TheLifeofFaith

byRichardSibbes

TableofContents

ThelifeWhichINowLiveintheFleshILivebyFaith-Galatians2:20-SermonI

ThelifeWhichINowLiveintheFleshILivebyFaith-Galatians2:20-SermonII

SalvationApplied-Galatians2:20-SermonIII

THELIFEOFFAITH

SERMONI

AndthelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme.—GAL.2:20.

THEYarethewordsofamanpursuedbythelawuntoChrist,proceedingfrom the Spirit of Christ; the nature whereof is, to apply generals toparticulars.SoStPaulhere, 'ThelifewhichInowliveintheflesh,IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod.'Heseesheisdeadbythelaw;thereforehe

seeksforabetterhusband.Thelawfindshimdead,andleaveshimdead.Thuspursuedbythe tenorof the law,he flies toChrist,andsays, 'Iamcrucified with Christ,' nevertheless I live. How? 'Yet not I, but Christlivethinme.'

Therebe threeranksofmen in theworld,underwhichallmenmaybecomprehended.

1.Theestateofnature.

2.Theestateofmenunderthespiritofbondage.

3.Theestateofgraceunderthegospel.

Thisisthespeechofoneofthethirdrank,ofamanawakedbythespiritofbondage,whohathattainedtoaclearandevidentsightofhismisery,andoftheexcellentremedies,ofamanwhohathattainedtoanewframeandtemperofsoul.Itisthespeechofapersoninthestateofgrace,whonow aspires to a more noble and excellent life. In the words we mayconsiderdiversthings.

1.Thatthereisanothermanneroflifethantheordinarylifeofnature.

2.Thatitisabetterandmoreexcellentlifethanthatheformerlylived;asifhehad said,Now, since Ihave seen themiseryofmy formernaturalestate,andtheexcellencyofaspiritual lifebyfaith intheSonofGod,Iesteemmyformerlifetohavebeenwretched,notworthyofthenameoflife, comparedwith thatwhich I livenow, asbeing founded in a betterrootthanthe'firstAdam.'

3.Thespringofthis life istheSonofGod.Godis lifenaturally,andwehavelifenootherwisethanfromhimwhoquickenethallthings.

4. The conveyance of this spiritual life is by faith. Water springs notwithout a conduit to carry and spread it. The sun warms not withoutbeams, and the liver conveys not blood without veins. So faith is thatvesselwhichconveysthisspirituallife,thatconduitwhereinallspiritualgracesrun,fortheframingandworkingofspirituallife,conveyingall,topitchuponthoseexcellenciesoftheSonofGod.

5. The object and root of this spiritual life is, faith in the Son of God,lovinghim,andgivinghimselfforhim.

Sothereisalifebesidesthenaturallife,andtherootofitisChrist,whoisour life.Life is thebest thing in theworld,mostesteemedofus;as thedevilsaidconcerningJob,'Skinforskin,andallthatamanhathwillhegiveforhislife,'Job2:4.Lifeisthefoundationofallcomforts;lifeisthevigourproceedingfromsoulandbody,Sothespirituallifeisnothingelsebutthatexcellentvigour,andstrongconnectedstrengthof thesoulandbodyrenewed,groundedonsupernaturalreasons,whichmakesitfollowthedirections of theword, over-master the flesh, and so by degrees betransformed into the image of Christ, consisting in holiness andrighteousness.

Doct.Thefirstpointthenis,thatthereisabetterlifethananaturallife,becausethereissomewhatinamanwhichaspiresandlookstoabetterestate. A child in themother's womb hath life and senses in that darkplace, but it is not contented therewith, but is restless as in a prison,tumblesandturnsupanddown; for this life that ithath isnot todwellthere,butabeginning-lifetofitittoliveinthemoreopenandspaciousworld,whither itmust shortlybe sent forth.So in thisdark lifeofoursthereisadivineinstinct,power,andfacultyinmen,thatnothingherecansuffice; which shews, that there is a place to satiate the will and theunderstanding, and fill the affections; that there is a condition whichshallmakeamanfullyhappy.Thattheremustbeabetter life,whichisthis spiritual life; for this life which we live in the flesh is a thing ofnothing.Ourlittlelifewelivehere,whereforeisit?Toliveawhile,toeatand drink and enjoy our pleasures, and then fall down and die like abeast?Ohno,buttomakeabeginningforabetterlife.Ifthislifebesuchablessing,what is thenthatmostexcellentspiritual lifewespeakof?Itholds out beyond all. By this spiritual life, when one ismost sick, youshallseehimmostlivelyandspiritual.Whensense,andspirit,andsight,andallfail,yetbyreasonsdrawnfromspirituallifehecomfortshimselfin Christ, the glory to come, and what he hath done for him. So theapostleshewstheaimofaChristianistobeinsufferingsofthis lifefortheincreaseofabetter,2Cor.4:10,saithhe,'AlwaysbearingaboutinourbodythedyingoftheLordJesus,thatthelifealsoofJesusmightbemade

manifest inourbody.'Whenthebodyisweakest,thespirit isstrongest.Take amanwho hath not this spirit and hope, he is à lamort* at theapprehension of death, because he hath no faith, no knowledge, noquickeninglife,nosenseortasteofmoreexcellentthings;heknowsnotwhethertherebeaHolyGhostornot:orifhebeconvincedinconscience,yet he is taken up with horrors, and fears condemnation at hand forevermore.Ohwhatarewewithoutthislife?Otherwiseanheathenoraninfidelwereashappyaswe.

A Christian furnished with this spiritual life can see Christ and glory,beyondallthethingsofthislife;hecanlookbackwards,makeuseofallthings past, see the vanity of things so admired of others; he can tastethingsnaturedothnotrelish;hehathstrengthofreasonsbeyondalltheapprehensionsofreason;heisamanofastrongworking.Thisshouldstirus up above all things to get this spiritual life in us, lest, like St Paul'slivingdeadwidow,webedeadwhilstwebealive,1Tim.5:6.Therefore,unlesswewillbedeadcreatures, labourwemust foraspiritual life, forthereisanotherdeathwhichfollowsthefirstdeath.WenotonlyloseGodandChrist,lifeandglory,eternallife,communionwithsaintsandangels,but also we come to eternal torments with the devil and his angels.ThereforeaboveallthingsgowetoChrist,thatwemayliveinhissight.

Whatisthereasonweseeknotmoreforthisspirituallife?Because,whenthe conscience is not awakened, we think there is no such thing: likeJudas,walkingoninthestateofnature,indrunkenness,voluptuousness,covetousness,andthelike,untilweperishsuddenly.Iftheconsciencebeawakened,ohthenitiseasytoworkuponsuchaonewhoseeshismiseryanddesires the remedy. Itwaseasy topersuadeJacob to send for corninto Egypt, when a famine was in the land of Canaan. It is easy topersuademen hungry and thirsty to eat and drink; easy to persuade aladen,wearymantolaydownhisburdenandrest.Soitiswithus.Iftheconsciencebeawakenedtohaveasenseofsin,andthatintolerablewrathandeternalpunishmentduethereunto,weshouldandwouldlongforthisspirituallife.

Ibeseechyou,letusbelievethereissuchalife.Look1Pet.1:3.Thereheblesses God, 'who hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by theresurrectionofJesusChrist from thedead.'Nonecango toheavenbut

theywhoarebegottenagainhere.Themainhelpistheuseofthemeans.ThisisthatpoolofBethesda,atwhichifwelietheangelofthecovenantwillputus in tobehealed.Never rest then till this lifebegotten inus.Whenwefindsuchanantipathybetwixtourspiritsandsinasisbetweenpoisonandthem,thenthereisabeginningofthework.Soweshouldhatesinfulpersons,whoseconversationshindertheprogressandincreaseofourspirituallife.Thosewhoventureonalloccasions,nowondertheydofallinsinfulcourses.Whatisalltheircareandendeavourbuttodrawoneinto sin? They care for their lusts, and never think of any more. AChristianwillcaremostforthenourishingofhisbest life,knowingthatgoodandbadcompanydo,theonequicken,theotherdeadhim.

Christ is called life, the bread of life, tree of life, andhe gives us livingwater to refreshour souls,not thathe is soessentiallybread,ora tree,but by the efficacy of his working in us. For God is life in himself.Thereforeheswearsbyit:'AsIlive,saiththeLord,Idesirenotthedeathofasinner,'Ezek.33:11.Weconsidernothereoflifesohigh,thoughthislifemustbederivedfromhimprincipally.Itissonaturally.TheSonisthefountainof life,becausehe isGod,who isradically, fundamentally,andessentiallylife.

ButbeforeChristbefittedtobelifeforus,hemustbemanfirst,asJohn6:55,'Formyfleshismeatindeed,andmybloodisdrinkindeed.'Andthereasonwhyhe soquickens is, becausehe is alsoGod, being that breadwhichcamedownfromheaven,ofwhich'whoseeatethshallliveforever.'NowthisgreatworkofoursalvationbeingofnecessitytobeperformedbyaninfinitepersonasGod,whocouldnotdie,hethereforetookuponhimamortalnature,toopenacurrenttomercyandjustice.Thereforehisflesh ismeat indeed; but the flesh profiteth nothing without the Spiritwhichquickens;fortheremustbeaSpirittosealupallthisuntous.Aswithout shedding of blood no forgiveness of sins, sowithout the Spiritsealing these things unto our souls, we can have no comfort of them.Whenwespeakof spiritual life,he it is thatwe live for;byhim,and inhim,andthroughhimwelive.Therefore,1Cor.15:45, 'the lastAdamiscalledaquickeningSpirit,'becauseby thatSpirithequickenedhimself,andquickensusnowtolivethelifeofgrace,andshallhereafterquickenour dead bodies at the resurrection. So he is called 'the Sun of

righteousness,'forlightandheat,because,asthesunlightensandwarms,soheisthelightoftheworld,asJohnspeaks,'lightingeverythingwhichcomethintotheworld,'John1:9,warmingalsoandcherishingthemassofthings,andthereforeiscalledlightandlife.

Thushaveweseenbrieflythereisanotherlifethanthelifeofnature;thatthisisamostexcellentlife;andthattherootandspringofitistheSonofGod.Nowthewayofconveyanceofthislifeis'byfaith.'Afountainisnotsufficienttosendforthwaterabroad;theremustbepipestoconveyitforuse.Sofromtheheartandlivertheremustbearteriesandveinsforthemaintenanceoflifeandconveyanceofbloodthroughallthebody.Christistheheartandliverofallspirituallife;buttheremustbeaconveyancetobringittous,andthisisfaith.Butwhyisfaiththegracetoconveylifetous?

(1.)Becausewearesavednowoutofourselvesbyanother.Thereforethatgracewhichbringsus to this great goodmust leadus out of ourselves.Thisfaithdoth,whichisthehandofthesoul,tolayholdofallthegraces,excellencies,andhighperfectionsofChrist.

(2.)Because faith gives all the glory to theparty*onwhom it relies onandtrusts,asRom.3:26.Paulshewswhyworkswereexcluded;andsucharighteousnesswasbrought in,saithhe, thathemightbe just,andthejustifier of him which believeth; and then he adds, 'Where is boastingthen?Itisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?Ofworks?Nay,butbythelawoffaith.'If by love it had come, or humility, patience, or anything in us, someboastingmight have been; but this looks another way, lays hold uponanother'sriches.Faithacknowledgethnothingtobeathome;thereforeitgoestoanothertofetchit,whichelseitwouldnotdo.

(3.) Becausewemust be brought back again toGod by a contrarywaythan that we were lost by; for the same way we could never haverecovered. The serpent, we know, shaked Eve's faith in believing thethreatening.Whilst they kept the word and feared the commandment,theykept their life;but, losing this awful respect, they lost communionwiththefountainof love.Sowefellbyinfidelity,andmustreturnagainbyfaithintherighteousnessofanother.

Bythistimewearecometothemainthingintended,howwelivebythefaithoftheSonofGod.Weshallnothaplyreachthedepthofsoprofoundamystery; only I will endeavour to give you some few heads, whereinfaithprincipallyexercisethherpowersandfunctions.

1.Thelifeoffaithisexercisedinoureffectualcalling.

2.Inthestateofjustification,whencecomesreconciliation.

3.Inavigorouslife,arisingonthecomfortofourjustification.

4.Inoursanctification; inthosesuppliesfaithfindsouttomakeuptheimperfectionthereof.

5.Thelifeoffaithinglorification.

6.Welivebyfaithinall theseveralpassagesofthis life,asweshallseewhenwecometothem.

ThuswelivecontinuallybythefaithoftheSonofGod,andsowemustlivetillwecometoheaven.

1.Welivethelifeoffaithinoureffectualcalling.TheSpiritworksit,theSpiritisGod'shand.Thismakes,thatoureyesarebentupwardstoseeabetter life, toseeacalling, to liveholilyandrighteously inall things, toseewhata richmeans isprovided to reconcileGodandman, to satisfyjustice,andsotodrawusinanewwayandcourseoflife,torelyonGod,and lookuntohim in all our actions.Then the grace of union is given.God'sSpiritworksourheartsbythisfaith,tohavefirstunion,andthencommunion with God. Thus the soul being seasoned, and seeing theexcellencyandnecessityofanothernewlife,touchesChrist,andbeginstolive the life of faith in effectual calling; for at first we are dead andunlovely creatures, estranged fromgrace and gracious actions, until, inthisestate,ChristisdiscoveredbytheSpirit,andfaithtouniteustohim.

2. Secondly, We live the life of faith in justification. This is a life ofsentencethatthesoullivesby,peacebeingspokenuntoitbythepardonof sin; forGodbyhis Spirit doth report somuch to the soul, givingusassurancethatChristoursuretyandpeace-makerisraisedupagain.So

Eph.2:5,itissaid,'Evenwhenweweredeadinsins,hehathquickenedus together with Christ, and raised us together, and made us sit inheavenlyplaceswithhim.'Andwhy?BecauseourSuretyhathpaidourdebt.Wesayofamancondemned,heisadeadmantillhehaveapardon,whichwhenhehathobtained,weturnourspeech,andsay,helives.Soinjustification:beinguniteduntoChrist,andbelievingourpardon,wearesaidtolive.Oursinslieonhimasoursurety;forthen,asourhusbandincharge, he doth pay all our debts. Thus by virtue of our marriage toChrist,hedischargesallourdebts,andgoethawaywiththem;evenasthescapegoat in the wilderness went quite away with all the sins andiniquitiesof thepeople,never toreturnagain.Lookwethereforetooursins,thecurseandwrathdueuntothem,andallaslaidonhim.Lookatwhatsoeverisgoodinhim,thatisforus;whatsoeverisevilinus,lookinhimforit,tohaveittakenaway,pardoned,andnotimputed.

Aswesindaily,soZech.13:1,'Thereisafountaindailyrunning,towashaway sin and uncleanness.' Therefore for our daily sinning, we mustcontinuallyrunandbatheoursouls inthisblood,applythecomfortsofhis sufferings, intercession, and obedience unto us. St John teaches usthus much; saith he, 'If any man sin, we have an advocate with theFather,JesusChristtherighteous,andheisthepropitiationforoursins;andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld,'1John2:1.If we sin daily, he justifies the sinner daily: he came to save sinners:therefore,whensinstirsusup to run fromGod,weshouldrun tohim.Faithsays, 'There isnocondemnationto themthatare inChristJesus,'Rom. 8:1. Why? My sin was condemned in Christ, and a condemnedpersonhathnovoice.Christcametodestroysin,andcondemnedsinintheflesh.Oursinswerecrucifiedwithhim,andarenowallcondemnedsins, ifwewill gountoChrist,whohathborneall our iniquities, as theprophet Isaiah excellently shews.* Therefore St Paul triumphantlydemands the question, 'Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God'select? It isGod that justifieth,who ishe that condemneth?'Why? 'It isChrist thatdied,yearather, that is risenagain,who isevenat therighthand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall thenseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?'Rom.8:33,34.Soinourdailysinsyouseewehaveuseofthesethings,tohave,uponourconfession,adailypardonofcoursetakenouteveryday.ThusGodwouldnothaveussink.

Solongasthereismatterofguiltinus,Godwillhaveawaytocleanseoursouls, and renew our comforts. Every day we run into new debts, andeveryday in theLord'sPrayerweare taught to askpardon, and to rununto God, to have the book crossed out with his blood. Every day aChristianmusteye thebrazenserpent, ImeantheLordJesus,signifiedthereby; he must sprinkle his heart with the blood of Christ, that thedestroyingangelmaypassbyhim in thedayofwrath, as the Israelitesthendid.This is it to liveby faith; everyday to sueoutourpardon; tolook unto our advocate and surety, who hath paid our debts, andcancelledthatobligationagainstus,contrarytous,astheapostlespeaks,daily towash in that ever-running fountain. 'Christ is a priest for ever,after the order of Melchisedec,' Ps. 110:4. Though the act be past, heremains the same still. What puts down our courage, strikes us withterrorandfear,butoursins?Oh,butwhyisthisbrazenserpentlifted,butthus to wash away our daily frailties and failings, so as whosoeverbelieveth inhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlasting life?John3:14,15.

So justification isnotonlya sentenceofpardon,but it is also, asRom.5:15,atitletolifeeverlasting:'Forifbyoneman'soffencedeathreignedbyone,muchmoretheywhichreceivetheabundanceofgrace,andofthegift of righteousness, shall reign in life by Jesus Christ.' Where Godpardons,headvances.SoifSatanshallcometoshakemytitle,toshakethis faith,assurehim thatChrist came to save sinners. Ifheobject, thytitleisnaughtandstained,beingthouhastsomanysinsandcorruptionsaboutthymortalbody,answerhim,Whatservesmyfaithforbutformycomfort,toshewmethatmytitleisinChrist?mystrengthandgroundofcomfort is in him, not inmyself. See one parallel example, howDavidlived this life of faith in justification: 'If thou, O Lord, shouldst markiniquities, who shall stand?' Ps. 130:3. There he pronounces death onhimself ere he be acquitted, and somustwe in the like case. But thencomes theappeal: 'Butmercy iswith thee, that thoumayestbe feared.'Enlarge it yourself. If aman be not sound in this point, all he does isnothing.Thisisallinall.Oursanctificationwithoutthisisnothing.Thisisthegroundofall.Becarefulofthis,tolooktoChrist'sobedience,life,death, and sufferings, and those comforts flowing from our interesttherein.

Buttodirectyoualittlefurtherereweleavethissweetpoint.

First,Lookback everydayunto thepassages thereof. Seehowwehavepassedalong,seewhatsinshaveescapedthee;thencomeatnighttoGod,confessandbesorryforall,resolveagainstall,cravestrengthagainstall.Ohitisafearfulstatetosleepinsin;bettersleepinahousefullofaddersandvenomousbeasts.Seealsoandwatcheverymorning;corruptiondothcleavetoallourbestactions;wepassnodayso,butwehavecausetosay,Lordforgiveusoursins.Bythiscourseweshallkeepoursoulsfree,beingreadyfordeath.Weshallbyourparticularreckoning,everydayclearingthescore,bereadyforourgreatgeneralpardon,andwhentroublecomes,have only that to encounter with. I beseech you, therefore, put this inpractice.Besurewiththedaytoclearthesinsofthatday;soshallyeliveacomfortablelife,andbefitforallestates,forlife,fordeath,forsickness,trouble,orwhatsoever,allourbusinesslyinginheaventhen.

Obj.Ifitbethus,weneednotcarehowwesin:itisbuteverydaytosueoutanewpardon.

