Christ in believers the hope of glory being the substance of several sermons / preached by John Brown. Brown, John, 1610?-1679. 1694 Approx. 290 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 106 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A29747 Wing B5027 ESTC R27231 09722183 ocm 09722183 44047 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A29747) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 44047) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1351:4) Christ in believers the hope of glory being the substance of several sermons / preached by John Brown. Brown, John, 1610?-1679. [7], 195 p. Printed by John Reid, Edinburgh : 1694. "Never before published in English." Reproduction of original in the Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Jesus Christ -- Sermons. Church of Scotland -- Sermons. Sermons, English -- 17th century. 2004-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2004-04 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion CHRIST IN BELIEVERS THE Hope of GLORY . BEING The Substance of several Sermons , Preached By The Learned , Laborious and Faithful Servant of Christ Mr. IOHN BROWN Sometime Minister of the Gospel at Wamphray in Annandale . Never before Published in English. EDINBURGH , Printed by Iohn Reid . Anno 1694. TO THE READER Christian Reader , AMongst the Prejudices , wherewith the Hearts of many of the People of this Generation are plagued , this is not the smallest or least ; that they accept of , or reject what cometh to the publick view of the World ▪ more as they affect or disaffect the Authors , then according to the Worth and Merit of the Thing published : And are more ready to say , As concerning this Sect , we know that every where it is spoken against , Then to say , But we desire to hear of thee , what thou thinkest , Or with the Noble Bereans , to search the Scriptures daylie , whether these Things be so or not . But Reader , For removing thy Prejudices , know , that the following Sheets exhibite unto thee , several Precious and Excellent TRUTHS , not to be found every where so succinctly and yet clearly handled ; Which , if thou hast any Spiritual Senses exercised to discern Good and evil , may by the Blessing of GOD , prove wholesome Food to thy Soul : And if thou hadst known the Reverend and Worthy Author , thou could'st not for his sake , have had the least ground to be prejudged at any Truth , that ever did come from his Pen. And for thy better Knowledge of him , he hath left some Monuments behind him of his singular Piety and Learning , which if perused , would no doubt make him great in thy Esteem : And these Monuments are extant in his Writings , both in Latine and English , in Polemick and Practical Divinity ; Such as his Book , De Causa Dei , contra Anti Sabbatorios . His Refutation of the Errors of Wolzogius and Velthusius , about the Right Interpretation of Scripture , and about Church Government , And an Manuscript intituled , Defensio Ecclesiae Scoticanae , &c. Which was exhibite to the General Assembly of this Church , Anno 1692. And is not yet published , but we wait for it , and expect that it shall be of the same Accuracie with the rest : All these , he hath Writen in Latine ▪ Moreover he hath written excellently against the Quakers , and made evident the dreadful tendency of their pestiferous Errors ; And for Practical Divinity , let the first and second Part of The Life of Faith , with his Book intituled , CHRIST the Way , the Truth , and the Life , be considered , and it shall be evident that he hath done great Service to the Church of GOD , particularly in discovering from the Scriptures , the right way of making use of CHRIST for sanctification ; A little Subject handled before him , especially in such a plain andclear Method . But Christian Reader , I would advertise thee , not to look for that Accurateness of expression in the following Sheets , which may appear in the Authors other Writings ; For they are only some Notes of Sermons preached in the time of the Authors trouble , at Utrecht , for the most part in his own Chamber ; Which after his Death , came to the hand of the Reverend Mr. James Koolman , Minister of the Gospel at Sluis in Flanders , and by him were published in Dutch , as an Appendix to the Dutch Translation of the Authors Book , intituled , CHRIST the Way , th● Truth , and the Life , And now are only translated out of Dutch , at first intended for the private ●se of some particular Persons , but afterward by the Solicitations of some , who had the occasion to read them , they were diligently compared with the Dutch Translation , and committed to the Press , the Original not being extant , so far as I know , that this present Translation may be compared with it , and therefore any Defects that may appear in this little Book , cannot in Iustice be ascribed to the Author , but to the Translators , who yet have used very great Diligence and Faithfulness in what they have done . And to conclude , I am hopeful that the Reader shall find , that what pains he shall bestow , upon the perusing of them , shall not be in vain , they containing so many Soul-Solacing Truths , so clearly proposed , together with many Pathetick Exhortations , and Soul-Searching Marks of Christians , all founded upon clear Scripture Testimony , and when perused , he shall say , that the Report he hath heard of them , was not only true , but that the half of what was true of them , was not reported . CHRIST THE Hope of Glory IN BELIEVERS , &c. Coloss. 1.27 . To whom God would make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery among the Gentiles , which is Christ in you , the Hope of Glory . THe Apostle having made mention of the Gospel , whereof he was made a Minister , according to his ordinary Method , cannot supe●ficially pass it over : But as he counted it his Glory , to be employed in that Glorious Ambassage of Preaching ▪ the Gospel to lost Sinners , Rom 1 16. 1 Tim. 1.12 . So he falleth out on all occasions in the commen●ation of that Noble Ambassage : And therefore having made mention of the Gospel , vers . 23.25 . before he proceed further , he cannot but ( in thi● and the foregoing verse ) give it some commendatory or praise worthy Titles , to make it more amiable and acceptable . What he sayes th●reof in this 27 Vers may b● summed up in ●hese few Heads . 1. That it is a Mystery , not easie to be understood by every one ▪ 2. That it is meerly the Fruit of fre● Garce and good Pleasure of God , that this Mystery wa● made known and manifested . 3. That whateve● outward Discoveries are made thereof unto al● within ●he visible Church , yet the more specia● Mani●estations and Discoveries thereof , are reserved for , and made manifest unto the Saint● 4. That this is a Mystery , which hath Glory i●●t . 5. That the Glory of this Mystery is not ordinary : There is in it , The Riches of Glory . 6. Th●● this is now made known among the Gentiles . 7. Th●● the Quintessence , Ki●nel , or the Riches of th● Glory of this Mystery , or the very ●nd or ai● thereof is . Christ in you the Hope of Glory . What we have to say upon this Verse , we sha●● reduce to these principal Heads . First , There is a Glory to come , whereof som● shall be made partakers . Secondly , There is an Hope of that Glory , whic● may be attained in time . Thirdly , The surest ground and most undoub●●d Mark of that Hope , is , Christ l●ving and wo●●ing in the Soul. Fourthly , Here is unfolded a short sum of a the riches of the Glory of the Mystery of the Gospel , Christinus , the Hope of Glory . As to the First Head : We see there is a Glory , whereof B●lievers here have an Hope , and in the expectation whereof they are to live : This ●hrough ●he whole Scripture is sufficiently held forth as ●hat which the real Children of God , are to meet with ; And in the beholding whereof , they are supported and comforted against all Rancounters ●hey may meet with in a wicked World : But who can tell what this Glory is ? Seeing 1. It do●h not yet appear what we shall be , 1 Ioh. ● , 2. And notwithstanding it be much mention'd in Scripture , yet is it not as yet seen ; it is as yet an unseen Glory , hidden for the present from the Eyes of those , who undoubtedly shall be made partakers of the same . 2. It is called a Glory tha● shall be revealed , 1 Pet. ● . 1 And when shall i● be revealed ? Even wh●n Christ● Glory shall be revealed , then shall Believers be glad with exceeding joy , 1 Pet 4.13 . When Christ who is our Life shall appear , then shall ye a●so ●ppear ( saith the Apostle to the same Colossians , Chap. 3 4. ) with him in Glory . 3. It is a Glory which shall be revealed in us , Rom. ● . 18 . So that now it must be an unseen and super●xcellent Glory ; Not an outward show , or a bor●owed Glance , but an inward Glory , which shall ●e revealed in us . 4. It is such a Glory , which eye hath not seen , ●or ear heard ▪ neither hath it entered into the H●art of Man to conc●ive what this foreordained Glory is , Isa. 64 4. 1 Cor 2 9 , It were but o● small value , if M●r●als by their words could express i● , yea if crea●ed Wisdom could comprehend it , or sufficiently understand what it is . Le● the highest s●aring wi●s , that are , propose to themselves the greatest Glory they can imagine ▪ and let others come after them , and add to thei● highest Conceptions , and so on , until there wer● none mo●e to add thereunto : And if it were possible the whole Quint●ssence of their united Conceptions were molten into one Mass , or reduce● into one comprehensive Thought , it should com● short , yea very far short of that Mysterious Glory which shall be revealed , but hitherto it hath no●●ntered into the Heart of man to conceive : How unfi● are we then to speak of it , being unexpressibly greater than we can imagine . Nevertheless let us ●eview some Scriptural Expressions concerning this Glory . As 1. Sometimes it is holden forth , under th● Name of a Kingdom , and of a Kingdom bestowe● of the Father , Luke 12 29 , 32. A Kingdom appointed by Christ , Luke 22.29 . And a Heavenl● Kingdom , whereunto we are preserved , 2 Tim. ●● 18. And what greater Glory can Mortals here e●pect then to be Kings , and to be Heirs of Kingdoms ? And O! this a Kingdom of ano●h●● kind ; a Kingdom of Glory , wherein there is nothing but pure and unmixed Glory : All th● Subjects of this Kingdom are Glorious , all the Exercises are Glorious , all the Air they breath in is Glorious , the Meat they feed upon , i● Glorious , all their Garments are Glorious . 2. It is called a Crown , and a Crown of Glory , 1 Pet. 5.4 . Kings highly esteem of their Crown , and the Rights and Pendicles thereof , and will spare no possible means for the defence of the same ▪ Though notwithstanding of all , their Crowns may fall from their Heads , and their Right die out , either through their u●just Purchase , or possessing of the same . But this Crown is a Crown of Righteousness , 2 Tim. 4.8 . A Crown incorruptible , 1 Cor 9 25. Kings with all their Crowns , more then the Beggar , cannot once buy by Dea●h , Psal. 49.7 , 8 , 9. They must return unto the Dust : But this is a Crown of Life , which preserves from all Deaths , and all its Concomitants , Revel 2.10 . 3. They are said to Reign , that is ▪ really to possess their Kingdom , and to enjoy the Glory of their Greatness : Earthly Kings may be Titular Kings , and no more , having the Title without the Kingdom ; But the Poss●ssors of this Glory , are truly in possession of the Kingdom of Glory . They Reign , and not only so , but they Reign with Christ. 2 Tim. 2.12 . And that for ever and ever , Revel . 22.5 . They sit with Christ on his Throne , as He sits with his Father in his Throne , Revel . 3 21. O who can unfold the Glory that is in this Glory ! that Believers should not only behold the Glory of Christ , Iohn 17 : 24. But that also they should be made partakers with h●m therein ; That He as the Head , and they as th● Members should enjoy the same Glory : How deep and unexpressible is this Ocean of Glory ? 4. This Glory is held forth under the Name o● an Inheritance , to point forth the undoubted right which they have thereto through Grace ▪ and th● sure possession , which they shall have thereof i● due time ; It is an Inheritance amongst all them which are Sanctified , Act. 20.22 . And 26.18 . A● Inheritance of the Saints in Light , Coloss. 1.12 . A● Inheritance incorruptible , undefiled , and that fadeth not away , reserved in Heaven for you , 1 Pet. 1 4.5 . It is called an Eternal Inheritance , Heb : 9 15. An Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God , Ephes 5.5 . Further , let us consider , as to this Glory , what other Names , it getteth in Scripture . 1. It is called a Crown of Glory , 1 Pet. 5 4. A Crown of Glory that fadeth not away : This is far preferrable to the Crowns of yellow Clay . 2. It is an Eternal Glory , 2 Tim 2.10 . 1 Pet. 5.10 . This is Glory that fadeth not away , no wayes bounded nor confined within the narrow , or short Marches of time , but stretched out through all the Ages of endless Eternity . 3. It is a Glory wherewith the Saints shall appear wi●h Christ , Coloss. 3 4 I● shall be his Livery , who is the King of Glory , and the Saints their Livery . 4. It is a vast weight of Glory ; therefore the Apostle knows not enough how to express and demonstrate it , 2 Cor. 4 17. Calling it a far more exceeding and Eternal weight of Glory ; But the Original is more Emphatick , as if we should thus express it , by one Hyberbole added to another , the one supperlative expression surpassing the other : It is an Eternal weight of Glory : O how wonderful ! A weight of Glory , who can poise it ? An Eternal weight ; when shall the weight thereof be pondered ? An transcendant Eternal weight ; yea not only so , but a far more exceeding and transcendant weight of Glory . 5. It is called the Glory of Jesus Christ , 2 Thess 2.14 . For Believers are made joynt Heirs with him , Rom. 8.17 . It is the Glory , which He ha●h purchased ; The Glory which he is now in poss●ssion of ; The Glory which He prepareth for His own , Joh. 14 3. The Glory , which He hath gotten from the Father , that He may bestow it on them , Joh. 17.22 . 6. It is a Glory , which is the Saints portion ; Ephess . 1.18 . Coloss. 1.12 . Who must be made meet to be partakers of the same ; For without are Dogs , Sorcerers , Whoremongers , Murderers , Idolaters , and whosoever loveth and maketh a Lye , Revel . 22 15. No Whoremonger nor unclean person , nor Covetous man , who is an Idolater , hath Inheritance● in the Kingdom of Christ , and of God. Ephes 5.5 . Therefore must the H●irs of this Glory be prepared thereunto , Rom 9.23 . se● Revel 21.27 . 