alt 
 
 H 
 
 ms&tm 
 
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gprfrt 
 
 PRIN 
 
 Collection 
 
 Bi- 
 section 
 mber 
 
 CETON,  N.  J. 
 
 of  Puritan  Literature. 
 
 s<rc 
 
4g  An  hxplicite  lift 
 
 iDECLARATIONl 
 
 OF  Ifr 
 
 1     The  Teftimony      S» 
 
 <Mf  of  m 
 
 m* 
 
 ,C  H  R  I  S  Tf 
 
 *►■ 
 
 According  to  the  plain  Sayings  of  ttte  Gofpcl : 
 jjj  And  therein,  .         jj£ 
 
 4§  Of  the  Purposes  ,    Promises,  and  gfr- 
 
 Sl.       Covenants  of  God,  as  by         jj 
 
 GOSPELdeclared.  g 
 
 With,  g 
 
 *K  A  Confideration  of  a  Qu  estion  %&> 
 
 1  ftated  about  FAITH,  g 
 
 « — -  /-  ( —  §* 
 
 By  Thomas  tSMoore,  Senior.         if* 
 
 41 ■ ' — ' —  §» 
 
 mi  Rom.l  'y.^.lVhatfoiver  things  were  written  a[ore-tttne,were  writ-  if** 
 jjlj  ten  for  our  learning ,  that  tve  through  patience  and  comfort  of '  j|j 
 .4S       the  Scriptures,  may  have  hope.  §g* 
 
 LONDON,  .      SC* 
 
 iC^a 
 
 jg  Printed  by  James  CottrtL     I  6  5  <*.    '  g> 
 
 #!?  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  f  n  ff  ff  ff 
 
*. 
 
Tofifch  as  believe,  the  Tejlimony 
 of  CHKIST. 
 
 OD  having  given  to all  men  ****« 
 an  object  ot  Faith,  and  com-  m*t  i*.i*. 
 manded  it  to  be  made  known  {&^ 
 by  the  Scriptures,  &  preach-  *>zl*i* 
 ed  to  all  N  ations  for  the  obe- 
 dience of  Faith  ,  and  chat  be- 
 lieving it,  which  is  begot  thereby, and  clofech 
 therewith,  fo  as  to  reft  thereon  for  that  pro* 
 mifed,  being  therefore  by  him  called  Faith  } 
 and  to  fech  Believers,     Faith  imputed  tor 
 Righteoufnefs  :  So  as  it  is  verily  true  ,   By  Heb  f 
 Faith  we  come  and  approach  to  God.hy  Faith '».i7,ii.  a&v 
 
 rr      r    ci*  l     c   • 'i_  *°. 43.^3.3 8, 
 
 we  receive  remulionot  fins  ,  by  ^a?th  we  are  &.^li*l 
 juftified  and  approved  of  God,  by  Faith  we 3fd.i^& 
 receive  thevertues  of  the  Sacrifice  and  '4lood  .*-li-R*»-1** 
 of  Chrift,  by  Faith  we  are  fanciftied  and  con-  * Cor-  »*•  J>4. 
 formed  to  the  minde  of  Chrift,    by  Faith  wei/^Vio/c 
 ftand  and  are  faved  ;    by  Faith  we  rt cave  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift  j   and  loco  tie  to  have 
 thatTeftimony  ,  and  therein  the  holy  Spirit 
 teftifying,  and  Chrift  ..teftified  of  ;  and  t}ie 
 
 A  2  Father 
 
Father  that  is  in  Chrift^dwelling  in  our  heart 
 
 S*.iiZ!ti$ti^  :   *°  as  by  Faith  we  are  the  Sons  of 
 
 Rom.iA7.Gai.  God  ;   and  in  all  trials  and  temptations  %  bv 
 i.i 3.1/0/?  $.4,       ,  4  .  r    .      **    *      y 
 
 i.Hcb.u.au.  Faith  we  live;  yea,  fay  Faith  we  have  the  vi- 
 Sory  over  the  flefli,  the  world  and  the  devi] ; 
 and  by  Faith  may  be  enabled  to  do  worthily 
 in  our  generations,  and  be  conftant  in  all  fer- 
 vices  of  love,enduring  through  all  fufferings, 
 till  we  die  in  the  Faith ,  and  fo  in  the  Refur- 
 re&ion  (hall  receive  the  kingdom  :  for  we  a  re 
 »  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  Faith  un- 
 
 to ialvation  :  I  therefore  am  perfwaded,  it  is 
 fri^°'3"8  our  beftfervice  and  fruit  of  love5toedifie  one 
 fpbr±i»u  another  in  this  moft  holy  Faith  ;  yea,  and  to 
 contend  for  it  alfo  againft  theoppofersof  it ; 
 and  know  this  Faith  to  be  one,  and  that  therq 
 is  but  one  Faith,  that  is  Faith  indeed  ,  though 
 in  time  pad  I  have  conceited  divers  kindes  of 
 Faith  :  and  now  lately  meeting  with  a  Que- 
 stion dated,  in  which  are  aflerted  two  kindes 
 of  Faith,each  true  and  real  in  its  kinde,by  M. 
 John  Owen^  in  his  Book  entituled  5  The  Do* 
 Brine  of  the  Saints  perfeverance,  I  was  mov'd 
 in  my  heart  to  confider  the  fame,  and  to  an-> 
 fwer  fomeExpreflionsof  his;  yet  leaving  the 
 handling  of  the  Controverfie  to  thofe  more 
 fit,  to  whom  it  may  appertain  5  acknowledg- 
 ing 
 
in-*  all  for  Truth  in  his  Book,  that  is  fo md  in 
 the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  andftands  Wij&\  the 
 Rule  propofed  by  himfclf  alibjand  rcfufc  che 
 rtft.accorduig  to  his  owncounfel  &  dire&ion: 
 wherein  1  have  endeavored  by  plainTeftimo- 
 ny  and  fjyings  of  Scripture,  to  fet  forth  the 
 true  Faith  in  the  objeft  of  it,andGrace  of  be- 
 lieving,with  its  efficacies,and  fo  to  encourage 
 men  to  believe,  and  believers  to  perfeverie,  I 
 defire  the  plain  Teftimony  of  Scripture  may 
 be  believed*  and  fo  far  as  any  of  us  are  by  the 
 Spirit  therein,brought  to  acknowledg  Chrift, 
 and  defire  the  exaltation  of  his  Name,  and 
 winning  in  of  others  thereto,and  encreafe  and 
 growth  of  grace  in  believers ,  let  us  keep  this 
 unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace,  that 
 fo,  in  all  our  other  differing  apprehenfions 
 and  expreffions,  we  may  fo  contend  for  what 
 the  Scripture  faith  ,  that  whatever  abfurdity 
 thereby , we  feem  to  caft  upon  any  c  xpreflions 
 of  one  another ,  it  may  be  without  judging 
 or  defpifing  of  one  another  $  taking  oppofed 
 expreflions^  asconfequencesof  mifconcepti- 
 onin  the  fancy,  and  not  fruits  of  the  princi- 
 ple of  grace  in  fiich  as  acknowledge  Jefus  the 
 Lord  }  nor  judging  them  gracelefs,or  having 
 no  principle  of  grace,  becauie  of  fuch  an  ex- 
 
 prcflion 
 
( 
 
 pf effion ;  that  fo  we  may  do  all  things  in  cha 
 rity,  feeking  the  edification  of  one  another  : 
 and  fo  I  hope,  if  any  be  otherwife  minded, 
 God  will  reveal  the  fame  to  them  $  onely 
 whereto  we  have  attained,  let  us  walk  by  the 
 fame  rule  of  Faith  and  Love,  and  believe  what 
 Scripture  teftifieth ,  and  not  be  waved  from 
 that,  the  Scriptures  being  able  to  make  us 
 wife  unto  falvation,  through  Faith  that  is  in 
 jefus  Chrift.  And  fo  committing  my  felf  and 
 labour  to  the  Lord's  gracious  good  pleafure, 
 and  to  Believers  to  be  tried  ,  and  received  or 
 refufed ,  as  they  are  found  to  be  agreeing  or 
 difagreeing  with  the  plain  fayings  of  the  Te- 
 ftimony  of  Chrift,  I  reft 
 
 iW»/#/#jr.O&.i»;  A  well- wilier  of  all 
 
 that  love  the  Lord 
 Jefus  Chrift  3 
 
 Thomas  Moore. 
 
 The 
 
The  Contents  of  the  Treatife  in  feven  Part*. 
 
 PART  1/  . 
 An  Introduftion  to  the  Tcftimony  of  Chrift; 
 
 Chap.  i. 
 r  A    'Direction  to  decern  Truth  from  Error*  pig,  it 
 
 jf\  Chap,  2. 
 
 Evidences  of  the  Truth,  and'plainxefi of  the  Tefiimony »  /£ 
 
 Chap.  3. 
 Of  the  enmity  of  Fleflj  and  Satan,  and  their  way  of  oppopng,       p. 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 An  AJfay  to  remove  the  Objections  ofthofe  that  pretend  Sprit  and 
 lustration  :  Where,  what  meant  by  Chrilt,  what  by  Scri- 
 pture, what  by  Letter,  and  what  b  y  Spirit.  1 j . 
 Chap.  5. 
 An  Anfwer  tofuch  as  fee\  to  trouble  by  words.                      2  o. 
 
 Chap.  6. 
 Anfwer  to  fuch  as  pretend  Scripture  to  trouble  with,  2  6m 
 
 Chap.  7. 
 A  Conelufony  with  the  eenfent  of  a  learned  man,  3  2 . 
 
 Chap.  8. 
 
 An  A  fay  to  dirett  the  weak,  to  finde  the  Tefiimony  ofChrifi  in  the 
 
 plain  fayings  thereof  34. 
 
 Chap.  0* 
 
 Of  the  Creation  of  Mankinde  in  thefirfl  Adam.  41. 
 
 Chap.  1  o. 
 Of  the  fall  and  mifery  of  him  and  Mankinde*  44; 
 
 Chap.,  1 1. 
 Of  the  immutability  of  god  notwithftanding.  49; 
 
 Chap.  1 2. 
 
 Of  the  remedilefnefi  in  Mankinde  fallen  to  help  himfelf,    and  the 
 
 wonderfulncfiof  help  in  another,  $  5 . 
 
 Chap.  1  y 
 
 Ofthefimilitndes  and  diffimilitudes  between  thefirfi,nQW  old)  and 
 
 the  new  Creation*  60; 
 
 PART  II. 
 
 A  declaratioB  of  the  tcftimony  of  Chrift  in  the  branches  of  itl 
 
 Chap.  1. 
 Of  the.  Tefiimony  ofChrifi,  who,  what  a  one,  and  whence]         &7* 
 
 The 
 
The  firft  Branch. 
 Chap.  2. 
 
 Of  the  Oblation  ofChrifi.  7  ?; 
 
 Hup.?. 
 What  that  was,  which  was  offered  up  in  Sacrifice.  7  5 . 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 Who  it  was  that  offered  np  this  Sacrifice.  7  6. 
 
 Chap.  5. 
 7*  wJEw#  fo  oj^jW  this  Sacrifice,  8  5 . 
 
 Chap.  6. 
 Tor  whom  and  in  whofe  behalf  he  offered  tt.  8  6. 
 
 Chap.  7. 
 For  what  Chrifl  offered  this  Sacrifice  for  men, viz.  To  mal>e  pitrga' 
 tion  of  fins  pafltTo  provide  that  he  might  have  power  and  autho- 
 rity, ana  wherewith  to  provide  for  following  fins,  that  he  might 
 in  his  feafon  raife  and  judge  all  men  ,  and  have  an  inheritance 
 for  his,  &C.  94. 
 
 Chap.  8. 
 To  and  for  what  end  he  therefore  offered  this  facrifice*  no. 
 
 Chap.  9. 
 An  Antidote  againfi  fome  urfound  Sxpreffions.  116. 
 
 Chap.  1  o. 
 Some  Inflrtsft  ions  from  the  Gofpel-Tefpimon]  concerning  the  Obla- 
 tion tfChrifi.  124, 
 Chap.  1  r. 
 The  life  Mtnifiers  of  the  Gojfel  are  to  mafy  of  this  Dotirine  in  mi* 
 niftring.  130. 
 The  fecond  Branch* 
 Chap.  1  2. 
 Of  the  Mediation  and  Inter  ceffiori  of  £  %rifi  m  general:  136. 
 
 Chap.  1  2. 
 Of  his  Mediation  and  Inter ceffian  more  fecial.  1 43 . 
 
 Chap.14. 
 Of  the  excellency  and  prevalency  of  Chrifl  his  mediationfiCC,  1 49, 
 
 Chap.  15. 
 Anfwer  to  fome  a/perfons  cast  on  profeffors  of  this  Trttth.     154, 
 
 The  third  Branch.        Chap.16. 
 Of  the  comtng  again  of  Chrift,  and  the  manner  thereof i        1  77. 
 
 Chap  17. 
 
 Of  the  ends  of  the  coming  again  of ^jTih  V*z«  r°  ra'fe  *foj"fi>fi* 
 
 overthrow 
 
overthrow  all  worldly  powers^  To  reftore  all  things.  And.  To  take 
 to  him  hit great  power  and  raign.  x  5^ 
 
 Chap.  1 8. 
 Of  the  things  conftderable  about  the  Kingdom  of  Chrifi,  viz.  The 
 place  of  his  Kingdom  ,  The  place  of  his  Throne  ,  The  extent  of 
 the  Dominion j  The  manner  of  the  Kingdom,  Theprojperityand 
 beauty  of  it)  and  The  duration.  165. 
 
 Chap.  1  p. 
 Of  the  Time  of  his  coming  again.  1 74 
 
 Chap.  20.  ' 
 
 Application  of  this  Branch  oftheTtfiimonyyin  cautions  again fi  [edu- 
 cersy  ani  Admonition  tofome  Brethen,  and  Exhortation  to  all 
 Believers*  xg- 
 
 Chap.  2 1  # 
 TheConclufionjnfumming  up  the  whole  Tefiimony^whh  the  efficacy 
 
 PART  III. 
 
 A  Declaration  of  thcfeveral  Revelations  of  Chrift. 
 
 Chap.  1. 
 
 The  firfi  Revelation  of  Chrifi  in  Paradifc  ,  with  the  evidences 
 
 Teachers  and  their  furniture.  2  e  1 
 
 Chap.  2. 
 
 Thefecond  Revelation  of  Chrifi  was  to  Abraham,  &c,         %  x 0# 
 
 Chap.  3. 
 
 The  third  Revelation  of  Chrifl  was  in  Mofes  time,  and  the  chofen 
 
 OWiniflcrsfor  it,  and  their.  Furniture.  215. 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 
 Ihe fourth  Revelation  of  Chrifi  and  his  Kingdom  in  David's  time. 
 
 Chap.  ?. 
 The  fifth  Revelation  of  Chrifi ,  and  the  things  of  Chrifi  to  and  bv 
 
 thefoUowingTrophets.  227. 
 
 ..  Chap.  6. 
 
 Thefixth  Revelation  of  Chrifl ,  of  his  ferfon  and  perfonal cominf 
 
 m  theflefhy  in  John  Baptift'i  time.  2  3  it 
 
 <tl  r  Chap.  j. 
 
 TbefeventhyandfuHefiyand  lafi  Revelation  of  Chrifi  that  {hall  be  tiM 
 
 his  coming  perfonalfy  again.which  is  by  his  ownatiing.       236. 
 ji  al  i.       r  Chap.  8. 
 
 An*  by  ha  perfonal  and  vocal  teachings  &c.  2  3  8, 
 
 B  Chap. 
 
Chip.  9. 
 And  fa  murine  forth  the  Holy  ghofl  on  thefirfi  Witness,    a  $ 1 . 
 "n    JY       d  Chap.  10. 
 
 Of  the  prime  way  of  making  Chrifl  fawn, according  to  thufullesl 
 
 Revelation  of  him.  a5J. 
 
 v    ,  Chap.n* 
 
 Of  the  chofen  Wtnejfes  &Mmtfters  to  declare  thu  revetitionMo. 
 J  Chap.  1 2. 
 
 Of  thetr  Furniture  of  fpiritualBUffings.  262. 
 
 Chap.  1  3. 
 Of  the  Furniture  of fcmtual  gifts  the  firft  Witneffes  had.       2 74. 
 
 J  Chap.14. 
 
 Of  their  peculiar  confirming  Furniture.  280. 
 
 J  r  Chap.  15. 
 
 Of  the  Furniture  of  tlx  following  Witness  till  Chr.cme  ag*in.2%7. 
 h  J  Chap.  1 6. 
 
 Of  the  helps  given  thefe  in  re\}*&  of  occafions  for  Church-Govern- 
 
 went.while  they  may<ftllChrift  come  again.  199. 
 
 Chap  17. 
 
 A  Corollary  from  theteffimony  ofChrtJljhus  revealed  in  the  three 
 
 Branches  of  it^and  therein  of  the  onene$  &  degrees  0}  fatth.2_  07. 
 
 PART  IV. 
 
 A  Declaration  of  the  Purpofes  of  GocL 
 
 Chap.  1. 
 
 Of  the  Turpofe  of  God  in  general.  3 1  f . 
 
 Chap.  2. 
 Of  Cautions  to  be  heeded  to  prevent  wtftakes.  3 1 8. 
 
 J  Chap.  3. 
 
 the  Turpofes  of  God  concerning  the public^iritual  man.     328* 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 the  Turpofcs  of  God  concerning  Manfade  through  Chrifi,  337. 
 
 Chap.  5. 
 Of  the  Vurpofes  of  God  concerning  Believers.  3  4^. 
 
 Chap.  6. 
 Who  the]  are  that  are  the  called  according  to  Vuxpfe.  3  5  4« 
 
 Chap.  7.  - 
 
 neforefawn^edefiinated^alled^uflifiedyandglorified.    361. 
 
 '  Chap.  8. 
 
 A  confederation  of  the  Purpofe  of  God*  at  t*prefi  kjfim.    £57  *. 
 
CUp.  y, 
 An  Anlwer  to  thofi  that  affert  the  eternal  Purpofe  of,  &CV     3  8  f  » 
 
 Chap.  10. 
 What  the  Foundation  is.  3  &$#- 
 
 Chap.  11. 
 
 OfadevifeiPurfofe,byfomecatUd)ThePHrpofeofGod,      3  pp. 
 
 Chap.  1 2,  , 
 
 The  Conclusion  about  the  Purpofes.  410. 
 
 PART.  V. 
 
 Of  thePromifes  of  God  that  are  the  declarers  of  hisPurpofes. 
 
 Chap.  1. 
 Of  the  Promifes  ofGod^  ofChrifl  to  Mankjnde,  and  to  Chrtfi*  and 
 through  Chrifl  to  Mankjnde\and  to  them  a& yet  in  igmrance,and 
 to  them  at  their  eyes  are  opened,  and  when  they  believe     4 1  2, 
 Chap.  2. 
 Promises  to  fuch  at  are  indeed  Believers  in  fpiritad  frames,  &c. 
 and  to  them  abiding  in  the  Faith.  420. 
 
 .Chap.  3. 
 Promifes  to  Believers  that  they  may  abide  in  the  Faith \         42  ^ 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 Helps  to  mix  faith  with  the  Promifes,  &  fo  the  affurance  ofperfeve-* 
 rance,by  cautions^rftruttions^ffHranceynwardhelpfulnef.^  o. 
 
 Chap.  5. 
 Of  'Promifes  to  be  fulfilled  to  Believers  after, this  Ife.  438. 
 
 C.hap.tf. 
 
 How  the  knowledge  of  the  Promifes  is  inftruflive  to  the  right  un» 
 
 derfianding  fomefayings  of  Scripture,  443. 
 
 Chap.  7. 
 
 *Direttion  to  kpow  to  whom  the  Promifes  belong.  457. 
 
 PART  VI. 
 Of  the  Covenants  of  God,futabIc  to  his  Purpofes  &  Promifes. 
 
 Chap.  1. 
 
 Of  the  Covenants  of  God  with  the  firft  pMic\mM  ,  and  with  the 
 
 fecond  publickjman.  4  6 1 . 
 
 Chap.  2. 
 
 Of  the  Covenant  ofCjod  made  through  Chrtft  with  mankinde  ,  the 
 
 Covenant  with  Noah .  468. 
 
 Chap.  3. 
 Of  the  Covenant  of  God,  as  made  with  Abraham,  474 
 
 \J\  ^  £  Chap 
 
ii  i 
 
 i 
 
 Chap.  +, 
 Of  the  C°WnA»t  made  with  Iftael  in  Mofes  time.  481. 
 
 Chap.  J. 
 Of  the  Covenant  made  with  Dind^onceming  the  kingdom.  48  6. 
 
 Chap,tf. 
 Of  Chrifl  given  for  aCovenanty  and  what  it  implies :  andfomething 
 abom  the  New  Teftament,  40  ©. 
 
 Chap.  7, 
 The  NewTeflamsnty  what  it  k,  408. 
 
 Chap.  8. 
 The  eternal  Covenant  compleatly  to  be  made  in  performance.    %  00 . 
 
 Chap.  o. 
 The  things  to  be  done  in  making  this  Covenant.  518. 
 
 Chap.  1  o. 
 Some  ufefulnef?  of  the  difcovery  of  the  Covenants*  5  2  4. 
 
 Chap.  1 1 . 
 An  Anfwer  to  a  feeming  crop  exfrejfion  to  this*  J  2  8 . 
 
 PART  VII. 
 Of  the  Qucftion  ftatedby  fome  concerning  two  kinds  of  faith . 
 
 Chap.i. 
 Of  the  Quefiion  asftatcd  for  thefrft  fade  of  Faith.  5  3  4, 
 
 Chap.2. 
 A  removing  of  mifconceitsy  and  of  thofe  things  mentioned^  which 
 are  no  parts  of  Faith.  536". 
 
 Chap.  2. 
 AConfeffion  of  thofe  things  that  are  right  and  good  in  the  Quefiion 
 fiated.  544. 
 
 Chap.4. 
 Of  the  Faith  asfet  forth  tn  Hcb.  6.  where  what  meant  by  the  word 
 of  the  beginning  of  Chnfi^What  by  then  leaving  that  wordy  For 
 what  caufe  then  fo  to  leave  it9  W',m  to  go  on  to  perfection.    5  47. 
 
 Chap.  5. 
 
 What  the  Foundatien^and  what  the  Principles  built  on  itfifRe^en* 
 
 tancefrom  dead  workz.%  Of  Faith  towards  (jod*  554. 
 
 Chap.6\ 
 
 Of  the  VoUrine  of  Baptifms.  ■.    550. 
 
 Chap.  7. 
 Of  the  Tfo&rim  of  laying  en  ofjoands.  5  6*  3 , 
 
 Chap.  8, 
 ;/>&  Zefomttw  of  the  dead.  56% 
 
 ■•» 
 
Chap.  p. 
 Of  Eternal  Judgement.  572; 
 
 Chap.  1  o. 
 Of  the  Operations  of  the  Spirit^begetting  and  fating  to  thofe  Trin~ 
 cipks  ,  as  inlightened,  tafl, &C.  585. 
 
 Chap.  11. 
 Of  falling  away,  who  the/  areywith  the  danger  ;  and  the  Reafon  of 
 the  danger y  to  be  fit  before  Believers  for  warning,  5 p  2 . 
 
 Chap.i2# 
 A  Vindication  of  the  Truth  of  the  Faith  in  Heb.  6.  and  as  men- 
 tioned in  the  operations  of  the  Spirit.  60  o. 
 
 Chap.  1 3. 
 An  Anfwer  offome  Reafons  and  Arguments  againfl  it.        606* 
 
 Chap.  1 4. 
 The  (lating  of  the  Queftionfor  thefecond  kinde  ofFaithjfet  forth  in 
 ffftr  concernments  ;  for  which  is  only  anfwer  tofome  unjufiifia&ley 
 and  to  his  expreffionsytith  confejfion  of  all  that  is  true  therein.  6 1  p . 
 
 Chap.  1  5. 
 The  fir  ft  Concernment*  6i  1 . 
 
 Chap.  1 6. 
 The  fecond  Concernment.  629. 
 
 Chap,  1 7. 
 The  fecond  faying  in  the  fame.  £3  8. 
 
 Chap.  18. 
 The  third  faying  in  the  fame.  648. 
 
 Chap,  1  p. 
 The  third  concernment.  652. 
 
 Chap.  2©, 
 The  fecond  part  of  the  fame.  66 1 ; 
 
 Chap.  21*. 
 The  fourth  and  lafi  concernment.  66%. 
 
 Chap.  22. 
 Of  fome  terms  ufed.  I  6jS. 
 
 Chap.  23. 
 TheConclnfion^fhewmgim  one  faith  that  is  faith  indeed.      6%6 
 
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 n.413. 
 
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 In  the  feventh  Parr, 
 ChApter  ti»  Rom.$A. 
 
 2  C0T.5.»I. 
 
 fl>/.no. 
 
 Chapter  it*  Zph.3,w>l9* 
 
 Jude 
 Kevelat, 
 
 &&4&&^  *Wtt* 
 
 To« 
 
 9*99*9*  99999** 
 
I 
 
 ■ 
 
 $*£?&£l  &3fefefe&  £?Mdk$£ 
 
 2V/*  ^v  bepUafed  with  your  pen  in  readings  to  mend  the 
 ERRATA'S  thus: 
 
 PAge  24.  line  16.  iorto,  read'0/l  1.2*.  add  to  /*,  in.  p.33.1.9.  to  found, 
 read  found.  p.38.1.23.for  were,  read  we.  p.49.1.21.  add  of.  p.82.130. 
 bloc  out  ib^w.  p.8j.l.ult.  rend  be  judged,  p.91. 1,3  $^ormoutb,  read  man, 
 p.i  10.I.14.  for  w^read  is  making*  p*in.l.i8.  for  we4#,read  means,  p.112. 
 l.lafl,for  nor  would,  read  n><wW not.  p.ui.l.33.  for  offerings,  read  offering, 
 p.123.1.  laft  for  thus,  read  they.  p.137. 1.23.  for  and,  reader,  p.139. 1.19. 
 for  rendered,  read  tendered,  p.142. 1.12.  for  Mecbi^edec,  read  Melcbi^cdec. 
 p.163.1.18.  forwo,  read»<tf.  I.12.  forfto',  read£fcf.  p.i9a.l.J^.  toi  his, 
 readfJw.  P.H3J.31.  for  G0<rf,  read gooi.  p.*7^.1.8.  tothefirft  j^/e,add 
 »#,  at  the  fecond  and  fe,  blot  out  »ctf .  and  1.3  3.  forfulnefi,  read  falfenefim 
 p. 3 7 7. for  k<m».i  2-readff0zff.il.  p.400.  l>9.tounbumane,ve2id  humane,  p.418. 
 1.2.  £oib*tb,  read/0.  p.i»l.l.n.  read  hoTmefi.  p.442.1.34.  for  i///*%,  read 
 invifible.  p.4?o.l.i.bloc  out  »0f.  p.48o.l.24.blot  out  glorious.  p.j29.1.1aft, 
 for  who, read  we.  p.  rfjttf.l.  i3.for£/?fe.  2.  read  £/>fc.i.  p«$43. 1.33.  read 
 l/flk.*.1*.  p«647.1«5.  f<>r  /fl**  read  forth. 
 
 My  mi/lake  which  becaufe  my  writings  have  been  long  out  of  my 
 handy  I  could  not  mendy  and  caufed  by  former  readings  of  the  name 
 of  that  reverend  learned  Doftor ,may  be  thtumendjQorMr.Ovttxx. 
 j oh  read  Votior  Owen  ;  and  none  take  occafion  from  my  mistake 
 not  to  give  any  fuch  Titles  ef  honour  as  is  by  providence  and  for 
 attainments  due  to  them. 
 
 iY>  W«TTfr*  r Yir  nYtfW  rnXJa  tuVji  WKm  "wrta  TkTm  m v—  m v—  «~  v— 
 
An  Explicite  DECLARATION 
 oftheTeftimony  of  CHRIST,  ac- 
 cording to  the  plain  fayings  of  the 
 GOSPEL. 
 
 PART   I. 
 
 Chap.    i. 
 
 A  Direction  to  difcern  truth  from  Error. 
 
 g5<*.8.2o.  To  the  Law ,  and  to  the  Tefiimo" 
 t$y  :  if  they  Jpeal^  not  according  to  this 
 Word)  it's  because  there9s  no  morning  (or 
 Light)  in  them.     Now  God  hath  ac-  a  ifa^t.i^^: 
 cording  to  his  Promife  ,  given  forth  &  49. 6.  with 
 his  Son  for  a  Covenant  to  the  People,  luk-  MM** 
 and  a  Light  to  the  Gentiles  * ,  and  fo  j^'3;47, 
 for  a  Law  £,  and  for  a  Witnefs  or  Te-  CJfa[  33'.  *" 
 ftimony  c ;  yea,  the  Scripture  witnef-  1  John  4.9,10; 
 fethof  Chrift,  and  cJW*/^  and  all  the  Prophets  wrote  and/^»3«x*- 
 fpakc  of  himd  :   and  He  is  the  Brightnefs  of  the  Father's  ii'l'*9*0* 
 
 C  Glory,        3**M4' 
 
z  aA  Direction 
 
 !t  nib.  i.  3.     Glory,  and  the  exprefs  Image  of  his  Perlbn  *,  in  whofe  Face, 
 col.  1.15.  '     the  Knowledge  of  the  Glory  of  God  fhineth/ :     he  received 
 f  2  Cor.  4.6.     the  Word  of  the  Gofpel,  in  which  both  Law  and  Teftimony 
 is  froth  thfe  Father  ;     arid  in  him  are  hid  all  the  Treasures  of 
 
 gD«tf.i8.i8.  Wifdbmand  imderftaridiftg  g  :    and  he  fpakc  the  Words 
 
 1 Tz'coU  f ' the  Fathet  S*ve  him  to  fpfcak  A  ,    and  his  Record  is  true  1  : 
 
 hioh.i- 14.&7. aric*  he  ^Pa^e  ^  excellent  things ,  and  the  opening  of  his 
 
 i6.cAi.4iMo.  Mouth  Was  right  things ;  his  Mouth  Ipake  Truth,and  wicked- 
 
 iJobnS.14.     nefs  is  an  abomination  to  his  Lips ;    all  the  words  of  his 
 
 Mouth  in  Righteoufnefs ,  nothing  wreathed  (or  froward)  or 
 
 k  ?rov.  8.  6,7,  perverfe  in  them  ;   they  are  all  plain  to  him  that  underftand- 
 
 M.  eth,   and  Right  to  them  that  finde  Knowledge^.     And  this 
 
 Word  and  Gofpel  which  he  received  and  preached  ,  he  gave 
 
 unto  his  Apoftles  and  firft  Witrifeffes,  and  gave  them  the  Holy 
 
 1  fobn  15. 16.  Spirit,  which  gave  them  to  understand,  and  receive  the  fame  /. 
 
 j  &  17.  *,  8.     By  which  Spirit  they  had  the  Meaning  and  Myftery  in  them, 
 
 m  John  14 16  **°  reve*lcd  c°  them.as  never  was  to  any  in  any  *g£s  before  w. 
 
 &  l6>1  3 ,14,15*.  And  fo  he  put,  and  bound,  and  iealed  the  Law  and  Teftimony 
 
 coi.i.26,17.     in  his  DiCciples  n ,  a?  in  fome  meafure  he  ftill  doth  in  them 
 
 n  1  fal  8. 1 6.    that  believe  0 :  and  this  Word,  Gofpel  and  Teftimony  ,   did 
 
 0  i°7o!m  28  c^e  AP°^es  Prcach  as  they  had  received  of  the  Lord ,  accor- 
 coi.1.16.  '  ding  to  the  Revelation  of  the  Myftery  p,  andthis  with  great 
 yRom<6.i^i6  plainnefs  of  Words,  and  evidence  and  demonftration  of  Spi- 
 
 1  cor.  n.23.    rit  and  power  q.    And  this  they  alio  writ,  and  left  uponRe- 
 *  ror''  *  4     corc^  m  fuc^  plainnefs, that  they  intended  nothing,  but  what 
 r  Pfcii?3.!*a.    we  *n  tj  e^r  Writings, read r ;  and  in  reading,may  underftand 
 icor.  1.V3,     their  Knowledge  in  the  Myftery  of  Chriftj  :   whence  Chrift, 
 s  Epbcf.  3.3,4.  that  by  his  Spirit  fet  them  on  this  work ,   as  he  did  the  Pro- 
 phets before,  and  by  that  Holy  Spirit  guided  them  in  writing, 
 faith,  Have  not  I  written  to  thee  excellent  things  in  Counfels 
 andKnowledge,that  t  might  make  thee  know  the  certainty  of 
 the  Words  of  Truth,  that  thoii  migbtft  anfwer  the  Words  of 
 
 t  T :-ov.  n.io,  Truth  to  them  that  fend  ttato  thee  t  ?     And  fo  it  is  affirmed, 
 
 ai .  That  that  which  Was  (and  is  fo)  Written  ,  is  upright ,  Words 
 
 of  Truth,  acceptable  Words ,  and  Words  of  delight ,  to  re- 
 ceive and  declare  the  Minde  of  God  in,  and  fo  fit  alio  for  the 
 
 UFrc'/<A2.io.  Preacher  #. 
 
 irufl.3.16,17.      So  that  the  Law  and  Teftimony,  as  it  is  manifefted  in  the 
 
 I  firft  coming  of  Ghrift  ,  andby  him  given  tohis  firft  Wittuffes, 
 
to  difcem  Truth  from  Error.  3 
 
 and  by  them  delivered  and  recorded  to  us ,   is  the  Law  and 
 the  Teftimony  to  which  we  are  to  refort  :  and  fo  the  whole 
 Scripture  as  witneffing  of  Chrift ,  and  opened  by  Chrift  to 
 them,andby  them  to  us  #:  for  Chrift  fpake  by  his  Spirit  in  w  John  1.19. 
 the  Minitiration  of  Noahx,  and  it  was  the  Spirit  of  Chrift  in  i<4-z4-*5,*<^ 
 the  Prophets,  that  did  (ignifie  tothem  ,  when  it  teftified  be-  *  J  ^Vf6^ 
 forehand  the  fufferings  of  Chrift,    andthe  Glory that  fhould^  16.15,16.  ' 
 follow/;  the  Spirit  of  the  Son  being  alfo  the  Spirit  of  the  Fa-  2.  pct.  3.2. 
 ther,    and  that  by  which  God  ever  hath  and  doth  teftifte  of x  }M-  3-E9. 
 his  Son  z,.     And  fo  God  at  the  firft,  did  immediately  preach  \  \  ?%££*} 
 the  Gofpel  in  Piradiie ;  and  after.more  fully  to  *Abrahaxn  in  a  Gr/it  3#I  £  * 
 Canaan  a ,  and  afterwards  by  the  mouth  of  all  his  Holy  Pro- &\<>^*&  17. 
 phets  £,  which  Prophets  fpake  and  writ  as  they  were  moved  l>*> 
 by  the  Holy  Ghoft  c :  whence ,  what  the  Spirit  forefa w  and  °  lf-%?*? 
 preached ,   the  Scripture  that  was  written  by  his  Inspiration,  a  Gcn'i  2.3. 
 is  faid  to  forefee  and  preach  d  :  And  what  the  Scripture  faith,  with  Gal.  3.?, 
 the  Holy  Ghoft  is  faid  to  fay  e.    And  we  fhall  finde  many  fay-  **• 
 ings  in  the  Scriptures  ,    both  of  LMofes ,   and  the  following  e  ?}[aL9?'  7' 
 Prophets,teftifying  of  Jefus  Chrift,  his  coming,and  fufferings, m      ev'*'7' 
 and  refurre&ion,  and  glory  ;  fetting  him  forth  to  be  the  great 
 Prophet,  High  Prieft,  and  King,  and  God's  Salvation  to  the 
 end  of  the  Earth ;  and  ,  that  whoever  believeth  in  him  fhali 
 not  be  afhamed ;  calling  men  to  look  to  him ,  and  be  faved. 
 And  this  is  the  main  thing  to  which  the  Scripture  teftifieth;all 
 other  parts  and  portions  of  Scripture,   betides  this  plain 
 Teftimony ,  being  fubfervient,  and  having  their  tendencie  to 
 this ,  even  to  lead  men  to  the  Knowledge  and  Acknowledge- 
 ment of  this  Teftimony ,'  and  fo  of  Chrift  teftified  therein  f.  Cf0hns.$},   \ 
 And  fo, 
 
 The  Genealogies  from  Adam  to  Abrahxtng,  and  from  A-  g  qch.  *.i,$*; 
 braham  to  73 avid,  and  from  David  to  Chrift  h,  are  to  demon-  &  1 1.  io>  i*. 
 ftrate  of  whom  Cbrift  came  according  to  theilefh ,  and  that  l*i3« 
 he  is  very  Man  of  the  Seed  cf  a  Woman  ,  &c.  And  alfo,  h  ^m.x,h, 
 the  Love,  Truth,  and  Faithfulnefs  of  God  in  performing  his  L}^e  3  13,31; 
 Promife/.  i  ^#.13.3^33! 
 
 The  end  of  the  Law  given  to,  and  by  M*  ft  s ,   was  to  be  a  Gal.*.*. 
 School-Mafter  to  Chrift \?   and  for  Righteaufnefs  to  have  it  k  Gd 
 in  Chrift  I:  the  one  part  of  the  Law,  that  of  ten  Word?,  was  { R*m\\l*^ 
 to  dffcover  fa  and^fenterice to  death ,  that  men  might  die  to 
 
 C  2  themfelves, 
 
Evidences  of  the  Truth 
 
 mK5W  5>19>10.  themiVives,raagnifie Grace,  and  be  quickened  byChrift,'  and 
 c^ij.cH.xo.liveto  him  m.  The  other  part,  that  of  Types  and  Figures, in 
 Gal.%.  19,10.  Tempie,Akai,Propiiiatory,Prie(^  Sacrifices,  Wafhings,  &c. 
 *JVo  ,  ^  To  htPzz  *°d  Shadow  out  the  Truth,  that  was  to  be  found  in 
 9.zi9.&7,i9.jvuh  that  was  to  come  #* 
 
 And  (0  many  Metaphors  and  Parables  had  the  like  end, 
 
 which  whatever  the  outfide  and  face  of  the  Letter  was ,  yet 
 
 their  import  was  in  their  end,which  was  to  witnefs  of,&  lead 
 
 M     to  Chrift  0 ;  in  minding  of  whom,  the  meaning  of  all  is  feen  ; 
 
 p  ?rov.  3. 9.    anc*  ^°  r^e  things ,  and  fenfe  in  fayings ,  plain  p.     But  when 
 
 a  Cfr.s.ijjStfj  Chrift  the  Truth  came ,  he,by  compleating  that  done  in  his 
 
 17.  Body,  and  fending  forth  the  Holy  Ghoit,  opened  the  way  in- 
 
 ^hhnl'\V' t0 the Holid* ?>revcalcd the Fathcr  r-  And God  hath  now 
 \nJb.  1.1.  fpoken  to  us  by  his  Son  j,  who  hath  filled  his  firft  Wkneis 
 with  the  Holy  Ghoft,and  To  with  Knowledge  of  the  Myftery 
 of  his  will  in  all  Wii'dom  and  fpiritual  Prudence,  and  fenc 
 1  Acl.  1.  Epbef.  them  forth  t :  and  they  have  certified ;  and  in  their  TelHmo- 
 1.3,8,9.  '  ny,  the  Holy  Ghoft  hath  teftifiedof  Cbrift  #  :  and  this  Tefti- 
 u  /*#.*.  31.  mony  of  Chriit  have  they  preached  and  recorded ,  not  in  a 
 1  P^.i.n.  paDie  to  be  Allegorized ;  but  the  very  Truth  concerning  Je- 
 w  i  Pet,  1. 1  j,  &s  Chrift  himfelf  w\  not  in  dark  and  parabolical  Words,  nor 
 i£,i7,i8.  '  in  the  Wifdom  of  man,  nor  with  Rhetorical  flouridiei ;  but 
 with  fimplicity  and  great  plainnefs  of  fpeech  x ,   without  any 
 
 the  Teftimony  ,  to  which  we  are  to  refort  for  Knowledge  of 
 Truth,  is  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  ;  and  as  it  is  of  deep  and 
 profound  Myfteries,  fo  it  is  true,  verily  true,  and  plain,  with- 
 out any  deceit  or  equivocation  ,  as  is  evident.  To  it  there- 
 fore go,  &c. 
 
 CHAP.  2. 
 Eviienca  eftbe  Truth  And  PUinnefs  cfthis  Ttfiimonf. 
 
 •Hat  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  in  all  the  fayings  thereof  is 
 true,  is  evident,  firft,iri  that  it  came  forth  from  Almighty 
 
 God 
 
and^Plainnefs  of  this  Tejlimonj.  5 
 
 God ,  and  is  the  declaration  of  his  minde,    who  is  the  ondy 
 true  God,the  God  of  Truth,  even  Truch  it  felf  *,  whence  it  is  a  John  17.  3. 
 called  the  GofpeL  of  God  b.  l  J«l™  *■ 20- 
 
 Secondly,In  that  ic  teftifieth  and  ietteth  forth  Jefus  Chrift,  ^RmKuf 
 who  is  the  Truth  c  ,   in  whom  Mercy  and  Truth  are  met  d:.t  r°*jt  lt\t\y 
 and  in  that  he  became,  hath  done,  doth,  and  will  do,  Truth  p.*, 
 is, and  is  fulfilled  ^  ;  and  he  alfo  fends  forth  the  Holy  Spirit,  c/^'»14.  *. 
 that  witnefleth  Truth,  and  leads  into  all  Truth/,  whence  al-  £  l^n'1^ 
 io  this  Gofpei  is  called  the  Gofpel  of  Chrift.  u>,  j J^tf^! 
 
 Thirdly,  in  that  ic  was  infpired  and  witneffedby  the  Holy  $Xi.t&*j  i<L 
 Spirit  of  Truth  into  the  Prophets  and  Apoltles,  and  by  them  *  iJci,\.i6y^. 
 breathed  forth  and  written ,  as  the  Holy  Spirit  gave  them  to  ^fjf'\'z\6 
 fpeak  and  write^.     True  it  is ,   All  the  Holy  Scriprure  was  &  \'^  *?*' 
 given,and  fo  narrated  and  writ  by  Divine  Infpiration,and  fo  is  Km.  1  .'3, 1  £. 
 profitable,  &c.  h.     But  though  the  Narration  of  Sayings  writ-  &  15.19. 
 ten  in  the  Scriptures  were  by  Divine Infpiration  recorded,**  */.rM,Ila11"- 
 yet  are  there  many  Sayings  recorded,  which  in  refpe&  of  the  \Je  i1^!* 
 Sayings  themfelves  were  not  Divine  Infpirations  :  butthep^.n.ii. 
 Spirations  and  Sayings,  fome  of  Satan ,  fome  of  Seducers  and  Rom.  154. 
 wicked  men,  fome  of  weak  Believers,  fome  even  of  ftrong  Be-  h  a  ttw.3.16. 
 lievers  tempted;  which  were  by  the  Infpiration  of  God  given 
 to  the  Writers,and  fo  by  them  recorded  ;  but  not  recorded  as 
 the  Infpirations  of  God's  Minde  ,  but  as  God's  Declaration 
 of  the  Sayings  of  Satan  or  of  Men  ,   that  we  may  know  the 
 fabtilties  of  Satan  ,  and  beware ;  and  the  inducements  and  e- 
 vils  of  the  wicked  ,  and  take  heed ;  and  fo  the  weaknefs  cf 
 fome, and  frame  of  Spirit  in  others  :  and  fofuch  Sayings  are 
 to  be  taken,  as  God's  Declarations  of  the  Deeds  and  Sayings 
 of  others ,  to  warn,inftru£t  us,  &c  but  not  as  his  own  Say* 
 ings,to  be  received ,  obeyed,  and  built  on  as  true  and  good; 
 that  would  be  an  abufe  of  them.     But  as  for  the  Gofpel  ic 
 felf  (that  is,theTeflimony  of  Ghrirt)  even  All  of  it,  was  not 
 onely  narrated  by  Divine  Inipiration,  or  given  of  God  by  In- 
 fpiration to  be  narrated  ,    as  thofe  things  that  were  indeed 
 fpoken  or  done  by  Satan,  or  wicked  or  weak  men  :  But  as  the 
 very  Things,Sayings,Spirations,arid  Infpirations  of  God  him- 
 felf,  of  his  own  Minde ;  and  fo  it  is  Divine  Truth,-Divine  Spi- 
 ration,divinely  infpired,as  well  as  by  Divine  Infpiration  writ- 
 ten and  recorded.;  and  therefore  True  :  not  only  true  it  was 
 
 fo- 
 
Evidences  of  the  Truth 
 
 fo  faid  and  done,  for  fo  were  all  the  other  (ay  ings  ;  but  true  in 
 it  felf ;  yea ,  Truth,  and  the  Revealer  of  the  Minde  of  Truth 
 it  felf. 
 
 Fourthly,  the  Gofpel  and  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  is  a  full  and 
 
 perfeft  Truth,  in  all  that  it  narrateth,  and  in  all  that  it  affirm- 
 
 eth,  and  in  all  that  it  promifeih  ,  containing  the  Declaration 
 
 of  the  whole  Truth ,  that  is  for  natural  Men  or  Believers  to 
 
 know,  believe,  or  do  inthewcrfhipof  God,  or  towards  the 
 
 Converfion  and  Salvation  of  Men;  yea,even  to  make  the  Man 
 
 \John  15.15.   of  God  himfelf  perfeil  to  every  good  Work  u  And  therefore 
 
 ^Aft.  20.26.    we  are  bounded  up  to  it  ^ ,  without  adding  or  diminifhing  / ; 
 
 Mkah6.z.      there  being  no  Morning-light  in  any  Spirit ,  Do&rine,  Say- 
 
 2  t!jsm\V.     *n&or  ^oing,that  is  not  in,  and  according  to  this  Teftimony, 
 
 k  ifa.  8. 20!     H  being  the  Truth  ,   and  Difcoverer  of ,  and  Guide  to  all 
 
 GaLi.6>tv.     Truth,  and  Trier  of  all  things  m;  it  being  true  in  Chrift,   and 
 
 1  Dcut.  1  x.  31.  of  Chrift,  and  from  him  to  men  ,  and  for  men,  whether  men 
 
 mt^hll Y*i  be'*ev^  lt  or n0r  *•  Anc*  as  ll is  true  *fl  anc*  °f  c^ri^  3nd  to 
 nffai.io&i  and  for  men  ;  fo  it  is  true  in  Believers  alfo,  fo  as  chey  ctilcern, 
 46.  i  tbtfX\6,  and  experiment,  and  teftifie  the  Truth  thereof  0  :  and  iothis 
 1 2.2  nw.2.13.  Gofpel  is  moft  rightly  called  the  Word  of  Truth  p  ;  yea,  the 
 
 f/U'28      Trulh?' 
 
 20,27.' 2'  *         Fifthly,  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  (which  is  in  the  Gofpel) 
 
 zJob*.$Job.}  is  the  Spirit  of  Prophecie  r :  it  is  the  Original ,  the  Spring, 
 Jobn^S'  Teacher,  and  Guide  to  all  right  underftaing  of  Truth  ,  and 
 *$l  C\*  6?'  *°r  fpea^inS  Truth  to  Men,in  Charity,  and  to  Edification,  and 
 qzcer.\i.  Exhortation, and  Comfort  s  5  yea,  this  Teftimony  of  J efus  be- 
 r  t^iuj.io.    lieved,  is  verily, 
 
 s  1  cor.i4.ij3.  1 ,  Both  the  Opener  of  Truth  ,  and  of  the  Underftanding 
 t,  £«M.M>i5>tociifcern  Truth,  as  pointed  out  both  in  the  end  ot  the  Law, 
 tjohiirt  46.  andin  Types ,  Parables,  and  dark  Sayings ;  and  alfo,  as  fee 
 Ptev.x.sJ.  &  forth  in  Prophecies ;  in  which, attending  to  this  Teftimony, 
 i.2,7,  &  8.9.  minding  and  believing  it ,  it  will  make  all  Wifdom  YSayings 
 fob.  1. 18.  &  plain)  and  open  the  meaning  and  rightnefs  of  thtm  t. 
 1  7^.2.20,27.  2-  Ic  ^at^  its  meaning  in  it  felf,  and  the  fame  is  in  its  Dif- 
 u  Prov.  8.6,7,  covery,  according  to  the  plain  import  of  its  Sayingsiit  abhors 
 8.^26.24,2*.  all  Equivocations,  diffembling,  and  pretending  any  Love  or 
 w  1  John  5. 6,  good-will, more  then  really  is ». 
 
 *;*%£!*'       *•  Ic  hach  Evi^ences  «*  Demonftrations  of  Wifdom, 
 
 *ii.»i.     '  Power ,  and  Goodnefs ,   and  Motives  unmatchable,  to  draw 
 
 to  the  Belief  of  its  Teftimony  w.  4»  ^ 
 
and  Tlainnefs  ef  this  Teftimonj.  J 
 
 4,  It  is  the  Inftrument  and  Medium  ,   by  which  the  Holy 
 Gholt  convinceth  of  (in, unbelief,  and  error  x ,  and  bringr.th  X7^-T  WiP 
 the  convinced  in  to  Believe  and  love  the  Truth/,  and  lead-  5"5Sf/i?^S'i 
 eth  Believers  into  all  Truth  z,  :    and  he  that  believeth  this  1  John  $.19. 
 Teftimony,  believeth  the  Truth  ;  and  it  b«ing  in  them  ,  and  2/0^16.13,14 
 they  living  according  to  ir,  they  are  of  the  Tr  uih  **,  and  in  the  ?  1  39]n  ?,!  *• 
 Truth  £,  and  the  Truth  is  in  them  c  ;  and  fuch  as  teach  it^are  %  VjjK*'^ 
 Miniikrs  of  the  Truth  d  ;   and  fuch  as  acknowledge ,  profefs  c  ?  Jolui.%. 
 and  obey  it,  do  acknowledge,  profefs  and  obey  the  Truth  e;  &  *~4- 
 and  fuch  as  turn  from  it,  turn  from  the  Truth/;  and  fuch  as  3  J'hn  3-  ^ 
 oppofe  ,  deny,  and  refill  it ,    do  oppofe,deny  and  reSlt  the  ?  ^m.'H'i^ 
 
 TtUth  g.  cHtb.lo.26. 
 
 So  that  we  are  well  dire£ed  for  knowing  of  Truth,  to  the  1  p*?.x.a». 
 Law  and  to  the  Teftimony,  in  which  Truth  is,  and  all  the  fay-  */<£*  3 /•&■$- 
 ings  thereof  are  true  ;  yca,all  the  layings  in  Scripture,  as  they  *  TvXzji* 
 wknefs  of  this  Teftimony,  and  are  opened  by  this  Teftimony,  a  ri/^.3.8. 
 and  agree  in  one  with  this,  are  true ;  and  not  only  true,  but 
 they  are  alio  exceeding  plain,  as  may  be  feen  in  that  forefaid. 
 
 1 .  In  that  God  and  Chrift  have  affirmed  thefe  fayings  to  be 
 
 not  onely  true,  but  alfo  plain  and  right  k  h  pytVm %€ 
 
 2.  Inthatheaffirmeth  theend  for  which  he  hath  written  1/0.4$  jg.' 
 them,  to  be,  that  we  might  know  the  certainty  of  the  words  EccUf.  1  z.i  o. 
 
 Of  Truth.  iPr^.»*.2ojM. 
 
 3.   In  that  our  Saviour  directeth  and  commandeth  for  i^t.  5,4. 
 knowing  and  finding  Truth  ,  to  fearch  the  Scriptures  ^,    to  JSpta/*?^ 
 mindc  what  is  written  ,   and  how  we  read  in  the  Law  and  j^f;1**4, 
 Teftimony  /,  and  to  apply  the  Ear  to  his  Knowledge,  and  To  i£^,'/05^. 
 the  Heart  to  the  Words  of  the  Wife,  that  have  written  by  his  fa  §".20#* 
 Spirit  m.  m  Prov.%i.i7:„ 
 
 4.  In  that  our  Saviour  promifeth  blelTednefs  to  fuch  as  be-  J8^o. 
 lieve  on  him  as  the  Scripture  hath  faid  n ,  avouching  all  that  n  j^n  y  33# 
 keep  not  his  fayfrigs  ( that  do  not  Believe,  Love  and  hold  to 
 
 ,  his  dyings)  to  be  no  Lovers  of  him  %  *  JQh  i4,ag. 
 
 5.  In  the  Profeflion  of  tbofe  inipired  with  the  Holy  Ghoft, 
 in  the  knowledge  of  the  things  of  Chriityhat  they  fpake  them 
 in  the  wifdom  and  words  which  the  Spirit  gave  them  to 
 
 fpeak  o\  and  this  fincerely,  without  craft,in  allplainnefsp,and  °  ■>*&  *-4» 
 not  with  a  veil  over  their  face.  m    J  £*'*'*  2  '!£ 
 
 6.  In  the  confeflion  of  thofe  that  have  believed  this  Tefti- v  %^.\7'^ 
 
 mony,  '  ' 
 
8  Evidences  of  the  Truths  &c. 
 
 a  pfat.u9.160,  mony,that  his  Word  is  true,  very  pure  7,  and  bringeth  Lighr, 
 
 140, 130.      '  and  giveth  Undemanding  to  the  (imple. 
 
 zcdcf.iuo.      7  .The  Title  put  on  this  Tellimony  ;  as,The  Word  of  Truth, 
 
 r  col  1  <•      r^e  Scripture  <£  Truth  r. 
 
 vaa.'io.ii.  &•  The  Commendation  and  Approbation  of  fuch  as  are  di- 
 ligent in  fearching  the  Scripture ,  to  fee  what  is  Truth  ,  and 
 
 s  Jr^.17.11.    take  heed  to  the  Word  of  Prophecic,  as  to  a  Light  x. 
 
 1  Fa.1.19.  Now  if  the  layings  of  the  Gofpel  in  the  TeftJmony  of  Chrift 
 have  not  the  feme  they  naturally  and  plainly  import ;  where 
 then  is  the  Truth  of  God  and  Chriil  his  Affirmation  ,  or  the 
 fitnefs  in  his  words  for  his  ends, to  give  the  certainty  of  the 
 Knowledge  of  Truth?or  what  Profit  in  following  his  direction 
 in  fearching  the  Scripture  ?  or  where  is  the  Truth  of  this  Pro- 
 mife,or  of  the  Prophets  and  Apoftlcs  Protcftation ,  or  of  the 
 Title  of  the  Gofpel  ?  or  why  are  any  commended  for  fearch- 
 ing it  ?  If  it  have  not  the  fence  it  importeth  in  its  own  faying?, 
 who  then  fhall  tell  us  the  fenfe  >  what  Man  ,  what  Aportle, 
 what  Angel ,  or  what  Spirit ,  when  we  are  warned  to  hear 
 none,  that  fpeak  other  or  befide  that  by  thefe  before  already 
 preached  and  written,  who  have  profeffed  alio  before  God, 
 That  they  did  not  lye  in  the  things  they  writ :  and  God  hath 
 
 Gal.  1.6,9  **>  born  Teftimony  of  them  ?   So  that  their  layings  in  this  Tefti- 
 
 ao.  H^.2.4.  mony,  are  true  and  plain,  and  have  the  fenfe  they  plainly  im- 
 port 5  and  what  the  Prophets  and  Apoftleshave  fpokeand 
 writ  of  this  Teftimony,God  hath  fpoken  by  them ;  and  if  we 
 believe  God  to  be  true,  and  love  him ,  then  will  we  believe 
 and  love  his  layings :  and  fo  to  the  Law  and  to  the  Teftimo- 
 ny,  for  the  difcerning  of  every  Whifper,  Spirit,  Doctrine,  O- 
 pinion  and  Saying  ;  and  if  they  fpeak  not  according  to  that 
 Word  ,  there  is  no  Morning- Light  in  them :  wherefore  let 
 God  be  true,and  juftifie  him  in  his  fayings;  and  let  every  man, 
 whifper,Do6trine  or  Spirit,  that  fpeaketh  not  according  to  his 
 
 j'S^ii'io  ky*nS*>  be.  to  us  a  ly  ar;  knowing  his  Words  are  true, upright 
 and  plain,though  the  wifdom  of  the  flefh  be  enmity  to  them; 
 whole  oppofitions  I  will  endeavour  to  remove. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
I        '■ » ""'■■  '"  '  '"   '     ' 
 
 CHAP,  i 
 
 Of  the  Enmity  of  Flcfi  and  Satan  t d  Him. 
 
 He  carnal  Minde,or  Wifdom  of  the  Flefh,  is  Enmity  a- 
 gainft  God  a  ;  fo  that  the  natural  Man  having  no  other  a  ^m%  8  y. 
 but  the  Wifdom  of  Men,  the  Wifdom  of  this  World,  though 
 never  fo  learned,  wife  8c  prudent,  doth  not  approve  or  receive 
 the  things  of  the  Spirit,  or  his  layings  ,   but  accounts  them 
 Foolifhneis  k     And  among  the  reft,  in  this  one  thing  ,  hath  hlfdr  Ial8jl^ 
 this  Enmity  appeared,  in  that  it  accounts  light  of  the  fayings  20.^2*5,^41 
 of  the  Spi'it  of  God  in  the  Scripture,  and  of  that  Knowledge 
 given  in  the  plain  Teftimony  thereof  c  ;  and  pretends  in  its  cjer.  8.9. 
 flefhly  Minde,  to  a  farther  and  better  knowing  d,by  which  it  d  Job  n.  xi, 
 prefumes  to  underiland,and  to  amend,  &  contradict  the  plain  "•  tf^2"18- 
 Sayings  of  God  ;  and  to  frame  fayings,  better,  truer,  and  fafer 
 for  Men  to  believe  and  receive  e.    In  which,  thinking  to  be  e  Job  4. 17,1 8, 
 wife,    they  become  moft  foolifh,  and  their  Wifdonl  and  i9.Jp.40. *,8. 
 their  Knowledge  perverteth  them/*,  or  elfe  fuch  filth  zx\dlJa^°'1^1^ 
 blafphemy  would  never  come  out  of  their  Mouths,  much  lefs  {¥"!.' fit  \'Gt 
 have  been  fet  forth  by  their  Pens,  as  to  fay,  That  the  Scri-  jfatf.io. 
 pture  contains  not  all  things  neceffary  to  Salvation  ;  That 
 it  is  full  of  Obfcurity,  a  killing  Letter  ,  a  dumb  Judge ,  inky 
 Divinity,  a  Nofe  of  Wax,  that  may  be  bended  any  way;  That 
 every  Heretick  proves  hisHere(ie  by  Scripture  ;  and  ,  That 
 the  Scripture  is  fitted  to  the  time  ,  and  variably  underftood: 
 fo  that  the  fenfe  thereof  is  one  while  this,another  while  that, 
 according  as  the  Church  is  pleafed  to  change  her  Judgement 
 in  determining  the  fenfe ;  and,  That  the  Gofpel  was  written, 
 not  to  rule  our  Faith,  but  to  be  ruled  by  it  :  and  fo  though  a 
 Point  of  Paith  be  affirmed  never  fo  plainly  inScriprure  ,  ye: 
 it  is  but  fubjudice,  and  doubtful,  without  a  higher  Determi- 
 nation ;  though  herein  be  Difference  among  them,  who  fnall 
 give  that  Determination:  fome  fay,  The  Pope  ;  fomefay,  A. 
 Council  ;  fomefay,  The  Pope  and  the  Council,  both  con- 
 fenting  5  fome  fay ,  A  Synod  or  Convocation  of  learned  and 
 
 D  holy 
 
io  Of  the  Enmity  of  Flefh 
 
 holy  Men ;  fome  fay ,  This  gathered  Aflembly  or  Congrega- 
 tion •  fome.  That ;  and  fome  fay,  Humane  Reafon  in  a  Logi- 
 .  cal  Difcourlc ;  and  feme  lay ,  The  infallible  Spirit  in  this  or 
 that  Man.  And  thus  do  they  draw  Men  from  God  and  his 
 Word,  rejeSing  that  as  of  none  effeft ,  occafioning  divifions- 
 and  contentions  without  number:  and  fo,  in  multiplying 
 Se£ts ,  not  onely  feducements  from  the  Faith, but  wars  and 
 mines  are  like  to  follow. 
 
 And  Satan  that  takes  advantage  from  the  Flefh  to  rule  in 
 the  Hearts  of  Unbelievers,  is  alwayes  at  hand,  fubtrl,  and  di- 
 ligent tofet  forward  this  evil  bufinefr;  and  he  will  abufe  Rea- 
 fon, &  ufe  fubtil  and  provoking  Motives ;  yea,  and  bring  Scri- 
 pture Sentences,  with  fome  word  iubtilly  left  out ;  and  alfo, 
 vent  Spirations  with  boldnefs,  though  falfe :  yea,  pretend  to 
 move  to  confidence  in  God  ,   (though  out  of  his  way)  and  to 
 help  one  to  a  better  condition ;  yea,  he  attempted  this  where 
 3/^.4.3.9.  he  had  no  advantage^:  how  much  more  will  he  doit  where 
 £^4.i3ii.  he  hath  the  advantage  of  corrupt  Flefh  to  work  upon?  yea,to 
 keep  his  pcfleflion  by  fome  unclean  luft,  or  to  ditfurb  the  pro- 
 ceedings of  Truth  •    he  can  transform  himfelf  into  an  Angel 
 .  of  Light,  and  confefs  Jefus  to  be  the  Holy  One  of  God  /?,and 
 
 24.  &zii?'  pretend  to  help  Believers  in  Chrift  to  abetter  condition  * ; 
 i  %  'cor.  11. 3,1 4  and  he  can  teach  his  Minifters  to  do  the  fame  and  much 
 more,  to  maintain  fome  falfe  Do&rine ,   or  keep  the  hold  of 
 a  falfe  Spirit ,   to  rent  the  Union  ,   and  difturb  the  Faith  and 
 Fellowfhip  of  the  Saints,   and  yet  be  counted  of  that  Num- 
 ber :    and  for  this  end,  to  make  Confeffion  of  the  Truth,and 
 give  an  Honourable  Tellimony  to  the  Servants  of  the  Truth, 
 and  yet  vaunt  of  fome  higher  things  to  lead  men  to  k.     Thus 
 f7?i3.  ^-^/bufie  is  SataR,rulingin  the  Wifdom  of  the  Flefh  5  whence,the 
 i$Iii.ic«7.ii  Wifdom  of  the  Fleify  and  fo  all  carnal  Men,  are  full  of oppo- 
 13,14,15.18.    iitions  againft  the  plain  Teftimony  of  Scripture ,  yea ,  fome*- 
 times  fome ,   in  feme  meafure  gracious,  are  yet  by  Satan  and 
 his  Inftruments ,  and  the  remaining  Flefh  in  them,  in  fome 
 meafure  tainted  :  fo  ,  as  from  many  Men  we  have  many  Ob- 
 jections againft  the  plain  fayings  of  the  Gofpel,  and  the  plain 
 appearing  fenfe  imported  by  them.    And  notwithftanding  all 
 faid  in  the  Scriptures  quoted  in  the  firft  and  fecond  Chapter^ 
 yet  will  they  neither  give  that  Glory  to  GocJthem{elves,to 
 
 believe 
 
and  Satan  to  Him.  u 
 
 believe  him  on  his  word;  nor  fuffer  thofe  that  do,to  be  at  reft, 
 but  feek  to  trouble  and  unfettle  them  many  waves ;  and  the 
 wayes  by  which  they  endeavour  to  trouble  Believers,  are  e- 
 fpecially  three :  firft,  by  Spirit,or  pretence  of  Infpiration,  and 
 fpeaking  from  an  infallible  Spirit.  Secondly ,  by  Word,in 
 Queries ,  or  iubtil  Reafonings ,  and  Philoiophical  Difputes. 
 Thirdly ,  by  pretence  of  Scripture,  alleadging  it  with  feme 
 addition,  or  diminution ,  orwreLira*  of  all  which  ,  we  117^,4.1. cot. 
 are  forewarned  to  beware  /.  I  ftuil  endeavour  to  remove  the  *>8.*i  btj.%.*. 
 rnoft  ufuai  Obje&ions,  which  each  of  them  do  make* 
 
 CHAP.  4. 
 
 ^nJffaj  to  remove  the  objections  of  thofe  that  pretmd 
 Spirit ,  come  clothed  with  Pretence  of  Infpiration  and 
 Zeal. 
 
 YOti  have  nothing  but  Letter  *   what  you  read  in  other  (Jfyfens  /-\u;eo. 
 Writings  5  but  I  have  the  Sprit ,  the  infallible  Spirit  :  Cod       '      *   -f 
 hath  injpired  this  to  mey  and  it  is  God  within  fne  ,    thatjpea{eth  by 
 me\  and  that  I  jpeal^isthe  true  Senfe  and  Minde  of  God ;  your 
 Senfe  imported  by  the  Letter  is  carnal^  andflefhlj^  and  of  Man^and 
 fo  not  the  true  Senfe. 
 
 1.  Your  boafting  difcovers  your  unfoundn eft  5  for  he  that  Anfw. 
 Jpeaketh  of  himfelfifeeketh  his  own  glory  a ;  and,  not  he  that  com- 
 
 ntendeth  himfelf  bm  he  whom  God  commendeth  is  approved  b.        f  ^° ?J{ J  x  \ 
 
 2.  Your  bearing  wicnefs  of  your  felf ,  makes  you  like  the 
 Heathen  Idols  r,  and  your  w  itnefs  not  true  d;  and  corning  in  c  ifa.444. 
 your  own  Name,  pretending  the  Name  of  Chrift,  as  if  you  d  Jok$  31,3** 
 were  Chritl,    declares  you  to  be  a  falfe  Apoftle  or  Pio- 
 
 3 .  For  the  true  Chrift,  full  of,  and  led  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  7  i%.Mat.t+j 
 gave  every  Anfwer  to  the  Tempter,  with,  Thus  it  is  written  f ;  1 4- 
 
 and  direfted  all  his  Hearers  to  fearch  the  Scriptures :  and  the  f  ^•4'M*4* 
 true  Apoftles ,  though  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghoft ,   yet  did 
 fflagnifie  the  Scriptures  fore-written,  and  proved,  and  made 
 
 D  2  known 
 
il       ObjeBiom  of  tbofe  that  pretend  Spirit 
 
 known  all  their  Do&rine  by  them,  according  to  the.  Com- 
 gGtf/.i.V*-  mandofGodjj.  And  that  Spirit ,  or  that  Man  pretending 
 Rem.16. 1^16.  Spirit, which  heareth  not  (fubmitteth  not  to  believe,  obey, 
 ^#.17.1,3.  &  and  be  determined  by)  the  Do&rine  and  Saying  of  the  Pro- 
 
 "i \\\      l6'  Ph€cs  and  APclHes>  k  not  of  God  h. 
 
 h  iJoh-4.6.         Wherefore  that  Spirit  that  fpeaks  of  himielf,is  not  of  God; 
 i  Pet.  s.x.      for  the  Holy  Spirit  never  fpeaketh  of  himielf ,  but  he  witnef- 
 feth  of  Chrift  ,  and  fheweth  and  teacheth  the  things  of  him  $ 
 and  that  in  bringing  to  remembrance  the  Sayings  of  Chrift 
 by  himfeif  or  his  Spirit  in  the  Prophets  that  were  written,and 
 he  had  before  taught  his  Apcftles  ,   that  they  might  witnefs 
 i  /#ft.itf.i  3  .&  them  to  us,  and  we  believe  through  their  word  *'. 
 i4.atf.14.x4.     And  thofe  that  by  Faith  do  know  ,   That  the  world  was 
 25»^414»^»madeby"Godt.>and  that  it  is  prefer ved  and  upheld  by  God 
 k  Heb!ii7n°.  through  Chrift  / ;  and  that  the  Scripture  was  given  by  Infpi- 
 tPfal.3  5.3  xol.  ration  of  God  m ;  and  Chrift  fent  forth,  and  to  have  done  all 
 I-I7.  things  according  to  the  Scripture  n  ;     they  know  alio,  That 
 
 hAHf*  I'16' what  the  Scr*PIure  fa"b,the  Holy  Ghoft  faith  the  fame  0  5  find 
 &$.i4*&*ii  w^at  tne ^°^  Ghoft  hath  once  faid  and  teftified  as  true  in 
 x8.kmm.i3x33  Chrift,  he  never  altereth  that  Teftimony  ,  but  brcatheth  in  it 
 oG<z/.3.8.Hf^. llill; and ibwhere-ever written, thapremaineth  Truth:  which 
 3-  r.  proves  this  Obje&ion  vain. 
 
 Object,  2,  Tou  underftand  not  our  teeming:  for  we  do  believe  in  ,  and 
 
 magnife  Chrift  and  the  Scripture ,  at  much  as  yon  do  ;  but  we 
 have  Chrift  and  the  Scripture  within  tu  \  and  we  believe  that,  and 
 fpea^that  from  inward  and  experimental  Knowleige^and  the  infal- 
 lible Spirit^  and  that  wefpeak  is  the  Minder  of  God  :  but  yon  be- 
 lieve in  And  magnifie  a  Chrift  without you^and  fa  believe  andjpeal^ 
 of^nd  from  the  Scripture  that  is  without  you ;  andfo  the  trueSenfe 
 and  Mind  of  God  which  is  infallible^  and  from  Chrtft  and  the  Scri~ 
 ptttre  within  y  is  to  you  a  Parable  $  and  all  you  hold  and  believe  is 
 b#tfle(hly  and  fallible. 
 £™fw*  Mere  is  ftill  the  former  boafting ,    and  felf-witnefling ,  and 
 
 felf-exalting,  though  wich  more  difcovery  of  Vanity,  Blafphe- 
 my, and  Pride,  or.Atheiim,  than  the  former,  as  will  appear 
 to  all  that  know  who  we  mean  by  Chrift,  and  what  we  mean 
 by  "Scripture.. 
 
 For,  1.  By  Chrift  in, whom  we  believe,  we  mean  not  ,  An 
 Imagination  or  Trams  ;  but ,  the.  fe,cond  pwblick  Man  ,  the 
 
 fpiritu« 
 
removed. 
 
 lpirknal  Man,  who  not  only  out  of  us,  but  before  we  in  our 
 Pcrfons  were,and  without  any  Motion  or  In-being  in  us,  did 
 himielf  take  our  Nature,  being  conceived  by,  and  born  of  a 
 Woman,a  Virgin,  that  was  of  the  naturalSeed  and  Lineal  De- 
 fcent  of  David,  and  Abraham,  and  Adam  \  and  fb  took  a  per- 
 fonal  Body  of  his  own,  in  which  he  bore  onr  (ins  oil  the  Tree, 
 and  was  made  a  Curie,  and  died  for  u?,  and  overcame  Dea!h, 
 and  fhook  off  ail  Mortality  without  feeing  corruption  in  that 
 Body, in  which  being  buried,  he  rbfe  again  ,  and  appeared -z% 
 and  converfed  with  his  Difciples ,  and  then  in  their  %ht ■de- 
 parted from  themout  of  this  World  in  that  rii'enBcdyY  arid 
 fa  attended  into  Heaven ,  and  offered  himielf  a  facrifice  to 
 God> and  fate  down  on  his  right  Hand ;  and  in  that  now  gio- 
 ri&ed  Body  remaineth  in  Heaven  a  great  High  Prieft,appeanng 
 before  God  ever-living  to  intercede  for  us.  This  is  The  Chrift 
 our  Saviour  ,  not  to  e6me  to  take  ftefh,  nor  faGomiflg$  ncr -P& 
 inus  :  he  hath  done  that  already  he  wis'toxfo  in  his  own 
 Body  for  us,  and  can  die  nomore,  but  is  alive  for  evermore, 
 kraneafurably  filled  with  Spirit  to  fend  forth  to  us.  The  right 
 knowing  of  him,  is  the  original  and  right  way  of-  knowing  air 
 things ;:  and  right  knowing  and  vvorltipping  offG6dc,is  in  the 
 Cohfeffion  of  him,  thus  to  be  already  come  in  ehefkfh  ;  and1  *  ?ohn  4-  ?•  - 
 that'  Spirit  that  denieth  this  is-ths  Spirit  of  AntkhriM  ;  mi 
 he  that  denieth  that  This  Jefus  is  The  Chriit,hei3  AncichrW, x  /«&•*•">»  3« 
 and  denieth  the  Father' and  th&SOn. 
 
 And  whoever  believeth  in  This-  Jefas,  receiveth  of  his  Spi- 
 rit, which  imprimeth  his  Word,  and  frameth  hr,  Mind'e  inkii 
 Heart,enriching  him  with  his  ConfoUVions-;  and  -\"o  by-Word*  coLlij^i? 
 and  Spirit,  and  Riches  of  Grace,(andnot  in  bodily  presence) 
 isChrirtin  Believers ;  and  in  ib  being  in  them,  he  is  to  them 
 the  Hope  of  Glory. 
 
 But  whoever  believeth  not  in  this  Ch'riil  without  tbem? 
 and  receiveth  not  the  Efficacies  and  -Frame*  wfchifi,  teem  the 
 excellency  of  the  knowledge  of,and  Belief  in'hirrvwkhour,  k> 
 as  he  that  is  without  in  bodily  pcefence,  is  within  by  ipirhual 
 preience  ;  but  come  to  undervalue  him  as  without  chem,  and 
 magnifte  fomethirv:  within  themr  All  that  within,  is  but  meer 
 delufion,  which  the  enfuing  Difcourfe  will  further  (hew  :  ib. 
 that  the  voice  of  this  Objection  being  fo  firange^the  (heep  wiU 
 not  hear  it,  2.  And 
 
i^       Objections  of  thofe  that  pretend  Spirit 
 
 i.  And  as  for  the  Scripture,  we  mean  not  by  Scripture,  Ink 
 and  Paper,  nor  Letter?  of  A,B,C,#r.  nor  Syllables  and  parti- 
 cular Words,  nor  Writing,  or  Printing,  or  a  Book  bound  up  in 
 Leaves,or  rolled  inParchment;But  that  we  mean  by  Scripture, 
 is  net  thewriting,but the  thing  written;not  barely  thewords, 
 but  the  thing  founded  forth  and  imported  to  us  in  the  words. 
 And  fo  *he  Almighty  God ,   that  is  Eternal ,  without  Begin- 
 ning, before  all  Things,  and  without  End,  Omnipotent,  Om- 
 nifdent,  Infinite  ,  and  Immutable,  the  Creator  of  all  things ; 
 and  his  onely  Son ,  that  was  in  the  Beginning,  and  from  Eter- 
 nity with  him ,    by  whom  he  made  ail  things ,  and  whom  he 
 fent  forth  made  of  a  Woman,and  fo  Man,  the  eflential  Word  ; 
 and  the  Holy  Ghoft  proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
 the  infallible  Spirit  that  witnefleth  the  Mindeof  God  :  This 
 one  God,Three  in  One,and  this  Minde  made  known  to  Men, 
 *he  Manifestation  and  making  it  known  ,   is  the  Inftrumental 
 Word  of  God,  whether  infpired,  fpoken  or  written.   And  of 
 thi>  God  and  his  Minde  it  is ,  as  fo  made  known ,    that  we 
 mean;  and  when  it  is  once  by  his  Command  and  Inipirati- 
 on,  written  ,  and  put  on  record  for  us ,   to  make  known  his 
 Pw\ia.2o;2i  Minde  to  us,  as  now  it  is,  then  is  all  this  called  Scripture ;  and 
 :fo  when  God  had  once  by  his  Spirit  preached  theGofpelto 
 (^Abraham ,   this  being  after  written  by  Mofes,  is  fince  called 
 Scripture.     Now  it  was  not  Mofes  his  Writing  that  did  fore- 
 fee  and  preach,  nor  the  Book,  or  Letters,  or  Words  written 
 therein  :  but  the  Spirit  in  that  Teftimonv  did  fore-ieeand 
 preach  ;  which  being  Written,  and  left  on  Record ,  is  there- 
 G/1/.3.  8.        forc  cai|ec|  Scripture.    And  when  the  Holy  Ghoft  had  in  and 
 by  David  laid  to  the  People  ,,  To  day  if  you  will  hear  my  voice, 
 VCal   <  7        harden  vet  your  hearts  j  This  being  once  written,  and  left  on 
 /*>•<•      Record  for  Generations  following  ,    the  Holy  Ghoft  is  faid 
 where-ever  that  Scripture  is  given,  (till  to  fay  it.  And  to  thole 
 Heb.  3. 7.        to  whom  no  probability  that  that  particular  Word  was  infpi- 
 red into  every  of  them,  which  was  lb  given  to  Ifrael  and  Jo- 
 (hua ,    Dem.x  3 .6,8.   yet  it  beins  after  written  and  left  upon 
 Record  for  his  peoples  ule  ,  it's  faid  to  them  many  Generati- 
 ng. 13.  j.       ons  after,  He  hath  faid,  Ivpillnever  leave  thee,  norjorfake  thee  : 
 yea,  that  which  God  fpake  to  Mofes  in  the  Bufh,  our  Saviour, 
 E.mi  3.5.      }c  being  written,  faid  to  the  corrupt  and  erroneous  Sadduces, 
 
 Have 
 
removed.  15 
 
 Have  not  you  read  that  which  was  fpoken  b)  <jod  to  yany  faying  I  ^AL  r*.3 1,3 a. 
 *m  the  God,  &c.      And  ib  the  Spirit  in  the  A  potties  teacheth 
 us,  That  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime,  were  written  7?flWl|  5,4. 
 for  our  learning,  that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scri- 
 pture might  have  hope.    Surely,  this  written  aforetime,fo  long 
 before  we  were,  was  wntrcn  without  us  .5  yea,  without  even 
 thofe  of  us  to  whom  that  fentence  was  wrkten,  and  therefore 
 written  without  in  Leaves ,  that  they  might  have  recourfe  to 
 it, and  learn  ir,  and  love  it,  and  to  have  it  within  y    which  true 
 Believers  then  had,  and  now  have*  that,  for  their  good,  writ- 
 ten without ;    by  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  believing^  putting  if  in  \M'll&(f* 
 their  Minde  and  Heart,  written  within ;  and  yet  the  iame  and  #?J*0 %$\%f\ ' 
 more  encreafedwithin,byufe  of  that  without;  and  lb,  that 
 both  without  and  within  fenceth  us  againlt  Seducers. 
 
 And  this  gracious  God  inChriit,  wich  his  gracious  Minde, 
 as  made  known  and  written  ,  isthat  wecall  Sciipture ,  beie 
 written  or  printed  over  and  over,  in  Hebrew,  Greeks Laiine, 
 Englifh,  or  any  Language,  be  it  in  Paper  or  Parchment,  in 
 Tables,  Rolls,  or  Books.     This, not  the  Writing ,  but  the. 
 Thing  written,we  mean  by  Scripture.      And  now  God  hath 
 been  fo  gracious,  to  caufe  the  great  things  of  his  Law  to  be 
 written  to  us,  and  then  called  Scripture  \  (hall  we,  becaule  of 
 the  meannefs  of  a  Scribe  ,  the  homelineis  of  the  Letter,  and 
 commonnefs  of  the  Books  in  which  it  is  conveyed  to  us,  con-     - 
 temn  and  defpife  it,  and  call  it  Letter,  Ink,  and  Paper  ,  and 
 Scripture  without  u?,  and  lb  count  it  as  a  Grange  thing  ?  iiirely     f         - 
 then,  this  will  be  charged  on  us  as  a  great  fin,  and  a  rej  ding  \i,*73li? 
 of  his  Word ;  and  that  Word  without  us,  defpiied  by  us,and 
 therefore  not  within  us ,  (hail  yet  judge  us  at  the  kit  day. 
 
 As  for  any  other  Scripture  within  u<,  then  this  Teh'imony 
 of  Chrilt  and  God's  gracious  Minde  in  him,  that  is  written  in 
 the  Scripture  that  is  without  us,  we  deiire  not :  but  to  have 
 this  written  without,  to  be  enlightned  to  our  hearts ;  and  in 
 undemanding ,  believing ,  lo  ing  or  retaining  the  fame,  to 
 have  it  by  the  fame  Spirit  that  firrr  terrified  it ,  to  be  testified 
 and  written  in  our  heart  withinus^  lb  as  our  hearts  be  framed  • 
 into  the  fame  Minde  and  defign  with  God  and  Chriit ;  fo  we 
 defire  it  more  and  more  written  within.  But  wherefoever  G£«.8.ii.  j*V?, 
 this Teftimony  of  Chrilt  that  is  written  withour, is  flighted,^?. 
 
 and  . 
 
\6      ObjeBions  ofthofe  that  pretend  Spirit. 
 
 and  that  is  not  it  within,as  is  faid,  Allwithin  is  filthy  and  de- 
 ?M  »o  l6'    &*&&  and  he  is  a  fool  that  trufteth  his  own  heart,or  a  Spirit 
 of  falfhood ,  when  God  hath  given  us  fo  good  a  Law  andTe- 
 ftimony  to  refort  unto. 
 Obje&.  2 .       Whatever  it  be  that  is  written,  yet  the  Letter  is  dead  and  kifoth) 
 and  tt  is  the  Spirit  that  cjttichexeth. 
 Anfw,         This  is  partly, if  not  fully  anfwered  in  the  former  Anfwec ; 
 yet  I  ihali confider  the  words ,  as ufed  in  2  Cor.  3.5,6.  Our 
 fufliciency  is  of  God ,   who  alfo  hath  made  m  able  LMtniflers  of 
 the  New  Teftament  ;    not  of  the  Letter  ,  but  of  the  Spirit :  for 
 the  Letter  kjlleth  ,   bnt  the  Spirit  giveth  life.     Now  all  that  is 
 objected  againft  the  livelineis  and  plainnefs  of  the  Gofpel 
 in  this  place ,   lieth  in  thefe  two  words ,  Letter  and  Spirit^ 
 which  if  right  underftood,    according  to  Scripture-Language 
 and  import,   clears  all;  and  (hews  the  Objection  forcelefs. 
 Confider  it : 
 
 1 .  By  Letter  is  not  here  meant,  A,  B,  C,  &c.  oppofed  to  a 
 blank  without  fuch  Letters,or  to  a  breath  without  a  Soundjthe 
 word  Letter  is  not  fo  ufed  in  any  Do&rine  of  Law  or  Gofpel: 
 nor  yet  by  Letter  is  meant  Syllables  and  Words,  written  and 
 read  over ,  and  fpoken,  oppofed  tofome  fecret  and  infenfible 
 conveyance  of  the  Minde  to  the  inward  Spijk  ;  Scripture 
 doth  not  fo  ure  the  word  Letter  :  nor  yet  is  by  Letter  here 
 meant  the  outward  found  of  the  words  in  Miniftration  of 
 them,  by  reading,  fpeaking,  or  receiving  them,  in  hearing  and 
 underftanding  them,  according  to  the  outward  import  of  the 
 words. 
 
 But  by  Letter  is  evident  to  be  meant  the  Thing  it  felf  that 
 was  written  in  the  Law  of  works  to  be  done  under  a  penalty, 
 and  the  fo  doing  of  it :  and  fo  the  Apoftle,  in  reproof  of  the 
 1    iA  Jewtfh  Zealots  thatboafted  much  of  their  keeping  the  Law, 
 Km.  a-  7>     ui-e  j  t^e  worj  £ftttrf.0  fignifie  the  Law  of  Works ,  Circumci- 
 fion  teeing  that  outward  Covenant,  in  which,  all  that  came  to 
 be  of  zAbraham  's  Family  ,   were  obliged  to  wait  on  God  in 
 uie  of  all  Ordinances  given :  though  Circumcision  was  before 
 Gal.  3.4.         jtfofes,zrd  fo  nor  of  Mofes  ;   yet  when  God  gave  the  Law  to 
 Mofes^xsA  by  Mofes  to  the  PeopIe,then  Circumcifion  did  ft  ill 
 oblige  all  the  circumcifed ,  to  obferve  all  the  Ordinances 
 given  them  by  Mofes,  called  the  Law :  and  none  ftut  the  cir- 
 cumcifed 
 
removed.  ty 
 
 cumcifed  had  Liberty  to  have  Fellowfoip  with  them  in  the  sxod.  i*.4s. 
 ufe  or  thofe  Ordinances :  whence  all  that  people ,  which  did  Ephef.*.ii,ni 
 fo  worftup  God,  were  called,  The  Circumcifion  ;  and  all  the  Rm.n.*.Epb. 
 outward  Duties ,   in  that  outward  Worihip  and  Ceremony, J-"^6/;*;  » 
 together  in  one,  called,  Circumcifion.     And  this  outward 
 Circumcifion  is  plainly  faid  to  be  that  of  the  Letter,  and  op- 
 pofed to  that  of  the  Spirit;  whence  alfo,  it  is  oppofed  to  ^-"M* 
 ■Faith  in  Chrift,  according  to  the  Gofpel ;  which  Grace  given 
 and  received,freeth  us  from  the  Bondage  of  that  Ixw^hat  we  Rm>  *•  *» 
 mayferve  in  newnefi 'of Spirit,  and  not  in  the  oldnefs  of  the  Letter:  ^m%  $#l. 
 In  which  fenfe,the  Gofpel ,  that  is,  the  Law  of  the  Spirit ,  is 
 oppofed  to  this  Law  of  Works ,  called,  The  Law  of  Sin  and 
 Death.     And  it  is  before  /hewn,  That  this  Law  was  given  to 
 difcover  Sin,  and  fentence  to  death ,  that  Men  might  be  dft*  f   'u 
 
 ven  to  Chrift  ;  and  fo  its  End  was  to  Life,  but  to  Life  in  a  kil- 
 ling way ;  Death  by  this  Law,  and  Life  in  Chrift,  for  whom  it 
 fitted,  and  to  whom  it  led. 
 
 Now  confider,  That  as  the  Apoftle  faith  not ,   Theletter 
 of  the  New  Teftament,whofe  very  outward  Sound  is  of  Life  ; 
 but,7%*  Letter :  fo  it  was  not  a  dead  Letter  that  killed,  or 
 could  kill :  it  was  not  Words ,  writ,  read,  fpoken  or  heard 
 only  ;  but  the  Things  imported  therein ,  underftood  and  ***•  %>*f>1  *> 
 minded,  that  did  difcover  to  them  their  Dtrty,and  move  them  £  &**  '*  *• 
 to  fet  on  the  Performance  :  yet  when  they  did  this  to  get  PhU^.i^l 
 Righteoufnefs,and  be  Righteous  in,  they  went  wrong ,  and  f$bn  5.45. 
 their  Works  were  but  dead  Works ,   their  conceited  Life 
 thereby  a  Deceit,  and  they  ftill  Dead,  though  trufting  in  the 
 Letter,  or  thofe  Duties  doing,  ftill  fwerving  from  the  end  for 
 which  the  Law  or  Letter  was  given;  &  this  was  Confidence  in 
 the  Flefh :  For  God's  end  in  giving  that  Letter  or  Law,  was  ^ai  %  i%9 
 not  to  make  them  Righteous  by  it,but  to  difcover  fin,and  fen- 
 tence them  to  death  ,  that  fo  they  might  be  enlivened  by 
 Chrift:  inrefpeftof  which  gracious  end  of  God,  and  the 
 Tendency  of  the  Letter  or  Law  thereto,    it  is  affirmed R  t 
 
 in  the  Miniftration ,  To  have  been  glorious,  and  alfo  profita-  tcgr.^kmi 
 ble,if  foobferved  ;  for  fo  it  miniftred  fin  in  difcovery  of  it,  1.1?. 
 and  death  in  the  fentence  ;  and  fo  killeth ,  that  in  that  way 
 they  might  be  brought  to  Life,  not  by  it,  but  by  Chrift  typed 
 out  in  one  part  of  this  Law;  and  fo,  and  to  this  end,the  Letter 
 
 E  kil- 
 
killeth,  yet  this  killing  and  death  that  fitteth  for  life  in  Chrift* 
 was  noteffe£led  by  a  dead  Letter,  or  by  Words,  or  Sound 
 heard  only ,  but  by  fome  gracious  operation  of  God  there- 
 in, minding  them  of,  and  opening  their  Underftandings  to 
 difcero  their  finfulnefs,  and  fubmitting  their  Hearts  to  fay  A- 
 men  to  the  Curie,  and  helping  them  in  Obfervance  of  the 
 Rites,  to  look  to  Chrift  to  come  $  that  fo,  having  no  hope  in 
 their  own  Observances,  being  in  that  reipeft  dead  alio,  they 
 faw  the  end  of  the  Law  to  lead  them  to  Chrift :  And  this  was 
 the  right  ufe  of  the  Letter ,  and  the  Work  of  God  ,  by,  and 
 with  the  Letter ,  in  this  killing  way  to  fit  them  for  Life.  But 
 this  Medium  and  Way  of  killing  to  prepare  for  Life,  God  was 
 not  minded  always  to  ufe :  but  as  it  was  given  450  yeers  after 
 GaL$A6,\7,  the  Covenant  made  with  ^Abraham,  to  whom  the  Seed,  and 
 3 *>  *o3*  5.  Bleffmg  in  that  Seed  was  promifed*  fo  it  was  to  continue  but 
 till  Chrift  that  Seed  came :  fo  that  this  Law  miniftred  by  Mo- 
 fes9  appears  all  the  way  in  every  place  i peaking  of  this  bufinefs, 
 and  in  this  very  2  £ot%  3.  to  be  meant  by  Letter  :  for  that 
 Law  in  Miniftration  of  it ,  was  the  Miniftration  of  fin  and 
 of  death,  or  condemnation  for  fin  to  death  ;  and  that  to  fo 
 gracious  an  end,  as  is  laid :  whence  faid  to  be  glorious ,  and 
 yet  to  be  done  away. 
 
 2.  By '.Spirit ,  is  not  here  meant  fimply  and  onely  afu- 
 
 pernatural  fhine  and  infufion  of  Divine  Power  and  Spirit  into 
 
 the  Hearts  of  Men,  creating  a  new  and  living  Spirit,  even  the 
 
 Epiftle ,  or  Mihde  of  Chrift  in  the  Heart ,  a  living  Principle, 
 
 fpringing  up  in  living  and  quickening  Efficacies  :  by  Spirit  is 
 
 not  meant  this  only,  but  the  Gofpel, through  which  this  was 
 
 conveyed;  for  they  by  whom  this  Epiftle  was  miniftred,  in 
 
 refpeft  whereof,  they  were  Minifters  of  the  Spirit ,  and  their 
 
 Miniftration, of  Life :  That  which  they  did  Minifter,  was  the 
 
 Mm.  12.  20.   Epiftle  of  Chrift,  even  the  Gofpel,  as  come  forth  and  witnef- 
 
 jtohn  14.17,1 8.  fed  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  fince  his  Afcenfion  ;  in  Miniftration 
 
 efcjfrarf,i7f    whereof,  Chrift,  according  to  his  Promife ,    isprefentwkh 
 
 them  by  his  Spirit  ;    and  his  Work  it  is  in  their  Miniftration, 
 
 to  fend  forth  of  his  Spirit  :  fo  as  the  Min lft ration  of  the  E- 
 
 •  piftle  of  Chrift  ,  the  Words  of  Chrift  ,  which  are  Spirit  and 
 
 Life,  is  their  Work;  but  the  Supernatural  Shine ,  Infufion 
 
 ind  Writing  the  Minde  of  Chrift  in  the  Heart ,   is  the  very 
 
 Work 
 
removed.  ip 
 
 Work  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  from  Chrift  himfelf,  though  in  their 
 Miniftration,  and  in,  with,  and  through  the  Gofpel  minift red 
 by  them  ;  which  diftin&ion  is  here  given  us  by  the  Apoftle 
 himfelf  in  this  iCor.^  .2,3.  &  in  divers  other  places  p.  So  that  piat.);fcr,?f 
 by  the  Spirit  is  here  meant  the  Gofpel,yet  the  Gofpel  in  a  pe-  Gai.s.t.Eph.^ 
 culiar  fenfe :  for  Mofes  preached  the  Gofpel  alfo,even  the  fame  *«•**#.» «.". 
 Gofpel,  although  not  in  the  fame  Manner,  and  Spirit  alfo  went 
 forth  in  the  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpel,as  delivered  by  Mofes:  q  Rom.10.6,7, 
 but  they  to  whom  it  was  fo  preached ,  were  ftill  under  the  8.^.3.  *a,af 
 Law ,  and  had  the  Law  to  convince  them  of  fin ,  and  the  Law 
 to  lead  them  in  Obfervances  to  look  to  Chrift  :  fo  that  the 
 Gofpel  was  alfo  preached  with  and  under  the  Law  or  Letter, 
 which  was  the  firft ,  and  now  Old  Teftament :  But  now  that 
 Chrift  is  come,  and  Truth  fulfilled  in  him  r ,    that  life  of  the  xJob.i.i^i69 
 Law  enjoyned  to  the  Jews,  is  taken  away,  and  in  the  Gofpel  17318.' 
 preaching ,   Life  is  preached  with  Freedom  s  in  a  Word  of  s  *  cm.  3.1 1. ; 
 Grace;  in,  and  with  which  believed,  the  Spirit  operateth,  ^'*,2°' 
 both  to  convince  of  Sin,and  to  lead  into  Chrift,and  fo  into  all 
 Truth  t ,  and  write  the  Minde  of  Chrift  in  the  Heart.    And  z^ft  u'7>17 
 this  is  the  New  Teftament  of  which  the  Apoftles  were  Mi-         ,10* 
 nifters ;  and  according  to  which ,  with  Freedom  and  Ful* 
 nefs  they  preached  the  Gofpel  and  Teftimony  of  Chrift.  And 
 fo  of  this  Teftimony  of  Chrift ,  was  <?**/  and  the  refidue  of 
 the  Apoftles  and  firft  Witnefles,  made  Minifters  u.    And  u  ji8.t6.\  s. 
 this  Gofpel  being  teftified ,  and  brought  forth  by  the  Holy  Rom.i%.\6. 
 Spirit  w ;  and  being  that,  in  Miniftration  whereof,  the  Holy  £?M  -7.  c$Uu 
 Spirit  witnefleth  #,    andfo  the  Gofpel ,  the  Power  of  God  Vifch.us. 
 in  every  one  that  believeth  to  Salvation,  working  in  and  with  A&.i.%%.«  * 
 it  in  the  Believer  y ,  it  therefore  hath  the  Name  of  the  Spi-  x  Job.i$.i€3vf 
 rit  *,and  fo  is  rightly  called  Spirit ;  yea,it  is  the  Spirit  of  Pro-  &1  '-7>*>*  3- 
 phecie ,  and  this  Teftimony  of  Chrift  is  of  him ,    and  that  y  *?m:  ul6' 
 which  abideth  for  ever;  and  this  Miniftration  of  it,  to  abide  Ijohn^ 
 till  his  own  perfonal  coming  again,  and  fo  is  a  more  glorious  Rev.  19.  so, 
 Miniftration  than  that  of  Mofes  9    which  is  done  away;  that 
 having  alio  a  veil^but  this  delivered  without  veil :  and  this  to 
 be  meant  by  Spirit,  is  feen  in  the  whole  Chap,  of  this  2  Cor.%. 
 And  this  Teftimony  of  Chift  is  one  and  the  fame,  whether 
 writ ,  printed ,  read ,  preached  or  heard  ;   and  fo  not  Let* 
 ter7b\xtGofpel}  miniftring,  not  Sin  and  Death,  but  Wor&ivenep 
 
 E  2  and 
 
zj$hn  6.  3*.    ?nd  Lifc>whether  Men  believe  and  receive  it  or  not  a.  And  it 
 
 ^#.x3-37ii8.  is  akinde  of  Blafphemy  to  call  this  Gofpel  Letter,  much  more 
 to  call  it  a  killing  Letter  ;  the  Gofpel  in  Mofes  Miniftration, 
 was  not  fo  called,  but,  The  Law ;  much  lefs  may  it  now  be 
 fo  called  :  it  is  a  Word  of  Life ;  and  they  that  refufe  it,  refufe 
 Life;  and  the  refufal  brings  death  :  though  only  Believers 
 receive  and  meet  with  the  fpiritual  Power,  and  living  Effica- 
 b  *rW.i.M>.9cs  tncrc°f  b  i  (o  that  quite  contrary  to  the  end  of  the  Ob- 
 i.Tbtf^Mh  K&ion ,  we  are  led  by  this  place  tomagnifie  the  Gofpel  and 
 Tettimony  of  Chrift,for  the  Truth,Livingnefs,  Excellency  and 
 Plainnefs  thereof. 
 
 And  thus  much  to  take  away  that  by  which  thefe  moft  dan- 
 gerous troublers  of  Believers,  endeavour  to  withdraw  then* 
 from  believing  the  plain  import  of  the  plain  fayings  of  Chriit 
 va  Scripture, 
 
 CHAP*  5- 
 
 An  A  (fay  to  remove  the  Stumbling- blocks  laid  in  the  wd)  bf 
 them  that  feek  to  trouble  them  by  Wordy  that  is,  by  plead* 
 ing  the  Judgement  and  Traditions  of  Fore- fit  hers ,  or  bf 
 Fhilofophj  and  vain  Reafonings ,  or  by  fubtil  and  Rhe- 
 torical Queries  and  Ferfwafionsfo  dra*  them  from  belief 
 ofGoffel-fajings. 
 
 Qbjeft,  X I  fr\*r  ftthersfhe  Holy  and  learned  Men  ,  and  chief  Teachers. 
 vJ  in  the  Churchy  have  thus  under  flood  and  interpreted ;  theft 
 have  been  their!)  oBrines  andTraditions  ,  which  they  have  una- 
 nimoufly  taught  5  and  the  moft  zealous  and  confcienciousfor  many 
 Generations,  have  fo  held  and  obferved  :  will  you  be  fo  profane  f 
 turn  afide  therefrom  ;  fo  proud,  to  think. you  know  more  and  better 
 than  all  thefe ;  fo  Jtngular  fiom  all  §ther  Men  in  jour  Opinion  and 
 Way  ?  hpow  you  not  it  will  be  an  Offence  to  our  learned  Men  and 
 Teachers ,  and  lay  a  blemifh  on  them  and  our.  Fore-fathers  ,  as  if 
 they  were  miftaken,  and  did  crre  ? 
 
 We 
 
removed.  21 
 
 We  have  a  plain  Anfwer  to  all  this  in  the  Do&rine  of  Chrift,  tAnfw, 
 that  all  Do&rines,  Sayings,  Interpretations,  Gloffes,  Sences, 
 Traditions,  that  are  not  found  in  the  Law  and  Teftimony  ; 
 that  have  but  the  Do&rine  and  Tradition  of  Men  to  warrant 
 them,how  many  &  learned,  and  how  ancient  foever  they  be  ; 
 yet  they  muft  not  be  taken,  becaufe  their  Words  and  Senfe,to 
 be  therefore  right ,  but  muft  be  re&ified  and  brought  to  the 
 plain  fayings  of  Truth  ;  and  all  not  fo  re&ified,muft  be 
 reje&ed:  And  thus  did  our  Saviour  redifie  the  commonly 
 received  ienfe  of  the  Law ,  and  reje&ed  the  falfe  Gloffes  a :  *Mat.%  2i,ti, 
 and  fo  he  hath  like  wife  taught  us,  Tnat  it  is  in  vain ,  and  S9^ar.io.s>9- 
 makes  the  Word  and  Sayings  of  God  of  none  effe&,  to  teach, 
 and  believe,  and  worflhip  God ,  with,  and  by  the  Doftrines, 
 Traditions,  and  Opinions  of  Men ,  that  are  not  in  the  Say- 
 ings of  God,  and  fo  not  of  hirn,but  of  men;  how  many,iearn- 
 ed,  holy,  or  ancient  foever  they  appear  bv  bifa.191^ 
 
 And  he  hath  likewite  taught  us  ,    That  every  Plant  which  Mat*  M«».9- 
 our  Heavenly  Father  hath  not  planted ,  muft  be  plucked  up ;  M****1** 
 and  God's  own  Sayings  Believers  are  to  juftifie  ,  whoever  be 
 thereby  found  a  Iyer  ,  letting  fuch  lyers  alone  ,  not  being 
 troubled  with  fear  of  offending  them,  becaufe  they  be  bUnde 
 leaders  of  the  blinde  c.  cmau<>  .13,14. 
 
 Thejews  of  old  were  commended  for  obferving  theplain^1119*7^^ 
 Words  and  Sayings  of  the  Law,  though  many  right  holy  Men  3'4' 
 for  divers  Generations  before  ,  had  not  done  fo  exa&ly  ac- 
 cording to  the  plain  faying  of  the  Law  af;  yea,  the  Priefts  and  J  HthA.xwu 
 Scribes  of  the  Jews  in  Herod 's  time ,  when  they  anfwered  a     '  7* 
 Queftion  with  a  plain  faying  of  Scripture  ,   erred  not  in  the 
 Anfwer  given  t  % .  fo  vi&orious  is  the  Truth  in  its  own  fay- e  Mitt-  *•  **** 
 ings. 
 
 Nor  is  it  Pride ,  or  finfal  Singularity  ,  or  j uft  caufe  of  Of- 
 fence to  any,  to  believe  the  Sayings  of  God  to  be  true, 
 whoever  be  reproved  as  a  Iyer  thereby  ;  but  rather  true  Hu- 
 mility, inlaying  afide  our  own  Wifdom,and  defire  of  Repute 
 with  humane  Rabbies ;  and  it  is  Obedience  to  God  in  juftify- 
 inghim  in  his  Sayings,which  are  never  rightly  underftood  but 
 in  believing  them/:  f©  that  he  that  believeth  the  plain  fayings  >  J  ^  ig  f 
 in  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  to  be  true,  will  not  hearken  to,  of  '10.K^[3  ,£*■ 
 be  waved  by  this  Obje&ion. 
 
 It 
 
 > 
 
11 
 
 StumblingMoc1{s 
 
 Objeft  *•  &  **  not  ^»  ?**>  ***  foffible,  yea,  Againfk  Reason  ,  That  Mofes 
 
 fbould  fpeak^of  fo  low  a  bufinej?,   as  the  Creation  of  this  Vifble 
 World)  with  vifble  Heaven  ,  Earth ,  *«d  Creatures  ;  <?r  ,   TiW 
 from  one  tJMan  and  one  Woman  the  World  jhould  be  fo  people*dbj 
 Noah'j  time :  or j  That  eight  Perfons,  with  Creatures  of  all  kindis 
 fbould  be  preferved  a  whole  yeer,  in  fuch  an  s/irkju  is  mentioned, 
 when  all  the  World  of  Mankinde  and  other  Creatures  befdes  fbould 
 be  drowned :  or,  That  if  the  World  werefo  drowned,  that  it  fbould 
 be  fo  people' d  and  inhabited  fo  fully  by  Abraham"/  time :  or ,  That 
 therefhouldbeThreeinOneCjod,andyetGod  but  One:  or,  That 
 God,    in  the  Per  [on  of  his  Son,  jhould  become  Man :  or,  That 
 that  Man  fbould  be  God,  and  yet  die  ;  or  if,  as  Man,  he  died,  that 
 that  very  Body  that  died  jbould  be  rifen  again  ,    and  afcended  into 
 Heaven, and  remain  fo  long  in  the  Heavens :  or9  That  by  his  Death 
 and  Righteoufnef,  other  Men  fbould  befaved  :  or ,  That  if  there 
 be  fuch  a  thing  as  Eternal  Salvation  ,    if  God  made  all  tJMen, 
 and  Chrifi  died,  and  gave  himfelf  a  Ranfomfor  All,  that  AH 
 jhould  not  be  Eternally  faved  :   or  ,    That  there  (hould  be  a  l^e- 
 furrettion  of  all  the  Bodies  that  have  died  JInce  AdamV  time, 
 Sec. 
 A»fwtr*       Thefc  are  all  fuch  plain  Blafphemous  and  Atheiftical  Af- 
 fertions,  that  they  are  rather  to  be  abhorred ,  and  anfwered 
 with  filence  and  departure,    than  any  parleying  about  fuch 
 Abfurdi:ies,  and  Infidel-like  Blafphemies  ;  according  to  the 
 gr>y6Vt%6.4  .^Counfel  given  us,   not  to  anfwer,  but  depart  jp  yet  becauie 
 14.7.7/^.3^.11  many  'devife  Allegories,  to  make  them  true  in  an  Allegori- 
 cal Senie,  thereby  to  colour  their  Atheifm  and  Unbelief,  and 
 pretend  a  Fancy  of  higher  things ,  though  they  are  vain  Fan- 
 Prov.16. 5.      cics  and  Dreams ;  we  may  give  an  Anfwer  befide  plain  Deni- 
 al, which  yet  were  enough  :  And  fo  it's  anfwered ,  That 
 however  Types ,  and  Shadows,  and  Parables  might  be  Alle- 
 gorized to  an  Agreement  in  a  fpiritual  fenfe ,  with  the  fub- 
 ftU.17.  x?eu  ftance  of  Truth  (hadowed  and  typed,  yet  the  Truth  it  felf  is 
 1  i6.&%.\yiy  no  Type  or  Shadow  ,  no  Fable,  nor  can  there  be  any  higher 
 1  sjude  1%.    %tfmt{s  .  f0>  as  jt  acjtnits  not  of  Allegorizing  :    and  fuch  as 
 fancy  Allegories ,  toftiew  fomething  more  high  and  fpiritual, 
 their  Allegories  are  vain  Dreams,  Fancies,  meer  Winde  and 
 Vanity.    As  for  others  not  fo  far  departed  from  the  Faith, 
 that  yet  not  believing  the  extent  of  God's  own  Sayings  about 
 
 his 
 
removed.  22 
 
 his  own  Works  of  Creation, Redemption,  and  Extention  of 
 means  ,  that  men  might  partake  of  Redemption,  &c.  who, 
 to  colour  their  Unbelief,  bring  in  Forrain  Senfes,  and  limit- 
 ing Interpretations  ,   as  if  the  words  of  a  Man ,  concerning 
 the  work  of  a  Man  ;  and  not  the  Words  of  God,  concerning 
 the  Works  of  God  :  and  fo  where  he  frith,  Allmen,  every  man, 
 they  glofs  it ,  Some  of  all  forts  ;  if  he  fay  ,  The  worlds  and  The 
 whole  worldythcy  will  glofs  k>The  world  of  the  Elect.    Whereas, 
 in  a  faying  that  is  of  God  and  his  works,  if  general  and  large, 
 and  no  faying  of  his  contradi&ing  it  at  any  time,  there  can  be 
 no  limitation:  let  not  mortalMan  prefume  to  be  wifer  than  his 
 Maker.  But  our  Saviour's  Anfwer  may  ferve  for  all  thefe,  who 
 tells  us ,   That  Unbelief  and  Ignorance  of  the  Scripture  and 
 of  thePower  of  God,  is  the  caufe  of  all  fuch  Errors  £,and  difa-  g  Mat.  i%.  *9t 
 bles  to  give  any  right  Interpretation  Allegorical  or  Logical.     &  Mf.tz.%^ 
 
 Ton  have  the  Scripture  but  in  a  Tranflation,  and  have  notfufiici-  QL-an 
 ent  Words  to  import  the  full  fenfe  of  many  Words  in  your  Language, 
 which  the  Hebrew  and  Greedy  the  Original  in  which  the  Scriptures 
 were  writ,  do  import ;  therefore  the  fnyings  are  not  plain  to  yon  that 
 under  (land  not  the  original  Tongues. 
 
 This  is  a  meer  gull  to  deceive  the  ignorant ,  that  their   Anfwer.  - 
 Rabbies  might  be  Lords  of  their  Faith  :  for  againft  this  Ob- 
 jection we  may  finde  in  the  Scripture  it  ielf,many  things,*//^. 
 
 1 .  That  all  words  are  not  in  every  fentence  to  be  taken  ac» 
 cording  to  the  full  extent  of  the  Etymologie  of  the  word :  as, 
 where  it  is  faid,Our  Saviour  will  come,  as  a  Thief  h ;  as  is  not 
 
 meant  in  the  full,  and  in  every  refpeft  as  a  Thief  ;  for  Chrift  ^Rcv.  u%  t  %. 
 will  not  come  unjuftly  ,  to  take  that  is  none  of  his,  &c.  but  i 
 onely  fuddenly ,  Sec  J.     So  the  word  Not  in  fome  fentences  i"^^.?4.44. 
 fignifieth  ,   not  at  alW ;  in  other  fentences  it  fignifieth ,  not  fob  Exod.  zo.t  $, 
 much,  not  fo  primely  \;  and  in  fome  fentences  it  (igniheth,  »**  l7«3**M.*S; 
 enely,  but  moreover  m;  and  divers  other  words  whofe  import  \Tclu\  i7 
 is  not  alwayes  according  to  the  full  extent  of  the  word,  i^I5.' 
 nor  alwayes  in  one  fenfe  >3  but  the  fenfe  imported,  is  that  m  John- it  i^ 
 which  the  fentence  in  which  it  is  ufed,  carrieth  forth ,  and  fo  ™'lth  M«  «*. 
 by  the  whole  fentence  may  be  known, 
 
 2.  Not  Hebrew  and  Greek  words,  but the  Teftimony  of  Rev  J$  I0> 
 Jems,  is  the  Spirit  of  Prophecie.  and  lb  the  true  Original  and  ,  j^.  x  20'4 
 Medium  for  the  right  undemanding  of  all  fpiritualand  hea- 
 venly 
 
24 
 
 StumblingMock* 
 
 venly  things,and  the  true  import  of  til  the  fayings  of  the  Go- 
 fpel,  as  is  forefhewn,  chap.i. 
 
 3.  That  now  God  hath  fan&ified  all  Tongues  to  declare 
 his  Truth,  and  make  known  his  Minde  in,  and  to  be  praifed 
 and  prayed  unto  in  »;  &  they  might  as  well  write  (as  they  did 
 
 n AEt.%  i  &%■  preach)to  every  Nation  in  their  own  Tongue,when  they  writ 
 lJal *°™'Stl*'  to  theChurches,for  ought  any  can  fay  to  the  contrary:though 
 when  their  writings  were  collected ,  they  might  by  the  great 
 Clerks  be  put  forth  in  the  Greek  Tongue  onely,  yet  in  divers 
 Copies ;  and  the  Hebrew  was  tranflated  into  Greek  before ; 
 and  we  thank  God  both  for  Translations,  and  the  variety  of 
 them ;  knowing  the  Truth  of  God  to  be  one  and  the  fame, 
 and  of  the  fame  Authority ,  and  to  be  received  in  the  fame 
 manner;  as  it  appeareth  in  every  Tranflation,in  every  Tongue 
 and  Language,  as  it  was  to  thofe  Ml.i.  and  to  %omans^  &c. 
 
 4.  That  the  Light  of  Truth,and  Import  to  God's  Minde  to 
 us  in  his  iayings,is  the  faying  or  ientence  it  felf,and  not  often 
 in  the  Etymology  of  every  particular  word;nor  doth  the  Spirit 
 of  Light,  &  force  to  enter  the  heart  ,lie  in  the  force  of  the  Ety- 
 mology,and  copious  and  various  fenfe  of  fuch  and  fuch  a  word, 
 of  fo  many  Syllables,in  fuch  and  fuch  aTongue,(as  fome  would 
 perfwade  of  fome  words ,  and  therefore  left  them  untranfli- 
 ted  )  but  in  the  Knowledge  and  Belief  of  the  Teftimony  of 
 Chritt.  And  therefore ,  when  words  are  ufed,  which  are  of 
 common  and  known  iignification,  and  alter  not,  but  let  forth 
 the  fenfe  as  pertaining  to  the  things  of  Chrift  in  Tranflation 
 or  Explication ;  it  is  all  one  and  the  fame ,  being  the  import 
 of  his  fayings ,  which  believed,  the  Light  of  his  Spirit  will  go 
 forth  therein.  And  ib,without  amazing  the  people  with  fome 
 Grange  fenfe  about  the  Etymology  and  fignification  of  the 
 word  in  the  pure  Hebrew  or  Greek  ,  have  thofe  that  were 
 infallibly  led  by  the  Holy  Spirit  done  ,  (  as  the  indubious 
 Learned  do  know.)  That^^.2.24.  in  Afor.iQ.5.  ^&r^io. 
 8.  Ephef.  5  31.  1  Cor.  6.  16.  That  Pfal.  40.  6.  ixaHeb.  10. 
 5.  That  Prov.  3.  34.  in  James^.S.  That Trov.  1 1 .  3 1 .  in 
 1  "Pet.  4.18.  That  Ifa.  1 1 . 1  o.  in  Rom.  1  5. 12.  That  7/k. 
 42.4.  in  Mat.  12.21.  are  all  rendered  as  they  were  in  t^e 
 Tranflation  then  known  and  ufed  among  the  people,  without 
 mention  of  any  ether  iignification  in  the  pure  Hebrew.  And 
 
 thefe 
 
removed.  15 
 
 thefe  are  thofe  we  are  to  follow  :  fo  that  this  Obje&ion  ap- 
 pears carnal  and  of  no  force,  to  fach  as  know  this. 
 
 'The  fourth  Objettion  is  by  Queries  and  Rhetorical  Perfwajl-  Objeflfc,  4, 
 ons*  when  a  faying  is  fo  full  and  plain  *  that  it  cannot  be  denied  in 
 its  import *  but  that  it  isfofaid*  and  that  it's  true  fach  a  thing  is ; 
 yet  then*  to  darken  that  import  and  things  that  it  may  not  be  known 
 what  it  is>  The  Cbjettors  put  forth  Query  upon  Query  y  and  on  the 
 fame  Rhetorically  perfwade  or  diffwade*  I  might  inftance  :  as  if 
 the  faying  be  plain  ,  ThatChrift  died  for  all  Men:  then  Query  y 
 Did  hefo  intentionally  ?  why  then  are  not  allfaved  ?  If  the  faying 
 be  plain ,  That  Jefus  Chrift  ■  is  the  Mediator  between  God  and 
 Men ,  and  maketh  Intergejfionfr  Trarfgreffcrs  ;  Then  it's  que- 
 ried ,  In  what  forty  or  manner*  or  intent  f  If  the  faying  be  plain* 
 That  Jefus  Chrift  is  the  true  Light  that  lightneth  every  Man  that 
 cometh  into  the  World ;  Then  it's  queried ,  In  what  meafure*  how 
 far ,  into  what  degree*  by  whom*  and  by  what  means*  Sec  ?  And 
 many  fuch  Queries  ;  which  *  when  ufed  with  Rhetorickto  with- 
 draw from  the  Belief  of  the  plain  import  of  the  faying  *  they  are  meer 
 wr anglings  with  the  Text  it  felf^  and  might  be  anfwered  with  this* 
 Job  3  3. 1 1*  1 3.  That  God  is  greater  than  man  :  why  doft 
 thou  drive  againft  him?  for  he  giveth  not  account  of  any 
 of  his  matters.  And  we  are  not  to  dispute  with  him  about  his  fay- 
 ings,  but  to  believe  them  true  and  right*  whoever  deny  them. 
 
 And  yet  for  anfwer  to  this  and  the  former  Objections ,  it      Avfw. 
 is  deer : 
 
 1 .  The  Apoftles  fhunned  and  ufed  not  fuch  wifdom  of        /  -■ 
 Words,  and  excellency  of  Speech ,  or  Wifdom  of  the  Wife,  \0°&  ijil^ 
 Difputers,  and  Prudent  of  this  world ,  or  enticing  words  of  5,13. 
 Man's  wifdom. 
 
 2.  They  have  alio  warned  us  to  take  heed  ,  led:  any  man 
 
 ipoil  us  through  Philofophy  and  vain  deceit,  after  the  Tradi-  ft/.  2..  s, 
 tion  of  Men, after  the  Rudiments  of  the  world,  and  not  after 
 Chrift ;  which  obferved,  will  be  an  Antidote  againft  all  thefe 
 grofs  and  fubtil  troublers  of  Believers, 
 
 CHAP. 
 
*6 
 
 ObjeBlons  anfwered. 
 
 CHAP.  6. 
 
 An  /fffaj  t$  remove  the  objections  of  thofe  that  pretend  Scrim 
 pturs ,  feck  to  trcuble  Believers  from  belhving  the  plain 
 ftyings  $f  the  Gofpel,  withfomthin%,  as  if  it  were  in  the 
 Lttters,  Epijlles  or  Writings  of  the  Apofttes>  Sec. 
 
 IN  this  I  mud  not  be  large,  and  fliall  therefore  omit  thole, 
 that  to  evade  Scriptures ,  fpeaking  of  the  extent  of  the 
 Death  of  Chrilt  for  all ,  alleadge  Scripture  fpeaking  of  his 
 Miniftration,  and  of  fome  Efficacies  of  his  Grace  in  Believers, 
 and  of  their  Prhiledges ;  and  to  gain-fay  the  All  and  Every 
 in  the  fayings,  and  of  the  works  of  God ,  alleadge  Scripture, 
 u(ing  the  word  All  and  Every  in  rhe  fayings,  and  of  the  works 
 of  Men,  &c.  which  all  that  are  wife  may  obferve  as  imperti- 
 nent :  and  I  (hall  onely  anfwer  two  Obje&ions  againlirhe 
 plain  import  of  Scripture-fay ings  in  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift, 
 pretended  to  be  by  Scripture  ;  and  leave  the  reft  to  the  fol- 
 lowing Difcourfe. 
 ■  i  #  Chrift  himfelf  [pake  many  things  to  the  people  in  V  arables ;  there- 
 fore many  of  the  fay  ings  of  the  Gofpelare  hard  to  be  under  flood*  and 
 have  not  the  fenfe  the  words  feem  to  import. 
 <t/fnhv.  True  it  is,  Chrift  fpake  many  things  in  Parables,  that  the 
 
 Scripture  might  be  fulfilled ;  bur  to  thofe  to  whom  he  fpake 
 them,as  well  as  to  others,  he  had  fore-declared  theGofpel  in 
 aM^.4.e^i».theTeftimony  of  himfelf  plainly^:  and  after  to  thofe  that  in 
 Mar.$.fobn  -3.  feeing  did  not  fee,  and  in  hearing  did  not  hear  ,  but  hardened 
 14,1?.  their  hearts  •  he  therefore  fpake  tcthem  in  Parables  b%    And 
 
 b mt.if.iy.   we  know  in  Scripture  are  many  Types,  Parables  and  Meta- 
 phors3which  were  not  clearly  and  fully  opened  till  Chrilt  en- 
 *Hcb.fi.%.  Jd. .t-gredthe  Heavens  in  our  Nature,  and  offered  the  acceptable 
 i  *6  *'1Z  Sacrifice,  and  lent  forth  the  Holy  Ghott  c.    And  theie  Para- 
 "13.10^!.  bles  were  all  uttered  before  that  Afcenfion  of  his  ;  andyet 
 U*r.  4, 14,34.  he  alfo  opened  all  thefe  Parables  to  his  Difciples  d :  yea.,  and 
 uie  8*  .         all  that  CMofes  and  the  Prophets  fpake  concerning  hjfnfelf,he 
 7;47  opened  to  thern  e ;  and  promifed  them,  and  according  tc 
 
 pio- 
 
 m 
 
Objections  anfivered.  ij 
 
 promife,  gave  them  his  holy  Spirit  to  teach  them  all  things  he 
 had  faid  to  them/,  having  charged  them,  Mat.10.27.  ^at^{johni^i6. 
 tell  you  tn  darknefc  fpeaf$  ye  in  the  light  ;    and  what  ye  hear  in  the  Att.  *. 
 ear^  that  preach  ye  upon  the  houfe  top.     And  this  given  as  a  Rea- 
 fon  to  them ,  That  the  Knowledge  given  them,  was  as  a  Light 
 let  on  aCandleftick ,  that  it  may  give  Light  to  all  that  are  in 
 the  Houfe,  that  they  which  enter  in  may  fee  the  Light  £..  And  g.j^.f  .J4)T5< 
 the  A  pottles  have  profeflfcd  to  have  fulfilled  this  charge,  and  tuty  8.  lo'i*' 
 to  have  ufed  great  plainnefs  of  Speech,  both  in  Preaching  and 
 Writing ;  declaring  no  Fable  ,  nor  ufing  any  cloak  or  veil  to 
 hide  their  meaning,  as  is  fore-fttewed,  Chap.  i,&  2.     And 
 it  were  folly  in  us  to  be  cheated  and  with-drawn  from  believ- 
 ing their  fayings  of  the  Tettimony  of  Chritt  to  be  plain  and 
 true,  according  to  their  own  import. 
 
 If  any  reply  ,  The  Revelation  ofjeftts  Chrift given  to  lis  Apo*> 
 flle]ohn  is  very  dark^and  obfcure^and  that  was  f  nee  the  Afcenfion 
 of  Chrift  : 
 
 I  anfwer,  Our  Unbelief  makes  many  things  therein  more 
 dark  to  us  than  otherwife  they  would  be  :  and  yet  the  Tetti- 
 mony of  Chritt,and  the  fayings  thereof,that  are  needful  to  be 
 known  and  believed  oc  all  that  would  have  Eternal  Life,  are 
 very  plain  there  alfo,  and  have  their  own  plain  import ,  as  in 
 other  places,  none  denying  :  and  that  in  which  fo  much  cb- 
 fcurity  appears  to  us ,  is ,  in  Vffions,  and  Prophecies  of  his 
 providential  dealing  with  his  Church,  and  with  the  Enemies 
 of  his  Church,  and  fo  of  things  to  come  pafs,  before,  and  till 
 his  own  coming  again :  of  which,  in  Underftanding  and  Be- 
 lief of  the  Tefiimony  of  Chrift ,  and  Acquaintance  with  the 
 Scripture  ,  we  may  underftand  as  much  as  is  needful  for  us : 
 And  in  the  encreafe  of  that  Knowledge,  and  as  things  draw 
 nigh  to  be  fulfilled,  know  more  tfill  j  whence  there  is  Blef- 
 £ng  to  be  met  with  in  reading  and  hearing  that  Book ,  and  rcv.i.$. 
 keeping  the  things  written  therein..  But  our  Difcourfe  being 
 of  the  plain  fayings  of  the  Gofpel  and  Tettimony  cf  Chrift, 
 by  which  all  the  other  fayings  in  the  Scripture  are  to  be  un- 
 derstood ;  and  therefore  thofe  fayings  not  obfeure ,  and  fo 
 thefe  Obje&ions  of  no  force  againtt  it. 
 
 Peter  faith.  That  in  PaulVEpj 'files  {which  were  written  after  Obje£,  2. 
 Chrift  his  Afcenfion  )  are  fame  things  hard  to '  be  understood, 
 
 F  2  which 
 
28 
 
 Objections  anfaered. 
 
 j*fi 
 
 wer. 
 
 which  they  th*i  are  unlearned  and  unflable,  wrest  ,  at  they  do 
 alfo  the  other  Scriptures,  to  their  own  deftruftion.  Therefore 
 many  of  the  fayings  of  Chrifi  in  tlie  Gcfpel  Are  hard  and  obfcure. 
 
 The  Truth  of  Peter's  layings,  2  /V/.3.1  6.  gives  no  colour 
 for  this  objecting  inference  :  For  Peter, 
 
 t.  He  fairh  not ,  That  any  fayings  in  Paul 's  Epiftles  are 
 hard  to  be  underftood  ;  or,  That  the  manner  of  his  Writing 
 is  hard  to  be  underftood :  but  fome  things  in  thole  fayings 
 are  hard  to  be  undertlcod.  Now  this  is  clearly  and  com- 
 monly known  ,  that  a  faying  may  be  plain  and  clearly  under- 
 ftood ,  and  yet  fomething  in  that  faying  above  our  know- 
 ledge, and  not  eafily  underftood  :  as ,  before  it  was  known 
 to  the  Eunuch ,  That  Chrift  was  come  in  the  flelh ,  and  that 
 Jefus  was  the  Chrift  ;  he ,  in  reading  Ifa.  53.7.  underftood 
 what  the  faying  was ,  and  believed  it  true  :  but  there  was 
 one  thing  hard  in  it  to  him ;  and  that  was,  of  whom  the-Pro- 
 phet  fpake  ;  without  knowledge  of  which  ,  he  counted  him- 
 ielf  not  to  underftand  j  and  in  knowledge  of  that  one  thing, 
 all  the  reft  was  clear  and  ufeful  to  him,  eAtt.  8.  30, 34,  3  5, 
 And  now  that  i?  cleared  to  us,  and  i'o  all  fayings :  yet  ftill  in 
 fayings  known  ,  even  fome  thing  known  therein  to  be  ,  if  it 
 be  of  a  thing  to  come ,  may  be" hard  to  be  underftood  what 
 ,  it  is  h. 
 
 2.  He  faich  not,  That  all  Paul's  Epiftles^or  any  one  of  his 
 
 Epiftles  or  his  fayings, or  all  the  things  in  his  fayings ,  or  in 
 
 i  1  Pet.  3. 3,11,  any  of  them;  butonely  feme  things,  fome  certain  things  in 
 
 k'flV*"     8  t^em »  &  this^-^vith  a  limitation  alio  to  thefe  things,that  is,the 
 
 e>  it. i6  17.  '  tn^nSs  c^  which  Peter  had  been  fcrefpeaking  in  this  Chapter, 
 
 i  Rom.%A9i2i.  about  the  fecond coming  of  Chrift  ,  the Diflblution, and Re- 
 
 1  ffl/.K^dM5-  ftaurationof  ail  things,  the  new  Heaven, and  the  new  Earth, 
 
 *Cfr»5.-uo-.G4  and  God's  Patience  in  waiting  fo  long  for  Men's  Repentance, 
 
 &4*fphilt.  Def°re  ^e  bring  all  this  to  pais  i ;  of  which  things,  Paul  fpake 
 
 3o.ii#^.:cjto  the  Hebrews^:  and  often  in  his  other  Epiftles /.    And 
 
 11.  co\\.io.&  fo  he  l peaks  not  of  the  beginning  of  the  Gofpei  of  Chrift,  or 
 
 tTbefoj$.  of  things  here  to  be  enjoyed,  but  of  thofe  things  hoped  for  : 
 
 Ixf^o  anc*  or"'trlein  he  faith  not,  The  man,  or  all  things :  bm^Scme 
 
 iTflJ^iiJ/if!  thiKgs  are  hard  to  be  underflood :  which  firms  our  Bdief  cf  the 
 
 .a.ii,ci"4.  faying:,  and  ferves  to  humble  us ,   and  quicken  up  our  atten- 
 
 s.  7^.1,1 5 .     don  ,  that  in  Believing,  we  with  patience  may  waii  for  that 
 
 time 
 
 hi  J  oh-  i.  2;  3 
 
Objections  an/wered.  29 
 
 rime  in  which  we  fhall  know  clearly  ,  iJohv$,2.  And  the 
 more  we  minde  theTeftimony,  the  more  v\e  (hall  know 
 now;  which  we  could  not,  if  the  fayings  were  dsrk:  but 
 they  are  a  Light  ,   and  fo  affirmed  by  Teter  to  be ,  2  <7V.  1 ; 
 
 3 .  He  iaich  not ,  That  thofe  laying*,  or  that  the  hardnefs 
 of  lbme  things  in  thofe  flyings,  did  lead  or  caufe  any  to  erre, 
 much  leis  that  they  erred  in  believing  them  true  according 
 to  their  plain  import ;  for  had  they  fo  done  ,  and  waited  on 
 Chiift  in  that  TefUmony  to  teach  them  ,  they  had  not  erred, 
 but  in  due  feafon  fhoulcj  have  nnderftood^  even  thofe  thing?, 
 as  much  as  was  needful  and  uieful  for  them  to  know  m*  But  m  j  ,  8 
 thofe  hard  things  beyond  their  conception ,  they  not  liking  t  j^'i^o  %* 
 the  plain  import  of  the  layings  in  which  they  were ,  and  fo  28.  ?nv.i  9.  * 
 not  believing  it  to  be.fo  ,  having  their  own  Devices  and  Opi- 
 ons,  which  they  defire  to  maintain,  to  which  the  plain  impo:t 
 of  thofe  fayings  werecrofs  ,  they  did  therefore  wreftthem, 
 by  mixing,  mangling,  adding  to,  and  diminifhingfrom,  feign- 
 ing abfurdiries  in  the  fayings,  and  rafting  confequences,  If  fo 
 andfo,thenfoandfo;  and  to  make  all  right ,  frame  Gloffes, 
 and  Allegories,  to  fuit  them  to  their  own  Defires  and  Opini- 
 ons, and  fo  hurt  themfelves  and  erred ;  the  Myftery  being  o- 
 pened  to  them ,  for  the  obedience  of  Faith,  to  be  believed 
 and  fo  known,  and  not  for  their  Reafoning ,  Querying ,  and 
 Allegorizing,by  which  they  have  turned  from  the  Faith,  and 
 lb  from  the  Truth  to  Fables  ;  and  fo  allegorized  the  fecond 
 coming  of  Chri(t,the  firft  Refurre&ion,  that  is ,  of  the  Ju(t5 
 the  new  Heaven,  and  the  new  Earth,  and  the  raigning  of  the 
 Saints ,  and  the  Peace  of  all  Creatures  then  ;  and  after  this, 
 to  Allegorize  the  very  Perfonal  Body  of  Chritt ,  his  Death, 
 Relurrection  ,  Afcenfion  ,  and  fitting  at  the  right  Hand  of 
 God ;  turning  all  into  a  Fancy  of  a  thing  or  frame  and  Spirit, 
 within  them,  which  they  prefer  and  magnifie  :  and  to 
 fuch  as  hearken  to  them  ,  and  yet  look  for  a  bodily  Refur- 
 rec-lion,  they  fay  ,There  is  no  fuch  Refurretfion  of  the  Dead  », 
 To  fuch  as  begin  to  liften  to ,  and  magnifie  their  Allegory, ll  XC^^ 
 they  fay ,  The  Day  of  the  Lord  is  at  hand  0.  To  fnch  as  be- 
 lieve their  Attainments,  they  fay,  The  Refurre&ion  is  with  0lTb<f<* ■*>*' 
 them  paft  already  :  and  fo  overthrow  the  Faith  of  lbme  o-        * 
 
 chers-  > 
 
P  i  rim.  ».i 8.  others  •>  as  themfelvcs  have  departed  from  it  p.  And  to  all 
 this  wickednefs  are  they  turned  ,  not  by  the  layings  of  the 
 Goipel,or  the  hardnefs  of  the  things  difcovered  therein  ,  but 
 by  their  own  Defires  ro  maintain  lome  evil  Opinion,for  which 
 they  have  no  plain  faying  of  Scripture,but  are  fainto  uie  their  ^ 
 wit  to  wrell  them. 
 
 4.  He  faith  not ,  That  all  Men,  or  Gracious  Men  9  or  un- 
 feigned Believers  ,  that  are  weak,  do  thus  wrert  the  Scri- 
 ,pture  :  but  them  that  do  thus,  he  marks  them  out  by 
 three  Characters  :  1.  They  are  unlearned,  2.  They  arena* 
 fttib/e.  3.  They  wrefi  a!fo  the  other  Scriptures.  Minde  theie 
 Marks. 
 
 I.  They  are  Unlearned:  that  is,  not  fpiritualiy  enlightned, 
 they  have  nothearkned  to  ,  and  believed  the  TeiHmony  of 
 theGoipel ,  and  fo  have  not  learned  the  Knowledge  of  the 
 Truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus.  This  is  the  Learning  he  fpeaks  of, 
 which  is  the  Beginning  of  Wifdom,  through  the  Belief  of  the 
 Teftimoay  of  j efus  Chrift ,  to  have  the  Faith  of  God ,  and 
 7  ,  6  Love  of  Saints  in  the  Heart  q.    He  fpeaketh  not  in  relpeft  cf 
 
 1  'cor.z  .'9*5.  Humane  Learning,  in  skill  in  Tongues,  and  Arts,  and  the  Li- 
 pwm.?,7«  &  beral  Sciences ,  and  of  the  Learning  of  this  World  >  Peter 
 9i°«  himfelf  not  being  furniflied  with  this  Learning?-  •  yea,  fuch 
 
 r^''112,5'    Learning  as  this,  is  counted  by  God  and  his  Servants  Foolifh- 
 sic^i.i9,x8.  nels, to difcern  and  finde  out  the  things  of  Chrilt  s  :  yea,  the 
 &i.  i,^s,i4- more  of  fuch  Learning  any  Man  hath  ,  if  the  former  be  want- 
 ing, the  fitter  and  abler  he  is  to  W7reft,  Glofs,  and  Allegorize 
 Scriptnre-Sayings  :   So  that  the  want  of  this  Learning  is  not 
 blamed;   yea,  rnoftly  fuch  as  are  wanting  in  this,  are  the 
 belt  learned,  if  Believers,  in  the  Knowledge  *Peter  fpeaks 
 p/  s  ?   Mat  °^  u     ^°  l^at  c'nek  ^rre^ers  are  unlearned,  that  is,  believe 
 u.as.e^ai.t* '  not  the  plain  layings  of  the  Teftimony  of  Cnri;},  and  fo  have 
 10.  a  1.     not  laid  a£de  their  flefhly  Pride  and  Wifdom  ,   to  credit  the 
 1  ffM,26,>7.  dyings  of  God;  and  fo  have  not  received  into  their  Hearts 
 the  Knowledge  of  the  Truth  ,    and  therein  the  Love  of  the 
 Truth  to  fave  them  u :  and  fo  have  not  the  Faith  ,    Fear,  and 
 u  a  rbif.  *.ioj  Love  of  God  in  their  Hearts ;  and  10  unlearned* 
 12.  2  rw.3  7.     II#  77^  are  finable:  they  do  not  abide,  nor  are  yet  fetlcd 
 and  refolved  to  abide,  in  the  Belief  and  Acknowledgement 
 ,      of  the  Truth  ,  as  i;  hath  been  evidenced  to  them  in  the  plain 
 
 fay- 
 
Objections  anfaered.  3 1 
 
 ftyings  of  the  Gofpel,which  fometime  they  were  almoft  per - 
 fwaded  to  imbraceandprofefs  w  ;   ibmetime  perfwaded  to       „ 
 imbrace,  John  2.24.  and  8.3 1,3  2,  ibmetime  per fvv acted  with  vv 
 Acknowledgement  of  Giace  to  profefs  alio  a;:  but  through  di-  x  Gal. 4.1$. 
 vers  Lulls,  a  delire  to  be  approved  of,  and  hold  in  with  con- 
 trary Teachers ,   as  with  the  Teachers  of  the  jT  ruth,  are  in- 
 clining to  hear  ifiticing  words  ,  and  fo  ready  to  be  turned  a- 
 fide  with  every  winde of  Do&rine^.     And  fo  they  are  now  y  r.pb.4.14. 
 inclining  this  way,  anon  that ;  now  on,  now  off  :  luch  unfta-  Co1'1  -8- 
 blc ones  they  arc*.  «r«..3.7. 
 
 III.  Theya/fo  wrefi  the  other  Scriptures  to  their  owndefirnUi  • 
 on :  they  take  not  the  plain  fayings  of  the  Gofpel  ,as  the  true 
 and  plain  Demonftrations  of  God's  Minde ,  nor  his  fpcaking 
 by  his  Spirit  in  his  ApohHes,  as  it  is  indeed  the  Word  of  God, 
 verily  true,  and  without  Doubtfulnefs  orEquivocationjWhich 
 if  they  did  ,  it  would  verily  work  favingly  and  effectually  in 
 them,   %*m.i.\6.  <*,  and  fave  them  from  erring  b\  yea,  teairfo/Axj. 
 venfuch  as  knew  not  Chriit ,  yet  erred  not  in  (landing  to  a  b  icor.i  5.1,4. 
 plain  faying  of  Scripture  c.  But  theie  taking  God's  fayings  in  cM  tz 
 ihe  Scripture,  as  the  fayings  of  a  Man,  (if  not  as  a  Barbarian) Ci 
 that  may  have  fome  uncertainty  or  equivocation  in  them  ,    or 
 at  beft  fpoken  by  a  Conje&ural  Judgement,  and  according  to 
 the  outward  appearance  of  things,  they  do  therefore  wrefi: 
 them ;  and  fo  they  can  wrert  the  word  World ,  to  mean,  The 
 Elett  one//  5  8c  the  {zyix\o,That  Chrifi  is  the  Saviour  of  the  World^ 
 to  be,  The  Saviour  of  his  EleVr  onely  ;  and,  His  pur  chafing  bf  his 
 r -an feme  given  ,    and  fanftifying  by  his  blood,  to  be,  A  feemii 
 fo  to  do:  and  his  calling  fuch  as  have  denied  hicn,,  fach  as  weee 
 bought  by  him,  a  teeming  to  be  bought  ;  andby  like  reafopj 
 their  denying  him,  and  departure  from  the  Faith  ,  a  iteming 
 to  deny  or  depart :  crii  they  dofcotthi?,  then  they  canti: 
 the  whole  Gofpel  into  Allegories.     Thele  are  the  Men,  and 
 this  is  their  way  ,   fet  forth  by  the  A  pottle,  to  warn  urfrom 
 them.    So  that  Peter  is  m  this  place  fo  far  from  import"- 
 hardnefs  or  obfeurity  in  the  plain  fayings  of  Cntift  in  the  G 
 Ipel,  that  in  moving  us  to  Humility,  and  to  beware  of  Pride, 
 and  Flefhly  Wifdotr,  and  fo  cf  (loth,  fecurity ,  and  conceited 
 fnirteli ,   he  by  mentioning  fome  things  to  be  hard  to  be*  un- 
 driiood^  doth  liir  up  our  attention  to  she  fayings  cf  the  <3o- 
 
1%  Objections  anfaered. 
 
 fpel ,  and  er.courageth  us  to  look  and  wait  for  farther  Know- 
 ledge. And  that  wc  may  not  ttumble  at  any  thine  appearing 
 hard ,  but  know  it  in  due  time,  he  inftru&s  and  exhorts  us  to 
 believe  ftedfaftly,  and  flick  clofe  to  theTcftimony  of  Chrift, 
 that  we  may  not  be  drawn  afide  there-from  by  any  fuch  as 
 thefe  unlearned  and  unliable  ones,  or  their  ways  of  wrefting 
 Scripture  5  but  to  grew  in  Grace ,  and  in  the  Knowledge  of 
 di?ct,i.i6>i7,  our  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift  d. 
 
 if^.».i;3-  ^nj  thus  much  in  anfwer  to  the  Adverfaries  of  the  Truth 
 
 and  Plainnefs  of  the  Import  of  the  Sayings  of  the  Gofpel  in 
 the  Teftimony  of  Chrift, 
 
 CHAP.  7. 
 
 A  Conch  ftm  of  all  afore  faid,  with  the  K*Affeni  of  a  learned 
 tMan,  Andmjfubmtfsion  thireto. 
 
 B 
 
 Y  all  laid  from  the  firft  Chapter  till  now,  it  appears  to  be 
 the  only  true  and  fafe  way  for  difcerning  and  knowing 
 Truth,  and  avoiding  Falfhood  and  Error,  to  refort  to  the  Law 
 and  the  Teftimocy,  and  to  believe  thefayings  thereof  ;  and 
 count  what  it  fayth  and  importeth  true  and  good;  and  whatfo- 
 ever  or  by  whomibever  uttered,  that  is  not  according  thereto, 
 let  that  be  counted  a  lye  and  deceit,  that  we  may  jultifie  God 
 in  his  Sayings  :  whoever  reprove  us  fork. 
 
 Confcnters  in  this  Truth  ,  thofe  that  read  much  know  I 
 
 have  many  5  but  I  (ball  here  inftance  no  more  but  that  learned 
 
 and  mighty  edeemed  Mr.  John  Owen  ;  who ,    in  the  Book  I 
 
 p  read  over,  faith,  £>0#^/*/}  it  were  better  for  O&eHj   to  captivate 
 
 q  %,  t^r  under  (landings  to  the  Obedience  ofFaitb ,  than  to  invent  di- 
 
 '    '         ftinttions  and  evafons  ,    to  efcape  the  power  offo  many  plain  Texts 
 
 of  Scripture^  and  thofe  literally  and  properly  ,   and  not  figuratively 
 
 and  metaphorically  exprejfing  the  Trmh  contained  in  them  :  which 
 
 though  it  may  be  done  fomctime,  yet  #  it  not  in  a  conftant  Uniform 
 
 Tenure 
 
<iA  Qonclufion.  35 
 
 7  inure  of  Exprefflon  ,   Anywhere  the  manner  of  the  Holy  Ghoft* 
 
 And  again  he  faith  ,  Whither  is  it  poffible  to  apprehend^  That  *£*Pag.l  p  1,' 
 
 Scripture  wouldfi  often^fo  exprefsly  affirm  the  fame  things  tn  plain  Se&.4« 
 
 prefer  words  ,    ifthej  were  not  to  be  taken  in  the  fenfe  which  they 
 
 hold  out.     And  he  alfo  faith  ,   One  Scripture  in  its  own  plainnefs  Pag, %  • 
 
 and  fimplicitj  will  be  of  more  ufe  for  the  end  I  aim  at,  than  twenty 
 
 Scholafttcal  Arguments  ,  prejfed  with  never  fo  much  accuratenefs 
 
 andfitbtilty:  yea,  he  alfo  faith,  Ifanunufualfenfc  of  awordhe^aQ  %n$m 
 
 found  in  a  thouf and  places  ,   it  will  not  enforce  it  in  another  place, 
 
 unlefs  the  circumflances  of  it ,    and  matter  whereabout  it  treateth, 
 
 enforce  that  (enfey  and  willnot  bear  that  which  is  prefer  :  yea  ,  hep 
 
 faith,  To  the  Law^and  to  the  Teflimony^with  aU  the  conceptions  and  <,  aj|e  2  >  * ' 
 
 notions  of  the  mofi  intelligent  Man,  if  they  anftver  not  this  rule,  it        ' l  ^' 
 
 is ,  because  there  is  no  Truth  in  them.     And  in  his  Epiftle  in  a 
 
 Book  by  him  forewritten ,  he  counfels ,   To  honoured  and 
 
 Chrifi  in  his  own  Language*,  or  elfe  be  for  ever  ft  lent  ;  and  that  all 
 
 our  inventions,  be  they  never  fijp Undent  (  another  adds,  rational 
 
 too)  in  our  eyes,yet  to  him  they  are  abomination. 
 
 How  well  hath  Mr.  Owen  faid,  and  counfelled  others  in  all 
 this  \  Oh  that  he  had  walked  in  this  counfel ,  by  tb-fe  Rules 
 himfelf  Ibut  if  he  hath  done  otherwife  in  his  Controverfies,yct 
 h  is  good  in  all  that  he  faith  according  to  Truth  ,  to  do  as  he 
 faith,  though  not  as  he  hath  done  in  fome  of  his  Writings.  It 
 may  be  thefc  fayings  were  put  in,  to  counfel  and  cautionate 
 his  Reader ,  that  he  takes  not  all  he  readeth  upon  truft ;  and 
 that  he  would  have  others,  and  will  hereafter  himfelf  follow 
 this  Rule  :  and  therefore ,  though  he  would  not  grant  like 
 Chriftian  Requefts  of  mine ,  but  went  befide  all  ttiefe  Rules 
 in  dealing  with  a  Treatife  of  mine  ;  yet  in  Love  and  Obedi- 
 ence to  the  Truth,  I  will  grant  and  yield  to  all  this ,  and  en- 
 deavour to  follow  this  Rule  to  the  ucmoft  of  the  Ability 
 given  me  ;  and  fo  defire  ,  that  every  Saying  or  Writing  of 
 mine,  now,  or  heretofore  written,(and  fo  of  others  likewife) 
 may  be  tried  by  the  Teflimony  of  Chrift ,  and  the  plain  Say- 
 ings thereof ;  and  all  that  agreeth  not  thereto ,  I  confefs  and 
 renounce  as  a  lye  and  deceit  :  and  fo  I  would  have  others  to 
 do.  Let  the  Scriptures  try,  and  judge  us  ail  ;  but  let  not  a- 
 ny  of  us  be  the  Triers  and  Judgers  of  the  Scriptures,  but 
 
 G  the 
 
^      *Bir0wn  to  the  weafyft  tefinde  the 
 
 the  Searchers,Believers  and  Obfervers  of  the  fames  for  which 
 I  fuppofe  the  Declaration  already  given,  and  Rule  contented 
 in,  is  good  ;  yet  I  will  add  a  word  or  two  futed  to  the  capa- 
 city of  fuch  as  are  of  the  tneaneft  Underftanding  among  Be- 
 r  ,     lievers. 
 
 CHAP.  8. 
 
 An  Affaj  V  dlreft  the  weakefi  to  finde  the  Teflimony  of 
 Cbrifi  in  the  Sayings  thereof 9  to  be  plain  ,  and  n  have 
 ihiir  own  plain  Import  $  that  (tub  as  know  their  cwn 
 Tongue ,  and  the  end  and  ufe  of  words  therein ,  mayalfo 
 difvern  the  Stnfe  andlmfort  of the  f lain  Sayings  ofChrifl 
 intheGofpeL 
 
 IF  any  defae  to  underftand  clearly  the  plain  Import  of  the 
 Sayings  of  Cbrift ,  and  fo  the  true  fenfe  of  a  Saying  in  the 
 Gofpel ;  There  are  feme  Rules  very  good,  and  fafe,  and  ufe- 
 ful  for  fome  Men,  as  to  take  that  fenfe  which  will  agree  with 
 the  Analogy  of  Faith  ,  and  with  the  Ten  Commandments, 
 and  with  that  Doctrine  and  Ground  of  all  right  Praying,  cal- 
 led, The  Lord's  Prayer  ;  and  which  moft  abafeth  the  Nature 
 of  fallen  Man ,  and  exalteth  the  Grace  of  God  ;  which 
 furely  is  good ;  nor  can  there  be  any  right  fenfe,if  it  agree  not 
 with  theie  Rules,  as  Scripture  lay es  them  forth :  yet  is  there 
 great  difference  among  even  the  Learned  and  Godly  in  the 
 amderttanding  of  thefe  Rules,and  Application  of  them;  much 
 difference  between  fome  about  the  Analogy  of  Faith,and  be- 
 tween fome  about  the  end  and  ufe  of  the  Law ,  and  about  the 
 meaning  of  divers  Petitions ;  yea,  and  alfo  what  tends  tothe 
 abating  of  raan,and  magnifying  of  Grace  ;  fo  that  certainty  to 
 all  will  not  be  found  in  their  ufe  of  thefe  Rules ,  feeing  even 
 the  Rules  alfo  muft  be  underftood  ,  according  to  the  plain 
 Sayings  of  the  Gofpel  of  Chyift  :  and  fo  the  Rulefcrc-given 
 
 and, 
 
tepimony  oflhrijl  in  thefayings  thereof.    35 
 
 andconfentedin,  isbeft  ;  yet  coming  to  the  Scripture  to 
 know  the  Minde  of  God,  that  the  Weak  may  difcern  the  plain 
 appearing  fenfe ;  Obfeive  thefe  Dire&ions. 
 
 Firft,  Beware  of  thofe  evils  that  will  certainly  hinder  one 
 from  meeting  with  the  right  and  comfortable  understanding 
 of  the  Minds  of  God  in  Scripture  :  and  For  that  caufc,  take 
 heed, 
 
 1.  That  we  keep  no  Idol  in  our  Hearts,  allow  of  no  evil 
 Lult,  or  Confidence,  ort*urpofe,orDefireof  Praifeof  Men, 
 left  as  a  puniftvner.t,  we  be  left  to  falfe  conceits  a.  a  E^kM***- 
 
 1.  That  we  lean  not  to  our  Underftandings  ,  or  think  Numb.1t.nyi9 
 by  our  Wit  and  Learning  to  judge  what  God  ss  Minde  is ;  7°^  f  .44. 
 but  become  Fools  in  our  felves  >  that  we  may  be  wife  in  be- 
 IievingGod*.  ^Twicr' 
 
 3.  That  we  make  no  Man  nor  Men  oft  Earth  our  Rabbie,     *^  f^'1  %ft 
 fo  as  we  take  our  Faith  about  the  Truth  of  any  Do£fcrine,or 
 
 Senfe  of  Scripture-Sayings  on  truft  from  him  ,  or  fo  as  not  to 
 
 receive  any  without  his  approbation  c»  c  MAL  Xj8j^ 
 
 4.  That  we  be  not  over-bufie  in  rafting  Queries  about  t0, 
 the  Truch  and  Righteoufnefs  of  the  Sayings  of  Chrift ,   left 
 that  lead  us  toftumbling,  as  it  did  thofe,  John  6.  30,52, 
 
 Secondly ,  Read  the  Scripture,  as  the  Declaration  of  the 
 God  of  Truth,  which  he  by  the  Spirit  of  Truth  hath  caufed  to 
 be  written  for  our  learning,and  in  which  he  fpeaketh  to  us  d.   d  Rm^  ^  4. 
 
 And  therein ,  firft  and  chiefly  minde  what  he  hath  teftified  h at.  »*  jtl 
 of  his  Creation  of  the  World  for  Mankinde;  and  of  Man-H^.3  j.&ih 
 kinde ,  righteous  in  one  publick  Man ;  and  of  the  Difobedi-  *• 
 ence  and  Fall  of  Mankinde  into  fin  and  death,  in,  and  through 
 one  publick  Man ;  and  of  the  Redemption  wrought  for  Man- 
 kinde ,   in,  and  by  another  publick  Man  ;  and  of  the  fulnefs 
 that  is  in  the  fecond  publick  Man,  to  make  known  the  Minde 
 and  Love  of  God ,  and  to  fend  forth  Spirit  to  convince  Men, 
 and  bring  them  into  believe  ;  and  of  the  Remiflion  of  fins, 
 and  Eternal  Life  for  Believers,  and  the  juft  Condemnation  of 
 fuch  as  difobey  and  refufe  to  believe  ;  and  of  the  Reiurre&i- 
 on  of  the  juft  and  unjuft,  and  the  appearing  of  all  before 
 the  Judgement-Seat  of  Chrift  ;   and  his  fentence  of  the  Juft 
 into  Everlafting  Bieflednefs ,  and  of  the  unjuft  to  gverlafting 
 
 G  i  Tor- 
 
Torment ;  and  how  all  thefe  Sayings  are  plain,  being  written 
 to  that  end,  that  we  may  know  the  certainty  of  the  words  of 
 Truthjand  that  we  might  apply  our  Hearts  to  his  Knowledge, 
 e  Trcv.  »».  17*  and  put  our  truft  in  the  Lord  e.     And  if  thefe  Sayings  fhould 
 **•  not  hold  forth  their  own  Sence,no  man  could  tell  us  what  the 
 
 Sence  is :  let  not  our  Mindes  be  waving  in  this,  but  give  God 
 the  Honour  of  his  Truth  and  Love  in  Ipeaking  thefe  things  fo 
 plainly  to  us,  as  they  admit  not  of  any  Limitation ,  Glof- 
 fing,  or  Allegory.  Thefe  be  the  firft  things  to  be  known,and 
 molt  needful  to  be  firft  known ,  and  all  other  Sayings  known 
 by  their  agreeing  in  Sence  with  thefe :  therefore  read  them, 
 as  God's  Declaration  of  his  Minde  to  05,  that  we  may  know 
 it* 
 
 Thirdly ,  as  God  hath  been  pleafed  to  condefcend  fo  low 
 to  us  ,  as  to  make  known  his  Minde  to  us,  in  words  under- 
 standable to  ,  and  ufed  among  Men ;  and  in  fuch  manner  as 
 is  ufable  among  Mtn  for  importing  their  Sence  :  .fo  let  us  ob~ 
 ferve  and  minde  about  them  ,  that  which  is  obfervable  of 
 Men  about  the  Import  of  words  to  know  their  fenfc  :  as 
 to  fay : 
 
 i.  The  Country  or  People  where  fuch  words  are  ufed., 
 knowing  that  many  things  are  expreffed  by  divers  words  in 
 divers  Countries,  and  underwood  by  the  ufe  of  the  exprefli- 
 on  in  that  Country  where  it  is  ufed;  and  that  in-fome  one 
 Country,  one  and  the  fame  word  is  diver  fly  ufed,and  the  Senfe 
 it  beareth,  known  by  the  fentence  in  which  it  is  ufed  :  Now 
 the  Country  whence  the  Gofpel  came  being  Zio»y  and  accor* 
 ding  to  the  Spirit's  breathing,  writ  in  the  Scriptures  ,  we  arc 
 to  minde  how  and  in  what  fence  words  arc  ufed  there ,  and 
 fo  to  understand  them  according  to  the  fentence  in  which  they . 
 are  ufed. 
 
 2.  Byandof  whomaSpeech  is ,  whether Governour or 
 S.tfbje& ,  wife  or  fimple,  true,  faithful  and  knowing,  or  igno- 
 rant and  unfaithful  ;  and  accordingly  we  value  the  Extent, 
 Truth,  Worth , and  Goodnefs  of  their  Sayings ,  cr  put  Limits 
 and  make  Doubts  thereof :  lb  in  the  Scriptures,  being  related 
 the  Sayings  of  God  by  his  Spirit,  and  the  Sayings  cf  Men, 
 both  of  faithful  and  unfaithful  Men ;  we  may  understand  thofe 
 fayings  accordingly  ,  for  their  Extent ,  Worth,  Truth,  or  for 
 their  fcantnefc,  weaknefs,  &c,  3  •  The 
 
tejlimony  of  Chrijl  in  the  fayings  thereof,     yj 
 
 3.  The  perfons  and  things  treated  of,   whether  the  chief 
 Magiftrate  of  a  Commonwealth,  or  inferiour  Magiftrates,  or 
 Fathers,  or  Matters ;    and  fo  whether  of  a  Kingdom  ,  Com- 
 monwealth, Corporation,  Aflbciation,  or  Family  ;  and  fo  un- 
 derhand the  words  All ,.  Ever /, Head,  Body, or  Hand,  ruling 
 or  fubje&ion  accordingly  :  lo  may  we  obferve  in  reading  the 
 Scriptures ,  of  vvhom  and  whac  we  read  ,    where  we  read  of 
 two  Adams)  or  two  publick  Men  ;  the  firft,  a  living  foul ;  the 
 fecond,  a  quickning  Spirit  :  the  firft  fallen  ,   and  of  the  Earth 
 earthy  ;  the  fecond  alive  for  evermore ,  the  Lord  frcm  Hea- 
 ven, heavenly :  the  firft  having  all  his  Generation  in  his  loyns, 
 naturally  to  come  forth  of  him  ;  the  fecond  taking  the  Na- 
 ture of  the  firft,  andfpiritualizingit ,  to  have  his  Generation 
 out  of  the  firft  Man's  Children,    by  bringing  them  in  to  him 
 in  a  fpiritual  manner.    And  fo  we  read  of  Men ,   as  they  are 
 of  the  Race  of  the  firft  Adam  ,  and  of  fome  Men  as  born  of 
 Water&  the  Spirit,  andbecome  of  the  Generation  of  the  fe- 
 cond and  fpiritual  Man.  And  ib  we  read  of  the  Works  of  God 
 and  of  Men  about  both,  and  of  things  futable  to  the  one,  and 
 his  Generation ;  and  of  things  futable  to  the  other,  and  his 
 Generation.     And  fo  when  we  read  the  layings  ofthefirft 
 Man  and  his  natural  Race ,  and  of  things  pertaining  to  them ; 
 whether  All,  Every,  or  Head,  Body, Eye,  Hand,  Foot;  or  of 
 Wifdom ,  Power ,  Works  of  Righteoufnefs  j  or  of  Lands, 
 Waters ,   Trees,  Mountains,  we  may  underftand  it  in  a  fenfc 
 futable  to  the  natural  Man  and  his  Race,  whether  it  be  plain 
 or  metaphorical  :   But  if  the  fayings  be  of  the  fecond  Man, 
 that  is  the  fpiritual  Man,  and  his  fpiritual  kcd9  and  of  thines 
 peculiar  to  him  and  them,  we  may  underftand  it  fpiritually  in> 
 a  fenfe  fuiting  to  Chriftand  the  things  of  Chrift,  whether  it  be 
 Temple, Houfe,  Body,Eye,  Hand, Foot,  Fire,  Water,  Trees, 
 Wifdbm,Strength,  or  righteous  Doing;  yet  ft  ill  according  10 
 the  Import  of  the  Letter  fpeaking  .of  Tuch  things ,  comparing 
 natural  things  with  natural,and  fpiritual  things  with  fpiritual  - 
 and  in  fayings  relating  to  both  natural  and  fpiritual  Men, 
 to  underftand  them  in  both  fenfes  y  according  to  their  Rela- 
 tion. 
 
 4.  The  Bufinefs  in  and  about  which  the  faying  is,  whether- 
 Monarchicaljagitatedby  Imperial  BdiSt;  or  National,agicated  1 
 
38        T>ireBwtt  to  the  weafyfi  tafindetbe 
 
 by  a  Parliament  or  State  j   or  whether  the  Bufinefs  of  a  Pro* 
 vince  or  Country ,  agitated  by  Judges ,  Juftices  and  Jurors  s 
 or  a  Corporation- Bufinefs ,    agitated  by  Major ,   Aldermen, 
 Counfcllor:  or  a  Family* Bufinefs ,  agitated  by  a  F  ather,  Ma- 
 tter, or  Steward's  direction  :  or  Pergonal  Bu^nefs ,    between 
 rwoor  three  :  and  then  the  words,  Rule,  Houfe,  Order,  Law, 
 All,  Bvery,  Many,  crEleft,  are  eafily  underfioodof  a  larger 
 or  lefs  extent,  or  more  general,  or  more  fpecial  in  the  Import 
 of  the  Senfe :  fo  in  Scripture  we  may  obferve  the  Bufinefs  of 
 which  the  Sayings  are,  whether  of  God,  andof  CbriO,  and 
 his  Works ;  and  therein ,   whether  of  hi^  Works  in  general, 
 as  of  Creation  of  all  things ,  and  of  Mankinc'e  ;  or  his 
 Redemption  of  Mankinde,  or  his  Prefervation  of  them  ,  and 
 Extention  of  Mercies  and  Means  to  them ,   to  call  ihem  to 
 Repentance :  or  whether  of  more  fpecial  Mercies  and  Means, 
 extended  to  one  Nation  more  than  to  another ;  or>of  peci*- 
 liar  Graces  extended  to  his  new-born  People  :  and  fa,  whe^r 
 ther  of  his  Works  of  Salvation  for  Men  ,  or  in  Men ;    or  0f 
 his  Redemption,  and  Purchafing  of  Men  of  God,  and  calling 
 them  to  God  ;  or  of  his  redeeming  and  purchafing  feme  Men 
 from  among  Men  unto  God ,  and  fo  fan&ifying  andchuGng 
 them  to  be  his  peculiar  People :  and  accordingly  we  may  un* 
 derftand  the  words  All,  Every,  Many,  Us,    were;  to  be  of 
 more  general  or  more  fpecial  ex:enr,  though  the  word  World 
 be  never  ufed  to  exprefs  the  Elecl  onely  :,  but  if  the  Bufinefs 
 about  which  the  Sayings  are,  be  of  Men  ^  though  as  his  In- 
 ftruments ,  the  Senfe  according  to  the  Bufinefs  may  be  more 
 large  or  ft  rait,  but  not  fo  large  nor  fo  peculiar  as  in  the  Works 
 of  God  and  Chrift  onely, 
 
 5.  The  manner  of  fpeakmg  and  propounding,  whether  it 
 be  by  Propofitions  of  Generals  or  Specials,and  whether  it  be 
 for  believing  onely,  or  for  example  alfo  ;  and  whether  it  be 
 Generator  Particular,  and  Applicative  ;  and  accordingly 
 we  underftand  the  Sayings  more  or  lefs  largely:  fo  in  the 
 Gofpel-Sayinss  ,  obferving  whether  they  be  Propofuion^  of 
 Truth,  that  Men  might  believe,  or  of  Example  for  Men  t<  fol* 
 low  ;  or  Propofitions  General  to  Men ,  or  Special  to  Belie- 
 vers,  or  Particular  and  Applicative  Sayings,  wemayknow 
 the  Senfe  to  be  more  General  and  Large ,    or  more  Special, 
 
 and 
 
ieflimmy  of  Chrifl  in  ^p 
 
 and  Limited  to  fome  Special  accordingly. 
 
 6.  The  end  and  fcope  of  a  Speech  or  Saying,whether  it  be 
 to  fee  forth  a  Perfon  or  a  Bufineis :  and  if  of  a  Peribn,whether 
 it  be  to  fet  forth  who  he  is,  or  what  he  is,  or  whence  he  is, 
 or  where  he  is ;  or  if  his  Bu(inefs,w  nether  what  he  hath  done, 
 or  what  he  doth ,  or  what  he  will  do  ,  and  for  whom ;  and 
 that  whether  in  General  or  Special ,  and  for  what  end.  And 
 accordingly  we  understand  the  extent  of  the  Senfe:  and  lb 
 inGoifpel-Sayings  we  may  underhand  in  minding  the  end 
 and  fcope  of  them ,  whether  to  let  forth  the  Perfon  of  Chrift 
 or  hjs  Buhnefs,  or  the  Perfons  of  Men  and  their  Bufinefs ,  or 
 the  Perfons  of  Believers  and  their  Bufinefs :  and  if  the  Per- 
 fon of  Chrift ,  then  whether  to  (hew  who  he  is ,  or  what  a 
 one  he  is ,  or  whence  he  is ,  or  where  he  is  ;  and  if  of  his 
 Bufinefs  ,  then  whether  to  fliew  what  he  hath  done  ,  and  for 
 whom,  and  for  what  end;  or  what  he  doth  ,  or  what  he 
 will  do  ,  and  whether  in  General  for  All,  or  in  Special  for 
 Believers,  &c.  accordingly  the  Senfe  imported  General  or 
 Peculiar. 
 
 .  7.  How  Words  more  hardly  underftood  in  fome  Sayings, 
 are  explained  and  (hewn  to  be  meant  and  intended  by  them 
 that  ufethem,in  other  of  their  Sayings ;  and  how  taken  and 
 underftood  by  them  that  are  acquainted  and  converfant  with 
 the  ufers  of  thofe  Sayings ;  and  to  ,  though  the  fame-  Wcrd 
 hath  divers  meanings ,  one  in  one  Saying,  and  another  in 
 another  Saying ;  in  one  Saying  properdin  another  figurative ; 
 yet  by  this  Observation  ,  it  is  eafily  underftood  by  the  Sen- 
 tence in  which  it  is.  And  the  like  we  may  obferve  about 
 Words  in  Scripture  Sayings,  that  have  fome  obfamt y  ,  and 
 one  meaning  in  one  Saying  ,  and  another  meaning  in  another 
 Saying ;  yet  in  like  Sayings ,  the  meaning  of  thofe  words  is 
 explicated  by  the  Spirit  that  ipake  them,  and  hath  been  un- 
 derftood and  recorded  by  the  Holy  Prophets  and  Apoftles9 
 and  may  be  underftood  by  all  that  believe  their  writing?,  in 
 comparing  one  place  with  another  ;  fo  that  we  compare  like 
 Sayings,or  Sayings  of  like  things  together  ;  as,  if  the  Sayings 
 be  of  God  &  of  his  Works  of  Creation,Redemption,cK~«  and 
 by  God  faid ;  fee  the  fenfe  of  the  Word,  as  given  and  explica- 
 ted in  like  Sayings  5  and  compare  not  God  with  Men,to  make 
 
 the 
 
40   T>ire8iw  to  the  weafyft  tofinde  the,  &c. 
 
 the  Senfe  of  a  Word  ufed  by  Men,and  in  Sayings  &  Bufineflcs 
 
 of  Men,to  be  the  Limit  of  the  Senfe  and  Force  in  fach  Words 
 
 ijpoken  by  God,and  of  his  Work?.  And  thefe  things  obferved, 
 
 the  Import  of  Sayings  in  Scripture  y  will  not  be  fo  obfeure  as 
 
 many  pretend.     And  for  thefe  things ,  though  I  might,  yet  I 
 
 have  not  quoted  Scriptures,     but  leive'  that  to  befeenin 
 
 the  following  Difcourfe.     I  know  fuch  as  pride  themfelvcs  in 
 
 their  Learning  and  skill  in  Tongues,  Sciences,  and  Arts ,  will 
 
 pufh  at  thefe  fimple  Obfervations;  but  they  need  not*for  they 
 
 are  not  intended  for  them,though  even  they  will  run  into  Ab- 
 
 furditiesif  they  neglc&  and  go  contrary  to  them:  but  they 
 
 are  writ  for  fuch  as  are  unskilful  in  that  Learning,  that  fuch  as 
 
 have  the  ufeof  Undemanding,  may  confider  that  which  they 
 
 read  in  Scripture ;  and  I  luppofe  it  will  after  appear ,  yea, and 
 
 inlbme  Scripture-Commands  and  Appeals,  to  be  even  there 
 
 (Rom.jA.  icor.  dire&ed unto.   For  prefent  fee/, 
 
 9  7,8.  eHi.»3*.  Fourthly,  The  plainnefs  of  the  Gofpel-Teftimony  of  Chrift, 
 a- 14. 1 9^°*  will  yet  farther  appear,  if  we  minde  in  comparing  Scriptures, 
 tcer.+.i*  the  Diftin&ions  mentioned  therein ,  of  the  manifold  ends  of 
 the  Death  of  Chrift ;  one  to  make  Propitiation  for  fins ,  one 
 to  confirm  the  New  Teftament,  and  one  to  ftiew  Love  tnd  O- 
 bedience  to  his  Father,  and  Love  to  and  Care  of  his  Sheep  in 
 witnefs-bearing  to  the  Truth,  and  therein  to  give  us  an  Exam- 
 ple: and  likewife  minde  the  different  extent,in  regard  of  thefe 
 ends ;  and  obferving  alio  the  Tenfe  and  Perfon,  and  change  of 
 Tenfe  and  Perfon  ufed  in  Scripture-Sayings. 
 
 Thefe  four  Rules  obferved,  I  hope  the  Sayings  of  the  Go- 
 fpel  in  theTeftimony  of  Chrift,  will  appear  plain  to  all  that 
 defire  and  pray  to  God  for  Undemanding.  And  yet  to  make 
 all  the  more  ufeful  to  underftand  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift;  Be- 
 fore I  fet  on  the  difcovery  of  that ,  I  will  add  a  few  Words 
 more  about  God  *s  Creation  of  the  firft  publick  Man ,  and 
 that  Man's  Fall  and  Mifery  }  for  remedy  whereof,  the  fecond 
 publick  Man  came. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
V 
 
 CHAP.  9. 
 of  the  Creation  ofCMankfade  in  the  ft  [I  Adam, 
 
 i.TN  the  beginning  God  created  and  made  the  Heaven,  and 
 AEarth,and  Sea,  and  a  world  of  Creatures  in  each  of  them; 
 
 and  all  to  (hew  forth  his  Glory ,  Love  ,  and  Bounty,  for  the 
 benefit  and  commodity  of  Mankinde  ;  and  all  before  he 
 made  the  firft  Man.  And  fo  it  appeared,  the  firft  Man  had  no 
 hand  or  counfei  in  the  Creation  of  any  of  them  j  all  being 
 made  and  furnifhed  for  him,  before  he  was  in  being  a.  a  Gen.  1.1,2$, 
 
 2.  He  created  and  made  Man  of  the  Duft  of  the  Earth,  and  &  2#5'7 :  vfaL 
 breathed  in  him  the  breath  of  Life,  andfo  made  him  a  living  z^&l\\iy 
 Soul;  yea,  a  Natural  Man,  Male  and  Female,  fit  for  multipli- 
 cation in  a  Natural  way  ;  yea,  a  publick  Man,  fo  as  all  Man- 
 kinde were  in  him  created^and  in  refpe&  of  fpecies  or  kind, 
 
 all  in  him  as  he  was  b.  b  GenX%7>i  8fl 
 
 3.  He  made  this  firft  publick  Man,  (andfo  all  Mankinde  in  &*•  18,23,7. 
 refpeft  of  kinde  in  him)  in  his  own  Image  or  Likeneis  c :  net l  fr^M^r* 
 God,  but  Man  d ;  nor  equal  with  God  ,  for  that  was  the  pe-  J^».  lla^Iy! 
 culiar  Priviledge  of  the  Word,  the  Son  of  God,  that  was  with  a  £^.28.2  J, 
 God,  and  God  e:  But  Man  of  the  Duft,  and  therein  a  little  9.1/4.3  i.£.Gf» 
 lower  than  the  Angels  f ;  yet  truely  in  a  meafure  in  the  Like-  Il6> &  2?- 
 nefs  and  Image  of  God :  which  appears  in  Scripture  to  be  ,     c*™  l'*^ 
 
 I.  For  Uprightnefs  in  Holinefs  andRighteoufnels  ;  foas  his  1.1,2,3.' 
 Heart  was  naturally  inclined  to  love  God  with  all  his  Minde,fpM  8.*. 
 Heart, Soul  and  Strength5  and  his  Neighbour  as  himfelf  •  and1  Gm-1-  *7< 
 all  his  Powers  apted  freely  to  walk  out  therein,without  com-  e^z  7'  lgg'h 
 pulfion  of  any  out wa  r d  Law.  fc  {T^'coi  3  Ho. 
 
 II.  Lordfrup  and  Dominion  over  all  the  Creatures  below  ii  Gcn.i. 28.  " 
 made  for  him,  in  the  Earth, and  Sea,  and  Air.  Tfai.s.  6,7,%. 
 
 III.  A  Capacity  of  Immortality ,    and  living  in  his  Happi-  n         %J„ 
 nefs  for  ever  ;  fo ,  as  if  he  acknowledged  his  Supreme  Lerd,  P  m  gt ^g,  & 
 liking  and  continuing  in  the  Condition  and  Honour  he  was  ^.ivo./te, 
 put  in  ,   forbearing  the  eating  of  the  Fruit  of  one  Tree  5  he  5.1  *.  &6%*%% 
 (hould  not  die,  but  live ,   and  enjoy  his  Happinefs  for  ever : 
 
 »  H  other- 
 
^z  Of  the  Creation 
 
 otherwife,  he  might  become  as  theBeafts  that  perifh. 
 
 4.  He  furnifhed  this  firft  publick  Man  ( and  fo  all  Man- 
 
 kinde  in  him)  with  fufficient  furniture,  that  he  might  abide  in 
 
 his  happy  Eftate : 
 
 I Ecdcf  7.29.       I.  With  an  inward  and  natural  Principle  and  Inclination  to 
 
 £//fc.4.*4.       love  God, and  his  Neighbour  ;  and  Aptitude  and  Strength  in 
 
 all  his  Faculties  and  Powers  of  Soul  and  Body  ,   to  walk  out 
 
 therein  ;  io,  as  there  was  in  him  no  occafion  o£ftumbling,or 
 
 gi  M.1.10.  anything  to  withdraw  or  move  him  to  turn  afide^,   norany 
 
 thing  besides  God,  that  he  needed  to  defire  or  fear,  to  move 
 
 hG^.1.31.     without  him  h. 
 
 llGe».i.*M9,      II,    With  an  outward  furniture  of  Creatures  in  Heaven, 
 30.  P/k.104.13  Earth  and  Sea,  fhewing  forth  the  Glory  ,  Love  and  Bounty 
 V'l6i&itn  °^h*s  Creator ;  a^  at  ms  Service,  and  fitted  for  all  Accommo- 
 $39.      9-v  fail0n  ^  fol  t^e  well. being  of  his  Life,  to  walk  cheerfully  be- 
 fore God. 
 
 III  Gw.  2.8,9,  HI-  With  an  eafie  and  pleafant  fervice,inaplace  of  de- 
 10,1*  ,16,19, 22.  light  and  pleafure  ,  where  alfo  he  had  the  freedom  and'op- 
 dM.28.c^3.8.p0rtunj|ty  0f  meeting  with,  and  enjoying  intercourfe  and 
 
 communion  with  God. 
 
 IV  Gen.  1.19.  m  W.  With  an  inward  Liberty  of  will,  and  power  to  ufe  it, 
 &  2. 16,17.  in  chuling  or  refufing,that  fo  his  Obedience  might  be  volunta- 
 ry ;  and  outward  Liberty  given  him ,  freely  to  eat  of  every 
 Tree  in  the  Garden,  but  onely  one  ;  of  which  one,  he  had  the 
 advantage,  by  the  forbearance  of  it,to  teflifie  his  thankfulnefs 
 to  his  Creator ,  and  his  delight  in  him,  and  well-pleafednefs 
 with  his  will  and  works ;  which  without  this,  had  been  want- 
 ing to  him. 
 
 v  rc     i6  V.  With  InftruSion  of  the  Nature  of  that  forbidden  Tree, 
 
 rciM.  ,1  'ancjwhat  tne  event  and  danger  would  be,  if"  he  did  eat  there- 
 of. 
 
 So  that  in  all  this ,   the  grear,  free  and  undeferved  Love  of 
 
 God  to  Mankinde,doth  fo  appear,as  may  lead  to  Admiration, 
 
 iff'  l)lb&  °  whatis  Man/that  was  made  of  the  duft)  that  thou  foouldft 
 
 \7%rfaii°4  &  be  fo  mindeful  of  him,  and  fet  thy  Heart  on  him,  and  fo  love 
 
 144.5.  andblefs  him/. 
 
 Qbjecl.  If  it  be  replied  ,  But  God  might  have  made  thi*  fir  ft  Adam  foy 
 and  fitch  ,  as  he  might  have  been  in  an  abfolme  neceffitjoj  living 
 for  ever  in  immortality^  and  fo  in  an  abfolute  imfoJfibil:ty  of  falling 
 or  changing;  T-6 
 
of  ManMndeS.  4,5 
 
 '     To  this  I  might  return  A  nfwer,  Shall  he  that  coniendeth  with      s/fnfwer. 
 the  Almighty ',  wftrutt  him  ?  he  that  reproveth  God,  let  him  anfwer ,~. 
 4tk.    But  I  will  endeavour  to  fatishe.  .' 
 
 I.  If  God  had  made  Man  in  himfelf  immutable,  and  fo  in 
 an  abfolute  impoflibility  of  changing ,  he  had  not  made  him 
 a  holy  Man  onely,  but  God  alfo  j  for  that  is  his  peculiar,  to  be 
 in  and  of  himfelf  immutable  *  Mai.?,  .6.  Jam.i.i  7. 
 
 II.  God  at  firft,  and  in  the  beginning  of  his  way,exalted  his 
 Son  that  was  with  him,  the  fame  God  :  fo  that  it  is  his  pecu* 
 
 liar  wich  the  Father,  to  be  in  and  of  himfelf  immutable  /:  \  Prov.B.iw 
 nor  can  any  Creature  partake  of  that  immutability   and^,I,I/,1,3-c^ 
 bkfled  immortality  ,  but  as  they  have  it  derivatively  from  Zlja.\o.l\ 
 himw.  iPe/.i,  1, 24, 
 
 UI.God  willed  to  make  Man  a  little  inferior  to  theAngels »,  t ?. 
 (as  the  fecond  Man  was  for  a  little  while  <?.)     Now  the  An-n*>M8-*' 
 gels  were  not  fo  made  ,  that  in  and  of  themfelves  they  were  °  Heb*z-7* 
 in  an  utter  incapacity  and  impoflibility  of  changing  or  falling 
 into  death  ;  yea,  many  of  them  did  fo  fall  p :  and  thofe  that  Vltpet  2  4 
 are  now  eftablifhed,that  they  cannot  fall ,  had  that  eftabiifti-  judC6.job\. 
 ment  and  impoffiblity  of  falling  ,   derived  to  them  from  the  1 8,19. 
 Word ,  that  is ,  the  Son  of  God,  whom  God  had  exalted  a- 
 bove  all ;  in  Acknowledgement  of  whom,  and  well  pleafed-* 
 nefs  with  his  Exaltation  and  Dominion,  they  were  through 
 him  Heft,  and  fo  his  holy  Angels^,  (as  moft  propabkq  Heb.i.^u, 
 die  firft  man   in    continuance,    might   in  the  fame  Ac- 7>  13^4.^ Ac- 
 knowledgement have  been  by  the  fame  Word ,  without  his  8.**,*s.  Job 
 taking  fleflh.  and  dying. )    And  fuch  as  now  believe  on  him  \\\"l'T3^' 
 (hall  be  in  the  Refurre&ionof  thejuft,  in  which  they  (hall  be  Mat[uJo. 
 equal  to  the  Holy  Angels  r.  And  had  the  firft  Man  been  made 
 in  and  of  himfelf,in  fuch  an  immutability,  he  had  been  made r  Lu&  10>6> 
 fuperior  to  the  Angels :  but  he  was  made  a  little  inferior  pr(  g 
 to  the  Angels ,  though  fuperior  to  all  other  Creatures ,  and 
 preferred  before  the  Angels,  in  Lordfhip  over  the  Works  of 
 God's  hands  :  and  his  Liberty  and  furniture  for  abiding,  is 
 fore  (hewn. 
 
 So  that  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde,  had  its  firft  appear- 
 ance in  and  through  this  firft  publick  Man ,   in  the  Creation 
 and  furniture,  andblefling  of  him ;  and  what  God  did  to  him, 
 he  did  to  all  Mankinde  in  him,  for  all  Mankinde  were  in  him : 
 /  Hz  and 
 
44  Of  the  Fall 
 
 and  fo  while  he  abode  in  his  innocency ,  alike  righteous  in 
 him ,  and  alike  beloved  in  him,  in  their  fpecies  as  Men ;  fo, 
 as  none  ye^  in  or  by  himfinners  ;  and  fo  none  hated,  none 
 reprobated :  for  all  were  in  him  ,  as  Men ,  and  in  no  other 
 Man,  neither  was  there  any  other  Man  in  being ,  nor  in  pur- 
 pofe  as  Man  before  him ;  he  was  the  natural  Man  ,  the  firft 
 Man  in  purpoie  and  being  as  Man  ,  and  there  was  no  other 
 Man  before  or  with  him,for  Men,or  any  Men,  as  Men,  to  be 
 beheld,  considered,  beloved  or  chofen  in.  The  Lord  Chrift, 
 as  Man,  is  the  fecond  Man,  the  laft  Adam ,  the  fpiritual  Man, 
 in  whom  is  no  Man  or  Men,  but  fuch  as  were  firft  in  the 
 firft  and  natural  Man ,  have  their  being  in  him,  and  come 
 forth  from  him,  and  firft  bare  his  Image  ;  and  after ,  in  a  fu- 
 /i-Ctf,  xjf.45,  pernatural  way  are  fpiritually  brought  into  the  fecond  and 
 **  fpiritual  Mati,that  they  may  bear  his  Image.  So  that  all  Man- 
 
 kinde  are  to  be  firft  confidered  as  they  have  their  firft  being 
 in  the  firft  publick  Man  ,  which  at  firft  was  bleffed  and  hap* 
 
 CHAP.  id. 
 
 Of  the  fall  and  mi/try  of  the  firft  Man,  and  all  MAnkind^? 
 in  h$m$  and  [o  through  him. 
 
 PSal.  49. 1 2 .  CMan  in  honour  abtdeth  net, be  is  U\e.  the  beafts 
 thatperijb,  Rom.  5. 12.  By  one  man  fin  entred  into  the 
 world*,  and  death  by  fin9  and  fo  death  faffed  on  all  men,  for  that  (cr 
 in  whom)  allhave  finned.  Scripture  declares  how  this  came  to 
 paf",  viz,, 
 i  Jade  e.iPct.  J*  The  Devil  or  Prince  of  the  fallen  Angels,  who  afpiring 
 M.  /*fc.8.44#  to  be  higher,  left  their  own  place  ,  and  were  caft  down  ,  he 
 envying  the  happinefs  of  Man ,  as  he  abode  not  in  the  Truth 
 himfelf  ;  fo  he  thought  by  Lyes  to  withdraw  Man  from 
 ir,  and  bring  him  into  the  fame  Perdition  with  himfelf:  he 
 madeufeof  the  Serpent,  the  moft  fubtil  of  all  the  Beafts  cf 
 the  Field  which  the  Lord  God  made ,  and  by  him  as  his  In- 
 
 ftrumem 
 
of  Man.  45 
 
 .flrurnenc  (  as  he  now  doth  by  the  molt  excellent  uci&naifie  J 
 wits ,  and  feeming  holy  ones )  pretending  lo  1  e  and  good  to 
 the  Woman,  as  to  help  her  and  her  husband  to  a  moxe  glori- 
 ous eflate ,  and  greater  likenefs  to  God  than  that  God  made 
 them  in  ;  So  tempting  Man  to  his  own  afpiring  fin,  he  begins 
 with  questioning  her  about  the  minde  of  God  in  his  layings : 
 HathGod  in  faying  iaid,or  becaufehc  k\d{fe{hall not  ext  of  every  Gm  ^  ^ 
 tree  iny  &c  ?  Did  he  io  fay  and  intend  indeed,  That  ye  fhould  %  fa.  it'  3^ 
 not  eat  at  all  of  that  tree?may  not  there  be  fome  other  meaning  1.3, 14 ,15. 
 in  his  faying  ?  fo  to  draw  her  from  heeding  and  believing  the 
 word  or  faying  of  God ,  according  to  the  plain  Import  of  the 
 fame  :  and  fo  amufing  her  thoughts  about  the  fenfe,  and  then 
 perfwade  her  to  a  quite  contrary  fenfe,  (a  trick  he  hath  learn 'd 
 feducers  to  ufe)  whence  alfo  he  is  called,  The  great  Dragon, 
 That  old  Serpent,  The  Devil  and  Satan,  which  dcceiveth  the 
 whole  wodd)Rev.i  2.9.  &  20.2. 
 
 2.  Man,  that  was  fo  loved  and  bleffed  of  God ,  andfo  a- 
 bundantly  furnifhed  with  good  things,and  bleffedly  advanced 
 by  him,  having  fo  plain  a  word,  that  in  minding  and  believing 
 it ,  he  might  both  have  known  that  other  voice  to  be  from  a 
 
 lying  Tempter,  and  have  put  him  to  flight:  yet ,  by  ponder-  G**-**T-&3* 
 
 ing  the  [1  range  voice ,  anckparleying  with  the  Tempter  ,  he  2n\\^/m'n"' 
 
 neglefted  the  heeding  and  believing  the  plain  Import  of  ther 
 
 word  given  him  j  andfo  hearkned  to,  and  believed  the  voice 
 
 of  the  Tempter  and  Seducer :  and  being  fo  withdrawn,  he  was 
 
 indeed ,  and  did  then  look  upon  the  appearing  Excellency  of 
 
 the  Tree ;  and  in  looking  ,   proceeded  to  de(ire  ir ,  for  the 
 
 conceited  knowledge  and  wifdom  pretended  to  be  gotten  by 
 
 it ;  and  from  defire  proceeded  to  take  of  it,  and  fo  handled  its 
 
 and  from  handling  fell  to  eating  of  ic,  contrary  to  the  exprefs 
 
 Charge  of  his  Creator.    This  is  the  firftfm,and  the  beginning 
 
 of  the  finning  of  man. 
 
 3 .  Man  flayed  not  here,  but  did  proceed  in  adding  to,  and 
 compleatingthis  fin  to  the  height  ;  and  that  by  hiding  them- 
 lelves  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  a ,  and  by  intimately  a  Gm 
 blaming  his  Creator,  as  not  having  furnifned  him  to  come  in-  **" 
 to  his  prefence ,   leaving  him  naked  b  ;  and  by  excufing  and  b  Genltoi  • 
 hiding  his.  fin  ,  when  called  to  account ,  the  man  putting  hProv<i?    , 
 
 -off  to  the  woman ,  and  intimately  to  God  that  gave  him  the 
 
 /  WO" 
 
 L 
 
^6  -   Of  the  Fall 
 
 woman ,  the  woman  putting  it  off  to  the  Serpent ,  neither 
 confeffing  faultinefs ,   nor  asking  pardon ;  but  leaving  it  to 
 c/ttji/;;.    God's  own  fearchr :  fo  was  the  firft  fin  finiflied. 
 Gcn.M,\%M<     4    In  this  fin  thus  begun  and  finiflied,    we  may  difcern 
 man's  demeanor  towards  God,  how  evil  it  was ,  and  the  ex- 
 ceeding finfuinels  of  this  fin,iri  his  forgetfulnefs  &  unbelief  of 
 the  good  word  of  God  in  the  plain  fayings  and  import  there- 
 &Gcft.xMJ7*  ofdj&  great  fin,  Hofea  +.6.  and  difefteem  of,  and  unthankfui- 
 &  S-S-         nefs  for  the  great  love  of  God  in  his  Creation ,  and  the  many 
 cGen  ll6  l?i  good  things  betiowed  on  him  e:    a  great  fin,   Dent.  3*.i$* 
 28,19.  Wi)  2  T/w.3.2.  yea,  and  confederate  with  the  Devil  the  Enemy 
 i6.  of  God  and  mankinde,  in  hearing,  believing,  and  obeying  his 
 
 f  Gun      <  6  ^c^on'fl  the  voice  of  the  Serpent/ -a  great  fin,  1JW.4.1, 
 45  5  '  5.  John  5,45.  And  yet  farther,  in  this  fin  was  Pride,  Ambi- 
 tion, and  Robbery  in  a  high  degree,  in  conceiting,  aipiring, 
 and  affaying  to  be  equal  with  God ,    (  which  appertained  to 
 g  Gm.yf.      none,  but  the  onely  Son  of  God,  Phil.  2.6 g.)  a  fin  of  an  high 
 Nature,E^.  28.2,6,9.  and  diiobedience  to,  and  rebellion 
 h  Gen.i.i7.&  againft  the  plain  and  expreis  command  of  the  Almighty  hi  fin 
 3. 11.  of  an  high  Nature,  1  Sam.  1  5.23.  andblafphemyof  God,in 
 
 minde,  tongue  and  deed,  in  faulting  the  work  and  furniture 
 of  God  about  hisownBody,and  affaying  by  himfelf  to  amend 
 i  Gen.  3. 7,10. n  * '  a  grievous  fin ,  ^4.1 7.  and  unfaithfulnefs  in  his  pub- 
 lick  place  ,   both  to  God  that  betrufted  him  and  put  him  in 
 k  Gr».i.i8.  &  ^  k*->   and  to  thofe  that  were  to  come  of  him  by  propagation, 
 1.19. Rom. 5. 12.  in  whole  place  he  flood ,  and  with  whom  he  was  betrufted; 
 and  alto  to  the  Creatures  given  pure  and  good  into  his  Do- 
 minion to  rule  :  a  great  fin,  Luke  1 6. 1  2.     and  herein,  mur- 
 ther  and  overthrow,  both  of  himfelf  and  all  his  natural  po- 
 fterity,  both  of  Soul  and  Body,  in  dying  to  die  5  a  great  mur- 
 lGc».i.i7.Kowtnero^manyinanhigh  decree  /:  a  grievous  fin, .Mjiwb.i  5, 3 1. 
 i.ii,x  8.  \C&r.  and  excream  vanity  and  folly,  in  affaying  to  hide  himfelf  and 
 1  f.u>n.        his  fin  from  God,  to  avoid  his  judgement  m  :  a  grievous  fin, 
 mGt„>3.3}io3  job  ^u  ^^  p^  ^  ^     Tofliew  how  every  Precept  in  ten 
 words  was  herein  gone  contrary  to ,  and  finned  againft ,  and 
 all  defireable  good  in  the  rule  of  Prayer  given  us;  as  glori- 
 fying God,  being  under  his  Regiment ,    doing  his  will,  reft- 
 ingonhim,  &c.  was  in  this  tranfgreffioncaftafide  ,  were  an 
 eafie  bufineis:  and  yet  this  offence  fo  great  and  manifold,doth 
 
 flill 
 
ofM* 
 
 an.  4.7 
 
 ft  HI  appear  to  be  more  heynousandfinful,  if  we  minde  the 
 circumllances  in  it ;  as  agamft  how  great,  glorious  and  boun- 
 tiful a  God,  that  had  made  him  in  his  Image ,  furnifhed  him 
 with  a  world  of  Creatures ,  exalted  him  to  fuch  a  Lordfhip, 
 placed  him  in  a  Paradife  ,  and  vouchsafed  intcrcoude  with 
 him.  This  fin  was  by  him  in  this  Paradife  committed  ,  and 
 againft  what,  and  how  manifold  Obligations  of  Authority, 
 Love,  Benefits,  Inftru&ions,  and  forewarning  given ,  all  ob- 
 liging to  Love  and  Obedience  ;  this  (in  was  committed  by 
 him  rhat  enjoyed  the  good  of  them  all.  And  againft  what  wel- 
 fare of  himfelf ,  and  all  his  Natural  Pofterity  to  come  of  him, 
 it  was  committed.  And  againii  what  Knowledge  and  inward 
 Natural  Principle  of  Righteoufnefs ;  and  with  what  delibera- 
 tion and  freedom  of  will ,  when  he  was  no  way  neceflitated 
 thereto,  he  committed  this  fin  :  and  alfo  how  he  committed 
 this  fin  by  the  motion  of  the  Devil  in  the  Serpent,  in  fayings 
 queftioning  the  Truth  of,  and  contrary  to  the  plain  faying  cf 
 God  ,  and  all  for  a  dreaming  conceit,  to  get  a  fhado w,  when 
 he  had  the  fubftance  of  good  ,  which  he  let  go  for  it ;  and  fo 
 for  very  vanity  it  ieif :  fo  that  we  may  with  marvelling ,  fay, 
 Oh  how  vile  and  abominable  the  fin  of  Man  !  how  contrary 
 to  the  nature  and  will  of  God!  how  tempting  and  provok- 
 ing his  Majefty  I  how  unworthy  and  unbefecming  fuch  a  Man 
 as  Adam ! 
 
 £.  Having  thus  viewed  Man's  demeanor  and  fin  in  his  fall 
 and  firft  offence  ,  let  us  minc'e  alfo  the  mifery  that  befel  him 
 and  all  Mankinde  in  and  through  him ,  by  this  one  fo  great 
 and  manifold  offence  ;  and  that  the  Spirit:  faith  plainly  was 
 the  entrance  of  fin  ,  and  death  by  fin  ,  Rom.  5.  12, 1  Si 
 &  6.  23.  1  Cor.  15.  21,2a.  The  very  yielding  to  com-  - 
 mit  this  fin,  brought  forth  fruk  unto  death  ,  as  is  evident: 
 For, 
 
 I.  In  drinking  in ,  and  obeying  the  poyfonful  word  and  1  6^.3.1,13, 
 temptation  of  the  Serpent,  the  NaturaiDifpofition  and  Incli-  EccUf.  7.15?. 
 nation  of  Man  was  poyfoned  and  pollutedwkb  that  Hellifh  &w.S.6j.cd> 
 and  Serpentine  Venome  ;  and  io  Man  became  emptied  and  1 
 Gripped  of  his  Uprightnefs  ,  and  fo  of  his  Comfortable 
 Knowledge  of  God  ,  and  love  of  God,  and  his  inward  Natu- 
 ral Principle  of  Righteoufnefs ;  and  filled  with  a  Difpofition 
 
 and 
 
 21. 
 
 / 
 
H 
 
 Of  the  Fall 
 
 n  Gni.$.  Hcb, 
 a. 14. 
 
 and  inclination  averfe  to  God,  and  all  things  pleafing  to  him, 
 and  bent  and  prone  to  all  things  difpleafing  to  him;  and  fo  be- 
 came an  Enemy  to  God. 
 
 II.  It  brought  Weaknefs,  Pain,  and  Mortality  on  the  Bo- 
 dy  ;and  Grief,  Shame  and  Fear  of  wrath  and  death  on  the 
 Soul  of  Man  n. 
 
 III.  It  caft  man  under  the  commanding  and  condemning 
 Power  of  the  Law  of  Works,  To  love  the  Lord  his  God  with 
 all  his  Hearr,  Soul,  Minde  and  Strength ;  and,  his  Neighbour 
 as  himfelf ;  and,to  walk  in  and  bring  forth  the  Fruits  of  that 
 Love:  he  was  not  under  the  Power  of  any  fuch  outward  Law, 
 to  direely:ommand,move,and  lead  him  before;  for  the  Law  of 
 God  was  before  in  his  Heart :  it  was  his  Natural  Inclination 
 
 Kom.i.\$.  &3. an<^  Apiitu.de  io  ro  love  and  walk  in  it  :    but  this  by  his  Fall 
 1 9.&1.1  i,i  8.  was  loft  and  gone  out  of  his  Heart:  yet  notwithftandingGod 
 Gtf/,44'         loll  no  paa  of  his  Authority ;    hisGoodnefs  forefhewn  to 
 Man ,  did  ftill  as  much  oblige  Man  to  this  Love  and  walking 
 in  it  as  before ;  and  fo  the  Law  without ,  took  hold  of  Man, 
 and  had  its  efficacy  in  him,  to  command ,    and  fo  to  excufe  or 
 accufe ;  but  afforded  him  no  help  or  power  of  doing  it ;    yet 
 juftly  condemned  for  every  Tranfgreffion  or  (hort  coming  of 
 it ,  and  that  to  death  :    and  this  befell  all  Mankindein  the 
 firll  publick  Man. 
 IV.tfMB.8.20.     IV.  It  qccafioned  mifery  and  vanity  on  all  the  Creatures 
 r^.i8.i63z4  made  for  the  fervice  and  commodity  of  Man,  and  put  under 
 his  Dominion,  and  turned  that  which  was  for  his  welfare,  in- 
 to a  fnare ;  fo,as  all  turned  to  be  a  vexation  and  curfe  to  him, 
 to  fill  him  with  horror  and  madnefs,  to  his  Torment,  Ruine, 
 and  Deitru&ion. 
 
 V.  According  to  the  Law  of  Arms,  and  the  right  of  aVi- 
 
 &orer5  Satan  had  gotten  the  Dominion  of  Mankinde  ;  and  fo 
 
 2i3i5.  °'    VMankindeinthefirft  publick  Man,  fell  under  thepowerand 
 
 flavery  of  the  wicked  one  ,   the  Devil ,   that  thus  overthrew 
 
 Man  ,"  and  got  the  power  of  Death  to  terrifie  Man  withal, 
 
 2^.12.0.  2^ir.n.3.  1  John  5.19.  H^.2.14. 
 
 VI   "om  i  T2       V*#  c  ^rcw  man  *  anc* a^  man^^ncJe  m  that  publick  man, 
 
 ib.  &6.\\.  *  unavoidably  under  the  guilt  and  D  minion  of  fin  and  Death, 
 
 Gal.$>io.DMl  even  all  that  firft  mentioned  Death,  (Jen.  2.17.  and  ib  into 
 
 17,25.  fubje&ion  to  the  Sentence,  Condemnation,  ar,d  Curfe  of  that 
 
 \  Law 
 
 Ecclef.\.lil 
 PM75-3- 
 
 21,24,31. 
 
Of  Man.  \y 
 
 Law  of  WorkSjUndcr  which  he  was  fallen,and  to  be  judged  by 
 the  Almighty,  according  to  that  Law ,  to  fuffer  the  irmoft  of 
 the  Curfe  it  did  fentence  unto  for  all  the  breaches  of  it. 
 
 Lo,  fuch  the  Fall  and  Mifery  of  Man  ,  fuch  the  foulnefs  and 
 fruit  of  this  firft  and  Original  fin,  and  fuch  the  ftate  of  the  firft 
 Man  in  his  fall,  and  of  all  Mankinde  in  him  ;  and  t  his  without 
 difference  of  any  of  them  that  Naturally  were  in  him,  and^      j,  lR 
 come  forth  from  him;  neither  ever  did,  doth,  or  can  any  Man  i?  &6.i$m 
 by  Nature  or  Naturally  come  forth  from  him  in  any  better.  i£V#i  $.4*. 
 ftate ,  but  in  coming  Naturally  forth  from  him,  to  bear  his  I- 
 mage :  fo  ,    that  we  may  by  this  fee  a  little  of  the  fin  and  mi- 
 fery Mankinde  at  firft  fell  into.     He  that  was  once  righteous, 
 now  unrighteous ;  he  that  was  once  in  favour  and  well- 
 pleafednefs  with  God ,  now  under  guilt  and  difpleafure ;  he 
 that  was  happy,  now  miferable :  yet  God  the  fame ,  and  Man 
 changed  and  fallen  into  mifery  in  refpeft  of  himfelf  and  all 
 Creatures,without  Remedy  to  help :  of  which  a  word  or  two 
 to  prepare  for  following  Bufinefs. 
 
 CHAP.  ji. 
 
 Of  the  ImmutabilitpfGod^  nrtwithftanding  the  mmtlitj 
 fallen  Angels,  and  Mankinde. 
 
 NOtwithftanding  all  this  Evil  of  Man,  his  enmity  againft 
 God  ,  and  mifery  in  himfelf,  and  io  his  woful  change; 
 yet  was  not  there,  in  or  by  it  any  change  in  God,  nor  any  al- 
 teration, or  failing  of  his  minde  or  purpofe :  he  from  Eterni- 
 ty was ,  and  now  is ,  and  to  Eternity  will  be  the  fame  for  e- 
 ver  a  ,  without  change  or  fhadow  of  change  ;  the  Father  o(SEXOj  %  i4. 
 Lights,  yea, Goodnefs  and  Light  it  felf,and  there  is  no  Dark-  Rev.i  4;8.  & 
 nelsinhim.    He  is  Love :  and  as  for  fury  and  wrath  working  llA7-  &l6-l» 
 out  to  the  hatred ,    deftru&ion ,  and  torment  of  any  of  hi?  f  £/  ^  ^,*7) 
 Creatures,  it  hath  not  its  firft  rife  from  the  Being  and  Nature  \j'Qhh  It  \'%  & 
 of  God  5  tyit  from  fuch  Tranfgreffions  againft  his  Goodnefs  4.8. 
 
 I  by 
 
50  Ofyod  s  Immutability. 
 
 by  his  Creatures,  as  ftands  crofs  to  his  Wifdom ,  Love,  and 
 Goodnefs:  fo,  as  even  from  thence  ,  becaufeof  fuch  Tran£- 
 greffion,  hatred  and  wrath  floweth  from  him  ,  as  a  Fruit  of 
 bpftf/n8  &  ^*s  ^00cmeis  v  andLove  to  his  glorious  Goodnefs  and  well- 
 '09.4^5. l&*9.  beloved-Son,  as  a  jutf:  Reward  of  fuch  Contemners  thereof  b ; 
 36.  prov.  8.ii,  fo  that  fury  is  not  in  him  c :  but  the  Fall  and  Deftru&ion  of 
 23.pfa.1i9.6t.  Tranfgreflbrs  is  of  themfelves,  deferved  and  procured  by 
 f'^-I0>i0*  themfelves^.  And  in  all  this,  God  isof  onemindeand 
 a  Hofl  *'6i9.  changeth  not :  he  at  firft  made  all  things  good,  and  fo  Angels 
 Jer.  148.^  and  Men  righteous  ,  and  fuch  as  he  loved  ;  and  fo  he  approv- 
 cGen.i.iiJob  eth  as  good  ,  and  rejoyceth  in  all  his  own  Works  e.    And  fo 
 
 5V^(^i>8^av^n»ma^c  not  one^y  Mankinde,   but  the  Angels  before, 
 4'31'     '  5*     holy  and  well-qualified  ,  he  did  approve  their  Effence  which 
 he  made ,  and  the  holy  Qualifications  he  endued  them  with, 
 and  the  Place,  or  Habitation,  or  Degree  he  put  them  in  ;  and 
 fo  loved  them,   their  Effence,  their  Perfons,  their  Qualifica- 
 tions, and  in  love  fo  placed  them  ,    (  as  he  did  Mankinde 
 whom  he  made  Righteous,  &c.)  And  that  he  lovedrhe  An- 
 gels (as  he  did  Mankinde)  before  they  fell,  is  evident  by  the 
 Spirits  Teftimony,  That  God  is  righteous,  and  fo  both  loveth 
 fpp/.i4^.8.  the  Righteous/,  and  Rightcoufnefs  gy  and  knoweth  (that  is, 
 &  Pf*kMl*Z*    owneth  and  approveth)  hisown  Works  /?,and  upholdeth  the 
 n^fiV.17.    Righteous  h    an^  preierveth  the  way  of  the  Saints  ^,  and 
 kProv.z.%.      bleffcth the  Righteous,  and  will  not  fuffer  them  to  be  re- 
 Pfai.1.6.         moved  /:  and  in  all  :his,God  is  the  fame  for  cver,immurable, 
 ipfd.^i.      without  change  ,  or  fhadowof  change  inhimfelf,  or  in  his 
 minde,  to  fuch  approved  and  beloved  ones.      Whence  alio  it 
 is  evident,  That  Gcd  did  not  hrlt  forfake  the  Angels,  nor  did 
 withhold  or  withdraw  from  them  any  part  of  that  Wifdom, 
 Holinels,and  Strength  wherewuh  he  had  indued  them  and  by 
 which  they  might  have  abode  in  that  righteous  &  happy  eftate 
 he  made  and  put  them  in;  and  fo  have  continued  righteous 
 and  holy  ftill;  and  in  acknowledging  their  fupreme  Lord, 
 m  7^4  7,18. nave  been  eftabliflied  for  everw:  But  thofe  of  the  Angels 
 j&  3tf.7.P/£-34  that  did  fall,  they  did  voluntarily  afpire  to  a  higher  degree  of 
 15.^37^8:  Dignity,  and  Equality  with  their  fupreme  Lord  ;  and  lb  did 
 Tiov. .  8.a*.3^-  fc<\  0f  themfelvcs  forfake  God  ,  and  fo  finned  and  ceafed  to 
 w//^^.i4.^.beKighreousandSaints.  they  kept  n0ttteirfirftEftate(«)r 
 
 njudltt       Principality)  buv  left  their  own  Habitation  n>  and  fo  by  their 
 
 Tranfc 
 
Of  (jf  eel's  Immutability V  ■  51 
 
 Tranfgreffion,  provoked  the  Love  of  God  to  wrath,  whofe 
 Love  is  fuch  ,  as  it  abh'orreth  and  hateth  wickednefs ;  and  (o 
 by  their  finning tteey  made  themfelves  inch,  that  in  their  Per- 
 fons,  Qualifications,  and  Wayes,  they  became  the  Objed  of 
 God's  hatred  and  wrath  :  ib  that  the  change  was  in  them., 
 not  in  God  5  who^becaufe  they  To  finned, and  finned  of  them- 
 felves  without  any  other  Tempter ,  and  finned  not  all  in 
 one  publick  Representative,  but  every  one  in  their  own  Per- 
 fons  freely  againft  (q.  great  Light  and  Goodnefs ;)  he  hath 
 therefore  forfaken  them ,  and  caft  them  down  to  Hell ,  and 
 refer ved  them  in  Chains  of  Darknefs  to  the  Judgement  of  the 
 great  Day ,  to  be  then  tormented  in  that  Everlafting  Fire, 
 prepared  for  them  ,  and  fuch  as  by  them  are  led  to  fuch-like 
 p^rfonal  Tranfgreffion  *.  And  yet  in  ail  this  is  there '  no  ojude  &  iPet. 
 change  in  God:  he,  in  his  Love,  is  the  fame  ftill,  though  thefe  M*tt*-**4* 
 finning  Angels  be  fallen  out  of  his  Love  under  wrath  and  7^*i0-*0> 
 hatred ;  yea,  it  would  rather  have  implied  a  change  in  God, 
 if  he  had  continued  his  Love  on  fuch  prefumptuous  Tranf- 
 greflbrs.  And  this  alfo  is  written,  to  admonifh  and  warn 
 men,  yea,  even  Believers,  That  none  tempt  the  Lord  by  pre- 
 fumptuous finning,  crying  peace  to  themfelves,  from  the  Love, 
 Mercy  and  Goodnefs  of  God  fore-teftified  to  them ,  and  the 
 immutability  of  God  in  his  Love  and  purpofes  ;  which, 
 though  true ,   yet  that  argues  not  the  immutability  of  all  that  <" 
 
 are  in  any  fcrc  loved  of  him  ;  fo,  as  though  they  fin  prefump* 
 tuoufly ,  his  immutability  engages  him  to  love  fuch  notwith- 
 ftanding  fo,as  thofe  perfons  once  loved,cannot  by  any  mifde- 
 meanor  fall  from  being  under  that  Love  ,  and  become  under 
 hatred  :  we  are  warned  to  take  heed  of  fuch  thoughts ;  for  it 
 hath  with  fome ,  and  may  with  others  fo  fall  out,  and  yet  no 
 alteration  in  God, for  he  hath  fhewn  his  mind  to  be  even  fo  p.  p  tPa.i.i^. 
 And  as  for  the  Soveraignty  of  God,it  is  one  and  the  fame,and  Ju&l%js.dcuu 
 ever  agreeing  with  his  Wifdom,  Holinefs,Truth,jufiice,  Love 2*  l8'!*  2°# 
 and  Purpofe :  fo  that  change,by  prefumptuous  finning  of  Per- 
 fons, from  being  under  Love,  to  be  under  Hatred,  argues  no 
 change  in  God.     And  this  is  clear  in  the  cafe  of  the  fallen 
 Angels;  that  I  fay  nothing  of  Mankinde  changed  from  being 
 under  well-pleafednefs  to  be  under  wr#h  atxi  difpleafure : 
 though  companions  were  yet  toward  them,  who  finned  all  in 
 
 1 2  one, 
 
 / 
 
one,   and  by  the  fubtiity  of  a  Tempter  ;  yet  the  change  ia 
 Man  great,in  God  none  at  all :  which  (hews  the  vanity  of  the 
 Pleas  and  Inferences  of  fome,  about, and  from  the  immutabi- 
 lity of  God  in  his  minde  and  purpofes. 
 Pag.X  3,  p2#      i  •  That  laying  of  Mr.  Owen's,  That  if God  can  by  his  power 
 and  Spirit  keep  them  whom  he  doth  not  forfake  in  a  flate  and, 
 condition  of  not  for  faking  htms  he  doth  for  fake  them  before  they 
 for  fake  him  ,  is  not  fit  for  Argument  to  build  Do&rinc  on,  or 
 confirm  with  ;  for  it  is  neither  true,  nor  Scripture-like,  but 
 is  plainly  derogatory  to  God ,   and  his  Truth  and  Goodnels, 
 and  far  from  acknowledging  that  depth  of  the  Wifdom  and 
 Knowledge  of  God,fow.i  i . 3  3. and  rather  tendeth  to  lead  to 
 fancy,  a  deprh  of  ibme  openly  appearing  refpeft  of  Perfonr, 
 and  caufelefs  indignation,  cruelty,  and  unrighteoufnefs,to  be, 
 though  no  man  can  yet  fee  how,Righteoufnefs ;  which  I  hope 
 Mr. Owen  will  not  allow  :  nor  will  he  fay,His  faying  is  meant  of 
 the  fallen  A  ngelsjyet  Gods  proceeding  with  themovercurneth 
 the  truth  of  his  faying:  fo  as  it  can  be  no  ground,or  proof  for 
 him  or  others  to  ground  any  Opinion  on,or  prove  it  by.  None 
 in  their  right  mind  will  fay,The  fallen  Angels  tranfgreffed  not 
 without  caufe,  God  forfock  them  firft  ;  and  fo  free  them  from 
 that  number,  Pfal,  25.3.  that  tranfgrefs  without  caufe :  as  if 
 God  did  firft  foriake  them,  before  they  forfook  him  5  and  fo 
 lay  the  beginning  of  the  blame  upon  the  Almighty ,  whereas 
 is  was  firft  &  wholly  in  themfelves ,  who  were  the  firft  finners, 
 and  finned  from  the  beginning ,    and  fo  fin  ftiil  :    Chrilt 
 faith  «ot,  Becaufe  there  was  no  Truth  in  them  before  the  fall ; 
 170b. 3.8*  fob.  DUC>  becaufe  he  abode  vet  in  the  Truth ,  (  and  fo  fince  the  fall) 
 1,44.       J      there  is  no  Trttth  in  him :  which  reproves  this  forefaid  faying. 
 2,  Another  faying  by  this  alio  appears  untrue,  though  ufed 
 by  many,  namely,  That  whom  Cod  loves  once,  he  loves  for  ever  : 
 if  it  had  been,  What  God  loves  once,  orfuchasGod  loves 
 once,  he  loves  ever,  it  would  have  flood  ;  for  God  loves 
 Righteoufnefs ,    and  fo  the  Righteous ,  and  fo  Believers  and 
 Saints  for  ever.     But  to  fay,  Whom,  or  whit  Perfons ;  all  and 
 Every  of  them  whom  God  loves  once,  he  loves  for  ever,  is 
 boe  true ;    and  the  furmife  of  it  is  grounded  on  a  falfe  con- 
 ceit,^ if  the  unchr    iblenefs  of  God,  did  either  depend  on, 
 or  at  leaft  amie&neceflkate  theunchangablerrcfs"of  theftate 
 
 and 
 \ 
 
OfCjod  j  Immutability.  53 
 
 and  condition  of  all  fuch  as  are  once  or  at  any  time  beloved 
 of  God  ;  which,  by  the  llory  of  the  fallen  Angels  ,  appears 
 to  be  falfe  ;  and  Mr.  Owen  in  part,  if  not  whol]y,diiclaimeth  Page  3  3» 
 thisconceic  ;  yet  the  confequence  not  onely  hsretainuh, 
 but  many  other :  Iomega  vouching  it  for  Scripture  in  their  lay- 
 ings, and  fome  in  their  Books  and  writing  ,  citing  John  1  3 . 1 . 
 But  he  that  will  read  that  Text ,  may  fee ,   that  that  faying,  j0im  5 ,  u 
 or  any  like  it ,   or  a  word  or  fy liable  importing  fuch  a  ienfe, 
 cannot  be  there  found  ;  for  it  is  cleer  in  the  words ,  fuued 
 alio  with  other  places  of  Scriptures ,  That  the  words  there 
 in  John  1 3.1  •  do  ipeak  of  Jefus  Chrift,  not  onely,  nor  chief- 
 ly as  he  was  God  $  but  alio  ,  and  more  dire$ly  as  he  was 
 Man  q :  who  not  onely  as  God,  but  alfo,  and  rather  as  a  Pro-  a^fat.i^t. 
 phet,fpakeas  he  had  received  of  the  Father  r  ,  and  that  alfo  tJohmt'.i<*. 
 of  his  fufFerings  and  departure  cut  of  this  world  / ,   which  s  Jotm  16.  *8. 
 could  not  be  meant  of  his  Divine  Spirit  and  Prefcnce  t.  And  t  Mau  28. 20, 
 this  alfo  is  obfervable ,   That  he  {pake  not  in  this  place  of 
 himfelf  onely,  as  the  Sacrificer  and  Peace-maker  ;  but  alfo 
 and  more  direftly ,  as  he  was  a  Minilier  of  the  Goipel ,  and 
 Peace-Preacher  u  :  in  whofe  Miniftration,declaring  the  Peace  u  Hcki.i  sph. 
 made  in  and  by  him,  God  was  in  him  and  by  him  reconciling  *.i£.*  7. 
 the  World  to  himfelf  w .•  and  the  perfons  loved,there  fpoken  vV  \C?;W*P 
 of,were  not  all  that  God  had  from  the  beginning  loved  ;  or,    \  [  '*/*" 
 that  he  doth  now  lo/e  ;  but  onely  thofe  that  were  not  onely 
 his  own,  but  even  then  in  the  World;  yea,  his  own  as  then 
 given  him  of  the  Father  in  the  Gofpel-Call,    and  after 
 the  Call  chofen  by  him,  to  be  his  Apoftle*,  MciTengers,  and 
 Ministers  x ,    to  whom  he  gave  the  Words  the  Farher  gave  x  u  »  6 
 him,  that  they  might  be  in  his  place  and  (lead  after  his  bodi-  j$n  ^.70.* 
 ly  departure,  to  carry  on  hisMiniftration  ,  and  befeech  Men 
 to  be  reconciled  to  God/.     And  the  Love  fpoken  of  in  this    a-      *  g 
 placets  his  Love  as  a  Shepherd  and  a  faithful  One ,  ufing  all  lo.jfak^fe 
 holy  means ,  to  keep,  and  preferve,and  hillruit  them  in  the  Vwv.%%^ 
 Name  of  the  Father,  that  none  of  them  might  be  loft,  but  be 
 fitted  for  their  prefent ,   and  after  abiding  ,  and  fervice  ;  for 
 which  caufe  he  gave  them  both  inftru&ion  and  example*,.*  7.  foh.t $.a,ig, 
 yea,  it  isexprefs  here,  that  Judas  was  among  them  a ;  and  '&  i7.n*ia,i$, 
 though  he  was  not  one  of  them  ,  that  in  receiving  his  Words  f  p^**1*- 
 was  deanfed  i,  Jior  that  faid  truely ,  (though  rightly)  and  fo  jj'^\\^1  a 
 
 not 
 \  / 
 
54-  ®f  Q0^  s  Immutability. 
 
 not  in  both  refpe£ts  well  and  from  his  Heart ,   in  cilliop  him 
 c,Val\i.       httd  and  Matter  f,  and  fo  not  happy  in  doing  the  things 
 a  retf.  *4>l7.  counfelled  by  Chritt  d ,   and  fo  no  Lover  of  Chntt  e  ;  yet  he 
 c  tfsr/:*.  /#feii  was  onc  of  Chritt's  chofen  Apottles/,  one  whom  Chrift  loved 
 f  i  i%  16.    anc*  Praved  f°r>  and  did  good  to ;  yea ',  continued  his  admo- 
 gp/a/.  109.4'rf.  nitions  with  loving  words  tohim  to  the  endjr :  but  he  diffetn- 
 lifa  22.  48.    bled  with  his  Milter ,  being  Adverfary  to  him  for  his  Love* 
 Mat.t6.59.     and  refufinghis  warnings  and  counfel?, rewarded  him  evil  for 
 good,  and  fo,  and  there-through,  became  a  Son  of  perdition ; 
 h  7  hn  17  ii  anc* lo  '°  *  h*m'fe^  >  ^ls  ^n  being  finiflied  ,   it  brought  forth 
 f/5/.  1094,5.  death  f,  and  he  was  then  no  more  loved,  nor  prayed  for  5  ac- 
 i/dw.i.15.      cording  to  that  which  is  faid of fuch Rebellious  ones,  At 
 their  wtckfdrtefi  is  in  Gtlgal,for  there  I  bated  them  for  the  veicked- 
 ne^  of  their  doings :  I  will  drive  them  om  of  mine  houfej  will  love 
 k  Uor.  9.1 5.     *kem  n°  w°re  k.    It  is  cieer  here,they  were  once  in  his  Houfe, 
 and  loved ;  yet  nowbecaufe  of  fo  great  wi^ckednefs,  no  more 
 loved   And  fo  Judas  was  once  loved,  and  prayed  for ,  and 
 means  ufed  towards  him,  unto  the  end ,  till  he  grew  to  that 
 height  of  wickednefs  in  rewarding  evil  for  good,  that  againft 
 all  warnings  he  perfifted  to  finifh  his  Tranfgreflion  ;  and  then 
 was  he  hated,  and  caft  out  of  his  Office,  and  no  more  loved ; 
 but  another  to  be  put  into  his  Office  /.    Even  as  the  fallen 
 ij^tft'tllt]  Angels  were  once  holy  and  loved  :   but  after  their  wilful 
 a  5/      *."'    'afpiring  and  leaving  their  place,    caftdovvn,  hated,  and  no 
 more  loved.     Yet  in  all  this,  God  is  one  ,  and  of  one  mindc, 
 immutable  ;  and  the  change  is  in  and  upon  the  fallen  Angels, 
 and  fuch  as  are  become  like  them.    So  that  this  Text  ,   John 
 1 3 .1 .  is  mightily  wrefted  and  abufed,  to  be  pretended  to  fay, 
 Whom  God  loves  once,  he  loves  for  evsr  ;  no  word  in  the  Text 
 faying  it :  and  God's  dealing  with  the  fallen  Angels,  and  with 
 others,  proclaims  the  falihood  of  that  faying. 
 
 But  of  the  fallen  and  reprobate  Angels ,  I  may  leave  eff 
 to  (peak  farther ,  feeing  there  was  found  no  remedy  for  them, 
 no  Ranfome ,  no  Saviour ,  n?ne  to  take  their  Nature  and 
 Caufe  in  Hand,&  fo  no  Gofpel  to  be  preached  to  or  by  them  ; 
 no  Prayers  to  be  put  forth  for  them,  no  Commands  to  them 
 to  repent  and  believe  the  Gofpel ;  but  Chnft,and  Gofpel,and 
 Prayers, and  all  a°ainft  them:  but  of  Mankiode  fallen,  there 
 
 is 
 
is  yet  fome  better  thing  to  fay  of  them  all ,  after  we  have 
 eonfidered  the  depth  of  his  mifery  in  refpeft  of  the  defperate- 
 nefs  and  remedijefnefs  of  it  in  refpcft  of  Mankinde  fallen, 
 and  all  other  Creatures. 
 
 CHAP.  12. 
 
 Of  the  remedilefhefs  in  Man  f alien  te  help  himfdf  \  snd 
 what  an  incwetivable  and  wonderful  buftnefs  it  i$lh*t 
 mOkefp  him  ,  if  God  di fewer  and  give  *U 
 
 MAnkinde  fallen,as  is  before  fnewn,into  fo  great  fin,  un* 
 fulnefs,  and  mifery,  and  under  the  powerful  ientence 
 andcurfe  of  the  Law  ,  and  under  the  difpleafure  of  the  Al- 
 mighty, and  become  an  Enemy  to  him  ;  the  door,  way,  and 
 paflage  for  God  to  extend  and  give  forth  the  fruits  of  his 
 Love  and  Mercy  to  Men  ;  and  fo  for  Men  to  return*  and 
 come  into  favour  with  God  again,  was  fhut  and  become  im* 
 paflible,yea,  it  was  beyond  the  reach  3r  understanding  cf  Men 
 or  Angels,  to  open,yea,  or  finde  cut  the  way  how  fuch  a  door 
 and  paflage  might  be  opened  again  for  Mankinde :  For , 
 
 ti  The  holy  and  righteous  Law  under  which  Man  was  fal-  r>eut  17.1^  , 
 len,  itill  required  Obedience  to  the  utmoft  of  all  theRighre-  Gai.$.io. 
 ous  AfFecVions  and  Services  it  obliged  to  ,  or  elfe  to  fctfei 
 the  curfe,for  the  leaft  (horn  coming  of  itsRequirings;  which  p,?/  4Q  "^ 
 neither  *AAam  ,    nor  any  of  his  Natural  Race  ,    was  able  Mat.^'7^  * 
 to^anfwer  in  doing,     nor  in  fuffering  to  overcome  :  and 
 this  Law  muft  not  be  aboiiftied,    but  fulfilled  to  every 
 Iota  of  it. 
 
 2.  The  Truth  of  God  thatiaidy  In  the  dav  thou  eateft  of  qC71  2 ,tl7tKm). 
 that  (forbidden)  Tree ,  in  dying  thou  (halt  die ;  and  the  ju-  ^.23. ' 
 fticeof  God  that  had  ordered  the  curled  Death,  as  the  wages 
 of  fin,  muft  be  fulfilled  and  fatisfied,  and  will  admit  of  no  for- 
 givenefs  or  peace  till  this  Death  and  Curfe  be  executed,  and 
 therein  juftice  fatisfied,  and  Truth  fulfilled;  Audit  Jfdam 
 or  his  Natural  Race  fufferir,  they  perifti  in  it,  and  can  no, 
 /  more,  _ 
 
T/.z/.8f.io,  u.  more  get  out  of  it  again  ,   to  come  into  any  new  terms  of 
 &  6$.  10.       Grace:  lb  that  lefs  will  not  ferve  than  fuch  a  fuffering  in  which 
 Mercy  and  Truth  may  meet,  Truth  be  fulfilled  and  fpring  out 
 of  the  Earth  ;  and  io  Death  overcome. 
 
 3.  Death,Curfe,  and  the  Devil  that  had  gotten  the  Vifto- 
 4f4t.T2.a9~  ry  over  Man ,  and  held  him  Captive ,  as  a  flave  in  bondage 
 H%Y.']lil1  to  fin,  and  under  the  fear  of  Death,  will  keep  their  hold  and 
 power  over  Man ,  till  for  fin  he  perifh  in  this  firft  denounced 
 and  deferved  Death,  unlefs  by  a  ftronger  power  they  be  ovcr- 
 come,fubdued  and  captived ;  which  JfoUw,and  all  his  Natural 
 Race  were  not  able  to  do. 
 
 4.  The  Wound  of  Guilt  and  Curfe  made  by  fin  in  the  fall, 
 will  not  be  healed,  the  breach  will  not  be  made  up,  peace  for 
 Mankinde  with  God  will  not  be  made ,  fo  as  a  door  and  paf- 
 fagemay  be  opened  for  God,  according  to  Truth  and  Juftice, 
 to  be  propitious  to  Man,and  to  extend  the  Fruits  of  his  Love 
 and  mercy  to  him  ,  and  for  Mankinde  to  efcape  perifliing  in 
 the  firft  Death ,  and  to  come  in  to  God  for  favour  again,  un- 
 lefs a  fin»offering  or  propitiatory  Sacrifice  of  fufficient  value 
 and  worth  ,  to  appeafe  the  wrath  deferved ,  and  fatisfie  the 
 juftice  offended,  and  purchafe  a  releafe  of  all  Mankinde  from 
 the  fentence  of  the  Law  into  the  difpofe  of  the  Offerer ,  be 
 made  :  which  fallen  Mankinde  could  never  have  found  our, 
 nor  could  all  the  Creatures  made  for  the  ufe  of  Mankinde, 
 a  pf*U9.7,8.  have  been  fit  or  fufficient  for  fuch  a  Sacrifice  a  ;  into  fuch  a 
 &  50. 8,13!  "  depth  of  mifery  and  helplefnefs  was  Mankinde  fallen,  and  fo 
 Mic.  6.6,7.     far  neceflirated  to  perifh. 
 
 Hib.-  0.1,4.  And  yet  is  not  this  all  the  mifery  andneceiTuy  cf  per  idl- 
 ing, that  Markinde  fell  into  by  the  fall  of  the  firft  Man  ;  but 
 there  is  more  rnifchief  &  evil  11  ill  into  which  Mankinde  is  fal- 
 len, that  requireth  more  for  his  help  and  recoverv,  than  hath 
 in  this  forefaid  in  this  Chapter  been  fpoken  :  for  though  God 
 fliouldbe  fo  gracious ,  as  in  Love  to  Mankinde  to  finde  cue 
 and  give  fuch  a  Ranfome,  a  propitiatory  Sacrifice,  as  in  which 
 in  reipeft  of  the  firft  Tranfgreffion,  &  all  that  neceffarily  flows 
 from  ir,  Truth  is  fulfilled,  Juftice  fatisfied,  Law  anfwered,  the 
 Dfiril  in  his  firft  work  overthrown  ,  and  Death  fo  overcome, 
 that  all  (hall  be  raifed  out  of  it;  the  Enmity,  that  in  the 
 tefpefts  beforefaid  was  in  the  way  between  God  and  Man, 
 
 {lain, 
 V 
 
 A 
 
under  the  Fall  •     j J 
 
 (lain ;  and  all  that  was  contrary  to  Mar:, taken  cut  of  the  way, 
 and  Mankinde  releaied  from  periling  under  the  firll  fen- 
 ^tence,into  the  difpofe  of  the  Ranicmer  :  and  fo  Peace  being 
 made,the  dooropened,through  which  Love  and  Mercies  flow 
 from  God  to  Mankinde,by  which  Men  might  come  in  through 
 the  fame  door  into  favour  and  fellowship  with  God  again : 
 furely  ,  for  God  that  was  fo  highly  offended  by  Man  ,  to  do 
 all  this  for  Man,  muft  needs  be  come  fled  >  unconceiveable  and 
 infinitely  great,  and  free-love  to  Mankinde,  defervingand  fit- 
 ly moving  the  return  in  Repentance,  Faith  ,  Love  and  Obe- 
 dience ,  in  which  Men  mi^ht  receive  and  enjoy  fuch  favour 
 and  fellowship  with  him. 
 
 But  yet  for  all  this,  there  is  fuch  an  evil  difpofition  and  en>- 
 mity  againtt  the  minde  of  God  within  Man  ,  in  the  heart  of 
 Man,diffu(ing  it  felf  throughout  all  the  powers  of  a  Man,  and 
 ruling  the  Man  ,  that  without  Something  by  all  this  done  fof 
 Man  without  him ,  there  be  ft  ill  farther  lbmething  fuper  natu- 
 ral done  in  him:  Man  of  himfelf,  though  all  this  be  told 
 him ,  neither  can  nor  will  come  in  to  God  again  at  this  door 
 he  hath  opened :  for ,  as  may  be  feen  in  that  laid  in  Chap, 
 
 10. 
 
 i.  The  Heart  and  Natural  Diipofuion  and  Inclination  in  EccUfa.i?: 
 Man,  was  fo  poyfoned,  with  drinking  in  the  fuggettions  of  Sa-  Rom.s.s.coiu 
 tan,  and  fo  filled  with  high  conceits  of  his  knowledge  of21-  J*m.i£* 
 good  and  evil,  that  it  is  filled  with  an  averfnefs  and  enmity  a-  ^au  i2; 29" 
 gainft  God,fet  on  fire  of  Hell,or  the  poyfon  of  the  hellifh  tem-  \  j^^l", 
 ptation  firft  received  from  Satan  in  the  heart ;  and  it  muft  be 
 a  power  Wronger  than  the  power  in  Man  cr  Devil ,  that  can 
 matter  and  overcome  this  diipofition. 
 
 2.  Satan ,  though  in  Chains  of  Darknefs,yet  according  to  Lu,  g#|i  lPH 
 theLimits  permitted  him  foratime,  goeth  about  with  all  j.g.'  %c§r.+±, 
 his  malice  and  fubtilty  to  keep  Men  out  from  the  know-  iJoh.$.i^ 
 ledge  of  the  great  love  and  gracious  minde  of  God  mani- 
 fested in  theRanfome  and  Sacrifice  found  out  and  given,  that 
 he  may  fo  keep  them  from  Repentance  and  Faith ;  and  fo 
 from  receiving  the  Love  of  the  Truth  to  be  faved,  and  fo 
 from  coming  into  favour  and  fellowship  with  God  again:  c$l.t.i4M,i£. 
 and  there  needs  that  power  that  hath  overcome ,  and  will 
 
 K  o- 
 
overcome  him,  to  help  againft  this  evil,  that  we  may  come  in 
 to  God. 
 
 And  if  God  havfe  done  this  for  Mankinde  alfo  ,   fo  as  he 
 
 i/ii.4».» ,8.  &  hath  exalted  the  Sacrificer ,  and  filled  him  with  immeafurea- 
 
 tf  J  ^2,3  John  biz  fulnefs  of  Spirit  to  fend  forth  to  enlighten  every  one  that 
 
 cfrivJ**'  comes  int0  lhe  World,  and  let  him  forth  a  Light  and  Salvati- 
 
 *  on;  yea,  making  him  a  Prince  and  Saviour,  togiveRepen- 
 
 »  cm  5.19,20.  tance  and  Forgivenefs  of  fins  ->  fo  ,    as  Divine  Light  and 
 
 ^ft.i6.w.    Power  is  extended  by  him  in  the  means,   making  known 
 
 /<*fc.*.44a45-  an  <j  applying  the  Vertue  of  this  Ranfome  and  Sacrifice  to  the 
 
 Minde  and  Heart  of  Man  y  that  may  enlighten  Mans  Minde, 
 
 and  flay  the  Enmity  in  his  difpofition ,   fubdue  his  averfnefs, 
 
 and  reconcile  his  Heart  to  God  ;  affording  therein  power  to 
 
 S0&  3«  4;5»      overcome  the  wicked  One  ,  (  without  which  no  Man  will  or 
 
 can  come  in  to  God.)  Oh  how  abundantly  doth  the  love  and 
 
 pity  of  God  to  Manward  appear  and  flow  forth  to  lave  !  who 
 
 is  able  to  comprehend  all  this  great  love  ! 
 
 Yet  notwithOanding  all  this ,   there  is  fomething  farther 
 needful  for  Mankinde,evenfuch  of  them  thus  far  called,  that 
 they  may  abide  in  this  Grace,  be  preferved  from  perifhing  in  a 
 iecond  Death,  and  have  Eternal  Life  :  for  though  Peace  be 
 made  for  Men,  and  all  the  fins  feen  in  them  flowing  from 
 the  firftTranfgrefTion  neceffarily,  and  chargeable  on  them  by 
 the  Law  as  they  fell  under  it  in  Adam  ,   were  charged  on  the 
 Sacrificer,  and  are  by  him  cleered  and  done  away ,    and  Men 
 &#.  2.11.      redeemed  from  the  Curfe  of  the  Law  ;  and  this  by  Divine 
 power  fo  made  known,  that  they  fo  far  believe,  that  they  re- 
 ceive Remiflion  of  fins  paft,   and  fo  begin  to  be  reconciled 
 to  God ,    and  receive  the  Atonement :  yet  through  the  re- 
 GfiLi-wJiJeh.  maining  flefh  in  them,  and  the  cullomes  ,   lufts,  fafhions  and 
 a.jf.ip^.5.8.  allurements  and  terrors  of  the  World  without  them  3  and 
 Jam.  i.34>i5»Satan  with  his  manifold  Temptation?,  taking  advantage  both 
 
 ««'i9  from  the  Fle{handthe  Worlcl>  t0  &ften  his  Temptations  on 
 them,  they  may  be  overtaken  many  times,  and  in  many  things 
 to  offend  ;  and  if  not  helped  and  healed ,  fins  againft  Grace 
 are  fo  heynous ,  they  will  lead  to  depart  from  God,  and  caft 
 into  danger  of  perifhing  in  a  fecond  Death. 
 
 Which,that  we  may  be  preferved  frcm,  it  is  needful,  That 
 there  be  vercue  and  value  enough  in  the  Blood  (hed,  and  Sa- 
 
 \ 
 
 cn« 
 
 \ 
 
under  the  FaU.  5j> 
 
 crifice  offered ,  and  fulnefs  of  provision  in  the  Sacrificer  and 
 Offerer,  that  by  vertue  of  his  Bioodonce  fhed,  and  Sacrifice  L^'*'*'^ 
 once  offered/  he  in  continual  mediation  for  us ,   may  freely  l  ^  i*'*Il%. 
 forgive  and  take  away  our  following  evils, and  To  preferve  our  &\oAojk,i+ 
 peace  with  God,  and  fend  forth  following  grace  and  fupplies  &i *  *4-  tfob. 
 of  Spirit  to  recover  and  heal  us,  and  to  cauie  us  to  abide  and  *-7,?*  &x££i 
 grow  in  grace ,   and  fo  preferve  us  from  every  evil  work  unto  x  y^V^J  : 
 his  heavenly  Kingdom,without  which  we  are  liable  to  mifcar- 
 ry :  but  if  this  be  afforded  us,  with  both  the  former,then  have 
 we  a  perfect  Saviour,  a  perfeft  Salvation,  and  (hall  be  perfect- 
 ly recovered.      And  now  though  Mankinde  had  highly  of- 
 fended God,  and  ftirred  up  wrath  and  difpleafure,  and  incur- 
 red Death  and  Curfe  to  be  juftly  executed  on  them,  being  al- 
 fo  Enemies  to  God :  yet  here  is  better  news  for  them ,  than 
 for  the  fallen  Angels;  namely,That  God5though  angry  with, 
 and  hating  their  finfulneis ;  yea  ,  fo,  as  he  could  have  no  de- 
 light or  well-pleafednefs  in  them,  nor  extend  loving  kindnefs 
 to  them,  in  that  condition  they  were  in  :  yet  he  did  not  upon 
 Man's  fall ,  turn  Enemy  to  Mankinde  5  but  loved  Mankinde  lSm%  i4,i4c 
 ftill ;  fo  far,  that  in  his  love  and  wifdom,  his  bowels  of  com* 
 paflion  yearning  on  Mankinde ,   he  found  out  a  Ranfome  and 
 mean  of  Recovery  for  Mankinde,  that  for  all  this  Tranfgreffi- 
 on  they  might  not  be  banifhedfrom  him ,   but  might  have  a 
 way  of  coming  in  again  to  him ,  and  this  in  his  Son  Jefus 
 Chrift  our  Lord  ;  by  whom,    by  vertue  of  what  he  hath 
 done ,   received  and  doeth  ,    the  old  Creation  is  preferved  Pfajte-Rohi 
 for  a  time  ,  and  means  and  mercies  extended  to  Men  in  that  u*- 
 time,  that  Men  might  repent  and  come  in  to  him,  and  a  new  1  c0r.15.4f. 
 Creation  compleat  in  him,  that  all  that  come  in  to  him, may  aft^i.i7&tfc 
 become  new  Creatures ,  and  have  by  him  a  new  Creation  *'•*■ 
 compleated  for  them.  And  of  the  diffimilitudes  &  fimilitudes 
 between  this  fecond  and  new  creation,and  that  fir  ft  creation, 
 a  word  or  two  ,  before  I  come  plainly  to  fet  forth  what  the 
 Tellimony  of  Chrift  is. 
 
 K2  CHAP* 
 
6o       Of  the  dif similitudes  andfimilitudes 
 
 CHAP.  13. 
 
 Of  tbt  difsimilltudes  and  fimilitudesbctmtntbe  [eccndor 
 nw  CrtatM;,  and  the  fir  ft  and  now  old  Creation. 
 
 Firft,  The  Diflimilitudes  between  the  two  Creations ,  are 
 thefe: 
 1  •  In  the  firft  now  old  Creation,  the  firft  Man,  the  publick 
 
 Col  1.1  <  \6  i7,  ^an> was  mac*e  ^al*  °^  a^  tne  Creatures  made  for  him  ;  fo,  as 
 18.  k^.3!i4!notmngwas  made  by  or  through  him  :  but  in  the  fecond 
 &  *j.  ?.  K$w*  and  new  Creation,  the  fecond  publick  Man  is  firft  made,  and 
 **-3.*»  then  all  things  in  the  new  Creation,  by  and  through  him,  as 
 
 well  as  for  him. 
 
 2.  In  the  firft  Creation,  the  firft  publick  Man  was  made  of 
 the  Duft,  and  God  breathed  into  him  the  Breath  of  Life,  and 
 Man  became  a  living  Soul  ;    and  being  made  Male  and  Fe- 
 male, was  fitted  for  multiplication  of  perfonal  beings  of  his 
 own  kinde  in  a  natural  way,  and  was  in  his  perfe&ion  at  the 
 Luk    2*  58    ^r^'  on  C^e  very  day  he  was  made.     But  in  thenewCreati- 
 Mat.i  .ijt&c.  on>  the  fecond  and  iaft  publick  Man  was  in  a  fupernatural 
 Ito.1.3.  mat.  way  made  of  the  feed  of  Adam  ,  Noah,  Abraham^  Jfaac,  Ja- 
 1.23.14.1.313  cobfDavidficc.  of  a  Womanf.  Virgin  ;  he  being  Male  only,  and 
 3? «.    Gal.  4. 4.  f0  fitted  with  Spirit,  to  bring  in  fpkitually  to  himfelf,  being  a 
 jom  .14.      Maninunionof Perfonwitb,andibtheSonof God.  Yetwas 
 a  Luke  2  40    not  r^e  ^an  thrift  in  his  perfeftion  at  the  firft  a ,  he  was  firft 
 hHeb.i.iQ.&  abafed,  and  made  perfect  through  fuff  erings  A>and  after  fen  ice 
 5  8,9.  and  fufferings  perfected  c ;  and  fo,  as  Man,  he  was  firft  made 
 
 cM:.i3.3*.e^  that  which  before  he  was  not ,   nor  as  he  was  the  Word  and 
 *4»*M*>*7.  $on  ofGod,could  ever  Naturally,  or  in  a  Natural  way  have 
 been :  but  he  ,  who  was  not  Naturally  Flefh  and  Man  ,.  but, 
 God,the  Son  of  God,  in  a  fupernatural  way,  had  a  Body  given 
 him,  and  fo  was  made  Flefli  of  the  Seed  of  David,  according 
 ifi  b  10  <  id:  to  tr*e  F^c^>  a  very  Man  d ;  he  being  holy  and  finlefs  in  our 
 1314.  Rm*>y  Nature,  could  not  naturally  have  been  fubjeel:  to  the  infirmi- 
 ira^M.'      ties  of  Hunger,  Thirft  ,  Wearinefs,Sadnefs,  Pam%  and  Mor- 
 tality 
 
be  Ween  the  fir  ft  andfecond  Creation .       &\ 
 
 tality  ;  but  this  was  freely  for  our  fakes  made  fo :  and  fo  in  the 
 likenefs  of  finful  Fle/h  ,  though  altogether  finlefs  e :  he  had  e  mb.i.ij.  & 
 the  holy  Law  in  his  heartland  was  free,  even  the  Son  of  God,  4!5-  Rtf/w.8/3. 
 and  could  not  Naturally  have  been  a  Servant,under  the  Law, l^}  4* 
 tinder  which  Mankinde  was  fallen ;    but  he  was  made  Jc, 
 that  being  under  the  fame  bond  with  us ,    our  debt  might  be 
 charged  on,  and  required  of  him/.-  he  being  without  (in,could  f>  ,       R 
 not  Naturally  have  been  fin  oracurfe;  but  for  us  was  made  3.  \$\%tii.i™' 
 fo£ :  and  he  being  made  all  this,  and  accepting  it  all,  and  fo  8. 
 performing  all  in  our  Nature ,  dying  for  our  fins,  the  Truth  of  g  ***•*•«• 
 God  is  fulfilled,  according  to  that  GenAA  7.  and  the  juftice  of  GaL  3* l 3' 
 God  is  fatisfied,  according  to  that  Dettt.iy.  26  h.  and  Mercy  h  Gd     jo 
 and  Truth  are  met ,  and  Righteoufnefs  and  Peace  have  killed  D:ut*%im%$! 
 each  other  i ;  yet  if  Chrift  be  not  rilen  again ,  we  can  have  no  i  PfiU,  85,1  o. 
 fuch  Forgivenefsand  Juftification,as  to  come  into  favour  with 
 
 Principalities  and  Powers  m ;  fo  as  Truth  is fprung out  of  the  m  Hek.%.'i+ 
 Earth  #.  Then  heafcended  in  that  very  body  which  died,and  Col.  2.  ny^, 
 was  raifed  again ,   and  by  the  Eternal  Spirit  offered  himfelf  *r™\ '1'9* 
 a  fpotlefs  Sacrifice  to  God ;  and  with  the  Venue  of  his  own  "  ^  '  85' iX' 
 Blood,  entred  the  holy  of  holies,andfo  made  peace,  and  ob- 
 tained Eternal  Redemption  0.     And  God  alfo  for  this  hath  0  Ag.m  x  9il0i 
 exalted  him/?;  and  taken  up  his  wdl-pleafednefs  in  him,  u.  inh  8.3,4/ 
 and  fee  him  on  his  right  hand  q ,   and  releafed  and  given  over  e^io.io,i  2.& 
 all  Mankinde  to  him  for  his  difpofe  ,   and  made  him  Lord  cf  9'l]^\KO  \  r 
 allr,andHead  of  the  Church  s ,  and  filled  him  with  the  im*  a^M^. 
 meafurablefulnefs  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  ,  to  preach  the  Gofpel,  u\b.%\\'.&\o. 
 and  call  (inners  ,   and  open  the  eyes  of  the  blinde,  &c.  to  «. 
 draw  Men  to  himfelf,  that  believing  on  him  they  might  be  his  lRo^J^'9jf&' 
 Church, and  he  fo  confer  his  own  Priviledges  on  them  t\  and  J'/4'*  *  ■  lQi 
 that  he  may  raife  all  Men  from  the  tirft  death  ,  that  he  died  s  cqU\  .i  8,19. 
 for  them,  and  bring  them  before  him  to  be  judged  by  him  ac- t  j(a.^u^& 
 cording  to  the  Gofpel,   Rom.  2.  i<5.  and  14.  o,  12.  2  Cor.  6l'zX^-/f^0 
 
 And  thus  alfo  hath  God  teftified  of  him,  and  fet  him  forth  Si, 
 tbe  Propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the  whole  World  u ,  for  Men  u  1  Jdn  *•  »■ 
 to  receive  Rerhiflion  of  fins  through  Faith  in  his  Blood*. 
 
 and 
 
61       Of  the  dif similitudes  andftmilitudes 
 
 w  Rom  mi     ^"d  fo  to  bring  them  in  to  God  w.  ^   And  thus  is  he  perfeft 
 
 ^.10.43,  '^  in  himfelf ,  thelecondand  lali  publick  Man ,  theLordfrcm 
 
 16. 18.  Heaven,  the  fpiritual  Man,  the  quickning  Spirit,  in  whom  the 
 
 Nature  of  Man  is  retfored,  and  married  to  the  Divine  Nature 
 
 intheperfonoftheSonof  God  ;  in  which  is  rich  Provifion 
 
 of  pardon,  peace,wifdom,righteouineis,holinefs,  redemption, 
 
 and  eternal  life  ;  all  to  be  enjoyed  in  coming  in  by  his  call  to 
 
 x  1  car*  15.  44,  believe  on  him  „\:and  fuch  a  one  is  the  Man  Chrift,God~Man, 
 
 4^46,47.      God  with  us,  in  our  Nature  for  us  7,   glorified  withtheFa- 
 
 jf*x.i».i,4     ther's  own  (elf*  as  the  publick  Man,  with  the  Glory  he  had 
 
 oui'iq?'*  with  the  Father  fccforc  the  World  wa?,  which  for  a  while  he 
 
 i.»8.  ?cor.\'.iQ.  l^i<J  afide  for  our  fakes ,  that  in  his  re-affuming  it  again  ,  we 
 
 y  Mat.  1.  23'.    believing  on  him^might  come  to  partake  of  glory  with  him  *,. 
 
 *?«&-»7.4*5j*  And  this  is  an  higher  bufineis  than  that  Gen.  1.26,27.  &  2.7. 
 
 Cel-S  4-  if  not  as  high  as  that  which  was  unlawfully  afpired  to  by  fome 
 
 Angels ,  and  the  firft  Man  :   and  this  is  the  Chrift  ,  nor  can 
 
 there  be  any  Election  in  him,  or  Belief  on  him ,   but  as  he  is 
 
 fu:h  a  one,  and  fo  to  be  confidered  as  fuch  a  publick  Man,  the 
 
 new  and  ipirkual  Man. 
 
 3.  In  the  firrt  Creation,  the  firft  publick  Man  had  all  Man- 
 kinde  in  him  in  his  loyns ,  to  come  naturally  by  deicent  from 
 him  ;  and  fo  finned  in  his  finning ,  according  to  that  account 
 and  language,//^.  7,  p,  10.  and  fo  he  Mood  in  the  room  or 
 ftead  of  none,  and  undertook  for  none  ,  but  thofe  that  were 
 in  him, and  Naturally  to  defcend  from  him,  and  fo  Naturally 
 his  own,  and  Naturally  intereffed)  they  in  him,  andhein 
 them ,  and  he  Naturally  obliged  to  them.  But  in  the  new 
 Creation,theSonofGod,  the  Word  that  was  made  Flefli, 
 and  the  iecond  publick  Man  before  confidered  ,  as  his  work 
 dons  in  his  own  Body,  and  he  in  that  Bodv  g' orified,  he  hid 
 none  of  Mankinde  in  him,  none  his  Friends  or  Brethren, 
 and  peculiar  Ones ,  in  and  with  him  to  lay  afide  fuch  Glory 
 as  he  had  with  the  Father  before  the  World  was,  tobefu- 
 pernaturallv  made  Flefli  as  he  was ,  and  to  cflfcr  the  propiti- 
 atory facrificeas  hedi^l  no,not  in  him ,  (as  there muft  have 
 been)  according  to  that  language,  Heb.  7.9,  10.  if  there  had 
 been  anv  Inch  in  him  ;  ncr  did  he  interpofe  to  ftand  in  the 
 room  and  Head,  and  undertake  to  abate  bimfelf,  and  over- 
 come Death ,  and  offer  the  propitiatory  Sacrifice  for  himfelf, 
 
 or 
 
between  thefrjl  and  fecond  Creation.       6^ 
 
 or  any  his  peculiar  Friends  that  were  in  him,  and  loved  him, 
 but  for  the  firft  Man  and  his  Natural  Race  ,  thar  were  not  on- 
 ly out  of  him,  (inner  s  and  enemies  to  him ,  as  he  undertook 
 for  them,but  are  alfo  found  fuch  when  he  firft  callech,or  begin- 
 neth  to  work  on  them  a  :  (o  rhat  his  love  ,.  his  undertaking,  a  Rom,  ?.  6, 8. 
 and  all  his  grace  and  obligations  to  Men,areunfpeakable,gra-  iPe*.3i8.ir«w. 
 cious,  great,  and  free.  i.i$.mm.?.i$. 
 
 Norhathhe  any  other  to  make  his  feed,   but  fuch  as  are  lM:  5'52* 
 firft  the  kQdj  and  of  the  feed  of  the  hrft  Man ;  him,  and  thofe  %%*'£*£ 
 that  come  forth  of  him,  and  bear  his  Image ,    are  they  from  x.^  0°  'zco!'.u 
 among  whom  and  of  whom, by  a  fpiritual  way, he  brings  in  to  17. 
 himieif,  and  makes  them  new  Creatures. 
 
 4.  In  the  firft  Creatio»,the  firft  Mans  work  and  bnfinefs  was  \j0h  3  ?.  PhiK 
 eafie,  but  to  drefs  the  Garden,  order  the  Creatures,  and  for-  ft.?-ie./*-.so. 
 bear  eating  of  one  of  the  Trees  in  the  Garden,    and  fo  to  ^5^-  >.'?• 
 keep  fin  out  of  the  World  ;    which  yet  he  did  not.^    But  in  ^,7.PM*** 
 the  new  Creation  ,  the  fecond  Mm  had  a  great,  painful  and 
 mighty  work  to  do ,  to  undergo  abaiement  in  fhame  and  dif- 
 fering, to  offer  an  invaluable  Sacrifice ,   to  take  away  fin,  ap- 
 peafe  wrath  ,  make  an  Atonement,  overcome  Death  and  the 
 Devil,  to  purchafe  an  Inheritance  ,   and  receive  Spirit  in  the 
 Man,  to  fend  forth  even  to  the  rebellious,that  the  Lord  might 
 dwell  among  them,  &c.  which  alfo  he  hath  faithfully  and  ful- 
 ly done. 
 
 5.  In  the  firft  Creation,  the  Heaven  and  the  Earth  was  Gcn.1.1.  pfal. 
 made  of  no  pre-exifting  matter  or  being,  onely  the  Word  of  33^-  &  75-3. 
 the  Lord  gave  the  very  being  thereto  :  but  in  thenewCrea-**^-3-*~7,ig* 
 tion ,  it  is  of  the  old  Heaven  and  Earth  diffolved ,  melted,  i^ojuX^ 
 and  overturned,  and  then  made  new,  new  created  to  as  good  ag*i.£ 
 and  better  eftate  than  at  the  fiift. 
 
 6\  The  old  Creation  was  finifhed  in  fix  dayes ,   each  day  Gcn.i.&M,\ 
 confifting  of  evening  and  morning,  confiding  of  twenty  four  Exod.  20.11. 
 hours,and  the  Reft  &  Sabbath  of  theLord  on  the  feventh  day.  ifc*s.it,i9. 
 But  the  new  Creation  is  longer  before  it  be  finifhed  and  "^'^^IV 
 brought  forth  m  its  full  perfection  to  open  view,  it's  likely  as  «,  ' 
 many  thoufands  of  yeers  as  the  firft  was  of  dayes,  it  being  the 
 whole  time  of  thefupportation  and  decaying  of  the  old. 
 
 And  fuch  Difiimilitudes  is  (hewn  in  Scripture  to  be  between 
 the  firft  and  now  old  Creation,  and  the  fecond  and  new  Cre- 
 ation, Sc* 
 
Secondly,  Yet  notwithstanding  there  is  alfo  a  true  refem- 
 blance  in  many  fimilitudes  between  them,  and  that  not  only 
 in  this  5 
 
 i .  That  they  both  are  the  work  of  one  and  the  fame  God : 
 
 but  alfo  in  this  ; 
 
 f        i .   That  as  the  firft  was  made  by  the  Word  and  Spirit  of 
 
 fj**,"5i,;^  *he  L°rd  breathed  forth  by  the  Father  through  the  Word,thac 
 
 *i3;4,c*/.i.is'  *5»tnc  Son :  even  *°  was  *ne  iccond  and  new  Creation  alfo  be- 
 
 16-15.  gun,  and  (nail  be  finifhed. 
 
 2.  That  as  in  the  firft  *  the  Heavenly  and  Earthy  Matter 
 Gcn.i.i,t6.  was  fcft  macje  an(j  frame^  before  any  other  particular  Crea- 
 tures ;  and  they  after  by  the  command  and  word  of  the  Lord, 
 formed  and  made  in  and  out  of  them ;  even  fo  the  fecond 
 and  new  Creation, (in  the  counfels  and  purpofe  of  God,  and 
 aftual  confent  and  Agreement  of  the  Word,  the  Son  of  God, 
 and  now  alfo  in  a&  by  the  Word  made  Flefh  )  the  original 
 and  firft  being,  and  that  which  gives  being  to  all ,  and  in  and 
 out  of  which  ,  and  through  which  all  particulars  are  formed 
 and  made  new,  was  firft  prepared ,  made  and  formed  in  the 
 Man  Chrift  ;  in  whom ,  the  Reftauration  being  made,  God 
 and  Man  united  in  one  Perfon  ,  through  whom  the  Holy  Spi- 
 rit proceedeth  from  the  Father  ;  and  fo  by  the  word  and 
 command  of  the  Lord  ,  the  particulars  in  their  order  are 
 formed  and  made  new  :  and  fo  Jefus  Chrift  the  Son  of  God, 
 and  the  Son  of-  Man  ,  even  he  himfelf  is  called  the  beginning 
 of  the  Creation  of  God  a ,  the  firft- born  of  every  Creature  £, 
 
 b  cTiY4"  the  ^-kegotten,  &  firft-born  from  the  dead  c  ;  before  Ahra- 
 c  Rcvi^'coh  lJam  was,he  is  d :  the  Root  of  David  e,  the  Alpha  and  Omega^ 
 1. 18.  the  beginning  and  the  end/;  yea,  hethatworketh  with  the 
 
 d  7^7.8.^.58.  Father  ,  and  whatfoever  the  Father  doth,  he  doththefame, 
 crcv.ii.j6.  j0jm  5.10.22,26,27.  he  is  the  beginning,  and  by  him  are  all 
 f***lA     thing'. 
 
 3 .  That  as  in  the  firft  Creation,  in  refpe&  of  particulars/to 
 Gai.1.3.  /o'whe  formed,  God  firft  commanded  and  formed  the  Light  for 
 1.4,5.  iccrj.  his  Creatures :  even  fo  in  the  new  Creation  ,  in  brining  in 
 6r                 particulars,  the  firft  thing  commanded  to  come  forth,is  Light ; 
 
 and  this,  (Lining  in  the  Face  of  Chrift,  into  the  Heart  of  thofe 
 he  makes  new  Creatures, 
 
 4.  That 
 
between  the  fir fl  and fecond  Creation,       6$ 
 
 4.  That  as  in  the  firft  Creation ,  the  firft  publick  Man  was  Gcnl  z?t&4% 
 firtt  made  a  perfect  Man,  fit  for  multiplication,  and  his  feed  i,z.cH.3-K«** 
 and  pofterity  after,  to  come  forth  of  him  ,  one  after  one,  by  5  •  *?.  i  cer.iU 
 degrees  ,   and  all  in  his  likenefs ,  fuch  as  he  was  when  they  *3, 
 
 come  forth  of  him  :  even  fo  in  the  new  Creation,  the  fecond 
 publick    Mm    is   firft   made  perfect ,    and  his  Seed  in  a 
 Spiritual  way  and  fupernaturally  to  be  after  brought  in  to 
 him,  and  that  aifo  one  after  another,  by  degrees  hy  and  all  by  h  Rom. 16.7. 
 degrees  framed  into  the  likenefs  of  Chriti  into  whom  they  are  ^*-4>>47. 
 brought  j,  Eph .2.1 b.  I  i  nem.1.17. 
 
 5.  That  as  in  the  firft  Creation,  the  Man  and  Woman  fell  1^.15.48. 
 and  loft  the  benefit  of  all,    by  questioning  and  letting  go  the  lC^^-l7* 
 Word  of  the  Lord,  in  hearing  and  pondering  the  voice  of  the  Gen-^.i  6. 
 Serpent  ;  and  fo  in  believing  the  fame,  locked  on  and  beheld 
 
 the  forbidden  Fruit,  and  dt(\itd  it ;  and  fo  took  and  eat  of  ir, 
 
 even  fo  in  the  new  Creation  ,  Men  and  Women  are  drawn  in 
 
 tbChritt,  and  participation  of  the  benefit  thereof ,  by  letting7 
 
 go  and  turning  from  the  delufions  of  Satan  ,   in  hearing  and 
 
 minding  the  voice  of  Chrilt  in  the  Go  (pel ,  and  fo  believing 
 
 the  lame  ,  that  they  behold  him  as  difcovered  therein,  and  fo 
 
 defire  him, and  accept  and  feed  on  him  ^.  k  ^ta.$.z6:& 
 
 6.  In  the  firft  Creation  ,   the  deed  and  offence  of  the  firit  **f*.y>m$b. 
 Man,  and  condemnation  of  him  for  it,  did  reach  to  all  Min-^^j^'^ 
 kiude ,   and  was  the  effence  and  condemnation  of  all  in  him,  &6.%^  ^e\ 
 as  the  publick  Man,  and  that  fo  verily  and  efficaciously,  that  in  57- 
 coming  forth  Naturally  from  him ,  they  (hould  verily  partake 
 
 of  the  lame,  and  bear  his  likenefs;  though  yet  none  of  the  foos 
 of  Men,  could  in  their  own  individual  perfens,  fo  partake  of 
 and  feel  the  fame ,   until,  and  but  as,  and  when  in  a  Natural 
 way,  they  come  to  have  their  peribnal  beings  of  him,  and  (o 
 come  forth  from  him  :  even  fo  in  the  new  Creation-,  the  d^ad 
 and  righteoufnefs  of  the  fecond  Man  ;  and  his  justification,  as 
 he  was  the  publick  Man,did  reach  unto  allMen^and  was  fo  far, 
 &  in  that  fenfe  on  them  all  to  jufiification  of  life  from  the  firft 
 iemence,  and  efcape  out  of  the  firft  death  in  &  through  him  as 
 the  fecond  publick  Man:  and  though  all  (hall  oneday  be  freed  '&*'1-*&?t' 
 from  that  firtt  lenience ,    and  raiied  out  of  that  firft  death  by  %XilVmtl 
 him,to  acknowledge  him^Lord  to  the  glory  of  Godjyet  do  or  i.io3u.Gai.$. 
 can  none  of  the  fons  of  Men,in  their  own  individual  perfons,  ^2?. 
 
 L  par- 
 
f    66    Of  the  difsimi fancies  &fimilitudes,  &c. 
 
 partake  of  or  enjoy  the  benefit  of  that  freedom^ightecufneiV, 
 and  jultification ,  but  as  they  arc  brought  in  to  believe  that 
 done  by  h'm  ;  nor  of  Eternal  Life,  but  as  they  are  in  thai  be- 
 lieving fpiritually  united  unto  him  ;  and  lb  in  iuch  a  being  in 
 him,  are  made  new  Creatures. 
 
 In  which  refpe&s  ,  as  there  is  fach  kmilitude  between  the 
 firft  and  fecond  Creation,  and  the  firft  and  iecond  Man ,  and 
 interefts  of  their  feeds  in  them ,  and  what  they  receive  from 
 
 Rom.  5-M.  tfam .  f0  ^  faft  j4dam  was  AType  cr  figure  of  the  fecencf, 
 that  was  to  come :  *nd  fo  we  may  fay  of  the  natural  Tree  of 
 Life  ;  and  fo  of  divers  things  in  the  firft  Creation,  there  was 
 fomething  typical  in  them ;  the  Truth  whereof,  m  a  fuper- 
 abounding  manner  is  in  Chrift,whence  he  is  called  Adam^nd 
 The  Tree  of  Life ,  The  green  Olive-Tree ,  The  Tree  by  the 
 Rivers  of  Waters.The  true  Vine,  The  Fountain  of  living  Wa- 
 
 Nc&.ie.i.  £V.ters,The  Doer,  The  Way,  The  Rock,  The  Foundation,  &c. 
 
 a.17.  Rom.i6.  not,  that  there  were  or  are  no  fuch  things  naturally  in  being,as 
 
 15,26.  ijoh.% .  appertaining  to  the  old  Creation :  but,becaufe  the  Tru:h,  Ex* 
 cellency,  and  Life.,fhadowed  out  by  all  thefe  things,  is  found 
 in  Chrift,  and  enjoyed  in  enjoying  him  in  the  new  Creation  : 
 and  we  know  there  is  more  in  the  Truth  ,  than  any  fhadow  s 
 could  type  out ,  and  the  Gofpel  hath  now  more  cleerly  re- 
 vealed the  fame.  And  I  hope  thefe  things  confidered,  that  are 
 writ  from  the  beginning  of  this  firft  part  of  this  Treatife  till 
 now ,  and  underftood  and  believed,  as  far  as  they  are  plainly 
 affirmed  in  the  Scripture  here  and  there,  in  many  places  writ- 
 ten,and  in  this  writing colie&ed,and  on  the  Margent  quoted; 
 the  Savings  of  the  Gofpel  in  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  will  ap* 
 pear  plain,  bearing  forth  their  own  import  and  fenfe :  and  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift  being  known,ali  Truth  being  included  in 
 k,  and  flowing  from  it,  we  fhall  by  that  be  led  into  all  Truth, 
 and  fo  far  as  is  for  us  meet  and  profitable,cnderftand  what  we 
 read  in  the  Scriptures ,  fo  far  as  to  difcern  Truth  from  Error 
 in  all  Do&rines  and  Sayings  brought  unto  us.  I  fhall  there- 
 fore proceed  in  the  next  part,  according  to  the  Scripture ,  af- 
 ftyingto  declare  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift. 
 
 : 
 
6; 
 
 An  Explicite  Declaration  of  the  Tefti^ 
 monyofChrift,  (pc. 
 
 PART  II. 
 
 CHAP.  i.  pf 
 
 Of  theTefiimmj  ef  Christ. 
 
 HeTeftimony  of  Chrift  is  that  Tcftimony,and 
 
 Witnefs,  and  Doctrine  of  Chrift, 
 
 i.  Which  God  the  Father  hath  by  his  g       »  ^i%? 
 
 Holy  Spirit  immediately  firft  given  of  Chrift,  l8-  aB.^\z\ 
 
 as  the  promifed  Seed ,  and  he  in  whom  all  14*  1^.1.70. 
 
 Nations  fhall  be  blefled  ;  &  after  mediately  *  Jif<ui*fc 
 by  his  Spirit  in  Mofes^Sc  all  the  following  Prophet s^concern- 
 ing  his  coming  and  fuffering,and  theGlory  that  (hould  follow: 
 and  after  all  this, immediately  to  JohnBaptift,  both  who  he 
 was ,  and  what  a  one  he  is  ,   and  how  well-pleafed  he  is  in 
 him  a ;  and  after  that,  mediately  by  his  Spirit  in  and  by  John  a  aiat.i.ij. 
 Baptift)  that  he  is  the  Chrift  ,  upon  whom  the  Spirit  refteth,  b  Jeb.i.i6,if9 
 full  of  Grace  and  Truth,  by  whom  it  comes  •  and  that  he  is  *|^4^3.*7-. 
 the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  fin  of  the  World,  and  \  ##.17.5. 
 that  he  that  beiieveth  on  him  hath  Eternal  Life£  :  and  after  iva.iii.iti 
 this,  immediately  to  three  of  the  Apoftles  andfirft  Witneffes  &Heb.Z.$. 
 of  Chrift  c  ;  and  mediately  likewife  before  by  types  d,  and  %Luh"'  'A*3\h 
 Angels,  and  by  Zachartast*  and  old  J/rw*  ?rjas  alfo  in  his  own  27~l9A    2,lly 
 
 L  2  M*. 
 
<58  Of  the  Tejlimony  of  Chrift . 
 
 Miniftration  by  the  mighty  vvorks  done  by  him  in  his  N«me, 
 
 John  5.36.  &  14.10,1 1. 
 Jok  3.  if,  17.      2.  Which  jetus  Chrift  himfelf  received  from  the  Father, 
 ^5.17-3° .&*.  and  teftified  in  his  Mini(iration  unto  Men  ;  which  alio  he  did 
 *7-*9-&io.&  explicate  and  give  unto  his  Apoftles  ,  and  firft  Wicnefles,  to 
 )2,*°*  teliifie  arid  witnels  ,   Lti%>  24,25,26,27,44,45,46,47,48. 
 
 jfcA.i  5.15,27.  &  1 7.6,7,8.  Mt.i.%. 
 Job.  14.16.  &      3-  Which  theHoly  Ghoft  did  wicnefs  to,   and  in  and  by 
 i$.2$.  eHrf.7-  the  Apoftles  and  firft  Witne(fes,wich  the  cleer  opening  and 
 15.  Aft.  5.31.  revelation  of  the  Myftery  formerly  hidden  ,  ti.i  Guilt  had  c- 
 
 f^rimf.'o.  Pened  lhe  holy  of  holies>    offered  thc  acceptable  Sacrifice, 
 '  and  fate  down  on  the  right  Hand  of  God  ,  and  fending  forth 
 
 the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  by  the  Gofpel  in  hisTeftimony  opening 
 
 the  door  to  immortality  and  eternal  life. 
 4.  Which  alfo  the  Apoftles  and  firft  Witneflfes  have  by  the 
 li-'^Koml.  ^ameHoly  Spirir  teftified ,  witneffed,  preached,  written  and 
 >5,dM5.i5,i  5.  recorded  according  to  the  revelation  of  the  Myftery ,    Ephef. 
 
 3.  3,4.  Phil.  3.1.  whence  the  whole  Scripture  is  laid  to 
 
 teftifie  of  Chrift ,  .John  5. 30.  of  which  more  is  faid ,  Part  1. 
 
 Chap.  i,&  2. 
 
 And  this  Teflimony,  VVitnefs  and  Record ,  is  called  the 
 
 Record  and  VVitnefs  of  God,  and  of  Chrift,  and  of  theS'pi- 
 ftjbkf. 6,7,8,  rir  f\  and  it  is  alfo  called  the  Teftimony  ,  Record,  VVitnefs 
 9r°'{?b:s'5,3'  ancJ  Word  of  the  Apoftles  and  firft  VVitnefTes  of  Chrift,  be- 
 1  °^&\RJV4  cauk  l^cy  ^are  *r  ^orc^  anc*  ^c  *c  uPon  lQCOrdg.'  and  becaufe 
 »7i«.i.8.  :  ^  is  of  Cnriit ,  by  Chrift,  and  according  to  the  appointment 
 g  1  rhef,  i.ic.  of  Chrift ,  by  his  Apoftles  opening  the  things  of  Chrift,  it 
 fob.17.io.      is  cal[ec}  the  Do&rine  of  Chrift  k  ;   and  in  every  reipeft  it  is 
 
 ^Kcvil *  10  one  £n<^  C^e  ^anle 5  ^e  Teftimony  of  Jefus  Chrift  /  .•  and  in 
 this  Teftiraony  fo  clcerly  come  forth  ,  i?  Jefus  Chrift  plainly 
 fet  forth  who  he  is,  what  a  one  he  is,  whence  he  is,  what  he 
 became,  what  he  hath  done  and  is  become;  what  he  doth,and 
 for  whom;  what  he  will  do  for  fome,  and  who  they  be  ;  and 
 what  he  will  do  againft  others, and  who  they  be  ;  how  the 
 good  to  be  enjoyed,  and  the  peril  to  be  avoided  :  and  all  this 
 is  full  and  plain  in  the  Teftimony, 
 
 1 .  Who  he  is ;  and  that  is  not  ttAdam^  Seth,  Enoch ,  and 
 fo  none  of  the  Prophets  before  JohnBaptift;  nor  was  John 
 ^;r//?the:Chri(t,.noi:anyof  the  Apoftles  or  VV:tneffe<  that 
 
 followed 
 
Of  the  Teflirnony  of  Clm/i.  69 
 
 followed  £:nor  is  it  the  Churdvr  any  Society  of  Men,t  hough  ,.;/;,,  $m&j§\ 
 iiich  as  do  indeed  bear  his  Name,  though  they  be  of  hi?  my-  i.ip«.i.ii,a'. 
 ftical  Body  (as  refembled  by  a  King,  wtiofe  Body  is  the  Com-  *£$;*•}< 
 monweaLh  ;  or  a  General ,    whole  Body  is  the  Army  ;  or  a 
 Major,   whole  Body  is  the  Corporation  :  yet  are  not  the 
 Commons  the  King  or  chkf  Migiiirate,  nor  is  the  Army 
 the  General,  nor  the  Corporation  the  Major)  and  ib,thosgh  Mat.i^s.uoy. 
 theHead  and  Body  be  one  ,  y  et  the  Body  is  not  the  Head;  s-6-  co!.t.,&. 
 fo  the  Church  is  not  the  Head ,  the  Husband,  the  Lord,  the  W;**h?* 
 King  of  Saints  s    the  Chriit  ;    but  the  perfon  of  Chritt  is  all 
 that, and  none  but  he  :  fo,  that  the  Church,  though  one  with  cV.i.i^i.i^ 
 Chri(l,is  not  the  Chriftjnor  is  u  any  inward  Frame,or  (piricual  27.  iA/.ij.j, 
 Light  or  Dilpofition  in  the  Heart  of  the  Believer:  though  this  ^Wpg^ 
 being  right ,  as  flowing  from  him,  and  effe&ed  in  fuch  as  are  4%y/ 
 believing  on  him,  is  even  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  by  which  he  is 
 in  them, and  dwelleth  in  them;  yet  is  not  this  the  Chritt, the 
 perfon  of  Chriil : 
 
 But  Jefus,  that  very  Jefus>  and  no  other  bn:  he ,  that  was  MVA  &J  &c 
 born  of  a  Virgin  efpoufed  to  one  Jrfeph  a  Carpenter,  and  born  /^.V^jJ&cl? 
 in  the  time  of  C  afar  lAugufttu ,  when  Herod  wis  King  of  lu- 
 deay  and  in  Betblemy  in  an  Inn,  and  Stable  in  that  Inn,  and 
 circumcifed  the  eighth  day  ,  and  his  name  called  Jefus ;  who 
 was  carried  into  Egypt  ,    and  returned  again  to  Na^reth  in 
 Galilee ,   and  there  lived  a  time ,    and  after  was  baptized  of 
 John'm  lor  dan ,  and  then  went  about  preaching  the  Gofpel, 
 and  working  Miracles  ,   called  Difciples  and  chofe  Apoftles, 
 fuff^red,and  was  crucified  under  P&ntittA  Pilate,  died,  was  bu- 
 ried, and  rofe  again  in  the  fame  Body,  and  appeared  often  to 
 hhsDifciplesj  whof«w,  and  heard  ,  and  felt  him,  and  re- 
 ceived commandments  from  him ,  and  then  be  blefled  them,  ^7.  \%&i^ 
 and  afcended  up  to  Heaven  in  that  Body  of  his,  and  fate  down  **■ 
 on  the  right  hand  of  GodT  and  fent  down  the  Holy  Ghoft  to  M,t  l6  * 
 his  Witnefles,  and  remaineth  in  the  Heavens  till  the  time  of*jfafe.&y; 
 the  rellitution  of  all  things  ;  this  is  that  jefus,  and  this  Jefus 
 is  the  Chrifcand  ail  that  the  four  EvangeliUs  writ,was  to  cer-  l*4-m«  J^n- 
 tifie  us  of  this,that  we  might  be:ieve,  that  Jefus  is  the  Chrift,  »®-3?-  j/U7;2- 
 the  Son  of  God  ;  and  that  h  believing ,  we  might  have  life  ^4  fi^Y/fcc.' 
 through  his  Name.    And  fothe  Apoltles  preached,  trfat  he  is  &\7ti^.\joK. 
 the  Chrift,  and  proved  by  the  Scripture ,  that  this  very  Jefus  5>j.  Job.i.u,^, . 
 
 whom 
 
70  Of  the  Tejlimony  of  Chrijl. 
 
 whom  they  preached>is  the  Chrill :  he  that  believeth,that  this 
 
 Jeius  is  the  Chrih\is  bocn  of  God  ;  and  he  that  denieth  it,is  a 
 
 iyer5&Antichrift,i/^?j.2.2  2.  More  of  this  isfhewn,jwM.c6.i. 
 
 foUAa.Kom.9.      2.  What  a  one  he  is,  is  alfo  in  the  Tefi  imony  fhcwn,name- 
 
 yrit.5M.HLb.  iy?  tnat  he  is  God,  the  great  God,  God  over  ali,bUffedforc-w 
 
 /o/;.V'i* 5*  7'  eVCr  5  that  he  *S  M2n  '    a  trl'C  anC*  Very  Man*-^  thc  Sce(*  °f 
 
 .jf^.53*  ^i,.^  Davids  &c.  that  he  is  the  Son  of  God ,  the  onely  proper  and 
 Luk-i  jv  /<?/;.  natural  Son  of  God ,  the  Son  of  God  by  Divine  and  uacon- 
 x.  14.  Kom.i.  ceivable  Generator,  according  to  the  Divine  Nature,  and  by 
 1JfaT*'\£  a  ^uPernatura^  conception,  and  by  the  Refurre£Uon  from  thc 
 "Rom.  $.  17^3]  Dcad^and  by  union  inperibn  with  the  Word,and  wel-pleaied- 
 ic$  .8  6. 'ires,  nefs  with  the  Father,  according  to  thc  humane  Nature,  as  he 
 3.18.  '&  4.  x.  is  Man,  and  God- Man,the  Son  of  God,the  Son  of  Man,  in  one 
 
 »o %S  'tifi  Perlon  »  being  one  anc*  the  onety  PrePer  Son  °f  God  ,  the 
 
 #/  '  *  *  Chrift,one  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  in  refpetf  of  the  union  of  two 
 Natures  in  one  peribn ,  that  is,  one  Son  of  God  ;  that  which 
 is  done  by  or  in  either  Nature  ,  may  in  refpe£t  of  perfon  be 
 laid  of  both :  fo,  though  he  was  put  death  in  the  flefh  ,  and 
 God  cannot  die  ;  yet  God  is  faid  to  have  laid  down  his 
 Life  for  us,  and  his  Blood  called  God's  own  Blood  ;  and 
 fo,  though  not  Man  ,  but  God,  could  overcome  Death  ,  yet 
 this  Man  is  faid  by  Death  to  overcome  Death  :  fo  with  te- 
 fpe&  to  each  Nature ,  he  is  diverfly  fpoken  of,  in  refpe&  of 
 
 Job.  1  o.  30.  t^e  Divine  Natwre, even  when  he  was  on  earth  ;  yet  the  Fa- 
 ther and  he  were  one,  even  in  Greatnef  >  and  Power:  and  yet, 
 
 John  14-  •     as  ne  ^g  mar)>  t0  fViflfer  ancj  0flper  Sacrifice ,  the  Father  was 
 
 greater  than  he  j  and  having  effered  the  Sacrifice,  he  is  ex- 
 iprt  3  zt #Ht,j,#  alted  above  all  Principality  and  Power,   and  fet  down  on 
 s.i.coi.i.9.  'the  ri°btHandof  God;  Angels,   Powers  and  Authorities 
 made  fubjeft  to  him,  and  the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwells 
 ad  1  tub  it    inhim  bodily  ;   fo,   as  all  compleatnefs  is  in  him  ,  he  is  the 
 Brkhtnefs  of  the  Glory  of  God,  and  the  exprefs  Image  of 
 Heb  ?  ifa  a  2  ^  Peribn  ,  the  Tmage  of  the  invifible  God ,  he  is  one  wkh 
 cm.  5.10.      f^°d )  God  is  in  him ,  as  is  laid ,  He  is  God  ;  he  is  one  with 
 M3nkinde,  the  Nature  of  Man  is  inhim,   as  is  faid,   He  is 
 Man;  a  fir,  able,    loving  and  wonderful  perfect  Saviour, 
 Beamy  and  Glory ,Comely  and  ExceIlent,White  and  Ruddy, 
 the  Standard-Bearer,  andchiefettcf  ten  thoufand,  the  Savi- 
 our of  fmners,   whofeWork  and  Office  is<  to  favefmners, 
 
 the 
 
Of  the  Testimony  of  Chritt.  ji 
 
 theLover  of  theRighteous,  whole  Offi.e  is  to  nreferve xrim.v;i%.vJ** 
 the  Righteous ;  fuch  a  one  he  is,  even  the  Chrift  ,  tne'Kiog  u.-jjuvma- 
 of  Saints,  the.King  of  Kings,  iheLordof  Hofts  and  Ruler,  H«*.f>  *&•%• 
 the  Great  High  Prieft,  that  orders  ihe  whole  ^p^ip.^'^fv^^l' 
 God, by  whom  Men  may  approach  to  God  ,  theHigli  Prielt  ^.i^\^i6.& 
 over  the  Houfe  of  God,  (he  great  Prophet,  that  revealeth  the  5.2.6-7.15.  & 
 Tather,  and  teacheth  the  things  of  God  :  in  a  word,  he  is  full  4.1*. 
 of  Spirit,  full  of  love  and  companion,  knowing  all  things,  and 
 able  to  do  all  things ;  fuch  a  one  he  is. 
 
 3.  Whence  he  is ,    and  that  is  even  from  Heaven.     It 
 was  the  infinite  Wifdcm  ar?d  Goodnefs  of  God  that  found  tSnm,  14.  14. 
 out  this  Rani'om :  it  was  the  infinite  Pity  and  Love  of  God  ^J^'I0^' 
 to  Mankinde,  that  moved  him  to  <zive  and  fend  forth  this  his  **'  £*'  */. 
 Son  to  become  Man  ,  and  by  his  Death  and  Sacrifice  to  be  5.^8,10.^.5. 
 the  Saviour  of  the  World.    He  was  with  God  in  the  boicme  4.  Job- » .  i>h- 
 of  God,  glorified  with  God's  ownfelf:  he  came  forth  from  f6*7'f-    & 
 the  Father,  and  ctme  into  the  world  5  again  he  left  the  world, '  -^ '%  ■**  £ 
 and  went  to  the  Father ,   and  now  there  in  his  glorified  bo-  Jtft  14.17.Ktw. 
 by  remaineth  in  the  Heavens ,  and  from  thence  by  his  Spirit,  *  4.  lfa.q  5.1a. 
 beholding  &  difcerning  all  things,he  fends  forth  of  the  beams 
 of  his  light  and  goodnefs ,  ( and  io  the  Father  through  him) 
 in  Teftimonies  of  his  goodnefs ,  in  mercies  and  means  to  draw 
 Men  to  Repentance,  and  looking  to  him ,    that  they  may  be 
 iavedbyhim  :  and  lb  Right eoufnefs  flows  down  from  Hea- 
 ven /.-but  efpecialiy,andmcre  abundantly  in  theMiniflration  of  .    ^ 
 theGofpel;  in  which  God  fendeth  and  giveth  his  Son  to  open  m  ^  *  ^ 
 the  eyes  of  the  blinde,  and  turn  them,  &c.  m.  and  is  giving  to  &  ze.\  8. 
 men  the  bread  of  life  to  feed  on  »«8cjeius  Chriit  in  that  Mini-  ajok  ^3*. 
 ftration  is  coming  down  fpiritually  from  Heaven,  the  bread  of 
 God,  the  bread  of  life,  giving  life,  that  Men  may  feed  on  him 
 and  live  <?;   and  lb  is  God  the  Father  of  lights,  from  whom 
 comes  every  good  and  perfeft  gift  and.giving/>:  and  Jefus  °7ob**7Xh 
 Chrift  is  the  Lord  from  Heaven  heavenly  q\  and  fo  Jefus  Ch rill  \jm^%lr% 
 by  his  Spirit ,  the  wifdom  of  God  in  its  Teachings  and  faving  q  1  C&M*wi 
 Operations,  doth  not  firft  afcend  or  fpring  from  within  out  of 
 the  wifdom,  heart  and  frame  in  Men :  the  wifdom  that  fo  doth 
 afcend,  is  earthy,  fenfual,devilifh ;  but  this  wifdom  is  above, 
 and  defcendcth  from  above  ,  and  fo  is  pure,  &c  r.  and  en-  r  jm^  x  y.l7J 
 treth  into  the  heart,andfo  fpringeth  up  into  futable  fruits  j  fo  1 1 .  -  ' 
 
 that 
 
yi  Of  the  Temmonj  of  ClmH. 
 
 that  Chriit.  and  Falch  in  Chriit,  and  the  things  ofChrift,  are 
 from  above  ,  from  the  iirace ,  favour  and  free-gift  of  God, 
 even  as  his  next  pcrional  coming  w ili  be  of  Gcds    fending 
 
 sAfl^.io.      him  from  Heaven  s. 
 
 4.  For  what  remains  to  be  faid,^/*,  what  he  became,whac 
 he  hath  done,  what  he  is  become ,  what  he  doth,  and  for 
 whom  ;  arid  what  he  will  do  fcr  fome5and  who  they  be;  and 
 wTiat  he  will  do  againft  other?,  and  who  they  be  :  this  being 
 the  Stroj*&  of  this  following  Dii'courfe  in  this  part  of  this 
 Treatite  5  ana  that  in  which5if  in  all  faid  ,  that  is  herefaid, 
 Who  he  is ,  what  a  one  he  is ,  and  whence  he  is,  be  remem- 
 bred,  the  whole  Teilimony  of  Chrift  is  cemprehended:I  (hail 
 therefore  fpeak  of  thefe  things  more  largely  and  explicateiy, 
 confidering  them  in  three  diftinc}  Branches,as  I  finde  them  fee 
 forth  in  the  Teftirriony  of  Chriftin  the  Scripture  :  thefirft, 
 concerning  his  firft  coming;  and  thereir,hisabafement ,  and 
 exaltation,  and  facrifice  offered :  the  fecond ,  concerning  his 
 leaving  of  the  world,  in  refpeit  of  bodily  prefence,  and  fitting 
 at  the  rkht  Hand  of  Gcd ,  and  there  mediating  :  the  third, 
 concerning  his  coming  again  to  reign  and  judge.  And  thefe 
 three  I  fhail  treat  of  under  thefe  three  terms,  that  is  to  fay, 
 Of  his  Oblation  or  Sacrifice;  and,  Of  his  Mediation  and 
 Interceflion ;  and  ,  Of  his  perfonal  coming  again  in  Glory. 
 Thefe  three  alfo,each  in  the  Teftimony  of  it  including  other; 
 his  Oblation  including  his  Mediation,  as  the  next  end  of  ir, 
 and  his  coming  again  in  Glory,  as  the  ultimate  end  of  it ;  his 
 
 i  Mediation  and  Interceffion  in  the  Teftimony  of  it,  including 
 
 his  Oblation,  as  that  by  vertue  whereof  hemediateth  and  in- 
 tercedeth  ;  and ,  his  coming  again,  as  that  for  which  his  Me- 
 diation hath  its  tendency  ro  prepare  Men  :  and  his  perfonal 
 coming  again  in  Glory,  is  affirmed  to  be  for  the  very  caufe  of 
 his  fuffaings  and  facrifice ,  and  that  in  which  the  fulnefs  and 
 perfe&ion  of  his  Oblation  and  M.diation,in  the  fruits  there- 
 of, fhsll  cleerly  ana  fully  appear  *,  whence  they  all  agree  in 
 one,and  are  fpoke  of,  ibtntime  together,  and  fomtime  diftind- 
 ly,  and  fomtime  morefpecial  of  one,  and  i'ometime  morefpe- 
 cial  of  another  j  as  will  after  appear  :  and  fo  I  {halt  fpeak  of 
 each  diftinftly. 
 
 The 
 
Of  the  Oblation  ofChrift.  75 
 
 Thefirft  Braochof  cheTcftimony  of  Chrlft. 
 
 CHAP.  2, 
 
 Of  theObUtlonofChrlfl. 
 
 BY  the  Oblation  of  Chrift,I  mean  that  offering  up  of  him* 
 {elf  a  Sacrifice  to  God,  to  make  fatisfaftion  and  propiti- 
 ation for  the  fins  of  Men :  and  I  am  perfwaded  Mr,  Ovnn  and 
 the  refidue  of  fuch  learned  Men ,  do  mean  the  fame  by  the 
 Oblation  of  Chrift.  And  whatever  any  other  may  pretend  to 
 mean,  yet  that  is  the  thing  under  confederation ,  while  that 
 word  Oblation  isufed  in  this  bufinefs ;  otherwise,  this  word 
 Oblation  may  be  ufed  for  other  offerings  and  other  facrifices, 
 as  well  as  the  word  Ranfom  is  ufed  ,  fomtime  for  ranfoming 
 by  price,  fometime  for  ranfoming  by  ftrong  hand,  fomtime  for 
 procuring  an  intereft  in  the  ranfomed ,  fomtime  for  freeing 
 the  ranfomed  out  of  trouble,$r.as  alfo  the  wordRedemption 
 fomtime  is  ufed  for  redemption  of  a  Friend  by  purchafe,  fom- 
 time for  redemption  out  of  the  hands  of  an  Enemy  by  (Irong 
 hand,fomtime  of  the  redeemed  purchafed  or  redeemed  from  o- 
 ther  things  by  a  price  given  to  themfelves;  fomtime  the  word 
 is  ufed  for  redeeming  Men  of  God ,  fomtime  for  redeeming 
 out  of  others  unto  God :  fo  that  the  confounding  thefe  terms, 
 and  ufing  them  one  for  another,  as  all  one  in  every  fentence 
 where  they  are  ufed ,  fignifying  one  and  the  fame  manner  of 
 thing,  is  that  by  which  the  unwary  are  deceived  y  and  itrife 
 about  words  occafioned ,  while  the  thing  itfelf  is  not  ftood 
 to.  I  therefore  have  here  expreft  my  meaning,  and  fo  do  ac- 
 cept of,and  ufe  this  phrafe  here,7fe  Oblation  of *C/>r//?;meaning 
 thereby,  His  offering  up  himfelf  a  facrifice  to  God ,  to  make  fatif 
 faction  ani  propitiation  for  the  fins  of  Men. 
 
 i »  That  Jefus  Chrift  ,  the  Man  Chrift,  that  is  Emmanuel 
 God  with  as,  did  offer  up  himfelf,  and  fo  is  the  Prieft,/W.7. 
 27,*8. 
 
 M  2,That 
 
74  &f  the  Oblation  ofChritt. 
 
 2.  That  the  whole  humane  Nature  in  the  Body  of  the  Man 
 Chrift,  was  that  which  he  offered;  and  ib3  that  himfelf 
 in  that  Body  is  the  Sacrifice  which  he  offered ,  Heb.  iof 
 $-10. 
 
 3.  That  it  was  by  the  Power  of  the  Divine  Nature  ,  and 
 foby  the  Eternal  Spirit,  by  which  he  was  upheld  in  fuffering, 
 and  overcameDeath^nd  offered  up  himfelf  a  fpotlefs  Sacrifice, 
 
 Hcb, Qi  14.  anc* *"° a^°  ^e *s l^e Altar,that upheld,fan£Ufied ar>d dignified 
 the  gift  and  offering;  and  all  this,that  jefus  Chrift  is  the  Prieft, 
 the  Sacrifice ,  and  the  Altar  :  the  Babylonifh  Darknefs  is  fo 
 removed ,  that  (unlefs  in  fome  Allegorical  Dreamers)  I  know 
 no  difference  in  this ,  but  that  there  is  an  union  of  Spirit  a- 
 mong  us  in  this,  which  I  wifh  that  we  may  keep  in  the  bond 
 of  peace :  and  the  Lord  fo  encreafe  our  union  more.  There- 
 fore parting  thefe  things  over ,  I  (hall  obferve  about  the  Ob- 
 lation of  Chrift ,  thefe  four  things  as  found  in  Scripture, 
 namely, 
 
 1 .  What  it  was  that  was  offered  up  in  Sacrifice. 
 
 2.  Who  it  was  that  offered  up  this  Sacrifice. 
 
 3.  To  whom  this  Sacrifice  was  by  him  offered. 
 
 4.  For  whom ,  and  in  whofe  behalf  this  Sacrifice  was  of- 
 fered. 
 
 5.  For  what  this  Sacrifice  was  offered  for  Men. 
 
 6.  To ,  and  for  what  end  he  therefore  offered  this  Sacri- 
 fice. 
 
 And  all  thefe  are  clearly  pointed  out  to  us  by  the  Apoftle 
 fpeaking  of  it,  T/f.2.14  Who  gave  himfelf  for  us,  that  he  might 
 redeem  us  from  all  iniquity ,  and  pur  if  e  unto  himfelf  a  peculiar  peo<* 
 ple^ealous  of  good  works.  Therefore  I  (hall  confider  the  points, 
 as  plainly  affirmed  in  this  Text ,  compared  with  and  ex- 
 plicated by  other  places,  fpeaking  plainly  of  the  very  fame 
 things. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 . 
 
What  Chrift  offered  up  in  Sacrifice]        Jf 
 
 CHAP.  5. 
 
 1  i  What  that  t»*s  which  wa$  offer  td  uf  in  Sacrifice. 
 
 IT  is  cleer  and  exprefs  in  this  Tit,  2. 14.  he  gave  himfclf  • 
 foitsfaid,  /W.7.27,  he  offered  up  himfelf  a  5  andfoit  isa  Hey  9  s^ 
 called  the  Sacrifice  of  himfelf  £ ;  and,  the  offering  of  the  Bo-  b  Hebt    ^ 
 dy  of  Jefus  Chrift  once  for  all  c.    So  this  Body,  this  humane  c  Heb.  10.10. 
 Nature  of  Chrft ,  the  Body  which  was  given  him  to  that  end, 
 and  which  he  fo  willingly  took  into  union  of  perfon  with 
 himfelf  d ;  that  was  it  he  gave  and  offered  up  a  Sacrifice.    He  d  #^,10.5,7. 
 from  Eternity  was  the  natural  Son  of  God,  and  fo  in  the  form 
 of  God,equal  with  the  Father,glorified  with  his  own  felf,one 
 and  the  fame  God  ;    and  was  not  then  before  time  naturally 
 Man ,  nor  according  to  the  work  of  God  in  the  firft  Creation 
 naturally  could  be  fo.  It  wis  the  work  and  beginning  of  a 
 new  Creation ;  in  which  ,    in  refpeffr  of  the  Nature  of  Man 
 taken  into  union  with  himfelf,  he  became  for  a  time  not  only 
 inferior  to  the  Father,  but  alfo  to  the  Angels  ;  yea ,  in  fome 
 fenfeto  the  Rulers,  and  rich  among  Men  e:  and  he  came  cprfl/#  ll6t 
 forth,  not  in  a  natural  way  ,  but  was  made  that  which  natu-  ifa.$  3.2^ , ' 
 rally  he  was  not,  and  fo  he  was  made  flefh,  made  of  a  woman 
 of  the  Seed  of  "David ,  made  under  the  Law,  made  fubjeft  to 
 our  infirmities,as  is  forefhewn.    And  this  Body  of  Jefus  was 
 perfectly  holy,and  finlefs,and  had  its  firft,&  hath  its  continual 
 being  in  union  with  the  Son  of  God  ;  and  fo  by  the  Grace  of 
 perfonal  union  is  one  and  the  fame  Son  ;  and  fo  Emmanuel^ 
 God  with  us,  in  our  Nature,  and  for  us ;  the  humane  Nature 
 in  him  difiinft,    though  never  divided  from  the  Divine  :   fo 
 that  this  humane  Nature  or  Body  of  Chrift  ,  is  not  only  fin- 
 lefs,juft,holy  ;  but  alfo  exceeding  precious ,  and  beyond  all 
 our  valuation  for  excellency  and  worthinefs ;  yet  in  this  his 
 perfonal  body  ,  was  he  under  the  Law  for  us ,  and  brought 
 before  the  Judgement-Seat  for  us ,  and  condemned,  and  put f  Rm-  8.3. 
 to  death  in  the  flefti  for  fins  committed  by  us  inthefleftifj* «£•*«**•<*« 
 
 M2  he3'3. 
 
j6  Who  it  was  that  offered. 
 
 he  himfelf  bare  our  fins  in  his  own  Body  to  (or  on)  the  Tree, 
 g  i  Vet.iA4.&  being  put  to  death  in  the  flefti  g  ;  and  by  death  he  overcame 
 3-'8.  deathvand  him  that  had  the  power  of  death  h ,  and  (o  rofc  a- 
 
 H^'**,4;     gain  juft  ,  and  for  our  juftificatxon,  in  the  fame  Body  that  di- 
 5 1  ar.j$.3,4.    e(j  ^and  by  the  Eternal  Spirit^afcended  in  that  Body,  by  (  or 
 with  the  venue  of  )  his  own  blood,  into  Heaven,  and  offered 
 that  fpodefs  Body  of  his   (  which  had  latisfied  for  our  fins  by 
 death  ,    and  overcome  death  ,  and  rifen  juft  )   a  Sacrifice  to 
 k  Hcb.9.i%,i4.  God  kl  and  God  hath  accepted  him ,  and  taken  up  his  well- 
 &io.  y- 10,14.  pleafednefs  and  dwelling  in  him,  and  glorified  him  in  the  hu- 
 mane Nature  alfo,  with  the  glory  that  he  had  in  perfon  with 
 him  before  the  world  was,  and  hath  born  Teftimony  of  him. 
 And  this  the  Oblation ,  Gift ,  Ranfcm,  Sacrifice  offered  by 
 Jefus  Chrift  the fecond  publick  Man ,  a  matchlefs  and  invalu- 
 able Sacrifice  ,  which  excluded  all  other  Sacrifice?,  and  all  o- 
 ther  Frames ,   or  Dyings ,   or  Rifings  in  us  ^  and  all  other 
 works  of  Righteoufnefs  from  being  it ,    or  any  part  of  it  1 
 this  Body  of  Chrift  that  was  crucified  for  us,  it,  and  it  alone, 
 is  the  Sacrifice  which  in  his  Oblation  he  offered  to  God 
 for  us. 
 
 CHAP.  4. 
 2.  who  it  rvasihit  offered  up  this  Sacrifice. 
 
 •His  is  here  alfo  in  7/*.2,i4.plainly  exprefs'd  to  be  our  Sz* 
 viour  J  efus  Chrift,  who  gave  himfelf  for  us ;  plainly,  it 
 was  Jefus  Chrift,  he  himfelf,  that  did  freely  give  himfelf: 
 Peter  alfo  fpeaking  of  the  fufferings  of  Chrift ,  and  having  ex- 
 prefly  named  Jefus  Chrift  that  fuffered  for  us,  faith  of  him, 
 aij.fM.Mji4.  who  his  own  [elf  bare  our  fins  in  his  own  body  a  .•  and  our  SaviJ 
 our  Chrift  faith  of  himfelf,  /  lay  down  my  life,  that  I  might  take 
 it  again ;  no  man  taketh  it  from  me*,  but  Hay  it  down  of  myfelf;  I 
 have  power  to  lay  it  down^  and  I  have  power  to  take  it  again :  This- 
 'bJqb,io,\73\$,  commandment  have  I  received  of  my  Father  b,    ,  And  fo  it 's 
 
 often* 
 
Who  it  was  that  offered.  77 
 
 often  plainly  and  exprefly  laid,  he  gave  himfelf  for  our  of- 
 fences ,  Chrift  hath  loved  us ,  and  given  himfelf  for  us ;  he 
 gave  himfelf  a  ranfome,  &c.  he  offered  up  himfelf,  &c.  c.         cGal.i.4,  Eph. 
 
 If  it  be  replied,  That  God  the  Father  ^he  gave  bis  only  begotten  *'1'  '  Tm'2e' 
 Son ,   he  made  his  Soul  an  offering  for  [in ,  he  [pared  not  his  onn 
 Sony  bm  delivered  him  tip  for  us  ail  d  ;  d  Job.  3  6.  lfa. 
 
 I  anfwer,  This  is  ho  contradiction  or  unlaying  of  any  thing  *3  l  °-  &v»x* 
 forefaid ;   but  rather,  anillutfration  an  J  confirmation  of  the  '*" 
 approvednefs,goodnefs  and  excellency  of  that  his  giving  him- 
 felf a  Sacrifice ;  not  only  in  that  no  other  Man  did  ,  and  that 
 he  himfelf  did  it  by  the  Divine  will  and  authority  of  the  Fa- 
 ther ;  inrefpeft  of  which  will  and  appointment ,  the  Father 
 did;  and  in  refpeft  of  a&ing  and  fulfilling  that  will,  he  him- 
 felf did :  but  more  alio  in  this  refpeft,  that  the  Father  and  he  J°7hXo •;??• 
 are  one,  in  refpeft  of  Divine  Eflence ;  and  in  refpe£r  of  both  ^  - -:*  7* 
 Natures  in  the  perfon  of  the  Son  ,  the  Father  and  the  Son  j^  <  ■  ^  ^ 
 are  both  one  in  love  to  Mankinde  ,    and  lb  both  one  in  will  iosIYsiisV$, ' 
 and  defign ;  fo,  as  alio  they  work  together :  lb,  that  the  Son 
 can  do  nothing  of  himfelf,   but  what  he  feeth  the  Father  do ; 
 and  what  things  foever  the  Father  doth ,  thole  alio  doth  the 
 Son  likewife  ;  and  alfo  in  that  the  Father  fitted  him  with  a 
 Body  for  this  buiinefs ,   and  appointed  and  fent  him  forth  to 
 doit :  and  even  fo  he  willingly  accepted  the  appointmenr,  h^.  10.5,7,8, 
 and  took  the  Body ,  and  came  to  do,  and  did  it  ;  and  fo,  9^10,12. 
 with  free  and  ready  will,and  onenefs  of  will  with  the  Father, 
 he  did  offer  up  himfelf  in  that  body  of  his,  once  for  all ;  fo, 
 that  the  faying,  He  gave  and  offered  up  himfelf,is  not  contra- 
 dicted by  faying  the  Father  gave  him  ;  but  receiveth  confir- 
 mation and  iilufiration  of  the  goodnefs  and  excellency  of 
 this  his  gift  and  giving  ;  yea  ,  it  opens  tons  the  right  under*  j^  g  A%m   &  > 
 /landing  of  it:  he  came  and  did  it,  not  barely  of  himfelf,  but  1/^.5.6. 
 in  union  of  will  and  approbation  of  the  whole  three  in  one 
 God :  the  Father  fent  him,  he  came,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft  wit- 
 nelTed  of  him ;  the  Father  fent  him  forth  made  of  a  woman  of  ed.  4. 4. 
 the  Seed  of  David,  and  the  Holy  Ghoit  fan&ified  that  Seed  in 
 the  wombe  of  the  Virgin  ,  and  framed  him  a  Body  thereof,  m\c  1.  3?- 
 uniting  it  in  the  very  framing,to  the  perfon  of  the  Son  of  God; 
 and  fo  it  was  not  the  Father,   nor  the  Holy  Ghoft  ,    but  the  John  1. 1* 
 Son,  that  is,  the. Word  was  made  fle(h,of  the  Seed  of  David*,  ftwMtf- 
 
 yec 
 
^'8  Who  it  was  that  offered. 
 
 yet  the  Father  by  the  Spirit  made  it  fo  :  and  the  Son  accept- 
 ing willingly  to  receive  this  humaneNature  into  union  of  per- 
 ion  with  himfelf,  and  to  be  thus  abafed,he  is  truly  faid  to  have 
 Vbll  2. 7,8.     made  himfelf  of  no  reputation  ,    and  took  upon  him  the  form 
 of  a  Servant,  and  humbled  himfelf  ;  fo  it  was  not  the  Father 
 joh.ioMy  1 8  or  the  Holy  Ghoft  that  did  die  ,  but  the  Son  in  the  humane 
 i?rt.3.:8,       Nature  or  Body  which  hetook,helayed  down  his  life  for  us, 
 being  put  to  death  in  the  flefh  ;  neither  was  it  the  Father  or 
 /oKio.i8.  tfpb.  the  Holy Ghoft  that  rofe  from  the  dead,  but  the  Son ;  and  ycc 
 4-s^°-  the  Son  in  that  BDdyof  his,the  Father  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  did 
 
 raile  him ;  yet  was  it  he  in  that  very  Body  that  died>that  rofe 
 from  the  dead  :  even  fo  it  was  not  the  Father  nor  the  Holy 
 Ghoft  that  offered  the  Sacrifice ,    but  Jefus  Chrift  himfelf  in 
 Hcb.9.1 4.  p/<*.  onenefs  of  will  with  the  Father,  and  by  or  through  the  power 
 110  l-  f^1-1**  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  ,   he  did  offer  up  himfelf,    his  own  Body 
 Hcb.i.$.  &  10.  a  Sacrjfice  without  fpot  to  God  7   even  the  Father,  who  hath 
 accepted  him,  'and  fet  him  on  his  right  hand  ;  and  fo  alfo ,  as 
 having  finifhed  and  compleated  his  oblation ,    and  being  ac- 
 cepted,he  fate  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the  Majefty  on  high: 
 fo  that  there  is  no  exclufion  or  denial  of  the  works  of  the  Fa- 
 ther or  Holy  Ghoft,  about  the  provifion,  preparation,  offering 
 and  acceptance  of  this  Oblation  ,  in  laying  Chrift  himfelf  of- 
 fered it ,    but  onely  the  affirmation  of  the  a£t  and  freenefs  of 
 Jefus  Chrift  himfelf  in  fo  offering ;   and  that  he  himfelf  hath 
 done  it ,  yea,  compleatly  done  it,  and  once  for  all ;  fo,  as  it 
 (hall  no  more  be  fo  done  by  himfelf,    nor  remains  for  any  o- 
 ther  to  cffer  him  in  any  fort  to  God  a  Sacrifice  for  (ins ,    nor 
 to  add  anything  tocompleat  that  offering,   it  being  com 
 pleated  by  himfelf  already  once  for  all :  and  as  Man,  he  him- 
 felf alone,and  by  himfelf,  though  for  others,  did  offer  this  Sa- 
 crifice ;  fo  ,  as  there  was  no  Creature,  either  Man  or  Angel, 
 that  did  ,    or  in  refpeft  of  real  a&ing  ,   can,  in  any  fenfe  of 
 offering  ,  be  faid  to  have  offered  the  fame  with  him  ,   or  to 
 be  any  par:  of  the  offering  offered  by  him  :  but  he  was  both 
 that  offering  and  offerer ,  and  no  other  Man  in  or  with  him, 
 no,  not  in  that  fenfe  of  which  it  is  faid  ,  Levi  alfo ,  who  re- 
 hJj.7  9>\o.     ccived  Tythes,  paidTythesin  Abraham  ;   for  he  was  yet  in 
 the  ioyns  of  his  Father,  when  LMelchiz,edec  met  him  :  fo,  as 
 L?vi)    though  not  in  per  ion  ,   yet  in  fpecie  ;   though  not 
 
 with 
 
Who  it  Was  that  offered.  yc> 
 
 with  his  cwn  hands ,  yet  by,  and  in,  and  with  his  Father,  in 
 whofe  loyns  he  was,  and  from  whom  he  naturally  proceeded, 
 he  did  fo  ,  and  in  chat  manner  alio ,  pay  Ty  thes  in  Abraham ; 
 but  fo  can  none  be  faid  to  have  offered  this  offering  and  Sa- 
 crifice, by,  in,  and  with  ChriS ;  for  Jefiis  Chrill  had  none  in 
 his  Loyns  to  come  forth  oi  him  ,  as  Abraham  had ,  or  as  A- 
 dam  had :  fuch  a  conceit  would  be  very  carnal ,  grefs  and  er- 
 ronioiK.  Chrirt  took  the  Nature  of  the  fir  It  Adam  ,  and  i'o 
 of  aij  Mankinde  that  were  in  the  firft  Adam  *s  Loyns ,  that 
 in  that  Nature,  having  fuffered  and  overcome  Death,  and  be- 
 ing filled  with  the  Holy  Ghotf ,  he  might  be,  and  fo  is,  a  fpi— 
 ritual  man,  to  quicken  and  draw  in  of  the  Sons  of  the  natural 
 Man  to  himfelf,  and  fo  make  them  his  (piritual  Seed  that  were 
 not  before  fo,  by  uniting  and  conforming  them  to  himfelf,  by 
 vertue  of  his  Sacrifice  offered,  without  which  they  could 
 never  have  been  his  feed  :  fo,  that  there  was  none  in  Chrift 
 to  die,  and  rife,  and  offer  Sacrifice  in  him ,  in  fuch  a  fenfe  as 
 Levi  paidTythes  in  <ss4braham  ^  nor  yet  in  refpeitof  that 
 fenfe  naturally  and  actually  in  fpecie ,  as  we  all  finned  and 
 fell  in  the  Loyns  of  ourfirlt  Father  Adam;  nor  wasChrift 
 bound  to  offer  this  Sacrifice  by  any  pre- engagement  upon  the 
 account  of  Mankinde  or  any  of  them ,  as  being  in  him  ,  or 
 chofen  in  him,  or  allied  to  him  ;  for  his  Engagement  is  free 
 and  voluntary  :  and  before  his  own  voluntary  Engagement 
 to  take  the  nature,  caufe  and  place  of  the  firrt  publick  Man 
 in  hand,  and  therein  to  undertake  for  all  Mankinde,  to  fuffer 
 and  offer  up  the  acceptable  facridce ,  he  was  not  engaged  to 
 him  or  any  of  Mankinde. 
 
 For  then  his  Oblation  andfacrlfice  he  offered,  had  not 
 been  every  way  ,  in  all  rcfpeSs,  only  of  himfelf,  and  altoge- 
 ther fo  free  as  it  was,  in  refpe£t  of  Mankinde ,  and  his  love 
 to  them  ;  but  by  reafon  of  fuch  a  pre- engagement,  ibme 
 had  had  fome  influence  upon  him  ,  and  fo  power  to  have  en- 
 joyned  him  to  take  Man's  Nature,  &  therein  to  lay  down  his 
 life ;  yea,and  by  vertue  of  that  pre-engagem^nt  and  election  in 
 him,&fo  bvVertue  of  their  interell  in  him,to  have  challenged 
 feme  right  in  the  very  facrifice  it  felfy o  far  as  to  have  ?t  in  fome 
 fenfe  counted  their  offering  ic  together  with  him :  but  that  no 
 '  foch  thing  couMbe,  the  diflimilicudes  between  the  firlt  Crea- 
 tion 
 
8  o  W ho  it  v;as  that  offered. 
 
 ti on  and  the  new ,  and  between  the  two  publick  Men  ,   do 
 fully  and  cleeriy  (hew  ,  as  is  before  (hewn  in  Part  i .  and 
 Chap.  13.    and  in  divers  expreflions  and  plain  (ayings  of 
 Scripture,  l\om,  5.  15.  Butnot  as  the  offence,  fo  alfo  is  the  fir ee- 
 gtft ;  for  if  through  the  offence  of  one  many  be  dead  ;   is  not  this 
 the  fame  with  that  before  ?   verf  12.  By  one  man  fin  entred 
 into  the  world,  and  death  by  fin  ;  and  fo  death  pajfed  upon  all  men, 
 (  in  whom  ,  cr  )  for  that  all  have  finned  :  zAdam  finned  not 
 alone  nor  fimply  as  a  publick  Man ;  fo  as  his  (in  became  no  o- 
 therwife  the  fin  of  all  Mankinde ,    but  only  by  meer  imputa- 
 tion, in  an  aft  of  fe verity  of  vindicative  juftice,  he  (landing 
 in  the  room  of  all  Mankinde  5  but  Adam,**  the  publick  Man, 
 had  alio  all  Mankinde  that  were  naturally  to  come  forth  of 
 him,  in  hisLoyns  ;  and  foin  that  his  finning,  all  Men  finced 
 in  their  fpecies  or  kmde,  though  not  as  then  in  that  a&  in 
 their  individual  perfons  ;     and  fo  all  finned ,  one  as  well 
 as  another ,  all  alike,  without  difference ;  and  coming  forth 
 naturally  from  him,  are  fo  in  their  perfons,  as  naturally,  truly 
 and  verily  found  and  beheld,  as  having  finned  in  him,  as  Levi 
 was  to  have  paid  Tythes  in  Abraham ;  and  not  only  fo,  but  the 
 Nature  and  inclination  of  Mankinde  being  polluted  in  and  by 
 that  very  firft  fin,they  come  forth  polluted ,  and  fo  add  more 
 
 **M.i8.  fin  of  their  own  ;  and  fo  juftly  and  defervedly,  the  condem- 
 nation of  the  firft  Man  was  both  by  imputation ,  and  alfo  na- 
 turally the  condemnation  of  all  Mankinde,  or  unto  all  Men : 
 and  the  wages  of  fin  to  Adam ,   and  to  all  his  pofterity  ,  is 
 
 Romf.i$.  death,  and  that  by  due  andjuft  deferr,  all  being  made  finners 
 in  their  own  perfons,  in  coming  forth  from  him  by  propaga- 
 
 Rom.i.i9-  tion  :  whence  alfo  the  word  all men,\etf.i  2.  and  1 8.  is,  in 
 a  double  confiderarion  turned  into  the  word  many,  verf.  1  5. 
 and  19.  namely,  to  explicate  the  word  all,  to  (hew  it  to  be  a 
 great  number,  that  the  evil  of  the  firft  Man  's  offence  may 
 the  more  appear  in  the  heynoufneis  of  it ,  and  alio  as  having 
 more  ipecial  relation  to  thofe  that  are  already  come  forth 
 in  their  peribnal  beings  naturally  from  cAd.im,  and  fo 
 came  forth  under  fuch  guilt  and  defilement  of  fin  and  liable- 
 nefs  to  death,  which  are  all  Men  that  have  had  their  peribnal 
 beings  naturally  from  him  :   and  thefe  alfo  are  a  great  num- 
 
 r\  •■>'.-  >  *>  ?•  Dcr  ?  even  Many ,  though  there  be  yet  mole  to  come  forth 
 from  him.  Yet 
 
Who  it  Vpm  that  offered.  8  £ 
 
 Yet  now  though  there  be  a  fimiiitude  here  in  refpe6i  of 
 the  number  of  perfons,  and  the  verity  of  imputation  and  ^'f.18. 
 efficacy,  between  the  diibbedience  of  the  firft  publick  Man, 
 and  the  obedience  and  righteoufnefs  of  the  fecond  publick  Wrf.**, 
 Man,  yet  there  is  ibme  diffimilitude  ,  the  firft  being  but  a 
 figure  of  the  fecond,  and  Chrilt  the  Trath  exceeding  all  that 
 figures  could  (hew  forth :  and  fo,  for  jeius  Chrilt,  the  fecond 
 publick  Man,  as  he  was  a  new  gift  of  God  ,  and  given  to  be 
 the  Saviour  of  the  world ;  fo  he  alfo  as  freely  came  forth,  and 
 was  made  Man  under  the  Law,  and  as  freely  died  and  offered 
 up  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to  God  for  Mankinde,  (the  whole  kinde 
 without  difference  ,  and  fo  for  all  Men)  to  make  an  Atone- 
 ment for  their  fins  they  are  fallen  into  ;  and  this  he  alone, 
 he  himfelf  did  freely,  not  being  engaged  to  them  by  vertue  of 
 any  of  them  being  in  him,  or  he  any  way  fo  obliged  to  them, 
 as  it  fhould  deferve  or  engage  him  to  take  their  Nature,  and 
 offer  Sacrifice  for  them  ;  or,  that  by  vertue  of  being  any  ways 
 in  him ,  they  fhould  be  fo  intererted  in  his  Death  ,  Sacrifice, 
 and  Righteoufnefs ,  that  it  fhould  in  any  fort  be  theirs ; 
 yea ,  or  counted  theirs,  and  they  interested  in  it,  before,  by 
 vertue  of  the  compleating  of  it,  in  and  by  himfelf  alone,  he 
 be  interefted  in  them,  and  fo  by  Grace  bring  them  in  to  have 
 intereft  in  him. 
 