Ans. Oh beware; ere our pardon be sealed, there must be confession,sorrowforsin,resolutionwithfullpurposetodosonomore;theremustbe arraigning, condemning, and judging of ourselves for it, becausewhatsoeverwewouldnothaveGodtodo,wemustdo itourselves.Ourtime ingetting thisquietusest sealed, is for themostpartaccording toour sin.He that hath such a resolution to sin every day, because sin isevery day pardoned, he may go long enough without pardon, at leastcomfortofhispardon.Forthoughpardonofsinsbepronounced,yetGodhaththekeepingofjoyinhisownhand.AsDavidhadhissinpardoned,—bythe judgmentof faithheknewthusmuch—yetPs.51:8,howdothheprayforjoy,andthatGodwouldhealtheboneswhichhehadbroken!Heroaredalltheday,andstillfeltapainlikethebreakingofbones.ThejoyoftheSpirithadlefthim.Thishecriestohaverestored.Thusthoughsinmaybepardoned,yetthemorewesin,themorehardlyweshallrepent,thelongerweshallwantjoy;or, itmaybe,goallourlifetimemourningwithoutcomfortinsuchacase.Nowletusseehowitmaybeknownthatwelivethelifeoffaithinjustification.

Trial1.First,By tryinghow itcomes in thesoul;asRom.7:4,saith the

apostle,'Wherefore,mybrethren,wealsoarebecomedeadtothelawbythebodyofChrist;thatyeshouldbemarriedtoanother,eventohimwhoisraisedfromthedead,thatweshouldbringforthfruituntoGod.'Afteramanisdeadbythelaw,andapprehendshimselfslain,thenhecomestolivethislifeoffaith.Christquickensnonebutthedead.Whydonotthepapists attain to this grace of justification? They never see themselveswholly dead, but join some life to the natural estate ofman. ThereforeChrist quickens them not. Such only are quickened by him who findthemselvesdeadinthelaw.Thentheycometohaveaholydespair,andtosee that life and comfort is out of themselves in another. Justificationsprings from a holy despair, and receiving life, after we have seenourselvesdead.

Trial 2. Secondly,Where this life of faith is, there is a wonderful highvaluing andprizing ofChrist, his righteousness,merits, obedience, andwisdomofGodinthatwayofforgivenessofoursinsbythisGod-man,thewonderfulmediator;asPhilip.3:8.Paulaccountsallthings'butlossanddungfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChristJesusourLord,'beingcontentedtosufferthe lossofall thingstowinChrist.It is thepreciouspearltosellallfor.Paulaccountsallourownrighteousnessasnothinginregardof this.Theremustbeahighestimationof the richesofChrist'sobedienceandsufferings:forwherethereisnotthishighestimationofit,theyarerotteninthepointofjustification.ButyouseehowPaulsetsatnoughtandvilifiesallthingsinregardthereof;soRom.4:16.Abrahamisbroughtintobejustifiedbygrace,totheendthepromisemightbesureto all the seed. And Ps. 32:2, he is pronounced to be the blessedman,'untowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity,andwhosesiniscovered.'

Trial3.Thirdly,Whenwehaveazealagainstallcontrarydoctrine,asStPaulshewstotheGalatians,whowouldhavejoinedworkstofaith:'Christisbecomeofnoneeffectuntoyou;whosoeverofyouarejustifiedbythelaw,youarefallenfromgrace,'Gal.5:4.Andinthethirdchapterhesays,'O foolishGalatians,whohathbewitchedyou, thatyoushouldnotobeythe truth, beforewhose eyes JesusChrist hath been evidently set forthcrucified among you?' 'This only would I learn of you, received ye theSpiritby theworksof the law,orby thehearingof faith?'Gal.3:1,2.Amansound in thepointof justificationhathahatred topopery,andall

suchdoctrinewhichimpairstherichesofthegraceofChrist.DeathisintheRomishreligion.Whyaresomeofthemthensaved?Notbecausetheydieinthatreligion,butbecausetheyreversetheirjudgmentinthispointofjustification.*Soyouseethereisahatred,azealinsuch,asStPaulhadagainstcontrarydoctrines.

Trial4.Fourthly,Thereispeaceandjoysettledintheheart:asRom.5:1,2,'Thereforebeingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist:bywhomalsowehaveaccessbyfaith intothisgracewhereinwestand,andrejoiceinthehopeofthegloryofGod.'

Quest.ToaddonethingmoreereIleavethispoint,Inthecaseofrelapse,what shall we do then? Are we not cut off? Must we not have a newincision?

Ans. I answer, Everymanwho falls does not fall on all-four, fall awayquite.Therebedegreesoffalling;asinasickman,thoughill,heisnotbyandbydead.Some lifeandstrength remains,whichworksout towardshealth again. There is somuch grace and life in justification left, as torecoverhimagain.Butasinothercases,soinrelapsesalso,amanmustlivebyfaith.Wesee,2Cor.5:20,evensuchaswereinthestateofgrace,areentreatedtobereconciled.Thoughwefall,wemustnotthereforefalloff,butstirupgrace,andrecoverourselvesagain.SoIsa.55:7,thereitissaid, 'Let thewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteoushis thoughts:andlethimreturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyuponhim,andtoourGod,forhewillabundantlypardon.'Andthenheaddsthereason,'Formythoughtsarenotyourthoughts,neitherareyourwaysmyways,saith theLord.Foras theheavensarehigher than theearth, soaremyways higher than your ways, andmy thoughts than your thoughts.' SoJer.3:1,'Theysay,Ifamanputawayhiswife,andshegofromhim,andbecomeanotherman's,shallhereturnuntoheragain?Shallnotthelandbegreatlypolluted?Butthouhastplayedtheharlotwithmanylovers;yetreturnagaintome,saiththeLord.'Thuswemustlivebyfaith,forallourslipsandfalls,yetnottoletgoourhold,butstillruntothehornsofthisaltar,stillflytothiscityofrefuge,andsoweshallbesafe.

Quest. Butwhat is the reason thatmanywho are justified yet find notdailycomfort?

Ans.Perhapstheydaubup†themselves,anddonotsearchthebottomoftheircorruption:asPs.32:3,David,whenhekeptclosehissin,hisboneswaxedoldthroughhisroaringallthedaylong,andGod'shandwasheavyupon him day and night. Then he shews how he found comfort: 'Iacknowledgedmysinuntothee,andmineiniquityhaveInothid.IsaidIwillconfessmytransgressionsuntothee;andthouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin.'Soitmaybeinthiscase.WecomenotoffwithGodfreely,wedonotransackoursins,wesearchnotallthecorners.Sinisamarvelloussubtlething.Again,therebymanytimesGodwillhumbleusforaformersin,andkeepoffcomfort,untilwebemorehumbled,andstandinaweofsin.

3.Thirdly,Hence springs a vigorous life.A life of cheerfulness,whenamanhathhispardonsuedout,thencomeslifeandjoy,strengthofholyactions well rooted and grounded. Who should joy, if a triumphantrighteouspersonshouldnot?Whohavecausetorejoicemorethankings?By justificationwe aremade kings and priests, are lifted above all sinsandlusts,worldanddevil;havearightandtitletoheaven.Shallacarnalman joy inhis titlesandprivileges,andshallnotwemuchmore,beingsons of God by adoption, and heirs of all things? So Rom. 5:1: 'Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod,andjoyintribulation.'Beingoncejustified,thestingofalltroublesistakenaway.Godisours.WejoyinGod.Thisisallinall.ThebloodofAbel,thatcriesforvengeance;buttheSpiritofGod in this estate tellsme, that thebloodofChrist speaksbetterthings,mercy,mercy;inhisbloodisalwayscomfort,thoughwebeweakandunskilfultoapplyit.ThewashinginthisbloodshouldmakeaChristian walk on cheerfully in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. But Ihastentothenext,whichis,

4. Fourthly, The life of faith in sanctification. This springs from thesegrounds:

(1.)First,FaithlaysholdonChrist,asGodoffershim.Howisthis?See1Cor.1:30:'ButofhimareyeinChristJesus,whoofGodismadeuntouswisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.' Godgives Christ, not for justification only, but sanctification also: and thusfaithmustapprehendhim.

(2.)FaithreceiveshimaswholeChristinallhisoffices;notasapriesttosave only, but as a king to rule; as a wife receives her husband, to begovernedandruledbyhim.

(3.) Again, Christ came not only to take away the guilt of sin, but thedominionofsin.Hecame,asJohnspeaks,todestroythewholeworkofthedevil;asitissaid,Eph.5:25,26,'Hegavehimselfforhischurch,thathemightsanctifyandcleanse itwiththewashingofwaterbytheword,thathemightpresentittohimselfagloriouschurch,nothavingspotorwrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and withoutblemish.'Christdothpurgehischurch,notonlyfromtheguiltofsin,butalso from the meddling and polluting of itself in the world with filthythings.SoRom.8:3,theapostleshews,that'GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh:thattherighteousnessof the lawmightbe fulfilled inus,whowalknotafterthe flesh, but after the Spirit.' He came as well by water as by blood.Therefore faith puts him on, not only by justification, but also insanctification.Toclearthis.

[1.]Upon justificationofnecessitycomessanctification.Forwhat is thestop of God's mercy? His anger for sin committed; in which case hedenieshisSpirit.Butwith reconciliation there comesalso theSpirit: asEphes. 1:13, saith the apostle, 'Inwhom also, after that ye believed, yeweresealedwiththatHolySpiritofpromise.'NowtheSpiritoncegiven,istheseedofallgraces.Whosoeverisjustified,haththeSpiritofChrist:Rom.8:9,'AndifanymanhathnottheSpiritofChrist,heisnoneofhis.'

[2.] Again, having the Spirit of Christ, faith fetches all strength fromChrist. Samson's strength was in his locks; a Christian's strength is inChrist. This the devil knows well, and therefore labours especially toweakenfaith,anddrawusfromourstrength.Christsays,'Withoutmeyecandonothing,'John15:5;andStPaulaffirms,thathe'candoallthingsthrough Christ who strengthened him,' Philip. 4:13. The Spirit givesstrength.

[3.]Again,asbyChristandhisSpiritwehavestrength,sobyhisSpiritwehavestrongconvincingreasonstoworkwithstrengthfromreason.Whydoth a Christian carry himself in a holy just carriage answering his

profession?Oh,saithhe,Ihavegreatreason;Christhathlovedme,andgivenhimselfforme;andshouldnotIgivemyselftohim,denymylusts,andlivetohim?For,indeed,thefoundationofallChristianobedienceislaidbyfaithinChrist.Sowhenamanlookstoheaven,hehathareasontoabstainfromallletsandhindrancesofhissafeandcomfortablepassage;tomagnifytherichesofChrist's love,whichhathprovidedforhimsuchaninheritance,andtoliveaccordingly.Sowhenhelookstothepardonofsinspast,heseesreason tohate themmoreandmore, tostriveagainstthem in time tocome,and to loveChrist themore,whohathpardonedthem.AndwhenhelookstoGod'sfreeloveinChrist,heseesreasontobeinflamedwithdivine love, to admire the richesof that grace, and tobethankful.

[4.]Again,Christianaffectionsareas thewind, tocarryuson inaholylife.Thusstrength,andreason,andaffections, thesemakeamanwork.First, love sets us awork: 'we love him,' saith the apostle, 'because heloved us first,' 1 John 4:19.We have his love first shed abroad in ourhearts,inflamingtheaffections,andkindlingtheheatofdivinelove;andthenwesendbacka reflexof loveuntohim.Godcares fornothingbutfaithwhichworksbylove.Thisloveisamostoperativeaffectionstirredup by faith. Indeed, all our Christian graces are set a-work by faith inChrist.

Thus you see faith apprehending Christ, as God offers him; and thesethingswhichIhavementionedfollowing,wecometolivethelifeoffaithin sanctification: an examplewhereof see in that woman,who becausemanysinswereforgivenher,lovedmuch.Loveisbountiful.Allobediencecomesfromlove.Loveisthekeepingofthelaw.Thisaffectionisstirredupbyfaith,yea,byChrist,forbyhimwehavethepromiseoftheSpirit,whence all graces come, and promises of the new covenant, to havefleshlyheartsgiven,andhisSpiritputinus.Allpromisesofjustificationand sanctification are derived from Christ. They are in him, made forhim, and effected forhis sake; forhe is 'yea and amen,' the centre andground of all the promises. Now being brought by faith to live injustification, we must of necessity also live by faith in sanctification.Therebe twopartsof aholy life: 1. Inmortification,dying to sin;2. Invivification,livingtorighteousness.

For the first,What does it to aman in this case?Why, he looks whatbroughtChrist to suffer somuch;my sin. So this affection stirs up thesamepassioninhim,inasort,whichwasinChrist,andmakeshimhatesin with a perfect hatred, as in Zechariah it is said, 'They should lookuponhimwhomtheyhavepierced,andmournforhimasonemournethfor his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is inbitternessforhisfirstborn,'Zech.12:10.Secondly,ItlooksontheloveofChrist,thatmadehimgivehimselfforus.Thismakesustohatesin,andprovokesus to liveuntohimwhohathdonesomuch forus.These twothingsinthedeathofChriststiruphatredtosin.

Then again, in vivification, the same Spirit which quickened him dothalsoquickenus: asCol. 3:1, 'If ye thenbe risenwithChrist, seek thosethingswhichareabove,whereChristsittethattherighthandofGod:setyouraffectionsonthingsabove,notonthingsontheearth.'Sothat thesameSpiritwhichisinChrist,beingsentintous,quickensusalsotohavemounting and heavenly thoughts. As the foot and little finger, thoughdistant, live and stir by the same life and spirits diffused through thewholebody,sothesameSpiritquickenseveryChristianthisway.Asalsobyimpartingstrength,heimpartsreasonsfromtheresurrectionofChristto make us heavenly-minded, so when the soul dies one way, it livesanotherway.ForChristhavingbytheSpiritdiscoveredabetterstate,andlife to come, of eternity, immortality, tranquillity, and glory; then aChristiandiestoallworldlythings,andhaththeaffectionstakenupthatway.

Thusweseeeverydaysotoleadourlives,aswenotonlylivethelifeoffaithinjustification,butalsoofsanctification;howoutofChrist'sfulnesstofetchgraceforgrace.Therefore inallourwantsgotohimstill.Heisnotonlya sacrifice satisfactory forour sins,buthe isa storehousealsoand treasure of all good things. He is made unto us sanctification,thereforebegwefavourfromhim,andendowmentsofgraceconformabletohisgrace.Andagain,whenwelackfulness,letusnotdespair,butfetchthe large vessel of faith, and we shall have a share of the large graceswhichareinChrist,accordingtothelargenessofourfaith.

Quest. What is the reason that so few find strength and comfort inChristianity?

Ans.Theysetupongettingofgrace,andkillingcorruptionsbytheirownstrength, and so are ever wanting; but if aman depend upon God, heshall have fulness out of Christ.Godhath sanctified his nature for thispurpose, that out of his fulnesswemight have grace for grace. And soagain,everydaygotoGod,andpleadforstrengthagainstsin,powertolead aholy life, and imputationofChrist's righteousness, to supply thedefects of our sanctification. St Paul says, 'I can do all things throughChristthatstrengthensme,'Philip.4:13.Itisamagnificentspeech,andagreatmatter tohaveaman ready to suffer all things, andovercomeallthings. This will make us work wonderfully, if we have this strengthsupplied. See an instance, Luke 17:3, 4. Our Saviour tells his disciples,that they must forgive their brother seven times, and seven times, asoftenasheconfesseshisfault.Theythoughtthisawonderfulhardduty,fornothingissosweettoamanasrevenge,forhewouldwillinglybehisowncarverinallthings,anddothingsinhisownstrength.Thedisciplesupon this fall a-praying, 'Lord, increase our faith;' as though they hadsaid,Wehadneedoffaithtobelievethepardonofsomanysins,andtoenableustoforgivesooften.AndsoIsayofthesubduingofsin,wehadneedoffaithtohavesomanysinssubdued;yetfaithwilldoit.

Nowinthisgreatwork,1.GotoGod,andbeghisSpirit,andrepentofallmannerofsin;2.Thenbegfaith.Thiswillsetallothergracesa-work.Itislikethebloodandspiritswhichrunallthebodyover.Soinourspirituallife,thisfaithmustrunalonginallgraces,andsetthema-working,yea,itsetsGodandallhisattributesa-work.ItrunstoChrist,andprays,Lord,increase my faith, that can bear nothing as I should, resist nothing,believenothing,andtrustnothing.Thisindeedmustbeallourstrength,toseenothinginourselves,butallinChrist.

SinceAdam'sfall,itwasappointedthatChristmustkeepallourjoy,ourstrength,andability,yea,tobeourlife.Godwillnotsincethattimetrustuswithit,forwewouldquicklyloseallagain.ItisChrist'soffice.Hehaththeseendowments,asman,givenhim,tofurnishuswithallthingsfittingtoaspirituallife.FaithwillfetchallfromGodinChrist,whoismadethemediatorof theNewTestament, to conveyall these thingsuntous.Yetfurther,letusseesometrialstodiscernwhetherwelivethislifeoffaithinsanctification.

Trial 1. If it be thuswith us, Therewill be a putting of ourselves uponChrist'sgovernmentinallduties.FaithwilldoallthatChristcommands,dependinguponhim for strength; andwho sodependsuponChrist forstrengthinoneduty,willdependuponhimforstrengthinanother.Thereis a harmony betwixt the soul of a Christian and the command ofobedience.Hehearkenstothepreceptsofduty,aswellastothepromisesofforgivenessofsins.Wherethisuniversalobedienceisnot,hereisnotthelifeoffaithinsanctification;forfaithheretakesnotexceptionatonedutymore than another, but looks for all the strength of performancefromChrist,whoforthiscauseisstoredwithallfulness,thatitmaydropdownuponallhismembers.

Trial2.Again,TherewillbeawonderfulcarenottogrievetheSpirit, insuchaone.As ifheshouldsay, Imustdependupon theSpirit forhelpand assistance to do all, to guide me in my whole course, and shall Igrieve and leave off the Spirit? Shall I carrymyself so as tomake himleave me? He must lead, instruct, comfort me, and assure me of myhappiness;shallIthenquenchtheSpirit?Therefore,Isay,therewillbeagiving way to it, and a resolution settled, that this guiding insanctificationisthebestguidanceofall.AbelievingheartdoestrembleatanythingwhichhinderstheSpirit'sworking.ItsetsnotastepforwardinanythingwithoutdirectionofthewordandSpirit.

Trial 3. There will be courage to set upon any duty, to encounter andresistanysin;uponthisground,asheshouldsay,havenotIastorehouseofstrengthtogoto?Isnothefullofgraceandgoodness?Arenotallhisworks wrought for us? Have not I exceeding many, great, rich andprecious promises of help? Is not he the truth itself? Is there not thensupplyenoughinChristtohelpmeoutinallthings?ItwerePharaohliketo set us to work without strength and ability to go through with ourwork.Thereislightandheatinthesuntodirectandcherish,muchmoreinChristtheirMaker.Itisgracethatleadsusthroughall.Wearejustifiedfreely through his grace, and by his grace we have continual strengthsuppliedtoenableusinallthings.Itisgrace,grace!Asanctifiedliverbyfaithwillthereforecheerfullysetuponeveryduty.

Trial 4. Again, in this case, all is lively in a man. As we see a lively

fountain,thewaterwhereofwillsparkleandleap,sotherewillbelivingjoys, speeches,delights, exhortations, sensibleof goodandevil.HewilltrustGod,relyonhiswordandpromise,becauseChristcannottouchthesoul,butwemustbelively.AsthemanwhonosoonertouchedElisha'sbones,buthe stoodupand revived,2Kings 13:21, so a touchofChristquickens and makes vigorous. As Christ's promise is, John 4:14,'WhosoeverdrinkethofthewaterthatIshallgivehimshallneverthirst;but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of waterspringingupuntoeverlastinglife.'

Lettheuseofallbethis,UponthisdiscoreryremembertogotoChristforsuccour,andlabourto liveplentifullyandabundantly inhimthis lifeoffaith.

Obj.But,maysomesay,howshouldIgoontofinishthisgreatworkofgrace? It is a mighty thing to attain to, so many sins to overcome, somanytemptationstobucklewith,somanyrighthandsandeyestocutoffandpullout.

Ans.Ianswer,FaithteachesustofetchallfromChrist,tobeghisSpirittohelpusinthecourseofsanctification,thatbyhismightwemayprevail;andsoinallmasteringsinsbegstrengthofChrist,andthensetuponthewallsofJericho,andtheyshallfallbeforeyou.

