A brief declaration OF JESUS CHRIST, His peculiar Love to BELIEVERS: And how they may abide in it. IN A MEDITATION On joh. 15.1. to 10.  
By THO. MOOR.  
Printed at Delff, by MICHIEL STAEL, 1647.   

CHRISTIAN READER,  
I Have here only briefly given thee this Meditation as an addition or step forward, in the love of God to mankind to see his special love to Believers, and how they may walk in it, which thou and I attaining, our groweth to the harvest, and perfection in the harvest will be certain, which being my desire;  
I Rest Thy well-willer in and for jesus Christ THO. MOOR.   

A MEDITATION Of joh. 15.9.10. and occationly from 1. to 10.  joh. 15.9. 
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, continued yea in my love.  joh. 15.10 
If yea kyepe my commandments, yea shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  
THE coherence of these words with the former show them to be a farther encouragement exoitation, and direction to Christ's disciples for abiding in Christ, and that he by his word, and Spirit may abide in them, for he had before been instructing, admonishing and encouraging them to abide in him, and he in them.  
Vers. 1.5. I am (saith Christ) the Vine, the True Vine, a vine was known to them, to be one of the trees of God's Creation, and provision for man such a one as brought forth such fruit, as did testify the goodness of God to man, Zack. 8.12. such a one as in the promise, or giving of which was employed, plenty, peace, and safet ye, Deut. 8.7.8 9 jer. 31.4.5.8. I. King. 4.25. Such as the fruit thereof did cheer both God, and man because being filled with his goodness, they offered of it to God, and drank thereof in their sacrifices, with thanks to God, which he accepted, and confidence in God, in which they were refreshed. Psal. 116.11. to 19  
Now that Jesus Christ is the Vine, the True Vine, is for such as they no hard saying to understand, according to the letter, which is the sense the words import; seeing the Scripture menciones two men or two Adam's, the first man, who is the first Adam; and the second man, who is the last Adam. 1. Cor. 15.45.47. And suitably two creationes; the first Creation, Gen. 1. & 2. And a new creation, Rev. 21.5. The first Adam, being natural, and earthy, and so the old creation, that is supported for him, 1. Cor. 15.46. Psal. 75.3. The second, or last man being spiritual, and heavenly, and so the new creation completed in, and through him. 1 Cor. 15.46. Isa. 65.18.19. So as when in Scripture, we read of vine, figtree, door, etc. as it speaks off, and is aplyableto the first man with the first creation for him, and things pertaineing thereto, we may understand it suitably, whether naturally, or metaphorically, yet ever as the words in that sentence, and business import, which is the literal sense; or as it speaks of the second man with the new creation completed in, and through him, and things pertaining thereto, we may understand it spiritually, whether in more general, or more peculiar sense; yet ever as the words in that sentence, and business import, which is also the literal sense; and so according to the letter, or words written in this business. I am the vine; being spoken by, and of Jesus Christ the spiritual man, and the things of him; it showeth plainly, that verily.  
I. He is the vine; the tree of life. Rev, 2.7. & 22.1.14. The green Olive-tree in the house of God. Psal. 52.8. Their green firtree, from whom their fruit is found. Hos. 14.8. And so the vine as here, Vers. 1.5.  
II. He is the vine, or fruitful tree of God's provision, and preparation for man; for the good of man, 1. Pet. 1.2. Isa. 42.1. 1. joh. 4.14. In, and through whom is testified, the goodness, and love of God to mankind. Isa. 55.1.4. joh. 3.16.17. And his peculiar love to his chosen. Rom. 8.32. Joh. 9.3.6.  
III. He is the vine, whose fruit cheereth both God, and man; he hath in man's nature, and stead so died for man's sins, and risen for man's justification, and offered up himself such a perfect, and acceptable sacrifice to God for man; that in him mercy, and truth are met. Psal. 85.10. And it is as i● all had died. 2. Cor. 5.14. And with him, yea, in him God is well-pleased, Mat. 3.17. & 17.5. And through him light & mercy is extended to men, filling them with good, Joh. 1.4.5.9. Act. 14.17. So as in beholding, and receiving his love hee● through testified; they may give thanks to God, and be comforted in God, Psal. 107.21.22.42.43.  
iv He is the vine, in which is all fullness of living, and quickening sap, that effecteth-life, and fruitfulness, it pleaseth the Father that in him should all fullness dwell, Col. 1.19. All fullness of grace, and truth, joh. 1.14. Grace is poured into his lips, Psal. 45.2. He is immeasureably anointed, and filled with the Spirit. Psal. 45. Isa. 42. & 61.1. In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom, and understanding, in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, Coll. 2.3.9.  
V He is the vine, in promising of whom God promiseth, and in giving of whom God giveth, and in receiving of whom believers receive, plenty of durable riches. Pro. 3.13.18. Wisdom, righteousness, etc. 1. Cor. 1.30. Inheritance, Eph. 1.11. Kindred, Mar. 3.35. Pleasures, Psal. 16. Utt. Also peace, even peace with God, in conscience, with brethren, and towards men; peace passing understanding, that will keep the hart, and mind in Christ, and joy in the Holy Ghost, Rom. 5.1.2.5. & 14.17. Phill 4.4.5. And safety for support preservation, and eternal salvation, Joh. 10.28.29.  
VI He is the vine, in and through whom all spiritual, and quickening sap, and power of the divine nature flows, that brings forth good grapes, or fruits that are acceptable, that will either satisfy or be gathered of his Father, and him, Psal 52.8. Hose. 14.5.8. 1. Pet. 2.5.9. 1. Joh. 5.12. Joh. 3.6. Cant. 4.1.14. and 5.1.  
Thus is jesus Christ the vine indeed, and not only allegorically, and metaphorically, but minding the business spiritually, he is so truly, and really, and other natural, and earthy, yea or metaphorical vines, are so called in respect of that which they resemble, and show forth of some small goodness of his in whom the true good is; vers. 1 I am (saith he) the True Vine) And this may be understood, in opposition too, or respect of others that are so called, or in soom sort are vines.  
I. The natural vines, the trees so called, that bring forth such fruits as aforesaid, truth these vines, are vines indeed, as Creatures that have their being, support, fruitfulness, and operation of their fruits from God through Christ. joh. 1.4.11. Psal. 75.3. Coll. 1.17. Without whose word, or forth-putting of his blessing, those vines languish, and bring forth no fruit, or bringing forth fruits, yet cannot nourish, nor are accompanied with those blessings of plenty peace, and safety. Deut. 28.30.40. Hab. 3.17. Ames. 4.9. Hag. 1.6. & 16.17. So as these are but servants, instrumental, and decayeing vines.  
But jesus Christ: even opposed to these is the True Vine, even that which endureth for ever, he in whom God dwells, and through whom God doth all, so as by his word of blessing men live, and the whole old, and decayeing creation is supported for its time. Deut. 8.3. In him we live move, & have our being, what ever fruit we eat, or drink. Act. 17.28. He is our life, and the length of our days. Deut. 30.20. That so even that life that we live in the flesh, and that part of it also that respecteth the body, and natural life, we might live it by faith of, and dependence on him, that hath loved us, and given himself for us. Gall. 2.20. Who is the true, dureing, and fruitful vine, the true vine eminently.  
II. Adam, the first Adam; as the public man, and root out of which all men come, metaphorrically may be called a vine, being a figure of him to come, Rom: 5.14. And all his children branches, and their works, or fruits grapes, this in some sort may appear from that Rev. 14.18. And then Adam so considered is appoluted and ecayed vine, in whom all sinned, and fiell under condemnation, and death. Rom. 5.12.18. And so all men that are the branches of him, as they come out of him at polluted, and defiled. Rom. 5.19. Eph. 2.1, And so bring forth evil grapes, or fruits, the motiones of sin, working in their members, and bringing forth fruit to death. Rom. 5.21. & 7.5. So that Adam is but a wild vine, and as we come from him, and abide in him; we can neither suck in life, not bring forth any good grapes, or fruits: 1 Cor. 2.14. joh. 3.66.  
But jesus Christ the second man, the last Adam, the Lord; the quickening spirit; he is the true vine, in that he as the public man hath for men, and in man's nature, in his own person by death, resurrection, and sacrifice taken away sin, joh. 3.5. Wrought righteousness, and received eternal life in the man, and for men, Rom. 3.24. & 5.18. 1. joh. 5.11. So as all that come into him, shall receive righteousness and eternal life, 1. joh. 5.12. That will enlive, and renew them, and bring forth good fruits, Rom. 5, 19 2. Cor. 5.17. & 3.8.  
III. The union, confederacy, and fellowship of the men of the world for atayneing, keeping and increasing greatness, riches, fame, etc. looking thereby, and relyeing on their pollicyes, and waves to obtain so as their lives shall be more comfortable; this metaphorrically may be called a vine, and they that are brought into this union, and fellowship, branches, and their works, grapes, but this is as the vine of Sodom, their grape's gall, their wine poison, Deut. 32.32.33. Whence such warning not to consent, or join with them in their consideracy, Pro. 1.10. to 19 Isa. 8.11.12.  
But jesus Christ is the True Vine, In union, and fellowship with whom all that come into that union, receive that which bring forth good fruits, his loves better than wine; 1. joh. 1.3.4. Caut. 1.2.3.12.13.  
iv The state of the common wealth, and church of Israel, as it was appointed, and ordered by God, and furnished with the word, & orracles with Priests, prophets, kings; with temple, sabbaths, sacrifices, was a right noble vine, and fit to bring forth good grapes, yet really in all the outward, but as apertaining to the flesh, and tipically, in siguring out the true; jer. 2.21. Psal. 80.8.14.  
But jesus Christ is the True Vine; in whom the truth of all tiped is found: he the word, joh. 1.1.14. The King, Priest Prophet, Heb. 3. & 7. The temple of God, Coll. 2.9. The rest, Heb. 4. The sin-offering the meat-offering, etc. joh. 1.16.17. & 14.6.  
V The convocation of the feigned, & professed children of God in their laws, precepts; doctrine, and fellowships, are called metaphorrically, a vine; and their scocieties vineyards; and their do grapes, but all vain, empty and bitter, Cant. 1.6. Mat. 15.1.9. Isa. 66.5. A burden to all the true borne seed, Gall. 4.28.  
But jesus Christ is the True Vine, In union with whom, and in whose teachings, and opperationes: real comforts are met with, joh. 16.27. & 14.21.23. & 15.1.10.  
VI The members of Christ in their several scocieties, in union with Christ, and one another are vines, Cant. 2.15. & 6.11. & 7.12.  
But Christ is the True Vine; He in whom they have their being, & from whom their growth, and name of vine; he of, and in himself in his own person is, the vine, they neither in, nor of themselves are so, but as they are in, and one with him; whence the particular persons, scarce so called, but the societies, as they are one together in him; who is the green tree, from whom their fruit is found Cant. 4.15. Psalm. 52.8. Hose. 14.8.  
So that if we would have the preparation for life, God hath made receive the testimony of love he hath given, and receive his promises with which comes plenty, peace, and safety, drink of the wine that cheereth both God, and man, have the spirit of life, & be fruitful in it; Abide in Christ: he is the vine in which all this is, if we would be freed from being snared with outward mercies from perrishing in the polutiones, and witherings of Adam; or by the polutiones of the world, or documents of men: if we would not rest in shadows, nor be puffed up by grace received; if we would enjoy the blessing in mercies, and the life that is for ever, & so receive saving comforts, and refresh; Abide in Christ: and know, that he, even he, & he only, is verily, the True Vine, again; our saviour having instructed them concerning himself doth likewise instruct them concerning themselves, in respect of their condition in him, and in respect of him, and that he is; He the Vine; And to them he saith, Vers. 5. Yea are the Branches; he spoke too, and of his disciples, that had received his word, were cleansed by it, and so in him; Vers. 3.4, In which saying to his disciples, are two things very observable.  
First that all men are not in Christ; all men are not branches in this True Vine: Men are children of God, and so branches in this vine by faith in Christ, Gall. 3.26. But all men have not faith, 2 Thes. 3.2. Some without Christ, Eph. 2.12. Some writ in the earth, united in hart to earthy things. Jer. 17.5.6.13. Rev. 13.18; Some still verily natural as they are of Adam, 2. Cor. 2.14; Some of the worldly combination, all which lie yet in wickedness, 1. joh. 2.15. & 5.19. Yea and many in professed church assemblies, that yet are not in Christ, Cant. 1.6. Rev. 3.9. Yea it is very probable, that in comparrison of others, they are but few that are branches in Christ, Isa. 53.1. Mat. 7.14. Luk. 12.30.32. True it is, jesus Christ took the nature of mankind, of all men, all that come of Adam, Act. 17.24. joh. 1.14. Rom. 8.3. And in that nature hath died, and risen, and is glorified, and filled with life, and Spirit for men, Rom. 5.24. Eph. 4.8. Psal. 68.18. But this nature of Adam or man, Christ took of man, Heb. 2.14. Gall. 4.4. Not we of him this frail nature, but he of us took this, whence he is called; the son of man, of Adam. joh. 5.14. Luk. 9.56. and 3.38. And though in himself he hath restored, and glorified this nature for us, yet our coming in to him to partake with him is by the Spirit, or pour of the divine nature that is in him, 2. Cor. 5.17. 1. Cor. 1.30.  
And so all men by nature, and first birth be Adam's sons, and as the Gentiles in opposition to the jews were of the wild Olive tree, so all men coming from Adam, and remaining in their natural state, oposed to Christ, and those born of him be of the corrupt, and pohited vine, dead in trespasses, and sius. Eph. 2.1.2.3. Yea even the Jews themselves, though branches of the true-olive: and tipical vine; yet in respect of spiritual onenesse in, and with Christ, they by first birth are not branches in him, but children of the flesh, dead in sins, Rom. 8.9. And need a new birth to bring them into Christ, that they may be branches in him. joh. 3.3.5.  
So that no man by his first birth is a branch in this vine nor any, but such as are in some sort born again; so that though Christ hath for all men taken their nature, and restored it, yet all men are not in him, and so receive not that restoration.  
Secondly, we have to note, that; these spoken too, now were, but always had not been branches in this True Vine; They were by nature dead in sins and trespastes once, Eph. 2.1.2.3.4.5. Sometime of the world. joh. 7.5: out of which they were since chosen, joh. 15, 16, 19 So that in this, that they were now branches in this vine; we have four things considerable; I. How they came to be branches in Christ the true-vine. II. In what sense they are said to be in him. III. What degrees are considerable about being in Christ, as branches in the vine. IU. What is intimated by their being in Christ, as branches in the vine, and all this as Scripture showeth, speakeing of such things, appears to be: That  
I. Their becoming to be branches in this vine was not by, and according to nature, and natural means; for Jesus Christ is a spiritual man, the Lord from heaven heavenly, and so in that not like the first Adam, who was a natural man, and had his posterity in his loins, to come forth of him by a natural generation, 1 Cor. 15, 45, 47. Gen. 5, 2, 3, 4. But as the Lord Christ is a spiritual man, so his seed is a spiritual seed, not naturally springing forth from him, but supernaturally, and spiritually by a new birth from above: brought in to him, joh. 3, 3, 5. and 6, 44, 45. So as none are branches in Christ, but such as were branches of the first, and fallen Adam first, Pro. 8, 31, 32. joh. 1, 4. Whence that thinks for some, Rom. 6, 17. So as for coming to be branches in Christ, there must be a setting forth of Christ, to the natural branches of Adam to be believed in. Rom. 3.24, 25, 26. And therein a taking out of the old Adam, and ingrasting into Christ the new; like that, Rom. 11, 17. And this is effected as the new birth, (being the same with it) by water, and Spirit, joh. 3, 5. Isa. 44, 3, 4, 5. Ezek. 36, 24, 27. 1 joh. 5, 6.  
I. By water; (which spiritually understood is) the free love of God in the gift of his son, & commended through his son, as set forth, and declared in the Gospel or word of grace; with such presence of spirit as makes it discernible, Deut. 32, 1.2.3.4. joh. 3.5.14.15.16. 1. joh. 5.6.7.8. Which shows how Christ was broken, and opened for us, Isa. 53; What God hath done, and prepared for us in him, 2. Cor. 5.19; And so evidenceth the love of God to call, and draw us to him, Rom. 5.8.10. Tit. 3.4.5. joh. 4.10; And so are they begot to him by the word, Vers. 4. jam. 1.18.  
II. By the holy spirit of Christ or power of the divine nature, entering the word into the hart, so giving light, and glorifying Christ to the hart, and Gods love through him, 2. Cor. 3.3. Psal. 119.130. joh. 15.26. & 16.14.15. 2. Cor. 4.6. So as he thereby breaks of all old Adam like confidences, and in some measure enables to believe in Christ, and so brings into him, enableing them to receive the testimony, Phil. 3.3.7.8.9. Act 11.20.21. 1. Thess. 1.5.2. Thess. 1.10; So as they begin to rely on God in Christ. Rom. 4.22, 25. And to love Christ & his 1. Pet. 1.8.21.22.23; And so come in to him to attend on him for teaching, and life, joh. 6.67.68.69. In which teaching of his by his spirit, they are united in hart; or spirit to him, and renewed, Tit. 3.5.6.7. 2. Cor. 3.17.18.  
And so were these borne again, and brought into Christ and made branches in him, Mat. 16, 16. joh. 14.14.17. & 15.14.16.19.  
II. The sense in which they are said to be branches in him is likewise spiritual, suitable to the spiritual man, and so not to be understood of a carnal union, or in being, but of a spiritual union and in being in Christ, the joining is by spirit, and union spiritual one spirit, 1 Cor. 6 17; And so as he is in the believers spiritually and by spirit, and spiritual opperationes, viz.  
I. By his gracious word, by spirit put into their hart, Psal. 119.130. Isa. 59.21. joh. 17.6.8. 2. Cor. 3.3. and 5.19.  
TWO By that spiritual evidence, and testimony of himself, and his, and his father's love given into their hart, which he hath enabled them to receive, and hold, 1. joh. 5.10. 2. Tim. 1 12. Rom. 8 15.16  
III By his spirit, or spiritual disposition, and mind, infused to them, and created in them; as indweller, and living principle, with its motiones Ezek. 36.26. Rom. 8.9. 1. Cor. 2.16. 2. Cor 3.3. 1. joh. 3.24. Gall. 5.18.22.23. And thus is Christ in them spiritually; and so, and in the same sense are they in him, that is spiritually. And so.  
I. By faith, or the spirit of faith, in receit of the testimony coming in to him, closeing with him, and relyeing on him by believing in him, 2. Cor. 4.10.13. Gall. 3.26 29. joh. 1.12.13; And so in him by faith.  
II. By love springing from his love shed abroad in their hart by the holy spirit, by which they love him, and God in him; and him at the right hand of God, and him in his spiritual presence in his people, Rom. 5.5. 1. joh. 4 19 20.21. and 5 1. 1. Pet. 1.8 22, And so they cleave to him, and are in him By love, desires, delight, and well-pleasedness in him, Call. 3.1.2.11. 1 Cor. 16.22. joh. 14.21.23 and 16.27. Psal. 73.25.  
III. By a sweet, and hearty submission to be under his teachings, and in fellowship with him, and his people, Psal. 73.24. joh. 6.68.69. Gall. 2.20.  
And thus were they in Christ by faith, and love, and delight in him, and submission to his teachings, in spiritual fellowship with him, and his people in his ordinances, Pro. 8.34.35. Psal. 27.1.4.5; And thus were they branches in this spiritual, and True Vine.  
iv The degrees considerable about being in Christ: as branches in the vine are threefold, I. Preparing, and drawing to him, II. Establishing, and firmeing in him, III. Farther rootedness in known, and grown establishment and fruitfulness.  
I. In Some sense, or degree, or preparation, and drawing to a nighness with Christ into the outward court of his temple, and under his shadow, and teachings, into fellowship with his people, in his ordinances; to bear his name, and so into the way in which waiteing they shall be fastened in him, as that Psal. 78.5.8. and Hose. 1, 1, 3.4; And this is when in the heavenly call, or in the declaration of the Gospel, so much light; and power of the spirit goeth forth, that they are brought to discern, and believe the truth of the report, Gall. 3 1; So far as to admire the excellencies of Christ, and his doctrine, Gall 4.14; To desire after him, joh 6.34 To yield to be his disciples, to attend among his people in his ordinances and to make profession of his name; so far those of whom Paul was yet afraid, Gall 4.11; Yea so far those, 1. joh. 2.19. Yea so far judas, and Simon Magus, Act. 8.13.  
But yet these are not so prevailed with by the grace extended, as to yield up so far to its opperationes, as to deny themselves, and let all their own interests go for Christ; and so to be drawn out from the love and fellowship of the world; in the estimate of, reliance one, and desire of retaining the repute, and advantages of humane wisdom righteousness, honour, riches, etc. & to have all their delighs & satisfying in Christ, who is not yet form in them, nor they yet come to keep sabbath in him; Gall. 4.9.19. Heb 4.1.4; These also are of those that are called, but not yet chosen, and so though with such chosen ones, as, 1. Pet 2.9; Yet not of them, 1. joh. 2.19. Though while they abide, they are reckoned brethren, and together with the rest branches in the vine, and in abiding, there is hope fullness, that they in due season, shall be ingrated, and firmed; Gall, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 5.4.10. Yet of these their be two sorts one sort, that are humbled, and gained through the grace believed, to take heed to the word, as to a light shineing in a dark place, 2, Pet. 1, 19 And in waiteing to yield themselves to obey the doctrine, and grace of Christ and of these little fear, but great hope, Heb. 3, 7, 14. 2, joh, 9 The other sort such as do secretly allow themselves to satisfy some pardominat lust, of covetousness, pride, etc. and as judas and Simon Magus, and of such, though while abideing, some hope they may be prevailed with yet it's but small and doubtful, and the fear great, 1, joh, 2.19. Whence that distinction, jud, 22, 23, And that exortation to one of these latter, Act, 8, 22, 23.  
II. There is a farther degree, when through the grace believed in the heavenly call, they are pervailed with, to suffer the loss of all for Christ and by the power of the grace believed, enablied to take satisfying in Christ and heartily to rest on god in Christ for eternal life, and all that apertaines thereunto, and so given up to be the Lords, Act, 26, 18, Rom, 4, 23, 25. And heerin receiving in believing remission of sins, and the spirit of adoption, to inhabit, comfort, and lead them, Rom, 5, 1, 5. and 8, 2, 14, 15. They are so knit to Christ, and to his chosen ones, that their delight is in him, and fellowship with him; and them; so as they cannot departed from him, joh, 6, 68, 69, joh, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 2, 19, 20. Psal, 16, 1, 2, etc. And thus are they by grace chosen out of the world; the state, love, and fellowship of the world, into Christ and love, and fellowship with him, and his, joh, 15, 16, 19, 1, Pet, 2, 9 And so though weakness be found in them, and they may yet be wanting in the fullness of joy, in respect of clear knowledge and usefulness of their establishment, yet are they not of the world but in a stable condition, and such as shall never be forsaken, Heb, 8, Ier, 31; And thus were these spoken too branches in the vine, in Christ the True Vine.  
III. Yet is there a farther degree of rootedness, and growth in oneness in this vine, such as was prayed for these that were already one in him, joh, 17, 20, 21; Which is in a more abundant, and bright discovery of the excellencies of Christ in the hope of his call and glorious riches of his inheritance in the saints, and the power of the resurrection, giving more full testimony, and knowledge of establishment and so full assurance, more conforming to Christ, Eph. 1.14.17.20. Rom. 8.16.17.32.33. etc. Which these also had after Christ his ascension, and giving of the Holy Ghost, 2. Cor. 3.18. and 4.6.  
To those of the first degree is hopefulness in abiding; and the greatness of the danger mentioned in unfruitfulness, and departure to those of the second degree safety, though not always the knowledge, comfort, and usefulness of it, and to loss of much may they come by unfruitfulness, and want of constancy in abideing, in drinking in, and yielding to the opperationes off his grace.  
To those off the third degree is assurance, and knowledge, and usefulness of their safety, with more growth in rootedness, and fruitfulness; Now this saying in this place, Yea are the branches: is so ordered, that though it be immediately, and directly spoken to those (at that time) of the second degree, yet it hath its usefulness to both the other, as is hinted in this already said of them.  
iv That which is intimated, and set forth in their being affirmed to be in him, and he in them; He the vine, they the Branches; and so branches in him, is more than I can reach in my understanding, much less can I express it, but according to what I am helped to understand, I will briefly mention as according to Scripture I may.  
I. Their union, that they are one in and with Christ, and as this in other simillies is shown; as that of a marriage, in which is, a donation by God of Christ to the hart, and of the hart to Christ an acceptation, consent, and covenant between Christ and the hart, and a fellowship for fruit, in which they become one Spirit, Rom. 7.4.5. 1. Cor. 6.17. And that of a building, a temple, or house, he the foundation; the believers together builded on him, his temple or house, for an habitation of God, through the Spirit, 1. Pet. 2.4.5. 2. Cor. 6.16. In which is oneness, Eph. 2.19.22. And, that of a body he the head, and the believers the members, united to him; all filled with, and knit together, and led by one Spirit of life in him the head immeasureably, in them according to the measure of his dispensation, flowing from him into, and through each member, by which they grow up in him, and are compact together, and so among them one Spirit, and one body, Eph. 4.15.16.4. and 5.30. And so of a green olive-tree, etc. And thus here of the true vine, and the branches; which are but one tree, and so they were and all unfeigned believers are one in, and with Christ by a divine faith, begot by a devive testimony in their hart, fastening in Christ, and by the operation of his divine love in their hart, springing up spiritual, and divine love, closeing with, and cleaveing to him, and by the operation of his inspired word of life, which they having received, are by it subdued to his teachings, leading into fellowship with him, and such union, and oneness have they as is before shown, in which they are one Spirit with the Lord● one body of the Lord, one Temple or house for the Lord to dwell in; one tree or vine-tree, he the root, and main Body they the bows, and branches, and so not only in him, but still entering into farther union, and growth, for farther fruitfulness, Heb. 4.3. Not only in confidence in him, love to him, and receit of teaching from him: but both in all this, and through this into farther, oneness with him, and so with God the Father in, and through him: into  
I. Oneness with God in his great desighne, of glorifying jesus Christ; and shewning forth all his goodness in, and through him; the great design; purpose, and business of almighty God, is, hath been, and will be, to glorify himself, in glorifying his Son, that himself may be glorified in, and through his Son; joh. 12.28. Pro. 8.22.31. joh. 5.20.23. The main design of Christ is the same, in all the glory he receiveth from the Father, joh. 17.1.6. and 7.18. And the believers abiding in him, grow into union with him in this desighne, to glorefy Christ that God may be glorified in, and by him, Phill 1.20.  
II. Oneness with God in spiritual habitation; in delightful love, and well-pleasedness, his delightful love, and well-pleasedness being in his son, and through him in all those made one with, and sons in his son, Mat. 3.17. and 17.5. Pro. 8.31. Psal. 132.13.17. and 148.14. and 149.4; And so their delight, and well-pleasedness in Christ, and through him in all that by grace are made one in him, Phill. 3.3.8.9.10. and 4.4. Psal. 73.25, and 16.2.  
III. Oneness with God in his will and love of compassion towards them that are yet ignorant, and through ignorance unbelieving; willing their preservation, & repentance, waiteing with patience for them, and useing means towards them, that they might repent, and come to life, 1. Tim. 2.4. Psal. 145.8.9.2. Pet. 3.9. Mat. 5.44.45. Tit. 3.2. Act. 26.18.  
FOUR Oneness with Christ in yielding the flesh, or old man to be crucified; to have the new revived, and so to live in the Spirit to God, Rom. 6.3.6. Eph. 4.21.24. 1. Pet. 3.18. and 4.1.2.  
And so oneness with Christ in all his interests, and privillidges next mensioned.  
II. These sayings you in me; I in you; I the Vine; yea the Branches (as also the other simmilies of oneness between husband, and wife in marriage foundation, and building in a temple, or house, head, and members in a body) do set forth their interest and right to participation, and spiritual participation in a first fruits now, and fullness in the harvest of all the interests; privillidges, and riches of jesus Christ, joh. 1.12. 1. Cor. 3.22.23.  
So that verily His Father is their Father, joh. 20.17." Psal. 89.26 Rom. 8.15. His Spirit is their Spirit, to dwell in, and comfort, and lead them, Gall. 4.6.7. His Brethren their Brethron, joh. 20.17. Mat. 23.8. His Promises their Promises That God hath made stable in him for them, 2. Cor. 1.20.21. 2. Pet. 1.4. And not only, his death is their death, and his resurrection their resurrection; but his wisdom, righteousness, holiness, redemption, and life, is their wisdom, righteousness, holiness, redemption and life, 1. Cor. ●. 30. joh. 14.19. Rom. 8.2. Yea his people is their people, his inheritance, their inheritance, Gall 3.29. Rom. 8.17. And so his kingdom, and glory, their kingdom, and glory, Luk. 12.32. and 22.29. Coll. 3.4. Yea in a word, his servants for attendance and service, be their servants for attendance, and service. Heb. 1.6.7.14. Yea not only such, but his servants for use, and advantage, besides their will are so, their servants also, 1. Cor. 3.22. So are they interessed in all the privillidges of this True Vine, in the glorious husbandman the living sap, the vineyard, and the fruits.  
III. This saying you in me; I in you, I the Vine, yea the Branches doth set forth a great deal of honour, that God doth put upon them according to that. joh. 12.26. and 5.23. with 1. Sam. 2.30 In that as he doth all things by Christ, and showeth forth his righteousness through Christ who is the righteousness of God, in whom God dwells, and through whom the divine nature shows forth its virtues, and opperationes joh. 1. Heb. 1. joh. 5.1. Tim. 3.16. So now, as Christ is the fuitefull vine, even so the grapes, his virtues shall be brought forth through them, 1. Pet. 2.9. He not only  them with his son for their righteousness, Phill. 3.8.9. But also makes them the righteousness of God in him, 2. Cor. 5.21. So as even his divine power in Christ for convencement, alureing to Christ, comforting, edifying by Spirit, shall be effected in their ministration by word, and conversation, joh. 16.7.15.1. Cor. 3.5.2 Cor. 13.1.2.3.1. Thes. 1.8. Yea his love, and mercies shall appear through their love and mercy, 2. Cor. 5.14.19.20. Yea his righteousness shall appear through them, and they shall be his witnesses, Psal. 92.15. Isa. 43.10.12. So now in a measure, and after in fullness will he be seen, and admired in them, etc. A great honour. 2. Thes. 1.10. Psal. 149.4.9.  
iv This their being Branches in Christ doth father import, that all their life, comfort, and fruitfulness, dependeth not on the first Adam, themselves or any wisdom, strength industry, or creature at all, but him, and on him only, so that being, and abiding in him, they receive life from him, who is full of power love, and faithfulness and none can overturn him, In whom all fullness dwells, and flows. joh. 1.14.16. Coll 1.19. joh. 11.25.26. and 14.19.  
And as he instructed them about himself, and themselves so he instructed them likewise about his father, the great Almighty God, the father of our Lord jesus Christ, and in him the father of all that by faith are one him, Vers. 1. (As he saith.)  
And my father is the Husbandman; which holds forth.  