 And  I  hope  it  will  be  granted  by  all  that  believe  in  Chirft, 
 and  I  am  fure  it  is  in  Scripture  affirmed,  That  by  vertue  of  his 
 Oblation  once  offered,  God  hath  releafed  and  given  over  all 
 Men  to  him  to  be  difpofed  by  him ,  and  hath  releafed  over  to 
 him  the  fentence  of  the  ftrft  judgement  and'Death,  by  and  ac-  ?oh*  *•  %1>  ac- 
 cording to  the  Law,as  Mankinde  at  firft  fell  under  ic ;  fo,  as  ?°  j^'m? 
 God  will  never  fo  judge  them  by  that  Law,  nor  caufe  them  to  5.  i/^'.j.ii/ 
 perifh  f  or  ever  in  that  Death  ;  but  hath  given  them  over  unto 
 the  difpofe  of  jefus  Chri(t,and  given  him  to  be  their  Lord  and 
 Judge,  and  hath  given  him  power  over  all  flefh,  and  given  for 
 Mankinde  eternal  Life  in  Chrift,  in  whom,  in  the  Nature  of 
 Man  it  is  put ;  and  he  hath  exalted  him,  and  filled  him  with 
 Spirit  to  make  it  known  and  difpence  it  in  his  way  •  and 
 though  it  was  free  and  undeferved  Grace  to  give  him  for  Man- 
 kinde, and  freenefs  of  Grace  to  unite  the  Body  given  him,  in 
 union  of  perfqn  with  the  Son  of  God  •>  yet  all  this  given  him 
 
 N  by 
 
8l  Who  it  was  that  offered. 
 
 by  vertue  of  his  death,  lufferings  and  facrifice,  may,  in  refpe& 
 of  himfelf,  be  laid  to  be  merited  and  deferred,  and  fo  called 
 the  wages  of  that  one  Righteoulnefs  of  his,inhis  Oblation 
 kr.*3.'ix,i».   offered  by  himfelf:  whence  it  is  laid  ,  Even  ,  therefore  1  will 
 PhU,i.  i  o5x  1 1   divide  him  a  portion  ,  &C.    and  therefore  God  hath  highly  exalted 
 him^Scc.  yea,  as  rightly  thus  called  in  refpeft  of  himlelf 
 only,  as  Death  is  called  the  wages  of  fininrefpeft  of  the 
 firft  ^rfwand  his  posterity :  but  now  in  refpec~t  of  Mankinde, 
 forwhombecff-redtheOblation,or  any  of  them,  it  cannot 
 be  faid  fo  ,  that  their  receiving  mercies  through  this  Ob- 
 lation, or  any  of  the  benefit  of  ic,that  either  it,  or  the  benefit 
 of  it,intereft  in  it,or  life  through  it,  is  merited  or  defer  ved  by 
 them  ,   or  the  wages  of  any  righteous  affe&ions  or  works  of 
 their?,  or  any  wayes  due  to  them,  and  defending  upon  them 
 by  venue  of  any  fore-being  in  Chrift  preceding  his  Obla- 
 tion ;  but  only  it  comes  to  Men  by  the  freenefs  of  the  Grace 
 of  God,  that  freely  gave  Chritt-  for  them  ;  and  the  freenefs  of 
 the  fame  Grace  in  Chritt,  that  freely  gave  himfelf  for  them  ; 
 and  God's  gracious  acceptance  of  the  gift  and  facrifice  of 
 Chrift  for  them ,  and  fo  imputing  it  to  them  ,   gracioufly  ac- 
 cepting it  for  them  ;    and  them,  for  and  through  it,  as  if 
 they  had  died ,  and  rifen  ,    and  offered  the  facrifice  ;  and  as 
 any  in  his  difcovery  of  this  great  Grace  are  found  believing 
 in  Chrift,  freely  giving  to  them  eternal  Life  through  Chrift  and 
 
 R$m.  £.*3.  &  ^or n*s  k^e :  an^  (°  &  *s  k*l  f  The  gfi  °f  9°^  is  eter"al  Lifey 
 5.1  $.  '  Gie  faith  not,  unto  Chrift,  but)  through  Jefu4  Chrift  our  Lord: 
 
 and  ib  %otnt  5.1  5 .   Much  more  the  grace  of God ,  (which  com- 
 prehends his  love  in  the  gift  of  Chrift,and  the  whole  prepa- 
 ration made  in  him  for  Men,  before  any  gift  through  it,  is  ex- 
 tended) and  the  gift  by  grace ,  (and  explicating  it,  have)  by  one 
 »  Man,  Jefm  Chrift,  hath  abounded  to  many  ,  ( that  is,  in  reipec~t 
 of  releaiefromperifliingin  the  firft  Judgement,  and  mercies 
 jV,\i.4>S59.     extended)  unto  all  men,  w/.i8.  and  in  refpeft  of  the  abun- 
 /j^;.5.*7«       dance  of  Grace  and  eternal  Life  to  all  thofe  that  in  believing 
 receive  the  fame,  verf.ij.  fo  that  all  the  whole  offering  of 
 the  Oblation  by  Chrift ,  and  the  benefit  procured  for  Men 
 thereby,is  by  the  freeGrace  of  Chrift,and  freely  done  by  him, 
 and  not  by  debt  or  fore-engagement  unto  any  :    there  was 
 none  in  him,  for  him  by  vercue  thereof  to  be  engaged  to ,  or 
 
 in 
 
To  whom  the  Sacrifice  was  offered.        83 
 
 in  fuch  afenfe  joyned  with  bim  to  die,fuff-r  and  «flfer  with 
 
 him ;  but  he,he  only,he  himfelf,offered  this  Oblation  and  Sa-  Heb.7.*7-  &9. 
 
 crificc  here  treated  of.    Oh  infinite,and  unfpeakable  free  and  *4,  &l0**** 
 
 gracious  goodriefs !  who  would  entertain  any  Do&rine  that 
 
 (liould  gain-fay  or  darken  this  ? 
 
 CHAP.  5. 
 
 3.  To  whom  It  was  that  he  offered  this  obkikn  or  $  fa 
 erijice. 
 
 TO  whom  Jefus  Chrift  gave  himfelf,  is,  though  not  expref- 
 fed  plainly,  yet  cleerly  and  ftrongly  intimated  in  Tit.  2, 
 1 4.  in  that  it  is  not  in  this  place  faid,  to  us*  but/or  m  ;  and    * 
 to  whom  fhould  it  be  offered  for  us,but  to  him  again!*  whom 
 we  had  finned ,   even  God  that  gave  him  forth  to  that  end  ? 
 whence  it's  alfo  called ,   the  grace  ofCjodficc.  verfi  1 .  a  like 
 ftrong  intimation  we  have, iT/w.2.4, 5,6.  That  gave, himfelf  a 
 Ranfom  for  all  Men,to  God,that  would  have  all  faved,&  there- 
 fore found  out  the  Ranfom,  by  vertue  whereof,  with  God  to 
 whom  he  offered  it ,  he  mediateth  for  men.     But  this  is  feen 
 cleerly  in  both  the  former  Points,&  alfo  exprefly  affirmed,E/?£. 
 5.2.  Chrift  alfo  hath  loved  as^  an^  given  himfelf  for  us,  an  offering 
 and  afacrifice  toGodforafweet-fmeiling  favour.      C^r'fi  >    w^& 
 through  the  eternal Spirit ,   offered  himfelf  without  fbot  to(fod^ 
 Heb.p.14.    Andfoit  is  laid  of  Jefus,  That  he  knowing  all  7«M.i£;  & 
 things  knew,that  he  was  come  from God,and  went  to  God ; l6' 28, 
 and  that  he  came  forth  from  the  Father  into  the  world  ,  and 
 left  the  world  ,  and  departed  out  of  the  world  unto  the  Fa- 
 ther ;  yea,  all  the  former  typical  Priefts  did  offer  their  Sacri- 
 fices to  God  ;  though  they  were  on  Earth  ,  and  offered  on  #**•  ?•  zf,n. 
 m  Earth  ,   yet  it  was  to  God  in  the  Heavens,:  and  to  whom  %SJ^  &9  9' 
 ftiouid  our  great  High-Prieft  offer  up  his  Sacrifice,  when  he 
 entred  into  Heaven, but  to  God  in  the  Heavens  ?    But  I  iup- 
 pofe,  this  i?  not  only  cleer  and  evident,  but  alfo  adnowleged  H*k.\tif.&y 
 by  all  that  belteve  in  Jefu5  Cbrilt ,  both  that  he  offered  his  »>; 
 
 N  a  Ob- 
 
84        7e  whom  the  Sacrifice  was  offered. 
 
 Oblarion  and  Sacrifice  to  God ,  and  alio  that  he  was  faithful 
 in  all  his  bufmefs :  but  that  I  note  this  for,  is,  that  it  may  be 
 rninded,That  jefus  Chrift  in  the  bufmefs  of  his  Oblation  and 
 Sacrifice  offering,  he  had  to  deal  with  God  ,  and  with  none 
 but  with  God  ;  and  though  for  fallen  Mankinde ,  yet  not 
 with  them,  but  with  God  for  them.  True  it  is,  in  his  after- 
 Mediation  ,  (  of  which  is  after  to  be  fpoken  )  as  he  hath  to 
 deal  for  Men ,  fo  alfo  both  with  God  and  with  Men :  but 
 in  his  Oblation  and  Sacrifice-offering ,  though  it  was  for 
 Men,  yet  he  did  not  in  that  deal  with  Men,  but  with  God  for 
 them :  true,  in  the  fitting  and  preparing  his  Body  ,  which  he 
 took  to  offer,  he  did  deal  with  the  Nature  ( though  not  with 
 the  Perfons)  of  Mankinde ,  in  that  he  took  flefh  of  the  Seed 
 of  a  Woman,  that  was  of  the  Seed  of  David,  of  *Abraham^  of 
 sAdam,  and  had  thereof  his  Body  framed,  which  he  took  in- 
 to union  of  pcrfon  whh  himfelf  ;  fo ,  that  the  Man  Chrift  is 
 God- Man  ,  the  Son  of  God.  And  this  alfo  is  true,  That 
 walking  on  the  Earth  in  that  Body,  in  his  Miniftration  of  the 
 Gofpel,  and  mercies,  and  miracles  extended,  he  dealt  with 
 Men  to  do  them  good ;  yea,  as  there  were  feveral  ends  in  his 
 death,  one  to  make  propitiation  for  fins ,  one  to  confirm  the 
 Teftament  of  precious  promifes ,  and  one  to  bear  witnefs  of 
 the  Truth  he  had  taught,  and  therein  (hew  his  love  and  faith- 
 £ulnefs,as  a  Miniiler  and  true  and  faithful  Shepherd ,  his  lcve 
 and  faithfulnefs  to  his  Hearers  ,  which  were  his  fhcep :  and 
 as  in  refpe&  of  the  firtt  End ,  not  the  Scribes  and  Pharilees, 
 but  God  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all ,  anddelivered 
 him  ro  death  for  our  fins ;  and  in  refpec~t  of  the  fecond  End, 
 he  willingly  gave  up  the  Ghoft  and  died*  as  for  our  fins,  fo  to 
 confirm  the  New  Teftament  in  his  Blood  :  io ,  in  refpeS  of 
 the  third  End,  the  Priefi  s,  Scribes  asd  Pharilees  envying  and 
 hating  him  for  his  Gofpel  preaching,  did  crucifie  him  and  put 
 *Vn  6fG$d's mm  c0  deatn5  which  alfo  he  willingly  under- went,  to  witnefs 
 fcc-vacc  c  i.  tne  Truth  as  he  had  taught,  as  hath  been  more  largely  (hewn 
 Difc  tbout  the  in  other  Treatifes  * :  and  fo  in  his  dying ,  as  it  was  for  wit- 
 •pYLCioM  blood  nets-bearing  to  the  Truth  he  had  tau.ht,  it  wa»  a  part  <  f  his 
 4>fcbri(l,ch.3,  Miuitiration  ,  in  which  he  had  to  deal  whh  Men  :  hut  his 
 rfwftrim  aba  ement  under  the  Law,  and  fohis  fuffering*  and  death,  as 
 tetits$.$i.    it  was  for  propitiation-making ,  i  and  fo  in  offering  his  who 
 
 Ob 
 
 . 
 
To  whom  the  Sacrifice  was  offered.        85 
 
 Oblation  and  Sacrifice,  he  did  not  deal  with  Men ,  or  offer 
 to  Men,  but  for  Men  he  offered  the  Oblation  and  Sacrifice  to 
 God  onlyj  which  I  infitt  on  to  this  end,  That  we  may  look  for 
 and  judge  of  the  efficacie  and  prevailing  vertue  and  power  of 
 this  Oblation, Sacrifice,  and  Ranibm  given  by  Chrilt  ;  firfl,  in 
 the  offering  it  to  God ,  and  therein  in  the  prevalency  it  hath 
 with  God,  in  Gods  acceptance  of  it,  and  giving  into  his  hands 
 all  that  for  the  receit  whereof  he  offered  it ,  that  the  Nature 
 of  Man  be  in  him  exalted,  and  received  into  union  with  God^ 
 and  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghoft ,  and  inverted  with  the  inheri- 
 tance, and  Lordflhip  and  power  to  fave  and  judge ;  and  that  all 
 Mankinde  be  rejeafed  into  his  dilpoie,  &c.  in  which  the  pre- 
 valency of  his  offering  to  God  is  to  be  feen ,  and  ib  the  ef- 
 fedtualnefs  of  it ,  judged  according  to  the  prevalency  it  hath 
 with  God,  to  whom  the  Sacrifice  was  offered  ,  and  not  firft 
 to  be  judged  or  looked  on,  as  effe£rual  only,  as  it  hath  its  ef- 
 ficacy in  Men,  and  prevaileth  with  them  5  no,  not  to  be  (ccn 
 that  way  at  all, before  iome  making  of  it  known,  in  feme  ap- 
 plication of  the  venues  of  it,to  Men;  after  which  application, 
 it  will  in  due  time  be  feen  alfo  in  its'  efficacioufnefs  in  &:  upon 
 them  alio,  both  in  the  receivers  in  drawing  them  in  to  Chrihy 
 and  in  comforting,  purifying  and  quickning  them  ,  and  giving 
 them  boldnefs  of  accefs  to  God,  and  hope  of  Glory  ,  and  all 
 upon  the  account  of  him  that  firft  engaged  his  Heart  to  ap- 
 proach to  God  in  their  Nature  for  them. 
 
 And  indeed  there  was  not  any  ether  but  he  ,  either  fit  or 
 able  to  have  dealt  with  God  for  Men  :  none  of  the  fallen 
 Race  of  Mankinde,  rich  or  poor,  one  cr  other,  could  by  any 
 means  redeem  his  Brother,  or  give  to  God  a  Ranfom  for  him  • 
 for  the  Redemption  of  their  Souls  is  precious,  err.  vea,  all  JsJ^'J*^ 
 the  Sacrifices  offered  by  former  and  typical  High-Priefts  and  Hcb.io.i-to. 
 Priefts, could  not  do  this  with  God ;  this  could  none  do,  but 
 he,  that  is  both  God  and  Man  in  one  Peribn,and  through  his 
 approach  to  God ,  all  that  believe,  receive  the  liberty  of  ap- 
 proach to  God,  and  partake  oi  Life,  <jrc+  and  net  only  is  this 
 his  Oblation  efficacious  ir  Receivers ,    but  it  will  be  found  fo 
 to  be  alfo  in  and  upon  Refufers  and  Rejefters ,    when  they 
 fhall  come  and  bew  before  him ,  and  acknowledge  him  Lord 
 to  the  Glory  of  Qod,    and  to  judged  by  him  :     which 
 
 things 
 
86  toy  worn  it  was  offered. 
 
 *nirc  of  the  *N?  have  bwn  more  largely  (hewn  in  another  Treatife  *. 
 
 ous  blood  But  all  the  efficacies  in  and  with  Men,  is  after  application  to 
 
 brifr,  ch.8,Men;    beforewhich,kseftkacieis  with  God:    and  that  we 
 
 th&io.&n.  may  not  jucJoe  of  the  efficacy  of  Chrill  his  offering  ,  by  what 
 
 fob.  12. 48.     n  lecn  in  ^  uPon  Mcn  on^.»  nor  ^mic  its  cfficacy  to  thac 
 
 .t.io.ir'.    fcantling,  but  acknowledge  it  according  to  its  prevaiency 
 
 with  God  to  whom  it  was  offered ,     for  all  that  for  which  ic 
 
 was  effered ,  hath  all  this  beeirlaid  ,  To  God  he  offered  his 
 
 Oblation. 
 
 CHAP.  6. 
 
 4*  For  whem  ,  and  in  whtft  behalf  Christ  tfftred  this  Sa- 
 crifice. 
 
 FOr  whom  Jefus  Chrift  gave  him  elf,  is  alfoanfwered,  Tit. 
 2.14.  HegavchimfelfforUs  :   and  fo  in  many  places  of 
 5.10.1/0^.3.16.  Scripture  it's  fo  laid  ,    Chritt,  our  yaffeover,  isfacrificedfor  lis  ; 
 2c0r.Mi.Gd'.  who  died  for  Us ;  he  laid  down  his  life  for  Us  ;  he  was  made  fin  for 
 **        '   Us ;  being  made  a  cur fe  for  Us ;  and  h*th  given  himfelffor  Us,  an 
 offering,  &C. 
 
 So  that  the  right  undemanding  of  the  Perfons  for  whom 
 Ch rift  gave  himfelf,  is  found  in  the  right  undemanding  of 
 the  word///,  in  what  fenfe  ic  is  ufedin  this  and  liich-like 
 fayings. 
 
 The  wor  Us,  (as  Our  and  We)  is  ufed  fomtime  infome  fay- 
 in:zs,  as  pointing  out  lb  me  peculiar  people,   diftinft  and  feve- 
 red from  other  people  ;   and  then  h's  made  known  to  be  lb 
 meant  in  the  lame  fayings .  by  fpeaking  to,  or  of,  ibme,with 
 an  exprelTion  or  intimation  of  lome  others ,    to  whom  they 
 are  opposed  ;  as  in  thele  places  on  the  Margent,and  divers  o- 
 a  D-ut  <.?.  &  r^crs  a  >  ^llt  ^ere  *s  ne^tner  expreflion  nor  intimation  to  lead 
 9. 16. 1  ci. '4. 9.  us  to  inch  an  underftanding  of  Us  here. 
 *Coy.$.j-iPct.     The  word  lis  is  found  in  luch-like  bufinels  as  this ,    to  be 
 4.i7.»7«&  *.»*•  ufe(j  applicatively  in  Profefiion  or  ConfeiTion,  grounded  en  a 
 f  9>l0t     large  and  lure  Foundation,  and  including  in  its  faying  two 
 
 man- 
 
 iCO 
 
For  whom  it  was  offered.  $7 ' 
 
 manner  of  People,  or  forts  of  Men :  the  one  fort  fuch,whom 
 it  concerneth,  and  yet  they  underftand  it  not,  and  lb  neither 
 believe  it  nor  confefs  it :  the  other  fort  iuch  as  do  underftand, 
 believe  and  confefs  the  Truth  and  Goodnefs  of  that  aflerted, 
 that  others  alio  might  believe ;  and  this  (in  Redemption)  ap- 
 plied to  fallen  Mankinde,  hath  alio  uvit  an  oppoficion  in  re- 
 fpeil  of  finfulnefs  to  righteoufnefs :  and  To  he  did  not  offer 
 the  Oblation  for  himfelf  or  for  the  Holy  Angels,but  for  us  fin- 
 ners  and  ur  juft  ;  and  fomtime  in  refpe£l  of  the  nature ,  fpe- 
 cies  or  kinde  ,  in  which  fallen  Men  are  oppofed  to  fallen  An- 
 gels, whole  nature  and  caufe  he  took  not  on  him,  but  the  na- 
 ture and  caufe  of  Man ;  and  fo  gave  himielf  for  us  Men ,  and 
 not  for  the  Angels :  fomtime  the  word  is  ufed  wiih  a  fpeciai 
 reference  to  Mankinde  above  other  Creatures ;  fo,  as  the  life 
 in  him,  is  the  light  of  Men.  And  in  confeffion  of  Truth,  the 
 word  Us,  We  and  Otsr,  is  frequently  ufed  in  Scripture  as  com- 
 prehending all  Men  ,  yet  teftifying  the  Faith  of  theConfei- 
 fors,  fo  Pfal.  1 00.3.  It  is  he  that  hath  made  us  ,  and.  not  we  our  pr  . 
 [elves.  This  true  of  all  Men  of  all  the  Lands  and  Nations  in  ,  {%'pfauf*.&] 
 all  the  ends  of  the  Earth;  and  that  a  good  Ground  to  move  9.  Rom.  15.10*11 
 them  all  to  come  in  to  believe  in  him ,  rejoyce  in  him  ,  fear 
 and  ferve  him ,  that  fo  they  might  become  the  fheep  of  his 
 paflure;yet  the  fpeciai  benefit,  and  theTeftimony  of  Faith,  is 
 enjoyed  &  breathed  forth  by  the  believing  ConfefTcr  :the  like 
 Mal.z.i  o.  Hath  not  one  God  created  m  ?  This  true  of  all  Men, 
 and  the  Confeflion  grounded  on  that  very  Truth ,  That  he  is 
 theCreator  of  all  the  ends  of  the  Earth,  and  hath  made  all  /A-48.i8,4tf. 
 Nations  of  Men  of  one  Blood  ;  yet  the  force  of  the  reproof  17-2(*' 
 and  exhortation  is  found  only  in  the  believing;  Confeffors  of 
 the  fame  :  fo  2  Pet,  3.0.  The  Lord  is  long-  fuffer 'txg  to  w~vjardy 
 not  tviUing  that  any  (hould  perifh,  &C.  where  it  is  evident,  verf 
 3.  with  Rev. 2.2 1.  that  Us  includes  as  yet  the  very  feoffors, 
 and  iuch  as  yet  were  not  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
 Truth,  exprefs  verf.  9.  and  grounded  on  that  Truth  b :  and  hv[al%\  &%.%,&, 
 that  the  word#*  is  ufed  in  the  fame  fenfe ,  andfignifieth  all 
 Me«,  in  Tit.  2.14.  He  qave  himfelf  for  us,  us  men  ;  and  Be- 
 liever confefs  it ,  is  evident  and  manifested  divers  wayes  by 
 the  Scriptures;  namely , 
 
 1  •  In  the  place  it  felf,  in  the  beginning  of  the  Profeffion  or 
 
 Con* 
 
o&  tor  mom  it  was  offered. 
 
 Tit.iMtiiMSQrfc&^verfii.  The  Grace  of  God  faving  to  all  Men,  or 
 14.  '  bringing  falvation  to  all  Men,  hath  appeared,  &c.    and  giving 
 
 the  Ground  both  of  its  appearing  and  teachings ;  He  ren- 
 ders it  thus;##0  gave  him fc  if  for  us:  and  having  made  no  diffe- 
 rence, whatcan&r  belefs  than  all  Men, .though  the  believing 
 Confeffors  are  they  that  receive  and  enjoy  the  benefit  of  its 
 teachings  ?  And  this  wiJl  yet  farther  appear, 
 
 2.  By  comparing  with  it  other  places  of  Scripture  fpeaking 
 'Aft  17  16  27  c*"  ^e  things  to  the  fame  end,  Aft.  7.24*31.  where  having 
 '    '  affirmed  ,  that  God  made  all  Nations  of  Men  of  one  Blood, 
 &c.  and  alfo  (hewn  his  gracious  end  towards  them  all  in 
 their  feveral  Generations  and  Habitations,  that  they  (hould 
 feek  the  Lord,  &c.     in  removing  the  Objection  of  im- 
 poflibility,  and  s  flfording  encouragement,  he  faith,  Though  he 
 be  not  fay  from  everyone  of  tu  :  where  it's  evident ,  That  Us  is 
 us  Men  ;  yea ,   in  fuch  a  i'enfe  as  is  true  from  the  beginning ; 
 us  Men9cxery  one  in  their  Generations ;  Us,  every  one  now 
 living  in  our  Generations ;  #.f,every  of  us  following  in  all  the 
 Generations  of  Men  on  Earth :  where  alio  we  may  note, 
 That  this  Apoftle,  like  the  refidueof  the  Apoftles,  (as  did 
 the  Prophets  of  oid)when  fpeaking  of  the  love  and  goodnefs 
 Gtn*T>ty.&  of  God  to  Mankinde ,  either  in  the  firft  Creation ,  wherein 
 1.27.  ecc  ej.7-  ^|an  wa$  macje  jn  innocency ,  and  faid  to  be  flefh  and  bone ; 
 he  fpeaks  of  it ,    as  that  which  pertained  to  all  Mankinde  in 
 2  c$r.  1550.    the  firft  Man  ,  before  the  fall ;  and  what  he  fpeaks  of  the  love 
 and  goodnefs  of  God  extended  through  a  Redeemer  &  Medi- 
 Hcb.  2.14.      acor  to  Mankinde  fallen    (that  by  the  fall  became  flefh  and 
 blood ,  weak  and  mortal  (  which  weaknefs  and  mortality 
 the  iecond  publick  Man  for  a  time  partook  of,  that  through 
 Death  he  might  deftroy  him  that  had  the  power  of  Death) 
 and  fo  what  goodnefs  God  extends  to  this  fallen  Mankinde, 
 in  miking  them  of,and  from  the  firft  fallen  man  (whole  Nature 
 and  weaknefs  the  iecond  man  took)  making  them  of  the  lame 
 Pfal  7*-3-  col.  Blood,  of  the  fame  Nature  and  kinde,  and  preferring  and  ex- 
 i.i7.P/«.33.^  tending  mercies  to  them ,   (  as  it  is  through  the  iecond  man, 
 73%.RQm.2.st.  that  is,  the  Redeemer ;  fo)  it  is  all  to  one  and  the  lame  graci- 
 ous end,  in  the  firft  place,  that  they  might  feek,  and  hnde  him, 
 and  fear  him  :  fo  the  Apoftle  fpeaks  of  this  as  appertaining 
 to  all  men:  and  fo  in  relation  to  men, both  jUnbelievers  and 
 
 Be- 
 
For  whom  it  was  offered.  Sp 
 
 Believers,  he  faith,  Every  one  of  us:  and  then  proceedeth  in  ^^ti7.17jlgi 
 giving  fome  evident  and  undeniable  demonftrations  thereof, 
 laying  ,  For  in  him  (or  by,  or  through  him)  we  live,  and  move>  Joh.\.i3h*< 
 or  have  our  &*;*£,  as  veri.zj.  yea,  takes  advantage  from  the 
 power  and  vi&ory  of  this  Truth ,  caufing  one  of  their  own 
 Poets  in  his  way  to  confefs  it ,  faying ,  For  we  alfo  are  his 
 off-fpring  ;  and  however  this  Light  hath  formerly  (hined  in  7^#1>4^5j?# 
 Darknefs,and  the  Darknefs  comprehended  it  not,  yet  God  Aft.i  4,17 .  * 
 being  patient ,  and  forbearing  till  he  brought  forth  the  Light 
 more  cleerly ;  yet  bringing  forth  the  Light  morecleerly,  he  ^#.17.30,31. 
 doth  now  admonifh  Men,all  men,all  Men  every  where,to  re- 
 pentrfo  that  that  totmzxJEvery  one  of  w,and  We,hz  (hews  it  to 
 mean,  allMen*  and  all  Men  every  where  ;  and  then  gives  this 
 as  the  ground  of  the  verity  and  equity  of  that  admonition, 
 and  a  motive  to  receive  it ,  Becaufe  he  hath  appointed  a  day^  in 
 the  which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteotifnefi  ^  by  that  man 
 whom  he hath  appointed  ,  (or  ordained,  namely,  by  vertue  of  Rm  tl,9lQ)l} 
 his  Death  and  Sacrifice  for  them,  to  that  rule,  difpofeand  Ja,  ' 
 judgement  of  them)  whereof  he  hath  given  affurance  to  allmen^ 
 (or  offered  Faittyn  giving  a  fure  object  for  Faith,  and  medi- 
 um to  bring  to  Faith*,  a  witnefs  of  the  Truth  to  move  to,  and 
 facilitate  Faith  to  all  Men  )  in  that  he  hath  raifed  him  from  the 
 dead.  So  that  all  the  way  here  about  thefe  things ,  the 
 words  Usj  and  We9  and  all  men  are  cf  like  extent ,  and  in  the 
 largett:  fenie  thar  can  be  appliable  to  Men  in  their  feveral  Ge- 
 nerations from  the  beginning  of  the  World  to  the  end  there- 
 of :  and  if  I  (hruld  add  to  this,thofe  places  in  which  he  faith, 
 That  Christ  died  for  ally  tufted  death  for  every  Man ,  and  gave 
 himfelf  aranfomfor  all ,  and  is  the  propitiation  for  the  fins  cf  the 
 whole  world  ;  and  compare  them  with  other  places ,  where 
 fpeakingof  the  fame  things ,  he  faith  \  He  died  for  m  ;  gave 
 himfelf  for  us  ;  died  for  our  fins :,  it  would  eafily  appear,  That 
 where  there  is  no  diftinguifhing  word  in  the  fentence ,  to 
 limit,  ThitJll,Every,  the  World ;  and,  UsyOuryWe,  are  of 
 like  extent,  and  indifferently  ufed  the  one  for  the  other: 
 but  occafion  to  ufe  thefe  places  follows  ;  only  T  fhall  note 
 here  lbme  gracious  efficacy  ,  appearing  in  this  manner  of 
 ufing  the  words  Us ,  Our  and  We  ,  by  the  Apoftles  and  un- 
 
 feigned Believers. 
 
 s.  It 
 
po  For  vjhom  it  was  offered. 
 
 Lu\.\%.u.ifa.     *•  It  thews  andkeeps  them  humble  and  low  in  their  own 
 *i.U  Ti/.j.j.Cycsj  fo,  as  they  are  far  from  the  pride  of  thofe  that  fay,  I 
 K$m.  7.14^4-  am  not  as  other  Men  ,    (land  aloof  from  me,    I  am  holier 
 iTimulyili^ than  thou  :  but  knowing  they  were  as  ill  as  any,  and  have 
 ':   }   'the  corrupt  dilpofition  frill  in  them  troubling  them  ,  they 
 judge  of  themielves  (till  as  Men,  Men  fubjeft  to  like  paiTions 
 with  others;  yea,  as  the  chief  of  (inner  >,  in  refpeft  of  them- 
 ielves.   And  fo  in  relation  to  Men,  fpeaking  of  God's  love  to 
 Mankind:,  can  readily,  without  making  divifion,  fay,  Us>  We^ 
 0#r,  including  themfelves  with  all  Men. 
 
 2.  They  have  found  ,   and  do  finde  fuch  fatisfying  peace, 
 %m.  $.6,2.    refreshing,  and  well-pleafednefs  in  Chrilt ,  as  the  Saviour  of 
 ljoJr^!$M>l^c  World,  and  propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the  whole  World, 
 vas  he  died  for  the  ungodly,  and  gave  himfelf  a  ranfom  for  all; 
 that  they  prize  not ,   nor  take  up  their  reft  or  glorying  in  any 
 of  their  own  excellencies ,  in  which  they  appear  better  than 
 others ;  but  have  their  whole  rejoycing  and  well-pleafednefs 
 in  Chrilt ;  yea,  even  glad  that  the  fame  is  in  him  for  others  to 
 receive ,  which  themielves  have  received :  and  fo  fpeaking  of 
 him  as  the  Saviour  of  the  World  (and  fo  of  his  Death,  Resur- 
 rection, Ranfom,  &c.)  to  others,  they  can  fay  without  iepara- 
 rion  making  ,  in  that  refpe6t,from  fuch  as  do  net  yet  believe, 
 for  *#,  for  cur^&c. 
 4fc4.15.Jt0*.      3.  Yea,  this  Grace  received,  engageth  them  as  debtersro 
 iwjL4ji$jitf.    others ,    yea,  to  all  Men,  they  having  and  being  Stewards  of 
 2.  co,  .$.14,1$,  that  Wcrd  and  Grtce,  which  appertains  to  them  that  yet  be- 
 1 8^P,te'       Heve  not,to  be  declared  to  them  that  they  might  believe ;  and 
 this  Grace  enBameth  them  with  love  and  defires  ,   that  they 
 might  know  and  believe,  and  fo  receive  tbe  fame  :  and  there- 
 fore are  ready  to  declare  ;  and  in  declaration  of  the  Gofpel 
 to  them,  to  couple  together  with  themielves,  in  fetting  forth 
 what  drift  hath  done  fc  r  all  Men  5  and  fo  to  fay  ,   #/,  0#r, 
 We  :  fo  gracioufly  ,  and  in  fuch  heavenly  manner  have  the  A- 
 poftles  in  confeflion  of  the  Truth  of  thar  which  is  true  for  all 
 Men,  ufed  the  word  #/,  Our,  We :  fo  7W/in  his  firll  preach- 
 2  C07.I2.2.      ing  to  the  C or ivthi ah s,  who  at  that  time  when  he  firhVpreached 
 to  them ,   were  carried  about  unto  dumb  idols,  according  as 
 *frj6  9,lO;ii«  chcy  were  led  ;  facrificed  to,  and  had  fellowship  with  Devils ; 
 and  fo  were  Idolaters  >  many  of  them  Fornicators ,  Adul- 
 terers, 
 
 r. 
 
eerers  ,  Effeminate ,   Abufers  of  themlelves  with  Mankfode, 
 Thieves,  Covetous, Drunkards,  Reviiers,  Extortioners  ;  yet  ic«r.j.  &  10, 
 to  thefe  ,  in  preaching  Chrift  the  propitiation  for  the  fins  of  *i. 
 the  World,  he  coupled  himfeif  together  with  them ,  in  (hew- 
 ing for  whom  Chriit  hath  done  this,  faying  ,  I  delivered  unto  i£Vmj  .$, 
 y  oh  fir  ft  of  all)  that  which  I  alfo  received^  how  that  Chrft  dtedfor 
 our  finsy  according  to  the  Scripture  ;  he  wo*  made  fin  for  m :  ac-  a        *,ir* 
 cording  to  that,  he  was  delivered  for  our  offence  s>  and  raifedfor  Rom.+  2  <$ . 
 burjiiftfication :  ftill  declaring  the  choife  benefit  received  and 
 enjoyed  by  thofe  that  in  believing dii receive  him:  but  af-  xcot.t.mco?* 
 ferting  the  Truth  thereof  in  Chrift  for  others,   that  they  5.*3. 
 might  believe :  in  which  fenfe,  Us  comprehends  all  Men  ;  and 
 fo  appears  to  mean  all  men,  Ttt.r.i  1 ,1 4.  and  yet  farther  ap- 
 pears , 
 
 3.  By  minding  and  confideringfome  particulars,  requisite 
 to,  and  included  in  the  Oblation  and  Sacrifice  of  Chrift,  that 
 it  might  be  fit  for  us ,  and  all  minded  to  us ,  in  faying,  He 
 gave  himfeif  for  us y  Tit.2.14.  as  his  being  made  fleCh,  andfo  Heyt  %%  t^ttf 
 having  a  Body ,withouc  which  he  could  not  have  been  a  fit  Sa- 1^.3.38.  Aft* 
 crifice  for  us  :  and  in  thi:  he  took  the  Nature  of  Mankbde,of  17.*** 
 Abraham,  of  **Ad  my  of  all  Mt-n  :  in  this  no  difference.     If 
 ar  •  w  >uid  put  a  difference  in  his  coming  of  the  Jews ,    and  Rom-  !7«5.  & 
 to  them  ;  ;r  L  an  "w  ted ,  That  was  to  con^rm  the  promifes  *5'8V 
 made  to  th?Gentile?,     And  look  to  the  beginning,  and 
 w.  flial!  finde  ,  hie  came  not  only  of  Jacobs  Ifaac,  Abraham^  j\ut.i.j. 
 the  Fathers  of  all  and  every  of  the  jews  5  but  of  N»*h9  La- 
 mecfrs  McthnfaUh)  Enoch*  J«red> iMtUM,  rainan%  Enos^  Seth,  ffi  S '  *4>  3 7* 
 the  f  arhers  of  all  and  every  both  Jew  and  Gentile ,   and  of 
 Adam  the  Father  of  all  Men  :  and  fo  hath  the  Nature  of 
 Man,  which  is  common  to  every  Man  alike ,   created  in  the 
 firft  Adam  alike  :  alio  being  in  the  Nature  of  Mankinde  ,    he 
 was  made  under  the  Law>  under  which  Mankinde  was  fallen, 
 (that  fo  the  fins  that  Law  fo  charged  with  ,  might  be  charged  G^-4-4-  Rem* 
 on  him)  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  Law ,  and  that  *&T\.lz*Gah 
 is  exprefly  all  the  World ,  arid  every  mouth,  all  men  :    and  3.21.  %  Cor.1 » 
 being  under  the  Law  ,  he  diedfor  our  fins ,  and  that  is  ex-  i^i^icKwr. 
 preflyfaidtobeforallmen  ;   yea,  even  all  thofe  that  maft'1**"11* 
 appear  before  his  Judgement-feat  :   yea,  he  was  fet  in  his 
 
 O  2  pub- 
 
pi  tor  whom  it  was  offered. 
 
 publick  place ,  and  glorified  in  Man's  Nature  to  be  a  publick 
 Man,  to  do  that  wonderful  bufinefs ;  yet,  to  vffcitit,  made 
 a  little  lower  than  the  Angels  (in  being  Man  mortal;  all  to 
 this  end,  That  by  the  Grace  of  God  he  might  talk  death 
 
 Hcb,  2. 6,7 m>  for  every  :  which  can  be  no  lefs  nor  ether,  than  every  of  that 
 Nature  ;  in  taking  which ,  he  was  for  a  while  made  lower 
 than  the  Angels,  and  that  is  every  Man :  and  being  rifen  for 
 our  juftification,  he  offered  up  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to  God, 
 and  fo  gave  himfelf  a  compleat  Ranfom  to  God.  And  this  is 
 exprefs  to  be  for  all  Men,  where  it  is  affirmed,  God  our  Savi- 
 our will  have  all  Men  to  be  faved,  &c.  (and  this  given  as  the 
 
 i  rim.  2.4,5/,  ground  and  proof  of  his  will )  For  there  is  one  God  ,    and  one 
 
 70  ^Mediator  between  God  and  Men  (indefinitely  and  univerfal- 
 
 ly  Men ;  yea  ,  here  is  God  and  Men,  and  no  Man  excepted 
 but  one,  who  is  Emmanuel ,  and  the  Mediator  between  God 
 and  Men,  even)  the  Man  Jeftts  Chrift)  who  gave  himself  a  ran- 
 /J^w/ir*//, (this  is  that  by  vertue  whereof  he mediateth  ,  and 
 
 Heb.  $*!$,  io  was  fir  ft  given  for  thofe  for  whom  he  mediateth ,  his  me- 
 diation being  by  the  vertue  of  his  fuffering  and  Sacrifice  ,  or 
 Ranfom  offered ;  and  fo  mediating  between  God  and  Men,e- 
 videnceth  him  to  have  given  himfelf  a  Ranfom  for  Men  :  buc 
 how  many  ?)  even  all  Men.  And  of  this  the  Apoftle  was  or- 
 dained a  Preacher ,  and  profeflcth  in  this  alfo  to  fpeak  the 
 Truth  in  Chrift  ,  and  not  to  lye  ;  and  in  teaching  this ,  to 
 teach  in  Truth  and  Verity.  And  what  can  be  faidmore,or 
 more  plainly,  or  with  greater  earneftnefs  and  aflHeration,  to 
 fhew ,  That  Chrift:  died  and  gave  himfelf  a  Ranfom  for  all 
 Men? 
 
 And  yet ,  to  remove  all  (tumbles  and  doubts,  and  make  ic 
 moftcleer,  That  he  gave  himfelf  for  all  Men,  we  have  one 
 word  more. 
 
 4.  To  confider  the  Qualification  and  Character  given  115 
 of  thofe  Men  for  whom  Chrift  died,  and  gave  himfelf  a  Ran- 
 fom to  God :  and  thh  is  exprefs ,  That  they  were,  and  were 
 fo  viewed, even  un^oo'ly,unjuft,finners,and  enemies  to  God: 
 and  this  is  intimated  here ,  in  Tit.  2.14.  He  gave  himfelf 
 form:  it  is  not  faid,for  our  defires,  o.  requefts,  or  deferts ; 
 no,  we  were  fallen  Tinners,  without  flrength,  enemies,in  cap- 
 
 tivity 
 
For  whom  it  was  offered.  93 
 
 tivity  to  fin  ,    death ,  Satan  ;  which  is  intimated  in  the  next 
 words,  That  he  might  redeem  us^  &c.  but  in  other  places  it  is 
 fully  and  plainly  exprert,  yea,  affirmed,     This  is a  faithful trim.  i.ij. 
 faying  ,    That  Jefus  Chrifi  came  into  the  world  to  fave  fir.  Hers; 
 and,'  tn  due  time  C^rift  died  for  the  ungodly  ;  again  ,  Chrifi  alfo  fcom.%.6.\?ctt 
 hath  fuffered  for  fins,  the  jufi  for  the  wjufi:  yea,  the  Believers  3. '8. 
 have  not  been  afhamed  to  own  themfelves  in  this  number 
 alio :  of  whom,  faith  Paul^  I  am  the  chief:  And  while  we  were  yet  ^om,  5.  g. 
 fmners,  Chrifi  died  for  us.      And^aH  have  finncd>and  come  (hort  of 
 the gloyy  of  God,bemgjufiified freely  by  his gyace,  through  the  re- 
 demption that  is  in  Chrifi  'jefus,  whom  God  hath  (fere-  ordained, 
 or)  fetforth^to  be  a  propitiation,  (ex  en  for  the  fins  of  the  whole  */*&**•*» 
 World)  through  faith  in  his  blood ,  (and  that  in  his  fecting  him 
 forth)  to  declare  his  righteoufnefi  for  the  remiffion  (  or  paffing  o- 
 ver)  of  (ins  that  are  pafi,  through  the  forbearance  of  God  :  yea  ,  to 
 declare  at  this  time   (now  Chnft  is  fo  manifelied)  his  righteeuf- 
 ne$,  that  he  mtght  be  juft ,  (yea,  fo  known  to  be  in  all  his  mer-  p/"<?j  4  5. 8^,17. 
 ciful  Difpenfations  to  men  from  the  beginning  of  the  World,  &}6;$.^R9ml 
 and  to  the  end  of  it,  and  in  his  j'udgings  of  Men)  and  thejttfti-  $•  3»4>*«  ^#- 
 fier  of  him  that  belteveth  in  Jefus.     And  all  this  given  as  the  r3«39  Jto.4.$. 
 Ground,Detnonftration  and  Proof  of  the  Truth  of  that  fore- 
 atfirmed,namcly,  That  the  righteoufnefi  of  Cfod,  without  the  law 
 is  manfefted  ,  being  witneffed  by  the  haw  and  the  Prophets ,  even 
 the  righteoufnefi  of  God,  which  is  (now  manifefted,and)/>/ jW;  5^/i**^ 
 of  Jefus  Chrifi  (the  cieer  Do&rine  of  theGofpel ;  in  which,   ' 
 he,  as  the  Object  of  Faith  ,  is  fet  forth  to  be  received  in  be- 
 lieving) unto  all,  ( that  is,  as  true  for  them,  and  tendered  to 
 them)  and  upon  all  that  believe  :  for  there  is  no  difference.    Till 
 Men  believe  and  receive  it,  or  obftinately  reje&  it ,  it  is  alike 
 for  all ,  and  to  be  preached  and  tendered  unto  ail ;  and  to 
 this  end,  that  they  might  receive  it  in  believing :  here  no  dif- 
 fence :  and  in  believing  it  is  upon  Bslievers ,  they  all  and 
 every  one  receive  it  and  have  it ,  and  even  fo  in  believing 
 they  have  it :  there  is  no  difference  ir»  this  neither ,    for  all 
 have  finned,  &c'.  which  brines  fully  to  that  undemanding  of 
 thewotd#.f,7i>,2.i4.  to  fignifie,  us  men,  us  finners ,    andfo 
 all  Men  :  and  fo  thofe  for  whom  Chrift  gave  himfelf  an  Ob- 
 lation, and  Sacrifice, and  Ranfom  to  God.  are  mankinde,  all 
 mtn)ande,jidam  and  all  his  Race,  even  all  men :  and  when 
 
 the 
 
ytf  -l  vr  wvai  Ksnrisi  ojferea  it. 
 
 the  Oblation  of  Chrift,  as  offered  to  God  for  men ,  is  only 
 fpoke  of,  whether  it  be  in  terms  of  Death  or  Ranfom,  thcv 
 for  whom  he  died  and  gave  himfclf ,  are  fet  forth  in  thofe  ^1 
 
 t  nerd  terms,   CWen,  tllCMen,  Sinner s,Unju(t,Unrodly£c. 
 
 iuch  phrafes ,  in  fo  fpeaking  of  his  Death  and  Ranfom  f  ti  to 
 fay,  He  died  for  his  Eleft,  or  for  Believers,  or  for  his  Church 
 
 \  or  iuch  as  were  appointed  to  believe  on  him ,  are  not  in  the 
 
 Scripture,  nor  Scripture-like  ;  but  the  devices  of  men,  think- 
 ing to  be  wife .  and  fo  in  an  unbelievingnefs,  conceive  har-fh- 
 neft,  abfurditics,  errors,  and  danger  in  the  terms  of  the  Ho- 
 ly  Ghoft  •  and  prefuming  to  be  wifer  than  their  Maker,and  to 
 direct  the  Holy  Spirit  what  terms  to  breath  in ,  finde  him  out 
 thofe  forefaid  terms,  as  more  true  and  fafe  terms  to  deliver 
 his  mmde  in  :  but  it's  plain ,  and  enough  faid  in  a  former 
 miverfal'ay  o/Treatife,  yet  unfhaken  by  all  the  attempts  againft  it ;  which 
 God's (reegrace  alfoare  anfwered  by  a  learned  and  godly  Brother,  befidethe 
 u  xankmde.  Anfwer  fore-given  ;  in  all  which  it  appears,  That  Chrift  is  fee 
 forth  in  the  Scripture  to  have  died  for  all,  and  given  himfelf  a 
 Ranfom  for  all  men. 
 
 CHAP.  7. 
 
 5 .  Fof  what  Chrifl  offered  this  Sacrifice  for  us  Men. 
 
 •His  is  in  general  intimated,  7/M.i  i,i  2,14.  but  exprefs 
 in  other  places,That  it  was  for  our  fins :  not  to  purchafe 
 Gal.i.i$.p[al.  any  Liberty  for  (inning,  nor  for  love  of  our  fins, for  he  loveth 
 45-7.  righteoufnefs,  and  hateth  fin  and  wickednef>  ;  but,  becanfe 
 
 he  loved  us,  and  fawus  neceflitatedto  fuffer  for  our  fins ,  and 
 fo  in  a  perilling  condition,  and  remedilefs  diltrefs  by  reafon 
 of  our  fins,therefore  he  came,  and  gave  himfelf  in  our  ltead,to 
 fuffer  for  our  fins,  the  curfc  that  was  due  to  us,  and  (o  to  make 
 an  Atonement  and  efcape  for  us  :  which  is  here  cleerly  inti- 
 mated, in  faying,  He  gave  himfelf  for  us  (or,  in  our  ftead,  to 
 work  redemption  for  us,  and  purchafe  for  us)  and  that  alfo  to 
 
 this 
 
For  what  Chrijl  offered  it.  95 
 
 this  gracious  end,  That  he  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity; 
 
 which  is  a  farther  bufinefs,to  be  fpoken  in  the  next  Point  and 
 
 Chapter  :   but  of  the  former ,   that  done  and  obtained  by 
 
 him  for  that  end  :  and  lb  far, for  what  he  gave  himfelf ;  which 
 
 is  not  only  intimated  here,  but  in  other  places  fully  and  plain-  GaL\^\c»f\\f. 
 
 lyexprefs'd,  as,  that  He  gave  himfelf  for  our  (ins,  He  died  3-  iPtf.j.i-8. 
 
 for  our  (ins,  &c.  Hath  fufferedfor  our  fins,  He  was  manifetied  '/•M*-  HiJ. 
 
 to  take  away  our  (ins ,   And  after  he  had  made  one  Sacrifice  [°,l&  ^ 3* 
 
 for  fins  for  ever ,   he  fate  down  on  the  right  Hand  of  God  :  Gal.$  m.  hcK 
 
 forfo  it  is ,  We  have  all  finned,  and  come  fhort  of  the  Glory  9.f*>a?.  vfal- 
 
 of  God  ;  and  in  this  no  difference  :    And  the  wages  of  fin  40.6,7,8  &w. 
 
 is  death  ,  and  fo  we  all  fall  Abort  of  thofe  righteous  affections  7>8«^**>7- 
 
 and  fervices  ,  which  the  Law  of  Ten  Words  require,  and  fo 
 
 defer ve  to  fuffer  the  Curfe:  and  fo  without  (he d ding  of  blood, 
 
 and  fuffering  Death  and  Curfe ,  there  could  be  no  remiflion 
 
 of  any  of  our  fins  5  and  that  mult  be  better  blood  than  that  of 
 
 Bullocks  and  Goats,  or  our  own  perfonal  Blood  ;  and  yet  k 
 
 mult  be  the  blood  of  a  man,  yet  a  juft  and  perfeft  man,  and 
 
 one  that  is  more  than  a  man,even  God-Man  ;  therefore  God 
 
 was  pleafed  to  fend  forth  his  own  Son  in  man's  Nature  ,  and 
 
 to  lay  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all :  And  he  was  delivered   rd  6 
 
 for  our  offences ,   and  fo  he  his  own  felf  bare  our  fins  in  his  KomJ.W.*Pct. 
 
 own  Body  on  the  Tree,  and  by  Death  overcame  Death;  i^.Heb.%^ 
 
 and  fo  in  and  by  himfelf  made  purgation  of,  or  for  our  fins ;  &*$•  <^s>i«, 
 
 and  by  the  Eternal  Spirit  offered  up  himfelf  for  us  a  fpotlefs  l*fll°'l2>H* 
 
 Sacrifice  to  God,  and  obtained  Eternal  Redemption,  and  fate  E['  ' 
 
 down  on  the  right  Hand  of  God  :   and  thus  hath  he  given 
 
 himfelf  for  our  fins,  and  made  the  Atonement  for  us.     Now 
 
 in  this  general  Anfwer,  there  are  five  particulars  included ,  as 
 
 that  for  which  he  gave  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to  God,  and  which 
 
 by  that  Offering  he  hath  obtained  of  God  for  that  work  ihat 
 
 is  fully  done. 
 
 1.  To  fatisfie  for,  and  takeout  of  the  way  thofe  fins  into 
 which  mankinde  was  fallen,  and  which,  through  the  corrup- 
 tion of  his  Nature,  he  was  neceflitated  to  commit,  againft  the 
 Law  under  which  he  was  fallen  ;  and  fo  to  redeem  mankinde 
 from  the  Curfe  of  the  Law  ;  and  alfo  to  overcome  that  death 
 into  which  mankinde  was  fallen  ,  and  the  Devii  that  had  the 
 power  of  it:  or  which, is  brought  forth  to  terrific  men  with  if, 
 
 man  .* 
 
r  96  For  what  Chritt  offered  it. 
 
 man  being  weakned  thereby  ,  and  it  being  due  to  be  exe- 
 -    cuted  on  mankinde,  that  fo  mankinde  might  not  perifh  in  it, 
 but  be  railed  out  of  it ;  and  thefe  are  the  fins  which  were 
 feen  to  be  in  Adam  and  all  his  natural  Race,  as  fo  coming 
 forth  from  him,  and  bearing  his  Image,  and  this  the  Death  in 
 which  mankinde  fhould  have  perifhed  ;  and  fo  was  mankinde 
 beheld  before  Chrirt  his  undertaking  for  him  :  and  thefe  fins 
 and  this  death,  Chrift  undertook   (  not  to  be  an  exempt er  of 
 ifa  M>  4>*>$> mcn  wholly  ^rom  feeling  any  part  of  either,  but)  to  be  a  Re- 
 7.  1  Pet.  1.14.  deemer  of  men  from  both  thefe  :  and  fo  thefe  fins  inafpe- 
 -pfal.  40. 63  7,  ciai  manner  were  laid  upon  him  ;  and  in  refped  of  the  pe- 
 11 '  nalty  to  be  fuffered  and  fatisfa&ion  to  be  made ,   they  were 
 
 counted  his  fins ,  and  he  bare  them  in  a  fpecial  manner,  and 
 %C0Y.i.zuG4l.  confeffed  them  as  his  own  fins ,  and  did,  as  under  the  fame 
 3.13.  '  bond  with  us,  fuffer  the  full  punifhment  due  to  us  for  them ; 
 
 in  which  refpe&  he  is  faid  to  have  been  made  fin  for  us ,  and 
 to  have  been  made  a  Curfe  for  us  :    and  fo  vertuous  his 
 if*.$hhGal.$.  Blood  and  Sacrifice,  and  fo  effe&ual  with  the  Father ,  that 
 **  •  by  this  one  Oblation,as  offered  to  God,this  our  great  wound 
 
 Mj$.$r&io  *s  Sealed ,  and  he  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  Curfe  of  the 
 11.^.2.14,15!  Law :  and  fo  in  and  by  himfelf,  as  in  and  by  the  publick  man, 
 nim.i.io,      our  fins  are  purged,  the  Law  fausfied,  all  that  was  in  the  way 
 contrary  to  us,  is  taken  out  of  the  way,  and  that  for  ever,  and 
 cleath  overcome :  fo,that  though  men  be  conceived  and  born 
 in  fin,  and  come  forth  with  Natures  polluted  ,  yet  there  is  re- 
 demption wrought  ;  and  though  through  ignorance  and  un- 
 belief,  the  confeiences  of  men  may  charge  them  for  thefe 
 fins  by  this  Law,  and  fo  they  may  be  terrified  for  thefe  fins 
 by  this  Law  ,  and  with  the  fears  of  the  Curfe  in  this  Death, 
 while  they  live  this  natural  Life,  and  know  not  Chrift ,   yet 
 God  will  not  fo  go  to  Law  with  them,  to  judge  them  by  this 
 Law,  by  which  Chrift  was  judged  for  them  ;  nor  fhall  they 
 perifh  in  thisfirft  Death,whicn  Chrift  hath  fuffered  for  them; 
 Kom.  3.  M>*5.  but  be  railed  out  of  it.    And  this  fuch  as  do  know  ,    and  be- 
 ^5%U;I  '      lieveinjefus  according  to  the  revelation  of  the  Gofpel,  do 
 know  and  confefs,asis  cleerin  that  Tetfimony. 
 
 2.  To  make  fuch  an  abundant  and  overflowing  propitiati- 
 on, by  the  dignity,  excellency  and  vertue  of  hisBlooJand 
 Sacrifice,  that  he  by  vertue  thereof  might  have  power  and 
 
 an 
 
For  what  Chrljl  offered  it.  p  7 
 
 authority  to  take  away  from  ,  and  extend  forgivenefs  to  men 
 for  thole  following  fins,  which  through  their  weaknefs,  and 
 Satan's  new  attempts ,  they  may  be  found  to  commit  againrt 
 that  new  and  gracious  Obligation ,   under  which  they  now 
 are  to  him,  and  to  God  for  the  gift  of  him ;  and  lb  againii  that 
 Light,  and  thofe  means  and  ipiritiial  motions  extended  to 
 them,  while  he  continueth  his  patience  towards  them ,  and 
 is  by  Spirit  fo  driving  with  them.    Thefe  being  the  fins,  that  7*6.1.4,^9,10, 
 will  fatten  on  coniciencc  indeed ,  and  bring  reproofs ,  and  *9.  Heb.t.i?. 
 condemnation ,   and  corre&ion  from  God ,  of  which  dayly  &7.*>7- 
 pardon  and  juftification  is  needful  to  be  fought  and  received 
 through  the  fprinkling  of  his  Blood  :  and  thefe  are  called, 
 The  jins  of  the  people ;  and,  The  (Ins  if  the  world.     Bur,  becaufe 
 ibme  not  well  catechized  in  the  word  of  the  beginning  of 
 Chrift,  may  count  this  ftrange  ;    I  will  therefore  alfo  fhew 
 where  I  finde  it  in  Scripture  plainly  :  firft  then,  I  hnde  it  in 
 the  Types  ;  in  which,  though  much  ditfimilitude,  yet  ever  fo 
 much  fitnels  of  fimilitude ,    that  we  may  know  the  Truth, 
 though  but  darkly  typed,  to  be  yet  verily  fulfilled,  and  cleer- 
 ly  appearing  in  Jefus  Chrift  :   and  foto  inttruft  us  into  the 
 knowledge  of  Chrift,theApoftle  produceth  thofe  types,as/W. 
 4,6c  5 .  Tor  every  High-Priest  taken  from  amang  mentis  ordained  Heb.  4. 1  ?,  & 
 for  mcn}in  things  pertaining  to  God \t hat  he  may  ofir  bet h gifts  and  ?. 1,1,3  »4. 
 fieri  fees  for  fin.    Who  can  have  compaffion  or.  them  that  are  out  of 
 tle  way^  for  that  he  him fe  If  alfo  Is  compaffed  with  hfirmity:  and  irerr  <  $  -,  % 
 by  reafon  hereof \  he  ought  ,  as  for  j he  people  ,  fo  alfo  for  himfelfy  9 ,xo.       '  •  9 
 to  offer  for  fins.     And  no  man  taketh  this  honour  to  himfelf,  but 
 he  that  is  called  of  Cjod ,   as  $y4aren  was  :  fo  alfo  Qyr*fl'>  &c»  *s 
 follows  ,  And  fo  into  thefecond  Tabernacle  went  the  High-Prieft  Heb.  9.7  8  1 2, 
 a  7o»e,  once  every jeer,  not  without  bloody  which  he  offered  for  him-  13^4. 
 felfj  ardfor  the  errors  of  the  people ;  the  holy  Ghofi  thus  fignifjing, 
 &c.  But  molt  plainly,//**.  7. 17.  ipeaking of  Chrift,  feith, 
 IV.11  needed  not  daily ,  as  thofe  High-Priefis  ,    to  offer  upfacr?ficey 
 fir fl  for  his  own  fin  ,  and  then  for  the  peoples  :  for  thi<  did  he  oncey 
 whe n  he  offered  up  himfe if.      Minde  the  words ,  That  which 
 they  daily  or  often  did,  this  (not  a  part  only,  bur  this )  he  did 
 once,  and  at  one  time ,  namely,  when  he  off:  red  up  himfelf : 
 and  confider  what  this  teacheth  us.    The  diflimilkudes  are  fo 
 evident  between  the  typical  High-Pric(ts,and  our  High-Prieft, 
 
 P  that 
 
p5  tor  what  Lbrijt  offered  it. 
 
 that  I  need  but  only  mention  them  :  thofeof  the  Tribe  of 
 Levi,  ours  of  the  Tribe  of  Judah  :  thole  after  the  Law  of  a 
 carnal  Commandment ,  ours  after  the  power  of  endlels  Life  : 
 thofe  after  the  Order  of  sAaron,  and  without  an  Oath  ;  ours 
 after  the  Order  of  {^telchiz>edcc  ,  and  with  an  Oath  :  thofe 
 had  in  themfelves  inherency  of  fin,  and  perfonal  fins,  needing 
 a  Sacrifice  for  themielves ;  ours  holy,finleis,  had  no  fin  either 
 perfonal  or  inherent,  needing  any  Sacrifice  for  himtelf :  thole, 
 by  realbn  of  death,  had  Succeflbrs;  ours  liveth  and  remaineth. 
 aHigh-Prieft  forever :  their  Priefthood  and  Law  was  change- 
 able ;  our  Prieft  and  his  Law  abideth  for  ever :  their  Sacri- 
 fices and  Purifications  did  but  fanftifie  and  pnrifie  the  flefh, 
 and  made  nothing  perfect ,  no,  not  the  comers  thereto, 
 though  ,  and  therefore  often  iterated  ;  but  the  Sacrifice  of- 
 fered, and  Purification  made  at  once  by  our  High-Priefi,  was 
 perfect ,  and  makes  all  comers  to  it  perfeft ,  purifying  the 
 Hearts  and  Confcience  of  them.  Thefe ,  and  fuch-like  difli- 
 militudes  are  let  forth  to  us  in  this  Epifile  to  the  Hebrews^ 
 and  other  places ;  by  all  which ,  Chrift  is  (hewn  to  excel  all 
 that  figured  and  typed  him :  and  fo,  in  the  fulfilling  of  Truth 
 in  every  fimilitude,  in  which  the  types  did  figure  him,  he  not 
 only  anfwereth  ,  but  excelleth  in  the  fulnefs  of  Truth  : 
 and  fo  in  thefe  cf  the  Priells,  he  was  truly  Man,  yea,  an  inno- 
 cent and  perfect  Man ;  and  though  in  a  fupematural  way,  yet 
 of  the  Race  of  Mankinde :  and  he  was  immediately  called  to 
 this  Office  by  God  ,  and  he  hath  had  experience  of  humane 
 weakneffes ,  forrowsand temptations ;  and  he  laid  afide  hi? 
 Glory  he  had  with  the  Father  before  the  World  was ,  till  in 
 the  Garments  of  meannefs  and  innocency,  he  had  made  the 
 Atonement ,  and  then  was  clothed  with  his  former  Glory  a- 
 gain  ;  he  once  in  the  end  of  the  World  hath  made  the  Atone- 
 ment with  his  own  Blood  ;  and  by  vertue  of  his  own 
 Blood ,  hath  entred  into  the  Heavens  ,  and  obtained  E- 
 ternal Redemption.  Thefe,  and  fuch-like anfwering  of  fi- 
 militude s,  fo,  as  to  have  the  Truth  fulfilled  in  Chritf,  are  ge- 
 nerally known  and  confeffed  among  Believers  therefore  I  for- 
 bear to  enlarge ,  either  for  explication  or  farther  proof  about 
 them. 
 But  for  this,  That  this  holy?  harmlefs,  undefiled  and  finlefs 
 
 one 
 
Fer  what  Chrijl  offered  it.  9  y 
 
 one  ftiould  have  fins ,  that  in  any  true  fenfe  fhouid  be  called 
 his  own ;  and  alfo ,  that  there  ftiould  be  fins  of  another  fort, 
 called  the  fins  and  errors  of  the  people,that  he  in  one  offering 
 up  himfelf  in  Sacrifice  (hould  offer  for  both,  I  fear  this  is  not 
 fo  generally  known  and  confeffed  among  Believers  ;  and  yet 
 the  Apoltle  intimates  it  ftrongly ,  Heb.i.i  7.  with  5. 1,2,3. 
 and  9.  7, 8, p.  as  is  forementioned,in  that  he  affirms  fuch  fit- 
 nefs  for  fuch  caufes  to  be  in  Priefts ;  and  alio,  that  their  oft- 
 offering  ,  was  a  fignification  that  the  way  into  the  holieft  was 
 not  yet  made  manifeft  while  the  firft  Tabernacle  flood  ,  yea,  • 
 
 and  alio  that  the  things  done  by  the  High-Prieft  in  offering 
 for  himfelf,  and  the  errors  of  the  people ,  &c.  were  figures 
 for  the  time  prefent,  and  patterns  of  the  things  in  the  Hea- 
 vens ;  and  fo  thefe  offerings  alfo  did  ferve  to  the  example  ucb^.git^& 
 andfhadowof  heavenly  things,  and  not  only  intimates,  but  8.3,4,5.^^5. 
 alio  plainly  affirms,  this  to  be  found  in  Chrifts  offering,  Heb.  l**'  Bcb'7' 
 27.    having  before  mentioned  the  Priefts  daily  offeringup      } 
 Sacrifices  firft  for  his  own  fins ,  and  then  for  the  peoples,  he 
 exprefly  faith, This  he  did  once ;  and  proveth,  that  he  needed 
 not  to  do  it  daily  or  again  ?  being  he  is  fuch  a  holy  one,  &c* 
 and  because  he  did  this  once ,    when  he  offered  up  himfelf ; 
 fo  that  he  did  give  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  both  for  fome  fins  called 
 his  own,  and  alio  to  take  away  fins  of  another  fort,  called  the 
 fins  or  errors  of  the  people :  and  yet 
 
 Secondly,  This  will  more  cleerly  appear, if  we  minde  what 
 fins  were  counted  and  called  his,and  in  what  fenfe  they  were 
 fo,  and  focal  led  ;  and  then  ,  what  fins  are  after  the  Obla- 
 tion offered ,  or  confidered  as  offered  ,  called  the  peoples 
 fins,  for  him  by  vcrtueof  his  Oblation  to  be  taken  aw  ay: 
 both  may  in  Scripture  be  found, 
 
 1 .  If  we  confider ,  How  by  the  offence  of  the  firft  Man, 
 fin  entred  into  the  World,  and  Death  by  fin,  and  how  there- 
 by fin  raw  over  all  Mankinde ,  and  fo  all  Mankinde  fell  under 
 the  fentence  and  power  of  the  Law  ,  and  fo  under  the  guilt  ro^sm^^I 
 and  power  of  death  ;  and  fo ,  as  they  came  forth  naturally 
 from  s/fdam,  they  come  forth  finners  under  the  Law ,  liable 
 to  fin  againft  it,and  be  condemned  by  it:  but  now  other  fins 
 than  this  firft,  a,ndthofe  which  flowed  neceffarily  from  the  o- 
 riginal  corruption  of  Nature  hereby,  and  fo  againft  the  Law 
 
 P  2  as 
 
iod  For  what  Cbritt  offered  it. 
 
 as  Man  was  fallen  under  it,  and  other  death  than  the  firft 
 Death  and  Curie,  which  this  Law,as  Man  was  fallen  under  it, 
 did  lentence  to  ,  were  none  through  the  fall  of  the  hr(t  pub- 
 lick  Man  fallen  under :  and  thefe  were  the  fins,  and  all  the  fins 
 ofMankinde  in  view,  before  the  pre-confideracion  of  the 
 Death  and  Sacrifice  of  Chrift. 
 G  .  Now  Jefus  Chart  imerpofing  and  undertaking  for  Man- 
 
 kinde,  did  take  the  nature  of  Mmkinde  fallen  in  its  weakneis, 
 i?et  i.%A.Pf*. anc'  Dccamc  r"or  Mm  9  under  the  Law  and  Obligation  under 
 4«.u/  which  Man  was  fallen  ;     and  this  by  the  agreement  be- 
 
 tween the  Father  and  him,and  (o  the  whole  debt  was  charged 
 
 icori'iiGaL on  ^'m  '  lo> as ^le *n n^s  own ^oc^y  ^are our  ^ns  to  l^e ^ree  ; 
 j.13*  "    '     *  and  by  reafon  of  this  charge  and  imputation  ,  being  fo  legal 
 
 by  the  Law,  he  confefs'd  and  called  them  his  (ins ,  and  was 
 for  them  judged  and  condemned  ,  and  made  a  curfe,by  dying 
 and  fufrering  the  curfe  for  us ;  which  he  accepted,  and  having 
 died  and  overcome  death,  rifen  ju(*,and  offered  himfelf  an  ac- 
 ceptable Sacrifice  to  God  for  us,  he  hath,  in  that  one  Oblati- 
 on, redeemed  us  from  (it  is  not  yet  faid,all  danger  of  any,  or 
 all  manner  of  Curfe,  but)  the  Curie  of  the  Law,   and  made 
 
 tf*?1S<  the  Atonement  and  Reconciliation  ;  that  in  this  fenfeit  is 
 
 Jure,  with  bisftripes  we  are  fo  healed,  that  thefe  fins  fo  im- 
 puted to  Chrift  ,  and  by  him  fo  fuffered  for,  are  purged  away, 
 and  can  no  mote  be  charged  on  him  ,  nor  fhall  they  be  any 
 more  again ;  r  inflated  on  Mankinde.to  be  fo  imputed  to  them, 
 as  for  them  or  any  of  them  ,  to  be  judged  or  condemned  for 
 them,  by  and  according  to  this  Obligation  and  Law  under 
 which  Chriit  was  made,  and  by  which  he  wis  judged  for 
 them.     And  thus  in  a  full,  and  proper,  and  direft  fenfe,  it  is 
 
 Btw,  1 .3 .  faid  ,  When  he  Ltd  by  himfelf  purged  our  fins,  he  fate  down  on  the 
 
 £/>lMt!5»tf)i7<  fight  h^nd  of  the  Mafefty  on  high  ;  -having  abohfbed  in  his  (lefh9 
 the  enmity  j  the  l$w  of  commandments  m  ordinances  ,  for  to  make 
 in  himfelf  of  twain,  one  new  man  :  fo  making  peace  through  the 
 blood  of  his  crofo  and  that  he  might  reconcile  both  unto  God  in  one 
 
 Co'  I,  20  body  by  the  crofi,havingfuin  the  enmity  thereby,or  in  himfelf;  And 
 came  and  preached  peace  :  fo  the  Father's  will  is  ,  having  made 
 peace  through  the  blood  of  his  crofs ,  by  him  to  reconcile-  &c.      A- 
 
 Cel  1.14.  glin,it*S  faid  of  him,  Blotting  out  the  handwriting  of  ordinances^ 
 that  wm  againfi  w,  which  wm  contrary  to  wy  and  took.it  out  of  the 
 
For  what  ChriH  offered  it.  roi 
 
 way,  nailing  it  to  his  crofs.      And  fo  rhere  is  no  more  fins  to  be 
 
 imputed  toChrift,  or  counted  upon  his  fcore;  he  hath  done 
 
 all  of  them  away, by  one  Sacrifice,  and  made  the  peace ,  and 
 
 ctu'ed  it  to  be  preached,  that  Men  might  believe  it,  and  in  be-  *  cw.,$  i?/9, 
 
 lieving  be  reconciled  in  their  hearts  to  God  ,   and  fo  peace  2°>21-  Rom.u 
 
 cff-i*ed  in  them.  "' 
 
 2.  If  we  alfoconfider  of  a  Reconciliation,  and  fo  of  a  purg- 
 ing away  of  fins ,    that  by  vertue  of  this ,   compleated  in  and  Hd.i. 17  jEfb. 
 byhimfelfwichGod,  he,  as  the High-Prieit, after  and  by  ^^27.  Hcb. 
 vertue  of  the  Sacrifice  offered,  Atonement   and  Purgation 
 once  made  in  the  holy  of  holies,  is  ft  ill  continually  making  ft  r 
 the  people  :   Then  we  fhall  alio  finde,  that  there  are  fins  of  a- 
 nother  Nature,   and  againft  another  Obligation  then  that 
 Men  fell  under  in  and  through  the  firft  Adam ,    even  fnch  as 
 the  Law  under  which  Mankinde  was  fallen,did  not  charge  up- 
 on Chrilt  directly  :   and  they  in  the  committing  are  every 
 Mm  's  own  fins  than  doth  them  ,    as  fins  againft  Mercy  and 
 Grace,  extended  through  a  Mediator ,  who  by  vertue  of  the 
 Peace  he  by  his  Blood  and  Sacrifice  hath  made  ,   extendeth  /V  1  45  ,?>%, 
 light  and  means  towards  them,    as  nor  minding thelijzht  9>iOj-:i .p,0v. 
 that  fhineth  forth  from  the  Life  that  is  in  him  ,  not  owning  yc/f.^[ 
 him  in  all  the  prefervauon  he  giveth,   nor  believing  or  re-  RomS.^.  7fcr. 
 ceiving  him  by  all  the  choice  means  he  uleth  :   and  fo  not  ^i^i.'juh  13. 
 turning  at  bis  reproofs,  nor  hearkning  to  his  Call  and  Voice  ;  lo>!  *•  Job  1. 
 but  hardning  their  hearts  againft  the  fame  ,  and  fo  refiifing  ^°;1 1^9-H^» 
 to  be  made  clean  ,  walk  on  according  the  lufts  and  wayes  of  &1'7.'' 
 their  own  hearts  :  and  all  thefe,  and  all  of  thk  Nature ,  are 
 called,  The  fins  of  the  world ;  and  ,  The  fins  of  the  people  ;  and, 
 The  errors  of  the  people.     And  J  efus  Chriit  did  on  the  forefight 
 of  what  through  Man's  weaknefs  and  vatan's  malice,  would 
 be  found  in  Men,  make  provifion  for  Propitiation  ,  Reconci- 
 liation, and  Pardon  in  refpe£t  of  thofe  fins  alfo  ,   in  that  one 
 Oblation  and  Sacrifice  of  his ,   his  Blood  and  Suffering*,  be- 
 ing theBbod  and  Sufferings  not  only  of  an  inno.entand 
 juft  Man,but  of  that  Mm  that  was  the  Son  of  God  :  in  which  ,4/7.10.28. 
 fenfe,his ;  Blood  is  called,  The  blood  ocCjod  ;  and,  WsU}mgJoh*%.\6A 
 downhis  Ufe.    And  fo  lefu>  Chrift  offering  himielf  by  the  E-  5  M- 
 ternal  Spirit  a  Sacrifice  to  God  ,   theDi  he  Nature  did  fo 
 fan&ifie  and  dignifuj  this  Sacrifice,  that  it  is  of  infinite  value 
 
To*  For  what  Chrijl  offered  it. 
 
 and  vertue,  for  taking  away  all  fin?  :  and  fa,  though  in  his  in- 
 tcrpofing  he  did  not  take  thofe  fins  upon  him,  as  his  ,  which 
 before  his  undertaking,were  neither  in  being,nor  in  a  pofli'oi- 
 lity  of  being,   fo  to  iatisfie  for  and  discharge  ,   as  that  they 
 fhould  never  be  imputed  to  thofe  for  whom  he  fuffered,   nor 
 they  condemned  for  them  ,  as  he  did  for  the  former  forts  of 
 fins ;  yet  he  did  fo  far  bear  them ,  and  offered  himfelf  in  Sa- 
 crifice to  God  for  them ,    as  he  might  have  full  power  to  for- 
 give rhem,and  fo  iuch  fulnefs  of  vertue  in  his  Blood,and  Obla- 
 tion and  Propitiation  made  thereby,as  to  propitiate  andfpeak 
 Peace  in  its  fprinkling,  being  made  known  to  Men  in  the  ev  V- 
 Jim*^^8  of  the  Fruits  thereof:  and  for  this  buhncfs ,    here- 
 &9.11.'         maineth  a  continual  Mediator  between  God  and  Men,  and 
 an  High-Prieit,    ever  living  to  intercede  for  all  that  come  to 
 God  by  him :  and  in  this  work,  we  have  to  confider ,  that  it 
 is  done  minitterially  and  fpiritually  to  Men  ;  in  the  former, 
 fcr  taking  away  the  former  fins ,    and  making  Peace  ,  as  he 
 he  had  to  deal  with  God  for  Men  ,  fo  he  did  it  by  his  mate- 
 rial Blood  fbedding,  and  his  material  Body  railed  and  of- 
 fered in  Sacrifice  to  God :     But  now,  as  he  is  a  fpiritual  Man, 
 in  dealing  with  Men ,  he  doth  this  bufinefs  fpiritually,  in  Mi- 
 niftration  of  the  Gofpel,   making  known  the  vertue  of  his 
 Blood  and  Sacrifice  ,  and  by  his  Spirit  fo  fprinkling  it  on  the 
 Hearts  of  Men,  to  vvafli  and  reconcile  them  to  God  thereby, 
 and  loin  a  daily  taking  away  thefe  following  fins,  and  renew- 
 ing, &c.  and  this  was  alio  figured  in  the  continual  bearing 
 of  the  fins  of  the  people  by  the  typical  High-Priefts  and 
 mcovm  cf&y-  ^deft) as  nat ^  Deen  ti^wn  at  large  in  another  Treatife ,    and 
 farim  deceits,  by  their  Purifications  by  fprinkling ,    as  hath  been  fbewn  at 
 p.26, 17,28.     large  in  another  Treatife.     And  this  hath  Jeius  Chriil  by  his 
 Hcf-  ?•  Oblation  alio  procured  to  do  :  himfelf  in  Perfon  one  while 
 
 23;ft  did  minifier  the  Word  of  Reconciliation  ;  but  now  he  hath 
 
 pft-c;o:iA  blood  or  .    -     ,  .  .  .    ,  .     __ '  -       .  .      .         .     . 
 
 cbrj(iyc^.?.ih  left  that  to  his  Servants ;  and  the  extention  of  Spirit  therein  is 
 2i,23.  his  own  work  ftill :  and  fuitable  to  all  this,  he  faid,77*  Son  of 
 
 a  Cor.  5.18,193  man  hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  fins.  And  fo  the  Apoftles 
 2?>2i*  ,  1  in  their  TeHimony  ,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft  in  the  fame,witnefs, 
 -  24  .1  hat  yod  hath  exalted  him  to  give  repentance  And  remjjion  oj 
 
 ^#.5.31,32.  y7«/,&c.  In  which  refpef* ,  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation  once 
 \Tm,  2.4,5^.  offered,  he  fo  minitfring  is  called,  7he  ^Mediator  between  God 
 
 and 
 
For  what  Chrijl  offered  it.  105 
 
 and  Man,  for  fuch  an  end  ;  and,  The  Lamb  of  God,  (  not  only  j0\)X  IOjli3 
 that  hath  taken  away  the  fins  of  Mankinde,    as  fallen  in  Ay  29. 
 <^w,but)  that  ta^eth  (that  is,  in  this  prefenc  tim?,  in  a  conti- 
 nual afl  Hill  doing)  away  the  fin  (or  fins)  of  the  world ,   even 
 Men  in  worldly  feliowfhip,  &c.    and  even  Believers  alio  are 
 laid  to  come  to  the  Blood  of  lprinking,  that  (  not  only  hath  h^.  12.24. 
 fpoken,  but  )  fpeaketh,  &c.    and  he  that  believeth  in  Chrilt 
 according  to  Gofpel-Tefiimony  ,  knoweth  both  ,  Thu  all  mb%&j± 
 fins  in  view  and  confideration  ,    preceding  Chrilt  his  under- 
 taking,are  fo  taken  away  by  his  Oblation  to  God,  that  he  hath 
 no  more  charge  in  Conscience  for  them  :   and  alio  that  there 
 is  iuch  vertue  in  that  Blood  and  Sacrifice  of  his,  that  being 
 believed  and  received,  as  he  makes  it  known  ,  it  will  take  a- 
 way  in  fuch  fprinkiing,all  following  fins,  and  purge  the  Con- 
 ference from  dead  works  to  fervc  the  living  God :  whence  he 
 isfaid  to  be  fet  forth  a  Fountain,  even  for  Believers  to  wafii  f/  £-}-*af!? 
 at,    and  they  directed  to  daily  wafhing  in  approaching  i9^Ji%^]  ' 
 to  God  by  him:  and  he  is  faid  to  have  given  himfelf  for  xJ9hA.7l9.Eph. 
 them,  to  do  this  bufinefs  of  wafhing  them  with  Word  and  f*5**V7- 
 Water,  till  he  have  made  them  fpotlefs  ;  and  in  this  refpect' 
 alio,    of  the  provifion  made  in  his  Sufferings  and  Sacrifice 
 for  taking  away  thefe  following  evils  of  thofe  redeemed  from 
 the  Curie  of  the  Law,  and  bought  by  him ,   it  is  faid  ,  All  we  ifa  53«<>.?,u, 
 (even  we  that  are  healed  with  his  (tripes  )  Uhefheep  have  gone  *•• 
 aft  ray ,    we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own  way ,   and  the  Lord 
 hath  made  the  iniquity  of  mall  to  meet  on  him ,  &c.  and  fo  he  is 
 a  perfect  Saviour,  and  a  Giver  of  Salvation  to  fuch  as  believe 
 on  him,  as  is  demonfimed and  affirmed,  where  the  Apo-  Hc&.2.iv>. 
 file  having  fpoken  of  his  being  made  perfect  through  fuf- 
 ferings  ,  after  mentions  his  Burthen  and  Sufferings  in  the 
 flefh,  his  tears,  prayers,  fupports  and  obedience  in  all  ;  and 
 then  faith ,  (  as  in  another  place  )  And beingmade ptrfetty  he  phil.%.7,11. 
 became  the  Author  of  eternal  falvation  unto  all  them  that  they  Hek.$.%^:p 
 him.      Now  it*s  known  ,    he  was  made  perfect  as  a  Savi- 
 our in  his  Oblation-offering,    and  the  Father  *s  acceptance 
 of  it,     and  exalting  and  filling  him  ,    and  then  he  be- 
 came the  Author  of  eternal  Salvation  ;  which  alio  cleerly 
 implies  fome  true  Salvation  ,    which  proves  not  to  all  the 
 faved  Eternal,' and  yet  none  without  Blood  :  but  this  eternal 
 
 Safe" 
 
io-}.  For  what  Christ  offered  it. 
 
 Salvation  he  gives  unto  all  them  that  obey  him,  that  is,  be- 
 lieve* on  him  ;  he  faith  nor,to  all  he  died  for,  nor  to  all  whom 
 by  venue  of  his  Death  and  Ranfom ,  he  hath  redeemed  from 
 the  Curie  of  the  Law, and  foboughr  into  his  difpofe,that  they 
 (lull  not  periih  for  ever  in  the  firlt  Death  ;  nor  to  all  that  he 
 ufeth-m^ans ,  and  fends  forth  Spiiit  to  ,  and  lb  calicth  them 
 that  they  might  believe  and  have  eternal  Life ,  and  fo  not  be 
 hurt  of  the  iecond  Death  :  but  to  all  them  that  obey  him, 
 that  is,  hear,  and  believe  in  his  Name  ;  which  is  according  to 
 the  tenor  of  the  Law,  by  which  Chrilt  will  judge  all  M-n  »: 
 ^•^•^^.•fo  that  all  the  way,  both  from  the  Types ,  and  the  Truth  af- 
 16.16.  'firmed  in  Chrirt,  anfwering  what  was  typed  ,  it  appeareth, 
 
 That  Jefus  Chrilt  offered  himfelf  a  Sacrifice- to  God  for  fins 
 of  two  forts  ;  theftrlt  ,  fuch  as  were  notagainlt  himfelf  as 
 Mediator ,  but  againd  God  as  Creator ,  which  he  took  on 
 him  fo  to  difcharge  ,  that  the  debt  became  wholly  his,  and  he 
 hath  fully  discharged  the  lam ; ,  and  made  full  riddance  of  it 
 before  God  ,  and  will  in  his  time  remove  it  from  all  Men, 
 though  many  will  cot  now  believe  it  ;  the  iecond  fort  of 
 fins,  fuch  as  are  alio  againlt  him,  as  Mediator ,  many  of  which 
 he  taketh  away  :  and  as  he  hath  received  power,  fo  he  pfetfa 
 means  that  M^non  the  account  of  his  goodnefs,  might  be- 
 lieve on  him  ;  and  lb,  not  only  fee  their  Freedom  from 
 thole  fins  which  are  paffed  ,  but  have  thele  prei^nt  removed 
 from  them  alio,  and  fo  be  Eternally  faved  ;  and  yet 
 Chrilt  ss  taking  away  the  firft  fort  of  fins  ,  and  provifion 
 to  take  away  the  iecond  fore  alio,  doth  Rill  farther  ap- 
 pear, 
 
 Thirdly ,  if  we  confider  the  difference  our  Saviour  maketh 
 
 of  fins  ;    ibme  greater,  and  more  hey  nous  and  fearful  than  o- 
 
 Af*Mj..3,,3?.xhers,   and  yet  but  one  fort  excluded forgivenefs  ,  Verily, 
 
 Mm.  3. 5  8,zf.  £  faitn  ne)  j  fay  Hnt0  y0ii  1  All  fins  (hall  fa  forgivm  unto  the  [on  s 
 
 La\.  \x,  10.       ^ms„^  (loe,  he  putteth  in  no  condition  here  at  all)  and  blaf- 
 
 fhemies    wherewith    foever  they  Jhill  bUfpheme- ;    but  he  that 
 
 JbaU  blafpheme  againft  the  Holy  Ghofij  bath  never  forgivenefs :  but 
 
 is  in  danger  of  eternal  condemnation*      And,  whosoever fbeaketh  a 
 
 word  againfl  the  Son  of  ma*ij  it jhallbe  forgiven  him  :    (loe,  here 
 
 no  condition  neither")  but  who foever -Jpe aketh  agair.ft  the  Holy 
 
 ^jhoflyf  itjha.ll  never  be  forgiven  himy  neither  in  this  world ,  nor  in 
 
 the 
 
For  what  ChriU  offered  it.  105 
 
 the  world  to  come.  Now  what  can  finning  ,  fpeaking  againft, 
 and  biafphemy  againft:  the  Holy  Ghoft  be ,  but  fome  fuch 
 manner  and  degree  of  finning ,  as  in  which  the  Sacrifice  of- 
 fered, and  the  Offerer  ,  of  which  the  Holy  Ghoft  hath  born, 
 andbeareath  witnefs,is  in  fuch  degree  contemned,  as  the  fin 
 cannot  be  forgiven ,  without  dishonour  and  wrong  to  the  Sa- 
 crifice and  Sacrificer ;  and  (o  fuch  a  finning,  as  for  pardon  of 
 which  the  Sacrifice  was  not  offered?for  there  can  be  no  fin  or 
 biafphemy  againft  either  Father,  or  Son, or  Holy  Spirir,as  they 
 are  one  God,which  is  not  again!*  them  all,  and  every  of  them 
 in  one,asmuchcfrended  as  either,  perfonally  confidered.-and 
 fo  all  fin  and  biafphemy  Mankindefeil  into  ,  through  the  fall 
 of  the  firft  Man  ,  and  that  neceflariiy  fpfing  from  Nature  fo 
 corrupted,  while  no  fufficient  remedy  to  avoid  it,  is  afforded, 
 they  are  directly  fins  and  blaiphemies  againft  God,  as  a  Cre- 
 ator ,  and  fo  againft  the  goodnefs  manifefted  in  the  Creati- 
 on, and  againft  the  Law  under  which  Mankinde  was  fallen: 
 and  io,  though  we  according  to  appearance ,  may  call  thefe 
 fins  againft  the  Father,  as  indeed  they  are,  yet  they  are  fins 
 againft  the  Son  and  Holy  Spirit  likewife  •  by  whom  ,  as  one 
 and  the  fame  God ,  the  Creation  was  effected  :  but  thefe  fins 
 were  fo  fatisfied  for,  and  done  away  by  Chrift  in  his  Oblation 
 offered ,  which  God  hath  fo  accepted,  that  he  hath  remitted 
 all  over  to  Chrift  ;  and  if  not  now,  (as  to  Believers  it  doth) 
 yet  in  the  World  to  come  it  fhall  appear,  they  (hall  not 
 be  judged  and  condemned  for  fins  in  this  manner  commit- 
 ted. 
 
 But  now  jefus  Chrift  having  undertaken,  and  offered  fuch 
 a  Sacrifice  to  God  ,  as  in  which  he  hath  purged  from  before 
 him  all  thefe,  and  obtained  power  to  make  this  Grace  known 
 to  draw  Men  to  him ,  and  to  forgive  all  other  following  fins 
 found  in  Men  in  this  his  ftrife,  which  indeed  are  (as  before 
 fhswn)  fins  againft  the  Mediator, here  by  himfelf  called,  The 
 Son  of  Man  :  yet  thefe  finnings  againlt  him  are  in  a  higher 
 degree  than  the  former  againft  the  Father ,  who  in  love  gave 
 and  lent  forth  ,  and  teftified  of  his  Son  the  Saviour  of  the 
 World;  and  againft  the  Holy  Spirit  of  Grace  in  his  Teftr.no- 
 nies  of  him,  and  Operations  from  and  with  him  :  but  they 
 are  more  appearingly  and  directly  againft  the  Mediator  that 
 
 Q^  took 
 
io6  F°r  wbat  thrift  offered  it. 
 
 took  our  Nature,  and  died  for  our  fins ,  and  offered  himfelf 
 a  Sacrifice  to  God  for  us,  and  now  excendeth  means  and  Spi- 
 rit to  m ,  to  turn  us  to  himfelf ;  yet  of  thefe  fins  againft  him- 
 felt,  heiaich,  All  thefe  (ball  be  forgiven  unto  men  ;  as  Be- 
 lievers do  begin  to  experiment  in  this  World,  and  Hull  fully 
 in  the  World  to  come :  yea ,  unlefs  fome  higher  degree  chan 
 yet  mentioned  ,  in  finning  in  a  higher  manner,  Men  (hall  not 
 be  cad  into  a  fecond  Death  at  the  end  of  the  World  to 
 M&t.it.iA.  coms  :  an^  what  this  high  degree  of  finning  is,  is  alio  ex- 
 ^,'3,29.30.  prefs'd,  tobeafpeakingagainft,  and  blafpheming the  Holy 
 2^.11,9,10.  Ghoft  in  that  evidence  he  gives  of  Chrift>  and  the  power 
 and  goodnefs  of  God  in  and  through  him  ;  and  ^0  it  is  a  wil- 
 ling perfifting  in  contempt  and  refulal  of  this  Grace  in 
 the  Mediator,  when  evidenced  by  the  Holy  Ghoft:  ;  andib 
 rifing  up  in  oppolkion  againft  his  Teftimony  and  ftrife,  till 
 he  hath  finifhed  his  Teftimony  and  ftrife  with  them  :  for  till 
 then,  the  Mediator  is  mediating  for  them  wi:h  God  ,  and 
 ftriving  with  them  by  his  good  Spirit  ;  lb,  as  in  all  their  fin- 
 rings  againft  him ,  chough  they  grieve  and  fin  againft  the  Ho- 
 ly Spirit,  yet  there  is  forgivenefs  with  him  ,  and  fo  hope, 
 while  he  by  his  Spirit  in  means  is  ftriving  with  them  ;  yea, 
 if  that  be  all  the  dayes  of  a  Man's  Life :  though  to  all  it  will 
 not  befo.  But  when  a  Man  hath  wilfully  defpited  this  Holy 
 Spirit  after  Light ,  and  i'o  long  and  often  ,  that  he  is  wholly 
 taken  away ,  and  the  Man  given  up  to  Satan,  and  fo  become 
 of  the  Serpentine  (qq6.  ;  then  is  there  no  more  forgivenefs 
 after,  becaufe  there  is  no  other  Sacrifice  for  him,  and  this 
 he  hath  utterly  renounced  :  and  this  fin  is  found  in  fuch,  ac- 
 cording to  the  means,  and  light  in  the  means,  with  which  the 
 Holy  Spirit  had  been  testifying  to  them ,  and  ftriving  with- 
 them  ,  as  may  be  feen  by  comparing  the  Scriptures  in  the 
 T'iov.  1.44-31.  Margent :  in  which  fin ,  according  to  the  light  and  power  ex- 
 Jer.6.16^0.  tended  to  Men  in  the  means  lets  or  more ,  is  the  moft  high 
 uLh^q1j,>35  degree  againft  the  Father,in  contemning  and  ill  requiting  his 
 K  9'  love  and  graciouinefs,  and  treading  under  foot  his  Son  whom 
 he  hath  fcnt ,  and  been  giving  to  them  •  and  the  higheft  de- 
 gree of  finning  againft  the  Mediator ,  the  Man  Chrift ,  in 
 counting  as  common  and  prophane,  that  precious  Bloodand 
 facrifrce  of  his  with  which  they  were  bought  >  and  fo  given 
 
 "into 
 
For  what  Chrijl  offered  it.  107 
 
 Into  his  difpofe  to  (hew  favour  to,  and  fome  in  fome  meafurc 
 fan£tified :  and  the  higheti:  degree  of  finning  againlt  the  Ho- 
 ly Spirit  in  his  gracious  tenders  of  Grace  to  them.  And  it  is 
 moft  properly  called,  The  fin  agairti  the  Holy  Ghoflj  becaufe 
 the  goodnefs  of  God  in  the  firft  Creation  was  manifefted 
 without  a  Mediator  to  Man  in  innocency  ,  and  fo  no  need 
 of  this  fanftifying  work  while  Man  was  naturally  holy  :  and 
 the  Goodneis  of  God  in  the  Redemption  wrought  for 
 Men ,  though  manifested  in  works  of  mercy  through  a  Me- 
 diator ,  yet  Men  fo  blinde  and  weak,  that  they  come  not  in 
 thereby  through  the  Mediator  unto  God,  therefore  God 
 out  of  his  abundant  Grace,(iretcheth  forth  his  Hand,  by  fend- 
 ing through  Chritt  the  Mediator  ,  and  in  his  Name  the  Holy 
 Spirit,  in  the  means  he  ufeth,  to  enlighten  the  Mindes ,  and 
 move  at  the  Hearts  of  Men,that  they  might  fee,  &  believe,'and 
 fo  turn  i  and,  after  fome  of  their  rcfithngs,reneweth  ms  ^r^c 
 with  more  light  and  power  ;  yea ,  if  they  yeild  not ,  then 
 with  fome  reproofs  and  chaftifements.  And  if,  after  ail  this, 
 they  (in  againft  light ,  and  willingly  perfift  defpiting,  till  they 
 have  wholly  debited  the  love  of  the  Father  difcovered  by 
 the  Spirit  in  the  Blood  of  Chriit ,  and  the  Blood  and  Sa- 
 crifice of  Chrift  ,  by  which  Peace  was  made  for  them  ,  and 
 by ,  and  with  which  the  Spirit  hath  been  working  on  them  y 
 and  herein  defpited  all  the  Light,  and  Reproof,  and  gracious 
 Allurements,  and  Bands  of  Love,  by  the  Holy  Spirit  ftreamed 
 on  them,  to  bring  them  in  to  God  ;  and  fo  perfifting  till  given  Heb.io.if,  &> 
 up  :  this  proves  a  third  fort  and  degree  of  finning  for  which  6,6, 
 there  is  no  facrifice ;  yea,  which  contemneth  the  frcrifice,  in 
 which  is  help  for  all  fins  of  both  the  former  forts ;  yea,  for  all, 
 bur  this  catling  it  off. 
 
 Fourthly,  and  laftly  ,  Thefe  forementioned  two  forts  of 
 fins  fo  offered  for  by  Jefus  Chriit ,  as  is  faid  ,  appears  by  the 
 Scripture-Declaration ,  how ,  and  in  what  manner,  and  for 
 what  mannerof  fins  and  finning,  God  doth  reprove,  charge, 
 and  condemn  Men,  either  to  CorreSion,  Judgements  orE- 
 ternal  Condemnation ;  which  fince  CkziA  undertaking ,  and 
 his  OMation  confidered ,  we  (hall  ne- er  fincle  to  be  for 
 fins  fimply  a  -  fallen  in  <*Adam ,  nor  yet  fimply  for  their  natu- 
 ral and  necefluattfd  weakness  and  fwervings ,  having  rio  re- 
 
 Q^  2  medy 
 
1 08  For  what  ChriH  offered  it. 
 
 med/  afforded  them  to  help ;  much  lefs  becaufeChri(idied 
 not  for  them,  or  ufed  no  fufficiency  of  mean  toward  them, 
 by  which  they  might  have  received  help  ;  yea,  the  man- 
 ner of  God's  proceeding  with  Men,  wicnefleth,  ThatChritt 
 died  for  them  ,  and  hath  difcharged  the  firif  debt  for  them, 
 and  ufed  means  in  good  will,  and  for  good  to  them  :  whence 
 Oceu  c.  *.-        he  faith,  LMy  Spirit  {hall  not  alwayes  flrive  with  th:m.     And 
 fo  proceedeth  in  charging  with  Sin ,    Reproof  and  Condtm- 
 -  Tyov.  1. 14-31.  nation;   Vecaufe  I have  c ailed,  and  ye  ref  ufed  ;   I  have  ftretched 
 &9-*  iplfaux*  out  my  hand,  and  none  regarded  ;  ye  wmld  none  of  my  counfel,ye 
 15.^5.4-8.   defy  i fed  all  my  reproof  ;  ye  refufe  to  hearken,   ye  harden  your 
 6. 16-  20  \t  t  hearts,  &C.  /  would,  and  ye  would  not.    And  this  is  the  condem- 
 Hl7.loh.}AQ.^at'otl  ?  th**  H^  *s  come  i*1*0  the  world  ,    and  men  love  darknefi 
 rather  than  light.     Which  is  another  manner  of  Charge  and 
 Condemnation,   and  for  another  manner  of  finning,    put- 
 -     ting  under  another  manner  of  guilt ,  than  as  Men  fell  in 
 &4dam.     And  thefe  are  every  way  dire&ly  Men's  own  (ins, 
 for  which  there  is  cleaning  and  pardon  to  be  received  in 
 and  through  Chrirt ,  till  the  Grace  of  -his  Oblation  tell ified 
 by  the  Holy  Spirit  be  wholly  defpited  :    but  thefe  things  are 
 (hewn  before,  and  will  be  more  in  the  after -Difconrfe  ;  only 
 I  have  been  thus  large*,  to  fhew,that  Chrift  offered  his  Oblati^ 
 on,  both  to  take  away  the  fins  Mankinde  was  fallen  into,and 
 to  procure  authority  and  fitnefs  to  take  away  the  following  e- 
 vils  found  in  Men,  by  offering  it  to  God  •  and  for  the  making 
 that  known,  and  taking  away  the  following  evils ,    by  appli- 
 cation of  the  vertue  of  his  Oblation  to  Men  ;    of  which, 
 in  his  Interceflion.     And  yet  farther ,  to  fhew  for  what  he 
 gave  himfelf  for  us :  it  was , 
 
 3.  That  by  this  Sacrifice  fo  offered,  he  might  become  the 
 
 Lord  of  of  all  Men,  and  Saviour  of  the  World ,  that  fo  he  may 
 
 rightfully  difpofe  of  them ,  and  ufe  fuch   means  to   make 
 
 known  his  Death  and  Sacrifice  .  and  the  Ends  and  Vertues 
 
 of  the  fame  to  them  ,  as  he  ( being  one  with  his  Father  in 
 
 his  will  and  defign  )  pleafeth  :  and  fo  to  reprove  and  com- 
 
 Ko-n  14.9-1*.  f°rc'  or  aV)a*~e  and  cxa^c  9  accordingly  as  he  pleafeth  :    and 
 
 T/rf.i.^7,8j9.  thh  is  exprefs ;    For  to  this  end  he  died ,    avd  rofe,  and  revived, 
 
 that  he  might  be  the  Lord  both  of  the  dead  a,/d  the  livingj&Q.    an- 
 
 iCtfM*.      fwerable  to  the  promife  made  to  him  by  the  Father  on  that 
 
 ac- 
 
For  what  CbriH  offered  it.  iop 
 
 account :  and  fo  it  is  faid,  He  died  for  all,  that  they  which  Lved 
 
 (  each  in  their  feveral  ages  )  fhonld  not  henceforth    (from  the 
 
 rmking  this  known  to  them,though  before  they  did)  live  unto 
 
 themfelveS)  but  unto  him  that  died  for  them7  and  rofe  again :  (lilit- 
 
 ablc  to  that,  Rom.  14.7^8.)  and  that  on  this  Ground,  becaufe      *    '•?' 
 
 they  are  not  their  own,  but  are  bought  with  a  price.     Hence 
 
 the  grcatnefs  and  grievoufnefs  of  the  fin  of  Apoftates,  is  thus  ip«.ltl<  Hl[,t 
 
 fet  out ,   They  deny  the  Lord  that  bought  them  :  and  fo  alio  8.6. 
 
 by  this  Sacrifice  offered,  he  obtained  a  more  excellent  Mini^ 
 
 Oration. 
 
 And  for  all  this ,  Jefus  Chrift  gave  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to 
 God  r  and  hath  on  his  very  offering  obtained  the  fame ;  as 
 alfo , 
 
 4.  That  he  might  in  his  feafon,  and  at  and  after  his  next 
 appearing  raife  the  Dead,  and  draw  all  Men  to  him  ,  before  z^*  ^"^Jf*** 
 his  Judgement-feat,  and  judge  them  by  his  Law,  according  to  ^o^ix.h* 
 the  means  heufeth  towards  them  ;  and  abfove  and  blefs ,  or  $i'.Rmt%Ai.& 
 condemn  and  curfe,  according  to  their  living  to  ,  or  rebelli-  J4-9.n. iTiwa, 
 on  againii  him.  And  this  may  every  one  read  plainly,accord-  ^^M-s-PM. 
 ingaswasprophefied,  and  is  now  plainly  teftified.  2'9jIO,n' 
 
 5.  That  he  might  have  an  incorruptible  inheritance,  to  be- 
 
 ftow  on,  and  poflefs  with,  all  thofe,  that  in  the  day  of  Grace,  J^  4*i**Epb* 
 believe  on  him,  and  live  to  him,  as  is  exprefs. 
 
 And  becaufe  Jefus  Chrift  by  his  offering  'himfelf  hath  at 
 once  obtained  all  this,  and  is  inverted  with  all  his  Power, 
 Authority  and  Priviledges  ;  and  this  being  that,  both  for 
 which  he  gave  himfelf ,  and  which  obtained ,  he  is  a  perfefl 
 Saviour  ;  and  in  making  known  of  which  ,  he  profecuteth 
 his  End  for  efficacies  on  Men  ,  I  have  therefore  mention- 
 ed them  firrt ,    and  fo  will  proceed  to  the  next  and  laft  Par- 
 
 ticular, 
 
 CHAP. 
 
no  To  what  End  Christ 
 
 CHAP.  8. 
 
 6.  To  ami  for  what  end  he  therefore  offered  this  Sacrifice. 
 
 T 
 
 'He  gracious  End  of  Chrift,  in  giving  himfelf  for  us ,  and 
 fo  offering  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to  God  for  all  beforefaid, 
 is  fully  and  plainly  exprefs  in  Tit. 1.1  4.  That  he  might  redeem 
 nsfirom  all  iniqnity^  and  pari  fie  unto  h  mfelf  a  peculiar  people^  zea- 
 lous of  good  works.  The  words  are  plain, and  worthy  minding, 
 both  what  he  faith  not ,  and  what  he  doth  lay  :  firft  minde, 
 he  doch  not  fay  ,  He  gave  himfelf  for  m  ,  and  hath  redeemed  us 
 from  alliniqtiity ;  as  if  both  thefe  were,  either  both  one  work, 
 or  done  in  one  and  the  fame  time  together :  no,  not  fo  j  but, 
 
 *  Cor.$.n.  He  gave  himfelf  for  my  that  he  might  redeem^  dec.  like  that,  He 
 was  made  fin  for  *#,  that  we  might  be  made  therighteoufnefiof  (jod 
 in  him.  He  faith  neither,  That  he  was  made  (inform  :  nor, 
 That  we  are  or  were  in  that  aft  made  the  riqhteoufnefi  of  God  in 
 him:  but,  That  we  might  be^  &c.  and  expreffeih  it  cleerly  ,  to 
 be,  not  one  work  or  aft  done  at  once ,  but  two  :  and 
 the  firft  done,  that  by  that  the  other  might  be  done. 
 
 Again,  note,  That  he  faith  not,  He  gave  himfelf  for  »/,  and 
 did  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity  ;  as  if ,  though  cwo  works,  yec 
 both  done  in  his  Oblation,  or  that  one  offering  of  his  to  God: 
 But,  He  gave  himfelf  for  us  ,  that  he  mighty  &c.  as  if  in  more 
 words,  it  fhould  be  faid,  He  gayd  himielf  for  us ,  that  upon 
 and  after  that  Oblation  and  Offering  perfectly  made  ,  he,  by 
 vertue  thereof,  in  making  it  known,  and  fo  applying ,   might 
 
 lPft.3.13.  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity  :  like  that  faid  ,  For  Chrttt  alfo  hath 
 oxce  fuffered  for  fins  ,  the  juft  for  the  unjuft  ,  that  he  might 
 bring  us  to  God.  Which  plainly  appears ,  another  work  fol- 
 lowing the  firft  ,  and  to  be  done  by  the  firft  ;  yea ,  fo ,  as 
 that  without  the  firft,  firft  done,  the  other  could  not 
 have  been  done  ;  and  the  fir  ft  therefore  done,  that  the 
 other  might  be  done  by  it,  in  the  Difcoyery  and  Applica- 
 tion of  it. 
 
 Again, 
 
 I 
 
offered  this  Sacrifice.  Ht* 
 
 Again  ,   he  doth  not  fay ,  He  gave  himfelf  for  us ,  and  will 
 certainly  and,  infallibly  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity, &c.bx\t,He gave 
 himfelf  for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  us&c.  that  is,that  by  verc.ue 
 of  hi*  Oblation  once  offered  ,   he  might  be  fitted  and  im- 
 powered  to  doit  ;    and  fo  do  umo  us,    that  whereby  we 
 might  be  indeed  redeemed  :  all  which  fttneis  a»d  power ,  as 
 is  (hewn,  he  hath  fully  obtained  ;    and  in  which  doing,  he  is 
 faithful,  and  neither  hath,  is,  nor  will  be  wanting.     And  fo, 
 though  the  word  might ,   when  any  thing  is  faid  to  be  done, 
 that  by  it  another  thing  may  be  done,  when  h  is  ipoke  of  God 
 or  Chrift  his  doing,  in,  to,  and  by  himfelf,  it  implies  certainty 
 and  infallibility ,in  refpeft  of  the  propounded  effect;  but  when 
 it  is  i'poken  of  the  doing  of  God  and  Chrift,  in  and  to  fallen 
 Men,  that  another  thingmight  be  done  thereby,  it  doth  not 
 alwayes  imply  certainty  and  infallibility ,  of  that  one,  and  the 
 fame  effeft  propounded  as  the  End,  to  be  found  and  ac- 
 complished in  every  of  thofe  fallen  Men  ;  but  hopefulnefs 
 andfumciency  of  Mean,  that  (hall  verily  effect  it,  if  they  wil- 
 lingly refift  not.    And  fo  enough  done ,  that  all  might  enjoy 
 thebleffed  effe&,  though  many  by  their  own  folly  and  wil- 
 fulnefs,  deprive  themfelves  thereof:  as  we  may  fee  in  the  like 
 ufeof  the  word  mighty   in  the  works  of  God  :  /(faith  the  Levit.t6.tfi 
 Lord  )  brought  Ifrael  out  of  the  Land  of  Egypt  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Heathenjhat  I  might  be  their  God  file.  And  this  explicated  thus 
 by  the  Prophet ;  *  Thus  faith  the  Lord  qod  ,    In  the  day  when  I E^  10'  *>>*> 
 chofe  Ifrael^and  lifted  up  my  hand  nnto  the  feed  of  the  houfe  of  Ja-     ^  Q% 
 cob  ,   and  made  my  [elf  hnown  unto  them  in  the  Land  of  Egypt : 
 when  1  lifted  up  my  hand  unto  them,  faying  ,    /  am  the  Lord  your 
 Cod  ;  m  the  day  I  lifted  up  my  hand  unto  them^  to  bring  them  forth 
 out  of  Egypt  into  a  Land  -which  I  had  efpied  for  them ,  which  is  the 
 glory  of  all  Lands^  &c.  And  how  plainly  this  was  expreft,  that 
 he  would  do  it,  is  (hewn,  Exod.3.  andd.  and  yet  of  them  fo  E^.g^iM* 
 fpoken 1  to,  and  dealt  with  ,  that  they  might  have  enjoyed  all  6-6'7^' 
 promiied,  very  many  miicarried ,  and  fell  fliort  through  their 
 own  follies  and  rebellions ,  as  both  the  ftory  in  Exodus ,  and  **•&**&& 
 the  Prophecie  in  E«fc>/,  and  the  Pfalms,  tell  us.     And  in- 1°27  ?>&$: 
 deed  this  Redemption  of  Ifraelout  of  Egypt  ^  is  the  very  type  17*17, 
 of  that  Redemption  of  Ifrael  out  of  Iniquity,  mentioned, 
 7tf.*.i4.  which  is  exprefs'd  in  fukable  expreffions  a  •    this  ^™&9.c*tx 
 
 r  j  bj1^'  *"  et.2to, 
 
 redeem-     n         r 
 
 L 
 
in  To  what  EndChriU 
 
 redeeming  Men  from  all  iniquity,  being  after  the  Redemption 
 „  cf  Man's  Nature  in  himfelf,and  fo  for  Men  in  and  by  his  Obla- 
 tion offered;  yea,thiscffe$edbythat,  in  making  it  and  the 
 Redeemer  known.that  Men  might  thereby  be  brought  to  the 
 heavenly  reft ;  as  the  Wonders  of  the  Lord  made  known  to 
 Jfraelj  in  bringing  them  out  of  Egypt)  that  by  CWofes  con- 
 duct ,  he  might  have  led  and  brought  them  to  Canaan :  from 
 
 JucU  5.  whence  as  an  admonition  Jude  warns  Believers  to  remember, 
 
 How,  that  the  Lord  having  faved  the  people  out  of  the  Land  of  E- 
 gypt,  afterwards  deftroyedtkem  that  believed  mt  :  and  they  be- 
 ing both  there  and  in  other  places ,    fet  forth  for  types'  and 
 
 biojo.T-n.  enfamples  to  0?  b.  I  will  inftance  yet  that  which  comes 
 nigher :  it  is  faid,  Tfilr,  8.  He  cflablfhed  a  teftimony  in  Jacob, 
 &C.  That  the  generations  to  come  might  hnow  ,  &C.  That  they 
 might  fet  their  hope  in  God,  &C.  And  might  not  be  as  their father s, 
 a  flubborn  and  rebellious  generation  ,  &c.     Which  yet  many 
 
 Pfa,  1*\$*l\  of  them  were,  and  did  not  fet  their  hope  in  God  ,  as  the 
 ftory  fhews. 
 
 If  it  be  replied,7&#  was  but  a  LMwiftration  ;  N 
 
 I  might  anlwer ,  This  was  God  's  End  exprefly,  that  they 
 might  know,and  hope  in  God,<^-c.  And  that  he  did  order  and 
 appoint  inefficient  and  ineffectual  means  to  bring  his  Ends  a- 
 bout,  I  hope  none  will  fay ;  neither  (as  I  hope)  will  any  deny, 
 This  giving  of  a  Teftimony,  to  be  a  Jype  of  his  giving  Chrift 
 for  a  Teftimony  for  the  fame  End.  But  I  will  come  to  a  clofer 
 
 //*.55-4«  Anfwer,in  that  which  the  Lord  affirms  his  own  doing,  by  the 
 Mouth  of  the  Prophet,  Jer.i  3.1  1,1  ^^  As  the  girdle  cleaveth 
 to  the  lojns  of  aman,  fo  have  Icaufed  to  cleave  unto  me,  the  whole 
 houfe  of  lfrael%  and  the  whole  houfe  of  Judah,  faith  the  Lord  ;  that 
 they  might  be  unto  me  for  a  people^  and  for  a  name,  and  for  a  praife, 
 and  for  a  glory  :  but  they  would  not  hear,  &c.  And  fo  to  this 
 very  bufinefs  our  Saviour  himfelf  tells  us ,   God  fent  not  hts  Son 
 
 Job.^.17.  i-cvf.  into  the  world  to  condemn  the  world\bnt  that  the  world  through  him 
 
 nM,&^9ioh'might  be  faved ;  yet  he  doth  not  fay  or  infer,That  the  World 
 
 5-34*4°<45-  (hall  all  be  certainly  laved;  no,not  fo:  bm,He  that(&s  he  is  dis- 
 played) believeth  on  htm, fh all be  faved,&Q.  Andib  in  his  own 
 perforal  Miniiiration,  he  faith  to  the  Jews  ,  Thefe  things  I  far, 
 that  ye  might  be  faved :  yet  many  of  them  to  whom  he  preach- 
 ed to  that  End,  not  would  come  to  .him,,  nor  receive  his 
 
 Words, 
 
 j 
 
offered  this  Sacrifice.  113 
 
 Words,  that  they  might  have  Life.  And  the  like  may  be  feen 
 in  his  end  of  fending  his  Gofpelby  his  Servants :  fo,  that  all  Acf.itdz. 
 the  way  the  word  might ,  uied  in  fetting  forth  an  end  aimed 
 at ,  implies  Efficiency  and  effecltealnef  in  means,  to  t  ffecl:  the 
 end  and  good  hope ;  yea,  certainty  ,  if  not  willingly  refufed 
 and  refilled :  but  not  an  abiblute  infallibility,  that  the  end  in 
 the  bJeffed  part  of  it  (hall  be  accomplifhed  in  fallen  Men,whe- 
 ther  they  attend  and  receive,  or  no.  And  all  this  isfaid,  not 
 to  wave  one  fyllable  in  the  Text  5  but  to  (hew  what  it  faith 
 not  ;  and,  how  the  word  might,  is,  in  fuch  bnfinefs,  in  Scrip- 
 ture ufed  ,  when  the  ends  of  things  that  are  to  have  their 
 efficacy  with  and  in  fallen  Mankinde,  are  mentioned.  And 
 io  let  us, 
 
 Secondly ,  minde  what  he  doth  indeed  fay ;  that  is,  He 
 gave  himfelf  for  #*,  that  he  mijght redeem m  from  all iniquity ',  and 
 ftirifie)  &c.  This  exprefly  his  gracious  End,  of  giving  himfelf 
 for  us,  and  fo  of  his  Oblation  ,  That  he  might  redeem  us  from, 
 all  iniquity ',&c.  which  is  partly  hinted  in  the  former  Chapter, 
 fhewing  for  what  he  offered  himfelf ;  which  ccmes  here  to 
 be  enlarged,  as  it  hath  reference  to  this  expreffed  End  :  and 
 ib,  that  he  mighty  &c.  is  ? 
 
 1,  That  he  might  have  power  and  authority  in  the  Nature 
 of  Man,  and  as  Man  alfo  ,  even  the  Son  of  Man ,  to  be  both 
 Mediator  between  God  and  Men ,  and  to  ufe  what  means  he 
 pleafeth,  to  redeem  Men  from  iniquity  ;  and  to  be  the  judge 
 of  Men ,  and  is  fore/hewn  ;  and  doth  yet  farther  appear,  in  j0^  ^  2,5  ltm 
 our  Saviour's  own  giving  this  as  the  ground  of  the  Father's  2^27* 
 giving  to  the  Son  to  have  life  in  himfelf,  to  call  and  to  quicken 
 whom  he  will,and  to  execute  judgement,becaufe  he  is  the  Son 
 of  Man.  And  this  alfo  by  himfelf  explicated,with  his  gracious 
 End  affirmed  ,   Thus  it  is  written  ,   and  thus  it  behoved  Chrift  to  Lu^.i^^^y. 
 fuffer  ,   and  to  rife  from  the  dead  the  third  day  :     *And  that  re- 
 pentance^ and  remtffion  of  fns^  fhottld  be  preached  in  his  NameyA- 
 nwng  -ill Nations-,  Sec.    And  upon  the  account  of  his  Sufferings  phil  z.  7,8,9, 
 and  Sacrifice,  this  power  and  authority  being  given  him  ,  he  io,n.Maui  17, 
 from  thence  grcundeth  his  own  rightful  calling  of  them  that l8-  mmaZ;*, 
 are  weary,  &c  to  come  to  him  ;  and  on  the  fame  ground, l$% 
 giveth  commiffion  to  his  Difciples ,  to  preach  the  Gofpel : 
 and  therefore  he  gave  himfelf  for  us ,  in  fufferiog',  and  of- 
 
 R  ferine 
 
ihf  To  what  End  Chrijl 
 
 fering  Sacrifice  ,  that  he  might  have  thh  power  and  authority 
 as  the  publick  Man  -and  in,  and  with  i*,ufe  means  by  the  ver- 
 tue  of  his  Oblation,  tofave,c£r.   And  that  God  hath  given 
 \AU,  j.31,32.  him  this  power  and  authority  to  this  end,  is  affirmed. 
 
 2.  That  he  might  be  filled,  in  the  very  Nature  of  Man, 
 
 with  the  immeafurable  fulnefs  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  ,   to  this 
 
 End ,  that  the  Love,  Wifdom, Power,  Mercy,  Trurh,  Good- 
 
 nefs  and  Face  of  God ,  might  appear  to  be  feen  in  him ,  and 
 
 the  Holy  Spirit  proceed  from  the  Father,  through  him  in 
 
 his  Name,  while  in  the  means  he  is  difplayed.     And  this  our 
 
 fob.  \6. 7.      Saviour  exprefly  affirmed ,  both,  That  nnlefs  he  did  go  away, 
 
 (which  was  by  his  Death  and  Afcenfion  to  offer  Sacrifice)  the 
 
 Comforter  would  not  come ;  and  alfo ,  That  if  he  departed 
 
 he  would  fend  him :  and  this  alfo  ,    upon  the  account  of  his 
 
 ifj.  50. 2, 3,4,  Sufferings  and  Oblation,  &*  had  (not  only  the  forementioned 
 
 1>6.  ija Ji.i,i>  Power ,  but  God  the  Lord  hath  )   given  him  the  tongue  of  the 
 
 $'  *•  learned^  that  he fh  oh  Id  know  how  to  fpeak,  a  word  infeafen ,   to  htm 
 
 that  u  weary.    And  this  explained  by  himfelf,  The  Spirit  of  the 
 
 Lord  Cjod  h  upo  \  me  >    becanfe  the  Lord  hath  anointed  me  ,     to 
 
 preach  good  tidings,  &c.    And  this  affirmed  alfo  by  the  Father, 
 
 PW.1.7-IO,     upon  the  account  of  his  Sufferings  and  Sacrifice,  in  which  he 
 
 behold ,  faith  he,  /  have  put  ml  Spirit  on  him* ,  am  he  flail  Jhe* 
 forth  judgement  to  the  Gentiles,  &C. 
 
 3.  That  he  might,  by  vertue  of  his  Blood  in  this  his  Obla- 
 Pfa  i2.x*-2i.^on>  w^  tn*s  furniture  be  hath  upon  the  account  there- 
 e^o.9.io.fob.o?y  in  the  means  he  ufeth ,  efpecially  in  the  Miniftration  of 
 3.14,15,1^^  the  Gofpel,  declare  his  Father's  Name  and  Righteoufnek, 
 11.31,3*.  //4.and  be  himfelf  life  up,    and  fet  forth,    as  thePro^itia- 
 
 7'*&b.s**'lion  fot  fins>  and  thcSaviou,r  of  the  World,  and  fo  call 
 igj  ifi'u.iu  all  Men  to  him,  and  therein  by  his  Spirit  open  the  eyes  of  the 
 Hcb.s.\t.\?et.  blinde,  and  the  ear>  of  the  deaf;  and  give  life  to  fuch ,  *s  in 
 *8,i$.Ar*>.5.9- feeing,  fee;  and  in  hearing, hear:  and  fo  by  degrees,  in  this 
 life,  re  deem  them  from  all  iniquity ,  by  vertueof  his  frlood, 
 fo  applied  to,  and  fprinkled  on  their  Hearts. 
 
 4.  That  in  this  redeeming  them  from  all  iniquity ,  he  may 
 pnrific  tinto  himfelf  a  peculiar  people,  &c.  that  ft ,  fuch,  as  in  his 
 
 re. 
 
offered  this  Sacrificed  115 
 
 redeeming  work  upon  them,  arc  found  believing  on  him,  and  r-tLlAU.  ^QMi 
 
 yielding  to  the  motions,  and  teachings  of  his  Grace,  he  may,  5.3,10,'  ctt.il 
 
 and  dothftill,  by  vertueof  his  Oblation,  and  his  Father's  i»,"*}.  Eph.%. 
 
 Love  commended  there-through,belprinkle  them  more  with  3?j*M7. 
 
 his  Blood,  in  Goipel-Teilimony  ,  andfo  purifie  them  a  peculiar 
 
 people  zealous  of  good  works ,  that  he  may  preient  them  in  due  Ml.1.7-11. 
 
 Jeafon  fpotlefs  to  himfelf ;  and  fo  have  the  glory  of  his  Obla- 
 
 tion,in  the  eternal  Salvation  of  all  that  have  lived  and  died  in 
 
 the  Faith,  and  in  his  lightcous  judging  of  all  wilful  Oppoiers 
 
 and  Apoftaces. 
 
 This  his  gracious  End  in  offering  his  Oblation,  and  he  be- 
 ing righteous,holy,fokhfu!,his  Oblation  was  fo  effe&ual  with 
 the  Father  for  all  that  for  which  it  was  offered ,  that  he  hath 
 granted  him  allthis,and  every  way  furnifhed  him  for  this  end, 
 as  is  forefhewn.  And  for  the  Power  and  Faithfuluefs  of  our 
 Saviour  to  purfue  this  End ,  and  fo  to  do  all  that  by  which  it 
 may  be  brought  about ;  enough  hath  been  faid ,  and  more 
 will  be  faid  m  treating  of  his  Mediation  and  Interceflion. 
 And  indeed,  he  is  and  will  be  faithful  to  his  Father,  and  mer-  %Jtb.i.i.  ReK 
 ciful  and  faithful  to  us ;  he  is  without  (in,  holy,  unblameable,  *-*7.  &f*& 
 companionate,  merciful  and  able:  of  which,  after.  But  here  &T^^* 
 in  his  dealings  with  Men,  he  meets  not  onely  with  weaknefs* 
 and  fo  offences  and  ill  requitals ;  but  in  fome,  even  after  their 
 eyes  are  opened,with  willingRcbellion,&  clofing  them  again; 
 and  fo  the  efficacy  in  Men ,  is  not  fo  prevalent  as  it  was  with 
 God ;  nor  the  End  fo  certain  of  being  fo  accomplifhed  in  the 
 blefled  part,on  every  Man,though  in  every  one  that  believeth 
 it  will :  but  thefe  things  I  leave  to  the  after-Difcourfe,having 
 now  fhown  concerning  the  Oblarion  of  Chrift,  what  was  of- 
 fered, who  offered  it,  to  whom  it  was  offered ;  For  whom  k 
 was  offered,  for  what  it  was  offered ;  iind,to  what  End  :  -  in 
 which  is  an  inclufion  of  his  Mediation ,  and  of  his  coming,  a- 
 gain,  though  not  explicated,  which  (fome  Traditions  and  ex- 
 preflions  of  Men,  that  darken  it,  being  removed)  will  be  very 
 uleful  for  our  edification  3  a  little  of  which  iifefulnefs,  I  flail 
 in  that  order  mention, 
 
 R  2  CHAP 
 
n6  nA  Caveat  againH 
 
 CHAP.  9. 
 
 ■  'd  Caveat  fighwfi  [owe  unfou 
 
 FOr  thofeExpreflions  about  the  plain  Sayings  of  the  Gofpeu 
 that  are  fo  Serpentine-like  ;  tirrt  ,   with  Queries  about 
 the  Truth  of  the  plain-appearing  Import  of  Gad's  Sayings  : 
 
 G*».3,ij4.  Hath  God  in  faying,  laid  ?  was  that  his  meaning  ?  do  you 
 think  indeed,  he  maant  verily  and  in  truih  ,  That  Chrift  died 
 for  all  Men,  gave  himfelf  a  Ran fom  for  all,  that  he  is  the  pro- 
 pitiation for  the  fins  of  the  whole  World,  cr  that  any  do  in- 
 deed deny  the  Lord  that  bought  them ,  or  depart  from  the 
 Faith,  or  count  unholy  the  Blood  of  the  Covenant ,  where- 
 with they  are  fanftihed  ?  &c.  and  then  follow  on  with  plain 
 Contradictions  of  theTeft  mony  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  bo 
 affirming,  Chrilt  didnot  die  for  All  Men  ,  he  did  not  give 
 himfelf  a  Rahlorn  for  A 11 -Men ,  he  is  not  the  propitiation  for 
 the  fins  of  the  whole  World:none  that  are  bought  by  him  can 
 deny  him  ;  none  that  have  true  Faith  can  wholly  depart  from 
 it ;  none  fanitined  by  the  Blood  of  the  Covenant, can  count 
 it  again  as  a  common  or  unholy  thing :  thefe  are  fo  grof?,  that 
 none  that  believe  the  Sayings  of  the  Scripture  for  the  Tefti- 
 mony  of  the  HoIyGhoft  therein,  will  entertain  them  ;  and 
 
 van\,tb.^t&  enoogh  is  faid  before  to  warn  of  thefe  ,    fo  that  I  forbear  c- 
 
 4,J^8.  '  t'ier  an^ver  to  tilem-  But  ^or  thole  Expretfions  better  co- 
 loured, though  having  a  tendency  to  the  fame  End,  I  fhall  in- 
 (tence  a  few  of  that  learned  Mr.  Owens. 
 
 I .  That  God  will  oive  Fa  th  and  %^pentance  to  thofe  ,   whom 
 
 a  Pag.2  64.  joe  j:ath  ch0feK  and  given  to  Chrift  to  be  Caved  a.     If  this  fhonld 
 
 Se&.6.  be  meant  of  Chrift  his  dying  and  giving  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to 
 God,  and  by  that  to  fave  ;  It's  fhewn  before,That  there  arc 
 none  given  to  Chrirt,  but  upon  the  account  of  his  Oblation  : 
 be  was  given  and  gave  himfelf  for  us ;  but  none  of  us  given  to 
 
 itow.14. 9*      him,  but  upon  the  account  of  his  purchasing  us :  alfo ,    he  in 
 
 giving 
 
fome  unfoundSxprefsions.  117 
 
 giving  himfelf  foe  us,  hach  faved  all  Men  from  periling  for  c- 
 
 ver  under  the  fentence  of  theLaw,as  Mankinde  ac  hrft  fell  un-  ^^ 
 
 der  it  •  and  in  that  Death  ,  in  which  thereby  we  fhould  have  vl 
 
 perifhed:  and  for  eternal  Salvation ,  there  are  none  given 
 
 unto  him  to  be  faved,  but  in  the  Heavenly  call ,  John  6. 40, 
 
 45.  and  17.  2,6.  nor  iihethe  Author  of  eternal  Salvation, 
 
 but  to  thofe  that  obey  him  in  believing  on  him:  nor  can    c  '*'*' 
 
 there  be  any  choice ,  but  in  Chrift  ;    nor  any  chofen  in  him, 
 
 but  as  by  vemie  of  his  Oblation,  he  U  a  perfeSt  Saviour: 
 
 and  to  none  fir  it  chofen  for  Chrift  after  to  die  for,  nor  is  there 
 
 any  e'led*  in  him,  who  are  not  begun  to  be  faved  by  him  :  for  %^rttll>l* 
 
 the  Election  is  through  the  San&iftcation  of  the  Spirit ,  and  ipet\%\^ar.w 
 
 Belief  of  the  Truth  ;  and  the  Elecl  are  Holy  ,  &c.    but  e-  cb.f. 
 
 nough  is  faid,  in  treating  of  the  Oblation  of  Chrift,  to  (hew 
 
 the  Vanity  of  this  Expreffion  ;    it  being  alio  Scripture lefs, 
 
 and  not  according  to  the  Rule  by  himfelf  approved. 
 
 2.  God  furpefed  to  give  Eternal  Life  to  hU  cleB  Believer^ 
 and  that  none  of  them  fhould  ever  be  loft :  and  committed  the  ac- 
 complishment of  this  to  Chrift  b.  This  is  no  Scriprure-Expref-  £>  PacT.84, 
 (ion  y  nor  expreft  in  the  plainnefs  the  Spirit  in  the  Scripture  ac^.a.17.  &$. 
 ufeth  ;  but  with  much  fubtiky ,  fo  as  it  might  Itand  with  the  iM3«^4'V* 
 DoSrine  he  oppofeth  :  for  if  by  Elett  Believers ,  he  meant 
 only  fuch,  as  believing  the  Grace  teftifiedin  the  Oblation  of 
 drift,  are  chofen  through  the  San£Ufication  of ,  the  Spirit, 
 and  the  Belief  of  theTruth} unto  the  Obedience  and  fprink- 
 iing  of  the  Blood  of  Chrift ,  and  fo  into  union  and  fellow- 
 flu  p  with  him ,  and  conformity  to  him  ;  and  fo  being  found 
 believing  on  Chrift  ?  the  Accomplifbmem  of  their  Salvation 
 is  committed  to  Chri .t,  and  none  fuch  lhall  be  taS  :  Thofe  be 
 oppofech  j  maintain  this.  But  if  he  mean  of  an  elefl Com- 
 pany in  the  Counsels  of  God  ,  preceding  the  Death  and  Ob- 
 lation of  Chrift  ;  and  for  hin  to  cflfofor,  and  foaccom- 
 piifh  their  Salvation  ?  This  ftands  crofsto  the  whole  Testi- 
 mony of  Scripture  about  the  Oblation- of  Chrift,as  fereflicwn,  par.tJb.7: 
 and  is  anfwered  in  the  former  Anfwer ,  being  no  Scripture- 
 faying,  nor  agreeing  with  the  Rule  there  given  ,  and  by  him 
 approved. 
 
 3,  Thn  theVraits  of  the  Vnr chafe  of  Chrift  (hall  certainly  h  c  mnfi^tohk 
 hejtomi  on  all  Chofe  for  whom-be  lied  c.     And  again ,  That  all  Higmp,  p.i. 
 
 the 
 
it8  ^  Caveat  againH 
 
 the  etfcttsottd  fruits  of  the  Deathof  Chrifty  antecedent  to  our  be- 
 lieving, aredepofited  in  the  handy  cr  righteotifncfi  and  faithfulnef 
 of  Cod,  to  whom  a*  a  ranfom  it  wm  payed,  &c.  to  be  made  oat  ef- 
 fettuallj  to  them  for  whom  he  diedyin  the  appoir,  ted  time  and  feafon : 
 to  which  he  quotes,  i  Tim<  2.5,6.  Heb.  2.1 7.  2  Cor.  5. 1 8, 
 
 dPag,  168,19.  iCor.6. 19,20.  d.  None  of  thefe  places  countenancing 
 cither  of  theie  expreflions ,  and  fome  contradi&ing  them 
 cleerly.  And  iff  before  (hewn  ,  how  Scripture  plainly  af- 
 firmetb,  That  Jefus  ChrH>,as  the  publick  Man, is  by  venue  of 
 his  fufferings  y  and  Oblation  offered  to  God ,  glorified  with 
 the  Glory, he,  as  the  Son  of  God,had  with  the  Father  before 
 the  World  was ;  and  ,  That  he  is  made ,  The  Chrift  ;  and, 
 The  Lord  of  all ,  The  Saviour  of  the  World ,  The  Head  of 
 the  Church ,  The  Mediator  between  God  and  Men ,  The 
 great  High-Prieft ;  yea  ,  all  Power  and  Authority  is  given  to 
 him;  yea,  Power  to  give  Repentance  and  Rcmiffion  of  fins, 
 to  open  blinde  eyes,  to  communicate  the  Priviledges  of  Tons, 
 to  raife  the  Dead ,  and  to  judge  all  Men  according  to  the  Go- 
 fpel,  and  to  give  rewards  to  his  Servants  the  Saints  both 
 imalUnd  great ;  to  fit  on  the  Throne  of  David ,  and  fet  his 
 fuffering-Saints  on  Thrones  with  him :  and  all  this,  the  Fruit 
 of  the  Death,  Oblation  and  Purchafe  of  Chrift;  and  attained 
 by  him,  and  to  be  believed.    O  let  not  Believers  be  fo  puflf'd 
 
 .;  «p,  to  think  all  this  muft  be  beftowed  on  them !  ail  Scrip- 
 
 ture  is  againft  it  :  let  none  fuffer  himfelf  by  fuch  dangerous 
 Expreflions  to  be  occafioned  to  fall  into  the  Condemnation 
 of  the  evil  Angels  that  were  not  content  with  their  place. 
 But  let  this  be  waved,  as  not  intended ,  though  the  Exprefli- 
 ongiveth  Ground  for  it  ;  and  waving  this,  the  Expreflion  is 
 waved  as  falie  and  dangerous :  but  take  it  in  the  beft  fenfe  we 
 can,  it  is  a  confefled  Truth,  That  the  Gifts  of  Apoftles,  Pro- 
 phets, Evangelifts,  The  vifible  defending  of  the  Holy 
 Ghoft,  The  Gifts  of  fpeaking  with  divers  Tongues ,  The 
 Gifts  of  Miracles,  were  all  fruits  and  effects  of  the  Death, 
 Oblation  and  Purchafeof  Chrilt,ashath  been  fhewn  in  plain 
 Texts,and  were  procured  by  him  into  himfelf,  to  be  beftowed 
 as  Fruits  of  his  Death,  before  we  believed.  And  the  Spirit 
 faith,  That  all  thefe  are  not  given  (not  only  not  to  every  one  for 
 whom  Ch  rift  died ,  but  even  not)  to  every  Believer  and  Mem- 
 ber 
 
fome  unfound  Exprefsions.  up 
 
 for  of  the  Church.  So,  that  this  Expreflion,  as  it's  derogatory 
 to  Chrift  >  To  it  is  contradi^ory  to  the  plain  Teflimony 
 of  the  Spirit  in  the  Scripture.  But  let  leave  be  given  to 
 wave  this ,  though  the  Expreffion  will  not  admit  the  waving 
 kneeing  theie  are  things  by  fome  attained  to,and  to  be  believ- 
 ed. But  if  no  more  is  msant,  but  thofe  Graces  neceflary  to 
 fonfhip  and  eternal  falvation  ,  yet  the  Expreflion  crofletll 
 the  plain  fayings  of  the  Gofpel  ilill  ,  that  intimate  to  us  the 
 perifhing  of  (ome  for  whomChrift  died  ;  and  hach  plainly 
 foretold  us,  That  fome  will  deny  the  Lord,  that  bought  them: 
 yea  ,  the  Scripture  fetteth  forth  the  Death ,  Oblation,  and 
 Purchafeof  ChriR,as  the  Ground  of  the  Lorddiip  of  Chrilt, 
 and  of  his  railing  the  Dead,  and  of  the  Equity  of  his  judg- 
 ing according  to  the  Gofpel ;  which  is  all  denied  by  this  Ex- 
 preflion. 
 
 And  yet  here  is  more  confuGon  and  darknefs  in  this  Expref- 
 fion ,  in  a  mirtake  of  that  for  what  Chrift  offered  himfelf  a 
 Jacrifice  to  God  ,  if  not  a  fhort  coming  alio  in  that  which  he 
 offered:  furely  in  his  paying  the  debt  he  died,that  is  true;  and 
 yet  here  is  more  than  fimply  Death  ,in  the  Oblation  giving,  or 
 Ranfom,  or  Sacrifice  ;  even  Death,  Refurre&ion,  Afcenfion, 
 and  giving  himfelf  to  God :  that  which  he  gave  and  offered  to 
 God  for  us,  was  himfelf,his  own  Body,  as  is  forefhewn.  And 
 that  for  which  hegavehimfelf,was,forMen,forfinncrs,ungod- 
 ly,  &c  for  us,  even  for  our  fins,  to  take  them  away  ;  and  for 
 our  nature,  and  perfons ,  to  purchafe  us  into  his  difpofe  ,  as 
 is  fully  (hewn  and  proved.  True,  if  there  had  been  any  that 
 God  had  chofen ,  and  given  to  Chrift  to  die  fot>&c.  as  Mr. 
 Owen  intimates  in  fome  of  his  Expreffions ;  then  they  were 
 God's  Ele&,andChrift  his  peculiar  by  donation  of  the  Father 
 before  his  Death  ,  and  fo his  Death  and  Oblation  could  not 
 be  for  them  to  purcbafe  them ,  or  that  they  fhould  be  his  by 
 vertue  of  that  Oblation  and  Purchafe  of  his ,  feeing  they 
 Were  his  Father's  Eie£t ,  and  his  by  gift  before ;  no  need  to 
 buy  afrer,  that  which  was  given  before ;  therefore  it  muft  not 
 be  for  them,  but  for  fomething  elfe  for  them.  And  what 
 that  is,  Mr.  Owen's  Expreflion  hinteth  ,  and  in  other  his  wri- 
 tings he  exprtff-th,as  if  Chrifl  in  giving  himfelf  10  God^  did  pur* 
 chafe  of  his  Father ',  by  his  Death  and  Sacrifice ,  certain  Graces  of 
 
 Re- 
 
no  <zA  Cay  eat  againtt 
 
 %etentance,  Faith,  Love,  and  other  ffirttual  Gtfts,to  be  beftowed 
 en  fome  certain  ferfons  fore- given  him  to  die  for.  That  fuch  gifts 
 are  the  tffcfts  and  fruits  of  the  Death  and  Oblation  of 
 Chrifr,is  true  and  granted  ,  becaufe  he  by  his  Oblation,  pro- 
 cured that  power  and  furniture(when  he  purehafed  us, and  an 
 Inheritance  for  all  that  believe  on  him  )  by  which  he  giveth 
 andworketh  thefe Graces,  though purchifing  fuch  Graces 
 be  no  Scripture-phrafe  :  and  yet  this  is  Mill  more  unfcripture- 
 like,  in  intimating,  as  if  all  thefe  Graces  and  Fruits  were 
 not  in  the  Hands  of  Chritt  to  beftow ,  though  purehafed  by 
 him  ;  but  depofited  into  the  Hands  of  God,  &c.  Very  true, 
 for  they  are  all  depofited  in  to  the  Man  Chritt ,  in  whom  the 
 fnlnefi of  the  Godhead  dwe&eth  bodily,  Col.  2.  3,9,  10.  Ifa.42. 
 1-7.  and  61.  1,2,  And  to  him  ie  belongs  to  give  Repen- 
 tance, Faith,  Love ,  and  to  communicate  the  Priviledges  of 
 ibfls  :  and  this  Power  and  Authority  he  purehafed,  when  he 
 Par.ixb.7.  Purehafed  Mankinde  to  be  given  into  his  difpofe  :  fo  that 
 this  Expreffion  fuits  not  to  any  plain  fayings  of  Scrip- 
 ture, nor  to  the  approved  Rule,  to  which  he  commends  us  for 
 trial. 
 
 4.  That  there  wa4  but  one  type  of  Chrifi  his  inter  ceffitn  prin- 
 cipally ,  namely  ,  the  entrance  of  the  high  'Triefl  into  the  holy  of 
 *Pag.  216 .holiest.  Surely  he  mutt  comprehend  a  great  deal  in  the 
 Seft,  3,  High-Prieft  *s  entrance  into  the  holy  of  holies,  to  make  that 
 any  direct  Type  of  the  Interceflion  of  Chrift  at  all  5  much 
 more  to  make  it  the  principal  one  :  for  the  High-Prieit  en- 
 tred  into  the  holy  of  holies,  once  every  yeer,  and  but  once 
 in  the  yeer  ;  and  fo  at  once  in  one  day  made  the  Atonement 
 for  all  Jfrael ;  and  yet  for  particular  defilements,  they  needed 
 daily  wafhings  and  purifications  Hill,  elfe  they  (hould  have  di- 
 ed in  their  uncleannefs ,  notwithftanding  the  Atonement 
 made  for  them  :  anfwerably  Jefus  Chrift  by  his  own  Obla- 
 tion once  offered  in  the  end  of  the  World ,  entred  into  the 
 holy  place ,  and  made  the  Atonement  for  the  fins  of  Man- 
 kinde  that  they  were  fallen  into  ,  and  obtained  eternal  Re- 
 demption ;  and  is  the  Propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the  whole 
 World ,  and  remaineth  in  the  holy  of  holies  a  continual 
 Mediator  and  Interceder ,  that  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation  he 
 may  be  taking  Mill  away  the  (in  of  the  World,  andbyafpi- 
 
 ritual 
 
fome  un found  Sxprefsions.  121 
 
 ritual  fprinkling  of  his  Blood,  purifie  the  Hearts  of  Believers 
 from  their  peribnal  and  particular  fins  ;  without  receit  of 
 which  purifications,  Men  may  die  in  their  own  fins ,  notwith- 
 standing the  Atonement  that  was  once  made  for  them  :  and 
 thofeHigh-Priefts  could  not  remain  in  the  holy  of  holies,  fo 
 to  intercede  ;  but  came  out  again  fo  foon  as  the  Atonement 
 was  made  :  and  fo  the  High-Prieft  '$  entrance  in  the  holy  of 
 holies  once  in  the  yeer ,  was  principally  the  Type  of  the  A-  , 
 
 tonement  made  by  Chrift  once  in  the  later  end  of  the  World; 
 and  the  Types  of  his  Interceffion  was  in  other  fervices  of 
 the  High-Prieft  and  Priefts,  when  the  High-Prieft  was  come 
 out  of  the  holy  of  holies ,  when  in  a  continual  and  daily  fer-  ^withwlmb. 
 vice  they  made  Interceffion  for  the  people ,  by  bearing  (or  ig!  1-4,22, z $'. 
 taking  away)  their  iniquities,  in  Miniftrations  in  the  $an£tua-  mthuv^&i, 
 ry  for  them,  and  burning  Incenfe ,   befide  their  ofc  Purificati-  &3 >  &*>  &U 
 ons,  which  did  rather  type  out  the  Interceffion  of  Chrift ,  as    c* 
 isforefliewn,andmay  be  read  in  comparing  Heb. 9. 7-2 7.  and 
 10.11,12,  1 8, 1  p.  with  7.2 5,  &c.  andfo  this  Expreffion  a- 
 greeth  not  with  the  approved  Rule,  pag.i6. 
 
 5  •  There  is  no  real  difference  between  the  efficacy  of  the  Death 
 of  Chr*ft'>  ar-d  that  of  his  Interceffion^  upon  the  aBual  accompltfh- 
 ment of  it  f.  This  is  a  very  dark  faying ,  and  tending  to  con-  f  pac,t  2lg 
 found  things  diftind :  for  fure  the  Oblation  is  already  accom-  Se&.V 
 plifhed,his  Death  over  and  part ,  and  he  alive  for  evermore : 
 out  the  vertue  of  his  Death, and  fo  of  his  Oblation,  abideth  • 
 but  the  efficacy  is  that  here  to  be  minded:  and  its  efficacy 
 with  God  is  feen  in  this ,  that  he  hath  made  Chrift  Jefus  the 
 Lord  ,  filled  him  with  all  fulnefs  of  the  Holy  Ghoft ,  given 
 all  Power  and  Authority  into  his  Hands,  to  difpofeof  all 
 Men ,  to  raiie  the  Dead  ,  and  to  judge  all.  All  this  is  given 
 him  ,  as  the  effect  of  his  Death  and  Oblation :  and  for  this 
 he  neither  doth  nor  needeth  to  make  Interceffion.  There- 
 fore the  making  the  efficacies  of  Oblation  -  Offerings ,  and 
 Interceffion-making,  as  both  one,without  any  real  difference 
 in  the  actual  accomplifhment,  is  not  right.  Befides,  the  pre- 
 valency  of  his  Interceffion  with  God  is  by  vertue  of  his  Ob- 
 lation fore-accomplifhed,  and  with,  and  in  the  Furniture  by 
 it  obtained,  and  it  alwayes ,  and  in  all  things  for  all  he  inter- 
 cedeth,  prevaiieth  with  God,  and  fo  he  obtaineth  the  making 
 
 S  known 
 
\1%  <tA  Caveat  againB 
 
 known  of  his  Oblation  ,  and  the  Vertues  thereof  for  Men, 
 and  the  Extention  of  many  Means,  and  Mercies,  and  fpiritual 
 Operations  to  them,  all  which  are  the  efficacies  of  his  Inter- 
 ceflnn  with  God  for  Men.  But  now  the  efficacies,  with,  and 
 in  Men  are  various :  fome,  receiving  ,  and  lb  meeting  freely 
 wkh  bit  fling  ;  others,  refuting ,  and  upon  that  account  con- 
 demned (  not  that  he  intercedeth  for  their  Condemnation, 
 bur)  for  their  refufal  of  Mercies ,  extended  by  the  Intercef- 
 fion  of  him  that  had  fore-bought  them.  The  efficacy  of 
 his  Oration  is,  in  that  they  are  given  into  his  difpole,  and 
 he  is  their  Lord,  and  (hall  be  their  Judge ;  which  they  can- 
 not avoid  :  and  this  obtained  before  Interceffion  made. 
 The  efficacy  of  his  Interceffion,  by  vertueof  his  Oblation, 
 is  feen  in  the  Patience,  Forbearance,  Mercy,  Means,  and 
 Spirit  extended  to  Men  ,  to  bring  them  in  to  be  his  peculiar 
 People  :  audits  efficacy  in  Men,  is  in  their,  believing,  preci- 
 ous •  but  in  their  di '"obedient  refufal,  heavy,  even  tending 
 to  juft  Condemnation  :  the  manner  of  ChrM's  judging,  be- 
 ing according  to  the  Mercies  and  Means  he  hath  extended, 
 as  Men  have  received  or  reje&ed.  And  betides ,  in  thofe 
 that  do  receive  the  Grace  extended  for  his  IntercetTton  ,  ic 
 is  not  all  one ,  and  fo  prevalent  in  and  with  the  beft  of  Saints 
 on  Earth,  nor  io  abundantly  efficacious  with  them,  as  it  hath 
 been  and  is  with  God :  fuch  thoughts ,  I  hope,  are  far  from 
 us ,  and  not  intended  in  the  Expreffion  :  but  the  Expreffion 
 Pa*  26        being  Scripturelefs ,   and  not  agreeing  to  the  Rule ,  I  leave 
 
 °*      ""      it. 
 E  Pag  217        6'  ThatChnft  was  fprinkled  with  his  own  Blood  g.     This  a 
 Se&  z  ver?  ^ark  and  Scripturelefs  Expreffion  :  we^  read  of  his  Gar- 
 
 ments to  be  fprinkled  with  the  Blood  of  his  Enemies,  when 
 he  revengeth  the  caufe  of  his  people,  Ifa.  6$.  3.  but  for  be- 
 ing fprinkled  with  his  own  Blood ,  we  read  not  :  and  what 
 fenfe  to  devife  to  make  this  true  in,  is  beyond  nty  under- 
 standing :  for  we ,  even  all  Mankinde,  in  and  through  our 
 firft  Father  tAdam^  were  fallen  under  the  guilt  of  manifold 
 fins ,  charged  upon  us  by  that  Law  ,  under  which  we  were 
 fallen  ;  and  thefe  could  not  be  pardoned  without  fatisfa^i- 
 enmade  by  Blood  (hedding  :  and  for  this  caufe ,  the  Son  of 
 God  took  our  Nature,  and  was  made  under  the  Law  for  us ; 
 
 and 
 
fome  unfound  Bxprefsions.  123 
 
 and  fo  that  debt  was  reckoned  on  his  account  ;  and  he  &ed 
 his  Blood  materially,  and  died  for  our  fins ,  and  rofe  for  our 
 juftification ,  and  offered  up  his  own  perfonal  Body  a  Sacri- 
 fice for  us :  and  fo  in  compleating  his  Oblation,  he,  as  it  was 
 his  debt,  fully  fatisfied;  and  as  it  was  ours,  obtained,  by  that 
 Oblation,  full  pardon  for  us.  And  this  was  materially  done 
 by  him ,  and  is  not  anywhere  called ,  The  fprinkiing  of  his 
 Blood:  yea,  his  material  Blood,  if  it  were,  orcculdhave 
 litten,  or  been  fprinkled  materially  on  any,  in  his  Circumcifi- 
 on,  or  fcourgin^,  or  crowning  with  Thorns,  or  nailing  to  the 
 Crofs,  or  piercing  with  a  Spear-  yet  would  it  notfo  have 
 cleanfed  any  from  fin  (  any  more  than  the  fuppofed  reliques 
 of  It  profit  any  now  )  the  vertue  of  it  for  that,  being  in  the 
 vertue  of  the  Oblation  offered  to  God ,  and  he  being  by  his 
 own  Blood  (or  with  the  vertue  of  it)  entred  into  the  Hea- 
 vens, having  offered  the  Oblation :  he  is  a  fpiritual  Man ,  and 
 all  he  doth  to  us  now,he  doth  fpiritually;  and  fo  net  material 
 Blood  as  fhed ;  and  yet  the  vertue  of  the  fame  Blood  that  was 
 (hed,  he,by  making  it  known  in  the  Gofpel,fpirirually  fprink- 
 leth.  And  this  was  alio  figured  in  the  Law,as  is  fhewn  at  large 
 in  another  Treatife.  And  we,notwithftanding  the  Atonement  vifwfeofthe 
 made  in  Chrift,  by  his  Blood  ftiedding  and  Oblation,  and  the ^clTit 
 making  it  known  (with  the  pardon  of  all  that  debt)  in  and  by  t^  '    * 
 
 the  Gofpel,  and  the  means  ufed  towards  us ,  have  ftill  many 
 following  and  daily  fins  and  defilements,  and  need  this  fpi- 
 ritual Application,  and  fprinkiing  of  his  Blood  for  ourclean- 
 fing  and  peace  :  and  we  are  found  weak  in  believing,  and 
 need  that  fpiritual  fprinkiing  of  his  Blood  to  confirm  our 
 Faith  in  him  for  the  Promifes  of  the  New  Teftamenr :  all 
 which  things,  how  he  is furnifhed  to  help  u*,  hath  been  fore- 
 fhewed.  But  he  is  righteous,  holy,harmlets  ;  in  him  never 
 was,  or  is,  or  will  be  any  fin  :  and  for  what  caufe  he  (Tiould 
 be  fprinkled  with  his  own  Blood  ,  who  will  fancy  ?  Sure,  I 
 will  not  believe ,  becaufe  it  is  Script urelefs,  and  agreeth  not 
 with  the  Rule  given  andconfented  to,  ^.2.6. 
 
 As  for  thofe  Exprcffions  of  Chrift  dying  for  his  Ele<5t,feeing 
 that  there  could  be  none  ele&  in  him,  but  as  he  is  beheld,  as 
 having  died  &  offered  his  Oblation ;  nor  is  any  of  Mankinde 
 reprobated,  but  as  thus  arebeheld,  reje&ing  him  that  offered 
 
 S2  the 
 
iz^  Some  InHruBiom 
 
 the  Oblation.  And  To,  chough  ic  be  true ,  That  Chrift  hath 
 once  died,  and  offered  the  Oblation,  both  for  thole  that  now 
 are  ele£t,  and  thofe  that  now  are  reprobated ;  and  by  venue 
 of  the  fame  Oblation  will  eternally  fave  the  one,  and  jultiy 
 condemn  the  other  :  yet  he  died ,  and  offered  the  Oblation 
 for  no  Man  as  elefx,  nor  for  any  Man  as  reprobated  ;  bur  for 
 all  Men  as  finners  fallen  in  Adam.  Therefore  that  Expreflion 
 of  dying  for  his  ele&,  or  dying  for  the  reprobate, are  neither 
 the  one  nor  the  other  found  in  the  Holy  Scriptures ,  but  in 
 the  fayings  of  thofe  that  ftrive  to  fhun ,  or  ftiadow  the  Light. 
 Thefe  and  fuch-like  Expreflions ,  being  not  in  the  Scripture* 
 may, by  the  Rule,  be  eafily  avoided.  And  enough  is  faid,and 
 ?m  x.  ch.7.  Pl*in  kyinss  °^  Scripture  dire&^d  to,  ii  treating  of  the  Ob- 
 lation,to  fence  againft  all  fuch-like  Expreflions :  therefore  they 
 are  forborn  here. 
 
 CHAP.   10. 
 
 Some  InfruBior.%  from  the  Gofpel -Tefimony  of  the  O  ;- 
 Ution  of  Chrijl  ,  about  Cbrijl  •  and  ,  the  G  of  pel  of 
 Chrift. 
 
 FRom  that  is  in  Scripture  teftified  concerning  the  Oblation 
 of  Chrift  ,  what  was  offered ,  by  whom,  to  whom,  for 
 whom,  for  what,  and,  to  what  End  ;  we  may  perceive,  learn, 
 and  know  certainly , 
 *  c    w   k    6       tm  "^*t  Je^us  ^nr^ ls  tne  'a^  ^aM  >    lhe  fecond  publick 
 4647. Rom*. &  Man, tnc  Spiritual  Man,the  Lord  from  Heaven,the  quickning 
 Cen.$\\%.  Hcb.  Spirit  ;  in  whom  there  is  a  full  Reftauration  of  the  Nature 
 *.i4.  zTim.uio.  0f  Man,  and  for  Mankinde  compleated,    as  there  was  depra- 
 3/fl/;.  5.^738.  vatjon  in  thc  firft  Adam.     And  fo  that  he  is  the  promifed 
 Seed,  that  hath,  by  his  owrv  Oblation  in  himfelf ,   as  the  pub- 
 lick  Man  ,  taken  away  fin ,  overcome  Death  ,  and  deftroyed 
 the  works  of  the  Devil ,  and  is  furnKhed  to  do ,  and  will  do 
 the  fame  in  others,  according  to  the  Agreement  between  the 
 Father  and  him*  for  Mankinde,  for  the  good  of  Men,  and  the 
 
 ever- 
 
 : 
 1 
 
about  the  (fofpel  of  Chrijl.  1 2  $ 
 
 everlafting  benefit  of  all  that  unfeignedly  believe  on  him:  and  Gc)U11^tGai, 
 fo  he  is  that  true  Seed  in  which  is  blefling  for  all  Nations^that  ^^\,6.Q.n. 
 all  believing  in  him,  may  receive  ic  ;  yea,  the  true  ipiritual  7  lO-i/si- 
 Abraham^z  everlafting  Father;  the  true  ipiritual  Ifaac,  or  \f*  *•?•&•*• 
 Son  of  promife,in  whom  theSeed  (lull  be  called  ;  (fetxqc^*^7^ 
 7/r^/  that  hath  prevailed  with  God  ,  by  whom  God  f,  eaks  ;}.9  5. //40.1) 
 with  us  ;.yea,  he  is  tbe  great  and  true  Prophet,  Aft. 22.  thes,3  8.  Ho/n. 
 great  ana  only  true  high  Prieft,  Heb. 3.1, and  7.  the  true  and  4-  »«*■  5-7  9- 
 fpiritu^lD^/^and  Kin^,  E^.34.  and  37.  24.  Kev.22.16.  M*u6d6-j«b. 
 Heb.j.i.     In  a  word,  he  is  the  Chrift,  the  Son  of  the  living  '4  ' 
 God,  the  Saviour  of  the  World  ;   yea,  and  fo  neeriy  re- 
 lated to  us,   that  he  is  the  Son  of  Adam  ,  Abraham,  'Da- 
 vid ;    yea ,    the  Son  of  Man  ,    our  Kinfman ,    that  loves 
 us ,  is  allied  to  us ,  and  in  our  Nature ,   who  came  to  lave 
 (inncrs. 
 
 2.  That  Jefus  Chrift  in  refpe£t  of  his  Oblation,  com-  7m]$  ,r0/ 
 pleated  ,  is  the  beginning  of  the  Creation  of  God ,  the  new  y.17.^^.14! 
 Creation,  called  Emphatically,  The  Creation  of  God  j  he  is  r  iw.jm.  coi.i. 
 the  firft-begotten>and  firft-born  from  the  Dead,  the  firft  ele&, ■  8.//.4*.«  *'*• 
 that  was  once  dead, and  is  now  alive  for  evermore  :    and  fo  tI*"TJ2i**^' 
 he  is  the  Fountain  of  the  proceeding  and  compleating  of  the  eHjuja^xJ'" 
 whole  new  Creation,  of  Regeneration,  of  Adoption,  Gal.  4. 
 5.  ofEle6lion,2  7^/.2.i3.  of  Refurreclion,  1  Cor.  15.21, 
 22,23.  yea,  the  ^/p£a  and  Omega ,  the  firft  and  the  laft,  the 
 beginning  and  the  end  in  all  thefe  ;    yea,  fo  it  plealed  the  Fa- 
 ther, that  he  fhould  be  the  firft,  and  that  all  fulnefs  ftiould 
 dwell  in  him ,   that  in  all  things,  he  might  have  the  pre-emi- 
 nence, Col.  1 .1 8,1 9,2  o, 
 
 3.  That  Jefus  Chrift  in  refpecl:  of  this  his  Oblation,  com- 
 pleated,  is  that  precious  ftone  lb  tried  in  his  Power,  Love  and  l6 ^  '  ^V  z^[ 
 Faithfulnefs  by  ib  great  Offerings ,  and  proved  excellent  and  \?et.  *.  3,4,5. 
 prevalent  with  God,  and  for  Men,  which  God  hath  laid  in  ico:  i.n.Att. 
 Sion  for  a  Foundation,    a  Foundation  of  Repentance  and  4  "■>"- -T.ph*. 
 Faith  ,  and  for  Believers  to  reft  and  be  built  upon ;  yea,  he  X&fJ%r£X*> 
 is  the  only  Foundation ,   and  there  is  no  other  whereby 
 Men  may  be  faved ;  yea,  he  is  not  only  the  Foundation,  but 
 the  true  door  and  way  of  all  right  and  true  approach  to  God, 
 ;.  and  of  entrance  into  fellowship  with,  and  lervice  of  him  and 
 his  people >  yea,  he  is  the  Way,  theTrutb,  and  the  Life, 
 
 4.  The 
 
Yi6  $ome  InftruBions 
 
 4.  The  TelUmony  of  Chrift  ,  being  comprehended  in  the 
 Tettimony  of  his  Oblation  and  Mediation,  and  glorious 
 coming  again:  this  of  his  Oblation, and  its  prevalency  with 
 God  for  Men,  in  that  he  obtained  and  is  become  •  which  in- 
 cluded and  affureth  ,  though  it  explicate  not  his  Mediation 
 andiecondcomirg;  it  is ,  and  is  rightly  called,  both,  The 
 Wordof  theBeginning  of  Chrifl  ;  Vdd^TheViponof  All. 
 
 Firtt,  it  is  called,  The  Word,  of  the  Beginning  of  Chrifl  ,    (  or 
 
 Hcb.  6.  x.        ag  fome  tranflate  it)  The  DoBrine  of  the  Beginning  of  Chrifl-)  of 
 See  the  eight-  his  Incarnation,  Death,  Refurre&ion,  Afcenfion,  Sacrifice  of- 
 
 firfi  Chapters  offered,  the  Ends  and  Vermes  thereof,  the  Peace  he  hath 
 
 thupar.i.  ma(je  thereby ;  the  Overthrow  he  hath  given  to  Sin,  Satan, 
 Death  ;  the  Redemption  he  hath  obtained,  and  the  fulnefs  of 
 Spirit  he  hath  received  ,  even  for  the  Rebellious,  that  the 
 Lord  might  dwell  among  them  ,  he  being  the  Saviour  of  the 
 World  ,  the  Propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the  whole  World, 
 the  Lord  of  All :  fo  ,  as  whoever  beheveth  in  him ,  fh all  not 
 fenfh,  but  have  everlafting  Irfe  :  and  he  the  ludgeof  All, 
 and  the  Love  of  God  toManward,  herein  teftified.  This 
 the  Word  of  the  Beginning  of  Chrift ,  and  the  Beginning  of 
 his  Word,  (which  with  an  Emphafis,  andbecaufe  of  the 
 flownefsof  M in  to  believe,  is  faid  to  be)  true,  and  forever, 
 
 27tf.u9.i60.    anj  £rom  the  freginnin^  .    ami  ic  js  rightly  called ,  The  Word. 
 
 of  the  Beginning  of  Chrifl  ;  and,  The  Beginning  of  hU  Word, :  be- 
 caufe  it  is, 
 
 1.  The  Difcoverer  of  Jefus  Chrift,  as  the  beginning  of 
 Lat.*4.i$,44,tne  new  Creation;  and  fo  of  thofe  things,  which  he  was 
 4^,47.^.1.15,  grft  to  do>  ancj  natn  fir(x  done  in  his  own  Body,in  offering  his 
 
 Oblation  to  God  ;  and  of  the  things  effefled  thereby,  of 
 which  he  is  the  beginning ,  and  by  which  he  is  farnifhed 
 to  comoleat,and  will  compleat  the  new  Creation,as  hath  been 
 
 faid. 
 
 2.  This  that  which  was  ftrft  discovered  and  preached  in 
 f^t^g^'Paradife,  before  the  Covenant  made  with  Abraham-,  yea, 
 u  1,1,^4,5 7  tfois  alio  firft  preached  to  Abraham,  before  the  Covenant 
 8,9.  tfoh.t.i]  made  with  him,  and  confirmed  to  him  after;  and  was  preached 
 M-  "           by  LMoJes,  and  all  the  Prophets  after ;  of  which  the  Spirit  in 
 
 the  E  v angelift s,  faith ,  In  the  beginning  wm  the  word,  &c.  And 
 thxt  which  was  from  the  beginning,  &C, 
 
 3#  This 
 
about  the  (jofyel  of  Chrift.  nj 
 
 3.  This  is  by  the  appointment  of  Chrift  the  firft  thin*  to  be  j0\h,A^,  6, 
 made  known  and  preached  to  any  and  allpeople,and  the  firft  17.  m&Xv*, 
 to  be  believed  andreccived,that  Men  may  be  faved:and  even  «5-  ic^.15.3, 
 this  was  fo  firft  andconftantly  preached  by  the  Apoftle?,  and  JJ^3  St£ 
 by  Believers  firft  received. 
 
 4.  Tne  Hiftory  of  thefe  things  by  one  Evangelift,  called,  Ma'.i.i. 
 The  Bookjfthe  Generation  of  Chrt(t ;    Is  by  another  called  ex-  **&.  1.1. 
 prefl/,n*  beginning  of  the  ij'Jpehf 'Chrift :     And  by  another  **<«»**? 
 {aid  ,    7*  be  written  ,    r  A**?  w*  might  know  the  certainty  of  thofe 
 
 thtngs  which  were  declared  concerning  Jeftts  Chrift,  by  them  which 
 from  the  beginning  of  Chrtft's  ministration,  were  eye-Witneffes  and 
 Minsters  of  him.  Yea,  afourth  addeth,  Writ  for  this  end^that  J0h.io.$i. 
 we  might  believe ,  that  Jefus  (of  whom  they  wrote  ,  That  died 
 and  rofe  again,  and  afcended  into  Heaven ,  and  offered  up  the  ac- 
 ceptable Sacrifice  to  Cjod ,  and  now  fitteth  at  the  right  hand  of 
 God)is  the  Chrift,theSon  of  God;  and  that  believing  we  might  have 
 life  through  his  ^ame. 
 
 5.  This  Do&rineof  the  Oblation  of  Chrift,is  the  entrance  Qai,3  lt  Romt 
 into  the  full  Knowledge  of  Chrift,  and  the  Enjoyment  of  the  10.8,9.^4*4, 
 forming  of  Chrift  in  the  Heart;  ic  hath  the  precedency  and  *5.iJ/<u'9.  13°- 
 firft  entrance  into  the  Minde&  Heart  of  thofe  that  are  drawn  ?*h'3£i£lohi' 
 to  believe  aright :  and  in  its  coming,it  gives  Light  and  Under-  ^^°Kom.l'.t] 
 ftanding,even  to  the  fimple:yea,the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde  10.  WU:$.7&9 
 is  therein  made  known  and  leen  $  fo,  as  by  the  Divine  Force  ?•  *Joh.%.%o9 
 thatisinit,  it  drawerh  the  Heart  to  God,  and  takes  itoff21*2?*28' 
 from  other  things,  and  fo  uniteth  and  conformeth  it  to  Chrift, 
 
 and  fo  affordeth  it  nnderftanding  for  knowing  all  that  fol- 
 lows in  both  the  other  Branches  of  theTeftimony.  And  for 
 all  thefe  Caufes,  and  in  all  thefe  Refpe&s,  it  is  rightly  called* 
 The  Word  of  the  Beginning  ofChrift;  and,  The  Beginning  of  hit 
 Word.  And  yet  there  is  one  Caufe  more  for  which  it  may  be 
 fo  called. 
 
 6.  Becaufe  it  is  the  great  Oracle  of  God  in  the  holy  of  ho- 
 lies ,  whence  all  the  Oracles  of  God  proceed ;  by  which  al-  *'**t*  &*. 
 fo  the  firft  Principles  of  the  Doctrine  of  Chrift  are  framed  in  /- 
 
 the  Heart  of  Believers,  Jefus  Chrift,  by  vertue  of  his  Obla- 
 tion,is  the  Mercy-Seat,  Propitiatory  and  Oracle;  in  behold- 
 ing and  minding  of  whom ,  as  he  hath  made  Peace  by  his 
 Death  and  Oblation,  and  received  Spirit  and  Power ,  as  hath 
 
 been 
 
;;8  Some  InjlruBions 
 
 been  friewn,thefe  Oracles  are  taught  us  by  it,  viz,] 
 Xem.%.1.  Gal.      h   That  all  Mankinde  was  through  the  firtt  Jdam  loft, 
 %a1.Htb.9tu  and  are  through  his  fall,  and  from  him  Turners  in  themfelves; 
 eH0.4-7.pf4/.  their  Nature  and  Ways,  vile  ;  their  Righteoufnefs  and  Works, 
 40^8.  &  49.  vain .  their  Defert,  Death;  and  nothing  able  to  help  and  de- 
 liver them,  but  the  Blood,  Death  and  Sacrifice  of  the  Son  of 
 God. 
 job.i.-i\.  Km.     II.  That  this  Son  of  God  took  Man's  Nature ,  and  became 
 4.i$.ii'eM.*4  a  perfect  and  publick  Man  $  and  in  chat  Body  of  his  ,  did  die 
 \Tim.i.6. Hcb.  for  our  ^ng  ^  anc|  f- ce  £or  our  juftification,  and  offered  up  him- 
 10.c9.i4.      jyj.  a  5acr-^ce  lo  qocj  for  ^en^  ancj  mac|e  peace, and  obtained 
 
 eternal  Redemption. 
 Htb.io.ioyii.      *U-  That  God  hath  fo accepted  his  Sacrifice  ,   thatheis 
 c81.Aitf.17. well  pleafed  in  him,  and  hath  fet  him  on  his  right  Hand, 
 5.  ci8.is.    and  releafed  all  Mankinde  over  to  him,     and  given    all 
 Rom.i  4-9-       Power  and  Authority  into  his  Hands ,  and  made  him  Lord 
 
 of  all. 
 i  J^.i.i.  #4.     IV.  That  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation  cffered  ,   and  the  Fa- 
 14./0V19.  c  ther's  acceptance  of  it ,  he  is  the  Propitiation  for  the  (ins  of 
 3.14^53^^7- the  whole  World,   the Savicur  of  the  World  ,  andtheEn- 
 lightner  of  every  one  that  cometh  into  the  World; fo,as  who- 
 ever through  that  Light  extended  by  him ,  believeth  on  him, 
 fhall  not  perifh,buc  have  everlafting  life. 
 
 V.  That  it  is  the  good  will  of  God  in  Chrift  toward  Men, 
 ffi^tifrAfi.  ancj  t^ac  t|ie  mcans  he  ufeth  is  to  that  end  ,  That  they  fhould 
 »6j7*i8.i/tk  hearken  to  his  Sen ,  and  lb  believe  in  him  ,  and  receive  life 
 3,6.  '            from  him,  and  live  to  him. 
 
 VI.  That  in  his  time  he  will  raiie  all  Men,and  judge  them 
 &*!%a$%&  according  to  the  Gcfpel,  as  they  have  yeiided  and  obeyed,or 
 149,11.  *ccr.  pcrfiited  in  Rebellion  andDiibbedience  to  the  Light  in  the 
 5.10-             means  he  hath  extended  unto  them  for  that  end  that  they 
 
 might  have  repented. 
 
 All  thefe  Oracles  come  forth  from  the  Oblation  of  Chrift, 
 ntkf.i*..&6.  knoWn  and  believed  ;  and  thefe  Oracles  minded  and  believ- 
 i3*>4>5.  ec|  ^  jo  ceach  to,  and  frame  in  the  Heart  thole  frit  Principles 
 
 of  Repentance  from  dead  Works ,  and  Faith  towards  God, 
 &c.  accompanied  with  thoie  operations  of  the  Holy  Ghoft's, 
 and  ta^es  of  the  Heavenly  Gift ,  e?c  mentioned, //ip^.  6. 
 therefore  this  Doitrine  of  the  Oblation  well  called  ,   The 
 
 Word 
 
 1 
 
about  the  (fojpel  of  Chrijl.  up 
 
 Word  of  the  Beginning  ofChrifi  ;   and  alfo  this  Teftimony  of 
 the  Oblation  of  Chrift  , 
 
 Secondly,  k  called  ,   the  Vtfion  of  All ;  that  which  is  the 
 dioife  of  all  that  God  hath  difcovered,and  his  Prophets  have  if**9>  u.Aom. 
 feen  and  declared ;  in  which  ,  all  Men  are  concerned ,    and  *•* •  &  l6<1*- 
 which  is  needful  for  all  Men^  and  to  be  declared  as  true  to  ju*e  J' 
 them  for  the  Obedience  of  Faith  ;  whence  alio,  ic  is  called, 
 the  Faith  of  the  common  Salvation  ,  being,  The  Vt ft 'ok  of  Alt. 
 And  this  Doctrine  of  the  Oblation  of  Chrift,  is  rightly  called, 
 77*  Vtfion  of  All,  becaufe  that  Jems  Chrift ,  %om.  i .  i  ,2,3 ,4, 
 5 .  lb  to  be  preached  for  the  Obedience  of  Faith  to  all  Nati- 
 ons, for  offering  this  Oblation  ;     Firft ,  he  did  take  the  Na- 
 ture of  all  Mankinde,    he  was  made  under  the  Law  for  all, 
 he  bare  the  fins  of  all ,  he  died  for  all ,  gave  himfelf  a  Ran- 
 fcmforall,  callethali,  enlightnethall,  is  God's  Salvation 
 for  all  ;  and  being  all  this ,   God  will  have  him  fo  to  be 
 preached  to  all ,  and  fet  forth  as  an  ObjeS  of  Faith  for  all ; 
 yea ,   as  he  is ,  The  Saviour  of  the  World,  The  Propitiation 
 for  the  (ins  of  the  whole  World.     All  which  are  before 
 ihewn,in  treating  of  the  Oblation,  by  plain  fayings  of  Scrip- 
 ture :   and  yet,  this  is  ftill  farther  to  be  noted  about  this  Vi- 
 fion  or  Doctrine ,  That  God  will  have  it  plainly  written  and  Tob.10.3 uiuh 
 declared  5  yea,  it  is  fo  written,  and  in  Miniftration  to  be  held  l-*st,39+Epb. 
 forth  to  all ;  yea,  fo  explained  and  elevated,  that  all  and  every  f-'^'/^i3^' 
 Man  may  behold  and  read  it  for  his  healing  5  yea,  fee  himfelf  tjts.icer. /.30* 
 perfect  in  Chrift,  that  is,  perfectly  fatisfied  for,  and  redeemed  Roma  .i^if; 
 from  the  Curfe  of  the  Law  by  Chrift ,  and  in  him  fulnefs  of 
 Wildem ,  Righteoufnefs ,  San&ification  and  Redemption ; 
 yea,  fulnefs  of  Spirit  and  Life  :  fo ,   as  beholdiog  him,  he  may 
 believe ;  and  in  believing,  receive  it  all.     And ,  as  this  is  fet  jfa.  5  5.4.1/0,?. 
 forth  as  a  common  Salvation  to  all ,  fo  likewife  the  preciouf-  4.9.1  o,i4.e/>/>. 
 nefs  and  efficacy  of  the  Blood  and  Sacrifice  of  Chrift,   the  «.«3~-i *.**** 
 immenfnefs  of  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde  in  the  Gift  of I,xo* 
 his  Son,  and  commended  through  his  Blood ,   the  open  way 
 of  approach  here-through  to  God  ;  and  fo  bringing  Immor- 
 tality and  Life  to  Light  by  die  Gofpel.     And  fo  the  Ground,  7p.  55.1-4. 
 Freedom,  Motives  and  Helps  for  all,  and  every ,    or  any  one  3*^.11.17**8. 
 to  come  in, and  believe ;  and  the  certainty  of  enjoyment  in  Rev.11.17.1fa. 
 believing,  and  fure  hope  of  Glory,  thefe  to  be  declared, that  4f.*a  Jfcfc».«. , 
 
 T  he 
 
ija  The  VJe  Ministers  are  to  make 
 
 he  that  hearcth ,  beholdcth  and  readeth  the  fame  ,  may  be 
 faved,  and  run  to  the  enjoyment  of  all  in  Chrilt.  Thefe  things 
 being  all  in  plain  fayings  of  Scripture  before  cited ,  often 
 fheweth  ,  That  fuch  is  the  beginning  of  his  Word  ;  and,  * 
 that'k  is  the  Vifion  of  all,  in  which  fuch  Teftirmny  of  Chri(t, 
 and  good  News  for  Mankinds  :  and  io  the  Key  of  Know- 
 ledge, opening  the  Door  to  the  Knowledge  of  the  King- 
 dom. Oh  loving  and  glorious  Chritf  !  Oh  excellent  Oblati- 
 on! Oh  bleffed  Gofpel !  Of  which  Gofpel-Teftiir.ony,  con- 
 cerning the  Oblation  of  Chrift,  I  will  fay  yet  one  thing  more, 
 about  ixs  Ufefulnefs  in  Minitfration. 
 
 _.. 
 
 CHAP.  ii. 
 
 The  Vfe  Mlnijlert  cf  the  Gofpel  are  to  male  of  this  Do- 
 Brine, 
 
 TriA~tL&i*A    ^TpHe  Oblation  of  Chrift  for  us  all,   and  the  Love  of  God 
 X    to  Mankinde  therein  appearing,  as  befote  declared,  is 
 that  with  which  ,   by  the  appointment  of  God  and  Chrirt, 
 and  the  Teachings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,    the  Minirters  and 
 Preachers  of  the  Gofpel ,  are  to  do  their  whole  Work ,    for 
 convincing  Men  of  Unbelief  ,   and  drawing  Men  to  Repen- 
 Heh.%M,  &  6.  tance  from  dead  Works  ,   and  Faith  towards  God  ;   and  in- 
 %*•  ftru&ing  them  in  the  Do^rine  of  Baptifms,  and  laying  on  of 
 
 Hands,  and  life  of  all  the  Ordinances  of  God;  and  for  con- 
 firming their  Faith  in  the  Refurrefrion  of  the  Dead,  and  of 
 Eternal  Judgement.  This  being  the  Foundation  of  ail  thefe, 
 a  C0/.5. 14,1?,  yea,  by  and  with  this  Do&rine  of  the  Oblation  of  Chritf  for 
 19.10&.&  6.  us  all5t0  extend  &  prefs  Reproofs,Exhortations,Befeechings, 
 ^KmuV%  Inftru^ions>ac|d  Confolations ;  yea,with  this,and  by  this,to 
 8/9,1  o,ii.drg!  direft  to  Peace  with  God,and  Confidence  in  him,and  Hope  of 
 3X-35.  Heb.g,  the  fruits  of  the  Mediation  and  Interceffion  of  Chrirt  ;  andfo 
 *8.  to  a  comfortable  waiting  for  his  coming  again  :  yea ,   in  that 
 
 2*a.ij,i4le>  before  faid,  and  places  alleadged,  k  plainly  appears ,  That 
 ■3«*  this 
 
of  this  DoBrineS.  131 
 
 this  Oblation  of  Chrift ,  and  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankind*,* 
 appearing  there-through ,  is  that  Grace  of  God  faving  to  all 
 Men ;  and  that  which  in  the  appearance  in  the  evidences  of  ic, 
 fpecially  in  the  Gofpel-Declaration ,  faveth  and  teacheth;  it  7*7.2,14.  6$. 
 faveththe  Beholders  of  it,  by  the  waftting  of  Regeneration,  4>fA  7- 
 and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,whicb(here-through)he  rich- 
 ly fheds  on  them;that  being  jiiftifie.d  by  hisGrace,tkey  (bould 
 be  made  Heirs  according  to  the  Hope  of  Eternal  Life.     And 
 this  to  be  affirmed,  to  (iir  up  Men  to  good  Works  alfo  ;  For  Ttt.$X &%.n9 
 thU  Grace  of  God^  faving  to  all  men,  in  its  appearing ,    teacheth  #*,  *  *> !  3 '* 4. 
 That  denying  ungodlinefi  and  worldly  hifts,  wefhould  live  fiber  fa 
 right 'eoujly  and  godly  in  this  prefent  world  ,    looking  for  the  bleffed 
 hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour 
 leftti  Chrifi,  who  gave  him  f elf  for  us  ,   that  he  might  redeem,  &c. 
 So  precious  a  Stone  is  he  ,   that  io  fet  forth  ,   effe&eth  fuch 
 things ;  and  fo  precious  an  Oyntment   (  in  the  Spirit's  going 
 forth  in  this  Doclrine)  is  this ,    That  it  teacheth  Believers  all  x  j0h,  t.i93z© 
 things,  and  is  Truth,and  is  no  Lye ;  yea,and  To  fully  teacheth  »i ,273*8. 
 them ,  that  they  need  not  that  any  Man  teach  them  [  other 
 DoSrine ,  or  in  other  Manner ,]    but  as  this  Anoynting 
 teacheth   them  of    all  things  ;    yea,   no  otherwife  then 
 by  and  with  this ,  and  according  to  this,  were  they  to  be 
 taught. 
 
 So,  that  all  that  the  Miniftersof  theGofpel  have  to  do  in  i^y.  1,17,13, 
 their  Migration,  they  are, as  they  defire  approbation  of,and  ih*3M* 
 blefling  in  their  Minift ration  from  God,  fo  to  do  all  their  Mi- 
 nittration  by  and  with  this.    Oh  that  they  would  all  be  per- 
 fwaded  to  this ! 
 
 But  this  having  always  been  rarely  found,That  the  profefs'd  tfa.  28.11,14, 
 Teachers  and  Builders  in  the  Church,  would  hearken  to,  &  29.10,  u. 
 but  rather  (light  this  as  a  mean  way  of  teaching  ;  yea,  and  in  pf*L  "  8'  "• 
 thefe  dayes  it  being  rarely  found ,   either  in  praaice  or  ap-  ^l"^** 
 probation  among  many  profefled  and  admired  Minifters  of 
 the  Gofpel :     I  fliali  hint  a  little  more,  to  evidence ,  That 
 with  this  Do&rine  of  the  Oblation  of  Chrilt  for  us  all , 
 they  are  to  do  their  whole  Bufinefs  in  their  Miniftra- 
 tion. 
 
 1  i  This  is  that  fet  forth  and  appointed  to  be  let  forth  by  R  l$ 
 
 God,  even  the  father  ,for  this  end :  Him  hath  God  fet  forth  to  ,  J%SZ? 
 
 Ts  be 
 
131  The  Vfe  Ministers  are  to  ma{e 
 
 be  a  propitiation^  through  Faith  in  his  Blood  ,    to  declare  his  righ- 
 teoufneffor  the  remijfion  of 'fins ,  &c.     And  to  the  Minifters  he 
 
 2fa.i$,i%3i€.  hath  faidjThis  is  the  reftjwherewitb ye  may  caufe  the  wearj  to  reft; 
 and  this  is  the  refrefhing^  &C.   And  that  it  was  this,  is  evident, 
 
 r4#.io.3£,39,  v*rf*  *&•  ancl  tne  fame  commanded  by  him  to  the  firft  Wit- 
 
 40,42,43.       nefies  of  Chrift,  to  the  fame  end. 
 
 7^.3.14-17.       *.  This  alfo  was  both  appointed  and  prafUfed  by  our  Lord 
 
 z^.*4.4Sj>  4^  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift ,    in  his  own  perfonal  Miniftration  ; 
 
 47<4/7  yea'   he  affirrns  plainly,     That    (as  no  Mm  in  any  fpi- 
 
 *■">.>'•  ritual  good,  fo  Minifters  for  bringing  any  Fruit  to  God 
 in  their  Miniftration)  without  him  they  can  do  nothing. 
 
 Johii.16^7.      3.  Thisalfoof  Chrift  having  once  died  ,  and  being  rifen, 
 
 a8.  5.31,32.  and  offered  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to  God  for  us  all  ;  and  be- 
 ing accepted  of  God,  and  fo  difp-aycd,  in  theGofpelmi- 
 niftred  ,  is  that,  by,  and  of ,  and  with  which  the  Holy  Ghoft 
 testifying  of  Chrift  ,  doth  both  convince ,  teach,  and  lead, 
 &c. 
 
 Joh.it. 7,1,9,     *•  He  l^us  convinceth of  Sin,   of  Righteoufnefs  ,  and  of 
 
 10,11.  ljoh.f.  Judgement. 
 
 9,10,11.    lja.       Of  Sin  ^  becaufe  they  believe  not  on  htm ,  that  died  for  their 
 
 5  o  c?£  <  1**  7  mfi*s*  ^  ma^e  feace  by  his  blood  ,  in  whom  Cod  hath  given  m  E- 
 ternal  Life  ;  of  whom  God  hath  bom  witnefi ,  and  tbrowgh  him 
 testified  his  Love  ,  that  msn  might  believe^  and  in  be  lit,  ving  have 
 Life. 
 
 Of  %ighteonfnep ,   That  all  compleat  Righteoufnefs  is  in 
 ,       1       him,  and  all  other  Righteoufnefs  of  Men,  vain:  feeing,  all 
 
 ^io?i?iiti24°tner  High-Priefts  entring  the  holy  of  holies  came  forth  again, 
 
 14.  '  '  ftill  to  offer  with  Blood  and  Sacrifices  again ;  but  he,  having 
 
 approached  to  his  Father  with  that  one  offering,it  is  fo  accep- 
 tcd,that  he  comes  forth  no  more  tofuffer,  and  offer  himfelf  a 
 Sacrifice  propitiatory  again,but  is  fee  at  the  right  hand  of  Godk 
 an  evident  demonstration  of  Righteoufnefs  compleated  in  and 
 by  him,  and  the  vanity  of  all  other  Righteoufnefs  befides. 
 Of  Judgement,  becaufe  the  Prince  of  this  World  is  judged  a\- 
 ,  c  ,  ready ,  Chrifl  having  by  death  Overcome  htm  that  had  the  power  of 
 
 **  H>i  *!*  t.  deaths  having  (polled  Principalities  and  Power 'j,  and  made  a  (hew 
 CoL  1.  3,1*.  of  them  openly^  triumphing  over  them  in  it.  So  that  he  is  right- 
 Aftf.28.18.     fulLord  of  all ,  and  all  Judgement  is  in  his  hands ,  both  for 
 
 jbb.5.a-7j»*  difecping,  appointing  and  fegcencing,     To  which  acknow- 
 ledge- 
 
of  this  Docirint^.  133 
 
 ledgement  of  all  this,  if  Men  yield  not  now  ,  inthefehis  ;r,  45>1i)223 
 gracious  convincements,  they  fliall  at  the  laft  day  be  brought  2 3.P bit. z. 9 >ioy 
 to  it  by  his  ir rentable  Force,  when  they  (hall  be  left  without  11.  *Tht(***o. 
 excufe,  and  juftly  condemned ,   becaufe  they  did  not  receive 
 his  convincements ,    when  in  acknowledgement  they  might 
 have  been  faved. 
 
 2.  He  alfo  even  thus,and  by  this  forefaid,teacheth  the  con- 
 vinced Believers ,  and  fo  lcadeth  them  into  all  TrutW ;    not 
 by  a  fpeaking  of  himfelf,  giving  immediate  Light ,  Infpirati- 
 ons,  Motions,  and  Difhtis,  without  any  Ground  or  Bottom 
 from  the  Sacrifice  of  Chrift  5  nor  by  an  Exaltation  of  his  own 
 Shines  or  Infpiration,  to  bottom  the  Believers  ^>n  them  ,   or 
 lift  them  up  by  them  ;  nor  doth  he  take  of  the  things  of  the 
 Believers,  as  they  are  Heirs^ either  their  Righteoufaefs,  their 
 Changes ,  their  Vifits,  or  any  thing  wherein  they  are  better 
 than  others,  to  ground  their  Faith  on  ;   nor  doth  he  difcover 
 to  them  any  fecret  purpofe ,  couniel  or  ele£lion  of  God  con-  70^.16.13,14, 
 cerning  them ,  preceding  the  Death  and  Oblation  cf  Chrift,  15.cH4.16.cr 
 purchasing  the  lame,  and  as  the  Fountain  of  the  fame  to  li'*4**7,witb 
 them  :    But  he  fpeaking  not  of  himfelf ,  but  of  what  he  re-  ^0*  tf '*7# 
 ceives  from  the  Father  and  the  Son,from  whom  he  proceeds ; 
 and  in  bringing  to  minde  his  layings      he  taketh  cf  *he 
 things  of  Chrift  ,    his  Death  ,    Refurre&ion ,     Saaince-of- 
 fering,  Peace  mad?,  and  the  Father's  Acoptan.e  ,  and  Exal- 
 tation of  him;  andibof  his  Son(hip,Elec^ion ,  Pulnefs,  and 
 Priviledgcs :  and  fo  glorifying  him ,  doth  lead  Believers  into 
 all  Truth, 
 
 3.  This  alfo  the  Apoftles  andfirft  Witnefles  of  Chrift,  ac-  ,a  %        ? 
 cording  to  the  Command  of  God  and  Chrift,  and  the  Spirits  &£ %Xl  & 
 guidance,  pra&ifed  in  their  Miniftration  ,    pleaching  this  10.36-43.dM3. 
 Oblation ;  and  by  and  with  it ,  all  their  Reproofs,  Exhorta-  23-47.  *c«r.^ 
 tions,Inrtru£*ion?,  and Confolations :  yea,  they  determined  I4"zl* 
 in  their  Miniftrations  to  the  People,  not  to  know  (  own,  ap« 1  Cor  2j3l. 
 prove,  or  make  ufe  of)  any  thing  fave  J  efus  Chrift,  and  him 
 crucified ;  not  any  other  Doarine,  Counfels,  Works,  Learn- 
 ing, Wifdom  of  Words,or  Excellency  of  Speech  among  their 
 Hearers:   whence  their  whole  preaching  is  called,     The  tC0Y  ,  l8  l9> 
 preaching  ef  the  Crofi;  and  that  faid  to  be  the  power  of  God  zo%1\,' 
 to  us  which  arc  fayed  5  though  to  wbelieve^fooliflbnefcymd 
 
 a 
 
ift  The  Vfe  Ministers  are  to  nuf^e 
 
 a  Stumbling-block  :  iuch  fulnefs  they  law  in  this  Oblation  of 
 Chrirt  ,  and  iuch  uie  did  they  make  thereof  in  all  their  Miai- 
 .#.  flraiion. 
 
 M*t.i*A9.  4-  This  Death  and  Sacrifice  of  Qkrift,  the  Purgation  made 
 
 Mtr'.*'il.with  thereby  ,  and  the  Efficacies  thereof,  is  that,  which  Baptifm 
 2^,24.4^,47,  with  Water  intheName  of  theLord,in  its  way ,  andasan 
 iS:.  K/T4  l!'  ac^*ltio11  co  vo:a^  N^Ainfi  of  the  Gofpel ,  doth  preach  and 
 iV.H^.Wts-s!  wiinefs ;  and  into  which  we  alio  are  bap: Lc  J,  when,  and  as 
 icor.  12.13.  '  we  are  fpiritually  baptized  intoChritf. 
 Gal.3.13,  i4)  5,  This  alio  is  that,  the  continual  remembrance  whereof 
 27*  we  are  to  celebrate  ,    and  (hew  forth, in  our  ufe  of  the 
 
 Supper  of  the  Lord ,  till  he  come  again  ,   1  Or.  1 1 .  2  3, 24, 
 25,26. 
 
 6.  k  is  this,  and  this  only,  in  and  by  which  is  opened  for 
 He*.  10  18,19,  us  the  new  and  living  way  for  all  our  approach  to  God ,  and 
 2o.Jeb.iol7,9.  inco  unjon  anc|  fellow(hip  with  him  and  his  people  ,  and  ac- 
 13-18.  ceptable  lcrvice  of  both. 
 
 So  that  this  Do^rine  of  the  Oblation  of  Chrilt  for  us  all, 
 
 is  that  with  which  the  Minivers  of  the  Gofpel  are  to   do 
 
 all  their  work  in  their  Minirtration  ;  and  fo  doing  and  fo 
 
 VfL  14. 7       fpeaking  ,  they  ftiall  fpeak  with  the  Lip  of  Knowledge ,    and 
 
 ipet\  ii*.      as  tne  Oracles  of  God,  and  teach  as  the  anointing  Believers 
 
 ljob.z.ioyii,  have  received,  teacheth  ;   and  fo  divide  to  every  one  their 
 
 *73i2tiTim.3.  Portion ,  and  aniwer all  the  cavilling  Objections  of  the  Ad- 
 
 ,5i  verfaries,  that  pretend  contradictions  in  the  Scripture  :  for 
 
 in  holding  forth  this  Oblation,  as  is  (hewn,  they  fliali  cleerly 
 
 fhew  ,  how  Jeius  Chrift  was  before  all  things,  and  yet  as  the 
 
 publick  Man,after  Adam ;  and  ib  how  he  Was  both  before  and 
 
 after  <*Adam,  Abraham?  David  ;    and  how  the  Lord  ,   and 
 
 yet  the  Son  of  David ;  and  how  equal  to  the  Father ,    and 
 
 yet  was  in  the  flefh  inferiour  to  the  Father  :    how  as  the 
 
 great  Sacrificer  he  died  and  offered  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  and 
 
 Ranfom  for  all  Men ;  and  alio,  as  the  faithful  and  perfecuted 
 
 Shepherd,laid  down  his  Life  for  his  Sheep ,    even  the  Sheep 
 
 of  his  Minillration :    and  ib  how  he  left  the  World ,    and  is 
 
 not  here ,   bgt  in  Heaven  ;  and  yet  how  he  remaineth  here, 
 
 and  is  with  and  in  his  people  on  Earth:  and  many  like  things 
 
 bv  the  difcoveryof  Jeius  Chrift  according  to  his  Oblation 
 
 offered,  are  anfwejred, 
 
 But 
 
Of  this  T>oBrine^.  iyf 
 
 But  they  that  defpife  this  life  of  the  Oblation  in  their  Mi- 
 nitration  ,  and  fet  light  by  ft ,   becaufe  ie  opens  fo  plajn  and 
 eafie  a  way  of  Knowledge,  and  takes  away  that  exceflite  Ho- 
 nour, and,  as' fome  conceive,  the  neceffary  ule  of  their  great 
 Learning  and  skill  in  Philofophy  ,  in  Logick,   Rhetorick  and 
 School-Arts,  andfo  would  binder  the  Adoration  of  them, 
 both  far  theie,  and  alio  for  fame  flcflily  humility,  and  outfide 
 appearing  ieveriry  and  holinefs ,  which  yet  they  have  in  the 
 Hearts  of  the  People  ,   and  thereby  hinder  their  power  of 
 ruling  over  the  Confciences  and  Faith  of  the  people,  andfo 
 tfain  the  pride  oc  all  their  Glory  :  and  therefore  they  reject  7/^.28.9,10^1 
 to  i'ubmit  to  fuch  ule  of  the  Oblation  of  Chrilt  in  their  Mi-  J%\  l4,  i6yi7[ 
 niftration  ;   and  yet  tocolour  the  evil  of  their  refufal ,  they  with  0.19.9,11-, 
 will  ule  all  their  skill  to  have  here  a  line  and  there  a  line,  IM4jty- 
 here  a  precept  and  there  a  precept  of  the  Gofpel  ;' and  with 
 fuch  fubtilties  carry  on  the  bufinefs ,   as  if  the  Vifion  of  All 
 wereafealedBook  :  and  whatever  is  there  faid  of  Chrifthis 
 dying  for  all ,  and  being  the  Propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the 
 whole  World,  &c.  that  every  one  might  believe ,  and  in  be- 
 lieving have  life  and  refrefhing,  and  lb  reft  :  yet  that  is  a 
 thing  fealed  up,  it  is  not  to  be  taken  plainly  according  to  the 
 import  of  the  words ,  it  belongs  to  fome  eleft  Company, 
 which  unlearned  Men  cannot  know ,  nor  the  unlearned  nei- 
 ther, who  they  be  that  are  of  that  number,  till  by  fome  of 
 their  ftudied  Demonftrations,it  come  to  be  manifeftedrand  to 
 them  you  mud  refort  for  this  Knowledge  ;   for  the  work  of 
 their  Miniftery  is  to  help  Men  to  know  who  be  of  that  num- 
 ber ;  and  as  for  unlearned  Men  ,   they  muft  be  kept  humble, 
 and  not  prefume  to  think  themfelves  able  to  read  the  Vifion,, 
 or  dare  to  underhand  it,  according  to  the  plain  import  cf  the 
 words  and  fayings  in  the  Vifion*  yea,   fuch  by  their  great 
 learning  do  fo  garnifh  over  the  matter ,  .that  neither  their  fe<- 
 cret  ends  of  felf-advancing,  nor  their  flighting  the  Founda- 
 tion, and  Vifion  of  all,may  appear  to  the  people ;  yea,  they 
 conceive,to  any,  for  they  fay,  who  feeth m  ?  Who  can  accufe  m  ?  7^«  f  .*« •  <^8; 
 But  thefe  want  true  Wifdorn,and  make  falfe  and  vain  preach-  8j  9" 
 ings  and  writings  ;  and  fcorning  to  ftoop  to  his  command, 
 indire&ing  the  People  for  reft  and  refreffing  to  this  appoint-   f 
 ed  reft,  God  lets, Wmfelfagainft  them,  to.  advance  what  they  ['*'\  '.I2*1*' 
 
 defpile 
 
vfi       Of  the  general  Intercession  of  thrift. 
 
 defpife  and  caft  (hame  on  them  :   and  they  perfifting  afcer 
 
 warning,  become  drunk  with  conceits,  and  afleep,  and  full  of 
 
 dreams;  and  To  teaching  Mens  Precepts ,  lead  the  people  to 
 
 ip.299,io3u,  an  hypocritical  zeal  and  holinefe  in  worfhipping  God  :    and 
 
 i*' pV'^i5' *6' Goci  ^ets  him^c^ to  blal*  anc^  Punifll  them  >  and  will  difcover 
 ^i^^'lj^  their  fubtilties,that  Believers  fhall  know  and  reprove  them: 
 
 23.(5,17,28529  and  if  yet  they  perfift  in  their  way,    and  teaching  the  docu- 
 
 Mat.is.iCor.i.  ments  of  Men  ,  he  warns  Believers  not  to  hearken  to  them, 
 
 i8,i9-i4.'2tw».  but  to  let  them  alone,  and  not  to  regard  their  dreams ;  af- 
 
 furing  us,    that  all  devotion  and  worfhipping  of  God  by 
 
 Mens  documents,  is  vain :    his  Word  is  the  Wheat,  the  Red 
 
 Chaff ;  his  Word  the  Hammer  that  breaketh  the  Stone, 
 
 the  preaching  of  theCrofs;  the  Gofpel  is  the  Power  of  God, 
 
 and  that  wherein  his  power  goeth  forth  to  fave.  $0  hath  God 
 
 magnified  the  word  of  the  Oblation  of  Chrift. 
 
 The  fecond  Branch  of  the  Teftimony  of  C  brill. 
 
 CHAP.  12. 
 
 Of  the  Mediation  and  Intercefsion  of  Chrift.     And  fir  ft  ^  of 
 that  general. 
 
 BY  the  Interceffion  of  Chrift  ,  I  mean  alfo  his  Mediation, 
 but  not  that  part  of  his  Mediation  at  once  made  in  that 
 one  Oblation  in  his  once  offering  up  of  himielf  a  Sacrifice  to 
 God,  which  is  one  part ,  and  the  firft  part  of  his  Mediation, 
 in  which  the  flrft  work  and  buiinefs  was  compleated  :  but 
 that  meant  here,  is  his  continued  Mediation  ;  that  in  which, 
 by  vertue  of  his  own  Oblation  once  offered ,  and  his  firlt 
 work  finifhcd ,  he  remaineth  a  Mediator  ftill ,  ever-living, 
 mediating  and  interceding :  and  of  this  his  continual  Media- 
 tion, that  is  ftill  doing  ,  is  in  this  Branch  of  the  Teftimony 
 to  be  confidered « and  it  is  both  general,  and  more  fpecial,  as 
 will  appear :  and  fo  I  will  treat  firftof  the  General. 
 
 The 
 
Of  the  general  Inter  cefsion  ofChrift.     \yy 
 
 The  general  Mediation  and  IntercetTion  of  Jefus  Chrift  is 
 between  God  and  Men.     There  is  one  <yod9  and  one  Mediator  ir}mt»,^6. 
 between  Cod  and  Men^  the  Man  Ckrfi  Jefm^  who  gave  himfelf  a 
 Ranfom  for  all  Men.     In  which  ic  is  plain  ,   That  jefus  Chrift: 
 gave  himfelf  a  Ranfom  for  all  Men  :  not,    That  he  is  giving ; 
 but,  Hath  given  himfelf  a  Ranfomfor  all.      That  work  is  done 
 and  finifhed  :  and  yet  this  is  here  alio  evident  ,  That  not- 
 withstanding the  Ranfom  given ,   and  the  Purgation  and  A- 
 tonement  made,  and  the  Redemption  thereby  obtained,  and 
 the  Love  and  Mercy  fhewn  through  this  Raniom  given  in 
 means  to  draw  Men  to  God  ;     Men  are  found  finners  ft  ill 
 upon  another  account,  even  againft  the  Grace  that  fhould  Rom.z^u 
 lead  them  to  Repentance  ,  and  fo  not  of  one  minde  with 
 God  ,  but  averfe  to  him  ;  and  i'o  need  a  Mediator :  but  yet 
 God  in  Chrift  is  yet  of  one  minde  in  his  Love  to  extend 
 Mercy ,  and  therefore  hath  found  out  and  given  this  his  Son, 
 and  our  Kinfman  and  Saviour ,  the  Ranfom-Giver,  to  be  the 
 Mediator  between  him  and  Men.    So  then  this  is  alfo  plain,  G^-3-io* 
 That  this  Mediator  is  he  ,  even  the  fame  Jefus  Christ ,  that  gave 
 himfelf  a  Ranfom  for  all  Men  ;  and,  That  his  Mediation  is  with9 
 and  by  vertae  of  that  %gnfcm given.     Now  a  Mediator  is  more 
 than  a  Dayes-man  or  Arbitrator ,  to  lay  his  Hand  on  two 
 Parties  and  variance  :   to  bring  the  one  to  abate  fome  part  of 
 the  Debt  or  Trefpafs,    and  the  other  to  pay  and  fetisfie 
 fome  part  ;  and  fo  to  make  Friends,  and  at  one :  fuch  a  one  j0y  9„  ,c^ 
 would  not  be  furftcientfor  us ,  nor  can  fuch  a  one  be  found,  %*i+ 
 But  this  Mediator  is  one,   that  by  an  irifinitely-unvaluable 
 Sacrifice,  hath  fully  payed  the  Debt  we  were  firft  run  in- 
 to ;  he  gave  himfelf  a  Ranfom  :  and  by  the  farther  provifion 
 made  in  that  Sacrifice ,   and  the  over-abundant  and  infinite 
 value  and  worth  that  was  in  it  by  vertue  thereof,  he  procures 
 free-forgivenefs  of  following  evils  on  a  new  fcore,  and  exten- 
 tion  of  means  and  Grace  to  Men,  to  bring  them  into  Repen- 
 tance, and  fo  Peace  and  onenefs  with  God:  fo  dealing  with 
 God  for  Men,  in  procuring  for  them,  and  extending  to  fome, 
 Revelation  ,  Demonftration  and  making  known  his  minde 
 and  goodnefs  to  them;  and  alio  dealing  with  Men  from  and 
 for  God,  in  opening  their  Eyes,  and  moving  their  Hearts ,  to 
 turn  to  God,  and  look  to  him ,  and  be  faved :  and  again  ftili 
 
 U  -  deal- 
 
138       Of  the  general  Intercefiion  ofChrift. 
 
 dealing  wich  God  for  Men  ,  for  patience,  pardon  and  mean?, 
 ftill  to  be  extended  to  them ,  that  fothcy  might  come  to  Re* 
 pentance  and  Faith  ,    and  that  he  in  his  Father's  way  may 
 freely  give  it  to  them.     By  which  means ,   and  in  which  pa- 
 tience, he  is  Urn  ing  with  Men  ,   in  opening  their  Eyes ,   and 
 moving  at  their  Hearts,  that  they  might  believe ;  and  to  from 
 the  prevalency  of  his  Mediation  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation, 
 he  is  giving  them  Faith  and  Repentance  :  and  fuch  a  Media- 
 tor he  is  for  all  Men  ;  yea ,   ib  let  to  be  of  his  Father ,   and 
 hath  himfelf  accepted  to  perform  this  Office  alio ,  and  is  fur- 
 nifhed  for  it  with  the  vertue  of  his  Oblation  and  Immeaiura- 
 ble  fulneis  of  the  Holy  Ghott  ;  being  faithful,  able,  and  con- 
 ftant  in  performance  :   and  ib  in  refpe&  of  his  receiving 
 from  the  Father,  and  fo  from  God  dealing  with  the  people, 
 calling  and  making  known  God'-i  minde,  being  full  of  Spirit, 
 Love  and  Faithfulnefs ;  he  calls ,  enlightens ,  moves,  and  fo 
 a  ifa.^i.\-7.&  drives  with  all,  as  hsth  been  forefliewn  a.   And  whereas  men 
 45.11.  &w.6%  clofing  their  Eyes  which  he  hath  opened ,  &c.  not  owning 
 8.^**'.5-#6i  and  receiving  his  teachings  andmotions ,  which  is  the  fin  of 
 ^^>V.4>55tne  world,    he  yet  by  vertue  of  his  Blood  and  Oblation 
 fom.?jL°<.1  '  once  c^erc^  *  *°  intercedes  with  God ,   as  to  procure  fuch 
 forgivenefs,  that  they  are  not  cut  off  preiently  for  thefe  tranf- 
 greffions  ;    but  that  longer  time  and  patience,    and  more 
 mercies  and  means  be  extended  towards  them,    and  farther 
 ftrife  wich  his  Spirir,  that  they  might  yet  repent,  believe  and 
 be  laved.      A  gracious  Mediator,  intimated  to  us  in  thePa- 
 Ih\.i*,$&      rable  of  the  Vine-drefler ,  Lord ,  let  it  alone  this  jeer  alfa  till  I 
 dtj  abom  it ,  and  drefiit :  and  if  it  bear  fruity  well ;  if  »oty  then 
 after ,  &C 
 
 If  any  fay  ,    This  is  meant  of  the  Church  ,    the  Vineyard  of  the 
 lews  ; 
 
 I  anfwer,  However  meant,  it  is  fpoken  of  particular  Trees 
 
 therein  ,  of  fotne  of  which  our  Saviour  faith  ,  Ye  are  of  this 
 
 _  ,   World:  but  it  is  plain  expreis  by  John  Baptifi;  Behold  the  Lamb 
 
 {29*  ;'  °f  Go*  which  ta^tb  (  or  beareth  )  away  tkfi**  *f the  *">rld. 
 In  which  it  appeareth  evidently ,  he  fpeaketh  of  more  than 
 the  Atonement  and  Purgation  made  ;  and  fo  of  the  fins 
 taken  away  from  before  the  Face  of  God  at  once  ,  by  that 
 one  Oblation  of  his  once-  offered  j  yea ,  he  fpeaketh  of  a 
 
 con- 
 
Of  the  general  Inter  cefiion  of  Chrift.       139 
 
 continued  a& ,  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation  in  Mediation :  he 
 taketh  (that  is  fpoken  of  a  prefent  and  continued  buftnefs,  he 
 taketh  or  beareth  )  away  the  fin  of  the  world  :  that  is  his  Of- 
 fice, and  his  continued  work.     That  he  is  faithful  in  doing, 
 and  how  he  doth  ir,  was  long  before  prophefied  :  He  poured  ifa.^.u. 
 out  his  foul  unto  death  ,  and  he  was  numbred  with  tranfgrefforsy 
 and  he  bare  the  fins  of  many.     And  then  fpeaking  of  another, 
 and  farther  bufinefs,  done  by  veitue  of  the  former ,   he  faith 
 alfo  ,  And  made  interceffion  for  the  tranfgreffors  :    A  little  of 
 which  we  may  fee  fulfilled  in  Chrift's  praying  for  them  that 
 crucified  him,  Father  forgive  themy  they  know  not  what  they  do.  ft*£fej.^ 
 And  this  Prayer  of  his  was  anfwered,  (yea,  in  as  full  a  fenle 
 and  farther  degree  than  that  of  sAmos )  and  they  fo  forgiven 
 this  great  Tranfgreflion,  that  they  were  not  prefently  cutoff;  f^J.'*^' 
 but  patience  and  forbearance  ,   and  more  and  greater  means  JtJ.7.39.  '&■$". 
 extended  and  ufed  towards  them ;  yea,  the  Gofpel,  after  the  *6.&  5.3 1 ,32, 
 Refurre&ion  and  Afcenfion  of  Chrift  ,     frrft    preached   to 
 them,  and  Remiflion  of  fins,  &c.  according  to  Chrift  his  Or- 
 der fo  tendered  and  given  to  them.     And  many  of  them  did 
 believe  and  receive  the  fame.  And  in  like  manner  he  procured 
 patience  and  long-iuffering  for  other  great  Tranfgreffors,  e- 
 ven  for  the  fame  gracious  end,That  they  might  repent  i  whence  %p 
 we  are  willed  to  account  ,    That  the  long-fuffering  of  the  Lord  va^VSwS 
 is  falvation.     Yea  ,  we  are  inftru&ed  into  the  knowledge  of 
 this  Mediation  of  Chrift  by  the  Types  of  old:  the  Truth  of 
 all  being  fulfilled  and  found  in  Chrift:  For  Chrift  was  once  of- Hcb.f.is, 
 feredy  to  bear  the  (ms  of  many :   and  unto  them  that  look^for  him% 
 he  (hall  appear  thefecond  ttme  without  fin  unto  falvation.  It  is  e- 
 vident  in  this  place,  That  more  is  here  fpoken  of,  and  meant, 
 than  bearing  of  fins  in  his  Oblation-offering  ;  for  thofe  he  tTeU1  a   Cot 
 bare  in  his  Sufferings  and  Death,    and  nailed  them  to  his  n4.Rom.\.ii 
 Crofs :  fo,  as  he  did  them  all  away  in  his  Refurre£tion ,  and  Heb.944.11dt. 
 then  by  the  eternal  Spirit  offered  himfelf  a  fpotlefs  Sacrifice  *A&om.6.9. 
 to  God  in  the  Heavens ;    nor  can  there  be  any  more  (in  ,  fo 
 imputed  to  him,  or  fo  born  by  him  :  he  h  juft,  and  can  die  no 
 more ;  but  his  bearing  fins  now,is  his  taking  them  away ,  and 
 keeping  the  punifhment  of  them  off  firm  us.     And  this  was 
 alfo  figured  to  u<  in  the  two  Goats:  one  fhin  for  a  fin-off  ring, 
 figuring  out  theAtonement  made  by  theDeath  of  Chrift  jthe  o- 
 
 U  a  ther 
 
14.0       Of  the  general  Inter  cejslon  o/Cbrifl. 
 
 tevk.i6.9,iOi  thcr^  living  Goat,over  whom  was  confefs'dall  the  iniquity  of 
 »o,»i,ii.iCtr.  the  Children  of  Ifrael;  and  he  bare  them  away  into  a  Land  of 
 15.17.te.4-i5  reparation,  where  no  man  dwelt  to  be  charged  with  them.  So 
 figuring  out  the  Refurre3ion  of  Chritt  for  our  Judication, 
 and  bearing  away  our  fins :  the  forgivenei's  whereof,  men  per- 
 ceive and  receive  in  confeffng  andbelievingon  him  ;  and  yet 
 1J&.1.7&     a  farther  bearing  away  of  fins  was  here  typed,  in  that  it  was 
 of  fins  confefled  after  the  Atonement  was  made  over  the  live 
 Goat  that  carried  them  away,  &c.     But  I  will  not  urge  that, 
 but  come  to  that  which  i<  more  full  and  plain  for  this  purpofe: 
 £*fl/.*8.i$,3o  daronxhz  High-Pricfi:  did  bear  the  names  and  the  Judgement 
 of  the  Children  of  Ifrael ,   when  he  went  into  the  holy  place 
 continually;  and  he  with  his  Sons  the  Priefts,were  to  bear  the 
 iniquity  of  the  Congregation  ,  to  make  Atonement  for  them 
 fcezftt.fo.17.    before  the  Lordjand  this  was  befides  the  Atonement  made  in 
 the  holy  of  holies  ,  once  in  the  yeer.    And  what  bearing  of 
 iniqaity  this  wa<,  may  be  cleer  to  us  :    nor  that  the  iniquity 
 of  the  people  was  imputed  to  the  Prie^s,  and  confefs'd  over 
 their  heads,  and  they  to  fuffer  the  judgement  and  punifhment 
 due  to  the  people*  fins  ,  and  to  be  offered  in  Sacrifice  for 
 them;  notlo  :    But  (as  skilful!  Hebricians  lay ,   The  word 
 Ggnifies,  and  the  Greeks  tranflates  fo)  to  bear  and  take  away ; 
 yea ,  it  is  fo  opened  to  us  in  the  Scripture,  to  be  by  their  ier- 
 Uumb.  1 8.1,2,  vice  and  Minifi  ration  in  the  Sanituary,  by  verme  of  the  great 
 3>4>5-zV3-    Atonement  maderand  lb  by  all  their  Sacrifices  &  Purifications 
 in  their  Minii •  ration,  to  take  away  the  peoples  fins.     Whence 
 it  U  plain,their  bearing  of  iniquity  was  a  taking  of  it  away,by 
 minifiring  about  ,  and  ordering  cf  the  holy  things  ;   burning 
 Incenfe  ,    offering  Sacrifices,  fprinklirg  the  unclean ,  &c. 
 (wh;ch  the  people  were  not  betrufied  to  do,    but  the 
 Priefts)  that  they  might  have  God's  Ordinances ,  and  his  pre- 
 feiice  therein,  with  Mercies  continued  to  them  :   and  hew 
 fhould  the  H^h-Prieit  bear  both  the  Names  and  Judgement 
 of  the  Tfraelites  on  his  heart,  but  in  teoder  companion  ,  and 
 love  to  .hem  >  and  care  for  them  ;  fo  to  minifier  and  order 
 t^e  whole  Mini  ration  in  their  behalf  ?     And  now  fare  the 
 H^.91470  »  Truth  of  all  r  is  is  found  in  Chrift;  he  doth  till  appear  be- 
 19.  H.b.i  -7  for   God  in  tbe  heaven  of  heaven^,  by  vertue  of  his  Oblati- 
 &4M.&i>\-9.  on  anj  sacrifice  by  him  once  offered,  to  take  a  way,  an  dfo  is 
 
 taking 
 
Of  the  general  Intercefsion  ef  Chrijl.       \^\ 
 
 taking  away  our  daily  (ins ;  and  he  able ,  faithful  and  full  of 
 companion.  Nor  is  any  other  betrufted  with  this  bufinefs, 
 nor  left  to  approach  to  God  in  his  own  Name,  /ill  flefh  is 
 grafr  bntthe-word  of  the  Lord  (that  was  made  flefh.  )  endureth 
 for  ever. 
 
 But  I  need  fay  no  more  to  this,  the  words  are  fo  plain ,  by 
 Bear,  to  mean  it,  To  bear  after  his  offering  \  and  ,    By  vertue  of 
 his  offering  which  was  to  that  end  alio  offered  ,  Chnft  wot  once 
 offered  to  bear  (or  that  he  might  bear  )  the  (ins  of  many.      But  Hl^-  9'  *4» 
 who  are  thole  Many*     It  is  evident ,  they  are  fuch  as  are  (iill 
 found  Tranfgreffors ,  and  have  fins  daily  to  take  away  ;  yea, 
 furely  fuch  work  enough  they  might  finde  him:  lb  that  he 
 might  juftly  complain  of  them ,    That  they  trouble  him  not 
 with  their  holy  Defires,  Prayers ,  and  fpiritual  Sacrifices  for 
 him  to  perfume  with  his  Odours,    and  prefent  to  his  Fa- 
 ther:    But  the/  make  him  ro  ferve  with  their  fin*,    mA  t fa.  &.%%,%& 
 fo  weary  him  with  their  iniquities ,    that  he  is  prcffed  with  z^.i^Amoi  z. 
 them  as  a  Cart  is  preffedwith  fheaves  j  yet  he  mediateth  for  lh 
 pardon  :  yea,  this  many  alio ,    are  more  than  fuch  as  will  be 
 eternally  faved :    for  it  is  not  faid,  And  unto  them  whofe  fins  he 
 did  bear,  [or  thofe  many  whofe  fins  he  beareth ,  he  will  appear 
 the  fecond  time  without  fin  unto  falvation:     But  exprefly  ,  Unto 
 them  that  look^  for  him    (  which  is  a  dillindt  expreffion  of  a 
 peculiar,  called  out  of  a  general ;    which  can  be  no  other  but 
 io  many  of  thofe  many  ,  whofe  fins  he  bears ,  as  through  his 
 gracioufnefs  are  drawn  to  believe  in  him ,  and  love  him,  and 
 jo  look  for  his  coming  )    to  fuch  hefhall  appear  the  fecond  time 
 without  fin  unto  falvation.     So  that  it  is  evident  here  ,    That  cwfP*re*im. 
 Many  in  one  fenfe,is  as  large  as  All,  as  is  elfewhere  often.  But  \^h^m.ylx, 
 yet  it  is  both  here,  and  in  ibme  other  place*,  in  great  wifdom  iTim.i.6. 
 expreiVd  in  the  yvovdMaxyyvhich  will  bear  out All "men  living 
 upon  the  earthen  any  one  age  or  generation  of  men  :  And  fo  from 
 Age  to  Age,  and  from  Generation  to  Generation  ,  from  the 
 beginning  of  the  World  to  the  end  thereof.      And  Chrilt  his 
 interceding  for  Tranfgreffors  is  at  an  end  for  them  at  fart  heft- 
 when  thev  die  :   and  fo  all  men  for  whom  he  effered  his  Ob- 
 lation to  God ,  not  living  upon  this  earth  at  once,  in  one  Age 
 or  Generation  ,    his  Mediation  and  Tnterceffion  that  is  by 
 vertue  of  his  Oblation  once  offered ,   is  for  men  in  their  fe- 
 
 veral 
 
ij.1       Of  the  general  intercefsion  ofChrifl. 
 
 vcral  Ages :  And  fo  for  fome  it  is  palt ,    and  for  fome  it  is  to 
 come ;  and  for  the  prefent  living  it  is  now  a  doing  ,  he  is 
 now  mediating  with  God  for  men;yea,all  living  on  earth  that 
 are  not  yet  blotted  out  of  the  Book  of  Life,  and  they  are  ma- 
 ntctef.  9  4,5.    ny*  (in  which  refpe£t  al(o  it  is  faid,  A  living  dog  is  better  than  a 
 i  rim  i.  5.  lfa.  dead  hor^  because  to  him  that  is  joyned  to  the  livings  there  is  hope:) 
 5 !**•  fo  that  by   the  Types  we  are  led  to  minde  what  is  found 
 
 in  the  Truth ,  according  to  what  is  plainly  affirmed  ,  even, 
 That  Jefus  Chrift  is  the  Mediator  between  God  and  Men, 
 Htb.7.  and  that  he  maketh  Interceflion  for  the  Tranfgreffors  ;    yea, 
 
 and  that  this  may  more  fully  appear  what  a  Mediator  he  is; 
 I  may  alfo  fay ,  as  he  was  figured  by  MechUedec ,  that  was 
 aPrieft  of  the  molt  high  God,  and  a  King,  &c  not  limited  to 
 Abraham^  Family,  or  the  Ifraelitifh  Nation ;  but  even  over 
 irim.  i.5><*.  the  World  :  fo  in  fome  fenfe  Jefus  Chritt  is  a  Prieft  over  all 
 the  World,  in  that  he  offered  his  Oblation  for  all  men  ,  and 
 U  the  Mediator  between  God  and  Men  in  general.  And  he 
 Joh.x. 4,1,7,*,  alfo  in  fuch-like  fenfe  is  a  Prophet  for  the  whole  World  ,  en- 
 9.^0.10.36.  lightning  every  one  that  cometh  into  the  World  5  andfo 
 ^M/.i8.i8.  likewifeheisthe  King,  and  Lord  of  all,  in  whofe  hands  the 
 power,and  ruling,and  Lordfhip  over  all,  is ;  God  admin  Wring 
 his  Providence  through  the  Mediator  Chrift  :  fo  that  there  is 
 fuch  a  Mediator  between  God  and  Men ,  as  is  both  King, 
 Prieft  and  Prophet ;  yea  ,  fuch  a  one  as  hath  given  himielf  a 
 Ranfom  for  men ;  yea,  fuch  a  one  as  is  one  with  God,  the 
 fame  God  ;  and  one  with  men  ,  having  the  Nature  of  man, 
 and  fo  EmmamelGod  with  us,  even  the  Man  Chrift  Jefus, 
 who  is  full  of  Companion,  Love ,  Faithfulnefs  and  Power : 
 and  the  prevalency  of  his  mediation  by  vertue  of  his  Obla- 
 tion, is  feen  in  the  prefervation  of  man,  and  other  Creatures 
 for  man's  ufe,  and  in  the  patience  and  long-fuffe ranee  of  God 
 extended  ,  and  the  means  ufed  towards  them,  to  bring  them 
 to  Repentance  and  Faith ,  and  fo  bringing  many  thereto. 
 All  which  our  fins  againfl:  Light  would  deprive  u?  of,  but  for 
 the  mediation  of  him  that  taketh  away  the  (in  of  the  VVorld. 
 Oh  gracious  and  unwearied  Mediator! 
 
 And  this  his  general  Mediation  is  for  all  men ,  as  afore  o- 
 pzned,even  for  tne  TranferefT  >rs ;  and  in  faying/Iw  all  mtnfiz- 
 Uevers  &  Saints  are  included :  who  are  alfo  ufuiUy  called  mer* 
 
 though 
 
Of  the  more  fecial  14.5 
 
 though  not  ufually  called  the  Tranfgreflors :  yet  as  they  are 
 men  ,  and  do  in  many  things  offend  ,  and  fo  in  a  fenfc  are 
 TranigrcflV»rs  *  they  do  both  need ,  and  have  their  part  in 
 this  Mediation,  or  the  Mediation  of  Ch  rift  thus  confider- 
 ed.  And  that  Mediation  which  is  more  fpecial  for  Be- 
 lievers ,  or  the  Mediation  of  Chrift  ,  as  it  is  more  fpecially 
 confidered  as  it  is  for  Saints ;  it  hath  in  it  alio  a  great  deal  of 
 tendency  for  the  good  of  the  men  of  the  world  ,  feeing  his 
 Mediation  for  the  Saints ,  and  its  prevalency  with  God,  for  t 
 preiervingthemin  the  world,  after  they  are  chofen  out  of  K*{£';' *7'**>i7' 
 and  their  San£Hfication,  Union,  Miniftration,  and  Bleffing  on  * 
 it,  are  all  to  this  end,  and  have  this  tendency ,  that  the  world 
 might  believe  ;  in  which  believing,  they  (Tiall  receive for- 
 givenefs  and  life.  So  that  this  Branch  of  the  Teftimony  of 
 the  Interceffion  cf  Chriltthus  far ,  i?,  together  with  his  Ob- 
 lation off  red,good  News,  true  Gofpel,to  be  preached  to  the 
 Wotld,  to  all  men  ;  that  they  might  believe ,  and  having  fit- 
 nefs  and  power  to  draw  them  ,  that  they  might  believe  : 
 it  being  all  alfo  true  before  they  believe,  that  they  might  be- 
 lieve ;  and  fo  true,whether  they  believe  it  or  nor. 
 
 CHAP.   13. 
 
 Of  the  mere  fpecial  Mediation  of  ChriH ;  or^  his  Mediation, 
 as  more  f pec  i  ally  confidered. 
 
 T 
 
 He  more  fpecial  Mediation  of  Jefus  Chrift  ,  is  his  Media- 
 tion of  the  New  Teftament :  and  this  alfo,  is  by  vertue 
 of  his  Oblation  once  offered  ;  and  that  to  this  end,  That  Hcb     ,- 
 Believers  may  be  preferved  in  peace,  enjDy  the  Promifes  of   c  ' 9' 
 the  New  Teltament,  and  be  brought  to  receive  the  promifed 
 Inheritance.     And  in  this  refpeft  he  is,  and  is  called ,   The  Heb  8  2  6% 
 Minifter  of  theSan^uary  and  true  Tabernacle ,  which  the 
 Lord  pitched, and  not  man;  andfo  the  Mediator  of  a  bet- H^.u.24  hc£, 
 ter  Covenant,  eftablimed  upon  better  Promifes  ;  his  Blood  9.14,15, 
 
 being 
 
1^4-  Mediation  of  Uorijt. 
 
 being  fprinkled  on  thofe  that  come  to  him,  fpeaketh  peace  to 
 them,  and  purgeth  their  Confcience,  &c.    Therefore  alfo  his 
 Mediation  is  of  this  New  Teftament  y  that  they  which  are 
 called  might  receive  the  promifed  Inheritance  :   this  Media- 
 tion being  fofuli  and  excellent ,  hisfpecial  Interceflion  is  in 
 ir.     Whence  alio  it  is  fometime  called  Advocation ,   for  the 
 fulnefs  of  his  dealing  in  it,  in  removing  all  Stops ,  procuring 
 Grants,  and  affording  Inftruclions   and  Conlbiation  ,  that 
 compare  ijoh.  Believers  may  enjoy  Peace  ,    Freedom ,  Union  and  Fellow- 
 Yfoliz.?!.      ^P  w*tn  tym  anc*  the  Father,  and  beprelervedin  and  to 
 their  Hope.     So  it  is  faid  ,    //  any  man  fny  we  have  an  Advo- 
 cate with  the  Father,] e[vt4  (thrift  the  righteous.     He  faith  not, 
 If  any  man  fin,  he  hath  an  Advocate  ;  as  if  this  were  the  com- 
 mon priviledge  of  all  men  :     nor  faith  he  only ,  If  any  of  m 
 finywe have  an  Advocate ;  as  if  we  had  no  hope  to  pray  for 
 any  but  Believers :  but  in  general,//  any  man  fin>  whoc\et  of 
 u?,  or  not  of  us,  if  a  man  ,    we  have  an  Advocate,  one  with 
 the  Father,  known  to  us,  and  believed  in  by  us,  to  go  to  God 
 by  ,  who  advocateth  for  us ;  and  he  is  righteous  ,   and  will 
 procure  us  a  gracious  Anfwer,  when  we  in  his  Name  pray  for 
 ourfelves,   or  for  the  Church  ,  or  any  of  it;  yea,  and  alfo, 
 when,according  to  his  will,  we  pray  for  others  that  are  yet  of 
 the  world  :  for  he  is  alfo  the  Propitiation  for  our  fins,and  not 
 for  ours  only,  but  alro  for  the  fins  of  the  whole  world :  fo,  as 
 by  his  Oblarion,  having  made  peace  for  Mankinde ,   and  be- 
 ing now  the  Mercy-Seat  of  God,  and  the  Propitiation  to  pro- 
 pitiate; and  mediating  with  God  for  that  end,  whereby  he 
 hath  propitiated  us,  and  brought  us  in  to  believe  in  God, 
 6  & \Tli  jr*'anc*  *s  a'^ become  our  Advocate  ,   that  we  may  approach  to 
 i.'iS.  HcbJ'o.God  by  him,  both  for  ourfelves  and  for  others  ;   in  which 
 18,19  &  7. » 7-. confidence  Believers  approach  through  Chrirt  with  boldrefs 
 *4>*5-  to  the  Throne  of  Grace,  having  this  Ground,   Becaufehe 
 
 continuing  ever,  remaineth  a  Prieft  for  ever ,  having  an  un- 
 changeable Prielthood,  /W.7.25.  wherefore  he  is  able  to 
 fave  them  to  the  utmoit  (or  evermore)  that  come  unto  God 
 by  him ,  feeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  Interceflion  for  them  : 
 from  whence T  fhali  briefly  obferve  a  few  things  about  this 
 fpecial  Mediation  or  Interceflion  of  Jefus  Chrirt,  as  by  other 
 places  alio  I  have  kittrutfion, 
 
 1. That 
 
Of  the  more  fecial  14$ 
 
 1 .  Thtt  here  is  no  denial  or  exclufion  of  his  Mediation  foe 
 all  Men, and  Imerceffion  for  Tranfgreffor* ,  as  if  thofe  only 
 that  approach  to  God  by  him,  were  the  All,  the  only  and  the 
 
 whole  number,  for  whom  he  doth  in  any  fort  mediate  and 
 intercede.      He  neither  faith,  But  them,  or  only  therh ;  not 
 a  word  to  contradift  that  affirmed  in  other  places ;  nor  doth 
 he  here  fpeak  of  his  Mediation  and  Interceflion  for  men,  for 
 that  to  be  vouchfafed  them ,  whereby  they  might  believe, 
 and  fo  approach  to  God  through  him  ;  but  of  his  Mediation 
 and  Interceflion  for  thofe  that  do  already  believe ,  and  ap- 
 proach to  God  by  him;  and  fo  are  beheld  believing,and  com- 
 ing in  to  God  by  him ;  who  are  indeed  God's  chofen  **.*and  a  ir^.i.t.  & 
 thofe  to  whom  Chrift  is  the  Author  of  Eternal  Salvador*  £,  M>4»y.  *Tbef. 
 to  whom  he  is  to  give ,  and  hath  promifed  to  give ,  Eternal  *Ah 
 Life  c.      And  fo  Emphatical]  y  it  is  faid  of  them,  as  the  choice  c  f^J^-*. 
 upon  whomhis  eye  is  fet ,  He  ever  liveth  to  make  Interceffi-  ^17.3.  &  u[ 
 on  for  them;  for  them  dire&ly,fbr  them  specially.  **,»*. 
 
 2.  That  he  ever  liveth  to  intercede  for  them ,  that  is ,  to 
 officiate  and  perform  this  bufinefs  in  Heaven  for  them :  every 
 word  is  of  force: 
 
 1 .  He  ever  liveth,  as  their  Great  High-Prieft,  appearing  in  Hcb.  7. 13,14, 
 Heaven  for  them  in  their  Nature ,  and  as  their  Head ,    Hus-  Rom.  6.  $,i©. 
 band,  elder  Brother  and  Keeper  (he  died  oncefor  them,  and  *ev'plf' &u 
 rofe,  and  offered  the  Oblation  once  )  but  now  he  is  alive  for  Tj;*  ?7' '*°# 
 evermore,   andean  die  no  more,  but  liveth  ever  ;  fo  as 
 
 there  can  be  no  let  nor  ceafing  of  his  bufmefs  :  he  neither 
 flambereth  nor  fleepeth ;  fo  that  none  ftiall  or  can  perifo 
 through  any  defeft  in  his  Miniftration. 
 
 2.  He  ever  liveth  as  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Man  in  whom  j0bM^i.&u% 
 the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwelleth  bodily,  beloved  of  the  i6.pf*.  10.3,4! 
 Father,and  prevalent  with  him;  fo,  as  the  Father  denies  ^.17*4. 
 him  nothing:  his  fuites  are  all, and  always  granted;  fo,that 
 
 with  him  it  is  but,  /  w/7/,  and  it  is  done. 
 
 3.  He  ever  liveth,as  the  living  Obje&  of  Faith ,  the  Au-  a^AUuf^. 
 thor  and  Finifher  of  it ,  that  hath  Life  in  himfelf,  and  giveth  5.1*  .mM.3, 
 life  to  others ;  the  quickning  Spirit ,  that  quickneth  and  en-  4>M^-»5.44> 
 livencth  all  that  believe  on  him :  and  becaufe  he  ever  liveth,  *£  S'^a3 
 they  that  believe  on  him  (hall  live  alfo:  his  ever  living,  isa^^,'^  ' 
 flrong  confolatidn  to  Believers :  For  if  when  we  wert  enemies^ 
 
 X  we 
 
\$6  Of  the  more  fecial 
 
 m  were  reconciled  to  God  9  by  the  death  oj  his  Son -,  much  more 
 being  reconciled  to  God ,  wejball  be  faved  by  his  life ,  or  ever 
 living  to  intercede  for  us;  and  fo  to  quicken  and  prcferve 
 us. 
 7^.14.1^.  &  J.  That  he  everlivethto  make  Interceffion  for  them  :  I 
 17.14.  vfaLxo.  might  fay  in  a  fenfe,  to  pray  the  Father  for  them,  though  not 
 
 u  l',J'  u^iT  *•" thU  fubmifflv*  m*nncr» as  *hen  he  was  on  Earth  r  before 
 L*  '  3*  be  had  offered  the  Oblation,  with  tears  and  cries  ;  but,  as 
 one  accepted  having  Power,  and  Authority,  and  onenefs  with 
 the  Father,with  Iwilly&c.Thzt  they  be  one  with  u^and  filled 
 with  Spirit ,  even  all  the  good  things  of  thy  holy  Temple; 
 *  Hii  <  ^.^.^^P^y^sbe  anfwered  :  and  he  is  anfwered.  But  I 
 will  inftance  in  fome  particulars ,  as  well  as  by  Scripture  I 
 may. 
 
 1.  By  vertue  of  his  Blood  prefented  to  his  Father  ,  and 
 l.i,i "pfcjf '  7  fp"nWcdCin  the  fpiritual  documents  of  it,believed,//*.5 2.15. 
 Jto.j.i/i.4'  '  Rom.i  5.20,21.)  upon  their  hearts,  to  bring  them  to  fee  and 
 acknowledge  their  prefent  and  daily  infirmities,    defile- 
 ments and  offences  ;  and  by  the  vertue  of  his  Blood,  to  dif- 
 penfe  to  them  forgivenefs  and  cleanfing :  and  io  maintain  that 
 Peace  of  God  in  them ,   that  fliall  keep  their  hearts  through 
 him. 
 He b.6.to. &$•     2-  By  presenting  himfelf  for  them,  Wifdom,  Righteouf- 
 14.1  c^i.3o-nefs,Sanaification  and  Redemption ;  and  fo  presenting  them 
 3*.  before  the  Father  in  himlelf,  wife, righteous, holy,  free. 
 
 Job  14  ai  13.  ?•  ^  procuring  of  the  Fatherfuch  Manifeftations,by  his 
 Heb.  9. 13^14!  Spirit  in  the  Gofpel,of  the  vermes  of  his  Sufferings  and  Sacri- 
 <^io.i4.cW.i.ficefor them,  and  his  Father's  Love  there-through  to  them, 
 21,13.  fyb.$.  as  thereby  both  to  comfort  and  purifie  them  :  fo ,  as  in  due 
 *f**A7,       feafon  he  may  prefent  them  as  fpotlefs  to  himfelf ,  as  now  he 
 
 prefents  them  in  himfelf  before  the  Father. 
 mb.9.1 1.&2.  4.  %  procuring  for  them  a  performance  of  the  promifes  of 
 i,6,io.Rom.s.  the  New  Teftament,  in  fending  forth  the  holy  Spirit  in  a  firR 
 13.  J0b.14.i6, fruits  to  them ,  according  to  his  promife  to  be  an  Advocate 
 a^iT^tf  T  *nd Comforter  in  and  to  them, and  foto  minde  them  of,  and 
 $.i£i.jhb.t6.  teach  them  the  understanding  of  his  faying?,and  to  witnefs  of 
 W4>itfi»P«fc  himto  them,and  through  them  to  others,to  take  of  the  things 
 1.7*  i  c^.3.3, 0f  chrift ,  and  Chew  to  them ,  and  thereby  glorifying  him  to 
 ^^^^^"'themjand  making  him  precious  to  their  hearts  5  and  fo  guid- 
 ing 
 
Mediation  o/CbriJi.  14,7 
 
 ing  them  into  all  Truth, fo  writing  his  minde  in  their  hearts,  Rm.  l6t  a^« 
 and  to  fubdu^  their  (infui  and  fleftily  lulls,  Micah  7.19.  Rom.  1/^.4.4.  &%. 
 8.13.  <?*/.$. 16,18.  and  to  anfwer  their  oppofers,  M*t.io,*>URm.i.i-u 
 2o.and  to  fupport  them  in  troubles,//*.^.  3  .J^.i  tf  .3  3-to  be  ^J'l4,t %£*{ 
 treading,  and  fo  to  tread  Satan  under  their  feet  in  due  feafon,  i^o^ut.2. 
 and  to  give  them  viftory  over  all  the  evil  Spirits  and  Temp-  ?.  /U.7.38,3?! 
 tations  that  are  in  the  World,  and  to  (bed  abroad  his  Love  in  fom.z.16. 
 their  hearts,  and  fo  fill  them  with  peace,  joy,hope,  and  all  fpi-  ^vt-3^37. 
 ritual  fprings  of  his  goodnefs,  and  fruits  of  righteoufnefs ;  and l  m'7 '  *7* 
 becaufe  of  their  ignorance  and  un worth inefs  of,  and  inability 
 to  reach  to  or  receive  thefe  things,  to  lead,  inftrud,  and  move 
 them  to  pray  unto  God  for  all  thefe  things  promifed,  in  the 
 Name  of  Chrift,  ^,16.23,24.  Zach.i  i.io.. 
 
 5.  To  perfume  their  Prayers,  Praifes  and  Services,  with  ^v.8.3.  /<*. 
 the  Odours  and  fweet-imelling  Vermes  of  his  Death  and  Sa-  '4*1*'  &  l6- 
 crifice ;  andfo  by  his  Interceffion  thereby,  to  expel  from  be-  **'I7w«**fr*i 
 fore  his  Father  *s  Throne  ,  thofe  mixtures  of  their  flefhly  ,9' 
 weaknefs  that  were  in  them,  and  make  their  fuits  acceptable 
 
 to  his  Father,  and  fo  procure  them  Anfwers  from  God. 
 
 6.  To  procure  their  prefervation  for  their  Generation,  to  7 , 
 
 be  in  his  place  in  the  World,  for  the  Miniftration  of  the  Go-f^l7,I9'1{; . 
 fpel ,  and  holding  forth  the  word  of  Life  to  the  World,  and  20.  i'c or.  3  .j  ,lj 
 edifying  one  another ;  and  likewife  for  unity  of  Spirit  among  7.^4.1.  pbiL 
 them,  and  San&ificaticn  and  Blefling  of  them  and  their  Mini-  *.'4>i?..ej>/m- 
 ftration,  that  fo  the  World  might  be  brought  to  believe,  and  M"  \z'*6;  i6 
 Believers  may  grow  up  together  into  Chrift,  by  that  which  fct'tp/*.i.t!  ^ 
 very  joynt  fupplieth,  that  fo  they  may  not  be  barren,  but 
 fruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  Chrift. 
 
 7.  To  prepare  for  them  heavenly  Manfions ,  and  them  for  j^.14  2}$; 
 the  enjoyment  of  themiand  fo  to  preferve  them  through  Faith  ip«m  4,?«    j 
 to  the  pofleffion  of  the  promifed  Inheritance. 
 
 All  this  doth  he  make  Interceffion  for ,  for  all  thofe  that 
 come  to  God  by  him  :  and  this  a  brief  or  little  mention  of 
 his  bufinefs  he  is  now  doing  in  heaven,in  making  Interceffion 
 for  Believers. 
 
 And  becaufe  of  his  fending  forth  his  Spirit  into  their  hearts, 
 by  which  he  is  prefent  with  them ,  and  in  them  ,  as  in  his 
 Body ;  aifo  he  appears  in  heaven  before  the  Father  for  them.  Joh  ul6u 
 Hence  that  bleflcd  and  Holy  Spirit  of  Chrift  bears  his  Name,  ig, 
 
 X  2  being; 
 
148  Of  the  morejpecial,  &c. 
 
 nmj^mMtm0lki  their  Advocate,  and  Chrift  by  him  doing  that 
 '  work  in  them,  he  is  (aid  to  do  it ,  even  to  make  Interceffion 
 for  the  Saints :  fo  that  this  making  Intcrceflion  for  the  Saint?, 
 in  his  Mediation  of  the  New  Teftament ,  dealing  both  with 
 Sod  and  with  them,  for  them  and  in  them,is  an  higb,heaven- 
 ly,  choice  and  peculiar  bufinefs.  And  furely,  all  that  come  to 
 God  by  Chrift ,  believing  this ,  it  will  fill  them  with  ftrong 
 confolttion,  and  make  them  pray  with  affurance  of  Faith^ 
 knowing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  Intcrceflion  for  them  that 
 come  to  God  by  him.   And  therefore 
 
 4c  That  he  is  able  to  fave  to  the  utmoft  them  that  come  to 
 
 God  by  him  ;   which  as  it  is  plainly  affirmed,  fo  I  hope  none 
 
 of  us  doubteth.uhereforelwill  no  farther  inftance  proofs; 
 
 »  T*/».M>5A  only  let  that  be  remembred  ,  which  hath  been  before  noted, 
 
 That  though  the  Death  and  Ranfom  by  Chrift  given,  was  for 
 
 all  men ,  and  fo  his  Mediation  in  general  for  al  1  men ,    that 
 
 they  might  be  preferved,  and  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
 
 Truth, for  which  he  is  able  alfo  ;  yet  the  utmoft  and  Eternal 
 
 Salvation  and  Inheritance  purchafed  by  his  Oblation,  was  and 
 
 is  to  be  conferred  on  Believers  :  not  on  all  he  died  for ,  or 
 
 W$*A4,6    mediateth  for ;  not  on  fuch,  when  through  his  mediation,  the 
 
 *&)$$$%,  heavenly  cords  arc  let  down,  will  not  obey?in  fuffering  them- 
 
 3,10,11.        fclvcs  to  be  drawn  to  him ;  Sure  it  is,there  is  another  portion 
 
 juftly  defigncd  for  fuch:but  to  thofc  that  by  his  heavenly  cords 
 
 *«*.**  Job.  arc  drawn  to  him ;  and  fo  belie  ving,comc  to  God  by  him,  to 
 
 *•?*•  thtfe  he  gives  Eternal  Life ,  Eternal  Salvation :  and  for  thefe 
 
 Believers  that  approach  to  God  by  him,  he  maketh  his  fpeciai 
 
 Intcrceflion  and  Advocation :  and  feeing  he  ever  liveth  t  o  do 
 
 this  for  them ,   he  is  able,  powerful,  faithful,  true,  ready,  fit, 
 
 doing  it  at  all  times  ^vermore^to  fave  them  to  the  utmoft :  and 
 
 this  Mediation  of  Jefus  Chrift  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation,  both 
 
 as  in  general  for  all  men,  and  as  in  fpeciai  for  Believers,  is  a 
 
 marvelous  heavenly  cord  to  draw  to  Faith ,    and  ftablifh  in 
 
 tfecfakh. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
I4-? 
 
 CHAP.  14. 
 
 Of  the  Excellency  and  Prevalent]  of  the  Mediation  an$lln- 
 terceflion  of  Iefw  Chrift. 
 
 IEfusChrift  that  is  the  Mediator  between  God  and  men, 
 who  alfo  ever  liveth  to  nuke  Intcrceflion  for  thofe  that 
 come  to  God  by  him  ; 
 
 He  it  is,  that  by  his  Oblation  hath  bought  us  of  God,  and 
 obtained  an  Eternal  Redemption  to  beltow. 
 
 He  it  is,  that  is  filled  with  all  fulncfs  of  Spirit,  Power,  and 
 Authority,  to  make  known  the  Name  and  Love  of  the  Fa- 
 ther, and  draw  to  him  ;  and  in  their  coming  to  him,  to  con- 
 fer Redemption  on  them. 
 
 He  it  is,  that  is  the  merciful  High-Pried  acquainted  with 
 our  infirmities  and  temptations,  fo  knowing  how  to  pity  and 
 help  us  in  all  our  needs. 
 
 He  it  is,  that  is  our  Kinfman  neerly  related  to  us ,  being  in 
 onr  Nature,  and  having  bought  all  Mankinde  of  God  ,  into 
 his  difpofe  ;  and  alfo  bought  Believers  to  himfelf ,  and  fo  un- 
 to God,  by  the  venues  of  his  Blood  in  Gofpel  made  known, 
 and  applied  to  them  ;  And  fo  our  Brother,  making  us  Par- 
 takers of  the  Divine  Nature  ,  maketh  us  his  own  Honfe,and 
 fo  full  of  Love,  Faithfulnefs  and  Prevalency  by  his  Blood  for 
 us  and  in  us. 
 
 He  it  is ,  that  is  the  Accepted  and  Beloved  of  the  Father, 
 ever  prevalent  with  him ,  and  exalted  and  filled  with  all 
 power  by  him:  fo,  as  whatever  the  Father  doth  ,  he  doth- 
 the  fame. 
 
 Yea,  he  is  that  tried  one,that  having  been  tried  and  proved, 
 is  evidenced  to  be  precious ,  and  fure,  failing  none  that  truft  V**  %*ASo 
 in  him ;  his  Love,  pity ,  mercy,  faithfulnefs,havc  been  tried,  ^^    6 
 and  proved  exceeding  great  and  durable,  in  his  not  (hrinking  Km,i',t\i 
 back,  but  indttring  and  going  through  fo  great  Sufferings  and 
 
 Abaft- 
 
*5o        0/  the  bxcelency  and  Trevaleney 
 
 Abatements  for  turners ,  &e.  his  power  and  all-fufficiency 
 hath  been  tried,and  proved  mighty  ,  in  that  he  not  only  bare 
 the  weight  of  our  (ins,  the  terror  and  fentence  of  death,  the 
 a® 1.24.  Rom.  wrath  of  God  againft  our  fins,  when  all  was  laid  on  him,  and 
 J<4,  oU.i4.'5.  all  the  powers  of  Hell  fighting  againft  himj  but  that  he  by  fuf- 
 fering  and  death  ,  appealed  the  wrath  of  the  Father  for  us, 
 made  Atonement  for  our  fins,  and  overcame  curie,and  death, 
 and  devil,and  all  the  powers  of  hell,and  arofe  from  the  dead, 
 and  afcended  to  the  right  hand  of  God. 
 
 His  prevalency  with  the  Father  in  and  by  his  Sacrifice  of- 
 fered to  God,  and  the  excellency  of  his  Sacrifice  is  tried,  and 
 Joh.i6.io.T>fa.  proved  precious  and  prevalent,  in  that  the  Father  hath  receiv- 
 aio.i.  ^Act.i.  ed  him,  and  fends  him  forth  no  more  to  fuffer  ,  but  hath  fee 
 Mat.i7.s.xPet.  him  at  his  right  hand,and  made  him  Lord  of  all,and  born  wit- 
 i.i*,i7.         rsefsofhim. 
 
 Km  - 1  o,i  9  His  bounty,  goodnefs  and  readinefs  farther  to  lave  men,and 
 xo,*5.  W.14!  therein  the  prevalency  of  his  Mediation  for  men,  even  tranf- 
 
 17.  w/w.1.4.  grefl'ors ,  is  alfo  tried,  and  found  excellent  and  abundant,  in 
 x  rim.  1.  iu*7.  and  by  his  longfufferance ,  and  induring  men's  ill  requitals ; 
 ^iii'%1  l?rov.  k*s  fli"  upholding  the  earth,  and  extending  mercies  to  men, 
 t.ii9ii.&9.4>t0  k*^  c^enl  t0  repentance  ;  his  calling  and  drawing  in 
 %>6.  /flb.^.33,  to  believe, and  lb  faving  the  chief  of  finners,and  fetting  them 
 37.  forth  as  a  pattern  to  encourage  others  to  believe  in  him.      In 
 
 a  word,  his  calling  all,  even  the  worft  of  men  ,  and  refufing 
 none  that  come  to  him  :  but  hath  faved,  and  doth  fave,  being 
 the  Saviour  of  the  world,  and  giving  life  to  the  world. 
 Rom-i.i6  i£V.  His  peculiar  Mediation  and  Interceffion  for  Believers ,  his 
 i-iZ,%4.iTkef.  chofen ,  that  do  come  to  God  by  him ,  hath  alio  been  tried, 
 \pet  i^Thff  anc*  *°un(*  excceding  fweet ,  precious  and  prevalent,  in  and 
 3,7^8,9^^.7".  ^  Believers  that  approach  to  God  by  him ,  in  the  faving ef- 
 %iJ&*!x.Rm.  ficacies  of  his  word  believed  by  them :  the  prevalency  of  his 
 j.i-f.  Eph.i.  Blood  fprinkled  on  their  hearts  in  that  word  believed ,   pui- 
 
 18.  x  7o/;.4.4.  liDg  them  out  from  the  fnares andpollutions  of  the  world  to 
 tlyio.'xTlm.  Goc*  ;  ^'1S  Grace  therein  appearing,  prevaling  with  them,  to 
 4.17,1*8.^.3!  let  all  go,to  be  found  in  Chrift  :  and  fo  freeing  them  from  the 
 4.ira.tiAo,ii>  lordly  dominion  of  fin ,  and  bondage  of  the  Law ;  and  fofil- 
 H./&3.33.  ling  them  with  the  fpringsof  peace,  boldnefs  of  accefs  to 
 
 (Sod  >  joy,  hope,  crc.  making  them  partakers  of  the  Divine 
 Nature,  and  giving  them  victory  over  the  world :  alfo,  in  An- 
 
 fwere 
 
of  the  Inter  cejlion  of  Cbrijl.  iff 
 
 fwcrs  of  their  Prayers,and  Deliverances  out  of  great  Deaths ; 
 yea ,  in  iure  hope  of  appearing  in  Glory  with  him,  when  he 
 appears  in  Glory.  Theie  and  many  fuch-like  Evidences  have 
 Believer?,of  the  Excellency  and  Prevalency  of  his  InterceiTi- 
 on  for  them  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation;  in  and  through  which, 
 they  alfo  are  his  Witneffes. 
 
 So ,  that  as  all  hearing  the  Gofpel  might  be  encouraged 
 hereby  to  repent  and  believe  in  him  ;  fo  Believers  much 
 more  may  be  ftrengthened,  and  fully  perfwaded,  That  he  is 
 willing  and  able  evermore ,  and  to  the  utmoit,tofavethem 
 that  come  to  God  by  him. 
 
 And  now  if  both  thefe  be  put  together,  and  considered, 
 in  the  Mediation  and  Interceffion  of  Chrift  ;  his  Mediation 
 and  Interceffion ,  as  it  is  in  general  between  God  and  Men, 
 and  fo  for  all  Men ;  for  Tranfgreflbrs ,  for  means  to  preferve 
 them,and  bring  them  in  to  believe  ;  and  fo  alio  for  Believers, 
 as  they  are  Men ,  and  in  fome  fort  Tranfgreflbrs  alfo,  that 
 they  may  ftill  receive  the  benefit  thereof :  and  alfo  ,  as  it  is 
 in  fpecial,  and  of  the  New  Teftament,  for  them  that  are  cal- 
 led, and  come  to  God  by  him,  that  they  may  receive  the 
 promifed  Inheritance.  And  this  alfo  having  its  tendency  for 
 the  good  of  the  World,  Men,  Tranfgreflbrs,  that  through  the 
 vertues  of  Chrift  heldforth  by  Believers  >they  might  be  brought 
 t  oRepentance  &  Faith,  and  fo  to  fellowship  with  Believers  in 
 thefe  forefaid  Priviledg  es;then  furely  we  may  difcern  both  the 
 Excellency  of  his  Mediation^  alfo  of  his  Oblation,by  vertue 
 whereof  he  mediateth;  &  how  the  efficacy  of  both  go  ever  to- 
 gether in  one  to  Man-ward;he  procuring  all  of  his  Father  for 
 Men  in  his  InterceiTion,by  vertue  of  his  Oblation;  &  from  the 
 Prevalency  of  his  Interceffion  with  God,  working  all  in  Men 
 in  his  difpenfation,by  and  with  the  vertue  of  his  Oblation. 
 
 And  yet  here  is  amanifeft  difference  in  refpe&of  the  ef- 
 ficacy of  his  Oblation  with  God  for  Men ,  and  of  his  In- 
 terceffion with  God  towards  and  in  Men,  in  offering  the  Ob- 
 lation to  God :  the  efficacy  of  the  Oblation  with  God,  was 
 firft  ;  and  by  vertue  thereof,  he  became  a  Mediator  between 
 God  and  Men ,  and  fo  for  Men  :  and  this  Oblation  is  al- 
 wayes  remaining  in  its  vertue  and  efficacy  before  God,  and 
 with  him  5  from  whence  he  mediateth  with  (Sod ;  but  now 
 
 in 
 
Ifi         Of  the  Excellency  and  Trevalency 
 
 in  Application  to  Men  *  in  ewenfion  of  the  Fruits  and  cifica« 
 cics  to,  and  in  Men ,  as  to  Mens  difceraing  and  enjoying,  the 
 vertne  and  efficacy  of  the  Mediation  and  Intcrccffion  is  firft: 
 though  the  Mediation  be  by  vertue  of  the  Oblation  firft  of- 
 fered to  God ,  yet  the  Mediation  fore-running  the  making 
 of  it  known,  and  being  that  which  procures  the  making 
 known  the  Oblation  and  vertue  of  it  unto  Men  ;  and  alfo, 
 it  is  through  his  Intercefllon  and  Difpenfation  according 
 thereto,  that  the  efficacioufnefs  of  the  Oblation  is  found 
 in  Men ,  yet  the  efficacy  with  and  in  Men,  is  various,  and  in 
 and  with  no  mortal  Man,  fo  full  and compleat,  as  with  God; 
 and  this  appears  cleerly  in  the  Mediation  and  Interceflion  of 
 Chrift,  who  there-through  prevailing  with  God,  procureth 
 and  excendeth  forth  the  knowledge  of  his  Oblation,and  ver- 
 tue thereof  with  God  for  Men ,  in  all  that  he  hath  fuffered 
 and  done  for  us  in  the  Nature  of  Man,  and  in  the  means 
 ufed  towards  us  in  the  Declaration  of  his  Word ,  and  in 
 Ordinances,  Mercies,Chaftifements,  and  Motions  of  Spirit, 
 inConvincements  and  Allurements ,  to  break  Man  off  his 
 purpofe,  and  fubdue  him  to  felf-denial ,  and  fo  bring  him  in 
 to  believe  on  Chrift,  and  fo  to  Peace  and  Life ;  and  alfo  here- 
 in difcovering  the  Father's  Love,  and  rich  Grace,and  gracious 
 Ends,  in  giving  him,  and  accepting  his  Oblation,  and  making 
 him  the  Mediator  ;  and  now  for  bis  Mediation,  extending  fo 
 much  patience  and  fo  many  means,all  fan&ified  by  his  Blood, 
 to  draw  Men  from  their  own  evildefigns  and  wayes  in  fins,or 
 righteoufnefs  of  their  own,to  receive  his  Grace  and  Favour. 
 
 And  in  this  Fruit  of  his  Interceflion  by  vertue  of  his  Obi  a- 
 tion ,  he  being  the  Man  ,  the  Word  that  was  made  Flefh, 
 and  ftied  his  Blood ,  and  by  vertue  thereof ,  is  now  through 
 thefe  means  fprinkling  it ;  and  his  Father  being  that  Fountain 
 of  Love  and  living  Waters,  that  fent  him,  and  hath  filled  him 
 with  himfelf,  his  Face  (hining  in  his  :  It  in  all  appears,  not 
 only  that  his  Mediation  and  Inteceflion  is  excellent ,  but  al- 
 fo, That  this  Loveof  the  Father  in  giving  him,  and  his  Obla- 
 tion offered,  and  Mediation  by  vertue  thereof,  and  the  pro- 
 curing the  cxtention  of  the  Fruits  of  God  '5  Love  there- 
 through, is,  the  Water  and  Blood  by  which  he  came,  and  the 
 way  in  which  the  Spirit  beartth  wknefs  of  him  :  and  fo  alfo 
 
 the 
 
Of  the  Intercefion  ofChrift.  15; 
 
 the  Water  and  Spirit ,   of  which  Believers  are  born.    And 
 hence  alfo  it  is,  That  all  thofe  means  extended  to  Men  in  the 
 Love  of  God,  as  procured  by  the  Interceffion  ofChrift  by 
 vertue  of  his  Oblation  to  fo  gracious  an  end  ;  they  are  the 
 Cords  of  a  Man,  proceeding  from  the  Man  Chrift,  and  fuited 
 to  the  needs  and  capacities  of  Men  to  whom  extended  ,  and  H  of. n.^^. with 
 i'uch  as  will  verily  draw  Men  in  to  him  ,   if  not  prefumptu-  lf*i&*>V  & 
 oufly  refitted :  and  they  are  alio  the  bands  of  Love,  that  come  y  33»|,^t3- 
 from  the  free-Love  of  God  our  Saviour,and  to  gracious  Ends, 
 fc  r  the  good  of  them  to  whom  extended  :   in  thefe  being  the 
 extentionof  the  Call,   the  fpreading  of  the  Curtains,  the 
 means  for  the  New  Birth.    All  which  things  in  this  Chapter, 
 are  (hewn  and  proved  before,  in  the  6%  and  7,  and  8,  and  p, 
 and  1  o  Chapter  of  this  Part  2.   Oh  prefumpmous  Tranfgref- 
 fors,  that  confpire  againft  the  Lord  and  his  anointed,  fay  ing^Let  Pfa  *.3j4. 
 m  breaks  their  bands  a  fonder  >and  cafl  away  their  cords  from  us!bh  jiT  J0#10  x , 
 foolifh  and  brutifti  Paftors, that  do  difgrace  thefe  Cords,  and  cam.i-\.  fib. 
 fpoil  the  Church  of  them  !     Oh  bleffed  they ,   that  in  thefe  6-44>4?.  col.t, 
 drawings ,  learn  of  the  Father,  and  come  to  Chrift  ;  for  fuch  i9-P/*.u8.i7. 
 (hall  then  finde  the  benefit  of  his  fpecial  Intcrceflion  in  the  &*6-11*1  * 
 fame  Cords  of  a  Man ,  and  Bands  of  Love,  to  unite  them  to 
 Chrift,and  fo  to  God  in  Chrift  for  ever,&  fo  conforming  them 
 to  Chrift,  and  confolating  them  in  him.     And  fo,  if  we  well 
 weigh  the  Mediation  and  Interceffion  of  Chrift  by  vertue  of 
 his  Oblation,  we  may  perceive  how  all  things  are  upheld  by  fobj.19.1Tim. 
 him,  and  how  excellent  and  prevalent  his  Mediation  is,  for  1.5.^.9.15. 
 the  good  of  Men  ,  that  they  might  become  Believers  and 
 Saints  5  and  for  the  good  of  Saints ,  that  they  may  enjoy  the 
 Promi(es,and  receive  the  promifed  Inheritance.    And  fo  the 
 Mediation  of  Chrift,  is  for  fuch  as  are  yet  unbelievers,that  they 
 might  believe ;  and  for  Believers,  that  they  may  perfevere  in 
 Faith  to  the  Inheritance  :  and  by  the  Grace  here-through  ex- 
 tended ,   He  is  Alpha  and  Omega^az  Beginning  and  the  End 
 in  the  work  of  Gracejand  fo  the  Author,Captain,and  Finifher 
 of  Faith :  and  fo,  he  mediating  for  all  Men,  doth  alfo  therein 
 and  therewith  more  efpecially  mediate  and  intercede  for  Be- 
 lievers, his  chofen  ones  that  go  to  God  by  him. 
 
 Y  CHAP. 
 
ity        <tAn  zAnjvper  to/ome  <iAJperfions 
 
 CHAP.  15. 
 
 An  Anfxver  tofome  Afperfions  cafton  the  Profejj'on  of  this 
 Truth. 
 
 I 
 
 Having  in  a  former  Treatiie  written ,  That  Cjodfo  loved  the 
 •world  ,  that  he  gave  and  fent  forth  his  Son  to  be  the  Saviour  of 
 the  world  ;  and  ,  That  he  fends  forth  his  Servants  to  bear  rvitnep 
 of  his  Son  fhat  all  men  through  him  might  believe :  And  quoting 
 to  the  later  Sentence,  Joh.i.j.znd  17.21,23,  Mr.On^was 
 pleafed  to  fault  me  for  giving  this  Honour  to  Chrift ,  that 
 any  ftiould  by  him  believe  ;  and  to  fault  my  quotation  of  Joh. 
 1. 7.  thereto:  and  faith,  It  is  my  Sophistry  learned  of  the  old 
 Serpent ,  thtu  to  apply  this  to  the  Son  of  Cjod ,  the  Light  witneffed 
 to :  and  faith,  We  arefaid  to  believe  in  Chrift  >  and  on  Chrift ,  but 
 not  by  him. 
 
 1 .  I  anfwer ,  To  take  that  Joh.  1 .  7.  That  John  was  fent 
 forth  from  God  ,   and  came  to  bear  witnefi  of  the  light ,  that  all 
 Joh.  3«  *£>*73  men  through  him  (that  is,  through  John)  might  believe^  (and  not 
 30, 31, 3*-3£  through  the  light  witneffed  by  John  )    would  be  a  very  fmall 
 M%^!o1f'All>  whena  wkncffing-Light  of  that  true  Light,  foout-fhi- 
 4j  ^3,2^^  ning  the  Light  of  John's  Miniftration,  came  info  fuddenly 
 upon  it ,   though  witneffwg  ftill  to  the  fame  Light  that  John 
 bare  witnefs  of  i   which  true  Light  abideth  ft  ill,  when  Iohn's 
 Miniftration  is  over.    And  if  Mr.  Owen  feared  any  difgrace 
 to  the  Servants  Miniftration ,  and  fo  to  himfelf  hereby  ;  it 
 was  a  cauflefs  fear ,   and  not  occafioned  by  this  quotation  of 
 the  place,  which  denieth  not  at  all,  John  to  be  the  Minifter  by 
 whom  all  thofe ,  to  whom  his  Line  reached  y  that  believed, 
 did  believe,  even  as  the  Apoftles  were  Minifters ,  by  whom 
 the  Believers  in  their  Miniftration ,  were  brought  to  be- 
 lieve :  they  miniftred  the  Epiftle ,  and  held  forth  and  wit- 
 Joh.WM,  nefs  Chrift  the  Light  therein  ;    and  for  any  farther  thing, 
 they  difcUim  it :  and  for  that  caufe,  witneffed  of  him,  and 
 
 held 
 
cajl  upon  the  Trofejfors  of  this  Truth.      i# 
 
 held  forth  and  exalted  him  ,  that  men  beholding  him  might 
 through  him  believe,  and  be  healed.  But  thebelieving  of  any,  ^.40.1  cor. 
 was  from  hearing  and  beholding Chrift  the  Son  ;  and  fo,as  the  3.4^6,^4.1. 
 Lord  gave  to  every  man,&  by  his  Spirit  writ  hisEpiftlc  in  their  1^.3.3,18, 
 heart.    If  any  defire  farther  honour  to  himielf ,  lohn  difowns  ^k}'l6936' 
 it ,  Chrift  forbids  it ,  the  Apoftles  difclaim  it  :  fo  no  wrong  f  £*  #£ 
 done  in  the  quotation :  yet  for  giving  this  Honour  to  Chrift,  ija.41. 1-10. 
 as  that  glorious  Objeft,  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation ,  and  by  Att.$.}i* 
 vercue  of  his  Interceflion  alfo  ,   thereby  fuch  a  full  flowing 
 Fountain  of  Life,  and  Prince,  giving  Repentance  and  RemiiTt- 
 on  of  fins,  that  through  him  difcovered  ,  and  by  him  the  Be- 
 holders of  him  are  brought  to  believe  ;    I  am  not  oncly 
 blamed,  but  charged  to  learn  this  of  the  old  Serpent, 
 
 2.  I  anfwer ,  I  have  learned  to  give  this  Honour  to  Chrift  Ifa.^i.hti7.& 
 from  God  the  Father,  that  faith,  He  hath  put  his  Spirit  on  Chrift  49.7,9.  &%%« 
 for  that  end,  That  hefhould  call,  and  open  the  eyes  of  the  blindey  4>Mp-*).i,x, 
 and  cmfefuch  as  foreknew  him  not ,  to  come  in  to  htm.  I  have  5j4'  Joh'*A  9> 
 learned  from  Jefus  Chrift,  That  he  was  anointed  and  filled  with  l°i^couf.it\ 
 Spirit  to  that  end  ;  and,  That  the  Father  and  he  are  one  ;  and,  a&.%.  3  x .  ifa. 
 That  the  Father  doth  nothing^bat  the Son  doth  the  fame:  And  this  K*4>%£>  iCm 
 honour  the  Father  hath  given  to  theSonfThat  all  menfhould  honour  3«4j*3^ 
 
 the  Son^  as  they  honour  the  Father ;  and  ,  Fatth  being  the  Gift  of 
 God,  and  the  Operation  of  God  ,  it  is  verily  ,  The  Gift  of  Chrift 
 and  the  Operation  of  Chrift  \  yea,  He  is  Author  andfintfhery  Al- 
 pha and  Omega^  in  this  work  alfo :  yea ,  I  have  learned  it  from 
 the  Holy  Spirit,  both  in  the  Teftimony  born  by  the  Prophets 
 and  Apoftles ;  and  for  a  plain  exprefs  Anfwer, 
 
 3.  I  am  learned  by  the  Spirit  in  the  Gofpel ,  not  only,  To 
 believe  in  Chrift  and  on  Chrtft ,  as  Mr,  Owen  faith  ;.  but  alfo,  as 
 the  Medium  of  both,  In  the  Name  and  on  the  Name  of  Chris! ; 
 yea,  and  alfo,  in  exprefs  words ,  That  ail  that  rightly  believe,  it 
 is  by  Chrifty  iPet.1.20.  Who  verily  was  fore-ordained,  before  the 
 foundation  of  the  world ;  but  was  manifested  in  thefe  laslr  times  for 
 youNztfo  I  JVho  by  him  do  believe  in  God  that  raffed  him  from  the 
 dead,  and  gave  him  glory ,  that  your  faith  and  hope  might  be  in 
 God.  So  that  to  give  this  Honour  to  Chrift,  and  his  Oblati- 
 on and  Interceflion  ,  That  it  is  by  him  that  men  believe  in  God, l  C(fr' "•*• 
 andfo  to  confefhim  Lord  ,  is  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  5    though  many 
 
 dare  fay,  It's  ft  om  the  Serpent^  becaufe  ic  exalts  not  them  in  the 
 
 Y  z  place 
 
i5d        <±An  zAnfvper  to  fome  Jjperfwns 
 
 place  of  Chrift  as  Rabbics.    But  enough  of  this  r  nor  will  I 
 take  notice  here  to  anfwer  any  more  fuch  fluff  in  that  Book  of 
 Mr.  Owen's ,  it  having  been  fairly  anfwered  by  a  learned  and 
 godly  Brother.    But  in  his  pretended  Aniwer  to  Mr.  John 
 Goodwin ,  the  Book  I  minded  that  occasioned  this  DKcourfe, 
 Pi*.  IX7       ^e  ^a*tn  >  That  Chrift  interceded  for  his  Elett  ,  for  whom  he  died, 
 Seft.  7 ,         *^at  ^e7  m*)  bel*eve  5  which<>   he  lakh ,  is  denied  by  thofe  he  op- 
 fofeth;  which,  both  Saying  and  AfperGon ,  he  might  have  for- 
 born :  for  thofe  he  oppofeth  do  hold  as  Frmly  as  himfelf,  and 
 more  cleerly,  according  to  the  Scriptures ,   That  Chrift  inter- 
 ceded in  a  peculiar  and  fpecial  manner,  for  hisEleft  and 
 chofenOnes  that  approach  to  God  by  him  ;  yea  ,   even  for 
 Believing  and  Faith ,  in  that  fenfe  that  Believing  is  taken  for, 
 abiding  Believing,  and  more  firmly  Believing;  and  for  Faith, 
 i/«M..i$.      as  Faith  is  taken  for  Confirmation  and  Perfeverance  in  the 
 Faith  ,  as  is  (hewn  in  this  fore-written  :     Yea  ,  more  than 
 Mr.  Owen  can  yet  be  brought  to  confefs ,   even,   That  Chrift 
 in  aft  or  undertaking,  died  for  them  before  they  were  ele&  ; 
 and,  That  there  was  not  any  in  him ,  to  lay  afide  the  Heaven- 
 ly Glory,and  die,and  rife,  and  offer  the  Oblation  in  him,  and 
 fo  to  be  the  Mediator  in  and  with  him  ;  for  then  there  would 
 not  have  been  that  room  for  Imputation  br  x^pplication  to 
 them ,  nor  could  defer ved  Grace  have  been  fo  freely  beftow- 
 ed.     But  he  did  all  this  alone,    and  in  that  refpeft  is  the 
 Root  and  Fountain  of  Eleftion  alfo  :  fo ,    that  the  Eleft  are 
 beholding  to  the  Oblation  and  Interceflion  of  Chrift,  for  E- 
 le£tion,as  well  as  for  Faith  :  yea,and  they  believe,That  Chrift 
 interceded  for  thefe  men  alfo  that  they  might  believe:  but  that 
 was  before  they  were  perfonally  Elect ;    and  fo  then  not  for 
 them,  as  they  were  Eleft,  which  then  was  not,  nor  were  they 
 inch  ;  but  as  they  were  Men  of  the  World,  and  Tranfgreffors, 
 that  means  might  be  extended  to  tbem,and  they  fo  brought  to 
 %Tm[A,\$.     believe  ;  and  in  this  believing  of  the  Truth,  chofen  through 
 the  Sanftification  of  the  Spirit ;  which  is  God's  Way.  And  fo 
 Eleftion  in  fome  fenfe,  a  Fruit  of  Faith  ;  'but  Faith  in  the  be- 
 ginning of  it,  and  firft  coming  into  it,is  not  in  a  proper  fenfe  a 
 Fruit  of  Election :  vea,  furely  we  believe  ,  That  all  the  Eleft 
 i Pam  9      arc a  k°ty  ancl peculiar  people ,  called  out  of  Darknefs  into 
 his  marvelous  Light ,  and  all  of  them  that*  yet  live  on  this 
 
 Earth 
 
caft  upon  the  Trofejfers  of  this  Truth.       157 
 
 Earth,  to  fhew  forth  his  Praifes  now ,  as  thofe  for  whom  he 
 efpecially  intercedeth,  That  they  may  be  kept,  that  when  all    '■ 
 
 a.  io».i7,t§. 
 
 the  luft  (hall  be  raifed  ,  we  may  all  more  fully  (hew  forth  his 
 Praifes  together  :  but  we  dare  noc  entertain  vain  fancies  and 
 dream?,  to  vent  them  among  the  Rebellious ,  as  if  fome  of 
 them  ,  might  even  now,  while  Rebellious,  be  God's  Ele&, 
 for  ou^ht  any  man  knoweth  ;  becaufe  the  plain  Sayings  of 
 Scripture  are  againft  this,as  hath  been  plentifully  fhewn  ;  and 
 for  that  which  we  believe  alfo  ,  and  fo  for  the  Mediation  of 
 Chrilt,  in  general,  for  all  men;  and  more  efpecially,  for  Be- 
 lievers, already  (hewed. 
 
 The  third  Branch  of  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift . 
 
 CHAP.  16. 
 
 Of  the  coming  again  of  Chrift)  and  the  wanner  thereof. 
 
 FOr  the  coming  again  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift, 
 it  being  one  part  of  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  it  is  need- 
 ful alfo,  to  be  known  and  believed  ;  it  being  alfo  of  the  very 
 Object  of  Faith ,  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel  to  be  believed  ;  fo, 
 as  without  believing  it ,  no  Man's  Faith  is  compleat  and  en- 
 tire ,  in  refpea  of  the  Object  of  Faith,  orDoSrine  of  the 
 Gofpel  to  be  believed  :  yet  before  I  proceed  in  treating  of 
 it ,  it  is  good  to  confider  what  manner  of  coming  it  is,  that 
 is  here  fpoken  of,  becaufe  divers  comings  are  fpoken  of 
 in  the  Scripture ,  though  never  but  of  two  perfonal  and  bo- 
 dily comings : 
 
 The  hrft  called,  His  coming  in  the  Flefh,  in  Abafements 
 to  fuffer,  and  overcome  in  fufferings,and  fo  to  offer  the  accep- 
 table Sacrifice  ;  and  fo  to  make  the  Atonement,  obtain  Re- 
 demption ,  receive  Spirit  in  the  Man  ,  and  fit  on  the  right 
 hand  of  God ,  as  the  Mediator  and  great  High-Prieft ,  and 
 Prophet,  and  King,  to  fend  forth  Spirit  to  Men ,  of  which  is 
 
 fpoken 
 
155  Uf  the  coming  of  Lbnjt , 
 
 xdm  18.1 8.    *P°ken  *n  m*ny  places  a  i  and  fo  he  is  already  ccme ,  and 
 
 v\aL 1 6. io.  e^  hath  compleaied  that  Work  done  in  his  own  Body,  and  can 
 
 40.6-9. 7/M3.  die  no  more,  nor  will  offer  any  other  or  more  Sacrifice,   but 
 
 j-io.z^.9.9.  liveth  for  ever  in  that  glorious  Body  once  offered  in  Sacrifice; 
 
 7/*.<$8.i8.      remaining  IU11  a  continual  Mediator  and  High-Prieft  by  ver- 
 
 ~o[  ,43#17^  tue  of  that  Oblation  :   and  he  that  denieth ,  and  confefleth 
 
 r-i/o/M  *.  *  not  ftfci  and  ^°th  not  in  the  belief  thereof,  woifhip  God, 
 
 is  led  by  the  Spirit  of  Antichrift.    The  true  Spirit  confefleth 
 
 this.  And  of  this  coming  is  fpoken  in  the  former  two  Heads  of 
 
 his  Oblation  and  Mediation,  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation  ;  all 
 
 his  ftretching  forth  his  power  in  providential  Comings ,  in 
 
 Mercies  and  Judgements ,  and  in  gracious  Vifitattons  or  fpi- 
 
 ritual  Comings ,   are  the  effects  and  fruits  of  his  Oblation 
 
 and  Interceffion  in  his  Administration  in  his  bodily  Ab- 
 
 fence. 
 
 But  the  fecond  and  next  perfonal  and  bodily  coming  of 
 Chrift,  is  in  Glory,  and  to  take  unto  him  his  great  Power  and 
 Raign,  and  to  receive  to  himfelf,  to  raign  with  him ,  all  that 
 h  C0/.3  -4.  Kcv.  have  believed  on  him,  and  fuffered  with  him  fr.  And  this  is 
 1 1. 173 18.  the  coming  again  of  Chrift ,  which  is  here  to  be  treated  of 
 in  this  Head  :  and  this  his  perfonal  coming  in  Glory ,  is  that 
 which  was  alfo  fpoken  of  by  the  Prophets  Zachary,  Tloe  Lord 
 my  God  (hall  come  ,  and  all  the  Saints  with  thee  c :     tMalachi, 
 
 d^U4M**  rheSon0fRKihteo^e(i!halUrife^^  Ifatah,Of 
 
 the  encreafe  of  his  Governments  and  Peace ,  no  end  ;   upon  the 
 
 c  lfa  9.7.         Throne  of  David,  and  upon  his  Kingdom,  &c.  e.     And  upon  the 
 
 firft  coming  of  Chrift,  even  before  he  had  a&ually  offered  his 
 
 Oblation ,    this  was  declared  in  his  perfonal  Miniftration  by 
 
 •  himfelf,  both  to  his  Difciples,  faying,  For  the  Son  of  man  fhall 
 
 6         come  in  the  glory  of  his  Father,  with  his  Angels  f  5  and,  they fh all 
 
 '  fee  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  the  clouds  of  Heave n,with  Power  and 
 
 Mat  14. 30.  £reAt  Glory  g  5    and,  /  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  to  myfelf, 
 
 %au*3M-     '  &c-  '•    Anc*  a^°  t0  his  Crucifiers,  Hereafter  yefhall  fee  the  Son 
 
 X^.ii.il-       of  man  fitting  on  the  right  ha  d  of  Power ,   and  coming  in  the 
 
 \  >/;.i4'3-       clouds  of  Heaven  k.    And  fo  k  was  likewife  declared°by  the 
 
 k  f^\t^%!    AnSeU  ^  Lor<l  God fhall give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his  Father 
 
 l  uh  116  9  -       Vavid,  and  he  fhall  raign  over  the  houfe  of lacob,  &c.  /.    A  nd  a- 
 
 I  Zj4<i«3**33«  gain,upon  his  Afcenfion  the  Angel  laid,  This  fame  lefus,  which 
 
 is  taken  up  from  you  into  Heaven ,  [haB  fo  come  in  frks  manner,  as 
 
 V 
 
And  the  manner  of  it.  i$p 
 
 ye  have  feen  him  go  into  Heaven  m.  And  the  fame  hath  been  alfo  m  A^  J  t  tU 
 
 taught  by  the  Apoftles  :    And  he  (ball  fend  Iefus  (fhrifty  &G 
 
 ».    For  the  Lord  himfelf  jha{l  defcendfrom  heaven  with  a  (hout^  n  ac^.^iq^j. 
 
 6co  o.     Unto  them  that  lool^for  him ,    be  (hall  appear  the  fecond  o  i  Thef.  4.16. 
 
 time,  without  (in  unto  Salvation  p.   And  this  is  teftified,  tobe?Heb'9-z^ 
 
 the  Tromife  of  Chnft ,  and  the  Tie  fire  of  thofe  led  by  the  Spirit 
 
 of  Chris?  q.     Whence  all  unfeigned  Believers  are  (aid  to  wait  q  Rev,  22.20. 
 
 for  his  coming  r.     nAnd  the  Crown  of  Right eoufnef  to  be  given  at  r  J  CorA-  7  •  PM. 
 
 that  day  to  them  that  leve  his  appearing  s.  3.20,11.1  Thef, 
 
 And  concerning  this  his  next  pertbnal  coming,  there  is  de-  s  \xim,  4  8. 
 clared  in  the  Gofpel  and  Teftimony  of  Chrift  theie  three 
 things :  Firft,  The  manner  of  his  coming.  Secondly,The  Ends 
 of  his  coming.  Thirdly,  The  Time  ( though  not  the  day  and 
 hour)  of  his  coming.  Let  us  confider  what  the  Scripture  faith 
 ofeachofthefe  ;  and  firft  of  the  firft  point,  The  manner  of 
 his  coming :    It  is  exprefly  faid  , 
 
 1 .  It  will  be  fudden,in  an  hour  not  known  before  he  come,  mm.i^ia^ 
 even  to  his  own ;  and,  as  a  fnare  to  all  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Mar.  1 3. 3«r. 
 World :  in  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  as  a  flafh  of  *  rhe£'  *•  *»  *• 
 lightning,  t$t$Zt 
 
 2.  It  will  be  vifible,  openly,  and  difcernable  to  every  eye ;  ^aU 
 
 yea  9   all  the  Believers,  thofe  that  are  afleep ,  and  thofe  that  aw.  1$.  16. 
 are  at  that  time  living  on  the  earth  ,  not  one  before  another,  £4.21.27./^'. 
 but  them  that  are  afleep  being  firft  raifed,  then  all  at  once  to-  ,«7.iw^.i4i7» 
 gether  fhali  fee  him,  iThetf.4.1  5.  yea,  every  eye, and  all  the 
 kindreds  of  the  earth  (hall  fee  him  •  it  will  be  as  vifible  as  the    • 
 lightning  that  (nines  from  the  Eaft  to  the  Weft. 
 
 3.  It  will  be  with  Power  and  great  Glory,  his  mighty  2Thef.  1. 7, 
 Angels,and  all  his  Saints  meeting,  and  coming  together  with  zach.*.  5, 
 him. 
 
 And  in  fuch  a  hidden,  vifible,  and  glorious  manner  will 
 Chrift  come. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
i6o  Vf  the  mas  of  Ihrijt  s  coming, 
 
 CHAP.  17. 
 
 '  tfecoxiil  Pm  './.ds  of  tie  tofcirtg  or  Chip.. 
 
 'He  Ends  of  the  nexc  coming  of  Jefus  Chrift ,  is  for  the 
 fulfilling  his  Word  and  Promife  in  doing  thofe  things 
 he  hath  laid ,  and  that  are  teftified  of  him  to  be  then  done  by 
 him ;  which  I  may  comprehend  in  the  naming ,  under  thefe 
 four  Heads :  that  is  to  fay, 
 
 ,    1 .  To  raife  the  Juft  that  fleep  in  the  Lord,  and  change,  and 
 make  immortal  the  furviving  Believers  that  havefuffered  with 
 1  Tbd^i+M]  him;chis  is  affirmed,as  neceffarily  included  in  the  belief  of  all 
 16.  '  that  do  indeed  believcjefus  to  have  died  and  role  again:  if  we 
 
 believe  this  ,  then  this  alfo  ,  That  even  fo  them  alfo  which Jleep 
 in  Iefm  will  God  bring  with  him  :  For  this  we  fay  unto  yon  by 
 the  word  of  the  Lord)  That  we  which  are  alive  ,  and  remain  unto 
 the  coming  of  the  Lord  ,  jhall  not  prevent  them  which  are  ajleep  ; 
 for  the  Lord  himfelf  fhall  defcend,  &c.  And  the  dead  inChrifi 
 (hall rife firfty  (that  is,  before  we  which  live  (hall  fee  him)  then 
 we  which  are  alive  and  remain,  fball  be  caught  up ,  &c.  being  in 
 Ytouil*!*'^9  very  moment  of  rhdr  railing,  changed  :  and  for  the  Re- 
 furre&ion,  it  is  faid,  Every  man  in  his  own  order ,  Chriftthe 
 firft  Fruits ,  ( that  was  in  his  perfonal  Refurre&ion  ,  who  is 
 now  afcended)  afterwards,  thofe  that  are  drift's  at  his 
 coming.  (  And  then  fpeaking  of  another  Time  ,  he 
 faith,)  Then  the  End,  (when,  or  then  cometh  the  End; 
 and  when  is  that  End?)  when  he  Jhall  have  delivered  up% 
 Sec. 
 
 As  it  is  given  out  with  an  Oath  ,  That  there  jhould  be  Time 
 
 Rev. %. 1,6  Rev.  no  longer ,    but  in  the  dayes  of  the  voice  of  the  feventh  Angel  : 
 
 n.i*.  iCor.i  5.  which  Angel  is  to  found  the  laft  Trumpet,  which  beginneth 
 
 a4>*5.  inChrift  his  beginning  to  Raign,  andendeth  inChrifthis 
 
 delivering  up  the  Kingdom  even  to  God  the  Father ,    that 
 
 God  may  be  All  in  Alljand  fo  the  Government  not  Vividicaly 
 
 but 
 
 *4. 
 
 Rev.  \o.637. 
 
Of  the  Ends  of  Chrifis  coming.  161 
 
 but  Wholly  Divine  ;  yet  the  Kingdom  without  end :  So  that 
 the  beginning  of  this  Day  is  in  the  entrance  or  beginning  of 
 Chrift  \\$  coming  to  Raign  j   and  to  fit  upon  the  Throne  of 
 'David  his  Father ;    and  the  end  of  this  laft  and  great  Day,  is 
 after  theRefurre&ion  and  Condemnation  of  all  the  wicked, 
 when  will  be  the  laft  and  utter  deftru&ion  cf  Death,  inde-i^, 
 livering  up  the  Kingdom  to  the  Father,  that  the  Davidtcal 
 Regiment  may  be  tranflated  into  that  which  is  wholly  and  2g> 
 altogether  Divine.      And  that  this  Refurre&ion  done  by 
 God ,  yet  he  doing  it  by  the  Man  Chrift ,  (  as  he  will  in  that 
 Day  judge  all  men  by  him  )  our  Saviour  Chrift  himfelf  teach- 
 eth,fpeaking  of  himfelf  as  the  Son  of  Man,  faying,  The  hour  ^m.i.uJeJu 
 is  coming  ,  in  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  ft)  all  hear  his  voice ,  5.16327,1s,. 
 and  ft?  all  come  forth  :  they  that  have  done  good,  to  the  refttrrettion 
 of  life ;  and  they  that  have  dene  evil ,   to  the  refurrettion  of  dam- 
 nation.     Agreeable  to  which  ,  is  that  Confeflion  of  Faith, 
 That  there ■fhallte  a  refurreftion  of  the  dead ,    both  of  thejufi  and  ^#,24.  i$.jfam 
 thepinjtift.     And  the  Refurre&ion  of  thofe  that  are  by  Faith  2^.19.1^.4! 
 united  to  Jefus  5  and  dying  in  the  Faith  ,  fleep  in  Jefus;  is  M.  i*M4-i4« 
 called  the  Refurre&ion  of  the  Juft ,  in  which ,  Rewards  are  .M-**2*; 
 to  be  given  them.     And  though  both  Refurre&ion  of  Juft: 
 and'Unjuft,  (hall  be]  in  this  laft  and  great  Day  ,   yet  this 
 *Refurre6tion  of  the  Juft,    being  atChiift  his  coming,   in 
 the  beginning  of  that  great  Day  :  and  of  thofe  that  have  be-» 
 lieved  on  Chrift ,  and  fuffered  with  him  in  the  Dayes  of  his 
 patience ,    who  are  to  live  and  rai°n  with  him  in  the  Davidi- 
 r,*/Regiment,till  the  wicked  be  railed  out  cfDeath,and  judg- 
 ed, and  caft  into  the  lake  of  fire ;  which  is  at  the  end  of  this 
 laft  and  great  Day,and  of  all  Time ;  when  alfo  the  Kingdom  is 
 delivered  to  the  Father.  The  Refurre&ion  of  the  Juft  is  there-  , 
 
 fore  called,  The  firft  Refurre&ien :  which  work  our  Savl-  2o  ht>* 
 our  affirms  to  be  the  will  of  our  Father,  that  heftoulddo, 
 and  that  he  will  do;  (hewing  the  Father's  will  in  general,  he 
 iaith,  This  is  the  Fathers  will,  &c.  That  of  all  which  he  hath  given  ~  ,  " 
 me ,  (and  that  is,  all  men  into  his  difpofe,  by  vertue  of  his 
 Oblation)  Iftnould  lofe nothing ,  (  a?  is  before  ftiewn,  and  will 
 be  more  after :  he  lofeth  none  :  if  any  perve*rfly  lofe  him- 
 self, yet  he  is  to  judge  him  ;  and  therefore  it  is  falcLj  bm 
 faotild  raifc  it  titi again  at  the  laft  day*  '    And  then  fpwkingof 
 
 Z  'the 
 
i6l  Of  the  Ends  of  Chrifi's  coming. 
 
 4a  the  Father's  fpecial  will,  he  faith ,  *And  this  is  the  will  of  him 
 thatfent  me  ,  That  every  one  which  fseth  the  Son,  and  believeth  on 
 him,  m*J  have  everhfiing  life  ;  and  I  will  raife  him  up  at  the  lafi 
 day.  Which  he  fpeaks  more  particularly  and  emphatically, 
 as  the  firft  and  choice ,  having  not  proceeded  in  the  other  to 
 fuch-like  affirmation/or  that  reafon  given,  Jeh.i  2.47,48.  So 
 that  this  next  coming  of  Chrift ,  is  firft  in  the  beginning  of 
 the  laftDay,  to  raife  and  cl  oath  with  immortality  alibis 
 Saints,  which  will  be  done  in  a  moment ,  the  fame  moment 
 he  is  defcending  from  Heaven  ;  that  fo  they  meeting  him  in 
 the  Air,  may  come  along  with  him  to  the  next  work ,  as  is  af. 
 firmed  they  (hall  :  which  next  work  is  alio  plainly  affirmed 
 to  be, 
 
 2.  To  overthrow  all  the  Powers  and  Governments  of 
 
 the  World  that  now  is,  that  are  upon  this  Earth  ;  and  fo  it  is 
 
 1  ^V.15.14.     foidy  He  [hall  put  down  all  rule,  and  all  authority  and  power.     The 
 
 Perfons  ruling,  if  any  of  them  Saints ,   will  be  taken-  into  that 
 
 D.w.7.1*  ifa  Company,and  bechanced,  and  go  with  him:  if  not,  if  they 
 
 £o.i'x.'  ' '      "at  firft  fubmit  to  ferve  him  and  his  people,  their  lives  (hall  be 
 
 prolonged ,   though  their  Dominion  be  taken  away  :  but  all 
 
 the  wicked  that  rebel  againft  him  in  that  Day  ,  (  in  which  no 
 
 X«w.9.i8»      Elorc  *Pace  °^  RePentance  given,  for  then  th«  Lord  will 
 
 W.4.1.  Jude  make  aftiort  work  on  Earth  )  fhall  be  deftroyed  and  burn'd 
 
 i4>ij.ip^.3.  up,  both  Root  and  Branch  ;  whence  it  is  called ,  The  Day  of 
 
 7jio.it/^/".i.8,  Judgement,  Deft  ruction  ,  and  Perdition  of  ungodly  Men, 
 
 5*i  9pj*fi- which  ^a11  be  wich  flamingFire-      For  this  Battel  ^all  noc 
 4     ,4'         *  be  like  the  former  Battels  on  the  Earth,  with  confufed  noife, 
 and  Garments  rolled  in  Blood  ;  but  with  burning  and  fewel 
 of  Fire :  for  he  (hall  fmite  the  Earth  with  the  Rod  of  his 
 Mouth,  and  with  the  Breath  of  his  Lips  (lull  he  flay  the 
 wicked,  and  break  in  pieces  the  Oppreflor :  He  hath  long  left 
 the  Government  of  the  Affairs  ofthis  World  in  the  Hands 
 -pfal.s -2.1,1,3,  of  Men,  whom  he  called  Mighty,  or  Gods ,   and  bade  them 
 4^1.10,11.   jadge  righteoufly,  that  it  might  be  well  with  them  in  their  ac- 
 count to  him  :   and  he  hath  often  changed  the  Governours 
 and  manner  of  Government,  and  waited  with  patience  to  fee 
 if  they  would  do  right ;  but  he  feeth ,  That  ( though  he  hath 
 */"af-7f -4>53*>  given  them  warning,  yet  )  they  know  not ,   neither  will  they  un- 
 7,P/d.8M.   2erftand;  thtywalkjm  in  darknefi,  all  the  foundations  (or  Go- 
 vern- 
 
Oft/ye  Ends  of'Chrift's  coming.  16$ 
 
 xtrnments)  ofthe  earth  are  out  of  courfe,  (even  moved.)  •  -^ //*.  59.  i$.  & 
 he  f aw, and  there  was  no  man ,  (  no  Government  )  he  wondred  50.2  j. 
 there  was  no  inter  ceffw  ,  therefore  hit  Aim  brought  ftlvation 
 to  him,and  his  righteoufnefs  itfufiained  him  ;  and  heUried  up  the 
 Standee.     And  faith  to  them,   Te  fhall  die  like  meny  and  fall 
 like  one  of  the  Princes.     (  And  then  it  follows,)  Arife,  O  God,  PM^.7,8 
 judge  the  earth  :  for  thou  {halt  inherit  all  Nations.        And  thus  !fa'll-*>1 
 will  he  come  in  that  Day  to  deftroy  finners  out  of  the  Land, 
 to  puniih  the  World  for  their  evil,    and  the  wicked  for  their 
 iniquity  ,    and  to  caufe  the  arrogancy  of  the  proud  to  ceafe, 
 and  lay  low  the  haughtinefs  of  the  terrible ;  yea  ,  fo  great  rfa.i$.\$.Heb. 
 will  this  (hairing  be  ,  that  he  will  not  only  (hake  the  Earth,  x**^h  "'*;*• 
 but  the  Heavens  alio  in  that  Day ;  not  only  in  deftroying  the  R'CVA9'.10'.tcor. 
 falie  Prophet,and  lb  all  Idolatrous  Congregations ,  with  all  13.8,9-11.7^. 
 their  forms  of  Church-Government ;  but  alfo  incaufing  to  3 x. i^tbef.i. 
 ceafe  all  the  outward  Government,  and  Ordinances ,  fuitable  7^.^^.13,41. 
 to  the  Church  of  Chrift,  in  this  frail  ftate  at  that  Day  ;  and 
 no  till  that  Day,  (lull  all  thefe  things  be  done.     And  though 
 he  did  the  flrft  work  himfelf  alone,    yet  in  this  work  for 
 thefe  things ,  he  comes  not  only  with  his  Holy  Angels,  but 
 alfo  with  all  his  Saints  ioyning  with  him  in  this  work ,  as  is 
 faid,  Let  their  Saints  be  joyful,  inglory^  Sec.    Let  the  high  praifes  P/i/.  14*.  1f> 
 of  God  be  in  their  month  (  or  throat  )  and  a  two-edged  fword  in  7>8>9« 
 their  hand,  to  execute  vengeance  upon  the  Heathen ,    and  puni(h- 
 ments  upon  the  people,  to  binde  their  Kings  in  chains,and  their  2\(o- 
 bles  with  fetters  of  iron,  to  execute  upon  them  the  judgement  writ- 
 ten.  This  honour  have  all  his  Saints :  Hallelujah.     For  in  that  Mai.  4,3^ 
 Day  they  (hall  tread  down  the  wicked ,  and  they  (hall  be  as 
 afhes  under  the  foles  of  their  Feet  :  and  fo  in  the  great 
 ilraight ,  to  give  the  great  Overthrow  to  the  Enemies :   at 
 the  Day  of  the  Lord's  coming,  it  is  faid, >The  Lord  my  God  (hall zmbi+ip& 
 come,  and  aH  the  Saints  with  thee.      A n d  fo  t  h  e  A  r mie s  in  Hea-  Rev,  19.11*1. 
 ven  follow  him  to  the  taking  of  the  Beaft  and  the  falfc  Pro-  *  Fet-  W*** 
 phet ,   and  cafting  them  into  the  Lake  of  Eire,    and  flay- 8"10, 
 ing  the  Remnant  with  the  Sword ,  &c.    when  aifo  the 
 Earth ,   with  the  Works  that  are  therein,  (hall  be  burn'd  up 
 and  deftroyed,  as  the  old  World  was  with  Water.    And  this 
 being  done,  the  next  work  is, 
 
 3.  To  reftoi*  all  things;  fo  hid  Peter,  When  the  times  of t4fi.ii*** 
 
 Z  *  r*-  '"    \ 
 
1^4-        Of  the  Ends  of  Cbrifl  s  coming. 
 
 refrefhing  (hall  come  from  the  pre  fence  of  the  Loti\  ani  hefhull 
 fend  JefuA  Chrifi ,    which  before  was  preached  mtojon.  \  And  lb 
 as  in  the  beginning  of  the  firft  Creation,  the  whole  bufinefs  is 
 firft  fetfortU  in  general,   <7*#.  I  chap,  and  then  the  things 
 done  in  the  fame  time ,  more  particularly  fet  forth  and  expli- 
 cated, chap.  2,  and  3  :  So  here,  in  the  diffolution  of  th^Old, 
 and  compearing  of  the  New  Creation ,  the  thiflgi  done  are 
 in  general  related,  Rev.\9>  and  20  chip,    and  then  more  par- 
 &fr.»i.f,5.     ticularly  opened, chap.  21, and  22.  Ar.dfo  Ich*lzhb,  Hefaw 
 a  new  Heaven  and  a  new  Earth,  &c.  And  the  Lord  faith,  Be- 
 h$ld,  I  make  all  things  new&c.  And  again,Thefe  words  are  true 
 and  faithful.    And  fo  the  Believers  when  that  great  Over- 
 act.*. n3i3.t^irow  *s  g^vento  the  wicked,  do  look  for  a  new  Heaven  and 
 *  new  Earth,  according  to  his  promife  :  for  fo  when  he  cues  off 
 ifa.6%.  \%,\  5,  thewicked,    he  hath  promiied  to  create  new  Heaven  and  a 
 17.  new  Earth,  &c.    And  this  is  affured  to  be  in  that  Day  of  th€ 
 
 Manifeftation  of  the  Sons  of  God,  that  the  Creature ,    even 
 the  whole  Creation ,    (hall  be  delivered  from  the  Bondage  of 
 r  m  8  igio  Corruption  into  the  glorious  Liberty  of  the  Children  of  God, 
 ai,i2. '  Bcb.%.  who  (hall  then  enjoy  the  Adoption ,   the.Redemption  of  the 
 %js*  with  pfal.  Body ,  which  they  now  wait  for.     This  the  World  toccme 
 8'4>*j*»7>8.  whereof  wefpeak;  this  the  World  to  come,  of  which  Abra- 
 z™£l**J*'*' ham  (h&btznHeh;  this  the  Country ,  he  and  our  Fathers 
 1:*    '   ^  'waited  for,  and  then  (hall  inherit:  fo,  as  Chrift  in  this  re- 
 fpe&  alio,  is  the  Reftorer  of  paths  to  dweJi  in.      And  having 
 thus  renewed  the  Heaven  and  the  Eanh,the  next  work,which 
 is  done  in  compleating  this,  is  cleerly  (hewn, 
 i8     ,       4.  To  take  unto  him  his  great  Power  andRaign  ;    and  fo 
 ^14!  Job**. t0  g*ve  awards  to  his  Servants  the  Prophets,    and  to  the 
 3.' iTm.i.u.  Saints,  and  to  them  that  fear  his  Name,  fmall  ard  great . 
 Rev.i.$.  e>5»and  fo  to  receive  to  himfelf,  all  that  have  formerly  believed 
 *°,L*k"j*8'onhim,  lived  to  him,  and  furTered  with  him,  that  they  may 
 fcl'is"       #9^aign  with  him  ;    yea,   ear  and  drink  at  his  Table  in  his 
 Kingdom,  and  fit  on  Thrones,  &c.  In  which  Raign  and  King- 
 dom of  Chrift  with  his  Saints,    when  he  comesand  takesit, 
 divers  things  are  considerable,  as  exprefly  declared  and  affirm- 
 ed in  the  Scripture;  as  about  the  place  of  his  raigning,and  the 
 place  of  his  Throne,  and  the  extent,  and  manner,  and  pro- 
 fperity,  and  duration  of  his  Kingdom. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
\6f 
 
 CHAP,  18. 
 
 Qf  the.  things  confderdle  about  the  Kingdom  ofCbnft. 
 
 THat  mentioned  in  the  Scripture  about  the  Kingdom  of 
 Chrift,is, 
 i  .The  place  of  his  Kingdom  and  Raign,it  fhall  be  upon  the 
 Earth,  the  Earth  being  renewed      This  is  plainly  intimated 
 in  Heb.  *.  5,  6,  7, 8.  compared  with  Pfat.  8.4,6,7,8,9.  and 
 affirmed  both  of  him  and  his  Saints,  upon  the  making  of  the 
 new  Heaven  and  the  new  Earth :    Ilohnfaw  the  holy  City,  new  2trj.21.ia*. 
 Ierufalem  ,  coming  down  from  Cjod  out  of  Heaven,  prepared  as  a 
 Btide  adorned  for  her  Husband.     Is  not  this  the  Spirits  of  Juft 
 Men  made  perfeft,  receiving  their  Bodies  railed  immortal,^    "a/42^ 
 glorious,  powerful  and  fpiritual ;   and  the  living  Saints  in  the  icwAf.%iR$% 
 fame  momtnt  of  their  Refurredion,  changed,  and  made  like  53,54.  irk/. 
 them :  and  fo  both  together  aiceuding,  and  meeting  the  Lord  4«l  %j*#** 
 in  the  Air  or  Heaven ;  and  fo  coming  down  with  him  as  is 
 forefaewn  ?  And  that  we  may  rightly  underftand  the  mean- 
 ingof  the  Vifion  declared ,    he  farther  faith  ,  AndlheardaKQVttl^^u 
 great  voice  out  of  Jyeaven^  faying  ,    Behold,  the  tabernacle  of  God  6^.z  acK  14.9. 
 is  with  men  ,  and  he  will  dwell  with  them :  and  fo  on.    Yea,  the  Pfd>7  2.8  *x 
 Raign  of  Chiift  is  exprefly  affirmed, That  it  (hall  be  on  Earth; 
 and  the  Raign  of  the  Saints  with  him  ,  that  it  (hall  be  on 
 Earth  alio :  fothey  confefs ,  Thoahajl  made  m  unto  our  God, :^£9^. 10.?  faL 
 Jdngs  and  Prieftsi  and  we  (ball  raign  on  the  earth.      And  fo  it  is  37-9jxoix*« 
 faid,  When  the  wicked  are  cut  of,  and  (hall  not  be  ,    then  the  meek^ 
 (that  wait  on  the  Lord  in  tbefe  daycs  of  his  patience  )  fhall 
 inherit  the  earth,  and  delight  themfelves  in  the  abundance  of  pestce. 
 But  this  will  ftill  tnore  appev  in  the  Points  fQllowing  :  and 
 fo  I  will  proceed  to  them. 
 
 2.  The  place  of  the  Throne, it  fhall  be  Ierufalem\  the  great 
 and  Holy  City  in  the  midft  of  Canaan,  in  which  Abraham 
 walked,  and  fojoujned  as  a  Stranger  ;  though  then  renewed 
 
 and 
 
i66  Of  things  confiderable 
 
 Jo:    17.        anc*  cn'aroe^  :  a«d  fo  it  is  faid,  At  that  time  they  (hall  call  Inu- 
 falem  the  Throne  of  the  Lord  :     And  all  Nations  fa  all be  gathered 
 l] a.  24.13.       **nto  *h  t0  the  *Hame  of  the  Lord  to  Jerufalem,  &  c .     The  Lord  of 
 Hosts fhall  raign  in  Mount  Sion,  and  in  Jerufalem,and  before  his 
 If  a.  33.173*0,  ancients  glorioufly.     And  again  ,  Thine  ejfes  jhall  fee  the  King  in 
 his  be amy ',  &C.  Loo\upon  Sion,  the  fa]  of  our  folemnities.  Thine 
 eyes  jhall  fee  Jerufalem  a  quiet  habitation  ,    a  tabernacle  that  (hall 
 not  be  taken  down,  &C.      There  the  glorious  Lord  will  be  unto  Hi  a 
 '  place  of  broad  rivers  andflreams,  &c.      Oh  jerufalem,  the  holy 
 .ifa.-fi.  1.       City,  henceforth  there  [ball  no  more  come  into  thee  ,  the  undream- 
 _  cifed  and  the  unclean  :  according  to  that.  Rev.  21.27.  Then  the 
 z7V')}m.$.1~  Ldwfodlgo  forth  of  Sion,  and  the  Word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerufa* 
 Mk^x,  if*.    lem  5  chen  fhall  jerufalem  be  the  praife  of  the  Earth ,  and  the 
 61.7.  E%sk*l 8.  Name  of  the  City  flaall  be  from  that  Day, The  Lord  is  there ; 
 35.p/w.i2».  ?.  yea ,    in  Jerufalem  are  fet  the  Thrones  for  Judgement ,    the 
 .M«t*9.iS.     Thrones  of  the  Houie  ot<David  ;  there  fhall  the  twelve  Apo- 
 ftlesfit  on  twelve  Throne?,judging  the  twelve  Tribes  otlfrael: 
 all  being  but  the  Throne  of  Chrill,  who  overcoming  through 
 fufferings ,  is  now  fet  on  the  tight  Hand  of  God  ,  and  fo  let 
 tuk  1  n  Rev-  W^n  n*s  Fatner  on  his  Father's  Throne.  And  when  he  comes 
 a. ii.  Rev.ii-t0  take  his  own  Throne,  the  Throne  of  his  Father  David, 
 14.1 9.j5^.i3*  that  Sod  will  give  unto  him  •,  he  promifeth  likewife,  to  him 
 14-17.  HeB.iu?.  tnat  overcometh,  to  grant  to  fit  with  him  on  his  Throne  ;  fo 
 
 1?  P/ifio<^'thaf  allfuch  ^al1  have  tneir  Part  in  this  hoIy  Ci^  Jerufalem, 
 9,10,1 1,  ifaj*.  which  Jerufalem,(hi\[  be  in  the  Land  of  Canaan,  in  which  A- 
 z'zcch.u.6.  &  braham  ibjourned  $  and  where  'David,  though  a  fojourner  al- 
 14.10, ija,6 1,7,  fo,  yet  raigned,  there  (hall  Ierufalem  be ,    and  be  again  inha- 
 bited and  reforted  to ,  even  in  her  own  place  :  So,  as  for  the 
 jhame  they  have  undergone,  dec,  they  (hall  rejoyce  in  their  portion : 
 therefore,  in  their  own  Land,  they  (hall  pojfefi  the  double  5  and  ever- 
 lafttng  joy  (hall  be  upon  them, 
 
 3 .  The  extent  and  largenefs  of  this  Kingdom ,  Dominion, 
 
 and  Raignin^ ,  it  fhall  be  over  all  Nations  ,    over  the  whole 
 
 Earth:  and  fo  it  is  faid,  And  the  Lord(hall be  King  over  alt  the 
 
 earth  :  in  that  day  there  fhall  be  one  Lord  ,    and  his  "Name  one, 
 
 pfal  7*. 8  *  And,&*  (hall  have  dominion  from  Sea  to  Sea  ,   and  from  the  River 
 
 9>to  the  ends  of  the  earth.     They  that  dwell  in  the  wilder  nef  fhall 
 
 »9i  bow  before  him,  and  his  enemies  fhall  lick^  the  duft.      The  Kings  of 
 
 1 1 '  Tarfhifh  aM  the  Iflej,  (hail  bring  prefents ;  the  Kings  ofSheba  and 
 
 Seba 
 
about  the  Kingdom  ofCbritt.  \6j 
 
 Seba  (hall  tfer  gifts :  jeay  all  Kings  (hall  fall  down  before  him  ,  -all 
 Tfytionsjhallferve  him.     And  ib  in  Vifion  feen,  And  there  wo*  D(tn%  r,  u, 
 given  him  Dominion,  and  Glory,  and  a  Kingdom,  that  all  People, 
 Nations  and  Languages  jhallfgrve  him  :  his  Dominion  is  an  ever- 
 lafling  Dominion*,  and  the  Kingdom  and  'Domimon^and  greatnefiof  J  ?• 
 the  Kingdom  under  the  whole  Heavenfo all  be  given  to  the  people  of 
 the  Saints  of  the  meft  High,whofe  Kingdom  is  an  everlafting  King- 
 dom ,    and  all  Deminions  (  01  Rulers  )  Jhallferve  and'obey  him. 
 And  ib  thePromife,    And  he  that  overcome th  and  keepeth'my  Rk.i.if. 
 wor^s  unto  the  end,  to  him  will  I  give  power  over  the  Nations,  and 
 hejhall  rule  them,  &C.  even  as  I  received  of  my  Father.     Again, 
 Do  you  not  know  that  the  Saints  frail  judge  the  world  f  1  Co;  Ffrjjfc 
 
 4.  The  manner  of  this  Kingdom  ,  in  the  beginning  of  it,  l 
 and  till  Chrift  deliver  up  the  Kingdom  to  the  Father  ,  it  (hall 
 be  Davidical :.  his  Regiment  Providential  among  Men,  hath 
 from  the  beginning  been,  and  till  his  next  coming  will  be,  by 
 wordly  Governours ,  which  by  a  Divine  power  he  wifeth  up, 
 and  putteth  down,and  chan°eth  by  means  and  Inftruments,as 
 and  when  it  pleafeth  him.  His  Spiritual  Regiment,  is,  and  hath 
 been,  and  will  be  till  his  coming  again,by  his  Holy  Spirit  in 
 and  with  his  Word  of  Grace,in  the  Hearts  and  Consciences  of 
 his  Saints  on  Earth  ;  which  is  alio  fo  far  Divine,that  he  makes 
 them  Partakers  of  the  Divine  Nature  ,  though  not  all. 
 Raigners,but  fufferers  in  this  world.  But  his  own  PerfonalRe- 
 giment,  as  Man  and  Son  of  David,(h&[\  be  Davidical ,  though 
 exceeding  that  of  David,  as  Truth  is  in  all  things,  and  ever  ex- 
 ceeding the  Types;  in  which  alio  are  fome  diflimiiitudes,  is 
 hath  been  forefhewn ,  yet  ever  funnels  in  the  Truth,  to  an- 
 fwer  all  that  by  fimilitudcs  was  typed  or  figured.    And  fo, 
 
 1.  JeiusChriic  flail  have  the  Kingdom  of  his  Father  2X*-  iKjng$  f$j*> 
 vid,  fit  thereon,  and  rule  that  Houfe  and  Kingdom  ,  fuitable  20i  iffi*1??*** 
 to ,  and  excelling  that  faid  of,  and  by  Solomon  the  Type ;  in  lyyW^'. 
 which  ihall  be  fulfilled  that  promifed,  2  Sam.j.  according  to 
 his  Oath  mentioned  ,   Of  the  fruit  of  thy  body  willlfet  upon  thy 
 Throve,  &c.  and  according  to  that  prophefied,  /  will  raife  uitti&r^^ 
 David  a  righteous  Branch,and  aKingfballraign  and  prober,  and 
 fhall  execute  judgement  and  juftice  in  the  earth.     In  his  dayes^Ju- 
 dahjhaR  be  faved  ,    and  Ifraelfhall  dwell fafely:  and  this  is  the  j 
 
 Name  whereby  hejhall  be  called,  Jehovah  our  Righteeufnefi.  An  d  \ 
 
 this 
 
itfS         .       Vf  things  conjidw able 
 
 jhis  being  mentioned  again ,  this  is  given  as  the  proof  there- 
 
 rt  Y  ^  T    T     of :  Fpr  thus  faith  the  Lord ,  Davtdfhall  never  want  a  man  to  fit 
 
 16^7/        3  *n  tht'Throne  of  the  Heufe  oflfrael.    And  fo  by  another  Pro- 
 
 phet,  In  mercy  (hall  the  Throne  be  eftabltjhed ,  and  hefhallfit  upon 
 
 Ifa.i  6.$-l[t9-ft  fK  tyuth  ^   judging  and  feeding  judgement  :    yea, more  ,    Hu 
 
 Name  (hail  be  called  ,   Wonderful ,  lounfellor  ,   7  be  MtjhtyGod^ 
 
 The  ever  lading  Father ,    The  Prince  offeate  :,  'of ?  the  encreafe  of 
 
 hvi  Government  upon  the  Throne  ofDavtd,to  order  it,  &C.    And 
 
 ,      this  applied  to  Chrift  by  tire  Apoftle ,   and  by  the  Angel,  fay- 
 
 ^'#.20.  5o  2 1.  *n3  '    The  Lord  Cjodfhall  give  unto  him  the  Throne  of  his  Father 
 
 iu{.u$i.  W.  David.     Now  David  9s  Throne  was  not  in  the  higheft  Hea- 
 
 i  -s\.&  13.3  6,  vens,  yea,  his  Body  is  not  yet  afcended  thither  :  but  Chrift  is 
 
 37.^  3.  W°>,to  fit  on  the  right  Hand  of  God,  till  he  come  to  raife  the  Juft, 
 
 2,1  *  deftroy  the  wicked,and  reftore  all  things,  and  then  fit  on  the 
 
 Throne  of  David :  neither  was  T>avid\  Throne  in  the  Hearts 
 
 and  Confciences  of  Men, (as  Chrift  his  fpiriwal  Regiment  by 
 
 Word  and  Spirit  in  his  people  now  is  )   but  over  the  Bodies 
 
 2nd  Affairs  of  Men,  as  Chrift  his  Government  (ball  then  alio 
 
 be:  andfo,  and  in  that  fenic,DavidicaI9 
 
 1*40.8.1$  2«  In  the  Kingdom  of  A«//^,  there  was  both  Rulers  and 
 
 1  chron.  27'.23.,Subj'e^s,  and  dkcrfty  cf  degrees  in  both  ,   and  he  King  and 
 
 3l>  33*34.  &  Ruler,  over  them  all  ;    ruling  alfo  by  his  Princes,  amon^ 
 
 ZH-  &1?'6t  whom  bis  Sons  were  chief  :    lbme  alio  of  his  Princes  ruling 
 
 *'  over  his  iiibftance  for  Land  and  Cartel  ;   and  others  for'the 
 
 Affairs  of  the  Kingdom:  even  fo  in  this  Kingdom  of  Chrift. 
 