Howshallthisbedone?

Astheydid;theybelievedthepromise,thatcompassingitseventimesitshouldfalltotheground.Sowe,havingsomuchandsomanypromisesforthesubduingofsininus, letussetuponthem,lookupuntoChrist,believethepromise;andourwallsofsinshallfallsofarbeforeus,astheyshallneitherhinderourcomfortnoroursalvation.Eclipseittheymayfora littlewhile,but the sunwill shineagain,break throughanddispel allthosecloudsandmists.

LetussetuponallGoliahs,therefore,bythewordandSpirit,andwithalsetourwillagainstthem,thatweheartilydesireandendeavourtoberidof such lets and incumbrances, andwe shall in the end find a notablevictoryover them;andso inall troublesandvexations,asLuke17:3,4,

seq.,withthedisciplesbegofGodtheincreaseoffaith.Thiswillhelpusout in all storms and tempests; help faith and help all. This will setheaven and earth a-working for our good. We see, Heb. 11, that all isattributedtofaith.Why?Manyotherthingsconcurredinthoseexcellentactions fordoingof them;but all is attributed to faith, because faith isthat greatwheelwhich set all the rest a-working, and stirs up all, as, 1Cor. 13:4, seq., it is said of love, that it does all: for the same reason,becauseinthosethingstherementioneditstirsupalltherest.Soinanygracewhichiswantinginus,gotoChristandsay,Lord,I lackwisdom,counsel,strength,understanding,prudenceinthyholyfear.Thefulnessoftheseareinthee;Lord,itisforthyglorytohelpthypoorservant,andbestow somemeasure of these uponme to do thy ownworkwith. Lo!Lord,Ilaymyselfdowntotheetoworkbyme.Ihaveanangryspirit,fulloftossingsandturmoilings,butthouartthePrinceofpeace,aboundingin meekness. Oh bestow on me such a meek and peaceable spirit, as,learningofthee,Imaybemeekandlowlyinheart.Iinstancebutinafewthings; enlarge them yourselves. In all things let us,with confession ofourwants,haveaneyeuntohisfulness,andthenweshallfindthemoreofhisabundance,whenwesetnotuponthesedutiesinourownstrengthonly.

Twothingsareoppositetothislifeoffaith.

(1.)Despair.Thiscuts thepillarsofhope.Against thisdivers,asLutherforone,havebeentemptedtodespair,butyetsettingonthework,haveovercome.*SotheIsraeliteswereafraid,upontheevilreportofthespiesofCanaan;butwhentheywenton,theyovercameandbeatdownalltheirenemies. So we say, Oh, I shall never overcome such a sin, or such acorruption,ordosuchaduty.Thisisnottrue,goon,looktoChrist,joinhisstrengthwiththyendeavour,beoutoflovewithit,resolvethoroughly,setuponitstrongly,anddownitshallbeforethee.

(2.)Thesecond ispresumption; for thisknow, that inhisownstrengthshallnomanbestrong.InStPaul'sspeech, 'BygraceIamthatIam,'1Cor. 15:10. So again, saith he, 'In him'—towit, in Christ—'we live, andmove,andhaveourbeing,'Acts17:28. Ifwedopresume, it is justwithChrist to forsake us, as he did Peter. Take heed also of spiritual self-sufficiency,lestwerestonourselves,andgonottoChrist.Ourmovingto

allgooddutyisbyhim.Itisbutawordforhimtohelpus,eitherinthingstending to a spiritual or a natural life. Therefore, for conclusion of all,leavehimnot. In thy emptiness go tohis fulness. If thy cisternbedry,turnthecockofthyfaith,andhisfountainwillfillitagain.Takehimstillalongwith thee, and thou canst not choose but live this life of faith insanctification.

THELIFEOFFAITH

SERMONII

AndthelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme.—GAL.2:20.

WE see here our blessed apostle doth exemplify himself a man livinganother life than the life of nature, from higher reasons, grounds, andprinciples: 'I live,' saith he, 'by the faith of the Son of God.' First, heconsidersofanotherlifethanthatwhichisrational,correctingtheerrorofthesame;forasreasoncorrectssense,sofaithdothreason.Thismakesa man a new creature. The spring of this life is Christ. The means ofconveyanceisfaith.Itismeetnowweshouldfetchalloutof*ourselves;forsinceAdamlostwhathehad,itisdangeroustotrustourselveswithitany more. Therefore Christ keeps it for us, and makes it ours byconveyanceofhisSpirit,makingusallchildrenofgrace.Faithiswroughtin us by the Spirit of God, and then it works, as Augustine says, actiagimus. Thus by effectual calling being once knit unto Christ, it isconsecrated,asthatbywhichwelive.Christisconceivedinoursoulsbyfaith. As hewas conceived in the Virgin'swomb by her yielding to thepromise, so we, closing with the promise, faith is wrought, and thenChrist comes to live in the heart, as, believing the promise, he camethereaftertoliveinherwomb.Inthelastsermonwepropoundedmany

things touching the life of faith, how it lives in effectual calling, injustificationandsanctification, inglorification,and in theseveralgrandpassagesofthislife,oneofwhichremainsyettobeunfolded,as,thelifeoffaithinglorification.

Quest. 1. But how?Vision is for glory;what hath faith to dowith this,whichisofthingsunseen?

Ans.1.Ianswer,we livebyfaith inglorificationthus,becausefaith laysholdonthepromise,andwehavethepromisesofglorysetdownintheword, and with the promise we have the first-fruits of the Spirit, andhaving the earnest and first-fruits,Godwill surely give theharvest.Wehave the Spirit, and thence faith reasons, God will make good hispromise, he will not take back his earnest. Thus faith gathers greatmatters,believesall,andsolivescomfortablyinexpectationoffruition.

Ans. 2. Again, faith lives by the life of glorification in Christ the head.ThereisbutonelifeofChristandhismembers,andoneSpirit,onewithhim in union in the first degree of life. His glory is our glory. As injustification our debts aremade his, so his glory ismade ours, as it isJohn17:1,seq.,andheisgonetoprepareaplaceforus,tobringuswherehe is. 'Theglorywhich thougavestme,' saithChrist, 'Ihavegivenuntothem;' yea, 'and in him also we sit in heavenly places,' Eph. 1:3. So inregardofChristtowhomweareknit,welivethelifeofglory.

Ans.3.Thirdly,byreasonofthenatureoffaith,asHeb.11:1,whichistomakethingsabsenthaveacertainbeing.Nowfaithbeingwroughtbyanalmightypower, raisingusaboveourselves to fastenand layholdonsomany mysteries, so it makes an almighty working in the soul, makesthingsafarofftocomeevident.Thusitpresentsglorytous,asthoughitwerepresent,andweinsomesortlivebyit.

Howtoknowwhetherornotwelivethelifeoffaithinglorification.

1.This,whereitisinfaith,makesaChristianglorious,putshiminaspiritthatisgloriousinallestates.Thereisnograceinhim,butitisseta-fireby this faith of glory to come.When faith looksbackon things, it hathstrength,butwhenitlooksonglory,allgracesandvirtuesareseta-work.

1.Hopeissetonworkbyfaith,andkeepsthesoul,asananchor,stedfastagainstallassaults.

2.Hopedothstiruppatience;for,saiththeapostle,'whatwehopefor,wewait patiently for it.' Thus patience is exercised in two ways. (1.) Insufferingofgrievances.(2.)Intheexpectationoftime.*Sofaithdoththusput life in patience, reasoning;—Why?What! it will not be long; theseafflictionswill not endure ever; Imyself shall away ere long; glorywillcomeatlastforeverandever;thereforeIwillbearallpatiently.

3.Again,itsetscourageandmagnanimitya-work,asHeb.11.Whatmadeallthepatriarchssostouttoholdoutandenduresomanymiseries,butthattheyhadaneyetotheglorytocome?WhatmadeAbrahamforgethisfather'shouse,goingheknewnotwhither,but thathe looked foracitywhichhathfoundations,whosebuilderandmakerisGod,andthereforehe was a stranger at home? The like we have of Moses, who forsookPharaoh'scourt,becausehesawhimwhoisinvisible.Yea,andofChristhimselfitissaid,thatfortheglorywhichwassetbeforehim,hedespisedthe shame, endured the cross, being now set at the right hand of theFather in glory andmajesty,Heb. 12:2. So 2Cor. 4:16, saithPaul, 'Forthis cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet theinward man is renewed day by day;' and the reason is, 'For our lightafflictions,whicharebutforamoment,workforusafarmoreexceedingand eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which areseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen,'&c.Hewhothushopes,doesnot want a comfortable life. And therefore upon this ground it is theapostle's concluding exhortation, 1 Cor. 15:58, 'Therefore, my belovedbrethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in thework oftheLord, forasmuchasyouknow that your labour isnot invain in theLord.'Thismakesamanzealousandfruitful,soitmakesamansincere,as 2 Cor. 5:9, 'Wherefore we labour (saith he), that whether absent orpresentwemaybeacceptedofhim.'Thegroundwhereofis,'Forwemustallappearbeforethejudgment-seatofChrist,thateverymanmayreceivethethingsdoneinhisbody.'Inthiscaseourcomfortisinallthingstobesincereinworking.

Nowthereisanorderofthings.Whosoeverlivesthelifeoffaithinthesegrandpassages,thatsoullivesthelifeoffaithalsoinallotherpassagesof

ourlife;andthesegrandpassageswillruninthelessercoursesofourlife.To touchone:whenaman is in extremityofbothoutwardand inwardaffliction, then faith laysholdon this general, thatGod iswonderful inworking, and that hisways and thoughts arenot like our thoughts andways.InallseveralcasesfaithmakesuseofallthingsGodhathdoneorpromised;as,

1.Ofamaninthestateofgrace,Godindesertionappearinghisenemy.

(1.)InthiscasefaithatfirstconqueredGod,andobtainedablessingbywrestling,asJacobdid.Faiththereforeknowsthesamewayagain,togoto those precious promises God hath made, of returning again, not toforsake andbe angry for ever, not to plough all the day to sow, as Isa.28:24,speaks.FaithknowsthatGodworksbycontraries. ItknowsGodtakes away the sense of his love, not in anger, but to stir up theconscience and sense of sin, that wemay lament andmourn for it themore, and so receive a surer report of the forgiveness of it. Faith doesknow that his name is wonderful. He raises things past hope.When aman is indespair touchinghimself,andall things inhimself,andofallcomforts, thenhe isnearesthome,asPaulsaidexcellently: 'Butwehadthesentenceofdeathinourselves,thatweshouldnottrustinourselves,but in God which raiseth the dead,' 2 Cor. 1:9. So faith looks at Godworking with Christ the Son of his love, how roughly he dealt, yetlovingly,withhim;forChristisapatternaswellasacauseofgooduntous.ChristinthecaseofhisforsakingwentuntoGod,saying,'MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'Mark15:34.FaithsetsGod'spromiseagainsthispresentworking;asthoughitshouldsay,'Thoughthoukillestme, yetwill I trust in thee,' Job 13:15; for all this thy love is the same;thouartmercifulandgracious,andwiltnotbeangryforever.Faith,asImay say, pulls off God's mask, sees through the dark cloud, that Godappears an enemy for a time, that hemay return again with themoreabundanceofcomfortafterwards.Faithknows,asPaulspeaks,thatitisGodthatcomfortstheabject,raisesthedead,willbeseeninthemount,makingourextremityhisopportunity.

Sofaithreasons,Is itso, indeed?andishewonderful inworking?Dothhethusandthusworkbycontraries?ThenIwillanswerhisworkingthesameway;Iwillbelieveonecontraryinanother,Iwillexpectthesunwill

shineagain, thoughnow itbeundera cloud.The like Imay sayof anyother extremity, as in the raising of our dead bodies. Faith, as it is inEzekiel,seesaspiritquickeningandputtinglifeindrybones,assuringusthereby thathe canas easily raiseup thedeadasdeliverus out of anyextremity.SaintPaul'sargumentistotrustinGod,whoraiseththedead,[that he] can do all things, work wonderful changes in our greatestmiseries.Asforthechurchnowinmisery,thereisapromisethatBabylonshallbecastintotheseaasamillstone,Rev.18:21.Nowfaithbelievesthepromisesofglory,howthatGodwilloutworkallhumanpolicy,andcatchthecraftyintheirownnets;thatascertainlyasdaycomesafternight,soassuredlyallGod'spromises shallbemadegood,asDavid resolves,Ps.130:6, 'My soulwaiteth for theLordmore than they thatwatch for themorning: I say,more than they that watch for themorning. Let Israelhope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him isplenteousredemption.'

So in any cloud get faith, and it will break through all impediments.Believe the former grand passages of calling, justification, andsanctification,andthenwewilltrustGodfortherest.Thenisfaithmostglorious.When it works alone, then it worksmost strongly. Then alsoGoddelightstoshewhimselfmosteffectually; forwhenallothermeansfail,andfaithworksitoutaloneinwrestling,thenhehathalltheglory,andthenalliswell;andthereforewemustdointhiscaseastheprophetadvises, 'Let him who sits in darkness and hath no light, trust in hisname,'Isa.50:10.

Faithdoesraisemenup,andsetthemuponarock,sosureasnothingcantake away their comfort and joy in God; because Christ's name iswonderful,who thenworks in desperate caseswhen it is seasonable.AmightyGoddelightstoworkmightily,inmightyplunges.Thenfaithpliesthesuithard:Help,Lord,ornonecan.OurSaviour,yousee,sleptintheshipuntilamightytempestrose,andthenherebukedthewindsandtheseas; soheseems to sleepnow in thechurch.Why?Thatwemaywakeand stir him up by our prayers.When the Israelites' tale of brick wasdoubled, and the people greatly perplexed, then Moses came fitly topromise deliverance. Sowhen the afflictions of Christians are doubled,thentheyarecommonlymosthumbled.Theyprayhard,search,believe,

and apply the promises, and then deliverance comes. Therefore in allexigentssetwefaitha-work,forthisstirsupprayer,andprayerstirsupGod, and God stirs up all the creatures. Blame we not, therefore, anytroublesomuchastocryout,OhIamundone!whatshallbecomeofmenow!No, find faultwithanunbelievingheart. It isnot the trouble,butourweakfaithwhichmakesustosinkinthesewaves.BegthenofGod,ingreattrouble,greatfaithtogothrough.Cry,Lord,increasemyfaith,forthenthetroubleissmallwhenthefaithisgreat.

(2.)Secondly,Indailyafflictions.Whatsoeverwesufferbythem,labourtotakeawaythestingofsinby livingthe lifeof faith in justification,asDavidDid,Ps.32:5;confessweoursinstoGod,begtohavethestingofthemtakenaway,andhereuponweshallfindhimtoforgiveouriniquity,asinDavid.Soinallourweaknessesandimperfectionsofsanctification,gotoChristformoregrace,andsay,Lord,thoughIbepoorandemptyofgoodness,andof thatwhich thyexactholinessrequires,yetChristhathabundanceoffulnesstosupplymywants.Ohletmereceivesomegraceforgraceoutofhisfulness,andacceptwhathehathdoneformeinhispure and perfect obedience; good Lord, impute it tome, for thou hastmade him to be for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, andredemption.Andsoforglorification;inallafflictionssetweglorybeforeour eyes, asPauldid, remembering that 'our light and short afflictions,which are but for a moment, cause unto us a far more excellent andeternal weight of glory, not being worthy of that glory which shall berevealed,'2Cor.4:17.Soinanyaffliction,wehavestilluseofthe lifeoffaithinglorification.Allthesemustbeusedinourafflictions, livingthelifeoffaithinall.

(3.)Thirdly,Insicknessofbody.TrusttoJesus,heisaspowerfulandaswillingtohelpusnowashewastohelpothersinthedaysofhisflesh.Allthingsarepossibletousifwebelieve.Itisbutawordforhimtorebukeallstormsandtempestswhatsoever.LetusnotdolikeAsa,trustonlyinthe physician or in subordinatemeans, but know that all physic is butdeadmeanswithouthim,2Chron.16:12.ThereforewiththemeansruntoChrist,thathemayworkwiththem,andknowthatvirtueandstrengthcomesfromhimtoblessorcurseallsortofmeans.

(4.)Fourthly,Sofordisgraces.Commitweourcreditstohimasourlives

—hecaresforboth—rememberingwhatPeterspeaks,'Ifyebereproachedfor thenameofChrist,happyareye; for theSpiritof gloryandofGodrestethuponyou:ontheirpartheisevilspokenof,butonyourpartheisglorified,' 1 Peter 4:14. Hemeans such a Spirit shall rest on us, whichshall make us glorious. So Heb. 12:2, 'We are therefore in sufferingspointeduntoJesus,theauthorandfinisherofourfaith,whofortheglorywhichwassetbeforehim,enduredthecross,despisingtheshame,andissetdownat therighthandof thethroneofGod.'Thissufferinghindersourhappiness;looktohim,heisnowsetinglory,soshallwebe.Itisnotinman'spowertoaltermen'sconceits.Godhaththisinhispower,whenhewill heap honour, or pour disgrace upon anyman. Therefore let uslookupanddesirenomoregoodnamethanGodwillaffordus. Ifdogsbark,nomatter;atlengthGodwillclearourname,andourrighteousnessshallbreakforthas thenoonday.Thusmuchthechurchassuresherselfof,Micah 7:8, 'Rejoice not againstme, Omine enemy: though I fall, Ishall rise again.' As though she should say, God's servants are neverfinallyforsaken.AtimewillcomewhenGodwilldomegoodforallthis,whenIamhumbledandhavemadearightuseofit.Thatwemaydothis,thinkGodinChristhathgivenmethepardonofsin;whatmatterthenofallotherthingswhichcannothurtme,andshallallworktogetherformygood?David,weknow,Ps.6:8,begantocomplaingrievouslyinthiskind;butafterwards,ver.8,whentheLordhadspokenpeacetohissoulinthelifeoffaithinjustificationandsanctification,thenhesays,'Departfromme all ye workers of iniquity, for the Lord hath heard the voice ofmyweeping.'Thenhedespisestheshame.

(5.)Fifthly,Inourparticularplacesandgraces.Thusmustweherelivebyfaithalso;foraChristianknowsthathestandsasinacirclesettherebyChristtowork.Thereforefaithconcludes,HerelookIforunderstanding,wisdom, success, blessing, and ability to go through-stitch (a) with thebusinessIamsetabout.Hethatsetmeherewillenableme,andifIhaveill sucess, then I will go to Christ, and I shall speed well with hisassistance,asPeterdid,who,thoughhehadtoiledallnightandcatchednothing,yetatlength,atChrist'scommand,castingforthhisnet,catchedabundantly,Luke5:5.Sotheremaybemanywhotakemuchcareandtoilforheaven,tosubdueandovercomecorruptions,andyetcatchnothing;findno answerable success.Oh let themgo toChrist, and trust himas

Peterdid,andtheyshallovercomesoatlength,asallshallbewell.Soifmagistrates, ministers, and people would trust God for strength morethantheydo,thingswouldbebetterthantheyarewiththem,asweseethe instance in Moses, who being commanded to go to Pharaoh,complainedforwantofutterance.ButwhatsaithGodtohim?'Whohathmademan'smouth?orwhomakeththedumb,ordeaf,ortheseeing,ortheblind?havenotItheLord?'Exod.4:11.Thereforeinallsuchwants,faithgoesuntohimforit.Thelike,weread,wasChrist'sencouragementto his disciples, Luke 21:15, 'Settle it therefore in your hearts, not tomeditatebeforewhatyoushallanswer, forIwillgivetheeamouthandwisdom,whichallyouradversariesshallnotbeabletogainsaynorresist.'Thiswasmadegoodalsointhebypasttroublesofthechurch,whenpoorsillywomenputtosilencewiththeiranswersgreatlearnedmen.