I. That he hath made, and prepared this vine, as his own peculiar, the wine whereof himself will drink, and with the same refresh his choice friends, Cant, 5.1. Psal. 36.8.9. He found the ransom. joh. 33.24. He gave his son. joh. 3.16.1. joh. 4.14. He made him flesh. joh. 1.14. He made him to be sin, and curse for us, 2. Cor. 5 21. Gall 3.13. He raised him from the dead; and made him wisdom, and righteousness for us, Rom. 4.25.1. Cor. 1.30. He hath accepted his sacrifice, and taken well-pleasedness in him. Heb. 10.1.10. Mat. 3.17. and 17.5. He hath filled him with spirit, and eternal life for men, & so hath made him a quickening spirit, Psal. 68.18. Isa. 61.1.1. joh. 5.10.11 1. Cor. 15.45. And so hath set him forth for a propitiation, Rom. 3.25. A witness, leader and commander, Isa. 55 4. The medium of dispensing spirit, Isai. 42 1.2. And coming into him, and of fruitfulness, joh. 10 9 So is he the vine; the True Vine, which God hath made, and prepared.  
II. That from the beginning he by spirit, in such means, as he used hath been drawing in some to his son, and these are his chosen, his vineyard, in whom his word is put, and so he in them, that from them he may be declared to others, Pro. 9.1. Isa. 5. and 28.16.  
III. He still useth means through Christ, to make him known, and so to open him, and call, and draw into him, and engraft in him, this being peculiarly in some sense the father's work, joh. 1.13. Mat. 16.16. joh. 17 6.7.8. and 6.44.45. and 3.14.15. Rom. 5.8, 10.2. Tim. 1.9. And this he doth by his gospel, Rom. 1.16. And that both in his servants ministration thereof, joh. 17.20 23. Rom. 10.14 15.17.1. Cor. 3.5. And also by his spirit opperating therein, and therewith, Act. 11.21.2. Cor. 13.3. Whence that Act. 26.18.  
iv That when God hath made known his son by the Gospel; and vouchsafed the ministration of it by his servants, with some motiones of his spirit calling to Christ, and so into his vineyard, he (According to his nighdrawing in the means, and drawing them nigh to Christ and his) looks that they should bring forth fruits, Isa. 5.4. Luk. 13.6. Even fruits of repontance, Mat. 3. Faith, love, joy, peace etc. Gall 5.22.23. And glorifying him, that others thereby might come to praise him, Mat. 5.16.  
V When he hath used such means, and striven with them and waited for them his time, and some bring forth no fruit, that is suitable to the means, and for him, He taketh them away, either by taking gospel, and church state from them, Mat. 21.42.43. and 23.37.38.2. Chron. 36, 16 17. Isa. 5.5.6. Or by taking away his spiritual opperationes from them, and so reprobating them, jer. 6.16.31. Ezek. 24 13. Mat. 3.1. joh. 2.19. Heb. 2.1.4. and 10.29.30.  
V I. Those which by the means, and spirit therein do bring forth fruit he, purgeth that they may bring forth more fruit.   
I. He purgeth, and cleanseth, by the grace, the promise● the spirit given all opperating, to reprove sin, joh. 16.8.9.10. To deny ungodliness, etc. Tit. 2.11.12. To cleanse from all 〈◊〉 thinnessthinness of flesh, and spirit, 2. Cor. 7.1, And so is withering, a●● crucifying the flesh, with the affectiones, and lusts thereof Isa, 40.6.7. Gall. 5.24.  
II. He purgeth by afflictiones, and correctiones (as often as need is) to take down pride, break them of their enterprises, return them from their strayings, and hasten them to himself, that they may being judged in the world, not be condemned with the world, but partake of his righteousness 1. Pet. 1.6. joh. 33.16.24. Heb. 12.6.11.1. Cor. 11.32. Isa. 27.8.9.  
III. He purgeth them, in nurturing with the cross o● Christ enabling them, to suffer shame, loss, hard-ship, etc. fo● the name of Christ by whom the world is made as a crucified thing to them, and they become as crucified to it which freed from many snares, Gall. 6.14.2. Tim. 3.11.12.  
And all this purging is, that they may partake of the virtue of 〈◊〉 resurrection of Christ, & bring forth more fruit, Rom. 6.4.5.6.  
VII. He accepteth, and treasureth up those fruits that are brought forth by the opperationes of his spirit, in, and through those that abide in Christ and make them useful, 1. Pet. 2.3.4.5.9. Cant. 5.1.  
VIII. He owneth, knoweth, keepeth, and approveth, this vine, and vineyard, and branches with the fruits thereof, Mat. 3.17. Psal. 16.2. Tim. 2.19. Cant. 6.2.3. and 7.12. He hath not only a right over them, to dispose of them, for so all are his, Psal. 119.91. The earth is the lords, and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein, Psal. 24.1. Yea the whole field is his, Mat. 13.24. But these are his garden, Isa. 51.3. His vineyard, Psal. 80.15. His pleasant portion. jer. 12.10. His peculiar, above all the field: his treasure. Deut. 7.6. Psal. 135.4. His inheritance, Deut. 9.26.29. And his jewels. Matt. 3.17. So that they are owned as his choice portion, with special love, care, and portection.  
And thus hath he instructed his disciples, and us in them about, his father, himself, and themselves, which as it might be a motive to deter all from harmeing them, and to allure men to come, and suffer themselves by the doctrine of Christ to be drawn forth of the field into this vineyard, and so into Christ and a strong motive, to those that are in Christ, & have of his word, and spirit in them, to abide, and walk in him, in the faith, and love of him and submission to his teachings, and to have his word, & spirit, with all its opperationes abiding in them; seeing they are in such a vine; and have such a Husband man.  
Again: As our Saviour had been instructing his disciples, so he had been admonishing them in warning them of the danger of unfruitfulness, and not abiding in him, namely: 