 The  Inhabitants  of  the  twelve  Tribes  of  //r^f/brought  from 
 
 ,  all  parts  of  the  Earth  to  tbeir  own  Land  among  them,  Rulers 
 
 over  the  bofinefs  of  the  Earth,  for  ordering  Land,  Cattel?  and 
 
 fuch-like  affairs  of  Men :  but  the  Children  of  the  Refurrefti- 
 
 \\  \ 3 1  ll  \  oai  c^at  are  l^e  compleat  fpiritually  born  Sons  of  God  •  thefe 
 
 6^1  '^jil'  ^a^  ^e  C^e  cil*e^ '  t^leie  ne^tner  marry,nor  are  given  in  mar- 
 
 4  ^  "  "  riage  $  but  are  as  the  Angels  of  God  :  thefe  for  the  matters 
 
 of  the  Kingdom,  are  the  chiefeft :  thefe  the  Kings  and  Princes, 
 
 .that  (hall  fit  upon  his  Throne ;  and  fo  upon  Thrones  with 
 
 if0/ri  s.41,4*.  hiaa  ,  and  have  ihe  Crowns  of  Righteoufnefs  and  Life  :    yet 
 
 jVai..  ia.  2  3 .    among  thefe  alio  there  will  be  degrees  one  excelling  another. 
 
 r^'IO'4(£    It  is  ordered  for  fome  to  fit  on  bis  right  Hand,   andfemeon 
 
 p/jLVo 5.9-14.  Ws  ^(t,  m^'is  Kingdom.     Abraham ,    Ifaac,  and  Jacob,  &C. 
 
 •/ Afuo,&c.' fhaji  have  their  places  there.     "David,   (eren  as  Chrift  the 
 
 King 
 
 h** 
 
 Mat.  2i. 50. 
 &rar.  12.  25 
 
about  the  Kingdom  of  Chrifi.  169 
 
 King,  fo)  he  a  Prince  among  them,  E*^.  34.  23>24  *nd  ^7'dshmii.h^. 
 24,25,    Daniel  dnii  then  ftand  up  in  his  Lot.     Zerubbabelz^%  Mat. 19. 
 (hall  be  there  as  a  Signet ,  $^.     The  A  pottles  fhaiL  there  fit  »8.  z?ry.*.i*. 
 on  twelve  Thrones,  drc.    The  victorious  Saints  (hall  fit  with  *c*r.6.*:  ink* 
 him  on  his  Throne,  ruling  the  Nations :   All  the  Saints  judg-  [9'\ ll[VMat' 
 ing  the  World  ,    (  as  Sampfon^  Deborah  ,  Barak^t  and  Samuel 
 judged  //rvi*/,t hough  it  will  be  in  more  holy  manner.)  And  to 
 it's  laid,  Have  thou  authority  over  ten  Cities  :  Be  thou  %£tler  over 
 five  Cities:  and,/  will  make  thee  Ruler  over  many  things.  And  fo 
 likewile  for  the  Governed  ;  here  is  alfo  great  diversity  of  de- 
 grees ,   the  twelve  Tribes  of  Ifrasly    that  are  furviving  at  his 
 coming,forhim  to  fettle  in  their  Inheritance,  and  thofe  of  the 
 Nations  joyned  to  them  ;  and  all  the  People,  by  the  Law  go-  fa  J  9*  fax- 
 ing forth  01 S ion ,   converted  to  them.     Thefe  are  the  chief,  ^^^f.*4 
 and  as  natural  Subjects  and  free  Denizens ,    have  their  re-  Zah.  2.  !/"I?' 
 courle  to  the  City,  to  worfhip,  and  keep  a  perpetual  iabbath,  He  £.4.3-10. 
 and  ling  Hallelujahs  to  the  Lord  :  and  the  refidue  of  the  Na-^^  na- 
 tions (hall  be  Servants, and  ferviceabie  unto  them  ,   who,  ity  2J*  6*-*>>6-  & 
 as  the  Law  comes  out  or"  Sion  to  them ,    t hey  do  not  convert  z:ti.\£.\6-la. 
 and  turn  to  come  and  worfhip,  they  fhail  not  enter  the  City  5  7^r.io.8,$. 
 but  receive  iuch  punifhment,  as  fnall  witnefs  diipleafure ;  and 
 they  atlatt  be  found  of  that  number,  that  will  be  deitroyed. 
 Such  the  degrees  both  of  Rulers  and  Subjefls  in  this  King- 
 dom 5  and  therefore  rightly  called  Dav-dical. 
 
 5 .  The  profperity,  beauty  and  flourishing  happinefs  of  this 
 Kingdom,  is  exceeding  great  and  glorious :  I  will  only  name 
 a  little,  and  quote  fome  Scriptures. 
 
 1.  There  (hall  be  no  forrow  ,  grief,  pain  or  crying,  nor  a-/p.f4 3 %&^u 
 ny  thing  to  caufe  or  occasion  it ;  no  violence,  oppreffion,  or  \i.Jer.y.\z3i$\ 
 hurtful  Creature ;  no  ficknefs,  affiiS'ion  or  death  ;  no  pollu-  »4«fMiM.j, 
 tion  in  Earth  or  Air;  but  all  fulnefs  of  iatisfying  in  every  thing  6>?>*'  *fa'  **• 
 that  is  good  for  them.  ?  %%        & 
 
 2.  They  (hall  all  know  the  Lord  ,  and  the  Law  of  God  jt?\x  „ 
 (hall  be  in  their  Heart  ;   and  they  fhall  have  one  Heart  and  &'\z.  38/3^ 
 one  Way ,  to  io;e  and  fear  the  Lord  fcr  their  good  for  e-  fcoj^.u.^ 
 
 3 .  They  fhall  not  one  envy  another  for  any  difference  in  Zrch^Al  p^ 
 degrees;  but  each  rejoyce  in  others  preferment,  as  his  own,  i0^.4jj.  ' 
 7/4,11.13.  and  20,22,24, 
 
 A  a  4.  They 
 
iyo  Of  things  con fider able 
 
 zcch  joij.  4*  ^ey  ^a'^  all fpeak  Truth  fmcerely,  both  to  God)  and 
 to  one  another  ;  for  he  will  then  give  and  turn  to  them  a 
 pure  lip. 
 :l6^9.&i\  *•  Rigate°ufnefs  and  Peace  (hall  ftream  among  them  in  a- 
 4.^^.4.3^4  $!  Sundance,  7/4.3  2.1 7*1  8»  and  J  *  -4*  ancl  ^c-i  7.  and  <5<5.i  2. 
 c^j.s-  Zetb%  Jer.i  3.6.  P/4/.72.7.  and  with  this, abundance  of  plenty,  and 
 ll>*3.  all  Creatures  at  peace  with  one  another ;  and  all  Men  :   fo, 
 
 as  they  fhall  learn  war  no  more ,  but  fit  quietly  under  their 
 Vines  and  Fig-Trees,  and  in  quiet  Habitations :  and  for  thefe 
 things  we  may  yet  lee:  farther,  7/4.49.1 8-2  3.  and  60.  and  6$. 
 1 2,  to  the  end. 
 zech.1%.2.  In  this  day ,    he  that  is  feeble  among  them  (hall  be  as  Da- 
 
 zecb.n.9.  Rev.  vid  ,   and  the  Houfe  of  David  as  God  ,  as  the  Angel  of  the 
 *°.8,9.  Lord  before  them  :  and  as  at  the  beginning  of  the  Kingdom 
 
 he  destroyed  ail  the  Enemies  that  would  not  iervethem; 
 lb  toward  the  end  of  the  Davidical  Regiment   (  for  of  the 
 Kingdom  is  no  end  )    he  will  deftroy  ail  that  rife  up  againft 
 them.     And  fo  I  proceed  to  the  laft  confiderable  about  this 
 Kingdom. 
 lfc$44xip,        6.  The  duration  of  the  Kingdom  it  lelf  is  for  ever  and  e- 
 ^.3t-3533^ver,hathnoend,asisofciaid:  but  for  this  manner  of  admi- 
 niftration  in  this  Davidical  Regiment  or  Kingdom  ,  as  in  the 
 Kingdom  there  is  iuch  a  Monarchy  ,  and  filch  degrees  of  Ru- 
 lers and  rated ,    we  may  confider  how  long  that  fhall  conti- 
 nue, and  that  (hall  be  as  long  as  day  and  night,  ancTthe  conrfe 
 *rj'2I-*3>15.0f  the  Sun  and  Moon  endures  ;    for  though  there  be  no 
 TAt  Tfliu  n*Snt  *n  che  City ,  and  it  have  no  need  of  the  Sun  ,  yet  will 
 7,17.  z^.*o!  there  be  day  and  night,   and  the  Sun  and  the  Moon  keep 
 * jA.  their  courfe,  with  feven-fold  more  glorious  iplendor,and  ufe- 
 
 ful  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Earth  alfo :  and  fo  it  is  faid,  In 
 his  dayes  fhall  the  right  eon*  flourish  ,  and  abundance  of  peace  ,  fo 
 long  as  the  Moon  endureth  :  his  Name  fn  all  be  for  evtr  '  hx  fytme 
 floaU  continue  at  long  as  the  Sun  ,  and  men  (hall  be  bleffed  in  him* 
 &c.  It  is  evident,  this  manner  of  raigning  (hall  be  for  a  thou- 
 fand  yecrs ;  which, if  taken  indefinitely,  may  be  a  long  time ; 
 if  taken  ftriftly ,  as  fome  for  weighty  reafons  conceive  it  to 
 be  ;  yet  if^as  ibme  conceive  the  meafure  of  the  San&u<iry  to 
 be  double  to  the  common  meafure ,  we  may  jo  conceive  it  to 
 bo  a  longer  thoufand  than  in  our  ordinary  account.  And 
 iurely  ,  he  that  in  his  love  of  compiffion  (hortneth  the  dayes 
 
 'of 
 
about  the  Kingdom  of  Cbrift.  171 
 
 of  tribulation,tmy  in  his  love  of  delight  lengthen  thofe  dayes 
 of  rejoycing  raigning  :  but  I  will  neither  difpute  nor  deter- 
 mine ic ;  but.onely  fay  as  it  is  teftified,  and  I  believe,  it  fhall 
 be  a  thoufand  yeers  at  the  leali,  the  time  of  Chrift  ,  as  Man, 
 and  his  Saints  with  him,  abiblute  and  cieer  raigning  ;  and  fo, 
 if  minded,  a  long  time :  the  complaint  of  the  Prophet  in  the 
 behalf  of  the  Church ,  was,  The  people  of  thy  hairnet?  pojfejjed  but 
 a  little  while-)  (that  pcffeflion  they  fore-had  in  the  times  of  J  '  3>  **9' 
 David  ,  Solomon ,  Hehoboam,  Abiam,  Afa0  Hezekiah,  joliah, 
 &c.  but  a  little  while  )  oar  adverfaties  have  trodden  down  thf 
 S*n3*aryy  &c.  and  the  promife  of  God  to  them  by  the  fame 
 Prophet,  is,  At  thedayes  of  a  tree,  (which  is  the  longeft  of  all  ifagf.i*. 
 vegetable  Creatures)  fo  the  dayes  of  my  people,  (  which  can  be 
 no  lefs,  than  as  the  Tree  in  durance  abideth  longer  than  the 
 Grafs,  Herb  or  Corn  ;  fo  his  people  (hall  longer  enjoy  their 
 Land ,  and  this  manner  of  raigning,  then  any  other  Monarch 
 or  Nation  hath  done  theirs  )  and  mine  elefffhall  long  enjoy  the 
 work. of  their  ha  ids.  And  this  isalfo  cleer,  That  Time  fhall  rCv  $<6,&io. 
 continue  fo  long  as  thefeventh  Angel  with  his  Seventh  Trum-  ^7. 
 pet  foundeth,  and  no  longer.  And  it  appears  by  comparing 
 ^,11 .11,12,1 3,1 4.  with  chip.  1  p.  throughout, That  the 
 reviving  of  the  Witneffes ,  and  the  appearance  of  Chad,  and 
 the  Refurre&ion  of  the  Ju(t,  and  the  DeftrufUon  of  the 
 Beaft  and  the  falfe  Prophet,  are  before  the  founding  of  the 
 ieventh  Angel.  And  in  his  beginning  to  found,  the  worldly 
 Powers  and  Dominions  are  taken  down  ,  and  the  Devil 
 bound  and  fliut  up ,  and  the  Thrones  fet.  And  what  time 
 thefe  things  take,  1  dare  not  fay  ;  but  fome  time  fure  ,  and 
 then  they  fit  upon  Thrones,and  the  whole  myftery  of  God  is 
 opened ;  and  then,  and  not  before  then,  begins  the  thoufand 
 yeers  of  their  raigning  and  judging.      And  when  the  Son  of '  ,' 
 
 Man  (hall ft  on  the  Throne  of  hi*  glory  ,  then ,  in  that  day,  (but  "  "4  * 
 whether  in  the  beginning,  or  in  the  middle  ,  or  the  end  ,  I 
 leave  to  every  man  to  think  as  he  feeth  caufe  )  all  Nations  (hall 
 be  gathered  before  him  (this  may  be  in  beginning,  and  middle 
 and  end,8;  throughout  this  great  Day  of  the  Lord)W  hihall 
 feparate  them  ,  and  fet  the  {keep  on  his  right  hand  ,  and  the  goats 
 on  his  left.  And  when  he  doth  that ,  then  he  proceeded  to 
 the  laft  and  final  Judgement,  which  Judgement  is  not  by  his 
 
 A  a  2  Saints 
 
iyi  Of  things  confiderable 
 
 Saints,  as  the  former  judging  and  ruling  was  ;  but  by  himfelf 
 only :  and  as  the  Refarre&ion  of  the  ]uft  at  firft  was  Chrift 
 his  own  work  alone  ;  To  the  Refurre&ion  of  the  Unjuft,  and 
 
 Kw.ao.n- 15,  this  final  Judgement's  alfonow.    The  compaffingthe  Camp 
 of  the  Saints,  fire  coming  down  from  Heaven,  and  confuming 
 the  Enemies ;  the  time  of  Satan's  laft  loofing ,  and  his  being 
 taken  and  caft  into  the  Lake  of  Fire,  and  then  the  Refurrefti- 
 on  of  the  wicked,  and  alfo  their  Judgement  according  to 
 their  works ,   who  knows  what  time  thefe  things  will  take  ? 
 What  God,  as  God,  may  fuddenly  do ,  I  meddle  not  with  ; 
 but  what  God  in  Chrift,  and  fo  what  the  Son  of  Man  will  do, 
 according  to  the  capacities  cf  Men ,  however  enlarged  by 
 him,  in  judging,  with    (  as  one  may  fay )  opening  the  Bookr, 
 fetting  Mens  (ins  in  order  before  them,  producing  witneffgs, 
 and  pafling the  fentence  upon  every  one  ;     I  dare  not  deter- 
 mine in  what  fpace  of  time  this  one  thing  (hall  be  done :  but 
 how  long  or  ftiort  foever ,  although  joyful  to  the  Saints  ,  yet 
 all  this,  with  all  that  went  before  it,  from  Satan's  lali  loofing, 
 to  his  being  caft  into  the  Lake  of  Fire ,  and  the  Refurre&ion 
 of  the  wicked ,  it  is  all  after  the  thouland  yeers  of  the  Saints 
 raigning  and  judging ,  however  the  thoufand  yeers  be  taken  ; 
 and  all  this  time  Chrift  as  Man  raigneth  and  judgeth,  and  his 
 Saints  are  with  him ;  and  fo  it  is  a  long  time,  and  the  Refur- 
 re£Hon  of  the  wicked ,    and  the  final  Judgement  paft :  then 
 Chrift  delivereth  up  the  Kingdom  to  his  Father,  and  then  is 
 the  myftery  of  God  wholly  finifhed ,  and  time  (hall  be  no 
 more,  all  will  be  Eternity;  then  the  Kingdom  continueth  ftill 
 for  ever  to  Eternity;  only  the  Davidical  Regiment  of  it,  is  de- 
 livered up  to  the  Father,  and  all  ruling  as  Men ,  all  diffe- 
 rences of  Men  in  ruling,  or  ruled,  ceafeth ;  yea,  Chrift  himielf 
 as  Man,  and  'Dav/d's  Son  ,  and  his  whole  Body  of  Saints  as 
 Men  ;  yea,  he  as  a  Monarch,  and  they,as  Rulers  or  ruled,  are 
 all  fubje&  wholly  to  the  Divine  Nature,God  being  All  in  All; 
 
 i  Ctr.i  * .18.  the  Man  Chrift  remaining  ,  and  God  in  him ;  the  Saints  re- 
 maining, and  God  in  them  ;  the  Kingdom  remaining ,  and 
 God  in  all:  God  is  in  all;  yea,  All  in  all;  he  is  intnem  all, 
 Wifdom,  Power,  Righteoufnefs, Truth, Love, Toy, Glory, 
 Everlafting  Life  and  Joy ;  God  is  All ,  and  All  in  all ;  yea, 
 fofull,fo  glorious,  and  everlafting  Joy,  that  all  former  things 
 
 are 
 
about  the  Kingdom  ofChrift.  175 
 
 are  fo  forgot,  as  if  this  had  ever  been  ;  yea,  withoutbegin- 
 ning  ,  and ,  as  if  all  that  can  be  to  Eternity ,  were  compre- 
 hended in  prefenr ,  and  io  will  be  to  Eternity,  without  end, 
 the  joy  of  the  Lord  in  which  he  is,in  which  all  the  Saints  are, 
 it  being  their  joy  alfo,they  are  now  both  filled  and  compaffed 
 with  it  in  them,  they  in  ic :  they  now  enjoy  to  the  full ,  that 
 prayed  for,  to  which  thehrft  Fruits  in  the  Day  of  Grace,  and 
 the  Harveft  in  the  Davidical  Regiment ,  had  its  tendency,  e-  £ph.y\7 yZ/,9, 
 ven  to  be  filled  with  all  the  fulnels  of  God;  yea,ifitmay  be 
 born, I  fuppofe  one  might  in  a  true  fenfe  fay ,  That  of  all  the 
 Saints ,  and  every  of  the  Saint?,  according  to  every  of  their 
 capacities,  (which  by  the  Divine  Nature  poflefling  them,  will 
 then  be  unconceivably  great)  which  isfaidof  theManChrift, 
 That  as  all  thefulnefs  of  the  Godhead/even  the  Father,  Son, 
 and  Holy  Ghoft,  in  the  Divine  Eflence ,  Love,  Good- 
 nefs,  Power  ,  Truth ,  Glory,  &c)  dwells  in  him  bodily :  fo 
 the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  of  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Spirit,  in 
 their  Love ,  Joy,  Goodnefs,  Power,  Wifdom,  &c  dwells  in 
 them  bodily,  (then)  fliews  it  felf,and  operates  in  and  through 
 their  Bodies ,  fo  as  never  before  5  only  with  this  exception, 
 TheManChrift  is .  one Perfon  in  the  Son  of  God,  andfo 
 God-Man ;  yea,  that  very  Perfon  is  very  God;  though  as  Man 
 he  have  yielded  up  the  Government  to  God ,  yet  as  God  he 
 governs  ftill :  but  none  of  the  Saints  are  one  Perfon  with  the 
 Son  of  God  ,  and  fo  not  God ,  governing  ;  but  filled  with 
 God.  I  defire  to  exprefs  it  only  as  by  Scripture  I  may  :  We 
 believing  in  him,  now  live  by  Faith,  and  enjov  all ,  and  walk 
 in  and  by  Faith,  Hope  and  Love  :  but  in  the  D,ividicaJ  King- 
 dom, we  (hall  not  live  by  Faith  ,  but  by  Si-ht  ;  and  fo  there  iCor.f.7*iCw. 
 will  be  noExercife  of  Faith,  nor  yet  of  Hope  ;  we  feeing  as  l3 -8  is.ffow-s. 
 we  are  feen ,  and  none  hopeth  for  that  which  he  feeth ;  and  14,JJ"1^?^" 
 yet  the  habits  of^  Faith  and  Hope  abide  till  the  Kingdom  be-  \'Coy,i%\i£. 
 come  wholly  Divine;  but  Charity  is  mod  in  Exercife  :  but 
 when  God  is  become  All  in  all ,  then  Faith  andHope,  and 
 all  Defires  are  ftreamed  into  Charity ,  and  Charity  abideth 
 ever ;  God  is  Charity  •  and  God ,  and  fo  Charity,  is  All  in 
 them,  and  in  them  all ;  his  delkht  in  them ,  and  their  rejoy- 
 cing  in  him.  Oh  unconceiveable  Life,  Joy,  Happinefs,  with- 
 out any  intermiflion  for  ever  and  eve,r !    But  what  manner 
 
 of 
 
174-         ^e  ttme  °f  drift's  next  coming. 
 
 of  Glory  this  (hall  be,  is  not  yet  revenled ,  nor  will  be,  till 
 Chrift  be  upon  the  Throne  of  David ,  that  the  whole  myfte- 
 ry  of  God  be  opened.  Therefore  I  defire  no  farther  to  pry 
 into  it ;  but  only  as  it  is  revealed,  that  fo  it  (hall  be,  and  that 
 I  defire  to  believe  ;  and  for  the  manner  of  it,  let  it  alone  till 
 the  Day  declare  it.  And  this  is  all  I  will,  till  farther  occafi- 
 on  given  me,  fay  of  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift,  he  comes  to  take, 
 and  fo  likewife  of  the  Ends  of  his  fecond  and  glorious 
 coming;  which  yet  is  enough  to  make  Believers  long  and  wait 
 for  his  coming,the  Time  whereof  is  next  to  be  fpoken  of. 
 
 CHAP.  if. 
 
 ■Of  the  third Poyat  ,   The  Time  of  the  next  coming  of 
 Chnft. 
 
 FOr  the  Time  of  the  coming  again  of  Chrift,  I  (lull  alfo  fay 
 what  I  finde :  for  as  for  the  precife  hour  or  day  ,  natural 
 or  prophetical,  it  were  preemption  in  me  fo  to  enquire,as  to 
 ftink  before-hand  certainly  toknowit,  feeing  ourSaviour 
 Chrirt  himfelf  hath  told  even  his  own  Difciples  that  enquired 
 after  it,2>  know  not  -when  the  time  is ;  not  only  when  the  end  of 
 
 f^'3*'5*' the  Day,  the  laft  and  final  Judgement  (ball  be;  but  not  the 
 beginning  of  the  Day  ,  when  the  Mafter  of  the  Homfe  cometh, 
 whether  at  even,  or  at  midnight ,  or  at  cockier  owing,  or  at  mor- 
 ning. If  any  reply ,  That  Chrifi  himfelf,  as  he  was  the  Son  of 
 Man,  and  Minifler  of  the  ^jofpel,  did  not  at  then  fo  kjww  it  as  to 
 make  it  kj^own  ;  that  is,  it  was  net  as  yet  given  him  to  reveal;  This 
 is  not  denied. 
 And  if  it  be  farther  replied,  That  after  his  Afccnfon ,   it  was 
 
 Ke^.t.iji.        given  him  to  reveal,    and  he  fentandfigmfiedit  tohisfervant 
 John ', 
 
 I  anfwer,  This  is  true  alfo,  That  then  was  given  him  a  more 
 full  Revelation  for  opening  the  things  to  come  contained  in 
 
 1^*4.16*17,  the  Scriptures  >  than  that  which  he  had  formerly  opened  to 
 
 ****.  them 
 
T'he  time  of  ChriH  j  next  coming.  175 
 
 them:  in  which  alfo  the  Holy  Ghoftinftru&ed  them,  even  a-  ~hj   %€  / 
 
 bout  the  lame  things.     But  now  indeed  hcgives  to  John  a  ij^,^3j 
 
 more  full  Revelation  vifionally,  with  Come  more  particulars  2  43n.R0m'i6. 
 
 explicated  as  touching  the  Gentiles  ,  of  thofe  very  things, ls^6.iJob.%- 
 
 then  was  before  as  to  the  other  Apoftles  by  the  Spirit ,  in  Z1% 
 
 which  ftiil  it  was  the  Office  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  ,   even  by  and 
 
 with  the  Scriptures  forewritten,  to  teacb,and  enable  them  to 
 
 teach  :  yet  the  very  hour  or  day,  natural  or  prophetical,  that 
 
 is,  for  a  year  in  ordinary  account ,  is  not  fo  declared  or  fet 
 
 down  ,  that  one  can  certainly  know  it ,    fo,  as  to  fay ,    and 
 
 mifs  not  the  very  hour,  or  day ,   or  year,   in  which  our  Lord 
 
 will  vifibly  ccme  %  and  not  before  or  after  it.    Whence  him- 
 
 felf  in  that  Revelation  alio  faith  ,   Behold  ,  I  come  as  a  thief  \  KevA6.is.Mat. 
 
 if/efed  is  he  that  watcheth  and  keepeth  his  garment sjt •/?,  &c.    And  **•  *1>  43j4?. 
 
 this  alio  of  good  ufefulnefs  for  us ,    that  we  may  be  alwayes  j^xV  34,??' 
 
 watchful  and  prepared,  waiting  and  looking  for  his  coming,  ^. 
 
 that  in  his  coming  we  may  be  found  well-doing.      And  yet 
 
 though  the  precife  hour  or  day  natural  or  prophetical ,  be 
 
 not  of  us  fore-known  ;  yet  this  we  may  certainly  know , 
 
 firft,That  it  will  certainly  be  :  and  fecondly,That  it  is  nigh  at 
 
 hand ;  yea,  many  wayes  evidenced  to  be  nigh  ,    even  at  the 
 
 doors.     And  this  will  cleerly  appear ,   if  we  confider  thefe 
 
 three  things  in  his  coming. 
 
 1 .  His  coming  to  particular  Men,  in  taking  away  their  na- 
 tural lives. 
 
 2.  His  coming  in  haflning  and  bringing  forth  or  ordering 
 thofe  works  by  his  providence,  that  are  to  be  accomplifhed 
 before  his  perfonal  and  vifible  appearance. 
 
 3.  His  peribnal  and  viable  appearance  it  felf,  in  that  man- 
 ner, and  to  thofe  ends  before-fnewn.  It,  in  every  fenfe  and 
 confederation,  wil  1  appear  nigh  :  it  cannot  be  far  off.   For , 
 
 1 .  When  any  Man  dies  and  gives  up  the  Gholt,  it  is  to  that 
 Man,  and  fo  to  every  Man  in  the  Day  of  his  natural  Death,  in 
 refpeft  of  his  eternal  welfare  or  wo,  the  very  fame  as  ifChrift  Bccl.9.io.&a. 
 did  then  perfonallycome:  for  in  what  eftate  of  Faith,or  Un-  3v«M.*M* 
 belief;  in  peace  with  God,  or  enmity  againft  him;  and 
 fo  as  in  well-doing  or  evil-doing,  a  Man  is  found  when  he 
 gives  up  the  Ghoji,  in  the  fame  (hall  he  be  found,  and  appear 
 in  the  Refurre&ion  of  the  Dead,  and  fo  dealt  with  by  Je- 
 ms 
 
i  j 6         The  time  of  Christ s  next  coming. 
 
 fus  Chrift  in  his  perfonal  appearance ,   when  at  his  voice  the 
 seek f. 3. ti.  &  Dead  are  raifed :  when  any  dies,  the  Spirit  qoes  to  God  that 
 tiik.i6.iz.      gaveit;  and  it  dying  in  Faith  or  gracious  Eltate,  it  is  put  un- 
 2C0/.5.8.  rh'd.  der  the  Altar  or  wings  ofChrilt  in  Heaven ,   fometime called 
 1.13.  1  pct.$.  ^W?^*sbofQme,nowtheAltarorprefenceof  Chrift:  but 
 i).  Afl.w.i4-«a-  if  dying  in  unbelief,  or  dilbbedient  Rate  ,  the  Spirit  is  put  in 
 Z£cdf9i6.    ^r^on  liUtne  Sr^t  and  final  judgement  5  and  in  the  Reiur- 
 '  >  '    retfionof  the  Bodies,  the  Spirits  (hall  be  united  again,  every 
 one  to  his  own  Body  ,   and  appear  before  the  judgement- 
 Seat  of  Chrift:  the  Body  all  the  time  till  then  being  dead  and 
 turned  to  duft ,   it  knoweth  nothing,  is  fenlible  of  nothing : 
 and  fo  an  hour,  a  day,  a  yeer,  or  a  thoufand  yeers,  is  all  one  to 
 *hem,  and  not  To  much  or  lo  long  as  an  hour  to  a  living  Man  : 
 fo  that  his  coming  in  this  refpect  is  nigh ,    and  alwayes  hath 
 been,  to  every  Man  in  their  feveral  ages :  for  of  that  day  and 
 hour  knoweth  no  Man  certainly  till  it  come  ;  but  long  it 
 cannot  be :  fo  that  in  this  refpeS  it  is  needful  to  be  alwayes 
 ready, 
 
 2.  By  hisdifcernable  (though  nor  vifibly  perfonal )  ap- 
 pearance, in  bringing  to  pais  and  ordering  thofe  things  that 
 mud  be  done  before  his  perfonal  and  bodily  coming  ;  and 
 which  being  all  done,  he  will  certainly  and  without  tarrying 
 come ;  and  by  which  as  they  are  in  doing,and  come  to  pais,he 
 wills  us  to  take  notice,  That  his  coming  draws  nigh,  and  is  at 
 2tfdf.14.4-30.  the  doors ;  and  that  is  fuch  things  as  theie ,  the  hearing  and 
 Mar.  13.5--^  feeing  wars, neer  or  where  we  live  ;  and  hearing  the  rumours 
 itffc.ii.  8-27»  cf  Wars  afar  off,  Famine?,  Peftilences,  Earthquakes ;  then 
 Perfections,  and  killing  fuch  as  believe  in  Chrift,  and  live  to 
 him ;  and  falfe  Prophets  a  riling  and  deceiving  many;  then  the 
 decay  of  the  love  of  many  that  have  been  believers,  and  be- 
 traying their  Brethren  :  then  fome  faying,  Here  is  Chnft;  or, 
 There  is  Chriftand  fome  hying,/ an  Chr /ft.  And  in  all  this,the 
 fecuriry  or  carelefnefs  of  the  world,  not  minding  any  coming 
 of  his  in  Judgements  or  in  Perlbn  ,    but  giving  up  them- 
 felves  to  follow  their  worldly  affairs  :  and  then  fome  ftrange 
 fliakings  both  of  Heaven  and  Earth, of  Churches  and  States ; 
 andftrange  Apparitions  in  Sun,  and  Moon.?and  Stars.     Thefe 
 things,with  the  Gofpel  preached  over  all  the  world ,  were  to 
 come  to  pais,  and  fo  did ,  before  the  end,in  the  deftruftion 
 
 of 
 
The  time  of  Cbrijl  j  next  coming.         \jy 
 
 of  Jerufalem.  And  after  that,  they  were  all  to  come  to  pafs, 
 and  io  be  done  over  again  before  the  end  of  the  World  in  the 
 coming  of  Chrill;  who,when  all  thefe  things  arc  fully  done  and 
 come  to  pafs^  will  fuddenly  come  and  appear,  as  himielf  hath 
 foretold  us.  And  our  Saviour  aifo  bids  us ,  nlotn  we  fee  thefe 
 things  come  topafi,  to  know  that  his  coming  is  ntgh  ,  even  at  the 
 doors  :  and  warns  Believers  not  to  be  troubled  when  they  fee 
 thefe  things  come  to  pa[?  ;  but  to  lift  up  their  heads ^j or  the  nigh" 
 drawing  of  their  Redemption.  And  of  thefe  things  the  A  po- 
 tties in  their  writings ,  and  in  the  %evelation  aifo  ,  gives  us 
 warning.  All  which  things  have  in  the  fever  a!  Ages  fince, 
 been  fuirillin;,  and  now  apparently  to  be  ieen  in  an  high  de- 
 gree ;  almoti  all  and  every  of  them  come  to  pafs  :  fo  that 
 the  Day  is  haitening  and  nigh  at  hand ,  that  by  viewing  thefe 
 things,  we  may  take  notice  of  it,  and  fo  be  prepared,  patient- 
 ly waiting  for  his  Coming.  Behold  he  cometh ,  He  cometh 
 quickly.  ^ 
 
 3.  His  perfonai  and  vifible  appearance,  and  coming  again,  ROmM.z^wiih 
 fpoken  of,  is  to  be  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  Gentiles  is  come  l«^.V»8.  W^ 
 in ,  that  is ,  when  they  have  had  their  time  in  their  feveral  *  21  Gen.if. 
 places,  for  Gofpel-preaching  among  them  ,  and  thole  that  in  I^^v.i^.is9 
 hearing  heard,are  gathered  in;  and  the  (ins  of  O ppofers  grown  *  8' 
 fuil  and  ripe  :  and  fo,  when  the  Kings  of  the  Earth  ,  the  ten 
 Horns,  that  have  helped  to  uphold  the  eighth  and  feventh  .. 
 
 Head  of  the  Beat*  ,   that  double  Beali  on  whom  the  Whore  f£^  Jgt 
 did  ride,  ft  all  hate  the  Whore ,  and  have  made  her  defoiate, 
 and  naked,  and  eat  her  flefh ,  and  burn'd  her  with  fire :  and 
 fb,  when  the  great  Babylon,  as  well  as  the  myfterious  Babylon 
 is  fallen,  then  will  he  come.    Which  things  appear  in  a  great  «    , 
 forwardneis;  but  not  yet  fully  done :  of  which,  many  have  ™Vm  9' 
 written,and  I  forbear  tofpeak;it  being  not  my  bufmefs  in  Ms 
 Tra&:but,when  the  twelve  Tribes  of  IfraeUre  come  from  all 
 parts  of  the  World  into  their  own  Land,  then  forty  fiveyeers  van  riX&i* 
 after,  will  JefusChrift  vifibly  appear. 
 
 But  then  fome  may  reply,  and  lay,  That  the  "Day  may  be  then 
 known ,  as  a  day  is  taken  for  ayeer^  to  be  forty  fiveyeers  jufi^  after 
 the  Jews  coming  in  again  to  Canaan  ;  and  the  day  of  their  coming 
 in  again  may  be  known  by  the  fame  place  in  Dan.  i2.n,  to  be 
 l  2  po  yeers  aftemhe  abomination  that  maketh  Ac  folate  U  fet  up* 
 
 Bb  To 
 
178  The  time  of  Chrifts  next  coming. 
 
 To  this  I  thus  far  yeeld,  That  to  fuch  as  God  gives  under- 
 standing in  thefe  Vifions,  toward  the  time  of  fulfilling ,  they 
 may  come  very  nigh  to  know  theneer-approaching  :  but  I 
 fuppofe,not  certainly  the  very  yeer>before  ic  comet  h,  for  thefe 
 Reaions: 
 
 1.  Becaufe  our  Saviour  faith,  We  know  not  the  hour  or  day  of 
 our  M aft rf s comings  hath  been  fhewn. 
 Dan  9.1  1  3  .  ?*  ^ecau^c  £*»'*/*  that  knew  the  time  of  their  then  Cap- 
 Sec.  '  '  Yivity  to  be  exprefs,  feventy  yeers;  and  underlhndmg  by 
 Books  the  number  of  the  yeers  neer  out ,  yet  did  not  cer- 
 tainly determine  the  expiration ,  as  one  certainly  knowing 
 with  which  of  their  goings  into  Captivity  to  begin  the  ac- 
 count ;  but  fet  his  face  to  feek  the  Lord  for  the  fame ,  and  lb 
 for  their  return. 
 
 3 .  Becaufe  the  Souls  of  them  that  were  fliin  for  the  Word 
 *«v.*.fcio,i  1. 0f  God  and  the  xeftimony  which  they  held,  being  under  the 
 
 Altar  in  the  prefence  of  Chrift  ,  they  yet  knew  not  the  cer- 
 tain time  of  the  coming  of  this  Day  :  and  though,  (as  Daniel) 
 the  time  drawing  nigh,  they  long  for  it  ;  yet  with  all  the  te- 
 ftefhing  flowing  on  them ,  they  are  bid  reft  for  a  little  feafon, 
 &c.  but  the  period  of  time  no  farther  declared,  but  only, 
 that  it  is  a  little  fcafon  :  and  iliall  we  think  to  know  the  time 
 more  certainly  when  than  they? 
 
 4.  Becaufe  among  many  learned  ,  godly  and  laborious 
 Men  in  this  bufinefs,  which  by  occafions  I  have  read ,  I  finde 
 great  difference  in  their  account  :  fome,  whofe  accounts  are 
 already  paft  ;  and  divers  that  do  much  differ  ,  hundreds  of 
 yeers  one  from  another  ;  and  fome  make  it  to  be  a  hundred 
 ycer longer  than  I  will  name ,  or  can  believe  5  and  yet  pro- 
 bably fome  might  do  it  from  a  miftake  of  the  end  of  that  great 
 Day  in  the  final  Judgement  of  the  wicked,  for  the  beginning 
 
 Gen.17. 14.  &  of  that  Day  in  the  Refurre&ion  of  thejuft,in  Chrifts  firft  glo- 
 
 a^**-^47v9  nous  appearing:  and  others  might  happily  lofefome  yeers 
 
 il  40  fif  Gal. IU  tccounr>*s  f°me  nave  done  in  counting  but  4 3  o  yeers  from 
 
 $.'i7%     '      'the  firft  making  of  the  promife  to  tAbraham,   to  the  Law 
 
 giving  on  Mount  Sinai:  whereas  from  the  promife-making  to 
 
 ^Abraham  ,  to  Jacob's  Birth,  was  6 1  yeers :  from  that  to  Ja* 
 
 coPs  (landing  before  Pharath,  130  yeers  :  which  1 9 1  yeers, 
 
 they  lived  by  Faith  in  the  Land  of  Promifey  as  Sojourner*? 
 
 And 
 
The  time  of  Qhriffs  next  coming.        179 
 
 And  after  the  Promife  or  living  by  Faith  as  Sojourners  in  the 
 Land  of  Promiie,  the  Children  of  Ifrael  fojourned  430  yeers 
 in  Egypt  before  the  giving  of  the  Law,  of  which  the  Apoftle 
 fpe&ks.    And  fo  by  fome ,    1  o  1  yeers  may  be  loft  by  that  ac- 
 count.    What  more  between  Mofes  and  Samuel,  and  after, 
 I  have  not  time  and  ability  to  fearch  :    A  nd  fince  all  Chrono- 
 logers  agree  not  for  the  time  fince  the  Creation,  no  wonder 
 if  good  Men  have  been  miftaken  for  that  which  is  to  come. 
 And  of  them  that  produce  ftrong  Reafons,  and  have  been  skil- 
 led in  Chronicles,  and  courfe  of  times ,  and  agree  neereft  a- 
 mong  themfelves  :  in  this  I  fpeak  but  as  in  fuch  Books  I  have 
 read 5  fome,  fpeaking  of  the  time  of  his  coming,  fay ,  It  wtR 
 be  in  the  jeer  of  the  Lord  1 688  :  others,l68p  :  others,  1700 : 
 and  others,  1 701 :  others  make  more.      It  is  very  like  they 
 come  neer ;  but  that  they  are  not  under  or  over ,  I  dare  fay  of 
 none,  till  their  time  be  paft  :   but  for  thofe  Worthies,  who, 
 as  I  fuppofe ,  go  the  fureft  way  to  work ,   to  begin  their  ac- 
 count from  the  total  deftru&ion  of  the  Temple  mjerufalem, 
 (o  as  one  ftone  was  not  left  upon  another  ;  and  fo  the  daily 
 Sacrifice  wholly  done  away ,  and  the  abomination  of  defo- 
 lation  let  up  in  Julian's  time,  which  fome  fay  was  in  the  yeer 
 360;  and  fome  fay,  3  67  ;  others,  3  68,  or  thereabonts.  And 
 from  thence  reckon  Daniel  •»  1 2 po,  to  the  Jews  coming  in  ; 
 which  will  fall  out  to  be  1656, or  1657,  or  1658,  orthere^ 
 abouts  ;  yet  the  Chronologies  are  not  fo  uniform  and  cer- 
 tain ,   that  they  can  all  agree,  and  pitch  upon  that  yeer  of  his 
 coming,  in  certainty  ;  though  I  fuppofe  they  come  neer,  yet 
 if  it  were  even  now  ,  or  (hould  certainly  be  that  they  come 
 into  their  Land,  this  next  yeer,  1 6$6y  which,  O  that  it  might 
 fo  be !  yet  to  pitch  upon  the  laft  yeer  of  the  next  4  $  to  end, 
 is  not  fo  eafie,  as  I  have  fometime  thought  ir,  becaufe  it  is  not 
 certain  whether  we  fhall  begin  the  45  at  the  firft  aifay  of 
 fome  for  entring ,  or  at  fome  more  general  fettlement  of- 
 them  in  the  Land ,   after  fome  Battles  fought :  and  then  45 
 yeers  after ,  in  their  greateft  ftrait ,   he  comes  to  overthrow 
 their  Enemies  :  of  which  proceeding,  I  conceive  we  may 
 learn  fomething  by  the  manner  of  God's  dealing  for  them 
 when  he  led  them  out  of  Egypt  into  fanam ;  becaufe  teifau$\i-$ 
 Lord ,  fpeaking  of  what  he  will  do  for  them  in  this  great 
 
 Bb  2  work, 
 
180         The  time  ofChrifl  j  next  coming. 
 
 Work  in  that  Day,  concludes  it  thus  ;  faying ,  Like  as  it  was  to 
 Ifrael^  in  the  day  that  he  came  up  out  of  the  Land  of  Egypt :  and 
 
 i/<U2.  then  follows  the  Song  of  Thanfgiving.  I  (hall  but  propound, 
 
 May  not  there  befirft  aftirringupofthe  Spirit  of  fome  emi- 
 nent ones  (iso(o\d,LMofeszn<ieAaron)  to  begin  to  ftir  up 
 others  ,  and  lead  the  way ;  while  yet  the  generality  of  the 
 people  are  ignorant  and  untoward,  (  as  they  of  old  ?)  Some- 
 what of  this  may  be  included  in  that  faid,  Zech.  2.  6.  Jer.  3. 
 12,14,  and  31,6.  May  not  alfo  fome  notable  things  be 
 done  in  plagues  on  the  people  that  would  detain  them  ?  (as  to 
 the  Egyptians  of  old)  may  not  fomething  of  that  be  in  Zech.t. 
 g,9,  and  fo  fet  them  a  going?  is  not  this  intimated  ,  /p#  1 1 ; 
 11*12?  And  when  they  come  to  be  difcouraged  by  the 
 tongue  of  the  Egyptian  Sea ,  with  its  feven  ftreams  ,  or 
 the  great  River  Euphrates  (as  the  Ifraelites  of  old  by  the 
 
 ra  n  l%l6  Red -Sea)   may  not  the  Lord  delroy    and     divide    the 
 
 *  *  '  "  Tame,  literally,  that  fuch  as  are  thereby  hindred*  may  go  o- 
 ver  dry-fhod ;  and  metaphorically,  in  overthrowing  the  Tur- 
 
 JtoMtf.ix.      ^  and  Ef7^i4» Enemies  for  the  time,  that thofe  that  are 
 
 thereby  hwdred  may  come  into  their  Land ;  yea,  and  in  that 
 
 coming  rejoyce  much ,    (  as  Ifrael  when  they  were  patted 
 
 through  the  Sea ,  and  faw  the  Egyptians  drowned : )  and  yet, 
 
 ,  10         upon  fome  Trials,  have  many  rebellious  among  them  ftil!,  in 
 
 £8#  '    due  feafon  to  be  purged  out ,  (  as  it  was  with  Ifrael  of  old  ?) 
 
 may  there  not  in  all  this  time,  (as  in  the  time  of  OWofes  con- 
 teft  with  Pharaoh ,  and  leading  the  people  through  the  Sea, 
 induring  the  pepples  grievances,  till  they  were  fed  with  Man- 
 xahj  and  in  fome"  fettled  order, ,  that  fethro  kept  CWofes  Wife 
 and  Children  ,  and  then  brought  them  to  LMofcs,  and  gave 
 advice  to  UWofes,  even  fo)  the  Gentiles  or  People  of  the  Na- 
 tions ,  fome  of  them  be  very  fervkeable ,  to  preferve,  help 
 forward ,   and  bring  in  of  the  people  of  Ifrael  into  their  own 
 
 ifa.4$M.  Land,  and  advife  and  help  forward,  toward  their  fet  tlement : 
 and  yet  after  all  this,  (as  Ifrael  of  old  had  many  and  great 
 Plagues  and  Wars,with  many  and  great  Kings,till  the  Rebelli- 
 ous were  purged out^s  well  as  thofe  Enemies  overthrown,fo) 
 chefe  alfo  have  like  Troubles  and  Wars ,  with  like  Aflfli&ions 
 
 ZtchMS>\.  and  Purgations^  well  as  Viftories  ?  And  after  all  this,  (as 
 they  of  oldhad  a  Jordan  to  paf$  over ,  and  a  Jfetic ho  to  over- 
 throw y 
 
The  time  of  ChriH's  next  coming.         181 
 
 throw  ,  fo  )  thefe  (hall  have  their  potent  Enemies  and  Be- 
 (iegers  to  try  them  more,  and  for  God  to  (hew  his  Won-  D4».n.*. 
 ders  more  among  t  hem  :  this  their  being  in  their  own  Land 
 being  a  Metaphorical  Refurre&ion  ;  of  which  ,  fome  are  to 
 fhame ;  and  ibme,  to  contempt :  their  firft  Conductors  be- 
 ing not  fo  profperous,  as  to  be  Inftruments  of  the  conversion 
 of  the  generality  of  them,  (  no  more  than XMofcs  and  Aaron 
 of  old  )  yet  God  may  be  fo  gracious  to  them,  (as  to  Ifrael  of 
 old,  in  giving  them  a  Jo(huah  to  be  their  Leader ;  fo  )  to  fend 
 Elijah  the  Prophet,  to  turn  the  hearts  of  the  Fathers  to  the  Chil-  M  t  6 
 dren  ,  and  the  hearts  of  the  Children  to  their  Fathers  :  and  upon  /^>  \x,%^,  tfAt 
 this  ,  the  great  Converfion  among  them  j  and  many  not  be-  66.^,20. 
 fore  come  in  to  them,  now  coming  with  weeping  and  impli- 
 cation. And,  (  as  Rahab  was  helpful  of  old,  fo  )  now  the 
 Gentiles  may  alio  be  more  abundantly  ferviceable  to  fetch 
 and  bring  them  into  their  Land  :  and  the  Enemies  ftill 
 oppofing,  while  God  is  by  his  mighty  power,  (  as  of  old  di- 
 viding Jordan )  and  taking  the  (name  of  Egypt  06  from  his 
 people ,  and  to  overthrow  Jericho  )  about  to  (hew  his  great 
 wonders ,  and  to  take  the  (hame  of  all  people  from  off  his 
 people  Ifrael ,  and  free  them  from  all  Captivity  ;  the  Ene- 
 my Mill  ftrengthening  thcmfelves  to  oppoie,  then  in  that 
 ftrait , '  (  as  to  Jojhuah  of  old,  fo)  to  thefe  now,  Jcfus  Chrift 
 himfelf  appears,  and  comes,  and  all  the  Saints  with  him,  and  Zec^M^Ai 
 gives  the  total  overthrow  to  the  Enemy  :  which  being  done, 
 the  laft  45  yeers  is  expired.  I  determine  not  things  to  be 
 done  according  to  my  expreflions:  but  fuch-like  things,  and 
 in  a  true  fenfe  ,  according  to  the  expreflions  of  the  Scripture 
 quoted ,  will  be  done  ;  yea,  even  fo,  that  it  will  be  done  to 
 them,  like  as  it  was  to  Ifrael^  when  he  came  out  o*  Egypt.  So 
 that  when  the  45  yeers  are  out ,  is  ea(ie  to  be  known  :  but 
 when  they  begin,  whether  at  their firftaflay  to  enter,  or  in 
 their  beginning  to  fettle  ;  I  know  not  :  but  could  I  furely 
 know  of  the  leaftbeginning  of  thefe  things,  I  (hould  as  affix- 
 redly  know  the  Lord  is  fo  ni^h  coming,  as  that  (as  one  might 
 lay)  he  is  rifen  up  and  on  his  march  ;  and  if  the  4  5  yeers  be 
 not  entred,  they  will  prefently  enter.  So  for  Ifrael,  and  now 
 for  our  felves  that  are  not  natural  Ifrael-,  we  may  learn  fome- 
 ihiog  for  our  information ,  tbout  the  time  of  the  coming  of 
 
 our 
 
iSi        The  time  of  Chrifi  V  next  coming. 
 
 our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Cnrift ,  in  comparing  the  things 
 and  events  conning  to  pafs,  with  Ifrael  of  old,  from  their 
 coming  out  oiEgyyt  unto  the  firft  coming  of  Chrift,  with  the 
 1  co/,\o.i  8.  &  things  and  events  coming  to  pafs  with  and  among Chriftians 
 verf.i-6  ii.  from  the  firft  coming  of  Chrift,  tothefecond  and  glorious 
 coming  of  Chrift,  we  are  in  many  things  willed  to  behold  If- 
 rael after  the  flefh  \  and  they  are  affirmed  to  be  figures  and 
 examples  for  us,  and  thofe  things  to  be  written  for  our 
 warning  and  inftru&ion  :  and  concerning  God's  dealing  with 
 them,  in  giving  them  the  Law  by  LMofes^  and  their  demeanor 
 towards  him ;  Chrift  uttered  a  Parable ,  which  may  be  read 
 ^#.21.33,  34.  andL»k  20.0-17.  and  fofor  hisdealing 
 with  Chriftians,  from  firft  to  fecond  coming ,  and  their  de- 
 meanour towards  him,he  uttered  a  like  Parable,which  may  be 
 reader .2 5. 14-3  o.and  Luk.i  p.  1 2-  2 7.  Therefore  it  it  is  use- 
 ful for  us  to  confider  and  compare  the  fame  things  in  reading 
 the  Hiftories  of  them,  and  we  may  difcern,  there  is,hath  been, 
 and.wiil  be  fome  Agreemenr. 
 
 1 .  When  God  by  Mofes  the  Mediator,  gave  them  the  Law, 
 and  fet  their  Priefthood ,  Sacrifices ,  and  TempJe-worfhip  in 
 order ,  the  people  were  generally  ,  and  many  of  the  Cap- 
 tains and  Levites,  ftubborn  and  rebellious  ail  the  dayes  of 
 the  perfonal  Miniftration  of  Mofes  :  fo  in  the  dayes  of  the 
 perfonal  Miniftration  of  Chrift  the  Mediator  of  the  New  Te- 
 ftament,  while  he  wasminiftring  the  Gofpel,  and  working 
 Miracles  to  fave  the  loftftieep  of  the  Houfc  of  lfraetf.0  whom 
 in  Miniftration,  he  was  efpecially  fent,  yet  while  he  was 
 chufing  Apoftles  and  Evangelifts,  and  giving  them  his  Gofpel 
 and  his  Ordinances  to  have  miniftred  to  them ,  yet  were  the 
 people  generally,  with  their  High-Prieft,  and  Priefts,  and 
 Lawyers,  ftubborn  and  rebellious,  and  but  few  of  them  that 
 came  in  to  believe  on  him. 
 
 2.  In  Jojhtttffs  time ,  when  Mofes  was  taken  away ,  the 
 people  were  more  generally  obedient ,  and  followed  the 
 Lord  more  fully  ;  ( though  fome  trouble  by  Achan. )  And 
 fo  in  the  dayes  of  the  Elders  that  out-lived  Jefhuah.  So  in 
 the  Apoftles  and  firft  Witneflcs  dayes,  (  after  Chrift  left  the 
 World,  and  went  to  the  Father  )  both  Jews  and  Gentiles 
 came  in  apace ;  &  the  Churches  encreafed  and  profpercd,  and 
 
 orew 
 
^Tbe  time  of  Chritt  j  next  coming.         \  8  5 
 
 grew  in  Grace,  and  kept  the  Faith  found  ;  notwithstanding 
 fome  harm  done  by  falfe  Prophets  ;  for  the  Spirit  of  An- 
 tichrift  began,  even  before  their  departure,  to  work  ,*  yet  the 
 Churches  kept  the  Faith  found  in  their  dayes,and  in  the  days 
 of  the  Churches  of  thofe  firft  times  that  next  fuccecded 
 them ,  and  received  the  Gofpel  from  their  perfonal  Miniftra- 
 tion. 
 
 3.  After  Jojhaah  's  time,  and  the  time  of  the  Elders  that 
 out-lived  Jojh*ah ,  the  people  learned  the  manners  of  the 
 Nations,  and  went  a  whoring  after  their  Gods,  and  God  de- 
 livered them  often  into  the  hands  of  their  Oppreffors ;  yet  in 
 mercy  ever  and  anon  in  their  diftrefles ,  be  railed  them  up  Sa- 
 viours or  Judges.  So  after  the  time  of  the  Apoftles  and 
 nrft  Witneffes,  and  the  time  of  the  Churches  next  fuc- 
 ceeding  them ,  (according  as  the  Apoftles  had  foretold) 
 wolves  did  enter  in  among  them,  and  menfpeaking  perverfe 
 things ,  rofe  up  among  them ;  and  fomething  now  they  in- 
 clined, to  adorn  them  with  the  Wifdom  and  Learning  of  the 
 Gentiles,  in  Philofophy,  and  other  fuch-like  Arts,  and  excel- 
 lency of  Speech,  as  the  Gentiles  gloried  in;  andlikewife 
 with  fuch  worldly  Excellencies,  and  Superiorities  ,  and  Dig- 
 nities for  Church-Order  and  Offices,  as  might  fuit  the  fame  ; 
 and  fo  humane  Traditions  and  Superftitions  begun  to  fpring  . 
 up ;  and  God  deeply  chaftned  them ,  and  fuffered  the  Ene- 
 mies to  load  them  with  many  Perfections :  yet  in  their  cries 
 he  ftill  gave  them  fome  Deliverances ,  and  preferved  tothem 
 many  good  and  faithful  Teachers. 
 
 4.  After  thofe  troublous  times  of  Ifrael>  God  gave  them 
 more  peaceable  times,with  the  enjoyment  of  the  purity  of  his 
 worfhip,in  the  days  o^SamHel^aul^David^Solomonfic  his  wor- 
 (hipping  right  to  Judah  jn  following  Kings  Raigns  for  a  time  : 
 io  God  was  pleated  after  terrible  Perfecutions  to  give  to  the 
 Chriftian  Churches  reft  and  peace  in  the  time  of  Conjlamwe^ 
 and  fome  other  Emperour;  and  Kings  after  him ;  fo  ,  as  the 
 Churches  began  for  to  encreafe  and  flourifli,  both  Eaft  and 
 Weft  for  a  time. 
 
 j.  Ahctlfrael  had  long  enjoyed  thefe  flourishing  times, 
 they  grew  full ,  and  fell  into  Divisions  ;  and  then  ten  Tribes 
 rent  from  theMoufe  of  David ,   and  fell  to  fuperftkion,  in 
 
 wor- 
 
1 8^  The  time  of  CbriB's  next  coming. 
 
 worfhipping  Jerobeam  *s  Calves ,  and  after  to  more  grofs  I* 
 dolatry  in  worshipping  Baaly  till  they  were  carried  away  in- 
 to Captivity,  and  are  not  yet  returned :  but  Iudah  ftill  wor- 
 fhipped  the  true  God,  though  polluted  with  many  defile- 
 ments of  Ifrael  's  Superftition  :  io  the  C  hritfian  Churches  af- 
 ter a  while  of  enjoyment  of  thefe  flourifliing  times  ,  grew 
 full,  and  through  pride  and  covetouinefs  of  their  Bifhops, 
 afpiring  for  pre-eminence,,  fell  into  many  Sedh  and  Divisions : 
 and  what  Divisions  in  Churches ,  and  between  the  Churches 
 Eaft  and  Weft,  is  by  many  recorded  ;  till  many  Churches  that 
 were  famous  in  the  firft  times ,  had  their  Candleliicks  re- 
 moved ;  and  ^Mahometans  now  peffefs  their  place ,  and 
 they  are  cot  to  this  day  reftored.  The  other  Churches, 
 fpecially  Weftward ,  ftill  retained  the  Faith  ,  though  defiled 
 with  many  humane  inventions  and  fuperftitions. 
 
 6.  After  IfraeFs  Captivity,  jttludab  repented  not  of 
 the  defilements  among  them  ;  but ,  though  for  a  while  con- 
 tinuing with  God,  yec  by  degrees  they  fell  to  provoke  him  (o 
 with  their  Idolatries ,  that  he  caufed  them  alio  to  be  carried 
 away  Captive  to  Babylon^oi  threefcore  and  ten  yeers  ;  fo  al- 
 fo  after  the  removal  of  fo  many  Churches  Eaft  ward  ,  the  re- 
 maining Churches  VVeftward  did  not  repent  of  their  defile- 
 ments with  humane  inventions  and  fuperftitions,  nor  of 
 the  pride  and  covetoufnefs  of  their  Biftiops  ;  and  though 
 for  a  time  they  held  the  Faith ,  yet  by  degrees  they  fell  to 
 more  fuperftitions ;  lb ,  as  they  provoked  God ,  and  made 
 way  for  the  Man  of  fin ,  till  he  got  his  Seat  in  the  Temple  of 
 God,  and  therewith  a  worldly  power  alio  ,  and  fo  exalted 
 bimfelf  above  all  that  hath  Imperial  Majefty  ;  and  fo  Gcd 
 being  provoked,  left  the  outward  Court  into  the  hands  of 
 the  Gentiles  ;  and  being  filled  with  Idolatry  and  Super- 
 ftition ,  the  Holy  City  is  by  them  trodden  under  foot,  1 260 
 yeers :  all  which  time,the  Witnefles  prophefie  in  Sack-cloth, 
 and  all  the  upright  arc  as  Captives  in  Babylon,  myfierious  Ba- 
 bylon* 
 
 7.  The  lews  after  their  firft  coming  out  of  Babylon ,  they 
 fet  on  building  the  Temple ,  and  worftiipped  God  according 
 to  the  exprefs  and  plain  import  of  the  Letter  or  Words  of 
 the  Law,  and  were  commended  for  it,  and  encouraged  by  the 
 
 Pro- 
 
The  time  of  Chritfs  next  coming.         185 
 
 Prophets,  and  fothey  profpered  for  a  time;  fo  the  Christi- 
 ans after  the  firtt  coming  forth  from  the  grofs  darknefs,  de- 
 lufions,  and  Tyranny  of  the  Man  of  fin,  endeavoured '  col- 
 le^ion  and  reformation  of  Churches  ;  and  held  forth  the 
 Goipel  according  to  the  ex,prefs  and  plain  import  of  the  Let- 
 ter or  words  of  the  Scripture  ;  and  for  a  time  (though  inper- 
 iecwion)  they  prospered,  and  the  Word  of  the  Lord  grew  and 
 encreaied. 
 
 8.  After  this  ,  the  Jews  fell  no  more  to  the  Idolatry  of 
 Jeroboam^  or  of  Baaly  nor  to  any  willing  or  openly  profefled 
 Idolatry  of  the  Heathen  ;  yea ,  they  were  zealous  againft  it : 
 but  in  their  zeal ,  they  ran  into  many  over-ftri£l  Interpreta- 
 tions of  iome  part  of  the  Law ,  and  over-lodfe  in  forhe  other 
 parts  of  it  ;  and  found  out  many. Inventions  and  Devices, 
 pretending  to  Humility,  Devotion,  and  Holinefs,  which  they 
 took  on  them,  to  obierve,  andfoby  Tradition  kept  them, 
 appearing  herein  very  holy  ;  and  all  that  did  not  know  and 
 yield  up  to  the  fame,  they  counted  as  finners  ,  publicans,  and 
 prophane.  And  thus  they  continued  ,  though  under  the 
 Roman  power ,  i till  the  coming  of  jefusChrilt.  SO  after  the 
 coming  forth  from,  the  Man  of  fin ,  thefe  reformed  Churches 
 fall  no  more  to  iuch  grots  Idolatries ,  but  tettifie  againft  it : 
 .yet  with  their  humane  Learning  and  Wifdom  ,  they  content 
 not  themfelves  with  the  plain  layings  of  the  Gofpel,  but  ilu- 
 dy  andfirain  for  Interpretations;  and  fo  have  framed  by  their 
 School-Arts,  fuch  appearing -exquifite  Opinions,  and  Rules 
 alfo  for  Church-Government,  and  certain  Observations  pre- 
 tending to  great  ■ftri£nefs,-  zeal  ,  devotion ,  and  holinefs  : 
 which  ,  taken  up  as  a  Tradition  from  one  to  another  ,  mult 
 be  maintained  and  obferved  ;  and  they  that  do  not  ob- 
 fcrve  the  fame ,  are  counted  either  factious  or  prophane. 
 And  thus  they  continue  till  neer  the  coming  of  Chrift. 
 
 1  9.  After  the  Jews  had  iome  Generations  walked:  thus, 
 rGod  lent  among  them  John  the  Baptift  in  the  Spirit  and  power 
 of  £//^,the  immediate  fore-runner  of  the  Lord's  firft  coming, 
 by  whom  the  way  of  the  Lord  was  prepared,  and  many  dici- 
 pled  for  the  acknowledgement  of  him  ;  but  thofe  zealous 
 ones  received  him  not,  but  reje&ed  him,  though  divers  Seas 
 ^mong  themfelves,  Pharifees,  Sadduces  and  Herodians,  & -c. 
 
 Cc      *  So 
 
igtf         The  time  of  Cbriffs  next  coming. 
 
 So  after  the  reformed  Churches  have  Come  Generations  con- 
 tinued thus,  God  ftirs  up  fome  of  his  Servants  to  declare  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift  plainly ,  in  the  three  forementioned 
 Branches ,  and  therein  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde,  with 
 ■thePriviledges  of  Believers  ;  and  fo  to  call  to  Repentance 
 of  the  Do&rines  and  precepts  of  Men ,  and  to  receive  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift,  and  look  for  his  coming :  and  fome  here 
 and  there  do  imbrace  it,  but  very  few  of  the  wife  and  zealous 
 Obfervers  of  the  Do&rines  and  Traditions  of  their  Fathers 
 will  receive  it,  but  oppofe  it  earneftly,  though  many  divifions 
 among  them, 
 
 i  o.  When  the  Jews  had  had  their  time ,  and  God  dealt 
 thus  with  them,  and  their  fin  ripened  in  oppofing  John ,  &c. 
 then  came  Jefus  Chrift  among  them ;  but  thefe  great  Ones 
 oppofed  Him  alfo :  fo  when  the  Gentiles  have  had  their  time, 
 and  God  hath  dealt  thus  with  them ,  and  their  fin  is  grown 
 ripe  in  fuch  oppofition  of  light,  then  comes  Jefus  Chrift  per- 
 sonally with  all  his  Saints;  but  theBeaft  and  thefalfePro- 
 qphet  will  ftand  againft  him  alfo  :  but  he  comes  not  then  to 
 fbffcr ,  but  to  raign  ;  and  fo  all  the  Enemies  will  be  over- 
 thrown: he  coming  to  the  ends  aforefaid.  I  have  in  this  but 
 made  a  homely  Comparison  of  the  proceedings  with  Jew  s  and 
 Gentiles ,  fpecially  Chrift ians  :  how  it  was  with  the  Jews, 
 is  plainly  declared  through  the  Scriptures ;  how  it  was  with 
 the  Gentiles,the  Chriftians,m  the  firft  ages,is  feen  in  the  Scri- 
 ptures ;  and  for  the  following  ages ,  it  is  there  alfo  prophefi- 
 -ed :  and  for  other  knowledge ,  I  leave  to  them  that  are  ac- 
 quainted with  Hiftories :  8c how  it  is  now,let  fuch  as  have  un« 
 derftanding,  judge.  And  I  fuppofe  this  will  come  neer  to  one 
 with  the  former  accounts  of  thoie  godly  learnedMen^nd  ma- 
 nifeft  that  firft  faid,  That  the  coming  of  our  Lord  is  nigh  at 
 hind ;  the  call  of  the  Jews  being  at  the  doors,  the  fulnefs  of 
 Gentiles  neer  come,  and  the  perfonal  coming  of  Chrift  not 
 longafter,  he  fhews  us  daily ,  our  lives  here  cannot  be  long  ; 
 and,  he  is  in  his  works  haftening  his  coming ;  and  all  to  move 
 us  to  haft e  to  it,  and  be  always  ready  and  waiting  for  it.  Be- 
 holAJtc  cmrtb* 
 
 CHAP. 
 
,87 
 
 CHAP.  30, 
 
 $om*  Application  of  this  Brantkof  rbe  Testimony  of  Cbrtfty 
 concerning  bis  coming  again  in  fuch  manner  ,  tofucb  ends9 
 Sec. 
 
 THe  knowledge  and  mindefulneis  of  this  pcrfontl  coming 
 again  of  Jefus  Chrift,  in  fuch  manner,  and  for  fuch  ends, 
 as  is  fhewn,  and  his  coming  fo  faft,  and  nigh-approaching,  is 
 profitable  to  warn,  teach  and  ftir  us  up  ,firft  to  av  oid  and  rcfift 
 the  evils ,  and  keep  from  the  danger  of  feducing  and  evk 
 Spirits,  that  labour  to  withdraw,  and  turn  many  from  the 
 Faich  of  his  coming ,  by  their  fubtil  Rcafcnings  «nd  Ar^u*- 
 ment<,t>/*.. 
 
 i .  Thofe  Scoffers  that  fay ,  Where  is  the  promife  of  his  %  ?et  ^ 
 coming  ?  for  fince  the  Fathers  fell  afieep,  all  things  continue 
 as  they  were  from  the  beginning  of  the  Creation.  Where  is 
 this  new  Heaven  and  new  Earth  ?  This  Reltauration  of  all 
 things?  This  raigning  of  Chrift  and  his  Saints,  you  fay,  was 
 promifed  to  the  Fathers  ;  And ,  you  have  long  called  thefe 
 the  laft  dayes ,  and  yet  no  fuch  things  appears  ;  you  are  be- 
 guiled with  feme  Enthufiafm,or  Millenary-Opinion;  you  wait 
 for  a  Fancy :  one  Generation  goeth,  and  another  cornech  ;  all 
 things  continue  as  they  were,  and  will  fo  do. 
 
 We,  in  belief  of  the  Tcftimony  of  Chrift,  may  know  thefe  %  fct . ,  f 
 Men  are  willingly  ignorant,  &c.  wemiy  admire  God's  Pati- 
 ence to  fuch,  in  forbearing  them ,  that  they  might  repent  be- 
 fore his  coming  •  and  his  patience  towards  us,  that  have  not 
 done  all  we  might ,  to  gain  Men  in  to  Repentance,  that  we 
 might  renew  our  Diligence  :  and  we  know  a  Day  is  not  in 
 God  *s  account ,  as  it  is  with  Men  ;  and  that  there  arc  fome 
 things  ft  ill  to  be  performed  that  muft  be  done  before  his 
 coming:  and  the  being  tried  with  fuch  Scoffers  is  one  thing, 
 In  which  we  fee  :he  Truth  of  his  Word  that  foretold  it  5  and 
 
 Cc  2  the 
 
188  duplication  of  the  DoBrine 
 
 the  fulfilling  of  it,    and  the  haftening  and  nighnefsof  his 
 coming, to  ftir  us  to  defire  it,  &c. 
 .  i.  Thofe  that  go  about  to  (hake  the  minde  of  Believer?, 
 
 ^  2i2#  by  faying,the  Day  of  Chrift  is  at  hand,now  prefently  ,or  with- 
 in one  hour,  or  a  day,  ortendayes;  or  a  month,  or  two 
 months;  or  fuch  a  day,  week,  or  month*  within  this  yecr ,  or 
 before  ayeerbe  out ;  and  thereto  pretend  a  fpiritual  Revela- 
 tion, or  fome  word  ,  or  feme  thing,  as  cut  of  the  writings  cf 
 the  Apoftles:  for  though  that  day  be  much  nigher  at  hand, 
 than  when  the  Apoftles  gave  that  warning  ;  and  though  that 
 falling  away ,  and  the  Revelation  cf  the  Man  of  fin  be  now 
 come  to  pais  ,  yet  all  there' fpeken  is  net  yet  fulfilled.  And 
 fo  we  know  by  the  fame  Rule,  That  all  the  Horns  cr  ten 
 kingdoms,  do  not  yet  hate  the  Where  ;  and  though  there  is 
 a  good  beginning ,  and  in  fome  places  her  Flefh  eaten  ,  yet 
 not  by  them  all ;  nor  have  they  yet  burnt  her  wiih.Fircr,  nor 
 are  the  Jews  yet  come  into  their  own  Land ;  yea,  Euphrates 
 is  not  yet  dried  up  t  all  which  mult  firft  be.  So  that  it  is  not 
 fo  at  hand ,  as  to  be  this  day  or  week :  but, he  is  coming  a- 
 pace,and  haftening  in  doing  thefe  things,and  our  lives  fhort ; 
 which  is  enough  to  move  us  to  be  alwayes  ready,  waiting  and 
 looking  for  his  coming. 
 
 3.  Thofe  that  fay,  The  Refurre£Uon  is  paft  already ,   The 
 
 a  T'm.  % .i  8.    Lord  is  come  to  them  ,  and  they  are  rifen,  and  do  raign,  and 
 
 Heaven  is  in  them, and  they  are  in  Heaven,  enjoying  the  new 
 
 Heaven  and  the  new  Earth  already ,  and  are  above  all  Ordi- 
 
 nances,needing  the  ufe  of  none  of  them. 
 
 We  in  belief  of  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  ,  do  know ,    That 
 
 when  the  Lord  comes ,    he  comes  and  appears  to  all  at  once : 
 
 and  fo ,  when  the  Juft  are  railed ,  they  are  raifed  all  at  once, 
 
 and  all  Saints  made  immortal  at  once  ,  and  go  with  the  Lord 
 
 to  the  overthrow  of  the  wicked,&  then  enjoy  the  newHeaven 
 
 and  the  new  Earth,and  raign  together ;  neither  marrying  nor 
 
 tcor.+A.tthcf, giving  in  marriage,   nor  living  in  fuch  condition  :  fo,that 
 
 4,14,15.  Heb.  vvhatever  they  fancy  of  their  being  rifen,   and  living,  and 
 
 u.40.  raigning  in  fuch  manner  ,    they  are  deceived;  for  if  irwere 
 
 fo  indeed ,  we  fhould  not  be  left  behinde ,    or  be  as  they  fay 
 
 we  are,  ftillin  the  dark;  but  we  (hould  fee ,  and  raign  alfo 
 
 with  them,  if  they  did  fo  in  Truth :  for  no  one  (hall  prevent 
 
 ano- 
 
.  of  ChriH's  coming.  185? 
 
 another  in  this,  or  any  Saints  be  perfed  without  their  Fel- 
 lows. .      .    •  j 
 
 4.  Thofe  that  put  oft  all  the  coming  or  Chart,  into  a  1^.11.2,3*.' 
 coming  in  the  Spirit ;  and  fay,  We  mult  wait  indeed  for  a  a^M- 18,19. 
 coming. of  Chrift,  but  it  is  a  aping  in  the  Spirit  5  and,  That  ^ob.i.ii.Frov. 
 it  is  but  a  fltftly  Faith,  to  believe  in Chrift,  as  come. in, the30,  I5' 
 Flefh;  but  the  lpiritual believing,  is  to  believe  in  him  as 
 come  in  the  Spirit  -9  and  fo  enjoying  him,  he  is  come  indeed  : 
 and  then  fuchli.e  above  Fait  h.  .  Some,fuchasthele,  are  in- 
 timated in  the  ApoiUes  times, though  the  Spiric  of  Antichritt 
 did  but  begin  then  to  work.  .  But  we  that  believe  the  Telii- 
 mony  of  Jefus  ChriH,do  know ,  That  Jefus,  that  very  Man, 
 is  The  Chrilt  ;  and,  That  his  very  being  come  in  the  Flefli , 
 and  that  he  hath  done  therein  and  thereby,  is  the  Founda- 
 tion of  our  Faith  and  Hope  ,  and  the  way  and  door  of  our 
 approach  to  God;  and  that  through  which  all  Mercies  are  ex* 
 tended :  yea,  even  the  Spirit  it  (elf :  yea,  this  it  is  which  the 
 H.oly.Gholt  (whofe  work  it  is)  glorifieth  to  the  Heart,  and  fb 
 enables  to  believe  in  Chrift  ,  and  unites  and  frames  to  him 
 thereby ,  and  (o  to  confefs  him  come  in  the  Flefli ,  which 
 none  can  do  but  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  is  Chrift  his  fend- 
 ing Spirit.,,  and  fo  coming  to  t hern,  and  dwelling  in  them  by 
 Spirit:  in  which  he  was  never  abient  from  Believers 5  fince 
 the  beginning  of  the  World ,  though  more  abundantly  pre- 
 fent  where  he  is  more  known  ,  as  declared  fince  his  Afcenfi- 
 on  into  Heaven :  and  this  his  prefence  by  Spirit  in  Believers, 
 is  the  whole  time  of  believing  and  living  by  Faith  ;  and 
 though  more  abundant  in  operations  at  fome  time  than  at  o- 
 thers ,  yet  it  is  alfo  to  help  them  in  their  weakneffes  and 
 temptations,  and  through  fufferings,  while  they  are  yet  mor- 
 tal. But  his  perfonal  coming  which  Believers  wait  for, 
 is  to  free  them  from  weaknefs ,  temptation  ,  furTerings^ 
 and  mortality jand  it  is  a  perfonal,  vifible,  and  bodily  coming, 
 as  is  forefhewn  ;  fo,  as  the  deceit  of  thefe  is  by  it  eafily  feen 
 and  avoided. 
 
 •  5.  Thofe,who  though  they  vary  from  the  former  fayings,yet Mat*  *4. 1>%3r 
 fay  in  effect  the  fame.>as,Lo  here  is  Chri(t,in  this  or  that  Form 24' 
 of  outward  Difcipline,  or  fuch  a  way  of  outward  performing 
 fuch  an  Ordinance,  to  be  feen  in  the  ttriftnefs  ,.fe  verity,  or 
 
 fome 
 
IpO 
 
 Mar 
 
 Hi 
 
 j3.^,ii, 
 
 10,17. 
 
 Application  of  theDoUrtne 
 
 fome  outward  appearing  excellent  thing  in  it ;  or,  Lo  he  is  in, 
 
 the  wildernefs ;  if  you  will  let  go  all  the  hopes  begot  in  you 
 
 t>y  the  Letter  of  the  Gofpel,  concerning  Chrifts  dying  forfin- 
 
 cers,#<\  you  (hall  then  fee  Chrift:  or,  Lo,  IamChrif^  I 
 
 fpeak  from  the  infallible  Spirit ;  if  you  receive  my  faying  and 
 
 Teftimony ,  you  receive  Chrift  ;  if  yon  refufe  my  frying, 
 
 ifajit.  1  Joh.  you  refufe  Chrift.    Of  thefe  our  Saviour  hath  forewarned  us ; 
 
 5.19,10.  &  1.  and  we  that  believe  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  do  know,  That 
 
 he  is  by  his  Spirit  in  his  own  word ,  the  Teftifier  of  his  own 
 
 Grace ;  fo,  as  they  that  believe  (hall  know  the  fame ;  and  his 
 
 perfonal  appearing  will  be  fo  vifible,  as  we  (hall  need  no  man 
 
 to  tell  us,wherc  he  is,or  which  is  he ;  for  every  eye  (hall  then 
 
 feehim,asisfaid. 
 
 Thus  will  the  knowledge  of  this  Branch  of  the  Teftimony 
 of  Chrift  help  us  againft  all  thefe ,  and  fuch-like  delufions, 
 which  withdraw  from  theFaith,and  diiciple  to  Men  ,  and 
 make  Schifins  and  Rents  from  the  true  Church. 
 
 Secondly ,  The  knowledge ,  belief,  and  minding  of  the 
 coming  of  Chrift,  as  fet  forth  in  this  Branch  of  the  Te- 
 ftimony of  Chrift,  will  help  to  preferve  and  keep  us  from  fal- 
 ling into  many  mifcarriages ,  mif-conceptions ,  andmif-ex- 
 preflions  of  'fome  Brethren  ;  and  alfo  to  afford  help  to 
 iuch  of  them ,  as  do  prefer  the  plain  fayings  of  Chrift  be- 
 fore the  Notions  of  any  other  Man:  as,toinftanccfomeof 
 them. 
 
 i.  Such  as  deny  any  appearance  of  Chrift  in  perfon  on 
 the  Earth ,  till  the  laft  and  final  Judgement  and  fentence* 
 when  all  the  wicked  (hall  be  caft  into  the  Lake  of  Fire, 
 &c.  True  it  is,  he  will  be  vifible  on  Earth,  and  on  his  Throne 
 at  that  time :  and  true  it  is ,  That  all  the  Juft  (hall  enter  in- 
 to everlafting  Joy  then  alfo.  And  then  Chrift  delivereth  up. 
 the  Kingdom  to  his  Father,  that  God  may  be  All  in  all :  bur 
 then  is  no  time  for  deftroying  all  worldly  powers  ,  and  for 
 reftoring  all  things,  and  for  bringing  the  Creation  into  the 
 Liberty  of  the  Sons  of  God,and  for  the  new  Heaven  and  new 
 Earth  to  be  filled  with  Inhabitants  ,  and  for  Chrift  to  fit  on 
 the  Throne  of  Vtvid  his  Father,  andfor^r<*&»randhis 
 feed  to  inherit  the  world  ;  and  for  Chrift  and  his  Saints  after 
 his  coming  to  rule  over  the  Nations ,  or  for  the  Nations  to 
 
 fcrve 
 
ferve  them ,  and  bring  their  Glory  and  Honour  to  the  Cityy 
 tfrc  In  this  Life,  the  Saints  according  to  their  meafurc,  glo- 
 rifieGod  through  fuffcrings ;  and  in  the  new  Heaven  and 
 new  Earth,  God  both  glorifieth  his  Saints ,  making  them  to 
 raign  5  and  they  glorifie  him  by  raigning :  but  in  that  laft 
 State ,  God  only  glorifies  himiclf  upon  them ,  and  in  them, 
 and  through  them,  and  them  with  himielf.  And  why  fhould 
 any  of  us  fo  difhonour  God,  as  to  deny  the  Truth ,  and  true 
 fulfilling  of  fo  many  plain  iayings  of  Scripture,  fo  oft  af- 
 firmed, as  hath  been  (hewn^nd  will  be  more  ? 
 
 If  any  fay,7W  wefiickjoo  ntttch  to  the  Letter  rf  the  Scripture 
 in  Hnderftandin£  thofe  places ; 
 
 Ic  might  be  anfwered,  That  in  fuch  plain  fayings  fo  often 
 affirmed  and  bound  with  the  Oath  of  God,  and  his  Protec- 
 tion of  the  Faithfulnefs  of  them,  it  is  iafer  and  better  to  ftick 
 clofc  to  the  Letter  or  Words  of  Scripture,  as  they  have  been 
 breathed  forth  by  the  Holy  Spirit ,  than  to  make  Unbelief  of 
 the  Truth  of  thofe  plain  fayings,  the  Interprerer  of  their 
 meaning ,  though  with  never  fo  much  humane  VVifdom  and 
 Learning, 
 
 And  it  may  be  alfo  anfwered,  That  fo  to  underftand  thofe 
 fayings,  is  according  to  the  Rule  commanded  by  God ,  and 
 approved  by  all  Believers,  yea,  and  godly  learned, as  is  fore- 
 fnewn.  p^  %  ^ 
 
 But  I  farther  anfwer,  That  we  are  led  by  the  Scripture  thus  * '  * 
 
 to  underftand  thefe  things,  both  in  that  the  thing?  ipoken 
 of  his  firft  coming ,  in  which  many  things  had  their  fpidrual 
 fenfe  alfo  ,  yet  were  all  performed  according  to  the  plain 
 cxpreflton  of  the  Letter  :  as,  his  being  born  of  a  Virgin  in 
 Bethlcm,  his  being  called  a  Naz^rite^  his  riding  on  an  Afs,  his 
 being  fold  for  thirty  pence,  the  banding  of  the  Rulers  and 
 people  againft  him,  the  fcattering  of  his  Difcip.es ,  his  D  :ath, 
 Burial,  Refurre&ion,  Afcenfion  ;  his  pouring  forth  the  Holy 
 Ghoft,and  fitting  on  the  right  hand  of  God  ;  ail  fulBUed  to 
 theutmoft  of  the  plain  import  of  the  Letter ;  and  (hall  any 
 thing  be  wanting  in  the  fecond  coming  of  Chrirt  ?  faith  not 
 the  Angel,  This  fame  Ief$u(baUfo  come^even  as  ye  havefeen  him 
 
 Ctc.  And  alfo  in  that  the  Apoftle,  fpeaking  of  thefe  things, 
 s  both  a  certain  meafore  of  fulfilling  fpirituaily  now, 
 
 and 
 
192  application  of  the  DoBrine 
 
 .  and  alio  a  fulhlling  according  to  the  utmM  of  theLetter,which 
 is  aHofykitmi :  but  the  one-is  inward,in  the  foul  8cfpirit;  the 
 other  out  ward, on  the  Body  alfo:  &  of  that  inward  in  Soul  arid 
 '  Spirit,  he  faith,  We  that  believe,  haveafirft  fruits  y  (he  faith  not 
 ali,  nor  half,  nor  a  tenth,  bun  a  firft  fruits  )  and  that  we  wait 
 for\  istiot  ohlythe  whole  orharveft  of  this  f  but  the  adopt  ron>even 
 l*he  rMemr-tion  If  the  'fa'df,  whetftilfo't-he  vthck  Crest 'an  frail  be 
 reftofed  tnt'o  the  gloriom  tifartj  of  the  Sons  of'Qod.  And  f  mi°h  t 
 add  the  ApolUes  alluding  to  Pfsl.%e"mHeb. 2.  butenot?ghis 
 forefaid  for  this;  So  that  all  our  Brethren  that  heed  and  prize 
 Scripture-Teftimony,rnore  than  Traditions  and  Opinions  of 
 Men,will  foon  yield  to  believe  this. 
 
 2.  Such  as  believe  and  look  for  Chrift  his  raigning  in  and 
 over  the  World  in  his  Saints,  and  fo  would  fight  andftrive 
 to  fet  Chriit  on  his  Throne  ,  and  think  all  Adverfarfes  to 
 Chrift,  that  oppofe  them  in  his  defign  to  be  before  his  per- 
 ianal appearing  ;  Thefe  Brethren  feem  to  acknowledge  this 
 Truth,  That  jeius  Chrift  will  come  and  appear  personally  to 
 raign  on  Earth,  and  that  the  Saints,  that  now  farter  with  hirri, 
 fhall  raign  with  hint  in  the  Earth,  and  over  the  Nations ,  and 
 that  Chriit  fhould  now  raign  in  his  Saints:  and  both  thefc  are 
 true ;  ye*,  without  controverfie,  Chrift  doth  now  raign  in  his 
 •Saints ,  -and  its  defired  to  be  more  and  more :  but  yetfhk 
 raigning  in  his  Saints  now ,  is  neither  his  raigning  over  the 
 World ,  nor  making  his  Saints  to  rule  over  the  Men  of  the 
 World  ;  and  the  miftake  is  eafily  difcernable  to  fuch  as  be- 
 lieve, and  minde  the  Scripture-Tellimony  of  Chrirts  coming 
 to  raign. 
 
 1 .  For  Chrift  his  now  raigning  in  his  Saints  ,  is  not  his 
 
 raigning  by  his  Saints ,  or  wtth  his  Saints,  and  they  with  him 
 
 over  Men  ;  but  as  the  expreflion  is,/»  his  Saints  ;  and  that 
 
 is,  by  his  gracious  Word  and  Spirit,  fubduing  every  thought 
 
 to  the  obedience  of  Chriit ,  and  them  to  accept  the  crofs  6f 
 
 z£tf/ 10.3,4.     Chriit,  and  conformity  to  him  in  it  :  and  fo  by  the  Spirit  of 
 
 PbU.1.7.9.      Faith,  Love  and  a  found  Minde,  he  dwells  and  lives  in  them, 
 
 2  cor.  4.11JI3  ancj  t£ey  \jve  t0  him  ;  and  yet  in  this  World  are  for  his  lake, 
 
 V^Gd.uio.**  ne  was>  fubjeft'to  humane  Powers ,  and  fervants  to  all 
 
 9Pes.i.i$li69f6t  their  good:  and  though  they  overcome  the  World,  yet 
 
 i  Cor-9. i$-*3-  their  Vi&ory  is  by  Faith ,  and  not  by  carnd  weapons ,  and 
 
 ftriving 
 
of  Chrijl's  coming.  19$ 
 
 flriving  fcr  worldly  honour  and  power  over  Men  ;  but  by    - 
 the  Word  of  their  Teftimony  ,  not  loving  their  Lives  unto  *  .-^  J**^*' 
 Dcaih ;  fo,as  while  heraigns  in  them,  they  are  futferers  for  %Tim.u\%.  Aft* 
 him,  and  fo  with  him,and  he  with  them ;  and  they  (hall  after  5.43?  ^.1.14. 
 raign  with  him  when  he  raigns. 
 
 2,  TheSaints  raigning  with  Chrift ,  andfo-his  raigningin  fat.s.d.iThef. 
 his  own  Perfon  ,  and  with  and  by  his  Saints,  begins  at  once  i.7,ip~.7{*iMt, 
 cogethenhe  comes  to  take  to  him  his  great  Power  and  Raign  5  'J*18* 
 
 and  then ,  and  not  till  then ,  his  Saints  raign  with  him :  he 
 
 that  belicveth  makes  not  hafte,nor  defires  to  raign  before  his 
 
 Matter  ;  and  when  God  by  his  Providence  putteth  any  Saint 
 
 into  a  place  of  worldly  Power  and  Government  to  rulea- 
 
 mong  Men ,  yet  in  that  alfo,they  will  be  found  fufferers,  for 
 
 and  with  their  Matter,  and  Grangers  in  this  World  ;   and 
 
 though  Prote&ors  of  their  Brethren  the  Saints  in  their  out-  pfa.7^.t^7ia 
 
 ward  peace,  yet  Rulers  of  them  as  men  alfo  in  their  outward  4.  Tfa.  39.12, 
 
 affairs ;  &  not  able  to  carry  all  as  they  would  by  their  feveral  *  sam.  23.5. 
 
 Officers  &  under-Governours  in  this  World,(the  Saints  mutt  *feb'£  ?' 8,9> 
 
 wait  for  that  till  their  Matters  coming  :)even  thus  it  was  with  ioji*.irJb!/.i! 
 
 'David :  and  fo  it  is  not  yet  their  reft  with  Chrift,and  raigning  9ilo. 
 
 with  him  over  the  Men  of  the  World.  It  is  better  to  look  and 
 
 wait  for  our  raigning,  as  t/ibraham  and  our  Fathers  did ,  for 
 
 the  fame  inheritance  and  Kingdom  that  we  are  to  look  for. 
 
 3.  Jefus  Chritt  is  not  to  receive  his  Kingdom ,  and  be  fet  job.ti.tf.pfa 
 on  his  Throne  after  a  worldly  manner ,  or  by  any  worldly  1.6&.  7)a*.i. 
 power  or  weapons;  no,  it  is  not  the  Saints,  that  fet  him  upon  44  ^7-13,14. 
 his  Throne  :  but  it  is  the  Father  only  from  whom  he  te-E\l('\4'l3\ 
 ceives  it  ;  and  he  it  is  that  gives  the  Kingdom  to  his  Saints,  ^7,^r?m% 
 andfets  them  on  Thrones.  True  it  is,  before  his  perfona] \%.kcv.x.%6.  " 
 coming,  will  be  many  Earth- quakes  and  fnakings  of  worldly 
 
 Powers ,  Nation  againft  Nation  ,  and  the  hating  of  the 
 Whore ,  and  eating  her  Flefih ,  and  burning  her  with  Fire, 
 by  the  Kingdoms  of  the  Earth ,  who  (ball  enrich  themfelves 
 with  her  fpoyls ;  in  which  Battels,  the  Saints, as  Men  ,  and 
 as  called  by  Authority,  for  defence  of  a  People  ,  and  Execu- 
 tion of  Juftice  on  wicked  Doers ,  may  have  their  hand  and 
 work  in  thefe  Battels ;  yet  as  they  are  Saints,  fo  they  ufe  no 
 violence,  commit  no  rapes,  feek  not  the  ruine  or  definition 
 of  Men ;  but  even  in  their  overthrow  and  confufion  ,  defrc 
 
 Dd  the 
 
 L 
 
ip4-  Jpplication  of  the  T>oBrine 
 
 ?fal%x\K<i6  ^eft1311^  upon  them  to  bebltfledtothem,  as  a  means  of 
 17,18.  P/o^m-  their  conversion:  whence  alfo  they  rejoyce  not  (imply  in 
 17.  their  mine  and  harms ;  bur  rather  when  they  are  fubdued,are 
 
 very  merciful  to  them  ,  though,  when  in  their  per  verfnefs  o- 
 verthrown,they  rejoyce  in  the  righteous  Judgements  of  God, 
 and  for  his  Mercies  in  their  own  deliverance :  their  main  de- 
 fign  being  the  fame  with  their  Matters,  according  to  the  Go- 
 Trov.i6.jL.      fpel-way,  The  Salvation  of  Men :  they  know,  for  revengeful, 
 aStfw.14.13.    unnatural,  and  filthy  actings ,  the  Lord  hath  in  this  World  a- 
 nother  Generation  of  Men  ;  therefore,  though  thele  be  vali- 
 ant in  War ,  yet  Blood  is  neither  imputed  to  them,  nor  the 
 Victory  afcribed  to  them,  as  Partner?  with  Chrift ;  but  this  is 
 jy^,11  ...  his  own,  and  alone  work  by  his  Power  in  his  Providence, 
 (  what  Instruments  foever  he  ufeth  )    to  overthrow  the  Ene- 
 mies ;   in  which,  his  Garments  are  fprinkled  with  the  Blood 
 of  his  enemies ;  fome  of  his  Saints  alio  dying  in  thefe  Battels, 
 his. coming  alfo  approaching  nigh  :  but  being  come,that  Battel 
 in  which  the  Saints,  and  none  but  Saints  fha.l  be,in  which  alfo 
 the  Lord  is  vi(ibly  with  them ,    and  before  them,  (nail  not 
 be  with  carnal  weapons ,  nor  confufed  noife,  nor  Garments 
 J/&MA7.     rolled  in  Blood  ,  nor  any  Saint  dying  in  that  Battel  5  but 
 K^9\'11'  only  the  wicked, and  all  the  wicked  overthrown,  as  hath  been 
 -4.    fore(hcwn.  an(j  yet  this  a}fo  done,before  he  (it  on  his  Throne, 
 and  raign,  and  the  Saints  reign  with  him.     Oh  that  our  Bre- 
 thren would  confider  this  1 
 
 4.   As  the  Saints  mutt  not  raign  before  their  Matter  and 
 Lord  Chrift,and  that  he  receives  from  the  Father,  and  they  re- 
 ceive from  him  the  Kingdom  ;   fo  likewife  muft  they  not 
 raign  one  before  another.     If  Abraham^  Ifaac^  and  Jacob*,  &c. 
 Hc&.u 40. iT/;*/ mutt  not  have  it  before  us ;  much  more  fhould  not  we  look 
 4.T4  iS.iTbcf.  for  }t  before  them  ;  nay ,   not  the  furviving  on  Earth ,  fee 
 %'htt  or  enjoy  before  them  that  fleep  in  the  Lord  :  when  we  are 
 
 ail  gathered  together  unto  him,  then,  and  not  till  then, 
 (hall  our  raigning  be;  Oh  that  our  Brethren  would  confider 
 this  ! 
 
 3.  Such,  as  though  they  confers  this  raigning  of  the  Saints 
 not  to  be  till  the  perfonal  and  vifible  appearance  of  Chritt, 
 yet  they  look  for  fome  glorious  manifcftation  of  the  Sons  of 
 God,  whereby  they  fliall  be  knowp, from  other  Men,  of  what 
 
 dif- 
 
ofChriU  If  coming.  ip5 
 
 different  Opinions  foever  they  be,   and  in  what  different 
 Forms  of  Church-Government  foever  they  live ;   and  (o  they 
 fhall  be  eyed ,   and  may  be  advanced  to  fome  honourable 
 places  in  this  World  ,   before  the  perlbnal  coming  of  Chrift  : 
 furely  the  Belief ,  and  minding  of  the  Tettimony  of  Chrift 
 concerning  his  perfonal  coming ,  as  fet  forth  in  the  Scripture, 
 would  help  our  Brethren  to  keep  from  the  thpughts  or  de-  DanA1    &  t 
 fire  of  fuch  honor  to  themfelves  before  their  Matters  coming ;  31-3^^.14* 
 for  though  knowledge  (hall  abound,  yet  vvickednefs  and  Se-  n. 
 ducers  will  abound  alio.    And  whatever  fluking  of  worldly 
 Powers ,  and  burning  of  the  Whore ,  and  deftroying  of  the 
 Body  of  Antichrift,there  (hall  be ;  yet  the  Beaft  in  the  world- 
 ly Powers ,  and  the  falfe  Prophet ,   with  the  Spirit  of  Anti-  iThf.i.z.Xev, 
 chrift,  remaineth  till  the  perfonal  appearance  of  our  Lord  Jc--i9.11  »*  o. 
 fus  Chrift,  and  the  crofs  of  Chrift  is  to  be  accepted  till  then  : 
 and  the  Life  of  Believers,    in  refpe&  of  fuch  glorious  ap- 
 pearance, is  hid  with  Chrift  in  God,  and  they  in  that  refpeft 
 dead,  and  not  to  look  to  appear  in  Glory ,   till  he  appear  in  fa.  3. "1,1,3,4. 
 Glory,that  we  may  appear  in  Glory  with  him;  which  will  be  a  ThH.s.2o}iu 
 better  Glory  than  that  thought  on  to  be  had  in  this  World; 
 even  a  likenefs  to  him,    which  the  Saints  look  for  in  his 
 coming:  befides,  when  the  Sons  of  God  are  fomanifefted,£^ir2g3l94 
 they  ftall  not  be  of  divers  Opinions,  nor  in  divers  Forms  Epb.  5.17.  Aftl 
 of  Church-Government ,  (  as  now  in  fome  things  many  may  3-  *9,io-  ifa* 
 be)  but  of  one  minde  and  heart,  free  from  all  fpot  of  jg8'^'!',17; 
 fin,  fliining  in  holinefs  :  and  this  manifeftation  of  them,  ex- t£    om'  "  *' 
 pretty  faid  to  be ,  In  the  day  when  he  makes  up  his  Jewels 
 or  fpecial  Treafure,  explained  to  be  when  the  Bodies  of  the 
 Saints  are  raifed  and  become  immortal,  and  the  whole  Crea- 
 tion renewed :  fo ,  that  as  the  Creature  waiteth  for  the  ma-  ~(        . ., 
 nifeftation  of  the  Sons  of  God,that  it  may  then  enjoy  its  Free-  ^.i j&./.i. 
 dom;  fo  the  Sons  of  God  wait  for  the  manifeftation  and  per- 
 fonal appearance  of  the  Son  of  God  ,   our  Lord  J efus  Chrift, 
 that  he  appearing  in  Glory ,   they  may  appear  in  Glory  with 
 him,  and  fo  be  manifefted  the  Sons  of  God. 
 •■•Thirdly,  the  knowledge  and  belief  of  the  Teftimony  of 
 Chrift  concerning  his  perfonal  coming  in  fuch  manner,  and  to 
 fuch  ends  as  is  faid,  is  profitable,  being  minded ,  to  help  and 
 move  all  that  believe  in  Chrift : 
 
 Dd  2  1.T0 
 
iptf  7 he  Conclufton. 
 
 Kom  8  18  tear.  l  •  To  kecP lhcm  from  inordinatc  loving,  and  pnrfuing  the 
 4.17,18.  iTim.  Glory ,  riches  or  pleaiures  of  thh  world,  and  to  enable  them 
 48.  to  count  the  cro{s  of  Chrift,  and  fuff^rings  for  his  lake ,  oreat 
 
 riches ;  and  lb  to  bear  it  with  patiencejand  go  through  it  with 
 
 fortitude,  &c. 
 
 fco^'uxTe  2-  To  attePd  uPon  >  .and  boPefully  ufe  >  a11  the  Ordi- 
 1Tiw'^IYjl4.  nances  cfChjift,  accordingto  opportunities  given ,  tiilhe 
 
 *ri».4.ii**J>  vifiblyand  perfonally  come  againjthat  being  the  time  of  their 
 4.5  8.  ceafing. 
 
 3.  To  long,  and  wait  with  patience  in  well-doing  for 
 K0W.8.23.  this  coming  of  the  Lord  ,  that  we  may  be  found  ready  and 
 iCw-WJw  unblameable,  at  his  appearing,   Phil.  3.  20.    1  Thef.  1. 10. 
 
 2  The[.1.5.Hcb.9.i%.Tit.2.i  3.  2/^.3.12,1  3. 
 
 And  thus  having  gone  over  the  three  diftin&  Branches  of 
 
 the  Teftitnony  of  Chrift;  and  that,  fo  as  I  defire  to  have  them 
 
 beheld  as  one  whole  and  entire  Teftitnony,  I  dull  fum  them 
 
 up  together. 
 
 CHAP.  21 
 
 The  Conclusion  of  this  Party  in  fumming  up  tbeTe- 
 jiimo^y. 
 
 HAving  treated diftinftly  of  The  Oblation,  Thelnter- 
 ceflion  ,  and  The  coming  again  of  Chrift  ;  defirino  the 
 Scriptures  fpeaking  of  each ,  to  be  well  minded ,  I  (nail 
 add  a  word  or  two,  to  (hew  how  all  Three  are  included 
 in  one  Teftitnony ,  and  are  indeed  one  intire  Teftitnony ,  e- 
 ven  the  Teft imony  of  J  efus,  that  is ,  The  Spirit  of  Prophe- 
 fie ,  and  one  included  in  the  other ,  and  all  joyned  in  one 
 in  the  Tcflimony  in  divers  places,  fet  forth  in  one  ,  Jfhn  3. 
 id,  17.  there  is  affirmed  the  Love  of  God  in  the  gift  of 
 his  Son,  in  which  the  Oblation  is  affirmed  ;  and  there  is 
 fet  out  the  End  of  his  coming ,  even  to  fave ,  and  that 
 he  might  fave  :    there  is  his  Mediation  >  and  Prcvalen- 
 
 <7 
 
The  Conclufion.  197 
 
 cy  of  it,  in  ufe  of  means  to  apply,  intimately  affirmed; 
 and  there '5  the  bleflcdHope  in  his  coming,  for  all  that 
 obey  his  call ,  that  they  might  not  perifti ,  but  have  E- 
 verlaftingLifc  :  fois  his  coming  again  intimated  , 
 
 zCor.  5.  19,20,21.  There  is  both  the  Oblation  of  Chrill, 
 verf  14, 1 5, 1 9.  and  the  Fruit  of  the  IntercelTion  of  Chrilt, 
 verf  18,20.  and  the  coming  again  of  Chrilt,  wr/,10,21. 
 yea,  all  Three  together,  verf.  2 1 .  intimated. 
 
 fit,  1.1,2.  There  is  the  ObjeS  of  Faith  fet  forth  in  the 
 Gofpel,  called,  The  Faith  of  God  *s  Elea,  which  is  Chrift,  . 
 as  he  hath  offered  the  Oblation  :  and  there  is  the  Fruit 
 of  his  Interceflion ,  in  the  acknowledgement  of  the  Truth, 
 which  is  after  Godlinefs :  and  there  is  intimate  his  coming 
 again ,  in  which  is  given  that  hoped  for ,  the  Hope  of  Eternal 
 Life. 
 
 And  yet  becaufe  his  Oblation  in  his  Humiliation  and 
 Exaltation,  is  the  Foundation  of  Faith,  and  the  Key  of 
 Knowledge,  and  that  which  gives  Light  and  Underftand* 
 ing  into  all  the  whole  Teftimony  ;  and  being  believed, 
 leads  into  all  :  Therefore  we  (hall  finde,  Jhat  that  is 
 fometime  onely  exprefl/  named,  and  yet  the  other  two 
 fecretly  in  the  fame  faying  :  and  fo  with  Inclusion  of 
 Interceflion  and  Hope  of  his  glorious  coming,  when  not 
 named,  Chrift,  as  he  hath  offered  the  Oblation,  &c.  is 
 named  as  the  whole  Teftimony  :  fo  Tattl  fummed  up  all  x  Cortitit 
 the  Gofpel  and  Do&rine  he  determiied  to  preach  to  the 
 CorinthUm ,  to  this ,  even  Jefus  Chrift ,  and  him  cruci- 
 fied :  where  the  Oblation  is  exprefs  ;  the  other,  in- 
 cluded. And  again,  he  fummed  up  the  Gofpel  he  preach- 
 ed ,  and  which  Believers  received ,  and  in  which  they  Hand, 
 and  by  which  if  they  keep  in  remembrance,  they  are  faved, 
 to  this,  How  that  Chrifl  died  for  our  fins ,  according  to  the  *#  *■  l5>3,4> 
 Scriptures:  and,  that  he  was  buried  \  and  ,  that  he  r of e  again 
 the  third  day,  according  to  the  Scriptures :  and,  that  he  -was  feeny 
 8cc.  In  which  the  Humiliation  and  Exaltation  of  Chrii*,is 
 comprehended ;  his  Oblation  ,  exprefs  ;  his  Interceflion, 
 and  coming  again ,  included  in  that  fay  ing ,  According  to  the 
 Scrtfturcs*   And  fuch  a  brief  fum  explicated,  3^.5.1424. 
 
 And 
 
ipS  1  be  Conclu/wn. 
 
 And  fa  in  fuch  a  brief  fum ,  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde  i* 
 */M-9>10-      teftified :  In  this  was  mamfefted  the  love  of  God  toward  ha,  be- 
 Verj.n.  lob.$.  caufethat  Cjodfenthis  onely  begotten  Son  into  the  world  ,  that  we 
 M>  if>*  M-  might  live  through  him.     Hereinislovc,  not  that  we  loved  God; 
 but  that  he  loved  us  ,  andfent  his  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our 
 f*ht    And  again,  ftiorter  :   and  the  fame  was  in  like  manner 
 certified  by.  our  Saviour ,   and  that  alfo  as  the  Ground  of 
 Preaching  the  fame  for  Men's  healing :  and  as  the  Oblation 
 and  Lpve  of  God  to  Mankinde,  appearing  there-through ,  is 
 fometimes  named  for  the  whole  Teftimony  ;  fo ,   in  feme 
 places  it  is  (hewn ,  how  this  known  and  believed,  faveth  and 
 leadeth  into  all  Truth,  and  fo  teacheth  Believers  :   I  will  in- 
 stance but  two  places, 
 
 i.  7^.3.4,5,6,7.  read,  and  confider  the  place,  and  fee,  it 
 7  T  *  it  i$  the  hindnefiand  love  oj  Cjod  our  Saviour  toward  man,  (it's  not 
 
 joo.},  itiA^  his  fpecial  and  peculiar  Love  tofomeE]e&,  but  the 
 
 pity  and  love  of  God  to  Man-ward  )   that  in  its  appearing 
 faved  us ;  net  according  to  works  of  right  eoufnep  which  we  have 
 done ,  ( lt  neither  appeared  or  faveth  by  any  thing  in  us  or 
 done  by  us,   in  which  we  were  better  than  others)  but 
 Kom.'$.9M>&  according  to  his  mercy  (that  is,  his  Love  commended  to 
 %cor  ?.io°     finners  in  his  giving  ChrUl  to  die,    and  make   peace  for 
 Epb.i.16,17.    them  by  his  Blood,   when  we  were  Enemies;  and  caus- 
 ing ic  to  appear  to  us ,    while  we  were  fuch ,   and  no 
 better  than  others)  he  faved ttsy  (that  is,   reconciled  our 
 hearts,    and  converted  us  to  himfelf ;  )  and  this  faving, 
 by  the  wafting  of  Regeneration  ,  ( that  is ,  the  vertue  and 
 efficacioufnefs  of  the  Blood  and  Oblation  of  Chrift,by  means 
 of  his  Mediation  made  known  to  us  ;    and   his  Love 
 there-through  ftreaming ,    being  by   the  Holy  Ghoft  fet 
 i^PrtVz*       home   to  the   Heart  :     and  fo  alfo)   by  the  renewing  of 
 zrbef.i.is.     the  Holy  Ghoft,  (who  in  fuch  difcovery,  as  is  faid,  fprink- 
 Heb.9.14.        lcth  the  Blood  of  Chrift  in  the  Heart,  and  thereby  fpeak- 
 eth  peace,  and  createth  or  reneweth  a  new  Difpofitioo  or 
 7^.3.12,24,  Spirit  in  the  Heart.)     Which  wafhing  of  Repentance,  and 
 
 VXhZ'y     rencvvins  of  the  Holy  Ghoft>  he  (bV  vcrtuc  .of  his ob- 
 
 M.Vj!i-ii.    lation  once  offered,  and  his  Interceflion  continued,  the 
 Divine  Love  appearing  there-through  )  (Bed  on  us  abun- 
 dantly - 
 
The  Conclufwn.  199 
 
 dantly  through  Jcfus  Chrift  our  Lord ,  that  we  being  juftified 
 
 by  his  Grace,   now  mark  the  laft  end ,  in  which  his  Coming  a- 
 
 gain  is  intimated)  we  fhould  be  made  Heirs  according  to  the  1 7*  A-9A&* 
 
 Hope  of  Eternal  Life. 
 
 Thus  doth  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde,  appearing 
 through  the  Oblation  of  Chrift,lead.to  fee  and  enjoy  theEnds 
 and  Vertues  of  his  Oblation,  and  therein  the  Benefit  of  his 
 Mediation  and  Interceflion ;  and  there wirh  ,  and  thereby, 
 the  Hope  of  the  Inheritance,  and  Eternal  Life,  in  the  coming 
 again  of  Chrift  :  fo  precious  is  the  word  of  the  begin- 
 ning of  Chrift ,  to  lead  into  all  that  follows  to  be  known  of 
 him. 
 
 2.  Tit.  2. 1 1, 1 2,  1 3,14.  read  the  place  and  minde,  The 
 Grace  of  Cjod  ,  (  which  is  the  fame  with  the  kindenefs  and  TiLl'\j  CoY' 
 Loveof  God  to  Man-ward)  faving  to  all  men^  (or  bringing  |,x  .  '*'7> 
 Salvation  to  all  Men )  hath  appeared  (  fo ,  as  in  its  appear- 
 ing and  faving  Operations ,  it  )  teacheth  us  (  here  is  the 
 benefit  of  his  Mediation,  in  extending  the  Vertues  of  his 
 Oblation)  that  denying  ungodlinef? and  worldly  lufts  ,  wefhould 
 live  foberlj  ,  and  rtghteoujly ,  and  godly  in  this  prefent  world) 
 (now  mark  the  laft)  looking  for  the  bleffed  bope>  and  the  glori- 
 ous appearing  of  the  great  Cjod  and  our  Saviour  j£fm  Chrift.  And 
 all  this  large  Grace  appearing  in  fuch  faving  tendency ,  with 
 iuch  teaching?,  and  fitneis  for  prevalency  therein ,  grounded 
 and  bottomed  upon  the  Word  of  the  beginning  of  Chrift, 
 verf.  14.  Who  gave  himfelf  for  us,  &c  with  which  I  be- 
 gan this  Difcourfe  of  the  Oblation  ,  Interceflion ,  and 
 coming  again  of  Chrift  5  and  with  the  fame  I  for  this  Part 
 end. 
 
 In  all  that  is  faid  of  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  in  every 
 Branch,  and  of  all  together,  it  appears  ,  That  this  Teftimony 
 is  a  Doctrine  according  to  godlinefs,  and  hath  its  natural 
 tendency  to  godlinefs ,  effecting  it  in  all  cordial  Believers 
 of  it  :  and  alfo,  that  this  Teftimony  of  Jefus,  is  ,  The 
 Spirit  of  Prophefie,  The  Original  of  all  right  Under- 
 ftanding,  The  true,  and  fo  beft  ,  Enlightner  ,  Teacher, 
 School- Matter  and  Dire&or  to  all  right  undeiftajading  and 
 fpcaking. 
 
 And 
 
zoo 
 
 The  tonclu/ion. 
 
 And  i<*»orance  and  unbelief  of  this  Teftimony ,  or  any 
 Branch  of  imperially  thefirft,  isthecaufeof  all  error;  and 
 miftakes  about  scriptures.    And  by  this  Teftimony  minded, 
 we  may  dtfeern  what  true  Faith  is ,  what  tnc  Ob)  l&  ,  whtc 
 the  Medium  difcovering ;  what  the  Believing  U  ,   and  how 
 it  worketh ;  But  1  forbear  to  proceed  farther  in  thofe  things 
 till  I  have  fitft  minded  the  degrees  of  the  Revelation  of  Chrift 
 in  this  Teftimony  of  him ,  and  how  it  was  revealed ,  evi- 
 denced »  and  fo  made  known  and  taught  by  degrees ,  till 
 the  whole  was  clecrly  manifefted,  to  be  fo  now  taught  and 
 believed. 
 
 ^&M$?M?M$£  sfesksfesfesb 
 
 An 
 
 $$$$  )$$$$ Iftfiffi 3pj52|5 
 
201 
 
 An  Explicite  Declaration  of  the  Tefti 
 monyofChrift,  &e. 
 
 PART    III. 
 
 Ch 
 
 AP.  I 
 
 Of  the  firft  Reielatioa  of  Chrift  5   and  Way  of  making  him 
 know.': . 
 
 H  E  firft  Revelation  of  Jefus  Chrift  was 
 in  Par/tdife,  thus :  I  will  put  enmity  be-  r 
 tween  thee  and  the  woman  ^  and  between 
 thy  feed  and  her  feed  :  itfhallbruifethy 
 heady  and  thou  {halt  brmfe  his  heel.  In 
 which,  according  to  Explication  fince, 
 is  obferved, 
 
 i .  That  the  firft  Promulgation  of 
 the  Gofpel,  as  it  was  immediate  from 
 and  by  God  himfelf ,  fo  k  was  done  in  the  denouncing  the 
 Curte  on  the  Serpent  and  his  Seed;  yea  ,infomemeafureon  Geu.$.i.iw 
 the  Serpent  that  was  the  Devil's  Inftrument ,  and  its  Seed  5 
 but  in  full,  and  fpccially  on  the  Devil  the  old  Serpent,  with 
 
 Ee  his 
 
102  Of  theprjt  ^velation  of  Christ. 
 
 Kn,.u. 9.<^o. his  Angels,  and  thofeby  his  Temptations,  become  of  him, 
 a.  &%\i\.&9.  andfo  his  Seed,  even  as  the  compleating  of  the  Exaltation  of 
 \i,&  1M4-I8.  ChriR ,  and  thofe  that  are  his  Seed ;  is- declared  in  the  de- 
 nouncing and  bringing  in  the  laft  and  great  Wo  upon  the 
 Inhabiters  of  the  Earth  ,  which  are  the  Seed  of  this  old  Ser- 
 pent. 
 Gen.  3.1^17.      2«  That  the  Seed  of  the  Woman  is  alfo  fo  expreft ,   that  ic 
 Xom.i.id.Heb.  may  have  a  double  fenfe ;  one  a  more  remote  fenfe,  in  which 
 9tl7t  it  may  be  carried  to  all  that  come  of  her  by  a  natural  concep- 
 
 tion ;  before  whom,  in  the  Promife,  Hope  was  fet ;  and  of  and 
 from  among  whom  ,  the  two  Seeds  more  directly  fpoken  of, 
 are  and  will  be  drawn.  rr 
 
 And  the  other  fenfe  proper  and  nigher,  and  that  both  princi- 
 Gen.i.is.Pfal.  pal,full,  and  moil  deer  anddireft  ;  and  that  is  the  Lord  Jefus 
 49 .7>8.  jfa.  7.  Chril* ;  for  he  faith  ,  Itfhs.tbrmfe  thy  head.     It  was  not  thus : 
 it  S  1  ?o*  The  Woman,  nor  any  of  her  Seed  by  natural  conception 
 3453J.GW.4.4Cwn^cn  are  every  way  as  much  the  Seed  of  j4damyt\\z  Mantis 
 Mat.1.1.  Rem.  of  the  Woman)  of  which ,  no  Man  can  redeem  his  Brother ,  or 
 1.3.  Ga!.$.i6.  give  to  God  a  Ranfome  for  him  :     But  it  was ,   He,  even  Je- 
 \uti  1   **  %  fc,that  was  conceived  in  the  Wcmbe,  and  born  of  a  Woman 
 4>       and  a  Virgin,  in  a  fupernatural  way  ^  without  the  help  crufe 
 of  Man  :  which  Virgin  was  of  the  Seed  of  ^Abraham  and 
 Davtdy  to  whom  alfo,  the  Promife  was  explicated :  and  fo  he 
 was  the  Seed  of  David,  o{*Abraham,  of  the  Woman ;  the  pro- 
 mifed Seed ,  even  he  that  in  due  time  was  manifefted,  to  rake 
 away  fins  ,   and  deftroy  the  works  of  the  Devil.     And  the 
 Holy  Ghoft  hath  given  us  to  underhand  ,   That  this  Jefus  is 
 Gal.  3. 16 y  29.  that  very  promifed  Seed  here  primely  meanr.    And  alio  here 
 Jfrf 3.8,10,11.  is^ jn  lnj  Wjth this  principal ,  a  farther,  intimate,  neaffary, 
 ^^•85 ^9  ^V canfcquential  and  included  fenfe ;  namely ,  That  by  Seed  is 
 y    meant  all  thofe  of  the  Sons  of  *Adam  ,  that  by  this  Grace  cf 
 God  difcovered    through  Chrilt  the  promifed  Seed,    are 
 brought  in  to  believe  in  ChrW ,   and  by  Faith  united  to 
 Chrift,and  reckoned  after  him,  his  Seed  ,  and  foof  one  and 
 the  fame  Seed,  the  fame  fpiritual  fpecies  or  kinde,to  enjoy  the 
 benefit  of  all  his  fuffcrings  and  viftory ,  and  to  inherkc  with 
 him. 
 2*t24.2*,4©*,     I-  The  way  in  which  Chritt  fliould  take  away  fins,  and  de- 
 47.    '    '   %  ftxov  the  works  of  the  Devil,  and  fo  enter  imo  Glory ,  even 
 
 by 
 
Of  the  fir  ft  %ey  elation  of  Chrift.  205 
 
 by  differing  andconqueft,  by  Death  and  Refurre&ion ,  *n&Hcb.%.n.  cd 
 pouring  forch  of  Spirit,  and  returning  again  to  triumph :  and  1.14,1  $.  'pfal. 
 the  way  in  which  thofe  that  come  to  be  of  his  Seed,  mufto-*3.i8,n.<ffczA 
 vercome  and  inherit  with  him  ,  being  by  the  word  of  the  J*"^^4" 
 Teftimonyof  him, and  by  his  Blood,   not  loving  their  lives  lz' 
 unto  death ;  and  fo  through  much  Tr&ulation  ,  to  enter  in- 
 to his  Kingdom,     Both  thefe  are  implied  and  teftified  in  the 
 very  words ,  It  (hallbmije  thy  head  ,    and  thou  jhalt  bruife  his 
 heel. 
 
 4.  That  as  there  is  enmity  between  the  tvvoSeeds  ;  yea,  fffi^Aflf 
 according  to  all  t h e  whole  fenfe  given  m  ,  that  is ,  between  m'#.  i $ + %& 8 
 Chrift  and  the  Devil  ;  and  fo  enmity  in  the  Devil  again!*  all  *?<**-*•  J'h- 
 Mankinde,  preferved  by  Chrift :  but  efpecially  thofe  of  Man-  j[^AjJeT. 
 kinde,  that  are  by  the  Grace  of  God  through  Chrift,  poti-  x"«».f  .i^.Eph. 
 verted,  born  from  above,  and  fo  become  the  Seed  of  Chrift;  i.$is}z.col.z. 
 yea,  he  moveth  all  he  prevails  with  to  do  his  will ,  to  be  E-  t^»1J*  Epk-Z' 
 nemies  to  them  alio:  and  fo  there  is  enmity  between  'tip*!j  &  jj" 
 two  Seeds  alio,  as  is  exprefs  ,  /  wilifnt  enmity  between  thee  And  zcor.+.^ijoh. 
 the  woman,  and  between  thy  feed  and  her  feed:  (where  alfo  might  5.8.  Pfo/.z.io, 
 be  noted,  That  as  z/fdam  in  hispublick  place,  was  a  Type  of  "•  f/*4**3« 
 Chri (i  ;  fo  the  Woman  here  a  Type  of  the  Church  )  evenfo  f?ia  ** 
 alfo,  as  Chrift  came  firft  in  the  flefh ,  and  by  his  fufferings  and  4 
 victory  in  his  Oblation  overcame  the  Devil ,   and  overthrew 
 
 his  firft  work  ;  fo  he  is  by  Spirit  overthrowing  his  fecond 
 work,  in  which  he  endeavours  to  keep  men  from  the  know- 
 ledge and  acknowledgement  of  Chrift  :  and  he  will  come  a- 
 gain  in  glory,  and  fully  deftroy  his  later  work  alio,  and  bring 
 all  before  him  to  acknowledge  him  Lord,  to  the  Glory  of 
 God  :  and  then  ftiall  the  Devil  and  all  the  ungodly,  be  over- 
 thrown ;  and  he,  and  his  Seed  fhall  raign :  all  which  was  in- 
 cluded in  this  faying  ,  It  {hall  breathy  head.  And  this  was 
 opened  to,  and  prophefied  by  Enoch  the  feventh  from 
 Adam ;  and  fo  ,  thou_h  myfterioufly ,  yet  inclufively,  the 
 whole  Teftimony  of  Chrift  was.  given  in  this  firft  Revela- 
 tion. 
 
 5.  That  the fulnefs  and  cleernefs  of  the  glorious  myftery  7 
 
 of  Chrift,  and  life  in  him ,  contained  in  the  Gofjpcl,  as  irft  i?b\Y?'A'£ 
 declared  ,  was  yet  hid  with  Chrift  in  God  j  and  f©  to^be  i.i^j. V  3.^ 
 farther  opened,  as  Chrift  ame  to  be farther  manifefted  -:  and 
 
204.  Ofthefirjl  %evelation  of  Chrift. 
 
 Gen.3.11.  Col this  imP^d  in  that  word  alfo  ,   It  fhall  break,  thy  head:  as  the 
 
 3.3,4.'  iub.{.  glorious  life  of  Believers  is  ftill  hid  with  Chrift  in  God,  and 
 
 9*.  will  then  be  manifeft ,   when  he  fhall  appear  in  Glory  ; 
 
 when ,  and  not  till  then ,   they  fhall  appear  in  Glory  with 
 
 him. 
 
 6.  Here  in  this  Revelation,  is  no  mention  or  intimation, 
 That  the  promife  in  this  Gofpel,  was  made,  given  or  applied 
 perfonally  to  Adam  or  to  Evah,  to  both  or  to  either  of  them, 
 or  any  probability  of  fuch  a  thing :  for  in  all  this,  the  Speech 
 Gen    14 u    was  ^e^c^ ts  tne  Curie  to  the  Serpent ,  with  intimation  of 
 jude6.  Gen.$.  *e  continuance  of  his  malice,  chains  and  limits  till  his  full  o- 
 16, 17, 18,19.  verthrow  and  nnal  judgement :  and  the  fentence  of  the  Ctirfe, 
 Kom.  j.iz,i8.  in  forrow, mortality  and  death,  is  in  the  Speech  dire£led  both 
 to  the  Woman  and  the  Man  after  this ,    and  the  Curfe  on 
 the  Earth,  for  their  fakes  alfo  ;  and  io  on  all  Mankinde  in 
 this  firft  publick  Man  :  but  the  promife  was  fore-made  to 
 Chrift,  that  now  had  undertaken,  and  intimated  here  in  this 
 Gen.$.il.  ifa.  v/oid,  It Jhall-,  &c.  The  Promife  for  that  divine  afnftance  he 
 50.5,^7, 8>  9,  fhould  have  in  all  he  had  undertaken  to  fuffer  and  do  ,  in  the 
 io.ioh.i7.1-     Nature  of  Man  for  Mankinde  ;  and  theViSory  hefhoulJ 
 have  ;  and  fo ,  that  Eternal  Life  he  fhould  have  in  the  Na- 
 ture of  Man  and  for  Mankinde ,  to  difpenfe  to  all  that  by  the 
 means  be  ufeth ,  believe  on  him  :  ib  that  all  the  promifes  of 
 1  cor.i.19,10.  God  are  his ,   and  in  him  yea,    and  in  him  Amen.    The  Pro- 
 mife of  Eternal  Life  was  made  with  him  firft;  and  with,  2nd 
 rir.  1. z, 7.170k  to  him ,  for  all  that  in  believing  come  to  receive  it  of  him  : 
 j.n.G^.3.17.  yea, the  Everlafting  Covenant  was  firft  made  with  him ,  and 
 Tizifa'9*.  con6tmtd ln  him »  and/°  by  neceflary  confcqnence ,  for  all 
 ,  ;a4  •  •  ^at  {^ouij  believe  in  him,  and  fo  have  him  ;   and  in  having 
 him  ,   have  with  and  through  him  Forgivenefs  of  Sins ,    Af- 
 fiance in  Services  and  Trials,  the  Promifes,  Everlafting  Cove- 
 nant ,  and  Eternal  Life ;  and  fo  all  that  is  good  for  them. 
 This  is  the  way  of  God's  giving  fuch  good  things  to  Men, 
 x#»i.8.3i.G4/.to  gjve  bis  Son  to  them,  who  was  fore-delivered  up  for  k* 
 
 ii'iM/J.V.W  a^  :  anc*  *n  &*v*n§  n"? »   with  anc*  through  him  to  give  the 
 4»  53,9,10.*    Bleffing  and  all  good  things ,    fo  to  Abraham,  and  (0  to  all  o- 
 ther.    And  thus  is  Chrift  the  Everlafiing  Father  of  all  Be- 
 lievers,  and  they  are  his  Generation  or  Seed.    And  in  this 
 jrefpeft  alfo  Chrift  is  the  firft-born,  before  David,  Jacob,  Ifa*c> 
 
 Abra* 
 
Of  thefirft  %ey elation  of  Cbrijl.         1 05 
 
 Abraham  ;  yea,  AdamzndEvxh  :  yea,  in  this refpe£t  and 
 relation  ,  he  is  the  Root  and  Father  of  them  all  •  yea,  he  is  Rw*».ijf.ft*« 
 the  y4//?^  and  Omega^  the  Beginning  and  the  End  ,  the  Firft  8-^>*8  j 
 and  the  Lait,  theBeginner  and  the  Accomplifher  of  every 
 Man's  Faith,and  bringing  in  to  Godrand  fo  of  theirs  alio.  And 
 though  in  his  actual  taking  of  Flefh ,  and  fo  as  Man,  he  was 
 after  them  and  of  them  ;  yet  the  vertue  of  his  Oblation  was 
 efficacious  with  God,  and  vertuous  for  Men,  from  his  firft  ac- 
 cepting to  undertake,  and  fo  from  the  beginning,  even  in  the 
 firft  moment  of  Mam's  Fall ;  and  fo  he  the  firft  Receiver  and 
 Difpeuferof  thePromiles  :  which  in  denouncing  the  Curfe 
 on  the  Serpent,  were  thus  founded  forth  in  the  hearing  of  A- 
 damttid  Evah.  And  the  knowledge  o-f  all  this,  is  very  pro- 
 fitable for  us,  feeing  by  it  we  are  taught  focleerly> 
 
 Firft ,  That  the  Gofpel  thus  founded  was  not  by  Adam  or 
 Evab  received  by  fenfe ,  or  by  difcerning  of  any  peculiar 
 intereft  they  had  in  it  more  than  others  of  Mankinde,  or  any 
 betternefs  in  them  more  than  others  ;  but  by  the  Divine 
 Power  in  the  difcovery  of  God 's  Love  to  Mankinde,  without 
 any  difference  of  one  from  another  ,  or  preferring  one  be- 
 fore another,  they,  as  fallen  Ones,  received  it  by  Faith  ;  in 
 which,  it  became  theirs  :  and  fo  receiving  it  by  Faith ,  ac- 
 cording to  the  import  of  the  found  ,  and  the  Light  that  was 
 in  it  ;  thence  Adam  in  this  fight  and  receit,  called  his 
 Wives  Name  Evah,  becauie  fhe  was  the  Mother  of  all  living':, 
 and  this  might  well  be  in  a  twofold  fenfe ;  natural,  of  all  A- 
 dam's  Race,  becauie  there  was  hope  for  them ;  and.fpiritual, 
 of  all  Believers,  fhe  happily  being  the  firft  Receiver,  according 
 to  that ,  Where  fin  abounded  ,  there  grace  abounded  ranch 
 more. 
 
 Secondly ,  That  the  Sentence  and  Curfe  did  pafs  on  them 
 after  the  Promiie  and  Interpofure  of  Chrift  the  new  publick 
 Man,  he  having  fore-accepted  to  be  in  that  Nature,  and  under 
 the  Law  under  which  they  were  fallen,  that  fo  he  might  ccme 
 and  bear  that  Sentence  and  Curfe  for  Mankinde ,  and  fo  take 
 the  fting  and^  venome  out  of  it ,  and  in  due  feafon  bring  them 
 out :  and  this  alfo  was  without  difference,for  the  good  of  all 
 Mankinde. 
 
 Thirdly  >  *Tnat  tr*e  promife  in  the  Teftimony  andfound, 
 
 lies. 
 
20  6         Of  the  fir fi  Tfyvelation  of  Cbritt. 
 
 lies  as  open  and  free  for  all  Mankinde  and  every  of  them,  as 
 it  did  for  *Adam  and  £vah9  that  they  might  believe ,  and  in 
 believing  be  the  Seed  of  Chrift  ,  and  Children  of  their  be- 
 lieving Mother  Evah^  and  ib  have  the  fame  hope. 
 
 Fourthly ,  That  we  may  know,  That  as  the  Gofpel  for  the 
 good  of  Mankinde,  was  firft  declared  in  denouncing  the 
 Curie  on  the  Serpent  and  his  Seed  :  fo  all  the  Threats  and 
 Curies  denounced  on  the  Enemies  of  Chritl  and  his  Peo- 
 ple, they  are  Fruits  of  God'i  Love,  and  lure  Promises  to 
 Believers.  And  this  was  the  firrt  Revelation  given  of 
 Chrilt. 
 
 Now  alio  for  Evidences  and  Demonft rations  of  the 
 
 Truth  and  Gocdnefs  hereof,    belides  this  revealed  Tetti- 
 
 mony  of  God ,   it  is  to  be  feen  in  his  works  of  Creation  and 
 
 P/W.75.J.  cv.  Providence  :   for  whereas  all  was  loft  ,  and  fo  for  fin  to  be 
 
 3.17,1*.  joh.u  fo  far  dhTolved ,  as  every  Creature  remaining,  to  have  been 
 
 3,4,5  Heb.i.z.  as  a  Curfe  ,  Vexation  and  ruinetoMan;  that  the  Heavens 
 
 icor.2.6.  pfal.  anc|  Earch  9  with  tne  Inhabitants  are  upheld  ,  and  that  Sun, 
 
 J^'^  Moon,  Star,  Earth,  &c.  do  ferve  for  the  good  and  comfort 
 
 21.  4&.14I17.  of  Mankinde ,    It  is  through  Jeius  Chrift ,  and  by  venue  of 
 
 DMtf.4.1?.  Pja.  hiS  oblation  and  InterceiTion.  And  ib  now, and  from  thence, 
 
 147.1 5,1^,17.  ffo  [)eAvens  decUre  the  glory  of  God  ,     and  the  firmament  fl?e w 
 
 l\jfr%ii,  eth  hit  handy-work^     2^/  unto  day  utterethfpeech  ,  8cc.     And 
 
 24.  Heb.ii.sAyy  thefe  works  of  Creation  and  Providence,  God  fhineth 
 
 Rem.z.*.  Rom.  forth,and  manifefteth  to  Men  his  Eternal  Power  &  GoodnelV, 
 
 10.18.  Co'-  1.  bis  Being  or  Godhead,    his  Wii'dom  and  Love  to  Mankinde: 
 
 25.^^.4.17.    ^  t^e»e  ^e  ^^  divided  t0  all  Nations  under  the  whole 
 
 Heaven,  to  ferve  them  for  their  good  ,  and  to  filch  a  gracious 
 
 end :  and  by  thefe  he  gives  hints  of  a  Ranfome  and  Mediator 
 
 between  him  and  menjthrough  whom,he  that  is  holy  and  juft 
 
 is  yet  fo  merciful  and  gracious  to  finful  and  unworthy  men, 
 
 even  that  they  might  believe  him  to  be ,  and  to  be  merciful, 
 
 and  a  Rewarder  of  them  that  ieek  him ,    and  fo  repent ,  and 
 
 come  in  to  him ;  and  fo  far ,  and  in  fuch  a  i'enie,  the  found  of 
 
 the  Gofpel  is  preached  in  and  by  the  Creation  in  the  whole 
 
 Earth  ,  and  fo  in  and  by  every  Creature  under  Heaven ,  to 
 
 "•all  Nations  and  every  Man.     And  thefe  two,  the  rumour  of 
 
 the  Gofpel  as  declared  in  Paradife ,  and  the  Evidences  of  his 
 
 noodnefs  in  the  works  of  Creation ,  were  the'two  Mediums 
 
Of  the  fir jl  "Key elation  of  Ckrijl.         207 
 
 ot  Books  *  in  which  the  TeHimony  of  Chtift  hath  been  held 
 forth  from  the  beginning,  and  is  to  be  read. 
 
 Yet  God  did  even  at  the  firft,  in  this  provifion  made  in 
 Chfift ,  for  Men,  and  for  inftructing  them  in  this  Revelation 
 and  thefe  Evidences  of  him ,  hechofe  in  him  certain  Inflru- 
 mems,  whom  he  furnifhed  above  others  with  the  Knowledge 
 of  the  Gofpel,  as  fo  revealed ,  and  alio  with  Undemanding 
 of  his  Power,  Wifdom,Juftice,  Mercy  and  Minde,evidcnced 
 in  his  works ,  that  they  fhould  teach  the  fame  to  others,  to 
 convert  them  to  God.  And  thefe  were  thofe  who  themfelves 
 received  theTetfimony,  and  were  by  it  led  to  love  and 
 worfhip  God,  and  defire  the  Salvation  of  men ;  as  all  the  firft 
 Fathers,  *Adam,Seth,  &c.  who  all  preached  to  the  World 
 the  fame  Gofpel  (though  not  fo  fully  come  forth)  as  we  now 
 have  :  it  is  inrefpe&of  the  more  full  and  cleerDemonfl ra- 
 tion of  it ,  by  the  Apoftles  called,  a  new  Commandment ;  and  i  iob.z.7&, 
 yet  in  refped  of  the  thing  it  felf,  the  old  Commandment ,  being  t.ij**J. 
 the  fame  that  was  from  the  beginning.  And  all  thofe  firft 
 Fathers  from  tAbel  to  Abraham ,  are  affirmed  to  have  faid 
 fuch  thing?,  and  to  live  and  die  in  the  Faith  thereof,  ff$&  1 1 . 
 29t37I4-  yea,  all  thefe  were  Preachers  in  the  World,  A- 
 dahfySeth^EnoSy  Catnap  Mahalaleely  Jared^  Enochs  Methtfalay  Gen.1,  &  4. 
 Lamech  5  yea,  all  thefe  at  one  time ,  fometime  before  Ncah> 
 Adam^Enoch  zndSeth^  being  departed  before  the  time  of 
 Noah ;  but  Enos  above  half  a  hundred  yeers  in  'Hoah  's  time, 
 and  Cainan  above  one  hundred  ,  Mahala lee /above  two  hun- 
 dred, Jared  above  three  hundred  and  a  half,  and  Lamech  and 
 his  Father  above  five  hundred  yeers  preachers  in  Noah  *s 
 time,  and  Methtefalah  till  the  yeer  before  the  Flood  came; 
 and  then,  i\i\l  Noah  and Sem.  What  all  thefe  mi^ht  do  for 
 Gofpel-preaoing  in  the  firft  Ages ,  who  can  fay,  with  all  that 
 received  it  of  them  ?  but  preach  the  fame  Gofpel  they  did  : 
 and  fo  Noah  preached ,  Enoch  prophefied ,  and  in  Enoch's 
 time  Men  called  on  the  Name  of  the  Lord :  fo ,  as  then  be- 
 gan a  Profeflion  of  his  Name ,  in  which  they  were  diftind 
 from  thecareiefsandprophaneSonsof  Men.  Such  Teachers 
 then  provided : 
 
 And  yet  this  is  not  all ,  for  God  did  endue  thefe  Teachers 
 with  his  Spirit,  and  went  forth  with  his  Spirit  in  their  Mini- 
 
 flu- 
 
2o8         Of  theprjt  'Kg* elation  of  Chrijl. 
 
 ftratioii ,  and  the  means  he  did  ufc  toward  them :  fo  Chrift 
 G  tnej19'10'  'preached  by  his  Spirit  in  the  Miniftration  of  Noah ,  and  with 
 his  Spirit  did  ftrive  long  with  them ;  and  that  the  Miniftrati- 
 on and  fpirituai  Motions  might  take  more  place  ,    he  in  his 
 Providence  wrought  much  for  them  and  with  them,  in  fending 
 about  and  ftirring  up  his  Servants  to  admonifh  and  exhort 
 Rom.t.4.  Tjat.  them,  extending  mercies  to  allure  them ,  and  while  they  did 
 l6.6y7.iob  33.  hang  back  ,    ufing  Judgements  and  Chaftifements ,  to  take 
 1 4>i  $j*4>*9-  down  their  pride  ,  and  break  them  eff  their  enterprize ,  and 
 bow  their  Ear  to  hearken  to  the  Voice  of  God  in  Chrift  ;  fo 
 that  God  dealt  gracioufly  with  the  World  at  that  time ;  and 
 it  was  juttly ,  for  great  ungodlinefs  and  finning  againft  the 
 means  of  Grace,  overthrown  with  Water.     And  the  teach- 
 ing of  the  Gofpel  thus  revealed,  and  fuch  Evidences  infuch 
 Geii.11.  manner  taught,  continued ,  and  was  ftill  vouchfafed  after 
 
 the  Flood,  to  the  whole  World  again ;  and  fuch ,  as  before, 
 thechofen  Teachers ,  as  Noah,  Semy  Arphaxad,  Salah,  Eber, 
 'Peleg,  %jh,  Serug)  T^jhor,  Terah ,  Abraham  ;  and  fuch  as 
 through  their  Teachings  were  converted  and  fitted.  And 
 how  many  of  thefe  were  living  together  or  at  one  time  in 
 divers  parts  of  the  World ,  who  can  tell  ?  But  this  we  know, 
 That  Noah  fo  prayed  for ,  and  propheficd  of  Sem ,  that  im- 
 Gen.9.17.  piies  no  Iefs,than  that  the  Church  fhould  be  in  hisHoufe, 
 (as  God  ufeth  to  put  his  Word  in  his  choice  people.,  that 
 are  his  Houfe ,  that  it  may  found  forth  from  them ,  to  bring 
 in  others. )  And  Sem  lived  five  hundred  and  two  yeers 
 after  the  Flood  ;  fo  that  if  he  did  not  out-live  Abraham, 
 yet  he  was  living  on  the  Earth,  when  Abraham  offered  up 
 lfaac  his  Son  ;  and  he  wasaPrieft  and  Teacher  of  God  in 
 the  Church,  and  for,  and  to  the  whole  World  :  I  will  not 
 determine ,  That  he  was  Melchi^dec,  that  bleffed  Abraham, 
 though  probabilities  of  it  enough  might  be  given :  nor  will 
 I  fay  any  thing  more  of  Arphaxad ,  and  the  reft  ;  but, 
 That  the  Gofpel  thus  revealed  and  rumoured,  and  the 
 Goodnefs  of  God  in  his  workes  of  Creation  and  Provi- 
 dence thus  evidenced ,  being  thus  taught  by  thofe  Elders 
 that  feared  God  ,  was,  for  the  good  of  all  Men,  andfaving 
 to  them ,  and  fuch  as  did  receive  the  fame ,  and  abide  there- 
 in ,  were  faved  thereby ,  I  fuppofe  none  queftions.    And  if 
 
 we 
 
Of  the  firU  ^y  elation  of  Chriji.         209 
 
 we  proceed  a  little  farther  to  the  time  of  Job  ,  which  very  jvy  19.15,^ 
 probable  was  before  Mofes ;  however ,    not  in  that  part  of  27, 
 the  World ,   where  the  Children  of  Ifrael lived :   and  what 
 knowledge  he  had  of  his  Redeemer,  we  may  read  ;    and 
 what  way  they  then  looked  for,  and  found ,  the  Knowledge 
 of  God,  their  own  words  teftifie :  B/ldadimh,  Enquire  ,  /  7^8.8,1©. 
 pray  thee,  of  the  former  ages,  and  prepare  thy  f elf  to  the  fearch  of 
 their  Father  s>  &c.  [ball  not  they  teach  thee,  and  tell  thee,  and  ut- 
 ter words  out  of  their  heart?     htidEliphaz,  gives  this  as  the  u>b  15.10. 
 Reafon  of  their  Knowledge ,  With  us  are  both  the  gray-headed, 
 and  very  aged  men,  &r.   and  how  profoundly  they  fpake  of 
 God  from  the  Teachings  they  had  in  the  works  of  Creation  iobisi&z6>& 
 and  Providence ,    the  ftory  thews ;   though  fome  particular  *gJob  4*Ia,*£ 
 enlargement  in  ufe  of  that  Knowledge ,   they  had  by  vifions  3  ^3^3 7j 
 alfo  :  yea ,  Slihu  gives  his  Inftru&ions  to  Job,  from  the  great  &\ii&$9s&> 
 works  of  God  :  and  the  Lord  himfelf  did  alio  even  by  his  4°. 
 works  inftruft  Job  :  fo  that  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde  in 
 providing  a  Redeemer,  as  declared  in  cParadife,  in  the  hear- 
 ing of  all  Mankinde,  as  then  in  being  in  the  firft  publick  Man, 
 to  be  taught  and  rumoured  to  all  the  World,  and  the  Evi- 
 dences and  Demonftrations  of  his  Goodnefs  in  works  of 
 Creation  and  Providence,  that  all  might  look  to  him  and  be 
 favedrand  fuch  as  were  through  the  hearing  and  difcerningof 
 his  Goodnefs,  brought  in  to  believe  in  him,  and  live  to  him ; 
 thofe  his  ele6t  and  chofen  Inftruments  to  teach  the  Know- 
 ledge of  God  in  thefe  two  Mediums  unto  others.    Whence 
 alfo  Mofes  ,  when  he  writ  the  Law  ,   yet  faith  ,   %emember 
 the  dayes  of  old,  the  yeers  of  Generation, and  Generation ;  as(    CUt'  **' 
 thy  Father,  and  he  wtll  (hew  thee ;  thy  Elders  ,  and  they  will  teU 
 thee.     And  the  Truth  revealed  in  the  beginning  ,  and  the 
 Evidences  of  it  in  works  of  Creation  and  Providence  ,    and 
 the  Teaching  of  the  Truth  from  both  the  Revelation  at  firft 
 given ,  at  the  Evidences  continued ,  by  thofe  gracioufly 
 brought  in,  and  chofen  into  the  acknowledgement  of  it, 
 that  others  might  ftill  come  in  ,  hath  been  God  *s  approved  lTt  % 
 Way  from  the  beginning,    and  fo  remaineth  to  the  end       '  ■,. 
 
 of  the  World  :  and  though  other  Revelations  followed, 
 yet  it  was  ftill  but  the  farther  opening  the  fame  Truth  :  and 
 though  other  Ordinances  and  Officers  were  afforded ,  yet 
 
 Ff  it 
 
zio        OfthefirU  TZgvelation  ofChriH. 
 
 8  Ioh  it  was  for  farther  helpfulnefs,  and  no  exclufion  of  thefe 
 i.iyi]l'.4.iiti.firR  chofen from  bearing  forth  his  Name:  and  fo  ourSa- 
 1.1^3^  viour  teacheth  us  to  have  refpeft, for  affured  Truth  and 
 Goodnefs,  to  that  which  was  from  the  beginning.  And 
 fo  theApoftles  alfo  avouch  of  their  Do&rine,  It  was  from 
 the  beginning :  and  fo  the  Love  of  God  to  Mankinde,  e- 
 videnced  by  Word  and  Works ,  taught  and  (hewn  forth 
 by  Believers ,  hath  been  from  the  beginning.  Too  blame 
 was  he,  that,  now  farther  Light  is  come,  would  have  de- 
 nied the  Death  of  Chrift  for  All  Men ,  by  faying,  C^°rifl  died 
 not  for  Cain  ;  for  he  came  not  of  Cain  :  for  Chrift  came  not  of 
 Abel ,  nor  of  Jofeph  or  Levi,  the  Sons  of  Jacob,  &c.  Yec 
 Aire  Chf  ift  not  onely  died  for  thefe  ,  but  they  were  laved 
 by  him  alfo  :  and  as  for  Cain7  if  he  was  not  one  that 
 Chrift  had  accepted  to  die  for,  his  Father  would  not 
 have  inftru£ted  him  to  offer  Sacrifice  :  nor  would  God 
 G  have  fo  expoftulated  with  him ,  and  told  him  ,   In  doing 
 
 *      well ,    he  (hould  have  been  accepted.      His  wo  came  by 
 ;     X1>      his  own  ftubbornnefs,  in  becoming  of  the  wicked  One. 
 And  all  the  Fathers  mentioned  from  Adam  to  Noah,  are 
 as  much  the  Natural  Parents  of  all  Mankinde  now  living, 
 %s  Abraham, If aac,  twA  Jacob  were  of  old  Ijrael  :   and  that 
 Gttr.i7.i63i7-Q0£  had  a  merciful  end  in  making  all  Nations  of  Men 
 &&11?  pfAt.**  one  Blood,  that  they  might  feek  him  ;  and  fo  in  con- 
 i*.7i*8.a       'verting  any,  that  they  alfo  might  feek  to  convert  others ,  is 
 affirmed ;  and  ft  ill  the  prevalency  of  this  Grace  in  the  Heart, 
 is  that  in  which  the  blefling  is  met  with. 
 
 Chap.  2. 
 
 Of  the  ficond  Revelation  of  Chrift ,  and  way  of  waking  him 
 known. 
 
 Fie  fecond  and  more  full  Revelation  of  Chrift ,  and  fo 
 the  Gofpel  concerning  him,  was  by  God  himfelf  imme- 
 diately to  Abraham-  If**h  and  Jacob  at  feveral  times. 
 
Of  thefirU  ^Revelation  of  Chrift.        m 
 
 If  any  demand,    But  why  was  riot  this Revelation  given  to 
 Melchizedec? 
 
 I  anwer  ,  How  much  was  revealed  to  Melchlz.edec,  is  un- 
 known to  us:  nor  doth  God  an fwer  or  give  account  of  his  ^, 
 matters:  therefore  I  lift  neither  to  enquire  nor  ftudy  to  give      35'  h 
 ananfwer ,  unlefs  this  may  be  taken  as  one  given  of  God, 
 becaufe  that  Melchizedec  was  the  nigheft  and  choice  Type 
 of  the  Eternal  Priefthood  of  Chrift ,   greater  than  Abraham, 
 the  Bieffer  of  Abraham,  figuring  out  Chrift  as  the  Chief,   the 
 King  of  Righteoufnels,  and  King  of  Peace,  &c.    And  Chrift 
 knew  all ,    and  needed  not  this  Revelation ,   but  was  one  Heb.j.i-i^. 
 with  the  Father  inrevealing,  and  he   in  and  by  whom  It  /^.i.iS.  nok 
 was  revealed  ,  he  being  greater  than  all ,  the  Bieffer,  and  A- 1,2,°' 
 noynter,  &c.     But  I  (hall  confider  what  of  the  fame  Te- 
 ftimony  of  Chrift  fore-revealed  and  taught,  was  now  more 
 fully  revealed  to  thefe  three,  Abraham^  Ifaac,  and  Jacob:  and 
 this  was, 
 
 i.  That  whereas  the  Nations  were  now  multiplied  and 
 divided,  and  many  Men  and  Families  in  them  all,  it  was 
 hard  to  know,  in  whofe  Loy ns  the  promifed  Seed  ( Chrift  ac- 
 cording to  the  Flefh)was;and  fo,out  of  which  Family  orMan, 
 (for  there  were  many,  even  of  Sem  his  Pofterity  alfo  )  Chrift 
 fliould  come.      This  was  now  immediately  revealed  by 
 Godhimfelf  to  Abraham,  faying,  In  thee  Jhali all  Families  of  the 
 Earth  be  blejfed.     And,  In  theey  explicated  to  be  meant ,  In  tty  Gen.n.i,Gen. 
 Seed :  and  fo  to  Ifaxc  after.    And  again  ,  the  fame  in  both  12'^'Gcn.z6. 
 Expreflions  to  Jacob.      And  this  Seed  in  the  perfonality  %^T'^'li' 
 of  the  Man,  as  the  Root  and  Fountain  of  biefling,    af-  2^       *  * 
 firmed  to  be  Chrift  ;  and  in  the  multiplicity  and  union  in  en- 
 joyment of  the  bleffing  in  him ,  to  be  all  that  unfeignedly  be- 
 lieve in  Chrift. 
 
 2.  That  in  this  Seed  (  which  is  Chrift  )  all  the  Nations ,  Gtn  %l  1 8  & 
 yea,  all  the  Families  of  the  Earth  (hall  be  bleffed :  which  can  ^.4.  '&  1  ».*. 
 be  no  lefs,  than  that  there  is  biefting  prepared  and  given  ine^s.14.  ■ 
 him  for  all  Nations ;   that  in  minding  of,  and  believing  in 
 him,  they  might  receive  it,  according  to  that  Ifa.45.22.  and 
 49.6.  Att.13.4j.  iJ*A.5.ii,i2.  and  2.2.  and  alfo,  That 
 in  believing  on  his  Name  ,  every  of  them  fo  believing ,  do 
 receive ,  and  fhall  participate  of  the  bleffing ,  according  to 
 
 Ff.2  thtc 
 
2ia  Of  thefecond  T^ey  elation  of  Christ. 
 
 that  Job.  1. 12.  and  3. 1 6.  and  alio,  that  there  is  a  time 
 coming ,  in  which  all  the  ends  of  the  World  (hall  remem- 
 ber ,  and  torn  unto  the  Lord ,  and  worfhip  before  him, 
 andfing  unto  him,  according  to  that  Pfal.  22.  27.  and  66.4. 
 and  86.9. 
 
 3.  That  for  multiplying  of  this  fpiritual  Seed,  in  bringing 
 
 Gen.i$.*6.&  ^en  into  union  with  Chrift,    he  told  Abraham ,  That  he 
 
 ij.  6,11*15.  would  multiply  to  him  a  Natural  Setd>  a  great  Compa- 
 
 Exod.  12.  48.  ny,   that  (hould  come  forth  of  his  Bowels ;  and  others, 
 
 flf*!.*.io,ii. &  by  gracious  providence,   or  profelyting,  be  put  into,  and 
 
 made   of  his  Family  ;    that  fo,     out  of  much  or   many 
 
 People,  a  fpiritual  Seed  may  be  drawn,  according  to  that  AB. 
 
 18. 10. 
 
 4.That  God  by  his  bleffing  andSpirit  in  the  means  he  would 
 G'!xT  \i  R6jfa  z&0Td  him ,  would  multiply  to  him  a  fpiritual  Seed  ;   in  fuch 
 \$.il?Rom.s.  number,  that  no  Man  (hall  be  able  to  number  them:  and  that 
 i6,i7.ioh.\7.u>  all  this  fpiritual  Seed ,  (hall  in  ail  their  encreafe  andnume- 
 xi.  Gen.iz.i.  roufnefs,  be  one  Seed  trill  ;  yea,  fo  fpiritual ly  one  ,  that 
 e> 2.8,1*.         Chrift,    and  thofe  fpiritually   united  to  him,   arejoynt- 
 Heirs,  and  in  a  meafure  alike  beloved  of  God  with  the 
 fame  Love  :  fo  that  God  will  blefs  them  that  blefs  this  Seed, 
 and  curfe  them  that  curfe  it ,  either  in  the  Head  or  Mem- 
 bers. 
 
 5.  That  whoever  of  any  the  Sons  of  Men  t  do  in  hear- 
 Gen.il.sJ.     %jg  and  believing  this  preparation  of  BlefTing  and  Life  God 
 
 tf  "il  l3z>a42^>  ha^  mtc'c  *or  US  >   anc*  ^ven  us  *n  Chril*  »    lo  minde  it,  that 
 26.%GaL3.6#9  tneY  are  thereby  led  to  believe  in  him,  for  the  Promife of 
 9,16,191.      .  Eternal  Life ,  and  the  Inheritance  which  is  yet  to  come ;  fo 
 walking  as  ftrangers  on  the  Earth  in  that  Faith  and  Hope, 
 (hall  be  imputed  to  them  for  Righteoufnefs,and  fo  they  coun 
 ed  of  the  fpiritual  Seed. 
 
 6.  That  Abraham ,  Jfaacy  and  Jacobs  with  the  Man  Jefus 
 Gen.\w>\7.&  Chrift,  and  all  his  fpiritual  Seed,  (hall  one  day  enjoy,  in  a  hea- 
 19.18.  &zf.$.  venly,  pure,  peaceable  and  joyful  manner,  all  that  very  Land 
 ^'/'ispS1  much  ^V&d  »  which  Abraham  faw,  and  had  Liberty  to,  and 
 loj.g^iojil  *d  walk  in  the  length  and  breadth  of  it ,  and  fojoumed  with 
 Heb.11.9.  tfa.  Ifaac  and  Jacob  therein  j  and  fo  the  Holy  Ghoft  teacheth 
 $5.17.  Gtl.y  ustounderlHndit  :  but  then  it  will  be  renewed ,  andfoa 
 tM*           new  Heaven  and  a  new  Earth,    And  fo  was  Chrift  revealed, 
 
 and 
 
 at 
 
 :>f 
 
 1 
 
Of  thefecond  T^ey elation  of  Cbrifl.       1Z3 
 
 and  the  Gfltpel  preached  to  ^Abraham, Ifaac  and  facol^thtk 
 three  Fathers.  And  it  was  confirmed  in  Chrift  to  them,  by 
 a  free,  abfolute  and  everlalUng  Covenant,  immediately  made 
 with  them  by  God,  that  gave  to  them  an  outward  Covenant 
 in  the  Flefh,  as  afv>n  of  the  Righteoufnefs  of  the  fame- 
 Faith ,  for  them  to  teftifie  with  alfo  to  others  ;  of  which 
 remains  to  be  fpoken  in  treating  of  the  Covenants. 
 
 And  for  the  way  of  making  the  Gofpel  thus  revealed, 
 known  to  others,to  draw  them  in  to  God,it  was  even  all  that 
 mentioned  in  the  firft  Revelation  ,  and  the  farther  Teaching 
 of  this  revealed  Explication,  with  the  Promifes  and  Cove- 
 nant made  ,  for  which  God  didchufe  and  approve  of  thefe 
 three  primely ;  yea,  firft  and  chiefly  Abraham ,  and  after  and 
 with  him  Ifaac  and  Jacob ,  who,  though  his  Sons ,  yet  were 
 with  him  the  Fathers  naturally  of  all  Ifrael,  and  fpiritually 
 of  the  faithful  among  them ,  and  in  all  Nations  following. 
 They  the  firft  that  received  ,  and  caught ,  and  walked  in  the 
 Faith  of  the  Gofpel  and  Covenant,  as  thus  explicately  reveal- 
 ed and  come  forth.  And  they,  befides  the  former  helps  they 
 had  in  commoo  with  all  that  feared  the  Lord ,  as  forementi- 
 oned,  were  yet  more  abundantly  furnifhed  , 
 
 1.  By  God  his  immediate  fpeaking  to  them  ,  and  ma- 
 •king  this  Everlafting  and  fure  Covenant  fore-confirmed  in 
 Chrift,  perfonally  with  them,  for  themfelves  and  their  Seed. 
 Whence  he  is  faid  to  make  his  Covenant  with  Abraham,  and  Ge 
 to  remember  his  Covenant  made  with  ^Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Tfaf/ol^'u 
 Jacobs  confirmed  with  an  Oath  to  them,for  them  and  their  i  Chron.i6.'ii9 
 Seed,for  an  Everlafting  Covenant  to  them  and  their  Seed. And  J 6,17,18. Lev. 
 the  Children  of  Ifrael willed  to  remember  the  Covenant  fo  26~-4*.   ¥&• 
 made  with  thofe  three.     And  God  in  promifing  to  dothe  2** ,4*  M 
 
 People  god,  faith,  He  will  remember  for  them  his  Covenant 
 made  with  Abraham ,  Ifaac ,  and  Jacob ,  with  the  refidue  of 
 his  Seed.  No  mention  yet  that  it  was  or  is  (though  one  day 
 in  performance  it  (hall  be)  perfonally  made  with  them ;  but 
 onely  the  fame  (hewn  to  them  ;  And  enabling  them  as  *A- 
 braham's  Seed,  to  believe  his  performance  for  Abraham*^ 
 fake  :  and  no  otherwife  was  this  Covenant  made  with  any 
 that  is  made  known  to  us,  till  it  was  with  T>avtd  more 
 explicitly  in  refpeft  of  the  Kingdom  :  but  to  thefe  three  it 
 
 was 
 
21^        Of  thejecond  Revelation  of  Chrift. 
 
 was  fo  made,   and  they  thereby  fo  abundantly  fawaifhed  to 
 teach  it. 
 
 2.  They  were  marveloufly  and  fupernaturally  enlightned 
 in  the  knowledge  of  it,  in  their  believing  :  fo  that  Abraham 
 
 JelhZ.tf.  favv  the  DaY  °f  Chrtfly  and  rejoyced ,  (  and  we  may  fuppofe 
 the  fame  of  Ifaac  and  Jacobs  though  our  Saviour  had  not  occa- 
 fion  then  from  the  Jews  words  to  mention  them)  fo  that  they 
 were  abundantly  fitted  to  preach  this  Faith  and  Covenant 
 unto  other?. 
 
 3.  They  had  alio  an  outward  Ordinance  called  Circum- 
 Gcn.  17.9-14-  cifion  ,  as  afign  and  leal  of  the  Righteoufnefs  of  the  Faith 
 neut'lo'e*'  l^cy  ^  rece*ved> anc^  werc  t0  teach,  that  they  might  fo  wit- 
 Rom.4,ii3\z3\$.  nefs  the  Truth  ,  and  difciple  their  Children  born  of  them, 
 
 and  by  gracious  providence  brought  under  their  tuition  and 
 government  ;  and  fo  teach  them  to  attend  on  God  in  his 
 way ,  who  in  fuch  attention  would  in  due  feafon  circumcife 
 their  hearts ,  that  thus  they  might  be  the  Fathers  of  all  that 
 believe. 
 
 4.  They  were  enabled  by  Faith  to  walk  as  Grangers  in  this 
 Aft.74rt.Heb.  verY  promifed  Land,  not  building  Cities  ink,  nor  having  of 
 1 1.9  \6.        their  own  the  poffeffion  of  a  foot ,    (onely  a  burying-place 
 
 bought  with  their  money  )   yet  did  they  believe  to  enjoy 
 that  very  Land  according  to  the  promife  ;   and  by  the  pre- 
 paration of  it  for  them,  and  Promife  of  it ,  and  Gift  of  God 
 to  them ,    believed,  they  did  wait,  and  look  for  it :  in  which 
 Faith,  they  both  lived  and  died ;  believing,  That  they  fhould 
 be  raifed  again  ,  and  poffefs  in  due  feafon.     Aodfoasytf- 
 braham  at  firft  in  the  Faith  of  the  Gofpel ,    as  fet  forth  in  the 
 firft  Revelation ,  went  at  God's  Call  into  that  Country,  not 
 Htb.u.%.       knowing  whither,  till  he  came  there ,    even  by  Faith  :  lb  he 
 lived  and  walked  in  that  Land  by  Faith ,  as  farther  enlarged, 
 6*».u.i,3  -^according  to  theRevelation  explicated  to  him  in  that  P;o- 
 ^f'^f-^mife  given  him  again  and  again.     And  after  the  Covenant 
 Gemi.iGen  was  mac'e  w"^  him, he  lived  and  walked  in  that  Land,  by 
 **.&.*.  *  S    Faith  enlarged  according  to  it,  for  one  yeerhimfelf ;  and 
 after  with  Ifaac  all  his  dayes  :    and  he  with  Ifaac  ,  and  Ifaac 
 with  him,lived  in  this  Faith  all  the  dayes  of  ^Abraham  :  and 
 ifaac  was  fixty  yeers  old  when  Jacob  was  born ,  with  whom 
 he  then  lived  in  that  Faith  all  his  dayes ;   and  Jacob  that  was 
 
 with 
 
Of  the  third  "Revelation  of  Chrift.         uj 
 
 with  him,  and  after  him  lived  in  that  Faith  with  his 
 Sons ,  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  yecrs  old ,  when  he  flood 
 before  Pharaoh  in  Egypt.  So  that  their  fojourning  in  the  Land  Gcn.47.9. 
 of  Promife,  or  promiied  Land,which  they  are  one  day  to  pof- 
 feis ,  was  one  hundred  ninety  and  one  yeers  after  the  Cove- 
 nant made.  In  which  time ,  they  taught  the  Faith  thus  en- 
 larged to  their  Children ,  and  them  lb  to  live  in  it  :  which 
 remained  with  the  ipiritual  Seed.  But  after  Ifrael  was 
 come  into  Egyp^  they  began  quickly  to  be  defiled  with  the  I- 
 dolatries  of  Egypt ,  and  then  they  fojourned  (not  in  the 
 Land  of  Promife  as  their  Fathers  did  ,  but)  in  the  Land  of 
 Egypt  four  hundred  and  thirty  yeers ,  of  which  four  hundred  exoLm^oa^ 
 and  thirty  yeers  after  the  Fathers  living  in  the  Faith  of  the  0 al. 1.101%. 
 Covenant  one  hundred  ninety  one  yeers,  the  Apoftle  fpeak- 
 eth,for  fo  long  it  was  (HI  1  confirming  to  them;  and  they  in  be- 
 ing fo  furnifticdjhave  taught  the  fame. 
 
 Chap.   3. 
 
 Of  the  third  Revelation  of  Christ)  drtdway  of  making  him 
 known. 
 
 THe  next  Revelation  of  Chrift  wa<  in  Mofes  time  ,  and 
 it  was  both  immediately  to  Mofes  ^  and  mediately  by    c  Mj 
 him  to  Ifrael :  and  this  was  in  divers  manners ,  and  at  divers 
 times,  or  by  divers  parcels :  as  to  fay, 
 
 1.  By  divers  types,  (hadows,   and  figures  immediately  Heb  g      . 
 appointed  by  God  to  Mofes  for  the  people ,    and  mediately  2^t  '&■  l9tJt 
 by  him  to  the  people :  as  to  inttance , 
 
 1.  The  way  by  which  Chrift  fhould  make  Peace  and  A-  Heb.7.i7.&9\ 
 tonement  for  the  fins  of  Men ,  that  he  might  have  them  into  ftt*,**, 
 his  difpofe.  This  was  figured  out  by  Beafts  (lain  and  offered 
 to  God  in  Sacrifice  for  (in,  and  the  High- Prieft  entring  into 
 the  Holy  of  Holies  once  in  the  yeer  to  make  Atonement  for 
 all  Ifrael :  as  Chrift  was  by  his  death  and  bloodfliedding  for 
 our  fins,  and  offering  himfclf  a  Sacrifice  to  God,  entering  in- 
 to 
 
21 6        Of  the  third  "Key  elation  of  Chrijl. 
 
 to  Heaven  by  his  own  Blood ,  to  make  the  Atonement,  and 
 obtain  eternal  Redemption. 
 
 2.  The  way  how  he  communicateth  unto  Men,  this  Peace 
 Hcj,9I3jM  and  Atonement,  and  Redemption ,  and  maketh  them  par- 
 &u,i\.  Rev.  takers  of  the  benefit  thereof  in  the  extention  of  his  Graco 
 i.  * .              and  Spirit,  making  it  known  with  the  Fruits  thereof,  gaining 
 
 in  to  believe  ;  and  fo  fprinkiing  the  verttie  of  his  Blood 
 and  Sacrifice  on  their  Heart  and  Confcience ,  thereby  wash- 
 ing and  comforting  them  :  this  figured  by  fprinkiing  the 
 Blood  and  the  Water  of  Purification  on  them  with  a 
 Bunch  of  Hyf«f.    Whence  that  Prayer,P#rg<?  me  with  Hjtfop, 
 
 o£C# 
 
 3 .  The  way  how  people  may  come  to,  and  partake  of  the 
 Heb.7.zs.&io.  Denefit  of  all  this  Grace  in  him  and  by  him  difpenfed ,  name- 
 ypl9!  17'iY  ^>  ky  looking  to  him,  attending  his  Voice ,  approaching  to 
 
 3  '  God  by  him,  through  his  Sacrifice  and  Propitiation  made, 
 yield  to  and  receiving  in  by  Faith,  his  Blood  iprinkling ,  and 
 Water  of  Purification,  fo  drawing  nigh  to  God  by  him  :  this 
 figured  by  their  fo  looking  to  ,  and  approaching  to  the  Ta- 
 bernacle, and  obferving  thofe  Rites  aforenamed. 
 
 4.  ThatChriti  is  wonderfully  filled  with  Power  ,  Spirir, 
 and  Authority,  and  all  riches  of  Grace,  to  be  all  to  us ,  and 
 work  all  in  us,  for  Peace ,  Purity  ,  Union  and  Communion 
 with  God  ,  he  having  our  Nature  in  a  perfonal  Body,  in 
 which  he  hath  by  Sacrifice  made  the  Atonement!  and  the  ful- 
 
 Joh.1,19.  c^.nc^s°f  the  Godhead  now  dwelling  in  him  bodily,     He  is 
 a-^9.  Job.  z.  the  Tabernacle,  Temple  or  Houfe  of  God  ,   in  whom  are  all 
 19.  Job.yzo.  the  Treafures  of  Wifdom  and  Undemanding  ;    in  whom 
 ^•^•^'•dwellsthefulnefsof  theGodhead  bodily  :  in  and  through 
 I'l't'lieb  3.6  whom  only  God  is  to  be  worfhipped:  and  fuch  a  Houfe  he  is, 
 /ic&.8.y.         that  all  that  believing  in  him,  are  united  to  him,  and  worfiiip 
 God  in  him,  are  made  of  the  famefpiritual  Tabernacle,  Tem- 
 ple, or  Houfe.    This  figured  by  their  Tabernacle  or  Temple, 
 made  according  to  the  pattern  given  of  God ,   and  the  En- 
 joynment  of  them  to  come  and  worfhip  there ,   looking  to- 
 wards it. 
 He  is  alfo  the  Altar  on  which  all  Prayers  and  fpiritual 
 H*b,  15.10,11- Sacrifices  are  to  be  offered  up  to  God.       This  was  fi- 
 xs.iPtf.a.5.    gurcd  by  that  one  Altar,   to  which  their  Sacrifices  were 
 
 to 
 
Of  the  third  %eK> elation  of  Chrijh         z  1 7 
 
 to  be  brought,and  upon  it  to  be  ofFered,and  on  no  other. 
 
 He  is  the  Propitiation ,  the  Covering,   or  Mercy-Seat,  R       .%UJ*. 
 whete  all  the  Righteoufnefs  in  Mercies  and  forgivenefs  ,  and  z,Zt  j0b.i.i%. 
 the  Oracles  of  God  are  to  be  met  withal.    This  figured  by  Hcb.9.1. 
 the  Mercy-Seat  they  bad  in  the  Holy  of  Holies. 
 
 He  alio  is  the  great  High*  Prieft,  that  once  for  all  hath  made  h^.  9.7,1 1. 
 the  general  Atonement ,    and  by  vertue  of  it,  jremaineth  an  irim^ .* .  ifa 
 High-Prieft  of  good  things  to  come,    interceding  for  Tranf-*3JX-  Hcb-7- 
 greflbrs ;  and  in  fpecial  manner,  for  all  that  come  to  God  by  *** 
 him;  perfuming  their  Prayers  with  his  Incenfe ,  and  returning 
 Anfwcrs  of  Blefliogs  to  them  :  and  this  wasfigured  by  fuch- 
 like  things  appointed  theHigh-Prieft  to  do  for  them  :  for^6,  7^x|^' 
 Chrift  did  not  naturally  defcend  from  Aaron  or  Levi ,  or  any  ^m.&i  %. 
 of  the  Priefts  oi  the  Aarontcal  or  Levitical Race ,  nor  was  1.^40.1  a. 
 he  of  that  Order,  nor  was  he  called  by  Men,  Ecclefiaftical  or 
 Civil  to  his  Prieftly  Office  ;  but  was  immediately  made  and 
 called  to  be  a  Prieft  by  God  hirnfelf  ;  which  was  figured, 
 though  mod  lively,  in  Melchizedec ,  yet  alfo  in  God's  imme- 
 diate calling  of  Aaron ,  to  be  their  firft  High-Prieft.     Jefus  lPet- *.  2>>3>4# 
 Chrift  hath  for  his  inferiour  miniftring  and  ipiritual  Priefts  lj>9'Heb.$.i94. 
 fqicableto  his  Order,  thofe  all,  and onely  thofe, that  through  Ts^Heb^i', 
 the  Knowledge  and  Belief  of  his  gracioufnefs  are  born  from  13!  &9.6#, 
 above ,  and  united  by  Faith  to  him ,    and  fo  become  one  in 
 and  with  him.    And  this  alfo  was  figured  by  appointing  thofe 
 onely  to  be  Prieft?,  according  to  the  Order  of  Aaron,  which 
 came  of  him,and  were  his  Sons  by  Birth  in  a  natural  defcent ; 
 any  many  other  types  and  figures,  which  I  here  omit;  onely  I 
 will  minde  one  general  Type  more,for, 
 
 5.  The  manner  and  time  of  God  *s  beginning  to  manifeft  ^  %$  % 
 the  things  of  Chrift,and  difpenfe  thereof  to  the  Souls  of  men,  Ephl.iJ^.  ' 
 namely,  when  by  the  Miniftery  of  Chrift  in  theGofpel ,  he  tfrf.i.  **,/$! 
 calleth  them  out  from  the  Power  of  Satan ,  the  Prince  of  the  ^tf-M-i/ifr. 
 Air,and  therein  out  of  thedarknefs  and  bondage  of,and  Uni-  f^f/^g  ^p  4 
 on  and  fellowfhip  with  the  world,  that  lieth  in  the  power  of  ^  ij^\%\ 
 the  wickedone  ;  at,   and  againft  which,  the  Devil  rage  th  Mat.io.i7^ 
 and  laboureth  to  oppofe :  and  the  World  led  by  him,is  angry,  ^.15.19.  & 
 and  joyneth  with  him  in  oppofitions ,  by  deceits, preffures  l*-H* 
 and  perfections  ;  yet  thofe  that  follow  the  conduft  of  the 
 Spirit  in  the  Gofpel ,  believing  in  the  Blood ,  and  accepting 
 
 Gg  of 
 
ii8         Of  the  third  %eye!ation  of  Chrijl. 
 
 Km.w.GAi. of  th.e  ?r°k  of  chrift>  are  through  the  fame  ,  even  in  fliame 
 
 *.i4.  rcvax.  and  infferings,  faved,  and  fo  brought  into  the  Wildcrnefs ,  as 
 
 it  i Tet. i. xi.  being  Grangers  to,  and  in  this  World,  and  on  the  way  to  the 
 
 w  i.7.MMt.xt.  heavenly  reft,  while  the  Enemies  and  Perfecuters  are  by  the 
 
 tt\  Gi°5.n.,&me  aPPWrance  of  God  in  the  Crofs  of  Chrirt,  tumbled  back 
 
 MA&tePri*.  and  overthrown :  and  all  this  typed  out  by  God  *s  bringing 
 
 8.3*.J/*.«4.»S  the  people  out  ofEgyft  by  CMofcs ,  and  the  rage  and  oppcf? 
 
 ¥  &**&*%• tion  of  pharaoh  in  nis  oppreffions,  and  cruel  withltandings  of 
 
 *oj&gi,&li,ffraeb  and  the  E^p/Mw/joyning  with  him  therein,  to  keep 
 
 &\\.  them  from  departing  cut  of  Egyptian  fervitude  ;  and  when 
 
 they  were  led  out  ,  purfued  them,  to  bring  them  back  again, 
 
 till  they  were  overthrown  in  the  fame  Sea  ,  by  which  God 
 
 preferved  Ifraclj  and  brought  them  to  believe  his  word  ,  and 
 
 fing  his  praife. 
 
 And  this  faved  people  that  then  believed  his  words ,  and 
 fang  his  praife  ;  fome  of  them  in  minding  his  goodnefs  were 
 united  by  Faith  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  5  and  fo  had  a  spirit 
 *xoA-  XM'    of  Faith ,  and  followed  the  Lord ;    and  thefe  were  his  Ele& 
 and  Chofen  :  fome  deviated  from  the  Faith  ,    waited  not  for 
 his  counfel,  andfo  believed  not  his  words ,  but  fell  a  lufiing, 
 and  io  to  murmuring,  and  tempting  God,  and  provoking  him 
 P/4/;io$.ii?>i8.  w}ch  grievous  finning,    and  were  according  to  the  height  of 
 Judfi^A,  <11'  ttei*  provocations ,  overthrown  and  deftroyed  in  the  Wil- 
 Heb.$.uLM.&  dernefs.    And  thefe  were  types  and  figures  of  the  different 
 41.  iPet.2.7,  demeanor  of  many  brought  out  of  the  darknefs  of  this 
 h*  World  into  the  Light  of  the  Gofpel ,   and  the  Faich  and  Pro- 
 
 feflion  of  Chrift,  and  fo  of  God  *s  different  proceeding  with 
 fuch ;  and  fo  who  are  his  ele&  and  chofen,  and  whom  he  will 
 rejeft  and  reprobate.  All  thefe  and  much  more  was  fhadow- 
 cd  out  by  types  and  figures  to  Ifrael^  and  remain  in  the  Re- 
 cord inftruitive  to  us  ;  and  though  Types  be  fhort  of  Truth 
 it  felf,  and  have  their  diflimilitudesalfo ,  yet  what  by  fimili- 
 tudes  they  were  to  (hadow  out ,  is  really  true ,  and  to  be 
 found  in  the  Troth,  which  is  Chrift,and  the  things  of  Cbri/h 
 but  they  had  not  onely  difcovery  by  fhadowing  types  and  fi- 
 gures ,  but  alfo  they  had, 
 
 2.  Amorecleer  Revelation  of  the  Gofpei ,  andthatwas 
 by  an  immediate  infpiration  of  htoMofes,  and  a  mediate 
 Declaration  of  it  by  the  Spirit  of  prophefic  in  Mofe s  to  the 
 
 people 
 
Of  the  third  %eyehtion  o/ChriJi.         up 
 
 people ,  and  this  with  fome  Explication  of  the  Gofpel,  fore- 
 preached  concerning  Chrift,  and  now  alfo, 
 
 i .  Concerning  his  perfon>that  he  (hould  come  in  the  flcfh, 
 thai  he  (hoald  come  of  one  of  thofc  very  Ifrseiitej ,   that  he  t>c*\  j  8.  j  j, 
 (hould  be  very  Man,  that  hefhouldbe  likeunto  Mofesthc  >!>•<#.  <4#.3. 
 great  Prophet  and  the  Mediator,  having  neereft  familiarity  1J>>Z3>&7.&- 
 with  God ,  knowing  the  whole  minde  of  God  ;  and  that  he  J*b'lt*** 
 fticuld  be  meek,  patient,  loving,  merciful  and  faithful,  and 
 declare  all  the  counfel  of  God  ;  and  that  they  (houid  hearken 
 to  him  ;  and  whofoever  hearkned  not  to  him  (hall  peri(h.     A 
 Prophet,  faith  he,  will  the  Lord  thy  God  raife  up  to  thee  ,  from  the 
 midfi  oftheey  like  unto  mey  &C 
 
 2.  Concerning  all  true  Righteoufnefsand  Eternal  Life, 
 
 that  it  is  to  be  found  in  Jefus  Chrift ,  that  pr omifed  Mejfiahy  Deut.$o.ioyji9 
 
 and  received  by  Faich  in  him  ,  whole  work  for  Mankinde  is  1 5-  Rom.ia.^ 
 
 \o  compleat ,   his  Goodneis  and  Grace  fo  evidenced,  and  ex-  ^f^7^ 
 
 tended  fo  nigh  to  the  heart  y  that  there  needs  no  enquiry  for  7^'  °* 
 
 any  other  help  or  ftrength  ,  but  onely  believing  according  to 
 
 the  Demonstration  given  for  that  end;  and  that  the  end  of  the 
 
 Law  given,  was  in  one  part  of  it ,  to  difcover  the  righteous 
 
 pAffec^ions  and  Services ,  to  which  men  were  by  it  obliged; 
 
 that  feeing  their  fins,  and  defert  of  the  Curfe,  they  might  be 
 
 humbled,   and  fay  Amen  to  the  Curfe  fentenced  :  and  yet, 
 
 without  inquiry  of  any  other  imaginary  help ,  look  to  Jefus, 
 
 that  was  to  come,  and  believe  in  him ,  which  was  typed  out 
 
 to  them  in  the  other  part  of  the  Law  ,   that  in  observance 
 
 thereof,  they  might  without  refinance  in  thofe  obfervances 
 
 look  to  Chrift  typed  out  by  thetu.and  believe  in  him,and  look 
 
 to  him:  and  this  was  the  right  doing  of  his  commands  :  for 
 
 the  end  of  the  Law  for  Righteoufnefs  is  Chrift. 
 
 3 .  Concerning  the  Kingdom,  that  God  will  yid°c  his  peo-  DeUi^z,^A^ 
 pie,  and  avenge  the  Blood  of  his  Servants,  and  appear  in  his  ^  33.  Uy  [7i 
 excellency  for  their  help:  And  then  Ifrael  (hall  dwell  in fafa^s. 
 
 tj  alone ,  and  a  fountain  of  Jacob  upon  a*  Land  of  Cofn 
 and  Wine  :  alfo  his  Heavens  jhail  drop  down  dew.  Happy  t'r-ou, 
 Oh  Ifrael ;   who  is  like  unto  thee  ,   Oh  people  faved  by  the  Lord  ? 
 
 Now  the  Revelation  of  Chrift  thus  far  come  forth  in  the 
 three  Branches  of  theTcftimotiy  of  him ,  thtf  Means  and  in- 
 
 Gg2  Hru* 
 
210         Of  the  third  ^Reyelation  ofChriJl. 
 
 ftruments  approved  of  God  for  making  all  this  known,  that 
 Men  might  difcern,  and  believe,  and  enjoy  the  benefit  of'this 
 Grace  of  God,  and  come  to  enjoy  the  Hope  given ,  that,  and 
 Deut.  3 i.7s  8.  thofe  fore-approved  from  the  beginning  remain    fo    Ml, 
 &6.6j.  &i  i .  that  is ,    the  Report  by  the  Elders  of  the  Gofpel  fore-given, 
 x6.ii'   EDcut.  l^c  Fathers  teachingthe  Children,  and  Neighbours  one  anc- 
 z-&4,&i,i')\  ther;  and  all  to  confider  the  works  of  Creation  andPro- 
 &4. 3 1,3  x.  Evidence,    and  to  remember  the  Covenant  made  with  their 
 5-  ij*»3>4>»  i.  Fathers,  and  God  his  remembrance  thereof,  and  now  farther 
 Numb!9 Dmt  l0  rememDer  and  heed  the  Covenant  that  God  hath  made 
 ac#.3.n,i3.   w*cn  them ,  which  he  did  not  make  with  their  Fathers ,  that 
 they  may  minde  and  obierve  the  ends  and  ufes  of  it ;  that 
 fo  in  obedience  to  God,  they  obey  their  Mediator,  and  Law- 
 giver, and  Prophet  Mofes ,  and  attend  the  Miniitration  of 
 their  Priefts  and  Levites  ,  and  obferve  and  do  all  the  Statutes 
 and  Ordinances  appertaining  to  them,    about  the  Tabcr- 
 nacle,  Altar,  Sacrifices,  and  Purifications,  till  the  Truth  of  all 
 came  to  be  fulfilled  in  Chrift,  in  whom  the  Truth  remains  for 
 ever. 
 
 But  now ,  as  the  Revelation  was  more  full, and  the  Ordi- 
 nances and  Obfervances  more  than  before :  fo  God  in  Chrul, 
 for  this  Revelation  of  him ,  chofe  feme  more  peculiar  intfru- 
 ments  for  this  Bufmefs  alfo ,  to  teach  and  lead  the  people 
 to  the  right  knowledge  and  obfervance  of  all  thi* ,  that  they 
 might  enjoy  the  benefit  :  and  thefe  chofen  Inftruments 
 were, 
 
 Mo[es  to  be  the  Law-giver,  and  Mediator, and  Prophet,  to 
 begin  and  fet  all  in  order  to  and  for  them ,  as  the  Record  is 
 plain  he  did ,  and  how  he  was  furnifhed  with  neer  familia- 
 rity with  God,  and  infpirat  ion  of  his  Spirit  and  Minde,  and 
 enabled  to  know  and  write  both  all  this  Revelation  and  Law, 
 and  all  that  was  meet  to  be  known  from  the  Beginning  of 
 the  Creation :  and  with  what  wonders  God  confirmed  all  his 
 Doctrine ,  is  to  be  feen  in  thofe  five  Books  writ  by  him  : 
 huk.it. %9&u  jn  which ,  though  hisPerfon  was  taken  away ,  yet  he  in 
 that  Prophecy,  Narration,  and  Law,  and  Inftru&ion  for  Faith 
 and  Obfervance,  continued  with  them  in  all  Ages,  till  Chril* 
 came. 
 Aaron  and  his  Sons ,  and  the  Levites  to  help  ;  and  fo  the 
 
 Priefts 
 
Of  the  third  ^v  elation  ofChrift.         %  1 1 
 
 Priefts  and  Levites ,   for  mirurtring  about  the  holy  things  in        t  g  •  ' 
 Sacrifices  ,  Incenfe- Burning,  Atonement-making,  Purificati- ^''  3S  "8aS>5 
 ons,and  iuch-like  Temple-Services,    for  themfelves  and  for  i0>n. 
 the  People  ;   and  alfo  to  teach  the  People  the  Laws  there- 
 of. 
 
 And  thefe  were  not  onely  chofen,  buc  fumiflied  alfo,  even 
 with  fpiritual  bUffings  of  Pardon ,.  Porky,  and  Coniolatton  f&^A%£, 
 for  themselves  and  others,    toblefsin  his  Name  ;  yet  were  2*''3    Ephtl[ 
 they  not  fo  blefied  with  fpiritual  Bieflings  in  fpiritual  things  $,*.  fjt'fr.?.** 
 in  heavenly  places, fo  fpiritually  to  difpenie  blefling,as  the  firft  18,13.  PJ^**- 
 Trulters  inChrilt  after  hi.  Refurrec~Tion  were  :  but  the  fpi-7. 
 ritual  Bieflings  they  were  bleffed  with  to  difpcnfe,was  in  ma- 
 terial things  in  earthy  places,    which  of   themfelves  did 
 reach  but  to  the  purifying  of  the  Flefh.     And  the  fpiritual 
 Bieflings  were  received  in  looking  up  through  thefe  to  Jefus, 
 that  as  then  was  to  come  to  fulfil  the  Truth  typed  :  but  ma- 
 terial and  earthy  things  to minittcr  with,  they  had  ;    and  fo 
 were  furnifhed  there-wkh ,   having  a  material  Tabernacle  or 
 Temple,a  material  Altar  and  Mercy  Seat,Laver,Incenfe,Sacri- 
 fices, Purifications, Order  of  Pricfts  and  Levites;  yet  were  not 
 thefe  all  in  one   (  as  the  fpiritual  things  the  firft  Trufters  in 
 Chrift  had  )  but  each  diftinS  from  other  :  their  Temple  was  Epk**3- 
 not  their  Altar,  nor  their  Altar  their  Laver  >  nor  any  of  thefe 
 the  Mercy- feat,nor  any  of  thefe  theSacrifices,northeIncenle, 
 nor  any  of  thefe  the  Purifications  5  nor  yet  were  .any  of  thefe 
 the  Priefts,but  thePriefts  to  miniftcr  thcfe;&  they  all  diftinft, 
 each  by  it  ielf,  not  the  other:  and  for  t,he  furtherance  of  Faith 
 and  Obedience,they  had  fome Prophets,  And  thefe  writings 
 of  Mofts,  with  their  Prophets  ;  and  thefe  inftru&ions  of  the 
 Fathers,  Elders>and  godly  Ones,  all  Ifraely   and  all  that  fear 
 God,  are  ever  to  attend  to.    And  all  this  Temple- Worftiip, 
 in  Sacrifices,  and  Purifications,  and  Obfervances  in  attending 
 the  Miniftration  of  the  Priefts  and  Levites ,  according  to  the 
 ^/^/r4/Inftitution,were  all  Ifraelio  attend  and  obferve,  till 
 Chrift  came  and  offered  up  the  acceptable  Sacrifice  :   andH(^I0I 
 inthat  attention,ble(fing  was  to  be  met  with,andGod  would  ier.'$u$i'.Heb. 
 be  an  Husband  to  them  ;  but  if  they  defpifed  ,   would  not  8.8,9. 
 regard  them:  and  in  thefe  things  they  were  preferred  before 
 all  other  Nations, 
 
 And 
 
ZIZ 
 
 Of  the  third  Revelation  of  Chrift. 
 
 And  though  this  was  an  abafement  to  the  Gentiles  ( till 
 Chrift  his  firft  coming)  for  their  flighting  and  abufe  of  afl  the 
 means  fo  long  continued  to  them,  and  a  taking  down  of  their 
 pride;yet  was  it  not  an  exclufion  of  them  wholly  from  Eternal 
 Salvation:  for  if,according  to  the  Demonftrations  of  the  good- 
 ^tf.io.  34,35.  ads  of  God  in  the  Light  and  means  he  afforded  to  then^  they 
 r$m.  i  * ,7,8,  or  my  Df  them(though  the  light  and  means  were  fnall,in  com- 
 l6,  ptriibn  of  theie)did  repent,believe,and  fo  fear  God;  fuch  were 
 
 accepted,  and  (hould  be  eternally  faved:  yet  did  theic  means 
 given  to  Ifrael-,  exclude  all  other  Nations  from  fellowfhip  in 
 Epb.i.u.       the  Commonwealth  of  Ifraei^  and  fo  from  having  a  right  and 
 open  profeflionof  God  in  his  true  outward  worfhip,  and  en- 
 joyment of  fuch  inftruftives  and  ready  means  to  come  to 
 Chrift,and  fo  to  God  by  him,unleis  any  fubmitted  themfelves 
 to  come  in  to  them,  and  be  circumcifed  ,  (which  was  free  for 
 £^.12.48,49  any  Nation  to  do;)  and  fo  they  (houldbe  one  with  rh  em, 
 of  the  fame  Family  and  Nation,  have  the  fame  Law ,  and  the 
 *p/<u47.i9>io.  famePriviiedges :  fo  that  great  were  the  Priviledges  of  Ifrael 
 R°m'*'Zi  it'll'  aDOVC  all  Nations,  for  the  means  vouchfafed  to  them,  to  know 
 if'&gij]*.  and  enjoy  God,  and  his  Name  put  on  them,  and  his  prefence 
 &\>9 .  '  with  them  ;  fo  as  to  them  was  given  the  Word ,  Statutes  and 
 
 Oracles  of  God ;  to  them  pertained  the  Adoption,the  Glory, 
 the  Covenants,  the  giving  of  the  Law,  the  Service  of  God,and 
 the  Promifes ;  fo  that  Salvation  in  the  Promife  was  nigh  them, 
 that  in  minding  it,  they  might  be  born  of  the  Promife,  and  fo 
 receive  the  Adoption  by  Faith ,  and  live  to  God,  and  be  eter- 
 nally faved,  as  were  all  the  Children  of  Promife  :  but  fuch  as 
 did  not  fo  believe,  and  receive  his  words,  &c.  ftiould  not  be 
 eternally  faved.  So  far  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  was  then  re- 
 vealed to  Ifrael'y  yet  it  pleafed  God  after,to  give  to  them  fome 
 more  cleer  revelation  of  fome  particulars  concerning  Chrift^ 
 that  were  at  firft  included ,  and  already  hinted  forth  in  the 
 fame  Teftimony. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
"3 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 Of  the  fourth-  Revelation  of  Chri  ft)  and  bis  Kugdom. 
 
 IT  pleafed  God  yet  further  to  enlarge  and  cleer  up  more  this 
 Revelation  of  jefus  Chrift  to  David,  and  by  him  to  Ifrael; 
 \  and  to  D^vid  he  revealed  the  fame ,   both  by  infpiration  to 
 himfelf,  and  by  ViGon,  and  aifo  by  the  Spirit  of  Prophefie  in 
 V^than  for  fome  part :  and  fo  we  finde  revealed, 
 
 1.  The  Oblation  and  Sacrifice  of  Chrift  >  and  therein  his  p'al.+o.trfj. 
 Sufferings,  Death 3Rcfur re# ion,  Afcenfion,fitting  on  the  right  &%i.\^i%.  <&> 
 hand  of  God,  and  pouring  forth  the  holy  Ghoft  tomen,  that  **;7.cHrf.io, 
 
 i_  •  •  J  ii.dr68. 18,2.0. 
 
 they  might  turn,  &c  &7iai\. 
 
 2.  The  operations  of  his  Grace  in  a  blefled  Man ,  and  his  p/^  ^  ^ *  - 
 prefervation  of  him ;  and  what  true  bleffednefs  is.  i^&\z. 
 
 3.  The  ccming  again,  and  Kingdom  of  Jefus  Chrift  ;  yea,T^  8 
 if,as  thofe  skilful  in  the  Hebrew  Iay,the  Book  of  Tfalms  is  di- 
 vided into  five  Boeks,the  fitft  ending  with  the  41  Pftlm^  the 
 fecond  with  the  7  2,  the  third  with  the  8  p ,  the  fourth  with 
 theio6,the  fifth  with  the  1  50  ;  We  do  mindeand  perpend, 
 every  Book  of  them  fpeaketh  of  all  thefe  things  ;  and  fo  of 
 
 the  Teftimony  of  Chiift  in  every  Branch  of  -  it ,  in  one  place 
 or  other.  And  thence  it  is  they  are  fo  often  fpoken  over  again 
 in  the  whole  Book  of  Pfalms  :  but  that  I  have  fpecially  to 
 note  in  this  Revelation ,  is  the  more  explcite Revelation  of 
 the  Kingdom  then  ever  was  before.  And  fo  for  the  Kingdom, 
 the  King  and  his  raign  ;  by  his  Spirit  in  Nathan  he  faid,  IwillzSdm.7.10. 
 appoint  (or  ordain  )  a  place  for  my  people  Israel  ;  and  will  plant 
 them ,  that  they  may  dwell  in  a  place  of  their  own  ,  and  move  r.o 
 mere,  (and  the f (hall  dwell  in  their  place  ,  and  be  moved  no  more) 
 neither  (hall  the  children  of  wickednefs  afflict  them  any  more  as  a- 
 fore-time,  (at  at  the  beginnings  and  ft nee  the  time  that  I  commanded  r  Chron.  1 7. 9% 
 judges  to  be  over  my  people  Ifrael,    and  have  can  fed  thee  to  reft  l<\ 
 
 from  all  thine  enemies.)     Morever  ,  Iwillfubdue  aU  thy  enemies. 
 Furthermore,  alfo  the  Lord  telleth  thee  >  That  he  will  make  %  sam.  7. 1 1. 
 
 (or 
 
21  a.        Of  the  fourth  liev  elation  of  Lbrtst. 
 
 (or  build)  thee  an  Houfe.  This  is  not  like  the  -Promife  of  the 
 vew.  *.*»  334*  Law,and  Covenant  made  with  the  Houfe  of  ffrael.kut  altoge- 
 drz8.  ^4«3*-  ther  gracious ,  free  and  abfoliKe  ,  like  that  made  with  Abra- 
 
 *  &\i.9,i6.  b*m>  fa*  and  3**ob*    And  h.ere  alfo  ic  is  evident,  That  J«. 
 
 T/d.39.1*!  fhua  gave  them  not  the  Reft  in  Canaan  ,  according  to  that 
 promifed  to  Abraham :  and  it  is  alio  evident ,  That  though 
 David  was  now  raigning  over  Ifraelm  Canaan  ;  yet  he  had  ic 
 not  according  to  the  Promife  made  to  ^Abraham,  but  in  that 
 refpe3  counted  himfclf  a  Granger  in  it,as  all  his  Fathers  were. 
 And  this  is  manifefted,  all  Israel  never  yet  was  fo  planted  in 
 it :  and  fo  it  is  a  thing  to  come,  that  ftull  furely  be  :  and  the 
 Houfc  here  promifed ,  is  neither  the  Tabernacle  built  by 
 Mofes,  nor  onely  the  Temple  after  built  by  Solomon*,  (though 
 
 %sm.i.9>      thefe  were  types)  nor  was  it  only  to  have  a  great  Name,  with 
 
 1  cbron.  17.8.  a  greatancj  famous  Pofterity  ,   to  be  great  according  to  the 
 
 &% i\*6* '&  &reac  men  on  the  Earttl  ;  fof  ^>  ^^3  was  already  :  but  an 
 
 ii.t o]i6 1      Houfe  not  builded  by  men  according  to  the  directions  given 
 
 zsarn.7.™-     of  God;  but  built  by  God  himielf,  and  his  Son  JefusChrift  : 
 
 1  Chfon.  1 7.1 1.  anci  foalfo  an  heavenly  City  of  God's  building  &making,and 
 
 f j^oD^itl not  Man's-  Anc* ll  farther  appears,  That  before  this  be  done, 
 
 i3.'a  sam.7.16  David  mub  die  in  the  Faith,  and  deep  with  his  Fathers,  and 
 
 rife  again  ,  and  tiand  up  in  his  lot ,  as  Daniel  5  and  then  that 
 
 will  be  fulfilled,  which  God  promifed  David  ,  faying,  And 
 
 \S&m.7.n.     thing  houfe  and  thy  kingdom  (hall  be  eftablifhed  for  ever  before 
 
 thee :  thy  throne  [hall  befiabl/fhed  for  ever.     And  (o  we  are  led 
 
 1  cbnn.i  7  11.  to  underftand  that  is  faid,  Iwillfet  up  thy  feed  after  theej  which 
 
 (hall  proceed  out  of  thy  bowels  ,    and  I  will  ell abltfh  his  kingdom  : 
 
 (thy  feed  which  (hall  be  of  thy  Sons.  )     Take  both  expreffi- 
 
 ons,  and  it  will  appear  ,  That  this  in  the  figure  or  type  was 
 
 meant  of  Solomon ;  but  in  the  Truth  it  is  clearly  and  evidently 
 
 Mat. 1. 1.        meant  of  Jems  Chrift,   the  Son  of  David  and  of  Abraham; 
 
 1  £V*».i  7.1 1  j  and  fo  it's  faid  ,   /  willraife  up  thy  feed  after  thee ,  which  (hall  be 
 
 » *>*  3>*  4.       0f  tfy  fms  .  a„d  /  wiUftabl'fh  (he  faith  not  their,  but)  his  k*»g- 
 
 dom\hefhall  build  me  an  houfe,and  I  willfiablijh  his  throne  for  ever, 
 
 the  throne  of  his  ki*gdom\and  I  will  be  hie  Fatherland  he fh  all  be  my 
 
 Son;  and  I  will  not  take  my  mercy  away  from  htm,  as  1  toolkit  from 
 
 him  (that  \s,S*ul)  that  was  before  thee  :  but  I  will  fettle  him  in 
 
 my  houfe,  (that  of  my  building)  and  in  my  kingdom ,    (  that  of 
 
 my  immediate  giving  )    and  his  thr  one  /hall  bg  ejiablifhed  for 
 
 e- 
 
 ver* 
 
Of  the  fourth  ^y  elation  of  Chri/i.      225 
 
 vermore :  (which  was  never  yet  performed  to  any  of  David  *s 
 natural  Race,  that  faid)  if  he  commit  iniquity*,  &c.    May  (hew 
 the  jurtnefs  and  removing  thoie  that  were  types  ;  but  is  no 
 let  to  him  that  is  here  principally  meant ;  which  is  Jefus 
 Chrirt,  that  came  of  David  in  a  fuperaaturai  way.      And  {o 
 David  by  the  Spirit  underllood,  faying  ,   Thou  haft  fpoken  alfa 
 (that  is,-be(idesthe  prefent  houfehehad)  of  thy  fervants  koufe.  *^*J'[f  5^|' 
 (he  faith  not  onely  to  continue^  but)  for  a  great  while  to  come  :  17,15,1^7. ' 
 and  to  his  following  prayer  includes  both :  and  it  is  affirmed  afif.i^a 3  z9 
 exprefly  to  be  meant  of  Jefus  Chrift,  the  Son  of  David ,  and  *3>3 i'Mebxi* 
 the  Son  of  God  ,   that  this  Kingdom  and  Throne  is  to  be 
 given  to  him:  as  for  t  hole  natural  Sons  of  David  of  that 
 Kingly  I\fce  ,    if  they  had  not  committed  iniquity  ,   they 
 might  have  held  the  earthy  Kingdom  tiilChrilt  had  come:  but 
 iniquity  being  found, they  came  to  a  leffening  of  the  largenefs 
 of  their  King,  and  ib  to  captivity,  &c.  fuch,  as  in  which  the 
 Covenant  Teemed  made  void,  yet  the  Truth  remains  in  Chrili 
 and  to  him  ,  and  at  his  coming  will  .be  compleatly  fulfilled, 
 as  according  to  all  this  viiion  Nathan  fpake  to  David  ;  yea, 
 God  fpake  the  fame  in  vi(ion  to  Davids  Pial. 89.  how  he  iChY6n.i7.11, 
 would  exalt  him  $    and  there  brings  in  Chrift  under  his  Tfa.^.i9ilo9 
 Name,  as  he  had  before  done  to  ^Abraham,    and  (hews  how  *2>3°>37. 
 he  will  beat  down  his  Foes,  and  make  him  higher  than  the 
 Kings  of  the  Earth  ;  how  his  Seed  (hall  indure  for  ever  ,  and 
 his  Throne  as  the  dayes  of  Heaven :  yet  here  in  this  Life ,    if 
 his  Children  forfake  God's  Law,  and  walk  not  in  his  Statutes,  ,  v.  v 
 
 he^  will  vifit  their  Tranfgreflions  with  the  Rod,  and  their  ini- 
 quity with  ttripes ,  but  his  mercy  he  will  never  take  from 
 him,  nor  fuffer  his  faithfulnefs  to  fail ;  his  Covenant  he  will 
 not  break,  &c.  once  he  hath  fworn ,  &c  he  (hall  have  his 
 Seed  ftill,andhis;Seed  (hall  endure  for  ever,  andhis  Throne 
 as  the  Sun  before  hirh,  it  (hall  be  eftablifhed  for  ever  •  and  of  isam.  13. 3,4, 
 thishefpeaketh,  VfaL  132.  1 1,18.  andalibin  2&*W2tpJ*i 5- 
 5.  where  mentioning  the  Ruler,  what  a lone  he  (haft  be,  and 
 the  excellency  of  hisRaign;  David  cotifeffeth  his  houfe  in 
 his  own  perfonal  Raign,  was  not  fo  with  God  ;  nor  in  hirfoa- 
 tural  Race,  did  the  Lord  make  it  fo  to  grow  :  yet  faith  he,  He 
 bath  made  an  ever  lifting  Covenant  with  me  ,  (  he  faith  not,  with 
 my  houfej  atxtben  itwter but  viitb  me)  ordered  in  #U  thing*  ,  and 
 
 H  h  far** 
 
%i6     Of  the  fourth  Revelation  of  Chrifi. 
 
 [ht$  •  tad  profcffcth  for  himfelf  )  this  is  aUmyfalvation,  and  aft 
 my  deJjre.KnA  David  by  the  Spirit  filled  with  the  Knowledge 
 of  this  Kingdom  of  Chrift,  God  did  ftill  by  infpiration  of 
 his  Spirit  reveal  to  him ,  and  he  by  that  Spirit  fpake  of  Chrtft 
 the  Anoynted,  the  true  David  and  Solomon  ;  the  Son  of  Da* 
 vidy  the  Son  of  God,  the  great  King,  of  him  he  faw  and  fore* 
 told. 
 . .     ,    ,      The  great  oppofitionand  raging  confpiracies  that  would  be 
 2&'+%%l      againft  him  in  his  firft  coming  in  the  flefli ,  and  fpiritual  evi- 
 dencing thereof,  to  draw  men  in  to  him :    and  this  by  Jews, 
 Gentiles,Rulers  and  People. 
 'pfal.  n.7>i  8.      The  great  fufferings  that  he  fhould  undergo  by  great  and 
 &6$M>zi.    fmall,  their  laughing,  fcorfing,  (hakingthe  head  at  him,piercing 
 his  hands  and  feet,  parting  his  Garments,  giving  him  Gall  and 
 Vineger  to  drink,  &c. 
 ?J*l.v.9-    &     The  Treafon  of  Jt*dasy  one  of  his  chofen  Apoftles ,  and 
 i<*9-*>M>3.    the  overthrow  of  that  Traitor  that  rewarded  evil  for  good. 
 Aft.  h%o.  His  Deuh  tnd  Rcfurrcak>n,P/*/.i  6.8,0,1  o,i  i .  ^#.2.3 1 . 
 
 3fld  1 3.33. 
 p/a/,40.7,8,9,     His  doing  the  whole  will  of  God, and  fo  afcending  to  Hea- 
 %o.&%  10.1.  &  yen,  and  offering  the  acceptable  Sacrifice,  and  then  fitting  at 
 *  8. 1 1 ,1 8,10.  t{lC  righr  hand  of  God,recciving  immeafurable  fulnefs  of  Spirit 
 ^ki°3j!  '4  m  l^e  Man,and  for  Men  ;  and  fo  extending  thereof  to  the  re- 
 bellions, that  he  might  dwell  with  them:  and  to  that  end, 
 raifing  up  many  Preachers  to  declare  his  Name,  &c. 
 ?fal.it€  9  &     H*s  corn*nS  *g*in>and  fitting  upon  his  Throne  and  raigning, 
 H94&1        ^  tnc  coin*nD  °f  n*s  Saints  to  raign  with  him,and  the  great 
 overthrow  he  and  they  all  (hall  give  to  all  the  worldly 
 Powers  that  ftand  againft  him  ;  and  then  the  flourifhing  E- 
 ftate  of  his  Kingdom  in  Jerufalemy  and  over  all  the  Earth  ? 
 i>/  /  £  an^  &**  krgely  *°  tnc  laft  Pfalm ,  which  he  fung ,  and  com- 
 
 ^•^'^'mitted  to  the  Church,  and  moft  probable  at  the  fame  time 
 
 with  that  z  SamA  3.1,$. 
 Pfsitj0lt  j  €t      Yea,  the  time  of  this  his  building  up  Sion  and  raigning ,  to 
 be  even  then  when  he  (hall  appear  in  his  glory. 
 
 AH  this1,  and  much  more,  with  the  gracious  requirings  and 
 operations  of  this  Grace  believed ,  was  revealed  to  David ; 
 and  he  being  filled  &  furniflied  with  the  Holy  Spirit,hath  dc- 
 claredthefemc^ndlcft  it  upon  record  in  theBook  of  ffdms* 
 
 and 
 
Of  the  fifth  Revelation  of  Chrift.         %%j 
 
 and  fo  I  leave  it  and  the  refiduc/or  fuch  as  defirc  the  fame,  to 
 read  there.  And  fo  there  was  now  a  great  explicite  and 
 cleer  Revelation,in  which  alio  was  opened  and  interpreted  to 
 them  the  meaning  of,  and  the  Truth  typed  by  their  Sacrifices 
 and  other  figures  and  fhadows;  yet  it  plcafcd  God  {till  ragive 
 more  revelation  of  Chrift ,  and  to  explicate  the  Teftimony*iii 
 particulars  more. 
 
 Chap,  5. 
 
 Of  tie  fifth  Revelation  ofClmfi  >   and  the  things  of 
 
 ChniU 
 
 IT  pleafedGod  by  his  holy  Spirit  to  be  dill  revealing  Chrift, 
 and  the  things  of  Chrift,  in  and  to  the  following  Pro-  tPei.i.ii,iL. 
 phets  ;    and  by  them  to  Ifraelznd  Jndah ,  and  that  fo  folly  f  ^'Stf1** 
 both  of  his  firft  coming  and  fecond  coming ,  that  there  is  no-  [%t 
 thing  of  the  things  of  Chrift,  as  then  to  come,  but  it  was  re- 
 vealed to  and  by  them :  as  to  inftance  fome  : 
 
 1 .  The  Meffcnget  that  (hould  go  before  his  face,  or  in  his  «  ^       M 
 prefence,  to  prepare  the  way  before  him  ;  and  the  Doctrine  x  ,.,0.1/^40.^ 
 in  crying  down  all  flefh  ,  and  exalting  the  word  of  the  Lord  %'joh.i'.i*ilol 
 by  which  he  (hould  do  it,  and  the  fudden  coming  of  the  Lord  *3»»*.  M»\  u 
 on  the  appearance  of  this  Meflenger,which  is  now  evidenced  Zy** 
 
 to  be  Job»BaptiFt. 
 
 2.  His  own  firft  coming  and  living  among  men  ,  hisMini- 
 
 ftery,  Sufferings,  Vi&ory,  and  Works,  in  each  particular,  as  to  ^'tfy'l^' 
 fay  a  little,  his  birth  into  the  world  ,  of  a  woman ,  a  Virgin  Gaf.l^jfa.^ 
 of  the  Houfe  and  Seed  of  David ;  his  birth  in  BethUm-Efhra-  14.  "jfaU.x?.' 
 tah  in  Judab ;  yea ,  his  flight  into,  and  return  out  of  Egypt)  ifa.tu.  14.1. 
 Hofean.i.  Mat.i.i  $.  and  the  (laughter  of  Rachel9*  Chil-  ^c-  **•*■ 
 dren  on  that  occafion  in  BethUm.  His  return  to  Na*amh%  )™£  jer^i. 
 and  manner  of  living  among  men  ,  /jfa.  5  3.2,3,4.  Mat.i.ii,^,  mm.%.i*\ 
 
 Hh  2  purgin 
 
218       Of  the  fifth  Revelation  ofChrifti 
 
 zacb.n.iiM.  Paging  the  Temple.     His  Meeknefs  and  riding  on  ah  Aftj 
 Mat.%6.zi.&  *nd  a  Colt  the  Fole  of  an  Afs,2^c/>.9.o.  Afat.2  i.i,tom  His 
 ^7  3;9  ^.53.  being  fold  for  thirty  pence  :  the  Scattering  of  his  Difciples 
 7f>  lc>1 1'u-  from him^Zach.i  3.7,  Ate  .26.3 1 ,5 (5.    His  bein^  fcourged, 
 it  J."14         and  crucified  between  two  Thieves,   Ifit.  50.6.  V  53.  12. 
 Mat.ij. 26,38.    Yea,    his  Death,  Burial  and Refurre&ion, 
 and  his  Sacrifice  offered :  his  being  filled  with  knowledge ; 
 and,   his  Mediation  on  tbat  account, cr  by  venue  there- 
 of: .  yea, his  being  God-Min  in  one.Perfon,fr/;^:^^/,  God 
 with  us. 
 
 3.  That  in  refpeft  of  all  this  which  he  hath  Offered  and 
 xPctlYj'  done  y  anc* l?  thereby  become  and  fitted ,  and  ready  to  do  • 
 z  coi.\.  i«,  God  would  in  and  by  the  Golpel  of  him,lay  him  in  Sion  for  a 
 scer.i.ii.Aft.  Foundation,that  by  Sion  he  might  be  ib  difcovered  to  others, 
 4. 1 1  ifa.49.6.  that  whoever  believeth  on  him  (hould  not  be  afhamed  :  and 
 &4i.ii.  if  oh.  f0  ne  W0U14  cleerly  declare ,  and  fet  him  forth  for  his  Sal- 
 
 iii?4i^7,8.7*  m*°n  to  tne  en^s  °f  the  Eartn  *  tne  Saviour  of  the  world, 
 
 144.  ».  3 1*31.  that  all  the  ends  of  the  Earth  might  look  to  him  and  be  faved. 
 
 Gal.  3. 16,16,  And, 
 
 29.  Kww.8.2,3,      r#  To  give  him,in  making  him  known  to  be  a  Light  to  the 
 
 **•  Gentiles,  even  tofuch  as  are  blinde,  deaf,  and  fo  dead,  and 
 
 know  him  not,  to  open  their  eyes  and  ears,  and  move  in  their 
 hearts ,  that  they  in  beholding  and  believing  might  come  in 
 to  him,  and  fo  receive  a  fpiritual  birth,  and  become  of  Abra- 
 ham's  Seed. 
 
 2.  An&for  z Covenant  to  the  people.,  that  receiving  and 
 enjoying  him  by  Faith,  they  might  in  knowing  and  enjoying 
 their  intereft  in  him ,  know  and  enjoy  their  intereft  in  the 
 Everlafting  Covenant  for  the  inheritance  and  Kingdom  made 
 with  and  confirmed  in  Chrift  firft ,  and  in  and  through  him 
 witfc  vibraham^  Ifaac^  Jacobs  David ,  for  them  and  all  the  fpi- 
 ritual Seed,  whom  believing  in  Chrift,  are  intereffed  in 
 the  fame,  and  receive  1  fpiritual firft-Fruits thereof,  thic 
 they  may  with  aflured  hope,  wait  for  the  fulnefs rill  mo- 
 ther Day  •  when  in  performance  it  will  be  made  with 
 them. 
 4,  the  fecond  coming  of  Chrift  in  his  glorious  rerorn,  when 
 
 iTkefoiixA  nc  flhall  com* to  raign,and  all  his  Saints  with  him,  Zach.  1 4.9. 
 
 3.4.  Andfo, 
 
 1.  That 
 
Of the  fifth %$>e tat ion  ofCbrijl.         n$ 
 
 i ;  That  a  little  before  his  coming,  Elm  fhall  come  to  the 
 Jevtfs  and  Israelites,  to  turn  the  hearts  of  the  Fathers  (  open  Mai.  4.  %,6. 
 the  minde  of  the  Prophets)  to  the  Children,  and  to  turn  the  ^x7  ^»*- 
 hearts  of  the  Children  to  the  Fathers ,  helping  tbemto  un- 
 derhand and  embrace,and  To  repent  and  turn  ;  and  to  topre- 
 pare  the  way  of  the  Lord's  glorious  coming ,  as  John  Baftifl: 
 came  in  the  Spirit  and  Pow?';  of  Ella*  ,  to  prepare  the  way  of 
 his  firft  Coming  in -ihe  fWh  in  meekneis  :  andioour  Saviour 
 aflfirmeth,  both  that  EUm  (hall  ccme ,  and  is  come.  He 
 thai  is  com-     'poke"  of  Md.  3 .  He  that  Itili  fhall  come,  fpoke 
 
 2.  l\uc  adore  the  coming  of  Chriftperfonally,  the  Jews  Hof.AAyi,iA. 
 aad  Ifraelites ,  even  ah  the  twelve  Tribes  of  Ifrae!y  (hall  by  zach.^.s. Dan. 
 fomeinftin&,orm6tioh,or  medium  uled  by  the  Lord,  beflir- Il,J,Il,Ii' 
 red  np,and  gathered  loferufalemfiom  ail  ends  and  quarters 
 
 of  the  World,  'ojernfalem  in 'Geo***,  and  be  exerciled  with 
 great  wars  and  roubles,  for  about  forty  five  yeers  before  the 
 coming  of  Chrift. 
 
 3.  At  his  c©mm$  he  will  work  wonders,   as  hedidinthe 
 
 Land  of  Egypt)  and  in  dividing  the  red  Sea  ;  fo  drying  up  Eh-  lfa.u.u,  ri,fo 
 phrateS)  and  making  way  for  the  Ifraelitcs  to  come  over,  and  7er.^s)9.ifa. 
 move  the  hearts  of  many  to  bring  them  :    fo  that  all,  young  4.^l8>*3/^* 
 and  Old,  men,*  women  with  chilcj,  lame,  &c.  even  all  of  the  T>anA%!^it9 
 twelveTribes,both//rvi*7 and  Judahfh*\l come  and  be  joyned  13.  Heb'.ii.tf. 
 in  one  ;  yea,  in  his  vifible  appearance  whemhe  is  (0  come,  *  Thef.+.i^*. 
 thofe  that  fleep  in  the  Lord ,    whefe  bodies  are  in  the  daft, £^** 37*  #*• 
 (hall  rife  and  be  with  them ,  not  oriely  Abraham  and  all  the  19**5,i4*25" 
 Fathers  before  and  fince ,  but  even  the  young  children  flain 
 in  Bethlehem,  and  all  that  deep  in  Jefus  ;  both  Houfes  of  Ifrael 
 jjoyned  in  one,never  more  to  be  divided,  andof  the  Gentiles 
 joyned  with  them,  a  great  Congregation. 
 
 4.  In  his  coming  with  all  his  Saints,and  being  fo  come,  he  ifa.4 1.4.  &  $, 
 ihali  flay  all  the  wicked,  and  overthrow  the  worldly  Powers,  5-  cHo.i,i*. 
 even  all  that  will  not  ferve  him  and  his  People,  with  the  Rod  zJa%\\ \il*u 
 of  his  Mouth,and  the  Breath  of  his  Lips:  which  (laughter  wLl  jer.$i.  $14*. 
 not  be  like  other  battels,  where  blood  is  fried  on  both  fides;  &$  1.37^40. 
 for  in  this,  the  wicked  onely  (hill  be  deftroyed  with  burning  Dan.%.^.&7. 
 and  fuel  of  fire:  which  Battel  fought ,  ^f^kf 
 
 Then  will  he  make  the  Heaven  ft  theEarch  new,for  his  peo*  ^^12  el 
 
 pie  1*4.1.3  Zy%  3. 
 
2;o         Vf  the  fifth  "J^y  elation  of  thrift. 
 
 pie  to  inhabit,  and  make  in  performance  the  new  and  ei  er« 
 lalting  Covenant  with  all  the  People ;  and  then  (hall  he  re- 
 ceive the  Kingdom  from  the  Father,  and  fit  upon  the  Throne 
 of  David  ,  even  in  Jcrufalcm  .-  and  all  Nations  fhall  be  ga- 
 thered to  him,  andferve  him,  and  he  (hall  rule  over  them,  Ifa. 
 z.2rt.Mic.4..itf.  Da».y.i4.  and  the  Saints  that  come  with 
 him  ,  ftiall  rule  under  him,  and  with  him ;  fo  as  all  the  King- 
 doms under  the  whole  Heavens  (hall  be  given  alio  to  them, 
 Dan.j.2j.lfa.i  2.1.8c  14.1,2,3. 
 
 5.  His  Government  (hall  be  with  Juftice  and  Equity,  full 
 
 <fo&stian  of  Glory> ^eace> Plcnty> 6 c*  and ™ Crcatutcs  *  P«*<* one 
 
 &66az!&c.°  w*tn  an°ther  ;  yea,  then  theeveriafting  Sabbath  kept ,  and 
 
 continual  Halelujahs  fung :  but  I  muft  proceed  no  further,un- 
 
 lefs  I  fhould  tranferibe  a  great  part  of  all  the  Prophets,which 
 
 all  that  have  an  heart  thereto,  may  read. 
 
 It  is  enough  ,  that  the  Apoftle  affirms  of  the  firft  coming 
 of  Chrift  ,  and  fo  of  his  Miniftration,  Sufferings,  Death,  Rc- 
 furre&ion ,  Afcenfion ,  and  being  contained  in  the  Heavens 
 
 43  3  18  ip  "■'  c^c  l*mc  °^  c^c  rc^tuti°n  °*"  a^  things  i  and  how  in 
 !o,*4*.  '  '  the  mean  time  he  fpiritually  fendsjefus  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel- 
 Miniftration  to  blefs  us,  in  turning  every  of  us  from  all  evil 
 wayes :  and  that  he  will  in  his  times  fend  forth  this  Jefos 
 Chrift  that  hath  been  thus  fore-preached,  to  appear  vinbly; 
 andthat  then  the  times  of  reftitution  and  refrefhing  fhill  be 
 from  his  prefence  :  and  faith,  That  not  one\y  CMofes  and  Sa- 
 muel ^  but  alfo  all  the  holy  Prophets  that  followed ,  have 
 fpoken  and  fore-told  of  thefe  dayes,  (  and  fo  of  thefe  things) 
 
 ui'lt'1*'     aD(*  that  thc  myficry  of  thrift  is  by  and  according  to  the 
 1  ,x  '     Scriptures  of  the  Prophets,  made  known  for  the  obedience  of 
 Faith  to  all  Nations  :  and  that  they  faid  no  other  things, 
 but  what  Mofes  and  the  Prophets  did  fay  fliould  come  *  fo 
 that  the  Revelation  was  now  exceeding  great  and  cleer ,  and 
 no  more  nor  further  Revelation  vouchfafed,   till  the  per- 
 formance began,  and  thenof  no  other  but  the  fame  thing*  m 
 cleernefs and  myftery  opening^nanifefted.   And  as  God  cbofe 
 tp«/.i. 10,11,11.  thefe  Prophets,    and  furniihed  them  with  his  Spirit  to 
 uPetxio.iHk.  nufte  knows  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  according  to  this 
 *'  Revelation;  fo  they  have  left  it  on  record  in  W?n  wri- 
 
 ting 5  in  which  it,  and  fo  they  are  ftill  with  1*5 ,  m  viewing 
 
 of 
 
Of  tbefixth  lleveldtion  of  Cbrifl.        231 
 
 pf  whbfe  writings,wc  may  difcern  that  ill  the  Sriptures  tcfti- 
 fieofChrift, 
 
 Chap.  6. 
 
 Of  the  next  andfixth  Revelation  ofChrift  >  hisperfon  and 
 .   perfonal,  coming  in  tbeflefh. 
 
 •He  next  Revelation  of  Chrift  was  of  his  perfon  and  per- 
 gonal coming  in  the  Flefh  •,  who  he  was,  what  a  one  he 
 was,  and  wherefore  come,  &c.  and  this  was  firft  to  Zachari- 
 4*,by  an  Angel  declaring  his  Son  that  (hcuid  be  called  John  to  ^{j£*[ 
 go  before  him  in  theSpirit  and  Power  of  £//<#,&c.  him  before 
 whom  he  (hould  go,  the  Angel ,  called  The  Lord  their  Cod ; 
 then  by  the  Angel  to  the  Virgin  Mary  her  felf ,  declaring  his 
 conception  and  birth  ;  and  who ,  and  what  a  one  he  fhould  tu\.u  **>  *7> 
 be ,  and  that  tie  (hould  have  the  Kingdom  of  his  Father  Da-  i%Luk>*+w* 
 vid  :  then  by  the  holyGhoft  in  the  Prophecy  of  Elizabeth,  ^ *Z>S5£7' 
 Wife  of  ZAcbaria* :  then  by  the  Prophecy  of  the  Virgin  Ma-  *?J*£** 
 rj)  the  Mother  of  Jefus :  then  by  the  Prophecy  of  Zaoharia*  L^.a.ioW'-b 
 ►being  filled  with  the  holy  Ghoft :  then  by  an  Angel  to  Jofeph,  i6, i  n 
 the  efpoufed  Husband  of  the  Virgin  UMarjr  :   then  to  Shep- 
 herds by  an  Angel ,  with  a  multitude  of  Angels  confirming. 
 the  fame,  declaring  his  birth,with  the  day  and  place  thereof; 
 and  that  he  is  the  Saviour,  even  Chrift  the  Lord ;  and  this  ti- 
 dings, of  great  joy  which  fhall  be  to  all  people.     And  then 
 by  the  Shepherds  when  they  had  both  heard  and  feen ,  unto 
 others :  then  by  old  Simeon,  who  had  it  revealed  to  him,  and '    . 
 was  infpired  by  the  holy  Ghoft,  and  came  and  took  him  in  his  ***'  *j  ****** 
 arms,  and  declared  him  to  be  God's  Salvation ,  which  he  had 
 prepared  before  the  face  of  all  people  ;   a  light  to  enlighten 
 the  Gentiles,  and  to  be  the  Glory  of  his  people  IfrteL    And  M-  *.  3ft)fti 
 then  by  one  AnnA*  a  Prophctefs.    And  after  all  this,  by  cer- 
 tain wife  men,  that  came  from  the  Eaft  to  Jemfalem,  being  di- 
 rected to  him  by  a  Star,  who  declared  him  born  King  of  the^*- *•***> 
 Jews,  and  worshipped  him,*nd  offered  him  gifts.    And  af-  0>l  ,% 
 
 ter 
 
in       ■  Of  thejixth  Jts^y elation  of  Ihrist. 
 
 ter  all  this,  to  John  the  Son  of  Zachariaf^  declaring,  tbh  Je- 
 J<>/;.  i.  3*>33  •  ius  to  be  The  He,  The  Chrift,#T.  to  which  John  the  Word  of 
 14.3.1,1,3.    the  Lord  came  at  that  time  mentioned. 
 
 Thus ,  and  in  many  things  now  came  to  pafs ,  according 
 to  fore- prophecies ,  Chrift  was  declared  to  be  already  begun 
 to  be  come  in  the  Flefh,  and  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  and  the 
 Son  of  David  ,  the  King  of  the  Jews ,  and  the  Saviour  of 
 the  world,  the  great  Prophet ,  and  tMeJfwh  promifed  :  and, 
 that  this  very  Jefus ,  that  was  born  in  Beth/em  of  the  Virgin 
 efpoufed  to  Jofiphj  and  ieen  of  the  Shepherds ,  and  taken  in 
 the  arms  of  old  Simeon^  and  witneffed  to  by  Zachxriat ,  and 
 jM^hisSon;  even  this  very  Jeius  is  he,  even  the  Chriii 
 and  ready  to  let  on  his  work.  And  now  the  perfon  of  Chritt 
 thus  come,and  thus  wknefled  and  pointed  out  who  he  is,  and 
 that  he  was  peribnally  on  tt>e  earth  ,  and  ready  to  let  on  his 
 great  bufinefs  doing  ;  and  that  that  very  Jefus  is  he ,  is  more 
 than  ever  was  fo  revealed  and, manifelkd  before  •,.  and  the 
 beginning  both  of  the  performance ,  and  the  more  cleer'o- 
 pening  of  all  the  prophecies  that  have  been  of  him  from  the 
 beginning,  and  fo  light  began  to  fhine  forth  more  cleer- 
 hf.t 
 
 And  now  in  this  Revelation  of  Chritt,  and  for  making  him 
 known  according  to  this  Revelation ,  to  preparo^men,  trpt 
 7%*Mait*'  ttley  m*aat  come *nto  the  acknowledgement;^- him,  rac plea£ 
 Lui  1. 1 3,14,  cd  God  to  cnufe  in  Chrillthe  Meffenger  of  the  Father,and  his 
 15, 16. 17,76*,  own  Meflenger  alfo  fore-purpofed,andnow  declared  to  be  his 
 7  9.<^3.i5>i*-  immediate  Fore-runner,  to  go  before  his  Face,  to  prepare  his 
 Joh.i7.io&2.  way  .  ancjhimhe  approved,for  this  Minittration. 
 7*>7*M-Luk.  And  ^or  this blcffecl  Minittration ,  he  was  abundantly  fur- 
 j  .17. '  '  niflied,in  that  he  was  filled  with  the  holy  Ghoft  from  his  Mo- 
 
 thers Wombe  ;  and  was  confirmed  by  all  the  Declarations 
 and  Prophecies  fore- mentioned  ,  given  to  him  by  the  Spirit 
 in  the  Prophecies  and  Inltru&ions  of.  his  Father,  and  was 
 himfelf  indued  with  the  Spirit  and  Power  of  Elias\  to  go  on 
 in  his  Miniltration  before  tire  Lord ;  and  had  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  came  to  him ,  revealed,  and  inipiredbyGodintohim, 
 both  in  the  Do&rine  he  had  to  teach  ,  and  how  to  apply  ic, 
 to  his  hearers,and  alio  commiflion  to  teflifiethe  Truth  of  it, 
 by  baptizing  with  water*    And  in  this  rceeifcofthe  Word  of 
 
 the 
 
Of  the  fixth  %ey  elation  of  Cbrijl.        z  ^ 
 
 the  Lord  that  came  to  him,  he  received  his  Commiflion  to  fet 
 on  the  bufinefs  of  preaching  and  babtizing  ,  and  fo  did  Tec 
 on  it  in  the  fifteenth  yeer  of  the  raign  of  Tiberius  Cafar^  when  ^•*'I,l,3>4< 
 Vomitu  Pilate  was  Governour  of  Judea  ,  and  Herod  the  Tc- 
 trach  ofGa/ileefitid  Anna*  and  Caiaphas  High-Priefts;  and  what 
 his  Teftimony  and  Do6rine  was,  appears  in  thai  which  is  re- 
 corded, of  what  he  taught  and  delivered,  to  be  , 
 
 i .  That  Jefus  Chrift  is  the  Word  ,   that  was  in  the  begin- 
 ning with  God,  that  was  God ,  and  that  was  with  God  ,  by  J^-Mri*** 
 whom  all  things  were  made,that  are  made;  and  that  this  fame    '*•?**'• 
 Word  was  made  Flefh,  and  dwelt  among  them  ,  Emmanuel^ 
 God  with  us ,    in  our  Nature  and  for  us ,  even  he  that  was 
 promiied  and  rnanifefted  to  do  that  great  work  for  taking  tioh.hUtM. 
 away  our  fins,  and  deftroying  the  works  of  the  Devil :  fothat  l-4>7>8#, 
 in  him  is  Life,  and  the  Life  is  the  Light  of  Men ,    and  he  is 
 the  true  Light  that  enlightneth  every  one  that  cometh  into 
 the  World. 
 
 2.  That  he  is  the  onely  begotten  Son  of  God,  and  yet  very 
 
 Man,  full  of  Grace  and  Truth :  and  being  in  the  heart,  min<fe  ?of}.  i.  i4»*rf>. 
 and  bofome  of  the  Father,  knowing  all  his  counfels,and  be- lS' 
 ing  one  with  him  in  his  will  and  defign ,  and  fo  in  all  his  de- 
 crees and  purpofes  ;  and  as  Man,  having  commiflion  from 
 him,  he  hath  revealed  and  declared  him  fo,as  in  knowing  him, 
 his  minde  is  to  be  known. 
 
 3.  That  he,  the  Man  Jefus  Chrift  ,  being  the  Son  of  God,  /*ki.i*. 
 and  perfe<&  Man,  the  Mediator  between  God  and  Man ,   full 
 
 of  Grace  and  Truth,  declaring  the  Father,  he  is  fo  loving  to 
 Man,  and  (o  bountiful  to  all  that  receive  his  Declaration,  and 
 fo  believe  on  him,  that  he  giveth  them  of  his  own  Privileges, 
 even  to  be  the  Sons  of  God ,  and  fo  difpenfeth  to  them  of 
 his  own  fulnefs  ;  fo  that  as  the  Law  difcovering  fin  and  fen- 
 tencing  to  death  ;  andthatpart  of  it  alfo,  which  by  types  and 
 figures  in  Sacrifices  and  purifications,  fhadowing  out^a  better 
 hope  to  be  looked  to  in  Chrift  to  come,  though  afar  off,  came 
 by  CMofes ;  even  fo  Grace  and  free  favour  in  forgivenefs  of 
 fins  and  delivery  from  death,  and  truth  in  receit  of,  and  en- 
 joyment of  truerighteoufnefs,peace,quickning,  purity,  &  hea- 
 venly riches  came  by  Jefus  Chrift,  even  in  all  times  paft;  and 
 ionow  more  fully  and  cleerly  doth;  fo,as  though  he  came  afrer 
 
 1 1  John 
 
2$4"         Of  thefixtb  Tspelation  ofCbrifl. 
 
 Jah^yct^z  is  preferred  beforehim;  yca,he  was  before  him. 
 
 Fo,  as  now  he  is  corne ,  Jehu  and  all  che  refidue  of  Believers' 
 
 then  and  fince^ven  we  of  his  fulnefs  have  received,andGrace' 
 
 for  Grace  :  for  the  Grace  of  God  in  Chrift ,  by  vertue  of  his 
 
 Sacrifice,  which  God  hath  gracioufly  accepted  of  him  for  us, 
 
 we  receive  the  Grace  of  Faith  to  believe ,  and  therein  remif- 
 
 fion  of  fins,  and  fo  Grace  for  Grace ;  yea,  this,  and  fo  one,  to 
 
 make  us  meet  to  receive  another  ,  and  that  to  make  us  meet 
 
 to  receive  more  ftill,  and  lb  Grace  for  Grace ,  plentifully  one 
 
 **■  5.?j4>53*>  heaped  upon  another:  yea  ,  as  UWofeshzd  a  Law  of  Work? 
 
 p^-1*1'1*- to  nurture  the  people  towards  Grace  ;  fo  we  a  Do&rine  of 
 
 17  Vi.I^lg5  Grace,  and  Law  of  Grace,to  teach  and  lead  people  to  partake 
 
 of  Grace, 
 
 4.That  thisjefus  Chrift  is  theLatnb  of  God,(the  fin-offering 
 
 and  the  true  paffover  )  which  by  vertue  of  his  facrifice  medi- 
 
 cTllillif'   at"lg'  taketh  (or  beareth)  away  the  fin  of  the  world,  that  by 
 
 Eph.z.urtJ6,  his  own  death  and  facrifice  offered,takes(and  now  hath  taken) 
 
 3  7.  Rom.t.i  8.  fin  out  of  the  way ,   removed  the  contradictions  that  were  in 
 
 the  midr-way  between  God  and  the  world  of  Mankinde,  and 
 
 made  peace,thatit  maybe  preached  to  them;  and  that  by  ver- 
 
 j/<M  3.1Z.      tl*e  of  his  blood  and  facrifice,  hath  fulnefs,  fitnei's,  authority 
 
 iTim.z.t.Rom.  and  readinefs  to  take  fin  out  of  the  confeiences  and  nature  of 
 
 i.4.K0».3.24,  Men ;  and  by  his  Mediation  procures  forbearance,  patience 
 
 i5 *g  Z^0h  8  tn^  mcrc*es  to  finners  to  lead  them  to  repentance:  being  he, 
 
 UfaioXi-  '  anc*  onely  ^e>  ^et  f°rcn  *°r  chat  cnd  »  tne  propitiation  for  the 
 
 R§m.  4. j.  Mat.  fins  of  the  world  ,  in  whom  there  is  blefling  for  all  Nations ; 
 
 3-*>u.  and  that  by  fpiritual  application  of  his  Blood ,  he  doth  fo 
 
 take  fin  away  from  all  that  in  believing  come  to  him  for  it ; 
 
 and  that  he  is  neer  at  hand  to  fet  up  his  fpiritual  Kingdom,the 
 
 fore-runner  of  his  Davidical  Kingdom. 
 
 5.  That  the  Father  loveth  the  Son, and  hath  given  all  things 
 
 /**>.  3«34>35>  *nto  n*s  nands ,  and  immeafurably  filled  him  with  the  Spirit ; 
 
 $6.  fo  that  whoever  believeth  in  him  hath  everlafting  life;  and  he 
 
 that  believeth  not  on  him,  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him. 
 
 This  Db&rine  was  John  filled  with  to  teach. 
 
 And  with  this  Do&rine  he  was  to  throw  down  the  Moun- 
 
 J6b.i4.it,i9i  tains,  exalt  the  Valleys ,  cry  down  all  Flefti,and  exalt  the 
 
 3  iM<u.$.      Word  of  the  Lord ,  and  fo  to  call  Men  to  Repentance  and  to 
 
 *  *,i .  14.* .  Faith  in  Chrift,  and  fo  to  newnefs  of  life  j  af&ring  them,  that 
 
 Chrift 
 
Of  thefixth  Ttyoelation  of  Chritt.         ztf 
 
 Chrift  would  baptize  them  with  the  holy  Ghofl:and  as  a  wit- 
 nefs  of  the  Truth  of  this  Do&rine ,  and  that  Chrift  was  at 
 hand,  and  flionly  to  be  manifefted  to  Ifracl ,  he  did  baptize 
 with  water  unto  repentance,  and  k>  difcipled  all  that  came  to 
 him,  and  refuicd  it  not. 
 
 Yet  did  he  not  in  the  beginning  of  his  Miniftration,  point 
 out  which  of  all  the  Sons  of  Men  was  that  Man  that  is  the 
 Chrift ;  fo  he  fnewed  not  which  was  the  Perfon  of  our  Lord 
 Jefus  Chrift,  till  he  was  efpecially  fitted  ,  and  dire&ed,  and 
 commiflionated  for  that  alfo  ,  by  the  dire&ion  of  the  holy 
 Spiritsby  communication  with  Jefus  Chrift  himielf ;  and  feeing  j™  i.  33  >34. 
 the  Spirit  of  God  defending  like  a  Dove ,  and  lighting  on  ,»*,*  ■  J*JJ 
 him,and  hearing  the  voice  of  the  Father  from  heaven,  faying,  11.  l^.j.zi  j 
 Tbu  u  my  beloved.  Sonjn  whom  I  am  well  'f  leafed*  And  fo  was  he  "• 
 furnifhed  to  know  and  declare  the  perfon  of  Chrift,  as  diftin& 
 from  all  others,  and  who  he  was. 
 
 And  then  he  did  moft  plainly  point  out  the  Man  Jefu*,  joht  %m  29jJ4^ 
 the  Son  of  the  Virgin,  with  confeflion,that  not  himielf,  and  36.^3.30,3^ 
 fo  no  other  Man  but  that  very  Man  jefus  was  the  He,  the 
 Chrift,the  Lamb  of  God,  the  King  of //r**/,  the  Bridegroom, 
 the  Son  of  God  ;  he  ,  even  this  very  Jefus ,  he  pointed  to* 
 and  affirmed  to  the  be  very  he  ,  and  fo  exhorted  his  Hearers 
 to  behold  him,  even  Jefus,  and  to  follow  him,  cleave  to  him, 
 and  exalt  him. 
 
 And  in  this  his  Miniftration ,  he  was  greater  than  all  the 
 Prophets  that  were  before  him ,  though  lefs  than  any  of  his^^11,1*'11' 
 Lord's  firft  Witneffes  of  his  Refurre&ion  that  were  to  come 
 after  him ;  and  although  in  the  exercife  of  his  Miniftration, 
 he  was  but  for  the  Houfe  of  Ifrael^  who,  if  they  had  received 
 him  as  he  came  in  the  Spirit  and  Power  of  Etta* ,  they  would 
 then  have  received  Jefus  Chrift  alfo  ,  and  fothey  might  have 
 enjoyed  the  Gofpel  of  the  Kingdom ,  and  have  continued  in 
 their  own  Land,  till  his  coming  again  to  raign,  and  then  John 
 j&*pt/#  had  been  all  the  Elias  they  (hould  have  needed  ;  and 
 the  coming  of  EUae,  mentioned  Mai.  4,  it  would  have  been 
 needful  onely  for  the  ten  Tribes  ottfrael ,   formerly  caft  off ; 
 but  they  refufing ,   came  to  be  caft  off  alfo,  and  fo  its  needful  ^ 
 for  them.     Andin  this  Miniftration,  according  to  this  Rcve- ^^  '\\'*£ 
 latitn,  all  the  former  helps,  in  and  under  all  the  former  Reve-  &% 3 .  37.  ' 
 
 1  i  2  lations 
 
2 
 
 f 
 
 3<*       Ofthefeventh  Revelation  ofChriH. 
 
 lations  and  Miniftrations  ftill  remained,  and  all  for  the°ood 
 of  Men,  fpecially  the  houfe  of  lfrarf. 
 
 Ch 
 
 A  P, 
 
 Of  the  feveath  Revelation ,  and  the  I  aft  that  fhaB  be  of 
 Chrift  till  his  own  return  ,  ^rA  pcyj'onal  and  Viftble  ap- 
 pearing. 
 
 >He  next  Revelation  of  Jefus  Chrift  ,  and  the  laft  that  is 
 to  be^  carried  an  end  for  ufefulnefs  by  teaching,  and  ufe 
 of  fuch  outward  Ordinances  as  now,  even  until  his  perfonal 
 appearance,  when  all  fuch  means  (hall  ceafe,  and  the  eternal 
 Sabbath  be  ;  and  this  Revelation  was  by  the  Father  to  the 
 
 'i*V*frb*  Son>evcn  to  the  Man  Jcfus  Chrift>  his  Elea>  uPon  whom  he 
 49^50.  Heb.i'.  natn  Put  his  Spirit,  and  by  Jefus  Chrift  to  his  Difciples,  God 
 iaa.^2.4. '  by  his  divine  power  bearing  witnefs  thereto,  and  confirming 
 the  fame  :  and  this  Revelation  by  Jefus  Chrift  was  of  the 
 fame  things  fore-revealed  to,  and  by  the  Prophets,  but  now 
 more  fully  and  cleerly  manifefted,  with  the  myftery  more  a- 
 bundantly  opened  ;  and  this  his  Revelation  was  in  a  three- 
 fold manner,  or  by  three  diftinfl:  wayes  or  means  : 
 
 1.  By  manifeftation  of  himfelf  and  all  that  appertained  to 
 him  to  do  in  his  firft  coming,by  demonftrating  the  fame  in  the 
 very  a&  vifibly,  &c. 
 
 2,  By  his  perfonal  and  bodily  Miniftration,  in  a  vocal  and 
 audible  teaching  the  Gofpel  and  the  Teftimony  of  himfelf  in 
 the  Prophets,  and  explicating  it. 
 
 3 .  By  pouring  on  his  witneffes,  and  filling  them  with  the 
 holy  Ghoft. 
 
 1 .  Of  the  firft  way  of  the  Manifeftation  of  Chrift  by  him- 
 felf. 
 Jefus  Chrift  was  manifefted  and  did  manifeft  himfelf  in 
 the  very  acting  and  fcnfible  demonftration  in  himfelf  of  all 
 thofe  things  fore-told  concerning  him  to  be  done  in  ,   upon 
 and  by  him  in  his  firft  coming  *  as  to  fay,  his  immediate 
 
 ;  coming 
 
Of  thefeventb  *Rey elation  of  Chrift.      Z37 
 
 coming  on  the  appearing  of  his  MciTenger  and  fore-runner,  and  fo 
 his  conception  and  birth,having  the  very  nature  of  Man,born  of  a 
 Virgin,  (that  never  knew  Man;  that  was  of  the  Seed  of  T>avid, 
 tAbrabami  Noah,  tsidam  •  born  in  Bcthlem  »  altogether  tin- 
 lefs ;  yet  having  the  weaknciTes  and  infirmities  of  Man's  Nature  : 
 his  flight  into  Egypt ,  (while  Rachels  Children  were  (lain)  his  re- 
 turn to  Nazareth ,  and  being  called  a  Naz*aritc  :  his  Biptifrn, 
 with  the  Teftimony  of  God  concerning  him  ;  bis  fafting,  temptati- 
 ons, vi&ones^his  poverty  and  mean  life  among  mentis  travellings, 
 preaching,  cures,  miracles .  his  calling  Difciples,  and  chufing  A* 
 poftles,  and  fevency ,  and  fending  them  forth  to  preach  .  his  being 
 perfecuted  by  the  High-Priefts  and  Priefts ,  Scribes  and  Pharifees ; 
 his  being  betrayed  by  one  of  his  called  Difciples ,  and  chofen  A- 
 poftles  •  the  fcattering  of  the  reft  from  him  »  his  agony  and  bloody 
 fweat;  his  being  arraigned,  condemned,  fcorned,  and  crucified  be- 
 tween two  thieves,  the  fouldiers  giving  him  vinegcr  and  gall ,  and 
 parting  his  raiment  •  his  bitter  cry  on  the  crofs ;  his  committing  his 
 Spirit  to  God,and  fo  his  giving  up  theGhoft  and  dying,and  fo  his 
 death  and  his  burial  by  two  rich  Men,  laid  in  a  rich  Man's  tombe, 
 in  which  never  any  man  before  lay;  his  Refurreclion  the  third  day, 
 and  fo  victory  over  death  •  his  appearing  to  his  Difciples  after  his 
 Refurre6tion,  being  feen,  and  heard,  and  felt  by  them,  and  giving 
 commandments  and  commiflion  to  them ,  and  bletTmg  them, 
 afcended  up  in  their  fight  to  heaven,  teftified  by  an  Angel,  that  he, 
 even  the  very  fame  Jefus  (hall  fo  come  again,  as  they  faw  him  go 
 up  into  heaven  ;  his  being  received  and  let  on  the  right  hand  of 
 God  •  and  his  fending  forth  the  holy  Ghoft  with  plenty  of  fpiri- 
 tual  gifts,  teftifying  the  certainty  of  his  coming  again  in  glory  ,  a 
 glimpfe  whereof  three  of  them  bad  foreseen  in  his  transfigura- 
 tion ;  fo  that  he  appeared  ro  be,  and  to  have  fuffered  ,  and  done, 
 and  (Vied  abroad  all  that  ©od  by  the  mouth  of  his  Prophets  had 
 fpoken  of  him  concerning  his  firft  coming  :  fo  that  he  hath  now 
 fully  come  in  the  fle(h,  and  done  all  this  work  ,  and  is  not  now  a 
 dying  and  doing  it3  or  fo  to  do  it  over  agtin  ;  he  hath  finiihed  the 
 work  given  him  to  do  at  his  firft  coming  in  his  own  perfonon, 
 earth  ;  and  in  and  by  him  is  fulfilled  all  that  the  Prophets  fpakc 
 concerning  the  firft  coming  of  Chrift  ;  fo ,  as  in  no  other  ever  was 
 or  will  be  ;  fo  that  this  Jefua  is  the  Chrift,  and  hath  been  thus  ma- 
 nifsftcd',  and  fonunifefted  hirnfclf  to  be,  and  this  rmaifeftation 
 
 givea 
 
158      Oftbefeventh  ^v  elation  ofChrift. 
 
 given  in  his  firft  appearing  to  the  firft  Wirneffes  of  his  Refur- 
 rc&ion,  for  all  that  fhould  after  believe  on  him ,  that  it  was  maoi- 
 ^ii'Xvctt  kftcd  by  thc  aPPearin8  °f  our  Savlour  Jc^5  Chrift  :  in  doing  all 
 20,11!  Joh.i. tftis  is  cxPrcfly  affirmed,  that  it  was  fo  manifefted  for  all  that  fince, 
 1,1,3. ' A&.io.  by  the  difcovcry  of  him  and  his  ipiritual  operation,  believe  ;  is  alfo 
 4**  4l«  exprcfly  affirmed  ,  that  it  was  manifefted  to  thefe  firft  wicneffes  in 
 
 this  manner,  who  both  heard, and  faw,and  handled  him;  is  exprcfly 
 alfo  affirmed,and  that  they  declared  that  we  might  beli:ve:  and  the 
 things  that  were  by  the  Prophets  fo  foretold  and  written  of  him(as 
 ^#.13.^17.1,  hath  been  forefhewn)  being  fo  fulfilled  and  manifefted  in  him,they 
 3.  &  18.18.     did  according  to  the  commandment  of  the  eyerlafting  God,  make 
 R0m.16.16.     known  nim  to  5c  the  Chrift ,  and  make  him  known  according  to 
 $'.lo.$u*' tnc  revelicion  of  the  tnyftery ,  by  the  Scriptures  of  the  Prophets . 
 and  have  written  and  profeffed  to  write  thefe  things,  that  we  might 
 know  the  certainty  of  them  :  and  fo,  that  we  rright  believe  ,  that 
 Jefus  is  the  Chrift  the  Son  of  God  ;  and  that  ia  believing  we  might 
 have  life  through  his  Name:  and  according  to  all  this, Jefus  himfelf 
 witneffed  and  affirmed  alfo  the  Truth  of  John  *s  Teftimony  con- 
 cerning him  •  and  how  by  the  works  done  by  him  9   and  by  voice 
 7  from  Hcaven.the  Father  did  bear  witnefs  of  him :  and  how  the  Spi- 
 
 Y  '  **  33>3*>  rl*t  m  tne  Scripture  did  bear  witnefs  of  him,  and  that  eternal  life  is 
 ia  him.  And  this  the  firft  way  of  Jefus  Chrift  revealing  and  m*- 
 nifefting  himfeif  to  his  fuft  witnefles. 
 
 Chap.   8.  ^ 
 
 2.  Of  the  fecond  way  of  our  Saviour  V  revealing  and  mam- 
 fefting  of  himfelf  and  the  things  of  him^  to  his  firft  wit- 
 ^'nejjisofit. 
 
 IEfus  Chrift,  befides  this  actual  manifertation,  did  alfo  in  his  per- 
 formance and  bodily  miniiiration  ,  vocally  and  audibly  teach 
 theGofptl  according  to  the  revelation  of  themyftery  to  the  firft 
 crufters  in  him.and  witnefles  of  him  after  his  refurredion  :  and  fo 
 he  taught  them ; 
 
 I.  That  he  is  the  Mejjiab>  the  great  Prophet  a»d  high-Pri 
 
OftbefecondWay  259 
 
 and  King  of  Ifrae  I ,  the  Son  of  God  /  and  the  Son  of  David ;  %";fl**0' 
 the  Chrift ,  the  Saviour  of  the  World  fpoken  of  by  all  the  Pro-  Luk'9'zo.Job. 
 phcts.  i-4«j49.   <^4. 
 
 2.  That  for  efte&ing  his  bufinefs  in  all  his  Offires,  that  he  may  il>i6,4i>&6* 
 be  manifefted  to  be  iuch  a  one,   and  thereby  have  a  Seed  i  faved  *9# 
 and  juftified  by  him,  to  fcrve  him,  and  to  enjoy  the  Kingdom  with  j^  ^      t 
 him,  and  Nations  for  him,  and  them  to  raign  over ,  he  muft  firft  it.  pfa.62ti9, 
 fuffer,  and  die,  and  rife  again  ,  and  afcend  into  heaven,  and  receive  zi.&i.i,9. 
 the  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Man ,    and  fend  forth  of  the  fame  to 
 Men  ,  that  Repentance  and  Remiffion  of  fins  may  be  preached  in 
 his  Name  to  all  Nations  •    and  fo  he  on  rightful  terms  judge  ail 
 according  to  that  fore-written  of  him  •  and  therefore  from  that 
 time  thac  he  had  infhu&ed  them  ,  that  he  was  the  Chrift,  the  Son  j#at  jg  llt 
 of  the  living  God,  the  Saviour  of  the  World  •  he  then  began  to  may,  %^i.Lu^ 
 ftiew  and  teach  them ,   that  he  muft  go  un:o  lerufalem,  and  fuf-  9^2..    Lnb9< 
 fer  many  things  cf  the  Elders,   andchief-Priefts,     and  Scribes,  ^9^o^\Mat„ 
 and  be  rejected  of  them  ,  and  be  killed  ,    and  the  third  day  rife  '/'^f^'^g* 
 again  ;    yea,    this  was  fpokenof  between  Cbrift,  and  Mofes  j^.^,  0,44/ 
 and  Eliot,  in  their  hearing,   when  he  was  in  his  transfiguration 
 before  them ,    and  after  on  that  occafion  by  himfelf  to  them , 
 and  often  afcer  on  other  occafions  ;  yea  ,    he  ceacheth  them  a 
 reafon  of  the  necefluy  of  it ,    namely  ,    for  taking  away  fin  ,  and 
 overcoming  death  ;  and  fo  having  an  innumerable  generation, 
 according  to  that  faid  Hebrews 9*21.    &    a.  14.  &  IfaiabJoh.it .14. 
 53.6,7,8.  andfo  he  taught,  faying  ,  Verily ',  verily^  I  [ay  unto 
 you,  except  a  corn  of  wheat  fall  into  the  ground  and  die  ,    it  a* 
 bidet h  alone  •    but  if  it  die  ,   it  bringeth  forth  much  fruit: 
 and  fo  he  plainly  taught  them  out  of  the  Scriprures  afcer  his  Re- 
 furre#ion ,  that  it  behoved  Chrift  to  fuffer ,    and  to  rife  from  the 
 dead  the  third  day  1  and  that  Repentance,  and  Remulion  of  fins 
 fhoulu  be  preached  in  his  Name  among  all  Nations ,  beginning  at  luk*z*'4f*4*i 
 ]ernfalem  ;  and  in  teaching  this,  he  taught  them  many  myfteries, 47' 
 abcuc  the  venues  ,  ends,  and  efficacies  of  his  death  >   and  that  di- 
 ftinc^ly  alfo ;  as  to  fay  , 
 
 1  •  His  death  in  one  refped  and  end,  was  fatisfaclory  for  the  Rc- 
 miflion  of  fins,  to  make  peace  and  atonement  with  (Sod  for  Men,  VMM.' Raw. 
 thac  they  might  be  releafed  from  the  firft  fentence  and  curfe  in  the s &l^^ 
 firft  death  into  his  difpofe  ,  that  he  might  bring  them  out  of  that  9' 
 death,  as  was  prophefied  he  fliould,  and  is  confeffed  he  hath  done, 
 
 and 
 
 L 
 
24*0  ofChrift  manifesting  bimfelf. 
 
 Mat.- 6  28  an<*  ^!S  *"e  did  tcacn  thcrrf  often  :  and  in  refpe&  of  chiscnd  ,  Ms 
 Job.'^i.Tfa.dcxth  and  ranfome  giving  is  unimitable  by  any  other  •  nor  in 
 40.6,8.  &w-  refpeft  of  this  end  did  cither  Jews  or  Gentiles ,  Scribes  ,  Priefh, 
 7,8.  Wic6.6>  (Jovernours, People  or  Souldiersjay  on  him  our  fins,and  fo  for  that 
 
 l£™T\£m  Pnc  ^im  l0  ^catn  9  lt  was  ^°^  tnc  ^atncr  cnat  1°  ^a^  our  ^ns  on 
 8.Vz.pV.4°.^»  ^im*  anc*  delivered  nim  co death  for  our  offences,  and  his  own  free 
 7,8.  Hcb. iq.u  cff:r  to  accept  and  do  the  will  of  the  Father  for  us ;  and  this  al- 
 io. Job.  10.17,  f0  our  Saviour  himfelf  taught  them.     And  in  this  offering  himfelf, 
 he  had  to  do  with  God  cnely,fcr  Men;  and  with  God  it   is  lo 
 effectual,  that  he  hath  granted  all  this  to  him  upon  this  account, 
 without  any  further  bufinefs  to  be  done  by  him  for  this  grant; 
 Pp.i. 10,1 1.    and  kfh>llbcmaniftft:d  to  all  Men  fo  evidently  one  day,  that  they 
 (hall  acknowledge  it  truejand  him  Lord ito  the  glory  of  God,whe- 
 ther  now  they  will  believe  it,  and  in  him,  or  no. 
 2.   His  death  in  one  other  refpecfc  and  end,  was  confirmatory 
 Hcfc.  8. 8,9,10,  and  fealing  ,    that  the  New  Teftamcnt  of  precious  Promifes  of 
 n.iPet.i.$.    Forgivenels  ©f  fins  ,  of  purifying  the  heart ,  and  writing  his  Law 
 aCo/\i.2o,       in  the  inward  parts ,  giving  in  eternal  life ,  and  preferving  by  his 
 power  through  faith  unto  the  inheritance  ,    might  be  confirmed, 
 fealed  and  ftable  ,  that  believers  might  have  a  certain  and  undeni- 
 able evidence  of  the  performance  of  them  all  by  him>  in  whom  all 
 Gal.  3.  13,14,  the  Promifes  of  God  are  Tea  and  Amtn  ,  to  the  glory  cf  God. 
 is*>itfji73wtfb  And  this  could  nor  be  without  the  death  of  the  Tcftator  •    but  by 
 J  •  9> l  $>*  >  cnac  cyen  the  fame  death  tnac  was  for  Remiflion  of  fins ,     though 
 in  this  refpeft  a  farther  end  ,     it  is  done,    and  fully  confirmed  and 
 fealed  ;  but  then  this  death  alfo  is  in  fome  rcfpe&free  from  con- 
 Job.  to. 30.     ftraint  •    and  fo  ic  is  (aid  ,    While  he  was  in  his  ftrength,  and  cried 
 «Ttf*r.i5.39j44»  with  a  loud  voice,  he  bowed  down  his  head,  and  then,  and  fo  gave 
 jo,j.  10.31,33.  np  t^e  Qfo0ft  f  whicn  cauf«(J  the  Centurian  to  confefs  that  he  was 
 
 i^em.  5. 1  z,8, tnc  ^on  of  God,  and  Pilate,  and  others  to  muvel  that  he  was  fo, 
 
 io,i  1,  and  fofoon  dead  ,    (for  the  Thieves  that  were  crucified  with  him, 
 
 died  neither  fo  ,   nor  fo  foon :)  and  as  concerning  this  end  ,  he  is 
 
 by  vertue  of  his  death,  &c.  the  Mediator  of  the  New  Teftament, 
 
 that  Believers  may  enjoy  the  benefit  hereof  :   neither  is  his  death 
 
 Sii*t.i6.%%.    in  refpedk  of  this  end  imitable  for  any  other  :  nor  did  the  Scribes, 
 
 Mtr.14.14.     Pharifecsi  &e*    pu:  him  to  death  for  this  end  :   but  he  freely 
 
 Lt^.zi.zo.      ia'lci  down  his  life  and  gave  up  the  Ghoft  ;  and  fothe  Teftament 
 
 Htf.u.ij.     is  confirmed $ and  offorcc  :  and  this  our  Savisur  himfelf  plainly 
 
 taught  them. 
 
 3.  There 
 
of  Cforifis  manifcjling  him f elf.  2  4.1 
 
 3.  There  was  yet  one  other  d;<  inir  end  of  his  fi.fTjrings 
 and  death  ,  w  icb  i>  3ftl<b  exprcfled  'Ny  ni:n(e  f ,  namely  ,  to 
 bear  witnei >  of  the  Tru.  :i ,  w  -icihe  rau  Jit,  ari  Ithisi  i  love,  7°^  "7  2,1.13. 
 even  to  his  Enemies,  that  they  rnighr  b  iL  c,  foi  w'.'om,  for    *;  l°0IIJ^/2" 
 thatendhefofar  pra.'ed  ,  as- £.  ^<?  i-i'.  34.  a  cro-rg  to  that  p*,/.*.8.  j*^ 
 in  pr<Nphefie,  //*  5  3.  12.  a*  d  in  io«,e  to,  ar  d  fair h!ui  cart  o-  18.37    /<?   >?• 
 ver  u:h  as  he  had  called  an.  hau  fit,    b  ing  t  Ke  fh  •<  -pof  his  J5>  ^W** 
 own  perfonal  Miniftraticn  that  heard  hi-  v<  icj  >  and  in  In  e,  {0>)^'d\  ''t' 
 obe  ience,and  faithfulncis  to  his  Father.   Ttofis  he  profi  ffci  h  6  7  x  ^  *j  ^ 
 to  PilJt)  laying,  To  fej}  erj(l  was  I  born,  and  for  thiscauft  c.  me  1  fob  i  3. 14.17. 
 into  the  3»»r/*/,  thm  Ijhouli  bear  wt!r. efi  .  0  the  t  ml   •    e ver y  one  &*  1>, z  >! 5  >M& 
 that  is  of  tie  truth  5  hearcthmy  voice:  (  as  for  the  fame  cauie  *°"  i^f',? J 
 when  he  left  the  WorJd,  he  left  his  W  itn  JTes  in  the  World.)  Zj0h.[Ci,Mit. 
 And  in  this  he  inttru&eth  hi^  Hearers ,  and  fo  he  do  h  his  16.24.  iPct.n 
 ownDiLciples^that  all  good  Shepherds  may  follow  him  herein,  2.0)11,13. 
 that  as  he,io  we  might  norfeek  to  be  Lords  o\er  one  another, 
 but  to  ferve  each  other  in  love  and  infurrering* ,  when  for 
 their  good  to  put  our  ielves  in  our  Brerhrens  Head  or  place  : 
 and  fo  iaying  down  our  lives  for  our  Brethren  ,  according  to 
 his  example  ;  and  this  he  plainly  taught  to  them :  fo  that  his 
 death,  in  reipe6t  of  this  end,  is  moving,  alluring  ,  and  exem- 
 plary for  us  to  imitate  and  follow  him ;  and  that  alfo ,   in 
 caking  up  our  Crofs,  receiving  it  as  a  I  up  out  of  otir  heaven- 
 ly Father's  hand,  in  patient  bearing  all,  that  for  his  fake  (and 
 by  our  Father's  providence)  is  laid  upon  -us,  how  wrongfully 
 foever  by  Men,  7/^.53.1 7.  Mat.26.61.  &  27.1  2.  '  Mar.14.. 
 61.  &  1  5.  5.     In  holding,  and  fait -Handing  to  the  PfoUfli- 
 on  of  the  Truth  through  all  fufferin°s,  J0h.  18.  36,  37.  Mat.  vptik.i&jkft 
 10.16,18,32,33,  and  all  this  in  lo/ing  and  feeking  the  good  i&fjh.tj.  ir, 
 of  our  enemies ,  ^Pfal. 3  5.11,12,1  3,14.  Luke  23. 34.  &  6.  *?»i4»>7  »M 
 27,28,36.  7^^.12.20,21.  andinloveto,  and  tender*  are  i^-^M-*. 
 for  our  Brethren,  fubmitting  to  all  the  loweit  fervices  of  love 
 even  through  fufrerings  for  their  fafety  &  goodtin  all,approving 
 our  hearts  in  love  and  faithf  ulnefs  to  God,  that  we  may  gi  ori- 
 fie  him,  7*6.  17.  4.  8:7.16,17.  &  14.31.  2  O.  5.6,7,8, 
 and  fo  his  death  ,  as  it  was  for  witnefs-bearins  to  the  Truih,  j£*' *'  \ly%& 
 and  to  witnefs ,   andfoto  givean  example  of  imiation  K*  4.10.^5.30, 
 us-   it  isnotrightto  fay,  That  God  for  that  didpuiPhim 
 to  death  :  no ,  it  was  the  Scribes  and  Pha'rifees  that  for  this 
 
 Kk  did 
 
Ij^z  OftbefecondWay 
 
 did  envy  him  and  put  him  to  death,  and  they  did  it  wickedly 
 and  with  wicked  hands  :    but  God  raifed  him  ,   and  fo  he 
 will  us  by  him,  if  we  follow  him  through  fuflferings  to  the  en- 
 joyment of  glory. 
 
 j     In  reipeA  of  the  firft  end  of  his  death ,  for  fatisfa&ion  and 
 propitiation  making  j  and  of  the  leccnd  end  ,   for  confirming 
 the  New  Tetfament ,    the  death  of  Chrift  was  venuous  and 
 efficacious  with  the  Father  ,   upon  and  from  his  firft  under- 
 taking, and  accepting  to  do  it  ;  and  having  accepted  it,  it  was 
 vertuous  in  difpenfations  through  him  towards  men :  whence 
 Rev.  138.         he  is  called  ,    The  Lamb  [lain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world  t 
 and  upon  the  account  of  the  vertue  thereof,  all  that  believed 
 ^hlKom]i\6\  frorn  lhe  beginning  of  the  World,were  laved  by  this  Grace  in 
 1  yjro.  &  2.4!  aBd  through  him:and  all  that  rebelled  againft  Light  andGrace, 
 5,ii.Fwi/.x.2  3>  were  damned  on  the  fame  account ,  for  rebelling  again!*  the 
 3  3«  Lignt  a°d  Grace  extended  through  him.    It  is  an  ignorant  de- 
 
 mand of  fome,  1)id  Chritt  die  for  thofe  in  Heaven^  or  for  thofe  in 
 Helly  before  his  death  ?  for  his  acceptance  and  undertaking  was 
 vcr  t  uom  from  the  firfi ,    and  from  the  beginning ;   and  God  9S  pro- 
 ceedings with  men  through  him  on  that  account  of  his  death  tn  due 
 time  to  be  attcd  5  and  fo  to  the  two  frfi  ends ,  vertuous  and  effica- 
 cious from  the  beginnings  before  the  actual  accomphfhixg  of  it  .*  but 
 for  the  lafl  end  of  hu  death,  to  bear  witnefiof  the  truth  ,  and  give 
 his  perfonal  example  tofoBow  :  the  fame  cannot  be  fo  affirmed. 
 True  it  is ,   He  fuffered  and  was  flain  in  his  members  and 
 fpiritual  Seed  from  the  beginning  of  the  World,  even  begin- 
 Jf«to3.34»35.  ning  at  *Abd,  and  fo  on  in  thofe  which  followed  till  his  own 
 ^^^•^•perfonal coming,  as  our  Saviour  taught  ;  and  though  him- 
 Luii.io a6.  Aft\  felf  in  his  own  perfonai  body  have  now  once  died,  and  rifen, 
 9.4,5.  and  is  alive  for  evermore  ,   and  can  die  no  mere  ;  yet  in  bis 
 
 members  and  fpiritual  feed  %n  Earth ,  he  is  Offering  and  dy- 
 ing ftill :  fuch  his  love  to  them  ,  and  union  with  them ,  he 
 counteth  thefe  as  his  own  fiifferings :  &  thefe  examples  of  the 
 Saints  through  Faith  pafling  through,and  overcoming  in  thefe 
 fufferings,are  very  ufeful  for  us,and  fpeaking  examples  to  ns,to 
 be  beheld  and  minded  of  us :  but  our  Savicui's  own  perfonai 
 example  was  not  fo  before  his  actual  fufferings  accompli(hed, 
 as  n^w  it  is :  in  beholding  of  which,  as  fct  forth  in  the  Gofpel 
 we  may  fee  both  more  into  the  vertues ,  and  ends,  and  effi- 
 cacies 
 
of  Chrijl's  manifesting  himfelf.         213 
 
 cacies  of  his  death ,   than  before  could  be  Teen ;  and  his  ex- 
 ample therein  alio,  which  could  not  ib  be  beheld  of  men,  be-  utb.u.  &\%t 
 fore  his  actual  accompliOimenc  of  it.:  fo  that  in  him  we  have  i,i./4».5.io, 
 the  beginning  and  foundation  of  life  and  (frength,the  motive,  !I<  mm.$.iz. 
 pattern  and  example  alfo  to  follow  him,  and  therefore  now  to  ?!°  ,3^5' 
 look  to  him,  and  to  the  other  examples  alio  through  him,  and 
 tohim,in  and  above  all  the  other :  and  this  our  Saviour  plainly 
 taught  his  firft  witneflTes. 
 
 3.  Our  Saviour  having  inltru&ed  his  firft  witnefles  thus,  a- 
 bout  his  death  and  refurrc&ion  ,  and  the  things  done  by  him 
 therein;  and  fo  the  end  of  hisfirft  perfonal  coming  into  the  fe'Kii.z.&^. 
 World,  to  do  and  teach  all  thefe  things  :  he  then  alfo in-  3.6-15. s,*8. 
 ftru&ed  them  about  his  leaving  the  World,  and  going  again 
 [now]  in  that  perfonal  body  of  his  to  the  Father :  and  this,  to 
 prefent  himfelf  in  that  body  with  the  vertue  of  his  blood,  to 
 obtain  eternal  redemption  of  the  nature  of  Man  in  himfelf;  Hc6. io.?,xo. 
 and  fo  to  have  all  men  into  his  difpofe,  that  hemay  difpenfe  &9-^-  Rom. 
 to  them  and  deal  with  them  according  to  the  Father's  will ;  |*  "^  %'uti. 
 which  alfo  is  his  will;  and  fo  to  receive  the  immeafurable  ix,zoiJ§h\t£. 
 fulnefs  of  the  holy  Ghoft  in  the  Man,  to  fend  forth ,   even  to  7,\ 5. 
 the  rebellious,  to  convince  them  ;  and  to  believers,  to  lead 
 them  into  all  Truth  ,  and  fo  to  make  known  ftill  farther  hi$  nb?}*#3kh 
 Father's  Name,  and  therein  fprinklethe  vertue  of  his  blood  I*-**'IW*> 
 upon  the  hearts  and  contciences  of  believers  ,  and  herewith  I'/fjlf/^^ 
 enduing  them  with  his  Spirit,  to  be  witb  and  in  them,  a  Tea-  ifcz0.ctair.t3' 
 cher,  Advocate,and  Comforter,  tominde  them  of  his  words,  MK*5j  FjM< 
 enable  them  to  prize  &truft  in  him,  and  approach  to  God  by  ut.Phil.s. %o. 
 him,  and  pray  in  his  Name  ;    and  fo  to  prepare  them  manfi- ,4  ^Jl^ 
 ons ;  that  having  all  fulnefs  in  him,  they  might  have  their  re- 
 joycing,  hope,  converfe,  and  dwelling  with  him  in  Heaven  by 
 Faith  ;  and  that  in  one  mindednefs  with  God  and  Chiirt  in      , 
 his  defign  ?  in  believing  and  walking  in  the  Truth  breathed  fa.^tj^" 
 forth  from  Jernfrlew  that  is  above  ,   they  might  have  in  Spi-  i.z,3.zW.$V 
 rit,  a  dwelling  and  fellowfhip  with  the  Prophets  ,   and  Apo-  Rev.6.9.  Hcb. 
 files,  and  Spirits  ofju'i  Men  made  perfe&,  that  are  in  and  «»-**>*3-S|p&. 
 with  Chrift,  and  under  the  Altar  ;   and  alfo  through  the  effi-  Jjif^J^f'J 
 cacy  of  his  Spirit  in  their  Miniftration ,  they  may  have  a  fpi-  iTbef.i.iji 
 rituaF  dwelling  in  the  hearts  of  fuch  as  living  in  this  World, 
 have  their  conversation  in  Heaven,  and  fellowfhip  in  the 
 
 Kk  a  Gofpel 
 
244-  Of  the  fecond  Way 
 
 Gofpel  with  them.     And  lalt  of  all,  according  to  the  Spirits 
 preparation  of  them  ,   and  fruitfulnefsin  and  by  them  ,   en- 
 largednefs  in  his  Kingdom,  which  is  referved  in  Heaven  for 
 ^iq*lolzfoh  tnem'  to  be  given  them  at  his  coming;  all  which  he  affures 
 8.  z&cti.t*.  c^em  ^e  ls  now  preparing  in  the  Heavens  for  them  ;  yea ,  he 
 foh.i^z.  Htb.  is  now  there  in  Heaven,  appearing  at  the  right  Hand  of  God 
 8.i,tf.  &9.14.  before  God  for  us ,  mediating  between  6od  and  Men ,    and 
 ^^i'^/i,0''''  advocating  and  interceding  in  ipecial  manner  for  Believers 
 ij.'cr-p.M.  7  that  come  to  God  by  him;   and  fo  ,   as  in  that  he  did  in  his 
 own  Body  ,  he  made  peace,  wrought  and  obtained  Redem- 
 ption with  God  for  Men  ,    and  obtained  the  Power  of  ex- 
 tending the  venues  thereof,  in  theie  spiritual  efficacies  to 
 Men  ;  lb  by  thefe  efficacious  makings  known  and  application 
 of  the  fame  to  Men,  he  draweth  Men  to  himfelf,and  worketh 
 Redemption  in  Believers ,  and  preferveth  them  to  the  Inhe- 
 ritance :  all  which  our  Saviour  taught  to  his  firft  Witneffes. 
 And  moreover, 
 
 4.  Having  thus  inftrufled  them  about  his  bodily  abience 
 from  them,  and  how  much  it  is  for  their  benefit ,   becaufe  of 
 the  bu^nefs  he  is  in  Heaven  doing  with  God  for  them ,   and 
 JobM-hMat. from qocj  by  his  Spirit  with  them 5  he  alio «{Tures  theme f, 
 \\']j^aui.  anc*  inftru&s  themin  this ,  that  in  due  time  he  will  in  that 
 H&3>&>% " . :'  ^0<^y  °*  ms  perfonally  come  again  and  receive  them  to  him- 
 felf,  and  then  take  bis  great  power  and  raign,  and  they  fhaU 
 raign  with  him:  nor  need  they  be  deceived  about  this  his 
 M*t.i$.$-LA6.  coming  ;  for  it  fhaU  be  fo  perfonal ,  open,  and  vifible  ,    that 
 Job.t.zS,!}.    every  eye  fhall  fee  him  ;   and  when  he  doth  fit  upon  the 
 Throne  of  his  glory ,  then  fhaU  all  Nations  be  gathered  be- 
 fore him  ;  and  having  raifed  all  the  dead,  will  feparate  thofe 
 that  have  believed  in  him,and  lived  to  him  ,  from  thofe  that 
 have  rebelled  againlt  him ,    letting  the  one  on  his  right  hand, 
 and  the  other  on  his  left  hand,  and  then  judge  and  gle  ien- 
 tence  on  both  ;  and  the  righteous  that  are  on  the  right  hand, 
 fhall  go  into  everlafting  joy ;  and  the  wicked  that  are  on  the 
 left  hand  ,  fhall  go  into  everlafting  Fire,    there  to  be  tor- 
 mented for  ever  :  and  that  all  that  believe  on  him,  may  with 
 patience  and  comfort  wait  till  that  day  come,  he  taught  and 
 affuredthem,    that  he  would  not  leave  them  (  as  Or; bans) 
 ja/;.  i4.i^7>  comfortle(s  ^   km-  by  his  word,  aid  Spirit  in  that  word,  be 
 ,8-    '  with 
 
of  ChriH's  manifejling  himfelf.  24.5 
 
 with  them, and  in  them  ;  and  by  that  Spirit  both  minde  *bl^ 
 them  of,  and  teach  them  the  words  that  he  had  fore-given  f^'^/^^ 
 them  ;  andalfofo  take  of  the  things  of  Chrift,  and  (hew  to  ipktfr/y'Jfc 
 them,that  he  fliould  prefent  him  glorious  to  them  ,  and  lead  14.^.  cmo.?. 
 them  into  all  truth,  that  by  Faith,&  well-pleaiednefs  in  him,  <&i*9>;>°. 
 they  may  be  made  fruitful,  and  preserved  to  the  inheritance : 
 and  thac  he  thus  dilcovered,  is  the  door  and  way  of  accefs  . 
 to  the  Fatherland  entrance  into  the  Church  ;  yea,the  Father  '*£  £ 
 
 is  in  him,  and  he  in  the  Father  ;   and  ail  that  is  the  Father's, 
 is  his :  fo  that  in  feeing  and  having  him,  they  fee  and  have  the 
 Father  alfo  ;    and  that  he  is  the  Truth  and  the  Life,  in  whom 
 they  have  Wifdom,Righteournefs,San6tificationandRedem-c^'  I,?* 
 ption,   Covenant-quickning,  and  all  fpiritual  Riches  and 
 Life  ;  yea,  he  is  iuch  a  fure  Rock,  that  whoever  is  found  in  be- 
 lieving built  on  him,  the  gates  of  Hell  (hall  not  prevail  againft  Mat.\6. 18. 
 him :  his  Flefh,  even  his  Body,  as  given  for  the  Life  of  the  l  Pct'  l*3>4>^ 
 World,is  Bread  of  Life,and  Meat  indeed;  and  his  Blood,  as 
 having  confirmed  the  New  Teftament,    is  Drink  indeed:  Joh-  6. 51,58, 
 and  what  Spirit  or  Soul  of  Man  foever  eateth  and  drinketh^'  ^'M.*®- 
 hereofjfhall  never  die,  but  have  everlafting  Liferhis  words  are     x 7' 24# 
 Spirit  and  Liferand  as  the  Father  hath  loved  him,evenfo  hath 
 he  loved  thole  that  believe  in  him  ,  and  will  come  again,  and 
 receive  them  to  himfelf,  that  where  he  is ,  they  may  be  alfo. 
 So  that  in  all  this  is  a  blcfled,clear,great,gracious,and  glorious 
 Revelation  of  J  efus  Chrift  in  his  own  perfonal  teachings. 
 
 Yet  to  free  them  from  miftakes ,  and  inform  them  cleerly 
 how  by  him  this  blefTed  and  faving  work  (hall  be  carried  an 
 end  till  his  coming  again  ,  that  there  may  be  a  fpiritual  Seed 
 encreafed  and  preserved  to  him  till  then  ;  he  inftrufted  them 
 how  Men  andWcmenfhould  be  brought  in  to  God  ,  name-  M™<  3-M,i*. 
 ly ,  that  He,  even  Chrift  the  Son  of  God  and  Saviour  of  the  ^[to^iffe. 
 World,asthusmanifeftedtothem,  muftbeby  them  fo  made    ' 
 known  to  others  ;   yea ,  lifted  up  and  made  manifeft  by 
 preaching  his  word  he  had  taught  them;  and  this  tc  all  Men, 
 all  Nations ,  and  in,  and  about  this  right  preaching  ,    mani- 
 feftation  ,  elevation,  declaration  and  tenders  of  Chrift ,  he 
 taught  them  much  and  many  things,  as  appears  plainly,  by  his 
 own  fayings  to  them  and  theirs ,  which  they  learned  cf  him  : 
 as  to  inftance  fome  of  them. 
 
 1.  That 
 
%^6  Of  tbefaond  Way 
 
 i .  That  it  be  Jefus,  that  be  lifted  up  and  exalted  ,  as  the 
 
 MujnlU  Chrirt  *  thc  Son  °f  lhc  living  God >  the  ProPitia<ion  for  our 
 /^!  15.26.      *lns »   nc  *n  whom  God  is  well-pleafed  ,  who  by  vertue  of 
 Rom.i.\,'y.&i6.  his  death, is  the  Lord  of  all  ,   the  oneiy  Rock  and  Refuge,  in 
 ii^e.icor.n.  whom  whoever  believeth  fhall  receive  forgivenefs  oflfins  : 
 tcl'l°?\joh  *«  Jefus,  the  He,  and  not  the  woiks  of  the  Law ,  not  any 
 i.i9£J&l'.  °rderorfortofmen,  not  any  dreams  or  devices,  nor  any  per- 
 (i7>i,9>io,u,  fonal  endowments  or  gifts ,  nor  any  internal  Lights  and  O 
 iz.ifa.^9.6.    per-ations;  but  onely  )cfa  Chrift,  to  be  the  Lord,the  Foun- 
 dation, the  He,  in  whom  ail  Peace,  Right eouinefs,  and  Eter- 
 nal Life  is  prepared  of  God  for  us  ,    and  given  us  of  God  in 
 him,  even  in  Jeius  Chrift,  that  in  believing  in  him  we  may  re- 
 ceive k,and  have  it.     And  this  is  plain,  in  comparing  his  fay- 
 ings  and  theirs. 
 j«h.  3. 16,17.      2*  That  b°tn  this  gift  of  Chrift  the  Saviour  of  the  World, 
 
 *  fob.  4.  9/10,  and  the  felting  him  forth  ,  and  tendering  him  in  the  Goi'pel, 
 14.^0^.5.6.7,  is,  and  is  to  be  affirmed ,  a  fruit  and  witnefs  of  the  love  of 
 8:9,10.7^.3.4,  God  to  the  world,  to  Mankinde  ,  even  finners  and  ungodly 
 1* ^f'5,14>'5'  ones  ;  and  the  love  ,  Grace,   and  good-will  of  God  here- 
 through  commended  and  tendered  to  them ,  that  they  might 
 repenr,  and  believe  5  and  in  believing  ,   receive  remiflion  of 
 fins,  and  eternal  Life :  and  this  is  plain  in  comparing  his  fay- 
 ings  and  theirs,  according  to  that  prophefied,  *?//*.  3  6.6,7,8. 
 &  145.8,9.7^.55.4. 
 
 3.  That  the  end  and  purpofe  of  God  in  this  gift  of  Chrift, 
 fob  17  Luh  a  k  lett*n»  him  forth,  and  making  him  known ,  and  wit- 
 9. 56.  Mat.it.  nefftng  and  commending  his  love  through  him  ;  and  fo  the 
 
 *  1. /ok.?  1.47.  end  of  Chrift  his  firft  coming,  and  Miniftration  ,  and  of  his 
 */*.  4z.  6,7>s.  continuing  the  fame  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpel  in  which  he 
 
 m49 '^6  &i  is  ffiU  fem> beld  forth  and  ccndcred  to  men>  tiU  his  Perfonai 
 *,\!jk  s.[£  coming  again,  is,  that  the  world  might  be  faved ;  yea,fmners 
 &H.il*&x6.  and  the  chief  finners ,    that  the  eyes  of  the  blinde might  be 
 1 7>i  8.  Job.ir.  opened,  &c.  and  men  brought  in  to  believe ,  and  fo  turned 
 ¥fiA*'&l'  from  darknefs  to  light, from  the  power  of  Satan  to  God,  that 
 •Jo  .  1.4*7*  ,  fo  t^e^  may  reccive  Remiflion  of  fin?,-  and  inheritance  among 
 them  that  are  fan&ified  by  Faith  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift  :  and 
 this  is  plain  in  the  layings  of  Chrift  by  himfelf ,    and  by  his 
 Spirit  in  the  Prophets  ,   and  by  his  Spirit  in  the  fayings  of 
 thofe  that  learned  it  of  him :  whence  he  faith  of  his  Minitf  ra- 
 tion, 
 
of  Chriffs  manifesting  him f elf.         %  4.7 
 
 tion ,  that  while  he  is  in  the  world ,  he  is  the  Light  of  the 
 World,  and  io  before  was  ,  and  in  the  Miniftration  of  his 
 chofen  Witnefles,  will  be  till  his  coming  again  :  whence  his  ^atJ  i  W4> 
 Servants  as  Minifters  of  the  Gofpel,  are  alfo  call«d,The  Light * 5jI  ' 
 of  the  World;  fo  that  the  Minirtration  of  Chriftin  theGo-  7       ^ 
 ipei,  by  himielf  or  his  Servants ,  h,  or  he  in  it,  is  not  to  con*  ^  jEm.u] 
 demn,  deftroy,or  judge  to  perdition  the  World ;  $o  ,  tiw  Ro'm.z.*x  Jd 
 thole  in  the  World,and  of  it,that  at  prefent  reject  his  words;  33-*WK*fc*i 
 but  even  to  fave  fuch :  his  words  to  them  are  Hill,  That  they  *°*  Tr§v'l-H* 
 might  be  favedjhis  mercies  are  to  lead  to  repentance,that  they  ^\[icor.f 
 might  be  faved  ;  his  chaftifements  to  break  them  of  their  s.   xPekyif. 
 pride  and  enterprizes,that  they  might  be  faved :  yea,  his  re-  *«*.».".  if*. 
 proofs  and  beginning  to  deliver  them  to  Satan ,  are  for  the  J'4'  £*&'*+ 
 definition  of  the  flefli,  and  to  abafe  them  that  they  might  be  iokii.  rcir! 
 faved:  yea,  his  killing  by  the  Law,  was,  that  they  might  live  4.4.  W.13.1J  !• 
 toGod,G/?/.2.i9  :  yea,  all  his  patience  and  long-iufrering,  icr.ty.iona.i. 
 is,  and  is  to  be  accounted  Salvation,  being  extended  to  Men,  ?•  ^*IO'xJ' 
 becaufe  he  is  not  willing  that  any  fhould  perifh,  but  that  they  ^y^ior 
 might  come  to  Repentance  and  be  faved :  yea ,  he  doth  that  ^.J.^xod.^. 
 in  the  means  he  ufcth,  whereby  they  might  be  faved  ;  fothat  6,7'if*>$o.i6, 
 helofethnone,J<?6.6.39.  &  17.12.  but  whoever  are  loft,  it  w8.JVa.14f. 
 is  by  rebelling  againft  the  light  ,  and  fo  caufing  that  which  8'9'  I6h'7A7^ 
 was  for  their  welfare  to  be  turned  into  a  fnare,  in  their  joyn-  4 
 ing  with  Satan,that  is  blinding  their  mindes,  refuting  when 
 their  eyes  are  opened  in  feeing  to  fee ,    and  cafting  afide  his 
 word,  and  following  lying  vanities,  they  lofe  their  own  mer- 
 cies, and  their  own  fouls :  and  thefe  have  one  that  judgeth 
 them ,    even  the  Light  in  the  Word  that  hath  come  to  them, 
 doth  inwardly  accufe  and  condemn  them  as  guilty  of  fin,  and 
 liable  to  death.      But  yet  notwithstanding ,   Chrift  in  his 
 Miniftration  is  patient  towards  them  ,  and  waits  to  be  gra- 
 cious to  them ,  like  as  his  Father  doth,  being  the  fame  with 
 him,  and  having  his  Name  on  hkn ;  and  doth  not  id  his  Mi- 
 niftration in  the  dayes  of  his  patience ,   judge  them ,  but  fe- 
 ferveth  that  his  judging  and  pafftng  Sentence,  until  the  laft 
 day  ,  when  he  is  come  again.     Whence  we  may  underftand      te,  $ 
 the  meaning  of  that  femence :  To  him  that  is  joyned  to  all , 
 the  living,  there  is  hope :  fothat  if  they  abide  not'iUll  in  utv  Kow.i  1.2$. 
 belief,  they  (hall  be  grafted  in  again ,   toi  God  is  able  to  do 
 
 it : 
 
Rom.  z.i 6. 
 
 24.8  Of  thejecondWay 
 
 it;  and  therefore  continue  means  (till  towards  them  :   but  if 
 Ecdef.9, 10.&  they  perfirtiUli  in  dif-obedience  till  the  dayes  of  his  patience 
 1  i.i.iohM.  48  be  cut,  then  no  more  hope  :  but  at  that  day  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  that  he  hath  fpoken  ,   (  and  the  light  in  the  means  that 
 he  hath  extended)    (hall  judge  them  ;  for  then  will  God 
 jurlge  all  Men  by  Jefus  Chri  f,  according  to  the  Gofpel :    not 
 by  the  Law  or*  bondage,  as  they  fell  under  i  in  *y4Um ;  but 
 lm.  i;iu       by  the  Law  of  liberty  brought  to  them  by  Jefu?  Chrift,  which 
 could  not  rightly  be  ,   if  in  his  word  Salvation  were  not  for 
 ifhlf.i.io.     them,  and  truly  tendered  to  them,  and  meins  where  :y  they 
 might  have  recced  i  :  and  this  not  onely  in  a focw  and  pre- 
 tence ,    but  verily,  and  in  rrurh  ,  that  they  rmg'it  have  been 
 fa  ed.    So  far  our  Sa/« iour'^  o.vn  Teftimony  of  himfelf ,     and 
 hi   Father  V  and  his  own  erd  in  hi;  Minifuation  :  and  the 
 fam  j  he  teftificth  of  himself,  and  his  end  in  the  Minittration 
 continued  by  his  Ser  ants ,  left  by  him  in  the  World  to  that 
 end  that  the  words  he  gives  them  to  fpeakyare  fuch  as  where 
 by  M  nfh  uld  be  laved,  and  to  that  end,  and  that  he  fends 
 **    them  in  Minirtration  to  that  end, to  open  their  eyes, and  turn 
 lab  37  it  i8,  t<riem,c>r.  and  this  affirmed  by  his  Spirit  in  his  Servants, 
 1. 4a. 1 1. 14-  ^nat  God  in  Golpel-Miniftcation  fends  Chrift  to  blefs  them,in 
 ^.ztf.i7,i.8.  turning  every  of  them  from  their  iniquities  ;  and  io.of  Chrift 
 his  coming  imo  the  World  ,   both  in  his  perfonal  Miniftrati- 
 on  ,  and  his  Minillration  by  his  Servants.     This  is  affirmed, 
 >Aci.  $.16.       as  a  faithful  faying,  (in  which  there  is  no  diffimulation,noe- 
 Vcw  3.4,5  A  quivocation ,  no  wreathednefs .  but  it  is  according  to  the 
 9  3  very  Heart  andMindeof  God  ,  and  very  plain  to  be  under- 
 
 (tood,  according  to  the  import  of  the  words)  and  worthy  all 
 acceptation,  (to  be  heeded  believed ,  and  imbraced  with  the- 
 iTim.i.i  $.  heart)  That  Jefus  C^rift  came  imo  ^e  wcr^  to  jave  fiwcrs,  (tin- 
 ners ioderlnitely,fuch,and  alijfoch  as  are  finners5and  to  put  all 
 out  of  doubt,  the  Ap°ftle  having  mentioned  what  a  (inner  he 
 was,faith,)  of  whom  lam  the  chief ;-fuch  the  purpofe  and  gracious 
 endof  God, in  the  gift  of  hisSon,andofChrift  in  his  coming 
 and  Miniftration,both  immediate  and  mediate ,  extended  for 
 teaching  to  Men. 
 
 4.  That  Jefns  Chrlft ,  according  to  all  this,  Revelation  of 
 him ,  and  of  the  Father *s  love  in  giving  him  and  making  him 
 known ,  and  his  gracious  end  in  this  Miniftration  of  him ;  is 
 nobe  difplayed,  held  forth,  preached,  and  affirmed,  as  a  word 
 
 of 
 
of  Chrifis  manifefting  bimfelf.  24.9 
 
 of  Truth  and  Verity,  to  the  World  of  Mankinde,  to  all  Nati- 
 ons, to  every  Man  in  the  whole  Creation ,  where-ever  they 
 come :  and  this  is  plain  in  the  cotnmitfion  and  charge  given 
 them. 
 
 True  it  is, the  Miniftration  of  JohnBtftift)  was  but  to  the 
 people  of  Ifratly  though  the  light  of  it  to  be  extended  farther:  Mai.zS.i9iio. 
 and  fo  the  perfonal  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpel  by  Ch rift,  &4f'->&AU 
 was  primely  to  them,  the  Circumcifion,  the  loft  Sheep  of  the  J^'y/jS 
 Houie  Gflfrae/;  and  his  Difciples  Miniftration  while  he  per-  x?  \^,Man^ 
 fbnally  abode  with  them  on  Earth,  was  no  farther  but  to  the  *a£  Rmm?.8j 
 Houfe  of  Ifrael:  yet  was  this  alio  to  confirm  the  promiles  un-  9- 
 to  the  Fathers  ;  and  that  the  Gentiles  might  glorifie  God 
 for  his  Mercy   :  whence  when  by  providence  led  among  the 
 Samaritans ,  he    (as  an  over-plus)   in  his  Miniftration  con-  7^.410^42. 
 verted  fome  of  them ,    that  in  hearing  his  voice  became  the 
 Sheep  of  hisMiniftration,yet  he  did  not  outwardly  fold  them, 
 till  after  his  afcenfion  and  pouring  forth  the  Holy  Ghoft,  i^>10i,4  ,- ^ 
 when  the  commiflion  and  miflion  was  enlarged  for  his  Ser- 
 vants Minimi  ration.       But  now  when  his  iuffering-work  was 
 finifhed,  death  overcome,the  acceptable  Sacrifice  offered,  and 
 he  on  the  right  of  God ,  and  having  fent  forth  Spicit,  the  veil 
 of  the  Temple  rent,  the  partition-wall  broken  down,  and  all 
 Tongues  fanSified  to  declare  the  Work  and  Name  of  God 
 injthey  are  to  go  into  all  theWorld  and  to  declare  and  preach  Rem  ^  ,i5lg§ 
 Chrift  as  thus  revealed,to  every  man  of  all  Nations  in  ail  the  Mat.zz.1,7.' 
 World,  where-ever  they  come,  and  this  as  a  Word,of  Truth  :  Pyov.:9.i,z:3* 
 and  fo  to  fet  forth  this  fecond  publick  Man,the  fpiritual  Man,  *fAWil»»3*4. 
 the  Lord  ,  the  quickning  Spirit,  as  he  on  whom  God  hath  ex-  .j^'*'1  *'&3* 
 ecuted  the  Judgement  that  was  due  to  Mankincje  for  their      ;~ 
 fins,  as  fallen,  in  whom  their  Nature  is  reftored  :  the  Na- 
 ture of  Man,    being  united  and  married  unto  God  in  the 
 Perfon  of  his  Son ;  and  fo  a  great  Feaft  of  fatnefs ,    even  the 
 fure  mercies  of  David,  prepared :  in  him  is  Mankinde  perfect 
 again,  as  in  a  publick  Man ,   having  in  him  forgivenefs ,    par- 
 don, peace,  wifd  ^m,  righteoufnefs,  eternal  Life ;  lb  verily,that 
 in  believing  in  him,  they  may  receive  it,  and  be  partakers  of  '^  5>.io,n, 
 it :  and  fo  is  he  to  be  fet  forth  without  any  Cloak  or  equivo-  ^  \  1[&IV 
 cation,  plainly  to  every  Man ,   appealing  to  their  conf  iences 
 in  the  fight  of  God  :  and  that  Jefus  is  fo  ,   and  as  fuch  a  one, 
 
 LI  to 
 
15  o  uf  we  j  econa  tr  ay 
 
 to  be  held  forth  to  all,  that  every  one  may  behold  him,  as  he 
 in  whom  there  is  healing  for  them  to  be  received  in  believ- 
 a  lob.x.  14,1 5.  *D&> "  P*a'n  *n  our  ?av^our's  own  perfonal  Teftimony  a  ,  and 
 b  Rom's-Ui '  the  Teftimony  of  his  Spirit  in  his  Apoftles  h :  and  this  to  this 
 15,26.  iC*t*>  end ,  that  by  this,  Men  might  be  reconciled  to  God  c.    And 
 14,1^11.  fit.  tnis  ^0pC  gjven  ?  tnc  servants  0f  chrift  in  fuch  elevation  of 
 licor.  f.ao.    Chrift,  that  he  will  confirm  their  words ,  and  manifeft  their 
 Teftimony  true ,  fo  that  all  Men  (hall  be  drawn  thereby ,  e- 
 a  Job.1z.31.  ven  by  Chrift  teftified  unto  him  d:  fuch  as  in  this  day  of  grace 
 believe  this  Teftimony  of  him ,  it  (ball  be  the  power  of 
 God  unto  Salvation   in  them ,     and  work  effectually  in 
 them,  uniting  and  conforming  them  to  Chrift;  fo  as  they  fliall 
 by  degrees,  and  in  due  feafon  enjoy  all  this  revealed  bieffed- 
 eMat.10.40.  nefs*.     And  fuch  asperfiftin  refufing  and  rebelling  againft 
 Rom.i.\6.\Thef.  tnc  Light  extended,  (ball  by  the  fame  Spirit  that  breatheih  in 
 2.13.  *  Pet.i.  tjic QQfpgj^  be  at  the  laft  day  convinced/,  and  come  before 
 f  Job.  16.7, 8,  Chrift,  and  bow  to  him,and  confefs  him  Lord  to  the  glory  of 
 #,io,tr,        God^,  and  (ball  confefs  the  Truth  of  the  Teftimony  his  Ser- 
 g  p/j;/.x.io,h.  vants  delivered,   and  them  to  be  the  Servants  of  the  Lord, 
 which  in  the  dayes  of  his  patience,   they  dei'pifed  and  op- 
 hlft.tfo.14.     P°kd/?;  and  all  before  the  final  fentence  be  executed  on 
 *ev.3.p!         them :  for  God  that  fruftrateth  the  tokens  of  the  lyars  r   and 
 maketh  diviners  mad,  that  turneth  wife  Men  backward ,  and 
 maketh  their  knowledge  fooliftinefs ,  doth  (and  will,  con- 
 firm the  Word  of  his  Servants,  and  perform  1  he  counlel  of  his. 
 ijf4.44.15, 26.  Meffengers  /'.  And  to  both  parts  of  this  faid,  he  hath  given  us 
 k  iyi.45.12,    his  Oath,  That  all  (ball  come  before  him.  k. 
 *4»*4*  And  thus  was  the  myftery  of  Chrift  revealed  by  himfclf 
 
 Parti  ch  6.m  *"s  own  perfonal  Miniftration ,  in  which  alfo ,   as  he  ut- 
 -    *     *    tered  many  Parables ,  fo  he  opened  them  all  to  his  Difciples 
 to  teach  them  openly  :   and  whereas  the  Difciples  did  not 
 yet  cleerly  underftand  all  this  Revelation  of  Chrift  fo  taught 
 to  them,  before  Chrift  had  luffered  and  rifen  from  the  dead ; 
 therefore  Chrift  after  his  Refurre£ion  appeared  to  them,  and 
 taught  the  fame  again  tothem,and  then  expounded/J^rr  and 
 the  Prophets,  and  in  order  opened  in  all  the  Scriptures  unto 
 them  the  things  concerning  himfelf ;  &  alfo  opened  their  un- 
 1  ink-  *4- 16>  <ferthiiding,that  they  might  underftand  the  Scriptures  /.•&  yet 
 afj4M^>47<  becaufe  all  was  not  yet  a&cd  by  Chrift ,  as  well  as  taught  by 
 
 him 
 
 1 
 
of  Chr'0s  manifesting  himfelf.  251 
 
 him,that  was  to  be  in  the  myftery  held  forth  in  their  Miniftra- 
 
 tion;for  Chrift  his  body,though  then  rifen,was  not  as  then  af-m  j0\j,  i0Ir. 
 
 cended  and  gloriHed  a*,and  fo  the  fulnefs  of  undemanding  of 
 
 the  whole  myftery  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  not  yet  given  n :  there-  */f'7,S9' & 
 
 fore  they  were  yet  to  wait  for  further  divine  Power,even  the 
 
 holy  Ghoft  to  be  given  them,  to  open  clcerly  this  Revel  ation 
 
 to  them,and  to  help  them  to  witneis  inwhich  Chrift  promiied  0  Luk.14.49, 
 
 them,  and  did  perform  it  after  his  afcenfion.  Ml.  1.4. 
 
 Chap.  $>. 
 
 Of  the  third  Way  of  our  Saviour  "s  Revelation  and  mani- 
 f eft  ation  of  himfelf,  to  the  frit  Witneffes  of  his  Refur- 
 reftion. 
 
 OUr  Saviour,  according  to  his  Promife,  did  within  a  few 
 dayes  after  his  Afcenfion  ,  by  vertue,  and  as  a  fruit  of 
 his  Afcenfion  and  Sacrifice  offered  and  accepted,  and  his  Me- 
 diation begun,he  did  fend,  and  fhed  forth,and  pour  upon  and 
 in  them ,  the  Holy  Ghoft,  in  an  audible ,  fenfible,  and  vifiblc  An.  1.  2, 3,4, 
 fhape  ,  both  refting  upon  them ,  and  fupernaturally  and  in-  &c 
 wardly  filling  them  ;  by  which  Holy  Spirit,  he  brought  again 
 to  their  minde ,  and  gave  them  to  underftand  all  his  fore-Re- 
 velation and  fayings  to  them ,  and  fhewed  the  things  of  him- 
 felf ?  and  the  Father  fo  leading  them  into  ail  Truth  ,  and 
 making  known  to  them  the  whole  counfel  of  God  in  things 
 pertaining  to  Eternal  Life,  to  be  taught  till  his  coming  again ; 
 enduing  them  with  power ,  motion ,  and  fitnefs  to  witnefs 
 of  him  ;  and  giving  them  the  gift  of  tongues  to  fpeak  to  eve- 
 ry Man  in  his  own  Language  ,  wherein  he  was  born  ;  fo  a- 
 bundantly  was  the  Revelation  of  the  myftery  of  Chrift  by 
 the  Spirit  made  known  to  them  :  and  yet ,  that  we  may 
 rightly  underftand  what  the  Holy  Ghoft  is ,  that  was  thus 
 given  unto  them,  it  is  good  to  confider,  what  in  Revela- 
 tion of  Chrift  from  the  beginning,  and  now  by  himfelf  is 
 given  us  to  underftand  ;  and  that  is  ,  that  it  is  fomething, 
 that  was  never  before  this  fo  given  .  no  ,  not  as  then  while 
 
 Ll  i  John 
 
151  Uf  we  intra  way 
 
 &tar.i.%.  Job.  3°^"  was  baptizing,nor  yet  while  Chrift  himfelf  was  perfonal- 
 7-38>39-  Job-  h  minidring  here  on  Earth  ,  nor  could  be  given  ,  till  he  left 
 14.16.dM6. 7.  the  World  in  that  body  of  his,  and  went  to  the  Father ; 
 Aft.i.sri.iUb.  f0  that  it  cannot  be  meant  properly  of  the  eflence  and  be- 
 p^^^^ingoftheHolyGhoft  ,  which  is  one  and  the  fame  with  the 
 if£.i,il."       Father  and  the  Son,  the  fame  God,  by  whom  the  Heaven 
 and  the  Earth  was  made ,  and  all  the  Hods  of  them  ;  for  in 
 this  refpe&  he  fills  heaven  and  Earth,  and  is  everywhere 
 prefent,and  alwayes  was :  fo  that  in  refpeft  of  eflence  he  is 
 not  faid  to  be  lent  or  proceeding  from  the  Father  and  Son,  or 
 defending ,  being  ever  one  in  and  with  both  ;  but  onely  in 
 refpe6t  of  perfon  or  manner  of  exidence  in ,   and  operation 
 of  that  one  divine  eflence  :   bat  it  mud  be  meant  of  feme 
 forth-coming  of  the  divine  power  from  the  Father  byChrili ; 
 yet  in  this  alfo  it  cannot  be  meant  of  fuch  forth-coming  in 
 breathings  and  operations,  as  tend  to  the  fupportation  of  the 
 Job  i$. 12,13.  old  Creation  ,  in  upholding,  and  ordering ,    and  garnifliing 
 7^.104.1^30.  the  pjeaven  an  j  Eartn?  and  Creatures  therein,for  the  good  of 
 „  Mankinde  ;  and  enduing  Men  with  undemanding  and  skill 
 
 x9.Exod.5u5.  ^or  Husbandry  and  difpofing  the  Fruits  of  the  Earth  ,  and  for 
 ^35-ii.        curious  Arts  and  Works ,  or  for  War,  Fhyfick,  Laws,  and 
 Government  of  a  Commonwealth,  &.c.  though  thefe  be  all 
 Mercies  to  lead  to  Repentance  ;  for  thefe  were  extended  be- 
 fore Chrid  carried  the  Nature  of  Man  into  Heaven  :  no,  nor 
 Neb.  11. 6. Gen.  Yet  *s  meant  (imply  of  a  diicovery  of  the  Minde  and  Grace  of 
 ^.3.^^.14.17.  God  through  Chrid,  driving  with  Men,  to  bring  them  in  to 
 Rom.3.1.  &9.  q0(j  .  for  this  alfo  was  from  the  beginning  ;  yea ,  and  fome 
 $.jw.i.7,i9.  J3roUoht  in  to  believe  thereby,  from  the  rumour  of  the  Gc- 
 fpel  in  Paradife  delivered  ,  and  the  works  of  Creation  and 
 Providence:    and  yet  more  abundantly  to  Ifrael,  in  Type?, 
 Promifes  ,    and  Proprieties  ;  and  yet  more  in  John  Baptitt  's 
 Minidrat.ion :  yea,  the  Holy  Ghoft  in  inch  means  to  enlighten 
 and  teach,  hath  not  cnely  been  alwayes  in  the  Church  ,  but 
 fome  have  been  wonderfully  filled  with  him  :  he  fignified  in 
 1PtfM.11.  tVet.  aDcj  t0  tne  prophets ,  and  they  fpake  as  they  were  moved  by 
 
 Tnii.'li^l the  Haly Gho{*  5  and  the  Holy  Ghoft  fpake  by  them ;  and  E' 
 
 47t'&l,i^z/jUabeth  was  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghod,  and  CMary^ and  Za- 
 charias ;  and  the  Holy  Ghod  was  upon  old  Simeon ,  and  re- 
 vealed Chrid  to  him ;  and  the  fame  may  be  faid  of  divers  o- 
 
 thers 
 
of  Chrift's  manifetting  himfelf.  253 
 
 thers:  To  that  though  no  other  Spirit  be  promiied ,  yet  Tome 
 
 farther  Difcovery  and  Operation  of  the  Spirit,  which  was 
 
 not  as  yet  given,  is  evident  to  be  meant  hereby  the  giving 
 
 the  Holy  Ghoft.    If  any  think,  that  his  coming  like  a  mighty 
 
 and  ruflhing  winde ,   and  fitting  on  them  in  the  likeneis  of 
 
 fiery  Tongues,    and  giving  them    to  ipeak  wkh  divers 
 
 Tongues ,  is  that  which  was  promifed ,    he  is  not  deceived 
 
 in  that ;  for  it  was  included  in  the  promiics  as  to  the  fir  ft 
 
 Witnefles:  but  it  was  neither  the  whole  ,    nor  the  main  in 
 
 thePromife,but  an  over-plus  and  addition  to  the  main,  the  j0\  7. 37,38, 
 
 pronaife  being  that  which  however  with  mere  abundance  to  39.cH7.20,*!. 
 
 them,  yet  in  the  Teftimony  given  them,   it  appertained  io.<4#'»-39- 
 
 all,  that  through  that  Teftimony  believe  in  Chrift :  and  this 
 
 appears  to  be  fuch  a  giving  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  ,  as  never  was 
 
 before,  in,  ,.coy.  2. 9,, 0,1 1. 
 
 1.  A  more  full  and  cleer  Revelation  of  Chrift  ,  and  things  joh.^.^.mb. 
 of  Chrift  (that  lay  hid  in  the  bowels  of  the  Scriptures)  then  e*  1.1.  Rom.i6.%i.. 
 ver  was  before,  all  being  in  this  Teftimony  opened  ,  To  far.  as  EPh-$*h* 
 
 is  to  be  known  till  his  own  perfonal  coming  again  ;  To  as  the 
 full  of  the  Holy  Ghofts  Teftimony  of  Chrift  is  corae  forth  o- 
 pened,  which  was  not  To  before.  ^  , 
 
 2.  A  morefree  and  cleer  manifeftation  of  the  Lord  Chrift,  l^^jj^ 
 as  having  compleated  the  Sacrifice,  and  being  filled  with  Spi-  7.37, 3' 8,3^. 
 rit>  and  the  Father's  Face  and  Minde  appearing  in  him  (not 
 
 through  Types  and  Prophecies,  but)  in  a  cleer  Demonftratioa 
 of  him  in  the  Goipel ,  as  the  Object  of  Faith  ,  and  Allurer 
 (not  with  fervitude  in  a  Law  of  Works,but)withFreedom  to 
 believe  in  him,  and  therein  to  receive  more  free  and  abundant 
 fpiritual  Operations,and  Tpiritual  gifts,then  ever  before. 
 
 3.  A  larger  Freedom  for  all  Gentiles  as  Jews  without  dif-  Epb.$.$&9\ 
 ference  ,  all,  every  or  any  one  in  believing  rheTeftimony,to  Gal.s.zs'.Epb. 
 receive  the  gracious  Priviledges ;  and  in  all  this,he  abounded  *  •  $>9>lo. 
 
 to  the  firft  Witnefles  in  allWifdom  and  Prudence,  making 
 known  to  them  the  myftery  of  his  will  for  the  difpenfation 
 of  thefe  laft  times. 
 
 4.  That  this  Teftimony  of  Chrift  in  which  all  parts  of  the  Job.is.2.6.  & 
 Teftimony  fore-given  by  InTpirations ,  Types ,  Prophecies,  v*i6.&i6.\$9 
 Vifions,  Dreams ,  was  opened,  being  fully  and  cleerly  given  '*:  Joh^-16- 
 forth  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  witneffing  of  Chrift :  this  Teftimo-  s7^&c 
 
 ny  ' 
 
7f 
 
 7 
 
 vr*v    vi**i  w    f  r     w 
 
 vjy     v^.' 
 
 ny,  being  a  birth  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  Medium  in  which  the 
 Spirit  w orketh  ,  and  his  own  Teftimony  ,  it  alio  beareth  his 
 Name  ;  and  he  that  believing  receiveth  it ,  receiveth  him, 
 and  (hall  experiment  this  Light  and  Operations. 
 
