CHRIST THE Riches of the GOSPEL, AND THE Hope of CHRISTIANS A SERMON Preached at the Funeral of Mr William Spurstow the only Child of Dr Spurstow at Hackney near London, Mar. 10.  
By SIMEON ASHE Preacher of the Gospel, and Lecturer there.  PHIL. 3. 23, 21. 
I have a desire to departed to be with Christ which is fare better.  
For me to live is Christ, and to die is Gain.  
LONDON, Printed by A. M. for G. Sawbridge at the Sign of the Bible on Ludgate-hill, 1654.   

To My much Esteemed Good Friends, Dr Spurstow, Pastor of the Church at Hackney, and to Mrs Sarah Spurstow his Virtuous Wife.  
WHen I prepared this Sermon for the Pulpit, and preached it at the Funeral of your much endeared Son and only child, there was not one thought in my mind that it should be brought to the Press; but as it served your desires with reference to the Congregations profit there, so upon the same account (through the importunity of many others also) it now cometh abroad enlarged with respect unto more public service: The reading of it may probably renew your sorrow by occasioning the remembrance of your loss (for the wound not throughly healed will smart and bleed again upon every gentle touch) but I hope that influences from Christ (the subject of the Sermon) will drop like healing oil, with sweetness upon your spirits. Summer-fruit doth soon fall from the tree out of which it grew: The early buddings both of ingenuity and piety, in your hopeful child, caused some of your friends to suspect that God would gather him unto himself before he became a man. Would not you both (if God had lengthened his life on earth) have been content to have wanted his society for a time, upon well-grounded confidence of a comfortable meeting, and that your parting would be for his preferment and your mutual profit? I shall not need to make the application: He was the heir of a full estate, with which Gods bounty hath blessed you, but the hand of Providence hath put him into the possession of a far more rich Inheritance; You had hopes that he might have been the staff of your age, but though that support is sunk and shrunk from you, yet you are not left comfortless, for the precious promises of Gospel-grace are continued 〈…〉 to uphold both your hopes and hearts for ever. Cheer up 〈◊〉 hearts (my dear Friends) both in hope of his happy change and your spiritual advantage by the sanctification of this your loss. Bless God who bestowed so good a child upon you, suffered you to enjoy him so long, and gave you (with hearts to educate him religiously) to see the success of your endeavours in those timely blossoms which appeared upon upon him; And as for yourselves, do ye not find (through the operation of God's peculiar grace) that upon your souls which may encourage the application of David's support and consolation? He hath made with me an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things and sure; for this is all my salvation and all 
2 Sam. 23. 5.  my desire, although he make not my house to grow. In this Covenant there is nothing defective, which any Christian, in any condition, can either desire or want. And amongst other rich promises which are thereto annexed, this is one; (which may be seasonably relieving unto you) to give a better name than of Sons and Daughters: Upon all these considerations 
Isa. 56. 5.  (unto which your knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel can add many more) you should rather express the joys of faith then feed upon your sorrows, to your own prejudice and the trouble of your Christian friends: And seeing the Lord hath to your sense written vanity upon the choicest of your creature-contents, how should your souls be now elevated above all things sublunary and changeable! His hand of providence hath eased you of all further cares for him, whom you intended to leave well furnished with all accommodations for comfort and service in this world; therefore now what have you so much to mind here as to improve time, talents, estate, interests, yea, your All, for your own mutual advantage in Christ, and the glory of God, who hath done so much for yourselves and yours? This improvement of your affliction (wherein my experience hath wrought sympathies) I can and shall hearty request in your behalf through Jesus Christ, in whom I am,  
Your assured Friend, if his own, SIMEON ASHE. june 20. 1654.   

To my much Honoured and Worthy Friends, Dr William Spurstow and Mrs Sarah Spurstow his Wife, upon the Death of their hopeful Son and only Child, Mr William Spurstow.  
Carmen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
LEt hopeless Heathens grieve, and let them shed  
From drowned eyes vain offerings to the dead;  
Let their remorseless hands their bosoms rend,  
'Cause Death their comforts and their hopes do end:  
Let weeping Niobe congeal to stone,  
And kill herself with grief and fruitless moan.  
But you (Dear Friends) do mourn in hope, and weep,  
Believing your blessed child in Christ doth sleep.  
Harbour we mutinous thoughts against his will,  
Whose works are just, whose ways are holy still?  
Oh let his mercy and his goodness charm  
All discontent; He'll never do you harm,  
Nor can he do you wrong, because he's just,  
Willingly then submit, or else you must.  
Banish sad thoughts which do without relief  
Torment you with reiterated grief;  
Suppose you saw your Son equalling those  
Bright morning Stars the Sons of God; Suppose  
You saw his soul enthroned in bliss with them,  
Who Citizens are of New Jerusalem:  
Suppose you heard his own delightful voice  
Thus speak (Dear Parents) weep not but rejoice  
For me, for now I am perfectly free  
From sorrow, sin, Death, and mortality;  
Surely you do not doubt my happiness  
(For you oft say I'm gone to heaven) much less  
Can loving Parents envy it, then cease  
To interrupt my joy and your own peace.  
Happy those Parents who their Children teach  
God's fear, whilst young, and whilst within the reach  
Of Prayers and counsels; so shall not death prevent  
Their diligence, and they too late repent.  
How early saving light did down and break  
In him who learned to pray as soon as speak,  
And minding Sermons than knew good from ill,  
When those of's age have not learned to sit still;  
Nay more, so young, and yet complained, that he  
Can not rule's thought when most think thoughts are free.  
Then 'twas the devil who did first invent  
That cursed profane Proverb, A young Saint  
An old Devil; no no, many through God's grace  
Set out betimes, and hold out all the race,  
And many Timothy's have Mnasons proved,  
Who have God's Word in childhood learned and loved.  
Such was his pregnant parts and piety,  
His youth it was a full maturity.  
A Child that did per saltum commence man,  
His years spoke morning, his parts Meridian:  
Harvest i'th' Spring, a blossom fairly blown,  
Knit, and at once fruit to perfection grown.  
Haec moerens posuit Gulielmus Taylor A. M. apud Londinenses Pastor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   

Upon the much lamented Death of the truly Pious Youth Mr William Spurstow, who deceased Anno Dom. 1633/4 March Aetatis 9  
Blessed Soul, thy Parents only Son! Thou wast  
Nipped in the bud, and into death's Den cast  
In Spring time both of age and year. Thy Sun  
Is soon gone down, soon is thy short race run;  
True, an Apprenticeship thoust served on earth  
Of nine years, but the tenth thou payest to Death  
As her due Tithe; She will not be denied,  
Young, old, rich, poor, are carried down this Tide.  
Thou liv'st, though dead in th'memory of those  
Who knew thy life and saw its holy close;  
The honour thou didst to thy Parents bear,  
Thy humble carriage, witty words, endear  
Thee unto all; Those sparks of Piety  
Kindled wiihin thy Soul by th' Almighty  
Dazzled the eyes of men; Thine excellent parts  
Admired were by all; Thou wonst all hearts.  
But stay, needs he Encomiums? Reader, know,  
He joys above while we him wail below.  
E. C. Student in Syd. Coll. Cam.   

Upon his Funeral Text, Col. 1. 27. Christ in you the hope of glory. With which he was much affected in his life time, and of which he did often speak.  
THis Text did much refresh this Saint, now dead;  
Christ was his Hope, his Glory, Crown, and Head:  
Whilst here on earth Christ dwelled in him by grace,  
But now he dwells with Christ and sees his face.  
His Body though in grave, to Christ is knit,  
His Soul with Christ, in Christ's own Throne doth sit.  
Christ was his hope on earth; but now he is,  
His Heaven, his All, his, his, for ever his.  
E. C. Student in Syd. Coll. Cam.   

Upon the Death of M. william Spurstow.  
YE Muses Helicon what can you lie  
Thus mantled in a stupid Lethargy?  
Breathe out your souls with sighs, melt into tears,  
And let your griefs be equal to your fears,  
For him poor soul whose Fate it was we see,  
To bid adieu in its minority:  
Mourn that gloomy day on which it took its rise,  
To seek a mansion in heaven's Paradise.  
What was his worth, what Friends loss, in verse  
Were but lost pains in both for to rehearse;  
His purer metalled Soul needeth no Praise  
Or Art to'dulterate, all this can't raise  
The price of such a Pearl, that had alone  
What bounteous Art or Nature made her own:  
And boldly this I'll speak unto his praise,  
His holy Life doth much exceed his days:  
O pray that such blessed hopes may longer live  
Examples to such youth as cannot give.  
W. H.   

The Text.  COL. 1. 27. Which is Christ in you the hope of Glory. 
THe Subject matter of this Text is Jesus Christ, and therefore seasonably suitable to the expectation of this Assembly, which is to hear a Funeral Sermon; For whereas wine is to be given unto those that be of heavy hearts, what 
Prov. 31. 6.  Cordial is comparable with Jesus Christ who is called and deserveth to be accounted, The Consolation of 
Luk. 2. 25.  Israel?  
In the Text Christ is tendered or rather commended to the consideration of these Christian Colossians under a threefold notion.  
1. As containing the riches of all Evangelicall mysteries; 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non ad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, sed ad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 refer oportet. Dau. in Text.  The Relative (which) must necessarily be referred unto the word Riches, in the foregoing part of this verse, as is manifest from the Original in our Greek Copies. Although the vulgar applieth the Relative (which) unto mystery, and I acknowledge Christ to be a mystery as the holy Ghost doth 
Eph. 3. 3, 4.  often suggest in the holy Scriptures; And indeed his conception and his hypostatical Union, etc. give us just occasion to call him wonderful, Isa. 9 6. yet in this place I humbly conceive that he is held forth to our view, as the Riches of the glorious mystery of the Gospel.  