NowfaithseeswhatMosesdid,Heb.11:24.ItlooksuptoChrist,tohimwho is invisible. It is with faith in this case, as it was withMicaiah, 1Kings22:19,whenhehadseentheLordsittingonhisthrone,andallthehostofheavenstandingbyhimonhisrighthand.ThenAhab,akingonearth,wasnothinguntohimwhenhehadseentheKingofheaveninhisglory.SowebyfaithseeingChrist,heavenandgloryoverourhead,caringfor his church, standing at the right hand of God, by assistance of hisSpirit,thiswillputinvinciblecourageinus.

(6.)Sixthly,Forprovisionandprotection.FaithgoestoChrist,hangsanddepends upon him for all these things. Faith knows that it hathencouragements, promises, and examples enough to strengthen ourdependenceonhim,astonameone:Luke12:32,'Fearnot,littleflock,forit isyourFather'swill togiveyouakingdom.'Hence thebelievingsoularguesfromthelessertothegreater.What!willGoddenymedailybread,thatwill givemeheaven, and raisemeup to life everlasting? and so itcites and revolves the promises often, that a little which the righteoushath isbetter than theabundanceof thewicked; forheaddsnosorrowwithit;thata littlewithloveisbetterthanastalledoxwithcontention,Prov. 15:17. Yea, and in this case by faith we know that the saints, inextremity,shallbeextraordinarilyprovidedfor.Sometimeshewillblessalittle,asthesevenloavesandfivefishesmultipliedsuddenlytofeedfivethousand people. They were in great want before, and were suddenly

supplied. So it shall be with us. Sometimes we know the woman's oilincreased;theravensalsoindistressshallfeedElias;Lazarusshallhavethedogstolickhissores.Intheuseofthemeansweneednotfear,andwantingmeansGodwill createmeanswhenalldoth fail; for then faithlivesbest,knowingthatGodcommandsallmeans,andcansuddenlydowhathewill.

And so for protection and preservation, faith knows that Christwill beour shield and protector, therefore it relies upon him. 'Fear not,' saithGod to Abraham, 'for I am God, all-sufficient, thy buckler and thyexceedingrichreward,'Gen.15:1.Hencethesaintshavesoesteemedhiminallages their rock, fortress,strong tower,salvation,helper,deliverer,refuge, and the like; andChrist tells his disciples, that he iswith themeven unto the end of theworld,Mat. 28:20.He rules his by his kinglyofficeforthegoodofhischurch.Thusmuchweknowhemadegood,bothinEgypt and in thewilderness, bringinghis people safely intoCanaan,through all those dangers they were in; providing also for the women,persecutedbythedragon,aplaceofrefugeinthewilderness,whereshewassafelykept,Rev.12:6.

(7.)Seventhly,Andforourchildren.

Obj. Oh, say some, I could be content with a little, but I have manychildren.

Sol. Here faith sets in, and answers, But are they not also Christ'schildren,andmustnotheprovide forhisown?Do thereforewhat thoucanst,and for therestdespairnot,butcast thisburdenuponhim,whohathcommandedtheeinnothingtobecareful,butinallthingstomakethysuitsandsupplicationsknownwithprayerandthanksgiving.InthiscasefaithinadyingparentfollowsChrist'sexample,John17:6,11;'Thinetheywere,andthougavestthemme;andtheyhavekeptthyword.HolyFather,keep through thineownname thosewhomthouhastgivenme:thattheymaybeone,asweare.'Soadyingfathermaysay,Lord,thinetheywere,thougavestthemme;IhavedonewhatIcanforthem.Thou,Lord, art the first, best, and last Father, the world* and the fulnessthereof.Now,therefore,holyFather,keeptheminthyname,forthouarttherefugeofthepoorandneedy,andthytimeistohelpwhenallother

help isatastand.Why,consider, isnothetheFatherof thefatherless?ThenletusleavethemtohimwiththatresolutionandconfidenceoftheprophetDavid, 'Whenmy father andmother forsakeme, the Lordwilltakemeup,'Ps.27:10.Notthathemeansfathersandmothersusetodoso,but though they should, or evenwhen they forsakeusbydeath, yetGod doth wonderfully save and protect their posterity. Then learn toexercise thy faith. Though thou leave them little, yet trust in God, andknowthathewhorestsundertheshadowoftheAlmighty,asthepsalmistspeaks, shall be safe,Ps. 91:1.Hewhoprovided for them in thewomb,andpreparedbreastsforthemeretheycameintotheworld;hewhoputso tender affection inwomen:know thathewill alsohave care, andbemorecompassionateoverthychildrenafterthee.Letfaiththensettlethyheartonthesegrounds.Inthewombtheywerenourishedandbredthouknowestnothow.Oh,saithDavid,'Iamfearfullyandwonderfullymade,'Ps.139:14.Andafterthydeaththeyshallbenourished,thouknowestnothow.Forthiscausemanyarepunishedintheirgenerations,becausetheywouldnottrusttoGod,butdiduseillmeanstoperpetuatetheirhouses,ascovetousness,worldlypolicy,andthelike.

(8.)Eighthly,Inprosperity.

Whatuseisthereinthis,ofthelifeoffaith?Ohyes,verymuch;for,

[1.]First,Whatmakesprosperitysweet,butbecausebyfaithoneknowsthathissinsarepardoned?Whatcomfort,Iprayyou,hathaprisonerintheTowerofhislife,thoughheaboundinalloutwardplentyofgoldandsilver,solongashispardonisnotsealed?Thissweetensprosperity,thelifeof faith in justification, thatallmy sinsarenailedwithChristuponthe cross, that thehandwriting againstme is cancelled anddone away.Thus one comes to be of the first-born, 'whose names are written inheaven,' Heb. 12:23, and to joy that he hath a double portion, beingexempt frommany fears, crosses, and miseries others are vexed with.WhoarebetterChristiansthantheythatknowtheyenjoyallgoodthingswithGod'sfavourandblessing?Herefaithhathacontinualwork,toseeGod's love inall,andso tobeabundantly thankful,accordingunto thatwehavereceived.

[2.]Secondly,Thelifeoffaithordersourprosperity.How?Nottoabuse

thosegoodblessingsbestowedonus,nottobepuffedupbythem,nottodisdain,buttorelieveothersbythem.Faithcausesustothinkofthemastheyaresetforthintheword.Itcausesthatwedelightnottoomuchinthem, shews us better andmore lasting riches, friends, and the like. Itmakes us take Saint Paul's counsel, 1 Cor. 7:29, to rejoice and do allthingsasthoughwedidthemnot,andtousetheworldasthoughweusedit not, because the fashion of thisworld passeth away; and therefore itmakesmen,asPaulspeaksinanotherplace,nottrustinuncertainriches,butinthelivingGodwhocandoallthings.Insum,itcausethusmanageall the thingsof thisworld, soas therebynot tohaveourheartsdrawnawayfromthechiefgood.

Soagain,inallthecomfortsofthislife,itmakesamaneatanddrinkandsleep,anddoallinChrist,lookingupintohiminallhisactions,livingbyfaith,andjoyingthatnowhehathatitle,andarighttoallthecreatures.He being clean, now to him all things are clean, because he is now inChrist,who ispure,withoutspot,andLordofall; for to theuncleanallthings are unclean. It cost Christ dear to purchase our liberty to thecreatures.Thereforefindingandjoininginthisfreedom,welivethelifeoffaithinprosperity;whilstiteyesGodinallthepassagesofthisestate,setshiminthefirstplace,receivesall,andjoysinallascomingfromtheloveandgraciousnessofsogoodaGod;returninginhumilitythestrengthandgloryofalluntohim;supplyingalsothenecessitiesofhismembers.

(9.)Ninthly,InGod'sordinances.Inthepreachingofthewordandinthesacraments, faithmakesus live this lifeof faith,not tobecaptioushowthiscomesthatGodhathappointedthismeans,especially,untotheendoftheworldtoteachmenby.Itmakesuslayasideby-conceitstothink,why it is enough forme,hiswill shall be the rule and squareof allmythoughts and actions. He hath sanctified and made effectual thisordinancetothispurpose;thereforeIbelievehewillblesshisownmeans,whichthoughtotheworlditseemstobethefoolishnessofpreaching,yetitshallbeeffectualtomysalvationandtherestofhischurch.Hemadetheworldbyhismightyword,herepairedthedecayedworldthereby,andby it he will also call for and raise up all the dead at the last day.ThereforeIwillrestuponhisordinancewithoutfurtherdispute.

Andsoforthesacraments.Whatisalittlewatertothewashingawayof

sin?Oh,butthebloodofChrist,thisisthecleanser,thiswashesawayoursins.Hisordinancesmake itpowerfulandeffectual to thatendhehathappointedit, forthebelievingsoul.Sothebreadandwine intheLord'sSupper seem weak and feeble things; ay, but they are ordained tostrengthenandincreasefaith.HeretheChristiansoulbelievesGodcansostrengthen faith by his Spirit, working in us a nearer communionwithChristandhatredofsinthereby,blessinghisownordinances,sothat,asmeatanddrinkrefreshes,sustainsandfeedsthismortalbody,soshallhisordinancesbyhisblessingbeeffectualfortherefreshing,fortifying,andnourishingofoursoulstolifeandendlessimmortality.Again,

(10.) Tenthly, So in our combats. Of necessity wemust fight the goodfightof faithmanyways.First, ifanytroubleassaultabeliever,hehathrecourse to the life of faith in justification and sanctification. As heconquered God at first, in repenting, praying, and wrestling forforgivenessofsins,andapplyingthepromises,sonowheknowshowtoconqueranyevilthatbefallshim.AsitwassaidtoJacob, 'Thouhast,asprince, had power with God and with men, and hast prevailed;' so aChristian, having in his first new-birth-pangs conquered God, andprevailed,nowbythesameassistanceandskillhecanconquerallthingsalso.Secondly,AChristianfightsthisgoodfightbylivingthelifeoffaithinglorification.SaintPaulsays,'Fightthegoodfightoffaith,layholdofeternallife,'1Tim.6:12;insinuatingthatthewaytolivethislifeoffaithistolayholdofeternallife,havingseriousandconstantmeditationsoftheglorytocome.Canaan,weknow,wasgiventotheIsraelites,dividedandgivenbyJacob, erehisdeath, longbefore they came there.Whowouldnotfightthenforsuchaninheritance?Nowtherewereserpents,giants,strong and many enemies by the way; so they fought against all, andovercameall.Evensobetwixtusandheaven therebemanyenemies toovercome: the flesh, the world, the devil, and all those numberlessnumberof eventswhichby theirmalice andour frailtyweare temptedunto. But here faithmust lay hold of eternal life, answer all objectionswith this, All these shall not make me lose eternity, there is nocomparison betwixt heaven and earth; false pleasures here, and truesubstantial joys to come. This, saith the Scripture, is our victorywhichovercometh the world, even our faith, 1 John 5:4.Why? Because faithmakesChrist'svictoryours.Christovercamesin,hell,death, theworld,

andall;andChristhimselfbeingours,wehaveallmadeeffectualforus,whichwehavedoneandsuffered.SoChristovercomesinusbyhisSpirit,as theapostlehath it, 1John4:4, 'Stronger ishe that is inyou thanhethatisintheworld.'SothataweakChristianhathastrongSpiritinhim,whichnopowercanprevailagainst,thoughhehathsomefoils.

Quest.Buthowdothfaithfightagainsttheworldbythelifeofglory?

Sol. The world offers and presents petty base things before us. Faithkeeps off, and opposes the glory to come, preferring that before all; asMosesdid,whobecausehesawhimwhoisinvisible,refusedtobecalledthesonofPharaoh'sdaughter,esteemingtherebukesofChristbeforeallthe treasures of Egypt; because this glory presented better things untohim than thisworldhath,Heb. 11:24, seq.And if, on the lefthand, theworld threaten troubles, afflictions, persecutions and the like, for welldoing, and not running into sinful courses with others, then faithremembers, as it is Rom. 8:18, that 'all the sufferings of this presentworld are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall berevealed inus.'We see then that the life of faith of that glory to come,helps us in all temptations to fight the good fight against all enemieswhatsoever. He who hath a crown before him, it will make him runthrough the pikes or anything to attain it; so faith, having glory,immortality,andthejoysofheavenbeforeit,overlooksanddespisesalloppositions, and sees all things subdued to Christ, as though all werepast;whereuponitgathersassurancethatitshalltriumphoverallinhim.

(11.)Eleventhly,Sowepersevereuntotheend,

Fightingandlivingthislifeoffaith;thatis,aChristianmakesithisdailyandcontinuallife.Thisisagroundofperseverance.AChristianthenlivesinasortthelifeofChrist,asitissaid,Rom.6:9,'Christbeingraisedfromthedeaddiethnomore,deathhathnomoredominionoverhim.'Sosuchaoneonce livingby faith,diesnomore.There is aperpetual supplyofspiritual strength imparteduntohim fromChrist thehead,wherebyhelives by faith in all the passages of this life. Rom. 8:35, 'What shallseparateus from the loveofGod inChrist?'Nothing can. It is anever-failingriver,entertaineduntodeath,thatwhosoeverdrinksthereofshallnever thirst again; for Christ's promise is, 'Whosoever liveth and

believethinmeshallneverdie,'forafterfaithends,thencomesthelifeofvision,sothatallourlifethelifeisthesame,wecontinuesolivingevenuntildeath,andthenfaithleavesustothefruitionofthethingbelieved.Butdothfaithleaveuswhenwecometodie?Ohno!

(12.)Twelfthly,Wediebyfaithalso.

ForaChristianknowsthatheisinheavenalready.Ashelivesbyfaith,sohediesinfaithalso.Faithmakeshim,likeStephen,resignhissoultoGodwithcomfort.HeknowsthatChristwillreceivethatsoul,whichhehathpurchased by his blood. He dies by faith, because he sees deathconqueredinChristbeforehim,andbecausehelooksbeyonddeath,andover-eyesall things thatarebetwixthimandglory,having theSpiritofChrist inhim,whichmakeshimboldandfearless,asDavidsays, 'IwillnotfearthoughIwalkinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,becausethouartwithme,'Ps.23:4.ThisblessedfaithintheSonofGodmakesusdoallthings, suffer all things cheerfully and comfortably.Faithmakes absentcomfortspresenttous.IteyessuchsweetcontentmentinGod'spresence,thatalldifficultiesbelowseemasnothing.Itknowswhomithathtrusted,andwhatislaidupforit.Abelieverseesinvisiblethings.Ohthegloriousthings that the faithful soul beholds!He sees the angels ready to carryhim from a house of clay to a heavenly paradise; from the company ofsinfulmenhere inmisery, tothesweetsocietyofsaints inperfectbliss,whichhehimselfnowenjoysthefirst-fruitsandearnestof,andlongstobefullypossessedwith.

Obj.Buthowcanthisbe,whenneithereyehathseen,norearheardwhatGodhathpreparedforhis?

Ans. Indeed, to carnal sense these things are undiscernible; but to arenewedsoul,theSpiritthatGodhathgiventhemdiscoverstheeminencythereof above all earthly contentments whatsoever. We see they arecompared to a kingdom, to a feast, to a crown, familiar resemblances,that so the meanest capacity might conceive and be taken with them.Whatmoredesirous*thanakingdomforhonour!whatgloryisthereinarichdiadem! andwhat sweet refreshings are there in a feast! Yet, alas!these are all but shadows; the reality is heaven itself. Talk not then ofriches, but of thriving in grace,whichwillmake you rich indeed.What

goodwill the richesof theworlddousat the lastday?They take themwingsandflyaway.Ifwehavenotthetrueriches,wemaydieinwantforallthese,asDivesdid.Knowthis,thatiftherebeanythinggoodinearthlykingdoms,thereismuchmoreinthisspiritualkingdom.

Again, the children of God know these heavenly things by their taste.Theyhavethefirst-fruitsofthemeveninthislife;andifthecommunionofsaintsherebesodelectable,howmuchmorewillitbeinheaven!God'schildrenhaveatasteofthateternalSabbathinheaven,bykeepingaholySabbathtoGodhereonearth;theyhaveatasteof thateternalrestandpeacewhichtheyshallenjoyhereafter,bythepeaceofconsciencewhichtheyhavehere;andthatheavenlyjoywhichdothflowintothesoulnow,isbutatasteofthateternaljoywhichweshallhaveourfillofoneday.

Godissofarinlovewithhischildrenthathekeepsnotalltheircomfortsforanotherworld,butgivesthematasteofthesweetnesshere.Butwhatare all refreshments below to that which we shall have above in God'spresence?AsJohnsaith,'WearethesonsofGod,butweknownotwhatwe shallbe,' 1 John3:2.Only thisweknow, thatwhenChristourheadappears,allhismembersshallbeliketohim.OurlifemaywellbesaidtobehidwithChristinGod,becausefleshandblooddiscernsnotthethingsprepared for those that lovehim.We leadahidden life.Wecannot seeGodfacetoface,orknowhimsoperfectlyhereasonedayweshalldo.Allthatwehavenowisatasteofthegoodthingstocome,andbutataste.

Thelifewhichwenowlive isa lifeof faith,andwearetowalkbyfaith,notbysight.Therefore,ifGoddidgiveusallhere,whatneedhaveweoffaith?ItwerenocommendationforaChristiantoabstainfromthesinfulcourses of theworld, if he did see the glory that he shall have presentbefore him. But God will manifest to the world that he hath a peoplewhosecomfortsarehigherandgreaterthantheworldaffords,wholivebyfaithandnotbysight.

Goddothnotrevealtousnowallthatweshallhavehereafter,becauseweare not capable of such delicates, we cannot digest them; as Peter andJohn, they could not see Christ's glory in his transfiguration, but theymust be spiritually drunkwith it: 'Master, it is good being here: let usbuildtabernacles.'OhbutsaiththeHolyGhost,'Theyknewnotwhatthey

said,'Mark9:5.SolikewiseStPaul,whenhewascaughtupintothethirdheaven,andheardunspeakablewords,hecouldnotdigestthem,theydidsoravishhim;thereforeGodgavehim'aprickintheflesh,'thathemightnotbeexaltedabovemeasure,2Cor.12:7.ArewestrongerthanPeterandPaul, tobeartheserevelationsfromabove?Is itnotgoodnessinGodtoreserve themtill suchtimeasweareablebetter torelish them?Moses,desiringtoseethefaceofGod,hadthisanswer,'Nomancanseemyfaceand live,'Exodus23:20.Sohe thatwouldconceivearightof the joysofheavenmustdiefirst.

Thoughwecannotseeorunderstandthesespiritualexcellencies,yet letusoften thinkof them.The lifeofa trueChristian is takenupwith theconsideration of those things which he shall hereafter have in heaven.ThereisnograceinaChristian,butitisseta-workthisway.Whatisfaithwithout this?Thechiefworkof faith isabout thingsnot seen. Itmakesabsentcomfortstobeinamannerpresent;andsoovercomestheworldbyseeingthesethingsabovetheworld.Howispatiencestrengthened,butby the consideration of future relief? If there were not better timeshereafterforthegodly,theywereofallcreaturesmostmiserable;butthethought of that makes them wait with patience. What makes men sotenderinconscience,andsofearfultosin,buttheeyeingofhimwhoisinvisible?

Andhavewesuchgloriouscomfortsinanotherworld?Letthischeerupourheartswith joyagainstall contemptsandslightingherebelow.TheworldknowsnotGod,norus,neitherdoth itnotknowwhat thingsareprepared for us; and shall we care for their abuse and scorn? Whatthoughwewalkupanddownhereunknown,ourconditionshallonedaybemanifestedwithgloryinthesightofall,andthenweshallesteemofthings below as they are. The consideration of this should raise up thespiritofeveryChristian.Whatmakesusdothingsthatareexcellent,butour believing an excellency in suchways and courses?He that sees anexcellencyinGod,youmayturnthatmanloosetoanytemptation;forifSatantemptshimtoanysin,hethusconsiderswithhimself,ShallIlosethesweetcontentmentsofheavenforabaselust?ShallIlosemypeaceofconscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost, for the satisfying ofmy unrulycorruptions? Consider what we lose in the committing of any sin. The

profitandpleasurethatamangetsinfollowingtheworld,alas!whatisittothepreciouscomfortswhichwelose?WhowouldbebeholdentoSatanforanything?Is itnotadisparagementtogofromGod,asiftherewerenotsufficientinhimtoquietthesoul?HathnotGodenough,butwemustbebeholdentothedevilourenemy?