 And  that  this  is  meant  by  the  giving  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,fore- 
 promifed  &  now  performed  byChnft,appears  both  in  the  Pro 
 miles  and  Performance,  and  the  Scriptures  quoted,and  alfo  by 
 ,  the  Apoftles  Affirmation  ,  that  as  the  Promifes  of  Chrift  con- 
 
 Ja.zV^Epl'  cerning  it ,  fo  the  Prophefics  of  the  Prophet  concerning  his 
 *S)ii.  Jict.i.  pouring  forth  his  Spirir,both  for  convincing  the  rebelliou?,and 
 ^is.  leading  Believers  into  all  Tiurh,  and  alfo  the  efficaciouinefs  of 
 
 the  Spirit  for  making  known  the  Mind  of  Chrift,and  his  Ope- 
 rations for  and  in  Prophcfie,Vifion,Dream5,  had  all  a  fulfilling 
 in  this  given  to  them:  fo  full  a  Teftimony  &  cleer  Revelation, 
 with  fuch  Divine  Illumination  and  Operation  was  given  to 
 thefe  firft  Witneffes ,  that  by  that  Teftimony  Chrift  and  the 
 things  of  Chrift  might  be  made  known ,  that  Men  might  be- 
 lieve, and  fo  come  in  to  CHrift.  And  this  the  laft  and  fullcft 
 Revelation  of  Chrift ,  and  no  other  but  the  cleer  know- 
 ledge of  this  to  be  looked  for  till  he  do  pericnally  and  vifibly 
 come  again.  But  now  for  the  way  of  making  this  known  to 
 the  Sons  of  Men,  and  carrying  it  an  end  ,  we  have  that  alfo 
 (hewn  us  in  this  Revelation ,  thefe  three  wayes  given  to 
 them.  In  which  we  have  three  things  to  note  :  firft,  The 
 prime  Medium  or  Way  of  making  it  known,  and  the 
 chofen  Inftruments  to  ufe  that  Medium  to  make  it  known, 
 and  alfo  the  Furniture  wherewith  they  are  furnifhed  to 
 make  it  known,  that  Men  may  come  to  know  Chrift  thus  re- 
 vealed, and  fo  be  faved ,  reconciled  and  brought  to  God  by 
 Chrift.   Of  which  fee  what  the  Scripture  faith. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
*57 
 
 Chap,  io, 
 
 Of  the  mime  Medium  or  Way  of  nuking  Christ  khwn'i  ac- 
 cording to  the  Revelation  of  the  Myjierj^to  lying  Men  to 
 GodljCh/if. 
 
 'His  way  of  making  Chrift  known  for  fo  gracious  an  end,fo 
 cleerlv*  it  is  manifeft  to  be  preaching  this  Word,  Tefti-    , 
 
 V/T-i  a         •    •  riDjri  Mar. 1.1  *,dct. 
 
 mony  or  Goipel,  as  it  is  now  come  forth  :  and  iuch  a  manner  x  0,42.iriw  L 
 of  Preaching,    as  never  was  beforeChrift  his  coming  in  the  z.  xtr.x.J. 
 Fle(n,  and  fuffering  on  the  Crofs,   and  having  been  put  to 
 death  in  the  Flefti ,  but  quickned  by  the  Spirit ,  and  now  a- 
 live  in  that  Body  for  evermore  ;  and  by  venue  of  his  Crofs 
 and  death,  by  which  he  made  our  Peace ,   and  by  vertue 
 whereof  he  ftill  mcdiateth  for  us,    and  by  vertue  where- 
 of he  worketh  in  Believers ,  and  fo  will  have  his  Crofs 
 and  fufferings  remembred ,   imbraced  ,  and  profelTed  till  his 
 coming  again  ;  fo,  as  the  preaching  of  him  now  as  it  is  cal-  icw.  1.18,20. 
 led  the  preaching  of  Chrift  ,  fo  it  is  called  alfo  the  preaching  &z- 1^ 
 of  the  Crofs,  and  fo  the  preaching  of  Jefus  Chrift  and  him 
 crucified,  and  fo  it  rniift  be  a  preaching  fuitable  thereto :  and 
 the  means  to  make  Chrift  known  according  to  this  Revela- 
 tion ,  is  preaching,  fuch  a  preaching,  as  in  which  he  is  lift  up,, 
 as  (hewn  in  the  eighth  Chapter  before  :  and  in  the  Scripture 
 we  may  finde  it  farther  thus  fet  forth  >t  hat  is, 
 
 1.  That  it  muft  be  preaching ,  that  is  ( in  Scripture  Lan-  jcb.  1 1.3 g. 
 guage)  proclaiming  and  reporting  Jefus  to  be  the  Chrift,  and  Rm.10.16.1Pet. 
 therewith  the  things  done  by  him ,  declaring  with  manifefta-  llz'  J°h-lT- 
 tion,  and  making  plain  the  things  reported;  and  therewith  z'1*jb\1  li  ]' 
 fo  teaching  and  expounding  the  fame ,  that  the  ends,  vertues  33.*  <$*  2^.17' 
 and  excellencies  of  Chrift  and  his  Crofs ,  and  the  things  o{Rom.$.zi,*6. 
 Chrift,  with  his  requirings  and  promifes ,  may  appear  and  be  lCor. 1^1,  %& 
 made  known  ;  and  evidencing,  and  teftifying  the  Truth  of  %\£6\&V'^ 
 all  fo  taught  by  the  Scriptures ,  according  to  the  Command-  is^i.iTim.i. 
 mentofGod^w.i.i,5.8ci 6.25,26.^7.18.2 5,28.8:1 7.2,3.  7.  ACLzpji*, 
 £26.22, 23.  And  from  Chrift  8c  the  things  of  God  in  Chrift,  *«*.*.*©»  fi>, 
 
 thus'4'1^0' 
 
zj6  Of  the  prime  Medium  or  Way 
 
 thus  declared,  taught,  andteftified,  to  perfwade  Men  toRe- 
 2T*w.3.i  -T^-pentancc  anci  Faith,  and  fo  to  be  reconciled  to  God  ,  and 
 then  live  to  him ;  and  to  prefs  this  with  Reproofs,  Inftru&i- 
 ons,  Befeechings  andConfolations ,  as  need  is:  and  in  this 
 manner  to  exalt  and  tender  the  Grace  of  Chrift,  as  aforefaid, 
 is  preaching ;  yea,  that  preaching,  that  according  to  the  minde 
 of  God  is  to  be  ufed. 
 
 n.  This  preaching  muft  alio  be  with  plain  and  underftand- 
 iCBr.z.n.  enable  words ;  not  in  dark  Parables  and  Allegories,  but  with 
 *'» \'  &*-I£'  iuch  Simplicity,  and  plainnefs ,  that  they  may  appeal  to  evefy 
 <?.  .ij,i  .  Mian's  confeience  in  the  fght  of  God,  with  all  fmcerity,  with- 
 out any  cloak  of  covetoufnefs,craft  or  guile.  As  for  Chrift  be- 
 Part  i  ch  6  ^ore  ^*s  Afccn(ion,preachingmany  things  in  Parables,  it  hath 
 Mat.\o\7*z%\  Deen  fore-anfwered,and  (hewn  how  he  opened  all  to  his 
 "  Difciples ,  and  charged  them  to  teach  the  fame  openly  and 
 plainly  :    fo  that  the  myftery  of  Chrift  as  opened  by  Chrift, 
 is  by  his  Servants  to  be  plainly  preached  now,  without  fear 
 of  Man  :  and  fo  ,  as  in  plain  words,  fo  in  fuch  language  and 
 ABX.6,%.       terms,  as  the  Hearers  do  know  and  understand ;  fo  the  Holy 
 1^.14.6,7,19.  Spirit  given  them,  did  at  firft  give  them  to  fpeak  to  every  Man 
 p.cv.\g  .\o\Cor.  jn  ^jg  own  language  :  and  fo  they  ufed  to  fpeak  in  words  un- 
 xi/ir  a*  tt%  derftandable  to  the  Hearers.     They  are  now  taught,  that  the 
 1  Cor. u,2. 6 en.  Teftimony  of  Jefus  is  the  Spirit  of  prophe(ie,the  original  fpring 
 3.15.1/^.3.5,  and  Leader  to  all  right  fpeaking  for  Edification  ;  inknow- 
 8-  ing  bim,ail  things  are  known;and  other  knowledge  and  teach- 
 
 ing, then  according  to  what  is  taught  by  the  Spirits  witneffing 
 of  him,  is  not  needful. 
 
 The  knowledge  of  the  firft  Report  of  the  Gofpel,  is  in 
 
 knowing  him,  as  now  teftified.,  cleerly  underftood  :   whereas 
 
 thole  that  by  humane  Wifdom  think  to  know  that  firft  faying, 
 
 without  this  help  given  ,  run  into  many  milhkes ;  yea ,  all 
 
 Aft.  1.18,19,   tnac  the  Fathers  had  in  Viftons  and  Dreamy  is  met  within 
 
 20,11.  this  Teftimony  of  Chrift  now  °iven  by  the  Spirit  ;    yea  ,  all 
 
 that  the  Heaven  and  Earth,  with  his  Works  therein,  do  wit- 
 
 Rm\l']%ira  nefs,isieenmoftcleerlvinChrift,  as  fee  forth  in  this  Tefti- 
 
 ^T^.zCoy.uio  mony  ,  and  by  him  made  apparent  to  be  more  cleerly  feen  in 
 
 CoLt.iy.  Hcb.  them  ;  yea,  the  Covenant  made  with  ^/ibraham^  it  is  to  be 
 
 7,&%,&9)&  feen  and  met  with  in  him  •  and  all  that  was  figured  by  Sacri- 
 
 IO.C0/.3.U.     £ccs  an(j  ajj  QXfozl  jypoSj  tne  Truth  is  in  him,  and  to  be  feen 
 
 and 
 
of  making  Chrijl  kpown.  ifj 
 
 and  known  in  htm,  fo  that  now  Chrift  is  til  and  in  all ,  and 
 fo  in  cbis  Do&rine  and  Teftimony.    And  therefore  he ,  and 
 the  things  of  him ,   are  plainly  co  be  preached,  and  chat  in  a 
 known  language,  and  under ftandable  words,  being  alike  holy 
 and  fan&ified  co  declare  the  Gofpel  with ,  and  fo  alike  fit  to 
 cxprefs  God's  Minde  to  us,  as  is  before  (lie  wn ;  and,  for  us  to  p*j 1 14  ch,  j# 
 exprefs  our  Minde  to  God  in  praying  to  him.    And  fo  the  A- 
 poftles  writing  to  the  Church  at  ^wr,where  alfo  both  Jews  R     %     G  - 
 and  Greeks  were,  (hews  how  the  Spirit  breatheth  in  both™*     *      ' 
 languages,  *Abb*)V tther  \  and  fo  to  another  Church :  andfo 
 they  fpake  with  all  plainnefs  of  Speech  in  things  needful  co 
 be  known  for  Faith  and  good  Manners ;  and  fo  is  the  Go- 
 fpel to  be  plainly  preached  in  underft andable  words. 
 
 3.  This  preaching  of  the  Gofpel  now,nauft  neither  be  with  Jf 
 
 the  wifdotn  of  words,  which  the  Spirit  of  Wifdom  that  is  in  ^^^uiSi 
 the  Princes  of  this  World,  for  Learning,  or  the  Wifdom  of  3/4,/. 
 Man,  teacheth  •  or  in  i'uch  manner  as  to  draw  applaufe  to  the 
 Preacher,  or  to  receive  that  laid  for  his  excellency  in  Learning 
 and  arguing  in  Rhetorical  perfwafions. 
 
 Nor  muft  this  preaching  be  with  Fables  and  endlefsGe-IT;w-7  ^# 
 nealogies,  or  oppofition  of  Science  falfly  fo  called  :  nor  with  io.T/i.3.  j.fof." 
 Philofophical  Subtilties ,  Reafons,and  Depths,  after  the  Fa-  28.  icor.\.\$% 
 fhion  of  humanely-learned  wife  Men :  nor  with  Artificial  and  *0»l7>*h&** 
 framed  Eloquence  and  Rhetorical  Perfwafions  according  tol,4,,1# 
 Man's  Art:  nor  yet  with  pretences  of  great  Light,  intruding 
 into  things  they  have  not  feen  in  the  Teftimony ,  there  being  r, 
 
 in  that  no  Revelation  of  it,  and  fo  beyond  the  meafure  oi  ^)qJ'^0' 
 Faith  given ,  though  covered  with  great  pretences  and  (hews  irbefa+yij. 
 of  Humility  :   nor  by  tempering  their  Do&rine  to  thehu*i^>.i4  *>'** 
 mours  of  Men,  to  pleafe  them  ,  and  get  applaufe  from  them : l8, 
 nor  with  ufing  quaint  words,  or  words  of  arrange  language 
 not  underrtood.    If  a  ftrange  Tongue  infpired  were  to  befi- 
 lenced ,  where  it  was  not  of  the  Hearers  underftood ,  how 
 much  more  that  which  is  acquired  by  ftudy  ?  all  thefe  things  lcof.  2.4, *. 
 are  to  be  avoided  in  this  preaching,  and  the  preaching  to  be  Rm-  16'z6* 
 with  Evidence  and  Demonftration  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Teft i-  rffT.'r  5!fpJ' 
 mony  he  hath  given  of  Chrift  in  the  Scripture,  and  fo  with  all  4.,i  .\cti.%  1%. 
 Power  and  Authority,  as  the  very  Oracles  of  God ;   and  all  fiMM.t  ,5. 
 this  plain-fpeaking  to  Men,  not  for  Men  to  cxcrcife  their 
 
 Mm  Wil- 
 
2jS  J  Of  tkeprm*  Mefiuntbr  Way 
 
 Wifdopi  twmuginira*iddlciatt^«ady^r  #H$tet9W$  fetftry 
 biicfo*  th'e^obediertccof  Faitfc  ff  ihivM^^'VopUym]ffi^ 
 own  wifdom  may  be  Wife,  inctedfr-giving  ttfthisTe^Jimony, 
 and  fo  believe,  and  obey  in  believing.  Such  plain  preaching, 
 aad  fordiemoft  part-by  as  plain  Inftru'ments,is  this  pre'aching 
 ,J,tb ♦!  rt&^°  ncittfed ,  even  Aichas  croffeth  and confoundeth  the  wife 
 and  Learned  of  this  World  ;  but  it  fctht  Wifdom.  arid  Juitice' 
 .  of  God y  that  foitfaould  be:- for  God  had  tried  them  1< 
 
 enough,  he  had  imprinted  his  Wiilom  hrthe  Gofpel  re- 
 ported in  Parndife'i  and  carried  On  by  the  Father?  and  Eiders- 
 Inftruitions ,  and  manifelted  much  of  hirnfelf  and  hi 
 See  Part  3 .   nei*  *°  **'  wiD^s  °£  Creation  and  Providence ,  and  given 
 ^  x  them  undemanding  above  the  Beafo  of  the  Earth  ,   andthe 
 
 Fowls  of  Heaven  ,  and  many  of  them  by  ftndy  became  wffer 
 then  the  ordinary  ibrt  of  Men  7  yet  in-all  this  rime  ,  by  their 
 wifdom  they  did  not  learn  to  knew  God  inthe  Wifdom  of 
 God.  Well, God  tried  therri farther,  and  gave  to  Ifrael&e 
 See  Part  3.  Retelarion  of  hisMinde  in  Word  and  Oracles  by  T.pes 
 ch*3.  and  Proprieties ,  that  by  tbefe  they  might  come  to  knovv  the 
 
 Wifdom  of  God  :  but  in  all  this  time,  they  have  net  found 
 *T'l*bt*\  OUC  thc  knoyvlccJ^t  God  in  theWifdom  of  God.  Therefore, 
 7,o,xo3ii.4  a^ter  a^  *•**«  pleated  God  in  his  oreat  mercy  to  Mcn,to  give 
 forth  this-foll  and  plain  Difcovery%ndRevela:ion  or  himielf* 
 TCor.1.17,  n3inChrilV;  and  in  his  Wifdom  and  Juftice  affo,  to  appoint  this 
 23.  '  plain  Report  and  preaching  thereof ,  as  to  the  wife  of  the 
 
 World  feems  foolifhnefs ,  a<rfi either  magnifies,  nor  needs 
 Tfal.z.z.  MAt.  their  wifdom  and  learning  to  interpret  or  flnde  cot  the  fenfe ; 
 ii.iV^.i'yea^fslachjas  in  the  plain  report,  wife  Men  exerciiing  their 
 ilJsb.zi.Aft.'  wifdom,u  is  hidden  -from1  them  •  and  babes  believing,  under- 
 Z'&^mI'^'  ^tock  aDC*  *c  'Js  revealed  to  them,  and  for  .the  more  parr,  inch 
 \cor.  i.Ti,^',  Babes, illiterate,  Shepherds,Fifher?,Mech2nic"ks,  whom  the 
 27.  Jer.i'.lo\  Menbf  the  World  deride,'  are  the  Preachers  of  it :  and  this 
 31.  zA.29.H- kinde,  of  preaching -y    is  a  great  flumble  and  offence  to  the 
 c^.3.18  ic«.  j^nedand  wife  of  the  World,  ztidhj  them  counted  foolifn- 
 \.i9^o>2.  >*7«  ncfs .  *and  through  their  teaching,   which  tends  to  magbifie 
 worldly  wifdom  and  learning ,   and  to  exalt  an  outward  or- 
 der of  Priefts  of  that  fort  to  rule  over  the  people,  it  becomes 
 an  offence  to  the  people  alfo ,   that  love  to  have  fuch  to  rule 
 over  them :  andthe  oride  of  all  this  glory  God  will  (tain,  and 
 
 calt 
 
of '-ntdqng^  2*9 
 
 ca#  fhamenpon  it:  fo  that  this  manner  preaching  the  Go-, 
 fpel  becomes  a  part  of  the  OtotV  of  Cbtrift,to!be  wktitopby  m*mmi>*7. 
 the.  Preachers,  iand.wUlingly  born  ;  and  through  theirdyiag  M*r.6.$.  Rom, 
 in  their  bearing  tWsCrpfs ,   the  life  of  Chrift  workeih  in  \\'\^ J?''4, 
 tftem,   and  through  their  Mihiftmimv     And  this  kiadeof    '  *  ' 
 Preadup*,    i^Xutcfll'W^isRcycl^ifm'flfrebtift^rlli^&A, 
 that  this  preaching  may  be  rightly  carried  on ,    thisia  ftft&to 
 t>e  always  joyned  with  it  : 
 
 4.  That  thofe  that  preach  the  Gofpel,  walk  fuitable  to  the  Ma[ 
 Goipel ,   that  their  Light  may  (nine  forth  in  their  Works  and  1  cor.9^16  17. 
 converfaiion,  enduring  through  reproachings  and  fufferings  ;  PbU.i.i7.&z. 
 thattheyfo  preach  and  witnefs  ,   triatthey  preach  to  others,  **.tYmM.ii9 
 even  by  their  convention.  ia.Tlk3.i4, 
 
 And  in  this  manner  of  preaching ,  is  the  Gofpel  to  be 
 preached  :  to  which  alfo ,  they  have  certain  helps  annexed, 
 uncovered  in  this  Revelation  of  Chrift. 
 
 5.  For  their  helpfulnefs  in  doing  good  with  thif  preach- 
 ing, they  are, 
 
 i.    To  ufeearneft  Prayer  to  God  in  the  Name of  Chrift,for  Jeh.i6.%3,i}. 
 Divine  Help  and  Affiftance. 
 
 2.  To  read,  mindp,  and  meditate  the  Holy( Scripture s  tfyat  iTim,i.iw. 
 are  fore-written. 
 
 3.  And  as  any  are  brought  in  to  entertain  the  Gofpel ,  if  ^.2.8.^2.0, 
 they  have  not  fo  been  fore-baptized,  to  baptize  them  and  all  ^Aft'l6^h 
 that  are  theirs,  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,and  of  the  Son,and 
 
 of  the  Holy  Ghoft ;  fo  tefiifying  the  Truth  of  the  Gofpel  they 
 have  taught,  and  admitting  the  Baptized  into  the  Family  of 
 Chrift*  to  be  his  Scholars- to  iearn  of  him.  And  for  fuch  as 
 are  come  to  the  knowledge  and  profeffion  of  Chrift  in  his  iffcuM**** 
 Family,  to  break  bread ,  and  fo  to  eat  and  drink  together  ae-  21>z6- 
 cording  to  his  inftitution  in  remembrance  of  his  death ,  and 
 .  tO  fhew  it  forth  till  he  come. 
 
 4.  And  for  their  better  profiting  in ,    and  ufe  of  all  thtfe 
 
 helps ,  to  have  their  affemblings  together  for  fellowship  in  ^wms.ij, 
 the  Gofpel,  that  fothey  may  grow  in  Faith  and  Love,  and  in  J/W*  ■ c^*5* 
 Union  and  Fellowfhip  with  God  and  Chrift  ,  andoneano-  &\^aii.Heb, 
 ther,and othe/s  be  (iiil  brought  in  to  God  fey  them,  ancj  Hub-  io.zj. 
 born  ,  and  criminal  Offenders  (hut  ot*t  of  thax  Feilowfhip  till 
 they  repent. 
 
 M  m  2  And 
 
i6o        Ofthofe  reborn  (jod  hath  appointed 
 
 x£w.».x*.  &     And  this  the  Preaching ,   and  thefe  the  helps  for  carryin* 
 3.1/.  on  th*  bufinefs:  but  who  is  fofficient  for  thefc  things }   it  is 
 
 therefore  good  to  confider  who  they  be ,  that  in  this  Reve- 
 lation of  Chrift,  (Bod  didpurpofe,  and  in  his  purpofe  pre- 
 aporove,  and  fo  chufe  for  this  bufinefs ;  and  how  he  hath  fur- 
 niOied  themfochofen,  which  is  alfo  in  this  Revelation  nude 
 
 known. 
 
 Chap,   i  I . 
 
 Of  thofe  whom  God  hath  appointed  and  chofe  n  to  this  lufi- 
 nejffor  declaring  his  Namey  and  fhewing  forth  his  waif  e$ 
 to  this  end  ,  for  Convincementy  Conner jion^  and  Edifica- 
 tion. 
 
 XX^E  do  finde  in  the  Scripture ,  that  thefe  are  in  fome  re- 
 
 fpeft  of  two  forts ;  though  in  refpe&  of  Faith,  and  that 
 
 Jf  4.5.1.13 ,14,  miniftred,one;and  fo  he  chofe  firft  and  primely  thofe  that  were 
 
 if, irf.jfafe.ij.i,  brought  in  by  his  ownperfonal  Miniftration  ,  and  the  firft 
 
 **£^7'10>Truftcrs  in  him  after  his  Refurre&ion  ,  to  be  the  Beginners 
 
 1  *'z*'      and  Layers  of  the  Foundation ,  and  Recorders  of  the  Go- 
 
 fpel  thus  revealed ;  and  likewife  together  with  them ,  and  to 
 
 be  after  them ,  all  thofe  that  (hould  through  his  Word  mi- 
 
 niftred  by  thefe  firft  Witneffes  be  brought  in  to  believe  on 
 
 him,  to  carry  this  bufinefs  an  end,  to  the  fame  end,  till  his 
 
 coming  again.      And  this  appears  deer  in  the  Scripture  : 
 
 for, 
 
 I.  He  chofe  for  this  bufinefs  thofe  that  were  brought  in 
 
 by  his  own  immediate  and  perfonal  Minift ration ,  and  receiv- 
 
 M*r.3-MM>*&  theCSofpcl  immediately  from  himfelf,   having  feenand 
 
 if  ,*,&c  Luk.  heard  him  perfonally  ;  and  fo  were  to  be  the  Trufters  in  him 
 
 «.i&ty*f.    after  his  Refurreaion :   he  chofe  them  not  as  they  were  the 
 
 Sons  of  i/fdam^  and  born  of  fnch  natural  Parents ,    and  had 
 
 of  them  fuch  Names,  though  they  were  fuch ,  andhadfuch 
 
 Names;  but  as  they  were  his  Called,  and  believed  on  him, 
 
 tven  fo,  and  as  fuch  he  thofe  them  :  and  fo  it  h  hid  of  them 
 
 he 
 
— 
 
 to  declare  his  3s(amt->.  %6i 
 
 he  chofe  to  be  Apoftles,  they  were  firft  his  called  Difciples, 
 4nd  then  he  after  called  and  chofe  them  to  be  Apoftles  ;  and 
 one  of  thefe,  notwithstanding  all  this  Grace  extended ,  was  Joh.4.io.&ir. 
 Falfe-hearted,  and  became  of  the  Devil,  and  loft  himfclf ,  and  *.A&.uii;%*m 
 fo  never  came  to  truft  in  him  after  his  Rcfurrc&ion ;  but  ano-  Rev-y* »4 -zi- 
 ther of  his  Difciplcs  ,  that  fo  trufted  in  him ,  had  that  place  I5'x  '** 
 and  office  of  his  :  for  thofc  in  and  with  him  in  this  bufinefs 
 approved  of  him,  are  called,  and  chofen,  and  faithful  :  and 
 of  thefe,  of  his  firft  Witncfles  ,  he  faith ,  You  have  not  chofen 
 me ,  but  I  have  chofen  j ou  ,  that  yon  fhould go  ,  and  bring  forth  {'  lw'/io  i' 
 fruit,  and  that  jour  fruit  jhould  remain.     And  again  ,  Ye  are  not  x,i7.g!i£).h! 
 of  the  worldy  but  J  have  chofen  jou  out  of  the  world  ,  &C    And  1 2^1 7. 1  cor.?. 
 as  fuch,  he  prayed  for  them ,  that  they  might  be  fitted,  pre-  uft$S**ML 
 fcrved  and  blefled  in  their  Miniftration.     And  fo  likewite  he  l0*1**- 
 appointed  feventy  others  to  go  before  his  Face ,    to  evange- 
 lize.    And  thus  alfo  Paul  was  chofen  to  be  one  of  thefe  ftrlt 
 Witncfles,  and  an  Apoftle  ;  and  proves  his  Apoftlefhip  by 
 this ,   That  he  received  the  Gofpel  immediately  from  the 
 Lord,  and  that  he  had  feen  the  Lord.    And  this  the  Apoftle 
 affirms  of  all  the  firft  Witneffes,  that  fawand  heard  Chrift  af- 
 ter his  Refurre&ion ,    That  they  were  witncfles  chofen 
 before  of  God ,   and  precious ,    and  commanded  by  him  to 
 preach  unto  the  people,  and  teftifie,  &c.  fo  that  of  this  firft 
 fort  there  is  no  queftion. 
 
 2,  He  alfo  in  this  choice,  did  alfo  chufe  for  carrying  an  end 
 this  bufinefs  till  his  coming  again ,   thofe ,  and  all  thofe  (ap- 
 proving onely  thofe")  that  in  believing  his  Word,  as  delivered 
 and  left  upon  record:  by  his  Apoftles,  are  by  his  grace  brought 
 in  believing  on  him,  to  be  united,  and  built  on  him,and  fo  to 
 have  his  Word  in  their  Heart.  And  this  is  exprefs,That  thefe  1  Pw.2.3,4,*, 
 are  thefpiritual  hcufe,  and  holy  Priefthood,the  chofen  Gene-  j.Jfts*.*M* 
 ration,and  peculiar  peoplc,called  out  of  darknefs  into  his  mar-  *u>z>3>*- 
 vellous  light ,  to  offer  up  his  acceptable  Sacrifices  to  God  by 
 Jefus  Chrift ,   and  (hew  forth  the  praifes,  according  to  what 
 was  fore-prophefed  of  fuch :  whence  that  hope  of  the  Apo- 
 ftle to  be  enlarged  by  the  Corinthians  •  and  that  acknowledge- 1  ~ 
 ment  with  thanksgiving  of  the  Word ,  founded  out  to  others  7 
 
 by  the  Thejfalonians,  and  their  edifying  one  another,  to  which  irhefa^&u 
 be  ftill  exhorts  them  (for  Officers  in  outward  Congregations,  11,14.  V  ' 
 
 lam 
 
2&i    Of  thofe  whom  Cfodhath  appointed,  dec. 
 
 I  am  not  yet  to  fpeak,but  as  they  are  one  with  the  unfeigned 
 Believers  thus  united  to  thrift)  wHo  as  they  are  admonlffied 
 
 Rom.n.$.  in  their  fpeaking  or  Miniftration,  notto  prefume  beyond  ttje 
 meafure  of  Faith  dealt  to  them ;  fo  they  are  exhorted  accord- 
 
 iPct.^.ioyii.  ing  to  the  gift  they  have  received,  tqrminitierthe  fame  one  ro 
 another ,  as  good  Stewards  of  the  manifold  Grace  of  God ; 
 and  if  any  man  fpeak,to  fpeak  as  the  Oracles  of  God ;  yea,and 
 
 Mat.  YiVll' *D  the midft  of  a  crookc^  Generation,^ ftiine  forth  as  Lights, 
 
 iCor.1%.7!  and  hold  forth  the  Word  of  Life, as  Jefus  Chrift  bade.  And 
 fo  the  Manifestation  of  the  Spirit  is  faid  to  be  ^iven  to  every 
 Man  to  profit  withal  1.  And  indeed,  the  Houfe  being  of 
 God's  building,  and  not  Man's,  by  a  Rule  ;  for  fo  was  the 
 old  Tabernacle  :  and  Chrift  being  the  Minifter  of  this  San- 
 ctuary, the  High-Prieft ,  that  is,  the  Prophet  and  the  fpiritual 
 Man,thathath  none  but  fpiritual  Friefts  to  attend  his  fervice, 
 there  being  a  change  of  the  Priefthood ,    that  Layy  is  a.lfo 
 
 Heb.7.11.  changed,  and  we  have  from  Chrift  now  no  Priefts  by  a  na- 
 tural birth  or  lineal  defcent ,   but  by  a  fpiritual  birth  onely ; 
 
 Ffa.6$.u.  Pro.  none  by  worldly  Power,  and  Documents ,  and  Order :  but 
 
 *.i;^3>43*.  by  the  Teachings  and  Calling  of  Chrift  by  the  Spirit  of 
 Grace. 
 
 Rut  for  thefe two  Points,  that  is,  The  means  of  carry- 
 ing forth  the  Gofpel,  and  the  Inftruments  approved  and 
 •  chofen  thereto  by  God  in  Chrift,  we  may  yet  fee  much  more 
 in  the  next  and  laft  Point,  which  fol/oweth  next  to  be 
 fpoken  of,  namely,  The  Furniture  wherewith  he  hath 
 furnifhed  them ,  and  that  with  fulnefs  of  fpiritual  blei- 
 ,  fingsboth  in  knowledge,  grace,  vyifdom,  and  underftanding ; 
 and  alfo  with  fpiritual  gifts,  of  which  now. 
 
 Chap. 
 
z6} 
 
 . , 1 . . ■ — 
 
 'Chap.    12. 
 
 Of ,t]je  Future  of  far  itud  kief  sings,  the.  chef  en  whneffes. 
 
 THe  choice  and  bleffed  Furniture  of  the  firft  Witneffes  of 
 this  Revelation,is  fet  forth  by  the  Apofxle  in  Efhefi  ,& 
 2, &  gf &  4  Chapter v  fully  and  deer) y  :  Ephef.  ie  i-n.  he  , 
 
 begins'  wi;n  magnifying  the  Grace  of  God  given  him  to  mi-  ^z]f^^ 
 niftery  and  the  Office  of  ,   and  Furniture  for  the  Apoft  lefhip  13.  \  If,  [\  ^ 
 given  him,   as  he  did  to  the  %omans  and  others ,  but  here  ii.Gal.ui,u. 
 more  Abundantly  ;   and  in  viewing  the  Excellencies  he  was*  Tit.i.i3i^. 
 to  fpeak  of,  he- begins  with  Thanksgiving ,  Blejfed  bc-Cjod  the  EpheJ.1.3. 
 Father  of  our  Lord  Jefm  Chrifi,  who  hath  blejfed  us  with  afrfpi; 
 ritual 'bUffin^s  (that  is ,  of  Knowledge,  Fakh,Righfe*ufneis, 
 Peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghotfy  with  all  heavenly  Riches, 
 and  fitnefs  to  difnlay  them  )  in  heavenly  places  ,    or  things  in  re   p 
 Christ;  (  that  is,  above  and  better  then  our  Fathers  of  old,  c^  ^r~ 
 
 who  had  not  heavenly  places  and  things ,  but  earthy,  mate-     *  ^8 
 rial  Temple,  Alrar,  Mercy-Seat,  High  Prieft,  Sacrifices,  In- 
 cerife,  Purification*,  &c%   yea  ,  and  all  dirtinci  ,  not  one  the 
 other,  but  each  feveral  and  divided  :  but  we  have  a  fpiritual 
 and  heavenly  Temple,  Altar,  Mercy-Seat,  High- Prieft,  Sacri- 
 fice, Incenfe, Purification;  yea,  Tather^  Brother,  Sonfhip, 
 Fellowship,  &c  and  all  thefe  one.,  and  in  one,  even  in  Chfift)  col.  2.$3io.  & 
 in  that  preparation  made,and  Furniture  given  us  in  Chrift,  in  3-**- 
 whom  was  fulnefs  of  provision  made,  for  extending  Grace  in 
 the  feveral  Revelations  of.him ,    for  the  feveral  Minirtrations 
 of  him  in  the  feveral  Ages  of  the  World  ,  (  as  hath  been 
 ftiewn)  and  fo  for  this  laft  Age  of  the  World  after  his  Refur-  aTiw.  r.  9,1©. 
 re&ion,in  which  he  purpofed  the  firft  Trufters  in  Chrift  to  be  i^.'w9' 
 his  choice  Minifters ;  and  in  that  purpofe,  all  this  Grade  was  \^yf%Jf  £^'3*. 
 given  us  in  Chrift,betore  the  World  began -but  fince  his  Refur*  i^f.Ephi^ 
 re£tfon,fo  revealed  and  manifefted  to  us,  as  never  was  to  any 
 before.    And  this  verf.A.  sAccordin?  ai  he  hath  chofen  n$  in  him 
 
 (thefe 
 
1 6 4.  Of  the  /piritual  <Blefiings 
 
 (thefe  words  may  be  taken  cobe  read ,  is  in  a  Parenthefis, 
 for  an  aftnal  Eleftion ;  which  was  indeed  ptfled  on  them,  and 
 in  that  choice  they  received  nothing ,  but  what  was  prepared 
 in  Chrift  for  them  before  the  Foundation  of  the  World :  and 
 this  is  a  good  and  true  reading  and  fenfe ;  and  fo  is  this  that 
 follows ,  if  we  take  the  words  for  God  's  fore-purpofe  and 
 pre-approbation  of  thefe  firft  Trufters  in  Chrift,  and  fo  take 
 them  without  a  Parenthesis)  before  the  foundation  of  the  world% 
 ■  ' r  '4*  that  we  jk oh  Id  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love.    It  '5 
 
 cleer  hefpeaks  hereof  fomething,  wherein  they  were  prefer- 
 red before  the  Inftruments  in  former  Miniftrations  :  for  to 
 be  holy  and  unblameable  before  him  in  love ,  (hall  one  day 
 Eph.  i.  i$,i*,  bc  lhc  p0rti0II  0f  aii  tr)c  Saints  from  firft  to  laft.     And  of 
 faults  deierving  blame  in  converfation ,   the  belt  Saints  on 
 Kom.j.  Gal.i.  Earth  have  not  been  altogether  free;  yea,  the  Apoftles  con- 
 Jam.$.i.%cor.  fefs,  That  they  were  not :  But  here  hefpeaks  of  their  Mini- 
 3-3V4.  ftration,  and  the  Teftament  they  were  Minifters  of,  as  he  did 
 
 elfcwhere.  And  fo  iMofcs  in  his  Miniftration  was  faithfol 
 in  all  his  Houfe  as  a  Servanr,and  i/faron  the  Saint  of  the  Lord: 
 but  the  Law  and  Teftament  they  miniftred,made  nothing 
 if eb  'lil'*0*'  Vtzfc&  5  lt  **s  wc*k  through  the  fle(h :  therefore  God  icne 
 &\\4fiu&l'.™*Son>)&cm  and  faulting  the  former  Covenant,  he 
 x4,if'e>iM>  changed ,  and  took  away  that  Law ,  and  hath  brought  in  a 
 io-  New  Covenant,  eftablifticd  on  better  promifes,  which  Chrift 
 
 minifters  by  thefe  chofen  WitnciTcs  ;  fo  that  they  needed  a* 
 bundance  of  Furniture ,  and  were  indeed  fo  abundantly  fur* 
 nifhed ,  that  in  Love, and  Declaration  of  his  Love,  by  an  un- 
 erring Spirit  ,  they  were  nn-erringly  led  in  this  excellent  mi- 
 niftration, holy  and  tmblameable,in  miniftring  of  an  holy  and 
 unblameable  Covenant  before  him  in  Love,  which  they  have 
 left  upon  record  ;  which  did  we  more  believe,  we  fliould 
 more  prize  the  Gofpel,  with  the  fayings  in  it  left  upon  record 
 J9bx,T-  by  them.      But  he  proceeds ,  verf}.  Having  predestinated 
 
 m  to  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jefiu  Chrift  to  himfelf,  according 
 u  the  good  p/eafure  of  hit  will.  Note  well  the  words :  he  faith 
 not)  Having  predeflinated  Hi  to  be  adept ed  children  ;  for  they 
 were  in  election ;  and  being  chofen,  (whether  in  purpofe  or 
 aft)  as  much  adopted  as  chofen :  for  fure  that  Phrafe  ,  Mine 
 jft.ii, i.        E/eftin  whom  my  font  delight  eth ,  is  well  and  truely  rendered, 
 
 My 
 
the  cfofen  yt>itne(fes  are  indued  mtk       265 
 
 My  beloved  in  whom  my  foal  tr  weUpleafed^nd,  is  the  fame  with  MatAll%. 
 that,  This  is  my  beloved  fon  in  whom  I  am  wellpleafed,     Befides,  Mat. 3.17.^17. 
 Adoption  is  oncly  in  Chrilt  J efus,  and  had  in  receiving  and  J-  ijeb.^.io, 
 having  him,  as  Eternal  Life  is  ;  and  no  other  way  :  and  yet  l*'**\  Gal'Jj; 
 father ,   A  doption  and  Acceptation  to  Sonfhip  in  Chrilt ,  is )  £  CrimU- 
 in  a  peculiar  manner  the  work  of  God  the  Father ,   that  cal-  j^.^44  jam. 
 jeth,  and  draweth ,  and  begetteth  to  Chrift.     And  the  com-  i.i».>kiJ*» 
 rnunication  of  the  Dignitie  and  Priviledges  of  Sons ,  is  in  a  ljh*A2,'i*Z9 
 peculiar  manner  the  work  of  JefusChrift  the  Son  ;  as  it  is  in  lRmK^[  '*  ' 
 a  peculiar  manner  the  work  of  the  holy  Spirit  to  witnefs  it ; 
 befides,  Adoption  is  a  thing  to  be  minitfred,  and  did,  though 
 not  fo  cleerly ,  appertain  to  the  Jews  under  LMofes  Miniftra- 
 tion.    So  vhat  it  is  evident  here,  That  in  faying,  Having  pre- 
 dcHinzted  in  to  the  adoption  offons ,  he  points  out  the  more 
 deer  bulineis  in  their  Miniftrarion  they  vvere  predeftinated 
 to  (as  predestination  relateth  alfo  to  the  means ,    as  well  as 
 the  perfon  and  end  )  and  that  is  here  the  Adoption  of  Chil- 
 dren by  Jeibs  Chrii-,  in  which  the  way  is  pointed  out,  a  more 
 cleer  one  then  ever  was  in  former  Minitirations,by  preaching 
 JefusChrift  according  to  the  Revelation  of  the  Myftery :  and  Rom.\6.i$yi6. 
 fo  the  Gofpel  is  called,  The  Word  of  Reconciliation ;  and  *^.s.»8,>9> 
 the  Miniftery  of  it,  The  Miniftery  of  Reconciliation  :    and  1Q' 
 both  committed  to  them  for  that  end.      Whence  they  faid  in 
 Minitf  ration,  to  be  fent  to  open  ihe  eyes, and  turn,  &c%  that 
 they  mi^ht  receive  forgivenefs  of  fins,  and  inheritance,  c^r.^*1*17'18' 
 whence  our  Saviour  faith  of  them,  I  have  chofen  you  ,  and  or-  70htl.*'16- 
 dainedyou  ,    that  yon  (hottld  go  and,  bring  forth  fruit,  Sec.  and 
 what  fruit  that  is,    is  to  be  ieen  in  the  commitfion  ^5'2S^i2tf, 
 them:  fothat  they  were  appointed  to  Adoption  ,  that  is,  in  ku\*%i6. 
 Miniftrationof  the  Son  to  bring  men  in  to  the  Faith  of  the  Son 
 of  God,  and  fo  to  Sonfliip  or  Adoption. 
 
 Andthis  by  JefusChrift,  that  is,  by  abiding  in  him ,  and^.i  $. 
 fo  preaching  and  witnefling  him,  and  to  Repentance  and  Re-  jWm  t  .4,7,*, 
 roiffion  of  fins  in  his  Name,  to  draw  men  in  to  him,  as  hath  *7.**t.*4.47» 
 beenihewn:  and  thisunto  himfelf ,  to  draw  to  him,  unite  48,  WMt* 
 to,  and  inamour  with  him,  that  he  may  have  their  heart,  and  hXi?!*.'!' 
 the  praiie:  fuch  the  end  of  their  Minillration  and  FurniVure,iC^.s.zo.  '& 
 and' fo  of  their  preaching  :  fo  they  fay,  We  pray  yon  mChrifls 
 fieadybe  ye  reconciled  to God;  and,    Wehave  cftotifedjontooxc 
 
 N  n  hmbsrd 
 
 II.::. 
 
%6  6  Of  the  fpiritual  TSleftngs 
 
 bmfaftdy  even  Chrift.    Thus  was  their  Miniftratioa  to  the  A- 
 doption  of  Children  by  Jefus  Chrift  to  hknfelf  ;  and  herein 
 far  above  the  Miniftration  of  Mofts  and  A*ren  >   and  ail  the 
 Levitical  PrieShood  ,  and  their  Law :  for  though  their  A- 
 doption  appertained  to  them,  and  their  Miniftration  was 
 co  bring  Men  to  God ,    and  lb  to  be  Sons  and  Tutor- 
 Sons  ;  yet  it  was  not  with  fuch  a  cleer  Revelation  of  Chrift, 
 bat  by  Types,  and  Shadows,  and  Prophefies  of  him  to  come ; 
 Gal*4.i,7.  &  and  by  Circumci(ion,ftill  holding  out  the  Gentiles  as  Grangers 
 4%'lJoT\*i4,*0  ^^^  Pf  iviledges  ^  and  binding  even  the  Circumcifion  to 
 15,1*6,17.^  fach  obiervances  of  outward  Rites ,  that  they  were  kept  ftili 
 31,35.  in  a  kinde  of  bondage  ;  fo,  as  they  were  under  Tutors  and 
 
 Governours  as  Servants  ,  fo  as  themoft  upright  that  were  in 
 Grace  and  not  of  works  of  the  Law,  yet  were  they  tinder  the 
 Law:  but  this  Miniftration  is  of  Grace  onely  ,  and  of  Free- 
 Afaui.ii.  *£V.  dom  ,  and  leads  thereto  :   yea,  even  John  *s  Miniftration, 
 4.4.  though  before,  and  above  all  the  former ,   yet  (hort  of  this ; 
 
 this  being  a  glorious  Minift ration  of  a  glorious  Gofpel,  to  a 
 EPb.i.fr         glorioufly  gracious  end  ,   even  the  Adoption  of  Children  by 
 Jefus  Chrift  unto  God,  according  to  the  good  pieafure  of  his 
 will,  not  onely  according  to  his  will,  and  the  pieafure  of  his 
 will;  for  fo  were  all  the  former  Mi  Orations  :  but  through 
 R$m  8.3.  tcsr.  Men**  weakneffes  they  did  not  fo  profit ,   nor  were  to  comi- 
 3.5,14.  Heb.i\  nue  but  for  a  time,till  Chrift  had  offered  up  the  Sacrifice  •  and 
 &%>&9j2no.fo  were  not  approved  for  continuance  andperfeSine  the 
 Saints.     Put  his  delight  is  in  his  Son  ,  and  the  cleer  Reve- 
 lation of  him,  and  that  Menihould  love  and  honour  him,  and 
 fo  come  to  God  by  him  ;  and  of  this  their  Minift  ration ,  and 
 if#r.  i.i4>i  S>  f0  this  Mimftration  to  continue  till  his  coming  again ,    vvith 
 
 llV'l?.il1' whkh  hc  is  wcl1  Plcafcd :  fo  that  a!1  t.he  cfficacics  of  k  *  ac 
 **"    4'         to  him  a  fweet  favour.    This  the  choice  and  good  pieafure  of 
 
 his  will ,  according  to  which  they  were  to  minifter,  and  cid 
 
 miniver;  and  both  his  choice  of  them,    and  furriftiins:  of 
 
 them  to  his  Minift  ration,  and  their  fo  miniftring  to  bring  Men 
 
 iph.i.€.        ^  Chrift  to  Sonlhip ,  was  for  this  glorious  end,  Verf  6.  To 
 
 the  praift  of  the  glory  of  his  grace.     The  Grace  of  God  was 
 
 from  the  beginning, and  teftified  in  his  works  and  word*  and 
 
 he  praifed  for  it  by  his  Servants  :  but  the  riches  and  glori- 
 
 tufaefs  of  it, was  but  dimly  ieen^n  refpe&  of  what  indeed  ic 
 
 is. 
 
the  chofen  mtneffes  are  endued  mth.      ztjj 
 
 is;  nor  did  ic  fo  appear,  till  the  Son  wasmanifeftcd,tillhe 
 
 came  and  was  thus  revealed  ,   and  that  God  fpake  by  him, 
 
 and  manifefted  himfelf  through  him,  who  is  the  Ima^e  of  the  coUis.He^u 
 
 invifibleGod,the  brightnefs  of  his  glory,  thcexprcis  Image  \^\l0^'lAt 
 
 of  his  perfon  ,  who  hath  declared  him  ;    fo  that  God  that     ' 
 
 commanded  the  Light  to  fhinc  out  of  darknefs,  Qiined  in  the 
 
 Hearts  of  thefe  firft  Witncfles  the  Light  of  the  Glory  of  God,   ~r    -  Cq[  t 
 
 in  the  Face  of  Jefus  Chrirt,  revealing  the  Riches  of  the  Glory  %6,%7.Rm.'6. 
 
 of  this  Myrtery,  &c  as  formerly  had  not  been  revealed  to  ifj**.  Epij. 3. 
 
 others;  yea,  the  largenefs  of  this  Riches,  and  extention  of  *>7- 
 
 it  to  all  Mankinde  in  Miniftration,that  they  might  participate; 
 
 fo  as  they  were  for  the  praife  and  praifiag ,  and  their  Mini-  lCcr ,  10  & 
 
 ftration  for  declaring ,   extolling  and  praifing  the  glorious  7.1PCM.4, 
 
 largenefs,  riches  and  freenefs  of  his  Grace ,  and  to  occafion 
 
 and  bring  others  to  glorifie  and  praife  the  fame  together 
 
 with  them :  in  which  free  and  abundant  Grace ,  or,  as  (till  in 
 
 vtrf.6.  Wherein  he  hath  made  tu  Accented  in  the  beloved^  which  Epb.1.6. 
 
 is  as  much  ,   as  in  more  words  to  fay ,  That  in  the  difcovery 
 
 of  his  glorious  Grace  in  Cbritt  to  us ,  and  (hedding  it  abroad  f '^:  *' I'^' 
 
 in  our  h  arcs,he  hath  therein  and  thereby  reconciled  us  (who  l^^i'^Vy' 
 
 were  finners  as  others  are)  unto  himfelf ,  and  Co  made  u>  ac-  1 8,19,20! 
 
 cep:ed  inChrit*  the  Beloved,  and  counted  us  fail hful ,    and  lTm- x  **^a 
 
 paijUsintheMiniilery;  lb  as  wehave  feenand  known  what  ■L4M,l6,7 
 
 we  preach,  and  have  oar  felves  experience  of  that  we  preach  k.i^*      h 
 
 to  others  ,    being  alfo  patterns  vet  forth  of  God  for  them 
 
 that  believe  r    he  having  committed  to  us ,  and  put  in  us 
 
 the  word  of  Reconciliation ,    and  by  that  lar^c  and  free 
 
 Love  of  his,  filled  our  Hearts  with  Love  andDefire,  that 
 
 others  may  participate  of  the  fame  ;  and  fo  anfwered  that 
 
 Prayer  made  for  u:,  Joh.i  7.1 1 32o,  by  Chrill  Jefn*. 
 
 Verf.  7.  In  whom  we  h,ive  redemption  thfottgh  his  blood  ,  the  Epb.1.7. 
 foryivsnefi  of  fnsy  according  to  the  riches  of  fas  grace.  The 
 Redemption  here  fpoken  of,is  explicated,by  the  medium,  his 
 blood  (applied,)  the  thing  it  felf,  the  forgivenefs  of  (ins,*nd 
 the  manner,  according  to  the  Riches  of  hi*  Grace,and  fomore 
 full  then  what  believers  in  former  times  received,who  had  the 
 application  mediately  by  other  blood,  figuring  out  his  blood, 
 as  then  yet  to  be  died,  and  yet  faort  of  that  full  and  com- 
 plex Redemption  that  is  (Uil  to  be  waited  for:  of  which,  this 
 
 Nn  2  is 
 
Z(J8  The  Ipiritual  'Blefiings 
 
 is  a  firft  fruits  and  felling  confirmation  of  it  to  us.     And  of 
 the  having  Redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgivenefs  of 
 rtw.j.ijMjfjfuiSjismorethen  having  received  forgivenefs  of  their  own 
 s3io,u.eH.2.  finS  in  their  own confcicnces ,  and  fo freedom  from  the  bon- 
 i^Vio  4?  dageof  theLaw,and  Justification  through  his  blood  ,  and  fo 
 *'  peace  with  God,  and  zeeck  to  him  in  this  Grace  and  Hope  of 
 Gjory  ;  which  indeed  they  had ,  and  were  thereby  filled 
 with ,  and  fitted  by  experiments  of  his  Grace.    But  having, 
 here  lignifieth  both  all  this ,  and  fomthing  more  then  all  thir, 
 even  fomething  wherein  they  were  preferred  before  all  the 
 Minifters  that  went  before  them.     Thefc  having  in  Chrift,  in 
 the  word  of  Chrift  ,  as  given  them ,   the  word  of  Reconci- 
 c«/.i.  14^,10,  liation,  in  which  all  this  is  brightly  difcovetedin  him :  and  fo 
 *i»»t,i3.i£fa i£  the  Minirtration  given  them,    they  have   the  Redem- 
 Ukxl trM  P"on  complcated  by  him  in  himfelf  for  Men,  and  there- 
 Att'\S.3%.Rom.'in  Remiffion  of  (ins ,  to  preach  to  others  in  his  Name, 
 3.i$3i7ji8.c^that  fo  by  Faith  in  his  Blood,  they  alfo  may  receive  the 
 **•  fame,    Romans  ;.  24,  25.     cAEls  10.  43.  &  26.  18.  yea, 
 
 even  by  Faith  in  his  Blood  ,  without  outward  Circumcifion, 
 or  underingto  the  works  of  the  Law* ;  fo  glorious  the  Mini- 
 ftration  he  hath  given  them,  and  they  have  to  difplay, 
 not  according  to  the  works  of  the  Law  ,  but  according 
 to  the  Riches  of  his  Grace*  And  this  fence  appears  by  the 
 next  following  words  cleerly  to  be  here  meant. 
 HpJvi  .8.  Ver(.  8.  Wherein  he  hath  abounded  towards  us  in  all  wifdom  and 
 
 prudence.    This  cleerly  appears  not  to  be  the  wifdom  of  the 
 
 Jjft****1,  World  >  or  of  che  Princcs  of  this  World>  or  their  prudence, 
 which  cometh  to  nought  •    yea,  with  all  their  wifdom,  they 
 iC#r.i.t;iC*M.  have  not  known  this  wifdom :  but  as  Chrift  is  the  Wifdom  of 
 *4-  Ctf/.z.3,9.Q0(j)ancjthepowcrofQO(J?  in  whom  are  hid  and  treafured 
 up  all  the  treafures  of  wifdom  and  knowledge,  the  fnlnefs  of 
 8  11  it  tnc  Godhead    dwelling   in    him    bodily,    he  being   im- 
 ///Mi.i.^41.  meafurably  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghoft ,    the  Spirit  of  Wif- 
 1,8.  ^i.ijz,  dom  and  Knowledge,  to  fend  forth,  and  it  flowing  from  him^ 
 $,4*J*b.it*69  and  thu  Spirit  teftifying  of  him ,  and  enabling  rightly  to  ce- 
 17'  ftifie  of  him.      When  the  Apoftle  pr ayes  for  the  Ephejians^ 
 
 EpbAAf&jip.  thatGodwould  grant  to  them  the  Spirit  of  wifdom  and  Re- 
 velation in  the  Knowledge  of  Chri  t,  that  loin  the  know- 
 ledge of  that  Obieft  unbared  ,   and  their  eyes  opened  and 
 
 firengthened 
 
the  chofen  JVitnejJes  are  endued  with.     id£ 
 
 ftren°thened  to  behold,  they  might  Tec  the  hope  of  hiscaU 
 ling  them   ( in  this  Miniftradon, )  &c    and  ir  being  the^wii- 
 dom  of  the  prudent  to  underhand  his  way  ,  fo  it  is  manifeft,  ^.ifft 
 that  here  by  all  wifdom  and  prudence  he  meaneth  ,  the  im- 
 parting and  giving  into  them  the  cleer  knowledge  of  Chrift, 
 and  the  things  of  Chrift,  and  fo  of  his  Minde,according  to  the 
 Revelation  of  the  Myftery,  and  ability  to  declare  the  fame  by  icar.i.^io^ 
 the  Holy  Ghoft,  as  effewhere  he  expreffeth  himfelf  to  mean ;  l*>1* 
 and  fo  by  abounding  towards  us,  he  openeth  himfelf  to  Rm  . 
 
 mean,hc  hath  given  more  abundantly  to  us,  an d revealed  the  zPcil[$%l 
 Myftery  more  fully  to  us,  and  fitted  us  to  manifeft  the  fame  c0L  \.U^7% 
 in  all  wifdom  and  prudence ,   more  then  ever  he  did  to  a-  Epb.$.V 
 ny  of  the  Sons  of  Men ,    or  any  his  Servants  in  former 
 Ages :  and  this  to  be  the  meaning,  is  fully  cieered  in  the  next 
 words. 
 
 Verf.  9.  Having  made  known  unto  hi  the  myftery  of  hit  W&Eph.i:*; 
 according  to  his  good  pleafvre  ,    which  he  had  purpofed  in  himfelf. 
 Having  ,    faith  he  ,    made  known  to  us  the  myftery  of  his  willy  ^^^  C0/.4. 
 which  is  called  alfo  ,  The  Myftery  of  Chrift ,  The  M/ftery  of  3.  ^.3.9,1* 
 the  Gofpei,  The  Myftery  of  Faith,  The  Myftery  of  Godlinefs,  £•*•*•*•   Luk 
 yea,  The  M/ftery  of  God ,  even  of  the  Father  and  of  Chrift  :  j£ '  **^£ 
 in  which  alfo  the  Myfteries  of  the  Kingdom  of  God:  all  4.^.  *  ' 
 which  was  given  to  them  to  know  ;  and  theie  were  made 
 Stewards  of  the  Myfteries  of  God  thus  made  known  to  them, 
 as  he  faith,  Having  made  known  to  us  the  myftery  of  his  will^ac-  £t>fr,i.$« 
 cording  to  the  good  pie  a  fare  which  he  had  purpofed  in  himfelf  This 
 of  it  fclf  clears  up  to  us  all;  God  working  all  things  according 
 to  thecounfel  of  his  will,  in  which  is  his  purpofe  ;  he  having- 
 at hrftfo prepared  inChrift,  and. ordered  for  the feveral Re- 
 velations of  hkn ,   and  the  Mini  Jers  with  their  furniture  in 
 the  feveral  Ages  ,  to  carry  the  fame  forth  ,  he  then  for  thefe 
 laft  times  purpofed  this  great  andeleer  Revelation  of  Chrift; 
 andthe  firftTrufters  in  him  after  his  Refurre&ion,  to  be  his 
 chofen  Wicntffes,  and  to  be  thus  furnifhed ;  and  according  to 
 this  purpofe  inhim'elf,be  hath  thus  chofen  and  furnifhed  them 
 to  this  gracious  end :  in  which,  this  fenfe  doth  farther  appear 
 by  that  before  and  following. 
 
 Verf.  1  o.  That  in  the  dfpenfation  of  the  fulnef  of  times,  he  Ej>b,i.tv. 
 might  gather  together  in  one  ,  all  things  in  Chrift ,    both  which  are 
 
 in 
 
%fo  Of  the  foritual'Blef sings 
 
 in  heaven ,  and  which  are  on  etrthy  even  in  him.      By  fnlnefi  of 
 
 times ,   he  gives  us  to  underftand ,   is  meant  the  times  after 
 
 TitiAy  that      c  l*mew*s  come  when  JetusChriH  was  come,  and 
 
 hid  differed  and  compleated  chat  prophefied  and  typed  of 
 
 him,  to  be  done  by  him  in  his  firft  coming ,  and  (o  had  given 
 
 his  Word  to  his  Difciples  to  manifeft  him  by  preaching:  and 
 
 io  it  is  faid,   When  thefnfoeP  of  time  was  come,  (jod  fern  forth  hit 
 
 a  -4- 4*5.       Son  made  of  a  woman ,    made  tender  the  Law ,  to  redeem  them 
 
 that  were  nnder  the  Law  ,   that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of 
 
 iPet.uto.      f0HS:  which/*  W/?  of  times,  is  alfo  called  the  Uft  times  ;    be- 
 
 caufe  alio  there  (hall  be  no  more  changes  of  the  manner  of 
 
 tvet.nj.     his  Difpenfation  in  any  other  Revelation  or  Doftrine  of 
 
 K€vao.6,t.&  Chrift ,  but  in  and  by  this ;  and  this  to  be  continued  till  that 
 
 4  Vilb'I^  ?ifibl<:  coa^tPin  of  his,which  is  the  laft  day  and  lift  time, 
 
 &W.Rom.4  !n  W^cn  tnc  wno^c  Myftery  of  God  will  be  finfthed ;  that  be- 
 
 6.   G/X/.4.4!    ing  called,  that  day,  when  will  be  the  fuinefs  of  the  ftature  of 
 
 iPet.u+A.Atf.  Chr/.ft;whcn  all  that  are  to  be  brought  in  to  him  by  fuch  means 
 
 *pY>  "0^]?*  *rccomc  m  to  him,  and  with  him  ;  andfrom  his  firft  coming 
 
 1i,iy&)\.eU  wmcn  w*s  m  due  time,    in  the  beginning  of  the  fulnefs  of 
 
 times,  to  his  next  perfonal  and  vifible  coming,  which  will  be 
 
 at  that  day,  that  is  the  laft  time;  all  between,is  called,  the  laft 
 
 dayes,  the  laft  times  ;  and  here,  the  fulnefs  of  times ,  that 
 
 we  may  be  mindeful  of  and  heed  this  Diipenfation  and  Go- 
 
 fpel  thus  difpenfed  by  the  Apoftles ,  that  proved  all  by  the 
 
 Prophets  alfo  ,  and  to  look  for  no  other  till  Chrift  come  a- 
 
 And  the  end  of  this  glorious  Revelation,  and  glorious  Dif- 
 Bph.  1. 10.      penfation  is,That  by  Chrift  thus  difcovered,  and  as  difcovcred 
 in  it ,  he  might  (hew  forth  in  Chrift ,    and  gather  together  in 
 nth.  1. 1 ,2, $.    onc  ^  cven  jn  chrift ,    all  things  which  are  in  Heaven  and  in 
 1 8  j*'  "^u Earth ,   cvcn  a^  thc  Parce*s  °^  ^is  Mincle  fore-declared  in 
 fMlf.i©1*"  l'lc  heavenly  Proprieties ,  or  by  Dreams  and  Vifions ,  or  by 
 earthy  Types  and  Shadows,  and  that  was  hid  in  Chriit,  now 
 to  be  revealed  and  made  manifeft  together  in  him ,  in  whom 
 God  and  Man  are  one ;  and  Truth  and  Righteoufnefs ,  with 
 Mercy  and  Peace  meet  in  one,  in  him  ;    yea,  in  Temple,  Al- 
 tar, Propitiatory,  Oracle,  Prieft, Sacrifice,  Purification  ;  yea, 
 Htk.  iw»*>Ht  Life  and  Covenant  are  all  in  one,  in  him  j  yea,  in  him  Father, 
 Son,  Spirit  are  all  one ;  yea,  the  worfiupped  and  worshippers 
 
 meet 
 
the  cfrofen  JViinejfes  are  endued  with.     iyt 
 
 meet  in  one  in  him ;  yea,  the  Spirits  of  the  Prophets,  and  A- 
 poftles  ,  and  of  ali  jut*  Men  made  perfect  in  Heaven  ,  and  of 
 til  unfeigned  Believers  on  Earth  ,  meet  in  one  in  him  •  yea,  col.i. \o,n. 
 Faith,  Love,  De  res,Refre(hings  y  all  flow  from  him,and  run 
 into  him,  and  meet  in  one  •  yea,  Jew,  Gentile,  Bond,  Free, 
 Male,  Female,  ali  one  in  him*  and  by  Faith  in  him  ,  come  to 
 enjoy  Union  and  Fellewfhip  in  and  with  him  and  one  ano- 
 ther, and  enjoyment  of  his  blefling  :  and  this  Union  with 
 him,  the  Gof pel  thus  difpenfed,  effeSeth  where  believed. 
 And  thus  to  underftand  this  gathering  together  of  all  things  J7»M.  *•* 
 inChrirttobeofthefethings,  and  this  Uni  n,  we  are  led  by 
 the  3  verf.  and  other  Scriptures ;  fo  that  the  end  of  thisDif. 
 peniation  is  to  let  Men  fee  a  1  in  Chrilt,  and  fo  draw  them  in 
 to  believe  in  him,  to  place  alltheirLove,  Faith,  Defires 
 and  Content  in  him,  and  fo  to  finde  all  their  fatisfa&i- 
 on  in  him ,  and  fo  partake  of  the  Blefling  of  this  Union  in 
 him. 
 
 Verf.  11.  In  whom ,  ( that  i*,  in  Cbrift  )  w  have  obtained  an  Eph.  1 . 1 1. 
 inheritance.-  this  he  fheweth  to  be*they  had  it  in  hope  ;  and  the 
 Holy  Spirit  as  theearneft,  till  the  pcff.flnn  be  given :  and  this 
 they  had  alfo  to  preach  to  others ,  and  affure  all  unfeigned 
 Believers  of  the  fame,  to  be  theirs  in  hope ;  yea,  there  was  a 
 confirmation  of  the  Truth  of  ail  this ,  and  of  the  Blefling  of 
 their  Miniftration  in  the  Ephefiansy  believing  on  their  report, 
 and  being  therein  fealed ,  though  they  had  rot  fo  much  light  ^/•Uii* 
 into  the  Myftery  as  the  Apofties  had,  for  which  he  alfo  prays 
 after  for  them ,  and  explicates  the  Mvftery  to  them,  a*  it 
 was  revealed  to  the  Apotiles ,  both  in  the  Doctrine  and  Ef- 
 fects of  it  in  Believers ,  and  the  Priviledgcs  held  forth  to  all 
 Men  that  they  might  believe,  with  experiments  infbmemea- 
 fare  found  in  all  Believers  ,  which  I  leave  to  be  read  in  the 
 fecond  ar.dthird  Chapters, onely  here  taking  notice  cf  what 
 he  affirms  concerning  all  he  hath  faid  ,  Verf.  11.  That  to  all  ,  x  u 
 this ,  they  were  predeftinated  according  to  the  purpofe  of  '  '  '  v 
 him  that  worketh  all  things  according  to  thecounfelof  his 
 own  will.  Mark  how  he  conclude* ,  and  approves  the  pur- 
 pofe of  God  to  be  fuch  ,  and  his  predeftination  of  them  ac- 
 cording to  his  purpofe ,  even  from  bis  works  in  them ,  that 
 God  having  fo  chofen,  and  bleffcd,  and  fumifhed  thenvabove 
 
 all 
 
zyi  Of  the  jpiritual  Wef sings 
 
 all  his  former  Servants  ,  and  put  them  in  this  Miniftration 
 for  fuch  a  Difpenfation  ,  ^  and  confirmed  it  with  fuch  Blei- 
 (ings;  he  working  nothing  at  randome,  but  all  things  ac- 
 cording to  the  counfel  of  his  own  will :  This  is  an  evidence 
 that  fuch  was  God's  purpofe,  and  according  to  his  purpofe  did 
 he  predeftinate  us  to  all  this,  to  this  end  , 
 
 Eph  i.ii.  ^rf* 1 1*'Tkat  w*(we  ib  ele&ed  and  furnifhed,according  as  we 
 
 were  predeftinated,  that  we)  fhould  to  be  the  prat fe  ofhisglory^ 
 (we  in  our  Miniftration  in  this  Difpenfation,  fetting  forth  his 
 glorious  rich  Grace  in  and  through  Chrift ,  as  never  was  be- 
 fore) (hould  lay  the  Foundation  ,  and  deliver  the  Doctrine 
 and  Difpenfation  in  which  the  Glory  of  his  Grace  (hail  be 
 difplaycd  to  the  end  of  the  World  ;  ib  that  we  now  in  our 
 perfonal  do&rinal  delivery  and  Difpenfation ,  and  we  after 
 in  the  fame  DoSUine  and  Difpenfation ,  delivered  and  re- 
 corded^by  us  held  forth  In  the  Minillration  of  thofe  that  be- 
 lieve through  our  word,  in  which  our  Fruit  ftill  remaineth 
 and  encreafeth,  that  fo  wejhould  be  to  thepraife  of  history ,  e- 
 ven  we,  whofirfi  trufted. in  Chrift ;  and  fo  were  Eye-witnefles 
 of  him,  and  had  our  Gofpel  immediately  from  him :  in  which 
 he  puts  a  diftin&ion  between  the  firft  Witnefles  that  firft 
 trufted  in  Chrift,  and  the  believing  Epheftans  that  alio 
 trufted  in  him ,  after  they  had  heard  the  Word  from  the  firft 
 Witnefles  ,  of  which  Believers  he  affirms  gracioufl/ ,  but 
 
 2Xf1V1^  (hort  ofwhat  he  affirmed  ofthe  firft  Witnefles,  putting  a  re- 
 markable difference  in  refpe&  of  the  meafure  of  the  Furni- 
 ture between  himfelf  with  thofe  fpokenof,  andthefehe 
 fpeaketh  and  writeth  unto.  So  that  the  whole  Series  of  all 
 the  things  affirmed  from  verf.  3.  tow/;  1  2.  will  agree  to 
 none  but  the  Apoftles  and  firft  Witneffes  of  Chrift  ,  to  none 
 of  the  Servants  of  God  before  Chriit  carried  our  Nature 
 into  Heaven ,  nor  fully  in  ail  and  every  of  the  things  af- 
 firmed, fcarce  to  any  hnce  their  times  :  but  to  all  them ,  all 
 1  that  is  faid  doth  fully  agree ,    and  in  the  Text  is  exprefly  af- 
 
 firmed of  them,  which  doth  abundantly  teftifie  the  Truth  and 
 Goodnefs  of  the  Gofpel  delivered  by  them ,  who  were  fo  a- 
 bundantly  furniftied  with  fuch  a  full  and  cieer  Revelation  of 
 Chrift,which  they  received  fo  immediately  from  himfelf,whom 
 rheyalfofaw  •  and  being  ro  filled  with  his  Spirit ,  have  ac- 
 cording 
 
the  cbofen  JVitnejfes  are  endued  with,      z  ji 
 
 cording  to  his  purpofe  left  the  fame  on  record  for  us ,  who  Epbcr, 
 have  the  fame  Gofpel  and  Ditpenfation  ,  a  revealed  by  them  /hU-i^rlm. 
 to  believe  and  declare ,  as  we  have  it  media  ely  from  them  ;  1.13.  &  *.*< 
 and  not  to  gape  after  another  immediate  Revelation  of  it  to  *Prf*l*1«  Key, 
 us,  but  to  take  it ,  as  in  believing  we  may  by  the  Spirit  come  ",l  *,l9t 
 to  know  it  in  and  by  their  writings  ;  and  fo  Bleffmg  ,  Ele&i- 
 on  and  Furniture ,  with  the  Predcttination  according  to  his 
 purpofe  for  fuch  a  gracious  end  for  thefe  lalt  times  here  let 
 forth ,  fpeaks  good  to,  and  for  all  the  Sons  of  Men  to  whom 
 it  comcs,that  they  might  believe;  and  fweet  Confolation  to  all 
 Believers  :  and  the  wrefting  of  Election  and  Predertination 
 here  fpoken  of,  to  mean  a  certain  let  Company  of  Men  fe- 
 vered from  the  refidue  of  Men  ,  that  they  ,  and  onely  they, 
 fhall  be  eternally  faved  ,  that  were  thus  absolutely  predefti- 
 mted  thereto,  before  the  Foundation  of  the  World  ;  and 
 thele  onely,  and  all  thefe  thus  chofen  and  blefled,  as  Ephef.i. 
 3,4.  fore  there  is  not  one  word  in  the  whole  Text  ,  or  eife- 
 where,exprefling  or  importing  fuch  a  fence  as  this.  But 
 there  are  many  things  in  the  Text  againiHuch  a  fenfe,  and 
 that  will  not  admit  it, as  appears  in  that  faid,  over  and  betide 
 the  expreflion  of  this  Company  ,  to  be  thefirft  Truftcrs  in 
 Chrift  ,  and  fpeaking  of  them  diftin&ly  from  after-T rafters, 
 changing  the  perlbn  from  thofe  fpoke  of,  to  thofe  fpoken 
 to ,  with  fome  difference  in  that  affirmed  of  either ;  yea,  this 
 fenfe  pretended  in  the  Face  of  it,  compared  with  the  Text, 
 would  cut  eff  all  the  Fathers  from  tsfdam  to  "Njab,  and  all 
 the  Believers  in  their  times ,  and  all  from  tfyahto  tAhra- 
 ham,  and  all  from  ^Abraham  to  t^lofes ,  and  all  from  ^Mofes 
 to  Dividy  and  from  him  to  John  Baptift  ,  from  being  of  the 
 number  of  the  Elei*,and  prededinate  to  Eternal  Life:  for  the 
 things  here  affirmed  of  thefe  Elc6t  and  predeftinated,  cannot 
 be  affirmed  of  thofe  from  the  beginning  ;  no,  not  of  John  Bap- 
 $ift  imfelf;  yta,and  by  that  Trial,  few  Believers  face,  will 
 ever  come  to  finde  themfelves  of  this  eie&  Company ;  be- 
 fide, this  pretended  fenfe  pleaded  for  ,  weakens  and  denies 
 the  evidence  of  good  and  credit  this  place  affords  to  the  Go- 
 fpel-Di'peniaticn ,  and  darkens  the  light  of  the  whole  Texr§ 
 Co  cleerly  fhewing  and  intended  to  (hew  forth  the  excellency 
 of  the  Gofpel  as  now  revealed  ,    and  the  heavenly  ani  rich 
 
 O  o  Fur- 
 
274  P/  theforitual  gifts 
 
 Furniture  of  theApoftles  and  firft  Witnefles  to  deliver  it, 
 and  the  Gofpel  and  Difpenfation  recorded  by  them ,  to  be 
 the  Difpenfation  for  thefe  laft  times,  and  all  this  according  to 
 thepurpofeofGod;  fo  were  they  furnifhed,  andintheGo- 
 fpel  recorded ,  they  are  in  Spirit  with  all  this  Furnhure  with 
 us  now.  But  as  this  Furniture  was  in  a  fort  common  to  all  the 
 firft  Witneffcs,  fo  they  had  alfo  a  Furniture  of  fpirituai  gifts, 
 in  which  was  difference;  fome  one,fome  another;  fome  more, 
 fome  left.    Let  us  view  thefe  alfo. 
 
 1 ■ 1 — i 
 
 Chap.  13. 
 
 Vf  the  Furniture  of  fpirituai  gifts  the  firft  mtneffes  had,  as 
 in  Ephef.  4. 
 
 .Epbef.4.7,       TjPhef.4.  7-13.  But  unto  every  one  of  h*  is  given  grace,  ac- 
 
 Tpj  cording  to  the  me  a  fur  e  of  the  gift  of  Chrtft.      Wherefore  he 
 
 8  'faith.  When  he  afcended  m  on  high,  he  led  captivity  captive  ,   and 
 
 9> jo, g<*ve gifts  unto  ;»**.(  And  then  there  is  an  inferencerread  verf 
 
 n,  9,1  o.  and  then  he  faith,)  And  he  gave  fome  Apoftles,and  fome 
 
 Prophets,  and  fome  Evangelifts^and  fome  P  aft  or  s  and  Teachers:  for 
 
 9  the  perfecting  of  the  Saints  ,  for  the  vporkjof  the  mimftery^for  the 
 
 13.  *fofyi*g  °f  *h*  b°ty  ofChrifty  till  we  all  come  into  the  unity  of  the 
 
 faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,    unto  a  perfect  man% 
 
 unto  the  meafure  of  the  ftature  (or  age)  of  the  f nine f  of  thrift. 
 
 In  thefe  words  are  many  things  affirmed  and  taughc ,  both 
 (hewing  their  rich  and  plentiful  furniture  of  fpirituai  gifts,and 
 worthy  ourobferving. 
 
 i.  That  thefe  gifts,  as  here  mentioned ,   were  never  fo 
 
 Ephef.  4.9,10.  given  to  the  Servants  of  Chrift  in  this  mlhner ,    before  his 
 
 p/k/.*8.i  8,^,  perfonal  Death,  and  Refurre&ioa,and  Afcenfion  into  Heaven, 
 
 xo.  Aa.i.%,6,  in  that  perfonal  Body  of  his  that  died  and  rofe  again  ;  and  (o9 
 
 »*>lI>33»       that  on  his  Afcenfion ,  he  received  in  that  perfonal  Body  of 
 
 his ,    the  immeafurable  fulnefs  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  to  fend 
 
 forth  ;  and  then,  and  not  till  then,but  even  then,  he  did  fend 
 
 forth  the  Holy  Ghoft  upon  his  firft  Witneffes ,   with  all  thefe 
 
 his 
 
the  fir fl  JVitnejfies  had.  ij? 
 
 bis  fpiritual  gifts :  and  this  is  evident  in  the  Apoftles  fore-in-  Ejfht       8  It 
 
 ference  ;  and  in  the  Proph  efie  of  it, and  in  the  teftified  per-  12/      '  '    ' 
 
 formance  of  it  ,  and  in  this  exprefs  Affirmation.       As  for 
 
 outward  Offices ,   for  Order  in  Churches ,  for  teaching  and 
 
 leading   in   the  Acminiftration  of  Outward  Ordinances ; 
 
 they  were  before  according  to  Gods  Direction  ,  both  for 
 
 Temples  ,   Synagogues  ,  and  Families  ,  as  well  as  thefe  that 
 
 follow  for  their  time  among  thefe,  as  Elders,  orBifaops, 
 
 and  Deacons,  which  are  to  be  chofen  by  the  Church,  which  is 
 
 to  follow  Chrift ;  in  chufing  whom  he  hath  fitted ,   and  not 
 
 en  joyning  him  to  follow  them,    in  fitting  wbfom  they  have 
 
 chofen,  or  elfe  to  allow  him  no  Minifters  in  his  Church:  but 
 
 of  thefe  after,in  fit  place. 
 
 2.  That  thefe  gifts  bear  not  the  names  of  ordinary  Officers  lu\.  14. 48. 
 in  the  outward  polity  of  the  Church  ,  but  the  names  of  the 
 Offices  and  Bufinefs  of  the  firft  Witnefles  of  Chrift ,   which  Aft.z6.rt.. 
 were  to  preach  him,  to  bring  in  fuch  as  were  no  Church,  that 
 they  might  be  a  Chnrch ,   and  of  the  Church  ;  and  then  to  e-  <*8-  *4«  il^2» 
 difiethe  Church :  and  fo  a  true  Church  in  being ,   which  was  23* 
 before,  and  while  as  yet  there  was  no  fuch  outward  ordinary 
 Officers ,    for  the  outward  polity  thereof  ordained  therein, 
 they  being  ordained  in  the  Churches ,    iome  time  after  the 
 Churches  were  congregated,  and  in  being.    And  fo  we  findc, 
 That  of  the  Difcipies  immediately  called  by  Jefus  Chrift  him-  Lu\.  *•  13. 
 felf,  that  after  they  were  come  to  and  followed  him  as  Difci- 
 pies, he  then  called  them  to  him  :  and  firft,  of  them  he  chofe 
 twelve,  whom  he  named  Apoftles ,     whom  he  fent  forth  to  iu\.  io.  1,1  7. 
 wicnefs  of  him,  and  preach  him  ;    and  alfo  that  after  thar  he 
 appointed  other  feventy,  and  fent  them  to  go  before  his  face, 
 which  could  be  no  lefs  then  to  evangelize:  yeay  all  his  Difci-  Mat.  5.  i4>i*> 
 pies  he  appointed,  to  be  a  Light  to  the  World ,  and  to  let15- 
 their  Light  ftrine  forth,  in  Word  and  Converfation,  fo  preach- 
 ing him :  yet  with  thefe  gifts  fitting  for  the  great  bufinefs  that 
 was  to  be  done, were  they  not  yet  endued, nor  could  be,  tiU  ]0v,A6.n.iu\. 
 Chrift  had  fuffered  and  afcended  ;  and  fo  were  to  go  forth  14.49.irftfti.4j 
 where  Chrift  was  not  named,  &c.    till  after  Chrift  his  Afcen-  hF*ml**}-\ 
 fion,  they  were  by  his  pourirg  forth  the  Holy  Ghoft  on  them 
 indued  with  power  from  on  hUh;  andbytbi?,  and  their  ex- 
 ercife ,  and  allegations  of  Scripture  in  their  Miniftcry,  it  ap- 
 
 Oo  2  peareth 
 
iy6  Of  the Jpiritual gifts 
 
 peareth,  that  the  firft  ,  primary,  and  choice  gift,  was  the  gift 
 x  c*f.\i.i%.      of  Apoftle,put  in  this  his  firft ,  and  by  himfelf  immediately 
 
 gathered  Church  :  and  this  appeareth  to  be  fuch  a  fpirkual 
 IS?1"1!©  TI  Man^cftwio.n»  Ligh*»  Knowledge,and  Gift,for  teaching  Chrift, 
 15,1  ',9,10'1K  with  fuch  fpiritual  power  and  efficacy  as  apted  and  enabled 
 
 them  to  preach  Chrift,  where,  and  to  thofe  he  was  not  before 
 *  c#.  3.  i^11- known  to  be  The  Chrift,  or  elfe  wherehe  was  not  fo  much 
 %cor.9.x.2.cor.  *s  named,and  fo  known  at  all;  tvd  fo  not  to  be  the  firft  inftru- 
 
 3  I    9.    2     C'T'  12 
 
 3*5  mental  layers  of  theFoundationjand  fuch  brought  in  by  them, 
 
 were  the  feal  of  their  Apcftlefhip. 
 
 And  in  this  gift  of  Apoftle  this  is  alfo  to  be  farther  noted, 
 That  ink  all  the  red  were  included;  fo,as  fuch  as  had  the  gifc 
 of  Apoftle,  had  therein  all  the  other  following  gifts,  as  of 
 Prophet ,  Evangtiilt ,  Palter  and  Teacher  ;  though  others 
 that  had  theie  ,  had  not  allthat  was  in  the  gift  of  an  Apo- 
 ftle. 
 
 The  next  gifts  here  mem ioned,  are  Prophets  and  Evan* 
 gelifts  ;  fir'*  here  naming  Prophet ,  and  then  Evangelift,  be- 
 caufe  of  the  double  tfficscy  for  convircement  and  drawing 
 on  to  believe ,  elfe  they  may  be  called  by  one  or  either  of 
 icor  iz  iS      tnc  Names  *  anc*  *°  tne  Aptftle  elfe  where  includes  Evange- 
 lic ,   in  that  Phrafe  of  Prophet  j   faying,    fecondarily  Pro- 
 phets ;  by  which  ,   with  the  phrafe  Evangeli  t  ufed  here, 
 and  by  their  Miniftration  ,  and  the  tffe&s ,   we  may  dilcern 
 what  thefe  gifts  or  this  double  gift  is.       Prophefie  here 
 not  to  be  limited  to  that  gift  of  fore-telling  feme  events  to 
 come  •   which  was  more  before^  then  fince  the  Afcenfion  of 
 Ufciuojii.   Chrift;  fuch  as  that  of  %^g*bus  :  but  it  was  fuch  a  fpiritual 
 Manifeftation ,  Light ,    Knowledge  and  Gift  for  teaching 
 Chrift ,    with  iuch  power  and  efficacy  ,  a<  apt  ed  and  enabled 
 them  fo  to  preach  Chrift,  as  might  tend  to  th^  convincement 
 J$h.  irf. 7,8,0, 0r~  unbelievers  ,   and  the  throwing  down  all  their  ftrorg 
 io,i  1. 1  cor.  14.  holds,  convincing  them  of  the  ftilnefs  of  all  Foundations  fcr 
 **»*5.  trufting  in,or  doors  of  approach  to  God,befides  drift;  &  that 
 
 he  is  the  onely Foundation  &  doer  of  approach  to  God,whkh 
 was  done  in  prophefying,  and  in  this  refpe6r  the  pift  for  this, 
 ■i*o!i2l  ca^cd  tne  8*^  °^  ProPne* '  and  then  the  drawing  in  the  con- 
 vinced to  believe  in  Chrift  ,  and  fo  turn  to  the  Lord ,  which 
 is  the  proper  efFeft  of  evangelizing  :  and  fo  the  Apoftle 
 
 faith, 
 
thefirU  Witneffes  had.  ijy 
 
 faith,  The  Word  was  evangelized,  to  thofe  thac  were  brought  in  to 
 
 believe :  whence  the  gift  is  called  Evrngelittmol't  frequently,  though  %,  '  %1>*% 
 
 alfo  both  are  called,  P;ophec.      And  this  is  alfo  to  be  here  noted, 
 
 That  Evangehft  includeth  Paftoi  and  Teacher  ;  fo  .  as  thofe  that 
 
 had  the  gift  of  Evangehft,    had  therein  alfo  the  gift  of  Paftor 
 
 and  Teacher,  though  all  that  had  the  gi*t  of  Paftor  and  Teacher, 
 
 had  not  alfo  all  that  was  in  the  gift  of  Prophet  and  Evangelift. 
 
 And  (o , 
 
 The  next  gift  here  mentioned  is  A*d  femtPafto**  &  Teachers: 
 he  faith  not  as  before  of  the  otheri  And  font e  Pa&ors>  and  fame 
 Teachtrs  ;  as  if  thefe  were  ieveral ,    and  <urtin&  ,  and  different 
 gifts,  as  the  other :  though  in  this,  as  in  the  fotmrr,  there  may  be  a 
 various diftribu.ion  in  the  meafure,  to  lome  more  than  to  others  • 
 yet  feeding  and  teaching  is  in  them  all ;  yea,  feeding  is  by  teaching,     Wtl2'  4,**8# 
 and  right  teaching  the  way  of  right  ruling  and  feeding  ;  and  fo  as 
 the  A  poftle  includes  both  thefe.  Paftor  and  Teacher,  in  one  word, 
 faying.thirdly  Teachers  i  yea,Paftors  are  in  and  with  thefe  gifts^fb 
 as  Apoliles  arc  Paftcrs  and  Prophets  and  Evangelifts  are  Paftors, 
 and  Teachers  are  Paftors ,  and  all  of  them  are  Teachers ;  yet  all  *  Ciw.xi.a8. 
 according  to  their  (ever a  1  gifts ,    and  the  meafuieof  Faith  given 
 unto  them;  and  fo  all  of  them  together  Stewards  and  Shepherds : 
 and  in  this  is  fcen  lomething  of  the  fpirituai  Kingdom  of  Chrift  in 
 this  World  ,  as  was  alfo  typed  in  the  temporal  Kingdom  of  *£><*- 
 vid  9  in  which  was  King  Priefts,  Prophets,  and  all  anointed  and 
 called  Shepherds,  to  rule,  order,  lead,  teach,  and  minifter ;  and  fo  Jer.i.i*  &%* 
 fukable  to  that  prophefte  by  Jtrcmiab,  and  a  fpirituai  firit  Fruits  4,5,*. 
 of  it :  for  here  is  Jefus  Chrift  the  anointed  of  God  ,    into  whofe 
 Lips  Grace  is  pouted,  the  great  and  migh:y  K  ng  the  Prophet  and 
 great  H.givPrieft  over  the  Houfe  of  God  ,  the  good  Shepherd  of 
 his  Flock,  (iccing  in  his  Body  in  the  Heavens  ,  at  tte  right  Hand  of 
 God,    ( till  he  come  again    and  take  to  him  his  great  Poorer  and 
 Raign  )   that  is  alfo  the  Aaoynter  ,    and  in  fending  forth  of  Spirit 
 hath  given  gifts  uaro  M?n,toget  him  a  fpirituil  Kingdom  amongft 
 Men,  and  to  order  it,  till  he  come  to  take  them  toraign  with  him*  ifok.z.to. 
 And  fo  he  by  his  Spirit  is  prclent  with  them,  and  anoyn.eth  them, 
 and  makeththem  a  fpirituai  Houfe,  an  holy  and  royal  Pricfthood,  iPet.  z.s,$, 
 to  (hew  forth  his  virtues ,  and  offer  fpirituai  Sacrifices  ro  God  by 
 him,  fuitable  to ,   r.nd  a  fpirituai  firft  Fruits  of  that  prophecicd  by 
 Jfaiab  :  aad  fo,  as  he  ha;h  put  his  Word  9   and  therein  laid  the  //*.**.  10. 
 
 Foua- 
 
%y%  Of  the  Ijtiritual gifts 
 
 Foundation  in  them  ;  fo  he  ha tb  filled  and  fitted  them  io  his  a- 
 nointing,  with  fpiritual  gifts,  to  hold  forth,  teach  ,    and  fo  Jay  the 
 fame  Foundation  for  others  ,  and  to  convince  them  of  che  fal/e- 
 neft  of  all  other  Foundations  ,  and  to  draw  and  build  chem  up  on 
 this  Foundation  ,   and  to  help  them  to  growth  and  feeding  there- 
 on ,  and  for  direction  for  walking  therein  ,   till  they  come  to  tke 
 Eph.i  17  zi     falnck  of  pcfleflTion  ;  fo  richly  were  thefe  firft  Witccffes  fumilhed 
 '    'in  the  Faith  ,    having  both  the  Gofpel  in  fuch  full  and  clear  know- 
 ledge, and  all  thefe  fpiritual  gifts ,    immediately  from  Jefus  Chrift 
 himfelf ,  whofe  perfonal  body  they  both  faw  and  heard,  even  after 
 bis  Rcfurreclion.     And  whereas  Paul  feemed  to  be  born  out  of 
 due  time  for  this ,   yet  it  was  vouchfafed  him  ;  and  he  did  ,     aad 
 was  the  laft  that  did,  both  heir  and  (ee  him  in  his  perfonal  Bady, 
 i  Cfftti%.%i9.&  and  receive  the  Gofpel  and  thele  fpiritual  gifts  immediately  from 
 9-hi.Gal.i.u,  njm ,  an(j  by  tnat  nc  pr0VCs  bis  Apoftlcfhtp  :  and  in  this  immedi- 
 
 a^Vptf  i  i<"  ttCBCf$  °^  rcccit  anc*  commil^lon  tncy  have  no  Succetfbrs ;  buc  do 
 &\%z.  continue  with  us  in  all  their  knowledge  and  gifts ,   by  and  in  the 
 
 Gofpel  recorded  by  them. 
 3  •  That  the  end  for  which  all  thefe  gifts  were  given  them,  was  for 
 Zpb,4>iz.  perfc&ingtbe  Saints  (that  is,  all  that  arc  prevailingly  called  by  his 
 Grace ,  and  fo  united  to  him,  and  fa  notified  by  and  to  him  ,  and 
 for  his  fervice ;  not  limiting  this  to  oucwaro  Officers ,  nor  en- 
 gaging it  to  all  them,  fome  of  them  it  may  be  not  being  fuch 
 Saints  •  but  limiting  it  to  fuch  Saints ,'  and  enlarging  it  to  all  them, 
 for  perfecting  them)  for  the  work  of  the  Miaiftery  (the  Miniftery 
 of  the  Saints  of  the  whole  Body,  whereof  no  M-mber  is  Officelefs 
 or  ufelefs  ,  but  each  hath  fome  Service  or  M>niftrauon  and  fitnefs 
 for  it,  and  fpirit  of  life  running  therein,  and  fo  a  MmiftrationJ  for 
 the  edifying  of  the  Body  of  Chrift  ;  and  this  fuch  an  edification 
 as  is  for  the  growth  of  the  Body,  both  in  multitude  of  converts,and 
 their  orowth  in  Union,  Fellowfhip  and  Conformuy  ;  every  Mem- 
 ber in  this  fenie  growing ,  by  the  inflaence  that  proccedeth  from 
 the  Head  •  but  yet  not  immediately  into  every  particular  Mem- 
 ber ,  nor  through  fome  outward  Officers  onely  ;  but  as  from  the 
 Head  of  the  myfhcal  Body  ,  fo  through  every  living  Member,  ma- 
 king increafe  to  it  felf  in  love  ;  And  io  the  growth  of  the  Body  by 
 that  which  every  joynt  fuppiieth  :  for  fo  gracious  an  end  were  thefe 
 gifts  given.  x 
 
 4.  The  time  of  the  continuance  of  thefe  gifts ,   and  that  is  ex- 
 
 prefs, 
 
tbefirfi  JVitneJfes  had.  zyp 
 
 prefs,   Till  w*  *&ccmc  i*  the  unity  of  the  Faith,  &CC.   that  i*fom>k4.ij. 
 
 till  thelaft  Man  be  called  thar.  is  to  be  called  ,  before  the  perfonal 
 appearance  of  Cnrift.  till  wc  all  (thar  is,the  whole  company  that  is 
 to  meet  with  him,  and  to  come  and  raign  with  him  )    meet  in  the 
 unity  of  the  Fiith,   and  of  tie  knowledge  (  and  fo  the  acknow- 
 ledgement )    of  the  Son  of  Gcd,  unto  a  perfect  Man  ,    (a  full  and  Gal.^^.Jer. 
 cemp'eat  Company  ,    a  fie  and  fukiblc  Corporation  or  Body  for  31.34.  icoy.13. 
 fuch  an  Head)  the  me^fure  of  the  fhuure  (or  age)  of  the  fulnefs  of  8,9,1  o,u3ia. 
 Chrift  ;  which  9  (as  the  knowledge  of  the  Freedom  of  Sons  was  */^-3'*« 
 by  his  firft  coming  ,    fo  this  )  will  be  at  his  next  coming  and  ap- 
 pearing in  Glory  ,   when  chis  msnEer  of  Miniftracion  will  ceafe; 
 but  till  then  ,   they  to  continue  in  rhis  Mmiftration  of  the  Gofpel. 
 True  it  is,  The  Gofpel  that  is,the  Faith  to  be  taught  and  received,  Jude  5.1  iT'wi* 
 it  was  once  and  b  it  once  ,    immediately  given  unto  the  Saints  in  *•«  im^Tim. 
 ttefe  firft  WitntflVs  •  but  that  very  fame  Goipcl  is  mediately  con-  u  '*•    &z  z' 
 tinued,and  fotobe  received  and  held  forth,  snd  no  other  Gofpel,  ^.^'^qIiI* 
 nor  anocher  immediate  giving  of  that    (  unlefs  to  fome  Jews,)  £i7.  ' 
 but  that  kept ,    and  held  forth  by  the  Saints  till  Chrift  come 
 a^ain  ;  evea  fo  thefe  fpiritual  gifts ,    to  mimfter  the  Gcfpcl  with, 
 were  once  given  ,    and  that  was  when  Chrift  afcended  up  in  our 
 Nature  to  Heaven  »    and  then  he  lent  them  down  to  his  Saints  at  ^#.a. 
 o;xe  $  and  in  this  immediatenefsand  fulnefs  ,  as  then  but  once: 
 but  theie  gif  s ,    even  ail  of  them  ,  as  mediately  received  through 
 belief  of  the  Gofpel  delivered  by  them;  which  Gofpel ,  whoever 
 unfei°nedlyb°lieveth  is  become  of  them  and  fo  of  Chrift    and  fo 
 of  the  fame  feed,  the  (ccd  of  them  who  are  the  ked  of  Chrift  ,  and 
 the  feed  of  Chrift  his  feed,  and  his  feed**  feed. 
 
 And  fo  this  Word  and  Gofpel  given  them  ,   and  the  fpiritual 
 gifts  given  them  therein  and  therewith  ,    and  fo  put  in  them,  (half 
 not  depart  ouc  of  them,  nor  out  of  their  feed,  nor  ou:  of  their  feed's  if  a,  79.10,11. 
 feed  ,    from  henceforth  forever:  and  fo  will  he  make  amd  his 
 promife  to  them  ,  of  being  with  them  to  the  end  of  the  World  :  <fl/rfM8.io. 
 and  that  to  this  gracious  end  ,    That  having  fuch  a  (landing  and 
 enduring  Gofpel  recorded,  and  in  that  record  reveiled  ;  and  in 
 minding,  and  believing  thereof,    receiving  fuch  known  fpirkuai 
 gifts  ,  as  all  lead  to  exalt  Chrift,  and  draw  to,  and  build  on  him  • 
 We  may  no  more  be  as  Children,  tolled  to  and  fro ,  and  carried  £)>b.4-i4>if. 
 abou:  with  every  winde  of  Doctrine,  by  the  flight  of  Men,    and 
 cunning  craftinefs  whereby  they  lie  in  wait  to  deceive :  but  fpeaking 
 
 the 
 
*8o      Of  the  peculiar  confirming  Furniture 
 
 the  cnath  in Jove,  we  may  grow  upinto  H*  ,n  ,1!  chin*, ,  which  i, 
 
 andahidcch  «,  the  Church  ,    believing  and  prcfeffi^Ms  Go' 
 
 had  i0mc  other  Furmcure  tending  to  confirm  their  Dcftrii  and 
 Mmiftration,  peculiar  to  the  firft  times.  *nd 
 
 Ch 
 
 AP, 
 
 H. 
 
 Of  the  peculiar  confirming  Furniture  of  the  fir  ft  rvitneffes 
 arid  the  Churches  brought  in  h  their  veronal  Miul&ra- 
 
 tion. 
 
 THefe  firft  VVicncffes  had  alfofome  other  gifts  that  were  for 
 confirmation,  which  were  chiefly  to  them ,  yet  neither  per- 
 fonal  to  every  one,  nor  peculiar  to  the  firft  VVitfleffcs ,    but  pecu- 
 liar to  the  firft  age  of  the  Church  ,  the  gifts  mentioned  that  are  for 
 continuance,  were  to  fome  more ,  to  fome  \c($  ,   yet  to  all  fome  . 
 and  thefewerc  for  edifying  the  body  ofChrift  :  but  thefe  ocher 
 gifts  are  not  perfonally  to  every  Believer  •    and  though  they  were 
 given  to  the  Church  ,    yet  their  principal  end  was  for  unbelievers, 
 Thacfuch  as  had  not  heard  ,  and  been  taught  ,    and  Co  did  not 
 know  »  That  the  Mtjfitb ,    the  Saviour  of  the  world  was  come, 
 and  had  offered  up  the  acceptable  Sacrifice  .  and  ,  that  this  very 
 Jefus  was  he  •  this  Jefus  whom  they  preached  is  the  Chrift  .  and, 
 that  God  will  be  worfliipped  and  approached  to  in  and  thrcogh 
 him ;  and,  that  fuch  as  do  believe  in  him ,  and  approach  to  God 
 by  bim,   (hall  befaved.    Till  this  was  proclaimed  ,  rumoured, 
 and  taught  through  the  world,  and  had  been  fufficiencly  confirmed 
 for  truth  ,  fo,  as  it  was  received  and  profe&d  by  many  witnefles. 
 fignes  and  miracles  were  neceffary,  to  convince  the  unbelievers  of 
 the  truth  of  it ,   and  to  confirm  the  weak  and  unliable  in  the  be- 
 lief of  the  fame.     And  indeed  for  thefe  ends  were  fuch  figns  won- 
 f,ff,I*10>4kri|  and  miracies  granted  to  bedone*;   and  foit'scvidcm  fucb 
 
 effcdb 
 
of  the  fir Jl  JVitneJJes.  2  8 1 
 
 effe&s  they  had£,  andfuch  ufe  the  Apoftles  made  of  them  c:  b  _ia  8  I3  & 
 and  thefe  gifts  of  fpcaking  with  divers  Tongues ,    and  of  ,3.1^  #14.3. 
 working  Miracles ,  and  healing  Difeafes ,   were  given  abun-  eHtf.a*,**. 
 dandy  in  the  hrft  age  of  the  Church  ,   but  not  to  every  Be-  c^tf.i  33>3^- 
 liever:  yea,  primely  and  moii  abundantly  to  the  Apollles,^3"1^^^" 
 that  had  the  Power  or  Gift  of  giving  the  Holy  Ghoit,  in  j'uch-    9'42" 
 like  Gifts  of  fpeaking  with  Tongue?,  by  Prayer,  with  lay- 
 ing on  of  Hands.      Philip  was  an  Evangelili ;  and  God  did 
 by  him  (hew  many  Signs  and  Wonders :  yet  the  giving  of  the " 
 Holy  Ghoft  in  fuch  Gifts  of  fpeaking  with  new  Tongues,  was 
 not  given  by  him,  but  onely  in  Miniitery,  on  the  Prayers  and 
 laying  on  of  Hands ,  by  two  of  the  prime  and  immediate  A- 
 poftics  d :  and  ib  in  the  Preaching  of  Peter  e ;  and  fo  by  the 
 laying  on  of  Paulh  Hands/.-  though  many  had  the  Gift  0f  *^.i4,iJ, 
 fpeaking  with  Tongues  ,  yet  by  any  thing  recorded ,  u's  not  e  Aft.  10.44. 
 like  they  received  it ,  but  in  the  Mini  fery  of  fome  of  the  A-  {AcJ.19.6. 
 pottles ;  though  the  Holy  Ghoft,  for  comforting ,   renewing, 
 and  filling  the  Heait  with  joy  and  fome  fpiritual  Gi'ts ,  was 
 given  in  the  Miniftery  of  the  Gofpel  by  other  Difciples^.- 
 yea,  the  Promife  ef  the  Holy  Ghoft  in  this  fort ,  is  to  all  that  \A®  l8**'9 
 God  calls  by  the  Gofpel ,  that  in  believing  they  may  receive 
 it/?.     But  this  Gift  of  giving  the  Holy  Ghoft  for  fpeaking  h^#t2. 38,39. 
 with  Tongues,  appears  to  be  pecnliar  to  the  immedately  cal- 
 led Apoftles,  and  for  their  times  :   but  the  Gifts  of  healings, 
 and  doing  other  Wonders  and  Miracles ,  was  given  to  divers 
 others,  nor  onely  Evangelifts,  but  other  Difciples,  yet  notto 
 every  Difciple,  nor  all  to  one  i  5  and  this  to  multitudes  of  the  .    r ' 
 firft  Witneff-s,  and  to  divers  others  brought  in  by  their  Mi-  \l 
 nitration,  during  their  times  ;   but  not  to  continue  for  the 
 times  to  come,  as  theDo&rine  with  the  fore-mentioned 
 Gifts  were  ;    But  to  confirm  the  Doctrine  of  the  Gofpel, 
 and  the  Grace  and  fpiritual  Gifts  to  be  received  in  the  belief 
 thereof,  which  was  to  continue  till  Jelus  Chritt  come  agair?, 
 as  appears, 
 
 <  1 .  By  our  Saviours  manner  of  promiiing  them :  *And  thefe 
 figvis  (h  Jill follow  them  that  beheve^Scc.  he  faith  not,  That  he  (or  A*#.i*.i7» 
 every  one)  that  believeth$alldo  thefe figns ;  as  he  hadforc-faid, 
 He  that  believeth^fhallbefaved :  but ,  And  thefe  figns  jhaU  fol- 
 low them  that  believe,  in  mft^ame  the) 'jh all,  &c.  where,  by  the 
 
 P  p  order 
 
 lz.  18, 
 
281       Of  the  peculiar  confirming  Furniture 
 
 ord.r  of  the  words  according  to  Scripture-Language ,    They 
 fignifieth  the  unity  and  community  of  the  whole  Society  of 
 Believers  from  firtt  to  lalt ,  all  of  them  participating  in  that, 
 which  but  fome  of  them  have  a&ually  done :    and  io  fuch  as 
 are  of  that  Number,  Body  and  Society,  are  verily  faid,  in  re- 
 fpeft  of  the  unity  and  community  of  the  whole  Society ,  to 
 do  the  fame  that  any  of  them  do ,  while  they  do  not  oppofe 
 or  difallow  it ;  yea,more  fully,  if  they  like,  and  be  glad  of  it ; 
 as  the  whole  Body  may  be  faid  to  do  that ,    which,    with  its 
 living  force  and  likement,  any  one  living  Member  doth  :   and 
 txod.^  \6.  io,  f0  jjjgy^  even  yyhole  Ifrdttj  are  faid  not  to  have  hearkened,  but 
 tranlgrefled  •  when  but  fome  did  perfonally  fo  tranfgrefs  : 
 Numb  io  14     anc' io  ^eh  evcn  IfrM'-pcz  faid  to  have  fen:  Meffen^ers  to  the 
 mtbiuag'ii.w.  KingofE^w,   and  the  King  of  LMoab  •   when  it  was  but 
 CMofesznd  the  chief  of  the  Rulers  that  fent  :   and  (oYfoj, 
 Jo!b. 7.1 1.        Ifrael-i  are  faid  :o  have  finned  and  tranfgreffed  God's  Cove- 
 nant ;  when  it  was  but  one  Man  that  perfonally  did  it.     And 
 iCo?.i.6.         tn^s  *~enfe  theApottle  counts  it  afhamefor  Chrifiians  ro  be 
 ignorant  of.      And  to  come  neerer  this  very  bufineft ,    that 
 God  did  by  OHofef-y    aAaron  md  Joflwa  to  thofeof  Ifrael^ 
 perfonally  in  their  time?,  is  yet  counted  as  done  to  the  whole 
 jfa  61  1 1  \6  Society  of  Jfrael^nd  the  Generations  of  them  ,  and  that  af- 
 9    '  ter  them  ,  many  Generations,  and  many  hundreds  of  yeers ; 
 and  fo  looked  on  and  fpoke  of,  becaufe  of  their  oneneis  and 
 intereft  as,  Them ;  and  becaufe  of  onenefs ,  Him9  for,  and  to 
 -    ,  whom  God  by  LMofes  did  thefe  things :  and  the  People  of 
 
 ttAftfil'lll  //"*<?/,  in  afcer-times  and  Genera,  ions ,  reproved  for  nor  ac- 
 d»xS.3,S.4»H.  knowledging  the  fame.  And  though  all  the  ApofUes  did,  be 
 5,19.  &i  4>6.  not  wrk  ;  yet  fo  much  is  writ ,  that  we  may  know  they,  and 
 #10.4*.  icor.  many  0f  che  firrt  Witnefles ,  and  many  that  believed  through 
 \Vu*\.&  thz\i  Miniftradon  inthefirft  times,  did  all  thefe  Signs  menti- 
 l%.s.'&2.i7,  onedby  our  Saviour :  and  now  thole  that  believe  inChrirt 
 18.  through  their  word,are  one  with  them :  of  this  they  ,  of  the 
 
 fame  Society;  we  theirs,  and  they  ours,of  the  fame  unity  and 
 community',  Epbef^tJ^12^  l  0-.3.ii,2$.  &  12.26,  and 
 ffd,66j6.  fo,  as  they  of  old  are  laid  to  rejoyce  in  God  in  their  Father's 
 rejoycing  when  they  went  through  the  Sea,  and  to  be  l'poken 
 to  by  God,  when  he  fpake  to  Jacob ,  or  in  that  ipeaking :  fo, 
 Htf.n-4.        andin  that  fenfe  may  they  ,  the  whole  Society  of  Believers, 
 
 both 
 
of  the  firft  Witneffes.  285 
 
 both  then  and  now,be  faid  to  do  thefc  fignsjwhich  thofc  of  the 
 firft  imesperfonally  did. 
 
 2.  Buc  this  will  more  appear  by  the  words,   Shall follow  Mar.it.  17* 
 them  that  heUeve  ;    for  as  the  Signs  and  Wonders  done  by 
 
 Mofes,  and  in  his  Miniftration  did  fellow  the  Ifraelties ,  that 
 
 i>,  accommodate  them  in  all  after-Ages,  till  the- JMejpah  pro- 
 
 mifed  came :  not  in  being  done  over  again,  but  in  that,  firft,  Dcut.  6.62jy 
 
 they  were  left  upon  record ,  together  with  the  Law  and  Do-  2-0, 14.  with 
 
 ftrine  confirmed  by  them  ;    in  which  they  had  thofe  Signs,  ***£»*•*** 
 
 together  with  the  Law  and  Do&rine  to  teach  their  Children  z 
 
 and  one  another.     And  iecondly  ,  in  having,  and  believing,  Tfa.7^.  ell. 
 
 and  minding  the  Law  and  Dodtrine  fo  confirmed ,  they  had 
 
 all  thole  Signs  alio  to  minde  and  believe.     And  thirdly ,  in  pfa.66.6.  Hcf. 
 
 minding  and  believing  the  Doctrine   confirmed  by   thofc  1* -4-  7«MN 
 
 Sign?,tbey  had  the  fameufe  and  benefit  of  thofe  Signs,  for  far-  19^ilt-^a^ 
 
 thering  their  confidence  and  rejoycing  in  God  ,  in  praying  to  ^'^^9' 
 
 him,liekinghelpof  him,   and  reding  on  him  for  it  in  every 
 
 need,  as  they  had  in  whofe  perfonal  fight  they  were  done. 
 
 And  fo  did  thefe  Signs  follow  them  :   and  it  was  an  evil  and  Ma.u  g         • 
 
 adulterous  Generation  ,  that  did  call  for  the  doing  them  o-  1^1.19.  fob. 
 
 ver  again  ;  even  to  the  Believers  being  come  into  the  fame  a. 1S.&6.10, 
 
 Society  and  Congregation  with  the  firft  Witneffes ,     TheA-  3iMtb.ix.zi, 
 
 poftle  in  this  very  fen  fe  takes  in  all  the  Believers  to  the23, 
 
 coming  of  Chrift,  ufing  that  word  wey  1  Cor.  15.51.  1  The fq. 
 
 1  5.  And  in  this  fenfe  we  all  may  be  faid  to  have  thofe  Signs 
 
 done  by  the  firft  Witneffes  to  follow  us,and  to  accommodate 
 
 us,  in  that  they  are  left  upon  Record  for  us  in  the  Record  of  Mr^-M-^- 
 
 the  Gofpel  that  was  confirmed  by  them  ,    that  therein  and  ^'m^iTzo. 
 
 thereby  we  may  have  the  fame  ufefor  minding  and  teaching  ueb.%^.  icor. 
 
 them,  and  being  confirmed  in  the  Faith  of  the  Gofpel,  and  fo  14.20^1.  ifa. 
 
 for  farthering  our  confidence  ,   as  they  of  the  firft  times  had;  *8. 11, 11,13. 
 
 yea,  they  are  affirmed  to  be  writ  for  that  end:  andit  isa1^-1^1- 
 
 Sign  of  an  evil  heart,  to  call  for  thefe  Signs  to  be  done  over  a- 
 
 gain  ;  which,  if  it  (hould  be  grafted,  yet  would  not  fnch  evil 
 
 hearts  believe.    And  as  this  appears ,  both  by  the  manner  cf 
 
 Chritt  his  promiiing,  and  the  words  in  his  prcmife  :  ic  k  doth 
 
 alio  anpear , 
 
 3.  By  the  Apoftles  fettin2them  down  ;    having  fee  down 
 
 the  abiding  gifts,  firft, Tecond,  third  fort,  he  faith ,  After  rfr*iitc$r.  u.is. 
 
 P  p  2  miracles 
 
284.       Of  the  peculiar  confirming  Furniture 
 
 miracles,  then  gifts  of  healing  ,  help  in  governments  dtverfities 
 or  kjndes  of  tongues.  After  God  had  called  ^Mofes  and  Aa- 
 r*n>  and  fpoken  by  them  to  the  Children  of  lfrael,  and  ienc 
 them  to  fpeak  to  Pharaoh,  he  added  Signs  and  Wonders  that 
 made  the  Enemies  fay,  This  is  the  finger  of  God  ;  and  he  fight- 
 ethfor//™*/,  andcauleth  Ifraelto  believe  his  Words ,  Ind 
 fing  his  Praife.  But  thole  Signs  were  not  to  be^done  o- 
 veragain,butremembredin  all  Generations  following:  and 
 fo  much  the  Apoftle  intimates  here  by  the  word  afterward,  as 
 an  addition  and  over-plus  for  a  time. 
 
 All  that  may  feem  to  darken  this  lenle  ,  is,  becauie  helps 
 in  Government  is  named  among  thefe  Girts :  to  which,  an- 
 fwer  might  be  given,  That  the  naming  them  with  thefe,  doth 
 no  more  equal  them,  and  make  them  of  the  like  Nature  for 
 their  Tendency  and  Temporarinefs ,  then  the  naming  things 
 indifferent ,  and  evil  onely  in  the  ufe  by  Circumftance,  in 
 Aff.i1.io.  one  and  the  fame  fentence  with  things  (imply  and  ablb- 
 lutely  evil ,  doth  equal  them  ,  and  make  them  of  like  Na- 
 ture and  Tendency  at  all  times.  And  yet  this  placing  helps 
 in  Government  •  among  the  things  that  come  in" after- 
 ward ,  and  in  the  middeft  of  thofe  temporary  Gifts,  dcthin- 
 (iruft  us  alfo, 
 
 1.  That  thefe  helps  in  Government,  Elders,  and  Dea- 
 cons,  and  fuch  outward  Offices,  were  not  of  theEffenceof 
 thofe  fpiritual  Gifts ,  which  Chrift  afcerded  up  to  Heaven 
 to  give  :  but  fuch  as  in  the  Wifdom  of  thofe  fpirituall 
 Gifts  given,  they  might,  as  occafion  and  need  was,  af- 
 ter appoint  or  elec4  ;  and  fp  thofe  came  in  afterwards,  as  hath 
 been  f  orefhewn. 
 
 2.  That  thefe  helps  in  Government,  are  not  of  the  Effence 
 of  the  Church,  nor  (imply  requifae  thereto:  theChurcbLwas 
 before  them ,  and  truely  in  being  before  it  had  them :  and 
 thefe  came  afterward  into  the  Church  for  outward  Or- 
 der and  Ornament ,  as  is  forefhewn ;  yea ,  it  may  be  to  in- 
 ftruft  us, 
 
 3.  That  as  thofe  outward  Offices  had  not  their  rife  im- 
 mediately in  the  firft  pouring  forth  of  the  heavenly  Gifts,  but 
 afterward;  fo  they  (hall  not  have  their  continuance  in  the 
 true  Church  and  Sanctuary  ,  the  real  and  myftical  Body  of 
 
 Chrifi, 
 
o) 
 
 *& 
 
 Chrift,  till  his  perfonal  coming  again  y  as  thofe  Spiritual 
 Gifcs  fhall,  though  they  were  of  longer  continuance  then 
 the  Miracles  and  Gifcs  of  Healing,  and  diverfitic*  of  Tongues 
 for  outward  a&ing  were  :  a  time  was  fore-feen  to  come, 
 when  fome  of  thefe  outward  Officers  would  fall  froij^  Hea- 
 ven, ( from  the  i:mplicity  ofChri(t,  and  receiving  t!>ic 
 Knowledge  and  Furniture  from  the  Gofpei  believed  ,  even 
 the  Te(iimony  of  jefus,  that  is, the  Spirit  of  Prophetic,  and 
 came  from  Heaven  ;  and  thole  fpiritual  Gifts  and  Furniture 
 received  in  belief  thereof,  which  came  from  Heaven)  and 
 fo  fall  to  the  Earth,  in  love  or  the  Learning,  Phiiofophy,  Arts  Rev.  \  h10* 
 and  Sciences  of  the  Gentiles ;  and  with  that ,  interpret  and 
 teach  ,  ufing  it  as  the  Key  of  Knowledge,  and  lb  bring  in 
 a  fmoke ,  covering  the  Face  of  the  Gofpei  and  Church  with 
 Darknefs.  And  i'uch  Officers  getting  to  be  the  chief  in  the 
 outward  Court  ,  the  cut  ward  Court  would  be  left  unto  the 
 Gentiles ,  and  then  the  Man  of  (in  would  enter  and  (it  there- 
 in, and  he  would  be  making  Apoftles,Evangelitfs,  Paftor?,and 
 Teachers ;  and  none  (hould  be  counted  i'o ,  but  thofe  of  his 
 making  arid  calling:  and  if  by  his  ufurped  Power  and  feigned 
 Miracles ,  he  could  not  generally  perfwade  Men  of  this, 
 yet  he  would  claim  fuch  Authority  for  crdajning  Bifhops 
 and  Deacons,  that  there  fhould  be  none  acknowledged 
 but  of  his  ordainings  yea,  he  and  the  Officers  ordained 
 by  him  ,  fhall  bear  the  Name  of  the  Church  and  Clergy  ; 
 as  if  out  of  Union  with  therr?,no  Salvation  :  and  all  that  will 
 not  iuhmit  to ,  and  acknowledge  this  Power  in  him  and  his 
 Officers ,  (hill  loon  be  tbruft  out  of  Office,  and  excom- 
 municated out  of  the  outward  Court  of  the  Church  ;  and 
 then  the  Holy  City  ,  the  true  Church  aDd  Sanctuary,  would 
 be  trodden  under  Foot,  and  clothed  with  fackcloth  in  dif-  ^eVt  IIiIj2  5> 
 grace  and  perfection:  yet  the  Tettimony  of  Jeitis ,  and  iTbefa+Jib. 
 Truth  and  Verity  of  all  thefe  fpiritual  Gifts  ,  was  in  ,  and6-1- 
 would  remain  and  be  in  this  SanSuary ,  the  true,  though 
 defpifed  Church,  and  ftript  of  her  outward  Ornaments  and 
 Officers  :  and  Power  is  given  to  thefe,  by  fpiritual  Gifts 
 and  Vertue,  to  witneis  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  ftill  in  all 
 this  time.  And  as  God  forfook  Shilo  where  his  Taberna- 
 cle was  xaCamm  firft  pitched,   for  the  wickednefs  there- 7*  .71* 
 
 of, 
 
z$6       Of  the  r.  Ming  Furniture 
 
 R«u»x  °f»  ai1^  rcwrn?^  'llis  Tabernacle  no  more  thither ;  fo  God 
 may  reje&  tbi* outward  Court ,  (in  which  his  Sanftuary 
 once  was  *  and  his  Glory  (Lined  in  it )  and  for  the  wicked- 
 ncis  oS  it  ,    never  beautifie  it  with  his  true  San&uary  again  ; 
 
 Kevii&i*      bur  Prcferve  his  "ueSanauary  by  his  Word  and  Spirit^  till 
 '  J  Itfriftcome  ;  and  the  Holy  Ones  beneaih,   and  the  Holy 
 
 Ones  above  do  meet,  and  the  fake  Prophet  be  (lain  ,  and 
 the  Church  become  a  Kingdom  ;  which  ,  whether  hinted 
 in  leaving  out  the  Name  of  the  outwaid  Court  ,  Heb,  9.  I 
 will  not  lay  ,  but  oneiy  that  the  placing  help.:  in  Govern- 
 ment ,  among  fuch  Temporary  things  as  came  in  afterward, 
 may  afford  thefe  inftru&ions  to  us :  and  fo  leave  it  to  each 
 man,  as  Light  of  Truth  periwades. 
 
 ButfortheGofpel,  and  thefe  fpiritual  Gifts  given  from 
 Heaven,  that  they  have  already  been  abundantly  con- 
 firmed by  Miracles ,  and  they  lb  divinely  recorded,  as  is  e- 
 nough  to  confirmFaith,and  no  need  of  doing  them  over  again, 
 is  that  affirmed  and  proved ;and  yet  to  make  it  more  cleer  and 
 evident,  we  have  it  exprefly  telHfied, 
 
 4.  By  the  Apoitles  own  words  to  the  Hebrews  ,  when 
 having  let  forth  the  excellency  of  Chrift  ,  as  in  Tefiimony  of 
 him  let  forth  ,  and  then  exhorted  them  to  diligent  heed 
 taking  thereto  •  he  admonifhing  them  faith  ,  How  (hall  we  e- 
 
 Hcb.\.  &*»bi>J'eape  if  we  neglett  fo  great  Salvation  ,  which  at  the  firfi  began  to 
 3*  be  (poke n  by  the  Lord  ;    and  w06  after  confirmed  unto  m  by  hem 
 4.  that  heard  him  :  God  alfo  bearing  them  wnnefi  both  with  pgns  and 
 wonder sy  *:nd  with  divers  miracles  and  gifts  of  the  holy  Cjhoft^  ac* 
 cording  to  his  own  will  ?    So  that  the  Gofpel  hath  been  con- 
 firmed above  all  that  the  Law  of  Mofes  was  :  and  as  the  Mi- 
 racles confirming  that,  was  no  more  to  be  iterated  after  the 
 Law  was  once  taught ,   fetled  and  confirmed  •  but  thofe  re- 
 membred  with  the  Law  •  yea  ,  the  Prophets  that  came  af- 
 ter,  endeavouring  to  move  them  to  deviate  from  that  Law, 
 eut'll-        ^h  sjgn(,  ancj  Wonder*,  were  not  to  be  believed  or  heark- 
 nedto:  fo  we  are  now  warned  for  thefe  times,   thatfalfe 
 Prophets ,  falfe  Chrills  and  Antichrilts,  will  come  with  fi^ns 
 and  wonders  to  deceive  ,   and  draw  credit  to  their  falfe  Do- 
 
 Mat.  24.24.     £i;rine  with#      so  that  which  we  are  now  to  heed,    is  the 
 
 irbeU.lo'    Word  of  the  Tcftimony  of  Chrirt  5  in  which  is  t  edified,  Jefus 
 
 to 
 
of  the  fir  ft  JVitneJfes.  287 
 
 to  be  The  Chrift,  the  Apoftlesand  firft  Witneffes  to  have  de- 
 clared his  Minde,even  ihe  Gofpel,  a  cording  to  the  Revela- 
 tion of  the  Mylkry  ,  and  the  fpiritual  gifts  with  which  they 
 went  forth  ;  and  the  Gofpel  revealing  all  this ,  to  be  taught 
 and  left  upon  record  by  them,  the  found  whereof  went  Mat.i 4^4. 
 through  the  whole  World  ,  before  the  firft  Witneffes  all  of  Rm.io.\t. 
 them  left  the  World.  And  it  was ,  and  hath  been  fetled  in 
 many  Churches  in  divers  parts  of  the  World ,  and  fuffiaent- 
 ly  confirmed  with  Signs,  Wonders,  Miracles  and  miuculous 
 Gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  already ;  and  they  alfo  written,  that 
 we  might  believe. 
 
 And  thus  have  I  (hewn ,  according  to  this  laft  and  fuller! 
 Revelation  of  Chrift ,  who  were  chofen  in  and  by  him  the 
 firtt  Inftruments  for  laying  the  Foundation ,  and  beginning 
 the  building  on  it ;  and  fo  tofet  this  glorious  Minifl ration  on 
 foot,  aisd  how  plentifully  they  were  furnifhed.  Now  it  is 
 needful  alio  to  jhew  the  Furniture  of  the  following  Witneffes 
 that  are  of  the  fame  fociety  and  heme  ,  and  to  carry  on  this 
 Miniftration  to  the  fame  end,  till  the  return  and  perfonal  ap* 
 pearing  of  j  efus  Chrift. 
 
 Chap.   15. 
 
 tif  tbeFarratu/eof  the.foRomi^gfViu^Jj'ei  iulChri:^  corae 
 
 again, 
 
 \X7Ho  are  the  cbofen of  God  in  Chrift,  to  be,  and  fo  are 
 
 the fe  Witneffes  to  carry  on  this  bleffed  bufmefs  till  Part3.c.i  1 
 Chrift  come  again,  is  already  before  fhewn;  and  that  the/  are 
 fuch  as  through  belief  of  his  Grace  in  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift 
 delivered  by  the  Apoftles ,   are  by  his  Spirit  built  on  Chrift ; 
 and  io  come  unto  Mount  S*o*,  and  untotheCity  of  the  living  Hefo.u.iija 
 Godjthe  heavenly  Jemfakm  ;   and  to  an  innumerable  com-  24- 
 pany  of  Angels  ,    to  the  general  Affembly  of  the  firft-born, 
 which  are  written  in  Heaven  ,  and  to  God  the  Judge  of  all, 
 
 and 
 
238  Of  the  Furniture  of  the  following 
 
 and  to  the  Spirits  of  juft  Men  made  perfect ,  and  to  jelis 
 
 ijM.i.3.  Epb. thn  M.ec*iator  of  the  New  Covenant,  &c.    and  ib  have  fel- 
 
 1.19,11'.   ;/^l°vvfhip  with  the  Prophets,  and  Apoflies,  and  ib  with  the 
 
 l9-*o3zi.Pbi(.  Father  and  the  Son  ,   being  now  fellow-Citizens  with  the 
 
 Wt6'  Heh'  Saint  Vn^  of  «the  houfoold  of  God,  build  upon  the  Found J- 
 
 3.  ATtm^i%.  tion^  0,^    having  the  lame  Word  and  Spiric  in  their  Hearr, 
 
 and  in  their  Mouth  ,    which  the  ApofUes  had  :  thefe  are  to 
 
 hold  forth  the  Word  of  Life,  &c.  as  hath  been  (hewn  :   for 
 
 thefe  are  the  Houfe  of  God ,   and  of  Chrift ;  the  Church  of 
 
 the  living  God,  the  Pillar  and  Ground  of  Truth.       So 
 
 that, 
 
 if  a  4?  10  Aft  l '  As  a  ^ar  was  "^  ^or  a  ^tnef"s  °f  Peace  ,  Gen.  3 1 . 
 13.47.  Ptf2-  ib  thefe  are  God's  Witneffes  to  the  World,  of  Chrilt 
 
 being  hi;  falvationto  the  ends  of  the  Earth,  to  open  the  eyes 
 cf  the  blinde,  &c. 
 ifa  43.10,11.      2«  AsthePiilarof  the  Cloud  was  a  Teftimony  of  God's 
 ijoh.z  \.%coi  prefence,  and  a  Guide  to  Ifraet,  Exod.  13.  ib  thefe  are  God's 
 5.19.    Rom. 3.  Witneffes  and  Holders  forth  of  his  prefence  andpropitia- 
 2t.iTim.ui6.  torinefs  to  the  World ,  as  Preachers  and  Patterns,  that  they 
 Heb.u.i.        might  repent, and  come  in  to  follow  him.     God  fpaketo  his 
 People  in  a  cloudy  Pillar,  Pfal.9j.yfi.  and  through  the  fame 
 Pillar  looked  upon  the  Egyptians ,  and  troubled  them  >  Exod* 
 14.24.  and  fo  by  and  through  thefe ,   God  fpeaks  unto  the 
 iCof.%.iQ.      World,andmanifetkth  the  favour  of  hi  knowledge  through 
 .*  them,  which  proves  a  favour  of  Life  unto  Life  in  them  that  in 
 
 f>L?r.z,  14,17.    DeijCvmg  receive  it  ,  and  a  favor  of  death  unto  them  that  op- 
 pole  and  rebel  againli  ir. 
 
 3 .  As  a  Pillar :  the  word  is  ibmetimes  ufed  to  exprefs  feme 
 chief  ones,  as  Gat.  2.9*  fo  whereas  God  hath  teiiified  his 
 goodnefs  in  that  rumour  of  the  Gofpel  proclaimed  in  Para- 
 dife,  and  in  his  works  of  Creation  and  Providence,  and  after 
 by  Types  and  Prophefies,  and  after  by  the  Fore-runner  of  his 
 
 Zpb •  3 •  3>  455> Son >  tnc*  nac^  Inftruments  fuitable  to  each  for  Miniftration  ; 
 ^9^0.  1  Vet.  yet  when  his  Son  is  manifeft  as  come  intheFlefli,  who  is 
 i.iijii.  iTim.  the  Brightnefs  of  his  Glory,  and  chief  Tedimony  of  hisgood- 
 3'5'  nets  :  fo  in  that  refpeft,   the  Mintfters  that  thus  hold  him 
 
 forth,  they  are  the  chief,  and  inch  are  thefe,  and  the  Church 
 
 now. 
 
 4.  A  Pillar  is  ufed  for  an  upholder  and  flay,  and  fothe 
 
 Truth 
 
Truth  is  the  upholder  and  ftay  of  the  Church  ,  and  the  giver 
 of  Authority  to  it  ;  and  not  the  Church  the  Hay  of ,  and  Au- 
 thority-giver to  the  Truth  ;  yet  even  in  this  refpe&  alfo  ,  as 
 Chrift  is  the  Head  of  the  Church  ,  and  his  Truth  and  Spirit ; 
 and  he  thereby  an  Indweller  in  the  Church  2  fo  they  in  hold-  Aa,9.x%.  tr;m 
 ing  forth  the  Truth  ,  arc  instrumental  upholders  of  it ,   and  4>7i  Mat.1,14. 
 maintainers  of  the  Faith  to  the  World  ,   and  fo  the  Light  of 
 the  World  :   and  in  reipeft  of  feme  in  the  outward  Court, 
 that  turn  the  Grace  of  God  into  wantonnefs ,   pervert  the 
 Gofpel,  deceive  the  World,  and  labour  to  beguile  Believers 
 in  turning  them  from  the  Faith ;     Thefe  are  the  Keepers  of 
 the  Faith  by  teaching  it,   and  oppofing  and  fighting  with  the 
 fword  of  the  Spirit ,  againft  their  prophanefs  and  errors  ; 
 and  fo  maintaining  the  Faith  againlt  their  falfhoods.     And 
 in  all  thefe  fenfes ,  the  Church  that  are  thefe  Witncffcs ,  is  iTim,  4. 1,7. 
 the  Pillar  of  Truth  5  and  yet  more  fully ,  in  one  fenfc  more,  *c*lo.*9l& 
 including  ail  the  former  in  it ,  This  Church  is  the  Pillar  and  JHde  h  4' 
 Ground  of  Truth,  taking  in  as  is  given  us ,  both  the  words  • 
 that  is  to  fay, 
 
 5*  As  they  were  of  old  to  write  the  Commandments  and 
 Statutes  of  the  Lord  upon  the  door-ports  of  their  houfe,  and 
 their  gates,  (as  the  Ten  words  were  written  in  Tables  Df«r^^-^JI« 
 of  (lone)  that  they  might  be  feen  and  read  :  and  as  fome  fay, 2< 
 The  Prophets  did  hang  or  faften  their  written  Proprieties 
 upon  one  of  the  Pillars  in  the  Temple ,  as  is  the  ufc  of  the 
 chief  Magiflrate  to  have  his  Proclamation  faftned  on  fome 
 noted  poft  or  pillar,  in  the  Market-place,  where  all  the  Coun- 
 try may  take  notice  of  it,  and  read  it  :  fo  thefe  are  the 
 Church  or  Houfe  ,  and  fo  that  polt  and  pillar  the  Table  or 
 Ground,  in,  and  upon  whom  the  Truth  is  fo  written,  that  all 
 may  read  it ,  though  fome  with  likement ,  and  fome  with 
 diflike  :  as  the  Apoftle  hath  plainly  affirmed ,  faying  to  the 
 Church,  Ye  are  our  Epirtle ,  written  in  our  hearts ,  feen  and 
 read  of  all  Men  ;  forafmuch  as  ye  are  manifeftly  declared  to 
 be  the  EpLUe  of  Chrirt  miniftrcd  by  us,  written  not  with  ink, 
 but  with  the  Spirit  of  the  living  God;  notin  Tables  of  ftone 
 fas  the  Law  of  old  was,  )  but  in  the  fleftily  Tables  of  the 
 heart  :  in  which  there  is  a  performance  fpiritually  by  Chrift  He&.i.i. 
 of  that  (aid  to  the  Prophet  of  old,  Write  the  Vifion,and  make 
 
 CLq  it 
 
z?o        Of  the  Furniture  of  the  following 
 
 it  plain  upon  Tables ,  that  he  may  run  that  readeth  ic ;  and 
 j/4. 19  ix,ii.  ^i0g  tt^xn  wjtn  that  rca(j^  hc  may  reaj  to  others>  evcn  that 
 
 Vifion  of  All :  and  others  may  read  it  on  him.    And  this 
 writing  is  the  very  work  of  Cnrift,  by  his  Spirit  in  Mini- 
 ftcry  of  the  Gofpel.      Wc  never  read  that  Chrirt  did  per- 
 fonally  in  his  own  Body ,    write  any  part  of  the  Scripture ; 
 that  work  he  left  for  his  Servants  by  his  Spirit  to  do :  yet  once 
 J^.8.*.        we  finde  that  he  wrote  with  his  Finger  on  the  ground,  as  not 
 regarding  his  Tempters  ;  yet  what  he  wrote  is  not  faid: 
 but  to  fay  the  Apoftlealludeth  to  that,  I  dare  not  :   nor  yet 
 Willi  fay  it  was  an  intimate  Iaftru&ion  of  his  own  work ,  fo 
 freely  to  write  by  his  Finger  (which  oft fignifieth  his  Spi- 
 rit )  his  Epiftle  in  the  ground  of  the  heart  of  his  unworthy 
 ones  :   but  this  I  may  fay  in  treating  of  his  fpiritual  writing, 
 To  allude  to  this  is  no  error.      But  however,  it  cleerly  ap- 
 pears, this  Society  and  Church  fpoken  of,  is  the  Pillar  and 
 ground  of  Truth,where  Truth  is  written  and  holden  forth  to 
 be  read  ;  yea,  even  the  Truth  that  is  the  Myfterie  of  godli- 
 1  Tlm.$>\6*     nefs  ,  that  great  Myftery,  God  was  manifested  in  the  Flefti, 
 juftified in  the  Spirit,  &c.    And  fo  thefe  unfeigned  Believers 
 united  to  Chrift  ,  having  his  word   (as  delivered  by  his  A- 
 poftles  )  in  their  heart, be  his  Witneffes  now ,  and  the  Mi- 
 nifters  he  hath  chofen  for  this  Miniftration,  to  minifter  ac- 
 cording to.  the  grace  and  gifts  given  them  (  noneprtfuming 
 3ta/.iU>M.    beyond  )  thefe  are  the  holy  "icy  and  San&uary  of  his  build- 
 ing,  and  the  Miniitcrs  of  the  things  thereof,  to  whom  he 
 gives  Spirit  and  Power,   that  they  may  witnefs  him  even  to 
 the  World;  and  among  thefe  is  the  true  Altar,  even  in  this 
 Temple,  and  thefe  are  the  Worfhippers  thereat :  and  becaufe 
 of  the  Gofpel  in  their  hearts,  and  therethrough  feme  portion 
 of  thefe  forementioncd  fpiritual  gift?,  by  whith  they  witnefs 
 him,  &  hold  forth  the  word  of  life  with  their  tongues :  there- 
 fore their  tongue  is  faid  to  be  as  choice  (ilver,and  their  lips  to 
 ^^  p  A*  feed  many ;  their  tongue  ufeth  knowledge  aright,  and  fpeaks 
 31.it!  &71.  of  God's  righteoufnefs  andpraifeallthc  day ;  yea,  evenfo 
 14.&119.W-  asfinners  may  be  converted  to  him  ;  and  fo  from  them  the 
 &1i,$u*Thef.  Wordof  God  foundeth  forth .     And  alfo  by  the  fame  Spirit 
 
 ^GdTilif' in  the  GofPcl  1  thcir  hctrts  bcinS  fr*m*d  to  the  minde  and 
 •  i%  defign  of  Chrift,  they  fo  have  a  Chrift-likc  Spirit  fpringing  up, 
 
 Love, 
 
W'ttneffes,  till  Cbrijl  come  again.          ipi 
 
 Love,  Joy,  Peace,  &c.  which  leadeth  them  to  walk  in  Faith 
 and  Love,  inHoliDefs  and  Mercy,  &c.  So  that  alio  hereby  Mat.t.i6. 
 they  do  witnefs  of  him ,  and  hold  forth  the  word  of  Life  al- 
 fo  in  their  converfation  in  good  works  and  holy  profeflion : 
 whence  the  Fruit  of  the  Righteous  is  called,  ATreeof  Life,Py«*-I,-3o. 
 (and  a  way  of  winning  Souls  -,)  yea,  their  Fruit  is  for  Meat,  j^^47^1, 
 and  their  Leaf  for  Medicine;  fotbeir  Converfation  mnncthi2Cor9^' 
 and  their  Zeal  provoketh  many  :  and  becaufe  the  Spirit  of 
 Glory  reftethon  them,  andgiveth  them  power  to  glorifies. 4.io,u  14 
 God  in  witneffing  both  thefe  wayes ,  though  through  fuffer- 
 ings  ;  Therefore  in  refpe&  of  their  twofold  witneffing  and 
 holding  forth  the  word  of  Life,  to  glorifie  God  and  do  good 
 to  Men, convincing  by  Truth,and  comforting  with  Truth,  and 
 confuting  falfhood  5  They  arc  alfo  called  the  two  Witneffes  RcvA  r j4t 
 that  witnefs ;  yea ,  that  witnefs  the  Truth  on  God's  part  a- 
 gainft  the  Man  of  fin  ,  and  God  of  the  World  ;  and  the  two 
 Olive-Trees  that  bring  forth  that  good  Fruit  whence  the 
 good  Oyl  runneth  ;  and  the  two  Candleliicks  that  hold  forth 
 the  true  Light  that  fhineth  :  fothat  every  way  it  appears  that 
 thefe  unfeigned  Believers ,  united  to  Chrift  in  him  by  Faith, 
 and  be  in  them  by  Word  8c  Spirir,are  his  chofen  Ones,to  bring 
 forth  Fruit,  his  Minifters  for  carrying  an  end  the  Miniftration 
 of  this  laft  Revelation  of  Chritt  till  he  come  again :  thefe  arc 
 the  Temple  of  God,  the  Houfe  of  God ,  the  Church  of  God, 
 ( I  need  not  to  ufe  worldly  terms ,  clfc  I  might  (hew  how  • ) 
 thefe  arc  the  Achademah  or  School,  Univerfity  and  Collcdge, 
 in  which  are  all  the  Scholars  that  are  taught  of  God.  And  I 
 might  (hew  how  Chrift  is  here  the  chief  Mafter ,  Doftor  and 
 Rabbi,  and  the  Prophets  and  Apoftles  the  Matters  of  this 
 Affembly ;  the  Scriptures,  the  Library ;  the  Teftimony  of  Je- 
 fus,  the  Original ;  the  Holy  Spirit  therein  ,  the  Interpreter  • 
 the  way  of  Learning  and  coming  to  knowledge,is  Attention 
 and  believing  ;  the  Fellows  and  Collegiates  are  all  that  are 
 built  upon  Jefus,  and  lo  one  in  this  fpiritual  houfe  ;  the  pu- 
 pils are. all  that  like  or  defire  to  learn  theDoftrineof  the 
 Gofpel,  though  yet  hardly  believing ,  or  weak  and  unliable 
 in  the  Faith  ;  or  believing  the  Truth  of  the  Gofpel ,  and  pro- 
 fefling  it ,  but  not  fo  prevailed  wkh  by  it,  as  to  be  united  to 
 Chrift,  and  framed  to  his  Minde ,   fo  as  to  have  his  word  in 
 
 Q^q  2  their 
 
2pl  Of  the  Furniture  of  the  following 
 
 their  heart ,  thefe  not  yet  to  b:  Teachers  but  Learners  5  but 
 therefiduc  all  Teachers  according  to  the  meafure  of  Faith 
 and  Gifts  given  them ,   and  their  ails  are  Fellowfhip  in  the 
 Gofpel  •  and  to  thofe  a&s  the  World  may  come  alio  to  hear. 
 And  all  the  Minifters  God  approveth  and  fendeth  forth  to 
 minifter  Gofpel  to  the  World,  they  are  brought  up  in  ,  and 
 fent  forth  of  this  University ,    being  Members  thereof,  as  is 
 proved  in  that  already  faid  ;  and  yet  I  would  add  one  proof 
 more,  even  from  the  Prayer  of  our  Saviour  for  thefe,  in  John 
 17.  where  having  prayed  for  the  fitnefs ,  furniture  and  blef- 
 fing  on  the  miniftration  of  thofe  immediately  called ,  chofen, 
 taught  and  fet  forth  by  himfelf,  he  proceedeth  in  that  Prayer, 
 Job.  i7.^7>8,  %'lng?  Neither  do  I  pray  for  thefe  alone,  but  for  them  a/fo  nhich 
 9,11  tUMrfifhall believe  on  me  through  their  word  ,  (  which  is  no  o^fier  but 
 17*18,19,  #  his  own  word,  he  received  of  the  Father,and  gave  to  them :) 
 verj.io.  an^  |-Q  jt  -s  tnroUgh  thcjr  Miniftration  of  the  word  ;  and  fo 
 
 the  fame  word  ,  and  as  miniftred  and  recorded  by  thefe 
 firft  VVitneffes ,  who  were  immediately  fent  forth  by  him, 
 with  this  Miniftration,  for  the  Obedience  of  Faith  among  all 
 Nations ,  and  for  all  that  believe  through  their  word,  He 
 prayeth, 
 
 -  Verf.i  i .  That  they  all  (he  faith  not  fome  onely  or  the  chief 
 Officers  they  (hall  chufe,  but  the  unfeigned  Believers  ,  even 
 they  all)  may  be  one,  at  thon  father,  art  in  me,  and  Iin  thee,  that 
 they  alfo  may  be  one  in  us.  Which  cannot  be  meant  of  the 
 Effence  of  God,  becaufe  he  fpeaketh  of  Minift ration  ;  nor  is 
 it  meant  onely  of  being  one  in  him  by  the  Spirit  of  Faith  re- 
 lying on  him  ,  though  this  be  included  ;  yea ,  the  union  of 
 the  Father  and  Son  in  will  for  Miniftration ,  and  of  the  Fa- 
 ther  in  the  Son,  and  the  Son  in  the  Father ,  and  fo  the  union 
 between  them,  is  more  then  fo ;  yea,  T  may  fay,  there  is  luch 
 an  union  between  them,  as  is  higher  then  we  can  conceive, 
 and  incommunicable  alio  ,  though  the  benefit  of  it  be  com- 
 municable ;  but  the  union  here  meant ,  appears  by  that  fore- 
 going, and  this  following,  with  the  fcope  of  the  bufineis ,  to 
 be  theunion  of  the  Spirit  for  Miniftration,  as  the  Father  was 
 and  is  one,  and  of  one  minde  in  Chrift ,  that  he  fliould  make 
 peace  by  his  blood  »  and  then  preach  peace,  that  Men  might 
 believe ;  and  that  in  preaching  peace ,  he  fhould  ipeak  his 
 
 words 
 
JV'ttneJfeSytillChrift  come  again.  i6$ 
 
 words,  that  he  gave  him.  and  flek  his  ends  for  glorifying  him,  in 
 delaying  and  expending  Salvation  to  M:n  •  and  eternally  faving 
 believing  Men.  SoChrift  was  one  in  and  with  the  Father  in  ill 
 this :  and  in  die  fame  love  with  the  lime  defign  ,  did  both  make 
 peace  by  his  Blood  ,  a  nd  preach  peace  in  the  fame  words,  and  for 
 the  hme  end  the  Father  gave  them  to  him  ,  and  fo  a  re  they  one  ut 
 the  fame  love  and  defign,  for  the  good  of  Mankinde  in  this  Mmi- 
 ftration  of  peace-preaching  to  bring  Men  in  to  believe  ,  and  to 
 prefervc  Believers  to  eternal  Life.  And  now  having  committed 
 the  Miniftry  of  Reconciliation  by  peace- preaching  to  his  firft  Wit- 
 neffes,  and  prayed  for ,  and  begun  to  frame  them  into  union  with 
 him  in  this  defign  ,  he  prayeth  therewith,  for  all  that  usfeignedly 
 believe  on  him  through  their  word  ,  and  fo  are. united  to  him  by 
 Faith  and  Love  ,  that  they  may  be  framed  by  the  fame  Spirit  of 
 Faith  to  his  minde ,  and  fo  be  one  in  the  Father  and  him  ,  in  the 
 fame  love  and  the  fame  defign,  for  carrying  forth  this  Minitlration 
 as  he  did  ;  and  to  the  fame  ends ,  though  through  like  fufferings.. 
 as  he  did,  and  as  the  fiift  VVitnciTes  did  ,  that  fo  we  may  be  one 
 together  with  them  ,  and  all  one  in  the  Father  and  the  Son  in  this 
 love  and  defign  purfued  in  the  fame  way  for  Minift  ration.  Aad 
 this  to  be  the  union  meant,  appears  alfo  in  the  next  words  >  which 
 are,  That  the  world  (  that  is  ,  fuch  as  yet  believe  not  )  may  bf  yerft7,Xt 
 it  eve  that  thou  haft  fent  me  :  (which  can  be  no  Iefs ,  then  that 
 through  their  Miniftration  carried  forth  in  fuch  love  and  union  of 
 Spirit  and  way  ,  fuch  as  yet  believe  not,  may  believe,  &e*)  And 
 this  to  be  the  meaning,  the  rcx:  words  fhew, 
 
 Ve  rf.  1 2.  And  the  glory  which  thou  gave  ft  me  ,  1  have 
 given  them*  (  which  is  not  the  glory  he  had  with  the  Father  be- 
 fore the  world  was  ,  and  with  which  he  is  now  glorified  at  the 
 Father's  rigkt  hand  ,  for  that  was  not  then  as  yet  give*  to  him, 
 as  he  was  Man  ,  but  to  be  given  him  on  the  finishing  his  whole 
 work  for  furTering  and  overcoming  death,  and  his  own  immediate 
 perfonal  Mmiftration  and  his  AfcenGon  ituo  Heaven,  and  offering 
 up  the  acceptable  facrifice,  and  then  was  that  glory  given  him ;  io 
 that  of  this  glory  he  fpcaketh  not;  but  of  )  the  glory  of  the  Mini- 
 ftration,  given  him  immediately  of  the  Facher  •  which  was  a  more 
 great  and  glorious  Miniftration  then  ever  before  given  to  Mofes* 
 or  any  of  the  Priefts,  or  Prophets ,  or  John  B apt  * ft :  and  fo  it's 
 called  the  glorious  Gofpel.     And  this  Miniftratioa  with  com- 
 
 million ; 
 
z?4-        Of  the  Furniture  of  the  following 
 
 million  ,  with  power ,  and  authority  ,  and  Spirit  he  received  im- 
 mediately from  the  Father ,  and  fo  give  it  as  immediately  to  the 
 firft  VVitnefles,  and  now  here  mediately  through  the  belief  of 
 their  Gofpel ,  unto  all  unfeigned  Btiievcrs  in  every  age  thac 
 through  their  word  believe;  to  them,  and  all  them,  our  Sa- 
 viour gives  this  glory  of  the  commiflion  ,  power  aad  authority  for 
 MiniLtjatioR  :  and  that  toehefeends,  both  that  they  may  be 
 
 I  erf.iu  onc  ^  cven  as  we  arc  one  ^  ( jn  that  union  forementioned  ;)      and 
 
 lb, 
 
 Vcrf.1%  •  I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be  made 
 perfe&inone*  I  in  them  s  The  Nature  of  all  Maakinde  is  in 
 me5  in  whicn  I  have  died  their  Death  ,  and  furTered  the  Curfe  thac 
 was  due  for  their  fins;  and  made  peace  for  them  by  my  Blood,  and 
 offered  the  acceptable  Sacrifice,  and  obtained  eternal  Redemption, 
 and  received  in  the  Nature  of  Man,  Rcmiflion  of  fins ,  and  fulnefs 
 of  Spirit,  Grace,  Truth,  and  Eternal  Life  for  Men  ;  that  in  bcliev*- 
 ing  Men  might  receive  me*  and  in  receiving  me,  receive  it  all.  And 
 now  thefe  believing  ,  though  not  by  my  immediate  perfonal  Mini- 
 ftration,  yet  by  my  mediate  Miniftratioa,  through  the  Word  re- 
 corded by  my  firftWitneffes  that  received  it  immediately  from  me, 
 they  in  believing  come  in  to  me;  &  receiving  my  words, they  receive 
 ire.  So  that  I  by  my  word  ,  and  in  that  by  my  Spiri: ,  with  all 
 the  heavenly  riches  and  treafures  I  am  filled  with  in  their  Naturej 
 am  thus  fpiritually  in  them  ,  and  pray  that  I  may  fo  be  (till,  and 
 
 Par,  *  more  abundantly.  And  thou  in  me :  the  Father  is  in  the  Son,  and 
 
 all  that  is  the  Fathers  is  the  Sons  ;  fo  that  as  he  that  in  believing 
 recciveth  the  Soipelj  dotn  receive  Chrift  therein  •  and  he  that  re- 
 cciveth  Chrift,  receiveth  the  Father  •  and  fo  from  both  that  Holy 
 Spirit ,  that  uniteth  both  to  Father  and  Son  ,  and  frameth  to 
 onenefs  of  minde,  love  and  defign  :  and  fo  for  that  farther  end 
 alfo  here  expreft,  that  being  made  perfect  in  one ,  and  fo  in  this 
 unity  of  Spirit  in  love  and  defign,  their  defign  may  profper  in  this, 
 23.  That  the  world  may  k**»  *****  thou  hajtfent  me  ( the  Saviour 
 of  the  World ,  and  that  the  World  through  me  might  be  faved, 
 and  fo  that  I  am  the  Chrift)  ar.d  ( that  thou  )  half  loved  them 
 (thefe  that  believe  in  me ,  and  in  love  roinifter  Gofpel  to  them  in 
 my  Name)  m  thou  baft  loved  me.  Which  if  any  ose  come  to 
 know  and  believe  what  a  one  Chrift  is ,  and  how  he  loves  and 
 approves  them  and  their  Miniftratioa ,    who  alfo  are  as  patterns 
 
 to 
 
2Tiw.2.i, 
 
 Witnejfes,  till  Chritt  come  again.         295 
 
 to  them  s   this  will  draw  them  alfo  to  believe  and  be  pulling  them  ^.4.10.  lCo?. 
 out  of  the  World  into  the  Church.      The  next  Petition  is  for  2.8.1/^.1.1,1, 
 glory  to  be  conferred  on  them  after  their  Miniftration  •  the  hope  3>4. Tob.ii.i*. 
 whereof ,   is  an  encouragement  and  fupport  to  them  in  their  Mini- 
 ftration through  all  fuffcrings. 
 
 And  by  all  this  cur  Saviour  gives  us  to  under  ftand  ,  both  who 
 be  his  chofen  Minifters,  and  alfo  what  their  Furniture  is ;  and  the 
 fame  that  appears  in  our  Saviour's  Prayer,  is  to  be  fcen  likewifc  in 
 the  practice  and  counfel  of  the  Apoftles,  who  were  fo  filled  withi 
 and  guided  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  to  be  unerring  both  in  delivery 
 of  their  Doctrine  ,    and  direction  for  the  Miniftration  3  fo  as  it  is  J^i^'ff/ 
 well  done  of  their  followers  ,   to  keep  bDth  Gofpel  and  Miniftra-  ^5.  i£0r.\\. 
 tionas  they  delivered  the  fame  i  and  they  committed  thcGofpel  1,23.  2  Tim.u 
 and  things  thereof,  to  fuch  as  were  known  to  be  faithful  >  and  en-  i4.iri«i.*.a©. 
 dued  with  the  Holy  (ahoft  ,    and  charged  them  to  commit  the 
 fame  to  faithful  Men,  aot  limiting  it  to  outward  Officers,  (though 
 in  fuch  an  Epiftlc  as  was  moft  needful  to  name  them,  if  fuch  a 
 thing  had  been  intended  )  but  to  faithful  Me*  (  whether  fuch  Of- 
 fice s  or  no.  )     But  more  need  not  be  faid  of  this  :    enough 
 is  fbewn  before  1  proving  thefe  the  fpiritual  Houfe  ,  the  royal 
 Priefthood.  the  chofen  Generation ,  his  chofen  Minifters  to  (hew 
 forth  his  praifes. 
 
 But  yet  a  word  or  two  more,  to  make  plain  the  Furniture  thole 
 following  Minifters  have  :  and  in  this  Revelation  of  Chrift  %  we 
 (hall  alfo  finde  that  for  Furniture, 
 
 I.  They  have  the V Vord or €ofpcl  difcoveriag  Chrift  •  and  ~ 
 fo  Chrift  in  that  ©ofpel  in  their  heart ,  aad  fo  are  come  to  Sion  2!  ,  7*^'"' 
 and  fo  are  of  Sion  >   and  the  Fouadation  is  laid  in  Sion ,  ( that  is  z4]  ifa^iV. 
 Chrift  as  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel  )   for  Sion  to  hold  forth  to  others  zJob.x.  Eph.  3 . 
 the  fame  Foundation,  that  they  may  come  in  and  be  built  thereon ;  l7Meb.tz.%i. 
 yea,  this  word  hath  come  from  Sion ,    Jerufitlem  that  is  above,  J^*78*Ip    & 
 and  is  the  Mother  of  us  all,  JW2.25.  GaL$.i6.  and  is  in  the  t.ifa^lj!'2 
 Heart,  Fcllowfhip  and  Miniftration  of  Sion,  that  part  of  it,  which 
 though  in  heart  and  Spirit  above ,   PbiLi,.  2 o.   Col. 3.1.  yet  in 
 Sion  hath  God  taken  up  his  reft  ,    and  will  abundantly  blcfsher :  p/*.ij  2.13,14, 
 he  dwelleth  there;  yea,  the  Lord  lovsth  the  Gates  of  Sion  more  15.  Jo  J  3. 21. 
 then  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob  befides  ;  Aad  fo  we  may  fay,  This  P/*77.i* 
 Miniftracion ,  more  then  all  that  fore-went  it.    So  that  the  w©rd  of 
 Truth,  of  Life  and  Salvation  is  here,  as  in  the  outward  record  •  fo 
 
 in 
 
296         Of  the  Furniture  of  the  following 
 
 in  the  undemanding  and  heart,  and  flowcth  forth  from  hence  as  a 
 firft  fruit*  of  that,  I  fa.  2.3.  Mic.q.  2 . 
 
 Jfa  19  21  Rom  %  Thcy  in  btl:evlno  and  ""bracing *hii  word,  hive  with  it  the 
 3,9,1©.  1  Job.  HoIy  SFlrit»  ^ffcAing  the  Spirit  and  Mir.de  of  Chrift  in  them  all : 
 2. 20.  e^.24.  *Rd  in  fomc  good  meafure  enduing  them  with  ail  the  fii ft  menri- 
 npb.4.7.  tCor.  oned  fpiittual  gifts  among  rhem  ,  to  every  ere  fomc  ,  thouoh  not 
 
 \oi**lfI*<  t0  al1  **?  Cvcry  onc  al:ke#  Thus  arc  Khc?  furnifll^«  And  this 
 2^3! 7caM.6.%)  may  ^  tructy  **"*  o(S;oH  whom  no  Man  fecketh  after ,  they  are 
 f-Cwtaj,*.  i°  worldly  appearance  made  fo  like  their  Lord  ,  and  there  are  fo 
 many  Concubines  •  though  this  Beloved  be  but  one,  and  the  cne'y 
 one  of  her  MGther, that  for  difcerning  her,  thai  prayer  is  needful, 
 Sb*w  mt  where  thou  feedeft,  &c.  and  the  direction  there  given, 
 needful  •  and  to  fuch  as  do  difcern  it,  it  may  be  faid,  as  PfaL  48. 
 1  2,1  3,14. 
 
 But  now  becaufe  thefe  following  V  VitnerTcs ,  that  part  dfSio» 
 yet  below,  have  not  the  Gofpel,  and  thefc  fpirtual  gifts  f  fo  imme- 
 diately from  Chrift,  and  fo  not  in  (6  full  a  meafure  as  that  they  are 
 alwayes  infallibly  freed  from  erring  in  every  particular  thing  al- 
 together in  delivery  of  Dodtrine  and  Miniftration,  as  the  firft  wit- 
 neffes  were  :  but  as  they  have  received  their  Dodcrine  and  Mini- 
 ftration mediately  in  belief  of,  and  receiving  che  Doctrine  and 
 Gofpel  as  delivered  by  them  ,  that  are  Sion  now  above  :  fo  their 
 prefervation  from  error  in  Do&rine  and  Miniftration  ,  is  mediate 
 .  likewiie,  even  in  heeding  the  Gofpel  received  from  God  and  Chrift, 
 
 iT^.4.1/,1^.  by  them  ,   and  delivered  by*  them  to  us  :   and  fo  both  the  Com- 
 27^.3.14,17.  mandmeotof  our  Fatherland  the  Law  of  our  Mother  in  one,  to  be 
 co!.$*i6.         imbraced  and  kept  by  us:  and  fo  we  are  directed,  and  commanded, 
 and  promife  of  guidance  given  us  therein.    And  fo, 
 
 3,  They  are  furniihed  with  Mitter ,  Rules ,  Dire&ions  and 
 KomA.\6.\Tbef.  Cautions  in  thisDo&rine  of  the  Gofpel ,  as  delivered  and  re- 
 ZA*m  .     corded   by  the  Apoftles  ;  and  which  they   alio  in  believing  it 
 
 have  in  their  hearts  faving'.y  working.     And  this  helpful, 
 
 1 .  For  fpeakteg  right  and  wholefome  words  in  Faith  and  Love, 
 p/o. »2.zo,ii.  an(j  t0  edification,  learning,  and  comfort,  Rcv.i  9.1  o,  2T/W.1. 
 ictf^u^  lC,r.4.6.  and    t4.}. 
 
 2.  For  keeping  meafure  and  due  order  in  our  fpeakingSj  that 
 iCoM-6'  T'ov.  Upon  no  pretence  or  piefumption  of  Learning,  Parrs,  Invention 
 22.11. Rom.ii.  or  offoe  ,  wC  prefume  to  fpeak  of  things  we  have  not  fcen  in  the 
 4.£o/.i.  18.      ^0l£  0f  tnc  Gofpel ;  having  that  jlib  to  teftifie  withal :    And  i'o, 
 
 that 
 
WitneffeSt  till  Chrift  come  again.  zyy 
 
 that  none  go  beyond  the  proportion  of  Faith  dealt  to  him, 
 even  that  which  he  is,  without  taking  it  on  truit  from  others  rfom.n.s*,*, 
 enabled  to  fee  and  underftand  in  the  Gofpel  ;    fo  as  verily,  J'*j^#f,,M' 
 thereby  to  believe  :    and  that  his  venting  be  not  in  imita-  h  *' 
 tion  of  other  Men's  Gifts  and  Administrations  ;    hue  ac- 
 cording to  the  Manifeitation  of  the  Spirit  and  Grace  given 
 him,  freely  operating  and  leading  him  forth,  and  not  (training 
 beyond  that. 
 
 3.  For  giving  this  honour  to  no  Man  on  Earth,  how  learned 
 foever,or  in  what  Office  foever,  or  of  what  parts,  excellency,  Mat.  15.9,10 
 or  appearing  godlinefs  foever,    as  to  make,  count,  or  call  him  //fl.s.io.nvrc/: 
 our  Rabbi,  Matter  or  Teacher  ;  io  as  to  take  any  matter  or  0  u.^.x.tf, 
 Faith  on  truft  from  him  for  Truth  :  or  to  be  waved  from  the  7\%,  Rm.s^l 
 
 any  crofs  layings  of  his ;  yea ,   to  give  this  honour  of  taking 
 
 this  upon  rrui ,  to  none  but  God  and  Chrift ;  and  io  to  him  Mat.i$.%. 
 
 for  his  fake ,  taking  it  from  his  Prophets  and  Apoftles ,  by 
 
 whom,  in  the  Record  left  by  them,  he  fpeaks  to  us  ftill. 
 
 And  that  none  dettre  or  take  this  honour  to  himfelt  :    but 
 
 let  God  andChrift  by  his  Spirit  in  the  Gofpel  delivered, 
 
 and  recorded  by  his  firft  Witneffes,  be  our  Father,  Rabbi, 
 
 and  Matter,  for  Faith  and  Love,  and  all  holy  walking;  and  we 
 
 as  Brethren. 
 
 4.  For  keeping  the  Unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Bond  of  Peace,  E^K  4<  2>  3. 
 that  we  be  not  any  of  us  pufrup  with  the  excellency  of  our  xcor.^.6if.-& 
 ownGifcs  or  Adminittrations,rior  difcontentat  the  meannels  Si  4 >* l*  pbjf< 
 t hereof ,in  refpeft  of  others;  nor  defpife  or  difcountenance  o-  *•***?• 
 thers,for  their  meannefs  therein;but  acknowledging  God  and 
 Chrift  in  all,and  in  love  preferring  one  another,rhat  we  judge  Rom^zyLt. 
 not,&  defpife  not  one  another  for  difference  in  ibme  outward  ^i5.M 
 things ,    through  the  knowledge  or  want  of  the  knowledge  of 
 our  Liberty  in  Guilt ,  nor  trouble  the  weak  Brethren  with 
 doubtful  difputations :    But  with  all  lowlinefs  and  meeknefs, 
 with  .all  long-fuffering ,   forbearing  one  another  inlove,en-  /?;>;;.  4.  ^  £4. 
 deavouring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit   ( ift~th~  Goipei-  l  °fu  l-  6>~l°- 
 Love  and  deiign  fofementioned)  inthebonda^>eaee,thatwe  ?])li-  $l*>l>~ 
 may  all  fpeak  the  fame  thing  in  the  Teftimony  of  Corift,  con- 
 
 R  r  firmed 
 
298     Of  the  Furniture  of  thefollovping&c. 
 
 firmed  among  us :  and  if  in  any  thing  any  of  us  be  otherwise 
 minded ,  to  wait  for  God  in  the  Miniiiration ,  to  reveal  the 
 fame  to  him :  neverthelefs,  to  walk  by  the  fame  Rule  of  faith 
 and  love,  according  to  that  we  have  attained  ;  and  fo  minde 
 the  fame  thing,that  there  be  no  divifions  among  us,  fo  (hall  all 
 7«M.3f.       men  know  us  to  beChrift's  Difciples. 
 
 5.  For  keeping  cleer  and  fair  the  Name  and  Truth  that 
 iTim.6M,ii,  is  written  upon  us  :that  we  follow  after  Righteouinefs,  Holi- 
 13,14.  r&x.io.  nefs,  Purity,  Mercy,good  Works ;  andflie  all  Pride  ,  Wrath, 
 Tbii.zAj.col.  Malice,  Covetoufnefs ,  Fraud, Lying,  Uncleannefs,Intempe- 
 *'f*7          °'  rancy,  &c.   that  we  do  not  blur  or  deface  the  Name  and 
 
 Writing  that  is  upon  us,  but  adorning  the  Gofpel  we  profefs, 
 doing  all  things  heartily  as  to  the  Lord  in  the  Name  of 
 Chrift,  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  good  of  Men. 
 
 6.  For  the  profiting  in  (peaking  and  walking ,  that  it  may 
 \cou\^aCou  ta^c  placew^n9  *ndbe  edifying  to  others,  to  fee  that  all  our 
 13.  ic$r.ZJfi9  fpcakings  and  doings  be  done  in  charity  ,  with  the  love  and 
 3*0i4*i>M>  bowels  of  Chrift  moving  us  with  defire  ofthe  good  of  others; 
 u-                without  which,  all  Knowledge,  Faith,  Gifts,  Works  or  Suf- 
 ferings, will  not  avail  us  in  this  profiting  :  and  fo  in  defire  of 
 fpiritual  gifts,that  we  defire  them  not  for  our  own  applaufe  or 
 exaltation,  but  for  the  edifying  of  the  Church  ;and  that  in  this 
 defire  alfo,  wc  do  more  earneftly  defire  and  follow  after  cha- 
 rity. 
 
 And  thefe  with  fuch-like  are  the  conftant  and  abiding 
 helps  given  in  the  Gofpel  for  Believers ,  which  in  living  by 
 Faith,  they  may  alwayes  have  and  ufe,  and  fo  be  prcferved 
 from  erring  in  Doctrine  ,  Miniftration  or  Manners :  fo  that 
 here  is  afufficient  gracious  helpfulnefs  and  Furniture,  always 
 needful ,  and  always  at  hand,  for  all  times  till  Chrift  come  a- 
 gain :  yet  in  refpe&  of  fome  oceafions,there  is  yet  needful  to 
 them  (ome  other  helps  ,  as  order  and  helps  in  Government, 
 with  which  they  arc  alfofurniflied  in  this  Revelation  of  Chrift 
 in  the  Gofpel 
 
 CHAP. 
 
299 
 
 Chap.   16. 
 
 Of  the  helps  in  refpeft  of  occafions  which  are  given  tffeft  wit- 
 nejjes. 
 
 FOr  the  encreafe  and  multitudes  of  Believers  and  Pro- 
 feffors  of  the  Faith  brought  in  by  this  Miniftration  ,  be- 
 caufe  their  Societies  and  Aflemblics  may  come  to  be  both  ma- 
 ny, and  many  of  them  great  and  numerous  •  and  becaufe 
 their  employments  in  this  World  be  many  and  various ;  and 
 becaufe  many  brought  in  to  believe  the  Report  of  the  Gofpel 
 to  be  a  Truth  ,  are  not  yet  by  it  convinced  of  their  own  nn- 
 believingnefs,  vilenefs,  and  the  emptinefs  of  their  own  righ-  J°h-  *-  **>1*' 
 tcoufnefs;  and  Tome  though  convinced,  yet  not  prevailingly      '**" 
 wrought  upon  to  be  through-hearted,in  cleaving  and  fubrait- 
 ting  to  Chrilt  to  have  all  their  life  in  him ,  and  live  to  him, 
 though  in  abiding  in  this  belief  of  the  Truth ,  and  attending 
 this  Miniftery  of  it ,  it  will  fave  them,  and  work  them  up  to 
 the  Truth  that  will  make  them  free ;  both  which,  though  At- 
 tendee, and  of  the  outward  Society,  yet  not  the  true  Sanctu- 
 ary ;  and  fo  to  be  Learners,  and  not  the  Teachers :  yea  ,  it 
 may  be  alfo,fome  in  feme  meafure  unfeignedly  believing,  and 
 yet  Novices ,   newly  come  to  the  Faith  ,   may  be  ready  to  iTim.^.4. 
 fpeak  beyond  the  proportion  of  Faith  given  them ;  yea,  and 
 it  may  fo  be,  that  fomc  feigned  and  diffembling  ones ,  yea, 
 and  diforderly  ones  alfo ,  may  creep  into  the  outward  pro- 
 fcflion,   and  fo  be  of  this  Society  inprofeflion  ,  andfo  the 
 outward  Court,  though  while  fuch,  not  in  nor  of  the  San&u- 
 ary  and  holy  Place ,  of  which  hath  before  been  ipoken :  and 
 by  reafon  of  this ,  if  help  be  not  had,  diforder  and  confuiion 
 will  be  found  in,  and  blemifties  befal  the  whole  Society  :  but 
 for  remedy  hereof,  there  are  help?  afforded : 
 
 One  for  Conftancy  ;  and  that  is  order  in  fpeakinginthe 
 Affembly,that  but  one  fpeak  at  once,and  the  reft  be  filent:and 
 fo  two  or  three  may  fpeak  one  after  another,  fo  it  be  in  order: 
 
 Rr  2  and 
 
300  Of  the  Helps 
 
 and  after ,  while  time  and  filence  is,  may  be  a  fober  Queftion- 
 ing,asin  i  Cor.14.  at  large. 
 
 And  the  other  Help ,  is  Helps  in  Government ,  which  is 
 to  be  ufed,  when  and  in  fuch  times  and  places ,  as  they  may 
 be  enjoyed.  And  this  is  to  ordain  certain  Brethren  into  cer- 
 tain Offices,  andiet  them  in  the  fame,  for  becter  carrying  on 
 of  the  Minilkation  in  the  fever al  and  great  Societies  and  Af- 
 femblies, and  for  the  comfort  and  enlarge  mem,  and  more  or- 
 derly and  beautiful  proceedings  in  the  Church  ,  and  of  the 
 Affairs  in  her  Affemblies ,  and  for  convincing  and  (lopping 
 the  mouths  of  unbelievers,  that  may  come  into  their  Affem- 
 blies to  hear  them.  And  thefe  Officers  chofen  into  thefe 
 7it.\.wi.?h'd^  Offices, are, firft,  BHriops  or  Elders ,  (for  both  thefe  Names 
 i-i'iTM-S;1'  are  the  Names  of  orie  and  the  fame  Office.)     And  fecond- 
 
 rit! Tiifa \Ai  ^ De£COns5 cailed  allb  $$$*$•    And  a.bout  thefe  lhe  G°- 
 io,i2oi*,     'fpel/ affords,  us  many  Directions,  fome  intimate,  feme  ex- 
 
 prefs  •   aft  plain  :   which  for  undemanding  I  will  inttance 
 
 ior6e,is 
 1  .That  thefe  Offices  appertain  to  the  Church  &  the  Officers 
 
 ^oV W alare  lo  e*ecuce  thcir  °^ce  ln  &  t0  c^,e  Cnurcn  in  th°fe  Affcih- 
 
 f.*!#£i!u.     '  biles,  for  and  in  thofe  Affemblies  where  they  are  chofen.and 
 
 fet :  as  for  their  preaching  to  theWorld  &  Unbelievers,or  ier- 
 
 °>  vice  they  may  do  i«  other  places  or  Affemblies,  it  is  by  vertue 
 
 14.^5^3*  0f  lnc  Gofpil  in  their  hearts,and  the  ipiritua]  Gifts  received, 
 
 and  10  with  Churches  confent  their  Authority  is  from  Heaven, 
 
 bv  which  any  of  their  Brethren  (o  gifted ,  and  according  to 
 
 their  Gifts ,   may  do  the  fame  as  well  and  as  approvedly  of 
 
 God  as  they, 
 
 2.  That  there  is  nothing  in  thefe  Offices ,  or  given  therein 
 
 —  5  Mauto  thefe  Q/ficers  to  do,  but  what  was  vertually  in  the  Church 
 
 fo  1**7**8.  bcfor^pWe them,    and  which  *he  had  Authority  from 
 
 ^.i3.J3>i4>ChriA  |.  and  Love  in  her  Heart  to  lead  her  to  do:  forChrilt 
 
 ij.4cTi.-o.     ^jrnfeif  *1S  tne  chicf  Bifhop  of  our  Sou1?;  and  whenhewas 
 
 on  Earth,  he  was  as  aSeivant,Deaconor  Minifter  alfo ,  and^ 
 
 ,Fef  '"< "t  *r*.  *d  w  that  "give  us  example :  and  To  the  Apoftles  by  vertue  of 
 
 si  iiM#.+  their  cemmiffien  ,  and  the  bufineJs  they  were  called  to,  were 
 
 Wfrttfi-     Bifhops^nd  their  Office  a  BiOioprick  ;  and  by  vertue  of  the 
 
 Grace  and  heavenly  Gifts  given  them,  they  were  BiQiopsor 
 
 Elders,  having  the  care  and  overfight  of  all  the  Churches ; 
 
 yeav 
 
 >.7.C^A^2. 
 
which  are  given  thefe  Witnejfes.  201 
 
 yea ,  and  they  were  Deacons  or  Minifters  alio  ;   yea ,  and 
 thofe  grown  in  Grace,  and  indued  with  fpiritual  Gifts,  going  Heb.ilz.  fit. 
 as  Fathers  before  others ,   are  alfo  Elders ,    and  were  to  be  *.*.  *PeK  f-i* 
 found  in  the  Faith,  in  Charity  and  Patience ,  lbber ,    grave,  p,>i/- 2-  *>*• 
 temperate ,  as  well  as  Elders  by  Office,  and  to  be  fubmitted  \£f£j)  ^ 
 to  by  the  younger  alio  ;  yea,  all  the  Brethren  were  to  over  •  5.  i\\  iTkej.it 
 fee,  and  look  to  the  things  of  one  another,  to  exhort,  com-  n.    col.i.u. 
 fort  and  edifie  one  another,  to  warn  them  that  are  unruly,  to  3m-l':i- 
 comfort  the  feeble  minded  ,  fupport  the  weak ;  yea,  even  to 
 admonifh  thofe  that  were  Elders  by  Office  ,  and  likewife  to 
 fubmit  themfelves  one  to  another  in  the  Fear  of  God ,   as 
 well  as  to  thofe  that  were  in  outward  Office  ;  yea  ,  to  them 
 all  it  belonged,  to  vifit  the  fick  and  releave  the  poor  ;  yea  , 
 the  Liberty  for  ufe  of  all  the  Ordinances  of  God  ,  be- 
 longed to  the  Church  and  holy  P/ace  ;  yea,   where  two  or 
 three  of  them,  by  his  Grace,  in  the  belief  and  love  of  his 
 Name,  were  met  together,  they  have  the  promife  of  Chriif,  Mal  f8  r^0< 
 his  own  prefence  with  them  •  they  may  preach,  pray,receive 
 in  and  baptize  fuch  as  freely  offers  themfelves  and  theirs  to 
 them;  and  when  need  compels,  cart  out.     Nor  do  we  read 
 of  any  of  thefe  things  limited  to  Officers  of  a  Church  choie 
 for  doing  them  ,  or  fo  as  if  the  Believers  cannot  with  fafety 
 have  thefe  Officers,    they  fhould  be  deprived  of  ufe  andi^v.  5.1,5,8. 
 enjoyment  of  any  of  thefe  Ordinances  ;     yea  ,    it  is  moil  cHia,*3.  & 
 probable   the  Corinthians  wanted   thefe  outward  Officers  ^'%9>  3°>4°« 
 when  Paul  wrote  his  firftEpiftie  to  them  ,    yet  had  they  all  Il\?4' 
 the  Ordinances  in  ufe  :  yea,   this  Liberty  and  power  conti- 
 nues in  the  holy  Place,  when  by  the  power  of  the  Gentiles 
 getting  into  the  outward  Court ,  they  arefo  kept  down,  that  K^-1I-*'3* 
 they  can  chufe  no  Officers  in  the  place  of  the  outward  Court* 
 So  that  the  chufingand  fetting  fuch  Officers  in  the  Church,  is 
 not  to  give  or  make  up  the  being  or  true  being  of  the  Church, 
 which  was  truely  a  Church  in  being  before  it  choie  them,  and 
 they  werefet  in  the  Church  ,   which  was  a  Church  in  being  ^^•14-  zl- 
 before  they  were  let  in  it ;   neither  do  they  give  the  Church 
 the  Liberty  and  power  of  ufing  the  Ordinances  cf  Chrid :  but 
 the  Chutch  gives  the  power  of  officiating  by  Office  unto 
 '  them, the  original  of  that  powr  remaining  in  her  ftiil.     Nor 
 are  they  choie n  to  infringe  the  Liberties  of  the  Church,  or  ro 
 
 free: 
 
yoi  Of  the  Helps 
 
 free  any  of  the  Members  of  the  Church  from  any  ferviceof 
 Love,  Grace  obligeth  them  to  ;  but  to  help  forward  and  pro- 
 mote the  fame  :  for  all  Believers  are  not  alike ,  either  filled 
 with  Grace  or  Gifts ,  fome  of  them  weak  :  all  have  not  like 
 victory  over  their  paflions ,  but  fome  will  be  ready  to  vent 
 diforderly :  all  that  are  faithful  and  well  gifted,  cannot  have 
 that  Freedom  and  Liberty  to  overfee  all  their  Brethren ,  to 
 afford  help  according  to  all  the  needs  of  theSociety,by  reafon 
 of  their  outward  callings  and  imployments  in  Domemck  and 
 Commonwealth- Affairs,  and  the dittance of  their  habitati- 
 ons and  places  of  imployment  ;  though  as  God  by  provi- 
 dence opens  the  door ,  and  gives  them  abilicy  and  opportu- 
 nity ,  they  moved  with  Charity  ,  do  readily  and  diligently 
 minde  how  it  is  with  their  Brethrens  Souls ,  and  what  their 
 needs  are  for  their  Bodies ;  and  according  to  the  proportion 
 Rom.  1 1.3,1 1.  of  Faith  given  them ,  do  teach,  exhort,  rebuke, comfort,  &c% 
 i?et.4.io,n.j  anc|  according  to  the  ability  given  them  of  God ,  miniftcr  to 
 them  for  their  relief :  which  ftill  belongs  to  all  Believers  to 
 do ,  even  when  they  have  Officers  alfo  ;  yet  cannot  they 
 give  themfelves  wholly  to  this  Miniftration ,  fo  to  fearch  the 
 Scriptures,and  attend  the  Doctrine  of  the  Gofpel,and  overfee 
 the  ftate  of  all  their  Brethren,and  look  into  their  diftreffes,  as 
 need  requires,and  is  to  be  defired.  Wherefore,  as  the  Church 
 or  holy  place  hath  power ,  fo  (be  may  chufe  of  the  Brethren 
 to  attend  to,and  °ive  themfelves  to  this  Minilration  ;  which, 
 Rom.ti.7.  Col.  when  fo  fet  in  Office  ,  thefe  Officers  are  to  look  to  their  Mi- 
 417.  niftration,    to  fulfil  it ,   and  the  Brethren  accordingly  to 
 
 attend  and  obey  them  in  the  Do&rine  of  the  Goipel  they 
 irk/.f.iiji^teach,  and  lubmit  to  them  in  all  lawful  outward  Order  for 
 iriw.5.17,18.  Church-Affairs,  and  asthey  labour  in  the  Word  andDo- 
 Bjfc  *•  7;  17.   $ritje,  to  count  them  worthy  double  honor  for  their  Works 
 0  4'17'         fake  ,  that  fo  they  may  more  cheerfully  and  fully  perform 
 their  Minirtery  ;  and  to  reprove  and  warn  them,  if  they  ne- 
 gleft  their  Miniftration;  fo  that  thefe  Officers  are  for  the  help, 
 commodity  and  fervice  of  the  Church  ,   and  fo  not  for  bon- 
 dage but  enlargement. 
 
 3.  That  the  Men  that  are  to  bechofeninto  thefe  Offices 
 ^^■W)5>rau(|  De  0f  their  Brethren,  of  the  holy  place ,  fuch  as  are 
 %&Mfa!%  known  to  be  faithful  and  fpiritually  gifted ,  holding  the  My- 
 
 itery 
 
which  are  given  thejelVitnejjes.         303 
 
 ftery  of  Faith  ,  even  the  faithful  Word  as  it  hath  been 
 taught  from  theApoftles,  in  a  pure  Confcience :  That  they 
 be  not  double-tongued,  not  feif-willed  j  not  foon  angry, 
 not  covetous,  not  greedy  of  filthy  lucre,  not  given  to 
 Wine ,  no  fighters  or  brawlers  ;  hue  found  in  the  Faith, 
 and  alfo,  fober,vigilanr,  holy,  temperate,  and  apt  to  teach; 
 each  Man  having  but  one  Wife,  and  ruling  well  his  own 
 Houfe;  that  they  alfo  be  not  acculed  of  Riot,  eh*.  Thefe, 
 even  fuch  of  the  true  Sanctuary ,  are  by  them  of  the 
 true  San&uary  to  be  chol'en  for  this  Miniftration ,  that 
 the  Church  may  be  edihed ,  well  ordered  and  governed, 
 as  is  at  large  (hewn  in  the  Epiftles  to  Timothy ,  and  to 
 Tim. 
 
 4.  That  for  the  Officers  to  be  chofen,  and  fet  in  Office, 
 they  are  of  two  forts,called  by  feveral  Names :  i.  Elders  or 
 Bifhops:  2.  Deacons. 
 
 1 .  The  firrt  is ,   Elder  or  Bifhop  ;  for  both  thefe  fignific 
 one  and  the  fame  Office,  as  is  beforefaid  ;   and  he  is  to  be 
 fuch  a  one ,    as  aforefaid  :  as  for  his  skill  in  divers  Tongues, 
 and  Philofophy ,  and  Liberal  Sciences ,  and  Arts  ,  fo  much 
 extolled  in  the  Wifdom  of  the  Gentiles;  or  his  Collegiate 
 Education,    in  the  Worlds  Univerfiries ,  nothing  is  menti- 
 oned or  required  in  that  ;  but  onely ,  that  he  be  not  a 
 Novice ,  or  one  newly  come  to  the  Fail  h ,  that  is ,  not  fpi- 
 ritually  learned  and  ertablifhed  in  the  Faith,  left  he  fall  into 
 the  Condemnation  of   the  Devil ,    not  content  with  his 
 place  ,  to  abide  fpeaking  according  to  the  proportion  of  the    .         - 
 Faith  dealt  out  to  him,  but  puft  up  with  h&Ftife&ion  andj<  •'Jy.'/Jgj 
 Office,  or  with  that  humane  Learning  (if  he  have  it)  intrude  %ph  i.'.6.\P:t. 
 into  things  he  hath  not  feen  ,  and  pervert  the  Scrip  ures  to  5  Vi&cjTm. 
 maintain  it>  and  Lord  it  over  his  Brethren.     But  that  he  b£M»w»7*Tfc 
 one  that   is   found  in  the  Faith ,    ard  endued  with  {pi-1'6*7**'9* 
 tualGifrs:   in  fore-exercife  whereof ,  he  is  known  to  hold 
 faft  the  faithful  Word ,  and  to  be  apt  to  teach  y  and  fo  alfo 
 to  be  fuch  a  one ,  as  is  forefaid  :  and  his  Office  is  cfpecially 
 to  over'ee  and  watch  over  the  Souls  ,    and  ipiricual  ftate  of1  Th*  3'5y<*. 
 his  Brethren  ,  andfo  to  divide  in  his  Do&rine  to  every  one  f^n? 
 futably,  that  they  may  grow  in  Faith  and  Love,  8c  the  Fruir  s  \'^9  ,  7^[ 
 thereof,  as  one  that  is  to  give  account  of  the  fame  to  God.  4.6  u. 
 
 In 
 
304-  Uf  the  Helps 
 
 In  all  which  alfo ,  they  are  with  their  Doctrine,  in  their  Life 
 to  be  a  pattern  and  example  to  their  Brethren  :  and  they  alfo 
 Aft  6  i  7  cH  are  to  coun^  '  direct  and  help  in  the  order  of  the  Aflem- 
 t».»i>.  1.14,17!  ^'*es  >  anc^  Sometime  alfo  themfelves  to  baptize,  and  to  order 
 17W3.15.  Tit.  the  times  of  Aflernb!ings,and  manner  of  proceedings  in  the 
 >  9.  jfaw.f . i,  Affemblies;  and  to  lead  in  the  Administration  of  the  Supper, 
 x4-  and  give  counfel  in  ordering  diftribution  of  Church-Almes, 
 
 and  to  be  fent  for  to  pray  when  any  is  fick. 
 
 AB.  15. 4,<?.       Anc*  m  re*pe&  of  Church-Officers,  by  an  outward  Ecclefi- 
 
 iPc'^.s.i.ac^.aflical  choice  ,  thefe  may  be  faid,tobe  the  firft-born ,   of  the 
 
 4.5.^.13-7.  ftrength  of  the  Church ,  the  firft  chofen,  thefirft  that  we  read 
 
 of  by  their  Names :  (yea,  the  Apoltles  were  alfo  Elders:) 
 
 and  being  fuch  ,  and  (o  demeaning  themfelves  as  the  Servants 
 
 of  the  Church  in  their  Miniftration  ,  as  the  Apoftles  and 
 
 prime  Chriftian  Elders  did ;    They  are  bleffedly  ufeful  and 
 
 profitable,    and  meet  to  be  highly  efteemed,   fubmitted  to 
 
 and  followed. 
 
 But  if  any  of  thefe,under  the  pretence  of  this  Office,fhould 
 ajjume  to  themfelves  to  be  the  onely  Paftors  and  Teachers, 
 and  fo  to  be  the  Church  ,  and  God  *s  Clergy  or  Inheritance, 
 the  onely  Priefts  and  Levites  ;  and  that  none  is  to  prefume 
 to  preach  the  Word  ,  and  to  be  Paftors  and  Teachers  ,  but. 
 iuch  as  have  the  Authority  from  them ,  and  come  into  their 
 Order  i  And  that  Believers  muft  underftand  the  Word  ac- 
 cording to  their  Interpretation,  &  fubrhit  themfelves  to  their 
 Injunctions  and  Traditions  ;  and  ibLord  it  over  their  Bre- 
 thren ,  and  become  Lords  of  their  Faith,  and  Lords  of  their 
 Gift?,  fo  affuming  the  place  cr  bed  of  Chrift  him  felt :  Then 
 QcnA6,7  a  the  Church  may  fay  of  them}  as  Jacob  of  his  Son  'JZ^cuben:  Reu- 
 ben, thou  art  my  prsl-born  ,  my  might ,  and  the  beriming  of  riy 
 ftrength  ,  the  excellency  of  dignity  ,  and  the  excellency  of  power ; 
 unftable  M  water:  thou  (halt  not  excels  becaptfe  thou  wenteft  up  to 
 thy  Father's  bed,  &;.  yea,  this  would  come  neer  to,  and  make 
 ,  r  way  for  that  fin  of  the  Man  of  fin  ;  and  fo  be  the  in-iet  and 
 
 2  oej.2.,4.  way-making  for  the  oucwardCourt  to  be  left  into  the  hands  of 
 Rcv>9.\3i0i.& tne  Gentiles,  and  to  have  the  Holy  City  trodden  under  Rrbr. 
 1  i.x.TcV.i.  Whence  the  Apoftles  abhorred  all  inch  lording  it  over  their 
 24.  "e^.f;"- Brethren ,  and  fo  did  all  the  prime  Elders,    and  Warned  fdl- 
 
 ^i0l8\^V' lowin^  Elders  to  beware  of  the  lame  :  and  when  iuch  an  e- 
 iw.f*  »  vil 
 
which  aregiyen  thefe  Witneffes.  305 
 
 vil  time  comes  t  the  wkneffes  in  the  true  Sanctuary  ,  may  go  on  in 
 
 the  ftrength  of  the  Lord  withoat  meafuring  or  fighting  for  the^f.  n.M>4« 
 
 outward  Court ,  and  letting  it  be  where  it  is  •  and  chufe  and  take 
 
 as  need  is  fuch  of  themfelves  ,    and  in  fuch  manner,  as  they  may 
 
 fafely  and  lawfully  have,  and  fo  profper  though  in  difgrace  and 
 
 perfection. . 
 
 2  The  fecond  foirt  are  called  Deacoas  ,  whofc  Office  is  cfpeci-  A  ft. 6,  &  y,& 
 ally  to  overfee  the  n  cceffities  of  the  poor,  and  exhort  their  Brethren  %*1>x  *•  *  rim- 
 to  a  merciful  relieving  of  them  •  and  thefe  to  receive  and  faith-  \'**'£^' I?* 
 fully  and  wifely  to  difpenfe  the  benevolence  of  the  Church.      And  icor.i.i^.54 
 thefe  were  firft  ordained  upon  a  neceflity  of  the  prime  Elders, 
 left  they  who  beSxe  bad  done  it ,  fliouid  by  continuing  that  buft- 
 nefs ,    be  hi&drcd  from  attending  the  Mmiftration  of  the  Word 
 and  Prayer  s  ami  thefe  Deacons  were  alfo  to  help  the  Elders  in   _. 
 Miniftration  ,  an  d  to  aflift  in  preaching  and  baptizing,  and  alfo  in  ' 
 
 breaking  bread  >  as  is  feen  in  the  A&s  and  Timothy  ;  and  thefe 
 alfo  were  to  be  ft jnnd  in  the  Faith,  and  fuch  as  is  aforefaid,  yea9and 
 proved  and  approved  to  be  fuch. 
 
 \.  That  foj  thechufing,  order,  and  number  of  thefe  Officers,  it 
 is  to  be  according  to  the  funefs  and  neceffiuesVof  the  feveral 
 Churches,   aa;d  the  Liberty  God  in  his  Providence  gives  them  : 
 the  Church  among  the  Corinthians ,    among  whom  were  many 
 divifions ,   and  mmypuftup;  for  fome  againft  other  were  ex- 
 horted, (to  chat  which  (hould  beconftant)    even  to  order  in  their 
 proceedings,  and  to  let  £uch  oi  them  as  had  prophetical  gifts,  have l  Cor*  x4*  z6> 
 the  precedeace  in  leading;  but  not  being  fit ,   becaufe  of  being  puft  *9'  40* 
 up  for  one  againft  another,  &c*   they  were  not  yet  permiteed  to 
 chufe  their  outward  Officers  ,  that  fo  all  things  might  be  fo  fee  in 
 order  till,  the  Apoftle  came  and  did  that :    Believers  fumiuVd 
 with  Apoftolical ,  or  Evangeliftical  gifts  at  leaft,  needful  in  fuch  a 
 cafe.    But  the  Church  among  the  Pm/ippidns,*  gracious,fweetIy- 
 framed  people  in  their  fellowftiip  in  the  Gofpel ,    they  hid  their 
 Bifh ops  and  Deacons  among  themfelves,  and  were  well  approved 
 of.     And  the  Churches  among  the  Ephtfans  ,    had  alfo  trieir 
 Bifhops  and  Deacons ;  but  ftill  needed  mc,  and  moie  helpfutaeft  27^.4,1,1,5, 
 abou:  them  :  and  Timothy  that  was  an  Evangelift  by  h'tfGifcs,4>55£.  iTim.i. 
 and  to  do  the  work  of  an  Evangelift  in  his  preaching ,   was  left  as  *£•  ®£*    4s 
 a  Biftiop  or  Elder  there,  to  overfee  both  the  feveral  Churches,  and 
 thcElders  or  Biftiops  and  Deacons  in  the  federal  Churches,  to 
 
 Sf  charge 
 
30 6  Of  the  Helps,  &c. 
 
 charge  fome ,  that  they  teach  no  other  DoSrine  befide  that 
 delivered  them  in  the  Gofpel,  and  to  filence  andftopthe 
 Mouths  ofperverfc  erronious  Ones  by  the  Word,  and  to  help 
 Tit.i>&i,&}.  rhem  in  choifc  of  Officers ,  and  for  the  right  ordering  of  all 
 their  Affemblies  and  Manner- :  and  for  the  fam:*  caufe  ,  was 
 Titus  left  in  Crete*  both  to  ordain  them  Eiders,  arid  overfee 
 both  them  and  the  people-,  and  give  direSions.  to  them  ;  yet 
 were  all  thefe in  Corinth .Philtpfi, and  Ephefnsy  and  Crete ,  true 
 Churches ;  and  foug  it  not  one  with  another  about  th.-fe  out- 
 ward Fornv,  ic  being  in  and  to  each  according  to  their  fitnefs 
 and  necefficy. 
 
 Now  while  the  immediate  Apofiles  ,  Prophets,  Evange- 
 lifts,Paftor :  and  Teachers  lived,  and  thofj  mediate  Ones  that 
 had  heard  and  feen  them  j  and  that  the  Officers  were  chofen 
 by  ,   an  ^  of  thofe  of  the  true  Sanduary ,    who  were  clor  hed 
 with  the  Righteoufnefs  of  Chrift,and  gloried  in  the  Do&rine 
 of  Chrifi  delivered  by  the  twelve  ApolUes ,  and  contemned 
 the  glory,  riches  and  pleafures  cf  this  World  :   and  that  the 
 Kev.iz.M.      outward  Court  was  in  the  Hands  of  the  Saints ,  and  they  the 
 Minifters,  and  thefe  the  Officers  therein  alio;  the  Church  ap- 
 peared beautiful  and  glorious  in.deed.     But  in  that  time  the 
 outward  Court  is  left  into  the  hands  of  the  Gentiles,  the  true 
 Sanctuary  is  trodden 'down,  and  as  one  dwelling  in  a  Wilder- 
 'Xev.i2..i+&  »cfs,among  Briars,&  Thorns,and  wild  Beafts,and  then  cloth'd 
 •i~.i^$,4>f .    with  Sackcloth  ;  and  yet  patiently  bearing  this,  ftiall  carry  on 
 their  Work,  with  the  rich  ,   ipiritual  and  conftant  Furniture 
 given,which  is  (hewn  to  be  very  good  and  great,though  they 
 have  not  all  their  Priviledges  in  the  outward  Court :  and  to 
 encourage,!  will  name  one  Help  more. 
 John* 25.  &      6.  To  fit  and  furnifhfor,and  in  all  the  former  Directions, 
 7.?8  39^14.  and  againrt  all  that  comes  to  oppoie  or  hinder  us,   he  hath 
 \%'iZ'^*mIi*  S*ven  us  *™s  gracious  promife  to  be  with  us;  that  believing  on 
 z8^io.  ^7.7*  him,  his  ftrength  an^Spirit  (hall  fupport ,  lead  and  go  fcrth 
 Mar.u^iii*.  wi:h  us ,  and  whatttvvr  we  finde  wanting,  ask  in  his  Name, 
 luk*7&PbUi  an(j  iL  (]ia[j  DC  cjont  for  an<j  to  us  ^  tbat  f0  we  may  be  able  to 
 ,4.4>J>7^3«      j0  ai[  things  through  Chrii*  that  ftrengthncth  us :  to  wonder- 
 fully are  thtfe  chofen  Minifters  fitted  for  the  Miniftration  ©f 
 the  Gofpel,according  to  the  Revelation  of  the  Myftery.  And 
 thu;  much  of  the  feveral  Revelations,  and  fo  of  this  laft  Reve- 
 UtionofChriiL  CHAP. 
 
5°7 
 
 Chap.  17. 
 
 A  Corollary  from  the  Te&imony  of  Ckrifi  in  the  three  Br  An* 
 chesp  together  with  all thefe  fever  al Revelations  of  Christ 
 to  thefullefi. 
 
 FRorn  all  that  hath  been  faid  in  the  fecond  and  third  Part 
 of  this  Treatife ,  and  the  Scriptures  alledged ,  and  fo  in 
 the  whole  Scripture-Teftimony  of  Chriii,  it  appears, 
 
 I,  That  there  is  one  Faith ,  and  but  one  Faith  ,  that  is, 
 Faith  indeed ,  real  and  true  in  its  kinde ;  and  fo  not  divers 
 kindes  of  Faith  ,  each  true  in  its  kinde.     The  whole  Tefti- 
 inony  of  Chrift  holds  forth  to  us  one  ,  and  but  one  kinde  of 
 Faith,  that  is,  true  Faith  :  ydia,  upon  exhortation  to  keep  the  EfkJ;  J. 
 Unity  of  Spirit ,    this  is  given  as  the  ground  of  it ,   There  is 
 one  Faith,as  there  is  one  God  and  Father,  one  Lord  and  Savi- 
 our ,  and  one  Spirit ,  and  fo  one  true  Church  in  which  he  is  5 
 fo  there  is  one  Faith,  and  no  more  kindes  of  true  Faith,  then 
 of  Gods,  &c.  we  may  fee  this,  in  every  fenfe  the  word  Faith  Rmx^  &  ld, 
 is  ared  in  theTeftimony  ;  the  word  Faith  being  ufed  fome-  $,^6.i6,eJ. 
 time  for  the  objedt  of  Faith ,   and  for  the  Word  or  Gofpel  in  1.  a  3 .   &$,z. 
 which  that  object  is  fet  forth ;  and  fometime  for  the  Grace  Kom*  4-  >?>m. 
 of  Faith , :  or  believing  in  that  obje£t ;    and  fometime  for  f^z  ^  s] 
 both>the  obje&  and  believing  ;'  fo  as  the  Believer  is  u- 20,30.  #•  4.5," 
 nited  to  it :  and  fo  ftill  the  Faith  one ,  and  of  onekinefc.  &\.u 
 
 '    1 .  The  objeft  of  Faith  ,  is  every  way  one  and  the  fame : 
 the  Gofpel,  that  is  the  difcovering  Medium ,  the  Word  of  aftr.M-  Gat. 
 Faith  and  of  Grace,  though  it  hath  many  Branches  and  Ufes,  lm7£>9%  C#  ?? 
 yet  they  flow  from,  &  meet  in  one^  and  there  is  but  one  and  *'z*% 
 the  fame  Gofpel,  and  not  anotfeer  :  and  Jcfus  Chrift  fet  forth, 
 and  as  fet  forth  in  this  Gofpel ,   he  is  one ,   and  there  is  not 
 another,  though  he  be  fet  forth  as  indeed  he  is  ,  The  Son  of 
 God,  and  the  Son  of  Man  ,  God-Man ;  and  what  from  Eter- 
 nity he  was  ,  and  what  in  time  he  became  v  what  he  hath 
 
 Sf  a  done, 
 
3©8        <zA  Corollary  from  the  Teftimony 
 
 done  ,  and  what  he  is  thereby  become  ,  and  what  he  is  furniftied 
 
 icor  8  6  7oh. to  ^0,  anc*  w^aC  ^c  ^ot^  anc*  w^  ^°'  as  c^c  m'g^ry  &°d>  and  the 
 
 4.4i.icir;ii!  Son  of  Man,  as  the  Saviour  of  all  Men  ,   efpecially  of  thofe  that 
 
 4.1C0/&.6.  &  believe  •  and  the  Judge  of  all   ;  yet  he  is  one,  and  but  one  Lord 
 
 n.f.Gal.3. 10.  JcfUs  Chrift ;  the  Chrift,  the  Saviour  of  the  World  ,  and  there  is 
 
 iTm.ij.  ifa.  not  another  Jefus  that  is  the  Chrift:  and  foGod  the  Father  that 
 
 "4^7^5.7! isi*  thrift,  and  dwells  in  him,   though  his  works  be  manifold, 
 
 Mar.i*.$irt4.  yet  he  is  but  one  God,  he  is  one  :  and  fo  the  Holy  Spirit  that  pro- 
 
 jfoh.io>z9,$o.  ceedethfrom  the  Father  and  the  Sonj  and  difcovereth  Chrift,  and 
 
 i/flfcS.io,!!.  @od  in  thrift ,  and  beareth  forth  the  Teftimony,     though  his 
 
 Gifts  and  Operations  be  manifold  •  yet  the  Spirit  is  one  in  the 
 
 fame ;  yea  ,  the  Father,  and  Son.  and  Holy  Spirit  are  one  and  the 
 
 fame&od  ;  one  in  Effence,  Will,  Defign,  Teftimony  and  Power, 
 
 tt*.  ^od  in  Chrift  propitious  to  Men  :  and  having  prepared  E- 
 
 ternal  Life  in  Chrift  for  Men ,    this  is  th£  Object  of  Faith  to  be 
 
 preached  and  believed  •  and  if  this  were  not,  there  could  be  no  fuch 
 
 thing  as  the  Gofptl  calls  Faith,  to  be  preached,  obeyed ,   or  enjoy- 
 
 ed.     And  this  is  one. 
 
 2.  The  Grace  of  Faith  ,  or  that  believing  in  the  Gofpel  that 
 ■•-•■-         is  called  Faith  ,   it  is  that  believing  which  is  begot  in  the  heart  by 
 
 Joblu!p?4ft.  the  Difcovery  and  Teftimony,  the  Spirit  in  the  means  he  ufeth, 
 *  j'.Rom's  <*1.'  hath  given  of  Chrift  ;  in  which  a  Man  difcernech  the  Truth  and 
 1^10,8^,10.  -tSoodnefs  tcftified  ,  is  perfwaded  of  it  in  his  heart.  And  this  is 
 one ,  one  way  and  manner  of  believing  that  Object  of  Faith ; 
 and  from  thence  it  is  called  Faith ,  and  fo  truely  ftill  one 
 Faith  i  theObjeft  differed  having  drawn  to  itfelf  a  believ- 
 ing. 
 
 3.  So  when  through  the  Operation  of  Grace  believed  ,  the 
 Htb  11  ix  ■WSft*  imbraceti  the  Object  believed,  and  fo  by  Faith  is  u- 
 *#j»,iq.io*.     nitedtoit,  in  truft  and  well-plea fednefs ,  &c.  it  is  ftill  but  one 
 
 and  the  fame  Faich  ,  the  fame  Obje&  uniting  to  it  felf  s  whence 
 indeed  it  hath  the  name  of  Faith  ;  fo  as  ftill  Faith  is  one,  and  but 
 one. 
 
 K  That  as  Faith  is  ufed  for  the  prcvalency  of  the06j>cTof 
 F-it>,  drawing  the  Hearer  aftd Beholder  to  believe:  and  fofor 
 the  Grace  of  Faith  or  Believing  ,  though  the  Faith  be  one  ,  yet 
 there  are  divers  Degrees  in  and  of  it,  and  divers  A6ts  and  Opera* 
 rations  of  it. 
 
 i:.  Oac  Degree  of  Believing  (which  in  refpeel  of  the  Teftimo- 
 
of Cbriji  in  the  three  branches  of  it.      200 
 
 ny  by  which  it  is  brgot,  and  which  ic  bclieveth ,  and  which  if  a- 
 biden  in  it  will  unite  to  ,  may  be  called  faith  )  is  yet  fliort  of  a  real  J^1'1^^1^ 
 new-birth  :  it  is  iiich  a  belief  of  the  Gofpel-Teftivnony  ,  as  ac* 
 cording  to  light  fecn,  one  believeth  Jcius  to  be  the  Chrift  ,  fo  far 
 as  to  count  his  faying  true  •  a  fid  yet  not  fo  overcome  by  that  be- 
 lieved ,  to  fee  and  acknowledge  his  own  vilenefs,  and  the  vanity  of 
 all  his  own  beft  righteoufqek,and  his  fin  in  not  focner  believing  by 
 evidences  foregiven  ,  and  fo  fee  not  yet  the  fulnefs  and  liberty  in 
 Chrift  for  them  ,  and  fo  are  not  by  the  k&owledgc  of  the  Truth 
 made  (ingle  co  Chrift :  they  are  fprinklcd  with  water  9  and  moved 
 with  Spirit ,  but  not  yet  born  of  Water  and  Spirit  ;  they  be- 
 lieve Righteoufnefs,  but  not  yet  with  the  heart  unto  Righteoufncis : 
 tb«y  are  by  the  hearing  of  Faith  fo  far  born  of  God  as  to  believe 
 Jefus  to  be  the  Chrift  ,  and  confefs  him  to  be  the  Lord  ;  but  not 
 fo  far  born  of  God  ,  as  to  be  emptied  of  themfelves  ,  and  united 
 to  Chrift,  and  fo  are  not  yet  inwardly  renewed  and  regenerated  ; 
 and  fo  though  in  the  outward  Court ,  not  yet  really  tranfliced  out 
 of  the  Power  of  Darknefs  into  the  Kisgdom  of  God  *s  dear  Sod  z 
 and  yet  even  thefe  Believers,  if  they  abide  in  this  Faith  of  the  Tefti- 
 mony  of  cheGofpe! ,  and  give  heed  to  the  plain  fayings  thereof,  Rm.104.Jfa 
 and  abide  therein,  they  (hall  be  faved  ,  (hall  know  the  Truth,  and  8.30,31, 
 the  Truth  will  make  them  free.  To  fay  thefe  did  but  pretend  or 
 feem  and  profefs  to  believe  ,  and  fo  are  faid  to  believe  id  r<rfpt& 
 of  their  fceming  and  profeffion  to  believe,  in  the  judgement  of 
 Charity^s  too  much  preemption,  and  fawcinefs,  and  derogation 
 from  the  Holy  Ghoft  ;  for  the  Evangelifts  writ  this  afterChnft 
 was  afcended  ,  and  they  indued  with  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  (o  writ 
 by  his  infpiration  •  fo  that  thofe  fayings  fuch  did  believe  ,  were 
 not  the  fayings  of  Men  imperfeft  in  knowledge  ,  and  judging  ac- 
 cording *o  the  judgement  of  Charity  by  cenjeaure  •  but  the  lay- 
 ings of  the  Holy  Ghoft  that  knoweth  all  things ,  the  Spirit  of 
 Truth  that  cannot  erre  or  be  deceived.  And  he  faith,  they  be- 
 lieved on  his  N*mc ,  they  believed  on  him  :  and  who  will  be  fo 
 proud  of  his  Wifdom  and  Knowledge  ,  as  to  direct  the  Spirit 
 of  the  Lord  ,  and  undertake  to  counfel  bim ,  and  teach  him 
 to  fpesk  more  rightly  and  fcfely ,  and  fay  ,  they  feemed  to  be* 
 lieve.  they  profefled  to  believe  ;  in  the  judgement  of  Charity  they 
 ought  to  be  counted  Believers ,  though  in  the  llTue  it  appears 
 they  did  not  believe  ?  That  which  ibme  bung  to  help  this  conceit, 
 
 helps, 
 
210  zA  Corollary  from  theTeUimony 
 
 helps  it  not ;  namely  ,  that  Cbrift  did  not  commit  himfelf 
 flb.MM1.  tothem>  becaufe  he  knew  all  Men,  &c.  for  it  is  not  laid 
 Gen.c.i.  &%.  Je^us  knew  they  believed  not ,  or  thac  he  knew  there  was  no 
 ii.  "  truth  in  their  believing  :    but  he  knew  what  was  in  Man, 
 
 an  evil  and  unfaithful  difpofition,  c£v.  and  he  knew  that  his 
 Words  or  Miracles  that  ^brought  thefe  to  believe  on  him, 
 were  not  fo  fubmitted  to,  as  that  their  evil  difpofition  was 
 yet  mortified,  and  they  made  faithful  to  him  ;  and  ib  they 
 might  have  ferved  him  as  he  did,  Job.  5.  14, 1  5.  but  believe, 
 »  the  Spirit  faith  ,  they  did.  And  fo  in  the  other  place  the 
 Holy  Ghoft  affirmeth,  That  as  Chrift  fpake,manybelicved  on 
 Job.n.io^t.  frm.  tnj  tnat  our  saviour  then  fpake  to  thole  Jews  that 
 believed  on  him.  And  again  the  Holy  Ghoft  faith ,-  *A- 
 ftb.ii, 42.  wong  the  chief  %ulers  many  believed  on  kirn  ;  but  becanfe of 
 the  Pharifees,  they  did  not  confefi  him.  So  that  thefe  were  Be« 
 lievers ,  and  therefore  fo  called  :  and  not  called  Believers, 
 becaufe  they  feemed  or  profeffed  to  believe,  which  the 
 Holy  Ghoft  faith  they  did  not ;  nay ,  the  praife  of  Men  had 
 that  prevalency  with  them,  that  it  kept  them  from  profeflion . 
 of  believing  ,  though  it  had  not  fo  great  prevalency  with 
 thefe ,  as  with  thofe  J^.5.44.  whom  it  kept  from  believing, 
 or  yet  put  them  in  an  incapacity  of  it  :  fo  that  thefe  pointed 
 to,  did  believe ,  is  evident  ;  that  it  wis  not  a  feigned  but 
 true  believing,  is  evident ;  for  elfe  in  continuance  in  it,  they 
 could  not  be  faved  :  that  they  were  yet  (hort  of  the  know- 
 ledge of  the  Truth ,  &c.  is  exprefs :  that  if  they  continued 
 in  his  words  received  by  this  Faiths  they  were  even  then 
 '  his  Difciples ,  and  they'fhould  know  the  Truth  ,  and  the 
 Truth  ftiould  make  them  free  ^  is  exprefs :  fo  that  here  is 
 one  Degree  of  Faith ,  yet  fhort  of  a  real  New-Birth ; 
 which  yet  abiden  in ,  is  certain  to  be  effe&ed  ;  and  was 
 after  in  many  of  thefe,  as  appears  in  comparing  John 
 3. 1,2,  3,4,  5,6,18.  and  John -j.  50,  51.  with  John  19. 
 38,39,40.  „,    ,.    . 
 
 2.  The  other  Degree  of  believing,  m  which  by  the pre- 
 j°Pet'zV<h  valency  of  the  Light  ieen ,   and  Grace  believed ,  the  Heart 
 Fbu'£lfi,£:U  convinced  and  brought  off  all  things,  to  accept  of,  and 
 confide  in  Jefus ,  and  fo  brought  out  of  the  power  of  Dark- 
 nefs  into  the  Kingdom  of  his  dear  Son  5  and  fo  by  his  Love 
 
 be- 
 
of  Chnjt  in  the  three  branches  of  it.       31 1 
 
 believed,  framed  to  love  him  :   and  that  this  is  true  Fai^h 
 
 indeed,  none  thit  I  know, but  the  deniers  of  Jefus  to  be  the 
 
 Chrift,  gainfay  ;   yet  is  this  but  the  farther  Efficacies  of  the 
 
 fame  Object  of  Faith  beheld  ,  and  fo  one  and  the  fame  Faith 
 
 ftill,  though  in  this  degree  united  and  made  one  with  the 
 
 Obj?& ,   (o  as  it  was  not  in  the  former  Degree :  yet  even  in 
 
 this  Degree  alio  there  are  divers  Degrees,  and  fo  fome  weak,  ,j0i)t  2,  I3jl4t 
 
 fome  ftronger,   fome  ftablifh'd ,  fome  Babes,  fome  young  or  iTbef.  1.1^3. 
 
 ftrongMen,  fome  Fathers  ;  yea  ,   and  in  every  of  thefe  De-  *«».3.*i,  **, 
 
 grees,  fome  may  be  more  grown  then  others ,   and  be  before  *  *  iZ*pJ'ff' 
 
 others,  yet  all  ftill  in  one  and  the  fame  Faith,  and  ftill  alfo  in 
 
 this  one  Faith. 
 
 3.  There  be  divers  A3s  and  Operations  of  this  Faith, lThert ,,  Aa 
 as  to  fay, a  receiving  Aft ,   in  which  is  received  the  Word  or  10.43.  Cal.z. 
 Teftimony,  and  therein  Rem;  ffion  of  fins,  J  unification,  San-  3,5.  ^Tim.l.^\ 
 &ification,  Liberty  of  ac.efs  to  God ,    the  Spirit  of  Faith,  hh>  7.  3  8,39. 
 Love, Power,  and  a  found  Minde  ,  a  fpringing  ad,  raifing  up  g^/SV^o!" 
 prizings  of  Chriit ,  Love  of  God  and  Brethren ,  bowels  of  lo.io'.p/a/.irf. 
 Mercy,  &c.  a  dreaming  Act ,  Faith  working  through  Love,  1,1©. 
 and  fo  bringing  forth  the  fervices  of  Love,  inConfeflion, 
 Prayers,  Praifes,  Works  of  Mercy  and  Righteouinefs ;  yet 
 the  Faith  it  felf  is  ftrll  one  and  the  fame ,  and  fo  called  the 
 fame  ,  the  fame  Spirit  of  Faith ;  yea  ,   when  Jt  produced  Mi-  2 ^4  J  ^ 
 racles,the  Faith  was  ftill  the  fame,  though  the  Aft  extraordi- 4,iojn,ii. 
 mryV^The  belief  of  the  Hiftory,  is  the  belief  of  theTefti- 
 mony  of  Chrift  ;  which  whofo  believeth  with  his  heart,  (hall  Km'10^- 
 be  faved  ;   and  when  through  the  Grace  believed,   one  is 
 brought  upon  Chrift ,   he  is  juftified  from  all  fins  pall;  and  in 
 that  believing,  received!  continual  juftification  :   and  if  any £0/0.3.25,2*, 
 depart  from  the  Fairh  ,  that  proves  temporary  ;   but  he  that 2?.   Gal-  ?-7« 
 endureth  to  the  end,  (hall  be  eternally  faved  5  the  Faith  it  felf  MaLl*-1 3- 
 being  one  ftill,  and  but  one  Faith, 
 
 III.  As  Faith  is  ufed  to.  exprefs  the  Obje&  of  Faittvfo  it  mb  x  f 
 hath  been  re;ealed,for  the  full  and  cleer  Demonftration  of  ir, 
 at  divers  times,and  by  divers  parcels  and  degrees  •  and  at  laft 
 fully  and  cleerly  by  Jelus  Chrift;  and  yet  that  Obje&  of  Faith 
 ftill  one  and  the  fame  j  each  Revelation  agreeing  with  ,  and 
 opening  the  former ,  and  fo  14111  one ,  as  hath  been  (hewn 
 in  this  whole  third  Part  of  the  Treatifc.    And  becaufe  there   / 
 
 *--  is 
 
3 12         aA  Corollary  from  the  ^lestimony 
 
 is  no  Faith  by  the  Holy  Spirit  called  Faith  ,  but  that  which 
 by  his  Difcovery  of  this  Obje&  ,   is  drawn  towards  it  in 
 believing,  that  the  Believer  might  fo  be  united  to  it ;  There- 
 fore the  Faith  is  one  ;    yea,  and  this  Demonftration  to 
 lead  us  into  unity,  becaufe  ,  as  it  unites  Believers  in  one 
 Foundation  to  one    Head ,    fo  it    makes  them  of  one 
 1^.4.4.         Heart  and  Fellowfhip  ;  For,  there  is  one  Body ,    (that  is,  one 
 Myftical  Body  or  Corporation ,    Fellowfhip   and  Society , 
 though  the  Members  of  this  Corporation  ,  and  their  Of- 
 fices, be  many ,  yet)  the  Corporation  and  Society ,  in  Faith, 
 icw.  u.ix.io.  Love  and  Fellowfhip  of  their  Priviledges,  is  one ,  and  all 
 £^.1.19,12.  bear  one  Name,   ( the  Name  of  Chrift  )  being  called  Chri- 
 1  foh.us.  cant,  flians.    And  fo  there  is  but  one  true  Church  and  San&uary 
 I'9'  h!3,,1?'  lh«  is  united  to  Chrift ,   and  ftiall  be  in  and  with  him  for  e- 
 K0k8.17.G4/.  ver;  and  by  vertue  of  their  Union  with  Chrift  ,  they  are 
 3.36.  £^.4.4!  ail  in  refpe&  of  kinde,  one  Seed  and  one  Son  ;    though 
 1  Job.1.6.  Job.  in  refpe&  of  their  feveral  particular  Perfons,  Heirs,  Children 
 15.1s.    £>•  and  Sons  of  God  by  Faith.  And  as  there  is  One  Bodn  fo  there 
 
 11.13.  l  Cof.z.  IS  ln  K> 
 
 16.  Epb.  4.  4.      One  Spirit^  even  the  Spirit  of  the  Father  and  the  Son,  that 
 1fa.tf.zz.J0h.  beareth  forth  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  and  enables  to  be- 
 
 i.tojzi.irkf.  lievers, are  called  inOneHope  of  their  calling,  Tbc-fame 
 i.io.Job.i.n,  {5racc  proclaimed,  The  fame  looking  and  believing  required, 
 j$.  Epb+.S.    an(j  for  ^  ^ame  encj  ^  To  be  fave(j  f  ancj  to  t[,e  fame  Hope 
 
 in  believing,    even  the  obtaining  Eternal  Life  and  Glory; 
 and  fo  One  Lord ,   even  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,   in  whom  the 
 fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwelleth  bodily  ;  andfoO^F^rA; 
 as  one  Objeft,  fo  one  Manner  of  believing ,  which  is  Faith 
 indeed ,  that  is  produced  by  the  Holy  Spirit ,  through  the 
 Gofpel,  andclofcth  wit h  Chrift  the  ObjecVof  Faith:   and 
 fo  alio  One  Baptifm^  one  kinde  and  end  of  the  gracious  Ope- 
 ration of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  Baptizing  into  Chrift,    and 
 ir^.ii.ii,i3.tnrouonh*lsName  (Dv  all  the  Mediums  of  baptizing,  called 
 Rom.  '6. 3, 6.    alfo  Baptifms  )  into  conformity  to  Chrift  in  his  Death ,  that 
 Gal.  3.  i6%i7,  they  may  partake  of  the  vertue  of  his  Refurre&ion  ,    and  fo 
 2*'  into  the  Fellowfhip  of  his  body,   drinking  into  one  Spirir, 
 
 and 
 
of  Chrift  in  the  three  branches  of  it.       315 
 
 and  lb  becoming  of  one  mlnde,  and  that  the  minde  of  Chrift  V  6AlMi(i 
 the  Son  of  God,  even  as  alio  there  is,  i.hHt.i&-+ 
 
 One  god  and  Father  of  all;  who  is  above  all ,  and  through  6.  tyfe.x.3,17. 
 al,andin  them  all,    ( that  are  Believers)  he  is  the  Father  of  idr.i.6,&lat. 
 our  Lord  Jcfus  Chrift,  and  in  him,  and  (bines  forth  his  Glory  *££2$£ 
 through  him,  that  Men  might   believe   ;   and  fo  in  and  '^Z?pL.\i%m 
 through  him,  he  is  the  Father  of  all  that  believe  in  Chrift  ;  8. 
 and    above   ail,   a  Me    to   overthrow    til  their  Enemies 
 and  Oppofers,  and  to  perfect  all  that  concerneth  them 
 all  ;   fo ,    as  all  flows  from  and  leads  into  Union ,    and 
 this    Union    of  the  Spirit   bringing    into   the  Union  of 
 the  acknowledgement   of  the  Son  of  God  ,   is  that  which 
 the  Spirit  teacheth  ,    and  to  which  all  the  Degrees  and 
 Operations  tendeth  :  whence  we  are  exhorted  to  keep  the 
 Unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Bond  of  Peace  :    and  fo  but  Ga[ 
 
 one  Faith,  which  the  Gofpelcalleth  Faith :  and  he  thatj,/,738. 
 would  finde  out  another  Faith  really  true  and  holy  in  its 
 kinde,  muft  firft  finde  out  another  true  Body,  that  is,  the 
 Church  ,  another  Spirit ,  another  Jefus  to  be  the  Chrift, 
 another  Gofpel ,  and  another  Hope  to  call  to ,  and  ano- 
 ther God  ,  all  real ,  true  and  holy  in  their  kinde  :  which  is 
 altogether  impoffible  for  any  to  do  :  fo  that  there  can  be 
 but  one  Faith  that  is  really  true  and  holy  in  its  kinde. 
 
 IV.  That  thefulleft  and  clef  reft  Revelation  of  the  Myfte-  z  5^.3*3,9, 
 ry  of  Faith,  is  that  given  immediately  by  Chrift  himfeif,  and  2,  c§r.}Mti+ 
 left  upon  Record  by  his  Apoftles  and  Evangelifts ,  and 
 fo  the  cleering  up  of  all  the  former  Revelations  :  and 
 the  fenfe  and  meaning  of  the  Prophets  is  moft  cleeriy 
 and  in  plain  Words  to  be  found  in  their  Writings ;  and 
 fo  the  Gofpel  as  delivered  by  them ,  becaufe  of  the  a- 
 bundance  and  plainnefs  of  Truth,  and  fulneis  of  fpiritu-  ^  ^ 
 ai  Evidence  in  it,  is  trudy-and indeed, and  iocalle ',  The 
 Power  of  God  unto  Salvation,  to  bring  every  one  tnat, 
 belie veth,  &c%  for  therein  is  the  'Righceoulnefs  of  God, 
 (not  any  deceit,  or  fable,  or  pretence,  equivocation  or 
 falfliood  ,  but  the  Right eouinels  of  God  in  his  Words,  fay- 
 ing, promises)  repealed  (not  hinted  in- parabolical  and 
 clokina  terms ;  but  revealed,  opened,  brought  to  light) 
 from  Faith  to  Faith,   from  one  Revciauo.i  of  Chrift  rh~ 
 
 T  t  O:- 
 
314-      J  Corollary  from  the  cTeJiimony>  <3cc. 
 
 O  jeSof  Faith,  to  another,  and  fo  to  another  more  cleer; 
 
 from  affuring  him  to  come  &  fuffer,  to  affure  him  to  he  already 
 
 come,  and  to  have  fun\?red,and  to  come  again  in  Glory  ;  from 
 
 Faith  in  him,being  fo  come  •    from  belie  vino  in  him,  through 
 
 Types,Shadows  &  Prophecies,to  believing  in  him  now  from  t 
 
 cleer  D^mDnftration  of  his  having  compleated  Ri^hteoufnefs, 
 
 and  the  Father's  face  fhining  in  him ;  and  fo  now  ;  and  from 
 
 believing  thi<  Teftimony  of  him,  to  confiding  in  him  ;  and  fo 
 
 from  one  Degree  of  Faith  to  another,  till  he  come  to  Vifion ; 
 
 and  yet  all  the  way  one  Faith  Itili  :  as  it  is  the  lame  ftrength 
 
 encreafing  in  them ,    in  which  they  are  faid  to  go  from 
 
 ftrength  to  ifrength,  till  they  appear  in  Sion  :  and  fo  the  Juft 
 
 PK84.7.       ftiall  live  by  Faith.   And  here  we  have  the  fulleil  and  plaineft 
 
 Revelation  of  it. 
 
 And  fo  we  are  to  heed  all ,  and  none  but  thofe  Purpofes, 
 Promifes  and  Covenant  of  God,  which  are  fet  forth  in  this 
 Tcitimony  and  Revelation  Chrift. 
 
 sfc&&  izJk&kk&kk  &&& 
 
 An 
 
 ^I^^Mm^BlM  **-v^-  "tiYm  **  -'se—  **^v—  «^*w  +\*f  fV«  *&¥m  iVf  •aYmr  -iYm 
 
3*5 
 
 An  Explicite  Declaration  of  the  Tefti- 
 monyofChrift,  &c. 
 
 PART   IV. 
 
 Ch 
 
 AP.  I 
 
 Of  the  Purpofe  of  Goiin  general. 
 
 HE  Eternal  and  Immutable  Will  of  God,  ol^  •  ' 
 
 his  Decree  and  Purpofe  concerning  all  thatf^^;/^' 
 in  his  infinite  Wifdom,  Soveral;nty  and  EakLyi*,  " 
 Goodnefs  he  hath  freely  pur  poled  to  do, 
 hath  in  his  feafons  from  the  beginning,now 
 doth ,  and  for  ever  (hall  take  place  a«d  be 
 done,  even  fo  as  he  hath  purpofedjand  no  power  ot  Creatures 
 can  or  (hail  hinder  the  fame  ;  yea ,  none  can  alter  it,  or  add 
 thereto,  or  take  therefrom. 
 
 And  it  mult  needs  be  Co,  for  he  is  of  one  Minde,  and  none  jobii.  13, 14. 
 can  turn  him,    and  his  Word  is  eftabliftied   for  ever  in  ?(oIm9 -90,91. 
 Heaven,  and  his  Kingdom  ruletfi  over  all ,  and  he  ruleth  by  ^^3.19  &66. 
 bis  power  for  ever ,  and  all  are  his  Servants ;  yet  of  this  his  7'  PJf'T  {' 
 Will,  Decree  and  Purpofe  ,  in  rci"pc5t  of  the  particulars ,  no 
 more  belongs  to  us  to  fearch  into,  then  himfelf  hath  revealed 
 to  us,  but  what  he  hath  revealed  by  his  Work??  in  which  his 
 Purpofes  are  brought  forth  ;    for  he  worketh  all  things  ac-  npha.iu 
 
 fo  that  in  the  evenr, 
 Tt  2  as 
 
 try ?r  » 
 
 cording  to  the  counfel  of  his  own  will 
 
^6        Of  tbeTurpofe  of Cfod in  general. 
 
 as  things  arc  indeed  done ,  we  may  fo  far  knew  his  Decree 
 
 pfal.  39.^  &  and  Purpofe;  and  fofarto  know  ihc  lame,  is  of  good  ufefor 
 
 v%,%$>&ii6,  us  ;    and  likewife  what  he  hath  revealec  in  his  holy  Word 
 
 of  his  Decree  andPurpofe  ,  concerning  thole  things  that  arc 
 
 already  done,    and  thofe  things  that  he  will  yet  now  and 
 
 hereafter  do  :  which  Word  of  his,  b,  as  hi  nfelf ,   true  from 
 
 pfal,  11 9  1 40,  the  beginning  ;    and  beins  breathed  forth  by  his  Spirit ,    is 
 
 i*o.  P/<w.8.6:the  moll  deer  declarer  of  his  Decree  and  Purpoies,bis  Word 
 
 yl.JthMM  being  pure,  and  wih.m  anv  wreathedneis  ;  yea,  the  Truth, 
 
 Ecctfaip.  'and'hererore  wriueo,  that  w  J  mi  J- 1  know  the  certainty  of 
 
 the  Words  of  Truth  ;  and  that  whkh  is  written  is  upright,  c- 
 
 ven  Word  of  Truth. 
 
 And  according  to  the  difcovery  of  the  Decrees  and  Pur- 
 poles  of  God  in  hi-  holy  written  Word  ,   and  by  his  Works, 
 they  are  to  be  heeded  and  believed  by  us  as  true,  certain  and 
 good,  and  of  good  ui.fu  neis  tons  ,   and  other  imaginations 
 -  8  20  and  devices  by  whomsoever,  and  how  appearingly  goodly  fo- 
 
 '  '  '  ever,  we  are  not  to  heed,  believe  or  own. 
 
 Now  then  the  Purpofe  cf  God  ,  (  which  in  refpeel  of  the 
 
 -.thing*  purpoled  ,  are  called  Purpofes  )  that  I  am  to  treat  of, 
 
 ^'il^tai    are'  ^nat  or  t^loi'e  *bou:  thc  Ei*rn*l  Salvation  or  Damnation 
 
 V.pfaiz.l.  &£>{  Men  ;    which  by  theie  two  ,  the  Word  and  the  Works  of 
 
 142.6  jo!  n.ffeod,  are  revealed  to  us  •  which,  thou2h  the  Will  and  Purpofe 
 
 &16.  o.&i%.  of  Go  J  be  one,  yet  in  refpe&  of  the  things  willed,  purpofe  d 
 
 zs  P5w.8.t9.an(j  decreed,  are  called  Many  ,  and  fo  Purpofes :  cf  which  is 
 
 *  ,  *  *k        here  to  be  fpoken,  thefe  beine  all  ordered  and  fet  in  that  one 
 
 Will,  Counfel,  Purpofe  and  Decree  of  hxs  :   that  we  are  to 
 
 know  and  believe  hereof,   is  that  which  by  hi  Word  and 
 
 Works  is  revealed  to  us  whether  in  terms  of  Counfel,  Will, 
 
 Purpofes  or  Decree s,all  which  terms  fignifie  the  fame  thing; 
 
 and  lb  to  begin  with  that  which  prepares  to  t  e  right  under- 
 
 ftandingof  tllrand  then  foio  proceed,asby  Word  and  Works 
 
 we  are  led,  we  finde  , 
 
 jPw.S.at.i*,      *  •  T^ac  r*ie  PurPoie  of  God  was  in  the  fir  ft  place,  To  rxilt 
 
 14,1  j3itf;3o.  his  only  begotten  Son,The  Word,The  Wifdom  of  God  equal 
 
 with  God;  to  (hew  rorth  his  Glorv  throu  h  him,ard  by  him 
 
 bring  forth  all  hh  plorious  Works ;  to  plorifte  him  with  his 
 
 own 1  felfjto  errablifhhim  the  fupre  amLrrd  and  Governcur  of 
 
 all  in  his  own  pcrfon :  and  all  this  freely,  before  any  \iew  or 
 
 con- 
 
Of  the Turpofe  of Cjod  in  general.        317 
 
 confederation  pf  any  his  following  Work?,  as  moving  caufeS  *  h  ■  r  %  , 
 thereto.     And  this  he  did  to  his  Son  the  Word  :  and  Tone  /£//,./*  £  Jy" 
 was  pofLffed  in  the  beginning  of  his  way,  and  exalted  from  h  i»  i.t^Joh. 
 evcrlatting  ,   and  brought  forth  beiore  ail  thing*,  one  with  l1  s.vhii  z.6, 
 the  Father  in  all  his  Decree*,  glorified  with  the  Father's  own  V*11^*. 
 felt;  and  by, ana  for,and  to  h.m,  were  ail  things  detreedand 
 made  that  are  de*  reed  md  made. 
 
 Now  in  the  Son  of  God,  The  Word,  The  Wifdom,  The 
 P^wer  of  God,  in  this  corfideration,as  thus  purpoied  and  cx- 
 alted^it  w,  as  peculiar  to  his  Perfon,asthe  Son  of  God  onely; 
 ana  there  was  not  in  him  the  N  <ture  of  Man  in  this  confede- 
 ration ,  nor  any  one  of  M  .nkinde,  eleired  or  purpoied  to  be 
 elected  in  him.  into  Union,  and  Fellowfhip,  and  Conformity 
 with  him  in  this  Pterogat  i,e  and  Glory  ,  in  whiih  he  was 
 equal  with  the  Father  :  no  Scrip, ure  fo  faith,  yea,  all  quoted, 
 and  the  reft  are  againtt  it. 
 
 2.  In  this  Purpoe  o^  glorif.  ing  hi;  Son,  and  fhewing 
 forth  his  Glorv  thrcu  Ji  him,  he  purpoied  alio  to  do  both  in 
 this ;  by  creating  ny  him,  an  inhnite  or  numberiefs  company 
 of  Angels  or  heavenly  Spiri  s,  all  holy  and  gcod ,    to  attend 
 on,  and  mini'tcr  in  this  his  Son ,  and  i'o  o  ierve  and  glorifie  uey.  i.4.$,7. 
 Go  1  in  ferving  and  glorifying  his  Son,  whom  only  he  had  ex-  Tfal.  104.4. 
 alted  &  glorified  with  equality  to  himielf;  and  o endue  them 
 with  fitnefs  and  abi  itv  for  this  iervice,and  to  frse  them  from 
 any  feducing  Tempter  without  them, to  turn  them  afidefrom  Job  38.7.PM 
 it  ;  and  in  their  it  joycingin  hin,and  acknowledge  him  their  9-7.^.10.3^^ 
 fupremeLord,rej^ycin£inhis  Exaltarion,  and  welUpleafed- 
 nefs  with  their  own  place  and  ferviceof  him,,  toettaMifh 
 them  b    hi>  ^on ,   a^  his  Sons  for  ever.     But  if  any  of  them 
 contented  not  themfeives  with  this  their  olace  and  ler  ice  ;  JfajS.  &2..1. 
 but  a  pired  to  a  likerieis  and  eqaility  wirh  God,    a   was  ffl  t. 
 peculiar  ro  his  firft-b  gotten  Son,  then  to  ca:f  them  down  for  *' 
 
 ev  r,  and  refcrve  them  in  chains  of  dark  iefs  to  the  j  ad_^ment  cnaP,]t  l  • 
 ofthe^rea;  Day.      All  w  ii:h,  according  to  hi 3Purpofe  he 
 hath  done. 
 
 j.  In  thi  Purpofe  of  jlorif  in^  h'v  ^o^,  and  fhewing;  forth 
 his  dory  thr  >u^h  him,  he  alfo  pirp  ;fed  to  create  by  him, 
 the  Heaven  and  Earth,  and  a  World  of  Crea>ures  for  M,n- 
 kinde ,  and  fo  10  aeate  Man  righteous ,  &c*  for  his  Gicry, 
 
 and 
 
}l8  Cautions  to  be  heeded 
 
 See  Pin-  i  *nd  the  g0od  °f  Markinde  >  **  hath  been  (h  wn 
 
 CMP^'  poicd  ftill  the  (himng forth  of  his  Glorv  thrrUoh  his  <on  'in 
 working  by  him  a  Redemption  and  Rinauraiion  for  Man- 
 kmde,  and  a  New  Creation  tor  all  that  by  hi*-  Glory  famed 
 through  (hou  d I  believe  on  him  ,    and  that  he  ftouid  be  the 
 
 See  Part  I.  Judge  of  all,as  hath  been  forefhewn. 
 
 ch.ia^i3.  AndofthePurpofeof  God  as  now  lart  mentioned  and 
 the  Purpoles  included  in  it ,  it  is  that  comes  within  theVm 
 pais  of  this  Diicourie,  and  of  no  other*  for,  in  confideraticn 
 of  this  Purpole,  and  Purpoles  included  in  it ,  we  fhall  meet 
 with  all  that  is  revealed  for  us  to  know,  concerning  the  Pur- 
 poles  of  God  about  Eternal  Salvation  for  Mankinde  ,  or  the 
 Eternal  Damnation  of  any  of  them.  And  yet  before  we  pro- 
 ceed, it  is  needful  to  oblcrveand  minde  well  a  few  Camions 
 to  prevent  MWakes.  ' 
 
 Chap.  2. 
 
 Offome  Cautions  to  be  heeded^  to  prevent  Mistakes. 
 
 Camion  I.  *T*Hat  wediftinguifh  between  Foreknowledge ,  andPur- 
 X  .  pofe  or  Decree.     By  Foreknowledge ,  I  mean  not  fore- 
 owning  or  pre-approbation  ;   in  which  ienle,    the  word  is 
 frequently  ufed  in  Scripture :  but  ,    knowing  beforejefefeetng, 
 or  prefcience.     In  which  ienie,  the  word  is  commonly  ufed 
 among  ordinary  people ,  and  lometime  fome  word  alio  bear- 
 ing that  fenfe  ufed  in  Scripture  ;  and  iuch  foreknowing  I 
 mean. 
 Reply.      tf  any  fy  ^  Toothing  could  have  any  being  ,    life  ,  ftrength, 
 and  ability  of motion  and  action  for  God  to  fore  fee  j  if  God  had  not 
 forepnrpofedy  and  did  not  according  to  his  pur  pofe  give  andpreferve 
 the  fame. 
 Anfwtr.      If  it  be  meant  of  created  being?,  andfuch  life  and  power 
 cf  moving  and  a&ingas  is  inCreatures.then  this  is  very  true; 
 
 but 
 
to  prevent  Mistakes.  319 
 
 but  if  it  be  mea^t  of  all  the  demeanor  of  thofe  beings  ,  and 
 iheir  various  movingsand  agings ,  in  and  with  that  power 
 of  a£tin<>  and  moving,  which  God  hath  given  them  ;  then  this 
 is  not  true.  Doubtlef  God  did  forefce*  how  Jerufalem  would 
 abu  e  all  that  Life  ,  Beauty ,  Riches  and  Ornaments  he  gave  £^- l6- M7; 
 them :  but  he  did  not  will ,  purpoie  or  decree  they  fhould  io 
 abuie  them ,  though  he  purpofed  bow  to  deal  with  them  for 
 it ;  yea,heexprefly  fait%Tney  did  both  chue  fuch  way?,  and 
 dofuch  abominations  as  he  not  onely  not  commanded  them,  lr  66&\{fl' 
 but  as  came  not  into  hisMinde  \  which  can  be  no  lei's  then1*'*' 
 not  purpofed  by  him.  So  fureiy  God  forelaw  when  he  pur- 
 poled  to  make  the  firfi  tsfdam ,  and  to  give  him  that  life  and 
 power  of  moving;  and  a&ing  which  he  did,  and  that  Fur- 
 niture he  f-Kniflhed  him  with  ,  how  he  would  abufc  his 
 power  and  Furniture,  and  fin  againft  God  :  but  God  never 
 willed,  purpofed  or  moved  him  fo  to  fin,  much  lefs  ap-  ***•*•*& 
 proved  he  (hould  fo  do  ;  yea  ,  according  to  his  purppofe  he 
 afforded  him  UifK:ient  means,  by  heeding  which,  he  might 
 have  been  preserved  ;  And  farther,  he  wouid  notwithftand 
 and  hinder  him :  and  fo  onely  permitted,  but  decreed  not 
 his  Fall ;  yet  in  foreleeing  it ,  he  purpofed  to  (hew  forth  the 
 Glory  of  hisGo^dnefs  more,  inprovifion  of  a  fit  remedy 
 for  retf  oring  of  Mankinde  :  of  which  Purpofes ,  we  are  to 
 treat.  And  indeed,  he  faid  well,  that  (aid,  God  is  fo  good^that 
 he  vootild  never  J rujf ?er  evil  to  £*,  if  he  knew  not  how  to  worj^  good 
 evtofit.  ,  So  that  Forefight  is  one  thing,  andPurpofe  ano- 
 ther. 
 
 If  any  reply,  But  then  (jod  fore feeing  thefe  mifcarriages ,    did  Rep]y 
 decree  to  permit  the  f-rme ; 
 
 I  anfwer ,  If  this  be  put  in ,  if  Men  by  the  means  ufed  by  Answer. 
 him  to  keep  them  from  finning,  would  not  be  fo  kept  back 
 .  from  finning;  but,notwithfianding  all  helps  to  preferv  •,  will 
 tranfgrefs,  then  I  will  confefs  the  faying  true;  elfe,  not: 
 though  I  finde  not  the  Scripture  anv  where  calling  fuch  per- 
 millions,  decrees ;  nor  do  fuch  decrees ,  if  in  fuch  fen  e  they 
 maybefo  called,  come  within  the  compafs  of  fuch  purpofes, 
 as  we  have  before  us  to  treat  of.  And  fo  let  this  firft  Caution 
 be  heeded. 
 
 That  the  Purpofes  of  God  we  arc  to  treat  of,  are  his  Pur-  Ctmion  Jh . 
 
 pofes 
 
:<ao  Cautions  to  be  heeded 
 
 poles  of  Eternal  Salvation,and  of  Ecernal  Damnation,and  not 
 of  fuch  Purpofes  of  God  concerning  Men,as  being  verily  fulfil- 
 led,  et  even  of  thofe  perions  on  whom  they  are  fulfil ied/ome 
 may  be  Eternally  fave<J,ana  iome  may  be  Eternally  damned : 
 foasthe  fulfilling:  of  fu.h  Purpoies  ,  neither  neceflitates  the 
 perlbns  on  whom  they  are  fulfilled  to  be  Eternally  faved,  nor 
 to  be  Eternally  damned,  they  being  fulfiled,  both  on  the 
 .    righteous, and  the  wicked:  asforfome  inltance , 
 
 i.  A?  God  hath  made  of  oneBiood  all  Nations  of  Men 
 for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  Earth  ;  fo  did  he  alfo  pur- 
 pofe ,  and  in  his  F  nrpole  ,   determined  the  times  before  ap- 
 pointed, and  the  bounds  of  their  Habitation ;  and  this  with 
 ^#.i7.*M7.  a  gracious  end  and  tendency  ,   for  their  good  alfo  in  his  way; 
 yet  in  this  Purpofe  ,  oncly  thofe ,  and  all  thofe, in  all  times, 
 ages  and  Nations  of  the  World  that  fear  him  ,  (nould  be  ac- 
 AEt  10  :<       cepted  of  him ;  fo  that,  thouzh  purpoled ,  and  according  to 
 purpofe ,   fome  be  Kings  and  Magiltrates ,   fome  Subje&s, 
 fome  Rich,  fome  Poor ;  and  all  in  a  gracious  tendency ,  that 
 they  might  feek  and  acknowledge  the  Lord  in  thefe  conditi- 
 ons, &  fome  of  all  fores  have  been  found  in  every  of  thefe  cor> 
 ditions,feeking  and  fearing  God,  andfo  walking  on  to  Eter- 
 &\\\% %%\ '  cai  Salvation  :  but  alfo  fome  of  all  forts ,  if  not  molt  of  all 
 forts,  perfilVing  in  rebellious  wayes  leading  to  Eternal  defini- 
 tion :  Scripture  and  Mens  manners  fo  fully  (hew  this,  that  k 
 needs  no  farther  proof 
 
 2,  As  God  in  his  Works  hath  put,  fo  in  his  Purpofe  he 
 decreed  to  put  a  great  difference  between  fome  Nations  and 
 other  Nations ,   as  one  to  be  greater  and  endued  with  more 
 Priviledges  then  the  other  ;  yea  ,  icmetime  the  lefler  people 
 or  younger,  to  be  the  chief;  and  the  greater  or  elder  people, 
 to  ferve  the  younger  :  and  yet  neither  doth  this  Purpofe ,  or- 
 the  fulfilling  of  it ,    necefluate  or  imply  the  Eternal  Damna- 
 tion, or  hindring  the  Eternal  Salvation  of  the  inferior  ap- 
 Tnui.76,7.  &  pointed  to  ferve,or  of  the  Superior  to  be  ferved.  So  Ifraeli  pe- 
 i4.i.P/"/i/.i47.  culiar  people  above  all  other  Nations-,  though  feweft  in  num- 
 ¥?°'  *tfu>'.ber>yec  vv  ere  not  all  this  Ifraehhe  Ifrattof  God  indeed,  in 
 fl1'      l     '  acceptance  of  and  anfwering  their  Priv  iiedges ,  and  fo  not  e- 
 very  of  them  eternally  faved  ;   nor  were  all  and  every  of  the 
 other  Nations  Eternally  damned :  that  Rule  true,according  to 
 
 his 
 
to  prevent  MijlaJ^es.  5x1 
 
 nisPurpofe,  ^w.2.6,1 1,2  5,26.  and  3.9.  but  this  is  moft 
 clecr  in  thofe  two  people  mentioned,G*w.2  5.2  3  .And  the  Lord 
 fatd  ttnto  her  ,    (that  is '^feard)  Two  Nations  are  in  thy  Wombe% 
 And  two  wanner  of  People  (hall  be  feparated  from  thy  Bowels  ; 
 and  the  one  People  jh all  beftronger  then  the  other  ,    and  the  elder 
 fballferve  the  younger  ;  or,  (as  fomc  read  it)  The  great  er  [ball  Row.  9  M. 
 ferve  the  lejfer.     Now  Chrift  being  to  come  of  Jacob ;  Efatt^or 
 any  of  his  Pofterity  ,  in  ferving  Chrilt  that  was  to  come  of 
 Jacobs  and  fo  in  a  willing  fervice  of  their  Brethren  the  Sons 
 of  Jacob*  attending  the  Word  and  Oracles  given  them,  might 
 through  Grace  befaved,  as  no  doubt  fomeof  them  were  ;  Deut.13.7f.  ' 
 and  means  was  by  God  appointed  thereto.     And  whereas 
 many  for  their  wilful  refufal  and  violence   ( though  con- 
 drained  ,  did  yet  in  another  way  ferve ,  yet  for  that  refufal  obaa\  *,io,  ji. 
 and  violence)  did  perifh ;  yet  of  that  Race,  it  is  found  in  Scri-  l™0S9'xt'^Li} 
 pture,w^7  are  eternally  faved>  Ifa.60.7- 14.  And  as  God  in  jobz.ii.-Tfdf. 
 his  Purpofe  differenced  one  N?tion  from  another  in  fuperi-  87.4,5.^0.8-. 
 ority  and  inferiority ;  fo  he  purpofed  divers  means  for  divers 
 Ages  in  the  World,  and  to  divers  People ,  and  fome  means 
 excelling  other  :  to  fome  People  ,   the  Word,  Oracles,  Go- 
 fpel,  &c.  to  other  People ,  onely  a  rumour  ofthefe,  with 
 fuch  teachings  as  are  natural ,   or  by  natural  Mediums, in  the 
 Works  of  Creation  and  Providence  ;   yet  the  Repentance 
 (and  fo  the  Faith  and  Obedience  )    he  requireth ,  being  no 
 more  or  greater  then  according  to  the  means  he  vouchfafeth, 
 and  that  fuch  will  be  accepted  •  and  where  more  is  given, 
 more  is  required. 
 
 This  Purpofe  of  fuch  difference  ,   and  the  fulfilling  it  in 
 extentionof  fuch  different  means,  hindreth  not,  but  that,  of  Rom.  2. 3,4,9, 
 thofe  that  have  but  the  leffer  means,  yielding  to  repent,  be>  *  *>«*»nbi5»»7» 
 lieve,  and  obey,  according  to  the  help  therein  afforded,  ftiall  l6i~7- 
 be  Eternally  faved:  and  thofe  that  have  the  greater  means, 
 rebelling  againlt  the  help  therein  afforded ,    and  lb  per- 
 iling in  Impenitency ,   Unbelief  and  Rebellion  ,    (hall 
 be  Eternally  damned.  Let  this  Caution  be  heeded. 
 
 God  hath  purpofed  fome  things  that  he  will  bring  on  all  Camion  HU 
 Men,   both  thofe  that  /hall  be  Eternally  faved,  and  on 
 thofe  that   (hall    be;  Eternally    damned    ;      as  namely , 
 That, 
 
 Uu  1.  Ail 
 
jxi  Cautions  to  be  heeded, 
 
 i .  All  Men  ,  one  and  other  ,  (hall  come  before  him  and 
 i«w.i4.i'ijit.  bisSonChrift  ;  and  he  by  vertue  of  his  great  fdFering  and 
 Jeh.ii.ii.      Sacrifice  offered  for  Mankinde ,  and  the  Power  ,    Authority 
 Tbil.iji*****  and  Spirit  received  thereby,  Hull  draw  all  Men  10  him  ,  and 
 they  (hall  ccme  and  bow  before  jefus,  and  confefs  hitn 
 Lord  to  the  Glory  of  God :  yet  oreiy  thofe  thac  by  his  good- 
 nefs  difcovered,and  bands  of  love  expended ,  are  prevailed 
 7^w.io.9»IO«  with  in  this  Day  of  Grace  ,  and  io  found  coming  to  him,  and 
 I/MS.**/**-  believing  on  him  here  wifh  the  Heart  unto  Righteouinefs, 
 617A°*         and  confeffing  bim  with  the  Mouth  unto  Salvation  :  tbefe 
 (hall  fay  ,  Surely  in  the  Lord  have  I  Righteouinefs,  and  lhall 
 be  Eternally  laved.       All  (hall  come  to  him  ;  but  him  that 
 cometh  (now  in  the  Father's  drawing)  he  will  Eternally  fave ; 
 and  all  that  rebel  againft  thefe  drawings,  and  perfift  fo  doing, 
 joh.6.37.&i6.fa*ft  Yec  by  his  irrefiftablePower  be  raifed  from  the  dead,and 
 8,9.  ip.45.14.  convinced  of  their  fin  ,  for  not  believing  on  him  in  the  Day 
 VhiLi.iOjM,  of  Grace:  and  then  to  their  fhame,  and  his  Glory,  con- 
 fefs him  Lord,  to  the  Glory  of  God,before  the  fentence  pafs 
 on  them. 
 
 2.  All  Men  (hall  once  die,  or  fuffer  a  change  futable  to 
 my'9'17;Breb'  Death ,  which  is  the  way  of  all  Flefh ;  yet  of  thefe,  ibme 
 
 \\1?Jmi\\  dic  io  the  Fakh> and  lb flee? in  the  Lord.>  and  thefc  ftaU  be 
 John  8. 24.  Eternally  faved  :  but  others  die  in  their  fins  and  unbelief ; 
 Ecdef.  11.       and  thefe  (hall  be  Eternally  damned. 
 
 3.  All  Men  (hall  alfo  rife  again  by  the  Power  and  Autho- 
 
 «£fc.if  »i  11  rity of  Jefo  chrift  at  his  voicc ;  but  the  Juft  *  fuch 
 
 Jdj's.\i,i9.*s  bave  believed  in  Chrift,  and  done  good,  (hall  rife 
 x^.i4,M.^^.intheRefurreftionof  the  juftunto  Eternallife  •  and  the  irn- 
 a4. 1 5.  penitent  and  unbelieving^n  the  Refure&ion  of  the  unjuft,un- 
 
 to  Eternal  condemnation. 
 %Cor    10.  4-  After  Death,  all  being  raifed ,  they  (hall  all  come  be- 
 
 Kom.zA6.MaK  fore  the  Judgement-Seat  of  Chrift,  and  be  judged  by  him  ac- 
 7,s.3W*>Rtv.  cording  to  the  Gofpel ;  and  then  all  thofe  that  have  believed 
 *o.i  3>i  $•  in  him,  and  lived  to  him  in  the  Day  of  Grace,  (hall  enjoy  Ab- 
 solution, Eternal  Life  and  Joy  with  him  :  and  all  that 
 have  throughout  the  Dayes  of  his  Grace  and  Patience 
 rebelled  againft  him ,  (hall  then  be  caft  into  the  Lake  of 
 Fire ,  which  is  the  fecond  Death.  Let  this  Caution  be  alfo 
 heeded. 
 
 For 
 
to  prevent  Mitfafys.  323 
 
 •  For  of  all  Purpofes,  as  ^ec  f°rtn  m  thefe  tnree  forme r  Cauti- 
 ons, is  not  in  this  bufinefs  dire&ly,  but  onelyinclufively  to  be 
 fpoken. 
 
 God  hath  fet  in  his  Counfel,  and  Purpofes  concerning  the  Caution  IK 
 Eternal  falvation  of  Mankinde ,   or  the  Damnation  of  any  of  l'faL  l4**  Vj 
 them,  an  holy, wife,  and  heavenly  Order,  agreeing  with  the  \[ir^ljZ'{Z 
 Nature  and  Being  of  God,   his  Sovcraignty,  Wifdom,Hoii-  isji^zo.  j/i 
 nefs,Love,  Mercy, Truth,  Juftice,  and  the  Teftimony  of  his  z$  j.^40.14. 
 Spirit  concerning  his  Son  Jefus  Chrift  ,  and  his  Love  to  Man-  Prw  11.10,11. 
 kindemanifeft  through  him  :   all  agreeing  in  one ,  without  p2* —'*,%,,& 
 any  contraryingof  one  by  another.  Hence  his  Purpofes  called  *.£, 
 his  Counfel ,  and  faidtobe  brought  forth  according  to  the 
 Counfel  of  his  own  Will:  and  fo  in refpec^  of  this  wife  and 
 heavenly  Order  in  his  Counfel,  for  the  manner  and  way  of  his 
 Purpofe  taking  effect,  we  (hall  finde  different  effects,  and  dif- 
 ferent forts  of  Men  alfo ,  on  whom  it  hath  different  effe&s ; 
 that  is  to  fay, 
 
 Firft ,    for  the  manner  and  way  of  his  Purpofe  taking  ef- 
 fe&  on  Men  for  their  good  ;  it  is  by  difcovery  of  his  Love  to 
 Mankinde,  to  finncrs,  enemies ,   in  difcovering  his  Grace  in 
 and  through  his  Son  that  died  for  (inners ;  and  in  that  Difco-  ^  4*'2  *J**' 
 very,  in  fome  meafure  opening  their  blindeeyes  cr  under-  ,4i  " 
 
 ftanding,to  fee  or  underhand  his  gracioufnefs :  and  fo  calling 
 and  moving  them  to  behold  what  hedifcovereth  ,  and  heap 
 what  he  faith ;  afluring  them,  that  in  beholding  him  as  difco- 
 vered ,  and  as  underftanding  is  given  them  to  difcern  ,  and  f ft^ajSE 
 fo  attending  him,  he  will  fave  them ,  and  fo  bring  them  in  to  },&w .$4, 
 believe,  and  fo  out  of  darknefs  into  his  marvellous  light :  and 
 this  the  firft  proceed  for  his  Purpofe  to  take  place  5  for  laving 
 Men  out  of  their  finfulnefs ,  and  according  to  his  Purpofe  he 
 proceeds  fo  far  with  all  Men  in  fome  meafure,  at  one  feafon  or 
 other. 
 
 Secondly,  When  he  hath  fo  far  proceeded  with  Men  in 
 difcovery  of  his  gracioufnefs  through  Chrift,and  fo  far  opened 
 their  eyes  or  underftanding,  that  they  begin  to  difcern ,  and 
 he  calls  or  moves  them  to  behold  and  turn  ;  then  fuch  as  in 
 hearing  do  hear,  and  in  feeing  do  fee  ;  and  in  that  motion 
 and  ftrcngth  of  his  extended  in  this  call  y  do  according  as  by 
 that  enabled,  turn  and  believe,  he  will  fave,  enlive,  renew, 
 
 Uu  a  and 
 
324-  Cautions  to  be  heeded, 
 
 lfa  45  22  Job  a0(^channc  >    and  ^rther  enlighten  and  confirm  in  Faith  and 
 S.zi.'ic'or.s'.  Confidence,  and  To  enamour  them  more  with  Chrift ,  and 
 \%.Rom.i. 8,10.  he  (hall  appear  and  become  more  precious  to  their  Hearts, 
 1  Pet.z.6,7.     (o  as  for  the  well-pleafednefs  they  finde  in  him,  they  count  all 
 Vfail'?!  24  thiDgS  lofs  f°r  Chri(*>anc*  are  willing  to  be  deprived  of  them 
 ».f.  *tf.s.u!  to  win  hinrt>  he  being  all  in  all  to  them.     And  through  the 
 iTbef.%.\$M-  Grace  thus  believed,    and  the  San&ification  of  the  Spirit, 
 iPet.iyz.  Epb.  he  chufeth  them  into  Union  and  Fellowship  with  Chrift, 
 *,u.R$m.9>u.    anj  f0 10  Conformity  to  him,  and  to  Eternal  Salvation :  this 
 being  the  Order  of  his  work,  who  worketh  all  things  ac- 
 cording to  the  Counfel  of  his  own  will ;  we  may  be  fure  fuch 
 was  his  Counfel  for  the  manner  of  his  purpofe  taking  effect, 
 or  ftanding  according  to  the  Election  of  Grace. 
 JoKi^9,-io]n      But  fuch  ,   as  when  this  light  cometh,  and  Grace  therein 
 1  PeM.7,8.    extended,  fo  as  light  and  hearing  is  given ,  and  heart  moved, 
 ikf^.13.1  i,i  j.  do  not  then  in  hearing  hear,and  in  ieeing  iee;but  take  offence 
 Mi.i*.i63i7.  becaufeof  fome  difcovery  of  evil,  and  reproof  andcondem- 
 8ij'^4' J^'  nation  of  fomethingby  them  highly  efteemed  and  dearly  be- 
 loved;which  reproof  this  Light  and  Grace  worketh  in  its  con- 
 vincements :  and  fo  do  harden  their  hearts,  clofe  their  eyes, 
 fhun  the  light ,  lovedarknefs  rather  ,  being  unperfwadeable? 
 and  fo  willingly  difobedient,   and  refute  to  turn  at  his  re- 
 proof, thefe  he  gives  up  to  blindnefs  and  hardnefs ;  fo,as  the 
 more  brightly  the  gracious  minde  of  God  in  Chrift  is  difco- 
 vered,  the  more  fuch  ftumble  and  take  offence ;  of  which  we 
 Job.  e,  2.75^83  have  a  notable  example,  John  6.  And  this  being  the  manner 
 to&.Rom.n.  of  God's  working;  yea,  foasif  by  hischaftifements  for  fuch 
 3!   £^.24!  follies ,    and  his  renewed  ftrifes ,  they  are  not  humbled  to 
 x3,t4.Pr*v.i!  return,  but  perfift  in  their  former  willing  rebellion,  he 
 24,32,  .7?ow.i.reprobateth  them  to  Eternal  Damnation  ;    we  may  be  fure 
 *i.23,i8riF^.  (nc^  was  ^s  Counfel  in  the  Order  of  his  Purpofe:  and  fo 
 we  fee  two  divers  and  contrary  effects  of  the  Purpofe  made 
 known. 
 
 Thirdly ,  For  the  different  forts  of  Men  under  different 
 cpnfiderations,that  were  according  to  this  wife  and  holy  or- 
 der, in  the  Counfel  of  God's  will ,  the  objects  on  whom  the 
 feveral  efft&s  of  his  purpofe  made  known  fliould take  place, 
 they  appear  to  be  the  Sons  of  Adam  ;  he  ,  and  his  natural 
 Race  diverfly  confidered ,  and  not  in  one  and  the  fame  con- 
 
 (ideration: 
 
to  prevent  Mijla^es.  315 
 
 fidtrat'ion  %  bu^  in  refpe<5t  of  chc  diversity  of  cffeds,  divetfly  con- 
 sidered, cither  fimply  as  (uch,  or  clfe  chough  fuch,yet  under  another 
 confederation;  and  that  eithcr,as  better  then  fuch  (imply  confidercd, 
 or  as  worfe  then  fuch  onely. 
 
 1  •  For  his  Purpofe  of  finding  out  a  ranfome ,  making  an  Atone- 
 ment, preparing  a  Sacrifice,  and  accepting  it  ,    fo  as  to  remove 
 the  enmity  that  was  in  the  mid-way,  and  opening  a  door  for  Man-     .       - 
 kinde  to  come  in  to  him,  the  objects  or  fubje&s  of  this  Purpofe,  - 14<  ^om^\ 
 and  thofe  for  whom  ic  is  efficacious  with  God  ;  fo  as  he  hath  8.  iPrt.3.18. 
 often  all  into  the  diipofe  of  the  Sacrificer,  are  tAdam>  and  all  his  ifa.  53.  5>6- 
 natural  Race,  as  fallen,  asfinners,  ungodIy,enemies  to  God, fimply  xCor.i$.s.Gal, 
 as  fuch,  and  in  no  better  or  worfe  confideration  :  but  as  fuch,  men,  IJ*' 
 all  men,(infula  unjuft,  and  ungodly  men*  And  fo  for  our  fins  he  fuf- 
 fered , 
 
 2.  For  his  purpofe  of  difcovery  and  making  known  his  Grace 
 and  Gocdnefs  through  Chrift  in  and  by  means  extended  ,  and 
 the  efficacy  thereof,  for  opening  the  eyes  of  the  blinde,  and  the  ears 
 of  the  deaf  1  and  moving  at  their  hearts  ,  and  fo  calling  them  and 
 ftriving  with  them ,  affording  fuch  help  to  them  ,  that  they  might 
 turn  at  his  reproof,  and  fo  believe  and  live.  The  objects  or  fub- 
 je&s  of  this  purpofe  ,  and  thofe  on  whom  thefe  effects  fofar  fhall 
 be  produced,  are  %AAam  and  all  his  natural  Race,  even  all  Man- 
 kinde ,  as  in  fin,  ignorance  and  bondage,  (£rc.  yet  thefe  in  fome 
 better  confideration,  then  meerly  as  Adam's  fons,  and  fallen  in 
 him,  under  the  power  of  the  Law  ,  and  Sin,  and  Death;  and  the 
 
 Devil  i  namely  ,   confidered  ,    as  a  Ranfcm  is  given,  a  Sacrifice  i  Yim.  1.6,7. 
 offered,    Peace  made  ,    and  Redemption  wrought  for  them,  Pfa.62.i$.ifa. 
 though  not  yet  applied  to  them ,    nor  they  knowing  or  enjoying  42-1^738.^ 
 any  of  the  choice  benefits  thereof  ;  for  Jefus  Chrift  by  vertue  of  6l'*>*»h*C*r' 
 his  Oblation  being  afcended  ,  hath  received  Spirit  in  the  Man  and  lV.Vr^.?!i  j' 
 for  Men,  with  Power   and  Authority   to   preach    the  Gofpel* 
 and  extend  Gifts  even  to  the  Rebellious,  that  the  Lord  God  pfa.  96.1%. 
 might  dwell  among  them.      And  on  this  ground  they  are  called  :  Rom.  5.1  S.fob. 
 and  in  this  refpeft  alfo  they  are  fa  id ,    To  be  written  in  tht6^UEcclef-^ 
 Bock  of  Life,    though  not  yet  written  among  the  Righteous..4* 
 And  while  they  remain  fuch,  and  no  worfe  then  fuch  ,  there  is  yet 
 hope  for  them. 
 
 3.  For  his  Purpofe  of  Election  to  Union  and  FelJowfhip  with 
 his  Son  Chrift  >  and  fo  to  conformity  in  holinefs ,  Son- like  Privi- 
 
 leges 
 
j2(J  Cautions  to  be  heeded, 
 
 ledges  and  Eternal  Life  ,    the  OF  j  &  or  SiSje&s  of  this  Pur* 
 
 pofe  are  ftill  in  this  Life,  and  till  Death  ,  the  Sons  of  Adam  and 
 
 l{a.itt\6.il>et.  bis  natural  Race  ;    but  they  are  not  onely  fo ,  but  much  better  • 
 
 5^1*1  J'**' n0t  °ncIy  in  ^P^  °^a  Mnfcmc  given  a^d  made  known  ,  but  all 
 J  'h  *  aifo  in  tefpciS  of  a  new  Birth  begun  in  them  ;  they  being  fuch, 
 and  fo  beheld  and  conftdcred  ,  as  thofe  that  through  the  efficacy 
 of  Grace  difcovercd  ;  and  opening  their  eyes,  a*?  in  beholding 
 him,  drawn  unfeignedly  to  believe  in  him,  in  which,  being 
 fpiritually  in  him ,  they  arc  by  the  Election  of  Grace ,  rooted  \nf 
 united  more  to Chrift  ,  and  foe hofen  and  owned  in  Chrift,  and 
 conformed  in  fomc  meafurc  to  him ,  and  have  the  beginnings  of 
 Eternal  Life. 
 
 4.  For  his  Purpofe  of  blotting  out  of  the  Book  of  Life  ,  and 
 
 not  writing  among  the  Righteous ,   but  reprobating  and  giving 
 
 up  to  Satan  ,  and  fo  to  Eternal  Damnation  ,   the  objects  orfub- 
 
 je&s  of  this  Purpofe ,  and  thofe  on  whom  its  efficacy  (hall  take 
 
 place,  are  aifo  of  the  natural  Rice  of  Adam ,    and  fuch  alfo  as 
 
 were  bcught  by  Chrift  into  his  difpofe  :  but  not  onely*.  or  (imply 
 
 fuch ,  but  a  great  deal  worfe  then  as  ccming  from  Adam  ,    and 
 
 Mat.ix.ii,?fa .felkn  in  him,  by  reafon  of  their  wilful  contumely  againft  him 
 
 8 i.ii.Pktcm!  that  bought  them,  being  fuch,  and  thofe,   and  fo  beheld,  as  will 
 
 *4,3f.  J°k.i.  not  fee  when  their  eyes  are  opened  •  will  none  of  Chrift,  wrxn  and 
 
 lo.Job  24133  as  offered  ;  will  not  turn  at  his  reproof,  though  he  call  and  ftretch 
 
 xiis^fl  al* 0Ut  hi?  ^ln(*  t0^P tnem  I  ^atc»  an(*  rc^  *gainft  tnc  "gbt,  clofe 
 *7*zC$r,$64f  their  eyes ,  and  flop  their  ears ,  and  harden  their  hearts ,  when 
 16+  ,  he  hath  opened  and  moved  ,    and  wilfully  perfift  fo  doing  againft 
 
 means ,  light  and  warnings ,  till  there  be  no  remedy :  Thefe 
 (and  none  but  fuch  ,  Rov.  3.5.  Rom.11.13.)  are  the  fubjr&s 
 of  this  Purpofe ,  and  thofe  on  whom  it  will  take  place,  Pfal.69. 
 ai,28.  &  lop.1,8,  ^#.1.16*, 20.  £.^.32.3  2,3  3.  Rev. 
 11.19.  Judo  4. 
 
 So  that  though  the  Sons  of  Adam  as  fallen  ,  be  the  very  ob- 
 jects or  fubje&s  of  the  Purpofe  of  God,  for  whom  he  gave  his  Son 
 to  become  Man,  and  fo  to  die,and  rife,and  offer  Sacrifice ;  and  by 
 vcrtue  thereof  through  him  to  extend  means ,  and  light  in  the 
 means,  that  they  might  turn  at  his  reproof ;  and  h  turning  ,  be- 
 lieve ;  and  in  believing  ,  notpcriflv,  but  have  Everlafting  Life  ; 
 yet  bis  Purpofes  of chufing  in  Chrift  ,  and  conferring  Everlafting 
 Life ,  and  of  reprobating  to  eternal  dcftru&ion  ,  any  of  the  Sons 
 
 of 
 
to  prevent  Miftakes.  %ij 
 
 of  Adam  fallen,  was  not  as  they  were  fimply  i'o  confidered,  either 
 as  fallen  oncly ,  or  ondy  as  they  were  alfo  thought,  and  means  ex- 
 tended to  them  •  but  in  another  confideration,  as  they  were  beheld 
 and  found  to  become  of  another  feed  ,   either  of  the  Woman  ,  ofRg^  G^ 
 Abraham  of  Cbrtfl  through  belief  and  receit  of  Grace,  which  all  3.1^19,^.1! 
 and  none  but  the  Children  of  the  promife  are,  they  the  eleA ;  or  by  9, 
 rebelling  againrr  Light  and  Grace,  become  of  the  Seed  of  the  Scr-  . 
 
 pentj  of  me  wicked  one,  wh;ch  none  are  but  thofe  that  wilfully  a-  Iff*"  3,10,n' 
 gainft  light  and  warning,  do  and  will  do  his  will. 
 
 And  between  thefc  two  Seeds,  God  hath  put  enmity  ,   fo  as  the 
 one  is  an  abomination  to  the  other ;  yea  ,  this  Seed  of  the  Serpent  GeH.3.1  r.  Pw. 
 were  forewritten  of  old  at  the  beginning  ,  and  fo  fore-ordained  to  19.27.  Judt  3, 
 this  contention, condemnation  or  judgement ,  to  be  the  triers  and  4- 
 troublers  of  the  Saints,  and  receive  judgement  accordingly  5  againft 
 whole  wicked nefs  the  Saints  are  to  contend,  and  for  the  Faith. 
 
 Thefe  Cautions  minded  according  as  given  us  in  the  Scripture* 
 we  (hall  finde,  that  all  the  Purpofcs  of  God  agree  with  the  whole 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel  concerning  his  Oblation,  Inter- 
 ceffion,  and  coming  again,  and  all  the  Covenants  of  God ,  and  all 
 his  Promifes  ,  and  all  his  Threatnings ;  none  da  {hing  or  jarring 
 with  other,  but  all  agreeing  in  one  ?  and  though  there  be  not  firtt 
 and  laft,  and  one  thing  after  another  in  God's  Counfels,  Foreknow- 
 ledge or  Purpofc ;  yet,as  in  t&ecounfel  in  his  Purpofe,  he  hath  pre- 
 ferred fomething  before  other ,  and  ordered  one  thing  for  ano- 
 ther,  and  appointed  to  bring  forth  fomething  before  another*  as  the 
 natural  Man  before  the  fpiritual  •  fo  to  our  thoughts  and  concepti- 
 on, and  in  being  for  our  knowledge  and  ufe,  there  is  fomething  be- 
 fore, and  fomething  afcec  another,  according  to  God's  order ,  for 
 us  to  obferve.  And  thus  underftood  >  I  will  now  proceed  to  view 
 thefc  Purpofcs. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
}l8  Of  the  Purpofes  of  (fod 
 
 Chap.   3. 
 
 Of  the  Purpofes  of  G  ode  oncer  rang  the  fecond publick  Man, 
 Jtfa  Christ  the  Redeemer. 
 
 AS  in  all  other  the  Counfelt  and  Works  of  God,  The  Woid, 
 the  Pcrfon  of  the  Son  of  God,  is  in  his  Purpofe  to  have  the 
 1,17^18.* '  *'  pre-eminence ;  fo,  in  this  he  is  the  prime  aRd  firiT  in  this  high  Pur- 
 pofe of  God  ^even  concerning  Mankinde  fallen :  and  lb  concerning 
 him, 
 
 1  •  His  Will  and  Purpofe  was,  That  he  fhould  do  his  Will  in 
 taking  away  tranfgreflions ,  and  dcftrcying  the  works  of  the  De- 
 vil;  and  for  that  caufe  to  give  him  a  Body,  that  having  the  Na- 
 tnre  of  Man,  he  might  be  a  perfect  Man,  and  fo  Emmanuel,  God 
 with  us ,  in  our  Nature  for  us,  even  he ;  for  there  was  no  other 
 with  or  in  him  ,  to  lay  afids  luch  Glory,  or  to  defcend  and  to  be 
 Sec  Part  I  madc  ^c^  *n  a  Supernatural  way ,  none  in  and  with  him  that 
 ^j,  *  might  joyn  with  him  in  this  bufrnefs  •/  This  was  peculiar  to  him, 
 
 and  hiriJORely  ,    and  none  with  him.     This  is  exprefs  and  plain 
 in  the  Tefttmony  of  Chnft  himfelf ,  by  his  Spirit  both  in  the  Pro- 
 phets and  Apoftlcs  ,    In  the  volume  of  the  hook^  (  or  role  )  it  it 
 Ud 1 10 '7Deut  yprttten  of*"'*  **>*  1  fhould  do  thy  wit.     Which  as  it  is  written 
 18.  k°i8  19  '  *n  tnc  ^°'c  or  Book  of  the  Scriptures  that  teftifie  of  Chrift ;  yea, 
 Act.  3.  27,13,  even  in  Gen.^.i  5.  though  not  in  focleer  a  Revelation  of  the  my- 
 44.    &  7.  37.  ftcry  ,  as  after  he  bad  offered  up  the  acceptable  Sacrifice  :  i'o  there 
 Joh.  $.  39A*<  i$  nothing  written  therein  of  him  ,    but  what  was  m  the  Bofome, 
 S^  M^rf!  Wl11  and  Counlel  of  God  bcforc  »  as  aPPcars  in  comparing  Reb. 
 1/0^.3.7,8.      I°'7«  with  P/4/.40.7  8.  where  oceiy  the  fame  faying  is  plainly 
 written  ,  and  that  alio  in  the  fame  words,  In  the  volume  of  the 
 hoakjt  it  written,  &c    which  Teems  to  carry  us  farther  chea  any 
 Prophets  forewritten  ,   even  including  the  Book  of  his  Counts 
 and  Purpofes  ;  according  to  that  of  Peter's  fayigcf  Chnft ;  Who 
 was  vtrtly  ordained  before  the  foundation  of  the  world.      And 
 fb  it  follows ,    Pfal,  40.  8.  /  deltght  to  do  thy  wi3, 0  my  God ; 
 yea  ,   thy  Law  it  in  the  middefi  of  my  bowels.     Which  (hews 
 
 plainly 
 
concerning  tkefecondpublicf^Man.      31^ 
 
 plainly,  both  that  he  was  one  with  the  Father  in  this  ,  as  in  ^  g 
 all  other  his  Decrees  and  Purpofes  ;  and  ailb,   that  he  did  3t 
 accept  to  undertake,  and  do  die  fame,  as  his  own  words  ve- 
 v'Ac^Pfal^o.7.  Lolcome  :  rendered  by  the  Apottle ,  Hcb.  Hebt  I0.7^9 
 10.7.    Lo  I  come  to  do  thy  will  •>   OCjod  :    and  then  opened, 
 defcanted  and  prefled  again.    From  which  Will  of  God,  of 
 the  Father  ,  and  Chrilt  his  onenefs  in  the  fame ,    the  vertue 
 of  his  Sacrifice  is  affirmed  to  be,  and  to  have  been  from  the  ^'^ 
 beginning,  vertuous  and  prevalent  with  God  for  Men  •   and 
 with  and  in  all  that  believe  in  him.    And  as  in  order  to  the 
 performance  of  this  his  Will,concerning,  and  for,  Mankinde, 
 he  in  his  Purpofe,  prepared  and  gave  him  a  Body ,   fo  as  he 
 might  be  truely  and  verily'man ,   and  the  Son  of  Man ,  and 
 fo  capable  of  fuffering  for  Man ,  having  right  as  a  Kinfman, 
 and  fitnefs  as  having  the  Nature  of  Man,  to  undertake  and  do  i    ^  s 
 
 the  whole  buftnefs  of  Matfkinde,  being  according  to  this  his   °  ,5#I4)I 
 Father's  Purpofe,  a  perfect  and  publick  Man ;  yea,  the  Word 
 and  Son  of  God  made  Man;  and  fo  having  the  Divine  and  the 
 Humane  Nature  in  one  Peribn ;  and  fo  one  with  the  Father, 
 and  one  with  Man :  a  fit  Mediator  between  God  and  Man, 
 to  deal  with  God  for  Man ,  and  with  Man  in  the  behalf  of 
 God  ;  and  fo  the  digging  or  opening  of  the  Ear ,  (  as  it  fig- 
 nifieth  in  Men  the  fitting  and  preparing  for  obedience   to^*3'1^7' 
 that  which  God  caileth  to,  that  they  may  obey ;  fo  in  refpe&  *4 
 of  Chrift  )    it  (ignifieth  the  giving  him,  and  fitting  him  with 
 fuch  a  Body  as  in  which  he  might  have  capacity  and  fitnefs  to  tra^0^  6Pr^ 
 fuffer  and  do  his  Will ;  which  being  given  him ,  he  was  not  4o.V,7  . 
 rebellious ,  nor  did  draw  back  ;  but  being  one  with  his  Fa- 
 ther in  his  will  and  love  to  Man ,  he  accepted,  and  delighted 
 to  do  the  fame  :  and  fo  the  Spirit  by  the  Apolile  teacheth  us 
 to  underhand  it ;  who  knowing  that  to  be  the  meaning,  cites 
 that  very  Text  according  to  the  Tranflation  then  extant  and 
 known,   *A  hody^  haft  thou  fitted  (  or  prepared)   me.      And  Heb.  10.  5 
 that  he  might  do  his  Will  in  that  very  Body ,  he  in  this  Pur- 
 pofe, 
 
 2.  Purpofed  concerning  the  Man  Chrift,  the  fecond  publick 
 Man,  firft,an  Abafementof  him:  fecondly, by  vertue  there- 
 of, an  Exaltation^    - 
 
 1 .  He  purpofed  and  decreed  an  Abatement  of  him  for  Man-  gm'.a  4 
 
 X  x  kinde, 
 
330  Of  the  Turpofes  of  (jod 
 
 kinde ,   as  that  he  fhould  be  made  under  the  Law  for  Men ; 
 and  though  without  fin ,  yet  to  have  on  him  all  the  infirmi- 
 ty^^        ties  of  the  Nature  of  Man,  which  befel  it  for  finmeerly 
 through  the  Fall ;  and  ib  though  true  and  finlefs  flefri ,    yet  in 
 the  fimiluude  of  finful  flefli  :  and  fo  that  he  in  theftead  of, 
 iTivt.z.6  Heb.  and  ^r  all  Mankinde  ftiould  die  that  death  ;   yea ,    all  that 
 a. 9  Eph.  1.13  detth  in  the  ignominy  and  pain  of  it ;  yea  ,    fuffer  the  Curfe 
 Heb.9.14  &7-  in  it,  which  was  due  to  Mankinde  for  the  firtt  offence  ,  and 
 *1  all  thefins  that  neceffarily  flow  from  it ,  and  which  the  Law 
 
 bee  art  -^.(h^  account  can  charge  Men  with ,  and  alfo  make  iuch 
 Lihz  it  46  ^  f^ysfaftion,  and  iuch  a  vertuous  Atonement  by  his  Blood, 
 ijfi.a^i4i/4.W  by  it  even  following  fins  againft  himfelf ,  might  in  his  way 
 H.zrfPfa.ii.  be  taken  away  and  freely  forgiven.  All  which  he  hath  done, 
 6,i  1  jiMfiU.  as  was  fore-purpofed  and  fore-written  of  him  :  and  betaufe 
 *3  of  the  certainty  of  God  ys  Purpofe ,  and  his  being  one  with 
 
 God  in  that  Decree,  having  accepted  to  do  it,  it  is  fpoken 
 of  before  the  actual  and  vifible  performance ,   as  done  ; 
 and  when  manifeftly  performed  ,    he  is  faid  truely  to  go 
 as  it  is  written  of  hirn,and  to  be  delivered  thus  to  fuffer  by  the 
 determinate  counfel  and  foreknowledge  of  God  j.  fo  his  A- 
 bafement  was  according  to  Purpofe, 
 pfaAS.ioyUifa.      2.   He  purpofed  and  decreed  the  Exaltation  of  him  in 
 53.8  Afi.i.it, that  perfonal  Body  ,  in  which  he  wasib  willingly  abafed  f 
 3^&fh6Zi\l&zla^  this  Exaltation  to  be  in  his  Refurre£tfon  ,   and  in  his 
 47 *  luken.  Afcenfion  into  Heaven  ,  and  in  the  acceptation  of  his  Sacri- 
 51Hcb.io.11,  fice  for  all  that  for  which  he  offered  » ;  and  ib  filling  him  with 
 x3<^8.i  iPet.  the  immeafurable  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit ,   even  glorifying  him 
 3.12  c*'.  *.9>  with  his  own  felf;  fo  that  the  fulnefs,  of  the  Godhead  dwells 
 
 vrAt\  I7^inhirn  bodily >  lnd  he  fct  n  the  ri-hc  H~nd  of  God  io  a11 
 
 iio.i°  Power  and  Authority;  Angels,Authorities  and  Powers  being 
 
 made  fubjs&  to  him :  and  all  this  now  done,as  was  fore-pur- 
 pofed. 
 
 3.  God  in  Approbation  of  all  this  his  own  Purpofe, 
 and  of  his  Son  becoming  the  Son  of  Man,  and  iuffering  and 
 doing  all  this  for  Mankinde  ,  and  in  his  own  welUpleafed- 
 nefs  in  his  Son  in  Man's  Nature  thus  exalted ,  the  heavenly 
 and  fpiritual  Man  ,  the  Lord ,  the  quickning  Spirit ;  He  in 
 this  Purpofe  did  alfo  purpofe  ,to  eleft  and  rtrofe ,  and  fo  did 
 and  hath  ck&ed  and  chofen  him  to  be ,  and  fo  made  him 
 
 his 
 
concerning  the  fecond  publicl^Man.       331 
 
 his  Servant  or  Minifter ,  by  whom  he  will  do  all  his  choice  *         mt 
 wo^ks  of  laving  and  judging  ;    yea,   his  delight  in  whom  he  U.'isVi.ir 
 takes  his  reft  and  weli-plcafedneis  for  ever ;  yea,  the  very  he  &\i^  ?[*.%$. 
 in  whom  and  through  whom,he  will  (hew  forth  the  brightnefs  *9^°-*$ 
 and  excellency  of  his  Glory ,    and  with  whom  his  Covenant 
 ftands  faft  for  evermore.  And  To  in  this  Purpofc  and  choice  of 
 his,and  by  the  vertue  of  his  fufferings  andStcrifice,4ad  by  rea- 
 ibn  of,  and  in ,  and  with  all  this  Furniture,  he  hath  fitted  tnd 
 made  him  to  be :  and  fo, 
 
 4.  Hehathpurpofed,  and  according  to  Parpofe  confirmed 
 him  to  be , 
 
 1 .  The  Lord  of  all ,  even  of  the  Devils  and  fallen  Angels, 
 
 as  his  Captives  and  Slaves  ,  by  vertue  of  his  Conqueft  and  l^'^fl1^ 
 Victory  over  them,  in  the  Nature  of  Man,  whom  they  had  Hcki.i+Coi  .*. 
 overthrown ,  and  by  conquering  death,  which  they  brought  ^Epb.+AHcb. 
 Man  under;  yea,  by  reaion  of  the  tranfeendent  excellen- 1 •3>4><^>7*1?> 
 cyof  his  Perfon,  and  his  Work  and  Office,  even  Lord  of  the  ^^J^'io 
 holy  Angels  alio ,  but  Lord  over  all  Mankindc  by  vertue  of  \  ^..  ''14^5 
 his  Death  iuffered,and  his  Refurre&ion,  and  his  Sacrifice  of-  Rm.'z.i's  zPcu 
 fered  for  them :  ib,as  they  are  all  releafed  over  to  him,who  in  2-1  fohn  3.1^ 
 his  time  will  bring  them  out  of  that  Death  he  died  for  them, 
 and  fhall  judge  them,  for  they  are  bis ,  and  ought  of  right  to 
 live  to  him  -,  which  ,  if  according  to  the  Grace  he  extendeth 
 to  them,  they  do,  they  fhall  not  perifli  in  another  death  ,  but 
 have  everlading  life. 
 
 2.  The  Mediator  between  God  and  Men,  the  chief  and  iTim.x.$  :jfa. 
 Prime  Caller  of  Men,  to  come  to  God  by  him,  and  the^.i^s^jj.^ 
 fpecial  Advocate  and  Tnterceflbr  for  all  that  come  to  God  by  5  e>6s.i,x,$ 
 him,andfo  the  chief  Prieft,  Prophet  and  King, /W.  5,  &  7,8c  ]/^±l  Hcb* 
 8,&9t»io.  *  ffAW*' 
 
 3.  That  by  the  means  he  ufeth,  and  Spirit  he  fendeth  joh ,  lT;/;^ 
 forth ,  as  it  is  in  earneft  to  all ,  and  hath  a  fufficiency  in  it,  s  .1  \  jfa.  55". 
 that  they  might  be  laved,  fo  he  (hall  fee  his  Seed :  many  iliall  »  °>*  1  &  5 5-s 
 thereby  run  in  to  him,  and  fo  come  to  God  by  him,  and  fhall  M.ii.i*  ^ 
 be  bleffed  in  him,  and  inherit  with  him,  and  they  that  pcrfift  \\  \*J^6  ' 
 in  willing  rebelling  againft  him ,  when  by  the  means  he  ufeth  RomX*  T 
 they  might  come  in  to  him,  and  will  not ,  he  fhall  judge  alio 
 
 juffly. 
 
 4.  That  hefnallhavc  the  Kingdom  in  the  new  Heaven  and 
 
 Xx  2  cew 
 
3^  Of  the  Turpofes  of  Cjod 
 
 new  Earth  ,  and  (hall  fit  on  the  Throne  of  David  raigning  in 
 pjTiVtf&jt  Jer»fafem>ind  over  all  the  Nations  under  the  whole  Heaven; 
 vm74>w7  and  all  his  Seed,  even  all  that  have  believed  on  him  and  lived 
 M'*-3*>33    to  him  in  the  days  of  his  Grace  and  Patience,  (hall  then  have 
 
 the  Kingdom,  and  raign  with  him ,  and  all  his  Enemies  (hall 
 
 be  deftroyed. 
 
 XU  %%  13,14,15      *•  T^at  c.° ^"n^  *'*  *?  a^our> in  making  it  known ,  and 
 «^53.  lolnln  extending  Divine  Power  in  giving  forth  his  Know/edge ,  to 
 bring  Men  in  to  Chrift ,  and  fo  to  God  by  hita ,  that  they 
 might  not  peri(h,but  become  his  Seed,and  have  Eternal  Life  : 
 i/a  45.^3,14  *nc^  f°hemay  fee  his  Seed,  and  of  the  travel  of  his  Soul,  and 
 ?hii.  1.10,11  be  glorified  and  fatisfied  according  to  that  promifed  him, 
 Job.i ». 31      and  is  dayly  fufilling,and  will  be  openly  and  manifeftly  to  all, 
 when  all  (hall  come  before  him,  and  confefs  him  Lord  to  the 
 ^##.15.31,4*  glory  of  God:  and  he  gives  the  Kingdom  to  all  thofe  that  bc- 
 %rhef,h%yf  ,io  Heved  on  him  in  the  Day  of  Grace,  whom  by  his  Knowledge 
 he  juftified,  and  then  (hall  be  admired  in  them  ;  and  be  glo- 
 rified alfo  in  his  equitable  and  righteous  judgement  on  them, 
 that  in  the  Day  of  Grace  rcfufed  to  believe  on  him  by  the 
 means  he  ufed ;  and  fo  (hall  fee  the  travel  of  his  Soul ,    and 
 the  excellency  and  acceptablenefs  of  his  fuffaings  and  Sa- 
 jp  45  laE^jL  orifice  with  God  in  both,  to  the  Glory  of  God  •  his  Will  and 
 $3.nPw.$.iiPlcafure  all  the  dayes  of  his  Patience,  being, that  by  the 
 means  he  ufeth  Men  (hculd  turn  to  him,  and  live  ;  yea ,  ra- 
 ther reft  ,  that  though  he  will  have  his  Glory  on  the  fcorners, 
 andnotfuffcrlofstohimfelf  ;    and  that  all  this  may  be  by 
 this  Knowledge  of  him,  and  his  Divine  Power  therein ,  and 
 fo  he  have  a  numerous  Seed  ,  and  Rcfufers  be  altogether  ex- 
 cufelcfs  ;  HeinhisPurpofea»dchoiceoftlieMtnChrift,did 
 jgjftA  i$.n    therein  alfo  purpofe  and  chufc  him  ;  and  accordingto  his  pur- 
 h«?i  3^* 5*  P°k  hath  P»t  his  Name  in  and  upon  him,  to  declare  and 
 4,5.  iPeM.xi  make  it  known  in,  by  and  through  him,  and  for  that  caufe  to 
 /4M4»*fa*ji7  make  him  known,  to  caufe  him  to  be  lifted  up  and  difplayed, 
 and  in  that  difcovery  of  him  to  glorifie  him,  that  Men  might 
 behold  him;  and  in  beholding,  believe  in  him,  and  fo  come 
 in  tohim,and  to  God  by  him,  and  fo  be  of  his  Seed,  and  have 
 Eternal  Life :  and  for  underftanding  this,  we  may  briefly  view 
 three  things  in  this.  % 
 
 ***W,*,?,*      * .  What  the  Name  of  God  is :  and  that  by  his  own  De- 
 
concerning  the  fecond publicly  Man.       333 
 
 claration ,  appears  to  be  himfelf,   and  his  memorial,  or  the  Rev  t   A^  x 
 appearance  of  him  in  his  Titles,  Word  ,  Works  ;  and  To  he  ia^p/*./©* 
 is  Jehovah,  (he  that  is,  that  was ,  that  is  to  come ,  that  hath  8,9,1  o£*w/.  3." 
 his  being  of  himfelf,  andgiveth  being  to  all  things ,  and  to*j*4>i5  Exod. 
 his  Word)  The  god  of  Abraham,  TheGodoflfaac^ndThe^-6^1^' 
 God  of  Jacob ,   (  with  whom  he  made  the  everlaiting  Cove-  j^,  f  *  j^J 
 nam.)     This  his  Name  for  ever,  and  his  Memorial  to  allGc-  pfal.  81. n\n 
 aerations :  and  fo, The  Lord^The  Lord  Gody  merciful  andgra-  Mat.i^.^^B 
 kioHiy  long- f offering,  Abundant  ingoodxefiand  Truth)    (  great  in  p^,i24 ^sk- 
 mercy ,good  to  all,md  his  tender  mercies  over  all  his  Works)  ^^5.5  ?$. 
 keeping  mercy  for  thoufands,  for  giving  iniquity,  andtranfgreJfionrio9tZ)^^E'<tk 
 and  fm ;  and  that  will  by  no  means  deer  the  guilty ',  (that  is,  fuch  18.  z  ,10,31,3* 
 as  refufeand  rebel  againft  this  mercy  and'goodneis,  when  in  *roV'*'*oP-la' 
 the  means  tendered  to  them .,  and  fo  will  not  come  into  him  p9/al  6™'  x\£ 
 for  Life,  will  none  of  him  and  his  wayes,  but)  vifitingthe  ini-  4|.»i,tiP/K 
 qu'tty  of  the  Fathers  upon  their  Children ,  and  upon  the  ChUdrens  9.9, 10  Ja.9, 
 children,  unto  the  third  and  to  the  fourth  generation  ,  explicated,  *4 
 Exod.20.  5.  upon  them  that  hate  me ,  ( that  hate  me  that  am  fo 
 gracious  and  merciful ,  and  fo  reward  me  with  evil  for  good, 
 and  hatred  for  love )  on  fuch ,  and  no  other  but  fnch  as 
 fo  hate  him,  will  he  execute  fore  punifhment.     He  is  the 
 Lord  God  of  Hosts,   All-fuffcient^that  ruleth  by  his  power  for 
 ever ;  a  jufi  God  ,   a  Saviour  ,  and  there  is  none  befides  him, 
 that  calls  all  the  ends  of  the  Earth  to  look^  to  him,  and  be  faved% 
 This ,   and  much  more  abundantly  explained  in  many  places 
 of  the  Holy  Scriptue  ,   is  the  Name  of  God,  which  is  fo 
 excellent ,   glorious  and  gracious ,   that  they  that  know  his 
 Name  will  put  their  truft  in  him,  and  are  allowed  thereinto 
 rejoyce. 
 
 2.  That  this  his  Name,  (even  Himfelf,  and  his  Memorial)  j0h.  14.9,10^ 
 he  hath  put  in  and  upon  bis  Son ,  that  is  ,  TheManChrift,  1  >**  &*.»«» 
 he  is  The  Angel  that  Ifrael  tempted  in  the  Wildermf,  the  CWef-  M*t:i.ii(a.v. 
 fenger  of  the  Covenant :  in  whom  his  Name  is,  and  he  is,  and  ^fjjjljdat.u 
 is  called  ;  fo  that  he  and  his  Name  is  Emmanuel,  (chat  is,  2.3  V/^-9 -*JlY- 
 God  with  us,  in  our  Nature,  and  for  us)  Wonderful ,  Com' ^.6  t/m.u 
 fellor,  the  mighty  God  ,  the  ever iafling  Father,  the  Prince  of '^^.9.5  */°V 
 Peace ,  Jehovah  our  righteoufntfi ,  the  mighty  G'-d*>  and  our**'  4 
 Saviour  Jeftu  Chrifl  ,  God  over  all  blejfedfor  ever ,  The  Savi- 
 our of  the  JVor  Id  ,  Job.  4.  42.  God's  Salvation  to  the  ends  of 
 
 the. 
 
334-  Of  $e  ^urp°fes  °f  9°^ 
 
 f  p/7  tkeearth9V*.49.6.  Ait.  13.47.  who  hath  declared  the  Fa- 
 
 ;.7,io^.i  %i  thct'sNtme,P^/.22.2  2.  i/^.2.11,12.  7^>.i.i8.  &  i7.o\ 
 CQi?i.9,ioJob.  Pjfal.i  8.49.  with  &?w.  1  5.  P.  and  fo  calleth  all  to  look  to 
 1.4 1/^.5.10,  him  ,  and  come  to  him  and  befaved  ;  for  in  and  by  him  the 
 11  vtl'i  i**  Peaceis  mac*c>  the  Priceis  Paye(1  >    ar*d  all  fulnefs  and  per- 
 3*4   iftr\£*8  feftion  of  Furniture  is  in  him  for  every  Man  :  in  him  dwells 
 e^4.<s;/M5.4?  the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  bodily ;  in  him  is  life ;  yea ,   in 
 $  Joh.4/,0  ifa.  him  God  hath  given  us  Eternal  Life,  and  in  him  it  is;  in  him 
 ^•V^' -3.3,  are  ail  theTreafures  of  Wifdom  and  Undemanding  ;  yea, 
 4    *  J'5        the  fulnefs  of  Spirit  to  Chew  forth  the  fame  ;  yea  ,  in  his  ap- 
 pearance ,  prefence  or  face ,  as  in  the  Glafs  of  the  Gofpei 
 prefented  ,   the  Face  of  the  Father  fhineth  :  and  in  that 
 fhine,  the  Divine  Power  and  Spirit  goeth  forth,  to  draw  the 
 Beholders  to  defire  after,  and  believe  in  him,  and  to  confirm 
 the  Believers  while  beholding  him ,   and  conform  Believers 
 to  him  :    fo  that  the  Father *s  Name  for  Goodnefs,  Power, 
 Excellency,  &c  is  in  and  upon  him  ;  he  is  the  brightnefs  of 
 his  Glory. 
 
 3,  That  God  in  his  Purpofe  hath  appointed  and  approved 
 this  to  be  the  way  to  call  and  bring  in  a  Seed  to  Chritf, 
 namely,  to  declare  his  Name,  and  fet  him  forth  as  the 
 Holy  Gholt  hath  teftified  of  him,  and  left  that  Record 
 in  the  Gofpei  :  and  fo  to  preach  him  the  Saviour  of  the 
 World,  the  only  Rock,  Foundation,  the  Wifdomof  God, 
 See  this  in  the  Beloved  of  God,  and  Lover  of  Men,  &c.  as  is  fore- 
 Part;*,  chap.  (hewn. 
 
 io.&c.  11.     And  thus  of  his  Purpofe,  and  in  that  his  Purpofes  concern- 
 ing the  Man  Jefus  Chrilt ;  from  which  known  and  believed, 
 we  may  learn , 
 Kom.i.i>i&i6.      *«    Tnat  tne  Gofpcl  in  the  whole  Tefiimoay  of  Jefus 
 2^16  ijob.i.  Chrift,  it  is  in  that  which  he  is  become  and  hath  done  accor- 
 1.2,3  iPfM.ao,  c3ing  to  the  Purpofe  of  God,  new  manifelled  according  to  the 
 »i  £/>M«3f9   Revelation  of  the  myftery;  fo  as  the  Gofpei  is  the  Revelation 
 of  the  Purpofe  of  God.  ■ 
 £.      2.  That  the  Gofpei  in  all  the  Sayings  and  Promifes  of  ic , 
 r^o^MT/r//.  is  really  true,  and  true  to  all  to  whom  it's  declared  :  there  is 
 2.6,7iyrov.z6.  no  vvreathednefs  or  equivocation,  no  Declaration  or  pretence 
 *3>z*  of  Love,   no  tender  of  Mercy  to  any,  but  what  is  really 
 
 true  ;   no   fair    words   with  an  inward  covered  hatred  , 
 
 which 
 
concerning  the fecond public \Man.       tyf 
 
 which  God  abhorreth  ;  but  all  Truth,  even  that  which  %c^  t  !glp 
 is  in,   and  came  forth  of  the  Bofome  and  Heart  of  the  l0iiii?ctjJ 
 Almighty  God  of  Truth,  it  being  the  opening  of  his  Will  and 
 Purpofe. 
 
 3.  That  thePurpofes  of  God  beginning  in  his  Son,  and  lu^^oiVc:.. 
 being  through  and  for  his  Son,  and  fo  made  known  by  i.2o3zi 
 him,°they  all  as  revealed  and  written  in  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
 are  all  and  altogether  true,  like  himfelf  ,  his  own  Minde, 
 and  in  that  manner  to  be  performed ,  being  all  the  Brea- 
 things of  his  own  Spirit  by  the  Mouth  of  his  Holy  Pro- 
 phets :  and  fo  there  is  no  fecret  or  unrcvealed  Pur- 
 pofe in  God,  that  is  in  any  wife  contrary  to  thofe  he  hath  re- 
 vealed. 
 
 4.  That  Purpofe,  and  Approbation  of  that  purpofed,  and  fo  p 
 
 Eleclion,  are  di in& ;  and  Purpofe  in  order  firft,  though  they  £*4*'  ' 
 
 meet  in  one. 
 
 5.  That  Jefus  Chrift ,    even  as  the  fpiritual  Man  that 
 died,  and  is  riien  and  exalted  at  the  right  Hand  of  God,     ,I,I>V* 
 is  the   firft   and  choice  Elc6t  in  order  and  manner  of 
 choice,  before  and  above  all  others ,  and  no  other  but  in  and 
 by  him. 
 
 1 .  He  had  his  Being  in  and  with  the  Father  ,  even  from  E-  ^ 
 ternity ,    and  the  Lord  poffeffed  him  in  the  beginning  of  his  8,1*^^* 
 way:  he  is  before  all  things  ;  but  that  Being  of  his ,  and  the  1  s 
 Glory  he  had  with  the'Father,  was  incommunicable  to  Man- 
 kinde  5  yea,  without  his  taking  Man's  Nature ,  and  the  confi-  Rr[) 
 deration  of  his  Abatement  and  Exaltation  in  that  Nature;  } 
 
 the  Excellencies  and  Priviledges  thereof  was  incommunica-  ;rMliX  £*$, 
 ble  to  fallen  Mankinds :  and  he  as  Man  is  God  *s  firit  EIe&  ;  1.3.4  ' 
 and  without  that ,  could  none  be  elected  in  him  :  and  had 
 any  been  otherwifefore-ele£t:din  him,  he  would  without 
 doubt  have  kept  them  ,  and  fo  muft  have  laid  afide  their  Glo- 
 ry, when  he  laid  aide  his  own;  which  I.fuppofe  none  will  fay 
 he  did  ,  nor  that  any  were  in  him  as  he  gave  his  life  for  the 
 World,  and  fo  Redeemers  with  him. 
 
 i.  He  was  one  with  the  Father,  and  with  him  in  hisbeins, 
 tnd  in  all  hi  Purpofes  and  Decrees  and  Ways,and  fo  in  the  E-  ^  s : 
 le&ion  of  himfelf  as  the  fecond  publick  Man,his  firft-begotten 
 Son,  &c.  I  hope  none  will  affirm  or  conceit  the  like  of  any  o- 
 ther  eleft  ones,  3.  He 
 
%ifi  Of  the  ^Purpofes  of  (jod,  &c. 
 
 Tfal.40.6rf        3*^c  accepted  the  Fathers  appointment  or  him  to  furTer  and  facri- 
 
 Heb.  io.f >io    ficcand  do  all  his  will,  which  being  accepted  c(  him  by  the  Father, 
 
 J/*.4*.i  was  vertuous  from  the  beginning  ;   and  fo  he  as  the  fpiritual  Man 
 
 was  approved  of  God  ;  and  being  pre-approved,  was  alfoin  that 
 
 fenfeclecled  6eforethc  beginning  ol  the  World  :    but  fo,  and  on 
 
 fuch  account  was  no  other  befides  him  elected. 
 
 4.  The  actual  and  vifible  election  of  him  was  begun  in  his  birth, 
 
 Lukti'W  H?k  perfected  through  fufferings  ,  and  compleated  in  his  exaltation  at 
 
 *Ai%MVfr\ thc  ri»ht  hand  of  God  ■   and  fo  fiI,cd  wich  x11  fu!ncf$  of  Gracc» 
 i  ^   '         *  Truth  and  fpiritual  blcffings:  and  the  blcffed  election  of  others  is  in 
 
 him  thus  confide  red. 
 ffa  89  wVeut.  *•  ^  was c^°^cn  ^rom  among  Men,  being  made  Man, and  born 
 18.15,18/0/7.8!  °f a  Woman. ;  but  he  was  not  chofen  out  of  the  World,  of  which 
 zS&i  5.1 9  he  never  was  2  but  others  that  come  to  be  chofen  in  and  by  him,are 
 chofen  out  of  the  World ,  of  which  they  Sometime  and  in  fome 
 fenfe  were, 
 Jeh.i  i*i6  6.  rie  was  chofen  in  and  by  no  other  Man ,  but  all  other  Men 
 
 that  are  chofen ,  are  chofen  in  and  by  him  :   all  thefe  things 
 are  (hewn  in  that  forefaid.      By  all  which  it  appears  he  is  the  firft, 
 prime  and  choice  elc&,  and  thc  fountain,  medium  and  root  of  ele- 
 ction for  others, 
 Joh.i.iZiJoh.      6.  That  no  man  of  us  can  rightly  underft&nd  and  know  the 
 5.10^.7.27  Purpofej  and  in  it  the  Purpofes  of  (Sod  1    or  his  election  of  any  in 
 Chrift  •  but  by  firft  knowing  Chrift ,    and  thc  purpofes  of  God 
 concerning  him,  and  God's  election  of  him  :  all  right  knowing  of 
 (Sod,  being  in  knowing  of  Chrift  ;    and  fo  all  right  knowing  of 
 his  Purpofes  and  Election*  in  the  knowledge  of  his  Purpofes  con- 
 Ch*2  before.  cerning  Chrift  and  his  election  of  him,  as  appears  in  all  forefaid. 
 And  according  to  this  knowledge,with  the  Cautions  fore-premifed, 
 I  will  proceed  to  fpeak  of  his  Purpofes  concerning  Mankinde  ,  as 
 i  ncludcd  and  ordered  in  this  great  Purpofc ,   and  Purpofes  therein 
 concerning  Chrift  already  fpoken  of. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
537 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 Of  the  Purposes  of  Cod  concerning  Mankinde. 
 
 GOdl  in  thefe  his  Purpofes  concerning  Jefus  Chrift ,  and 
 in  bis  Election  of  him  ,  hath  purpofed  alfo  concern- 
 ing Mankinde  for  the  honor  of  his  Son  :  which  Purpofc, 
 as  ordered  in  his  counfel,  is  not  conceiveable  and  expreffable 
 for  us,  but  in  diftinft  and  feveral  parcels :  and  fo  in  Scripture 
 I  finde, 
 
 1 .  The  Purpofc  of  God  to  be,  To  give  all  Mankinde  unto 
 his  Son  Chrift,  to  be  his,  and  under  his  Dominion  and  dif-  *™]?*Q*Cv 
 pofe,as  their  rightful  Lord ,  to  whom  they  ought  of  right  to  5,14,15 
 live ;  and  fo  living  to  him,  not  to  perifh  ,  but  have  life :  and 
 this  upon  the  account  of  his  death  and  facrifice  for  them  ; 
 yea,  whether  they  yield  willingly  to  live  to  him ,  or  rebel  a- 
 gainft  him .  yet  upon  the  account  of  his  death ,  refarre&ion 
 and  facrifice ,    he  would  give  them  all  unto  him  ,  even  the  p/a.i.i^7}$3 
 Heathen  for  his  inheritance ,    and  the  utmoft  parts  of  the  9 
 Earth  for  his  poffeffion,  and  he  (hall  rule  them,  and  difpofe 
 of  them,  and  judge  them.     And  upon  the  fame  account  of 
 his  fufferings  and  facrifice,  in  the  Name  of  Jefus   ( in  the  pbii.  %,  7, 8,*> 
 power  and  Authority  of  him)  every  knee  fhall  bow,  &c.  and»,n  2^.5.0 
 every  tongue  fhall  confefs  that  Jefus  is  the  Lord,  to  thzKm'z'l6&1^ 
 Glory  of  God  :  and  allfhall  appear  before  his  Judgement- 9,I0,lI>,r 
 Seat,  and  be  judged  by  him  on  the  fame  account ;  fothac 
 Jefus  Chrift ,  by  vertue  of  his  Ranfom  given ,  is  Lord  of  all, 
 according  to  the  Purpofe  of  God  ;  according  to  which  Pur- 
 pofe  alfo ,  all  Men  ought  of  right  to  acknowledge  him ,  and  fyf.u+Jti.*. 
 live  to  him.     And  thofe  that  by  the  cords  of  a  Man  ,   and  ^?hl!'^°>u 
 bands  of  Love,wUi  not  be  drawn  to  it  now,  fhall  by  his  Iron- 
 Rod,  and  irrefiftably  putting  forth  of  his  power ,   be  brought 
 in  the  laft  Day  to  that  acknowledgement^©  their  wo.     And 
 all  this  the  purpofe,  and  according  to  the  Purpofe  of  God, 
 who  is  of  one  minde,  and  hath  no  fecret  Purpofe,  contrary  to 
 this  revealed.  Yy  2.  God 
 
#8  Of  the  Turpofes  dfCjod 
 
 1/4.45.21  ah.      2*  ^0C^  a^°  *n  tf1"  Purpofe  purpofed,  That  means  Qiould 
 14.17  &i7*i69  De  extended  by  and  through  Chrift  to  all  Men ,  according  to 
 *7,i8,3iKow.  fuch  Revelation  of  Jefus  Chrift,  and  evidence  of  his  Grace 
 M^-33^0  through  him,  as  God  hath  given  forth  to  them,  to  evidence 
 and  make  known  his  Grace  through  the  Redeemer  and  Me- 
 diator to  all  Men  in  feveral  ages,to  call  and  lead  them  to  Re- 
 pentance and  Faith  in  him,  that  they  might  not  rebel  againft 
 their  Redeemer  and  rightful  Lord  ,   and  fo  lofe  their  own 
 Souls, and  procure  to  themfelves  perifhing  in  a  fecond  death; 
 but  by  coming  in  to  the  acknowledgement  of  him  in  this 
 Day  of  Grace,  efcape  that  periflbing,and  have  everlafting  Life. 
 And  all  this  he  hath  done  and  doth  according  to  his  Purpofe, 
 See  the  firft  *s  is  (hewn  in  treating  of  the  feveral  Revelations  of  Chrift : 
 r  5  Chap,  of  a°d  as  he  purpoied,fo  according  to  his  purpofe ,  he  fendeth 
 the  3  Part.    f°rch  in  his  feafons ,  light  and  power  in  the  means,  and  in  an 
 efpecial  manner,  where  the  Gofpel,  in  which  is  thefulleft 
 7tnf(aS  Vfd'  Revel«ion  of  Chrift  come  forth,  isfent:  in  which  Lan- 
 Bvk*'*£%ii*  &uageIam  t0  fpeak:  he  giveth  this  light  and  Power  in  the 
 /ok  3.17  Aft.  means,  working  and  moving  at  the  Hearts  of  Men ,  that  they 
 26.12  might  repent  and  believe,  and  fo  be  faved ;  yea ,   he  leaveth 
 
 none,  till  he  have  in  fome  meafure  ftretched  forth  his  hand; 
 fch.1.9  ;p.4i.  fo5  as  Dy  his  Spirit  he  hath  enlightned  them  in  fome  meafure 
 i'lc^t™'*'  to  dSSottoJi  brought  his  Word  nigh  them,  and  moved  at  their 
 hearts,  that  they  might  believe,  being  at  hand  to  fuccour  and 
 enable  them  thereto,  it  being  his  gracious  minde  they  fhould 
 accept  2  and  all  this  according  to  his  purpofe,  which  is  feen  in 
 his  works,  as  hath  been  often  fhewn  before. 
 