2. As being the groundwork and the foundation of every good Christians good hope of happiness; Christ the hope of glory. I have heard of Ships laden with rich commodities, from which their owners expect great advantage, called The Hope, or The good Hope: Under this Name may believers, real Saints, well own the Lord Jesus, The Hope of glory.  
3. As inhabiting, dwelling in believing Christians, for this end, that by his abiding and operating in them he might be unto them the hope of glory; Christ in you the hope of glory: 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Erasmus notat ccdices quosdam sic habere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inter vos, ut legit etiam Syrus interpres. Beza in Text.  Some Translators render the words, Christ among you; but I rather cleave unto our English Translators, both old and new, which do answer our Greek Copies, and accord with the most learned, judicious Interpreters, Christ in you the hope of glory.  
Having thus briefly given in the division of the Text, with the Interpretation of the words both together, I proceed to the handling of the Points of Doctrine hence considerable for our Instruction.  
The first Truth observable is this,  
That Jesus Christ is the riches of all Gospel-glorious Mysteries. Doct. 1  
The Apostle Paul acknowledging much glory in the Administrations of Moses (wherein there was much Gospel, though vailed and shadowed under Types and Ceremonies) yet telleth us, That Evangelicall ministrations do exceed in glory, and that the former had no glory in respect of this latter, 
2 Cor. 3. 9, 10, 11.  which excelleth, and is much more glorious. Now the riches of all this glory are in Christ; Concerning which the expression of the same Apostle is observable, The unsearchable riches of Christ. The riches of this Gospel-glory in Christ 
Eph. 3. 8.  may be discovered with reference 1. both to God, 2. and to 
Ex parte Dei, & ex parte nostri.  godly Christians.  
First, In regard of God; All the revenues of glory which come unto his Majesty from the Gospel, are most eminently in Jesus Christ; And therefore at his birth the Angels sing, Glory to God on high. 1. In him are all the treasures 
Luk. 2. 14. Col. 2 3. 1 Cor. 2. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 24. Eph. 3. 18, 19 Eph. 2. 7. Eph. 1. 6.  of wisdom; Here is wisdom in a mystery. 2. And Christ is (as the wisdom so) the Power of God; Divine Omnipotency is no way so fully discovered as in Christ. 3. In him is divine love which passeth knowledge, which is beyond all dimensions. 4. And as for mercy, how full is the language of the Apostle; The exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness through Christ Jesus; And speaking elsewhere of Gospel-incoms he addeth, To the praise of the glory of his grace; Here might be added the unspotted holiness and untainted justice of God, more glorified in the unexpressible humiliation of Jesus Christ then in any other way whatsoever. And who knoweth not how the honour of God's Truth is triumphantly glorious in Christ, because all things foretold of him both substantial and circumstantial were exactly fulfiled in him: The Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by 
joh. 1. 14.  Jesus Christ; These things I only touch upon without enlargement.  
Secondly, In relation to his people, Christ is the riches of 
Christus est nobis thesaurus spiritualium divitiarum. Day. in Text. 1 Cor. 2. 7.  the Gospel's glory. The blessed Apostle is very open in his expression to this purpose, We speak the hidden wisdom of God which God ordained unto our glory; Many rich and glorious are the true Christians advantages from Jesus Christ: I shall briefly point at four which St Paul hath recorded together in Eph. 1.  
And before I mention the particulars, the general which he premiseth (being very comprehensive) is worthy consideration; Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Eph. 1. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenlies in Christ. The Original neither restraineth the word Heavenly to places or things; but the holy Ghost hinteth thus much; That whatsoever spiritual blessings (which are incomparably the best) any Saints receive from the Lord, either here upon earth or hereafter in heaven, all are derived through Christ. The particulars follow.  
1. Electing love is in Christ; He hath chosen us in him before 
ver. 4.  the foundation of the world.  
2. Adoption into the right and privileges of God's children is by Christ; Having predestinated us unto the Adoption 
ver. 5.  of Children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.  
3. Fatherly acceptance with God, pardoning all sins, is upon the account of Jesus Christ. He hath made us accepted 
ver. 6, 7.  in the beloved, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.  
4. And the possession of our rich Inheritance is by reason of our co-heirship with Christ Jesus; In whom also we have 
ver. 11, 12. Neque solum gratiam omnem inherentem habemus a Christo derivatam, sed gratiam acceptationis divinae ad vitam aeternam habemus. Dau. in Text. Use 1.  obtained an Inheritance, etc. that we should be unto the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ.  
These short touches may be sufficient to clear the truth of the doctrine, I proceed to the Application.  
Ministers therefore should in this regard the more abundantly preach Christ: Our Apostle having in the Text told the Colossians that Christ is the riches of the glorious Gospel, he addeth immediately in the verse following, whom we preach; yea, this is considerable, that when Paul was a prisoner for such preaching, he maketh this the greatest boon to be begged of God in his behalf, that he might have liberty with ability to declare such things unto them in his Ministry. Continue in prayer, withal praying for us, that God 
Col. 4. 2, 3, 4.  would open unto us a door of utterance to speak the Mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds that I may make it manifest. The like request he maketh unto the Ephesians; Pray 
Eph. 6. 18, 19, 20.  always in the Spirit, etc. And for me that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an Ambassador in bonds; And he greatly glorieth in this as a transcendent honour, That he was made a Minister of the gospel to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see 
Eph. 3. 7, 8, 9  what is the fellowship of the mystery, etc. And this practice may prevalently be persuaded by the consideration of  

1. The Ministers Office.  
2. The People's need.   
First, By Office, We are Stewards of the Mysteries of God, 
1 Cor. 4. 1. 2.  and it is required in Stewards that a man be found faithful. In this respect we must produce for the honour of our Master and the use of his Family such Treasures with which he hath been pleased to entrust us. As Abraham's servant 
Gen. 24. 53.  brought forth Jewels of silver and Jewels of gold to win the heart of Rebecca to Isaac, so should we spread before our people the unvaluable riches of Christ, that we might work out their hearts unto him.  
Secondly, As our Office, so the People's necessities do call for our help herein, for there are hidden things herein (as the word mystery intimateth, 1 Cor. 2. 7.) which very few understand, in comparison of the multitudes who are palpably ignorant hereof; This our Saviour suggests, who having by the Parable of the Sour, taught, that not above one part of four receive saving profit by the Gospel preached among them, he said unto his Disciples; Unto you it is given to know 
Luk. 8. 10.  the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but unto others in Parables, that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.  
And nothing that can possibly be taught is more useful 
 sciant, niht do●●ri posse absolutius. Cal. in ver. 28.  and advantageous. Hereby the proud heart is most kindly humbled, and the humbled heart most sweetly comforted: This knowledge will enrich the poor in Spirit and keep them lowly who are rich in grace: It will increase the hatred of sin, the contempt of the world, faith in the promises, love to God, Christian courage, zeal, patience, together with humble boldness in addresses unto God, upon all occasions: It is the one thing necessary. By means hereof (as the 
Luk. 10. 42.  Apostle hints in the verse following the Text) Ministers may hope to present their people perfect in Jesus Christ; But these things I do only name without enlargement, yet before I dismiss this Use, I desire leave to entreat my Brethren in the Ministry to mind the counsel and practice of this our Apostle, 
1 Cor. 14. 23. 18, 19  viz. to study familiar plainness in unfolding these rich mysteries of glorious Gospel grace which are treasured up in Jesus Christ.  
My second Use must be directed both unto Ministers and Use 2 people, To move them to seek more and more the knowledge of Christ. Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in 
Col. 3. 16. Prov. 2.  all wisdom; How unweariedly laborious are men in digging into the bowels of the earth to find and to fetch out the riches there; Now of how little worth is all the world's wealth being compared with Christ! The Gospel is the treasure 
Mat. 13. 44, 46  in the Field (of which the Parable speaketh) and Christ is that one Pearl of great price, which is of more worth than any man's All. Therefore the Scriptures should be searched (as 
Joh. 5. 31. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  men search for treasures) to make further and fuller discoveries of Christ, because in him eternal life and all things conducible thereunto are to be enjoyed. Saint Paul who by experience knew the worth of humane learning, even amongst the rich-gifted Corinthians, determined not to know 
1 Cor. 2. 2.  any thing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified; And himself elsewhere giveth a rational, a satisfying account of this his resolution, viz. because of the superlative both excellency and utility of this knowledge. Doubtless I count all things 
Phil. 3. 8, 10.  but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, etc. Who can tell how many rarities lie hid in Christ, or how great gain may be got by the knowledge of him? 1. This is the way to procure justification by him, By his knowledge shall my righteous Servant justify many. 2. Hereby 
Isa. 53.  the growth of all graces both in kinds and degrees, is much promoted; We all with open face beholding as in a glass the 
Joh. 4. 10. 2 Cor. 4. 18.  glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 3. And hence issueth glory: The Text tells you, that in him is the hope of glory; This is life eternal that they may know thee the only true God, 
Joh. 17. 3.  and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. If all this be not sufficient to quicken diligence in seeking out after the knowledge of Christ, let me add a double consideration from the practice of the holy Angels (though they be not so much concerned in and advantaged by Christ as ourselves) 1. They did desire to pry and peep into those Typical and Prophetical 
1 Pet. 1. 12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  discoveries of him which were obscure before his Incarnation. 2. And now they are content to come (as it were to our Schools where we are taught) unto our Congregations for clearer instruction in this mystery according to God's mind; Unto the Principalities and Powers in heavenly places might be 
Eph. 3. 10. Sacrosanctum & vivificum mysterium. Aug Est quidem fructuosum, honorificum, & gloriosum hoc Evangelij mysterium. Dau. in Text.  known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God. These things speak cogent arguments to them who are Christianly ingenuous, to move more and more industrious endeavours, to dive further and further into these rich divine mysteries, whereof Gods Worthies have given many high commendations, calling it an holy, glorious, fruitful, quickening, happy-making mystery; What commendation can be higher than that of our Apostle, 1 Tim. 3. 16. Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory; Herein is contained the marrow of Christianity: And doubtless every Christian who mindeth the power of godliness, either in reference unto God's honour or self-welfare, will by these Meditations be prevailed with to seek acquaintance with this rich mystery. I shall speak no more unto this first Point, viz. That Christ is the riches of Gospel-glorious Mysteries; but I proceed unto the second.  