I. That while they abide in the belief of him, and his word enlightened to their hart: and in fellowship with his, and his word abideth in their hart, there is a possibility of bringing forth fruit to God, Psal. 78.5.6.7.8. Act. 28.27. Heb. 4.12. And in suffering its opperationes, and yielding up thereunto assurance of bringing forth fruit, Rom. 12.1. 2. Goll. 3.16. Isa. 48.18. As here, Vers. 2.4.5.6.  
II. That not abiding in him, and his word, but suffering it either to be stolen away, or not to have its operation, and rooting in the hart it is impossible to bring forth fruit, that will abide, or be accepted, Mat. 13.19.20.21. As here, Vers. 5.6.  
III. That those to whom he is made known, and his word come, and they brought to the vineyard, and bring forth no fruit, God taketh away in withdrawing his light, and spirit from them, and so closeth their eyes, and giveth them up to hardness, joh. 12.38.39.40.2. Thess. 2.10. And casteth them forth, even from the hart, and spiritual fellowship of his living people, jer. 14.11. 1. joh. 5.11. and 2.19. and manifesteth them, 2. Tim. 3.9. Psal. 12.5.  
iv That when they are taken away, and cast forth, they whither, and are soon withered; their moisture, light, zeal, and courage, and beauty is gone, Psal. 125, 5.8. Ezek. 19.10.13. jud. 12. As here. Vers. 6.  
V That when they are withered, men gather them, while they retained his word, and till the light sweetness, and savour of it was dried up they could not be so easily drawn by Satan, or lusts, or men, to other doctrine, or to idolatry, or oppression, persecution, or the like but being withered, they are driven with every wind, and men gather them to any superstition, oppression, etc. they turn into Egypt, or the world again, and their sin grows ripe, and they become of the seed of the Serpent, the worst of men, jam. 1.14.15. In●. 4.5.12. Mat. 5.13. As here, Vers. 6.  
VI Men thus throw them into the fire, and they fall under the wrath of God, and his angels shall bind them in bundles, and they shall be thrown into everlasting fire, Pro. 7.7.27. Mat. 13.30.41.42. As here, Vers. 6.    
A fair, and whole some warning, with might terrify any that receive gospel from remaining as highway, or stony, or thorny ground, or harbouring such a secret evil disposition, as ludas, and Simon Magus did or from despising the word, and quenching the spirit, and it is a wholesome admonition to all believers to shun all degrees of withdrawing and backssliding from faith, love, or any opperationes of the grace and spirit of Christ, and now farther our saviour with this admonition joins, and gives to his disciples for quickening up their spirits, a sweet, and foreceible exhortation, and encouragement, to abide in him, and that he; and his word may abide in them, and this from manifold sure grounds; and strong motives, that will meet in one, Viz.  
I. The experience they had already found of the goodness of him, in, and by the word he had spoken to them. Vers. 3. He had spoken, and given to them, the word gospel or glad tidings of peace, remission of sins, and everlasting life, which the father hath prepared in him, which word, of gospel the father gave him to spoke, Mar. 1.14.15. joh. 12.49.50. and 17.6.7. In which word, or gospel is declared; The peace, or atonement, Christ by death, resurrection, and sacrifice hath wrought, and the fullness of grace, and truth i● him; and the greatness of God's love in giving him, and h●● readiness to accept all that believe on him, Luk. 24. 46.4● joh. 1.4.9.12.14.16. and 3.16.17. And the father sending forth spirit in this declaration, did so enlighten their hearts, an● prevail with them that he therein brought them to believe Mat. 16.16. In which repentance was wrought in them, an● they received remission of sins, and life, and so were turned from darkness to light, begotten to Christ made clean, and righteous in him, and so sanctified to God, and had interest i● the things of Christ, Act. 11.18. and 10.43. Rom. 5.1.5.8.10.11. Tit. 3.4.5.6. joh. 3.5. In which they expetimented his word to be the words of eternal life, joh. 6.68.69.  
So that as in him, through that he hath done in himself, life was prepared for men, even so through him by his word and spirit bringing the word to their hart, they had received of the life in him, and so experimented the goodness of him in his word, and to them and such as they this must needs be a strong, and forceible motive, to abide in the faith, and love of him, and to have his word abiding, and opperating in them, Psal. 119.93.1. Pet. 1.21.22.23. and 2.2.3. Whence that, 2. Pet. 1.9.  
II. The power effecacy, and fruitfulness of the same grace, that will operate and show forth itself in fruitfulness in those that abide in him, and have his word abiding in them, Vers. 5. So that such as abide in mindfulness of his word, and so in their belief, estimate, love of, and submission to him, and his teachings, and so suffer his word to abide in them in its opperationes, it will be profitable, and fruitful in them, and make them fruitful also, Heb. 4.12. Isa. 55.3.10.12. I. It will free them, not only from that casting of, withering, and burning foremencioned, joh. 11.25.26. But also from those out-going, falls, snares hart condemnationes, and sore correctiones that others by inconstancy, and forgetfulness of him fall into, Rom. 8.1.2. Isa. 4.2. Psal. 119.9.92. 1. Cor. 15.1.4.  
II. It will bring forth plenty of fruits in them, of love, joy, peace, patience, meekness, heavenly desires, and motiones that will spring forth to spiritual, prayers, confession, conversation, etc. Coll. 3.16. joh. 7.38.39.  
III. It will lead too, and bring forth blessed fruits in their word, and conversation for convincing unbelievers, alluring the convinced to Christ and edifying believers, Isa. 61.3.7. 2. Pet. 1.7.8. 2. Cor. 13.18. And this also is a strong and forceible motive to abide in Christ, and that his word may abide in us.  
III. The abundant love of the Father to Christ his Son, so that all that are brought to, and abides in this his Son, and have him in his Word and Spirit abiding in them, he loveth them as he loveth his Son, with the same delightful love. joh. 12.26. & 14.23. & 17.23. And giveth them eternal life, joh. 3.35.36. And whatsoever they ask of him; they abiding in Christ, and his words in them; it shall be done to them, vers 7. Ch. 16.23.24.27. Which also is a strong motive to abide in him, and that his words may abide in us. Pfall. 66.18.19.20.  
iv The assured comfortable issue of all, namely: That in his word abiding in them, and they abiding in him, and so bringing forth fruits, their main desighne, and business, even that in which they are one with God and Christ, shall be accomplised, to the satisfying, and joying of their hearts, that is, God shall be glorified, and so they shall be disciples, and followers of Christ, like him indeed, verse 8. Phill. 1.20. Which is a sweet prevailing motive; And how much more all these in one, the fore-experiments, and present operation of his grace, the Father's love, and answer of prayers, and glorifying himself in their fruitfulness, is it a strong motive, to exort, and encourage to abide in Christ, and to have his word abiding in us.  
And our saviour having thus already instructed admonished, and encouraged his disciples, proceedeth in the, 9 and 10. Verses. To a father encouragement direction and instruction of them to this Abiding that their joy might be full. From which practice of our saviour might be observed.  
I. That the work of the ministration of the Gospel is a continual work to be followed, not only for bringing in men still to Christ, but even also for building up, and encouraging those that are in Christ while they are in these clay tabernacles, so was the ministration of the Gospel by jesus Christ from the beginning of it, from the baptism of john, till the day that he left the world, Act. 1.21.22. joh. 16.28. and 17.4.12.13. And so was the ministration of his servant till the time of their departure, 2. Tim. 4.6.7.8. 2. Pet. 1.13.14. And such is the ministration of his servants still to be a continued work, and that not only that they may continue being the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and by their light shining to win in men to glorify God, Mat. 5.13.16. But olso for such as God hath blessed their ministration unto, and made them instruments by which the spirit hath brought them to Christ enabled them to believe on him, and writ his mind in their hart, they are not then to cease their ministration towards them, but then to follow one, and more abundantly to care for watch over, pray for, instruct, admonish, and encourage them for their father building up, and preservation in the faith, and provocation to love, and good works, 2. Cor. 3.2. to 17. and 11.2.3. jud. 1.5. Act. 20.28.  
II. That those, who are through grace brought into believe, and so made clean by the word of Christ applied to them, and so in Christ and he in them it is meet, needful, profitable, and safe for them, to be still attending the ministration of Christ in the Gospel, and to be further instructed, admonished; exhorted, and encouraged, and that again, and again, while they are in these clay tabernacles, 1. Cor. 13.10.12. Yea though they be sincere, and fruitful, Phil. 1.7. and 2.1.13. and 3.1.2.10. And know, and are established in the present truth, 2. Pet. 1.12.13. Yea though their faith, love, and hope be steadfast, and opperative, and their election of God so testified as may be known. 1. Thess. 1.3.5. and 3.2. Yet still the ministration of the Gospel is meet, needful, and safe even for them, because of oppositiones in flesh, and weakness, (and wants that yet may yet be found in the usefulness) of their faith, and love, and orderly walking, 1. Thess. 3.2.3.10.  
And good ends, and reasons for both these points are given in the scripture itself, as to instance briefly a few.  
I. To stit up, and keep mindful, and waking the hearts of the believers, 2. Pet. 1.13. and 3.1. That so they may not suffer that lose in opportunities which forgetfulness, & sleepiness endangers too, Cant. 5.2.3.6.  
II. To prevent, and save from seducements by false doctrine, which estrange from God, and Christ, 1. Cor. 15. to the end. 2. Cor. 11.1.2.3.11. 1. joh. 2.19.  
III. To prevent, and save from the enticements, and deceitfulness of sinful, and worldly lusts that withdraw from God, Heb. 3.1.12.13. 1. joh. 2.16.  
iv To edify in faith, love, & hope, 1 Thess. 5.11. jud. 20.21.22.  
V To provoke to fruitfulness in love, and good works, Tit. 3.8. Heb. 10.24.  
VI To help forward to fullness of joy, and comfort that may abide and hold in times of tribulation, 1. joh. 1.4. 1. Thess. 3.2.3.  
So that in the truth of these two observationes, in Christ, practice, and teaching it appears, that it comes not from the spirit of Christ for any dispensour of the Gospel, to think, that when any are by their ministration brought to Christ that they may then leave their care over them, and cease their ministration towards them, all the scriptures of the Apostles show the contrary. Nor is it from the spirit of Christ for any that in believing know themselves in Christ, and he in them to conceit, they now need no more to attend the ministration of the Gospel, the whole scripture showeth the contrary, and this might also be an exhortation to us, both to the use of, and attendance to the continual ministration of the Gospel, 2. Tim. 4.2. Heb. 13.7.8, etc. Now in the 9 and 10. Verses: For the better, and more full understanding of that which is therein held forth to us, it is meet first to consider some circumstances about the words, and then that which is set forth in the words themselves.  
First: For the Circumstances, these three are considerable.  
I. Who it is, that affirmeth so great Love. II. To; and off whom so great love is affirmed. III. To what end the saying is recorded.  
I. For the first, whose affirmation this is of so great, and peculiar love; It is evident from the chapters before, and vers. 1. of this chapter, that it is the affirmation of jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. Rom. 1.4. Joh. 11.27. And the Saviour of the world. joh. 4.42. 1. joh. 4.14. And head, and husband of his Church. Eph. 5.25.32. Who is the truth itself, joh. 14.6. All whose words are truth, and nothing false, or wreathed in them, Pro. 8.7, 8. He of whom the Father hath born testimony. Mat. 3.17. joh. 5.37. He of, and to whom the Holy Spirit of truth, hath bo ne, and doth bear testimony, joh. 15.26. 1. joh. 5.6. He whose lips are full of grace, Psal. 45.2. And in whose mouth was never any guile found, 1. Pet. 2.22. So that of the truth, and verity of this affirmation, how great soever it were great sin to doubt at all, and needful it is, that we be firm in belief of this greatness, power love, and truth of our saviour his oneness with God, and his oneness with us, his love to mankind, and his peculiar love to the church, that so we may firmly believe the truth of this affirmation of so great love, etc. joh. 3.31.32.33. and 11.25.  
II. For the second, who they are to, and of whom so great, and peculiar love is affirmed, and invitation, and direction for abiding therein given it is evident to be the disciples of Christ: joh. 13. And though they were the eleven Apostles, judas Iscariot being gone out, and their could be no more at that time, because it would have been above a competent number for eating the  together, yet this affirmation was to them, as they were his disciples, and did believe on him, and love him, and so concerned all that did believe on him, and love him, as well as it did themselves that were present to hear, and this appears by the terms, and titles, by which they were called, as, His own which were in the world, Ch. 13.1. Which also were all given, and brought to him by the heavenly call, joh. 6.39.44.45. and 17.2.8. And disciples, Ch. 13.5.22.35. As all were that did believe on him, and love him, Mat. 5.1.13.14.15.16. And little children, chap. 13.33. appliable to all that believe on him, and love him, joh. 14.1. 1. joh. 2.12.13. And it appears likewise by the new commandment given them, chap. 13.34. Which is given to all that unfeignedly believe on him, 1. joh. 3.23.24. and 4.21. And it also appears by the promise of the spirit to them, joh. 14.16.17. Which promise belongs also to all that believe on him, joh. 7.38.39. Act. 2.38.39. And it appears also by the metaphor, and expressiones used in this 15. chap. In which all that it said of being Branches in him, Vers. 2.4.5. Of being clean through the redemption, and propitiation in him, by his preaching the Gospel spiritually applied to them, Vers. 3. Of abiding in him, Verse. 4. Of impossibility of bringing forth any spiritual, and acceptable fruit, without abiding in him, Vers. 4.5. Of the withering of such as abide not in him Vers. 6. Of the acceptation, and answering the prayers of such as abide in him, Vers. 7. Of the glorifying God by bringing forth much fruit by those that abide in him and his wordin them, Vers. 2.7.8. Every of which, and all of them appliable to every believer, Hose. 14.5.8. And nothing in all that is spoken which is so peculiar to the Apostles, But that it appertains also to all believers, yea, and to the Apostles themselves, rather as they were believers, then as they were Apostles, like that, Mat. 16.16.17.18. So that the affirmation of this so great love, is to, and of his disciples, that did believe on him and love him, in whom we have for our better understanding, and usefulness two things to be noted, one that they were indeed, believers in, and lovers of him, the other, that at that time, they were but babes, and cumbered with many infirmities.  
I. They were such as by the spirit of grace enlightening the Gospel, or word of grace to their haat, were brought to believe in jesus Christ and in that believing to love him, and so were also beloved of the Father. Mat. 16.16.17. joh. 16.27. They were not such as did challenge an interest in him, and his grace from any changes, or righteous works or frames of their own, like the old Pharisees, Luk 18.9, 11. Or new followers of them that by such changes; and works trusted in themselves that they were Christ's, 2. Cor. 10.7.12.18. Nor were they such as were brought to believe only through an ignorant admiration, and good persuasion of Christ occasioned by some reports, and sight of some great, rare, and wonderful works done by Christ as Nichodemus before he was borne again, joh. 3.2.3.5. Nor were they such as were brought to believe his doctrine, and admire him only through the beholding some excellency in his doctrine, and the heavenly, powerful, and majestical manner of his teaching, as those who were yet far from being borne again, joh. 7.46. and 8.30. Nor gained only to some fleeting desires after good from him, as those, joh. 6.28.34. Who yet took offence at his doctrine, but they were such as were brought to this their believing.  
I. By a spiritual illumination, revelation, or secret spiritual evidence and testimony given by God, through the Gospel to their hearts, evidencing to them and enlightening them in the great love of God in the gift of his son, and in the fullness of grace and truth in jesus Christ and that he is indeed the Christ the son of the living God, the saviour of the world, who hath made the atonement, and in whom is life, in which discovery, and evidence, their hearts were drawn to him, and enabled to believe on him, and love him, joh. 1.14.15.16. and 14 1. 1. joh. 4.14. Mat. 16.16.17. Isa. 55.4.5. Rom. 5.1.11. 1. Pet. 1.21.22.  
II. By a spiritual communication, and infusion of grace by Christ into their hart, Rom. 5.5. Tit. 2.4.5.6.7. Christ revealing his father, and his father's love to them and so giving in his father's words, or the Gospel he received to minister into their hearts, in receit whereof they experimented love, and found life even eternal life, and were thereby knit both in love, and confidence to him, joh. 17.6.8. and 1.16. and 6.68.69. 1. Pet. 1.21.22. and 2.3.4.5. Thus through the Gospel with spiritual illumination, and communication of grace, they did both believe in jesus Christ, and love him unfeignedly: And such they were.  
II. They were such as (notwithstanding this their faith in Christ, and love of him) were yet but babes, and subject to like infirmities, as we now are, and that not only so far as those, who were farther grown, than these yet were. Act. 14.14.15. jam. 5.17. But as then weaker, and more liable to be foiled with infirmities, and passiones in some measure; then such grown men were.  
I. They were as yet to that time of this affimation, but babes, and weak in the knowledge of heavenly mysteries, not yet able to understand parables, though they were not of the most mysterious parables, Mat. 15.16.17. Nor yet apt to understand the say of their own master, and teacher, Mar. 16.6, 9 Nor yet able to bear the sayings that Jesus Christ had to make known to them, Joh. 16.12. Nor did yet understand the scriptures that spoke of the sufferings, resurrection, and Kingdom of Christ, Luk. 24.25.26.27.  
II. They were as yet when this love was affirmed to them; but babes, and weak, in respect of the rule, and operation of grace, and their content taking therein, and being form to the likensse of Christ thereby, being at some time ready to dislike, and take offence, at their masters plain speaking of his cross, and sufferings, and to fault him, Mat. 16.21.23. Mar. 8.3.32. Some times ready to wish vengeance on such as dealt discourteously with their master, and them, Luk. 9.53.56. One some occasion ready to envy one another, Mat. 20.20.24.25. Sometimes to envy such as wrought miracles in the name of Christ, and did not follow them and to forbid them, Mar. 9.38.39. Sometimes to he striving, and reasoning who should be the greatest among them, Mat. 18.1.3. Mar. 9.33.34.  
III. They were as yet but babes, and weak for spiritual strength for standing, and walking, either in approving things most excellent, or giving excellent testimonies of love when tried, being sometimes ready to misjudge of, and take offence at the excellent works, and fruits of love, both in lesus Christ their Lord, and master, Mar. 3.20.21. joh. 13.8. And in such as greatly loved him, Mat 26.8.16. And at one time of trial not able to watch with him one hour. Mat. 26.37.40.41. And again in trial ready to withdraw though not from their faith, and love; yet from the walking in, acknowledgement, and testifying of their faith and love, Mat. 26.56.70. These, and such like infirmities were they yet acumbred with which when they were better grown, they were more freed from, Act. 4.8.12. and 5.29.41. Though in some trials, liable to be overtaken with some infirmities still, Gall 2.11.12.  
So that they were believers, and as yet but wake believers such as were yet subject to many infirmities, and yet notwithstanding those infirmities, were unfeigned believers, and lovers of Christ to whom our saviour did affirm so great love, with invitation, and direction to continue in that his love.  
For the third, to what end, and for what use this affirmation, invitation, charge, direction with promise of such peculiat love is written and lift upon record to be read, preached, heard, meditated, and this appears to be.  
I. More General, and common for all that come to hear, or read the same, that in hearing, and reading they might believe the truth of this so great, and peculiar love of Christ to those that are come into him, and believe on him, and love him, that in belief thereof they might desire after him, and come in, and submit to him, and receive his gracious words, that they also might therethrough be brought to believe on him, and love him, that so they might come to partake of this peculiar love, joh. 11.42. and 17.21.22.23. and 20.31. As jesus Christ set forth the privilledges of his disciples, in the hearing of the multitude, Mat. 5.3.8. That the multitude hearing the same might be allured to become his disciples, that so they might also come to partake of such privileges.  
II. More special, and peculiar, for such as by the spirit of grace are enabled through the Gospel in the knowledge of the propitiation made by Christ and the eternal life that is in him, and the love of God in the gift of his son, to believe the truth, and goodness of the report of the Gospel so as there through they are convinced, and emptied of their former delight, and considences, and allured, and overcome to submit, and come into Christ, Rom. 6.17. Isa. 55.4.5. joh. 6.44.45. And in believing receive from God through Christ: remission of sins, peace in conscience, and access to God. Act. 10.43. Rom. 5.1.2. Eph. 2.17.18. So as hereby they are enabled to believe, both the redemption, and reconciliation wrought in and by Christ with God, which is in him, and he is, and that reconciliation that by his spirit he worketh in men to God, and the eternal life that is in him to bestow, and in this believing to depend on him for the same, and in that dependence, to love both him, and their brethren, Rom. 5.6.7.8.11. and 4.22.25. 1. Pet. 1.8.21.22.23. These though yet accumbred with such like infirmities, as these disciples were, are yet true believers in, end lovers of Christ and built upon him, and in the same condition, and so loved, even as they were, as is evident by comparing our saviours profession to Peter, and Peter's application of the same to all unfeigned believers, and lovers of Christ, Mat. 16.16.17.18. With 1. Pet. 2.3.4.5.9. And our saviours promise to all so believing in, and loving of him, joh. 14.21.23. And this affirmation, charge, and direction is recorded for their learning, that through patience, and comfort of the scriptures, they may have hope, Rom. 15.4. And so not only know; they are beloved, but even so beloved of jesus Christ, even as the Apostle writ to those that believed, and knew they had life, that they might farther know this eternal life, and their having of it, and so believe more, and more, and have their joy full, 1. joh. 5.10.11.12.13. and 1.4. with joh. 15.11.  
Object. It seems as if believers now could not have like assurance of such peculiar love, and so such consolation in it, as the e had to whom Christ spoke it, because they had it from Christ his own mouth, which none now can have because he is in heaven.  
Ans. This is a great mistake and wrong conception, confuted by our saviour himself, who before he lift the world did testify, that he would send another advocate, and comforter, even the Holy Spirit of truth in his stead, and place to be with the believers for ever, and that his Spirit should bring his words to their remembrance, and teach them all things. joh. 14.16.17.18.21.23.26. Yea so as it should be no damage to them, that he left the world, and went to his Father, but more gainful to them, then if he had not gone in bodily presence from them. Joh. 16.7.8.15. And this Holy Spirit gives to believers a twofold knowledge of this peculiar love, though not both always at once; and this he doth.  
I. By making a man a believer, glorifying Christ so in his hart, as he not only brings him to believe the propitiation made by him, but in believing that love, and goodness to depend on God in Christ, for farther saving, and for that eternal life that is in him, 1. Pet. 1.21. Rom. 3.24, 25. and 4.23; 25. and 5.8, 9, 11. And therein effects love, and a Christ-like disposition, 2, Cor. 3.3. In which believing, he gives them interest in Christ, and in all that is Christ, 1, Cor. 1.30. and 3.22, 23. And such in their believing view of this affimation, and invitation, may know themselves so beloved, and envited of Christ, and have the same assurance, and consolation thereof that these had to whom Christ spoke. If not something more than they had till after his ascension, that they received the promise of the more abundant portion of the Holy Ghost compare, Rom. 15.4.5. 1, Joh. 5.10.13. with Joh. 16.7, 15. and 30.31.  
II. By a more peculiar witnessing such love as this into their believing hart. Rom. 8.15, 16, 17. By a supernatural illumination, and inspiration of his gracious word, and promise into the hart, in which he clears up, and sheds abroad, even this peculiar love more abundantly therein, joh. 14.26. Rom. 5.5. Tit. 3.5, 6. By which Spirit Christ doth manifest his presence with them, & acquaint them with the things of the Father, and himself, which gives more abundant consolation to the believers, as it did to these, when they received the same, Joh. 14.21, 23. and 16, 13, 14, 15.7. Act. 2. Cant. 1.2.  
And to this end was this recorded, that believers might know certainly their interest in this peculiar love, and have the consolation of it, & wait therein for the more full, & peculiar testimony thereof; & so great their consolation thereby.  
From these three things thus observed. (Viz.) That it is Jesus Christ, that hath affirmed so great love, etc. And that it was affirmed to believers, and that it is recorded for believers, that they may know how they are beloved.  
I. Al that read, and hear the same should be stirred up, to obey, and embrace the Gospel of Christ, in which not only deliverance from sin and death is declared, and tendered, but also for such as do believe; such peculiar love, and eternal life, to be farther found in Christ, and the greater grace it tenders, the greater the sin, and the more woeful the condition of all that do slight, and disobey the call thereof. Act. 8.38.39.41. Hose. 11, 7. Heb. 2.3. and 12.25. 2, Thes. 1, 8. Oh that men would believe, and turn.  
II. Believers have good cause to praise, and glorify God for recording the affirmationes of, and invitationes to such grace in the Gospel. Rev. 22.16, 17. And also, to give the more earnest heed to this great love, and to the invitation, and direction for continuance therein; seeing it is from Christ to them: Heb. 2.1, 4. And according to this threefold consideration view the words themselves, now in the words themselves are three things considerable.  
I. Our Saviour serious affirmation of his love, and the manner of it to his disciples, As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you.  
II. His gracious exortation, invitation, or charge, Continue ye in my love.  
III. His sweet, and safe direction how to continue in his love, including a promise in it; If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commands, and abide in his love.  
I. The first thing to be viewed in our Saviour serious affirmation.  
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. In which are two thingsses observable; One that our Saviour loveth his disciples, that believe on him, and love him; and this put down inclusively, as a thing so known to them, that it needed no affirmation; The other: that our Saviour so loves them, as the Father loves him, so that here are two things affirmed. I. Christ his love to believers. II. The peculiarity, and manner of his love to them, whence spring two observation to view.  
Obs. 1. That jesus Christ hath loved, and doth love all, that in the Heavenly call are brought in to believe on him, and love him; and that with such an apearing, and manifested love, that they may know he loves them, whence the affirmation is here about the kind, and manner of his love, and not simply of his love, as knowing they did not question that; For that is so abundantly testified, that unless they close their eyes, and harden their hearts, they cannot but know, and believe that he loves them, and that he loves them much.  
I. In that he took our very nature upon him, and was made flesh yea for our sakes took such flesh, and blood, as we have, subject to weakness, pains, and death, and so not only being God, became man, but being in the form of God, equal with his father in glory, and majesty, he our case requiring it, became not only man, but in fashion as a man, in form of a servant in the likeness of sinful flesh, as a worm, and no man, a reproach of men and despised of the people for our sakes, and was not this great love, joh. 1.14. Heb. 2.14. Phill. 2.7.8.9. Rom. 8.3. Psal. 22.6.  
II. In that he also in this mean shape in our nature, and stead, became under the law for us, and so in the same bond with us, and took upon him our dept, and had all our sins imputed to him, and was made sin for us, and so though he was innocent, yet he bore the imputation, and the shame, and ignominy of all our sins, and who can deny but this great love, Rom. 3.19. Gall. 4.4. Isa. 53.6.12. 2. Cor. 5.19.21. Psal. 40.11. Heb. 12.2.  
III. In that he also bare the strokes, suffered the punishment, and curse and died the death that was due to us, and so risen again acquit of all our sins, and a victorer over curse, and death, and presented himself to his father, as the ransom, and propitiation for our sins, and heerin appears great, and true love indeed, Isa. 53.4.5.7.8. 1. Pet. 2.24. and 3.18. 1. Tim. 2.6. Gall. 1.20.  
iv In that he hath left his Gospel, and received spirit to send forth to make known this grace, that men might come in, and receive it and procure mercy, and patience, weighting, and leading to repentance that we might repent, and believe, and so partake of this grace, and this is love indeed, Rom. 10.18. Psal. 68.18. Rom. 2.4.  
V In that he hath done all this for us freely, while we not only did not deserve it, but were even sinners, ungodly, and his enemies, yet so great his love, that far less than this is hardly to be found among friends, and no greater can be required in us to a friend, than he shown to us, when we were enemies to him, Oh love without comparison, 1. Pet. 3.18. Isa. 53.2.3.4. joh. 15.13. Rom. 5.6.7.8.10. Coll. 1.20.21.  
In all which the believer may see love abundantly manifested to him, and this known, and believed there needed no such particular affirmation that he loved them, for they see, and believed it in his becoming the propitiation for their sins, so as there is no cause to doubt of his love, 1. joh. 3.16. and 4.10.16. Gal. 2.20.  
Object. jesus Christ hath so loved all men, as to take their nature, bear their sins, and die their death, and give himself a ransom for them and become the propitiation for their sins, and procureth patience and mercy, with some, light, at some time, to lead them to repentance, 1. Tim. 2.5.6. 1. joh. 2.2. joh. 1.9. Therefore all men may know themselves so loved of Christ as well as believers.  
Ans. The proposition is True, but the inference false, for though it be True that he hath so loved all men, joh. 3.16.17. And hath been witnessing this his love to them in some measure, Act. 14.17. More clearly where the sound of the Gospel comes. 2. Cor. 4.13.14. Yet all men have not faith, 2. Thess. 3.2. The men of the world, harkening to the enchantments, and delusiones of Satan, believe not the goodness of God, no not where the Gospel comes, and so have wrong thoughts of God, and either regard him not at all, but go one in serving their lusts, Psal. 14.1.2. and 50.21. and 10. Or else if they think of his wrath, they suppose to apace him by some other satisfaction, and righteousness, Rom. 9.30.31. and 10.1.2.3. And so they lie in wickedness, 1. Joh. 5.19. And so though love of compassion be towards them (as it is to all not given over to Satan) yet they not believing, it is not manifest to them, and so they lying in unbelief they are under wrath, and condemnation because of their unbelief, joh. 3.18.36. And therefore cannot in their unbelief know themselves so beloved of Christ.  
But such as through grace believe they have seen, and known, and believed this love of Christ in all the before-said five respects, whence it's rightly said to be manifested to them and through this knowledge, and faith, they come to receive, and have a taste of his first loving them, 1. joh. 4.10.16.19. and 5.20. And are therethrough brought to depend on him, and love him, and desue to be conformed to him, Rom. 5.5.11. Tit. 3.4.7. 1. Pet. 2.3.9. And thus, though such love hath showed itself in Christ for all men, yet it is not so manifested to, nor known, and believed of such, as lie in unbelieve, and so they have it not, but the believers know this great love in believing, and so have it, and yet this is not all, but it is farther evidenced to them.  
VI In that when God by his Spirit did through the Gospel's evidence Christ, and this his love, and the fullness of grace, and truth in him to them, and so made him to appear so glorious to them, that it made all other excellencies as dross to them, and drew their desires after him, and so caused them to come in, and submit to him, and desire to be found in him, and enjoy him, Isa. 55.5. joh. 1.14.17. and 6.44.45. Phill. 3.7.8.9. Though then they were found in their own blood and filth, so as they could not endure the stinch of their own filth, nor the sight of their own blackness, and bloodiness, Ezek. 16.1.9. Isa. 64.6. Yet then did not he cast them away, but washed them with his blood, spoke peace to their hart, joh. 6.37.45. Rev. 1.5. Heb. 12.24. And though they wore found some thing stubborn, untoward, and gainsaying, yet did not he faint, nor give over, but overcame their evil with goodness, and followed on his entertainment, and wooing of them, till he acquainted them with his father's words, and love, and united them to himself in faith, and love, Isa. 42.2.8. joh. 17.6.7.8. And though happily some even brethren, might through their weakness murmur at the receit of such prodigals and blackamoors, to advance them to such nighness with himself, as the elder brother, at the youngers' entertainment with his father, & Aaron, & Eminam, at Moses marrying an Ethiopian and the believing jews, at such familiarity with believing Gentiles, Luk. 15.28. Numb. 12.1.2. Act. 11.2.3. Yet he disdained them not, nor was ashamed of them, but as one that saw, and would not see their deformity, heredily, and kindly entertained them, and set his love upon them, and spoke comfortably to their hearts; Oh love indeed never to be forgotten, Isa. 42.19.20.21. Psal. 113.6.7.8.  
VII. In that he hath accepted their faith, and love, and prayers, and returned them some discernible experiments of his goodness, in suports, in troubles, some deliverances out of temptationes, grants of many requests, some access, and approach to himself, some room in his house, and in the hearts of his; with many refresh in his courts, and some hope of future happiness; All fruits of love, Rom. 3.26. and 5.2.5. and 7.24.25. Psal. 16.2. and 92.12. Isa. 56.5.7.  
VIII. In that they have his word for it, even written also for their consolation, that they may know that he loves, and is not ashamed to be known to love them, Prov. 8.17. joh. 14.21.23.  
IX. Yea they have had some hints, and evidences of the Holy Spirit given into their hart, of his love to them, and the Spirit is truth, and the comforter, 1. joh. 3.24. and 4.19. and 5.5.6. Rom. 8.15.16.  
X. By all the former they come to see him to be their great high priest interceading in heaven for them, Heb. 7. and 9  
So that it is many ways evident, he loves them, and they knowing, and believing his love, in redeeming them with his own blood, when they were his enemies, and receiving them, and washing them when they were in their blood, and such Ethiopians, affording them so many favoures and some visits of his Spirit since, as from all these they have discerned such love of his, as hath caused them to believe in him, and love him so having attained to believe in him, and love him, they cannot deny, but they know that he hath loved them, and that he loves them much, yea so as if they do not close their eyes by some fleshly reasonings, and suffer themselves to be withdrawn from the remembrance of his love thus manifested, it will draw them into admiration, and acknowledgement of this his love, and inflame them with more love to him, and desires after him, and frame them to be like him in loving their brother and he also will return manifestationes of more love to them, of which will be spoken in the next observation, Cant. 1.2.3.4. and 2.3.5.1. joh. 4.16.19. joh. 14.21.23.  
And this being a sure, and undeniable truth, that jesus Christ hath thus verily, and manifestly loved those that believe in him, and love him, yea through his love manifested, did make them believers in him, and lovers of him, yea so as they might have the knowledge of his love to them, and their love thereby inflamed to him.  
I. Informeth us: That such as do unfeynedly believe in jesus Christ and love him, they have an inward principle of life, and love with in them that as it was begotten, so it is quickened, said, and moved by a fountain of life, and love in Christ to them, 2. Cor. 3.3. Coll. 3.10.11. Psal. 16.7.8. Hose. 14.5.8. joh. 15.1.2.5.2. Cor. 5.14.15.17. Psal. 36.8.9. Which is ready to mind them of Christ and his love, and so to move, guide, and lead them, as to deny all fleshly lusts, and services; so to all services of love to, and for Christ, Ezek. 36.26. jer. 31.34. Rom. 8.14. Gall. 5.17.22. Tit. 2.11.12, etc. Yea, and this also upon all occasiones that in their way are offered to them, as on the sight, and view of mortal men, to remember the love of God to mankind, whom he created, and for whom provided a saviour, Act. 17.26. Tit. 3.4. Heb. 2.14. And the low estate that jesus Christ abased himself unto for our sakes, in becoming man, subject to humane infirmities, Phil. 2.6.7.8. And how he died for, and gave himself a ransom for all men, Heb. 2.9. 1. Tim. 2.6. And on sight of the evils, and follies committed by men, to remember the shame and ignominy that Christ took on him, in being made sin for us, and the curse he suffered, being numbered with transgressors, and put to death on the tree for us, 2. Cor. 5.19.21. Gall. 3.13. 1. Pet. 2.24. And the propitiation that he by his blood hath made for our sins, and the sins of the whole world, 2. Cor. 5.14. 1. joh. 2.2. And the great misery, and wickedness, the worldlieth in because they do not know, believe, and come into Christ for this grace, jonas. 2.8. joh. 3.18.36. 1. joh. 5.19. And the great love of God to themselves (that were even such) in bringing them out of such, darkness, disobedience, and misery and acquainting them with, and making them partakers of so great grace, 1. Pet. 2.9.10. Tit. 3.3.4.5. And giving them such hope to hold forth to those that are yet in darkness, and in no worse case than themselves were once in, yea having shown them mercy for that end, 1. Tim. 1.12.15.16.17, and 2.1.6. And in sight of believers, and the grace appearing through them to remember the faithfulness of God, in performing his promise of bringing into Christ, Isa. 55.4.5. and 53.11. And the faithfulness of Christ in sending forth Spirit through the Gospel, Mat. 28.20. joh. 16.7.8.15. And the virtue of his blood by his Spirit applied too, and sprinkled on the consciences of men, Heb. 9.14, and 12, 24. 1 Pet. 1.2, 3, 21, 22. And the relationes, union, and fellowship they are brought into, and the hope given them through Christ, Eph. 4.4, 7, 12, 16, and 2, 17, 22. And still are they more minded of all these things, as they experiment the fraily of humane nature, the opposition of flessily lusts, or the operation of grace in themselves, 2 Cor. 4.7, 13. Gall. 5, 17. 1 joh. 1.7, 9, and 2.1, 2. And still are they more minded of these things, in reading, and hearing the things of Christ set forth in the Gospel, 2 Pet. 1, 12, and 3, 1, 2.  
And as this inward principle of life, and love doth lead, and apt them by all these means to such minding of these things so in the minding of them, itself, is opperative, and springs forth in motiones of love, joy, peace, confidence, goodness, and desires, to confess, and to pray to God, and to praise him, to mourn for, and pity, and compassionate men, to rejoice for, receive, and edify brethren, to show mercy, and walk in truth, and righteousness, and blamelessely towards all, Eph. 4.20, 24. Coll. 3.1, 12. Gall. 5.22, 23. Phill. 2.1, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 1 Thes. 5.11, 14, 23. And so to hasten to the coming of Christ, waiting for him to perfect and fit them for it, Tit. 2.11, 12, 14. 2 Tim. 4.8. 2 Pet. 3.11.  
And because they know the love of jesus Christ their life to be so great to them, they esteem highly of his word, and Spirit, and the ordinances which in his word he hath appointed them, and wherein they may testify submission to him, and confidence in, and love to him, Psal. 119.138, 139, 140. and 143.10. and 84. to the end. And so wait through the Spirit to receive all help, (for all things needful to perfect them) from him through his word and Spirit, and in fellowship with him, and his chosen one's in use of his appointments. Isa. 26.7.12. Gall. 5.5.6. 1, joh. 1.3, 4. Psal. 100.4, 5. And therefore will not turn aside for helpfulness to dead images, or devices, and traditiones of men, knowing that in so doing they should sit lose from him their head, and dishonour him, as wanting love, or Spirit, and procure to themselves blasting, and witherdnesse in their life, and love, and darken in perceiption of his love, which is their life. Psal. 115.1, 14. Coll. 2.6, 8. 9, 10, 16, 23. 1, joh. 5.20.21. Psal. 30.5, 12. Gall. 6.8.  
II. This manifested love of Christ, doth Admonish those that believe in Christ, and love him.  
I. In all conditiones, and however things appear to sense; yet to acknowledge him to have loved us, and to be loving, and gracious to us, to be good, and to do good, and praise him for his kindness, and wonderful works, waiting on him for his goodness to be shown us in due time, Psal. 73.1. and 145. to the end. Phill. 4.4.7. Psal. 107. to the end. 1 Thes. 5.18. Lam. 3.26, 31. Let ho affliction cause us to murmur against him, or be jealous of his love, for that is great; we have cause to be jealous of our own love, and he might say to us, wherein have you loved me, and we might be silent; but yet he accepts and remembers, the small fruits of his Spirit in us, and forgets not the love of our espousealls; though it were but the fruits of his own first discovered love. Cant. 5.1. Jer. 2.2. Heb. 6.10. 1 joh. 4.19; And shall we for a little hideing, and silence of his, or a few afflictions from him call in question all his love, and in beholding the fullness of others say to him, wherein hast thou loved us: far be it from us; he can not but behold it as an evil in us, that he hath so loved us, as to take our nature, bear out sins, suffer our curse, and give himself a ransom for us, and become the propitiation for our sins, and all this for us, while we were his enemies, and yet we to say wherein hast thou loved us. If thou say, he hath so loved all men; yet I pray the consider: he hath not so made it known to all men, and sweetened the knowledge thereof to their hearts, as he hath done to thee, they are thy Brethren, created by the same God, purchased by the same Lord, and of as good nature, parts, and other natural qualificationes, and performances, as thou, and no worse, than thou wert, yet he suffers them to lie in darkness, and to rest upon such mountains of worldly, riches, friends, fleshly wisdom, or self wrought righteousness, as he hath blasted, and will bring down, and as will fail them; But he hath discovered to the, the mountain of Israel, and brought thee out of darkness into light, and gained thee to himself, with the knowledge of his love so manifested, that himself might be thy mountain, thy peace, thy righteousness, thy life, and hath often made thee taste his goodness; and is now but confirming thee to him, in his cross, and death, that thou mayest partake of his resurrection, and life, and wilt thou so forget all his goodness as to say wherein hast thou loved me. Oh do not so, let us not so ill-requite him, as for any thing to be offended in him. Mall. 1.1, 6. Rom. 6 3, 5. 2 Cor. 4.10, 11. Phill. 3.10, 14.  
II. To learn of Christ to love others, as we have been, and are loved of Christ Jesus, to love such as are yet enemies to us, and know not Christ with the love of compassiones, as Christ did us when we were enemies to him, & without partaking of their sins, or delightful fellowship with them in their ways, to use meekness patience, and long-suffering to them, and pray for them, and seek to overcome their evil with goodness, Mat. 5.44, 45. Rom. 12.17, 21. Tit. 3.2.3, 4. 1 Pet. 2.22, 23, 24. To love believers, with love of delight exercising bowels of mercies to them, bearing their infirmities, and burdens, having fellowship with them, continuing in Brotherly love. Coll. 3.12, 16. Rom. 14 and 15. 1 Pet. 4.10, 11. Heb. 10. and 13, 1. But this with other uses do more fully flow from the next observation joined to this.  
III. This love of Jesus Christ so manifested may be a ground of exortation to us, to mind, and heed well this his love, that we may be more abundantly firmed in the belief heeroff, it being the ground of our believing, and that which believed doth facillitate our belief of that more abundant love, that followeth to be spoken of. Rom. 5.1, 5, 10, 11. and 8.31, 36. Gall. 2.20. And while there remaineth doubtfulness in this, there can be no stability in the belief of that which followeth now to be spoken of in the next observation. Joh. 3.12. and 6.61, 62, 63.  
II. Obse. That jesus Christ loveth those that believe in him, and love him, even as the Father hath loved him; In which observation, there is something closely intimated, namely: That the love of Jesus Christ, and so of God the Father in, and through him, to such as believe in Jesus Christ, and love him, is a special, and peculiar love; above all that love in which he loveth any other of the sous of men, Deut. 7.6.7. Truth it is, he loveth all the sons of men (till they become of the seed of the Serpent) with the love of compassion, and willingness to have them come in to him. Psal. 145.8, 9 Pro. 8.4, 5, 31. Joh. 3.16, 17. 1 Tim. 1.15. Yea even while they are sinners, and know him not, and while he is angry with them for not believing on him. Rom. 5.6, 8, 10. 1 Joh. 2.2. and 4, 10. Joh. 3.18.36. And this their not knowing, and not believing this his love, and goodness, is that which holds them in impenitency, and under sin, and in wickedness still. Psal. 9 10. Rom. 2.4.5. Joh. 16.8, 11. 1 Joh. 5.19, 20. 2 Thess. 2.8. But such clear and powerful discovery of his love, and goodness, as doth cause the hart, so to know, believe, and acknowledge the same, that one is overcome thereby to believe on him, and love him, is a special, and peculiar in his love, not only love, and grace with general effects, but a special favour, and special gift of grace. Mat. 16.16.17.18. 1 Pet. 1.21. 1 Joh. 4.16, 19 and 5.20 Tit. 2.11, 12. and 3.3, 4, 5. Eph. 2, 8. Above that which apertaines to all men. 2 Thess. 3.2. And this peculiar love is here closely intimated, of which is already spoken in the former observation.  
And something in this observation is fully, and plainly expressed, namely such a peculiar love, as is not peculiar only in respect of the manifestation, and discovery thereof as before mentioned, but it is peculiar also in itself, such as never was, is, or shall be to any but them, and such as they are. Psal. 132.13.14.15. and 148.14. and 149.4. Deut. 33.26.29. And so it is peculiar, both in the love itself, and also in the manifestation of it. joh. 14.17.21.22.23. & 16.27. The fruits whereof come through his advocation, joined with his propitiation, which advocation is peculiar for them that believe in him, and love him, joh. 17.9, 10, 20, 27. 1 joh. 2.1. And this peculiar love, with such peculiar manifestation is significantly called the favour to his people, the good of his chosen, and the enjoyment of it, the gladness of his nation, Psal. 106.4, 5. And this is a peculiar love, above all the love he beareth to any other of the sons of men in which also he makes them a peculiar people to himself, 2 Pet. 2, 9 And of this love is the observation now in hand, which cannot be better expressed then in the words of our saviour himself, which also is the proof thereof.  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. 
In which for our better understanding, and usefulness, there are three things contained to be viewed, and heeded of us.  