 3.  God  in  his  Purpofes  alio  purpofed,  his  Purpofe  as  fo  or- 
 dered in  the  counfel  of  his  will  and  purpofe,  is,  That  having 
 thus  given  Men  into  the  difpoieof  Chrift,  and  through  him 
 ufed  fuch  means  towards  them,  that  thofe  of  them  , .  that  be- 
 lieve in  Chrift  according  to  the  means  and  light  therein  with 
 help  extended  ,  fliall  not  perifh  but  have  Eternal  Life  ;  and 
 fuch  as  perfift ,  rebelling  againi  the  light  and  means  therein, 
 an  i  fo  will  not  believe  ,  (hall  be  damned.  This  is  verily  the 
 declared  purpofe  cf  God ,  and  it  is  fure  according  to  his 
 -  minde  and  heart :  and  this  appeareth  in  God  *s  fpeaking  to 
 Abraham ,  in  whofe  loyns,  Chrift ,  according  to  the  flefh, 
 was,  and  forth  of  him  to  come :  and  to  him  God  faid ,  Thou 
 
 jbsk 
 
concerning  Mantynde.  339 
 
 fhalt  be  a  bkffwg,  or  Be  then  a  bkffing,  (which  is  no  lefs  then  a  Qm  l%  2    & 
 promife  and  command  of  the  blefling  to  be  on  him  for  o-  i3.ig  gWX 
 thers:  )  and  who  they  are,  is   opened.      And,   In  thcel    Gen.ii.ii 
 {hall  all  the  families  of  the  earth  be  bleffed.       And  this  expli-  G^l l6  *%• 
 cated  to  be  meant  of  his  Seed  ,  which  isChrift,  that  was  to5'25 
 come  of  him.    So  God  opening  his  will  and  purpore  to  *A- 
 braham,  in  preaching  this  Gofpel  to  him,  affures  him  of  blel- 
 finginChrift  for  all  Nations  :  and  this  to  be  held  forth  in 
 the  Gofpel  given  him  to  preach ;   in  which  preaching ,  he 
 fhould  alio  be  a  blefling,  as  their  feet  are  beautiful  that  bring 
 glad  tidings  of  peace ,   and  this  to  and  for  all ,    that  they 
 might  receive  it.    But  who  are  they  that  fhall  indeed  partake 
 of  it  according  to  this  purpofe  of  God?  the  Lord  tells  e/4- 
 brah^m,  And  I  will  blefihim  that  bleffeth  thee,  (acceptcth  and  re-  Gen.n.  $ 
 joyceth  in  thy  Meffage,)  and  cur fe him  that  cm feth thee,  ( that 
 defpifeth  fo  great  blefling  and  falvation)  fuitabletothatfaid  i^.io.i* 
 by  Chrift  to  his  Apoftles :  which  rightly  underwood, his  pur- 
 pofe cleerly  is  declared.    And  fuitable  to  this  is  that  fpoken 
 of  drift  in  means  ufing,  He  fhall  fpeak  forth  the  words  of  D:^**8*I*>i8? 
 blefling;  but  he  that  hearkneth  not  to  him,  fhall  be  cutoff.  fra  ^'^pj. 
 And  yet  more  plain  by  the  following  Prophets ,  He  that  be-  &*,?>*  JohA\ 
 lieveth  in  him  fhall  not  make  hafte  ,    or  be  afhamed  :  judgement  14  Job.  3.3^ 
 alfo  will  I  lay  to  the  line,  Sec.  explicated  by  the  Apoftle  to  have 
 this  meaning  j  and  yet  ftiil  more  full  by  John  Baptift :  He  that 
 believeth  on  the  Sonjhath  everlafting  life  ;  and  he  that  believeth 
 not  the  S  onfall  not  fee  life.    But  moft  plain  and  exprefs  is  this 
 in  our  Saviour's  own  words  to  Nicodemm  ,  where  he  plainly 
 (hews  what  the  will  and  purpofe  of  Goa  was  and  is  in  the  gift  *£•*''  l4'15' 
 of  his  Son  the  Saviour  of  the  world  :  and  the  means  he  ufeth 
 towards  them  by  him,even  exprefs,That  they  might  be  faved ; 
 namely  ,Thar  men  according  to  the  means  &  light  vouchfafed,  #&£ 1 7 
 might  believe  in  him  :  for  our  Saviour  fpeak s  both  to  Nicv  ^erf'l^ff 
 demus,  a  man  to  whom  means  was  extended ,  and  of  others 
 as  means  fhould  be  extended  to  them.      And  then  in  plain 
 terms ,  he  farther  opens  and  affirms  the  will  and  purpofe  of 
 God  to  be  ,  That  whoever  believeth  in  himjhould  not  perijb,  but    *\  w, « 
 have  everlafting  life ;  but  he  that  believeth  not,  (namely,  when  J  ( '■'  l  * 
 this  light  in  the  means  is  vouchfafed  to  him)   iscoxdemr.cd  al- 
 ready ,  (  namely ,    inthetenour  of  the  Gofpel-Declatation, 
 
 Yy  2  jchn 
 
54-0  Of  the  Turpofes  of  (jod 
 
 Job.  1 2.47,48.8a  5.2  2.)and  even  for  this  condemned,^*™**/* 
 Parf.  1 8  Ferf.  fa  h^h  n$t  believed  in  the  Name  of  the  onely  begotten  Son  of  Cody 
 M>i  5>1*>I7     which  hath  been  diiplayed  to  him  in  the  Gofpel :  and  this  is 
 evident  in  that  which  follows  :  And  this  is  th  condemnation, 
 erJ-l9  That  light  is  come  into  the  world ,  and  men  loved  darkni fs 'rather 
 
 then  light ,   becanfe  their  deeds  were  eviL     This  is  the  fin  for 
 which,  and  that  which  fhall  be  laid  to  their  charge,  as  that 
 for  which  they  fhall  be  even  fo  condemned  ,  and  if  not  now 
 taken  that  they  might  repent,  yet  hereafter  the  fame  Spirit 
 /oJ;.i6.73s>9    in  this  Gofpel  (hall  coavince  them  of  fin,  becaufe  they  be- 
 lieved not  onChrill  :   fo  as  if  they  perfift  iD  refuting  his 
 JjfciMSftff,  worcjs  ^   ancj  t0  believe  in  him,  the  word  or  Gofpel  preached 
 to  them  ,  (hall  judge  them  at  the  lall  day  ,  when  Chrift  will 
 judge  them  according  to  the  Gofpel ,  when  he  will  be  ad- 
 mired in  his  Saints,  that  in  this  Day  of  Grace  have  believed 
 .  the  Teftioaony  of  him  ;   and  the  reft,    that  by  the  means  he 
 
 ijXT.i.7,8,9,  ^^  kavc  not  known  God  in  his  gracious  Minde,nor  obeyed 
 the  Gofpel,  fhall  peri(h  from  his  prefence.  And  to  conclude 
 this  point,  our  Saviour,  in  giving  commiflion  to  his  Apoftles 
 to  preach  the  Gofpel  to  every  Creature  ,  tells  them  plainly 
 6  the  purpole  and  will  of  his  Father  and  himfelf,  faying,  He 
 that  believeth  and  is  baptiz,ed,jhall  befaved ;  but  he  that  believeth 
 not,  (halite  damned.  Nothing  can  be  laid  more  plain  and 
 full. 
 
 And  thus  have  we  this  Will  and  Purpofc  of  God  revealed 
 
 in  the  Scripture,  and  cleerly  opened  and  revealed  by  the  Son 
 
 jfob.1.1 8  Job.  0c  q0^  that  is  in  the  bofome  of  the  Father ,  and  knows  his 
 
 i$.ijdri7.<M  Mbde  and  Secrets  ?  and  in  this  hath  fo  cleerly  declared  him, 
 
 and  made  known  his  Father's  Name  y  Words  and  Counfel  to 
 
 his  firft  Witneffes ;  and  (hill  not  we  believe  God  's  Son  ? 
 
 P.  5:.Se&.  As  for  that  faying  of  Mr.  Ow^'s,  That  conditional  promifes 
 
 1*0.1 ;  or  threats  are  not  declarative  of  God  *s  purpofes  concerning 
 
 perfons,  but  of  his  moral  approbation  or  rejection  of  things, 
 
 it  cannot  turn  us  out  of  our  way  in  this  j  for  our  Saviour  was 
 
 not  letting  out  a  conditional  promife  or  threat  to  Nicodemm, 
 
 but  the  generalDo6trine  of  the  Gofpel,&  therein  the  will  and 
 
 \tn\%T$m<.  purpofe  of  God  in  means  extended,  concerning  all  Men :  and 
 
 \ 5,V  f<>  declares  the  fame  in  his  commiflion  giving  to  his  Apoftles ; 
 
 yea,  here  all  along  in  every  Scripture  ililedged ,  it  is  cleer  he 
 
 fpeaks 
 
concerning  Mankinde.  34,1 
 
 fpeaks  dirtily  of  petfons;  for  chcy  fpeak  noc  in  thefe  terms;  Blef- 
 fing ,  hearing,  believing  and  obeying,  (hall  be  accepted  ;  which  yet 
 were  very  ftrange ,  if  they  fhould  be  accepted  ,  and  not  the  per- 
 fon  fo  ble fling  ,  hearing,  believing,  obeying  :  nor  are  the  terms, 
 curfing>not  hcarkning,  not  believing,  &c*  (hall  be  rejected  and 
 condemned  •  which  yet  how  that  may  be  ,  and  the  perfon  guilty, 
 net  repenting ,  faved,  is  a  riddle :  as  for  any  approbation  or  re- 
 jection in  and  by  God  of  thefc  things,  that  is  not  Divine*  I  fay  no- 
 thing. But  if  promifes  or  threats  be  underftood  in  the  terms  they 
 are  given  forth  by  God  ,  That  Repentance,  Faith  and  Obedience 
 called  for  (hould  be  morally  by  <§od  approved  ,  and  the  per- 
 fon repenting ,  believing  and  obeying  ,  damned  ;  or  that  fuch 
 as  heed  neither  promifes  nor  threats,  but  perfift  in  impenitency,  un- 
 belief and  difobedience ,  fhould  have  their  impenitency,  unbelief 
 and  difobedience  morally  rejected  by  (Sod  ,  and  yet  be  in  their 
 own  perfons  without  any  repentance,  $v .  faved  ,  I  loath  to  be- 
 lieve ,  and  I  think  Mr.  Owen  would  hate  to  perfwade  any  ;  I 
 wifti  none,  for  fear  of  being  conquered  by  Truth  ,  would  devife 
 fuch  expretlions  fo  Scripturelefs,  as  are  apt  to  take  off  the  edge  ^ec  ^art  l  ° 
 and  force  of  all  fuch  promifes  and  threats  for  the  end  for  which  cn,7» 
 they  are  given,  in  the  heartsof  all  that  heed  fuch  expreflions,  whofe 
 tendency  is  to  wave  Men  from  believing  the  verify  of  the  plain  im- 
 port of  Scripture :  to  which  with  this  expreflion,  it's  contrary,as  to 
 the  rulc,and  his  own  fayings. 
 
 But  fome  may  fay,  AU  this  while  jou  have  told  n$  of  no  pur- 
 pofe of  God,  concerning  the  perfons  of  Mankjndet  who  fbat  cer- 
 tainly believe,  and  who  [had  not  believe. 
 
 To  which  1  anfwer,  I  finde  no  fuch  purpofe  revealed  in  the  Scri- 
 pture concerniag  the  Sons  of  %Adam  ,  zs^Adam's  Sons  :  but 
 thofc  purposes  of  God  I  finde  revealed  in  Scripture ,  I  know  to 
 have  come  forth  of  the  bofeme  of  (Sod,  who  is  of  one  minde ;  and 
 I  alio  know,that  there  is  no  purpofe  in  his  bofomc  contrary  to  that 
 which  he  hath  revealed ,  and  a  purpofe  of  fome  Men  as  Aidant's 
 Sons  meerly  considered  as  fuch,  and  fallen  would  be  5  and  a  pur- 
 pofe of  tome  as  fuch  ,  That  they  (hall  not  believe,  would  be  crofs 
 to  the  will  of  God  revealed  in  the  Gofpel.  Nor  could  i  ever  finde 
 any  ,  the  acuteft  wits,  that  ever  could  either  finde  out  fuch  pur- 
 poles  or  expreflions  in  the  Scripture,  importing  a  probability  of  it ; 
 nor  can  they  tell  the  perfons  who  are  under  fuch  purpofes  :  as  for. 
 
 their 
 
34-i  Of  *&  Turpofes  of(jod 
 
 their  term  Ele& ,  it  hath  been  ,  and  will  again  be  fully  ftiewn, 
 how  it's  abufed  and  w retted  to  fuch  an  end:  yec  of  the  Sons  of 
 Adam,  under  fome  confidcration,  who,  his  purpefe  is  ,  fhall  be- 
 lieve; and  who  not,  after  Caution  given  ,  Khali  endeavour  to 
 (hew. 
 
 Caution. '  * hc  Caution  I  dc^re  t0  bc  n*cdcd  is  this ,  That  for  the  Sons  of 
 
 Men,  as  that  is  true  which  is  affirmed  of  them  in  the  two  pubhek 
 
 Men,  Rom,  5,1  2, 1  8.    and  that  by  Chrift,  being  made  under  tre* 
 
 Gal.3.i$&4.  Law,  and  a  curie  for  ihem  ,  they  are  redeemed  from  the  curfe of 
 
 4  Kom.%,i6      the  Law,  and  (hall  not  be  judged  by  it,  but  according  to  the  Go- 
 
 fpel  by  Chrift :  ^o  ,   for  thofe  of  them  that  die  cr  depart  this  liffcj 
 
 before  they  come  to  the  ule  of  understanding ,  and  lb  have  not 
 
 finned  againft  their  Redeemer,  by  refufing  any  means,  nor  mif-be- 
 
 Iieved,orchofen  any  Idol  •     So  actual  believing  is  net  required 
 
 Mat.%1.1^16  of  them  :  nor  will  he  that  looks  not  to  gather  where  he  hath 
 
 T*Mi6&l96  not  *"own»  ^mPme  unbelief  to  them  ;  and  if  not  that,  then  no  fin 
 
 ^«9-3  >cnatcan  bring  them  under  a  ©ofpel-Conderanation  •    and  fo  by 
 
 interpretation,  in  his  gracious  account  and  acceptance  they  are 
 
 as  Believers  ,  and  of  the  Kingdom  ;    and  he  can  regenerate  them 
 
 in  the  very  taking  away  trieir  breath,  if  not  before  ;    and  he  will 
 
 compleat  their  Regeneration  with  the  reft  of  the  Saints  in  the 
 
 Refurrc&ion  of  thejuft:  and  of  thefe  he  hath  an  innumerable 
 
 Seed  or  Generation,      But  thefe  come  not  in  the  number  I  am  to 
 
 fpeak  of ,  nor  was  any  purpofe  againft  thefe.      Let  this  be 
 
 heeded. 
 
 Again,  for  the  Sons  of  Men,  as  Men  fallen  and  meerly  natural, 
 and  come  to  the  ufc  of  understanding  .  yet  if  no  day  cf  gracious 
 vifitation  hath  paffed  on  them ,  (o  as  in  feme  meafure  to  open  their 
 eyes  ,  and  give  them  todifcern,  and  move  in  their  hearts  towards 
 convincement  and  turning :  thefe  are  ail  yet  in  blindenefs,  dark- 
 nefs  ,  and  under  the  power  of  fin  and  Satan  ,  corruption  in  fin-: 
 ful  lulls  working  in  them  ;  and  fo  are  blinde,  deaf,  dead  ,  in  re-' 
 fpc&  of  the  Life  of  God  in  Chrift  ,  and  fo  are 'unable  to  hear, 
 fee,  underftand  and  believe  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  ;  yea,  alf 
 that  come  to  the  ufc  of  underftandingf  till  by  fom:  light  and  power 
 from  Sod,  they  be  fo  vifited  as  to  be  touched  in  heart,  fome  what 
 lighted  and  touched  with  fome  convinccmcnts  in  means  ufed  ,  arc 
 in  this  evil  cafe,  and  none  better  then  other  in  that  refpe#.  And 
 thefe  are  not  the  objects  or  fubjefts  of  the  purpofes  I  have  to 
 
 fpeak 
 
concerning  Manfynde.  34.$ 
 
 fpeak  of ;  but  as  there  is  in  the  will  and  purpofc  of  God  ,  a  Day 
 orDayes  of  Vifitation  for  all  chat  are  come  to  the  ufe  of  un-  *?tUi%u* 
 demanding,  efpecially  where  the  Gofpel  comes  and  is  preached  a- 
 mong  themias  it  is  among  thofe  I  can  fpeak  or  write  to :  So  of  fuch 
 as  this  Day  of  Vifitation  hath  paffed  upon*  let  me  be  underftood  • 
 namely ,  of  thofe  towards  whom  God  in  ufing  means,  doth  in  the 
 means  he  ufeth,  and  by  the  light  and  power  he  therein  extendeth,o- 
 pen  their  ears  to  hear  his  voice  ,  and  cnlighcneth  their  minde  to 
 difcern  •  fo  opening  their  eyes  %  to  fee  in  fom:  meafure  what  is 
 prefentcd  to,  and  required  of  them  •  and  moveth  in  th:ir  hearts 
 by  his  word  founded  ,  and  grace  prefented  ,  chat  they  might  in 
 feeing  fee,  in  hearing  hear  >  and  fo  understand,  and  turn  cowards 
 him ;  and  fo  he  would  heal  chem.  In  ill  which ,  there  is  no  bet- 
 ternefs  in  one  more  then  in  another  ;  yea  ,  they  thac  in  feeing  fee, 
 have  nothing  to  glory  in,  but  the  Riches  of  his  Grace ,  in  giving 
 them  fuch  an  eye,  and  alluring  them  with  fuch  an  object,  in  feeing 
 to  fee ,  and  extending  fo  freely  following  Grace  to  heal  them. 
 But  they  that  in  feeing  fee  not,  when  an  eye  is  given  chem ,  and 
 fuch  an  object  prefentcd  to  cheir  view  •  but  for  the  love  of  any 
 other  thing,  diflike  the  light,  and  fo  elofe  cheir  eys ,  (top  their  ears, 
 \  and  harden  their  hearts ,  have  therein  willingly  made  themfelves 
 much  worfe  then  either  .themselves  or  cheir  Fe'  ows  fore- 
 were  1  and  this  sot  through  any  want  on  the  p*r:  of  God 
 or  Chrift ,  but  mecrly  through  wilfuloefs  in  themfelves ,  and 
 (iding  with  the  Tempter.  And  of  Men  thus  vifitcJ,and  under  this 
 confederation  ,  I  am  now  to  fpeak  :  and  io  in  the  Scripture  I 
 finde  , 
 
 4.  God's  will  and  purpofe concerning  thefc  chus  dsfcribsd,  and 
 under  this  consideration ,  and  fo  beheld,  That  thofe ,  who  when 
 he  hath  fo  opened  their  ears  and  eyes  ,  and  founded  his  Word, 
 and  prefented  Truth  to  them,  and  moved  ia  cheir  hearts,  that  vocy 
 might  in  hearing  near ,  and  ia  feeing  fee,  and  they  thea  do  in 
 hearing  hear  or  actend  his  voice  %  and  in  feting  fee  ,  and  minde 
 wha:hedifplayethand  prefenteth  to  them  ,  and  fo  in  the  morion 
 and  ftrength  given  them ,  are  affaying  to  turn  at  his  reproof,  he 
 will  heai ,  that  is,  fave  ,  enlive,  and  enable  them  to  brieve  \  and 
 fo  pcui*  out  his  Spirit ,  and  make  known  his  words  unto  them  5 
 fuch  his  purpofe,  his  word,  his  promife.  But  thofe  that  when  he 
 hath  fo  opened  their  ears  and  eyes ,  and  is  moving  in  their  hearts, 
 
 as 
 
34-4-  ®f  the  Turpofes  of  Cfod 
 
 as  hath  been  faid  ,   thai  they  having  eyes  aad  cars,  might  in  feeing 
 fee ,  and  in  hearing  hear ,    and  theR  chey  for  the  love  of  any  luft 
 or  conceited  goodly  thing  or  opinion  ,    or  fuppofed  righteoufnefs, 
 clofe  their  eyes  at  the  light,  reproving  it  $  and  fo  will  not  in  feeing 
 fee,  &c.  left  they  (hculd  underftand  and  be  converted  •  thele  he 
 will  blinde  and  harden  ,  (6  as  they  cannot  believe,  but LtimbJe  at 
 the  word  difcovering  Chrift ,  and  convincing  :  yet  will  he  net  .al- 
 together, g'rve  over  thefe  at  the  firft  repulfe  ,    but  couie  again  with 
 fomc  duftifements ,   and  renewed  reproofs  and  ttriviogs  :   and 
 if  they  abide  not  (till  in  impenitency  and  unbelief ,    he  will  receive 
 and  fave  chem  :  but  if  they  Hill  wilfully  perfift  in  their  rebellion, 
 tic  will  reprobate  them,  and  then  they  cannot  believe,  but  (hall  be 
 eternally  damned,  and  fo  eat  the  fruit    (  he  faith  not ,  of  his  de- 
 Trov.  i.  3 x ,3  *  crccs>  kut)  °f  tncir  °wa  wayes;  fo  that  their  deftru&ion  is  of  them- 
 Uof.13'  *  Pet.  felves,  they  have  loft  their  own  Souls.     And  thefe  to  be  the  pur- 
 z.uMat.i6.z6  pofcs  of  God,  and  in  this  manner  to  be  fulfilled  ,  is  abundantly 
 cleerly  revealed  and  affirmed  in  the  Scripture,  John  5.  2  5.   The 
 z^iV         ^td^  (  as  a^  by  nat'irc  arc  in  fi°$  anc*  trefpzffes  ,   and  that  meant 
 here,  cxprefly  fliewn ,    by  mentioning  that  as  another  manner  of 
 death ,   when  Men  are  in  their  Graves  ,  verf  28,  29.  ).  fhaB 
 bear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God*    and  (  he  faith  not ,   all  they 
 (baSlive9but)  they  that  hear  [hall  live.     Which  can  be  noc- 
 ther,  but  they  that  in  hearing  hear  :  he  that  quickneth  whom  he 
 will,  will  quicken  them  ,    and  they  (hall  live ,    verf.  21-26.  the 
 Father  and  he  being  one  in  will  and  purpofc ;  and  (o  our  Saviour 
 openeth  it  himfelf,  declaring  this  to  be  the  way  of  his  Father's  and 
 his  proceeding  according  to  his  purpofe;aad  fo  his  purpofe,when  he 
 Mat  41*        tcllcth  hisDifciples  the  caufe  why  he  fpake  to  the  people  inParables, 
 to  whom  it  appears  in  all  the  three  Evahgelifts ,  he  had  before 
 preached  the  ©ofpel  plainly,  and  they  had  not  fo  received  as  to  be- 
 come his  Difciplcs:he  faith  to  them  that  in  hearing  were  become  his 
 Difciples  , 
 w-  .  «  M -,  Mat.  I  2 .  verf,  1 I .  Becanfe  it  u  riven  unto  you  to  know 
 
 the  myjtertes  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven :  but  to  them  tt  u  not 
 n>  gw*  •  (n°vv  minde  the  caufe  or  reafon)  for  whofoever  bath,  to 
 him  {hall  be  given ,  and  he  (ball  have  more  abundance  •  but 
 rvbofoever  bath  not ,  from  him  (ball  be  taken  away  ,  even  that 
 which  he  bath.  (  And  this  explicated  by  himfelf ,  )  Therefore 
 ^>  fpeak^  I  to  them  in  parables  ,  becanfe  they  feeing  fee  not ,   and 
 
 bearing 
 
concerning  Mankinde*  34.5 
 
 kitting  hear  not,  &c.  which  is  plain  to  be,  They  have  their  eyes 
 opened,  and  their  ears  opened,  and  by  fpiruual  motion  the  word 
 fown  in  their  hcarr.  And  fo  hath ,  that  is,  hath  had  given  him  aa 
 eye  to  fed  an  car  to  hear,  and  the  Word  with  motion  brought  to 
 his  Heart ;  and  fo  hath  a  price  put  in  his  hand.  Now  he  that  pro,i^.i6witb 
 hath ,  that  is,  that  here* through  hath  an  heart,  and  (o  bath  in  ufe-  $.n 
 fulnefs,  doth  in  hearing  hear,  and  in  feeing  fee;  and  minding  the 
 Word  come  to  his  heart,  doth  under  ftand,  and  fo  in  heart  turncth 
 to  learn  of  the  Lord;he  fhall  be  healed,and  have  more  abundance, 
 and  fo  be  enabled  to  believe ;  that  in  believing,  he  may  undcrftand 
 the  myfteries  of  the  Kingdom,  and  be  eternally  faved.  But  who- 
 foever  hath  not;  that  is,  when  an  eye  to  fee  is  given  him,  &e*  and 
 fo  he  hath  a  voice,  and  an  ear  to  hear  it  ;  a  demonftration,  and 
 an  eye  to  lee  ;  yea,  the  word  came  wi«-h  motion  to  his  heart :  and 
 yet,  though  he  hath  all  this ,  he  hath  not ;  that  is,  he  hach  not  by 
 all  this  an  heart ,  he  hath  not  in  ufefulnefs  any  of  this  given  him, 
 he  doth  not  in  feeing  fee.  &e.  but  for  love  of  forne  other  thing* 
 clofech  his  eyes,  &c.  left  by  hearing,  and  feeing ,  and  heeding  that 
 word  that  moved  at  his  heart,  he  (hould  be  turned  from  chat 
 thing  he  loveth  .  from  thefe  fkaili  be  taken  away  even  that  they  Mat  |?  1? 
 have  :  that  fight ,  and  hearing  and  inward  moving  of  the  Word  ij,i  9  ' 
 in  their  heart  ,  which  they  have,  fhall  betaken  away  •  yea  ,  even 
 therefore,  and  for  that  caufe  s  and  fo  God  will  blinde  and  harden 
 them:  and  fo  Job.  12.  3  5-4©.    thofc  that  while  light  was  with  r  r 
 
 them  ,   the  Gofpel  plainly  declared  to  them  with  fuch  power  and  Cx°^](t^i 
 helps,  yet  did  not  believe  the  report  in  the  plain  fayings  thereof,  fib.it.  35,38 
 are  faid  to  have  the  purpofe  of  God  in  fo  blinding,  #»*.   according  &  ^.3934© 
 to  the  prophefie .fulfilled  on  them  ;  yea,  to  be  Co  and  on  that  very 
 ground  fulfilled  on  them  •  and  then,  when  fo  fulfilled,  they  could 
 not  believe.     And  the  Apoftle  alfo,  in  y#fo  28.27.  renders  this  f  ^ 
 
 alfo,even  their  owndulnefc  of  bearing,  and  doling  their  eyes ,  left  !ift.iV,z6 ,17, 
 they  fhould  fee.  (jrc  as  the  very  ground  and  caufe  of  that  ju  Jge-  18 
 ment  of  not  perceiving  ,  fulfilled  on  them  •  and  fo  of  their  not  be- 
 lieving.    And  the  Apoftle  Peter  faith  in  effeel:  (by  the  Spirit  o? lPetz6  w#/, 
 Chrift)  the  fame  ,    wnen  having  mentioned  the  excellency  of  the  Att.i6.rt 
 foundation  laid  in  Sh»9  and  held  torch  by  St9»4  to  fo  gracious  an 
 end,  he  faith , 
 
 I  Pet. 2  7.   Vnto  joh  therefore  which  believe ,     (  tint  is. 
 which  having  eyes  opened  to  difcern,  do  in  feeing  fee ,  and  io  are 
 
 Z  z  per- 
 
^6  Of  theTurpofesofCfod 
 
 1/4.4  i.  vPtu  per ^vvad able  and  brought  in  to  bcl  eve  )    he  is  precious  •    (  he  is 
 2-3>4>537ft<w.  beauty  and  glory,  comlinefs  and  excellency  ,  alluring  and  drawing 
 1.5  &i6.z6     you  more  and  more  in  believing  upon  him)   but  to  them  which  be 
 difobedientt  (that  is,  to  the  Faith  preached  to  them,  being  unper- 
 v  U  fwadable  when  means  is  ufed  ,  and  fuch  an  object  demonftrated, 
 
 *  '*'  and  fight  afforded  ,  will  not  in  feeing  fee  ,  and  (o  are  difobedient, 
 
 Aft.+.u         wen  children  of  difobedience  or  unperfwadablenefs  )  the  (tone 
 which  the  builders  (the  Ecclefiaftical  pretended  Teachers  )  dif- 
 Mat.zi.AzPfa.  A^owe^  the  fame  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner,    (By  which, 
 iii.izMat.ii.  notwithstanding    their  difallowance  and  oppofi.ion  9    you   are 
 43.iP^.2.8     brought  in  and  build ed  on  i: ,  and  united  together  by  it  ;  and 
 Joh.$.i9  J[a.2.  chey  that  fodifallow  it, rejected  :  and  fo  that  alfo  foIlows>  )   And 
 a  ft  one  of  /tumbling,  and  a  rock,  of offence  to  them  which /tum- 
 ble at  the  word,  (  which  can  be  no  lefs  then  when  by  light  disco- 
 vered ,  do  of  themfelves  firft  (rumble,  being  fo  diftinguiftied  from 
 them,  that  upon  the  difcovery,  fanclifie  God  in  their  hearts ,    for 
 this  gift  of  his  Son)  thefe  being  difobedientt  whereunto  alfo  they 
 lull.  2.34.  &  i*ere  appointed*     Which  is  very  cleer  to  be  ,   that  fuch  as  when 
 j fa.S.i 4,1 j,i*  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel  is  fee  forth  to  them  for  their  fall  and  riling  a- 
 witbjer.  5-3*4  gain,  in  difcovery  of  whom,  all  other  Excellencies  arc  cried  down, 
 
 txT  HSi  ^ and  the  glory  of  God's  rich  Qracc  in  Chrift  onc!y  cxaItcd  5  thc? 
 
 lJ**5?M>5      difcerning  the  light  what  it  difcovcreth,  do  refufe  to  own  the'i 
 JeY.6.\6,so     ftiame  in  the  fall ,  that  they  may  by  him  onely  be  raifed  :    and  fo 
 M ^.*4.i  3     Chrift  is  to  them  a  fign  and  a  rock  of  oftence  ,    and  they  (tumble. 
 And  thefe,  and  fuch  as  thefe ,  even  for  this  caufe  ,  were  appoint?d 
 to  farther  (tumbling  >  and  fo  cannot  believe  5    yea  ,    this  is  held 
 forth  cleerly  to  us  alfo,  in  many  other  places  of  Scripture,  all  fpcak- 
 ing  in  this  Language,  as  alfo  in  that  eximp'e  foremen tioncd,  foh. 
 6.  28,  30, 41,42,  60,  66.     So  that  concerning  the  Purpofe  of 
 God  ,  who  fhall  be  helped  to  believe ,    and  who  not ;  we  have 
 it  cleer  from  Jefus  Chrift  by  his  Spirit  in  the  Prophets  and  in  the 
 Apoftles ,    and  in  his  own  perfonal  fayings ,  to  be  men  under  fuch 
 considerations  :  and  it  becomes  us  to  defirc  no  other  knowledge 
 of  this.  And  to  this  alfo  very  well  agreeth  that  which  is  (aid,  Rom. 
 9.18.  He  hath  mercy  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy ,  and 
 whom  be  will  he  hardneth.    For  &od  hath  nut  left  us  in  the  dark, 
 nor  fpoken  as  a  Barbarian  to  us  •  fo  as  none  can  know  by  his  re- 
 vealed will  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy ,  or  whom  he  will  har- 
 denj:  but  hath  made  known  his  mmdc »  that  as  he  fiift  (heweth 
 
 mercy 
 
concerning  Manfynck.  34,7 
 
 mercy  oft  or  to  all  ,  and  this  that  they  may  repent  •     And  there- 
 fore dilcovers  the  evilnefs  of  their  hearts  and  wayes  ,  and  tWe  cm- 
 pcinefsnof  all  their  rightcoufnefs  ,  and  of  all  earthy  things  to  help  Kom.%4  &  9* 
 them  ;  and  that  help  is  onely  in  and  of  him  that  (hew  eth  mercy  ;  \^    '  \l\£ 
 yea,and  afflicts  them  for  not  turning  ia  ro  him  by  his  mercysfo  alfo  2iJ> 
 he  lees  us  know,  to  whom  all  this  mercy  (hewn  ,  and  means  uied, 
 andtranfgreffion  (till  found  ,  he  willyec  {h?w  mercv*»  namelyito 
 fuch  as  by  his  continued  mercies  and  chaftifemencs  for  fo  gracious 
 an  end  ,    do ,  co  fight  of  his  goodnefs  ,  againft  which  they  have  lVeU-  *  6 
 tranfgreffed,  fall  down  in  confefling  their  finfulnefs  ;  and  in  belief  jam.4.6  Prov, 
 of  the  Teftimony  of  his  gracioufnefs,  defirc  mercy  of  him,  he  will  3.34  Mat.z$. 
 fliew  mercy  on  themi  he  will  give  Grace  to  them ,    and  lift  them ,a    Luk>i**l4 
 up.     But  to  fuch  as  in  his  call  by  the  metcies  and  chaflifements^oy,2'^3521J 
 which  he  ufeth,  refufc  to  hearken  and  behold  ,  and  fo  (corn  to  fall 
 down  and  humble  themfeives  under  his  mighty  hand ,    but  (till 
 perfift  to  go  on  in  their  own  wayes  ;  he  will  not  (hew  mercy  on 
 them,bus  harden  them  ;  and  in  the  continuance  of  their  perfifting, 
 give  them  up  to  a  reprobate  minde ,   and  to  Satin  5  as  is  full  and 
 plain  in  many  places  of  Scripture  befides  thefe  quoted. 
 
 And  thus  the  Purpofes  of  (£cd  concerning  Mankinde  as  revealed 
 in  Scripture,  are  verily  fuch  as  is  faid  5aad  in  this  written  of  them 
 in  thefe  four  Branches  of  bis  Purpofe,  compared  with  that  faid  in 
 the  fecond  Chapter  of  this  fourth  part/in  the  Cautions  there  given. 
 But  now  ,    becaufe  we  read  of  many  that  depart  from  the  Faith , 
 fome  may  defire  to  know  what  his  Purpofes  are  concerning  fuch  as 
 are  once  brought  to  believe,  who  of  them  (hall  be  eternally  faved, 
 and  who  not.     To  which  a  (hort  anfwer  might  ferve,That  no  un-  Jab.$.i6  fyb. 
 feigned  Believer  (hall  peri(h,  but  have  everlafting  life  :  and  fo  all  III3  *P#». 
 that  live  and  die  in  the  Faith  fhall  be  eternally  faved;only  thofethat I0,2,x 
 fall  from  their  Faith,and  die  in  unbelief,(hall  be  eternally  damned: 
 which  is  a  true  &  full  anfwer«but  it  will  not  fatisfie  all  that  enquire. 
 I  (hall  therefore  endeavour  to  fct  forth  the  Purpofe  of  &od  con- 
 cerning thefe,  as  fct  forth  and  explicated  in  Scripture,  concerning 
 thefe  who  are  once  brought  to  believe ,  and  in  that  fenfc  called  Be- 
 lievers •  and  fo  let  the  term  be  undeiftood. 
 
 l^  z  CHAP, 
 
34$  '  OftbeTurpojesofljod 
 
 Chap.  5. 
 Of  the  Purpofes  of  God  concerning  Believers. 
 
 B 
 
 Y  Believtrs  I  mean  notfuch  as  oncly  feign,  pretend  and  pro- 
 fefs  themfeiTCs  co  believe,  and  do  not  ;  nor  doth  the  Scripture 
 anywhere  call  any  upon  that  account  Believers  but  Hypocrites.  But 
 as  in  Scripture- account,  fo  by  Believers !  mean,   fuch  as  do  indeed 
 in  fome  meafure  believe  the  word  or  Teftimony  cf  Chrift  -and  fo, 
 though  that  Teftimony  be  but  one ,  and  Faith  one  ,    and  but  one 
 true  believing  •  yet  of  thofe  that  do  indeed  believe  the  fame  Tefti- 
 mony, confefs  the  fame  Faith,  I  findc  two  forts  of  Believers ,  as  is 
 before  (hewn  at  large. 
 Sec  Part  3 ;        Firft,  fuch  as  in  hearing  and  minding  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift, 
 ch.l  7.         .do  indeed  believe  it  to  be  true  and  good,  but  are  not  yet  prevailed 
 with  and  overcome  6y  that  believed  ,    as  to  part  with  all  other  de- 
 figns  and  ennfidences  for  life ,  and  to  believe  on  Chrift  for  all  pro- 
 mifed»  &o»  as  foreftiewn.     Now  the  Purpofe  of  God  concerning 
 thefe*  is,  That  they  continuing  ia  his  Word,  (that  is,in  belief,  and 
 ^fc.8.30,31      minding  his  word  they  have  heard  and  believed,  attending  it,  and 
 *      beholding  him  as  dileovercc!  therein  5    in  which  they  are  his 
 Difciples  indeed,    that  is  ,   fuch  as  he  teacheth  ,  and  do  begin  to 
 Joh.  10.1^,17  learn  of  him;  and  fo  are  the  Sheep  of  his  Miniftration  )  they 
 Job.  8.  $i>}3>  (hall  know  the  Truth ,     and    the  Truth  fhalj  make  them  free : 
 3*  which  )   as  yet  appears  in  the  following  Verfes  ,    was  wanting  to 
 
 them.     This  faid  Jefus  that  was  in  the  bofome  of  the  Father ,  and 
 fpake  nothing  but  what  the  Father  gave  him  to  fpeak ;  and  {o  de- 
 clared nothing  about  this  ,  but  what  was  in  Truth  the  real  Mmde 
 and  Purpofe  of  his  Father  and  himfelf ;  yea  ,   this  fuits  with  that 
 declared  by  the  Prophet  •  and  this  is  affirmed  to  be  the  End  (and 
 -  a<  uLuk.  f° tne  Putpofe  of  God  )    in  fending  forth  his  Son  the  Saviour  of 
 UfatMW*  the  *orld  ,    and  declaring  him  in  the  Miniftration  of  theGo- 
 7*,77  J«M-  fpcU    And  thus  hath  Chrift  fpoken  face  concerning  everyone 
 i4>  M>  l6>l1  that  believcth  the  Teftimony  of  the  (Sofpel.He  fhall  be  faved  :  and 
 +1**M«.£ .    bij  s  irit  in  ali  hi$  proph?ts  and  Apoftles  .  Such  (hall  receive 
 >Mf  yf?.**  j^^  rf (mh  thcy  (hall  be  faved  :   he  doth  not  fo  cxprefs  it, 
 **  as 
 
concerning  'Believers.  34.? 
 
 as  affirm'ng  of  them  all  that  which  may  he  affirmed  of  fome,  even  Km  lQ  9£m. 
 as  many  as  believe  with  the  Heart  unto  R'ghteoufnefs  ,    and  con*  10.10.  iCer.i. 
 fefs  with  the  Mouth  un:o  Salvation  ,    that  they  are  laved.     Nei-  18.  x  for.*. if 
 ther  doth  this  hinder  this  underfhnding  of  this  phrafe.    That  there  Eph.%. 5  iTwi. 
 is  for  thefe  faved  Ones, a  continued  faving,in  pieferving  them  from  l'9 
 error  in  Judgement  and  Ltfe^  in  the  believing  remembrance  of  this 
 Tcftimony,in  which  they  (hall  be  fo  faved,  and  a  compleat  Salvati-  iC    ^  %  z  ? 
 on  with  which  they  (hall  be  faved  after  they  have  endured   to 
 the  end  ;  imfmuch  as  in  refpe&of  the  begua  Salvation,    they  are 
 already  faved  »  and  fo  affirmed  to  be  ;    which  our  Saviour  faith,  f^'lW^'^i 
 was  yet  wanting  to.  thefe  Believers  he  fpake  to,    Job,  8.  30-,  1Zj',3' 
 36.        Nor  can  this  faid    of  this  Purpofe  be  waved  off  with 
 this ,    That  here  is  no  more  faid  to  thefe  Believers ,    then  to  all 
 unbelievers  and  mif-believers  ;  of  whom  alio  it  is  faid  ,  his  lend- 
 ing forth  of  Chrift  in  the  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpcl,    is,    That-,,         . 
 they  might  be  faved  •  and  that  alfo  in  looking  to  him ,  aad  be-  y^A^tle^ 
 lieving  on  him,  they  fhall  be  faved.     All  which  is  true  ;   and  yet  jp.4j.ii 
 not  all  faid  to  thefe  Believers  :   for  unbelievers  and  mif  believers 
 are  not entring  the  way  of  Salvatioa,  nor  anywhere  faid  to  be- 
 lieve in  his  Name,  or  believe  in  him  >  fo  far  as  co  believe  the  Tefti- 
 mony  of  him  true  and  good  ;  and  foic's  never  faid  to  them  ,    If 
 you  continue  in  your  minde  or  way  ,    that  is,  in  your  unbelief  or 
 mif-belief,ye  (hall  be  faved  :  but  the  very  contrary.    Nor  is  it  faid,  Joh.3.$6&  8. 
 If  they  continue  in  his  words^for  if  they  have  not  rejected  them,yct  a4 
 they  have  not  received  them  in  believing  ,  though  it  may  be  in  me- 
 mory, to  abafc  and  make  ill  uie  of.     But  thefe  fpoke  of,  believed  Joh.  n.47,48 
 his  Words  •  and  in  believing,  had  fo  received  them  ,  that  our  Sa-  efri  5.2.0  Mat.. 
 viour  faith ,    If  ye  continue  in  my  words  ,  ye  are  my  Difciples  l€t€l 
 indeed  •    and  ye  fbaQ  knew  the  Truth  ,   and  the  Truth  (haS 
 make  you  free  •   and  elfewhere  ,  (hall  be  faved  ,   which  yet  they 
 were  not  ;  and  if  the  Word  of  Faith  they  believed  ,   though  yet 
 they  faw  aot  all  that  was  in  it,    were  not  true,  and  faving  ; 
 or  if  their  believing   were    not  true,      and  of  a  faving  Na- 
 ture ;  fuch  as  though  yet  it  had  not,  would  in  continuaace  drink  in 
 more  faving ; efficacies  then  by  continuance  therein,  they  could  no 
 more  be  faved,  thea  by  continuaace  in  unbelief  or  mif-belief  :   bur 
 our  Saviour  affirms  of  thefe  Believers,  If  they  continue  in  his  words 
 they  believed  9   they  ihould  be  favedt      In  which  faying  he  hath 
 plainly  affcrted  the  Minde  and  Purpofe  of  @od  concerning  fuch: 
 
 and 
 
Att.l.ifo 
 
 350  Of  the  Turpofes  of  Cjod 
 
 and  that  there  are  many  Believers  in  the  outward  Court  of  the 
 Church,  that  yet  are  no  farther  wrought  on  then  the(c,is  evident  e- 
 nough^Sc  probable  alfbifuch  were  in  the  outward  Court  in  the  firtt 
 and  choice  timcs.by  that  phrafe, ^#.2,47. The  Lord  added  to  the 
 Church  dayly  fuch  as  fhould  be  faved  :  it's  neither  faid  ,  Such  as 
 were  faved,  nor  fuch  as  againft  all  contradiction  (hall  infallibly  be 
 eternally  faved  5  but,fuch  as  fhould  be  faved  (that  is,  according  to 
 our  Saviour's  Do#rinc5continuing  in  his  words  they  had  believed) 
 and  of  thefe  added  Ones ,  we  read  of  two  notable  Ones  among 
 them,  that  miicarried  for  want  of  heeding  the  Word  ccftified  by 
 the  Holy  Ghoft  :  and  for  this  caufe  ,  becaufe  the  Devil  know, 
 Tbat  when  the  Word  is  cense  into  the  Heart  of  any,  if  it  continue 
 in  the  Heart ,  and  they  abide  in  it ,  they  (hall  be  faved  ;  There- 
 in 8.1*  f°re  hc  ftif  tcth  himfelf  to  fteal  it  out  of  the  Heart ,  left  they  fhould 
 be  faved.  And  indeed  Men  thus  far  brought  to  believe  ,  if  they 
 continue  not  in  his  Word,  they  lofe  the  livingnefs  and  quickning  of 
 the  Spirit  in  the  Gofpel ,  and  fo  clofe  their  eyes  again  ;  and  then, 
 though  they  continue  a  profeflion  of  Faith  ,  yet  it  is  but  a  dead 
 Jam.2,i6  Faith  »  destitute  of  chat  Life  and  Motion  of  Faith  ,  the  Spirit  in 
 the  (Sofpel  affordeth :  as  the  Body  of  a  Man  t  though  for  a  time 
 retaining  its  form  ,  yet  when  Life  and  Motion  is  gone,  is  dead  ; 
 yet  as  that  is  no  good  Argument  to  prove  there  never  was  Life  in 
 that  Body  1  fo  neither  is  this  deadnefs  of  Faith  any  proof  that 
 there  never  was  livingnefs  in  it :  but  it  rather  evidenceth  the  Truth 
 of  our  Saviour's  Tettinaony,  If  a  man  abide  not  in  me,  he  it  cafi 
 Joh.11. 6        jor^  ^  a  branchy  andwithereth,  &Ct  which  could  not  be,  if  he 
 
 never  had  fap,  moifture  and  greennefs. 
 Pag.420,  Yea,  Mr.  Owen  confeffeth  thus  amch,That  before  their  falling 
 
 Anfw,  1 . "     aw*J>  *!>'}  ™€re  in  *  fair  waJ  for  t'f*  a*d  f^ation,  *»&  *h** 
 their  falling  away  it  from  gifts  and  common  graces. 
 
 Now  this  is  certain,  they  could  not  be  in  any  way  for  Salvation, 
 if  Chrift  by  his  Death  had  not  made  fatisfaftion  for  them,  and  re- 
 ceived Spirit  in  their  Naiute  to  fend  forth  and  apply  it  to  them: 
 nor  could  they  be  in  a  fair  way  to  Salvation  ,  if  there  were  no  will 
 in  God  through  Chrift  by  the  means  extended  to  fave  them  •  yea, 
 they  could  not  be  in  a  fair  way  for  Life  and  Salvation ,  if  the 
 Word  they  believed  ,  and  their  believing  ,  and  the  Gifts  and 
 (Braces  they  received,  were  not  all  true,  of  the  r'ght  kindcand  of  a 
 faving  Nature4and  Tendency  ,   io  as  abiding  and  dying  in  ic ,  he 
 
 is 
 
concerning  IZelieyers.  351 
 
 is  certainly  faved :  for  what  Faith  or  Gift  foever  a  Man  hath,  that 
 continuing  and  dying  in  ,  he  is  yec  damned  eternally  :  he  was  in 
 the  having  them  in  a  deceitful  ways  a  way  to  death  ,  and  not  in  a 
 fair  way  co  life  and  Salvation,  But  enough  is  fa  id  to  (hew  the 
 Purpofc  of  God  concerning  fuch  Believers  as  thefe.  But  to  pro- 
 ceed : 
 
 Secondly  ,  There  are  Believers,  that  through  the  Teftimony  of 
 Chrift  j    having  their  eyes  opened  ,    and  their  Hearts  brought  to 
 believe  the  Teftimony  to  be  true  and  good  >   and  not  fo  onely,  Rm^  <  6  g 
 but  in  that  believing  i  to  minde  and  believe  thegreatnefs  andim-io  dr  4.11-1? 
 menfnefsof  the  Love  of  God  commended  in  this,  that  while  we  ^.1.14^3.4, 
 werciinners,  and  enemies  to  him,  his  Son  Chrift  died  for  us ,  and  *>*•  lP«U*t, 
 made  peace  by  his  blood  ,  and  now  hath  as  freely  made  it  koowa lhl  z 
 to  us-  fo ,  as  thereby  they  are  reconciled  to  God,  and  enabled  to 
 believe  on  him  for  that  eternal  Life  he  hath  promifed-and  in  that  re- 
 newed in  heart   to  a   child-like  difpoficion  :    and  concerning 
 thefe  thus  believing  in  him,    the  Purpofe  or  Purpofes  of  God 
 are , 
 
 1 .  That  he  will  put  his  Spirit  in  them,  and  caufe  them  to  walk  £^.3^.17 
 in  his  Statuses,  that  he  (hall  not  onely  be  with  tbem0  to  give  Job.  6.6$,  69 
 them  now  and  then  iome  Light  and  Motion  to  make  him  &i&tm\6*\ 6^7 
 known  in  his  Words ,  and  affe&  their  Hearts ,  as  before  he  '/*•  **•«  If- 
 did  5  but  he  (hall  be  in  them ,  that  is ,  take  up  fuch  an  Habita-  ^6  fs^fiU 
 tionin  the  Word  put  in  their  Heart ,  that  he  (hall  be  anindwel-  i6Heb.L\oRom 
 ling  Advocate  and  Comforter  thereby  within  them ,  to  bring  the  8.2^  Pfa.7$» 
 Sayings  of  Chrifct  to  their  remembrance ,  and  teach  them  ;  andx3>24 
 
 fo  to  take  of  the  things  of  Chrift  ,  to  (hew  them  ;  and  fo 
 glorific  him,  and  rmke  him  precious  to  their  Hearts,  and  write  his 
 Minde  therein,  and  enable  them  to  pray,  and  fo  comfort  and  guide 
 them. 
 
 2.  That  by  his  Word  and  Spirit  he  will  give  them  to  anfwer  Mat,\o.i9Mar* 
 their  Adverfaries  ,  and  fubdue  their  finful  lufts  and  corrupti-  *3."  Luk^i. 
 ons,  and  give  them  ifiue  out  of  all  their  temptations  1  I  C*r»  lo.I?  Mic.7. 1 8, 
 13.  and  (hortly  (in  due  time)  tread  Satan  under  their l9  Rm'l6-Zl 
 Feet. 
 
 3 .  That  he  will  never  leave  them  nor  forfake  them,  but  uphold  Pep4iJ8eb* 
 them  ia  his  way,  and  fo  be  with  tbem  in  the  worft  of  hours,  when  l3-1  Ifa-^-1» 
 they  are  moft  oppofed  ,  and  pafs  through  fire  and  water,  that  pfagJ^i^ 
 they  (hall  not  be  overthrown;  yea  ,  he  will  keep  their  feet,    and  lt% 
 
 prcfervc 
 
35*  Of  the  Turpofes  of  Cfod 
 
 VCal    i  prcfcrve  tbcir  Souls  in  the  way ,  and  fo  through  Faith  to  the  inhe- 
 
 iita nee  •  (o  chat  though  thoufiads  mifcarry  ,  yet  no  evil  (ball  be- 
 hi  them :  he  will  command  fafcty ,  and  deliverance,  and  victory 
 for  them* 
 
 Thefc  are  not  onely  Promifes ,   but  the  declared  Purpofes  of 
 <Sod  concerning  thofc  that  believe  in  him  ;  aad  fo  are  the  Sobs  of 
 God  by  Faith :  and  they  are  made  known  coimbolden  them  con- 
 fidently to  abide  in  the  waves  of  God  without  fear  ,    ( in  which 
 way  he  will  keep  them  )  and  that  they  may  have  a  ready  rccourfc 
 l*t-i.7  W1*   to  the  fure  Rock  and  Object  of  Faith  in  all  thefe  Promifcs.  and  ac- 
 7*>74>75  Pro.  cording  to  all  thefe  revealed  Purpofes  in  bclieving.bc  united  to  him, 
 10.19.  iFeM.  ancj  ^0  jjyc  ^  pa^c^  ^    through  which  Faith,  he  will  by  his  power 
 keep  them  even  to  the  Inheritance  •  and  that  fuch  is  his  Parpofe,  is 
 plain,  and  in  many  places  plainly  declared. 
 
 4,  That  fuch  of  thefe  unfeigned  Believers ,  as  fliall  be  found 
 living  upon  this  earth,  at  the  vifible  and  glorious  appearing  of  our 
 l[*£'\°9%Jl  L°*d  Jc^$  Chrift  »  ^a11  ac  that  cime  1    at  the  very  beginning  of 
 xTbef. 4.14  i<  hk  appearing,  in  a  moment^  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  be  changed 
 16,17  Htfr.i  1.  with  a  change  iukable  to  Death  and  Refurree^tion  •  fo,  as  though 
 1 3>  >4>  3  9>  4°  they  fleep  not  in  Death  ,    yet  Death  and  Refurreclion  both  are  in- 
 Tfa.  to?  9,1  o,  cju^cc|  m  thjs  change  ;  in  which  Mortality  is  put  off,  and  Immor- 
 '  l*  *    tality  put  on :  and  in  the  fame  moment  1  the  fame  (hort  time  ,  as 
 the  twinkling  of  an  eye  ,  all  that  from  the  beginning  of  the  World 
 to  that  time  have  died  in  the  Faith  ;  and  fo,  chough  flcpt  in  Deathj 
 yet  dying  in  the  Faith  they  are  the  D:  ad  in  the  Lord  ,    and  fo  in 
 Chiift,  &  fleep  in  Jefus:chefe  fhall  all  be  raifed  at  once,in  the  fame 
 moment  the  other  are  charged  ;    fo  that  all  at  once,  and  none  be- 
 fore another ,  or  preventing  anotrcr  ,    but  all  together  (hall  fee 
 the  Lord,  and  be  caught  up  in  that  fight,  to  meet  with  him  in 
 the  Air ;  and  fo  ro  come  with  him,and  receive  together  the  promised 
 Inheritance,  and  fo  be  ever  with  the  Lord. 
 
 And  to  conclude  the  difcourfing  of  Purpofes  in  this  way  f  I 
 (hall  oneJyadd  that  which  is  fore- included  and  mentioned,  name- 
 ly, That, 
 
 5.  For  all  this  good  purpofed  for  and  to  Believers  f   he  hath  fo 
 Jdt.\A$Rom.9.  ordered  his  Purpole  in  his  Counfels,  that  it  (hall  cake  pUce  for  ef- 
 *»  7>8,9>io,n  fc$jng  and  communicating  all  this  rich,  free,  and  fpirirual  Good- 
 nefs  ,  not  according  to  Man's  natural  or  fiiit  birth     of  what  Fa- 
 mily or  Man  fecvev  born;  or  by  what  Name  in  refptcSt  of  chat  birth 
 
 foeyer 
 
concerning  'Believers.  pi> 
 
 foever  called  •  nor  according  o  the  Dignities,  or  Degrees*  orE- 
 ftatcs  conferred  on  Men  in  this  World  ;     nor  according  to  the 
 Lcirning ,    Wifdcm  or  Workings  of  Men  of  what  fort  foever : 
 but  according  to  the  Ele&ion  of  Grace ,   that  is ,    as  his  free  and 
 rich  Grace  in  Chrift  being  difcovered,  gains  in  to  believe  •  and  in 
 being  heeded  and  believed,  doth  chufe  or  elc£r,that  is,  fever  from 
 the  manners  and  fellowfhip  of  the  World  ;  and  uaite,  and  bring 
 into  onenefs,  fcllowfbip  and  conformity  with  Chrift,  and  (o  with 
 his.     And  this  is  that  allured  to  %AbrakAm  t  That  in  his  Seed  all 
 the  Families  of  the  Earth  fhould  be  blefled  :  (ot  as  there  is  bleffing 
 in  Chrift  for  all  Nations  and  Families:  and  that  bleflrg  trueiy 
 held  forth  for  all  in  the  Gofpel  given  him  to  preach,  as  is  forefhew- 
 ed  :  fo  that  any  of  all  the  Families  of  the  Earth,however  bounded* 
 or  different  in  their  earthy  or  natural  Births ,   Habitations,  Prero- 
 gatives t  Names  or  Works,  may  in  beholding  this  Grace  of  God 
 in  Chrift,  as  difplayed  ,    be  brought  in  to  believe  in  Chrift,  and  fo 
 receive  of  the  blefling  that  fore- was  in  hirn/or  them  •  and  fo  jri 
 views  and  heeding  the  Grace  feen  and  believed  %  be  by  it  ele&ed, 
 chofen  out  of  the  Worlds  Fellowship  and  Scate,into  union  and  Fel- 
 lowflVip  &  Conformity  with  Chrift,  and  fo  to  enjoy  the  Privileges  Joh.i.iz,^  & 
 of  the  Elea.      And  fo  the  Children  otlfhrnnl,  or  Efati    or  any  J'^^**' 
 Nations  of  the  VVorld^in  beholding  this  Grace  in  Chiift  as  dis- 
 played in  the  Gofpel,  may  come  ia  to  believe  ,  and  thereia  to  the 
 iervice  of  Chrift  that  is  now  come  forth  of  Jacob ;  and  abiding  ia 
 believing  that  electing  Grace,  be  through  the  belief  of  it ,  cle&ed. 
 And  this  the  Apoftle  readers  as  the  proof  of  theRighteoufnefs  of 
 God,  and  the  Immutability  of  his  Purpofe ,  in  taking  the  Gofpel  13^4/^4  Je' 
 from  the  Children  of  Jacobs  that  heeded  not  this  clcding  Grace,  30,3 ;,$ z,\$& 
 but  ftro?e  to  attain  by  their  works ;  and  giving  it  (in  a  fort  to  the  *o.M>3>4 
 Children  of£/**  )  the  Gentiles  that  m  the  Gofpel- Call  imbraced 
 it ;  and  yet  affirms  this  caft-off//r<**/  in  returning  to  view  and  im- 
 brace  the  fame,  (hall  alfo  be  again  received.     Sothat  the  Purpcle  Rm-%la* 
 of  God  remains  firm  ,    That  his  Purpofe  of  all  thefe  good  things  ffMM  n  TT„, 
 pertaining  to  hternal  Life  fhali  ftand  ,  take  place ,  come  to  pais,  5jty7 
 not  according  to  Men's  works ,   but)  according  to  the  Election  of 
 grace,is  that  is  heeded  and  takes  placcand  goes  on  in  the  Believers, 
 as  is  fhewn  in  the  Cautions  in  the  beginning  of  this  Diicourle  of 
 Purpofes,  and  needs  not  be  repeated  again. 
 And  yet  becaufe  of  the  ftumblir.g  offom:,  by  torn*.  difT^:ea: 
 
 A  a  a  Pnraies 
 
#f  Of  Romans  8.  z8. 
 
 Phrafcs  and  Terms ,  in  which  thefe  Purpofes »  and  this  Election 
 of  ©race  is  fee  forth  •  I  (hill  a  little  farther  treat  of  them  in  ar*o- 
 ther  way>  namely  by  conftdcring  that  famous  place  to  which  every 
 Diffenter  from  us  in  this,  reforts,  to  ground  his  Op'nion  on  in  this 
 bufinefs  of  the  Purpofes  of  God,  in  Rom, $.2  8 ,29  3  o.  Ice  us  mind 
 what  is  there  fa id* 
 
 Chap.   6, 
 
 Of  Romans  8.  28 
 
 g    g  A    Nd  we  know  %   th*t  aS  things  worl^together  for  good  t9 
 
 jfjL  them  that  love  Godjo  them  who  Are  the  sailed  according 
 
 Verfe  17  1 8    to  VHtV9ft*     ^he  Apoftle  had  before  intimated  a  certainty  of  the 
 5    '  fufferings  of  thofe  that  are  the  Sons  of  God  by  Faith,and  yet  com- 
 forting  them  with  the  gieatnefs  of  the  Glory  to  be  revealed,  he  alfo 
 intimately  admon^fheth  them  to  patience  of  Hope,  from  the  con - 
 fideration  both  of  the  expectation  of  the  Gearure   (  now  fubje& 
 '**  to  vanity ,    till  that  glorious  Day  of  the  Manifestation  of  the  Sons 
 21*  of  God)  whofe  deliverance  is  earneftly  expected  asd  waked  for  • 
 23,  and  alfo  of  the  Adoption  that  is,  the  Redempnon  of  the  Body,to- 
 *4>  oether  with  the  fulnefs  or  harvett  of  the  Spirit ,   then  certainly  el? 
 peeked ,  and  till  thea  to  be  waited  for  •  yea  ,  he  fecrecly  fli  rrch 
 them  up  more  abundantly  to  this  patience  of  Hope ,  by  che  Grace 
 of  God  ,  in  affording  them  an  enjoyment  of  the  firft  Fruits  of  the 
 Spirit  5  and  to  this  alfo,  opens  the  way  of  their  kfety  and  prefer* 
 vation,and  the  certainty  of  ic  in  that  way  ,  that  is ,  by  hope  ,  e- 
 ven  hope  for  that  not  yet  feen  or  enjoyed  ,  but  onely  patienrly  and 
 confidently  waited  for :  and  becaule  ,  befides  the  afflictions  befal- 
 len them,  they  are  yet  but  weak  :  and  though  God  be  a  God  hear- 
 **>  ing  Prayers,   yer  they  know  not  how  to  pray  as  they  ought  •   he 
 comforts  them  with  this ,    That  the  Spirit  th? y  receiv  in  belief  of 
 a7>  the  Gofpel,  belpeth  them.  &c.  and  now  agaiwft  ail  *ffl  colons,  op- 
 g  portions  and  temptations  i   he  gives  them  this  farther  great  confer 
 *  latioa.,   All  things  work  t°g"ber  for  good  to  them  that  love 
 
 Cod* 
 
Of  Romans  8. 28-  tfi 
 
 God.     God  is  good,  and  doth  good  ,   and  his  tender  mercies  are  pfai.i 41.9,9 
 over  all  his  works .  and  chey  work  from  him  for  good  ,    even  to  Rm.z.t    Job 
 lead  Men  to  Repentance ;  asid  fo  doth  his  chaftifements  likewife.  33-i3>*4 
 But  to  them  that  believe  not ,     and  folove  not  God  ,  but  return  p~  6    if 
 him  hatred  for  love :  thofc  things  work  not  fo  in  them  to  the  fame  fr^.i^Rom. 
 end  •  but  chat  which  was  their  welfare  ,    turneth  to  them  into  a  n.$ 
 fnare.     But  to  them  that  love  God  ,  all  things  work  together  for 
 good. 
 
 Let  this  be  well  heeded,  That  the  Apoftle  doth  not  fay  ,  To  all  Ffd.109.4rf 
 that  God  hath  loved  or  loveth  ;   for  feme  that  he  hath  loved  or 
 loves,  have  rewarded  him  hatred  for  his  love.     Nor  doth  he  fay, 
 To  all  for  whom  Chrift  hath  died  and  offered  himfelf  a  facrificc<for 
 fome  of  thefc  tread  him  under  foot,  &  deny  him  that  bought  them,  ueb.10.19 
 Nor  doth  he  fay  to  all,  1  hat  by  gracious  means  or  Mmiitration  ofiPet.i.iPro.t. 
 the  Gofpcl,he  hath  called  crcalletfyfor  fome  fuch  rebel liou fly  refufe*  nJer.$.i6,io 
 and  many  not  mixing  the  Word  with  Faith;  arc  not  yet  chofen  i^b^1y7,Mai9 
 mach  Ids  doth  he  fay,  To  a  Company  under  a  fecrct  Purpofe*  the 
 greaceft  number  of  whomcainot  yet  be  known.     Nor  doth  he 
 lay  9    That  all  things  work  together  for  gcod  to  any  becaufe  they 
 love  God,as  if  that  were  the  deferving  caufe;  which  is  but  the  way 
 and  frame  of  the  Heart ,    in  which  things  fo  work  :   But  he  faith, 
 To  them  that  love  God :  and  mark,  that  he  fpeaks  it  not  as  a  pc- 
 .  culiar  thingjevealed  to,  and  fo  known  by  him ,    and  fome  few  5 
 but  as  a  thing  learned  ,  believed  and  known  of  all  that  unfeighed- 
 ly  believe  in  Jefus  :  and  we  know,   all  we  are  affured  of  this, 
 That  all  things  work  together  for  good  co  them,  (*rc*    So  that  we 
 have  here  to  note  for  this  bulinels ,  is  a  double  or  twofold  Defcri- 
 ption  of  thofe  that  are  the  Sons  of  God  by  Faith ,    to  whom  all 
 things  (hall  work  together  for  good. 
 
 The  firft  Dtfcnption  of  the  Sons  and  Heirs  forementiorced  ,  is 
 this ,  They  are  Lovers  of  God.  The  fecond  Dtfcriptioa  is  this,  ^^fl^l6>17 
 They  are  eaUed  accordwgto  Pnrpofe.  The  words  are  plain. 
 To  them  that  Uve  God  who  are  the  caUtd  according  to  pxr- 
 fofe.  1  n  wrhch  words  it's  plain  ,  That  none  lave  God,  but  fuch 
 as  are  cdled  according  to  pur  pole  •  and  that  fudh  as  are  called 
 acconli  <:-  to  purpoje,  do  love  God  •  and  that  the  ApcAWc  fpeajketh 
 here,  ii  V  r/,28  29.30  &c.  of  nane  but  fuch  as  love  God  ,  and 
 are  called  according  ro  Purpoie.  Let  thele  evident  thugs  be 
 minded  in  theic  three  V*rfes. 
 
 A  a  a   2  i.Thtfe 
 
$6  Of  Romans  8. 28. 
 
 I.  Thofe  fpokenof  here,  are  fuch  as  do  love  God.      Nowe- 
 
 V£*GaL6?i ™y Man  wilIbc  rcady  tofly !  Hc  lovcth God :  buc  Mcbs  own 
 
 n?&$.&  f'i.  %ing  f°>*J  no  pro°f  of  it  ;  his  own  Heart  is  deceitful ,    and  his 
 
 1.16. 1/0/7.1.4  pcrfwafion  and  profeffion  no  fufficicnc  Teftimony  :  for  love  in  con. 
 
 Rom.\\.$i.ijob  ceic  and  tongue  ,  when  it's  not  in  deed  declaring  it,  is  not  love  in- 
 
 4.9,10,1^19  jCC(j.  nor  is  that  love  indeed  ,    that  we  love  Godfirft,  and  fo 
 
 claim  right  in  his  love  *  but  that  he  leved  us ,  and  gave  his  Son  to 
 
 be  the  Propitiation  for  our  fins ;  and  making  that  known,  foas 
 
 we  believing  it,do  therefore  love  hirabecaufe  he  loved  us  firtt :  and 
 
 fo  this  true  love  of  God  is,  that  love, 
 
 ijob.^io9\6,i9      J  •  Which  fpringeth  from  the  great  love  of  God  to  Mankinde* 
 
 &$.\6  T^.3.4,  appearing  in  the  gift  of  his  Son  to  be  the  Saviour  of  the  World, 
 
 5  iPet.i.tRgm.  believed  by  us. 
 
 *'1>6  2.    VVmch  in  this  fpringtng  floweth  upon  and  is  (et  upon  God 
 
 Jflk.8.44  ant.  in  his  way,  that  is,  firft  on  Jefus  Chrift  the  Son  of  God,  whom  he 
 1.2  j^.14.7,  bath  given  ;  and  fo  foveth  God  forgiving  Chrift  %  and  fo  loveth 
 ioKom.%.$z&  ^im  y  aR(j  through  Chrift  ,    and  to  loveth  the  Spirit.  aBd  whole 
 1%\?[al\q'^  ®ovcrnmc'lt  °^  ®°^  c^at  procttdtth  from  him  ,    and  therein  the 
 jyS>i6sP/Aatf!  Word  ,  and  DocVine,  and  Sayings  of  Chrift  ,    and  fo  the  Ordi- 
 8^7.4         nances  of  God  in  feHowftiip  with  his  people ,    and  fo  with  intire 
 affc#ion  and  delightfulnefs,  the  Brethren  that  believe  in,  and  love 
 the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  I  John  4.  20,  21.  and  5.1,2.  and  with 
 J^^M^^compafliontoall  thofe  in  that  Nature  in  which  Chrift  died  ,  and 
 ii^ijVi'W  *°  Purch*kd  t^iem  with  his  Blood  ,    though  not  yet  corgregatcd 
 1  Job.  z.  4,  5  them  to  himfelf  thereby  •  fo,  as  though  hating  their  evil  wayes,yec 
 aTiw.4.8         pitying  them  ,    and  definrig  their  Salvation,  and  endeavouring  it : 
 and  in  this  love  of  God  •   and  Men  for  his  fake,  loving  to  walk 
 in  his  Commandments,  in  exercife  of  faith  and  Love   :    and 
 fo  loving  the  appearing  and  coming  again  of  cur  Lord  Jefus 
 Chrift. 
 6$l.1.6johJ4      3.  This  love  fo  fpringing  and  flowing  ,  doth  work  from  the 
 »ij*3»i7«k,i  Faith  and  belief  of  the  goodnefs  of  God  in  Chrift  that  biing- 
 cth  it  forth  ;    and  fo  Faith  workech  through  Love,  to  the  fly- 
 ing all  evil,     and  doing  good    according  to  his  Command- 
 ments.       And    this  is  the  Love  of  God  ;     and  they  that  fo 
 love,  arc  Levers  of  God  ;  and  fuch  as  fo  love  Cod,  are  the  Cal- 
 led according  to  Purpofc ,    which  is  the  next  Defer  ipfion  of 
 them. 
 
 25  To  them  who  are  the  Called  according  to  Purpofc  :  minde 
 
 this 
 
Of  Romans  8.  28.  357 
 
 this  well  •    he  faith  net ,    To  them  whom  God  hath  or  had  pur- 
 posed jo  call  .  or,  And  fo  according  to  his  Purpofe  hath  called  :  Bphuit 
 nor  can  fuch  meaning  be  foifted  m  or  tolerated  •    for  God  work- 
 eth  all  things  according  to  the  counfel  of  his  own'will  ,  and  doth 
 nothino  btfide  or  contrary  to  his  Purpofe  ;     and  yet  he  hath  cal-  Pwy.1.23, 24, 
 led  and  doth  call  many  that  perifh  for  refilling  to  turn  at  his  call :  ZJ )&c-  £'*•*• 
 though  fome  arc  of  this  minde  ,    That  it  is  thole  purpofed  to  be  '  '3°  HoJ'n'$> 
 called  $  and  fo  trarfiite  the  words  as  nigh  as  they  can »    called  of 
 purpofe  :  but  that  cannot  bear  oat  that  lenfe ,  because  it  croffeth 
 other  places  of  Scripture  that  faith,  HtcaSethall  ♦  and  ,    many  jfa.tf.nMat. 
 Are  called,  and  few  are  chofen  5  and  yet  he  cslleth  noae  that  he  22.14 
 purpofed  not  to  call.      But  the  words  are  plain  ,  Them  who  are 
 the  caicd  according  to  purpofe  :  which  indeed  are  none  but  the  K^.17.14 
 Lovers  of  jQod  ,    that  arc  called  ,  and  chofen ,   and  faithful  ; 
 fo   that  for  right  underftanding  the  Words,  we   have  three 
 things   here  to  confider,    what  the  Scripture  will  tell  us  of 
 them  , 
 
 1  ♦  What  this  Purpofe  of  (Sod  is,  that  is  here  meant. 
 
 2.  What  the  Calling  is,  that  is  here  meant. 
 
 3.  What  that  is  meant  here,  by  being  called  according  to  Pur- 
 pofe. 
 
 J.  The  Purpofe  of  God  here  meant,  appears  in  Scripture  to 
 be  that  Purpofe  of  God  ,  which  was  for  the  good  of  fallen  Man- 
 kinde  confining  to  our  apprehenfion  in  thefe  four  Branches. 
 
 I .  That  be  purpofed,  and  fo  according  to  his  purpofe  fent  forth  Jok$*  jtf, ^ 
 his  only  begotten  Son  in  Man's  nature  to  make  propitiation  for  our  ijfoh.$.  1.I&4. 
 fins,  and  to  be  the  Saviour  of  the  World,  that  whoever  believeth  in  9>10-  iTim*ijf 
 him  might  be  faved.  &*+>U* 
 
 a.  That  God  in  his  Purpofe  farther  purpofed  to  give  forth  fuch 
 evidences  of  his  goodeefs  through  his  Son?  and  fo  to  fee  him  forth  J*l*\*Vi  6 
 and  lift  him  up  in  meats  ufing  ,    as  thereby  to  call  Mea,  aad  ftrive  ifa.^.i\iii& 
 with  them  by  his  Spirit,  opening  their  eyes,  aad  moving  their  55.1^233,7 
 Hearts  that  they  might  believe    and  fo  repent  and  come  in  to  him 
 and  be  faved,and  fo  to  call  all  in  their  (everal  Ages,according  to  the 
 means  he  ufcth  towards  them. 
 
 3.  He  in  this  Pui  pofc  yet  farther  purpofed  ,    That  whoever  ac-  Joh^:\^\6ifa. 
 cording  to  the  means  and  light  he  extendeth  to  them,  to  make  45.**  Kom.\oK 
 known  his  Son  and  Gr*ce  through  him,  do  hear  and  behold,  and  9ii°>13 
 fo  believe  in  himrchey  (hall  not  perifh,  but  have  everlafting  life. 
 
 4.  He 
 
358  Of  Romans  8.28. 
 
 R.i  l  &jl       4.  He  in  his  Purpofe  yet  farther  purpofed  ,    That  his  Purpofe 
 
 4^,7  '  fHould  abide ,    ftand  and  cake  place  in  Men,  for  faving  them*  and 
 
 inverting  chem  with  Privilcdges  of  Sons  and  eternal  life,  according 
 
 to  the  prevalency  and  Ele&ioa  of  Gnce  difplayed  aad  believed* 
 
 and  not  according  to  the  workings  of  Men. 
 
 And  in  all  thefe  together,  is  the  purpofe  of  God  ,  as  hath  been 
 before  at  large  fhewed  and  proved  in  the  two  former  Chapters, 
 with  the  Cautions  third  and  fourth  in  the  fecond  Chapter  ,  and 
 are  here  only  contracted,  to  be  eafily  undetftood.  New  God  ac- 
 cording to  this  his  Purpofe  calleth  all  Men  ,  efpecially  where 
 the  &ofpel  comes  ,  as  hath  plentifully  been  proved.  Let  this  be 
 heeded. 
 II.  For  die  Callii g  that  is  here  meant,  it  appears  by  that  which 
 HpJM-4  is  faid  in  thisVerfe,     and  which  follows  in  the  next,   to  be  a 
 
 through  and  double  Call ;  for  chough  the  Ciller  be  one ,  and  the 
 Objeddifcovercd,  and  the  Medium  and  Spirit  therein  ,  by  which 
 he  calleth,  be  one ;  and  the  hope  fet  before  them,  to  which  they  are 
 called,  be  one  ;  and  in  chat  refped  the  Call  one :  yet  in  refped  of 
 the  pcrfons  called  ,  and  chac  to  which  for  the  enjoyment  of  this 
 hope  they  are  called,  the  Call  is  double,  firft  and  following,  as  ap- 
 pears, 
 
 1 .  The  firft  or  the  beginning  of  the  Call,  is  of  finners  and  un- 
 Mar.i.ts  Epb.  bel[cvcrs  t0  repent  and  believe  the  Gofpel :  fuch  are  all  men  before 
 \ti^Mat9°\2  he  call  chem  eyen  dead  in  trefpaffes  and  fins ,    under  wrach  and 
 Mar.zAiLuk.1)  the  power  of  dark nefs ,  and  the  wicked  one  •  and  fuch  as  thele 
 32,  del.  i6.i%  are  by  the  Gofpel  called  to  repentance  and  believing  in  Chrift,thac 
 fo  they  may  receive  forgivenefs  of  fins,  and  life  in  Chrift  ,  to  con- 
 vert and  renew  a  right  difpofition  in  them  ;  and  fo  with  this  Call 
 to  this  Repentance  and  Faith,  Chrift  calleth  finners,  and  none  but 
 finners;and  as  finners?  and  fuch  he  feat  forth  his  fervanfs  in  the  Mi- 
 ifa  <i.i*6,7&  niftratton  of  the  Sofpel,tocall  to  this  Repentance  and  Faith.  And 
 51.15  L^.24  fb  it  was  fore-prophefied  of  him,  that  by  himfelf,  and  by  his  Spirit 
 46  47,4s  a&,  ip  his  fervants  he  fhould  call  fuch  ;  and  by  himfelf  a  firmed  that  fo 
 1    8   fl.ww.io.  ic  fHall  oe:  andfuch  hehimfelf  did  call  ia  his  Mmiftration  ,    and 
 8;9,ic,  3        jij.'oy^g  Spirit  lathe  Mmiftntion  of  his  Apoftles,   A^r.1.14, 
 15.  >#.i  3.38,47.  and  14.  &c.    A vA  in  this  Caliche  e is difco- 
 vt»ed  and  leudered  to  fuch  finners  ,  mercy  and  forgiveness  in  Jeius 
 Chnft  ,  and  the  ble&d  hope  of  eternal  Life  to  be  had  in  their  be- 
 laying :  and  in  this  difcoyery  ot  Chr»fi  ciucified  for  our  fias,  and 
 
 riien 
 
O/Romans  8.i8.  355? 
 
 rifen  for  our  juftificuicn,  <&c.  and  of  God's  rich  and  free  love, 
 gracioufnefs  and  rigbteoufnefc  theretbiough  ,    is  di (covered  the  /^•'^•7. 8  s?* 
 finfulnefs  2nd  hefpiefnefs  that  is  in  Men ,     the  vanity  of  all  their  J^^y^V 
 wifdom,  righceoufnefs,  ftrength,  and  of  ail  Crearures  to  help  them;  37,,Yg5  3^  4J 
 and  fo  in  reprovirg  their  evil  wayes,  their  wifdom ,   tigrKcoufne  fs, 
 pride  and  defigns,  calls  to  turn  at  his  reproof,  and  fo  to  believe  in 
 him  9  that  they  may  receive  from  him  remiffkm  of  fins  ,    wifdom, 
 righceoufnefs  and  life,  which  in  their  turning  he  will  affuredly  give 
 them. 
 
 Now  fame  called  thus,ftumblc  at  his  reproofcand  will  not  turn,  vrov.i.i^z^ 
 to  lay  alide  their  own  wifdom  ,  defigns,  &c.    and  forefufe  to  36  ier.6. 16,30 
 hearken,  and  to  turn  at  his  reproof  j  thefe,  though  called  ,    come  lo'^l.  19  &iu 
 not  at  all  Job.  5  40,  fome  others  there  are,  that  in  his  Call  do  lz>z* 
 begin  to  believe  the  Truth  and  CSoodnefs  of  the  Gofpel :  to  the  o- 
 perations  whereof,  if  they  did  yield  ,    and  abide  therein ,  it  would 
 fave  thcm,and  make  them  free  :  but  they  not  abiding  in  and  yield- 
 ing to  the  teachings  of  this  Grace,  they  are  not  yet  brought  in  tru- 
 ly to  be  bis,  and. live  to  him.     Now  bo;h  thefe  forts  arc  called  of  u\)% 8> *,  -2  -$ 
 God  according  to  his  Purpofe  ;  but  neither  of  them  the  called  ac-  zTbef.%.  13, 14. 
 cording  to  put  pole,    becaufe  not  prevailed  with  by  his  discovered  iPet.z,  iPhiL 
 and  electing  Grace,  to  yield  up  to  the  blood  of  fprinkling,to  be  his   3-7.%>9R<>m-1* 
 and  let  all  go  for  him, to  win  him  &  live  to  him.But  fome  there  have  6''°h  f?£*Z 
 been  and  are,  that  in  hearing  and  beholding  his  free  and  great  i£V'-'s.3  Gal. 
 love  toMinkinde,  difcovered  through  the  fufftrings  of  Chritt  for  4-8  i?eu  z,$>. 
 finners,  and  the  fu^nefsof  grace  in  him.  are  brought  in  to  believe  •  h  9 
 and  in  belicvirg  minding  of  chat  grace^arc  focbofen  &  for  his  love, 
 love  him  and  arcalfo  now  loved  of  him  with  love  of  well,  plea (ed^ 
 nefc,  and  fo  known  and  s  pproved  of  him, even  his  e!c&  and  cho 
 fen;  and  thefe  are  the  Called  according  to  purpofe.  And  fcyhcugh 
 the  word  Called  be  u!ed  in  both  fenfes,  for  them  that  are  prevailed 
 with  ?    and  fometimes  for  them  that  are  not   prevailed  with  • 
 yet  the  word  ,     Tht  CaHid ,     is  ufed  but    in  one  fenfe,  for  Rm<  1.^,7 
 thtm  that  are  previilcd  with;  and  here,  for  thofe  fo  prevailed 
 wi'n.   But  when  Qod  hath  thus  approved  Believers,he  farther  caL- 
 leththem, 
 
 2.  The  following  Call  is  of  Relievers  ,  and  Saints  approved  ; 
 andasBevv  rs  od  Saints,  he  c.lleth  them  rofervice,  even  to 
 conformity  to  C  >i  (t  in  f-rvices  of  L'we.and  fufferings  for  his  fake, 
 and  ihefcja  co  x  1  ie:,ce  m.ekncfs  and  waiting  tnrou^h  fuffering  for 
 the  h<  p:  ot  glory.  Thus, 
 
$6o  Of  Romans  8. 28. 
 
 Afar.9.7,ia         Thus  thrift  called  his  fore-called  DJcipIes  -  and  chofe  them, 
 LutL^.iifa+i.  *nd  lent  them  forth  tofuch  (crvice  :  and  thus  God  is  fa  id  to  have 
 i     tfa.  50,  j  railed  up  the  righteous  Mm ,  and  called  him  to  his  foot  ,  (which 
 lTim.  1. ii,  ii  js  tofuch  fcrvice:)  and  fo  God  calls  his  Saints  that  have  made 
 MafrtliEpy  a  Covenant  with  him  by  Surifice.     A^d  fo  Paul  being  cailed 
 5.1  Rcv.ij.iiz^  counted  faithful,  was  then  put  in  the  Miniftery ;  and  fo  bein<* 
 *Vet,%f$iia   called  to  be  a  Believer,  was  then  called  to  b=  an  Apjfxle.  And  fo  all 
 Chrift's  Difciples  were  •  and  all  unfeigned  Bslievers  (till  are  called 
 to  be  followers  of  Chrift  in  iove>  fetvices  and  fufferings  ;  yea>  thefe 
 are  to  follow  the  Lanibc  wherefoever  he  goeth,  and  to  ftiew  forth 
 his  praifest 
 -  ■  .  And  of  this  Call ,  J*dt  fpeaketh  to  the  Saints  ,    whom  he  faith 
 
 were  fan&ified  by  God  the  Father ,  that  was  in  the  fivft  part  or 
 degree  of  the  Call  in  giving  them  to  Chiift,  and  prefer ved  in  Jefus 
 Chrift  ,  there  was  their  inward  Sanitiication  and  Prefervation 
 through  grace,  in  which  he  alio  approved  them  :  and  called,  that 
 is,to  fervices  of  love,  through  fufteriDgs  and  oppofitions.  To  which 
 Jude  exhorteth  thcm>  as  the  Apoftle  was  here  comforting  and  en- 
 couraging thefe  Believers  in  the  fame. 
 
 3 .  So  then>  to  be  called  according  to  purpofe,  fo  as  to  be  of  the 
 *m&%V  10i  Called  according  to  purpofe,  appears  to  be  throughly  called  with 
 iriml.i  *  Tit.  ^i8  double  Call,  or  firft  and  following  Call  ;  and  Co  to  have  been 
 3.4 1^3.7,8,  by  the  difcovery  of  God  *s  free-grace  in  Chrift  toftnners  without 
 9  Job.i$.\6yi9  dirTerence,prcvailed  with  to  believe  in  Chrift ;  and  in  that  believing, 
 iTkc/.x.i3,M>havebeen  through  the  excellency  and  operation  of  that  grace  be- 
 1  $,16.  zTbej*  jievfcj  ^  prcvaiiccj  w{cn  to  ict  ali  g0  for  Chrift,  to  enjoy  him  ;  and  fo 
 
 fevered  from  their  Union  and  Fellowfhip  with  fhe  World  9  and 
 their  former  vain  confidences  and  defigns  ,  and  fo  chofen  through 
 the  San&ification  of  the  Spirit  and  Belief  of  the  Truth,  and  fet  for 
 love- fervices,  though  through  fufferings.  Thefe  are  the  Lovers  of 
 God,  and  the  Called  according  to  purpofe.  And  of  thefe,and  only 
 fuch  as  thefe,  the  Apoftle  fpeakech  ia  this  2  8  v.  and  thefe  only  are 
 the  Subjects  of  thae  he  fpeaks  in  the  two  Verfes  following,  which 
 are  the  reafon,  ground  and  proof  that  be  gives  to  confirm  the 
 Truth  of  this  he  hath  faid  v. 2  8.  We  kpow  that  all  things  wor^ 
 together  for  good  to  tbtm  that  love  God,  &c.  for ,  or  becaufe  : 
 view  the  verfes. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
J* 
 
 C   H  A  P.    7. 
 
 Of  Romans  8.  20,30, 
 
 FOr  whom  he  did  foreknow  i  he  alfo  did  predeftinate  to  be  £0$,  8,29,30 
 conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Son}  that  he  might  be  the 
 fir  ft  born  among  many  brethren  :  moreover  »  whom  he  did 
 predeftinate  them  he  alfo  called  ;  and  whom  he  called  ,  them 
 he  alfo  juftified ;  and  whom  he  juftified ,  them  he  alfo  glori» 
 fied*  Let  the  words  be  minded  :  he  faith  not  here  or  anywhere 
 elfe,  That  there  were  a  fort  of  people  foreknown  and  ele&  of  Godi 
 and  given  to  Chrift  to  die  for  them :  fuch  a  Saying  would  crofs  all 
 the  Dcftrine  of  the  Gofpcl ,  and  the  very  place  it  f^\f  •  for  if  any 
 were  fo  cleft,  then  Chrift  could  neither  be  the  Root,  nor  Fountain, 
 nor  Pattern  of  Election  ;  and  fo  in  thefe  refpefts,not  the  firft-bom 
 among  many  Brethren,  as  this  place  affirms  him  to  be.  Nor  doth 
 the  Apoftle  here  or  any  otherwhere  fay  ,  That  fome  of  Adam 's 
 Sons  were  predeftinate  to  be  eternally  laved,  and  fome  to  be  eter* 
 nally  damned,  before  the  World  was  5  and  that  Chrift  came  to 
 fave  the  one  fort,  and  not  the  other  :  nor  doth  he  here  paint  out 
 any  of  fallen  Mankind  considered  as  finners  and  unbelievers,  to  be 
 fcreknown  of  God,  and  thus  predeftinated  by  him  :  nor  is  it  ap- 
 pearing anywhere  in  Scripture ,  That  God  hath  foreknown  or 
 doth  know ,  own  and  approve  any  of  the  fallen  Sons  of  $Adam> 
 that  live  in  unbelief,  either  before  or  in  the  beginning  of  the  world  iPet.2.9  Rom, 
 or  fince  ,  or  any  till  they  be  brought  to  believe  in  his  Son;  yea,?-***25  pfal* 
 to  affirm  fuch  a  thing ,  is  to  deny  and  affirm  crofs  to  the  whole  lOIt4  ^M'S 
 Scripture  ,  and  no  way  agreeing  with  this  place  •  which  brings  in 
 onely  the  Lovers  of  God;thac  are  the  called  according  to  purpofe. 
 as  thofe,  and  only  thole  ,  who  hive  been  thus  foreknown  and  pre- 
 deftinated ,  and  are  the  onety  fubjeftsof  this  Election  and  Predc- 
 ftination  here  fpoken  of:  and  fo  the  faying  is  brought  \%to  uphold 
 and  comfort  fuch  in  the  fer  vices  of  love  and  fufferings  ,  to  which 
 they  are  called  s  and  that  we  tmy  cleerly  underftand  the  fenle ,  it 
 will  be  profitable  for  us  to  minde  according  to  Scripture-larguage, 
 what  is  meant, 
 
 Bbb  i.By 
 
30*2  Of  Romans  8. 20, 30. 
 
 I  •  By  Foreknowing :   a.  By  Predcfii  nation  1   3 .  By  Calling  ; 
 4,  By  Justifying  and  Glorifying :  J.  What  the  end  and  fcope  of  che 
 Apoftle  here  is  :    And  6*  what  the  way  he  takes  to  accomplifh  his 
 cud.     In  all  wr  ich  the  fenfe  appears  fully. 
 Rem  829  *  •  By  foreknowing  is  cleer  to  be  meant ,    fore- own i»g ,    ap- 
 
 proving ,  loving,  and  taking  well- plea  fed  nefs  with  :   otherwife  in 
 our  vulgar  fenfe  of  the  word  kpewizr,  God  forefaw  and  knew  all 
 Lub.\3*i7Mat.  things  good  and  bsd  2  but  in  the  Language  the  Scripcure  here 
 1.z3TfaLioi.  fpeakethfthe  Lord  doth  not,never  did,nor  will  know  an  unbeliever, 
 4  P/4/.i.tf       hypocrite,  and  wicked  Man  t  but  he  knowetb,  that  is,  upholdeth, 
 approveth  ,  loveth,  accepreth  the  way  of  the  righteous  :  and  (ot 
 though  God  be  full  of  companion,  and  hath  g;'vcn  his  Son  that  we 
 might  live  through  him;  yet  is  he  well  pleafed  with  none,  that  ha- 
 ving light  and  means  in  any  rneafu re  expended,  do  not  accordingly 
 believe  in  him  and  love  him  :  fuch  however  in  love  of  compani- 
 on pitied  and  forborn  »   and  Bill  called  on  and  ftriven  with  to  re- 
 pent and  believe  •  yet  till  they  do  fo  repent  and  believe  ,  he  is  di(- 
 Jefo.$.$6  ?fal  pleafed  with  them*  and  they  abide  under  wrath  and  difplea  fed  nefs. 
 
 .3  rney  remain  lucn  ,  tney  areia  ecus  lenicor  spprooation  ana  ipecia! 
 
 love,BOt  ^nowflinot  his  peoplc,not  beloved. But  if  any  man  through 
 
 the  belief  of  ©od's  lovc,do  love  ©od  ;  that  fame  i§  known  of  hims 
 
 fo  the  Apoftle  brings  it  in  as  a<ter  their  believing  and  turning  from 
 
 Gal  4  g  Serving  Idols  (when  they  knew  not  God,  nor  were  known  of  him) 
 
 but  now  after  ye  have  known  God,  or  rather  are  known  of  him  • 
 
 for  kaown  un:oGod(that  is,approved  of  God5and  well  pleafing  to 
 
 4ft.i$.i 8  Job.  him)  are  all  his  works  from  the  beginning  of  the  World  t  when  he 
 
 6.19.1  Pet.uzt  hath  made  known  his  love  through  his  Son,and  fo  brought  Men  to 
 
 Km.  5.538,10  believe  in  his  Son,  and  in  that  belief,  feed  abroad  his  love  in  their 
 
 heart,  and  fo  fprung  up  love  to  his  Son,  and  to  him  ,     This  is  the 
 
 work,  and  he  approveth  it ,  and  loveth  and  approveth  fuch  Lovers 
 
 of  him.     And  this  the  Apoftle  affirmcth  to  prove  ic  an  evil  work 
 
 ^.if-io/w*  cf  any,to  trouble  fuch  in  fuch  Faith  and  love :  and  fo  our  Saviour 
 
 Sec  ch  1 0«    *ffirmcth  ♦  &e  *bat  loveth  me  ,  (ball  be  loved  of  my  Father  ; 
 
 and  1  will  love  bimyand  will  manifoft  my  felfunto  him  :  if  a* 
 
 ny  man  love  me ,    he  wtQ  keep  my  words  ,  and  my  Father  will 
 
 love  him ,  and  we  will  come  to  him  and  make  our  abode  with 
 
 him.  So  that  thefe  Lovers  of  God,  as  they  are  the  called  according 
 
Of  Romans  8. 29, 30.  ^3 
 
 to  purpofe;  So  they  arc  the  ele&  and  owned,  known  and  approved 
 of  God,  even  all  of  them,  and  no  other  but  them,  as  is  plain  and  c* 
 vident  in  the  Scripture. 
 
 As  for  the  word  foreknown  ;  or,  as  fomc  tranflate,  bath  {org* 
 known ;  or,  as  others,  knew  before  •  This  word  before  doth  no 
 whit  obfeure  the  fenfe  that  is  given,  or  croft  any  thing  faid  :  for  if 
 Men  would  take  before  ,   as  relating  to  the  purpofe  of  (Sod  men-  *  &  ?  ^  R 
 tioned  vetf  28.  chen  it  could  be  no  other  then  his  provifion  to  9,^&n.sl 
 own  fuch  lovers  of  him  according  to  his  order,  for  his  purpofe,  6,7  Efb<i *it 
 (landing  and  taking  place  for  faving  Men,  as  is  forefhewn  ;  which 
 will  run  into  one  with  that  faid  and  to  be  faid.    But  it  is  cleer,  the 
 wotdfore*  or  before  knew  ,  h3th  not  relation  to  the  pcrfons  fpo-     . 
 ken  or  in  verf  28,  as  considered  before  or  otherwife  then  as  they 
 were  lovers  of  God  ,    and  the  Called  according  to  purpofe  I  and 
 fo  considered  as  Lovers  of  God,  and  the  Called  according  to  pur- 
 pofe f   k  hath  relation  to  them  ,  with  an  efpecial  relation  to  that 
 which  follows  ,   namely,  predeftinated,  and  called,  andjuftified* 
 and  glorified ;  fuch  foreknown  lovers  of  God,  being  the  fubjecls  of 
 this  predeftination,  call,  &c.  and  this  writ  for  theconfolation  and 
 fupport  of  fuch.     And  this  will  cleerly  appear  in  the  words  and 
 fcopc  of  the  Apoftle,  and  in  all  other  Scripture  :  and  fo  , 
 
 2.  To  fee  what  is  meant  by  predeflination  hetc ,  Khali  note 
 three  things  :  I.  Who  they  are  that  God  hath  thus  predefti- 
 natcd.  2.  What  that  is  to  which  they  are  predeftinated.  3.  To 
 what  end  he  hath  predeftinated  them  to  the  fame.      In  all  which  , 
 
 together  it  is  cleer ,    The  great  design  of  God  is  the  glorifying  his 
 Son,  that  his  Son  may  alio  glorifie  him  :  and  fo,    that  as  in  the  j0\,m  5. 10,i2j 
 counfels,  and  foin  thefe  works  of  God,  he  may  have  the  pre-emi-  i$&u.iCol.\. 
 nenceasthefirft-bom,  fiift  lover  of  Gcd,  firftelec^t,  predeftinate,  *5>17j1M9 
 (£v.    And  fo  j   if  any  would  pry  into  the  fecrct  of  the  counfel  of  ' 
 God  ,  the  moft  and  fuileft  revelation  thereof,  that  i3,  fince  the  af- 
 cenfion  of  ChrilVm  thismatter,is  thistth3t  God  chofe  his  own  Son,  VJa'^fra  ^j 
 and  appointed  him  to  fuffer  and  offer  facrifice  ,  and  through  fuf-  pa'rt  4.^.2. 
 fering  to  enter  into  glory  ;  and  fohe  predeftinated  him  the  fi^//,?.  50. 4,5,6 
 ele<5t  to  be  both  his  Servant  and  Son ,  to  do  the  great  bufinefs  as  phil.  a.  7>  8,9 
 is  forefiiewed.     And  in  due  time  God  called  and  lent  him  forth  to  ij*.  5°-  7a  8^ 
 this  great  work ,    and  he  fhrunk  not  back ,  but  rncft  readily  o-  Mattl?i 
 beyed  snd  did  it :  and  God  did  juftifie  him«and  hath  glorified  him 
 in  Man's  Nature  at  his  right  hand.     And  fo  bath  God  according 
 
 'Bbb  2  to 
 
3^4-  0^  Romans  8. 19, 30. 
 
 Hcb.S.i&iz.z  t0  n*s  purpofe  elected  and  predeftinated  him,,  and  called,  and  juiij- 
 Rom.$.i$.iJok.  ficd  and  glorified  him;  and  To  hath  fee  him  forth  as  the  fecond  pub- 
 4.14/0/7.1.12,  lick  Man  ,  by  and  in  whom  propitiation  is  made  ,  and  provifion 
 13,14,1^7,18  aif0  for  alJ  Men,that  they  might  be  faved  ;  be  is  the  Saviour  of  the 
 *  C?t'llfal  World;and  fuch  fulncfs  &  complcatnefs  for  acceptance  of  Believers 
 10  ii  r  in  him,and  communicating  his  Son-hkePriviledges  to  thcm,that  all 
 
 thatunfeignedly  believe  in  him, he  &  his  Priviledges  are  theirs ;  and 
 fo  they  reckned  after  him, and  fo  in  him  are  they  elecljpredeftinate, 
 called,  juftified  glorified  :  he  is  the  head  of  the  Church,  the  firfi- 
 born  among  many  Brethren ;  yea,  fie  is  fo  chofen  and  exalted,  that 
 all  (hall  confefs  him  Lord,  and  he  fhall  judge  all  ,  even  thofethat 
 have  rebelled  agaisft  him  •  fo  that  no  particular  or  individual  per* 
 fon  was  ele&  in  Chrift  before  the  World  began  •  much  lefs  before 
 him.  But  in  that  very  election  of  the  Man  Chrift  ,  fnch  provifi- 
 on was  made,  that  in  purpofe  ,  all  this  fpiritual  fpzclts  or  kinde  of 
 Men  believing  in  him,were  roreknown.approved  &  elc&  in  Chrift . 
 but  none  clecl  in  their  particular  perfons*  till  by  grace  they  believed 
 io  Chrift  •  and  yet  in  refpc#  of  him  and  his  election,  they  may  be 
 truely  faid  to  be  ele&  in  him  before  the  Foundation  cf  the  World. 
 And  this  might  be  underftood  by  the  Scripture- Language  in  con- 
 
 Z\e\t  2$.'i,  *>  trary  ^^g5;  as  co  Hr**lQ^  °ld  1£*s  kid  y  There  were  two  Women 
 3>4>5 i '  9  the  Daughters  of  one  Mother ,  they  committed  whoredoms  in  £• 
 gypt  in  their  youth  •  there  were  their  oreafts  preffed  ,  there  they 
 bruifed  the  teats  of  their  Virginity  ;  their  names  Ahslah  the  el- 
 der, that  is,  Samaria  •  and  Ahohbah  her  fifter,  that  is,  Jerufa- 
 lem  :  Aholah  plaied  the  Harlot  fi;ft,  and  AboHbabzkttwax6s. 
 Now  in  Egypt  it  was  but  one  Woman  •  all  Mofis  time  ,  when 
 they  were  come  out  of  Egypt,  it  was  ftill  one  Wc  man  ;  all  fefhu- 
 d*s  time  ,  that  led  them  into  Canaan  ,  and  tfce  time  of  the  Elders 
 that  cut-lived  him,  it  was  ftill  one  •  and  all  the  time  of  the  Judges 
 from  Othniel  to  Samuel,  it  was  ftill  one  •  and  all  the  Raign  of 
 Saul ,  and  David ,  and  Solomon ,  it  was  but  one  Woman 
 ftill  :  in  Rehoboanfs  time »  feriboam  with  the  ten  Tubes ,  made 
 zChrona  5.i>4  tne  rent,  and  then  they  became  two  Women  two  Churches  ,  two 
 Nations,  two  Kingdoms.  And  this  Aholah  went  a  whoring  a 
 lon^  time  firft  or  before  the  other  ;  and  afterwards ,  the  other 
 fifteralfo:  yet  now  being  charged  with  the  fin  of  their  whore- 
 doms, it  is  for  the  time  of  their  beginning  of  whoredomes  ,  not 
 reckoned  according  to  the  Branches  finning  oncly,  whac  they 
 
 did 
 
0^  Romans  8. 29,30.  ffi 
 
 did  when  divided  •  bu:  it  is  reckoned  upon  the  account  of  the  fe>  £ivf,  l0  g 
 
 veral  Branches  for  the  tiT.c  of  the  beginning  of  their  finning,  from 
 
 the  root,whcn  in  their  Mother  they  went  a  whoring  in  Egypt :  and 
 
 this  is  understandable  enough^  yet  neerer  .can  we  underiiand  how 
 
 a  M*n  in  murthering  his  Brother  ct  a  Saint,  doth  therein  approve  ifob.^.iijude 
 
 of  C^'a's  murthering  Abel  ^  and  fo  makes  himfelfguil.y  of  Cain's  1 1  Mat.z$.j  ? 
 
 fin  in  killing  his  Brother  ?     And  can  we  undeiMand  a  Man  by  pro-  Rom>f.iz3'-B)<9 
 
 pagaticn  from  ddam.  born  a  (inner  ,  that  his  fin  is  as  old  as  from 
 
 Adam\  fall?    and  may  not  a  Believer  as  eafily  underftand  of 
 
 rhofe  by  a  new  Birth  come  in  to  the  fpirkual  Man,  that  he  that  ye- 
 
 (lerday  was  brought  in  to  Jefus  ,    and  fo  believing  in  him  ,    is 
 
 through  the  San&ification  of  the  Spirit,    and  the  belief  of  the 
 
 Truth,  united  to  hirr^  and  fo  chofen  and  approved  in  him  *-  is  now 
 
 in  him;  and  reckoned  after  him  the  fpirkual  Man,  the  prime  ele<&, 
 
 and  fo  partaketh  of  that  election  that  was  his ,    and  of,     and  in 
 
 him  for  all  Believers  before  the  World  began  ?    and  (o,    as  the 
 
 grace  and  righteoufnefs  in  him9  even  fo  election,  &c.  when  we  by 
 
 Faith  receive  it,  is  become  ours  ,  and  thisgnce  and  righteoufnefs, 
 
 and  (o  election  ,  which  we  receive  in  receiving  Chriit ,   is  for  the 
 
 amientnefs  and  the  beginning  of  chat  grace  and  righteoufnefs,  not 
 
 reckoned  according  to  the  time  of  cur  receit  ?  but  of  the  be;ng  and  ^m' ,  1  Jj, 
 
 compleatnefs  o(  it  in  Chrift  ;.we  partaking  of  no  other  Sondiip,  E-  j^  uujfo/v 
 
 lection,  Righteoufnefs  or  juilification  ,  but  what  is  his ,    and  was  1.30 
 
 in- him  for  us  before  we  knew  hins  •    and  now  knowing  him ,    he 
 
 communicates  to  us  his  own  Piiviledges.     In  which  fenfe,  he  that 
 
 in  his  own  perfon  was  bu:  yefterday  chofen  out  of  the  world  9    in 
 
 and  into  Chiilt,  may  be  truly  faid  to  be  chofen  in  Chrift  before  the 
 
 foundation  of  the  World.     And  this  is  a  full  and  plain  fenfe,  not 
 
 eroding  bu:  agreeing  with  the  place,&  thercfidue  of  the  Scriptures, 
 
 to  facisfie  thofe  that  defire  to  look  into  the  inmoft  of  the  myftery. 
 
 Yet  Mill  agreeing  with  the  fame,  the  fenfe  is  more  plainly  opened 
 in  the  words ,  thofe  three  things  in  them  propounded  considered 
 with  this  premife ,  That  the  whole  fentence  be  taken  according  to 
 its  own  import  of  twoehings  performed  in  it,  that  is  to  fay  ,  firft, 
 as  a  Delcription  of  the  predeftinate  ,  with  that  whereto  they  are 
 predeitinace ,  and  for  what  end  :  fecond/y  $  a  propounding  c€ 
 examples  to  them,  of  fuch  Saints  as  have  gone  before  and  finilh- 
 cd  their  courfe  j  and  fo  according  to  both  thefe>  let  the  words  be 
 minded. 
 
 firft. 
 
^66      m         0/Romans  8.19, 30. 
 
 Firft.I  (hall  confider  thofc  three  things  as  the  Defcription  of  the 
 Prcdcftination. 
 
 1 .  Who  they  are  that  God  hath  thus  predeftinated  I  enough  is 
 faid  already  to  (hew  they  are  not  any  of  Adam's  Sons  as  fallen  in 
 him,  and  naturally  come  forth  from  him,as  foremiining.and  fo  be- 
 held :  but  only  fuch  as  ate  foreknown  &  fore-owned  ofGod,which 
 
 iCor.t.$Gal.4.  arc  oncjy  the  Called  according  to  purpofe,  chat  through  the  grace 
 
 '6JlyXl[& and  Iovc  of  God  in  Chrift  bdicvcd  '    do  Icve  God  :  aI1  thcf- 
 10.41,42.  iTim,  and  none  but  thcfei  are  known  of  God  :  thefe  all,  ancj  oncly 
 i„n>ii#2,7thefe    ele&,      owned    and    approved:     God   doth,    having 
 firft   or  fore-owned  them    in    rhat  very  election  and   owning 
 of  them  ,  appoint ,    ordain  and  predeftinate  them  to  this  confor- 
 mity. 
 
 2.  That  is  both  intimately  hinted  what  not  to ,  or  exprefly  af- 
 firmed to  what  intimately  (hewed;  that  it  is  "not  to  make  propitia- 
 tion for  fins,  and  to  cflfer  the  acceptable  facriftce,  &c*  for  accor- 
 ding to  purpofe  Chrift  onely  was  to  do  and  hath  done  that ,  and 
 God  hath  commended  his  leve  to  Man-ward  through  him  :  nor  is 
 it  to  be  called  as  (inners  to  repentance ,  and  to  believe  in  Chrift  ; 
 and  in  believing  to  receive  remiffion  of  fins  paftt  and  fo  to  be 
 framed  to  love  God  ,  and. by  Faith  to  be  the  Sons  of  God  ,  and 
 in  that  Faith  in  him  ,  to  have  the  beginnings  of  ecernal  life ;  All 
 which  in  fome  good  mcafure  they  have  already  ,  being  Lovers  of 
 God  ,  and  called  according  to  purpofe  ,  and  (o  known  and  ap» 
 proved  of  God  before  this  predeftinating  them  :  but  that  which 
 chey  as  Sons  are  predeftinated  unto ,  is  fomeching  in  which  Chrift 
 as  the  prime  Son  isfet  forth  as  a  pattern  to  them  ;  and  fo  it  is  ex- 
 prefly faid  1  They  are  predeftinated  to  be  conformed  to  the!- 
 maoeof  his  Son.  which  muft  needs  be,  to  that  likenefs  of  him 
 in  which  he  is  fet  before  us  for  a  pattern  and  example  to 
 conform  to  ;  and  that  may  be  comprehended  in  thefe 
 three  Branches,  as  the  Scripture  plentifully  and  plainly 
 ftiews. 
 
 I.  In  fervices  of  lev?,  in  declaring  his  Name,and  (hewing  forth 
 i?et.%.l,9Eph.  ^1S  prajfc$  anc|  ycrcues  in  word  and  conversation  :  to  this  end  were 
 Yob.  iT»^?i9  c^f  created  in  him  to  good  works.tba:  they  (hould  walk  in  them  ; 
 iTim.  i.ii'n  yea,  to  this  end  ,  their  rmrrying  2nd  uniting  to  Chrift,  that  they 
 &Z.7.1T1M.1.  {hould  ferve  in  newnefs  of  Spini ;  fo  Chrift  inchuling  ordains  to 
 11  ^#,10.41,42  ooancj  bjjna  forth  fruit :  fo  Fan  I  when  counted  faithful  was  nut 
 
 m 
 
Of  Romans  8.  ip,  30.  5^7 
 
 in  theMiniflcry,    and  fo  ordained  a  Preschcr  and  an  Apcft!e;  £^l#4p/;i/#i 
 yca,a!!hi3cho(cn  WimciT-s,  and  fpccially  his  Apoftles,  were  pre-  iiti6Epks'.i9 
 deftinated  co  the  Adoption  of  Children  by  Jefus  Chvift  in  their  z.  Joh.i3.11, 
 Miniftrstion  ,  and  §11  Believers  commanded  to  held  forth  the  34>3S  t^ij.i* 
 word  of  life,^.  and  fo  to  be  Followers  of  God  as  e'ear  Children, 
 and  co  walk  in  love  as  Chrift  hath  loved  us  •    who  tells  11s  he  hath 
 given  us  an  example,  and  bids  us  fo  to  do*     To  this  they  are  pre- 
 deftinawd. 
 
 II.   In  bearing  thecrofs  cf  Chrift  in  this  their  fervice,  in  patient  xrhef.x.x  4 
 acceptance  and  indurance  of  fuch  affi:<3iors  as  they  meet  with 
 for  the  Name  of  Chrift,  and  as  God  is  pleafsd  to  try  and  exercife 
 them  wirhall.      And  this  the  Apcftle  fpea  ks  of  9    as  a  known  m&uio^i  & 
 thiog  among  Believers,  which  he  had  taught  them  alfo  •  fpeaking  lo.zi.iTet^* 
 of  afflictions  he  faith ,    For  jour  [elves  k»ovo ,    that  we  are  ap-  "cH.tf  ,7  Aft. 
 pointed  thereunto.     And  Chrift   told  his  Difciples  f    That  they  \^Q^t 
 (boulA  indeed  drink.of  hk  cup.  and  bs  baptised  with  hie  bap- 
 ttfm.       Whence  Peter  admonifacth  not  to  count  the  fiery  trial 
 Grange,  as  if  foroe  ftrange  thing  hapned  to  u?.     And  the  Apoftle 
 puts  it  in  as  of  neceflity,W?  mufi  through  much  tribulation  enter 
 into  the  kingdom  of  God.    ,  And    Paul   puts   it   down    not 
 onely    as    neceffary  ,  but  general  s    Aft   that    veih  live  godly 
 in  Chrtfl  Jefus>  (b*U  fuffer  persecution   s   and  (Sod   icourg- 
 eth  every  Son  whom  he  receivethu      To  this  they  are  predcfti- 
 nated. 
 
 ill.  Through  thefe  fufcrings  to  be  conformed  to  the  Image  of  Phil. $t9iio 
 Chrift  in  this  life,  in  fpiritual  vertues,  in  meekncfs,pa:ience,  fubmif-  zC<>r.  4. 17,1 8 
 (ion  to  the  will  of  God,  experiments  of  divine  power,in  fortitude,  R°m'  *•  3>  4>5 
 conftancy*  &c.  and  after  this  life*  in  glory  and  raigning  ;  that  as  A^u/b  z^io 
 it  was  appointed  him  through  (offerings  to  be  mide  perfect  and  1,^.24.  zV 
 to  enter  into  his  glory  •    fo  it  is  by  the  fame  divine  appoiacmentr  Rom.z.iy 
 that  Believers  follow  him  in  the  fame  way  to  enter  reft  and  glory  s lTim*  2«  n>lz 
 whence  that  is  clofed  in  with  our  Soiifhip  and  being  Heirs-  If  fo  be  ^  *'  \h  3  *" 
 that  we  fuffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be  glorified  together  •  if  we  1  p^/133 ' 
 be  dead,  we  (hall  alfo  live  with  him  ;  if  we  fuffer  ,   we  ftiallalfo 
 raign  with  him  :    whence  thofe  callings  to  rejoyce  when  fuch  fuf- 
 fcrings  befal  us.    And  the  prcdeftmation  is  principally  to  the  way* 
 means  and  orderly  leading  to  the  purpofed  end   :    and  this  that  to 
 which  (Sod's  chofen  are  predeftinated. 
 
 3 .  The  e_nd  for  which  he  hath  thus  predeftinated  thofe  he  hath 
 
 owned 
 
5o8  Of  Romans  8. 19,  30. 
 
 owned  as  unfeigned  Bt  lie  vers  and  lovers  of  him ,    to  be  thus  con- 
 formed to  the  Image  of  his  Son,  that  is  exprefs,  That  he  (  his  Sen 
 Chrift  )  might  be  the  firft  born  among  many  Brethren.      Plain  ic 
 Col.i.iZ.Prw.  is,  That  this  great  defign  of  God  in  this  predeftination  of  the  Be- 
 S.aij&c.ft/.t.  Kevers  to  fuch  conformity  Co  liim,  ftill  to  advance  and  glorifie  his 
 ^JiftwliMat  ^on '    t^iat  *n  a^  ^gs  ^c  raay  ^avc  tnc  pre-eminence  :  he  was 
 2.i*8Xir,3i.ili anc*  *s  without  controverfic  in  himfelf  the  firft-born  and  before  all 
 17  things «  yea>  he  is  alio  the  firft-born  of  every  creature  ;  fo,  as  they 
 
 were  made  by  him  :  he  is  alfo  the  fi:ft-born  from  the  dead  ,  and 
 fo  the  object  of  Faith  for  all  Men.  And  more  I  might  fay  in.  re- 
 fpe&  of  thofe  dying  in  infancy  :  but  in  this  it  is,  that  he  might  be 
 the  firft-born  among  many  brethren  ,  even  thofe  chofen  and  pre- 
 deftinated  to  conformity  to  him  in  fuch  ferviccs  and  fufferings  ,  to 
 Ueb.n.i$Col.  Pa^  therethrough  to  glory  ;  whence  fo  believing  on  him,  they  are 
 1.1 8Epb.  1.2 1,  called  the  Congregation  of  the  firft  born,  as  he  is  alfo  the  Head  of 
 a  3  loh.i  7,1  the  Church,  all  whole  excellency  and  happinefs  is  in  being  ftill  more 
 conformed  to  him,  in  that  in  which  for  a  pattern  he  is  fet  forth 
 to  them;  in  which,  as  he  is  glorified,  fo  God  is  glorified  in  and  by 
 him  2  fo  that  predeftination  here  cannot  be  a  predeftination  of 
 Men  to  be  feved  ,  for  whom  Chrift  fhould  die  and  fuffer  to  fave 
 themjfor  he  then  (hould  not  be  the  firft-born  in  fuch  a  predeftinati- 
 on, fcarce  fo  the  firft  in  order :  but  here  he  is  the  firft,  in  the  choife 
 predeftination,  call,  juftificatioa  and  glorification  ,  and  foin  the 
 whole  pattern  above  all  in  excellency  :  and  they , 
 
 Firft,  believing  and  chofen  in  him  ,  and  then  predeflinated  to  be 
 conformed  to  him,that  therein  he  may  be  thechicfand  firft-born  a- 
 mong  many  Brethren,  And  fo  we  have  the  meaning  in  the  Apo- 
 ftle's  Defcription. 
 
 Secondly,  Let  all  thefe  things  in  the  words  be  confidered  as  the 
 Apoftle  here  propofeth  to  the  Believers,  according  to  his  wonted 
 manner,  the  examples  of  fuch  as  hid  gone  before  them  in  the  Faith, 
 to  comfort  and  encourage  them  to  fervice  and  fuffering  ,  and 
 through  fufferings  to  wait  for  glory  :  in  which  examples  he  alfo 
 fets  forth  Chrift  as  the  ch\ef,to  behold  and  conform  to  j  they  when 
 chofen  were  predeftina ted  ,  and  then  called  to  it,  and  alfo  juftifi- 
 ed  and  glorified ;  and  there  is  no  change  in  God  ;  we  may  be  fure, 
 irJflM.16  believing  in  him*  he  will  even  fo  deal  in  the  fame  manner  with  us  • 
 they  ate  patterns  for  us  that  believe.  And  fo  the  Apoftle  giving 
 a  definition  of  Faith,  and  a  defcription  of  it ,   and  the  marvellous 
 
 effects 
 
Of  Romans  8.29,30.  $6? 
 
 eft&s  of  it  in  the  whole  Chapter ,   fets  forth  a  Catalogue  of  the  HeytlltUverf 
 great  things  done  and  fuff.red  ;  and  their  vi&ory  and  certainty  or  l^% 
 the  pionvJes  encou*  jgeth  them?  having  fuch  a  cloud  ofwttnejfes, 
 to  lay  a/tde  every  &-.  and  to  run  wuh  patience  the  race  fit  £>e*He  ►1**xi* 
 fore  them  ;  (but  above  a!h  hiking  to  Jt[us  the  Author  and  Ft- 
 nifher  of  cm  Faith   who,  &:.    and  fo  likewife  James  ,   Take,  J<w-  5.io,n- 
 my  Brethren^  the  Trophst.s    8c\   for  an  example  of  fufferixg 
 affl-tttoH,  and  of  patience  ;  behold  we  count  them  happy  which 
 endure  t  ye  have  heard  of  the  patience  of  Job,  and  ye  have  feen 
 the  end  of  the  Lord.      So  thac,  as  the  purpole  and  promifc  of  the  ipct.i.s 
 Lord  is,  They  that  truft  in  him  (hall  not  be  confounded  •  fo  thefe 
 examples  of  his  dealing  with  his  beloved  Ones  ,   is  as  a  cord  let  p^       ^, 
 down  from  Heaven  to  draw  and  hold  us  to  truft  in  him  at  all  l2  /w22<4  * 
 times  .    yea  ,    this  cxerciie  of  Faith  the  Spirit  leads  Believers  to, 
 and  upholds  and  fills  them  with  pleas  in  greateft  diftrefTes:  and 
 that  the  Apoftic  propounds  examples  here  of  fuch  as  have  finiffied 
 their  courfc  ^  appears,  in  that  the  whole  here  faid,  in  2p ,  and  30 
 verfis  in  the  preterfeel:  Tenfc  ,  not  a  word  of  that  doing  or  to 
 be  done ,  but  all  done,  Hath  predeftinatei,  called,  juftified,  glori- 
 fied :  and  thus  taken,  the  whole  bufinefs  is  yet  more  plain.     And 
 fo  I  proceed  , 
 
 1 .  To  (hew  what  the  Calling  is  that  is  here  meant ,  that  fore- 
 faid  hath  done  it  already  :  It  is  not  the  Call  of  unbelievers  and 
 finners  to  repent  and  believe;  for  Chrift  was  never  fo  called  : 
 and  though  in  that  Call  Believers  are  brought  in  to  him ,  yet 
 it's  a  followiag  work  of  grace  to  conform  to  him  :  fo  that  the 
 Call  here,  is  the  Call  of  thofe  that  are  Believers ,  to  fuch  fervices 
 and  fuffering  ,  and  imitation  of  Chrift  ia  both,  as  that  both  in  the 
 Call  and  the  fervices  of  love  and  fuffering  1  they  are  conformed  to 
 him,  as  is  already  (hewn.  ** 
 
 Moreover  ,  whem  he  did  predominate,  them  alfo  he  called*  ^^.8,30 
 There  hath  not  been  any  of  thofe  that  have  been  called  according 
 to  purpofe,  and  loved  God,  and  were  approved  of  him  •  but  as 
 he  hath  predeftinated  them  f  fo  alfo  moreover  and  befides,  he  hath 
 called  them  forth  to  thefe  fervices  and  fuffmngs,  and  fo  to  confor- 
 mity with  Chrift  therein  :  and  he  is  the  fame  God  ftill,  and  keeps 
 the  fame  courfe  Hill  witrutll  Believers  and  Lovers  of  him ;  yet  may 
 we  be  confident  and  rejoyce  in  him  in  all  •  for , 
 
 4.  Whom  he  called,  them  alfo  he  jufiified*     The  Jufttficari- 
 
 Ccc  on 
 
37°  0/Romans  8.19,30. 
 
 J\om-4j  &2.  on  ^crc  mcant»  w  farrher  then  (imply  a  Juftification  of  theun- 
 
 jj  *  godly  bclicvifig  in  Chrift,  and  fo  receiving  remifllon  of  fins  patt,e* 
 
 vcn  fuch  a  Jufhfication    ts  in  which  the  juftified  a ic  conformed  to 
 
 Chrift  in  his  justification   •    and  what  that  was  ,    is  exprefs  in  the 
 
 lfa.^o-  7,8,9    place  of  the  Prophet,  to  which  the  Apoftle  alludes  in  this  Chapter: 
 
 Jj^'43H  b^'eb    vrn*cn  Justification  includes  in  ic  Help  and  AfTftirce  in  all  fervices 
 
 x(Jr.%.ii&6.  aDC*  Offerings »    even  when  they  pafs  through  fire  and  water,  that 
 
 8  Rev.  i».  w.  tncy  (hall  not  be  overthrown  or  harmed  ;    and  however  con- 
 
 p/j/.  44.17*  8  demned  and  defamed  by  Men  ,  yet  he  will  accept  and  juftifie  their 
 
 Rom.  8.  36,37  fervices  and  fufferings  and  approve  of,  and  juftifiethem  believing 
 
 oituxl^j'*^^1*  '    w^cn  wMe  tncy  arc  excrcifed  is  thefefei vices  and 
 
 40  '  Offerings  5  yea,  he  give  them  victory,  fo  as  they  (hall  cvercome  by 
 
 the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  the  word  of  their  Tefiimony  ;  yea, he 
 
 hath  alwayes  done  this  to  his  Saints  he  called  hereto,  he  hath  jufti- 
 
 fied  them  ;  and  Rot  onely  fo,  but, 
 
 Joh  17  1  Hcb        Whom  he  jafltficd,  them  he  alfo glorified.    H?  hath  glorified 
 
 1z.1Pfal.44.17,  his  Son  in  the  Nature  of  Man,  that  fullered  and  fimfhed  the  work 
 
 x8,&ci/d.5a,  he  gave  him  to  do;  fo,    as  he  is  glorified  at  his  right  hand  :  he 
 
 i  Kcv.i4.13O-  hath  glorified  the  Saints  that  followed  him,wi:bthe  glory  cf  vifto- 
 
 6%yXO?h''l'^ix  ry  '  thcir  ^°^ies  a:  rt^  in  ^°PC»  anc*  their  SPlrlcs  wich  the  Lord, 
 cH.io  '  enjoying  glorious  rejoycing  in  the  fight  of  his  glorified  body,  and 
 happinefs  in  his  prelence,wkh  infallible  alTurance  cf  hsv.ng  their 
 glory  compleated  on  Soul  and  Body  at  his  coming  in  the  R?fur- 
 rcftion  of  the  Juft :  and  fo  hath  he  done  to  all  his  Saincs  before, 
 and  fo  will  doftill  and  for  ever. 
 
 And  thus  by  this  Rom.%,2  8,10  3  ©,  we  are  led  to  underftand 
 the  Purpofes  of  God  to  bz  even  fuch  and  the  fame  that  hsve  been 
 fct  forth  in  this  fourth  Part  of  the  Treatife  :  if  we  confider  in  the 
 whole  three  Verfcs ,  the  next  two  things  forenamed  ,  it  more  ap- 
 pears, that  is, 
 
 5.  What  the  end  and  fcope  of  the  A  poftle  here  is ;  and  that  ap- 
 pears plainly , 
 §b  7  4,7  &  8       *  •  To  ftir  them  up  to  abide  firm  in  the  Faith  ,   and  to  rohde 
 rjfjfcfjxajij^  Ac  things  of  the  Spirit,  and  walk  after  the  Spirit  in  loye-fer- 
 14  vices. 
 
 2.  To  comfort  and  fupport  themin  the  afflictions  that  came  upon 
 V*rf*  J7a  18,   tfom  wnjic  tnCy  walked  after  tke  Spirit  in  the  Faith  that  workc.h 
 by  lore.and  fo  encourage  them  to  patience  and  conftaacy  in  the  in- 
 during  of  thcir  affliftionsfpcrfcvcring  1a  faith  and  lovc^  yca»even, 
 
 3.  To 
 
Of  Romans  8. 29,30.  371 
 
 3.  To  lead  them  to  triumphing  confidence  in  Chrift  1  and  the 
 great  love  of  God  in  delivering  him  for  us,and  making  him  known 
 to  us,  that  they  might  confidently  rejoyce  and  glory  in  the  aiidft  *  *  *'  *9 
 of  all  their  fufferings  •  and  to  help  them  in  thefc,was  the  Apoftle's 
 end,  and  not  to  lead  their  thoughts  to  conceit  a  certain  company  of 
 %j4A*m%$  Sons,  as  fuch  beheld,  decreed  to  be  eternally  laved,  and 
 the  reft  to  be  eternally  damned  ;  and  few  of  either  fort  known  r  no 
 word  in  his  writing  to  fuch  an  end  •  yea  ,  the  puzzelling  the 
 thoughts  with  fuch  a  conceit,  would  be  crofs  to  his  end  ,  which 
 was  to  edifie  in  Faith,  Love  and  Love-fer vices,  with  confolation  in 
 fufferings. 
 
 6.  For  the  way  the  Apoftle  takes  to  accomplifli  his  end,  #.14,1,5,4,* 
 it  is  eleer  to  be,   That  as  he  had  before  declared  the  Foun*  16.^3.22,25, 
 datioa  and  the  Medium  of  coming  to  and  on  it,    and  fo  be-  2,8.  <#•  4.5,24, 
 ing  united  with  it,  and  accepted  through  it,  and  exhorted  to  fuita-  2* •  ~ >}pYLy 
 ble  walking  »  fo  here  he  proceeds  to  help  them  to  found  confolati-    * 
 on  in  afflictions, 
 
 1.  By  (hewing  who  are  the  true  Sons  of  God,  and  Heirs  with  y A    ^  ^  ^ 
 Chrift,  unfeigned  Believers,  even  them  that  love  God,  and  are  the 
 
 Called  according  to  purpofe. 
 
 2,  By  (hewing  them  the  way  of  God's  dealing  with  all  his  cal-  y  g 
 led  Ones ,  whom  he  approved  as  his  Sons  and  Lovers  of  him  !  he  29,30 
 ordains  them  to  conformity  to  the  Imige  of  his  Son  in  fcrvices  and 
 fufferings;  and  in  that  way  to  glory,and  calling  them  thereto,doth 
 
 juftifie,  and  will  glorifie;  fo  that  in  all  this ,  God  is  on  their  fide, 
 and  for  their  good. 
 
 3«  He  alfom'mdes  them  of  the  priviledges  of  the  Son  of  God,  Jr.i4,i7,i8,29, 
 the  prime,  ele&,  predefiinate,  called,  and  juftifiedi  and  glorified  •  3°« 
 the  way  through  which  he  hath  gone  ,    and  will  bring  them  to 
 the  enjoyment  of  his  own  priviledges  through  the  fame  way. 
 
 4.  He  mindes  them  of  the  examples  of  thofe  lovers  of  God  that  Rm*  6  lt 
 were  of  the  Called  according  to  purpofe,    how  they  being  ap-  22,23.^8.14, 
 proved,  were  even  thus  predeftinate,  and  called  ,  and  /unified,  18,19,30,31. 
 and  glorified  ;  and  having  fini(hed  their  courfe  fo  happily  ,  are 
 
 fet  forth  as  patterns  and  examples,  to  inftru&  and  incourage  ts, 
 that  we  in  the  fame  way,  may,  following  his  Call,  expect  the  fame 
 juftification  and  glorification  •  God  being  ever  the  fame  ,  of  0.1c 
 minde. 
 
 5.  Directing  them  eipcciajly  and  above  all  to  minde  Jejiif ,  and 
 
 Ccc  2  the 
 
37*  Of-  the  Turpofe  of  Cjod 
 
 V  \\  thegreatnefs  of  God  *s  love  in  delivering  him  up  for  us  ail  ,  and 
 
 &c.    '  inc  fpecial  and  choifc  communication  of  his  lev:  in  making  known 
 
 and  fo  giving  his  Son  to  us,  that  believing  in  him  he  is  fure'y  ours, 
 he  t^atdied  and  (6  fatisfied  for  our  (in  «  yea  rather,is  rifen  and  fo 
 cut  R  ghteoufnefs ,  and  filled  wkh  Spirit  in  our  Nature  ,  ever 
 living  to  intercede  ,  to  takeaway  our  fins  by  vertue  of  his  blood, 
 and  to  communicate  of  his  Spirit  to  us.  N>w  God  in  giving  us 
 him ,  will  with  him,  and  fo  in  and  through  him »  certainly  give  us 
 all  things  freely  •  and  in  receiving  and  abiding  in  him  ,  we  fliall 
 receive.  Oh  ineftirmble  leve  !  who  (hall  ieparate  us  from  this 
 love  &c  ? 
 
 Thus  doth  he  lead  them  to  triumphing  confidence,  without 
 
 any  the  leaft  denying  or  edipfing  the  great  love    of    God    to 
 
 Tit.  3.4,5,^7.  Mankinde ,    or  (hutting  the  door  to,  or  darkning  the  light  of  life 
 
 ariw.a.^io     and  immortality  opened  and  brought  to  light  bytheGofpel,    or 
 
 working  the  weakeft  Believer  with  thoughts  of    fecret  purpo- 
 
 fes ;  yea,  fo  he  holds  forth  the  Love,  Grace,  and  Minde  of  God  in 
 
 the  whole  bufinefs,  as  is  fit  to  draw  in  unbelievers  to  believe,  and 
 
 the  weakeft  Believer  to  come  in  believing  into  that  number.      And 
 
 fo  the  Purpofes  of  God  are  one  and  the  fame  ,  agreeing  with  the 
 
 whole  Gofpel  preached  by  him.    As  for  Objections  a  gain  ft  it,they 
 
 are  moftanfwered  already  in  former  Sayings,  and  anlwer  of  feme 
 
 See  part  1.  c.  0f  Mr.  Owins  Expreflions  :  and  yet  to  remove  that ,   which  if  let 
 
 -*•  alone,  may  occafion  fome  to  ftumble  ,    I  (hallcoaftder  in  this,  one 
 
 more  Expreflion  of  Mr.  Owtn's* 
 
 Chap.   8. 
 
 ,  A  Confideration  of  the  Purpcfe  of  God^  as  expyejfed&y  Mr* 
 Owen3pag.i^8. 
 
 M  f~y  Od  's  Eternal  Purpofe  offwing  fome9  in  and  by  the  Me-> 
 
 Mr.  Omn.  ^j  diation  ofChrifi  ;  that  Mcdtatto*  being  inter  pop  d  be- 
 tween the  Purpofe  of  God ,  and  the  accomplifbment  of  the 
 things  purpofid :  by  the  Fruits  of  the  one,  the  Msdiator  cattf* 
 
as  exprejfcd  by  Mr.  Owen.  375 
 
 of  the  other.  Thu  a&  of  his  wiU  the  Scripture  knows  by  no  other 
 N*me  then  that  of  Eletlhn,  Adaption  or  the  Pttrpvfe  of  God 
 according  to  E/eftton.or  the  purpofe  efku  vu'd  in Chrift  Jc(u4. 
 
 Thus  far  M*.  Owen  :  and  I  (hall  defire  to  acknowledge  all  the 
 Truth  I  can  finde  in  his  Sayings ,  and  by  Scriprure  to  remove 
 the  reft.  He  faith  ,  God's  Ete^ral  Purpofe  of  faving  fome  in 
 and  by  the  Mediation  of  Chrift,  &c  Saving  forne^  he  expref- 
 feth  no:  what  fome^r  of  whac  kinde  che  fome  is :  if  it  be  meant  of 
 his  fallen  Creatures ,  it's  acknowledged  fo  far  true  •  for  both  An- 
 gels and  Mankinde  was  fallen  and  he  purpofed  no  way  of  faving 
 for  the  fallen  Angels  s  there  is  noconteft  about  that :  but  if  by 
 fome  be  meant  fome  of  Mankind e  ,  and  no  way  to  difcriminate 
 them  that  it  may  be  known  who  ,  then  is  there  no  door  to  life  o- 
 pened  for  any  man  to  come  in  at ;  nor  Gcfpel  that  can  be  preach- 
 ed as  Truth  to  and  for  them  while  unbelievers,  to  bring  them  in 
 to  believe.  If  any  conceit  it  is  fome  e(e<3  Ones ,  that  cannot  be  • 
 for  it  is  meant  of  all  them,nogainfaying.  But  his  Expreflions  eile- 
 where  (hew  it  to  be  meant  of  Mankinde  Some  of  them  :  for  as 
 for  any  elecfc  in  Chrift  before  Adam  's  fall  ,  to  be  fallen  in 
 his  fall ,  is  bur  a  humane  device  and  tradition  ,  nothing  in  the  Te- 
 ftimony  ot  Chrift  for  it,  but  all  againft  it  •  or ,  That  there  are  any 
 ele&  Ones  in  Chrift,  that  according  as  they  are  elected  ,  are  not 
 alfo  begun  to  be  faved,  and  fo  far  holy  and  beloved,  is  another  hu- 
 mane device  and  tradition,  without,  and  befide  ,  and  contrary  to 
 the  Scripture,  as  hath  been  plainly  (hewn.  So  that  of  neceflity  by 
 the  word  feme ,  (  as  by  other  Expreffions  he  would  be  under- 
 ftood)  is  meant  fome  of  all  Mankinde  fallen :  but  then  what  fome 
 (hall  we  conceive  ?  for  all  Mar  kinde  were  once  made  righteoust 
 and  fo  beheld  and  loved  in  one  pubhek  Man,  who  was  both  Mate 
 and  Female*  fo  that  all  Mankinde  was  alike  righteous  ,.and  alike  „ 
 loved  as  righteous ,  in  this  one  publick  Man  then :  but  this  firft 
 publick  Man ,  both  Male  and  Female  finned  ,  and  fo  fell  under 
 fin  and  death  and  all  Mankinde  in  him  t  and  muft  needs  have  pe- 
 riftied  in  that  fin  and  death  they  were  fallen  under,  if  God  had  not 
 provided  a  Saviour  tointerpofe. 
 
 Now  was  not  all  Mankinde  ,  alike  fallen,  alike  viewed ,  and 
 alike  under  the  fame  danger  ;  or  were  there  any  more  individuals 
 come  forth  to  make  a  feme  of;  or  had  any  any  other  Waves  finned 
 and  fallen  under  fin  and  death  then  in  this  pubiick  Man  ?  and 
 
 what 
 
374-  Of  ^e  Turpofes  of  (jod 
 
 what  then  fhall  the  feme  be  ?  the  Mile  or  the  Female  the  Seal  or 
 the  Body,    or  Tome  part  of  either  ?     Such  whimfies  are  in  the 
 dreams  of  fome ;  but  fure  we  are  far  from  them :  I  wifh  we  may 
 ufe  noExprcflions  to  ftrengthen  them.     But  then,  did  not  God 
 finde  cut  a  Mediator  for  the  firft  publick  Man  ,   whole  Adam  as 
 fallen,to  take  away  fin,  deftroy  death,  and  the  works  of  the  Devil, 
 which  was  already  entred  into  the  world?and  did  not  this  Media- 
 tor interpofe  and  undertake  in  that  very  moment  of  the  Fall,  to  be 
 a  fecond  publick  Man,  to  take  the  Nature,  the  Place,  the  Caufe  of 
 the  firft  publick  Man  in  hand,  to  work  a  rcftauration  for  him.and 
 fo  for  all  that  were  in  him,  and  naturally  to  come  forth  from  him, 
 even  all  Mankinde  ?  where  then  fhall  we  fiade  the  fome  of  them  ? 
 if  there  were  any  left  out  for  whom  there  was  no  purpofeof  God 
 for  any  faving  them  in  and  by  the  Mediation  of  Chrift ,    why  do 
 they  not  perifh  in  that  firft  death  denounced  ?  why  are  they  not  at 
 laft  judged ,    according  to  that  Law  under  which  they  fell  in  A- 
 dam  f  why  do  they  not  in  dying  die,    fo  as  to  have  every  thing 
 filling  them  with  horror  a  ad  torment  i   till  they  perifh  for  ever  in 
 the  firft  death  in  the  ucmoft  of  it  ?    How  comes  Mercy,  Patience, 
 and  Means  to  lead  to  Repentance ,  to  be  extended  to  them,  if  no 
 ranfome  hath  been  given  for  them  ,  God  being  hot  oncly  merciful 
 but  righteous  in  all  his  wayes  ?    if  Chrift  did  not  die,    and  give 
 hirnfelf  a  ranfome  for  them  j  if  he  have  wrought  no  Salvation  for 
 them ,    and  fo  have  none  to  beftow  on  them  ,   how  is  he  become 
 their  Lerd  ?   Why  is  the  Gofpel  to  be  preached  to  them  r*    why 
 are  their  fins  aggravated  by  the  means  he  ufeth  towards  them  ? 
 and  how  (hall  they  be  faid  to  reward  him  hatred  for  love ,    and 
 be  judged  by  him  according  to  the  Gofpel ,  and  fentenced  unto  a 
 fecond  death  ,  which  if  he  had  not  come  and  ufed  means  towards 
 them,  and  they  rebelled  againft  him ,  they  could  never  have  been  ? 
 or  did  God  firft  purpofe  in  and  through  Chrift  ,  this  fecond  death 
 to  them  that  were  already  under  the  firft  death  ,  and  no  Redem- 
 ption wrought  for  them  •  and  fo  fend  Chrift  into  the  world  to  be 
 an  Abaddon  or  Man-Dcftroyer »    to  condemn  fo  great  a  part  of 
 Mankinde,  farther  then  they  were  condemned  in  Adam  f     I  will 
 proceed  no  further  in  this. 
 
 The  Gofp:i  and  the  Purpofesof  God  »  as  by  his  word  and 
 works  declarcd^and  as  fet  forth  in  this  Treatifc  tells  us  another  fto- 
 ry,  which  takes  away  all  thefc  abfurdities  brought  in  by  ili*  f&me: 
 
 dna 
 
as  exprejfed  bj  Mr.  Owen*  375 
 
 aod  yet  neither  does  heexprefsit  of  what  faying  he  means,  whether 
 °f  tha:  Salvation  of  the  Nature  of  Man  wrcught  in  himfelf  as 
 che  publick  Man,  for  Men,  all  Men  ,  or  of  that  Salvation  upon 
 the  account  of  the  former  extended  to  Men  to  fave  them  >  or  of 
 the  efficacy  of  the  firftin  thecx:entio«  of  the  fecond,  on  the  fame 
 account  in  Believers  and  Receivers,  which  is  opened  in  the  Gofpel, 
 and  expreft  according  to  it  in  this  Treatife  ;  but  fome  Exprcflions 
 elfcwhere  ufed,  imply  to  mean  it  of  all ;  lo  that  this  Kimfomet  is 
 not  rightly  ufed. 
 
 Yet  this  is  true ,  That  he  faith  (Sod'i  Purpofe  of  faving  was  in 
 and  by  the  Mediation  of  Chrift  .  yea  ,  his  faving  in  every  refped, 
 onely  this  glory  to  God  in  Chrift  ,  that  he  is  the  fuft  purpofed  and 
 firft  elected  ,  and  all  following  Purpofe  of  Salvation  is  in  and  by 
 him.  And  fo  this  alfo,  That  the  coming  of  Jefus  Chrift,  and 
 the  Salvation  wrought  by  him  ,  and  Preparation  made  in  him,  is 
 a  Fruit  of  the  Love  ,  Will  and  Purpofe  of  God ,  is  true :  and  the 
 extending  of  this  Salvation  in  any  or  all  the  Fruits  thereof, 
 to  Men  ,  and  the  Efficacies  thereof,  in  Men  ,  are  the  Fruits 
 of  the  Mediation  of  Chrift  ,  and  fo  of  the  fame  Will  and  Pur- 
 pofe of  (Sod  in  and  through  the  Mediation  of  Chrift  :  this  is  true 
 alfo. 
 
 But  that  this  ad  of  his  Will ,  (  whether  he  mean  it  of  his 
 Purpofe  of  preparing  Salvation  for  Men  inChnft,or  of  extending 
 Salvation  to  Mm  through  the  Mediation  of  Chrift  ,  or  of  the  Ef- 
 ficacy of  this  Salvation  in  Believers  •  for  he  leaves  this  in  the  dark) 
 That  the  Scripmrc  knows  it  by  no  other  Name  ,  then  that  of  E- 
 le&ion  Adoption,  or  the  Purpofe  of  God  according  to  Election, 
 or  the  Purpofe  of  his  Will  in  Jefus  Chrift,  is  a  dark  faying  and 
 full  of  confufion »  and  intimately  untrue  ,  unlefs  he  deny  it  to  be 
 called  by  all  chefe  Names ;  and  then  there  is  fubtilty  ,  and  room- 
 left  for  evafion  in  tre  Exptcffion.  Let  it  be  confidered  ,  The 
 Will  of  God  in  his  Purpofe  is  in  it  felf  an  a&,  fure  one  (ingle  real 
 a6l ,  before  any  accompliftimenccome  fotth  :  and  if  he  mean  of 
 that,  it  will  not  reach  fome  of  the  other  terms  ;  and  if  he  mean  of 
 that  a&  which  is  outward  toward  the  Creature ,  which  is  confeft 
 the  ad  of  his  Will,  and  al  waves  fuitable  and  according  to  b  s  Pur- 
 pofe •  he  faith  not  of  which  hemcaneth :  but  take  it  for  either  or 
 for  both  ;  yet  there  is  confufion  in  his  faying ,  as  if  there  were  no 
 dittifi&ion  between  Election  and  Adoption  ,  and  the  Purpofe  of 
 
 God 
 
37<S  Of  the  Turpofes  of  Cjfod 
 
 God  according  to  Elc£tion,a:  d  cue  Purpofe  ci  bis  Will  in  Chrift  • 
 and  that  all  or  any  of  thefe  were  and  are  equally  and  alike ,   the 
 Name  of  this  Purpofe  of  frs  Will,  in  hb  Purpofe  of  faying  Men, 
 in  aad  by  the  Mediation  of  Chrift.     True  ic  is ,    It  may  and  doth 
 bear  the  Name  of  the  Purpofe  of  his  Will  in  drift  :  and  the  Scri- 
 pture will  bear  it  out  to  be  known  by  that  Name  ;  the  Eternal 
 »     ii  &\  PurP°k>  which  hepurpofedinChtift  J:fus ,    which  he  hadpur- 
 Ei.P/il.a.7.  P°fcd  i°  hirnf  If ,  the  Purpofe  of  him  that  worketh  all  things  ao 
 zTim.i.9*       cording  to  the  counfel  of  his  o#n  will  5  yea,  it  is  called  ,  The  De- 
 cree, (preached  by  Chrift ,    and  :o  be  preached  by  his  Servants  ;) 
 yea.  and  for  the  good  Will  cf  God  and  Grace  given  us  in  this  De- 
 cree ,  ic  is  called  ,    His  own  Purpofe  and  Grace  given  us  ih  Chrift 
 Jefus  before  the  World  began.     And  if  Mr.  Owen  had  but  ad- 
 ded  his  Purpofe  of  electing  and  adopting  ia  and  by  Chrift* 
 and  his  Purpofe,    that  all  (hould  take  place  according  to  the  E- 
 le&ion  of  Grace  ,  the  Scripture  would  have  borne  ic  cut.     But 
 for  Election  without  diftin&ion  ,  to  be  that  Purpofe,  or  the  Name 
 of  that  Purpofe  ,  or  that  a&  of  his  Will ,  that  is  called  his  Pur- 
 pole  of  faving  fallen  Mankinde  by  the  Mediation  of  Chrift ,    no 
 one  place  of  Scripture  faith,  it  fpeaking  of  the  Oracles  and  Works 
 of  God  in  this  bufinefs  >    faith  ,  They  were (0  ordered  ,  that  the 
 purpofe  of  God  according  to  election  might  fi and.     Where  by 
 (landing  is  meant,  abiding,  taking  crTc6t,>  and  coming  to  pais ,    to 
 have  its  being  in  that  purpofed  ;  which  is  the  conftant  and  plaia 
 fignification  of  the  word  fiand,  whenever  ufed  about  the  Purpofe, 
 a  Pp.33.icy'.  Counfel  and  Word  of  the  Lord  a*     And  it's  net  here  faid.  That 
 Fro.19.iK  J/*,  the  Purpofe  of  God  in  or  upon  the  Eie&  might  ftand  :  but ,  ac* 
 14.24.  Jer.44*  cording  to  Election.     So  that  Election,  or  the  Grace  of  God  ia 
 28  Chrift  theEIecl,  difcovcred  and  believed ,    (  which  believed  ,,  ele- 
 
 deth  ;)  and  fo  its  the  Grace  of  Eie&ion,  or  the  Election  of  Grace, 
 ori  which  Grace  believed,  miketh  ;  oppofed  to  the  works  of  Men 
 b  Kow.6.13,    by  the  Law  b  :    This  that  by  which  the  Purpofe  of  God  in  Chrift 
 2,4,33.  ^xl-5>for  communicating  the  choife  falvation  fhall  ftand, become  efficaci- 
 6>7*  0U5  and  take  effect  in  any:  whence  thole  by  grace  fo  prevailed  with, 
 
 c  Kom.%  z8.  arC  affirmcc^ to  be  the  Called  according  to  Purpofr,  becaule  Coun- 
 aTM».i.9,io.  fel  had  fo  ordered  it,  to  take  place  in  the  Efficacy  of  his  appearing 
 lit.  3.4,5  i6:>7.  Grace  c  :  and  this  Election  of  (Srace  ,  where  it  fo  prevaileth  ,  is 
 a  iThef. «.»>3  >4>  thereby  known  d ;  and  fo  faid  to  be,  according  to  the  Foreknow- 
 5,6.  zTbej.z.  je(joe  o£  gocj  t^c  patj,cr  wjjjcn  is  no  ot^j.  bUt  the  counfel  of  bis 
 13,14.  »       -  WlI, 
 
m  exprefed by  Mr.  Owen.  577 
 
 Will  in  his  Purpofc  ,    approving  and  appointing  this  Way  for  hb 
 
 Purpofe  to  ftand  and  take  effect,  and  be  accomplifoed  e,  throagh  e  Epb.vx1.K0m. 
 
 the  ian&ification  of  the  Spine  unto  obedience,   and  fprinkling  o{  9  llm    IIJ> 
 
 the  Blood  of  Chrift//  which  is  to  fay  it  in  more  words,  Through  f  t  pa.i.i. 
 
 the  Demonstration  of  his  Grace  in  Chrift  (  the  prime  ele&  )  in 
 
 the  Gofpel* Declaration  and  Call ,  the  Word  believed  working 
 
 effectually  in  thcm£,  and  fo  chefen  to  Salvation  through  the  fan-  g  1  Tbef.z.i^. 
 
 edification  ot  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  Truth  k.     So  that  all  the  iTbeJ.z.i$. 
 
 way,  Eif  dion  in  Purpcff  or  Ad  is  a  diftincl  thing  from  Purpofe : h  *Tbcfi.>}% 
 
 yet  the  a6t  of  the  Purpofe  not  divided  from  it,  but  it  is  the  manner 
 
 of  its  taking  place,and  coming  into  &&  ;  and  election  is  the  Name 
 
 of  it  fclf ,  being  the  «nanncr  of  the  bleffed  coming  forth  of  the 
 
 Purpofe »  and  not  the  Name  of  the  Purpoie :  nor  is  the  Purpofe 
 
 named  the  Purpofe  according  to  Election  ,  and  there  the  peri* 
 
 od  ;  but  feme  good  thing  to  be  brought  to  pafs  ?  it's  faid  tc  be 
 
 fo  fpoken,  That  the  Purpoie  of  God  according  to  Election  might 
 
 ftand  ,    or  take  place.       AH  which  isclcered  by  plain  Ssyings  of 
 
 Scripture ,    fet  down  often  before  ;  to  which  I  might  add  f    that  Rom.tUi^z^. 
 
 which  the  Apoftle  defired  Believers  not  to  be  ignorant  of,    con-  Dcut.  7 6,7. $f 
 
 cernirg  the  natural  Branches ,  the  Seed  of  Jibrah^m  ,   Ifaap  9>l°m 
 
 and  Jacob  •    and  thole  few  that  were  chofen  for  the  icve  God 
 
 bare  to  ,   and   the  Covenant  he  made  with  their  Fathers .     of 
 
 whofe  natural  Seed  remaining  in  unbelief,  he  telleth  the  Gen  fifes, 
 
 As  conctrning  the  Gofpel ,    they  are  enemies  for  your  fakes  ;  Rom.  1 2. 2  8. 
 
 but  as  touching  election  f    they  arc  beloved  for  the  Father** 
 
 fake. 
 
 Now  what  is  here  meant  by  Election,    is  that ,  in  which  is  the  z$m.  n,z  5. 
 myftery  there  mentioned  ;  and  it  is  evident,  that  it  cannot  be  the 
 election  of  the  very  individual  pcrfons  that  were  then  Enemies  to 
 the  Sofpel  for  the  fake  of  the  Gentiles ,   bec^ufe  the  very  fattrnn^ 
 and  preyalency  of  election  is  in  &  through  the  belief  and  prizing  Oi\X^'^' 
 the  Gofpel.and  Grace  by  i:difcovered,and  the  tumbling  at  Chrili, 
 (as  now  difcovered  in  the  Gcfpel)  though  becaufeof  Gentiles  or 
 any  receiving  him,  and  accepted,   caufed  ;heirfj:6fcon  ,  and  was 
 the  evident  Tcflimcny  ,   that  fuch  were  not  elected  ,  but  blinded, 
 &c     And  the  Apoftle  divides  thefe  unbelieving  Ones  from  the 
 Elc&,  and  calls  them  there(t  >    that  is  none  of  them  3  but  !m 
 exprcfly,  Thefe  arc  blinded,  banned,  ctfft  off  and  tW&ta»H$ 
 unbeliefs   (o  as  according  to  theD<- &  ineof  Election  delivrr:;!,  ^,loM  '' 
 
 D  d  d  not 
 
3  7  8  Of  the  Turpofes  of  Cjod 
 
 not  by  God  ,    but  by  Men  not  acquainted  with  his  Minde  ,  there 
 would  be  no  Icve  of  God  to  them ,    no  pcflibility  for  fuch  reprcK 
 bated  Ones  to  come  into  favour  with  God  again  :    which  the 
 tomy\.i63i$.  Apoftle  affirms  there  is  ftill ;     And  that  God  *s   dealing  with 
 them  in  fuch  a  heavy  and  fevere  way  ^  is  a  Fruit  of  his  love  to- 
 wards them ,  and  hath  its  tendency  ,   that  they  might  be  brought 
 Rom.n  ii  i4-  *n  *%*m*      Arid!  this  is  rendered  as  the  grcund  of  all      that 
 Jtt-ll4lrt7i  tnougn  tncir  cnvY  an<^  fo  be  grievous,  that  they  are  enemies  to  the 
 1i.iThef.2.i6.  Gofpel  for  the  Gentiles  fake,  and  wrath  be  come  upon  them  ,  and 
 they  rejected  ;  yet  as  touching  the  Election,  vor  for  the  Election) 
 they  are  belcved  for  the  Father's  fakes.     A  g«-eat  myftery  ;  a  peo- 
 ple nor  elected,  butcaft  eft  fur  ffumbling  ac  che  Gofpel  ,  and  yet 
 as  touching  Election  ,    beloved  for  the  lake  of  others.     VV>.at 
 fhall  we  think  then  Election  here  to  be   ?     though  ic  may  (land 
 with  the  Purpofe  cf  God  for  their  Silvation  in  his  way  ,  accord- 
 ing to  the  Election  of  Grace  ,    tottand  ,    even  the  Election  here 
 meant  ;   yet  it  cannot  ftand  with  an  infallible  Purpofe  of  God, 
 in  which  their  perfons  were  elected  to  be  eternally  laved  ,    againft 
 all  interpofures  and  oppoiiticns  •    for  then  trey  were  as  well  be- 
 loved for  their  own  fakes,  as  for  their  Father's  fakes ,    and  fiV  u'd 
 not  have  fo  been  broken  off :  but  what  this  E'edion  is,  I  conceive 
 m:y  appear  in  the  very  terms  ufed  ,    compared  with  other  places 
 of  Scripture,  to  be  the  Election  of  Abraham  ,  Ifaac,  and  Jacob  * 
 and  fo  for  their  fakes  the  Election  of  their  Children  ,  the  beloved 
 Father's  ,  whofe  natural  (ccd  thefe  were  ;   and  fofor  their  fakes 
 fill!  beloved  with  love  of  pi:y  and  compaiTion  ,  and  means  tldl  ex- 
 tended  torccalthem;  yea,    their abatement  and cafti  g   rf ,     to 
 humble  them,  and  fo  as  a  means  ordered  thereto :  and  ail  for  their 
 \\Chion.i6.\i  fakes,  the  E!e&  with  whom  the  Covenant  was  made/'  ;  or  rather 
 a9P/iuo$.5,4  efpccially  for  Chrift  his  fake,  that  was  in  them,  and  toccme,  and 
 cH  3  M3»>4«  is  now  come  forth  of  them  ^  .•  and  fo  whoever  of  thefe  abide  no: 
 k  Rom.9.$.?ja  in  unbelief,  fhali  be  grafted  in  again  .  for  God    (  hath  not  fo  tied 
 V-'ia'fy  T%  bitnfeli  with  any  decree,but  hejis  able  to  graft  them  in  again  ;  and 
 Ijra.4\.t>9Rom.  though  thoufands  ttand  out  tili  Judgement  have  fcatccred  and 
 -11.z3.R0m.11.  broken  them,  yet  fhall  there  be  a  pretervation  of  that  natural 
 »j5itf,i7;2.?.   sccc|  .  a&d  in  due  time  rhe  whole  company  of  them  then  furviving, 
 fhall  be  brought  in  and  fo  all  ljratl  fhall  be  laved.  And  is  God's 
 gracious  Election  of  Abrahams  Jfaact  and  Jacob  ,    fb  forcible . 
 and  is  not  the  Election  of  Chnlt ,  (  now  having  come  in  the  flc(h) 
 
 in 
 
■»' 
 
 as  expreffed  by  Air.  Owen*  37P 
 
 ift  iheNatur--  of  Mas,  and  the  love  and  well- pica  fed  ncfs  God 
 hath  in  him,  it  prevalent  for  all  that  are  in  and  of  that  Nature  he 
 too!  1  and  died;  and  rofcifi  ;  and  (o  of  thekinde  of  Man  >  for 
 whom  he  £  i  rc  himfelf  a  ranforne ;  and  in  which  Nature  he  is  now  iTim.%,u*> 
 media  cing  be.  ween  6cd  and  May 1 1  as  prevalent  with  God  for  all 
 Mankindc  living  on  earth  ,  (as  election  of  Abraham*  ifaac,  &c. 
 for  rheir  uatuial  Seed)  now  he  hath  fent  forth  his  Son  the  Saviour 
 of  che  World,  for  his  fake,  the  prime  ele&  to  love  with  pity  and 
 compaffion,  all  thofe  of  Mankindc,  fo  as  to  extend  means  to  thofe 
 thac  yet  live  in  unbelief  and  rebellion,  to  bring  them  to  Repentance 
 and  Faith  ,  that  they  might  fo  come  up  in  to  Chrift ;  and  in  their  *m'\  \ l  *'**' 
 coming  in  by  the  means  he  ufeth ,  and  viewing  his  electing  Grace,  3  " 
 accept  them  through,  unite  and  ingraft  them  into  his  ele&  Son,  and 
 (o  ioto  the  number  of  hi3  Ele<St •  and  though  thoufands  ftand  out 
 and  rebel  yet  when  his  indignation  hath  paffed  on  all  the  World, 
 thofe  that  are  left  alive  at  his  coming,  (hail  then  be  brought  inland 
 Jfrael and  Gentiles  become  one,  and  all  fayed  as  God's  ele£t  and 
 chofen.  Oh  the  depth  of  the  Riches,  &c  /  Gentiles  once  (hut 
 up  under  unbclief.and  now  Jew?,tnd  yet  his  end  in  all  this, That  he 
 might  have  mercy  on  all.  See  through  the  Chapter  how  the  A- 
 poftle  hath  opened  Election ,  which  as  it  ftands  firm  with  the  Pur- 
 pofesof  God.  expreft  in  Scripture,  fo  it  gives  good  ground  to  love 
 and  pity  all  Men,  to  pray  for  them  ,  and  ufe  means  for  their  con- 
 verfion  •  which  the  Purpofe  as  exprefs'd  by  Mr.  Owen  ,  and  con- 
 founding Purpofc  wi:h  Election  as  undi(iin&,  overturned^  And 
 as  for  Adoption ,  I  marvel  that  term  fhould  be  brought  as  the 
 Name  of  the  Purpofc  firft  mentioned  :  as  for  Election  ,  I  conceive 
 there  are  none  elccled,  but  they  are  in  electing,  as  much  adopted  as 
 elected :  for  though  Man  may  in  his  thoughts  chufe  and  e!e&  one 
 to  be  his  Son  and  Heir ,  whom  he  may  yet  not  fo  adopt  and  make 
 his  Son  and  Heir ,  according  to  his  flrft  thoughts ,  as  it  fell  out  G^'!  *•**>• 
 with  Abraham  •  yet  is  it  not  fo  with  God ,  for  any  that  receive 
 his  electing  Grace :  and  yet  there  may  be  a  distinction  between  ele- 
 &ion  and  choife  of  one  to  Sonfhip  and  Adoption  s  in  this  free  and 
 electing  Grace  miking  one  a  Son.  But  thefe  run  fo  together ,  I 
 defire  no  farther  to  learchinto  the  diftindion  :  but  this  I  finde 
 in  Scriptute,  and  believe,  That  God  hath  but  one  natural  Son,  that 
 is  ,  his  onely  and  firft-begottcn  Son  t  even  the  Word,  that  was 
 r     '"fl:fh,  and  foche  Nature  of  Man  taken  by  him  irto  perfo- 
 
 Ddd  i  nal 
 
38 o  Of  the  Turpofes  of  (jod,  <3cc. 
 
 rial  Ifrion,  is  by  the  Grace  of  perfonal  U  ion   the  fame  Son  o^ 
 Gal. 3.16  luk,  God  :  nor  other  Sonfh  p  for  any  other  Man  do  J  finde ,  but  in 
 21.46.  Kom  8.  Union  with  him  ■  and  fo  none  on  Earth  the  Sons  of  God  but  by 
 »3-l/^-3.»-    Fai.h  in  him  ,   tor  they  fully  and  compleatly  till  the  Rdiirreftion 
 of  the  Juft  in  fecirg  him  as  he  is.     And  this  I  alfo  fr.de  ,   That 
 the  means  appointed  of  God  in  his  Word  for  D.fpenfacion 
 and  receiving  the  Grace  of  Adopition  ..  is  even  therefore  cal- 
 low.}.*. &9>  led  Adoption  ,  and  fo  the  Adoption  was  faid  to  pertain  to  the 
 4a 5-  Ifraelttes  -   while  the  Word  and  Oracles  was  wirh  them  ;    and 
 
 tncie    predeftisated    to  the  Miniftration  of  Chrift  in  the  Go- 
 ,  fprl  1     are   faid  to  be  predeftinated  to  the  Adoption  of  Chil- 
 
 dren by  Jefus  Chrift  :  and  thofe  that  in  believing  receive  the  Go- 
 rton 8.1  *.G*/.  *PC^  an(* *°  c^c  Spirit  of  Faith  therein,  are  faid  to  receive  the  Spirit 
 4.5*7-'         '  °^  Adoption. 
 
 More  might ,  but  more  need  not  be  faid  to  deer  this ,  That 
 though  both  Election  and  Adoption  be  things  purpofed  of  God  in 
 Chrift,  yet  they  are  diftm&  in  the  counfel  of  his  will ;  and  though 
 wrought  according  to  his  Purpofe,  yet  they  bear  not  the  Name  of 
 the  Purpofe ,  but  of  things  wrought  according  to  his  Purpoie 
 in  the  counfel  of  his  Will.  So  that  this  Deicrtption  cf  the  Pur- 
 pofe of  God  by  M;.  Owe n  ,  is  not  right,  nor  according  to  the 
 See  par.i  .c.  approved  Rjle  confeft  by  himfelf,  being  not  Scripture-like,  and  fo 
 7.  not  fit  to  build  any  Opinion  on,  as  thofe  in  Scripture  fct  forth  are  : 
 
 but  enough  of  this. 
 
 Yet  before  I  leave  itf  it  is  needful  to  remove  two  miftakes  of 
 many  abcut  the  Purpofe  of  God  •  the  one  is  the  making  the  Pur- 
 pofe of  Salvation  or  Election  the  Foundation  to  build  Believers 
 on  t  the  other  is  the  making  that  the  Purpofe  cf  God ,  which  is  n» 
 Purpofe  of  his  at  all* 
 
 CHAP. 
 
3«» 
 
 Chap,  9, 
 
 An  Answer  to  tbofe  that  f ay  ^  God  y$  eternal  Purpcfe  of  Salva- 
 tion and EleBion^tf  the  Foundation  on  which  Believers  that 
 arefafe^  are  built  a 
 
 THe  Gofpel  difcovering  the  Purpofcs  of  God,  will  enable  fuch  as 
 believe  it  to  difcern  things  that  differ  ;  and  fo  ,  that  the  wis- 
 dom and  love  of  God  found  out ,  and  in  his  Purpcfe  appointed  % 
 and  in  performance  hath  given  and  laid  in  Sionj.0  be  by  Sion  held 
 forth  ,  Jefus  Chrift  ,  foi  a  Foundation,  both  for  Repentance  and  '/*.  *8.i&u?#f; 
 Fakb,  and  for  Believers  toieft,  and  be  buile  and  fafe  on  :  and  chat  M>4>S»*>*« 
 Ele&ion  is  thac  Work  of  Grace,  in  which ,  fuch  as  believe  on  him, 
 are  united  to  him  ,  and  approved  in  him,  as  his  peculiar  and  eleel : 
 fo  that  neither  Purpofc  nor  Election  are  the  Foundation  laid,  and 
 declared  as  the  firft  thing  to  be  feen  ,  known  ,    believed  and  rcfted 
 on  •     But  Jefus  Chrift  is  according  to  Purpofe,  this  Foundation  >  ^  4  iz   ,^o 
 yea,  and  exprefly  affirmed  •  there  is  no  other  Found  arion  for  any,  j.n, 
 or  that  any  Man  can  lay  ;  yet  have  fom?  Matter-Builders  not  fo 
 magnified  this  ,  bu:  give  out  9    Thit  the  Purpofe  and  Election  of 
 God  is  the  fure  Foundation  ,  bringing  the  2  Tim*  2.  iq#   asfo 
 fpeaking  ,  which  ic  doth  not  •  but  runs  (in  affirming  Cbrift  the 
 Foundation)  with  the  reft  of  the  Scripture  :  for  the  Apoftle  had  in 
 that  Chapter  before  exhorted  Timothy  to  minde  thit  which  is  the 
 Foundation  indeed,  Chrtfi  raifedfrom  the  dead  j  and  gven  him  ^tm^t. 
 encouragement  from  his  own  cxsmple  of  receiving  fuch  Grace» 
 Strength  ,    and  Hope  of  eternal  L«fe  in  believing  on  him,  as  to  be 
 enabled  to  go  through  with  his  Miniftration  ,   and  indurc  all  fuf* 
 ferings  for  the  Elect's  fakes ,    as  alfo  to  bring  in  unbelievers  to  be- 
 lieve ;  even  fo  that  Believers,  the  eleclOnes,  might  be  prefer ved, 
 cftabliflied  and  grow  in  Fahh.     And  this  no  ncedlefs  work ,  but 
 that  they  alfo  may  obtain  the  Salvation  that  is  ir  J  fus  Chrift  with 
 eternal  Glory  ;  and  fo  provoking  and  prefling  Timothy,  todili-  trbef.xt^Jk 
 genet  in  his  Miniftration,  though  through  the  fame  fufferings  .  in  ariw.i.^io* 
 which  there  is  fo  great  hope  not  onely  for  themfelves ,   but  for  o> 
 
 chexs 
 
$l         %An  aJ'nfaer  to  thofe  that  fay, 
 
 others  alfo,  he  profefltth  this  to  be  a  faithful  faying,  (open,  plain, 
 
 true  and  certain  ,    in  which  God  will  ever  be  found  faithful  in  his 
 
 Tcftimony  of  Chrift ,    and  Chrift  faichful  in  performance  of  the 
 
 iTim.2, 1 1,      fame  , )  if  we  be  dead  with  him  :  he  iaith  not,  If  we  were  dead 
 
 for  him  to  die  for  us  ,  or  as  dead  in  his  d)ing  for  us,  having  in  his 
 
 *&*•  f.M  l9  ^ctincfi'  as  *n  tnc  Pu^k  Man,  iuflfered  the  fentence  of  death  i* 
 
 20,2*1/    y    '  account ,  for  all  we  fell  into  by  Adam  .    that  as  he  is  rifen ,    we 
 
 might  live  to  him  :  which  is  true  alfo  of  fuch  as  yet  believe  not  : 
 
 Rom.6. z,m.&  But  he  faith,  If  vie  be  dead  with  £/7»,that  is,believing  in  his  death, 
 
 7.4.  CoLi^o.  in  his  Blood  ;  and  in  acceptance  of  that,  die  to  our  own  Wifdom, 
 
 Phil.  3. 3,7,8.  finful  iufts  ancj  defigns  ,     and  to  all  hope  in  any  righteoufnefs 
 
 <&i\  Vl'joh. °^ our own  »  an<*  ^°  t0  a^  tfie aPPcar*ng g'ory »  ca**c»  P^cas»  an(* 
 n^Jz6.iTim.  excellency  of  this  World  ,  and  all  by  aad  with  him,  which  is  to  be 
 2.n.K<w».8.>7,dead  with  him  in  Scripture-Language.  If  we  be  dead  ,  (note  it, 
 !*•  he  faith  not  be)  we  (hall  alfo  Uve  with  him  ;  receive  forgivenefs, 
 
 be  enlived,  prefer  ved,  and  raifed  with  and  by  him  ;  yea, mote  ftill, 
 If  we  in  this  believing,  dyiag  and  living,  do  fuffcr  with  him  ,  and 
 fo  for  his  and  his  peoples  fakes ,  we  (hall  raign  C  vvith  him  at  his 
 coming :  )  but  when  fuch  glorious  grace  is  difcovered  and  ten- 
 dered to  us  by  fo  gracious  a  One ,  as  hath  fuffcred  fomuch  for  us, 
 and  hath  gone  before  us,and  calleth  us  to  follow  him  ,  and  yet  we 
 refufe  ;  If  we  deny  him.  he  wiS  deny  us.  This  is  as  plain  as  all 
 the  reft. 
 
 If  any  fay.  He  cannor ;  for  this  his  death  will  be  in  vain,  his  call 
 fruftrate,  and  his  word  become  of  none  effect :  This  hath  been  an- 
 fwercd  before ,   That  his  death  ,  his  word  hath  its  effect ,  and  his 
 Purpofe  (hall  verily  be  performed,  according  as  he  purpofed,  that 
 is,  for  life,  according  to  the  Election  of  grace  ;   and  though  thefe 
 zPet.i.i.Rom.  deniers  cf  him  bring  upon  themfelves  fwift  deftruSion,  others  (hall 
 $.6>2.  J[a.6%.  kc  br0Ughc  in ,    and  the  effect  of  his  word  (hall  be  feen  in  thofe 
 *\%1\om?%6.1^*1  arc  k°rn  °*  thepromife-    as  was  laid  ,  The  Lord  (hallfliy 
 rrovJ.nihiU  thee,  and  call  his  Servants  by  another  Name  :  nor  (hall  his  death 
 i.  9, 10, 1 1.     and  Mmiftration  of  the  Gofpel  be  in  vain  ;    he  will  have  the  glory 
 zTim.2,i$,      0f  all,  \a  judging  them  by  it  according  to  the  Gofpel  •  and  not  he» 
 but  they  alone  (hall  furrer  and  beir  it  •  and  will  have  his  glory 
 of  being  by  vertue  cf  his  death,  their  Lord  •  and  lb  it  follows,  If 
 we  believe  not, yet  he  abideth  faithful ,  (faithful  in  all  his  pro- 
 mifes  and  fayings  ;  yea,  in  this  affhmed  and  faithful  faying ,  and 
 fo  faithful  in  and  according  to  the  manner  of  his  Purpofe)  he  can- 
 not 
 
God  s  h lection  u  Believers  Foundation.    35$ 
 
 not  (  he  neither  will  nor  can,  it  fuits  not  with  his  Nature  ,  it  is 
 impoflible  he  fliould  )  deny  himfelf  •  he  faith  not,  He  can- 
 not deny  us  ,  thcugh  we  believe  not ,  and  deny  him  •  for  if  that 
 were  fo ,  he  muft  deny  himfelf  in  his  own  fayings  ,  concerning 
 unbelievers  ,  Apoftatcs  and  Denicrs  of  him ,  and  in  his  faith- 
 fulnefs  for  bringing  forth  his  Father's  and  his  own  Purpofes , 
 according  to  his  Purpofe  ordered  in  his  Counfel ,  and  breathed 
 forth  by  his  Spirit :  6ut  he  cannot  deny  himfelf,  he  will  make  good 
 his  own  word,  and  ftiew  himfelf  to  be  even  the  fame  his  Spirit  hath 
 in  the  Gofpel  reported  him  to  be,  denying  none »  that  by  his  grace 
 in  the  Day  of  grace,  believe  in  him ,  or  having  departed,  do  aga<n 
 in  his  recalling ,  turn  to  him  ;  but  denying  fuch  as  perfiit  in  refu- 
 fifja,  or  after  coming  in;  in  departure  and  denial  of  him  ,  in  which 
 is  botb  warning  and  comfort;and  fo  a  great  motive  to  hold  them  in 
 the  Faich  that  were  in  it,  a  nd  to  return  them  that  were  gone  aftray 
 fromir.  And  therefore  he  willeth  Timothy  to  put  them  in  re-  %rlm.i.\^i< 
 membrance  of  thefe  things,  &c.  and  urgethit,  becaufe  fomewereitf,  17,18,19' 
 departed  from  the  Faith;  afluringhim  >  that  notwithstanding  all 
 this,  the  Foundation  of  God  fhndeth  fure ,  in  which  we  may  fee 
 not  onely  the  Purpofe  of  God,  but  the  Foundation  laid  according 
 thereto,  and  the  fure  ftanding  of  it  ,  to  b*  fuch  as  abides  with  the 
 Truth  of  all  thefe  forefayings  and  events  ;  yet  it  is  meet  to  anfwer 
 that  conceited  ftrong  Argument  agaiaft  this  hereto  faid  ,  ■  which  is 
 Mre  Owen's  laying  thus :  Though  the  feed  ofChr$fit  which  he  Pag.I  3  2,3 . 
 u  to  fee  to  upon  the  account  of  his  fufftrsngs  for  th*m  ,  do  fin 
 and  trangrefs  •  yet  God  hath  put  att  theft  gracious  Obligati- 
 ons upon  htmfelf  to  reduce  them  by  corrections  and  afflicti- 
 ons ,  but  never  to  proceed  to  final  fentence  of  utter  rejection, 
 lfa.53  IO. 
 
 Anfw.   This  is  nowhere  jffiimed  in  Scripture*  and  fo  pro- 
 pounded, as  is  doubtful  what  his  mea*  ing  is  ,  if  other  fayings  did 
 not  explain  it;  as  where  he  faith  The  fame  fins  defer  ve  the  fame  p.a  -  $* 
 punifhment  »  and  had  not  Chrifi  anfwered  for  the  jtns  of  Be~      D* 
 Itevers,  they  could  not  have  efcaped  punt (hment,      (  An2  if  he 
 had  faid,  nor  r  at  fed  from  i  he  dead  ;  it  is  as  true  !   but  that  any 
 pen(h  for  fin    becaufe  Chrift  did  not  iuffer  for  them  ;  is  not  true : 
 nor  is  God  any  refpc&er  of  perfons  .    if  the  manner  of  finning  be 
 the  fame,  though)  he  alfo  faith ,   The  guilt  of  fi*  it  alfo  taken  a-  Pao.i  61  ,gc 
 way  from  all  thefe  fir  whom  Cbrtft  died  by  hit  death ,  that  it  6uz. 
 
 (h*U     ' 
 
554.  $An<±A  njwer  to  tuoje  that  J  ay, 
 
 jhall   never   be  a  eaufe    of  everlafting   Reparation  between 
 
 God  and  them   :    which   bath  been    plentifully  fticwa  co  be 
 
 contrary  to  the  Scripture  :  befides,  the  taking  fin  out  of  the 
 
 »Cir.$.ii.E/&  way  by  his  death  is  one  woik;  and  the  taking  the  guilt  of  fin,  #*#. 
 
 5. if,  16, 17.    from  Men,  another  following  work :  the  firft  done,  where  the  later 
 
 i/«fci.i>7*     is  noc  done  ;  and  the  firft  done,  that  by  vertue  of  that  by  which  it 
 
 was  done  ,  the  later  might  in  his  way  be  done  :    and  it  is  a  great 
 
 perverting  of  tne  Scripture,  to  render  that  done  ,  where  it  faith  it  is 
 
 to  be  done  :  of  which  enough  hath  been  faid  ;    but  his  Expreflfion 
 
 here  being  more  moderate ,    I  will  fo  view  it  ;  for  )  here  he 
 
 faith  not ,  All  that  Chrift  died  for ,  but  his  Seed  :    By  the  Seed  of 
 
 Cbrsfi ,    is  not  meant  any  of  the  Sons  of  Adam  conlidered  as  he 
 
 Seepar.i  ,ch.  mS  tQ  jje  ^    an(j  jia(j  llnc}crtaken  ic ,    and  did  die  for  chem  .  (or 
 
 \  3.  and  par.  fo^y  wcre  ^en  fallen,  Adam's  Seed,  and  finners  and  enemies  to 
 
 4.  cn.2.        qo(j  ^    which  the  Seed  of  Chrift  are  nowhere  called  :    but  they 
 
 come  in  upon  the  account  of  his  Death ,  Redirection  and  Sacrifice 
 
 compleated,  and  Spirit  fent  forth  in  the  means  prevailing  with 
 
 them.  And  this  exprefs  by  the  Prophet.taughtby  our  Saviour,and 
 
 :p.53-8>i°>i»«  fo  the  Children  of  the  Prcmife  ,    thofe  that  were  born  of  the  pro- 
 
 Jof;.  1 2.13,14.  m{rCi  ^mat  wcrc  not  before  in  that  fenle  his  beloved  People,  as  now 
 
 m.  9.    5    }  ^Cy  arC  y  arC  counted  for  the  Seed  ;   and  fo  let  us  count  as  God 
 
 countech  ;  that  is  the  beft  and  fafeft  for  us.  Now  this  Seed  he  faith 
 
 Chrift  is  to  fee  to  upon  the  account  of  his  furTerings  •  if  by  fee  he 
 
 means  a  Seed  to  fee  to,  he  fpeaks  fhort :  for  ic  is  upon  the  account 
 
 of  his  fuffering,  Refurre&ion,  facrifice,  fulnefs  of  Spirit  and  means 
 
 iifings  and  God 's  glorifying  him  and  bearing  witnefs  of  him  ,  by 
 
 which,    in  that  gracious  donation  ,    they  are  in  their  times  drawn 
 
 jfa.  53.10,11.  .fl  t0  nim)  an(J  f0  made  his  Seed.   If  by  fee*  he  mean  fee  to,  or  look 
 
 1  11  Vi  l  ^    to>  to  prefer ve,  &C .  he  is  in  that  (hort  too  :  for  that  is  not  onely 
 
 upon  the  account  of  all  before  faid  ,  but  alfo  in  an  efpeciai  manner 
 
 upon  the  account  of  the  Fathers  enabling  them  in  the  Teftimony  of 
 
 Chrift,  todiicern  Chrift  and  believe  on  him  •  and  fo  giving  them 
 
 to  him  in  the  heavenly  call ,  ciufing  chem  to  hear  and  follow  him, 
 
 47    &iol\  an^  fo  on  the  account  of  his  Mediation  of  the  New  Tcftirnent  for 
 
 %%\i9.&\-j.%\  the  Called  by  vertue  of  his  Oblation  :   and  for  thele  who  only  are 
 
 rf,7,8.  Hib.$.  the  Seed  of  Chrift  indeed.       If  it  were  gramed  to  Mr.  Owen 
 
 if.#7.*5.       (though  in  his  words  they  cannot  b-  )  though  they  do  fin  and 
 
 tranfgrefc ,    yet  God  hath  put  all  theft  gracious  Obligations  upon 
 
 himlelfito  reduce  them  by  corrections  and  affl-v&ons,  but  never  to 
 
 prcceed 
 
(jod j  SleBion  is  believers  Foundation.    385 
 
 proceed  to  final  (entence  of  utter  rejecYion.     If  this ,  I  fay,  were 
 
 granted  ,  yet  it  makes  nothing  for  his  other  Sayings  mentioned 
 
 here,  nor  againft  any  thing  here  faid  in  and  upon  the  2  7Vm*.2«8  / 
 
 to  the  1 9  virf.  for  it  is  before  proved,  That  many  may  believe  the  p4r,4.  ch.$. 
 
 promife  difplaied  in  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  that  are  not  yet  born 
 
 of  the  Promife,  and  Co  are  not  of  this  Seed  ;  and  yet  continuing  in 
 
 that  believing,  fhall  become  to  be  born  of  the  Promife ,  and  fo  be 
 
 counted  of  the  Seed  :  but  by  departing  may  never  ccme  to  be  of 
 
 it ,  and  fo  be  utterly  rejected  ;  for  whom  all  this  faithful  Saying 
 
 and  Warning  is  needful  and  profitable,    both  for  Teachers  to 
 
 mindc  them  of,  and  for  them  to  heed  and  minde. 
 
 But  let  us  to  the  Teftimony ,  with  his  Saying :  the  place  moft 
 probable  it  might  be  wreftcd  from,  is  PfaU  8p.  28,35.  confider 
 it  both  in  Type  and  in  Truth  :  and  firft,  in  Type  :  The  Covenant 
 was  with  David,  and  flood  faft  with  him >  for  him  and  his  Seed, 
 fo  far  as  he  would  ,  though  chaftning  his  Seed  for  their  Tranf- 
 greflioa  ,  yet  not  take  his  Mercy  from  him  as  he  did  from  Saul,1^1^- r*  If}12> 
 that  he  foould  have  no  Son  to  fit  upon  his  Throne  ;  which  Cove*  *5'  *'45* 
 nant  is  yet  firm  to  David ,  and  a  firft  Fruits  of  the  performance 
 related  :  yet  what  is  befallen  many  of  David  9s  Children,  as  well 
 as  of  Ifrael  and  Judab,  the  Word  and  Works  of  God  ,  declare 
 and  (hew ;  yet  is  not  his  Covenant  broken ,  nor  his  Mercy  taken 
 from  David* 
 
 But  now  for  the  Truth  it  felf ,  which  is  Chrift  the  Son  of  Da- 
 vid,  and  the  choice  David  ;  Certain  it  is,  The  Covenant  in  the 
 full  extent  of  it ,  ftands  faft  with  him  .  his  Seed  will  (Sod  make 
 to  endure  for  ever ,  and  his  Throne  as  the  Dayes  of  Heaven.  I 
 will  not  prefs  this  here  ,  That  this  is  a  thing  to  come ,  the  whole 
 Seed  and  fuch  a  manner  of  Seed  is  not  yet  ccme  in,  and  prefenced 
 before  him,  as  (hall  be  when  he  comes  to  take  to  him  his  great 
 Power  and  Raign  ,  and  fit  upon  the  Throne  of  David  his  Pa-  Eph%  5  J^ 
 ther.  He  is  now  in  his  Mediation  ,  fending  forth  Spirit  in  the  27/ 
 Teftimony  of  him,  preparing  Bdievers  that  thfy  may  be  fuch  a 
 Seed  ,  as  in  whom  the  new  Bitch  is  ccmpleated,  Eur  letting 
 this  pafs  ,  to  fpeak  of  them  onely  ia  whom  the  new  Birth  i?  be- 
 gun :  and  of  chem  mark  what  he  faith  ,  //  his  Children  for  fake 
 my  Law  t^z,  then  wtli  Lvifii  j  &?.  their  iniquity  ivt:h 
 firipes  :  mverthelefs  ,  my  Uvitsg-kixdnefs  rvxU  not  I  utterly 
 take  from  him*     Mir.de  the  words,  for  I  will  not  preis  the  charge 
 
 E  e  e  cf 
 
$6  An  anfwerto  tbofe  that  fay, 
 
 of  the  tcrms,nor  deny  that  in  what  follows,  (hi*  Seedjhai  indurg 
 Rom.9t.&%.fgrever)  ^is  Children  arc  meant,  as  if  Chrift  (his  Seed)  were  the 
 \6j7.Gal. $.8^  terra  fit  to  (ct  them  forth  when  compleated  ;  and  till  they  come  to 
 3 £,26,19.  chat,  they  arc  counted  for  the  Seed,  the  Children  of  CSod  by  Faith, 
 end  the  Seed  of  Abraham  begot  by  the  Gofpel  given  Abraham 
 to  minifter  ;  yet  not  in  their  own  pcrfons  ,  fully,  actually  born  of 
 CSod  till  the  Refurre&ion.  But  minde  what  he  faith  of  thefe 
 Children  now  •  he  faith  not ,  I  will  not  take  my  Mercy  utterly 
 from  any  of  them  :  but ,  My  Covenant  fhaB  ftand  faft  with 
 him  ,  1  wiU  not  takjf  my  mtrcy  utterly  from  him,  &c.  which 
 can  be  no  lefs  then  My  love,  mercy,  faithfulnefs  and  Covenant  (hall 
 not  fail  to  be  in,  to,  upon  and  through  him  •  fo  as  I  will  be  pro- 
 pitious and  continue  loving-kindnefs  to  all  his  Children,  all  that  be- 
 lieve in  him,  and  love  him  :  yea,  if  they  go  aflray,  I  will  correlt 
 them  to  reduce  them  5  and  in  receiving  correction t  my  mercy 
 and  loving-kindnefs  in  him  *  fha&be  ever  upon  and  through 
 himt  to  receive  them  again,  &c  but  if  they  refufe,&c,  yet  I 
 will  preferve  and  multiply  a  feed  to  htm  ,  1  will  not  fail  him* 
 And  if  we  mindc  itf  fuch  is  our  Saviour's  complaint  for  the  peoples 
 if*.  A4.4  <  6  unt°wardnefs,  and  rcjoycing  in  God  *s  kindenefs  according  to  this 
 ku  '  '  '  Covenant,  like  that  in  the  Type  :  fo  that  here  is  great  mercy  and 
 comfort  held  forth  for  all  Believers,  and  encouragement  for  back- 
 fliders  to  receive  correction  and  return  ,  and  a  motive  to  wait  for 
 the  coming  of  Chrift  to  fit  on  the  Throne  of  David,  when  all  ini- 
 quity will  be  dose  away,  and  this  Covenant  given  and  performed 
 to  all  the  Seed  of  Chrift.  And  though  neither  this  place,  nor  I  fa. 
 5  3.1  o,  quoted  by  Mr.  Owen% bears  out  his  Notion ,  yet  I  defire 
 the  greateft  comfort  and  hope  it  giveth  ,  (hould  bz  believed  to  the 
 utmoft  of  believing  ;    but  not  that  it  fhould  be  abufed    ac- 
 
 *.,«*.  «« ..'  cording  to  flefhly  reafoning,  orSatanical  Temptation,  to  puff  up 
 AMU  1. 2,0,1!,  -B  -    .         /■  p  r         r  r         r 
 
 1Zt  Believers  with  pride  or  prcfumption,  to  fay  or  conceit ,    Though 
 
 we  tranfgrels,  &c*  wc  are  ©od's  Sons .  he  cannot  caft  us  off  and 
 reject  us  utterly  >  but  he  muft  alter  his  Purpofe,  break  his  Cove- 
 nant* &c*  (  which  he  cannot  do)and  fo  they  fall  into  that  foolifli 
 
 ?$*V  14  1*  confidence.  The  Devil  himfelr  may  tempt  a  Man  to  fuch  confi- 
 dence ;  yea,  he  did  fo  tempt  (though  he  could  not  faften  his  Tem- 
 ptation on)  the  Lord  himfelf :  if  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  if  thou 
 be  (tire  of  that ,  (  as  if  he  fhould  fay,  then  the  Promifc  belongs  to 
 thee :  and  he  mentions  one  as  full  and  free ,  as  this  or  any  we  read 
 
 of) 
 
Qod  9s  SleBion  is  'Believers  Foundation.    3S7 
 
 of)  them  eafi  thy  felf>  &c.  for  it  &  written ,    he  (halt  give  hu  Mat^6t  w'Uh 
 Angels  charge  concerning  thee  ,   and  in  their  hands  they  [hall  pfal,$  1,1  i,i  i, 
 hear  thee  up  &c.  as  if  he  fhould  fay  ,   If  thou  be  his  Son,  God 
 hath  abfolucely  engaged  himfelf  for  thy  fafcty,  and  thou  canft  not 
 mifcarryt    But  he  fubtilly  left  out  the  middle  claufe,  in  which  was 
 the  Order  of  thePurpofc  and  Promife,**  keep  thet  in  all  thy  ways: 
 too  ncer  which  fault  they  come  i  whoafferting  Believers  kept  by 
 the  power  of  Sod  unto  Salvation  t  citing  the  Text,  leave  out  the  tpet>t  -* 
 middle  claufe,  the  way  in  which  he  keeps  them,  that  is  ,  through 
 Faith  :  but  our  Saviour  minded  the  Promife  as  it  was  ,   and  de- 
 pended on  his  Father  in  his  way  ,  and  refiftcd  the  Devil  with  ,    It 
 u  written*)  Thou  [bait  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God  :  fo  am  I  by 
 that  which  is  written  led  to  refufe  this  notion  ,  and  to  imbrace  for 
 Truth  all  that  is  faid  ,   2  Tim.  2.8,  n ,  1 2,1  3.  according  to  all 
 which  the  Apoftle  alfo  dire&eth  Timothy  concerning  others ,   and 
 bids  him,  Charge  them  be  fori  the  Lord  ,  That  theyftripe  not  z rim.  1.14. 
 about  words  to  no  profit ,  (as  all  invention  of  Purpofes,  or  of  E- 
 le&ioBjor  of  any  terms  or  Allegories ,    which  are  not  in  ,  or  are  G?/.?.rf,7>8. 
 befide  the  Gofpei  delivered  by  Cbrift  and  his  Apoftles ,    are)  but  zC°r'  !l-3*rf* 
 to  the  fubverting  of  the  hearers ,    (amazing  and  troubling  their 
 mindes  >  into  wavering  and  doubting  of  the  Truth.)     And  fo  be 
 chargeth  Timothy  himfelf ,  Study  to  (hew  thy  [elf  approved  un»  iT'm.z.  1  ?. 
 to  God,  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  afhamed  t    rtghtly  Rev.i9.\o.iCor. 
 dividing  the  word  o(  Truth,  (which  is  the  Tefttmony  of  Chri(i  %mXi\r^fim\A' 
 and  him  crucified  ,    and  Repentance  and  Rcmiflloa  of  fins  in  his  ^Joki',1'^17. 
 Name.     Surely,  this  is  the  Foundation,)  and  the  right  dividing  it,  zTim.i.n.  & 
 is,  with  that  form  of  found  Words  (which  in  thejSofpcl  he  had  a.nai»>'3«^. 
 heard  of  Paul)  in  Faith  and  Love.     And  this  applying  according  h**»*7* 
 to  the  faithful  laying  here  mentioned  1  to  every  one  inftru&ion, 
 reproof,  comfort,  or  terror,  as  need  was  •  for  which  the  Scripture 
 did  furnifh  him  :    and  then  he  farther  warns  Timothy  to  fhua 
 prophane  and  vain  bablings  ,  as  all  their  Fables  aad  fancied  Alio  i.rim.z.i6. 
 gorics, foolifti  and  vain  Queries,  and  oppofition  of  Science  falQy  fo 
 called,  are,  which  JVf*r  profefled  was  not  in  his  preaching  :  and*T-^'  '  0* 
 here  is  a  reafon  given,  For  they  (  fuch  bablings,  and  chey  that  ufe  z  Pet.1.16. 
 them)  wit  increafe  unto  more  ungodlinefs,  and  their  wsrd  rvil!  irtto  2..16&3. 
 cat  at  doth  a  canker  or  gangrene,  (arid  fo  he  names  foms  of  them)  i$*iTm.x;ii* 
 of  whom  is  Hjmeneus  and  Philetw,  who  concerning  the  truth 
 (was  not  this  the  Teftimony  of  Chrilt,   the  Object  and  Found?,  ti- 
 
 Eee  2  on 
 
388         <iAn  anfwer  to  thofe  that  fay,  &c.  , 
 
 on  of  Faith  ?)  have  erred ,  (  yea  ,  deputed  and  blafphemed,  or 
 fpoken  reproachfully  of  it ,  as  is  the  ufe  of  fuch  as  turn  the  Truth 
 into  Allegories ,  counting  the  plain  reltimony  of  the  Truth  it  fclf, 
 but  a  flefhly  thing  •  and  the  knowledge  and  belief  of  it  ,  but  a 
 flefhly  knowledge  and  Faith  ;  but  their  Allegory  a  fpiritual 
 bufinefs,  as  appears  in  their)  fa)i*g>  The  refurrettton  is  pa&  at- 
 &uTiT'm*°2  rf4^i  (which  could  be  no  other  then  in  feme  dreaming  Allegori- 
 ,  g  '  cal  R?furre#ion  they  pretended  to  have  obtained  ;  which  fo  took 
 
 with  the  hearts,  that  thereby  they  )  have  overthrow*  the  Faith 
 of  feme.  So  that  we  have  three  here  that  were  fometime  of  great 
 note  and  eminency  in  the  Church,  Hymeneus,  Aiexander  ,  and 
 Pbtlttus  9  that  putting  away  a  good  confeience,  had  made  (hip- 
 wrack  of  Faith  themfelves,  and  two  of  them  at  leaft  excommuni- 
 cated ;  yet  by  their  corrupt  teaching  and  vain  bibling ,  they  did 
 alfo  overthrow  the. Faith  of  fome  others.  And  in  the  firft  EpiftJe, 
 he  warned  Timothy  by  the  fall  of  thefe,  to  look  to  his  own  (land- 
 ing. And  in  this  Epiftle  he  warns  him  by  the  fame  to  look  to  ci- 
 thers :  and  againft  all  the  difcouragements  that  might  befal  hi:n 
 from  the  departure  of  fuch  eminent  ones ,  and  others  alfo ,  turned 
 from  the  Faith  by  them,  tells  them,  The  Foundation  of  God  ft  and- 
 gth  fure,  &c.  which  is  evident  to  be  fuch  a  Foundation  as  bears 
 forth  the  Truth  of  all  the  former  faithful  Sayings,  as  he  and  all  Be- 
 lievers are  brought  to  and  know ,  and  by  abiding  on  may  be 
 faff*  And  this  is  no  other  but  Jefus  Chriir.  And  he  be- 
 ing fo  often  and  plainly  affirmed  the  Foundation  ,  and  thac 
 there  is  no  other  given  unto  Men  ,  it  may  be  marvelled  * hy 
 fo  many  Worthies  fhould  upon  this  place  fay,  That  God's 
 Eternal  Turpofe  and  Elcftion  is  the  fure  Foundation. 
 Let  the  Words  be  viewed,  to  fee  if  they  import  any  fuch 
 thing* 
 
 CHAP. 
 
1*9 
 
 Chap,   io, 
 
 A  liew  of  2  Tim.  2.  I?,  to  fee  what  j  there  meant  ly  The 
 Foundation. 
 
 N  Evert he It fs  ,    the  foundation  of  God  ft  attdeth  fare    for  trim.*. 19, 
 fteady)  having  this  feal ,    716*  Lor^  knoweth  them  that 
 art  hu  1  and  let  every  one  that  nameth  the  Name  of  Chrtfi  de- 
 part from  iniquity. 
 
 Neverthelefs  :  Notwithftandiag  thofe  that  turned  their  eye 
 from  Truth,    flighted  the  Foundation ,    afpired  in  a  Dream,  de-  zcor.il.i,!,^ 
 filed  their  Conference ,   and  focaft  away  Faith  ;  and  others  in  lift-  4>?>*9ii,i2,i& 
 ning  to  them,  as  Evah  did  to  the  Serpent  ;   and  fo  not  heeding  to  J4>if« 
 the  Truth,  or  cleaving  to  the  Foundation  ,  are  overthrown,  weak' 
 ned  in,  or  broken  off  from  the  Faith  ;  yet  notwithftanding  all  this* 
 the  Foundation  of  God  ftandeth  lure. 
 
 Now  the  chief  bufinefs  for  me  in  this ,  is  todemo.iftrate  what 
 is  here  meant  by  The  Foundation  of  God  ;  and  chough  other 
 places  of  Scripture  have  fully  and  plainly  told  us  already  ,  yet  we 
 may  minde  what  this  place  faith,  in  observing  three  things:  What 
 the  Apoftles  fcope  was :  What  was  in  his  view :  What  the  words 
 and  terms,  with  their  feveral  Branches  and  Di(tin<5tions,are.  la  all 
 which  it  appears  what  the  Foundation  is,  and  that  it  is  Jefus  Chrift 
 as  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel :  confider  it  well. 
 
 I .  The  fcope  of  the  Apoftle  appears  in  this  and  the  following 
 Chapten  to  be,  toftir  up  Timothy  (and  fo  others)  to  faichfulnefs 
 and  diligence  in  the  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpel,  to  be  ftrong  in  the  trim.*.. i>i>U 
 Grace  of  Chrift  for  it ,  and  inftant  and  fervent  in  it  :  and  for  this  1 4,15^4-  z& 
 end,  to  endure  hardnefs  T  and  avoid  fuch  things  as  might  hinder  *8jI^y^ 
 him  ♦  to  flie  youthful  Iufts,  vain  bablings,  unlearned  queftions;  ejre.  ^'j^z?. 
 and  to  minde  Chrift  rifen  from  the  dead  ;   that  fo  he  might  with 
 tender  love  and  compaflioa  ,    endeavour  the  piefervation  and  edi- 
 fication of  thofe  which  did  believe ,    and  the  recovery  of  fuch  as 
 were  departed  and  taken  in  the  fnare  of  the  Devil  $   fome  with 
 companion,  fome  with  fear,  all  with  meeknefs :  and  to  encourage 
 him  in  all  this,  be  tells  him  ,    The  Foundation  of  Godflandcth 
 
 fftrtp 
 
390  Qjf  view  ofz  Tim.  z.  19. 
 
 jfa^.z.  &31.  furet  &c«  as  a  known  thiag  to  relic  on  and  to  hold  forth  to  others, 
 1,1.  &  5  5.1,7.  as  that  which  is  alwayes  the  fame,and  is  not  impaired  by  our  tranf- 
 •2.cor.  5^14,1 5,  gretflons  ,   but  hath  enough  in  it  to  uphold  us  with  defires  and  ea- 
 Jru\°iV  <    ^cavours  ^r  ^ucn  a$  arc  turned  afide  •  and  to  allure  them,  if 
 they  will  hear  and  minde  it,  to  turn  in  again.     And  what  can  this 
 be,  other  then  Jefus  Chrilt  as  he  is  let  forth  in  the  Gofpel ,    haviag 
 made  peace  by  his  Blood,  and  the  love  of  God  to  Man - ward  com- 
 mended through  him  ?     Surelytthe  belief  and  telling  of  an  eternal 
 Purpofe  of  God  to  fave  fome  certain  perfonsof  fallen  Mankind?, 
 having  elected  them ;    and  to  damne  all  the  reiiduc,  having  repro- 
 bated them  ,    and  the  moft  of  both  forts  unknown  ;  and  the  one 
 fort,  however  for  the  prefent  it  be  with  them  ,    (hall  be  eternally 
 faved^  the  other  fort  fhall  never  attain  any  faving  Faith;aad  what 
 feeming  focver  they  have ,  it  fhall  be  taken  away  :  and  the  Pur- 
 pofe and  Election  of  the  one  fort  to  be  the  Foundation  thatftand- 
 eth  fure  :     Surely  ,  this  can  produce  no  fuch  effc&s  to  encourage 
 to  fuch  diligence  in  Miniftration ,  or  to  help  any  by  it  •     Seeing  if 
 this  be  true ,    it  could  be  no  other  wife  with  any*  then  it  is  come  to 
 pafs ;  yea,  if  this  Doctrine  be  believed  and  minded  for  Truth  ,  it 
 will  naturally  of  it  felf  produce  other  Fruits  :  for  both  Scripture 
 and  rightly-ordered- Reafon  will  lead  us  to  conform  to  the  will  of 
 God,  to  reft  well  plealed  with  it;  yea,  pray  that  it  may  be  done  in 
 Earth  as  in  Heaven,     And  why  then  fhould  any  be  grieved  for 
 fuch  as  Sod  in  his  Will  and  Purpofe  hath  abfolucely  excluded  life, 
 and  reprobated  to  damnation,  that  they  pefift  in  unbelief,  or  if  at 
 any  time  believing,  depart  from  the  Faith ,  and  become  reprobate, 
 feeing  nothing  is  doae,  but  God's  will  •  and  no  remedy  to  have  it 
 P/M8.10 .  e>  any  better  ?     Surely,wh«n  any  through  their  own  fault  are  in  that 
 107. 40,41. lfa.  remedilefs  ftate  of  peri(hiflg,the  righteous  are  faid  to  fee  it  and  re- 
 66.iz>\*,Acv,  joyec.     And  why  {hould  any  murmur  againft  God  :and  repine  at 
 *1M>17'        chc  fulfilling  of  his  will  according  to  his  Purpofes.or  Air  to  pray,or 
 iSM.  3ri8.        ufe  means  to  aflay  to  crofs  or  hinder  the  fame ;  but  rather  fubmie 
 a  Sam,  ^.iU  with  quietcefs  to  it,    as  in  other  cafes  feme  have  done  ?    fo 
 2*.  that  fuch  a  thought  would  have  made  Timothy  quiet  and  (it  ftill, 
 
 and  not  to  trouble  himfelfwith  defires,  prayers,  and  preaching  to 
 fuch  an  end.    But  the  Apoftle,  that  had  experience  what  the  know 
 Row.*. $38,10.  iecjocan<i  Faith  of  JedisChrift,  and  God's  love  appearing  through 
 i\l^'\<\^°mt  bim  to  Man- ward, would  cffe&jwhat  a  fure  &  fruitful  Foundation 
 Chnft  was ,   how  it  reconciled  him  to  Gcd  ,    ho,v  it  moved  him 
 
 to 
 
A  view  of  z  Tim.z.  19.  39 1 
 
 to  count  himfelf  a  debtor  to  all  Men,  and  to  pity  them,and  adven-  lCor  .j^; 
 ture  his  life  to  bring  in  Men  to  believe-   yea,  to  defire  and  endea-  i  i,i9,i0.Roml 
 vour  eameftly  the  return  and  Salvation  of  Ifracl ,  thofe  reje&iog  9«  iji^.e^io.i, 
 and  caft-ofF  Brethren :  whereas  bad  he  had  in  his  heart  that  opi- 2 ^4- On. 4, 
 nion  and  thought  before  mentioned  ,    he  could  not  have  fo  done.  ,*'1^/-9.'9>*° 
 But  he  had  in  his  heart  a  better  thought,   even  theTeftirmny  of 
 Jcfus  Chrift;    and  that  did  fo  lead  him  :   and  therefore  he  layes 
 the  fame  before  Tt motby  >  even  fo  to  lead  him;  yea,  1  fuppofe 
 any  unprejuccd  will  in  reading  Paul**  Dodcine  and  Writings , 
 and  his  fcope  here  to  Timothy  ,   confefs ,   that  it  was  Chrift  ac- 
 cording  to   the  Teftimony  of  Chrift ,     that  he  propounded 
 and  laid  before  Timothy  >    as  the  Foundation  to   encourage 
 him  i   and  not  a  hidden  and  fecret  Purpofe  in  refpeft  of  Particu- 
 lars. 
 
 2.  This  ftill  farther  appears  by  that  which  the  Apoftle  had  in  his 
 view.and  which  he  fuggefted  to  Timothy  as  that  which  threatned  ^iwilii^itf! 
 fome  danger;  to  which  he  oppofeth,N'€vertheUjs  the  foundation,  i*,zPet.%.i  $', 
 &c.    which  is  clear  to  be,  the  blafphemy  of  thofe  that  had  made  i9.Jude  i*. 
 ftiipwrack  of  Faith  in  their  words  tending  to  bo  profit,  but  to  the 
 fubverfion  of  the  Hearers.their  prophane  and  vain  bablings»tending 
 to  increafe  unto  more  ungodlinefs  ;    their  foolifh  and  unlearned 
 queftions*  their  great  fwclling  words  promifing  liberty  :  perverting 
 the  ©ofpel,  and  giving  out ,  as  if  Jcfus  that  was  born  of  the  Vir- 
 gin Mary,  and  died,  and  was  buried,  and  role ,    and  afcended  in 
 that  Body  into  Heaven,  #r.  were  but  a  flefhly  Chrift  ,    and  the 
 knowledge  of  and  Faith  in  him,  as  haviag  died  for  us ,   and  being 
 rifen,  and  at  the  right  hand  of  ©cd  interceding,  #v.  a  flefhly  and 
 literal  knowledge  and  faith  •  and  the  looking  and  waiting  for  bis 
 psrfonai  coming  again,  and  the  Refurre&ion  of  the  dead  Bodies, 
 a  vain  hope,  keeping  to  the  Letter,  and  under  Bondage  :  But  their 
 dtvifed  allegorical  Chrift  that  is  dead  and  rifen  in  them,  is  the 
 true  fpiritual  Chrift  ;  and  the  imbracing  and  believing  this ,  being 
 dead  to  the  former  confidence  in  Chrift  •    this  Chrift,  according 
 to  the  Spirit,  is  come  to  them ,   and  in  them  ,    and  they  are  rifenj 
 the  Refurrcaion  is  paft  ,  &c.      O  lofty,  O  vain  Dream  1  How  f*/£  '**? 
 Chould  any  that  have  once  believed  in ,  and  profeffed  Jefus  Chrift,  '  4'2  * 
 and  the  Refurrc&ion  from  the  dead, be  drawn  to  tbis?ls  not  Chrift 
 alwayes  the  fame,  The  Word  of  the  Lord  that  endureth  forever  ? 
 Yes  furely  i  but  thcfc>  like  the  fallen  Angels,  were  not  content  wirh 
 
 their 
 
$pi  A  yiew  of  z  Tim.2.17. 
 
 Jude  6.  C0L1.  ^CIT  P^ce  »   in  C^C  ^c  anc*  koowlcdgc  afforded  them  in  the  fim- 
 j8.i^.u.5,4',plicicy  of  Chriftas  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel,  but  would  be  intruding 
 i^MjifG*/.  into  things  not  feen;and  fo  pervert  the  Gofpel  j  as  if  they  would 
 i.rf57j8.ir/;0.  declare  a  more  fpiricuai  Jefus ,   a  more  pure  Spirit,    and  more 
 4.1  ita°'ol'*3  ^cavcnty   afi(*  fpi"tual Cjolpel ,    and  truer Refurrec^ion  then  the 
 iPet.  19.25!*'  (Letter,  as  they  call  it,  of  the)  Gofpel  doth  declare  :  and  Co  they 
 H^.13.7,8.      have  erred  and  departed  from  the  Truth  ;  which  if  they  had 
 minded ,  and  abiden  in  ,    would  have  prefer ved  them  from  fuch  er- 
 ror.   Neverchelefs,  The  Word  of  the  Lord,  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift, 
 as  fet  forth  in  the  Gcfpel  for  theFoundation9(tandech  fure,  abideth 
 ancl  remaineth  for  ever  the  fame  :    though  they  boatt  of  fuch  a 
 glorious  change  from  Chrift  in  the  Flefh  ,   to  Chrift  in  the  Spirit ; 
 from  Letter,  to  Myftery ;  yet  he  is  the  fame  ,  and  had  they  abode 
 in  belief  of  that  Truth  ,   they  had  not  fo  erred.      Wherefore  let 
 none  believe  or  admire  their  fancies  ;  for,  though  they  be  changed 
 in  their  thoughts  of  Chrilt  and  the  Truth  ,  yet  he  is  the  fame ; 
 and  whofo  holdeth  to  and  continued!  in  his  Words  ,    he  will  pre- 
 7  1  Q  ferve  :    for  though  they  have  erred  from  the  Truth  ,    yet  never- 
 
 ark/l'io!  thelefs  the  Truth  Itandeth  firm,  and  will  one  Day  judge  thefc 
 Apoftates,  and  juftifie  fuch  as  beliere  in  htm.  So  that  by  this  op- 
 pofition  it  cleerly  appears  he  means  Chi\{\  to  be  the  Founda- 
 tion. 
 
 3.  This  alio  appears  in  the  Words  themfelves,  with  their  Or- 
 der and  feveral  Branches  and  Diftin&ions  ;  lecchem  be  every  one 
 con(idered : 
 Ifa  28  \6  PCa  l '  ^e  ^oun^tion  of  G fid  ftandetb  fnre.  Is  not  this  pla;n 
 iiz'tz'.Mat.L' ^  Scripture- Language  ,  to  be  the  Foundation  God  purpofed  and 
 4.\?et.z.6Att.  promilcd  to  lay  in  Sion  ?  which  Purpofe  and  Promife  wis  before 
 4.11,1  z.i  cor.  the  laying  of  it ;  and  now,  according  to  Purpofe  and  Promife,  he 
 *'I1§  hath  laid  it  :  and  Jefus  Chrift  exprcfly  affirmed  to  b:  this  Founda- 
 
 tion, the  Love  and  Wifdom  of  <^od  in  his  wiil  found  out  and  pur- 
 pofed  this  Foundation  •  and  according  to  his  Purpofe  his  Hind 
 -  hath  laid  this  Foundation  ,  and  hath  declared  hi*  Purpofe  of 
 faving  all  that  in  believing  are  by  Faith  bu\!c  on  him  ,  who  or.ely  is 
 the  iroundarion  ,  and  there  is  no  other.  The  knowledge  of  this 
 Foundation,  and  fo  of  the  Love  an  i  Purpofe  of  God  according  to 
 which  he  is  laid  3  meet  us  wich  bands  of  Love,  todraw  tohirn, 
 and  fatten  upon  him  ;  or  if  declined  to  return  to  him,  that  is  fo  fure, 
 immovable  and  precious  a  Foundation.     And  this  deer  hers  that 
 
 nncc 
 
aA^le^  ofz  Tim.  2. 19.  395 
 
 bolt  needed  have  imagined  another,  nor  feigned  the  Purpofecobe 
 the  Foundation  :  but  to  proceed  > 
 
 2.  Having  thisfeaL     This  is  plain ,  This  Foundation  hath  a 
 Seal  on  it ,    an  evident  and  known  Seal  •  it  is  a  fealed  Foun- 
 dation •  and  fo  the  Seal  is  diftind  ,   though  not  divided  from  the 
 Foundation ;  it  is  in  ic  and  upon  i:,  eves  that  by  which  it  is  marked 
 out  to  be  known,  and  to  be  fure  and  (led raft, even  that  which  God 
 hath  appointed  and  fealed  :  in  which  Seal  alfo  is  the  fealing  and 
 approbation  of  all  that  through  believing  come  to  bebuilron  him. 
 So  that  it  is  ademonftratingshving,quickning  and  confirming  Seal, 
 and  fo  Chrift  (the  Foundation)  was  fealed,  approved,  teftified  and 
 confirmcdi  both  by  voice  and  works,  to  be  The  Chrift ,   The  Son  jfa.zi.ig.Matm 
 of  God  ,  that  precious  tried  Stone  laid  for  a  Foundation  :  and  3.17.  &  17.5. 
 upon  this  ground  he  exhorteth  to  feck  of  him  the  Bread  that  en-  Job.i.$7>  /*&• 
 dureth  to  Eternal  Life ,  which  he  will  give  tofuch  as  come  to  him  *-*7-/)<M5-4° 
 for  iti  becaufeor  for  him  hath  God  the  Father  fealed  ;  yea  ,    he  ij^YowV. 
 being  given  as  the  Witnefs  or  Teftimony  of  (Sod  *s  Will*  Love,  X8.e^8.i   ifa. 
 Pnrpofe  and  Faichfulnefs ,  and  fo  preached  by  the  Apoftles :  and  i%.\6.&%.\6& 
 for  the  Law  ,  which  the  Apoftle  calls ,    The  Law  of  Faich  ,  The  *'.4  ^u**. 
 Law  of  the  Spirit  of  Life  .     This  the  Foundation  laid  in  Sio^J'^^'^9 
 The  Law  and  Teftimony  bound  and  fealed  up,  among  the  Difci- 4.^3^  8.20j 
 pies  of  Chrift  ,   The  Law  proceeding  out  of  his  Mouth  ;  and  he  14,  15,16.  & 
 doth  therewith  ,   fo  feal  thofe  that  believe  in  him »   that  he  indues  *  8. 9 ,tf. 
 them  with  his  own  Spirit  operating  in  them :  fo  that  the  fame  Law  &  lJ,'lt'  & 
 and  Teftimony  gocth  forth  from  them  to  others.    And  this  is  the  l*^m  *£'*  47# 
 Law  and  the  Teftimony  to  which  we  arc  to  refort  for  the  know  Mat.  5. 14,1*. 
 ledge  of  all  Truth  ;  though  b^cauie  of  its  crying  down  all  flefh,  Thil.  i.  iy,i^ 
 and  the  reproach  it  is  in ,  in  the  World,  a.nd  among  the  Children  Jdi.i.4>7>9-& 
 of  the  Bond- woman  in  the  Church ,    i:  is  co  them  as  a  book  pre-  l^^y^tV 
 tended  by  the  Learned  to  be  fealed,  and  by  the  uulearaed  to  be  out 
 of  their  ability  to  read  ;  yet  with  Chrift ,    and  in  him  the  Lord  is 
 vvell  plcafed  ;  yea ,    and  for  his  fake  with  all  that  believe  in  him, 
 and  will  magnifie  the  Law  and  make  it  honourable  •  yea,  he  hath 
 given  him  for  a  light  to  the  (Sentiits ,   and  to  be  his  Salvation  to 
 the  ends  of  the  earth  •  yea  ,   he  will  coafirm,  and  hath  confirmed 
 the  fame  ,    in  making  thofe  that  believe  in  him .  the  light  of  :he 
 World,  in  holding  forth  the  Word  of  Life,  and  bearing  witnefs 
 of  him  the  true  light,  and  he  will  confirm  the  Teftimony  delivered 
 by  his  Servants  •  yea,    he  hath  abundantly  confirmed  this  TcfVt- 
 
 F  f  f  mony 
 
394  ^  vte1^  °f l  Tim.  2.19. 
 
 Epk*  2021  mony  already  ;    fo  that  Jefus  Chrift  as  fee  forch  in  the  Tefii- 
 22.  many  of  theGofpel ,  he  is  the  Foundation  laid  by  God  ,  and  mi- 
 
 nifterially  by  the  Apoftlcs  ,  even  that  Foundation  on  which  the 
 Apoftles  and  Prophets,  yea,  the  whole  Church  both  of  J«ws  and 
 Gentiles  ,  are  built  ;  and  by  whom  as  the  Corner-Stone  they  are 
 united  in  one:  and  there  is  no  other  Foundation  but  this.  And 
 this  Foundation  is  fealed  ,  and  hach  the  Seal  on  it,  which  will  be 
 fealing  all  that  come  to  be  built  on  ic  :  fo  that  hitherto  ,  even  by 
 this  Word ,  having  this  Seal  ,  We  are  led  to  own  Jefus  Chrift 
 for  the  Foundations  which  the  Seal  abidcth.  Now  let  us  confider 
 what  this  Seal  is ;  and  that  alio  is  cxprefs, 
 
 3.  The  Lcrdkpoweth  them  that  are  hie.     This  is  plain,  the 
 
 Apoftle  delivereth  not  this  ,    (  the  Lord  kjtoweth  them  that  arc 
 
 hie)  as  the  Foundation  (which  by  his  manner  of  delivery  appears, 
 
 to  be  fomediftin&  thing  forelayed,  yea,  even  before  fealed  )  but 
 
 a  Aft.  ia6.&  diftin&Iy  »  plainly  and  exprefly ,   as  the  Seal  on  the  FoundarioQ, 
 
 10.36.  ^9.17,  which  it  alwayes  hath  on  and  with  it  •  and  that  is  this,    The 
 
 2$.&i\.i6.  &  Lord  k*  wet  h  them  that  are  hie.     View  the  words  in  their  own 
 
 16.3 1.^20.35.  fimpljcjty  according  to  Gofpcl-Language,  and  it  will  appear  plain* 
 
 flm&%6ic°or.  ty  That,  ^hc  k°rc* i$  tne  Name  frequently  throughout  the  Gofpel, 
 
 i,z.    &  13.14.  as  now  ccme  forth  given  to  Chrift  a    •    but  if  any  will  take  ic 
 
 GdA.x.  &6.  for  God  the  Father,  it  will  come  to  the  fame  :  for  the  Father  and 
 
 j8,&c  thc  50n  arc  ^h  onc  ancj  tnc  fame  God  b  :  one  in  divine  Eflfcnce, 
 
 c/jfS'iflo. and  in  W*11  and  D:{ign'  and  in  T^imony  and  Working  c  •  yea , 
 ijoh'1.7.  Job.  the  Father  doth  nothing,  but  the  Son  doth  the  fame  •  yea  >  he  doth 
 5.17.19,21,23 .  all  by  the  Son,tbat  all  Men  might  honor  the  Son,as  they  honor  the 
 cH  4.6,10.  &  Pacher;nor  can  any  come  to  the  Father  but  by  the  SoHjand  all  that 
 16. 14,15. Heb.  -s  ^c  pather»s  is  thc  Son's,and  through  him  his  glory  appearcth. 
 x'3'  The  Lord  kjjoweth.  This  Word  is  more  then  fecth,  difcerneth, 
 
 foh.  2.  »4?2?-  and  fo  knoweth  ;  for  fo  God,  yea,  God  in  Chrift ,  and  fo  Chrift 
 e  16.30.  van.  kROVVCtjh  all  things  ;  yea  ,  he  knoweth  what  is  in  the  darknefo, 
 *-zi'  yf*ft\  though  oncly  the  light  dwclleth  with  him  :  he  knoweth  the  hearts 
 Vcut."  i.zi.  "  of  all  Men,  even  the  worft  of  Men  alfo ;  yea,  their  abode,  and  go- 
 2  KlH- l9-  *7-  ing  in  and  coming  out ,  and  rage  againft  him «  yea  he  knoweth 
 jfa.n.i%Jer-  tnc  proud  afar  off:  and  therefore  he  is  fit  to  judge  all,and  this  is  for 
 4%4o.?fa.ii%*  t^e  comfort  0f  his  Servants  alfo  •  yea,  he  knowetb  them^and  their 
 6.&i$$.i>  •  tj10Ug[ltSa  an(j  tncir  Wayes:  a  good  Medication  for  them  s  but 
 \noweth  in  this  bufinefs  fignifieth  more  then  all  this ;  yea  ,  more 
 l  plrt  4*  then  to  fay  ,  The  Lord  knoweth  who  they  be  that  are  his  ,  and 
 c>-7-  who 
 
A  Die®  of  1  Tim.i.ip.  tyf 
 
 who  arc  not  :  for  the  word  here  hnporteth  fpccial  Grace,  Favour 
 
 and  Protection,  (as  hath  been  (hewn, )    The  Lord  kpoweth*  that 
 
 is,  the  Lordowneth,  approveth;  chufcth,  dclighteth  in,  proteclcch, 
 
 leadeth,uphoIdeth,rmnifefteth  himfelf  to,  and  vouch fafeth  fellow- 
 
 (hip  with  ,  and  maketh  ufe  of  them,  to  (hew  forth  his  vertues  and 
 
 praifes  by  ;  and  fo  the  word  is  ufed,  Pfa/.i  6.  explained,  God  is 
 
 in  the  generation  of  the  righteous  .•  God  loveth  the  righteous  :  P/^.14.?.   & 
 
 Ihe  Lord  upholdeth  the  righteous  :   The  righteous  (hall  be  in  £'£<£3£17' 
 
 everlafiing  remembrance  :  For  thou  Lor diWtlt  blefs  the  righ-  l2,  ^Y$.  ^ 
 
 teout  ;    with  favour  wtlt  thou  compafs  htm »   as  with  a  (hie Id*  14^.9.^37,17, 
 
 And  this  knowing  of  the  righteous,  is  oppofed  to  theperifliing  of  &i  12. 10. 
 
 the  way  of  the  wicked,  his  turning  of  the  way  of  the  wicked  up- 
 
 fide  down :  fo  as  the  arms  of  the  wicked  (hall  be  broken,  and  the 
 
 defirc  of  the  wicked  (hall  perifh  •   yea ,    to  this  understanding  of 
 
 the  word  knoweth,  here ,    we  are  led  by  Chrift  and  his  Apoftles  : 
 
 yea  ,    the  learned  and  godly  Writers  wish  one  content  fo  take  the 
 
 word  knoweth  ,     importing  Approbation  and  Election  :  The 
 
 Lord  kjtoweth  them  that  are  hu.  Thcfe  words  by  the  connexion 
 
 with  the  precedent  and  following  words  and  the  Apoftle's  fcopc, 
 
 appear  plainly,  That, 
 
 By  Them  that  are  his  ,    are  not  meant  all  that  are  his  in  any 
 fence,  as  all  that  he  hath  right  in  to  difpofe  of;  yea, and  to  bring  a- 
 bout  his  own  ends  by,  and  to  judge,  ejrc*   for  fo ,  The  earth  is  pfal,t^.i.  & 
 the  Lord's*  and  the  fulnefs  thereof ;    the  world,    and  they  u  9  91 John. 
 that  dwell  therein :  yea,  All  are  his  fervants  s  The  deceived  I  *M***'J.i* 
 and  the  deceiver  are  his  :  yea,  God  hath  given  to  Chrift  upon  ^iP'9^    c' 
 the  account  of  his  furTerings  and  focrifice ,    all  Nations  of  Men ;  1Ail  V  %^i\i% 
 yea,  all  Men  to  be  difpofed  by  him,  and  he  to  be  the  Lord  of  them  9»i6»iuJoi\u 
 all;and  they  are  all  obliged  to  him.to  live  to  him;  and  will  they^nill l 8,'-?. 
 they,they  (hail  all  come  one  day  before  him,and  confefs  him  Lord, 
 and  he  (hall  judge  them.    In  which  fenfe,  all  Men  are  his ;  which, 
 though  fome  tnrough  unbelief  deny  and  will  noc  ackaowledge  the 
 Lord  (hip  of  Chrift  upon  this  ground  ;    yet  will  none  plead  for     , 
 them  that  are  his,  to  be  takin  in  this  fenfe  here  :    and  ft  hath  been 
 often  proved  before,  That  none  that  live  in  impenicency  and  unbe- 
 lief, can  be  reckoned  in  the  number  of  ehofe  that  are  here  meant  by 
 them  that  are  his. 
 
 By  Them  that  are  his  ,  evidently  appearech  hete  to  be  meant, 
 them  that  are  his  peculiar ,  or  his  in  a  peculiar  manner  ,  chat  is, 
 
 Fff'a  them 
 
39  6  sjf  view  oft  Tim.i,  \p. 
 
 them  that  in  the  heavenly  Call  by  theGofpel ,  in  difcovery  of  his 
 &ia  ti4tf.&  Srcat  Name,  that  is,the  propitiation  for  the  (ins  of  the  whole  world, 
 i7.ty6y7.Rom.  and  ®°d >$  ^°ve  and  propuioufnefs  to  Mankinde  through  him,  are 
 9.14.  He&a.i,  prevailed  with  to  believe  inChrift  ;  and  fo  through  the  Grace  be- 
 6.  1  Ctfr.1.24.  licycd,  united  to  him,  and  fo  wrought  up  to  love  God  ,  and  yield 
 ly^Rom!*'  8  UP  t^cm^vc$  to  tru^  lti  h\m>  and  live  to  him  •  and  in  the  abounds 
 Gai.$.i9'Rm.inB°f  tn^s  l°ve  believed,  fpringing  up  this  Faith  and  Love  in 
 8.x 8.  iTbef.z.  them ,  he  returning  with  more  difcoveries  of  Love  ,  and  fo  ap- 
 13.  i  Pet.i.z.  proving, delighting  in,  and  chuftng  them  :     Thcfeare  the  Children 
 
 Al'&'ir'  °f  the  ******  chac  are  Chritt  hls  PeculijLr'  and  Hci:$  according  to 
 
 8.1  f.Galjf.%  Pfom^c  1    The  Called  according  to  Purpofe,  that  love  God  and 
 
 $.  1  £>.tf.ii!Chrift,  The  Eleft  and  chofeii  through  San&ification  of  the  Spirit, 
 
 1  Tbef>  ?.  4,5.  &e.     Thefe  are  them  that  his,  his  people  in  fuch  a  fenfe,  as  before 
 
 Bpb^.3,10*     this  they  were  not  his  people  •   and  fo  both  knowing  (Bod  ,  and 
 
 rather  fo  known  of  God  as  before  they  were  not  :    fo  now  in 
 
 Chr'u%  in  the  lighct  his  Children  and  peculiar  people,  which  before 
 
 they  were  not.    And  this  under  (landing  of  thefe  and  no  other  9  to 
 
 be  his  peculiar  people  ,   and  chofen  and  eled  Generation  ,  we  are 
 
 fully  and  plainly  taught)  as  all  that  will  read  and  minde    I  Pet. 
 
 *•  *•  3 1  5>  P>  X  °»  may  fee,  without  interpretation  or  glofs :  and 
 
 fo  it  *s  plain  ,    thei'c  are  thofe  here  meant  by  Them  that  art 
 
 hit*     And  we  have  the  fame  from  our  Saviour's  own  Mouth, 
 
 (who  is  the  Foundation,  and  the  firft  fealed,  known,  approved  and 
 
 J0Jb.t4.Bi5i 5.  cle6t,)  He  that  hath  my  commandments,  and  kjeepeth  them,  he 
 
 &I6.Z7.&H.  it  u  that  lovetbme;  and  he  that  loVeth  me, (hall  be  loved  of  my 
 
 16,19^17.6,  Father,  and  I  will  love  him,  and  wit  manifeft  my  ft  If  to  him, 
 
 \°>lf:  W'fe  &c.     And  ,  The  Father  bimfilf  hath  loved  you  ,  becaufe  ye 
 
 vs*zjiJ  have  loved  me,  &c.   and  thefe  he  faith ,   He  hath  ehofen  out  of 
 
 the  world,  and  they  are  not  of  the  world.      And  thefe  are  the 
 
 Father's,  and  thefe  are  Chrift's :  fothat,  it  is  plain  ,  thefe  are  The 
 
 J  hem  fo  knows  and  owned,  of  which  JP^tf/fpeaks  here  to  Ti- 
 
 mothy  :  and  if  any  Man  would  put  any  into  this  numbcr,that  are 
 
 not  of  this  7bem>  the  Scripture  is  dire&ly  againft  him.     So  that  in 
 
 this  2  Tim.  2.  19.    according  to  Scripture-Language,  we  have 
 
 let  forth  intimately  the  Purpofe  of  God  ,    and  exprefly  and  di- 
 
 ftin&ly,  The  Foundation  of  God  that  is  laid  according  to  his  pur* 
 
 if  a.  %%*\6,    pofe ,   and  the  Election  of  thofe  that  are  prevailed  with  by  Grace, 
 
 £?#.*•*■        to  believe  in ,  and  relie  on  Chrift  according  to  his  Purpofe  alfo- 
 
 the  Foundation  is  firrt  hid  p  and  upon  the  account  of  the  prcci- 
 
 oufnefs 
 
<l/  yeh  of  i  Tim.z.ip.  397 
 
 oufnefs  of  this  Foundation,  the  owning  and  ele&ion  of  thofe  that 
 believe  on  him,  they  ftiall  not  beafhamed.  1  know  not  what  can 
 be  more  plain  and  evident :  and  yet  that  which  follows  confirms  all 
 hitherto  faid. 
 
 4.  And  let  evtry  one  that  nameth  the  Name  of  Chrift  Itfr* 
 part  from  iniquity.     I  f  a  ny  will  take  this  as  the  flourifti  i  ng  of  the 
 Seal  whereby  it  is  demonftrated  to  others  ,  I  hinder  him  not,  nor 
 doch  it  hinder  the  (cope  aimed  at ;  yet  I  rather  conceive  it  diftifld  t 
 for  it  is  not  faid,Thefe  Seals  but  this  Seal  •  which  mentioned  what 
 it  is :  he  comes  in  with  an  *Wdiftin#ive  though  not  dif-junclive  • 
 differenced,  though  not  divided  •  both  diftin&ive  and  copulative : 
 neither  the  Foundation  ,    nor  the  Seal  ;   yet  an  inftru&ion  and 
 warning  taught  by  the  Foundation,  and  according  to  the  Purpofe  rlu  i.n,ri. 
 in  Election  :  For  firft »  this  favi»g  ©race  of  God  in  Chrift  in  its  Pre.\.iz,ii>& 
 appearance ,    teacheth  and  rcquireth  every  one  to  whom  it  is  ten-  9't'Mar^1'1li 
 dcred  in  the  Call,  To  fubmit  to  his  convinccments ,  and  turn  at  his  ^'|  jj£j% 
 reproofs ,  and  fo  turn  from  iniquity.     And  if  any  ftubbornly  re-  pr}.u*+  'job. 
 fufe,  they  Iofe  their  own  mercies,  their  own  fouls  j  and  thofc  that  3,19.  vfdM* 
 begin  to  hearken ,  and  ia  believing  to  tafte  fomthing  of  the  graci-  8-   Hc^.3.7. 
 oufnefs  of  the  Lord,  it  warns  alfo  to  turn  no  more  to  folly  ,   but  to  3m' u  21*  ££• 
 be  ftill  cafting  off  all  fuperfluity  of  naugbtinefs  ,   and  to  receive  g^i/jiffjf.f* 
 with  meeknefs  the  ingrafted  word  ,   that  fo  they  may  come  more 
 upon  him,  and  be  built  on  him.     And  fuch  as  thus  receive  his  gra- 
 cious words  in  believing  on  him ,   he  will  purifie  from  all  their  ini-  „ 
 quities ,  and  unite  and  conform  them  to  himfelf.    And  fo  this  laft  y6'x }.  *f  Uy£ 
 Sentence  (hews ,    That  this  whole  Verfe  agrees  with  our  Saviour's  &.u,ii,i '3,14. 
 Defcription  of  the  Will  of  Qod  ,  and  the  Foundation  he  hath  fet  4*3.3>4>$>*>7* 
 forth  and  owned  ,   and  with  the  Affirmation  of  the  Oblation  of 
 Chrift,  and  the  end  thereof,  and  the  Teachings  and  the  Efficacies 
 thereof;  and  fo  with  all  thofe  holy  Cautioas  and  Warnings;to  take 
 heed  of  refuting,  and  of  back-fliding,  or  of  liftning  to  feducing  Spi- 
 rits.    And  all  runs ,  even  with  the  (cope  of  the  Apoftle  ,  and  a/I 
 the  precedent  and  following  Verfes ,   and  the  whole  current  of  the 
 Scripture,  a  ffirming  Chrift  the  onely  and  fure  Foundation  :  where- 
 as the  affirming  of  an  eternal  Purpofe  aud  Election  of  fome  cer- 
 tain perfons  of  fallen  Mankinde  to  be  eternally  fa  ved ,    is  crofs  to 
 this  Text,  and  all  Scripture,  to  be  laid  as  the  Foundation,  though 
 fomefometime  leave  out  the  words,  having  this  Seal ;  that  the  ^    ^ 
 other  following  words  might  be  taken  for  the  Foundation :  and  Mr'  U,P»77* 
 
 then 
 
398  <iA  view  of  z  Tim.2. 19. 
 
 then  call  it,  The  Foundation  of  God  *s  unchangeable  Purpofe  and 
 Love  :  yec  if  a  Man  would  fay  ,  By  purpofc  is  mean:  chac  pur- 
 poled  1 1  would  take  it  in  the  moft  favourable  fenfr.  Suppofe  feme . 
 honeft  and  learned  Jew,  before  Chrift  came  in  the  Flefli  ,  fliould 
 have  affirmed  God  's  Purpofe  of  fending  forth  his  Son  Chrift  to 
 die,  and  rife,  and  offer  the  acceptable  Sacrifice  j  and  fb  to  6e  the 
 Saviour  of  the  World ,  that  whoever  believeth  in  him  (hould  not 
 perifh  but  have  cverlafting  Life  :  Suppofe,  I  fay ,  he  fliould  have 
 taught  this  Purpofc  of  God  to  be  the  Foundation  ;  he  had  fome- 
 thing  mifcarried  in  Exprcffion :  for  the  Foundation  purpofed  and 
 promifed  ,  was  the  Seed  of  the  Wcman  to  break  the  Serpent's 
 Head,  the  Seed  of  Abraham,  in  whom  is  bleffing  for  all  Nations, 
 a  Man  to  be  the  Rock  and  God  's  Salvation  to  the  ends  of  the 
 Earth  ;  and  though  he  was  not  then  come  forth  ,  and  fo  not  laid, 
 as  now  he  is ,  yet  he  was  heldforth,  though  afar  off,  in  the  Pro- 
 mife  to  be  looked  to :  and  by  reafon  of  the  agreement  between  the 
 Father  and  him,and  in  his  undertaking  he  was  fo  vertuoas  and  effi- 
 cacious, that  he  was  a  fure  Foundation  •  fo  as  in  beholding  him, 
 Ueb.i  1,1 3,14,  *nd  retting  on  him  as  yet  to  come  ,  fuch  Believers  were  iafe.  And 
 40.  fo  they  feeing  it  afar  off?  were  perfwaded,  and  embraced,  and  lived 
 
 and  died  in  the  Faith  ,  and  ft)  all  receive  the  Promife  of  the  Inhe* 
 ritance  together  with  us  •  and  fo  the  Fcundation  was  the  thing 
 purpofed»  and  waited  for  then.     So  that  here  were  a  little  miftake 
 ^  in  this  honeft  Jews  Exprcffion  •  yet  this  miftake  might  have  been 
 
 tolerable  becaufe  the  Foundation  was  as  then  no  far:herlaid,  but 
 as  held  forth  in  the  Promife  and  Revelation  of  the  Purpoie  of  God, 
 And  fo  to  take  the  Promife  and  Purpofe  therein  revealed,   in- 
 cluding the  belief  of  him  promifed  for  the  Foundation  ,    had  not 
 been  dangerous ,    but  fafe ,  where  farther  Light  was  not  come 
 forth.     But  now  the  Purpofe  is  manifeft  to  be  cori:e  forth  into 
 rj*fl.i.eH$.3i,a&  ,  and  the  Foundation  according  to  Purpoie  laid  ,   the  promife 
 33-  <0-io.il. fulfillcd,    and  Chrift  that  took  Man's  Nature,  and  died  for  their 
 3°n  * i'Km'  *"in3' 1$  rlf"cn,anci  manik%  declared  to  be  the  Foundation,  Now  to 
 *j**i«  flight  over  this  open,  and  roanifeft,  iaid>and  (ealcd  Fcun;iatior?,and 
 
 to  dokeic  with  making  the  Purpoie  of  God,  the  Foundation  to  be 
 built  on  ;  as  if  the  Foundation  purpofed  were  no:  laid,  or  not  mj- 
 nifeft  ,    is  not  lefs  then  an  intimate  denial  cf  Chrift  being  come  in 
 71     ,         theFlcfti,  and  too  neer  the  Spirit  of  Antichnft. 
 I/0M.3'  Therefore  it  is  to  be  dcfired  ,    That  Men  wculd  acknowledge 
 
 and 
 
<tA  view  ofi  Tim.2.19.  ^p 
 
 and  call  him,  The  Foundation,  that  is  fo;  and  not  avoid  ir,by  calling 
 the  Purpofe,  the  Foundation  ;  and  yet  to  call  rhat  the  Purpofe  of 
 God  ,  which  is  not ,  and  make  it  the  Foundation  alfo,  is  much 
 yvorfe  ;  confider  that  alfo. 
 
 Chap.  ii. 
 
 Of  a  dtvifed  Purpofe  J>yfome  calledrfhe  Purpofe  of  God; 
 and  counted^  The  Foundation. 
 
 SOmc  have  conceived,  and  are  ready  to  affirm  this  for  the  Pur- 
 pofe of  God,  namely  ,  That  from  Eternity  before  the  Foun- 
 dation of  the  World,  (Sod  did  decree  and  purpofe  cterna/Iy  to  fave 
 a  certain  number  of  perfons  of  fallen  Mankinde  ,  and  eternally  to 
 damne  all  the  reft  of  Mankinde  :  and  in  this  Purpofe  to  ele&  as 
 a  peculiar  people  to  himfelf ,  all,  and  onely  thofe  hefo  purpofed 
 to  fave  ;  and  to  reprobate  all  the  reft.  And  alfo  ,  That  in  this 
 Purpofe  he  purpofed  to  give  his  own  Son  ,  to  take  Man's  Nature, 
 therein  to  die,  and  rife,  and  offer  Sacrifice  for  all  thefe  eleel;  %  and 
 no  other ;  and  to  purchafc  for  them  Repentance,  Faith,  and  Eter- 
 nal Life,  and  for  no  other  :  fo  that  thefe  ele&  (hall  infallibly  have 
 it  all,  and  none  but  they.  And,  That  the  rcfidue  of  Men,  by  the 
 Sovera'gnty  and  Power  of  God,  fhall  have  their  lives  given  them, 
 and  preferved  for  a  time  ;  that  living,  they  may  by  (in  deferve  this 
 Damnation  they  were  fore-purpofed  and  ordained  to ,  before  it 
 be  executed  ;  that  fo,  whatever  the  Purpofe  was ,  the  Execution 
 may  be  juft  •  yea ,  Gbfpel  preached  to  many  of  them ,  and  fome 
 lower  works  of  the  Spirit  vouchfafed  them  ;  yea,  Faith  attained 
 by  many  of  them,  and  holinefs  true  in  its  kinde  ;  -yea  ,  profeflion 
 and  doing  worthily  :  from  which  if  they  fall,  the  greater  their  con- 
 demnation ;  if  they  abide  and  die  in  that  Faith ,  yet  they  moft  be 
 damned  :  the  Death  of  Chrift  and  his  Gofpel ,  and  all  means  ex- 
 tended to  call  and  lead  them  to  Repentance  and  Faith,  had  nothing 
 really  in  Truth  for  their  Salvation  •  but  to  leave  them  without  ex- 
 cufe,  and  aggravate  their  condemnation.  All  belonging  ro  eternal 
 Salvation  ,   is  onely  for  thofe  Sons  of  AA*m%  that  were  eternally 
 
 ,  purpofed 
 
400  Of  a  devifed  Turpofe, 
 
 purpofed  andelc&ed  to  be  eternally  fa?ed  ;  and  in  chic  Purpofe 
 Chrift  given  to  die  for  them  ,  that  they  might  be  faved  through 
 him.  And  this  eternal  Purpofe  of  God,  fome  make  the  foundati- 
 on, on  which,whofcever  is  built,  (hall  not  mifcarry  :  and  no  right 
 faith  but  that  which  fprings  from  this  eternal  Purpofe  ,  and  that 
 is  alfo  built  on  it. 
 
 This  framed  Purpofe  affirmed  both  to  be  the  eternal  Purpofe  of 
 God,  and  the  foundation  firft  hid  ,  for  fuch  as  (hall  be  faved  to  be 
 built  oni  is  an  inhumane  device,  and  a  very  fable »  having  no  Scrw 
 pture  to  cxprefs  it ;  yea,  it  is  a  Wolf  barking  againft  the  Tcftimo* 
 nyof  the(6ofpcl  ;  and  yet  fo  cf  many  will  not  be  owned  ,  till 
 feme  better  coat  be  put  upon  it.  But  if  any  can  clothe  it  with,  and 
 make  it  bear  the  Name  of  Election  and  Reprobation  ,  ufed  in  the 
 Scripture,  and  cover  it  with  a  pretence  to  glorifie  the  Soveraignty, 
 Oranifciency  and  Immutability  of  God,  and  of  abating  Man  and 
 magnifying  ©race  j  if  by  Wit ,  Eloquence,  and  Rhetorick  ,  and 
 wrcfting  Scripture ,  it  be  covered  with  thefe  pretences ,  it  may  be 
 entertained  as  a  Truth  ,  and  a  harmlefs  Lamb,  by  fome  zealous, 
 humble,  and  learned  Men  ;  and  fo  it  may  come  to  be  depofited 
 into  the  keeping  of  fome  Graduates  in  fome  Univerfity ,  that  can 
 charm  its  voice ,  flop  its  violence  in  devouring  ,  and  fet  it  forth  in 
 more  orderly  form  ;  fo  that  though  the  thing  it  felf  be  a  Wolf  5 
 yet  it  having  on  it  a  SheepVSkin  ;  and  being  charmed  from  its 
 barking  and  violence  of  devouring  •  demeaning  it  felf,  as  by  Art 
 it  hath  been  taught*  It  may  fo  long  go  for  a  Sheep,aad  be  cherifhed 
 in  the  Bofomes,  and  commended  in  the  Declarations  ofwi(et 
 learned  and  godly  Men-  and  be  entertained,  applauded,  and 
 pleaded  for  its  a  Sheep,  by  many  zealous,  confeicnaous  Profeffors, 
 and  have  ceicain  brands  of  antiquity,  and  confent  of  many  learned 
 and  godly  put  upon  it  5  and  they  that  fo  do  ,  till  the  Sneep's-Skin 
 be  taken  off  i: ,  may  remain  godly  ftill ,  and  yet  much  hurt  be 
 done :  for  the  Wolf ,  as  it  groweth  up, cannot  bur  fometime  (hew 
 its  Nature  •  yet  fubtilly  :  (ot  as  if  he  bark,it  is  fo  out  of  the  hearing 
 of  :Se  judicious ,  that  it  will  be  denied  to  be  he  that  did  it :  aad 
 if  he  acvour  any  Sheep  ,  it  is  fo  fecrctly  in  the  Night ,  that  when 
 Light  comes  he  is  gone ,  and  in  another  place ;  and  fo  not  known 
 till  by  the  Watchers  he  be  (pied  among  feme  of  his  Fellows, 
 and  heard  barking  ,  and  feen  devouring  •  and  yet  though  they 
 declare  it ,  it  will  be  hard  to  convince  many  of  it,  till  chcmielyes 
 
 be 
 
byfome  called,  The  Turpofe  ofCjod.       4.01 
 
 be  bitten,  he  hath  been  fo  long  taken  a  ad  applauded  for  a  Sheep  a- 
 mong  them. 
 
 And  yet  that  this  Wolf  may  be  known  tot  be  (o ,  even  while  the 
 SbeepVSkinis  on  him ;  if  we,  as  we  a*e  taught,  take  Do&rinesor  i  ]<Hn\*U 
 Spirits  that  are  falfe,  in  the  fame  jenfe  with  falfe  Prophecs,  we  have 
 a  good  direction  given  us  bv  our  Siviour  Chrift  ,    that  faith ,   Ye 
 know  them  by  their  fruits.     Now  then  ,  they  being  not  o- 
 
 pen  and  proK-fftd  Wolves  but  appearing  in  Sheep's* clothing,  and     « 
 inwardly  Wolves  ;    and  inebriety  not  with  the  Wolves  of  the       lo,r9'* 
 World,  but  among  the  Sheep  in  the  profeft  Church  ,    what  can 
 fruits  be  to  know  them  by?  but  onely  the(e,thatin  (lead  of  bleating 
 like  a  Sheep,  they  bark  •    and  inftcad  of  feeding  with  the  Sheep* 
 they  are  biting  lfnotdcvou^ng. 
 
 Now  then  confer  this  Do&rine ,  or  dcvlfcd  Fable  of  fuch  a 
 Purpofe  as  laP  ^elated  and  held  forth  for  the  Foundation  of  Sod's 
 unchangeable  Purpofe  and  Election  •  of  which,  and  no  other,  1 
 bow  (peak:  That  it  is  a  devifed  Fable>fuch  as  the  Apoftles  fhunned,  z?etA.i6. 
 and  charged  others  fo  to  do,  is  evident  •  becaufe  there  is  no  one  iTim.^.  I]*, 
 faying  9  nor  divers,  to  be  coupled  in  the  Law  and  Telliaaony,  in  its  S.io, 
 own  plainnefs  and  fimpIicity,to  affirm  it  with:That  it  is  a  Wolf,the 
 general  Affirmation  of  our  true  Prophet  and  Shepherd  affures  us, 
 that  faith,  AH  that  ever  came  before  me,  are  tbievzs  and  rob'  jdhtl0  - 
 hers*  AB  that  ever  came  before  me  .•  and  fo  whatever  is  pre* 
 fentend  to  Men  before  Chrift,  as  the  Father's  Minde  and  Purpofe, 
 or  any  other  thing  for  Men  to  flay  and  reft  on  ,  as  a  foundation 
 for  Faith  and  Hope,  a  Guide  and  fafe  Keeper :  he  faith  not  onely, 
 Were,  but  are  Thieves  and  Robbers  •  a  ad  fo  Dcvourcrs.  He, 
 The  firft  purpofed  ,  The  firft  promifed  ;  Mofes,  and  all  the  Pro- 
 phets; yca.the  whole  Scripture  teftifies  of  him;  yea/.hey  all  in  tho/e 
 times  directed  to  look  to  him,  as  then  to  come ,  that  Mea  might 
 receive  the  knowledg  of  God's  Minde,  and  behold  his  grace  ,  and 
 receive  his  Salvation,  in  minding  and  believing  on  him,as  the  foiia* 
 dation  co  be  laid  in  Sion  :  and  chough  the  Purpofe  and 
 Promife  was  plainly  declared  •  yec  not  before ,  nor  farther,  or  o- 
 therwiic  then  he  was  declared  ;  nor  did  it  come  forth  till  he  came, 
 nor  did  any  of  the  Servants  of  God  teach  any  to  judge  it  com:, 
 till  he  came ;  but  in  his  coming,  it  did  come  forth  into  a&  :  and 
 he  is  now  laid  in  Sion,  and  held  forth  by  Sion  ,  and  by  the  Apo- 
 ftles plainly  declared  to  be,    The  onely  true  Prophtc  \    R.b:;i 
 
 Ggg  Teachci 
 
2J.01  Of  a  devifed  Turptfe, 
 
 Teacher  i  Shepherd,  and  Foundation  :  therefore  whatever  Pur- 
 pofe  or  Election  be  feigned  to  be  before  him ,  and  fo  to  be  the 
 foundation  to  be  known  and  built  upon  ,  for  comfort,  or  hope,  or 
 affurance  of  cur  intereft  in  him.and  Salvation  through  hirr;  and  fo 
 before  faith  in  him  ;  or  any  otherwi(cknown,then  in  knowing  him, 
 or  any  other  then  is  firft  complcat  in  liim,and  flowing  through  hi.n: 
 fo,  as  he  bimfelf,  as  difcovered  in  the  Oofpel  J>e  the  firft  Opener  of 
 the  Fithet's  Minde  ,  Atlurer  of,  and  Peace-fpeaker  to  the  Heart, 
 and  Door  of  approach  to  God  ,  and  all  faying  Truth ,  ard  into 
 fellowftnp  with  the  Church  •  that  f?me ,  that  is  not  thus  *  is  a 
 Thief,  and  a  Robber  :  yca;  his  being  laid,  called,  and  fealed  :  for 
 the  foundation  doth  plainly  demonftrate  this  ;  for  the  fouodatioa 
 is  that  which  is  firft  brought  forth  to  view ,  and  fo  firft  laid  •  and 
 then  all  that  is  to  be  built ,  laid  en  that  foundation  :  and  "then 
 the  foundation  beareth  and  upholdeth  all  the  building.  And 
 Chrift  being  affirmed  to  be  this  foundation ;  yea  he  onely,  and  no 
 other :  therefore,  though  the  revealed  Purpole  of  God  concerning 
 him  ♦  and  of  faving  and  communicating  all  faving-Grace  9  with 
 and  through  him  •  and  his  fealing-Approbation  and  Election  of 
 Mm  for  all  this ,  and  of  all  for  his  that  arc  brought  in  to  and  upon 
 him,  be  known  in  knowing  him  ,  and  then,  and  fo  heavenly  cord's 
 to  draw  upon,  and  unite  and  fiftcn  more  to  him  •  yet  they  are  by 
 good  Men  very  improperly  called  the  Foundation  ,  which  Chrift 
 h  mfelf  onely  is  •  as  is  fore  fib cwn. 
 
 But  for  this  forefaid  devifed  Purpofe  and  Election  of  a  certain 
 
 number  of  fallen  Markiade  to  eternal  falvatbn  ,    and  of  Chtift 
 
 to  be  "iven  to  die  onely  for  them  ,    to  purchafe  it  for  them  onely, 
 
 &c.  This,  is  not  onely  a  fable,  tut  a  Thief  and  D^vcurer  and  fo  a 
 
 Wolf,  and  being- grown,  and  cftcn  with  his  fellows ,  hrs  fruits  do 
 
 now  difcover  him  both  in  his  barking  and  devolving  •  yea  ,  even 
 
 a  Job.x.  la  i<  while  fome  plead  for  him  :  for  it  barks  and  fnaps  directly  againft 
 
 i*,i7.  *    '  '  the  Purpofc  of  <Scd>  fet  forth  by  our  Skvhur  a  &  affirmed  by  h.s 
 
 b  iriw.x.4,5,  Apoftle  l>  ;  and  alfo  againft  the  Teflimony  or  the  ^ofpel  affirming 
 
 6> 7'  Jcfus  Chrift  the  Saviou,  ol.  fhc World  *,the  proptiaXit>a  fbr  the  fins 
 
 YirobVi'    <*  the  World  <J,to  be  the  Lamb  of  God  that  riketh  away  tre  fin  of 
 
 *Job.i.i9.'     the  World  r,  tohavediv-d  for  all,  and  fbr  every  Main \f,  andtoen- 
 
 f  x  Cfft.  ?.  14.  lighten  every  Man  that  cometh  ir?tothe  World       and  fo  to  be 
 
 «*&.». 9.         God's  Sal  vat  rm  to  tteeeadsof  the  Earthy  ;   and  it  alfo  barks 
 
 g  Mi*.  ;/3r.  a^j  fwpi  #g4lftrt  god  •$  gracious  end  in  the  Sofpd  punching  to 
 
 ^'  **  the 
 
bjfome  calledyThe  Turpofe  of  Cjod.       ^03  , 
 
 the  unbelieving  and  rebellious  ,  even  to  lave  h  :  and  it  fubciHy  ^  ^^  ^  ^ 
 devours  alfo ,  in  that  it  takes  from  Men  the  key  of  knowledge,  l6  „7jl"g,  * 
 by  which  they  trighc  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Minde  of 
 God  ,  and  the  Myfteriesof  his  Kingdom  ,  and  fhuts  the  Door 
 co  keep  them  from  entrirg  is  at  that  Door  to  immortality  and  life* 
 which  is  brought  to  light  by  the  Gofpel  s  and  fo|  chis  end,  it  leads 
 like  the  Serpent  of  old  to  query  and  put  doub's  in  the  plain  fay- 
 ingsofGod  5  as5  Hith  God  in  Uying  faid  ?  was  that  his  mean* 
 ing  ?  did  ae  mean  finn-rs  ,  all  men  *  the  world  ?  Nofure  ;  he 
 meant  but  fome.  an  unknown  cle<$  Company  ,  that  may  be  feme 
 of  all  forts  ot  Men :  and  to  maintain  this  device,  it  leads  to  change 
 the  words  and  terms  of  Sc  ;orure  ,  and  for  all  Men*  and  the 
 Worlditoky [imc of aU forts  ;  andfor<f#f  every,  and  the 
 World,  to  fay  of  tki  Ehtk  ;  and  call  the  Seal,  the  foundation;  as, 
 more  fafe  terms  thc»  the  Holy  Ohoft  ufeth  (  for  his  terms 
 confute  the  fable  )  and  it  perverts  and  changes  the  fayings  of 
 Chrivt  .  and  co  that  end  brings  in  Philofophy  ,  and  multi- 
 plies Queftions  and  ftrife  about  words  ,  to  the  fubverting  many. 
 1  charge  in  this  ,  and  that  which  follows,  nothing  but  the  fable 
 it  felf  •  noMan,  unlcis  he  willingly  and  profcffcdly  make  himfelf 
 guilty. 
 
 But  this  is  not  all  the  m'uehief  this  fable  dork ,  as  many  chat 
 are  delivered  out  of  it,  can  tell ;  for  this  fable  and  Wolf ,  being 
 imbraced  and  taken  for  Truth  ,  or  a  Sheep  ,  and  fo  admired  ,  ic 
 robbeth  and  devoureth  many  wayes :  as  to  fay,  fome  that  are  in- 
 wardly touched  and  coniciencious ,  fearful  co  deceive  chemtelves, 
 or  be  deceived ,  having  nothing  demonitrated  to  them  ,  that  can 
 truly  fatisfie  chem,  that  they  are  of  this  cle&  number ,  are  by  the 
 thoughts  of  it  driven  into  a  terrible  and  ungofpel-like  defpatr,  and 
 from  thence  to  hard  thoughts  of  ©od  •  yea*  neer ,  if  not  to  blas- 
 phemy of  him,  for  making  Ad  Am  ,  and  giving  him  fuch  a  Law , 
 fuffering  him  to  fall ,  and  retaining  in  himfelf  that  Purpofe  to 
 damne  the  moft  of  men  unavoidably  *  without  leaving  them  any 
 means  of  efcape  :  and  then  co  wifh  ,  Oh  thac  there  were  no  God, 
 no  Law »  no  Heaven  f  no  Hell ,  or  thac  God  had  never  given  us 
 being.  And  all  the  comfort  this  fable  will  afford  them,  is  but  this, 
 They  may  bedecked  for  any  thing  they  know  (  ;hough  cen  co  one 
 it  is  not  fo)  they  may  be  of  this  fmallett  number  •  and  they  muft 
 fubmit  to  the  will  of  ©od  ,  Co  be  damned  if  he  have  To  purpofed : 
 
 G  o  g  a  .for 
 
4.04*  QfddmfedTurpofe, 
 
 for  he  will  bring  them  he  faveth/to  this  fubmitfion  ;  and  if  they 
 fubmit  to  this,  there  is  hope  they  are  of  the  cled  number.  Oh ! 
 how  hardly  can  they  do  this  ?  and  hovtf  dreadful  are  their 
 thoughts  ?  and  yet  fo  gracious  is  (Sod,  that  he  affords  fome  hints 
 of  Mercy  to  them  in  the  thoughts  of  Chrift  his  dying  for 'tinners, 
 and  coming  to  favefinners  j  fothac  whoever  believe  on  him,  (hall 
 not  perifh.but  haveeverlafting  life  :  and  here  their  drooping  Spirits 
 begin  to  revivr. 
 
 But  then  comes  this  fable  again  and  cells  them.Tis  true  indeed 
 Gbrift  died  for  finners ,  but  no:  for  all  Miners,  but  onely  for  fuch 
 finners*  as  were  e!c&from  eternity  ;  and  ualefs  they  bsof  that 
 number,  the  Death  of  Chrift,  and  all  Faith  in  him  they  can  attain 
 to  i  (hall  do  them  no  gocd.  And  the  poor  Soul  hearkaing  to 
 this j  is  diftra&ed.  and  caft  down  again,  and  begins  to  thick  it  muft 
 yield  to  be  willing  to  be  damned  :  and  they  that  cannot  flatter 
 thernfelves  with  conceit  of  fuch  a  willingnefs ,  whither  if  the  infi- 
 nite mercy  of  God  prevent  not  ,  it  will  lead ,  and  whither  it  hath 
 led  fome,  hath  been  fadly  knowa.  And  for  fuch  as  cm  per- 
 i wade  thernfelves ,  that  if  God  will  fo,  they  are  willing  to  be 
 damned  ,  what  an  unprofitable  flafli  and  vain  hope  it  hath  pro- 
 duced from  their  conceits  of  being  elected  ,  and  what  horror  or 
 deadnefs  hath  after  followed  ,  until  that  mercy  of  God  in  Chrift 
 that  died  for  finners  as  finners,  huh  recovered  them. not  onely  I  .but 
 others  that  I  have  known,^ave  born  witnels.withbleiBng  our  gra- 
 cious God  for  bringing  us  out  of  that  fnare  :  fome.  a  (lb  mere  have 
 been,and  are  that  hating  ptophanenefs.and  prizing  highly  the  righ- 
 tccufficfs  of  the  works  of  the  Law  \  yet  having  embraced  this  ta- 
 ble ,  think  that  falvation  if  grounded  upon  tSis  fore-diicovcred 
 foundation  bi  God's  eternal  Election  of  fome  of  view's  Sons 
 to  eternal  lal'vanon  •  and  fo  that  Chrift  died : onely  for  them,  and 
 fonon^biK  thoic  ele&  can  be  eternally  laved r  and  they  holding  in 
 this  Opinion,  but  not  fo  inw^dly  afflicted  in  heart ,  as  the  fanner 
 fort ,  (  unlek  fuch  as  are  fal'en  into  deadnefs ,  which  a  re  liable  in 
 that  deadnefs  fo  the  fame  fnare  withthefe)  whoin  gvordsdifr 
 claiming  to  reft  on  ,  or  loot  :o  be  faved  by  any  righteoufnefs  •.,  or: 
 changes  of  their  own  5  but  onely  by  the  Free-Grace  of  God  in  bis 
 eternal  Election- and  givhg  Chrift  to  die  for  his  Elc<St  ;  yec  for 
 knowledge  of --heir  Ele&k?r\&  chat  Chrift  died  for  tkm,they  flyly 
 and  fubtilly  take  their  ioytacd  change,  their  foirow  for  fin,  deccfta- 
 
 tioa 
 
by  fome  called \The  Turpofe  of  (jod.      4.6^ 
 
 tion  and  fliunningof  cv'»l  wayes,their  humility,  defircs  and  prizing? 
 of  Grace,  Love  ,   Zeal  of  righceous  walking,  &c.   as  a  Fruit  and 
 TeftimoBy  o*  their  ElecYidn  before  time,  and  Chrift  his  dying  for 
 them  in  time;  and  fo  conclude  that  they  a  re  elected, and  that  Chrift 
 died  for  themjyee  this  their  fiitt  confclation>going  before  and  raifed 
 from  fomething  before  their  belief  of  the  Free-Grace  of  God  in 
 Chrift  dying  for  (irmcrs  asfmners,  they  hide  with  a  pretence  of  an 
 acknowledgement  of  Grace  •    they  could  not ,  corrupt  Nature 
 would  not,    it  was  Grace  onely  that  wrought  this  change  :    / 
 th«nkjhcetQ  God.that  I  am  not  as  other  men  are&c*  And  they  1*^.18.11,12. 
 in  this  magnifie  the  fable,  and  the  fable  moleftcth  them  not.     And 
 fo  they  grow  into  conceit  with  themfelves ,   and  defpifing  others, 
 loving  thofe  of  their  own  judgement  onely  ,   and  oppofif  g  the 
 Children  of  the  free- Woman,  that  have  their  birth  onely  from  the  Kom.  9.32,33. 
 grace  of  ©od  .    and  trutt  in  him  onely.     Such  their  Confidences  cWo.  1,1,3  Gal. 
 and  whither  fuch  Confidence  will  lead  ,    is  exprefly  told  tis,4-  Phil. 3.3,73 
 even  to  ftumble  at  Chrif>.     And  not  I  onely  ,   but  many  others  8;** 
 havecauletoblefsGod  ,  that  in  making  Chrift  known,     over- 
 threw this  Confidence,  and  brought  us  in  to  believe  in  Jefus  Ghiift 
 onely;  and  fo  delivered  us  thatfromfnarealfo. 
 
 But  yet  fome  there  are,  that  heeding  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  in  £^-3.xo»*3« 
 the  (Sofpel ,  fecthefe  changes  arid  righteous  affections  and  doings  lU*'*% 
 of  oaes  own  ,  are  very  imperfect,  and  too  weak  to  taife  fuch  a 
 Condufion  from  ,  "and  net  the  way  in  which  the  Love  of  <Sod  ap- 
 pears to  fa?e  Men,  and  bring  them  in  to  himlelf  ,  and  fo  not  to 
 afliife -Election  or  truft  in  for  it  or  for  life.  And  that  fuch  Trufters 
 cannot  be  juftified  before  God  5  but  that  is  onely  by  the  freenefs* 
 cf  his  Grace  difcovered  to  finncrs,as  finners  through  theBlcJod!of 
 Chrift  that  died  for  finccrs  ;  and  fo  bringing  them  in  to  believe; 
 jr  him  for  Juftificarion.,  yea,  and  S  a  Deification  ,  and  all  fav4tfgf 
 Grace  through  the  freenefs  of  his  Grace.  O  Grace  1  how  freely 
 workeft  thou  ?  O  precious  Faith!  thou  art  now  a  working. 
 
 But  chis  fable  not  being  yet  bani(hed,  doth  fecreily  fuggeft ,  All 
 this  is  true  indeed  ;  but  yet  this  Death  of  Chrift  for  firiners,  as  fiiH 
 qers,  and  alb  this  free  and  rich  Grace  in- and  through  him ,  is  not, 
 nor  riever  was  intended  for  all  (iBncrs  ,  but  onely  to  fome  of  them 
 before  the  World  was :  the  Eleft ,  and  they  cnely  ,  and  no  other 
 (hall  have  it. 
 
 And  for  the  reverence  fo  of  many  holy,  Men  as  have  affirmed 
 
 this 
 
lfi6  Of  a  deyifed  Turpofe, 
 
 this  fable  for  Truth,  this  Suggeftion  is  received  :  and  fo  in  ftead  of 
 believing  what  Grace  tendereth,  they  are  perfwaded  fitft  to  wait 
 for  fomc  fpccitl  and  perfonal  Manifeftation  of  their  Election  from 
 eternity,  by  fome  fupernatural  fhine,  and  powerful  dictate  in  fome 
 fpeaking  to  their  heart,  that  they  are  elc&  fons ,  and  fo  thar  Chrift 
 hath  died  for  them  ,   and  their  fins  are  forgiven  :  and  for  want  of 
 this,many  long  languidi,  and  refufe  to  believe,  aad  to  be  comforted 
 by  the  Words  of  the  Gofpel  ;  and  feme  over-hafty  of  Cor.folati- 
 on  ,    fnatch  at  any  word  that  comech  (uddenly  into  their  thoughtft 
 though  left  to  their  own  and  others  Interpretation ,  yetpuitup 
 with  i  and  boa  ft  of  them  :  fome  in  this  waiting  ready  to  receive  a- 
 ny  Satamcal  dclufion  ,  coming  as  an  Angel  of  Light ,    and  fo  to 
 be  tranfported  with  ftrangc  dreams  and  erring  fancies ;  yet  (o  mer- 
 ciful is  God,  that  to  fome  thus  waiting  j  he  not  laying  this  their 
 folly  to  their  charge,doth  for  his  own  Name  fake  in  Chrift,  in  fomc 
 feafon ,    minde  them  of  his  gracioufnefs  and  leve  in  Chrift,  with 
 fome  fayiflg  or  promife  in  the  Gofpel  put  to  their  heart ,  in  which 
 they  are  drawn  through  Chrift  Co  behold  him  as  a  Father :  and  fo 
 for  the  prcfent,  fwcetly  comforted  and  framed  ,  yet  the  Dreams 
 of  the  old  fable  not  banifhed.    Anon  after ,    fome  grow  proud  of 
 their  vifits,  and  though  foiled  with  fome  pi  (lions  and  lufts ,  yet 
 
 Erefumptuoufly  confident  in  their  vifits  ,    They  fay ,  They  cannot 
 y  thefe  things  mifcarry  ;  God  can  as  foon  ceafe  to  be  God  ,    as 
 ceafe  eternally  to  fave  them ,   becaufe  of  his  eternal  Purpofe  cor- 
 ccrning  them :  yet  others  in  minding  the  great  and  free  love  and 
 good  nets  of  God  in  Chrift  ,  and  their  own  infirmities ,    are  kept 
 more  humbly  confident  in  his  grace  in  Chrift  ,  and  mrred  up  more 
 ferioufly  to  acknowledge  the  failings  that  appear  ;   and  to  feek  in 
 exetcife  of  faith  and  ufc  of  means,  help,  preservation,  and  encrcafc 
 of  grace  through  Chrift  •    yet  the  relicks  of  the  old  fable  hinders 
 the  free  ftrcam  of  their  Love  to  fuch  as  are  yet  in  ignorance, 
 and  their  ready  declaring  Gofpel  to  them ,     and   apes    them 
 to  many  lofty  Speeches ,   and  un-Gofpel-like  fayings  •  and  to 
 judge  all  thar  by  temptation  are  turned  afide,  to  have  been  but  hy- 
 pocrites before ;  and  to  put  a  ftop  to  we*k  Brethrens  confolation, 
 that  have  not  had  their  vifics.     Yet  God  being  gracious  to  both 
 thefe  forts  ,   doth  yet  farther  correct  and  teach  them  ,    (  notwith- 
 fttr.dmg  the  force  the  old  fable  hath  with  them  (till )   and  keeps 
 their  hearts  to  himfelf,   and  out  of  fomc  back  Hidings  doth  rceal 
 
 them 
 
byfomecalledflhe  Turpofe  of  (jod.      4.0 7 
 
 them  ,  and  heal  them  :  his  merges  arc  greater,  and  hi*  wayes  a- 
 bove  Msns  as  many  of  us  have  caufe  to  confefs  •  for  by  his  gra- 
 cious teachings,  the  (Sofpel  often  breathing  arid  (hining  upon  their 
 heara  ,  (  norwithrtauding  all  themifcamages  before  laid  )  The 
 Teftimony  of  JefuJ;  That  he  died  for  all  ,  and  is  the  Propitiation 
 for  the  fins  of  the  whole  World  ;  That  whoever  of  them  believe 
 in  him»  (hall  doc  perifh,  but  hive  everlafting  Life:  and  this  the  Pur- 
 pofe  of  God  is  difcerned  and  believed.  And  fo  the  old  fable  ic 
 felf  departeth  ,  and  they  are  more  freely  and  fwectly  drawn  upoa 
 Jcfus  Chrift,  and  have  all  their  reft  and  joy  in  him  s  and  the  free- 
 nefs  of  the  grace  of  God  in  him  ,  aid  to  minde  Purpofe  and 
 Election,  as  it  is,  and  appears  in  and  through  him,  and  (o 
 begin  to  be  united  to  him  *  and  in  feme  me  a  line  conform- 
 ed to  him  i  loving  delightfully  their  brethren  ,  and  with  com- 
 panion thole  that  are  yet  in  ignorance  and  unbelief,  and  readily 
 holding  forth  the  word  of  life,  as  a  word  of  Truth  and  Verity  co 
 them. 
 
 And  yet  notwithstanding  all  this,  though  the  old  fable  be  gone, 
 fome  of  the  dregs  of  it  are  left  remaining,  fecietfy  moving  in  them, 
 which  they  in  their  fancy  are  rectifying  to  a  new  mould  1  as  if 
 though  fecret ,  yet  fome  fuch  Election  there  is.  But  God  hath 
 purpofed,  and  according  to  his  Purpofe>  fent  Chrift  the  Saviour  of 
 the  World  :  and  he  hath  purpofed,  and  according  co  his  Purpofe, 
 hath  ,  doth  and  will  ufe  means  towards  all,  that  they  might  be 
 faved,  and  cfpccially  where  theGofpel  comes  %  yea,  fofar  nretch-- 
 ing  forth  his  hand  in  the  means,  with  fuch  fumViency  of  light  and 
 ftrength,  that  they  might  indeed  repent  and  believe  ;  in  which  re- 
 penting and  belicving,hewili  furely  fave  them  by  Chriftsandif  they 
 in  inch  feafons  do  not  repent  and  believe,  it  is  then  own  fault,  and 
 they  lofe  their  own  So  jIs  :  all  which  is  verily  true.  But  then  fol- 
 lows ,  If  God  (hould  do  no  more  but  that  which  is  enough  and 
 furHaertt  to  b  ing  Men  in  to  believe,  then  would  none  believe, 
 and  lb  none  would  come  into  his  reft ,  and  be  eternally  laved  : 
 bu  forre  muft  enter  j  therefore  he  hath  decreed  and  purpc fed  to 
 overc  ne  feme  with  an  almighty  and  unrefifbble  power:  and 
 thc(<-  or.ely  (o  purpofed  9  and  fo  overcome,  (hall  be  eternally 
 fav^d. 
 
 This  at  fiift  Wufli  would  feem  tofet  forrh  (Sod  *s  Mercy  roall 
 M*rkmde ,   to  free  him  ft  cm  all  the  imputation  oi  hardnefs  and 
 
 cruelty. 
 
rn 
 
 40E      '        Of  a  dwifd  Turpofe, 
 
 cruelty  by  the  former  fable  laid  upon  him  to  abafe  Man  ,  and 
 magnifie  the  riches  and  freenefs  of  his  Grace  to  fome ,  and  the  c- 
 quicy  o^  his  Juftice  to  others  •  and  leaves  room  to  preach  the  (So- 
 ipcJ  as  Truth  to  all ,  which  the  other  table  did  not :  yet  in  Truth 
 well  weighed  ,  it  is  found  but  a  meer  Artifice  of  remi in ing dregs 
 of  the  former ;  and  if  long  remaining,  will  have  its  barking, 
 bleat  ,  and  bring  forth  many  of  it*  Fruits  :  and  now  it  may  be 
 mere  marvelled,  that  the  former  fable  gone,  this  (hould  be  framed 
 out  of  its  dregs  ,  after  plain  Gofpcl-Teftimony  is  believed  ,  there 
 being  no  one  Saying  in  theGofpel ,  declaring  any  fiich  thing  ,  or 
 that  giveth  ground  for  any  fuch  confequence :  and  why  (hould  a- 
 ny  of  us  that  have  received  fomuch  good  in  the  Gofpel-Teftimo- 
 ny,  drain  for  a  confequence  to  maintain  that  which  theGofpel 
 declareth  not  •  yea  ,  which  ftands  ccofs  to  many  Declarations ; 
 He b.4.6.  yea.  and  to  the  fcope  of  that  very  place  alledged  fome  muft  enter  ? 
 which  appears  to  be  fpoken  to  encourage  the  weakeft  Believers,  to 
 abide  aid  go  on  in  their  Faith ,  that  they  may  enter  the  Reft ,  or 
 compare  ch.  3.  Canaan,  God  hathfworn  to  give  Abraham  >  ffaae  and  Jacob, 
 &4.  ivtib  cb.6.  an(j  cj^r  5a(j  .  an£j  cncy  looked  to  receive  it  in  a  heavenly  man- 
 c*"Xp"    rXl"    ncr,  a  new  Earth,  &c.  which  they  never  yet  did,  nor  (hall,  till  we 
 
 ch  a.  a11,  to  thc  ha  that  rhaI1  **  calIcd  by  chc  GoiPcl-M'»fllftration, 
 
 come  to  enter  together  with  them. 
 
 True  ,  God  by  Mofes  called  them  cut  of  Egypt,  to  that  very 
 promifed  Canaan,  but  not  at  that  time  to  receive  it  in  that  manner 
 promifed  to  ^Abraham,  but  yet  to  receive  it  ;  for  which  he  gare 
 them  his  promife  •  which  they  not  firmly  believing,  (efpeciafly  after 
 the  rcceitof  the  firft- Fruits)  all  theantient  Men  except  Caleb  and 
 Jofbfta  (  that  followed  him  fully  in  the  faith  of  his  Promife)  fell 
 in  the  Wildernefs,  andentrcd  not  :  not  but  that  Mt-fcs ,  Aaron, 
 Miriam,  Ztlcphtbad,  and  all  like  them  ,  even  all  but  the  rebelli- 
 ous (hall  in  the  Rcfurrc&ion  of  the  Juft,  rile  again  ,  and  enter  this 
 promifed  Reft  with  Abraham  ,  &c.  So  that  in  this  they  were 
 but  Types  and  Examples  to  us.  Thofe  that  Joflm*  led  into 
 the  Land,  the  Lord  by  Jojhffa  gave  them  reft  ;  and  in  continuing 
 iq  the  Law  of  the  Lord,  they  might  have  rcrained  it  in  that  man- 
 ner till  the  coming  of  Chrift  :  but  yet  the  Reft  as  promifed  to  A- 
 braham,  was  not  then  given ;  no,  nor  yet  fo  long  after  as  in  Da- 
 tttd's  time,  who,  when  a  King  there,  and  had  both  his  people  and 
 his  enemies  fubdued  to  him  yet  confeft  himfclf  a  ftrarger  as  his  Fa- 
 thers 
 
>Aom.9.i9- 
 
 by  fome  called, The  Purpofe  of  (jod.     ^©7 
 
 thers  were,  and  affirmed  the'prom'fed  Reft  to  be  yecto  come*  yet 
 fure  til  thac  lived  and  died  in  the  Faith  ,  muft  rife  and  enter  when 
 Ahdham  enters  :  after,  God  fent  forth  Chrift  for  a  Witneff  and 
 Covenant ;  that  refting  on  him  by  Faith,  they  might  be  focntring, 
 and  in  due  time  fully  enter.  And  the  Gofpcl  hereof,  was  firft 
 preached  to  the  Jews*  who  for  the  moft  pact  refufed,  and  focntred 
 **ot  by  by  Faith  ,  and  deprived  thcmfelves  of  a  perfonal  entrance 
 when  the  time  cometh;  yet  God  in  his  faithfulnefs  to  Abraham, 
 will  preferve  a  Seed  of  Men  of  his  Generation  through  all  troubles, 
 that  there  (hould  be  found  of  them  ,  furviving  at  the  coming  of 
 Chrift  ,  and  be  brought  in  by  him  ,  and  (hall  enter  when  Aird- 
 h<m  %  and  all  that'fleep  in  Jefus  fliall  be  raifed  and  enter  together 
 with  them  %  and  till  then,  none  fo  enter :  for  were  it  already  foen* 
 tred ,  our  hope  would  be  cut  off;  but  it  is  not  •  the  reft  yet  remain- 
 eth  for  the  people  of  <Sod»that  we  believing  and  abiding  in  Cbrift, 
 may  have  him  for  our  reft,and  fo  be  entring  byFaith  now.and  per- 
 fonally  at  Chrift  his  next  comingtto  encourage  all  Believers  to  firm* 
 nefs  and  conftancy  in  this  faith,  is  the  drift  &  (cope  of  the  Apoftle, 
 who  hath  thus  opened  the  fame.  Methinks  none  (hould  be  fo  void 
 of  fear,  to  affirm,  that  as  the  Saying  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  which  is 
 given  as  the  fuggeftion  of  an  evil  fpirir,&  Saying  of  a  vain  Maniand 
 fo  reproved,  Who  hath  rcfifted  his  Will?  as  if  sone  had  or  could- 
 which  with  grief ,  I  fuppofe  true  Believers  will  confeft  they  have 
 too  often.  What  other  evils  of  diffention  among  Brethren»cJv.  the 
 affirming  of  this  devifed  Purpofe  to  be  both  the  Purpofe  of  God, 
 and  the  Foundation  ,  and  what  other  inconveniences  follow  the 
 maintaining  of  the  laft  mentioned  figment,  I  will  forbear  to  fpeak; 
 cnely  I  confefs,  for  the  reverence  I  bare  to  feme,  I  was  a  long  time 
 fnared  with  this  old  fable  ,  till  I  experimented  the  evils  mentioned, 
 and  was  brought  to  confefs  God  in  his  Sayings  true ,  whoever  be 
 a  lyar :  nor  do  I  new  blame  any  but  my  felf,  who  might  have  re- 
 ceived good  onely,  and  not  harm  by  what  I  read  ,  if  !  had  not 
 made  Mens  holinefs  and  learning,  but  the  Scripture  onely  the  um- 
 pire of  my  Faith ;  and  yet  I  have  learned  this  ,  That  a  Wolf  in  a 
 Sheep's-Skin  may  for  a  timebeimbraced,  ap.d  pleaded  for  by  them 
 that  arc  no  Wolves  •  and  fo  to  be  fober  in  judging  :  yea  ,  this  I 
 farther  confefs ,  That  when  I  thcught  my  felf  freed,  this  laft  men» 
 tioned  figment  did  a  long  time  remain  with  me ;  yea  ^  I  v  i's  not 
 frccd'of  it,when  that  my  firft  piiblifhed  Tra&'calfcd  by  che  Printer , 
 
 H  h  fa  The 
 
4§Q  yhelonclujton. 
 
 Thi  VMiVtrfdlity  of  God*s  Free-Grdcc  to  Mtnktnde ,  wis 
 put  forth ;  fame  Expreffions  there  of  it.  I  wiflb  were  amended.  So 
 thit  in  this  whole  Chapter.  I  own  the  blame  of  all  the  folly  (hewn 
 to  my  fclfjdertriflg  of  God,as  for  forgivenefs  of  all  my  Tranfgreffi- 
 oiis  i  fo  of  thofc  in  maintenance  asd  favour  of  this  old  Fable  ,  or 
 the  lift  mentioned  figment  in  Word  ,  or  any  Manufcript  of  mine : 
 defiring  him  that  hath  freed  me,  to  free  others.  And  yec  I  believe 
 the  eternal  Purpofe  of  God  ,  and  the  Foundation  he  hath  laid  ac- 
 cording to  his  Purpofe^nd  his  Election  of  that  Foundation,and  of 
 all  in  believing  united  to  him»eo  be  verily  true,precious,ur moveable* 
 unalterable  »  as  they  are  revealed  in  the  Scripture ;  as  I  have  fore- 
 declared. 
 
 Chap.  12. 
 
 ttk  Conclusion  about  the  Purpofe s  of  God ,  to  be  known  And 
 believed, 
 
 •He  Gofpel  as  now  come  forth,  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  ia  that 
 which  he  hath  futifered  and  done,  and  what  he  is  to  and  rcr 
 them,  aad  what  he  do:h  to  them  that  thty  might  believe  and  what 
 he  will  farther  do  to  and  for  them  believing;  Sc  his  Father's  and  his 
 own  end  in  all  this,itisthe  Word  and  Mindc  of  God;  yea.the  very 
 opening  and  Declaration  of  the  Heart, Bofome,Counfels  and  Pur- 
 pofes  of  God:  there  is  no  Purpofe  of  God,  crofs  to  any  part  of  this 
 Teftimony  ,  nor  is  there  any  Purpofe  that  is  God's  ,  but  what  is 
 according  to  this  Teftmony  ,  which  is  the  Word  and  Declara- 
 rf  tion  of  the  Minde  of  the  living  God,    and  called  his  Decree,  not 
 
 Irt.a.i,!'  to  be  doubted  or  waved  from, by  any  Suggeltion  of  other  fecret 
 Purpofcs ,  or  by  fagaed  pretences  of  other  meanings ,  as  if  ic 
 were  the  Word  of  a  Man,  that  fpake  by  guefs  or  probabilities ,  or 
 according  to  appearances  ;  but  to  be  believed  and  received  as  the 
 word  of  the  Almighty »  all-kaowing  Sod  of  Truth  ,  wherein  the 
 very  myfiery  of  his  Will  is  opened  to  us.  Wherefore  it  becomes  us 
 itirher  to  imagine  our  (elves,  nor  receive  of  others,  nor  pry  into  1- 
 ny  Purpofes,  as  if  Purpofcs  of  Cod  that  are  not  declared  in  and 
 
 accor- 
 
The  Qomlujkn.  q%i 
 
 according  to  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  in  the  (Sofpeh  beware  o(E* 
 vab's  defire  of  koowlcdge  ;  but  if  we  wou/d  know  myfteries,  gSJ]j *• 
 minde  well  and  believe  firmly  the  Declaration  of  the  Gofpel,  aid 
 that  believed  with  the  heart  as  the  Word  of  the  God  of  Truth.will 
 enlighten  and  work  effectually  in  us ;  yea,  if  that  be  fo  heeded,  as 
 the  very  difcovery  of  the  Minde ,  Heart ,  and  Purpofe  of  God 
 to  fuch  unworthy  Ones  as  we ;  what  appearances  of  divine  Love , 
 what  excellencies ,  what  depths  of  undemanding  and  knowledge, 
 what  fupernatural  (hines  ,  divine  itrcams  ,  fpirituai  operations,  in 
 meIungjenewing,heart-rejoycing  !  yea. what  nighnc/s  &  Approach 
 to  God,  what  fellowship  with  rather  and  Son,and  with  Prophets 
 and  ApoftJes!  yea,  what  hope  and  heavenly  riches  is  to  be  met 
 with  through  the  Spirit,  in  belief  of  this  Teftimony,  will  not  be  be- 
 lieved without  iome  experiment  in  the  Declarations  of  well-growa 
 and  experimented  Believers  •  much  lefs  in  the  fcanty  Declaration 
 of  fuch  a  one  as  I :  therefore  I  forbear  that  Declaration,  knowing, 
 that  when  any  do  come  heartily  to  believe  the  Gofpel- Teftimony 
 of  Chrift,  they  will  experiment  fo  much  ,  that  they  will  confcfs.As 
 they  have  heard,  they  have  found  ;  but  withal!,  they  think  the 
 half  was  not  told  them  •  and  then  they  will  fee  enough  in  the  Pur- 
 pofe of  God  as  revealed  for  them  to  know :  and  this  may  be  far- 
 ther faid,  That  the  Purpofes  of  God  as  revealed  in  the  Gofpel,  are 
 fuch  as  are  meet  and  forcib!e,if  believed,  to  draw  unbelievers  to  be- 
 lieve, to  confirm  weak  Believers  in  the  Faith,  and  to  make  valiant 
 the  ftrong.  All  which  things  hath  been  before  fhewn  and  proved. 
 
 TTl    1  A 
 
 Hhha  An 
 
 .fi.e« 
 
Of  the  Tromifes  of  (}od 
 
 An  Explicite  Declaration  of  the  Tefti- 
 mony  of  Chrift,  &c. 
 
 h __ 
 
 ■ 
 
 PART    V. 
 
 iC$r.i.%o. 
 
 Chap.    I. 
 
 Of  the  Promtfes  of  God  \n  the  lehalf  of  Mxn- 
 k'wde. 
 
 He  Prcmifes  of  God,  arc  true.pure  and  certain* 
 to  be  .performed  according  to  the  terms  of  his 
 Word  and  Picmifejthey  are  like  his  Purpofcs  ; 
 yea,  the  Declarers  of  hisPurpofes,  and  (o 
 TV*  and  Amen  in  Chrift.  And  thofe  I  am 
 .  f     now  to  cake  view  of,  are  thofe  wbjeh  have  tfeeir 
 
 tendency  t^atd  the  Salvation  of  M*nfci«dc  ,  out  of  the  death  he 
 fell  into  by  the  firft  Adam,  and  the  Juftification  and  eternal  Sal- 
 tation of  Believers  :  And  thefe  I  (hail  view  in  three  Heads  or 
 Branches:  firft,  Thofe  done :  fecondly,  aifo  in  doing  :  thirdly, 
 thofe  remaining  to  be  done*      , 
 
 The  firft  Head  or  Branch  of  Promifes,  is  of  thofe  things  thacare 
 6<*.£jf.wjtb  truly  moft,  ancSl  all  in  fome  fenfc  done  and  performed  ;  and  thefe 
 »7«M  5«  Gen.  Jre  Q£  wo  (oltlM  ]  namc  the  later  firft,  becaufe  firft  made  known 
 
 G6Tai*  "if*  t0  M*n ;  *«  is-  l  • To  M«kiadc  »  for  g'lvinS  aid  rcnrdi*g  a  Sa- 
 
 4*^,7^4**.  viour.     a.  To  Chrift  the  Saviour ,  upon  his  onenefs  of  Will  and 
 
 Mmde  with  the? athcr,  in  bis  undertaking  to  be  the  Saviour  #  and 
 
 to 
 
in  behalf  of  Mankinde.  4.15 
 
 to  fare  according  to  the  Will  and  Minde  of  the  Fathtr  :  and  thefe  ^  j. 3,4,10. 
 arc  alfo  boch  in  plain  and  cxprds  Promifes »   and  alfo  certainly  with  J$h.^%i6i 
 intimated  in  the  Curfe  and  Threats  on  the  Serpent  and  Serpen-  l7^Job.^A^, 
 tine  Seed  >  the  Enemies  of  the  Salvation  of  Mankinde,  and  of  the    &l3'W' 
 Peace  and  Profperuy  cf  tr  e  Church,  the  Seed  of  Chrift ,  the  Seed 
 of  the  Woman. 
 
 1.  The  Promifcs  to  Mankinde  for  giving  and  fending  a  Savi- 
 our, even  Chrift,  that  he  fhould  be  a  very  Man,  cf  the  Seed  of  the 
 Woman.  Emmanuil,  God  with  us-  that  he  fhould  come  of  A' 
 b  7  Ah  am  and  blefling  be  in  him  for  all  Nation*  •  that  he  fhould 
 die,  and  rife,  and  effer  the  Propitiatory  Sacrifice  s  and  make  A- 
 tonernent  for  the  (ins  of  Men  ,  and  be  filled  with  Spirit ,  fo  as  he 
 fliall  be  God's  Salvatioa  to  the  ends  of  the  Earth  ,  even  the  Savi- 
 our of  the  VVorld  ,  that  whoever  believcch  on  him  fhculd  not 
 perifti  but  have  everlafting  Life  ;  which  things  are  before  explained 
 in  the  Purpofcs  of  God. of  which  the  Promifcs  are  the  Difcoverers* 
 Andthefe  Promilesare  fulfilled :  and  he  that  verily  believethGod  ^#«I3.3*»J*« 
 to  have  fulfilled  his  Promife  in  this,  may  very  well  truft  him  in  any  ^'  Rom'  **z% 
 other  Promife. 
 
 2.  ThePrcmifes  to  Chrift  the  Saviour ,  upon  his  onene is  of  py>  40#$,7. 
 Mindc  and  Will  with  the  Father,  in  his  undertaking  to  be  the  Savi«  He&,io.  5,7.1/*, 
 cur  1  and  to  lave  according  :o  che  Minde  and  Will  of  the  Father :  f»tf*4T#Mril 
 as  ,  That  he  would  give  him  a  Body  ,  that  in  it  he  might  do  his  l°£l\  v$al%~' 
 Will ;  That  he  would  be  with  him  in  all  his  Sufferings ,  and  up-  ai.i*^*©.^ 
 hold  him,  and  raife  him  ou:  of  Death,  and  exilt  him  after  his  Suf-  ij.&6u,z3i. 
 feringsand  ReHirrcclion  »  and  let  him  a:  his  right  Hand  ,  and  fill  P/^.110.4.  ((* 
 him  with  the  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Nature  of  Man  ,  and  fo  <&&&&&& 
 give  him  the  Tongue  of  the  Learned  •  and  ,  That  he  would  ^jStSiS 
 make  him  an  H;gh-Prieft  for  ever,after  the  order  of  Mclchi^cdee;  \9\  prov.9.^ 
 and.  That  he  would  beprelent  with  him,  to  make  his  Mediation  l/M3.io,u,a. 
 profperous  •  and  ,  he  would  alfo  give  him  a  Meffcnger  to  go  be-  pJa*  1^^9-  & 
 fore  his  Pace  or  Prcfence,  to  prepare  the  way  before  him  ;  and  jr^^^V 
 Witneffes  alfo  to  declare  him  when  he  had  finifhed  the  Work  he  14.1/^^9,  ' 
 was  to  do  in  his  own  Body :  and  »  That  he  (hould  fee  his  Seed^ 
 
 and  the  work  of  the  Lord  (hould  profper  in  his  Hand  •  and, 
 That  he  would  give  the  Heathen  to  him  for  an  Inheritance 
 to  rule  ,  and  the  Kingdom  and  heavenly  Inheritance  for  him- 
 fclf,  and  all  his  fpiritual  Seed,  that  fhould  be  his  Jewels ,  and  his 
 peculiar  Inheritance*      All  which  things  are  explained  in  the 
 
 Pur- 
 
414*  Of  the  Tromifes  of  (jrod 
 
 Purpofes,  which  are  difcovered  in  the  Promifes. 
 
 And  as  the  former  Promifes  to  Mankinde ,  Co  thefe  toChri(t> 
 as  undertaking  for  Mankinde ,  are  all  of  both  forts  for  the  good 
 and  benefit  of  Mankinde ;  and  yet  had  they  no  dependence  on  the 
 Faith  of  particular  Men  •  but  that  God  would  fend  hit  Son  to  be 
 the)Saricurs  and  fo  furnifli  him  to  be  a  Saviour,  depended  oncly 
 upon  the  Truth  and  Faithfulnefs  of  God,  and  fhculd  upon  thac 
 account  be  performed  to  and  for  Men,  notwitbftandingallthe 
 unbelief  of  Men  ;  though  Men  come  totheufeof  undemanding, 
 cannot  receive  the  fpecial  faving  benefit ,   but  in  the  belief;  which 
 belief  was  not  fo  eafie ,  nor  had  fo  demonftrating  and  powerful  e> 
 vidence  and  Argument  to  draw  to  believe  ,   as  fince  it  is  unbared 
 in  the  performance.     And  note ,    That  thefe  Promifes  to  Man- 
 kinde ,  and  as  to  Chrift  for  the  good  of  Mankinde  ,'  are  Promifes 
 of  Chrift  by  God  to  Mankinde  :  but  not  fo  properly,  as  the  fol- 
 lowing Promifes  through Chrift,fukable  to  our  Saviour's  Doctrine 
 of  his  Father  '$  Will  in  his  Love ,  he  freely  found  our  the  Ran- 
 fome ,  and  promifed  and  gave  his  Son  to  be  the  Saviour :  but  ex- 
 's    «'*8454  ten^ctn  Salvation  by  and  through  his  Son  Chrift.      And  thefe 
 4.4?i  Tim.  1 .15.  Promifes,  except  thole  as  unto  Chrift ,    even  all  as  unto  Mankinde 
 iFtt.  3. 11,13.  fallen,  were  made  to  them  limply  asfinners>ungodIy,and  in  enmity 
 Heb.y,  &h  O  againft  God,    But  thefe  Promifes  are  now  fulfilled  in  Chrift « and 
 ly&io.  1 19b.  f0  for  Men,  that  they  might  believe :  and  this  is  exprefly  affirmed. 
 lPt/.'i.ai  i<  Sothat  Chrift  is  come  in  the  flefti ,  the  promifed  Seed  in  which 
 jeb.  1.  11^13! *  bltfling  for  all  Nations,  Gal^.i  6.  the  immortal  Seed,  of  which 
 Gat.$.  7,8,1*,  all  that  are  born  from  above,  have  their  conception  and  birth*  nci- 
 atf,i?.  ith.  3.  t|icr  jS  therc  aBy  olher  Seed,  nor  any  that  can  be  counted  his  Seed, 
 XmI^T*  lillbVchc<Sracc  difcovered  in  thefe  Promifes  fulfilled,    they  be 
 •  3o>4>  >  •  fought  in  to  him  1    and  fo  born  again  ;  and  fo  any  Man  in  be- 
 lieving,    may  come  to  be  of  this  Seed  :  and  in  this  difcoveryof 
 him  ,   as  thefe  promifes  are  fulfilled  in  him ,     wonderfully  is  the 
 Love  of  God  to  Mankinde  holden  forth  and  difplayed,  that  Men 
 might  believe  •  as  is  (hewn  in  the  Tefticnony  of  Chrift,  and  in  the 
 latt  Revelation  of  him ,    and  in  the  Purpofes  of  God  concerning 
 Mankinde  before. 
 
 But  alas,  Mankinde  fallen  arc  not  onety  Sinners  and  Enemies  to 
 God  ,  but  therethrough  naturally  dea f,  bHnde,  in  darknefs ,  and 
 dead  in  fins  and  trelpfles^nd  fo  unable  to  drfcerri  the  grace  in  rbefe 
 promifes  difcovered  %  much  more  unable  tobdieve  and  turn  in  to 
 
 Chrift, 
 
in  the  behalf  of  Mcmhjnde.  41? 
 
 Chrift,  ind  fo  come  upon  this  Foundation,chat  they  may  bequick- 
 ned, and  born  of  this  Seed  :  and  what  hope  then  ?  to  this  the  fol- 
 lowing Promifes  give  anfwer. 
 
 The  fecond  Head  or  Branches  of  Promifes  are  through  Chrift 
 that  hath  thus  far  finished  his  work  ,  and  for  lis  fake  to  Man* 
 kinde ,  the  Sons  of  Men  :  for  though  in  and  through  the  infinite 
 Love  and  Mercy  of  God,  the  former  Promifes  might  be,  and  wetc 
 both  nude  and  performed  to  Mankinde  (imply  ,  as  fallen  and  fio- 
 ners,hii  Truth  and  Juftice  not  gainfaying;yet  the  Promifes  now  to 
 be  fpoken  of,  could  not  be  s»de,much  lefs  performed,  if  a  ranfome 
 and  Atonement  had  not  been  found  •  in  which  Truth  is  fulfilled, 
 and  Juftice  executed,and  fo  fatisfied  •  which  is  onely  in  the  Death, 
 Refurre&ion  and  Sacrifice  of  Chrift  that  made  the  Atonement, 
 and  wrought  Redemp:ion  in  the  Nature  of  Man ,  In  whom  mer*  ?[aU%  sv.o,i  i, 
 cj  and  truth  arc  met ,  right twfnefs  and  peace  have  kjjfed  t 
 Truth  (haB  (now  hath)  fpruug  out  of  the  earth  and  righteouf- 
 nefsfhaU  (  now  doth  )  look,  down  from  heaven.  Andfo  it  is 
 through  him  ,  that  all  the  Promifes  we  are  in  this  Branch 
 to  view ,  are  made  to  Mankinde  •  and  they  are  alfo  now  in  do- 
 ing and  performing  :  and  thefe  are  of  three  forts ,  that  is  to 
 
 fay. 
 
 1 .  To  Mankinde  as  lying  in  ignorance,  darknefs,  blindnels  and  .rd      >       , 
 unbelief;  as,  that  Chrift  &  all  be  a  Light  to  the  Gentiles  ,  and  %&faj$!& 
 (hew  forth  Judgement  to  them ;  and  in  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpel,  52.10,13,14,15, 
 preach  glad  tidings  of  peace  and  falvation  to  them ,   and  fo  opea  &6i.i>o)$. 
 their  blinde  eyes ,  and  bring  them  forth  of  the  dark  prifon  to  fee  ^•ll«I^I9. 
 his  light,  &c*  in  which  he  is  alwayes faithful  and  according  to  his  \f^%]^^ 
 Father's  will ,  *nd  in  his  feafon  doth  all  this.     And  thefe  Pro*  5,7,8^ 
 mifes  have  for  their  performance,  neither  dependence  on ,    nor  re- 
 ference to  the  believing  of  Men  •  but  fhall  in  a  roeafure,  according 
 to  the  means  ufed  by  him ,  be  performed  to  Men  ,  whecher  they 
 believe,  and  heed  it,  or  not;  and  in  more  fpecial  manner,  where  the 
 Gofpel  comes  \  for  he  calieth  all  the  ends  of  the  Earth ,    but 
 rnaketh  light  to  (hine  where  the  ©ofpel  comes  •  yea ,  he  doth  not  .^s&l^x' 
 condemn  Men  for  impenitency  and  unbelief,  to  whom  he  never  i6.Prov.i.zt\ 
 (hewed  light,  nor  gave  eyes  to  fee  ,  nor  ftrctched  out  his  hand  that  z^Rom.z.^. 
 they  might  repent  and  believe  5  but  upon  that  very  account  con-  Iob-S -j8»l9.  & 
 demises  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving.  If  it  be  replied,7fctf  men  !  *•  12'24« 
 are  net  able  $•  believe :  that  is  anfwercd  in  the  next* 
 
 2.  To 
 
4*6  Of  the  Tromifes  of  (jod 
 
 2.  To  Ma nkinde  when  their  eyes  a  re  opened  ;  and  as  he  opens 
 
 ll'tl'oh.i  zy  ^cir CYCS»  wncn  hghi  is  noc  oncly  §iven  •  Duc  their  eyes  opened  to 
 
 &6.41. '  Mat. !^c;  which,   though  before  they  could  not  fee,  yet  now  by  the 
 
 j3.i*5n,iMp.  power  in  the  light  that  hath  opened  their  eyes,  they  do  fee  »    and 
 
 55-i>M>4-     while  itabideth  with  them,  may  in  fccir»g  lee.      If  they  now  do 
 
 &16  l7irh'r  *n  n*aring  hear, 0r  hearken  *°  hi$  volcc  ;  *ad  in  feeing  fee,  and  be- 
 
 a. io.    Z         hold  him  in  this  difcovered  grace,  f.e  will  fave  them;  they  ffiall  run 
 
 to  Cbriit,  and  be  enabled  by  him  to  believe  i    a  gracious  promife 
 
 to  (inners  and  left  ones  ,   in  which  Mens  unbelief  appears  to  be 
 
 their  own  wilful  and  great  fin  s   all  which  is  fore-explained  in  the 
 
 Purpofes  difcovered  in  the  P.omifes. 
 
 Jeh.}. 1 1,16,36      3.   To  Men  believing  on  Chriit ,  that  though  they  were  dead, 
 
 Mar.i6.16.1fa.  even  chief  of  (inners  and  ungodly  ones  •  yet  in  believing  in  Chrift, 
 
 tl.i6.jt£hio.  as  heid  forth  in  theGofpel,  and  foin  his  Name,  in  his  Blood,  they 
 
 ¥ob.  ti.z$  i£  ^a^  not  P"^*  hut  reccivc  forgivenefs  of  fins ,    and  have  eternal 
 
 Kom.t'rf.ty&kfc  ;    yea,   thus  believing  on  him  that  juitifieeh  the  ungodly 
 
 5.9.  by  the  Blood   of  his  Son,    it  (hall  be  imputed  to  them  for 
 
 Righteoufnefs.   O  gracious  and  alluring  Promifes,  in  all  which  the 
 
 love  of  God  to  Ma  nkinde  appears ,    it  being  the  Revelation  of  his 
 
 Purpofel  drc. 
 
 And  concerning  all  thefe  Prcmhcs,   with  a  favourable  Inter- 
 pretation Ml.  Owen  *%  Expreflion  may  be  taken  for  true ,    where 
 Pa", 1 1 4. 3# nc  fr'un»  The  Promifes  are  made  unto  jtnners>  at  finnerj ,    and 
 under  no  other  qualification  whatever.     So  he  :    now  except 
 but  feme  Promifes  as  madetoChrifi  of  which  he  means  not,  but 
 take  all  thefe  forenamed,  as  made  ro  Mankinde  fallen  ,  and  thole 
 about  (ending Chrift  to  be  a  Saviour  •  and  thofe  through  Chrift 
 forcxtention  of  means  and  light  to  call  and  open  their  eyes ,  that 
 Rom.3fy>l9,    jy|CQ  mjgnt  rCpcn:  and  believe  ,    were  all  toficners  as  (inners,  and 
 ?  under  no  other  qualification  whatevet;    for  chey  were  in  or  under 
 
 no  other  qualification ,  but  all  (inners  without  difference  in  that : 
 and  whatever  qualification  may  be  conceived  in  opening  their  eyes, 
 and  moving  them  to  believe  •  yet  thefe  two  forts  of  Promifes  are 
 ftill  to  them  as  (inners,  as  indeed  they  are ,  and  the  Promifes  made 
 to  them  without  difference  as  fuch  ;  that  in  minding  and  believing 
 they  might  receive  pardon  and  purgation  of  their  fins  ;  and  yet, 
 though  they  be  no  better  then  (inners  in  themfelves ,  there  is  in  the 
 fecond  publkk  Man,  a  price  paid  ,  an  Atonement  made  for  them  • 
 and  (o  they  are  beheld  as  Redemption  is  wrought  for  them  in 
 
 Chrift : 
 
in  the  behalf  of  Manfymk.  |if 
 
 Chrift  :  and  (o  the  firft  Promifes  given  and  extended  to  them ;  and 
 as  their  eyes  are  opened  ,  and  their  hearts  moved  by  him  in  the 
 means ,  the  two  next  fort  of  Promifes  are  extended  to  them,  that 
 they  might  believe,  and  in  believing  receive,  though  in  themfelves 
 they  be  never  fuch  finHers  and  curfed  ones :  and  I  fuppofe  Mr.  0- 
 wen*%  term  of  qualification,  will  deny  nothing  of  this:  but  for  an- 
 other faying  of  his  ,  viz,.  God  that  hath  promt  fid  life  en  be~  p 
 Hevtxgi  hath  promifed  believing  on  no  condition^  on  our  parts  c-A*g  *  \ 
 at  aH,  bee  ah  ft  tofinners :  This  is  a  very  hard  faying.  He  in  the 
 other  place  faid  ,  The  promifes  are  made  tofinne+s>  avfinners, 
 and  under  no  other  qualification  whatever.  And  after  that,  a- 
 gain  he  faith.  fVere  not  the  promifes  originally  made  tofinners, 
 there  would  never  any  one  be  found  in  any  other  condition  : 
 jet  himfelf  hath  faid,  That  God  that  promifed  life  on  believing, 
 hath  promifed  believing  on  no  condition  on  cur  parts  at  au  « 
 and  he  gives  this  as  his  Reafou  and  Proof,  becaufe  tofinners* 
 Minde  his  laying  well.  Were  they  not  tinners  to  whom  he  pro- 
 mifed life  on  believing  ?  what  force  then  in  his  Reafon  <  *r  Truth 
 in  his  two  other  Sayings,  for  any  to  be  induced  to  believe  ?  and  yet 
 no  Promife  of  believing  to  be  given,  produced  ;  nor  any  finner  to 
 whom  it  fliould  belong  ;  nor  can  he  fhew  any  condition  in  the  one, 
 namely  finners ,  to  whom  life  is  promifed  on  believing  ,  but 
 the  fame  is  found  in  the  other,  that  is  finners ,  to  whom  ( in  ®od 
 his  way  )  the  grace  to  believe  is  promifed ,  and  they  both  alike 
 .finners. 
 
 It  is  before  (hewn  ,  That  for  giving  and  fending  forth  Chrift 
 the  Saviour  of  the  World ,  the  Promife  was  abfolute ,  and  not 
 with.  If  Men  believe  •  and  fothe  Promifes  for  fitting,  fupporting, 
 exalting  and  furnifhing  Chrift  to  be  fuch  a  Saviour ,  all  depended 
 onely  on  the  faichfulnefs  of  God :  and  though  it  was  for  the  good 
 of  Mankinde  ;  yet  the  performance  of  thofe  Promifes  was  not 
 made  with  an  if  men  believe :  and  fo  the  Promifes  for  means 
 to  be  ufed,  and  fpirit  fent  forth  therein,to  the  opening  of  the  eyes, 
 &c*  that  men  might  believe,  were  not  made  to  be  performed  ,  if 
 men  believe,  &c.  ail  this  is  done,  and  thefe  Promifes  all  to  ficners, 
 as  finners,  and  performed  rothem  alfo.before  any  of  them  believ?i 
 and  to  many  that  come  not  in  to  believe.  But  now  when  ^od 
 hath  manifefted  all  thefe  Promifes,  fo  gracioufly  performed  ,  thzr 
 the  ears  and  ey*s  of  Men  are  open ,  lb  as  they  tear  and  f:e ,  acd 
 
 1 1  i  he 
 
4l8  J?f  the  Tromifes  of  (}ody 
 
 hemovCth  at  their  hearts,  the  Promifes  then  run  thus  j  If  they  in 
 feeing  fee,  &c*  if  they  turn  at  his  reproaf,  if  they  hearken  and  be- 
 hold, he  will  fave  them,  open  his  words,  and  pour  cue  his  Spirit  to 
 them,draw  them  to  Chrit,enable  them  to  believe :  and  what  cor* 
 dition  is  this,  when  nothing  is  required  ,  but  what  Sod  hath  gra- 
 cioufly  fore-giyeni  in  giving  them  to  fee  )  that  by  the  fame  grace- 
 
 if0.i7.ti.7ifr- t^  aa^Snt  u^c  tneir  ^ont»  nc  a^° in  cn*s  difcovery,  as  they  behold, 
 rf.ji,l/i.5  5.5.  gives  them  an  Object  of  Faith  to  behold  •   and  he  is  glorifying 
 iPrt- 1.10,11.  Chrift  that  Object  in  their  view  ,  that  their  faith  and  hope  may  be 
 in  him,  and  fo  giving  them  faith  1  and  to  believe  •   fo  that  here  is 
 nothing  required ,    but  the  ufe  of  that  given  to  chat  very  end  :  the 
 Rom.  10.8,9.    Word  tt  jn  tnc  mouth  ,    and  in  the  heart,  that  they  might  believe  j 
 Frov.17.16.     ^  prjcc  m  thc  hand,  that  they  might  hold  ic :  and  fo  ,  He  that 
 See  for  all  bclieveth  on  him  fha.ll  not  pcrifli ,    &c*  is  no  more  Condition 
 Par.4.  ch.4« tncn  the  former :  and  as  the  Promife  of  faving  and  believing,  was 
 not  to  the  qualification  of  feeing  •  but  to  him  to  whom  God  gave 
 to  fee  in  his  feeing  &  beholdingjio  this  is  not  to  the  qualification  of 
 believing $  but  to  him  to  whom  (Sod  is  thus  giving  Faith  in  his  be- 
 lieving ,  all  is  thus  here  grace,and  grace  for  grace  •  here  is  a  Savi- 
 our freely  given.that  wrought  falvation  in  the  Nature  of  Man,*nd 
 that  by  him  means  of  Salvation  afforded,that  hath  it  may  be  made 
 known  and  extended  to  us ,  and  power  in  that  means  to  open  our 
 eyes,  that  we  may  behold  ir  •  and  this  fight  given  us ,  that  in  be« 
 Jft.%6.17  18.  homing,  we  may  be  drawn  in  to  believe  •  and  believing  afforded, 
 Hom.iQ.iSACor.  that  in  believing  we  may  reft  on  Chrift,  and  fo  receive  forgivenefs, 
 3.5.  iCtfr.3.3.  &c.  So  that  all  the  way  here  is  (till  one  Grace  afforded,  that  we 
 iPet.  i.iQjii,  may  rcccive  another ;  and  that  other,   that  we  might  receive  ano- 
 *M3>*f-        ther :  which  ,    ifwhenfuch  divine  help  afforded  ,  we  willingly 
 refute  not »    will  mil  fit  and  lead  us  to  receive  more  :  fo  great,  io 
 gracious  the  Promifes  of  God  to  Mankmde  fa/lea :  and  this ,  or 
 thefc  arc  the  Promifes  made  and  performed  ;  in  belief  or  receit 
 whereof,   Men  are  united  to  the  immortal  Seed  •  and  of  that, 
 through  thefe  born  from  above.      And  yet  now  for  thefe  when  fo 
 born  from  above  ,  we  have  more  Promifes  to  take  view  of :  con- 
 cerning which  Promifes,  Mr. Owen  his  Sayings ,  (That  the  <Pro* 
 mtfes  are  made  tofinnert ,  aefinnertf  and  under  no  other  qua- 
 lification  whatever  •    and  ,    That  if  they  were  not  origu 
 naiy  made  tofinnors  ,    there  would  never  any  one  he  found  in 
 f"J  rtktr  condition,)  I  know  not  how  to  interpret  chcro,  to  make 
 
 them 
 
in  the  behalf  of  Manlqnde.  $\£ 
 
 them  hold  true  in  a  fu!I  fenfe  in  the  Promifes  to  be  fpoken  of:  for 
 it  is  evident ,  That  thole  to  whom  the  firft  Branch  of  Prcnuies  is 
 made  known,  and  the  fecond  Branch  of  Promifes  extended  ,  and 
 fo  received  ,  as  thereby  they  are  found  believing  in  Chrirr  •  chefe, 
 though  they  are  fmners,  and  as  (inncrs  ,  may  ftill  have  the  ufe  of  all 
 the  fotmer  Promifes  ;  and  fo  his  Saying  true  in  refpeel:  of  thofe 
 Pioiwifcs  ftill  ,  yet  are  thefe  in  fome  better  condition,  and  under 
 fome  better  qualification  alio  ,  elfe  the  Holy  Spirit  would  not  call 
 them,  The  Children  of  the  Free- WomaB,The  Sons  of  Gcd  Saints, 
 and  Faithful  in  Chrift,  waflied ,  fan&ified  and  juftified,  &ۥ 
 tranfhted  out  of  the  power  of  darknefs  into  the  Kingdom  of  his 
 dear  Son  s  this  is  a  better  conditioned  better  qualifications,  then 
 onely  (inner*,  and  as  tinners:  and  fome  are  brought  to;and  (o  found 
 in  other  and  better  condition,  Betides ,  upon  due  fearch  it  will 
 be  found,  That  the  Promifes  we  are  to  treat  of,  were  origi- 
 nally made  to  Chrift,  and  have  their  fulnefsof  performance  i a 
 bim,  and  are  derived  from  him  to  Believers  under  divers  qualifica- 
 tions and  exercifes,  as  appears  in  the  next  Branch. 
 
 The  third  Head  or  Branch  of  Promifes  are  thofe  to  be  per- 
 formed tofuch  of  Mankinde  fallen  ,  after  they  come  in  to  believe  • 
 and  they  are  thofe  that  arc  confirmed  in  Chrift ,  made  through 
 ChriiT,  to  be  derived  and  received  frcm  Chrift  for  Believers  9  and 
 fo  through  Chrift  to  Believers*  and  to  be  received  by  Believers,  fuch 
 as  are  already  Believers :  and  in  all  thefe  Promifes  to  be  fpokca  of, 
 this  is  taken  as  granted  without  queftion,  they  are  Believers,  and 
 have  Faith  already,  to  whom  thefe  following  Promifes  are  made : 
 fo  as  here  is  no  condition  required  to  be  fought  or  brought ,  but 
 onely  the  ufe  and  exercife  of  that,which  of  it  felf  is  working,  and 
 forc-freely  given;  not  an  ear.  but  the  ufe  of  an  ear  to  hear*given;noe 
 an  eye,  but  the  ufe  of  an  eye  to  fee,  freely  given ;  not  a  mouth,  but 
 the  ufe  of  a  mouth  ,  given  •  not  a  hand  ,  but  tfee  ufe  of  a  hand, 
 given;  not  (imply  life  from  death,  but  the  exercife  of  life  freely 
 fore-given.  So  that  here  h  ficnefs ,  capacity  and  furniture*  as  wdl 
 as  intereft  to  receive  thefe  Promifes  ,  and  onely  ufefulnefs  of  that 
 given ,  which  apts  alfo  to  ufefulnefs  required  for  receiving  thefe  . 
 Promifes ;  which  are  not  made  to  all  Men ,  nor  to  any  Men  (imply 
 as  finners,  and  under  no  other  confederation  or  quiIifi:ation  ;  yea, 
 they  are  not  dire6fcly  mide  to  any  unbelievers  upon  condition -of  be- 
 lieving ;  but  onely  fo  propounded, that  whoever  beiicveitb  in  Ch?i'*» 
 
 Iii  2  (hill 
 
\t*  OfTromifes  to  cBelievers> 
 
 fljall  in  that  believing,  receive  that  grace,  which  will  intereft  them 
 in  them  all :  fo  as  they  then  appertain  to  him ,  being  a  Believer, 
 aid  not  before  •  for  the  Promifes  to  be  fpoken  of,  are  made  to 
 Believers,  the  Difciples  and  Scholars  of  Chrift  •  and  thefe  may  be 
 ranked  into  four  forts  :  I .  To  Believers  in  feveral  fpi ritual 
 frames  and  exercifes  :  2.  To  Believers  abiding  in  their  Fairh, 
 Confidence  and  Love.  3.  To  Believers  for  their  abiding,  &c. 
 4.  To  Believers  for  receiving  after  they  have  lived  and  died  in  the 
 Faith. 
 
 Chap,  2. 
 
