job 8.13. A● their Trust is as the Spider's Web, soon brok● down, & I pray you, What is the Hope of the Hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh ●way his Soul? Job. 27.8. But the hope of th● Believer is solid and real; which appears thu●▪  
First, It is bottomed on a sure and nob●●●oundation. As 1. on the Promise and Oa●● of God▪ Heb 6, 17, 18. Wherein God willi●● more abundantly to show unto the Heirs of Prom●● the immulability of his Counsel, confirmed it by 〈◊〉 Oath: That by two immutable things, in which was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong Consolation, who have fled for refuge, to 〈◊〉 ●old upon the Hope set before us, etc. 2. On th● Power of God, who made Abraham to Ho●● against Hope, Rome 4, 17, 18, 21. He believ●●ven God, who quickeneth ●he dead, and calle● ●hose, which be not as though they were, and being ●ully persuaded that what he had promised, he was able also to perform; So Heb. 11.18, 19 He accounted that God was able to raise him up Isaac, even from the dead. 3. On the continually and really felt experience of the Goodness of God, Rom. 5.3, 4. Knowing that Tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope. See also Lam: 3.21, 4. On the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as a public person, having to the uttermost satisfied Justice, and procured a public Absolviture or Discharge. 1, Pet. 1, 3. They are begotten again unto a lively Hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead. 5. On Christ's living in them: As here in the Text, which is no fancy; as we shall afterward make appear.  
Secondly, The Hope of the Believer is a real work of God's Spirit in the Soul; Therefore He is called the God of Hope, Rome, 15, 13. They abound in Hope, through the Power of the Holy Ghost. It is God that begetteth us again into this Lively Hope 1 Pet: 1, 3. And it is He that giveth it. 2 Thes: 2.16.  
Thirdly, It is a Hope carried on in the Soul, through a real work o● Grace: God giveth us good Hope through Grace. 2 Thes: 2, 16.  
Fourthly, This Hope hath a real Object; For Heaven is the Object of their Hope, Col: 1, 5, For the Hope, which is laid up for you in Heaven. This is the Hope of their calling, Ephes: 1, 1● and 4, 4. Christ is their Hope, the Lord Ies●● Christ, which is our Hope. 1 Tim, 1, 1. They tru●● in the Lord, and He is their Hope, Ier: 17. ● The Psalmist saith, Psal: 71.5. For Thou an● my Hope O Lord, Thou art my Trust, from my Youth. The Lord will be the Hope of his People and the strength of the Children of Israel saith, Joe● chap: 3, 16, And what further can be required, for the making Hope a real business? What ar● all the advantage of the richest incomes in a world, in comparison of this one thing? And yet that uncertain and petty rent beget●eth hope, which will make the Merchant, who ventureth thereon, sing and rejoice within himself upon his expectations: But O! Her● is the Hope of Eternal Life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began. Tit: 1, 2.  
Fifthly, It is a Hope of real use and advantage to the Believer: It is an excellent and approven weapon for defending the head: Therefore compared to a Helmet. Ephes: 6.17. 1 Thes: 5.8. It defends the head from all blows, and holds it up from sinking under temptations, difficulties and discouragements therefore compared to an Anchor, Heb: 6, 18, 19 Holding fast the Soul, in the day of storm, and making the Believer undauntedly ride out the same, and boldly to set head against satan his tentations, falling down upon him, as so many swelling and raging billows of a tempestuous Sea; And as the blasts of a terrible tempest, to render him hopeless, ●nd so to quite grips of Christ, and his expectations of them Crown.  
Sixthly, This Hope hath many real and excellent operations on the Soul, therefore cannot out be real. For 1. This Hope is a fountain of continual comfort; Therefore we read of the confidence of Hope. Heb: 3.6. And the Believer must rejoice in Hope. Rome, 12.12. Hope affords matter for a song in the saddest day; Therefore the Apostle says, Rome 5.2. We rejoice in hope of the Glory of God: And not only so, but we glory in Tribulation. v. 3. For what they hope for is certain, the hope of the Righteous shall be gladeness. Prov: 10.28. Not like the expectation of the wicked which shall perish. 2. Again Hope is that which quickeneth the heart, and encourageth the soul: For when the Soul is ready to sink in discouragements, seeing no appearance of fulfilling the great things promised, and filled with fears of falling off, and so to lose the prize. Then Hope will hold up the head, and encourage the sinking Soul, and thus it is a quickening and enlivening business, therefore called a lively Hope, 1 Pet: 1.3.3. This Hope is a mean of Salvation; Therefore we are said to be saved by Hope, Rom. 8.24. Faith and Hope are two noble Lackays that never parts from the Believer, until fairly within the haven of Glory. 4. This Hope rejoiceth and comfort the Soul under all its losses, troubles and wandering: what supported Abraham's heart whe● he sojourned in the Land of promise, as in 〈◊〉 strange Country, dwelling in Tabernacles with Isaac and jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise, But Hope; For it immediately follows Heb: 11 9, 10. For he looked for a city, whic● hath fonddations, whose Builder and Maker is Go● 5. This Hope sets the Soul a work. to make 〈◊〉 self ready and meet for the heavenly Habitation, to continueand go on in Sanctification, and to oppose & withstand whatever is unbeseeming an expectant of Glory. So that it is of a purifieing nature. For every man that hath thi● Hope in him, purifieth himself even as he is pu●● 1 Joh: 3.3.6. This Hope humbleth, quieteth and ●ully satisfies the Soul, when disquiete● and disturbed through the proud and arrogant undervaluings of those, who disdain full● upbraid them and their confidence in God Psal: 42.5, 11. Or through the sad simptoms o● an angry God, whereby deep calle●● unto deep at the noise of his Water-spouts, al● his waves and billows going over. v 7▪ An● appearing to cast them off. Psal: 43.3. Fo● when David is thus exercised, the only thin● which upholds him is Hope, and therefore the● alone cordial, in that lamentable song he stil● again and again recommends his soul unto, 〈◊〉 hope thou in God; And chargeth his Soul as highly irrational, in being cast down and disquieted, seeing hope was yet to the fore. Saying, Why art thou cast down O my Soul, and why art tho●●isquieted in me; hope thou in God, ●or I shall yet ●raise Him, etc. Thus we see that hope will ●ise up the cast down and disquieted Soul. 7 This hope not only delivers the Soul from all anxieties and fears, but sets it beyond the reach ●hereof, so that the Believer he sings, though rotting in the grave, even his very dust and buried flesh or body shall rest in hope▪ under the dark & cold chambers of death. Psal: 16.9. Acts 2.31. Thou shalt be sè●ure. saith, Zopha●, job: 11.18. Because there is hope, Hereby it is that the Righteous is said to have hope in his death, Prov. 1● 32. When their condition in the eyes of the wicked seem most desperate and hopeless, even than they have hope, when death the king of terrors is grappling with them, and burying them in the dust; Even than they lift up their heads in Hope. 8. Hope gives Confidence and true Christian Boldness to look Tentations in the Face: Hope maketh not ashamed, Rom. 5.5. In these Words, there is an dimunitive manner of speech, for it signifieth so much, as Hope giveth great Confidence and Boldness; And wherefore? For the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever, Psal: 9.18. Nor be cut off Pro: 24.4. There shall be a Reward, David's prayer, Psal: 119.116. Let me not be ashamed of my hope: Shall be answered, and in end accomplished. 9 Hope makes the Soul calm and patient under all persecutions; therefore Paul mentions the patience of Hope, to the Thessalonians, Thes: 1.3. At a ground of his praise on their behalf.  
But it may be asked, if all really and Godly have this Hope  
I Answer, Yes, more or less, for they are begotten again into this Lively Hope, 1 Pe● 1.3. And their Faith and Hope must be i● GOD, 1 Pet. 1.21. But all have it not 〈◊〉 the same Degree and Measure: For 1. Som● attain unto the full assurance of Hope. Heb. ● 11. Which dispelleth all clouds, and puts th● Soul without the reach of all doubtings or further Questioning of the Matter: But this is no● ordinary, but seldom attained. 2. Some attain unto a reasonable Hope, bottomed 〈◊〉 Faith, as through Patience and Comfort of th● Scriptures, they have Hope, Rom. 15. ● Their Conscience bearing them Witness, th● they have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon th●● Hope set before them, Heb: 6.18. They believe that the Word o● GOD is sure and unchangeable, and that he cannot deny himself Hence it is, that they have a firm Hope, whic● (though without foretasting and sensible influences of Joy) supports them under all di●couragements. 3. Some, who have no● readily come this length, nevertheless ha● about ●he posts of Wisdoms door: And though they can do no more, yet will they look unto the LORD, and wait upon the GOD of their Salvation, Mic: 7.7. They know and are assured, tha● Salvation is no where else to be ●ound, neither will they seek it any other where, he alone must be the GOD of their Salvation; And therefore they wait and look out ●or Him, and encourrage themselves with the Hope of a happy Outgate; My GOD will hear me. They will wait upon the LORD, that hideth His Face, and will look for Him, Isa: 8, 17. Meditating on that Word, Isa: 45.22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth, Though they dare not say they have attained that Lively Hope, yet they know, that ●hey are at the right Door, therefore will not give over, but resolves so long as there is Life or Breath in them, to hang at the cheeks of GOD's gates, come of it what will. Thus Hope preserves the Soul from despair, or giv●ng over the Cause as desperate, and from saying with that wicked king, 2 King: 6.33. This evil is of the LORD, why should I wait for ●he LORD any longer? 4. Some being environed with temptations and thick clouds, may conclude that they are cast off, and say in ●heir haste, that the LORD hath forgotten ●hem, and cast t●em off; Yea, and say roundly, that there is no Hope, that their Hope is perished from the LORD, Lam: 3.18. Isa: 40.27. Ezek: 37.8. And that they are cu● off, Psal: 31.22. And that all Men are liars. Psal: 116.10, 11, And with job Chap: 17, 15. & 19 10▪ And where is now my Hope: Mine Hope hath he removed like a tree. Yet notwithstanding of all this, they will not quite nor sell their Interest, of Christ and Heaven, but reckon it their great privilege, that they are out of hell, and that GOD renews his Mercys to them day by day this they recall to mind, therefore have they Hope, Lam: 3.21.  
Use. Since there is such a noble and excellent Grace, every way so necessary and profitable; Surely it is our great concernment an● interest to try and search narrowly, whith●● we have it or not: Many fancy they have● true & lively Hope, and alas! it is but a clatch up and imaginary hope, they die with a lie i● their Right Hand. Again others, who hav● really this Hope in their Soul, notwithstanding entertaìn suspicious that all is wrong wit● them, and therefore cry out that their Strength and Hope in GOD is departed; therefore w● shall speak a word to both. And 1 All hav● not a True and Lively Hope, who say the● have it; There is a generation that is really without Hope, Eph: 2.12. Who yet fancy they have a sure and well grounded Hope● But the hope of many shall ●erish with themselves; Pro: 11.7. job. 18.13.14. Al●● this ill grounded hope, will not support the Man that hath it: What is the hope of the Hypocrite; though he hath gained, when God taketh away hisSoul? saith job. ch. 27.8.2. It must be undoubtedly a sad and lamentable Disappoinment of their Expectations, many shall meet with, when their Hope shall forsake them, and sink under them as the broken reed of Egypt; And what more lamentable then to credit the stress of their immortal Souls in a rotten ●reed, and to fancy when Death shall come, to Land in Glory, and yet for them and their Hope u●●erly to perish? Oh! how shall their former Hope, augment their irrecoverable and eternal Misery, and rend? their condition more lamentable than they had never had such a Hope? 3. Shall not this disappointment occasion great confusion of Faces? Shall it not far with them, as with the Troops of ●ema, and the Companies of Sheba, ●o that they shall be ashamed and confounded, because they had hoped, Job 6.19, 20. Many pass now for great Christians, and have a hope they will not quite with, which shall fill their Faces with con●usion, when they come to see, that their Hope hath been but a mere Dream. 4. Is it not a terrible plague and judgement, to be so far possessed with blindness, as not only to be ignorant, where we are, but to drea● and fancy, that we walk on a sure and even ground; whereas puffed up with vain presumption, we are walking on the very sides of the pit, not knowing, but every step may land us in Eternity, and so in everlasting confusion? Alas! how lamentable is it to see people feeding upon ashes, and turned aside with a deceitful heart, so that they cannot deliver their Soul, Nor say, is there not a lie in my right hand, Isa: 44.20.5. Providing the m●ssing of our hope were of small importance, the matter were not so great; But to miss and be disappointed of Glory, of Eternal Salvation, of the Fellowship of GOD Eternally; O how dreadful must that be? how can such a loss ever be repaired? what can man give for the Redemption of his Soul? Or what shall h● give in exchange thereof? what thing imaginable can repair this irreparable Loss? 6. Providing this loss could ever be recovered, it were the more supportable; But when this one Loss and disappointment can never be again repaired, what a terrible bussiness then, to rest here, in time, on a false hope, which with them will perish, and give up the Ghost; their being no● returning again to make amendment of by gone miscarriages. O! Then, should not every Soul seriously consider how greatly it is th●● Interest to ponder, and narrowly to examine on what ground their Hope resteth.  
Now ●or helping such out of their self deceitfulness, who fancy they have the right Hope and are yet strangers thereto; And for easing such, who cannot be convinced that their Hop● is of the right kind; I shall in short, propose some Marks. whereby the one and and the other may try themselves.  
1. Mark, Let every one try how they came by their Hope, that Hope which is born with us, and hath alwise lodged in us, and kept us in peace, since we came into the World, providing we have no other, cannot be of the right stamp: For hope is a fruit of the Spirit; For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith, Gal: 5 5. There is no abounding in hope, but through the power of the holy Ghost, Rom. 15.13. The strength of nature, or education cannot help us here. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and GOD even our Father must give us good hope through Grace, 2 Thes: 2.16. This hope is from no natural extraction, it is of Divine Extract.  
2. Mark, True and lively Hope, is ever grounded upon Christ's Righteousness and Resurrection; Therefore it is a waiting For the hope of Righteousness by Faith, Gal: 5.5. Awaiting for what is hoped for, through the Righteousness of ●hrist, or only by virtue of that Righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is laid hold on by Faith; so that the hope of Glory is founded thereon: We are begotten again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Pet: 1 3. So that the hope, which is not upon Christ, which is not built on his Death and Resurrection, and upon his imputed Righteousness, but on something within ourselves, be it never so specious or excellent, as an honest heart as they fancy, outward holiness, blamelessness, victory over corruptions, singular devotion, or whatever it be of that nature, will be but a● the giving up of the Ghost, and come far short of helping or relieving the poor Soul.  
3. Mark, True and lively Hope, as it is sounded upon Faith, so they go hand in hand, together, 1 Pet: 1.21. Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gav● him Glory, that your Hope and Faith might be i● God. Hope without Paith laying hold upon ● crucified Saviour, according to the tenor o● the Covenant, is but a mere dream: Hope cannot stand, but upon the pillar of Faith; Therefore the Church first embraceth GOD as her Portion, than she wins to the solid exercise of Hope Lam: 3: 24. The Lord is my portion, sayeth my soul, therefore will I hope in him.  
4. Ma●k, Where there is a real Hope o● Glory, there will be a leaning on GOD, and committing of our Souls to him for through bearing, through all the difficulties, windings and turnings in our way: Ou● hope is continually in GOD, Psal. 39.7. Others truste● in their Riches, they gathered and heaped it u● But for David, he says, And now Lord, wh● wait I for? My hope is in Thee; compared wi●● Psal: 71.5. David on this foundation, press to be delivered out of the hands of the wicked because he had always been his hope; For he sayeth, Thou art my hope, O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth; Thus casts he all his cares and burdens on the LORD, and this was his constant way and continual practice: He had no other hope, neither acknowledged any other, knowing that he was happy, that had the GOD of Jacob for his help, and whose hope was in the LORD his GOD, Psal: 146.5.  
5. Mark, Where there is a Real and Lively Hope of Glory, desires after bewitching pleasures will grow cold; And now what wait I for? saith David, Psal: 39.7. My hope is in Thee: He saw nothing in the World worthy his attendance, for his hope, he had established it on a sure and sufficient Object; he betook himself not to these, who said who will show us any Good, Psal: 4.6. O! When the heart through hope, hath fastened itself on GOD, how little values it all the vanity of a perishing world; The sight of Glory, which they have through hope, darkens that lustre and beauty which others see in the perishing things of a world, whose eyes being of the same substance with the world, are earthly.  
6. Mark, This true Hope is accompanied with a careful endeavour to keep all the Commandments of GOD; LORD sayeth David, Psal: 119.166. I have hoped for thy Salvation, and done thy Commandments. True hope is an enemy to a careless life, and is accompanied with tenderness and earnestness: Hope sets the Soul a running, Act. 26.7. Unto which promise, our twelve Tribes instantly serving GOD day and night, hope to come.  
7. Mark, Hope will sit down down well satisfied on GOD'S bare Word; As Abraham, who against hope believed in hope, Rome 4.18, And how often sayeth David, that he hoped in GOD'S Word, Psal: 119.49.114. Psal: 130 5. Hope will keep the Soul in Life, even when all things seems contradicting the very Promises, and to say it is vain to wait any more.  
8. Mark, Hope is a purifying Business, 〈◊〉 Job: 3.3. It sets the Soul a work to wash itself in the Blood of Christ, and makes the Sou● to labour in the strength of Jesus to get sin killed, the desires of the flesh and mind brought under, and the Soul sanctified; So that they will wrestle with GOD by Faith in Prayer, to be made fit to have an Interest of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light.  
9 Mark, Hope makes the Soul silent an● satisfied under great temptations: David Psal 38. was under sore trials, the LORD chastened him, his an w●s●stuck fast in him, his hand pressed him sore, both Soul and Body did bear th● marks, that GOD was contending with him fo● sin; Yea, his heart was overwhelmed within him, and his strength bewailed him; And eve● when it was thus with him inwardly, enemie● without were seeking his Life, laying snares ●or him, and seeking his hurt: What was ●t then that quieted and calmed him, at this time, and made him carry as a man, that heareth not, and in whose mouth there are no reprooffs, but even that which immediately follows; For in thee O Lord do I hope.  
Having laid down these Marks, whereby Men may try whither they have an Interest in this lively Hope or not; So I would advise such who see ground of fears, because without this lively Hope, seriously to consider, and lay these following things to heart. As 1. It is required that the Soul through its dwelling on the thoughts of this so great a Bussiness, be more sensible of, and affected with the missing of this Grace of Hope: Consider what a miserable condition the Soul is in, which is without hope in the World, and how lamentable their case is, who have no other hope, than a hope that will perish, which will but prove to them as a spider's web, and so fail them in their greatest need. 2. Be convinced ●erein, that through yourself, you shall never attain unto a lively Hope; You must again be be gotten unto this Hope: It is wholly and only the Work of GOD'S Spirit, neither nature, nor any natural advantages can help you thereto. 3. Let the thoughts of your hopeless condition, stir you up to self humiliation before the LORD, which is the only way to be exalted in due time. 4. Foresake all ground of hope i● yourself; So the poor hath hope, Job. 5.16. For whatever it is in yourself, you bottom o● ground your hope upon, it will be sound to be but a ●lippery and sinful foundation; And the more you build thereon, it shall be the wors● 5. Lay hold on Christ, as he is offered in the Gospel, and cleave to him by Faith: For Hope is begotten in the womb of Faith: All hope no● grounded on Faith and flowing from it, is bu● a mere fancy and chimaera. 6. Having laid hold on Christ, as he is offered in the Gospel, and so resting on him for Salvation, wait for the breathe & influences of the Spirit on the Soul, in the careful and earnest undertaking and pursuit of the means, that your head may be lifted up thereby in hope.  
For encouradgement thereto, observe these following things. 1. This lively Hope in the Soul, will calm many storms, and keep the Soul in a● even and stayed posture, under sharp and sad dispensations, and the multitude of shakes and change; It will deliver the Soul from many disquieting fears, and make the Soul sleep sweetly under them all, and lift up its head above difficulties, so that it shall be freed from perplexities, or be secure, because there is hope, Job. 11.18.2. This will encourage to constancy in duty, notwithstanding of opposition in the way; Hope will never suffer the heart to sink, it will be a cork to the poor Soul, which will make it swim through the jaws and gulfs of the greatest opposition, and most insupperable like difficulties: When other ●hings as so many weights and heavy loads, would bear down the Soul, Hope will draw and hold it up, that it go not to the ground: Or in case, the Soul, is at any time over charged and brought under water, as it were to the ●rink of hell, Hope notwithstanding will recover again the Soul, out of the very womb of ●ell, and will it make it look out towards the Temple. 3. Hope hardens a man, and makes him prooff against the day of battle; It encourageth and strengtheneth the Soul; Thereby he can run through a troop, for he knows ●hat his head is secured, well covered and guarded with the helmet of Hope, the Helmet of Salvation, 1 The●: 5.8. Eph: 6.17.4. Hope ●s a strong guard against temptations: What values a man the great offers of the World, who has a Lively Hope of Heaven! The fear of death, worldly losses, and the greatest of sufferings, will not once shake him who hath the Hope of Eternal Life: The hope of a bet●er Resurrection will make them refuse to accept of a deliverance, upon unworthy or base ●erms. 5. Hope assures us of Heaven, wherefore we find that Heaven is often laid out to us by Hope, Eph: 1.18. & 4.4. Col: 1.5. Tit: 2.13. Heb: 6.18. It is The Anchor of ●he Soul both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail, whether the forerunner is for us entered, Heb: 6.19, 20.6▪ Hereto should these words encourage us Psal▪ 147 11. The LORD taketh pleasure in them tha● fear him, in those that hope in his mercy, 7. A● hope is needful, necessary and useful, whil● passing through the valley of sorrow and tear●● so also, when drawing near the end of our journey, and when pale death comes to look us i● the face; For the Righteous hath hope in his death Pro: 14.32. When the hope of the Hypocrite and unrighteous person giveth up the Ghost, and foresaketh him in his greatest strai● even then will the Hope of the Righteous comfort and bear up his head; Yea, when death the king of terrors hath done its worst, an● conveyed the Soul into Eternity; Hope, tho● may take its leave of the Soul, as having no more service to do it, 1 Cor: 13.13. Yet wi●● attend the corpse of the Believer to the grave and be a bed unto his dust, Psal: 16.9 Until the morning of the Resurrection dawn.  
Again, as to those, who really have th● Hope, and yet cannot be convinced thereo● I would say these few things.  
1. It is not strange, that such who are begotten again into a Lively Hope, be now an● then brought to doubtings, through these 〈◊〉 such like grounds. As 1. Because sad no● strange like dispensations are measured out unto them by GOD: this makes the Church 〈◊〉 out, Lam: 3.18. And I said, my strength an● my hope is perished from the Lord: See v. 1.2. This occasioned job also to say, that his hope was removed like a tree, or rooted out of the ground, job: 19 8.9, 10.2. Because there is ●ant of growth in Grace and Mortification, for ●hey hear that hope is a purifying Grace, and ●hey can find no advancing in that work. 3. Because they miss the other above mentioned Fruits of a Lively Hope: But  
2. Hope, is like to other Graces, not always alike visible, sometimes so clouded and ●id, that it cannot be easily seen or discovered; And in a very little, it may appear again, when the cloud and ●hick mist is over, as we ●ee, Lam: 3.18 There the Church complains, that her strength and hope was perished from the Lord, yet she sayeth, a little after, This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. And again v. 26. It is good, that a man should ●oth hope, and quietly wait for the Salvation of the ●ord. The holy Man job cry●th out, as one ●hat hath no hope, He hath destroyed me on every ●●de, and I am gone, and mine hope hath he removed like a tree: And nevertheless, before all is ●one, and he end his reckonings, he get●eth his head lifted up on high, and hope brings ●im so above, that he triumphs, Chap: 19 ●. 25.26, 27. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my fl●sh, shall I see God, etc.  
3. Hope (as have other Graces) hath its degrees; There is a full assurance of hope, Heb. 6.11. And there is a weak Hope, that cannot see far, being accompanied with many doubtings, discouragements, fears, &c, Nevertheless a weak hope may be a true hope, being on an Evangelical ground: Hope may be lively, in respect of its root, yet weak and sickly, in respect of its present frame and operations.  
4. It is not therefore safe ●o conclude, that there is no hope, because there is no full assurance of Hope, or Actual, Lively, Vigorous, or strong Hope.  
5. It were better to make an impartial enquiry, according to the forementioned Marks; And search and see, if ever you had any thing of a True and Lively Hope of Glory through CHRIST; And providing you have ever had it▪ you may then be confident that the root remains; for the Gifts and Calling of GOD are without repentance; Rom. 11, 29.  
Question. But what shall he do, who is brought to suspect all what formerly has been wrought in his Soul, looking on it all as false work? How I say, shall such win to any clearness concerning their Hope, or what shall they do for strengthening of the same?  