Oh,then,letusadmiretheloveofGodtohispoorcreature,inpreparingsuchgreatthingsforhim.LetussaywithDavid,'Lord,whatisman,thatthou art somindful of him? or the son ofman, that thou so regardesthim?'Ps.8:4.Howwonderfulisthymercyinhavingsuchhighthoughtstowards lost sinners? 'Blessedbe theGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist, that hath thought us meet to be partakers of an inheritance,immortalandinvisible,reservedintheheavensforus,'1Pet.1:4.AsoundChristian begins his life in heaven here upon earth: he praises andglorifiesGodbyaholyandfruitfulconversation.ThisisourbestwayofblessingGod.Praiseintheheartwillsoonbreakforthinthetongue.

The apostle, when he speaks of the state of God's children, calls it a'heavenlykingdom,'a 'glorious inheritance,'a 'wonderful light,'anever-fadingcondition.Heisnotabletoexpresstheirhappiness,itiseverywayso full. 'SoGod loved theworld.' So, as I cannot utter it. 'BeholdwhatmanneroflovetheFatherhathshewed,thatweshouldbecalledthesonsofGod,' 1 John3:1. It is so free and so rich love, that I amnot able todeclareit.Envynot,then,thewickedintheirpleasureandbravery.Alas!theyarebutforatermoflife;pitythourathertoseethemdelightinsuchsinfulvanities.ShallaChristianenvyanyintheirpleasureshere,whenhehimself is in such a state of admiration? He should be so far fromgrudgingandrepiningat theprosperityofothers, thatheshouldsolacehimself cheerfully with his future hopes. The thoughts of his good tocomeshould revivehimmore thananywantordiscouragement shoulddejecthim.Whatthoughwehavenotourcomfortsinpossession?Wearesureofthem;Godreservesusforthem,andthemforus.Wearelikelittlechildren,thatthinknotoftheportionsthattheirparentshaveleftthemtill they come to age.ManyweakChristians think not of their Father'sportion, theymindnot thoseunspeakable joys laidup for themin theirminority;butastheygrowingrace,sotheywillhavemoreknowledgeofit,andlongingsafterit.

Ifitbeagreatmattertocomeoutofadarkprison,toseethelightofthesun,whatwillitbetocomeoutofthisdarkworld,intothegloriouslightofheaven?Anaturalmanknowsnotthis,butwhenoncewecometoseethatlightthatweshallhaveinglory,thenwewilladmireit,andcryoutwiththeapostle, 'OhtheexceedingloveofGodinJesusChrist!'Indeed,thosethingsthatcamebythegospelcausewonderment,thatGodshouldlovefleshandbloodsoastopreparesuchexcellentthingsforthem.

But we must know, God doth qualify all those here that he prepareshappiness for hereafter. The reason is, because no unclean thing shallenter intoheaven.Wemustnot thinktocomeoutof themireanddirt,and enter into heaven presently. No. There must be a suitablenesswrought inus for sucha condition.Those thatwillnot liveholilyhere,havenodwelling in thatholyplace. If thyheart can tell thee that thouhadstratherhavethishonour,andthatpleasure,thangraceinthysoul,thewordofGoddothasplainlytellthee,thattheexcellenciesofheavenarenoneofthyportion.Aswinelovesthepuddlesratherthanthesweetfountain;sowickedmendelightintheworldmorethaninheaven,whichplainly shews they shallnever come thither.Nothingwill comfortus atlast but a true change of heart. If thou beest not a new creature, thoushalt have no part in the New Jerusalem: therefore let us not feedourselveswith vain hopes. There is none of us but desires heaven; butwhydostthoudesire it?Is itbecause it isset forthtobeakingdom,anexcellent place of joy and rest? Is it for this only?Assure thyself, then,thouwiltnevercomethere.Thoumustdesiretohaveheaven,becauseofthe divine nature, because it is a holy place, and near to God, if thouwouldstpossess it indeed;and 'if thouhast thishope in thee, thouwiltpurgethyself,asheispure,'1John3:3.

Ifwewouldhavefaithreadytodieby,wemustexerciseitwellinlivingbyit,andthenitwillnomorefailusthanthegoodthingswelayholdonbyit,untilithathbroughtusintoheaven,wherethatofficeofitislaidaside.Here is the prerogative of a true Christian above an hypocrite, and aworldling;whenastheytrust,andthingstheytrust in fails them,thenatruebeliever'struststandshimingreateststead.

Foruseofall.Seethenhowfaithisthelifeofourlife,andthesoulofourlives,becausebythisweareknittoChristJesus,thelifeandfoodofour

souls.Letusthenmakeuseofit;houseandentrenchourselvesinhim,asitisPs.90:1,'Makehimourdwelling-placeinallgenerations.'Heisourbuckler;ourenemiesmustbreakthroughChristeretheycomeatus;allisoursinhim,andinhisstrengthandmightweshallovercomealladversepowers whatsoever. You see then that this is no idle, but a mightyworkinggrace.Itworks inheaven,andearth,andhell. ItworksagainstSatan,itworksbylovetoGod,makesuslovehimandworktohim,andmakesusindustrioustoworkforothers.Faithistherootofthetree,lovethebranches.Thus faithworksmightilyandstrongly; it isaquickeningandanactivegrace.Thosethereforewhofinditnotactive,nomarveltheywantthecomfortofit;theymuststrivetostiritup,andsetita-worktolivebyit.Thosewhofindtheyhaveit,letthemimproveittoabetterusethanmanydo,toswearbyit.Thisshamesusintroublestobeunarmed.Where is our shield of faith, when every little poor dart strikes ourarmour through? This shews we have but a paper shield. We oughttherefore to bewail our unbelief, and labour for this grace, which is soactiveanduseful,somuchtherather,becauseitismostmiserabletobeinastormwithoutashelter.Thiswillhelpusinallmiserieswhatsoever,and make us conquerors over all in him who hath loved us. Oh theexcellentuseofthelifeoffaith!Itlooksback,andmakesuseofallGod'sworks, promises, wonders, threatenings, and judgments; and gathersstrength, wisdom, courage, instruction from all. It looks and sees allthings past, as it were a-working, doing, promising, threatening inpresent,andisanswerablyaffected;whenbystrengthoffancyitpresentstheideasofthingspast,toworkuponusthemore,aspresent,andsoisoverawed fromsinningagainstGod.Sometimes it seesall thisworlda-fire,andtherefore forworldly thingsandenticements itputs themoversomuchthemorelightly,asperishingthingscondemnedtobeburnt.Soitisthebestprospectiveintheworld;itpresentstoitselfthingsafaroff,aspresentandathand,andmakesthemexcellent,greatandglorioustothesightafaroff.Thereforeaboveall thingsstudywe to live this lifeoffaith—Ohitisworthallourpains—andshuninfidelityasthatwhichonlymakesusmiserable,causingtheguiltofsintolieonus,andshuttingusupunderthewrathofGod;yea,itsealsusuptothedayofwrath,turnsall our actions to be sinful in God's sight, and is cause of that greatcondemnationJohnspeaksof;whereasbythecontrary,thebelievingsoullivesacomfortablelife,isadmittedintothegloriouslibertyofthesonsof

God,hathasheltertokeepoffallstormsandtempestswhatsoever,andcomesbythislifeoffaithtobeassuredofhispartandportioninthelove,merits, obedience, sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, andintercessionof theSonofGod; insum, tobeassuredof its salvation inparticular, as Saint Paulwas, 'who lovedme, and gavehimself forme.'But thusmuch shall suffice for this time. I shall prosecute thingsmorefullyinthenext.

SALVATIONAPPLIED

AndthelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,whohathlovedme,andgavehimselfforme.—GAL.2:20.

WEhavealready,outof thewords immediatelygoingbefore,spokenofspiritual life, and of the excellency of it; and, in the third place, of themanner of conveyance,which is by faith; and, fourthly, the spring andfountainofthisspirituallife,whichistheSonofGod,describedherebyhisloveandthefruitofit: 'Helovedme;'and,asafruitofthatlove, 'hegave himself for me.' Now, to come in the last place to the apostle'sparticularapplication,whichheexpressethinthisword'me:''Wholovedme, and gavehimself forme;'wherein these points offer themselves toourconsideration:

First,ThatGodlovessomewithapeculiarandwithaspeciallove:'Wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme.'

Secondly, That faith answers God and Christ's particular love by aparticularapplication:'Wholovedme.'

Thirdly,ThatthisparticularfaithinGod'sparticularloveisthegroundofassurance,whichspringsfromthisparticularfaith.

Fourthly,ThatthisassurancewhichproceedsfromourparticularfaithinGod's particular love, is the spring of all spiritual life, which sets thewholesoula-working.Forwhatisthegroundofmylivingbyfaithinallthepassagesofmylife,buttheapprehensionofhislove,wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme;andcanIthendolessthangivemyselftohim?

Nowtounfoldtheseinorder.

1. That Christ loves some with a special, superabundant, and peculiarlove;forChrist,whenhesuffereduponthecross,lookedwithaparticulareyeofhis loveuponallthatshouldbelieveinhim;asnowinheavenhehath carried our names upon his breast. As the high priest had on hisbreastplate written the names of the twelve tribes in precious stones,Exodus 28:21, 30; so Christ, our high priest, hath the names of all hischildreninhisheart,topresentthemalwaystoGodbyhisintercession,so as when he now appears before God, the church with him appearsbefore God in his heart. The Father sees the church in the heart andbreastofChrist.Nowasthis, Isay, is true inheaven,souponthecrossthechurchwasinthebreastofChrist.TherewasbutacertainnumberforwhomChristsavinglylaiddownhislife,John17:9.PaulwasinthebreastofChristwhenhe shedhisblood: 'Who lovedme,andgavehimself forme.' So that then Christ loves some with a peculiar, special, andsuperabundantlove.Herethenthequestionisconcerning,

1.Generallove.2.Generalgift.

Quest.WhetherChristlovedall,andgavehimselfforall,becauseheretheapostlesaith,'Helovedme,andgavehimselfforme'?

Ans.1.Ianswerbriefly,first,thatChrist'slovingandgivinghimselfwasparallel ineven lineswithGod's loveandgift,John6:37,39; forChristgiveshimself fornonebut thosewhichGodhath firstgivenhim.Christhad his commission, and he came to do his Father's will, not his own,John6:38,andwillsaveallwhomhisFatherhathgivenuntohim;asitisJohn17:6,'Thinetheywere,thougavestthemme.'ThosethattheFathergives in election, Christ redeems, and by redemption saves; forredemption, in regard of efficacy, is no larger than God's election.Thereforehejoins,'Christlovedme,andgavehimselfforme.'Hisloveisonly to thosewhomGodgavehim, forhe looksuponallhedied for astheywere inhisFather's love.Thereareacompany in theworldwhomGod hates: 'Esau have I hated,' Rom. 9:13. Here love and gift go bothtogether. He gives himself for nomore than he loves, and he loves nomorethanGodloves.

Ans.2.Again,whomsoeverChristdidloveandgivehimselffortodeath,there be other fruits which accompany this. They who have interest inChrist's redemption, they have the spirit of application.Where there isobtainingbyChristanythingofGod, there, Isay, isgrace toapply itbyhisSpirit;andmanythingsgowith it.Forthemthathediedfor,astheapostleshews,Rom.8:11,'forthemheroseagain,andforthemhesitsattherighthandofGod.'Thesegotogether: 'For ifhesparednothisownSon,butgavehimtodeathforusall,howshallhenotwithhimalsofreelygiveusallthings?'Rom.8:32.WhereGodgivesChrist,hegivesthespiritof application with him, Mat. 17:13, 2 Thess. 3:2. But we see that thegreatest part of theworldhavenot faith; for it is the faith of the elect,whichworldlingsnothaving,northegraceofapplication,thereforetheyhavenotthefavourofGodobtainedbyChrist.Soitiswritten,Rom.5:10,'Forif,whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmore,beingreconciled,weshallbesavedbyhislife.'Thesegotogether.Nowthegreatestpartarenotsavedbyhislife,thereforetheyarenotreconciledbyhisdeath.

Otherplacesdoclearthistruth,asHeb.9:14,whereisshewed,thatwhereChrist hath offered up himself for any, there is also a purging of theconsciencefromdeadworkstoservethelivingGod.Butthemostarenotpurged,thereforetheyhavenointerestinChrist'sdeath.

AstrongreasonisfurthershewedhereofbyChrist,John17:9,whereheavouches plainly, and makes a main difference between two sorts ofpeople, saying, 'I pray for them: I praynot for theworld, but for themwhichthouhastgivenme,fortheyarethine.'

Obj.Butheresomemayobject,Christ'sdeathisoflargerextentthanhisintercession.

Ans.Tocutoffthisobjection,Christsaysafterinthesamechapter,ver.17,'AndfortheirsakesIsanctifymyself,thattheyalsomaybesanctifiedthroughthetruth.'Thatis,Iprepareandsanctifymyselftobeasacrificeas a priest; I prepare myself to be a holy sacrifice for such; thereforeChristsanctifiedhimselfforthem,notfortheworld.Underthelawtherewasabrasenaltar for sacrifice, and thegoldenaltar for incense,whichgoldenaltar for incensewaseffectual fornomore than thebrazenaltar

wasforsacrifice.AndChristofferedhimselfasacrificeforallthosethathemakes intercession for. The point is clear. I will not answer all theobjectionsmightbebrought,onlyencounterwithsomeofthemainones,whicharebroughtbythepapistsagainstthistruth.SaintPaul'smeaning,therefore, isnot thathe lovedmewith that lovewherewithhe lovedallmankind.Theapostlemeansamorespecial love, 'Helovedmesoashegavehimselfforme;'thatis,withamorespeciallovethanhebearstoallmankind.ThisisapointthattendstoGod'shonourandman'scomfort;forGodhath themorepraiseand thanks fromhiselect,and those thatare redeemed by the peculiarness of it, which themore it is, themoretheyacknowledgethemselvesbounduntoGodandChrist.Thesearetheythatareelected,thesearetheyforwhomtheScripturesare,forwhomtheworld stands andChrist came,Ps. 116:1.They loveGodand singlehimout, and themore they do so, God doth single them out to delight in.Peculiarity enhanceth and raiseth favours to higher degrees thanotherwise.The fewer thatare takenoutof theworld from the refuseofmankind,themoretheirheartsare inflamedto loveGodagain.God,asthepsalmistsays,hathnotdealtsowitheverynation,Ps.147:20.WhenwillamanbemostthankfultoGodandgivehimglory,butwhenhecansay,Thouhastnotdealtsowiththerestoftheworld;whatisinmemorethan in the rest of mankind? I differ nothing from them but in thypeculiar love.Hereupon comes the heart to be knit in love unto Christagain.Butagainstthisitwillbeobjected,

Obj.Why dothChrist by theministry persuade all in the church for tobelieve inChrist,and for tobelieve forgivenessofsins, ifChristdidnotdieforthemall?

Ans.Ianswer,thatinthechurchhecallsall,thathemaycullouthisown.Theminister speakspromiscuouslyboth to the elect and those that arenot,becauseGodwillnotrobhisownchildrenofthebenefit,thoughtheyaremingledwithotherstowhomtheblessedthingsdonotbelong;asitiswith the rain, it rains as well upon the rocks of the sea, and upon thebarrenheathasuponthegoodground.Why,foranygoodtotherocks?No,butbecause,togetherwithit,itrainsuponthefruitfulground,whichhaththebenefitof therain.SoGodrainstheshowersofhisordinancesupon all, but the benefit thereof is only to his ground, not to the

reprobates. The sun shines upon all, but who hath the comfort of thatshining?Thosewhohaveeyestoseeitonlyanduseit,nottheblind.Buttothemthatbelievenot,theyhaveanotheruse.TheyhavethisbenefitbyChrist's death, that there ismercy offered them, and some gifts of theSpirit. God offers and stirs up good motions in them, but they rebelagainstthem.Therebemanydegreesandmeansoffaith.Theyusenotallthe means they ought, neither take all the degrees, therefore they arewithoutallexcuse,becausehegivesmoregrace,notonlythemeans,butheisreadytogivemoregracethantheyarewillingtoentertain.Soitistheir rebellion,which is the cause of their damnation. They are said toresisttheHolyGhost,suchreprobatesinthechurch,toquenchtheSpirit,Acts7:51,which implies theHolyGhost is ready toworkmore in themthan theyarewilling toentertain. Is itnotsobyexperience?There isacompanyofprofanepersons, that,outof theabundanceof theirwickedhearts,andthepoisonoftheirbreeding,willnotvouchsafetohearatall;others thatdocome, thoughforsomebyeandcarnalends.Happily theHolyGhost, inhearing,beatsupon their consciencesandawakes them.Butwhatsaytheirrebellioushearts?ShallIstooptoleavesuchandsuchcoursesthatarepleasurableandgainful?HereupontheyresisttheworkoftheHolyGhostintheministry,whentheirheartstellthemthereisareadiness in the Holy Ghost, and that he is sent from Christ and theFather to work more effectually in them than they are willing to bewroughtupon,andthereforeitistheyaredamned.'Thyperdition,'saiththeprophet, 'is of thyself,O Israel!'Hosea 13:9.Their own conscienceswill tell them thus much. So it is no matter what cavils they raise ofChrist'sintentionandGod'selection.Lookthou,man,tothineownheart.Dothnot thy ownheart tell thee thou art a rebel, and livest inprofanewicked courses, in neglect of holy duties? Thou carriest thine ownsentenceandcauseofdamnationinthybreast.Iappealtotheworst,wholive in sins against conscience. Here is the ground of thy damnation.Therebemanyascentsanddegreestosavingfaith.ThouwithstandestthebeginningsandthemotionsoftheSpirit.Iftheycomeinandworkuponthyheartanyestrangementfromsin,thyproudheartbeginstorebel,andwillnotyield.ItistheonlytrueobediencewhichlaysitselfatthefootofChrist,andiswillingtobeledandpersuadedinanythingsofarasfrailtywillpermit,andallowsitself innoevilcourse.This is thatwhichbringssoundcomfort,whichtheynotdoing,thereforearewithoutallexcuse.

Obj.Ifthiswerenotso,theymightobjectanotherday,Christdidnotdieforme,thereforewhyshouldIbedamnedfornotbelieving?

Ans. Their consciences therefore will tell them, that they used not allmeanstobelieve,neithertookthedegreesoffaith;forGod'sSpiritdothworkafterakindinwickedmen,as inthethreebadgrounds, thewordwas effectual in divers degrees; but when it comes to the upshot, theyhatednottheirsins,wereworldlyminded;or,theploughhadnotmadefurrowsdeepenoughtohumblethem,tovaluemercyandChristaboveallthings, and to hate sin above all. This is enough to justify theircondemnation.HowsoeverChrist isoffered,and there isacommand tobelieve,yet theirhearts tell themtheydonotall theymight.Theymustknow thatGod's secretpurpose in electing some, and redeeming some,andleavingothers,itishidfromtheworld,ashissecretwill,thatisnotthe rule of our obedience, but God's revealed will and commandment.ThereforemenmustlookuntowhatGodcommands.Iftheirconsciencetellthemthattheyyieldnotthatobediencewhichtheyoughtandmight,but rather resist the motions of God's Spirit, hereupon comes theirdamnation to be just. They are commanded to believe. What! Not tobelieveremissionoftheirsins;forknow,

1.Thereistheactoffaith;and2.Thefruitoffaith.

Nowawickedman isnot firstcommandedtobelieve the forgivenessofhissin,butinthisorder,inobediencetosubordinatedutybefore.Heiscommanded to believe that he shall have benefit by Christ, by yieldingobedienceoffaithtoChrist.Theactisonething,andthefruitisanother.EveryoneisboundtobelieveandcasthimselfuponChristforsalvation,butnotboundtobelievethefruit,unlesstheyhavetheact.