That real Saints, believing Christians have (even while Doct. 2 here on earth) hope of glory.  
Such were these Colossians to whom these words were spoken, The Saints and faithful brethren in Christ; Not only Saints 
ver. 2.  titularly but in reality, whose Saintship and faith was witnessed by their brotherly disposition towards one another, and their faithful walking in the world: these, these were they who had hope of future glory. The like expression hath the same Apostle in his Epistle to the Romans; Being justified by faith we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus 
Rom. 5. 1, 2.  Christ, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. This Doctrine I shall not much dilate upon but only give one touch or two by way of application.  
Hence we are informed that the gain of godliness, and Use 1 the profitableness of a religious life is not to be judged of alone by the outward visible fruit reaped here; for the rich Revenues of holiness are rather in hope then in hand: The world knoweth us not, and it doth not yet appear what we shall 
1 joh. 3. 1, 2. Eccl. 9 1.  be: No man knoweth love or hatred by all that is before them; And therefore in the estimation of those who judge according to the sight of the eye, If in this life only we have hope 
1 Cor. 15. 19  in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Though in very truth Christians who live by faith, and walk holily with the Lord, have cordials in secret which the world knoweth not of, viz. peace which passeth all understanding, and joys most unspeakable 
Phil. 4. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 8. 2 Cor. 1. 5.  and full of glory (which do wonderfully exceed and admirably sweeten all their sufferings) yet the best is behind, these are only the tastes of that full glory reserved for them in heaven. Thus the Prophet Malachy confuteth the carnal crew in his days, who said it was a vain thing to serve God; He first telleth them of a book of Remembrance written before the Lord, recording all the serviceableness of Saints in evil times, and then referreth them to the last day, when God shall make up his jewels, adding these words, Then 
Mal. 3. 17, 18.  shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Would you give a right estimate of the precious incoms by godliness, do not so much view their present outward wants and pressures, but rather hearken to the language of their hopes. When Christ who is our life shall appear, than we also 
Col. 3. 4. 1 joh. 3. 2.  shall appear with him in glory; And we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  
Use 2 Therefore let us all try whether we can from good holding 
Ezek. 3. 6. Heb. 6. 11.  grounds, make out our hopes of glory; As Ministers must beware of flattering people with vain hopes, so the Apostle Paul persuadeth every one of us to show diligence for the attaining the full assurance of hope, yea, the same diligence 
1 Pet. 3. 15.  which we use in reference to any act of obedience: And Saint Peter would have all Christians ready to give a reason of the hope which is in them. The necessity of this trial may be manifested by these following considerations.  
1. The worth of the thing hoped for, viz. glory, which is in value transcendently better than all things under the Sun; Herein consists everlasting heavenly happiness. The phrase whereby the holy Scripture doth express it is very full; a fare more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; The 
2 Cor. 4. 17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  value of any commodity causeth cautiousness to prevent cheating: Wisdom therefore will make wary, that hopes hereof may not be built upon sandy bottoms.  
2. The usefulness of hope, being as an Helmet to secure 
1 Thes. 5. 8. Heb. 6. 19  from capital dangers in warlike encounters, and as an Anchor to prevent shipwreck upon a stormy Sea: in which cases men are careful to make such provision, that the Head-piece and Anchor may not be brittle and easily broken.  
3. The hopes of multitudes will be lamentably frustrated; Our Saviour brings in many pleading with confidence at the last day for life, who shall be rejected with miserable disappointment, Many shall say to me at that day Lord, Lord, etc. 
Mat. 7. 22, 23.  and I will profess unto them, I never knew you (q. d. I never approved you) depart from me.  
4. We know not how soon our hopes may be assaulted by others, and shaken by the recoilings of our own consciences. As good Job had his hopes questioned by his Friends, Is this thy confidence and thy hope? So the Church 
job 4. 6. Lam 3. 18.  in an afflicted condition doth this dolefully bewail herself; I said, My hope is perished from the Lord.  
Now if upon these meditations helps for hopes-discovery shall be enquired after, I shall briefly hint 1. whose hopes will fail. 2. Whose hopes will hold in the time of trial; As for the former the holy Ghost tells us plainly, that their hopes are perishing, who are 1. either wicked, 2. or hypocrites. 
Pro. 11. 7. job 8. 13.  When the wicked man dieth his expectation shall perish, and the hypocrites hope shall perish. Here though I may not be large in characterizing the wicked man or in uncasing the Hypocrite; yet take these short touches and enlarge them with application in your own thoughts:  
First, A wicked man is 1. A sin-lover; The wicked and him 
Psa. 11. 5.  who loveth iniquity doth God's soul hate, saith the Psalmist▪ And men's love of sin is manifested by their unwillingness to have it spoken against; As David would have Absalon gently 
2 Sam. 18. 5. Psal. 50. 16.  dealt with. 2. And a man who liveth in sin upon choice and deliberation; Like as the fish liveth in water, He is as a Tradesman, a Practitioner in sin, a Sin-maker, a worker of 
1 joh. 3. 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Mat. 7. 23.  iniquity, as the Scripture expresseth it; Therefore lay your hands upon your hearts, and observe whether they breathe loving allowance of sin, and deliberate resolutions to drive a trade in ways of known transgressions, though both God and your own consciences condemn them.  
Secondly, An hypocrite may be described; An outside, 
Mat. 15. 8, 9 & 23. 25. & 23. 5.  selfseeking, man-pleasing man. Thus our Lord doth stigmatize them; Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is fare from me; Ye make clean the outside, and all their works they do to be seen of men: When they either fast, or feast religiously, it is to themselves; Hereby a plaindealing self-reflecting Christian 
Zech. 7. 5, 6.  may give a good guess at his own estate, viz. whether upright or an hypocrite, and consequently whether his hope will be holding or perishing: And I wish people to consider these hints for trial the rather because the hopes of these persons will fall and fail them at death, if not sooner; What is the hope of the Hypocrite though he hath gained when God 
job 27. 8.  taketh away his soul?  
As for the latter viz whose hopes will hold, attend the expressions of the Apostle Peter, Blessed be the God and Father of 
1. Pet. 1. 3.  our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Hence two things are notable for our purpose to discover good hope. 1. The Regeneration of the person hoping. 2. The activity of the hope itself. 1. The persons are begotten again, 2. Their hope is lively. That both these particulars may be practically applied for trial, I will for brevity sake suggest that the spiritual birth, and hopes vivacity, may be evidenced by effectual vocation; Hence it is that God in the 
Eph. 1. 18. & 4. 4.  Scripture speaketh once and again of the hope of his calling. Now our effectual calling doth discover itself, 1. Partly by our coming off from sin with detestation, and this is the effect of good hope, Every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth 
1 joh. 3, 3.  himself as he is pure. 2. And partly by our coming up unto God in an obediential submission unto his government, in a studious conformity to his laws. These are conjoined in the experience and practice of God's people, viz. hope and holiness: As of David, Lord I have hoped for thy salvation and 
Psa. 116. 166.  done thy Commandments; And of Paul, After the way which 
Act. 24. 14. 15, 16.  they call Heresy, so worship I the God of my Fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets, and have hope towards God; And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards men: Therefore conscientious endeavours against all sinful pollutions both of heart and life, together with care fully to answer the mind of the Lord in a religious conversation, notwithstanding hardships and reproaches in the world, will give good testimony unto the truth of our hopes of eternal glory; whereas looseness of life and heart, in ways of carnal selfseeking and man-pleasing, following the multitude, and swimming down the stream of declining times, may administer just occasion of doubting, that man's expectations of eternal glory will be disappointed.  
To persuade all them who have hitherto flattered themselves Use 3 with false hopes of heaven, to lay in better grounds for the future: It is the earnest desire of Gospel-Ministers that you would use diligence to attain the full assurance of hope. 
Heb. 6. 11.   
And 1. Because you have heard, that it is attainable, therefore you should take encouragement to seek it.  
2. Add to the possibility of getting assured hope, the necessity thereof, that you may be prevailed with to look after it. You heard before that hope is that unto a Christian in his passage unto heaven which an Helmet is to a Soldier, and 
1 Thes. 5. 8. Heb. 6. 19  an Anchor is to the Mariner. Therefore let this consideration move us to make out for the Helmet and Anchor of good hope. And I would entreat you the rather to mind this my earnest exhortation, because of the rocks of dissoluteness and destruction upon which you will be in danger to be driven, when Satan and your own consciences shall discover the sandiness of all your former hopes. Noteable for the proof hereof is that passage in the prophecy of Jeremiah, where the people being persuaded to repentance, return this answer: There is no hope, we will walk after our own devices, 
jer. 18. 11, 12.  and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart; Or if the razing of hopes foundations doth not produce such wretched wicked resolutions, with what sinkings and doleful despondency will the awakened Soul be overwhelmed? Our Proverb saith, Was it not for hope the heart would break; Therefore slight not mine advice, neither delay the use of God's means to gain a well-grounded hope 
Isa. 38. 18.  of your eternal salvation: your life is both short and uncertain; And they who go down into the pit cannot hope for God's truth. Now for your help herein, I shall in my next doctrine lead you to Christ who is the true Christians hope of glory.  