 Of  Promifes  to  them  that  are  indeed  Believers  ;  two  forts  of 
 Promifes. 
 
 i.nri 
 
 'He  firft  fortes  I  name  them,of  Promifes  mide  toBelievers, 
 are  the  Promifes  made  to  them  in  fpiritual  frames ,  fel- 
 lowship »   ex!rcifes  and  temptations,  in  fpiritual  frames  of  poverty 
 Mat.1.1,1,3,4, 0f  Spirit,  mourning ,   rnteknefc ,  hungring  and  thirfting  after  righ- 
 lUjJ.ao^ai.  tcouinc^>  rnercifulnefs,  purity  of  heart ,  gracious  promifes  to  eve- 
 ry one  of  the  Difciples  in  all  thefe  frames.     It's  evident  thefe  Pro- 
 mifes were  made  onely  to  Chrift  his  Difciplcs, though  in  the  hearing 
 of  the  multitude,  to  allure  them  to  become  his  Difciples  ,    that  fo 
 in  becoming  his  Difciples ,   they  might  enjoy  them  :  but  to  the 
 Difciples  ,  they  were  cxprefly  made  and  given  •  neither  were  they 
 given  to  thole  frames  and  qualifications,  nor  upon  a  condition  of 
 having  them  ,  but  exprefly  to  the  Difciples  already  fo  framed,  and 
 /    under  fuch  qualifications,  (though  in  fome  fenfe  they  were  finners 
 flill.)     And  this  is  cleer,in  comparing  the  places  where  they  are  re- 
 corded together,  though  here  one  of  them  ,   and  there  another  be 
 *  ?/<t/.$rf.8,9.  *n  ^vers  places  of  Scripture  befide.     In  fpiritual  fellowship,  when 
 &*!.*.  &  91.  Believers  are  drawn  together  by  and  in  the  Name  of  Chrift »  for 
 ii3i  3.  &l*t%\  8.  Fellow  (hip  in  the  Gofpel,  and  Ordinances  thereof ,  there  are  gra* 
 *?•  cious  Promifes  to  them  of  his  prefence  and  blefling  * ;  alfo  there 
 
 k^£'?r?r>?!  a*c  gracious  Promifes  to  the  Believers  in  their  fpiritual  cxer- 
 ^^•^k,   cifes,  as  of  Meditation  *>  Prayer  t>  hcaring,rcading  and  preaching 
 
 of 
 
firfl  and fecond fort.  4.11 
 
 of  the  vvord  c  •  and  alfo  gracious  Promifcs  arc  made  to  Believers  c  -     ■    M 
 in  their  fuffenngs  for  righrecufnefs,  and  the  Gofpels  fake  ,   Mat.  i8.*o.if*r.if ! 
 5.1 1.   1  Pet, 4  1  3*14.  d.  yea,  even  when  they  are  tempted  by  15. 
 Men  or  Satan,  opposing  the  Truth  that  is  in  them  ;  yea,though>  as  d  ^  Tim.  z.iz, 
 need  is,  God's  own  correcting  hand  be  upon  them  ;  yea  ,    even  in  ****>  ^9^9* 
 their  bodily  death,  Rev.14.1  3.  and  many-like  gracious  promifes:  l  rg'^io^i^' 
 thcfe  I  onely  quote  for  the  Reader  to  fearcb  ,    becaufc  I  know  not  jfa,^.  1,2,3 ' 
 of  any  oppoficion  by  Brethren  to  thefe*  Hfb.iz.f ,11. 
 
 2.  The  fecond  fort  of  Promifes  are  to  Believers .,    abiding  in 
 their  faithf  confidence  and  love  ,  and  fo  perfcvering  in  their  faith, 
 love  and  nolinefs  to  the  end  ;   and  fo  not  to  any  condition,  but  to 
 them  that  have  faith  already ,  and  enough  in  and  f torn  the  Lord. 
 to  keep  them  with  him  •  he  promifeth  them  in  their  abiding  in  and 
 with  him,  many  gracious  things  to  be  fo  received  ;  as  to  inftance  a  Gml  '•!■   & 
 few ,  firft,  That  the  Lord  is, and  will  be  with  them  ;   that  is ,  on  **•*  )£%*{ 
 their  fide,  to  affift  and  deliver  them,  and  do  them  good  :  much  Hke  zq,jCy.^i\o\ 
 that  to  the  Apoftles  ;    an  illuftration  whereof,   we  may  have  in  ii,n,  1 3,14. 
 another  bufinefs  in  our  types :  and  alfo,   That  thefe  revived  Be-  Hof.6.i,sHeb. 
 lievecs  in  following  on  toknowj  fhall  kaow  the  Lord  more  fully  ;  3-^*4-  &10* 
 yea,  alfo  in  this  f  aft  holding  of,  and  abiding  in  their  Faith,  they  are,  **'*  "  \p^\\ 
 and  remain  his  houfe  ,  and  partake  more  of  Chrift ,  and  fhall  be  ii.&4.zz*%6. 
 built  mo;c  upon  him  ,    and  grow  up  more  in  him ,  unto  an  holy  Job.  1 5.4,8,9, 
 Temple  •    yea ,   and  yet  farther  in  this  abiding ,  they  fhall  bring  *o,n. ?fal.Si. 
 forth  much  fruit ,  and  glonfie  God  ;  yea ,    they  fhall  abide  in  the  p^f°'^\ 
 le?e  of  Chrift, and  his  joy  be  in  them,  that  their  joy  may  be  full ;  lt> i»,  1 3 , 1  / 
 yea,if  they  attend  ftill  to  hearken  to  his  voice,  the  Commandments  Gal,^.\4.col.i. 
 fhall  be  turned  into  Promifes  to  them  :  fo ,  as  he  will  (o  write  his  *  1  >*3-  &*> *> 
 Law  in  their  hearts,.  That  they  fhall  have  no  other  God  but  him,  7.Mat.i^.i  3, 
 and  fhalf  open  their  mouth  wide,  and  he  will  fill  it  :    and  tkougb  ztiml  7°g, 
 they  have  flefh  yet  lufting  in  them  ,  yet  it  fhall  not  have  domini- 
 on over  them ;  nor  fhall  they  fuIfH  the  lufts  of  the  flefh  ,  but 
 grow  rooted  and  ftablifhed  in  Chrift ;  yea,  not  onely  all  this,  but 
 enduring  and  abiding  faithful  unto  the  end  ,  even  to  death ,  they 
 fhall  be  faved  with  an  everlafting  Salvation  ,  and  hav:  the  crown 
 of  life.     Are  not  here  gracious  Promifes  ?   Is  there  not  enough  in 
 the  Promifcr  ,   and  in  bira  in  whom  all  the  Promifes  are  Tea  ?nd 
 v/imen  f     And  in  hisfpiritual  prefence,  and  in  the  Spirit  of  faith, 
 love,  power  and  a  found  minde  given  them ,   and  the  titles  of  the 
 firft  fruits  of  his  gracioufnefs  difpenfed  to  them ,   to  allure  hold 
 
 a  ad 
 
$tl  Of  Tromifes  to^Believers  ] 
 
 and  keep  them  with  him  •  yea ,    to  make  them  break  forth  ,  and 
 JobJ.tt.        ty  with  P'*er>  ^d,  thou  haft  the  words  of  eternal  life ,   and 
 we  know ,   and  are  fare ,    that  thou  art  the  Cbrtft,  &c.  whi* 
 therfhouldwego  frcm  thee  f  yea,  with  contentment,  and  hearty 
 P/*.73»H  i4*  ^c^rC8» to  ^ay  a$  D*V*d,  Lord,  who  have  I  in  heaven  bat  thee  t 
 *5i*  &•     *     &c'  ^nc*  wn*reas  tnc  &&  will  be  bogling,  Arc  not  all  the  threats 
 and  curies  denounced  and  annexed  in  the  Demonftraticn  of  God's 
 Minde  againft  departure ,    a  good  and  gracious  help  for  Believers 
 to  view »  and  therewith  to  oppofe,  tcrrifie  and  filence  all  the  rea* 
 fonings  of  the  flefh  ?     And  when  the  Wifdora  and  Love  of  God 
 hath  fo  fet  them  forth  f  even  to  Believers ,  for  their  good  ,  were  it 
 J*M3.i*3i7>  not  finful ,  by  any  dreams  or  colourable  pretext,  to  Ileal  away  the 
 *7>3*>33>34'  Word  of  the  Lord  in  this  refpeft  from  his  People ,  counting  this 
 part  of  his  Word  a  burthen  ?     Surely  ,  it  was  not  well  done  of 
 Mr.  Owen,  to  alter  the  Words  of  the  Apoftle?  He b.  3 > 1 4,  in  field 
 o(fFor  we  are  made  partakers  of  Chrift,  if  we  hold  the  begin" 
 nings  of  our  confidence  ftedfaft  unto  the  end  •  to  put  in,  Thofe 
 1  ag-42p.     one^  ikrc  mtfeyartjfotYs  0f  Chrift,  &c.  and  then  to  add  words 
 of  his  own,  viz,*  And  for  the  reft,  they  are  not,  &c.  The  Apo- 
 ftle  not  ufing  that  Language ,  it  is  not  well  done  of  any  to  ufe  it. 
 to  take  away  the  word  (in  the  force  of  the  Spirits  caution    joyned 
 with  his  ccnfolation)  from  Believers :  and  that  is  fome  thing  worfe 
 to  give  out,  as  if  thar  faid   1  Sam.12.22.   were  not  the  confolaci- 
 on  given  to  all  the  people  to  whom  Samuel  (pake ,   to  encourage 
 iUtn  iitlo  ai. tnem  to  ^V  his  exhortation ;  and  the  threat,  verf.2  5.  a  warning 
 not  to  them  all,  to  deter  them  from  difobedience  •   bur  the  confo- 
 lation  to  one  part  of  them,  as  godly,  and  the  thteatning  to  ano- 
 ther part  of  them*  as  wicked  s   and  that  Men  might  believe  this, 
 to  make  the  one  part  of  them  like  thofe  fpoke  of,  Jcr.^  1 .  which 
 fpeaks  neither  to  ,  nor  of  fuch  a  peculiar  people  as  was  then  in  be- 
 Jef.  3i.i>*,3>  jn<*,  (though  Mr,  Owtn  would  have  Men  conceive  fo)  but  of  a  <£e- 
 4>  5>3i»3I>33>  ncration  of  that  Nation  that  (hall  be  left  of  the  Sword,  and  found 
 54'  furviving ,    when  the  judgements  of  <£od  have  been  executed  on 
 
 that  Nation  ;  that  then  ,  after  thofe  dayes,  (hall  be  made  fuch  a 
 peculiar  people  5  fo  it  was  wrongfully  concluded  hence  by  him, 
 that  the  threatniags  (fuch  as  in  that  1  Sam.i  2.25,)  areonely  to 
 the  wicked  ,  and  not  to  the  Saints,  but  to  acquaint  them  wich  the 
 terror  of  the  Lord,  how  he  bateth  wickednefs  ;  and  the  Prcmifes 
 oncly  to  the  Saiats^  a&d  not  to  the  rcfidue  of  the  people  ,  th.it  the 
 
 wicked 
 
firft  and fecond fort,  4.13 
 
 wicked  miy  know  his  Icve  of  goodnefs :   how  this  will  ftand  with 
 his  two  Sayings  before  twice  mentioned ,  of  che  Promifcs  made  co 
 finners,  as  (inners.  &e.  I  need  fay  nothing  ;    but  of  that  he  faith 
 elfewhere  t***.7&a*  the  Sat  fits  are  only  wrought  on  audperfwa- 
 did  by  the  love  <$•  promifes  of  God,  but  not  by  the  terror  of  the 
 Lord&nd  that  it  it  they  hold  forth  only  to  the  wick*d;ajfirming 
 the  fame  of  Paul,  a  Cor,  5.1 1 .  This  is  not  right  neither :  for  the 
 very  word  in  that  Text,  with  that  went  beford  includes  the  judge-  *fw.  $.8,9,10, 
 ment  alfo,  in  which  the  terror  is,  as  that  which  was  alfo  in  the  mo-  x,« 
 tive  of  his  own  and  other  Believers  being  perfwaded  to  diligence  • 
 yea,  intimates  it  alfo  to  have  had  fome  prevalency  with  the  Cor  in- 
 thians.     And  plain  it  is  there  alfo,  Tttat  he  held  forth  chiefly  and  ,3',4,T  *,,*^*, 
 moftly  the  love  of  God  in  Chrift ,   even  to  perfwade  unbelievers  • 
 and  not  the  terror  without  it ,  nor  but  for  the  contempt  and  refufal 
 thereof:  but  no  Reed  to  ftrivc  about  that  is  foclecr?  who  can 
 read  that  profeflion  of  Jab  ,    fo  oft  exp  effi/ig  it,  and  concluding, 
 For  deftrtttt ion  from  God  was  a  terror  to  me,  and  by  reafon  of  lob  3 1.1.13. 
 htt  highnefs  I  could  not  endure  •     And  of  David  ,    Atyflejb  ?rd  XQ 
 
 trembleth  for  fear  of  thee ,    and  I  am  afraid  of  thy  judge- 
 ments ;  And  of  Levi*  that  not  onely  feared  the  Lord,but  alfo  w*s  Mal.i.$. 
 afraid  before  his  Name ;  And  of  Habakk*k.»w\\o  when  he  heard 
 the  voice  of  the  judgements,  his  belly  trembled    his  lips  epet-  Ha  '**    ' 
 vered  at  the  voice  ,    rottennefs  entred  tnto  hit  bones  >  and  he 
 trembled  in  htmfelf ,    that  he  might  finds  reft  in  the  day  of 
 trouble  t     Yea,  hath  not  God  promricd,  to  look  to  him,  and  ap-  ifa.66. 1, j,  & 
 pear  to  his  joy,  that  trembleth  at  his  word,  when  fliame  (hall  befal  2.8.13. 
 thofe  that  by  devices  labour  to  put  it  from  themfelves  as  not  having 
 any  thing  to  do  with  them  ?  yet  the  Spirit  faith  exprefly  ,    Happy  p^,  28.14.  j' 
 is  the  man  that  fear eth  alway,  but  he  that  hardneth  his  heart 
 (hall  fall  into  mi J chief ':  yea.  wa*  not  Mofes  thus  led  for  Ifrael  ?  Num.  11.6,11. 
 and  Phinebat ;  yea,  Prftf/inrefpe&of  himfelf,  and  alfo  directing  lofh.ti.i^iz'. 
 all  Believers  to  the  fame.     So  that  this  fear  in  fuch  as  believe  the  1  Qr-9*7>  & 
 Promifes  ,  is  no  defperate,  but  a  hopeful  fear ,    as  well  ftanding  l0j>*>1 5 • 
 with  confidence,  as  gedly  forrow  and  mourning  doth  with  rejoy- 
 cing  in  the  Lord ,  as  is  feen  in  Job,  David  ,  &C.    So  that  this  was 
 raChly  affirmed  :  and  yet  worft  of  all ,   that  Affirmation  of  this 
 Saying,  [God  to  he  with  us  while  we  are  with  him.']  is  a  curfed  Pag.  221. 
 liberty  left  Men  of  departing  wickedly  from  God  s  it  had  not  been 
 yvcll  fo  to  affirm  of  that  faying  of  David  to  Abiathar ,  Abide  1  Sam,  %%a  v 
 
 thoti 
 
414  V  C^Yomifes  t0  ^Believers, 
 
 thou  with  me,  fear  not ;  for  be  that  fecJeeth  my  life,feeketb  thy 
 It  ft  x  but  with  we  then  (halt  be  infafety.     But  when  God  in 
 Chiift  Jefus  bach  called  peeple  to  himfelf,  fpoken  peace  to  them  in 
 the  Blood  of  his  Son ,  frce'd  them  from  the  charges  of  the  Law, 
 from  the  Accufations  of  fin  ,    and  the  tyranny  of  the  Devil,  and 
 terrors  of  death  ,  and  filled  them  with  the  confolacions  of  his 
 gocdnefs,  and  prcmifed  them  eternal  life  ;    and  alfo  told  them  of 
 h       the  malice  of  Satan  and  the  World  »  and  how  they  feek  to  devour 
 them  giving  them  this  counfel  and  comfort,  faying,  /  am  with  yon 
 And  for  yon ,  abide  you  in  me  And  with  me  ,  and  I  wiU  be  with 
 yon for  ever ;  and  with  me,    you  (hall  be  in  fafety  :    bnt  if 
 yon  abide  not  in  me,  yon  will  be  forfakjn  ,   and  lit  open  to  aS 
 danger  :  Shall  any  call  this  a  curfed  liberty,  efrc  f  Surely  ,  Me- 
 thinks ,  if  they  could  not  fee  the  good  nefs  of  it,  yet  they  (houl4 
 forbear  reviling  it ,  knowing  it  to  be  the  very  Saying  of  the  Holy 
 iC^Mlj2j8j  Spirit  in  the  Prophet,to  a  good  King  and^ood  People,  7he  Lord 
 9>Io3i  1312513'  u  with  yon  while  yon  be  with  him  •  and  if  ye  feekjb'tm,  he  wiU 
 J4«  be  found  of  yon:  but  if 'you  for fake  him ,  he  wtU  for  fake  yo*. 
 
 And  this  they  counted  not  a  curfed  ,  but  a  blcfled  liberty  ,  and  ic 
 l$h.  15. 1  1  x  had  as  good  a  fruit  in  them.  And  fuch-Iike  Language  ufed  by 
 4,5^7^0,  our  Saviour  to  his  chofen  Difciples  •  who  furely  would  have  fhun- 
 *°9i**  ned  it  as  bIafphemy,to  call  it  a  curfed  liberty  left  Men  of  departing 
 
 wickedly  from  <5od  :  they  knew  it  tended,  and  the  fruit  of  it  in 
 Believers,  was  to  keep  Men  both  humbly  and  confidently  to  God. 
 If  the  faying  ftartled  and  enraged  h;m ,  bscaufe  it  could  not  be  an- 
 *■    fwcred  ;  yet  fo  odious  a  cenfure  trenching  on  God's  own  words, 
 might  in  reverence  of  him,  have  been  forborn ;  let  become  of  our 
 Opinions  what  will,  let  God  be  True,  and  every  one  that  fwerves 
 from  his  fayipgs,a  Lianas  for  Saints,by  turning  afide  to  fall,depart, 
 &ۥ     MuOwen,  and  all  of  ru*Opinion.  grant,  a  falling  may  be,1 
 and  a  grievous  one  alfo ;  yea,  a  departure,  though  not  total  and 
 '  final ,   yet  fuch  as  will  be  vifited  with  grievous  corrections,  fuch  as 
 may  be  as  fire  in  their  bones.      And  we  believe  ,  and  Mr.  Good- 
 ltt.%  ^14,11.  w'*  n°wncrc  denieth »    DUC  tnac  c^cre  arc  Promifes  for  theiede- 
 Hofea  14. 1, 4"  parted  onesftill  ,   That  upon  God  *s  correcting,  recalling  and  re- 
 Ittde  aij»3.     newed  ftrife  with  them  (  in  which  he  will  not  be  wanting)  in  re- 
 penting and  returning  f   they  (hall  be  forgiven  ,  aod  received  into 
 former  favcur  ,   and  renewed  ro  former  gracious  confolacion  and 
 hope  again.  What  needed  then  this  harfti  Ccjafure  ?  and  what  pro* 
 
 ficeth 
 
firftanclfeconcfforf.  ^ 
 
 fiteth  the  Opinion  of  the  infallible  certainty  of  the  Saints  perfc^ 
 
 verance,  [whenfome  of  the  Saints  never  attain  thk  certainty,  Pag,ip4«  , 
 
 and  [omt  lofe  it  inwhole  or  in  part  •  pea  ,  many  of  the  Saint* 
 
 who  an  not  enabled  all  their  dayes,  to  mix  the  Promt fe  of  per* 
 
 fever  anee  with  faith  ,  and  on  that  account  do  never  ah  the  Up 
 
 dayes  tret  free  from  fome  bondage  ,  &c.   So  faith  Mr.  Owen  :]  ,  ■>  ^ 
 
 whereas  all  that  arc  juftified  %y  faith  in  Jtfm  Cbrifi ,  have  «£«*«■? 
 
 peace  with  God,  Ice  What  is  contended  for  t  if  it  were  to  help 
 
 the  Saints  to  perfevcre,  and  to  the  Faith  thereof ,  then  Mr.  Good' 
 
 win  his  warning  of  the  danger,  to  avoid  it ;  and  (etcing  forth  the 
 
 Foundation  on  which  they  may  fafely  reft ,   and  not  be  deceived* 
 
 is  more  farthering  that  bu(ine(s,then  the  maintaining  an  knpoflibilrj 
 
 of  final  falling,  and  fet  forth  no  Foundation  for  Believers  to  reft 
 
 on  for  it,  in  which  they  may  enjoy  it*    Andfurcly,  thefe  gracious 
 
 Promifes  given  to  Believers  abiding  in  the  Faith,  with  all  the  Cau« 
 
 tions  mixt  with  them,  are  very  helpful  to  Saints  perfeverance  } 
 
 yet  feeing  there  are  Promifes  to  help  yet  farther ,    I  will  en* 
 
 deavour  to  quote  feme  of  them  for  (he  Reader  to  turn  to ,  anJ 
 
 mindt 
 
 C  H  A  P.   3. 
 
 >  a 
 
 Of  Prmif€$  to  Believers,  that  tbej  may  abide  in  the  '% 
 
 Faith. 
 
 THe  third  fort  of  Promifes  are  to  Believers  I  that  they  may  &• 
 bide  in  their  Faith  and  holinefs,   tnd  notbelefttotrufton  p  —  4fi   *, 
 their  own  faithfulnefs  for  their  abiding  ;  which  would  be  unfafe  ~ 
 
 for  them,  and  folly  in  them :  yea,  if  any  of  them,  becaufc  of  their 
 love,  faithfulnefs  and  2cal  toward  the  Lord,  or  any  attainments 
 got,  or  refolution  made,  fliould  thence  refolve  and  conclude ,  and  <M*i«« 
 rcftthereon,  that  they  (hall  not  depart  from  him  or  forfcke  him  f  ^*6:\h3* 
 this,  though  in  the  beft  Saints  jj  would  certainly  prefage  a  fall:  fee       tt,l#*0b 
 their  Sanding  and  perfeverance  therefore,  that  it  may  be  by  Faith,  ^A.%.% aGA 
 and  fo  that  they  atay  live  by  Faith,  and  bekeptbythcpowerofa.ao.iPeuj, 
 Cod  through  F»ith  ;  which  is  the  onely  way  of  attaining*    Cod  e&iu 
 
 Kkk  fc 
 
qio  Of  the  third  J  on  of  Tromtjes 
 
 in  aftd  through  Chrift ,  hith  given  many  gracious  Promifcs » 
 which  being  mixed  with  Faith  in  Believers  ,  they  will  be  en- 
 abled to  follow  the  Lord  fully  is  Jofitt*  did  »  and  fo  be  pre* 
 fervcd,  rill  they  come  to  the  heavenly,  as  he  did  to  the  earthly  d- 
 uaah  s  for  the  Lord  forfaketh  none  that  truft  in  him  j  they 
 ?jal.  ix 5.       g|ajj  k  1$  ^0unt  $i9Hi  g^c#  [^  u$  ^jj  feajch  thc  Scripture  where 
 
 thefc  Promifes  are. 
 
 Vfal  84.1*.**-  *•  Th€y  lrc  *^W  *if  Wieve  or  tru^  in  tr*  LoTd  :  he  will 
 29. 11 .  d*5.ix.  b!ef5  them  with  peace  ,  and  compafs  them  about  with  favour ,  is 
 if  a.  it.  3,4.  with  a  fliicld  ,  and  keep  chcm  in  perfect  peace  ,  fo  as  they  (hall 
 ftr.17.79**  take  root,  and  be cftablifhcd,  be  green  and  fruitful ,  and  not  wi- 
 ther. 
 DAK/.; j.j.job.  2«  They  are  in  the  hands ,  and  under  the  wings  and  proce&i- 
 10.18,19.7/4.  on  of  the  Lord,  and  noaecan  pluck  them  out  of  his  hands :  fo  thac 
 s8.30.Dfnr.a3 .  he  is ,  aad  will  be  a  Buckler  to  them  ,  and  an  Enemy  to  their  E- 
 *S9%7 -&*.&.  iiemies  »  and  turn  them  back  ;  yea ,  he  will  tread  Satan 
 *o.#iM6\)8.U8dcrthcitFccc>  anl|  ^  Que,  of  Hell  (hall  not  prevail  againft 
 
 then. 
 
 3.  He  will  preferve  and  ftrcngthen  them ;  he  will  prcftrve  their 
 P/*/.  3 1.13, 14.  fonjSj  t^r  way,  their  feet  in  his  way,  1  S4W.2.Q.  yea.he  will  never 
 
 a.l7.D°ut.*u<6.  ^cavc  c^cm  nor  ^or^^c  ^crn  •  Duc  prckrve  them  for  ever  J  (o  as 
 Htt.is.f'.F/*'  they  fliall  be  fafe  through  all  dangers,  and  fet  on  highf  &c.  Pfal. 
 37.18.  p  1 .  throughout. 
 
 r  pfal       4-  They  <hall  pciTefs  the  promifed  Land  ,   ind  inherit  his  holy 
 
 }am.%*         Mountiin  •  and  none  of  them  (hall  bedefolate. 
 
 Can  any  that  believe  Chrift  ,  and  therethrough  truft  God  in 
 his  Word,  and  (o  believe  his  Promifcs ,  but  that  according  to  their 
 Faith ,  they  are  alike  perfwided  of  his  g^acioufnefs,  power,  truth 
 and  faithfulncfs,  according  to  theie  Promifcs,to  preferve  their  Souls 
 in  Faith  •  and  them  in  his  Grace  and  way  through  Fiith  unto  Sal- 
 yation,in  his  abundant  goodnefs  and  truth  ? 
 
 And  to  help  Believers  to  this  believing  and  confidence,  thefe 
 Rtm.ii .  u.  Promifcs  are  brought  nigher  to  us,  and  made  more  open  ind  cafie 
 %rm.  1. 9,io.  tobebclicvUthen  when  firft  made  before  thc  firft  coming  of  Chrift, 
 iM».^,3.  inthttl<m, 
 
 5.  Chrift  hath  come  in  the  flefli,  andlefusis  the  drift ,  and 
 he,  The  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  ,  The  Son  of  God ,  The  Son  and 
 Saviour  of  Man  ,  The  Hcid  and  Brother  of  all  Believers  j  who 
 hath  fuffercd  for  our  fin$i  overcome  death ,  oficrcd  the  acceptable 
 
 Sacai* 
 
to  TSelkvers.  ^y 
 
 Sacrifice  i  and  is  etalted  and  immeafurably  filled  in  the  Nature  of 
 
 Mm  with  the  Holy  Qhoft  ;  tad  in  him  all  the  Promifes  of  God 
 
 are  Ye  a  and  Am*n  :  all  the  Promifes  are  his ,  and  to  him  it  be-  iCoY.Lio.foh, 
 
 Jonos  by  vcttue  of  his  purchafe ,  and  the  donation  of  the  Father,  i.u.is  Job.*. 
 
 to  give  the  Dignity  and  Priviledges  to  be  the  Sons  of  God  to  Be-  *  MM<>«*"'7. 
 
 lie  vers>  and  to  keep,  raife,  and  give  eternal  life  to  thole  9  by  the  Fa- tl 
 
 thers  teftifying  of  him,  drawn  in  to  brieve  in  bim ,  as  hath  been 
 
 (hewn  in  the  Declaration  of  the  Purpofes,  which  are  opened  in  the 
 
 Promifes. 
 
 And  he  i  the  Lord  Jefus  Ch rift »  telle th  us  plainly  ,  That  his 
 good nefs/hc  choice  benefits  of  all  his  fafferings,  and  Sacrifice,  and 
 Mediation,  extendeth  not  to  the  Father,to  help  or  add  any  thing  to 
 his  perfection  •  but  to  the  Saints  that  are  in  the  Earth,  (comparted  p/*.x&  *,j,  s 
 with  infirmities)  and  to  the  excellent,  (yea,  even  the  Spirits  of  juft 
 Men  made  perfect*  who  have  not  yet  received  all  their  happineft)  in 
 whom  ,  (namely,  thofe  Saints,  both  that  live  by  Faith,  and  that 
 have  died  in  the  Faith)  is  all  his  delight.  And  he  communicaceth 
 the  Priviledges  of  Sons ,  to  all  that  believe  in  him  ;  and  they  y  ,  ( 
 
 are  born  of  Sod,   and  have  eternal  Life,  and  are  Ahab^H  {?£***£  \ 
 Seed,  and  Heirs  according  to  Promife  •  and  he  will  own  them  and  G*ij,ifukJl 
 keep  them,  (o  as  they  Hear  his  voice  and  follow  him  ;  and  he  will  40,45.  &to. 
 give  them  eternal  Life ,   and  they  (hall  not  perifli.     And  this  he  *7,*8  .**.  M. 
 will  do,  by  giving  forth  into  their  hearts  his  Spirit,  in  and  with  his  +l't*V%*% 
 Word,  to  mindc  them  of  his  Sayings  forefaid  byhimfelf,  and  by  Jlijtjtfm* 
 his  Spirit  in  his  Prophets  and  Apoftles  ;  and  fo  to  tcftifie  of  him,  8.irf,z  5,14,1$, 
 and  take  of  the  things  of  him,and  (hew  them;and  fo  glorifying  him  1f.pyW.73.a4, 
 to  them ,  he  will  both  enable  them  to  pray  to  God  in  his  Name, 
 and  receive  Anfwers  from  him ,  and  alio  wicnefs  with  their  Spi- 
 rits ,  that  they  are  the  Sons  of  God ,  and  fo  lead  them  in  his 
 way  into  all  Truth ,    and  unto  Glory  ;  and  allures  Believers  in  a 
 plain  Affirmation  by  his  Spirit,  both  that  there  is  an  incorruptabic 
 andundcfiled  inheritance  that  fadeth  not,  referved  in  Heaven  for  lP"«Mrf. 
 them ;  and  alfo,  that  they  are  kept  by  the  po*er  of  God  through 
 Faith  unto  Salvation :  it 's  cleer  the  power  of  God  here  meant,  is         .        .  , 
 The  Word  of  Grace  he  hath  helped  them  to  believe,  which  is  X*****™'- 
 the  power  of  (Sod  to  Salvation  in  every  one  that  behevcth  :  and  Lu^  n.20.4A 
 the  Holy  Spirit  in  and  with  that  word,  which  is  the  Ha  ii  t\z  Fia-  tj.ai.  1  c*.j;. 
 ger  and  power  of  Sod,  the  Divine  Power,  or  power  of  the  Divine  4j*  •  *c&r.$.}9 
 Nature,  in  and  with  the  IBofpel,  which  is  his  Name  :  this  that  by  l9^lAdtbm 
 
 Kkka  which I7,IIaIa' 
 
42&  V[  tioetmrajort  oj  ^rromijes 
 
 which  Chrift  in  hisMiniftration  kept  thofc  given  him,and  by  which 
 the  Father  and  he  ftill  keepeth  fuch.      By  this  power  of  God,  arc 
 Believers  kept  through  Faith  unto  Salvation,  ready  to  be  revealed 
 \  in  the  laft  times :  and  how  can  it  be  through  Faith,  if  the  Objeft 
 
 of  Faith  fct  forth  in  the  Word  f  and  the  influences  of  that  Object 
 be  not  continued  to  them,  that  they  may  continue  believing ,  and  ia 
 believing ,  mix  their  Faith  with  thefe  Promifes ,    and  fo  be  united 
 to  and  with  Chrift  in  the  Promifes  ?  or  how  can  it  be  through 
 Faith,  if  they  alfodonot  in  the  belief  of  the  Grace,  Power,  Truth 
 ind  Faithful nefs  of  God  *  which  they  have  been  helped  to  ire  and 
 believe,  in  believing  the  Teftimony  ot  his  love  in  the  gift  cf  Chrift, 
 tm  1.6  7  t    aft(*  xn  k"  Blood  (hed  for  them  when  they  were  Enemies ,   even 
 ^iO.rir.V^A*^001  tncncc  believe  and  relic  on  him  for  all  that  (Brace  and  Life, 
 *,7.Go/.$.f  >*.  which  he  hath  promifed  ,  and  fo  mix  Faith  with ,  or  be  united  by 
 «**•*•  H*b.ic  Faith  to  the  Promifes  ?     This-bcing  the  profeffed  way  of  the  Bc» 
 CdTzTiiifb  **icws  confidcnce  >  growth,  expectation  and  perfeverance  to  the- 
 10.38.  l0b.3.in*K™inct ;  yea,    this  the  way  of  the  fklievers  living  ,  in  being 
 §«.  RMm*4*iiljufafa&  *»d  fo  preierved  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  inheritance  pro- 
 ***  mifed  ;  till  which  time  there  is  no  other  way  for  the  juft  to  live,  but 
 
 by  Faith,   and  by  Faith  they  (half  live ;  and  God  hath  appointed 
 this  to  be  by  Faith ,  even  to  this  end  ,    That  it  may  be  by  Grace, 
 and  that  the  Pror&ife  may  be  fure  to  all  the  Seed.     And  indeed,  it 
 can  no  other  way  be  fure,  nor  is  there  need  of  any  other  affurance 
 of  perfeverance  to  the  inheritance,  then  the  affurance  of  Faith, 
 even  the  affurance  that  Faith  in  the  Objcft  giveth.aad  Faith  in  be- 
 lieving receiveth#when  through  the  belief  of  the  Loie  of  God  to  fin- 
 so*  a  iv  x?  Ilc*$,  -Ppc*1^*'11  having  given  his  Son  Chrift  to  die  for  their  fins . 
 *MjiMinc*  ***n8  'hctcthrough  led  to  believe  in  God  for  performing  his 
 j/*.iYrf.ipk  Promifes  •  and  fo  mix  Faith  wtfb  the  Promifes.     This  the  Faith 
 ».*.  2  Tim.  1.  of  Abraham ,  of  which  Faith,  and  affurance  of  hope  therein,  none 
 it.  c^4.i8,  tnat  have  ir,  will  or  need  to  be  a&amed  :  for  fure  here  arc  Pro- 
 mises eaough ,  confirmed  enough  in  Chrift  for  Believers  to  mix 
 with  Faith  ,  and  fo  truft  in  Sod ,  even  for  keeping  and  pre* 
 lerving  them  :   and  as  he  doth  enough  to  keep  them  Hutting 
 in  him,    fo  he  will  never  fail  or  forfakc  any  that  truft  in 
 him. 
 
 But  aim ,  will  feme  fay,  thk  aV  tomfertaite  to  them  that  in 
 believing  do  mix  Faith  with  theft  Promifes  for  their  ferfe* 
 wer**ct9  **dfotr»fifuGoii  tut  w$  tart  mat  ail$  $»andfy 
 
to&jelieyers*  *.xp 
 
 aUwe  believe  9  to  mix  Faith  with  theft  Premifet  ,  ami  fo  t§ 
 re fi  patiently  en  God  fat  our  per  fiver  anee  ;  yea  ,  we  are  net 
 fure  the  Faith  we  home  k  fitch  ,  but  that  we  maj  fall 
 from  it* 
 
 To  whom  I  anfwer,  If  thou  believe  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,  as 
 given  in  the  Gofpel ,  thou  (halt  be  faved  :  and  in  this  belief,  a- 
 biding  in  him  ,  thou  (halt  not  miff ,  but  finde  his  Grace  enabliag 
 thee  to  mix  Faith  with  thefc  promifes  for  perfevcrance :  and  to 
 help  thee ,  and  all  that  believe  Jefus  to  be  the  Chrift,  Here  is  yet 
 farther  provifion  for  thee  in  the  precious  Promifes,to  lead  thee  on* 
 and  fo  enable  thee  to  mix  thy  Faith  with  the  Promifes  :  and  thefe 
 helps*  though  all  to  one  gracious  end,  yet  in  fome  rcfpe&s  they  are 
 divers  and  manifold  ,  yet  meeting  in  one,  to  lead  thee  to  unite  thy 
 faith  with  thefe  Promifes  t  onely  before  I  mention  them ,  take 
 this  Caveat ,  that  an  Opinion  of  animpoffibility  of  one  that  doth 
 once  truely  and  indeed  believe,  to  fall  away  again  from  the  Faith,  is 
 tone  of  the  helps  given  thee  in  Scripture  •  nor  is  this  Saying.That 
 many  of  the  Saints  are  not  enabled  all  their  dayes  to  mix  the  Pro- 
 miles  of  perfeverance  with  Faith  ;  and  on  that  account  do  never 
 get  Freedom  from  Bondage,  any  of  the  helps  given ;  nor  will  the 
 holding  of  an  Opinion,  that  all  true  Believers  and  Saints  (hall  cer- 
 tainly perfevere ,  bring  thofe  Saints  to  the  heavenly  reft  and  in- 
 heritance •  which  never  are  united  by  Faith  to  the  Promifes  t  yea, 
 even  the  Promifes  thereof;  and  fo  have  not  their  Faith  mixed  with 
 the  Promifes.  The  Apoftle  is  plain  in  this,defiring  the  Saints,  That 
 he  and  the  refidue  that  knew  this ,  nrght  without  offence-taking 
 by  the  Saints,havc  leave  and  liberty  to  fear  Jeft  a  promife  being  left 
 ef  entring  into  his  reft,any  of  thofe  Saints  he  wrote  to,(hould  teem 
 to  come  fliort  of  it ;  and  the  very  Ground  of  his  fear,  was,  left  this 
 Promife  (hould  not  be  mixed  with  Faith ,  in  every  of  the 
 Saints  that  had  heard  it  ;  alleadging  That  the  caufe  of  others 
 falling  (hort  and  not  profiting ,  became  the  word  beard  was 
 not  mixed  with  Faith  in  them  that  heard.  And  indeed,  the  Ho- 
 ly Ghoft  doth  not  lead  his  inftruments ,  to  daub  up  any  with  un»  - ' 
 tempered  morter ,  as  if  they  may  be  Saints,  that  (hall  infallibly 
 perfevere,  and  yet  never  be  able  all  their  dayes  to  mix  Faith 
 with  the  Promifes  of  perfeverance,  {$*?•  But  he  ifrordeth  dire* 
 c%oas  and  helps  to  Believers,  that  they  may  in  believing  mix  (not 
 rafonings,  but)  Faith  wish  the  Prooufcs  •  and  io  live,  neither  by 
 
 ;  F!2 
 
^o  Uf  the  Helps  to  mix  taith 
 
 prefumptio*,  aor  fenfe  .  buc  by  Faith.  And  fo  in  lore  are  many 
 Helps  given  them  ,  which  alio  have  the  Nature  of  Promifes, 
 and  many  Promifes  in  them  :  and  they  may  be  comprehended 
 in  thefe four  Heads  or  Branches  ,  namely  t  i.  Caution.  2.  In- 
 struction. 3.  Affurartce,  4.  Inward  Hclpfulnels.  Con(ider 
 them. 
 
 Chap,  4. 
 
 Of  the  Helps  to  mix  Faith  with  the  Promifes ,  and  Jo  to 
 fcrfevtrr. 
 
 1 
 
 T  hath  pfeafed  the  Lord  in  his  great  love  to  afford  and  give  mar 
 
 ny  Helps  to  Believers ,  that  they  may  mix  Faith  with  the  Pro* 
 
 miles,  and  perfevere. 
 
 Idhuat   1         *#  Thefirft  Help  is  Caution  Md  Warning  ,    that  they  depart 
 
 z  cbron.  1  \°i.  not  ^rom  ^m  i  ^uc  at>'^e  believing  •  and  fo  he  hath  warned  them 
 
 Prov.i.8,9.  &  of  that  which  will ,    if  not  avoided  ,  hinder  and  turn  a(ide  ;  and 
 
 4,  t,  6,10,24.  therewith  difcovered  the  danger  thereof,  that  they  may  both  avoid 
 /*•* -"Mjrt-  it,  and  be  preferved.  And  though  thefe  things  be  grievous  to  thofe 
 
 1  *!io!py«.i4i!  t^llt  arc  onc  °^  cncway  ■  vet  t^1fy  are  wy  profitable  ro  thofe  that 
 
 5.  '  love  righteoufhefs :  and  in  this  manner  5    to  this  gracious  end,  the 
 
 Lord  hath  warned  us, 
 Keb.$.7,x%,ii ,  x  •  To  take  heed  of  hardning  our  hearts  ,  from  hearing  his 
 *.dMo.3f,a8.  Voice  ,  (by  flcfhly  Reafonings  ,  or  roolifb  Qucftions  ,  as  they 
 TbH.xj4.  J0k.6.  or  Murmurings ;)  and  To  to  beware  of  an  evil  heart  of  un- 
 belief, which  leads  to  depart  from  the  living  Sod. 
 "HfM  .13.  &n.  *•  To  beware  of  the  deceitful aefs  of  fin  ,  and  fo  of  thofe  (pe- 
 i*,i7 ./?•/#. 8.4  cial  fins,  that  will  harden  the  heart ,  and  lead  to  unbelief  and  fal- 
 1*13.11,14.6**.  i|Rg  away ;  as  of  prophanefs ,  and  provifion  making  for  the  flefti 
 
 *zl.Rom.iilc',&M  that  feem  more  fpiritual,  as  pride  of  Parts,  Gifts,  Rcceits,  At* 
 %  i,  catnments  •  and  of  vain-glory,  io  love  and  defire  of  praife  of  Men, 
 
 GaI.5-%6.  fbH*sjk  jSkfdtfi  with  1 2.43,44. 
 Pr#v.i.io,  &      J.Tobcwareof  a  more  fubtilrnifchief,  namely,  That  we  do  nei- 
 9.13,18.         cher  of  our  felves  ,  nor  by  the  allurea»cnts  and  fair  words  of  others, 
 
 feck 
 
with  the  Tromifes.  4.31 
 
 ftck  life  in  a  wrong  way,  by  eating  that  which  is  not  good  ,  to  get  ^       & 
 refrefhing  and  confolation  to  our  Souls.     And  fo  he  hath  warned  27<  ^fa.^.x. 
 us,  That  we  feed  not  on  the  works  of  Rightcoufnefs  of  our  own  Rom.*.  31,5  r, 
 endeavouring  by  the  Law  of  works ,  conceiting  to  have  the  Righ-  33-  &  10. 1,3. 
 teoufnefs  of  God  thereby,  and  fo  prcfuming  as  the  Pharifeesdid,  ^\  l9'\\' 
 we  have  (Brace,  and  are  ele&,  and  upon  that  account,  worfhipaad  14  /L.'/j.  j* 
 praife  God,  and  hope  for  eternal  life :  this  is  to  facrifice  in  the<£ar-  4,1. 
 dcns,and  burn  incenfe  upon  Altars  of  Brick,  and  drink  ia  vanity  in 
 conceits  of  our  own  holincfs,  and  defpiAcg  others  •  a  thing  loathed 
 of  God  :  fuch  cat  Swines-flefli ,  of  which  we  arc  warned :  yea, 
 more  ftill : 
 
 4.  He  hath  warned  us  of  an  evil  more  fecret  and  liihtil  then  the  Mk.%.iojfa.^ 
 former;  namely,   That  we  feed  not  upon  any  thing  that  hath  t, 
 blemifli  or  defilement  in  it  •  for  that  is  neither  the  reft  nor  the 
 
 bread  of  life  that  he  hath  given  us  •  nor  any  thing  is  that  •  which 
 
 is  directly  our  own  ,    how  goodly  focver  appearing  ►   and  what 
 
 change  focver  it  hath  wrought  in  us  •   as  inward  for  row  ,    and 
 
 brokennefs  of  heart  for  our  fins ,   and  ibme  fuitable  mortification 
 
 of,  and  abftaining  from,  or  death  to  fin ,  and  fome  fuitable  vivifi- 
 
 cation  and  quickning  in  zeal  towards,  love  of,  defire  after,  and  de-  *Cor.  10.7,1 1, 
 
 light  in  holy  Duties,  and  Societies ;  and  fome  fuitable  performances  1 8*  ***  J3-f  • 
 
 and  truits,  in  prayer,  hearing,  juft  and  equitable  walking  :  when 
 
 thefe  are  all  found  ,  and  alfo  by  others  approved  right  ;   yet  are 
 
 aot  theft  to  be  fed  on  for  life  and  fatisrying  ,   in  excreting  our 
 
 thoughts  on  them :  from  thence  concluding  and  trumng,  That  we 
 
 are  Chrift's,  and  fo  elec\and  upon  that  account  to  hope  for  eternal 
 
 life.    Surely,  there  is  yet  wants  and  defilements  in  us  in  all  this  for- 
 
 row  >  brokennefs ,  mortification ,  vivification  and  performances ; 
 
 fo  that  if  any  of  us  think  not  fit  to  confefs  of  our  Righteoufnefs  in 
 
 this*  with  the  Prophet  1  It  u  adefiltdclent ;  yec  we  cannot  bu*  j/*.^.*. 
 
 confefs  with  the  Apoftte,  We  are  net  thereby  j*(tifitd  :    and  if  [  q0 
 
 any  refufe  fo  to  confefs  ,    they  cannot  free  themfelves  from  that 
 
 charge  of  the  Prophet  }Ut*k*  A  dangerous  feediae.bcware  of  it  •  , 
 
 ,ndy«.  T...:J  ■****? 
 
 5.  He  hath  warned  us  of  a  deceit  more  fecret  and  fubtil  then 
 thefe,  which  to  fome  appeareth  as  the  Bread  of  life  to  feed  on  •  and 
 that  is ,  when  in  waiting  and  looking  for  fome  fuch  thing  ,  there 
 cometh  into  the  fancy  or  thoughts  •  yea,  to  fome  to  their  heart, 
 fome  particular  Word  or  Proraife  of  Sod  that  is  in  the  Scripture  s 
 
 to  lee 
 
qp  Uf  neip  to  mix  rattb 
 
 to  let  pa6  fuch  as  come  into  chc  fancy  tnd  thought!  onely »  as 
 knowing  none  buc  fools  and  unbelievers  will  deceive  rhemfelves  to 
 Pw.14.1  f .  truft  and  rely  on  fuch  motions  and  thoughts  ,  nor  yet  to  fpeak  of 
 fuch  words  as  may  be  cart  in  by  a  Satanical  Spirit »  becaufe,  when 
 Mat. 4.6.  Mar.  fo  they  tend  to  pride  or  prefumptuous  confidence,  withdrawing 
 x.*4,  *A&\£,  from  attending  on  Chriftin  his  way  and  Ordinances  ;  and  fo  true 
 ?**  Believers  will  be  fearful  of  entertaining  them:  but  thole  that  are 
 
 feinted  by  the  good  and  Holy  Spirit  j  yea ,  and  that  in  mtrcy  for 
 gracious  ends,  even  to  draw  to  Chn(t,and  fo  uphold  their  fainting 
 Spirits ;  but  not  for  them  to  reft  upon  the  in-giving  of  fuch  a  worl 
 to  them,  and  their  certain  receit  thereof  from  God  •  and  foto  feed 
 on  that,and  on  that  account  :o  conclude  their  Election  before  timet 
 and  their  aflurance  of  never  falling  away  j  buc  having  eternal  life* 
 and  persevering  to  the  inheritance  :  for  when  time  was  that  the 
 Holy  Shoft  was  not  given  in  the  full  Revelation  of  the  Myftery  of 
 Quid*  and  fo  this  in-giving  of  fome  particular  words  more  in  u(e  | 
 yet  though  perfonally  p  ven  to  any  one  Man  ,  It  had  this  Caution 
 ».#l  it  v-,,»  with  it ,  Iflfa  ftborigbteom,  (which  can  be  no  left  then  one 
 ■*  Wi  W3S.  juftified  b  fomc  fenfc)  Tha$ BefhsSfrnfy  Uvo  $  which  could  not 
 be  in  any  righteoufnefs  of  his  own  by  cheLa  w  of  works)  if  be  truft 
 to  hit  own  rigbuoufnofs ,  (  mark  the  fruit  of  fuch  trufting  )  and 
 eomnut  tniqutty,  dtc.  bofhdSdio*  What  hurt  confidence  in 
 our  receit  of  fuch  words  hath  done  me  and  others*  I  need  not  here 
 repeat  •  and  how  it  apes  fome  after ,  over-creedily  to  receive  any 
 thing  that  £omes  with  a  (hine  and  fpiritual  fervor ,  I  will  not  nere 
 fay.  But  this  it  is  I  am  now  to  fay,  That  Chrift  hath  come  in  the 
 flcfhi  and  is  he  in  whom  all  the  Promifes  of  (Bod  are  Tom  and  A" 
 mom  :  and  now  he  is  given  and  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel  to  us,  for 
 Light,  Law*  Covenant,  Proraife,  and  wknefs  of  God's  Love  to  usj 
 This  the  Tcftimony  and  the  in-giving  of  a  particular  word  ,  an  in* 
 fcriour  Teftimony ,  and  not  fo  ufual  now  ;  yet  God  tendering 
 us  in  our  Infancy,  vouchfafing  fuch  fpeaking  Inspirations  to  us  for 
 good*  to  draw  us  to  look  more  to  his  Son  to  reft  on  him ,  if  we 
 fit  down  and  take  up  our  reft  in  thefe  foeakings  /hort  of  him ,  we 
 fhali  turn  that  which  was  for  our  welfare  into  a  fnare  s  but  of  this 
 he  hath  mercifully  forewarned  us,  in  making  known  to  ui ,  That 
 without  his  bloodfiiedding ,  there  could  have  been  no  Rcmiffioa 
 for  us*  and  without  the  fame  in  the  verote  of  it  fprinklcd  upon  our 
 hanger*  an  be  nnforpvtncfsr^ 
 
mth  the  Tromifes.  43  j 
 
 fclf ,   at  he  was  crucified  for  our  fins ,   acd  is  rifen  in  our  Natute 
 juft,  for  our  juftification,  and  is  now  at  the  right  hand  of  God  ap- 
 pearing in  our  Nature  for  us ;  even  fo  he.and  he  only,  is  the  object 
 held  forth  for  healing  and  life,  the  Revealer  of  the  Father's  Mindc, 
 the  only  Foundation  to  reft  on,  and  Bread  of  Life  to  feed  on  :  and 
 fo  herein  hath  warred  us  of  this  ,  and  all  the  former  deceirs  :  for, 
 as  Paul  tofbme  mifcarrying  fa  id  of  himfelf,  Wat  "Paul  crucified  1fltf.-1.13, 
 for  you  ?    $r  were  you  baptised  in  the  Name  of  Paul  ?  fo  it 
 may  be  fatd  ,   Was  any  of  your  Works  of  righteoulhwfs  >  or  was 
 your  brokennefs,  mortification,  vivificauon  and  perform  uiccs  ?  or 
 was  an  infpiration  to  you,  and  receit  by  yoj  crucified,  and  rcadea 
 curfefor  you  ?  did  any  of  thefediefor  your  (Is,  and  rift  for  your 
 juftification  ,  and  give  the  ranfom  and  iacrifice  for  you  ?  or  were 
 or  could  you  according  to  the  commiflicn  of  Chrift  b:  b;p:  zed 
 in  the  Name  of  any  of  thefe?  Surely  no :  the  cfore  none  of  chefc  can 
 be  your  bottom  or  foundation  to  reft  on.  nor  the  true  Bdd  of  life 
 for  ycu  to  feed  on  ?  Nor  will  you  fayThe  eternal  Purpofe  of  God 
 and  his  Election  was  made  fin  and  a  curfe  for  you,ind  focrucifiedf 
 dead  and  buried  for  you,and  raifed  and  offered  in  facrifice  for  you, 
 and  to  not  thefirft  thing  appearing,  the  bottom  and  foundation  to 
 reft  on,  the  real  Bread  of  life  to  feed  on ;  but  Chrift  onely ,    who 
 did  all  this  according  to  Purpofe,    being  God's  Eleft  &c*  and 
 hath  not  God  di(cov:red  his  love  to  us ,  and  his  unwillingness 
 that  we  fliould  perifh  ,    and  his  readinefs  to  receive,  retain ,  help 
 and  fave  us,  by  giving  us  thefe  warnings,  and  helping  us  with  fuch 
 things  to  awe  and  terrific  the  flefh  ,  and  to  refift  ail  Doctrines  and 
 Spirits  of  Delufion  ?  And  is  there  not  in  the  fame  warnings  given, 
 an  intimate  and  fure  Promife ,   That  if  we  according  to  the  1  ght  l^h^&u 
 and  ftrength  he  givethus,  avoid  thefe  lets  and  puil-backs,  he  ijSoJirJl! 
 will   follow  on  with  more  Grace,    and  enable  us  in  be'iev-  j^.i*.i>»,i? 
 ing  to  mix  the  Promifes  with  Faith  ?  See  the  Scriptures :  and  fo 
 thefe  Warnings  are  one  good  Help,  Another  is , 
 
 II.  Inftru&ion  to  the  bufincfc  of  mixing  the  word  with  Faith,  jr 
 thac  fo  we  may  live  indeed  by  Faith  •  and  that  is  by  eating  that  '  ' 
 
 which  is  good  ,  and  letting  our  Soul  delight  it  felf  in  fatnels ,  fo 
 we  (hall  be  verily  fed  with  the  fure  mercies  of  David.  In 
 which  Inftru&on  we  have  three  things  explained  by  Chrift  for 
 our  Help. 
 
 1  •  That  it  is  good  and  fatnefs,  meat  ready  prepared ,  nothing 
 
 Lll  rf 
 
43^  Of  the  Helps  to  mix  raith 
 
 p  of  our  proyifioa  ,    that  hath  any  bJemifh  or  want  in  it ,  nor 
 
 4,5,6.  A//f.*i!  oncty  a  Purpofc  and  Promife  of  fomething  to  be  done  ,  but  a  real 
 3,2,3,4.14.14.  bufinefs,  and  heavenly  fub/tance  prepared  »  and  according  to  Pur* 
 i7.J/M5.ij2,>  pofe  and  Promifc  fulfilled;  a  Sacrifice  that  was  (lain,  and  the  blood 
 3.  Job,  *-*7>{he(jfand  the  Sacrifice  offered  to  God  ;  and  fo  Peace  made,  Re- 
 *»**«  demption  obtained  1  Spirit  received  ,  and  Promifes  confirmed  by 
 
 his  Blood  ;  and  fo  in  this  bread  of  life,  and  wine  mingled,  all  pro- 
 vided ,  ready  and  fee  forth,  and  all,  even  the  worft  of  finners  calfed 
 to  it,  and  have  liberty  to  come ;  and  all  comers  freely  to  cat  of  this 
 good  and  fatnefs. 
 1C0Y.1 5.1 34.         2#  That  Jefus  Chrtft  himfclf,  as  he  was  wounded  for  our  tranf- 
 Rom\.  i%.       greffions,  died  for  our  (ins,  and  rofe  for  our  juftification ,  and  of- 
 1  Tim.z.ii6.    feted  up  himfelf  a  fpotlefs  facrifice  to  God  for  us,  and  fo  redeemed 
 £0^1.13,14-     us  from  the  curfe  of  the  Law  9  obtained  eternal  Redemption ,  and 
 j&io**  \o'ioh. IS  now  a'ivc  ^or  cvcr  ln  our  Mature ,  appearing  before  God  for  us, 
 ^•*7a33»35j    to  Pre^nt  us  in  l^at  Body  °f  his,  &c*   *°  ^c  *s  ^c  vcrY  bread  of 
 48350,51.  Job,  life,  and  his  fkfh  is  meat  indeed.      And  as  by  his  fufferings  and 
 jS.17Mat.z6.  blood-fliedding ,    he  did  both   wicnefs  the  Truth,    and  con- 
 28.  Hefc.9.!S,fiim  the  New  Teftament  of  precious  Promifes  •    and  being  rifen 
 *rf!K^5*lan(*  *fccn(kd  »  cvcr  l'vcth  a  Mediatot  of  this  New  TefiameRt  by 
 53/54, 55>56>vcrtuc  °^  ^1$  blood ,    That  the  Called  may  receive,  &c»  (o  his 
 67.  blood  is  drink  indeed,  and  this  tender  of  it,  wine  mingled-     And 
 
 this  in  Chrift,  is  the  provifion  given  us  to  feed  on  ;  all  other  things 
 befide,  tendered  by  any  ,  or  conceived  by  us  to  be  (ed  en  for  life, 
 are  in  that  refpedt  vanity  and  deceit :  and  unlefs  we  do  eat  of  this 
 flefh  of  Chrift,  and  drink  of  his  blood,  there  will  be  no  life  in  us  ; 
 but  in  feeding  on  this,  we  (hall  live  for  ever. 
 
 3.  That  the  manner  of  our  eating  that  which  is  good  and  fat- 
 Job.  4, 17.15  nc&  in  feeding  on  him,  is  not  oncly  in  believing  him  the  Saviour 
 33,51.*  'fent  of  God,  and  fea led  by  God  to  give  eternal  life  •  but  alfo,  that 
 
 in  this  believing  ,  we  believe  him  the  Saviour  of  the  World  ,  that 
 gave  his  flefti  for  the  life  of  the  World  ,  and  giveth  life  unto  the 
 World ;  and  fo  in  exercife  of  this  Faith ,  eat  or  feed  on  him  :  by 
 minding  and  ferious  confidering,  believing*  refting,  and  taking  our 
 well-pleafednefs,  and  fatisfying  in  him,  his  flefti.  his  body  that  was 
 broken,  and  died  for  our  fins,  and  is  rifen  for  our  j unification,  and 
 ctf  :red  up  a  facrifice  to  God  for  us ,  in  that  he  hath  done  all  this 
 for  the  fins  of  the  World,  for  Mankinde  finners,  enemies  »  and  fo 
 hath  made  an  Atonement ,    and  redeemed  them  from  the  curfe  of 
 
 Che 
 
mtb  the  Tromifes.  4.3  y 
 
 theLaw>  and  procured  all  Mankindeinco  his  difpofe  ;  fo  that  by  joh  e       &l 
 him  their  lives  are  prolonged,    and  God  will  neither  now  nor  4  f./^rj^fIg" 
 hereafter  judge  them  by  chat  Law  >   nor  caufe  them  to  perifh  for  kom.i.s.Job.x. 
 ever  in  thatdeath  they  fell  under  in  that  firtt  Adam*  which  ju  !ge-  5>8>9-   Ecclef. 
 merit  and  death  Chrift  hath  undergone  and  overcome  for  them  ;  9  A' 
 and  by  vertue  thereof  v  in  his  Mediation  pi ocureth  patience  ar,d 
 forbearance*    that  they  are  not  fuJdenly cut  off  for  their  cranio 
 <*reffio£5  2gaic(t  him  *  yea,  he  ufech  means  towards  them  that  they 
 m;ght  believe  in  him  ,   who  is  the  Propitiation  for  their  fins ;  in 
 whom  believing  »    they  (hall  not  perifti  but  hav*  evertafli  g  life  j 
 which  yet  they  have  nod  though  in  him  there  i&  yet  hape  for  them : 
 and  this  if  the  life  of  the  World,  and  this  is  the  kmdenefs  md  love 
 of  God  to  Mankinde ,    which  accord^g  to  his  mercy  ippe'ting 
 faveth  the  Beholders  with  the  Laver  of  R  generation  and  renew   Tlt  5  4>*' 
 ing  of  the  Holy<&hoft :  and  his  flefh  thus  beheld  and  fed  on.  and 
 confidcred  as  the  love  of  God  in  thus  gving  him,  anu  bu  fc  dying 
 for  his  Enemies^  appeareth  .    is  thit  which  d.  a  as  re  co  bJicve,  *c  Rsim  3-9  ll> 
 that  door ,    in  which  one  is  found  no  better  then  the  chief  of  fin-  \l'[^'/^tl 
 ners ;  and  being  drawn  in  to  beiieve,  the  ftill  believing,  beholoing.  l$}[ o.'cu.  3.4* 
 confidering  and  feeding  on  the  fame  •    fo  great  love  appearing  in 
 this  faenfi.e  of  Chrift,  and  the  fulnefs  in  it  for  finneis,  and  chief  cf  Rom.i.$,&,iu 
 finners  %    draws  the  heart  to  confide  in  him  for  farther  falvation, 
 and  fo  to  be  faved  by  his  life  ,  and  ever  Jiving  to  intercede  and  fend 
 forth  Spirit    :    fo  feeding  on  his  fl?fh  that  was  given  for,    and 
 as  given  for  the  life  of  the  World  ,    iivingnefs  is  found  •  in  which  _  ,  lz  10 
 living  and  believing  ,   they  fee  his  precious  Promifes  as  fealed  and  Mal.z6.ii. 
 confirmed  by  the  lame  precious  blood  of  his  that  was  (hed  for  \Job.z.i.H  b. 
 the  Remiflion  of  their  fins,   and  the  fins  of  miQy;  yea  ,  of  the*-14»iS>»7-M. 
 World  :  and  fo  they  drink  of  his  blood,  and  chcie'in  mix  the  Pro-  ^frf^y-** 
 roifes  with  Faith,  and  fo  live  by  Faith  •  yea ,  in  this  manner  believ-  4/5*  11,2 1,15! 
 ing  on  him,  that  jnftifieth  the  ungodly  through  Chart  ,    that  died  # ;  *    *r,kf. 
 for  the  ungodly,  their  Faith  is  not  oncly  imput-d  to  them  for  righ-  l»*>h4tf» 
 teoufnefs ;  but  their  Faith  is  herein  fo  united  to  the  Promifes,  that 
 it  fprings  up  in  peace,  in  boldnefs  of  accefs  to  (^od  ,   and  hope  of 
 the  glory  to  be  revealed,  and  will  in  time,  to  tt.at  rejoycing,  hope 
 and  affurance  mentioned,  Rem*  8.  3  2  36.  whic»»  is  the  aflurancc 
 of  Faith.     O  fweet,  fafe  and  comfortable  direction  i  and  he  thac 
 by  Grace,  to  avoid  the  forewarned  hindei arcs    and  eatng  b-ead 
 in  fecret  places ,  and  drinking  ftollen  waters  (  as  all  are  chat  How 
 
 Lll  2  not 
 
Afi6  Of  Helps  to  mix  Faith 
 
 not  from  Chrift  firft  known  and  believed)  is  prevailed  with,  and  in 
 that  avoiding  to  come  in  and  reft  and  feed  upon  Chrift  crucified, 
 i's  is  faid  will  fiiide  fo  much  aflurance  of  Faith  ,  as  he  dares  cruft 
 God,  without  any  other  pawns  and  pledges,  then  he  hath  given  in 
 and  through  Chrift  already  j  in  whom  he  hath  given  to  Believers 
 aflurance  :  of  which  next. 
 
 III.    Affurancc:  The  A ffu ranee  that  God  hath  provided  for, 
 
 and  given  to  Believers  for  their  prefcrvation  through  Faith  onto 
 
 Salvation  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  laft  time,  in  the  enjoymene 
 
 of  the  inheritance :  and  this  is  alfo  clear,  great  and  manifold,  as  to 
 
 fay, 
 
 G;*.sa:i*,27,      l-  The  Word  orPromife,andOathofGod  ,    thatwasforc- 
 
 1 8.  i  C9Y.  16.15,  confirmed  is  Chrift  f  and  then  through  him  given  ,  and  made  to 
 
 16,17,18.   Tfal.x^brahumy  I  fane  and  Jacob, the  Fathers  of  the  faithful  following, 
 
 105.  8,9,10,11.  f^gr  Believers  as  their  Children  and  Heirs  might  in  minding  that 
 
 wVI^V^'tI'  Word  and  Covenant  firmed  with  an  Oath.havc  ftrone  confolati- 
 
 titO.  6.  13,  14,    -,  ■  ▼  O 
 
 i^ig,  on  and  lure  hope. 
 
 2.  The  fame  brought  necrer  to  us ,  in  that  which  Chrift  hath 
 Heb6,io.  ifa.  ^onc  aB(j  fuflfcre(j  for  us  9  who  is  now  entred  in  our  Nature  into 
 &'*9.S.Gal-$. tnc  Holieft,  having  begun  to  take  pciTeflion  for  us,  being  given  and 
 z6i%yiiTim.i\  fet  forth  ia  the  Gofpcl  for  the  Covenant  to  us  •  that  fo  believing  in 
 *.  him,  we  are  Sons  and  Heirs  ;  and  he  being  our  hope ,  and  fo  our 
 
 hope  anchoring  in  him ,  entreth  within  the  veil ,    and  is  both 
 
 fure  and  fiedfaft  ,    Ret>.6.l  8,1020.  PkiLl^o.  1  Job.}.!, 
 
 2,3. 
 H^.To.ic,!*,      3.   The  Mediation  of  Chrift  ,    and  Minittration  of  the  New 
 14>i8,i9.e^8.  Teftament  of  ptecious  Promifes ,  by  vertue  of  his  blood  and  fa- 
 M,i 1.^9.14,  cr\ficc  .  in  which  he  hath  opened  the  paffage  for  us  •    and  all  to 
 15     7*2**      this  end  ,   That  the  Called  may  receive  the  promifed  inheritance, 
 
 his  Mediation  being  acceptable  and  prevalent  wiih  the  Father ; 
 
 and  he  ever  liveth  to  make  latere*  flioa  for  them  that  come  to  God 
 
 by  him  and  fo  he  is  able  tafave  them  to  the  urmoft, 
 
 4,  This  as  a  fecondary  and  fcaling  Confirmation,  and  in  fome 
 *Cor  li°Rom  *cfyz&$  fenfible,  is  added,  even  the  fir  ft  fruits  of  the  Spirit  in  fome 
 \~ii.EpLu™',  fpiniual  performances  of  fome  part  of  that  contained  in  the  New 
 14.^4.30.      Teftament  and  cverlafting  Covenant,  as  an  added  feal  and  earneft 
 
 of  cur  prcfent  intereft,    and  after-pciTeffion  of  the  inheritance. 
 
 And  is  not  all  this  Aflurance  enough  for  any  that  believe  in  Chrift  ? 
 
 and  fo  in  God  through  Chrift,  to  keep  them  uniting  in  him?  But  I 
 
 proceed.  IV.  An 
 
with  the  Tromifes.  437 
 
 IV.  An  inward  Helpfulnefs ,    affording  motion  and  ability  to  g^jtoYj 
 mix  the  Promifes  with  Faith  ,    and  thereby  to  overturn  all  oppo-  Z6ti7.  Wto-A* 
 fition :  which  helpfulnefs  is  a  new  Maa,a  new  Heart,  or  new  Spirit,  *  1 ,14.  Col.}. 
 even  the  minde,  difpofition  and  Spirit  of  Chrift,  within  them  ,  as  RomA.9,1 1 , 
 an  inward  Iving  principle  1  moving  and  acting  within  them ,  and  ^^!'!  * 
 enabling  them  to  move  and  a&  in  its  movings  and  actings.     This 
 not  naturally  and  originally  in  them  ,    as  the  righteous  difpofition 
 at  firft  infpired  to  the  firft  Adam  in  his  innocency  ;  and  fo  not 
 having  its  being  of  its  felf  in  them,  which  would  neither  be  fo  pro- 
 fitablc  nor  fafe  for  them  (as  now  it  is)  for  fo  they  might  as  eafily 
 neglcdfc  its  operation  and  lofe  it  again  ,    as  our  firft  Father  Adam 
 did :  nor  is  it  in  ichem  like  the  light  that  (hineth  into  an  houfe  from 
 a  Torch  paffiog  by  the  Windows  9  nor  as  a  flafh  of  lightning, 
 fuddenly  coming,  and  fuddenly  vanifhing  j  but  as  Water  from  a 
 Fountain  ,  naturally  and  continually  flowing  forth  and  ft  reaming 
 into  the  Chanel  or  Vcffel  ;   and  as  light  proceeding  from  the  Sun 
 into  an  houfe,  filling  it  with  light  that  remainethi  both  in  the  Sun, 
 and  from  the  influence  of  the  Sun  remaineth  in  the  houfe*  filling  it 
 with  an  abiding  light,unlcfs  feme  wilfully  (hut  all  the  windows.and 
 flop  all  the  crannies  about  the  houfe  ;  by  which  they  cannot  keep 
 \u,  but  (hut  out  the  light;  yet  the  light  remaineth  in  the  Sua  that 
 fends  forth  his  influences  ,  and  cannot  be  divided  from  it ;  nor 
 faileth  any  of  light  that  fuffers  it  to  enter ,  and  remain  as  an  influ-  pr 
 ence  from  the  Sun  :    So  Chrift  is  the  Fountain  of  living  Waters,    ' *'*  ^  Je*' 
 of  Light,  Life,  and  Spirit ,   the  Sun  of  Righteoufnefs ,  in  whom  col.z.^^.Joh, 
 all  Light,  Life  and  quickning  is ,    in  whom  the  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit  1.16. 
 of  life  is ,   and  from  whom  it  flows  •  and  fo  thole  that  through 
 ©race  believe  on  him  ,   receive  of  his  fulnefs ,  and  fee  light  in  his 
 light  ;  and  fo  in  beholding  of,  and  believing  in  him,    the  fame 
 Spirit  that  is  in  him  floweth  into  them,  and  effecfrcth  the  minde  and  Job.$  .£. 
 difpoficion  of  Chrift  in  them,  which  is  aifo  called  Spirit :  in  which 
 refped  Chrift  is  faid  to  dwell  in  them ,  ?nd  the  Holy  Spirit  is  faid 
 to  dwell  in  them  :  who  as  proceeding  from  Chrift  f  and  remain- 
 ing in  him  •  fo  he  entreth  their  hearts ,  and  worketh  this  new  Spi- 
 rit or  difpofition  in  them  ,  and  by  his  light  and  operations  dwel- 
 led) in  it  ,  and  fo  in  them  :  and  this  Spirit  cffe&ed  is  them  ,  and 
 dwelling  in  them>  they  have  derivatively  from  Chrift ,   an  J  it  can- 
 not be  had  divided  from  him ;  but  they  believing  in  him ,    have  it  Epb.3*i*>i7* 
 cf  and  from  bim,  and  him  within  and  by  it :  and  fo  they  have  him 
 
 ?nd-, 
 
438  Of  Tromifes  to  be  fulfilled 
 
 n  and  this  Spirit  of  and  from  hirp  in  their  hearts  by  Faith  ,    and  it  is 
 
 \rwT.7.\iob.  ^  tncm«  *  SPiric  °*  paith *  thc  SP^ric  °^  P°wcr»  of  Love,  and  of  a 
 
 4.4.  '  fcund  minde  ;   and  this  Spirit  Hwel'ing  in  them  >  is  greater  and 
 
 llronger  then  the  Devil  that  is  in  the  World  •  fo  that  they  may 
 
 iH&?.4rf.      full  readily  mix  the  Promifes  with  Faith*  yea,   and  believing 
 
 in  the  Son  of  God  1  overcome  the  World  ,  their  Faith  being  their 
 
 Victory,  whereby  they  overcome. 
 
 And  thus  we  have  (een,thc  Promifes  to  Believer*  in  their  fpirku- 
 al  frames  and  ex:rcifes  are  many ,  the  Promifes  to  them  abiding  in 
 the  Faith  given  them,  are  many  ;  the  Promifes  that  they  may  a- 
 bide9many  $  and  the  helps  for  their  abiding)  many  ;  and  all  gra* 
 cious  from  the  Almighty  God  of  Truth  ,  through  the  Mediator 
 to  Believers ,  to  whom  Faith  is  giver?,  that  they  may  •  and  who- 
 ever as  they  may  mix  the  Promifes  with  Faith ,  and  10  accepteth 
 the  ©race  given,  may  have  the  Affurancc  of  Faith,even  for  his  per- 
 feverance ,  in  which  the  following  Promifes  will  be  ftili  farther 
 helpful  alfo :  let  them  be  considered. 
 
 Chap.  5. 
 
 Of  the  Promifes  to  he  fulfilled  to  Believers  after  this 
 Life 
 
 THe  fourth  fort  of  Promifes ,  are  thofe  which  are  to  be  per- 
 formed to  Believers  when  they  have  lived  and  died  in  the 
 Faith,  when  their  Battel  is  fought ,  their  Race  run  •  and  fo  they 
 have  finifhed  their  Courfe ,  and  kept  the  Faith,  and  Co  overcome. 
 The  Promifes  to  be  then  performed  to  them,be  great,  precious,and 
 of  three  forts  s  I .  Such  as  are  to  be  performed  to  them  at  their 
 death,  as  all  (hail ,  but  fuch  as  furvive  ac  the  coming  of  the  Lord, 
 to  whom  fuch  Promifes  not  needful,  nor  fuffir  they  lofs.  2.  Such 
 as  are  to  be  performed  at  the  Refurre&ion  of  the  Juft  ,  in  the 
 perfonal  coming  of  the  Lord.  3.  Such  as  are  to  be  performed 
 when  Chrift  delivers  up  the  Kingdom  to  Sod  the  Father ;  and  fo 
 <Sod  is  All  in  all  t  I  (hall  according  to  what  I  finde  ,  hint  fomc- 
 what  of  each. 
 
 I.  For  the  Promifes  that  (hall  be  performed  to  Believers  at  their 
 death;  I.  They 
 
ta'Believers  after  this  Life^.         4,39 
 
 I.  They  (hall  reft  from  their  labours,  forrows,  combates  with     -  - 
 
 temptations,  being  kept  as  in  Chambers  of  fafety,  till  theindigna-  z6tZOi'Ut'  & 
 tion  in  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  (hall  be  punifhed  ,  have  57.1. 70^.3.17, 
 
 be  as  Prifoners  ,  yet  are  they  at  reft,  and  free  from  all  trouble  and 
 fear;  and  fo Prifoners  of  hope  that  deep  in  Jefus ,  and  fhill  be 
 raifed  at  his  coming,  to  fee  him,  and  come  with  him :  fo  it  is  a  blef- 
 fed  deep  and  reft. 
 
 2.  Their  Spirits  or  Souls  (hall  walk  in  their  uprightnefs  in  the  i/k^.*,  Kev. 
 prefence  of  Chrift,  their  Righteoufnefs,  and  under  his  Wings  ,   as  £.9,i©,ii.  Phil. 
 the  Altar  of  fafety  and  folace  ,  enjoying  a  more  full  fight  of  the  ***hi$'  *  cor. 
 Perfon  of  the  Lord  Jefus  ,  and  being  nigher ,    and  having  more  ^•1>x>^7>8. 
 full  fellowfhip»with  greater  rejoycings  in  him,  and  with  him,  and 
 
 with  the  Spirits  of  juft  Men  made  perfect,  (of  which  they- now  are) 
 
 then  ever  they  did  or  could  have  enjoyed,  while  they  were  in  mor-  Heb.6.\i,\<;t& 
 
 tal  bodies :   in  which  refpeiS,  as  touching  their  Souls,  they  may  be  4-  3  >4>  \  °  • 
 
 faid  to  inherit  the  Promises,  to  enter  into  reft  •     and  in  both  thefe 
 
 refpe&s ,   the  day  of  their  death  is  better  to  them  then  the  day  of 
 
 their  birth  was. 
 
 3.  Their  works  do  follow  them  ;  that  which  through  Faith  Rev.'\4.i$.iGb. 
 working  by  love  they  have  done  in  their  preaching  the  Teftimony  15.16.  iPet.i. 
 jo£  Chrift,  their  works  of  mercy,  their  prayers,  their  fufferiogs,  and  x  *•,  lVmj^r 
 conftancy  therein  ,  in  bearing  witnefs  to  the  Truth  ,  aed  againft  l^l)^  zCor\ 
 Antichrift,have  not  only  had  their  fruits  for  holding  forth  the  Faith,  \ol\{Ji6.  Heb 
 and  winning  in  others  to  God,  in  their  life-time,  but  in  the  efficacy  1 1  +.&u.u 
 of  the  Truth  witneflcd  by  them  in  preaching  and  furTering  ,  in  an- 
 
 fwer  of  their  prayers,and  the  memory  of  their  good  examples,  their 
 fruits  fliall  remain  •  yea,  alfo  multiply  and  encreafe  upon  their  ac- 
 count after  their  deceafe. 
 
 IL  For  the  Promifes  to  be  performed  to  them  at  the  com- 
 ing of  the  Lord  Jefus  in  and  at  the  Rwfurre&ion  of  the  Juft, 
 they  are  of  great  and  glorious  things  ,  as  to  inftancc  fome  of 
 them. 
 
 I.  Their  Bodies  fhall  be  raifed  again,  not  corruptible,  weak  ,^^3  41 
 and  mortal,  as  before  they  had  been ;  but  incorruptible,  powerful,  ^^zsrhef.^. 
 immortal  and  glorious  at  the  very  coming  of -Chrift  •  yea  ,    foas  l€-  Pbti.$tiu 
 they  (hall  be  as  the  Angels  of  ©odj.  though  not  Angels  and  Spirits Mat*11-  3°. 
 
 oncly, 
 
44-0  OfTromifes  to  be  fulfilled 
 
 onely  ,  yet  is  chc  Angels,  and  fpiritual,  equal  to  the  Angels  •  for 
 
 ^o^'tfiom  imP°^iIicy  °f  dying  or  falling)  for  ftrength,  agility,  fmftneis  of 
 
 8.13/  motion  in  attending  or  defending  and  moving  every  way.    Thus 
 
 (hall  their  bodies  be  raifed,and  united  to  and  pofleffed  of  their  own 
 
 perfect  Souls  or  Spiiics  for  ever,  being  both  moved  and  carried  a- 
 
 bout  by  the  divine  power. 
 
 .  1         -        2.  Being  fo  railed  and  made  fpiritual  and  glorious  in  Soul  and 
 
 9.4,5^.^11.4^  Body,  they  (hall  in  a  rromrnt  afcend  ,    and  meet  the  Lord  in  the 
 
 c>3o,i7,i8c^  Air ,  and  fo  be  ever  w'<th  him  •  yea,  come  along  with  him  to  that 
 
 60.11.zacb.14.  great  Battel,  in  which  (hall  be  no  carnal  Sword,  no  6onfufion,  no 
 
 5.zP^.3.7.      garments  of  any  Saints  rolled  in  blood  ;  and  yet  the  perdition 
 
 k  2#  an(*  ^eftru&ion  or"  ungodly  Men  ;   yea  ,  of  all  chat  then  will  not 
 
 en.  1 7.  ^cr?c  Chnft  afKj  h^  pCoplc  ;  yea,  all  the  Saints  with  him  (hall  have 
 
 this  honor ,  To  execute  vengeance  upon  the  Heathen,  10  binde  their 
 
 Kirgs>  tfc.  as  is  laid, 
 
 3.  Yea,  they  (hall  alfo  be  with  him ,  and  fee  the  natural  Seed 
 Jet.  3.  17>**«  of  Abraham  that  are  at  that  time  found  furvivingof  the  whole 
 E^°xl\t  twelve  Tribes  oilfrael  frcm  all  the  utmoft  parts  of  the  World, 
 \\\ljer.tz^' ccmc  i»totncir  own  Land »  yea  ,  then  will  that  be  fully  performed 
 s,$.  /fa.19.14! tnat  ispromifed,  2  Sam.jA ©,i  3#  //4.1  i.i  1  1 6.  fer^i.%.^, 
 15.7^.48.47.  And  they  (hall  not  onely  fee  this .    but  they  (hall  alfo  fee  of  other 
 &49-*>7-Ro>**  Nations  come  in  together  with  them,  to  wor(hip  God  ,   as  Egypt 
 Tbii***!7    anc*  ^If7ri*>  anc*  <&  Mitk,  and  Ammo**  and  EUm  *  yea,  of  all 
 HeJ«S.io\i.   Nations  that  (hall  be  left  living  upon  the  Earth  ,  PfaL  66,4.  and 
 Jer.31. 31,33,  8p.p.  O  joyful  fight !  what  can  this  be  to  fuch,  as  love  God,  left 
 34.  &  31.38,  then  life  from  dead,  and  raviftiing  and  fatisfying  joy  ?  and  yet  this 
 39f4o,4iEvk  i$  not  au .  for  then  alfo  being  with  the  Lord,  they  (hall  themfelves 
 37.H>i  .       receive  of  the  Lord  the  full  of  the  Covenant  and  Teftaraeot,  heia 
 the  day  of  grace  was  for  and  to  them,  being  the  Mediator  of  that 
 Teftameat  in  their  behalf,&  thcMinifter  thcrcof,giving  in  a  fpiritual 
 firft  fruits  to  their  Spirits;but  now  openly  making  it  in  performance 
 both  to  Soul  and  Body :  and  they  (hall  alfo  fee  it  made  with  the 
 whole  houic  of  Ifrtcl ,  as  it  was  forenrode  for  them ,  with  their 
 Fathers  Abraham,  Ifitac,  and  facot ;  yea,  in  a  fuller  fenfe ,    be- 
 caufe  not  to  be  looked  and  waited  for  by  Faith  then,  but  to  be  en- 
 joyed in  performance,  both  to  their  Fathers  and  them  :  fo  as  they 
 (hall  then  ail  know  the  Lord ,  and  there  will  be  no  more  any  re* 
 membrance  of  their  fins  by  him  •  they  (hall  have  no  more  any  hun- 
 ger, thtrtt,  pain,  or  any  forrow. 
 
 4.  Then 
 
to  'Believers  after  this  Life~>.  44.1 
 
 4.Thcn  alfo  (lull  they  ktjemfa/em^hzt  great  City,the  praife  p,a  llg  r  ;^ 
 of  the  Earth,    theThroneof  theLord,  a  quiet  Habitation;  «£B<MHtf.)3 
 yet,  then  and  there  (hall  they  fee  Jefus  Chrift  in  his  glorious  Jer.$A7.ifa  9. 
 Body,  The  Son  of  Wavidy  The  King  in  his  Beauty  and  Glory,  7*M.*3f«fc 
 fitting  upon  the  Throne  of  D^;^  bis  Father,  and  ruling  be-  [Ip$£*£'£l 
 fore  his  Ancients  glorioufly  in  Jerttfalem, '  and  over  all  the  \0iii.  &106. 
 Nations  and  Kingdoms  of  the  Earth  under  the  whole  Hca-  5.  1Ja.6s.17. 
 vens  •  then  (hall  they  fee  the  good  of  his  chofen,  and  rejoyce  *Ptf.MJ.*ifc 
 in  the  gladnefs  of  his  Nation,  and  Glory  with  his  Inheri-  S£^§t5m 
 tance  ;   for  then  they  (lull  have  anew  Heaven  and  newi)3"  h«*,m! 
 Earth,  wherein  dwells  Righteoulhefs ,  the  Creation  reftored  p/«/.  8. 4>  *>9  • 
 to  its  purity  ,    the  light  of  the  Sun ,   as  the  light  of  feven  Rw*  8.*ia*»« 
 dayes ,  the  Earth  bringing  forth  plentiful  encreafe ,   and  all 
 Creatures  at  peace  among  themfeives,the  people  among  them 
 all  righteous,  and  not  onefuffered  to  live  among  all  Nations 
 that  (hall  rebel  again!!  them,&  allRighteoufnefs,andPeace  and- 
 Profperity  dreaming  among  them,  through  the  bleffed  Reftau- 
 ration  by,and  Government  of  the  Lord  J  efus  Chritl  the  King, 
 5.  The  Tat>ernacle  of  God,   JefasChri(Hn  whom  the  fui- 
 nefs  of  the  Godhead  dwelleth  bodily  ,   and  the  holy  City,  rcv.i\,ij.& 
 (which  are  thefe  that  have  died  in  the  Faith  being  rifen,  and  i.*i  &  *.io« 
 meeting  the  Lord  in  the  Air)  comes  down  from  Heaven,  in  *Ti«i.i.ia. 
 which  God  then  dwelleth  with  Men ,  having  made  all  things  ^T^%\ 
 new  ;  and  now  (hall  thefe  Children  of  the  Refurre&ion ,  be 
 Kings,and  Princes ,  and  chief  Rulers  in  the  Commonwealth 
 of  Ifrael<>  and  (hall  judge  or  govern  the  World ,  and  rule  the 
 Nations,    and  foraignin  this  flouriihing  Kingdom  ,  with 
 Chrift  on  whom  they  have  believed ,   and  with  whom  they 
 havefuffercd;  yea,  nowtheLord  Jefus,  the  King  of  Kings, 
 as  he  hath  fecuredthem  from  any  hurt  by  the  fecond  death  ; 
 fo  he  will  give  unto  them  to  fit  with  him  in  white  raiment  on  &cv-  *#.cHoJ 
 his  Throne ,    and  give  them  a  new  white  Stone,  with  a  new  6%'&*  '*'&'&\ 
 Name ,  (  even  of  Viftory  )   in  ir,  and  to  eat  of  the  hidden  i'4^#.  io^ 
 Manna,  and  of  the  Tree  of  Life;  yea,  alfoRewarcJs  ^41.^.14.14! 
 cording  to  all  their  fervices  and  fufferings  for  his  fake;  yea,the  Matk\9.t9Rtv* 
 Kingdoms  under  the  whole  Heavens,  (hall  be  given  tothe^1^17^11- 
 people  of  the  Saints,  D^.7.27,  Rev.2 1. 24.  '  . 
 
 60  Their  exercife  (hall  be  a  joyful  and  continual  Sabbath-  tfa.  66.10,2  3 , 
 keeping  with  the  Lord, in  finging  Hallelujahs  and  new  Songs  PjaLn. 
 
 Mmm  of 
 
4-^z  Of 'Promifes  to  be  fulfilled 
 
 ifa  60  &  °^  Pra*ie :  anc* a'^  Nations  fhall  acknowledge  them,  The  be- 
 6i\0yJo\Li.z.  ^ved and  bleffed  of  the  Lord  5  yea,  they  feeing Chrift  as  he 
 1  cor.  13.  i\!  is, and  as  they  are  feen,  they  (hail  be  likehim;  buthowglo- 
 ?  bit  3,io.  C$U  rious  this  eftaie  will  be,  is  not  yet  manifefted,  and  fo  beyond 
 3f 4»  cur  conceptions ♦  but  onely  that  we  know  that  we  ire  now 
 
 Son?,  and  that  in  a  meafure,  we  (hall  be  then  like  him  in  glo- 
 ry. And  all  thefe  things  may  be  feen  more  at  large  before,in 
 Part  2.  ch.io. 
 
 III.  For  the  Promi fes  to  be  performed  to  them  when  Chrift 
 (hall  have  finifhed  the  work  of  the  D**W*Vv*/Regiment,raifed 
 and  judged  all  the  Serpentine  Seed,  and  caft  the  Devil  and 
 his  Angels,  and  all  the  Enemies,  the  wicked,into  the  Lake  of 
 Fire ;  and  then  delivered  up  the  Kingdom  to  God,  even  the 
 Father  :  the  Promifes  to  be  then  performed,  I  finde  no  other 
 but  an  Afcenfionorencreafebf  this  happinefs  and  glory,  in 
 vm  7  1   27    Go<*  keing  All  in  all :  onely  this  I  finde  ,  That  the  Kingdom 
 jfa.9.7.  *&6o.  ft^ll  never  end,  never  pais  to  another  people ,    they  (hall  be 
 195*0.^1.7.  ever  with  the  Lord ,   and  everlafting  joy  (hall  be  upon  them, 
 L*k-rt'3o.      anc|  chey  (hall  be  in  everlafting  life  for  ever,  and  for  ever ;  on- 
 Yftii  x£l  1''     ty tne  adminiftration  of  the  Government  is  exalted  or  afcend- 
 *    *     ed  higher, To  as  God  is  All  in  all  •  hr  whofeprefence  is  fulnefs 
 of  joy  ,  and  at  whofe  light  Hand  are  pleafures  for  evermore : 
 that  this  i?,  and  that  fo  it  fhall  be, is  expreft  ,  and  fo  mod  cer- 
 tain and  fure  ;    but  what  manner  of  glory  it  will  be ,  is 
 not  yet  revealed  ,  nor  will  be  till  Jefus  Chrift  come  and  take 
 unto  him  his  great  Power  and  Rai°n. 
 
 And  thefe  be  part  of  the  Promifes  made  to  Believers ,  to 
 
 2T/«8.4.8.       be  performed  to  them  ,   after  they  have  finifhed  their  courfe, 
 
 and  at  the  coming  of  Chrift :  and  if  Believers  do  well  minde 
 
 10^.8.18.  Hcb.  thefePromifes,it  will  caufe  all  fervices  &  fufferingsfor  Chrift  to 
 
 11.25,1^17    appear  DUt  a  Httie  matter  to  be  born;yea,it  will  lead  to  count 
 
 fufferings  for  Chrift  greater  riches  then  all  the  treafures  of 
 
 this  World,  a»d  ftrengthen  them  to  endure,as  feeing  him  that 
 
 is  viable  ;    in  which,  while  thefe  Promifes  are  believingly 
 
 *C*i*4A*>\i>  viewed,  our  afflitfions  will  work  for  us,  a  far  more  exceeding 
 
 ,8'  weight  of  glory  ;  yea,ftiould  temptation  comefo  fiercely,  as 
 
 py~J(II£  .  u.todazletheeyc,  or  daunt  the  courage  of  our  believing ,  fo 
 
 <^3Mi,z3,i4  as  we  fainted  in  the  exercife  of  our  Faith;  yet  the  minding  of 
 
 dw.4,io>u.  thefe  Promifes ,  fealed  by  him  that  (hed  his  Blood  for  ns, 
 
 would 
 
to  ^Believers  after  this  Life.  ^^ 
 
 would  make  us  cry  to  him  in  that  fainting ,  and  he  would 
 hear  us ,  and  help  us ,  comfort,  and  enable  us  to  comfort  our 
 felves  in  his  word.  And  will  they  not  then  allure  and  help 
 to  perfeverance  ?  Surely,  Yes. 
 
 And  thus  I  have  briefly  hinted  the  Promifes  of  God 
 through  Chrift  to  Mankinde,  to  Mankinde  believing,  to  Be- 
 lievers in  each  condition,  and  to  them  ;  and  Promifes  to  be 
 received  after  this  life  :  which  heartily  believed  ,  it  would 
 lead  to  cleanfe  from  all  filthinefs  of  Flefli  and  Spirit ,  and  iCorxi.&U, 
 to  perfe&  holinefs  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  it  would  lead  to1^ oh>lM>1,  # 
 perfeverance ,  and  to  caufe  to  long  and  wait  for  our  Houfe 
 from  Heaven. 
 
 In  all  which  we  fee ,  That  the  Promifes  of  God ,  and  thfe 
 Purpofes  of  God ,  and  the  Testimony  of  God  concerning 
 Chrift ,  are  all  one  and  the  fame  Do&rine,  declare  the  fame 
 thing ,  the  fame  minde  of  God  by  diversity  of  expreflions, 
 fetting  forth  and  clofing  together  in  one  and  the  fame  Truth : 
 and  fo,  as  the  knowledge  &  ufefulnefs  of  and  in  any  one,  will 
 be  found  the  fame  of  and  in  each  and  every  one  5  yet  I,  to  e- 
 vidence  this,  will  a  little  go  over  what  hath  already  been 
 (hewn,  in  ufefulnefs  of  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift ,  and  of  the 
 Purpofes ,  to  ftiew  how  we  are  taught  the  fame  in  the  Pro- 
 mifes,and  how  the  knowledge  of  them,as  hath  been  fee  forth, 
 is  helpful  to  us  in  many  things. 
 
 Chap.  6. 
 
 How  this  knowledge  of  the  Prcmifts  is  inftrutlive  to  w  about 
 undemanding  [ome  Sayings  of  Scripture. 
 
 I.    THis  will  help  us  to  underftand  that  faying ,  ^  Pet.i  .4. 
 Whereby  are  given  unto  m  exceeding  great  and  precious 
 promifes^  that  by  the  fey ott  might  be  partakers  of  the  divine  nature^ 
 &c.     It  is  evident,  That  in  this  and  the  focmer  Verfe,  Teter  K§m&i^gl£ 
 was  declaring  the  Furniture  given  him  by  God  for  his  Mi  <U  y.  npLual&i, 
 ^ration ,  as  was  Pant's  courfe  oft , .  in  beginning  of  his  Epi-  ix.^&*£i8. 
 
 Mmmi  ftlcs; 
 
4.44         HQVp  this  knowledge  injlruBs  us> 
 
 files  :  and  both  his  Furniture  and  Miffion  for  the  fame  end, 
 
 that?^/  had  his  :  and  fo  in  the  former  Veffe  he  tells  us, 
 
 That  the  divine  Power  of  Chrift ,   and  fo  of  God  in  and 
 
 ToJj.i5.z^,z7. through  Chrift   (which  was  theHoly  Ghort  infpiring  them 
 
 t**U*'*jib%  with  the Te^monv  °f  Cnrift  )  natn  given  UDto  them  all 
 
 2 ^ilj^i^. things  (pertaining)  unto  life  and  godlinefs :  To  life,  that  is, 
 
 10  forgive nefs ,  quickning  and  life  ;  and  being  enlivened,  to 
 
 godlinefs,  to  riju  worftiipping  of  God ,   and  living  to  him, 
 
 iPrt.i.xai.     and  uniting  and  conforming  to  him  :   and  all  this ,  he  faith, 
 
 the  divine  Power  gave  them,  through  the  knowledge  of  him, 
 
 that  is,in  theTeftimony  of  the  Righteoufncfs  of  God,  and  of 
 
 \Cio\u*Tbef  our  Saviour  Jefus  Cbrift :  which  the  divine  Power  fhined  into 
 
 2.14.  x  c§r.il tneir  hearts  in  the  face  of  Jefus  Chrift,who  hath  (faith  he)  cal- 
 
 i%&.  led  us  by  glory  and  vertue,or  to  glory  and  vertue:whereby,or 
 
 by  which  divinePower  and  Spirit  in  the  knowledge  of  Chrift, 
 
 according  to  the  Teftknony  put  in  our  hearts,  are  given  to  us 
 
 (that  is,  for  Miniftration,and  to  minifter  with)exceeding  great 
 
 and  precious  Promifes ,   that  by  thefe  minirtred  by  us ,'  and 
 
 heard  and  believed  by  you  )  you  might  be  Partakers  of  the 
 
 divine  Nature ,  that  you  in  hearing,  might  believe  ;   and  in 
 
 believing,    being  convinced,  and  brought  out  of  darknefs, 
 
 might  receive  the  light ;  and  fo  believing  in  Chrift,bave  Fel- 
 
 lowfhip  with,  and  partake  of  the  divine  Nature  :    and  fo  the 
 
 Promifes  here  appears  to  be  the  fame  with  Gofpel-Telu- 
 
 mony ,   and  the  fever  al  Heads  cr  Branches  of  Promifes  fore- 
 
 meBtioned.    Confident  well. 
 
 1.  For  fallen  Man,  the  Seed  of  thefirft  ^Adam,  that  are 
 ander  (in  and  death  ,  that  they  may  attain  to  life  and  godli- 
 nefs, receive forgivenefs ,  and  be  accepted  into  favour,  and 
 become  of  the  fpiritual  Seed,  &c.  Needful  it  is ,  That  in 
 that  Nature  of  Man, fin  be  condemned  and  punifhed,  blood 
 fiied,  death  and  curfe  fuffered  and  overcome  in  the  fame  Na- 
 ture, riien,  jaft,  afcended,  and  offered  to  God  a  Sacrifice,  (o 
 as  Atonement  be  made,  Redemption  obtained,  Spirit  and  E- 
 ternal  Life  received  in  the  Man  ,  to  lend  forth ,  that  Men 
 -*£.tl.jM*j  mioht  believe ;  and  that  whoever  bclieveth  on  him,  may  re- 
 M5.  '3  'ceive  forgivenefs,  and  life.  And  fuch  a  Saviour  God  from 
 the  beginning  promited  to  Mankinde  •  and  after  more  expli- 
 cately  to  Abraham  P  and  by  the  Prophets :  and  Jefus  Chrift 
 
 that 
 
to  underftandfome  Scripture  payings.     4,4.5 
 
 that'diedand  rofe,^  is  this  very  Promife  fulfilled*  as  God  lM^lt6^70t 
 
 hath  now  fulfilled  this  Promiie  in  railing  him  from  the  dead,  job.i^Epl. 
 
 &c.  and  fo  fet  hrm  forth  in  the  Gofpel :  andthis'jelus>fafec  i.>7-Kom.s.is 
 
 forth,is  the  Way  of  approach  to  God,  The  Propitiation  for  ,c^3ix.iPf«. 
 
 fins,  The  Foundation  ,  The  immortal  Seed ,  The  Bread  of  lJ)%'fzl6' 
 
 Life,  The  Ele&  of  God,  The  Firft-begotten  ,  and  Firft-born 
 
 Son  of  God  *  that  all  that  believe  in  him.,   may  through  him 
 
 approach  to  God,  receive  forgivenefs,  be  united  to,  and  built 
 
 on  Chrift,  and  fo  become  of  the  fame  feed,  born  of  God, 
 
 a  Son  of  God  ,  by  vertue  of  the  Death  and  Refurre&ion  of, 
 
 and  union  with  the  Son  of  God.     And  this  fulfilled  pr°-^'3i,Ii,If* 
 
 mile ,  and  fo  thePromifes  under  this  firft  Head  or  Branch  of  |6  ^3.3  8*  3*9 
 
 Promifes  (of  things  done)  are  exceeding  great  and  precious, 
 
 and  to  be  held  forth  as  the  Promifes  of  God  fulfilled ,  that 
 
 in  believing  Men  might  be  begotten  by  ,   and  .born  of  the 
 
 Word  or  Promife  :  fo  that  to  conceive  or  fuggeft  to  any,  a- 
 
 nother  Seed ,  an  ele&  Company  for  whom  this  Seed  fhould 
 
 come  and  die,  is  altogether  enonious  •  there  is  but  one  blef- 
 
 fedSeed  in  which  bleflingis,  and  that  is,  theSeedofthe 
 
 Woman,  of  Abrah*my  in  which  is  blefling.      And  this  Seed  Gal.yi63z6,  j 
 
 was  not  a  People  for  Chrift  to  die  for  ;    but  it  is  Chrift  dead 
 
 andlifen  ;  and  by  his  communicative  vertue  ,   all  thofe  that 
 
 through  Grace  are  brought  into  him,  and  united  to  him  ,  as 
 
 fttch  a  Seed  :   to  bring  Men  in  therefore  to  be  of  this  Seed, 
 
 thr?  Promife  fulfilled  in  him  is  to  be  preached. 
 
 ni  Indeed,  to  wicnefs  this  of  .Chrift,  that  he  is  dead  and  rifen ' 
 
 again ,    and  alive  for  evermore ,  that  whoever  believeth  on 
 
 him ,  may  live  ;  if  it  were  not  fo  indeed ,   would  be  a  falfe 
 
 witnefs*  bearing  of  God,  and  fo  a  vain  preaching ;  andfo 
 
 likewife  to  preach  this,  as  good  News,  and  Gofpcl ,  to  any  r 
 
 for  whom  Chrift  did  not  indeed.dic,  and  rife,  and  give  him-  f1^^^ 
 
 felf  a  Ranfome  ;   fo  as  there   is  fbrgivenefs  and  life  in*^.,^3.^ 
 
 him  for.  them,  that  they  might  believe ,  and  in  believing,  re-  4,5,6,7.  %vet. 
 
 ceive  the  fame  ;  were  a  falfe  witnefs- bearing  of  God  and  *•  *<>i**> 13, 
 
 Chrift,    of  which  the  Apoftles,  freed  :themfeives,    when  i4jl5% 
 
 they   preached  this   to  Jews,   to  Gentiles,   to  all  Men 
 
 where-ever  they  came  ;   affirming  the  fame  for  Truth  :  and 
 
 fo  this  the  firft  Promiie,  in  which  the  Foundation  is  held 
 
 forth,  and  the  immortal  Sctd  effufed  :  andioP*f#r  preached 
 
 this. Promife,  2,  That 
 
44^        H°™  this  Tromife  inflruBs  us, 
 
 a.  Thatfinners,  ignorant,  biinde,  weak  and  dead  Men, 
 may  be  enabled  to  believe  ;    and  io  come  upon  this  Foun- 
 dation ,   and  be  united  to ,  and  quickned  and  born  of  this 
 Seed ,  and  fo  partake  of  life  and  godiinefs ;  and  therein ,  of 
 the  divine  Nature  ;  needful  it  is  ,  That  this  Foundation  be 
 difcovered  to  them,  and  light  (Hned  on  them  with  fome  fpi- 
 ritual  fervour  and  power,  opening  their  eyes  to  fee,  and 
 moving  in  their  hearts ,   that  they  might  believe  ;  teftifying 
 to  them,  That  if  they  in  feeing  fee,  &c.  following  Grace 
 fhall  flow  into  them,  enabling  them  to  believe  j   and  that  in 
 believing,   they  (hall  receive  Remiffion  of  fins  and  life,  and 
 that  this  is  the  very  end  of  God  in  fending  forth  the  Gpfpel 
 to  them:  and  all  this  God  hath  promifed ,  and  is  doing,  as 
 See  Part  %,  nat'1  been  ^cwn  m  the  fecond  Head  or  Branch  of  Promifes : 
 cb.i .        *  anc*  tms  Protnife,  with  the  Promifes  contained  in  it,  are  given 
 in  the  Gofpel  alfo  to  be  preached ;  yea,  fo  as  in  the  plain  De- 
 See  Part  4.  claration  of  the  Gofpel,with  invitation  of  Men  by  it  to  be  re- 
 ch.4,  conciled  to  God,  God  be  affirmed  to  be  fulfilling  thefe  Pro* 
 
 miles  alf©;reaching  forth  his  hand  to  fuch  a  Performance,that 
 ^.3.14,15.  Men  might  indeed  ,  by  that  he  difcovereth  in  his  Son,  be- 
 Afi.$.z6m  &  licve,  and  fo  be  built  on  the  Foundation,united  to,  and  borrt 
 z6.1s.Aft.11.  of  the  immortal  Seed  ;  and  ^o  the  Preaching  is  faid  to  befor 
 
 T&l'io°M  this  cnd '  tQ  enli3hten*nd  frve  j  tnd the  nanc*  °f  the  Lord 
 17.30,3 i.Hof. to  ^e  w*ch  them,  and  do  this  work  in  this  Miniftration :  and 
 1 1 .3,4.  joh.6.  fo  God  is  affirmed  to  befeech  in  their  befeeching  by  the  Go- 
 27a3i^3>^i3fpel;  yea,  in  the  Mini^ration  of  the  Gofpel  of  Chrift  rifen 
 \\  Mau*1^  from  the  dead,  to  be  giving  Faith  to  all  Men,  to  be  giving  the 
 •iifi&jii  Bread  of  Life ,  drawing  with  the  Bonds  of  Love ,  and  the 
 iKom.  1 .  I*.      Cords  6f  a  Man;taking  the  yoke  from  off  the  Jaws,and  laying 
 Thef.i.i  i,i  3.  Meat  before  Men ,  to  give  Light  to  them  that  fit  in  Darknefs : 
 iPei.i.to,zi.  whence  Peter,  confident  of  his  Mafter  's  Truth  in  his  Word, 
 ^f.28.20.  joh.i  5. 26,27.  doubted  not  to  affirm,  That  they 
 preached  the  Gofpel  with  the  Holy  Ghoft  fent  down  from 
 Heaven  ;  and,  That  the  Holy  Ghoft  did  alfo  witnefs  of  Chrift 
 in  their  witnefling :  and  fo  thefe  Promifes  were  alfo  exceed- 
 ing great  and  precious,  which  they  had  alfo  to  preach  :  fo,as 
 whoever,  as  Light  came  difcovering  Chrift ,   and  opening 
 their  eyes  to  fee,did  bur  then  and  fo  behold  him,  this  Word 
 would  work  fo  in  them  >  that  they  (hould  by  him  believe  on 
 
 him 
 
to  under jimd fome  Scripture^fayings.     4,4.7 
 
 him,and  fo  be  enlivened,  and  partake  of  divine  Nature;  and  fo 
 through  thisPromife  received,  united  to  the  former  Pro- 
 mife fore-fulfilled ,  and  fo  born  of  that  Promifc  fulfilled, 
 through  this  Promife  now  in  performing. 
 
 3.  That  thefe  weak  Believers  and  new-born  Babes ,   may 
 be  more  and  more  built  on  Chrift,  and  grow  up  in  him  ,  and 
 fo  live  through  him,  and  fo  have  life  more  abundantly, and  be 
 and  live  godly  in  partaking  of  the  divine  Nature,  in  Intereft, 
 in  Union,  in  Fellowship,  in  Ufefulnefs,in  Conformity,  and  in 
 affured  Expectation  of  a  compleat  Enjoyment  in  due  feafon ,  $ee  |3Crore 
 needful  it  is,  That  following  Grace  be  vouchfafed  to  them,  o- cn  2  &     v 
 pening  to  them  the  Inheritance ,  and  affording  them  Blefling  .  '&'     *  * " 
 ib  divine  fpiritualPrefence  ,  in  all  their  fpiritual  Frames  and  Tph.JzxThcf. 
 Services,   in  their  Temptations  and  Sufferings ,  in  their  A-  2.14.  jam.  1. 
 biding,  and  for  their  Abiding,  andafliiring  them  of  Help  l8-  iPW.1.1,3, 
 andPrefervationtotheend,  and  the  Inheritance  inicsfea-  4rf^7«H.*? 
 fon  ;  which  are  all  given  us  in  the  Gofpel,  and  fct  forth  £irf*xY:  -' 
 in  the  third  Head   or  Branch  of  Promifcs  :■   and  thefe 
 Promifes  alfo  ,   be  exceeding  great  and  precious ,  and  Peter 
 had  them  alfo  to  preach  to  the  fame  end ,  and  fo  did, 
 thefe  being  the  Promifes,   to  the  Hope  whereof  Believers 
 are  by  the  Word  begotten  and  born.  And  fo  of  the  Promifes 
 given  them. 
 
 II.  This  will  alfo  help  us  to  underftand  Rom.  9.  8.  The 
 Children  of  the  Promife  are  comted  for  the  Seed.  In  that  by 
 that  faid,  it's  cleer,  both  who  be  the  Children  of  Pro- 
 mife, and  in  what  fenfe  they  are  faid  to  be  born  of 
 the  Promife ,  and  fo  of  Water ,  and  of  the  Spirit  ;  yea, 
 of  God,  and  from  above  ;  which  onely  they  are ,  that 
 being  born  of  the  immortal  Seed  ,  are  reckoned  one  with  it, 
 tnd  fo  after  it ;  and  fo  counted  for,and  are  the  fpiritual  Seed. 
 
 1.  Thcyarebornof  the  Promife,  thatis,  of  ChrW  pro-  jam  A  i8  SPer 
 mifed  to  be  the  Saviour;  which  Promife  is  now  fulfilled,  and  1. 2#>'  zlj  z«\ 
 he  fo  held  forth  therein,  as  The  Propitiation  ,  The  Founda-  /o'm.ii.  jfa. 
 tion,The  immortal  Seed,  The  Word  of  theLord  ;  that  the  53 -8>*o. 
 Love  of  God  appearing  in  him,  they  beholding ,  are  by  him 
 begotten,  quickned,  born  ;  and  fo  are  accounted  his  Gene- 
 ration.   This  the  Promife  of  which  borne, 
 
 2,  They  are  born  through  the  Promife ,  that  is ,  the  Pro- 
 
 mifes 
 
^/j.8         How  this  jPromife  injlrucls  us 
 
 f    ,         ,  mifes  God  hath  mide  of  filling  Chrifx  with  Spiri  i     ^ ■■»  .    15 
 
 SMiV.1'  '    - donc)  and  fa^g  fortn  sPirit  trough  him  ,  to  oF«.  ^he 
 eyes  of  the  blinde,  &c.  and  fo  to  allure  and  bring  in  to  turn: 
 in  performance  of  which  Promift  in  the  heavenly  Call ,  the 
 Word  becomes  effectual  in  the  heart  of  thefe  that  in  hearing 
 i^fin  Gal  h^ar  1  anc*  ib  prevails  with  them  to  anfwer  the  Call ,  inbe- 
 4.13/  lieving  that  fet  before  them  in  the  firft  Promife  feen  ful- 
 
 filled ,  which  therein  quickens  them ,  and  brings  them  forth 
 to  the  birth  ;  and  fo  of  that  Promife  through  this  Promife, 
 they  are  born. 
 Qai     16  z6     ?  ^hey  are  in  this  Birth  born  Hcirs,to  the  Hope  of  the  Pro- 
 *9.&4.*iXi'>  mife,$ven  the  Promises  of  and  pertaining  to  the  Inheritance. 
 51.  And  thefe  Proraifes  coming  ail  from  above ,  being  all  the 
 
 Fruits  of  Frce-G*ace ,  The  Love  of  God  fhining  through 
 them  all ,    and  the  Spirit  of  God  breathing  in  them  all, 
 they  that  are  through  the  Promife  difplayed,  in  difplaying, 
 fob.  3. 3, *,£.  born  of  the  Promife  difpiayed,  to  the  Hope  of  the  Promife 
 Gai.4.i9.joh,  confirmed  in  him  difpiayed,  which  is  Chrilt  the  Son  of  God, 
 ,,]3«  and  the  Fountain  of  Spirit  and  Life ,  they  are  rightly  faid  to 
 
 be  born  from  above,  of  Water  and  of  Spirit,  and  foof  God; 
 and  that  fo  born  of  the  Spirit ,  is  ipiritual ;  and  they  are  in 
 '  every  refpeft  of  the  Promife ,   truely  called,  The  Children 
 of  the  Promife  ,  being  born  of  the  Promife ,  through  the 
 Row 9. 8,9 Gal.  Promife,  tothehopeof  the  Promife  ;  and  fo  both  called, 
 3. 23,  z6, 23,  and  are ,  The  Children  of  the  Promife,  of  the  Free-Woman ; 
 29,30,31.1^.  arK}  thcfe5  all  thefe,  and  none  but  thefe,  are  the  Seed,  and 
 2,^,I°'        counted  for  the  Seed  :    and  fo  the  Apoftle  Peter  avoucheth 
 them  alio,     Thefe  were  before  this ,  another  Seed ,  even  E- 
 ncmies  ,  the  Seed  of  fallen  Adtm ,  for  whom  Chrift  under- 
 went the  Curfe  :  and  he  himfelf  is  the  procaifed  Seed ,   in 
 which  blefiing  is  for  others ,  even  as  he  came  of  Man,  antf  in 
 Man's  Nature  died  ,    and  rofe,  offered  the  Sacrifice,  made 
 the  Atonement ,  and  is  filled  with  the  Spirit  of  Life ,   eveB 
 the  fpiritual  Man,  not  the  firft  but  the  fecond  publick  Man : 
 fo  the  promifed  Seed,  that  in  being  fo  mafde  known ,  finners 
 may  come  in  to  him,  and  receive  pardon  and  renewing  ;  and 
 upon  that  account ,  may  in  Union  with  him  become  of  the 
 fame  Seed.       And  thefe  lb  one  in  and  with  him  by  Faith, 
 are  The  Seed,  God's  elefl  Seed  :    andfurely,  God  hath  no 
 
 -     Eleft 
 
to  under jlandfome  Scripturejayings.     4.4^ 
 
 Ele&  among  the  Sons  of  Men,but  this  Seed  ;  yea ,  none  but 
 chefe  counted  for  the  Seed.  Therefore  for  any  Seed  or  fi- 
 led to  be  counted  for  the  Seed,  before  the  consideration  ; 
 yea,  Acceptance  and  Vertue  of  the  Death  and  Sacrifice  of 
 Chrift,  for  him  to  die  and  offer  Sacrifice  for  ;  and  then,  in 
 due  time  to  call  thofe  that  were  God's  Ele&  Seed  before,  to 
 be  born  again,  is  fuch  a  Dream,  that  it  is  a  marvel  any 
 waking  Men  fhould  be  taken  with  it,  and  not  rather  hold  fait 
 ro  the  Scripture-Language,  That  thofe  that  are  born  of  the  ■■  * 
 
 Free- Woman,  The  Children  of  the  Promife,arc  the  Secd,and 
 counted  for  the  Seed. 
 
 III.  This  will  alfo,  with  that  Difcovcry  of  the  fame  in  the 
 Purpofes,  help  us  to  undeiftand  thofe  places,  PpZ.69.28. 
 2^.3.$.  &  22.10.  about  which,  lb  many,  throughunbe- 
 lief  of  the  Gofpel,  puzzle  thcmlelvcs  :  for  The  Promiies  of 
 God,  of  the  hrft  and  fecond  Branches ,  to  Mankinde  fallen* 
 te  tinners  ;  wrich  aifo  opens  the  Purpofes  of  God  as  or- 
 dered in  his  Counfel  for  faving  finners  ,  both  declared  in  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel ,    according  to  Purpofe, 
 Promife,  Teftimony  of  God,  holding  forth  Mercy ,  Forgivc- 
 nefs,  and  Life  to  Mankinde,  (inners,  that  "they  might  repent, 
 believe  and  receive  it.     In  all  which  it  appears ,  That  in  the 
 Gofpel  there  is  a  Book  declared  ,  which  may  be ,   and  truly 
 is  called, The  Boo^of  the  Living  ,  The  Bock,  «f  Life  j   out  Of  J^**^ 
 which  Men  may  be  blotted ;  yea,  their  Name  blotted  out  of  i9.^0'm .5./^ 
 it ,   and  their  part  taken  out  of  it ;  and  fo  they  were  once  io.^om^ 
 written  therein  by  thefe  Names,  Men,  (inners,  ungodly,un-  lTw.2j.irtm. 
 juft,Enemies,loft  Ones,becaufc  Chrift  died  for  fuch,  and  came  j"/ j^jJSS 
 tofave  fuch :  and  there  are  Declarations  of  Mercy  >&  Promifes  iA'9.&t.^l0bt 
 for  fuch,He  gave  his  Flefh  for  the  Life  of  the  World,&  ^iveth  1.9,1-9 &im> 
 life  unto  the  World,(which  yet  is  nowhere  called  eternal  life, &l  -4«  *«&*. 
 though  that  they  mi^ht  come  to  that  ;and  as  by  hi>  owrRigh-  3-Ecclcf-9A- 
 teoufnefs  in  one  Sacrifice-Offering,Life  was  unto  all  in  him,as 
 in  the  publick  Man :  io  God  bath  given  them  all  over  into  his 
 di  pofe  jfo  God  alfo  uteth  means  toward  them  to  lead  them  to 
 Repentance  that  they  might  be  faved,    Whence  alfo  the  Life 
 in  Chrift  is  called  the  Light  of  Men  :  and  fo  while  he  conti- 
 nueth  in  means,  to  ftrive  with  them ,  and  they  be  ftill  joyned 
 to  all  the  living,  there  is  hope ;  and  while  they  remain  thu-, 
 
 Nnn  though 
 
^50  How  this  Tromife  inftruBs  us, 
 
 though  no  better,  yet  if  not  no  worfe ,  they  are  yet  written 
 among  the  living ,  and  their  Names  as  Men  ,  Tinners,    loft 
 prjl.€9.xt.     Oncs,are  yet  in  thisBook  of  life,th©ugh  yet  they  art  not  writ- 
 Kevj}.t,Eiek.ten  with  the  Righteous ,  they  are  not  written  in  the  choice 
 13.9-  li^.io.  fcnfe,  in  The  Book  of  Life  of  the  Lamb,  not  written  in 
 7!^  , ! !  ?,'*£  Heaven  ,   b  the  fecret  and  Congregation  of  the  Righteous : 
 3.1,*.  Eth-i.i.  for  none  are  fo  written  in  this  Book  ,    but  the  Congregation 
 no*.  8.'x3.    of  the  fiift-born,  the  Believers  on  Chritt,  that  are  born  of 
 *frM.'7.       God,  of  Water  and  the  Spirit,  whofe  Names  arc,  Faithful 
 in  Chritt,  Lovers  of  God  and  Chritt,  and  one  another ,   new 
 Creatures,  Saints,  Brethren  to  Chritt  and  one  another,  Sons 
 of  God  by  Faith  ,    Overcomers  of  the  World,  &c.    which 
 Names  were  never  yet  on  thefe  other.     And  when  the  Pro- 
 mifes  of  the  firft  Head  are  held  forth  ,  and  the  Promiies  of 
 the  fecond  Head  in  fome  meaiure  performed  to  thefe ,    and 
 JUw.n.8,#  .0>  they  then  pcrfift  refitting  and  oppofing  till  they  be  reprobated 
 1 1,1 3.  w'uh  '  *nd  given  up,  then  begin  they  to  be  blotted  out  of  the  Book 
 Tla.69 .11,17,  of  the  Living,   or  that  Book  of  Life  ,  in  which  Mankindeas 
 »3.c>i«$.j>?.finners  arc  Wricten  ;  and  yec  by  corre&ions  and  renewed 
 ftrife,there  may  be  a  recovery;  but  if  againtt  that  alib,thcy  (till 
 perfift  in  their  Rebellion  till  wholly  given  up  and  repro- 
 bated ,  then  are  they  wholly  blotted  out ,    and  (hall  not  be 
 recovered   to   be  written  with  the  Righteous  :    and  the 
 Names  upon  them  thcn,are,  Reprobates,  Sons  of  Perdition, 
 that  willingly  reward  him  Evil  for  Good ,   and  Hatred  for 
 Love, The  Seed  of  the  Serpent ,   The  Children  of  theDcvil* 
 fet  with  full  Purpoie  to  do  his  Will :   which  Name?,  neither 
 are,  nor  ever  Were  in  the  Book  of  Life,  in  the  firtt  or  fecond 
 feme  5  nay,    in  the  fecond  fenfe  of  the  Book  of  Life ,  Un- 
 lCh't?Gal<  ke^vcrs>  Unrighteous,  Adulcerers,  Fornicator?,  Wanton?, 
 fa  ioJt«/.i 3.  Thieve^  Murderers,  Lyars,  Blafphemers,  and  Worfhippers 
 V  *  of  the  Beaft  ,   and  fuch-like ;  wich  thofc  Names  never  were, 
 
 are,  or  (hall  be  written  in  the  Book  of  the  Life  of  the  Lamb, 
 among  the  Righteous ;  but  onelv  the  Names  forementioned 
 «  ^jui'Voto  °*  nc^  Creacures,  &c.  and  the  Promiies  are  tofuch  as  ov«r* 
 PW/.4  $AThej.  come,  they  (hall  not  be  hurt  of  the  fecond  Death  ,  nor  their 
 *Jrtrfi«-»Fa-  Names  blotted  out  of  the  Book  of  Life;  and  fuch  may  rejoyce 
 3,7*  Pf<*.$.i9>  that  their  Names  are  written  in  Heaven  ;  yea,  and  difcern 
 their  Brethrcns  Names  there  written  alfo,  and  rejoyce  for  the 
 
 fame 
 
to  underjlandfome  Scripture-fayings,      4M 
 
 fame,  being  Heirs  together  of  the  Grace  of  Life  ;  and  fo  of 
 the  Promiles  mentioned  in  the  third  Head  or  Branch  of  Pro- 
 miles. 
 
 IV.  This  Confederation  of  the  Promifes  of  God  to  fallen 
 Mankindc ,  (inners  in  the  firft  and  iecondConfideraiion,  and 
 his  Purpoies  alike  ordered ,  and  the  Telumony  ot  Chrift  in 
 chcGol'pel,  declaring  and  witneffing  the  lame,  will  keepus 
 ■  com  wrefting,  and  lead  us  to  a  proritabie  underihnjmg  of 
 th~-  in  j4tt.  1 3 ,  48.  As  many  as  wtre  ordained  to  et\tmal  /;/r, 
 be  litz  ed, 
 
 Tl  is  fome,  to  favour  fome  Opinion,wreft  to  mean,  as  many 
 as  fro  ti  eternity  were  in  their  perfons  abibluceiy  decreed  and 
 eled*  dto  eternal  life, believed  :  fo  leaving  all  the  reft  of 
 Man*  inde ,  but  that  ele&  number,  as  from  eternity  decreed 
 to  be  damned :  a  harfli  and  untrue  portion ,  crofsto  all 
 the  plain  Declaration  of  the  Gofpel ,  and  the  Purpofe  of 
 Gf'd  in  giving  and  fending  his  Son ,  and  caufing  him  to  be 
 p  eached,  and  the  Promiles  of  God  to  fallen  Mankinde, 
 unners  in  firft  and  fecond  Consideration  ,  and  to  the  Holy 
 Spirit's  Difcovery  of  the  Ele&,  and  thole  that  are  counted  or 
 the  Seed;  and  crofs  to  the  Text :  for  if  as  many  as  were  or- 
 dained ,  as  they  fay ,  from  Eternity  decreed  to  eternal  life, 
 did  then  believe ,  then  was  there  no  more  to  be  converted, 
 and  that  would  not  have  filled  the  Difciples  with  joy,  nor 
 would  the  Word  of  the  Lord  have  been  farther  publifhed 
 to  others  ftill  there  :  it  were  better  to  acknowledge  fuch  a 
 Sentence  deep  and  difficult ,  and  wait  till  we  be  helped  fo  to 
 underftand  it,  as  agreeing  with  the  Teftirnocy  of  Chrift,then 
 to  fancy  a  fenle  quite  croft  to  it  all,  as  this  appears  to  be ;  nor 
 is  there  a  word  here  to  countenance  it :  for  it  is  not  faid ,  As 
 many  as  were  from  Eternity  ordained  to  eternal  Life ,  be- 
 lieved. 
 
 If  any  fay  ,  It  muft  fofo  take***  foe  ah  ft  §f  the  contrary 
 .fiV'W tH  JU(^C  4-   ^h°  were  ordained  of  old  to  this  con- 
 demnation : 
 
 I  anfwer,They  miftake  both  places;for  the  word  in  ?ude  4. 
 is  cither/tfrwr/rfM* ,  or  ordained  of  old ;  which  is  not  fo  far  a  5 
 fiem  eter nity$\o ,not  in  the  works  of  God.  Ifraei  laid,77;<r  Lord 
 hath  appeared  to  me  of  old  :  which  could  net  be  from  eterric^,  Je  .3 1 .3. 
 
 Nnn  2  though 
 
tfi  How  this  Tromife  inftruBs  us7 
 
 though  far  cff  in  many  Ages  paft  j  and  fo  this  fore-wiring 
 and  Ordainment  of  old  was  fore-written  by  the  Prophets. 
 And  two  things  are  note-able  in  Jttde  4. 
 
 Firft,  Who  they  were  that  were  thus  ordained:  and  that 
 
 See  Part  4.  is,  not  particular  Men ,  as  *Adam  's  Sons  fallen  confidcred  ; 
 
 cb.4.  but  fuch  as  to  whom  Grace  hath  been  extended,  and  Light  o- 
 
 pening  their  eyes  to  lee ,  and  fo  called  to  yield  to  the  Teach- 
 ings of  it ,  and  they  willingly  clofe  their  eyes  ,  and  pervert 
 the  Tenders  of  Grace  ,  and  abufe  it  ,  to  take  Libercy  to 
 fatisfie  the  Flefh  ;  and  in  that  fenfe  ungodly  :  and  that 
 fuch  as  fo  confidered,  are  ordained  to.  (Jumble,  is  fore- 
 fiiewn. 
 
 Secondly,  note  what  that  is ,  they  are  here  faid  to  be  or- 
 dained to,  and  that  is,  to  be  the  Tryers,Exercifers ,  and  Ad- 
 verfaries  of  the  Saints, in  contending  againft  their  Faith ;  and 
 fo  to  this  Judgement,  Contention  or  Condemnation,  to  be 
 
 Ce*.4.\$.Vyev.a\{o  contended  againft  by  the  Saints  ;  which  Ordainment 
 
 %J-i7  P/a'T'  ^  fore-writing  is  declared  of  old ,  and  may  be  read  :  and 
 }9-l9 ,**•  fuck  as  pCr^  jn  thc  ungodlinefs  are  ordain'd  to  the  vengeance 
 of  eternal  fire,  and  not  clfe,  as  that  whole  Epiftle  ftiews.  And 
 this  Jade  4.  fpeakin*  of  a  direct  contrary  Ordainment  to 
 that  ^#.13.48.  helps  to  a  right  undemanding  thereof, 
 namely,  That  fuch  as,  when  means  of  Grace  and  the  Call  of 
 God  therein  is  extended  to  them ,  and  light  fo  given  as  they 
 are  brought  to  hear  and  underftand ,  and  they  do  in  hearing 
 hear ,  and  in  feeing  fee  ,  and  fo  receive  and  like  the  Reproof 
 and  Call  .  fuch  are  ordained  to  have  Chrift  made  to  appear 
 more  precious  to  them  ,  and  fo  believe  ,  and  in  believing  to 
 
 p  .       have  eternal  Life ,  as  hath  been  (hewn  both  inPurpofesand 
 
 *'     '^Promifes,  Party.  Chap.i.  which  helps  to  underhand  this: 
 
 and  according  to  the  Tcftimony  of  Chrift,  andthePurpofes 
 
 and  Promifes  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel,is  this  to  be  understood. 
 
 And  for  the  words  in  it, 
 
 1.  Some  accounted  well  skilled  in  the  Greek  ,  fay,  It's 
 
 «>i&i3.4$.  tr*us to  bc  read  :  %As  many  d&  believed  were  ordained  to  eternal 
 Life.  Which  however  the  faying  and  fenfe  in  it  is  true,  and 
 fare  to  be  received  as  Truth ,  (which  the  forefaid  contra- 
 dicting fenfe  cannot  be  )  for  this  agreeth  with  the  refidue 
 ©f  the  Gofpel,  and  the  Ptirpofes  apd  Prqmifcs  of  God.    But 
 
 grant 
 
to  under jiandfome  Scripture^fayings.      4,5$ 
 
 grant  this  Saying  to  be  not  fit  and  proper  in  this  place,  as  o- 
 ther  skilful  Grecians  fay  it  is  not;  yet  if  we  look  well  into  the 
 words  as  ufed  in  Scripture-Language  , 
 
 2.  If  we  fhould  take  ordained ,  as  lbme  prefs  for  it ,  to  be  Prov.  r .  ij. 
 pre- ordained  yot  ordained  of  o!dy  or  fore-nritten  ;  yet  the  fenfe  »?**•  *  3>«>7. 
 is  given  us  in  Scripture  to  be  ,  That  God  hath  ordained  ,  that  %f '*£!£*** 
 when  he  dec  I  ares  his  Grace  in  Chrtft,  and  therein  opens  Mens  ears 
 to  hear  ,  and  their  ejes  to  fee  ,  and  puts  forth  his  hand  in  his  Call, 
 moving  at  their  hearts ,  that  fnch  as  then  by  the  Grace  extended, 
 do  in  hearing  hear ,    and  tn  feeing  fee  ,    and  fo   receive  his 
 Words ,  more  Grace  (hall  flow  tn  to  them  ,  fo  as  thej  (hall  be- 
 lieve and  have  eternal  life  :    and  fo  it   (tends  well    here, 
 As  many  as  were  ordained  to  eternal  life ,  (that  is,  were  fo  pre- 
 pared by  the  Grace  extended)  bdteved.    This  (hewn  in  Pur- 
 pofesaDdPromifcs. 
 
 3..  If  we  take  ordained ,  (  as  fome  skilful  in  the  Greek  fay, 
 The  word  figmfies  )  for  ordered  ox  fitted ;  and  fo  for  an  a&of 
 the  following  Grace  of  God,  where  his  preventing  Grace 
 was  not  reje&ed,  but  entertained ;  and  fo  fuch  as  harden  not 
 their  hearts  againft  preventing  Grace ,  but  receive  and  own 
 it,  to  them  more  abundant  and  following  Grace  is  given,  and  ~  j        j$b 
 fo  they  fitted  to  prize,  accept,  and  receive  Chrift ,  in  whom  4.i0.  &&.&'. 
 eternal  Life  is,  and  fo  to  accept  and  receive  it  in  God's  way ;  Job.  5  3M°> 
 and  fo  being  ordered^nclined  and  fitted  for  eternal  Life,they  44^10.1^,17 
 do  in  that  gracious  Operation,  believe.     Juft  as  it  is  ^^^aslllll' 
 of  Defpifers  of  the  Word,    and  Refifters  of  preventing  40,41^7.  * 
 Grace ,  They  cannot  believe ,    They  put  away  eternal  Life 
 from  themfeives ,  as  is  feen  in  the  Vcrfes  before  this  Text : 
 And  fo  likewife  when  in  this  preventing  Grace ,  the  Lord  Je- 
 fus  was  held  forth  to  be  a  Li°ht  to  the  Gentiles  ,  and  God's 
 Salvation  to  the  ends  of  the  Earth  •  which  is  the  fame  with 
 The  Propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the  whole  World ,  The  Savi- 
 our of  the  World>  that  died  for  all,  and  gave  himfelf  allan- 
 fom  for  all ;  and  upon  that  ground,  all  the  ends  of  the  Earth  i^g11* 
 called  to  look  to  him,  and  befaved:  when  this  was  thus  held  VtfTi  3.44*4  5. 
 forth,    the  Jews  that  had  fore-defpifed  this  held  forth  to 
 themfeives ,  did  now  much  more  defpife  and  reject  it  alio, 
 when  held  forth  not  onely  to  them,  but  to  the  Gentiles  alfo, 
 even  all  that  came  to  hear.    But  the  Gentiles  were  glad,  and 
 
 accepted 
 
^54-  Hoxp  this  Tvomife  inftruUs  us, 
 
 accepted  the  Meffage  and  Call  ,  and  counted  it  good  ;   and 
 
 they  glorified  the  Word  of  the  Lord ,  that  is,  they  prized 
 
 it  highly,  praifed  it,  received  it,  yielded  to  and  turned  ;  and 
 
 thele  lb  glorifying  the  Word  of  the  Lord  ,  even  that  Word 
 
 which  the  wrerted  fenie  crofleth,  were  ordained,  ordered,  and 
 
 fitted  to  receive  eternal  life  ,  and  they  believed.     Whereas  the 
 
 Dcipiiers  not  lb  ordered  and  fitted,  believed  cot.    And  it  is 
 
 notfaid,  That  every  particular  Jew   (though  probable  the 
 
 moftof  them)  did  rejeft  ;  nor  that  every  particular  Gentile 
 
 (though  many  of  them)  did  believe  :  but  as  many  as  did  like 
 
 the  Do&rine ,  were  glad  of  it ,  and  glorified  ic ;  -fo  many  as 
 
 were  fo  ordered  and  fitted  (to  (hew  the  efficacy  of  the 
 
 Wordinfuch  ordained  Ones)  believed.     And  this  fenfe  a- 
 
 grees  with  the  Teftimony  of  the  Gofpel,   and  the  Purpofef 
 
 and  Promifes  therein  revealed,and  with  the  Words  and  fcope 
 
 of  the  Text. 
 
 4.  If  We  take  crdai ned '/of 'fore-  p^epar ed,ordered,anc \  fittgi^ts 
 
 fame  do  )  it  agrees  well  with  the  place  and  other  Soiptures, 
 
 andallforcfaid  :  this  being  the  mett  ulual  and  crdirary  way 
 
 of  God's  proceedings ,   that  according  as  he  gives  icme  e- 
 
 vidences  of  his  goodnefs  to  all,  and  calleth  all;  fo  they 
 
 that  as  his  Grace  in  any  meafure,  opereth  their  eyes,  and 
 
 giveth  thena  to  diicern  that  he  b,  and  that  he  is  gracious  ;and 
 
 moveth  them  io  far  to  believe  him  gracious ,  as  to  feek  after 
 
 the  knowledge  of  him  ,  and  life  from  him  ;   they  that  then 
 
 hold  the  Truth  in  unrighteourrefs ,  ard  are  diibbedienr,  &c* 
 
 lom\\%  U  %\  ^e  *cavcs  to  fartncr  WtimWing  ,   and  they  are  under  wrath 
 
 &i4jf?iu     an<i  &tix  danger  of  periling,  and  fo  oppofe  farther  light 
 
 Mdu$.u.Luk*  when  it  comes.    But  they  that  when  his  Grace  is  fo  far  ex- 
 
 if.io.Joh.io.  tended ,    do  by  it  abide  in  it ,  and  are  making  cut  in  feek- 
 
 l#*o 7'*9f °  i°g  farther  to  know  him ,   and  receive  life  from  him  J  thefe 
 
 &c!mi\<$*\  ^a^ navc m°rc,and  are  accepted  of  him  ,    and  ordered  or 
 
 10,13,14.      '  fitted  to  receive  readily  farther  Light  when  it  cometh  ;  and 
 
 fuch  in  all  places  were  firft  Receivers  of  the  Gofpel :   fo 
 
 fuch  as  received  John*s  Miniftration,   were  prepared,  and 
 
 readily  received  the  Miniftration  of  Chrirt  following  :  and 
 
 fuch  as  rejs&ed  John's  Minitfration,  received  not  Chrift 
 
 when  he  came:  and  among  the  GentiIe?,thofe  that  by  leffer 
 
 light  and  means  were  yet  according  to  it,  fearing  God,  more 
 
 was 
 
to  underjlandfome  Scripture^Jajings.      4.5$ 
 
 was  given  to  them,  and  they  readily  received  it.  And  fome 
 fuch  very  Uk~  were  in  Macedonia :  For,  Come  over  and  help  w, 
 might  be  a  voice  fuited  not  oncly  to  the  needs ,  but  to  fome 
 kinde  of  defires  in  the  hearts  of  many  :  and  though  by  pur- 
 chafe  ,  all  arc  his ,  yet  it's  molt  probable  of  fuch  prepared 
 ones  he  fpeaks ,  when  he  told  Faul^  He  had  much  people  in  A^f  x  g 
 Corinth :  and  fuch  appears  to  be  here  in  this  place  ;    for  it  is  #* 
 
 [aid,  The  (J entiles  be  fought  ^  that  thefe  words  might  be  preached  to  A^  , .  .%  ' 
 them  the  next  Sabbath :  And  then  came  almoft  the  while  City  to- 
 gether to  hear  the  Word  of  the  Lord:  very  like  that  of  Ccrndius 
 and  his  Company :  and  fuch  when  they  heard,  being  fo  graci- 
 oufly  prepared,  did  readily  receive  and  believe.  And  this  a 
 true  fenfe  agreeing  in  one  with  all  the  former  :  fo  that  every 
 way  in  belief/  of  theGofpel,  the  fenfe  is  cleer ,  and  in  eve- 
 ry acceptation  of  the  Word ,  mceteth  in  one  true  and  full 
 fenfe. 
 
 5. Yet  if  we(hall,aj  fome  do,take  ordaitttdfox  elefiton^oi  im- 
 plying f/*##*»,though  there  be  nothing  in  the  Word,  or  in  the 
 text,or  in  precedent  or  confeqnent  words  to  lead  us  fo  to  do, "  jg 
 or  jutfifie  us  fo  doing ;  yet  if  we  fo  do,and  take  Elefiion  in  the  1%^a&m. 
 fenfe  the  Scripture  ufeth  it,  then  ordaimng ,  as  implying  EUfii*  4*z. '  Hti.10.5] 
 o»,ugnifieth  fomething  more  thenmeerly  defied ,  even  Ordi-  E^M.id.  fob. 
 nation ,  Confiitmien^  Trefaration^FnmtH.e^  and  Con  ft >r  rat  ion  0) "''-'l  CoLiMf 
 theElefied  :    and  fo  the  word  is  fomecime  ufed  concerning  \  ]9h  *r*  *£' 
 Jefus  Chr»ft ,   and  all  thole  chofen  in  and  bv  him  to  eternal 
 life;  and  the  fame  thing  meant  by  fuch  ordaining,  is  alio  ex- 
 preft  in  other  terms,  as  making  meet  &c.     And  furelyin 
 fome  rcfpe£r,andof  fome,  this  fenfe  may  b:  fo  taken  here,  as 
 it  will  well  agree  with  thole  formerly  mentioned ,   and  in- 
 clude them  alio  :  But  the  Spirit  of  the  wifdom  of  this  world, 
 oppofes  this  fenfe  with  Rhetorical  flouriflies  and  lafhes ,  cal- 
 ling it  non-fenfe 9  faying,  It  is  all  one  as  to  fay  ,  as  many  as 
 believed,  believed.    To  which  it  might  be  replied ,    Many 
 of  them  fpeakmoredireclly  non-fenfe  ;   when  they  cannot 
 deny,  but  it  is  written ,  God  will  have  aR  men  to  befaved :  yet  {fimt%  . 
 to  keep  men  from  believing  it ,  they  glofs  it  thus,  All  that  are 
 faved^arefavedby  the  will  of  Cjod:  and  knowing  it  is  written, 
 That  ChriH  enlightneth  every  man  that  corr.eth  into  the  World  •  j6h.%a. 
 yet  to  invade  the  belief  of  it,  they  glefs  it  tbiis,  Every  cne  that 
 
 if 
 
ty6  How  this  Tromife  injlruBs  us> 
 
 u  enlightned)  is  enlightnedbyhtm  :  yet  thefc  Sayings  of  God 
 himlelf ,  and  fo  they  in  both  bring  one  line  of  Tiuth  to  op- 
 pofe  another,  and  yet  would  not  be  charged  with  non-fenie. 
 But  we  in  ipeaking  of  Men  that  are  imperfeS  ,  are  charg- 
 ed with  non-ienfe  ,  for  bringing  one  line  of  Truth  not 
 to  oppofe,  but  as  it  confenteth  with  another  ,     and  ©- 
 
 Eeneth  and  jultiheth  another,  as  there  is  Truth  in  ,   and 
 Agrees  of  believing.      I  hope  none  will  lay  ,  He  fpake 
 non-fenfe  that  laid ,    They  feeing  fee  not ,   and  hearing 
 
 heard ,  that  if  they  did  abide  in.,  and  minde  that  they  have 
 feen  and  believed,  they  fhould  know  the  Truth,  and  be 
 made  free  by  it,  and  fo  be  ordained  and  fitted  to  etcr- 
 ^jIjn4,,'M'  life?  and  believe  on  him,  which  yet  they  did  not: 
 zThef.i.i3,<A-^nt  l^c  mentioned  Ati. i  3  48,  did  (which  was  not  01- 
 ^#.14.1,3. odinary  with  all  at  other  times)  at  the  very  firft  hearing 
 i6.i$,$uzCor.  tne  Gofpel  given  to  them,  even  fo  to  believe  on  Chrift: 
 *9>12"  which  appears  to  be  more  then  ordinary,  even  a  won- 
 
 derful and  fpecial  Grace ,  affording  Inftruc*tion  and  Encou- 
 ragement to  plain  Gof pel- preaching ,  when  it  is  moft  fierce- 
 ly oppofed,  as  here  it  was;  feeing  in  fuch  feafons ,  the  Lord 
 does  more  abundantly  pour  out  of  his  Spirit  in  giving  Tciii- 
 mony  to  the, word  of  his  Grace,  And  fo  taking  believing  here 
 in  this  fenfe,  of  fuch  a  degree  of  believing ,  as  in  which  they 
 were  chofen,and  filled  with  the  joy  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,it  gives 
 us  cleerly  to  underhand  and  minde , 
 
 I;  The  abundance  and  power  of  Spirit ,  that  went  forth 
 J0.io.43*  ^  in  this  Word,  when  fo  defpifedby  great  Ones,  and  preached 
 1     ***         by  traduced  Minifters,  to  the  hearts  of  all  fuch  as  attentively 
 
 heard  it. 
 
 II.  The  unfeignedaefs  and  effectualnefs  of  the  Faith  ,  in 
 iTbef.i.Mf.  tjlc  very  bCginnjng  y  and  at  once  wrought  in  fuch  as  received 
 *.i.3>Mt     ^c  WQr(j^  whcnit  was  fo  defpifed  and  oppofed. 
 
 sflW  *  >?  .4  ITT-  Thc  cvidcncinS thc  effedualnefs  of  their  Calling  and 
 Election  in  the  beginning;  and  io  in  this  feafon  fuch  abun- 
 dance of  Grace  given  and  received  at  the  firft  ;  and  not  only 
 fo,  bur  at  the  firft  alfo  fo  (hewing  forth  it  f elf,  as  was  not  at  all 
 
 times 
 
to  underjlandfome  Scripturt payings \     4.77 
 
 times,  nor  to  all  ufual  ;  now  no  feigned  Believer,  now 
 none  that  believed ,  and  were  not  yet  made  upright  and 
 free ;  nay,  none  here  that  daggered  •  but  all  fo  believing,  as 
 ordinarily  others  came  to  by  degrees,  but  fuch  a  Bleffing 
 as  might  encourage  Minifters  of  the  Gofpcl  to  hold  forth  the 
 Word  of  Life  in  all  times  of  oppofition. 
 
 Now  I  leave  the  fenfe  of  the  place  to  every  one  that 
 believeth  the  Gofpel ,  to  underihnd  as  he  is  helped  to 
 conceive;  knowing  that  all  will  meet  in  one,  and  preferve 
 from  tfumbling  and  wrefting ,  if  Gofpel-Purpoies  and  Pro- 
 mifes  be  heeded  ?  yet  I  (hall  mention  a  little  farther  ufe  of 
 them. 
 
 __ 
 
 Chap.  7. 
 
 Of  feme  ufefulnefs  concerning  thofe  to  whom  Promifes 
 belong. 
 
 TPHe  knowledge  of  the-Purpofes  of  God,  and  fo  of 
 the  Promifes  (  which  are  Revealers  of  the  Purpofes) 
 in  the  three  feveral  Heads  forementioned  ,  will  lead  us 
 to  fee  to  whom  the  Promifes  belong  $  and  to  whom  and 
 in  what  order  they  may  be  proclaimed  ,  preached  and 
 applied,  without  any  doubt,  or  equivocation  ,  or  cloak  for 
 an  evafion ,  as  the  Promifes  under  the  firtt  Head  declared  as 
 fulfilled,  to  be  held  forth  to  all  Men  for  good  ;  yea,  though 
 they  believe  not,  yet  to  affirm  them  true  and  good ,  and 
 done  for  them  that  they  might  believe :  and  the  Promifes  un- 
 der the  fecond  Head  held  forth  to  all  Men  as  true  and  good  ,^  • 
 even  for  them,  fo  as  they  have  yet  an  Interettin  them,47j4'8#'  '*  * 
 and  he  will  perform  ;  if  in  performance  of  them  their 
 eyes  are  opened,  &c.  they  do  in  feeing  fee,  &c.  they  (hall 
 be  faved,  brought  cut  of  darknefs  into  light,  and  fo  en- 
 abled to  believe  ,  and  in  believing ,  receive  Remiflion  of 
 fins,  Life,  Juftification :  and  fo  theie  of  both  torts  may 
 be  thus  affirmed  as  Truth,  to  all  Men,  to  every  Man,  tofm- 
 
 O  o  o  rers  ; 
 
458       Of  fame  ufefulnefl  concerning  thofe 
 
 ncrs  ;  yea,  to  (inners,  a;  Tinners;    and  they  hereby  be- 
 aftf.f. 14,15,19 feeched  to  repent,    believe,   and  be  reconciled  to  God, 
 ap|ftx,eSr*,i>i.  with  affurance   of  Blefling  in  their  believing.  Acceptance 
 of,  and  yielding  up  to  this  Grace,  praying  them  to  re- 
 ceive it  on   that  Ground.      But  the  Promifes  as  under 
 the  third  Head ,  though  to  be  preached  to  (inners ,  and 
 in  the  hearing  of  (inners ,  to  allure  them  to  become  Be- 
 lievers,   yet  not  to   be   applied  to  any  unbelievers,    as 
 that  in  which  they  have  an  Intereft,    though  in  believ- 
 ing they  might  come   to  have  an  Intereft.      But  thefe 
 Promifes   are   in   refpeel:    of  having  Intereft,  to  be  ap- 
 plied onely  to  Believers  5   and  though  to  them ,   as  yec 
 alfo  in  fome  fenfe  (inners,    yet   not   to   them  as    (in- 
 ners   onely  ,     but  as  alfo    Believers ,     and    in   Chrift  , 
 and  Heirs  :  of  which,  enough  hath  been  faid,  and  more 
 needs  not  •    but  onely  a  word  to  fhew  the  minakes  of 
 fome  ,  that  would  cut  off  all  the  Promifes  of  God  from 
 appertaining  to  any  butTheEieft,  The  fpiritual  Seed: 
 alleadging  there  is  an  lfraely  and  an  Ifrael;  a  People,  and 
 a  People  :    and   all  that  are   of  lfraely    are  not    lfraely 
 (that's  not   the  fpiritul  Seed,)  but  the  Children  of  the 
 Promife  are  counted  for  the  Seed.     All  which  is  very  true  5 
 but  the  inference  is  very  falfe  ,    That  all  the  Promifes  per- 
 taining to  life,   pertain  to,    are  made  and  belong  "onely 
 to  this  choife  lfraely  and  fpiritual  Seed  ,  and  not  to  the 
 refidue  of  lfraely  and  people  ;    for  7W  fpeaking  of  lfra- 
 ely   including  them  that  flood  out ,    for  whom  he  was 
 in  great  forrow ,    faith ,    That  to  them  were  committed 
 Km.9.i#t     the  Oracles  of  God,   That  they  are  Ifraelttesy  to  whom 
 pertaineth  the  Adoption ,  and  the  Glory ,  and  the  giving 
 of  the  Law ,  and  the  Covenants,  and  the  Promifes  :  nor 
 doth  he  fay  ,    That    thofe  to  whom  the  Promifes  are 
 made  are  counted  for  the  Seed  :  for  then  there  needed 
 no  being  born  by  or  of  the  Promifes,  to  make  them  io. 
 And  Ifaacy  the  Son  of  the  Promife,  was  conceived  and 
 born  of  a  Promife  ;   yea ,  a  Promife  made  to  *Abrahams 
 before  he  had  any  being,  and  believed  by  *Abrahamzn& 
 Sarah  ;   fo  the  Promife    is   furely   confirmed  in  Chrift , 
 and  believed  by  the  Church,  and  held  forth  in  theGo- 
 
 fpe], 
 
to  phom  the  Tromifes  belong.  q$p 
 
 fpel,    even  for  and  to  finnen  :  and   wi icp    iq    perform 
 mance  of  the  Promiles  unde:  the  ftfcopj  HcuG  ,  ui  *  eyes 
 and  ears  of  Men  are  opened  ,  ionu  ia  leein^  ice  not,  &cm 
 and  fo  are  not  born  of  the  Promife;   yet  ihofe  that  in 
 feeing  fee ,  the  Promife  becomes  effectual  in  them ,  and 
 they  are  born  of  it ;  and  being  born ,  they  fee  their  be- 
 nefit in  it ,    and  Intereil  in  that  Promife  to    the  hope  compare  Kom. 
 whereof  they  are  born,    as   Ifaac  alfo  did  :    and   were 9-h9-^b Gal. 
 there  no  Promife  made  for  and  to  miners ,  as  fmners,  e-4,i*3    iZ  '*l 
 ven  fuch  as  are  not  yet  Children  of  the  Promife,    that 
 by  the  Promife  believed  and  held  forth   by  the  Church  , 
 they  might  be  won  in,  conceived  ,  and  born  of  the  Promife, 
 how  fhould  the  free-Woman  come  to  have  any  more  Chil- 
 dren ?  which  certainly  (he  (hall. 
 
 True  it  is ,   Men  may  be  faid  to  be  Children  of  the 
 Prophets ,   and  fo  of  the  Apoftles ,    and  fo  of  t/tbra* 
 ham ,  and  fo  of  the  Church ,    and  fo  of  the  Covenant 
 and  Promifes  God  hath  made  with  the  Fathers  and  the 
 Church,  while  they  are  nurtured  and   brought  up  under ^•1- 3*. &h 
 theDo&rine,  Law,  and  Ordinances  given  by  them,  and  19*^&lkx6% 
 continue  in  that  Profeflion  :    buc  then  fo  was  all  the  //-  \o.l'£l 
 raely  or  Jews,    that  yet   were  unbelievers   when    Paul 
 wrote ;   yea ,    cleerly  diftin&  from  true  Profelytes  and 
 Fearers  of  God,  and  charged  with  putting  away  eternal 
 life  from  themfelves  :  and  in  this  fenfe,  as  all  Ifrael  under 
 that  Tuition ,   fo  all  Chriftians    under  Gofpel-Miniftrati- 
 on  and  Ordinances ,   are  fuch  Children ,    and  Promifes 
 belong  to  them ,  and  are  to  be  preached  to  them ;  and 
 yet  ttili  thofe  that  are  bom  of  the  Promife ,  are  the  Chil- 
 dren of  the  Promife,  that  are  the  fpiritual  Seed,  and  count- 
 ed for  the  Seed  ,  and  have  the  Promifes  to  preach  to  o- 
 thers  :  which  known  what  they  are ,  will  direct  in  the 
 preaching  them.       And   by  that  hath  been  faid  of  the 
 Teftimony   of  Chrift  in  his  Oblation ,  Mediation ,   and 
 coming  again,  and  of  the  Purpofes  of  God  concerning 
 Chrift,  and   concerning  Mankinde  fallen,  and  concern- 
 ing Believers  ;    and  lattly ,   of  the  Promifes  of  God  b*w.j.*i>*. 
 the  three  feveral  Heads  or  Branches,   it  appears,    That^9**3**   Jf*- 
 the  Love  and  Free-Grace  of  God  in  all  appearing,  hath   ^^i7% 
 
 Ooo  2  enough 
 
^6o   Offome  ufefulnefi  concerning  tbofe,&c. 
 
 enough  in  it ,  to  call  and  draw  in  the  worft  of  Men 
 Xiv.is.i7-  and  Unbelievers  that  hear  it ,  to  repent  and  believe ,  and  to 
 Job.s.H.Rom*  confirm  the  Faith  of  Believers,  and  to  lead  them  to  the  affu- 
 34.«/«fr.5.io,  ranceof  Fakh  for  pcrfcverincc. 
 
 Oh  that  Men  would  believe  God  more  then  Men,  and  not 
 make  him  a  liar  to  juftifie  Men  1  and  forely  the  Covenants  oi 
 God  are  fuitable  to  the  Gofpel  of  God,and  his  Purpofes  and 
 Promifes :  of  which  next. 
 
 &&&  ^&&&&&&  &&& 
 
 An 
 
4-tfr 
 
 An  Explicite  Declaration  of  the  Tefti- 
 monyofChrift,  &c. 
 
 i — — 
 
 PART   VI. 
 
 Ch 
 
 A  P 
 
 Of  the  Covenants  of  Gcd  with  the  two  put  lick 
 Men. 
 
 H  E  Covenants  of  the  Lord  are  fure  ,  and 
 according  to  his  teems  of  covenanting,  fhall 
 certainly  be  performed  to  every  Iota  :  buc 
 thofe  I  am  now  to  confider  ,  be  fuch  as  per- 
 tain to  life  and  godiinefs ,  and  fo  to  Salvati- 
 on. And  therefore  I  fhall  endeavour  to  fee 
 them  forth  as  upon  fearch,  in  and  by  the  Scripture  under- 
 ftood  according  to  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift ,  I  finde  them  ei- 
 ther made  or  promifed  to  be  made ,  beginning  with  thofe  al- 
 ready made :  and  fo  I  fhall  begin  with  the  two  publick  Men  • 
 the  firft  Adam,  and  the  fecond  Adam. 
 
 I.  What  the  Covenant  made  with  the  firft  Adam  was ,  is 
 not  expreft,  but  as  it  may  be  gathered  by  the  ftory ,  and  elfe- 
 where  in  Scripture ,  what  fach  great  goodnefs  extended, 
 obligeth  to ;  and  fo  it  cannot  be  denied  ,  but  that  the  Grace 
 of  God  in  the  Creation  of  the  Heaven  and  Earth,  and* 
 world  of  Creatures  for  Man ,  and  Man  himfelf  in  the  Image 
 
 and 
 
Of  the  Covenants  of(jod 
 
 and  likenefs  of  God  ,  and  making  him  a  publick  Man  and 
 common  Father  o,  all  Mankinde,  that  were  to  proceed  natu- 
 rally from  him ,    and  let  him  in  a  place  of  pleaiure ,  and  ap- 
 pointed him  a  iervice  of  delight,    in  dreffmg  the  Garden, 
 making  him  Lord  of  all  the  Creatures  below,  affording  him 
 Liberty  of  Communion  with  the  Creator,  and  a  Tree  of  Life, 
 on  which  eating,   he  might  be  immortal  and  live  for  ever. 
 This  did  oblige  him  to  believe,  and  acknowledge  the  Word, 
 Wifdcm,    Power,  Truth,  Love  and  Goodnefs  of  God  his 
 Creator ;  and  therein  to  love  the  Lord  his  God  with  all  his 
 Minde,  Heart,  Soul  and  Strength ;  and  his  Neighbour ,  even 
 all  Mankinde  that  was  to  come  of  him  ,   as  himfelf ;   and  fo 
 to  walk  in  this  belief  of  God ,   and  love  of  God ,    and  his 
 Nieghbour ;  doing  whatever  God  fliould  fay  unto  him,  from 
 that  natural  Principle  of  Rightebufnefs,God  had  implanted  in 
 him  :  and  though  this  was  to  works,  yet  I  cannot  for  all  this 
 fay ,  God  made  with  him,  and  put  him  under  a  Covenant  of 
 works,  to  do  and  live,  or  by  doing  fuch  things  to  live  ;  not 
 onely  becaufe  I  flnde  no  Record  of  any  fuch  thing  impofed 
 by  fuch  an  Obligation  from  God  on  him ,  nor  engaged  and 
 promifed  fo,  on  the  part  of  Adam  :  but,    becaufe  God  in 
 r    breathing  into  him  the  breath  of  life ,   and  making  him  a 
 
 i MjlVfw.  livinS  Soul> did  fo  franae  him  to the  likenefs  of  God  in  Rigb- 
 17E^/r/'.7.i^teoufnefsandHolinefs,  inipiring  fuch  a  Difpofition  into  his 
 Cm.$.i:  Soul,  and  Aptitude  into  his  Faculties,  Parts,  and  Members, 
 that  it  was  natural  to  Adam,  and  he  freely  inclined  fo  to  love 
 God  and  his  Neighbour,  and  aptcd  with  motion  and  flrength 
 to  have  walked  out  in  that  love  ;  yea ,  as  natural  as  for  the 
 Sun  to  give  light,  or  the  Fire  heat,  or  the  Earth  to  bringforth 
 its  fruits  ;  fo  as  no  outward  impofed  or  irfcrced  Law  was 
 needed,  nor  was  he  under  the  power  of  any  fuch  ,  either  to 
 charge, or  to  accufe  or  excufe. 
 
 If  any  reply,  That  he  was  under  a  Covenant  of  works,  becaufe 
 
 GtThU*  x*.     ^e  wa*fet  t0  fotfthe  Garden  : 
 
 *  '  I  anfwer,  That  God  put  the  Man  in  the  Garden  to  drefs 
 it,  and  to  keep  it ,  is  true :  but ,  That  he  made  that  as  a  Co- 
 venant of  Works,  to  put  Adam  under  a  Covenant  of  Wotfcs, 
 it  being  fo  eafie  and  delightful,  it  doth  no  more  appear  to  me, 
 then  God  calling  *  People  out  of  Darknefs  and  Bondage,  in- 
 to 
 
ypitb  the  tmpubliekj&dbn.  q.fy 
 
 to  Light  and  Freedom,  chufing  them  in  ,  and  building  them 
 
 on  his  Son ,  to  offer  up  by  him  fpiritual  Sacrifices ,  and  (hew  [  Jff'Jfj* 
 
 forth  his  praifes,and  ferve  him  In  Righteoufnefs  and  Holinefs,  ' 
 
 {hould  be  a  putting  them  under  a  Covenant  of  Works 
 
 If  it  be  re  plied,  That  the  Lord  commanded  the  msn>  frying)  Of 
 every  Tree  in  the  Gar  defeating  thou  (bah  eat  (or,  thou  maift  freely 
 eaty)  fot  of  the  Tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evily  thott  jh alt  not       '   ' 
 eat  of  it:  />,  &c. 
 
 I  anfwer,This  implies  that  Adsm  knew  the  Nature  of  all 
 the  Trees ;  and  (he ws  the  great  Liberty  that  God  gave  him, 
 in  his  delightful  bufinefs  of  dreffing  the  Garden ,  to  eat  of 
 them  all  but  one  ;  and  (hewed  him  the  danger  of  eating  of 
 that  one,  to  keep  him  from  it :  and  therein  gave  him  both  the 
 Oportunity  and  Liberty  of  exercifing  the  Freedom  of  his 
 Will,  in  (hewing  forth  his  well-plealednefs  with,  andfree- 
 Uefs  of  abiding  in  the  way  of  his  Creator ,   which  elfe  he 
 had  been  in  a  fort  necefluated  to  -  and  could  not  have  (hewn 
 forth  that  Freedom ,  as  now  he  might.     And  this  is  not  like 
 a  Covenant  of  Works,  enjoyning  Works ,  unlefs  any  will 
 have  a  ceafing  from  one  Work  to  be  the  Works ,    to  which  if 
 any  (hould  tempt  him,    he  could  not  plead  want,  fading, ****•*>*• 
 hunger  (all  which  was  on  him  that  overcame)  to  weaken  or  t  coy.  it.  »; 
 fleceflitatehimtoic:  and  the  Truth  is,  Had  he  abode  in  the  See  Part  i« 
 belief  of  the  Word  of  the  Lord,  he  had  not  eaten  of  it,and  fo  ch,p,&i  o# 
 fallen. 
 
 So  that  by  all  I  can  flnde,  The  firft  Adam  was  under  a  Co- 
 venant of  Grace,  Grace  obliging  ,  and  Grace  given  lead- 
 ing ;  and  fo  at  leaft  a  gracious  Covenant  :  and  fo  was  all 
 Mankinde  at  firft  in  him  ,  during  his  innocency ;  unlefs  one 
 (hould  deny  any  thin^  freely  from  God  to  be  of  Grace ,  and 
 free  and  undeferved  Favour ,  but  onely  forgivenefs  of  fins, 
 and  that  which  follows  thereupon  ;  and  fo  exclude  not  ene- 
 Iy  Adaminhis  innocency,  but  the  Holy  Angels  alfo  from  be- 
 ing under  Grace  or  free  Favour.  But  Adam  in  the  Female 
 firft  ,  and  then  thereby  in  the  Male  ,  liftened  to  the  Tem- 
 pter, qucftioning  the  Truth  and  meaning  of  the  Import  of 
 the  plain  Saying  of  the  Lord ,  and  fo  let  go  his  Faith  or  be- 
 lieving of  God's  Word,  and  fo  eat,andfinned,and  fell,  and-Gen-S*l'7' 
 ib  all  Mankinde  finned  and  fell  in  him:  and  fo  in  this  his  fall, Km'  *'ll>lS' 
 
 he 
 
±6±  Of  the  Covenants  of  (jod 
 
 he  loft -his  righteous  Difpofuion  and  aptitude  to  love  God 
 andhisNcigbour:  the  Law  of  Righteoufnefs  was  now  out 
 of  his  heart ,  and  a  contrary  Difpofition  fprung  up  therein 
 from  the  poyfonous  Word  of  the  Serpent  received  :  and 
 fo  he,  and  a' 1  Mankinde  in  him,  fell  under  the  Covenant  and 
 Law  of  Works ;  for ,  though  Man  by  finning  loft  his  Righ- 
 teoufneis and  Strength  ,  yet  God  loft  not  his  Authority,  nor 
 Q  were  all  the  good  things  fore-conferred  on  Adamy   lefswor- 
 
 &T.%l\lhl  thy  or  lefs  obliSing then  before  his  fal1  ?  b»t  did  as  much  ob- 
 lige him  ftill  to  love  both  God  and  hisNeighbour,and  walk  in 
 that  love,  as  before  ;  yea,  this  Law  had  that  force  upon  hira 
 and  in  him,  which  before  it  had  not,  to  call,  and  charge,  and 
 force  him  to  obey,and  toaccufe  and  condemn  him  for  not  o- 
 beying ;  yea ,  to  charge  him  with  death  for  his  former  fin : 
 Rom.  3.io3n,  and  unlefs  he  could  fuffer  and  overcome  that  firft  denounced 
 19,10,  Gal.$.  death,  and  then  fulfil  this  Law  to  the  utmoft ,  he  could  not 
 come  to  live  with  God  again:  ThL*  the  Law  and  Cove- 
 nant of  Works,  under  which  Mankinde  fell,  and  under 
 which  all  Mankinde  once  was.  Now  God  did  not  make  fuch 
 a  Covenant  as  this  with  Adam  at  the  firft  ;  but  Man  through 
 his  willing  TranfgrelTion  fell  under  it ,  and  by  God's  juft 
 Judgement  it  took  hold  of  Man,  and  he  was  under  it.  And 
 this  is  the  Law  and  Covenant  under  which  Mankinde  fell  in 
 the  firft  Adamy  and  by  which  they  lliould  have  be:n  judged, 
 aud  were  fentenced  to  the  firft  death  ;  in  which,  if  they  had 
 come  to  fuffer  it ,  according  to  the  Judgement  and  curfe  of 
 the  Law,  they  could  not  have  overcome  ir ,  and  rifen  again  5 
 but  muft  have  perifhed  in  it  for  ever.  But  God  in  his 
 °reat  Love  and  Pity  to  Mankinde,  found  out  one  that 
 was  willing  and  mighty  to  ftep  in  and  undertake  this  Cure, 
 even  his  own  Son  Jefus  Chrift  the  fecond  publick  Man :  of 
 whom  now, 
 
 II.  What  the  Covenant  made  with  the  fecond  publick- 
 Man,  as  he  undertook  and  ftood  in  the  place  of  the  firft,  and 
 fo  of  all  Mankinde  as  fallen ,  is  not  eleerly  exprefs  in  any 
 oneplace,but  gatherable in  many  places  of  Scripture ,  and 
 here  &  there  partly  esprefs  5  and  to  the  mmoil  I  can  conceive, 
 it  was  in  the  firft  place,  in  re'peft  of  himrelf ,  a  Covenant  of 
 Works,  even  that  Law  and  Covenant ,  under  which  the  firft 
 
 publick 
 
with  the  ttoo  public^  <^Men.  £^65 
 
 publick  Man,  and  all  Mankindc  in  him  were  fallen  ,  and  that 
 alfo,  by  which  their  weaknefs  they  were  liable  to  be  under 
 for  a  time  ,  and  fo  he  was  made  under  the  Law,  to  do  it  and  *  ,4'4' 
 live.  And  upon  the  account  of  his  fulfilling  and  fatisfying 
 this  whole  Law  for  Mankinde  J  then  a  Covenant  of  Grace 
 and  Glory  for  himfelf  and  all  his  fpiritual  Seed :  and  both 
 thefe  may  be  feen  in  the  former  mentioning  of  the  Purpofes 
 and  Promifcs  of  God  concerning  Chrift.  I  (hall  here  oriely 
 briefly  colled  a  little  thereof. 
 
 1 .  Upon  the  part  of  the  Word,  the  Son  of  God  ,  that  he 
 mutt  defcend,  and  lay  afide  his  great  Glory  for  a  time ,  and  a- 
 bafe  himfelf  to  be  made  flefh ,  of  the  Seed  of  a  Wo- 
 man, of  the  Seed  of  David ,  Abraham,  Adam  ;  and  inthe 
 fimilitude  of  (inful  flefh  ,  a  very  Man ,  fubje&  to  humane  in- 
 firmities, forrows,  temptations,  all  except  fin  ;  and  foavery 
 Man5  in  the  form  of  a  Servant ;  and  then  in  that  very  Nature 
 and  Perfon,  while  in  his  weaknefs,  fulfil  the  Law  of  Righte- 
 teoufnefs,  in  the  Love  of  God  and  Man ,  and  overcome,  and 
 put  to  flight  the  Tempter ;  "and  then  die  for  the  fins  of  Man- 
 kinde: and  in  that  death  fufFer  theCurfe  of  the  Law  due 
 to  Mankinde ;  and  through  fufferings  overcome  death  ,  and 
 the  Devil  that  had  the  power  of  death,-  to  terrifie  Man  with- 
 al :  and  fo,as  the  publick  Man  ,  rile  juft  and  free  from  all  the 
 fins  that  were  charged  on  him  on  the  account  of  Mankinde, 
 and  fo  foi  their  Juftification  from  their  charges  of  the  Law, 
 under  which  they  were  fallen.  And  this  being  done  with 
 the  Vertue  of  his  own  Blood,  Death  and  Crofs,  to  enter  in- 
 to the  Heaven,  to  perfect  the  Atonement  for  all  the  fins 
 Mankinde,  through  the  firft  fall,  was  fallen  into  ;  and  to 
 procure  by  Vertue  of  his  Blood  ,  pardon  to  beftow  on 
 all  fuch  as  approach  to  God  by  him ,  for  all  their  following 
 fins,  and  to  purchafe  eternal  Redemptioc,and  an  Inheritance, 
 by  that  offering  himfelf  in  facrifice  to  God  j  and  to  declare 
 this  Righteoufnefs  of  God  in  preaching  ity  and  delivering  k 
 to  certain  chofen  Witnefs  to  open  and  declare  the  fame  to 
 the  World. 
 
 i.  Upcn  the  account  of  the  Father ,  That  he  would  fend 
 himforth,fithim'withaBody  ,  and  be  with  him,  and  help. 
 and  aflifl  him  in  all  this,  &c.   All  which  things  are  before  ac 
 
 Ppp  Ur 
 
^66  Of  the  Qoyenants  of  Cjod 
 
 lar<*e  flhewn  and  proved,in  treating  of  the  Oblation  of  Chrift, 
 and  of  the  Purpofe  and  Promifes  of  God. 
 
 And  this  is  fuch  a  Covenant,  and  fuch  a  Work,  as  God  ne- 
 ver put  on  the  firft  j4damy  nor  any  other  but  the  Son  of  (Sod, 
 JefusChrift  our  Lord  ;  nor  was  any  other  able  to  undertake 
 it,  but  he ;  and  he  willingly  at  the  firft  undertook,  and  the  Fa- 
 ther accepted  his  undertaking ,  (and  fo  it  was  then  vertuous) 
 and  in  due  feafcn  the  Father  fent  him  forth ,  and  he  hath 
 come,  and  done,  and  fulfilled  all  this  to  the  utmoft,  that 
 either  Man  fallen  needed  ,  or  the  Law  of  Works  required, 
 or  his  Father  appointed,  and  is  now  with  God  alive 
 for.  evermore  ;  and  the  Father  hath  accepted  and  ap- 
 proved him ,  taken  up  his  weil-pleafednefs  in  him  ,  and 
 born  Teftimony  of  him  ,  as  the  Scripture  plentifully  telli- 
 fieth. 
 
 Now  upon  the  account  of  this  undertaken  ,  (  now  done 
 and  performed  )  the  Covenant  of  Grace  and  Glory  is  alio 
 made  with  him,for  himfclf  and  all  his  fpiritual  Seed ;  and  con- 
 firmed to,  in,  and  by  him. 
 -  ^         i.  Upon  the  part  of  the  Father,  that  he  would  glorifie 
 
 l%%;lZ,l\)  this  his  Son,  even  in  the  Nature  of  Man ,  with  his  owe  felf, 
 i7,z$y%9.RQm.  even  with  the  Glory  he  had  with  him  before  the  World  was^ 
 14.8,931151*.  That  he  fhould  be  the  Lord  of  all ,  and  have  all  Men  into 
 &****•         hisdifpofe,   that  they  might  live  to  him  ;  and  the  Father 
 will  not  judge  them  by  that  Law  he  was  made  under  and  fa- 
 tisficd  for  them ,  but  he  (hall  have  the  power  over  them,   to 
 extend  what  eafe  and  freedom,  and  ufe  what  means  he  pleaf- 
 eth  towards  them  ,  and  raife  them  out  of  death  in  his  fea- 
 fon, and  judge  them  all  according  to  his  Law  ,ihe  Gofpel,  in 
 the  means  he  hath  ufed  towards  them ;  and  that  he  will  fill 
 ;/^.4i.2.d-$$.bim  with  the  immeafurable fulnefs  of  the  HolyGhoft,  and 
 I.&61. 1,1,3,  fend  him  forth  in  his  Name ;  and  in  the  means  he  ufeth,  and 
 4.^*3. i°,«i.  in  the  Minift ration  of  his  Servants,  to  draw  in  People  to 
 him  j  and  fo  to  beget  and  multiply  to  him  a  fpiritual  Seed. 
 1,  Upon  the  part  of  Chrift,  That  he  will  be  breathing  and 
 ^'4l  «?«"?  operating  in  the  means  he  ufeth  ,   and  in  the  Miniftration  of 
 PfaJii^l!     theGofpel  by  his  Servants ,  to  call  Men  and  enlighten  their 
 Mindes ,  and  open  their  Eyes  to  fee,  and  their  Ears  to  hear, 
 quickoing  and  moying  their  Hearts ,  as  he  calleth  them, 
 
 that 
 
ypith  the  two  public^  *5\fen.  ^j 
 
 that  they  may  turn  to  him,   believe  and  live  -  and  that 
 whoever  cometh    to  him  in  this  his  Call,    he  wiU  nozJ™*6'V&> 
 caft  our,  but  receive  them  ,  and  give  them  eternal  Life! 
 and  raife  them  up  at  the  Refurreflion  of  thejuftat  thelaft 
 Day. 
 
 3.  Upon  the  part  of  the  Father  again  to  Chrift,That  he  (hall    r 
 fit  at  his  right-Hand  till  this MiniUration  be  accompltfhed  ,•  \fA fffijjfe 
 and  that  he  will  beat  down  his  Foes  and  Enemies,  and  make  7^.3.3*  ,3*. ' 
 tl   mhisFoot-ftool,,   and  he  (hall  fee  his  Seed,  and  the ^14.11.  & 
 Work  of  the  Lord  (hall  profper  in  his  Hands  ;   and  he  will17'1** 
 accept  and  love  all  his  Seed  that  believe  in  him  5  and  love 
 them ,  even  as  he  loveth  him  j  and  that  though  the  Devil 
 with  all  his  Serpentine  Seed ,  oppofe  his  Miniftration ,  and 
 hold  cut  many  from  coming  in  to  him ,  and  feek  to  delude  P/kx.9.  *•*»• 
 and  turn  afide  fuch  as  are  coming,  and  raifc  up  Perfection  a-  a7j2*.^7*. 
 gainft  him  in  the  World ;  yet  his  Miniftration  fhall  be  effectu- 
 al in  many  ,  and  he  (hall  fee  his  Seed ,  and  of  the  travel  of 
 his  Soul ,  and  (hal  overturn  and  judge  ail  his  Enemies ;  and 
 then  all  the  ends  of  the  Earth  (hall  remember  and  turn  unto 
 the  Lord,  and  come,  and  ferve,  and  worfhip  him .  and  then  i 
 
 he  and  all  his  Seed  fhall  have  a  new  Heaven  and  a  new  Earth, 
 and  (hall  have  the  Kingdom  ,  and  be  in  his  pre(ence  with  e- 
 verlafting  joy  for  ever  and  ever,  as  is  (hewn  before  in  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift,and  Purpofes  and  Promifes. 
 
 And  this  is  the  everlafting  Covenant,  confirmed  in  Chrift 
 for  him  and  all  his  fpiritual  Seed,  and  (lands  faft  with  him  for  P/£*£\9£l\ 
 ihem  for  evermore.    This  was  confirmed  in  Chrift,  that  fpi-  "Gai.  3. 1^1 7. 
 ritually  was  before  Abraham^  before  made  to  Abraham  ,  and  Rev.n.tiMar. 
 fo  before  the  Covenant  made  with  Dwid ;  for  Chrift  alfo  is  ".43344.^. 
 the  Root  and  Lord  ef  David  :  and  indeed  ,  the  Covenant  ^jV^*] 
 made,  and  as  made  with  Chrift ,  is  the  onely  original  Cove-  6}7\  * 
 nant ,  and  that  out  of  which  all  Covenants  are  derived,  that 
 are  for  the  good  of  Mankinde  or  Believers  ;  yea,   without 
 thi?,  none  could  have  been  for  the  good  of  fallen  Mankinde, 
 and  the  happinefsof  Believers.  If 
 
 And  for' the  right  understanding  of  all  *nd  every  Cove- 
 nant of  God,  this  is  firft  to  be  undertlood  ,  The  dif- 
 ferences between  the  two  publick  Men,  the  natural 
 and  the  fpiritual ,    The  Covenant  under  which  the  firft 
 
 P  p  p  a  fell, 
 
q>6&  Of  the  Covenant 
 
 fell,  and  under  which  the  [fecond  was  made  «  and  having 
 fatisfiedupon  that  account,  the  Covenant  both  of  Grace  and 
 Glory  made  with  &  confirmed  in  him,and  fo  in  refpeft  of  the 
 i  [or-  i*,*i,ai,  bufmefs'  done,  &  the  ficmnefs  of  the  Covenant  mad  ,  in  view-. 
 4*34*>47K»«.  ing  thepublick  Men  ,  oppofe  the  fecond  publickMan  to  the* 
 MrO  p  9 .   ^  publick  Man;  and  the  fpirkual  Seed  come  into  the  fecond, 
 *   *f-*l  to  the  natural  Seed  come  forth  from  the  firft;  andfo  what' 
 we  have  from  the  one",  to  what  we  have  from  the  other  • 
 and  not  in  fuch  bufmefs  oppofe  the  firft  Adam  to'the  Saints^ 
 but  to  the  King  of  Saints,of  whom  he  was  a  figure.    But  now 
 I  will  endeavour  to  lay  what  I  findeof  Covenants  derived 
 from  this  made  with  Chrift  ,  and  through  him  made  with 
 Mankinds  or  with  Believers :  and  fo  to  begin  next  with  Man- 
 kinds 
 
 Chap.  2. 
 
 Of  the  Covenant  of  God  made  through  Christ  with 
 Mtinkinde. 
 
 W^c  l^at  Covenant  is ,  That  God  hath  through  Chriit 
 y  made  with  Mankinde,    was  not  fo  cleerly  open- 
 
 ed in  the  beginning ,   when  firft  made  ,    as  (ince  ;   and  yet 
 ft  ill   it  is  not  fo  cleerly   exprefs   in   any   one   place  of 
 Scripture,  as  to  be  plainly  there  read  ;  but  in  fearching  and 
 comparing  divers  places  together,  it  is  to  be  found :  and  fo 
 this  we  finde , 
 Jer.jyitj--*^      i.    That   the  mercies  of  God  extended  to  Mankinde 
 Job  $6.14,33.  through Chrift,  the  prefervation  and  upholding  the  Heaven 
 37.3>4>M-   ancj  the  Earth,and  the  Qeatures  in  both  ;  and  ordering  all  fo 
 fweetly  by  his  providence,  for  the  good  of  Men  ;  yea,  the 
 hinting  and  rumour  of  a  Saviour  extended ,  through  whom 
 all  this  mercy  is  (hewn :    All  this  doth  ftill,  and  more  oblige 
 tfal.i04*  all,  fallen  Mankinde ,  even  all  Men ,  to  adore  and  acknowledge 
 this  infinite  Wifdom,  Power, Mercy,  andjuftice,  Love  and 
 Goodnefs  of  God  j  and  fo  to  fear,  love  andtruftinhim, 
 
 with 
 
made  through  Qhrijl  mth  Man.        ^69 
 
 with  all  their  Hearts,  Minde,  Soul,  and  Strength,  and  to  love 
 their  Neighbour  as  themfelves ;  and  to  walk  in  this  fear  and 
 love  ,  doing  whatever  the  Lord  hereby  requireth  of  them: 
 and  there  is  no  natural  Son  or*  *A<kam ,   that  can  free  himfelf  Rom.$.  io,i  t% 
 from  being  under  this  Law,  fincc  the  fail  of  lAdam ,  nor  yet  I't-'cfe-ig. 
 fulfil  it ;  and  though  God  in  and  by  Chnlt,  and  fo  Chrirr,  doth 
 not  fet  Men  free  from  being  under  this  Law  in  themfelves, 
 till  his  feafon  ,    nor  will  judge  them  in  juftifyipg  or  condem- 
 ning them  by  it  •  yet  there  is  an  ufefulnefs  of  it  that  is  good  Rom.  2.14  i*. 
 in  his  fight,  and  profitable  for  Men  ,    to  which  his  mercy  ob-  ^3-'  9>io;zi. 
 ligeth  ;  and  that  is,  that  by  the  effe£l:s  of  this  Law  upon  their  f^'^'^i' 
 Hearts,  requiring,  andexcufing,  and  accufing^  they  fee  and  a^g. I7'*  r 
 acknowledge    their  (infulnefs,  and  the  vanity^of   their 
 belt  doings,  and  fo  their  need  of  a  Saviour,    aud. Mer- 
 cy through  him,  that  they  may  fo  feek  after  God,    arrd 
 finde  Mercy  and  free- Favour  with  him:  and  this  fenfe  and 
 ufe  of  this  Law,  is  alfo  a  part  of  his  Covenant.     But  to  pro- 
 ceed. 
 
 1.  In  the  rumor  of  Chrirt  to  come,at  thebeginning,there  was  GenJAH^ 
 tcftified  the  Love,Gracioufnefs,and  Propitioufnefs  of  God,ia  ^  '$.%i"£. 
 providing  fuch  a  Saviour,  through  whom  Remiffion  of  fins  and 
 Life  is  to  be  had ;  fo  as  this  engaged  to  believe  him  to  be  gra- 
 cious a  Forgiver  of  fins,  and  a  Giver  of  Grace  and  Life  to 
 fuch  as  feek  him.  ~ 
 
 3.  The  Mercies  of  God  extended  unto  Men  in  his  Works  l7\\A6'^77\^ 
 of  Creation  and  Providence,  dowitnefs  forth  theTruih  of  pfa.i9.\i6Rone\ 
 that firft  rumored  ,  namely,  Thatthereis  fome  Atonement  10.18. cW. 4. 
 and  Propitiation  with  God  ;  <andthathe,  that  is  fo  true  and  pJai-**S''*>99 
 righteous,  is  therethrough  gracious  and  merciful :  which  wit-  cl£part  * 
 neffing  of  his  Goodnefs  to  Men ,   engageth  them  in  acknow-   l 
 ledgment  of  their  own  fhort  coming  and  inability  to  anfwer     '  " 
 that  Obligation ,  in  which  they  are  naturally  bound  to  love 
 God,  &c,  in  this  acknowledgement  to  believe  his  Graci- 
 oufnefs,   and  therethrough  to  believe  in  him  for  life :  and 
 in  that  Belief,    as  a  Teftimony  of  Love  and  Thanks  to 
 him,    according  to  Light  and  Strength   given,  to  live  to 
 him,    and  wait  for  bis  coming.      By  all  which  confider- 
 ed,    we   may  underftand,   That   the  Covenant  of  God 
 through  ChrM  with  Mankinde ,  in  beginning  was>,  and  fo 
 flillis,  i.Thac 
 
47°  Of  the  Covenant 
 
 Aft.  14.13,^4,  t.  That  he  would  extend  Mercy,ufe  Means,and  give  forth 
 15,1^,17.^7.  fuch  Teftimonies  of  his  Goodnef*  in  and  through  Chrft,  the 
 ^^^^^•promifcd  Seed,  to  all  men,  that  they  might  behold  ,  and  in 
 v fail 9.1,7^'  '^holding,  repent,  believe,  and  be  laved 5  yea, fo  verily, 
 rrov.\.zo9l},  That  whoever  did  not  then  repent  and  believe  ,  it  was  be- 
 *4-  0-8.1,6.  cauie  he  was  then  found  hardening  his  own  heart,  and  wil- 
 ^°ifh'43  V* >8'  °ty  refuting.  In  which  God  is ,  was ,  and  will  be  found 
 9'  j"*45*1  w  faithful  for  ever ;  and  Refufers  left  without  excufe ,  when  Be- 
 lievers faved. 
 10b  sr.wov.  2  That  Men  (tould  hear  his  Voice,  minde  and  behold  h:  -, 
 j^^J'^'Goodncfs,  and  fo  believe  him  to  be  Great,  Righteous,  and 
 job  35.1  o'i  1!  Gracious,and  fo  fear  him,and  ftand  in  awe  of  him;  and  in  this 
 7/J/.33.8.  belief  and  awe  of  him  ,  to  acknowledg  the  Righceoufnefs  of 
 p/4.>4.»,3.    lnat  obligation ,  which  naturally  obligeth  them  to  love  the 
 
 V&folTl \\ Lord with al1  thcir Hcart> and  Soul> and Stren^ \  «nd their 
 ^ioo.i,2. ^Neighbour  as  themfelves ,  and  to  walk  in  that  Love:  and 
 
 117.1,1.^130.  fo  their  own  (hort  coming  of  it,  and         Auy  toanfwer 
 4«  it,  and  their  due  and  jult  defert  of  cmic  thereby,    and 
 
 inability  of  themfelves  to  avoid  it ;  and  fo  being  abafed  in 
 themfelves ,  and  believing  his  Goodnefs  and  Mercy,  to  hope 
 therein,  and  cry  to  him  for  it ;  and  io  believing  in  him,in  Te- 
 (Hmony  of  Thanks,  to  yield  up  themfelves,  according  to  light 
 and  rtrength  given  and  received,  to  live  to  him  ;  which  is  the 
 moft  in  this  Covenant  required. 
 
 3.  That  thofe  ,  who  by  theTeftimony  of  his  Goodnefs, 
 
 Tfai.  107. 43.  j0  ^yg  believe  him  to  be ,   and  to  be  Great  and  Gracious ; 
 
 b&il'jja.imA    from  thence  abating  themfelves,     do  hope  in  his 
 
 lam. j.2fe**i Mercy ,    and   are  fo   found  coming   to  him,    he  will 
 
 Heb.iit.       give  them  Underftanding ,    and   blefs   and   five   them  ; 
 
 yea ,  even  in  fuch  believing,  how  weak  foever  it  be ,  if  it  be 
 
 according  to  the  Light  and  Strength  in  the  means  given  and 
 
 received. 
 
 And  this  is  all  I  can  finde  to  have  been  in  the  beginning, 
 and  from  the  beginning,  of  any  Covenant  made  by  God 
 with  Mankinde  through  Chritt  :  and  under  this  Cove- 
 nant, in  their  time,  ever  were ,  ftill  are ,  and  will  be  ,  all 
 Men  in  their  feveral  Ages,  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of 
 this  World. 
 
 If  ai>y  reply ,   That  here  u  nothing  mentioned  of  Mew*  &At 
 
 they 
 
made  through  Chrijimth  Man.         ^jt 
 
 the)  have  engaged,  ihemfelves  to  God  in ,  for  performance  of:  And 
 how  can  that  be  called  a  Covenant ,  where  both  parties  have  not  en- 
 gaged t 
 
 I  anfwer  ,  Where  there  is  an  Engagement  between  two, 
 and  the  one  a  publick  Man  ,  the  feveral  Engagements  of  the 
 Particulars  concerned  in  that  publick  Man ,  is  not  neceffary 
 to  make  it  a  real  Covenant.  And  this  will  be  yielded,  if  Rea- 
 fon  it  felf  were  made  Umpire,  That  a  Lord  of  aMinnor 
 may  make  a  Covenant  with  his  eldeft  Son,  about  the  difpofal 
 of  his  Lands,  Rents,Goods,  and  Priviledges,to  fuch  and  fuch  3 
 
 Children,  Servants  and  Strangers  alfo,that  are  yet  to  be  born, 
 on  fuch  and  fuch  terms  to  receive  all  engaged  to  them  :  and 
 this  a  Covenant  to  (land  firm  to  all  effects :  and  they  all,  as 
 they  come  forth,  be  accordingly  engaged  ,  and  fo  to  receive 
 that  given ,  or  elfc  be  rejected :  and  fhall  not  Faith  acknow- 
 ledge, That  The  Great  and  Mighty  God  ,  The  Father  of 
 Jefus  Ghrift,The  Lord  and  Mafter  of  us  all ,  may  make  fuch  ^[|V ,,,?' 
 a  Covenant  for  Men  ,  who  are  his  own  Creatures  ,  and  pafs 
 it  over  to  his  own  Son,  his  firft-Bom  ?  and  fhall  not  all  Men 
 be  engaged  in  it,  for  receit,  or  for  rejection  ?  were  not  the  de- 
 nial of  this  unreafonabie  ?    But  if  Undemanding  and  Faith 
 be  asked,  they  will  foon  tell  us ,  That  both  part  ies  have  en- 
 gaged in  this  Covenant  that  God  made  with  Chrift  thefe- 
 cond  publick  Man,  for  Men,  feeing  he  interpofed  for,  and  un- 
 dertook in  the  Nature  of  Man,  to  fatisfie  the  Obligation  Gdf.44.iTi,*. 
 under  which  Mankinde  was  fallen  5  and  having  fo  bcught  *•***£**.  f» 
 them,  he  as  their  Lord  and  Representative  ,  did  in  his  Fa- *°*    Dm-l9' 
 ther's  Engagement  to  him,fo  engage  for  them  :  and  are  they     8 
 not  then  all  engaged  ?  yea ,   have  they  not  all  in  the  publick 
 Man  engaged,  and  are  by  him  engaged  ?  could UMofes the 
 Mediator  between  God  and  Jfraely  enter  into  Covenant, 
 thofe  that  were  far  off,  and  yet  to  be  born  5  and  fhall  not 
 the  Lord  of  CMofes9,  The  Mediator  between  God  and  Men, 
 do  as  much  for  all  Men  ?   and  was  that  a  fin  in  thofe ,  that  *****;.  s.j. 
 fo  many  Generations  after ,   thought  themfelves  not  engaged  *  \a™^\ ?^;7' 
 in  the  Covenant  made  by  Jofhua  their  Leader  into  Canaan^ 
 and  the  Elders  of  Jfrael^  though  unadvisedly  made,  and  took 
 courage  to  break  it  ;  and  will  it  not  be  a  greater  fin  in  any 
 Man,to  think  himfelf  not  engaged  in  this  Covenant  made  by 
 
 Jefus 
 
aji  Of  the  Covenant 
 
 Jefus  Chrift  the  publick  Man  in  the  behalf  of  Mankinde  ? 
 furely  all  that  know  this  Obligation,  will  confefs  it  a  gracious 
 Covenant,  and  themfelves  engaged  in  it. 
 
 And  yet  I  may  fay;  both  That  all  Men  are  engaged  in  it  by 
 their  natural  Fathers,  in >that  Ad,xmy  Seth^  &c.  yea,  CW#.alfo 
 did  fubferibe  to  iti,n  their  offering  of  Sacrifice ;  and  after,  ^ 
 d&alfo,  the  Father  of  allMankinde  now  living  ;  and  many 
 have  been,  and  are,that  have  perfonally  engaged  according  to 
 iLJh  2  1:  that  Teftimony :  he  that  hath  received  his  Teftimony,  hath 
 fettohisSeal,ThatGodis  true  :  for  fothofe  that  believed 
 the  Gracioufnefs  of  God  in  this  Obligation  :  and  profefs 
 themfelves,  Thac  they  would  lb  feek  andfervehim,  they 
 
 7  (Jji    u     fln<^  the*r  ^0U^C  ^  as  3$"*  did  )  did  therein  fubferibe  to  the 
 •     "     •         Goodnefs  and  Equity  of  the  Obligation  ;  and  therein  en- 
 gaged themfelves,  and  thofe  under  their  Tuition,  to  the  ob- 
 jer.  a.  io,  ai.  fervance  of  it.     And  if  fuch  willingly  turn  afide ,  their  fin  is 
 *^T*'?8>4Vfo  much  the  greater,  and  their  Condemnation  will  alfo  be 
 verified  juft  from  their  own  Mouth.     But  we  need  not  rea- 
 fon  it  out ;  it  is  exprefly  writ,  That  fome  in  the  acknowledg- 
 ment of  it,  did  offer  Sacrifice ,   did  call  upon,    and  were 
 G**.4. 3>4>**.  called  by  the  Name  of  the  Lord :  and  thefe ,  with  all  under 
 &6'1'  their  Tuition  in  that  Profeffion  ,  were  called  The  Sons  of 
 
 G*n6i         God,  till  the  Profeffion  received  in  that  Tuition  were  call 
 off.  and  the  refidue  of  Men ,   called  Men ,  or  the  Sons  and 
 Daughters  of  Men.    And  thofe  that  were  under  this  Obliga- 
 G^."4.334-  cation,  not  onely  Subfcribers,  but  upright,in  believing  with  the 
 5. 3,12. Heb.  n.  Heart,  and  fo  walked  with  God,  they  were  accepted,  and  ap- 
 
 tzf&^r'  Proved  of  God  aifo5and  called  iuft  or  ri^teons,or  perfeft  and 
 .  #.v  .7*    u    jg^t  ^en,  ^one  0f  tne  Names  writ  in  the  Book  of  Life  a- 
 
 mong  the  Righteous  )  and  thofe  that  were  guileful,  and  per- 
 
 fifted  in  their  Twmfgreffions  of  this  Covenant  after  warning> 
 
 and  then  call  off  their  ProfeiTi on,  were  rejected  and  punifh- 
 
 ^ed,  and  then  called  wicked  men,   of  the  wicked  One, 
 
 elt£i.  Gen.  mighty  in  ungodlinefs,  (one  of  the  Names  of  the  Seed  of  the 
 
 7!  1  Pet.$.io.  Serpent  ;)yea,all  the  Sons  of  men  that  flood  out,and  came  not 
 
 aPc/.M-        to  the  acknowledgement  of  God  according  to  this  Covenant 
 
 in  the  time  given  them  for  Repentance,  were  deftroyed  by  a 
 
 fioud  of  Water,  when  the  righteous  man  and  his  Family  were 
 
 fayed  $  yea,  God  hath  magnified  his  Goodnefs  in,  and  Faith- 
 
 fulnefs 
 
made  through  Chrift  mth  Man]       -tfjtj 
 
 fulnefs according  to.this  Covenant,  (though  no  outward  Seal 
 "of  Circumcifion 'or!Baptifm  were  added  to  it)  tharlt  if  a?- 
 firmedfor  Truth,  That  God  is  no  Refpe&er  of  Perfqns*; /bl6fc  A$ .10.4*; 
 in  every  Nation,  (and  ib  may  be  faid  in  every  Age)  He  chat  '  • 
 
 that  feareth  him  and  worketh  Righteoufnefs  is  accepted  of 
 him  2  fo  good  and  gracious  this  C  ovenanr.  And  no  other 
 Covenant  concerning  eternal  Salvation,  do  I  finde  made  with 
 any  the  Sons  of  Men,  till  Abraham's  time  2  onely  I  finde  a 
 Covenant  made  mthWCfah,  That  all  flefn  (hall  not  be  dc-Gcn.y 8,17. .. 
 firoyed  with  a  flood  of  Waters  anymore  :  which  tends  to 
 the  prefervation  of  the  Generations  of  Men  ,  till  the  end  of 
 this  World,  when  the  World  fhall  be  deftroyed  by  fire ;  yet 
 becaufe  this  prefervation  hath  a  tendency  to  repentance , 
 and  efpecially,  becaufe  there  are  many  inftru-ftions  in  it ,  for 
 underftandnig  both  this  Covenant  fpoken  ,  and  alfo  thofe  to 
 be  fpoken  of,  I  have  mentioned  it :  For , 
 
 1.  God  fmelt  a  favour  of  reft  in  a  Sacrifice,   beforehcG<?K.8.u,j:i 
 made  this  Covenant ;  inftrufting  us,  That  God  makes  no  Co- 
 venant for  the  good  of  Mankinde ,    but  through  the  reft  and 
 well-pleafcdnefs  he  hath  found  in  his  Son  Chrift  that  hath  of- 
 fered up  the  acceptable  Sacrifice. 
 
 2,  God  hath    it  firft  in   his  Heart,    and  fo  did  fc&Gcn,$.ii  zz] 
 Purpofeit,  before   he  did  give  thePromiie,  arid  make 
 
 the  Covenant :  which  inftru&eth  us ,  That  all  the"  Pro- 
 mifes  and  Covenants  made  by  God,  are  according  to  his  Pur- 
 pofe:  and  alfo, 
 
 3.  That  God  may  make  a  Covenant  with  Men,    m^Gen9u  f« 
 which   nothing  is  engaged  to  them  to  do  for  the  per-  ifa.'u.9^0,&^ 
 formance,  as  here,  after  the  deftruftion  of  the  World ,  and*5-i7.  * 
 renewing  the  face  of  it  ;    and  a  better  in  like  manner 
 wil  be,  when  after  the  deftruftion  by  fire,  the  new  Earth,  &c. 
 
 is  given. 
 
 4.  That  it  is  farely  a  Covenant  with  all  with  whom  God  GmAfc'xbid 
 "makes  it,  that  are  capable  of  receiving  benefit  by  it ,  though  & 
 they  be  not  capable  of  underftanding. and  believing  the  fame, 
 (as  the  Fowls  and  Beafts  here,  were  not : )  yea,  nor  Children 
 dying  in  Infancy. 
 
 5.  That  it  is  not  alwayes  neceffary  to  the  being  dtGen.wJK 
 a  Covenant  made  by  God   with   his  Creatures ,    That 
 
 Q^qq  thofe 
 
Of  the  Covenant 
 
 thofe  with  whom  it  is  made,    fhould  all  come  and  en- 
 gage for  their  parts  :   for  then  this  had  been  no  Cove- 
 nant;. 
 *  6.  That  fome  Covenants  may  be  and  are  made  by  God 
 
 f/*,|",I,,3'with'fome,of  things  out  of  the  power  of  Men  to  perform. 
 5'  and  fo  have  their  whole  and  ible  dependance  on  Gcd  onely 
 
 for  performance  ,  and  not  on  any  thing  to  be  done  bv  Men* 
 lefsormore. 
 
 -u   ±\  7-  That  when  fuch  free  Covenants  are  made  by  God,  of  fo 
 
 f/ p     i",J^'  great  things,he  not  onely  confirms  it  with  an  Oath  ,  but  ufu- 
 11,15,14,7/'  ally  Sives  fome  outward  fign  or  token  ;  which  God  be- 
 holding, is  faid  to  remember  his  Covenanr,  as  the  Rain-bow 
 here. 
 
 Get;  5.11,15.:  8*  That  fome  Men  may  by  one  Covenant  be  fecured  from 
 tftf.3.5,6,7.  perifhing  in  one  death  ,  and  yet  for  prefumptuous  Tranfgref- 
 fion  againft  fuch  goodnef^may  perifh  in  another, as  the  world 
 of  ungodly  by  fire. 
 bm.9-.hi7.  9»  That  many  may  be  under  a  gracious  Covenant,  andfe- 
 cured  by  it,  though  but  once  made  with  their  fore-Fathers  for 
 them,  and  not  made  over  again  to  them  perfonally.  All 
 which  Inltru&ions  are  read  in  this  Covenant,  compared  with 
 //a.  54.  9.  Pfai.  3 <*;  6,7,  8.  2Pet.s.63j.  %£V.n. 8.  And 
 therefore  I  not.ed  it  r  and  fo  fliall  proceed  to  the  next  I 
 
 finde. 
 
 t>.c«  .  Chap.  3. 
 
 Of  the  Covenant  of  God  made  with  Abraham. 
 
 \X7Hat  that  Covenant  is  which  God  made  with  Abraham^ 
 UR.7.1.  Gal.  is  plainly  and  fully  exprert  ,  and  may  of  all  be  read, 
 
 $.%>\i.Heb.6.Gcn  I7:4,8.inciuding,that Gen.i 2.3. &  18.18.  &22.18.  the 
 iSyi^.Gen.%6.  fame  being  teftified  and  confirmed  over  again  to  Ifaac,tht  Son 
 ^4,^4^*8.13.  an(j  Heir  of  Abraham  by  Promife,and  to  Jacob  his  Son,the  ap- 
 3  j,io,u,i*.  p0;ntecj  Heir  by  Oracle  :  andfo  it  is  fometime  called  ,    The 
 Covenant  made  with  Abraham ,  he  being  the  firf  it  was 
 
 made 
 
made  mtb  Abraham.  4.7? 
 
 made  with, for  him  andhis  Seed;  and  fomctimc  called,  The 
 
 Covenant  of  the  Fathers  :  the  Seed  not  multiplied  till  from 
 
 Jacob  •  and  fo  it  was  made  with  all  thefe  three  one  after  ano    teir.tf.  if,  if, 
 
 ther,  for  them  and  their  Seed,  they  all  coming  of  one ,  and  \'l\l\i**% 
 
 their  Seed  all  one ,  and  the  Seed  of  one  :  and  fo  it  is  ex-  ' 
 
 prefly  faid ,  It  was  made  with  them,  and  alfo  for  them ,  and 
 
 for  their  Seed.       The  things  in  this  Covenant  may  be 
 
 plainly  read  in  the  feveral  places  quoted ,  and  have  been 
 
 fometning  opened    before  :    I   (hail    onely  note   now  gcc  p 
 
 a  few  things  about  it ,   as  it  is  a  Covenant  •    And  ob-    n  * 
 
 ferve,  p# 
 
 I.  This  is  the  Covenant  of  Grace  and  Glory  thatwasbe-  G^.3.8,1^7. 
 fore  made  by  God  with  Chrift  ,    and  confirmed  in  Chrift  for 
 him .,  and  all  that  come  to  be  in  him ,    and  fo  of  his  fpiritual 
 Seed ,  and  of  the  benefit  whereof  they  all  (hall  partake ;.  buc 
 not  fo  opened  till  now. 
 
 IT.  This  Covenant  was  fo  made  with  Abraham  y  thatpro- 
 vifionisinit  , 
 
 1.  That  he  may  by  theGofpel  included  in  it,  teach  his 
 Children ,  and  call  in  and  profelyte  of  all  Nations ,    as  the  Gen.it.^off- 
 Father  of  many  Nations ,  and  the  Heir  of  the  World  :  by  g^3       ># 
 preaching  him  in  whom  is  bleffing  for  all  Nations ,  Men 
 may  be  brought  to  believe,  and  fo  he  may  have  a  fpiritual 
 Seed. 
 
 i.  That  fuch  as  in  hearing  do  believe,  and  fo  become  his      ^g 
 Seed,  may  have  theMinde  and  Law  of  God  put  in  their    c  ■  'I0* 
 Heart. 
 
 3,  That  thefe  Believers  may  be  multiplied  exceeding-  /^.  3 1.40.6*/. 
 ly,    and  yet  be  one  Seed  ttill,  and  have  one  Heart,  and  h****9* 
 one  Way. 
 
 4.  That  the  Heaven  and  the  Earth,  even  that  wherein  A-  Heb.u.9>iol 
 braham  breathed  and  fojourned,  may  be  made  new,  and  fo  fit  It,,1^3%4°; 
 for  fuch  a  Seed  to  inherit  5  and  that  he  and  all  the  fpiritual  ?** ' 105,  ** ' 
 Seed  (hall  inherit  together. 
 
 III.  That  this  Covenant  was  fc  made,  that  it  might  have  ;  „  ^     ^ 
 divers  times  of  fulfilling  :   one  in  the  outfide  of  it ,   in  the  -"42.*.l*^i.7i', 
 Types,  in  having  fome  reft  in  Can(lAn :  another  in  Truth,  and  ^6.  Heb.gM* 
 fpiritually  in  Chrift,  in  his  ftrft  coming,  having  finifhed  his,^8*1^* 
 f?rft  Wprk,  and  being  fet  forth  in  theGofpel,  and  io  given 
 
 dqq  *  for 
 
&yr$  Of  the  Covenant 
 
 .  fear  ItCdvenant :,  and;remaininig  the  Mediator  and  Minifter  of 
 
 j^Jf,5*^  it:and  the  next,laft  and  compl eat  fulfil ling,accor ding  to  Spirit 
 
 j/i/s.i.  i  Pet]  and  Letter  both,   ac  the  next  and  vifible  appearing  of  Jefus 
 
 r.%)&&G&:x}  Chrift,;  yea,  and  alio  a  divers  fulfilling  of  it  in  particular  Be- 
 
 8*f  *Wjrwr-  lievers  gi  as .fiift.,  When  through  the  evidence  of  Truth  in 
 
 Ij^tfttTj  <3»%i^cftimony  v  glorifying  Chrift  ,  a  Man  is  brought  in 
 
 4*?.  £/>fc.i.iV  to  believe  in  Chrift  ,   and  fo  made  of  the  Seed.     Secondly, 
 
 CoU^^irhcf.  When ,  and  as  in  believing ,  a  Man  ,  through  the  quickning 
 
 ***&&&    Spirit  of  Chrift,  comes  to  be  more  built  on  Chrift ,  and  fo 
 
 fealed  in  him  ,    being  indued  wkh, a  firft-Fruits  of    the- 
 
 iSpirit    promifed,    %gm.  8.  23.      And  thirdly,    When 
 
 ihe  Tord  Jefus  Chrift   (hall   appear  in  Glory,    and  the 
 
 Juft  be  raifed,  fo  to  appear  in  Glory  with  him,  to  poffefs,cfo\ 
 
 ijob.3.2. 
 
 IV.  That  this  Covenant  was  made  with  Chrift,   as  the 
 
 Meb.i.i.zph.i.  PUD^  Man> an^ tne  everlafting  Father,  upon  the  account  of 
 
 i4.p/k/ J.9.2V.  hiftSttflFer3nga«tid. Sacrifice  ■:  andfo  the  inheritance  is  his  firft, 
 
 jfa.  53.10,11.  he  is  the  Heir,  as  the  Son  of  God  by  Nature,  and  as  the 
 
 ^'h'T  A£i'7*  PublickMan  V  by  Purchafe,and  by  Covenant,  for  himfelf  and 
 
 »4  6,4o??fli. nis  Spiritual  Seed~  to  be  after  brought  in  to  him ,  (  for  there 
 
 105.Y9W!.'  could  benorie.beforehim.  )     And  this  Covenant  was  con- 
 
 Jto/».  9.8,9,10,  firmed  in  Chrift  to;  Abraham ,    andfo  made  with  Abraham 
 
 11  ^4.10,11,11,  for  himfelf,  and  for  his  Seed  after  him  alfo,  and  confirmed 
 
 l3?7*'%4i6Gi6  to  ^im w*tn an  Oatn  ;  *n^  *° to  //^r>  tndjacoi in  like man- 
 
 *1&tM&4* ***&  an^  *°  WW  f°r  l^m  anc*  l^c'ir  Seec* »  *nat  were  to  come 
 
 2*,2$,z8,3o,  of  them  and  after  them :  fo  as  Abraham  was  Heir,  not  onely 
 
 3h  by  a  fpiritual  Birth  ,  but  alfo  by  a  Covenant  made ,  and  con- 
 
 firmed with  an  Oath,  faftehing  the  right  of  Inheritance  upon 
 him,  and  intaiiing  it  upon  his  Seed  :  and  fo  in  like  manner, 
 was  Jfaac  and  Jacob  Heirs  with  him  of  the  fame  Promife  and 
 Promifes ,  and  promifed  inheritance ,  which  they  never  yet 
 enjoyed,  but  in  due  time  affurediy  (hall,  when  all  their  Seed 
 is  come  in  to  inherit  with  them  :  And  this  Covenant  is  con- 
 firmed to  Ifrael  for  an  everlafting  Covenant ,  in  being  fo 
 made  to  t^braham^Ifaac^  and  Jacob',  and  confirmed  with  an 
 Oath  to  them,  That  all  that  are  born  of  the  Promife,  that  by 
 the  Grace  of  God  difcovered  in  Chrift  do  believe  in  him,they 
 are  the  Sons  of  Abraham^nd  his  Seed,and  fo  as  Ifaac  and  Ja» 
 wb}  of  the  films  Seed,  Heirs  by  birth  of  the  Promife  given 
 
 to, 
 
made  with  Abraham.  4.77 
 
 to,  and  believed^  and  preached  by  Abraham,  I (aac,  and  Jacob, 
 and  alio  confirmed  Heirs  by  the  Covenant  made  with  Abra- 
 ham, Ifaac,  &c.  by  which ,  through  Faith,  they  are  affured  of 
 the  Inheritance. 
 
 V.  That  this  Covenant  being  fo  made  with  Abraham  for  ^tf.7.2,3,4 
 himfelf ,   and  for  all  after-Comers  that  are  his  Seed ,   that  Hcb.  u.  8.  i[a. 
 they, as  his  Seed,  may  know  their  Intereftinit ,  and  have  by  **•*• 
 Faith  the  lame  ufefulnefs  of  it ;  this  is  farther  to  be  minded, 
 
 That  Abraham  was  a. true  Believer,  and  juftified before  God, 
 and  fo  by  fpiritualT)irth  of  the  Seed  of  Chart ,  and  fo  an 
 Heir  ,  and  walked  in  Faith  as  a  Son ,  before  this  Covenant 
 was  made  with  him  1  fp  that  this  Promife  and  Covenant  was 
 not  given  to  him  to  beget  Faith  ,  or  to  make  him  a  Son,  or 
 upon  condition  of  his  believing  ;  All  which  was  wrought 
 in  him  ,  and  he  fo  living  and  walking  in  Faith  ,  before 
 this  Covenant  was  made  with  him  5  but  it  was  made 
 with  him ,  as  a  juftified  Believer,  to  confirm  and  encreafe 
 his  Faith,  and  fo  for  the  cxercifc  of  his  Faith  ,in  wait- 
 ing for  fo  blefled  a  Hope  ,  as  fet  before  rhim  ,  and  given 
 him  in  this  Promife  and  Covenant:  and  in  the  fame  man- 
 ner, it  was  after  made  with  Ifaac  and  Jacob  ;  the  Promife 
 of  the  Inheritance,  being  in  order  after  belief  and  new 
 Birth;  The  promifed  Seed ,  is  the  Promife  of  which  one 
 is  fo  born>  the  Promife  of  Means,  from  and  through 
 that  Seed  •  The  Promife  through  which  a  Man  is  fo  born  5 
 and  The  Promife  of  the  Inheritance ,  the  Promife  to  the 
 Hope  whereof  Believers  are  born.  And  fo  this  Promife 
 and  Covenant  made  with  the  Fathers ,  is  not  fattened  on 
 any  to  make  them  Believers  and  Sons,  or  on  condition 
 of  believing,  though  in  believing  is  the  way  to  meet  imbORem.4.t€.&S; 
 it :  but  the  Intereft  in  it,  and  the  Aflurance  of  it ,  as  made  17..M.  1.11,13. 
 to  the  Fathers  for  them ,  is  given  to  fuch  as  are  Believers  in  <»*'.  3«»*i  19* 
 Chrift,  and  fo  the  Sons  of  God  by  Faith,  who  are  Abraham's  Heb'€'l7i*' 
 Seed,  and  Heirs  according  to  Promife,to  confirm  and  encreafe 
 their  Faith ;  and  for  the  exercileof  their  Faith  in  waiting  for i 
 fo  blefled  a  Hope. 
 
 VI.  Thefreenefs,largenefs,   and  everlaflingnefs  of  this  Gm  l7    8> 
 Covenant,  the  dependency  it  hath  on  the  Truth  and  faith-  ichroir,ii*uyi 
 fulnefs  of  God  for  its  performance  5  all  being  pin  on  bim- 
 
4-7°  Of  the  Covenant 
 
 p/al.\oi.2,ii.feM  t0  perform,  who  hath  confirmed  it  with  his  Oath  ; 
 iob.$.'9,io>ii.yezy  and  having  firft  made  it  with  Chrift  his  Son,  upon 
 Htfc.9.ij,rf,.7  the  account    ot    his  Purchafe  :  the  Son    being  one  with 
 &l*-to'*Sam.  the  Father  in  all  he  doth  ,    he  alfo  was  one  with  the  Fa- 
 ther  in  making  this  Promife  and  Covenant  to  tAbraham^ 
 for  him  and  his  Seed ,   and  hath  confirmed  the  Covenant 
 with  his  own  Blood,    and  by  vertue  thereof,  extendeth 
 the  Performances.   So  that  this  is  a  fure  and  evcrlafting  Cove- 
 nant ordered  in  all  things.      This  is  ill  exprefs  in  the  words 
 and  terms  of  it. 
 
 VII.  When  this  free  and  everlafting  Covenant  was  openly 
 6*7f.i7'9>io,ii.  made  and  confirmed  with  an  Oath,  it  had  alfo  added  to 
 11,13,13,27.    it,  an  oiuward  and  fenfible  TetUmony  ,  Token,  Sign  and 
 Seal ,  to  be  fet  on  the  flefti  of  Abraham  ,   and  all  his  natu- 
 ral Seed  according  to  the  flefh  •  that  is ,  all  by  natural  birth 
 born  of  him  \  and  all  fo  of  him  ,  as  that  by  gracious  Pro- 
 vidence they  were  put  under  his  care  and  tuition,  whether 
 born  in  his  Houfc  or  Family ,  or  bought  with  his  Money  ; 
 fo  as  they  were  under  the  Government  of  him  or  his  Fa- 
 mily ;  and  alfo  that  were  profelyted,    and  (o  come  to 
 £^.11.48,49  l*vc  onder  their  Profeflion  ,     with  all  under  their  Tuiti- 
 on and  Government  likewifc.     And  this  vifible  Teftimo- 
 ny  and  Seal,  was  Circumcifion , ^  which  was  to  be  a&ed- 
 upon  the  Males  onely ;  in  its  beginning  to  be  put  on  the 
 Father  of  the  Family ,  and  Men  grown ,    and   then  on 
 Children  of  eight  dayes  old  ;  and  fo  to  be  continued  to 
 Generation  and  Generation  on  the  Male-Children.     And 
 this  Sign  and  Seal  of  Circumcifion  was  given  to  Abraham^ 
 and  he  received  it,to  adminifter,  even  to  all  his  Family,  how- 
 ever as  aforefaid  become  of  his  Family ,  even  to  the  Child' 
 of  eight  dayes  old,  as  a  Seal  of  the  Rigbteoufnefs  of  the 
 Faith ,  which  in  believing ,  he  had  received  in  the  Teftimo- 
 nyof  God,    concerning  the  promifed  Seed  ,   the  Object 
 and  Foundation  of  Faith ,  and  for  alluring  to  Faith ,  and 
 for  Faith  to  reft  on  ;     and  in  the  Covenant  now  made  * 
 with  him,  to  confirm,  encreafe,  and  exerciie  Faith  :  both 
 which ,  as  he  believed  ,  fo  he  had  to  preach  ;  and  lb  to 
 teftifie  the  Truth  of  that  he  taught,  he  had  as  received 
 from  God,  this  out  ward  and  fcnfible  Sign,  to  teftifie,  feal 
 
 and 
 
W)4ile  nith  Abraham.  a  *m 
 
 and  confirm  the  Faith  with ,  [  nor,  That  by  this  outward  Sign 
 he  fhouid  confirm  and  leal  his  own  believing  ,  that  he  might  ^Txx.Oaill^ 
 be  a  Son  ,  which  he  evidently  and  knowingly  was  before;  8^. 
 nor  yet  by  this  outward  Sign,   to  confirm  the  Righteouf- 
 nei's  and  Truth  of  the  Repentance  and  Faith,  or  believing  in 
 thofe  upon  whofe  Flcfh  the  Sign  was  put ;  but,]  That  he  might 
 be  the  Father ',  &c.  namely  ,  by  delivering  fuch  a  Do&rine  of 
 Faith  ,     and   teftifying  it  with  fuch  a  Sign  and  Seal  re- 
 ceived from  God ,   as  a  Seal  of  the  Righteoufnefs  of  it :  he 
 might  be  an  Inftrument  to  draw  on  Men  to  believe,   and 
 bring  under  the  means  of  begetting  to  the  Faith  and  Pro- 
 feffion  thereof  ;    and  fo  become  the  Father  of  them  that 
 believe,  whether  of  his  own  circumcifed  Nation,  or  of  any 
 other  Nation  :  in  which  Seal  adminitf  red  by  him ,    this  al-  £<•«.  17.9,10,1/, 
 fo  was  included ,  That  all  that  received  the  fame  upon  that  i3>'4.<4#.7.8. 
 account, as  given  him  of  God  to  that  end,  on  themfelves  and  T*'3^1** 
 theirs,  God  by  Covenant  engaged  tiimfelf,  to  afford  them  iXiSLzf^u 
 fuchmeans,  as  they  attending  and  yielding  up  to  him  there-  19.    &  $.30! 
 In ,   he  would  circumcife  their  hearts  to  love  him  ,  and  fo  i°fi.'>.9.Exod. 
 make  them  of  the  fpiritual  Seed,   that  they  might  be  in-l2'48}49.^». 
 terefted  in, and  wait  with  affured  Faith,  for  the  Good  affured  l^'* 
 in  the  free  and  everlafting  Covenant :    whence  Circumcifion 
 Iscalled  God's  Covenant  in  their  Flefh,  and  laid  to  be  much 
 profitable,  and  they  exhort edthus  to  attend,  and  the  Promife 
 alio  fo  made  to  them  ;  and  the  circumcifed  by  this  Ordinance 
 were  diftingutfhed  from  the  Heathen  of  the  World ;  yea,  and 
 of  them ,  when  profelyted ,  they  were  by  it ,   them  and 
 theirs,  admitted  into  the  Family  of  Abraham.  :  And  all 
 the  Circumcifed  engaged  by  this  Ordinance  to  attend  on 
 the  Lord  in  all  the  Ordinances  he  (hould  give  untothem. 
 
 So  that  the  Covenant  fore-made  by  God  with  Man- 
 kinde  through  Chrift,  was  not  in  this  Covenant  nulled 
 or  made  void,  or  weakned  ;  but  included,  and  open- 
 ed 9  and  farther  help  for  the  Obfervance  of  it ,  afforded 
 to  all  the  Circumcifed  ,  with  greater  Encouragement  by 
 the  Gofpel  more  cleerly  taught ,  and  the  everlafting  Cove- 
 nant held  forth,  to  all  that  were  orcame  to  be  of  this  Fami- 
 ly of  the  Circumcifion  :  fo  ,  thar  the  everlafting  Covenant 
 made  with  Abraham ,  by  having  Circumcifion  annex'd,  did 
 
 neither 
 
4&Q  Gftbs  Coven  Ant  made)  &C#  - 
 
 neither  exclude  nor  hinder  the  eternal  Salvation  of  any  hi 
 any  Nation,  that  according  to  light  and  means  believed,  and 
 lived  to  God  according  to  his  Covenant  made  in  and  throng 
 Ex$d.in*.  Chrift for  and  with  Mankinde;  onely  fuch  ascamenotinro 
 becircumcifed,  were  deprived  of  thofe  Priviledges  of  lar^e 
 Light,  Means,  Encouragements  and  Fellowflbip  in  Com- 
 munion  therein ,  afforded  by  the  everlafting  Covenant 
 to  the  circumcifed.  Surely,  this  free  and  evcrlaftin°  Co- 
 venant ,  is  a  bleffed  Covenant ,  no  Covenant  beyond  it 
 nor  any  could  be  good  for  us ,  that  fliould  in  any  fort 
 make  this  void.  So  that  we  look  for  no  other  Cove- 
 nant, but  onely  for  another  manner  of  making  this,  name- 
 ly, in  Performance ,  (  of  which  after. )  And  °iri  the  mean 
 feafon,  we  will  enquire  about  fuch  Covenants-making  as 
 are  for  our  fartherance  and  help  in  waiting  for  this. 
 And  as  we  read  of  a  three-fold  Performance  of  this 
 Covenant ,  in  three  feveral  times ,  firft ,  In  a  literal 
 part  of  it,  when  God  did  give  the  Israelites  reft  in  C*- 
 na*n  by  Jojhua;  Secondly,  In  the  fpirituall  part  of  it,  to 
 the  Souls  of  Believers ,  when  God  fent  Jefus  Chrift  into 
 the  World,  and  gave  him  for  a  Covenant;  and  the  Co- 
 Tenant  to  be  fully  made  according  to  Spirit  and  Letter 
 in  Performance  at  Chrift  his  glorious  coming  :  fo  we 
 (hall  finde  a  glorious  Covenant  made  with  Ifrael  to  tu- 
 tor them  till  Chrift's  firft  coming  .  and  a  Covenant  made 
 with  all  that  believe  in  Chrift,  as  he  hath  come  in  the  flefti, 
 and  is  given  for  a  Covenant  to  tutor  them  till  his  next  coming 
 when  thefull  will  be  given  them.  Let  us  take  a  view  of  each 
 of  thefe. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
4-8i 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 
 Of  the  Covenant  made  with  Ifracl  in  Mofcs 
 time. 
 
 f  A  Vttt  Abraham%tr\&  Ifaac,  tnd  Jacob,  and  the  Patriarchs 
 jf\together  with  him,in  their  times,had  in  the  Faith  of  this 
 everlafting  Covenant ,  fojourned  in  the  Land  of  Promife  a 
 hundred  ninety  one  yeers ;  the  Children  of  Ifrael  fojourned 
 in  Egypt  four  hundred  thirty  yeers :  And  after  that  God  in  re- 
 tnembrance  of  this  Covenant  brought  them  out  of  Egypt}  to 
 lead  them  into  Canaan  by  Mofes ,  he  made  another  Covenant  Deutt$tl>^ 
 with  Ifrael)  exprefly  called,  Another :  a  Covenant  God  made 
 with  them  then  at  that  time  living ,  and  not  made  wirh  their 
 Fathers,  that  were  before  them  ;  and  this  called  ,  A  Cove- 
 nant alfo,  frequently  ;  and  it  had  two  parts,  both  and  each 
 of  thena  called,  both  Law  and  Covenant.  I  will  mention 
 both. 
 
 The  firft  was  called,  The  Ten  Commands, or  Ten  Words ;  Enod.^%%. 
 a  holy  and  righteous  Law,  difcovering  more  cleerly  thenD^.4.13.  & 
 fince  Adam's  fall  was  fore-declared  ,  all  thofe  righteous  af- 10.4. 
 fe&ions  and  ferviccs ,  which  the  kindnefs  of  God  to  Man  in 
 the  works  of  Creation  required,  and  in  his  great  Redem- 
 ption prepared  for  Mankinde  in  Chrift  ;  and  his  Providence 
 for  prefervation  of,  and  particular  Mercies  and  Redemptions  £.m*.  10.1,1,3, 
 extended  to  Men  through  Chrift,  with  his  Authority,  do  ob- &c-  dm-W, 
 ligeandbindeMento  :   and  fo  how  they  ought  to  love  the  f"c'  aMat'zzr 
 Lord  their  God  with  all  their  Heart,  andMinde,  and  Soul,  y^^'j^ 
 and  Strength,  and  their  Neighbour  as  themfelves  :  in  which  13.8,9,10. 
 two  Commands  the  whole  Law  is  fummed  up:  and  this  part 
 of  the  Covenant ,  as  it  is  called  the  Covenant,  fo  it  is  called 
 the  Law. 
 
 The fecond  was  called,  The  Covenant  of  Levi^  or  of  the  Y,,/r^->12,i3 
 Priefthood ,  wherein  was  more  opened,  then  to  our  firft  Fa-  x&ea.  U*m- 
 thers,  Adam,  Seth,  Nbab,  &c.  who  offered  Sacrifices  :    for  in  SMf>^ 
 tihiswa$  many  Ordinances  of  divine  Service  •  and  this  was 
 
 Rrr  of 
 
^l  Of  the  Covenant 
 
 ,  .  of  things  to  be  done  about  the  Tabernacle  or  Temple  ,  the 
 
 zl  fo'l'o  ct°&  Laver>  Altar^ropitiatory;  an  Order  of  Priefthood,  with  Le- 
 
 Lwit.&         vites,  and  their  Services,  Sacrifices,  Wa(hings,  Purifications, 
 
 Nmb.  Feiii;als,  &c,  and  this  part  alfo  called,  The  Law,  Heb.j.12. 
 
 A  and  10. 1.  And  becaufe  this  part ,  when  once  diicovered  and 
 
 i^v^l3&commzr:s^^  >  was  a^°  eni°yned  in  the  Covenant  and  Law/ 
 
 M0JU.17.      °f  Ten  Words  •  therefore  ir,with  that,  andfo  both  together, 
 
 are  called  The  Covenant,  and  The  Law.     Now  if  we  minde 
 
 the  end  of  this  Covenant-making  and  Law-giving  5  and  how, 
 
 and  for  what  end  it  was  impofed  on  them  ,   the  whole  lfaacl% 
 
 or  Circumcificn,  we  (hallfinde,  That  in  the  whole,  cr  either 
 
 part  of  it ,  it  was  not  put  upon  them  ,   to  put  them  iri  finch  a 
 
 fenfe  under  this  Law,  as  by,  and  in  the  fulfilling ,  according 
 
 to  the  Precepts  ,  they  fhould  indeed  live*  and  get  life,  and  fo 
 
 V^*6*Gd*  l^e  Inrieruance  5 or  if  falling  (hort,  be  condemned  and  perifh 
 
 iz.&z.iuRom.  f°r  ever :  ^or  r^at  wa5  irnpcffible  for  any  of  the  natural  Race 
 
 3.24,2?.  &4.  of  fallen  Mankinde,  fo  to  get  life,  or  efcape  the  curie  ;  yea, 
 
 4,5.  Tics  4>53  fo  to  get  Life,  wereagainft  the  very  Offerings  and  Sacrifice  of 
 
 G^i'^Vzi  JC^"US Chri(*> and the end thereof  5  and  ir  is  againft  the free- 
 6  'i'J7al  ,w"  nefs  of  the  Grace  of  God ,    in  juftifying  and  laving,    and  a- 
 gainft  the  Promife  fore- made  with  Abraham  ,  and  agairjR  re- 
 ceiving by  Faith :  and  it  neither  was,  nor  could  be  againft  any 
 of  theie. 
 c  .  ^  But  this  Law  and  Covenant  was  impofed  and  put  on  rhem 
 
 24. &\1i£a  ^or  t^iel*r  tmoridge  and  nurture,  a ;  a  School- Mifter,  till  Chrift 
 4. '  '  the  promiled  Seed  fhould  come,  and  be  manifefted,  as  having 
 
 ccmpleated  his  firft  work  to  be  done  in  his  own  peribnal  Bo- 
 dy.    And  the  ufe  of  it  in  the  nurture  of  them,  is  declared  ex- 
 prefly  in  three  things : 
 Rom.  mo,2o       *  •  To  diicover  their  manifold  and  great  finfulnefs,  and  the 
 23.^4.1 5.  c>-fh.ortnefs  arid  vanity  of  all  their  own  Righteouinefstoget 
 5.2o.G«/.z.i9  life  •  that  hereby  they  might  yield  upthemfelves  as  guilty  to 
 Rom.7.1  i>i  i)  the  fentence  of  the  Law,  and  fay  Amen  ro  the  Curfe ,   and  io 
 die  to  all  hopes  in  thcmfelves,  or  by  the  Law,  and  fo  be  pre- 
 pared to  magnifie  Grace  in  the  difcovery  of  it  more  aboundly. 
 This  the  firft  ufe  of  the  Covenant  cf  Ten  Words. 
 
 2.  To  lead  them  in  all  their  Obfervation  of  Temple  Wor- 
 fic^7,1*^8,  (hip?,  Sacrifices,  and  Types,  to  look  to  a  better  Hope,  even 
 13  Gall'll't0  fcfos  Chrift  to  come,  and  his  Death  and  Sacrifice,  &c 
 
 figured 
 
■  made  mth  Mofes  iVllrael  j  time.  .      4.83 
 
 figured    by  them,     that  in    believing  on  him  to   come, 
 they  might  receive  forgivenefs  of   fins,   and    have  their A&11<9&$* 
 Hearts  purified  to  live  to  him,  in  the  love  of  him  and  one      i39 
 another.  . 
 
 3.  Having  forgivenefs  and  life  through  him,  and  fo  in  him,  pr^  g       , 
 to  fhew  forth  their  love  and  thanks  according  to  the  light  &u6^6^6] 
 and  ftrength  afforded  them,according  to  the  Rule  of  the  Law  Rom.x^^,^, 
 in  the  Precepts  thereof;  ib  waiting  for  him  to  come  :  and  it,  G^M3. 
 or  rather  they  in  it,   fhould  befo  accepted  as  Believers  and 
 thankful. 
 
 And  this  forementioned  Law,  given  to  this  end  ,  was  the 
 Covenant  made  with  them  :  in  which  we  may  cleerly  fee, 
 That  the  Covenant  at  firft  made  through  Chrift  withMan- 
 kinde ,  is  not  taken  away  from  them  in  this ;  much  lefs,  made 
 null  or  void  by  it  to  any  Man,  no,  not  to //fa*/,  but  renew- 
 ed ,  and  more  cleerly  opened,  with  a  great  deal  more  ufeful- 
 nefs,  for  their  obfervance  and  benefit  by  it ,  afforded  in  ir. 
 And  fo  we  may  fee  cleerly  what  the  people  on  their  parts 
 were  obliged  to  in  this  Covenant ;  and  that  was  not  to  make 
 themfelves  righteous  ,•  and  get  life  by  doing  it  .  but  by  it  to 
 fee  their  finfulncfs-fnd  deiert  of  curfe  ,  and  to  look  to  and 
 believe  in  him  that  was  to  come,  for  pardon,  and  graci- 
 ous helpfulnefs  and  life  :  and  jn  Teftimony  of  thanks, 
 according  to  their  light  and  ftrength,  to  walk  in  the  Ob-Detf.i?.i,\o> 
 lervances  of  it ,  and  fo  to  worfhip  the  true  God  :  and  Ir- 
 into  this  Covenant  LMofes  entred  all  the  whole  Circumcifion 
 then  prefent  and  to  come  till  Chrift  came. 
 
 Yet  here  is  not  all  the  gracioufnefs  of  God  extended  to 
 them ;  for  now  under  this  Law  and  Covenant ,  they  had  al- 
 fo  with  it,  preached  to,  and  taught  among  them ,  the  Gofpel 
 preached  to  Abraham  concerning  Chrift  the  promised  S«ed,DM?.t8.i  8. e^ 
 in  whom  was  bleffingfor  all  Nations ;  and  whofliould  be  the  a0.xiii4.Mfe 
 great  Prophet  to  whom  all  were  to  hearken ,  and  in  belie  v-  IO -6>** 
 ing  on  whom  they  fhould  befaved;  and  alio  the  Covenant 
 made  with  their  Fathers,  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Jacob  ;  and  fo 
 the  Gofpel  and  everlafting Covenant,  was  preached  to  them  D'*M-$T* 
 with,  and  in  a  fort  under  the  Law  or  Letter  :    and  fp  though 
 LMofes  was  a  Minifter  of  that  Letter  or  Law  of  Perfor- 
 mances, which  in  the  Injunctions  difcovered  fin,  andfen- 
 
 Rrr  a  tenced 
 
±$±  Of  the  Covenant 
 
 tettced  to  death ,  and  led  to  exercife  in  fuch  Rites  and 
 Ceremonies  as  could  not  purifie  the  Conferences ;  yet  he 
 did  therewith  difcover  Chritt  to  come,  in  whom  Remiffi- 
 on  and  Purgation  was  to  be  found  ,  and  the  Truth  of  all 
 figured  in  their  Sacrifices  and  Types ,  and  the  everlafting 
 
 \°e'lt$        Covenant  confirmed  in  him  ;  in,  and  according  to  which,  all 
 
 *'  *  *  Truth  fhould  be  performed:  whence  it  is  called,  A  glo- 
 
 rious Minitfration ,  though  veiled.  And  fo  it  appears,  ia 
 that  this  Covenant  was  given  in  the  Hands  of  a  Mediator, 
 one  that  fhould  ,  and  did  ftand  between  God  and  them  for 
 them  to  fpeak  with  God ,  and  bring  and  teach  his  Minde  to 
 thelm,  and  to  prefent  their  Mindes  and  Diftefles  to  God  ;  and 
 when  they  finned,  and  God  was  difpleafed3toftandin  the 
 breach  interceding  and  prevailing  to  turn  away  wrath  ,  and 
 procure  mercies  for  them  ;  to  give  them  the  Ordinance?, 
 andfet  in  order  their  Tabernacle,  Priefthood,  Sacrifices,  &c. 
 and  to  go  before  them  to  conduct  them  to  Canaan  •  and  fo 
 to  them  were  commuted  the  Word  and  the  Oracles ,  and 
 
 H*m.9A*  therein,  the  Adoption ,  (  or  means  to  bring  Men  in  to  be  a- 
 dopted  )  the  Glory  ,  (  or  his  prefence  in  the  Tabernacle  a- 
 mong  them  )  and  the  Covenants ,  (  th^t  made  with  *Abra- 
 ham  ;  and  a  little  before  this ,  we  are  now  about  the  Ordi- 
 nance of  the  Paffeover  made  with  them  ;  and  this  in  which 
 alfo  the  Covenant  fore-made  with  Mankinde  was  included) 
 and  the  giving  of  the  Law,  (the  Miniftration  and  carrying 
 on  of  the  Law  and  Minitf  ery,  given  them  of  God  by  cjfcfc- 
 fes  theMediator)  and  the  Services,  (that  is,  theExercifes 
 of  this  Miniftery,  and  fo  the  true  publick  Worfhip  of  the 
 true  God  )  and  the  Promifes,  (both  of  the  firft  and  fecond 
 coming  of  Chrift;  his  Sufferings,  Vitfory,  Miniilrationand 
 Raign ,  and  the  Raign  of  his  Seed  with  him  .  and  fo  of 
 the  Holy  Ghoft  to  be  the  Teacher  and  Leader  of  his  Seed 
 after  his  Suffering,  from  his  Afcenfion,  till  his  perfonal 
 coming  again.  )    And  thus  God  planted  them  a  right  no- 
 
 *WJ'iVi  bleVine,  wholly  a  right  Seed  :  and  fo  Ifrael  was  Holi- 
 VlMtl '  nefstotheLord,  thefirft  Fruits  of  his  encreafe  ;  and  he 
 found  them  (thus  of  his  own  planting  and  bringing  forth) 
 like  Grapes  in  the  Wildernefs ,  and  as  the  firft  ripe  in  the 
 Fig-Tjcc.  And  thus  were  they  preferred  before  all  Na- 
 tions 
 
made  with  Mofes  in  Ifrael  J  time.         a%$ 
 
 tions  in  the  World,  whcm,  though  he  yet  continued  to  them 
 the    means   ac  ririt  given ,   and  Covenant  at    firft  made 
 with  Mankinde  through  Chrfr,    and  fo  excluded   them, 
 noc  To   from  Salvation ,    but   that  if  any  of   them   t*-jffi,jomt£ 
 pented  and  believed,     according  to   the  means  vouch- Kom.i^.i^ 
 iafed,  they  Should  be  faved  5  yet  in  refpedt  of  this  know- 
 ledge of  Chrift,   and  of  any  true  outward  form  of  wor- 
 fhipping  God  ,  and  enjoyment  of  the  Priviledges  of  this 
 Commonwealth  of  Ifrael,  they  were  Grangers :  and  chough 
 in  coming  to  them,  and I  being  circumciied,  they  might  par-  ^,1X1^1,1^ 
 take  with  them  ;  yet  without  that ,  none  of  any  oiher  Nati- 
 on could  ,  which  was  for  the  time  a  Law  of  Ordinances 
 and  Hand- writing  againft  them:  fo  highly  then  did  God  prefer 
 this  People  of//™*/,  that  in  refpeft  thereof,  they  were^^       & 
 his  Sanftuary  and  his  Dominion;  yea,  his  cholen  andpe^i^'^  &i\e, 
 culiar  Inheritance  that  he  had  redeemed  out  of  Egjpt  ;  yea,nai4.Ho/:ii! 
 his  Son,    his  firli-bom  ,    whom   he  led   to,   and  let  in1'  |*tf.4-«. 
 Camcn.     In  all  which  we  may  obferve,  That  in  this  was  the  f^Q  lj^[l9 
 ftrft  literal  performance  of  the  Covenant  made  with  Abra-^  f0°t  j^" 
 ham,   Ifaae,    and  Jacib 3  and  that  thefe Covenants,  and f^j    mor 
 Promiies,   and  Priviledges  were  given  to  whole Ifrael,  iQparJ.  ch?' 
 which  they  all  had  now  more  means  then  any  other  Nation,  fa,2^zi!%z- 
 to  become  of  the  true  fpirkualSeed  ,  being,  in  refpe6t  ohttypzo.ffAg. 
 the  woiftup  let  up  amon^  them,  and  [herein  the  outward  A-  f°na  iwiw. 
 doption,and  means  of  the  inward,  wholly  aright  Seed,  and  3-^3^.Sj3. 
 the  Promiies  in  that  refpecl  alike  to  all  :   yet  fuch  as  con- 
 temned and  turned  affde  from  thefe ,  degenerated  inro  a 
 Grange  Plant ,   and  loft  their  own  Mercies  ;    and  fikh  as 
 in  cleaving  and  attending  to  thefe,  were  born  of  the  Pre  mile, 
 they  were  the  true  fpiritual  Seed. 
 
 And  thus  much  of  the  Covenant  once  made  with  Ifrael, 
 the  natural  and  prolelyred  Seed  of  Abraham,  that  they  might 
 become  a  fpiritual  Seed,  &c.  and  we  finde  this  Covenant 
 once  made,to  Aand  firm  in  all  Generations,  for  every  one  of 
 Ifrael,  till  Chrift  came,  without  making  it  over  again  to  the 
 whcle//w/,crto  particulars  :  and  when  Chrift  came  and 
 fuffered  for  all  the  fins  the  Law  could  charge  with  ,  and 
 fulfilled  in  Truth  that  which  was  typed  out  in  their  Order 
 of  Priefthood,  Tabernacle,  Laver,  Altar,  Propitiatory,  Sa- 
 crifices, 
 
^86  Vj  tbe  Loyenant 
 
 ctifice  and  Wafhings ;  then  was  the  Law  fulfilled  ,  and  Truth 
 found  in  him  who  is  the  end  of  the  Law  for  Rightecufnefs : 
 and  yet  there  was  among  Ifrael  another  literal  performance 
 of  a  part  of  the  Covenant  made  with  Abraham^u.  And 
 Gcn.i7.6.~Pf*.  Kings [bJl come  cut  of  thee  ;  when  he  chofc  and  gave  David 
 78.7oJ7i;72-.  l0  be  their  King  in  Ifrael  r  to  feed  and  govern  Ifrael;  and 
 then  we  finde  not  onely  a  reviving  of  the  Covenant  made 
 w'nh  Abraham,  but  in  refpeS  of  that  part  of  it  which  con- 
 cerns the  King  and  Kingdom  that  (hall  be  enjoyed  in  the 
 promifed  Inheritance ,  more  opened,  and  again  made 
 with  "David  for  him  and  bis  Seed,  which  is  to  be  confidered 
 alio. 
 
 Ch 
 
 AP 
 
 ) 
 
 Of  the  Covenant  made  with  David  concerning  the  Kingdom 
 \)romifedto  himy  for  him  and  his  Seed. 
 
 XA/'Hat  the  Covenant  made  with  David  was ,    is  exprefs  in 
 
 Seealfopar.  2  Sam.y. 10,17.  andi  CArw.17.9-15.  and/*/*/  89. 
 
 2-,  ch#i8.      20-37.   fall  and  large ,  and  hath  been  before  explicated 
 
 in  Part  3 .  Chap.4.  there  read  it :  And  I  will  here  onely  add  a 
 
 few  Observations  about  it  as  a  Covenant : 
 
 I.  That  this  Covenant  in  the  outward  and  literal  form  and 
 isam  7.1 3.  &  manner  of  making  it ,  and  in  the  Declaration  and  Miniftra- 
 *3.i>M.pM  tion  of  it ,  as  to  David  and  his  natural  Sons  ,  it  was  under 
 89-  3°>  3^323the  Law  and  Covenant  made  by  Gcd  in  LMofes  Mini- 
 *9'  ftration   with   Ifrael;     and   fo   had  many  terms  fuitable 
 
 thereto  :  lb  that  by  their  breaking  Covenant ,  they  might 
 fail,  and  come  (hort  of  this  for  a  time,  and  this  appear  as 
 if  failing  them,  j 
 ism.iz.i.  V*  ^at  tbis  Covenant  was  in  it  felf,  and  in  the  fpiritual 
 
 icbron.17. 10,14  making  of  it  with  Davidson  him  and  his  iupernatural  and  en- 
 during Seed,  and  his  Houfe,  promifed  abiblnte,free,  everlaft- 
 ing,  ordered  in  all  things,  ftabliflied  andfure  5  thefame,and  as 
 made  with  Abraham, 
 
 III.  That 
 
with  David  concerning  the  Kingdom.     4.87 
 
 III.  That  this  Covenant  was  confirmed  wich  an  Oath,  as 
 to  Abraham  before  :  The  Lord  hath  [worn  in  truth  unto  David,  vra^  x  -  2  r  r 
 he  will  not  turn  from  it  ,  Of  the  fruit  of  thy  body  ,  willlfet  upon  &  89.  34, 35* 
 thy  Throne :  faying ,    <JMy  Covenant  will  I  not  breaks  n  r  alter  3  *)3  7. 
 the  thing  that  is  gone  out  ef  my  lips.   Once  have  I  [worn  by  my  ho- 
 linef,  That  IwiRnot  lie  ti<to  David  j  his  feed  [hall  endure  for  ever, 
 and  his  throne  as  the  Sun  before  me  :  it  fk 'all  be  eftabltfhedfor  ever>  j 
 
 04  the  Moon,  and  M  a  faithful  witnefi  in  heaven.  Selah.  % 
 
 IV.  That  this  Covenant  being  a  part  of  the  Covenant 
 foremade  with  Abraham,  Ifaac^  and  Jacob  ,  is  no  other ,  but 
 what  was  firrt  made  wich  and  confirmed  in  ChriiV ,  and  then 
 in  and  through  Chrift  confirmed  and  made  to  Abraham,  Ifaac, 
 and  Jacob  ;  and  now  in  like  manner,  for  this  part  of  it 
 explicated,  made  to  and  with  rDa vid,  for  him  and  his 
 Seed ,  and  for  the  good  of  all  Nations  that  (lull  be 
 joyned  to  them:  what  manner  of  Kingdom,  and  where, 
 
 I  leave  the  Reader  to  fee  in  the  Ten?,  and  that  fore-writ-  par  2  c    0 
 ten.      Hence  this  Covenant  is  included  in,   and  minded  par"~  *'     * 
 in  minding  that  made  with  Abraham ,    Ifaac  ,   and  Ja* i^mas'iim 
 cob.  PKi  05.8/1 1'. 
 
 V.  That  this  being  of  the  fame  Covenant  made  with  A- 
 
 braham,  (to  which  was  added  the  outward  fign  of  Cir-  Kom'  4*  ,j5>*> 
 cumcifion)  and  given  to  the  circumcifedj,  and  under  the  Law;  9ill,ll>ll> 
 given  to  the Circumciiion ,  and  Circumcidon  abiding  in  its 
 fcrci  and  ufe  until  Chrift  came,  and  that  the  Circtimcifion 
 of  the  flefh  was  compleated  in  his  fuffetings ,  here  needed 
 n>  other  oucward  Token,  or  Sign,  and  Sell,  to  be  added 
 in  this  new  making  of  the  Cov  nant ,  \i  having  that  very 
 Sign  andSeal  before,  and  then  remaining. 
 
 VLThat  as  the  former  making  of  this  whole  Covenant  with 
 Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Jacob,  was,  even  fo  this  pare  of  ir  now  l^gf/f19'149 
 made  with  David,  is  to  made,  that  it  mi^ht  have  divers  times  17^7.™ 
 and  degrees  of  fulfilling,  as  is  alio  exprefly  to  be  found  writ- 
 ten,. 
 
 The  firft  fulfilling  was  according  to  the  Letter/uitable  to  the  'tiJi*&AJ>ipi 
 Covenant  given  by  Mofes  that  they  were  under ;  and  this  be-  *chm  6.1,10 
 °zn  when  Solomon  was  fetled  on  the  Throne  of  David,  and  I^iI,3<5* 
 had  built  the  Temple  ,  as  isccnfeLt  plainly  ;  yea,  and  after  a 
 great  breach,  yet  a  continuance  of  fulfilling  avouched. 
 
 The 
 
488  Of  the  Qovenant 
 
 Luke  i*3i)3*s  ^e  fecond  fulfilling  is  fpiritual,  and  that  began  when 
 33>^9J7°,7i3God  fern  forth  Jcfus  Chiift,  and  he  had  iuirered  and  o- 
 74.  Job.1.49. vercome  Death,    and  offered  up  the  acceptable  Sacrifice, 
 
 ifelV^  and  *"ate  dovvn  on  the  Rig1t>Han(l  of  Gocl>  2nd  receiv- 
 Hcb  7jlS&2,cd  all  fulnefsof  Spirit  in  the  Man,  and  fent  forth  there- 
 
 Pfai.  i'io.  11!  of  to  Men,   to  convince  the  Rebellious,   and  iead  Be- 
 &ti,iz}i$,    lievers  into  all  Truth  .    and  (o  by  that  Spirit  rule  in  the 
 Hearts  of  his  People,  while  they,  as  he  was,  are  Grangers  and 
 fufferers  here :  and  this  is  plainly  confeft,  and  the  continuance 
 likewife. 
 Rev,  j.io.  The  third ,  laft  and  comple at  fulfilling,  is,  That  which  (hall 
 
 iThef.wiMibe  both  fpiritual  and  literal,  if  I  may  ufe  that  term,  be* 
 Heh  \ii%At caufe  lt  Qia11  beonEarth>  though  the  Earth  renewed;  and 
 rIv\ii\\*?°  to  ^ou^  anc*  Body,  though  both  fpiri:ual,  &c.    and  to  all 
 Ifrael;  yea,  this  (ball  be  to  Abraham-*  1 rfaac,  Jacob ,  and  all 
 the  twelve  Tribes  of  lfraely  and  all  the  fpiritual  Seed  toge- 
 ther, even  all  that  fleep  in  the  Lord,  and  all  that  are  fur- 
 viving  at  his  coming,  when  Jefus  Chrift  will  perfonally  and 
 vifibly  appear,  and  come  and  take  unto  him  his  great  Power, 
 and  fit  upon  the  Throne  of  David  in  Jerufalem ,  and  raign  in 
 Jmtfalemi  and  over  all  Nations  of  the  Earth,and  all  Kings  fall 
 down  before  him,&  all  Nations  ferve  him.  And  the  Covenant 
 HeMi.i4>M>  thus  fulfilled,and  this  fettlement  and  Kingdom,  is  that  which 
 16.1Cbron.16.  is  promifed ,   and  which  all  the  Fathers  waited  for  through 
 1Yg  Ftm'X  Faitb-and  which,all  the  fpiritual  Seed  are  to  wait  for  as  Abra- 
 \e\6^?&%.  ham's  Seed,  to  whom  through  Promife  it  is  fure  by  Faith,  and 
 5.l^.2^.44,  they  have  profeffedfo  to  wait  for  it ;  the  time, place,  manner, 
 45.  De«M.3*.profperity,   and  duration  of  it  being  forefhewn  :  and  that 
 Pr/  l°^^[9'  God,  for  performance  of  this  and  the  whole  Covenant  made, 
 l6/m'1  '  *5  and  as  made  with  the  Fathers,  Abr aham^  Sec.  hath  confirmed 
 for,  and  will  perform  it  to  their  Seed,  according  to  his  Pro- 
 mife: he  doth  for  this  remember  this  Covenant,  as  made  with 
 them;  and  wills  us  fo  to  heed,  and  minde,  and  wait  for  it,  as' 
 fure  in  Covenant  as  made  with  them  ;  and  dire3s  us  not 
 to  look  for  another  perfonal  making  of  it  to  us ,   to~  rmke 
 it  furer  to  u> ,  to  whom  it  is  fure  enough  in  that  flrft  making  5 
 in  Faith  whereof,   we  wait  to  receive  and  enjoy  it ,   and 
 not  for  any  other  making ,    but  the  making   in  perfor- 
 mance. 
 
 The 
 
with  David  concerning  the  KjngdoM.     4.89 
 
 The  firft  fulfilling  u  paft  ,  as  confeft,  to  begin  with  Ifra* 
 el  and  Solomon  :  and  if  any  conje&ure ,    It  was  made  a- 
 gain  with  Solomon  ;  it  is  cleer,  ic  was  not  made  with  him,^™***:**^ 
 as  with  Abraham  Ifa*c9  and  Jacob;  nor  as  with  'David :  7  it$  J».  ^' 
 but  as  both  D^W  and  Solomon  ^  vvas  under  the  Law  given  by  is, id.  t&w, 
 LMofes,  and  foGod  did  gracioufly  minde  Solomon  of  the  i*.*o,ij. 
 Covenant  fore-made  with  David  ,    (  as  he  often  doth  Be- 
 lievers novV)  without  fo  making  it  over  again  with  him; 
 andioS0/0/»0*ttnderlicodit:  and  he  promited  Solomon  the 
 continuance  of  the  Kingdom  in  that  manner  he  had  re- 
 ceived ,  according  to  his  keeping  of  that  Covenant  given  by 
 KjttofesjLtod  not  otherwife ;  and  fo  he  underftood  it :  and  fuch 
 was  the  promife  to  all  Ifraelj    for  the  continuation  both  of 
 King  and  Land  :  and  fo  the  everlafting  Covenant  is  ful- 
 ly and  furely  already  made ;  and  other  makings  of  it,  I  have 
 not  to  treat  of,   nor  other  Covenants  to  be  made  ;  but  as 
 they  are  Branches  of  this ,  and  made  in  fome  performance  of 
 this  Covenant. 
 
 And  folftull  mention  three  things  in  this  bufinefs,  ac- 
 cording to  the  performances  of  the  Covenant  made  with 
 Abraham  ;  and#hat  is,  firft ,  In  his  fending  forth,  and 
 giving  Chrift  the  promifed  Seed  difplayed  in  the  Gofpel  ? 
 fo  he  hath  given  him  for  a  Covenant  to  be  received  by 
 Faith.  Secondly,  In  the  Difpenfation  of  his  Goodnefs 
 and  Spirit  through  Chrift ,  he  hath  given  by  Chrift  a  New 
 Teftament,  for  the  nurture  and  guidance  of  Believers 
 and  Receivers  to  the  Inheritance.  And  laftly  ,  In  the 
 coming  again  of  Chrift ,  the  making  the  Covenant  by  a 
 compleat  Performance.  I  (hall  confider  each  of  thefe. 
 
 Sff  CHAP, 
 
4po 
 
 Chap.  6. 
 Of  Jc[m  Christ  being  given  for  a  Coie/uUt. 
 
 r/v  %  t  a  v+  /^  ®®  promiied,and  according  to  his  Promife  hath  given 
 %1 ,         '     VJ  JefusChrW,  The  Seed  of  Abraham,  of  David ,  The 
 Saviour  of  the  World,  and  Propitiation  for*  the  fins  of  the 
 whole  World  .    The  Lord  of  all,  and  Head  of  the  Church, 
 that  hath  fatisficd  the  Law  ,  and  is  full  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  ; 
 TheHdr,   The  King,    The  Son  of  David  ,   and  The  Son  of 
 God,  for  a  Covenant  to  Believers ,  the  People  that  are  his 
 Seed  :  fo  that  he  is  The  Mrffenger  of  the  Covenant ,   and 
 he  with  whom  the  Covenant  was  firrtmade,  and  in  whom 
 Mat.i.uGrf. 3. it  was  confirmed  to  Abraham,    and  hath  confirmed  the  Co- 
 ^3i7^H^.9..^,venant  wjtj1  ^jg  own  Blood  ;  and  with  him  the  Covenant 
 py^/  g9  ,S8#10'thnd$  fall  for  ever  :   fo  that  all  the  Promifes  of  God  in  him, 
 %C»  i.ioMA.  are  Te^  and  in  him  Amsn ;  and  he  isTbe  Minifkr  of  the  Co- 
 M**^.         venant ,  by  whom  God  will  perform  all  diat  is  in  it.     And 
 fo  I  (hill  htre  onely,  in  what  is  implied  orrepretf  in  this  fay- 
 ing, That  God  hath  given  him  for  a  Covenant,  consider  what 
 I  am  helpt  to  underhand. 
 
 1.  That  he  is  given  for  a  Covenant,  implieth  ,  That  he  is 
 V;  i.'8.M^.S*ven  or  mac*e  t0  aPPear  *n  tne  Gofpel ,  that  he  may  teach, 
 1 1. ij.x cot. 4.' and  Men  in  beholding  and  minding  him,  may  know  the  Co- 
 6.  Heb. 1.1,7-  Tenant-,  and  fo  be  brought  in  to  him  to  enjoy  it  •  which  is 
 3fa'*1'1?6'  &  a  new ,  and  cleer ,  and  more  alluring  and  powerful  way  of 
 j;*/;\^g3'I$  teaching  it,  and  bringing  to  it,  then  ever  was  before  :  {o 
 Gcn'ii.iuoh.  he  is  affirmed  to  be  given  for  a  Light  to  the  Gentiles ,  and 
 1.1.(^4.14.     to  (hew  forth  judgement  to  them  ,  and  be  God's  Salvation 
 if«.*i.7<&49»to  the  ends  of  the  Earth.     And  this  mull  needs  be  fo,  when 
 he  is  let  forth,  who  is  the  promised  Seed  ,  that  came  to  take 
 away  fins,  and  deflroy  the  works  of  the  Devil ,   the  Seed  of 
 Abraham  in  whom  is  blefling  for  all  Nations ,   The  Propitia- 
 tion for  the  fins  of  the  whole  World  ,  The  Saviour  of  the 
 Wcild,  given  to  open  theblinde  eyes,  andbrin^out  the 
 Prisoners  out  of  Prifon ,  &c,  that  fo  the  Hearers  and  Be- 
 holders, 
 
Of  Chrifis  being  a  Covenant.  4.91 
 
 holders ,  may  believe  ;  and  whoever  believeth  ,  no:  perifh,  7oh     l6 
 but  have  eternal  life  ;  yea,  the  Father  witnefleth  this  of  him,  ifa.\%.  i>6.& 
 and  himfelf  faith,  He  is  filled  with  Spirit  for  this  end  ;  and  £».i»a,3,4.(W. 
 the  Holy  Ghoft  tcftifieth  ,  That  allfulnefsisinhim,  andhe1-1*^4--^. 
 enlightneth  every  one  that  cometh  into  the  World.     And^*^*3^7* 
 that  is  the  command  of  God  to  his  Servants  by  theGofpel>to  iPetii.\o  lr. 
 hold  him  forth  for  a  Light  and  Salvation,  to  open  the  eyes  of//*.  5*.  ^3^4. 
 Men,  and  turn  them  from  darkneis  to  light,  &c.  that  they  may  /•*.*.**. 
 receive,  &c.   and  God  goeth  forth  in  that  Teftimony  ,  wk- 
 nefling  oft    and   glorifying  him,  that  Men  may  believe  on 
 him ,   and  lb  receive  the  Covenant  which  he  giveth  to  Be- 
 lievers.     And  this  is  above  ail  that  was  before  for  teaching 
 and  drawing. 
 
 2.  That  he  is  given  for  a  Covenant  to  the  People ,  which  ifa^i,6.&^9. 
 implieth  and  expreiTeth ,  That  theCovenan:  made  with  the  %*Gen  j.**. 
 Fathers  for  the  People,  that  is,  thoie  come  in  to  believe,  and 
 fo  of  Abraham's  Family  ,  to  whom  the  Covenant  and  Pro- 
 miles  appertain, he  is  given  for  it ;  that  though  ihey  yet  wait 
 for  the  Inheritance  ,   yet  they  have  in  him  the  Interelt,    Chcr.70bi4.6dhi, 
 Root,  the  Affurance, and  certain  Hope  ;  for  he  is  The  Way,*?-^«J3-325 
 The  Truth,  Ttjrfife  \  yea,  The  Relurredion  and  The  Life ;  r>'l^\  1>3i 
 yea,  The  Promffe :  and  fo  we  may  fay  Tne    ovenant ;  for  he  J^  2  io!i  cor* 
 as  rifen  from  the  dead,  is  called,  The  lure  Mercies  of  Davidyi^o.'  &}.iz[ 
 in  giving  wFfich,the  everlalting  Covenant  is  at  lead  fpiriunlly  23-   Hcb.%.%. 
 made  •  for  he  is*he,in  whom  the  everlafiing  Covenant  is  lure,  Col*&9j$>.Aft. 
 and  fure  to  be  performed ,  and  the  making  it  in  performance  \^'%'\  \** 
 fure  in  him  :   fo  as  in  giving  him  to  Believers ,    all  is  in  and  £•/!$. 4. jj^.j! 
 with  him  given;  and  believing  in  him,all  is  fo  received;  in  en-  *• 
 joying  and  pcffeflmg  him  by  Faith ,  ail  is  enjoyed  and  pof- 
 feiTed  in  and  with  him  by  Faith  •  if  Chrift  be  ours,ill  is  curs, 
 Jefus  Chrift  raifed  from  the  dead,  and  gloiified  in  the  Nature 
 of  Man,  the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwelling  in  him  bodily, 
 Believers  are  compleat  in  him  ;   and  God  in  giving  him  in 
 the  Minirtration  of  the  Gofpei ,   giveth  ble  fling,   and  the 
 fure  Mercies  of  Dividend  the  firft  fruits  of  the  Spirit :    and 
 fending  him  again  vifibly,  it  is  to  reltore  all  things ,    and  to 
 raign  ,  that  Believers  may  raign  with  him  ,  and  fo  have  all 
 the  fulnefc  of  the  everiaftitig  Covenant.  What  other  Oracle, 
 what  Tempie,Sacrifice,Priefthood>what  Knowledge  or  Gift/, 
 
 Sff  2  what 
 
49*  OfQhrifis  being  a  Covenant. 
 
 what  Covenant- making  with  us ,    what  Infpiration  or  per- 
 fonal  giving  a  Promile  to  us,  can  be  like  this,  to  fecure  us  ? 
 this  is  the  choiceft  Teftimony  of  God's  Love,and  our  Intereft 
 in  the  Covenant-,  to  have  Chrift  given  for  a  Covenant ;  and 
 in  believing  on  him  as  he  is  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel,the  greateft 
 fecurity  and  affurance  is  received  :  God  that  fpared  not  his 
 xom.1.4.  Joh.  Son<but  delivered  him  up  to  dearh  for  all  Mankinde,will,and 
 1. 4,9. certainly  doth  through  him  extend  patience,  bounty,    mer- 
 cy and  mean-  ta  bring  Men  in  to  believe  on  his  Son  whpm 
 be  is  fo  giving  to  them  ;  yet  fuch  as  believe  nor,  receive  him 
 not,  and  ib  have  him  net  as  fo  given  them  ;  and  thofethat 
 M.* J.         through  unbelief  have  not  Chriit,  whatever  they  have 
 through  Chrift ,   and  for  his  fake,  yet  they  have  no  eternal 
 life,  no  Intereft  or  part  in  the  everlalUng  Covenant  :  fcr 
 eternal  life ,  and  all  pertaining  to  the  everiafiing  Covenant , 
 P  -           , .    Is  to  in  Chrift,  that  there  i«  no  receiving  or  enjoyment  of  it ; 
 I*  j*b!ifii. ***  kut  ln  receiving  or  enjoying  him,  which  is  yet  onely  by  be- 
 lieving in  him  j  and  in  believing  in  his  Name,  we  receive  him, 
 and  he  gives  thefe  priviledges. 
 
 So  then,  if  God  that  nave  his  Son  for  us^do  fo  give  him  to 
 if,  as- we  be  helped  in  believing  to  receive  nSfc,  he  will  with 
 j^^'^'^'him,   and  as  hegivethhimto  us,  give  us allthings  freely  ; 
 and  in  receiving  Chrift  ,  he  will  communicate  the  fame  to  us, 
 according  to  his  order  in  his  firft  and  lecond  coming  :  and 
 of  the  Difpenfation  by  his  ftrft  coming,  and  the  Hope  of  that 
 in  his  fecond  coming ,    h  here  treated  and  meant :  and  fo  his 
 being  given  for  a  Covenant  to  Believers,can  be  no  lefs  then  to 
 0&53»3j4'      be  given  fqr  a  Witnefs,Teitimony  and  Seal  of  Gcd  *s  Mercy, 
 Love,Rioh'teoufnefs,  Immutability,  and  Faithfulnef?,  to  per- 
 form to  them  this  everlafting  Covenant ,   and  to  be  the  He  in 
 col.  i»  3,9,10.  whom  they  may  dilcern  and  fee  all  for  them  in  him  ,  and  by 
 lob.14,19.  iPet.  him  fafely  kept ,  who  by  his  power  will  through  Faith  keep 
 1-\Rev-1'1*-  them  till  he  bring  them  to  it,  and  in  mean  feafon  to  be  the 
 ^'10  ik       Mediator  of  this  Covenant ,  that  they  may  receive  the  pro- 
 mifed  Inheritance  •  and  the  Minifter  of  4^  to  be  difpenfing 
 a  firft  Fruits  to  them  in  thefe  waiting  Days ;  and  this,that  he 
 that  hath  our  Nature, and  loves  us,c£v.  is  given  us  for  a  Cove- 
 nant of  the  people ,  it  is  a  great  and  ftrongconfolation ,  and 
 there  is  nothing  to  be  valued  with  it,  to  give  us  reft,  aflurance 
 
 and 
 
Of  Chrijl's  being  a  Covenant.  ^p% 
 
 and  eftablifhment.  Tnis  the  way  to  receive  it,  in  receiving 
 him  i  and  to  be  eitablifhed;  in  retting  and  abiding  in  him  : 
 Which  that  we  may  do  ,  here  is  one  word  more  caught  ns 
 for  our  fafe  guidance  and  tucoridge  ,  till  we  ccme  to  the  In- 
 heritance. 
 
 3.  In  that  he  is  faid  to  be  given  for  a  Covenant  of  the 
 People, as  he  is  for  a  Light  to  the  Gentiles,  implies,  Thar  he 
 is  given  to  give  a  New  and  Tenemental  Covenant^  new  Law 
 for  the  Nurture  and  Tuition  of  thofe  that  are  the  Sons  of 
 God  by  Faith  ,   that  they  may  be  led  and  preierved  to  the  jon^A-  &s 
 Inheritance  promifed,and  kept  by  him  for  them :  that  given  3j,j6,'gJ/ -  j£ 
 by  iMofes ,  was  to  nurture  the  Sens  or  People  of  God ,   but  ^3;4,7-  Rom. 
 under  tutoridge  as  Servants, fuirable  to  the  Servant,  by  whom  3*1-7-  Gal.^.i, 
 that  Law  was  given :  but  this  given  by  Chrilt,  is  to  nurture  ^m,2"ll' 2 
 the  Sons  or  People  of  God  in  freedom,  as  adopted  Sons,  z^^l'Vcor.  x 
 fuuable  to  the  Son  of  God ,  by  whom  this  Law  is  given,  6>i>%$. 
 That, by  Mops,  was  a  Law  of  Work-; ;  this,  by  Christ,  a  Law 
 of  Faith  :  thar,by  Afofes^Lzw  of  Bondage  •  thi?,by  Chrtft\ 
 a  Law  of  Liberty  :   that  a  Law  of  Sin  and  Death  ;  this  of 
 Righteoumefs  and  Life :  thata  Law  of  Letter  ;  this  of  Grace 
 and  Spirit  •  thaj^Miniitradon  of  Sin,  of  Condemnation,  of 
 Death  '5  this  a  Miniilration  of  Righteoufnefs,  of  Juiiificati- 
 on  and  Life,      And  that  Jefus  GHrift  is  given  for  a  Law  in 
 this  fenie,  to  give  this  gracious  Law  and  Tetfamenr,  iscleer- 
 ly  expreft  ;  A  Law  (ball proceed fiom  me,  & :.  Andhe\hall  bring  jra  ?f      . 
 
 forth  judgement  to  the  Gentiles,     ssind  the  Ifles  (htlhvatt  for  i^&%ti6  to*. 
 
 his  Law.  And,  B'wde  up  the  Teftimony  ,  feat  the  Law  amon^  my 
 Vifcipies.  I  think  none  that  believe  the  Gofpel,deny  this :  but 
 we  do  not  all  agree  what  ibis  Law,  or  New  Tenemental  Co- 
 venant is. 
 
 1.  Some  fay,  It  is  the  Gofpel  :  and  in  this  faying  there  is 
 Truth  ;  for  it  is  good  News  which  was  promifed  and  \5G^Ai*hC^. 
 difcovered  in  the  Gofpel  :  but  the  Gofpel  was  preached  to 3*  ' 
 Abraham  before  the  everlaftiog  Covenant  was  made  with 
 him;  and  he,  znd  /faac,  and  Jacob ,  after  the  making  of  the 
 everlail  ing  Covenant ,  ibjourned  in  the  Faith  thereof,  a  hun- 
 dred ninty  one  yeers  in  the  Land  of  Promife  ;  and  after  that, 
 the.Childrenof  //r^/fojourned  four  hundred  thirty  yeers  in 
 EgypU  before  the  giving  of  the  Teflamem  given  by  Mofes,  un- 
 der 
 
4-P4-  Of  drift's  being  a  Covenant. 
 
 Hcb.Zis.  der  which  the  Gofpel  was  preached  alio,  and  did  not 
 make  that  Testament  old  cr  decayed,  as  the  coming  in 
 of  the  New  Tetlament  doth:  fo,  though  Truth  be  in  this 
 faying,yet  it  anfwers  not  the  Qurtiion  at  all,  What  New  Te- 
 ftamentts. 
 
 2.  Some  fay,The  New  Teftament  is  the  Gofpel  as  now  de- 
 clared g'Dccj  1  etiis  Chrirt  came  in  the  rle(h,and  died,  and  rofe, 
 and  offered  the  acceptable  Sacrifice,  and  lent  forth  the  Holy 
 Ghofr.  Surely,  they  that  then  preached  him  to  ccme,  and 
 do  all  this ,  preached  Gofpel ;  yet  was  the  firft  Teflament  a 
 diijidjl  thing  then,befides  this.  And  fo  thofe  that  now  preach 
 him  come,  and  having  done  all  this ,  preach  good  and  true 
 Gofpel;  yet  the  New  Teilament  may  yet  be  feme  farther 
 diltin&  thing,  then  yet  mentioned  in  it ,  though  I confefs 
 this  faying  hath  much  truth  in  it ,  and  more  tending  to  fa- 
 :     ^  tisfa&ion  then  the  former;  but  yet  it  fatisfieth  ret,   be- 
 
 tfir.41.tf.  &%.  caure  0f  thac  ^jj  before  ^  ancj  becaufe  all  here  mentioned 
 
 is  preached  in  his  being  a  Light  to  the  Gentiles  ,  and  that 
 is  fomewhat  peculiar  to  be  for  a  Covenant  of  the  People, 
 be£des  the  everlalling  Covenant «,  as  to  bz  made  in  com- 
 pleat  performance,  is  mentioned  in  the^olpel  alio  :  fo 
 that  there  is  more  in  the  Gofpel  then  New  Teftamcnt, 
 though  all  in  the  Gofpel,  as  new  come  forth ,  is  to  be 
 preached  under  the  New  TeHament,  as  the  Gofpel  was 
 before  preached  under  the  old.  co  this  faying  (hews  net  what 
 the  New  Teftament  is,  to  any  fancying. 
 
 3.  Some  fay  ,  The  everlafting  Covenant  made  with  Abra- 
 ham :  now  the  old  Covenant  that  fhadowed  ir,  is  taken  a- 
 way  by  the  coming  of  Chriil ,  and  that  fo  cleerly  opened 
 in  the  Gofpel ,  that  is  therefrre  called,  The  New  Tefta- 
 naenr.  This  hath  much  Truth  in  ir,  and  comes  nigh 
 to  fatisfying ,  leaving  rcorn  for  Faith  without  Mrfaical 
 Observance? ,  to  lay  hold  on  this  Covenant ,  a>  confirmed 
 ,  8  6  cKo.  *n  G(r/#  to  Abraham ,  and  to  wait  for  the  making  o "  that 
 t9"  '  Covenant  in  performance  to  all  the  Seed.     And  this  might 
 
 feem  to  be  grounded  on  Heb.S,  But  when  I  confider,  That 
 H-jb.s.io.&io.  the  Holy  Gholt  fpeaks  there  of  Laws,  and  faith,  /  will  put  my 
 16 '•  4$>**s  into  their  minde,  and  write  them  upon  their  hearts  :  where- 
 
 ;*/-ii  *?.'      as  the  Prophet  mentions  but  one  Law,  faying,  Iwdlpmmy 
 
 Law 
 
OfChriJh  being  a  Covenant.  4.9? 
 
 htw  in  their  smvjrd  pan /,  &c.  this  gives  me  to  conceive  a 
 twofold  performance  of  that  Jer.  31.33,  34.  one  fpirhual 
 onely  to  the  Sons  of  God  by  Faith  ,  in  and  by  the  rirfl 
 coming  of  Chrift  ;  the  other  literal  and  fpiritual ,  both 
 on  Soul  and  Body,  at  the  fecond  coming  of  Chrilt  ;  of  which 
 the  Prophet  moreefpecially  fpeaketh  ,  including  the  former, 
 and  fo  leaving  room  for  a  New  Tenemental  Covenant  to 
 come  in,  and  remain  from  the  firtf  coming  of  Chrilt  to  the 
 fecond,  in  ftead  of  that  old  faulted  Covenant.  And  the  A-  '^S'-J* 
 poftle  fpeaking  there  more  efpecially  of  the  firft  coming  of 
 Chrift,  and  things  done  thereby, including  the  fecond  coming 
 and  things  to  be  then  done,  he  fpeaks  of  both  Laws ;  the  fir  ft 
 whereof  is  the  New  Tellament ,  as  (lull  after  be  fhewn,  and 
 doth  here  alfo  in  this ,  That  the  Prophet  exprefly,  and  the 
 ApolUe  incluGvely,  fpeaks  of  a  time  yet  to  come,  toying, 
 jifterthofe  dayes ,  that  is ,  when  God  hath  brought  both  If-  f        8  ■ 
 
 raelind  Jud*h  together  into  their  own  Land,  and  converted  HcM^io. 
 them.  Belides,  here  is  that  mentioned,  that  flail  fo,  buc  is 
 not  done  to  any  Believer  in  thu  life,  nor  fully  will ,  till  it 
 be  done  to  them  all  together,  at  that  day,  as  fo  to  know  him, 
 as  they  flnll  teach  no  more  every  Maa  his  Brother,  faying, 
 Know  the  Lord  ;  for  they  flull  all  know  him  (note  this 
 well)  from  the  lead  of  them  to  the  greatest  of  them,  (and 
 what  time  that  i-/he  Apoftle  tells  us )  and  he  fo  forgives  ini- 
 quity ,  as  he  will  remember  their  fins  no  more  ;  no ,  not  by  lCff-  '3  9^°;  ■ 
 any  corruption  abiding  in  them,  crany  weakrsefs  on  t.biertl  i  *  ai^^.g1' 
 in  Soul  or  Body  ;  any  pain  .  hunger,  third,  mortality  orii'n. 
 death,  as  the  Spirit  explicates  it  to  us,  %jv.  21.  3,4.  fo 
 that  not  onely  the  NewTeftament,  but  fomewhat  more,  e- 
 ven  the  .whole  evcrhllin°  Covenant  as  made  with  Abra- 
 ham and  David ,  is  in  Hcb.  8. 1  o,  1 1 .  which  Covenant  be- 
 ing made,  and  lived  in,  fo  lcnq  before  the  firit  Teitameat, 
 did  not  make  that  Teftament  old  ;  no,  nor  yet  the  renew- 
 ing of  it  to 'David:  fo  tbat  eleernefs  of  fatisfying ,  is  not 
 yet  in  this  faying;  and  yet  trnely,  this  cveriajfting  Cove- 
 nant made  with  Abraham ,  and  renewed  to  David,  figned 
 with  Circumcifion ,  the  literal  fulfilling  as  typical  both  for 
 the  Inheritance  &nd  King,  being  over ,  the  fpiriuul  fulfilling 
 begun  by  Girift,  compleatcd  in  him,rmnifc(ted,  and  extend- 
 ed by 
 
t$6  Of  Chrift  s  being  a  Covenant. 
 
 Xom.%.  22,14,  ^kyhiro  >  anc*  ^  firft  Fruits  received  ,  and  receiving  by 
 xj.  1^.1.3  3?1  the  fpiritual  Seed  ;  and  the  Harveit ,  and  full  of  the  Co- 
 venant in  Soul  and  Body  is  that  we  wait  for  s  fo  that  this 
 very  Covenant  is  the  Flower  of  our  Hope,and  ic  is  confirmed 
 in  thrift,  begun  to  be  performed  in  and  by  him,  and  given  in 
 him,  and  he  given  for  a  Covenant .  and  in  believing  in  him, 
 and  receiving  him,  it  is  by  Faith  received  ,  and  Hope  of  real 
 receit  enjoyed,  a  bleffed  Hope, 
 
 If  any  fay,  Bm  the  outward  Sign  and  Seal  of  the  Truth  of 
 this  Covenant  to  teflifie  withal ,  which  Abraham  hady  is  waiting 
 to  m : 
 
 I  anfwer ,   That  typical  fulfiilings  of  the  Covenant  are  o- 
 
 ver ;  and  Circumcifion  ,    as  it  was  a  Seal ,  fo  it  was  a  Type 
 
 and  Figure  alfo ,    Blood  being  (bed  in  it  $    and  what  it 
 
 did  typifie  and  figure  forth,  the  Spirit  and  Truth  figured  is 
 
 found  in  the  Circumcifion,  Sufferings  and  Death  of  Jefus 
 
 ™'c!i.l£VChtii* s  which  Spirit  and  Truth ,  isfo  inChrift,that  who- 
 
 ii/x2,      '  'ever  believeth  in  him  ,  is  interefted  in  the  fame,   and  it 
 
 is  become  his ,    and  he  receiveth  the  Circumcifion  made 
 
 Without  Hands ,  even  that  of  the  Spirit,  taking  him  off  from 
 
 all  confidence  in  the  Flefh,   that  he  may  rejoyce  in  Chrift 
 
 onely ,   as  compleat  in  him  ;    and  fo  ,   that  Jefus  is  the 
 
 Chrift,  That  he  had  put  an  end  to  all  bloody  Ordinances 
 
 and  Sacrifices  for  fin,  That  he  hath  made  purgation  for 
 
 our  fins ,  to  purge  us  with ,    and  then  fate  down  on  the 
 
 Rkht-Hand  of  God;    and  the  everlafting  Covenant  firm 
 
 in  him,    and  he  filled  with  Spirit  to  diipenie ;  andfofet 
 
 forth  the  Saviour  of  the  World ,   and  Propitiation  for  the 
 
 fins  of  the  whole  World,   that  whoever  believeth  in  him 
 
 may  not   pcrifh ,    but  have  everlafting  Life  ;  and  fo  his 
 
 compare  Gen.  Parc  *n  this  everlafting  Covenant ;  for  all  this  we  have  an 
 
 i7.9,i«3u,iz%,  outward  Sign  and  Teftimony,  more  fignificant ,  eafie  and 
 
 il..&Exod.iz.ftee  then  Circumcifion  was,    even  Baptifm,  &c.     to  be 
 
 m'  49«  o*^put  on  all  that  accept  this  Gofpel  on  them,  and  all  un- 
 
 fo?"^  J<ff!il!  d«  their  Tuition,  as  a  Sign  given  from  Chrift,  to  teftifie 
 
 33'frU.  11,1x1  (not  the  Truth  of  the  Repentance  and  believing  of  fuch 
 
 as  are  baptized,  buc)   the  Truth  of  the  Faith,  Gofpel, 
 
 and  Covenant  taught   ;     and  fo  difciple  into  Abraham** 
 
 Family  to  be  the  Scholars  cf  Chrift ,  who  needeth  not  (as 
 
 humane 
 
Of  Chrifis  being  a  Covenant.  4.97 
 
 humane  School-Mafters )  to  have  his  Scholars  bring  their  ca- 
 pacities and  funefswith  them  ;  for  he  evengiveth  thatalfo: 
 and  as  Circumcifion  and  the  Padeover  were  Ordinances  of 
 the  Gofpel ,  in  which  Chrift  to  come  in  the  flefti,  was  preach- 
 ed ,  and  both  before  the  firft  Teftaount  ;  and  yet  when 
 that  given,  were  both  ufed  under  it :  ioBapcifm  ,  and  the 
 Supper  of  the  Lord,  are  both  Ordinances  of  the  Gofpel ,  in 
 which  Chrift  is  preached  as  already  come  in  the  flefti,  and  to 
 come  in  Glory,  and  both  inftituted  before  the  New  Tefta-Kw-W^  3. 
 mem  was  given  from  Mount  Sion,  yet  now  both  ufedun-I,i*IM,8'Xa* 
 der  it.  But  the  new  Teftament  it  feif  will  verily  appear 
 to  be  fomething  diftinct,  even  that  Law  of  Faith,  of 
 Life,  of  Liberty,  for  nurturing  Sons ,  and  in  which  Believers 
 are  to  walk  in  this  Life.  So  that  yet  in  this  facing  we  are  noc 
 fatisfied.  i  . 
 
 3 .  Some  fay ,  That  the  New  Teftament  is  Chrift  his  Dif- 
 penfation  of  a  fpiritual  firft  Fruits  of  the  everlafting  Cove- 
 nant into  the  Hearts  and  Minde  of  the  Believers ,  in  putting 
 in  by  his  Spirit ,his  gracious  Word  into  their  Heart;  and  fo  en- 
 livening and  operating  in  them,as  to  unite  and  conform  them 
 to  himfelf,  and  fo  lead  them  to  the  Inheritance.  This  faying 
 is  Truth,  and  fully  proved  in  Heb.  8.6,10.  and  10,15,16. 
 agreeing  with  2  Cor,  3.3.  and  doch  more  fatisfte  according 
 to  Scripture  then  all ,  or  any  of  the  former  :  and  in  this  I 
 long  re^ed,  as  if  it  were  the  whole  of  the  Tru:h  ,  as  indeed 
 ,  it  is  a  part,  and  the  chief  part  of  it ;  and  that  which  according 
 to  the  New  Covenant  in  his  prefent  Miniftration  he  dilpenf- 
 eth  :  and  in  that  refped  alfo,  is  rightly  faid  to  be  given 
 for  a  Covenant.  And  in  this  Difpenfation  given,  a  New  Te- 
 ftament is  given :  which,  what  that  is,  I  will  affay  to  finds  out 
 and  delare. 
 
 Ttt  CHAR 
 
4-P? 
 
 Chap.  7. 
 Of  the  New  Teftamental  Covenant*  what  it  is. 
 
 rte  New  Teftament  is  that  Rule  and  Order  agreed  on 
 between  the  Father  and  the  Son  in  the  councel  of  God, 
 both  for  Chrift  his  Difpenfation,and  the  Believers  Receit  and 
 Perfeverance ,  to  which  the  Covenant  hath  Engagements  on 
 both  parts,  as  that  given  by  Mofeshzd,  though  not  the  like 
 Engagements ;  for  thefe  two  Teftaments  are  one  oppofed  to 
 the  other  :  and  by  comparing  the  one  with  the  other  in 
 their  Agreements  and  Differences,  and  the  excellency  of  the 
 New  above  the  Old,  as  declared  in  Scripture ,  and  the  Scri- 
 pture-Expreflions  of  the  New,I  conceive  we  may  ccme  co  the 
 cleerelt  and  fulleft  fatisfa&ion  to  know  indeed  what  the  New 
 Teftament  is. 
 
 1 .  They  were  both  given  by  God,  by  and  in  the  Hands  of 
 Heb\h)9&t.  a  Mediator  ;  but  not  both  by  one  and  the  Came  Mediator : 
 j  f.Rom.'iiio,  the  one,  the  Servant;  the  other ,  the  Son  :   they  were  both 
 13.  Gal.i'i?,  ordain'd  to  life,and  fo had  the  fame end,but  not  to  effe&  it  in 
 zi.e^j.iijiz.  the  fame  way;but  the  one  preparing  by  terrifying  and  killing, 
 G?/  4.2,4  V<,  ^e  ot^er  extending  it  by  confolation  &  quickning:  they  were 
 z6yi7Meb.it.  both  given  on,  and  from  a  great  Mountain  ;  but  not  the  fame 
 18.21.0^.5.  Mountain,but  the  one  Mount  Si^gendring  to  Bondage ;  the 
 **•  Gal.$.i7,  other  Mount  S/o#,giving  to  Freedomrthey  both  were  given  af- 
 8*'/ 4*  <V*io  ter  the  Covenant  made  with  Abraham,  and  fo  diftin&  Cove- 
 Exed.  %o.  \3i.  nants  madebefides  that;  and  that  by  Mofes  firft,being  no  part 
 p/a/.8i.io.      of  the  Covenant  made  with  Abraham,  but  only  fubfervient  to 
 ^#.i*.i8.      it:  anc|  this  by  Chrift  after,that  byMo[es#r\d  fo  no  part  of  that, 
 etf.1.1^13.    yet  navjng  in  it  the  quinteflence  of  the  Covenant  firft  made 
 with  Mankind  through  Chrift,and  the  firft  Fruits  of  the  Cove- 
 nant made  with  Abraham,  they  were  both  made  with  a  Peo- 
 ple redeemed;  notonely  redeemed  in  apublick  Man,from  pe- 
 riling in  the  firft  death,  as  all  men  were ;  but  alfo  called  and 
 redeemed  in  their  own  perfons,  out  of  great  bondage  and 
 £ervitudc£0  be  led  to  Reft  QtCanaan :  yet  not  both  alike:  the 
 
 one 
 
What  the  Js^ew  Tejlament-Co^enant  is.  ^pp 
 
 one  out  of  an  Egyptian^  worldly  and  bodily  bondage,  to  go 
 to  an  Earthy  Reit  or  Canaan  ;   the  other  out  of  a  fpiritual 
 bondage  in  the  darknefs  and  pollutions  of  this  World ,   and 
 the  powerful  dominion  of  Satan,  to  be  led  to  an  heavenly 
 Inheritance,  Red  and  Glory :  they  were  both  given  for  nur- 
 ture and  tutoridgcof  Son;,  having  both  their  Directions  and  G^. 4.1,8,11; 
 Requiring?,  yet  not  both  alike,    but  the  one  to  tutor  as  a  3  r« 
 School  Matter ,  though  Sons ,   yet  under  fome  bondage  like 
 Servants,  fuitably  directing  to,  and  requiring  Works ;  the  o- 
 ther  to  tutor  as  Sons  in  the  Father's  Houfe  andPrefence 
 with  Freedom ,  and  its  requirings  not  like  the  other  (of 
 obedience  in  works  in  the  ftrength  they  had  ,  not  putting  in  Gd    6     - 
 new  ftrength  to  do )  but  of  the  ule  of  Faith  and  Love  given,  6.i]z.  pbiLi. 
 affording  in  all  its  requirings,  ftrength  for  the  exercife  of  11,13.0^.4! 
 them  :    they  both  had  their Promifes  annexed,  but  not  both  '•    &l**sf* 
 like  Promifes  ;    the  one  of  an  earthy  Inheritance,    with^*10^-^* 
 promife  of  Prefence  and  Affiftance  in  the  way  upon  their  Hcb.s.%X% 
 keeping  his  Commandments  given  in  doing  them  ;  the  o-  Hcb.  9,%i]i 3, 
 ther  of  an  heavenly  Inheritance ,  with  promife  in  their  be-  x4>  l5^7^93 
 lieving,  of  Spirit.to teach,  affift,  comfort  and  lead  them.  zl^xod.^& 
 They°both  were  confirmed  with  Blood,  but  not  with  like   4,rw'*  * 
 Blood  ;   the  one  with  the  Blood  of  Bullocks  and  Goats, 
 the  other  with  the  precions  Blood  of  the  Lord  JefusChrift. 
 They  both  had  the  Mediator,    in  whofe  Hinds  they  were 
 given  to  officiate  between  God  afid  the  People,    to  make 
 known  the  minde  of  God  unto  the  people  ,   and  teach  and 
 guide  them,  and  to  deal  for  the  People  with  God,  in  Prayer 
 for  the  pardon  of  their  (Ins",   and  continuance  of  Mercies 
 and  Helps,  that  they  might  come  to  the  promifed  Reft  ;    buc 
 dbey  were  not  both  alike  :  the  one  was  a  faithful  Mediator,  a     b 
 Man  of  Peace ,  and  loving  the  People  ,    yet  not  a  Prince  of  $£&&{]$& 
 Peace,  that  could  create  or  inlVili  Peace  into  the  People,  nor  7.15. 
 fway  their  Hearts  to  his  directions,  nor  could  he  enter  them 
 into  that  Canaan  :  but  the  other,the  Son  of  God ,  and  Son 
 of  Man  ,   Emmanuel*  God  with  us,  one  with  God,  and  one  / 
 
 with  us ,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  that  can  create  andinfuil-  ir, 
 and  is  able  to  lave  to  the  utmeft  all  that  come  to  God  by 
 him. 
 
 I  might  add  two  things  more,  namely,   Thatthey  both' 
 
 Tt  t  2  had 
 
?oo   trbat we J\eyt> 7 ejtament^lovenant is. 
 
 VcHt  ,  ^  had  the  Gofpel  and  everlafting  Covenant ,  to  preach  in  and 
 30.1^1  j.r»w.  odcr  the  Miniftration  of  the  Teftaments  5  but  the  one  in 
 10.  4, 1,6,10.  and  with  the  Letter,  giving  no  Life ,  but  requiring  doing  for 
 1  C<**34>4>h  Life ;  and  the  other  in  and  with  the  Spirit,  giving  Life  ,  re- 
 px8'  quiring  onely  believing ,  and  fo  receiving  that  which  would 
 
 work,  in  which  they  might  live.  And  they  both  had  Mi- 
 nifters  ;  the  one  Elders,  Priefts,  and  Levites ,  to  minifier  the 
 firftTeftament,  in  which  was  carnal  Observances;  the  other 
 Apoftles  and  Minifters  in  preaching  the  Gofpel ,  to  hold 
 forth  and  minifter  the  New  Teftament ,  in  which  his  Spirit 
 goeth  forth  to  write  it  in  the  Hearts  of  Men.  In  all  which 
 Agreements  and  Differences  between  them  ,  and  the  excel- 
 lency of  the  New  Tefiament  above  the  Old  ,  we  may  con- 
 ceive what  probably  the  New  Tettament  is.  And  yet  with 
 all  this , 
 
 2.  That  chiefly  to  be  minded,  is  that  general  and  pofi. 
 <?rf.2.20.  **ve  Rule, Grf/. 3.20.  A  Mediator  is  not  of  one  ,  but  God  u  one. 
 If  this  new  Covenant  were  fuch ,  as  thofe  with  whom  it  was 
 once  made,  were  in  no  fort  Tranfgreflbrs ,  or  alienated  frc-m 
 God  ;  or  if  the  Covenant  were  fo  made,  that  the  People 
 wiih  whom  it  is  made,  there  could  benV-Tranfgrcffioncn 
 their  part,  occaftcning  difpleafure,  and  difference  ;  then 
 there  would  have  needed  no  Mediator  of  this  Teftaonent. 
 
 If  any  fay,  "there  needed  a  Mediator  to  ma'^e peace  between  Cod 
 and  fallen  Mankinde: 
 
 This  is  very  true  ;  but  here  is  treated  of  a  farther  Medii- 
 
 m  h    t  *        l*on  tnat  *s  DY  virtue  of  that  Blood,  by  which  that  Peace  was 
 Tico.9.1  *.       fore.made  by  the  Mediator. 
 
 If  any  fay ,  There  needeth  fuch  a  Mediator  with  (jod  for  pro* 
 curing*? 'atience  ,  Mercies^  and  Means  to  bring  in  fallen  Man* 
 Bpha^Mrf,  fade*  for  whom  the  Veaeekmade ,  that  they  may  know  ity  and 
 believe  : 
 
 This  is  very  true  alfo,and  Jefus  Chrift  is  fo  the  Mediator  al- 
 io :  but  yet  the  Mediation  here  treated  of,  is  a  Mediation 
 for  thofe,who  by  his  former  Mediation  are  brought  in  to  him, 
 and  in  Covenant  with  him:  for  it  is  the  Mediation  of  anew 
 Covenant  coming  in  after,  and  making  old  that  by  Mofes.  A- 
 braham  was  firti  called  and  found  faithful  with  God ,  and  then 
 he  made  the  everlafting  Covenant  abfolutely   with  him, 
 
 which 
 
What  the  3\(e)i>  TeftarnentXoyenant  is.    50 1 
 
 which  was  confirmed  in  Chrift  the  Mediator,    but  not  then 
 
 mentioning  a  Mediator  to,  mediate  for  his  enjoyment  of  ir, 
 
 being  immediately  given.  But  when  a  Covenant  is  expreii  to 
 
 be  given  in  the  hands  of  a  Mediator,  and  the  Mediator  fet  to 
 
 be  the  Mediator  of  that  Covenant ,   that  thofe  covenanted 
 
 with  may  receive  and  enjoy  that  promiied  ;    there  is  an 
 
 import  of  fome  weaknefles ,  and  breaches,  and  dangers 
 
 thereby  ,  in  thofe  for  whom  the  Mediation  is  made,    that 
 
 they  may  be  preferred  to  receive.     Till  I  faw  this ,  I  judged 
 
 the  firft  Fruits  of  the  everlafting  Covenant ,  to  be  the  New 
 
 Teftamentveriiyandonely;  and  lb  this  New  Teftarnent  to 
 
 be  as  absolutely,  made,   and  as  free  from  all  refped  of  any 
 
 thing  on  the  Believers  part ,  as  the  Covenant  made  with  A- 
 
 braham  was ,  or  that  with  Noah  either.      But  now  I  fee  my 
 
 thoughts  mult  be  rectified  :    yet  is  this  no  difcouragemenc 
 
 nor  damage  to  me ,  nor  need  be  to  any ,  coniidering  what  a  ^om.  8  32,36. 
 
 Mediator  we  have,  what  he  hath  done  for  us ,  how  W^g^8*10*,-  & 
 
 fumifhed  for  us ,   how  vertuous  his  Blood  is ,   and  how  for  8  L%'J'!\o.  &j% 
 
 that  caufe  he  is  the  Mediator  of  this  better  Teftament  con-  25/  Ephj.*$9 
 
 lifting  of  better  Promifes,  even  to  this  end  ,  That  the  called  ***a7.J/*.«M- 
 
 may  receive  the  promiied  Inheritance.   This  being  his  work,  See  par,  2, 
 
 to  wafh  andcleanfe  Believers,  that  he  may  prefent  them  fpot-ch*1 3» 
 
 lefs ,   and  to  give  them  beauty  for  afhes,  &c.  fo  that  here  is 
 
 ftrong confolation  againft  our  weaknefs.    And  in  all, hitherto 
 
 faid,  we  may  diicern  ,  that  the  New  Teftament  is  fomething 
 
 mere  then  the  Declaration  of  the  Gofpel  as  now  come  forth, 
 
 in  mentioning  the  beginnings,  or  declaring  the  Covenant 
 
 made  with  Abraham  ,   or  declaring  the  New  TeHament  it 
 
 felf  :  and  yet  fomething  lefs  then  the  New  Covenant  as: 
 
 made  with  Abraham ,   or  as  to  be  made  with  him  and  all  his 
 
 Seed  together :  and  though  a  Dilpenfation  of  the  firft  Fruits 
 
 of  the  Spirit  of  the  everlafting  Covenant ,  .be  in  this  New 
 
 Teftament  •  yet  that  is  alfo  according  to  the  New  Teftarnenr* 
 
 both  held  forth  and  difpenfed :  and  if  that  already  faid  ,  will 
 
 not  (hew  what  it  is  ,  T  will  affay  to  more  cleemefs. 
 
 3.  For  Scripture  Expreffions  to  help  us  >  I  (hall  put;  a  few 
 to  be  considered,  Joh.  1 . 1  7.  The  Lw  was  given  by  Mofesy  Jbut 
 Grace  and  Truth  came  by  Jefa  fljrift.  Here  is  firft  affirmed, 
 That  the  haw ,  that  requiring^  exact  a  Rightcoufnefs  as  it 
 
 .  difcovered 
 
5oz    What  the  J\ew  Te /lament ^Covenant  is. 
 
 difcovered,  and  in  every  one  fin  fenrenced  to  the  Curfe  ;  yea, 
 even  for  the  leaft  fhort  coming  ,  and  To  killing ,  and  that  of 
 Levi  and  the  Priefthood  enjoyning  To  many  Sacrifices  and 
 Ceremonies  to  be  done,  or  elie  every  Tranfgreflion  received 
 a  ju(t  Recompence  of  Reward  ;  and  though  done,yet  they  did 
 not  purifie  the  Confcience,  nor  make  the  comers  to  them  or 
 doers  of  them  perfect  ;  but  onely  fhadowed  out  him  that 
 was  to  come,that  they  might  look  to  him  and  be  faved.  This 
 Law  came  by  Mofes  :  (jod  gave  this  Covenant  by  him. 
 
 But  Grace  and  Truth  came  byjefus  Chrtft.  This  next  af- 
 firmed :  Grace j  that  is, free,  undeferved  and  rich  Favour  and 
 Mercy, in  forgiving  fins ,  and  accepting  into  Favour  and  Son- 
 fhip  by  Jefus  Chrift  that  died  for  our  fins,  and  fo  fulfilled 
 Truth,  and fatisfied  Juftice ,  and  fo  made  the  Atonemenr, 
 and  rofe  juft,  as  the  publick  Man,  for  our  Juftification,  and 
 afcended  to  Heaven  ,  and  offered  the  acceptable  Sacrifice, 
 and  obtained  eternal  Redemption  ;  and  fo  is  the  Propitiation 
 for  our  fins,  and  Grace  is  onely  by  him.  And  Truth :  that  is, 
 fulfilling  of  the  Promifes  ,  he  being  immeafurably  filled 
 with  the  Holy  Ghoft  in  our  Nature  ,  and  the  fulnefs  of  the 
 Godhead  dwelling  in  him  bodily,  he  is  The  Temple  of  God, 
 the  High-Prieft ,  The  Laver  of  Regeneration,  the  Altar,  the^ 
 Sacrifice,  The  Propitiatory,  The  Oracle,  &c.  the  Truth  cf 
 all  figured  by  thofe  is  in  him ,  and  fo  by  him ,  and  had  in 
 having  him  :  and  this  vertuous  from  the  beginning  ;  and  fo 
 even  then  ,  though  in  a  more  hidden  way  ,  Grace  and  Truth 
 camebyJe[u6Chrik.  But  now  he  hath  come  and  done  his 
 firft  Work ,  this  myftery  is  manifefted  ,  and  the  Spirit  hath 
 teftified  of  him  :  and  this  Teftimony  is  Spirit  and  Life ,  by 
 which  fuch  as  are  led  to  believe  in  Chrift,  do  meet  with 
 Truth  ,  and  fo  are  faid  to  worfhip  him  in  Spirit  ( this  graci- 
 ous Law  oppofed  to  that  of  Works  and  Types  )  and  in 
 Truth,  (acknowledging  the  Truth  in  Chrift,  and  meeting 
 7  .  with  him  in  believing  on  him ,     as  having  done   his  firft 
 
 24.^ /i,^!  1 9' work  for  them  ,  and  now  about  the  other  in  them,  andfo 
 20!  '  they  worfhip  God  in  and  through  him  :    and  that  they  might 
 
 thus  do, God  hath  done  and  provided  all  this  in  his  Son,  and 
 fo  made  him  known.      And  fo  upon  this  account  of  Chrift 
 his  being  fo  full  of  Grace  andTruth,  and  having  been  fo 
 •  ma- 
 
What  the  ^ein>  TeJiament'Covenant  is.    50} 
 
 maiufefted  alfo  in  the  Nature  of  Man,  John  Baptrft  in  refpe& 
 of  himfelf ,  and  the  firft  witnefles,  renders  it  m  thele  words,  frfr.  1.14,14,17 
 verf.  1  7,  as  the  ground  of  that  he  affirmed  verf.  I  6.  For  of 
 his  fulnefi  have  we  allrecetved  Grace  for  Grace :  other  profitable 
 fenfes  of  this  noted  before :  I  onely  now  note  this ,  That 
 as  Mofes  received  a  Law  of  works  and  fhadows  to  nurture  par  . 
 the  people ,  that  in  judging  themfelves  for  their  fins  by  one  '*' 
 
 part  of  the  Law ,  and  looking  to  Chrift  that  was  to  come, 
 in  their  ufe  of  the  Types",   ( the  other  part  of  the  Law )  they 
 might  through  Chrift  receive  Grace  ,    as  all  that  fo  looked 
 did:  but  he  having  come*  hath  abounded  farther  to  us,  and 
 we  have  of  him  received  Grace  ,  a  Gofpel  of  Grace ,  with  a 
 Law  of  Grace,  and  a  Spirit  of  Grace,  discovering  the  Atone- 
 ment made ,   and  forgivenefs  in  the  Blood  of  (thrift  ,  and 
 Truth  fulfilled  in  him  :  fo  by  the  Grace  of  God  in  that  Crofs 
 of  Chrift,  he  fuffered  ,  to  (hew  Men  the  vilenefs  of  their  fin?, 
 the  vanity  of  their  Righteoufnefs ,  and  yet  through  the  fame 
 Crofs  to  (hew  them  the  great  Love ,  Righteoufnefs  and  Pro- 
 pitioufnefs  of  God  ,  the  pardon  of  their  fins  in  the  Blood  of 
 Chrift  ,  and  the  fulnefs  of  Love  and  Spirit  in  Chrift  to  draw 
 them  in  to  believe  ;  affuring  them  in  believing  they  (hall  re- 
 ceive forgivenefs,  &c   and  To  we  have  Grace ,  that  we  may 
 receive  and  declare  Grace  ;  and  God  hath  engaged  himfelf, 
 that  he  will  fo  witnefs  of  Chrift,   and  he  (half fo  far  proceed  1/^.42.1,8.  & 
 with  Men  where  the  Gofpel  comes,  that  they  (hall  have  their  55-5. Job.3.1  u 
 eyes  opened,that  they  may  fee  and  believe ;  and  hath  alfo  en-  l*Q'£?™'10jfi 
 gaged  himfelf  to  all,  that  where  the  Gofpel  comes,do  accord- 1^,10,11. "' 
 ing  to  the  Light  and  Power  he  giveth,  believe  on  him,  he  will  Gai.\J.ijoh. 
 fave,  pardon,  and  enlivethem,  and  write  his  Law  in  their  3.23.1  Pet.i.  3 , 
 Hearts.    And  this  Faith  working  Love,  he  putteth  no  farther  4,5.1  Jo/;  i.7>9» 
 burden  or  yoke  on  any,but  to  believe  him,  and  love  one  ano- 
 ther 5  and  he  will  preferve  them  through  Faith  to  the  Inheri- 
 tance$and  if  they  fail,confefs  their  failing,and  through  theMe- 
 diator,they  (hall  be  forgiven  and  cleanfed.     And  thus  far  the 
 New  Teftament  is ,  and  is  to  be  held  forth  to  all  that  live  un- 
 der the  Gofpel  :  and  all  the  baptized  in  the  Name  of  the 
 Lord,  have  fet  their  Hands  to  this  Engagement,  and  may  live 
 in  hope  of  having  it  personally  made  with  them :  but  yet  the 
 perfonal  making  of  this  New  Teftarnent  with  Believers,  is 
 
 yet 
 
504-    What  the  3\(jy>  Tejlament*  Covenant  u. 
 
 yet  a  farther  bufinefs  :    fee  how  that  isexpreft  in  Scripture 
 alfo,  2  Cor«3 .3 .  Tea,  are  manifeftly  declared  the  Eptftle  ofChrifij 
 tmmflred  by  tu  ;  written  not  with  mkj  but  with  the  Spirit  of  the 
 living  (jod  \  not  in  Tables  of  Stone-)  but  in  tkefie(bty  tables  of  the 
 heart.     It  is  exprefs  throughout  this  Chapter  ,  That  the  A- 
 poftle  fpeaks  here  of  the  New  Teftament  oppoled  to  the  Old 
 Teftament  :  and  lb  likewife  it  is  evident  here ,    Tnat  in 
 preaching  the  Gol'pel  as  now  come  forth  ,    they  did  alio 
 iCor  i>6  7      tnerein  minifter  the  New  Teftiment :  and  fo  it  is  here  alio  e- 
 vidsnt,  That  when  Men  in  believing  the  Testimony  of  Chrift 
 in  the  Gofpel,ccme  to  believe  on  Chriu\then  they  receive  the 
 New  Teftament :  and  how  they  receive  ir$  and  what  it  is,  fee 
 here. 
 Phil.  3.3  7,8,9      x  •  ^believing  on  Chrift,  the  Grace  believed,  breaketh  the 
 '  3  *  '   ftoninefs  of  the  Heart ,   and  taketh  down  the  pride  and 
 ftoutnefs  of  it,  and  humbleth  and  meh  eih  ic,  and  enamoreth 
 it  with  Chrift,  and  fo  makes  the  Hear:  flefhy,  tender,  flexible, 
 fit  to  receive  his  Sayings,  Teachings,  and  Impreflions.    And 
 then, 
 
 2.  His  making theNew  Covenant  with  them  is  begun,  by 
 Heb.z.10.      writinghis  Minde,his  Defign,  his  Epiftle ,  by  his  own  Spirit 
 tri^i.V.       in  their  fo  prepared  Heart ,  giving  into  their  Heart  the  Spi- 
 rit of  Faith,  of  Love,  of  Power ,  and  of  a  found  Minde :  fo 
 that  they  have  in  them  a  new  Heart, a  new  Spiiir,  a  new  Man, 
 an  inward  living  Principle  derived  from  the  Fountain  in 
 which  they  believe,    inclining  them  to  love  God  and  their 
 Brother,  and  to  live  by  Faith,  and  walk  in  Love,   and  fo  to 
 feek  the  farthering  of  his  defign,in  fee  king  the  Honour  of  God 
 in  the  Salvation  of  Men  ,  and  the  Profperity  of  his  Church : 
 fo  looking  and  waiting  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord  ,    the  Spi- 
 rit herein  fpringing  up  Love ,  Joy  ,  Peace,  &c.  And  this  is  a 
 fo/0.S.i8.      Difpenfation  of  a  fpiritual  hrft  Fruits  of  the  everlafting  Co- 
 venant made  with  Abraham^  Jfaac,znd  Jacob,  and  no  other- 
 wife  ttiadc  with  anyfince,  excepting  David  about  the  King- 
 dom •  but  in  fuch  a  begun-performance.    But  then  mind- 
 ing the  words ,  and  the  Apoftles  fcope  in  this  place,  with  o- 
 ther  places  fpeaking  of  the  fame  bufinefs ,  andwefhallfce, 
 Thar , 
 
 3.  In  this  Difpenfation  of  Grace.by  his  Spirit,  there  is 
 
 made 
 
What  the  Ws&  TeJiamentXoyenant  is.   50? 
 
 made  a  double  Engagement ,  on  the  part  of  Chrirt ,  and  on 
 the  part  of  the  Believers :  in  which  rcfpe&  it  is  rightly  cal- 
 led a  New  Teftament ,  in  oppofition  to  the  Old  Teftament 
 given  by  Mofesi  which  alfo  in  this  Difpenfation,is  written  not 
 with  Ink  as  the  Old  Teftament  was  j  nor  in  Tables  of  Stone, 
 as  one  part  of  that  was ;  nor  in  Leaves  of  Parchment ,  or  a- 
 ny  fuch  thing,  as  another  part  of  that  was :  but  even  in  their  *^#I4tItf  ,7> 
 Heart  5    that  is,That  lefus  Chrift  will  follow  them,  in  fend-  i^&i6.i^[ 
 ing  his  Spirit  to  teach,  lead,  comfort,  and  guide  them,  as  hath  J$h*i 5.4*11. 
 been  fhewn  in  his  Purpofes  and  Promifes ;  and  on  their  part,  Gal,i.  u6* 
 that  they  abide  in  him,  and  fo  walk  in  Faith  that  worketh  by 
 love ,   waiting  through  the  Spirit  for  the  Righteoufnefs  of 
 God  in  all  thefe  Promifes  by  Faith.  In  which,living  by  Faith, 
 they  (hall  be  daily  nounflbed  with  the  Grace ,   Strength  and 
 Goodnefs,  of  the  Divine  Nature  in  Chrift  ;  and  fo  to  walk  in 
 Love ,  which  will  fulfil  all  the  Righteoufnefs  the  Law  re- 
 quires of  them,  and  alfo  on  their  parts  in  cafe  by  any  For- r  7^^ 
 getfulnefs  or  Temptation ,  they  fail  in  the  exerciie  of  their 
 Faith  and  Love ,  and  fo  be  drawn  afide  to  ferve  fotne  lufts  of 
 the  flefli ,    that   they  then  confefs  their  fins ,  and  crave 
 pardon  and  healing  in  his  Name;  and  he  for  his  part  engage- 
 eth  to  heal  them ,  and  fo  to  keep  them  through  Faith  unto 
 Salvation ,  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  laft  times :  and  for 
 help  of  their  wcaknefs,hc  hath  afforded  them  his  Ordinances 
 to  attend,  in  which  he  hath  promifed  to  meet  with  them  Mdu\%.io. 
 and  blefs  them :  all  thefe  things  are  (hewn  before  in  the  Pur-  ^l1^*14' 
 pofes  and  Promifes.   The  Engagements  on  Chrifts  part  arc  ij,b.i. 9110b. 
 feen  m  his  Promifes  of  Spirit  &Healing,and  the  Engagements  3.23."  1  ioh.*. 
 on  Believers  parts  feen  in  his  command  to  them  ,  affirming  *i./«fci4-**« 
 fuch  as  are  his  to  have  his  commands  in  them  :  and  thefe  ***>•}>&*& 
 commands  they  are ,   That  Chrift  in  the  Name  of  Wifdom, 6* 
 chargeth  his  Sons  to  keep  in  the  middeft  of  their  Heart. 
 And  fo  we  may  fee  in  thefe  three  forcfaid  points  what  the 
 New  Teftament  is  :    nor  can  any  thing  here  required  be 
 grievous  to  any  that  are  in  this  New  Teftamental  Covenant. 
 For, 
 
 4.  %om.  8. 1,  2,3,4.  There  is  therefore  no  condemnation  to 
 them  that  are  in  Chrifijefm^  who  w*/^  not  after  theflejbjxt  after 
 the  Spirit,    What  Coniolation  i3  this  ?  for  fuch  as  through 
 
 Uuu  be- 
 
jo6    What  the  J\(ey>TeJlamentXovenant  is. 
 
 Kom.7  1 1  4  $.  Sieving'  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift:  are  brought  from  under 
 G^.V^iy^s.^eboncUgeof  the  Law  and  Old  Covenant,  into  this  New 
 Rom.  7.i4ji7,  Covenant  with  Chrift  ,  to  bring  forth  fruit  to  Cfod^and  ferve  in 
 *°»  newnefiof  Spirit^  though  they  have  flefh  in  them  ,  which  lufts 
 
 againft  the  Spirit  ,  and  much  trouble  thereby ,  fo  as  many  in- 
 firmities be  found  in  them,  and  fome  failings ;  yet  if  they  al- 
 low not  the  fame ,  and  fo  yield  not  to  walk  after  the  flefh, 
 make  not  that  their  Way  and  Trade  :  but  wa'k  after,  that  is, 
 allow,like,  and  yield  up  themfeives ,  to  live,  fow  to,  and  walk 
 after  the  Spirit,  (the  Law  of  Grace  proceeding  from  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift  believed  in  their  heart )  if  according  to 
 the  Light, Strength  and  Motion  given  into  their  Hearts,  from 
 this  Spirit,  they  do  delight  in  the  Law  of  God,  and  de- 
 fire  and  will  to  walk  in  it ;  and  fo  yield  themfeives  to  walk : 
 their  wants  and  weakneffes  which  they  would  not ,  are  not 
 charged  on  them  :  there  is  no  reproof ,  no  condemnation 
 from  God,  from  Law,  from  Conicience,  that  fhall  wound 
 them,  nothing  that  fhall  break  their  peace,  none,  to  them. 
 And  this  the  A poftle  delivers  po(uively,as  very  Truth ,  and 
 then  fets  to  his  Seal,  rendering  his  own  experience  of  the 
 fame  Truth  ;  for  he  alio  had  his  fljfh ,  his  carnali: y,  his  Law 
 in  the  Members ,  rebelling  a^ainft  the  Law  of  his  Minde  , 
 and  fo  both  difabling  him  from  doing  all  that  good  he  would , 
 and  carrying  him  as  a  Captive  to  the  Law  of  fin  ,  whLh  dii- 
 covered  his  finfulnefs ;  and  of  Death ,  fentencing  him  to 
 death:  the  beholding  of  which,  tauled  a  cry  ;  yet  believing 
 on  Chrift,  he  faw  and  found  deliverance  :  lb  that  this  Law 
 difcoveringfin,  and  Sentenced  to  death,  had  not  power  to 
 faften  its  condemnation  on  him  :  For  (  faith  he  )  the  Law  of 
 tom.i*t.  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Chrift  Jeftu  hath  made  me  free  from  the  Law 
 of  fm  and  of  death.  As  if  he  fhould  have  faid,  Though  it  dii- 
 cover  fin  in  me,  andfentence  death  upon  me  ,  yet  it  cannot 
 faften  on  me  to  condemn  me  ;  for  1  looking  to  Jefus  Chrift 
 that  hath  fuffered  and  made  peace  for  finners,  in  believing 
 on  him  ;  77??  Law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Chrift  ,  hath  made  me 
 Jofr.8.3^  jYee^  g£C#  Ari d  this  alfo  he  builds  on  the  true  and  fure  Foun- 
 dation that  is  laid  open  for  all,  and  gives  a  general  Rule, 
 faying,  verf  3 .  For  what  the  Law  could  not  do,in  that  it  was  weaf^ 
 tpx.  $.3.       through  the  fle(h ,  ( the  Law  given  by  iMofes  difcovering  fin 
 
 and 
 
What  the  Zh(j\v  Tejlament  Covenant  is.   $oy 
 
 and  fentencing  to  death,    was  in  ic  klf  good  and  holy, 
 and  promiied  life  on  performance    ;     buc  cou'd  not  give 
 it ,  becaufe  of  the  weaknefs  of  flefh ,  ib ,  is  Men  could  nei- 
 ther fadsfie  in  performance,   nor  yet  in  Inffejing  the  punifh- 
 ment ,  but  they  would  nave  perifhed  in  it :  but)  God  fending 
 his  own  Son  in  the  fimilitnde  of finfu'flfb  ,  and  for  fin  ,    (  or  be- 
 caufe  of  fin,  or  by  making  him  a  Sac  cifice  for  fin  )    con  iemned 
 fn  in  theflejhy  (  even  executed  judgeaient  on  the  flefh  or  Na- 
 ture of  Mankinde  that  finned,  in  the  perlon  of  his  own  Son, 
 as  the  publick  Man  in  the  roomof  Mankinde  ,  and  that  to 
 this  farther  end  )  that  the  rigjoteoufnefs  of  the  Law  (the  life  ic 
 promiied,  and  could  not  give  us,  and  the  righteous  affections 
 and  love  fervices  it  required,    not  affording  ftrcngth  to^w8 
 bring  them  forth  )  might  be  fulfilled  in  m  ,  (us  that  believe  in 
 Chrilt ,  and  io  are  in  him,  having  received  Remiflion  of  fins, 
 andSpiric,  with  a  new  inclination,  that  i  might  by  degrees 
 be  fulfilled  in  us)  who  walkjtot  after  the  flefh  ,  (that  is,  delight 
 not  in,  and  approve  the  Wifdom,  Riglueoufnefs,  Confidence, 
 Affections   and  Lulls  of  the  flefh,  which  were  all  con- 
 demned and   crucified,  in  ChrUt   his  being  condemned 
 an  J  crurified  upon  the  crofs  for  us  ;    ib  that  we  make 
 not  this  flefh  our  Lord  and  rule,  and  our  way  to  walkaf-  * 
 teric)  but  after  the  Spirit^  In  eyeing  and  believing  in  this 
 Blood  and  Crofs  of  Chrift,  and  accepting  it  •  fo  believing  on  Rem.$.i$.&4, 
 him,  of  whom  the  Spirit  teftifieth,    .dmiring  the  Grace  the  5>m  s-*.&  *. 
 Spirit  commendeth  therethrough ,  and  according  to  the  Light  5>8aso. 
 and  Grace  thereby  given  in  the  inward  Min,deiib<hring  in 
 this  Law  of  God  ,    Law  of  Grace ,  of  Faith,  of  Libercy?  the 
 Law  of  the  Spirit  of  life :  and  fo  taking  it  as  our  Rule,  do  will, 
 incline,  and  yield  to  make  that  our  rrade3to  walk  therein,  we  fam.t.z$.&i. 
 (hail  receive  forgivenefs  of  fins,  and  healing  of,&  victory  over  r  *•  Km  6*}** 
 them,  and  have  affitance  and  encreafe  of  life,  and  lb  no  con-  .b'!'Jc"°lt 
 Jemnation.     Is  not  this  the  language  of  the  Spirit  in  the  A-  ^  &63  &i\& 
 poftle  to  the  Romans,   and  to   the  Galathns  and  other  8.1,13.  GaL*. 
 Churches?   yea,   doth  not  the  Apoftle  profefs  himielf  notT3^i3.e>6.§. 
 to  be  without  Law  to  God  ,  but  under  the  Law  to  thrift?  xcff-fW 
 and  doth  not  the  oppoficion  of  theietwoLaws,thatof  Mofcs, 
 and  this  of  Chrift, in  RomS.itf  ,4.  fait  and  agree  in  one  with 
 the  terms  of  thofe^wo  Covenants  menrioped,Kp^.8.2,d,7-8. 
 