Answer. Such would lay to heart, and well improve these following Considerations: As  
1. As Hope itself, is the Gift of GOD, and not their own work; So is also the clear discovery of this Hope in the Soul, his Gift, and a new Gift. The observation whereof, should make the Soul fix its eye on the Sovereignty and Freeness of God, who may bestow His Gifts as He will; and depend on God for Light to ●ee and discern things, which are given him of GOD▪  
2 As the first lively Acting of Hope, is a fruit of the Spirit of Life, and floweth from the Spirit of Life in them; So all the after actings depend on continual influences from Heaven. These considerations should humble them under the impression of an absolute and Sovereign Lord; And should stir them up to search and see, wherein they have provoked GOD, ●o hold in his Influences, in the continual out-goings of Hope, and withdraw his Light, whereby they might be in case to discern the being of Hope in the Soul, even when but w●ak in its operations.  
3. Such are to humble themselves before ●he LORD, in the sense of their natural frailty and inability; As likeways of their unrighteousness and transgressions, whereby they have provoked the LORD to leave them in the dark.  
4. They must endeavour to lay to heart, and renew their dependence on GOD, with uprightness of heart, and ●o ponde●●he Word, and to drink it in, for it is through patience and comfort of the Scriptures that we have Hope, Rome 15.4.  
5. The life of Hope, will occasion frequent outgoings and renewings of Faith on the Mediator, receiving him, as offered in the Gospel, and embracing of GOD, as the alone satisfying and satiating portion in Christ Jesus; For Hope groweth out of the stock of Faith, neither can it be without it▪ so that whenever the Soul can say, the Lord is my portion, he may safely conclude, therefore will I hope: So David charged his Soul to hope in GOD. And why? Because he was the health of his countenance and his GOD, Psal: 42: and 43.  
6. They must be much on the thoughts o● GOD'S Favours bestowed on them; The thoughts of common mercies being renewed unto them every morning, encourageth the Church to Hope, Lam: 3.22.23, 24. Th● dispensations of GOD'S loving kindness revealed in preserving ●hem, that they are not consumed, and the renewed Fruit of his Compassion, continually discovered, and seriously considered, encourageth to Hope. Thus laying up as a rich Treasure, the experiences of these Expressions of GOD'S Love, and continually living therein, will work up the Soul to Hope; For Experience worketh Hope, Rome 5 4. It is the nourishment (as it were) of Hope, and when this is a way, hope must become sick and weak; Whereas the thoughts of GOD● Mercy discovered through Experiences, is a noble Cordial and encouragement to hope: Let Isra●l hope in the Lord, saith David, Psal: 130.7. And why? For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous Redemption; That is, all the stores of Power, choice of Methods, plenty of Means; abundance of ways to save his People out of their troubles, be what they will, are in JEHOVAH; Then Hope in Him.  
7. It were necessary, there were in such, a submissivenss unto GOD, that there be nothing in them, of a churlish or crabbed disposition against the LORD; For this occasions his further withdrawing of himself, and indrawing of his Influences, and so to leave us in the dark: It is good therefore to put our mouths in the dust, if so be, there may be hope, stooping in the dust, and putting clay in the mouth, for fear, that it speak against GOD● Dispensations, Lam: 3.29. with job. 40.4, 5  
8. It were necessary and needful in such an occasion, to stand and establish themselves, in the Faith of GOD'S Almighty Power, whereby he can work wonders; The Faith of this helped Abraham to hope against hope, Rom. 4. He looked upon God, as one who quickeneth the dead, and therefore he was not discouraged, though the matter in all humane probability was hopeless and desperate. A sight o● our difficulties in the way, as impossible to be mastered, makes u● often faint and conclude, that there is no hope, whereas a right sight of his Power and All sufficiency, is an excellent Antidote against the same, Gen: 15.1, 2.  
9 Joy and Piece in believing, and cleaving to Christ, according to the Gospel, as it is a work of the GOD of Peace, so it makes way, not only for to hope, but to abound in hope, Rome 15.13.  
10. It were good for such, they were continually laying to heart, this great and necessary duty, to wit, in a constant and continued Tract and way to foresake all other ground of hope besides GOD, that providing they could not with confidence say, that thei● hope was in GOD, yet that they could sincerely & freely declare that with their will they place● not their Hope and Confidence on any thing within themselves; Thus the Soul may have som● ground for winding up its Anchor, though eve● under the power of dreadful unbelief.  
11. It were good in such occasions, the did not peremptorly and wickedly cast at t●● ground of hope, which other ways they mig●● find, nor entertain an obstinate prejudice against themselves, but ra●her lay that we●● to heart, Heb: 10.35. Cast not away therefore your confidence  
The ●hird ●hing, which we have to spe●● of, is the ground of Hope. Christ in you: A●● these words may be considered three ways.  
First, In themselves, as holding forth great privilege of Believers, in a near and inward Union with Christ.  
Secondly, In so far as they hold forth the ground of this lively Hope.  
Thirdly, In so far as they point out the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel, which is now revealed.  
As to the First, Christ in you, These words hold forth the wonderful rich privilege of Believers, in their Union and Communion with Christ, who is in them: For Understanding whereof, these following things, are worthy to be observed. As  
1. This Union is one of the greatest Mysteries of the Gospel; However now we may wonder and admire, not being in case to take it up fully or understand the same, before we arrive in the Land of Light, where that which is imperfect, shall be done a way; The Apostle calls it a Mystery, yea, a Great Mystery, Eph: 5.32.  
2. Though it be a great Mystery, and so above our uptaking; Nevertheless, that we may understand so much thereof as is needful for our Comfort and Growth in Grace, let us consider that this Union in Scripture is held forth under divers Similitudes.  
(1.) Under the Similitude of the Union between Man and Wife in Marriage, Ephes: 5.31.32. As Man and Wife become on fl●sh, so Christ and the Believer become one Spirit, 1. Cor. 6.16, 17. Therefore he is spoken of, under the name of a Bridegroom, and the Church is called his Bride through the whole Song of Solomon, and John tells us Chap. 3.29 That he that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom, So we read Revel: 21.9. Of the Bride the Lamb's Wife: And as this is to express the usefulness and advantageousness of Christ to the Believer, and his Right and Interest in him, with what is his; So it is also to demonstrate, as an evidence of the former, the near Union and Communion, that is between Christ an● them, whereby they are made one.  
(●) Under the similitude o● that Union which is between the Root and the Branches Ioh: 15.1, 5. I am the Vine, ye are the Branches: See also Rome 11.17. Which points o● th● absolute necessity of their depending o● him, for influences of Life and Strength; An● the necessity of their living and abidng in Him by Faith, for that end; And so to suck 〈◊〉 and sap from Him continually, it holds forth also their close and inward Union wi●h Him that we in him are one Tree.  
3 Under the similitude of that Union, whic● is between the head and the members. 1 Co●▪ 12.12. Therefore the Head of every Man Christ, 1 Cor: 11.3. And he is the Head of 〈◊〉 body, Eph: 4.15. and 5.23. Col: 1. 〈◊〉 To show that all the Influences of Life, wor●ing, motion and feeling, etc. are of him So that we live, move, and have our being of him; And can do no more without him, than a body without a Head; And therefore, there must be a near Union betwixt us and him.  
(4) Under the similitude of an Union betwixt the Foundation and the Building, 1 Pet: 2.4.6. The Believer is built on him as lively stones, Christ is the chief corner stone of that Building, and it is in him, that all the building fi●ely framed together, groweth up into an holy Temple in the Lord; In whom they also are builded together for ●nhabittation of God through the Spirit, Ephes: 2.21, 22. Which manifests that the Believer cannot subsist without him, more than a house can stand without a foundation; And therefore ●hey must lean on him, and be firmly united ●o him, other ways they can neither stand nor subsist.  
(5.) Under the similitude that is betwixt the Body and the Clothing, or Armour; The Believer is said to put on the LORD Jesus Christ, Rome 13.14. For as many of you, as have been baptised into Christ, have put on Christ, Gal: 3. ●7. And he is put on as clothe to defend from ●he cold, and to cover their nakedness, and also for addorning; So also is he pu● on as Ar●our for defending us against all spiritual enemies.  
(6.) Under the similitude, that is betwixt the Accused and his Advocate, betwix●●he principal Debtor and his Cautione, who are as one person in Judgement; Therefore it is, that the Believer is blessed with all Spiritual Blessings in Christ, Eph. 1.3. Being chosen in him, v. 4. They are crucified with him, in a legal sense, Gal: 2.20. They are dead with him, Rome 6 8. Col: 2.20. Buried with him by Baptism unto death, Rome 6.4. Quickened together, and raised up together, and made to sit together in Heavenly Places, Ephes. 2.5.6. Planted together in the likeness of hi● Death, and shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection, Rome 6 5. Yea, and their Life is bid with him in God, Col: 3 3. So are they said to be heirs, and joint heirs with him, Rome ●. 17. All which palpably hold forth a real and legal Union betwixt Christ and Belivers to their Joy, Comfort, and satisfaction: Christ being their Cautioner, stands obliged for them, and answers in Judgement for them, as a Head and public person appearing for them. As Adam, was in respect of his posterity, so ●his second Adam, this last Adam, as he is called, 1 Cor: 15.45 47. Who is a quickening Spirit, and Lord of Heaven, he appears as a Head, and public person, all his Spiritual posterity, he binds and oblidges himself for them, in a Covanant with GOD; And having satisfied ●or them, he is risen from the dead, and became the first fruits of them that sl●p●; And in him shall all his Spiritual seed be made alive, v. 22,  
3. This Union is held out to us in some other Expressions, which are most pathetic and condescending; As when Christ and they are called one seed, Gal: 3.16. One Body, 1 Cor: 12.13.27. 1 Cor: 6.16.17. And make up one Mystical Christ, 1 Cor: 12.12.  
4. This Union, is inward; It is a mutual in-being, for as here, he is said to be in us, and Rome 8.10. Gal: 2.20. 2 Cor: 13.5. Ephes: 3.17. So, we are said to be in him, Rome: 8.1. 1 Cor: 3▪ 1. 2 Cor: 1.21. and 5.17. and 12.2. Rome 16.7. Philip: 3.9. and. 4. ●1. He in us, and we in him, joh: 14.20. O how wonderful and inconceiveable is this Union.  
5. This Union hath some likeness and resemblance, with that Union which is betwixt the ●ather and Christ, Ioh: 17.11.21.22. That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and in thee, and again, that they may be one, even as we are one.  
6. This Union, is not only between Christ ●nd the Souls of Believers, but also between Christ and their Bodies; For their Bodies are said to be Temples of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor: ●. 19. And by the virtue of this Union, their dead Bodies, shall be again raised in the last ●ay: For, if we believe that jesus died, and rose ●gain, even so them, which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him, 1 Thes. 4.14.  
7. This Union is not only near and inward, but also durable & lasting; Therefore, he is no● only in us, but dwelleth in us, Ephes: 3.17. And we are said to abide in him, Joh: 15 6.7. And as we are dead in Christ, 1 Thes: 4.14 Rev: 14.13. Even so, in Christ shall we be made alive, 1 Cor: 15.22. And with him, 1 Thes: 4.14. So, that death cannot lose that knot, otherways the hope and comfort of the Believer, which proceedeth from thi● Union, were loose and unsure; For if in thi● life only they had hope in Christ, they were of all men most miserable, 1 Cor: 15.19. with Rom. 8.11.  
8. As it is excellent, near and inward, so greatly useful; There being no life, strength working, moving, growth, or fruitfulness without it:— If any Man have not the Spirit o● Christ, he is none of his, Rome 8.9. Chris● Jesus must be in us, except we be Reprobate● 2 Cor: 13.5.  
9 We must be careful, not to have perverted uptakings of this Union betwixt Chris● and a Believer, or of Christ's In being in a Believer; That is, we are not to have carnal uptaking thereof; As it were such an Union, as between the clay & the thing form thereof, o● betwixt the vessel, and the water that is in it, 〈◊〉 betwixt things confounded and mixed together in one: Nor are we to take it up, in a way an● ways derogatory thereto; As if it were a substantial Union, such as there is, among th● Persons of the Trinity, or between Christ's GOD-●had and Manhood: Nor should we think prophanlie of it, as if it were a mere fancy or notion. But we are so to apprehend it, as a real, though Mystical, Mysterious and Spiritual Union, having Real and Spiritual Effects in Life and Death, and after Death, to wit, Peace with God, Reconciliation, Redemption, Remission of sins, Justification, Adoption, Approaching to God with Confidence, Santification, Comfort, Joy in the Holy Ghost, a Joyful Resurrection and Eternal Glory.  
10. As this Union is Spiritual in itself, so ●t is made up through a Spiritual Bond of Means; For, as it is, through Faith on our part, Eph: 3.17. So through the Spirit on his part, the which is promised in the New Covenant, Ezek: 36 27. Isa: 59 21. Christ hath promised to send him, joh. 15.26. And he must abide with us for ever, I●hn. 14.16. Therefore Christ and they are called one Spirit, 1 Cor: 6.16, 17.  
But to come more particularly to the purpose, we shall now point out and demonstrate, ●n what respect he is to be in the Believer, Christ in you: We may apprehend Christ to be ●n the Believer, in these respects.  
1. As a King in his Kingdom, si●ting upon his Throne, Ruling and Defending it by his Laws ●nd Statutes, preserving it by his Wisdom from intestine Ruptures, Divisions and Broil and by his strength and mighty Pow●r fro● Outlandish Invasions; So is Christ's Re●gni● as Head, Lawgiver, and great Command● in the Souls of his People, by h●s Laws a●● Statutes; So is he said to Reign over the house 〈◊〉 jacob— Luk: 1.33. with 1 Joh: 4 4.  
2. As the Master of a Family in his ow● House, where he dwells with Contentment Ease, Satisfaction, Pleasure and Delight, 〈◊〉 beholding his House: Even so, Christ ●wel● in the Hearts of his People, Eph: 3.17 A●● therefore called his own house, Heb: 3.6. And an habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph: ● 22. Christ standing before the door, promiseth to such as will open to him, to come it Revel: 3.20.  
3. Christ is in the Believer, as a Tradseman in his Shop, doing the Work of his Calling; I say, so is Christ advancing the Work o● Grace in the Believer, for beliveth in them Gal: 2.20. And if Christ be in you, the body i● dead because of sea, but the Spirit is Life, because of Righteousness, Rome, 8 10. As the GOD this World, that is the Devil, is and dwel● in them, to who● the Gospel is hid, and wh● are lost, blinding the minds of them, whic● believe not, 2 Cor: 4.3 4. And as the prince 〈◊〉 the power of the air, that evil spirit doth wor● in the Children of disobedience, Ephes: 2. 2● Even so, Christ having cast out this strong man, comes to the heart, and takes possession ●hereof, and worketh therein, what is well pleasing in his eyes.  
4. Like into one in his obtained possession, ●nd in his Garden, delighting himself in the enjoyment of what he hath gotten and purchased: Even so is Christ in Believers hav●ng purchased them unto himself, and that with his own Blood, possessing them as his own, and there deligh●e●h he himself as in his Garden, Song. 6.2 My Beloved is gone down ●nto his Garden, to the beds of Spices, to feed in ●he Gardens, and to gather Lilies.  
So, that this Expression, Christ in you, holds ●orth. (1) Christ reco0ncilled with them by Faith; He stands no more at the door knocking, but he is let in, and there is peace betwixt Him and ●hem, he is come in. (2.) Christ's ●nward Affection to them; He cannot but love ●hem, in whom he dwells and abides; In whose bosom he layeth his head, and in whose Heart he hath his Throne. (3) christs special acknowledging them ●o be his ransomed Ones; for his peculiar Treasure, for his House, and constant dwelling Place. (4.) Christ's working in them, the work of Holiness, and drawing in them more and more ●vely Draughts and Lineaments of his new ●mage, that the new Man of Grace▪ may be stronger and stronger, & they made more and ●ore conformable to the Prince of their Salution in all the Graces of the Spirit. (5.) Christ's reigning and swaying his Sceptre in the Soul; And that his Laws are obeyed, his Statutes followed, and that there is no willing subjection to any other Master; That Christ having cast out the old tyrant & usurper, he is acknowledged as the Alone and Lawful Sovereign. (6) Christ's resting himself in his Love to them; For where he loves, there i● his resting place, there he makes his abode, (7.) Christ's being in them, as their life, the Fountain and Well spring of all Life and Operations, Gal: 2.20. (8.) In a word, It holds forth ●hat Christ is in them, to do in and for them, to bring them up to Glory, to lead them through difficulties, to strengthen them against opposition, to comfort them against discouragements, and to support them under crosses, and so in the end to bring them home.  
Question, But how is He in the Believer?  
I Answer, He is there, not only as GOD; For so is he over all, neither is he there merely as Man; For he is so in Heaven, at the Right Hand of the Father, where he must abide, until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets, since the World began, Acts. 3.21. Bu● as Mediator, not in Person, but by his Viceroy, and great Lord keeper of his Room, the Holy Ghost; For he is the Comforter, that ●hall ever abide with us; And for whom Christ prayed the Father, and w●●m he was ●o send, Ioh: 14.16, 17.26. Io●: 15.26, and 16.7.13.  
Question, But is it by the Spirit himself, that Christ lives and abides in the Believer; Or is ●t alone by the Graces, Effects and Operations of the Spirit?  
Answer, By whatever of the two it be, by this way of Christ's in dwelling, is every way strong ground of Consolation, and affords solid Joy, and a sure well grounded Hope of Glory. Notwithstanding, there are several Expressions in Scripture that seems to plead ●or the Spirit himself. As  
1. The Believer is said to be the Temple of God & of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor: 3.16, 17. and 6.19. Which gives to know more than that they have his Graces, as the design & ground of the Apostles reasoning holds forth, Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God? And that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy: For the Temple of God as holy, which Temple ye are. Here three times they are called GOD'S Temple, And not only so, but as if the Apostle would further lay forth the business, he adds, And that the Spirit of GOD dwelleth in you: All which may be said very properly of a Person, and more properly than of any work wrought by the Spirit. To the same purpose the Apostle speaketh, 1 Cor: 6.19. What, know ye not, that▪ your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God— The Holy Ghost is said to be in them as a Temple.  
2. The Spirit is spoken of as a Gift, with a d●fference from his Works and Effects o● Grace;— Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given us, Rome 5.5. Here is the Grace of Love wrought by the Holy Ghost; And moreover the Apostle says, that it is by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us; So that the Holy Ghost himself is given as a special Gift, besides that of his Fruit and Operations in the Soul; Compared with Ezek: 36.27. And I will put my Spiri● within you.  
3. Christ promises to send him in h●● Room, and mentions him always as a Person▪ that he will send to dwell and abide with them, to work in them; ●o saith he, job. 14.16▪ 17. And I will pray the Father, and he shall giv● you another comforter, that he may abide with yo● for ever (So that it is the Comforter himself that he promiseth here, and not simply h●● Comforts) And who is this Comforter? Eve● the spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, b●● ye know him: And as if this were not sufficient he adds further, for he dwelleth with yo● and shall be in you: And yet further, v. 26. Bu● the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name, He shall teach you all things— So that the Comforter himself as distinguished from his teaching, is promised here, And Ioh: 15.26. He is also promised as contradistinguished from his Operations, and testifying o● Christ.  
4. The Believer is said to have the Spirit, So that they belong not to Christ, who have not have the Spirit of Christ, Rome 8.9. He is said to dwell in them, Rome 8.11. 1 Cor: 3.16. 2 Tim: 1.14. To be with them Ioh: 14.17. And to be in them, Rome 8.11.— By his Spirit that dwelleth in you.  
5. Not only doth the Spirit help our infirmities▪ which is through Grace; But the Spirit himself, is said to make intercession for us with groaninos which cannot be uttered, which ampears to be somewhat other, that is given them then the mere Graces of the Spirit; And that because there immediately follows, And he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, Rome 8.27.  
6. The Believer is said to be sealed with the holy Spirit o● promise; And he is the earnest of our Inheritance, Eph: 1.13, 14. And given as a seal and Pledge, Eph: 4.30. The earnest of the Spirit is given in their hearts, 2 Cor: 1.22 So also 2. Cor: 5.5. which seems to hold out more than his Fruits.  
7. Therefore the Believer is commanded not only, not to quench the Spirit, Ephes: 5. 19 which may have respect to his Operations, and Indrawing of Grace in the Soul; But also, not to grieve the Spirit, Ephes: 4.30. Which seems to import the dwelling of the Spirit in them.  
8. It is by virtue of this Union betwixt the Spirit and the believer, that their very dust is raised up in the last day; so that God by the Spirit that dwelleth in them, shall quicken their mortal bodies, Rome 8.11. This Spirit then that dwelleth in them, must be somewhat else, than his Graces, for by these, the mortal bodies are not quickened. And he is called the Spirit of Him that raised up jesus from the dead,  
9 He is said to be sent forth into their Heart's, crying Abba Father, Gal: 4.6.  
10. David prayeth expressly, Psal: 51.11. That the LORD would not take his Holy Spirit from him.  
Use, 1. This is a noble point of Truth, and full of many grounds o● Comfort: And how could Believers other ways than rejoice, providing this Union betwixt Christ and them were believed? Did they know that Christ were in them, keeping house in them, dweling with them, with joy and satisfaction, would it not make them sing under all adversity. And that upon a four fold account. 1. Upon the account of the great Honour which i● brought to them thereby, even to them, who formerly were mere cages of unclean spirits, and yet still have much coorruption abiding in them: That the King of Zion, who is King of kings, LORD of Lords, Heir of all, the Brightness o● his Father's Glory, and the express Image of his Person, Heb: 1.3. Who is the Image of the invisible GOD, the first borne of every Creature, Col: 1.15. That he (I say) should come and loege with them, lodge in their Heart, within their Soul; That he whom the Heaven of heavens cannot contain, that is High and Lofty, who dwells in Eternity, should live with such a One, and be united with such: O what incomprehensible Honour is this! Elizabeth cried once with great admiration, And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke. 1.43. And may not the Believer with much more admiration cry out, And whence is this to me, that my Lord himself should come to me? And not only so, but come to me, and dwell and abide with me? 2. Here is great comfort on the account of profit and advantage: Have they the Heir of all things, so near to them and with them, living in them, what can they then want? For if Christ be theirs, all things are theirs, life, death, ●hings present, and things to come, 1 Cor, 3.22, 23. Hath GOD given Christ, and shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Rome: ●. 32. And what can they lack that have all things? what can they want, who have Him in them, in whom dwells all the fullness of the God head bodily? Col: 2.9. What want they who have Heaven? And can they want Heaven within them, who have Christ within them? They are complete in him, Col: 2.10. Which is ●he Head of all principality and power. 3. Here is comfort upon the account of safety; Who, or what can harm them, who have preservation or salvation within them? Christ the Author of Eternal Salvation within them. O what security for them, in whom he is! What can tribulation or distress, or famine or nakedness, or peril or sword do to such? can they separate him, who is become a Habitation for Christ, from the love of GOD, which is in Christ Jesus? No, no; can the ship drown wherein Christ is? Can fire or water, harm a Soul, who is a Habitation for Christ? What can satan do against Christ's lodging? Can he, or dare he cast it down? 4. Here is Comfort upon the account of security and tranquillity: For who can weaken and endamage their right to Glory, that already have begun Glory in the soul, to wit, Christ the hope of Glory? can satan or the world make such an one miserable? No, surely; greater is He that is in them, than he that is in the world, 1 Ioh: 4.4. What surer pledge of Heaven and Salvation, can the soul have, than a begun possession? What is Heaven, other than a life of Communion with GOD, in the nearest and strictest degre●? And 〈◊〉 stricter Union can any have with Christ than to have him in them?  
Use, 2 Unbelievers and strangers ●o Christ, may hence gather these principal Points for their better improvement o●●he foresaid Truths. 1. Have n● mean ●hough●s ●f ●he life and state of Believers; You s●e to what they are ●x●l●ed, however contemplable in the eyes of ●he World: despise you such an incomprehensible ●●ch advantage? I● is no such despicable and mean Life as, you fancy: Have then a higher esteem thereof, if you would be truly Wise. 2. Again, on the other hand, ponder seriously, what a fearful and miserable condi●ion i● is, wherein ye are who are stranger's to Christ; And in place of Christ in you, the H●pe of Glory, ye have satan ●n you, working th● w●●ks of darkness, blinding the mind, left the light of the glorious Gospel ●f Christ, who is the Image of God, showld shine unto you, 2 Cor: 4 4. Being without Christ, ●o ye have no hope strangers from the Covenants ●f promise, and without God, Ephes: 2 21. Without a Leader and Commander, Isa: 55.  