7. It is a Glory far surpassing all Sufferings whatsomever ; they are not once to be laid in t●● ballance , or compared with the same , Rom. ● 18 ▪ For I reckon , saith the Apostle , that the Suff●rings of this present time , are not worthy to be comp●red with the Glory , which shall be revealed in us . O● Suff●rings here are but Light , and for a moment ▪ How can they then be compared with this Glory in respect of the weightiness thereof , seeing in superlative degree , it is wholly and exceedingl● excellent ? Or to be compared , in respect of i● continuance , seeing it is Eternal ? What proportion is there between a moment and Eternity ? Not so much as between the tenth part of ● drop of Water , and the vast Ocean . 8. It is a Glory that reacheth both Soul and Body , even the very lump of fl●sh ; our Bodies shall be raised in Glory , 1 Cor. 15.43 . And Christ Jesus shall change our vile Bodies , that they may be fashioned like unto his Glorious Body : Phil. 3.21 . But if you should ask the Question , what really that Glory is : We must acknowledge we cannot answer it ; it is far , yea very far above our Uptakings , neither hath it ever entered into the heart of man to fathom or take it up ; How can we then express it ? O that we had the Faith thereof established in our Hearts ! We might better tell you what that Glory is not , then what it is . Let us then consider a little , what this Glory doth free the Believer from . 1 , That Glory shall then freely deliver the Believer from all distress , Sorrow , Sighing , Pains , Tortures , Stiches , Sicknes and Death ; There is no Death in Glory , for it is without end ; The weight of that Glory is so sweet and satisfying , that the Soul , that is loaded therewith , cannot but rejoyce continually , and forget all its Sorrows and Complaints ; there is no Sighing under that burden ; Fo● , however it be exceeding weighty , yet it is both able to bear it self , and support , and bear up the Soul loaded therewith : And the Ransomed of the Lord shall 〈◊〉 return ; and come to Zion , with Songs and everlasting joy upon their Heads , they shall obtain joy and gladness , and sorrow and fighing shall flee away , Isa. 35.10 . In the Heavenly Zion , in that place of Glory , there is no Mourning to be heard , Isa. ●1 . 11 . That Glory cannot admit of the least tear amongst the Inhabitants ●here ; For the Lord God shall wipe away Tears from off all faces , Isa 25.8 . Revel 7.17 . and 21 4. The Inhabitant of that Land shall not say , I am sick , Isa 33.24 . 2. That Glory shall de●iver the Believer from all occasions of Sorrow and Sadness ; no Oppressor nor Persecuter shall breath there ; no Object of sorrow there ; no injury shall be done to any there , no scorching Sun there ; the Sun shall not Light upon them , nor any heat , Revel 7 16. Isa. 49.10 . 3. That Glory shall deliver the B●liever from all sin , the very Fountain of all our Miseries ; Sin cometh not within the Marches of the new Land of Glory ; Corruption may pursue and molest a Child of God , to the very Ports of Glory , bu● there they part , never more to meet : There , he shall be in case to cry out , Victory , Victory ! O Death , where is thy Sting ? O Grave where is thy Victory ? The sting of Death is Sin , but Sin shall have no access there . 4. That Glory sh●ll deliver the Believers from all Temptations to sin , whether from within , o● from without : No Devils , nor Instruments o● Devils there , to molest or tempt us ; no inward stirrings of Corruptions there ; no Objects to divert there , no lusting of the Eye , no lusting of the Flesh , nor pride of Life , shall be there . That Glory secures the Soul , and seats it beyond the reach of all spiritual Enemi●s : There , shall Believers be as Princes , Rulers and Conquerors over the World ; And there , shall Satan , w●th all his Devices and Instrumen●s be utterly routed , and eternally shakled under their feet , and shall never more be unloosed . 5. That Glory shall deliver us from all Anxieties and Torme●ting perplexi●ies , whereunto here , we are made lyable ; no Hunger , Thirst , Cold , Weariness , &c. there ; The Labourer shall Sweat no more there ; The burden bearer shall cry no more , O my back ? The poor man shall drudge no more for Bread to his Family , he shall no more travel over Sea and Land , for Back and Belly , They shall Hunger no more , neither Thirst any more ; and wherefore ? For the Lamb , which is in the midst of the Throne shall ●eed them , and shall lead them into living Fountains of Waters , Revel 7.16 , 17. 6. That Glory sh●ll deliver them from all Darkness of Judgement about their Duty , and doubtings and questionings concerning their State or Frame , neither suspecting it as to the present , no● eve●●earing a change therein as to the future : Glory is Light , and pure Light , neither can it admit of Darkness ; the Light that is there , darkens the Sun ; For that City of Glory hath no need of the Sun , neither of the Moon to shine in it , For the Glory of God doth Lighten it , and the Lamb is the Light thereof , Revel . 21.23 . There the Bride shineth , for her Light is come , and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon her . Isa 60.1 . 7. That Glory shall deliver the Believer from all sorrowful and heart-breaki●g Ecclipses and interruptions of the Beams of the Love and Favour of God : Now Clouds interveens betwixt the Light of Gods Countenance , and the poor Soul , with many Jealousies , Fears and Terrors , and sometimes real ▪ and sometimes fancied Desertions , tormenting the Believer , casting him in Feavers and Distempers , waging War against him , so that he looks out into God , and the da●es of old , and he is troubled : But there is no Desertion in Glory , no Clouds , no Night there , Revel . 21 25. Their Su● shall never set , no Ecclipses there ▪ They shall dwell in the Light of his Countenance , and drink in Eternally the Out le●tings of Glory from the unmeasurable and Etternally living Fountain of Glory , and that without the least interruption ; They shall everlastingly ly in the bosome of God. 8. That Glory shall deliver the Believer from all deadness , formali●y , sinking under the burden of Duties , upsitting through Discouragements and sloathfulness in the waye● of the Lord , and from all such Spiritual Distempers : They shall serve him there , night and day without wearying or upsitting , Revel 7 15. All who come to land in Glory , they shall mount up with wings as Eagles , they shall run and not be weary , and they shall walk and not be faint , Isai : 40 : 31 : There shall that word be fulfilled , He that is feeble among them — shall be as David ; and the house of David shall be as GOD , as the Angel of the LORD before them Zech : 12 : 8 : Thus we have opened some what of that Negative happiness , ( may we so call it ? ) which holds forth some what of this Glory : But if you ask what positively i● is , we lose our selves , not being in case to answer it ; Nevertheless the Scriptures makes use of some expressions , whereby we may come to understand somewhat of that Life of Glory : However many of them are but borrowed from such enjoyments and exerc●ses as are most pleasant and delectable ●o us here : We only shall make mention of the most principal ones . As 1 ▪ It is a Life of grea● Joy and Gladness : They shall obtainjoy and gladness , Isa. 35.10 and 51 8. Then th●s Gladness is great , it shall be an unspeakably glorious Joy , 1 Pet. 1.8 . For then they shall see him ; seeing the joy , which now they have , when they love him , whom they see not , and believe on an unseen Christ , is inexpressible and full of Glory : How much more inexpressibly full of Glory shall they then be , when they come to embrace him whom their Soul loveth ; whom now they enjoy alone by Faith : Spiritual Joy and Gladness in the Holy Ghost is the very beginings of it in time , Rom. 14.17 . It is here a Fruit of the Spirit , Gal. 5.22 . It is an exceeding great joy , 1 Pet. 4.13 . That when his Glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceeding joy : It is an everlasting joy , ●sa . 35.10 . and 51.11 . The very earnest thereof here enjoyed , far surp●steth the laughing joy of the wicked , Psal. 4 7 It is a peculiar joy , a rejoycing in the g●adness of his Nation , Psal. 106.5 . Here is Fulness of joy , Psal 16.11 . 2. It is a Life of clear Sight ; we shall know no more in part , but know even as we are known , 1 Cor. 13.12 . And We shall see him as he ●s , 1 Joh 3.2 . Now we see darkly through a Gla●s , But then face to face , 1 Cor. 13.12 . In the Light of Glory there is no Da●kness . The Soul no sooner enters the threshold of Glory , but it is delivered from all Damps , Mists , Clouds and Imperfections , and capacitate more fully and disti●ctly to receive the Outtings of Light ●verlastingly flowing from that Fountain of Light , who dwelleth In the Light which no man can approach unto , 1 T●m . 6.16 . Not that the Soul shall then be in case to behold Gods being , whom no man hath seen , or ca● see ; He remains for ever God Invisible , 1 Tim 1.17 . And the Believer a finite Creature , and s● incapable to behold the Being of God , whic● is Infinite and Invisible : But they shall be admitted to such nearness , and enjoy such immediate Manifestations and Beams flowing fro● the Fountain of Glory , that it shall be as a se●ing of him face to face , and a knowing of him as we are known , in comparison of what here enjoyed : Undoubtedly our Understandin● though never so deep , shall be there complea●ly satisfied , and that is enough , and may satis●●● us . 3. That Glory hath a wonderful transfor●ing vertue , as appeareth from 1 Iohn 3.2 . 〈◊〉 shall be like Him ; that is , like unto Christ , 〈◊〉 whom the Apostle speaks there , for we sha●● see him as he is . The discoveries of God in th● Land of Glory , shall transform us , and i● print in the Soul those Heavenly Accompli●●ments , which shall make us like unto him . T●● Divine rayes proceeding from that Object , 〈◊〉 received by the Soul , shall make it , so far●● capable , conformable to the Object , ca●●●ing alongst with them a transforming Po●●● and Vertue : They shall imprint in the Sou●● lively Copy of the Glorious Communica●● Vertues , after a more Clear , full , Heavenly 〈◊〉 visible way , and in a far greater measure 〈◊〉 here ; Though even here , the Glory of the Lord being seen as in a Glass , changeth the Believer Into the same Image , from Glory to Glory , even as by the Spirit of the Lord , 2 Cor. 3.18 . This is a powerful operative Glory ; a continual refreshing Glory . 4. That Glory filleth up the spacious desires and out-stretched uptakings of the Soul ; so that the Soul living in Glory can complain of no wants , but is compleatly satisfied , Ps. l7. 15 . I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness . Then shall all the corners of the wide and vastly enlarged Soul be fully satisfied . There shall be no Hunger and Thirst there after wants , for all shall be enjoyed , what the Soul can desire . This teacheth us 1 st . That all the good to be enjoyed there , shall be real , and not apparent only and imaginary . 2 ly . It shall be a most fit and suteable good ; other wayes it could never satisfy ; superfluity of Water is satisfying to a Fish , because in its Element ; yet could not be so to man , who lives in another Element . 3 ly . There shall be no scarcity of ●hat suteable and convenient good , but a fulness that shall answer all the extended desires of the Soul. 4 ly . That the Soul shall possess and enjoy this ●ullness , that it may be satisfied therewith , and get all its wan●s filled up thereby . 5. In ●hat Glory , the Believer is admitted to more close Fellowship with God ; For there they are admitted to stand before the Throne of God , Revel 7.15 . There it is , that they shall fully possess Him as their Portion , and tha● familiarly ; For they ●tand there as Ministers o● State , attending the Kings own person ; Then behold they H●s Face , and live and do rejoyce i● the Light of his Countenance day and nigh● They are made Pillars in the Temple of God ▪ and they shall go no more out , Rev. 3.12 . Glor● is their House and Element ; They could no● live without th●t Glory ; They could no● breath without His Company ; He dwells among them , even He that sitteth upon t th● Throne , Revel 7.15 . There the great Tabernacle of God is with men , whereof this Tabernacle enjoyed by them in the Church Militan● is but a sm●ll resemblance ; There it is , when that word sha●l be made good and lively , whic● we have Revel . 21.3 . And I heard a great voic● out of Heaven , saying ▪ Behold the Tabernacle 〈◊〉 God is with men , and He will dwell with them , an● they shall be his People , and God himself shall b● with them , and shall be their God. The Believe● there lyeth in the Bosome of God , there it 〈◊〉 that They shall see his Face , and his Name shall b● in their Foreheads , Revel 22 4. 6. In Glory they shall have near Communio● wi●h Jesus Christ their Head , their Husban● their Brother , their Lord and King ; Then they are with Christ , and enjoy Him , Phil. 1 23. 2 Cor. 5.8 . And ●hat for ever and ever 1 Thess 4.17 . He lives with them , and feed them ; The Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne , shall feed them , and shall lead them , Rev. 7 17. They shall sit with him there , upon his Throne , Revel . 3.21 . There got they the Morning Star , Revel . 2.28 . There do they eat of the hidden Manna , Rev. 2.17 . Here the Soul is put to long for nearness with Christ , and complain of clouds interrupting the Beams of His Love ; But there they shall see Him to their Contentment and Satisfaction ; For they shall be continually with the Lord , and follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth , Revel . 14.4 . There shall the I●habitan●s of Glory be partakers of the Marriage of the Lamb , Revel . 19 7 , 8. 7. In Glory their Work and Imployment shall be to serve God and the Lamb , day and night in his Temple , Revel . 7 15. and 22.3 . And to praise Him there each one , and all of them shall take their Harps and Sing a new Song ; saying , thou art worthy — For thou wast slain ; and hast redeemed us to God by thy Blood ▪ out of every Kindred and Tongue , and People and Nation : And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests — And again , Worthy is the Lamb that wast slain to receive Power , and Riches ▪ and Wisdom , and Strength , and Honour , and Glory , and Blessing , — And again , Blessi●g , and Glory , and Honour , and Power , be unto Him that sit●eth upon the ●hrone , and unto the Lamb for ever and ever , Revel 5 8 , 9 , 12 , 13. There they are admitted to the most honourable Employment imaginable , to the excellentest and most noble peice of Work , i● the high Court of the great King , to a work without end and interruption , or wearying ; Thei● Harps shall never be mistuned , their Tongue● never wearied , and their Song shall never wa● old , but shall endure new , fresh and delight son● through out all the ●ges of Eternity : There is , that they cry wi●h a loud voice , Salvation 〈◊〉 our God which sitteth upon the Throne , and unto th● Lamb , R●vel . 