 11  u  u  2  an  J 
 
$o8    What  the  !h(ewTeJlament'Coveriant  is. 
 
 and  fo  mentioned  as  the  two  Teltements,  that  of  the  [Letter* 
 and  that  of  the  Spirit,  the  Old  and  the  New,  in  2  0.3 .  j  ,1 4 , 
 and  it  being  a  Law  of  Faith ,  Love  ,  Liberty,  requiring  no- 
 thing but  what  it  giveth  and  indineth  to  ,  and  giving  pardon 
 for  all  weakneffes,  accepting  the  will  for  the  deed  :  Surely, 
 Mm  11.30.  ^ofe  t'iat  believe  his  great  Love  and  Faithfulnefs,  will  con- 
 1  fib*  f  .3.  *  &fs  hi*  Truth,  and  fay ,  That  his  yoke  is  eafie ,  and  his  bur- 
 then light,  and  his  commandments  are  not  grievous. 
 
 And  more  I  need  not  fay  to  (hew  there  arc  Engagements 
 on  both  parts  in  the  New  Teftament,  or  what  the  New  Te- 
 itement  is,  even  that  Obligation  or  Covenant  made  with 
 Believers ,  in  and  upon  the  Difpenfation  of  the  firft  Fruits  of 
 the  everlalting  Covenant  to  them,  and  grougded  on  the  death 
 and  facrifice  of  Chrift ,  and  the  love  of  God  commended 
 therethrough  ;  which  known  and  believed ,  effe&eth  Faith 
 in  him,  and  love  to  brethren :  and  both  obligeth  and  moveth, 
 and  affbrdeth  Grace  to  live  by  Faith;  and  walk  in  Love,and  io 
 to  wait  for  all  his  Promifes,  and  not  be  offended.  And  furely, 
 fuch  as  know  and  tafte  this  Grace ,  will  not  count  harfh,  nor 
 take  offence  at,  or  evade,  as  not  fpoken  to  them  ;  but  count 
 good,needful,  and  profitable  for  them,  whofe  (tending  is  by 
 Faith  that  worketh  through  Love,  even  all  thofe  caveats  given 
 againft  departing,  and  all  thofe  Exhortations  to  abiding 
 given  in  the  Golpel:  nor  can  they  be  difpleafing  or  hurtful 
 to  any  ,  or  hindring  their  Faith  and  Confolation  inChrift, 
 that  do  believe  Chrift  to  have  died  for  the  ungodly ,  and  by 
 his  Grace  commended  to  them  therethrough  ,  to  have  cal- 
 led them ,  and  enabling  them  to  believe,  and  fo  given  them 
 the  Spirit  of  Faith,  Love,  Power,  and  a  found  minde ,  when 
 he  made  this  Covenant  with  them.  In  which  alio  is  affured, 
 afliftancc  from  him,forgivenefs  of  their  failings,&  on  confefli- 
 on  of  their  fins,and  turning  to  him,  f  orgivenefs  and  healing  of 
 their  backflidings :  he  alfo  by  vertue  of  his  own  Blood  ,  re- 
 maining the  Mediator  of  this  T*eftament  for  them,and  theDi- 
 fpenfor  alfo  to  them  ;  affording  them  in  all  this,  To  ask  what 
 V[d.  138.8.  they  will  in  his  Name,  and  he  will  do  it  •  yea,  if  it  be,even  to 
 nil  a.  i>6.  perfeft  all  that  concerneth  them,  never  forfaking  the  work  of 
 LT/w.4,18.  his  own  Hands,  but  perfedtfng  his  begun-good  work, 
 and  delivering  them  from  every  evil  way ,  and  fo  bring  them 
 
 to 
 
What  the  ^j^TeftamentXovendnt  is.    fop 
 
 to  his  Kingdom.  Who,  but  thofe  that  defire  Liberty  for  the 
 Flefh ,  can  defire  a  better  Liberty  and  Confolation  then 
 this,  or  a  greater  ?  for  fure  other  Liberty  to  frail  Men ,  can- 
 not be  good  ;  and  of  the  Covenants  made,  I  know  no  more 
 then  thefe  already  declared,  and  Chrift  given  for  a  Covenant : 
 and  this  New  Covenant  thus  given  by  him  to  Believers,  the 
 choife  of  all,as  made  $  but  yet  as  to  be  made,there  is  ftill  more 
 or  greater. 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 
 Of  the  Everlasting  Covenant  as  remaining  to  be 
 made. 
 
 IT  is  evident ,  That  the  Covenant  remaining  to  be  made  is 
 no  other  but  a  new  manner  of  making  of  the  fame  everlaft- 
 ing  Covenant  that  was  made  with  and  confirmed  in  Chriftac 
 the  beginning, for  him  and  his  fpiritual  Seed  ;  and  after  de- 
 clared ,  as  confirmed  in  Chrift  to  Abraham ,  and  fo  immedi- 
 ately made  with  him ,  and  Ifaac ,  and  Jacob  ,  for  them  and 
 their  Seed  ,  which  (hould  be  of  the  fame  Seed  ftill  :  and 
 afterward  in  refpe&  of  the  King  and  Kingdom ,  fo  alfo  made 
 with  ?>avidj  for  him  and  his  Seed ,  which  (hould  be  of  the 
 fame  Seed  ftill ;  and  fo  becaufe  this  Covenant  was  firft  o- 
 penedto,  and  made  with  Abraham ,  it  is  called  God's  Co- 
 venant made  with  ^Abraham  $  and  becaufe  it  was  after  in 
 like  manner  made  with  Ifaac  and  Jacob ,  ^Abraham's  Sons, 
 and  fo  every  of  all  thofe  three  being  the  Fathers  of  Mlfrael ; 
 therefore  it  is  called,  The  Covenant  of  their  Fathers  ;  and 
 becaufe  in  refpeft  of  the  Kingdom ,  it  was  after  alfo  fo  made 
 with  David ,  it  is  fometimes  called  ,  The  Covenant  made 
 with  "David :  and  this  Covenant  ftill  called  ,  The  everlafting 
 Covenant,  and  The  Covenant  of  the  Fathers  ;  which  was 
 made  to  thefe  Fathers  for  them ,  and  for  their  Seed ,  to  wait 
 for  the  performance  thereof  by  Faith ,  the  firft  Teftamental 
 Covenant  given  in  the  beginning  of  a  literal  performance, 
 
 was 
 
5io  Of  the  Everlafting  Covenant, 
 
 was  for  nurture  of  the  Seed  till  Chrift  came ,  and  then  to  be 
 (haken  and  pafs  away  5  and  the  Second  or  New  Tegmental 
 Covenant  given  in  the  Difpenfation  of  the  fpiritual  firft: 
 Fruits  of  the  everlaftingCovenanr,io  nurture  Sons  for  walk- 
 ing in  Faith  and  Love,rill  they  come  to  the  Inheritance,when 
 the  fulnefs  of  the  Everlafting  Covenant  will  be  performed 
 to  Soul  and  Body  both ;   when ,  though  the  firft  Fruits  abide 
 1  r'8io4i "1 : »  in  the  Harveft  »   Yet  the  Obligation  in  refpea  of  living  and 
 13  9Heb.i  1.  W9  waiting  by  Faith,  and  ufeof  fuitable  outward  Ordinances, 
 17.  '  will  be  (haken,  and  pafs  away  a ifo  in  the  coming  in  of  that 
 
 fulnefs:  fo  that  the  Everlafting  Covenant  in  the  fulnefs  and 
 compleatnefs  of  it,  is  that  which  is  waited  for,  and  remain- 
 eth  to  be  made ;  not  to  be  waited  for  by  Faith  in  carnal  ob- 
 fervances,  as  till  Chrift  came ;  nor  with  the  firft  Fruits  of  the 
 Spirit,to  wait  for  the  fulnefs  by  Faith  in  ufeof  fpiritual  Ordi- 
 nances ,  as  fince  the  giving  of  Chrift  for  a  Covenant  to  his 
 coming  again;  but  to  be  made  in  and  by  a  compleat  perfor- 
 mance of  it,  as  all  that  is  faid  inthePromileof  making  it, 
 doth  evidence.  And  of  this  making  the  Everlafting  Cove- 
 nant foremade  with  ^Abraham  ,  (for  him  and  his  Seed  then) 
 with  him  and  all  his  Seed  in  performance ,  I  am  now  to 
 treat  ;  and  though  in  the  Revelation  of  it,  andPromifes 
 of  it,  it  be  forefaewn  ,  yet  as  it  is  inrured  in  the  Promifeas 
 a  Covenant  to  be  made,  I  will  note  a  few  things  about  it  that 
 are  clcerly  fet  forth  in  the  Scripture ;  a?,  1 .  The  Time  when 
 it  is  to  be  made :  *.  The  Perfons  with  whom  it  is  to  be  made: 
 and  5.  What  is  to  be  done  in  this  manner  of  making  it  ;  all 
 included,  and  not  darkly ,  but  cleerly  intimated  and  expreft, 
 , ,  in  that  known  place  ,  Jer.  31.53,34.  Bm  this  the  Covenant 
 that  I  will  make  with  the  Houfe  of Ifrael after  thofe  dayes ,  faith 
 the  Lord,  Iwillpnt  my  Law  in  their  inward  pins  ,  and  write  it  in 
 their  hearts  •  and  wiUbe  their  God ,  and  they  fo  all  be  my  people. 
 And  they  {hall  teach  no  more  every  Man  his  Neighbour)  and  every 
 '  *  Man  his  Brother,  faying,  Kmw  the  Lord;  for  they  (hall  all  know  me 
 from  the  leaft  of  them,  to  the  great  eft  of  them,  faith  the  Lord  s  for 
 I  will  forgive  their  iniquity  ,  and  1  will  remember  tloeir  fin  no 
 more.  Minde  thefe  words,  and  fee ,  That  this  Covenant  was 
 not  then  made,  when  Jeremiah  wrote  it  :  he  faith  neither, 
 I  have  made  ,    nor  /  drmake  ;  but,  /  will  make :  nor  doth  he 
 
 fry, 
 
 Jer.  3 1 
 
remaining  to  be  made^.  511 ; 
 
 hy-)I  will  pre fently  make:  for '.the  old  faulted  Covenant-  yet  - 
 was,  and  for  a  longtime  to  be  in  force  ;  bur,  ■  After shofe day t/  32. 
 I  will  make:   the  laft  of  thofe  dayes  being  not  yet  come, 
 and  fo  the  Covenant  yet  not  fo  fully  made  as  here  h  pro- 
 mifed  to  be  made :  and  fo  in  them,  I  will  view  the  three  things 
 mentioned. 
 
 I.  The  Time  when  this  Covenant  is  to  be  made,  is  cleerly 
 exprefs  to  be  after  thofe  dayes  ;  he  faith  not  thefe  dayes  ,  as 
 f'peakingof  the  dayes  of  his  prophecying  onely,  or  thole  neer 
 following  after ;  but  the  dayes  of  which  he  propheficd  that 
 muft  firit  come,  and  the  things  therein  to  be  done,  firft  done ; 
 and  then  after  thpfe  dayes ,  and  thole  things  done  in  them, 
 he  will  make  this  Covenant  :  ic  is  nowhere  faid  >  inrefpecV 
 of  the  fulnefs ,  That  he  will  make  it  before,  as  for  a  dif- 
 penfation  of  a  fpiritual  firft  Fruits,  and  aNewTeftament 
 made  to  nurture  Sons ,  to  wait  for  the  fulnefs.in  the  making 
 this  Covenant  to.  come  in  its,  time  ;  this  was  to  be  ,  and 
 hath  been  done  by  Chrift  at  and  llnce  his  firft  coming ,  and 
 is  here  intimated,  verfe  31,  &c*  a*  is  forefli'ewn.  But  for 
 the  fulnefs,  before  that  be  done ,  and  the  Covenant  fo  made, 
 the  whole  Houfeof  Ijrael  that  are  then  farming,  even  Ifra- 
 el  tti&faiah ;  the  natural  feed  of  Abraham ,  Ifaac  ,  and  Ja- 
 cob, mutt,  be  firft  brought  into  their  Land  and  converted; 
 and  then  Jefus  Chnft  the  Son  of  Abraham  and  David,  muft 
 vifibly  defcend  from  Heaven ,  and  all  the  Saints  be  raifed, 
 and  changed,  and  come  with  Jefus  Chrift  ,  and  break  the 
 power  of  all  Oppreffors.  And  then  when  thefe  things 
 are  done,  after  thole  dayes,  he  will  thus  make  this  Cove- 
 nant ,  as  is  faid.  And  this  is  that  faid  here  by  this  Pro- 
 phet ,  as  eliewhere  by  the  reft  of  the  Prophet?.  This 
 Prophet  fpeaking  of  all  the  Families  of  Ifraei r,  to  whom 
 God  will  do  this,  faith,  Behold,  I  will  bring  them  from  7 
 the 'Hs^h- Country,  and  gather  them  from  the  coafts  of  the 4V7  '  ' 
 Earth:  with  them  the  blinde,  and  the  lame ,  the  woman  with 
 ihilde,    and  her  that  travelleth  with-childe  together  5  a  great 
 
 company  fhall  return  thither. They  fh all  come  with  weeping  ■ 
 
 and  with  fupplication  will  I  lead  them  ;  I  will  canfe  themtowalk^ 
 in  River  j  of  waters  ,  in  aftraightway  wherein  they  fhaU  not  ft  urn- 
 He  :  For  I  am  a  Father  to  Ifraei,   andEphraimis  my  firft- 
 
 born, 
 
fix  Uf  we  liver  lasting  Covenant 
 
 io,  born*  —~He  that  featured  Ifrael)  will  gather  him  :  (  and  fo  OB 
 i69to  verfe  1 6.)  in  which  he  promifcth  ,   Th*t  the  Children  of 
 Rachel  [hall  come  again  from  the  Land  of  the  Enemy  to  their  own 
 Borders :  including  the  Children  (lain  by  Herod  jn  and  about 
 Bethlehem,  Mat.2.1 7,1 8.  which  (hall  be  then  alfo  raifed,  (and 
 27j  fo  on  to  the  ijv.)Beholdjbe  days  comejatth  the  Lor  df  hat  I  will 
 'fow  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  and  the  houfe  ofjudah  with  the  feed  of  ma*) 
 ^x>and  with  the  feed  ofbeaft;  (and  fo  on  to  verfe  the  3 1.  faying,}2fc- 
 holdythe  days  come,  faith  the  Lor d^that  1  will  make  a  new  Covenant 
 with  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  ,    and  with  the  houfe  of  Judab.     And 
 33.  what  and  when  it  fhallbe,  he  (heweth  in  verfes  3  3, 34,  and 
 pointing  to  the  time ,   he  faith  ,  %After  theft  dayes ,  that  is, 
 thofe  dayes,  as  then  to  come ,  and  in  the  greateft  meafore 
 and  full  icnfe,  yet  alfo,  which  he  prophefied  of  from  the 
 8  verfe  to  the  30.    And  this  he  again  after  affirms  and  ex- 
 jeY  j2  ,7  ,3  plains :  Behild ,    I  wit  gather  them  out  of  all  Countries  whither 
 3^,40,41  !&% .  I  have  driven  them  in  mine  anger  ,   and  I  will  bring  them  again 
 i4,i8.dM4.*,H  this  place ,  and  I will  caufe  them  to  dwellfafely*  and  theyfhaU 
 7.*3<>.i*,i».  yemy  people  ^  and  I  will  be  their  (jod%  &C,    and  I  witt  make  an  t- 
 1  aii^io.7'    verlafling  Covenant  with  them ,  5cc.     And  fo  clfewhere  :  and 
 fo  other  Prophets ,  Thm  faith  the  Lord ,  I  will  gather  you  from 
 the  people ,   and  affemble  fou  out  of  the  Countries  where  you  have 
 been  fcattered.     %And  I  will  give  you  the  Land  of  Ifrael ,  and 
 they  [ball  come  thither  :     and  they  fhall  take  away  all   the 
 deteftable   things  ,     and   all  the    abominations   thereof  from 
 thence ;  and  I  will  give  them  one  heart ,  and  I  will  put  anew  Spi- 
 rit within  you,  &c.     (  And  again,  )  For  I  will  ta\e  you  from  a- 
 E*el.3#.t4t    mong  the  Heathen  ,    end  gather  you  out  of  all  Countries  ,  and 
 a  5,  *6>i7,it)fang  y6U  jnt9  y0Ur  own  Land.    Then  will  I (prinkle  clean  water 
 V*   &  ^^  ^n  you,  and  you  fhallbe  cleanse.     Anew  heart  will  I  give  you, 
 13,14.  zatb.  &c.    So  the  Time  is  cleer,  and  that  Chrift  the  Son  of  *David9 
 14.V  '  and  all  the  Saints  raifed,  muft  firft  come  with  him :  and  then  in 
 
 that  time  this  Covenant  be  made,  it  is  clcer  in  many  places, 
 as  is  (hewn,  Parti,  chap.  17.  and  chap.  18.  part  3.  chap.  5. 
 part  s.chap.?. 
 
 Now  if  any  demand  ,  Why  I  call  not  thefe  things 
 the  making  of  the  Covenant  in  performance  ,  ^  feeing 
 there  is  a  performance  of  fo  gracious  and  great  things  in 
 
 them  all ; 
 
 Ian- 
 
remaining  to  be  made^>.  jfij 
 
 Ianfwer,  Becaufe,  i.  The  Texr  doth  not  fo  call  them* 
 but  ("peaks  ot  thefe  things  to  be  performed  firft  ,  and 
 of  the  Lovenant  10  beafctr-made:  vvhi.h  is  a  good  an- 
 fwer. 
 
 2.  This  Covenant  is  to  be  made  with  the  fpir  it  inl  Seed; 
 which  all  thefe  were  not  fill  then  fo  made.  If  any  lay  ,  Thy 
 were  both  before  the  fprritnal  Seed  by  ElelKon  .-  fir  at  tohcbi»x 
 E/ethon*  they  were  beloved  for  the  Fathers  fake :  That  hath  beeta 
 already  aniwered:  the  Election  mentioned  %fm+u.%$.  is 
 not  of  the  perfons  catt  off,  bat  of  tile  Fatheisjwhois  natu- 
 ral Seed  they  were  j  for  of  thefe  tattered  ic  is  laid  ,  /  mil  tra ,  t  %  . 
 have  mercy  on  Jacob,  and  will  yet  chmfelfraely   andfttthtmznch,\.\j. 
 
 tn  their  own  Land  ;  and  grangers  jh  all  be  joyned  with  them  ,  and,  E?sk  to- *•*** 
 
 they  (h xll cleave  to  the  Houfe  of  Jacob  ,  &c.      And  again  ,   The  *.2.iD«tf.7.M 
 
 Lord  jhaH yet  chufejerufalem.  So  as  iheLord  of  old  chofc  Ifra-  ^•1I-1^2^ 
 
 */,by  bringing  them  out  of  E^ypt^nd  giving  them  his  Statutes, 
 
 &c.  and  Jib  planted  them  a  noble  Vine,  wholly  a  right  Seeds 
 
 and  this  for  the  love  of  the  Fathers  :  So  the  Lord  will  again 
 
 chu'.e  Ifrael,  and  make  them  wholly  a  right  Seed,  by  the  per- 
 
 fonai  coming  of  Ch  rift  again,  who  fii  all  come  out  of  Sio*, 
 
 and  turn^tway  ungodlinefs  teom  Jacob  y  and  then  make  the 
 
 Covenant  with  them ;  and  this  for  the  Fathers  lakes.  Which 
 
 givss  farther  anfwer : 
 
 3.  The  performance  of  thofe  mentioned  tilings,  are  from  Levit.z6.AA> 
 the  remembrance  of  the  Covenant  made  wiih  their  Fathers  •  4?.D^430> 
 and  fo  a  performance  to  thefe,  for  their  Farters  fakes.   To  ail  3;- n^-10*-8* 
 which  Antwerp  I  aid  this, 
 
 4.  That  Faith  and  Hope  is  to  be  curdled  by  thefn  till  Jft-hV*™,™. 
 all  thefe  things  be  done,  and  that  the  Lord  Jefus  dc  vifibly  KJmJ:**3)*' 
 appear  and  come  to  them ,  and  reftore  all  things  ,   and  then  1 7X3I?    *' 
 this  Covenant   made   ;    which    once   fo  made  in  perfor- 
 mance,  they  live  no  longer  "by  Faith  and  Hope,   buc  by 
 
 Sight  and  E  pvment.  And  thus  it  is  every  way  cieer,for  the 
 Time  when  jtbft  Covenant  is  to  be  lb  made  ,  it  is ,  After 
 thofe  dayes>  -  .  -  . 
 
 IT.  The  Perfons  withwhom  ttohCavcnant  is  tofee  made, 
 is  alio  as  cleer  and  exports  tote artt  iW  ipirimai  Sc<rds  that  ^VVy^'iil 
 by  Miniftra:iob  have  bVen  fo  made  from  the  be^irmiag  cf      - ' 
 Gofpcl-r^eaching,tiIlC2>riftappaaxii)eribnally  in  Glory,  and 
 
 Xxx  give 
 
514.  Of  the  Syerlajiing  Covenant 
 
 give  the  new  Hesven,and  new  Earth  with  them  all,  and  with 
 
 i9  T%%  1  *hem  all  together  at  once  ;  no:  with  one ,    or  two,  or  ibme 
 
 iuv\al.io%\%i^^%  or  now  with  one,  or  Ibme,   and  after  with  other  ;  but 
 
 xi.ir«g.».z3.wich  all  the  whole  fpiritual  Seed  together  :  for  the  whole 
 
 van.  1 1.2*13.  Houfe  of  Jfrael,  ind  theHoufe  of  Judaic  it  is  exprefr.     And 
 
 ^•"'J^/^fo  likcwifc  for  the  People  of  other  Nations  that  (hall  be 
 
 ^^jr^y^joyned  with  them  ;    yea,  Abraham,  Ifaac,  andjfc^rauit 
 
 i4>M,itf.fav.then  receive  the  performance  of  this  Covenant  io  made; 
 
 11,18.  yea,  Zernbbabel  and  Daniel  muft  be  there,to  receive  their  pare 
 
 with  many  that  (hall  rife  out  of  the  dult  of  the  Earth  ;  yea, 
 
 all  the  whole  fpiritual  Seed  of  Abraham,  even  we  that  ?re 
 
 of  the  Gentiles ;  yea,   as  the  Covenant  was  firft made  with 
 
 Chrift,  and  through  him  a  Covenant  for  Mankinde  •   foall 
 
 his  Seed  by  Miniftmion  thereof  :  andfo^^w,  Abel,  Serb, 
 
 Enochfrc.  In  a  word,None  (ball  prevent  anothcr,but  all  that 
 
 are  in  the  duft,and  deep  in  Jefus,(hallarife,  &  living  Saint*  be 
 
 chargcd,&  all  together  meet  the  Lord,and  be,and  ccme  with 
 
 him ;  for  then  is  the  time  in  which  he  will  give  rewards  to  his 
 
 Servants  the  Prophet?,and  to  the  Saints,and  to  them  that  fear 
 
 his  Name,  both  fmall  and  great.    And  io  this  Covenant  will 
 
 be  at  once  made  in  performance>to  all  the  Seed  togerher:  and 
 
 indeed  this  Covenant  was  never  forcmade  to  be  received  by 
 
 Faith  to  any  one  peribn,  for  himfelf  alone,but  to  the  Father-, 
 
 for  them  and  their  Seed ;  and  to  them  and  their  fpiritual  Seed 
 
 it  (hall  be  at  once  made  in  performance  to  them  all  together. 
 
 Thefe  the  perfons. 
 
 But  to  this,it  may  by  fome  be  replied,That  then  after  this  Co- 
 venant fo  made  ,  there  mitft  be  no  more  converjicn ,  no  encreafe 
 of  the  Seed  ,  for  then  the  Covenant  mtift  be  made  again  ,  or  elfe 
 it  will  not  be  made  with  all  the  Seed ;  and  if  fo  ,  then  not  with  all 
 st  once. 
 
 To  this  I  anfwer,  That  fomc  wbofe  labors  I  reverenceand 
 efteem ,  and  them  for  their  works  fake,  do  fo  conceive,  That 
 as  that  Kingdom  (hall  be  finlefs  and  forrowlefs ,  fo  it  (hall  be 
 converfionlefs :  th^re.ftiall  be  no  more  converted  after  that 
 Kingdom  is  letup,.:  bur.  the  Reafon  given  thereof,  is  not 
 this  I  am  to  anfwer,  Wt  another,  namely ,  That  all  that  have 
 part  in  the  firft  Refurre&ion  ,  even  all  the  Saints  that  live 
 and  raign  with  Chrift,  (hall  raign  with  him  a  choufand  yeers, 
 
 the 
 
 .. 
 
remaining  to  be  made^.  $1$ 
 
 the  whole  time  of  his  raign  ,  as  Man ,.  till  he  deliver  up  the 
 Kingdom  to  the  Father,  that  God  may  be  all  in  all.  Whence 
 this  Supposition,  If  any  fhould  after  the  beginning,  and  feme 
 time  of  the  Kingdom  run  out ,  be  convert ed,  they  could  not 
 raign  the  full  thoufand  yeers :  One  Anfwer  will  ierve  both 
 thefe  Reafons ,  which  isthis,  That  it  is  nowhere  faid,  That.  % 
 
 ail  the  Inhabitants  of  this  new  Earth,  or  all  the  Members 
 of  this  Commonwealth  (hall  lit  upon  Throne,  and  raign: 
 nor  is  it  fad,  That  all  the  natural  Seed  of  Abraham^  that  are' 
 then  living  in  unbelief,  and  the  unbelieving  Gcn-ilcs  with 
 them ,  that  (hail  be  converted  at  and  by  the  perfonal  and  vi- 
 fible  appearing  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Ghritt ,  and  ali  his  Saints 
 with  him  ,  and  fomide  of -the  S^d^  that  they  (hail  all  be 
 King';,  and  raign  with  him  :  (they  come  in  after  the  time 
 of  thofe  to  whom  that  Promife  is. )  And  lurely,  for  fuch  as 
 never  differed ,  never  waited  for  him  ,  but  are  io  fuddenly, 
 and  with  to  mighty  a  Hand  brou  Jk  in  ;  it  may  be  counted 
 happineis  enough ,  to  Hue  in  fuch  a  Commonwealch  ,  and  be 
 free  Denizens  therein,and  er  joy  the  pleafures  of  fuch  a  King- 
 d^m^illthey  be  iwallowed  up  with  the  unconceivable  joy  of 
 the  Father  and  Son,  when  God  (hall  "be  all  in  ali,which  alone 
 will  fadsfie  all  chat  are  received  into  it  :  and  the  Promife  of 
 raigning ,  is  to  fuch  as  here  in  this  iufFering  tim-?  ,•  live  and 
 diem  the  Faith ,  or  are  found  fo  believing  on  him  ac  his  ap- 
 pearing, that  they  may  be  changed  while  the  other  are  raifed,' 
 and  fo  come  together  with  the  Lord ,  which  the  aft <  recon- 
 verted do  not.  And  io  thole  that  are  the  Children  of  the 
 Reiarre&ion  that  are  raifed  or  changed  in  one  and  the  fame 
 moment  at  his  coming ,  be  all  that  I,  r.nd  I  fuppofe  that  any 
 other  can  finde  the  Promife  of  raigning  appertain  unto. 
 And  if  Ifhouldiay,  Theie  are  the  whole, of  Abrahams  jpj- 
 ritual  Seed ,  I  (bould  not  errc  ,  whether  Men  receive  it,  or 
 no:  for  all  the fpintual  Seed  from  Mt^haMs  dmefo  called  ; 
 and  if  I  (haliadd  the  Seed  of  ChriCthe  Seed  of  the  Woman, 
 from  Adtmto  Abraham*  though  a  fpirinual  Seed,  yet  not 
 immediately  fo,  but  mediately  through  a  fnirLual  operation,  ,/!'-£  I VV? 
 in  the  Mimdration  ot  .iome  means  extended  ,  as>s  aeer  all  G^.^8,*, 
 thc.Scrioture  through  ;  and  they  that  are  of  the  Fai;h  ,  and  *-V^?. 
 live  by  Faith  ,  and  walk  in  the  fteps  of  the  Faithof  our  Y a- 
 
 Xxx  2  :  ther 
 
US  Of  the  Sverlatting  Covenant 
 
 their  Abraham ,  and  fo  are  the  Sons  of  God  by  Faith  \  thtk 
 are  the  Seed,  the  Children  of  Abraham,  and  hisSe^d;  for 
 which  cauie,  Abraham  had  the  Gofpei  to  preach  ,  andCir- 
 cumciGon  to  adminifter,  as  a  Seal  of  the  Righteoufnefs  of 
 the  Faith  he  had  to  preach,  That  he  might  be  a  Father.  And 
 the  Apoftles  had  the  Gofpei  to  preach  ,  and  Baptirmeto  ad- 
 M at  19  ]q  to  mm^€r>as  a  S*1'  °f  c^e  Righteoufncfs  of  the  Faith  preached, 
 Kom.  4ii,i  z.  *«  ^ey  mioht  difciplc  into  Abraham  *s  Family  :  and  fo  A- 
 '  braham  (till  be  a  Father  of  fuch  as  believe.  But  now  when 
 this  time  cometh,  ThatChrift  with  all  his  fpiritual  Seed  do 
 perfonally  appear,  and  the  EverlalHrig  Covenant  made  in 
 performance  wi:h  them  all ,  then  all  fuch  Miniflration  ceaf- 
 cth  j  yea,  fuch  Miniflration  as  CMofes  had  in  earthly  Rites 
 and  Shadows  ,  were  fhaken  and  made  unprofitable  by  the 
 Death  ,  Sacrifice, and  Afcenfion  of  Chrift-,  pcuringferth  the 
 Holy  Ghoft  ,  though  in  force  till  then :  but  the  Truth  of  the 
 Gofpei.  preached  to,  and  Covenant  made  with  Abraham  a- 
 bode  ftili ,  and  was  more  folly  preached  by  the  Apoftles  : 
 but  that  manner  of  preaching,  with  Kaptifm  and  Ordinances 
 delivered  by  them,  though  heavenly  in  refpe&  of  the  for- 
 mer ,  and  will  be  in  force  till  the  viable  appearing  of  Jefus 
 Chrifl,  but  then  be  fhaken,  when  flill  the  Truth  cf  the 
 Gofpei  and  Evcrlafting  Covenant  will  abide  for  ever,to  be  en- 
 joyed by  fighr.  Now  then,when  all  the  means  appointed  for 
 Abraham  to  be  the  Father  of  fuch  a  Seed,ceafetb,and  no  more 
 brought  in  by  believing,  but  by  fight,  nor  living  by  Faith,  but 
 by  ficht;fuch  are  not  in  rcfpe&  of  any  conver(ion,in  Scripturc- 
 phrafc  called,  Abraham's  Seed  $  but  I  conceive  they  mere  pro- 
 perly may  be  called,The  Seed,or  the  Children  of  Chrift,and  of 
 his  glorified  Saints ,  brought  in  and  living  by  fight  :  not 
 needethany  Covenant  to  be  farther  or  again  made  with  fuch 
 as  are  brought  in  by  and  live  in  the  light  of  this,  being 
 brought  in  to  enjoy  their  part  in  it  in  their  firft  converfion. 
 And  if  any  conceive  they  may  be  called,  The  Seed's  Seed,  or 
 his  Seed's  Seed  ;  and  fo  under  that  Promife  to  the  Seed  of 
 lfa.%9.i<.T>eut.  Abraham ,  1  will  multiply  thee  above  thy  Fathers  ;  I  hinder  it 
 30.MMf.if,  not ;  however,  this  I  know,Thc  People  of  God ,  as  well  as 
 •W«T '*  &&*  worfhip,  (hall  then  be  called  by  a  new  Name  :  fo 
 that  in  this  is  do  let  or  hinderance  tothatfaid,  That  the 
 
 Covenant 
 
remaining  to  be  made-*.  51  y 
 
 Covenant  fhall  be  made  to  all  the  fpiritual  Seed  brought 
 in  or  become  of  the  Seed  from  the  beginning  to  the  ending  2/4.4*. 20,11. 
 of  the  Miniitration  of  the  Gofpel,  by  it  to  them  ail  toge-  &6?  7,8. 
 ther  at  once  ;  yea  ,  it  will  be  a  great  wonder,  to  great  ad- 
 miration ,    to  lee  a  Nation  born  at  once  ,     and  inch  an 
 infinite  Company  of  Saints  prefented  to  them  :   and  yet 
 when  the  Mountain  of  the  Lora's  Houfe  is  thus  exalted, 
 tnd  the  Lord  appears  in    his  Glory  ,    and  the  Children 
 of  the  RelurreSion  ruling  and  flying  about  ;  when  the 
 Spirit  and  the  Bride  in  the  prefence  of  the  Bridegroom  ,  k^mm.  if*. 
 when  Light  and  Law  fo  proceed  out  of  Sion^   the  Inha-  x'\>[>\)faiC* 
 bitants  of   the  Naiions   hearing,    will  fay  one  to  tW-^.^,;0^;' 
 ther ,  Corks  •    and  fo  go  together  to  the  Houfe  of  the 
 Lord,  without  any  other  Miniitration.      So   that  then  is 
 promifed  to  be  the  greatest  Conversion ,   and  more  nu- 
 merous then  ever  before  ;  though  all  of   them  t  brought 
 in  by ,   tnd  living  in  the  performance  of  the  Covenant 
 at  once  fo  made  with  the  whole  Seed ,   and  not   made 
 over  again,  but  continuing ;   and  it  is  enough  for  all  fo  con- 
 verted, to  be  under  this  blefled  Government  after  their       io 
 Converfion ,  enjoying  the  happinefs  of  it ,  and  fo  efcape  that  mm  a  $'?$!' 
 great  deftru&ion  and  fecond  death  ,  and  have  eternal  Life , 
 When  the  Serpent  and  all  his  Seed  are  caft  into  the  lake  of  fire, 
 which  is  the  fecond  death.     And  fo  we  fee  who  the  perfons 
 arc. 
 
 III.  What  that  is  that  is  to  be  done  in  the  manner  of  making 
 this  Covenant,  is  fully  and  fweetly  cxprcfled  in  this  jta. 
 3 1 .3  3>34-  tinned  *lfo  in  other  places  of  Scripture :  let  them 
 be  considered. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
518  Of  things  to  be  done~> 
 
 C  w  a  r> .  p . 
 
 Of  the  things  to  be  done  inmaki/.g  this  Coiend/A  :  fee  the 
 '  Text. 
 
 I.  T  Will  put  my  Lxw  in  their  inward  parts  ,  and  write  it  in  their 
 
 Jcr.y.u.  1    hearts.    Tliis  exprelt  in  other  words ;  when  having 
 
 Bvk  36.1U    clenfed  them  from  all  their  filth,  he  faith ,  tA  new  heart  will  I 
 
 &'ve)'offi  twd  a  new  Sprit  will  I  put  within  you,  and  I  will  tai^e  a* 
 
 way  the  ft  on)  heart  out  ofyourflefh  ,  and  I  will  give  you  an  heart 
 
 of  fiefh  ;  and  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you  ,   end  caufe  you  to 
 
 wall^  in  my  Statutes  y   and  ye  (hall  keep  my  judgements^  And  do 
 
 them.     Of  which  (Jtfofes  fpafce,  faying,  *And  the  Lord  thy  God 
 
 Dt W  3 o.  J ,  .     w-if  y.fi     tye  intQ  tfje  i^An£  which  thy  fathers pcjfejfed ,    and  t hoH 
 
 (halt  pofifit ,  and  I  e  will  do  thee  good  ,  and  multiply  thee  above 
 thy  Father  s\  and  the  Lord  thy  God  will  ctrcuwefe  thine  hearty  and 
 the  heart  of  thy  Seed,  to  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  hearty 
 dnd  all  thy  Soul,  that  thou  maift  liv?.  An  d  fo  by  Jeremiah  a- 
 gain,  I  will  give  them  one  heart  and  one  way^  that  they  may  fear  me 
 
 Jer.  3  *  •  3  9>4<>.  for  ever  ,  (  all  day es .  )  —  And  I  will  make  an  ever  loft ing Co- 
 venant with  thcm,that  I  will  not  turri  away  from  tkemtfrom  after 
 thetn)  to  do  them  good  ;  but  Iwt'lput  my  fear  in  their  heart  s,that 
 they  fh all  not  depart  from  me.  So  that  in  all  the  places  we 
 may  feej  That  then  all  fin  and  finning  fhall  be  removed  ,  and 
 a  perfect  Righteoufnefs  framed  in  them,  and  firength  to  walk 
 conftantly  thereinrand  by  this  we  may  note  the  difference  be- 
 tween this  and  the  firft  Fruits  of  ic  given  in  to  Believers  by 
 the  firft  coming  of  Chriil  given  for  a  Covenant ,  as  namely, 
 That  this  now-given  ,  is  but  a  firft  Fruits  ,  and  earneit  of 
 that  promifed  ,  which  is  the  Harveft  to  be  wsiced  for  :  alio, 
 
 Rom.%.*y€ph.rYfat  ^-g  g-lven  waS)anc}  yet  is,  chiefly  received  by  theGen- 
 
 \?fl°Co-^.  tiles ;  but  that  promifed,chiefly  by  the  whole  Houfe  of  lfr*~ 
 
 KrJ,n.i>8.     <?/,  the  natural  Seed  of  Abraham,  become  the  fpirituil  Seed: 
 
 zath.n.io.      this  given ,  is  mediately  in  the  Miniftration  of  hi?  Servants ; 
 
 that  "promifed,  is  immediately  by  his  ownprefence  :  this 
 
 given 
 
in  making  this  Covenant.  51^ 
 
 given,  many  IfraelLes  A  all  have  in  their  return  into  their 
 own  Land  $  that  promifed,at  the  vifible  appearance  of  Chrirl:  RumA1 
 this  given,  is  to  ail  Believers,  though  Ifraclbz  in  difperfion  . 
 that  promited ,  not  till  tfraeld well  in  their  own  Land  :    ma- 
 ny of  thole  that  receive  this  given,  may  yet  through  weaknefs 
 be  puft  up  for  one  againft  another  ;    hut  in  receiving  that 
 promiied,  is  no  more  pride  nor  envy  of  one  againft  another.  i*L**bu£4 
 The  belt  of  thofe  that  receive  this  given  ,    do  not  here  attain  v3.z«riuM 
 to  perfection  ;  the  leatt  of  thofe  that  receive  that  promiied,  mm.*.  ~aCu 
 are  perfect.  In  the  Affemblies  of  thofe  that  receive  this  given,  y°'3°;;  *lM' 
 were  andltiil  are  found  ,  fome  among  them  unlbund  ,    and  jod} %  °zatb, 
 fome  decaying ,  and  fome  falling  off  :    but  thofe  that  receive  14.11.    R§m.*[ 
 that  promifed  ,   the  people  in  that  whole  Aflembly  be  all  17.  //**<>•**, 
 righteous ,  and  nomored-cayingor  falling  off.     Thofe  that  l9>11' 
 receive  this  given,  are  here  Hill  under  the  Crofs ,   and  Com- 
 batants ;  but  thofe  that  receive  that  promiied, are  freed  from 
 all  Sufferings  and  Temptation  ,  and  are  Conquerors,  enjoy- 
 ing the  Inheritance.     This  given  is  received  ,  now  by  one, 
 and  then  by  another  ,  and  by  all  by  degrees  •  but  that  pro- 
 miied, is  received  at  once  by  al  together  ,    ffrael  zndjttdah, 
 and  all  Believers  of  all  Nations  together.     So  ,    though  this 
 given  beafirH  Fruits  of  the  fame  Spirit  and  Covenant ,  yet 
 there  is  as  much  difference  between  this  given  ,    and  that 
 promifed,    as   between  a  handful  or  firtt  Fruits   of  the 
 Corn,    and  the  whole  fulmf;  of  the  Harveft,    which  is 
 in  this  making  of  the  Covenant  now  treated  of :  in  which 
 it  appears ,  they  (hail  all  be  made  finlefs  ,    and  righteous, 
 perfect  in  the  love  of  God  and  one  another ,  compleat  in  all 
 true  holinefs. 
 
 II.  And  I  will  he  their  God^tnd  they  (hall  be  my  people*     And  -*  , 
 
 this  appears  in  that  which  went  before  in  verfe  3  2.  an;!  fe- 30/2Y.  ^3*] 
 veral  place?,  to  be  fpoken  emphatically,  to  be  underftoodin  a  j8."i^u.io! 
 higher  fenfe,  and  after  a  more  eminent  manner,  then  ever  zxod.$,&to& 
 before:  for  he  was  their  God ,  and  they  his  people,  when  6>&z0-  ?fal* 
 they  were  afflicted  in  Egypt  ;    and  in  more  manifeftation, Izc 
 when  they  were  in  the  Wildcmefs  5    and  ftiil  more  appear-* 
 ingly ,   when  they  were  fetled  in  Can**n  ,  and  his  Worfhip 
 fetled  among  them :  and  of  thde  remaining,  while  Jeremiah 
 prophefied  among  them  :  and  ftill  more  manifeftly  in  fpecial 
 
 manner 
 
5X0  Of  things  to  be  clones 
 
 manner,  he  is  our  God,  who  believe  in  Chrift  ,  and  receive 
 ^m.  9.14*159  Qftfot  fafi  Fruits  of  the^pirit^  and  we  his  people :  but  here 
 is  clcerly  more  implied  to  be  done  afterthofedayes ,  and 
 here  and  elfewhereexprett,  as  namely  ,  That  he  will  multi- 
 ply his  wonders  among  them ,  and  his  favours  on  them  ,    fo 
 ,        6  .   as  he  will  make  himfelf  knr>wn  to  all  Nations  ro  he  their 
 37\i83.  lj*i:  Go8y  and  make  them  known  to  all  Nations  to  be  his  peculi- 
 14!   &%b37*  ar People,  when  theHeathtn  (hall know,   That  he  is  the 
 *^*7.  Lord;  and,   That  he  doth  lan&ifie  and  build  Ifrael ,  and 
 
 (hall  acknowledge  them,  The  City  of  the  Lord  ,  The  Sh*  of 
 the  holy  one  otJfrael;  yea  ,  he  will  fet  his  SarxSuary  in  the 
 middeft  of  them  for  evermcre ;  yea,  he  faith,  My  Tabernacle 
 alio  fhali  be  with  them  ;  yea,  T  will  be  their  God  ,  and  they 
 (hall  be  my  people.     And  fo  he  hath  opened  his  own  mean- 
 ing.    And  what  this  San&uary  and  Tabernacle  is ,  and  from 
 whence  it  comes ,   and  where  it  fhall  be,  he  hath  told  u?, 
 viz..  Jefus  Chrifl:  The  Son  of  God,The  Son  of  Man,  The  Man 
 in  whom  the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwels  bodily,he  that  is 
 in  the  Father,  and  the  Father  in  him,  he  is  the  Temple  and 
 SanSuary  ,   (  and  no  01  her  like  the  old  Temple,   or  new 
 Ktv.  2i.li.     formed  Church-Governments  under  theGofpel  in  this  City) 
 Evk-  37- i*j    for  the  Lord  God  Almighty  ,  and  the  Lamb,  arc  the  Temple 
 24,15.  &  34.  0f  ;c^  and  he  the  Son  of  2>tW  (Hail  fit  on  the  Throne,  and 
 23>*4>3°«        ^  t^e  mighry  Kingand  Governour  among  them :  and  C  hrift 
 f        alio  coming  with  his  Saints,  thofe  that  in  Spirit  are  now  in 
 Heaven,  the  Jernfalem  that  is  now  above  ;   theie  (hail  come 
 with  their  Lord  and  Maiter  down  from  Heaven  ,  and  re- 
 ceiving their  Bodies  glorified  ,  the  great  Cky ,  the  Holy  Jc- 
 rufalem  defcendfng  out  of  Heaven  from  God ,  having  the 
 Glory  of  God  upon  her  ;     Of  which  it  is  laid,  Ifaw  the  holy 
 ,Rev.»i.i>3.      (fit) ,    new  Jeru fa/em ,  coming  down  from  God  out  of  Heaver^ 
 prepared  *s  a  Bride  adorned  for  her  Hu.b.wd,     And  I  heard  vi 
 great  voice  om  of  Heaven,  faying,    TheTabcrntcle  of  Cjodis 
 with  men,  and  he  will  dwell  with  them  ;  and  they  fhall  be  his  peo~ 
 fie ,   and  God  himfelf '  ft)  all  be  with  them  ,  their  God.      Thns  vve 
 have  it  cleerly  opened  :  lb  that  thefe  Saints,  this  fpiritual 
 £^.48.35.  '  Sfccd,  (hall  be  Princes  among  the  people,    and  fit  upon 
 See  Pare  2,    Thrones  w  ith  Chru%&  raign  with  him :  And  all  the  Kingdoms 
 chap.  1 8.       under  the  whole  heavew  fhall  be  given  to  the  people  of  the  Saints 
 
 4 
 
in  making  this  tavenant.  <m 
 
 of  the  mofi  Highland  all  nations jhall  ferve  him.and  the  name  of  the 
 t  it}  {kali  be  from  that  day  {The  Lord  is  there.  That  will  God  be  with 
 them  their  God,  and  the)  (hall  be  his  people.   Thus  owned  by  him. 
 III.  And  they  Jk all  teach  no  more  every  man  his  neighbour  and 
 ever  j  man  his  brother,  frying,  Know  the  Lord  ,  for  they  jhall  all  7^.31.34. 
 know  we  from  the  leafl  of  them  to  thegreateft  of  them  ,   faith  the 
 Lord.    To  know  the  Lord,  i  both  to  underftand  and  know, 
 That  he  is  Jehovah,   and  that  he  is  infinite  in  Wiidom, 
 Power,  Goodnefs,  drc.  and  to  know,  that  is ,  acknowledge,  jcf9  *  .  j^ 
 love  and  adore  him  as  the  Lord,   as  he  doth  difcovcr  him- 17.3. 
 felf  fuch  a  one  in  and  by  his  Son  Chrift  :  and  thus  tojknow 
 the  Lord,  every  Man  (  except  Jefus  the  Son  of  God  )   that 
 hath  lived  or  doth  live  upon  this  Earth  in  their  fever al  Ages, 
 have  needed,  and  do  need ,   to  be  taught  this  knowledge  : 
 and  it  is  the  part  of  every  Man ,  according  to  his  under-  £^a8  ^ 
 ftanding  and  Faith ,  to  teach ,    and  receive  teaching  from  his  0^^4.34,3*9. 
 Brother,  faying,   Know  the  Lord.     But  becaufein  refpe3of<£tf,i<.  &i$. 
 fome,this  is  confeft  of  all ,  I  forbear  further  proof  ;  onely  ?ob  *.27« &u- 
 becaufe  feme  conceit  eftablifhed  Believers  paft   this  n^d^ch'on'zB'9 
 fince  Chrilt  came  ,  I  (hall  confider  the  place  alledged  for  it, 
 which  is  1  Joh.2. 20,27.  Ye  have  an  unclion  from  the  holy  One, 
 and  ye  know  all  things.     —  The  anoynting  which  ye  have  receiv  - 
 edof  him,abidethinyou  ,    and  you  need  not  that  any  man  teach 
 you :   but  as  that  anointing  teacheth  yon  of  all  things ,  and  is  truth, 
 and  is  no  ly,  and  even  at  it  hath  taught  yon,  you  fh all  abide  in  him. 
 This  place  being  a  fweet,needful  &  intirutfing  Truth,  erode th 
 nothing  here  forefaid  ;   fortheApoftle  fpeaks  here  of  a  firli 
 fruits  of  th at  promifed;  fpiritually  difpenfed ;  and  not  of  thev^'H1^' 
 Harve(*,as  apears  in  his  former  &  after-Difcoufferfor  as  he  that  2'0  3lOAJ°b*1* 
 receiveth  Chrift  ,  receiveth  all  things  with  him ;  but  ftill  ac-  Rom.  8.12,23, 
 ccrdingto  his  receiving,  either  by  fpiritual  difcerning  and  be-  24^-$.  Rcb.w 
 lieving,  or  by  open  fight  and  enjoyment ;  fo  he  that  knoweth  lh*°*  H^-Ii-1» 
 Chritt,knoweth  all  things:  but  ftill  according  to  the  manner  of 
 his  knowing,  either  through  a  Glafs  dimly  by  Faith,  or  elfe 
 in  open  view ,    feeing  as  he  is  feen  ;  Paul  confeffeth  the 
 firfttobe  now  in  this  life  -,  but  the  later,  at  the  time  we  are  \CoY'lltl%* 
 fpeakingof-  and  fo  this  Apoftle  confeffeth  the  former  to  be  J0'%$'li2,t 
 now,but  the  later  not  to  be  enjoyed  till  the  time  of  the  vifible 
 appearance  of  Chrift.     And  To  he  faith  noty  Ye  need  nct,that 
 any  Man  tea,ch  you  ,  (faying,  Know  the  Lord  )  for  that a- 
 
 Y  y  y  noyming 
 
fix  Of  things  to  be  dont^ 
 
 Mob  %  z         aoytting  teacheth  you  of  all  things  :  but  that  he  faith  is  ,  Ye 
 need  not  that  any  man  teach  you ,    but  at  that  anoynting  teacheth 
 you  of  all  thingsy&c.  that  is ,  as  the  Spirit  in  the  Tehimony  of 
 Chrift:  in  that  Do&rine  of  Chrift ,  in  which  he  hath  helped 
 you  to  believe  in  Chrift ,   and  by  that  Do&rine  teacheth  you 
 of  all  things ;  do  ye  fo  abide  in  that ,  and  receive  the  Tcfti- 
 mony  and  teachings  of  that ,  by  all  that  teach  you  ,  as  that 
 anointing  teacheth  you :  But,  faith  he ,  //  there  corns  any  unto 
 ijohtio.         you ,  and  bring  not  this  d'Mrine  ,  receive  him  not  into  your  hottfe, 
 i  Job.  z.i%>2.6.  nor  bid  him  God- [peed.    And  this  Couniel  on  the  fame  ground 
 G*/.i.7>8,?.    g*tV€n  jn  this  place  to  warn  againft  Seducers.      And  io  "Tattl 
 to  the  fame  purp3fe  faith  ,  Though  we ,  or  an  Angel  from  hea- 
 ven ,  preach  unto  yon  other  ,   cr  bejides  that  we  have  preached 
 hmo  yoHy  &C     A^ain  ,    if  any  man  preach  any  other  Gofpel  unto 
 you,   then  that  ye  hdve  received  ,  let  him  be  accurfed%     And 
 Johns  faying  to  be  thus  undertiood  ,  is  deer,  by  comparing 
 *  1CW.15.M. two  dyings  otPanly  fpeaking  by  the  fame  Spirit  *  :   yea  ,  in 
 zCqy.  li.  1,3,4.  Jvhn*s  own  exhortation  a,  and  profeffed  end  of  his  writing, 
 a  iJob.z.zS.   which  was  ftill  to  teach  them  as  this  anoynting  teacheth, 
 fromChap.  s.toChap.  5.13.  And  fo  Peter,  and  the rehdue 
 2  Ptf.1.11,13,  0c  tne  Apoftles  ,  were  in  this  manner  diligent  to  teach  Be* 
 
 *Tte/?$'3u  14.  ^vers  cnat  knew  tne  Jrutn>    ar)Cl  .were  eftablifbed  in  the 
 
 H^.3.13.        Truth  5  yea,    Chrift  his  anoynting  is  affirmed  to  be  in  fuch 
 
 iT^y.4.18.       Miniftration,  and  all  Believers  exhorted  daily  to  teach  and 
 
 iPfr.4,11.  Rom.  exhort  one  another  :  yet  ftiU  according  to  this  anoynting, 
 
 **P  with  the  words  of  the  Gofpel ,  in  which,  the  Spirit  teftifieth 
 
 of  Chrift,  and  according  to  the  proportion  of  Faith  as  God 
 
 hath  dealt  to  every  Man.    So  that  this  place  is  of  excellent 
 
 ufc  in  all  teachings,   and  receiving  of  teaching  :  But  when 
 
 that  time  com*s ,  and  that  is  done  of  which  Jeremiah  fpeaks 
 
 j  cor.  1$.  11.  here,  Then  they  (hall  fee  Face  to  Face ,  and  know  as  they 
 
 ijob.'s.z.i  cor.  are  known;  yea,  fee  Jefus  as  he  is ;  then  will  be  open  the 
 
 4  &  hidden  things  of  darknefs ;  and  then  not  fomc  of  the  choife 
 
 onely,  but  all  the  Seed ,   even  from  the  leaft  of  them  to  the 
 
 greateltof  them,  (hall  know  the  Lord:  fo  that  Tongues, 
 
 Prophecying,  and  Knowledge  by  fuch  Mediums  as  now  , 
 
 5f^.i3.8^.3.  flitll  be  ufelefs,    and  fuch  teachings  ceafe  then  :    but  we 
 
 4.1  jtM*.    (hall  all  know  ihe  Lord,    by  an  immediate  fight  of  the 
 
 Lord,  which  will  make  ns  to  be  like  him.    Such  fo  full 
 
 and 
 
in  making  this  Covenant.  fz$ 
 
 and  fo  deer  Knowledge  to  be  given  ,  then. 
 
 t  V.  For  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity ,    and  I  will  remember  7^,31,34, 
 their  fin  no  more.      This  is  cleer  to  be  fuch  a  forgivenefs ,  as 
 in  which  ail  Cm  is  wholly  taken  away  ,  and  the;  prefented  al- 
 together fpotlefs  before  him  :  fuch  a  degree  of  Forgivenefs, 
 Jutf  ification,  and  San&ification ,  and  Freedom ,   as  no  Man  tjoh  ,  6    g    • 
 attaineth  in  this  Life :  In  which,  daily  Forgivenefs  is  needed*  jo.  EpffiJ-U 
 But  this  i*  that  fpoile&cfe,  which  Chrilt  by  his  Blood  fprink-  16,2.7.  co!.i. 
 ling  commending  his  Father's  Love  therethrough,  in  Gofpel-  **»**•  A^-h 
 minifiring   by  his  Mediation  fending  forth  Spirit   in    his  l^Cor.uZ. 
 Word  to  work  on  the  Hcarr,  if  now  about  to  fit  his  Seed  for, 
 and  bring  them  to  ;  and  it  (hall  be  compleared  at  that  very 
 Day  of  his  coming  ,    when  alfo  that  which  follows  will  be 
 performed  with  it ;  namely,  That  he  will  remember  their  fin 
 no  more.  Whatever  Forgivenefs  God  extendeth  to  Men ;  yea, 
 though  into  their  Confciences,  yet  while  any  forrow,  fhame, 
 pain ,  weaknefs  or  oppreflion  lieth  on  them ,    there  is  fome 
 remembrance  of  fin ,  for  how  good  and  gracious  ends  foe- 
 ver  :  and  while  any  good   promiled  for  Soul  or  Body  is 
 withheld,,  there  is  fome  remembrance  of  fin,  howadvan- 
 tagious foever  it  be  made  ;   yea,  as  long  as  the  Bodies  of 
 the  Saints  are  in  the  dult ,  there  is  fome  remembrance  of  fin. 
 But  here  from  this  time  (hall  be  no  remembrance  of  fin : 
 their  fins  (hall  be  remembred  no  more :  which  includeth  and 
 affureth  them ,  That  God  will  wipe  away  then  all  tears  from  MM.+&?. 
 their  eyes,  and  there  (hall  be  no  more  death  ,  neither  forrow  *  \^\}J%61^ 
 nor  crying ;  neither  (hall  there  be  anyfnore  pain,  for  the  for-  is^zo.dhi! 
 mer  things  are  pafled  away ;  and  fo  they  (lull  not  have  any  6^.1^.6^.17 , 
 violence ,  injuftice  or  oppreflion  in  their  Government ,  nor  l8^9-  R*m>9. 
 fuflFer  violence  from  any  ,  nor  (lull  there  be  contention  or  ll^^fa-9^» 
 ftrife  among  the  Creatures  with  them  any  more  ,   nor  any  7Pral  7J/'#£ 
 pollution  in  the  Air  or  Earth ,  or  any  thing  that  grows  out  of  6o3&6$,&66t 
 it ;  but  the  whole  Creation,  the  Heaven  and  Earth  made  new 
 for  them. 
 
 Their  Government  and  Commonwealth  (hall  be  altogether 
 peaceable,  righteous,  and  flouriihing  ;  the  Earth  abundantly 
 fruitful ;  and  all  Nations  bringing  their  Glory  to  them  ,  and 
 they  enjoying ,  and  filled  with  all  happinefs  for  evermore, 
 everlafting  joy  upon  them ,  as  is  before  (hewn  in  the  Pro- 
 
 Y  y  y  a  mife?, 
 
f  Z4         *"e  ttfefulnejs  of  this  Difcovery. 
 
 miles,  Part  5.  Chap.5,  and  Part  2.  Chap.  1  o,  &  1 3 . 
 
 And  this  the  everlafting  Covenant ,   which  was  made  in 
 promife  to  Abraham^  Ifaacy  Jacob  and  David^znd  declared  by 
 the  Prophets  and  Apoftles,  who  (lull  in  that  day  be  alfo  with 
 them,  when  this  (hall  be  nude  in  performance  to  all  the  fpiri- 
 FM48.8        tlia^  Seedjfo  as  they  all  dull  then  triumphingly  confefs,  A  s  we 
 have  heard,  fo  we  have  feen  in  the  City  of  the  Lord  of  Hofts, 
 in  the  City  of  our  God,  God  will  eftablifh  it  for  ever  ;    and 
 fo  filled  with  Re  joy  cings,  they  breath  forth  Hallelujahs.  No- 
 thing more  full  and  plain  in  Scripture  then  thefc  things, 
 therefore  let  the  Rule  and  Coni'ent  in  it  be  here  rcmemSred, 
 Par.i .  ch.7.  arid  this  the  Hope  we  are  called  to  by  the  Gofpel ,    and  are 
 Gd*%1*'     intere^cc^  *n  •  m  believing  in  Chrift  ;  fo  that  Prayer  is  good 
 a'*'l9t       for  us-,  That  God  would  grant  to  us  the  Spirit  of  Wifdom 
 and  Revelation  in  the  Knowledge  of  Chrift ,  that  we  may 
 fee  what  the  Hope  of  his  Calling  is ,  which  is  to  all  en- 
 gaged in  this  Covenant ;  and  what  the  Riches  of  the  Glory 
 of  his  Inheritance  in  the  Saints ,    a  little  in  this  difcovered  ; 
 and  what  the  exceeding  greatnefs  of  his  power,  &c.  which 
 will  bring  all  to  pais. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Chap.   10, 
 
 .Offome  ufefulneff  of  this  D.fcoverj  of  the  Coze- 
 
 N  what  hath  been  (hewn,we  may  fee,  if  we  fearch  and  read 
 _  the  Scriptures  pointed  unto ,  That  the  Gofpel  of  God 
 indtheTeftimony  of  Chrift  therein  ,  is  according  to  the  Co* 
 venantsof  God, and  the  Opener  thereof  •  and  alio,  That 
 the Teftimony of  Chrift,  The  Purpofes  of  God ,  The  Pro- 
 mifes  of  God,  and  The  Covenants  of  God  agree  in  one  and 
 the  fame  5  The  Revelations  of  thrift ,  (hew  forth  the  Tefti- 
 mony of  Chrift,  which  is*he  Key  of  Knowledge  :  The  Te- 
 ftimony of  Chrift dcclareth  The Purpofe  of  God;  from  his 
 Purpofe,  The  Promifes  of  things  purpofed ,    and  as  pur- 
 
 pofed 
 
 1 
 
The  ufefulnefi  of  this  Difcovey.  5*5? 
 
 pofed,flow$and  to  aflure  the  Promifes,the  Covenants  are  fuita- 
 bly  made :  &  fo  as  in  theTeftimony  of  Chrift,&  in  the  Purpofes 
 and  Promifes  of  God,even  fo  in  the  Covenants  made  known,  . 
 
 I.  We  have  that  fet  before  us,  which  is  already  performed 
 inChrift ,  which  is  true,  and  truely  done  ,  as  a  motive  to, 
 and  Foundation  for  Faith  ;  and  declared  ,  thit  Men  might 
 believe,  whether  men  do  believe  it  or  not.  And  alfo  that 
 fet  before  us,  which  will  certainly  be  done  to  men,  that  they 
 might  believe,  whether  Men  receive  it  or  reject  it :  and  this  to 
 give  Preachers  hope  in  declaring  theGofpel  •  and  Hearers 
 caution,  that  they  then  receive  his  words  and  flip  not  the  day 
 of  his  vilitation.  And  alfo  that  fet  before  u;,  which  Believers 
 may  through  Faith, daily  look  for  in  this  life:  and  what  they 
 are  to  wait  for  till,  and  through  Faith, may  be  lure  to  enjoy  in 
 the  life  to  come. 
 
 Yea,  furely ,  as  in  the  Gofpel-Teftimony  ,  Purpofes  and 
 Promifes ;  fo  in  the  Covenants  we  may  fee  a  fulnefs  of  Pro- 
 vifionfor  us  :  a  fweet  gracious  order  in  them  all ,  and  Free- 
 nefs  of  Grace  with  Mercy,  Truth  andHolinefs  in  the  per- 
 formance of  them ,  all  mentioned  in  his  Word ,  and  Wrong- 
 ly evidenced  and  intimated  in  the  Works  of  God  already 
 done  ,  (o  as  they  have  a  fweet  and  drawing  influence,  both 
 to  draw  fuch  as  yet  believe  not ,  to  believe ,  and  to  ftablifli 
 Believers  for  their  perfeverance  :  Hay,  The  Covenants  of 
 God  have :  but  not  fuch  as  expreft  or  intimated  by  Mr,  Oweny 
 faying,  The  diftributivejuflice of  (jod is  engaged upon  this  obliga-  p^o,  16ZA* 
 tionofChrifl  upon  the  foveKaxt  andCompatt  made  withCkrifl 
 as  Mediator  to  that  purpofe ,  to  btftow  on  them  for  whom  he  diedy 
 all  the  good  things  which  he  promt  fed  him  for  them^  in  and  upon  the 
 account  of  his  undertaking  in  their  behalf:  So  he.  Sure  this 
 Saying  hath  not  the  favour  of  the  Scripture-Language,  in  Co- 
 venants ,  Promifes ,  Purpofes,  or  Teftimony  of  his  Oblation 
 and  Mediation  ,  which  are  all  plain,  and  without  wreathed- 
 nefs,  holding  forth  their  own  meaning,and  the  certain  Truth 
 in  that  affirmed.  Now  certain  it  is,  and  is  before  fhewn,That 
 what  God  engaged  for  to  Chrift  upon  the  account  of  his  fuf-  PYw.t.Sfr  & 
 ferings ,  he  performed  to  Chriftupon  the  account  of  his  fuf- zz,llt 
 ferings ;  &  what  upon  that  account  he  engageth  to  Chrift  to  do 
 unto  men,both  hath  &  (hall  be  upon  that  account  done  to  men, 
 
 all 
 
5ztf        The  ujefulnejs  of  this  Vijcoyery. 
 
 all  Men,  as  is  forefhewn  :  and  what  upon  the  account  of  bis 
 cxtention  in  Miniftration  of  the  vertices  of  his  Sufferings  and 
 Sacrifice,  was  engaged  to  him  to  be  dore  for  his  fake^  hath 
 and  (hall  verily  be  done  unto  them :  and  yet  upon  both  thefc 
 accounts;  inthefirft,  having  bought  them  ;  in  the  Jecond, 
 uiing  means  to  lead  them  to  Repentance  >  he  (hall  rule  feme 
 with  a  Rod  of  Iron,  and  break  them  in  pieces  like  a  Potter's 
 Veflel  for  their  Rebellions ,  and  have  the  glory  of  his  fuf- 
 ferings  and  Sacrifice  for  them,  and  means  ufed  towards  them 
 in  hisjuft  condemnation  of  them  according  totheGofpel. 
 Therefore  though  God  upon  the  account  of  the  Oblation 
 of  Chrilt ,  hath  given  in  to  him  eternal  Life,  as  in  a  publick 
 Man  for  all  Men ,  for  whom  indeed  he  died ,  yet  not  to  be 
 on  that  account  difpenfed  to  all  for  whom  he  died  ;  but  on 
 thofe ,  that  by  and  in  the  means  he  ufeth  ,  believe  on  him : 
 as  hath  been  forefhewn  in  the  Teftimony  of  the  Oblation 
 and  Mediation  of  Chrilt  y  and  in  the  Purpofes,  Promifes  and 
 Covenants  of  God ,  and  in  anfwer  of  Mr.  divert  his  more 
 plain  Expreflions :  fo  lwerving  from  his  own  Rule. 
 
 II.  In  this  manner  of  God's  making  his  Covenants ,  we 
 have  a  good  and  fure  Dire£Hon  to  know  what  Covenants  we 
 are  under,  and  what  our  Intereft  in  the  Covenant  is ,  and 
 how  far  we  are  in  Covenant  with  God ,  and  fo  what  we  have 
 in  enjoyment,  and  what  in  hope  to  enjoy ,  if  we  view  the 
 Covenant  in  .which  our  Father  Adam  was  at  firft  ,  and  from 
 which  he  fell ;  and  then  view  that  heavy  Covenant  he  ,   and 
 we  all  in  him  fell  under :  and  withall ,    view  how  the  fecond 
 publick  Man ,  the  Lord  Chrift,  became  under  that  heavy  Co- 
 venant for  Mankinde ,  and  hath  fully  fatisfied  the  lame  :  and 
 view  how  upon  the  account  of  fatisfying  this  heavy  Cove- 
 nant ,  there  is  a  gracious  Covenant  between  the  Father  and 
 hitn,and  that  alfo  refpe&ing  Mankinde  to  be  now  in  his  dil* 
 pofe  9  and  he  to  have  a  Seed  out  of  them ,   and  to  have  for 
 and  give  to  his  Seed  eternal  Life :     And  if  believing  all  this, 
 we  view  the  Covenant  God  made  with  Mankinde  through 
 Chrift  at  the  beginning  ;  we  fhall  fee ,   That  we  are  under  a 
 gracious  Covenant ;  and  ,  Thar,  if  according  as  cur  eyes  are 
 opened  ,   and  Light ,  Motion  and  Strength  in  the  means  ex- 
 tended to  us ,   given  us  ,  we  fo  believe  in  God ,  who  are  ac- 
 cording 
 
7  be  ujefulnejs  of  wit  Uijcovery.         $iy 
 
 cording  to  the  gracious  Covenant ,  under  the  hope  of  Eter- 
 nal Life.  And  then  if  we  view  the  Covenant  as  made  with 
 Abraham, and  the firft  Fathers ,  and  believe  the  fame,  wc 
 arc  under  the  hope  of  ic :  and  then  ,  it  we  view  the  Cove- 
 nant that  was  added  becaule  of  Tran'greifion ,  and  given 
 byLflfofes  to  continue  till  Chrift  came,  and  look  onje- 
 fus  as  fet  forth  in  theGofpel ;  we  (hall  fee  how  Chrift  hath 
 fatisfied  and  made  purgation  for  all  the  fins ,  the  one  part  of 
 that  Covenant  could  charge  us  with  ;  and  fulfilled  all  that  in 
 Truth  which  the  other  part  of  that  Covenant  did  figure  and 
 type  out ;  and  freed  us  from  ou:  ward  Circum:ifion ,  and  all 
 the  Bondage  of  the  Law  of  Works  ;  that  believing  in  his 
 Blood,we  may  therethrough  approach  to  God  ,  and  believe 
 in  and  receive  from  him  >  all  faving  Grace ,  we  (hall  finde  a 
 better  ufe  of  that  old  Covenant  for  inftru&ion ,  now  being 
 from  under  it,  then  thofe  that  were  under  it  in  Obfervances, 
 did  or  could  finde.  And  fee  therein  the  firft  Covenant 
 made  witli  Mankinde  through  Chrift ,  cleared  ;  and  the 
 Door  to  Life  and  Immortality  opened,  wi  h  the  hope  of 
 the  everlafting  Covenant  fet  before  us ,  and  Jefus  Chrift 
 given  for  a  Covenant  ;  holding  forth  cWe  New  Teftamenr  to 
 us  :  in  minding  and  believing  in  him  with  our  heart ,  he 
 writeth  his  minde  in  the  Heart ,  enduing  us  with  the  Spirit 
 of  Faith  ,  Love ,  and  Power  ,  and  a  found  Minde ;  fo  in- 
 terefting  us  in  the  Promifes  and  everlafting  Covenant,  leading 
 us  to  live  by  Faith,  and  walk  in  Love,  in  which  he  fealeth  us 
 for  his,  and  gives  us  a  firft  Fruits  of  the  Spirit ,  as  an  earned 
 of  the  Inheritance.  And  fo  we  are  under  the  New  Tefta- 
 ment ,  of  which  Chrift  is  the  Mediator  by  vertue  of  his 
 Blood ,  That  we  which  arecalled,  may  receive  thepromifed 
 Inheritance :  and  he  is  loving,  faithful,  and  able ;  yea  ,  and 
 given  us  of  God  for  the  everlafting  Covenant  it  ielf,  That 
 we  believing  on  him,  and  receiving  him,  may  in  and  with  him 
 receive  all  things  ;  and  he  by  his  power ,  keep  us  through 
 Faith,  till  he  have  conferred  all  things  in  the  Covenant  on 
 us.  So  that  till  poffeflion  ,  we  can  have  no  better  or  greater 
 afTurance  of  our  intereft  in ,  and  enjoyment  of  all  promised 
 in  the  everlafting  Covenant ,  then  the  affurance  by  Faith  ia 
 himof  his  fulnefe,  and  our  intereft  in  him,  and  enjoyment  of 
 
 him, 
 
515  <?/Y  n  Anjyper  to  an  cxprejswn 
 
 him ,  who  faith ,  Becaufe  he  liveth ,  we  that  believe  in  him 
 (hall  live  alfo  :    and  it  is  better  and  lafer  for  us ,   that  it  is  in 
 hi?  Hand;,  then  if  it  were  in  ours  ;   we  may  better  betruft 
 him  then  cur  felvcs ,   for  keeping  ir.     And  knowing  all  this 
 revealed  in  the  Revelation  of  Chrift ,  and  lb  tettified  in  the 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift ,   and  therein  the  Purpofes  of  God  to 
 be  declared  to  be  fuch ;  and  according  thereto,  the  Promiies 
 cf  God  given  forth  ,  and  all  the  Prcmifes  affured  by  his  Co- 
 venanted now  Chrift  given  us  for  all,  fo  as  believing  in  him, 
 he  is  ours ;  and  he  being  ours,  all  that  is  his  is  ours ,   his  Fa- 
 ther, Spirit, Promifes,  Covenant,  Inheritance  ;  and  we  his , 
 as  is  all  plentifully  (hewn  and  proved  before  in  this  Treadle : 
 Who  then  can  defire  a  better,  firmer ,  and  ftrongeraffurance 
 of  God  being  ours,  and  with  us ,  to  preferve  us  to  the  Inhe- 
 ritance ?  I  confefs  I  have  formerly  fancied  fome  more  par- 
 ticular and  perfonal  thing,  in  which  I  now  fee  I  was  miftaken. 
 Andbecaufel  meet  with  Expreffions  importing  the  fame  in 
 others ,  I  owning  it,  as  my  own  former  miftake,  will  endea- 
 vour to  remove  it  from  others ,  in  confidering  one  Expreflion 
 more  of  Mr.  Owen's ;  of  whofe  minde  in  that  alio,  I  conceive 
 my  felf  to  have  been. 
 
 Chap.  I  i. 
 
 AnAnfaertoanExi*reJsionfeemingtocroJ$  this  lafl  faidy 
 about  ajjura/ice  :  oreife  to  give  a  better, 
 
 p  15o4  T~His  I  finde  in  Mr.  Owen's  writing,  viz,.  God  being  with  his 
 g»  oy*  •  J^  Teopley  from  henceforth  even  for  ever,  is  from  his  giving  in 
 that  Promife,  Pfal.  125.  1 ,  &c.  into  their  fouls  in  particular  , 
 and  their  receiving  it  in  their  Generations^  according  to  their  4p~ 
 jointed  times ,  even  for  ever  :  So  far  he.  But  this  faying 
 fuits  not  with  the  Gofpel  fetting  forth  Chrift  to  have  come 
 in  the  flefli,  and  to  be  given  for  God  's  Salvation  to  the 
 ends  of  the  Earth ,  and  for  a  light  to  the  Gentiles ,  and  for 
 a  Covenant  to  the  People  ;  nor  is  there  any  place  of  Scri- 
 pture 
 
about  oAJ/urance^.  $ip 
 
 pturc  in  its  own  plainnefs  and  Simplicity  either  to  affert  it*  or 
 countenance  it ;  no,  not  that  very  Text  it  felf.  Let  it  be  con- 
 fidered  as  agreeing  with  others. 
 
 1 ,  They  that  trufi  in  'Jehovah ,    as  Mount  Sion  is  not  moved,  p/k/,  i*$ .  i3*t 
 remaineth  for  ever :  (or,  asfomereadit,)  7 hey that  put  their 
 
 trufi  in  the  Lord,  are  even  as  the  Mount  Sion ,  which  may  not  be 
 removed,but  fiandethfafi for  ever  :  (  or,  as  we  read  it , )  They 
 that  trufi  in  the  Lord  [  (hall  be]  as  Mount  Sion  [which]  cannot  be 
 removed  ,  [but]  abideth  for  ever,  2.  The  Mountains  round  a- 
 bout  it)  and  Jehovah  is  round  about  hk  people  ,  from  this  time  and 
 forever:  (or,  asfomereadit,)  The  Hills  ft  and  about  Jerufa- 
 lem ,  even  ft  ftandeth  the  Lord  round  about  hi*  people  fnm  this 
 time  forth  for  evermore  :  (  or,  as  we  read  it, )  As  the  Moun" 
 tains  [are]  round  aboutjerufalem,  fo  the  Lord  [is]  round  about 
 his  people  from  henceforth  even  for  ever.  All  comes  to  one  fenfe 
 in  every  reading  :  but  neither  the  Text  it  felf ,  nor  any 
 TranChtion  of  it,  doth  thus  read  it,  Thai  fuch  as  from  God's 
 giving  in  thefe  particular  words  to  their  Souls  ,  and  they  re- 
 ceiving ir,  they  fhall  be  as  Mount  Sion,  &c.  nor  any  fuch  man- 
 ner of  faying,  here  or  elfewhere.  I  will  not  prefs  that  I  un- 
 derhand not ,  though  fome  of  the  Learned  render  it ,  as  the 
 Chaldee  Explanation  and  Expofition,  to  be  thus,  Thejuft  which 
 trufi eth  in  the  word  of  the  Lord ;  and  fo  ,  Jehovah  ,  the  divine 
 pre  fence ,  or  Majefiy  of  the  Lord  is  round  about  them :  I  fay ,  I 
 will  not  prefs  this  ,  though  it  be  far  more  agreeing  with  the 
 Text,  (then  the  former  device)  being  fuitable  to  the  fame 
 thing  fpoken  by  another  Prophet,  Thouwiltkeep  him  in  ferm  ifa.i6.$+: 
 J  eft  peace  ,  whofe  minde  is  flayed  on  thee ,  becaufe  hextrufleth  in 
 thee.  Trufi  ye  in  the  Lord  for  ever  ;  for  in  the  Lord  Jehovah 
 is  everlafitng  ftrength.  Bat  not  to  prefs  farther ,  the  words 
 countenance  not  at  all  fuch  a  faying  as  I  am  anfwering  : 
 But, 
 
 2.  Evident  it  is  here ,  That  the  Lord  by  this  Prophet  de- 
 livereth  the  fame  Doctrine  for  the  comfort  of  his  People,    , 
 
 that  he  did  after  in  difcovering  the  Vifion  ,   to  and  by  the^'^'^!' 
 Prophet  Habaf^ukj  The  vifion  is  yet  for  an  appointed  time,  but  4, 
 at  the  end  itfhalljpeak^and  not  lye  :  though  it  tarry  3    wait  for  it ; 
 becaufe  it  will  fur  ely  come,  it  will  not  tarry,    Beh  old,  his  foul  which 
 is  lifted  up,  is  not  upright  in  him  :   but  the  jufl  fhall  live  by  Faith, 
 
 Z  z  z  Afld 
 
550  aAn  Anfoer  to  an  Exprefsion 
 
 And  this  is  cleared  tous  by  the  Apoftles  to  be,  That  (inner*, 
 *4^5?'c^4!j!uno0^y.oncs  i  coming  i°  through  the  Love  of  God  corn- 
 ed. i,i,j,*;8i  mended  in  the  Death. of  Chriflfbr  (inners ,  to  believe  in  his 
 10.  G«l.z.i6.  Blood,  and  therethrough  to  believe  in  God,  tobefaved 
 through  Chrift :  That  God  juftifieth  thefe  through  the  Blood 
 of  Chrift  ,  and  they  receive  this  juftification  through  Faith  ; 
 Rom.i.i7.&4.  *nd  lb  are  juftified ,  orjuftby  Faith.  And  thefe  are  the  jull 
 xi3if.  Gal.i.atiti  of  whom  H^y^J  peaks.  And  dorh  not  the  A- 
 to. 6-3.1 1.  &  poftJe  farther  declare  ,  That  thefe  jtffl  ones  do  live  ,  abide, 
 5'5)  '  and  receive  all  their  Hren-th ,   ercreafe  and  fafcty  by  Faith  in 
 
 truiiingorbelie.-ingin  the  Lord  ?  and  theieare  theTrufters 
 in  God  and  Livers  by  Faith  of  whom  both  the  Prophets 
 fpeak.  And  to  all  fuch  Trusters  in  the  Lord  ,  that  faid  ^fal. 
 125  1,2.  is  ftrongConfolation  ;  and  he  fhould  do  an  evil 
 work,that  fhould  take  them  off  from  this  confidence  beget  in 
 them  by  the  Grace  of  God  in  Chriit ,  commended  through 
 his  Blood  to  finners ;  by  faying ,  Oh  you  may  be  deceived, 
 and  (leal  thi<-,  in  trufting  on  the  Lord  without  warrant ,  if 
 thefe  words,  Pfal  125.1,2.  were  not  given  in,  in  particular 
 to  your  Souls ,  and  you  lb  received  them  ,  and  then  it  will 
 prove  Gravel  to  you,  &c.  But  I  defire  to  wrong  none  :  I 
 fuppofe  he  limiteth  it  not  to  thefe  very  words :  But  if  any 
 fuch-like  be  fo  given  in  ,  and  received ,  as ,  Son>  be  f  good. 
 cheer,  thy  fins  are  forgiven  thee :  or,  I  have  blotted  out  thy  tranf- 
 oreffions,  as  a.  cloudy  for  my  own  Name's  fake  :  or ,  I  have  loved 
 thee  with  an  ever Ufl big  love  ,  therefore  with  loving  h/ndnef  have 
 I  drawn  thee:  or  any  fuch-iike.  But  though  thefe  be  great 
 and  fpecial  mercies,  to  be  fpiritually  ti reamed  into  the  heart, 
 yet  doc  rightly  taken  or  ufed,  if  it  be  for  fuch  an  end ,  as  to 
 take  them'  for  Gods ,  making  the  everlafting  Covenant  with 
 Ui  in  particular,^  with  Abraham  5  for  all  thefe  but  one,  were 
 fpoken  to  the  Church  in  general,  and  were  not  the  nuking, 
 but  the  remernbring  of  the  Covenant  made  with  Abraham  ; 
 which,  though  made  in  particular,  and  perfonally  with 
 him,  and  fo  with  lfaa c  and  Jacob,  and  after  with  <D.ivid,  in 
 refpeS  of  the  King  om  ,  yet  was  it  nor  mad:  with  them  or 
 anyone  of  them  for  themfelves  in  particular,  but  for  them 
 and  all  the  fpiruual  Seed  that  were  to  follow  ,  of  which  they 
 Were  to  be  Fathers:  and  for  that  one  ,  which  was  fpoken  in 
 
 particular 
 
about  (tAffuranct^.    .  ,52 1 
 
 particular,  «f  one  particular,  ic  was  vocally  fpoken,  and 
 audibly  heard  by  him  to  whom  fpoken ,  and  many  other?, 
 that  were  with  him  ,  and  for  their  lakes  alio  j  this  Man  to 
 whom  it  was  fpoken  ,  being  before  this  fpeaking  a  Son.  So 
 that  all  thele  ana  the  like  faying?,  (hew  what  lire  confidence 
 Believers  may  have  in  remembring  the  Covenants  made  with 
 their  Fathers ;  and  the  ipiriiual  dreaming  in  of  fuch  Sayings 
 into  their  hearts,  a  good  relief  in  their  fainting,  and  help  to 
 enlarge  their  ufe  of  confidence  in  God  ,  that  ever  re- 
 membreth  his  Covanant  made  with  the  Father?.  And 
 this  leads  to  a  farther  confideration  of  this  Tfal.  125. 1,2. 
 
 ViZ,* 
 
 3.  That  thefe  words  were  not  directly  fpoken  to  and  fcr 
 fuch  as  did  not  truft  in  the  Lor d,to  beget  them  to  truft  in  the  pfai.ui.j,*. 
 Lord,  though  fuch  an  uie  may  be,  and  come  of  the  hearing 
 and  minding  them  in  convincement  :  but  they  were  and  are 
 directly  fpoken  to ,   arid  for  fuch  as  are  already  Trufters  in 
 the  Lord  ;   being  firli  begoc  to  truft  in  the  Lord ,  that  they 
 might  not  fear  cr  depart  through  fainting  ,  or  go  andeia 
 lifting  up  their  Souls,  to  any  other  ftrengtb ,  wifdom,  righte- 
 oufn*fs,  policy,  or  confidence  ;   for  fo  he  tells  them  in  the 
 fame  Pfalm,  Such  as  (  in  any,  (Iraight,  or  for  any  pretence  i 
 turn  afide,  (  namely  ,  from  this  way  of  trulting  in  the  Lord)  ^''M- 
 unto  their  crooked  wiyes  ,    the  Lord  will  lead  them  forth  with  the 
 wrkcrs  of '  ir.iquty,  [but]    peace  upm  Ifrael  :    opened  by  the 
 Apoltle,  directing  as  the  rule  to  wait  through  the  Spirit  for 
 the  Righteou'nei's  of  God  by  Faith,  &c.  faith  ,    As  many  *s  g  1/.5  ?/  &6. 
 w  disaccording  to  this  rule,  peace  be  on  them,  and  mercy  upon  the  * 53i6. 
 JfraelofCjod.    And  this  the  fame  with  that  in  Haba^ku^  He 
 whofe  Soul  is  lifted  up,  is  not  upright  in  him  :    but  the  jufl  (hall  live 
 by  Faith.    And  in  this  very  fenie  doth  the  Apoftle  render  thac 
 faying  to  the  Hebrews  :  to  which  the  whole  125  Pfalm  fully  H^.10.38. 
 agreeth.  ^ 
 
 4.  This  forefaid  faying  taketh  away  the  ftrength  of  the  A- 
 potties  confolation  given  to  the  believing  Hebrews,  and  fo  to 
 ■all  Believers  thereby,  viz..  For  he  huh  fed,  I  wdl  never  leave  Htb.ii  5  6. 
 thee,  nor  for  fake  thee  ;  fo  that  we  mzy  boldly  fay  ,  The  Lord  is 
 my  helper,  I  will  not  fear,  &c.  which  Confolation  the  A  portle 
 gives  to  the  whole  Church  of  the  Hebrews ,    to  withdraw 
 
 Z  z  t   2  them 
 
fjx  \An  Anjwer  to  an  Exprefsion 
 
 them  from  covetoufnefs,  and  firm  them  in  confidence  ;    and 
 not  from  a  particular  in-giving  of  thefe  words  to  their  Souls : 
 nor  is  there  any  likelihood  they  were  fo  to  all,  every,  or  ma- 
 ny of  them  ;   nor  is  any  fuch  Caution  put  in.       But  he 
 laves  it  down,    as  ic  was  given,     when  God  was  about 
 the  firrt  literal   fulfilling  his  Covenant  made  with  Abra- 
 ham \   and  giviqg  Jojhu.t  to    be  their  Captain,     to   en- 
 courage them  to  go  on  in  his  way,    he  gives' this  Promife 
 Dcut.i  t.6#      ficfl  to  all  Ifrdeij  the  whole  C  hurch,  Beftrcng  and  of  good  con* 
 rage,  fear  not,  nor  be  afraid  of  them  ;  for  the  Lord  thy  fjod,  he  it  is 
 that  doth  go  with  thee,  he  will  not  far  I  thee,  nor  for  fake  thee.     And 
 this  Promife,  as  a  part  of  the  Covenant  made  with  their  Fa- 
 jrert7  2,       thers,  given  to  them,  was  together  with  them,  again  given  to 
 Jofhtta  their  Captain.     Now  as  cur  Jojhua,  even  Jefus,  that  is 
 the  Captain  and  Finifher  of  our  Faith  ;  the  Fore-runner,   in 
 Hefr  ii  i  Gd  whom  allthePromiies  are  Tea  and  Amen  :  foit  apper.ains  to 
 3.af,»*'        *U tna^  believe  in  him  ,  as  his  fpiritual  Seed  and  Heirs ,  The 
 Seed  of  Abraham ,    The  whole  Church  fpoken  of,  and  to,  as 
 one,  77?^ ;  and  every  one  having  right ,  as  being  of  the  Seed 
 of  Abrahamjdzimmg  their  intere(tyf£.  So  the  Apofile  direils 
 thefe  believing  Hebrews ;  yea,  it  being  recorded  and  write  en, 
 he  directs  them  to  take  what  the  Scripture  faith  ,  as  the  Holy 
 nth.wGd.t.  Ghoft  fpeaking  to  them  •  yea,  and  fo  he  dire&s  all  Believers, 
 7,8,9,19.^0//;.  even  of  the  Gentile  5    affirming  them  written  fr  our  learning, 
 1  $•  Mfc         that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  th-e  Scripture  might  h ?ve 
 heps  in  believing.    So  t  hat  though  this  place,  /  will  be  w.  th  thee* 
 8cc.  have  no  otherwise  been  infpiredto  them  ,  then  as  it  is 
 written  in  the  Scripture  ,  they  believing  in  Chrifl  in  whom  all 
 the  Promii'es  are  certain ,    they  are  Heirs ,  and  the  Prcmifes 
 Ko*n.%.i7.G.il.  pertain  to  them,  and  they  in  believing  may  have  the  comfort 
 4.^,7.  &$.it,  yf  them.;  and  yet  for  fome  particular  difficult  extraordinary 
 **  bufmefs ,  ix  may  fometime  be  needful  and  very  profitable  for 
 
 leading  to  farther  truRing  in  the  Lord  to  go  through  fo  great  a 
 bufmefs ,  to  have  it  particularly  breamed  into  the  heart  of 
 fame  chief  Officer,  as  this  was  to  jofhtsa ,  afcer  the  ministerial 
 giving  of  it,  Jcjh.  1.  5.  from  whence  I  marvel,  learned  Men 
 fhould  take  that  faying  there,  as  for  every  Saint ,  rather  then 
 from  its  former  miniderial  giving  to  the  whole  Church ,  and 
 after  with  them  to  JafbiMy  Dew,  $i:67  7,8,  And  if  we  take 
 
 HI 
 
about  <tAjfurance.  52  2 
 
 not  this  faying  thus,  as  appertaining  to  Chrift ,  and  in  him  to 
 all  Believers  ,  but  onely  to  fuch  into  whofe  Souls  it  is  parti- 
 cularly given  in  ;  What  force  hath  the  Apoftles  Exhortation 
 to  thefe  Hebrews  ,  and  lb  to  all  the  Church  of  Believers  ?  or 
 who  (hall  be  the  Thecy  and  the  We,  here  fpoken  to,  and  fpeak-  G 
 ing,  if  thofe, and  all  thofe,  and  onely  thofe  mentioned  by  the  J^ulb^lV 
 Apoftletobethey,be  not  they  ?  and  he  expreffethit  toBe-i4! 
 lievers  in  Chrift ;  in  believing  in  whom,is  Mens  entrance  into 
 Sonfhip  and  fpecial  favour,  and  intereft  in  promifes,  as  is  wit- 
 neffed  in  theTeftimony  of  Chrift,  and  Declaration  of  the 
 Purpofes,  Promifes,  and  Covenants  of  God  :  and  fuch  parti- 
 cular hvgmngs ,  are  great  mercies,  and  fweet  enlargements, 
 and  moft  to  babes ,  and  at  beginnings,  till  Men  have  learned 
 to  live  by  Faith :  but  to  live  on  fenfe,  and  particular  vifits,  to 
 make  them  our  Foundation ,  to  lift  up  our  felves  above  our ' 
 Brethren  that  have  them  not,  is  a  great  abufe  of  them.  But  I 
 will  in  this  proceed  no  farther ,  nor  yet  in  farther  ufefulnefs 
 of  all  that  written  ,  knowing  fuch  as  read  and  believe  what 
 the  Scripture  affirms,  will  meet  with  ufefulnefs ;  but  onely  in 
 confidering  that  which  occafionedme  to  the  writing  of  this 
 Treatiie,  namely  ,  Mr.  Owen 's  flaring  of  the  Qusttion  pre- 
 tended to  be  in  difpute  or  controverfie  ,  between  him  and 
 Mr.  John  Goodwin  j  about  Perfeverance  in,  or  falling  from 
 Faith  ;  or  rather,the  Faith  that  may,and  that  which  cannot  be 
 fallen  from. 
 
 &&&&  s$^fe&&&  &&&&& 
 
 An 
 
w 
 
 Ail  Explicif  e  Declaration  of  the  Tefti- 
 mcny.of  Chrift,  & c. 
 
 PART  VII. 
 
 Chap.    i. 
 Of  the  JFhttftm  as  fated. 
 
 S  for  his  mentioning  the  many  forts  of  ho!incf^ 
 and  holy  Ones  ,   and  luch  as  teem  fo ,  and  are 
 not,  about  which  thecomeit  is  not,  1  let  paft, 
 and  lock  onely  on  that  abort  which  the  con- 
 cert pretends  on  one  fide  to  be  :  and  he  puts  it 
 into  two  forts  of  Faith,  or  that  Saints  are  laid 
 to  believe,  and  to  be  holy,  really,  and  in  the  Truth  of  the 
 thing  it  felf  :    The  firtt  fort  of  Believers  that  have  Fai  h  and 
 Paae  i  o  h°^nek true  *n  *ts  kinde,  he  faith,  htefuch  as  havmgrcce.ved 
 gg£  *  ' fundr)  common  Gifts  end  graces  of the  Spir.t ,  as  dUmination  of 
 
 Hab.l.  {'saw  the  minde  y  change  of  ajfetl  ions  ,  and  thence  amendment  of  Lrfey 
 io.io.  %?euz.  withforrow  of  the  world)  legs  I  repentance ,  temporary  Faithy  and 
 20.  1  Kjng.zi.  the  Uke^  which  are  all  true  and  real  in  their  k^nd'e  ,  and  do  thereby 
 %7.ichron.7. 10  yecome  veffe[s  in  the  great  houfe  of  God,  beino  chanced  at  to  the.r 
 I X  10  Mat  6  Hfe*  n0*  tn  ™eir  nature  ;  conttnmrg  wood  anajronejtill ,  though 
 10.1XjngA0.16  hewed,  and  turned  to  be  fervice  ible  veffcls  :  and  on  that  account 
 Ho[.6. 4.  are  frequently  termed  Saints  a>d  Believers. 
 
 On  fuch  04  thefe  there  u  a  lower ,  {and  infome  )  fubordinate 
 
 worje^ 
 
Of  the  Quejlion  asjlated.  ^ 
 
 work^of  the  Spirit,  effellu ally  producing  {in  and  upon  the  faculties  ?  ,  6         .„ 
 of  the  Soul)  fomewhaty  that  is  true,  good,  and  u'efnlinitfclf,  art'  z5.23.  Mat.?, 
 fwering  in  fome  hkenefi  and  futtablenelZ  of  operation,  to  the  great  16)17 JUv.jX 
 worJ^ef  regeneration,  the  which  faiUth  not :  There  ts  in  them  light %  Afar.4.1^ 
 love,  joy,  faith,  z>eal,  obedience,  &  ;.  all  true  in  their  k^nde,  which 
 makes  man]  of  them  do  worthily  in  their  generation  ;  howbeit) 
 they  attain  not  to  the  Faith  of  God's  EUtt,  neither  doth  Chrtft  live  in 
 them  ;  nor  is  the  life  which  they  leadjby  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of  God. 
 So  far  he. 
 
 Though  this  defcription  of  Faith  and  Saints,  be  not  in  any 
 Scripture -Expreflion  or  Terms, or  according  to  any  Scripture-  ^  zS  lz 
 Delcription,  bur  rather  like  unto  that  reproved  by  it ;  yec  J 
 here  is  granted  a  Faith  and  Holinefs,  true  inks  kinde,  that 
 hath  in  it  illumination  ,  change  of  efTe£tion  ,  amendment  of 
 life,  light,  love,  joy,  faith,  zea1,  all  effete  J  by  the  Spirit; 
 from  which  heyieldeth,aMan  may  fall.  And  if  that  betru?, 
 he  after  faith,  That  a  man  m .)  abide  with  cor.fiancy  to  the  death 
 in  this  Faith  through  fufferings :  furelythen,  it  being  none  of  the 
 Faith  of  God  ys  EleEh>  &C  and  they  woodfiill,  &c.  they  muft  needs 
 perijk.  And  were  it  not  better  to  let  fuch  a  Faith  alone,when 
 fo  great  danger  in  falling  away,and  yet  no  Salvation,  hue  eter- 
 nal perifhing,  though  they  continue ,  even  through  iufferings, 
 and  die  in  it  ?  But  I  will  not  meddle  with  the  controverfie, 
 but  onely  the  bating  the  QuelHon.  And  fo  this  Faith  ac- 
 knowledged true  in  its  kinde,  and  of  the  Spirit's  operation, 
 I  (hall  confid.r  three  things  ink  :  1.  That  mentioned  here, 
 which  may  bemif-conceivedby  fome, and  rho'e things  which 
 are  no  part  of  Faiih  or  Holinefs  true  in  it-  kinde,of  the  Spirit's 
 operation.  2. 1  fhall  acknowledge  that  which  is  fo,to  be  i'o  in- 
 deed. 3. 1  fhall  confider  Heb.  6. 1  >8,  whence  all  his  proofs 
 feem  to  be  fetched. 
 
 CHAR 
 
11* 
 
 Ch 
 
 AP, 
 
 Of  things  that  may  be  mifconeeived >  and  things  no  part  of 
 
 Faith. 
 
 I.  T  Suppofe  himfelf  by  common  Gifts  and  Graces  of  the 
 %fa.xi  rill]      1    Spirit,  means  ibmcthing  higher,  and  more  fpecial  then 
 jfa.s.irf. '    '  that  Light,  Undemanding ,  and  Skill  in  Arts  for  working  cu- 
 rious YVorks  given  to  our  Types ,  or  thofe  given  to  Men  to 
 fit  them  for  Husbandry,or  thofe  Gifts  given  for  ftrengthening 
 a  Nation  to  fome  Men ,  as  Wifdom,  Prudence,  &c.   for  the 
 Joh.L9job}i.  M'lgnty>    and  Captains  of  War,  judges,  Prophets,  Counfcl- 
 10,11.  loh.nl  lors ,  cunning  Artificers ,  and  eloquent  Orators ;  or  onely, 
 5,9.  Kom.i^.  that  common  Light  wherewith  he  enlightens  eve  ry  Man  thac 
 comcth  into  the  World,  and  gives  them  more  undemanding 
 then  theBeafts  or  Fowls.     All  which  are  indeed  gracious 
 Gifts,  given  to  Men  through  C  hrift,  and  for  his  fake  ;  and  to 
 gracious  ends  alfo ,   having  their  tendency  to  lead  Men  to 
 Repentance  $  yet  for  thefe  things ,   as  the  Gofpel  is  now 
 come  fonh ,   Men  are  not  frequently  called  Believers  and 
 Saints,  and  the  Gifts  and  Graces  of  the  Spirit ,  given  in  his 
 Teftimony  of  Chrift  in  the  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpel  to 
 make  him  known,  and  call  to ,  and  unite  to  him  in  believing, 
 are  of  a  higher  Nature,  even  the  lowelt  of  them :  This  being 
 tjh.  1*.  26,17.  nis  Work,  and  that  of  which  we  fpeak,  or  we  fpeak  nothing  at 
 tzi.&ilfL  a11  in  this  bufineft-     As  for  that  quoted  1  Sum.  10,  1 1.  it 
 doth  not  prove ,  That  Saul  had  the  Gift  of  Prophefie,  any 
 more  then  one  that  hath  no  Gift  of  finding  y  yet  coming 
 where  fome  are  fweetly  finging,is  taken  with  the  melody,  and 
 carried  on  with  them  to  fing,  or  by  fome  extraordinary  occa- 
 fion  or  motion,   led  to  fingaVerfe  or  two  tuneably  ,  and 
 yet  hath  neither  skill  nor  ability  to  do  it  again  at  any  other 
 times ,  can  be  faid  to  have  the  Gift  ( though  on  fuch  an  oc- 
 cafion, the  a£)  of  finding  :   fo,ihzt  Saul  did  fomenmes  on 
 an  extraordinary  occafion ,   and  by  an  extraordinary  Motion, 
 Prophefie ,    yea ,   and  iome  of  his  Servants  aifo,  is  true ,  and 
 
Of  things  that  may  be  mifioncehed*)      qyj 
 
 fo  by  feme  operations  of  the  Spirit  v  they  had  an  a&  of  Pro-  , 
 phefying,  I  believe,  becaufe  it  is  fo  written  ;  andaifo,  that  i&Mi|o.io,xi. 
 they  were  among  the  Prophets  :  but  that  he  or.  they  were  #•/?. 2.0^1,23. 
 Prophets,   and  had  received  the  Gift  of  Prophefie  >  loas  to 
 baveit,I  believe  not,  becaufe  h  is  not  fo  written:  <and  how- 
 ever, this  place  is  not  to  our  bufinefs ;  onely  this  I  have.. 
 noted,  to  avoid  miftakes  about  the: Gifts  and  Graces  here 
 meant. 
 
 II.  For  forrow  of  the  World ,  that  is  not  according  to 
 God,  it  hath  no  tendency  to  any  gracious  quickning ,  or  that  ^ 
 Light,  Love,  Joy,  &c.  but  aptly  worketh  Death  ,  Grief  for   '       '  *  ° 
 worldly  fhame,  poverty,  rtraights,  or  lofs  of  Honour,  &c. 
 
 leads  to  murmuring ,  and  evil  fruits,  andfo  to  trouble  and 
 eftrangement  from  God,  and  fo  to  death,  and  fo  is  evil, one 
 of  the  lutts  of  the  f:efih ,  which  though  in  Believers,  often  a- 
 noying  them,  yet  refitted  by  the  Spirit  of  Grace,  Let  no 
 wan  fay  when  he  is  tempted  toevil^  (  moved  to  forrow  of  the  Gx\ ['  ^j^y 
 World,)  /  am  tempted  of  Gody  (  This  is  one  of  the  lower,  jja^.io^u 
 Works  of  his  Spirit ,  one  of  the  common  Graces  I  have  re- 
 ceived from  him)do  not  fo  erre,do  not  fo  difhonour  God  and 
 his  Spirit ,  as  if  he  were  the  Father  of  darknefs ,  and  iuch 
 evil,Gifcs  came  in  the  flowing  of  the  Spirit  from  him  through 
 Chrift,  not  call  darknefs  light,  and  light  darknefs  :  a  forrow 
 will  be  in  the  working  of  the  Spirit,  but  that  wilW>e 
 a  forrow  according  to  God,  fuitable  to  the  Grace  made 
 known ,  effecting  ir.  But  this  worldly  forrow,  or  for- 
 row of  the  World,"  is  no  part  of  ir,  hath  no  union 
 with  ic ,  and  fo  no  part  of  the  Faith  or  Hoiinefs  treat- 
 ed of. 
 
 III.  Legal  Repentance  (if  by  legal  be  meant ,  that  which 
 is  right,  true,  found,  and  according  to  rule ,  we  would  not 
 ftrive  about  word?,  it.might  ftand  :  but  by  many  expreflions 
 ufed,  and  the  fcope  of  the  bu&nefs ,  it's  evident  that  cannot 
 he  the  meaning  here,  and  therefore) 
 
 1.  If  by  legal  Repentance  be  meant  a  Repentance  effected 
 by  the  Law  under  which  Man  was  fallen,  difcovering  fin,  and 
 fentencing  to  death  for  fin,  affording  00  hope ,  but  in  anfwer-  G/rf.3.13  jr«* 
 ingche  righteouinefs  it  requfreth,and  fo  afflicting  with  defpair^  3^35,33.^ 
 and  terrors  of  wrath  and  death ,  at  belt  effecting  fuch  a  grief,  l%i$* 
 
 Aaaa  as 
 
5^3      Of  things  that  may  be  mifconcehed. 
 
 as  caufeth  thoughts  or  retttnrin<>  to  regain  fuch  a  righteouf- 
 nefs,  &c.  this  ftands  crofs  to  Faith  and  fubmiflion  to  Chrift, 
 and  ib  is  none  of  the  works  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Teftimony 
 See  Part  2.  °f  Chrift  ;  but  the  Fruit  of  unbelief,  if  not  alfo  of  an  evil 
 ch.  7,  #  Miniftration,  being  the  excrcife  of  a  natural  confidence, 
 through  ignorance  of  the  Oblation  of  Cbrift,and  Peace  made 
 thereby ;  and  alfo  ignorance  of  God's  proceedings  wirh  Men 
 through  a  Mediator ,  and  upon  what  account  he  chargeth  fin 
 upon  Men,  and  will  proceed  topunifh  them  :  fo  that  this  is 
 rather  a  fruit  of  the  deceitfulnefs  of  (in,che*orkof  the  Spirit 
 being  other  wife. 
 
 2. If  by  legal  Repentance  be  meant  &ch  efficacies  as  were  it* 
 
 Men  under  the  Law  as  given  by  Mofesj  effected  in  that  Mini- 
 
 fi ration ,   keeping  ftill  under  a  Spirit  of  Bondage,  fuitable  to 
 
 Rom.%.1  t.Gai.  the  time  before  Chrirt  came  in  the  Flefh,  and  offered  the  Ob- 
 
 4tj7,  &lA'  l*«on,  and  fate  on  the  right  hand  of  God  to  mediate ,   and 
 
 Th'xijob7 fo  fcnt  forth  the  Holy Ghoi{ :  This  n  ould  be  denial  of  chri(t 
 
 Aft\  10.11/  '  come  in  the  flefh,  to  attribute  fuch  efficacies  to  the  Holy  Spi- 
 Heto.i.  ritintheGofpeinow  ;  yet  a  Repentance  is  wrought  in  the 
 working  of  the  Holy  Spiric ,  but  it  is  fuch  as  the  Gofpel 
 teacheth,  even  Repentance  towards  God  ,  and  from  dead 
 works,  and  not  this  legal  Repentance :  nor  are  any  under  the 
 Gofpel-Miniftration  ,  on  the  account  of  fuch  legal  Repen- 
 tance, anywhere  called  Believers  or  Saint?.  As  for  that  aU 
 ledged,  1  King.21.1-j.  it  was  an  Humiliation,  occafioned  by 
 the  report  of  the  terrible  Judgements  to  be  executed,  which 
 God  in  great  Mercy  for  a  time  deferred ,  as  he  took  off  fome 
 Judgements  from  PharaoJj  ;  yet  neither  of  them  faid  to  have 
 Ex$d.9.i7.  Repentance ,  nor  were  called  Believers  and  Saints  ;  but 
 wicked  Men :  fo  we  are  quit  of  this. 
 
 IV.  Nor  can  they  be  brought  into  this  Company  of  whom 
 Mr.  Owen  fpcaks,  Page  402.  Se&.  8.  vd  fort  of  Men  there  *re 
 in  the  World, ,  who  efcape  the  outward  pollutions  of  it ,  and  are 
 clean  in  their  own  eyes ,  though  they  are  never  wafted  from 
 iniquity  •  who  having  been  under ftrongeonvittiojis  by  the  power 
 of  the- Law ,  and  broken  thereby  from  the  couffe  of  their  fin,  at- 
 tending to  the  word  of  the  GoJpeI>  with  a  temporary  Faith  ,  do  go 
 forth  to  a  Vtofeffion  of  "Kjligion  ,  and  walking  with  God  •  jo  far 
 as  to  have  all  the  lineaments  of  trug  Believers  t  (  as  Mr.  Good- 
 win 
 
Of  things  that  may  be  mif conceived*      ^ 
 
 Yiinfomewhere  Jpeakjy  drawn  in  their  faces)  jxhrnring  the  word 
 gladly ,  as  Herod  did;  receiving  it  with  jdjif  as  the fiony  ground 
 did ;  attending  to  u  with  delight,  at  thofe  did  Ezek«  33.31.  re* 
 penting  of  former  fins,  at  Ahab  and  Judls,Hntil  they  were  reckoned 
 among  true  Believers,  as  Judas  and  thofe  Joh  .*.»  3 .  who  yet  were 
 never  united  to  Chrifi.    So  far  he. 
 
 Bat  ic  is  plain  thefe  were  Hypocrites  in  a  proper  fenfe,  pro- 
 feflmg  to  have  that  they  had  not,  8c  to  walk  with  God  as  they  p./cv 
 did  not ;  nor  are  fuch  as  thefe  anywhere  in  Scripture  called  hmAVm*' 
 Believers  and  Saints;  but  plainly  affirmed,  not  wafhsd  from  **,*7,t9.  ' 
 their  filth,  of  lofty  eyes,  Hypocrites,  not  wife,  not  approved ; zCor-  "°i  "»*«*» 
 Sayers,   and  not  Doers  of  the  will  of  the  Father ;  fuch  as  [l'^*'7'1** 
 Chrirt  in  his  Miniftration,  and  in  the  Miniftration  of  his  Ser-    ,X* J*4' 
 vants,  never  knew,  owned  or  approved  by  any  word  of  his : 
 and  though  he  yet  wait  with  patience  on  fuch,  and  ufe  means 
 that  they  might  rightly  convert;  yet  if  they  perftlt ,  and  do 
 not  convert ,  he  will  after ,  when  the  dayes  of  his  patience 
 is  out ,  notwithstanding  all  their  profeflion,  fay  to  them,  'De- 
 part from  me,  (  not  ye  Saints,  but )  ye  that  workJnquitym    And 
 this  he  forewarned  all  his  Hearers  of,  that  they  might  truely 
 turn  to  him  :  neither  have  thefe  all  the  Lineaments  of  true 
 Believers  (  of  which  Mr.  Goodwin  fpeaks ,   nor  yet  of  which 
 the  Scripture  fpeaks)  in  their  Faces ,   nor  will  the  examples 
 inftanced  prove  them  fo  to  have  :  for  Herod  *s  hearing  John 
 gladly  ,  and  doing  many  things  ,  &c.  what  Lineament  was 
 this ,  when  he  feared  the  people  ,  and  knew  John  both  to 
 be,  and  to  be  accounted  a  Prophet ,  and  to  be  juft  and  holy  ?  J*f •  *• *  7>27' 
 So  that  he  had  no  juft  occafion  to  harm  him,  and  yet  kept  him  ^1?}/??°' 
 Prifoner;  andcontrary  to  his  preaching,  kept  to  himfelf  his  31,33.  ' 
 Brother's  Wife  from  him ,  living  uncleanly  with  her ,   and  at 
 her  motion  put  John  to  death :  nor  was  he  ever  reckoned  Be- 
 liever and  Saint,  nor  with  them.     And  £*>ehjel  *s  Hearers  are 
 plainly  branded  with  Hypocrifie,  that  heard,  and  would  not 
 do,  their  Hearts  running  after  Covetoufnefs  ;  and  fofar 
 from  being  reckoned  among  true  Believers ,  that  a  wo  is  de-  \ 
 
 nounced  againft  them.  As  for  *Ahab*i  Repentance,  there  is 
 nothing  affirmed  of  it,  as  the  Lineament  of  a  true  Believer ; 
 nor  was  he  fo  reckoned,  any  more  then  Pharaoh ,  as  is  fore- 
 (hewn.    As  for  Judas  Repentance,  it  was  hellifh  ,  and  con- 
 
 Aaa*  1  (trained 
 
54.0      \Jj  tmngs  watmaybe  mij  conceived. 
 
 Mat  lit  4  j.^raine(^  by*ormentof  Oorifcience,  which  led  him  to  a  vain 
 '**'  'courfe  ,  even  to, the  Enemies  of.Crjrift,  to  eafe  his  grief; 
 nor  was  that  Repentance  a  Lineament  of  a  true  Believer ; 
 nor  was  he  upon  that  account,  or  after,  reckoned  among  true 
 Believers  :  and  yet  being  a  fecret  Thief  before  ,  what  Be- 
 liever foever  he  was  before  that ,  he  comes  not  within  the 
 eorripafs  of  thofe  fet  forth  in  Mr.  Owen  his  facing  the  Quefti- 
 on.  As  for  the  (tony  Groan  iqtt  is  a  part,  of  a  Parable  uttered 
 and  opened  by  our  Saviour, flit wirg  the  efficacy  of  thq  Word 
 .  for  Fruits,  rather  then  for  Regeneration  j  for  none  was  good 
 Ground  before  the.reccitof  the  Word;  but  that  received, 
 and  poffr  ffing  the  Heart,  regenerated,  and  made  the  Ground 
 good  ,  and  then  kindely  fruitful ,  which  could  not  be  till 
 then.  So  that  the  Word  in  the  High-Way ,.  if  it  had  abiden, 
 would  havefaved ,  and  made  it  good  by  degrees ;  but  being 
 
 /*t.8.n.  feffered  to  beprefently  ftollen  out,  they  remained  High- 
 way i  they  that  fuddenly  believing  were  a  little  touch*d,if  they 
 had  abiden,  minding  that  believed ,  and  let  it  fink  into  their 
 Heart,  it  would  have  broken  the  Stone  ,  and  after  that,  have 
 
 MauiAOyiiy rooted  up  the  Thorns  alfo  :  But  by  being  withdrawn  by 
 
 III™.  ^'Temptation ,  as  the  other  by  worldly  Thoughts ,  they  re- 
 mained ftony,  and  fo  became  unfruitful :  fo,  as  how  much, 
 or  how  long  they  believed  ,  we  have  no  warrant  to  ma^e 
 them  like  thofe  fore-mentioned  ;  Nor  yet  of  them  John  2. 
 2  3 .  of  whom  it's  not  affirmed  ^  they  profeffed  or  confeflfed 
 him :  There  was  more  danger  in  thar,then  in  believing.  But  I 
 need  take  no  pains  in  this ;  for  Mr.  Owen  hath  excluded  thefe 
 from  thofe  mentioned,  in  ftating  the  Queftion  ,  of  whom  he 
 affirms  the  Graces  given  and  received,  to  be  the  works  of  the 
 Spirit ,  effectually  working  in  all  the  powers  of  the  Soul,  and 
 producing  Light,  Love,  Joy,  Zeal,  change  of  Affections,  a- 
 mendment  of  Life,  Obedience: 
 
 And  going  over  them  again,  Page  42. 3 .  Chap.  1 7 .  Seft. 2  7. 
 he  faith  ,  That  in  perfons  thm  wrought  upon^  there  is  or  may  bey 
 fitch  an  affent  upon  Light  and  Convittion  to  the  Truth j  profejfed 
 and  preached  to  them  >  M  i*  true  in  its  kinde  ,  not  counterfeit , 
 giving  and  affording  them  in  whom  it  is  wrought ,  Projeffion  of 
 the  Faithy  and  that  fometitoef  with  conftancy  to  the  Death ,  cr 
 the  giving  of  their  Bodies  to  be  burned^  with  perfwafiom  {whence 
 
 they 
 
Of  things  that  may  be  mijccncehed.      $a\ 
 
 they  are  called  Believers)  of  a  future  enjoyment  of  a  glorious  and 
 blejjed  condition  ,  filling  them  with  tAVjjking  ajfettions ,  and  re- 
 joicings in  Hope ,  which  they  profefifmtable  to  the  expectation  they 
 
 have  offtich  an  estate  and  condition.     Thefe  cannot  he  [aid  to 
 
 be  Hypocrites  in  the  most  proper  fen fe  of  that  Word ,  &c,  their, 
 htghCjiftSy    Knowledge,  Faith  ,    change  of  zAjfettions  ,  and 
 
 |  Cony er fat i*n ,  being  in  their  c  wn  kinde  irue>  (as  the  Faith  ofT>e" 
 
 . .i/iis.)    So  far  he. 
 
 In  all  which  it  appeareth,That  other  rabble  mentioned  by 
 him,  cannot  be  brought  in  to  be  numbred  with  thefe,  which 
 he  confeffeth  may  abide  and  die  in  the  Faith  ,  yea  ,  and  for 
 theProfeflion  of  the  Faith,  or  they  may  fall  away  •  and  of 
 fuch  as  do  fall  away ,  he  faiqh  ,  Page  429.  That  before  their 
 
 .falling?   they  were  in  a  fair  way  for  Life  and  Salvation,     As 
 for  his  Parenthefis  about  the  Truth  of  their  Faith ,  (  ^4s  the 
 Faith  of  Devils, )  he  therein  intimately  granteth  this ,    That 
 the  Devils  have  Faith  true  in  its  kinde  j  but,  That  the  De- 
 vils have  Faith,   and  true  Faith  in  any  kinde,  as  the  word 
 Faith  is  ufed  in  the  Scripture  ,  I  believe  not ,   becaufe  with 
 all  my  fearch  I  finde  not  one  fuch  word  there.    That  the  De- 
 vils in  a  fenfe  do  believe,  That  there  is  one  God ,  I  believe, 
 becaufe  the  Scripture  faith  it ;  But  to  believe  the  Devils  have 
 Faith,  I  dare  not ,  becaufe  it  is  faid,  Thefimple  believeth  every  Utn.i. \9Tr0v; 
 word,  but  the  prttdent  Man  Icoketh  well  to  his  going.     And  upon  l^lS-Deut.sz. 
 fearch  and  pondering,  I  dare  not  fay ,  but  many  of  them  did  ^MQ^Luh 
 believe  there  is  one  God,  that  are  affirmed  Children  in  whom  9.4X'  zTbef.5. 
 is  no  Faith  ,  and  like  wife  of  thofe  our  Saviour  calleth  Faith-  z.mthRom.i  5, 
 lefs  •  yea ,    and  fome  of  them  alfo  of  whom  the  Apoftle  af-  3°'3 1. 
 firms,  All  Men  have  not  Faith.    I  mean  not  to  juftifie  that 
 foolMh  Proverb,  Seeing  is  believing  :  yet  there  is  a  believing 
 that  is  from  perfonal  knowledge ,  fight  and  fenfible  experi- 
 ence ;  and  fuch  believing  is  in  the  Devil?.    But  the  believing 
 that  is  called  Faith  ,  is  a  gracious  Gift  of  God ,   in  which  he  Aft.17.31.R0m  I 
 hath  provided  for  all  Men  an  Objeft  of  Faith ,  and  caufeth  u*.  &  16.16. 
 it  to  be  preached  to  Men  for  the  Obedience  of  Faith.     And  ^-ll*^om. 
 thofe  that  in  hearing  hear ,  he  by  his  Spirit  enlightneth  their  totfealf? 
 Mindes,  and  moveth  their  Hearts  that  they  may  believe ;  and  1,3.  %\bej!i'$s  > 
 believing  is  no  farther  called  Faith  ,  then  it  ciofeth  with  the  10. 
 Objeft  of  Faith ;  and  fo  Faith  is  by  hearing ,  and  the  Spirit 
 
 alfo- 
 
54*      r-v  l'Anp  --  m$  be  mtJ concerned. 
 
 alfo;  and  fo  in  believing,  receiving  the  Teftimony,  is  in  Men 
 Faith  ;  But  God  huh  provided  no  Objc&  of  Faith  for  the 
 Devils ;  and  fo  for  believing  by  Knowledge,  Sight  and  Senfe, 
 they  do  know,  that  is,  fo  believe ,  that  the  Man  Jefus  Chrift 
 took  neither  their  Nature  nor  Caufe  on  him ,  and  fo  did  not 
 die,  or  work  any  Redemption  for  them ,  but  took  on  him 
 the  Nature  and  Caufe  of  Mankinde ,  (  whom  the  Devil  had 
 overthrown  )  and  came  to  fave  Men ,  and  of  Purpofe  to  de- 
 ftroy  the  works  of  the  Devil ;  and  that  there  is  no  door  of 
 Repentance  for  them ;  but  he  hath  deftroyed  his  firft  work  al- 
 ready^nd  is  about  deftroying  his  fecond,  and  will  utterly  de- 
 ftroy  it>  &  in  his  time  (hut  him  up  in  prifon  for  a  time,bound, 
 and  after  caft  him  into  a  Lake  of  fire,  tormenting  him  for  all 
 the  mifchiefs  he  hath  done  to  Mankinde ,  and  to  his  People : 
 he  knows  that  God  in  Chrift  is  one ,  and  will  thus  torment 
 him  ;  and  this  certainty  of  his  knowledge,  and  fo  believing> 
 makes  him  tremble  at  the  minding  of  his  own  Damnation. 
 Now  I  hope  none  will  put  the  Sons  of  Men  in  the  fame 
 fpecies  or  rank  and  order  with  the  Devils ,  as  that  Chrift 
 took  not  their  Nature  and  Caufe  on  him ,  hath  wrought  no 
 Redemption  for  them,  nor  opened  any  Door  of  Repentance 
 to  them ,  but  came  to  aggravate  their  fins ,  and  fo  to  damn 
 them  to  the  fame  punifhment  with  the  Devils.  If  any  fhould 
 believe  thus ,  they  fhould  believe  as  falfly ,  as  the  Devils  be- 
 lieve truely  :  But  on  the  contrary,  if  any  Man  Jo  by  hearing 
 the  Teftimony  of  Chrift,as  verily  believe  Jefus  Chrift  to  have 
 taken  the  Nature  and  Caufe  of  Mankinde  on  him ,  and  fo  to 
 have  died  for  our  fins ,  and  offered  up  the  acceptable  Sa- 
 crifice to  God,  and  fo  to  be  the  Propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the 
 World,  and  God  through  him  propitious  to  Mankinde ,  and 
 fo  a  Juftifier  of  finners  that  believe  in  Jefus,and  all  this  for  the 
 good  of  Mankinde  that  they  might  believe ,  and  in  believing 
 bi  faved  ;  This  will  fill  a  Man  with  Confolation  and  Hope,  as 
 verily  as  the  Devils  believing  theTruth  of  all  this  to  be  againft 
 them,  doth  fill  them  with  trembling:  and  fo  believing,  in 
 the  Deviis,  is  neither  having  of  Faith,  it  makes  them  averfe 
 to  it ;  but  fuch  believing  in  a  Man  as  clofeth  with  the  Objeft 
 of  Faith ,  and  receives  influences  from  it ,  is  Faith,    Hence 
 
 the 
 
Of  things  that  may  be  mif conceived.       ^jli 
 
 the  Apoftle  provetb,  That  though  a  Man  believe  there  is  one 
 God  ;  yet  feeing  God  is  in  Chrift  propitious ,  if  that  he  be- 
 lieveth  work  not  up  confidence  and  love  to  bring  forth  Fruits, 
 eicher  u  is  no  Faith  ,  he  hath  never  yet  been  united  to  the 
 Obje&$  or  if  he  were,  he  is  withdrawn,  and  fo  hath  loft  the 
 Spirit  and  Life  of  Faith ,  and  fo  his  Faith  is  become  dead, 
 like  the  Body  of  a  Man  when  the  Soul  and  Spirit  is  depart- 
 ed :  fo  that  if  the  Faith  in  a  Man ,  be  as  real  and  true  in  its 
 kindc,  doling  with  the  Obje&,  as  the  believing  of  the 
 Devils  is  true  in  their  kinde,  filling  them  with  enmity  a- 
 gainft  that  believed,  then  that  Faith  is  right,  and  in  a 
 Man  as  verily  faving,  as  to  the  Devils  an  occafion  of  trem- 
 bling. .  . 
 V.  Whereas  he  faith,  They  are  changed  as  to  their  ufey  not  in 
 
 their  Nature  ;  that  is  rather  to  be  applied  to  thofe  fore- 
 
 mentioned  to  be  excluded,    mentioned  in  his  402 page, 
 
 then  to  thefe  mentioned  in  Hating  the  Queftion  ;  for  if  by 
 
 Nature  he  mean,  as  Men  are  naturally  Gentiles ,  and  fo  not 
 
 of ^Abraham is  Family ,  and  fo  not  naturally  under  the  Hope 
 
 of  that  Covenant  made  with  him  :    then  I  fuppofe  he  will  Mat  lg     - 
 
 confefs  thefe  to  be  changed  in  Nature,  in  being  by  the  Go-  Rom.M.i'^Epb. 
 
 fpcl  brought  into  ^Abraham's  Family.      If  by  Nature  he  *.i  i3 1**13. 
 
 mean  a  change  in  the  Minde,Will,  and  Affection  ,  and  fo  in 
 
 the  difpofition  and  inclination  ;  himfelf  hath  confeft  this  of 
 
 thefe.    If  by  Nature  he  mean  fome  beginning  of  the  Divine  x/#fc.5.i, 
 
 Birth  oppofed  to  the  Humane,then  thofe  that  believe  thatje- 
 
 fus  is  the  Chrift ,  are  fo  far  born  of  God ;    and  himfelf  con- 
 
 feffeth,  they  have  fomewhat  produced  in  all  the  faculties  of 
 
 their  Soul  by  the  Spirit,  fubordinate  to,  like  and  fuittble  to  i/^.io.jtf. 
 
 the  great  Work  of  Regeneration  ;  and  that  is  not  compleat  Rom.s.z$pbiL 
 
 till  the  RefurrefHon  from  the  Dead:  Andfoif  by  Nature  3«»3>*3>*i. 
 
 he  mean  the  Nature  of  Man  that  is  yet  mortal ,  to  be  made 
 
 immortal,  the  beft  Saints  have  it  not  yet,  but  do  wait  for  it  to 
 
 be  completed  in  the  Refurre&ion,  which  thefe ,   he  confef- 
 
 feth,  pag.4*  5 .  hope  for. 
 
 And  this  I  add :  As  he  hath  profeffed  himfelf  not  to  mean  Rom.tj&icw. 
 ceremonial  or  fetming Holinefs  ;  fo  I  confefs,  That  in  the  i.i,^.i,jj, 
 Scripture,fince  Chrift  his  Afcen(ion  into  Fteaven,none  are  cal-  pft'J'j5, 
 led  Believers  and  Saints,  upon  account  of  any  Faith^atid  pro-     ' '  * 
 
 feffion 
 
54-4-  Of  things  right  and  good 
 
 Col  i.  iA,n  ftfft0.n  °?  P*ith  that  *5  not  ^ving,  and  fuch  as  in  which  Men 
 i},  'continuing,  they  (hall  undoubtedly  be  fave^  as  is  forefiicwn. 
 
 Part  4.  Chap.4.  and  £hap.  5 . 
 
 And  thus  I  have  according  to  his  own  Rule,  onely  taken 
 
 away  thofe  things,which  cannot  be  in  the  Faith  and  Holinefs 
 
 that  is  true  in  its  kinde. 
 
 O  "rti  ilnvt' 
 
 Chap.  3. 
 
 Of  thofe  things  that  are  right  and  good  in  this  description  of 
 the  Faith  andHolineJS'  that  is  true  in  its  kinde. 
 
 r 
 
 N  this  Defcription  of  Faith  and  Holinefs,  thefe  things  are 
 i  very  good  and  true. 
 1.  That  the  thing  they  are  enlightned  in,  convinced  by, 
 f7To°ir/,abd  fo  bclieve>  il  is  the  Truth  propofedand  preached  to 
 I^^.2f2^'them,page423.Chap.i7.  Now  if  it  be  the  Truth,  it  can  be 
 no  other  nor  lefs  then  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift  5  and  if  cal- 
 led Truths ,  they  can  be  no  other  then  the  fayings  in  and  ac- 
 cording to  that  Teftimony,  as  namely,  Thatjefus  is  The 
 Chrift  ,  The  Son  of  the  living  God  ,  The  Saviour  of  the 
 World;  that  he  came  into  the  World  to  lave  finners ,  thac 
 he  died  for  our  fins ,  and  rofe  for  our  juftification ,  and  gave 
 himfelf  aRanfomefor  all,  and  is  the  Propitiation  for  the  fins 
 of  the  whole  World;  that  Repentance  and  Forgivenefs  of  fins 
 is  preached  to  them  in  his  Name;  that  this  Word  is  nigh 
 to  them,  that  they  might  believe;  and  even  therefore  preach- 
 ed to  them,that  they  might  obey  in  belifeving,and  fo  be  recon- 
 ciled to  God,and  be  favedjand  that  he  is  at  hand  in  this  day  of 
 gracious  Declaration,  to  fuccour  them  ;  and  that  whoever 
 believeth  in  him,  fhall  not  perifti,  but  receive  Forgivenefs  of 
 fins,  and  fo  be  faved,  and  have  eternal  life  ;  and  that  he  ever 
 liveth  to  intercede  for  them  that  come  to  God  by  him,  being 
 able  to  fave  them  to  the  utmotf;  and  that  he  will  come  a°ain, 
 '  and  receive  them  to  himfelf,  and  judge  his  and  their  Ene- 
 mies, &c,     Thefe  and  fuch-like,  and  none  contrary  to  thefe, 
 
 are 
 
in  thu^fcriftionof  Pdthl 
 
 are  the  Sayings  of  Truth  ;  and  fo  in  and  with  thcfe  Sayings 
 the  Oblation,  and  Interceflion,  and  coming  again  of  Chritt  » 
 and  therein  fo  far  ,  the  Purpofes,  and  Promifes,  and  Cove- 
 nants of  God  have  been  propofed  and  preached  to  thetfy  (as 
 is  largely  (hewn  in  this  Trcatifc  )  if  they  have  had  Gofpd- 
 Preachers ,  which  is  taken  as  granted  in  this  bufineis  ;  and 
 this  Gofpel,  the  Truth  and  Sayings  of  Truth  that  they  are 
 convi&ed  by  ,  enlightned  in ,  and  believe  :  fo  in  this  we  a- 
 gree;  their  Faith  in  refpeft  of  the  Truth,  the  Objed  believed, 
 is  right. 
 
 -  2.  That  this  their  Faith  is  not  of  their  acquiring,  got  by 
 their  ftrife  and  reafoning ;  but  by  the  Truth  preached  to  them,  {^1^1 
 and  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  therein ,  witnefling  of  Chrift,  10*f 
 illuminating  their  Mindes ,  and  working  upon  their  Hearts; 
 fo  framing  them  to  affent  to,  and  be  perfwaded  of  the  Truth 
 and  Goodnefs  of  the  Teftimony ,  and  fo  to  believe :  and 
 in  this  we  agree  with  Truth,  this  believing ;  and  fo  this  Faith 
 is  right. 
 
 3.  That  the  Spirit  is  in  this  Grace  believed,  fo  effe&ually  Rm  { ]6  „h  . 
 working-in  all  the  Powers  of  the  Soul,  that  he  frames  them  Ztiy&i,f. 
 to  inward  forrow  for  their  former  Unbelief  and  Rebellions 
 
 againft  fo  gracious  a  God ,  and  Repentance  for  iheir  former 
 evil  Thoughts,  Affe&ions  and  Wayes,  and  fo  changeth  their 
 Affc&ions,  and  produceth  in  them  Faith  and  Confidence  in 
 God,and  hope  of  eternal  Life  ^  andfofpringsuplove,  joy, 
 zeal ,  and  ravifhing  confolation.  In  all  which  it  appears ,  a 
 lively  Faith,  and  in  this  we  agree  with  the  Truth.  This  Faith 
 is  right,  true  and  living. 
 
 4.  That  thefe  inward  operations  of  the  Spirit,  lead  to,  and  zrim.%.%iim. 
 bring  fcrth  amendment  of  Life, Obedience  to,  and  Profeffion  z.is,*  j. 
 
 of  the  Faith,  and  walking  with  God ,  in  which  they  become 
 Veffels  in  she  Houfe  of  God  ,  that  do  worchily  in  their  Ge- 
 nerations; which  none  can  do,  but  fuch  as  are  purged,  and 
 made  fit  for  the  Matter's  ufe.  And  this  demoutirates  and  ju* 
 fUfies  the  Truth  and  Goodnefs  of  their  Faith  :  and  fo  right 
 and  good. 
 
 5.  That  all  this  Faith,  Zeal,  Obedience,  and  Profeflion  is 
 not  counterfeit,  but  true  in  its  kinde  ,  [  the  kinde  can  be  no 
 other  but  that  which  is  fuitable  to  Chritt  the  Objeft ,  the 
 
 Bbbb  Spirit 
 
f±6  Of  things  right  and  good 
 
 Spirit  the  Worker ,  and  the  Gofpel  the  Inftrument :  for 
 there  is  not  another  Jcfus ,  nor  another  Spirit,  ndr  another 
 Gofpel  true  in  its  kinde ,  either  for  obje&  of  Faith ,  or  be- 
 getting Faith]  and  theie  Believers  are  affirmed  to  be  no 
 t?tt\  a,i,»,3.  Hypocrites  in  the  proper  fenfe  of  the  word,  [as  for  fome  hy- 
 pocrifie  to  be  by  Grace  refitting  and  carting  out,  this  may  be 
 found  in  the  belt  of  Saints  en  earth.  ] 
 
 6,  That  thefc  Believers  may  abide  to  the  death  ;  yea, 
 give  their  Bodie  to  be  burned,  and  die  with  rejoycingin 
 thi:  Faith.     To  all  which  I  afienr. 
 
 If  any  fay,  Mr%  Owtnfa.th  not  thut : 
 
 Ianfwcr,  If  he  f peak  of  the  Gofpel  of  Chrift,  andtheBe# 
 lief,  and  Obedience,  and  Profeffron  thereof,  he  hathfaid 
 no  lefs  then  all  this,  by  many  and  plain  expreflions ,  as  may 
 be  feeninhis  Hating  theQuelUon,  and  going  over  it  a- 
 gain,  page  10.  and  42  3.  nor  is  here  any  thing  put  by  and 
 taken  out,but  according  to  his  own  dire&ion  and  rule  ,  that 
 for  ,vhich  he  hath  no  plain  Saying  of  Scripture;nay,that  which 
 will  not  agree  with,  but  crofleth  Gofpel-Teftimony :  fo  that  I 
 may  truly  fay,  (if  by  Truth  he  mean  Gofpel)  as  Slthu  to  jW, 
 Job  33  -8*  Thefe  Are  the  voyce  of  his  words.hnd  of  this  Faith  and  Holinefs, 
 true  hi  its  kinde ,  he  takes  Mr.  Goodwin  and  others  to  mean: 
 of  which,  when  the  mixtures  darkningit  are  taken  away ,  as 
 not  appertaining  to  it,  that  it  appears  as  it  is  by  it  felf ,  none 
 need  to  be  afhamed  to  own  it ;  nor  can  any  produce  a  Faith 
 of  another  kinde,  that  is  better ,  or  fo  good ,  or  true  in  its 
 kinde,  and  Drove  it  fo.  And  from  this  Faith  Mr.  Owen  pro- 
 feffeth  a  Man  may  fall :  wherefore  you  that  through  Grace 
 belie  ve,as  is  faid,  abide,  go  on,  live  and  die  in  this  Faith,  (as 
 Mr.  Owen  alfo  faith  you  may )  and  whatfoever  any  fay  of  ir, 
 you  fhall  affuredly  be  eternally  faved,you  have  the  Tellimo- 
 ny  of  Chrift,his  OSlation,Interce(Tion,the  Purpofes,Promifes 
 and  Covenants  of  God,ajid  his  Spirit  in  his  Prophets  and  A- 
 poftles  affuring  you  of  this. 
 
 But  for  weakening  the  excellency  of  this  kinde  of  Faith, 
 befides  the  mixtures  put  in  ,  he  feems  to  prove  his  bufinefs 
 by  H*b>  6. 1 , 2,3,4,5,  &c.  which  is  all  that  I  can  finde  pro- 
 duced with  any  enforcement",  and  that  is  onety  firft  quoted, 
 page  io,  but  after  amplified  and  prett,  page  422.  chap,  1 7.  I 
 
 (hall 
 
in  this  Vefcription  of  Faith,  Sccl       $47 
 
 (hall  therefore  in  the  next  place  confider  that  portion  of  Scri- 
 pture, with  ,  an  J  as  agreeing  with  other  places  fptaking  of 
 the  fame  things. 
 
 Chap.  4. 
 Of  Hebrews  6.  1. 
 
 HEb.6.  I .  Therefore  leaving  the  principles  of  the  Dottrine  of 
 Chrift)  (or,  the  word  of  the  beginning  of  Chrift)  let  ut 
 go  on  unto  perfe£tion7  not  laying  again  the  foundation  of  &C.  And 
 in  this, before  we  proceed  ,  are  four  QuelHons  to  be  anfwer- 
 ed,for  undemanding  thefe  words. 
 
 Quell.  1 .  What  is  here  meant  by  the  word  of  the  beginning  of 
 drifts  or  the  Dottrine  of  the  beginning  ,  or  the  Principles  of  the 
 Vottrine  of  Chrift,  or  the  firfi  Principles  of  the  Oracles  of  <Jod  ? 
 as  chap.  5.1 2. 
 
 And  the  Anfwer  to  this  may  be  readat  large  before-  writ- 
 t£n ,  Part  2.  Chap.  1  o.  which  it  were  a  fhame  for  any  that 
 have iometime  believed  ,  to  ftand   in  need  to  be  taught  a-  Hvh 
 fcjgain  which  they  be ,  The  Oblation  of  Chrift  with  the  Ends 
 and  Venues  of  ir ,  and  thofe  Oracles  in  it ,  and  proceeding 
 from  ir,  as  there  (hewn  by  Scripture  to  be  the  Word  6f  the 
 beginning  of  Chrift,  and  firu1  Principles  :  and  in  this  Epiftle 
 alio,  divers  hints  thereof,  as  fpeaking  of  Chrift,  faying  ,  who  cyp 
 being  the  bright nefs  of  his glory ,  and  the  exprefs  image  of  his  per' 
 fon ,  and  upholding  all  things  by  the  word  of  his  power ,  when  he 
 had  by  himfelf  purged  our  fins ,  fate  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the 
 LMajefiy  on  highy  &C.    Howfhall  we  efcape  if  we  negietlfo  great    . 
 Salvation,  which  at  the  firfi  began  to  be  jpoken  (or  preached)  by    W-7"*' 
 the  Lord ,  and  was  after  confirmed  to  wby  them  that  heard  him^ 
 &C  fVe  fee  Jefn*  who  was  made  a  little  lower  then  the  Angels  for  ,,..  . 
 
 thefuffering  of  death)  crowned  with  glory  and  honour , '  that  he  by  cLp'.z^. 
 the  Grace  of  God  fhould  tafle  death  for  every  man ,    (  every  Of 
 thofe  of  that  Nature ,  in  which  he  was  made  lower  then  the 
 
 B'bbb  1  -jffigBft, 
 
54B  Of  Heb.  6.  i. 
 
 Angels ,  thtt  in  it  he  might  foffer  for  thofe  of  that  Nature.) 
 Cbap.iM.vcrf.  Forafmuch  at  the  Children  are  partakers  offiefb  and  blood ;  (that 
 if.  Rom.9.1'.  is,  the  natural  Children  of  lAbraham,  to  whom  in  this 
 ^.i7.i6.i^.Epiftle  he  writes,  and  of  whom  Chrirt  came,-  they,  as©* 
 \£%'AHRb* u  Acts,  were  mortal ;  fo,  asthefamein  fpeaking  to  the  Gen- 
 
 MAltS  *&  l^CS '  may  ^C  ^  °^  l^c  natura*  Children  of  zAdam  ;  for 
 God  aiade  all  Nations  of  Men  of  one  Blood  :  and  of  Adam 
 alfo  Chrift  came :  and  fo  the  fame  in  effc&  faid  of  ffrael%  is 
 alfofaid  of  the  Gentiles;  and  foall  of  one  Blood;  he  alfo 
 himfelf  took  part  of  the  fame ,  that  through  death  ,  he 
 might  deftroy  him  that  had  the  power  of  death,  that  i  the 
 Devil,  &c.  And  after,  though  I  e  were  a  Son,  yet  he  learned 
 Obedience  by  the  things  which  he  ftffcred  ;  and  bein^  made 
 perfect ,  be  became  the  Author  of  Eternal  Salva  ion  unto 
 all  them  that  obey  him  :  which  things  hinted  here ,  are 
 opened  in  treating  of  the  Oblation  of  thrift,  and  (hewn  to  be 
 in  the  word  of  the  beginning  of  Chrift ,  in  the  place  pointed 
 to  for  anfwer  ok  this. 
 
 Qu-ft.  I.  What  U  meant  here  by  leav'tngthe  word  of  the  begin* 
 Kino  ofChrift? 
 
 And  this  requireth  both  a  negative  >  and  an  affirmative  An- 
 fwer:  andfo, 
 
 i#  A  negative  Anfwer  ,  Not  the  belie  ing  remembrance 
 iCor.it.  it.  &  of  it ;  nor  the  prizing  embracing,  and  believing  encourage* 
 15  ,^>4^,W  ments ,  inftru&icns  and  confolation.s  from  ir ,  and  in  ,  and 
 \ Vim.zV  l  through  it ;  for  fo  he  wills  us  alwayes  to  remember  it ,  ai;d 
 2f>ft.i.itJi3.f«th,  We  (hall  in  fu^h  believing  remembrance  of  it,  be 
 Rm.\.**jcor.  favccj .  no, nor  yet  the  holding  of  it  foith ,  and  contending 
 i.i7,i8.c^».i.for  the  Truth  and  Goodnefs  of  it  againft  all  onpolers ;  not  fo 
 ^^V.?9/^.10^^*^^00^110  a^kept :  no"s  d*  uiefulne^  of  it  in 
 3.Heb.7 '.i5,i8  all  ie«chings,or  in  any  to  be  left  :  for  there  is  nothing  can 
 ^rio.19.  &9-  be  rightly  known  or  taught  without  it  ;  yea  ,  in  thi<  and  in 
 14,15^10  *»5lujhcfc  refpea?,  he  makes  ufe  of  r,  not  onely  b  fore  ,  but 
 
 towt.&'i-  approaches  to  God,  i 
 
 »4>tf>i4.e^  miles  of  th   New-Teftament 
 
 i**%U-      CIifices  andholy  Walking 
 
 yea  ,  he  fhews  Chrift  his  obtaining  eternal  fcectettpti  n,   ?  id 
 bis  Mediation  of  thcNcw-Tciiament,tobe  by  venue  tf  his 
 
 Biwi 
 
Of  Heb.  6.  i.  $4.91 
 
 Blood  and  Sacrifice ;  and  his  Peace- fpeaking  to  the  Hearti 
 of  his  People ,  and  his  purifying  of  thcmalfo,to  be  by  ver- 
 tuc  of  the  fame  Biood  and  Sacrifice.  So  that  it  is  evident 
 *nd  plain ,  He  neither  defired  nor  intended  at  all }  orb  the 
 leaft,  or  upon  any  account ,  to  leave  the  believing,  minding, 
 and  prizing  or  it,  nor  the  holding  it  forth,  nor  the  ufcfulnef* 
 of  it ;  no,  nor  yet  funply  and  wholly  to  leave  it  in  that  fenfe, 
 of  which  he  here  fpeaks,  not  in  refpeft  of  all  times,  or  of  aU 
 perfons.     But, 
 
 i.  Affirmative  Anfwer;  To  leave,  was  at  that  time,  ani 
 in  this  bufincft  in  his  prefent  writing ,  to  leave  or  let  reft  the 
 declaring  again  what  is  the  Foundation  ,  and  which  be  the 
 fid  Oracles  of  it ,  and  opening  the  Principles  of  the  fame : 
 though  the  fame  was  ihil  needfal  both  for  bim,  and  for  them^ 
 to  teach  others,  yet  not  for  him  now,inrefpc&  of  thefe,to 
 be  (till  in  this  manner  laying  again  the  F  u  d  uion,  fo  known 
 among  them  ,  and  thereby  to  hinder  and  torbear  his  farther  chap,;n  w  jr 
 building  upon  it :  and  this  to  be  the  fenf<r,appears  his  exprefs  fV  %pet\. it. 
 words ,  and  alfoin  the  Reafon  there  ^iven  of  it.     And  in  M<Lt.$.i\.A(&t 
 this  fenfe,    kavtng  is  not  catting  off  but  letting  remain :  and  *•*• 
 yet  tor  prefent ,    forbearing  trie   puxfuit  of  fuch  a  bufi- 
 cefs  or  ducourfe ,  to  follow  on  with  that  intended.    So  the 
 fenfe. 
 
 Queft.  *.  For  what  caufehe  would  le/tve  fuch  adifcourfe  at 
 this  ttme,tu  the  declaring  what  u  the  F out.d  1 ion  ,  and  which  are 
 thefirft  Oracles  ,  and  opening  again  what  the  fir  ft  Principles  it 
 teacheth  be  ;  which  later  he  onely  naweth  here  ,  hut  open* 
 eth  not ,  nor  any  farther  proceedeth  after  in  this  Eptftle9 
 to  fay  which  is  the  Fouvaationy  or  which  be  the  firff- 
 Oracles ,  or  to  een  what  thole  (ir$r  Principles  arey  but 
 proceedeth  in  ufefulntf  of  Jl  together  :  for  what  caufe  he  fo 
 doth? 
 
 Anfw.x .  Becaufe  he  takes  th;s  for  granted.  They  to  whom 
 he  directed  thi   Epiitle  ,  were  already  fnllv  perfwaded  of 
 the  Foundation ,  what  it  wa? ;  and  knew ,  and  were  in* 
 ftru&ed  in  the  firit  Oracles  of  ir,  acd  did  alio  enjov  lkfH^,  1^,14; 
 firft  Principles :  they  were  hoty  Brethren ,  Partakt  rs  cf  the  &6.io<£hat.f* 
 heavenly  Call,  had  the  rejoycirg  cf  Hope,  and  the  be  inning  1  M*. 
 of  Confidence  f  and  (hewed  forth  the  efficacies  of  Faith  in 
 
 their 
 
jfto  Of  Heb,o.i. 
 
 their  labour  of  Love ,  though  through  their  dulnefs  of  hear- 
 ing they  had  deprived  themfelves  of  that  cleer  and  larger  un- 
 derftandiag  which  for  the  time  they  might  have  had  :  They 
 which  eught  to  be  Teachers  of  other  s^  need  themfelves  to  be  taught 
 again  which  be  the  fir  ft  Principles^,  and  are  become  fetch,  (than 
 is  *  in  their  own  demeanor  and  exercife)  m  have  need  of Mtlk^ 
 &c.  Milk  here  not  ufed  in  that  fenfe ,   as  by  "Peter ,   for  the 
 i?eUl  l}hh*  fincere  Mill^of  the  Word^  the  gracious  influences  flowing  from 
 Chrift;  refreshing, drawing,  and  ftrengthening  Belicvers,and 
 fo  building  them  more  upon  him ,  that  fo  they  are  offering  up 
 fpiritual  5acrifices,e*Y.which  is  the  fame  with  thtt  theApoftie 
 proceeds  to  here  in  this  Epiftle :  But  Milk^  fignifieth  here, 
 the  loweft  and  firft  Rudiments  in  which  Men  are  to  be 
 catechized  ,    and  to  know  and  believe,  before  they  can  be 
 built  up,  as  mentioned  in  this  following  difcourfe  of  the  Apo- 
 ftlc ,  even  as  to  the  Corinthians ,   among  whom  was  feme  ig- 
 norance and  divisions ,    about  the  Foundation  and  firft  Ora- 
 cles in  many  among  them ,    and  feme  denying  the  Refur- 
 itos.i  i  Eph  re<^on  °f  theE°cly>  &c.    he  faith  therefore ,  He  fed  them 
 5.1.  icor.  1 4.  with  Milk.     Andfo,  as  the  word  Children  is  fometime  ufed 
 20.  Joel s.i 9.  in  the  better  part,  for  fuch  as  are  child-like  affe&ed  •  and 
 18/W1.5  iPet.  fometime  in  the  worfer  part ,  for  fuch  as  are  weak  and  igno- 
 iCo) .Ijclsrl! rant :      "  l^e  w       Milkjomzumt  ufed  in  the  beft  part,  for 
 5.12.  '         '  all  fulnefs  and  excellency  of  provilion;  and  fometime  for  that 
 is  more  eafie  and  fit  for  weakling?.      And  fo  it  is  ufed  here, 
 as  appears  in  that  which  followeth  ,   j4nd  not  of  ftrong  meat. 
 In  this  ^/'/^appears  to  be  meant,  as  is  faid,in  the  loweft  fenfe, 
 in  that  it  is  oppofed  to  flrong  Meat,  as  1  Cor,  3.2.  k  being 
 not  fo  oppofed,  1  Vet.  2.  2, 3, 4,5.  where  the  fame  is  called 
 j/M£*i>3*     Mil\^  for  its  fv*eetnefs  and  eafinefsof  digefture,that  isalfc 
 ftrong  Meat ,   even   good  and  fatnefs   for  ftrengthening. 
 And  ftrong  Meat  fignifieth  here,  not  Amply  any  other  Do- 
 £trine,but  the  fame  more  cleerly  opened,  and  farther  preffed, 
 for  Mens  fpiritual  feeding  on  it ,  and  growth  by  it  ;   at 
 which  weaklings ,  not  skilled  in  the  Grades  and  firft  Princi- 
 ples of  the  Foundation  ,   ufe  to  ftumble  ,  as  thofe  to  whom 
 7oh  6  1710  our  Saviour  plainly  uttered  the  beginnings;   and  they  not 
 4toM3.'    'content  therewith,  and  fo  not  believing,    yet  preffed  him 
 with  Queries  for  farther  opening ,  which  ,   when  granted 
 
 them , 
 
them,theyftumbledatit:  (and  fometimes  flrong  Meat  figni- 
 fieth  harder  fervices  and  greater  fufferings  required : )  and  To  *****  *• 14,17. 
 fflrong  Afeathtte  taken  for  fuch  proceeding  in  Do&rine  ,  as  Phtl-l*9>*o. 
 ~  in  the  following  Difcourfe.  And  fo,  though  the  Apoftle  re- 
 proves thefe  Hebrews ,  for  making  themfelves  like  fuch  weak- 
 iings,yet  he  doth  not  judge  them  to  be  every  way  fuch  indeed, 
 as  he  profeffeth  in  his  expceflfions  and  perfwafions  of  them, 
 forefhewn  :  buc  he  judged  them  to  know  and  believe  the  firft 
 Oracles  and  Principles;  and  being perfwaded, they  would 
 by  this  reproof  be  quickened  to  attend ,  he  will  forbear 
 the  farther  opening  and  declaring  thefe  Hrft  Principles ,  but 
 onely  mentioning  them ,  and  fo  proceed  to  that  he  intended. 
 And  this  is  one  Reafon  of  it :  another  is, 
 
 2.  Becaufe  if  he  fhould  be  ftill  declaring  to  them  what  * 
 
 the  Foundation  is ,  and  which  be  the  firft  Oracles  of  God  5 i4j^&$t^ 
 and  fo  opening  thePrinciples  thereof  to  them,tt  would  hinder  9,^10'. 
 his  prefent  iefign  in  this  EpilUe ,  of  opening  to  them  the 
 many  and  great  things  of  Chrift  iu  his  Priefthood  and 
 Mediation  of  the  New  -  Teftament ,  and  Interceffion 
 thereby,  to  build  them  up  farther;  which  was  his  bufinefs 
 now  in  hand  ,  and  which  in  this  EpilUe  he  was  reiblved  to 
 purfue. 
 
 3.  Becaufe  they  that  are  indeed  ignorant  of  the  Founda- 
 tion, not  being  inftru&ed  in  it,  and  firmly  believing  it,  ch 
 
 and  fo  not  skilled  in  the  Oracles  of  God  and  the  firft  Princi-  i^./.^i  t  ^ 
 pies  thereof,  which  they  be,  and  how  founded  on  the  word 
 of  the  beginning  of  Chrift ,   they  are  not  capable  to  be  in* 
 ftru&ed  into ,  and  built  upon  Jefus  Chrift  in  the  difcoveries 
 of  the  excellencies  of  his  remaining  Priefthood*  and  Medi- 
 ation of  the  New-Teftamcnt :  and  fo  it  would  not  be  pro- 
 fitable fo  to  open  the  fame  to  them  •  yea ,  our  Saviour  tells 
 his  Difciples  that  were  yet  weak  in  their  Knowledge  and 
 Faith,  about  his  Death,  Refurre&ion,  Afcenfion,  Sacrifice- 
 Offering,  and  fending  forth  Spirit ,  That  the)  were  not  yet  able  joh  l€ 
 to  bear  many  things  he  had  to  [ay  to  them :  and  10  he  fpake  to  the  4,  ?  I  '  '    ar' 
 People  in  many  Parables ,  and  as  they  were  able  to  bear  ir, 
 not  ordinarily  in  fuch  open  cleernefs  ,   as  in  Joh.  6.  4  8,  60. 
 And  while  Men  (where  Gofpel  as  now  come  forth  is  taught) 
 do  come  to  know  the  Foundation  and  Oracles  of  God  in  it, 
 
 and 
 
55t  0/Heb.tf.i; 
 
 and  the  firft  Principles  thereof,  and  be  firmed  in  their  per* 
 fwafion  of  the  Truth  and  Goodnefs  thereof,*  hate  ver  they  ate 
 learning,  they  are  not  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Truth  : 
 tTiw.3.7.      if  they  fall  on  interpreting  Scripture,  they  will  wreft  them  to 
 iPt*.3.M»itf.  their  own  deftruft ion  ;  nor  are  fuch  to  be  admitted  into  the 
 \7\m.s*>      Miniftery,  left  they  fall,#v.  therefore  to  iuch  as  thefe  he  di- 
 rected not  this  Epiftlc ;  and  if  any  iuch  were  among  them, 
 themfelves  might  teach  thefe  things  to  them ,    till   they 
 were  fit  to  be  taught  whathenowwriteth,  and  fo  would 
 he  in  his  Minifttation  where  he  met  with  them,  but  not 
 for  fear  of  thefe,  leave  off  his  intended  bufmefs,  thus  di- 
 rected to  fuch  as  were  capable  to  receive  profit  by  it :  that  alfo 
 one  Reafon. 
 
 4.    Bccaufe  if  there  (hould  be  any  among  them ,  of  their 
 Society,    to  whom  he  dire&s  thisEpiftle,  that  have  not 
 onely  known  by  a  minrfteriai  Teaching, the  Foundation  v\  hat 
 it  is,  and  the  Oracles  of  God  in  and  by  it,   what  they 
 are,  and  the  firft  Principles  thereof,  and  fo  hold  them  all 
 in  Opinion;   but  in  the  Miniftration  of  the  Gofpel,  and 
 their  underftanding  thefe  things ,  have  been  illuminated  by 
 the  Holy  Spirit ,  and  fo  wrought  to  Repentance  from  dead 
 works ,  and  fuch  Faith  towards  God  ,  as  they  tafted  of  the 
 heavenly  Gift ;  and  fo  that  the  Lord  is  Gracious,  and  in  ufe- 
 fulnefsoftheDoftrinesof  Baptifm*,  with  Word,  Water,  Af- 
 flictions and  Spirit,  were  made  Partakers  of  the  Holy  Ghoft 
 in  his  fpiritual  Evidences,  Operations  and  Gifts  ,  and  in  the 
 Affemblies,  Prayers,  and  laying  on  of  Hands  of  his  People , 
 have  tafted  of  the  good  Word  of  God  in  his  faithful  per- 
 formance of  his  Promifes,   and  in  the  belief  of  theRefur- 
 reftion  and  eternal  Judgement ,  have  tafted  or  felt  the  fpi- 
 ritual efficacies  or  powers  of  the  World  to  come  :   all  which 
 he  believeth  to  be  in  thefe  he  writes  to.    And  if  fuch  do  fall 
 away,  he  will  not  fay  there  is  any  fuch  among  them  :  heis 
 better  perfwaded  of  them :  but  if  any  ftidh,  (he  faith  not ,  if 
 any  that  are  yet  ignorant  of  the  firft  Principles ;  for ,   not- 
 withftanding  their   declinings ,     they  may  be   hopefully 
 taught  them  again  •    but  if  any  fuch  as  they  )  fall  from  the 
 Foundation  and  firft  Principles ,  and  fo  fall  away :  even  as 
 to  the  GaUtisns  ,  Whofotver  of  joh  (of  you  that  received 
 
 the 
 
O/Heb.  6.  i.  iii 
 
 the  Spirit  of  Adoption  ia  belief  of  Chrift  crucified  for  you)  an  QaU.6  eb-j.i: 
 
 jnftifiedby  the  Law*  (and  fo  Chrift  become  of  no  effect  to"y3u)  ^4.4,7  ♦  &  $. 
 
 ye  *,re  fallen  from  Grace  :  And  fo  here,  chey  that  haviog  received  *>h 
 
 all  this  before  mentionedi  if  they  fall  away,  it  is  impofilbleto  renew 
 
 them  again  to  Repentance,  c^^and  fo  the  laying  again  of  the  Fcun-  cjjana%  .^ 
 
 dation  i    and  opening  the  Principles  to  fuch  ,    will  not  be  of  aay 
 
 profit  for  them :  therefore  the  thoughts  of  fuch  ftiall  not  hinder ; 
 
 But.  he  will  forbear  further  difcourfc  in  -this  Epift/e  of  thofefirft 
 
 things,    and  proceed  to  his  intended  bufinefs  •  and  that  another 
 
 Reaibn  ,  and  in  them  all  a  full  Anfwerof  thecaufeof  hisprefent 
 
 leaving  fuch  a  difcourfe. 
 
 Queft.  4.  What  that  going  on  to  perfection  is  ,  be 
 craveth  Liberty  for  ,  and  therein  exhort eth  them  to  the 
 fame  ? 
 
 Anfw%  That  is  evident  and  manifeft  in  all  this  Epiftle ,  to  be  no 
 other,  but  to  inftrucl:  them  ,  and  that  they  might  be  tnftru&ed  far-  cM%  IO>,7  & 
 ther  in  the  Ends,  Vertues  and  Excellencies  of  the  Oofs  of  Chrift,  $.iY,t  0^7.1, 
 his  Blood  and  Sacrifice,  his  Oblation  declared  in  the  word  of  the  %%.&%&9^y 
 beginning  of  Chrift ,  as  declared,  dilcovered ,    and  (hewn  forth  in  }  S.e^io^,  \ 
 the  Excellency  and  Prevalency  of  his  ever-abiding  Priefthood,after 
 the  Ordcr;not  of  Aaron  but  of  A4elehiz,edec>  and  of  his  Media- 
 tion of  thcNew-Teftament,  and  of  his  continual  Intercedion  ,  by 
 fertile  of  his  Blood  and  Sacrifice  once  offered  :  and  all  this  Me- 
 citation  and  Interceflion  for  his  called  ,  that  come  to  God  by  him, 
 to  fit  them  for,  and  preferve  rhem  to  the  Inheritance,  that  they  may 
 live  by  Faith  in  him ,  and  look  for  his  coming  again,  and  then  re- 
 ceive it  •  that  by  inftru&ing  them  in  the  Knowledge  and  Faith  here-  Eph.i.i7,%6.& 
 of,  they  might  be  more  built  on  Jefus  Chrift  ,    and  grow  up  into  3*  *4> z  *»  z°' 
 more  Unioa  and  Fellowship  with  him  ,   and  Conformity  to  him.  2    ct'1,l>z>  « 
 And  mthefe  Anfwers ,    we  may  be  helpt  to  fee  his  meaning  and 
 drift,  in  faying,  Therefore  leaving  the  word  of  the  beginning  of 
 Chrift)  let  nsgo  on  to  perfection. 
 
 Cccc  CHAP. 
 
«fc 
 
 Chap.  5. 
 Of  Hebrews  6.  1. 
 
 NO*  laying  again  the  Foundation  of  Repentance  i  and  of 
 Faith  towards  God.  As  if  he  fhould  fay,  Do  not  put  us 
 to  that,  by  fucbdiiccurfe,  to  be  (till  and  again  laying  the  Foundati- 
 on* and  io  to  hinder  us  from  building  thereon  :  In  which  manner 
 fpcaking  we  may  note, 
 
 1 .  That  the  Foundation  was  forel aid  among  thefe,  The  Obla- 
 H^.10.3*.  &  tion  of  Chnft  taught,  with  the  firft  Oracles  thereof,  and  the  firft 
 3.1  Af4- iCor-  Principles  opened  and  preffed  ,  and  the  fame  heard,  known,  and 
 U •*,*>$  A>G*l»  in  believing  received  •  and  the  fpiritual  Efficacies  experimented 
 rtM'^^'by  thefe  Hebrews %    who  were  illuminated,    Holy  Brethren, 
 
 '  '  Partakers  of  the  heavenly  Call,  as  it  was  with  the  Corin- 
 thians ;  chey  had  not  onely  heard  ,  but  received ,  that  in 
 which  they  flood  ,  and  in  retaining  fiiould  be  faved  •  and  fo  the 
 Gal  at  tans. 
 
 2.  That  the  Foundation  laid,  was  not  the  Principles  here  named, 
 &$a  4.io.e^$.  as  Repentance  &c*  but  the  Foundation  ia  that  in  which  are,  and 
 i6.ZKbt*.9.    from  whiCn  the  Oracles  come  that  teach  the  Principles,  and  on 
 
 which  they  are  founded ,  it  being  the  Ground,  Motive,  Builder, 
 and  Foundation  of  them  •  as  the  Foundation  of  an  Houfe  or  Tem- 
 ple, is  not  the  Houfe  or  Temple  ,  but  thac  oft  which  the  Houfe  or 
 Temple  is  builded.  f 
 
 3 .  That  the  Foundation  is  that  which  is  firft  brought  forth  and 
 \VS*g.'t.il>&  hid  3  yea,  perfectly  and  compleatly  laid  .before  any  other  thing  be 
 ?'37>38,  lald  or  built  oa  it,  and  fo  nothing  laid  under  it,  or  before  it*  not  any 
 thing  to  be  built  on  $  before  it,  or  befides  it  •  but  ic  firft,  and  firft 
 compleat,and  then  all  that  Houfe  or  Temple,  and  every  ftone  to  be 
 laid  on  and  builded,  comes  after  ,  and  is  builded  on  that  firft-Iaid 
 foundation  ;  and  fo  the  whole  Hou(c  and  building  being  on  that 
 Foundation  that  is  fure  and  firmly  laid,  the  Foundation  is  the  Up- 
 holder and  Bearer  of  all  the  whole  building  that  is  builded  on  it. 
 
 4.  That 
 
4.  That  in  fpirituals,  of  all  the  Principles  hefe  mention^  and 
 of  all  that  farther  growth  and  excellency  the  Apoflle  preflcch  to  • 
 of  all  Repentance  towards  (Sod  ,    Faith  in  God  ,  Love  to  God, 
 Walking  with  God,  Hope  in  God ;  of  Vocation  j  San&ification; 
 Election  ;    of  Union  and  Fellowfcip  together  with  him  •  of 
 Teaching,  Baptizing,  Praying ;  of  Pcrfeverance  and  Enjcyrneniof 
 the  Inheritance,  Jefus  Chrift  as  fet  forth  in  :he  Gofp^I,  m  which  he 
 is  Evangelized  ;  in  refped  of  what  from  eternity  he  was ,  arfd  aJ  io!^*  \ 
 what  he  became,  and  what  in  himfelf  he  hath  fufftied  arid  done,  2.$U:0r,i.l7% 
 and  what  received  in  the  Nature  of  Man  and  for  Men  ,    and  1$.   e^a.i,*. 
 what  he  is  fet  forth  to  be  for  Men  •  him  >  and  him  crucified,  with  He^.7.27,18. 
 the  Vermes,  and  Excellencies,  and  Ends  of  his  Blood  and  Sacri-  lT»1'7# 
 fice :  all  included  in  his  Oblation  ,  in  which  he  offered  himfelf  to  Jg**  *  ^or'*' 
 <5od  for  men ,  and  is  by  God  fet  forth  for  a  Saviour  and  Salvation  pa*rc  ^  c#|  0- 
 to  Men  •  and  fo  laid  in  Sion :  and  in  refpe&  of  all  this,  and  Jefus 
 Chrift  fo  fet  forth,  is  The  Foundation,  (though  defpifed  by  many 
 Builders,  The  precious  Corner- Stone :  and  this  the  Name,  and -the 
 onclyName  given  unto  Men,  whereby  they  may  befaved;  this 
 that  Rock,  living  and  quickning  Stone  and  Foundation ,  oh  which 
 all  that  by  Grace  believe  ,  are  built  up  a  fpiritual  Houfe  •  this  the 
 Reck  ,    againft  which  the  Gates  of  Hell  (hall  not  prevail ,;   this 
 that  laid  by  the  Apoftles ;  and  other  can  no  Man  lay  ,   then  this 
 which  is  laid,  which  is  Jefus  Chrift  •  and  the  word  of  the  J>cgin- 
 ning  of  Chrift,is  that  which  thus  difcovers  him  $  and  by  the  Qracles 
 in  that  difcovery  ,    draws  to  him  ,  and  teachcth  thefe  Principles,  j  ^  3. 10  u1 
 which  are  derived  from  ,  and  bottomed  on  him  ,    and  fo  built  on 
 him  ,  and  brings  to  underftand  the  whole  Teftimony  of  Chrift, 
 the  Medium  of  farther  building  ;  all  which  ,  theGofpel  believed 
 with  the  Heart ,  effec'teth  ,  and  keepeth  on  this  Foundation,  and 
 enliveneth  thefe  Principles :  and  there  is  no  other  Foundation,  nor 
 Oracles ,  nor  Principles ,   that  are  real  and  true  in  their  kinde,  of 
 laving  tendency  ,  but  thefe;  which  therefore  are  to  be  fo  firmly 
 held,  as  no  need  of  laying  and  begetting  of  them  again  s  let  us  take 
 fome  view  of  them. 
 
 in  the  Name  of  Chrift  with  Remiflion  of  fins,  called  Repentance  Ma-B^uA* 
 cowards  God,  that  which  Chrift  came  to  call  tinners  to  5  for  which,  * *'7, 
 
 Cccc  z  when 
 
jfttf  Vfticb.o.i. 
 
 *£ft7.*»l£   V*c«  Wrought;  there  is  joy  amofig  the  Angels  of  God  ,  ic  being 
 
 4ft.ll  *24.dM«  according  to  God  ,   and  fo  a  Repentance  not  to  be  repented  of. 
 
 $*.&3a9,A8,  This  that  alfo  t    which  John  in  Gofpel-preaching  taught ,    and 
 
 IitXS.  which  the  Apoftles  taught  and  called  for ,    and  which  (Sod  hath 
 
 granted ,  to  fuch ,  as,  in  his  giving  ,    receive  the  Gofpel  :  this 
 
 Repentance  being  the  very  fame  with  that  fo  often  called  for, 
 
 JVwt  I.  32,  23.    2  Pet.  3.0.    Ezekj  18,  30.      And  fo  ic 
 
 is, 
 
 EvkM^Jer.  A  change  of  Minde,  Inclination  and  Way ,  in  turning 
 *6rf.&4A>i.  from  the  evil  Judgement ,  Confidence,  Purpofc,  De- 
 
 Todz  1  z"  fires  ^*y  an(^ ^*r&  '  ^eh  one  hath  formerly  allowed 
 
 htmfelf  in  •  and  tuyntng  towards  that  Goodnefs,  Mer- 
 cy, and  Truth  prefentedin  and  by  the  Gofpel  to  them ; 
 with  inward  grtef  for  ,  and  dtfltke  of  thttr  former  e- 
 vil  Judgement,  Confidence,  Purpefe,  De fires  %  Way  and 
 Works  j  and  with  love  and  defire  of  enjoyment  of  the 
 Grace  of  God  in  Chrift,  with  confidence  in  him  ,  and 
 living  to  him* 
 
 TAft  1  $7  &u  ^nc*  *n  ^5  Principfe  note  tr,ree  things : 
 
 I9>i6.zacb.n.  *  •  That  this  Repentance  is  effected  by  the  Gofpel ,  difcovering 
 io.  Mt.ij .30,  Chrift  >  as  having  died  for  our  (ins ,  and  rofe  for  cur  justification, 
 3X»  and  given  himfelf  a  Sacrifice  to  God  for  us ,   and  ufed  means  to 
 
 bring  us  to  himfelf:  which  beheld  and  minded  ,  ic  makes  appear 
 thevilenefs  of  our  finfulnefs,  and  vanity  of  our  rightecufnef?,  that 
 could  not  be  pardoned  without  fo  great  fufferings  of  fo  mighty  a 
 one;  and  the  odioufnefs  of  our  continuance  bfinniEgagairift  one, 
 fo  great  and  glorious';  and  yet  fo  loving  ,  even  to  fuch  Enemies 
 '  as  we,  and  his  love  commended  through  fuch  Blood  ftied  fov 
 us  :  and  this  feen,  mclteth  the  heart  with  forrow  for  evils ,  asd 
 turneth  the  bent  of  the  heart  to  him  ;  yea,  without  this  there  is  no 
 door  of  Repentance*  or  any  hope  in  it  5  for  the  Law  of  Works  ad- 
 mits not  of  Repentance  after  fin  committed,  but  bindesover  to  the 
 GtfJ.3.10,  Curfe ;  fo,  as  Repentance  is  bootlefs  and  in  vain,  under  and  by  that 
 Covenant ;  neither  is  there  any  conceit  or  fancy  of  Election .  that 
 
 ? 8 1   *la  1 8  can  8lvC  lhis  ^°V* t0  e^  fuch  ^cPcntancc ? fot  without  fteddipg 
 
 *jfa  57.7#   '  °^  blood,  there  is  no  R^miffion  of  fins :  Chrift  crucified  for  finners, 
 
 made  known  in  the  Gofpel,  is  the  very  door  of  Repentance,  as  well 
 
 as 
 
0fHcb.6.L  $$j 
 
 as  of  Faith:  fo  that  whoever  knoweth  and  beUeyeth  him  the 
 Propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the  World  >  hath  a  good  ground  of 
 Repentance  and  turning  to  God  ;  nor  (hall  it  be  in  vain,  but  ac- 
 cepted. And  from  this  Gofpel*  McfTage  believed,  is  the  rife  of  all 
 true  Repentance. 
 
 2.  That  as  this  Repentance  is  wrought  by  and  founded  on  the 
 Oblation  of  Chrift  made  known,  fo  it  is  the  firft  thing  taught  and 
 called  for ,  in  and  by  the  difcovery  of  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel :  and 
 in  believing  the  Gofpel,  it  firft  effc&eth  this  change ,    and  turning 
 of  the  Minde,  Heart,  and  Way ,  from  its  former  evil  Judgement, 
 Purpofe,  AfTc&icn  and  Way}  to  the  Goodnefs  and  Grace  of  (Sod, 
 that  reproveth  the  fame  •   and  fo  to  its  tenders  and  teachings : 
 fuch  the  Order  of  Chrift  in  his  Call,  lurnyon  at  my  reproof 
 and  I  mU  pour  out  my  Spirit ,    and  makjt  known  my  words  to  ^6?Epb}%> 
 jou  :  and  fo  explained  by  him  ,  For  fake  the  fooltft%  and  live  :  i4.  M.i.izl 
 and  fo  by  the  Apoftles  ,  The  Light  and  Oracles  proceeding  from  ifa>40,6,%. 
 Chrift.    reproveth  and  crieth  down  all  flefli|  and  he  that  im-  W*M-.lob* 
 braceth  not  that  reproof,  cometh  not  into  the  light «  but  he  that  S^0'1-'- 
 imbracethit,  doth  therein  come  to  the  light  :  and  that  this  is 
 firft  called  for,  is  evident  and  exprefs,  Mar.  I .  i  J.  Luke  24.47. 
 ^#.2  0.2 1, 
 
 5.  That  this  Repentance  hath  notonely  in  it  a  turning  from  ; 
 deadly  works  ,   fuch  as  the  natural  Confcicr.ces  of  Men  will  fnake 
 and  wound  them  for.  as  Atheifm,  Blafphemy,  Perjury,  Murther, 
 Adultery,  Stealth,  falfe  Witnefa-bearing,  Lying,  D'unkcnnefs, 
 <£r,  but  alfo  a  turning  from  dead  works ,  fuch  as  Men  in  their 
 ignorance  and  natural  Confcience  think  toferve  (Sod.,  and  get  Life 
 and  favour  with  God  by,whcther  Idolatry.in  worftiippiag  Images  ^f®'        «^ 
 and  Reftmblances,  as  reprefentations  of  God  «  or  Superftkions  ^ilplr'^h 
 and  Devices  of  Men  ,   and  Traditions  of  our  Fathers  to  wotfliip  Mat.it.Rom.g. 
 God  by  •  or  endeavours  to  ftablifh  a  Righteoufnefs  of  their  own  3a.eH0.zj3. 
 in  Works  of  the  Law,  to  get  the  Righteoufnefs  of  Sod  by.     AH  M*8-1  >I2> 
 which  ,    how  goodly  foever  and  gainful  they  appear  to  a  natural  V^l^f' 
 man,  yet  in  this  knowing  and  beholding  of  Chrift,  and  him  crucifi- 
 ed, they  become  as  Iofs  •  and  a  man  repenteth  ,   and  turneth  from 
 them  to  Chrift)  as  is  fa  id. 
 
 And  this  is  the  Repentance  that  is  from  dead  Works,  and 
 toward  God  •  and  there  is  ro  other  Repentance,  or  other* 
 *vifc  wrought ,  that   is  a  Principle  t  or  of  any   account   in 
 
 the 
 
#8  Of  Hcb.tf.i. 
 
 the  Gofpcll  *f  Chrift ,  or  mentioned  there ,  as  that  for 
 which  any  arc  called  Saincs.  And  this  Principle  thefe  Hebrews 
 had. 
 Principle  2.  Thc  fcond  Principle  is ,  Faith  towards  God.  This  is  the 
 M.io.ziRom-  t*mt  wicn  that  called  Faith  toward  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  ,  whoi$ 
 9.1.Joh.i4.6.  Bod  over  all,  blcffed  for  ever,  and  the  only  Medium  of  approach- 
 Eph.%.i7.tcor.  jng  to(§od  ,  and  he  in  whom  the  Face  of  God  ftuneth  •  fo  that 
 i£iR6°!pr<n'X 1C  is  in  Scripture-Language  evident ,  That  the  Principle  here  cal- 
 iS.Jm.%A9.  kd>  Fattb  towardt  God,  is  the  Grace  or  Gift  of  Faith  to  and  in 
 Rom.10.17.  col.  a  man,  which  clofeth  with  the  Object  of  Faith ,  and  fo  isObedi- 
 }«4«  ence  to  the  Faith  •  for,  as  is  forefhewn  ,  every  believing  is  not 
 
 Faith  :  the  Fool  believeth  every  thing,  and  the  Devils  believe,  who 
 yet  are  nowhere  faid  to  have  Faith  ;  but  that  Belief  which  is  of 
 the  Faith,  and  clofeth  with  the  Faith,  is  in  Scripture  called  Faith  : 
 and  fo  this  affirmed  here,  as  one  of  the  firft  Principles,  taught  and 
 begot  by  the  Oracles  of  God  ,  building  it  on  the  Foundation, 
 is  faid  to  be  the  Faith  that  cometh  by  hearing  the  Word 
 of  the  Lord ,  and  fo  the  Faith  in  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  And 
 lb  it  is  1 
 
 i/in  inward  understanding,  difcerning,  and  minding  the 
 
 JohJ.+o.Rom.  rrraciom  Mind  ofGodjefttfied.and  appearing  m  left* 
 
 10.8,9,10,  o        ,0    .        w.t  r -•    '   ■     r»  r      1    1  *s    /    # 
 
 Galtft6t  thrift  :by  which  one  u  inwardly  per  [waded  &  believ 
 
 tth  the  Truth  and  Goodnefs  of  the  fame  :  and  fo  with 
 
 the  heart  in  love%  de fires  and  confidence*  imbraceth  it  : 
 
 whence  the  Grace  believed*  wor\eth  renewed  dtfpofiti* 
 
 en  :  and  that  weBeth  oat  confeffion  :  and  this  expreft 
 
 in  Scripture  ,   to  be  that  believing  which  is  called 
 
 Faith>ttfb.i  1.13,14,15. 
 
 So  that  this  Faith  having  imbraced  the  Word  ,   is  a  Principle 
 
 within  him  that  believeth  ;   for  he  that  believeth  on.  the  Son  of 
 
 God,  hath  the  Witnefs  (or  Teftimony,or  Record)  in  himfdf.  And 
 
 1M.1.10.      fo  hkewife ,  we  have  three  things  to  note  in  this  Faith  ,   as  k  is  a 
 
 Principle. 
 Afl.i.io.  Rom.     *  *  That  it  is  begotten  and  produced  by  the  Declaration  and  Mi- 
 1. 5.^10. 8,9,  niftration  of  Chrift  crucified,  &c.    andtheLoveofGod.com- 
 i7.e>itf.2tf.    mended  through  him,  fet  forth  in  the  Gofpel,  the  Word  of  Faith, 
 
 *£**  »<*•  aad  the  Oracle  of  God. 
 
 **  a.  That 
 
Of  Heb.tf .  f .  #£ 
 
 '2.  That  it  is  wrought  in  the  turning  of  the  heart  unto  the   .«  . 
 
 Lord :  whence  it  here  fitly  both  follows  i     and  is  joyned  with  i^ii^VJJ 
 Repentance  from  dead  Works,  according  to  that  promifed,  Pr$v*  16.  1*8,20. ' 
 
 3.  That  it  is  founded  and  bottomed  upon  the  very  Blood  and 
 Sacrifice  of  Chrift,   as  the  Love  of  God  is  commended  there-  *<>f  3-*f«^« 
 through.1  «>8*>xo,u„ 
 
 And  this  is  the  Faith  begot  by  the  Oracles  of  God  ,  as  one  of 
 
 the  firft  Principles  thereof;  yea  ,  this  with  the  Repentance  men- 
 tioned, are  ofc  included  both  in  one,  or  either  of  the  names ;  being 
 ever  together ,  and  neither  cf  them  being  where  cither  of  them 
 is  wanting  :  and  fo  the  Faith  of  and  in  fuch  turned  ones ,  is  that 
 Faith  by  which  the  Believer  ftindeth  and  Iiveth.  And  all  the  fol- 
 lowing Principles  here  named  ,  are  for  the  quickning ,  ftrengthen- 
 ing ,  encreafing ,  exerciling  ,  and  making  fruitful  this  Faith  in 
 which  the  Spirit  dwellcth  and  workcth ;  and  fo  it  worketh  through 
 Love. 
 
 Chap.  6* 
 Of  Hebrews  6.  2. 
 
 HEb.  6\  2.  Of  the  Doftrint  of  Baptifms,  &c.     Note  well 
 the  words :  he  fpeaks  not  here  of  Baptifm  or  Baptifms,  as 
 before  he  did  of  Repentance  and  Faith  ;  and  fo  he  fpeaks  n« 
 bere  directly  and  properly  of  the  A&  or  Work  of  Baptizing  ;    ei-  Kom.i.f^]'^ 
 ther  inwardly,  which  is  into  the  death  of  Chrift,  and  conformity  <J*'#  !•  **>*T» 
 with  him  therein  ,  which  is  done  in  this  Repentance  and  Faith       •*&«i?j1°» 
 I ormentioned  •  nor  yet  of  that  outward  a&  of  Baptizing  with 
 Water ,    in  the  Name  of,  &c.  which  is  a  witnefs  of  that  done  in 
 and  by  Chrift ,   and  a  Medium  having  its  tendency  to  that  fore-  ■ 
 
 mentioned  ,  which  is  the  Biptifm  indeed  •  which  for  the  fubftance  3PM.M .#*? 
 of  it ,  and  that  which  is  fpiritual  and  laving  indeed  ,  is  one,  and 
 but  one :  for  as  there  is  one  Body,  one  Spirit,  one  Lord ,  and  one 
 Faith;fo  there  is  one  Baptifrruand  fo.chat  he  here  fpeaks  directly  of, 
 is  not  the  Work,  but  the  Do&rine  of  Baptifms,  that  is,  the  Teach- 
 
?tfo  0/Heb.tf.i: 
 
 i«g  and  inftrucTion,  given  by  the  Oracles ,  about  and  concerning 
 Baptifmes ,  which,  by  the  term  in  the  Plural  Number/can  be  no 
 other  bue  the  fcvcral  wayes  and  mediums  appointed  •  and  ha* 
 ving  their  tendency  towards  Baptizing ,  or  for  preparing 
 for  ,  and  effecting  that  which  is  Baptifm  indeed  ,  which 
 becaufe  of  their  tendency  and  ufe  to  it ,  are  called  by  chat 
 Name,  each  of  them  Baptifm,  and  all  together  Biptifrm.  And  a- 
 bout  this  Doftrine  of  Baptifms ,  I  (hall  note  three  things  in  the 
 Do&rine. 
 
 I.  That  thefe  wayes  and  mediums  of  Baptizing  are  four ,  each 
 of  them  bearing  the  Nam:  of  Bapnim  ,  as  an  laftrumcat  ufed  to 
 that  end. 
 
 1.  The  prime  and  chief  minifterial  way  of  Baptizing  ,  is  the 
 Mdrti.  4*  Lu\.  word  of  the  ©ofpel  opened  and  applied  in  preaching ;  fo  fohH,bc- 
 3.3.  JohA.19.  fides  his  baptizing  with  Water ,  did  preach  the  Baptifm  of  Repen- 
 /4#.io.z5.      tancc  for  tnc  Rcmiffion  of  fins*  and  this  was  that  ApoUos  knew  and 
 
 taught,  being  called  Baptifm. 
 
 2.  Baptizing  with  Water  in  the  Name  of,  &c.  is  chat  which 
 tC0rA.i4.R0m.  was  firft,  and  is  moft  frequently  called  Baptifm  :  and  as  the  fpi- 
 2.18,19.  Rom.  ritual  Work  of  Grace  in  the  Heart,  was  never  called  CircumciiiSn 
 M>f .  Gal.3.  K'jj  tnc  outward  Ordinance  of  Circumcifion  was]  given  from 
 j**l*tl Cor'l°*  Heaven  ,   and  then  frequently  fo  called  ,  a*  that  which  is  indeed, 
 
 Tbe  approved  Circumcifion  ;  fo  the  Work  of  Grace  in  the  Heart, 
 was  never  called  Baptifm  ,  till  the  outward  Ordinance  of  Bap- 
 tifm was  given  from  Heaven  :  but  face,  fo  called  :  fo  like  Wife, 
 the  other  mediums,  that  have  their  tendency  to  that  gracious 
 work,  arc  alio  fmcc,  upon  the  fame  account,  called  Ba  palms  ;  as. 
 follows. 
 
 3.  Afflictions,  Sufferings  for  the  Name  of  Chrifr,  are  alfo  cal- 
 twfcii.foM «.  led  Baptifm.  /,  faith  Chrift  ,  fpeaking  of  his  Sufferings ,  have  a 
 %o.ii3i$Mar.  jZapt'tfm  to  bt baptised  with :  and  of  fufferings  alfo  he  faith  to 
 10.38,39.       hisDifcipIes,  Ye  {hall  be  baptized  mtb  tht  Baptifm  that  I  am 
 
 baptised  with. 
 
 4.  The  inward  Inlightnings,Breathing$,  and  Operations  of  the 
 Holy  Ohoft  in  and  with  all  the  former  mediums,  is  alfo  called  Bap- 
 
 'Mat.lAiMar.  ^fa .  t^s  [y^g  the  proper  work  of  Chrift  himfelf  in  his  promifed 
 
 7  b'i8?,.3*7-  Prc^nCC' in  theMiniftration  of  the  Gofpel,  and  according  to  it,  in 
 
 38te>i4.W.    *M  the  mcans  hc  ufcth  *or  eflk*»g  th*s  onc  gtacious  and  fpiritual 
 
 Baptifm,  Aft*i>$*  Af4r.a8.20. 
 
 4  ~  II#Tht 
 
,0flM>.6.%.  Wt 
 
 II.  The  Gofpel  in  the  Do&rinc  of  Baptifms  farther  teacheth  of 
 thefe  mediums : 
 
 i*  That  God  hath  a  gracious  end  in  aJl  thefe.,  ut  vifitingus 
 with  his  Word  ,    in  having  admitted  us  into  his  Family  ,   in  af- 
 flicting us  and  in  extending  morions  nf  h*  Spirts  mavaag  in  our 
 Hearts,  as  namely.,  to  difeover  to  us  char  ftteh  of  fltih  aa&comip-  ' 
 tion  that  is  in  us,  to  abafe  us  for  it,  and  break  us  ctf  from  it ;  *nd 
 to  bring  us  more  to  prife ,  defire  ,  zi  J  accept  thai  purgation  that 
 is  in  Chrift  Jefus  for  us  :    and  by  this  means  drawing  to  htm, 
 thereby  to  baptize  and  wafh  us  into  more  conformirv  to  him  ,  e- 
 ven  in  his  death  and  purity,  fo  to  hu&ble  and  deanfe  us  i   that  he 
 may  quicken  and  raife  us  :  The  Word  is  fie  for  ail  this  a.    Bip-  a  2y;w  ,  I5 
 tifm  with  Water  in  his  Name  having  been  once received  ,  remains  pfaAi$.$.Jofo 
 a  Teftimony  and  I nft ruction  of  the  Truth  of  the  Peace  and  Pur-  15.3. 
 gation  made  by  Chrift,  and  the  effe&iulneis  of  the  cleanfing  that 
 is  in  him  to  beftow*   aad  his  readinefs  to  communicate  it  to  all, 
 that  by  Repentance  and  Faith  come  to  him,  having  received  us  in- 
 to his  Family,  that  we  might  learn  and  receive  the  fame  of  him  b  ;  bMat.18.hyio 
 AffL&icris  faced  alfo  to  the  fame  end,  to  humble  us,  aad  drive.us,  Mar.1.4.  Aft* 
 and  conform  us  to  Chrift  c  :  and  fpirituil  morions  are  alio  for  *-37,38.,i^w. 
 the  fime  end  d  :  and  that  God  in  uling  all,, or  any  of  thefe  means  I'J|' 
 toward  us ,   hath.even  this  gracious  end  for  ourgosd  ,  .to  better;^"  ho/"!<!i<! 
 usbyit*,  in  fending  his  Word,  AB.  $.26.  &  2  6>l%>  in  having  ifa.  2,7.19. 
 admitted  us  into  his  Family ,   £xod.  1 2,  48,  40.  ia  afflicting  djob.i 6. 7,1$. 
 and  chaftening  us  ,    H*b.  xz.  5-10.    in  moving  at  our  Hearts  cPfa1-1  ip-^8» 
 by  his  Spirit,  Prov*  1.23.  Rtvm  3.  20.  exteading  all  for  good 
 tou«. 
 
 2.  That  in  beholding  an^mMing  Jefus  Chrift,  as  he  died 
 and  offered  himfelf  for  us  ^  and  (o  receiving  his  Sayings,  and  mind.  Rev>.\.t6nfcfofm 
 ing  our  Engagement  to  him  ,  receiving  correction  in  his  chaftifc-  a**|,p^fl**1* 
 ments, and  yielding  up toins  fpiritual  motions  ,  we  (hall  indeed I.H^.aa.'z^i! 
 be  verily  more  bapcized  into  Chrift  ,  more  humbled  in  our  felves,  Mic.i.Tiam.^ 
 more  deanfed  from  our  filth-  and  more  conformed  to  the  rriinde  of  5^.Ga/,<*.8.  J 
 Chrift :  and  all  thefe  things  are  taught  in  the  Doctrine  of  Baptifms. 
 And  fo, 
 
 III.  The  Principle  it  fclf  is  exprcffed»the  Do&rine  of  Baptifrnsj  prft?ciph  g 
 Which  by  all  faid  about  \i}  appears  plainly  to  be, 
 
 Dd-M  A 
 
5*x  0/Heb.tf.z. 
 
 f?W*llM,i\'s         Zi  right  judgement  of  God  in  Cbrifl*  concerning  his  gra* 
 y/rf.i 07.43  >&  cious  end  in  aU  this  hit  dealing  with  **,  in  a  difcovery 
 
 94.ii>**. with  u  fa  ktAft  fy  ty€  Qojpel ,  and  an  inward  perfwajion 
 
 ?fa!i  itllu.  *"d  belief  '*  thi  **"'  ■  *ff<*'*  b7  the  GofPel  •    '** 
 
 Cod  both  in  giving  andcanfing  bis  fVord  to  be  preach- 
 
 tdto  hs  ,  and  in  having  admitted  m  into  bit  Family % 
 and  in  aU  bis  corrections  andfujferings,  that  come  up" 
 onm\  and  in  aU  his  fpiritnal  motions  of  Grace  flir- 
 ting in  our  Hearts  ,  hath  this  loving  and  gracious 
 end  towards  m  ,  that  we  may  be  thereby  more  bap- 
 tised into  the  Dtath  of  Cbrifl ,  that  fo  we  might 
 partake  mere  of  the  vertue  of  his  Refnrrcftton* 
 and  fo  to  cleanfe  us  more  from  aS  fit bine  ft  of  fie fh 
 and  Spirit ,    and  conform  us  more  to  the  Mmde  of 
 
 Cbrifl. 
 
 * 
 
 And  in  this  we  hive  three  things  to  note. 
 .    >  /ii j      I  #That  thisPrinciple  is  founded  upon  thcOblation  of  JefusChrift. 
 Iii.3..i7.iT/»«  aBci  thc  ]ovc  0f  <§0d  t0  Mankiade  commended  therethrough :  this 
 is  the  Foundation  of  teaching  this  Principle.and  the  ground  of  *{- 
 firnaing  the  Truth  of  God 's  having  fo  gracicu*  ends  in  all  thefe* 
 means  ufed  towards  us  •  for  if  there  were  any  man  for  whom 
 Chrift  had  not  died  and  rifea  ,   to  preach  Repentance  or  Faith  in 
 the  Name  of  Chrift  to  fuch  a  man,  or  to  declare  any  gracious  ends 
 17  x 8?i rtii.i!  °^  ®c^*s  towarc^s  ^ucn  n*0*  by  nis  Word  ,  or  Baptifm ,  or  AfflU 
 ya.y%>6fi&Rom.  C^ions,  or  fpiritual  Motions  ,  were  to  bear  falfe  witnefs  of  God  : 
 a. 8.eH.  io.e^  tnd  if  fuch  fhould  receive  the  Doctrine ,   it  would  be  a  vain  Faith 
 8.31,3*.  iatfg.  ancl  Pcrfwafion.    But  theRanfome  given  by  Chrift  for  all  men, 
 ^'*3,  being  the  ground  of  the  Truth  ,  and  the  motive  to  perfwadeall 
 
 this,  it  is  verily  true  and  found  :  and  the  fame  Oblation  and  Sa- 
 crifice of  Chrift  believed,  is  the  ground  and  foundation  of  fuch  a 
 perfwafion  and  belief  of  ©od  concerning  his  gracious  ends  towards 
 us,  in  fuch  thiags  forementioned. 
 
 2.  That  this  Principle  flows  up  by  and  wi:h  the  former 
 
 R<wM.Tj2,3,   two*    being   oncly  in  thofe,    that  from   believing   the  Obla- 
 
 4,5.  JP/tfU lotion  of  Chrift  ,    have  been   led    to   Repentance    frcm  dead 
 
 «8,8f ;  Works ,  and  Faith  towards  God  ;    in  which  they    are   alfo 
 
 framed  to   this   pcrfwafion  of  Sod  about  his  gracious  ends 
 
 to- 
 
<9/Heb.tf.£:  ft  J 
 
 towards  us  in  all  thefe  bis  dealings  with  us. 
 
 3.   Thanhis  Principle  and  Perfwafion  of  Sod  in  eke  Heart,  Philip,*:  & 
 inclines  the  Heart  to  be  willing  to  be  conformed  to  the  death  of  h  '3>?#tf>*<>» 
 Chrift,  and  (o  framed  to  his  minde  ,  by  all  the  means  he  ufeth  to  ML****U* 
 that  end  towards  us.     Andthis  the  Pe*iWa{ioa  and  Principle  be* 
 gotten  in  the  Heart  by  the  Oracles  of  God  in  the  Doctrine  of 
 Baptifrns. 
 
 Chap.  7. 
 Of  Hebrews  6.  2. 
 
 HEb*6.2.  And  of  laying  en  of  bands.  This  by  the  connexion 
 cf  the  words,  appears  to  be  the  Doctrine  of  laying *on  of 
 hands.  And  for  the  right  understanding  of  thbPrinciple»four  things 
 are  to  be  well  heeded.  s 
 
 &'  1  •  What  laying  on  of  hands  was,  ufed  by  Chrift ,  and  his  A- 
 poftles  and  firft  witneffes  ,  and  in  what  manner  they  ufed  to  lay 
 on  hands.     And  this  appears  in  their  writings  to  be  fometimes, 
 that  men  might  receive  the  vifible  Gifts  of  the  Holy  ^hoft .  as  our 
 Saviour*  to  prepare  his  Apoftles  to  receive  the  Holy  Ghoft,  breath- 
 ed on  them,  and  lift  up  his  hands,  and  faid,  Receive,  &c.  a.    So  a  foh.10.21* 
 they  prayed ,  and  laid  on  their  hands  on  Believers,  that  they  might  £*i.*4-f  • 
 receive  the  Holy  Ghoft  b  :  and  fometimes  they  ufed  this  for  mi-  b  ^#.8.15,17, 
 raculous  curing  and  healing  of  Difcafes  c  :  and  fometime  ic  was  ^^%6%      , 
 ufed  for  procuring  fpecial  Bleflings  on  men  ,  Mat.  1 9.  1  3, 1  5.  \^lf%^.^' 
 Jbf at, 10. 1 6,  as  of  old,  Gen*  48. 1 4,  15,1c*.   and  fometimes  14.4.40.^5". 
 it  was  ufed  for  Believers  fitnefs  and  ability  to  preach  the  djofpel,  13.  Aft.^.ij, 
 2  Tim.  1. 6,  as  of  old  for  fitnefs  and  bleffing  in  leading  a  people, &  28,8* 
 Dew.  3  4.9.  and  fometime  ic  was  nfed  for  fetting  men  in  Office  in 
 and  for  the  Church  ,   and  for  fitnefs  and  bleffing  therein  d  ;   and  ^  4%  ,  '  y.  , 
 fometime  for  fitnefs  i    and  a  bleffing  for  McfTengcrs  fent  by  the  $il*  ' 
 Church  about  Church- Affairs  e  .And  the  manner  of  their  laying  on  e  ^#.13.3. 
 of  hands  was  with  prayer  to  @od ,  for  that  they  defired  for  thofc 
 on  whom  hands  are  to  be  laid  /  .•  in  dcfire  whereof ,   and  confr*  i~4tt.%,  1  ?,  ca- 
 dence iiiSed  for  his  gracious  Anfwcr ,  they  lift  up  their  hands -88» 
 
 D  d  d  d  %  to 
 
0/Heb.  6.  i. 
 
 to  Sod g  :  whence  Praye  r  is  fo  named  ,    liftirtg  up  the  hinds  to 
 
 *,iTm<%A.     Qodb  :    and  in  Teftimony  of  their  deftre  and  confidence  in 
 
 i  ^(S  B  i7  *  ^^  for  his  Sracious  »fifwering  ,    they  laid  on  hand;  on  the 
 
 a^S,  '  7#     parties  prayed  for/.     Such,  andin  fuch  manner  their  laying  on  of 
 
 hands. 
 
 2.TheDo6trine  of  laying  on  of  handset  is  thatDo&rineor  teach- 
 ing of  the  Gofpel  of  Chrift  and  him  crucified,  in  which  Believers 
 are  dire&ed  and  encouraged  to  pray  for  good  things  to  <Sod>with 
 Promifcs  of  a  gracious  hearing,  that  fo  they  may  pray*  and  life  up 
 hearts  and  hands  in  confidence  in  God,  and  lay  on  hands  in  Te- 
 ftimony  thereof.     And  this  6eing  one  of  thofe  Principles,  that  by 
 the  Oracles  of  God  were  taught  to  all  Believers  of  the  Oblation 
 of  Chrift,  it  muft  needs  be  as  common  to  all  Saints,  as  the  Faith  of 
 the  Oblation  of  Chrift ,    and  the  Oracles  proceeding  from  ir, 
 known  and  believed  :  and  fo  it  cannot  be  meant  of  the  aft  of  lay- 
 ing on  of  hands ,  for  giving  and  receiving  the  vifible  Gifts  of  trie 
 HolyGhoft,  for  fpeaking  with  oiher  Tongues  -   for  fuch  lading 
 on  of  hands,  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  the  Apoftles ,  and  was 
 rAft.  8.?  J^,i7>  not  common  to  all  the  firft  Witneffes.     Philip,  though  an  Evan- 
 ti9'&iizt',  8cIift;  afK*  ha(* thc  8*  or"  working  Miracles ,   and  did  many  ,  yet 
 30!  £/>Jb.4.7,8*  for  this ,  the  Church  fent  two  Apoftles ,    Pete r  and  John  :  and 
 i$.Epb.Li7.&  fo  it  was  an  Apoftle  that  laid  on  hands  for  this  gift  another  time  • 
 3.14*17 -Col.s.  aBC|  not  this  onely ,    buc  the  gift  of  Miracles  and  miraculcus  heal- 
 V^'eII  6  19'  in%  ■   though  given  to  more  then  the  Apoftles  ,   yet  not  to  all 
 *Thefo.\.      *  Saints,  even  in  thofe  firft  times,  when  Miracles  were  moft  ncedfulj 
 zTim.i.6.Aft.  till  Chrift  bad  been  fully  taught,  and  Jefus  proved  to  be  he  •    nor 
 6.6:iTim.i.     are  thefe  gifts  affirmed  to  be  of  like  continuation  with  other  fpi- 
 " **i«*15'3Q'  ritual  gifts  2  fo  that,  that  which  the  Gofpel  in  the  Doctrine  of  lay- 
 ¥am.  ia*>i f  >  m8  oa  ^  hinds  *    tcach«h  ,    that  is  of  continual  ufe  for  all  Be* 
 .^ao/  Jievers,  is  that  here  meant ,  and  that  is  for  venting  our  defircs  by 
 
 Prayer  to  God  in  the  Name  of  Chrift  for  his  mercy  and  free-fa- 
 vour through  Cfarift  to  be  given  ,  in  blefling  with  encreafe  of,  and 
 eftablilhmcnt  in  the  Faith  to  Believers  :  and  for  fitting  and  fur- 
 m(hing  fuch  as  have  the  word  of  Grace  in  their  heart ,  to  preach 
 the  Gofpel,  and  to  blefs  their  Miaiftration  s  and  for  Believers  ap- 
 probation ,  fitnefs,  faithfulnefs,  and  bleffi.ig ,  that  are  chofen 
 into  Church-Offices  •  and  for  ability  ,  faithfulnefs ,  prefervati- 
 on  and  bleffing  for  fuch  as  are  fent  and  imployed  in  McfTige  or 
 bufmcis  for  the  Chupch  and  Church-Affairs  ;  and  for  graciou* 
 i*  .  fupport 
 
Of  Heb.  6. z.  jtf * 
 
 fupport,  and  helpfulnefs  in ,  and  feafonable  deliverance  out  of  any 
 temptation,  (kknefs,  affl  cfaon  or  diftrefs ,    chat  any  Believer  is  in, 
 and  fuch  like :  as  for  chat  anointing  with  oyle  in  the  Name  of  the 
 Lord  mentioned,   it  appears  to  be  taken  in  a  rneraphorical  and 
 fpiritual  fenfe,  becaufe  oyle  and  anoyncing  ufed  of  old,  was  a  type 
 of  the  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Holy  Ghoft ,  with  which  Chrift  pfa.4 $»7,  jfM 
 was  anoynted  immeafurably  fl  and  with  which  ,  he  in  the  Gofpel  6i.i. 
 anointerh  Believers ,   which  in  Scripture  is  called  oyle  and  anoint- 
 ing; and  anointing  with  material  oyle,  is  neither  commanded, 
 nor  anywhere  in  Scripture  mentioned  to  be  done,   much  lefs  fee 
 forth  as  an  Ordinance,  fince  Chrift's  afcenfion  into  Heaven  ,  and 
 pouring  forth  the  Holy  (ahoft  •    in  which ,    Truth  being  come, 
 Types  and  Shadows  ceafe  ;  nor  is  it  but  once  mentioned  that  I 
 finde  while  he  lived  on  earth ,  and  that  was  when  bodily  cures  by  jf^.,3  cm% 
 Miracles  were  moft  in  ufe  :   but  this  is  aconftant  Truth  ,   His  i^.lj0h.z,z9% 
 Name  is  as  an  Oyntment  poured  forth  ;  ar?d  fo  thofe  chat  believe  2,7^  8. 
 in  him,  are  faid  to  have  received  an  unction  from  bim  j  yea  ,  an  a- 
 noincirg  that  teacheth  j  and  fo  to  anoynt  thole  we  pray  over  with 
 oyle  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord  ,  is  in  Faith  and  Charity  fervently  PM-i.8>M0|. 
 ftreaming ,    both  in  Prayers  and  fpeaking ,    fo  to  declare  that x  * 
 Name  in  the  Vertues  of  the  Blood  and  Sacrifice  of  him ,   and  the 
 Love  of  (Sod  appearing  therein,   with  the  reviving  Jnftru6tions 
 and  Confolatiop.s  it  affordeth  ,   that  the  favour  of  his  Oyntmcncs 
 may  refrefh  the  heart.     And  this  ro  be  the  Apoftles  meaning,  ap-  7*^.SM*>4<>* 
 pears  in  his  own  after-Explanation.     So  that  the  Prayer  of  Faith, 
 and  of  the  Faithful  is  the  chief  Ordinance  meant  here ,  with  lifting 
 up  the  hands  in  confidence  toC'.od  ,    or  alfo ,    with  laying  on  of 
 hands  in  Teftimony  of  confidence  in  God  ,  he  being  a  God  hear-  Af<tf.7.73tl. 
 ing  Prayers,  which  is  the  Doctrine  of  laying  on  of  hands,  or  that  Mar ,10.14, 
 which  the  Golpel  teacheth  concerning  it  ;    namely,    the  gracious"'  ^•I^*3*1^ 
 Minde  of  <Sod ,   that  in  all  our  needs,  we  fliould  by  the  Prayer  of 
 Faith  andcf  the  Faithful,feek  help  of  him^and  that  he  will  hear  and 
 help  us  gracioufly,  according  to  his  word,  Pftl.6<\.  5.  And  yet  to 
 clcer  it, 
 
 3.  This  is  farther  to  honored  ,  That  in  Scripture  Language,  a  xcw.tuio^x 
 whole  Ordinance, in  which  are  many  particular  A#s,  is  fometime  a^aS. 
 called  by  the  name  of  one  particular  A&  in  it ;  as,  The  Supper  of 
 the  Lord  •  in  which  is,  Blefling,  Prayer,  Inftru&ion,  Praife,  taking 
 and  breaking  Bread  1  and  diffributing  Wine  ;  eating,  drinking, 
 
 and 
 
i66  0/Heb.tf.z. 
 
 ■A% >10  7  ^ft and  comemmorating  the  Death  of  Chrift,  ^<?.    is  called  by  the 
 z.46.  '         '  name  of  one  particular  A&  in  it ,  even,  Breaking  Bread.     When 
 the  Difciples  came  together  to  break  Bread,  Paul  preached,  &c. 
 Yea,  fometirne  that  one  A&  is  named  fo  ,  as  to  imply  all  the  Or- 
 dinances Believers  had  in  fellow  (hip  among  thernfdves  :    and  fo 
 lfa  tf  f         chc  temple  °^  ®0(^  ^is  Houie>  where  Sacrifices,  Offerings ,  and 
 burnt-Offerings  ,  and  allTemple-worfhip  was  rightly  ufed,   and 
 fo  there  Accepted  ,  is  even  therefore  called.   The  Houfc  of  Pray- 
 er.    And  fo  this  Ordinance  of  Prayer,  in  performance  of  which, 
 »  Confeffion,  Petition*  Praife  ,   with  bowifig  the  knee,  lifting  up 
 the  eyes,  the  voyce,  the  hands ,   and  fometime  laying  on  of  bands, 
 as  it  is  fometime  called  Prayer ,    fometime  pouring  out  the  heart, 
 drc*  fo  it  is  fometime  named  by  one  particular  A&  in  it :  fome- 
 'Epb»$*W*KMg  time  by  one ,   fometime  by  another :  fometime  bowing  the  knees, 
 S.54.P/rf/.i2,3,  fomtiflie  lifting  up  the  eyes,  fometime  lifting  up  the  voice;  but 
 2£hron  V 17     mof*  flCclucmiy  's  c^c Ordinance  °f  Prayer,  called  by  that  k&  in 
 AS.+.i^/oh.  *•'  °f  lifting  up  the hands,  Pfal.  8.2.  When  I  lift  up  my  hands , 
 7.27,32,         &c.  and  Pf*L6$*  4,  While  I  live  ^  I -will  lift  ttf  my  hands  in 
 f  3,34'#-8.z7.  tby  JViiwf.-Yca,thc  whole  great  fuffering,and  fo  the  Oblatioa  and 
 Sacrifice  of  Jcfus  Christ  is  fometime  called  and  expreffed  by  tjfct 
 one  Acl  in  it ,    of  his  being  lifted  up  ,   (  from  the  Earth  upon  the 
 Crofs : )  yea ,    likewife  the  whole  preaching  of  the  Gofpel ,    in 
 ir«r.i.X7,iS.  which  Chrift ,  and  him  crucified,  is  fet  forth,  the  Propitiation  for 
 GnL$A.Joh.3.  our  fiQ$  9    \s  expreft  by  that  very  term  of  lifting  up  :  fo  our  ap- 
 ,4,iy'  proach  to  (Sod  being  through  that  Blood  and  Sacrifice  of  his, 
 
 Ufi*io9ipt20*  is  for  that  exercife  of  Prayer,  often  called  lifting 
 upof  hands,  as/yk/.i  34.2.  and  141.2.  ^w.3.41.   iTtm, 
 2.8.  and  even  fo  likewife,  becaufe  when  they  prayed  over  any,  or 
 U^y.17.  &  for  any  fpecial  mercies  for  any,  they  often  did  point  out  the  partiej, 
 *M*  and  teftifie  their  defires  and  confidence  for  them  ,   by  touching 
 
 them  with ,  or  laying  their  hands  on  them  :  therefore  ,  their  fo 
 praying  and  blcffing ,  is  fometime  cxpreft  in  that  term  onely  of 
 laying  on  of  hands,  asisclecrly  feen,  in  comparing  Af4r.10.16. 
 with  Mat.  1  o.  1  3, 1  J.  and  fo  here  laying  on  of  hands  chief- 
 ly and  mainly  implieth  and  fignificth ,  The  Prayers  of  Be- 
 lievers ,  affemblcd  and  met  together  in  the  Name  of  Chrift  ,  to 
 A/4M9.1  8,20.  defirefome  fpecial  favour  and  blcfTing  of  him;  to  which  he  hath 
 ^.10,23,14.  promifed,  both  his  pretence  in  the  middeft  of  them,  and  his 
 gracious  Anfwers  to  them :  in  which  Prayers  of  Believers  there 
 
 is 
 
O/Heb.tf.a.  $67 
 
 is  moft  commonly  a  lifting  up  (notonely  of  the  heart,  but  alfo) 
 of  the  haads  towards  Qod  s  and  fometims ,  as  confidence 
 is  oiyen  1  a  laying  on  of  hands  on  parties  prayed  for ,  if  prefect. 
 And  fo,  when  Believers  have  affembled  together  ,  and  prayed 
 in  the  Name  of  Chrift  for  any  ,  though  foma  particular  out- 
 ward A6t  were  omitted  at  fome  time  ,  yet  it  being  fuch  an 
 A&,  as  is  fometimes  done,  and  by  which  the  Ordinance  of 
 Prayer,  in  naming  that  aft,  is  known  ,  yea,  ofc  named  by  it,  and 
 known  by  that  Expreflion  to  be  done ,  it  may  be  then  fo  called 
 and  expreffed  in  either  of  thofe  terms,  cither  lifting  up ,  or  laying 
 on  of  hands  ;  either,  and  both,  importing  praying  for ,  or  over 
 thofe  prayed  for,  as  appears  in  fam.  5.14,  20.  where  the 
 fame  bufinefs  is  mentionedi  and  not  laying  on  of  hands,  but  Prayer 
 with  inftru&ion  On  a  metaphorical  term.)  And  fo  much  for  Seri- 
 pture-tlfe  of  the  words,  lifting  up,  or  laying  on  of  hands  :  in  all 
 that  isfaid  ,  minding  this ,  That  the  Principle  here  is  not  expreft 
 barely  in  laying  on  of  hands,  but  in  the  Doctrine  of  laying  on  of 
 bands* 
 
 4.  For  the  Principle  it  felf  that  is  taught  to,  and  received  of  Be-  Principle  4.' 
 lievers  in  this  Doctrine  of  laying  on  of  hands ,    it  appears  by  Scri- 
 pture to  be, 
 
 A  right  per  fa a/ton  of  God ,  concerning  his  infinite  Love, 
 Mercy  ,  Truth  and  Fatthfulnefs  in  and  through 
 Chrift*  to  hear  and  anfwer  the  Prayers  of  fuch  as 
 approach  to  him  through  Chrift  ,  and  caB  upon  htm 
 in  his  Name  ;  in  and  -with  this  perfaapen ,  to 
 have  the  heart  fuitably  inclined ,  not  onely  ones  felf 
 fo  to  pray  to  God,  and  wait  for  his  anfaer,  but  to  defire 
 andexpeth  a  ble fling  in  the  prayers  of  fuch  as  believe 
 in  Chrtfi* 
 
 Such  the  perfwafion  of  the  Prophet  by  the  Spirit,  That  God  is 
 a  hearer  of  Prayers,  and  that  they  that  by  his  gracious  cbuflng,  are 
 led  to  approach  to  him,  and  dwell  in  his  Courts,  are  blcffcd  ,   and 
 (hall  be  fatisficd  a.  And  thus  the  Apoftle  that  ufed  to  lay  on  hands,  a  P/*/.^. 2,4; 
 was  perfwaded  of  bleffing,  through  the  Prayers  of  B-lieverti  and 
 the  fupply  of  the  Spirit,tf*c.b.  Whence  alfo  he  fo  earneftiy  decree  b  PoUA.%^ 
 the  Prayer  of  Believers  for  himfelf  <y  and  both  for  hirofeff  and  his c  *™ '• "  *•  1°> 
 ■  MIovf.3X,£'W,x* 
 
50&  Uf  tizb.6.l. 
 
 6  f  01.4.-1,3.  Fellow* Labourers  fetch  him  d.  Satins  ordinary  way  in  beginning 
 Heb.i}.  1 3.  to  withdraw  Believers  from  Chrift  ,  being  tofieal  this  periwafion 
 (or  Principle)  out  of  their  heart,  and  fo drawing  them  to  forfakir.g. 
 e  Heb.io.it,  ^  affemblir.gs  of  the  Saints  togecher,for  that  end  e.  And  in  this 
 -i.1)i6Judci9,  Principle  (or  periwafion  in  the  heart  of  a  Believer,  note, 
 20.  1 .  That  it  is  begotten  by  theOraclss  of  the  Propitiatory  or  mer- 
 
 Zph.zA  $18.  cy-Seat,  an^  founded  upon  the  found  ation  of  the  Oblation  and  Sa- 
 HebjX^.&io.  crifice  of  Jefus  Chiitt,  by  vertue  whereof  he  now  appearech  in  hei- 
 i9jio.dM3.15>  ven  for  us.  This  the  ground  of  all  our  boldnefs  to  pray  for  ou-  iV.Ives 
 18.1/0*7.1.1,1.  or  otheri  and  io  of  all  our  hope  in  God  for  hearing  believers  fa  u?. 
 Tbil.  1 16.*>4,  s*  ^ac  ^s  Priacipie,as  it  flows  from  the  foundation.and  fprings 
 1,6,10. Rom. 1.  up  wich  Repentance  and  Faith  ;  fo  it  is  found  in  them,  that  through 
 2..^  1 0.14.1/0/;.  believing  in  Chrift  crucified,  have  repented  of  dead  works,  and  do 
 2.1,1.  &*>'lh  believe  in  Chrift,and  are  in  fome meafure  conformed  to  him,in  bc- 
 4,15,19,10  iigbaptized  into  his  death,  7/4.1.13,14,15.  Pf*l.  50.1  51  6. 
 Tbil.4.6  7.  ?•  ^hat  ^IS  ^'inciple  in  the  heart  of  a  Believer,  frames  him  to 
 
 irfo/s .17,18.  begin  with  (Sod  in  feeking  his  blefling  by  Prayer  in  all  diftreffes 
 Hcfc.13.18.  andenterprizes,  and  fo  to  defire  the  Prayers  of  fuch  as  believe 
 -ph1U.19.Eph.  |n  Chrift,with  expectation  of  a  bleffing  theicin-and  fo  in  cpprdEng 
 &\9^z^'&  <Mrcffe>and  ^  fpecial  Offices  and  Services  in  and  for  the  Church, 
 i*.4o.P/rf.*6.  fo  far  to  defire  this  laying  on  of  hands ,  as  to  defire  their  Prayers, 
 %.&iT4.Hib.  Blefling,  and  Approbation,  io  feeking  the  Lord  for  him,  and  com- 
 10.15.  mending  him  to  the  Lord ,   and  the  word  of  his  Grace,  for  help 
 
 and  blefling  in  the  fame :  and  likewife  to  defire  and  .delight  to  be 
 much  in  the  aflernbly  of  Believers  met  in  his  Name,  And  this  the 
 Principle  begot  in  the  Hearts  of  Believers  by  the  Oracles  of  God 
 in  the  Doctrine cf  laying  on  of  hands. 
 
 Chap.  8. 
 Of  Hebrews  6.  2. 
 
 HEb*6.l.  And  of  Rcfnrrettion  of  the  dead*  This  appears 
 by  the  connexion  of  the  words,ind  as  the  Principle  taught, 
 to  be  the  DocVine  cf  Refurreftion  cf  the  dead :  for  undemanding 
 whereof*  we  have  three  things  to  confider,  viz. 
 
 I.  What 
 
0/Heb.(U.  S69 
 
 I  •  What  theRefurre&ion  of  the  dead  is »   that  is  here  meaJit  >  Heb4.17.jQb9 
 and  chat  appears  in  the  very  words  to  be  a  Refurrc&ion  of  thofe  J.i8,i$, 
 that  once  before  lived ,  and  are  now  dead  ,  but  (hall  be  raifed  and 
 made  alive  again  to  receive  the  eternal  Judgement ,  which  is  after 
 death  and  this  RefurreAion  •  which  minded,  this  Refurre&ion  ap- 
 pears not  to  be  a  metaphorical  Rcfurre&ion  ,  in  bringing  fuch  as  p/i.ig.  e>  3 1. 
 were  once  in  a  healthful,  rich,  honourable  and  comfortable  condi*  3i.eWi6.i3u.' 
 don  in  this  life,  and  now  in  deep  poverty  and  diftrefs,  unto  their  ir^«  *ifrf*« 
 former  healthful  and  comfortable  eftate  and  condition  again  in  this  ^  I?J 2*' 
 life  :  which  is  fomedmes,  though  the  hope  of  fuch  a  thing ,  fo  far  j^'io.  9,12V 
 as  is  for  good,  is  raifed  from  the  belief  of  this  mentioned,  (whence  fob.  5 .13. 
 the  Metaphor  : )  yet  this  is  not  it  :    nor  is  it  that  furrc&ion  or 
 quickning'and  giving  life  where  none  was  before,  whether  in  the  na- 
 tural and  firft  birth  of  a  man,  or  in  the  new  birth,(chat  is  fpirituil) 
 in  the  Souls  of  Believers,  who,  though  before  in  that  refpeA  deadi 
 yet  in  that  refped  they  were  never  alive  before,  and  fo  not  a  refur- 
 re&ion«thougb  afurre&ion  3c  live-making,  Epb.z.i  ,2,5,4,  $•  CoL 
 I.i  3 .  But  it's  evident,  the  Rcfurrc&ion  here  meant,  is  of  the  Body, 
 that  once  was  alive.buc  now  dead,and  gone  from  among  the  living, 
 in  railing  and  making  alive  again  that  very  Body  :   This  appears 
 clearly  to  be  that  Refurrc&ion  the  Sadduces  denied*  for  which  our  Mar.  tl  Mr« 
 Saviour  faid  ,    They  erred,  not  knowing  the  Scripture,  nor  the  ^\°'\7^Sm 
 power  of  God,  Mat.22,23-32.  This  that  Rtfurre&ion  the  Hea-  ZTimJui%?1' 
 then  Philofophers  (coffed  at  :  This  that  which  the  Apoftates  and  icor.ii.zz. 
 fa  lie  Teachers  craftily  and  hiddenly  denying,  fancied  into  an  Ailc-  fob.  ?.i83 19. 
 
 this  Rcfurre&iontheRcfurre&ion  of  the  Body,which  is  the  Refur- 
 region  taught  by  our  Saviour  Chrift,  and  by  the  Aportle  in  \Cor. 
 I  5.  proving  from  the  Rcfurre&ion  of  the  body  of  Chrift,the  refur- 
 redUon  of  thedead,and  (beweth  the  order  and  fevaal  times  of  the 
 Refurrefticn  of  dead  Bodies :  firft  ,  drift  the  firft  Fruits  ;  then 
 they  that  areChrifts  at  his  coming  again ;  &  after  the  wicked  at  his 
 delivering  up  the  Kingdom  to  the  Father ,  and  giving  the  total  o- 
 verthrow  to  death  ;  and  then  affirming  ,  That  the  very  individual 
 Bodies  that  died  (hall  rife  again • that  very  thing,  it,  that  was  fown 
 or  laid  and  covered  in  the  earth,  in  corruption!  dishonor  and  weak- 
 fielsj  (hall  be  raifed  again,  even  it,  that  very  thing,  raifed  in  incor- 
 
 Eeee  ruptioA* 
 
576  Of  Heb.  6.1. 
 
 mption  glory  and  power  r  and  fo  affi.ming  the  fame  to  the  T%*f- 
 
 X^\Tb?**^J*loni**'s>  cvc*  of  thcm  that  flfeP  in  Ghrift     and  are  dc*d  fr0111 
 x 5  ji 6, 17.  j oh.  »mong  men.     And  this  Refurre£l;on  hath  bee n  believed,  confeffed 
 
 11  24  Aft.t$%  and  hoped  for  by  all  that  believed  the  Teftimony  of  Jefus  2  fo 
 6.&  14,15.  that  jn  thelaft  day,  all  the  bodies  of  Men  that  are  dead  ,  (hall  be 
 J^f^^^'raifedbyChriftt  th?  Juft  in  that  beginning  of  the  day,  to  receive 
 lo.^Ujij!  awards ;  and  theunjuftat  the  end  of  theday?  to  receive  the  ter- 
 rible fentence,  of  which  enough  hath  been  faid.  And  this  the  Re* 
 function  meant. 
 
 2.  What  the  Doftrine  of  RefurrecTion  of  the  dead  is :  Aad  this 
 a  Cor  s  14,1 1  a^°  may  ke  cleerly  feen  in  the  Scripture  to  be  ,  that  Jefus  Chrift  as 
 iTim.i.7.Rom. tnc  publick  Man  that  died  for  all  Men  t  for  their  fins  ,  and  gave 
 M.8>9.i£V.i5.  himfelf  a  Ranfomefor  all ,  that  he  might  have  them  both  living 
 3,4.^.1.18.  anc|  dead  inhisdifpofe.heis  rifenfrom  the  dead, and  alive  forever- 
 
 r1  ltl&  &  morc>  c^c  **or(*  °*  *'* »  *nc*  ^at  ^y  vcrcuc  °f  **  hi$  Refurreftion 
 3  a"  332.9pw/.a!  and  victory  over  deathi  and  Sacrifice  offered ,  and  Power  received, 
 7,8,9,10,11'.  '  He  is  the  Refurreftiotx  and  the  Life ,  and  will  raife  all  men ,  and 
 iThef.4.1  %,\6.  bring  them  before  him  to  acknowledge  him  Lord  :  the  juft  *  in 
 jfa%i6\9.Rom.  that  Union  with  him,  in  which,  they  (beep :  theunjuft,  in  that  Re- 
 al 9i<%A£Li7'.  I*"0**  m  which  they  are  obliged  to  acknowledge  him  Lord ,  and 
 31!  1  sm.i.6.  that  in  the  Refurre&ion  of  Chrift  from  the  dead  ,  and  therein  o- 
 Hoft6.i9uPfd.  vercoming  death ,  and  a  (Turing  the  Refurre&ion  of  the  dead  ,  is 
 90.3.  Htb.i$.  demonftrated  and  made  known  to  be  believed  ,  the  Righteoufcefs 
 ao.21.iTzw. 2.  0f  ^Qd,  and  his  infinite  power  and  faithfulncfs,  to  do  all  things,  to 
 im  V±.z4M.  fa^  hi$  word,  even  to  kill  and  make  alive  again  ;  to  fend  dowa 
 €^5.8,io.iPrt!  todeftruftiofi,aad  return  again  ;  and  fo  to  uphold,  help  and  de- 
 1.3.  icer.i.g,  liver  in  the  grcateft  diftrcfles,  and  death :  and  that  fuch  as  beheve 
 io.eH.iM4'  in  Chrift,  that  as  the  publick  Man  is  rifcn  from  the  dead  ,  and  a- 
 &iV'lo1pbU  'hve  for  evermore,  may  be  quickned  to  a  living  hope ,  tobefaved 
 i.jj^io.1  '  and  preferved  by  him  to  the  heavenly  inheritance  and  eternal  life 
 zcor.\x.9>\o.  through  Faith  :  and  fo  to  depend  on  him  for  fuch  fupports  and 
 Jtaw.6. 3,4.11.  deliverances  in  greateft  temptations  and  diftreffes,  as  is  truly  good 
 
 ^8'17  &2?*  ^or c^cm !  an(*  a^° '  c^at in  C^is C0D^^cncc  *n  him  6^st  ra^cch  the 
 1  jVh^.i mi!  dead,  thcy  mav  ** kcPc  from  *aint,n»  in  thc  (lay  of  adverfity,  and 
 fo  be  made  willing  to  be  made  like  Chrift  in  the  fcllowfhip  of 
 hisfuffcrings>and  in  deaths,  knowing  his  ftrength  is  manifeftedin 
 eur  weaknefles;  and, that  as  we  are  conformed  to  him  in  his  death, 
 fo  we  (hall  likewife  alfo  be,  to  the  likenefs  of  his  Rcfurrcfton :  If 
 wc  differ  With  hiity  we  (hall  rai'gn  •  if  wedie,  we  (hall  live,  he 
 
 being 
 
)  0/Heb.tf.ic  |A| 
 
 being  the  RefurrccTion  and  the  Life  ;  fo,  as  thus  believing  in  him, 
 as  nfen  from  the  dead  i  we  may  petfevcre,  and  live  and  die  in  the 
 Faith  •  and  fuch  things  are  taught  by  the  Oracles  of  God  in  the 
 Doctrine cf  che  Rtfunc&ion  from  the  de\d  or  of  thedead. 
 
 3.  What  the  Principle  is,  that  is  by  the  Do&rine  of  Refurre&i-  Principle  %. 
 on  of  the  dead  caught  to,  and  received  in  the  believing  hearc :  that 
 appears  to  be, 
 
 Such  an  inward  perfwafion ,  and  belief  of,  and infefm  iTbef .4.*4>if> 
 Chrift  rifen  from  th*  dead  >  at  makes  confident  tn  htm  «7-  «  Pe$.i.$m 
 for  preftrvation  through  all  fufferings  and  death,  and  ^Q%\^\ 
 raijing  out  of  death  at  his  coming  ,    to  enjoy  the  inhe.  8'9  \om^l\ 
 ritance  and  eternal  life  •  fo%  as  it  frames  to  a  willing-  ^j%6.  %  cor  a* 
 nefs  to  be  conformed  to  thrift  in  hie  death ,    that  one  10,14.  Komfi. 
 may  partake  cf  the  vertue  of  his  Refurreftiou,  beltev-  +&T-6-  Helh 
 ing  that ,    according  to  our  dying  with  him ,    and  for11'1*' 
 him,  we  (had  be  more  abundantly  quickped  andenlived 
 by  him,  and  live  with  him  by  the  power  of  God:whence 
 ijfueththat  defer  e  and  hope  of  the  vertue  of  his  Refur- 
 reBion,  for  newnefs  of  life  »   and  perfeverance  in  the 
 Fait ht  even  to  the  death ,    and  dying  in  the  Faith ,  to 
 rife  to  ever laft ing  life. 
 
 And  in  this  Principle  alio  are  three  things  cleerly  obfervablcv/*. 
 
 1 .  That  it  is  founded  upon  ,  and  produced  by  the  Oblation  ofRm$-}*>l9> 
 Chrift  believed  ,    in  his  Death,  Refurre&ion,  and  Sacrifice  offered  &i-*>l°' 
 for  us :  by  tercue  whereof,  he  ever  Iiveth  to  intercede  for  us ,  and 
 will  come  again  and  raife  us. 
 
 a.  That  this  Principle  is  onely  in  thofe  that  through  believing  Rom  -  x  , 
 in  Chrift,  and  him  ctucificd,  have  been  framed  to  Repentance  from  4,s5i.  Wimj. 
 dead  works,  and  to  Faith  towards  God,  and  thereia  to  fome  con-  9,10,11,12. 
 lormity  to  Chrift  in  his  death>&  confidence  in  him  for  hisPromifcs, 
 of  which  fome  experiments  in  anfwer  of  Prayers  they  have  found. 
 
 3.  That  this  Principle  inclines  the  heart  to  live  by  Faith  in  all  Gal  ^ 
 
 conditions,  and  fo  to  walk  in  the  ftrength  of  the  I,ord  ,    2  Cor.4.  &^',%0iZl° 
 I  3.P£#7.4.4jI  1  ji  3.2C*r.i.9,io.  And  this  is  the  Principle  be- 
 got in  the  heart  by  the  Doctrine  of  Refurre&ion,  &c. 
 
 Eceea  CHAP, 
 
H 
 
 (-*  — -~n 
 
 m 
 
 Chap.  9, 
 Of  Hebrews  £.2,3. 
 
 Eb  6.t.  And  of  eternal  judgement.    This  alfo  by  the  con- 
 nexion of  the  words,  appears  to  be  the  Do&rine  of  eternal 
 Judgement  •  and  it  alfo  appears,in  that  it  is  coupled  and  mentioned 
 after  the  Refurre&ion  of  the  dead  ,   to  be  that  Judgement  which 
 (hall  be  after  men  have  died  in  their  Bodies ,   and  are  raifed  and 
 made  alive  again  ,   according  to  tha  t  laid  ,    As  it  it  appointed  to 
 menace  to  die^and  after  t  his ,t be  judgement  :  to  which  Judge- 
 Heb.9.i7joh.  ment ,  by  the  voyce  of  Chrift ,   All  that  are  in  their  Graves  (hall 
 5.17,2  8^9.    Comc  forth  and  appear  before  his  Judgement-Scat,  and  be  judged 
 %Cgr's£iRm'byh\ini  ofthis  our  Saviour  warneth  us ,  L^.12.4,5,  and  ai. 
 M.  juaei*,  ^  aj<ji(i  thc  poacher  of  old  ,  Eeclefi  1 .9.  and  12.14.  and 
 the  Apoftles  fince,  1  *Pet.  4.  5.    t  Tim.  41.  As  for  the  word 
 Judgement,  it  is  ufed ,  fomecime  for  a  right  dhcerntng  and  eftimate 
 of  Men  or  things,  as  they  are  good  and  bad  ;  fometime ,  for  Au- 
 thority, Order  and  Rule  given  •  fomecime,  forgiving  fentence  and 
 caufing  the  execution  of  that  icntence  5    and  in  this  fenfe  dire&Jy, 
 with  inclufion  of  both  the  former  ,  it  is  meiBt  here :  and  (o  in  this 
 Judgement,  fome  (hall  be  fencenced  to,  and  poffcffed  oc  an  eternal 
 %Tim.%.iotteb.  inheritance  with  eternal  glory  •  and  fome  fentenccd  to  eternal 
 s^Amai.l.  damnation,  and  caft  into  eceraal  fire  •  of  both  which,  are  fpoken 
 "  at  large,  Afat.t  5.31,  to  46*.     And  this  Judgement  is  called  E- 
 teraaf,  becaufe  the  fentence  pafled  ,  (hall  never  be  reverfed  •  nor 
 the  thing  fcntenced  ever  be  removed  ;  nor  they  on  whom  the  fen- 
 tence  pafled,  ever  ceafe  to  be .   but  (hall  remain  for  ever ,   in  ever- 
 lafting  joy,  or  torment ,   according  to  the  fentence  and  judgement 
 give*  forth,  and  pafled  on  them  :   and  fo  the  Do&rine  of  Eternal 
 Judgement ,    or  that  which  is  in  the  fiofpei  by  the  Oracles 
 of  Cod,  aught  concerting  it ,  hath  thefe  Inftru&ions  in  it  :  that 
 if  to  fay, 
 
 I.  That  there  ate  fome  judgements  both  in  fenteace  and  exe- 
 iMtff  •  W«   cutiofi  ift  this  life,  both  in  mercies  and  corre&ions ,  in  deftruAioas 
 
 Q 
 
0/Heb.tf.z^r  jji 
 
 and  deliverances,  and  falvacions ,    which  arc  but  for  a  time  >    and 
 
 dure  not  for  ever  $  by  which  alfo,  fpecial  love  or  pofitive  hatred  arc  Mm%  M,  jQb 
 
 not  demont1rated:of  which  I  have  no  caufe  here  to  fpeak  any  more  33  i9>$<>* 
 
 but  this,That  they  both  arc  ufed  in  this  Day  of  Grace.to  lead  men 
 
 to  Repentance  and  turning  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 2.  That  according  to  the  Word  of  the  Lord  ,  and  in  the  Mini* 
 ftration  thereof,  a  fentence  of  Life  or  a  fen;cncc  of  Death  may  pafs 
 on  a  Man  in  this  Life  •  and  yet  it  may  fo  come  to  pafs ,  that  with- 
 out any  alteration  of  the  Minde  and  Purpofe  of  God,  the  fentence 
 may  be  fo  changed  »  as  the  execution  (hall  not  be  on  chat  Man  on 
 whom  it  was  denounced  •  according  to  that  1  Sam-z.^o,  And 
 fo  the  Lord  hath  explained  his  Minde  to  be.  for.  1 8.7,1  9.  That 
 when  the  fentence  of  death  is  given  out  againft  any>  if  thereby  they 
 be  finitten,  and  turn  from  the  evil  againft  which  it  was  given  forth* 
 Sod  will  take  away  the  chrea tried  evil  :  And  when  a  lenience  of 
 life  and  good  palTcth  on  a  man  ,  if  he  cake  liberty  10  go  on  to  do 
 evil ,  the  Lord  will  take  away  the  good  he  faid  he  would  do  unto 
 
 them.    And  fo  again  he  faith  »   When  ho  faith  to  tht  righteous  £^.33.15,14" 
 
 that  be  (hall  fttrely  live  ;  if  he  trufl  to  his  o»n  right  eo*fmfs> 
 
 and  commit  iniquity  all  his  right eonfnefi  fhtB not  be  mentioned 
 
 to  him  •  but  for  his  iniquity ',  tec.  he  (hallfnrsly  die  s  andl>k*m 
 
 wtfe.wben  be  faith  to  the  wickfidJihoH  fhaltfurely  die  •  if  he 
 
 turn  from  bit  Jin ,  and  do  that  which  is  lawful,  &c.    he  (had 
 
 fttrely  live,  be  (hall  not  dtc.     And  all  this  grounded  upon  this,  *>$(,  5  3.10,1!. 
 
 That  God  bath  no  pleafure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked  ;  b*$>&ft.fih$h}*» 
 
 that  the  wick*d  turn  from  his  way ,  and  live.   And  therefore  he 
 
 calls  and  proruiieth,  and  threatens,  and  corrects,  and  ufeth  means 
 
 that  they  might  turn  and  live :  and  on  the  fameground,  and  from 
 
 the  fame,  and  like  places ,   the  Apoftlcs  have  taugat  the  fame  D^-  R0m.  9.i9%10i 
 
 citrine  to  Believers,  warning  the  believing  Gentiles,  that  wesc  graft-  ai,  toch.io.  & 
 
 cd  into  the  true  Olive/Tree,  and  partook  of  the  &mt£of  it,  That I!  'l>xo>x1*h 
 
 if  they  abode  not  in  his  goodnrfs,  they  alfo  fliould  be  cut  off:  and  f  ,>l4,3i' 
 
 tells  them  alfo,  That  the  reprobated  Jews,  the  branches  broken  off, 
 
 if  they  per  fitted  not  Hill  in  unbelief,  they  (hall  be  grafted  in  again  • 
 
 for  God  is  able  to  graft  them  in  again  ;  yea  ,   his  mercy  fewn  to 
 
 the  Gentiles,  hath  fuch  an  end  and  tendency  in  it  •  yea ,    he  hath 
 
 concluded  ail  under  unbelief, that  he  might  have  mercy  on  all,  #•*• 
 
 3 .  That  though  through  continuance  in  wilful  Rebellion  againft 
 light,  and  many  covinccments  and  warnings,  a  Mid  may  come  to 
 
 that 
 
574*  Of  Heb.d.1,3. 
 
 py#t/.i.»4,t$,  *at  nc'gnt  of  fin.  even  in  this  life,as  to  be  reprobated  and  given  up 
 51.  Jer.6.17,  to  Satan,and  folefc  co  that  eternal  Judgment  yet  to  come,  yet  that 
 18,30.  £vt  is  fo  hardly  difcemable  to  any  in  this  life.thac  it  is  not  fafe  for  us  to 
 *^i>i4.Mar.  judgC  farchcr  0f  fo^  tnca  thac  tney  are  in  danger  of  eternal  dam- 
 3,2*t  nation ;  for  though  fuch  cranfgreflion  (hail  not  be  fo  forgiven,  but 
 
 that  it  ftiail  be  verily  and  temarkably  puniftied  ;  yet ,  if  by  the 
 means  ufed.  with  all  punifhmencs,  they  be  regained  to  repentance, 
 the  foul  may  be  faved  in  the  day  of  the  Lord.  Whence  we  are  not 
 abfolutely  forbidden  to  pray  for  fuch  a  one  •   but  that  we  pray 
 I  JohJtiG*      ROt  for  fucn  a  tranlgreflion  to  be  forgiven  and  taken  away  f    fo  as 
 all  punifliment  be  removed   ;  for  of  neccflKy  that  muft  be  vifibiy 
 %CoY.$.$.iTim*  and  forely  puniftied  here  or  hereafter :  whence  the  delivery  of  fuch 
 M°«  a  one  to  Satan ,  hath  fuch  an  end  and  tendency,  while  means  and 
 
 life  is  continued)  to  deftroy  the  flefh ,  that  the  Spirit  may  be  faved 
 in  the  day  of  the  Lord  •  for  while  life  and  means  is  vouchfafed, 
 there  is  hope ;  for  the  end  of  Chrift  his  firft  coming  and  Miniftra- 
 icclefyJiiili  tion  of  the  GofpeJ,was  not  to  judge  with  that  judgement,  tocon- 
 *Johj.\j.&  dcmti  the  world  to  that  eternal  damnation,  but  to  fave  the  world  • 
 ]ilAtt  \'il'  yca)  ^uC^  a$  ac  Prc^cnt  rcjc<£tcd  his  words ,  waiting  their  convert 
 &'i6.i%,\Tim.  on,  letting  that  judgement  alone  till  the  laft  day  :  and  the  fame  is 
 *»if.  his  end  in  the  Miniitraiion  of  his  Servants.  Therefore  it  is  not  good 
 
 nor  fafe  for  us  to  be  peremptory  in  judging  that  Judgement,  be- 
 fore the  time  of  the  Lord's  coming  ;  if  not  that  1  Or.4,5.  much 
 lefs  this,  for  eternal  Judgement  is  after  death  ,  and  it  appertains 
 then  alfo  to  the  Lord  to  pais  it :  that  is  next. 
 
 4,  That  the  great  and  eternal  judgement,  is  after  death  ,  and 
 
 theRefurre&ion  of  the  Body  ;  and  the  Judgement  then  given,  will 
 
 be  altogether  irrevocable,in  refpe&  of  the  perfons  on  whom  given; 
 
 the  fentence  then  unalterable,  and  the  execution  accordingly ,  will 
 
 prttf.11.30.     ^  eternal ,  and  fo  cxprcfly  called  an  eternal  judgement;  there  is 
 
 £*kio.3$.      t^CQ  fi0  morc  poffibility  of  (inning  or  falling  ,  for  thofe  then  fen- 
 
 *iJMM l*'l*6  fenced  to  eternal  life ;  they  are  then  as  the  Angels  of  God  :  nor  is 
 
 '  there  then  any  more  time  for,  or  pcfliblity  of  Repentance,  or  efcape 
 
 for  thofe  fentenced  to  the  fecond  death  ;  they  are  then  as,  and  with 
 
 the  Devil  and  his  Angels.     And  thefe  things,  the  Oracles  of  God. 
 
 in  the  Doctrine  of  eternal  judgement,  teacheth  :  by  all  which  we 
 
 may  learn,  what  the  Principle  it  teaches  Believers,  and  they  receive 
 
 in  the  belief  hereof,  is  •  namely,  chat  it  is, 
 
 An 
 
An  inward  and  hearty  pe*fwa/ion  and  minding  of  thefw  Principle  C??T 
 ture.' unfecn  fptrtt ttd  a*d  eternal  things ,    the  eternal 
 judgement  of  God  :  and  therein     the  eternal  efiate  of  *°£  8  ^^ 
 men:  tn  which  Believers  that  fuffer  for Chrift  s  fake  $n  is!  e^  $.»siol 
 the  fit fh  here ,  fh^U  be  for  ever  bleffed,  with  all f nine fs  Hcb.\  i.ijjif, 
 of  glorious  joy  and  bleffing^  and  all  their  enemies  for  e-  l  ?•    Col,  3.1, 
 ver  overthrown^  and  punt  jhed  wtth  eternal  torment  :  4'    *  Jim'*** 
 in  whtch  perfwajion,  and  minding  of  thefc  u%feen  and  \iv  ^iti$\q* 
 eternal  thing st  their  afflictions  become  light  and  bear* 
 able  to  them  ,    their  hearts  cheered,  comforted  ,  and 
 firengthetsed.andfet  on  things  above  \fo,  as  longing  for 
 this  hiavenlyftate  ,   they  are  bent  with  defire  and  en* 
 deavour  in  all  things  to  pleafe  God  ,   and  fo  to  long  and 
 wait  for  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jeftes  in  glory. 
 
 The  Foundation  of  this  perfwafion  and  Principle ,  that  which  Ry       m  ^ 
 produceth  it,  and  on  which  it  is  built,  if,  as  of  ail  the  former,  the  j&jvuSjLsi 
 Oblation  of  Jefus  Chrift,  in  his  Death,  Refurrc&ion,  and  Sacrifice  $,7,8.  iThefr 
 offered,  and  by  vertue  thereof,  fitting  on  the  Right-hand  of  (Bod,  M>f  >*i*Ot   j 
 mediating  till  he  come  again.     And  they  in  whom  this  pcrfwafion 
 and' principle  is,   are  fuch  as  in  whom  Chrift  is  fpiritually  in  fome 
 meafure  formed,  eveD  fofar,as  that  from  the  belief  and  knowledge 
 of  Jefus  Chrift,  and  him  crucified  1  all  the  forcmencioned  Principles 
 are  in  a  gracious  meafure  in  them  ;  and  fo  with  them  this  alfo  <  By 
 all  which  they  arc  framed,both  with  defires  and  paticnce,to  expeft, 
 and  in  well-doing  to  wait  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord. 
 
 And  thefc  be  the  fix  Principles,  called,  The  firft  Principles  of  the  He^  ,  It 
 Oracles  of  (Sod,  that  flow  from  the  Foundation,  and  teach  thefe 
 Principles  by  it,  and  build  them  on  it,  and  therethrough  bu'.ids  the 
 Believers  en  Chrift  the  Foundation,  and  frames  them  to  the  Minde 
 of  Chrift,  and  fo  leads  them*  The  firft  two,  which  are  Repentance 
 from  dead  works,  and  Faith  towards  God  ?  being  thole  in  which 
 working,  the  Believer  is  taken  out  from  his  emanate  of  himfclf  and 
 the  wot  Id,  and  the  fle(h,with  affections  and  Iufts  thereof  crucified, 
 and  he  drawn  to  high  eftimates  of  Chrift,  and  by  Faith  and  Love 
 united  to  him.  The  fecond  two,  that  is,the  Doctrine  of  Baptifrns, 
 and  of  laying  on  of  hands,  be  thoie  in  which  the  Believer  is  formed 
 more  and  more  to  Chrift,  in  fellowship  with  him;  and  conformity, 
 
 to 
 
&6  ($$£«£$ 
 
 *  And  have  taftedofthe  heavenly  gift  (  t'he  fallen  had,  and 
 thefe    writ  too  both  had/  and  in  (bene  meafure  ftill  did,  though 
 through  their  dulneffe,  the  edge  of  their  appetite,  and  livelinefs 
 of  rclifhing  in  their  Pallate5  had  Come  abate  men  r,  whence  the  A- 
 CHip*  3, 4,  %y  poftles  difcovery  of  fears,  and  fetting  forth  fuch  dangerfiand  giving 
 6.  fueh  warning,  are  intermixt,  to  quicken  up  the  fame  again :  for, 
 
 they  havetaftedpnti  have  yet  an  appetite  to  be  quickened)Now 
 the  word  Tafting,  in  this  bufineffe  appears  to  bee,   both  eating, 
 feeding,  favouring,  and  rclifhing,  and  difcerning  the  goodsefs, 
 and  plcafantneffe,   of  that  is  eaten  or  tafted.     And  fo  the  word 
 Tafting  in  Natural  things  is    put   for  eating     and    feeding  , 
 %  Sam,  3.55.  Jonah  37.  And  for  difcerning    and    rclifhing, 
 zSam.  10.  3$.  lot  6,6.  and  is.ix.   7<?6,2.  9,  10,   And  fo 
 for  fpirituals,  when  the  words  of  God  are  received  into  and  laid 
 up  in  the  heart  as  food.  They  prove  fweeter  than  honey  to  the 
 Job.  23.  n;     u^e>  ^ence  w^cn  mcn  are  exhorted  to  make  tryal  of  the  good- 
 Pfal.ii*.  103,  neffeof  the  Lord  by  trufting  in  him,    they  are  bidden  to  taftr 
 104.  andfee>thatthe  hori  is  gracious :     And  the  Church  profef-' 
 
 ?^4,8  fcth  his  fruit  fweet  unto  her  tafte,  &c.  of  which  tatting    Peter 
 
 ****•*•  I        fpeaketh,    1  Pet.  2.  2,3,  and  ft)  this  Apoftle  here,  for  there 
 is  no  other  fence  of  tafting,  in  this  bufintffe  given  us  in  Scripture. 
 For  the  thing  tafted,.  that  is  in  fame  meafure  eat  and  drunk  of^ 
 and  the  fweet  favour  relifhed,  that  isj  expreffe  to  be  the  heaven- 
 gift.     The  fame  by  which  that  principle  called  fa'fth  towards 
 pd  was  affected,  and  with  which  it  clofed,  and  that  is  no  other 
 t  Chrift  :  T  he  oblation  of  Chrift,  the  flefh  and  blood  of  Chrift,. 
 us  Chrift  as  he  hath  furfered  for  our  finnes,  and  offered  himr 
 \\  facrifice  to  God  for  us,  and  fo  filled  with  fpirit  to  fend  forth 
 and  in  theGofpel  fct  forth,  the  propitiation  for  oui  fLs, 
 [7  righteoufnefle,    fanftification,    and  redemption  for  us, 
 ediator  between  God  and  us,  fo  hee ,  fo  as  the  true 
 fe  which  came  down  from  heaven,    and  which  God  fo- 
 rjfand  for  fo  gracious  an  end  hath  given;  the  gift  of  God  ><h" 
 ^ift;  And  which  in  the  Miniftery  of  the  Gofpel    hee 
 :endereth  and  giveth,  yea,  and  no  other  giveth  hee,  for 
 ;eed  oa  but  this  tiue  bread  of  life.     And  in  giv'-ng  hinr, 
 la  him  give  all  things  that  are  good,  and  inbtleeving  on 
 [rr,e,hee  is  received,  and  in,  with,  and  from  himfelf,  and  in 
 Sfe  of  faith  in  receiving  the  grace  that  flows  through  him,  and 
 
 fo 
 
of  H$.4.\\i.        m 
 
 fo  reftingonhim,  and  taking  facisfying,  and  wellpfeafedneffe  in  *  Pet.  tn>ll 
 him;  And  in  that  he  hath  dohe,and  15  become ,  and  doth  and  will  4> ' 
 dojirxndoeatofhigflefh,  and  drink  of  his  blood:  And  fotafting 
 the  gracioufnefleof  che  Lord,  are  by  him  more  inlivcd ,  and  buile ' 
 upon  him  :  And  fuch  the  tafting  here  meant  of  the  heavenly  gift,   GaI  . 
 
 by  which  chat  principle  of  faith  towards  God  was  wrought,  in    ^  %'  ^ 
 cxercifc  of  which  faith  alfo  \i  (till  the  taftmg  of  the  heavenly  gift.    %  pet.  1. 9 
 A&  for  thofe  fallen  away,  they  did  once  tafte  of  the  heavenly  gift 
 and  then  it  was  precious  to  them,  and  of  high  eftcem  with  them,  iohn.6.  19,17* 
 though  now  having  crucified  ic$  it  is  of  no  erTeft  with  them.  And  47, 51,  s".*,  *#» 
 our  Saviour  faith,«,?f  he  that  once  came-)  that  once  beleeved^that    *3* 
 hath  once  eat  en  y  but  he  that  cemmethy  thatbelbevtthjhat  eat- 
 eih-}  as  fpeaking  ofa  prefent,   and  continued  a&,  which  was  not   ^j'/'i  V   '  *' 
 in  thofe  fallen  ones :  But  in  thofe  writ  too  it  was ,  they  did  ftill  tpet/i.  if  if 
 in  fome  meafure  eat,  and  fo  tafte  and  relifli:  for  they  had  the    3,4,5,* 
 rejoycingofhope,  and  the  beginning  of  confidence,  which  they 
 are  exhorted  inbeleeving,  ftillto  holdfaft,  even  on  like  ground, 
 as  Veter  exhorted  thofe  new  born  babes  that  tafted,   To  whom  he 
 wrote:  And  fo  the  principle  of  faith  towards  God;  Being  pro- 
 duced through  the  righteoufnefle  of  God,   and  our  Saviour  Je- 
 fusChrift,  which  is  manifefted  in  and  through  the  oblation  of 
 Chrift,  and  being  alfo  built  upon  Chrilt  the  foundation,   accom- 
 panied with  fuch  fpirituaJ  operation,  affording    fuch   taftes   of  apct   x;^  % 
 goodneffe  in  the  heavenly  gift.     It  is  for  the  kind  of  it,  the  fame  ^  4a  "^  9$  i* ' 
 precious  faith  the  ^poftles  had:   And  fo  Peter  affirms  it  to  the 
 Beleevers,  giving  them  the  fame  warning,   in  cafe  ofthelofleof 
 thofe  taftes  and  relifliings,  which  the  Apoftle  doth  here:  fo  the 
 faith-,  the  fame  of  che  fame  kind,  I  fay  not  of  the  fame  degree  and 
 meafure  for  growth  and  eftablifhment :  yea  the  drift  of  the  Apo- 
 ftle  was  to  lead  them  to  farther  growth  and  eftablifhmcnunthis 
 Faith,  not  to  another  faith. 
 
 3  And  were  made  partakers  of  the  Holy  Ghoft:  This  as  fa- 
 ted to  the  principle  of  the  Do&rin  cf  Baptiims;  declares  its  own 
 meaning  to  bee,  not  only  of  thofe  vertues  and  fprings  of  love,  joy, 
 p:ace,  kc.G*/,  5.22.  effected  by  the  Holy  Ghoftin  the  fpirit  of 
 Beleevers,  but  alfo  together  therewith,  certain  fpiritual gifts, and  BPk**< 
 opciations,  for  ufefulneiTe,  whereof  to  every  Beleever  is  given, 
 forne  in  fome  meafure ;  And  fo  thefe  in  being  baptized  in  to  the 
 death  of  Chrilt  (by  all  the  mediums^with  water,  word,afflicYions,  - 
 and  fpirit  extended  to  them)  they  did  alfo  partake  of  the  vertue 
 
 F  ff  f  a  of 
 
f88  OfHeb.6.fct: 
 
 olhisrefurrc&ion,  fo  as  they  were  alfo  therein  indued 
 with  fuch  fpirituall  gifts  as  whereby  they  wereinabled  in 
 exercife  of  faith  and  love;   to  fpeak  fpiritually  in  prayer, 
 and  praifes  to  God,  and  fpiritually  and  profitably  in  in* 
 {lru£Uon,admonition,exhortation,and  confolation  to  men; 
 as  appears  in  comparing  the  Promife,  A&>  2*38;  39.  and 
 1 1>  * 5> » 1(1 1 7.  and  Rom.  6, 4, 5.,  6.  with  the  performance 
 tobeleevers,i  ^r.1.4,5,  6,7.  And  not  to  every  one  the 
 fame  ufeiull  gifts,  or  the  fame  mcafurc  in  the  gifts  given-, 
 but  tofome  one,  to  fome  another,  to  lome  more,  to  fome 
 i»  Mi/r  J*""  ^S;  And  fo  to  every  one  fome5  according  to  the  meaiure 
 lQorAi.z,*,  of  the  gift  of  Chrift,.  in  and  with  which  they  were  fitted 
 ,5>*>7""  ,I-'  to   ^ec  fttutfull,   andinexercifcofthefame  in  faith  and 
 *  Pet.  1 .  S.      lQve  according  to  their  fneafure,  and  the  divine  vermes  in 
 2,Tim.2,  21     tiem.  theyfhould  neither  bee  barren  nor  unfruitfull  in  the 
 £0*,  i2,j,6,  knowledge  of  Chrift,  but  Veffels  fcrvieeablc  tor  their  Ma- 
 ■  Pct.4.To,h.  ftersufeintheHoufeofGod:  Whence  Beleevers  are  di- 
 CoL  z.  1  g,      re&ed  in  all  their  f peaking,  and  ufe  of  fpirituall  gifts;  To 
 fTim.3.6.     keep  {his  Rule  -ingoing  forth  according  to  the  proportion 
 of  faith  given  them,  and  the  meafurc  of  fpirituall  gifts  gi- 
 i  Cor.  u.  7.  &  venand  received  by  them.  He  that  by  any  other  acquired 
 i>  u &>  7*        knowledge   or  learning,  prefumeth  to  fpeak  befides  or  be- 
 sTfc«C  % .  *.      yond, this  Rule;  is  like  to  fall  into  the  condemnation  of  the 
 Devill,  that  was  not  content  with  his  place.    Thefe  fpiri- 
 tuall gifts,  being  given  to  profit  withall,  and  tending  to  o- 
 pen  and  confirm  the  Teftimony  of  Chrift:  And  as  of  the 
 &om.iy.t4»     Romanes  o!o{\[[y  through  thefe  gifts,    fo  of  thefe  Hebrews, 
 JJ'  Hec  was  perfwaded,they  were  alfo,  and  not  like  trie  fal- 
 
 len ones  that;  had  deprived  themfelves  thereof,  but  thefe 
 fetauiings  were  capable -of  that  hee  indcavoured,  even  to 
 lead  them  to  farther  ufefulnefs  and  fruitfullnefs;  .They 
 were  m^de  partakers  of  the  HolyGhoft. 
 
 4  Ferf$.  Andhavetaftedofthe  good  word  of  God : 
 And  this  alfo  fuited  to  the  Principle  of  laying  on  of  hands  • 
 Ait.  f#7.-r'ii«  (hews  its  own  meaning  to  be*  that  whereasGod  by  his  Son* 
 lob. if  i}}  m<  had  gracioufly  promifed,  to  hear  their  players  put  forth 
 in  the  name  of  his  Son,  and  to  give  them  his  good  Spirit, 
 and  every  good  thing  they  fhould  and  did  fo  ask  of  him: 
 And  this  in  fpeeiall  manner?  for  things  of  neereft  and  grea- 
 
 ccft 
 
Of  Heb.  6.  '4>  Yl  iSj? 
 
 tcft  concernment?  When  two  or  three  of  them  did  affemblc 
 together  in  his  namerand  defired  any  favour  of  him,  Hee  Mat.  18,19,10 
 will  bee  in  the  midft  of  them,  and  it  fhall  bee  done  in  Hca.- 
 ven  for  them;  They  had  tafted,  that  is  ,  found  fweetnefs 
 and  refrefhing  in  experiments  of  his  truth,mercy  and  good- 
 nefs,in  an(wering  their  prayers,  and  manifefting  his  graci-  P&l.  **.».♦. 
 ous  prefence  in  the  ailemblie  ol  his  people,   in  performing  *  * 8*  6>  *  * 
 his  promifes,    when  they  have  prayed,  and  in  confidence  I0*  * ,""10, 
 lilt  up  hands  to  him,  and  fometimein  that  confidence,  as  a    &     /  ^ 
 teftimony  ofit,  laid  hands  on  parties  prayed  for :  And  fo.      ,l  ,z*  "** 
 have  had  experience  of  the  gracioufnefs  of  the  Lord*  in 
 his  pity  towards  them,  and  of  his  truth  in  his.promifes,  and 
 of  his  infinite  love*  power  and  faithfullnefs  in  hearing  of, 
 prayers :  and  fo  not  executing  defer ved  threats,  but  freely 
 performinghispromifesofgood  (whence  called  the  good 
 Word)  unto  them :  And  how  this  doth  comfort,  fweeten, 
 enlarge  and  oblige  the  heart  to  cleave  ta  God>  and  conti- 
 nually to  love  and  call  ori  him;  and  keep  to  the  affemblie  of  praI« 1 7.4." 
 the  SaintSjis  fully  profefled  6y  the  Prophet  in  the  Whole  1 16 
 Pfalm,  and  eife  where.  And  in  this  was  fet  out  the  great- 
 nefs  oi&shmoKs  fin,  That  hee  departed  from  following  the 
 Lord  that   had  in  fuch  evident  manner  appeared  to  him  l  Ki*fc-  *f«  gjh 
 twice;  And  this  (hews  the  greatnefs  of  the  fin   of  thofe 
 fallen,  in  forfaking  the  affemblies  of  the  Saints,  and  ciuci- Heb.  10.  if, 
 tying  to  themfdves,  him  from  whom  they  had  tailed  fo  %s- 
 much  of  h  is  gracioufnefs  in  performing  his  promifes ;  and 
 hearing  the  prayers,,  and  bleffing.the  affemblies  ofBelee* 
 vers;  And  therein  ihews  the  great  incouragement  and  ob- 
 ligation thefe  Hebrews  had  to  continue  in  their  faith,  and  Heb.io.i*,io,  j 
 kllowfhip,  and  approaching  to  God,  and  provoking  one  Z2,2*>l4'a** 
 another  to  love,  and  good  works,  having  had  fo  many  ex- 
 periments of  die  gracioufnefs  of  the  Lord.  His  drift  being, 
 to  flir  them  up  more  hereto,    in  that  hee  hath  farther  co 
 fay.  to  them;  who  have  tafted  of  the  good  WordofGod,;*1*^**^ 
 a«d  of  the  powers  of  the  World  tocomc;  This  Word  be- 
 ing in  the  PJurall  Number.  The  powers  of  the  World  to 
 come:  dotlif ute  this  fentence,    to  the  two  lait  Principles. 
 That  is,  the  Do&rin  of  the  Refurreftian  of  the  dead,  and 
 ofeternall  Judgement.  Both  beinggrounded  ontheRc- 
 F I  f  f  3  furre£iion.A 
 
#.0  VjMek6>$t5. 
 
 fit'LTe&iqn  of  Chrift,  and  his  comming  again;  and  both,  the 
 Rcfiirrcftionofthc-de'adj  which  is  fofV  and  thc'eternall 
 Judgement  which  follows  that  Refurrc6tion,  appertai- 
 ning to,  and  to  be  done,  not  in  the  time  of  the  W  odd  that 
 now  is>  but  in  the  World  to  come,  at  and  after  the  vifible 
 'appearing  of -Jefus  Chrift;  fo  that  ot  the  powers  in  the 
 Do&rinof  bbththefe,  and  the  fpirituall  efhcaciesof  both 
 thefe  in  that  Doctein  beleeved,  and  of  the  power  of  the 
 Spirit,  that  in  that  Doftrin  doth  infome  meafure  prefent 
 or  (hew  them  to  the  view  of  faith,  and  aftertain  their  be- 
 ing really  done  in  the  due  time,  of  thefe  powers,  of  both 
 thefe,  hee  fpeaketh,  and  of  the  fame  fay  they  have  tafted, 
 that  is,  they  have difcerned,  favoured,  reliihed,  and  expe- 
 rimented tad  efticacioulnefs  of  the  Diviae  Power  by  which 
 thefe  fhall  bee  effe&ed. 
 
 i.   In   their  new  birth,  even  when  they  were  dead  in 
 
 E?hef.  1.1  e,io,  fluSyCaft  by  the  fentence  of  the  Law,  when  fin  accufed,  and 
 
 Roa^f'^4i  all  their  righteoufnefs  failed,  and  difpair  of  all  hope  in 
 
 ay,  '  '*      '  themfelves  ceiled    on  them;  And  while  they  were  is  fo 
 
 great  blindnefs  and  death  t  The  Power  of  this  grace  in  the 
 
 iTim.i.7,8.  Doctrin  of  Chrift  r-aifed  from  the  dead,  and  being  the  rai- 
 
 RAit.7.  *."&  ferofmen,  quickened  and  enlived  them. 
 
 8,10,11.  2.  In  receiving   from  Chrift  into  their  heart,    anin- 
 
 GjU<  ii,  i?    ward  living  Principle  or  Spirit  of  Faith  and  Life ;   That 
 
 24.         '       without  an  outward  enforcement  from  law  or  fears,  or 
 
 thoughts  of  acquiring  felf-advantagesjdoth  from  the  grace 
 
 r        g       beleeved,  and  hope  received  fpring  up  love,  joy,  childelike 
 
 a  cor.  i.  ,o,  affe^ons:  and  fo  lead  to  ferve  in  aewneffe  of  fpirit  and 
 
 3  Since  they  were  quickened  in  belecving.  In  railing 
 Phil.  i.  $.14.  tfem  ouc  of  great  deaths,  indiftreffes  and  temptations,-  in 
 Hcb.ii.z?,:*.  wj,ich-aUfeen  hopes  of  help  were  removed,  andfofarthe 
 
 1 ' 3  7'         fentence  of  death  was  parted  on  them ;  yet  hce  delivered 
 and  confolated  them* 
 
 4  In  enabling  them  with  willingncfs  to  bee  confor- 
 med to  Chrift  in  his  death,  and  fo  to  pafc  through  deaths 
 for  Chr  ifts  lake,  and  to  bear  with  patience,  the  wrongs  and 
 oppreffions  of  the  wicked,  knowing  the  certainty  of  the 
 fofurrcaion,  and  of  etcrnall  Judgement. 
 
 ^  ~  m  5  In 
 
%  Inclivating  the  Affeftions  to  things  above,  where  Col.  3.1.4. 
 Ghrift  is.  And  fo  moving  to  hope,  and  long,  and  wait  i.Thcf- T»  I0« 
 for  thecommingofout  LordJefusChrift,  and  the  blefled  Tlf* 7t  \*\ 
 hope  and  inheritance  then  to  bee  given  by  him  in  the  refill^ 
 region  of  the  juft,  as  is  fhewn  in  opening  the  two  laft  Prin- 
 ciples :  Now  then  put  all  (aid  inthefe  firft  five  verles  toge- 
 ther of  the  Principles  with  the  fpirituall  operations.  And 
 minde  how  Jefus  C  hrift  in  his  oblation  is  the  foundatipn  of 
 all;  and  the  oracles  of  God  in  difcoveryof  that  foundati- 
 on; And  thofe  oracles  the  teacher  of  thefe  Principles,  an4 
 the  holy  Spirit  of  God  in  this  teaching,  the  enlightener  of 
 the  mind,  and  worker  of  thefe  Principles  in  the  heart,  and 
 there  through  building  the  Beleever  on  the  fame  foundati- 
 on from  whence  all  thefe  flow,  and  fo  having  effected  in 
 them  repentance  from  dead  works,  faith  towards  God,  and 
 fuch  tasks  of  the  heavenly  gift,  conforming  to  Chrift  in 
 his  death*  enduing  with  fpirituall  vertues  and  gifoy  affor- 
 ding experience  of  Gods  gracioufnefs  in, , performing  his 
 Promifes,  with  a  principle  of  life  in  the  beginning  of  con- 
 fidence, to  live  to  God,  and  wait,  for  the  comming  of  our 
 Lord  JefusChrift.  Surely y furely  in  all  this  is  fet  forth, 
 True  faith  and  Rolinefs  of  the  right  kind;  ey<?n  fa  ving  and 
 juftifying,,and  here  ft  t  forth  in  a  great  degree  and  meaiure 
 alto.And  this  the  very  fame  faith,  that  was  in  ^hejfe  Hebrews 
 to  whom  this  Epiftle  was  written,  whom  he  pwncth  as  ho- 
 ly Brethren. 
 
 And  yet  notivithftanding  all  this-  Hee  by  the  fame  Spi- 
 rit warneth  them  to  flye   all  thofe  eviils   that  indanger  to 
 departing  from  this  faith,  jtnd  fuch  Principles  in  which  they 
 were  fattened  on  fuch  a  foundation, where  they  had  fo  great 
 falvation,  and  fuch  a  bkffed  hope y  and  fo  warns  them  of 
 the  great  danger  in  cafe  of  forgetfullncfs,  and  negle&offo  H<b.a.  i,i>3.. 
 great  falvation :    And  to , avoid  that  danger-  by  holding  Heb.$.657> 
 laft  the  rejoycing  of  hope,  and  beginning  of  confidence,  be-  x  i>1  *>  l*> l6' 
 got  inthem, .firm  to  the  end;  And  to  hear  his  voice  and b«-  ^     u 
 ware  of  the  deceitf  ullnefs  of  fin,  and  departing  through  un- 
 belief :  And  letteth  before  them,  the  examples  of  thofe  that 
 through  unbelief  did  not  enter  the  tipicall  reft,  and  craveth 
 leave  to  fear,  leaft  any  of  them  fbould  feem  to  come  fliort 
 
 of 
 
m        ofHeb.*:^: 
 
 Heb.  y.  n,i».  °^  e  ntring  t  he  true  reft :  And  thefe  holy  Brethren  alfo  hee 
 Cfaap.  6.  i\  z,  reproves  for  their  dulnefs  and  unprofkablenefe.  And  then 
 3>4>5  6,7.8c  minding  them  of  the  foundation  laid  among  them,  and 
 io.  is,t63i9.  the  Oracles  of  God  thereby  to  them,  and  the  Principles 
 i  lob.  V.  *ig'  tlley  tau§nf>  which  thefe  alto  had  received,  with  the  live- 
 chap.*.  $>,io.  ]y  operations  of theHolyGhoft  therein,  experimented  al- 
 fo by  them:  And  then  hee  fecretly  intimates  to  them,  as 
 if  fome  fo  far  brought  as  they  were,  yet  for  want  of  heed- 
 fullnefs  to  this  great  falvation,were  feduced  by  the  Temp- 
 ter* And  had  wilfully  and  wickedly  departed  from  this 
 faith,  and  therein  from  the  foundation,  Oracles  and  Prin- 
 ciples; which  Apoftates  hee  puts  here  in  the  third  perfon, 
 Thofe,  and  f  hey;  becaufe  When  fallen  away,  they  are  no 
 longer  of  this  number.  And  becaufe  hee  doth  not  judge 
 nor  will  fentence  any  of  them  to  bee  fuch,  yea  hee  was  bet- 
 ter perfwaded  of  them;  andyetpropofeththofeas  terrible 
 examples  to  warn  chem;  And  fo  the  application  by  way  of 
 warning  and  admonition,  and  even  to  rear  ftsch  things  as 
 caufe  fuch  danger  is  even  to  Beleevers,  and  that  both  in  the 
 firft  perfon  vrcc9chap.  2.1.3.  &  i°«2^-  & 12*  *  ?•  and  alfoin 
 the  fecond  perfon  to  them,  chap.  3.7-13.  i?.& 4*  1.  & 
 5.  it*  ia.  &c  ti*  25.  And  this  the  ufuall  language  of  Scrip- 
 ture in  like  cafes  of  departure,  and  the  danger  thereof.  Rom. 
 8.13.  1  Cor.  ri.n.Gal.i,6.& 4.11,8c 5*4^  Pet.^.ij.  And 
 fo  this  great  danger,  being  propofed  as  a  warning*  I  (hall 
 confider  the  two  next  points  propounded    in  thefe  verfes. 
 
 CHAP.XI. 
 Heb.  6«4, 6>  7, 8. 
 
 FOr  it  is  imfoffiblc  for  thofcy  who  were  once  enlighte- 
 ned &c.  If  they  fall  away  to  renew  them  again  unto 
 Repentance,  feeing  they  cruet  fie  to  themfelvesy  the  Son  of 
 Cod  a  fre(h\  and  put  him  to  an  open  (hame.  In  which 
 words  for  (hewing  the  impoffibility  of  renewing  fuch.  And 
 thereafon  thereof,  I  (hall  confider  what  the  Text  offers.' 
 1  The  perfons  that  have  anddofo  highly  pny  as  to  renew 
 them  is  impojfible,  *  They 
 
Of  Heb.  6.  4.tf,  7, 8.  592 
 
 i  They  arc  not  fuch  as  do  and  alwayes  hitherto  have  li-  Ioh.  5.  j4,  \s 
 ved  in  ignorance  and  unbekef,  and  fo  in  prophanenxfs,  Sec.  l6- 
 for  to  fuch  the  Gofpell  declaring  the  foundation,  and  foun-  Aa'1  *■  *s>S9i 
 ding  forth  the  oracles  of  God  may  bee  hopefully,  and  is  to  &0m.i6,i6. 
 bee  preached  to  thereto' bring  them  from  darknefs  to  light. 
 
 2  They  are  not  (uch  as  having  heard  or  the  foundation,  j0h.  2.  9. 
 do  beleeve  it  to  bee,   and  yet  are  not  inftrufred  in,  or  ac-  Luk  24  x6A6 
 quaintedwith  the  oracles  of  God  (as  in  particular  related,  Aft.  4. 18,  16. 
 part. 2,  chap.  1  o.  page  94.  95.)  for  to  fuch  as  thefe  they  are  *  Cor* !  *• ! 2' 
 to  bee,  and  may  bee  hopefully  taught  and  opened .  \  "**" 
 
 3  They  are  not  fuch,  as  having  heard  and  beleeved  the  Te-  ioh.2.  ?0,  $  T, 
 ftimonies  of  the  Gofpel,  concerning  the  foundation  andO-  — 'jf.  &  n. 
 racles  of  God. And  are  ix)t  yet  fo  prevailed  with  to  heed, and  4*,  4*  ■-  47. 
 yeild  up  thereto,  as  by  fpirituall  light  and  evidence,  to  have  \  ^'6  5 '  ** 
 thole  iorementioned  Principles  framed  in  them,  only  have 
 their  knowledge  and  kith  in  underftanding,  and  notion, 
 Thefe  are  to  bee,  and  may  hopefully  by  the  word  of  grace 
 bee  prefled  thereto,  ,  Ceiv  I  $ 
 
 4  They  are  not  fuch,  as  being  brought  as  far  as  the  far-  Gal.  3'.  &  4a& 
 thelt  of  thefe?  yea  with  fome  fpiritualloperations,   having  j. 
 
 a  tendancy  towards  the  principles  receiving ;  And  yet  after  Iude  i*3*o,i». 
 by  evill  teachers,  and  temptations  turned  afidc,  and  fall  in- 
 to doubtfullnefs  of,  or  dcnyall,  of  (ome  of  the  Oracles,  and 
 decay  of  that  to  wardnefs   that  was  in  them  towards  the 
 Principles,  and  fo  are  found  fallen  away :  for  by  farthcj 
 peningtheDoftrinofChrift,  and  from  the  foundati  ' 
 Oracles  of  God,  opening  and  prefling  for  the  fir  ft  J 
 pics  to  bee  received.  They  may  bee  recovered 
 recovery  is   to  bee  hopefully  fought j  But  they; 
 have  by  the  Oraeles  of  God  been  brought  upo 
 dation;  and  fo  had  the  forementioned  Princi 
 in  them,  with  fuch  enlightenings  andtaftes 
 fliown. 
 
 5  Yet  they  are  not  fuch  as  thefe,  througi 
 fome  violent  temptation  prevailed  with,  and 
 that  they  are  fallen  into  fome  grofs  fin  againft 
 ten  Commands,  or  fome  breach  of  charity  in  finri 
 fome  branches  of  the  Precept  of  the  Gofpel;  for  the 
 ry  of  thefe  by  the  words  of  grace  and  reproof,   and 
 
 Gggg 
 
fp±  OfHeb.6.  4.  tf>7,8. 
 
 2  Tim.  1.  io. 
 a  Tim.  i«  *»• 
 
 appointed  thereby,  may  be  j  hopefully  fought;  but  they  are 
 fuch  as  thefeio tar  preceded,   that  are  failen  away  irom 
 Foundation,    Oracles,  Principles  rafter  all  that  light  wilful 
 ly  contemn  and  turn  from  this  grace,  and  defpke  it  and  this 
 is  their  fin  as  before  related  \nprt.  2.  chap.  7.  pag.  80  —  &i. 
 2  That  fuch  as  fo  grievouily  fin  againft- grace,  it  is  im- 
 poffible  to  renew  them  again  to  repentance,  It  U  imfoffKe. 
 The  Apoftle fpeaketh  hereofhis  miniftration,  by  preach- 
 ing or  writing;  for  hee  gives  it  as  the  reafon,  why  hee  for-  * 
 bears  going  over  again  the  foundation,  Oracles,  and  there- 
 by opening  and  prelfing  the  firft  Principlesjbccaufe  for  fuch 
 as  need  it,  and  to   wham   it  may  bee  profitable,  they  to 
 whom  hee  writes  are  fitted,  and  may  do  that;  but  the  ufe-  . 
 fullnefsheeispreffingtoisneedluliforthem,  butto  fuch 
 fallen  ones,  all  hee  hath  to  fay  w  ill  be  of  no  avail  to  them; 
 therefore  hee  will  proceed  and  let  fuch  alone*  for-  it  is  im~ 
 foffible  to  renew  them  again  to  repent ance\  Wee   have    no- 
 thing to  fay  of  the  Mediatour,  to  prefs  any  thing  on  them, 
 but  what  they  have  crucified  to  themfelves  and  contemn: 
 So  it  is  impoffble  to  w  to  renew  them,  it  is  out -of  the  bounds 
 of  our  miniftration;  wee  ufe  either  to  rejc£t  fuch,  or  deliver 
 them  to  Satan,  and  not  exercife  our  miniftry  farther  to- 
 wards them  while  they  are  fuch,  and  fo  wee  would  have 
 youtodo*    They  are  fallen  into  the  hands-of  God,   who 
 eft  us  nothing  in  our  miniftration,  to  (hew  how  God 
 "gracioufly  with  them -through  a  Mediatour,  but 
 veto  fay  of  the  Mediatour,  whom  they  have  fo 
 ufed,  will  aggravate  their  fin,  and  prefent  no- 
 Ltour  to  them;  they  are  in  a  fearfull  condition, 
 rof  eternall  damnation.    But  the  Power  of 
 1  not  limit.  And  aU  things    Are  poffhle  to  him; 
 will  do  nothing  but  according  tothecounfell 
 "ill.-  And  fa  in  thisfenfe  hee  faith,  ituim* 
 ^y&c.  which  is  a  terrible  fetitence. 
 afon,  Why  it  is  impoffble  to  renew  them  again 
 ,isexpreft,  feeing  (or  becaufe)  They  crutific 
 1  the  Son  of  God  afrcfii,  and  put  him  to  an  o- 
 Hec  that  was  once  willingly  crucified,    and 
 put  to  ah  open  (hame  tor  them,    and  by  his  Spirit,  com- 
 
 aaea- ( 
 
Of  Heb<  6.^.6^  j,  8.  $p$ 
 
 commending  his  love  there- through  to  their  hearts,  faith 
 been  glory  and  beauty  to  them ,  precious  and  efficacious  in 
 them;  yet  now  they  turning  afiie  to  fome  vain  dreams, 
 have  hardened  their  hearts  againlt  him,  and  for  lying  va- 
 nities have  forfaken  him ,  and  now  are  turned  ad  vcrfarics 
 to  him}  and  by  their  own  reafonings  and  lufts*  and  mag- 
 nifying fome  other  thing,  do  make  his  blood  and  facrifice 
 of  no  account  and  efficacy  to  chemfeivcg,  but  crucifie  him,  Heb.10.2tf,*, 
 andcaftfhameonhim,  to  make  him  defpicable  to  them-  1^3o» 
 felves  and  others :  And  there  is  no  ocher  Sacrifice  to  help 
 them?  no  mean  of  any  help  hut  in  the  freenefs  of  Gods 
 love,  that  gave  his  Son,  and  through  -that  blood  and  Sacri- 
 fice or  his,  made  known  by  his  gracious  Spirit;  And  all 
 this  they  have  trodden  under  foot,  defpifed,  defpighted  t 
 And  yet>  that's  not  all,  they  are  not  by  any  Judgements  or 
 warning  reclaimed^  but  they  go  on,  and  continue  fo  do- 
 ing. And  lb  hee  faith,  not  only  they  have  fallen  away, 
 and  have  crucified,  but  they  are  even  now  frill  fo  doing, 
 they  fall  away,  they  crucifie55i;cw  that  is  their  bufinefs.  And 
 they  are  fo  doing, /f  k  impof/ib/e,  and  therefore  impoffble 
 to  renew  them  agam  to  Repentance;  the  words  are  very  plain 
 in  themfelves. 
 
 4  That  this  great   danger   of  eternall  damnation  into  Chap.  2, 3**1 
 ^which  lome  have  fallen,  is  in  (bmc  cafes  to  bee  declared,  6>  *<>• 
 and  fet  before  them  that  are  not  fallen  into  it,  that  they  may  Gal 
 be  warned  to  avoid  all  thofe  evils  by  which  by  degrees,  if     a* 
 not  avoided,  they  may  bee  brought  to  fall  into  it.  And  fo  the 
 Apoftlefets  this  danger  before  the  Hebrews,  to  warn  them 
 to  av^id  all  that  leads  to  it,  as  hath  been  fhown«  And  fo  did 
 he  to  the  Galatians :  And  fo  hee  directs  them  to  no  other  or 
 better  faith  than  here  let  forth,   which  fuppofe  fome  were 
 fallen  from,  yet  hee  would  have  them  abide  and  bee  ftcd- 
 faft,  and  grow  in  this  faith;  and  if  any  fay,  God  cannot  fa 
 proceed  with  fuch  as  once  have  fuch  faith,  though  they  fall 
 away.  Heeanfwers,  Hebt6. 7,8.  For   the  Earth    which 
 drin\sth  in  the  Rain^ihat  comet h  oft  upon    it-}  and  bringeth 
 forth  Herbs  mset  for    them  by  whom  it  is    drejfed,    receiveth 
 bleff/tg  from  God.  Bat  that  rvkrch  beareth  thorns  and  brjars^ 
 u  re}cfted>  and  is  nigh  nnto  cur fing^whofe  end  it  t$  beebnrned. 
 
 Gggg  2  ,  The 
 
5?  tf  OfHeb.  6.4.6, 7,8. 
 
 The  Apoftle  here  fcttcth  forth  the  holinefs  and  juftnefs  of 
 Gods  proceedings;  that  as  their  (landing  is  by  faith,  fothey 
 may  take  heed  ot  prelumptuoiifnefsj  as  he  admonifhed  the 
 Rom.  H.18-.   Rowans ■  j  So  here  the  Hebrew s,  ft  ill  juftify  ing  God,  as  by  fet- 
 2  3  •  ting  forth  the  height  and  grievoufnefs  of  fuch  finning,  be-  - 
 
 ing  like  the  fin  of  the  Angels  that  fell?  having  no  cauie  foe 
 Jade  t.  it,  they  had  happinefs  enough  in  their  condition,  in  which 
 
 abiding  they  might  have  been    eftablifhed;    but  afpiring 
 after  a  higher  eftate,  they  left  their  habitation,  &c.  So  fui- 
 table  thereto  is  this  finning,   and  in  fome  degree,    beyond 
 5°"b '" l*     l^z  °^ oul  ^ FatncL"  ^4m^  refpefl: of  his  own particu- 
 jldT  1 7  '       !***  which  men  are  notnaturally  guilty  of  fo  great,  but  this 
 is  wilfully,  refembling  that  of  Corah.    They  willingly  firft 
 ifa.  1.12,-13,  forfaking  God,  that  (hewed  fuch   mercy  to  them  as  was 
 "4-  better  than  all  they  could  fct  eye  on;  So  as  without  caufe 
 
 Iude*  they  for  fome  luft  go  on  rebellioufly  againft  him,  finifhing 
 
 %  pet.  1.  fm  c^ il  bring  forth  death.  Yea  like  Cain  and  Balaam-,  yea 
 
 reward  him  evill  for  good,  and  hatred  for  love,    treading 
 under  foot,  and  defpitin  g  the  choiceft  of  all  Gods  love,  coft 
 and  Jewels,  as  is  forefhe wn;  And  here  hee  produceth  a  plain 
 parrablc  in  which  heefheweth  the  equity  and  juftnefs  of 
 Inch  proceeding  •    even  to   reafon  it  (elf.  For  the  Earth 
 on  which  a  man  beftows  the   fame  labour  and  coft,  for  til- 
 lage, feeding,  drefling :  and  then  it  receives  the  fame  blef- 
 fing  from  Heaven,    in  the  heat  and  influences  of  the  Sun,, 
 and  the  former  and  latter  Rain  falling  often  upon  it,   and 
 drunk  in  by  it :  it  any  of  this  bee  wanting,  the  Earth  is  not 
 condemned,  but  if  it  have  all   this,    and  then  bring  forth 
 Herbs  Corner  other  fruit,meet  for  thofe  by  whom  it  is  dref- 
 ied,ic  rccciveth  bleffmgfrom  God.  As  men  will  gather  and 
 accept  that  fruit,  and  bee  well  pleafed  with  fuch  ground; 
 andblefieGodforit.  So  God  will  accept  and  blefs  Tuch 
 as  according   to  his  grace  extended,  bring  forth  fuirable 
 fruits  :  But  that  part  of  the  Earth  which  hath  had  thefame 
 labour y  coft,  tillage,  feed,  and  dr effing  heft owed  upon  ity  and  re" 
 ceived  the  fame  ble fifing  of  the  San,  and  the  Rain,  and  drnnkjt 
 iny  as  the  lormer  did  (elfe  thefaultinefs  will  not  be  char- 
 ged on  the  ground)   and    brings  forth  briars  and  thorns,  i§ 
 rejettedj&c,  So  here  is  equal)  and  juft  proceeding.  Now 
 
 ali 
 
OfHeb.  6. 4. 6, 7, 3.  5P7 
 
 all  the  difficulty   here  about  Beleevers,  lyeth  in  this,   to 
 know  what  thefe  fruits  are?  which  yet  would  not  have  been 
 fo  difficult;  but  that  fome  to  maintain    an  opinion  which 
 this  plainly  overthrows,  frame cavilis  againft  it '  What  fay 
 fome,  are   not  repentance  from  dead  worfy,  and  faith  towards 
 God9  and  all  tbefe    Principles,  good  fruits}  To  which  one 
 might  reply  with  the  like,  and  fay,  was  not  ^he  receiving  of 
 the  Word  with  \oy,    the  blade  fprung  up,    the  during   f&r  a 
 while^the  Corn  growing  up ,  though  among  thorns,  good  frmt  ? 
 To  which  would  bee  anlwered,  No,  tor   it    came  not  to 
 perfection,   to  bee  gathered  in  at  the  Harveft ,   which  an- 
 fwer  is  true,  and  may  fol  ve  the  doubt,  and  anfwer  the  for- 
 mer query:  Butlmayalfoanlweritotherwife,  That  all 
 the  Principles  here  mentioned,  as  taught  by  the  Oracles  of 
 God,   Are  as  the  feed  that  is  fown  in  the  Earth  (the  hearts  of 
 men)  and  the  operations  of  the  holy  Spirit^  iny  and  fuitable  to 
 thefc  Principles,  are  as  the  rayes  of  the  Sun  of  Right  eoufnefst 
 and  the  'Dew  and  Rain  from  Heaven  to  make  them  fruit  full : 
 :  And  die  fruits  meet  for  this  is  fomcthing  fuitable;  of  which 
 anon,  but  now  if  fome  of  thoie  fruits  alfo  to  bee  named, 
 bee  granted  to  bee  in  the  beleevers  operating,   through  all 
 aforefaid  ;  zsfurely  there  are  yet  in  him  that  falleth  away, 
 and  fo  is  crucifying  Cbrifl    again  to  him felf&c.   arc  fuch 
 Briars  and  thorns,  as  now  nothing   el(e  is  found  upon  his  E«k.  sj..tr 
 account :  All  his  former  Righteoufnefie  is  not  remembred, 
 all  is  loft,  gone,  and  in  vain,  fo  faith  the  Spir  it;Surely  there  Gal  - 5  • 4* 
 is  a  better  way  to  charge  fin  on  fuch  Apoftates,  and  to  glo- 
 rifie  God,  than  to  lay  the  blame  on  the  foundation  laid  by 
 him,  and  fay,  there  was  no  room  on  it  for  them*,   Chriit 
 did  not  dye  for  them,  there  was  no  truth  in  his  intention, 
 in  the  Oracles  ©f  (Sod  founded  forth  to  them,  hee  had  no 
 purpofetofavethem-  The  Principles  they  had  were  not 
 of  the  right  kind,  Hee  hath  not  been  at  the  (ame  coft,  nor 
 beftowed  the  fame  tillage,  nor  fown  in  the  fame  feed,  nor 
 afforded  the  fame  Sun   and  Rain  to  them,  as  Hee  did  to 
 the  other,  and  fo  charge   God  more    than  them:    Surely 
 where  God  expects  fruit,   hee  faith,  what  could  have  hen 
 done  more  y&c.  And  hee  other  wife  clears  hi  mf  elf,  faying. 
 Of  old  time  I  have  broken  thy  yoke  and   burft  thy  bonds,  and  Tfa.  J.j,4j1 
 
 Gggg    3  ikon 
 
558  OfHeb.6.^6,7,%. 
 
 thoil  faidft,   I  will  not  trAnfgrefe>  when  uyon  every  high  hill^ 
 \  and  under  every  green  tree  thou  wandereft^  flaying  the  Harlot* 
 Yet  I  fUntedtl.ee  a  noble  V\ne^    wholly  a,  rigkt  feedy    how 
 l  cr.  i.  [20,  if,  art  thou  then  turned  into  the  degenerate  plant  ofafiaange  Vine 
 1 1.  unto  meet  Surely  no  want  in  his  dealings  towards  them;  and 
 
 this  is  fuitable  to  that  faidhere,  as  they  were  our  types  : 
 Andfolfhallgiveaplainanfwcr,  The  fruits  here  meant, 
 verf.  7.  are  in  this  Epiftle  plainly  expreffed  to  bee,  a  dili- 
 ffcb,  2. 1, 1.8c  gent  heed  taking  to  the  grace  given?  and  received,  and  to 
 3«  7, 8,  ij.  &  t[ie  Voicc  and  teachings  thereof 5  fo  as  wee  let  nothing  flip, 
 I  s  36*8^1 l  °'  nor  harden  our  hearts  againft  any  of  its  teachings  3like  that 
 i&  11.11  i|.  l  Cort  13. 1— 4«  And  with  this,  A  carefull  and  taft  holding 
 &  4. 1 6.  &  7.  of  the  re  joycing  of  hopcand  beginning  of  confidence  firm 
 2?.&i0  19,  unto  the  end,  like  that,  CV/.i.  23.  And  continuing  in  bro- 
 a°>  &  ,Iz?,a^  therly  love,  like  that,  1  John  4,  7.  And  fo  ufing  all  dili- 
 i»  13,14  &  §encecowalkiniaith  and  love, like  that,  GaL  %.6.  And 
 1 I.  2. 1  *.  &  this  in  approaching  to-God  in  the  Name  of  Chrift>  for  all 
 to-  H3  ?4,3*.  promifed  intheNewTeftament,  like  that,  1  7hef.  5. 17, 
 &  12. 1  --  iz.  1 8.  PhiU  4.  6.  And  in  frequenting  the  aiTemblies  of  the 
 i/&  *i&  !°  Saints,  continuing  our  fellowdiip  with  them  in  the  Gofpel, 
 ft  9^8.Jc' 1].'  andordinaraccsot  God,  like  that,  P/;//.  1.5.  And  fo  in  all 
 si.  '  the  fruits  of  love,  in  com  paffion  following  peace  with  all 
 
 men,  andholiixfs,abounding  in  deeds  of  mercy,  and  righ- 
 teoufneffe,iikethat,^w.i2.8-«j2,.0/.  3. 12,  ig.wkhpa- 
 tience  and  conftancie  in  our  felvcs :  and  lympathizing 
 with  others  in  their  afBi&ions,  like  that,  Rom.  12. 1 5.  And 
 fo  notafhamed  of  the  word,waycs,and  people  of  Chrift,  bvx 
 holding  faft  the  profeflion  thereof,  like  that,  2  Tim.  1 .  8. 
 fhil.  2. 14, 15,  i<5.  And  in  all  (b  demeaning  our  felves  as 
 shey  that  look  and  wait  for  the  coming  of  Chrift,  like 
 that,£#J^.  12.  35-42.  And  all  thefe  and  fuch  like  fruits  are 
 thefameexhonedtocT*/.  t.6+i*Pft.u  And  all  this  fruft- 
 fulnefs  is  in  and  by  abiding  in  Chrift;  And  on  the  contra- 
 ry :  The  Briars  and  Thorns  here  meant,  appear  in  this  E- 
 pift le  to  bee  a  letting  flip  the  things  wee  have  heard,  and  fo 
 a  neglect  of  the  great  Salvation  and  fo  a  liftening  to  the  de- 
 ceitfullnefsof  fin,  andfo  hardening  our  heara  againft  the 
 teachings  of  the  grace  of  God,  and  allowing  in  our  felves 
 any  root  ot  bitternefs,  unclcannefs  or  prophanenefa;    and 
 
 fo 
 
 2  Pet.  1.  5 --fi. 
 
 Joh.iy 
 
 •  *> 
 
 3. 
 
 4-8. 
 
 Hcb,  x. 
 
 *•! 
 
 & 
 
 3.9.13 
 
 ,IT 
 
 ,* 
 
 I*i  «  J. 
 
 it, 
 
 2*. 
 
 &  3. 
 
 12, 
 
 15, 
 
 18.  & 
 
 10. 
 
 2  J. 
 
fo  turning  from  him  that  f peaks  from  Heaven,    through 
 an  unbeleeving  heart  departing  from  the  living  God.  And  &  6  6 
 then  neglect  of  the  Ordinances  of  Chrift,  and  torfaking  the 
 Aflembiies  of  the  Saints*  and  then  crucifying   tothem- 
 fclves  the  Son  of  God  afrefh,  and  putting  him  to  an  open 
 fhamc,    And  lo  when  fallen  from  fuch  a  Faith,  by  the  Co- 
 racles of  God  fattened  on  fuch  a  foundation,  and  affor- 
 ding fuch  Principles;  They  have  trodden  under  foot  the 
 Son  of  God;  and  have  counted  the  blood  of  the  Covenant 
 wherewith  they  were  fan£tified,  as  an  unholy  thing,    and  &  I0,  2* 
 have  done  detpite  unto  the  Spirit  of  Grace  :  Thefe  are 
 Briars  and  ih&ms,  and  thefe  not    repenting  but  continu- 
 ing thus  crucifying  Clirift,  See  even   themfelve*  are  Bn- 
 <irs  and  r&*n*Vnigh  to  curling,  being  reje&ed,   and  their 
 end  to  bee  burned:  And  this  juftly  and  defervedly.  Be-  *  Sam.  aj.^7' 
 caufe  of  the  truths,goodnefs,and  riches  of  the  Faith,  taught 
 by  fuch  divine  Oracles,  and  brought  on  fuch  a  foundation; 
 affording  fuch  Principles,  fweet  experiences,   andbleffed  * 
 hope?  all  fo  watered  from  Heaven;    as  in  which  others 
 brought  forth  meet   fruits;  but   they   rewarding  evil  for 
 good  have  fo  foulely  departed,  and  continue  contemning, 
 and  bring  forth  Briars  And    Thorns^  till  they  become  Bn-  pfal.  109.  2  ~ 
 ars  And  Thorm  :    So  that   even  in  this  Demanftration  of  z9> 
 the  equity,  juftnefs,  and  holinefs  of  Gods  proceed ing.The 
 Faith  they  fell  from*  and  that  others  abiding  in,  are  found 
 fruitfully  and  exhorted  to  abide*  appears  to  bee  true,  and 
 of  the  right  kind.     And  in  the  fourth  and  fifth  verfes,  the  ch&-  *•  9>™* 
 fpirituality    and   livingnefs  of  it  fet  forth  futably  to  the  u*  I2< 
 Principles. 
 
 But  now  1  muft  return  to  view  what  is  faid  againfl:  this 
 Faith,  as  fet  forth,  Hd.6^  4,  5..  Yea  eyenbyhim  that 
 hath  acknowledged  the  Faith  and  Halinefs*  tor  which  hee 
 quotes  this  place  really  true  in  its  kind,  wrought,  by  the 
 Spirit  effectually,  working  effe£tuaUy  in  all  the  powers 
 of  their  fouls,  &£♦  So  as  they  become  thereby;  Veffeisin 
 the  great  houfc  of  God,;5cc  which  is  in  part  already  an- 
 fwered?  but  I  ftiall  view  what  is  farther  faid.  .  i 
 
 CHAP.. 
 
£©o  Of  fount  Sayings  of 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 ;.  Offome  fa;  tugs  of  Mr,  Owct&againfi  this  f«hb->&c. 
 
 H 
 
 .  EE  faith  of  fuch  Beleevers  and  Saints  as  here  fpo- 
 fwer  to  this  riken  of,  Heb.  6. 4)  5 .  They  are  changed,  as  to  their 
 
 V*$>3  71>  17*  uk'  noim  their  Nature,  continuing  ftone  and  wood  ftill, 
 though  hewed  and  turned  to  the  ferviceablenefs  ot  Vefiels : 
 So  his  faying.  But  this  is  to  bee  heeded,  that  as  the  faying  is 
 without  proof ;  So  the  Queftion  is  n3t,  what  they  were  be- 
 fore  this  faith  and  holineis  was  wrought  in  them,  nor  what 
 they  are  when  they  are  departed  from  this  faith  and 
 holinefs:  But  what  they  are  in  whom  this  faith  and  holi- 
 nefs is,  and  they  abiding  in  it ;  and  that  they  are  wood 
 and  ftone  in  fome  fen{c  is  granted;  according  to  that  is  faid, 
 The  Righteous  (hall  flourifla  like  the  Palm  Tree.  Hee 
 pfcl   t  ^hall  grow  like  the  Cedar  in  Lebanon.  And  fo  they  are  cal- 
 
 iiaVo.' i2,M'  ^  Trees  of  Righteoulnefsjand  thofe  that  tafting  thegra- 
 1  pa.  z,  3 .  *'  cioufnefs  of  the  Lord,  come  to  him  as  to  a  living  ftone,arc 
 fi  9.  !  *  built  on  him  as  lively  ftones,  Sec,  but  this  is  far  from  Mr. 
 Owens  meaning  ••  But  if  hee  allude  to  that,  1  Cor.  3.12.// 
 any  man  build  upon  this  foundation,  gold,  fi her j  precious 
 ft wes  fall  which  are  good  fure)  JfW,  Hay  Stubble  (all 
 which  arc  combuftible)  yet  here  is  fomething  doubtfull  a- 
 njong  many,  viz,,  whether  by  thefe  bee  meant  Dodrins, 
 or  Perfons,  moft  probable,  Do&rins,  becaufe  the  builder 
 may  bee  faved,  when  his  labour,  and  opinions  is  by  fire 
 burned.  But  however  this  comes  not  up  to  ourbufinefs; 
 for  wee  treat  not  of  a  faith  and  holinefs,  builded  upon  the 
 foundation;  by  the  miniftry  of  a  man  only;  and  a  man 
 mifcarryingalfo  •  But  of  the  Faith,  builded  by  the  en- 
 lightening,and  operation  ot  the  unerringSpirit  of  the  Lord, 
 which  is  not  miftaken  in  his  building  ;  nor  are  Wood,  Hay, 
 Stubble,  as  diftinft  from  true  Saints,  any  where  in  Scrip- 
 ture called  Saints,  and  beleevers,  nor  doth  the  Spirit  of 
 Chrift  build  fuch  on  Chrift,  and  leave  them  fuch.  And  for 
 1  Tim.  2.20,  his  other  Metaphor.  Though  in  a  great  houfe  there  are 
 i !.«•  '  Veffcls,  not  only  of  Gold  aad  of  Silver,  but  alf 0  of  Wood 
 
 and 
 
Mr.  Owens  againfi  this  Faithy  &c.     tf  01 
 
 and  of  earth;  fome  to  honour,   and  fome  to  difhonour : 
 Y  ct  they  are  all  for  inks  And  thofe  of  the  mof  I  coftly  met- 
 tal  may  fome  of  them  bee  for  fome  di  {honourable  ufe  for 
 the  Matter,  and  thofe  oi  the  meaneft  mectall  may  fome 
 of  them  bee  for  honourable  ufe  both  for  the  Matter ,    and 
 iervants :  But  now  in  the  application  wee  have  no  VelTcls 
 mentioned,  meet  for  the  Matters  ufe,  operated  by  the  Spirit 
 to  do  worthily  in  their  Generations  (as  Mr.  Owen  confef- 
 feth  thefe  may,  and  many  of  them  do)  but  fuch  as  by  the 
 grace  received  purge  themfelves  from  the  Apoftates  and 
 their  wayes;  and  foare  by  grace  (an&ified,  and  made  meet 
 for  die  Matters  ufe,  and  prepared  unto  every  good  work; 
 fo  that  his  laying  is  not  countenanced  in  this  place;    And 
 if  any  (hould  (as  I  when  by  tradition,  I  held  it,  have  fome- 
 timedone)  ground  this  affertion  upon  fome  parabolical 
 and  proverbial  (peeches,  as  thofe  in  Prov*  i6*ii.  ■&  2  Pet* 
 2.  21,  a2.  Hee  knoweth  that  parables  run  not  on  all  four,- 
 and  that  Proverbs  and  Metaphors  arc  not  to  anfwer,  that 
 fet  out  by  them  in  every  fimilitudc;  and  hee  that  wrings  the 
 Nofe  too  hard  caufeth  blood  to  follow;  for  in  grounding 
 fuch  an  affertion  on  fuch  metaphoricall  and  proverbial! 
 fpeeches,  wee  (hall  plead  for  wicked  men,    and  ex- 
 tenuate their  fin,  and  impute  fome  blame  to  the  Almighty. 
 For  when  it  is  faid  of  them  .*  Thefe,  as  naturall  bruit  T 
 6eafts,  made  to  bee  taken  and  deftroyed,  fpeak  evil  of  the  2Bp*t#*°ix  t? 
 things  they  underftand  not,&:c.  If  thefe  men  had  never  i4>  ,'j#'    * 
 underftood  more  than  the  beafts,  and  had  al wayes  been  fo 
 brutilh;  and  even  made  to  bee  deftroyed ;  then  had  not  their        .    i  o 
 fin  been  fo  great  as  it  was ■  Nor   (which  befalleth  not  to  p^  /;  .^JA" 
 the  beafts)  their  judgement  in  eternall  damnation  fo  juft  -  pfai, \9. 1  1.  10 
 But  God  having  given  them  underftanding  above  the  Mat.  16.16. 
 beaftsj  and  they  not  heeding  to  make  ufe  of  it,  became  as  PrGV'  **• l  '• 
 the  beafts  that  perifh;  and  lo  loofe  their  own  fouls :  So  the 
 Dog  that  turneth  to  his  v$mit  was  never^'id  of  his  doggifh 
 ignorance  and  nature.  Nor  the  Sow  that  being  wafhed^  wal- 
 lowethinthe  mire,  was  never  freed  from  her  fwinifh  igno- 
 rance and  nature :   And  fo,  though  their  doing  fo  bee  filthy 
 and  loathfome,  yet  fome  pity,  and  not  fo  great  torment  to 
 bee  executed  on  them  •  But  for  thefe  heightened   in  the 
 Hhhh  know- 
 
6oi  Offome  Sa/wgs9( 
 
 knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift.  And 
 having  the  holy  Commandement  delivered  t  o  them,  with 
 fuch  Principles  effected  in  them,  in  knowledge  of  him  that 
 forbids  holy  things  to  bee  given  to  Dogs  and  Swine*  And 
 
 Mar.  7.  *  through  the  operations  of  the  Spirit  in  that  knowledge  to 
 have  efcaped  the  pollutions  that  are  in  the  World  through 
 lufts,  which  was  that  they  might  have  partaken  of  the  di- 
 vine Nature,  to  bee  fo  toolilh,  as  to  make  thcmfelvcs  a- 
 gain,  as  the  Dog  and  as  the  Sow;  How  great  is  their  fin, 
 and  how  juft  their  Judgement;  And  as  for  their  dif po- 
 rtion hee  confefleth  that  was  once  changed;  fo  that  the  fin 
 here  mentioned,  fuits  that  falling  away  mentioned  in  Heb% 
 6. 4.  6.  without  any  impeachment  to  the  goodnefic  of  the 
 
 a  Pet.  a-.  20.&  Faith  fuch  have  fallen  from?  the  excellency  whereof  con* 
 
 1  •  4*  demneth  their  falling, 
 
 a  But  hee  faith  again.,  though  their,  faith,  holinefTe, 
 light,  love,  joy,  zeal,  obedience,  bee  ^11  true  in  their  kind, 
 and  rn^ny  of  them  do  worthily,  and  yet  they  attain  not  to 
 the  Faith  of  Gods  Eleft,  neither  doth  Chrift  live  in  them, 
 nor  is  the.  life  which  they  lead  by  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of 
 GodCfohee*}M^k?  here,  that  this  is  not  to  bee  under- 
 ftoodof  thctfi,  as  before  they  came  to  the  Faith;  Nor  yet 
 of  them,  as  after  they  are  departed  from  the  Faith,  but  of 
 them  as^nd  while  the  Faith  is  in  thcm,and  they  abide  in  it. 
 
 Pages  217,218.  And  hee  eonfeffcc'i  their  faith  really  true  in  its  kind* 
 And  its  befcrc  proved,  there  is  but  one  kind  of  Faith 
 that  is  really  true,  fer  forth  in  the  Scripture.  And  that 
 very  Faith  alfo  fet  forth  in  Heb.  $.  1,  *,  3 ,  4,  5.  Nor  are 
 wee  treating  of  a  worldly  or  humane  faith,  or  a  faith  be- 
 gotten by  humane  ftrift ,  but  of  a  Faith  effefted  by  the  Spi- 
 rit of  God,  and  built  on  JefusChrift,.  that  is  the  Founda- 
 
 Mat.  5.  f7,  &  tion,  and    the   heavenly  gift  of  wM'ch  they  have  tafted. 
 
 «2-  J8.  And  is  not  Jefus  Chrift,  the  Son  of  God,  in  whom  hee  is 
 
 j*  41. 1.  weii  pleafed.  Ana1  fo  Gods  Ele& :  Doth  the  Gofpel  hold 
 forth  and  call  10  any  other?  or  doth  the  holy  Spirit  wit- 
 nefs  of,  glorifie  and  draw  to  beleeve  in  any  odier  but  Jcfus 
 Chrift  ?  Doth  not  every  good  and  perfeft  giving  come 
 *  down  from  the  Father  of  lights  ?  who  enlived  them,  and 
 quickened  np  alhhefe  Principles  in  them,  if  nor  Chrift  by 
 
 his. 
 
Mr.  Owens  agmnjl  this  Faith  ^c.     tf  03 
 
 his  Spirit  ?  what  is  that  which  was  oncefo  precious,    that 
 the  Apoftates  after  departure  crucifie  to  themlelves,  tread 
 under  loot,  &c?  Is  it  not  Chrift  the  Son  ot  God;  his  blood, 
 even  theblood  of  the  Covenant,    and  his  Spirit,  even  the 
 Spirit  of  Grace,  which  they  fo  defpite :  Yea  it  it  were  not 
 fo,  their  fin  and  danger  had  not  been  fo    great,  and  there 
 Would  bee  more  hope  of  their  recovery  again  i  It  were  bet- 
 ter for  us  to  forbear  luch  ra(h  afTertions;  and  glorifie  God 
 in  keeping  to  the  expreflions  of  Scripture,  concerning  Faith 
 and  the  operations  of  Grace,   although  tome  bee  departed 
 from  it,  as  is  forenoted.      /   flamed    thee  a  noble  lrine,  and  Icn.  11,2*31, 
 frith  ofye'4  <u  an  fallen  from  g  race;  yee  yptye  called  to  h  berty  ,' 
 yeafterc  called  into  the  grace  of  Chrift;  fee  received  the  fpirtt  Ga!f-M»4 
 of  Adoytion^yec didrun  welly  &c>   So    as    wee  fault  the  GlX'  S'KJ'^ 
 backlliders  from fiich  faith,  to  aggravate  their.fiii.and  fault  3      *'  <3  *' 
 not  the  faith  to  extenuate  their  fin;  which  is  more  orlefs 
 vile  according  to  the  excellency  or  meannefs  of  the  faith  de- 
 parted from. 
 