Without Protection or ●oy, and without ●ll that ●s good. 3 Do no● only think on it, ●ut dwell on the thoughts of it, until that your ●earts be wrought up to a real sorrow and ●rief, that ye have been so long in such a con●ition, and have keeped Christ so long at the door, and so have forsaken your own Mercies, and have loved death rather than life jonah. 2.8. Prov: 8 36.4. Endeavour earnestly to win free of this estate, and to b● Partakers of this singular and unspeakable advantage, to have Christ in you. Seek unto to him, who hath the King's keys, and the k●ys of of David, and that openeth and no ma● shutteh, That he may put his hand into the hol● of the lock, and cast open the leaves, and unbolt the dear of your heart and come in. 5▪ Whatever ye do, Be careful that ye w●on● none of them, Ye see who is near han● them, and whose House and Habitation ●hey are: Do ●hem no hurt, left ye bring on you● selves, the wrath of him that dwelleth i● them.  
Use, 3 For Application of these comfortable Truths aright, there are several Dutie● required of Believers themselves.  
1. They must make use of Christ for Light Counsel and Direction in all their ways; Seeing ●e is so near unto you, that he is even within you, then make all your difficulties know● unto him; Undertake nothing without his Advice: Believers are to trust in the Lord wit● all ●heir heart, and in nothing to lean unt● their own understanding, acknowledging him in all th●ir ways, and he shall direct thei● path●, Pr●: 3 5.6. Thus therefore, as the● received Christ Jesus the Lord, so should the● walk in him, Col. 2.6. Setting him up for their Pattern and Example, and so walking as be walked in the World, in all Humility, Patience, Love, Zeal, Holiness and Uprightness, ●hat thereby it may appear that Christ is in ●hem, and that they are rooted and built up ●n him, and established in Faith.  
2. They must lay to Heart that great Duty of growing in Grace, and bearing Fruit in him, joh. 15.2. That this Union with Christ may appear; For when found fruitful in him, ●hen it appears that they are united unto a Fruitful and sappy Root, and that the fountain of Life and influences is in them: And on ●his account are they to be the more diligent in ●hese following Duties. As 1. Live in the constant and real Convictions of your Impotency to do any thing of yourselves, knowing ●hat ye are not sufficient of yourselves, to ●hink any thing as of yourselves, 2 Cor. 3.5. ●. Acknowledges that all your sufficiency is in Christ, through whom ye can do all things, ●hilip. 4.13. Believe his All-sufficiency and ●eadiness to help and bear through Difficulties, ●ll such, who will employ him and his Grace. ●. In confidence hereof, go to him for help, ●epend on him for assistance, according to the promises, lay the weigh● of the Duty on him ●y Faith. 4. Lean and rest on him by Faith: ●nd so venture upon every commanded Duty ●ith uprightness of Heart.  
3. The Believer must lay to Heart the Du●y of rejoicing in him, and of boasting alone in him: And that in these respects. 1. As having all what they have, in and through, and for him alone: As also all they have to expect for the making of them completely happy, must run through this Channel, so tha● the Believer is alone Complete in him, Col. 2.10.2. Because they will find all their wants, through Lo●ses, Crosses, Toss, sharp Dispensations, etc. Richly made up in Him, in whom Dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead Bodily. Col. 2.9. For He is in the●, 3. Because, that through Him they are brought to the highest pitch of Honour and Credit imaginable, as having Christ abiding and dwelling in them. 4. Because that through Him they have the ●urest hope of seeing God, and of dwelling in Glory eternally; For Christ in them is the hope of Glory. 5. Because that in Him they have cause to triumph over Death, Hell, the Grave and Corruption, and over a Body of Death, Rom. 7.24, 25. 1 Cor. 15.55.6. Because they have him near at hand, to go to, is all their Needs, Miseries, Doubts and Questioning, Weakness, etc. He is ever at hand, for he is in them.  
4. Seeing Christ is come so near unto them, that He is in them; so they are to keep near Communion and Fellowship wi●h him; and that in these following respects. 1. That they converse with him in their thoughts, separating themselves from all others, singly to speak with him, adoring and admiring his Love and Condescendency towards them, and with delight continuing in the Meditation of his Person, Offices and Mediatory Works, etc. 2. That they be often speaking with him in Prayer: And thus keeping up a Correspondence with him, laying out all their wants before him, pouring out their Souls in his Bosom, going to him on all occasions. 3. That they seek advice of, and consult him in all Emergents, attempting nothing, without giving him notice first thereof. 4. That they set h●m up continually as their Pattern, that they may be Followers of God as dear Children, Ephes. 5.1. He ha●h left us an example, that we should follew his steps, 1 Pet. 2.21.5. That they unbosom their whole Secrets to Him, seeing He is their Heart and bosom Friend, and seeing this is the real and sure token and demonstration of resting in, and crediting of Him. 6. That ●hey approach unto Him, or unto God through Him, with all Christian freedom and familiarity, with an assurance of acceptance, seeing He is come so near to the Soul: For in him, We have boldness and access, with confidence by the Faith of Him, E●hes 3.12. And through Him we ●oth have an access, by one Spirit unto the Father, Ephes. 2 18.5 see it hath pleased Christ, ●o worthy and excellent a Guest, to take up Lodging in the Souls of Believers, they must beware of grieving Him: We should be loath to let a good Guest go to the door upon the account of our incivility. Now among other things, these following will grieve Christ and and provoke him to depart, (2.) In case we have not that high esteem of Him as we ought; any will soon weary in Company, where affronted and slighted. (2.) Providing due honour and Respect to him be not entertained and fostered, notwithstanding of all our forementioned freedom and familiarity with him: For homliness must not spill good Manners. He is a great King and Jealous God. A Sen Honoureth his Father, and a Servant his Master: If then I be a Father, where is mine Honour? And if I be a Master, where is my Fear? saith the Lord of Hosts, etc. Mal. 1.6. (3) Providing we have not strong, hearty, and sensible desires after him: For as Love and Kindness waxeth cold, so Friendship drieth up. His Love i● strong, and love must be answered with love, otherways it turns into Jealousy; He is a jealous Lover; And as his Love has mounted far above all Love, yea above all the Love of Women, though distilled into one: Therefore we should carry ourselves, as ever sensible hereof, continually praying that ou● Hearts might always be directed into ●he Lor● of God, 2 Thess. 3.5. And we keeped there●● jude v. 21. And may abound yet more and mor● Phil. 1.9. (4.) Providing we be carnally minded, this will chase him out of the Soul; Because the Carnal mind is enmity against God, Rom. 8.7. (5.) Providing we give free access to inward Corruption, that will exceedingly grieve him: For he is come expressly into the Soul, to break that yoke of bondage; And to deliver the poor Soul from the Tyranny of Sin: And when man willingly subjects unto his unreconcilable enemies, it is a direct and open declaring, and proclaiming our unwillingness to entertain him longer in the Soul, and a seeking these beastly, self and Soul-ruining Lusts and Desires above him: An● that cannot but grieve him, when he sees Satan's company more prized than his. (6) Providing we disesteem and undervalue his Doctrine, Leading, Counsel and Advice, resisting his Motions, and trampling on his Laws; This will make him weary of his Lodging, when we are not so ready as formerly to do what a Friend desires us, and when not so willing to take his Advice, and to follow it, than it is a Symptom, that we are jealous of him, and wearied of his company. (7) Providing we be lazy and slothful in Duty: This will grieve the Spirit, because he is dishonoured thereby, and in effect declared to be a dry sapless Root, when the branches in him are seen without Fruit, notwithstanding o● all their fair leaves.  
6. Is Christ so affable and gracious, that he takes up lodging in poor Souls? Then they should heartily welcome him, and let him know so much: And that 1. By giving him the Throne, and the head of ●he Table, with the best place in the House, for he is worthy: He is the Lord of Hosts, the Master, the Husband, the kindly Suitor; Hereby we manifest our high esteem and burning Love towards H●m, as knowing that none is to be compared wi●h him. 2. To make him the more welcome, we should call in all our scattered Desires and wandering Affection's, which now are spent and set loose in hunting after the scum of empty shaddowy Vanities, and g●ther them in, and direct them all towards him▪ as to the Centre: As being only worthy of a●l Love and Affection; for He is altogether a●d wholly Lovely, Song 5 16 And the Desire of all Nations, Hag. 2.7 3. We should to the uttermost of our Power, lay out ourselves 〈◊〉 Him, sparing no cost nor Labour to please Him, and to evidence our sincere affections towards him. 4. We should give him his whole will and Command over us, and over what is ours; so that all our Power, Wisdom, Will, Conscience, Memory, Affections, etc. With all the Members of our Body attend his Command; so as he might ever freely take and dispose of us and ours, according to his good pleasure, without opposition or gainsaying, whereby he might be the more freely Master of the House, and freely make us● of all, according to his Will. 5. We should side with him against all that would oppose him in our Souls; And by his Authority, and through his Strength, we should put to the door, all that are enemies to him and his Interest in our Soul●: were it the right eye, or the cutting ●ff of the right hand, if in opposition to him. 6. We should with cheerfulness and outstretched Hearts, run in the ways of his Commandments, and do his will with delight and readiness, and seek to know what might please or displease him, tha● the one might be done, and the other eshewed, whatever might follow thereupon.  
7. Hath Christ so far honoured the poor Believer, as to come under a roof with him, yea as to come into his Heart, to dwell and abide there; And should they not s●●k all occasions again to honour him? Namely, 1. They should put the Crown upon his Head, and behold King Solomon, with the Crown, wherewith his Mother crowned him, in the day of his Espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his Heart. 2. They should earnestly and carefully observe all the Precepts and Ordinances in the Worship, whereby he is publicly and solemnly served and honoured in the World; This is the honour and open Testimony of Respect he calls for The sons of Eli, honoured him not thus, ne●ther Nadab and Ab●hu, nor Uzza, nor the Bethshemites, wherefore his fierce anger was powered forth against them. 3. They should recommend him to the Love and Esteem of others, speaking good of him in all Companies, laying forth his Beauty and desireableness at the Bride doth, Song. 2. And so engaging and persuading others to love him. 4. They would so carry themselves, that others that look upon them, may see a desirable Lovelyness and Beauty in Christianity, That is, by walking cheerfully in the ways of GOD, that others may not be scared therefrom, through their sad and dejected carriage, as if there were no reason of Joy and Gladness of heart in the Service of GOD, and as is he were an unkindly and hard Master, whom they serve.  
8. Is Christ himself within the Believer, then surely they are called to walk so, that all that notice them, may distinctly see, and freely say, that such have not only been with Christ, but that they are continually with him, and he with them, and that he lodges and lives in their Souls: And for that effect. 1. They should have a care, that they be not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of their minds, Rome 12.2 That it might be manifest, that they serve another Master, than the world serves, and that they are moved and led by another Spirit. 2. Their hearts should be lifted up in the ways of the Lord; As it was with the Heart of that good King, 2 Chron: 17.6 3. Their walk and carriage should be singular, Heavenly and Spiritual, as being above the World, and the vanities thereof, as having their Hearts and desires in Heaven, Where Christ sitteth on the Right Hand of GOD, Col: 3.1. And as having their Conversation in Heaven, Phil: 3.20. And as it becometh the Gospel, Phil: 1.27. Having Christ in them, so should they be dead and crucified to the World. 4. Thus having Christ in them, whose eyes are at a fl●me of fire, who sees their whole carriage, and knows the frame of their Hearts, they should endeavour in their whole carriage and walk to be upright and without hypocrisy, that they may present themselves pleasant before him, who sees the secrets of of the Heart; For our rejoicing is this, saith the Apostle, 2 Cor: 1.12. The Testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and Godly sincerity, no● with fleshly wisdom, but by the Grace of GOD, we have had our conversation in the World, etc. Wherefore laying aside— all guile and hypocrisies,— 1 Pet: 2.1.5. They should then make it appear that Christ is in them, by serving him after a lively manner; So it is not sufficient to follow Duties, but to perform them as living in Christ, or as having Christ, living in them, as having the Fountain of Life within them, and the Bread of Life; Therefore are they to present their bodies a living sacrifice unto GOD, Rome 12.1. And show forth themselves as lively stones— built up a Spiritual House,— 1 Pet: 2 ●5. 6. They must also make this evident by their Zealous way of walking, seeing Christ hath a loathing at lukewarmness, Rev: 3 15: 16. That they are Zealous of good Works, Tit. 2.14.7 Their Christian carriage should fill them with Joy and Gladness, as delighting themselves in the Law of the LORD, and rejoicing in serving and pleasing of him. 8. They must walk in the fear of the LORD, and be in his fear all the day long, and carry themselves circumspectly and tenderly, as in the sight of Jesus Christ, who is in them, and locketh upon them, wherever they be, and in whatever they are doing.  
9 Is Christ come into their Souls to work his work, than the● should not suffer him to be idle, bu● g●ve him employment: He accounts Employment the greatest Friendship, and best Reception that we give him; To wit, 1. That he teach and lead them in the ways of GOD; Thus he gets Employment as a Prophet. 2. That he command and lead them as a King; Whereas ● corruptions diverts from following the Dictates of his Spirit; He is given for a leader and commander to the People, Isa: 55.4. And for that end, he must be employed. 3. Tha● he w●sh ●hem from their da●ly pollutions, seeing he i● a fountain opened to the House of David, and to the inhabitants of J●rusalem, for sin and uncleanness, Zach: 13.1. His blood cleanseth us from all sin, 1 Joh: 1.7. And he is faithful, &c: ●: 9.4. That he pray for them as an Advocate with the Father, being a Propitiation or atonement for their sins, 1 Ioh: 2.1, 2.— Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them, Heb: 7.25 5. That he renew & sanctity them wholly in Spirit, & Soul, and Body, that he renew them wholly in the inward Man; So that the new Man of Grace may grow, and corruption may be brought under. 6. That he strengthen them, with all might, according to his Glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness Col: 1.11. That he may grant them, according to the riches of his Glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit, in the Innerman, Ephes: 3.16. That they may be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Ephes: 6.18.7 That he may refresh and enliven the●, when sicking and fainting under fears, weakness, outbreakings of corruption, hidings of the Lord's Face, or such like. 8. In a wo●d, that he may make them confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work inghem ●hem, will perform it, until the day of Ies●s Christ, Phil: 1.6. That in him they may perfect their Holiness in the fear of G●D, 2 Cor: 7.1. That so the work may be Crowned to his Glory: That they may be presented to him, A glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle,— but that they should be Holy and without blemish, Ephes. 5.27.  
10. Seeing Christ is so near them, that he himself, is in them, so they should have their retreat to him, in all their difficulties, for help and deliverance: And that 1. when distempered wi●h doubtings and discouragements anent their State, present frame, or Duties: For with him is the Fountain of Life, and in his Light shall we see Light, Psal. 36 9.2. When they are assaulted with sinking dis●ouragements, so that they cannot stand and subsist under their burdens: For in him alone, and in the strength of his power, can they be strengthened: He can make them renew their strength, and mount up with Wings as Eagles, to run and not be wearied, Isa 40.31, 3. Or when disordered with outward losses or crosses; For he only can make up all their losses, and fully satisfy, being an incomparable portion, jer. 10.16.4. When they are confounded with fears, whether from the breaking forth of Corruptions, or from the deceitfulness of their own Heart, the cuningness of Satan, the weakness of Grace, the accusations of Conscience, etc. Seeing he is a present help upon all occasions, and easily with a blink of his Countenance, can drive away all these clouds and grounds of fear.  
Having now gi●en some Observations of these words, Christ in you; We come now to speak of them, in so far as they are the ground of the hope of Glory: And so they teach us, that Christ in the Soul, is a most sure, clear and certain ground of a lively hope of Glory, which we shall manifest and confirm with these Scriptural Reasons.  
1. All such in whom Christ is and Lives, He hath purchased and bought with his Blood, Gal. 2.20. Christ liveth in me (saith he) and then addeth, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Such are bought with a price, both Soul and Body, 1 Cor. 6.20. And seeing Christ hath bought them so Dear, and taken possession of them, as of his peculiar Treasure, what is there that can afford ground once to call in question▪ or doubt of their Salvation, they are bought unto Glory, and Glory is purchased unto them, and Christ possesseth them as such, and so they are certain of Glory. 2. There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ jesus, Rom. 8.1. And who are in Christ, the same hath Christ in them, as is clear from what follows in that Text, ver. 9.10.3. That Christ is in the Soul, says, that however they were once without Christ, yet now are they made ●igh by the Blood of Christ; Who is our Peace, ●nd hath reconciled us unto God, Ephes 2.12, 13, 14, 16. Reconciled Souls shall certainly possess Glory. 4. Christ is called our Life; And our Life is hide with him in God, Col. 3.3, 4. They then that have him in them, may be assured of Eternal Life. 5. Such in whom Christ lives, shall be Filled with all the fullness of God, as we see Ephes. 3.17, 19 That is, until begun Grace here, be perfected in Glory hereafter, where we shall be filled fully and completely with the fullness of God, enjoying his presence in immediate Communion with him, so full as we shall be able to contain.  
joh. 17.23, 24.6. Christ is made for all such, Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption. 1 Cor. 1.30 How then can they be deprived of Salvation? 7. Such are the Children of God, as the Apostle saith Rom. 8. Who are led by the Spirit, have the Spirit o● Christ in them, ver. 9, 10, 11. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God, ver. 14 And if Children, than Heirs, Heirs of God, and joint Heirs with Christ, ver. 17. So that Christ in them, must be a certain and sure hope of Glory 8. Providing Christ be in them, than The Spirit is Life (saith the Apostle, Rom. 8.10.) Because of Righteousness: That is, their Soul and Spirit is already living, by virtue of Christ's Righteousness, and the Life of Glory is begun in them, therefore they shall live the Life of Glory hereafter. 9 These that have Christ in them they have received Abundance of Grace, and of the Gift of Righteousness, through Christ living in them; And so shall certainly Reign in Life by Him, Rom. 5.17.10. Such who have Christ in them, they are quickened together with Him, yea they are raised up together in Heavenly places in Christ jesus. Ephes. 2.5, 6. Christ takes possession in their Name, and they in him, as their Head and Agent: And so in effect, and in respect of legal Certainty, they have present possession of Glory; so that Christ in them, must be the assured hope of Glory.  
For further clearing and confirming hereof, observe these following Considerations. To wit. 1. That Christ's being and living in the Soul, gives us to know the greatest Love and Respect He hath for that Soul: And whom he Loves. He Loves unto the end, joh. 13 1. And what can separate the Soul from his Love, Rom. 8.38, 39.2. Christ's coming into a Soul, intimates his union therewith, which union is fast, and who can lose it? And being one with him, and united with him, so they shall be always with him: He hath prayed, that they might be with him, wher● he is, that they might behold his Glory, joh. 17.24. He will not want his Servants: For where he is, there they must be also, Joh: 12.26.3. Christ's being in the Soul, holds forth his protection; He ●s in them, to own and defend them; & who can wrong them whom Christ defends? Whom Christ defends, the Father defends also, Joh. 10.27, 28, 29, 30. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all, ●nd no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. 4. Christ is in them, taking possession of them, as of his own purchase: And who shall, or can take his Possession over his head? Because greater is He, that is in them, than he that is in the World, 1 Joh. 4.4.5. He is in them, as fitting and preparing them for Glory, and Sanctifying and cleansing them, With the washing of Water by the Word: That He might present them to himself a Glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that they should be Holy and without blemish, Ephes. 5.26, 27.6. He is in them by his Spirit, as the pledge and earnest of Glory, Ephes. 1.13, 14. 2 Cor. 1.22.7. In a word, that he is in them, is begun Glory, Glory in the Seed, and in the out-sprouting: He is in them, working the work of Grace, and that is the foundation of Glory: Here they have begun Communion with him, and that shall never be broken off, but be carried on to a more immediate, sweet, full, and uninterrupted Fellowship in Glory; so that Christ in the Believer, can be no other thing then the sure hope of Glory.  
Use 1. This Truth makes way for confuting 1. Papists, who are against assurance of Salvavation, and who defend and teach, that we are to fear and doubt all the days of our Lif●▪ For if Christ in us, be the assured hope of Glory, then undoubtedly▪ some of these, in whom Christ dwelleth attain to this assurance: For some of them come through Grace to see, that Christ dwells and abids in them. 2. It is for confutation of Arminians, who lay a sure foundation for the doubting of Papists, in ●aying, that the Saints may fall away, and that wholly and finally: But providing that were true, than Christ should not be the Hope of Glory in the Saints: For, according to that Doctrine, he could be in us to day, and not tomorrow, and so his being in us, could be no hope of Glory. 3. It is for confutation of Antimonians, who deny Sanctification to be any evidence of Justification; notwithstanding we see that Christ in Believers, is a sure and fast ground of the hope of Glory: Now his being in them is through the work of Sanctification. 4. For confu●ing of poor deceived Souls, who build their Hope of Glory on some other thing. As (1) Upon an imagination that God is merciful; which can afford them no more ground of the hope of Glory, then to all living, yea then to Devils. (2) Who build their hope upon their naked fancy of their good Heart, which is most false, the Heart being Deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: So is it an undoubted token that Christ is not in them: For since He i● Light, so should he discover their deceitfulness unto them: So that it can never be a ground of Hope, but a sufficient foundation of a real imagination, and of a dreadful deceit. (3.) Who build their hope upon their innocency and freedom from scandalous out-breaking; with the Pharisee Luke 18 Yea a Heathen will pretend more than they. (4) Who build upon their Civility and Sobriety, which readily they may have through a soft nature & humour, through good education, & corrupte● by ends, which may be a ground of self-deceiving, though never of the hope of Glory. (5.) Who build on outward diligence and carefulness, after public Worship, wherein a Pharisee may go beyond them, and which at most but holds forth, that they have a Name they live, and yet are dead. Dead and formal Worship, is no assured hope of Glory. (6) Who build on the forsaking some Lusts and former evil practices, to which they were formerly addicted; whereas notwithstanding Satan may have a sure and certain Possession of their Soul.  
Use 2. This Truth serves to inform us of these two. 1. That the state of these, who are yet without Christ is very sad, and lamentable: For if without Christ, they have no hope of Glory: And what have they then, though they had the World at their disposal, and were swimming in Pleasure●? Alas! they want that, which might sweeten the want of all other things, to wit, the hope of Glory. 2. That the condition of those, who have fled to Christ, and have gotten that noble Guest, Christ in them, is unspeakably happy: For let their outward Estate be here in the World, what it will, they may Sing in the hope of the Glory of God; having Christ in them, so they have the assuredest hope of Glory imaginable: They have Christ, who is the whole Covenant whereby Glory is insured: They have him with●n their Souls, who already hath given them the possession of Glory, fitting them to have a Portion in the Inheritance of the Saints in Light: And who takes possession of them, that he and they may never more be separate.  
Use 3. This Doctrine contains also in it a Reproof. 1. To Unbelievers who notwithstanding they be wholly without Christ, and his Spirit, nevertheless dreams and imagines, that they have an undoubted right unto Glory; And so deceives themselves wi●h a vain and ungrounded hope, that all will be well with them at last. 2. For reproof to Believers, who have this assured ground of hope, nevertheless improves it not for their comfort and encouragement: But holds themselves up with doubtings and scruples concerning their Right and Inheritance; taking heed to the lying whisper and temptations of Satan, and so lives in Terrors, sinful Fears and Unbelief, whereby they wrong and grieve the noble Spirit, who hath taken up quarters in their Soul, even for that end among others that they might have a lively hope of Glory and thereby be supported under the pressure of Terrors and Fea●s, strengthened against th● Soul troubling injections, and heart-distur●ing temptations of Satan, and comforted against all discouragements  
Use 4. Th●s Doctrine ●olds out these following Duties to the Unbeliever. As 1. They ought to Labour to have this Truth, deeply rooted in their Hearts, that before Christ be in them, they can have no well grounded hope ever to see God in Glory. 2. That herein they are to be convinced of the necessity of giving ear unto the Call of the Gospel, and to give obedience thereunto, which is (as we shall after hear) that we receive Christ, the Prince of Life in our Souls. 3. That therefore there should be nothing so desirable to them, as to have Christ living and working in their Souls▪ and to rest on nothing less for a satisfying ground of the hope of Glory.  
Use 5. This Truth holds out unto us, the sure ground of the consolation of Believers, in whom Christ is: O! what cause of gladness and rejoicing have they, go as it will with them in the World: For though the World frown upon them, nevertheless they may rejoice in the Hope of the Glory of God, whatever ground of sorrow, they may otherways have, as they see how it fares with them in the World, yet when they look within, and beholds the footsteps of Christ walking within them, and the Fruits of his living and abiding in them; so may they raise up themselves with unspeakable and excellent joy.  
Objection, But it may be asked, how comes it then, that even such are more filled with fears and anxieties than others, concerning their Eternal Happiness and lively hope, and are continually in fears and doubting, possessing their Life often in sorrow?  