That Christ is unto faithful Christians the hope of glory. Doct. 3  
As my Text speaks this truth in open words, so elsewhere our Apostle thus expresseth himself; The Lord Jesus Christ 
1 Tim. 1. 1. Luk. 2. 28, 29, 30.  which is our hope: And here Simeon anchored his hope of heaven, for he taking Christ in his arms, said, Now lettest thou thy Servant departed in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.  
For the clearing of this Point there are two things enquirable.  
1. What is meant by Hope of glory.  
2. How Christ is to be accounted the Christians Hope of glory.  
First, The hope of glory.  
1. Either signifieth the glory hoped for, as it's taken in many other Scriptures; The hope laid up for you in heaven; 
ver. 5. Tit. 2. 13.  Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  
2. Or the glorious hope; the grace of hope whereby the Soul desirously expecteth future everlasting glory; according to the words of this our Apostle; I know that this shall tend to my salvation, according to my earnest expectation and 
Phil. 1. 19, 20.  hope.  
Secondly, Christ may truly be called the hope of glory in both these senses.  
1. Being the glory of his people Israel, viz. the matter, the 
Luk. 2. 32. Gloriam quam speramus Christus est gloria, & quam habemus, & quam habituri simus. Rolloc. in Text joh. 1. 16. 2 Cor. 3. 18.  object of their chiefest glory both here and hereafter. He is the Christians All both upon earth and in heaven, Christ is the glory of heaven, the very heaven of heaven.  
2. And being the root from whence holy hope and all other graces do spring: From his fullness we all receive grace for grace; And whom we beholding as in a glass, we all are changed from glory to glory; Grace is glory begun, and glory is grace perfited, and both these we have from Jesus Christ.  
For the further opening and evidencing of this Doctrine, viz. That Christ is the hope of glory, Consider, that a Christians hope is attributed: 1. Efficiently, to God the Father working it by the holy Ghost; The God of hope cause you to abound in hope, through the power of the holy Ghost. 2. Instrumentally 
Rom. 15. 13.  to the word of God, which is the word of his grace. Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written, that 
Rom. 15. 4.  we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 3. Evidentially to the work of saving grace in the soul, manifesting itself by its operations there; God gives good 
2 The. 2. 16.  hope through grace, whether faith, Rom. 15. 13. or love, 1 Joh. 3. 14. or any other sanctifying frame of heart. 4. And yet in a way of peculiarity Christ is the Christians hope, which our Apostle intends in this Text, wherein there is some Emphasis; The hope, that hope, He is singularly, eminently the hope 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1 Thes. 1. 3.  of glory; Fundamentally our hope of heaven is built upon him: Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, saith the Apostle.  
Now the true Christians hope of glory is raised out of Christ.  
1. Upon that federal transaction which passed betwixt God the Father and Christ his Son; The Apostle speaking of the Covenant, thus expresseth himself, To Abraham 
Gal. 3. 16.  and his Seed were the Promises made, He saith not, And to his Seeds, as of many, but as of one And to thy Seed, which is Christ: And hither (as I humbly conceive) we may refer that passage in our Saviour's Prayer unto his Father, relating to himself, Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should 
joh. 17. 2.  give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Upon this account the Apostle seemeth to encourage hope; In hope of 
Tit. 1. 2.  eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began: For unto whom besides Christ could the Almighty then, viz. before the world began, be engaged by any promise? 
Prov. 8. 22, 32, 33.  Solomon doth suggest transactions betwixt God and Christ his essential wisdom, before the Creation, concerning the welfare of man, amongst which transactions, doubtless this was one, that through him believers should have hope of glory.  
2. Because of his satisfactory Passion; For whereas sin committed against God, and God's wrath kindled against man, 
Heb. 3. 17, 18.  are the only hindrances of entrance into glory. Against them who sinned God swore in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest. The Lord Jesus by his sufferings did break into pieces those bars, and made way for Christians admission into 
Heb. 9 26. 1 Thes. 1. 10.  glory; For he took away sin by the Sacrifice of himself; and Jesus delivered us from the wrath to come; As he removeth guilt by satisfying divine justice, so he quenched the flames of God's anger, by the shedding of his blood; And hereupon followeth hope of glory.  
3. By virtue of his meritorious purchase; The Apostle 
Eph. 1. 14.  calleth a glorified estate in heaven, The purchased possession, received by Redemption: whereas man had made forfeiture of his happiness (which consisted in communion with God) and was altogether unable to ransom it, the Lord Jesus bought it back again by his perfect obedience, which was esteemed of valuable consideration for so great a purchase, because of the infinite excellency of his person, being both 
Heb. 10. 7, 9, 44.  God and man; Though man through the worthlessness of his person and weaknesses of his best performances cannot deserve the least accommodation from the Lord, yet man's hope of glory is upheld by the deserts of Emmanuell, of 
Rom. 8. 3, 4.  Christ, God with us.  
4. Through the effectual prevalency of his prayer; Christ said with confidence unto his Father, I know that thou hearest me always; And this was one great Request which 
joh. 11. 42.  he made, Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, 
joh. 17. 24.  which thou hast given me, for thou hast loved me before the Foundation of the world; This Petition is a good prop to support hope of glory in a gracious heart.  
5. From the end of his Ascension; We all do believe, that Christ is received up into glory. And himself before his 
1 Tim. 3. 16.  departure from earth, said, I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive 
joh. 14. 2, 3.  you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also. Here is good Anchorhold for hope, which entereth into that within the veil, whither the forerunner is for us entered. Christ 
Heb. 6. 19, 20.  is gone into Heaven as our Harbinger to provide glorious mansions for us, and to take possession in our behalf. And the Apostle Peter writeth thus unto the scattered Christian Jews, God raised Christ from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. From all these considerations jointly considered this conclusion is confirmed by Scripture-strength and evidence; That Christ is unto believing Christians the hope of glory. The application followeth.  
Use 1 Therefore without Christ there cannot be any well-grounded 
1 Pet. 1. 21. Extra Christum non gloria, sed ignominia expectanda est. Hun. in Text. Eph. 2. 12. job 21. 7, 13. Psa. 73. 7, job 7. 6.  expectation of future glory: As this smart inference followeth undeniably from the Text under hand, so the same Apostle is open and express for this truth elsewhere; Suggesting to the Ephesians their sad condition in an unchristian estate, he connecteth these two particulars, viz. ye were without Christ, having no hope. Although profane godless and Christlesse men may have their expectations of outward comforts accomplished, and possess more than heart could wish, yet in regard of spirituals and eternals we may be confident, that they spend their days without hope. In which respect they should rather be looked upon as objects of pity then of envy, when they are in their greatest jollity and prosperity, because being Christlesse they are poor, hopeless creatures. Take man in his best estate imaginable out of Christ, and upon the serious Survey of himself he shall have cause to say, What is my strength that I should hope? 
job 6. 11.  And as Paul said in reference to himself and them who sailed with him in a sad Sea, that when neither Sun, nor Stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on 
Act. 17. 20.  us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. So let the chiefest Sons of men with their highest parts be laid under the storms of divine displeasure, without Gospel-light discovering Christ, and all hope of salvation will be quite removed.  
Hence fair occasion is offered to discover their dangerous Use 2 delusion, who build their hopes of heaven upon creaturefoundations. As the Papists who in their Ave-maries' call 
Spes nostra.  the Virgin the mother of Christ's humanity Our Hope, who also trust unto their works as meritorious causes of Salvation: So others also who imagine happiness attainable from the right improvement of Nature's abilities, without the meritorious satisfaction of Jesus Christ: whereas the Scripture doth not only assert, that there is not salvation in 
Act. 4. 12. Gal. 5. 4. Sclus Christus, is est, per quem vitam aeternam expect are licet. Piscat. in Text.  any other besides Christ, but doth also affirm that Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; Oh that this short, sharp expression from an Apostolical pen might warn the wanton wits of these unwary times to take heed of crying up Nature and moral abilities, with the neglect of Jesus Christ, who alone is the foundation hope of future glory.  
Use 3 Therefore the communication of glory is from mere mercy, 
Rom. 6. 23. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Donum gratis datum.  Eternal life is the gift of God's grace through Jesus Christ; Although I touched upon this before, yet I take it up again upon a double account; partly because the Apostle in this Text intends a check unto them who mixed their own righteousness with Christ, and partly because many in these days, not only Papists, but other proud Opinionists, do derogate from Gospel-mercy by ascribing too much unto man's natural strength, morally improved, whereby God's design in making man happy by Christ, is directly crossed and disappointed. Let the words of the Apostle Paul▪ be seriously considered, Ye are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto 
1 Cor. 1. 29, 30, 31.  us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, that no flesh should glory in his presence, that according as it is written, He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord: Our All in tendency unto peace, comfort and glory, is therefore from Christ, according to divine project and purpose, that man when at the highest might be abased in himself, being necessitated to acknowledge that all his advantageous incomes, both in regard of glory begun on earth, and completed in heaven, are from Christ.  
Now that I may more clearly advance Gods rich grace and free mercy in bringing believers to glory by Christ; I hearty desire that these three things may be observed, viz.  
1. That Christ himself was the gift of God; Unto us a 
Isa. 9 6.  Son is given, saith the Gospel-Prophet; And our Saviour himself in his conference with the woman of Samaria, calleth himself That gift of God, by way of superlative eminency 
joh. 4. 10.  being the richest and freest gift that ever God bestowed upon the children of men.  
2. That the grace of faith whereby the Soul receiveth Christ and happiness by him, is the free gift of God likewise. To you (saith Saint Paul to the Philippians) it is given to believe; 
Phil. 1. 29. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Act. 18. 27.  The Original suggests, that it was given of grace, which our Translation doth elsewhere express: Apollo is said to help them much who had believed through grace; And this our Apostle in his Epistle to the Romans, affirming that our Justification is from mercy, not merit, addeth these words, Therefore it is of faith, that it might be of grace. 