7 9 , 10. This is their Song wh●● stand before the Throne and before the Lamb arrayed with white Robes , with Palms in thei● Hands , and they are not alone in this exercis● They have the Angels singing with them , eve● all the Angels that st●nd , round about th● Throne , Saying , Amen Blessing and Glory , 〈◊〉 Wisdom , and Thanksgiving , and Honour , a●● Power and light , be unto our God for ever and ever Revel 7.11 , 12. O what a sweet●est is the● And what joy ●nd satisfact●on is ●here in th● restless , and ●●●rnally refreshing Exercise , 〈◊〉 singing Pr●ise unto God , and the Lamb , an● in p●oclai●i●g ev●●l●sti●gly their Experienc● o● the unspeaka●le great Favours wh●ch th● con●●●●●lly e●j●y . 8 In Glory ●he Soul is continually ravishe● and refreshed through the continually new an● fresh Rayes and Ou●goings of th● Love , 〈◊〉 Grace and Favour of God , that fl●weth fo●●●rom the Living and Eternal Fountain of all Satisfaction : There the Inhabitants of Glory e●j●●●ullness in the presence of God , and Drink of ●he Pleasures that are at his Right Hand for evermore , Psal. 16 , 11. They are abundantly satisfied , and Drunk with the Fatness of that higher House , and made to Drink of the River of his Pleasures , Psal 36.8 . The Lamb shall lead them unto living Fountains of Waters , Revel . 7.17 . There they have subst●ntially that Feast of Fat things , a Fe●st of Wines on the Lees , of Fat things ●ull o● M●rrow , of Win●s on the Lees excellently refi●ed . For he will swallow up Death in Victo●y , and the Lord God will wipe away Tears from all Faces , Isa. 25.6 8. O! Then ye Expectan●s of Glory , let me lay before you some f●w Duti●s . As 1. Be astonished ever this wonder●ull● condiscending Love and free Grace of God , that hath predestinate and called you to such a s●a●e of Glory , who were as well as others H●irs of Hell. and had forfeited your Right to Glory and Salvation , as well as they , who sh●ll never taste of the Fruit of that True that growe●h in the midst of the Paradice of God , and of ●hat Feast of Glory : I say , stand and a●mi●● this his free Love , and begin with your Heavenly Work of Glory here in time . 2 Hold the Faith of this Glory fr●sh in your Souls , and let your Conversation wi●nes● to all men , that you believe there is an approaching Glor● , whereof you are Expectants . 3. Make sure to your selves this Inheritance of Glory through Fa●●● in Christ ; and hold your Interest clear : vouch the La●b and his Interest here , that y●● may live everlastingly wi●h him hereafter . Be much in the Meditation thereof , and in p●●paring your self thereto : Give you● self over Him , who shall make you meet ●o be a par●●ker of the Inheritance o● the Saints in Light , Co● 1.12 5. Fix your Affections upon and Seek thi● things which are above , where Christ sitteth at 〈◊〉 right hand of God , Col. 3 1. And not upon thin● below : How shall you otherwayes eviden● that you are Heirs of Glory ? Is there such Glorious Inheritance for you above , and ar● your Hearts and Affections still below ? O How unbeseeming is it to such who have th● hope and expectation of a Crown , to be sti●●gading in their Affections after Straws . 6 Lay seriously to Heart what you have expressed Philip. 3.20 . Let your Conversation be in Heaven , live as Burgesses of that Glory , as having your whole Stock and Traffique there . 7. Desire and long to be there , with Christian Submission ; I desire saith the Apostle ( Phil. 1.23 . ) to depart and be with Christ. 8. Come for●h and take possession of this Life of Glory , by giving up your selves to serve him , in receiving and enjoying Him by Faith , and by giving over your selves to be guided and ordered according to His Will. 9 Let your Faith in Him comfort and support you here in time : And that ( 1. ) Against Poverty and Wants here ; For Glory is coming , which shall more than make ●hem all up . ( 2. ) Against Reproaches , Shame and Contempt in the World ; The Crown of Glory will recompence all wrongs , and the Garments of Glory will compleatly cover all . ( 3. ) Against outward Difficulties and Persecution , especially when occasioned by stedfast standing for Christ and His Cause , for all these shall disappear so soon as the Palms are put in thy Hand , and the Triumphant Song in thy Mo●●h . ( 4. ) Ag●inst Sin and a living Body of Death ; For Glory Come●h which shall put an end to it ; Sin shall not enter there , it cannot once breath in that Element of Glory . ( 5 ) Against Satan and Temptations , for in Glory , you shall no more be vexe● with them , these darts have no Place there . ( 6. ) This should comfort against your distance from God , and the hidings of his Countenanc●● for in Glory , you shall eternally behold His Face , without any interveening Clouds . ( 7. ) This should comfort against wearying and faggings in Duty , for that Glory will strengthen you in the work of Glory . ( 8. ) Let this comfort you against the weakness of Grace , and especially of that of Love , which sha●l be perfect in Glory ; For Love sh●ll be all there ; Faith and Hope shall there t●ke ●heir farewell of the Believer , as having finished their work . Secondly , That which we have to mark in this Text , is the Hope , of this Glory : Which gives us ground to speak of two things : The First is more abstractly and generally hel● forth : The Second , more clearly and particularly . As to the First , which is by way of exclusion , Viz. That however the Believer has a Righ● to these great things , By vertue of the promisses of GOD in the Covenant of Grace , an● the Merits of Jesus Christ the Cautioner ; Ye● here , they have no Possession of what is purchased or promised ; They must wait , and live a● those that wait : And not only they but our selv●● also , which have the first fruits of the Spirit , eve● we our selves Groan within our selves , waiting fo● the Adoption , to wit , the Redemption of our Body for we are saved by Hope : But hope that is seen 〈◊〉 not hope , for what a man se●th , why doth he ye● hope for ? But if we hope for that we see not , that do we with Patience wait f●r it . Rom : 8.23.24 25 Glory is purchased for them at a dear ra●e to wit , the Blood of Christ , and promised to to them by the GOD of Truth , who cannot lie ▪ Nevertheless , while here in time , though now and h●● a● the LORD sees good , they may ge● some foretaste of that life of Glory , and have best●wed on them the Earnest of the Inheritance , even the Holy Spirit of promise by whom they 〈◊〉 seale● : Yet they must wai● until the Redem●tion of the Purchased Possession , Ephes : 1.13.14 All that is goten here is but the earnest of what is to come , and of what is folded up in the promise , which they must follow after in Faith and hope ; Here they wait for that Glory and live in the Faith and expectation of what is to come : And now abideth Faith , Hope , &c. 1 Cor : 13.13 . The Lord sees it good , it should b● so , for wise and weighty reasons , we shall offer some few which may satisfie us herein . 1 Reason , That he may attain the praise of his truth and faithfulness ; when it is seen , that such who are no Fools dare nevertheless adventure their Souls and all their Concernments upon GODs naked word , d●pend thereupon , and Possess their Souls in patience : and thus live in hope ; Yea not only so , but Rejoyce in the hope of the Glory of GOD. Rom. 5.2 . Though for the present they may have very little or nothing in hand . 2. Reason , That thereby the several Graces of GODs Spirit may be exercised in them , as Faith , Patience , longing , &c. Whereof the beliver shall make no use , when once in possession of Glory : The hope that is seen is no hope , that is , hope has no more place , when the thing hoped for is seen and po●sessed ; And where hope is in exercise , there is also a patient waiting ; all which acknowledge Faith to be the foundation whereon ●h●y stand ; Now is the time and season ●or these Fruits to grow , for a● soon as the hoped for Inheritance is attained these flowers shall no more blo●som in the Garden of the Soul. Now must we live by Fai●● and not by Sense , 2 Cor. 5.7 . Now is it tha● they groan earnestly , desiring to be cloath●● upon , with their House which is from Heave● to wit , while they are in this Tabernacle , 2 Cor 5.1 , 2 , 4. Now abideth Faith , Hope , 1 Cor. l3. 13 3. Reason , That they may be prepared an● made meet for ●hat Glory , and to be partakers 〈◊〉 the Inheritance of the Saints in Light , Col. 1 . 1● Glory is no ordinary Life , neither shall Sinner find a breathing in that Element , they must b● changed , washed and prepared before the● come there : The rough stones win out of Natures Womb , must be plained and polished before they can be use●ull Materials for the higher House . Here then , must the Expectants of tha● Glory , through the exercise of Faith , Hope , Patience , &c. Be adorned and fitted for th●● glorious Habitation . The Children that were 〈◊〉 stand before the King of Babylon , were to b● taugh● and ●●●●ished wi●h the King● Meat , a●● Wine , w●ich be Drank for the space of th●●● years , Dan. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5. Far more then are 〈◊〉 Attenders o● Glory , to be prepared , whereb● they may be fi●ted to stand in the presence o● the grea● King of Glory , and that everlastingly ▪ 4. Reason : Th●● thereby , Glory may be the sweeter a●d welcomer unto them , when th●● get it , a lo●g expected Crown , is the welcomer when o●●●ined . 5. Reason , That thereby He may have occasion to evidence the Glory of his Power Truth and Faithfulness , in bringing them at last to the Possession of the promised Inheritance , after some few years patient waiting , and that notwithstanding of many difficulties in the way , the deceitfulness of their own Hearts , the many discouragements , from within and from without , wherewith they had to Fight . 6. Reason , That the ungodly among whom they live , may be the more inexcusable , who say in effect , that there is no God , and that he is not to be trusted , That Glory and Blessedness is but a meer dream and fancy ; when they see that Believers among them , rest on the Faithful word of God , and comfort themselves in the Hope of Glory , which shall be revealed , and that in the midst of reproaches , Persecutions , Poverty , Difficulties , &c. And that they will not let go the hope of that Inheritance , for all the Profite and Pleasures of the World , or condescend to any thing , which in the least might prejudge that Hope , no not for the greatest of worldly advantages , Rom. 8.18 . But here , take some words of Vse alongst with you . 1. For Caution to such who now ●nd then win at some Foretastings of this glorious Life of Glory , and sometimes are admitted to the Kings Banqueting-house , and filled with the Kisses of his Mouth , and Eat of his Aples of Love , and so are brought into the very Suburbs of Heaven : I would say these things unto them . ( 1. ) Think not that that life , will alwayes continue , you may now and then have more then ordinary Dainties , and some dayes of Feasting ; yet remember ▪ that thy Life here is by Faith , Hope , &c. And not by Sense : But providing that it please th● Lord out of his overflowing Goodness , fo● his own Glory , to da●dle you on his Knee● and to treat you more then ordinary , make i● welcome ; Be not puffed up therewith , no● imagine that it will be your ordinary fare , s● long as here in time : But rather look that ther● will be a low ebb , after such a Spring-flood and that that Table shall yet again be drawn And so prepare your self for your ordinary portion , remembring , that thy Life here , Is Life of Hope , grounded upon Faith. ( 2. ) Wh●● of this sort of extraordinary intertainme●● you also get , look but on it as a Pledge or A●les-penny , and endeavour to carry your selv● as Expectants of Glory , looking out into tha● which is to come , and let your desires grow● the more to compleat the Harvest , since th● first Fruits are so sweet , be not satisfied wi●● what you receive of that nature as if it we●● your Portion . Glory is here not in Hand , b● in Hope to such . 2. Vse . To such , who are great Strange to the fore-tastings of Sense , let them not 〈◊〉 discouraged . But 1. Be satisfied though the Lord should with hold from you , these more extraordinary Out-lettings of his Favour , and deal with thee , otherwise then with some ; Remember that your ordinary way of living is a Life of Hope . 2. Make use of this Hope , which is your Life , to the best advantage : Exercise thy Faith , and comfort thy self , in the Hope of the Glory of God : Thus shall you Glorify Him , who hath called you to this Hope of his Kingdom , knowing that ye are saved by Hope , Rom. 8.24 . And that there is an Hope ●aid up for you in Heaven , Col. 1.5 . Live as those that are begotten again into a lively Hope , 1 Pet. 1.3 . 3. Vse . Hereby I do advise all the Godly , who are called to this Hope , that they so carry themselves before the World , ( how little soever they have in possession ) as those that are rich in Hope . Merchants can boast , and hold out a Port , as if they had much Money in Cash , by reason of the great income of some rich Cargo , which they are in expectation of , notwithstanding of their being very empty handed ●or the present : But , as the Riches of Glory , far exceed the riches of this World ; So the expectation and assurance thereof , is infinitely far beyond that of worldly Riches . O! then , carry your selves in all things , whatever Gods Dispensations may be towards you , so as becometh those , who are Expectants of Glory . Let the Hope thereof support your Souls unde● all Discouragements . Let no Dispensation● Loss , Cross , any wayes abate your Hope , 〈◊〉 make you carry unbeseeming such a Gloriou● Hope , whereunto you are called , knowin● that none of these things can rob you of th●● great expected Salvation , or make you miser●able . 4. Vse , To suches are y●t Strangers to thi● Hope ; I have these few things to say . 1. Thin● more then you do on the Life of the Godly , so whatever may be their condition , here in time yet they have a Crown , and a sure Inheritanc● and are Expectants of a Life of Glory , an● have a well grounded Hope thereof : So th●t their Life , however accompanied , with 〈◊〉 greatest of outward Calamities , yet far preferable to yours . 2. Covet & long exceeding to be amongst the number of those ; Fo● howeve● these dews & dropings of Consolation which sometime , even here , they are enjoyin● besuch , as the ungodly so long as they remain 〈◊〉 can never experimentally understand , yet th● are infinitely below that which is abiding then in the Hope whereof they are called to liv● Life , Light. Joy , and all is sown for the● and they and they alone have the sure and w● grounded Hope thereof . 3. Judge , who a● wisest , ye or the Believer ; ye loss for little rousted Gold , worm-eaten Pleasure and vain imaginary Glory , this rich Prize : A●● ye live here without Hope , whereas they through a most noble , Majestick and generous Disposition dispise your silly Feckless Portion , a Compound o● meer Vanity : And look to an Incorruptible and Substantial Glory , an incomparable Inheritance , and a Crown of Glory : Neither will quite their Hope of Glory for all the fancied Satisfaction , the Art of man can squeeze out of these imaginary Pleasures , Profi●s and Glory of this momentary time . 