Ans. 1. It is one thing to have Christ in us, and another thing to see him in us; This is a new and different Gift: And God may give the one, when he thinks good to withhold the other. 2. The Lord may thus for wise and holy ends measure out his Favours: As he is a Sovereign, so he is also wise; he doth what he will, and yet doth all in deep Wisdom, for wise and holy ends: The Lord may have a high and Sovereign hand in this business, and may find ●t necessary, so to keep them humble, tender, watchful and diligent in Duties: For he sees that readily, did they see how rich they were, they would forget bo●h God and themselves, not being well ballassed to carry such a high Topsail, and that thus they might come to boast and turn secure, and give too much advantage to Satan to assault and overcome them. 3. They may readily have a sinful h●nd therein themselves: And that (1) When they give too much heed to the lying Injections and temptations of Satan: It is not safe to entertain discourse with such an enemy, who is a Liar and a Murderer from the beginning: He is too great a Sophist and Disputer for us. (2.) When they give too much way to corruption, which darkens all, and gives Satan advantage and occasion to accuse of Hypocrisy, and to allege and say, providing Christ be in you, how is it so and so? (3) When by the false Injections of Satan, they Nickname the work of Christ in them, consenting to the reproaches of the enemy, and joining with him in affording Objections against all the work of Grace in their Soul: And thus having filled their mind with prejudices against themselves, through the instigation of Satan, they are not in case, either to receive, or accept of any right Information concerning their Souls. (4.) It may also f●ll out through their misunderstanding the true Nature and work of Grace, and of Christ's being in them, imagining that nothing can be called or reckoned Christ in the Soul, but an exceeding great out-letting of the Spirit, carrying the Soul over all difficulties, accompanied with great joy and gladness, and with an eminent and great degree of Sanctification.  
Use 6. This Truth exceedingly calls for a narrow Trial, viz. If Christ be in us or not: And because it is a material business we shall therefore speak the more to it. 1. We shall lay forth some false Marks, by which many deceive themselves, both on the one hand, and on the other. 2. We will give you some true Marks, where you may judge in this matter,  
In speaking to the false Marks, we must have our eye upon two sorts of Persons, and so speak to the Marks, whereupon each goes to work and deceives themselves: Some have Christ really dwelling in their Soul, and yet nevertheless imagine, that it is not so, upon ●uch and such grounds, that they perceive in themselves, which they judge cannot consist ●ith Christ's living in them: Others again, have ●ot Christ in them, notwithstanding imagine ●hat he is in them, by reason of such and such ●hings, which they judge to be real Marks of christs being in them. And both the one and ●he other, are deceived with false grounds.  
As to the First, viz. Such who have Christ ●eally in them, and nevertheless will not be convinced thereof: They may mistake on these ●nd the like grounds.  
1. Because they are no ways like to these ●aints, whereof the Scriptures make mention, 〈◊〉 whom was the Spirit of Christ; Neither like ●ose, who now live, who have Christ in them: ●s if (forsooth) all were Christians of the ●●me Magnitude, Age, Strength and Liveliness; As if there were not in Christ's Family, young Children as well as old, young Sentinels, as well as Lively, Strong and great Warriors, 1 Cor. 3.1. 1 joh. 2.13, 14. A Child hath real Life, and is a man, though not a strong and able man; yea the very Child in the Mother's Belly hath real Life; and so many Children in Christ go to Heaven, for he carries the Lamb's i● his Bosom. Isa 40 11.  
2. Because they find not the Operations of the Spirit in them; That is likeways no true mark: For he may be in the Soul, and yet may be hide from the Soul, the Lord judging it fittest it should be so▪ that he may hide pride from their eyes, and they (as was said) may be keeped humble and sobbing all their days. The Spirit bloweth where he listeth, and after what manner he will.  
3. Because they are daily full of Fears and Jealousies, that all is not right with them: Hence they conclude, that providing Christ were really in them, than all their Questioning would be done away, and all their clouds scattered, and they would obtain a full assurance: But this is a mistake, Christ may be, and Faith in him may be, where this certainty is not, never was, and likely shall never be, until the Soul come within the view of the Land of Glory: Yea the Scripture is ●ull of such like Complaints of the Saints, and of their often expressing their suspicions: It is the Disease that follows the Royal Blood, incident to the most Heavenly Spirits; Moses David, Heman, Asaph, job, jeremiah, the Church, Psal: 120. Lam: 1. and 2. and 3. ●nd 4 And that under the Church and Saints of the New Testament, as well as the Old, 1 Cor: 10.6. Now these things were our examples,— with v. 1.1. 2 Cor: 1 8 9 2 Cor: 2.11 2. Cor: 7 4, 5, 6. 1 Pet: 1.6, 7. Yea Christ may be there, where the Soul through the power of temptation peremptorly concludeth, that he is not in them, otherways woe to not a few.  
4. Because Strangers to some sensible and comfortable manifestations, which some win ●t; They see not, neither find they, as with ●ome, the Rays and real Blinks of his smiling Countenance: But this is no sure Mark; Christ ●ay be, where these things are not, or otherways woe to many poor Souls. These are ●he free outletings of his Love, wherein the LORD dealls as a Sovereign; Allowing some ●o come near him, for so ●e thinketh fit, and others to stand farther off, and think it sufficient, if but admitted to stand within the portal ●f his Palace: All Subjects are not Courtiers, ●or all Courtiers alike high: The Mother will ●ake the one Child, and kiss and dandle it upon ●he knee, and not the other; So Christ takes ●ot all his Children into his Banqueting house, ●●ither spreads he his Banner of Love over ●hem, in a sensible manne●: Each one, is not ●ayed with Flagons, and comforted with Apples; Every one hath not Christ's left hand unde● their head, and his right hand embracing them: Some must be satisfied, to want these manifestations, until they ascend into the Higher House.  
5. Because they know not, what it is to have their Hearts lifted up in the ways of the LORD; They know not what that Joy in the Holy Ghost meaneth, nor what it is to cheer themselves with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory. O is this sufficient ground to conclude, that Christ is not in them? What a gross mistake is this? Do all Christians attain to such high Attainments? Alas! Some must be well satisfied to creep to Heaven, and never once get up their back, until they win within the very ports of Glory: Some in stead of rejoicing, must carry the tear in their eye, the whole way and never get it washen away, until that Christ's soft hand, once for all, wash it off, and then they shall weep no more, being arrived there, where no sorrowing nor sighing shall be heard, for then sighing and ●orrowing, must flee away.  
6. Because their Graces shine not, nor have not that Beauty and Lustre, Which they believed to have had, Providing Christ were in them: Where Faith, Hope Love etc. is nothing to what it should, or must be, (thin● they) if Christ were in them. But they notley not, that there are degrees of Grace: All ar● not Saints of the first Magnitude; Each one's Faith, (even true Faith) is not Assurance: Christ is, where the least grain weight of Grace is; And sometimes Grace will go in little Room; Christ is, where there is but one smoking Flax, and but one broken Reed.  
7. Because they are not only without Comfort and Joy, but are also full of terrors, fears and trembling, whereof they imagine they should be free, providing Christ were in them: Alas, poor Soul, why thinks thou thus! Were it so as ye imagine, what should have become of excellent Heman, Psal: 88.15. Who from his youth up, was afflicted and ready to die, and was distracted with the Terrors of GOD, which he suffered. What should ye then say of the good King Hezekiah, who became to chatter like a Cranmer or a Swallow, and to mourn as a Dove, Isa: 38.14. And of others whom we could name.  
8. Because they see no Grace growing in them, all seems to be going back with them: I grant, it is most lamentable when it is so, and a case much to be condolled; Nevertheless, it may readily appear to be so, when really it is not so; Christ may be, where this growth in Grace, is neither seen, nor observed; Yea, Christ may be, where there is a sinful decay for a time, by reason of some Winter blasts and storms, or by reason of some worm, or such like at the root; Nevertheless, the seed shall remain, and where the seed is, there is Christ, so that this is but a false Mark.  
9 Because they observe so much Hypocrisy in their Actings, undoubtedly say they, if Christ were in us, it should not be so with us▪ But as to this, we should mark, that however, he who hath Christ in him, can be no Hypocrite; For a Hypocrite is such, whose state is without Christ; Nevertheless, he may have much hypocrisy in him, even as he hath mor● or less of other corruptions; Every act of hypocrisy, will not say, that that man is a hypocrite; There is great difference between yellow brass, and Gold that hath scumm mixed with it, the best of our Metals have dross in them: The State of perfection is not here.  
10. Because they cannot perform commanded Duties, without opposition and grea● fight: Whereas if Christ were in them (imagine they) their wheels would move more Lightly: But this is also a mistake, and a perverted rule to judge by; For in the best that Live, there remains much of the old man, that never rests, But continually sets itself against every Good motion and work, that is in hand; so that the good that they would, they cannot get done, But the evil, that they woul● not that they are made to do, the Law o● their members, warring continually against the ●aw o● their mind, making them cry Out, Hour ch●d man, that I am, who shall deliver me, from the Body of this Death! Rome 7.14, 15.24.  
11. Because corruption is not weakened, but as they imagine is on the growing hand, which could not be, providing Christ were in them: But herein is also a mistake, the one or other special corruption, may in respect of some temptation, grow more at one time, than at another, & nevertheless, Grace under no decay, nor corruption growing in the who●e Body: The leaves will abundantly fall off ●he Tree, yea, and three times more in the Harvest, than at another time, and yet be under no decay: Corruption through temptation may be discovered, while nevertheless, neither growing, nor in strength; And at other times they may be less seen and feared, when most strong and dangerous: An unseen and quiet devil, may be more hazardous, than a seen and a roaring devil; Corrup●ions grow● not always most, when they rage most.  
12. Because, sometimes they have gross out-breaking: This is sad I confess, and lamentable; But therefrom we cannot certainly conclude, that we are without Christ; Fo● Moses, David, Peter, etc. had their heavy falls, which occasioned the opening of the mouths of the ungodly.  
13. Because, that sometimes they are carried away, with the tide and stream of their Corruptions, that they see nothing, but a constant course, and a joint complotting of gross evils: This I acknowledge is a sad condition, and sadly to be Lamented; Notwithstanding there is no Satisfying ground there form to conclude Positively, that such a Soul, is certainly without Christ; For we find Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord; And yet what a gross outbreakings find we in him, 2 Chr●n: 16. He made Benhadad to break his league with Baasha; And further to engage him thereto, he committed sacrilege, and spoiled and plundered the House of the LORD, and he trusted in an arm of flesh; And put the Prophet in the prison house for faithfully reproving of him,; And besides at the time, oppressed some of the people; And in his sickness, he sought not to the LORD, bu● to the Physicians. O! We cannot tell, beside how many corruptions, Christ will dwell in the Soul: Even such as are excommunicate for gross scandals, may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, 1 Cor: 5.5.  
14. Because they are troubled with dreadful temptations and blasphemous injections: But neither can this be a sufficient ground to judge ●uch a Soul to be without Christ; We know with what temptations the devil set upon Christ himself; After that he had tempted him, with the foulest Idolatry, To wit, to worship the devil, then to a tempting of GOD, and a questioning his own God head, and his right and interest in GOD as his Father: What will he not then attempt against the poor Followers of Christ? And seeing he so assaulted the Prince of Salvation, in whom he could find nothing, and that for forty days together, and then but left him for a time, Mark. 1.13. Luk. 4 2.13. Why should his Followers think it strange, when long troubled with such injections.  
15. Because the LORD pursues them in his anger, and in his carriage to them shows his sore displeasure, and writs their sins on their judgements: This also is no sound Mark so to conclude; For we know how he carried with David, Psal: 6. and 38. and 51. And what he did with job, who said, Chap. 6.4. The arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof, drinketh up my Spirit: The terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.  
On the other hand, let us see, which are the false grounds, wherein others deceive themselves, imagining they are in Christ, when there is nothing like it.  
1. They have a Pro●ession and a great Name, an Approbation of others, as none such Christians: But may with the Church of Sardis, have a name that they live, and yet are dead: Many believed in Christ, whom notwithstanding he would not commit himself unto, Because he knew all men, joh: 2.23.24. The end of the five foolish Virgins in the parable, Mat: 25. May sufficiently alarm such; For they were professors, yea great Professors, & acknowledged as such by others, long waiting Professors, earnestly seeking to enter in, and desirous of oil for their Lamps, etc. And yet Christ was never in them, for he declared He knew them not.  
2. They are free of scandalous and gross sins, whereunto some Gracious Souls may be liable: But poor Soul, that may be, and yet Christ not in you: The Pharisee could say Luk: 18 11. God I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortieners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican Many may escape the pollutions of the world. 2. Pe●: 2.20. And ye● the letter end be worse with them then the beginning.  
3. They are Civil and honest in all their dealings, no man can charge them for wronging any by false or cheating means: But this may be, and notwithstanding Christ never admitted into your Souls: was not the young man such an one? Luk. 18 21. who said, All these have I kept from my youth? Many Civilians go to hell; Civility may pretend somewhat, and go ●ar among men, but it is of a small account with GOD, where there is no more: Yea, the heathen may exceed many a Christian, in respect of Civility, and yet they are without Christ.  
4. They have always, as they imagine keeped a good Conscience, never gone contrary to unto it, But in every thing they have walked according to the Light and Dictates of the same: This may seem indeed to be a great length, and yet nothing to prove that Christ is in their Souls; For many Consciences are deaf and blind, so that they cannot see far to guide, neither speak out, and many a ones Conscience is without eyes, and some Consciences are fast a sleep, so that this can prove but little: These that thought they did GOD good service in killing the Prophets and Apostles, according to what Christ foretold, Ioh: 16. Had their Consciences going before them; Paul followed his Conscience, when he persecuted the Church, he acknowledges it, Act: 26.91.10. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the Saints, did I shut up in prison, etc. Again he saith, Act: 23.1.— I have lived in all good Conscience before God, until this day: Which seems to have respect to his unconverted State, when out of Zeal, he persecuted the church, Phil: 3.6. And yet until Christ appeared unto him in ●he way to Damascus, he was a stranger unto Christ, and Christ not revealled unto him.  
5 In many outward things, they are changed and reform, and in respect of these they are changed folks: Alas! that may appear to be something, and yet is nothing to prove that Christ is in the Soul; For Herod was a stranger unto Christ, notwithstanding he did many things, when he heard john; Mark 6.20.  
6. They are careful Followers of the Ordinances, and take pleasure in running after Duties: This I confess may bear much bulk among Men; But it is said, that Herod heard John gladly, Mark 6.20. Isaiah speaks of some tha● sought the LORD daily, and had delight to know His ways, chap. 58.2. with Ezek. 33 31, 32.  
7. They are much in Prayer, and think with themselves, that they are very diligent and serious therein: Neither is this any infallible token that Christ is in their Souls, For many may cry, Lord, Lord, open unto us, to whom Christ shall say, I know you not: Matth: 7.24. And many may ask, and ask a miss. jam. 4.3. & 25.11.12.  
8. They hold with the Good Cause, and with them that suffer for it; I acknowledge this is much; But this alone will not prove that Christ is in the Soul; judas continued long in Christ's company, and many were Christ's Disciples who in end forsook him, john 6. David had many Valiant Men with him, who fought with him the battles of the Lord; And Paul makes a supposition of some, that might give their bodies to be burnt, & yet be without love: 1 Cor. 13 3.  
9 They have much knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel, they can speak much and illustrate the same by many reasons, yea, they can debate for it, and Preach thereof, and have many excellent and singular Gifts: This may be, and yet Christ not in the Soul; Gifts and Graces differ much, Heb 6.4. Read and observe it, and trust no more to such loose grounds: Shall not many who have prophesied in the Name of Christ, be shut out of the gates of Heaven? Matth 7 22.  
10. They have strong and earnest desires to be in Heaven, & to do what is Right: And had not the foolish Virgins, a desire to enter in with the Bridegroom, when they cried, Lord, Lord, open unto us: Matth. 25: 11. Wished not Balaam to die the death of the Righteous? Alas! carnal self-seeking desires, will not prove that Christ is in the Soul.  
11. They have many Convictions, upstirring, and awakenings of Conscience, and good resolutions following thereupon: Ah! many have had such, who never were brought to embrace Jesus Christ; There sickness is gone, and they afterwards become more obdured then ever: Convictions may be lively, and die out again, and terrors break forth, and hold up again, before that the Soul is brought fully home, and made willing to open unto Christ, and let him in upon his own terms.  
12. They have a good opinion of the Doctrine of the Gospel, as being good and acceptable news of good tidings and mercy; And have no exceptions against the conditions of the Gospel offers, they judge them very reasonable, just, and most worthy to be accepted: But light and Conviction will not say that the thing is done; At best it is but a tasting of the good word of GOD, Heb: 6 5.  
Having discovered some of these false Marks, on the one hand and one the other; I come now to lay out some Particulars that will give fuller discovery of the matter; only I must say before hand, that every one, that hath Christ realy in them, cannot alike Distinctly feel and comprehend all these Marks in them; But some will be in case more to judge of some of them, & some to judge more of others of them.  
1. Mark: Where Christ is, there has been some clear Discoveries of this, that that Person was without Christ, and of the miserableness of of the estate of being without Christ; As likewise a weariedness of being longer in that condition with strong disires to be delivered there from; As also a real, full, resolute, & peremptory forsaking of all without Christ. I Say first, There hath beenclear convincing Discoveries of Persons being once without Christ, and of the Lamentableness and misery of that estate: Not that all has alike great and clear discoveries; But every one in some measure, has this clear discovery in them: nether say I, that every one is peromptorly to stint themselves to the same measure and degree of Light here mentioned; But that really, there must be some measure of light in the Soul, and such a measure as shall make willing to run out of that estate, and to hearken unto the Gospel. We must also here, pu● a d●fference betwixt those Discoveries, and the terrors that sometimes Accompanies them; Providing the Discoveries be such as drives to Christ, it is well, be it accompanied with more or less terror. (2.) I say there ha● been a weariedness of this their Natural state, with an earnest disire to be unbound and Delivered, and crying out with those, who were pricked in there heart Act. 2. Act 16 Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved: And there hath never been any thing of this sor●, there has been no in letting of Christ▪ (3.) I say there is a real and actual casting off all other things, Because they cannot serve two Masters; There is a real forsakeing of all hope of life through our own Righteousness, or of any others whatsomever, But through Christ alone: what things formerly was accounted gain▪ they account now Loss ●or Christ; Yea doubtless they count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesu● ●hil: 3.7.8 9 So that where there is a harkering after ou● own righteousness, or a resting thereon, or any thing besides him, for righteousness and life, with pleasure and satisfaction, Christ is not there.  
2 Mark: Where Christ is, there is an opening of the heart for him, a real hearty accepting of consenting to closing with, and laying hold on him, As he is Offered in the Gospel; A receiving of him upon his own terms freely, and wholly, and ●or all ends and uses, in order and in respect to Salvation; As the door is opened, so will he come in. Revel: 3.20. And where it is kept fast bolted, there is he not entered as yet: Where this opening of the heart, This cordial Consenting, this soul receiving of the Offered Mediator, is wanting, Christ is not there. It's true some may have opened unto him, and yet not know of it, imagining that this opening to, accepting or receiving of Christ offered, is some what else, then really it is, and looking out after more enlargedness of heart to receive him, yet more heartily; they account but Little of any thing they have yet gotten or attained; Therefore when the heart hath truly opened itself for him and at least is realy satisfied that Christ who is a King, having the key of David open the Door, come in, Live there, and where the heart crieth out earnestly, O! when will He come to me; we may conclude that Christ is already there.  
3. Mark: Where Christ is, there is immediately an emptiness seen in all other things, and such fullness Discovered and discerned in him, which satisfies and quiets the Soul, so that it rests therein, as having an All-sufficient portion, and as fully pleased and contented therewith, because they judge (and indeed not a miss) that the Lines are fallen to them in Pleasant places, Psal: 16. They cry out; Whom have I in Heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth, that I desire besides thee: Psal: 73.25. And they are so satisfied with him, that they sit down, & call in all their wandering affections and inclinations, that were scattered upon the mountains of vanity, and brings them all in to him as the Centre; And gives them a new commission to be for ever again employed in, by, and for him alone.  
4. Mark. Where Christ is in the Soul, there they cast their burdens on Him, & run to with their Doubtings, Troubles, Accidents, Weakness, Accusations, Failings, Duties, and with all they have to do. The Soul shall have Him even in its eye a● All-sufficient, able and willing to help in all Exigencies and Necessities, and shall look out to Him for that effect.  
5. Mark. Where Christ is, there He gets the Heart, for there he lives, Ephes. 3, 17. So that what ev●● it bochat presents its self to the Soul, though never so taking, yet He has still the precedency, disposing, and chief room, unless it be for a time, that the Soul may be over poured and carried away with some l●st or other. These that have Christ in them, they Confess that jesus is the Son of God, 1 Joh: 4.15. And so altogether Matchless: For all such dwell in Him, and He in them: So that He is unto them White and Ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousands, Song. ●. 10. And whatever is his, is altogether lovely, ver. 16. For unto them which believes, He is precious, 1 Pet. ●. 7. I acknowledge this love and esteem will not always be the same, nor appear in the like degree: Nevertheless it is for the most part p●edomining and reigning, and where these ●hings are not so, it is a sad token that Christ hath not as yet taken up his abode.  
6, Mark. Where Christ is, there is a forsaking of all former Lovers, for now they have changed Masters: They shall say to their former Idols, get you hence, as if they were so many menstruous clothes, Isa: 30.22. Then they say with Ephraim, What have we to do any more with Idols Hos: 14 8. For where he comes, all these must give place to him, as being worthy of all; There old (I) liveth no more, Gal: 2.20. But where the old lovers keep their possession, where the old idols, the old sins, have the old esteem, and the old service, and not as yet cast out with loathing and shame, it is not as yet ●ight there: Christ, when he comes, binds the old man, sets the old Tyrant that possessed the Soul, out of doors.  
7. Mark: Where Christ is, there is a complete change, that word is realy felt 2. Cor: 5.17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Now is he, as he were in another world, drawing his breath in another element; They are no more the folks they were. They that are Christ's, have Crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts, Gal. 5 24. They look on those lusts and affections as their enemies, and declares themselves enemies against them; wars against them in root and branch, and against all their motions; whether they be sinful affection's, and passions, such as these, whereby the man's Mind doth suffer, and is troubled and affected with; or whether they be sinful lusts, such as these stirred up by fleshly carnal Baits and Pleasures, as motions to Intemperance, uncleanness, etc. Now those who are Christ's, are said to crucify and put to death all these, because they have engaged themselves by profession and Covenant, Sealed in Baptism so to do, Rom. 6.3, 4. And have actually begun th●s wo●k, so that though this Body of corrupt flesh be in them, yet through the Spirit, Rom. 8.13. And by imitating his Cross, Rom. 6 5. They are upon the work of Mortifying it, suppressing the endeavours, and smothering the ●ffects of it, Rom. 6.12 They resolve now to walk in newness of Life, Rom. 6.4. From this time forth they have a new understanding, renewed in the Spirit of their mind, no more subject to the Dominion of fleshly Lusts, whic● is enmity against God; They ●ave a new will, which is now flexible to God● will and Command, neither doth it now rebel as formerly; They have new Desires, new Inclinations, new Work, new Ends before ●●em, new Followship, no more Fellowship wi●h the unfruitful works of Darkness.  
8. Mark. Where Christ is, there is a resting on him for Li●e, and leaning on him for Righteousness, Adoption, Justification and S●●vation, wi●h ●aul, Phil▪ 3.9. Who desired to be found i● him, not having his own Righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the Righteousness which is of GOD by Faith. The Soul intends to live through this way alone, to r●st in, to hide himself in Christ, until (●o speak so) a bit o● the Man cannot be seen, that when he is calle● for, it may be answered, LORD, I am in Christ, not having my own Righteousness:— If Christ be in you (saith Paul)— the Spirit i● Life, because of Righteousness, Rome 8.30. The Soul resolves alone to live through this way, through his Righteousness. I● 〈◊〉 LORD ●ave we Righteousness and stren●●● say they, Isa: 54.24. In the LORD expect they only to be Justified and to Glory, ●. 2●  
9 Mark, Where Christ is, there is a grea● 〈◊〉 to esh●w sin, Joh: 3.6. Whos●e●er 〈◊〉 in him sinne●h not: To wit, with that 〈◊〉 as formerly: They may be overtaken in a fault, as Gal: 6.1. But ●hey are not willingly entangled again with the yoke of bondage, G●l: ●. 1. Sometimes they may be carried away with the stream of a temptation, as David and Peter, yet they give not themselves willingly & deliberately over to the will of their Lust●: But even when corruption has the upper hand, there is a party within them that protesteth against that course and usurpation, Rome 7. That which they do they would not, and that which they do not, they would willingly do; The Spirit warreth against the fl●sh, Gal: 5.17. Hereby it is, that ●●ey walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, Rome 8.1.  