I. The first intimated, as denied by none, viz. the Father hath loved jesus Christ his son.  
II. The second to be inquired into in other his say, which giveth light to that affirmed, viz. how the Father hath loved jesus Christ his son.  
III. The third express, viz. the affirmation itself, as the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you.   
I. For the first that the Father hath loved jesus Christ his son, and so loveth him, is expressly affirmed, joh. 5, 20. The Father loveth the Son, but an explication is to many more needful in this, than a proof, lest the conceptiones of some be too scant in this matter, in which we are not to consider jesus Christ only as the second person of the three, and so the son in respect of the divine nature, without consideration of the flesh, that once was to be, and now is taken, and so of the love only in which the three persons in one God, delight in each other, and so God hath all fullness of delight in himself, but we are to consider the second person, the son of God (as once he was to take, and now hath taken flesh, and so) as he was found in our nature and stood as the public person in the room of all, and became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, and the Advocate for believers, the king, priest, and prophet, and the head, and Husband of the church, as he was vile, and despised in the account of men, and yet a lover of men, and so approved of the father, and so hath the father loved him, as he is such a one, Pro. 8.22, 23, 30. Mat. 12.18. Mat. 3.17, and 17, 5. Yea he loved him in his laying down his life; and making the propitiation, joh. 10, 17. Phill. 2, 7, 11. As also in his ministration, Mat. 17, 5. And in receipt, and approbation of those given him in the heavenly call, Isa. 42.1, 2, 8. joh. 16, 27. And jesus Christ thus considered as he took our nature, and wrought for us, the father hath loved him, Isa. 53, 1, 2, 6, 11.12.  
II. For the second thing how the father hath loved jesus Christ his son, and our saviour, it is beyond conception, and expression of mortals though some what thereof may be conceived, and expressed, as the scripture declares, Eph. 3.18.19. And so according to the measure of light given we may consider it two ways.  
I. Negatively; Not with a worldly, and humane love, such as is in the men of the world, and as the men of the world testify their love, who desire for, and wish unto, and to their ability confer upon those whom they most love, most of the honours, riches, authority, power, liberty pleasures, and good report among men, that is in this world and the things thereof, Hest. 6.6, 9 Dan. 6.1, 2, 3. Gen. 41.39.44. Of this love is not heere-ment, but of the love heere-ment, it may be said as of the peace Christ giveth, it is not such us the world hath, and giveth nor so given, joh. 14.27. For in these things the father did not set forth his love to lesus Christ his son, and our saviour, but abased him in all such things, for worldly honours he was not sild with, but abused in the meanness, and contemptibleness of his birth in respect of parentage, and place, Luk. 2.4, 7. In his exile after his birth into a strange country, Mat. 12, 13, 15. In the place of his longest abode, and bringing up, not in the famous city of jerusalem, but in Galilee, out of which they used to say, there ariseth no prophet, joh. 7.52. In the manner of his life before his ministration, a carpenter, Mark. 6.3. In the places of his ministration, not always in the temple, and Synagogues, or houses of the rulers, and Pharisees, but often in other houses, and in the houses of the Publicans, and in the wilderness, and on the mountains, and by the seaside and in sishers' ships, Mat. 9, 10, and 5, and 15, 32, 33. In his disciples and attendants on his ministration, unlettered, fishermen, a Publican, a Canaanite, etc. Mat. 4.18, and 9, 9, and 10, 1, 10. And his hearers, and followers a despised people, joh. 7.48, 49. As for worldly riches, he was not furnished, but in that respect very poor, Mat: 8.20, and 17, 27. As for humane, and outward authority, offices, and power from and among men, he had none, Mar. 11, 28. Luk. 12.13, 14. joh. 18, 36. As for humane repute, and good report among men of most credit, and esteem in the world and their followers; he was by them defamed, reproached, and slandered, and that many ways, they defamed him by his parentage, and kindred, this the carpenters son, etc. Mat. 13, 55, 56, 57 And by his trade he had used before his ministration, Mar. 6.3. This the carpenter, and by his not having been trained up at schools whence hath this man these things, etc. Mat. 13, 54, 57 Mar. 6, 2, 3. And by his want of outward, and pompous authority among men this fellow, joh. 9.29. And not only defamed, but also slandered him for his conversation with men, to be a gluttonous person, and a wine bibber, and a friend of Publicans, and sinners, Mat. 11.19. For his readiness to do good, and to show mercy at all seasones, a breaker of the Sabbaths, joh. 5, 16, and 9, 16. For his zeal, to have a devil, and his miracles to be done by the devil, joh. 7, 20, and 8, 48. Mat. 9.34, and 12, 24. For his doctrine to be a deceiver, Mat. 27.63. joh. 7.12. And for his holy and plain confession of the truth, to be a blasphemer of God joh. 10.36. Mat. 26, 65. And an adversary to Cesar, joh. 19, 12. And as for liberty and pleasures among men, he was often conspired against, continually persecuted, and at last buffeted, nailed on the cross between two thiefs, and there derided and scoffed at, and so died, Mat. 12, 14, and 26, and 27. In a word, he was so far from being glorious, or great in the world, that in such respects, he was as a worm, and no man, a reproach of men, and despised of the people, without form or beauty, rejected of men; etc. Psal. 22.6.7. So that the love wherewith the Father loved jesus Christ was not a worldly love, nor testified by filling him with worldly things, the abundance whereof, he very often giveth to his enemies, sometimes, as rewards for some services he hath done by them though they knew him not, Ezek. 29.18.19. Sometimes, in judgement to their farther snaring, and hardening, and overthrow, Psal. 73.18, and 92, 6, 7. So as this love is not worldly, but heavenly, and though heavenly yet.  
Not only a love of compassion, which may be towards such as one is angry with, and counts sinners for their evils, and is constrained to afflict them, though with bowels of compassion yearning over them, so as in returning, they may be saved, and in rebelling given up, Hose. 11.4.9. Luk. 19, 41, 42. For so God loved the world, joh. 3.16, 17, 18, 19 But his love to his son was a greater love than this, Coll. 1.18, 19, and Heb. 1. to the end. Yet though it were a greater, and more peculiar love.  
It was not from the first appearance, to the accomplishment of full perfection in the glorious harvest a constant appearing, and brightly shining love, admitting no clouds, darknesses, nor eclipses; but such love it was, as had its degrees of appearing, and some intermixtures of clouds, and darkness, in respect of the visible appearance, and a great eclipse on the cross, before all clouds were passed, and the fullness of the glorious appearance, and enjoyment came into its perfection. Luk. 2. to the end. Mat. 3.17, and 4, to the end. and 17, 5, and 26, 8, 42, and 27, 46.  
II. Affirmatively, the Father hath loved his son, our saviour jesus Christ with a divine, heavenly, pure, Fatherly; and Spiritual love beyond all our conceptiones, only we may view it in the properties of it.  
I. It is a most free, and righteous love, it is a free love, which with out any fore-desert did fasten upon the man Christ jesus, and chose him into union of person with the son of God, and so to be one, and his only son, and also to be the saviour of the world, and also to be the mediator, and the high priest prophet, and King, and head, and husband of the church, and that all fullness should dwell in him, and that in all things he might have the pre-eminence, Psal. 89.19.20.27, 28. Isa. 42, 1, and 49, 6, 7, 8. Heb. 1, 2, 8, and 7. Coll. 1.19. And all this freely, because it so pleased him, and such his love, yet it is also a righteously love, slowing upon him accepting, and preferring him, in, and for, and according to all that he hath done in the work of redemption for men, and that he doth in spiritual application to, and in, and advocation for, and government of his called, and chosen ones, Isa. 53.11. Rom. 14, 9, 12. joh. 10.17. Heb. 2, 9 Phill. 2.8, 9, 10. Psal. 20, 3, 4, 5, and 45, 6, 7, 8.  
II. It is a most well-pleased, delightful, and satisfying love, taking up all well-pleased in the beloved, and affording all well-pleasedness, to the beloved, the Father having so set all his delight in his son that he delighteth in him, and in all that is in his son, and in nothing out of his son, that he taketh all fullness of content, and well-pleasedness in his son, and in that which his son hath done, in his ministration, sufferings, sacrifice, and victory, and in that which his son doth, by his spiritual opperationes, and communicationes of privilledges, and in all that are in his son, and presented by him, so as in that his well-pleasedness he affords well-pleasedness to his son, and to all that are in, and one with his son, Pro. 8, 22, 23, 30. Isa. 42.1. Mat. 12, 18, and 3, 17, and 17, 5. Heb. 10, 7, 12, 13, 14. Psal. 20, 3, 6. joh. 16, 27. Gall. 3.16, 29, 1 Cor. 1, 30.  
III. It is a most abundant, and flowing love, resting not till the beloved be partaker of, and filled with all his own things, and with union, and fellowship with himself, so hath the Father loved jesus Christ as he hath him ever with him, an I before him, as the seal on his hart, and the seal upon his ●●me, in all his counsels, and works preferring him, and showing him all that he doth, yea so as he doth it by him, and maketh him the door thereof, Pro. 8, 30. Cant. 8, 6. joh. 1.1.2.3.8. and 5.21.25, 26. Yea so as he is one in, and with the Son, and the Son one in, and with him. joh. 10.30. and 14.10, 11. and 17, 21. Yea so as he consereth on his Son, and maketh him partaker, and owner of all his own things; his divine nature, his Holy Spirit, his attributes of wisdom, power, goodness, etc. His special people, and all the works of his hands, so as: all that is the Fathers is the Sons, joh. 16.15. and 17, 6.10. Heb. 1.2.3.  
iv It is a most glorious, honourable, and honouring love; the Father hath so loved his Son Jesus Christ our Saviour that he hath honoured, or glorified him with his own self, with infinite glory, yea, and with such apearing honour also, joh. 17.1.5. That he will not be known, or acknowledged, loved or honoured in any thing by any man, by any way, or means, but in, and by his son, and as the man knoweth acknowledgeth, loveth, and honoureth his Son Christ, joh 5.23. and 14.6, 7. 1 joh. 2.23. Whom he will have honoured as himself, yea he hath honoured his Son, by giving an honourable testimony of him, Psal. 89.20.21.28. joh. 1.33. Mat. 3.17. and 17.5. Heb. 1. to the end. And sending forth the Holy Ghost to bear testimony of him. joh. 14.26.15, 26. 1 joh. 5.6. Yea he hath glorified, and honoured him, by exalting him at his right hand; Giving all authority unto him, and making him the Lord, and judge of all. Heb. 2.9. and 8.1. Mat. 28.18. Jeh. 5.27. Yea he hath giver him the Kingdom, and the inheritance, and made him the King, and he shall rain for evermore, Psal. 45. to the end. Heb. 1. to the end. Yea he so preferreth his son in honour, that he honoureth all those that in the day of grace do honour him, joh. 14, 21, 23, and 16, 27. And will repay those that persist in hating him, Psal. 68  
V It is an eternal, and everlasting love, he loved him from all eternity, and to eternity, he is the prime elect, Isa. 42, 1. He loved him before he took flesh, and when he took flesh, yea always while he was here on earth, in all his temptationes, poverties, sufferings, ministration death, and resm rection, and now at his right hand, and so for ever, Pro. 8, 22, 30. Luk. 1.30, 32. joh. 5, 20, 27. Psal. 2.6, and 16, 6, 7, etc.  
And with such divine, Fatherly love, so free, righteous, delightful satisfying, abundant flowing, honourable, and honouring, and everlasting love, hath the Father ever loved the son (though it was not in all times so visible) when he was here on earth) and ever doth, and will thus love him, and thus we have some small discovery of that which in the excellency, and perfection thereof, is beyond all our conception, much more beyond our expression, his love being infeint, and in comprehensible, passing knowledge.  
III. For the third thing, viz. the affirmation itself, as the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, this is the profession, and explanation of his great love with the peculiar manner of his loving, as the Father hath loved him, viz.  
I. Not with a humane, and worldly love, to be testified after the manner of the world, in advancing them, and freeing them from sufferings, in such glory, fame, good report, honour, riches, authority friendship, liberty among men, as is in, and of this world, wherein they shall be falsely accused, hated, persecuted, and have many tribulationes, as he had, but in him they shall have peace, and comfort, as he had in his Father, Mat. 10, 17, 25. joh. 14, 27, and 15, 18, 21, and 16, 32, 33.  
II. Nor only with a love of compassion, and extension of some fruits thereof, for so he hath loved all men, Psal. 136, 26, and 145, 8, 9 And so he loved them, when they were his enemies, Rom. 5, 7, 10. Nor yet only with such a peculiarity in this loving, as to make them to know, and enjoy the comfort of this his compassionate love, in the giving himself, a ransom for them, and the peace, the patience, the bownty, the supports, and supplies there through vouchsafed them in all their needs, and trials so as they may experiment his love, and tender mercy in the same, Psal. 116, 1.2.8. Rom. 5, 2, 4, 1 Cor. 3, 10, Wherein he tenders them in some sort because of their weakness, more than himself on earth was, Psal. 22, 6, 7. And though this love of compassion made known and enjoyed be sweet, gracious, and opperative love, yet this love is higher and more peculiar, Tit. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Yet  
III. Not such a love, or so loving as admits no cloud, darken, or eclipses from the knowledge, or perception of the beloved, after the first appearance, till the harvest, or fullness of enjoyment, but such as between the first appearance, and the full coming in of the harvest may admit some clouds, hidings, and eclipses for a season, 1 Pet. 1.6, 7. Heb. 12, 6, 7. Isa. 8.17, 18. Cant. 3.1, 4, and 5, 8, 21.  
But with such a divine, spiritual, and peculiar love, as in which his Father loveth him, his son, he loveth those that believe on him, and love him.  
I. With a most free, and righteous love, he hath loved, and doth love them most freely, not for any worth, or desert, or any excellency found in them, or those from whom they received their first birth, for they were so far from having any thing deserving love, that they were full of such filth, as deserved hatred, yea such as could not be taken of without his dieing for them, which he did even while they were his enemies, Ezek. 16, 1, 9 Rom. 5, 8, 10. And notwithstanding, he still found them sinful, and rebellious to the day of his call, 1 Tim. 1, 12, 13, 14, 15. Coll. 1.13, 21, 22. Yea even when he set his eye on them to take them to himself, and for his own, he found them in their filth, and blood, and in oneness, and fellowship with the world, and yet did he freely set his love on them and by his Spirit washed them from their sins in his own blood, and graciously chose them out of the world, Ezek. 16, 6. Rec. 1, 5. joh. 15, 16, 19 Tit. 3.3, 4, 5, 6.  
So that his love is altogether free; and as it is free, so it is righteous he having offered the sacrifice, and presented his blood to his Father, so as mercy and truth are met and by view of his blood purged their consciences, and presenting them in himself to the Father, who counts them righteous it him, he loving them with a righteous love, Psal. 85.10.11, Heb. 9.12, 14. And also:  
He in this freeness of his love having given his promise; he is righteous to perform, he is also so righteous in loving, that he will treasure up, and not forget, but both make prosperous, and also recompense every fruit, and work of his own Spirit in them, and that according as his grace, prevails in them, and leads them, to yield up themselves, and their members therein, and thereto, in the services, and sufferings of love for him, and their brethren, and this also he doth freely, and for his own sake. Cant. 5.1. Heb. 6.10. 2 Cor. 9.6. Gall. 6.8. Mat. 10, 41, 42. Psal. 19.11. 1 Cor. 2.9.  
II. With a most delightful, and well-pleased love, he hath set his delight and taketh pleasure in them, Psal. 16.3. & 33, 18. and 149.4. And is well-pleased with them, as they are in him, and have him living in them, joh. 15.1.9. Gall. 2, 20. And so with all that which by his Spirit he worketh in them, and which through that Spirit, he causeth them to do, in prayers, praises, and services of love. Jer. 9, 24. Prov. 15.8. Yea so delightful is he in this his love, and so well-pleased, that he hath set his desire, and placed his rest for an habitation in, and with them, Cant. 4.9, 10. Psal. 132, 13, 14. Yea so as he affords them satisfying, and well-pleasedness in this his well-pleasedness with them. Psal. 23. and 30, 3, 4, 5. and 116.1.2, 10.  
III. With a most abundant, and flowing love, his love so flowing on them, that he hath them ever before him, and his gracious eye upon them, Psal, 34, 15. So that he sets them as the seal upon his hart, and as the seal on his arm. Cant. 8.6. And hath graven them upon the palms of his hands, Isa. 49, 16; So that he worketh all their works in them, and doth all his works for them, and causeth all to work together for good to them, Isa. 26, 12. Psal. 138, 8, Rom. 8, 28, Yea so as in due season, he imparteth all his counsels, and maketh them to know his mind, and all his works, joh. 15, 15, 16. 1 joh. 2.20, 27. Yea even so that all his sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, his victory, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption is become theirs, as if they had done all. joh. 14.12. 1 Cor. 1.30. 2 Cor. 5, 14. Yea he conferreth on them, and maketh them owners, and partakers of all that is his; even of his divine nature, in union, interest, usefulness, and comformity; and so of all things pertaining to life, and godliness, 2 Pet. 1, 2, 3, 4. Yea so that his Father, himself, his Spirit, his covenant, his privilidges, his inheritance, his people are all theirs; And this so operative, that they and all that is theirs, is gained to be, and made his, 1 Cor. 3.22.  
iv With a most honourable, and honouring love, the Lord Jesus so loving those that believe on him, and love him, that, he will not accept to be loved, received, and acknowledged of any, that do not in, with, and for him in a measure, love receive, and acknowledge them; but counts all that is done to them, as done to himself, whether in love, or hatred, and will not otherwise reckon of it, but in some measure will have them in, and for him loved as himself, Mat. 18, 5, 6. and 45, 40, 44. Luk 10.16, Act. 9.4, 5. 1 joh. 4, 17, 21. He putteth his name upon them, and his Spirit in them, and so beareth testimony, in, to, and through them, 2 Cron. 7, 14, 16. Isa. 59.21. Rom. 8.16. Heb. 11, 3. Rev. 2, 17. He giveth to them the Kingdom, and inheritance, the Father hath given him, Luk. 22, 29. Heb. 12, 28; and he will have them to rain with himself, and make them rule over the nations, and judge the world, Rev. 2.26, 27. 1 Cor. 6.2. Yea he blesseth, and honoureth with blessings, such as bless, love, esteem them. Gen. 12, 3. Psal. 15.1.4. And this so operative, that they so honour him.  
V With an everlasting love, he hath loved them from eternity, in the root and nature, Pro. 8.30, 31. And doth so love them to eternity in root and branches, as they can never drop out of this love of his, jer. 31, 3. joh. 13, 1. He loved them before they were, 2 Tim. 1.9. And when they were his enemies, Rom. 5, 6.10. And when he called them, Tit. 3, 4.7. And he loves them, even when he speaks hardly to them, and chastiseth them, jer. 31.20. Heb. 12.6. And when they are in tribulationes, and sufferings for his sake, Psal. 116.15. And when they bring forth the fruits of his Spirit, and approach to him, Cant. 4.9, 15. Yea he will love them for ever, and it shall shine forth upon them, without any darkness, or interruption, when they shall be with him, and see his glory seeing as they are seen, and being made like him, and so rejoicing in his love for ever, and ever, joh. 17, 24. 1 joh. 3.1.2. Rev. 21. and 22. And this so opperative, as it unites them in love to him for ever, and thus as the father hath loved his son jesus Christ, so hath, and doth jesus Christ love those that believe on him, and love him, only in this we are to heed this caution, to keep us sober in the belief of so great love, viz. That as jesus Christ made the propitiation himself for us in, and by himself without us, so he, and he only is the fountain and cause in and through himself, of all this love, and fruits thereof to us so that in this respect he hath no partners, 1 joh. 2.2. Psal. 36.9. Hose. 14, 8. And for the communication of this his delightful love, and fruits thereof, he doth it according to his Father's mind, who in all things will have his son jesus to have the pre-eminence, his portion with out bounds, or measure, immeasurable, but to every one that believeth on him, a measure, according to the measure of Christ, Coll. 1, 19 joh. 3, 33. Eph. 1.7. And this observed, we may safely affirm, and verily believe, that as God the Father hath loved all men with a love of compassion, so hath jesus Christ so also loved them that he hath given himself a ransom for all men, to be testified in due time, joh. 3.16, 17. 1 joh. 4, 14. 1 Tim. 2.6. Even so as the Father hath loved, and loveth his son jesus Christ with a higher degree of love, and a more peculiar love, than he loved the world for whose redemption he sent him forth, joh. 5, 20. Rom. 14, 9, 12. Even so the Lord jesus Christ hath loved, and doth love all those, that by his grace and Spirit are in the heavenly call brought into believe in him, and love him, even with the same divine, Spiritual, free, righteous delightful, well-pleased, abundant, flowing, honourable, honouring, and everlasting love, in which the Father hath loved, and loveth him, himself, having affirmed it.  
And to make a little use of this point, before we enter on the next.  

Use. I.  
This may be an Information to us, both of the greatness of the love of God, and jesus Christ our Lord, to all that believe in jesus Christ, and love him, and also of the happy, and blessed condition of such believers.  
I. For the love of God to these his people, we may better express it by admiration, than description, For how great is his goodness which he hath laid up for them that fear him, and wrought for them that trust in him before the sons of men, Psal. 31.19. That neither know, or love him, or them, it was love indeed, and that great also, to ransom, and redeem them with his own blood, from that great misery into which they were fallen, and then to make known this love to them, and therethrough to extend the choice fruits of his compassionate love to them as before, but as if all this were but a little in the account of so gracious a God to do for them, his love stays not in this, but floweth farther in loving them, as he loves his son to make them like his son, and sons in his son, who loveth them also as the Father loveth him, so that in this love, God maketh them his sons, his treasure, and delight, and he is become their God and Father, their refuge, rock-portion, guide, and protector, and hath interested them in, and made them, owners of all his own things, and will bring them to rain together with jesus Christ his son, and preserve them till he bring them to that inheritance with jesus Christ and make them like him, to be ever with him, Oh consider, and behold what manner of love is this, joh. 17, 23, 2 Cor. 6, 18. Psal. 18, 1.2. Rom. 8, 32. 1 Cor. 3.22. 1 Pet. 1.3, 4, 5, 1 joh. 3.1.2.  
II. For the happiness of the condition of such as believe in jesus Christ and love him, enough is said, where such love is assured to them, and in such love to have forgiveness of all their sins, acceptation of their persons, and access to the throne of grace, Act. 10, 43. Rom. 3, 1, 2. To have the Lord for their portion, wisdom, righteousness, sanctisication, & redemption, treasure & riches, Psal. 16.5. 1 Cor. 1.30. To have him for their Father, and captain, to acquaint them with the mysteries of God, to fight their battles, answer their enemies, subdue their lusts, tread down Satan under their feet, Isa. 55, 4, and 42, 1, 8. Mich. 7, 18. Rom. 16, 20. To sanctify them throughout, and preserve them to his Kingdom, 1 Thes. 5, 24. 1 Pet. 1, 4, 5. To be blessed with all Spiritual blessings, and complete in him, Eph. 1.3. Coll. 2.9. To have him loving them, as the Father hath loved him, and so estating them in all his own things so as they who because of the excellency of his loving kindness do put their trust under the shadow of his wings, shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of his house, and he will make them drink of the river of his pleasures, and fill them with fullness of joy in his presence, and pleasures at his right hand for evermore, Psal. 36, 7, 8, and 16, 11. So that we may well say of them happy art thou Oh Israel, who is like unto thee Oh people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thine excellency, and thy enemies shall be found liars unto thee, and thou shalt dwell in safety alone, Deut. 33.29.28. Psal. 31.20. Mich. 7.9.10.   

Use. TWO:  
This may also be a motive to press forward, and allure all men, to look to jesus Christ and come in, and submit to him, in repenting, and forsaking their sins, with all their former delights, and hopes, and believing the Gospel in its report of the great love of God in giving his son to die for their sins, and rise for their justification, and suffering this tidings to prevail to the breaking of their hearts in sight of, and sorrow for their sins against so gracious a God, and so loving a saviour and for which the Lord jesus suffered so much, and to cause them to renounce, reliance on any wisdom, strength, righteousness, or works of their own endavouring, seeing nothing less, than the bloud-shading of jesus Christ could make peace for them, nor any thing but the Spiritual application of that blood can effect peace in them, Mar. 1.15. Act. 2.37. Zach. 12, 10. Phill. 3, 3, 4, 7, 8. Gall. 2, 21. 1 Pet. 1.2. Therefore to look, and submit to jesus Christ and to wait for Spirit, and teaching from him, and not to rest but be attending the Gospel, and yielding to all the Gospel requires, till he by his Spirit, applying the virtue of his death, and resurrection to them, do overcome them to believe, and so effect peace, and newness in their hart, Isa. 42, 1, 8, and 45, 21, 23. joh. 8.30, 31, 36. Tit. 3.4.5. And the rather and the more are they to be vehement for this and press heertoo, because in the attainment of this, so great and peculiar love is to be met with all, joh. 1.12, and 3, 16. and 7, 37.39. Therefore, whatever thou be, that hast not yet attained, let the hearsay of this great, and peculiar love to such as believe in him, and love him now prevail with thee, and persuade thee to open thy ear, and attend with thy hart to the Gospel, and suffer it to prevail with thee to bring thee to repentance, and faith in jesus Christ, and to the love of him: Oh consider.   

Metives: I.  
jesus Christ hath loved thee, his compassiones have been great towards thee, he gave himself a ransom for thee, and died a grievous and ignominions death for thy sins, and risen for thy justification, and is become thy Lord, to whom thou owest thyself, thy life, and all that thou hast, and he hath power to absolve thee, and power to judge, and condemn thee, and yet waits for thee, and stands ready to send forth Spirit to thee, to make known his grace in thy hart, and bring thee into him, 1 Tim. 2, 6. Heb. 2.9. Rom. 14.9.10, 11, 12. 1 Cor. 6.20. Psal. 68.18. And shall not all this goodness melt, and break thy hart in pieces for thy sins, for which his blood was shed, and for thy long enstrangment from, and oft rebelliones against him that hath so loved thee, and died for thee, and to renounce reliance on thy own wisdom righteousness, and strength to fall down before him, and turn to him, and seek for life, and Spirit from him, and the rather seeing he might justly condemn thee, and yet in his so great love, and compassion still calleth thee, saying, seek me, and live; Oh turn thee, horn thee, that iniquity may not be thy destruction, Ezek. 33.11, and 18, 30, 31. Isa. 55, 6.7. Pro. 8.31.35.  
II. If thou obey this his heavenly call; so as thou be overcome thereby to deny thyself, and renounce thy own former lusts, & hopes, and to believe his love, and goodness; so as thou depend on him for life, & love him, thou shalt not only receive remission of sins, and a new hart, with peace therein, & access in grace, which yet is better than all the things of this world. Rom. 4.23.25. & 5.1.2. Act. 10.43. Psal. 32.1.2. But thou shalt therewith also partake of the same peculiar love of jesus Christ, in which himself is beloved, and shall not this allure, & move thee to seek him. joh. 7.37.38.39. & 14.21.23.  
III. And the more to move, & encourage thee to this repentance and faith in him, he hath caused this his special love, that he beareth to those that believe on him, and love him, to be written, and spoken off. That thou mayest know, what love thou shalt partake off in believing in him, and loving him. joh. 20.31. Rom. 15.4. joh. 1.7. & 5.34. 1. joh. 1.3. And for a pattern, and farther encouragement to thee, he hath all ready communicated of his special love to such, as before they believed, were as great sinners, and as far off as thou, to encourage thee to repent, and believe, that thou mightest partake of the same love also, 1 Tim. 1.15, 16. And will not this prevail with thee.  
IU. And to remove all stumble, because thou caused not come to jesus Christ, unless God by his Spirit draw thee, this also he hath declared, that at one time, or other, he will be tendering to thee, yea, and it's not to be doubted, when by his servants he is teaching the Gospel to thee. Pro. 8.31.32.35. joh. 1.4, 5, 9 Mat. 28.20. But thy imbessellity ought rather to stir thee up to pray him to draw thee, then to stumble, and discourage thee from turning in to him, Cant. 1.4. And I pray thee answer in thy hart this question; the Gospel having been preached to thee, hast thou not at one time, or other felt, or discerned some spiritual motiones abont the death of Christ, for sinners hinted into thy hart with suck light as hath given thee to see much sinfulness, and misery in thyself, and much mercy, and hope in Christ, and this with such force, as it hath strooke at thy hart, and stirred, and moved with in thee, to incline thee to repentance of thy sins, and to believe in Christ how sayest thou, didst thou never meet with his Spirit thus moving to have drawn thee to Christ, yea doth he not now stir when these things are put to thy remembrance, sure in these seasons he is calling thee, and striving with thee, to draw thee, he is taking the yoke from of thy jaws, and laying meat before thee, wherefore, though thou be blind, and deaf, and lame, yet now look, and hear and rise, and do not refuse, or withdraw from his Spirits opperationes, for he hath power to bring thee in, and if thou do turn in at his reproofs, and turn, he will pour forth Spirit on thee, and make known his gracious words unto thee, jer. 2, 5, 6, 30. Mich. 2, 7. Rev. 3.20. Gen. 6.3. Hos. 11.3.4. Mat. 23.37. Isa. 42.18. Pro. 1.23. 2 Cor. 6.1.2.  
It is thy refusal, and withdrawing in these seasons, that endangers thee to the great condemnation; Oh therefore turn not from him that first speaks from heaven, deprive not thyself of such precious mercy, and life, joh. 3.19. 1 Cor. 2.3. and 12.25. But if others will by following lying vanities forsake their own mercies, and in such seasons, for worldly causes hang back, and lose their own souls jona. 2.8. Mat. 16.24.25. Yet thou that art pinched with, and troubled for thy sins, and afraid of wrath, and death, and hast assayed many ways in workings of thy own, to find peace, and life, and not attamed, but art weary, and heavy laden; Oh let the tidings of this grace, and love of Christ and all these motives therefrom prevail with thee, to let go all thy other hopes, and desires, and repent, and believe the Gospel, acknowledge the grace of Christ, and submit and hearken to him, and yield to his gracious call, and opperationes, who calleth thee by name, and he will give the rest, and life, Mat. 11, 27, 28. Isa. 55.1, 3, and 61, 1, 2, 3. Psal. 34.8. Taste, and see, he is gracious.   