Obj.Butitwillbeobjected,wearenotboundtohavethefirstactoffaithtobelieve;ifweshould,itwereinvain,weshouldbelievealie.

Ans.Isayno.Thegospelruns,whosoeverbelievesinChristshallhavethefruitsof thedeathofChrist, shallhaveeverlasting life.ThuswhosoeverbelievesandcastshimselfuponChrist,doththeact,shallhavethefruit.Awaywithidlequestions;What?DoththefruitofChrist'sdeathbelongtome? Did he die for me? Go thou to the act; if thou hast grace to cast

thyselfuponChrist, and to assentwhenheoffers and invites thee, it iswell.Yieldtheactoffaith,andleavequestioningofthat,whichisthenputoutofquestion.Reasonnotthis,whetherGodhathelected,orChristhathdiedforthee.ThisisthesecretwillofGod.Butthecommandmentis,tobelieve in Christ. This binds. Therefore, yield to Christ when thou artcalledandbidden tocast thyselfuponhim; then thoushalt find, to thysoul'scomfort,thefruitofhisdeath.

Caution.LetnomanexcusehimselfbyquarrellingagainstChrist,fornotgivinghimself forall.There isnomancondemned,but fornotyieldingobedience in the act of faith, and doing all that his heart tells him hemight, but is unwilling to do. It is for rebellion he perishes: aswhen amalefactor iscondemned,whohathabookgivenhimtoread,whichherefusestodo.Hisnotreadingisthecauseofhisexecutionanddeath,aswellashisilldeedswhichhehathdone:hisrefusingpardon,thathewillnotread,withtheother.Botharecausesofhisdeath,becausehedothnotread,andbecauseheisamalefactor(a).Sointhiscase,whenamanwillnotyieldtheactoffaith,thoughhisothersinswilldamnhim,yet, ifhewouldbelieveandtakethemercyoffered,hisothersinswouldnotdamnhim.Ifmenwouldorcouldbelieve,noothersinswouldhurtthem;butbecause they do not, their other sins shall be laid to their charge, andtheir rebellion, that theywill not believe, and take the benefit ofGod'soffer. They refuse mercy, because mercy cannot be had withoutconditionsofobedience;asChristreprovestheJews,John3:19,'Andthisis the condemnation, that light is come into theworld, andmen loveddarkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.' This is thecondemnation, with a witness, the great and main cause ofcondemnation: theywouldhaveheaven, if theymighthave itwiththeirlusts; but they will not yield to the act of faith, to take Christ as he isoffereduntothem,uponhisownterms,toberuledbyhim,forbetterandforworse.Thistheywillnoneof,whichisthatwhichdamnsthem.TheywouldsingleoutofChristwhattheylist.

WhenChristsenttheseventydisciplesforthtopreachandhealthesick,notwithstandingtheyweretoberefusedofmany,asitisLuke10:11,yetthey were taught by our Saviour, as to wipe off the dust of their feetagainst them, so also to convince them in this, that the kingdom of

heavenwascomenearuntothem.Invain,therefore,dowickedmenandour adversaries cavil against God's justice in this, which every man'sconscienceshallaccusehimselfatlasttobeguiltyof,andclearGodof;inthattheywouldnoneofwisdom'scounsel,shuttingtheireyesagainstallinstructions,refusingtobereformed.ThisIthoughtgoodtoadd,toavoidthesnarlingofwicked,carnal,profanepersons.

2.Thesecondpointis,thattruefaithdothanswerthisparticularloveandgiftofChrist,byapplyingittoitself.Truefaithisanapplyingfaith.Thereis a spirit of application in true faith; for God in the Scriptures offersChrist, and Christ offers himself in the ministry to all that believe.HereuponcomesfaithtomakeChristourown.ItdothappropriateChristto itself inparticular.Christ isagarment, faithputshimon;Christ isafoundation,faithbuildsuponhim;Christisaroot,faithplantsusinhim;Christisourhusband,faithyieldsconsent,andconsentmakesthematch.So then there is aparticular truth that strikes the strokebetwixtChristandus: 'Helovedme,andgavehimselfforme.'Thenatureoffaithistomake generals becomeparticulars, to restrain generals intoparticulars;for there is a particular cause, which must have a particular restraint.Christ'sloveispropoundedtoallingeneral.BeforeitdomegoodImusthaveaparticularrestrainingfaithfortomakeitmyown.Nowthepapistsareenemiestothisparticularfaith,itbeingoppositetotheiropinionsandauthors, savesomeof thehonester that incline tous.Theysay, thatweought tobelievewitha catholic general faith, that there is remissionofsinsforthechurch,butnot'forme;'forwhere,saythey,isyournamesetdowninScripture?Theyareagainstthisspecialfaith,becausetheyknowitisthegroundofassurance,untowhichtheyareenemies;thisassurancealsobeinganenemytoalltheirfooleries,forgeries,andcoursestheytaketohaveassurance.

Wemustknowmoreclearly,thatthereisaparticularfaithrequiredofus.AChristianoughttosay,'Christlovedme.'Neitheristhisbyanyspecialrevelation;forGod'sSpiritdothwitnessordinarily,firstorlast,somuchto all that are his, except in some cases. Now that youmay know thisparticularfaithisaimedatbyGodintheScripture,lookwhatistheendoftheministryandofthesacraments.ArenotweambassadorsfromGodtomen, to unfoldChrist's love in particular unto them: if they believe,

then to tell them, that theymay be assured of salvation?Doth not theapostle,Rom. 10:9, speak inparticular, that, 'if thou shalt confesswiththymouththeLordJesus,andshaltbelieveinthineheartthatGodhathraisedhim from thedead, thou shalt be saved.'This is spoken to everymaninparticular.

Andforthesacraments,whatkindoffaithdothbaptismseal,whenwaterissprinkleduponthechild?Dothitsealageneralwashingawayofguilt?No;butaparticularwashingawayoftheguiltandfilthofthesinsoftheparty*baptized.Whereforearethesacramentsaddedtotheword,buttostrengthen faith in particular? Therefore every one in particular issprinkled, to shew the particular washing of our souls by the blood ofChrist. What is the reason that the sacrament of the Lord's Supper isaddedtotheword,butthateveryonemaybepersuadedthatitishisdutyto cast himself upon Christ, and to eat Christ, and to believe his ownparticularsalvation?Itoverthroweththemainendofthesacraments,toholdaconfusedfaithingeneral.Thereforeseeingitisthemainendofthewordandministry,letuslabourforthisparticularfaith,thatwemaysayin special, 'Christ lovedme, and gave himself forme.' Nay, 'forme,' iftherehadbeennoothermenintheworldbutI.Andtheratherlabourforthis,becauseitisthatwhichdistinguishethusfromcounterfeitChristiansandbelievers.Forwhereinisthemaindifference?Itisinappropriation.TruefaithdothappropriateChristuntoitself,makesChristaman'sown,it being the nature of saving faith to draw the general into particulars,which is meant by eating Christ, drinking his blood, and putting onChrist;allwhichenforceparticularactsoffaith.Butagainstthisitwillbesaid,

Obj. St Paul had a special revelation, without which no man ought tobelievethusmuch.

Ans.Ianswer,hehadnospecialrevelation,for,Rom.8:38,heenlargeththecomfortuntoall:'ForIampersuadedthatneitherdeath,norlife,norangels, norprincipalities, norpowers, nor thingspresent, nor things tocome,shallseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichisinChristJesusourLord.'Itisidletospeakofaspecialrevelation,unlesswecallitso,asitishidfromtheworld;soeveryChristianhathaspecialrevelationfromtheSpirit.FortheSpirit,whichknowsthe 'secretthings'ofGod,andwhich

knowshisheart,testifiestohimthatheisachildofGod,andsohehathaspecialrevelation;butnot ifwedistinguishoneChristianfromanother.EverytrueChristianhaththisrevelation,becausetheyhavethespiritofrevelation,forwhichtheapostleprays,Eph.1:17.'ForifwehavenottheSpirit ofChrist,we arenone of his,'Rom.8:9.Thuswehave seen thatGodlovessomewithapeculiarandaspeciallove;andsecondly,thattheyhaveaspecialfaithtomakethislovetheirown.

3.Thethirdpointis,thatassurancedothspringfromthisparticularfaith;so that aChristianmanmay be assured of the love ofChrist. But herediversquestionsandcasesmustbeansweredandexplainedtoclearthepoint,elseourspeechshallnotbeanswerabletotheexperienceofGod'speople,orthetruthitself.First,wemustknowthatthereisadoubleactoffaithinthebelievingsoul,

1.Anactof faith, trustingandrelying;and2.Anactofassuranceuponthatactofrelying.

For it isone thing tobelieveandcastmyselfuponChrist forpardonofsins,andanotherthinguponthatacttofeelassuranceandpardon.Theone looks to the word more principally; the other is founded uponexperience, together with the word. We ought to labour for both, foraffiance and consent in the will, to cast ourselves upon Christ forsalvation; and then upon believing we ought to find and feel thisassurance.Butthesemanytimesaresevered,andsometimesthefirst iswithoutthesecond.Thefirstbringsusintothestateofgrace.Amanmaybeinthestateofgrace,bygivingconsenttoChristandrelyingonhimformercy,andyetwantassuranceofpardonandreconciliationinthesecondplace.

This falls out ofttimes, especially in the new birth, that in thosestrugglingswhen little grace striveswith corruption, there the Spirit ofGodisexercisedintheact,inyieldingtheobedienceoffaith,tocastitselfuponthearmofChrist,intothebosomofChrist,anduponGod'smercy.As forany feeling, itdothnot somuchstandupon itat first, as itdothregardtheact;afterwhichassuranceitcomesforareward,asGodseesitgood.

Thenagain,itoftenfallsoutinthetimeoftemptation,thatthefirstactofaffiance, it is without the act of persuasion or feeling, which requiresmoreexperience,whenaChristian,inthetimeoftemptation,hathratherexperienceofcorruptionandthewrathofGod,havingnoexperienceofthecontrary;yetheyieldsthefirstactofaffiancewithaparticularfaith,casting himself upon the mercy of Christ and upon his death, for thecomfortofredemption.

Quest.Buthereaquestionmustbeasked,Whatisthereasonthat,wherethe first act of faith is, to cast itself upon the mercy of Christ in thepromises,thatyetthereisnotthesenseofpardonandreconciliation,northatfullpersuasion:whyisthismanytimessuspended?

Ans.1.Ianswer,manycausestherebeofit.Tonamesome:

(1.)First, Insomethedistemperof thebodyhelps thedistemperof thesoul; I mean a melancholy temper, which is a constitution subject todistrust, fears, and temptations. As some tempers, that are of a boldspirit, are subject to presumption, the devil suiting himself to theirtemper;sowherethereisthismelancholyabounding,whichispronetofear and distrust, the devil mingling his suggestions with theirconstitution,causesthatthosetempersareinclinedtofear,wherethereisnocauseoffear.Theyarecarefulenoughtodotheirdutiesabundantly,asGoddothdiscoverhiswillunto them; they cast themselvesuponGod'smercy, and renounce themselves; humble souls, only, out of distrust,helped by Satan applying himself to their distemper, they are kept indarkness.

(2.)Andalsoitis,manytimes,fromajudgmentnotrightlypersuaded:aswhentheythinktheyhavenofaith,becausetheyhaveitnotinsogreatameasure. And when they are not rightly conceited of the covenant ofgrace,which requires truth for perfection, andnotmeasure. ForChristwill not quench the smoking flax. He despiseth not the day of smallthings, but cherisheth it. 'Thou hast a little strength,' saith he to thechurchofPhiladelphia,'andhastkeptmyword,'Rev.3:8;yettheythink,out of a spiritual covetousness, that theyhavenone, because theyhavenot so much as they would, and as stronger Christians have. Theymisconceit the covenant of grace, where truth goes for perfection.

Sincerity is our perfection, which is known by a strife against thecontrary,andbyadesireofgrowthintheuseofallmeans.Thereisnotsomuch as truth where there is not this; where the least is, there is thisstrifeagainstthecontrary,andadesireofgrowthinafurthermeasurebytheuseofmeans.

(3.)Also,theyareheldperhapswithoutthispersuasionandassuranceofthe pardon of their sin, because perhaps they are taken up with othercares.Theydonotvaluethissomuchastheyshoulddo;whereasthisisanothermannerofgiftthanthemosttakeitfor.Godvouchsafesnotthissweetheavenuponearth,thesenseofhis loveinChristtoany,butit issought for long, andvaluedhighly, that afterwardswemaybe thankfulforit.

(4.)Again,Perhapstheyarenegligentinholycommunionwiththosethatare better than themselves; casting themselves into dead and darkcompany that want life, who bring them into the same temper withthemselves. Many other causes may be reckoned why these acts aresevered, that men, casting themselves in the spirit of obedience uponChrist, have not that assurance of the pardon and forgiveness of theirsins.Hencewemaygiveananswertoanotherquestion.

Quest.Whydo someChristians feelmore comfort than others do,whohavethesamemeansofgrace?

Ans.1.Ianswer,BecauseGodstirsupinsomeanhigheresteemofitthanothers;theyhavemorespiritualpoverty.

2. Again, There is difference in the ages of Christians; some have hadlongerexperienceinthewaysofGodthanothers.

3.Again,Mendifferintheirtemper.Someareofamorecheerfultemper.Therefore there is a clearermanifestationwhichhelps theworka little,thedispositionoftheoutwardman.

4.Again,Mendifferintheirworldlytemper.Men,forwantofChristianprudence,castthemselvestoomuchupontheemploymentsoftheworld,that theysuffer thestrengthof theirsoul tobecarriedsooneway, that

they have no time to gather assurance of salvation.Howsoever, for themain they are conscionable,* yet many such are so worn out with theworld,astheydifferinheavenly-mindednessandwantofcareofthis,sotheydifferinassuranceandwantofGod'slove.

5. Again, AsGod hath a purpose to employmen, as he hath great andmany things for somemen to do, so he suffers them to have a greatermeasureofassuranceandpardonofsin,becauseheintendstheyshallgothrough a great deal of business. Those who he intends shall not gothrough such employments, he vouchsafes not unto them them thatportionofassurance;forthesearedistinctgiftsoftheSpirit,togivethespirit of faith, to cast ourselves upon Christ, and to give the spirit ofassurance. Howsoever the Spirit doth both, as 2 Cor. 2:14, seq., itteacheth us those good things that we have of God; yet sometimes theSpiritdothnotsoteachusthegoodthingsofGod,asitenablestodotheworksoftheSpirit,becauseGodhathdiversemploymentsforChristians.

Quest. Another question which some may move is, Why oftentimes itcomes to pass that Christians of greater parts want assurance, andsometimesdiewithoutit,whenmanytimesaweakerChristianofmeanerparts has it? Men of ordinary rank do many times die with moreassurance than their great teachers.What is the reason it falls out thatpoorChristiansofmeanknowledgeandgiftshaveaheavenuponearth,and enjoy a great deal of comfort when they end their days, men ofgreaterpartsdyingmoreconcealed?

Ans. I answer, Many reasons may be given. Christians are prone toomuchtovaluegifts;andthosethathavearemuchpronetobeproudofthem,andtothinkthatgraceandgiftsgotogether,whentheseareoftensevered.Menofexcellentgiftshavemanytimesnograceatall;andaregiven them for thegoodofothers,not for themselves,beingproudandbarrenalltheirdays,nothavinganyfeelingofthattheycanlargelytalkofwithglorytoothers;becausetheyvaluethesethings,andneglectgrace,humility,faith,andbrokenspirits,whichthingsGodvaluesmorethanallgifts.Thereforeyouhavemenfaraboveother[s]ingiftsandgloryoftheworld,whichwantthisassurance.

Quest. But put the case they be good Christians, yet often they grow

proud, and puffed upwith great gifts, for the apostle says, 'Knowledgepuffsup,'1Cor.8:1.

Ans.Again,Whenthereisagreatdealofgoodpartsinknowledge,thereis oftentimes great inquisition made after things which should not belooked after, and many impertinences, wanting knowledge andexperienceinthatwhichtheyshouldmorelookafter.

Thenagain,menofgreatergiftsmayoutofsomeerrorlookforcomforttoomuch in sanctification, and in the covenant ofworks,more than infaith.ApoorChristian,perhapsoutofrightjudgment,whenhestandsinneedofcomfort,mayseekitinfaith,injustification,castinghimselfuponChrist,when anotherman, thinking to find his comfortmore in gracesand gifts than in casting himself upon Christ in justification, he mayjustly be deprived of that comfort; whereas we honour God most,whatsoeverourgracesare, incastingourselvesuponChrist,andendingour days inmercy,making our appeal tomercy;whereas the graces ofsanctificationandexcellentpartsareexcellentforthegoodofothers,butif we place too much affiance in them, it is just with God we shouldoftentimesgomourningtoourgraves.Thereforewemustset theminaright place, take them as signs and evidences of our comfort, but notforgettorelyrightlyonourfreejustification,andthefruitsthereof,asthefoundationofcomfort,whichmadeSaintPaul,Phil.3:8,countallthings'butdunganddrossincomparisonoftherighteousnessofChrist.'

Thenagain,Goddothittoshewhisfreedom,thattowhomhepleasethhewillgivemoreassurance,toshewthatheisafreegiver.Oursalvationisaccording to his good pleasure, so is the feeling of it; some shall havemore, some less.Godwill sometimesmanifesthis comforts and feelingmore to weak Christians than others, as a father or mother shews thegreatestlovetotheweakestchild.GodknowsthatstrongChristianshaveotherthingstosupportthemwiththanfeelings;theycangoback,asholyDaviddoth,toformerexperiences,andrelyuponthewordandpromisestrongly; sohe suffers themto support themselveswith stronger thingsthanpresentfeelings.Thosewhoareweakest,hevouchsafethuntothemthesweetfeelingofhislove,asparentsdandleandstudymosttopleasethesickestandweakchildren.ButweshouldleavethistoGod,whogivesuswhatmeasurehewill,andatwhattimehewill.Somehethinksgoodto

keepa long time fromfeeling thisassurance, tohumble themforbeingtoo bold with sin; and some, likewise, he will keep longer from thisassurance,perhapsall thedaysof their life,becausetheyhavebeentooconfidentheretoforeintouchingandmeddlingwithpettysins,which,aspitchandfire,hathburnedanddefiledthemtoomuch;inthemeantimesupporting them with sufficient grounds of a happy estate,notwithstandingtheirinfirmities;theymaybeasgoodChristiansafterafall as ever, though perhaps never attain unto that feeling and sensewhich formerly they enjoyed; for though theyhavenot feeling, yet theymay have strong faith, as Christ upon the cross had strong assurancewithoutfeeling,whenhesaid,'MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'Thusweseethatassurancemaybeobtained.

Quest.Nowwe come to amore principal question,Howwemay knowwhetherwehavetheactorno,thefirstacttoyieldtheobedienceoffaith,forthatisthemain.PerhapsaChristianmaydieintherageofafever,orinchild-birth,andneverhavestrongassurance.Manygotoheaventhatneverhaveit.

Ans. 1. But for the first, a manmay know in his right temper that heperformstheactoffaithinaffiance,bythereflectactofhissoul,ifitbenot hindered, let him return upon himself; as, how do I know IunderstandathingwhenIdoconceiveit?Why,byafacultythesoulhathtoknowitunderstands.So,howdothasoulknowthatitbelieves,butbyareflectactofthesoul,wherebyitknowsitbelieveswhenitdothbelieve,especiallywhenthesoul is inaright temper?Ifanaturalsoulknows itunderstandswhen it understands, and loveswhen it loves, so doth thesoulbytheSpiritknowthatitbelieveswhenitdothbelieve.If,asIsaid,the soul be not distempered, it is the nature of the conscience to bearwitness of the act of itself; and usually God's Spirit, together with theconscience,dothdiscoverit,Rom.8:16.