10. Mark, Where Christ is, there is a real, fast, & resolute care & endeavour to keep the Commandments of Christ, 1 Joh: 3.24. And he that keepeth his Commandments, dwelleth in him, and he in him And again 1 Joh: 2.5. Hereby they know, that they are in him, because they keep his word. They will cast at none of his Laws, but have respect unto all his Commandments, Psal: 119.6. This is their work and design, to be conformable in all things to his Law, and their failings, are the cause of much sorrow unto them.  
11. Mark, In whom Christ is, they live in Love, as in their Element, 1 Joh: 4.16. And we have known and believed the Love that GOD hath to us, GOD is love, and he that dwelleth in Love, dwelleth in GOD, and GOD in him, Also 1 Joh: 4.13. Hereby know we, that we dwell in him▪ and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. A humble and condescending Spirit,, a tender and simpathizing Spirit, a Spirit of Wisdom and counsel, a Spirit o● Knowledge, and of the Fear of the LORD: We may see, what for a Spirit it is, that is given unto Christ without measure, Isa: 11.2. Where it is called the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge, and of the Fear of the LORD; So that these who have Christ living in them, are more or less partakers of this Spirit; For they are one Spirit with Christ, their darkness is in part removed, their pride killed, and they made more conformable to Christ their Head and Husband.  
12. Mark, Who have Christ in them, they walk after the Spirit, Rome 8.1. That is, they have a new counsellor, a new lea●er to lead them in all their ways, they walk now in the strength of the LORD, being strong in him, and in the power of his might, Ephes: 6.10. They have new principles and new Motives to their work; They go now to their Duties upon another ground, and for other ends then formerly, a●d this is not at some times, at starts and si●s, but in a more serious, constant and resolute manner; For they walk after the Spirit.  
13 Mark, These who have this Spirit of Christ in them, they live by Faith, ●nd depend upon him for Grace, Strength, Influences and Life, that they may s●rve him in their natural, ordinary, and civil Conversations, as well as in their Christian Life; That they may be for him, and for●his Glory, in all their eating, drinking, sleeping, walking, within and without house, in their ordinary calling, work and Employment, as well as in the hearing of the Word, and in Prayer: The Life which they now live in the fl●sh, is by Faith, Gal● 2.20.  
14 Mark, These that have Christ in them, are of a broken and contri●e Spirit, they dare not arrogantly look up to GOD, they lyin the d●st, and cry guilty, glorifying GOD, and taking shame unto themselves: He dwells with him, that is of a contrite humble Spirit, Isa: 57 15. Such a Heart is his second Throne, whereas the proud he sees a far off.  
15. Mark, Who have Christ in them, they get something of a public Spirit; That mind is in part in them, which also was in Christ, Phillip 2.5. So that they hav● a heart to lay out themselves more effectually for Zion then formerly: Christ's cause, and the Sufferings of his people lies nearer thei● heart, than their own things.  
From these Marks, we may try and see, i● we have ground to think that Christ is really in us or not.  
Now, we come in the Third place, to speak of these words, Christ in you, the Hope of Glory, n so far as they are the riches of the Glory of this Mystery, which is now made manifest among the Gentiles; which will lead us to speak of the first part of the verse, wherein (as we said in the beginning) is a praise and high commendation of the Gospel on several accounts. As 1. Being a Mystery. 2. A Mystery that hath Glory in it. 3. A Mystery, that hath the Riches of Glory in it. 4. A Mystery now made manifest among the Gentiles. 5. Tho so, nevertheless the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery is not made manifest to all the Gentiles, nay not unto all that hear the Gospel, but to the Saints mentioned verse 26.6. And that according to the good pleasure of GOD, T● whom GOD would make known. 7. So th●● it is alo●e GOD● work, to make known this Mystery For the opening up of this Business, we shall first speak a word concerning every one of these particulars severally; And then to all jointly, holding ●his forth, To wit, that Christ in the Believer is the Hope of Glory.  
First then, the Gospel is a Mystery, consider it, the Doctrine of the Gospel is a Divine de●p, Mysterious Truth, therefore it is called the Mystery of the Gospel, Ephes: 6.19. we may understand that it is called a Mystery in these respects,  
1. In respect of the first finding of it out; ●he Gospel was not at first ●ound out by men 〈◊〉 Angels, never could they have fallen upon 〈◊〉; It went far above the reach of their capacities to find out the way, how the condemned ●●nner, should again be reconciled unto GOD; ●●is only is the invention of GOD, therefore 〈◊〉 is called the Mystery of his will Ephes: 1.9. 〈◊〉 Mystery unto which he gave a being out of ●●s own good will and pleasure, He willed it, ●nd therefore it was.  
●. The Gospel is a Mystery in respect of the discovery, and making known thereof; As no flesh ●ould have found it out, so no flesh could have ●allen on such a way, until it pleased the LORD ●o make it known; flesh and blood hath not revealed it, Math: 16.17. Yea the Angels ●ould not have revealled it for they were strangers thereunto, and came to the knowledge ●hereof by the Church, Eph: 3.10. By the Churc was the manifold wisdom of GOD (to wit in the mystery of the Gospel) made known unto the Principalites and powers in Heavenly places; therefore we hear that the Angels are present in the Assemblies of GOD● people, 1 Cor: 11.10. and Peter ●els us 1. Pet: 1.12. That ●he Angels are desirous to look into these things, Tim: 3.16. Seen of Angels, giving us to know so much, They looked up with desire and satisfaction, as seeing something new in Him, which formerly they had not seen.  
3. The Gospel is a Mystery, in respect of the way and manner of its manifestation. For it was not wholly at once revealed, bu● by degrees▪ the more to hold forth the worth and excellency ●hereof: for fi●st darkly revealed, and manifested to Adam in this, The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent. Gen: 3.14 15 Then 2ly It was a little more clearly discov●red unto Abraham, Isaac and jacob, These we●e the old stock, of believers: And this was also through promises, when the LORD said un●o Abraham, ●hat he should be the father of many Nations Gen: 15.5 6. And that in hi●, all families of ●he earth should be blessed, Gen: 12.3. and 18.18. and 22.18 Such like pr●m●ses we fi●d made unto Isaac, Gen: 26 4 And unto jacob Gen: 28 14. And th●● was the ver● Gospel, as Paul declareth Gal: 3.8. And Peter, Act. 3.25 3ly. It was yet more clearly discovered unto Moses, and u●to the people, which G●D then separated for himself, in typs' shadows, ●ff●rings ●●d ●nd other figures and legal ceremonies; all which held forth, the way of Salvation through a c●uc●fi●d Mediator. 4ly. Then was ●his business more clearly discovered unto David, ●o that the good ●h●ngs of the Gospel, are 〈◊〉 the sure mercies of David Act 13.32, ●3. ●4. compared with Psal. 2 6. Isa: 55.3 Ps●l. 16.11.5. After that Christ is now come, 〈◊〉 whole business is more fully and distinctly manifested then ever; In respect of which clearness, the Gospel is now said in a special way, to be made manifest and revealed, and formerly shut up & kept secret Rome 16.25.26. Now to him, that is of Power to establish you, according to my Gospel, and the preaching of jesut Christ, according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the world began, bu● now is made manifest, see also Ephes: 3.3.5. See also the verse that goeth before my text as the subject of this present Treatise Col: 1.26.  
4. The Gospel is a Mystery, in respect of the Instruments that reveal i● GOD himself first revealed it unto Adam, Abraham, Isaac, and jacob. And men who had immediate Inspiraions, were employed in this work Now at last his own Son Jesus Christ is employed in this Embassage, Heb: 2 3,  
5. It is a Mystery, in respect of the persons to whom it is openly published? It must be a mysterious business, which G●D will not make known to all the world: This doth also hold out the singularity and excellency of the same, that not every one can m●ke to the knowledge thereof, bu● only some particular persons and Nations. GOD revealed the Gospel to few, save Abraham▪ family in his day's; And as he revealed it to the posterity of jacob; very few of other Nations w●re privileged with it; He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes▪ and 〈◊〉 judgements unto Isr●el, He hath not dealt so wit any Nation: Psal. 147▪ 19.20. And so commandeth Christ, that for a time, his Disciple should not go into the way of the Gentiles, no● enter into any City of the Samaritans, Mat: 10 5. In times past GOD suffered all Nations to wel● in their own ways Act. 14.16. And eve● since the door was opened for the Gentiles the Holy Ghost would not suffer Paul an● Timothy to Preach the word in Asia and Bethynia Act. 16.6, 7. So there has been i● all ages since the days of Christ, many N●tions living in darkness, without the glorious sunshine of the Gospel: And the present sta●● of the Jews, and far more than the greatest part of the world, gives evidence thereof. Fo● that part of the world, this day that is enlightened with the outward administeration of th● Gospel, is but very inconsiderable, in respect of the other parts.  
6. The Gospel is ● Mystery in respect o● the few number of those unto whom it i● made known in power and life, seeing many are called, but ●ew are chosen, O! How grea● a Mystery is it, even unto many, who ar● under the outward administration of the same▪ The Mystery of this Mystery is only made know● unto the Saints, as the verse before our ●ext holds forth, and Job: 17, 6. Unto the men, which ●hou gavest me. O How few believe the rep●rt, ●hich is revealed in the Gospel, Isa. 5●▪ 1.  
7. The Gospel is a Mystery, In respect of th●●ptaking, or rather defect of the uptaking of many, even of those, who● have the re●ort thereof sounding in their ●at●; how many remain ignorant thereof? Is it not a ●tumbleing block unto some, as it was unto ●he Jew's? And foolishness unto others, as it ●as unto the Greeks? Cor: 1.23▪ Therefore ●e see, that not many wise men after the flesh▪ ●ot many mighty, not many noble are called. But ●OD hath chosen the foolish things of the world, ●o confound the wise, And GOD hath chosen ●he weak things of the world, to confound the things, ●hich are mighty; And base things of the world, ●nd things which are despised, ●hath GOD chosen, 〈◊〉 and things which are not, to bring to nouhge ●hings that are. Cor: 26.27. ●8. These things ●re hid from the wise and prudent, and revealed unto babes Mat: 11. 2●.  
8. It is a Mystery, even in respect of those ●ho are savingly enlightened, ●or they know ●ut these Mysteries, and prophesy in part, 1. ●or: 13. they see now but through a glass darkly 1. Cor 13.12. So, that it remains ● Mystery, even to those, who see most of it.  
●. It is a Mystery, in respect of the Matter 〈◊〉 treats of: which will appear, if we take it up more Generally, or more particuliarly, First More generally, so it contains a Mystery. 1. It is called the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven Matt: 13.11. Mark. 4.11. Luk. 8.10. Here is indeed singular Mysteries o● state, whereof few have knowledge or understanding. 2. It is called the Mystery of Christ Ephes: 3.4. Because that therein that great Mystery is revealed, whereof Paul speaks 1. Tim. 3.16 great is the Mystery of Godliness, GOD was manifest in the flesh, justifiyed i● the Spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world received up unto Glory. The Mystery of Christ's Incarnation, and his being under the Law, and of his conception and Birth, of his Nature's, and of the uniting the same in one Pe●son, of his Offices, fi●tedness for, and excercise of his Offices, of his Life, Doctrine, sufferings and death, with the concomitans o● all these, all which is revealed and known unto us in the Gospel. 3. It is called the Mystery of GOD, and of the Father, and of Christ, Col: 2.2. As being the Mystery, that was jointly carried on by the Father and the Son, whereof the foundation was laid in that old or fundamental con●ract of Covenant of redemption, betwixt the father, and the Son, concerning man's Salvation; And in so 〈◊〉 the Gospel makes known unto us, how GOD was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself 2. Cor: 5.19.  
Again we take it up more Particularly, and it may be called a Mystery, because the great Mysteries are folded up therein, and thereby Discovered and brought to Light, and that in such a Measure of clearness and Revelation as no where else, or by no other means is to be obtained: These Mysterysare many, we shall bring them to Three Heads.  
The first Principal head, is of such Mysteries, as chilly respect men, whereof we shall name these following. 1. How, or on what conditions is it, that lost and condemned man, an heir of hell by Nature under the Wrath of GOD, is again reconciled unto GOD, and united to him, to wit, through Faith in Jesus Christ; which therefore is called the Mystery of the Faith. 1. Tim: 3.9. This is only brought to Light through the Gospel. 2. How that the Gentiles, who sometimes were a far off, without Christ,— Aliens from the common wealth of Israel, and strangers from the Covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world, are now, made nigh by the blood of Christ; And now are no more stranger and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of GOD Ephes: 2. 1●.13.17.18.19. and 3.5.6.3. How justice is satisfied, so that the poor Bankrupts, who had Forfeited their Right to Glory, and banished from the presence of GOD by Law and Justice, by reason of their breaking of the Law in Adam, and the Original Corruption of the Heart, and because of their daily transgressions, are restored again into a State of Friendship, and brought again into the favour of GOD, and made Heirs of the Kingdom. The Gospel only brings these Mysteries to Light: For Life and Immortality are brought to Light through the Gospel. 2 Tim. 1.10, 4. How that Sinners by Nature standing under the Sentence of the Law, and guilty before GOD, are Justified in the presence of a Righteous GOD, and are Clothed with a Righteousness which is not their own, from any thing in themselves, but imputed unto them, and received by Faith: This is realy the Mystery of Faith, and of the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation. Tit. 2.11, And this is Justification by Faith, and through the Grace of GOD, which the Gospel maketh known, and fully revealeth; For therein the Kindness and Love of GOD our Saviour toward man appears: Not by works of Righteousness, which we have done, but according to His Mercy He saved us, by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost: That being justified by his Grace, we should be made Heirs according to the hope of eternal Life. Ti●. 3 4: 5, 7.5. How pro●tigate Sinners who have their hearts full of enmity against GOD, ●eing enemies in their mind by wicked works, Col: 1.21. And who hate Christ and his Father. john. 7.7, and 15.18.23, 24. Are made willing to lay hold on Christ for their LORD and King, and to take on his yoke to believe in him, and to rest on him. By the Gospel is only made known, what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his Mighty Power. Ephes. 1.19. And how the Sinner is convinced, humbled, broken, and brought off from his vain hope, false grounds, and unsound imaginations, and persuaded to deny himself and his own Righteousness, and to flee to Christ, that he may be preserved under the shadow of his Wings from the tempests and storms of GOD's wrath. This Mystery of Godliness manifesteth unto us, how that Limbs of Satan are married unto Christ as their husband Ephes: 5.23.6. How the sinner, being altogether foul and ugly, polluted within and without, is made meet to be partaker of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light Col: 1.12. And sanctified and cleansed, with the washing of water by the word, That Christ might present it to himself, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be Holy, and without blemish Ephes: 5.26.27. The Gospel only manifesteth this real Evangelic way of Sanctification. 7. How cometh it to pass, that such a wonderful change is wrought in the creature, who sometimes was foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lust● and pleasures, living in malice, envy, hateful, and hating one another; How now they are tame as Lambs, seeking peace with all men, crucified to the World, dead to the pleasures and vanities which formerly they were drowned; being now taught to deny ungodlyness and worldly lusts, they live soberly, righteously and Godly in their present world, Tit: 2.12. The Gospel only Discovers to us, the right ground of this wonderful change, and lets us see that this is the fruit of his Reigning, who i● th● R●d out of the stem of jesse, the girdle of whose Ioy●● is righteousness, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins, That the wolf shall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard shall lay down with the kid, and the calf and the young Lion, and the fa●ling together, and a little Child shall lead them etc. Isa: 11.1, 5, 6 7.8. How it is, that such as were the curse of the Law, heirs of hell, under the sentence of condemnation, are made heirs o● Glory, have a sure and Covenanted right to Everlasting Salvation; have the lively hope and certain expectation thereof, & are Coheirs with Christ, have the same sealed, which he as the head of the Body hath. The Gospel brings this eternal Mystery of love to Light; and maketh, the eternal purpose of GOD, and his decre● of predestination manifest, whereby he hath ordained unto li●e his Elect through Jesus Christ: here is the Mystery of his will made known unto us, according to ●is good pleasure, which he had purposed in himself. Ephes: 1.9.  
The second principal head is, of such Mysteries as relate unto Christ; And here is a bundle of Mysteries, Revealed and made known by the Gospel, which shall be matter of wondering ●or the Redeemed through all Eternity. Take but some few instances, for his Name is Wonderful Isa. 9.6. And he is answerable to his Name; For he is wholly a wonder And 1 That he became a man, that God is made man, made fl●sh, and made manifest in the flesh 1. Tim: 3.16. And dwelled among us, Joh. 1.14. That the Creator of the ends of the earth, is become a Creature; how may the Angels stand astonished thereat, that GOD taketh on man's Nature, Uniting it in a personal union with himself? Who can ●each the ground of this Mystery? And how should we have attained the knowledge thereof, but through the Gospel? 2. That he should not only take on him man● Nature, but also take upon him the form of a servant, though he (being in the form of GOD) thought it no robbery to be equal with G●D: & yet notwithstanding should make himself of no reputation, Phillip 2 6.7. That he should take upon him our infirmities, and be made like unto us in all things except sin Heb: 2.17. That he should become poor as a servant, not having whereupon to lay his head, and being born had no better entertainment than a manger; And that all the days of his life he was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And meeting with many injures and reproaches from the hands of friends and foes, great and small, from Relations and others: What a Mystery of love, compassion, tenderness, and Condescendency is here! 3. That he should be GOD and man in two distinct Natures, and one person for ever▪ so that it was realy he who was GOD, that same Person who suffered all that was laid ●pon him to suffer; Therefore are we said to be purchased with his own Blood Act. 20.28. This was the true Emmanuel, GOD with us Isa, 14.7. Mat: 1.23. Luk: 1.31. And he is GOD and man at this day, and for ever. 4 That he should come under the Law, who was the great Lawgiver Gal: 4▪ 4. And that he subjected himself unto the commands of the moral Law and to the Institution of the Ceremonial Law, that he might fulfil all righteousness Matt ●. 15. and 5.17. and might Redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the Adoption o● Sons Gal: 4.5. What a bottomless depths of love is here! 5. That this Person should come as the Father's servant, with his orders and Commission Isa: 53.11. and 42.1▪ Zech: 3. ●, Joh: 6.38. and 10.18. and 15.10. and 17.4. and 20.21. And that he took upon him the Offices of a King, Priest and Prophet Psal: 2.6. Heb: 5.5.6.7. and ●. 14, 15. Act: 13.— Luke 18.— and alone for our behoove, that he might be a complete Saviour. 6 lie. That He who was all fullness, condescended to receive a fullness as Head and Saviour of His Body, that we all of his fullness might receive, and Grace for Grace, john 1.16. Thus was He anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure, john 3.34. Psalm 4 5.7. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col. 2.3. It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell, Col. 1.19 Yea in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the God ●ead bodily, Col. 2.9. And for that end, that he might be completely furnished for saving of His people. What could make known unto us, such a complete ordained Mediator, but this Gospel alone? 7. That he fully and faithfully performed the word, which he undertook; exercising punctually the Offices, whice he took upon himself, and that he is still carrying on ●h● work of these Offices, until he hath delivered up the Kingdom to GOD, even the Father, Cor: 15.24.8. That he for the carring on of this work of Redemption, was well satisfied to endure the Cross, despising the shame Heb: 12.2.3. etc. To be assaulted with, and tempted of the Devil Ma: 4.1, 2 3 etc. Luk: 4.2. etc. Heb: 4.15. to be persecuted unto death, yea to the death of the Cross, Isa: 53.9, 10. Yea and to bear the wrath and curse of GOD Almighty which we had deserved Gal: 2.13. Lu● 22 44, Isa: 53 5.6, 10. How may men an● Angels stand astonished at these Mysteries o● love that he undertook, and all for such, unto whom he was never, & can never be obliged▪ yea even for his enemies Rome 5.10.9. Tha● he as a public person, head and Representative of the Elect, which were given unto him to be saved, after that he had remained unde● the power of Death until the third day Act: 2.24, 25.26. R●se again from the dead by hi● own Power Joh: 10 18 And thereby with powe● declared himself to be the Son of GOD Rome 1 4 And that he had satisfied Justice, having paid the price, and come out of Prison Rome 8.34. Heb: 2.14. here are Mysteries full of hope, & soul consolation. 10. That he as head, and representing his ransomed Ones, should ascend up unto Heaven, triumphing over principalites & powers leading captivetycaptive, to take possession, in their Name, & prepare a place for them Heb: 6 20 Ephs: 4.8 Joh 14 3 The Apostles stood gazing on him, and so do ye lift up your heart● to gaz● on him by faith, and view him in that act, as p●ssing along unto Heaven, as leading sin, hell, death and devils in triumph at his Chariot wheels, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, than he led captive all our Spiritual enemies, that would have ruined enslaved and captivated us.  
Now leading of captives, is always after a complete Victory; And therefore whereas at His Death, He had conquered them, at His Rising scattered them, now at His Ascension, He leads them Captive. O what a Mystery of Hope, and of full Assurance is here! 11. That even when exalted to that high state of Honour, Power and Majesty, having got a Name, which is above every Name. Phil. 2.9. And glorified with the Father Himself, with ●hat Glory, which He had wi●h the Father be●ore the World was joh. 17.8. He should not ●orget His poor Members on Earth, but that He daily now appears in the presence of GOD ●or them Heb. 9, 12.24. & 7.25 Rome 8.34. Answering all the particular Accusations brought ●n against them 1 joh. 2 1. Taking care, that ●hey and their Performances be accepted ●phes. 1.6.1 Pet. 2.5. Revel. 8.3. How shall ●e attain unto the knowledge of these Heart-●omforting Cordials, and Soul-strengthening Mysteries, but alone through the Gospel? 12. That He by His Word and Spirit should make real and effectual Application of the good and great Things that are purchased, by giving them Saving Grace, Repentance and Remission of Sins Act. 5.31. and Faith Tit. 3.5 6. Ephes. 2.8. 2 Cor. 4.13. Ephes. 1.17, 18, 19 And His Spirit establishing and strengthening their Faith joh. 14, 16, 17, 26. And bringing the begun work unto perfection, through the continual Influences of His Spirit; And at l●st ●●owning them with Glory Psal. 110.1. 1 Cor▪ 15.25. Who though such as the Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard, neither hath it entered into th● Heart of Man to take up Isa. 64.4. 1. Cor. 2, 9▪ Neither doth it yet appear 1 joh. 3.2. Nevertheless is the Revelation of these unknown transcending Mysteries of Glory, only mad● known to us by the Gospel.  
The Third principal Point is of these Mysteries, which the Gospel reveals to us of GOD▪ These are also many, we shall name but a fe● of them. As 1. His Love and Goodness i● finding out a way of Salvation, and for th● end sending His own Son unto the World Well might john say Chap. 3, 16. For God solved the World, that He gave His only begotten 〈◊〉 that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting Life. For who can say● express what sort of Love, or how great th● Love was? Heathens without the Church may observe and see much of His Love, in th● common tract of Dispensations, and His Goodness should lead them to Repentance Act 1● 17. But thereby they can never attain suc● length, as to see and understand this Lov● this everlasting Fountain of Love. This Lo●● and Goodness o● GOD, is only manifested u●to Men through the Gospel Tit. 3.4.2 H●● Eternal Purpose and Decree of Saving 〈◊〉 Sinners, in a way unspeakably, tending to 〈◊〉 Praise of His glorious Attributes, especial of His Justice, Mercy and Wisdom: Nature ●hereat must sing dumb; Nature can discover nothing how He has chosen some of us in Christ, before the foundation of the World, having predestinated them, unto the Adoption of Children by jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of Hes Will: To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace. Ephes. 1 4, 5, 6. Only the Gospel doth this Verse 9 Nature cannot learn us, how the Children unborn, not having as yet don● either Good or Evil, should h●ve it said unto them, the Elder serve the Younger, That the purpose of God, according to Election, might stand, not of works, but of Him, that calleth. Rome 9 11, 12, 13 3 His Sovereignty is in this matchless Remedy, in choosing o● some, and not all, in undertaking for some, and not for others, sending the glad Tidings of the Gospel to some, and not to others; reaching the Heart of some through the Preaching of the Gospel, and not of others. 4. His Justice in punishing of Sin, even in His own Son, when standing in the place and room of Sinners, which is a greater Demonstration of GOD's Justice than ever could be obtained by all the Plagues and Judgements, whereby He hath ever punished the greatest of Sinners Rom. 3.21, 22, 25.26.5. His Mercy in pardoning & passing by Sinners, according to the satisfaction of Christ, and in accepting such as believe, as Righteous, according to ●he good pleasure of His Will Ephes. 1.6, 7, 8. Can there be a greater Evidence of Mercy than this? A grea●●● cannot be imagined; Therefore the Gospel 〈◊〉 called the Grace of GOD. 6. His infinite Wisdom is herein discovered, in so ordering th● whole work of our Salvation, that Justice should be fully satisfied, and Mercy hav● place; so that Mercy & Truth should k●ss ea●h other: This is called His manifold Wisdom. ●phes 3.10. All Wisdom Ephes. 1.8.7. H●● Truth in letting loose all His Threatening upon the Cautioner, when the principal Debtor was spared.  