4. Behold and be convinced of the reality of Religion : For certainly it can be no Dream , Fancy , or groundless imagination that makes the Believer so cheerfully forsake that which you choose for your Portion , and rest satisfied with ; and makes them resolutely and deliberately undergo Shame , Discredit , Poverty , Persecution , Death and Flames , rather than Act any thing , or cede in the least Puncti●ilio , ●hat might cut off or ma●r the Hope of what ●hey are expecting . They are Men as well as others , by nature as wise and careful of their ●ope and well being , as well as others ; Nevertheless , most willing for the Hope that is set before them , to turn their back on all these things : They are as little Fantastick or Crack-brain'd as others ; yet the very ●ope and expectation of that Glory , which is ●romised , will support and bear them up under ●urdens , that would crush twenty ungodly bodies , ●t will make them sing in the midst of the Fires , as Crowned and sitting in their Chair of Stat● having only in hand the Hope of Glory . Now that , which is clearly held forth b● these words , The Hope of Glory , is , that the● really such a thing amongst the Godly , as th● Hope of Glory : It is true , the unjust man ha● a Hope , which perisheth , Prov. 11.7 . Wh●● they die their Hope and Expectation perishe● with them , because it was after the things below , and these all pass away : And providi●● it be after the things , which are above , yet bei●● the badly bottomed , their Hope is but as the gi●ing up of the Ghost , or puffing out its breath a●● perisheth , Iob. 11.20 . Even so hath the H●pocrite a Hope , but it shall perish , Iob 8.13 . A● their Trust is as the Spiders Web , soon brok● down , & I pray you , What is the Hope of the H●pocrite , though he hath gained , when God taketh ●way his Soul ? Job . 27.8 . But the hope of th● Believer is solid and real ; which appears thu● ▪ First , It is bottomed on a sure and nob●●●oundation . As 1. on the Promise and Oa●● of God ▪ Heb 6 , 17 , 18. Wherein God willi●● more abundantly to shew unto the Heirs of Prom●● the immulability of his Counsel , confirmed it by 〈◊〉 Oath : That by two immutable things , in which was impossible for God to lye , we might have strong Consolation , who have fled for refuge , to 〈◊〉 ●old upon the Hope set before us , &c. 2. On th● Power of God , who made Abraham to Ho●● against Hope , Rom 4 , 17 , 18 , 21. He believ●●ven God , who quickneth ●he dead , and calle● ●hose , which be not as though they were , and being ●ully perswaded that what he had promised , he was able also to perform ; So Heb. 11.18 , 19. He accounted that God was able to raise him up Isaac , even from the dead . 3. On the continually and really felt experience of the Goodness of God , Rom. 5.3 , 4. Knowing that Tribulation worketh patience , and patience experience , and experience hope . See also Lam : 3.21 , 4. On the Resurrection of Jesus Christ , as a publick person , having to the uttermost satisfied Justice , and procured a publick Absolviture or Discharge . 1 , Pet. 1 , 3. They are begotten again unto a lively Hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead . 5. On Christs living in them : As here in the Text , which is no fancie ; as we shall afterward make appear . Secondly , The Hope of the Believer is a real work of God's Spirit in the Soul ; Therefore He is called the God of Hope , Rom , 15 , 13. They abound in Hope , through the Power of the Holy Ghost . It is God that begetteth us again into this Lively Hope 1 Pet : 1 , 3. And it is He that giveth it . 2 Thes : 2.16 . Thirdly , It is a Hope carried on in the Soul , through a real work o● Grace : God giveth us good Hope through Grace . 2 Thes : 2 , 16. Fourthly , This Hope hath a real Object ; For Heaven is the Object of their Hope , Col : 1 , 5 , For the Hope , which is laid up for you in Heaven . This is the Hope of their calling , Ephes : 1 , 1● and 4 , 4. Christ is their Hope , the Lord Ies●● Christ , which is our Hope . 1 Tim , 1 , 1. They tru●● in the Lord , and He is their Hope , Ier : 17. ● The Psalmist saith , Psal : 71.5 . For Thou an● my Hope O Lord , Thou art my Trust , from my Youth . The Lord will be the Hope of his Peopl● and the strength of the Children of Israel saith , Joe● chap : 3 , 16 , And what further can be required , for the making Hope a real business ? What ar● all the advantage of the richest incomes in a world , in comparison of this one thing ? And yet that uncertain and petty rent beget●eth hope , which will make the Merchant , who ventureth thereon , sing and rejoice within himself upon his expectations : But O! Her● is the Hope of Eternal Life , which God that cannot lie promised before the world began . Tit : 1 , 2. Fifthly , It is a Hope of real use and advantage to the Believer : It is an excellent and approven weapon for defending the head : Therefore compared to a Helmet . Ephes : 6.17 . 1 Thes : 5.8 . It defends the head from all blows , and holds it up from sinking under temptations , difficulties and discouragements therefore compared to an Anchor , Heb : 6 , 18 , 19. Holding fast the Soul , in the day of storm , and making the Believer undauntedly ride out the same , and boldly to set head against satan his tentations , falling down upon him , as so many swelling and raging billows of a tempestuous Sea ; And as the blasts of a terrible tempest , to render him hopeless , ●nd so to quite grips of Christ , and his expecta●ions of thē Crown . S●xtly , This Hope hath many real and excel●ent operations on the Soul , therefore cannot out be real . For 1. This Hope is a fountain of continual comfort ; Therefore we read of the confidence of Hope . Heb : 3.6 . And the Believer must rejoice in Hope . Rom , 12.12 . Hope affords matter for a song in the saddest day ; Therefore the Apostle sayes , Rom : 5.2 . We rejoice in hope of the Glory of God : And not only so , but we glory in Tribulation . v. 3. For what they hope for is certain , the hope of the Righteous shall be gladeness . Prov : 10.28 . Not like the expectation of the wicked which shall perish . 2. Again Hope is that which quickneth the heart , and encourageth the soul : For when the Soul is ready to sink in discouragements , seeing no appearance of fulfilling the great things promised , and filled with fears of falling off , and so to loose the prize . Then Hope will hold up the head , and encourage the sinking Soul , and thus it is a quickning and enlivening bu●iness , therefore called a lively Hope , 1 Pet : 1.3.3 . This Hope is a mean of Salvation ; Therefore we are said to be saved by Hope , Rom. 8.24 . Faith and Hope are two noble Lackays that never parts from the Believer , until fairly within the haven of Glory . 4. This Hope rejoiceth and comfort the Soul under all its losses , troubles and wandring● : what supported Abrahams heart whe● he sojourned in the Land of promise , as in 〈◊〉 strange Countrey , dwelling in Tabernacles with Isack and Iacob , the heirs with him of the same promise , But Hope ; For it immediatly follow● Heb : 11 9 , 10. For he looked for a city , whic● hath fonddations , whose Builder and Maker is Go● 5. This Hope sets the Soul a work . to make 〈◊〉 self ready and meet for the heavenly Habitation , to continueand go on in Sanctification , and to oppose & withstand whatever is unbeseeming an expectant of Glory . So that it is of a purifieing nature . For every man that hath thi● Hope in him , purifieth himself even as he is pu●● 1 Joh : 3.3.6 . This Hope humbleth , quieteth and ●ully satisfies the Soul , when disquiete● and disturbed through the proud and arrogan● undervaluings of those , who disdain full● upbraid them and their confidence in God Psal : 42.5 , 11. Or through the sad simptoms o● an angry God , whereby deep calle●● unto deep at the noise of his Water-spouts , al● his waves and bil●ows going over . v 7 ▪ An● appearing to cast them off . Psal : 43.3 . Fo● when David is thus exercised , the only thin● which upholds him is Hope , and therefore the● alone cordial , in that lamentable song he stil● again and again recommends his soul unto , 〈◊〉 hope thou in God ; And chargeth his Soul as high●y irrational , in being cast down and disquiet●d , seeing hope was yet to the fore . Saying , Why art thou cast down O my Soul , and why art tho●●isquieted in me ; hope thou in God , ●or I shall yet ●raise Him , &c. Thus we see that hope will ●ise up the cast down and disquieted Soul. 7 This hope not only delivers the Soul from all ●nxieties and fears , but sets it beyond the reach ●hereof , so that the Believer he sings , tho rot●ing in the grave , even his very dust and burried flesh or body shall rest in hope ▪ under the dark & cold chambers of death . Psal : 16.9 . Acts 2.31 . Thou shalt be sè●ure . saith , Zopha● , Iob : 11.18 . Because there is hope , Hereby it is that the Righteous is said to have hope in his death , Prov. 1● 32. When their condition in the eyes of the wicked seem most desperate and hopeless , even then they have hope , when death the king of terrors is grapling with them , and burying them in the dust ; Even then they lift up their heads in Hope . 8. Hope gives Confidence and true Christian Boldness to look Tentations in the Face : Hope maketh not ashamed , Rom. 5.5 . In these Words , there is an dimunitive manner of speech , for it signifyeth so much , as Hope giveth great Confidence and Boldness ; And wherefore ? For the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever , Psal : 9.18 . Nor be cut off Pro : 24.4 . There shall be a Reward , Davids prayer , Psal : 119.116 . Let me not be ashamed of my hope : Shall be answered , and in end accomplished . 9. Hope makes the Soul calm and patient under all persecutions ; Therefor Paul mentions the patience of Hope , to the Thessalonians , Thes : 1.3 . At a ground of his praise on their behalf . But it may be asked , if all really and Godl● have this Hope I Answer , Yes , more or less , for they are begotten again into this Lively Hope , 1 Pe● 1.3 . And their Faith and Hope must be i● GOD , 1 Pet. 1.21 . But all have it not 〈◊〉 the same Degree and Measure : For 1. Som● attain unto the full assurance of Hope . Heb. ● 11. Which dispelleth all clouds , and puts th● Soul without the reach of all doubtings or further Questioning of the Matter : But this is no● ordinary , but seldom attained . 2. Some a●tain unto a reasonable Hope , bottomed 〈◊〉 Faith , as through Patience and Comfort of th● Scriptures , they have Hope , Rom. 15. ● Their Conscience bearing them Witness , th● they have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon th●● Hope set before them , Heb : 6.18 . They believe that the Word o● GOD is sure and u●changeable , and that he cannot deny himse●● Hence it is , that they have a firm Hope , whic● ( though without foretastings and sensible i●fluences of Joy ) supports them under all di●couragements . 3. Some , who have no● readily come this length , nevertheless ha● about ●he posts of Wisdoms door : And tho they can do no more , yet will they look unto the LORD , and wait upon the GOD of their Salvation , Mic : 7.7 . They know and are assured , tha● Salvation is no where else to be ●ound , neither will they seek it any other where , he alone must be the GOD of their Salvation ; And therefore they wait and look out ●or Him , and encourrage themselves with the Hope of a happy Outgate ; My GOD will hear me . They will wait upon the LORD , that hideth His Face , and will look for Him , Isa : 8 , 17. Meditating on that Word , Isa : 45.22 . Look unto me , and be ye saved , all the ends of the Earth , Though they dare not say they have at●ained that Lively Hope , yet they know , that ●hey are at the right Door , therefore will not give over , but resolves so long as there is Life or Breath in them , to hang at the cheeks of GOD's gates , come of it what will. Thus Hope prese●ves the Soul from dispair , or giv●ng over the Cause as desperate , and from say●ng with that wicked king , 2 King : 6.33 . This evil is of the LORD , why should I wait for ●he LORD any longer ? 4. Some being enviro●ed with temptations and thick clouds , may conclude that they are cast off , and say in ●heir haste , that the LORD hath forgotten ●hem , and cast t●em off ; Yea , and say round●y , that there is no Hope , that their Hope is perished from the LORD , Lam : 3.18 . Isa : 40.27 . Ezek : 37.8 . And that they are cu● off , Psal : 31.22 . And that all Men are lyers . Psal : 116.10 , 11 , And with Iob Chap : 17 , 15. & 19 10 ▪ And where is now my Hope : Mine Hope hath he removed like a tree . Yet notwithstanding of all this , they will not quite nor sell their Interest , of Christ and Heaven , but reckon it their great priviledge , that they are out of hell , and that GOD renews his Mercys to them day by day this they recall to mind , therefore have they Hope , Lam : 3.21 . Vse . Since there is such a noble and excellent Grace , every way so necessary and profi●able ; Surely it is our great conc●rnment an● interest to try and search narrowly , whith●● we have it or not : Many phansie they have● true & lively Hope , and alas ! it is but a clatch up and imaginary hope , they die with a lie i● their Right Hand . Again others , who hav● really this Hope in their Soul , notwithstanding entertaìn suspicious that all is wrong wit● them , and therefore cry out that their Strengt● and Hope in GOD is departed ; Therefor w● shall speak a word to both . And 1 All hav● not a True and Lively Hope , who say the● have it ; There is a generation that is reall● without Hope , Eph : 2.12 . Who yet phansie they have a sure and well grounded Hope● But the hope of many shall ●erish with themselves ; Pro : 11.7 . Iob. 18.13.14 . Al●● this ill grounded hope , will not support the Man that hath it : What is the hope of the Hypocrite ; though he hath gained , when God taketh away hisSoul ? saith Iob. ch . 27.8.2 . It must be undoubtedly a sad and lamentable Disappoinment of their Expectations , many shall meet with , when their Hope shall forsake them , and sink under them as the broken reed of Egypt ; And what more lamentable then to credit the stress of their immortal Souls in a rotten ●reed , and to phansie when Death shall come , to Land in Glory , and yet for them and their Hope u●●erly to perish ? Oh! how shall their former Hope , augment their irrecoverable and eternal Misery , and rende ? their condition more lamentable then they had never had such a Hope ? 3. Shall not this disappointment occasion great confusion of Faces ? Shall it not fare with them , as with the Troops of ●ema , and the Companies of Sheba , ●o that they shall be ashamed and con●ounded , bec●use they had hoped , Job 6.19 , 20. Many pass now for great Christians , and have a hope they will not quite with , which shall fill their Faces with con●usion , when they come to see , that their Hope hath been but a meer Dream . 