Use. III.  
This also may be an admonition to all men believers, and others to beware of udging of God's hatred, or love towards any man, or of the miserableness, or happiness of any man's Spiritual, and eternal condition, by a man's having, or wanting, being rich, or poor in the honour riches, friendship, power, or good report among men, seeing this love of God that makes happy, is not like that of the world nor so testified, and known all things of that nature coming alike to all good, and bad, Eccless. 9.1, 2, 3. Such as are very dear to God, may in all these outward things be very poor, jam. 2.5. As job, and such may be very rich as David, Solomon, etc. And such as live in ignorance, unbelief, and impenitency, may be very poor, and such may be very rich, jam. 5.1.6. jer. 5.4.5. And so may men given up of God be also very poor, jud. 1.6.7. And such also may be very rich in these outward things, jer. 12.1.2. job. 21.22. So that by these things, love or hatred cannot be known, only correctiones, by afflictiones, meeting with a man, to prevent his sinning, or humbling, and turning from sin, are found most often on those God most loves, Heb. 12.7. Hose. 4.14. Wherefore to judge a man's self, or others simply by such outward poverty, or riches, fullness, or want, prosperity, or adversity is very unsafe, and the way to justify the wicked, and condemn the generation of the just, Psal. 73.1.15. And therefore to be shunned of us, joh. 7.24. Yet doth not this hinder, but that the receit of such outward favours as they, are fruits of Gods tender compassiones, and his love, and faithfulness to his redeemed ones procured, and sanctified, through the blood, and grace of Christ, and the receiver in beholding that grace made more humble in himself, and enlarged thereby to give thanks to God and show forth his love to brethren, and compassiones to men more abundantly, are testimonies of favour from God, and of grace in the receivers, Psal. 145.8, 9, and 136.24, 25; and 111.5. and 75, 3. 1 Tim. 4.4, 5. 2 Sam. 7, 18, 19 2 Cor. 9.8.15. And also correctiones for offences received, as from the hand of a gracious God, and as sanctified through the blood of Christ, in which the receiver is humbled to the acknowledgement of his own sinfulness, and God's righteousness, and so more submitted to the teachings of grace, corruption more mortified, and he more conformed to Christ, are arguments of favour to the receiver, Pro. 3.11, 12. Heb. 12.5.11. jam. 1.12.  
Whereas when a man prospers in outward things, growing proud, and persisting in evil more abundantly thereby, It is an argument of displeasure from God, and wickedness in man. Psal. 73.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18. and 92.6, 7. And so likewise is it; for men to be followed with judgements, & therein to grow hard, and desperate in persisting in evil ways, Exod. 7. etc. Isa. 26.10, 11. Though still, outward prosperity, or adversity be of themselves neither prooses of love, nor of hatred in God.   

Use. iv  
This likewise may be, both an admonition, and motive to such as are babes, and yet but weak in the saith of Christ, who through some spiritual discoveries of the grace of Christ in the Gospel, have been helped in some measure to deny, and go out of themselves, and to receive the Gospel, so as in some measure they believe in Christ, and love him, and yet are but weak, and liable to many infirmities; as the disciples at the time of this love affirmed were; To you I say, seeing this is recorded, and spoken for your sakes, that you may know what portion you have in Christ Jesus, and with what love you are beloved of him, as is before shown.  
Oh: be warned, and moved to look for this love, Oh do not sit down, and rest in this that you have seen his love to man-ward, and experimented his compassiones to you, and found some peace in your consciences, in receipt of remission of sins, and some access to the throne of grace, though this be sweet, and precious, but wait through the Spirit in dependence on him, and in this confidence, seek earnestly, in supplication, and use of his appointed means, in attending to the Gospel, to have your faith established in his peculiar love of delight, and well-pleasedness, Rom. 5.1, 5. Heb. 6. 1. Gall. 5.5. Psal. 105.1, 8, and 106, 4, 5. Eph. 1.17.20. And give all diligence, by excercising, and walking in faith, and love, and yielding too, and bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, and waiting at his posts, that you may have this special love of Christ more cleared, and assured to you, 2 Pet. 1.5, 11. Heb. 6.11. Isa. 55.1.5. Pro. 8.34.35. And to that end, suffer not your hart by any means to fall back to the love of the world, and the things thereof, 1 joh. 2.15.16. Neither desire to be loved of jesus Christ as the world loveth her friends, joh. 14.27, and 15, 19, 20. Nor to be adorned, and filled with such praise honour, riches, friends power, and good report as the Lord often filleth his enemies withal, and they that have their portion in this life glory in, job. 21. Psal. 17.14. And if the Lord do give you a fullness in such outward things, beware you, do not set your hart upon them, nor glory of them or be delighted with them, Psal. 62.10. job. 31.24.25. Lest they turn to be a snare to you, and so damp your delight in good, and entangle, and unfit you for the service of the Lord, and so deprive you of better riches, Deut. 8.10.20. 1 Tim. 6.9.10.11. But in jealousy of yourselves, and in confidence in him, pray him to be merciful to you, in fitting you for all he giveth you, and to bless his mercies to you, in framing your hart by his grace to the acknowledgement of his goodness, and faithfulness, in good use making of all the things he giveth into your stewardship, and that the light of his countenance may shine upon you, Pro. 30.7.8.9. Psal. 67.1.2. That you may take occasion more abundantly thereby, to hold forth the word of life, Phill. 2.16. To show compassion, and do good to all men, and be ready for every good work, Tit. 3.2.8. Gall. 6.10. To testify love in the services thereof, more abundantly to the household of faith in fathering the ministration of the Gospel, relief of the needy bowels of the saints, use of hospitality, and so to be rich in good works, Gall. 6.6.9.10. Philem. 7. Heb. 13.1.2. 1 Tim. 6.18. And so shall all your outward fullness be no hindrance, but profitable to you, and others, Ecclez .. 7.11. Again if the Lord deprive you of such fullness, and keep you low, and excercise you with tribulation in that respect so as you are poor, and destitute of same, riches, friends, liberty, etc. among men, be not offended, neither murmur at his dealing with you, seeing you are deprived of nothing, but what Jesus Christ was deprived of in this life, he was the chief beloved, yet he was more emptied, and afflicted here then you are, yea have not resisted against sin, holding forth the faith to the blood, it is enough for the disciple, to have as good use here as his master, but you are not yet brought so low, Job. 2.10. Mich. 7.9. Heb. 12.3.4. Joh. 13.16, and 15, 19, 20. Do not murmur therefore, but in patience possess your souls, Luk. 21.19. Yea, and the rather, seeing the want of these outward things and afflictions about them, is no argument of want, or hindrance of having the most peculiar love, Pro. 3.12. Isa. 43.1, 2, 3. Yea, when they are occasioned by the profession of the Gospel, and suffered for the Gospel's sake, they are great testimonies of peculiar love, Act. 9.15.16. Rev. 7.14. Mat. 5.11.12. Wherefore let neither fullness, nor emptiness withdraw thee, but let they hart be one, and thy desires towards such love, as in which Christ Jesus is beloved, and seek to be settled and established therem, seeing it appertains to thee.   

Use. V  
This likewise may be an exhortation to all that believe in Jesus Christ and love him, rightly to prise, and estimate this peculiar love of Christ to them; So as:  
I. To rejoice in the Lord evermore, and let the portion you have received of him, and that you have in him be wellpleasing to you, and seek, and receive, and take up all your satisfying, content, and glorious, rejoicing therein Phill. 4.4. Rom. 5.11. Psal. 16.5, 6.  
If you have fullness of outward things, and be so kept, and carried in the use thereof, that the world cannot, but commend you, and that many are beholding to you; yet do not you rejoice in this, job. 31.35. Hose. 14.3. Psal. 20.7. But rejoice in the Lord that he is your portion, and hath forgiven you your sins, accepted you to favour, and is become your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; and hath given you his promise, that he will be with you, your strength, guide, and salvation, jer. 9.23.24. 1 Cor. 1.30.  
If the Lord hath enlarged you with many visits, and useful spiritual gifts, and great success therein, that much is done by you, and you therein preferred before many others, yet in this rejoice not, that you are so enlarged, and preferred before others, but rejoice in the Lord, that is become your portion, and hath writ your names in Heaven, and set his delight on you, 1 Cor. 4.6, 7. Luk. 10.20.  
If the Lord exercise you with wants in outward things, & many tribulationes, yet be not discouraged, but rejoice in the Lord that he is your portion, and that you have in him all fullness of spiritual blessings, and treasure that cannot be wasted, and that he hath set his love on you, and giveth you all things pertaining to life, and Godliness, and will cause all things to work for the best to you, and after a little trial possess you with the crown of life, let the belief hereof cause you to endure, as seeing him, who is invisible, and suffer not temporary asslictiones, to hinder your rejoicing in him, Lam. 3.19.24, Psal. 119.55, 57 Eph. 1.3. 2 Pet. 1.3, 4. 2 Tim. 4.8. Heb. 11.26.27. Psal. 66.6. Who will in due season fill you with joy.  
If the Lord try you with some darkness, hidings of his face though that be the forest of all trials; yet let not your hart sink into discouragement, nor count it a strange thing, as if it could not stand with peculiar love, or might not befall beloved sons, but in the depth of humiliation, and abasing of yourselves; yet rejoice in the Lord that is yours, and hath appeared to you, and because he loved you with everlasting love, hath drawn you with loving kindness, and though he hid his face from you both still, even now love you, and is your light and protexion, in him is no change; and in due season, he will return again to you, and bring you forth to the light, and you shall see his righteousness, jer. 31.3.20. Lam. 3.31. Mich. 7.7, 8, 9, 10. Therefore rejoice in him.  
If divers temptationes assaults you, rejoice not in sight of many outward, and sensible helps, and props, but rejoice in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Eph. 6.10. etc. In a word: when you a proach his courts, and use his ordinances; yea, and at all times rejoice in the Lord, because of this his great, and peculiar love, and loveninesse. Cant. 1.4. Psal. 27.4.  
II. To be meek, and patiented in all the trials, we meet withal for the profession of the Gospel, and for walking in faith, and love, and the services thereof, and to be constant therein, notwithstanding all trials we must meet with for the same seeing he loves us with such special, and peculiar love, Heb. 10.36. Rev. 2.10. and 12.11. And that also seeing. It is agreeable to the having of his choice love to go through many sufferings in the services of love, Act. 9.15, 16. It is from the hand of our wellbeloved, that loves us so dearly, who is the Lord of all, and all are his servants. Eccles. 3.14. Psal. 119.89, 90, 92. It is the appointed way to pass through, before we can come to enjoy the harvest, and fullness of his peculiar love, and choice fruits thereof, Act. 14.22; And that in due season as we suffer with him, we shall rain with him, 2 Tim. 2.12.  
III. To love one another as Jesus Christ hath loved us, even so freely, delightfully, flowingly, etc. And to walk in such love, and fellowship together, etc. Eph. 5.1.2. To all which by this love of Christ we may be exhorted, but the special use, in which we may come to see, and ataine to all set forth, in these uses is that which follows in the next point.  
The Second thing to be veiwed is, Our Saviour's gracious invitation, or charge. Viz. Continue yea in my love.  
This sentence by the whole drift, & scope of our Saviour's instruction in the simile from Vers. 1. to this 9 Vers. appears to be meant in as large a sense as Vers. 4. Abide in me, and I in you, and as Vers. 7. If ye abide in me, and my words in you: Soc as the sense appears to be twofold.  
First, Continue yea in my love, That is, Depend and rest upon it, and rest yourselves satisfied with it, and turn not aside from this my love, to seek, or desire any other loves beside mine, Psal. 36.7, 8. and 73.23, 26. and 23. and 27. 1. Isa. 28.12, 16. and 30.15.16.  
Secondly: Continue yea in my love, That is, let it be ever with you, in you, and before you, and have its perfect working in you in all its operationes, and do not smother it, or shrink from it in any of its workings, and motiones, Rev. 3.3. Jam. 1● 25. 1 Thess. 5.19.  
So that the meaning of the words appear to be as much, as if our Saviour had said in more words to his disciples, and to us in them.  
I. Continue yea in my love, take up all your satisfying, and well-pleasedness therein, Psal. 16.5, 6, 7, and 18, 1, 2, 3. Phill. 3.3, 7, 8, 9 Drink in all your delight, and resreshing therefrom, Joh. 7.37, 38, 39 Psal. 36.7, 8, 9 Cant. 1.2, 3, and 5, 1. And take up all your consolation, and glorying in this my love, Jer. 9.23, 24. 1 Cor. 1.30.31.  
II. Continue ye in my love, walk in it, and yield up yourselves to go forth in all the opperationes of it, doing all you do in the remembrance, belief, of, and confidence in this my love, and in submission too and walking in the same, Coll. 3.16, 17, and 2, 6. Gall. 2.20. Rom. 6.17, and 12, 1.2. Phil. 2.2.6. So that to take the sense, both in a brief sum, and in an amplified explication it comes both into the same sense, As.  
I. To take it in a brief sum, it appears to have this sense, continue yea in my love, (that is as much as to say) so cleave to me, and demane yourselves to mee-ward, in accepting of, and yielding to my love, in taking all your satisfying in it, and yielding all your service to it, that you neither turn aside, and wind out yourselves from it nor cause me to hid, or withdraw it from you, suitable to this are such prayers, and exhortations, as. Coll. 1.9, 10, 11, and 3, 9, 10, 16 Eph. 3, 16, 19, and 4, 1, 7, 22, 24. Eph. 5.2.  
For such as so continue in his love, that by his love, they be inflamed with, and led out in the love of him, shall partake of more abundant testimonies of love from him, Pro. 8.27. Jeh. 14.21, 23. But such as withdraw from resting, and delighting in his love, and yielding up in love to the requirings, and opperationes thereof, he will not flow in upon them, with appearance, and testimonies of his delightful love, but rather hid the same from them, Heb. 10.38. Therefore for our profit he said, continue yea in my love, viz. in resting in, and yielding to my love.  
II. To take the sense in an amplified explication in some particular branches, to continue in this love of Christ containeth in it these particulars.  
I. To remember his love with all the fruits thereof, so as we never forget, nor be unmindful of the same, but keep it in our mind and hart, as it hath been by the word of grace, and his Spirit therein made known to us, Cant. 1.4. Psal. 103.1. 5: As to say.  
His redeeming us by his blood, even when we were his enemies, Rom. 5.5.6, 10. 1 Cor. 15.1.4.  
His accepting, and receiving us, when in the heavenly call we were presented to him, though we were then in our blood, he washing, and speaking peace to us, and in us, even by his blood that was before shed for us, Ezek. 16.4.6, 9 Rev. 5.5.  
His becoming all things for us, and to us, even wisdom, righteousness sanctification, and redemption, Father, Brother, Prince, teacher, etc. 1 Cor. 1.30. Jsa. 9.6.  
His oft supporting, relieving, and visitting us, and assuring his gracious presence with us, and giving us some experiment thereof in his gracious operations, Psal. 34.4, and 116, 1, 10. Isa. 43.1, 2, 3. Rom. 5.2.3.4.  
His making us sons, and therein partakers of all his son like privilledges, and therein filling us with peace, and assurance of raining, and so the first fruits of eternal life, and the hope of the inheritance, and Kingdom, Joh. 1.12. 1 joh. 3.1.2. Rev. 1.6, and 5, 10. Rom. 5.2.3.  
His making an everlasting, and free covenant with us, engaging himself to us for all these high privilledges, 2 Sam. 23.5. 1 Cron. 16, 15, 18. Psal. 105.8.9.10. Of which himself is ever mindful.  
And of all these things to be mindful, is one step of continuing in his love.  
II. To abide in and keep fast, and constantly at all times, that judgement esteem, and prising of his love, and the fruits thereof, and the goodness and equity of all it requireth, and worketh, which was begotten, and quickened up in us, upon the first discovery, and communication of his love to us by his Spirit in, and through the word of grace, in which we were enabled to belief, and this is another step of continuance in his love, Pro. 31.21, 22, and 4, 20, 21. Rev. 3.3. jer. 2.1.5. Deut. 32.15.18.  
III. To abide in, and hold fast our confidence in his love, and goodness which by his grace he hath begotten, trusting perfectly to his grace, and this is to stand, and stay in his love, Heb. 3.6.14, and 10, 35. 1 Pet. 1.13.  
iv To account this love of his, with the fruits thereof riches enough without desire, or regard of any other love, or fruit to enrich us, and this is to take up our content, and lie down in his love, Psal. 73.23. Phil. 3.7.9.  
V To suffer this love of his thus remembered, esteemed, trusted to with content taking therein, to have its perfect work in, and with us, 1 joh. 4.10.11.12.17.18.21. In making the world, with all the glory riches, and goodliness thereof, as contemptible to us, as it will, Phill. 3.7.8. Jsa. 40.7.8.  
In mortifying all the affections, and lusts of the flesh, and lusts after any thing besides this love of Christ, and the fruits thereof, Coll. 3.1.4. Gall. 5, 23.  
In carrying us forth to the acknowledgement of our own nothingness, and confession of the great love of God, and seeking the enjoyment of it more and more, abundantly, Psal. 103. Rom. 1, 16. Cant. 1.2.3.4.  
In enflaming our desires, and commanding all our powers for all services of love, through all labours and sufferings laid before us, Rom. 12.12. Phill. 2.1.2.6. Rev. 12.11. 2 Cor. 5.14. And this is to yield up too, and to eat, and drink in, and digest his love, joh. 4.32.34.  
VI To exercise ourselves, and walk in this love of his, with this remembrance, and estimate of, and confidence in, and yielding to the operation of this his love, and to do all we have to do in performances, or sufferings, in, and through this remembrance, belief, and acknowledgement of the love of Christ, which is to walk in his love, 1 Cor. 13; 1, 13, and 16, 14.  
VII. To rejoice evermore in the Lord, and in this his love, and to give him thanks, weighting for the enjoyment of the fullness thereof, Phill. 4.4. 1 Thess. 5.18. 1 Joh. 3.1. 2 And thus also we shall be clothed with his love.  
All these particulars joined together are included in continuing in his love; so that the sense, whether briefly propounded, or largely set forth with explication meet in one; to continue in his love, in performance of which abideing in his love: what freedom from sin in respect of accusation, or tyrannical commands: what freedom from the bondage of the law, and from terrors, and fears of wrath, and death: What enjoyment of peace, and joy: What heavenly operationes in purifying the hart, and shilling with childlike love desires, and sweet content: What experiments of strength, and goodness is found, none know, but those that experiment it. Rom. 5.1, 5. 1 Cor. 2.14.  
But all they that continue thus in his love, do both know, and experiment it such, and so good, that is better than life, 1 joh. 3.1, 2, 3. Psal. 63.1, 2, 3. And they have their experiments for the proof, and can set their scale to the same, witnessing him to be true, Rom. 8.1, 2. joh. 7.37.38.39. & 3.33.  
And from this gracious charge, and invitation of our Saviour to his disciples, to continue in his love, arise two observationes clearly,   

Obs. I.  
The insinit love, and good will of Jesus Christ, to those that believe in him, and love him, farther showing itself in this, that he is not content only to love them; and so peculiarly to love them: yea, and to make known such love to them also, but that he would have them also always to continue, and abide in this his peculiar love, and receive all refreshing, and satisfying in it, and to be ever with him, and before him, eateing, and drinking loves in his presence, Psal. 36.8. and 65.4. Cant. 5.1. A favour greater than that of David, to Mephibosheth, 2 Sam. 9.7. Even as much as that desired by the church, Cant. 8; 6. Well may his love be said to pass knowledge for height, breadth, depth, length, Eph. 3.18, 19   