From all which it is more than evident, tha● the Gospel holds forth the great Plot of Salvation more clearly and distinctly, than all ●he works of Creation and Providence could have done. But  
10. The Gospel is called a Mysteey, in respect of the many glorious and remarkable Effects and Fra●s, which it hath; whereof we shall give these ●ew instane●s. 1. By the Gospel, there is a Church gathered out of the World, which shall stand to the end of the World, in d●spi●e of all ●he Opposition, Men and Devil's shall make against it: What a Mystery o● Pour was here, when a few Fishers, without the help of Humane Learning and without the assistance of Humane Advantages, through Preaching and continual Suffering, carried on the Gospel of Christ; So that it was spread throu●h the world, and continueth to this day, notwithstanding of all the Oppositions that the Gates of He●l can do against it, through Emperors, higher Pow●●s, with inferior Magistrates, corrupt Churchmen, etc. who through Subtlety and Violence, laboured totally to root out the same. 2. By the Gospel, Men were brought out of themselves to seek Righteousness, and Justification in another; yea in a Crucified and Despised Mediator, and made willing directly contrary their Nature and deep rooted Inclination of Heart, which is continually looking out for Help and Delivery in themselves, to forsake their own Righteousness, and all which formerly they counted Gain, and to fl●e to Christ Jesus for all, and to lay hold on Him Faith, that only they may be justified in Him. 3. This Gospel learns the Soul alone to depend on Christ for Help in every Duty, whereunto they a●e called, and to see their Strength only to be in Him, and in the Strength of His Right Arm O! a 〈◊〉 Mystery to ●lesh and Blood. 4. This Gospel m●kes M●n to forsake all Relations and Interests fo● Chr●st. Mat 10.37, 38. Luk 14 26. Wha● 〈◊〉 Mystery of P●wer must be here? 5. This G●s●●l m●kes M●n to forsake their Idols, 〈◊〉 Bosom sins and Evils, which formerly ●●ey loved as their lives, and to pl●ck ou●●heir ●●ght Eyes, and to cut off ●heir right Hands Mat 5. 29, 30. Mat. 18 8, 9 Mark. 9.45.6. Th● Gospel makes a Man suffer all things, and th●● cheerfully, were it even Death is self for Christ and H●s Truths, and to forsake all that is de●● unto him, yea the world. Act. 20 24. Reve. 12.11.  
1 Use. Certainly the serious pondering 〈◊〉 ●hese, Might justly cause us stand astonished▪ Neither could we forbear from wondering providing we noticed what wonderful Goodness, Mercy, and infinite Condescendency, i● herein held forth, in the Lord's bringing to light these Mysteries, and His keeping up th● fairest and clearest Discoveries thereof for ou● days; or that orders our time in the worl● thus to be, when the Sun of Righteousness with His full and bright Beams, shineth in ou●●orizon.  
2 Use. The Consideration of the Lord opening up these Mysteries in our days, ca●● for great thankfulness from us. O how shoul● our Heart's praise and magnify Him, who ha●● thus brought Life and Immortality into light The Angels sung when this Evangelic day fi●● broke up, and counted it their honour to 〈◊〉 the fi●st News thereof to a Company of poo● Shepherds. Luk. 2.10, 11. And the Angel sa●● unto them, fear not: for behold I bring you go●● Tidings of grea● joy, which shall be to all people 〈◊〉 unto you is born this day, in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luk 2.31 whereupon Anna the Prophetess gave Thanks likewise unto the Lord▪ and spoke of Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Marry cried forth, & said, My Soul doth magnify the Lord, and my Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luk. 1.46, 47. Zacharias▪ when his Tongue was loosed, spoke and praised God Luk 1 64 And again Verse 68, 69. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel▪ ●or He hath visited and redeemed His People, And hath raised up a horn of Salvation for us, in the house of His Servant David, etc.  
3 Use. This requires that we should l●ment and weep over the sad condition of th●se. 1. That have not so much as the outward Revelations of these Mysteries amongst them, who notwithstanding of all this Light sit in Darkness, and live in the Land of the shadow of Death. O! Pray for the coming of Christ's Kingdom, that the People ●hat w●lk i● Darkness may see a great light, and that the light may shine upon th●se tha● dwell in the Land of the shadow of Death Isa 9 2.2. As also the sad estate of those that hear the outward sound thereof, bu● knows no more of the lively Power and Operation of this M●ster●, then there were no such thing, Whom the God of this World hath blinded— lest the light of the Glorious Gospel— should shine unto them. 2 Cor. 4 4.  
4 Use This Doctrine requires, 〈◊〉 we walk suitably under these grea● M●●cies provided and purchased unto us, and improve th●m accordingly: And more especially. 1. Th●● we esteem and account highly of this unspeakable Favour, the Mystery of the Gospel, which is the Grace of God, and the discovery of Life and Immortality. 2. That we be herein tender and watchful, that we neither do, nor say any thing, which may be to the Dishonour of th●s Mystery; But that in all things we walk worthy of the Gospel. 3. That we should be Zealous, in standing up for the Defence o● this Gospel, which is such a Mystery: we should be always ready to buy the Truth, and upon no account to sell it. 4. That we receive the Gospel into our Hearts, believing and welcoming the same; not judging it enough that we hear the sound thereof, without finding, and experimentally knowing the lively and strong Effects and Operations of the same in the Soul. 5. That we in the preaching, and ye in the hearing of the Gospel, continually look upon it, as a Mystery, and therefore should beware of judging ourselves in a capacity to reach unto the ground of this so great a Depth, or to measure the sam● by our scrimp natural Understandings, or shallow Capacities, and so to cast at all, we cannot fathom, or attempt to cast it in our C●lins and Form. O! indeed a heavy Sin, a bold, daring, and presumptuous counterfeiting of ●h● King's Coin, and a giv●ng out of our Counterfeit, mixed, clipped Metal, instead of the K●ng's true Coyn. 6. That we, s●e●ng it's a Mystery, and so far above the reach of our Capacities, should seek unto the LORD alone for Light; we should go to H●m as the Author thereof, and should go to Christ, who is given for a Light, that this Sun of Righteousness, who is the real substance of this Mystery, might clear up our Understanding with the Sun Beams of His light, and make us in some measure to know what the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery is, and that He might drive away the Clouds of Ignorance and Prejudices, whereby this light is keeped from us; Hereby we should evidence our believing that this is a Mystery, through our faithful and continual dependence on this Fountain of Light that we may see this Mystery of Light in His Light.  

Of the Glory of this Mystery.  
Moreover, there is the Glory of th●s Mystery; For it is a Mystery that hath Glory in it. Therefore it is called a Glorious Gospel, the Glorious Gospel of Christ 2 Cor. 4.4. 1 Tim. 1.11. Therefore is its Ministration mo●e glorious, than the Ministration of the Law 2 Cor. 3 7, 8. But if the Ministration of Death, written & engraven in stones was glorious, so that the Children of Is●●el, could not steadfastly behold the face of Mose●, for the glory of his Countenance, which Glory was to be done away. How shall not the Ministration of the Spirit (which is a Gospel Ministration) be rather Glorious? This is the Ministration of Righteousness, which exceedeth in Glory Verse 9 And here is the excellent Glory Vers. 10. Let us see in what respect, and from what Head this Gospel is so Glorious.  
1. It is Glorious, in respect of the Author o● the same: GOD is the Author of it, and all Hi● works are Glorious; Men nor Angels could never have found out this way of Salvation through a Crucified Saviour; But it is GOD'● Work, and a singular pe●ce of Workmanship of His, above all what we see in Scripture; Therefore it is called, The Glorious Gospel of the Blessed God. 1 Tim. 1.11.  
2. The Gospel is Glorious, in respect of the Instruments employed in Preaching and making known this Mystery: GOD the Father, made the fi●st publication thereof in Paradise, whe● He said to our Forefather, that the Seed o● the Woman should bruise the Head of the Serpent, Gen. 3 15 The Son is more especially made use of, in this work Heb. 1.2. and 2.3. Therefore c●lled the Glorious Gospel of Christ 2 Cor 4 4. Also the Holy Ghost is therein employed— But unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel un●● you, with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven 1 Pet. 1.12. The Angels were employed in this work Luk 2.10, 11, 12. The great Prophets and Apostles were Messengers of this Gospel 1 Pet. 1.10, 11. It was their work to publish this great Salvation: So that it must be a glorious wo●k, wherein such glorious Hands were employed.  
3. It is Glorious, in respect of the way, which GOD entered on for the manifesting and making known this Mystery, and for confirming us in the same; which is held out in short, Heb. 2.3, 4 How shall we expect if we neglect so great Salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with Signs and Wonders, and with divers Miracles, and Gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will.  
4. It is a Glorious Gospel, in respect ●f ●hese who have studied it; not only many Righteous Mat. 13.17. But also many Prophets and Kings Luk. 10.24. 1 Pet. 1 10. have desired to see these Mysteries; The Prophets enquired unto, & searched diligently after this Salvation: And even the Angels themselves have a holy Curiosity to know what i● meaneth & herefore they are said to look into it, or to stoop down with the bowing of the Head, and bending of the Neck, that they may behold what it is; And they come to the knowledge of i● by this Gospel 1 Pet. 1.12. Ephes 3 10. This must then be a Glorious Subject, and there must be some ravishing Glory in this Mystery, which engageth these glorified Creatures to poor and lock into it.  
5. It cannot be otherways than a Glorious Gospel, seeing even the Feet (though suddled with dust) of those that bring good Tidings thereof, are so beautiful Isa. 52.7. Rom. 10.15. Yea it cannot be expressed how lovely and beautiful they are in the Eyes of those, who are sensible of their necessity of Salvation.  
6. It is a Glorious Gospel, in respect that i● putteth a singular glorious Beauty, on all that it comes near unto; Therefore it is the Glory of a Land to enjoy it, and where this Gospel is, Glory dwelleth in that Land Psal. 85.9. And where this, or any outward resemblance of the same is, there is Glory; Therefore when the A●k was taken by the Philistines, the Holy Wife of Phineas, the Daughter in Law of Eli, cried forth, saying, Glory is departed from Israel. ● Sam. 4 22. Therefore was it that the Glory of the latter House, should be greater than the Glory of the former Hag. 2.9. Because Christ should appear therein with this Glorious Gospel.  
7. The Gospel is Glorious, in respect of 〈◊〉 Subject and Matter; It treats of a matchless and glorious Business of that Fair, Amiable and Glorious Branch of the Lord Isa 4.2 Here is the Branch of that Root o● jesse, which is every way Glorious Isa. 11.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Here is the Revelation of the knowledge of ●he LORD, ●he knowledge whereof should fill the Earth in the days of the Gospel, as the Waters cover the Sea Isa. 11.9. Hereby is the Riches of the Glory of the Lord made known, and therefore it must be a Glorious Business Rom. 9 23. And her● behold we the Glory of God in the face of jesus Christ 2 Cor 4.6. The Gospel is as it were the face of Christ; Herein shined His Glory which the Apostles saw joh. 1.14. of Him, who therein is the brightness of His Father's Glory Heb 1.3. Is ●t not a Glorious Business, which bringeth to ●ight Life and Immortality, and this is done ●y the Gospel 2 Tim 1.10. It revealeth Grace, and so is the Gospel Grace Act. ●0. 24.  
8. It is Glorious in respect that Christ hereby makes His Body and Bride Glorious unto Himself, for it is by this Word that He sanctifi●th ●nd cleanseth Ephes 5.26, 27.  
9 It is a Glorious Gospel, in respect of the many several Effects and Fruits which it bring●th forth, being ●he savour of Life unto Life. As 1. It is the weapon of our Warfare, which is Mighty through God, To the pulling down of ●●rong holds, casting down of imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself, against the knowledge of God, and bringeth into captivity ●very thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor 10.4, 5. Therefore it is called, The power of God ●nto Salvation Rom. 1.16.2. It hath a begetting virtue, it bringeth forth Sons an● Daughters unto GOD, as the Apostle says ● Cor. 4.15 that He had begotten the Corinthians through the Gospel. 3. The Gospel containeth the Conditions and Articles of Peace between GOD and the poor Sinner, and therefore it is called, The Gospel of Peace, Ephes 6.15. And it is the Mean, whereby the miserable Enemy Man, is brought unto another state of Peace and Reconciliation with GOD; so that he lays off his enmity against GOD, Hi● interests and servants, so that thereby the Wolf is made to lie with the Lamb. 4. The Gospel hath an ensuring and establishing power, establishing the Soul against all Storm● and Tentations; Therefore saith Paul. Now to Him that is of Power to establish you, according to my Gospel, and the preaching of jesus Christ (according to the Revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the World began— be Glory— Rome 16 25, 27.5. The Gospel hath a transforming and changing power, clothing the Heirs of Hell with begun Glory, and changing them into the Image of GOD 2 Cor. 3 18. But we all with open face, beholding as in ● glass, the Glory of the Lord, are changed into th● same Image, from Glory to Glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 6. In a word, it is the Instrument of Salvation, and therefore called the Gospel of Salvation Ephes 1.13. It is the savour of Life unto Life 2 Cor. 2.16. Before we apply this, we shall speak a little to the other part, to wit, The Riches of Glory.   

Of the Riches of Glory.  
There is not only a Glory to be seen in the Gospel, but thereiss an exceeding great Excellency of Glory, which points forth the singularness and excellency thereof. And this will appear,  
First, Providing we compare this Glory with other things, which either are but such in the esteem of Men, or that really have Glo●y in mu●● less than that Glory, which shineth forth ●ere.  
1. Compare it with that which the Men of this World, ordinarily esteem Glorious, as greatness of Power and Authority, stately Buildings, many Servants, great and multiplied Titles o● Honour, and such like. Alas! what a poor spectacle is all ●he glittering Glory of this World, which hath no reality in it, but consists in a mere imagination, and the mere blossomings of a ●oving Fancy, and fruit of a light and creazie Brain: Alas! how lean, sober and empty, is this so called and fancied Glory, wherewith the Children of this World are so bewitched, taken up with childish admiration, eager gaping and hot pursuing after the same: What is it in comparison of this Glory, which shineth in the Gospel? What is here, that should take up the Soul of Man, that knoweth what real Glory is? What can these outward, borrowed, imaginary Garnishin●s do, to the real amending and felicitating of a poor immortal Soul? What is here ●or quieting a raging and disordered Conscience? What is here, which can make the poor Creature sing, when pale Death looks him in the face, and when wrestling with the King of Terrors? Yea will not the thoughts of all these things, wherein the Soul formerly boasted, but add to his sorrow, and augment his grief, now when he seeth, he must forsake all, and live in darkness eternally? For when he dieth, he shall carry nothing away: his Glory shall no● descend after him. Psal. 49.17. What signifies ●hen the Glory of his House, how great so●ver it be? What is the Glory of Great Ones, when the Lord kindle●h under the same, a burning like the burning of a fire, Isa. 10.16. Nabuchadnezzar had a Kingdom, and Majesty, and Glory and Honour, so that all People, Nations and Languages trembled and fearrd before him: whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive, and whom he would he set up, and whom he would be put down Dan 5 18, 19 But a poor lamentable Glory was it, that could not descend him from the greatest Misery that ever a King or Prince was brought unto. Vers. 20, 21. But when his heart waes lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his Kingly throne, and they took his Glory from him. And he was driven from the ●ons of Men, and his Heart was made like the Beasts, and his dwelling was With thr wild Asses, they fed him with gross, like Oxen, and his Body was wet with the dew of Heaven, till he knew, that the Most high GOD, ruled in the Kingdom of Men, and that He appointeth over it, whomsoever He will. See also Isa. 5.14 Therefore Hell or the Grave hath enlarged he self, and opened her mouth without measure, and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth shall descend into it. How vain and empty then, ●ust that Glory be, which thus dieth out with a fi● by stink? How far inferior to this rich and excellent Glory?  
2. Compare the Gospel Glory, with the great and real Glory of Heaven and Earth, this piece of Work of the only wise Creator; And it will very far surmount these in Glory: The noble Fabric of Heaven and Earth, replinished with such variety of Creatures, carries clear evidences of the glorious Wisdom & Power of Him, who hath made the same out of Nothing, and sustaineth them continually, by the Word of His Power; For He spoke, and it was done, He commanded and it stood fast Psal. 33.9.— For the Pillars of th● Earth are the Lords, and He hath set the World upon them. 1 Sam. 2.8. He hath established them Psal 89.2. And form them Psal 90 2. Who can once look upon this Fabric, being so curious in all its points and proportions, without observing singular Glory, wh●ch hold forth the Glory of the great Master Builder: Who can look upon the Heavens▪ and observe how admirably they are garnished, and indented with so many glorious shining Creatures, and not fall a wondering at the rare Building, and its excellent Contrivance? Who can behold the Sea, that terrible and vast Creature, the dry Land, the Hills, the Valleys, with their pleasant Rivers, and watery Rivulets, with all their fair and fruitful Enclosures, the spacious, vast and bowling Wilderness, with all their various, different and numerous Inhabitants, the Water with its Fishes, the Air above with its Fowls; And not behold, I say, a special ravishing Glory therein: But O! what is all ●his Glory in comparison to that Glory, which shineth in the Gospel: The Flowers springs out of ●he Earth, and spreads for●h ●ts Glory, but suddenly it is cut down and withereth, so shall the Heavens and the Earth pass away, they shall perish, yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment, and as a Vesture sha●l they be changed Psal. 102.26. But this Glory, which shines forth in the Gospel, is an everlasting Glory: Great was the Wisdom of GOD, which shined forth in creating all things of nothing, but in the Gospel, The manifold Wisdom of God is ma●e known. Ephes. 3, 10.  
3. Compare the Glory of the Gospel, with the first Covenant made with Adam, in the state of Innocency, so shall there appear here a singular Glory; I confess it was a Glorious Business, to see that rational Creature Man, in a Covenant of Friendship wi●h his Maker; For there was wonderful Condescendency on GOD's part, in that He came under the Bond of the Covenant, and under Obligations of a rich Promise unto the Creature, in case of Obedience, which otherways he was indebted to his Creator, by virtue of His Creation; And pleasant was it to behold, the Wheels of the Soul of Man, besmeered with the promise of the rich Recompense of Reward: But the Glory of the Gospel Covenant darkens that, as the rising of the Sun darkeneth the sparkling light of the Stars: Adam if he had stood, had never appeared with Christ as a glorious Member of His glorified mystical Body Col. 3.4. He ha● never been partaker of that Glory, which Christ bestoweth upon His own, which He hath of the Father, as the Redeemed now have joh. 17.22. He had never been brought to Glory through Christ, as the Captain of Salvation made perfect through Sufferings, as the Saints are now brought Heb. 2.10 He had never had that relation and interest in Christ, as his elder Brother, H●ad and Saviour, which Believers now have by virtue of the New Covenant: He had never sitten with Christ upon His Throne, as Christ sitteth upon His Father Throne; But this unspeakable Concotenat●on of Glory is carried on through the Covenant of Grace: The Glory which he should hav● purchased, should have been but a Glory o● his own begetting, bought with his poor inconsiderable sweeting and legal payment, but the Glory of the Gospel, is a Glory, bought wit● the Life and heart Blood of the Eternal Son of GOD; The other had been but a Glory of Law work and of Law-merit; But this is a matchless Glory, wholly through and through, shining with the Glory of free Grace: Here appear● incomprehensible Love, wonderful free Grace inconceivable Mercy, and a wonderful harmony of Mercy and Judgement. Adam had not sung that new Song, which the Redeemed now sing in Glory: So that upon infinite accounts, the Glory of the Gospel, far surmounteth the Glory of the Covenant of Works; That was unsure, as the event did manifest; This is sure for all the Seed, being grounded and firmly bottomed on the Faithfulness, established on the Truth, insured through the Righteousness, strengthened by the Oath of GOD, and confirmed by the Death of the Testator. etc.  
4. Compare the Gospel with the forme● Administration of the Covenant of Grace, before Christ's Incarnation, and though that Administration had its own Glory, which nevertheless behoved to be abolished; yet here is a Glory far more excellent; A Glory after which in former times, the Prophets searched, ●nd unto whom it was revealed, they Prophe●ed of this Grace that should come unto you. 1 Pet. ●. 10, 12. The first Dispensation was da●k, ●s also the Mysteries were vailed with Types, shadows, Ceremonies and Offerings; Therefore Moses put a vail over his face, that the Children of Israel should not steadfastly look to the end ●f that which is abolished. 2. Cor. 3.13. That Administration in respect of the Administration of the New Testament, is called the Let●er that killeth, and the ministration of Death written and engraven on Stones, the Ministration of Condemnation; But this is called the Spirit, the Spirit that giveth Life, and the Ministration of the Spirit, the Ministration of Righteousness: So that the Glory of the former Ministration, was not once to be compared with the Glory of the latter Ministration. That was ●ndeed glorious, so that the Children of Israol could not steadfastly behold the Face of Moses, for the Glory of his Countenance, but it was a Glory that was to be done away; But this is much more glorious, and surpasseth far in Glo●y; For even that which was made glorious, had no Glory in this respect, by reason of the Glory that excelleth 2 Cor. 3.6, 7, 8, 9 10. Therefore until that that Evangelical Day began to down and clear up, and Faith, or the great object of Faith Christ Jesus came unto the World; The Heirs were kept under the Law, shut up unto the Faith, as in a prison, and held under the strict Discipline of a Pedagogue or School Master Gal. 3.23, 24, 25. Under the Law, they were Children, differing nothing from Servants, but were in Bondage, under the Elements of the World, and they were Tutors and Governors Gal. 4.2, 3. They were under weak and beggarly Elements Gal. 4.9 But we shall not insist longer here, this being sufficiently held forth by the Apostle Paul, throughout hi● whole Epistle to the Hebrews.  
Secondly, Further, that there are Riches in the Glory of the Gospel, will appear, providing we in the next place take notice of the glorious and superexcellent Nature of the same. Many things might be brought in for clearing of this, but we shall satisfy our selve● with some f●w. As 1. This rich glorious Nature of the Gospel appears, while it is called, The Power of God unto Salvation, to every o●● that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek Rom. 1.16. That noble and sharp-fighted Apostle of the Gentiles saw such a Riche● of Glory therein, that how contemptible so ever it appeared to others, whether jew o● Gentile, yet with him it had a high esteem, he was not ashamed of it, that is, he gloried in it, this being a dimunitive menner of Speech, wherein more is understood, than is expressed▪ For he discerned it to be the glorious and none-such Instrument of Gods' Power to break up Satan's hoof Quarters in the World, and so to spread out the Kingdom of Jesus Christ; Whereupon he says 2 Cor. 10.4.5 The weapons of our warefare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong Holds, casting down Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity, every thought to the obedience of Christ. Justly then might he magnify his Office, whileas he was employed to carry these Treasures unto the Gentiles Rom. 11.13.2. Its Riches appeareth herein, that the Gospel is the Cabinet wherein lieth, and the Field wherein is to be found, the most enriching Glory imaginable: It hath folded up in it, that really enriching Pearl, which when the wise Merchant had found, sold all that he had and bought it; which you may read in that Parable, and which is doubled with very little alteration Mat. 13.44, 45, 46. Christ the alone enriching Pearl of great Price, is the whole Matter, the Heart and Marrow of this Gospel; It is wholly employed about Him, therefore cannot but contain Glory, and Riches of Glory, therefore it is called, The Word of Christ Col. 3.16.3 It appears herein, because it is the offering, a●d the holding forth of the most enriching and glorious Marriage, that ever was heard tell of a A Marriage between the loftly, high, holy, glorious and matchless King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and despicable Sinners, poo● beggarly Creatures, by Nature Heirs of Hell. It is the word of Reconciliation containing Articles and Conditions of Peace, between the Holy, Righteous and Glorious GOD, and sinful self-destroying Sinners, which is entrusted to the Apostles, and their Successors 2 Cor 5.10, 20. therefore called the word of Peace. Act. 10.36, 37.4. The Riches of Glory appears herein, because the Gospel is the outward Call of God; which, when the LORD makes effectual, He accompanieth with an inward, powerful, irresistible Calling to the most glorious things imaginable: It is hereby that the Lord Jesus bringeth many Sons unto Glory Heb. 2.10. Hereby do the Elect obtain the Salvation, that is in Christ jesus with Eternal Glory. 2 Tim 2.10. By the Gospel the Thessalonians were called to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord jesus Christ 2 Thess. 2.14 15. Who can tell what is the hope of this Calling, and what is the Glory of this Inheritance of the Saints in light: Such as can discern this, must have the Eyes of their Understanding opened and enlightened of GOD Ephes. 1.17, 18. It is a complete rich glorious Kingdom, whereunto Men are called by the Gospel. 1 Thess. 2.12. He calleth unto His Kingdom and Glory. 5 It appears herein, that it is the means of discovering the most enriching glorious, most latent ●nd concerning Secrets: What is better and ●ore desirable than Life, than true Life and immortality, and this is made manifest through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10. One that is condemned to Die should esteem a Reprieve of ●he Sentence, a rich and glorious Business, tho' ignorant but that he might be taken away within few Hours or Days, through some special stroke of GOD upon him: How much more infinitely worthy and richly excellent is ●his Life, which is Immortality? And what Riches of Glory, must there be in the Gospel which bringeth thi● into light? 6. It appears ●erein, that the Gospel brings Heaven to the Door of the Soul, with all the Glory that is herein; And therefore called the Word of ●he Kingdom, or the Gospel of the Kingdom Mat. 4.23. and 9 35. and 24.14. And the matter thereof, is to preach the Kingdom of God Mark. 1.14. Act 20.25. and 28.31. Luk. 4.43.9.60. So it is also called, The Kingdoms of God Luk. 10.9 11. Mark. 1.15. and 4.25. And the Kingdom of Heaven in many of the ●arables Mat. 13. and 20.1. and 22.2. etc.  