4. Is it not a terrible plague and judgement , to be so far possessed with blindness , as not only to be ignorant , where we are , but to drea● and phansie , that we walk on a sure and even ground ; whereas puffed up with vain presumption , we are walking on the very sides of the pit , not knowing , but every step may land us in Eternity , and so in everlasting confusion ? Alas ! how lamentable is it to see people feeding upon ashes , and turned aside with a deceitful heart , so that they cannot deliver their Soul , Nor say , is there not a lie in my right hand , Isa : 44.20.5 . Providing the m●ssing of our hope were of small importance , the matter were not so great ; But to miss and be disappointed of Glory , of Eternal Salvation , of the Fellowship of GOD Eternally ; O how dreadful must that be ? how can such a loss ever be repaired ? what can man give for the Redemption of his Soul ? Or what shall h● give in exchange thereof ? what thing imaginable can repair this irrepairable Loss ? 6. Providing this loss could ever be recovered , it were the more supportable ; But when this one Loss and disappointment can never be again repaired , what a terrible bussiness then , to rest here , in time , on a false hope , which with them will perish , and give up the Ghost ; their being no● returning again to make amendment of by gone miscarriages . O! Then , should not every Soul ●eriously consider how greatly it is th●● Interest to ponder , and narrowly to examine on what ground their Hope resteth . Now ●or helping such out of their self deceitfulness , who fancy they have the right Hope and are yet strangers thereto ; And for easing such , who cannot be convinced that their Hop● is of the right kind ; I shall in short , propose some Marks . whereby the one and and the other may try themselve● . 1. Mark , Let every one try how they came by their Hope , that Hope which is born with us , and hath alwise lodged in us , and kept us in peace , since we came into the World , providing we have no other , cannot be of the right stamp : For hope is a fruit of the Spirit ; For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith , Gal : 5 5. There is no abounding in hope , but through the power of the holy Ghost , Rom. 15.13 . The strength of nature , or ed●cation cannot help us here . Our Lord Jesus Christ himself , and GOD even our Fath●r must give us good hope through Grace , 2 Thes : 2.16 . This hope is from no natural extraction , it is of Divine Extract . 2. Mark , True and lively Hope , is ever grounded upon Christ's Righteousness and Resurrection ; Therefore it is a waiting For the hope of Righteousness by Faith , Gal : 5.5 . Awaiting for what is hoped for , through the Righteousness of ●hrist , or only by vertue of that Righteousness of Jesus Christ , which is laid hold on by Faith ; so that the hope of Glory is founded thereon : We are begotten again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead , 1 Pet : 1 3. So that the hope , which is not upon Christ , which is not built on his Dea●h and Resurrection , and upon his imputed Righteousness , but on something within our selves , be it never so specious or excellent , as an honest heart as they phansie , outward holiness , blamelessness , victory over corruptions , singular devotion , or whatever it be of that nature , will be but a● the giving up of the Ghost , and come far short of helping or relieving the poor Soul. 3. Mark , True and lively Hope , as it is sounded upon Faith , so they go hand in hand , toge●her , 1 Pet : 1.21 . Who by him do believe in God , that raised him up from the dead , and gav● him Glory , that your Hope and Faith might be i● God. Hope without Paith laying hold upon ● crucified Saviour , according to the tenor o● the Covenant , is but a meer dream : Hope cannot stand , but upon the pillar of Faith ; Therefore the Church first embraceth GOD as her Portion , then she wins to the solid exercise of Hope Lam : 3 : 24. The Lord is my portion , sayeth my soul , therefore will I hope in him . 4. Ma●k , Where there is a real Hope o● Glory , there will be a leaning on GOD , and committing of our Souls to him for through bearing , through all the difficulties , Wyndings and turnings in our way : Ou● hope is co●tinually in GOD , Psal. 39.7 . Others truste● in their Riches , they gathered and heaped it u● But for David , he sayes , And now Lord , wh● wait I for ? My hope is in Thee ; compared wi●● Psal : 71.5 . David on this foundation , press● to be delivered out of the hands of the wicked because he had alwayes been his hope ; For he sayeth , Thou art my hope , O Lord God , thou art my trust from my youth ; Thus casts he all his cares and burdens on the LORD , and this was his constant way and continual practise : He had no other hope , neither acknowledged any other , knowing that he was happy , that had the GOD of Jacob for his help , and whose hope was in the LORD his GOD , Psal : 146.5 . 5. Mark , Where there is a Reall and Lively Hope of Glory , desires after bewitching pleasures will grow cold ; And now what wait I for ? saith David , Psal : 39.7 . My hope is in Thee : He saw nothing in the World worthy his attendance , for his hope , he had established it on a sure and sufficient Object ; he betook himself not to these , who said who will shew us any Good , Psal : 4.6 . O! When the heart through hope , hath fastened it self on GOD , how little values it all the vanity of a perishing world ; The sight of Glory , which they have through hope , darkens that lustre and beauty which others see in the perishing things of a world , whose eyes being of the same substance with the world , are earthly . 6. Mark , This true Hope is accompanied with a careful endeavour to keep all the Commandments of GOD ; LORD sayeth David , Psal : 119.166 . I have hoped for thy Salvation , and done thy Commandments . True hope is an enemy to a careless life , and is accompanied with tenderness and earnestness : Hope sets the Soul a running , Act. 26.7 . Vnto which promise , our twelve Tribes instantly serving GOD day and night , hope to come . 7. Mark , Hope will sit down down well satisfied on GODS bare Word ; As Abraham , who against hope believed in hope , Rom : 4.18 , And how often sayeth David , that he hoped in GODS Word , Psal : 119.49.114 . Psal : 130 5. Hope will keep the Soul in Life , even when all things seems contradicting the very Promises , and to say it is vain to wait any more . 8. Mark , Hope is a purifying Business , 〈◊〉 Job : 3.3 . It sets the Soul a work to wash i●self in the Blood of Christ , and makes the Sou● to labour in the strength of Jesus to get sin k●lled , the desires of the flesh and mind brought under , and the Soul sanctified ; So that they will wrestle with GOD by Faith in Prayer , to be made fit to have an Interest of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light. 9. Mark , Hope makes the Soul silent an● satisfied under great temptations : David Psal 38. was under sore trialls , the LORD chastned him , his an w●s●stuck fast in him , his hand pressed him sore , both Soul and Body did bear th● marks , that GOD was contending with him fo● sin ; Yea , his heart was ove●whelmed withi● him , and his streng●h b●●ailed him ; And eve● when it was thus with him inwardly , enemie● without were seeking his Life , laying snares ●or him , and seeking his hurt : What was ●t then that quieted and calmed him , at this time , and made him carry as a man , that heareth not , and in whose mouth there are no reprooffs , but even that which immediately follows ; For in thee O Lord do I hope . Having laid down these Marks , whe●eby Men may try whither they have an Interest in this lively Hope or not ; So I would advise such who see ground of fears , because without this lively Hope , seriously to consider , and lay these following things to heart . As 1. It is required that the Soul through its dwelling on the thoughts of this so great a Bussiness , be more sensible of , and affected with the missings of this Grace of Hope : Consider what a miserable condition the Soul is in , which is without hope in the World , and how lamentable their case is , who have no other hope , then a hope that will perish , which will but prove to them as a spiders web , and so faill them in their greatest need . 2. Be convinced ●erein , that through your self , you shall never attain unto a lively Hope ; You must again be be gotten unto this Hope : It is wholly and only the Work of GODS Spirit , neither nature , nor any natural advantages can help you thereto . 3. Let the thoughts of your hopeless condition , stir you up to self humiliation before the LORD , which is the only way to be exalted in due time . 4. Foresake all ground of hope i● your self ; So the poor hath hope , Job . 5.16 . For whatever it is in your self , you bottom o● ground your hope upon , it will be sound to be but a ●lippery and ●inful ●oundation ; And the more you build thereon , it shall be the wors● 5. Lay hold on Christ , as he is offered in the Gospel , and cleave to him by Faith : For Hope is begotten in the womb of Faith : All hope no● grounded on Faith and flowing from it , is bu● a meer phansie and chimera . 6. Having laid hold on Christ , as he is offered in the Gospel , and so resting on him for Salvation , wait for the breathings & influences of the Spirit on the Soul , in the careful and earnest undertaking and pursuit of the means , that your head may be lifted up thereby in hope . For encouradgement thereto , observe these following things . 1. This lively Hope in the Soul , will calm many storms , and keep the Soul in a● even and stayed posture , under sharp and sad dispensations , and the multitude of shaking● and changings ; It will deliver the Soul from many disquieting fears , and make the Soul sleep sweetly under them all , and lift up its head above difficulties , so that it shall be freed from perplexities , or be secure , because there is hope , Job . 11.18.2 . This will encourage to constancy in duty , notwithstanding of opposition in the way ; Hope will never suffer the heart to sink , it will be a cork to the poor Soul , which wi●l make it swime through the jaws and gulfs of the greatest opposition , and most insupperable like difficulties : When other ●hings as so many weights and heavy loads , would bear down the Soul , Hope will draw and hold it up , that it go not to the ground : Or in case , the Soul , is at any time over charged and brought under water , as it were to the ●rink of hell , Hope notwithstanding will recover again the Soul , out of the very womb of ●ell , and will it make it look out towards the Temple . 3. Hope hardens a man , and makes him prooff against the day of battel ; It encourageth and strengtheneth the Soul ; There●y he can run through a troop , for he knows ●hat his head is secured , well covered and guarded with the helmet of Hope , the Helmet of Salvation , 1 The● : 5.8 . Eph : 6.17.4 . Hope ●s a strong guard against temptations : What values a man the great offers of the World , who has a Lively Hope of Heaven ! The fear of death , worldly losses , and the greatest of ●ufferings , will not once shake him who hath the Hope of Eternal Life : The hope of a bet●er Resurrection will make them refuse to accept of a deliverance , upon unworthy or base ●erms . 5. Hope assures us of Heaven , where●ore we find that Heaven is often laid out to us by Hope , Eph : 1.18 . & 4.4 . Col : 1.5 . Tit : 2.13 . Heb : 6.18 . It is The Anchor of ●he Soul both sure and stedfast , and which entereth into that within the vail , whether the forerunner is for us entered , Heb : 6.19 , 20.6 ▪ Hereto should these words encourage us Psal ▪ 147 11. The LORD taketh pleasure in them tha● fear him , in those that hope in his mercy , 7. A● hope is needful , necessary and useful , whil● passing through the valley of sorrow and tear●● so also , when drawing near the end of our journey , and when pale death comes to look us i● the face ; For the Righteous hath hope in his death Pro : 14.32 . When the hope of the Hypocrite and unrighteous person giveth up the Ghost , and foresaketh him in his greatest strai● even then will the Hope of the Righteous comfort and bear up his head ; Yea , when death the king of terrors hath done its worst , an● conveyed the Soul into Eternity ; Hope , tho● may take its leave of the Soul , as having no more service to do it , 1 Cor : 13.13 . Yet wi●● attend the corps of the Believer to the grave and be a bed unto his dust , Psal : 16.9 U●til the morning of the Resurrection dawn . Again , as to those , who really have th● Hope , and yet cannot be convinced thereo● I would say these few things . 1. It is not strange , that such who are begotten again into a Lively Hope , be now an● then brought to doubtings , through these 〈◊〉 such like grounds . As 1. Because sad no● strange like dispensations are measured out unto them by GOD : this makes the Church 〈◊〉 out , Lam : 3.18 . And I said , my strength an● my hope is perished from the Lord : See v. 1.2 . This occasioned Iob also to say , that his hope was removed like a tree , or rooted out of the ground , Iob : 19 8.9 , 10.2 . Because there is ●ant of growth in Grace and Mortifica●ion , for ●hey hear that hope is a purifying Grace , and ●hey can find no advancing in that work . 3. Because they miss the other above mentioned Fruits of a Lively Hope : But 2. Hope , is like to other Graces , not alwayes alike visible , sometimes so clouded and ●id , that it cannot be easily seen or discovered ; And in a very little , it may appear again , when the cloud and ●hick mist is over , as we ●ee , Lam : 3.18 There the Church com●lains , that her strength and hope was perish●d from the Lord , yet she sayeth , a little after , This I recal to my mind , therefore have I hope . And again v. 26. It is good , that a man should ●oth hope , and quietly wait for the Salvation of the ●ord . The holy Man Iob cry●th out , as one ●hat hath no hope , He hath destroyed me on every ●●de , and I am gone , and mine hope hath he re●oved like a tree : And nevertheless , before all is ●one , and he end his reckonings , he get●eth his head lifted up on high , and hope brings ●im so above , that he triumphs , Chap : 19. ● . 25.26 , 27. For I know that my Re●eemer liveth , and though after my skin , worms ●estroy this body , yet in my fl●sh , shall I see God , &c. 3. Hope ( as have other Graces ) hath its degrees ; There is a full assurance of hope , Heb. 6.11 . And there is a weak Hope , that cannot see farr , being accompanied with many doubtings , discouragements , fears , &c , Nevertheless a weak hope may be a true hope , being on an Evangelical ground : Hope may be lively , in respect of its root , yet weak and sickly , in respect of its present frame and operations . 4. It is not therefore safe ●o conclude , that there is no hope , because there is no full assurance of Hope , or Actual , Lively , Vigorou● , or stronge Hope . 