Obs. II.  
The infinite obligation, in which believers are to Jesus Christ, and soc their duty, and way, that is safe, and seemly for them, and wellpleasing to him; namely: To continue and abide in this his love; Always to remember, and prise it; to rest on, and yield too it, to dwell, and walk in it, as is before-shewne, Eph 5.1, 2. and 4.1, 7, 20, 24. Psal. 23. to the end. To which his great love obligeth, and his charge, from both which there are good grounds, and strong motives of much usefulness to us, as to instance a little; It serveth  
I. To reprove such believers, and professors of the Gospel of much faultiness, and ingratitude, as having made some beginnings in the Spirit, and in receit of some spiritual light in the Gospel, helping them to believe, have experimented, not only peace in conscience, in belief of the atonement made by Christ, but also in dependence on Christ, have met with some discoveries, insights, and taste of his peculiar love, and loveliness, and the sweet movings, and operationes thereof, 2 Cor. 3; 3, 18. Heb. 10. Gall. 3.1, 2. and 4, 15. Who notwithstanding are again withdrawn and turned aside, either to delight themselves with, or to heap up to themselves, or adorn themselves with, or seek satisfying in the glory, riches, and things of this world, 2 Tim. 4, 10. Or to please themselves, or others in any idolatrous, or superstitious service, or to perfect themselves, in becoming under the bondage of the law to help themselves, with fleshly observances, and performances, to make up their assurance, or faith, Gall. 3.1, 13. and 5.1, 5, 6. and 4. Yea, or that have in any sort left their first love met, with in Jesus Christ. Rev. 2.4.5. To which, what need more be said then, Behold and remember this his so great love, And what hart will it not wound, to think, that it should be so bewitched, after the taste thereof, to commit so great folly, to prefer vanity; to charge the all mighty with iniquity, to requite him so evil, that is so gracious, Oh great folly, Gall. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. jer. 2.5, 6, 13, 41, 46. Deut. 32.2.6, 7.  
II. To admonish all that have believed in Jesus Christ, and loved him to acknowledge the cause of all their weakness, and in temptationes readiness to start aside for gain, or fear; all their murmur discontents; all their follies through envy, wrath, or any worldly, or fleshly lusts, to proceed from a forgetfulness of this great love of Jesus Christ, and of God in him, and want of resting thereon, and yielding up to, and walking in the motiones thereof, which would have preserved them. jam. 1.12. Deut. 32.4.5.6.15.  
III. To exort us to love the Lord Jesus, Psal. 31.23. And to set forth the praises of his love, Psal. 145. to the end. And to continue, and abide in his love, accepting it, and yielding to it, as is before shown, the directiones whereto followeth.  The third thing to be veiwed is: the sweet, and safe direction, our Saviour giveth his disciples, how to continue in his love, in which direction, a gracious promise is included; If ye keep my commandments, yea shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 
FOR our better understanding of this direction, and promise, First, we have two things to be enquired into, Viz. I. What were the Father's commandments concerning Jesus Christ, which he kept.  
II. How, or in what manner Jesus Christ kept his Father's commandments secondly, we have two things expressed to be veiwed, and believed of us, Viz. I. That jesus Christ did keep his Father's commandments, II. That in keeping them he did abide in his Father's love.  
Thirdly we have our saviours assirmation, containing both.  
I. The direction how, and II. The promise of continuing in his love.  
First: For the things to be enquired into that we may know them, the first is what were the Father's commandments concerning Jesus Christ, and in the scripture they appear to be, these two commandments.  
I. That he should save all men, by giving himself a ransom, and offering up himself a sacrifice for them, to make propitiation for their sins, so as to make them saveable, and to open the door for a special and eternal salvation, for all those that submit to him, and believe on him, 1 Tim. 2.4, 5, 6. Heb. 10.7. And this command encludes in it his taking the nature of mankind, subject to humane infirmities, Rom. 6.3. His being made under the law for them that were under the law, Gall. 4.4.5. His bearing the sins of the world, joh. 1.29. 2 Cor. 5.19. His dying the death for every man, 2 Cor. 5.14. Heb. 2.9 His rising again acquit of all the sins imputed to him, and a victorer over all the curse, and death imposed on him, and over all the enemies he conflicted with, 1 Cor. 15.4. 1 Pet. 3.22. And so by the eternal Spirit offering himself with out spot to God, sealing the new Testament with his precious blood, and with the virtue thereof entered the holy of holies, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people, and appears in heaven before God for them, Heb. 9.11.12.14, 15, 16, 17, 23.24. All this is in the first commandment.  
II. That he should bring all men to the knowledge of the truth, and so enlighten, and convince them, that the Lord may dwell among them, and how ever, that they may be brought to acknowledge Jesus the Lord to the glory of God, 1 Tim. 2.4.6. Rom. 14.9.11.12. And more especially such as are in the day of grace submitted to the acknowledgement of the truth, to guide them into all truth, and to unite, and conform them to himself, making them meet for, and in due season partakers of the inheritance with himself, joh. 16.13, 14, 15. Isa. 55.4, 5, 2 Cor. 3.3, 18. Coll. 1.12.13. 1 Pet. 2.3.9. And this commandment contains in it, His declaration of the Gospel, His communication of Spirit, His enliving the dead, His opening the eyes of the blind, and the ears of the deaf, his bringing the prisoners out of prison; his comforting, clothing, and beautifying them with grace, and glory, Isa. 61.1.2, 3. Luk. 4.18, 21. Isa. 42.1, 8, and 49, 6, 9 And that these two commandments, the one to work, and accomplish in himself, as the public person in the room, and place, a perfect salvation for mankind with God by giving himself a ransom for them, and so purchasing them into his own dispose as their Lord, and so making them saveable, Rom. 14.9.10.11.12. The other to offer the knowledge, and tenders of this grace to them, that they may come to the knowledge of the truth, joh. 1.9. And that such as are submitted to the acknowledgement of the truth in the day of grace, and abide therein, he to confer upon them, and work in them eternal salvation, joh. 8.31.36. That these be the commandments of the Father concerning Jesus Christ our Lord is evident.  
I. By the express, and plain affirmation of the scriptures, speaking of the mind, and will of God, concerning the Man Jesus Christ the mediator between God, and men what God willeth concerning him, that he would have done by him; It saith of the first, God will have all men to be saved, And of the second, And come to the knowledge of the truth; And speaking of the answerable performance by Christ it saith of the first, he gave himself a ransom for all, and of the second, a testimony, or to be testified in due time, 1 Tim. 2.4.5.6. Both which are expressly said in other places also, to be his will to be done by Christ, and which he came and undertook to doc, and having finished the one part, that respecteth the one commandment, and been performing, and still is performing the other part of his will which respecteth the other commandment, Psal. 40.7, 8, 9, 10 Heb. 10.7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16. Isa. 61.1.2.3.  
II. By the plain testimony, and confession of Jesus Christ himself, who as he was abased, and died for our sins, and risen for our justification, and so offered himself as the ransom to God, and became the propitiation for the sins of the world so he comprehendeth his humiliation death, and resurrection, under the first part of the will of his Father, and calleth it his commandment, saying I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it again, this commandment have I received of my Father, joh. 10.18. And of this part of Gods will its most probable he spoke, joh. 6.38.39. I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me, and this is the Father's will, which hath sent me, that of all that he hath given me I should lose none, but should raise it up again at the last day, Agreeable to that is said elsewhere. As in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor. 15.22. Agreeable to that which he after saith, The bread which I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world, joh. 6.51. And this to be heere-ment appears. I. In that this said, Vers. 38.39. Is made the ground of his faithfulness, and power, for that he said before, Vers. 37. and after, Vers. 40. II. In that the phrase is altered, Hear is said, hath given (as intimating to purchase) but in Vers. 37. It is said, giveth (as intimating by the heavenly call) III. And in that the other part of his will is expressed as distinct, and in other terms, Vers. 40. And to manifest his love, and obedience to his Father in this command, in laying down his life, and offering himself as the sacrifice for the sin of the world, joh. 1.29. That the world might know it, when he was in the house, where those that sought to apprehend him could not have come to take him, he said that the world may know, that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do, arise, let us go hence, Joh. 14.31. And thus have we the first commandment given to Christ, set forth by his own testimony.  
And for the other commandments; he saith expressly, This is the will of him that sent me, that every one that seethe the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day, joh. 6.40. (intimating, To glory for all shall rise,) and speaking of the Gospel, and the ministration thereof, through which he sendeth forth Spirit to enlighten, and convince; and to bring the convinced to believe, and the believer to partake of eternal life, in which respect the Gospel is a light, and a judge. joh. 12.46, 47, 48, 49.50.  
He said, I have not spoken of myself, but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak, and I know that his commandment is life everlasting, whatsoever I spoke therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak, and so he saith; The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to minister a word in due season, to him that is weary, Isa. 50.4.  
In respect of these commands put on Christ, and undertaken to be performed by him, he is in general called, The Saviour of the world. joh. 4.42. And God's salvation to the ends of the earth, Isa. 49.6. And in special the Saviour of his Body, his people, Eph. 5.23. Mat. 1.21. And hence also he is said to be created for the glory of God; and bidden by God, to bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears, Isa. 42.6, 7. and 43.7.8. And because he undertook, and went on in these commandments, by the will, and appointment of the Father, he is said to enter in the performance of both by the door, joh. 10.1, 2, 3.17, 18. So that by our Saviour's own testimony it appears, what the Father's commands concerning him were.  
III. It farther appears by the furniture, wherewith he was fitted to keep these commands, and so to perform both parts of his Father's will, in effecting salvation for the world, and eternal salvation in his peculiar people; the Scriptures Affirming.  
I. That for the first, He was sent into the world to be the Saviour of the world, 1 joh. 4.14. joh. 3.17. 1 Tim. 1.15. And had a body given him, that was sit to suffer, Psal. 40. Heb. 10.7. And was made under the law, Gall. 4.4.5. That so he might bear the sins of men, and suffer, and offer up himself in sacrifice for them, 2 Cor. 5.19, 21.  
II. That for the second, he was exalted at God's right hand, and imeasurably fill'd with the Holy Ghost, to send forth in the Gospel, to make known the salvation wrought by his death, and in his own body, and to aply the virtue of his blood, and so to give repentance, and remission of sins, and so to heal, and save, Isa. 50.4, 10, and 61, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 42, 1, 8. Psal. 68.18, 20. Act. 2.31, 33, and 5, 31, 32. By which furniture, it appears, what the commands to him were.  
iv It is yet farther manifest in that these commands appear to be peculiar too, and for Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the Lord from heaven, a quickening Spirit, 1 Cor. 15.45.47. These commands being such as not only are but ever were, beyond the power of all creatures, or any mere man to perform, job. 28.1.23. The law which God at first put in man's hart, and to which by the grace of creation he was bound with all the commands included in that law for loving God with all the hart, soul, and strength, and one's neighbour as himself, were suitable, and fit for a living soul, as the first Adam was made, and might have been kept by him, if he had abode in his integrity, and so sin might have been kept from entering into the world, Eccles. 7.29. 1 Cor. 15.45. But to take away transgression (when it is come into the world) and to do it by dying, and rising again, and so to ransom, and work a redemption with God for transgressors, this is, and always was beyond the power of any mere man to do, Psal. 49.7.8. And so likewise to enlive these ransomed ones lying dead in trespasses, and sins and to enlighten them, and give in the Holy Spirit to renew, and save them, and fill them with eternal life is beyond the power of all creatures, or any mere man, though converted, joh. 1.13, and 3, 3, 5, 6, and 6, 44, 45. 2 Cor. 3.4.5.6.  
These things are peculiar to him that is the son of God, God man, the saviour, and their is none besides, Heb. 1. and 2. to the end. Tit. 2.10. Isa. 45.21. Who had a body given him to suffer, and was manifested in this world to take away transgressions, Heb. 10. 1 Joh. 3.5. And was exalted at his Father's right hand, and filled with Spirit, to enlighten his ransomed, to preach the Gospel to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, and bring his people to life, and glory, sa. 42.1, 8, and 50, 61, 1, 4. Whence God in putting these commands upon his own son Jesus Christ, and on him only, is said to have laid help upon one that is mighty, Psal. 89.19.  
V The state, and condition we were in whom he came to save, doth also evidence, these foremencioned, to be the commandments, that were given to Christ by him, that sent him forth to be our saviour, our needs requiring the same, that he should fulsill these commandments, for though his being righteous in fulfilling the law, to which by the grace of creation we were all bound, was both needful, and profitable for us, in that thereby, no need of any part of his ransom, or sacrifice for himself, but all for us, Heb. 7.26.27. Yet could not all that righteousness of his have made satisfaction for our sins, and overcome our death, and procured life for us, it he had not done this for us, by dying for our sins, and rising for our justification, and so fulfilled that commandment, Mat. 26.39. Gall. 2.21. Rom. 4.25. joh. 10.18. Neither by all that his personal righteousness, joined with the fulfilling of this command if he had not been filled with Spirit to send forth, and should not by that Spirit in the Gospel be fulfilling the other command, in teaching and renewing us, applying that salvation wrought to us, and working salvation in us, could we be eternally saved, Isa. 42.1.8, and 61, 1, 4, and 54 3.11. joh. 6.44, 45, and 15, 1, 8. And thus it appears, what the Father's commandments concerning Christ are.  
II. The second thing to be enquired is, How, or in what manner Jesus Christ kept his Father's commandments, and that the Scripture shows.  
I. That he kept and performed the same in, and through an union with his Father in mind, will, and purpose, and so in love to his Father, and to his chosen, and to mankind. joh. 10.27.30. Heb. 10.7, 9, 10. Psal. 40.7.8. joh. 4.34. And so from the law writ in his hart, with delight to do his will.  
II. That he so kept, and performed them in the midst of a gainsaying people, and against many temptationes from the devil, and from the world, both Jews, and Gentiles, and notwithstanding many illrequitealls from his called ones, Isa. 53.1, 2, 3, 4. and 65.2. Mat. 4.1.12. Heb. 12.3.  
III. He so kept, and performed them constantly, going through, and enduring all the labour, pain, and suffering set before him; till he entered his rest where he abideth faithful, Isa. 50.5, 6. and 53.7. Heb. 12.2. and 4.10.16. Phill. 27.11.  
iv He kept, and performed them by the very power of the divine nature, in and by the stirring, and motion of the Holy Ghost, Luk. 4.1, 14. Heb. 9.14. Rom. 1.4. and 6.4, Isa. 11.1, 2.  
And thus, and in this manner did Jesus keep his Father's commands; Secondly, For the things expressed, they are fully, and plainly affirmed, which should be to us proof sufficient; yet for better usefulness, we may view them, that we may the more profitably believe them.  
I. The first of them is that Jesus Christ hath kept his Father's commands, not only those that apertained to his own person, as he had taken our nature, and had a soul, and body like us, and was made under the law for us, which law he also perfectly kept, and fulfilled, and so in that respect was altogether without sin, and perfectly righteous, Which is greatly for our benefit, 2 Cor. 5.21. 1 Pet. 2.22. and 3.18. Heb. 7.26.27. But also as that here specially meant, and which we are here especially to heed, he hath kept those commands which the Father gave him, in respect of his office and mediatorship, for which he so fitted him, and which were so peculiar to him, and needful for us, that he should perform, 1 Tim. 2.4, 5, 6. Heb. 10.7.19. In respect whereof; he is also the just one, and faithful and perfectly righteous in fulfilling them, 1 joh. 2.1.2. and 1.9. And that he hath kept these commands, is evident.  
I. By the plain affirmation of Scripture.  
In respect of the first command, that he gave himself a ransom for all men, by the grace of God tasted death for every man, 1 Tim. 2.6. Heb. 2.9. He humbled himself, and became obedient to the death even the death of the cross, Phill. 2.8. Died for our sins, and was buried, and risen again the third day according to the scriptures, 1 Cor. 15, 3.4. In respect of the other command, a testimony in due time, 1 Tim. 2.6. He is the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, joh. 1.9. He taught in their synagogues, etc. Luk. 4.14, 15, 22. He taught, and advocated for his disciples, and gave his Father's words to them, and sent, and sendeth forth Spirit from his Father's right hand, Act. 2.33. Eph. 4.7, 8, 12. And was, and is faithful to him that appointed him, as a son over his own house, to edify preserve consolate, and glorify them Heb. 3.1, 6. Isa. 61.1.4.  
II. By his own testimony, both by words, and deeds, by word, he said, I will give my flesh for the life of the world, I lay down my life that I might take it again, this commandment have I received, etc. The Father gave me a commandment, what I should faith, and what I should speak therefore even as the Father said unto me, so I speak, I have (saith he to his Father) finished the work which thou gavest me to do, I have manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me, joh. 6.51, and 10.17, and 12, 49.50, and 17, 4, 6. By deed, lie went out of the house, and over the brook, and into the garden, and offered himself to those that came to apprehended him, and died, and rose, and ascended, and sent forth of the Holy Ghost, etc. joh. 14.31, and 18, 1, 4, etc. Act. 1, and 2.  
III. By the testimony of his Father that Jesus is his son, in and with whom he is well-pleased, bidding all, to look to him, and hear him, and assureth, that he is full of Spirit, and will not fail in whatever appertaineth to him to do, Mat. 3.17, and 17, 5. Isa. 42.1.8.  
iv By the evidence, and witness of the Holy Ghost, of whom it is said, the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me, joh. 15.26. And so is the Holy Ghost a witness of these things, whom God hath given to them that obey him, Act. 5.32. God also bearing witness, with signs, and wonders, and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own will, Heb. 2.4. Yea the Holy Ghost will so evidence the righteousness of Christ in his perfect keeping of these commands, that he will reprove the world of sin, because they believed not on Christ (that had ransomed them and received Spirit, and sent forth light to bring them to believe) And he will enable such as are turned in his reproofs to believe on Christ, 1 Pet. 1.21.22. And will farther glorify Christ in the hearts of believers, and guide them into all truth, joh. 16.13.15. That they may know him in respect of his faithfulness in these commands, to be all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption for, and to them, an all life, and good in them, 1 Cor. 1.30. Coll. 1.27, and 2, 3, 9, 10, and 3.11.  
V By the experiments of those that are taught of God, who in the knowledge, and belief of this grace met with in Christ, his keeping these commands for us, have seen, and experimented, that through his obedience and faithfulness in the first command, having offered himself in sacrifice, for the sin of the world; It is that the earth is preserved, that life is reprived, that God's patience, and long-suffering is extended, and that mercies, and bownty are daily renewed, and the foundation of repentance, laid, and the door of hope, and life opened to them, Psal. 75.3. Act. 17.28. Rom. 1.16. With. 2.4. Lam. 3.22.23. 2 Tim. 1.10. 1 Tim. 4.10.  
And that through his faithfulness in the other command, making known and aplying by his Spirit the virtue of his blood to them, and working by his Spirit in them it is, that they believe in him, and love him; that they enjoy remission of sins, peace with God, joy in the Holy Ghost, knowledge of their sonship, support in trials, refreshing in ordinances, fellowship with God, and brethren, hope of glory, etc. Rom. 4.24, 25. and 5.1, 11. Phill. 1.29. 1 Pet. 1.21.22. Rom. 14.17, 18. 1 joh. 1.1, 2.3, 4, 7. Psal. 36.8. & 65.4. So that from their experments, they can set too their seal that he is true, joh. 3, 32.33. Rom. 8.1, 2, 3, 4.  
VI By the witness of all those faithful ministers of the word, that have this gracious testimony inspired to their hart, who bear record of this Gospel that declareth, this which Christ hath done, and is at his Father's right hand ready to do, knowing they declare no fable, and that where this is faithfully declared, they are witnesses, and in such witness bearing, Christ sends forth the Holy Ghost, to enlighten, and bear witness to others that they may believe, 2 Cor. 5.18.19. Act. 5.31, 32, and 10, 44. 1 Pet. 1.12. Mat. 28.20. 1 joh. 1.4.6.  
So that it clearly, and many ways appears that jesus Christ hath kept his Father's commandments, this being included in that great mystery, 1 Tim. 3.16.  
II. The second thing expressed is, that jesus Christ in keeping his Father's commandments did abide in his Father's love, So that.  
I. In keeping these commandments, even while he was made low, and under law for our sakes, and did humble himself to be made poor, and to die for us, yea in all his sufferings he went through, whose love soever he lost, and of whatsoever he was deprived, and whosoever hated, and persecuted him, yet in all his Father's love, and well-pleasedness was with him, his delight was in him, his presence with him, and his purpose of glorifying him firm, unmoveable, and inseparable, yea even when the shines and appearances of his love, and delightful fellowship were withdrawn, and hidden from him, and he for our sakes so far left, as to feel the punishment of our sins, which he suffered, yet even then did the Father love him, yea, and also therefore love him, Heb. 29. Phill. 2.6, 7, 9, 10. joh. 16.32. end 10.17.  
And in his ministration of the Gospel, and communication of Spirit, and all the opperationes thereof in the hearts of his people, the Father is well-pleased with him, and as he hath accepted his sacrifice, and ransom for the sons of men, so he accepteth all his Spiritual offerings, and opperationes in the hearts of believers, acquainting them with, and drawing, and presenting them before his Father, Isa. 42.1.2.8. Psal. 20.3. joh. 17.1, 8, and 5, 19, 37. In all loving him.  
II. In keeping these his Father's commandments, he himself took delight in, and was well-pleased, in, and with his Father's love, not desiring other loves, favour, riches, pomp, or Kingdom, nor being troubled for being deprived of them, or any of them, having all his satisfying, and content in the love, and well-pleasedness of his Father, always being well-pleased with him, joh. 4.32, 34, and 5, 43, 44, and 10.30. Psal. 40.8. joh. 14.31, and 16, 32.  
III. In all trials that befell him on earth in keeping these commandments, this his Father's love, and well-pleasedness with him, and his delight, and satisfying therein found, had its perfect working with him carrying him through all labours, and sufferings, so as he neither drew back from any part of the first command, Heb. 12.2. Isa. 50.5.6.7. Nor did nor will fail in the other command to fulfil all righteousness, Isa. 42.1.2.8.  
iv In all this his so keeping these commands, through all he met on earth, he retained the belief, and held fast the confidence he had in his Father's love, with assurance of being upheld, and in due season to see the travel of his soul, and to be glorified, with the glory he had with his Father before the world was, Isa. 50.5, 6, 7, and 53, 8, 11. joh. 17.1.2.3. And now being glorified at his Father's right hand, remaineth there Advocating for, and sending forth Spirit to his people, waiting till all his enemies be made his footstool, when he will take his great power, and reign, being the wellbeloved of his Father, Psal. 110. 1 joh. 2.1.2. Eph. 4.7.12. Rev. 11.17. Thus hath jesus Christ kept these his Father's great commandments, and abode in his love, which might be of much use to us.  
I. To inform us of the great love of Christ to us, that hath undertaken, and performed these so great, needful, and fit commands to be done by him for us, and of the great love of God in the gift of his son, to fulfil such commandments for us, and so loving, and accepting him in the keeping of them, Gall. 2.20. 1 joh. 4.9, 10, and 3, 16. Rom. 8.32, and 5, 6, 11. 2 Cor. 3.18, and 4.6.  
And of the full, and perfect salvation, that is to be found in Jesus Christ, that great salvation he hath wrought in his own body for men, and that healthful, and eternal salvation, which by his Spirit applying the former, he worketh in those that believe on him, and love him, 1 joh. 4.14. 1 Pet. 2.24. Heb. 5.8, 9, and 7, 24, 25.  
II. To exort us, to look to him, and to that he hath done, and that which apertaines to him to do; to believe both, and to accept, and receive the one, and to depend one, and submit to him for and in the other, Isa. 42.1.8 and 45.22.23. and 55.1.6. Rom. 4.24, 25. and 5.1.6, 11. and 6. to the end. And soc to love him, and it love to receive, and highly prise this his direction, and promise to follow, and walk in the one, and to depend one, and wait for the other.  And so we come to the third thing in this point, which is that here also affirmed by our Saviour, (that) As he hath kept his Father's commands, and abode in his love, so if we keep his commandments, we shall abide in his love, In which are contained two things clearly set forth. Viz. 
FIrst: A sweet, and healthful direction, how to continue in his love; namely, I. In keeping his commandments II. In keeping them, as he kept his Father's commandments.  
Secondly, A comfortable promise, that so keeping his commands, they shall abide in his love.  
First the healthful direction, hath three things in it to be opened and understood for our better usefulness.  
I. The commands of Jesus Christ to believers heere-ment, what they are.  
II. The keeping of them, of which he here speaketh what that is.  
III. The manner of keeping, as he kept his Father's commands what that is.  
I. For the first of these: to know rightly, what the commandments of Jesus Christ to believers heere-ment are, livers things may be considered.   

Consider I.  
That there be commandments of divorts sorts, mentioned in the Scripture, as to instance the chief of them, There are:  
I. Such commands as by the grace of creation by Christ, and by the grace of redemption, wrought in, and by Christ, in his own body, and the common frultes thereof; all men are bound with all their powers, and in, and by that strength that at any time hath been given into their natural powers by God, to perform to the utmost, in performance of which, if no failing bee found, they shall have life, but the least failing therein, if but once, in any part of any one command, doth always leave a man in, and of himself under sin and death, the wages thereof, and by these commandments, are all men found under the guilt of sin, and under the power of curse, and death, even all those that sight against, and run cross to these commands, & all those also, who do their utmost to make themselves righteous in, and by the keeping of them, Rom. 2.12.14. and 3.10, 20. and 6.23. and 10.5. Gall. 3.10. jeb. 9.22, 30, 33. And the trespasses which these commandments do charge mankind withal, and which through the fall they were necessitated to commit, and left without divine power to help themselves were all laid on Jesus Christ, who mass manifested to take them away, and to make propitiation for the sins of the world, Isa. 53.2, 6. 2 Cor. 5.19.21. 1 joh. 3, 4, 5. and 2.2. joh. 1.29. And under this law of commandments was Jesus Christ made for those that were under it, Gall. 4.4. And he himself, and he only did altogether, and always fulfil it, so as it could charge him with no sin of his own commission, but only with our sins against it, in that he was made under that law for us, so as all his whole suffering, and sacrifice was for us, 1 Pet. 2.22.24. and 3 18. 2 Cor. 5.21. And to this law hath he perfectly satisfied, in respect of himself in fulfiling it, and in respect of us, in suffering for all it can charge us with, that so through his death for us, we might be dead to it, 2 Cor. 5.14. Rom. 6.10 11. and 7.4. And by his death, and resurrection spiritually evidenced, and aplieil to us, be in bolieving freed from the bondage of it, Gall. 4.4, 5. and 3.25.26. & 5.1. So that such commands in respect of such a bond is not here meant.  
II. Such commands, as are beyond all the reach, an● power that is, or ever was in any creatures: and these are To make satisfaction for sins entered, and to take them out of the way; and to abolish death, and to procure favour, and life again with God for mankind: And also, by Spirit, to make known this salvation wrought, and to communicate the same to such as embracing this knowledge, do there through believe, and so to enlive, and sanctify them therewith, and therein, working salvation in them, and communicating eternal life to them, which commandments are before shown what they are; and how they belong only to Jesus Christ our Lord the mediator between God, and men, who is found faithful, and perfect in performance thereof; and by fullfilling the one, hath wrought salvation with God for men, and in full filling the other offereth salvation to men, and communicateth eternal Salvation to those that believe in him, as is before declared, nor is there any creature in, and by whom the fulfilling these commands can be found, that being peculiar to jesus Christ our Lord, joh. 28.1, 23. Psal. 40.6, 10. and 49.7.8. Isa. 49.6, 9 and 50.2, 9 Heb. 10.1, 10. So that these commands are not here meant.  
III. Such commandments as are given by Jesus Christ, the fulfiller of these former commandments unto those, who by his Spirit through the Gospel are drawn to believe on him, into whose hart by the same Spirit, he putteth those commandments, Heb. 8.2, 6, 10. jer. 31.33. Which commandments are not such, or so given, as to bind us to work our righteousness, in and by our own observances, and performances by our own strength, or such as we had once in Adam, or by his divine providence have in our natural powers, as the former law did, under which by nature we were, and under which he was made for us; such commandments so given, are to us-ward being fallen, heavy, and burdensome, neither can we have life in our observance of that law, but his commandments be not grievous, but easy, sweet, and affording-light and life in the observance. Rom. 8.2.3.4. Phill. 3.3, 9 Gall. 2.21. and 3.5, 10, 25. and 4. and 5.18. joh. 1.14.16.17. Rom. 3.27. Matt. 11.27.28. 1 joh. 5.3. Gall. 6.8.  
Nor are these commandments of Jesus Christ to his disciples, such, or so given, as those which have already been shown to be put upon Jesus Christ himself, and poculiar to him, Psal. 40.6. Jsa. 50. to the end, 1 Cor. 1.12.2. Cor. 3.3, 17, 18. But they are such commandments, and so given, as that they come from Jesus Christ our saviour, in the declaration of the salvation, wrought in, and by his own person with God for men, in fulfilling the first commandment he received of his Father, and the salvation, which by Spirit applying the former, he worketh in men to God, in fulfilling the other commandment he received of the Father when he helpeth any to believe, in which believing, he putteth these commandments into their hart, joh. 6.38, 40, and 17, 6, 8. 2 Cor. 3.3.17, 18. jer. 31.33. Heb. 8.6.10. Which commandments are to believe on him, and to love one another, which by this first consideration appears to be the commandments of Christ to his disciples, and those heere-ment, 1 Pet. 1.2.8.18.19, 20, 21, 22.   