Thirdly, That there are Riches in the Gospel, appears from the special, rich and glorious Efficacy of the same; whereof take these few Proofs. 1. The Gospel hath a powerful enlightening virtue, so that these that sit in darkness, come to see a great light Math. 4.15, 16. Therefore Paul was sent to open the Eyes, and turn Men from darkness to light Act. 26.11 Where it comes with power, it discovers th● lamentable estate, wherein poor Man is b● Nature, and discovers the way of escape 2. It hath a propagating and begetting power where it is the savour o● Li●e unto Life; I ha●● begotten you through the Gospel (saith Paul to th● Corinthians) 1 Cor. 4.15. Therefore it is calle● the Word of Life; Phil. 2 16. It quickeneth from the Dead; through the powerful operation o● the Spirit; we are born again by this Word 1 Pet 1 23. 3. It hath a nourishing virtue, therefore it is called, The sincere Milk of th● Word; whereby we grow, even as the Child groweth by the Milk on the Breast: 1 Tim. 2 2. 4. Thereby is the Soul brought by Faith ●o lay hold on Christ, and so thereby brought into a sure and safe state; Therefore it is called, The Word of F●ith Rom. 10 8. And the Word of Salvation Act 13 26. We believe through this word preached by the Apostles and their Successors joh 17.20. 5. It hath a washing and cleansing virtue; It is by the word, that Christ sanctifieth and cleanseth His Church Ephes 5.26 6. It hath a cu●●ing and piercing virtue; Paul speaking of the Gospel (Heb 4.12.) saith, That the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged Sword, piercing to the dividing asunder of both Soul and Spirit, and of the joints and Marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts of the Heart: ●n allusion to the Anatomy of Bodies, or else ●o the cutting up of the Sacrifices, whether ●hese of the jews, or as it was used among the Heathens, especially by the soothsayers, who ●uriously searched into every inward part as Ezek. 21.21. Look what the entrails are to a ●harp Sword, or Sacrificers Kni●e, or like In●turments of Anatomising in a skilful Hand, ●uch are all the most inward and secret parts of ●he Heart, even those, which are most difficult to be divided, unto this Sword in GOD's Hand, when pleased to use it to search the Heart and Reins, and to discover and bring ●orth to judgement the secrets of them; Not only is it to ungird and stripe off the outward clothes of outward and formal Actions, and so present the Soul naked as Vers. 13. Nor only to flay off all the Skin, and so to see what lies under it (as the next word, Opened, doth sometimes signify) but further to cut up and cleave to the Back bone (as the word will bear) that so all the Inwards may appear; And this so curiously divided and laid asunder, as to see and view a part, what is in each. In a word, this Sword of the Gospel, when rightly handled, it not only hath a discerning, piercing, penetrating power with it, to come in on the Heart, discovering its Intents, and striking at the root of Corrup●ions; But it will humble the proudest Hearts▪ and quicken the deadest Spirits, and pierce through the Soul and Conscience of the most obdured; Anatomize an● lay open their Thoughts, their Security, Pride▪ Formality, Hypocrisy, etc. And strike a● the root of the Body of Death, to kill it, and be its death; Undoubtedly then, their canno● but be a singular Riches o● Glory in this Gospel. 7. As it hath its arise from free Grace, and is the open Proclamation of the Grace of GOD; And therefore called, The Word of His Grace Act. 20 32. so it builds up such as receive it, and carries them on until it fairly land them in Glory; for it is able to save Souls james 1.21.  
1 Use. Here we have ground and reason ●o bemoan the state and condition of not a few People and Persons, to pity them, and from compassion towards them, to pray for them. As 1. These who never as yet saw this Glory, having never as yet heard of this glorious Gospel; They may its true, go beyond others in worldly Riches, fullness of all things, carnal Prudence and Policy, and have abundance of Gold, Silver and costly Jewels, and have much outward Pomp and Flourishes: But alas! nevertheless when they have never heard of Christ, they are but continuing and sitting in darkness; The Glory of the Lord, hath never as yet shined upon them, the Sun of Righteousness is never risen upon them, with Healing under His Wings: Miserable and lamentable is their Conditions, notwithstanding of all their Superfluities. O! let us pray, that this glorious Light, may once break up amongst them, that the Earth may be filled with the Glory of ●he Lord, as the Waters cover the Sea. 2. We should condole these Nations, where the Name and outward Knowledge of the Gospel is, and nothing else; Nothing of the Power, Beauty and Glory of the Gospel of Salvation; But alas! all is darkened with the fog and mist of Idolatry, and Superstition, or of humane Inventions, which vails and darkens the singular Beauty, which is to be seen in the Ordinances of Jesus Christ, according to the Simplicity of the Gospel. Oh! have compassion on such, who hasten Judgement on themselves, and love darkness, rather than light: For what are all the vain Imaginations and Inventions o● Men, but a darkening of the glorious Splendour of the Sun of Righteousness, that He may not sh●ne in His native and superexcellent Glory. 3. We should commiserate that People, where His Glory did once shine, bu● seems now to be robbed thereof, through the Godlessness and Wickedness of Men, being Instruments of Satan, in whose Soul, the ●ight of this Gospel never shined. While Satan hath employed his Agents to banish the Faithful, who carry this Torch of Light, and hold up the Glorious Standart of Jesus Christ; These ungodly Men do what in them is, by their Conclusions, Acts and Deeds, o● unreasonable Persecution, to banish Christ, His Servants and Gospel out of the Land. O● wha● a loss is it, to be robbed of this Glory, providing we have any Tenderness or Sympathy as Christians, let us be earnest in Prayer fo● such. 4. We should condole such Nation● and Churches, that have a Name, that they Live, and yet are Dead, who have only the sound of the Gospel, with a bare and naked Offer of Jesus Christ: And those, though they b● free of Idolatry and Superstition, which ar● open Blots and Spots on this Glory, and th● free of outward Persecution, yet great Strangers unto the Riches of the Glory of this Gospel, S●rangers unto the Power and Operations of the same, having the Name o● Purity▪ and Gospel Truths amongst them, but no more; And so are dying and perishing through an inward decay of Life and Power. The●● undoubtedly are also to be lamented over.  
2. Use. As on this ground we lament th● state of the Churches, so may we take up ● Lamentation over the persons who live unde● the dew and sunshine of the Gospel, and nevertheless see no Beauty or Glory in the ●ame The Glory thereof is hid from ●heir Eyes, an● they see no Beau●y, nor desireableness, no● Riches of Glory in the same, the GOD of th●● World having blinded their Minds 2 Cor 4.4. They look upon the Gospel, as an artificial composed Fable; They set no worth nor pri●● upon it as they should; In place of Glory, is a burden whereof they would willingly be quite; Therefore they improve not the occasion, which they have for attaining to the knowledge thereof, and for having an Interest in this Glory: Many are indifferent and Gallio like, and in no ways lay the ●●siness to Heart; Others are Heart-enemies to this Glory, and the power thereof; Many content themselves with the outward Glory, without seeking inward Heart knowledge of the Riches of Glory, which is to be seen therein.  
3 Use. This affords ground of Rebuke, unto several sort of People. As 1. Unto such, who darken the Glory of this Gospel, with their Errors, Superstitions, Inventions and false Glosses, and all such, who in any measure darken and cloud the Simplicity of this Gospel, its Glory and singular Beauty. 2. Such are to be rebuked, who persecute the ve●y Name and Profession of the Gospel, and all who adhere to the same, as many do, who (●f possible) would drive it out of the World. O! what aileth them, and offends them at this Gospel, which is so ●ull of Glory, and bringeth Glory in it to poor Soul●? Surely such Men must be driven on and acted by the Spirit of the Devil, who is an unreconcilable Enemy unto this Gospel of Glory. 3. It is for rebuke to such, who are Enemies to the power and purity of the Gospel; who though they may readily stand for the profession of it, and own that, yet their Heart riseth against the Life and Power thereof, wherever they discern it; and as a fi● occasion offers them, they but laugh and mock at all that is more than an outward profession. It's true there is a Beau●y and Glory to be seen in the very outward Dispensation of the Gospel, when performed in Gospel purity; But the more special Glory, with the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel, l●eth in the power thereof upon the Soul, leading captive to the obedience of Faith, and bringing them unto subjection unto Christ; And their Heart riseth against that, wherein the Glory and Power of the same do●h most signally appear. 4. Such are to be rebuked, who bring stains and shame, through ●h●ir scandalous Life upon that glorious Gospel, bringing up an evil Report upon th● same; And thereby occasioning Enemies to desp●se and con●emn the same: O! what a da●k Cloud doth the scandalous Lives of Professors, raise over the ●ace of this Sun? This is far from adorning the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, which is required Tit. 2.10 5. Such are to be reproved, who will not s●ffer this Glory, once to enter their Souls, who c●st no● up the Door of their Souls, that it may enter in, and call not to the GOD o● Glory, that Herald Who commanded the light to shine out of d●rkness, ma● shine into ●heir Hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God, in the Face of jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4.6. But on the contrary makes themselves hard against it, and refuse to accept of it: As appears from the following Particulars. (1) They resolve to keep their old way, whatever be said unto them, they will not alter, they will remain the old Men and the old Women still. (2) They refuse to subject themselves unto the Righteousness of GOD, and endeavour to establish a Righteousness of their own; Now herein lies the Glory of the Gospel, that it breaks us off from that Course of self-seeking, that we might live and grow up in Him, who is the Head in all things. (3) They will not submit themselves unto the Conditions of the Gospel Covenant, nor receive Christ as He is offered in the Gospel. (4) They will not forsake their old Lovers, and especially that Ash●aroth, that prime Dagon, and principal Idol Self; Now the power of the Gospel appears herein, that it makes the Soul put out its right Eye, and cut off the right Hand, and cast away all its own Righteousness, as so many menstruous clothes and filthy Rags.  
4 Use. This requires of us sundry Duties. As 1. We ought then to be very thankful unto GOD, that ever it hath pleased Him to tryst us in the time and ●lace of His manifesting this glorious Mystery; What are we better than others, that have gone before us, or than many that live in other places of the World, who have never a● ye● s●en one blink of Glo●●? Providing we could prize a right the worth o● this Treasure, we should see ou● unspeakable and great Obligations to Thankfulness, 〈◊〉 as we would be forced to cry forth, What shall we render unto the Lord for this Benefi● and infinite Mercy? 2. We should esteem highly of this Gospel, and prise it much, that our despising thereof provoke not the Lord to remove it; that the Sun might not go down over the Prophets, nor the day be dark over them Mic. 3.6. And lest He might give us up unto the lusts of our own Heart, and give us darkness in place of light, for our misprising and undervaluing the Glory and light of the precious Gospel. 3. We should be much it P●ayer, to hold the Gospel still in its power and purity amongst us, that it may shine in the midst of us, in its Glory and Beauty, as the power of GOD unto Salvation. 4. We should endeavour on all occasions greatly to welcome ●he Gospel amongst us, and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operation● of the same. O let the Glory thereof shine it our Heart's! And for that effect let us lay ope● ourselves to the Beams of the same, that they may have free entry into our Souls: Les us lay aside all prejudices and love to our Idols, and receive this Light and Glory in love, 5 Let us not be satisfied until that we see and obtain a more clear discovery of the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery. To wit. (1) That this Gospel discovers to us our Wretchedness, Emptyness, Madness, Poverty, Nakedness and every way Undon●n●ss. (2) That it holds forth unto us the Excellency of Christ, in His Person, Nature, Offices, Works, and Employments in the World. (3) That it draws Hearts to Him, and from ourselves, and from all other Lovers and Vanities, wherewith heretofore we have been bewitched. (4) That it unites our Souls to Him through Faith, that we may live in Him, and He in us, and be one in Him. (5) That it inclineth our Hearts, unto a swee● Union with the Gospel Command's, and to a living by Faith in Christ, and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation, through His offering of Himself, and through His Mediatory Righteousness offered and held for●h in the Gospel▪ and imputed ●o Believers through F●ith. (6) Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us ●●ll in love with Holiness, an● to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling, leaning on Jesus by Faith, drawing Life and Power from Him, who is given ●or a Covenant un●o the People, that we might so g●ow up and bea● Fru●t in Him, and go from strength ●o strength in Him, until we appear be●or● GOD 〈◊〉 Zion  
5 Use. This requires ● sel●-searching, whether or not we hav● ever attained a sav●ng si●ht of this Glory, the Riches of the Glory of ●his Mystery: And we may know it by these Mark● As 1 Mark. The light of the Gospel discover● a Fullness, a sensible Fullness, a Soul-satisfy●ng, and a Soulsaving Fullness, and a free and gracious Fullness in Christ. 2 Mark. The light of the Gospel discovers, I say, where this glorious Light comes, it discovers sel●▪ emptiness, self deceitfulness, and loathsomeness. 3 Mark. It takes the Soul captive instantly to make choice of Christ for all, to esteem of Him above all, as the chief among ten thousand; And to lay hold on Him, on His own Terms, with Heart and Hand, and to accept of Him for all our Wants, and for all that we desire, and to rest fully satisfied and content with Him. 4 Mark. It inclines the Soul sweetly to employ Christ in all their Needs, to give Him constant employment in all His Offices, until He bring them home and land them in Glory. 5. Mark. It makes the Soul, that hath a right discovery thereof, fall in love with Holiness, and to make Conscience of their ways, to walk circumspectly to the Glory of GOD, and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession, to the engaging of Strangers unto the ●eceiving of the Gospel. 6. Mark. It will give them a high esteem of all, even of the smallest Ordinance and Institution of Christ, and make them careful ●o keep them pure, and to improve them to the right end, and will make them help to maintain His Cro●● rights and Privileges. ●s King in His ow●●●urch, and chief Commander in ●is own House.   

— Among the Gentiles:  
These 〈…〉 of Glory, 〈…〉 things.  
1. 〈…〉 ●●credible in th● beg●●●ing of th● 〈…〉 the Gentiles should be 〈…〉 Privilege, and exalted to 〈…〉 Glory: For 1. 〈…〉 o● Christ. 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 unto the 〈…〉 ordained, 〈…〉 first off●● of the Gospel, 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 with an 〈…〉 way of 〈…〉 Mat. 10.5. 〈…〉 who● are 〈…〉 Enemy's or 〈…〉 cou●● not only not tolerate, tha● 〈…〉 should be Partakers of that 〈…〉 bad to spr●●● to 〈…〉, th● be saved— 1 Thes. 〈…〉 worl●●either 〈…〉 of Heaven, 〈…〉 further the Apostles themselves notwithstanding of their ample and large Commission to g● and Teach and Baptise all Nations. Math. 28▪ 18, 19 And notwithstanding they were fo● that end qualified and furnished, with extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost, yet could hardly be persuaded to Preach this Word among the Gentiles; For we find that Peter w●● examined by the rest of the Apostles, for b● going unto Cornelius. Act. 11.2, 3.3. Th● Gentiles were looked upon with an ill Eye an● contemned, therefore called Sinners of th● Gentiles. Gal. 2.15. And as without Christ, so aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, a●● strangers from the Covenants of Promise, having no hope, and without God in the World. Ephes.: 12.4. Yea they were accounted Dogs, an● unworthy to eat of the children's Bread▪ se● on that ground, Christ seemed to cast off th● poor Cananitish Woman, to whom He answered, I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel. Math. 15.  
2. Notwithstanding of all this, the Lor● so ordered it, that the Gospel got entrance under the Gentiles, while He sent His Apostles among them, and blessed their Labours, amongst them. Act. 13.46. and 14.27. a●● 15 3, 7.14.15, 17 and 18, 6 Yea the Ie● rejecting of the Gospel, occasioned the preaching of the same under the Gentiles. A●● 23 46. and 8.6. and the di●●i●●shing of 〈◊〉 jews, was the Riches of the Gentiles. Rom. 11.12.  
3. Hereby were the Prophecies concerning Christ, and His Kingdom fulfilled; The Root ●f jesse must stand for an Ensign to the People, and the Gentiles must seek into it. Isa. 11.10. and 60.5. His Name must be great among the Gentiles. Mal. 1.11. And to such, had Christ a Commission to come in an appointed time Isa. 42.6.49.6. Act 13.47. Luk. 1.32. So must He bring forth judgement to the Gentiles. Isa. 42.1. Math. 12.18. see Rom. 15.9, 10, 11.  
4. And as this was an eminent Evidence of this Mystery of Wisdom, Love, and free Grace, which was long kept bide in the Heart of GOD, Ephes. 3.3, 4, 5 So was i● that the Apostles, who for a time, were unsatisfied, therewith at last held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life. Act 11.18. And Paul accounted it his Mercy to preach among the Gentiles. Ephes. 3.7, 8. And magnified his Office thereby. Rome 11 13. And we find him often glorying therein. 1 Tim. 2.7. 2 Tim. 1.11. Which, as it should stir up our Hearts to admiration over that wonderful Love and free Grace of GOD, who hath sought after the Gentiles in Clemency and Mercy, who had been so long debarred; And established usi●● the Faith of the great things promsed unto ●ut in ●he Word, now 〈…〉 to see the old Prophecies and 〈…〉 were 〈…〉 als● 〈…〉 〈…〉 our un●o 〈…〉 p●ay for them, upon 〈…〉 given on their accounted, 〈◊〉 the Lord in due time will accomplish; A●d besides it should make us lay to Heart ou● Duty in managing aright t●● Pri●iledge, in the thankful acknowledgement of the Lord's undeserved Love herein, and by hearty embracing and welcoming this Offer, and to walk worthy o● the same, in all holy Conversation, to the Glory of GOD.  
Qu●st. But providing it be asked, Whether all the Gentiles see the Glory, and know the Richer of the Glory of this Mystery.  
I Answer, No: For all have not the p●eaching of the Gospel among ●hem. If it be ●urther asked, If all th●se, to whom thi● Gospel is preached, see ●h●s Glory? I Answer, No. But only the Saints among the Gentiles, as app●ar● from Verse 26 This is made manifest to the Saints. Where we see that it is a●●ne ●he Sain●s, who have obtained G●ace to believe this Gospel, and not every one who hears i● preached, who d●scern the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery, which is in the Gospel  
For 1. Unto some he preaching of the glad Tidings of the Gospel, is the savour of Death unto Death. 2 Cor. 2.16. And unto their corrupted and prejudicated Understanding it savours as a dead Carrion, wherein their Souls hath no pleasure, yea it is as D●ath▪ so that their rejecting of the Gospel, and their averseness from it, proves their Death and 〈◊〉. 2. Unto some it is but foolishness, as it was unto the Greeks. 1 Cor. 1.23. And matter of Mocking and Derision, as the Doctrine of the Resurrection, was unto these of Athens Act. 17.32. Many have no better opinion of the Ambassadors of Christ, who are sent to preach the Gospel, 〈◊〉 Fest●s of Paul, Act. 26.24. And of the Believers of the Gospel, than the Pharisees had of the Multitude joh. 7 49.3. Unto some Christ is a Rock of Offence, and the preaching of the Gospel of Christ, is a stumbling Block unto them, even as unto the jews, who stumbled at the stumbling Stone and rock of Offence. 1 Cor. 1. ●3. Rome 9.32, 33. Even as Christ Himself was for the fall of many, so the preaching of the Gospel is the occasion of the ruin of many. 4. Many will not hear the Gospel with Faith, and therefore it cannot profi● them, Not being mixed with Faith in th●m that heard it. Heb. 4.2. Neither will they receive it in Love, nor receive the Love of the Tr●●h. 2 Thess. 2.10. And therefore sandhoe 〈◊〉 themselves unto th● Righteousness of God, held out unto them therein Rom. 10.3. They will not suffer the Word of Instruction to get any room in their Souls, but they receive this Grace of GOD in vain, and through unbelief they reject it, they will not obey this form of Doctrine, nor yield themselves Servants thereunto. 5. The GOD of this World hath so blinded the Minds of them which believe not, that the Light of the glorious Gospel of of Christ, who is the Image of GOD, cannot shine unto them; So that they can discern nothing of the Glory of the same. 2 Cor 4.4. And some blinded by a Judgement from GOD, are therefore no Copartners of this Revelation. Math. 11.25.6. Some see a glance, some da●k half glimmerings, of this Glory, but discern not the glory of this Mystery, they get some sight, which may occasion some little work and operation in them, nevertheless they continwe strangers unto the true spiritual Glory thereof: For (1) They may see so much therein, as may engage them to a profession of the same, for a time in a fair day, when i● is accompanied with no persecution; But ●ven as the stony ground having no deepness of Earth, whe● persecution comes, they immediately forsake the Gospel, and turn their back upon it. Math. 13. (2) They may readily see so much in it, as makes them willing●● to part with somewhat, but not that in●● which will make them willing to forsake 〈◊〉 for Christ; The cares of the World, doth not only choke all again, but creates a mist in their Eyes, which totally cloudeth and darkneth this Glory (3) They may see that which may inwardly affect them, as Agrippa to be almost Christians. Act. 26. and no more. (4) They may readily have some general knowledge of the Letter and outside thereof, and may be great Doctors and learned Preachers, and nevertheless wholly strangers unto the Power and Life of the same. (5) Yea they may attain some resemblance thereof, and as it were some glorious sparklings, such as the Apostle speaks of, Heb 6.4, 5. But alone unto True Believers, the Lord maketh known and manifesteth this Glory, and maketh them to see the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery; These see it, to whom He discovereth those Secreets which are kept hid from the wise of the World; They s●e it, who see that Glory, which changeth the Soul, so that thereby, they are changed into the same Image, from Glory to Glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3.18.  
But what is that sight they get, which others are Strangers unto? Ans. 1. They see a special necessary good, which deeply affecteth the Heart; Others only win at some Conceptions, that goeth no further, than the Head. 2. They see something directly applicable unto to their case and condition, and is very suitable unto them, where●● others look on these things, a● more the concernment o● others than themselves. 3. They see the good is complete, all-sufficient, necessary and satisfying, which is held out in this Gospel, and therefore they seek not after more, providing they obtain that, they judge their Lot is fallen unto them in pleasant places, and that t●ey have goodly Heritage. 4. They see somewhat of that Soul-ravishing profound Counsel of Redemption, wherein all the Persons of the Trinity are engaged to carry on and perfect the same, and ●●ey see herein such Glory, that it makes them long for Heaven, that they might obtain a more broad and wide look o● that divine mysterious on-carrying of the wa● of Salvation, wherein so much of GOD, and of His glorious Attributed, in such a lofty way doth appear. 5. Th● 〈…〉 that therein, 〈◊〉 reache● 〈…〉 Soul, a●d makes them, that 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 and soul, giving their 〈…〉, as being altogether precious 〈◊〉 Soul satisfying. 6. They see that which makes them 〈◊〉 willing, and 〈…〉 all and ●●ll every thing, 〈…〉 once they 〈…〉 invaluable 〈◊〉 7. They se● that Light which hath that pow●● and force therein, that bringeth under their irregular love to the World, and all other Vanities, together with the strong Corruptions that molest them.  
1 Use. It needs then be no strange business, that there are so ●ew, that highly esteem of this Gospel, and that so many undervalue and contemn it; seeing there are so few real Saints, who alone can see the glory and singular Excellency of this Gospel. Oh! it is a sealled 〈◊〉, even unto them who 〈◊〉 hear it, 〈…〉 the outward ●h●ll, and 〈…〉 sweet and deli●a● kernel 〈◊〉.  