5. It were better to make an impartial enquiry , according to the forementioned Marks ; And search and see , if ever you had any thing of a True and Lively Hope of Glory through CHRIST ; And providing you have ever had it ▪ you may then be confident that the root remains ; for the Gifts and Calling of GOD are without repentance ; Rom. 11 , 29. Question . But what shall he do , who is brought to suspect all what formerly has been wrought in his Soul , looking on it all as false work ? How I say , shall such win to any clearness concerning their Hope , or what shall they do for strengthening of the same ? Answer . Such would lay to heart , and well improve these following Considerations : As 1. As Hope it self , is the Gift of GOD , and not their own work ; So is also the clear discovery of this Hope in the Soul , his Gift , and a new Gift . The observation whereof , should make the Soul fix its eye on the Soveraignity and Freeness of God , who may bestow His Gifts as He will ; and depend on God for Light to ●ee and discern things , which are given him of GOD ▪ 2 As the first lively Acting of Hope , is a fruit of the Spirit of Life , and floweth from the Spirit of Life in them ; So all the after actings depend on continual influences from Heaven . These considerations should humble them under the impression of an absolute and Soveraign Lord ; And should stir them up to search and see , wherein they have provoked GOD , ●o hold in his Influences , in the continual out-goings of Hope , and withdraw his Light , whereby they might be in case to discern the being of Hope in the Soul , even when but w●ak in its operations . 3. Such are to humble themselves before ●he LORD , in the sense of their naturall frailty and inability ; As likewayes of their unrighteousness and transgressions , whereby they have provoked the LORD to leave them in the dark . 4. They must endeavour to lay to heart , and renew their dependance on GOD , with up●ightness of heart , and ●o ponde●●he Word , and to drink it in , for it is through patience and comfort of the Scriptures that we have Hope , Rom : 15.4 . 5. The life of Hope , will occasion frequent outgoings and renewings of Faith on the Mediator , receiving him , as offered in the Gospel , and embracing of GOD , as the alone satisfying and satiating portion in Christ Jesus ; For Hope groweth out of the stock of Faith , neither can it be without it ▪ so that whenever the Soul can say , the Lord is my portion , he may safely conclude , therefore will I hope : So David charged his Soul to hope in GOD. And why ? Because he was the health of his countenance and his GOD , Psal : 42 : and 43. 6. They must be much on the thoughts o● GODS Favours bestowed on them ; The thoughts of common mercies being renewed unto them every morning , encourageth the Church to Hope , Lam : 3.22.23 , 24. Th● dispensations of GODS loving kindness revealed in preserving ●hem , that they are not consumed , and the renewed Fruit of his Compassion , continually discovered , and seriously considered , encourageth to Hope . Thus laying up as a rich Treasure , the experiences of these Expressions of GODS Love , and continually living therein , will work up the Soul to Hope ; For Experience worketh Hope , Rom : 5 4. It is the nourishment ( as it were ) of Hope , and when this is a way , hope must become sick and weak ; Whereas the thoughts of GOD● Mercy discovered through Experiences , is a noble Cordial and encou●agement to hope : Let Isra●l hope in the Lord , saith David , Psal : 130.7 . And why ? For with the Lord there is mercy , and with him is plenteous Redemption ; That is , all the stores of Power , choise of Methods , plenty of Means ; abundance of wayes to save his People out of their troubles , be what they will , are in JEHOVAH ; Then Hope in Him. 7. It were necessary , there were in such , a submissivenss unto GOD , that there be nothing in them , of a churlish or crabed disposition against the LORD ; For this occasions his further withdrawing of himself , and indrawing of his Influences , and so to leave us in the dark : It is good therefore to put our mouths in the dust , if so be , there may be hope , stooping in the dust , and putting clay in the mouth , for fear , that it speak against GOD● Dispensations , Lam : 3.29 . with Iob. 40.4 , 5 8. It were necessary and need●ul in such an occasion , to stand and establish themselves , in the Faith of GODS Almighty Power , whereby he can work wonders ; The Faith of this helped Abraham to hope against hope , Rom. 4. He looked upon God , as one who quickneth the dead , and therefore he was not discouraged , tho the matter in all humane probability was hopeless and desperate . A sight o● our difficulties in the way , as impossible to be mastered , makes u● often faint and conclude , that there is no hope , whereas a right sight of his Power and Al sufficiency , is an excellent Antidote against the same , Gen : 15.1 , 2. 9. Joy and Peece in believing , and cleaving to Christ , according to the Gospel , as it is a work of the GOD of Peace , so it makes way , not only for to hope , but to abound in hope , Rom : 15.13 . 10. It were good for such , they were continually laying to heart , this great and necessary duty , to wit , in a constant and continued Tract and way to foresake all other ground of hope besides GOD , that providing they could not with confidence say , that thei● hope was in GOD , yet that they could sincerly & freely declare that with their will they place● not their Hope and Confidence on any thing within themselves ; Thus the Soul may have som● ground for winding up its Anchor , tho eve● under the power of dreadful unbelief . 11. It were good in such occasions , the did not per●mptorly and wickedly cast at t●● ground of hope , which other wayes they mig●● find , nor entertain an obstinate prejudic● against themselves , but ra●her lay that we●● to heart , Heb : 10.35 . Cast not away therefo●● your confidence The ●hird ●hing , which we have to spe●● of , is the ground of Hope . Christ in you : A●● these words may be co●si●ered three wayes . First , In themselves , as holding forth great priviledge of Believers , in a near and inward Vnion with Christ. Secondly , In so far as they hold forth the ground of this lively Hope . Thirdly , In so far as they point out the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel , which is now revealed . As to the First , Christ in you , These words hold forth the wonderful rich priviledge of Believers , in their Union and Communion with Christ , who is in them : For Understanding whereof , these following things , are worthy to be observed . As 1. This Union is one of the greatest Mysteries of the Gospel ; However now we may wonder and admire , not being in case to take it up fully or understand the same , before we arrive in the Land of Light , where that which is imperfect , shall be done a way ; The Apostle calls it a Mystery , yea , a Great Mystery , Eph : 5.32 . 2. Though it be a great Mysterie , and so above our uptakings ; Nevertheless , that we may understand so much thereof as is needful for our Comfort and Growth in Grace , let us consider that this Vnion in Scripture is held forth under diverse Similitudes . ( 1. ) Under the Similitude of the Union between Man and Wife in Marriage , Ephes : 5.31.32 . As Man and Wife become on fl●sh , so Christ and the Believer become one Spirit , 1. Cor. 6.16 , 17. Therefore he is spoken of , under the name of a Bridegroom , and the Church is called his Bride through the whole Song of Solomon , and John tells us Chap. 3.29 That he that hath the Bride is the Bridegr●●m , So we read Revel : 21.9 . Of the Bride the Lambs Wife : And as this is to express the usefulness and advantageousness of Christ to the Believer , and his Right and Interest in him , with what is his ; So it is also to demonstra●e , as an evidence of the former , the near Vnio● and Communion , that is be●ween Christ an● them , whereby they are made one . ( ● ) Under the similitude o● that Union which is between the Root and the Branches Ioh : 15.1 , 5. I am the Vine , ye are the Branches : See also Rom : 11.17 . Which points o● th● absolute necessity of their depending o● him , for influences of Life and Strength ; An● the necessity of their living and abidng in Him by Faith , for that end ; And so to suck 〈◊〉 and sap from Him continually , it holds forth also their close and inward Union wi●h Him that we in him are one Tree . 3 Under the similitu●e of that Union , whic● is between the head and the members . 1 Co● ▪ 12.12 . Therefore the Head of every Man Christ , 1 Cor : 11.3 . And he is the Head of 〈◊〉 body , Eph : 4.15 . and 5.23 . Col : 1. 〈◊〉 To shew that all the Influences of Life , wor●ing , motion and feeling , &c. are of him So that we live , move , and have our being of him ; And can do no more without him , than a body without a Head ; And therefore , there must be a near Union betwixt us and him . ( 4 ) Under the similitude of an Union betwixt the Foundation and the Building , 1 Pet : 2.4.6 . The Believer is built on him as lively stones , Christ is the chief corner stone of that Building , and it is in him , that all the building fi●ely framed together , groweth up into an holy Temple in the Lord ; In whom they also are builded together for ●nhabittation of God through the Spirit , Ephes : 2.21 , 22. Which manifests that the Believer cannot subsist wi●hout him , more then a house can stand without a foundation ; And therefore ●hey must lean on him , and be firmely united ●o him , other wayes they can neither stand nor ●ubsist . ( 5. ) Under the similitude that is betwixt the Body and the Cloathing , or Armour ; The Believer is said to put on the LORD Jesus Christ , Rom : 13.14 . For as many of you , as have been baptized into Christ , have put on Christ , Gal : 3. ●7 . And he is put on as Cloath to defend from ●he cold , and to cover their nak●dness , and ●lso for addorning ; So also is he pu● on as Ar●our for defending us against all spiritual enemies . ( 6. ) Under the similitude , that is betwixt the Accused and his Advocat , betwix●●he principal Debtor and his Cautione , who are as one person in Judgement ; Therefore it is , that the Believer is blessed with all Spiritual Blessings in Christ , Eph. 1.3 . Being choosen in him , v. 4. They are crucified with him , in a legal sense , Gal : 2.20 . They are dead with him , Rom : 6 8. Col : 2.20 . Buryed with him by Baptism unto death , Rom : 6.4 . Quickened together , and raised up together , and made to sit together in Heavenly Places , Ephes. 2.5.6 . Planted together in the likeness of hi● Death , and shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection , Rom : 6 5. Yea , and their Life is bid with him in God , Col : 3 3. So are they said to be heirs , and joynt heirs with him , Rom : ● . 17 . All which palpably hold forth a real and legal Union betwixt Christ and Belivers to their Joy , Comfort , and satisfaction : Christ being their Cautioner , stands oblidged for them , and answers in Judgement for them , as a Head and publick person appearing for them . As Adam , was in respect of his posterity , so ●his second Adam , this last Adam , as he is called , 1 Cor : 15.45 47. Who is a quickening Spirit , and Lord of Heaven , he appears as a Head , and publick person , all his Spiritual posterity , he binds and oblidges himself for them , in a Covanant with GOD ; And having satisfi●d ●or them , he is risen from the dead , and became the first fruits of them that sl●p● ; And in him shall all his Spiritual seed be made alive , v. 22 , 3. This Vnion is held out to us in some other Expressions , which are most pathetick and condescending ; As when Christ and they are called one seed , Gal : 3.16 . One Body , 1 Cor : 12.13.27 . 1 Cor : 6.16.17 . And make up one Mystical Christ , 1 Cor : 12.12 . 4. This Vnion , is inward ; It is a mutual in-being , for as here , he is said to be in us , and Rom : 8.10 . Gal : 2.20 . 2 Cor : 13.5 . Ephes : 3.17 . So , we are said to be in him , Rom : 8.1 . 1 Cor : 3 ▪ 1. 2 Cor : 1.21 . and 5.17 . and 12.2 . Rom : 16.7 . Philip : 3.9 . and. 4. ●1 . He in us , and we in him , Ioh : 14.20 . O how wonderful and inconceiveable is this Vnion . 5. This Vnion hath some likness and resem●lance , with that Union which is betwixt the ●ather and Christ , Ioh : 17.11.21.22 . That they all may be one , as thou Father art in me , and in thee , and again , that they may be one , even as we are one . 6. This Vnion , is not only between Christ ●nd the Souls of Believers , but also between Christ and their Bodies ; For their Bodies are said to be Temples of the Holy Ghost , 1 Cor : ● . 19 . And by the vertue of this Union , their dead Bodies , shall be again raised in the last ●ay : For , if we believe that Iesus died , and rose ●gain , even so them , which sleep in Jesus , will God bring with him , 1 Thes. 4.14 . 7. This Vnion is not only near and inward , but also durable & lasting ; Therefore , he is no● only in us , but dwelleth in us , Ephes : 3.17 . And we are said to abide in him , Joh : 15 6.7 . And as we are dead in Christ , 1 Thes : 4.14 Rev : 14.13 . Even so , in Christ shall we be made alive , 1 Cor : 15.22 . And with him , 1 Thes : 4.14 . So , that death cannot loose that knot , otherwayes the hope and comfor● of the Believer , which proceedeth from thi● Union , were loose and unsure ; For if in thi● life only they had hope in Christ , they were of all men most miserable , 1 Cor : 15.19 . with Rom. 8.11 . 8. As it is excellent , near and inward , so greatly useful ; There being no life , strength working , moving , growth , or fruitfullness without it : — If any Man have not the Spirit o● Christ , he is none of his , Rom : 8.9 . Chris● Jesus must be in us , except we be Reprobate● 2 Cor : 13.5 . 9. We must be careful , not to have perverted uptakings of this Vnion betwixt Chris● and a Believer , or of Christs In being in a Believer ; That is , we are not to have carnal uptakings thereof ; As it were such an Union , as between the clay & the thing formed thereof , o● betwixt the vessel , and the water that is in it , 〈◊〉 betwix● things confounded and mixed togethe● in one : Nor are we to take it up , in a way an● wayes derogatory thereto ; As if it were a substantial Vnion , such as there is , among th● Persons of the Trinity , or between Christs GOD-●had and Manhood : Nor should we think prophanlie of it , as if it were a meer phansie or notion . But we are so to apprehend it , as a real , tho Mystical , Mysterious and Spiritual Union , having Real and Spiritual Effects in Life and Death , and after Death , to wit , Peace with God , Reconciliation , Redemption , Remission of sins , Justification , Adoption , Approaching to God with Confidence , Santification , Comfort , Joy in the Holy Ghost , a Joyful Resurrection and Eternal Glory . 