Rom. 4. 16.   
4. That all our spiritual privileges received from Christ himself, are from him upon terms of mercy and grace. Forgiveness 
Eph. 1. 7. Tit. 3. 7. Eph. 1. 6. Joh. 17. 22. Judas 21.  of sin is according to the riches of his grace; We are justified by his grace; We are accepted in the beloved, to the praise of the glory of his grace. And himself in his prayer to the Father saith, The glory which thou gavest me I have given them: Answerable hereunto is the advice of Saint Judas, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. It's mere mercy, not merit, that holdeth up the heart in expectation of Heaven. All these particulars being put together will undenably evidence the strength of this my Inference, viz. That Because the Christians hope of glory is rooted in Christ, therefore Heaven's glory with all the requisites belonging thereto are from grace and mercy. And this will make way for the Use following.  
To persuade Christians, the heirs of glory, to praise God Use 4 for Jesus Christ, because all their hopes do spring from him, As Simeon expecting salvation by Christ, blessed God; All 
Luk. 2. 28.  our hearts should breathe forth Saint Peter's doxology; Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who 
1. Pet. 1. 3, 4.  according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an Inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you: Hence I might note to quicken gratitude, 1. The admirable worth of the inheritance in glory which hope expecteth, viz▪ an Inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that fadeth not away. 2. The means whereby this hope is begotten in us, viz. the death and resurrection of Christ. 3. And the motive moving the Lord in this way to give us ground of hope, viz. His abundant mercy. In all which regards it may well become us to join with our souls in Zacharies Song, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he 
Luk. 1. 68, 69.  hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. This thankfulness may be persuaded by a double consideration, the one more general and the other more particular. In general, because this ground of hope is revealed to us Gentiles, and that upon no other account but God's good pleasure; ●his is M. Bains his Observation from the words before the Text: God maketh known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; This was an high privilege peculiar to the Jews, that to them were committed the 
Rom. 3. 1. Eph. 1. 9  Oracles of God; but how much greater is our preferment in these times, God having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself! And the Apostle elsewhere discoursing of some differences betwixt Old-Testament and New-Testament dispensations, telleth us, that the Gospel bringeth in a better hope by which we draw nigh to God. More particularly in 
Heb. 7. 19  reference to our own persons take notice of these things.  
1. That the revelation of this should reach our understandings, when multitudes of more pregnant capacities 
Mat. 11. 25, 26  continue ignorant hereof; I thank thee O Father (said Christ) Lord of Heaven and Earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto Babes, Evenso Father, for it seemeth good in thy sight.  
2. That we do not only perceive, but also participate personally in this hope through Jesus Christ; whereas there are millions whose heads are full of this light, and yet their hearts are empty of this lively hope of glory by Christ. And if I by grace be a partaker (saith Saint Paul) I give God 
1 Cor. 10. 30.  thanks.  
3. That the riches of the glory of this Inheritance hoped for by the Saints is unexpressible. And that we may be abundantly 
Eph. 1. 18.  thankful for this hope in Christ, as we should pray for a more clear apprehension thereof, so should we endeavour to know assuredly our peculiar interest therein, by finding the Lord Jesus dwelling in our hearts by his Spirit: Because my Text tells us, That Christ in us is the hope of glory, which is the next and last Doctrine here considerable.  
That Christ by being in believers, is unto them the hope of Doct. 4 glory. The existency of Christ in believing Christians giveth existency to their hopes of glory. This connexion of Christ in them and of their glory through him, is considerable in his most heavenly Prayer, in which having spoken of the glory given unto them, with the same breath (as it were) he suggests 
Joh. 17. 22, 23. Vnde colligimus, nos unum cum Christo esse, non quia suam in nos substantiam transfundat, sed quia Spiritus sui virtute nobiscum vitam suam, & quicquid accepit a Patre bonorum communicet. Calvin in Joh. 17. 22. Act. 20. 28. 2 Cor. 5. 19  his being in them, The glory which thou gavest me I have given them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them, etc. Before I proceed in the further handling of this doctrine; These words which speak the in-being of Christ in Christians, do call for some explication: Therefore let us inquire 1. Both what the phrase doth not, 2. And what it doth hold forth to our consideration.  
First, It doth not intimate such a being of Christ in any Christian, as of the Godhead in Christ, by reason whereof Godhead and Manhood in Christ made one person; in regard whereof he was from his conception absolutely free from the least tincture of sin, and was made able to complete the work of Mediatorship, both by bearing up under the infinite weight of God's displeasure without sinking, and also to give sufficient virtue and value unto his obedience active and passive, that it might be satisfactory and meritorious. 
Gal. 4. 6. Eph. 2. 22. ● Joh. 1. 12.  But it doth suggest Christ's peculiar abode in believers by his Spirit being received by faith, whereby he dwelleth and operateth spiritually in their hearts, 
Naturae nomen, hic non substantiam, sed qualitatem designat. Naturae divinae mundi corruptionem opponit;  si●us unum cum Deo, quantum modulus noster f●ret. Calvio in 2 Pet. 1. 4.  which union betwixt him and them doth in some measure by way of similitude, though not fully in way of parity, represent the union betwixt his father and himself. And whereas the Apostle Peter speaketh of our being made partakers of the divine nature, 2 Pet. 1. 4. which words are much abused. There are two things notable from that Scripture to manifest the difference betwixt Christ and Christians in that participation. 1. The words are not, we are made partakers of the Godhead, but of the divine nature, viz. of the qualities of God, according to our capacity, whereby we escape that corruption which is in the world through lust, and do in holy dispositions resemble God so far as such creatures can: As David speaketh of showing the kindness of God unto Jonathans' posterity, 2 Sam. 20. 15. whereas Godhead itself was in such sort in Christ, 1 Tim. 3. 16. that he was God blessed for ever, Rom. 9 5. coequal with God the Father, Phil. 2. 6. 2. The Apostle Peter is open and express that Christians are partakers of the divine nature (in the sense aforesaid) by means of the exceeding great and precious promises of God's grace; whereas Christ was God by an eternal, natural, unexpressible generation.  
Having thus briefly explicated the expression in the Text, and the like used by our Saviour, I proceed to the handling of the point of doctrine here propounded: And because the doctrine hath two branches, the one necessarily implied, the other openly expressed, I shall distinctly speak unto them both.  
The truth implied in the first branch of the doctrine is 
1. Branch of Doctrine. Joh. 1. 12. Eph. 3. 17.  this, viz. that Christ is in Believers; As believers do receive him, so he dwelleth in their hearts by faith. And therefore it is noteable, that the Apostle having moved the Corinthians to prove themselves whether in the faith, he addeth, Know 
2 Cor. 13. 5.  ye not that Jesus Christ is in you? This in-being of Christ in believers is to be understood, not of an abode in them (or any where else on earth) corporally, for in that sense the Heavens must receive him until the time of the restitution of 
Act. 3. 21.  all things; but of an habitation spiritual, according to the testimony of the Apostle; Because ye are Sons, God hath 
Gal. 4. 6.  sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts; Thereby intending to teach us, that Christ is in believing Christians spiritually.  
And this truth is by various metaphors suggested in the holy Scriptures. 1. By being compared unto showers which descending from heaven, do sink and soak into the bowels of the earth, He shall come down like rain. 2. And his Name 
Psa. 72. 6. Cant. 1. 3. Psa. 109. 18.  is like unto ointment poured forth, which worketh itself into the bones, not staying upon the outside of the person receiving it. 3. He is meat and drink indeed unto the soul, from 
Joh. 6. 55, 56.  whence he himself concludeth my doctrine, He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him: 4. Hereto might be added that he is the soul of our souls, whereby we live spiritually; Christ is our Life. And man's life 
Col. 3. 4. Dan. 7. 15.  is said to be in him, 2 Sam. 1. 9 The body is called the sheath of the Soul, which expression hinteth, that the soul is in the body, as the sword in the scabbard: In like manner Christ who is the Christians life is in all them whom he enliveneth.  
Having thus cleared the truth, that Christ is in believing Use 1 Christians, I proceed to the application of it under three heads of Uses.  
First, For Instruction in four particulars, 1. Hence the Godhead of Jesus Christ may be concluded undeniably; for this spiritual ubiquity of Christ in the souls of all real Saints in all the places of the world, cannot belong unto any mere creature whatsoever. This argument Saint Paul produced 
Act. 17. 23, 24, 27, 28.  to distinguish the true God from all Idol-gods, He is not far from every one of us. Omnipresence proveth Deity. And the conclusion followeth with like strength, when believers assert this truth, He is in every one of us.  
2. This discovereth the unparelleled condescensions of Jesus Jesus Christ, being willing to abase himself thus low as to be within poor sinful creatures. This was a matter of admiration 
1 King. 8. 27. Mat. 8. 8.  unto Solomon, But will God indeed dwell on earth? The good Centurion said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof; And the Psalmist with much affection calleth upon all the servants of the Lord to praise him and 
Psa. 113. 1, 3, 5, 6.  praise him again upon this account; Who is like unto the Lord God? who dwelleth on high, who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth! Did God humble himself in looking out of himself, off from his own infinite beauties and perfections, to view either men on earth or Angels and Saints in heaven? How much greater is this condescension in Christ to make his abode in the souls of sinners? Let me here dart only two thoughts into your minds. 1. That Christ came out of his Father's bosom where he 
Joh. 1. 18. Prov. 8. 30.  was daily his delight rejoicing always before him. 2. That the hearts of the best, upon earth wherein he inhabits, are like dark dungeons, in regard of the clouds of ignorance not dispersed, 
1 Cor. 13. 12. Isa. 64. 6.  and like unsavoury dunghills in respect of many noisome lusts not fully subdued; Therefore guess with gratitude how low our blessed Lord doth stoop in being content to dwell in us, even in us every way so vile and so unworthy.  