2.But the safest course is to go to the fruit.Know thouhast the act offaithbythefruit.Tonameonenow,becauseinthenextpointIshallhaveoccasiontospeakmoreofit.Thefruitofthisactisseenespeciallyinthegreatest temptation; for if aman have a spirit of prayer, then to go toGod,andhaveboldnessinextremity,certainlyhebelieves;forfaithisthecauseofprayer,prayeristhebreathandflameoffaith.Wherethereisthe

spiritofprayer,thereisalwaysthespiritoffaith;wherethereisboldnesstogotoGod,therecertainlyistheSpirit,wherebywemaybeassuredthatwehavethespiritofadoption,howsoeverwefindnotsoevidentwitnessthatwearethesonsofGod.YetifwehavelibertyandboldnesstogotoGodinextremity,itisasignthereisthespiritoffaith;aswemayseeinDavid,Ps.31:22, 'ForIsaid inmyhaste, Iamcutoff frombefore thineeyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplication when Icriedunto thee.'Hesaidhewascutoff,yethecrieduntoGodwhenhewasintemptation.Thoughhisfleshyielded,andsaidhewascutofffromGod,andthathewasnotthechildofGod,yettherewasabetterprinciplewithinhimtopray,'neverthelessIcrieduntothee.'SosaithJob,'Thoughhekillme,yetwill I trust inhim,'Job13:15.Jobwantedthisassuranceandfeeling,yetnotwithstanding,seetheactofhisfaith, 'Thoughhekillme, I will trust in him.' When in extremity we can trust God, and goboldlytothethroneofgrace,andnotsinkindespair,itisasignthatweareinthestateofgrace,andyieldtheactoffaith.Thoughwefindnotthatsweetfeeling,atlengthGodwillbemercifultous;sothatafterwehaveyieldedtheobedienceoffaith,weshallfindtheassurance.

Quest.Butatwhattimespecially?

Ans.1.First,Especiallywhenamanhathyieldedtheactoffaith,andcasthimselfuponGod,andalongtimelivedbyfaith,thenGodwillsealthisbelievingwiththespiritofadoption.Whenwebelievespeciallyagainstatemptationofdistrust,thenweusuallyhavethesealingoftheSpirit.

Thenagain,whenwehavestrivenwithanycorruptionalongtime,God,as a rewardof ourholdingout,will crownour faith andour obediencewitha sweet senseofhis love.After thatJobhadstrovea long time,atlength concluding, 'Though he kill me, yet will I trust in him,' Godmanifestedhimself inmercyuntohim.ThewomanofCanaan,aftershehad striven andwrestledwithChrist, at last gets a gracious answer; sowhenwe can subdueour corruptions, andperformholyduties in somestrength of grace, in reward of our diligence and care, we have somecomfortable revelation of the Spirit, and taste of the life to comemorethan ordinary, God crowning our diligence with the sweet sense of hislove.

Andalso,whenhehathsomegreatemploymentforus,toencourageusthemore,hewillgiveusthemoreevidenceandmanifestationofhislove,moreravishment;asthediscipleswhichwerewithChrist inthemount,they did see his glory there, because they were to see him abasedafterwards. Those that God means to honour and use in any greatemployment, oftentimes before he gives them the full assurance of hislove.

Again,sometimesinthemidstofsufferings,torewardourfaithfulness,asPaul in the dungeon was so filled with joy as to sing at midnight; toencourageus,thatwhatsoeverourthreateningsandtormentsshallbeinour sufferings for thenameofChrist, yet ifwe yield obedience toGod,ourcomfortshallbemorethanourdiscomfort,asStPaulhadthespiritofglory,whichraisedhimabovehisabasement.Thusweseewhentheyare severed, and when God pleases for to vouchsafe themanifestationtogetherwiththeact.

NowIcometothefourthandlastpoint,indeedthechiefofall,thatthisparticular faith in obedience to Christ, with assurance of his particularlove, is that which carries us along all our life of faith unto the day ofdeath. 'I live,' saith he, 'this life of faith in the Son ofGod.'Why,whatmakeshimtodoso?OhIhavegoodcausetoloveChristandtodependuponhim.Why?'Hehathlovedme,andgivenhimselfforme;'andIfeelsomuchtomysoul'scomfort,thereforeIwillwhollydependuponhim,inlife,indeath,andforever.Andindeedparticularspecialfaith,ifitbejoinedwith someassurance, it is the groundof livingby faith.Nomancanliveaholylifebyfaith,butfirsthemustknowthatGodloveshimandChristloveshim.Holyactionsspringfromlove,andaredirectedbylovetotherightend,whichonlylovemovethustointend.Howcananyspiritaim at his glory whom he loves not first? Can any soul, not knowingwhetherChristlovesitornot,intendChrist'sgloryasitshoulddo?

Quest. Ibeseechyou, ifwe speakofdoingor suffering, thankfulnessorcheerfulness,especiallyatthehourofdeath,whencecomeallthese?

Ans.CometheynotfromsometasteofGod'slove?Whendowelove,butwhenmanysinsareforgiven?AndwhenarewewillingtosufferanythingforChrist'ssake,butwhenweknowthathehathsufferedsogreatthings

forus?WecountitaglorytosufferanythingforChrist,whenweknowhehathlovedusandgivenhimselfforus.

Quest. Again, for thankfulness, how can aman be thankful for that hehathnoknowledgeof?WhatmakesamanthankfulforthegreatworkofredemptioninChrist,butaparticularfaith?

Ans.ThismadeStPaulandtherestoftheapostlessooftentobreakout,'BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist.'Hebreaksoutintothanksgivingthathe,togetherwithotherChristians,hadtheSpirit,which doth persuade them of God and Christ's particular love. Thenagain,forthankfulnessforordinaryblessings,howcanamanthankGodforanyordinaryblessing,ifhebenotassuredthatitcomesfromtheloveofGodinChrist?Whenheispersuadedofthis,thenhecangivethanks,bothfortheprincipalandotherlesserfavours,

Obj.Hemaythinkelse,Whatisallthistome?Iambutfattedagainstthedayofslaughter.ItisgoodformetotakemypleasurewhilstImayenjoythese things, to think I ambut as a traitor,whohath the liberty of theprison.Thissmothersourthankfulness.

Ans.Itisthebelievingsoulthatisthankfulformercies,andalsocheerfulin duties.Whence comeChristians to be a voluntary people, zealous ofgoodworks? as Tit. 2:11, the apostle sets zeal betwixt faith andworks,looking bothways, saying, 'The grace of God, which bringeth salvationunto allmen, hath appeared,' by the first coming of Christ, and givinghim todeath, 'teachingus todenyungodliness andworldly lusts.'Herefaithlooksbackwards.Then,lookingforward,sayshe, 'Lookingfor,andwaiting for the appearance of the blessed God and our Saviour JesusChrist, who hath redeemed us, that we might be a peculiar people,zealousofgoodworks.'

Quest.Whencecomesazealtogoodworks,butwhenwelooktothegracethat hath brought salvation and redemption from our sins, and to thegloriouscomingofChrist?

Ans.Whenfaithlooksboththeseways,itisseta-fire,itmakesuszealous,asHeb.9:14.WhentheheartissprinkledwiththebloodofChristinthe

forgivenessofsins,thenweservethelivingGod,andareavoluntaryandacheerfulpeoplewhenourheartsareenlargedwithassurance.

Quest.Further,whatmakesamanashamedofhisevillife?Whatbreedsthoseaffectionsofrepentance,grief,andshamementionedEzek.36:31,32,'Thenshallyebeashamed,'&c.?

Ans. When God had once pardoned their sins, and given them manyfavours,thenshallyebeashamedthatyehaveservedmethusandthus,and grieve that ye have departed fromme. So that then do Christianscome to have those two penal affections of shame and grief, the twoingredients to true repentance.Why? 'Christ hath lovedme, and givenhimselfforme.'Asifoneshouldsay,Hathhedoneso?Wasmysinsthecauseofhisdeath,anddidhislovemovehim?IamashamedthatIhaveoffendedsograciousandsosweetaSaviour.ItmakesamanweepoverChrist. It was my sins which caused his death and torments. Thisparticularfaithfillsthesoulwithalldivinegraces,anditfollowsChrist,andseesthathedidallforus.ThenamanseesthatChristwasbornforhim: 'Tousachild isborn,andtousason isgiven,' Isa.9:6.It followsChristinhiswholelife,andsoallthathedidwasforme.Hisdeath,'Hediedforme;'hissweatinginthegardenwasforme,mysinscausedit.SoIseehislove,andthefoulnessofmysins.Hewasthrustthroughthesidefor me, and cried upon the cross, 'My God, my God, why hast thouforsakenme?'Mysinshadanactivepowerthere.Heroseagainforme,he isnowinheavenforme,ascarryingme inhisbreast.Thesightandconsiderationof thisdrawsthesoulagainuntoChrist inrepentance forsins, and in all holy duties whatsoever. This is the reason why thoseChristiansthathavebeenpulledoutofthefire,andconvertedoftentimesbyaviolentconversion,arethemostfruitfulandlovingChristians,asStPaulandothers;becausetheyknowChristhathforgiventhemamightydebt, a thousand talents; themorewhichdebt appears to be, themoretheyknowtheyareboundtoGod,andtosacrificeandgiveupthemselvestoJesusChrist,thathathdischargedsogreatadebtforthem.

When they consider his wonderful love to such as they are, they areinflamedwithloveagain;asinthegospel,thewomanwhohadmanysinsforgiven her, therefore she lovedmuch. The prodigal young unthrift inthegospel,forwhomthefatcalfwasprovided,noquestionhecouldnot

satisfyhimself in expressions.God sometimesprovides fat calves, greatmeasuresofcomfort,evenforprodigals,andtheyofallshewmostlove,they cannot tell how to satisfy him by any painstaking. 'The love ofChrist,'saithPaul, 'constrainsme,aholyviolencemovesme,whowasapersecutor and a blasphemer,' 2 Cor. 5:14. So the sense of the love ofChrist in pardoning of sinswill constrain one to a holy violence in theperformingofallduties.Why,ifanybaseendscomeintoaman'smind,in that, is a Christian to regard himself, to seek his own ease, honour,pleasure?No;thisconsideration,ifhehaveanyassuranceofthepardonofhissins,willmovehimtothecontrary.Christdiedforme;shallInotlivetoChrist,livetohimthatgavehimselfforme?Seekhishonourthatabasedhimselfforme?Sothatitquellsallbaseends,theconsiderationofChrist'sparticularlove.

SoitstirsusuptobeatcostforChristandforhischurch,atanycost,tosacrifice our Isaacs.He lovedme, andgavehimself forme; is anythingthenIcangivesatisfactory?Hegavehimselfforme,thereforeIwillgivemyself for him. This will make a man prodigal, even of his blood, forChrist's sake.Whenaman ismoved tobediscontentedwithhisestate,and to doubt of God's providence in particular things, this will help,Christhath lovedme,andgivenhimself forme.Willhenotgivemeallnecessarieswhohathgivenhimself?Sothatthisstirsuptoallduties,cutsthe sinews of all spiritual sins, of distrust in God's providence, and allbaseends.Itstirsmeupinparticularpracticeofholylifetogotohimforallgraces.Ihavehimself,thereforehewillgivemehisSpiritandgrace.Ihavethefield,thereforeIshallhavethepearl.*Hehathgivenmehimself,he will give me therefore all that he hath; his Spirit, graces, andprivileges,allshallbemine.

Thereupon it isused in allPaul's epistles as a compellingargument, aselect, and by themercies of God do this; moving them to all spiritualdutiesfromtheloveofGodinChrist.And,dearlybeloved,youaredearlybeloved;thelovethatChristbearsyoucosthimdearindeed;itisastrongenforcement.SaintPeter'sargumenttothiseffectisverystrong:'Youarenot bought with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of JesusChristareweredeemedfromourvainconversation,'1Peter1:18.Yousee,then, I giveyoubuta tasteof it,what strongmotiveshereare to livea

holylife,andallfetchedfromparticularassurance;becauseChristlovedme, and gave himself for me. Hereupon, by the way, we may have astrongargumentagainstthepapists,whoholdwecannothaveparticularassurance, for that which is brought as an argument to stir up to holydutiesmustbeknownofus.Thearguments in this casewhich serve topersuademustbeknown.Wedonotpersuadeanothertoadutybythoseargumentsheisignorantof.HerehespeakstoChristians,astakingitforgranted that theyknewtheywereelectedofGod,anddearlybeloved inChrist. That which is an argument stirring up to duty must be knownbetter thantheduty,becausethereforethis isanargumentthatstirsusup to all kind of duties whatsoever; therefore wemay be assured. Buthereaquestionmaybeasked,

Quest.Dothnot aholy life andholy actions sometimesproceed fromasoulnotfullyassured?Thenwhatshallwethinkofthosegoodworksthatproceed from a Christianwithout strong assurance? If all obedience indoing and suffering, that is pleasing, comes from faith and assurance,thenwhatshallwethinkofsuchworksasproceednotfromit?IfyouaskmanyagoodChristian,whatassurancehaveyou thatChristhathgivenhimself for you? they will perhaps stagger at it; for a humble broken-heartedChristianissubjecttospeakworseofhimselfthanthereiscause,thoughhebediligentingoodworks.Whatshallwethinkofsuchworksthen,whentherewiththeyarenotassuredofChrist'sloveinparticular?

Ans. I answer, There can no holy life proceed but from faith; from thefirstactofit.Theremustbethat;butsometimesweknownotourfaith,because the reflect act is hindered; we know not we believe when webelieve.Theremayholydutiesproceedfromamanwhenheknowsnothisgraceandestate:inwhichtimelethimbutexaminehimself,whydothheduties,whetheroutoflovetoGodorno?Yes.CanheendureGodtobeevilspokenof?No.Willheallowhimself inanyknownsin?No.In thiscase, thoughhe dares not say he is assured, yet the things he doth arefromsomeloveanddesireofglorifyingGod.Christiansdonotknowtheirestates often in such cases. They do work from a secret persuasion ofGod'slove,thoughtheyknowitnot.Hehaththathethinkshehathnot,heworksfromthathethinkshedothnotworkfrom.HeworksfromlovetoGod,when he thinks he doth not, because he thinks he hath not so

much as hewould have: heworks from grace,when he thinks he hathnone.A child liveswhen it knowsnot that it doth live; a childwhen itdrawsnourishmentfromthemother'sbreast,dothnotknowitlivesitself,butthelookersondo,becausetheyseetheactionsoflife:soaChristiandoth not know that he lives the live of grace, when the lookers on do,becausetheyseespiritualhungerinhim,andattendinguponthemeans.Nowhehimselfdothnotsee it,becauseofsomespiritualcovetousness,temptation, or desertion which is upon him. Yet that is a true andgracious action, which issues from a soul that discovers faith, howeveritselfcannotbeassuredofitsestate,therebeingforthetimeasuspensionof it, through ignorance or other causes; but certainly in such there isfaith in the first actofobedience, and someassurance,where thereareactionsofspirituallife,thoughtheyhavenotthattheycovettohave.

Thebestwayistolabourforboth,forassuranceandfortheactitself;forhowsoeverthosewhohavetheactonlyperformgoodobedience,yetitisnotsolarge,sothorough,socheerfulasitwouldotherwisebe.Weoughtto desire both that God would give us a spirit of faith, and discoverhimselfuntous,thatoursinsarepardoned,andthatweareacceptedtolife,togiveusstrongassurance,thatsowemaybemoreplentifulintheworkoftheLord.ThereisnoChristianwhohathagoodheartbuthewilllabourforthesecondaswellasthefirst;hewilllabourtomakehiscallingandelectionsurebyallmeans,thatGodmayhavemoreglory,andsmellamoresweetsacrificefromhim,andthathemayhavemorecomfortinthisworld.Howsoeverwithout assurancemuch goodmay be done, yetnotsomuchaswhenthereisfullassurance,forthenthesoul iscarriedamain*inobediencetoGod;doingandsufferingisnothingthen.

Use1.Nowfortheusesofthis,seeingthatthepersuasionofChrist'slovetousinspecialisthespringofallholylife,thisserves,inthefirstplace,tofreethisdoctrineofassurancefromscandal.Assurancethenisnottheground of presumption or security. These spring not from a particularfaith, foraholy life, thecleancontrary,springs fromit.Nonecan liveaholy life but by a particular faith; and whosoever in particular dothbelieve the forgivenessofhisownsins,will liveaholy life, andnotputhimselfintoformerbondage.ItisasignheisnotthatpersonforwhomChrist gave himself, that doth enthrall himself into his former courses,

unless he repent.We see those of the Israelites who had amind to goback again into Egypt, did all perish in the wilderness; and those inBabylon'scaptivitywhowouldnotcomeoutwhentheywerecalled,didperish. It is pity they should ever be delivered that are in love withbondage.Thosethatwillserveandbeslavesstill,itispitybuttheirearsshouldbeboredtoperpetualservitude.Somewill live intheirsins,andyetthinkthatChristdiedforthem.No;whomChristlovesinparticular,hegivesthemgracetoleadaholylife,andtobefreedfromthebondageoftheirformercorruptions.Thosethatarenotredeemedfromtheirvainconversation, are not redeemed from hell and damnation, unless Godgiverepentance.Thosebothgotogether.Thereforeletitbealsoaruleoftryinganddiscerning,whetherwetrulybelievethatChristlovedus,andgavehimself forus,byour care to live tohim,and togiveourselves tohimbackagainbyaholylife.Wheresoevertheoneis,thereistheother.Thisisthatwhichmaystopthemouthsofmany,andwillshamethematthe day of judgment, notwithstanding all their boasting that God ismerciful,andChristdiedforthem.Oh!—theirheartswilltellthem,—butIhavenotcaredtohavethefruitofChrist'sdeathinthegoverningofhisSpirit;Iwouldnothavehimmyking;myconsciencetellsmeIwouldnothaveChristuponthoseterms:heofferedhimselftoruleme;theministertoldmeofthedanger,butIhavepreferredsomebaselustorother,suchand such a course, before Christ; I hated to be reformed, I flatteredmyselfwithhopeofmercyonnogroundatall;thereforeIneverhadanybenefitbyhim.

Use 2. To make another use: if particular faith and assurance be thegroundofaholylife,letuslabourforitbyallmeans;andletthosethatareinthestateofgrace,letthemcometothisfireiftheywillbekindled:iftheyfindthemselvesdulltoholyduties,letthemcometothisfire.Arewedeadspiritually?Arewenotsoenlargedasweshouldbe?Why,comeandconsideroftheinfiniteloveofGodingivinghisSonforthee,andthesweetloveofChristingivinghimselfforthee;anddwellinthemeditationofthislove.DonotletthyheartgoofftheconsiderationofChrist'ssweetlove,instoopingsolow,notonlyinbecomingman,butsolowashardlyevercreaturewas,andallinlove.Shouldnotthiskindleloveinusagain?Somuchthemoredearerheshouldbeuntous,themorebasehewasforus.Whenwehavewarmedourfrozenheartswiththeconsiderationofhis

particularlovetowardsus,thenweaddfiretoholyduties.Iron,whenitiswarm, is fit for any impression; so our cold hearts, though stiff ofthemselves, being warmed and fired by the love of Christ, are fit toreceiveanyimpression,andtodoandtosufferanything.

WhenwefindourselvesbackwardtosufferanythingforChrist,considerthat Christ gave himself; or, if we be not thankful and fruitful enough,considerwhatwastheendofChrist'sgivinghimself,thatweshouldservehiminholinessandrighteousnessall thedaysofour liveswithout fear;andbeingfreedfromthefearofdeath,damnation,andslavishfear,thatwe should serve him cheerfully in the spirit of adoption and love. Ibeseechyou,inallindispositionsofsoul,letusmakeuseofthis,tocomeuntoJesusChrist.Experienceteachethanyonewhentheyarefittestforsuffering,doingofanyduty,toresistasinfultemptationtodiscontentormurmuring,evenwhentheyenjoytheassuranceofChrist'slove,andcanreadtheirownevidencethattheyareGod'schildren,andthemembersofChrist.Thentheyarefitforanything.Thereforeweshould,astheapostlePeterexhortsus,'givealldiligencetomakeourcallingandelectionsure,'2Pet.1:10.Itisathingwhichrequiresalldiligence.Andthereasonwhywehaveitnomore,isbecausewedonotgivealldiligencetoattainit.Itrequires our utmost endeavour, being of the greatest consequence, bywhichGodhathmosthonour,andwemostcomfort,becauseitmakesusmostfruitfulinourconversation.