10. As this Union is Spiritual in it self , so ●t is made up through a Spiritual Bond of Means ; For , as it is , through Faith on our part , Eph : 3.17 . So through the Spirit on his part , the which is promised in the New Covenant , Ezek : 36 27. Isa : 59 21. Christ hath promised to send him , Ioh. 15.26 . And he must abide with us for ever , I●hn . 14.16 . Therefore Christ and they are called one Spirit , 1 Cor : 6.16 , 17. But to come more particularly to the purpose , we shall now point out and demonstrate , ●n what respect he is to be in the Beli●ver , Christ in you : We may apprehend Christ to be ●n the Believer , in these respects . 1. As a King in his Kingdom , si●ting upon his Throne , Ruling and Defending it by his Laws ●nd Statutes , preserving it by his Wisdom from intestine Ruptures , Divisions and B●oyl● and by his strength and mighty Pow●r fro● Outlandish Invasions ; So is Christs Re●gni● as Head , Law-giver , and great Command● in the Souls of his People , by h●s Laws a●● Statutes ; So is he said to Reign over the house 〈◊〉 Iacob — Luk : 1.33 . with 1 Joh : 4 4. 2. As the Master of a Family in his ow● House , where he dwells with Contentmen● Ease , Satisfaction , Pleasure and Delight , 〈◊〉 beholding his House : Even so , Christ ●wel● in the Hearts of his People , Eph : 3.17 A●● therefore called his own house , Heb : 3.6 . And an habitation of God through the Spirit , Eph : ● 22. Christ standing before the door , promiseth to such as will open to him , to come it Revel : 3.20 . 3. Christ is in the Believer , as a Tradseman in his Shop , doing the Work of his Calling ; I say , so is Christ advancing the Work o● Grace in the Believer , for beliveth in them Gal : 2.20 . And if Christ be in you , the body i● dead because of sea , but the Spirit is Life , becaus● of Righteousness , Rom , 8 10. As the GOD this World , that is the Devil , is and dwel● in them , to who● the Gospel is hid , and wh● are lost , blinding the minds of them , whic● believe not , 2 Cor : 4.3 4. And as the prince 〈◊〉 the power of the air , that evil spirit doth wor● in the Children of disobedience , Ephes : 2 . 2● Even so , Christ having cast out this strong man , comes to the heart , and takes possession ●hereof , and worketh therein , what is well pleasing in his eyes . 4. Like into one in his obtained possession , ●nd in his Garden , deligh●ing himself in the ●njoyment of what he hath gotten and purchased : Even so is Christ in Believers hav●ng purchased them unto himself , and that with his own Blood , p●ss●ssing them as his own , and there deligh●e●h he himself as in his Garden , Song . 6.2 My Beloved is gone down ●nto his Garden , to the beds of Spices , to feed in ●he Gardens , and to gather Lillies . So , that this Expression , Christ in you , holds ●orth . ( 1 ) Christ reco0ncilled with them by Faith ; He stands no more at the door knock●ng , but he is let in , and there is peace betwixt Him and ●hem , he is come in . ( 2. ) Christs ●nward Affection to them ; He cannot but love ●hem , in whom he dwells and abides ; In whose bosome he layeth his head , and in whose Heart he hath his Throne . ( 3 ) ●hrists ●pecial acknowledging them ●o be his ransom●d Ones ; for his peculiar Treasure , for his House , and constant dwelling Place . ( 4. ) Christs working in them , the work of Holy●ess , and drawing in them more and more ●vely Draughts and Lineaments of his new ●mage , that the new Man of Grace ▪ may be ●tronger and stronger , & they made more and ●ore conformable to the Prince of their Salvtion in all the Graces of the Spirit . ( 5. ) Christs reigning and sweying his Scepter in the Soul ; And that his Laws are obeyed , his Statutes followed , and that there is no willing subjection to any other Master ; That Christ having cast out the old tyrant & usurper , he is acknowledged as the Alone and Lawful Soveraign . ( 6 ) Christs resting himself in his Love to them ; For where he loves , there i● his resting place , there he makes his abode , ( 7. ) Christs being in them , as their life , the Fountain and Well spring of all Life and Operations , Gal : 2.20 . ( 8. ) In a word , It holds sorth ●hat Christ is in them , to do in and for them , to bring them up to Glory , to lead them through difficulties , to strengthen them against opposition , to comfort them against discouragements , and to support them under crosses , and so in the end to bring them home . Question , But how is He in the Believer ? I Answer , He is there , not only as GOD ; For so is he over all , neither is he there meerly as Man ; For he is so in Heaven , at the Right Hand of the Father , where he must abide , until the times of restitution of all things , which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets , since the World began , Acts. 3.21 . Bu● as Mediator , not in Person , but by his Viceroy , and great Lord keeper of his Room , the Holy Ghost ; For he is the Comforter , that ●hall ever abide with us ; And for whom Christ prayed the Father , and w●●m he was ●o send , Ioh : 14.16 , 17.26 . Io● : 15.26 , and 16.7.13 . Question , But is it by the Spirit himself , that Christ lives and abides in the Believer ; Or is ●t alone by the Graces , Effects and Operations of the Spirit ? Answer , By whatever of the two it be , by this way of Christs in dwelling , is every way strong ground of Consolation , and affords solide Joy , and a sure well grounded Hope of Glory . Notwithstanding , there are several Expressions in Scripture that seems to plead ●or the Spirit himself . As 1. The Believer is said to be the Temple of God & of the Holy Ghost , 1 Cor : 3.16 , 17. and 6.19 . Which gives to know more than that they have his Graces , as the design & ground of the Apostles reasoning holds forth , Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God ? And that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? If any man defile the Temple of God , him shall God destroy : For the Temple of God as holy , which Temple ye are . Here three times they are called GODS Temple , And not only so , but as if the Apostle would further lay forth the business , he adds , And that the Spirit of GOD dwelleth in you : All which may be said very properly of a Person , and more properly than of any work wrought by the Spirit . To the same purpose the Apostle speaketh , 1 Cor : 6.19 . What , know ye not , that ▪ your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost , which is in you , which ye have of God — The Holy Ghost is said to be in them as a Temple . 2. The Spirit is spoken of as a Gift , with a d●fference from his Works and Effects o● Grace ; — Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost , which is given us , Rom : 5.5 . Here is the Grace of Love wrought by the Holy Ghost ; And moreover the Apostle sayes , that it is by the Holy Ghost , which is given unto us ; So that the Holy Ghost himself is given as a special Gift , besides that of his Fruit and Operations in the Soul ; Compared with Ezek : 36.27 . And I will put my Spiri● within you . 3. Christ promises to send him in h●● Room , and mentions him alwayes as a Person ▪ that he will send to dwell and abide with them , to work in them ; ●o saith he , Iob. 14.16 ▪ 17. And I will pray the Father , and he shall giv● you another comforter , that he may abide with yo● for ever ( So that it is the Comforter himsel● that he promiseth here , and not simply h●● Comforts ) And who is this Comforter ? Eve● the spirit of Truth , whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not , neither knoweth him , b●● ye know him : And as if this were not sufficien● he adds further , for he dwelleth with yo● and shall be in you : And yet further , v. 26. Bu● the Comforter , which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name , He shall teach you all things — So that the Comforter himself as distinguished from his teaching , is promised here , And Ioh : 15.26 . He is also promised as contradistinguished from his Operations , and testifying o● Christ. 4. The Believer is said to have the Spirit , So that they belong not to Christ , who have not have the Spirit of Christ , Rom : 8.9 . He is said to dwell in them , Rom : 8.11 . 1 Cor : 3.16 . 2 Tim : 1.14 . To be with them Ioh : 14.17 . And to be in them , Rom : 8.11 . — By his Spirit that dwelleth in you . 5. Not only doth the Spirit help our infirmities ▪ which is through Grace ; But the Spirit himself , is said to make intercession for us with groaninos which cannot be uttered , which āpears to be somewhat other , that is given them then the meer Graces of the Spirit ; And that because there immediately follows , And he that searcheth the hearts , knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit , Rom : 8.27 . 6. The Believer is said to be sealled with the holy Spirit o● promise ; And he is the earnest of our Inheritance , Eph : 1.13 , 14. And given as a seal and Pledge , Eph : 4.30 . The earnest of the Spirit is given in their hearts , 2 Cor : 1.22 So also 2. Cor : 5.5 . which seems to hold out more than his Fruits . 7. Therefore the Believer is commanded not only , not to quench the Spirit , Ephes : 5. 19. which may have respect to his Operations , and Indrawings of Grace in the Soul ; But also , not to grieve the Spirit , Ephes : 4.30 . Which seems to import the dwelling of the Spirit in them . 8. It is by vertue of this Union betwixt the Spirit and the believer , that their very dust is raised up in the last day ; so that God by the Spirit that dwelleth in them , shall quicken their mortal bodies , Rom : 8.11 . This Spirit then that dwelleth in them , must be somewhat else , then his Graces , for by these , the mortal bodies are not quickened . And he is called the Spirit of Him that raised up Iesus from the dead , 9. He is said to be sent forth into their Hea●ts , crying Abba Father , Gal : 4.6 . 10. David prayeth expresly , Psal : 51.11 . That the LORD would not take his Holy Spirit from him . Vse , 1. This is a noble point of Truth , and full of many grounds o● Comfort : And how could Believers other wayes then rejoyce , providing this Union betwixt Christ and them were believed ? Did they know that Christ were in them , keeping house in them , dweling with them , with joy and satisfaction , would it not make them sing under all adversity . And that upon a four fold account . 1. Upon the account of the great Honour which i● brought to them thereby , even to them , who formerly were meer cages of unclean spirits , and yet still have much coorruption abiding in them : That the King of Zion , who is King of kings , LORD of Lords , Heir of all , the Brightness o● his Fathers Glory , and the express Image of his Person , Heb : 1.3 . Who is the Image of the invisible GOD , the first borne of every Creature , Col : 1.15 . That he ( I say ) should come and loege with them , lodge in their Heart , within their Soul ; That he whom the Heaven of heavens cannot contain , that is High and Lofty , who dwells in Eternity , should live with such a One , and be united with such : O what incomprehensible Honour is this ! Elizabeth cryed once with great admiration , And whence is this to me , that the Mother of my Lord should come to me ? Luke . 1.43 . And may not the Believer with much more admiration cry out , And whence is this to me , that my Lord himself should come to me ? And not only so , but come to me , and dwell and abide with me ? 2. Here is great comfort on the account of profit and advantage : Have they the Heir of all things , so near to them and with them , living in them , what can they then want ? For if Christ be theirs , all things are theirs , life , death , ●hings present , and things to come , 1 Cor , 3.22 , 23. Hath GOD given Christ , and shall he not with him also freely give us all things ? Rom : ● . 32 . And what can they lack that have all things ? what can they want , who have Him in them , in whom dwells all the fullness of the God head bodily ? Col : 2.9 . What want they who have Heaven ? And can they want Heaven within them , who have Christ within them ? They are compleat in him , Col : 2.10 . Which is ●he Head of all principality and power . 3. Here is comfor upon the account of safety ; Who , or what can harm them , who have preservation or salvation wi●hin them ? Christ the Author of Eternal Salvation within them . O what security for them , in whom he is ! What can tribulation or distress , or famine or n●kedness , or peril or sword do to such ? can they separate him , who is become a Habitation for Christ , from the love of GOD , which is in Christ Jesus ? No , no ; can the ship drown wherein Christ is ? Can fire or water , harm a Soul , who is a Habitation for Christ ? What can satan do against Christs lodging ? Can he , or dare he cast it down ? 4. Here is Comfort upon the account of security and tranquility : For who can weaken and endamage their right to Glory , that allready have begun Glory in the soul , to wit , Christ the hope of Glory ? can satan or the world make such an one miserable ? No , surely ; greater is He that is in them , then he that is in the world , 1 Ioh : 4.4 . What surer pledge of Heaven and Salvation , can the soul have , then a begun possession ? What is Heaven , other then a life of Communion with GOD , in the nearest and strictest degre● ? And 〈◊〉 stricte● Union can any have with Christ than to have him in them ? Vse , 2 Unbelievers and strangers ●o Christ , may hence gather these princ●pal Points for their better improvement o●●he ●oresaid Truths . 1. Have n● mean ●hough●s ●f ●he life and state of B●liev●rs ; You s●e to what they are ●x●l●ed , h●wever contemp●able in the eyes of ●he World : despise you such an incomprehensi●le ●●ch advantage ? I● is no such despic●ble and mean Life as , you phansie : Have then a higher esteem thereof , if you would be truely Wise. 2. Again , on the other hand , ponder seriously , what a fearful and m●serable condi●ion i● is , wher●in ye are who are strange●s to Christ ; And in place of Christ in you , the H●pe of Glory , ye have satan ●n you , working th● w●●ks of darkness , blinding the mind , left the light of the glorious Gospel ●f Christ , who is the Image of God , shouuld shine unto you , 2 Cor : 4 4. Be●ng without Christ , ●o ye have no hope strangers from the Covenants ●f promise , and without God , Ephes : 2 21. Without a Leader and Commander , Isa : 55. Without Protect●on or ●oy , and w●thout ●ll that ●s good . 3 Do no● only think on it , ●ut dwell on the thoughts of it , until that your ●earts be wrough● up to a real sorrow and ●rief , that ye have been so long in such a con●ition , and have keeped Christ so long at the door , and so have foresaken your own Mercies , and have loved death rather then life Ionah . 2.8 . Prov : 8 36.4 . Endeavou● earnestly to win free of this estate , and to b● Partakers of this singular and unspeakable advantage , to have Christ in you . Seek unto to him , who hath the Kings keys , and the k●ys of of David , and that openeth and no ma● shutteh , That he may put his hand into the hol● of the lock , and cast open the leaves , and unbolt the dear of your heart and come in . 