3. This giveth us to understand the dignity of all true believers; As they are precious, excellent, more excellent than 
Isa. 43. 4. Psa. 16. 2. Prov. 12. 26.  others in many other respects (which I now have not occasion to mention) so upon this account that the Lord Jesus Christ is in them. Moses the man of God judgeth Israel in this regard, in a condition fare better than any other people; For what Nation hath God so nigh unto them? And how 
Deut. 4. 7.  much was Zacheus affected with the apprehension of this favour, this honour, when Christ promised to abide at his house? When he had climbed into a tree to take a view of 
Luk. 19 5.  Christ, and Christ telleth him that he should not only have a transient sight of him, but also enjoy him as his guest, oh how was Zacheus (think you) elevated by this entertainment! Now such (and greater) honour have all his Saints: 
Psa. 149. 9  It was no doubt a very great honour put upon the blessed Virgin Mary, both in her own account, and in the judgement 
Luk. 1. 42, 43, 48, 49.  of all Christians, that she did bear the holy body of Christ in her womb for a time, He that is mighty hath magnified me, and certainly the inhabitation of Christ by his Spirit in the souls of his servants, is not a privilege inferior.  
4. This whispereth the madness and misery of all such who do dare to make opposition against believers, for seeing Christ is in them, therefore in so doing they seek (as it were) to pluck down Christ his house upon his head. I shall not enlarge this Use 1. Either by showing the various ways whereby wrong is done unto the servants of the Most High, viz. by secret plots and open persecutions, either by abating their comforts, or increasing their sufferings, either by corrupting their judgements, or drawing them to sin. 2. Or by manifesting Christ's knowledge and sensibleness of these their injuries, together with his severity against their enemies, witnessed both by judgements threatened in his Word, and executed in the world from generation to generation: But I only wish those who are herein guilty, to mind the Item given by the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Corinthians, If any man defile the Temple of God, him will God destroy, 
1 Cor. 3. 17.  for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are.  
The second Use is for the comfort of all true believers, Use 2 seeing Christ is in them; I remember what is recorded concerning Paul, that the sight of some Christian 
Act. 28. 15.  brethren cheered him after a sad shipwreck whom when Paul saw he took courage; And Caesar cheered the drooping Mariners in a storm by minding them of his presence, How much more should the in-being of Christ solace the believing soul? 1. Because of his authority and power to order all casualties and concernments according to his pleasure, whereas many times the best of creature-friends can do no more than pity and pray: Thus our Lord cheered his Apostles, All power is given unto me, and lo I am with 
Mat. 28. 18, 20  you always even unto the end of the world. And it was a cordial to the Disciples in a storm that Christ was with them, whom the winds and waves must obey. 2. Because this a 
Mat. 8. 26, 27 Psa. 132. 14.  bode of Christ speaketh his complacency; This is Mr Bayns his Note upon the Text. A man cannot properly be said to dwell in a prison in which he taketh no delight: And this answereth a Scripture-expression elsewhere, Here I will dwell for I have desired it, (saith God of Zion) Though many times drooping Christians, viewing their own beggarlinesse and vileness, judge themselves worthy to be detested and deserted, and would relinquish themselves if they could, yet Christ looketh to the poor and contrite soul as a meet habitation 
Isa. 66. 1, 2●  for himself. 3. Because he doth graciously communicate himself unto the soul where he resideth, according to the necessities thereof; I dwell with him that is of a contrite 
Isa. 57 15.  and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the contrite ones. When you read this promise, remember his ability and fidelity in these and all other kinds, to accommodate those whom he inhabits to their completing in the accomplishment of his Mediatorship; Therefore doubtless there cannot possibly be either any creature-want or danger, wherein the improvement of this indwelling of Christ may not refresh the believing Christian. 4. Because 
Nunquam minus solus quam cum solus maximè. Gen. 39 Psal. 63. Act. 23. 10, 11  this will be constantly and abundantly relieving in times of the greatest solitariness, though in banishment, or the closest imprisonment, and at the greatest distance from the dearest friends: Joseph in Egypt, David in the wilderness, and Paul prisoner in the Castle, were admirably cheered by this company; And Christ is now and will be evermore the selfsame in his servants for their consolation.  
The third Use is for Exhortation, to persuade Believers Use 3 unto a double duty.  
1. To purge all discovered pollution out of themselves, because of Christ's special residence in them. This Use the Apostle Paul maketh of this doctrine, for having said to the 
2 Cor. 6. 16. & 7. 1.  Corinthians, Ye are the Temple of the living God, as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them, he addeth, Having therefore these Promises, Dear Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit; This was one charge which God gave unto old Israel, in a military condition, that all bodily filth should be buried under ground, and this is rendered as the reason, For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst 
Deu. 23. 13, 14  of thee, therefore shall thy Camp be holy, that he see no unclean thing in thee; Oh that Christians would in this respect oppose inward defilements, and not outward pollutions only. How careful are we to sweep and wash away whatsoever might be offensive unto our Friends in the rooms where we lodge them? And what guest can so well deserve welcome as Jesus Christ, unto whom all sin is abominable, he being 
Prov. 8. 7.  the holy One of God? Be not satisfied therefore with fair faces and white hands, but labour to make and to keep the inside clean also.  
2. To prepare for Christ's contentful entertainment in their bosoms; Who is not willing to be at cost in providing 
Luk. 5. 29.  both food and furniture fitting for the welcoming of worthy friends? It's said, Levi made Christ a great Feast in his own house; yea, Solomon brings in the whorish woman, reporting 
Prov. 7. 16, 17.  her provisions made for the young man whom she solicited to lewdness, I have decked my bed with cover of Tapestry, with carved works, and fine linen of Egypt; I have perfumed my bed with Myrrh, Aloes and Cinnamon. And should not a principle of pure love to Christ prevail with Christians to do more than sordid lusts do with the brutish children of men? If you demand what is the provision to be laid in for Christ his welcome; The Apostle telleth you, it is perfecting holiness in the fear of God, which practice also, 
2 Cor. 7. 1.  he moveth by the argument underhand (as was hinted in the former branch of the Exhortation.) By the increasing and acting of all the graces of the holy Ghost, Christ will be abundantly contented. This is intended by these metaphorical expressions of the Spouse unto Christ, At our 
Cant. 7. 13.  gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee O my Beloved; I would cause thee to drink 
Cant. 8. 2.  of spiced wine, of the juice of my Pomegranate. And take this encouragement all you drooping souls, who are low and little in your own eyes, judging nothing of your graces worthy Christ's acceptance, or meet for his entertainment, that his Loves will take in good part, that which with sincere goodwill you shall provide and make tender of with respect unto his content. I will sup with you (saith he to the 
Rev. 3. ●0.  Church.) And upon the invitation of the Spouse, thus expressed, Let my Beloved come into his garden and eat his pleafant 
Cant. 4. 16.  fruit, This answer speaking good acceptance is returned, I am come into my garden, my Sister, my Spouse, I have gathered 
Cont. 5. 1.  my Myrrh with my Spice, I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey, I have drunk my wine with my milk: Oh how ready with cheerfulness is the Lord Jesus to own and accept all graces, notwithstanding their defects and mixtures in the bosoms of them whom he doth inhabit! This therefore should both quicken and embolden poor believing souls to lay in and lay out for his satisfaction who is pleased to abide in them.  
I proceed to the second branch of the Doctrine, which is 
2. Branch of Doctrine.  the truth openly expressed, viz. That the existency of Christ in Believers, giveth existence unto their hopes of glory.  
If the reasons hereof be demanded, I answer,  
Because Christ his spiritual presence in us, is God's earnest of glory. The Apostle is express for this: Having 
In arrahbone, ut pignus. Dickson on the Text. 2 Cor. 5. 5.  mentioned the long of Saints to be swallowed up of life, he addeth, Now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore if Gods own earnest may give good hope, than Christ in believing Christians giveth good hope of glory, especially because the earnest itself is of so great value, the receiving whereof is happiness begun upon earth.  
2. Because of that near relation and close union which is betwixt Christ and them, whom he inhabiteth, They are not only related unto him, as servants unto their Master, though that would give ground of good hope. Seeing he himself who is taken up into glory, hath said, Where I am, there shall my servant be. Neither are they only one with him, 
joh. 12. 26. Joh. 15 5. Col. 1. 18. Ephes. 1. 23.  He in them, and they in him, as the branches in the Vine. But he is united unto believers as the head unto the body, which is called his fullness. Therefore if there be hope that Christ will have a complete body without the defect of any member in heaven, or that every individual member of Christ his mystical body shall be glorified, than Christ in believers is the infallible hope of glory.  
3. Because Christ by abiding in Believers doth prepare them for participation in glory. The Apostle Paul is clear in his expressions to this purpose. Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you, and if Christ be in you the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life 
Rom. 8. 9, 10, 11.  because of righteousness; But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Wheresoever Christ dwells spiritually, his Spirit operateth effectually for the subduing of sinful principles, and for the advancing of the power of sanctification; And thus he preparing the vessels of mercy for glory, and making them meet to be made pantakers of the inheritance of 
Rom. 8. 23. Col. 1. 12.  Saints in light, he giveth them sure hope of glory.  