 ButM*.  Owen  hath  yet  more  fayings  to  impeach  this 
 Faith,  as 
 
 3  In  pag.  42 3 ,  Hee  calleth  it,  an  inferiour  work  of  the 
 Hoty-Ghoft,  caulinga  great  alteration  or  change,  &.c, 
 x^heii  the  pcrf©ns  bee  not  regenerated  or  made  new  Crea- 
 tures;, Sec- 
 
 It  had  been  good  hee  had  explicated  the  meaning 
 of  his  terms;  for  its  already  proved  the  compleating 
 of  the  work  of  Regeneration,  and  making  new  Creatures, 
 ism  the  R'efurfeclionofthejufl:;  and  that  the  firft  fruits  is 
 in  begetting  us  by  his  word  to  belee  ve  in  his  Son :  But  that 
 the  Holy  Ghoft  operateth  more  or  lefs,  in  giving  the  Te- 
 Kimony  of  Chrift,  working  repentance  from  deadwork^ 
 and  faith  towards  God,  to  work  any  change  or  alteration, 
 like  Regeneration,  that  is  not  it,  according  to  the  mealure 
 and  degrees  of  his  working;  none  that  know  God,  and 
 Chrift?  or  the  Spirit  according  to  Gofpell  declaration  will 
 beleeve,  that  many  fain  and  pretend  what  they  are  not, 
 that  many  refill:  his  operations,  that  many  are  not  yet  pre- 
 vailed with  to  beleeve  on  him,  Is  true.  But  thefe  are  no: 
 charged  with  this  forementioned  great  fin  of  departing 
 Hhhha  from 
 
6o$  Of  fome  Sayings  of 
 
 from  the  Faith,  but  only  for  difobedience  to  the  Faith,  ancf 
 the  Servants  of  God  may  both  ufe  means,  and  Wait  with 
 patience,  and  hope,  when  God  will  give  thefe  repentance, 
 for  they  are  not  come  to  this  impoflibility  of  the  fallen  ones 
 treated  of ,  who  when  fallen  from  fo  great  grace  and  ope- 
 rations of  the  Spirit :  It  will  not  bee  found  a  true  cxeufe  to 
 fay, there  was  but  fome  infer iour  work  of  the  Spirit  vouch- 
 er. *.*.  n.  fated  us,  to  work fomething  like  regeneration  which  was 
 p«  not  it;  when  God  (hall  fay,  wkerin  was  I  wanting,     what 
 
 If*,  f.  4.5-7.    cwiA  have  bus  dtwe  more^&c.  but  yet  more  is  faid  by  Mr. 
 v         6  g       Cwen. 
 
 ag-4*  .  -  4  Pag.  124.  Every  perfon  under  thefe  works  formerly 
 mentioned,and  partakers  of  this  light^gifts  and  knowledge, 
 Sec.  Bee  capacitated  for  the  fin  againft  the  Holy  Ghoft 
 Surely  to  ufe  fudi  an  expreffion  by  way  ot  deroga- 
 tion, from  the  Truth,  goodnefs,  and  gracious  ends,  and 
 tendancy  of  the  works  olthe  Holy  Ghoft,  in  inlightening 
 men  in  the  knowledge  of  Chrift,  and  bringing  in  to  beleeve 
 in  him,  and  thereby  working  in  all  the  powers  and  facul- 
 ties of  their  foul,  fuch  change,  Sec*  as  to  lay  ( as  I  hope  hee 
 will  not  fay,  men  are  thereby  capacitated  to  fin  againft  the 
 Holy  Ghoft ,  is  very  great  preemption,  .and  of  dangerous 
 confequence,  without  fome  better  explanation.  For  njighs 
 not  fome  reply  and  fay,  All  manner  of  fin  and  Blafphemy 
 fhall  bee  forgiven  unto  men,  But  the  Blafphemy  againft 
 the  Holy  Ghoft  (hall  never  bee  forgiven.  And  fo  it  is  leffe 
 dangerous  to  abide  in  ignorance,  rudenefs,  and  prophane- 
 nefs,  and  neglect  of  all  Ordinances,  then  by  attending 
 them,  to  come  to  this  knowledge  of  Chrift,  Faith,  change, 
 gifts,  S>co  without  which  wee  are  out  of  the  danger  of  fo 
 great  finning ;  but  in  having  fuch  faith,  &:c.  wee  are  ca- 
 pacitated fo  to  fin;  which  yet  would  hee  a  falfe  plea  (even 
 for  thofe  charged  with  fuch  a  fin,  Mark*  3.  28. 30,  who 
 were  fhort  of  thole  wee  treat  of  much  more)  for  thefe;  yet 
 thus  much  will  bee  granted,  IfGodhadnotmadethe  An- 
 gels holy,  and  fet  them  in  fo  glorious  an  habitation;  they 
 could  not  have  finned  fo  highly  in  leaving  their  habitation; 
 but  the  goodnefs  of  God  info  making  and  furnifhing  them, 
 did capacitacc  them  to  have  abiden,  in  which  abiding  they 
 
 might. 
 
jytr.  kj  wens  ggamjt  tbu  Faith^c.        60$ 
 
 might  have  been  eftablifhed  .•  And  their  otyn  wilfull  afpi  - 
 rings  capacitated,   and  ocofioned   their  falling.  If  God 
 h  ad  not  made  the  firft  publick  man  righteous,    hee  could* 
 not  have  fallen  from  it,  as  hee  did:  But  the  Righteouf- 
 nefs  in  which  God  made  him,  and  the   furniture    wheie- 
 with  hee  endued  him,  did  capacitate  him  to    have  abidcn 
 in  his  integrity  r   And  his  forgetting  the  word  of  the  Lord , 
 and  liftening  to  Satans  temptation .;  did  capacitate  and  oc- 
 cafion  him  to  fall ;    If  Chrift  had  not  come  and  preached 
 to  the  Jews,  they  could  not  have  been  charged  with  fuch 
 finning  againft  the  light;  But  his  being  and  preaching  a- 
 mong  them  did  capacitate  them  to  have  beleeved  and  been 
 faved;  And  their  refufal    of,    and  oppofition  againft  the 
 light  did  capacitate  them  to  fin  to  fuch  a  degree,   as  to  bee 
 charged  with  fo  great  finning :  Even   fo  this  bleffed  in- 
 lightening  and  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghofi?  giving  firch 
 taftsofthe  heavenly  gift,  Sec.  efFe^ing   fuch  repentance, 
 and  faith,and  quickening  up  fuch  living  principles  in  mens 
 Doth  capacitate  men  to  abide,  and   live   and  dye  in  this 
 Faith.    But  their  own  negleft  of  fo  great  falvation,   and 
 fo  willing  blinding  their  eyes,  and  hardening  their  hearts, 
 and  fo  turning  from  him  that  f peaks  from  Heaven,  did 
 capacitate  and  occafion  the  perfiftcrs  in  fuch  tranfgrcflion,  Heb 
 to  fail  into  this  great  fin,  which  is  even   proved  to  bee  fo  { reo  j  3  *A  ^J 
 hainous  and  great  a  fin,  by  the  excellency  of  the  Grace  and 
 Faith  given  them,  .which  they  fo  willingly  fell  from,  and 
 fo  the  juflnefs  of  their  great  punifnment,  evidenced  there- 
 by alfo.  It  ftiould  bee  very  evilly  done  ot  any  to   vilifie  the 
 works  of  God  becaufe  of  the  abufes  of  men,  Or  to  excule 
 the  evil  of  finning,  with  faying,  the  woman  which  thou  ga- 
 veft  mee,  Sec    But  enough  to  Ihew  the  weaknefTe  ot  thefe 
 fayings,  and  the  righteoufnefs  and  goodnefe  of  the  Faith 
 let  forth  in  He b.  6\  1 .  2, 3, 4,  $♦.  But  Mr#  Owen  indeavours 
 to  gather  Reafons  out  of  the  Text  it  felf;  to  prove  the  Faith 
 and  holinefs here fet forth,  though   true  in  its  kind,  yet 
 not.  to  bee  of  the  right  and  faving  kind;  I  lhall  only  view 
 the  heads  of  them*  and  fee  their  force. 
 
 Hhhhi  CHAP,'. 
 
6t>6  Of  Mr.  Uwens  "K^ajons 
 
 CHAP.XIIL 
 
 Of  Mr.  Otftens  Renins  againft  the  Faith  and  Holinefsjhat  it 
 fa  forth  in  Heb.  6.  4,  SJnptg.+ify&c. 
 
 REafon  1  Here  is  no  mention  of  Faith,    or  beleeving, 
 or  in  terms  equivalent. 
 Anfw.  Hath  Mr.  Owen  quoted  and  ufedthis  place,  as 
 his  main  place  tor  proving,  and  his  only  place  for  opening 
 a  Faith   and  ■  Holinels   wrought  by  the  Spirit,  eftefting 
 change,  and  really  true  in  ics  kind.     And   naving  ierved 
 his  turn  of  it,  now  put  ittofhame>and  caft  it  by  as  a  place 
 where  is  no  mention  of  Fakh^  orbeleeving,  or  in  Terms 
 eq  ivalent,  that   no  other  might  look  there,  to  fee  what 
 ■  true  Faith  k  :  Andtsnot  mentioning  of  the  Foundation, 
 the  objeft  of  Faith,  and  the  Oracles  of  God  the  teacher  of 
 Faith,  the  effeds  and  Principles  of  Repentance  from  dead 
 ■works*  Faith  towards  God,  Do&ritt,  &c?  And  thenpre- 
 fently  fuiting  the  works  ot  the  Spirit  to  all  thefe,  mentio- 
 ning, enlightening,  tafte  of  the  heavenly  gift,  partaking  of 
 the  Holy  Ghoft,  talk  of  the  good  word  of  God,  and  of  the 
 powers  of  the  VVorld  to  come :  are  thefe  Terms,  verf  4,5. 
 no  expreflions  or  mention  of  faith,or  beleeving  ,or  in  terms 
 equivalent?  Did  the  Apoftle  think  one  of  thefe  Terms 
 equivalent  (even  Illumination,  Heb.  1  o.  3  2.)  And  are  not 
 al)  thefe  Terms,  wjf.  4,  5.  fo  exprefled  and  fuited  to  thofe, 
 verf.iji.  where  Faith  alfo  is  named,    no  mention,    nor 
 Terms  equivalent,  to  Faith  or  Beleeving?  judge  Reader. 
 Reaf.  2  Not  any  thing  here  (poken  of,  as  afcribed  to 
 the  perfonsfpoken;of,  which  is  peculiar  to  Beleevers,or  that 
 constitutes  them  to  bee  fuch,  called  according  to  purpofe, 
 quickened,  born  again,  or  regenerated,  juftified,   united  to 
 -Chrilt,  fanSified  by  the  Spirit,  adopted;  made  the  Sons  of 
 God.  Bee  the  ufuallexpreflions  of  Belee  vers. 
 
 Anf.  It  is  clear;  here  is  as  much  faid  of  thefe,  with  a- 
 fcribing  the  works  to  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  acknowledge- 
 ment of  the  receits  and    tafles  fpoken  of;  while  they  are ; 
 yetinthefuppofition>and  not  departed;  as  is  faid  ot  any 
 
 of 
 
agatnfi  this  Faitby&c.  6oj 
 
 of  the  Hebrew* ,  to  whom  this  Epiftle  is  written.  Indeed 
 when  any  fuch  are  fallen  away,  not  thefe  things,  but 
 other  things  are  afcribed  to  them;  but  it  is  the  faith  and 
 fpiritual  operations  ©nee  had,  and  ftill  retained  by  thofe 
 not  departed ,  (and  not  the  departure  and  crucifying 
 Chrift  again,  which  is  only  in  thole  fallen  away  j  we  new 
 f  peak  of.  And  that  thofe  things  which  are  peculiar  to  be- 
 leevers, is  here  exprefly  fpoken  of ,  is  (hewed  and  proved 
 before  at  large ,  in  opening  the  principles  taught  by  the 
 Oracles ,  and  built  upon  the  foundation ,  and  the  inlight- 
 ning  y  and  operations  of  the  Holy  Ghoft ,  in ,  and  with, 
 working  up ,  and  fuited  to  thofe  principles  expreily, 
 that  I  marvel>any  that  know  the  foundation,  and  Oracles  . 
 of  God,  and  nrft  principles,  and  Scripture  language 
 (hould  deny  it,  and  much  more ,  that  he  that  more  than 
 once  hath  laid  ,  that  upon  other  inferior  (  and  not  jultifi- 
 able)  accounts  they  are  frequently  called,  Beleevers  and 
 Saints,,  But  in  this  he  hath  (aid,  not  proved.  And  as  for 
 the  Catalogue  of  terms  here  brought  in ,  and  affirmed  to 
 be  the  ufual  expreffions  of  beleevers ,  conceived  to  bee 
 terms  equivalent  to  faith,  and  beleeving. ,  we  may  as  he 
 oppofeth  them  to  thefe  in  Heb.6,43 .  confider* 
 
 1  That  foine  are  faid  to  have  beleeved  ,  of  whom  I  - 
 
 know  not  where  it  is  alfofaid  they  had  faith;  for  no  man  lake  81?.    1 
 Is  faid  in  Scripture  to  have  faith,  unlefs  he  be  obedient  to  J°h.i.i?.* 
 the  faith,  fo  as  he  receive  the  teftimony  ,  and  clofe  with  8-3°>3r>3M 
 the  object,  and  have  fome  ufefulnels  of  it ,  as  hath  been 
 fhewn,  yet  many  that  beleeved  ,  yea,fo  beleeved  ,  that  it 
 they  abode  they  fhould  be  faved ,  where  beleeving  is  ex- 
 prefly mentioned,  yet  thefe  terms  under  consideration,  not 
 applicable  to  fuch.  But  whether  thefe  are  ufually  called 
 Beleevers,  I  need  not  contend,  for  thofe  we  treat,  of ,  are 
 beleevers  in  a  farther  fenfeas  hath  been  fhewn. 
 
 2  Here  are  fome  of  thefe  terms  ?  affirmed  to  be  the 
 ufual  expreffions  of  Beleevers,which  as  they  are  fet  down? 
 I  cannot  finde  at  all  ufed  in  the  Scripture  ,  as  the  expref- 
 fions of  Beleevers,  as  they  are  in  this  life.  As  the  term 
 Regenerated ,  as  diftina  to  being  born  again ,  as  here  (et 
 down,  I  read  in  Scripture  of  a  Regeneration ,  in  which 
 
 the 
 
tf  08  0/Mr.Owtns  deafens 
 
 Wax.19.18.      the  Apoftlcs  followed  Chrift.  And  of  Caving  by  the  wa(h- 
 Eoh?'^         ingof  Regeneration,  which  as  itflowstrom  Chrift  is  a 
 lukao  ffi$  cominuec:1  work  dill  in  doing  >  and  to  be  fully  compleatcd 
 11     in  the  refurredion  of  the  juft.    But  that  the  beleevcrsin 
 this  lite  ,  are  called,  The  Regenerated,  Ifinde  wot  at  all, 
 much  lefs  ulually :  Andfo  for  the  term  Adopted,  I  finde^ 
 Rom  9  4,         tne  Adoption  (or  miniftration  thereof )  to  have  pertained 
 Gai. 4  1,2,3,    to *frait  under  Mofes miniftration,  though  the  Tutorage 
 £pfc.i  .5.         of  fons,  were  then  as  fervants.    And  I  finde  alfo  the  firft 
 Trufters  in  Chrift  predeftinated  in  their  miniftration,  to 
 the  adoption  of  children  by  Jefus  Chrift:  And  therefore 
 fo  to  have  preached  Chrift  come  in  the  flefh,  That  men  in 
 Gil. 45  8,13.   beieeving  might  receive  the  Adoptionot  Sons,  and  foa 
 Rom  8^1 5.       firft  fruits  of  the  Spirit  ot  Adoption.   And  I  finde  that 
 a  *4  '7'       fuch  as  did  unfaincdly  beleeve  in  Chrift ,  did  receive  the 
 Spirit  ot  Adoption  into  their  hearts,  crying.  Abb*  Father* 
 But  this  I  alfo  finde ,  That  this  Adoption  is  not  yet  com- 
 pleated,but  only  begun,and  a  firft  firft  fruits^nd  that  of  the 
 Spirit  onely  received ,  and  thofe  that  have  this,do  yet  wait 
 &om.8.i2,i3,  tor  the  Adoption  (injoying  yet  only  by  hope)  even  the  re- 
 z4,tj.  demption  of  the  body,  when  Adoption  will  be  com- 
 
 plicated in  the  refurre&ion  ot  the  Juft.    And  fo  I  finde 
 not  this  faid,  That  beleevers  are  compleatly  adopted;  Nor 
 is  the  Adopted,  theufual,  or  any  expreflion  by  which  be- 
 ,  leevers  are  now  called,  that  I  finde. 
 
 3  Here  are  fome  exprefsions ,  which  in  the  meaning  ot 
 them  are  true  of  all  belcevefs  in  this  lite ,  as  things  truly 
 and  perfectly  done ,  though  tor  the  meafure  not  come  to 
 its  height ,  and  yet  not  as  exprefled  ,  the  ufual  exprefsions 
 lob  i  *  1 4       °f  beleevers, as  united  to  Chrift,  which  is  a  gracious  work, 
 Heb.4  j,'^7     a°d  in  fome  meafure  fpiritually  effected  through  be- 
 ieeving in  the  beleevers,  that  being  united  by  fakh  to  the 
 PiiLS6'i  r.       objeft  of  faith  ,  the  word ,  and  fo  Chrift  in  the  word  is  in 
 their  heart ,  and  thus  by  faith,  love,  and  defires  in  Chrift. 
 to  alio  tafting  of  the  heavenly  gitt,  &c.  And  fo  one  - 
 And  yet  a  farther  uniting  prayed  for;  yea  that  they  might 
 Icfa.17.10ji  1.  bconcinwill,purpofe,defign,andway  :  And  this  union 
 ot  Spirit,  we  are  exhorted  to  keep  ,  and  to  grow  up  in  it, 
 Eph4.1v*.    till  we  come  to  thefulnefs  ot  it  3  but  it  is  not  yet  fully 
 
 com- 
 
againft  this  Faith.  60? 
 
 compleated;  And  fo  though  in  a  fenfe  beleevers  areuniicd 
 
 toChriftiand  fo  truly  faid  to  be,  yet  the  compleatmcnt  is 
 
 but  a  working,  and  growing  towards-  <  Bclcevers  arc  not 
 
 very  often,  and  ufually  let  forth  by  this  cxprcflion  ,  The 
 
 united  to-Cbrift*   And  the  term?  Made  the  <onsof  Cod-,  is 
 
 that  which  in  a  fpiritual  fenfe  may  be  affirmed  of  true 
 
 beleevers ;  for  to  all  that  receive  Chrift  by  beleeving  oa 
 
 him  i  by  beleeving  on  his  name  he  gives  the  power  to  bee 
 
 the  Sons  of  God ,  and  fo  the  favour  to  be  called  his  Sons; 
 
 and  his  Sons  they  now  are  by  faith  (and  not  otherwise 
 
 yet#)  And  (hall  more  fully  and  compleatly  be  made  the  Jeh.Mi^. 
 
 Sons  oi   God  in  the  refurre&ion  of  the  jult  ;  whence  JG^h'\^' 
 
 though  Sons  of  God,  be  often  and  ufual  exprcflions  of  be-  Luklfo.3  W« 
 
 lecvers*  yet  made  Sons  of  God  ,  is  not  fo  ufual  an  ex-  vjoh.j.z. 
 
 prdfion,  as  (ome  other. 
 
 4  Here  is  one  expreffion,  that  is  once  or  twice  ufed, 
 with  tome  other  cxpreffions  joyned  with  it,  and  explain  it 
 who  they  be ;    To  exprefs  beleevers  that  are  cordial, 
 with  the  manner  of  their  calling,  and  the  operation  of 
 their  faith,   w*k  The  calkd  according  to  purpofe  ,  but  as  a  zximli  9, 
 fingle  expreffion,  it  is  not  fo  ufual.   And  illumination  is  H-b.10.3i! 
 onceufed  asafmgle  expreffion  to  exprefs  beleevers,  be- 
 sides*   This  place ,  'tufting  that  the  Lord  is  gracious  y  may  1  pet. 2.  j. 
 be  taken  as  fo  ufed  in  another  place ;  And  what  can  be  Ids 
 in  tailing  of  the  heavenly  gift ,  and  of  the  good  word  of 
 God,  Sco   Befides  as  illumination,  tailing  of  the  heavenly 
 gift,  8£c»  are  works  of  the  Spirit  here  mentioned,  as  fuited  A&  x  r ,  lg.  & 
 to  repentance  from  dead  works?  and  faith  toward  God,  »o,*i." 
 they  are  expreflions  by  which  beleevers  are  ufually  fct  &  ^8» 
 forth,  fo  as  no  caufe  to  except  againft  them,  as  not  fo  CoU.4»*- 
 u£ual>&c. 
 
 5    Here  are  fome  ternu  in  the  fubftapce  of  them, 
 though  not  fo  ufual ,  or  not  more  ufual  than  the  terms  in 
 the  Text,  here  by  him  reje£ted,as  he  cxpreffeth  them,ufual       .'.-.:  - 
 terms  to  exprets  Beleevers,  viz,.  Qmck^ed^  Born  again, 
 faftified)  SanlUfied by  the  Spirit.  Ufual  indeed;  But  minde  Eph.i.4- 
 well,  Quicknedis  fometime  ufed  as  an  expreflion  of  that  CoU-i3« 
 enlivening,  wrought  at  firtl  in  beleevers,  exprefled  by  Y  ec, 
 andUs>  But  the  word  is  alfo  ufed  to  exprefs  the  efficacy 
 
 I i  i  i  of 
 
6io  Mr.  Owens  %eafons 
 
 .  of  the  word  in  beleevers.   And  fometime  the  word  is  ufed 
 
 9 3  &  I !.xo5     *j?r. a  bcleever  fallen  into  fome  affli&ed  and  drooping  con- 
 ge 'i  19  88.  '     dition  being  railed  again;  fometime  for  ftrengthning  to 
 1  Per.?. 18.       walk  in  the  wayes  ot  righteoufnefs ,  and  fometime  for  the 
 Rom.8.11.      refurrc&ion  of  the  body  atter  death.     And  fo  although 
 this  be  in  fome  refpeft  a  right  and  good  exprcflion  ot  be- 
 leevers ,  as  thus  fometime  have  been,  now  are,  and  after 
 death  in  the  re(urrc£tion  (hall  fully  bee*  yet  the  expreffion, 
 Hebd.qrf.  compared  with  verf*i,a.  import  the  fame,  and 
 are  every  way  as  fuitable  to  exprefs  beleevers ,  according 
 to  their  attainments  in  this  lite,  both  in  principles  and 
 fpiritual  efficacies,  as  is  at  large  (hewn.  The  other  expreffi- 
 *oh.3 . $. 5 .&      on,  Bom  again  ,  if  underftood  ,  or  from  above ,  and  fo  as 
 J*li*  explicated  ot  water,  and  the  Spirit,  and  fo  of  God,  by  the 
 
 lami?*         word  of  God.   A  good  and  fit  expreflion  of  beleevers  oft 
 ufed,  yet  this  muft  be  granted,  That  there  ard  degrees  and 
 meafures  of  the  work  of  God  in  this  work  aifo ,  that  is  ex- 
 prefled  by  this  term  ,  For  -whomever  belecvcth  thatjefus  is 
 1  Joh  <  1         l^e  c  ^rifti  is  born  of  God.  And  no  man  can  fay  in  preach- 
 1  Cor.  12. 5.       ing  Gofpel ,  'that  Jefut  is  the  Lord>>  but  by  the  Holy  Ghoft. 
 Ltkeio.j*.      And  none  are  fully  and  compleatly  born  of  God  till  the 
 Rom.8.23.       refunxftion  from  the  dead,  io  that  for  explicating  the 
 Rom1 5  3«9*      ^atc  anc*  Prcfent  franie  of  a  beleever  5  The  cxpreffions 
 rCor.tf.il,      ufed  Heb.6.iy2«4rf.  are  every  way  as  fuitable,  yea  ex- 
 plicating that  exprefsion.   And  fo  alfo  Jufiified  is  a  good 
 expreffion  to  fet  forth  a  Beleever.    And  fo  is  Santtified 
 by  the  S  fir  it ,  but  moftly  ufed ,  rather  to  fet  forth,  what  is 
 received  in  beleeving,  than  the  beleeving  it  felh    And  the 
 exprefsionsin  i/^.6.i,».4,5.  as  much  fet  forth  beleeving, 
 and  fo  may  as  well  exprefs  the  beleever  as  either  of  them; 
 So  that  all  thefe  expreffions  brought  in ,  though  they  are 
 ail  very  good,  yet  the  bringing  them  in,  to  difcountenance 
 and  eje£t  other  expreffions  ufed  in  this  bufinefs  by  the 
 iT  Holy  Ghoft  alfo,  is  not  good,  but  (contrary  to  the  Com- 
 
 JobT/VJc     mandment)  to  enter  ftrite  about  words  to  no  profit,  bat 
 3*.  a.  '  thefubverfionof  the  hearers  or  readers ;  and  a  darkning 
 
 of  counfcl,by  multiplying  words  without  knowledge. 
 
 For  was  not  the  laying  of  Cnrift  for  the  foundation, 
 che  purpofe ,  and  according  to  the  purpofe  of  God?   And. 
 
 was 
 
againjl  this  Faith.  6 1 1 
 
 was  not  the  lifting  up  Jcfus  in  Gofpcl-preaching,  and  glo- 
 rifying him  by  Spirit  to  the  hearts  ot  men,that  they  might 
 fee,  and  beleeve ,  the  purpofe ,  and  according  to  the  pur- 
 pole  ot  Gou?  And  whereas  fome  when  light  comtf?Would 
 yet  be  wife  in  their  own  eyes,  and  fo  come  in  to  claim  by  a 
 righteoufnefs  of  their  own,  noti.bmitting  to  the  tighter 
 ouinefs  of  Cod,  and  fo  are  not  in  relpeft  of  the  prcvalcrxy 
 of  grace  difcoyered,  the  right  called  ones,  yet  others  in 
 minding  that  grace  difcovereJ,  are  prevailed  with  ,  to  let 
 go  all  thoughts  of  confidence  in  their  own  righteouf- 
 nefs,&c,  and  to  beleeve  in  Jelus,  that  they  may  live  in 
 him?  and  to  him.  Are  not  thefethe  called  according  to 
 purpofe  ?  And  when  inbeleevinginChrifton  this  man- 
 ner, through  illumination  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  andtaftcs 
 of  the  heavenly  gift>&c.  Repentance  from  dead  works, 
 arid  faith  toward  God  is  effected,  &;c.  Are  not  fuch  in 
 fome  meafure  called  according  to  purpofe ,  Quickncd, 
 Born  again ,  and  fpiritually  regenerated,  united  to  thrift, 
 juflified,  and  fanftified  by  the  Spirit?  Who  that  confeiTeth 
 God  to  be  true ,  will  deny  this ,  fo  that  thefe  two  Reafons 
 are  yain. 
 
 Reafift  3.  The  perfons  intended  (here)  be  compared 
 to  Briars  and  Thorns. 
 
 Anfw.  The  perfons  intended  here'*  as  having ,  and  fo 
 abiding  in  thefe  principles ,  upon  this  foundation ,  and  fo 
 with  thefe  inlightnings ,  taftes  of  the  heavenly  gift,  &x. 
 Are  verily  the  holy  Brethren,  partakers  of  the  heavenly 
 Call,  even  the  very  Hebrews  to  whom  he  wrote;  the  per- 
 fons fuppofed,  exprefTed  to  be  fuch ,  as  do  not  abide  and 
 enjoy  thefe  things,  but  are  departed  and  fallen  from  thefe 
 things,  and  are  now  crucifying  Chrift  afrefh  to  themfelves, 
 they  bringing  forth  fuch  Briars  and  Thorns ,  are  become 
 Briars  and  Thorns,  which  before  they  were  not,  nor  are 
 any  that  abide  in  the  faith  they  are  fallen  from,fo  called, and 
 thefe  fallen,upon  the  very  account  of  their  crucify \ng?&c 
 are  compared  to,  and  with  their  evil  fruits,  called,  Briars 
 and  7 horns ,  this  is  plain  in  the  Text,  and  fo  this  Reafon 
 (though  once  it  was  mine)  is  very  vain  and  falfe  for 
 its  end ,  and  unbefeeming  understanding  men  >  though 
 
 I  in  2  weak* 
 
**b.io.i9* 
 
 611  Mr.  Owens  %eafons 
 
 weaklings  may  bee  gulled  with  it,  as  I  have  been* 
 
 Reafen  4,  Things  that  accompany  falvation  <>  be  better 
 things  than  any  in  the  perfons  mentioned  ,  were  to  bee 
 found,  verf.  9.  We  are  perfwaded  better  things  of  you ^ 
 
 Anfw.  Here  he  fpeaks  of  things  diftindfrom  the  per- 
 fons? though  in  them.  Nowminde;  Better  things:  Better 
 than  which,  forthe  Apoftle  had  mentioned  divers  forts  of 
 things,  as  he'had  mentioned  JefusChrift  the  foundation, 
 and  the  Otacles  of  God  from  the  foundation  teaching 
 thole  principles  to  build  men  thereby  on  Chrift,-  Surely  the 
 love  of  God  in  the  gift  of  his  Son,  The  Son  of  God  given, 
 The  blood  of  JefusChrift that  confirmed  the  Covenant, 
 The  Spirit  of  the  Father,  and  the  Son,  that  witneffeth  of 
 Chrift ,  and  calleth  to  him  ^  and  breatheth  forth  thefe 
 Grades  to  teach  thefe  principles  >  and  build  on  Chrift. 
 Sure  this,  or  thefe  things  arc  all  holy,  heavenly,  rich,  pre- 
 cious, invaluable  things,  not  onely  accompanying,  but 
 giving  and  working  falvation  (though  fome do  tread 
 them  underfoot,  &c.  which  is  an  evil  thing.)    So  that 
 lure  hee  means  not  better  things  than  theie.    But  then 
 nereis  mentioned  alfo,  theefteftsof  the  word,  and  of  the 
 holy  Spirit ,  in  ,  and  with  the  word  in  the  hearts  of  belee- 
 vci'S;  as  Repentance  jrom_  dead  works ,  and  faith  towards 
 {jod^  tjrc     with    HluminaU'on  ,     tafting   of  the]  heavenly 
 Phil  t.izjh    gift,  &c.  Surely  thefe  are  alfo  precious  things ,  not  onely 
 *4>*5>i^         accompanying  falvation,  but  even  parts  of  the  falvation 
 begun  in  tiiem ,  and   working  in  them ,  efte&ing  thofe 
 things  to  be  brought  forth  which  are  to  accompany  it 
 TrhT^'6'  (rh°ugl1  fcme niurirmre  and  harden  their  hearts,  andfo 
 5  T9     areailobedient^  and  quench  and  defpire  the  Spirit ,  which 
 is  an  evil  thing)  and  fure  he  meaneth  not  better  things 
 than  thefe.    But  here  are  two  (oris  of  things  more  men- 
 Hcb     <r  t      &    tioncd.  that  is,  firft,   abiding  In  their  faith^confi dene e,  and 
 i?,i,&  i,&  4  ;t°ve  >  -Andfo  heArkningto  his  vojee,  hinging  forth  the  fruits 
 &  'cAg,  10.      of  faith  and  love,  as  ha;h  been  f  orc-fhewn,,  according  to  the 
 fcedfown  in  the  heart,  and  the  refrefhings  by  the  rain 
 often  drunk  in,  and  of  thefe  he  cxpreffeth  himfelf  to  men, 
 vcrf.9.10,  And  thefe  be  not  better  things,   then  the  falva- 
 
 (ion 
 
againfl  this  Faith.  6\$ 
 
 tion  wrought  in  them,  as  by  which  they  bring  them 
 forth-  but  better  than  the  other  fort,  which  fccondly,  he 
 names,  by  fome  fuppofed  to  bring  forth,  that  is  a  departing 
 fremChrift,  through  an  evil  heart  of  H*.beleef<)  and  fo  faL- 
 iing  from  all  this  lalvatioi^and  efficacies  thereof  extended; 
 and  then  crucifying  the  Son  of  God  afrefh  y  and  jutting  him 
 )o  an  cfenfhame.  And  notwithstanding  the  fame  feed  Lo  wn^ 
 and  the  fame  rain  oft  drunk  in,  yet  bring  forth  Briars  and 
 Thorns  (  which  accompany  not  falvation )  of  wh<ch  hee 
 mentioneth  no  perfons  among  them  that  he  chargeth 
 withall,  but  only  by  a  fuppofition  ftewcth  the  danger 
 even  to  thefe  Hebrews ,  if  any  (houldfo  do.   And  having  ^Yis'fc' 
 fo  often  warned  them  before ,  and  reproved  their  duinets.     *g  f  f*f ,  m 
 And  now  in  his  fuppofition  fet  forth  before  them  the  &  ^4^,8,9, 
 haiaoufnefs  of  the  fin,and  danger,  of  fuch  departing  and 
 falling  away ,  comparing  fuch  tranfgreflion  and  trauf- 
 greffors  ,   to  Briars  and  Thorns  ,  whofe  end  u  to  be  burned-, 
 he  mollifies  the  harfhnefs  of  his  fentencc  in  refpeft  of 
 them  t  and  faith,  Wc  are  per ' [waded  better  things  of  you,  And 
 things  that  accompany  falvation,  though  wethwfpeakj  which 
 plainly  fhews    the  better,  things ,    to   be    better  than 
 Ihoms  and  Briars ,   which  tended  to  damnation  ;  and  it 
 fliews  alfo  that  his  fpeech  in  the  warning  given  was  di- 
 rected to  them ,  elfe  they  needed  not  to  have  been  mollis 
 fied  with,  Though  we  thus  fpeak^-,  furely  none  would  fancy 
 the  Apoftle  to  warn  the  Hebrews  by.  fpeaking.  at  fuch  a 
 rate  as  this;  There  is  a  rock  of  {lability  ,  on  which  who 
 ever  once  belceveth,  and  lb  is  ,  can  no  more  fall  off ,  not 
 fin,  not  Satan,  not  world  >.  though  at  fuch  and  fuch  a  rate 
 they  liften  to  them,  and  fall  into  fuch  and  fuch  a  mealure 
 ofunbeleevingncfs  and  finning,  yet  they  cannot  fall  off: 
 And  vou  are  upondiat  Rock,  &cc.  Hold  faff  therefore, 
 your  confidence,  Take  heed  left  any  of  you  fall  through  an  evil 
 heart  of  unbeleef :  And  give  us  leave  to  fear  left  any  of. 
 you  come  fhort ,  for  there  is  an  unliable  rock,  on  which, 
 not  you,  but  fome  others  are  built*     And  they  that  are 
 built  on  that  rock  of  inability ,  if  they  abide,  they  perifh;. 
 if  they  fall,  they  can  no  more  ri(e;.how  fond  were  this.  But 
 theioundaioo  here  mentioned  is  liable,  not  wnl  the  holy 
 
 fin  i  $m& 
 
tfif  Of  Mr.  Qmns%eafons 
 
 Spirit  build  any  upon  an  unliable ■  foundation ,  nor  fill  the 
 heart  with  falfe  light,  or  deceivable  works ;  What  deceit- 
 ful illufions  fuch  conceits  may  produce,  I  forbear  to  name, 
 though  this  Rcafon  be  fie  tor  them. 
 
 Reafon^.  The  perfons  intended  by  the  Apoftle,  were 
 fuch  as  had  need  to  he  taught  again  the  fir ft  frincip/es,  &c. 
 Unskilful  in  the  word  of  righteofffnefs,  &c*  diftinguifhed 
 from  them  to  whom  the  promifes  arctfxChap.6,9, io>i4* 
 
 *A»fw.  This  is  a  very  harfh,  fad,  and  untrue  fentence, 
 clearly  appearing  fo  *,  For, 
 
 i  It  is  as  clear  as  the  day  ,  that  Chap.  5/1 1, 1%.  he 
 
 fpeaks  to  the  fame  perfons ,  that  he  wrote  unto,  and  had 
 
 1  6Y4  &4   before  called,   Holy  brethren,  partakers  of  the  heavenly  call^ 
 
 iVV>xi,i»  '  an^  tQ  5"  anc^  °^  l^cm  ^e  kith*  Tee  are  dull  of  hearing 
 for  when  for  the  time  yee  ought  to  be  teachers ,  ygu  have  need 
 that  one  teach  yon  again  ,  which  be  the  firfi  frine'tfles  of  the 
 Oracles  of  God.  Can  any  thing  be  more  plain  >  to  (hew  he 
 meaneth  them? 
 
 2  It  is  as  clear,  that  his  faying  in  Verfes  13,14.  are  the 
 proof  that  the  Apoitlc  gives  of  thejuftnefs,  and  fuitable- 
 
 H°b  <  1?  14    nefs°f  his  reproof ,  in  fhewing  what  fuch  weaklings  are, 
 h    'to  whom  in  their  demeanor  they  became  fo  like  ,  which 
 occafioned  their  dulnets  and  non-  proficiency,  being  fo  like 
 them,  they  fhould  have  been  teachers  of. 
 
 3  It  is  as  clear,  That  thofe  weaklings  and  babes,  to 
 whom  he  compares  them  >  are  not  the  perfons  put  in  the 
 
 •    fuppofition  of  being  fallen  away ,  and  in  fo  great  danger 
 
 in  height  of  fmfulne(s,and  ofimpoffibilityof  recovety3and 
 
 forenefs  of  punifhment ;  for  they  had  known  the  founda- 
 
 Hcb  * .4,7.*,8  tjonj  oracies  anc[  foft  principles,  yea  been  by  them  drawn 
 
 upon  the  f  oundation-and  tafted  of  the  heavenly  gift,yea  the 
 fweetnefs  and  power  of  Chrift  in  all  the  principles;So  that 
 now  after  fuch  knowledge  and  taftes,  &c  willingly  for 
 love  or  defire  of  any  other  thing,  to  depart,  and  crucine  all 
 this  of  Chrift,  to  themfelvcs  again ;  there  was  nothing  but 
 they  had  crucified ,  and  were  crucifying  to  reftore  them 
 with,  and  fo  they  could  not  be  reftored.  But  for  thofe 
 weaklings  and  babes ,  they  were  not  yet  skilful  in  thefe 
 things  y  and  fo  could  not  fin  at  fo  hign  a  rate ,  but  might 
 c  *  be 
 
againft  this  Faith,  &c.  tf  I  ? 
 
 be  both  profitably  and  hopefully,  yet  taught  over  and 
 over,  which  be  the  firfi  friHciples  of  the  Oracles  of  God ; 
 and  if  any  ot  them  by  temptation,  were  fallen  from  what 
 they  began  to  have ,  yet  there  was  fomething  ot  Chrift  in. 
 the  foundation,  oracles,  principles,  and  efficacies  of  Spirit 
 therein,  which  they  had  not  ciearly  known,  and  fo  not 
 crucified  to  themfelves ,  neither  were  tlkv  crucifying 
 Chrift  to  themfelves ,  and  fo  there  was  that  needful  to 
 them  to  be  ftill  taught  them  for  their  recovery.  And.  it  is 
 uncharitable  to  put  weaklings  and  babes ,  under  this  dan « 
 ger  and  impoffibility  of  being  renewed.  A  raft  and  fad 
 laying,  yea  crofs  to  his  other  rafh  faying,  (peaking  of  theft* 
 belecvers  mentioned,  iiW.6,4,5.  of  their  high  gifts  ot 
 knowledge,  faith,  change  of  afte&ioiis  and  converfation, 
 light,  love,  &c-  faith  afterward ,  every  perfon  under  thefc 
 works  formerly  mentioned  (of  this  light,giits,  &c.)  be  ca- 
 pacitated for  the  fin  againft  the  HolyGhoft  :  And  now 
 he  faith,  They  are  the  ignorant,  weaklings  and  babes  that 
 commit  it,  verifying  that,  Proy.%  .6.aud  p.  1 3. 
 
 4  Neither  is  there  any  diftinguifhing  of  thefe  wrote 
 to,,  or  reproved,  or  of  thofe  to  whom  they  are  compared, 
 nor  yet  of  them  put  in  the  fuppofitiou  f  but  when  fallen 
 away  ,  and  found  crucifying  of  Chrift,  andfo  blotted  out 
 ot  the  book  ot  life  )  from  them  to  whom  the  promites 
 appertain,  Chap.6.5Mo-j4.  For  the  promife  mentioned 
 is  that  made  to  Abraham ,  which  appertained  fo,  as  by  at- 
 tending to  the  promife  it  might  be  attained ,  and  enjoyed,  Rcm.3  .x  & 
 by  all,  or  any  of  his  natural  feed,  that  were  under  Cir-  9,4, j,&  if,ir, 
 cumcifion  in  the  time  of  it ,  or  his  profclited  feed  either;  *4. 
 and  to  Peter  preached  to  them ,  and  fo  where  the  Gotpel  Aa.2.38,^, 
 comes  to  all  that  beleeve  in  Chrift ,  as  intereffed  in  them,  *0^/'*,"ti, 
 and  heirs  ot  them ;  and  the  Apoftle  was  not  here  in  Heb.6.   16;/  . 
 9-14.  making  a  diftin&ion ,  between  thofe  of  them,  to  Gji.3.7, 8,*?. 
 whom-, and  ot  whom  he  wrote  (except  in  fuppofal  ot  any 
 fallen  away,  and  found  crucity  ihg  Chriil )  to  whom  the 
 promifes  did  belong,  and  to  whom  not ,  but  fhewing  the 
 hopef  ulneis  he  had  tor  them  all ,  of  whom  he  was  per- 
 fwaded  they  were  not  fo  fallen  away,  as  to  be  found  cru- 
 cifying Chrift  to  themfelves,  and  upon  that  account,  ex« 
 
 hortctb 
 
Ho  '-•:,*,$ 
 Hcb.5.7,1^13 
 
 616  0/Afr.Owens  deafens 
 
 horrcth  every  one  of  them,  to  perfevere  in  (hewing  the 
 lame  diligence  to  the  full  aiTurauce  of  hope  to  the  end.dv. 
 The  edge  of  and  hope  in  which  exhortation  is  abated;and 
 a  mift  caft  upon  it,  by  this  vvrefting  the  words. 
 
 Reafon  6.  True  belcevers  are  oppofed  to  thofe  lying 
 under  a  poflibiiity  of  falling,fo  tar  as  they  are  caft  under  it, 
 by  theconditionaldUcourfe  upon  fundry  accounts. 
 Anfw.  In  the  whole  Epiftle,  there  is  not  one  word  or 
 ,  diltinguilhing  die  one  from  the  other,but  in  the  negieft  otfo 
 &  12,25'  great  falvation,inhardning the  heart,  by  deceitful nes  of  tin, 
 in  departing  from  the  living  God,  through  an  uribcleeving 
 heart,  a  turning  horn  him  that  f peaks  from  heaven.  e^.Nor 
 one  put  in  fear  of  this  more  than  another, nor  fecured  with- 
 out watchfulnefs,  and  heed  taking  one  more  than  another. 
 Nor  dodVthe  Apoftle  in  Heb.64. 6.fpeak  one  word  of  the 
 pofsibility,or  impofsibilityof falling,or  not  falling,but  only 
 iuaiuppolition  of  thofe  already  fallen,  from  fuch  a  height, 
 and  now  crucifying  Chrift  to  themf elves ;  nor  doth  he  in 
 this  fpeak  a  word  of  any  pofsibility  ot  the  recovery  of 
 one  of  thefe,  more  than  of  another;  Nor  doth  he  in  his 
 warning  giving ,  apply  it  to  one  more  than  another;  but 
 in  (hewing  the  greatnefs  of  the  fin,  \i  any  fhould  fall  from 
 fuch  excellency  of  grace ,  and  the  danger ;  and  therein 
 the  equity  of  Gods  proceeding?  to  warn  them  all  alike> 
 which  this  affertion  oppofeth,without  the  (hew  ot  warrant 
 from  any  one  word  5  but  becaufe  he  faith  it  is  upon  fundry 
 accounts,  I  will  view  them. 
 
 Account  1  •  Their  work,  and  labour  of  love ,  mentioned 
 v  erf  9.10. 
 
 a  nfw.  Here  is  no  oppofition  of  one  to  another,  for  he 
 ha  J  yet  charged  none  of  them  to  be  fo  departed.but  only 
 reproved  them ,  and  (hewed  them  the  danger  of  fuch 
 departure,  and  falling  away,  and  now  alfo  mollifying  the 
 harfhnefs  of  his  reproofs,  He  if  ferfwaded  better  things  of 
 t hem ythzn  that  they  are  departed,or  fo  fallen,  or  that  they 
 Cai.4.i4;i  5  will  bring  forth  fuch  briars  and  thorns ,  and  he  gives  one 
 &  5  4  reafon  of  it ,  from  their  voorkjind  labour  of  love ,  not  onely 
 
 Hcb.f.  iO;ii3  that  they  had  (hewed,  for  that  might  be  affirmed  of  fome 
 in  other  places,  that  were  fallen  from  grace,  but  alfo  that 
 
 they 
 
 \u 
 
againji  this  Faith.  6\  J 
 
 they  did  dill  continue  in  s  And  he  defircs  their  perfc- 
 vcrance  to  the  end ,  that  they  might  receive  the  promifes : 
 So  that  he  here  alio  fpeaks  to  >  and  of  them  all ,  without 
 difference  making,  lo  that  a  line  was  impertc&ly  here  ta- 
 ken ,  to  make  up  this  account,  not  (trying  for  fuch  a  bu- 
 fincfsatalL  * 
 
 Account  it  Their  frefervationfrom  the  righteoufnefs  ,of 
 
 Cod. 
 
 Anf».  Here  is  nooppofition  of  one  to  another,  but  hec  Vcrl;ld 
 fpcaksofthem  all  in  general:  And  wherein  had  God  fo 
 freely  ingaged  himfelt  in  his  righteoufnefs ,  fo  as  i£  hec 
 (houid  not  preferve  men,  and  keep  them  to  eternal  life,  he 
 alio  fhould  be  unrighteous  *  Is  not  this  ingagement  firft 
 and  primely  to  Jefus  Qhrill?  Are  not  alt  the  promifes  in  him  iCor.t.ao 
 Tea  j  and  in  htm  Ante*}  And  is  it  not  in,  and  through 
 
 --'4? 
 
 tion,  fanftification,  and  a  fpirit  of  faith  and  love  ?    And  Roni.4,5,8c 
 how  is  this  ingagement  to  keep  beleevers  ?  Is  it  not  by  his  5. 1 
 fower  thtongh  faith  unf[alvation,  fuitable  to  that  ingage-  A^,1*'1* 
 mentheld  forth  to  thefe  Hebrews}  And  they  now  be-  * p^J*^7 
 lecving,  the  Apoftle  is  comforted  concerning  them  >  and  Heb.$.*.i4 
 incourageth  them  with  the  righteoufnefc  of  God  •  So 
 then  1  AH  the  promt fe  1  §f  Gody  are  Tea  and  Amen  inCbrift  :' 
 Andfuretothcm  all  that  belccve  in  Chrift,  That  their 
 prefervation  in  faith  and  love ,  is  from  the  frcenels  of  the 
 mercy  of  God ,  and  his  righteoufnefs  through  Chrift  >  to 
 continue  to  them  fuch  fuppliesof  grace  and  (pirit,  that 
 they  may  perfevcre  in  faith  and  love  :  This  I  hope,  isbc- 
 lecved  by  us  all,yea  and  fomething  more  than  this,namely, 
 That  as  faith  workcth  through  love,  fo  every  (ervice  of  Gal  j.* 
 love  produced  by  it,  fhalltothebeleeverberewarded,but  Mauo4M* 
 then  this  is  without  opposition  ot  one  beleever  to  another*  Lukc  ,4,14 
 it  is  in  general  alike  true  to  them  all.   But  nowfuppofe 
 any  after  they  have  known  the  truth,  and  beleeved,  and 
 met  with  fuch  riches  and  furniture ,  to  keep  them  in ,  and 
 preferve  them,  and  have  brought  forth  fome  fruits  of  love; 
 do  after  this,  tor  fome  dream  or  fancy,  ^v,  turn  afide, 
 
 Kkkk  and 
 
6i$  AdkOvrcm  %e4fins 
 
 and  Co  fall  away  from  God*   Is  God  unrighteous  then  to 
 
 fortake  them  ,  and  to  blot  out  ail  their  former  fervices ,  (o 
 
 as  not  one  is  remembred  on  their  account  ?  Surely  not,  he 
 
 Gen.11.3;        fhould  not  elfe  be  righteous  >  according  to  the  tenour  of 
 
 zChron.i?«i.  his  promife,  and  ingagement  to  his  Son,  and  to  men 
 
 £«k.33i2.3i3  through  his  Son  :  And  in  this  language  fpeaks  the  Apoftle 
 
 Joh.i5,i.»  H  tothefe  Hcfoews,Cbap.  h6>*4>8lto,rtrt%,i9,&c  IM5* 
 
 And  that  without  difference  making.  And  I  hope  none 
 
 would  think  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  ingaged  to  the 
 
 works  of  men,  otherwife  than  in  and  through  Chrifl ,  to 
 
 fuch  as  live  by  the  faith  ot  Chrifl  *  fo  as  this  line  was 
 
 wrefted  tq  a  by  end ,  to  make  up  this  Account ,  and  yet 
 
 will  not  fer ve  for  that  purpofe. 
 
 Account  3.   The  immutability  of  the  CounfeU  of  God^attd 
 —  his  OAth>  mentioned,  ve rf  1 3  - 1 8 . 
 
 Anfjv.   Here  is  no  oppofition  of  beleevers  under  a 
 poflibility  of  falling,  to  beleevers  under  an  impoflibility 
 of  falling,,  nor  is  the  promife  here  madetolome  fort  of 
 beleevers ,  oppofed  to.  other  belevers ;  But  to  Abraham 
 Gal.3.6,7, 8,  torhimfelt,  and  his  feed,  which  is  Chrifl: ,  and  all  that 
 *3>*4.  through  grace,  beleeve  in  him  :  And  this  (o  that  it  may  be 
 
 e  ^'m  4  7'  ^eld  *ortk  to  a^men >  t'iat  t'1Gy  maY  ^keve.  And  to  all 
 Mac!  'it  1 9,20  thatdo  beleeve ,  that  abiding  in  the  faith  they  may  be  Cure 
 Hom.4,iV.  of  the  inheritance.  And  (uch  the  couniels  and  purpofe  of 
 God  as  hath  been  fhewn ,  in  treating  of  purpofes ,  and 
 promiles,  in  which  hce.is  immutable:  And  this  the 
 Apoflles  fcope  futable  to  his  exhortation  tor  their  dili- 
 gence and  pcrfeverance  in  faith  and  love,  in  which  fo  fure 
 confolation ;  but  it  iutes  not  at  ail  to  the  fcope  of  this  Ac- 
 count. 
 
 Account  4.    Their  fare.,  and  ftedfaft  Anchor  of  hope, 
 verf  1  p. 
 
 tAnfv*  Neither  is  here  any  difference  made  between, 
 or  oppofition  oi  one  bekevcr  to  anodier y  but  a  fixong 
 confolation  fet  Wore  altbeleevasy  chac  have  by  faith 
 laid  hold  on  Chrifl,  who  is  the  feed  of  vflratiam  9in 
 whom  all  the  promifes.  confirmed  with  an  Oath  ,  are  Yea 
 -  and  Amen  .-  And  he  having  oflered  up  the  acceptable 
 facrifice  t  is  now  in  our  natuue  enired  iuto  the  heaven^ 
 
 ap* 
 
aga:nftthv  FaiMA  6y 
 
 appearing  there  a  great  high  Ptieft.fea.ving  opened  the  way 
 tor  our  approach :  A.ia  cve».  living  to  inretcede  for  all  that 
 come  to  God  by  him  :  bo  as  i  hey  that  by  faith  do  lay 
 hold  on  him>  who  is  pur  hope  an  J  hope  fixed  in  him,  is 
 as  an  Anchor  furcly  fixed  ,  they  byfauhand  hope  enter 
 within  the  vail,  cleaving  to  him  that  is  there  for  us ,  and 
 fo  their  hope  is  fare  and  itedfaft,  whiui  comfort  is  not  for 
 fome  iort  of,  but  for  all  that  are  indeed  beleevers :  And  fo 
 the  Apcftle  enters  on  his  main  defign ,  to  build  thefe  be- 
 leevers more  and  more  on  Chrift ;  which  evicienceth,  that 
 to  Be  the  right  faith,  and  thofe  true  beleevers fpoken of 
 fW.£.i,*,3>4  5«and  none  of  them  excepted  >  unlefs  any 
 have  fo  willingly  departed ,  that  they  be  found  crucifying 
 Chrift:  And  as  for  them,  they  are  faulted;  but  the  Chrift, 
 the  Spirit, ;  the.Gtfee,  the  faith,  they  have  departed  from? 
 and  crucifie,is  not  faulted,  but  remaineth  the  lame  ftill, .  in 
 which-all  abiding,  are  fafe  :  So  that  this  place,  and  all 
 Scripture  teftifie  the  faith  here  fet  forth  to  be  the  true 
 juftifying  and  faving  faith.  And  Mr*  Owe n  confeffeth  it 
 .wrought  by  the  Spirit ,  and  really  true  in  its  kindc ;  And 
 that  men  may  abide  in  it,  or  men  may  fell  away  from  it : 
 And  Scri  pture  teftifying  but  one  kinde  of  faith ,  the  con- 
 troverfie  is  ended*the  caufe  is  yeelded,it  is  not  for  thisfaith, 
 but  fome  by-opinion ,  to  mantain  the  honour  of  a  party, 
 that  he  contendeth  :  And  yet  that  it  feemnot  fo,  many 
 mixtures  were  put  in  here,  that  are  no  parts  of,  nor  ingre-  *  L .« ., 
 dientsinfaithat  all*  To  make  this  appear  as  wot  right, 
 that  fo  another  may  be  fet  forth ,  and  1  fhall  confider 
 thaulfo. 
 
 .         _ 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 Of  Mr*  Owcnsjecend  AjnAc  ef  faith,  at  he  fen  it  forth)       Page  r  % ,  &  14 
 Page  13*  Chap.  1.  Se&.  2  i.wbere  he  faith,  ScS.u, 
 
 . 
 i.TpHe  Saints  then,  orjkleevers',  ol  w^om alone  our, 
 1  Di(courfeis7  mqy  be  delineated,  by,thele  few  con- 
 fiderable  concernments  in  their  Saint  (hip. 
 
 Kkkk  a  2.  That 
 
6io  Afr.  Owens  fecond 
 
 2.  That  whereas  by  NttHrttbeyan  ttiechtldrtnofwtAth 
 S&fnA  s/weBsiotkifi^  And  dead  m  trefftjfes  and  fitu .  That  faith 
 Epb.  i  .4.  '  and  holinefs,  which  they  are  in  due  time  inverted  withall, 
 i  Pec  i * j ,  whereby  they  are  made  beleevers  and  Saints ,  and  diftin- 
 4#f .  guiftied  from  all  others  what  ever,  is  aneffe&and  fruit  of, 
 
 and  flows  from  Gods  eternal  purpofe,  concerning  their 
 •fj[iUi  falvationorcle&ion,  their  faith  being  as  to  the  manner 
 
 of  its  beftowing,.  peculiarly  of  the  operation  of  God; 
 %  Pet  i  u  ^°^  ast0  ^  diitin£tion  from  every  other  gift ,  that  upon 
 Rom.8.*i  i .  *nY  account,  what  ever  is  (o  called  ,  in  refpc&of  its  foun- 
 Epfa  i.i  f  ,io.  tain  termed,  The  faith  of  Gods  Ele&. 
 &  *,  i-f.6,s,  2.  For  the  manner  of  their  obtaining  of  thh  freciom 
 JJ  &  F^ith ,it  is  by  Gods  giving  to  them,  that  noly  Spirit  oi 
 iirtT*  nk>  whereby  he  raifed  Jelus  from  the  dead ,  to  raifc  them 
 
 Gal  i  %o  fr°m  their  death  in  fin,  to  quicken  them  unto  newnels  of 
 ijob.f.j2  life,  endowing  them  with  a  new  life,  withafpiritual,  gra- 
 i  CorMz  cious,  and  fupernatural  habit,fpreading  it  felf  upon  their 
 i  Thcff. j. ij  whole  fouls,  making  them  new  creatures  throughout  (in 
 *]oht+£pk  refPe^  °*  Parts)  inverting  them  with  an  abiding  prin- 
 a.io.i  PccLii  cipic,  being  a  natural  genuine  fountain  of  all  thofe  fphri- 
 Pfaii.2 .  i  j.  uial  a&s,  works  and  duties ,  which  he  is  pleafed  to  work 
 ]ob.i4.tsitf,6c  in  them,andby  them  of  his  own  good  pleafure. 
 Komf1^7,8  *'•  Thac  the  holy  and  bleffed  Spirit  which  effeaually 
 i  Cor.6.i9°Rol.  ^  powerfully  works  this  change  in  them,  is  beftowed 
 5. 3.  i jo 4  13.  upon  then*,  asafruic  of  the  purchafe and  intercefsiorr  of 
 %  Hm.  ».i  4  Jcfus  Chrift,  to  dwell  in  them ,  and  abide  in  them  for 
 1  Cor. 6. 17, &  evcn  Upon  the  account  of  which  inhabitation  of  the 
 E*  fa  4  * y  ^^wc  °*  Chrift  in  them ,  they  have  union  with  him,  /V. 
 a  joh.}.t4E^h,  onc  anc*  tne  feme  Spirit ,  dwelling  in  him  the  head  >  and 
 a.  2 .  Rom.6„iil  chem  the  members*. 
 
 13  >&  1  *.!,?  4.  By  all  which  as  to  their  a&ual  (late  and  condition, 
 *2  z  Vrh  f  t'1<^  arc  rca"y  Ranged  from  death  to  life,and  from  dark- 
 jCcoi  t  ij  nefs  to  light,  from  an  univerfal  habit  of  undeannefs  unto 
 1  pcri  p  EXCf  hoiinefs,and  from  aftate  of  enmity,  ftubbornnefs,  and  re- 
 >6.i,  zich.13  bellipQj.cfrc.  intaaftate  of  love  obedience,  delight,  &cl 
 1 1^4  3.4  And  a&  to  their  relative  condition,  whereas  they  were 
 fyj b  y  1 1 .  children  of  wrath,  under  the  curfc  and  condemning  power 
 ♦  loZphl il  of  the  Law.    They  arc  upon  the  fcorcof  him,  who  was 
 
 m  acje  a  curfc  fQivthim,  and  is  made  *ighteoufcefs  to  them, 
 
 ac- 
 
kmde  of  Faith.  6ii 
 
 accepted,  juftified,adoptcd,  and  admitted  into  that  family  *?»**i*  Co1- 
 of  heaven,  and  earth ,  which  is  ailed  after  the  Name  ot  ^JJJj^1.* 
 
 God.  Gai.g.  m.Ro. 
 
 Thefe  alone  are  they  of  whom  we  treat  of,  whofc  ftatei.i.*Cor.Mt 
 and  condition,  perfeverance  is  an  infcparable  adjiia3,tfv.  CoU  i©.  R*. 
 Sofarhe,  5.«-&«-3**3} 
 
 For  his*  dating  the  qucftion  about  perfeverancc ,  what  fLJij* 
 that  is,  I  do  not  meddle  with,  itmaybcconfentedinotall 
 hands ;  But  tor  the  faith  and  Saintlhip,  I  (hall  confider  it, 
 becaufe  he  begins  and  ends  his  difcourfe  or  description  of 
 thefc,  with  fating  them  torch,  as  thole  alone  of  whom 
 the  difcourfe  is :  Alfo  having  before  confefled  not  to 
 ftand  for  the  former  kinde  of  faith :  And  this  he  hath  fet 
 forth ,  is  in  fitch  dark  and  unfcripcurc-like  language 
 (chough  many  be  quoted)  that  let  but  the  mixtures ,  put 
 in  about  chc  tormer  kinde  of  faith,  belecversand  Saints, 
 Confefled  ,  Trae  in  its  kinde ,  be  removed ,  as  being  no 
 parts  of  it ,  as  they  arc  not :  And  there  is  nothing  in  this 
 description,  that  will  ftand,  but  what  is  found  in  that,. 
 which  will  appear  in  every  particular  of  his  mentioned 
 concernments ,  and  what  is  that  then  contended  tor  ;  let 
 them  be  considered,  and  the  rather ,  becaufe  there  is  but 
 one  true  kinde  ot  faith ,  and  all  clfe  falfe.  I  defire  there- 
 fore the  Concernments  may  every  one  be  confidcrcd  ac- 
 cord ing  to  Scripture,  and  Scripture-language,  without 
 prejudice. 
 
 CHAP;  XV. 
 
 Of  Mr%  Owen  his  firfi  Concernment.  , 
 
 iTTE  faith  thefe  Saints  and  beleevcrs,,  B)  nature  the  j^v,.,  M>5< 
 
 t  ^children  of  wrath  they  are  a*  well  as  others.  The 
 Text  is  plain,  that  the  Apoitle  having  faid  of  the  Gentiles, 
 They  were  dead  in  trefpajfes  and  fins ,  where  in  times  paftf 
 they  walked,  &ct  He  faith  of  himfelf,  and  the  Jews,  That 
 we  alfo  had  our  conveifaiion  among  the  children  of  difobe* 
 dience^c.   And  (he  faith  not  *r*,but)  were  by  nature  the 
 
 Kkkk    j  ^children. 
 
6i\  Vf  Mr.  U  wens 
 
 children  of  wrath  even  as  others  >  or  (as  fome  translate  it) 
 as  alfo  the  refl  ;  or  as  ((ome  tratlflate  it)  Naturally  the  chil- 
 dren of  wrath,  t  ven  as  rtell  as  others :  But  neither  the  Text, 
 njranytranflation  puts  in  that,  as  the  Jews  conformity 
 With  the  Gentiles ,   That  they  were  ,  even  as  they  ,  dead  in 
 trefpatfes  and  fins;  though  that  in  fomefenfe  were  true  of 
 Rom. 1 1  .\6     the  unbeleeving  Jews,yet  not  in  a  tull  (enfe,  even  as  the  un- 
 Rom/j  i.        beleeving  Gentiles ,   before  the  Gofpel  was  fent  ,to  bee 
 &94.  preached  to  them  •  For  the  Jews  were  the  natural  bran- 
 
 P(a  147.19^°  dies;  Not  fothe  Gentiles:  The  Jews  had  the. Oracles, 
 RomVi'&Q    Covenants,  Promifes,  andferviceof  God  committed  to 
 4,f.      '  '  '  them;  Not  fo  the  Gentiles  :  The  Jews  had  the  worihip 
 Eph  2.u5i  t.    of  the  true  God ,  among  them,  andfo  the  hope  fet  before 
 Rom.3  9'*9-    them,  and  therein  means  more  abundantlyto  come  in  to 
 him  for  receiving  and  enjoying  the  fame  by  faith,  which 
 the  Gentiles  had  not  :  Yet  thefe  Jews  not  by  faith  corn- 
 Eph.*.  13,  -4>  ing  in,  Were  no  better,  but  dtfobedient ,  and  the  children  of 
 15,16,17,1$,    wrathevenas  the  Gentiles.   Now  by  Chrift  the  partition 
 M>  '*'       wall  is  broken  down,  and  by  the  Gofpel  the  fame  privi- 
 ledgcs  with  greater  inlargement ,  and  more  fpiritual  and 
 effe&ual  means  given  to  the  Gentiles-  yet  notwLhftand- 
 ing,  whether  Jews  or  Gentiles,  luch  as  are  not  by  this 
 _  m        Gofpel  and  m,eans  it  affords,  gained  to  beleeve ,  and  fo 
 
 &?>iyi™'  converted  and  changed  in  difpofition  and  converfation 
 ]oh. \  .  $*. '  (what  ever  knowledge  or  means  they  have,  what  ever  hu- 
 mane righteoufnefs  or  profefsion  they  have ,  yet  walking 
 according  to  the  wifdome  and  will  of  the  flefh,  or  ac- 
 cording to  the  oldnefs  of  the  letter  )  they  in  refpeft  of  ac- 
 ceptance with  God ,  and  eternal  lite  ,  are  no  better  than 
 others,  but  under  di(pleafure  and  wrath,  and  in  the  fame 
 danger  even  as  others.  The  children  of  wrath  (and  if  here 
 beputindeadintrefpaffesand  fins,  itwillftand)  cvtn  as 
 o.hers.  -   » 
 
 Now  the  difficulty  lycthinwhat  {enfeAfo/#r<?  is  taken, 
 for  which  I  will  not  Itrive.  Let  men  rake  it  in  what  fenfe 
 by  Scripture  they  will. 
 
 1.  If  by  Nature  be  meant  the  firft  or  natural  birth,  as. 
 f*0?^'12'      mcn  come  from  Adam  by  propagation,and  fo  flnners,an4 
 bear  his  image  which  is  common  to  all  men.    Then  it 
 
 over- 
 
 iM?. 
 
firfl  Concernment.  6t\  I 
 
 he  fancy  of  fome,  a  certain  number  of  per- 
 
 overthrows  the  fancy  of  fome,  a  certain  number  of  per- 
 sons fevered  from  others  >  before  they  were  born,tobe  an 
 eied:  people  to  Son-fhip,  and  eternal  life  \  for  if  any  were 
 ioele&as  Adams  [ons  from  eternity  ,  before  the  world 
 was,  then  were  they  not  born,  or  by  birth,  The  children  of 
 wrath  even  as  other s,  no,  there  would  be  a  great  and  wide 
 difference;  in  humane  things  men  will  eafily  difcern  it.  If 
 one  man  had  by  high  Trealon  procured  on  himfebS  and  all 
 his  pofterity  ,  the  fentence  of  ejection  from  all  his  lands 
 and  inheritance*  and  of  fuffering  for  ever  an  ignominious 
 and  tormenting  death ,  being  for  ever  put  under  the  dif~ 
 pleafure,  wrath  and  hatred  of  him  againft  whom  the 
 treafon  was  committed;  and  yet  the  execution  deferred  till 
 the  Tray  tor  have  twenty  children  .•  And  in  the  fentence 
 paffed,  this  referve,  that  the  third,ieventh,  tenth,  andfit- 
 teenth  of  that  mans  children  lhall  be  treed  from  the  exe- 
 cution of  the  fentence,  and  be  accepted  as  fons  in- o  favour 
 with  the  King,  and  enjoy  the  inheritance  ,  though  thefe 
 may  be  bom  as  finful ,  and  ill-deferving  as  the  reft  ?  yet 
 can  they  not  be  laid  to  be  born  y  or  by  birth  to  be  the  chil- 
 dren of  the  wrath  and  difpleafure  of  the  King,  even  as  the 
 otherv(eeing  even  by  their  very  birth,  the  perfons  (o  born, 
 were  appointed  tofuch  freedome,  favour ,  and  happinefs, 
 as  the  reft  were  excluded  from  before  they  were  born  \  but 
 if  none  fo  provided  for,  but  all  alike  before  their  birth;  ex- 
 cluded, then  were  they  alike  the  children  of  wrath,  or  elfe 
 not.  This  Simily  illuftrates,  the  Text  proveth  ,  and  Mr* 
 0«^wconfefleth>  All  are  by  nature  the  children  of  wraths 
 one  even  as  another.  And  fo  as  Adams  fons,  none  differen- 
 ced from  others  by  any  fuch  election  s  befoce  their  beingr 
 ocbyafirftbirth. 
 
 2  If  by  Nature  be  meant  the  corrupt  difpofition  ,  with 
 which  from  ourfirft  father  we  are  all  naturally  infeded, 
 and  fo  according  to  the  lufts  of  that  difpofition ,  what  ever 
 means  were  ufed  towards  us^more  than  other.yetwe  accor- 
 ding to  the  courfe  of  this  world,  and  the  motions  of  Satan, 
 walked  in  fulfilling  the  wills  of  the  flelh ,  And  fo  were  by 
 Nature  the  children  of  wrath  even  as  others  :  If  we  take  it 
 thus,as  furely  alfo  we  may,then  it  ftill  overthrows  the  fore* 
 
 mentioned 
 
di/j.  0/Afr.Owens 
 
 mentioned  fancy;  for  to  be  elect  to  Son- (hip,  and  inhcri- 
 
 ift.41. 1 .  with  tancc> an(* co  be  well-beloved)  and  under  well-  pleafednefs, 
 
 Mac.iV j  8 .     is  one  and  the  fame ,  by  our  Savfours  opening  the  word; 
 
 to  be  under  wrath,  and  under  companion,  may  well  ftand 
 
 together;  but  to  be  under  wrath,  and  well- pleafednefs 
 
 (lands  not  together,  nor  arc  any  that  are  without  Chrift, 
 
 Rom,5.4.        and  out  of  him,  chofen  or  elecled  in  him;  the  natural  man 
 
 1  Cor.i  1.4T,    is  firft,  the  fpiritual afterward ,  as  with  the  head ,  to  with 
 
 x  p*7'^8,        c^e  memhers :  w^°  arc  c'ie  ck&  anc*  chofen  ,  is  fore- 
 
 I  Thcff  5I3I4  declared ;  and  they,  when  ele£t,  are  not  children  of  wrath 
 
 Kom^ii,x6.  even  as  others,  norasthemfelvesfometimesweres  fothat 
 
 in  this  faying  ,  he  hath  intimately  confefled  the  truth  of 
 
 their  belcef,  he  profefledly  oppofeth. 
 
 a.  He  faith,  That  faith  and  holinefs  which  in  due  time 
 they  are  inverted  withall,  whereby  they  are  made  Bc- 
 lcevers  and  Saints ,  and  diftinguifhed  from  all  others  what 
 ever,  is  an  effe&t  and  fruit  of ,  and  flews  from  Gods  eter- 
 nal purpofe?  concerning  their  falvation,  and  election. 
 1  loh    1  ^le  &*^*  anc*  holinefs  of  thole  forementioned ,  wants 
 
 jofaV' '*  7     not'1«1g  °f  this ;  Was  it  not  the  purpofe  of  God  in  fend- 
 ing forth  his  Son  the  Saviour  of  the  world ,  That  the 
 world  through  him  might  befaved}  And  Was  it  not  in  the 
 ituJk       '  fame  purpole  of  God,  That  his  Son  having  in  mans  na- 
 jofc.j.ujif,    ture  dyed  for  our  fins,  andrifenforourjuftification,  &c. 
 i6.8tis.zf,     fhould  be  preached  ,  To  turn  men  from  darkness*  to  light •, 
 &  i#,«4,>  j      %hat  whoever  beleeveth  in  him  ,  (hould  mot  ferifh ,  but  have 
 iPa.i.»c,ii   wer  lafti»g  life}  h  not  this  Jefus,  He  of  whom  the  holy 
 Spirit  teftifieth,  and  the  things  of  whom  he  fhewcth ,  and 
 fo  in  glorifying  him  draweth  men  tobeleeve  in  him? 
 And  are  not  thofefo  brought  to  beleeve  in  him,  belecvers 
 indeed,  and  Saints  by  calling  ?  And  is  not  this  faith  pro- 
 d  need  by  the  love  of  God  >  commended  in  giving  his  Son 
 todyetorourfins^  andfaftnedon  Chrift  the  foundation, 
 Romero      receiving  remission  of  fins,  and  fpiritual  quickning, 
 through  beleeving  on  him  •  According  to  the  purpofe  of 
 God?  Is  dicre  any  purpofe  of  God  for  fending  his  holy 
 Spirit  to  witnefs  of  Chrift,  to  work  any  other  kinde  of 
 faith,  than  this  of  the  right  kinde  *  or  is  there  any  faith  in 
 Chrift  of  the  Spirits  working ,  that  is  not  according  to 
 
 the 
 
firft  Concernment]  6i$ 
 
 the  purpofe  of  God ;  doth  he  fpeak  of  himfelfc  or  work 
 otherwife  than  as  proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son  I 
 And  are  not  thefe  beleevers  in  their  coming  into  Chriib 
 diftinguilhed  thereby ,  from  all  that  are  unbeleevers ,  and 
 of  the  world  whatever?  And  who  will  fay,  It  is  quefti- 
 onable,  whether  the  holy  Spirit  thus  bringing  any  to  be- 
 leeve  in  Chrift,  be  an  effeft  and  fruit  of,  and  flowing  from 
 the  grace,  love,  and  purpofe  of  God  concerning  their  fal- 
 vation,  even  that  inbeleevingthey  might  befaved?  But 
 thefe  things  have  been  often  at  large  cleerlyfhewn  and  pro- 
 ved before;  nor  doth  Mv.Owen  here  fay,  This  faith  is  a  truit 
 of  ele&ionjhe  knows  that  with  more  fhe  w  c  f  truth  it  might 
 be  faid  ele&ion  is  a  fruit  of  this  faith  ;  but  yet  that  is  not  a 
 good  and  right  expreffion  neither;  but  the  teltimony  of  the 
 holy  Ghoft  is,  That  they  -wire  chofen  through  thefanttifieatisn 
 of  the  Spirit^  and  the  beleef  of  the  Truth  ,  to  which  they  were  l  Tbcff.a. 
 called,  &c.  which  is  already  fore-  {hewn*  And  here  yeelded  1 *,f  4* 
 in  this  faying  concerning  their  falvation  or  ele&ion  ,  ma- 
 king thefe  two  terms  in  a  fort?  fignifying  the  lame  thing, 
 aadio  election  a  partdf  the  falvation  wrought  in  them 
 and  upon  them?  and  fo  the  faith  the  fame  fet  out,H*£.6. 
 
 5  He  faith  ,  Their  faith  being  as  to  the  wanner  of  its  be* 
 flowing  peculiarly  of  the  operation  of  God. 
 
 This  agrees  well  with  that  fet  forth,  Heb.6 .1,2.4,5.'  It 
 was  God  fure  that  in  love  gave  his  Son  to  do  that  for  us,tn 
 and  by  which  he  is  the  compleat  object  of  faith:  And  Jefus 
 Chrift*  in,  and  through  whom  God  commendeth  his  love 
 to  us,  is  God,  even  one  and  the  fame  God  bleffed  for  ever : 
 And  the  Holy  Ghoft  that  proceedeth  from  the  Father  aad 
 the  Son,  is  one  and  the  fame  God,  with  the  Father  and 
 the  Son>  and  that  the  Father  and  the  Son  is :  And  he  dif- 
 covering  and  drawing  on  Chrift  the  foundation.and  fo  il- 
 luminating and  affording  taftes  of  (the  heavenly  gift  as  the 
 effects,  repentance  from  deadworkj^  and  faith  towards  God* 
 This  is  certainly  both  his  peculiar  operation*  and  the  ope- 
 ration of  God.  And  to  deny  this  under  any  furaaife  of  an 
 unknown  purpofe  or  ele&ion,  were  to  derogate  from  the 
 grace  of  God,  even  of  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
 Ghoft,as  if  their  works  in  this  kind,  were  not  truly  faving* 
 
 LIU  and 
 
6x6  Of  Mr.  Owens 
 
 and  gracious ,  which  I  hope  npne  wil  fay :  fo  that  this 
 faith  abiderti  (till  right. 
 
 4.  He  faith,  And  as  to  its  dtftinft  ten  from  every  other  gift , 
 that  upon  any  account  what  ever  ,  u  f§  called,  tn  reJpeU  of  its 
 fountain  termed,  "the  faith  of  Gods  elett* 
 
 Surely  the  faith  fofet  torch,  #^.£.1,2,4,5.  is  even  fo 
 in  refpeA  ot  any  other  gifts  upon  any  account ,  by  men 
 Eph.4,4,5.&i.  called  Faith  s  For  in  Scripture,  we  finde  but  one  true  faith, 
 ••  and  that  is  the  gift  of  God.  The  objeft  held  forth,  for  faith 
 
 one.  the  Gofpel  difcovering  it,  one;  and  the  Spirit  witnef- 
 fmg  and  calling  in  that  Goipel  to  that  objefr,  one;  his  light 
 and  motion,  from  the  free  grace  ©f  God  difcovered,  draw- 
 f>ages*ir,u8  jng  co  beleeve  in  Chrift,  draws  into  one ,  and  worketh  one 
 faith,and  there  is  not  another,as  is  fhewn  before. As  for  that 
 in  liu  i.i.  the  Apoftle  was  fetting  forth  to  Tit  ho  the  Crace 
 of  his  Apoftlefhip.  And  in,  and  according  to  what  it  was 
 ro.  1 .1^3 ,4,    to  be  exercifed ,  uttering  in  few  words ,  that  he  did  to  the 
 t%1*z*'%6'  &omans  nl  more  words 9  and  to  the  Ephefiansy  and  to  the 
 GaLi1 11,12!-     GaUtiansy  and  other  Churches.   And  fo  here  by  Gods 
 Tit.i'.  u         eled  is  primely  meant,  Jefus  Chrift  who  is  Gods  ele£t,and 
 Ifa  4*«i.        his  beloved  Son :  And  To  the  faith  of  Gods  eleft ,  and  the 
 Mar.12.18.     faith  of  the  Son  of  God,isall  one  and  thefamc  faith:  And 
 ro,2"i°«  &    ky  faith  is  here  meat}t  primely ,  The  do&rine  of  Faith ,  in 
 i*Ttf.  which  Jefus  Chrift  is  let  forth  y  and  this  preached  for  the 
 
 obedience  of  faith,  that  men  might  beleeve  it,  and  fo  come 
 in  to  the  acknowledgement  of  the  truth  ,  which  is  after 
 godlinefs  in  the  hope  of  eternal  life  ,  which  is(et  forth  in 
 iThe£i.i4.  this  Gofpel.  This  the  fame  faith,  which  Paul>  when  UhI, 
 ©al.i.iV  fometimes  perfecuted ;  and  after  his  conversion  preached, 
 ib  that  we  have  here  plainly  fet  forth  to  us  ; 
 
 1  The  teltimony  of  Chrift,  who  is  Gods  elects  Son. 
 The  Word  our  Saviour,  and  the  medium,  and  Doftrine 
 letting  him  forth  in  thefe  words,  Ihe  faith  of  Gods  e left. 
 Job.;-.  1-4,1-9,  And  2*  the  repentance  from  dead  works ,  and  faith  to* 
 i*3i7,i8.  vards  God,  which  it  calledi  to ,  teacheth,  requireth ,  and 
 1  Cor.  f.  10  worketh,  in  thefe  words  ,  The  acknowledging  of  the  truth, 
 io,  1 1 '.  *    *      which  k  after  godlinefs,, 
 
 Rom.i.i.3,&      And  3.  The  bleflingand  hope  in  fuch  repenting  and 
 i*>ij>*&       hqleevingtobe  met  and  enjoyed ,  in  thefe  words,  Inhope 
 
firft  Concernment.  €ij 
 
 of  eternal  life>&c*  Is,  not  this  the  fame  with  that  in  other 
 places:  And  is  not  this  that  which  God  promiled  before 
 the  world  began  ,  before  there  was  any  beginning  of  in- 
 crease or  fociety  for  multiplication ,  only  creatures  made, 
 and  man  fallen  ?  God  then  promifed  the  lendiag  of  his 
 Son,  and  this  manifeftation  of  him,  and  eternal  lite  in  him, 
 and  fo  by  him  to  call  and  give  eternal  life  in  him,  and   %  Tfm.x.ro, 
 through  him-,  to  all  that  beleeve  in  him.   And  now  God  i  per.i.ao, 
 hath  manifefted  this  in  fending  fordi  his  Son ,  and  through  *»•    >  Jofe.  u 
 Gofpel-preaching  declared,  and  made  it  known,  that  men  ^^jj0^' 
 might  beleeve,  and  in  beleeving  have  eternal  life.  And  this  J^g^Eph*!  \ 
 the  very  fame  fo  fet  forth  and  expreft  in  many  other  places;  y\. 
 fo  that  here  is  the  compleat  objed:  and  foundation  of  faith*  Rom.i*,i£ 
 Gods  ele£l,  the  medium  of  declaring  the  word  manifefted 
 through  preaching  5  The  true  beleeving  :  The  acknow- 
 ledgement of  the  truth,  which  is  after  godlinefs ;  And  the 
 bleffed  hope  given  and  received  in  fuch  beleeving;  The 
 hope  of  eternal  life,  and  the  ground  of  the  certainty  of  this 
 hope  ;  The  Almighty  that  is  AH-fuflicient ,  God  that 
 cannot  lye,  that  is  Truth  it  felf,  he  hath  promiled  it,  even 
 when  mankind  was  fallen  in  enmity  and  weaknefs  before 
 the  beginning  of  any  incrcaie  ,  or  rifing ;  and  hath  fince 
 confirmed  it  by  oath  to  Abraham:  And  he  hath  given  a  Geni$.i$.& 
 teftimony  of  his  love,truth  and  righteoufnefs  in  beginning  £2.1 7*18. 
 to  fulfil  his  word ,  in  that  he  hath  fent  forth  "his  Son ,  and  *f*  $1*4* 
 delivered  him  up  for  us  all ,  and  according  to  his  will  and 
 command  caufeth  the  fame  to  be  preached . 
 
 Now  when  any  through  this  teftimony  of  God  con- 
 cerning his  Son,  what  he  laid  alide,  what  he  became,  and 
 fuffered  for  us,  what  he  is,  and  is  become ,  and  hath  to  be- 
 ft  ow  on  us.  And  fo  the  love  of  God  to  mankinde  appear- 
 ing through  him,  is  thereby  convinced  and  brought  in  to  Rom^.^M* 
 beleeve  in  Jefus  Chrift,  the  eleft  of  God,  fo  as  he  is  there-   %iS*'l>**** 
 in  broken  oft  from  all  other  confidences  and  delights  ,  to  *  jktxfk1* 
 confide  in  God  thatraifed  Chrift  from  the  dead  through  z^^',%  ' 
 him,  to  fave,renue,and  preferve  diem  in  and  by  his  grace, 
 to  eternal  life  through  this  bcleef  of  the  truth,  and  falsi- 
 fication of  the  Spirit  ,  they  are  chofen  into  union  and 
 fellowftup  with  Chrift,  and  conformity  to  him;  Thefe 
 
 LI  11  1  are 
 
6%%  OfMr.Owtns 
 
 %  Pet.i .u        arc  in,  and  through  Chrift  the  cle£t  of  God;  and  hate  the 
 Tim  .4.  Y[kc  precious  faith  with  the  Apoftles  :  And  thus  was  Vtiu 
 
 Xite,^.&.2.2  p*Hls  ^on  ■  a^ter  c^e  c0^"1011  fa^h  >  which  is  alfo  called, 
 J  i,  i  %A 3  ,i4.    The  common  fatvation,  and  the  faith  which  was  once  delivered 
 *  i'4;j^>7.'    **/^  Saints :  The  faithful  word  to  be  holdenfaft:  The 
 faith  that  beleevcrs  are  to  be  found  in ,  explicated  to  T/<*# 
 in  the  foundation  and  teachings  of  it :   And  in  the  manner 
 and  gracious  ends  of  its  operation ,  where  the  fountain, 
 ftreams,  effects,  and  hope,  arecxpreft,  and  opened,  foas 
 we  may  be  fure,  .7 his  is  that  common  falvatfan,  common 
 faith-  7 he  faith  once  delivered  to  the  Saints  called  alfo,  The 
 GaU.iol         faith  of  the  Sox  of  <j$d'y    The  faith  of  Gods  elett;  yea  the 
 AftU'i'  f*i*bof  God,  and  the  faith  of  Chrt ft ,  the  faith  of  oar  Lord 
 
 Jam  it*.4"  3€fm  >  ^nd  the  faith  of  the  Gofpel.  And  I  hope  none  will 
 Rty.  1 4. 1 2. .  fay,  This  is  Gods  peculiar  manner  ©t  beleeving,  or  Chrift 
 Pfaxl.i.27,  his  beleeving ,  or  the  Gofpels  beleeving,  nor  that  the  faith 
 of  Gods  eleel: ,  was  the  peculiar  manner  of  beleeving  in 
 Chrift,  diftinit  from  others  beleeving  in  Chrift,  which 
 PWfometimeperfecuted,  and  now  preached,  and yet  no 
 record  of  it;  fotbat  this  of  Tit.i.  1,2,3,9.  agrees  in  one 
 and  the  fame  faith  (et  forth,  Heb.6. 1,2.4,;;  And  for  this 
 that  God  did  from  eternity  eleft  a  certain  number  of  men 
 that  were  to  come  of  Adam,  from  the  reft  of  mankinde, 
 to  Son*  (hip  and  eternal  lif^and  that  he  gave  thefe  to  Chrift 
 to  dye  for  them ,  and  that  thefe  {hall  in  due  time  be  in- 
 ,  vefted  with  a  peculiar  faith  and  holinefs ,  and  that  by  his 
 Spirit  witnefling  of  Chrift,  he  will  work  a  faith  and  ho- 
 linefs really  xrue  in  its  kinde ,  in  others  of  the  fons  of  men, 
 for  whom  Chrift  dyed  not ,  when  fuch  as  have  it  cannot  be 
 eternally  faved  by  it,  but  are  capacitated  thereby  to  fin 
 againft  rhe  Holy  Ghoft ,  which  in  falling  away  they  do; 
 and  though  they  abide  in  this  faith ,  yet  they  cannot  be 
 raved*  That  firft  mentioned  faith  flowing  from  fuch  an 
 ele£iion  and  purpofe  of  God  concerning  their  perfons ,  is 
 the  faith  of  Gods  elc£b  This  I  fay,  Paul  never  taught,nor 
 is  there  any  bne  line  in' Scripture  to  affirm  it;  the  Spirit 
 of  God  leads  no  man  fo  to  beleeve  or  fpeak  it ,  is  quite 
 and  direftly  crofe  to  his  Teftimony ,  as  is  fhewn  at  large, 
 Jferi.2*  Chap.p.  P.*ge 87,88,89.  &  Part^.Chap.io,  &  1  r. 
 
 So 
 
fecond  Concernment.  fay 
 
 So  chat  the  faith  here  commended  is  the  fame  with  that. 
 IW.6.4,5.  And  as  for  fow.8.18.  how  it  {peaks  the  fame 
 thing ,  and  not  a  word  for  this  reproved  fancy  is  (hewn 
 before  at  large.   And  fo  likewife  is  that  Att.i  3.48,  in  Seep™.* 
 Part.$.  Chapfi.  Page 317,318.  So  that  Epb.i  4*  is  like- Chap.^7,8. 
 wife  (hewn  to  make  nothing  for  it,  Part.$.  Chap. 12.  Page 
 221.  And  that  I  /VM.2,3  4, 5,  fpeaks  not  of  an  eternal 
 purpofe  of  God  concerning  fome  certain  perfons  of  *  damp 
 Ions,  in  a  decree  to  cleft  and  eternally  fave  them ;  but  of 
 the  manner  of  theele&ion  of  fuchas  were  already  actu- 
 ally elcfted,  v'tx^  That  it  was  through  the  fanttification  ef    -.  ff 
 the  Spirit  unto  the  fprinkjing  of  the  blood  of  Jefm  ,  expreft  *  U** 
 
 elfewherc,  The  be  lee f  of  the  truth  in  -which  that  ffrinkjixg  u> 
 received*  This  eleftion  being  according  to  the  fore- know- 
 ledge ,  or  tore-approbation  of  God ,  who  hath  fore- 
 appointed ,  and  approved  this  way  for  electing  and  choo-  - 
 fing  fuch  as  bclceve  his  Teftimony  ,  as  is  at  large  (hewn  011 
 &om$>,i%.Part,^£hap*6.&  y.&  8.S0  that  this  Concernment 
 hath  gained  nothing  for  any  other  kinde  of  faith ,  than 
 thatheconfeftat  firft  true  in  its'  kinde;  I  would  he  had 
 not  cad  it  by. 
 
 CHAP.  XVL 
 
 Of  his  fecond  Concernment * 
 
 rTTE  faith  for  the  manner  of  their  obtaining  this  pre- 
 ITlcious  faith  5  it  is  by  Gods  giving  to  them  that  holy 
 Spirit,tfv*  In  this  I  (hall  note  three  things ,  in  which  it  is 
 pretended  to  be  not  only  peculiar,  but  of  another  3  and 
 better  kiade  than  the  former,true  in  its  kinde. 
 
 I .  Hee  faith  *  It  is  by  giving  that  Holy  Spirit  of 
 his  9  whereby  he  raifed  Jefus  from  the  dead,  to  raife  them 
 from  their  death  m  fm->  to  quicken  them  unto  newnefs 
 of  life. 
 
 In  this  firft  faying ,  we  have  two  things  to  note  in  the 
 manner  of  truebeleevers  obtaining  faith)?//*. 
 FirftrWhat  God  gives  unto  them,  and  that  is  that  fame 
 
 Llll  3  holy, 
 
fyo  Of  Mr.  Owens 
 
 holy  Spirit  of  his ,  by  which  hec  raifed  Jcfus  from  the 
 dead. 
 
 Andfecondly?  The  end  tor  which  God  gives  this  holy 
 Spirit  to  them,  and  that  istoraife  them  from  their  death  - 
 in  fin,  to  quicken  them  unto  newnefsoi  life,  both  which 
 are  very  true ,  and  will  by  all  true  beleevers  ,  be  fo  con- 
 feffed,yet  the  afferting  it ,  as  a  peculiar  manner  of  obtain- 
 ing  faith  ,  that  is  of  a  better  kinde  than  that,  mentioned* 
 2/^.6.4,5.  and  another  manner  of  obtaining  alfo ,  and 
 leaving  out  fomething  needful  mthis  bufinefsto  be  men- 
 tioned, is  blame-worthy ;  For, 
 
 1  God  for  calling  any  to  the  faith ,  doth  not  {end  forth, 
 or  give  any  other  fpirit ,  nor  is  there  any  other  fpirit  pro- 
 ceeding from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  than  that  hoiy  Spi- 
 rit, by  which  he  raifedjefus  from  the  dead;  This  Spirit  i« 
 called  his  Holy  Spirit ,  the  Spirit  of  Chrift ,  the  Soirit  of 
 sP««*'i9,w«    Grace.   By  this  Spirit  Chrift  preached  in  the  miriiftration 
 A*./  .5 1-        0{  jv0Aby  anj  0f  ■  ^  Prophets,  whence  thofe  that  refilled 
 his  inlightnings,  and  teachings  in  thofe  miniftrations ,  are 
 laid  to  have  been  difobedient  to,  and  have,  refitted  the 
 Holy  Ghoft :  And  now  more  abundantly,  fince  the  fuf- 
 .,     ferings,and  afcentidn  of  Chrift,  he  doth  in  the  miriiftration 
 oitheGofpel,  inlighten,  call,  convince,  &c.  whence  thofe 
 that  ftiut  their  eyes ,  and  refufe ,  and  defpife ,  are  faid  to 
 iThef.4.7^.     defpifeGod  :   And  they  that  after  they  have  received  the 
 Heb.i  o.z$.        knowledge  of  the  truthy  do  willingly  tre ad  under  foot  ^the  Son  of 
 God^wd  count  the  blood  of  the  Covenant  as  an  unholy  thing^are 
 (aid  to  have  done  defpiu  to  the  Sprit  of  Grace,  i.  e.  It  it  had 
 not  been  the  holy  Spirit  jhey  had  refifted,their  fin  had  not 
 been  f  o  grievous  $  It  is  not  good  to  devife  pleas  for  wicked 
 men^to  extenuate  their  fin.    And  though  there  be  a  Spirit 
 of  truth,  and  a  fpirit  of  error ,  yet  truth  is  one ,  and  the 
 ijoh  4.1-6      Spirit  of  truth  is  one,  though  his  gifts  be  divers,  and  the 
 1  Cor.  1 2.4 n    Spirit  of  truth  cometh  ©nely  from  God  and  Chrift  $  And 
 *  Cor. JX.4.T3.  no  Qj-fo,.  fpirit 5but  error  is  divers  and  many,  and  the  fpirit 
 iCQr.12.2,},  9*  error  is  manifold  and  various,  and  procecdeth  not 
 from  (Bod,  but  from  the  Devil.    Nor  can  any  man  attain 
 any  true  kinde  of  faith,  but  by  the  Holy  Ghoft;  yea  that 
 faith  mentioned,  tyM-ii*4>5t  Was  attained  by  the  illu- 
 mination 
 
fecond  Concernment.  6$\ 
 
 ruination  of  the  Holy  Ghoft ,  and  they  were  made  parta-  - 
 kersof  the  Holy  Ghoft.  Andtoafcribetothe  Spirit  the 
 working  of  a  faith  of  Chrift  dying  >  and  by  his  blood  ha- 
 ving made  peace  ,  fuch  as  (hall  caute  light,  love,  joy,  and 
 fill  the  foul  with  fuch  hope  of  eternal  life,  as  (hall  ravifh 
 the  heart  of  a  man,  and  inwardly  and  outwardly  change 
 him : ;  And  yet  that  Chrift  dyed  not  for  that  man  ,  or  that 
 there  is  no  eternal  life  in  him  for  that  man  5  nor  truth  ,  or 
 •  reality  in  Gods  intentions  to  give  it  him.  Oh!  yee  heavens 
 beaftonifhed,  and  let  the  earth  tremble  at  this ,  that  any 
 lhouldfay  thus  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  the  Spirit  of  truth, 
 or  that  God  fhould  have  two  Spirits ,  one  to  work  this 
 faith,  which  yet  cannot  be  true  in  any  kinde,  and  a  better 
 Spirit  to  work  a  better  kinde  of  faith  5  His  Spirit  is  one, 
 and  holy ,  and  all  his  operations  to  bring  any  to  beleeve, 
 likehimfelf,  true,  real,  holy,  and  of  the  right  and  Caving 
 kinde,  though  many  refill,  and  fome  depart*  So  that  this 
 line  of  truth,  was  in  this  bufinefs  not  well  brought  forth, 
 feeing  it  was  to  oppofc  another  line  of  truth ,  and  to  ob* 
 fcure  the  truth  of  the  holy  Spirits  operations. 
 
 2.  The  obje&  difcovered  ,  and  medium  ufed  by  the 
 Holy  Ghoft,  for  bringing  any  to  this  faith,  and  effecting 
 this  end  mentioned,  is  here  fleighted  and  left  out  :  That 
 is  Chrift  and  him  crucified  ,  as  fer  forth  in  the  Gofpelfor 
 finners ,  to  look  to  and  beleeve  in ;  For  this  is  certain, 
 firft,  That  this  holy  Spirit teftifieth  of  Chrift,  witnefleth 
 of  his  death,  returre&ion,  facrifice,  exaketh,  and  glorifieth 
 him,  as  the  Son  of  God,  the  Saviour  of  the  world,  the  If^'^ 
 Prince  and  Saviour  that  gtveth  repentance  and  remiflion  a^^iVz. 
 of  fins  to  lfrael,  and  is  a  light  to  the  Ge miles J  and  Gods 
 (alvation  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  *And  that  whofoever     -h 
 beleeveth  in  him  (hall  receive  remifsion  of  fins.    This  Jefus,   &  2°  j*'^  $ 
 and  the  things  of  him,  doth  the  Holy  Ghoft  witnefs ,  dil-  9>,o'J4#  X  & 
 cover,and  glorifie,and  no  other  thing  to  bring  men  to  the  5,6i7j8?\o:i  1 
 faith;   It  is  not  the  holy  Spirit  that  I peaks  of  himlelf,  or  u 
 that  gives  any  other  thing  to  bottome  faith  upon ,  or 
 fleights  the  foundation:  And  all  true  faith  alfo  isbyhearing, 
 by  hearing  the  word  of  the  grace  of  God  through  Chrift, 
 F*hh  is  b)  he*ring^nd  hearing  by  the  word  efiSod.'Thc  Spirit  Rom.10.15  -17-, 
 
6\z  OfMr.Owens 
 
 Gal.j.1,1,3,  isseceived  by  the  hearing  of  faith  5  yea  the  holy  Com* 
 mandement  delivered  to  them ,  who  after  turned  from  it, 
 
 iPet.z.»o,&  was  through  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
 
 1,1,3.  Je^lis ;  even  the  lame  way,  which  they  that  abode  in  the 
 
 1  Peer. 20,11.  faith  attained  it  *,  So  by  the  knowledge  of  Chrift,  the  foun- 
 dation, and  the  oracles  of  God  therein,  teaching  the  prin- 
 ciples with  die  holy  Spirit  inlightning;  the  Hebrews  ob- 
 tained their  faith  ;   So  that  a?  there  is  but  one  faith,  fo  it  is 
 
 Heb,6, 1,1,4,5  attained  by  one  Spirit,  and  that  coming  in  one  way 
 through  Chrift ,  and  witnefling  the  grace  that  is  through 
 himj  io  that  there  is  no  other  true  kind  of  faith,  but  that  at 
 firft  confeffed  true  in  its  kindc  ,  and  to  be  fet  forth  in  Heb. 
 6.1,2,4,5. 
 
 And  let  his  Quotations  be  read,  and  confidered ,  and 
 they  fay  no  other,  z  Pet.1.1.  Teter  afhrms,  not  of  fome 
 peculiar  among  belee vers ,  but  of  them  all  to  whomhee 
 wrote ,  That  they  obtained  like  precious  faith  with  them, 
 thrmgh  the  righteoufnefs  of  <Jod>    and  our  Saviour  Jefus 
 
 Cto^i?  *  thrift.  Sure  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  is  in,  and  through 
 Chrift;  he  promifed  him  ,  and  promifed  to  aflift ,  raife, 
 glorifie  him,  That  he  fhould  call,  &c  And  God  in  his 
 righteoufnefs  hath  done  this,  and  according  to  promife,  as 
 he  hath  accepted  his  facrifice  •>  and  will  accept,  &cm  all 
 that  beleeve  on  him.  And  the  righteoufnefs  of  Jefus 
 Chrift  being  in  his  onenefs  of  will  with  the  Father ,  to 
 perform  all  that  he  undertook  for  men ,  and  hath  under- 
 taken for beleevers,  as  in  his  oblation,  interceflion,  and 
 coming  agaiiijin  all  which  is  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  and 
 Chrift .  And  through  the  knowledge  of  this,  the  Apoftles 
 
 %  Pet.  1 ,1,3.  fay?  they  received  >  and  defire  multiplying  of  grace  to  the 
 beleevers  the  fame  way  ;  fo  as  (which  in  the  faying  was 
 left  out)  the  Spirit  calls  tenders,  inlightcns,  and  works  faith 
 m  giving  forth  the  knowledge  of  the  righteoufnefs  of  God, 
 and  of  our  Lord  Jcfus  Chrift ;  So  all  that  through  that 
 knowledge  are  brought  to  beleeve  in  Chrift,  have  the  fame 
 precious  faith  which  the  Apoftles  had  ;  and  no  other 
 kinde  of  faith  >  nor  manner  of  obtaining  ;  is  commended 
 by  Peter* 
 i  The  end  he  faith  for  which  God  giveth  his  holy 
 
 Spirit* 
 
fecond  Concernment.  6# 
 
 Spirit,  is  very  right  and  true  ;  but  the  limit iag  ic  to  fome 
 certain  peculiar ,  yea  unknown ,  and  undemonftrable  per- 
 fons,  is  not  right,  nor  according  to  truth  •  nor  I  hope,  will 
 any  fay,  Godgivcthhis  holy  Spirit,  to  work  fome  kinde  joh.$.i7,&rt 
 of  faith  in  any,  and  not  for  this  end  here  mentioned.  The  47.1Tim.nr 
 end  of  God  in  giving  and  fending  his  Son  into  the  world,  few  i^'i 
 was  not  to  cotidemmjtut  to  fave  the  world, ev  en  Jinnen  .The  end  a&  14/17/ 
 of  Chrift  his  fending  his  fervants  with  the  Gofpel  to  men,//  Saoai**   0 
 to  of  en  their  eyes^and  turn  them  from  dark»efs  to  light, &c^To  Job  3  h 
 reconcile  their  hearts  by  the  reconciliation  wrought  in  f^'i*1** 
 Chrift;  yea  his  mercies  and  chaftifements  both,  have  the  J0  l  '** 
 fame  end.    So  that  we  maybe  fully  allured,  that  Gods 
 end  in  fending  his  Spirit  in  the  Gofpel,  is  to  fave*convince, 
 and  fo  turn  the  heart,  &c.  fo  that  a  difference  of  one  kind 
 of  faith  from  another ,  cannot  be  proved  by  a  different 
 end  of  Gods  fending  forth  his  holy  Spirit. 
 
 But  it  may  be  replied,  The  term  in  this  fentence,  is 
 more  than  fending  •  It  is  Gods  giving  his  holy  Spirit. 
 
 To  which  I  antwer,  That  fuch  a  difference  in  the  terms  J°  *  •  *r%  lft 
 makes  none  in  the  thing  5  For  where  God  is  fending  the 
 Gofpel,  anddemonftratingbyit,  the  life  in  Chrift,  and 
 calling  to  it;  He  is  then,  and  therein,  (o  giving  the  true 
 bread  of  life* 
 
 But  it  willbcfaid,  the  fentence  fpeaks  of  more  than  gi- 
 ving his  holy  S fir  it  to  fuch  an  end^evtn  alfo  of  e felling  the  end*, 
 endowing  them  with  4  new  life. 
 
 I  anfwer,  This  implies  receit  in  them  to  whom  given. 
 But  receit ,  may  be  in  fome  men  that  are  receivers  :  Not 
 to  one  and  the  fame  end,  That  it  is  in  God  the  giver. 
 Truth,  with  the  love  of  the  Truth  tolave.    Extended  and  1  Thcft.t.i*i 
 given  to  fome  men  to  that  end  to  fave,  but  fome  however 
 receiving  to  profefs,and  make  fome  ufc  of,  yet  they  recei- 
 ved it  not  to  fave  them.    And  that  fuch  do  not  unfaincd- 
 ly  beleevc  ,  and  fo  have  not  any  right  kind  of  favingand 
 juftifying  faith  will  be  granted>though  luch,and  no  other, 
 was  tendred  and  given,  if  they  had  received  it,  in  differing 
 the  love  of  truth  to  fave  them.    But  for  fuch  as  nave  lo 
 far  received  the  Spirit,  that  they  are  even  by  the  Spirit 
 aflirmed,  To  be  in  the  grace  of  Chrift  ;  To  have  received 
 
 M  m  m  m  the 
 
6fc  Of  Mr. Owens 
 
 the  Spirit  of  Gods  Son  ,  and  to  be  Sons  $  yea  to  have  k*t*W7i 
 Gal.i.6*&  ?  •*>  God*  and  to  be  known  of  God9and  to  be  in  the  liberty  wherewith 
 *>!•&* fi{l&*  Ckrift  hath  made  us  free.  Surely  their  faith  was  of  the 
 **-x»-  right  kinde.   And  yet  of  thefe  the  Apoftle  fpeaks  after 
 
 they  were  indued  with  all  this ,  as  if  fome  of  them  were  re- 
 moved from  him  that  called  them  into  the  grace  of 
 .  Chrift*  unto  another  Gofpcl,  which  was  not  another,  but 
 
 ftfai*  3*  aperverfion,tfv.  fceking  to  be  made  perfeft  by  theflefh, 
 Turning  again  to  weak  and  beggarly  elements  ;  infomuch  that 
 the  Apoitle  was  afraid  of  them  9  left  he  had  be  ft  owed  his 
 labour  in  the  Gofpel  on  them  in  vain ;  And  teftified  to  them, 
 4*5.4*  thatwhofeverof  them  were  (Co  turned  back  to  be)  jufti- 
 
 fiedby  the  law  y  Chrift  was  become  of  no  effett  to  them,  they 
 were  fallen  from  grace.    And  this  was  a  more  applicatory 
 charge  than  that  in  Heb.6.4,6.  and  grounded  upon  that, 
 e*l$5>«.         which  is  undoubtedly  found  in  abiding  beleevers  5    For  we 
 through  the  Spirit  wait  for  the  kope  of  right eoufnefs  by  faith; 
 form  Jefm  Chrift  ,  neither cireumci (ion  availeth  any  thing, 
 nor  HHcinumeifton ;  but  faith  which  worketh  by  love  :    The 
 Heb.«.4,f  >8,    jperlwafion  of  which  abiding  in  the  Hebrews,  withheld  him 
 9>JQ  from  iuch  a  perfonal  charge  on  any  of  them,  and  led  him 
 
 to  mollifie  the  harflinefs  of  his  reproof  inthefuppofition: 
 So  that  in  all  this  faying  of  Mr.  Oaen,  No  other  kinde  of 
 faith,  or  other  manner  of  obtaining  k  ,  by  other  manner 
 of  giving  the  holy  Spirit,  than  that  fet  forth ,  Heb.6.1^, 
 4,5,  is  proved;  nor  yet  by  his  quotations ,  RomS.n.  is 
 fpoken  to  them  whom  he  had  affirmed,  The  called  ofjefw 
 ftom.x. 6,7,8*  Chrift,  Be'ovedof  God,  Called  Saints:  To,andof  whom  he 
 *-8*'  faith,  Tee  are  not  in  the  flefcbut  in  the  fptrith  If fo  be  that  the 
 
 Spirit  of  God  dwell  inyovm  ( Minde  5  he  fpeaketh  not  of  an 
 once  ,  or  for  a  time?  having  been  in  thenuhat  was  out  of 
 queftion,  but  of  an  abiding,or  dwelling  as  a  governor  in  an 
 houfeO  Now  tf  any  man  have  not  the  Sprit  of  Cbr i ft ^,(Mind, 
 he  faith,  not  hath  had\  fo  that  its  no  error  to  fay  what  ever 
 ..  he  had  heretofore,  as  to  thcGalathiansxh4.Stf.se  5>7>80 
 R»aa.8,i«  he  i*  none  of  his  *  Andij :  Chrift be in) >ott  (that  is  by  this  abi- 
 ding of  the  Spirit,  or  his  dwelling  in  you  preferring  con- 
 fidence in  Chrift,dv.  juft  as  he  faid  to  the  Hebrews,  chap. 
 3,6.14.)  the  bod)  it  dt*d  becaafe  of  fin  (fin  that  brought 
 
 in 
 
fecond  Concernment,  6\$ 
 
 in  death?  which  though  overcome  by  Chrift,  yet  is  not  rc- 
 tnoved,till  his  timc>from  off  men ,  all  muft  once  dye  ,  nor 
 will  it  be  wholly  removed  from  beleevers  while  any  fin 
 abideth  in  them  5  though  it  rule  not  in  them  >  foas  their 
 bodies  are  yet  mortal,  and  fo  but  heavy  inftruments  to  be 
 ufed  in  f piritual  fervices ,  and  muft  once  dye)  but  the 
 Spirit  ii  life  becaufe  of  righteoufnefs  ;  the  fpirit  oppofed  to   Col.  1. 1 2,154 
 the  body,  that  is  the  inward  man,  the  new  man;  or  &  3.9,10. 
 Chrift- like  minde  or  difpofition  effected  in  the  heart,  Eph.f>2i,tfc£ 
 by  the  Spirit  of  Chrift  quickning  them  in ,  and  through  ^  ^i7**** 
 beleeving  in  Chrifi ,  to  receive  forgivenefs  of  their  fins  5  hJoLz^zJ 
 and  fo  enlivening,  &c.  This  is  life,  even  a  living  prin-  s?rsf. 
 ciple,  derived  from  Chrift,  in  whom  beleeving  this  prin- 
 ciple is  efTe&ed  and  preferved,  and  it  is  living  in  faith, 
 confidence,  hope,  love,  and  joy  ;  yea  it  is  life,  affording 
 living  fprings  and  motions ;  And  this  for  righteoufnefs 
 fake;  that  is,tor  Chrift  his  [akc>n>ho  is  n fen  from  the  deadend  Rom.?.-!  3, 
 bath  by  one  righteoufnefs j  obtained  in  him felf  life  for  ailment 
 and  pwer  to.raife  aU  men*    And  that  fuch  as  receive  this 
 grace  and  gift  by  grace  given  in ,  and  through  Chrift , 
 Grace  may  reign  in  them  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal 
 life  by  Jefm   Chrift;     and  they  (hall  reign  in  life  by  **«*»«»«lS 
 Chrift*  t  I 
 
 And  becaufe  of  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  Chrift.  and 
 the  righteoufnefs  of  Chrift  in  his  mediation  by  vertue  of 
 his  oblation,and  in  fending  forth  his  Spirit  according  to  his 
 promife  to  fuch  end.  The  Spirit  ot  the  beleever  is  inlived>  R.om.8,23; 
 yea  life,  And  fo  they  receive  a  fir)}  fruits  of  the  Spirit  in  this 
 life,  and  wait  far  the  adoption ,  the  redemption  of  their  body 
 to  be  at  the  coming  of  Chrift*  And  to  comfort  not  fome 
 peculiar  among  them,  but  all  the  beleeving  Romans,  with 
 the  certainty,  and  the  way  to  enjoy  the  certa'nty  of  all 
 this,  he  faith  to  them  ,  But  if  the.  Spirit  of  him  thki  raifedup 
 Jefus  fom  the  dead  ,  dwelUnyott,  Hetha railed up  C  hrift  Ron».8.n, 
 from  the  dead,  [ball  alfo  quicken  your  mortal  bodies  by  his 
 Spirit  that  dweHeth  in  you.  Minde  chefe  words,  he  faid  be- 
 fore, If  Chrift  be  in  youythe  body  is  dead,  &c*  But  the  Spirit 
 is  life  t&c.  And  now  he  faith  again,  But  if  the  Spirit  of 
 hiwy&c.  dvftllinyoH  (abide  as  a  governor;  if  fo,  i  hen  he 
 
 Mmmm  a  rk 
 
6l&  Of  Mr,  Owens 
 
 that  rat  fed  ttf  Jefw  from  the  dead  ,  fall  alfo  quiek^n  j$nr 
 
 Rom.rf.*$.&     mortal  bodies  by  his  Spirit,  &c*    that  is  apt  to  enlive  them 
 
 7,45^  tobcinftruments  of  righteoufnefs  for  you  to  ferve  with 
 
 »Tim.i..ix.     here  in  ncwnefs  of  life,  and  '{pint,  and  raife  them  up 
 
 again  when  dead,  by  bh  Spirit  that  dwellethinjo*  ;  and  fo 
 
 by  vertue  ot  your  union  with  Chrift,   abiding  in  this 
 
 faith  of  him  vand  his  Spirit  guickning  your  mortal  bo- 
 
 i  Thcff^. 1 4,    cJies  living  and  dying  in  this  faith*  He  will  raife  you  again 
 
 ***  in  the  fame  unio  n  with  him  in  which  you  flept :  So  that  all 
 
 the  way  here  is  no  other  kinde  of  taith  fet  forth,nor  other 
 
 language  of  giving  Spirit, e£v.  ufed,  then  to  the  Collofians, 
 
 C©l*Mu,ia,    as  alio  to  the  Galathians  and  Hebrews,  as  afore-  (hewn. 
 
 elkni6i7     fyb*2*l9^  in  refpeS  of  their  knowledge  fpeaks  not  of 
 
 ^^  '    '    '    what  they  yet  enjoyed ,  but  of  what  the  Apoltle  defired 
 
 lor  them  -,  and  the  power  of  God,  is  ashimfelf  one  and 
 
 the  fame,  though  the  manner  and  degrees  of  his  putting 
 
 k  forth- be  divers.     As  without  a  Mediator  (though 
 
 by  him  that  now  is  the  Mediator)  in  the  firft  ,  now  old 
 
 Creation;  It  was  thefame  power  by  which  he  made  the 
 
 heaven  and  the  earth,  and  man  upon  it,  by  which  alfo  he 
 
 caufed  the  grafs  to  grower,  but  whether  with  like  force 
 
 Jut  forth,  I  determine  not  -,  But  of  this  lam  fure,  the  in- 
 nke  greatnefs  ot  this  power ,  is  beyond  the  comprehen- 
 fionofany  mortal  man.   Alfo  his  power  as  put  forth 
 through  a  Mediator ,  for  upholding  and  ordering  all  the 
 old  Creation  for  it&time,  and  ruleth  for  ever  by  his  power; 
 Nti.:f,3.         k  is  one  and  the  fame  power,  by  which  he  upholds  the 
 PW75.3.&     heaven  and  the  earth,  and  prefer  veth  man  and  beaft ,  and 
 **+7*  ordereth  the  fowls  and  fiyes ,  and  growing  of  grais,  &c. 
 
 But  whether  alike  put  forth  for  every  of  thefe  ,  I  deter- 
 mine not  :  But  of  this  I  am  fure ,  the  infinite  greatnefs  of 
 this  power  is  not  fully  known  by  any  mortal  maiv  And 
 now  for  his  power  as  put  forth ,  not  onely  through  a  Me- 
 diator^ but  to  unite  and  conform  to  him  ;  andfoto  effeft 
 and  fet  forward  the  New  Creation  that  is  begun  and 
 compleat  in  himfelf ,  and  to.be  compleated  in ,  and  for  all 
 hfs  New  Creatures,  in  which,  as  in  the  RefurrefHon  of 
 Chrift  that  dyed  for  finners ,  the  power  of  hiswifdome, 
 mercy,  truth,  faithfulnefs  and  ftrength ,  didmoft  abun- 
 
 ^    dantly  • 
 
fecond  Concernments  6yj 
 
 dancly  fhine  forth,  fo  in  this  work  of  uniting  and  conform- 
 ing to  him  ,•  k  is  molt  abundantly  difpcnfed ,  and  known, 
 and  met  with-  And  this  power  thus  put  forth  >  is  ever  one 
 and  the  fame  power,  Even  that  by  which  he  raifedjefns 
 from  the  dead  ,  and  fet  bim  at  his  own  right  hand  in  the  hea? 
 venlj  p laces,  f*r  above  all  principality  and  power  >  and  mighty 
 and  every  name  that  is  named ,  net  only  in  this  world ,  but  Eph.i. 20.11,  ' 
 *lfo  in  that  -which  is  to  come :  And  hath  put  all  things  under  *i,i  j. 
 his  feet ,  and  given  him  to  be  the  head  over  all  things  to  the  Epk  *•*$* 
 Church,  which  is  his  body^&c.  This  the  power  here  fpoken 
 of :  But  whether  this  power  be  in  this  manner  alike  put 
 forth  at  all  times,  to  every  one  to  whom  k  is  extended ,  as 
 Toanvince9  to  draw  to  beleeve ,  To  prefer  ve  in  the  faith ,  to 
 uphold  in  temptation  ,  To  raife  from  the  dead  ,  To  meet  Chrifi 
 in  the  air9 1  make  no  determination  :  But  I  do  not  beleeve 
 that  fo  it  is,  becaufe  neither  the  Scripture,  nor  experience 
 ofanybeleever,  foteftifiech;  Butofthislamfure,  That 
 every  one  that  beleeveth  in  Chrift,  according  to  the  work- 
 ing of  this  his  mighty  power  (in  which  is  fome  diftin&nef  s 
 intimated  between  this  mighty  power  ,  and  the  working 
 of  it.)  He  that  beleeveth  according  to  the  working,  or 
 forth-putting  of  the  operation  of  this  his  mighty  power, 
 whether  more  odefs  put  forth  too,  and  in  him,  he  is  ac- 
 cepted as  a  true  beleever  in  him,  and  of  that  Church 
 whereof  he  is  the  head,  in  whom  aU  the  f nine fs  is.  And  the 
 exceeding  greatnefs  of  his  potter  is  for ,  and  towards  fuch  ;Epji.f.io, 
 And  fo  not  the  prefent  working  of  it,  or  operation  in  '  eu*' 
 them ,  but  the  exceeding  gi;eatnefs  of  this  his  mighty 
 power  that  is  in  him,  which  he  defired  they  might  know, 
 is  propounded  ro  all  the.  beleevers,  one  and  other,  that 
 they  might  beleeve  in  it,,  and  be  ftrong  ink ,  that  fo  by  it? 
 they  might  be  kept  through  faith  unto  falvationi  Yet  not- 
 withstanding what  the  exceeding  greatnefs  of  this  his 
 mighty  power  is ,  towards  fuch  beleevers :  All  fuch  be-  > 
 
 Icevers  do  not  know  clearly,,  which  if  they  did ,  it  would 
 afford  them  unfpeakable  confolation ,  though  the  full  and 
 perfeft  knowledge  of  it,  is  not  in  any  mortal  man,  nor^ 
 will  fo  be,  in  beleevers  till  jthc  refurre&ion  of  the  juft ;  no 
 more  than  the  greatnefs  of  the  hope,  or  that  hoped  for, 
 
 Mffimaj..  tc 
 
tfjB  Of  his fecond faying  in 
 
 to  which  he  called  them,  or  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his 
 inheritance  in  the  Saints,  though  growing  in  faith,  and  in 
 the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  J  ei us, they  by  his  fpirits  illumi- 
 nation be  (weedy,  and  in  a  meafure  cleerly,  and  in  refpe£t 
 of  the  firft  beginning  of  faith,  abundantly  known,  which 
 the  Ap^oftle  acknowledging  thefe  to  be  beleevers  ,  {baled, 
 and  faithful  in  Chrift  i  intimates  them  to  be  yet  wanting 
 in,andfo  prayeth  for  it  tor  them  fuicableto  his  inftru&i- 
 ons,  and  exhortations  to  the  Hebrews:  So  that  this  place 
 was  wrong  quoted  for  any  other  kinde  of  faith,  or  manner 
 of  obtaining  it,  ferving  nothing  at  ail  to  fuchan  eixl. 
 Eph,  2.1,5,6,7,8,10,  Speaks  of  no  other  kinde  of  faith, 
 .  or  manner  ot  obtaining  it ,  or  quickning  in  it,  but  of  that 
 
 £." iI?*iV.  1S  comPleat  iQ  thrift ,  and  a  firft  fruits  received  through 
 Gal'4.  £,7,&  faith  in  him,  which  was  alio  in  thofe  mentioned  among  the 
 S.aif .  Collofsians  and  Galatians&nd  Hebrew  j  ,to  whom  thole  great 
 
 Hcb  3.i.^.&c  warnings  were  given  ,  and  fo  not  at  all  to  the  purpofe 
 quoted,  for  another  manner  of  obtaining  faiths 
 
 CHAP;  XVII. 
 
 Of  Mr.  Owens  fecond  foing  in  his  fecond. 
 Concernment, 
 
 i 
 
 '  N  explication  of  this  New  life ,  the  holy  Spirit  is  given 
 _.to  quicken  them  unto;  He  faith ,  Enduing  them 
 with  a  new  life,  with  a  fpirkual ,  gracious  and  fupernatu- 
 ral  habit,  fpreading  it  felf  upon  their  whole  fouls,  making 
 them  new  creatures  throughout(in  refpe&  of  parts) invert- 
 ing them  with  an  abiding  principle. 
 
 All  this  foberly,  and  according  to  Scripture  underftood, 
 r  is  very  good  and  true.  Nor  is  there  any  kinde  of  faith  of 
 Col.x.4,*>*2;  the  Spirits  working,  received,  that  can  be  called,  True  in 
 i45Gai  4  617*  itskinde>  or  upon  account  whereof  any  in  Scripture  are 
 &3.&j,4.>  '  Iwqucndy  termed  Saints  and  beleevers,  if  they  be  not  in 
 Heb.3. 1.6.  &  fome  meafnrein  truth  endued  with  this.  And  all  this  in  a 
 **i»Mif«  good  meafure  evidenced  to  be  in  thofe  beleevers  fo  warn- 
 ed ,  andfo  in  that  faith  and  holinefs  affirmed  to  be  in 
 
 them, 
 
his  [econd  Concernment.  6$p 
 
 them,  the  CollofliatiS)  the  Galathtans,  and  the  Hebrew /,  and 
 conteffedbythemany  expreffions  ufed  by  Mi\  Owen  in 
 that  kinde  of  faith  and  holinefs ,  which  he  fairh  alfo  is  re- 
 ally true  in  its  kinde,  and  wrought  by  the  Spirit ,  as  hath 
 been  (hewn?  in  opening  the  principles  ,&c.  and  in  fetting 
 down  his  expreffions ;  So  that  there  is  nothing  neither  in 
 this  faying  worthy  the  lead  blame  or  rcfufal,but  to  be  re- 
 ceived and  confefled  true  and  good :  But  only, his  averting 
 it  tofet  tocth  another  kinde  of  faith  and  holinefs  and  man- 
 ner of  obtaining  it,  then  befides  that  before  confeffedby 
 him  true  in  its  kinde:  And  his  altering  and  ftretching 
 out  fome  terms  to  make  this  faith  feem  to  be  of  another 
 kinde,  but  neither  will  his  quotations  or  terms  prove  or 
 countenance  the  fame ,  or  ferve  for  that  end  at  all*  >  Let 
 his  quotations  be  confidered : . 
 
 Matth.7«i7#  Every  good  tree  bringetb  forth  good  fruity 
 bat  a  corrupt  tree  bringetb  forth  evil  fruit.  Confider  with 
 this  the  i6,i8;i9,&:2o.verfes. 
 
 Matth#  1 2.3$*£tther  make  the  tree  good. and  his  fruit  goody 
 cr  elfe  make  the  tree  corrupt,  and  his  fruit  corrupt,  for  the  tree 
 iskjtownbyhisfruit.  Confider  with  this  alfo  the  34.  and 
 35.  verfes>    And  confider    with  both  >    James  3,10, 
 
 The  whole  weight  of  the  bufinefsfor  right  underftand- 
 ingthefe  parabolical  and  metaphorical  fayings,  lyethin 
 knowing  what  is  here  meant  by  Tree ,  whether  the  man 
 in  the  f  ubft&nce  of  his  foul  and  body ,  or  the  ruling  di( po- 
 rtion in  the  heart  of  the  mandiffufing  it  felf.  in  all  the 
 powers  and  faculties  of  the  foul,  or  both  thefe.  And  then 
 in  what  manner  the  one?  and  upon  what  account  the 
 other.  Let  thefe  be  every  way  confidered :  And  fo, 
 
 1   If  wetaketheTr^fimply,fingly,direcT:ly5  andpro-  ,  King.  8. 4*, 
 perly  for  the  man ,  in  the  fubftance  of  his  foul  and  body;  2  Chron^.^V 
 then  as  all  are  naturally  come  forth  from  fallen  Adxm,  lo  *  Johi,  8,10. 
 we  fell  in  him,  and  come forth  corrupt  from  him,fo  there  u^*10'17'1*4 
 isno  man  living  on  this  earth,  finlcfs  and  good;  yeathere  Luk^o',*, 
 never  was  a  man  living  on  this  earth,  good  indeed  but 
 one>  that  is  the  man  Jefus  Chrift,  who  is  God  oter  all 
 bteffed  for  ever  $  So  that  in  this  fenfe  there  neither  is, 
 
 nor 
 
6±o  Of  bis  fecond  faying  in 
 
 nor  will  be  found  upon  the  earch  any  good  man,  that  may 
 anfwcr  to  thole  Texts,  till  the  ref  urre&ion  of  the  juft,  and 
 then  there  will  be  fuch  found.  So  this  is  not  the  fenfe. 
 
 a    If  we  take  Tree  for  the  difpofition  ruling  in  man, 
 which  is  neither  the  lubftance  ot  foul  or  body ,  fimpiy 
 confidered  ;  but  Come  infufed  inclination ,  fo  as  man  in 
 falling  from  God,loft  and  deprived  himfelf  of  his  Image  ; 
 fo  there  was  a  corrupt  inclination ,  or  difpofition  ingende- 
 g  Ts*  l%*      r^  anc*  * PrunS  UP  *n  his  heart ,  from  the  word ■,  or  lye  of 
 Jer.i7.y.        Satan,  in,  and  by  the  Serpent  fuggefted,  and  by  man  be- 
 Rom.^19,10,  leeved,  which  is  full  of  averfneisand  enmity  to  God,  and 
 &  7.5,Eph.i.    prone  to  all  that  is  contrary  to  the  minde  of  God ,  and  his 
 Ifc*"  *.  defign,  whence ilows-manif old  evil  lufts  and  affe&ions,  all 
 
 *  Cor.4-4*  ftrengthned  and  revived ,  by  a  new  plot  of  Satan  in  unbe- 
 lcevers  ,  whereby  he  rules ,  and  fothete  lufts  bring  torth 
 evil  fruits  by  the  members  of  die  body :  And  becaute  this 
 curled  difpofition  was  atfirft  begotten  bySatans  lye  be- 
 lceved ,  and  is  retained  and  ftrengthned  by  his  fuggeftions 
 Rev .  1 1 9  •  received ,  he  is  faid  to  be  the  Deceiver  of  the  whole  world; 
 and  becaufe  of  the  devillifh  nature  of  it ,  being  heated  and 
 Jam.3 .6-  fcred  by  Satan-,  the  heart  in  which  it  dwelleth  and  ruleth,  is 
 
 Match.  1  j.19.    compard  to  hell,  deep,  and  dark;  And  out  of  this  hew,  our 
 Saviour  faith,  proceed  evil thoughts  ,  murder sy  adulteries % 
 fornications  f  hefts  ,falfc  witnefs^blafphemies  :  And  where  en* 
 vyingflrifeyandfucb  evil  fruits  ar r,the  wifdom  fuch  profefs, 
 Jam.3  • x  S*         comes  not  from  above %  but  is  earthly,  fcnfua^deviil/fh.    Now 
 this  difpofition  is  an  evil  root ,  an  evil  tree ;  and  he  in 
 whofe  heart  this  difpofition  hath  the  Lordfhip ,  hath  an 
 evil  treafure  in  his  heart,  and  foout  of  ic  bringeth  forth 
 Macch.  1 1, 35.  evil  things :  And  thofe  that  are  one  with ,  and  under  the 
 dominion  of  this  difpofition  ,  having  no  fupernatural  dif- 
 pofition to  crofs  and  crucifiethis,  they  are  upon  that  ac- 
 count, and  fo  long,a  generation  of  wicKed  men,  of  vipers, 
 Wat.i*  34.      and  foevil  trees ,  and  cannot  bring  forth  any  good  fruit  at 
 tuke  6.43 .       all.  But  now  on  the  other  fide,  Inch  as  from  the  holy  Spirit 
 T  fa  6  teftitying  of  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel ,  do  belecve  that  word 
 
 Rom/i.ii.       or  tcftimony  of  Chrift,  which  is  Spirit  and  life,  fo  as  they 
 x  Thlfcv  13.  beleeve  on  Chrift ,  then  there  is  by  it  effected  in  the  heart, 
 not  onely  a  reproof  and  diflike  of  the  former  difpofition 
 
 with 
 
bis  fecond  Concernment.  6\\ 
 
 with  its lufts,  but  alfo  a  new  heavenly  and  Chriftian- like  *^M»f. 
 difpofition,  is  from  the  word  and  grace  beleeved  ,  effe&ed  ^J^^^I0# 
 in  the  heart,  which  is  no  part  of  the  foul  or  body,  but  an   xCor£.i* 
 influence  from  Chrift  belceved  in ,  and  an  infufipn  of  the  Eph.4.  »»,*$. 
 Holy  Ghoft,  that  dethrones  the  old  difpofitidfi  from  its  CoLj.9>io. 
 lordly  power  in  the  heart,  and  gets  the  throne,  and  lordly  ^£f6'l*'t 
 power  in  the  heart  itfelf ;  and  this  is  called  an  inward  \qZ***£ 
 man,  a  new  man,  a  new  heart,  a  new  f pirit,  the  Spirit  and  joh.3  V. 
 mindeofChrift.  And  this  Spirit  or  difpofition  is  born  of  « Job.?. 4. 
 the  Spirit,  and  Coot  God  ,  and  fois  Spirit,  and  divine  J******  g 
 power  is  in  it,  and  it  overcomes  the  world  5  and  in  it  is  no  C^fflftj^ 
 guile,  and  it  is  full  of  heavenly  fprings,  and  holy  and  fpi-  12>\j,  * 
 rkual  lufts,  according  to  the  minde  of  God ;  So  that  this  is 
 a  good  tree,  and  brings  forth  good  fruit,  and  cannot  bring 
 ferth  any  evil  fruit.   And  he  that  hath  this  difpofition  in  M      |f  & 
 his  heart,  hath  a  good  treafure  in  his  heart,  and  out  of  the  t%.f$9 .  ' 
 abundance  of  the  good  treafure  in  his  heart,  brings  forth 
 good  things:  And  upon  this  account* 
 
 5  As  a  man  is  one  with,  and  under  this  new  and  fpiri- 
 tual  difpofition ,  in  which  by  faith  Chrift  dwcllcth  in  his  j0h  i.i$# 
 heart,  he,  even  the  man  alfo,  fofaris  born  of  God  :  And  2Cor.s.i7.  • 
 upon  this  account,  a  new  creature ,  and  fo  far  doth  righte-  ■  J0*1*  x»l8>  & 
 oufnefs,  and  finneth  not.  Andfofarin{uchafenfe,agood  *'J,ft 
 tree,  and  bringeth  forth  good  fruit,and  not  evil. 
 
 But  then  this  laft  is  to  be  wnderftood  according  to  the 
 expreflion,  and  with  fuch  cautions ,  as  the  Scripture  hath 
 given  us  thereabout. 
 
 For  the  man  that  is  a  beleever ,  cannot  be  faid  to  be  a 
 good  tree ,  and  that  he  cannot  bring  forth  evil  fruit ,  in  fo 
 lullafenfe,  as  the  unbeleever  is  called  an  evil  tree ,  and 
 that  he  cannot  bring  forth  good  fruit,  becaufc  the  unbe- 
 leever is  under  the  power  of  the  evil  difpofition ,  and 
 hath  not  the  fupernatural  heavenly  difpofition  in  him ; 
 And  fo  what  light  or  motions  foever  flalh  upon  him ,  yet 
 he  is  in  the  flefli ,  and  mindes  the  things  of  the  flefh ,  and 
 walks  after  the  flelh,  and  cannot  pleafe  God:  But  the  be- 
 leever, though  he  be  from  under  the  lordly  power  of  the 
 evil  difpofition,  and  the  new  and  fupernatural  difpofition 
 hath  got  the  feat  in  his  heart,  and  fo  the  commanding 
 
 N  n  11 11  power, 
 
6^x  Of  his fecond faying  in 
 
 power,  yet  the  evil  dilpofition  remains  in  his  members 
 Gal.*.  17-       and  faculties  (till,  and  fo  they  are  both  in  him,  the  one 
 Rom*. i4.»4.  iuftingand  warring  againft  the  other :  foas  the  beleever 
 cannot  do  as,  and  what  he  would ,  fo  that  though  the  new 
 difpofition  be  a  good  tree,  and  can  bring  forth  none  but 
 good  fruit,  yet  the  beleever  himfelf  is  under  a  double  con- 
 fcom.i.14,1  s9  fldcration*,  One,as  man  having  the  old  difpofition  in  him, 
 ^ 7,2V4'    with  its  luftings,  through  which  he  is  hindred  and  capti- 
 ved,  and  (0  Cometime  with  the  flefh  ferving  the  law  of  fin 
 and  death,  and  there  he  ayes,  I  am  carnal,  &c.   And 
 again ,  as  he  is  a  beleever  having  the  new  difpofition  in 
 him,  with  its  lufts,  and  he  under  the  power  of  it,  and  fo 
 free;  and  lo  there  is  I,  and  I  my  felf ,  and  I  according  to 
 the  inward  man,  and  I  with  my  mindedoferve  the  law  of  God, 
 htvfithmjfle^y&c.   And  fo  far  as  with  his  minde  he 
 ferves  the  law  of  God,  and  walks  after  the  Spirit,  fofar 
 he  is  a  good  tree,  and  bringeth  forth  good  fruit.  And  that 
 hemayfo  do  (till. ;  there  are  two  things  taught  him  by 
 Grace. 
 T  x         i-  That  he  hold  faft  his  efteem  ,  and  minding  of  ^  and 
 
 Rcm.7.1  <T  &  confidence  in  Chrift ,  in  whom  this  fupernatural  difpofi- 
 *,*. '  tion  or  Spirit  is,  and  from  whom  it  flows  into  ,  and  in  all 
 
 Gal"i.2o.  that  by  faith  are  united  to  him,  and  not  otherwife,  it  is  not, 
 Gal. 5.16,1 8,  nor  doth  abide  in  any  feparate  from  him,  or  turning  afide 
 3 ^ft  £'8'    from  him  -■>  but  as  the  beleever  abides  in  him,  and  lives  by 
 
 R.001.6.&  Oct?,     1       r  •  1       l  1  •  J 
 
 ii. &  i  *.  1,2.    the  faith  of  him. 
 
 Gal.5.i^,i8,'         2  That  by  this- renewing  of  his  minde,  Jae  with  the 
 
 24.  &  *  8 .        word  belee ved,  do  oppof  e,  and  refill  the  1  ufts  ot  the  flefh , 
 
 Bpb.4.51,14.    and  f^e  wid,  low  too*  and  walk  after  the  Spirit  fulfilling 
 
 910*1        '  the  motions  of  it;    And  fo  they  (hall  reav  of  the  S fir  it  life 
 
 Hcb.3.14.       everlafting.  And  this  is  the  Spirits  countel,  dire&ion,  and 
 
 Joijj  /.7. '       charge  given  to  all  beleevers  without  difference ,  and  fo  is 
 
 the  promife  given,  and  hope  fet  before  them.  So  to  the 
 
 Romans ,  fotothe  GaUtians ,  to  the  Ephefians^  to  the  Col- 
 
 loflians,  to  the  Hebrews,  and  by  Chrift  to  all  his  Difciples5 
 
 J f  they  abide  in  him,  ar.dhis  word  in  them  ;   //  they  walk,af- 
 
 ter  the  Spirit ythey  jhall  not  fulfil the  lufts  of  the  flefh,  if  they 
 
 ypall^  after  the  Spirit  they  jhall  livedo.  But  if  they  fowto  the 
 
 flefh  they  {hall  reap  corruption,  if  they  live  after  the  flejk,  they 
 
 (hall 
 
his  fecond  Concernment.  $jf| 
 
 (hall  dye  .-  But  abiding  in  the  faith,  they  partake  of  Chrift, 
 and  by  his  word  in  them  they  (hall  be  fruitful,  and  fo  they 
 (hall  be  good  trees,  and  bring  torch  good  fruit;  For  fo  they 
 lhall  obierve  the  counfel  ot  our  Saviour,  Makf  the  tree  r. 
 good)  and  biff ratt  goody  &c.  For  we  can  no  othcrwife  *  t,la#*** 
 make  the  tree  good?  but  in  beleeving  on  him>  and  accord- 
 ing to  grace  given  ,  yeclding  to  the  teachings  o£  his 
 Spirit. 
 
 And  feeing  every  good  and  perfect  giving  comes  from 
 him  ,  and  that  his  Spirit  is  good,  and  his  operations  and 
 fruits  good,  and  that  an  evil  tree  cannot  bring  forth  good 
 fruit;  what  are  all  thofe  confefled  works  ot  the  Spirit,  and 
 whence  flows  that  faith  and  holinefs  really  true  in  its  kind, 
 upon  account  whereof ,  men  are  called  Beleevers ,  and 
 Saints  ?  What  is  that  change  of  judgement,  affe£tion>  and 
 converfation,  that  light,  love,  joy,  zeal,  obedience  true  in 
 itskinde,  fincere,  and  not  hypocritical?  whence  come  they 
 todolo  worthily  in  their  generation,  and  ail  acknow- 
 ledged an  effectual  work  of  the  Spirit  ?  Can  there  be  fuch 
 rightnefs  even  from  the  Spirit,  and  the  tree  not  good?  or  is 
 there  any  other  trees  among  beleevers  to  bring  forth  good 
 fruit  of  another  nature?  Surely  if  we  minde  the  proofs  and 
 our  Saviours-Swords ,  they  ihew  there  is  but  one  kinde  of 
 faith*  to  bring  forth  good  fruits,  and  this  even  \u  fet  out, 
 Htb.6  Gal.i.io.  This  place  doth  open  that  already  faid : 
 The  Apoftle  having  ipoken  of  being  juftified  by  faith, 
 fhews  how  he  lived  not ,  bnt  Chrift  lived  m  him  4  and  he  by       j 
 the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God ,  to  which  he  endeavoured  to  g'1'  ' 
 reduce  the  GaUtians ,  whom  he  teltifieth  to  have  received  Gai%*.i  $. 
 the  fame  faith  at  the  firft,  and  fo  exhorted  the  Hebrews ,and  Rom,4,4/,7> 
 fhews  his  manner  of  obtaining  it  to  be  in  the  fame  way  9* 
 with  odiers. 
 
 i  Joh.i.12,  This  place  hath  not  one  word  of  two  di- 
 vers kindsof  faith,  or  of  divers  manner  of  obtaining  it, 
 nor  of  any  habit  of  one  beleever  more  than  in  another;  Joh.i»*2, 
 kut  affirms,  'that  he  that  hath  the  Son  (that  is  beleeveth  in 
 his  name)  hath  hfe\  that  is,  in  having  the  Son  by  faith,  He  Joh^.j^. 
 hath  alfo  that  eternal  life  that  is  in  tbe  Son^  by  faith  alfo? 
 which  is  true  of  all  that  by  grace  beleeve  in  Chrilh 
 
 Nnnn  2  2  Cor. 
 
<*4+  Of  his  fecond faying  in 
 
 10.5.17.  This  istmeof  all  that  by  faith  are  in  Chrift 
 Jcftis,  who  as,  and  fofar  as  they  are  in  him,  are  affirmed 
 new  creatures;,  as  is  fore  explicated,  though  the  fulnefs 
 and  compleatnefs  of  it  is  in  the  rcfurre£tion  of  the  juft, 
 butnowordhercofalecondkindeot  faith,  or  of  ncwnefe 
 in  fomc  true  beleevers ,  that  is  not  in  other  true  beleevcrs> 
 the  Words  plain,  If 'any  man  in  Chrift. 
 
 iTbefa.22.  This  is  not  an  affirmation  of  what  was 
 yet  attained,  but  a  prayer  for  what  was  defired,  and  hoped 
 for,  and  fo  not  to  the  purpofe  for  which  it  was  quoted  ,un- 
 lefs  to  mollifie  the  expreffions  of  the  faying. 
 
 GaL5.x2.2f.  This  place  is  a  difcoveryof  the  fruits  of 
 the  Spirit  that  were  in  the  beleeving  Galattans ,  that  were 
 fcarce  fo  far  grown  as  the  Hebrews.  And  what  was  done 
 in  bdeeving  on  Chrift  crucified.  How  theflefhj  with  the 
 wifdome ,  and  whole  bent  of  it ,  with  the  affe&ons,  and 
 lufts  of  it,  were  crucified,  that  is  made  vile,  condemned 
 and  begun  to  be  mortified  by  the  crof s  of  Chrift ,  that  the 
 body  of  fin  might  be  deftroyed  ;  and  then  an  exhortation  to 
 <ftl.tf.14.  vpalk^  after  the  Spirit>  jiift  as  to  the  Romans^  Epbefians,  Col- 
 
 Rom. 6.6-  loffians,  and  Hebrews.  And  not  a  word  of  a  peculiar 
 kinde,  info  me  beleevers,  and  not  in  other  beleevers  that 
 are  true  in  .their  kindc  alfo 
 
 1  Jeh  3 .9.  This  place  faich  not  a  word  of  any  difference 
 
 between  beleevers ,  {bme  true  in  one  kinde,  and  fonie  in 
 
 another;  Nor  faith  it,  some  that  art  bom  of  God\  Nor  faith 
 
 it,  He -that  hath  been  60m  of  God ;  but  having  faid  before, 
 
 Whofoivtr  ab.'deth  in h.m ,  foneth  net.  And  having  warned 
 
 ijeh.;.*,        diem  not  to  be  deceived /faiths  fpeaking  in  die  prefent 
 
 7.,  tenle,  He  that  doth  right eon fiefs  3  it  righteous  y  even  as  he-is 
 
 *,  righteom  (or  in  his  righteoufnefs ,  and  as  he  hath  pro- 
 
 mifed)  And  then  having  given  warning  againft  beingde* 
 
 ceived,  and  going  on  in  fin,  &c.   Hecomethto  mention 
 
 the  abiding  in  him,  and  doing  righteoufnefs;  Again,  and  hce 
 *v  doth  it  in  a  third  term  comprehending  both,  faying,  who- 
 
 mever is  bow  of  God  doth  not   commit  fin  (that  is  approve 
 Sccthisbcfore   anda&  it,  going  on  fo  to  do)  And  that  the  word,  Born  of 
 HM>*4*f.   God,  isiirft  appliable  to  that  fight,  beleef,  and  acknow- 
 ledgement, of  Chrift,  andfo  that  new  difpofition  begot 
 
 thereby 
 
his  fecond }  Concernment.  6fy 
 
 thereby  in  the  heart,  isclearinthisEpiftle  ,  where  this  is 
 called,  That  which  is  bom  of  God ;  Hence  both  faith  and  i  Joh.  5.1*1,  I 
 confeflionarefoidtobe  of  God,  and  the  gift  of  God, and  M* 
 fohe  that  id  this  revelation  and  operation  of  the  Spirit,  |X'Jylf* 
 in,  and  by  the  Gof pel,  is  prevailed  with  to  bcleeve  ,  and      '  *  * 
 
 !rcc\d  up  to  it,  and  fo  far  become  one  with  it ,  fo  as  he  be- 
 eevethlefustobethe  Chrift,  and  fo  beleeving  in  him, 
 confeffeth  him  to  be  the  Lord ;  He  alfo  on  that  account, 
 ishidto  be  bom  of  God  ;  And  fo  likewKethe  being  prc-t|  . 
 vailed  with  by  this  grace,  To  hold  f 'aft  this  confidence,  and  Io'h°  ,'*'  **>f^ 
 fo  to  abide,  and  go  on  in  the  faith of  Chrift  ,  and  lotAeof  him^omAo.%^1 
 and  one  another,  is  the  operation  of  God,  and  hath  the  *?. 
 fame  promifes  to  it ;  and  fo  is  like  wife  called  a  being  bow 
 of  God  here  in  i  J'M-7>*j.&  i*f-*«K  And  that  this  is  the 
 ifcnfe  here  appears  clecrly,  in  that  the  (arns  thing ,  for  the 
 fame  bufincts  exprefled  here,  Bom  of  God,  is  a  little  before  Rjtejfa$jf$ 
 expreft  by  a  perfe£k  continued  aft ,  iA biding  in  him ,  and  ,  Ioh  ,  6  . 
 &***£  righteoufnefs;  And  the  fame  there  alfo  affirmed,/**^  *  '  " 
 
 fin  not,  fuck  are  righteous.  And  alfo  this  appears  to  be  the 
 fenfe  in -that  it  is  oppofed  to  a  continued  approbation* 
 aftingofcandgoingoninfin;  tor  (o  the  devil  commit- 
 ted! iin  i  and  finneth  from  the  beginning  without  repen- 
 tance, or  breaking  off  his  courfe  $  But  who  ever  is  bow  of 
 God,  he  committeth  not  fin  ( that  is,  doth  not  approve,  and 
 fo  commits )  bat  abideth  in,  and  goeth  on,  beleeving  in 
 Chrift,  and  loving  him,  without  repentance  of  it,  or* 
 breaking  off  that  courfe.   And  it  farther  appeareth  that 
 born  of  Godis  m  this  place  ,   abideth  in  Chrift  ,   holding  faft 
 confidence  in,and  love  of  God  through  Chrift-  becaufe  it  is  laid, 
 His  feed  remaiueth  in  him ,  that  is  the  divine  influence  and 
 Spirit  of  Chrift ,  with  divine  force  and  vertue  ,  abideth, 
 andremaineth  in  him  according  to  that  promife,  Heb. 
 3. 14.    And  this  the  conftant  language  of  Ghrift,  and 
 the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  Whomever  tranfgreffexh,  and  abideth 
 notin  thedottrineof  ghrift  hath  not  God  ;  He  that  abideth  in loh.if.i.u; 
 the  doBrine  of  Chrift, hath  both  the  Father  and  the  Son ;  yea  t  Ioh.$. 
 evenof  his  firft  work  of  grace  in  changing  our  miades 
 and  reconciling  us  to  God,  it  is  faid  to  be  ,  In  the  body  of  his 
 flejh  through  death,  tofrefent  us  holy  a»d  unblanteablew  his 
 
 Naan  3  fight; 
 
$±6  Of  biificond faying  in 
 
 fight ;  If  We  continue  in  the  faith  grounded  and  fettled  ,.  And 
 Col  f.2i;*3«     be  nqt  moved  away  from  the  hope  of  the  Gofpel,  of  which  we 
 ijoh.t.14. .     have  heard.  Whence  alfoit  isfaid  tothefe,  If  that  which 
 ye  have  heard  from  the  beginning  (hall  remain  tn  yon ,  yee  fh*U 
 continue  hi  the  Father  and  the  Son.     And  fo  our  Saviour 
 faith  to  his  own  Difciples  ,  that  were  clean  through  the 
 word  that  he  had  fpoken  to  them ,  Abide  in  me ,  and 
 Jch  1 J  4  7»       1  in  you  ,  as  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  it  felf \    ex- 
 cept it  abide  in  the  vine ,  no  more  can  yee  except  yee  abide  tn 
 me ;  /  am  the  Vine ,  yee  are  the  branches  \  he  that  abideth  in 
 m*  fthat  is  beleeving)  and  I  in  him  (chat  is  my  word  in 
 him)  the  fame  bringeth  forth  much  fruit,  <zrc    Suitable  to 
 like  layings  of  his  Spirit ,  and  exhortations  in  other  pla- 
 Rom.  1 1  .a  1.     c^S  :  And  fo  it  is  exprefly  faid,  If  we  hold  f aft  the  confidence 
 1  Tim.  1.1 7.     aitin  rcJQycixg  of  ho fe  firm  unto  the  end*      We  are  the 
 lUb!f%6$u'1'  houfe  or  Chrilt,  it  we  hold  raft  the  beginning  of  ourcoo- 
 1  Joh .j .  5,8,9,  fidence  itedfaf t  unto  the  end ,  then  are  wc  made  partakers 
 io,&  4.4  &       of  Chrift  (andfo  b^rnof  Cody  and  his  feed  remameth  in  us) 
 hhhS'  and  that  feed  remaining  being  an  influence  from  Chrift, 
 
 and  fo  ft  ronger  than  the  Devil  that  is  in  the  world  ,  we  in 
 beleevingonGod,and(oyeeldingtoit,  are  born  of  God, 
 and  fo  neither  fin,  nor  can  fin  becauie  fo  born  of  God,  buc 
 do  overcome  the  world ,  This  faith  that  is  born  of  God  being 
 Rom.8.^  the  vitlory  whereby  we  overcome.  And  this  fenfe  is  plain  and 
 Luke  20.36.  evident,  and  agrees  with  that  mentioned,  Heb.6.i32  4,5, 
 9>io,Andyetthecompleatnefsof  being  born  of  God  is  in 
 the  reiurre&ion  of  the  juft.  And  (o  none  of  the  quotations 
 countenance  two  kinds  of  faith ,  or  of  obtaiiiing,or  of  ha- 
 bits each  true  inks  kinde  :  As  for  degrees,  that  is  not  in 
 queftion: 
 
 Eph.2.10,  For  we  are  his  workmanfhip  created  in  Chrift 
 Je  fus>  unto  good  norks  ,  Which  God  hath  before  ordained  (or 
 prepared  )  that  ue  jhould  walk^in  them.  What  this  is  to 
 the  purpofe  to  (hew  what  God  hath. given  into,  and 
 wrought  in  belcevers  that  are  true,  and  in  one  fore  or  kinde 
 of  them  more  than  in  another  kinde  true  alio ,  I  fee  not, 
 Ecclcfj.ip.  and  fuppote  that  none  can  (hew '  For  when  God  created 
 us  all  in  the  firft  Ad*m,  it  was  certainly  in  his  Image ,  In 
 nfrigbtnefs ,  and  fo  with  furniture  for  good  works  that 
 
 We 
 
his  fecond  Concernment.  64.7 
 
 we  might  have  walked  in  them :  But  he  fell  and  loft  him- 
 felf,  and  us  all^  and  fo  we  became  weak  ,  of  no  ftrength, 
 loft ,  and  defticute  of  all  furniture  for  any  good  works. 
 But  God  hath  created  mankinde  anew  again  in  Jefus 
 Chrift  the  fecond  Publick  man ,  the  laft  Adam ,  who 
 having  fatisfied  for  fin  p  fullered  for  it ,  and  overcome 
 death,  andafcended,  and  offered  the  acceptable  f^crifice, 
 is  in  mans  nature  glorified,  filled  with  the  immeafurable 
 fulnefsof  the  Holy  Ghoft,  to  fend  for  to  the  rebellious 
 that  they  might  come  in ,  and  to  furnifh,  and  lead  all  that  . 
 do  come  in  :  And  he  finneth  not,nor  can  he  dye  any  more, 
 but  U  dive  for  everwore;(6  that  inhim  we  are  compleat  and 
 perfeft,  and  this  held  forth  to  us  >  that  beleevingin  him 
 we  might  partake  of  his  fulnefs ,  which  is  a  good  motive 
 to  beleeve  ou  Chrift ,  and  co  continue  fo  beleeving  i  And 
 inch  as  through  the  knowledge  of  his  grace  beleeve  in 
 Chrift ,  are  certainly  his  workmanfhip ,  and  begun  to  bee 
 united  to  Chrift ,  and  this  alfo  unto  good  works  ,  fuch  as 
 God  hath  prepared  in  him ,  that  we  (hould  walk  in  them, 
 and  io  live  to  him.and  this  the  ground  of  his  following  ex- 
 hortation, as  to  other  Churches;  bueno  affertion  of  the  Rom.*.  i8,I9, 
 naeafure  of  their  attainments:  And  it  being  confefled  that  zo.mth6.  \i2\ 
 the  faith  and  hofinefs ,  with  the  effe&ual  operation  of  the  *c 
 Spirit  in  all  the  powers  of  the  foul ,  changing  judgement, 
 affe&ion,  converfation,  efle&ing  light,  love,joy,  zeal,  obe- 
 dience, enabling  to  do  worthily  in  their  generation ;  Is  not 
 all  this  being  the  work  ot  the  Spirit ,  that  is  in  Chrift,comes 
 from  Chrift,  and  witneffeth  of  Chrift,  his  workmanfhip  on, 
 and  in  them;  And  are  not  they  his  w>orkpMn(hif  in  Chrift 
 Jtf*s}  And  is  there  not  fulnefs  of  furniture  in  Chrift  Jefus  *  Cor.  5 14,17 
 for  good  works  for  them  ?  And  is  it  not  the  gracious  end 
 ot  God  in  making  it  known  that  they  fhould  live  to  Chrift 
 by  walking  in  them.  I  hope  none  will  deny  it.  All  which 
 juftifies  this  faith  fct  forth  in  Hebrews  6,  and  gives  no 
 countenance  for  any  other  kinde. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
6  4.8  Of  his  third  faying  in 
 
 i 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 Of  the  third  faying  in  hit  ficond  Concernment. 
 . 
 Or  the  nature  and  property  of  this  habit  ,  or  abiding 
 principle,  Thus  he  (aith: 
 Being  a  natural  genuine  fountain ,  of  all  thofe  fpirittfal 
 Ac~lst  Works?  and  Duties  ,  which  he  is  pie  a  fed  to  work-in  them, 
 And  by  thetny  of  hit  own  goad  pleafn  m 
 
 Though  this  be  not  the  dialed  of  Scripture,  yet  in  a 
 fober  understanding*  it  may  be  taken  as  agreeing  thereto, 
 but  not  countenancing  two  kindes  ,  oralecond  kinde  of 
 true  faith,  Andfo  with  fome  cautions  and  provifoes ,  I 
 (ball  take  this  faying  for  true?  and  wholly  confent  thereto, 
 that  is  to  lay  thus, 
 
 i  That  this  abiding  principle  5  benotunderftood  of  a 
 
 »  Pet.  i.  x  3*    thing  peculiar  to  any  kinde  of  faith  divers  from  another, 
 
 Th.3. 4,5,6,7.  true  in  its  kinde,  but  of  the  fame  kinde  ot  faith  fet  forth 
 
 Hcb.6.  faith  being  proved  already  to  be  one,  and  fo  the 
 
 fame  with  that  lit.  1 . 1  ♦  g 
 
 t  That  by  Natural  and  Genuine,  be  underftood ,  that 
 
 lk.rfi.13.       which  is  Supernatural  .and -Spiritual;  And  fo  apt,  free, 
 
 willingly  and  naturally  inclined ,  and  kindly  putting 
 
 forth. 
 
 3  That  the  calling  this  principle  a  fountain,  be  not  un- 
 
 pfal.3rf.9-       dcrftoodas  of  athinginclofedinthebeleever,  tohimfelf, 
 
 Jen.  1 3.8c  1 7   or  any  other  wife ,  then  as  flowing  from  Chrift ,  to  and  in 
 
 Zacfa  13  r.      ^im  tnat  beleeveth  in  Chrift  ,  and  lb  in  no  fort  derogating 
 
 Rev.  z  i^rf.  *      from  Chrift :  For  he  is  the  fountain  of  1  ife  with  God  ,and  fo 
 
 Hof.i  l*.        from  God  unto  us,  the  fountain  of  living  waters.the  foun- 
 
 Joh.i  j.  4,*,rf.  tain  for  clenfing,and  for  fruits.And  from  that  flowing  from 
 
 him  is  all  that  life ,  cleaning  and  fruittulnefs  that  is  in  be- 
 
 leevers:  And  feparate  from  him  they  can  do  nothing; 
 
 what  ever  greennefs  or  fprings  be  in  any  beleeving  on 
 
 _  him,  yet  if  tney  thereby  abide  not  in  the  faith  of  him,  but 
 
 K'***?1*  turning  afide ,  and  departing  from  him  ,  jhey  lofe  their 
 
 jokijVt.      principle,  and  wither,  that  remainerh  In  Chrift  from 
 
 whom  they  are  departed,  and  cannot  be  retained ,  and 
 
 found 
 
his  fecond  Concernment.  6^p 
 
 found  abiding  ,  and  duelling  in  any,  but  by,  orinbc- 
 Icevingonhim;  fo  as  departing  through  unbclccf,  brings  *&fij& 
 lofs  and  periftnng  ,  but  in  beleeving  on  him,  the  dwelling  Heb-^  fyc, 
 (in  the  heart)  of  this  principle  is  enjoyed  ;  he  is  the  foun-  l4 
 tain,  and  he  that  beleeveth  on  him ,  receiveth  from  him.-  *oai-7;*-*-fc 
 The  law  of  Grace  which  as  itcomes  from  him  ,  and  his  Prov  n  „ 
 Spirit  in  it ,is  called  a  fountain  of  life. And  fo  the  fear  of  the  i4,&6.*i,U; 
 Lord  effe&ed  thereby  ,even  the  faith  in,and  love  of,  .$c  ado-  23&  *4?*^*7 
 ration  and  acknowledgement  of  God  in  Ghrift,  is  a  foun- 
 tain of  life,and  this  upon  the  account  of  Chrift  the  fountain 
 from  whom  the  dreams  (bearing  his  name)  do  flow.  And 
 in  beleeving  on  whom  they  are  received ,  and  do  operate 
 in  the  beleever,  even  all  thofe  principles  mentioned  Heb.6. 
 1,1,5.  All  which  run  in  one  living  principle ,  which  be- 
 caufe  of  its  (pringing  and  living  efficacies,is  called  a  Spin* 
 cr Well  of living  waters,  in  which  from  Chrift  belecvers  att  E^*^'*' 
 in  bringing  forth  the  motions  of  the  Spirit:  Yet  the  be-  v^lizj- 
 leevers  being  ftill  men,  and  having  in  them  another  crofs  NU.i*    * 
 inclination  abiding  to  moleft  them,  they  need  ftill  thofe  I«*.i5.4.«* 
 admonitions,  J*w.3.8,p,io,n,i7.  Rom&yi2.Gal.6.$. 
 Heb.$.xi.&  12.15,17,^. 
 
 4  That  the  fpiritualAfts,  Works,  and  Duties,  be  here 
 rightly  understood ,  and  diftinguiflicd ,  and  confidered, 
 that  we  confound  not  the  workings  of  God  in  the  beleever, 
 inabling  and  moving  him  to  Work,  with  the  workings  of 
 the  beleever,  in,  and  through  the  workings  of  God,  for  fo  R°.  ui  Wr» 
 all  the  exhortations  given ,  and  obedience  called  for ,  and  **MiMii 
 difobedience  reproved ,  will  be  made  void  and  null  •  and 
 that  we  may  rightly  underftand,  view  the  place  quoted, 
 Pkilip.l.i$.  For  it  is  God  that  roorketh  in  you  both  to  Wtfl> 
 and  to  Do,  even  of  his  good  pleafnre.  He  in  the  former  verfe 
 intreated  them  (as he  did  the  Romam)  even  by  that  done 
 by  Chrift,  and  that  now  in  him,  and  flowing  from  him  in 
 them.  As  they  had  alwayes  obeyed,  notas  inhisprefence 
 onely,  but  now  much  more  in  his  ablence  (fo  now  faith  he 
 to  them  )  Workout  yonr  own  falvation  with  fear  and  tremb-  /  J<*-*-,*3 
 ling:  Minde  the  words,  he  faith  not  Work^for,  or  to  get  Ioh*1'12* 
 falvation :  Nor  fpeaks  he  onely  of  falvation,as  it  is  by  and 
 in  Chrift  wrought  for  them,  but  of  that ,  as  it  is  by  Spirit: 
 
 Oooo  fa 
 
djQ  Of  bis  third  faying  *» 
 
 in  the  Gofpel,applyed  ro,and  by  faith  received  in  thcm,and 
 i  Ccr  .1.3©.  fo  it  is  their  own ,  Chrilt ,  and  that  which  is  his,  is  made 
 RomV^lVf  thcirs'  andinbclecvingthis,  theyare  faved,  or  hare  this 
 Tic.4^7  falvation  working  within  them,  like  as  is  faid  in  verfe  1,2. 
 Tit  z.i  i»i%i  And  this  falvation  within  them ,  is  teaching  and  working 
 *?.  in  them  with  motions,    To  denymgodlinefs  and  worldly 
 
 lufi s, to  live  fiber ly, righteously  and  godly  in  thus  pre fent  world, 
 Gal.f.i2,*3.  and  wait  for  the  blefed  hope3&c.  And  therein  ftirring  them 
 itJ£*/°'  .  up  to  live  by  faith  in  God,  and  fo  to  love,  joy^eace^atiencCj 
 1  Theft  ?. 11,  nte4,kpefS)&c.  To  bowels  of  mercy  ,  kjndnefsi&c.  And  fi  to 
 20.  fray  to ,  and  praifc  (jod,  to  exhort  one  another $  &c*    Now  all 
 
 Rom.6.iS.i*.  diefe  are  the  works  of  God  in  his  grace  bringing  fal  vation: 
 
 Gal  *uM*      ^n  *  l^c  mcrc*es  °* Goc*  *n  **k  fal  vation  given  you  , 
 Epk4.ftx.1V-     Works  within  yoUyfidoy-coboy,  yeeldup  your  filves  as  fir- 
 &  <.'i>i. '         Wats  to  righteoufnefs.  Sow  to  the  Spirit  :   And  fi  work^  out 
 Col.jo9.1i.      your  own  falvation  with  fear  and  tremblings   lor  it  U  Gtd 
 which  workfth  iv  you:  It  is  he  which  gave  hisSonfor  you, 
 and  made  him  known  to  you ,  and  (o  inabled  you  by  him 
 Jobeleeve  iaGodo  and  fo  forgave  your  fius ,  and  filled 
 you  with  this  confolacion  ot  Chrift £  and  comfort  of  his 
 own  love,  and  fellowship  of  the  Spirit,  which  by  the  fame 
 Spirit  in  the  operations  of  this  grace,  mo  veth  you  Jo  mil, 
 .to  live  by  faith*  to  deny  ungodlinefs,&c*  to  live  foberly>&c. 
 tofrayt&c  to  few  mercy  y&c.  Andte<J>oi.  He  doth  not^ay, 
 it  is  God  that  willcch  in  you,  that  beleeveth,  prayeth,  &c. 
 Neither  doth  he  fay  in  any  other  fenfe  \  than  as  cxprcfled, 
 by  giving  light,  motion,  or  powers  #07/,  and  to  Do;  That 
 Godhath  given  and  wrought  the  will  and  the  deed  ;  B#t  it 
 is  hethatworketb  inyoubotb  to  Will  and  to  Do  ,  ef  hit  good 
 will  or  pleafure,  to  as  (HU  to  Will,  and  to  Do3 .  i^die  be- 
 lcevcrswork,  which  he  cannot  do  of  himfelf ,  yec  in  this 
 gracious  feafon,  by  this  preventing  grace,  light,  motion, 
 and  divine  power  of  God  working  within  him,  he  may 
 both  will  and  Aoy  if  heyeddupto  this  grace;  and  herein  is 
 his  obedience ,  which  being  with  a  willing  minde  is  ac- 
 cepted according  to  that  he  hath.   And  in  -murmuring 
 and  withdrawingfrom  this,  and  fo  grieving  the  Spirit, and 
 lowing  totheflelh  >  is  his  dif obedience  that  he  will  be  re- 
 played and  chained  fox-  And  fo  in  this  faying,  is  a  great 
 
 and 
 
:  bis  fecond  Concernment.  tf$i 
 
 and  forcible  motive  and  encouragement  to  obedience,  it  is 
 God  that  in  the  operations  of  this  falvation  worketh  in 
 you  to  Will  and  to  Do7  yea  he  d  jth  it  of  good  will.  So  that 
 entertaining  his  motions,  and  ycelding  up  according  to  his 
 flrength  given  into  you  ,  fowing  to  the  Spirit ,  in  willing 
 and  doing  according  to  his  motions  by  his  ftrength  afford* 
 ed,yoii  have  God  on  your  file,  his  favour,  and  flrength 
 is  with  you  to  accept ,  defend,  aflift  ,  blefs,  andfolldw 
 on  With  more  grace,  and  vtf*  jkall  of  the  Sprit  reap  life  Gj6#g 
 everlafttng. And  here  is  a  forcible  admonition  againftdifor 
 bedience.  It  is  God  that  by  thefe  operations  workah  in  P&t't.tfiJ 
 you,#*.  If  youfleight,  refufe,  turn  away,  and  difobey,  j?c£,I2,,*y* 
 you  Height  and  refute  God ,  you  turn  away  from  God  |  xbeff°*ii 
 that  (peaks  from  heaven,  and  difobeyGod,  and  grieve,  &5,i^'4,  ! 
 and  refift  his  Spirit ,  and  fo  endanger  your  (elves,  &c. 
 Whence  fuitable  to  all  this  fcollowa  that  exhortation,  vcrf. 
 14, 15,  16.  Do  all  things  without  murmurings^  &c     Suit- 
 able to  all faid  to  the  Hebrews ,  and  like  this  the  other 
 quotation,  1  PeM.22.    Seeing  yon  have  purified  your  fouls 
 in  obeying  the  truth  through  the  Spirit  mto  wfained  love  of 
 the  brethren ,  fee  that  ye  love  one  another  with  a  pure  heart" 
 fervently .   This  appears  ta  be  an  exhortation  to  ftir  them 
 uptofuchlove,  not  an  affirmation  that  it  would  infallibly 
 iobc  in,  and  with  them ;  but  an  exhortation  thaj  it  might 
 fo  be,  and  that  neither  in  vain,  nor  needkfs,  but  ufeful,  and 
 bottomed  upon  the  fame  ground  with  that  to  the  Philip-  iPcu.jo,** 
 pians,  they  had,  and  did  already  by  Chr  ift  beleeve  in  God,  p.  {. 
 and  in  beleeving  or  obeying  the  truth  through  the  Spirit,      x '*  *u 
 God  did  lead  them,  and  they  had  purified  their  fouls  to 
 unfainedlovc,^.  like  that  to  the  Philippians  feeing  this, 
 See  that  y oh  lovey&c.  And  here  is  the  fame  encouragement 
 as  to  them  ,  being  born  agamic,  of  incorruptible  feed,  cfrc* 
 And  like  exhortations  grounded  thereon.     And  fo  this  *  P«t.*a*$J 
 faying  in  this  Concernment  is  in  this  fenfe  acknowledged  *•*• 
 true,  and  juftifying  only  the  faith  fetout,  Heb.6.  In  his 
 next  Concernment,  I  (hall  confider  it  in  both  parts. 
 
 Oooo  a  CHAP* 
 
6*2  Of  the  thtrd  Concernment : 
 
 CHAP;  XIX. 
 
 Of  the  third  Cencernmm  ;  The  fir  ft  fart 
 thereof 
 
 THat  the  holy  and  bleffed  Spirit ,  which  effectually 
 and  powerfully  work?  this  change  in  them ,  is  be- 
 flowed  upon  them,  as  a  fruit  of  thepurchafe  >  and  inter- 
 ceffion  ot  Jefus  Chrift,  to  dwell  in  them>  and  abide  in  them 
 for  even 
 
 In  this  firft  part  of  his  faying,  we  have  two  things  to 
 note, 
 
 Firft  |  In  what  manner  he  faith  the  holy  Spirit  is  beftwcd 
 9*  them* 
 
 And  fecondlyr  To  what  end  he  faith  the  Spirit  is  fo  given 
 them.  Confider  both. 
 
 i  He  faith,  The  holy  and  bleffed  Spirit,  which  effectu- 
 ally and  powerfully  works  this  change  in  them,  is  beftowed 
 upon  them ,  as  a  fruit  of  the  purchafe  and  interceflion  of 
 Jefus  Chrift.  By  them  he  here  profefledly  meancthin 
 every  of  his  Concernments ,  another  fort  and  ktnde of  be- 
 leevers  and  Saints ,  that  have  another  kinde  of  faith  and 
 holinefs,  then  that  mentioned,  Heb.6.^.  or  the  beft  of 
 that  fet  down,  in  that  he  calls  his  firft  kinde  of  beleevers 
 and  Saints,  or  faith  and  holinefs ,  which  yet  he  confeffeth 
 true  in  its' kinde,  and  wrought  by  the  Spirit,  effectually 
 working  in  all  their  powers  of  the  fouled.  Confider ; 
 
 I  I  hope  be  beleeveth  not  that  the  holy  Spirit  in  teftifying 
 of  Chrift  ,  and  bringing  fome  fort  of  men  to  beleeve, 
 working  in  them-err.  does  teftifie  falfehood,  or  dilTemble 
 in  his  operations,^.  Nor  yet  that  there  are.  twokindes 
 of  Spirits^ that  come  forth  from  God  and  Chrift,  to  work 
 twokindes  of  fait  hand  holinefs,  one  kinde  that  will  fail 
 men  by  one  fpirit  in  fome ,  another  kinde  that  will  not  fail 
 by  another  fpirit  in  others. 
 
 I  have  read  of  fome  affirming  fomething  like  this.  The 
 one  they  fay  is  indeed  the  Spirit  of  God  ,  that  witnefleth 
 of  jefus  that  was  bor-n  of  the  Virgin  Marj ,  and  dyed  at 
 
 Jew 
 
Thefir/l  part.  tf  jj 
 
 Jcruf*ler»)&c,  And  the  faith  begotten  hereby  Is  very  ef- 
 ieftual  in  many  ;  yet  this  is  but  a  flefhly  fpirit ,  a  flefhly 
 faith  ,  and  flefhly  operations*  But  the  ether  Spirit  that 
 witnefleth  of  the  true  and  fpiritual  Chrift ,  that  killeth  all 
 the  other  confidence ,  that  is  the  heavenly  and  holy  Spirit, 
 whofe  operations  onely  are  profitable  s  blafphemy,fo  con- 
 trary to  God  and  Chrift,  and  Scripture ,  as  hath  been 
 (hewn,  that  they  deferve  rather  to  be  abhorred  than  men-  Parr.i*pag^; 
 tioned,  I  know  no  fuch  thing  is  in  this  faying  intended,  *o. 
 I  would  fuch  expreffions  were  left  as  give  ftrength 
 to  it. 
 
 a  There  is  not  one  word  in  all  the  quotations  to  prove 
 orfhewin  what  the  change  in  thefe  differeth  from,  oris 
 better  than  the  change  in  the  other  kinde. 
 
 5  That  this  holy  Spirit ,  is  beftowed  on  them3  as  a  fruit 
 of  the  purchafe  and  interceffion  of  Jefus  Chrift.    This  is 
 a  true  faying  in  it  felf ,  and  of  all  to  whom  tHe  holy  Spirit 
 is  in  any  fort  given ,  but  as  applied  to  a  peculiar  company, 
 that  are  not  demonftrable ,  it  is  dangerous?  and  very  inti-  pfal 
 matious  of  error  :  For  it  is  certain,  that  the  earth  is  up-  Aa.iVirfc 
 held  (fince  the  fall  of  man)  and  brings  forth  fruit,  that  the  17,16,27,18. 
 beafts  are  preferved  on  the  earth, That  the  Sun  gives  com-  Kom.z.^ 
 fortable- light  and  heat,  and  the  rain  waters  the  earth ,  and 
 ir  is  fruitful,  and  all  for  the  good  and  fervice  of  men ;  And 
 that  in  thefe  is  a-  teftimonyof  hisgoodnefs,  and  extended 
 to  lead  men  to  repentance  :  All  this  is  beftowed  on  men,  as 
 a  fruit  of  the  purchafe  and  mediation  of  Chrift  ^  For 
 furely  jp  the  fall  all  was  loft  :  And  according  to  the  Truth 
 and  Juftice  of  God  without  a  Mediator ,  nothing  but 
 death,  curfe,  terror,  and  diftra&ion  >  and  torment ,  and 
 vexation,  by  every  creature  ,  could  have  come  on  men, 
 no  mercy^nor  comfort  to  foul  or  body,nor  any  thing  to  lead 
 to  repentance,  to  which.no  door  could  be  opened  without 
 the  purchafe,  and  interceffion  of  Chrift  for  men  ;  For  God 
 is  itghteous  in  all  his  wayes  ,  and  holy  in  all  his  workj  •'  And  pi- . 
 that  he  is  gQodtoall\  and  his  mercy  is  ever  allhis'mrkj  ,&S  8,0,10,15)1* 
 indeed  he  is.  This  is  through  the  facrificeand  mediation 
 of  Chrift,  in,  and  through  whom  God  is  propitious  to 
 fallen  mankinde  ;  whence  the  Prophet  by  the  Spirit  Xpeak- 
 
 Oooo  3  ing 
 
6^        Of  the  third  Concernment: 
 
 ingas  well  of  his  general  goodnefs ,  as  of  his  fpecial  fa- 
 P&I.36.5/,  vour,  in  admiration  of  both?  as  that  which  brings  men  to 
 7>l>9-  trulHnhimjhe  renders  this  as  the  ground  of  bcxh^For  with 
 
 !K  M*     tkee  inhef0UHt*'in  °fi;fe:  Like  that  is  faid  of  Chrift  ,  I* 
 rial. 7 5 !|.  '      him  was  life  (he  hath  procured  it)  and  the  life  in-  him  is  the 
 Coi  i .  17.        light  (the  caufe  of  all  mercy  ,  comfort,  and  of  all  mean* 
 1  Tfm.2.  *  A    ot  coming  ro  God  again)  of  men>  and  that  (hinetk>thoiigh 
 Wxfi1'*'9'    men  Peixeive  it  not ;  yea  he  faith,  He  gave  his  ftejbforthe 
 Rom!?o.i8.     bfi  of  the  world  y  and  that  men  are  not  all  lorely  vexed, 
 and  fuddenly  deltroyed  for  tlaeir  impeniteney ,  and  un- 
 beleef,its  becaufe,fif  it  the  Lamb  ofCjod  that  taketh  arvaj  the 
 fin  of  the  Wirld.   And  fo  he  faith  of  nimfclf,T^  eart  h  is  dif- 
 folvedi  and  all  the  Inhabit ant s^&c,  I  bear  up  thepiHars,by  him 
 allthtngsconpfl  :   He  it  i*  that  gave  him fc  If  a  ranfome  for  aJl 
 men,  and  is  the  Mediator  between  God  and  men  •  And  fo  pro- 
 cures that  patience,  and  forbearance,  mercies  >  and  means 
 that  are  extended  to  them. 
 
 Hence  it  is  faid,  The  heavens  declare  his  glory ,  and  the 
 firmament  jheweth  his  handy  worl^j  &c.     And  that  all  are 
 Coi.i. 23,14,    witneffes  of  his  goodnefs,and  to  lead  to  repentance,  and  in 
 ~1>*6-  that  fenfe  is  the  Gofpel  faid  to  be  preached  in  every  crea- 
 
 ture «ndcr  heaven.   Of  T^hkrh  Gofpel  more  fully  declared 
 in  the  opening  of  the  myftery,  Paul  was  made  a  Minifter. 
 Oh  ye  foes  of  men  j  how  are  we  beholding  to  the  Lord  Jefus 
 Heb.i.?.  fand  to  God  for  him)  who  hath  by  his  blcod  made  peace  for 
 
 *  Cor;*- ,4,r*  us  j  and  by  his  ranfome  bought  us  all  into  his  difpofe ,  and  by 
 *4»9-  vertueof  that  mediating  for  us  with  God ,  procures  for  us  fo 
 much  patience  and  forbearance yfo  many  mercies  5  and  all  to  fo 
 gracious  an  end  to  lead  us  to  repentance ,  that  coming  into  him<> 
 we  might  have  life  \  and  this  now  alfo  all  teftified  by  the  Spirit 
 ef  God*  Oh;  let  us  not  deny  this  Lord  that  bought  us  ,  let  his 
 goodnefs  melt  our  hearts  and  prevail  with  hs  ,  to  acknowledge 
 him  the  Lord  and  Saviour  of  the  world ,  even  our  Lor d>  that 
 fo  we  may  repent  and  beleeve  in  him^and  live  to  him. 
 
 And  let  no  man  deceiveyou,  bytellingyou,  thefeare 
 the  fruits  of  the  goodnefs  of  God  as  a  Creator  ,  but  not  as 
 a  Redeemer,  not  fo  as  through  a  Mediator,  extended  as 
 fruits  of  the  purcbafe  and  mediation  of  Chrift?  for  all  is 
 through  him.  And  no  man  can  know  God  >  that  doth  not 
 
 fo 
 
The  firft  part,  6<fi 
 
 fo  acknowledge  Chrift  his  Son,  For  the  Father  bath  com* 
 mined  all  judgement  to  the  Son  of  man,  upon  this  account,  pjj^'ijl 
 becaufe  he  hath  taken  the  nature  of  man,   and  therein  ^  Tim.*.*.  * 
 given  himfelf  a  ranfome  for  all  men ;  and  that  to  this  end,  joh.  j.*o,i  i, 
 That  all  men  (hould  honour  the  Son,  as  they  honour  the  Father:  21,15,17. 
 And  he  that  honoureth  not  the  Son  (in  thefe  or  other  things -\  ^Cor.$.i?» 
 bonourethnotthe  Father.    So  that  the  application  of  the 
 purchafe,  and  inter ceflion  of  Chrift,  as  being  onely  for 
 lbme  peculiar  and  undemonftrable  fort  of  men ,  doth 
 teach  the  fons  of  men  to  deny  the  Lord  that  bought  them,  - 
 and  fhuts  the  door  of  repentance  againft  them.    But  now 
 for  luch  as  to  whom  the  Gofpel  is  alfo  minified ,  yea  and 
 therein  alfo  Spirit  vouchfafed ,  and  they  by  the  Spirit  illu- 
 minated in  the  knowledge  of  Chrift;  and  that  with  luch 
 operations  as  effe&ually  producethfucha  change  in  the 
 minde,  affe&ions  and  cover  fation,that  there  is  in  them,  re- 
 pentance,and  forrowfor  fin>with  light,love,joy,zeal?obedi- 
 ence,and  holinefs.  So  fmccre  as  makes  them  do  worthily  in 
 their  gencrations?their  faith  and  holines  true  in  its  kind, and 
 they  upon  account  thereof  called  Saints  and  Beleevers;  And 
 yet  though  all  this  be  given  them  of  God ,  yet  neither  the 
 Spirit,  nor  any  of  thefe  his  operations  bellowed  on  them?  as 
 a.  fruit  of  the  purchafe  and  intcrceffion  of  Chrift  •  How 
 then  (hall  we  conceive  it  to  be  beftowed  ,  without  fome 
 ftcret  blafpheming  of  God  fome  way  in  his  Truth  and 
 Juftice,  and  teftimony  of  his  Son  ,  can  any  man  tell  ?   Is 
 there  any  word  of  Scripture  to  fay  it  ?  yea  is  not  all  the  Col.i.iy. 
 Scripture  againft  fuch  a  conceit  >  yea  it  (hews  it  to  be  a  *Pet.*.i.,s. 
 denying  of  thepreheminencieof  Chrift,  that  God  would 
 have  him  to  have  in  all  things ;  yea  it  plainly  teacheth  not 
 onely  other  men ,  but  even  beleevers  to  deny  the  Lord 
 that  bought  them  >  and  a  leaving  them  to  conclude  their 
 faith  by  fancy?  feeing  there  arc  none  by  the  Gofpel  to  tell 
 them,  though  their  faith  be  true  in  its  kinde,  and  operative, 
 whether  they  be  beholding  to  Chrift  for  it,  and  whether 
 it  be  a  fruit  of  his  purchafe  and  interceflion  or  no;  and  if 
 my  prefume  to  tell  them  they  muft  take  it  on  their  word, 
 and  fo  their  faith  reft  on  man :  And  into  what  delufions  ,  cor,*.* 
 this  may  lead  men,  let  wife  men  judge.    But  Mr.  Oven 
 
 may 
 
650  Uf  the  third  loncernmnt : 
 
 may  be  fuppofed  not  to  deny,  but  that  they  have  the 
 holy  Spirit  given  them  as  a  fruit  of  the  purchafeand  in- 
 ■terceflionof  Chrift  ,  but  that  it  isnotfo  given  them  to 
 dwell  and  abide  in  them  for  ever,  as  to  thefe  he  pleads  for : 
 And  were  it  not  for  his  oft  and  plain  expreflions  elfe- 
 where  in  his  book,  denying  the  purchale  and  interceffion 
 of  Chrift,  to  be  for  any  but  thefe  he  pleads  for,  Ifhould 
 even  fohave  underftood  him  j#  and  fuppofe  it  fo  meant 
 of  the  end  of  giving  the  Spirit,  I  fliall  confider  that 
 alfo. 
 
 2  He  faith?  Unas  given  themy  to  dwell  and  abide  in 
 them  for  ever.    And  this  muft  be  taken  either  as  relating 
 to  the  gracious  minde  and  end  of  God,  according  to  his 
 holy  will  in  giving  his  holy  Spirit,  or  as  relating  to  the  an- 
 fwering  of  that  end  of  his  ever-dwelling.    Let  us  con- 
 fider both  according  to  the  Scripture. 
 Aa.itf.i7,i8,       i  The  end  of  God  in  fending  his  Spirit  in  the  Gofpcl 
 to  call  men,  Is  to  of  en  their  ejes^  and  to  turn  them  from  dark? 
 nefs  to  light ,  and  from  the  fore  er  of  Satan  to  God>  that  they 
 may  receive  forgivenefs  of  fins ,   and  inheritance  among  them 
 that  are  fantlifiedb}  faith  that  is  in  Chrift,  So  that  this  ap- 
 pears to  be  tor  continuance  of  his  work  to  the  end,  and 
 that  is  his  abiding  in  them  tor  ever.  And  fo  fure  his  end  in 
 Eph.3 .  i^i7.   fending,  or  giving  his  Word  or  Spirit  to  any,  and  inabling 
 x-Pct.  i.f .        them  to  underftand,  and  beleeve,  is  that  this  gracious  word 
 and  Spirit  may  dwell  and  abide  in  them  for  ever ,  but  his 
 will  and  mind  is,  that  it  fhal  fo  dwel  6c  abide  in  their  hearts 
 by  faith  which  he  hath  given  them.  Whence  we  are  fo  of- 
 ten exhorted  to  c  jntinue  in  the  faith,and  to  let  that  wc  have 
 received  from  the  beginning  abide  in  us,fo  fhal  we  continue 
 and  abide  in  him,  and  his  Spirit  will  abide  in  us,  therefore 
 are  all  the  beieevers  and  holy  brethren  warned  to  take 
 heed  of  fuch  unbeleevingnefs ,  as  caufeth  departure  from 
 the  living  God,  by  which  fome  have  deprived  themfelves 
 i  Sam.j.         of  this  bleffing  in  this  gracious  end  of  God  ,  which  yet  is 
 Pfai.78.  f.16    fo  ordered  in  his  Counfels ,  that  his  end  will  be  fulfilled  in 
 lon.i.s.  their  juftdeftru&ion for  defpitingfo  greatgrace,  asit  was 
 
 in  Ifraeloi  old  that  fell  in  the  wildernefs,  in  EUes  houfe,in 
 Ephraimy  and  others.  But  fuch  as  he  hath  given  to  be- 
 leeve. 
 
** 
 
 The  fir  ft  fart.  ft? 
 
 leeve>  having  been  found  trufting  in  him,  have  never  becti 
 forfakeh,^.  And  this  end  in  iuch  fcnle  to  give  his  holy 
 Spkk  to  dwell  and  abide  in  them  for  ever  >  may  be  affir- 
 med of  &11  beleevcrs ,  even  thofe  mentioned,  //<£.£. 1,2, 
 4>5»  And  in  no  other  fenfe  of  any  belcever  but  to  abide  in, 
 and  through  faith*  ...  ' 
 
 2  If  the  dwelling  and  abiding  in  them  for  ever ,  be  ta- 
 ken in  relation  to  anfwering  this  gracious  end  of  God  J  in 
 the  conftancy  and  durance  of  the  holy  Spiric,  his  dwelling 
 and  abiding  in  them  forever*  that  is  foasrhey  live  and 
 dye  in  the  faith ;  theiiit  is  out  of  qneftion  oi  all  hands,  hut 
 this  is  not  determinable  till  they  have  finished  their  courle 
 and  dye  in  the  faith;  fo  that  there is  no  difference  or  diftin- 
 guifhinganddifcriminatingmark,  to  difference  one  be- 
 lcever from  another  in  this  things  but  as  fomc  are  qnite 
 fallen  away ,  and  departed  from  the  faith,  and  others  dye 
 in  thefaith. 
 
 As  for  that  affurance  of  faith,  where-through  the  heart 
 may  be  thorowly  perfwaded  of  their  perfeverance ,  and  fo 
 the  Spirits  abiding  in  them  for  ever;  It  is  that  I  have  endea- 
 voured to  lead  all  beleevers  to  in  this  Trcatife,  as  may  be 
 feen  in  treating  of  the  teftimony  of  Chrift ,  and  of  the 
 Purpofes ,  Promifes  and  Covenants  of  God,  though  Mr* 
 Ow^faithrEven-thofe  of  that  kinde  he  pleadcth  for, many 
 may  go  widiout  that  aflurance  all  their  dayes ,  hce 
 onely  undertakes  to  prove  notwithftanding  it  fliall  fo  bee 
 for  ever. 
 
 Now  let  his  quotations  be  viewed,to  fee  what  they  (ay 
 foroncbeleever  more  than  another ,f or  xhe.Spirits  abiding 
 with  them  for  ever. 
 
 Job  14.16.16.  in  verfi  6.  Our  Saviour  tells  his  Apoftlcs  j^  I4i|$  z$ 
 andfirft  witneffes  that  were  to  carry  forth  the  teftimony  &  15  Vs.sT 
 of  him  to  the  world  after  his  Afcention;  That  he  after  lie  l6>7. 
 was  gone  ftom  them  in  bodily  prcfencc  5  would  yet  beau  Luk***.^. 
 Interceffbrwith -the  Father  for  rhem:  And  the  Father  in 
 his  Name  ,.  and  fo  he  from  the  Father  ,  would  fend  tliem 
 another  Advocate,  or  Comforter. 
 
 Let  the  words  be  well  minded  ,  he  faith  not  >  Another 
 Spirit,  no,hcmindes  them  of  that,  that  it  is  the  fame  Spirit 
 
 V  p  p  p  of 
 
65  o  <//  m  mm  fynberntnent:    \ 
 
 S^tftL  oha^whichthey  knew,by  which  the  Fathcdnhfemioi- 
 VLS'&t  ST ^  mtdc  &™jw>wn  10  them,  to  be  che  Chrift,  and 
 J      7-  bad  given  them  to  beleeve  on  him,in  which  he  did  alfo  ftil* 
 
 even  nenv  he  w*s  with  them,dwell  with  them :  So  that  it  is 
 notone  (pint  oppofed  to  another  fpirit^  but  one  Advocate 
 or  Comforter,  in  refpeft  of  the  manner  of  ad  vocation  and 
 Hcbi  i  i  &  »»fom^,opi>ofed.t©  jaiK>fbcc :  God  hdd  been  formerly, 
 !*•;*;;»  ^cnbytheSpint  of  utaft,  te^wgbisraind^prf 
 ;0,   '  «  *      to  them »  and  leading  them  to  look  to  Chrift ,  and  fo  to 
 zCorj.7'X4»  worfhip  him  by  types,  ftiadows,  and  carnal  ordinances 
 which  were  to  be  removed;  and  now  to  thefe  in  theper- 
 fonal  mihil bation  of  himfejf ,  up  his  bodily  prefence    in 
 which  he  had  been*  even  foan  Advocate  and  Comforter 
 Pfai.63.18.      to  diem;  But  hewasnoralwayesfotoabide  wkii  them, 
 Ad.*  3  j .        nor  was  the  excellency  >  f  ulnefs  and  m  yftcry  of  either  his 
 Rom.i6.if.     oration,  or  mediationxand  advocation  tobecleady  opened 
 Joh.  16.7.&  7.  and  made  known  till  he  had  finifhedhis  differing  work, 
 l%k^i.        and  call  off  mortality  5ai)dfovercon^d^ath^nc)  afeended  in 
 his  body  unmottalj  into  heaven,  and  offered  the  acceptable 
 facrificc>  and  received  the  fulnefs  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  in 
 that  nature  of  manto  fend  forth ,  for  that  full  difcovery 
 of  himfelf ,  and  the  Fathers  mindc  in  him ,  and  then  hee 
 wonldlo  fend  forth  this  Holy  Spirit  (himfelf  remaining 
 with  the  Father  the  Advocate  ftill)  tpdifcover  him,  and  fo 
 che  Fathers  mind  in  him ,  and  foand  therein  to  be  an  Ad- 
 vocate and  Comforter  to  them,  even  fo,  and  fuch  as  never 
 was  beforefas  is  fhewn  in  the  eighth  and  ninth  Chapters  of 
 the  third  paixof  this  Treatife  about  the  revelation  of 
 *°hiXil«*,aC    thrift)  and  fo  he:  opens,  it  verf. 26,   He  (ball  teacbjottall 
 ,.17-VA.  things  ,  and  bring  all  things  toy  oar  remeipbrame  ftfagfoft* 
 
 /  have  fad  umoyvH :  For  he  had  made  known  his  Fathers 
 Counfel  and  Name  unto  them,  and  giv.cn  them  his  words 
 
 B*K  .  *<■.        ^^UhQlySfiritoftrmh  ink  is  coming  fral J  mdethem  into 
 
 ^n.i.*,p,      alltmthyby  taking  of  the  things  of  him  and  ftewing  them, 
 
 and  glorifying  him, .^  So  asthey  (hall  have  the  fulnete 
 
 ofc.tihe;teflumoiTy,?   imalRwfrltmi  *yd<  under /landing  to, 
 
 Ohibhffed  Advocate  anjlComf oner  \  And  yet  this  not  all, 
 but  as-tfacnexe  quoMipjx*  Jioh.M- **.  &*  M^'Jfi* 
 
of  him  (in  them,  to  them,  and  t^^^^ 
 
 ibas)they,aifo  (hall  bear  wknefs,£^/<r  fi^  jftfi4f/ffl  vpnt?  *&\'*t\*l' 
 him  from  the  beginning  i  even  ear  and  eye  wiwues  of  his  &  /©  34^' 
 ^erion  and  miniftration,  and  miracles,  and  fiifierings,  and  1  Gor.* 1. 
 dead^andrduftreciiqn,  andaiTentto  heaven :  And  this  « J°k.i.i,t,i. 
 Advocate  aiid  Comforter',  both  the  DoSriileof  theGo- 
 fpel'» by  him fo  opened^and  the  miniftraaon  of  it,hc  taugnt 
 ^idteadthem'ui  p  And  his  power  and  .pretence  in  chat 
 Do&rin£  fo  miniftred,  fhould  not  be  as  the  Mofaical  Law> 
 -to  pais  away*  and  give  place  to  another  miniftration;  nor 
 vastbeminitttationof  Joh^  nor  his  miniftratiqn  in  his  bo- 
 dily wcaknefs*.  to  be  qver-flui^d  by  a  more  clear  miniftra-  1  Cor.?,  v  1$, 
 tionj  but  this  (hall  be  the  laft  rniniftratiqn,  and  abide  till  T^.*.3$>.<*, 
 his  own  coming  ag  a  in ;  audio  he  ihall  be  in  them  in  their  *  IV*'*** 
 •doctrine  and  miniftration  for  ever.   So  as  to  all  beleevers  J*  par?"    * 
 here  is  given  certainty  of  truth,  goodnets,  and  immutabi-  chap.  12!  * 
 lityxtf  theGofpel  delivered  by  the  Appftles,and  of  the  pre- 
 fence of  the  Spirit  infuch  rniniftratiqn  thereof ,  as  left  ujj- 
 on  record  by  them  to  the  end  of  the  world.    And  as  for 
 the  promife  and  hope  given  in  thefe  promiies  to  beleevers 
 ot  this  Doftrinc  for  th£  Spirit  in  their  hearts  v  abiding  in 
 fthdmior  ever.  Note, 
 
 1  Itis.great,  our  Saviour  having  prayed  for  the  fame  job.  17.10,21. 
 bleffingfor  chem  alfo,  and  promifed  the  farn<o  but  that  is  *?.&-7.3^8tf 
 cat  tofome  peculiar  kinde  of  belecversv  but  to  all  that  be-  *?•&  14,17. 
 leeveon  him;  not  beleevers  oppofed  to  beleevers,  but 
 beleevers  oppofed  to  the  world  that  licth  in  unbeleet,  as  is 
 
 cxprbft. 
 
 2  That  themanner  or  theaiiuring  is  abiding  in  them  for 
 ever,  is  by  our  Saviours  own  explication  to  be  in  their  abi- 
 
 tfaikH  andfc^jwhiehhp  teacheth  and  cqmtorteth  them> 
 abiding  <ia  them  •  This,  alfo  exprefsj.iSp.that  by  thefe 
 quotations  We  are Jdad to  hqkHa(i  our  firft  faith  /that 
 Heh.6.Ram.%.iQ>i  u  The  Apoftlebothadmopifhing,  ex- 
 horting, infaufting>and  comfortuiginfucha  manner  as 
 ediingthemi  hbwic  yva$wh\\  shsnv  if  Chriit  be  in  them, 
 1  PpPP  *  and 
 
6&o         Of  the  third  Concernment : 
 
 and  Jlowit  mould  be  with  them,  if  the  Spirit  of  Chtift 
 did  dwell'  in  them ,  and  fo  not  affirming  what  would  bet 
 for  ever,  but  warning  and  dire&ing  that  it  might  be. 
 
 1  marvel  this  (hould  be  quoted  for  this  a{Tcrtion,it  fo  fuit- 
 ing  to  that  by  him  oppoied,  1  Ct>r.6,\?.  The  Apoftle  tells 
 chem  that  bekeve  (  and  furely  hadfuch  illumination,  and 
 participation of  the  Holy  Ghoftas  mentioned,  Heb+6. 
 4,5.)  '  1h*i  their  body  is the  Temple  of  the  Holy  Ghofi  m 
 them,&c.  Their  body  ,  may  be  taken  either  for  their  per- 
 gonal bodies,  which  were  the  vcflcls  and  inftruments,  in, 
 and  with  which  ,  they  were  to  be  given  up  .as.  fervants  of 
 ftom.6.1?.  righteon{ne{snnHGod'y  of  by  body ,  may  be  meant  their 
 fociety,  in  which  Truth  was,  and  God  to  be  worshipped, 
 1  Cor  $6,7^.  and  therefore  to  be  kept  holy,  and  undefiled.  Now  the 
 Apoftle  minding  them  of  this.  That  their  body  is  the 
 Temple  of  the  Hoiy  Ghoft->  or  rather  fecretly  reproves  them 
 for  their  hegleft  bf'thinding-  what  their  body-wascon- 
 f-cciatcd  to  in  the  heavenly  call  by  Chrift  that  bought 
 them,  andhadtheright-todiipoleof  xhzxxi<>  even t&be  the 
 Temple  of  the-  Holy  Ghoft ,  and  I  ntfruments  for  him  to  ufe. 
 And  thereby  he  (hewed  t?he  heinoulnefs  of  their  fin,if  they 
 defiled  their  bodies  with  fornication  and- made  or  abufed, 
 "  7  he  members  of  drift,  to  be  one  with?  and  the  members  of  an 
 
 tvcnvi  1, 1  &  *hi#Wt :  Arid  fo  on  this  ground  exhorted  them-  to  demean 
 their  bodies  futableto  the  purchafemade  by  Chrift ,  and 
 tothctelation  they  now  flood  in  withdirift,  and  to  the 
 purity  and  holiriefs  of  the  Spirit  God  had  given  them  ; 
 having  upon  the  very  fame  ground  forewarned  them, 
 1  Co  m  6  1  T^at  jf  any  man  dffiie  the  Temf  le  of  God  ,  him  (baJLGod  de- 
 1  a,  \    ftrpfi  iutrcating  them  not  fo  be'deceived,  &c>  (  and  how 
 
 doth  the  Spirit  dwell  in  fuch  for  ever  then)  yet  after  this 
 he  both  reprcveth,  warncth  ,  and  exhottethon  the  very 
 iCor.^jj,t<<»  fameground  ,  afluringthem  from  the promi(es, of  God 
 17,18^7-1,'.  of  the  Spirits  continuing  and  dwelling  in  them, 'in -their 
 yeelding  up  to'  his  teachings?  and  therefore  calls.upon 
 them  for  that,  even  likef  as  tothe  Hebrews,  cbap.& 
 
 I  marvel  this  was  quoted  here  to  fuck  an  end  ,  which 
 makes  for  that  he  oppofcth,  K^w.5.5.  fpeaksof  thcopera^ 
 tions  of  Grace  belecVed  (not  in  ftfmep  eculiar  Icindcofjbut) 
 ;  -  <I  <1  i  in 
 
lfgrt.  661 
 
 in  all  true  beleevers ,  and  fo  of  tnat  whichfiope  in  the  ex* 
 
 ercifeof  faith  doth,  becaufe  of  the  love  of  God  fhei 
 
 abroad  in  the  heart  of  bcleevers  by  the  holy  Ghoft  given  ft°m.f.  i>*  i, 
 
 unto  them;  but  not  a  word  of  the  impoflibility  of  any  M* 
 
 of  the  Saints  by  any  ill  requitals,  to  deprive  themtelvcs  of 
 
 that  love  again )  and  fo  of  that  hoJy  Spirit  j  yea  he  rathci? 
 
 warns  them  to  beware  of  that  in  thz  6.  and  8.  Chapters 
 
 following ,  fukable  to  the  warning  given  the  Hebrews, 
 
 chap.2.&;  3,  &4  &:  6. 1^.4.4. 13.  and  thofe  that  follow, 
 
 fpeaksof  the  Spirit  in  beleevers,  a  thing  denied  by  none, 
 
 but,  not  a  word  about  the  infallibility  of  his  ever  abiding, 
 
 unlets  as  the  former  places  ?  directing  to  that  in  which  ic 
 
 may  lobe;  but  it  may  be  thefe  are  quoted  for  proofs  of 
 
 that  which  follows  iathis  Concernment,  which  is  no  part 
 
 of  that  contended  for 5or  againft,unlels  it  be  to  countenance 
 
 the  distinction  of  two  kinds  of  faith ,  preferring  one  before 
 
 another.  And  fo  I  will  confider  it. 
 
 CHAP,  XX. 
 
 ■ 
 
 Of  the  fecond part  $f  the  third  Conjernmsnr. 
 
 HE  lakh ,  Vponthe  accofint  of  whtch  inhabitation  of  the 
 Spirit  of  Ckrtfi  in  tbem->  they  have  union  with  htm,  that 
 14  one  and  the  J am-.  Spirit  dive  Hi ag  in  him  the  head ,  and  them 
 the  member s. 
 
 Surely  this  maybe  truly  faid  of  all  beicevers  that  abide 
 in  the  faith  of  Chrift,  during  the  time  oi  their  abiding  in. 
 the  faith, and  fo  of  the  faith  as  mentioned. Heb.6, 1,2, 4, 5. 
 yea  the  mixtures  by  him  put  in,  which  ace  no  parts  of 
 faith  being  taken  out  as  they  confift  not  withthe  re(i,even 
 that  firft  kindc  of  faith  fet  forth  by  himfclf,  who  hath, 
 not  yet  produced  a  better ,  but  even  the  fame  clad  with 
 fomeunjnftifiableexpreflions;  fothat  this  faying  is  true 
 of  all  true  beicevers,  or  that  in  truth  bcleeve.  the  teftimo- 
 nyof  Chrift,  fearchthe  Scripture. 
 
 This!  hope  being  granted  of  all  that  bcleeve  the  Go* 
 (pel  o\  Chrift ,  chat  there  are  ndt  two  Spirits  irv  Chrift , 
 
 P.PPP  3  to 
 
6H  Of  &e  fecond  part       ! 
 
 to  proceed  from  him ,  cowork  faith  in  men ,  and  dwell  m 
 beleevers,  but  onely  one  holy  Spirit  that  is  in  the  Father> 
 and  in  the  Son,  the  Spirit  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
 Tent  by  the  Son  trap  the  Fathcr,and  by  the  Father  through 
 the  Son,  and  in  the  name  (or  Gofpel)  of  the  Son,  one  and 
 the  fame  holy  Spirit,  And  fo  where  ever  the  Father  and 
 Son  is,  he  is,  and  where  ever  he  is  >  the  Father  and  Son  is 
 there,  with*  and  by  him. 
 Manto  40.  ^ow  m^nc*G  w'iat  *he  Scripture  faith,  Chrift  faith,  He* 
 
 ioh.ij.20"       that  receiveth  you,receiveth  me  ;  And  he  that  receiyethme> 
 Mat  10.41,41.  recelveth  him  thatfent  me,   And  this  alfo  fpoken  of  his 
 Luke  1  o,  16.     fending  to  preach  the  Gofpel  :  And  though  this  in  refpe$ 
 RevV  f'       °*  h^g1^0118  acceptation  and  interpretation,  be  true  to 
 2  Cor.  * .  1  *,io  a^  t'iac  *01  bi$  fake  receive  fuch  as  beleeve  in  him;  yet  it  is 
 Jok»V*#,»7.  principally  meant  of  receiving  his  meflage  by ,  and  from 
 Aft-M*.        them.     And  folic  that  hath  the  teftimony  of  Jefus* 
 iThcfft.8,io  loath  the  Spirit  of  Prophefie :  And  the  holy  Spirit  wit- 
 ncfleth  together  with ,  and  in  that  teftimony  .•  And  Chrift 
 will  in  his  time  come  again  ,  to  be  glorified  in  hit  Stints  ,  and 
 admired  in  all  them  that  beleeve ;  becaufc  the  Apoftles  tefti- 
 mony was  received  by  them  in  the  dayes  of  his  patience 
 while  it  was  preached  to  them ;  fo  that  whoever  in  hearty 
 beleeving,  receiveth  this  teftimony ',  Jt  A  Spirit  and  life  to 
 Jcb.6.<*$.  ktw,  yea,  the  power  of  God  to  falvatUnto  himy  and  vorJ^etj) 
 
 R2jj  ff.'f '1      *$&**Uy  in  him.     And  as  they  abide  in  this  wW:, 
 
 JrfMf.4^7.  th£y  abicie  in  chn*ft'  ai?4  as  this  wor(i  abidctlf  in 
 ijohi.3.&  them,  Chrift  by  his  Spirit  abideth  in  them;  *^nd 
 1.24.  they  have    fellowship  with    the  Father  and  the  So*)  and 
 
 continue  is  both,  and  that  is  his  dwelling  in  them  :   And 
 (oof  the  Galauans^  of  whom  Paul  was  fore  afraid,  yet  he 
 dcubtcth  nouo  affirm  of  them,  Becaufeyeare  Sens^  God 
 <5aU4.^7i8,9.  hath  (cut  forth  the  Spirjt  of  his  Son  into  your  hearts  &c.  and 
 yee  haveinown  God  ,  cr  rather  are  '£*£&>»  ef  him*    And  (o 
 1  ] ffa  4. 1 3 .  fpcaketh  in  the  very  $me  language,  hoc  of 
 any  peculiar  kindcot  Spirit,  that  is  in  Chrift ,  and  flows 
 from  him  into  lbme  peculiar  kinde  of  true  beleevers;  but 
 of  that  one  holy  Spirit  which  is  in  Chrift,  and  his  effica- 
 cies,  which  alfo  in  a  mea  Cure  is  in  alltrue  beleevers ;  And 
 1  Joh.4.4.        fo  verfe  4*  he  faith  ,  Tee  are  born  of  G$d ,  or  of  God ,  "and 
 
 L 
 
 ban* 
 
of  the  third  Concernment.         66$ 
 
 have  overcome  them  (that  is  the  evil  fpirits  in  the  world) 
 becanfe greater  u  he  that  t^injoH*  than  he  that  is  in  the 
 world  (where the  oppofition  is  not  of  beleevers to  be- 
 leevers, but  of  beleevers  to  the  world)  and  this  he  after  ex- 
 prefleth>  both  by  the  effects ,  and  the  beleevers  in,  whom  it 
 iS-i  faying,  Whatfoeveru  born  of  God^overcomethlhe  world  ;   *  J°b  f-4»f* 
 And  who  is  he  that  over  comet  h  the  world  ,  bnt  £c  "hat  be  lee" 
 veththat    Jefns  is  the  S ok  of  God ,   this  betn^^rttr  iittorj 
 whereby  we  overcome  the  world ,  even  our  faitk^So  that  all 
 the  way  here  is  but  one  fpirit ,  and  one  faith.   And  thefe      ^ 
 beleevers  marked  out  by  the  fame  terms  wich  others ;  He e  1  *Cor  *  '- 
 that  knoweth  Godjhat  loves  God^andloveth  his  brother  9dic[c>   iloh  4.6,7.  n» 
 faith  he,  Are  of  God,  born  of  God-,  and  God  dwellethin  them\ 
 And  to  demonftrate  who  thefe  are,  he  faith,  It  is  he  that 
 heareth  m  (that  is  the  Apoltles  in  the  word  given  by  Chrift 
 to  them?  and  by  them  delivered  and  recorded,  for  the  obe-  Rorr.i  $  & 
 dience  of  faith  among  all  Nations)  He  that  heareth^  that  16,1$. 
 is,  accepteth,  and  receiveth  our  teliimony ,  that  will  bee 
 let,  appointed  and  determined  in  his  judgement  y  iaith, 
 and  way  by  this  word  delivered  by  us ,  as  it  is  indeed  the 
 word  of  God,  and  fo  accounting  God  true,  who  ever  bee  2  Tbeflfy.ieg 
 found  a  lyar-d^.  AnJ  fo  according  tothis  teftimony  be-  ilhcff.i.ij. 
 leeveth  in  Chrift,  and  lovefh  his  brother.    He  rAndfo  all  f^3'^.It 
 fuch  are  born  of  God.  And  that  this  obedience  of  faith  is  Xoh.i.iz  ,a  fl* 
 meant  by  hearing,  is  cleer  in  (uch  a  like  11  fc  of  the  word  in  7,37,3  8,39^ 
 another  bufmefs  :  And  they  that  refufe  this  are  (aid  tore-  ler.n.*a8.& 
 fufeto  hearken*    So  on  the  other  fide ,  He  that  heareth  Si'6-u.\  &  *, 
 not  the  word  of  Chrift  as  delivered  by  the  Apoftles,  that   I7' 
 is,  doth  not  accept  it . ,  and  receive,  &c.  he  is  not  of  God, 
 not- bom  ofGodrthzt  is,  for  the  prefeut  time,  he  is  nor  now 
 of  God,  what  ever  he  may  be  hereafter,or  hath  been  here- 
 tofore. And  fo  the  word  heareth  is  ufed  for  a  prefent  and 
 continued  hearingi  ^r.34.  thofe  that  were  affirmed  to  ler.34  9>">>i? 
 have  heard,  yea  fo  to  have  heard,  as  to  have  turned  >  and  *l  •**• 
 done  right  in  the  light  of  God,  yet  thefe  after  backfliding  Lzck-?8  -*4" 
 arethenfaid  not  to  have  hearkned  unto  God >  according 
 to  that  Word,  In  the  day  that  he  finneth,  all  his  righteottfneft  \ 
 
 ftallmtbemerttionedtoljim  :  So  then  while  he  thus  hear- 
 eth) he  reeeiveth  the  word  as  the  word  of  God,  and  there- 
 
66±  Of  the  Jecond  part 
 
 in  Child  and  his  Spirit,  that  framcth,  inclineth,  and 
 inablcth  him  to  belceve  in  God,  love  God  ,   love  his 
 brorher ,    and  fo  the  fame  mindc  and  fpirit  that  is  in 
 x  Com.i*.       Chriit  is  in  him.     Hence  fo  exhorted,  To  let  the  word  of 
 Phil,  i.i ',?.     Chrifr  dwell  plentifully  in  *u  \  Tor  fttch  are  of  God  \  born  of 
 Co1. 3.16  Godyand6hd  dwelleth  in  them.   And  fo  VCtf.  13*   Hereby 
 
 1  lob.  5 . 6. 9.      rfe  j^ow  ffrjp  we  dwell  in  hi  m  5  And  he  in  tu  ,  becan'fe  he  hath 
 given  hs  oS,  t/s  Spirit.   And  fo  in  chap.  3.  where  abiding  in 
 nim?  and  tantig  born  ol:  him*  are  put  one  for  another  And 
 there  it  is  aitlimed,  That  he  that  {eepeth  his  commands  (in 
 bcleevingon  the  Name  of  his  Son  Jefus  Chrift ,  and  lo- 
 ving one  another)  dwelleth  in  him,  and  he  in  him-y  j$nd  hereby 
 -we  Know  that  he  alideth  in  us  .,  by  the  Spirit  which  he  hath 
 given  tu  ;  which  needs  no  further  explication  to  know 
 what  Spirit  it  is,  and  that  it  is  but  one  Spirit,  and  the  fame 
 Spirit  that  is  in  Chriit,  and  in  all  unfained  beleevcrs :  And 
 that  this  Spirit  dwelleth  both  in  their  fociety  for  ever,  and 
 in  every  particular  foul  oi  them  ,  that  are  found  beleevers, 
 folong  as  they  abide  in  the  faith,  he  hath  wrought,  and 
 picfervcth  in  them ,  and  on  that  ground  are  the  exhorta- 
 tions given,  Chap.3.&4.  and  of  like  fignification .  the 
 other  quotations,  nim.1.14.  1  Cor,6.ij.  &:  x  2,1 2,13, 
 J^fe.4.4.  There  being  but  one  Spirit ,  and  J  hope  for  the 
 manner  of  the  fpirits  being  in  Beleevers,  there  needs  no 
 contention. 
 •  1  Mc.7  »3-      It  is  not  meant  {imply  of  the  cflence  or  being  of  the 
 Amo$  ^l'14'  Spirit  3  which  is  one,  and  the  fame  with  the  Father  ,  and 
 Htbr  9i.  **      r^c  S°n  ?  anc^  f°  filling  heaven  and  earth  with  his  prefence, 
 Mat.s!fV>        \cafo  with  all  creatures,  and  fo  inlovc,  and  well-plcafed- 
 ioh  ^7.^7^3    nefs  with  the  righteous,an:t  in  wrath  widvand  againft  the 
 *  •'  •  wicked ,  difctnrtnjj  all  things ;  fo  that  here  is  fome  farther 
 
 meaning  of  the  Spirit  being  in  beleevers :  And  that  is  alb 
 a  farther  thing  than  the  forth-  putting  of  his  divine  force, 
 and  power,  upholding  and  railing  up  *  and  making  opera- 
 Li^  \\&  tive  ibrnething  in  the  creature,  for  fo  he  upholdcch  the. 
 earth  a'nd  the  heavens  and  caufeth  the  Sun  to  fhine,and  the 
 cloud;  to  carry  about  water ,  and  diftili  their  drops ,  and 
 : earth  to  bring  forth  fruit ,  and  men  to  live  and  move. 
 He  .canferh  the  grafs  to  grew,  but  not  to  be  fenfible, 
 
 and 
 
Of  the  third  Concernment.  tf  tfy 
 
 andknowing  /he  caufeth the beaflstb live .,  breathe,*  and  Aa,i4.(7.& 
 move,  and  co  be  fenfible,and  fo  to  know  as  far  as  by  fenfe   1 7  m,*8. 
 they  may  be  brought  to  know ,  but  indueth  them  not  with  | Ci]:6c6'7' 
 reafon, or  an  intellectual  undaftan A 'wg.  But  men  befide*  J-' r4, 
 
 all  the  former  3  healfo  indi  cth  with  reaibn  ,  and  under-   T  , 
 {landing  above  the  beads:  And  all  this  extended  to,  and  Jot)W' 
 .  formen,  isaneffc&of  God,  audio  of  one  and  the  fame 
 Spirit,  extended  to  fallen  mankind,  through  a  Mediator- 
 and  fo  by. vcrtue  of  the  ranfome  and  mediation  of  Chrift, 
 and  that  to  gracious  ends ,  to  lead  men  to  repentance ,  yet 
 all. this  being  but  the  fupf>ortation  of  the  old  creation  for  a 
 rime ,  that  cirne  and  means,  may  be,  vouchsafed  to  bring 
 men  to  repentance,  and  fafhort  of  the  New  Creation.  Ic 
 isfak!  (till  to  be  in  a  natural  way  extended  :  And  men 
 thus  knowing,  are  but  natural ,  and  cannot  by  nature  or 
 allthewifdome  thus  attained,  perceive,  or  receive  the  .  rrr     0 
 things  of  the  Spirit  that  he  witneffeth  of  Chrift.  But  the  *'  M* 
 
 forth-putting  of  the  divine  force  dud  power  of  the  holy 
 Spirit  in  this  bufiueis  is  fupernaturaliti  the  teftimony  of 
 Chrift.  The  New  and  Spiritual  man ,  and  for  fetting  for- 
 ward the  New  Creation;  which  divine  force  or  power,  ac- 
 cording to  the  light  in  the  means  vouchfafed ,  is  at  one 
 time  or  other  \  put  forth  to  all  men  that  come  to  the  ufe  of 
 underftanding  in  their,  feveral  Ages  •,  In  which  refpefr 
 zKoyThewordoffatth,  when  preached ,  is  nigh  to  them  in   J°h-M>*.9. 
 their  mouth  and  hearty  that  they  might  beleeve  and  con-  8  °™'l0'6}7' 
 fefs:  And  fuch  as  in  beleeying  receive  the  Spirits  tefti-  Pfai.  119.T30. 
 mony :  He  by  his  divine  light ,  and  power  effe&eth  m    i  Juh.f  ,io. 
 them  an  underftanding,  and  heart  to  know  Chrift,  and  fo 
 to  love  him,  and  one  another  for  his  fake,  and  fo  to  in- 
 cline to,  and  feek  his  ends.    And  thus  they  partake  of 
 the  Divine  Nature  :  This  (upernatural  force  and  divine  iP«.ij4. 
 power ;  working  hi  them,  to  this  gracious  end,  is  the  very 
 Spirit  that  is  in  Chrift ;  .and  this  his  fupernatural  opera- 
 tion of.  the  minde  and  difpofition  of  Chrift  .and  fo  of  faith, 
 love,"  and  likenefsof  defignin  their  heart ;  being  born  of 
 the  Spirit,  Is  Spirit;  yea  the  Spirit  and  minde  of  Chrift  in  J°M«*.. 
 them.   And  called  The  Spirit  of  faith,  withe  Spirit  of  love    *  cor'2' it 
 *nd  power,  rtndofafoiind  minde :  And  fo  bears  the  name   iXim'Tz 
 
 CLqqq  of 
 
666  Of.  the Jeeond  part 
 
 of  chcSpicic  and  fupematural  divine  power  that  effected 
 it,  yea  is  one  with  it,and  never  feparate  from  it :  And  this 
 fupematural  divine  power  in  this  heavenly  fupernatural 
 difpofition ,  is  the  Spirit  of  Chrift  in  beleevers.    And  in 
 Rom.8.9.11.    $?s  manncr>  ?Pi  and  with  fuch  a  difpofition  is  he  in  them  • 
 And. he  that  hath  not  the  Spirit  of  Chrift  in  him  y  is  as  jet- 
 none  of 'his  members  j    And  thw.one  and  the  fame  Spirit  is  in 
 him  the  heady  and  in  them  the  members  ,  yet  with  fome  dif- 
 fi  b    l(         ference  for  the  manner  of  being  in  them ;  it  is  in  him  as  the 
 r*joh.  iio,      head-  whence  it  flows  to  all  the  members  :  In  him  as  the 
 »7,a*.  g^ver,  but  in  them  as  members,  and  receivers :  In  him  as 
 
 Goi.i.  ?593io.  the  fountain  >  in  them  asveffels  :  In  him.  immeafurably, 
 Eph.4.7.  the  f nine fs  of  the  Godhead  dwelling  tn  him  bodily:    In  tliem. 
 
 aom.8,zj.  according  toa  meafureofthe  good  pleafure  of  Chrift 5  and 
 that  not  the  full. nor  the  half,  nor  the  tenth,  but  a  firft  fruits 
 of  thac  which  abiding  in  himr  they  fhailbe  filled  withall 
 ac  his  coming;  and  this  firft  fruics  of  a  different  meafurc  in 
 feme  more  than  in  other ,  aiid  capable:  of.  iucreale  in  all 
 Saints  during  this  li;e>  And  (0  the  fame  [pmt'in  thofefpo- 
 kento,  //^»^.n ^4,5. 7;p,  lo.  And  all  this  I  have  writ  to 
 prevent fancies,  deiufions,  and  pride,  in  mens  conceits  of 
 ihe  inhabitation,  or  the  holy  Spirit  in  them. 
 
 As  tor  thofe  two  terms,-  z/jf'fj .  That  upon  the  account  of 
 this'  inhabitation  of  the  Spirit  in  them ,  they  have  union 
 with  Chrift ,  And  rhat  this  union  with  Chrift,  is  one  and 
 the  fame  Spirit  dwelling  iii  him  the  head ,  and  them  the 
 members '  Thefc  exprcffions,  may  to  fuch  as  have  under- 
 iianding  to  take  them  in  a  right  (enfc ,  go  for  currant  and 
 truc>for  in  a  right  fente  io ihey  arc  ;  but  to  fuch  as  are  yet 
 weak,  they  ar^Io  darkly  expreft?  that  it  may  daile  and: 
 hinder  the  lakh  oi  fome-,and  the  growth, of  others : 
 
 For  firftVhat  upon  the  account  of; the  inhabitation  oi  the; 
 Spirit ,;they  have  union  with  Chrift,  it  is*  undoubtedly 
 true,  yea  without  controveriie  there  is  no  union -with 
 Chrift «  but  by  the  operation  of  this  holySpirk  j  But  that 
 there  is  no  union-  with  Chrift, .before this  inliabkation 
 of  the  Spirit,  would  be  harfh  to  affirm,  yea  in  order  of 
 nature,  if  nor  of  .time,  as  it  may  be  in'fomc,  the  Spirit  in - 
 workingjaith ,  doth  firft  unite  the  beleevers  \n  beleeving. 
 
 to 
 
iPet.2.2,5'4>J 
 
 o£  the  third  Concernment.  667 
 
 to  Chrift,  -before he  take  uphis  refidence  and  habitation  in 
 thern,  which  is  upon,  and  after  belceving.I  will  not  prefs  a 
 nice  diftin£Hpn,oi  the  ipirits  being  with  a  man,  in  bringing 
 toQiriitandinftrudinginthcknoxvlcdgeoi:  him,  andfo  jof-7.  ^7^3. 
 bringing  by  faith  to  adhere  to  him ,  and  fo  uniting.  And  fcph.i.ij. 
 after  .taking,  up  his  habitation  ,  as  an  In  dweller,  affording 
 a  living  principle ,  though  there  is  more  force  for  this  in 
 thofe  words  to  them  united  to  Chrift;  Tee  k*w  h'.mjur  he 
 dwelleth  with  you  $■  and  {ball  be  in  yon  ,  then  in  iiiany  quota-  Job,i4  *7» 
 tions  rendred  by  fome  ,  for  what  they  pretend  10  prove 
 thereby  :  But  tor  true  belee vers ,  that  in  faith  and  love, 
 are  united  to  Chrift,  and  yet  happily,  have  nor ,  or  difcerii 
 not >'  fuch  a  conftant  inhabitation  as  is  mentioned  5  the 
 Spirits  docl rine  is  good  and  fate  ,  As  new  l>$)  n  babsi  defire 
 the  fine  ere  milkjof  the  word-,  that  yet  m^y  grow  thereby ^  if  fo 
 bcjGU  have  tafiedthat  the  Lord  is  gracious  ;  to  whom  com- 
 ing,&c.  Tee  are  built  upon  him^  &c.  '  which  is  m  lets  than 
 more  firmly  united ,  and  growing  up  in  union  with  him  ; 
 Suitable  to  that  Heb.^.6. 14.  Though  dill  there  is  an  Joh.17.to 
 union,in  will,  purpofe,  defigu,  and  way, which  is  a  fruit  of 
 the  former,  and  follows  it ;  yea  in  this  alfo  they  become 
 of  one  heart  and  minde  with  all  unfained  beleevers ,  for 
 .carrying  on  the  defign  of  Chrift;and  of  union  iua  fpiritual 
 minde  and  difpoiition ,  andbyreafon  ot  fellowfhipinan 
 obliging  relation,  is  that  1  Cot\6.  17  as  appears  by  the  op- 
 pofition  :  And  of  union  in  minde  and  fellowship,  as  well 
 as  in  faith3appears  to  be  meant,  1  Or,i2.i2,i3.  And  the 
 reafon  rendred,  becaufe  wrought  by  one  Spirit;  And  of  the 
 onenefs  of  Spirit ,  with  the  head ,  and  ail  beleevers ,  in  gaI.j.i-5,  & 
 faith,  love,  and  defign,  appears  to  bemeant,  £^.44,5.  5,5^. 
 And  as  the  weakeft  beleever  hereby  may  be  both  com- 
 forted and  exhorted,  111  abiding  to  experiment  this  inha- 
 bitation, though  he  yet  hardly  difcern  it.  So  the  ftrongeft 
 may  be  exhorted  to  grow  up  in  it..  And  yet  again  >  that 
 the  union  with  Chrift  is  in  this ,  That  there  is  one  and  the 
 lame  Spirit  in  him  the  head  ,  and  them  the  members  >  is 
 true,  yet  in  fuch  as  are  yet  weak  in  underftanding ;  fo  to 
 take  ic  without  fome  explication,  may  hinder  their 
 growth ,  fuppofing  the  inhabitation  complea; ,  when  yet 
 
 Q^qqq  2  there 
 
66%  Of Mr.OwtteiaJZ 
 
 there  may  be  touch  wanting  to  them ,  and  they  necd-ftill- 
 the  operations  of  the  holy  Spirit  in  making  them  one  with 
 Chrift,  inhisminde  and  judgement,  in  the  teftimony  of 
 Chrift,approving  what  he  approyes?3^condemning  what 
 he  condemns.  And  fo  one  with  him  in  his  defign  for  glori- 
 fying God  in  feeking  the  (alvation  of  men,and  the  edifying 
 &  profpcrity  of  the  Church;  And  fo  one  with  him  in  child- 
 like affe&ion  to  God,  and  member-like  love  to  brethren, 
 and  compaflion  to  them  that  areoutof  the  \vay,and  fo  one 
 with  him  in  bowels  of  mercy,  patience  f  meeknefs,  &c 
 AH  which  onen'efs  with  him,  abiding  in  that  faith  and  love 
 he  hath  wrought,  and  is  ftirring  up  in  them,  they  (hall 
 grow  up  more  in ,  and  fo  grow  up  more  into  him,  crc . 
 which  was  that  the  Apoftie  endeavoured  to  farther  the 
 Hebrews  in  :  And  fo  in  all  quotations  in  ali  the  three 
 Concernments ,  no  other  or  better  faith  (hewn  ,  than  that 
 which  is  faith  indeed  in  the'  firft  kinde  fet  forth  by  him  : 
 See  alfo  the  laft. 
 
 i 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 Of  Mr.  Owens  laft  Concernment,  tn  two  part  Si 
 
 N  this  laft  Concernment  are  two  things  expreily  rioted; 
 Fir  ft,  Their  ailual  ftace  and  condition. 
 And  fecondly ,  Their  relative  condition, 
 And  ail  faid  of  either,  as  true  of-  that  which  is  faith,  in 
 that  fet  out  in  the'firft  kinde  ,  as  of  that  which  is  faith  fet 
 out  in  this  iecond  kinde,  for  the  mixtures. put  in  to  darken 
 ft,  taken  from  the  one ,  and  the  unjuftifiable  expreflions 
 put  on  the  other,  to  make  (hew  of  difference,  removed; 
 both  appears  to  be  indeed  butone  kinde  of  faith  •  fo  that 
 there  is  nothing  here  needful,  but  onely  reciting  the  wotds-, 
 and  minding  the  proofs  quoted. 
 Rom.8.23,14,       F^ft,  he  faith",  Byailwhich,  As  t$  their  atl**l  ft  ate  and 
 2  Ccr  f.i  4i      londition^  they  are  really  changed  from  death  to  hfe^&c.  We 
 pbil.g.  ii.izi  know  he  meaneth  not  from  mortaliity  to  immortallity  , 
 Kom.  g.io.      whichis  that  real  change,  they  have  not  yet  attained,  but 
 Rom.7-  x  4i  5  wait  for ;  but  for  the  prefent ,   The  Spirit  u  life  far  righte- 
 Hl V'*  4        onfnefs  f*ke->yet  the  body  is  dead  becanfc  of  fin-,  yea  afld  fome- 
 ******'  tiling 
 
Concernment  jit  tnoparts.  66? 
 
 thing  favouring  of  death  is  alfoin,  and  troubling  their 
 fouls  ;  But  through  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Chrifi,  as 
 they  in  beleevin^  walk^  after  the  Spirit ,  they  are  made  free, 
 andenlived,  from  the  fentence  and  fear  of  death-,  and  filled 
 with  the  promt fe  and  hope  of  life  ,  which  comfort  tn  fo  great 
 loveofGodenlives  Hs  in  love  of  the  brethren.  And  if  oh. 
 3.14.  We  know  that  we  have  pa  (fed  from  death  to  life ,  be-  i^'4"^1^ 
 cavfewe  love  the  brethren,&c.    We  that  are  born  of  God,  >9%     *"* 
 
 that  have  beleeved  the  love  wherewith  God  hath  loved 
 us ;  and  fo  abide  in  Cfarift  keeping  his  commands  of 
 faith  and  love,  We  know  we  are  paffedfrom  being  judged 
 by  our  works  according  to  tile  law,  which  fencencethto 
 death,  into  the  gracious  acceptance  and  favour  of  God  in 
 Chrilt,  and  fo  into  the  liberty  and  life  of  (Thrift,  and  en- 
 joyment of  his  gracious  Spirit ,  which  brings  forth  ths 
 fruit  of  love,  which  whoever  hath  not^abideth  in  death  •  And 
 this  is  true  of  all  abiding  in  the  faith  without  difference. 
 '£p/?,2,2-$.andCV.2.i3.  Speak  of  that  quickning,  which  (^l0!**. 
 fa  through  beieeving  in  Chrift,  in  which  remifli  on  of  fins,  X  ''  ' 
 and  hope  of  eternal  life  is  begun  to  be  received ,  which  all 
 true  beleevers  receive ,  withoutdifferencc ,  though  not  in 
 like  fulnefs  in  every  beleever  :  And  on  that  gro.md, 
 Rom.6. 11.13.Sc 8, p.  Are  exhortations  to  perfevcre, 
 walking  in  faith,  and  love. 
 
 Secondly,  From  darknefs  to  /*gfc.]This  is  truc,though  that 
 quoted,  Att.i6A%.  doth  but  (hew  the  end  ot  Gods  fend-     ,  6 
 
 ingtheG  )fpel  to  be  miniftred  to  men  ,  without  difference 
 ot  any  to  whom  it  is  fo  (cnt ,  which  where  it  comes ,  tight 
 fpringsup.  And  2s/>&.s.8*  thews  what  beleevers  (without 
 difference)  are  in  the  Lord^  fince  called  and  inabled  to  be-  E  .  -  8 
 leeve  ,  and  that  preffed  as  a  motive  to  abide  and  perfevere    p  ' 
 walking  iri the  light.   And  i  Thefi  5.4,5.  fhews  that  be- 
 leevers are  not  in  darknefs  of  ignorance  and  unbeleef, 
 and  how  efficacious  the  light  ot  truth  beleeved  was  in 
 them»  7 hey  were  born  of  it  :  Jhey  were  (he  faith  not  feme, 
 butj  all  the  children  of  light  3&c.  From  whence  he  prefTeth 
 an  exhortation,  Notto/leep  as  others,  but  to  walk^&c*  And  ' 
 CoLxai*  Is  a  bleffiug of  God  in  giving  him  thanks  for 
 having  delivered  themihz  faith  not  from  all  darknefs,  but) 
 
 Qqqq  3  from 
 
6yo         .     Of  Mr.Owcnslaft 
 
 from  the  power  of  darknefs  ,  and  having  tranflattd  them  into 
 Col.%*  12,13.  the  Klngdome  (that  is  the  fpiritual  Kingdome,  or  govern- 
 */***•  ment,  and  intereft  in  ,  and  hope  of  that  promifed  Kmg- 
 
 dome  J  of  the  Son  ofhu  love;  for  which  caufe  he  prefleth 
 their  abiding  and  continuance.  And  1  Pet .2, 9.  (hews.  That 
 (jods  elett  and  chofen  people  ^  are  fuch  as  he  haih  called  out  of 
 darknefs  into  his  marve lions  light  to  (hew  forth  his  praifes . 
 2  Cor.4.^.  .  And  what  this  light  is5  and  where  it  fhineth ,  is  plain  to  be 
 ■  in  the  face  of  Chrift,Gods  prime  Ele£h  And  this  is  true  in 
 a  meafure  of  all  unfaincd  beleevers ;  let  them  minde  this, 
 T  hat  conceit  an  eleft  company ,  before  the  appointment 
 of  (Thrift  to  dye,  to  be  given  him  to  dyef or ,  and  demon- 
 ftrate  what  they  are,  and  reconcile  them  into  one  condition 
 with  thefe. 
 
 Thirdly ,  From  m  univtrfal  habit  of  unclermnefs,  unto 
 holme fs~\    In  a  begun  inclination  ,  and  through  all  the 
 powers,  a  tendency  thereto  ,  that  there  may  be  a  proceed- 
 ing to  perfedion   m  holinefs ;  this  is  true  :  But  E *^, 
 36.2$.  fpeaketh  dire&ly  ot  the  Jews,  when  he  hath  re- 
 turned them  to  their  own  land  :  And  as  in  reference  to  a 
 Ftek  36.14,     frfr  fruits  in  beleevers  in  this  life;  It  (peaks  of  that  God 
 iu-6,17  $'.     will  do  to  them  after  he  hath  called  them  to  beleeve  in 
 kph'5.13,1^  Chrift.   And  fo  of  a  continued  bufinefs on,  and  in  be- 
 *i  -  Jeevcrs  till  it  be  compleat,  for  nhicbhe  Ktll  be  fought  of 
 
 them,  And  1  Cor, 6  1 1 .  (peaks'  cf  a  work  begun  ,  and  fo 
 in  the  beginnings  of  it  done  in  them ,  In  the  Name  of  the 
 Lord  Jefus  ,  and  by  t  he  Spirit  of  our  (jod  :  And  this  given 
 as  a  ground  both  to  reprove  fome  evils ,  and  uncleannefs 
 1  Ccr  6  1        *P  tnem3  anc' to  warn  them  from  finning ,  and  to  ftir  them 
 •  j,  no,  9*    UP  by  the  fame  Name  and  Spirit  to  prefs  on  to  further 
 holinefs.    And  Itt.i^.  fliews  the  manner  of  this  work, 
 and  by  what  means,  and  to  what  end  it  is  done ,  and  fo  the 
 beginning  and  proceeding  5  but  (hews  not  the  accomplish- 
 ment as  yet  to  be  in  them.    And  Heb.  10.  22.  is  not  an 
 affirmation  of  what  is  attained,  but  an  exhortation  to  ufe 
 the  right  way,  for  having  a  continual  increafe  ofrenued 
 Heb.i©,Ti-iS?,  holinefs ;  upon  that  very  ground,  of  what  we  have  in 
 ia!ii'i4^5     thrift,  and  have  begun  to  receive ,  and  may  be  daily  re- 
 ceiving from  him  -7  that  fo  in  holding  f aft  our  confidence 
 
 and 
 
— 
 
 Concernment,  in  two  parts.  6  7 1 
 
 and  profeflion,  we  may  follow  after  holinefs. 
 
 Fourthly  >  Fnm  a  flats  of  enmity ,  ftubbornnefS)  rebel- 
 lion? &c*  into  a  ft  ate  of  love,  obedience  and  delight^  This  is 
 no  other,  but  in  change  of  an  cxpreffion ,  what  was  con- 
 feffedto  be  in  the  firft  kinde  of  beleevers ,  and  Saints. 
 And  indeed  it  is  true  of  both  alike,  for  both,  fo  far  as 
 taxi  are  one. 
 
 Romt6,\i>  fpeaks  of  that  done  and  compleated  m 
 ChriftS  and  not  yet  in  us,  but  by  degrees-,  and  in  due  fcafon 
 to  be  done;  And  that  laid  as  the  ground  in  beleeving  on  g^^i,  Xl 
 him,  both  to  reckon  our  felves  after  him  ,  and  in  that  ac-  1 3,14, 
 count  yecld  up  our  felves,  to  live  to  him  ,  in  which  that 
 will  be  verified  of  us  that  is  faid  from  verf,  1721.  and  fo 
 re  plainly  appears  to  be  underftood . 
 
 £^.2.12,13.  Speaks  of  that  ftate  of  Gentilifm ,  en- 
 ftrangement  to  God,  all  we  Gent  ties  were  in,  before  Chriit 
 came  in  the  flefh  ,  and  offered  up  the  acceptable  Sacrifice* 
 and  the  priviledges  confirmed  before  to  the  Jewish  Nation ,  i 
 were  fet  open  to  the  Gent ilts  ?  and  they  made  nigh  by  the  chaD.t  j-$-a.  . 
 blood  ofChrift)  that  made  peace,  broke  down  the  fart  it  hn  wall) 
 flew  the  enmity  9  &c<  and  came  and  preached  peace  ,  by  which 
 peace  preached  w  his  Name  ?  all  that  beleeve  in  him  have  ac 
 cefs  by  one  Spirit  to  the  Father  ^  that  is  clear. 
 
 •  QoL  1 .2 1  •  Speaks  of  the  enmity  in  their  mindes,a  nd  of 
 the  efticacie  of  the  Death  and  Sacrifice  of  Chritt  .and  peace 
 iftade  thereby ,•  and  Gods  tove  there-through  appearing 
 dilplayed  >  and  beleeved,  how  it  reconciled  them  to  Godj. 
 And  that  to  this  end,  Toprefentthem  in  the  body  of  his  flefh 
 through >  death  5  holy?  an^  unb  lame  able  ?  and  unre  prove  able  in  !E :    ''*'*"**• 
 his  fight  ,  if  they  continued  in  the  faith)&c.    Jult  as   to  the  r^'jV  t'o 
 Hebrews^   Heb.  1 2.22.  Shews  to  how  much  more  glorious  Eph.  *,*  5'  a** 
 mihiftration ,  and  better  Covenant  ,  ftablifhed  on  better  \7- 
 promifesthan  they  in  Mofes time  had,  and  what  happy  c°,'i?^4-, 
 loekty  they  wa'e  come  to  ,  yea  even  to  Jefus ,  whercthey  He^8,  g*J05j 
 might  enjoy  the  blood  of  fprinkling,  (hewing  thereby ,  as  uJo.?z,z2°' 
 the  benefit  of  hearing,  Co  the  danger  of  turning  away  \  fo  zh*4%xiX*. 
 warning  to  heedf  ulnefs. 
 
 Secondly^  he  faith,  And  as  to  their relative  condition^ 
 -whereas  they  were  children  of  wrath  ?  under  the  enrfe  ,  and 
 
 con*  • 
 
/yi  Of  Mr.O  wens  taft 
 
 condemning  power  of  the  Law,  thej  are  upon  the  fcore  of  him^ 
 who  wo*  made  a  cur fe  for  them  5  and  is  made  righteoufnefs  to 
 them,  accepted)  jttflified,  adopted,  avd  admitted  into  that  fw 
 mtly  of  heaven  and  earth  ,  -which  is  called  after  the  Name  of 
 Cod.']  All  this  in  the  truth  of  it,  inamealureis  true  of 
 all  unfained  beleevers,  even  the  weakeft  of  them*   As  for 
 Gal.y.13.         Epk.i.$.  itisfore-fpoken  to,  andagrees  to  all  beleevers, 
 without  difference.  And  Gal  3.13.  fhews  the  way  of  de- 
 liverance through  Chritt  5  Being  made  a  cur  fe  for  m  •  Ancj 
 how  he  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  Law  j  fo 
 as  God  will  not  go  to  judgement  with  us  thereby  ,  how- 
 ever unbeleeving  hearts  are  under  the  fear  of  that  curfe  and 
 death,  but  he  hath  given  us  all  over  toChrift,  tobedif- 
 pofed  by  him,  and  judged  by  him  according  to  the  Go- 
 fpel  •  yet  this  was  not  all  the  end  he  had  in  ib  redeeming 
 us  from  the  curf  e  of  the  Law,but  he  had  a  more  abundant 
 gracious  end  in  this  his  differing  for  us ,  namely,  That  the 
 ble ffng  of  Abraham  might  come  ox  the  Gentiles  through  Jefus 
 Chrijt ,    that  fo  we  might  receive  the  promife  of  the  Spirit 
 through  faith  :  He  faith  not,  That WC  Jews and G miles, 
 all  that  he  hath  redeemed  from  the  curfe  of  the  Law 
 (which  istrueto  all  men)  are  in  their  confeience  from  un- 
 der Law,  and  have  received  the  blefling  of  Abraham,  and 
 the  promife  of  the  Spirit ,  but  that  he  by  fuffering  for  us 
 the  curfe  of  the  Law ,  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  ot 
 the  Law,  to  this  end,  1 'hat we  might,  &c.   And  fo  upon 
 3©b.  3.14,15,    the  account  of  Chrift  being  made  a  curfe  for  us,&c.  The 
 3tf,v7,i8,3^    Gofpel  of  this  good  news  is  preached  to  us ,  that  wee 
 Gal  3.7-12,     might  beleeve ,  and  in  beleeving  receive  the  bleffingaucj 
 aCo-x    1      Promife  through  faith.  Notelfe,  nor  otherwife,  jputinbe- 
 5.4°l  XJ* l^9  lcevingwe  lhall  receive  :  And  all  this  is  true  for ,  andto 
 all  men ,  but  onely  beleevers  receive  the  blefling  and 
 Spirit  through  faith.  And  this  is  true  of  all  beleevers,  and 
 abides  hi  them,  as  they  abide  in  the  faith,  to  prefs  fo  which, 
 is  the  drift  of  this, and  following  Chapters, 
 
 G4/.4.4.  The  Apoftleherein  {hewing,  That  God  fent. 
 forth  his  Son  made  of  a  woman  (chat  is  in  the  common  na- 
 ture of  mankinde)    made  under  the  Law   (that  under 
 
 which 
 
Concernment  yin  typo  parts.  67$ 
 
 which  all  maukinde  was  fallen)  to  redeem  them  that  were 
 nnder  the  Law  (as  all  mankinde  Was)  that  we  might  receive    Rom  j  I0. 1$ 
 the  adoption  of  Softs.  He  faith  not,  And  then  we  did,  oi*  all   20. 
 fo  redeemed  trom  the  curfe  ot  the  Law  have  ,  Bat  that  we 
 mighty  that  iSjinbeleevirg  receive,&c*.  And  fo  far  true  to 
 all  alike*   And  then  verf  6.    *s4nd  becattfe  ye  are  Sons,  that   chap.?  1 3  t4 
 is  becaufe  ye  have  beleeved  this  teftimony,  and  fo  belecved. 
 in  theName  of  the  Son  of  God  <fiod  hath  fent  fort  h  the  spirit 
 of  his  Son>  that  divine  force  ot  his  Spirit ,  .working  child-  <~al. 3*^° 
 like  confidence.and  del  ires,moving  to  approach  to  him  by  Mar.  1 4.3 6 . 
 Chrift,  crying,  AbbaFather  .-And  this  all-true  belcevers  Rom.8.114 
 receive,yct  this,  and  the  reft  he  aftirmech,  in  no  fort  to  im-   l  u 
 pore  an  impoffibility  of  their  mifcatiage,  tor  he  was  afraid 
 of  them,  but  as  a  motive  to  reduce  them  from  mifcarri- 
 ages,  and  prevent  farther  mifcarriages ,  that  they  might 
 abide  in,  and  live  by  faith. ;  and  though  their  declining  be 
 great,  and  much  fallen  trom  grace,  yet  not  being  quite  de- 
 parted* upon  the  account  of  Chrift  beleeved  in,  he  affirms 
 the  Spirit  in  them. 
 
 Rom.%.i.  The  Apoftle  having  before  laid  the  founda-  &omj  &*  2f; 
 tion  forth  in  the  redemption  wrought  by,  and  in  Jefus      *£^  71* 
 Chrift:  And  alfo how  by  faith  it  is  received,  and  how 
 bcleeving  inChrift  we  are  dead  to  the  Law  by  the  body 
 of  Chrift ,  that  we  might  be  married  to  him ,  and  that  in 
 beleeving,  we  are  foquickned  and  married  to  Chrift, 
 That  we  might  bring  forth  fruit  to  God  ,  and  ferve  in  newnefs 
 of  Spirit..  And  then  (hewing  in  his  own  example,  how  the 
 old  difpofition,  the  law  in  the  members,  doth  war  againft  Gll    • 
 the  Spirit,  and  fo  hinder  them  that  they  cannot  do  all  the     a '     7* 
 good  as  they  would  ;  and  yet  He  by  following  the  Spirit 
 in  minding  Jefus  Chrift,  and  the  redemption  in  him>  } 
 
 yeclding  up  with  his  minde ,  to  fide  with  ,  and  walk  in 
 the  Spirit ,  and  fo  in  that  faith  of  Jefus,  in  love,  &c ,  he 
 was  delivered  ,  and  fet  free  from  all  charges  ot  fin  wd 
 fentences  ot  death ,  by  the  Law,  yea  acquit  and  juftified 
 through  the  blood  of  Chrift  beleeved  in,  andfo  rejoyce  Rom.7.i4,iir. 
 inChrift:  And  this  he  layes  down  as  true  in  like  manner  &^r^«* 
 too,  and  of  all  that  unfainedly  beleeve  in  Jefus  Chrift,  R0(ll'.8.f. 
 and  the  common  priviledge  of  them  all;  Now  then,  or 
 
 Rrrr.  there- 
 
therefore 3  there  it  now  no  condemnation  (that is,  none  by 
 that  law  of  fin  and  death  *  either  froip  God ,  or  from  con- 
 fcience,  whatever  be  from  ungodly  men,  yet  none  that 
 can  charge  their  confcience  as  under  the  guilt  pt  fin  ,  or 
 Iiablenets  to  curfe ,  no  f uch  condemnation)  or  reproof,  its 
 large ,  No  condemnation  ]    to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  ^  who 
 
 Gal.f  1 6  i         wa^  mt  after  x^e  flefo  >  ^Ht  aft€Y  ^e  Sfirtt :   ne  f^ich  not 
 l8J&6>8,.I7,    Amply  to  them  that  are  in  Chrift  Jefus>  and  there  flop, 
 and  make  the  period  •  for  if  any  that  have  received  the 
 teftimony  of  Chrift  ,  fo  as  to  beleeve  in  him  (as  the  flefh 
 lufts  againft  the  Spirit)  do  fide  with  the  fleih ,-  and  low  to 
 tjofcj^        It,  and  not  prefently  own  and  coniefs  that  faultinefs ,  and 
 feek  pardon  and  healing  in  Chrift  >  but  go  on  in  ariy 
 i  Cor.i  r  .3 1,    thing  to  ferve  fuch  flefhly  lufts ,  he  finneth  againft  grace,- 
 Mw  10  4i    <  anc* noc  oncly  tne  Law  will  reprove  him  of  fin ,  but  God 
 Mat!i8.V        will  reprove  him,  and  chaften  him  alfo,  yea  Chrift  will  re- 
 Eph.4.»9,jo.  prove  him,  yea  the  holy  Spirit  will  convince  him  of 
 1  Cor.*.7.       faultinefs ;  and  all  faithful  men  that  walk  after  the  Spirit* 
 GaUS*'21*     will  reprove  him  ,  yea  and  his  own  heart  will  condemn 
 iajob^!2o,u  llimi  l  3ohl^°-  And  if  he  go  on  thus,  he  will  reap  cot- 
 1  Joh.  1,^,7,     ruptioiiiand  become  more  eftranged,weakned,and  deaded, 
 9,9-  and  cannot  have  boldnefs  towards  God,biit  in  returning  to 
 
 Chrift,  contefling  his  fins,  and  judging  him  felf,  and  fo 
 again  walking  after  the  Spirit.  And  this  affirmed  by  the 
 Apofilc  in  this  Rem  8,1 2,1 3.  therefore  the  Apoftle  faith, 
 iSorii  There  is  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Chrifl  ,  who 
 
 Gil.  %\e.  U9Ib  ^alkjiot  after  the  flefh  (though  flefh  be  luffing  in  them)  bm 
 1  Joh..t.7^,  after  the  Spiritjn  faith  ,  which  vorketh  by <■  love  ,  inclining^ 
 ColJ.  1,7,3,  and  yeelding  to  walk  in  die  teachings  and  motions  of  the 
 ^  Spirit)  confcffitig!,  and  difowning  the  finfulnefs  that  is  in 
 
 diem  by  the  lufts  of  the  flefh ;  and -by  the  Spirit  with  the 
 crofsof  Chrift  mortifying  the  fame,  yeeld  as  fervants  to 
 grace;  tofuch  notwithstanding  the  weaknefs>.moieftatiQm 
 Gd.6. 1 5 18,       ^l1c*  filings  thereby^,  there  u  no  cou<k>wbathQ?r.\  Thk  >Uto 
 19,14,1;  &'       of  the  Spirit  of  life  which  if  in  Chrift  Jefw^  after  which 
 *.8,Eph.4.io-  theywalk^-i  will  free  them  from  the  power  of  that  Jaw  of  fa 
 3*. Col,  3.i- £  and  death  y  and  fo  from  all  charges  of  fin  and  death  \  And 
 /.  they  [hall  not  be  Under  the  Law ,  but  under  Grate  >  >n  or  yet  ful- 
 fil the  lufts  of  the  fix  ft ,  -  Ht  *f  the  Sptr-iP;Jh*llWff4ift  ever* 
 
 lafting% 
 
Concernmentjn  mo  parts.  tf  75 
 
 Jaftwg*  And  on  this  ground  are  they  exhorted  ,  To  mor- 
 tifie  the  flefh  by  the  Spirit  ,  aid  to  livem>  and  walk^after  the 
 Sprit.  And  this  is  the  do&rine  of  the  Apoftle ,  as  may  be  ' 
 feen  in  all  his  writings ;  And  in  this  Rom.%.  (  as  well  as  in 
 Chap.6.&  7. )  by  a  general  Propofition  verf*  j.  by  his  own 
 experiment  verf. a,  (compared  wich  7.  25.)  and  by  Gods 
 preparation  for  us  in  Chrift,  verl.3.  and  by  his  gracious 
 end  ,  of  giving  life  hereby,  to  them  which  walk^not  after  thi 
 fle(h.,  bat  after  the  Spirit)  verf.4.  and  by  his  following  in- 
 itru&ions,  and  exhortations  to  verf.15.  So  that  how  far 
 this  quotation  ferves  for  that  its  quoted  for  j  I  fay  no- 
 thing, but  let  the  next  quotation  clear  it. 
 
 2  Cor.  5.21.  Speaks  not  a  word  of  any  beleevers ,  how 
 far  they  have  yet  in  this  lite  attained  ,  much  lefs  of  one 
 more  than  another ,  but  directly  and  exprefly  (hews  the 
 preparation  God  hath  made  for  us  in  his  Son  ,  by  what 
 way,  and  to  what  end  9  for  the  way  it  is  fuited  to  the  1 4, 
 lf)$CI9-  verfes  ,  Him  that  knew  no  fin  y  he  made  to  be  fin  for 
 as-,  This  is  done,  not  now  to  do,  nor  yet  prefented  to  us  in 
 dark  figures,  or  parables,  or  allegories ,  but  plainly  de- 
 clared to  be  done ;  And  that  alfo  to  a  gracious  end,  luiced 
 to  vert.  1 5.1 8  20.  Even  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteouf- 
 nefs  of  God  in  him :  He  faith  not,  And  we  are  made  ?  as  o£ 
 a  thing  done,  But  that  we  might  be  made^  as  of  a  thing  by 
 the  former  done  in  Chrift,  to  be  after  done  in  us ;  aad  fo  Gil.?.^^; 
 lay eth  here  the  foundation  for  repentance  and  faith ,  and  &  4.4,7. J 
 fo  reconcilement  of  the4ieartto<5od  ,  and  walking  after  Tit.  a.  14. 
 the  Spirit,  that  men  in  beleeving  might  begin  to  receive 
 4the  fame ,  fo  that  as  any  by  faith  are  united  to  Chrift,  and 
 fo  made  in  Chrift ,  So  is  Chrift  made  of  God  to  them ,  wij- 
 dome  s  righteoufnefs)  fanUification,  and  redemption,  and  not  1  Com.  30. 
 otherwife  $  And  fo  they  begin  to  be  made  the  righteottfnefs  of*.  Phil-  3  -i**1 3* 
 Gedinhim:  But  fully  and  compleariy  fotobe,  willnotbe  I4'  l  Jofa^»** 
 till  Chrift  come  again*  And  this  is  given  as  the  ground  of 
 the  exhortation  following,  Not  to  receive  the  grace  of  God  in 
 f4/*)Chap»6.i9i.  1 
 
 CV.2.IO.  Speaks  not  a  Word  of  the  attainment  of  be- 
 leevers here  in  this  life ,  but  of  what  they  are  in  C  hrift ; 
 lure  in  Chrift,  as  in  a  publick  man ,  that  d.ed  and  roficy  and 
 
 Rrrr   z  i*ve 
 
6f6  Of Mr.  Owens  lafi 
 
 gave  himfelf a  ranfome  for  them  :  All  have  dyed)  and  arc 
 a  Co:.*  .14.  io  given  over  to  him ,  that  to  an  1  in  him  tiiey  are  difchar- 
 Rom.i4?.&  gedand  made  alive  from  chat  firft  fentence,  curie,  and 
 5  *  g«  death ,  into  which  through  the  feft  Adam  they  fell :   And 
 
 though  this  be  not  yet  made  over  to  all  men  by  Chrilt, 
 and  unbeleevers  know  ic  not ,  yet  (hall  none  perifh  by 
 that  firft  fentence,  in  that  firft  death  i  but  be  raifed  out  of 
 i  ]oh.$,m,ii,  jc.  Yea  not  only  this,  but  God  hath  given  us  eternal  life  in 
 lob    i    i*     Chriit ,  though  unbeleevers  have  it  not ;  Yea  not  onely 
 CoU.Vp'jVo.  this,  but  the  rulncls  of  grace  and  truth  ,  of  wifdome  and 
 Ifa.4j,ii,&     underftanding,  of  divine  power  and  fpirit  are  in  him> 
 4i.i-7.&  €.     enough  to  draw  any  that  in  hearing  behold  ;him ,  to  be- 
 14.C0U1.18.  leeveinhim  :  And  to  the  Apoftle  in  preaching ,  endea- 
 *  Co3'?  ai8      routed  to  prefent  every  man  perfect  in  Chrift  Jelus ,  that 
 ]©na  x. 8.   '     f°  tneY  might  fee  what  perfe&ion  there  is  in  Chrift ;  and 
 Mat.ii.  1*.      that  alio  by  Gods  gift  for  them  which  beleeved^nd  mind- 
 ed would  take  them  off  from  other  things,  and  both  draw 
 them  into  him,  and  conform  them  by  degrees  to  him ,  al- 
 though f  uch  as  heed  it  not,  but  follow  lying  vanities,  for- 
 ]ob.T7.2, 3-6,  fake  their  own  mercies,  and  lofe  their  own  fouls;  and  fo 
 7,8.8c  6.40  &   ^e  not  fo  related  to  him  ,  as  in  which  relation  he  gives  to 
 3.16.&  1.1  * ,i*  tQem  eternal  life,  and  intcrreffeth  chem  fo  in  himfelf,  as  to 
 ^Cor^is.     interred  them  in  all  that  is  in  him:and  all  that  is  his ;  tor 
 this  is  only  given  to  them?  that  by  the  heavenly  call  are 
 given  unto  him ,  fo  as  they  receive  his  words,  and  beleevc 
 on  his  name;  And  all  that  with  the  heart  belecve  unto 
 righteoufnefs  arc  thus  related  to  him ,  and  interrefTed  by 
 him. 
 
 Now  if  we  belcevein  him  ,  he  and  all  that  is  his,  is 
 ours.  Letusminde^vhatheis,  eventhceleitot  God,  the 
 Son  of  God,  the  Saviour,  &c.  *  And  what  is  his,  even, 
 rhe  Father,  and  Spirit,  the.Promifes,  the  Kingdome,  &c 
 And  what  is  in  him,  Even  all  the  treafures  ef  wifdome,  and. 
 ]oh.i.iz.i4,  knowledge  ,  yea,  in  him  dwelleth ali  the  fnlnefs  ef  the  Cod- 
 head  bodily  fo  that  in  him  we  are  ccmpleflt ,  and  ftitlj  fur m(h~ 
 ed:  Whence  alfothofc  that  in  beleevingare  united  and 
 related  to  him,  Do  of  bis  fninejs  receive ,  and  grace  for 
 grace  :  And  what  ever  may  yet  be  wanting  to  ,  and  in 
 rhem  ?  it  is  in  Chrift  for  them  >  in  minding  and  beleeving 
 
 in 
 
 -*S7. 
 
Concernment,  in  two  parts.  6jJ 
 
 in  him  >.  to  be  receiving  the  fame ;  fo  that  abiding  in  the 
 faith  of  him,  and  walking  in  him  ,  as  they  have  received 
 him,  in  faith  and  love,  they  (hall  be  rooted  in  him,  receive 
 more  of  his  iulnefs  ,  and  in  due  time  be  compleated  by 
 him  becaufetbe  fulnefs  of  the  God-head  dwels  in  him  bodily  j 
 And  they  as  members  and  brethren  are  related  to  him  5 
 In  whom  they  are  compkat ,  he  alfo  being  the  head  tf  all  Col. 2.  i^j/, 
 principality  and  power ,  that  hath  the  care  and  charge  of  all  9.10. 
 that  beleeve  in  him.  And  this  alfo  given  as  the  ground 
 and  reafon  oi  the  Apoftles  prayer  for  them,  verf.2.  And 
 exhortation  to  them,  verf*  6.  And  admonition  to  them 
 that  none  beguile  them,  verf.4, 8 .  either  with  inticing  words, 
 or  Philofophy  ,  and  vatn  deceit,  or  by  [hews  of  humility  ,  and 
 great  knowledge  y  intruding  t hem fe Ives  into  thixgs  they  have 
 notfeen&c.  and  fo  happily,  either  prefling  them  to  Law- 
 obfervances  for  their  perfection,  or  co  fome  humane,  and 
 felf- mortifications,  or  to  look  for  fome  particular  words, 
 or  fome  degree  and  condition  in  attainments ,  or  fome  fe- 
 cret  decree  of  election  that  was  of  their  perfons  before 
 their  calling,  or  any  thingwhat ever befides,  that  which  is 
 difcovered  to  them  in  Chrift :  As  if  there  were  not  enough 
 in  him  to  be  received  in  beleeving  on  him:  And  fo  hee 
 warns  to  be  ware  that  we  be  not  removed  from  him,  and 
 the  hope  of  the  Gofpel  given  us  in  beleeving  on  him  ,  For  Co1,1, 2Sj2^ 
 he  will  prefent  m  blamelefi  if  we  continue  in  the  fa'tk,&c.  **' 
 This  is  the  Apofiles  doctrine  and  lcope,  as  appears  in  this, 
 and  former ,  and  following  Chapters  cleerly  ,  fo  as  in  all 
 the  proofs,  not  a  fyllabk  to  maintain  any  true  faith  of  a 
 fecond  kinde  r  nor  the  caufe  contended  for,  but  much  ra- 
 ther, that  he  contended!  againft ,  and  more  need  not  bee 
 faid ,  but  only  to  view  his  terms  about  their  priviledges  in 
 the  works  of  God  palled  on  them ,  which  alfo  arc  needlul 
 
 Rrrr3  CHAP. 
 
6*)%  Vj  the  terms  of  ijods  worfo 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 Of  the  terms  of  Gods  workj  pitfed.  on  beletvers  im 
 this  Concernment. 
 
 o 
 
 ^F  thefe  terms  underftood  as  isfore-fhewn,  and  fomc 
 fpmotified,  as  hath  been  (hewn  before  in  Pages  414, 
 &43  5>  &416.  they  may  be  all  received  5  As  for  the 
 term  Regenerated  ,  it  is  not  ufed  here,and  hath  been  con- 
 fidercd  where  it  is  5  oneiy  here  let  that  place,  Mat.i  9.28. 
 Te  whtco  have  followd  me  in  the  Regeneration %&c%  be  con- 
 lidcred ;  he  faith  not,  Ye  which  are  regenerated,  as  fpeak- 
 ing  of  a  work  done  5  but  a  doing;  and  it  maybe  t^aken 
 both  for  Regeneration,  and  the  Miniftry  of  Regeneration, 
 in  both  which  they  were  then  following  him. 
 
 Now  what  was  the  Regeneration  of  Chrift,  furelyhc 
 needed  none  of  hearr,  Ipirit,  or  difpofition ,  he  was  holy 
 in,  and  from  conception ,  and  knew  no  fin,  but  he  had 
 a  weak ,  frail  and  mortal  body  ,  of  the  feed  of  Davids 
 Abraham ,  Adam--,  and  how  was  that  regenerated,  but 
 Luker4.*5.      through  rpany  fufFerings  and  death  in  the  refurre&ion 
 4MM7.  '      from  the  dead  •  And  fohepaffed  on  through  fufterings 
 3f«.$3  8,io>n  i\\\  he  was  truly  dead  ,  ai*j 'in  the  reiurreftion  he  was  be- 
 pfaU.A&i3.  gQUen .  t|lcre  was  his  regeneration,  and  fuch  as  are  fo rai- 
 led are  his  generation,  or  regenerated  people;  whence 
 Ru«i.6.4,r      fLlch  piomiies  to  be  performing  in  the  fpirit'and  foul ,  as 
 z  Tim**  1 1.     through  dying  with ,  and  for  him  ,  rve  are  conformed  to  his 
 Phil.3.9. 10,     death  (for  we  need  it  in  that)  and  in  foul  and  body ,  after 
 
 Matlie  &  14.  ^at  £°^ow  ^lva  b  t0  &&  &aife  3  (ball  then  enjoy  that  pro- 
 5-,  5.  '       '  mifed,  Mat. 19,2$.  and  fuch  defires  of  conformity  to  him 
 in  fufFerings. 
 
 And  as  for  the  miniftration  of  Chrift  for  regene- 
 ration of  others ;  it  was  a  miniftration  carried  an  end 
 through  fufFerings,  in  which  he  perlevered  to  the  end, 
 and  fo  muft  that  miniftration  of  his  (ervants  be  alio ;  and 
 he  that  perfe veres  in  following  him  in  that  to  the  end ,  (hall 
 enjoy  alio  that  promifed  j  And  that  regeneration  is  thus  ' 
 
 to 
 
in  this  Concernment.  6jp 
 
 co  be  underftood  here  for  a  work  noc  compleatly  yet 
 done ,  but  in  doing?  both  in  regeneration  and  nullification 
 of  it,  is  evident  by  the  Spirit  in  Lvke>  mentioning  the 
 fame  thing,fo  far  as  they  had  proceeded  in  it,  faith,  Tee  are  lukc  u.itr 
 they  which  have  continued  with  me  in  my  temptations ,  ex-  2*>3o« 
 preffing  that  as  the  medium  through  which  regeneration 
 is  here  attained,  which  minded  will  help  to  underftand  all 
 the  terms  that  are  here  ufed.  The  term  Accepted,  I  fup- 
 pofe  he  means  it  to  be  the  fame  with  Juftified,  becaufe 
 there  is  iu  other  quotation  for  it ,  and  they  may  well  be 
 alike  taken ,  and  they  are  both  alike  true  ot  all  that  are  in- 
 deed beieevers  r  without  difference  in  refpedof  their  per- 
 fons,  asfuch,  andfo  fons  by  faith,  yet  is  not  this  accepta- 
 tion and  Juftihcation  anfwerable  in  degree,  to  that  which 
 ffaallbeinthe  refurre&ion  of  diejuft,  when  their  perfons 
 as  Sons ,  and  all  their  wayes  as  becoming  Sons ,  will  be 
 alike  accepted  and  juftified,  but  not  altogether  io  yet;  yea 
 in  this  life  even  beleevcrs  in  whom  the  faith  is ,  may  be  in 
 chat  refpeft  accepted  and  juftified  as  Sons ,  and  yet  fome  . 
 words  v  or  act,  and  f o  a  way  of  theirs  re/efted,  and  con- 
 demned y  and  they  in  that  not  accepted  or  juftified,  but 
 both  reproved  and  corre&ed* 
 
 Nodoubt  but  Mcfes  and  Aaron  aboad  in  the  faith ,  and  Nunb.  ri.ra. 
 Wei'e  accepted  as  the  Saints  of  the  Lord,  yet  their  failing  in 
 an  ad  of  faith,  and  not  honouring  the  power  and  frcenefs 
 of  Gods  mercy 3bef ore  the  people,  was  reproved,  and  they 
 corretled  for  it. 
 
 No  doubt  but  Peter  aboad  in  the  faith  and  love  of  his  Ma.1^.2123. 
 Mafter,  and  was  accepted  as  a  true  dikiple,  yetnota&ing 
 rightly  in  his  faith ,  his  carnal  counlel  is  rejected ,  as  pro- 
 ceeding from  fome  fuggeftion  of  Satan  to  whom  Chriit 
 asin/W^f.4.  faith;  Depart ,  and  Peter  fharply  reproved.    1  Gor.ii^o^a: 
 No  qudtion  but  thofe  corrected,  with  weaknefs,  ficknefs,. 
 '  and  fome  with  death ,  for  fo  gracious  an  end  ,  were  true 
 beleevcrs,  and  fo  accepted ,  but  theirdemeanor  not  fuit-  j 
 able  to  their  faith,  was  deeply  reproved  and  chaftened- 
 And  the  ft  me  I  conceive  of  David,  though  at  one  time  Pfa^3». 
 foulely  fain ,  yet  not  ucterly  departed  from  the  faith ,  and 
 his  bekd  in  God  and  adoration  of  himj  for  then  what 
 
 caufed; 
 
coo  uj  we  terms  of  Ljocts  worlds 
 
 caufedthat  great  grief  and  difqnietncfs  of  heart,  noryec 
 wholly  out  of  tavour  of  God  in  rcfpeft  of  his  per- 
 son as  the  Lords  fervant  >  but  in  rcfpefl:  of  his  evil  way 
 diiallowcd,  reproved,  and  forely  afflicted  :  And  this  I 
 
 i  Kirg.iM.  conceive  becaufe  pavid  is  affirmed  not  to  have  turned 
 afide,  &c>  all  the  dayes  of  his  life  (ic  is  not  faid,faveonely 
 in  that  time,  in  which  fure  were  many  other  matters,  but> 
 
 Rom. 3. it, if.  fave  onely  in  the  matter  of  Vriah>  &c.    And  the  word  Ac- 
 
 &  s&  8  &  j.     cepted  thus  underftood,  is  fafe  and  good  for  all  beleevers, 
 
 &  J  wo.      atlc*  *°  r'lc  vvorc*  Jj^ftificd  alfo ;  But  for  the  reft  there  are 
 •quotations  to  be  viewed. 
 
 Bom.$*i.  The  Apoftle  had  before  difcovered  what 
 true  faich  is-  in  refpect  of  the  objeft  Chrift,  as  having  dyed, 
 rofci  &c.  And  the  true  beleeving  begot  by  the  -difcovery 
 oi  this  obje£f,which  is  therefore  called  faith  ;  firft,  in  the 
 beginning,  bringing  to,  and  clofing  with  him;  namely,  an 
 hearty  beleeving ,.  That  this  Jefm  u  the  Chrift ,  and  that  he 
 dyed  for  onr  fins  y  and  rofe  for  ohr  juftification^  and  u  the  Lord 
 of  attend  the  propitiation  for  our fins;  this  is  the  firft  thing,  in 
 hearty  beleeving  whereof, we  fhali  furely  befaved. 
 Secondly  ,  In  the  proceeding  of  it,  uniting  to  ,  and  in- 
 
 &°™a*  '4°  <    gra^ing  i11C0  Chrift,  viz,.  That  through  the  beleef  of  this 
 
 '     -  '       fore-faid,  and  the  immenfelove,  power,  and  propitiouf- 
 
 nefs ,  and  good  will  of  God  commended  here-through; 
 
 belee ve  in  God,  and  fo  reft  on  him  for  prefervation  in  this 
 
 H  b.  grace  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  inheritance ,  and  fo  for  the 
 
 x  ■  *  eternal  life  promifed,  which  beleeving  is  formerly  de- 
 fcribed  to  be  a  difcerning,  a  being  perlwaded,  and  a  hearty 
 operation  &c.  And  all  lb  beleeving  without  difference, 
 are  juftified  by  faith ,  which  word  or  term  is  ufed  to  (hew 
 the  way  of  receiving  juftification  ,  even  by  faith,  not  to 
 fhew  that  juftification  is  compleated ,  and  over,  and  paft, 
 for  juftification  is  ftill  needed  by  beleevers,  and  in  be- 
 leeving daily  received  of  them  •■>  whence  alfo  God  is  faid 
 noronelytobe  ihc 'juftifier  of  him  that  beleeveth  on.hitn 
 that  ]ufiifieth  the  ungodly  ;  and  fo  to  be  he  that  hath  jufti- 
 1,4  **.        fed  the  beleever.    But  to  be  the  juftifier  of  him  that  belee* 
 
 Rom  j.i6.&      veth^andit  ii  God  that  )u ft  1  fieth. So  2&  it  IS  a  Continued  flow* 
 
 8.33.  ingbufinefs  for  beleevers  in  all  needs  to  be  receiving  by 
 
 faith, 
 
in  this  Concernment.  ool 
 
 laith)  that  is  the  onely  way  of  receiving,  and  that  in  which 
 God  difpenfeth  juftificatiom   Therefore  being  juftified  Rom.M,tft 
 by  faich  [that  is,  by  and  through  Chrift,  by  his  bloud,thc  a.  3.  25.  &*. 
 objeft  of  faith,  received  in  and  through  beleeving    on  «« 
 him]  wee  have  peace  with  God,    through  Jefus  Chrilt  J^"^' '*; 
 our  Lord,  by  whom  alfo  wee  have  acceffe  into  this  grace  ^^"g  ^ 
 wherein  wee  ftand ,  and  rejoyce  in  hope  of  the  glory  of        *    * 
 God,  Sec   And  it  (hould  bee  an  evil  work  by  any  ftrange 
 and  lofty  expreflions,  to  trouble  any  (uch  beleevers  about 
 this  faith. 
 
 Rom*  8*32,53-  2,9.  Speaketh  of  that,  whence  the  A- 
 poftles  perfwafion  was  raifed,  and  this  perfwafion  not 
 of  and  for  himfelt  alone;  or  (ome  fpecial  and  peculiar 
 Beleevers  with  him  only:  B  tot  the  whole fociety and 
 body  of  Beleevers.  1  Joh.  3.1,2.  fpeaketh  likewife  of  the  j^  t  lti 
 whole  fociety  of  Beleevers,  Behold  tohat  manner  of  Love  GaUj.zS 
 the  Father  hath  be  ft  owed,  on  usy  that  wee  fbould  bee  called 
 the  Sonne s  of  God  •  Therefore  the  world  knoweth  us  not, 
 ( owneth  not  us,  nor  out  faith  and  profeflionj  becaufe 
 it  knew  not  him  (  owned  not  God,  in  that  difcovery  of 
 himfelfinhis  Son  which  hee  hath  fet  forth  in  thegofpel) 
 "Beloved  now  are  wee  thefons  of  God  (that  is  by  faith) 
 and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  wee  (hall  beef  that  is,  f  Cor<  ^  ^ 
 how  glorious  and  happy  we  fhall  be,  we  fee  jet  bt*t  in  part,  Rom.  8.  »$"  * 
 we  are  but  a  little  like  him,  we  havejyet  but  the  firft  fruits  Col.  3.4 
 ofthefpirit )  but  when  hee  fhall  appear  ( that  is,  in  glo- 
 ry) wee  (hall  bee  like  him  ,  for  wee  jhall  fee  him  as  hee  is? 
 this  is  that  which  all  true  Beleevers  do>and  may  look  and 
 wait  for,  Eyhe.^  15.  fpeaks  of  more  than  beleevers  on  JAM* 
 the  earth,  and  (hews  that  all  that  are  beleevers  in  G*,f  *•  H! 
 Chrift,  and  thofethat  have  lived  and  died  in  the  faith, 
 have  had  their  name  of  Sonnes,  from  Chrift  the  Sonne , 
 and  Beleevers  now  by  vcrtue  of  their  union  with  him  in 
 beleeving,  and  from  him,  now  are  rhey  called  Chriftians, 
 and  his  houfe,  Sec*  And  it  is  confefled  in  a  fenfe,  hee  puts 
 his  Name  on  them,  though  it  bee  not  here  faid,  they  are 
 called  after  die  name  of  God;  But  let  it  bee  confidcred, 
 that  here  is  fhown  how  the  Apoftle  prayed  for  them, 
 E/6.  j.  14.--  19.  as  was  in  Chap.  i,  18.—  20.  Andfurely 
 
 S  f  £f  for 
 
fot  nothing  but  what  was  good  and  needfull  foiv  them  *  hcc 
 Eph.  u  1 1  joth  noc  puff  them  up  with  thoughtsof  their  attainments,; 
 becaufe  they  had  beleeved  and  were  fealed  with  the  holy 
 fpirit  of  promife,  And  were  quickned  together  with 
 .Chrift,  and  were  raifed  together ,  and  made  to  fit  to- 
 ,  gether  in  heavenly  places  in  him,  and  were  faved  by  grace 
 
 Epfc*.  5,6,8  though  faith,  ofthe  gift  of  God,  therefore  they  had  and 
 injoyed  thefe  things  hee  prayed  for,  and  it  was  impoffi- 
 ble  tor  them  to  mit  carry,  though  they  knew  not  that  they 
 hadthefe  things:  and  fo  wanted  only  the  knowledge  in. 
 themfelves  of  the  aflurance  of  their  abiding  r  Nor  doth 
 he  (care  or  terrify  them,  as  if  their  faith  were  not  of  the 
 right  kind,  and  that  Chrift  and  his  holy  fpfric  were 
 not  in  them:  But  hee  acknowledging  their  faith  right, 
 and  themfaithiul  in  Chrift,  tells  them  now  earneitly, 
 pftl.  i.  9,  *o,  and  for  what  hee  prayeth  for  them,  that  they  may  abide, 
 ii.  and  grow,  and  be  preferved  »  and  eftablilhed  in  the  faith-- 
 
 ^hf9'10'11  anc*  f°f°und  tmblameable  before  him  at  his  comming^ 
 i^T&^i/2'  As  hee  did  the  like  for  the  FhiWfiMSy  and  for  the  Colof- 
 aThcf.'i.  n,  y^fA  and  for  the  Thejfaloniam^  and  fo  likewifefor  the 
 i  *  Hebrew S)  chap.  1 3*  20.  And  fo  here  to  the  Ef-hefians^  hee 
 
 Eph.  $.  14, 15  lets  them  know,  To  whom,  and  in  whefe  name  he  pray- 
 ed for  them,  even  unto  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jelus 
 Chrift;  of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is 
 named : 
 
 In  which  are  many  things ,   encouraging  both  him;and 
 them,  to  pray  to  God  in  the  name  of  Chrift :    As  the  ex- 
 ceeding greatneffe  of  the  power  of  God  that  gave,   and 
 Eph.  1 .  j0-2i   raif ed  Chrift,  Sec      The  relation  between  the  Father?  and' 
 &  1. 17-,  18,19  the  Son,    and  his  ingagement  to  his  Son  ,  by  whom  the 
 2 1-  ways  of  our  approach  to  have  accefs  to  God,  was  opened , 
 
 Hcb.  $.*,  6      the  fellowfh  incorporation,  and  body,  hee  hath  received 
 us  into,  ana  made  us  of,  even  his  own  houfe  and  family , 
 Eph  mi  &  a  anc*  k  kJS  intereft  in  us,  and  ours  in  him,  our  Lord  and 
 >4  *  the  owner  of  this  houfe,# 
 
 And  LafHy  ,   That  in  putting  his  word  in  their  heart 
 andinablingthemtobeleeve  and  confefle  the  fame,  hee 
 hath  put  his  name  upon  diem,  fofarre,  that  hee  is  plea- 
 ded tobee  called  their  God  and  Father,  and  they  called  his 
 
 people 
 
4  Cfiron 
 
 >7* 
 
 li- 
 
 •14 
 
 fe*. 
 
 20- 
 
 41 
 
 Jofe, 
 
 i$. 
 
 2? 
 
 Mar. 
 
 it. 
 
 *4>if 
 
 Pfai. 
 
 6S. 
 
 1-4. 
 
 *«  /&«  Concernmem  68} 
 
 .people,  find  the  declarers  of  his  name;  which  With  the  reft, 
 gives  great  conloiatiati,  feeing  hee  hath  promifed  to  hear 
 his  people,  that  are  called  by  his  name,  when  they  hum- 
 ble ihemf elves,  and  pray,  and  feek  his  face,  and  pray 
 towards,  or  in  the  houfe  that  is  called  by  his  name,  which 
 as  the  old  was  atipe,  fignifies  Chriit  and  his  people,  and 
 fo  to  pray  in  faith  in  the  Name  of  Chrift ,  and  in  union 
 with,  and  love  of  the  brethren:  Hee  being  a  God  hear- 
 ing prayers,  and  they  Dieted  whom  he  choofeth,  and  cau- 
 feth  to  approach  to  him,  that  they  may  dwell  in  his  h.oule 
 for  they  (hall  bee  fatisfied.  And  as  this  is  great  confola- 
 tion  for  Belcevers  confident  praying;  fo  it  hath  in  it  al- 
 io a  forcible  and  great  admonition  to  Beleevers,to  beware 
 that  wee  diflionour  not  the  Name  that  is  put  upon  us ;  As 
 mifcarriages,;in  fuch  as  bear  this  Name;  will  do  ten  times  Rom#  2"  *4 
 more?  then  in  thofe  that  have  not  this  Name  upon  them , 
 whence  that  Tit.  2. 10.  So  that  all  the ,  Family  of  God  is 
 named  of  Chrift,  is  exprefshere,  and  that  God  hath  put 
 his  Name  on  them,  is  true,  Inltru&ive,  Confolatory,  and 
 Admonitory :  But  when  thus  expre(l,cailed  by  the  name 
 of  God,  there  needs  fome  cautions  to  prevent  vain  con- 
 .ceits  Scc.for  they  are  not  called  Jehovah-, or  God,or  the  Fa- 
 ther, or  Jefus,  or  the  Chrift,  or  the  Holy  Ghoft,  or  the 
 Creator  of  all  things,  or  the  Redeemer  of  mankind,  or  the 
 fan£tifierof  Gods  chofen,  or  the  Lord  of  hoafts ,  or  the 
 Almighty,or  the  Truth  Love,  Wifdome  it  felf,&:c,no  not 
 fo;  but  the  Name  put  on  them,  is  the  Name  ot  that  re- 
 port of  his  goodneffe,  in  his  Do£trin*of  which  they  are 
 made  Beleevers  and  profeflors,  and  fo  hee  is  called  their 
 Goa\  Father*  Saviour*  &c  And  they  his  Ifraei<,his  People, 
 Sons/  Chriftians,  &:c.  And  yet  here  is  another  caution, 
 namely,  that  this  family  will  one  day  bee  more  pure,  and 
 have  a  new  name  given  them  after  their  total  vi&ory  and 
 conqueft,  or  his  Name  put  on  them  in  a  more  glorious 
 manner,  when  that  »  Cor.  5.  it.  will  bee  com  pleatly  ful- 
 filled as  is  there  promifed,  when  without  controverfie, 
 -there  will  bee  amongft  them  no  finne,  nor  poffibility  of 
 ijnning,  ot  falling :  but  the  family  on  earth  is  no:  fo  yet, 
 and  though  che  fpirits  of  juft  menbec  perfect  ,    and  under 
 
 Sfff2  the 
 
68%  Ujtbe  terms  ofijods  fror/{s 
 
 the  Altar,  and  out  of  all  danger,  yet  want  they  their  bo- 
 dies, and  to  that  f  ulneffe  they  {hall  enjoy  in  the  refurre&i- 
 onofthejuft.    But  that  part  of  the  family  that  is  here 
 below>   are  yet  in  mortal  bodies,  and  {bare  not  yet  any 
 of  them  altogether  without  fin  y  nor  are  all  things  that 
 offend  yet  purged  out,  the  beleevers  and  Saints,  in  and  of 
 this  part  ot  the  family  here  on  earth,  are  yet  in  a  warfare, 
 befet  with  enemies,  within,  and  without,     temptations 
 from  lufts  within,terrours  and  allurements,from  the  world 
 without,  Satan  and  his  Minilters,  with  pretences  of  light, 
 ftriving  tofeducethem  from  the  faith,  and  to  turn  them 
 •    *  out  ot  the  way?  whence  they  are  often  warned  from  God, 
 to  {land  f aft  in  the  faith,  to  be  ibber,  and  watchful,  to  put 
 on  the  whole  Armor  of  God,  to  fight  the  good  fight  of 
 Faith,  to  cleave  to  Chrift  in  whom  there  is  compleatnefs 
 for  them>  to  low  to  the  fpirit^of  whom  they  {hall  reap 
 iifeeverlafting..  And  to  take  heed  that  they  bee  not  de- 
 ceived,, and  that  they  depart  not  through   an  evil  heart 
 of  unbeleefe,  and  many  Iuch  warnings,with  ground  of  the 
 fame. 
 
 Now  of  this  part.oi  the  family  here  on  earth;  and  of  the 
 faith  and  holinefle   in  them  ,  and  fo  of  f  uch  beleevers  and 
 Saints,  is  our  whole  difcoiirfe :  Arid  fo  in  the  controver- 
 i'y  between  feme  brethren  5  The-  Qusftion  is>  ?  whether , 
 inch  as  are  admitted  into  this  family,  in  that  part  of  it,, 
 that  is  here  below,  and  have  the  name  of  God  and  Chrift 
 io  put  on  them,  as  it  is  put  on  his  people  here  below  ?  whe- 
 ther they  may  not,,  by  neglect  of  their  watch,  and  the 
 warning  given  them,,  bee  overcome  to  iuch  degrees  of 
 finning,  as  to  depart  from  the  faith,   and  fobcecaft  out 
 ofthisfamily,  and  have  this, name  takenoff  them  again? 
 To  which  I  anfwer,  Oh  that  none  more  might!  but 
 yet  wee  need  to  bee  heedful:  for  if  we  lookatouf  tipes, 
 as  the  Temple  and  place   God^  chofe  tor  his  worftip, 
 and  put  his  name  there ,   was  a  tipe  of  thofe  by  faith  built 
 :    .        on  Chrift.  So  its  not  without  its  ule  to  us,that  where  God 
 j  Pet;  u  3-  5  fets  his  name  at  the  firft ;  yet  for  the  wickednefle  of  the  peo- 
 ple there,  he  removed  it  away  from  thence:  And  threat- 
 |cf<7, 10-14    n^j  tQ  ^Q  tjie  f^pg^^  ne^ hath  dene  it )  to  7*  r*/*/'**, , 
 
 and 
 
in  this  concernment.  6$$ 
 
 and  the  houfc  there  called  by  his  name,  or  if  wee  look 
 at //n**/ of  old,  was  not  that  people  called  lfiael9  after  M^i-i*  *«• 
 for  their  wickednefle  called   Sodome^  and  that  called   a 
 faithfulCity,  afterward  for  their  filthincfs  called  a  liar-  '*•**  ' 
 lot:  yea,  uas  not  the  noble  Vine  of  Gods    planting,  af-  x  Cor.  I0# ,. 
 terward  by    evil  ways  degenerated  into  the  plane  of  a  n.18 
 ItrangeVine?  And  are  not  thefe  things  writ  for  exam- 
 ples, and  warnings  to  us;  but  to  leave  preffmg  the  tipes, 
 and  come  nigher  even  to  the  truth  it  felt  ••  If  this  family  be 
 the  kingdome  of  God  here  on  earth,  as  I  fuppofe  none 
 queftions ;  then  what  means  that  faying,  of  our  Saviour.  Mar.  8.11,  ia 
 Many  (hail  come  from  theEaft^and  We(t,and  Jhallfit  down  with 
 Abraham^  /faac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdome  of  heaven; 
 But  the  children  of  the  kingdome  fhall  beecaft  out  into 
 utter  darkneffe,  &;c.  And  if  this  family  bee  the  houfe  of  l  j^'*  If 
 God,  which  is  the  Church  of  the  living  God,  compared  *i,  J?"  *«i!*' ' 
 to  a  great  houfe,  then  fure  the  veffels,  admitted,  and  taken  with  i  Tim!  u 
 into  it,  that  are  unmeet  for  the  Malleus  ufe ,  arefuch.as  »9,   *o. 
 are  departed  from  the  faith,  they  once  had,  when  they  *Ja#  *a-  2I 
 were  admitted  and  ufed  *    and  are  therefore  to    bee  ^j,,JJf "' 
 call    out  :    Surely  that  time  hath  not  yet  been ,    nor  t^i'j,^  *' 
 -now  is,  but  is  yet  to  come,   of  which  it  is  laid,  Thy  peo* 
 pie  fhall  be  all  righteous,  &;c.  This  will    bee.  when  the 
 Church  is  wholly  rid    of  fhange  children,  that  there  is 
 .no  more  going,out,&c  So  that  as  yet  the  being  iuthis  fami- 
 ly and  called  by  his  name ,    Is  no  fufficient  argument,   to 
 prove  that  ail  that  fo  are,  in  the  time  of  this  warfar,  will 
 without  all  doubt,  £0  continue  and  remain  f  or.cver;  it  is , 
 morefafe  for  us  :o  watch  over  our  felvcs,.  and  over  one  G 
 another?  in  taking  the  warnings  given  us,  in  the.  Scrip-  vjjJ**l€ 
 ture,  where  alfoit  is  affirmed,   that  ionic  have  fallen  »  Tim.  I.  It 
 from  grace,  fome  have  made  Ship  wrack. of  faith  and  a  &4.3.V 
 good  confciencc ,  fome  have. erred  from  the  Faith,  and  l  Tim.4.  u  *  - 
 overthrown  the  faith  of  others ;  yea  >and  there  alfo  the 
 fpirit  hath  exprefly  affirmed,  that  in  thefe  latter  dayes; 
 fome  (hall  depart  ft om  the  faith>  giving  heed  to'  feducing 
 fpiritS)  anddoftrinsof  devils;  yea?  many  turn  to  fables, 
 Which  wee  with  forrow  for  them,  fee  fulfilled  in  many, 
 of  whom  it  cannot,  with,  any  evidence  of  truth  bee  faid  , 
 
 Sfff  3  thak 
 
that  they  wcreall  and  every  of  them  hypocrices>or  that  their 
 faith  was  not  faviug;  yea,fome  of  thern  fo  ftrong  in  that  o- 
 .pinion  that  they  counted  it  nolefs  than  blafphemy  to  fay, 
 that  there  was. any  portability  *for  them,or  any  true  beleever 
 and  Saints  to  fall  away:Buti  wil  proceed  no  f artherj  have 
 considered  Mr.  0*v«/ flaring  the  queftion^  and  his  proofs, 
 and  obfervcd  his  own  rule  in  going  to  the  Law  and  Tefti- 
 mony,  where  is  not  a  word  found  to  countenance  any 
 kinde  of  faith  but  one,  of  which  the  mixtures  in  his  £rft 
 kinde,  and the lofty,  und  byexprefsions  in  his  Cecond 
 
 .  kinde,  are  no  part,  but.that  which  is  iakh  indeed,  in  cither, 
 or  both  of  them,  is  one,  and  the  fame  faith. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 The  CoHcltiJion. 
 
 S  I  began,  fo  I  end,  To  t he-Law,  and Teftimonj.  Minde 
 what  is  written  ;  fee  what  is  there  plainly  affirmed 
 •and  celt  ified,  how  the  queftion  is  there  dated,  and  anfwcr- 
 ed,  that  beleeve  and  hold  faft  ,  and  be  not  waved  from  it 
 by  any  Queries ,  glofles,  interpretations,  or  (ubtit*;  and 
 Scholaftical  ftating  of  the  queftion  by  men,who,it  will  ap- 
 pear by  fuch  courfes ,  ftrive  more  for  vi&ory  than  truth, 
 and  feek  more  for  the  honour  of  fome  fort  of  men,  than  of 
 Ae  teftimony  of  Jefus,  and  fpying  their  inability  to  over- 
 turn the  evidence  of  truth  in  that  tefcimony  of  truth 
 plainly  afferted,  they  devile  Queries  and  glofles ,  and  then 
 ftate  the  queftion,fo  as  that  they  ftrive  to  deny ,  and  that 
 thcymaintain,isa  meer  fancy ;  that  none  that  hold  forth 
 the  tettimouy  of  Chrift  ,  have  contended  for  ,  oragainft, 
 that  to  they  may  feem  to  have  the  victory ,  and  then  caft 
 a  blemifh  on  the  plain  fayings  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  to  make 
 mens  devices  appear  lovely ;  and  fo  put  to  lhame  the  be- 
 leeversof  the  plain  teftimony  of  Chrift.  And  how  near  to 
 this  Mr.O*^*  comes,!  leave  tor  others  to  confider,  oneiy  in 
 what  is  written  thefe  things  appear  proved. 
 
 i  That 
 
The  Cpnclufion.  tfy 
 
 i  That  in  affirming,  two  kindes  of  faith  wrought  by 
 the  Spirit  in  men ,  upon  account  whereof  they  are  called 
 Jkleevers,  and  Saints ,  and  both  really  true  in  their  kinde. 
 He  plainly  goeth  befides.and  contraricth  the  Scriptute,thar 
 tell?  us  but  one  kinde  really  true. 
 
 2  That  in  his  firtt  kinde  of  faich,there  are  fo  many  mix- 
 tures put  hi  r  that  are  no  efficacies  of  the  holy  Spirit  in  the .; 
 Gofpel,nor  any  parts  of  faith  at  all,and  if  they  be  taken  as , 
 ingredients  and  parts  of  the  faith  he  mentions    then  is 
 that  faith  he  calls  really  true  in  its  kinde,    no  faith  at  all 
 in  Scripture -language,  nor  any  there,  on  the  account  of 
 fuch  a  laith,  called  Beleevers  and  Saints ;  nor  is  it  die 
 faith  pleaded  for,  and  called  faying,  by  thole  he  oppofeth, 
 Anditthofe  mixtures  be  removed  and  left  out,  and  that 
 ftandfor  the  faith  true  in  its  kinde,  which  is.fo  indeed,then 
 it  is  one  and  the  fame  >  with  all  that  he  faith  of  the  fecond 
 kinde  of  faith,  that  is  by  Scripture  found  true  indeed,  and 
 then  he  hath  fecretly,  yet  plainly,  yeelded  all  that,  which 
 through  his  book  he  oppoleth  in  another;  for  this  faith  hee 
 yeeldeth  men  may  fall  from. 
 
 3  That  in  his  fecond  kinde  of  faith ,  he  hath  put  in 
 ftrangeand  urfcripture-like  expreflions,  and  aflertions,in  * 
 every  of  his  Concernments,  fpecially  the  former  three  of 
 them ,  which  being  taken  as  neceffary  to  the  being  of  this 
 fecond  kinde  of  faith,  that  ic  may  be  true  in  its  kinde,  then 
 
 is  there  no  fuch  faith  and  holinefs  fet  forth  in  the  Scripture, 
 nor  any  fuch  beleevers  and  Saints  on  this  earth,  whatever 
 bytancyormans  approbation  feme  may  conceive:  Nor 
 doth  all  or  any  oi  the  quotations ,  exprefsor  prove  fuch  a 
 faith  according  to  the  terms  afferted ,  to  differ  it  from  the 
 firft  kinde,  fo  that  the  faith  and  holinefs,  the  perfeverance 
 whereof  (fuch  as  no  poffibility  of  falling  away ..  he  afl'er- 
 teth  ,  is  Rich  a  faith  as  is  not ,  as  no  man  hath  ,  otherwife 
 then  by  conceit, a  fancy,  which  thofehe  oppofeth  ,  never 
 vented,  to  bring  it  within  the  lifts  of  a  controverfie.  And 
 f  o  in  ftriving  for  this  ,  he  was  quite  befides  the  bufmefs  in 
 controverfie ,  to  give  any  anfwer  thereto,  the  queltion  be- 
 ing not  about  fancy,  but  truth  ;  As  for  the  reaion  why  he 
 thus  ftated  the  queftion,  as  to  evade  the  bufinefs5  I  leave 
 
 that; 
 
tf8o  The  ionclupon. 
 
 that  to  himfelf,  and  others  to  confider. 
 
 4  That  ii  I  both  his  kindes  of  faith,I  find,that  that  which 
 is  true,  and  which  the  quotations  to  them ,  do  either  ex-  . 
 prefs  or  prove  for  to  be  faith ;  It  is  for  the  kinde  of  it,  in 
 both,  but  one  and  the  (ame  kinde  of  faith,  (as  hath  been 
 1  fully  (hewn  in  treating  of  bothj  onely  it  is  fo  darkned,  by 
 the  mixtures*  put  in  the  one,  and  theftrangeexpreflions, 
 and  lofty  terms  put  in  the  other, that  no  man  that  taketh  all 
 hee  faith  for  truth,  can  fee  any  door  for  him  to  come  into 
 the  fakh>or  any  certain  way  to  know  when  he  hath  it^yea  it 
 will  more  hinder  fuch  as  have  it  not ,  from  faith,  and  luch 
 ashavek,fromperfeverance,  then  all  faid  by  him  whom 
 he  oppofeth,  and  leaves  men  for  their  confolation,  to  their 
 fancy ,  and  the  judgement  of  their  Rabbies ,  to  relye  on, 
 whereas  the  faith  that  is  true,favingand  juftifyingjs  clecrly 
 fet  forth  in  the  Scripture  in  the  testimony  of  Chrift ,  as  in 
 this  Treat  ife  hath  been  (hewn  in  every  part  thereof,  let  the 
 Scriptures  quoted-be  read,  arid  their  exprcflions  beleeved  , 
 and  fo  let  the  Reader  difcern,  and  judge  accordingly. 
 
 If  any  reply,  That  when  there  U  a  controverfie  about  fait h> 
 It  is  then  needful  to  ft  ate  the  queftion  ,  that  it  may  be  fe  en 
 what  is  pleaded  for ,  and  who  plead  for  the  true  faith  in- 
 deed* 
 
 I  anfocr ,  The  object  and  foundation  of  faith  being 
 discovered  in  the  plain  fayingsof  tbeGofpel,  and  the  in- 
 ward bcleef,  and  acknowledgement  of  that  flood  for  ac- 
 cording to  plain  fayings  in  the  Go(  j.  el,  the  qucftioii  is  well 
 ftated  in  the  plain  affirmations  of  the  Gofpel,  and  none 
 need  require  any  other  (fating  of  thequeftion  ,  but  fuch  as 
 cannot  indure  to  (land  to  thole  fayings ,  from  which  none 
 that  arc  wile  will  be  waved  :  And  the  truth  is  the  con- 
 trover  fie  was  not  about  the  faith  itfclf,  but  about  the 
 poffibility  or  impofsibility  of  fuch  as  at  any  time  have  at- 
 tained to  belceve ,  to  fall  away  again,  that  fo  help  may 
 accordingly  be  adminiftred  to  them,  and  they  exhorted  to 
 receive  and  ufe  the  (ame ,  to  prevent  danger  ;  and  the  di- 
 vers kinds  of  true  faith,  is  an  invention  brought  in,  to 
 ftrcngthenthepurfuitof  diecontrovcrfic;  and  who  (hall 
 Sate  a  queltion  tor  two  kindes  of  faith,  true  in  their  kinde, 
 
 «'hen 
 
The  Conchjion.  6$9 
 
 when  there  is  but  one,  and  what  will  become  of  all  that  is 
 builded  on  a  queftion  fo  ftated  ?  or  who  that  is  wile  will 
 regard  it  to  be  waved  by  it  :  Judge  :  But  if  any  will  ftiil 
 bee  violent  to  have  the  queftion  dated,  let  them  firft  con- 
 fider,  and  plainly  anfwer  this  one  queftion,  namely, 
 
 J2*eft.  What  they  do  indeed  mean  by  faith,  whether 
 the  objeft  of  faith,  or  the  grace  of  beleeving  in  that  objed; 
 for  this  is  cleer  in  the  Scripture,  That  as  our  Fathers  con- 
 fiding, and  trufting,  and  hoping  in  God,  was  called  their 
 Trvfty  and  their  Hope,  (o  alfo  God  himfelf  in  whom  they  pjy^,-^ 
 truftcd ,  is  by  them  confeffed  tbeir  Ho\e,  and  their  Truft  -•  jer.17.17*. 
 And  he  is  pronounced  Bleffed,  that  maketh  the  Lord  his  pfal.4o«4. 
 Truft-.  And  (o  now  God  hath  lent  forth  his  Son ,  and  ta-  iTim.M, 
 ken  up  his  dwelling  in  him  the  Man  Jefus  Chrift  ,  he  is 
 therefore  like  wife  called,  God  our  Saviour,  and  Lord  Jefus 
 Chnft  onr  hope ;  Andfo  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  the  Son  of 
 God,  and  Saviour  of  the  world,  as  he  hath  taj^en  the  nature  of 
 man,  and  dyed  for  onr  (ins ,  and  rofefor  our  jnfti  fie  at  ion,  offer- 
 ed the  acceptable facrifice ,  ftteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God9 
 filled  with  Spirit,&c.  So  as  who  ever  beleeveth  in  him  ,  (hall 
 receive  forgivenefs  of  fins, ^-c.  This  the  obje&  of  faith,  and 
 theteftimeny  of  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel  holding  forth  this, 
 being  that  in  which  he  is  difcovered  and  difcerned ,  in  be- 
 leeving of  which,  beleeved  and  received ,  that  is  the  me- 
 diate objed  of  faith ,  and  Chrift  thus  fet  forth  in ,  and  by 
 the  Gofpel,  is  called,  The  faith,  even  the  fame  faith  that 
 Paul  did  once  perfecute,  and  after  preach.  And  this  faith 
 is  one,  and  but  one. 
 
 But  I  fuppofe  thecontroverfie  is  not  about  this,  though 
 the  evil  managing  the  controverfie  ,  hath  llrengthned  - 
 many  in  denying  this-  But  here  the  bufinefs  controverted, 
 is  about  the  grace  of  beleeving.  Now  every  beleeving  is 
 not  faith,  but  that  which  is  begotten  by  the  declaration  of 
 the  objed  of  faith ,  and  in  beleeving  it  clofeth  with  it. 
 And  fo  faith  is  (till  one,  as  hath  been  (hewn  at  large, 
 Part  3.  Chap- 1 7.  and  elfe where.  And  fo  if  anfwer  bee 
 given ,  That  by  faith  is  meant  fuch  a  beleeving  as  is  be- 
 gotten by  the  teftimony  of  jChrift.  and  cloleth  with  Chrift 
 in  that  teftimony,  then  furc  the  Queftion  is  ftaced  in  the 
 
 Tttt  An- 
 
£pd  The  Conchfion 
 
 Answer  given,  but  if  it  be  ur6cci ,  it  need  to  be  better  ope- 
 ned. I  atffwer  it  hath  been  ottc-n  fhewii5h  w  theScnpture 
 doth  it,in  many  placesplaiiAy  -  and  fotarto  yeei*  <  to  all 
 that  isright.  even  in  tradition  of  Fathers  ftiftj.  Irs  known 
 what  tome  of  them  have  (aid,  and  others  Horn  them  have 
 preached,  who  have  lak4  the  right  beleef  is  this, 
 
 A  beleeving  God  to  Bee,  and  beleeving  of  God,  in  that 
 which  he  faith,  and  beleeving  in  God  for  all  he  hath  pro- 
 mifed:  This,  all  this ,  nothing lefs than  this, isfaid  tobee 
 a  right  beleef  \  True  it  is,  He  that  beleeveth  not  God  to 
 bee,  and  Jehovah  to  be  that  very  true  God  ,  is  as* an 
 •♦'-*..      AriieiiK  and  hath  no  true  beleef  at  all. 
 
 But  he  that  beleeveth  God  to  be,  and  Jehovah  to  bee 
 that  very  God?  doth  fo  far  beleeve  a  right;  yet  if  he  beleeve 
 him  not  true  in  his  layings,  and  demonitrations  of  his 
 goodncfs>  he  is  yet  wanting  of  a  right  beleef ,  yea  his  be- 
 leeving is  not  laving  without  this. 
 
 If  he  beleeveth  both  thefe,  his  beleeving  is  right' and 
 feving,  and  if  he  abide  in  it,and  minde  what  he  beleeveth, 
 it  will  fave  him  fo  as  to  bring  him  to  beleeve  in  God  for 
 what  he  promileth  jWhich  when  he  attaineth,he  beginneth 
 to  bee  faved  fo  far  as  he  is  a  true  beleever?  and  hath  faith, 
 even  true  faith  :  And  as  I  conceive  the  Scripture  it  felt  alfei 
 holds  torch  this  in  Heb.i i.6.For  he  that  cometh  to  <jodymufi 
 beleeve  that  he  is^  and  that  he  is  aretvarder  of  them  that  dill" 
 gently  feekjhim  i  Here  is  the  beleef  of  his  being  exprefs,  and 
 the  beleef  of  his  layings,  in  hisdemonflrated  goodnefs,ex- 
 prefs  &:  beleeving  in  him,intimatcd  in  coming  to  him.And 
 this  to  prove  faith  in  Henoch,  and  in  his  time,when  though 
 all  the  goodnefs  of  God  toman- ward  was  through  a  Medi* 
 ator,yet  the  Mediator3and  his  work  was  not  then  fo  clearly 
 revealed  as  fince ,  JefusChrift  carried  our  nature  intohea- 
 ven^andthe  f nines  oftheGod-headdwels  in  htm  bodily  ^oi  which 
 his  firft  witnefles  have  teftificd,  faying  ,  We  know  that  the 
 aJob,fraO,  Son  of  God  is  come^  and  hath  given  us  anHndtrftandingthfii 
 we  may  know  him  that  is  true  ,  and  we  are  in  him  that  is  trne, 
 tven  in  his  Sonjefus  £hriftj  This  is  the  true  God^and  eternal 
 Hfe:So  then  we  have  not  another  faith,or  an  other  mannec 
 •of  beleeving*  but  cfeeiime  objeft  of  faith  brought  nigher* 
 
 and 
 
7  be  wncitijion.  *;^  mf 
 
 and  fet  forth  more  clearly,  to  be  in  the  fame  planner  *" 
 mcure  firmly  beleeved  in,  even  God  in  'GhrinVand  (6 
 Chrift,  and  God  in  him. 
 
 i  To  beleevethis  publick  man  to  be,  even  the  fecond 
 man,  the  Lord  from  heaven  5  the  {piritual  man,  that  hath 
 in  himlelf  as  the  publick  man ,  (uttered  for  the  fins  of 
 maukinde,  that  came  in  by  the  firlt  publick- mans  tranp- 
 greflion  and  reftored  the  nature  of  man ,  and  pr dented  it 
 fpotlefs  in  himfelf  before  the  Father,  and  the  Father  hath 
 taken  his  welpieafednefs,and  dwelling  in  him,and  fet  him 
 forth  the  propitiation  for  the  fins  of  the  world,che  Savior 
 of  the  World  That  whoever  beleeve  in  him,  may  have  ever- 
 lofting  life  y  And  that  ]ejns  is  this  Chrift %the  Sen  of  the  living 
 Cod.     '• 
 
 2  To  beleeve  his  fay  ings  by  his  Spirit  in  the  Gofpel,  all 
 true  and  good?  the  very  layings  of  the  Godot  truth  in, 
 and  by  him* 
 
 3  To  beleeve  in  him,  in  Chrift  Jefus,  in  his  blood,  and 
 fo  in  God.in  him  for  all  that  he  hath  promifed,  and  fo  for 
 the  Kingdome  to  come ,  this  according  to  the  dofcription 
 of  the  Ancient,  is  Evangelical  faith  ,  not  anotheVfcinde, 
 but  the  fame  more  bright  and  fully  appearing  and  en- 
 joyed, all  which  hath  been  (hewn  in  firfMecond,  third,  and 
 fourth  parts  of  this  Treati(e>  yea  in  the  refidue  alio  at 
 large. 
 
 And  though,  as  at  firft  mentioned,  it  is  accepted  where 
 this  glorious  Go(pel  is  not  given,  yet  where  it  is  diiplayed, 
 if  the  firftbe  wanting  ,  there  is  no  right  Gofpel-beleeving, 
 but  that  beleeved  with  the  heart,will  effect  the  other  two, 
 which  being  in  any  mcafure  effeded,  fuchdo  not  onely 
 beleeve  truly,  but  are  true  beleevers,  and  have  right  faith, 
 that  is  faving  and  juftifying. 
 
 And  as  for  Scripttire-ftati ng ,  and  explicating  the 
 queftion,  "it  is  oft  (hewn  already ,  and  all  agreeing  with 
 that  here  {aid  5  to  fet  it  forth  by  a  defi :iitio.i ,  I  will  not 
 pr-efume,  onely  the  neareft  that  I  finde  of  that  nature,  I 
 will  mention,  it  is  in  He b.  \  I .  i.  Now  faith  u  the  fubftance 
 (ground  or  confidence)  of  things  hoped  for ,  the  evidence  of 
 
 Tt  tt  2-  things 
 
<£px  The  Conclujion. 
 
 things  hofedfori  the  evidence  of  things  not  feen.    By  faith 
 here,  itisclecr,  is  meant  fucha  beleei  of  Gods  evidenced 
 goodnefs ,  as  is  begotten  by  his  own  declaration,  evidence, 
 or  teftimony  and  cloleth  with  the  fame  in  beleeving,accor- 
 ding  to  his  evidence  given.  And  that  he  {peaks  of  the  object 
 of  faith  evidenced  by   divine  teftimony ,  received  and 
 clofed  with  in  beleeving,  is  evident  throughout  the  whole 
 Epiftle,  of  which  evidences  through  mediums,  in  the  ru- 
 mor oi  that  report  in  Paradife ,  the  evidences  in  works  of 
 Creation  and  Providence  were  the  fitft,  and  then  more 
 fully  by  word  and  oracles,  and  then  moft  full  and  clear  by 
 his  Son,  the  Handing  teftimony  of  whom  is  in  the  Go- 
 1'pel  as  now  come  forth  ,  and  this  is  plain  5  Chap,  i .  i  ,1,3, 
 &  2. 152,9,4.   Sc  12.  25.  of  faith  begot  by  evidences* 
 through  the  nrft  mediums :  Examples  in  this  1 1 .  Chapter, 
 irom  verf  4.  to  verf.  7.  of  more  fulnefs  added  in  more 
 clear  difcovcry  by  word  in  the  mediums  begetting  faith, 
 examples  from  verf. 8.  to  31.  of  the  adding  to  the  me- 
 dium >  the  written  word,  and  prophefies,  and  faith  begot- 
 ten thewiby.  Examples  from  veri.3  2, 3 7. and  then  the  molt 
 clear  and  full  difcovery  in>and  through  Cbrift  the  Author 
 and  hniiher  of  faith,  Chap.  1 2.1.  And  yet  all  the  way  but 
 one  faith,  aixlforthe  nature  and  property  of  this  faith, 
 he  faiths  It  is  the  \ubftame  for  ground,  or  reprefentation9 
 or  confidence)  cf.ih:nplo?cdfor;  Tfe  evidence (argument 
 
 Or  proof  )  of  things  not  feen. 
 
 xjohj.9.  1    The  evidences  and   teftimony  given  from  God, 
 
 Rom. 1. i"8,i0,  hath  in  it  and  brings  with  it?  fucft  light,  power,  dc- 
 
 io&ro.ii.     monftration,  and  evidence  of  truth  and  goodnefs,  as  is 
 
 *°Tbeffa  10   ^iZxv^  able  to  open  the  eyes  todifcern  the  manifeftation, 
 
 Jtoai.  io*i,i^  and  to  gain  credit,  andbeleevc*  yea  there  is  more  in  it, 
 
 togainbeieefj  then  in  the  teftimony  of  any  men  to  gain 
 
 belecf  to  things  of  men  affirmed  by  them,  yea  if  men  do 
 
 not  clofc  their  eyes,  harden  their  heart?  unrighteouily 
 
 hold  and  detain .  and  reiufe  its  -operations ,  it  will  draw 
 
 to  beleeve  and  16  fave ,  and  for  that  end  it  comes  nigh  to 
 
 *he  mouth^tnd  the  heart  ol  xoan«r. 
 
 a  This 
 
7 he  Conchfion.  6?j 
 
 '"  2    This  Teftimony,  evidence,  and  demonfiiation  of  x  Job.  j.  i©. 
 God  beleeved,  and  (o  received,   hee  that  belceveth  hath  &  I*I>2»3 
 the  Teftimony  and  evidence  in  himfelf  >  and  in  or  with  that  f xh" r  J*'  ' 
 Teftimony;  Chrift  by  his  divine  prefence  in  the  venue  of  Rom.  f.N-j'* 
 his  oblation,  and  in  that  the  Father,  in  his  love  ftream-  Ml.  i/i,» 
 inginthe  heart,  and  fo  this  word  or  Teftimony  beleev- 
 ed, worketh  favingly  and  powerfully  in  the  heart,  yea  it 
 drinks  in  of  the  influences  of  Chrift,  from  the  right  hand  of 
 God,  and  carries  the  heartandfpirit  in>  and  makes  things 
 abfent  and  to  come,  as  prefent  in  their  vertue,  folace,  and 
 comfort  to  the  heart,  they  having  the  word  and  Tefti- 
 mony of  Almighty  God ,  his  power,  truth,  mercy,  faith- 
 fulnefle,  his  fon  as  a  witneffe  of  all;     This  is  ground  fuf- 
 ficient  for  all  they  hope  for,  and  evidence  enough  for  them 
 tobeleeve  and  declare  to  others,  the  truth  of  thofe  things 
 that  are  notfeen,  about  Creation;  Redemption,   theper- 
 fon  of  the  Redeemer  ,and  what  he  hath  done,doth,and  will 
 do,  the  refurredionof  the  dead,  the  new  heaven  and  new- 
 earth,  &£• 
 
 So  Faith  isnotfuch  a  thing,  as  hee  that  hath  it,  is  left  to 
 build  his  Faith,  on  mans  Teftimony,  and  to  have  a  Mini- 
 ireryall  his  lifelong,  to  tell  him  whether  his  faith  bee 
 right  or  no,  though  Minittery  is  profitable  for  his  growth 
 and  truitfulneile,  bu:  Faith  hath  its  evidence  in  it  felK 
 And  this  the  Apcftk  proves  by  many  demonftrati- 
 ons  in  inch  as  had  it,  as 
 
 i  That  God  approves  and  bears  witncfTe  to  fuclv         Heb.  11V  i,  2; 
 
 a  That  it  opens  myfteries  to  them,  and  gives  them  un-  3>  4,  J?  7 
 derftanding  in  things  -not  feen  with  the  eye,nor  comprehen- 
 ded by  reafon, 
 
 3  It  ftrengthens  and  encourages  to  approach  to 
 God, 
 
 4  It  inaWcs  them  to  walk  with  God,  yea  to  do  and 
 flitter  great  things,  and  to  wait  with  afTurance  of  enjoying 
 a  Kingdome  in  his  feafo  i,yea  fo  evidencing*  and  powerful 
 is  Faith.   When  Gods  fpake  in  divers  manners,or  by  par- ! 
 eels ,  how  much  more  now  hee  i peaks  by  and  through  his  ; 
 Son,  as  let  forth  in  the  Gofpel? 
 
 $$t-JC3  And 
 
4p^  The  Conclufton, 
 
 Andifanydefire  a  Difcriptlon of  this  belcevipg,  toe 
 it  is  all  exprefle  in  Heb.  u,  13.  and  plain  in  three 
 words. 
 
 1  A  difcerning  according  to  the  demonftration  of  his 
 goodnefle,  to  look  to,  mind,  encline  the  ear,  and  fpa 
 difcerning 
 
 a  A  peifwafion  or  credit  giving  not  reafoning  againft, 
 but  beleeving  his  teftimony  as  true  and  good. 
 
 5.  Animbracingit,  when  its  beleeved  with  all  accep- 
 tance and  delight  j  that  is  true  beleeving;  and .the  grace  of 
 God  fo  beleeved,  operateth  in  the  heart  and  life:  as  follow- 
 ed in  ver.  13,14  X$*rff 
 
 But  thefe  things  are  all  (hown  at  large  before,  yea  fo  as 
 theobjeft  of  Faith  is  fofettorthin  Scripture,  that  all 
 might  beleeve,  and  fuch  aflurance  given  to  beleevers  as 
 may  encourage  both  to  beleeve ,  and  perfevere  beleeving: 
 to  help  the  reader  whereto,  I  kave  him  to  confidcr  what 
 is  writ  in  theTreatile,  and  defire  that  what  the  fcripture 
 plainly  faith,  and  in  the  plain  fayi/jgs  of  the  Gofpel  aftir- 
 meth ,  may  in  their  own  plain  import,  and  firaplicity  of 
 Pag.i*. in  z  affeveration  bee  received:  yea  Mr-  Owen  confentethin 
 Epifilep.8  thisalfo:  be  fides  all  his  fayingsforementionedi  faying  in 
 in  his  Epiille  to  the  learned  5  that  which  wee  account  our 
 wildome,  and  learning,  may  if  too  rigoroufly  attended, 
 bee  our  Folly,  when  wee  think  to  (harpentherealon  of 
 the  Scripture,  wee  may  ftraighten  the  efficacy  of  thefpi- 
 rit  of  it;  Its  often  times  more  effeftual  in  its  own  liberty, 
 then  when  reftrained  to  our  methods  of  arguing, 
 and  the  weapons  of  it  keener  in  their  own  foft  breathings, 
 And  orofRa-  &en  w'lcn  fharpned  in  the  Forge  of ■  Jriftotle;  There  is  a 
 mva  cither.  way  of  perfwafion,  and  conviction  in  the  Scriptures ,  that 
 is  more  Divine  and  fublime,  than  to  bee  reduced  to  any 
 rules  of  Art;  that  men  can  reach  unto.  God  in  his  word 
 inftru&s  men  to  make  them  wife  unto  (alvation:Sillogi  mes 
 are  not  (doubtleife)  the  only  way  of  making  men 
 wife,  with  humane  wifdome ;  much  leffe  divine .-  fo  far 
 x  he  If  heeihouldor  have iwarved  from  his  own  rule,hce 
 
 can  not  but  bee  willing  in  that  to  bee  refufed,  fo  that  with 
 
 con- 
 
The  Conclujion. 
 
 confent,  Wee  all  fay  what  is  written,  how  readeft  thou ;Be- 
 lecve  the  fcripture,  And  the  Lord  in  mercy  make  us 
 ready  and  conftant  in  imbracing  the  Truth  in  his  layings, 
 as  prayeth  the  unworthieft  of  all  his  people. 
 
 *9S 
 
 Thomas  Moor. 
 
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