Consider. II.  
That the commandments of Christ to his disciples, are such, commands as are, I. Contained, and expressed in the Gospel, II. Put with the Gospel by the Spirit of Christ into the hart of believers. III. And do naturally, and aptly spring up in the belief of the Gospel.  
I. The commands of Christ to his disciples are contained, and expressed in the Gospel, the Gospel fully declaring the mind of Christ not only in declaration of that good he hath wrought for us and that which he is able, and ready to work in us, and to confer on us, but that also which he requireth of us, that we may receive him, and be followers of him, Mar. 1.14.15. Act. 13.38, 40, and 20, 27, 35, and 26, 18. 2 Cor. 5.19.20. Whence the Gospel also is called the commandment, 2 joh. 4.5. 1 joh. 2.7. 2 Pet. 2.21. Rom. 16.26. And the law of Christ the law of faith, the law of righteousness, the law of the Spirit of life, and the law of liberty, Gall. 6.2. Rom. 3.27, and 9, 31, 32, and 8.2. jam. 1.12. And the so receiving the Gospel, as thore through to believe on Jesus Christ, and love our brother, and yield to and walk in that faith, and love, is called obedience, of the doctrine of faith, of Christ, Rom. 6.17, and 16, 19, 26. Heb. 2.5.9. And all not so receiving the Gospel where it comes, are said not to obey the Gospel the word, the truth, 2 Thess. 1.8. 1 Pet. 4.17, and 3, 1. Gall. 3.1. The Gospel of Christ is a full, and perfect doctrine, and stands need of no other law for precepts to direct, and lead such as come into Christ having in itself, not only general, but particular precepts, even for every branch of all that which the grace of God requireth of believers, as to give some instances precepts for repentance, Mat. 3.2. Mar. 1.15. Act. 17.30. For submission to Christ and receiving his reproof, and forsaking all we have for his sake, jam. 4.6.7. Pro. 1.23. Mat. 16.24, 25, 26. For believing whatever his Gospel reporteth, joh. 12.36. Mar. 1.15. For approbation of, and resting on him, Pro. 4.8. Isa. 30.7.15. For hearing, and attending to the say of Christ, Pro. 8.10. Mat. 17.5. For looking to Jesus Christ for beginning, and finishing in us all that belongs to life, and godliness, Isa. 45.22. Heb. 12 2. For loving the Lord, Psal. 31.23. And therein, and so for child like affectiones to God, Mall. 1.6. For brotherly affectiones to believers, 1 Pet. 4.8. For compassion and meekness to such as are ignorant, and out of the way, Mat. 5.44. As likewise, for being fearless, and strong in the way, Isa. 8.12.13. and 41.14. 1 Cor. 16.13. For being patiented, jam. 5.7. For being sincere, Tit. 2.7. For being fervent in Spirit serving the Lord, Rom. 12.11. And so always, and in all, to have God, and Jesus Christ only for our God, and Lord, 1 Cor. 8.6. 1 joh. 5.20.21. To worship him in Spirit, and truth, joh. 4.24 To seek to glorify his name in all things, 1 Cor. 10.31. To delight in keeping sabbath with him, Isa. 58.13.14. Heb, 4.10.11. And with his, Heb. 10.25. To field our neighbour that pre-eminence and respect God hath given him, in our love, care, and service, and so to honour our parents, and not to hurt (but preserve) the life chestity, wealth, and good name of any one, in desire word, and deed, 1 Tim. 1.6. Eph. 5.20, 30, and 6. Coll. 3.5.10. 1. Thess. 5.15. And many such like precepts, and more over precepts, for to delight one's self in God, and rejoice in Christ jesus, Psal. 37.4. Phill. 4.4. To pray, and give thanks in the name of Christ jesus, Joh. 16.24.26. 1 Thes. 5.17.19. To love one another, even as Christ jesus hath loved us, and to walk in that love, Eph. 5.1.2. 1 Joh. 4.11. And so to bear each others infirmities, and burdens seeking each others good, and preferring them in love before ourselves, Rim. 15.1.3. Gall. 6.2. Phill. 2.4.5. Rom. 12.10. To hold forth the word of life by an Holy confession, and unblameable conversation before all men, Mat. 10.28. Phill. 2.16. To edify one another in our Holy faith and to preserve in, and stir up each other to love, and good works, 1 Thes. 5.11.14. Ind. 20.21. Heb. 10.24. To yield up all our members to God, to fulfil all these say, and motiones of his Spirit, Rom. 12.1.2. Phill. 2.1.2.6. Gall. 5.24. 1 Thes. 5.19. To bear the reproach of Christ with patience, and faithfulness to the death, Heb. 13.13. Rev. 2.10. And to wait for the coming of Christ, etc. 2 Pet. 3.12. All these, and such like precepts, leading us to yield up ourselves, as servants to Christ and in, and for him to his people, doing all things to Christ that are contained, and expressed in the Gospel, Coll. 3.17.23. And yet also so expressed, as in the Gospel appears.  
I. That these particular precepts, are not in respect of the obligation, such, or so given, as the law of works enjoineth, that is, to fulfil them by our wisdom, and in our own strength, Rom. 8.3. and 10.5. Or to make ourselves righteous before God, in and by the keeping of them, Gall. 2.21. Rom. 10.3. Or to get Christ and his righteousness, or life, or the inheritance by our keeping of them, Rom. 9.16.31.32. Gall. 3.18.21. Rom. 11.6. and 4.1.2. But in the declaration of the salvation so wrought by Christ, and the righteousness, and life to be found in him, to show what is suitable walking therein, and thereunto, and what his mind is concerning such as believe, for working in them, and leading of them, that so believing him our righteousness, we might look to him and depend on him to work all this in us, and for us, so leading us in his strength to perform them all, Tit. 2.11.14. 1 Thes. 4.1.2.3. 1 joh. 3.16. and 4, 9, 10, 11, 12. 1 Thes. 5.23.24. Isa. 26.12. Psal. 138.8.  
II. That the way to perform these particular precepts is not by a first setting our eyes on them, and so striving to do them, because we ought to do them, and that we may so do that we ought to do, 1 Sam. 2.9. Iosh. 24.19. Den. 5.29. Zach. 4.6.7. Pro. 3.6.7. But first to look to that which Jesus Christ hath done, and suffered for us, and that he hath promised to us, that therethrough, believing in him we may love him, and one another, and so walk in that faith, and love, wherein all contained in those particular precepts, will be effected in us, his Spirit leading us to the same, 1 Cor. 15.1, 2, 3, 4. Joh. 7.38.39. 2 Cor. 3.17.18. Rom. 8.2.14. Gall. 5.16.18. So that faith, and love appear by this to be the commandments heere-ment, being so contained, and expressed in the Gospel yea as the sum of all the pattern of whole some words therein, 2 Tim. 1.13. Yet is not this expression enough, unless we take in the next, namely that the commandments of Christ to his disciples as they are contained, and expressed in the Gospel. So.  
II. They are put with the Gospel by the Spirit into the hearts of believers, jer. 31.33. Heb. 8.10. First it is to be noted, that when God calleth men to Christ by the Gospel, and doth by his Spirit enlighten their hearts, in the knowledge of his insinit grace in Christ so as he in glorifying Christ, and the word of his grace to them causeth them to admire, and glorify Christ, and the word of grace, and so draweth them to Christ, that they run to him, and he meeteth, and receiveth them, than doth Jesus Christ not only manifest by Spirit with supper natural light, and Spiritual evidence, and demonstration his love, and his Father's love, and gracious mind, and so the truth and goodness o● his Gospel, or word of grace, but also by a Spiritual it spiration enfusion, and divine power doth enter his grace, and gracious word into their hart, so as he causeth them to understand, believe, and love it, and so to receive it, that it takes place, and seats itself in their hart, Act. 2.3. Isa. 55.5.6. Joh. 6.37.45. Mat. 16.16, 17. Heb. 10.32. Act. 13.48. Joh. 1.11, 12, 13, and 17, 2, ● 1 Cor. 2.4.5, 14, 15, 16. 2 Cor. 3.3, 18, and 4, 6. Psa. 36.9, and 119, 130. Whence this word is called also, the engrafted word able to save, jam. 1.21. And said to be p●●● in them, 2 Cor. 5.19. And received of them, 1 Thes. 2.13. And to be in them, Joh. 15. Now when Jesus Christ do●● thus put his word into a believing hart, he doth also thereby effect, and give a new hart and in that new hart doth Jesus Christ put, or write his commandments, 2 Cor. 3.3. Heb. 8.6.10. Causing, and enabling them in, and through their belief, and receit of the word of grace, and so of that which Christ hath done for them, when they were his enemies, and hath in the heavenly call done in them, and is now able, and ready to do for them, being called to believe, and depend on him for saving them by his life, and communicating eternal life to them, Rom. 5.1.10. 1 joh. 2.24.25. 1 Pet. 1.21. And so to work in them, and for them, all that which in the precepts of the Gospel is required of them, Jsa. 26.12. Psal. 138.8, 1 Cor. 1.8.9. 1 Thess. 5.24. And to confer on them all that which in the promises of the Gospel is set before them, Rom. 4.20, 24. 1 Tim. 1.12. And this faith, or believing, and dependence on him, for all this is the first and great commandment, put by Christ into the hart of the believer, Phill. 1.29. 1 Pet. 1.21. And in this belief in jesus is contained, and by his Spirit given, and effected, and in the believing hart in some measure experimented, the springing up of all before-said. Viz.  
Repentance, in change of the mind, estimate, and thoughts of God an himself, of sin, and of righteousness, with grief for his misconceiptiones, and miscarriages, and a turning the hart to Christ, and to God in Christ, being the first step in believing in Christ, Luk. 24.47. Act. 5.31. With 10.43. and 26.18, 20. Mat. 21.32. and 9.3.  
Submission to Christ in receiving his reproof, and letting all go that he reproveth, and discovereth vile, and vain, and yielding to him for life, and guidance, Rom. 10.3, 10. Phill. 3.3, 7, 8. Eph. 5.24. 2 Cor. 10.4.5.  
Believing Jesus to be the Christ, and the truth of God's report concerning Christ, and his love in giving him, and his promises to him, and all believing in him, joh. 4.10, 12. and 8, 24. and 20.31.  
Inward a probation of Jesus Christ, and that discovered in him, and done, and to be done by him, with rest, and quietness of hart therein, as in that which is enough. Phill. 3.3.8. and Psal. 16.6.7.  
Harkening to Christ in attending to his say, and waiting for, and yielding to his teachings. Psal. 85, 8. and 119.33.  
Looking to him for the beginning, and finishing of all that belongs to life, and Godliness, Isa. 8.16.17. Mich. 7.7.  
Inward, and hearty love to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to God in him. Isa. 6.4. With 1 Cor. 2.9. 1 Pet. 1.8.  
Which love springing from the love of God, shed abroad in the hart, doth incline the hart with childlike affectiones to God, 1 joh. 4.14. jer. 3.19. Psal. 116. 1. And with unfeigned delight in, and love of brethren. 1 Pet. 1.22. And love of compassion, and mercy to men, 2 Cor. 5.14. And so hath Christ put in the hart of the believer, the love of our brother, 1 joh. 4.21. Which is his second commandment, and like the first, in that as the first receiveth; so this worketh forth all righteousness; So as  
I. This faith, and love doth qualify the hart, faith, working by love, Gall. 5.6. And so make the hart of the believer sit for all inclinationes labours, and services of love, in that it makes it, strong to endure and go through all the sufferings of it, Cant. 8.6.7. Patiented to endure that which is to be undergone, and for gone for it, 1 Cor. 13.4.8.  
Sincere, in seeking none of a man's own ends, but only the beloved, and so preserves from stumbling, Phill. 1.9.10.11. Fervent to accomplish that wherein it may testify love to the beloved, Psal. 116.12. Constant in all things that love leadeth too, orthrough, 1 joh. 2.10. Yea, and likewise, II. This love, through, or by which faith worketh, doth move, and spring up freely in the hart, inclinationes, and motiones to as much, as the law of works, of it were in its force could compel, or enjoin too, as, to have God for our God for ever, Zach. 13.9. To worship him in Spirit, and truth, Psal. 95.6. To glorify his great name, Phill. 1.20. To delight in keeping sabbath with him, and his, Psal. 27.1.4. To give our neighbour that pre-eminence God hath given him, in our service, and care, and so to seek to preserve his life, dignity chastity, estate, and name, and to fly the lust of having any thing from him that is his, Rom. 12.10, and 13, 8, 9, 10. Yea farther.  
III. This love flowing in this faith, doth move, and lead to things higher, and more excellent than the law could have led too as namely.  
To long after, and delight, and have all our well-pleasedness in jesus Christ in whom God hath his, and so to be beholding his glory, and drinking in of the fullness that is in him, Psal. 73.25, 26, and 84, 1, 2, and 27, 1, 4. Cant. 1, 2, 3, and 2, 3, 5. To love our brothers as Christ hath loved us, 1 joh. 3.16. and 5.1. And in this faith, and love, to glorify Christ and the word of his grace, Phill. 1.17, 20, 21, 27. To edify our brethren in faith, and love, 1 Cor. 8.1. and 13, to the end. To hold forth the word of life, Eph. 6.19. And all in faithfulness without loving our lives unto death, Rev. 12.11.17. Yea, and to say farther.  
FOUR This love (by which faith worketh) stirreth, and worketh effectually in these motions for fulfilling the same, in yielding up one's self to the Lord as his, and all the members as his servants, to walk in, and according to this love, Psal. 119.125, and 106, 9, 10, 19 And this also in love of, longing, and waiting for the appearing, and coming of our Lord jesus Christ, 1 Tim. 4.8. Rev. 22.17.20.  
And thus in scripture it appears that all particular precepts are found, and performed in believing in Christ, and loving one another, and so how Christ hath put with the Gospel his commands in the hart of believers, and though the degree, or measure hereof be different, and in some very small, yet in some degree, or other may every believer that hath attained to walk in faith, and love seal this truth by experience, joh. 7.37, 38, 39, and 3.33. Rom. 8.1, 2. 1 joh. 2.8. And yet that there be no mistake the next expression is to be added.  
III. That the commandments of Christ to his disciples are such, as do naturally and aptly spring up in the belief of the Gospel, joh. 6.28, 29, 40, 47, and 5, 37, 38. Eph. 1.19. 1 Thess. 2.13. The Gospel declares jesus Christ to be the son of God, and saviour of the world, the head, husband, highpriest, Prophet and King of his church, Act, 2. 37. and 8, 37, and 9, 22. joh. 4.42. Eph. 5.25. Heb. 5. and 7. Rom. 1.3.4. And that he hath come in the flesh and died for our sins, and risen for our justification, and so wrought reconciliation, and salvation for mankind with God, Rom. 4.25. 1 Cor. 15.3.4. 2 Cor. 5.19 1. Tim. 2.4.6. And that he is exalted at God's right hand, and filled with grace, power, authority, and Spirit, to offer salvation to men, Act. 5.31, 32. 2 Cor. 5.20. And to work it in such as believe, joh. 1.12.16. And to condemn such as refuse, and rebel against him, Rom. 14.9.11. And in this declaration the Gospel also declareth the intence love of God to mankind in the gift of his son, to be the saviour of the world, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life, 1 joh. 4.14. joh. 3.16.17. The well-pleasedness God hath taken in, and with his son, and that he hath done is, and doth, Mat. 3.17, and 17.5. The propitiation he is for the sins of the world, and the advocation he maketh for believers, joh. 1.29. 1 joh. 2.1.2. Heb. 9.24. The peculiar love of God to Christ, and to all those that believe in Christ, joh. 5.20. Psal. 33.13.19. And what Christ is to, and for them, and what he will work in them, and bestow on them, 1 Cor. 1.30. joh. 1.12, 16, and 6, 27. And all this is in the Gospel, and by the ministers thereof, and by the Spirit set forth as the foundation, and ground of the heavenly call, enviting to Christ, Isa. 55.1.6. And whosoever is by the Holy Spirit enlightened to understand, and enabled to believe all this, with his hart, being convinced and drawn, thereby to Christ, Joh. 3.37, 42, and 6, 44, 45. Pro. 1.23. Isa. 61.1.2.3. The Spirit doth farther enter the hart shedding abroad this so great, and rich love of God therein, so as there doth from this grace naturally, and aptly spring up, in the thus believing hart from this grace believed. A belief and dependence on Jesus Christ for eternal life, and all that appertains thereto, Rom. 5.1, 5, 6, 10, 11. 1 joh. 2.24.25. And also, an unfeigned love of our brother, 2 Cor. 5.14. 1 joh. 4.21. 1 Pet. 1.22. From both which commands writ in the hart aptly springs up all contained in the particular precepts of the Gospel, as is before shown, joh. 4.13, and 7, 38, 39 And walking in this faith, and love, in minding the precepts, and view of the opportunities, the motiones, to go according to the mind of Christ will aptly spring up, so as one may go one serving in newness of Spirit, and not in oldness of letter, Pro. 6.20, 21, 22, 23. joh. 3.16, 17. Rom. 12.2, and 7, 6, 25, and 8, 1, 2. So that from this whole consideration that the commands of Christ to his disciples, are such commands as are contained, and expressed in the Gospel, and put with the Gospel by Christ into the hart of the believer, and do naturally, and aptly spring up, in the believe of the Gospel, it appears, that believing in jesus Christ and loving our brother are the commands of Christ here meant.   

Consider III.  
The commandments of Ghrist to his disciples, are such as are suitable to the commendements himself hath performed for them, Pro. 3.1.13. Heb. 3.8.9. 1 Cor. 6.20. Now he in fulfilling the commandments he received of the Father for us, having taken away our sins, and died our death, and so purchased us, and wrought salvation for us; and by his Gospel, and Spirit sent forth having made known this salvation to us, and in aplying it evidenced himself, to be our righteousness, and life, and ready, and able eternally to save us. 2 Tim. 1.10. 1 joh. 3.5. Heb. 5.9.  
Suitable heerto it is; that we abhoring our sins, and denying ourselves, our wisdom, righteousness, strength, with all that is ours, and all fleshly delights, and considences, to accept of him for all, and so to believe in, trust too, and depend on him for all grace, righteousness, life, and safety, 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. Phil. 3.3.4.7, 8, 9.10. 1 Pet. 1.13.14. Gall, 1.20. And he having so loved us, suitable it is, that we should so love one another, 1 joh. 3.16. Eph. 5.2. So that in this consideration, it also appears That believing in jesus Christ, and loving our Brother, are the commandments of Christ here meant.   

Consider IU.  
The commandments of Christ to his disciples, are such commandments as he hath given into their hearts, and cannot, nor are otherwise required to be kept, then as they are in the hart; whence believers confess, that they have received the command from him, 1 joh. 4.21. And he is said to write them in their hearts. Heb. 8.10. And the commandment is true in him, and in them. 1 joh. 2.8. The law without was engraven in tables of stone, and writ in leaves; but the Epistle of Christ, is writ by his Spirit in the hart, 2 Cor. 3.3.7. The law without leaves under sinno, and death, but Christ's law within affords life, 2 Cor. 3.6.7.8, 9, 10. Whence Christ saith, he that hath my commandments, and keepeth them; he it is that loveth me, joh. 14.21. In which consideration it appeareth that faith, and love, (Which all Christ's disciples have, Coll. 1, 4. and are to keep and walk in, Heb. 3.14.) Are the commandments here meant.  
And yet that this may be moor evident, some proofs hereof may be considered.   

Proof I.  
These two commandments of faith, and love, as they are contained in the Gospel, and spring from the Gospel believed, so they contain the whole sum of the pattern, or form of healthful, and sound words, which the Gospel requireth of us, 2 Tim. 1.14. And of all that which the Gospel believed, springeth up in the hart, 1 joh. 5.13. joh. 20.31. 1 joh. 3.1.3. and 4, 19, 21. Whence the commandment is called, the word of the Gospel itself believed, 1 joh. 2, 7. And the Gospel is called the commandment, which in hart believed, that which is said before of Christ, his keeping his Father's commandments, is by believers found true in him, and that which is said in consideration the second, of faith, and love springing up in the hart, the believers find true in them, because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth, 1 joh. 2.8. And so in respect of the Gospel put in the hart, it is called, the old command, and that which was at first heard, and received from Christ, and which quickeneth, and in respect of its Spiritual entrance, receipt, and abiding, and the faith, and love springing up therefrom, it is called the new commandment, being always green, and flourishing, so that the believer may thereby bring out of the good treasury of his hart, things new, and old, Mat. 13.52. Which according to all the considerationes, proveth faith, and love to be the commandments here meant.   

Proof. II.  
These two commandments of faith, and love are the commendements which God giveth unto, and putteth in the hart of his children, jer. 31.33. Phill. 2.29 Eph. 2.8.10. They are the commandments of God the Father when he calleth, and uniteth men to his son Jesus Christ causing them to belief on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and to love one another as his son hath given commandment, 1 joh. 3.23, and 4, 21. And they are the commandments expressly given by jesus Christ to all his disciples, when he makes known his Father to them, to believe on him for eternal life, joh. 12.36, and 14, 1. And to love one an other as he hath loved us, joh. 13.34, and 15, 12. And these are also the very commandments which the Holy Ghost putteth into the hearts of believers, 1 Pet. 1.21.22. 1 joh. 3.21.24. So that these two commandments of faïth, and love, are evident to be the commandments here meant.   

Proof. III.  
All labouring to attain, and fulfil in performance, any or all other particular preceipts of law, or Gospel, which flows not from, and is not acted through this believing in the name of jesus and love of the brethren, whatsoever endeavours, and services they be, and how, and to what end soever otherwise done, whether.  
To please God, and get boldness with him, or to get therethrough the righteousness of God, and so Christ and faith in him, and love to brethren, or to assure themselves by such attainments, and observances of a peculiar interest in Christ, even all whatsoever so done to comfort themselves therewith, all of it I say, as the scripture shows.  
I. It is but a serving of God according to the oldness of the letter and so leaves the doors thereof under sin, and curse and the fear of both, Rom. 7.6, 25, and 8, 2, 7. Gall. 3.10. Tit. 1.9.10.15. joh. 3.5.6.  
II. The doers thereof, do therein, and thereby deprive themselves of, and hold themselves out from enjoyment of Christ and unfeigned faith in him, and love of brethren, Rom. 9, 32. and 10.3.4.1. Sam. 2, 9 Zach. 4.6. Psal. 107.11.12. Ecclez. 15.16. and 16.15.  
III. They deceive themselves, and are deceived in all that, which by such observances, and ataynments they judge themselves by, to be in Christ, and to have peculiar interest in him, and unfeigned faith, and love; so measuring themselves by themselves, and trusting to their own hearts for their testimony, which is folly, 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18. and 11.3.4, 13. Luk. 18.11.12. jer. 17.5, 10. Pro. 28.26.  
Whereas; Those that in the belief of the Gospel are emptied of themselves, and all reliance on any righteousness, wisdom, or strength of their own, or that is humane, and through the belief of the grace reported in the Gospel, brought to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, for being saved by his life, and through that believing to love the Brethren; shall in abiding in his faith, and love, and walking therein, find the motiones to all that is contained in particular precepts, in fit seasons stirring in them, joh. 7.37.38. Hose 14.8. Gall. 5.22.23. Rom. 8.2, 14. 2 Cor. 5.14. As is before shown in the second consideration, and so yielding up thereto, and walking therein.  
I. They serve God acceptably, and in newness of Spirit, Rom. 12; 1, 2, 3, and 7.6.  
II. They are ceasing from their own works, and so accepting, and entering into his rest, Heb. 4, 3, 11. 2 Pet. 1, 5, 11.  
III. They yield forth, a justification, and testimony of the truth, and liveliness of their faith in Christ, and love of brethren, jam. 2, to the end. In which believers are not under the law, but under grace, and so walk after the Spirit, and keep the ommandements of Christ in Faith, and love, which are the commandments here meant. Gall. 5.6, 16, 18, 23.   

Proof IU.  
Walking in this faith, and love put in the hart, is before shown in all the former considerationes, to lead to the right fulfilling of all righteous affectiones, and services required both in the law, and the Gospel, so as whosoever hath these commandments in his hart, and keepeth, and walketh in them, both receiveth all good from God, and yields forth all exceptable service to him and to brethren, joh. 14.21.23. Rom. 5.1.5, and 12, 1, 3, and 13, 8, 9, 10. So at this also evidenceth these to be the commandments here meant.   

Proof. V  
Those that through belief of the grace reported in the Gospel do believe in the name of Christ, and in that belief love their brethren and so walk in this faith, and love, have their faith imputed to them for righteousness, and their love accepted, as that which shall be visited with more loves, and through both experiments of grace met with, Rom. 4.22, 25, and 5, 1, 5, and 8, 1, 2. 2 Cor. 3, 3.18, joh. 14.21.23. And by the testimony of God, and Christ himself, they do righteousness, and fulfil the law, and all righteousness, 1 joh. 2.29, and 3, 7, 9 Rom. 13.8, 9, 10.  
I. They fulfil the end of the law, in accepting Christ for righteousness, and loving their brother, Rom. 10.3, 4. Mat. 22.39, 40.  
II. They obey the Gospel, and word, and doctrine of God, and jesus Christ our Lord, Rom. 6.17.18. 2 Thess. 1.8.10.  
III. They honour obey, and follow God, Eph. 5.1.2. Even the Father and the son, joh. 5.23, 37, 46, and 14, 23, and 16, 27. And the Holy Ghost that cometh from the Father, and the son, and witnesseth of Christ and teacheth, joh. 14.26, and 15, 26. 1 joh. 5.6, 12. Rom. 8.14.  
iv They have eternal life, 1 joh. 5.11, 12. Gall. 6.8. And so keep the commandments that they find them not grievous, but delightful, 1 joh. 2.3, 10. So that it every way appeareth, that faith, and love put in the hart are the commands meant.  
II. For the second thing in this point, what it is to keep his commandments, it may be answered briefly in two words namely first to keep, or retain them in the very hart, in the mind, will, and affectiones, Pro. 3.1, and 4.21. And  
Secondly, to observe them in the life, in giving up all the members as servants to walk according thereunto, Pro. 4.25, 26, 27. Rom. 12.1, 2. 1 Cor. 6.20. But to give a more full, and ample answer, it might be said the keeping his commandments. is.  
I. To retain, and hold fast, the Gospel, or word of grace, that he hath enlightened our hearts with, and so put in our hearts that he hath begotten faith, and love in our hearts thereby let this word dwell in our hearts, in the belief, and apprehension of the goodness of the report, and of all the reproofs, requirings, and promises of it, let it be kept in the love desire, estimate, wherein it was first received, and there through Christ in it, exalt it, and tie it about thy hart, and bow the neck too it, and this will watch for us, teach, lead, and counsel, and be a light to us, Rev. 3.3. Coll. 3.16. Pro. 4.8, 9, and 6, 20, 21, 22, 23. Joh. 15, 5.7.  
II. To hold fast, and nourish in our hearts, that confidence in Christ for life, sanctification, preservation, and guidance, and protextion, through all sufferings, and services of love to the inheritance, Gall. 5; 5, 6. Heb. 3.6, 14, and 10, 35. And that love member like to brethren, and compassionate to the sons of men, which in putting in his gracious word he by his Spirit discovering his grace begot in our hart, Heb. 13; 1 joh. 3; 18, and 4, 10, 12.  
III. To suffer the word of grace, and the faith, and love begot thereby to have its perfect work in us; to put no stoppage by carnal reasonnings too it; but yield up all our members thereto, and to all the motiones of the Spirit that spring therefrom, and therethrough, and according thereto, Rom. 12.1, 2, 3. Phill. 2.1, 2. jam. 1, 4. To the denying of all fleshly affectiones, and lusts, and the obeying all the fruits of the Spirit, Gall. 5.16, 17, 18, 22, 25. 1 Thess. 5.19.  
iv To do all we have to do in all the sufferings, and services of love in the remembrance of, and according to the word of grace, and in, and with the exercise of the faith, and love begot thereby, Psal 1, 2. Heb. 11, and 12. 1, 2. 1 joh. 4. to the end. And so as is before amplified in opening what it is to continue in his love, that, and this meeting in one.  
V Seeing it was peculiar to Christ, that in all his walking in this world, he never sinned, yea if we consider his humane nature, he had no sin if we consider his life, he did no sin, if we look on the law of nature or works, under which we were borne, and under which he became for us, he kept, and fulfilled it all to the full, if we look on those commands, and that work the Father gave him to do in respect of us, he fully finished it, yea one may say, if we look on the commands of faith, and love he left for us to walk in, he also hath given us example, and gone before us, and walked without failing in both and if besides his nature personal conversation, and example, and besides his propitiation, we look on his ministration of the Gospel, and care for the continuance thereof after his departure, lo he was perfectly faithful, and so without sin, and this the scripture sets forth as his peculiar, he knew no sin, he did no sin, etc. joh. 8; 46. Heb. 7; 26. joh. 17.4. Isa. 50; and 53. Heb. 2; 13. joh, 13; 1. Mat. 4; and 10. joh. 17; 2 Cor. 5.21. 1 Pet. 2; 22, 3, 18. And that every one of us, yea the best of all his servants, while here on earth offend in many things, jam. 3.2. Having sin still in nature, job. 14; 4, and 15, 14. And also in his life, Rom. 7; 15. Gall 5; 17. Against the law of works, Rom. 3.19, 20. Yea, and the Gospel, and so even against the law of grace. In strists about the work peculiar to Christ, seeking in endavours to make peace, and give satisfaction by performances, or to do in ones own strength, to make up duty, and conscience good, Rom. 9; 32, and 10, 3; and 7; 15; 24; 25. and 8; 7, 8. Gall. 2, and 3.  
Or else in short-comming of that which through grace given we might in the faith, and love mentioned, or walking therein, to the denial of the flesh, and yielding up to the Spirit in all things, Rom. 7; 15, 25. Gall. 5; 17. Yea it may be in failing in particular service, or ministration, yea so certain it is, that all of us do in some things offend, that who ever saith, either that he hath no sin, or that he hath not sinned there is no truth in him, and he casteth the lie on God, joh. 1.8; 10. Neither can any regenerate man avoid this by saying, personally in themselves they have no sin, or of themselves, they do no sin, but only, as they are one with their brethren, and reckon themselves after them so they are sinners, and do sin, while any of their brethren have sin, and are found to sin, for in such a sense even so might Jesus Christ himself have said, Isa. 53; 2. Cor. 5; 21. 1 Pet. 2; 24. And so may he still be said to suffer affliction, Act. 9; 4. Coll. 1; 24. Isa. 61; 9 And to want of his fullness, and perfection, Eph. 1; 23, and 4, 13. And yet is this his peculiar, that he knew no sin, nor did sin, being Holy, harmless, undefiled separate from sinners, which could not be, if any could be said to be without sin in this life in such a sense besides himself.  
Therefore, there is yet one thing more to be put in, in our keeping his commandments, namely, that as any sin is yet found, either in our nature, or life, either against law of works, or law of grace, in failing either in faith, or love, or walking therein, and yielding to the Spirit there. through according to grace received.  
So we in the acknowledgement of this his grace, do speedily confess our sins, and seek remission, and healing of him, and so in confidence of his goodness, and love of brethren. go one still in his way before him, 1 Sam. 12; 20, 22. Pro. 28; 13, 14. 1 joh. 1; 7, 9  
And in these five particulars is comprehended the keeping of his commands that appertains to us.  
III. For the third thing in this point the manner of keeping his commandments, even as he kept his Father's commandments what this also is. Viz.  
I. That all be done in an oneness, and a greement of mind, and will, with the mind, and will of Christ, and God in Christ and so from the motion of the Spirit, and law writ in the hart, 1 Cor. 2; 16, 2. Cor. 3; 3, 17, 18.  
II. Faithfully, in the midst of his house, and among the sons of men, even a perverse people, and in the midst of temptationes, from the world, the flesh, and the devil, Psal. 101. Phill. 1, 27, 30, and 2, 15, 16, 17.  
III. Constantly, at all times, and in all things with patience through all labours, and sufferings, till the season of entering his rest be fully given, Act. 14; 22. 2 Tim. 2; 3, and 3, 11, 12. Mat. 10. Which will be but a first fruits here, Heb. 4; 3, 11. And perfectly at their departure hence, Rev. 14; 13. And gloriously at his coming again, for which they look, and long, Phill. 3; 20, 21. 2 Cor. 5; 1, 6. 2 Tim. 4; 8. Rev. 22; 17, 20.  
iv Holding, and excercising faith, and love through all these, 2 Cor. 5; 1, 14, 19, etc. For thus it is in all these respects before shown, that Christ kept his Father's commandments.  
And thus it is shown, what the commandments and the keeping of them with the manner thereof is: Which may be   

Use I  
A discovery of the mistake, or scant conceiptiones of the truth, of such as in this place by commandments understand no farther thing, but the precepts of ten-words, engraven in tables of stone, and delivered by Moses to the people, to be first kept by Christ by his Father's command, and to be now kept by believers by Christ's command, which being a law without us, and enjoinning to do, and live, will leave us all under sin, and death, it being impossible for us to have life, and enjoy the righteousness of the law that way, because we cannot perform the righteousness that appertaineth to us, according to that law, Rom. 3; 10; 20. Gall. 3; 10. Rom. 8; 3; 4; Phill. 3; 3; 9 And though it were perfectly performed by jesus Christ, yet if there had not been greater commandments that he received of the Father, and performed for us, our faith were but vain, and we had been in our sins, and so in danger of wrath still, joh. 10; 18; and 12.31. Heb. 9; 22; 26. 1 Cor. 15; 14; 17, 18; Rom. 3, 25. The ignorance whereof causeth many to establish a righteousness of their own by setting upon the law, and so submit not to Christ, who is the end of the law for righteousness, Rom. 10.3; 4; In whom nothing availeth, but faith which worketh by love, Gall. 5; 6; All which may be clearly, and fully seen, in that which is all-ready said about this buy finesse.   