This by way of application may serve as a good touchstone Use 1 to try the truth of heaven's hopes. Not Christ in the Sermons which we hear, nor Christ in the Chapters which we read, nor Christ in the Sacrament which we receive will administer ground of hope of future glory. Though Christ be in our heads by high notions, and in our mouths by frequent, glorious expressions, yet if he be not in our bosoms by spiritual inhabitation, he is not unto us the hope of glory: It is said of hypocrites, that God is near in their mouths 
Jer. 12. 2. Mat. 15. 8.  but fare from their reins. And that with their lips they honour him, but their heart is fare from him. At the last day many shall plead their profession of Christ, calling him Lord, Lord, and talking of great works done in his Name, who yet shall shall be rejected with doleful disappointments, I will profess unto them (saith Christ) I never knew you, depart from 
Mat. 7. 23.  me; Here than the question will be, how may Christ his being in us be discovered? I answer briefly. 1. By the grace of 
Per fidem habitans, & virtute sua agens. Hunnius in Text. Joh. 1. 12.  faith whereby he is received. 2. By the room into which he is welcomed. 3. And by the effects of his entertainment. First, Whereas true Believers are the only receivers of Jesus Christ. This faith will evidence itself, partly by the incomparable value which it puts upon Christ. To you who believe (saith the Apostle Peter) he is precious, and partly by opposing 
1 Pet. 2. 7.  and purging out sinful pollution, that Christ may not be annoyed by it: The heart is purified by faith, Therefore ask your 
Act. 15. 9  selves, as in God's presence, whether there be any thing in the world which you prise more than Christ, or so much as Christ, and whether you do indulge any wickedness within your bosoms, without bitter complaints and vigorous opposition.  
Secondly, Christ dwelleth in the heart by faith. The Spouse 
Eph. 3. 17. Can. 1. 13.  saith, He shall lie as a bundle of Myrrh betwixt my breasts. Therefore consider, into what place Christ is welcomed. Do you admit him into some outhouse only? As at his birth, he was laid in a manger, because there was no room for him in 
Luk. 2. 7.  the Inn; Or do you put him into a cock-loft only? I mean, Do you only fill your fancies with notions, and tip your tongues with talk of Christ, or is he indeed received with warm welcome into your hearts, by long, loves and rejoicings?  
Thirdly, Whereas Christ is influentially operative in the soul where he resideth, as the soul in the body where it is. Christ is our life (saith Paul) and I am crucified with Christ, Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Inquire 
Col. 3. 4 Gal. 2. 20.  therefore exactly whether by such spiritual breathe, sense and motions, as were in Jesus Christ, whilst upon earth, you can make out your union and communion with him. He 
1 Joh. 2. 6.  that saith, he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked; what gaspings are in you after conformity to Gods will and the glory of his Name! what sighs under sin with the expressions of divine displeasure! what complacency in God's service, and the smiles of his face, in the use of holy Ordinances! what motions, what progress do you endeavour to make, from sin, towards God, in the mortifying of inward lusts, and the advancing of the power of godliness in your conversations? Sincere answers returned unto such like demands, will suggest whether Christ be efficaciously present in you.  
This truth administereth matter of much comfort unto all Use 2 them who find upon due examination the Lord Jesus dwelling in them. When Zacheus heard that Christ would abide 
Luk. 19 6.  in his house, he received him joyfully. Greater cause of joy have they who have already lodged him in their hearts. Now to quicken the belevevers joy upon that account, viz. that Christ in them is the hope of glory, these comfortable consequences may be considered.  
1. Hence they may assuredly expect the supply of all outward wants, whether they look upon themselves, as possessed of Christ, or entitled by him unto glory. The holy Scripture holds forth this inference as deducible from both these grounds. Christ is the owner, the heir of all things, and therefore if God hath given us his Son, how shall he not with him freely give us all things? And if the Lord by the right 
Rom. 8. 32.  of Christ hath been pleased to give interest in heaven's glory, he will certainly vouchsafe all earthly needful accommodations; This conclusion Christ himself gathers from the premises. Fear not little Flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure 
Luk. 12. 32.  to give you the Kingdom. And the Apostle doth from the same Argument assert the ministration of Angels for their advantage. Are they not all ministering Spirits sent forth to 
Heb. 1. 15.  minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Therefore assurance of provision and protection is hence clearly deducible.  
2. Upon the same account they may be confident of their final perseverance. The Apostle Peter having asserted the hope which the Regenerate have of this glorious Inheritance referved in heaven for them, he addeth God's care to preserve them unto the possession thereof; who are kept 
1 Pet. 1. 4, 5, 13.  (saith he) by the power of God through faith unto salvation: and from hence encourageth this confidence; Wherefore gird up the loins of your minds, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you, at the revelation of Jesus Christ. There are but two things (as I conceive) which can possibly endanger their falling short of hoped-for glory, viz. either their own corruptions within, or their oppositions from without. Now Christ being in them, and taking the care of them, doth secure their souls from both, as is manifest from his own words, I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, 
Joh. 10. 28.  neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. The gloss which reverend holy Mr Dod gave of this Scripture, was this; Whereas Sheep are endangered either from somewhat within them, viz. by the rot, or some disease to which subject, or from somewhat without them, viz. by dogs and beasts of prey: Our Saviour promiseth, that the Sheep of his fold shall not miscarry finally from either of these dangers. And Christ annexeth an argument which holds invincible against all adverse power whatsoever, whether within or without, whether on earth or in hell; My Father which gave them me, 
ve. 29. Rom. 8. 35, 37.  is greater than All; Upon this bottom Saint Paul builds his triumph; Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  
3. Therefore nothing which is consistible with Christ's residence in a Christians bosom should shake his hope of glory. Neither weakness of graces, nor strength of lusts, neither the assaults of Satan, how horrid, violent, frequent soever, nor imperfections in holy performances, how many, or constant soever, which militate against the believers assurance, should sink either hope or heart, except Christ's utter absence from the soul could from thence be undeniably concluded. The Apostle Paul having mentioned his constant conflict and his frequent foils in the 7. of the Romans, yet adds in the end of the Chapter, his joy in Christ, I thank God through Jesus Christ; and asserts in the beginning of the Chapter following; There is no condemnation unto them who are in Christ Jesus. Augustine while Christ was in his 
Desperare non audeo. Per quem gloriam vitae aeternae expectare debetis. Vatab. in Text.  eye, said, I dare not despond. And Christians should both with respect unto Christ's honour and their own comfort, make conscience, not to yield to dejecting doubts, or perplexing fears, in reference to their glory in heaven, while the matter of their complaints is no more than may possibly be found in the soul where Christ dwelleth. Certainly if doubting Christians would carefully hold unto this direction, maintaining and bottoming their hopes in Christ, multitudes of scruples might easily be answered, and their evidences for heaven would be better preserved, and their constant comfort well secured. This anchor of hope thus cast out 
Heb. 6. 19  and fastening upon Christ, would be admirably useful, when billows of temptations (as in a tempest) beat upon the believing soul; And the Helmet of this hope thus used would keep 
1 Thes, 5. 8.  off many blows, whereby the comforts of distrustful spirits are sadly battered.  
4. This may be a precious cordial to the believer upon his deathbed; It was reviving unto old Simeon, being ready to leave the word, Then he took Christ in his Arms, and blessed 
Luk. 2. 28, 29, 30.  God, and said, Now lettest thou thy Servant departed in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. How many and how sweet soever our contentments are upon earth, of which 
Gaudium in spe magnum in replenum, Aug. Phil. 1. 21. 23.  death will deprive us, yet Christ being in us the hope of glory, to die will be gain, and to be with Christ will be fare better. And who is not cheerfully willing in a way of self-love, to part with that which is worse for what is much better?  
The doctrine may be improved by exhortation. 1. To Use 3 them in whom Christ is the hope of glory. 2. To others, who as yet have not received him.  
First, Those who possess Christ and hope of glory through him, are to be persuaded  
1. To contentment with their present condition upon earth, though it be mean and low. The heirs of  estates in the world can the better bear hardship, during their nonage, though their diet be scanty, their lodging hard, and their clothing course, because they hope that ere long all will be better. Who knoweth not the poverty of Jesus Christ? The Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have their nests, 
Mat. 2. 20.  but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And yet he is comfortably contented, as in respect of his present enjoyment of God as his portion, so in reference to his expectation of future glory; The Lord is the Pertion of mine Inheritance: 
Psa. 16. 5, 6, 11  The lines are▪ allen unto me in pleasant places; In thy presence is fullness of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. The Apostle Paul seeks by this argument to raise the Christian Colossians above sublunaries. When Christ 
Col. 3. 4.  who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. Oh how admirably would such meditations elevate the discontented Christian with calmness and complacency, if they were set on by faith's activity!  
2. To patience in bearing reproaches, with all other crosses for Christ, in a Christian course, keeping in their mind this hoped-for glory. This Doctrine Christ himself both preached and practised; Blessed are you when men shall revile 
Mar. 5. 11, 12.  you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; This was one passage in his Sermon, and truly by this he was supported under his sufferings, For the joy that was set before him he endured the 
Heb. 12. 2.  Cross, despising the shame. Having propounded Christ's practice, it may be judged needless to mention the example of Moses, who chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of 
Heb. 11. 25, 26  God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he had respect unto the recompense of reward: But 〈◊〉 you eye in Christ what is equitable and imitable, then consider in Moses what is attainable by the industrious actings of faith and meditation. And yet to prevail further upon your spirits in promoting your magnanimity and patience, by minding your hope of glory in Christ, I wish you to compare your present sufferings on earth with your future glory hoped for in heaven, both in regard of their quality and continuance, for the one are both light and short, whereas the other is both weighty and eternal. The experience of God's servants hath often put a Probatum est unto this direction. 