2 Use. Behold here ●he Touchstone, whereby every one must ●●●mine himself, and judge of Himself, wh●●her 〈◊〉 be in the Faith or not; This special sight and discovery is alone peculiar to Believers, the Spirit of Light which they have received in the Gospel, makes them now see another sight than formerly they could apprehend or understand. O the depth of Wisdom, Power, Love, Grace, Righteousness and Mercy, which we now daily more and more discover! O what heavenly and divine Glory shines therein, and ●ha● in the very meanest of all Christ's Precepts! Othe●s take but a carnal and general look of th●se Ordinances, and therefore not so tender nor so zealous of them, who can bear with the mixtures and Inventions of Men amongst them, and can fancy a Beauty, Decency and Consistency in these Inventions, whereas there is nothing in them but a vile deformity: And as for the substance of the Gospel, the glad Tidings of Peace & Reconcîliation with GOD, it is unto them an indifferent business far from being all their Salvation, & all their desire; Their Hearts cannot embrace the Gospel, as the glorious Manifestation of the Son of GOD, which brings to Light, Life and Immortality; They see not the Glory of GOD in the Face of Jesus Christ. Woe then to such, who have not more knowledge of this Business; Then 1. A literal speculative knowledge of this Glory of GOD, which puffeth up, and filleth the Soul with wind and vanity, and never sinketh deep into the Soul. 2. A tickling outward Motion, with somewhat of acquired knowledge, that only affecteth the person, as the lovely Song of one that hath a pleasant Voice. Ezek. 33.32. Their Ears are tickled with the new Tidings of Salvation, and of a Mediator to preserve them from the Wrath of GOD, and that is all. 3. Who have no more than some small tastings in the time of a Communion, or at some o●her solemn occasion, that take● more on them than ordinary, but is instantly suffocate, without taking further root. 4. woe also to such, that have but some Light that forceth to some half works, and to some raw wishe●, that all might be better, some Flashes of Resolutions and hasty Undertake, which occasioneth somewhat that looketh like a change, though ●las! their Heart in the interim is cleaving to their Abominations, and going out continually after their Covetousness.   

To whom God would make known, etc.  
These words may have respect both to the outward manifesting of the Mystery of this Gospel Truth; As as also to the making known and discovering of this Truth of the Gospel effectualy on the Heart, which is more especially here to be understood, because that this Revealed Mystery is calldd, Christ in them, the Hope of Glory. In respect of both these, the Words hold forth two things: First, That this Revelation is of GOD. Secondly, That it is an Act of His free Grace and free Love.  
As to the First, to wit, The outward making known of the Gospel (which we shall pass in a word) We see, that as this Gospel is alone of GOD, Who is the Author thereof, so the outward publishing of the same dependeth on His free Grace and Will, so that he sends it to whom He will, and to whom He will, He sends it not; see Act. 16.7. The Spirit suffered not Paul, and his Companions to go unto Bithynta: However Satan and his Instruments may have a hand therein, nevertheless we are to look mostly to GOD, Who has the chief hand in i●▪ Who followeth His own Resolution, sending the Gospel, where He has any to bring in thereby, be it one Soul or moe, or to 〈◊〉 one lost Groat, or one wandering Sh●●p, which finding incapacitate either to le●d or drive, He taketh it on His Shoulders; rejoicing. Luk 15.5. Christ went ove● to the G●da●ens ●or one poor Soul: Paul 〈◊〉 charged to abide at 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 Gospel of Salvation, and th●t 〈◊〉 〈…〉 the publishing of 〈…〉 time and place, w●er● 〈…〉 Providence of GOD have ou● 〈…〉 That we abase ourselves in 〈…〉 be ashamed of our unsuitable 〈…〉 Him, Who hath sought us ou●, 〈…〉 many Thousands, whereas we 〈…〉 as any, only th●t He 〈◊〉 give ●●●vidence of the freeness of His 〈…〉 3. That we walk more 〈…〉 benefit, that He 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉, when 〈…〉 The consideration 〈…〉 as to ●ear, 〈…〉 the remoulad the 〈…〉 us, as He 〈…〉 Revel 2.4. Tha● 〈…〉 GOD's Sovereign t●, who singularly in this disposeth as He will: Our carnal Hearts are sometimes ready to rise against Him, and to wonder wherefore He suffers so many rich Nations to be so long without one Word of the Gospel of Salvation, and suffers it to remain there, where the People i● wearied thereof, and would willingly be quite of it; But His Will should answer all such Objections in us, and settle all such Distempers in our Hearts: We must be satisfied herein, for He doth what He will in Heaven and Earth, and gives no account of what He doth.  
As to what relates to the other part, which is here principally to be understood, we learn. First, That it is GOD alone, Who can make known unto the Soul the Glory and Riches of this Mystery, and do●h effectually publish and reveal it; This requires the revealing of the Arm of the Lord. Isa. 53.1. For Flesh and Blood cannot do it, but the Father which is in Heaven Math. 16.17. And the Spirit. Ephes. 3.5. The God of our Lord jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, must give unto us the Spirit of Wisdom, in the knowledge of Him. Ephes. 1.17. see Vers. 9 Therefore the Spirit is promised for that effect. joh. 14.26.1 Cor. 2.10, 11, 12. Gal. 1.16. This appears further from the natural state of Mankind, who cannot know these Mysteries without a divine powerful Revelation & Manifestation of the same in them. For 1. Natural Men are by Nature blind, without knowledge, lying and living in darkness; And wha● can they then discern ●n these M●steries? Revel 3.17. Luk 4.18.1 Pet. 2.9. Act. 26.18. Isa 42.7. They are in darkness, and darkness hath blinded their Eyes, 1 joh. 2 11. They walk in Darkness, and lie in Da●kness. 1 joh. ●. 6. 1 joh. 2.9 They are of Darkness. 1 Thess. 5.5. They are called Darkness itself. Ephes 5.8. Yea under the power of Darkness. Col. 1.13 2. Therefore they are under a natural Impotency and Unfitness to understand the things of GOD. 1 Cor. 2 14. The natural Man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 3. Besides this natural Impotency in the Understanding, to take up and know these Mysteries, there is also an acquired moral Inability seated in him, through misunderstanding and prejudice against the Mysteries of GOD: For it is said of the natural Man, 1 Cor. 2 14 That he receiveth not the thing of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; Therefore, was the Preaching of Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. 1 Cor. 1.23.4. Yea the carnal Understanding is enmity against GOD; It submits not itself to the Law of GOD, neither can it. Rom. 8.7, 8. so that there is also a pravity and impotency in their will; Therefore saith Christ, that a corrupt Tree cannot bring forth good Fruit. Math. 7. The Ethiopian canno● change his Skin. jer. 13 5. There is an acquired habitual ave●ssness, through the pravity of our Inclinations: By Nature People are so w●dded and glued to their Lusts and Idols which they will not forsakes (which augments their natural Antipathy against the Gospel) so that they are Enemies in their Minds by wicked works Col. 1.21.6. Besides all this, the Devil, who is the god of this World, i● working in th●m. Ephes 2.2. who more especially so blinds the Minds of those who do not believe, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the Image of GOD, may not shine unto them. 2 Cor. 4.4. This needs no ●u●ther evidence, being more than manifest by daily experience; no preaching will once pick on some; yea Christ Himself preached unto many who go● no profit thereby; The great things of GOD's Law, are accounted bu● a strange thing by some. Host 8. Many have Eyes and see not, Ears and hear not.  
1 Use. We are hereby called to be established in ●he Faith of this Truth, That it is only a Divine Power, which can mak● known unto us and in us the Gospel Truths; We by Industry and Education, with some ordinary light of the Spirit, may win to understand the letter of the Gospel; But in respect of the saving Manifestation of this Mystery, there is a necessity of a real, discriminating, special, immediate, inward and powerful Operation of the Spirit of GOD in the Soul, driving away the natural Darkness, and received prejudices, creating Divine Light in the Mind and Understanding, and so forming in the Soul, a Spiritual Pattern of the glorious Mysteries of the Gospel: For until this enlightening Operation and Revelation of the Spirit come, all will be to no purpose.  
2. Use. So should we have a loathing and aversion of that dreadful Doctrine, which says, That this Divine Spiritual Enlightening is not needful, but allege that moral persuasion, with the outward Revelation is sufficient; whereas none who hath any knowledge of his own Heart can be so stupid, that he should not see so much of the Darkness of his own Understanding, that no less than a Divine Power must be exercised and put forth in order to this his Enlightening: And what doth this Opinion else, but signally vilify, and palpably deny the Divine Mystery of this Revelation, and lamentably blow up the empty Creature with Pride, Ambition, and a foolish conceit of himself to retain somewhat, whereby he may (as he ●ancies) be the less obliged to GOD, and may have ground to thank himself, to sacrifice unto his own Net, and burn incense unto his own Drag. What a ruining and dreadful Enemy is this opinion, against the exalting of the Power of GOD's Grace, and against Folks carrying therein with subordination and dependency on GOD, and against all Prayer unto GOD.  
3 Use. However this be only GOD's work, and His powerful work; nevertheless none ought because of his Impotency and natural Ignorance to account himself therefore discharged, exemed or delivered from guilt: For (1) Our natural Impotency is our Sin. (2) Besides there is ever real opposing and rejecting of this Light, in all such as are come to the years of discretion, who hear this Gospel, and a wilful contemning of this Light, which will abundantly stop the Mouths of every one; And this often appears either by their neglecting of the Means, or by their negligent and slothful improving of the same, and their not using, but misusing of the Light which they have, etc.  
4 Use. Notwithstanding this be GOD's work, yet we should not cast off the Means, for hereby it pleases the Lord to convey Life, and to come with that Light and enlighten when and where He will; For it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save— 1 Cor. 1.21. And Faith comes by hearing. Rom. 10.17. And however the Means in themselves can do nothing, yet being ordained by Him, as it is our duty, so we may have peace in waiting on the ●ree and glorious King, where He Commands us to wait, and our waiting will sharpen our desires and longings after that blessed Light; yea when we are disappointed and cut off in our expectations, even this must serve for the further humbling and abasing of ourselves, and to make us the more earnestly cry out unto Him, who is the Fountain of Light, that He who has caused the Light to shine out of Darkness, would shine in our Hearts, in giving us the Light of the knowledge of the Glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4 6. Our attendance on the Means should be constant, because we know not, when He may come; It is good to sow by all Waters, and to sow Morning and Evening, and in our Du●●es alone to eye Him, knowing that all must come from Him. And albeit there may many Discou●agements arise to cause us give it over; partly from without, Sa●an crying, It is in vain to wait any longer, and partly from within, our Hearts, looking on it as a desperate work; yet this consideration that this Enlightening is GOD's working, may encourage and set us forward again; For GOD is a Sovereign King, free to come when He will, so is He gracious and merciful, and can and will pass over many Enormities, and much opposition; yea ●urther for quieting of our Hearts under all Objections whatsomever, this may suffice, He is GOD Almighty, and unresistible in His workings; He shall work, and who shall hinder it.  
2dly. Moreover, we should learn from hence, that GOD maketh known this Glorious Mystery to whom He will most freely, without Hire or Price, it is an Act of His wonderful free G●ace, He would make known &c. not by reason of any deserving or worth, in us, or by virtue of any pliabliness, or readiness in those, to whom ●his is made known, or of any necessary connexion betwixt the preparation in them and His Work; But merely from His free Grace and good Pleasure; for He is found of them that sought Him not Isa. 65.1. Therefore it is through Faith that we are saved, and Faith is not from ourselves, It is the Gift of God. Ephes 2.8. And not by the works which we have done, but according to His Mercy we are saved. 'tis 3.5.  
1. Use. For Instruction, and this should learn us, 1. To admire this wondered and undeserved Love towards us in this Mystery, in respect of the very outward making known of the same to us, when Kingdoms and Nations more preferable than we, lie still in Darkness, or have corrupted and undone these Truths by their Errors. 2 That we with all thankfulness heartily acknowledge this Mystery, and walk humbly under the sense of this undeserved favour. We are to fear the Lord and His Goodness, as also to meditate what an account we have to give for these rich Mercies, lest we misimprove the same, and turn His Grace unto Wantonness, seriously laying to Heart, that it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorah in the day of Judgement, than for such, who have had these Manifestations, and this Light among them, and notwithstanding have desired Darkness rathe● than Light.  
2. Use. For warning unto such, to whom the Lord in a saving way, hath made known the Riches of Glory, by bringing it into their Soul with power and efficacy: Namely, 1. They should walk worthy of such Grace and Love, by carrying themselves humbly before Him, remembering their Nativity and the Rock from whence they are hewed, that free free Grace may get the Honour of all 2. They should live in the admiration of this rich and free Grace of GOD: What were you, or your Father's House, that GOD should have cast His Eye upon you? What could He see more in you, than in others, who yet 〈◊〉 in Darkness, without these saving Discoveries? 3. They ought to endeavour to commend the Riches of this Grace and Goodness to others, to speak good of Him, who hath been so good to them. 4. They ought to make use of these Discoveries, which GOD hath given them for the advantage of others, doing their outmost to win others, and to hold out somewhat of that Light to others, that they may be brought in thereby.  
But I hasten now to the Last Point in this Verse. to wit, That Christ i● the Soul is the riches of the Glory of this Mystery made known in the Gospel; Which is Christ in you, saith he. This Truth contains these three Particulars.  
First, That a Soul-union wi●h Christ is the first Intention, chief Scope and Design of the Gospel: This principally is intended therein, that Christ may be near hand and within the Soul. A Second is, That in this Union, consists the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel, thereby is this Riches made known, and here is their Centre: For the Soul that is in possession of this Union, is likeways partaker of the Riches of this Glory. Thirdly, That this Union of the Soul with Christ, or the bringing of Christ unto the Soul, is only the Work of GOD, for He maketh known th● Riches of the Glory of the Gospel.  
As to the First of these Truths, we are to observe these two Things, 1▪ That until ●he Gospel come unto a Soul with power and efficacy, the Soul is without Christ. 2. That the Gospel is the Instrument of GOD, whereby this Union between Christ and the Soul is carried on; and this is the end and design thereof.  
The First which is here premised, is clear from Ephes 2.12. before the Gospel came to the Ephesians, among the Miseries wherein they were, this was the chief, that as they were without G●D, so also without Christ, when the Gospel fi●st comes among a Pe●ple, it finds them fitting in Da●kn●ss, and in the reg●on and shadow of Death. Mat. 4 16 ●sa. 9 2. And under the power of Satan. Act 26.18. Therefore it was the principal work of the Apostles, where they came to preach Christ, Act. 9 20. and 8 5  
Use. This being sufficiently clear, we are to lea●n thus to make use of it. As 1. Earnestly to seek ●fter more solid and real Convictions of these T●uths; Many yet lying in Nature, and before whom the Light of the Gospel hath never shined in its power, dream notwithstanding that they have Christ in them as well as others, and so deceive their own Souls, and disappoint the great end of the Gospel. A full conviction hereof, should dispose Folk more earnestly to give ear unto the preaching of the Gospel. 2. These Fools must not imagine i● sufficient, that they have the outward Ordinances of the Gospel, and under the administration of the same: For unless the Gospel do come in p●wer, and in the evidence of the Spirit unto ●h●m, the● may nevertheless abide without Christ: Yea and until they fi●d this in them, they will certainly continue Christless and Graceless. 3. They are called then to cry unto the Lord, that He would reveal his Arm in the preaching of the Gospel, that they may not longer continue in in their s●d and lamentable Condition  
The Second is, That this Gospel, and the administration of the same, is the appointed Means, whereby this spiritual and saving Union, is carried on, and that this is its principal end and design, appears from these Grounds.  
1 st. Here is the Off●r of this Reconciliation and Union held ●orth, Christ comes in the preaching of the Gospel; And 1. He tells what is His Father's Mi●d and Will, namely that they should accept of Him, believe in Him, and let Him into ●he Soul, for this is the great Commandment and so much called for duty. joh. 6.29— This is ●he work of GOD, that ye believe on ●im, whom He hath sent. 1 joh. 3.23. And this His Commandment, that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ. 2. He entreateth them in His Father's N●me to come, to open unto Him, that He might come and take up His Habitation with them. Isa ●5. 1. Revel 3.20.3 He pr●sses and drives on His Request, Su●e and Desire, with many Arguments and Motives, as we have evidenced formerly. 4. He removes all the Difficulties out of the way, by answering all Objections, preventing all Discouragements. O how full is the Gospel of this! 5. He upb●aids them that they come not unto Him. Joh. 5.4. Ye will not come to me, that ye might have Life. 6. He waits patiently, with much Longanimity upon them, ●●newing His Sute●, Cries and Entreaties. A● which is palpable in the administration of th● Gospel; whereby appears sufficiently th●● this Union betwixt Christ and the Soul, is th● great design and end of the Gospel.  
2dly. Herein the Gospel, the Condition's ar● cleared and laid open, whereupon this Union must be accomplished; Namely, 1. That w● forsake all other Lovers, and be fully satisfied that thereiss a separation between us and them; for we must foresake our Father's House, providing we will ●ave the King greatly to take pleasure in us. Psal 45.10, 11.2. That we receive Him freely without Money and without P●ice. Isa. 55.1, 2.3. That we receive Him wholly, even as He offereth Himself to be married unto us, that is as a Priest, Prophet and King for we must receive all of Him, and not ● part of Him. Joh. 1.12.4. That we receive Him fully without reserve, absolutely without exception, seeing He is altogether Lovely, and every way useful and absolutely necessary. 5. That we receive Him for every Work and Employment, for Sanctification as well as Justification. 6. That we jointly deny ourselves, take up His Cross and follow Him. Mat. 16.24.  
3dly. In this Gospel, we have the Nature of this Union. viz. The indwelling of Christ manifested unto us: For here is declared, 1. That is indwelling of Christ, and union with him, mysterious. profound, unsearchable, and comprehensible, Ephes: 5.32.2. That is wholly Spiritual, so that they become ●he Spirit, 1 Cor: 6.17. They are made parkers of His Spirit, Rome 8.9.3. That it a near and inward Union, so that no Comparison can sufficiently demonstrate it, as we ●●ve heard before. 4. That it is permanent ●●d inviolable, nothing can make a separati●● here, Rome 8.38, 39.5. That it is Glorious & Exceeding Excellent. 6. That it is very useful and profitable Union, having ineffably great and wonderful Advantages, ●oth here and hereafter.  
4 In this Gospel we have what Christ did for ●●e carrying on of this Union, how he is be●●me a Mediator & Cautioner, taking upon ●●m to make peace and reconciliation▪ and so 〈◊〉 satisfy Justice for their sins, How in the ●●lness of time, he has come, and has given a ●●ll and perfect satisfaction according to his ●ndertaking; how he hath purchased of the ●ather all that was accounted necessary for the ●●rrying on of this Union in respect of the E●●ct; How he lives forever as an Intercessor, ●●r that end and effect; How he as King and ●ead of the Church hath appointed ordinances and Laws; How that he hath blessed them ●●cording to his good pleasure for that Effect; ●nd how he hath sent his Spirit to work up his Chosen to a cheerful receiving of his offer; A● this, and much more is made known in the Gospel.  
5. Here is held forth and cleared, what is required on our part, in respect of obtaining possession, and to be possessed of this Noble Spirit, and to win at this Union: Namely, 1. Tha● we forsake all our Righteousness, with al● other Idols and lovers, which possess our So●l● 2. That we acknowledge and be convinced o● our own inability, and natural unwillingness to open unto him. 3. That we attend on th● means appointed, and on him in the mean● 4. That we lay a side all prejudices. 5. Tha● we lay ourselves open to his approaches. 6. That we cry and long after him, and his company so as we can.  
6. Here in this Gospel is made known, tha● this opening of the heart for Christ, is a wo●● above nature, and that Christ is the Author and finisher of Faith, Heb. 12.1, 2. And that no man can come until the Father draw him. joh. 6.44.  
7. Here is also discovered that notwithstanding ●he LORD wonderful in Council, mighty indeed, hath thought good through the foolishness of Preaching to save those that believe, 〈◊〉 Cor. 1.21. And to make use of Plan●ers an● waterers, albeit neither of them can do good, providing he give not the increase. 1 Cor. 3▪ 5, 6, 7. And therefore hath he sent Labourers to his Vineyard to labour and work there, ●o that they are Labourers together with GOD Cor. 3.8, 9 He sends his servants, as so ●any Ambassadors to Court a Bride for Christ. ● Cor. 5.20, and 11, 2. Therefore they ●ome in their Master's Name, and lay forth ●he Articles of agreement and reconciliation, ●nd he himself must and will through his Spirit determine and persuade unto an opening.  
Use, From all that is said appears that the Gospel and the preaching of the same is the ●eans appointed of GOD, for this end, and ●hat it is the chief and grand design of the preached Gospel to work up the Soul into this Un●on with Christ, and make the heart to open, ●hat the King of Glory may enter in: Which ●hould incite to these things. 1. To a high es●eemation of the Gospel, as being such a noble mean ordained for such an excellent end; To account highly of it, (I say) and of such who are appointed to carry these glad tidings of the great Salvation, and to ha●ken unto it & them, as such noble means of God's appointment. 2 That we may have this end before us in the Administration of the Gospel; The Ministers should so preach it, and the People should so hear it, as a mean ordained for that end, and never to rest satisfied, or much less to think all is well, until this end be first attained, to wit, that Christ be form in the Soul: O! it were desirable to see that the Ministers in preaching of the Gospel were (as it were) travailing 〈◊〉 Birth to obtain this end, Gal. 4.19.3. That 〈◊〉 lament the estate of such who miss this glorio●● gospel, & of those who have but the sound of t●● Gospel without the power thereof. 4. That 〈◊〉 be thankful for this inesteemable priviledg● and so be sensible of the same, and be care●●● that we provoke not God to remove this advantageous & most useful Candlestick. 5. That 〈◊〉 have compassion on those who are desperate wicked, that they are so wearied of this precious Gospel, that they hate, oppose, ruin, y●● persecute the same: O what a misery is th●● for Poor Souls to forsake their own unspeakable riches.  
The third thing is, that this Union, to wit● Christ in the Soul, is the riches of the Glory 〈◊〉 this Gospel Mystery; And this appears. 1. In th●● it is the principal and chief business, which th● Infinitely wise GOD had be●ore him in the Eternal Counsel of his will, to work out by th● dispensation. 2. The LORD who is the Author of this Gospel, is thereby glorified in his Glorious Attributes, Christ exalted and made 〈◊〉 see the travel of his Soul, and the pleasure o● the LORD prosper in his hand, and the grea● design therein principally intended next th● Glory of GOD, to wit, the Eternal compact between GOD and the Mediator, is then begun 〈◊〉 be accomplished. 3. All the Draughts of th● Glorious Gospel, terminate here as in a Centre 4. Then beginneth ●he Soul to kn●w what are the excellent Riches of the 〈◊〉 of Love, Grace and wisdom, that are brought to light through the Gospel, then, and not until then, begin ●hey to be partakers thereof.  
Use, This serves to set us all a wo●k to a serìous enquiry and trial, if the Gospel hath had these noble Fruits in us, which may be known from what hath been formerly mentioned of Christ his being in the Soul: And we are never to think we see or know any thing of the R●ches of the Gospel, (how great soever a measure of knowledge otherways we may have attained, or be partakers of) un●il this Union be wrought; and providing this be wrought, than we may well sit down contented, what ever other things we want, as having now in thi● Union the whole Riches of the Gospel, as in a Treasure laid up in our Souls. O what a condition must this b●▪  
The last thing i●, that thi● Fruit of the Gospel, and ●his sh●rt compend of the Riches of its Glory; is of GOD, and wrought by Him, He makes i● known, and the reason is clear; ●or, 1. Man by nature hates Christ, will no● welcome Him, much less let Him in to dwell in the Soul; they hate bo●h Him and His Father, joh. 15 24 2ly. The l●gh● which must discover this enmity, together wi●h the misery that accompanieth their estate, who are without Christ, is Divine; these Saving discoveries are only attainable through a divine supernatural illuminati●●▪ Now it is GOD alone that openeth the eyes of the blind. 3ly. As it is GOD alone that taketh away the natural blindness of the understanding, and sends Divine Light into the Soul; so must He guard off, and remove the natural pravity of the will, and do away the stony heart, and make his people willing; after this manner must He open th● heart, as He opened the heart of Lydia, Acts 16. 14.4ly. Even so must GOD by His immediate powerful Grace effectually work the consent unto the offer made in the Gospel; And how ever this work of the LORD be powerful and irresistible, overcoming all opposition from without and within, nevertheless it is without force and violence; For though He draw, yet He draweth with the cords of Men and Bonds of love, strongly convincing, making the Soul effectually to submit and give itself over, seeing the heart is in his hand, He can turn it whether He will; as He povers in Grace, so He makes the Soul willing.  
1. Use. This should serve to teach those who are made partakers of this Union, to know whom they have to thank for it, and who should have the praise and the honour of this noble and glorious Work, and make them far from thinking or saying, that they themselves have made the difference, or from offering sacrifice unto their own net▪ in respect o● his Grace.  
2, Use. This should also learn others, where the right door is▪ whereunto they must betake themselves O! poor Souls look to him, and to him alone, and wait at the Posts of his door, forsaking your own strength, and despairing in and of yourselves.   
FINIS.