Use II.  
And this also may be an information of the cause of so much darkness, and so many great, and smarting afflictiones, that many believers in this life do fall into, namely, because they keep not the commandments, which Christ hath put in their hearts, which are the same the Father by his Spirit, through Christ hath given unto them, which had they attended too, their peace had been as a river, and their righteousness as the waves of the Sea, Psal. 89; 30; 31; 32. Isa. 48; 18.  
So that the cause of such smarting afflictiones on them, is not because they were unable to keep the law of works, or came short thereof, through a necessity by that weakness, Psal. 103; 10; and 143; 2; Nor yet because they were unable to walk suitable, and answerable to the Gospel, or law of grace, or fell short thereof, through a necessity by that weakness, Psal. 130; 3, 4. For God requires in this no more than he hath sown, Luk. 19.21.22. But in, and according to the Gospel, accepts of believers the will for the deed, and requires no more, but according to what they have, and accepteth that even so of them, Mat. 10.40; 42; 2 Cor. 8; 11; 12. But the cause of such affliction is  
I. Because they have not abiden, and walked in faith, and love, So as by the grace made known, and received, they in remembering his gracious word, and exercising faith, and love, and yerlding to the Spirit therein, in denying fleshly affectiones, and lusts, and soweing to the fruits and motiones of the Spirit might have done, Psal. 78; 5, 11, 41, 42, and 81, 6, 12, and 106, 12, 15. Gall. 5; and 6, 8.  
II. And because moreover, when through forgetfulness, and temptationes they are found so to have sinned, and turned aside, they do not speedily own the same, and in acknowledgement of the grace of Christ, and their own ill-requiteals, turn to him, confessing their sins, and judging themselves, and seeking remission, and healing from God through Christ, and so not judging themselves, they are even therefore judged of the Lord in this world, that they may not be condemned with the world, 1 joh. 1; 7, 9, and 2, 1. jer. 6; 15. 2 Cor. 12; 20, 21. 1 Cor. 11; 31, 32. And these two causes, meeting in one are the very cause of all smarting correctiones, which are not usually laid on any, till both these meet, unless in the first, there be will fullness, and presumption, and then it contains both in one, as in David's case, 2 Sam. 12. Psal. 19; 12, 13, and 32, 3, 4, and 33. And yet on hearty confession, and turning, much release then also, and yet in all this I limmit not the Holy one, but show what he hath declared to be his usual way, as for jobs trial, it was an unusual thing, and so such a probation, as God never excerciseth his with, but when he minds to give a double blessing in the issue, see job first and last, all which agree well with the promise here, and all that is said before as the ground of this.   

Use. III.  
And this also may be a hint of helpfulness for discerning, and differenting the motiones of the Spirit of bondage, from the motiones of the Spirit of grace, and adoption.  
I. The Spirit of bondage hath its law, and force in, and from the law of works, and so affords no hope, but according to a man's conformity too; and observance of the law of works, under which a man was first borne, and so dictates to a man, and moveth with, this I ought, and that I ought to do, according to that law, and leaves a man to his own understanding and strength, to strive after it, without any inward living principle from any divine power, springing up the motion, and free, and living motion, streaming, with inclination thereto, but only a humane motion, leaving, in all that is done, to the trial, censure, and accusation of the law, Rom. 2; 14, 15, and 3, 20, and 7, 1, 6, 23, 24, 25, and 8, 1, 2, 15. Gall. 3.10, and 5, 18.  
II. The Spirit of grace, and adoption, hath the Gospel, or royal law of grace, and liberty for its law, wherethrough it excerciseth its force, Gall. 4.21, 31. jam. 1; 25. Rom. 8; 2, 15. And so though the believers looking about them may say, this we ought, and that we ought to belief, and do according to the Gospel, 1 joh. 4; 10, 11. Yet the Spirit of grace dictates, and moves, with a certain divine power in the new man, and so springs up the motion from a living principle with in through the belief of the grace in Christ, and the love of Christ and brethren, streaming with a living; and stirring motion, and inclination to that is good, and wellpleasing in the sight of God, Eph. 4; 21, 24. Coll. 3; 10, 12. Gall. 2; 20. 2 Cor. 5; 6, 11, 14, 20. Rom. 12; 1, 2. So preserving, and guiding the believer, that it leaves him not under law, Gall. 5; 16, 18, 22. As may be scene in all that is so largely said about this business before.   

Use. iv  
And this may also be an instruction, how to keep the commandments of Jesus Christ namely, to tie them about the hart, and the neck, to delight in, and observe them, by remembrance, and keeping in hart the word of grace believed, and received, and by holding fast confidence in Christ, and continuing in brotherly love, and walking in faith, and love and doing all therethrough, and yielding up thereto, in one mindedness with Christ from the law within constantly, and acknowledging all failings found with confession, and seeking remission, and healing, and so giving up all the powers to walk with God, as is more fully opened before twice in this discourse, Pro. 6; 20. Coll. 3; 16. Heb. 10; 35, and 13. 1 Coll. 2; 6. Phill. 2; 1, 2, 3, 6. Rom. 12. to the end.   

Use. V  
And this may be an exhortation, and motive, to stir us up to give up ourselves, as those that are alive to God, with all readiness, diligence, and resoluteness, through the belief of the grace of Christ, to keep these his commandments always, seeing as hath been shown, and the words bear forth.  
I. It is the mind, and will of Christ that hath so loved us, and performed such commandments for us, in which he hath bought us, and is become ours, and we his, 1 Cor. 6.20. Gall. 2.20.  
II. He hath gone before us, and calleth us after him, and given us to know his voice, and is present with us by his word, and Spirit, Joh. 10; 3, 4. Mat. 28, 20.  
III. He hath opened this path, and given us these commandments for our own benefit, that we may abide in his love, and have our joy full, Pro. 9; 12. joh. 16.11.  
iv His commandments are not grievous, but joyous, and all the paths thereof are paths of pleasantness, and peace, and life to such as find them, 1 joh. 5.3. Pro. 3.16, 17, and 4, 20.22.  
I. The law, being a law of liberty, and grace, and of the Spirit of life seated in the hart, and so teaching, and leading the believer with peace and freedom, 2 Cor. 3; 3, 17. Rom. 8.2.  
II. The walking being, in an excercise of faith that receives, and drinks in all good from God, and an excercise of love, that is strong, opperative and delightful, joh. 7; 37, 38, 39 Cant. 8.6, 7, 8.  
Well may they be said to be ways of pleasantness, and peace, and an highway and a way of Holiness, which though no unclean person, nor unbeliever can pass over, yet it is for these way farring ones believers, and they though fools shall not err therein, Isa. 35, 8. Oh who would not gladly walk in it.  
V The gracious promise of so great happiness heertoo, might be added but that is a thing that comes next to be opened by itself, Psal. 19; 10, 11. Secondly for the next point in this last branch, and so the last thing to be viewed in this affirmation of our saviour, it is his comfortable promise to his disciples, that so keeping his commandments, they shall abide in his love, etc. A gracious, comfortable, and large promise, which that we may the better understand it there are four things to be heeded about it.  
I. What that is to which the promise is made to believers.  
II. On what, or whom the performance of the promise depends.  
III. Who, and what a one he is that hath so promised.  
IU. What the promise itself is, and what it contains.  
I. For the first: that to, and according to which the promise is made is the keeping of Christ his commandments in truth, and uprightness, according to the grace given, and which we have received of him, for so are his words, If yea keep my commandments, yea shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love, These words even as appear to point out the assurance, and the example and the similitude, to which our keeping must be comformed, but not tying our keeping to that degree of perfection that was in his keeping there is a perfection of truth, and parts, which as it was in his keeping, so it is required in ours, and that is set down before, and this is the similitude, and likeness pointed out in the words. Even as  
But as for persection of degree, that was peculiar to him, and his keeping the commandments, as is a little before shown, and this not so imposed here.  
Besides: He hath appointed means for those to whom this promise is made; both to grow one to more fruitfulness, and toward perfection, joh. 15; 1, 8. And helps, to get recovery in failings, to rise again, and proceed to the enjoyment of this promise, which he would not have done, if the promise had been only to perfection of degree in the keeping of his commandments, 1 joh. 1; 3, 4, 7, 9, and 2, 1, 2.  
Moreover, he spakes not this to fear them, or put them to a maze as it would have been, if he had tied his promise to the perfection of degree in the keeping his commands, but he expressly saith, he spoke this that his joy might be in them, and that their joy might be full. joh. 15.11. And else where it is said, if there be first a willing mind it is accepted according to what a man hath, and this both in the endeavours, and fruits, 2 Cor. 9; 12. Mat. 10; 40, 41, 42.  
So that it is the truth, and manner of keeping according to grace received, too, and according to which the promise is made, so that the weakest believer so giving himself to walk in faith, and love as a foresaid, may have this consolation, and look for this promise, Gall. 5.5.  
II. For the second, upon whom the performance of this consolation, and promise dependeth, and that is on himself, and the faithfulness, and power of him that hath promised, yea shall abide in my love, 1 Thess. 5.24. Who hath engaged himself to preserve them, and work all their works for them, and give life to them, joh. 6; 40, and 14, 19 Isa. 26.12. Psal. 138.8. So as they may depend on him, both to enable them to keep his commandments, and also to make good this promise to them, and be disappointed in neither, 1 Pet. 2.6. And this is very comfortable to the weakost believers, walking in faith, and love.  
III. For the third thing, who, and what a one he is, that hath so promised, that is Jesus Christ the Son of God, Chap. 14.9. and 15, 1. I have loved you, and yea shall abide in my love; This is he, who is the mighty God, and the truth itself; that is one in the Father, and the Father in him, who so loved us, that he came down from Heaven, and took our nature, and bore our sins, and curse, and offered himself in sacrifice to God to work redemption, and salvation for us, Tit. 2.13, 14. joh. 14; 6, 10. 1 Pet. 2.24. and 3; 18. 1 Tim. 2.6. And ascended to heaven, and received Spirit to appear in Heaven for us, and sent forth Spirit to us to work salvation in us, Heb. 9; 24. Psal. 68.18, 21. Eph. 4; 7, 16. Unto whom the Father hath given all power, and authority, Heb. 8; 1. Who is full of love to us, and faithfulness for us, Heb. 3.1.6. So as we may sasely depend on him for this promise.  
iv For the fourth thing; What the promise itself is, and what it contains; the promise itself is, Yea shall abide in my love; if yea keep my commandments, yea shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commands, and abide in his love. So that the causing us to abide in his love, is the promise: And it contains three things clearly.  
I. The having us in his peculiar love, not only to love us, but to love us with peculiar, and choice love, surely, forbearing to smite us, and to cease from all his wrath towards such unworthy ones, as we were, Great favour, and our demeanour well considered; reason might say, as much as were meet for us to ask of him, Psal. 85, 3, 4, 5. But to show forth his compassionate love in the redemption wrought for mankind, and therethrough to bring in to receive romission of sins, what abundant grace and favour is this, Act. 10.43. Rom. 3.25. Tit. 3; 4, 5. But to love us with such peculiar, and delightful love, as the Father loveth him, this is more abundant, but to have us so in that choice love of his, as to compass us with it, that we should be in his bosom, and as the seal in his hart, in all his choice, delight, will, and purposes, and as the seal on his arm, in all his choice workings, and all for good to us; Oh what hart can desire more, or be able to desire so much, Can. 8.6, 7, 9 It exeedes the desires of the hart; And yet is this contained in this promise.  
II. The abiding in this love, surely one day's enjoyment of this love were better than a thousand day's enjoyment of all the loves, and contentments this world can afford, yea the deprivation of all these loves and contents a thousand days might befully satisfied for with one day's enjoyment of this his peculiar love, Psal. 84; 6, 10. Yea surely a sight, and taste hereof will take, and ravish with sweetness the soul that seethe, and tasteth this peculiar love, 2 Sam. 7.18, 19, 20. Cant. 1; 2, 3. But to dwell, and abide, and have ones habitation in it, who can express it, Psal. 91; 1, 2, etc. Or be able with the eye of his hart unless much streng-thened by the Holy Ghost to view it, yea even then also it will be veiwed incomprehensible, Eph. 1; 17, 20, and 3, 14, 19  
And yet is this the love contained in this promise.  
III. The flowing and increasing of this love upon us, and the increasing of strength in us to view, and enjoy it more, and more, till we come to the harvest and fullness of it, Psal. 84; 7, 11, 12. If the first fruits be so sweere, what is the harvest, if a glimpse overcame Peter, that it made him forget, wife children, friends, and all earthy contents, and himself, for all other loves, and farther favours, that he would have chosen to have dwelled in that, Mat. 17; 3, 4. If a taste so sweet and satisfying; Oh what is it then to be oft visited with it, and the manifestationes of it, and to be clothed, and filled with it to eate, and drink it, and to feed, and be feed, and feasted with it yea glorified in, and with it for ever, joh. 14; 21, 23. 1 joh. 3; 2. And yet all this is contained in this promise, Yea shall abide in my love, as I abide in my Father's love; And so my Father loveth you, as he loveth me, and I love, as my Father loveth me, my delight, and joy in you, and your joy full.  
Oh how comfortable, sweet, large, and sure is this promise, and how graciously ordered for our consolation, if it had been made to the perfection of degree, in our keeping of his commandments, we might have feared our never enjoyment, but being to the truth, and manner of keeping, for which grace is already given us, and he will never be wanting, it is exceeding comfortable for us.  
If the performance of this promise had depended on our strength, and faithfulness, we might have been in continual doubt of failing, and missing it, but he having provided help for our weakness, and put the performance upon his own power, truth, and faithfulness, there is no cause of doubt in him.  
If according to his work in old time, he had only sent this promise to us by some of his servants, it ought to have been believed, but yet in some temptation, we might happily have doubted, and said in haste all men are liars, but coming forth of his own mouth, who can doubt the truth of it, if it had been but of his general, and compassionate love, we might have feared want of fullness, or our dropping out of it, but being of his peculiar love, and such, and so everlasting love, what more safe, or what can be more desired, the promise is theresore very precious, and comfortable.   

Use.  
And this may be a double exortation, and motive to us all that believe in Christ.  
I. To behold with what manner of love God, and Christ hath loved us, Oh how free is his love, there being nothing in us, nor in those of whom we came, nothing done by us, or to be expected that we could after do to him, but for his own sake, and in his own good pleasure he so freely loved us, Deut. 9, 4, 5. Oh how costly to him is this love, he paid the price for us, and bought us with his precious blood, Gall. 2; 20. Oh how admirable, and unparallelled is this love; he did this for us when we were his enemies, Rom. 5; 8, 10. Oh how strong, and unfayling, he overcame us when we were rebels to him, Tit. 3-3, 4. Oh how honourable, fatherly, brotherly, to make us sons of God, and brethren to Christ, and estate us in all his own things, yea how abundant, and glorious, and everlasting, having assured us of more than we are able to understand, but only thus fare, that when he appears, we shall see him as he is, and he like him, yea how comfortable, that he now makes this known to us, and assures our abiding in it, to the harvest, and then to be glorified in it, 1 joh. 3.1, 2. Oh let us consider, attend too, admire this his so great love to us, and listen, and yield to his discoveries, when called; that we may assend to the Heavens in our Spirits, and there delight ourselves in his loves, and being refreshed therewith, Cant. 4.6.8. Coll. 3.1.2. Let our affectiones be set thereon, as our riches, and treasure, and from thence again, let us reflect on his promise, and see how his love is testified for those that trust in him, and love him, and their brethren, and that walk in that faith, and love, Psal. 125. Pro. 8.17, 21. 1 joh. 4.7.10. Till our hearts be overcome therewith, and we constraynod to say: Oh how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast for them that trust in thee before the sons of men, Psal. 31; 19.20. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath entered into the hart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him; but God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10. And behold how good, and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, Psal. 133. That so we may even long for his coming again, in which all shall be fully enjoyed by us.  
II. To love his commandments, and be diligent in keeping of them, surely this his gracious promise of so abundant love, and as we keep his commands (which are not grievous) of abiding therein, it may being believed be to us, as a cord from Heaven drawing us, and an encouragement in our hart, stirring us to love of his commandments, and diligence in keeping them, the promise to the keeping of them, being in general, so great, and precious, as hath been shown; that it may be truly said, in keeping of them there is great reward, Psal. 19.10, 11. And if we view the particulars, the same will appear.  
I. The keeping of the word of grace put in the hart, and believed through which these commands of faith in Christ, and love of brethren were begotten, and whence they spring, being through the ministration of the Gospel, and the inspiration of the almighty written in the hart; this word remembered, loved, and delighted in, and so tied to the hart, and submitted too, and so tied about the neck, great the promise thereto. For is it not said of this word, it shall lead us when we go, (it shall show us our way, and give us strength to guide us) and when slumbering befalls us, that we sleep, or are eased of cares in casting our cares on God, about our own safety; It shall watch for us, and keep us, and shall be a light to us, and instruction in the way of life to keep us from evil, Pro. 6.20, 21, 22, 23, 24. That it is able to save our souls (from falling through ignorance, unbelief, pride, vain glory, covetousness, uncleanness, and from the evil of the temptationes of the flesh, devil, or world, and we shall be blessed in our deed, 1 Cor. 15; 1, 2, 3, 4. jam. 1.21, 23. That it is a fruithfull, and teaching love, stirring up to fruitfulness, even a word of eternal life, Coll. 3.16. Psal. 1.2, 3. joh. 6; 68, and 15, 7. That it will promote us, and bring us to honour, give to our head an ornament of grace, and deliver to us a crown of glory, Pro. 4.8.9. Such is the love found in the word of grace inbraced.  
II. The faith in him, that is when through belief of the propitiation made by the blood of Christ, and the salvation he hath wrought in his own body for men, and the great love of God therein manifested, the hart is brought to esteem basely of itself, and highly of him, and in belief of this grace effected by him, is brought to belief on him, and so on God in him for that eternal life, and all that belongs thereto, which is in him to give, and work, this being the faith heere-ment that is the first commandment, Rom. 3.24.25.26. and 4.5.22.25. and 5.1.8.10.11.  
To which faith, or to them so believing the promises thereto are very great, as the receit of the remission of all a man's sins, Act. 10.43. Access to the throne of grace, justification, and hearing, and answer of all prayers so put forth, Act. 13.3.6. Rom. 5.1.2. Mat. 21.22. fruitfulness, and living springs of Spirit, yea such though dead shall live, and living shall never die, but shall have victory over lusts, support, and victory in afflictions, and temptations, in a word they shall never be ashamed of their hope, but have eternal life, joh. 7.37.38.39. and 11.25. and 14. and 15. etc.  
III. The love to brethren that flows from his love believed, which is the second command, joh. 13.34. and 15.12. Hath also great promises to it, as that all such love with the fruits thereof, shall be accepted as to himself, and shall be rewarded even to the least fruit thereof, Mat. 10.40.41.42. And that God dwelleth with such, and they in him, and are his friends, 1 joh. 4.12.16. joh. 15.14. And shall abide in the light, and be watered, and blessed, and filled with love from God, and Brethren, 1 joh. 2.11. Isa. 32.8.  
iv Walking in faith, and love begot in the hart through the word of grace and issuing therefrom, hath great promises also, of increase of light, and strength, and much fruitfulness every way before God, Pro. 8.12.18. and 10.29. 1 Cor. 13, to the end.  
V Yea even all the fruits of faith, and love in every particular service thereof have promise of acceptance, and blessing, and answer of prayers, Heb. 6.10. Gall. 6.8. 1 joh. 3.22.23.24.  
And all comprehended, and summed up in this, if yea keep my commandments, yea shall abide in my love.  
So that if the love of God, and Christ, towards us be of any force with us, and desired of us. let it be a load stone to us, and have its perfect work with us, to give up all our members to God, in keeping these commandments of Christ, Rom. 12.1.2.3. Phill. 2.1.2.3.4.5.6. And to prise the same above gold, and silver, and all earthly inheritances, Psal. 119.72.111. And count it as our meat, and drink to be exercised in the services thereof, job. 23.12. joh. 4.34. And to be diligent, and unwearied therein, through what trials soever we pass for the same, Gall. 6.10. That so we may take up our content in his love, and in keeping his commandments abide in his love, and so his joy remain in us, and our joy be fully sound and increase till it come to fullness in the harvest in his visible presence which is the end, and scope of these say of our saviours in, joh. 15.9.10. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, continued yea in my love: If yea keep my commandments, yea shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's ecommandements, and abide in his love.  
From which words together in one considered, we may observe, as a broviary of all that hath been said, these few lessons therein.   

Obs. I.  
That the choice happiness here to be desired, and obtained, and which hath all satisfying fullness in it to satisfy Spiritual desires, and that will also bear through all troubles, and bring to everlasting blessedness, is to be beloved of the Father, as he loveth Christ, and to be beloved of Christ as the Father loveth him, and this appears here plainly by Christ his promising of it, as the choice happiness to his disciples, and his prayer for them, joh. 17.21. And promise to them, joh. 14.17.21.23. And the prayer of his people for it, Psal. 106.4. Cant. 2.4.5. And their profession of it, Cant. 1.2.3. Psal. 30.5.   

Obs. II.  
That this peculiar love belongs too, and is to be expected believed, and waited for of the weakest, that through grace believe in Jesus Christ, and love their brethren, and this is evident by our saviours affirmation of it, to his weak disciples, and willing them to continue in it: and the enjoyment of this peculiar love, with promise of establishment in it, and fullness in due season, is the portion of all that walk in faith, and love, and this is evident in our saviours saying, if yea keep my commandments, yea shall abide in my love, etc.   

Obs. III.  
That it is good, and wellpleasing in the sight of God, and Christ, that all that believe in him, do continue, and abide in this his peculiar love and this is evident both by his charge, continue you in my love and his promise, and direction, if yea keep my commandments, yea shall abide in my love, etc.   

iv Obs.  
iv That the mean, or way for believers to continue, and abide in this his peculiar love, is to keep his commandments, as he kept his Father's commandments, though wanting in such perfection of degree in keeping yet in like manner, and this is evident in the direction, and promise in express words.   

V Obs.  
V That all believers so keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ, shall infallibly continue and abide in this his peculiar love.  
And some ground, or reason of these things may be seen in the words also.   

I. Reas.  
I. Our Saviour affirming such love to them, calling them to continue in it, directing them how, and giving the promise to them shows his will, and giveth ground, and reason to confirm all to them.   

II. Reas.  
II. Our Saviour keeping his Father's commandments, and thereby first redeeming us, and then giving us life, showeth both, the Father's love to us, in giving him such commandments, and Christ his love to us in fulfilling those commands, and giving such sweet commandments to us also, in which himself hath gone before us, doth give us ground, encouragement, and motive, both for believing in him, and loving one another, and for walking in this faith, and love.   

III. Reas.  
III. His manifesting our being reckoned of God after him, and his loving us, as God loves him, and that as he in keeping his Father's commands (to procure us life) abode in his Father's love, so we keeping his commands in receit, and exercise of the life given us) shall abide in his love; all this is that very thing we are to believe, which will indeed consolato, and set us on walking.   

iv Reas.  
iv This keeping his commandments, is an exercising ourselves in his love, and suffering it to have its perfect work in us, and so is the very leading in, and way of continuing, and abiding in his love.  
All which as it is seen in the words, so it is very useful as is foreshewn.   

I. Use.  
I. It showeth just cause of reproof of, and grief, and lamentation for many.  
I. Such a mistake the mark, either in their conceiptiones, or pursuit of happiness, seeking it in favour, liberty, riches, and honours amongst men feeding on ashes.  
II. Such as profess to seek God, and yet either ignorant of, or not pressing after this choice happiness, but striving for life in their own righteousness, or spending their choice strength to know that Christ died for them, leaving this peculiar love unsought, only to be challenged in a blind conclusion, and consequence.  
III. Such as having begun to see, and taste this peculiar love, either again through folly withdraw, or complain for want of other loves.   

II. Use.  
II. It is a good admonition to us all, neither to seek other loves then this of God, and Christ, nor to rest in his love of compassion, without the knowledge, and enjoyment of this peculiar love, but seek this above all things.   

III. Use.  
III. It is a good motive to all that have seen, and tasted this peculiar love in believing, To continue, and abide ever in it.   

iv Use.  
iv An exortation to keep the commandments of faith, and love, and to walk constantly therein, as is before shown.   

I. Motive.  
I None but such love Christ Jesus sinceerly. joh. 14.21.   

II. Motive.  
II. Nene but such have assmance of abiding in his peculiar love.   

III. Motive.  
III. All such shall assuredly continue in this his peculiar love.   

V Use.  
V This is a consolation, and encouragement for all that believe in Jesus Christ: and walk in faith, and love to go one without fainting, in hope, and diligence, till they come to the end of their hope in the fruition of glorious love.  
FINIS.    

ERRATA.  
PAg. 16. lin. 38. for one hinne, read: one in hinne. pag. 20. lin. 7. for with, read which. pag. 22. lin. 23. for servant read servants. lin. 28. for also, read also. lin. 35. for father read farther. pag. 23. lin. 30. for Christ, read Christ's. pag. 25. lin. 22. bloat out, to also. pag. 28. lin. 2. for lift, read left. lin. 24. for delight, read delights. pag. 29. lin. 16. for lift, read left. pag. 30. lin. 37. for Saviour, read Saviour's. pag. 31. lin. 4. for Saviour, read Saviour's. pag. 33. lin. 3. for apace, read appease. pag. 43. lin. 35. for wel-pleased, read well-pleasedness. pag. 44. lin. 14. for door, read doer. pag. 45. lin. 22. for infint, read insenit. pag. 52. lin. 18. for horn, read turn. pag. 57 lin. 18. for they, read thy. pag. 58. lin. 28. for both. read doth. pag 58. lin. 39 for lovinesse, read loveliness. pag. 30. lin. 6. for thet, read that. lin. 36. for is, read as.