2 Cor. 4. 16, 17, 18.  For this cause we faint not, for our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us, a fare more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  
Secondly, Those who have not as yet received Christ to dwell in them, are to be moved as they desire heavens glory hereafter, and the comfortable hopes of it here upon earth, to give entertainment unto Jesus Chaste. Zacheus upon an hint given of Christ's willingness to come into his house, comes down out of the Sycamore-Tree quickly, and receiveth him joyfully. Now do you with seriousness consider 
Luk. 19 4.  with what 1. importunity, 2. patience, 3. and promises, the Lord Jesus calleth upon you for entertainment. Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and 
Rom. 3. 20.  open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  
1. There is the use both of a voice and knocking, therefore importunity. He speaketh by his word, and knocketh by his Spirit, with some recoilings of an awakened conscience.  
2. This importunity is not only once, it is not a knock, or a word and away, but he standeth, he stayeth, and waiteth for admission; This speaketh much patience.  
3. This patiented importunity is backed with promises of communion upon willingness to take him in, I will sup with him and he with me, (as if he had said) I will feast his soul, and I will accept of his provisions for my welcome.  
Now if by these motives (to which many more might be added) you be disposed to inquire what you should do that may come into you, and be in you, the hope of glory; I would refer you to the counsel given by the Psalmist (which is doubled, because weighty and necessary) Lift up your heads O ye gates, and be lift up ye everlasting doors, and the 
Psa. 24. 7. 9  King of glory shall come in. Hence two directions may be gathered. 1. That our souls (which in regard of their immortality are called everlasting doors) must willingly receive him. He is a great King, and will not take up with an outhouse for his lodging, for the place of his gracious abode; 
Eph. 3. 17.  He dwelleth in the heart; Either there or not at all. Therefore by meditating upon the  particulars, suggesting Christ his deservings, and the incomparable benefits to be received by him, seek to prevail with yourselves that your warmest loves, strongest long, and highest joys may be laid forth upon him. 2. That he must be received as Lord and King, with free contentment to submit unto his Sceptre and Regal Authority. In houses where Kings were wont to be entertained, Rex was usually written upon the door, all the rooms were to be disposed of for his use. In like manner must they commit the Keys of government into the hands of Christ, with willingness to be ruled by him in all things, who would receive him, and through him the hope of glory. 3. Hereto may be added heart-humiliation; For whereas high stately Palaces are esteemed the fittest houses for the entertainment of earthly Princes, Jesus Christ the King of glory maketh choice of lowly hearts for his habitation: For thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy, I dwell 
Isa. 55. 15.  in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit: Therefore level your mountains of self-conceit, lay yourselves in the dust upon the serious review of the evil both of your lives and natures, together with the deserved misery, which you be neither able to resist nor undergo, and make an unfeigned self-resignation unto the Lord, to be always, in all things governed by him, so may you expect the coming of Christ into your souls, and the comfort of good hope of glory through him.  
This one thing I earnestly move as a matter necessary to salvation by Jesus Christ, viz. self-denial, with submission to Christ, as tendered in the Gospel, upon terms of freegrace. The Apostle Paul looketh upon the Jews as not in the state of salvation, Because they going about to establish 
Rom 10. 1, 3.  their own righteousness submitted not themselves unto the righteousness of God. Their privileges were high, and their costly Sacrifices many, and therefore they hoping without Christ than preached to work out their own welfare, fell short of blessedness. The same Spirit of pride and self-dependance is in all our natures, which is extremely mischievous, obstructing the way unto Christ's welcome into the soul: therefore I entreat and beseech Christians again and again herein to be exceeding careful. Neither let those who are most rich in parts, duties, enjoyments, rely thereupon, with disrespect of Christ; Nor yet let Poor souls, burdened with guilt, beggarly in abilities, most vile and unworthy in their own account, keep off from Christ through distrustful discouragements; For as all good hope of glory is raised from Christ hearty entertained, so no one who humbly, obedientially stoopeth under his government 
Joh. 6. 37.  shall be rejected.  
In the last place, The Doctrine administereth much comfort Use 4 unto mourners bewailing the death of such who (as they have just cause to believe) had received Christ into their souls before they left this world, because from this ground ariseth good hope that they are admitted into heaven's glory. Upon this account the Apostle dissuadeth drooping, and persuadeth cheerfulness in Christians upon such occasions. I would not have you ignorant Brethren concerning 
1 Thes. 4. 13, 14, 18.  them who are asleep, that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope; For we believe that those who sleep in Jesus, God will bring with him, and so shall we ever be with the Lord; Wherefore comfort one another with these words. In this regard regular love to our deceased Christian Friends, would turn our water into wine, our tears into joys. If ye loved me (said Christ to his dejected Apostles) ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father. And this was ethe rason (as some Divines do conjecture) wherefore David who mourned excessively upon Absaloms' death, was more comfortable when he heard that his young child was dead, Now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? 
2 Sam. 1●. 23.  I shall go to him: God gave into his heart assurance of his child's happiness in heaven; whereas the wickedness wherein Absalon lived and died did suggest rather doubts concerning his future condition.  
This Use puts a fair opportunity into my hand to reach forth a Cordial unto the Father, Mother, Grandmother, and other Relations of the ingenuous, gracious Child, whose Funeral hath occasioned this Assembly, and whose affectionate minding of this Text (upon which I have discoursed) was the Argument which induced me to undertake it, at this time. He was but nine years old and a half when God translated him, and above five years since this Text, Christ in you the hope of glory, took such hold upon his heart, that he frequently spoke of it, and often entreated his Father to preach of it. And doubtless it is not a thing usual for a child so young to be thus affected with thoughts of Christ, and glory to be hoped for through him.  
Some few things more I will add,  
1. To relieve the sad hearts of his nearest friends.  
2. To move them, with others, unto thankfulness to the Lord for that which his Spirit had wrought in this hopeful child.  
3. As also to quicken young ones unto the imitation of his virtues.  
First, His loving honourable respect to his dear Parents, and dutiful observance of them, was very great, which was evidenced by these particulars.  
1. Having quick parts and an aptness to learning, he was willing to apply himself unto any thing wherein they judged it meet to have him instructed.  
2. As he himself was afraid to offend his Parents, so ●e was careful to prevent amongst Servants that which ●ight trouble them, and to keep from their knowledge whatsoever he thought would be grievous unto their spirits.  
3. When under griping pains by reason of the winde-Colick, he would labour to forbear groans and outcries, lest they should be overmuch afflicted with his Lamentations.  
4. Being asked, whether he desired prayers for the lengthening of his life, his answer was, I would live, that I might glorify God, and be a comfort to my Father and mother.  
And all these expressions of his tender love towards his Parents, are the more considerable, because there was reason to hope that they were increased in him by their care of his Religious Education; In all these particulars he was a rare example (especially if his childhood be remembered) of children's obedience to their Parents.  
Secondly, He was like young Timothy, knowing the holy Scriptures in his Childhood. Though his bodily distempers did often take him off from Reading in the Bible, yet he had read it twice throughout, and was the third time gotten into the New Testament, before his last Sickness. He was able also to give a good account both of the Chapters which he read, and of the Sermons which he heard.  
And I will here mention three Passages which manifest that he minded and was affected with the Word of God.  
1. Having been taught a short Prayer by his Parents, his manner was, to add thereto Scripture-sentences from time to time; Two I shall report. The one from Psal. 119. 68 Thou art good, and dost good, Teach me thy Statutes: The other from Psa. 120. 2. Deliver my Soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. Were not these his desires of knowledge and of preservation from lying (a sin to which Children are subject) very commendable.  
2. Hearing of the misery of wicked ones, and Hypocrites, laid open in a Sermon on the Sabbath-morning, he durst not go to his dinner till he had gone aside to prayer; whereas thousands of riper age have no obediential bents wrought by divine threaten.  
3. And being once reproached (some years since) because the hair of his head was short, he readily returned this Answer, That God's Word speaketh against long hair, remembering those words of the Apostle, Doth not even Nature itself teach you, that if a man have long hair it is a shame unto him? 1 Cor. 11. 14. May not this give a check unto many, both Ministers and others, whose Ruffianlike locks are very offensive unto multitudes who fear the Lord?  
Thirdly, As he was a Child of many Prayers, not only being much prayed for by his Parents and their Godly Friends, but also because he himself did pray daily, seeming also to make conscience of this duty. And here I shall relate some things which I account considerable.  
1. Sundry years since he made this as a matter of complaint, that he could not order his thoughts while he was at prayer; How may this shame multitudes of people much elder, to whom roving thoughts in prayer were never troublesome?  
2. Not long before his death, staying at home on the Sabbath-morning with a maid-Servant, he desired (as he had done formerly) that they might sing a Psalm and go to prayer; And in his prayer he made this Petition, Lord, grant that we may leave our sins, not as people do their old clothes with purpose to put them on again, but that we may forsake our sins as rags, with resolution to wear them no more.  
Many times when sick and in pain, he would use these words, Lord help me; He was thankful to myself as to others for our prayers; and that night before his death, having been once prayed for by them who watched with him (who discerned the approach of his change) he himself of his own accord entreated them to pray with him and for him again: Do not these things speak his sensible apprehensions of dependence upon God, with expectations of favour from him by means of prayer?  
Fourthly, This must not be forgotten, That for divers years before his death he would express much estimation of those Texts of Scripture which speak of heaven's glory, the glory provided for God's Servants for ever. He would often commend the grace of contentment, saying, that it was better than riches, and that man's life consisted not in abundance. If unto all these things we add (that with which I did begin) viz. the words of my Text, which did run much in his mind, Christ in you the hope of glory; we may thence charitably and probably conjecture, that notwithstanding his religious education, and the many things praiseworthy in his life, yet he grounded his hope of glory alone upon the Lord Jesus.  
These particulars I have judged meet to mention (as I before hinted) with respect to God's honour, the comfort of his mourning friends, and the edification both of children and their Parents, who may be herewith acquainted.  
Now the practical improvement both of my Sermon and this Narration, I humbly commend unto the blessing of God through Jesus Christ.  
FINIS.