Obj.Butyouwillsay,whatthenshallwesayuntothosewhocannotsayinparticularthatChristlovedthemandgavehimselfforthem?Whatcourseshall they takewhohave not this particular assurance and faith?WhatgroundshavetheytocometoChristiftheybewilling?

Ans.Ianswer,Thosethathaveitnotshouldlabourtohaveitbyallmeanswhatsoever.

Obj. But what ground have I, who have been a wretched sinner, anunworthywretch,whatgroundhaveI for tomeddlewithChrist,andtobelievethathelovedme,andgavehimselfforme?

Sol.1.Consider,eventhevilestthatcanhearmehavethegospelofferedunto them.Again, consider thatChrist took thy nature, andhowmany

inducementsarethere inthis, for theeto takedegreesof thisparticularfaith,tocometoit,thatthoumayestbeinthisestate,toglorifyGodandtoenjoycomfort.

Sol. 2. Hath not Christ taken thy nature, not the nature of angels?Oughtestnot thou to think thathe lovesmankind,andwhynot thee, ifthouwiltcomeinandcastthyselfuponhim?HeisJesus,aSaviour;andChrist, anointed of God; and Immanuel, to reconcile God and mantogether.

Sol.3.Besides,thousayestthouartasinner.Why,butalas!*whatarethysins? Is not his righteousness above them? His righteousness is therighteousnessofGod-man,ofamediatorthatisGod,thereforefarabovethy sins.Considering then the excellencyofhisperson,believe that thebloodofChristisabletopurgetheefromall.

Sol.4.Forafurthergroundforthisparticularfaith,wemaythinkofthisinvitingofallthosewhoareunworthy:'Whosoeverwill,lethimcomeanddrink of this water of life freely,' Rev. 21:17; yea, those that thinkthemselvesfarthestoffhebidsthemcome:'Come,allthatarewearyandheavy laden,' &c.,Mat. 11:28. If thou findest sin a burden, then Christinvites thee, and sends his minister to beseech thee to be reconciled.Those that stand at the staff's end, he desires them to lay aside theirweaponsandcomein.

Sol.5. If thatwillnotdo,he layshischargeandcommanduponyoutobelieve.Ifyouwillnotbelieve,youaddthissinuntoalltherest.Thisishiscommandment,thatyoushouldbelieve,orelseyouarerebelstohiscommandment.Nay,hecountsitasinworsethanthesinofSodomandGomorrah, a crying sin, not to come inwhen the gospel is proclaimed.Thereforeneverpretendyoursinsaregreatandmany,butbecauseofhisoffer, invitation, andcommand, itbeingwithoutall restraintofperson,sin, and time; even now, whatsoever thou hast been and art, seeing atwhatsoevertimeasinnerrepenteththereisnorestraintofanysinbutthesinagainsttheHolyGhost;ifthouthereforecomenotinandcastthyselfupon Christ, to be ruled by him hereafter, thou hast nothing at all topretend.Itisnotthegreatnessofthysins,butthywillingnesstobestillinthy sins, which hinders thee, for the greater thy sins have been, the

greaterwillhisglorybe in forgiving: 'Wheresinabounded, there,' saiththeapostle,'gracesuperaboundedsomuchthemore,'Rom.5:20.Isitnotfor the honour of the physician or surgeon, to cure great diseases andsorewounds?AmightyGodandSaviour lovestodomightythings: 'Heloved me, and gave himself for me.' Did Paul find mercy? Who thenshould despair when such findmercy?He had sinned against the firsttable by blasphemies, and against the second by oppression andpersecution.WhoshalldespairthenwhensuchasheandManassehshallfindmercy?Therefore inanycasecomein,andthegreatergloryChristshallhavebythycoming.Donotflatterthyselfwiththis,asifthysinsandunworthinessweresuchasGodcannotshewmercy tosuchawretchasthouart,orat leastwillnot.No,no;deceivenot thyself.Examinethineownfalseheart,andthoushaltfindthouartinlovewiththysinsandwiltnot leave them; and thiswill be alleged at theday of judgment againsttheebythineownconscience,thatthouwastmorein lovewiththysinsthan with the mercies of God in Christ, and therefore didst willinglyremain in thy infidelity. This is the true cause, indeed, of thybackwardness,andnotthegreatnessofthysins.Youseethenthatthereis ground sufficient for any sinner to come in and labour for thisparticularassurance.

Obj.Butputthecase,IbenotonethatChristredeemed,andGodelected.

Sol. Away with disputing, and fall to obey. Put this question out ofquestion,bybelievingandobeying.ComeinandstoopuntoChrist,andthen it will appear that thou art one that Christ died for; for he giveshimselfforallthatbelieveinhim.Dothouthyduty,bringthouthyhearttorestuponChrist,andtoberuledbyhim,andthenthouwiltput thisquestionoutofquestion,thatthouartoneofGod'select.Thedevilholdsmanyinastateofdarknessbythisdelusion.

Obj.IfIknewthatIwereelected,orthatChristdiedforme,thenIcouldbelieve.

'Secret thingsbelonguntoGod, revealed things tous,' saithMoses.Thydutyis,whenthouartsoughtfor,invited,entreated,andcommandedtobe reconciled, then to come in and yield obedience, and in yieldingthereof,thoushaltfindthefruitofChrist'sredemption,thatthouartone

for whom he gave himself. Thus much is for those who want thisparticularassurance.

Wellthen,todrawtoanend,forthosethatpretendtheyhaveaparticularfaithandassuranceofsalvation,bythistheyshallknowit.Thesethingswillfollow.

1.ThenthouhastacaretolivebyfaithintheSonofGoddaily,andinallestatesandconditions; andwhere this faithandassurance is, it iswithcareandconscienceofdutyalways.Hereinitisdistinguishedfromafalseconceit.Where there is no conscience of duty, there is no assurance ofparticular faith. This particular hath its ground from the general, fromthewordofGod.ThewordsaiththatChristgavehimselfforallbelievers;nowIknowIdobelieve:he lovesall those that lovehim;andIknowIlove him, therefore I am beloved of him. Thus true faith goes to theconditions of theword.Those that live in courses contrary to thewordhave not this faith. 'Be not deceived,' saith the Scripture: 'neitherwhoremonger, adulterer,noruncleanperson, shall inherit thekingdomofGod,' 1Cor.6:9.But Iamsuchaone, saithawickedman,andyet Ithinktoenterintoheaven,andthatGodwillbemerciful.No;inthiscasehe will not be merciful, because one thus concludes wrongly, by adiabolicalpersuasion,contrarytotheword.

2.Again,Thisiswithconflict.Youmayknowparticularapplicationwhereit is, to be good, because it iswith conflict against temptations.Amannever enjoys his own assurance of Christ's particular love, but with agreatdealofconflict.Therearetwogroundsthatfaithlays:

(1.)Thatgeneraltruth,thatwhosoevercastshimselfuponChristshallbesaved.

(2.) The particular application hereof—but I cast myself upon Christ,thereforeIshallbesaved.

This particular application, which is the work of faith, is mightilyassaulted,morethanthegeneral.Thedeviliscontentthatamanshouldbelieve the former,buthe troublesus in theapplication, 'but Ibelieve.'Hehinders,whathemay, thereflectact, thatwemaynotsay,IknowI

believe.Thus,wheresoeverthesenseofChrist'sloveis,thereisamightyconflict before it comes. The devil labours by all means to hinderapplication,forheknowsthatparticularfaithbringsChristhome,whichisall inall.But falseChristiansgoon ina smoothcourse, arenot thusassaultedfromdaytoday.Theyhopewell,notconsideringthatwhilstthestrongmankeeps thehold, all things are inpeace;whereas there isnoChristianbuthe findshisparticular faith stronglyassaulted,more thanhis general: which is the reason why these two equal truths are notequally believed, because Satan doth hinder the application, theminorpart assumingmore than the general. Thosewho have no conflictmayfeartheyhavenofaithatall,Godinwrathandjusticesufferingthemtogooninasmoothuninterruptedstate.Butallwhohaveexperienceknowwhat this spiritual conflict with an unbelieving heart means, when itcomestoapplication.

3.Again,amanmayknowhisfaithtobetruebyhiswillingnesstosearchhimself, and tobe searchedbyothers.He thathath a true sound faith,andparticularassurancefromthence,iswillingoftentimestosearchhisheart.Hewouldbebetterandbetter,labouringtoexaminehimselfandtobeexaminedofothers.Thosewhoarewilling togoon inastill smoothcourse,becausetheywillnotbreakthepeaceoftheirowndeludingfalsehearts,ratherthinkingallwellthantoputthemselvestothetrial,wemayknow this is but presumption.Where there is true application there isalwayswillingness to search our own evidence; nay, aChristianwill bewilling,whenhecannotfindhisownevidence,tohavethehelpofotherChristianstoreadhisevidenceforhim,andtotellhimofhisestate,andisinquisitive,especiallywhenhemeetswiththeskilfulinthosethings.

4.Again,ThisparticularfaithitiswithahighprizingandadmirationoftheloveofGodinChrist,'wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme.'Itisasign that he hath no interest in this love, that prizes and values otherthingsaboveit.Ifonehadanyassuranceofthis,hewouldvalueitaboveallotherthingsintheworld.HeknowsthathowsoeverChristgivesotherthings,riches,kingdoms,andhonourstocastaways,thatyetChristgiveshimselftononebuthisdearchildren.Thereforewhenheknowsthathehath interest inChrist,hevalueshimaboveall things intheworld;willpartwithallratherthanwithhisinterestinhim,whenothersgoonwith

ageneralconceitthatChristdiedforthemandlovesthem,orhowsoever,that yet comewhat will, they will go on in their pleasures and profits,thoughtheirheartstellthemthereissomethinghigherintheirsoulsthanChristandhislove.Youseethenthatwemayallcomeinwhowill.Thereis ground enough to draw them on, if they be not false to their owncomfort,andhowwemaytrywhetherwebeassuredornot.

Exhortation. I beseech you, therefore, aswe desire to do anything thatmaypleaseGod,labourforparticularfaithandassurance.WouldwehaveourwholecourseoflifetostinkbeforeGod?Itellyou,withoutthisfaithit is not possible to please God. Would we have all our life to passfruitfully,andnothingtorunuponouraccountwhenwearetodie?Ohpray that the Lord would increase our faith; above all, labour forparticular faith and assurance, for there is nothing Satan opposes usmorein.Itisahappyestate,aheavenuponearth.IfSatandothopposeitmost, and it be the greatest happiness we can enjoy, it is worth thelabouringafter.

Let especially those that have ground and cause to be assured, humblebroken-heartedChristians, let themby allmeansnot yield to Satan, somuchastoobscurethebeautyofaChristianlife,andtoweakenthegoodthings in others; who see them so mopish and cast down as thoughChristianitywerea lifeofperpetualsorrow,andnotratherofperpetualrejoicing,Ps.32:10,11.OurblessedSaviourindeedshewsthatmournersareblessed,but it ischieflybecause it tendsandends in joy.There isacommand to 'rejoice evermore,' but nowhere is it written, 'mourncontinually.' Every one, therefore, ought to express by all means thisassurance in the beauty of a holy life. Therefore those who makeconscience of holy duties and of their ways, let them not yield totemptationsofthiskind.Ifwebeinsuchdarkness,letusnottrustuntoour own judgment, but let us trust the judgment of others.Oftentimesothersknowmorebyusthanwebyourselves.Weoughttoyieldmuchtothe discerning of Christians in this kind. It is an easymatter when allthings gowell with us, in a right current, having some feeling, then tohavecomfortandtobefruitful;butwhenweareinourdumps,andinthehouroftemptation,thenitisnotsoeasy.Whenatreebearsagreatdealof fruit, and aboundswith leaves, it is an easymatter to say, This is a

fruitfultree;butwheninwinterthesapfallstotheroot,iscoveredwithsnowandfrost,theleavesshakenoff,andtherootthatisunseenlieshid,then it requiressome judgmentand formerexperience tosay,This treehath life,andis fruitful, thoughnowthereappearsnone.SoaChristianmaybeinsuchanestate,thatherequiresthejudgmentofsomeotherstolook upon him.When in such a case, hemust go to former times, forGod'sloveisconstant,alwayslikehimself.

And go to the secret working of grace; when outwardly there appearslittle,gotothepulses.As, ifwewouldknowwhetheramanwhois inaswoundhath lifeandbreath,wego to feel thepulses, to see if therebeanybreathremaining;so inacaseofdesertion,orseemingdeadnessofspirit,trywhichwaygoesthesoulinthedesiresofit.IstherenotadesiretopleaseGod?Aretherenotgroansandendeavourswiththosedesires?Are not those desires restless, and thy soul unsatisfied? Thou dost notcontent thyselfwitha little faith,but thoudesirestmoreandmore,andthouartashamed,becausethouhastsolittle.Thisisthepulsesbeating,andthebreathingsofalivingsoul.YieldnottoSatan,whotellstheethereis no ground for thee to be assured of thy estate.Wherewe find theseevidences of a living soul, we ought to believe there is true life there;whichIspeaktothose,who,withoutcause,arecarriedtodoubtoftheirestates.

Obj.Anddonot tieChrist to thy conditions: If I had feeling and joy, Icould believe, and be cheerful; if God would send a messenger fromheaven, an interpreter, one of a thousand unto me, or if I had thosesupernatural suavities that some others have found, and those joys; orwerenotcorruptionsobusywithme,andIsopronetobeovertakenbythem.

Sol.But I sayunto thee,knowthis for thycomfort, thatwhilst thouartclothed with flesh, two fountains will have two streams; that which isbornofthefleshwillbeflesh,andwhichisbornoftheSpiritwillbespiritstill. Inform thy judgment, mistake not, neither say thou wilt not becomforted unless thou find such a thorough mortification of thycorruption,asadmitsnostrongcombustion.

Quest. Shall St Paul, that chosen vessel, have cause to cry out, 'O

wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of thisdeath?'Rom.7:24,andcanstthouthinktobefreedfromthem?

Ans.No;deceivenotthyself.Thycomfortstandsinthis,withStPaul,notto allow the evil that thoudoest; that sin shallnothavedominionoverthee, as the apostle speaks, thou not being under the law, but undergrace;forsaithheinanotherplace, 'ThefleshlustethagainsttheSpirit,and the Spirit against the flesh: and these two are contrary, so that yecannot do the thingswhich yewould,'Gal. 5:17.Comfort thyself ratherfromthisself-combat,andthenceevengatherthyassurance,thatnowsinandthouarenotonelump;thataheavenlylighthathdiscoveredthisthydarkness unto thee; only be sure, sin hath no quiet possession in thee.Complainofthyself,andofthycorruptions,untothyChristasfastastheycome;laytheburdenuponthestrongest,andthenfearnottheissue:thatwhich thou allowest not of, complainest of, and repentest of, shall not,cannotundothee,buttheSpiritatlastshallhaveafinalvictory.Somuchforthycorruptions.

And for thy joy and feeling: tie not thy Saviour to thy conditions andqualifications;looktothydesires,thyconstantwalk,notthystrayingfitsand thine infirmities; remember that this isChristianperfection,not tolive in any gross sin, nor allow of any smaller sin; and for thyimperfections, look up unto that infinite fulness of thy Saviour, andstorehouseofallgrace,whencewereceivegraceforgrace: 'whoismadeunto us of God the Father, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, andredemption,'1Cor.1:30.Andthen,whatsoeverthyemptinessbe,apartof his riches being fetched and applied by the hand of faith,willmakethee up complete with the best. And know, that as in the state ofinnocency under the firstAdam, his comfort came fromwithin himselfuponhisobedienceordisobedience,sonowunderthesecondAdam,thetrue and substantial ground of thy comfort is without thyself, in thyjustification,andapplicationofhisall-sufficientmeritsandrighteousnesstothytremblingsoul.

Walk on therefore in the obedience of faith, having a respect unto allGod's commandments, and then assure thyself the promise is so, thoushalt not be ashamed. Labour as much as thou canst for an highermeasure of sanctification and mortification, for this will assure and

confirmthyjustificationthemoreitis;butwiththesecautions.

Caution 1. Be not discouraged at thy small measure whatsoever, if intruth, soas to flyoff fromapplying the richesof thySaviourandsweethusband unto thee; inwhom,whatsoever thy poverty be, ifmarried tohim, thouart complete and richwith thebest; for theweaker thouart,thou hast so much the more need of a stronger helper to uphold andsustainthee:itbeingthelawofmarriageforthewifetobeendowedwithallthehusband'sriches,whoistopayherdebts,whatsoevershebe,beingoncemarrieduntohim.

Caution2.Again,Whatsoeverpitchofsanctificationormortificationthouobtainest, restnot in that,butontheall-sufficiencyof thyblessedLordJesus,whoisthine,andsowithhimallhisobedience,righteousness,andmeritsofhislife,death,andresurrection;forthereisnothingsoexactinthee,but in the timeof tentation thedevilwill findahole in it, and somakehisadvantage thereof for thydiscouragement;whereas it is clear,'theprinceofthisworldbeingcome,'asourSavioursays,'foundnothinginhim,'John14:30.

Caution3.Andfortheremainder,inthoseeclipseswhichdampthyspiritinthisthypilgrimage,bydesertion,afflictions,orhowsoever,knowthatprecious faith, that itmay shine themore,must be tried.Make then avirtue of necessity, buckle thyself to this business ofmost importance;strivetoobeywhatsoeverthoufeelest;insenseofthymiserybelievethyhappinessinChrist;insenseofGod'sangerbelievehislove,andthathewill not be angry for ever. Faith, where it is, is of a victorious nature.Therefore, as in contraries thou wouldst have an evidence of anygoodness in thee, in contraries strive against contraries. When thoufeelestnothingbutmatterofdiscouragement,knowthecommandmentisto believe, and thy duty is to obey. No service can be performedcomfortably without some persuasion. Strive then to get all theargumentsthoucanstofagoodestate;andwhenthouthyselfartnotablegetotherstoreadthyevidencesforthee,believethejudgmentsofotherswhocantellthee,thatthesethingsfoundintheecomenotfromacorruptandfalseheart.

Andwithal,pray for the spirit of revelation, asStPauldoth,Eph.2:17.

PraythatGodwouldvouchsafetheehisSpirit,todiscoveruntotheethatlovehebears thee, and the riches thouhast inChrist; to shew thee theheight,andbreadth,anddepth,andlength,withallthedimensionsofhisloveinChristmoreandmore;thatsothemorewegrowinthesenseandfeelingofhislovetous,themorewemaybeinflamedtolovehimagain;forwecannotlovehimunlesswefindhimlovingusfirst.Sobegofhimtogive us the spirit of revelation. And attend upon the means that dothbegetfaith,whichisespeciallytheword,whichiscalledthewordoffaith,andlooktotheexamplesofothers,howGodhathbroughtthemfromawickedcourseoflifeintoasweetstateofgrace.Takebenefitlikewisebytheexampleofthosewelivewith.UseallmeanstotakenoticeofChrist'sparticularlove.Itisthemainthingweshouldlabourafterinthisworld.Canweknowhowlongwehavetoliveinthisworld?Whatwillmakeusdiewillingly,butwhenweknowthatChristwillhaveacareofoursouls?WhatmadeDavidtocommendhissoulintoGod'shands,butthis,'Thouhastredeemedme,OLordGodoftruth?'Ps.31:5.Whatwillmakeusdieinthefaithcheerfully?Why,Lord,thouhastredeemedmysoul;whenatthe hour of death we can commend our soul to Christ, Take my soul,blessedSaviour:thouhastredeemedme,thouhast lovedme,andgiventhyselfforme;lookuponthatsoulinmercythatthouhastsprinkledwiththineownblood.Strivewethenforthisparticularfaith,withoutwhichwecannotresignupoursoulscomfortablyuntoChristatthelast.

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