5 ▪ Whatever ye do , Be carefull that ye w●on● none of them , Ye see who is near han● them , and whose House and Habitation ●hey are : Do ●hem no hurt , left ye bring on you● selves , the wrath of him that dwelleth i● them . Vse , 3 For Application of these comfortable Truths aright , there are several Dutie● required of Believers themselves . 1. They must make use of Christ for Light Counsel and Direction in all their wayes ; Seeing ●e is so near unto you , that he is even within you , then make all your difficulties know● unto him ; Undertake nothing without his Advice : Believers are to trust in the Lord wit● all ●heir heart , and in nothing to lean unt● their own understanding , acknowledging him in all th●ir wayes , and he shall direct thei● path● , Pr● : 3 5.6 . Thus therefore , as the● received Christ Jesus the Lord , so should the● walk in him , Col. 2.6 . Setting him up for their Patern and Example , and so walking as be walked in the World , in all Humility , Pati●nce , Love , Zeal , Holiness and Uprightness , ●hat thereby it may appear that Christ is in ●hem , and that they are rooted and built up ●n him , and established in Faith. 2. They must lay to Heart that great Duty of growing in Grace , and bearing Fruit in him , Ioh. 15.2 . That this Union with Christ may appear ; For when found fruitful in him , ●hen it appears that they are united unto a Fruitful and sappy Root , and that the foun●ain of Life and influences is in them : And on ●his account are they to be the more diligent in ●hese following Duties . As 1. Live in the constant and real Convictions of your Impo●ency to do any thing of your selves , knowing ●hat ye are not sufficient of your selves , to ●hink any thing as of your selves , 2 Cor. 3.5 . ● . Acknowledges that all your sufficiency is in Christ , through whom ye can do all things , ●hilip . 4.13 . Believe his All-sufficiency and ●eadiness to help and bear through Difficulties , ●ll such , who will imploy him and his Grace . ● . In confidence hereof , go to him for help , ●epend on him for assist●nce , according to the ●romises , lay the weigh● of the Duty on him ●y Faith. 4. Lean and rest on him by Faith : ●nd so venture upon every commanded Duty ●ith uprightness of Heart . 3. The Believer must lay to Heart the Du●y of rejoycing in him , and of boasting alone in him : And that in these respects . 1. As having all what they have , in and through , and for him alone : As also all they have to expect for the making of them compleatly happy , must run through this Channel , so tha● the Believer is alone Compleat in him , Col. 2.10.2 . Because they will find all their wants , through Lo●ses , Crosses , Tossings , sharp D●spensations , &c. Richly made up in Him , in whom Dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead Bodily . Col. 2.9 . For He is in the● , 3. Because , that through Him they are brought to the highest pitch of Honour and Credite imaginable , as having Christ abiding and dwelling in them . 4. Because that through Him they have the ●urest hope of seeing God , and of dwelling in Glory eternally ; For Christ in them is the hope of Glory . 5. Because that in Him they have cause to triumph over Death , Hell , the Grave and Corruption , and over a Body of Death , Rom. 7.24 , 25. 1 Cor. 15.55.6 . Because they have him near at hand , to go to , is all their Needs , Miseries , Doubts and Questionings , Weakness , &c. He is ever at hand , for he is in them . 4. Seeing Christ is come so near unto them , that He is in them ; so they are to keep near Communion and Fellowship wi●h him ; and that in these following respects . 1. That they converse with him in their thoughts , separating themselves from all others , singly to speak with him , adoring and admiring his Love and Condescendency towards them , and with delight continuing in the Meditation of his Person , Offices and Mediatory Works , &c. 2. That they be often speaking with him in Prayer : And thus keeping up a Correspondence with him , laying out all their wants before him , pouring out their Souls in his Bosome , going to him on all occasions . 3. That they seek advice of , and consult him in all Emergents , attempting nothing , without giving him notice first thereof . 4. That they set h●m up con●inually as their Patern , that they may be Followers of God as dear Children , Ephes. 5.1 . He ha●h left us an example , that we should follew his steps , 1 Pet. 2.21.5 . That they unbosome their whole Secrets to Him , seeing He is their Heart and bosome Friend , and seeing this is the real and sure token and demonstration of resting in , and crediting of Him. 6. That ●hey approach unto Him , or unto God through Him , with all Christian freedom and familia●ity , with an assurance of accep●ance , seeing He is come so near to the Soul : For in him , We have boldness and access , with confidence by the Faith of Him , E●hes 3.12 . And through Him we ●oth have an access , by one Spirit unto the Father , Ephes. 2 18.5 Seeing it hath pleased Christ , ●o worthy and excellent a Guest , to take up Lodging in the Souls of Believers , they must beware of g●ieving Him : We should be loath to let a good Guest go to the door upon the account of our incivility . Now among other things , these following will grieve Christ and and provoke him to depart , ( 2. ) In case we have not that high esteem of Him as we ought ; any will soon weary in Company , where affronted and slighted . ( 2. ) Providing due honour and Respect to him be not intertained and fostered , notwithstanding of all our forementioned freedom and familiarity with him : For homliness must not spill good Manners . He is a great King and Jealous God. A Sen Honoureth his Father , and a Servant his Master : If then I be a Father , where is mine Honour ? And if I be a Master , where is my Fear ? saith the Lord of Hosts , &c. Mal. 1.6 . ( 3 ) Providing we have not strong , hearty , and sensible desires after him : For as Love and Kindness waxeth cold , so Friendship dryeth up . His Love i● strong , and love must be answered with love , otherwayes it turns into Jealousie ; He is a jealous Lover ; And as his Love has mounted far above all Love , yea above all the Love of Women , though distilled into one : Therefore we should carry our selves , as ever sensible hereof , continually praying that ou● Hearts might alwayes be directed into ●he Lor● of God , 2 Thess. 3.5 . And we keeped there●● Iude v. 21. And may abound yet more and mor● Phil. 1.9 . ( 4. ) Providing we be carnally minded , this will chase him out of the Soul ; Because the Carnal mind is enmity against God , Rom. 8.7 . ( 5. ) Providing we give free access to inward Corruption , that will exceedingly grieve him : For he is come expr●sly into the Soul , to break that yoke of bondage ; And to deliver the poor Soul from the Tyranny of Sin : And when man willingly subjects unto his unreconcilable enemies , it is a direct and open declaring , and proclaiming our unwillingness to intertain him longer in the Soul , and a seeking these beastly , self and Soul-ruining Lusts and Desires above him : An● that cannot but grieve him , when he sees Satans company more prized then his . ( 6 ) Providing we disesteem and undervalue his Doctrine , Leading , Counsel and Advice , resisting his Motions , and tr●mpling on his Laws ; This will make him weary of his Lodging , when we are not so ready as formerly to do what a Friend desires us , and when not so willing to take his Advice , and to follow it , then it is a Symptome , that we are jealous of him , and wearied of his company . ( 7 ) Providing we be lazie and sloathful in Duty : This will grieve the Spirit , because he is dishonoured thereby , and in effect declared to be a dry sapless Root , when the branches in him are seen without Fruit , notwithstanding o● all their fair leaves . 6. Is Christ so affable and gracious , that he takes up lodging in poor Souls ? Then they should heartily welcome him , and let him know so much : And that 1. By giving him the Throne , and the head of ●he Table , with the best place in the House , for he is worthy : He is the Lord of Hosts , the Master , the Husband , the kindly Suitor ; Hereby we manifest our high esteem and burning Love towards H●m , as knowing that none is to be compared wi●h him . 2. To make him the more welcome , we should call in all our scattered Desires and wandering Aff●ction● , which now are spent and set loose in hunting after the scum of empty shaddowy Vanities , and g●ther them in , and direct them all towards him ▪ as to the Center : As being only worthy of a●l Love and Affect●on ; for He is altogether a●d wholly Lovely , Song 5 16 And the Desire of all Nations , Hag. 2.7 3. We should to the u●termost of our Power , lay out our selves 〈◊〉 Him , sparing no cost nor Labour to pleas● Him , and to evidence our sincere affections towards him . 4. We should give him his whole will and Command over us , and over what is ours ; so that all our Power , Wisdom , Will , Conscience , Memory , Affections , &c. With all the Members of our Body attend his Command ; so as he might ever freely take and dispose of us and ours , according to his good pleasure , without opposition or gainsaying , whereby he might be the more freely Master of the House , and freely make us● of all , according to his Will. 5. We sh●uld side with him against all that would oppose him in our Souls ; And by his Au●hority , and through his Strength , we should put to the door , all that are enemies to him and his Interest in our Soul● : were it the right eye , or the cutting ●ff of the right hand , if in opposition to him . 6. We should with cheerfulness and outstreched Hearts , run in the wayes of his Commandments , and do his will with delight and readiness , and seek to know what might please or displease him , tha● the one might be done , and the other eshewed , whatever might follow thereupon . 7. Hath Christ so far honoured the poor Believer , as to come under a roof with him , yea as to come into his Heart , to dwell and abide there ; And should they not s●●k all occasions again to honour him ? Namely , 1. They should put the Crown upon his Head , and behold King Solomon , with the Crown , wherewith his Mother crowned him , in the day of his Espousals , and in the day of the gladness of his Heart . 2. They should earnestly and carefully observe all the Precepts and Ordinances in the Wo●sh●p , whereby he is publickl● and solemnly served and honoured in the World ; This is the honour and open Testimony of Respect he calls for The sons of Eli , honoured him not thus , ne●ther Nadab and Ab●hu , nor Vzza , nor the Bethshemites , wherefore his fierce anger was powered forth against them . 3. They should recommend him to the Love and Esteem of others , speaking good of him in all Companies , laying forth his Beauty and desireableness at the Bride doth , Song . 2. And so engaging and perswading others to love him . 4. They would so carry themselves , that others that look upon them , may see a desireable Lovelyness and Beauty in Christianity , That is , by walking chearfully in the wayes of GOD , that others may not be scarred therefrom , through their sad and dejected carriage , as if there were no reason of Joy and Gladness of heart in the Service of GOD , and as is he were an unkindly and hard Master , whom they serve . 8. Is Christ himself within the Believer , then surely they are called to walk so , that all that notice them , may distinctly see , and freely say , that such have not only been with Christ , but that they are continually with him , and he with them , and that he lodges and lives in their Souls : And for that effect . 1. They should have a care , that they be not conformed to this world , but transformed by the renewing of their minds , Rom : 12.2 That it might be manifest , that they serve another Master , then the world serves , and that they are moved and led by another Spirit . 2. Their hearts should be lifted up in the wayes of the Lord ; As it was with the Heart of that good King , 2 Chron : 17.6 3. Their walk and carriage should be singular , Heavenly and Spiritual , as being above the World , and the vanities thereof , as having their Hearts and desires in Heaven , Where Christ sitteth on the Right Hand of GOD , Col : 3.1 . And as having their Conversation in Heaven , Phil : 3.20 . And as it becometh the Gospel , Phil : 1.27 . Having Christ in them , so should they be dead and crucified to the World. 4. Thus having Christ in them , whose eyes are at a fl●me of fire , who sees their whole carriage , and knows the frame of their Hearts , they should endeavour in their whole carriage and walk to be upright and without hypocrisy , that they may present themselves pleasant before him , who sees the secrets of of the Heart ; For our rejoycing is this , saith the Apostle , 2 Cor : 1.12 . The Testimony of our conscience , that in simplicity and Godly sincerity , no● with fleshly wisdom , but by the Grace of GOD , we have had our conversation in the World , &c. Wherefore laying aside — all guile and hypocrisies , — 1 Pet : 2.1.5 . They should then make it appear that Christ is in them , by serving him after a lively manner ; So it is not sufficient to follow Duti●s , but to perfo●m them as living in Christ , or as having Christ , living in them , as having the Fountain of Life within them , and the Bread of Life ; Therefore are they to present their bodies a living sacrifice unto GOD , Rom : 12.1 . And shew forth themselves as lively stones — built up a Spiritual House , — 1 Pet : 2 ●5 . 6 . They must also make this evident by their Zealous way of walking , seeing Christ hath a loathing at lukewarmness , Rev : 3 15 : 16. That they are Zealous of good Works , Tit. 2.14.7 Their Christian carriage should fill them with Joy and Gladness , as delighting themselves in the Law of the LORD , and rejoycing in serving and pleasing of him . 8. They must walk in the fear of the LORD , and be in his fear all the day long , and carry themselves circumspectly and tenderly , as in the sight of Jesus Christ , who is in them , and locketh upon them , wherever they be , and in whatever they are doing . 9. Is Christ come into their Souls to work his work , then the● should not suffer him to be idle , bu● g●ve him employment : He accounts Employment the greatest Friendship , and best Reception that we give him ; To wit , 1. That he teach and lead them in the wayes of GOD ; Thus he getts Employment as a Prophet . 2. That he command and lead them as a King ; Wh●reas ● corruptions diverts from following the Dicta●es of his Spirit ; He is given for a leader and commander to the People , Isa : 55.4 . And for that end , he must be employed . 3. Tha● he w●sh ●hem from their da●ly polu●ions , seeing he i● a fountain opened to the House of David , and to the ●nhabitants of J●rusalem , for sin and uncleanness , Zach : 13.1 . His blood cleanseth us from all sin , 1 Joh : 1.7 . And he is faithful , &c : ● : 9.4 . That he pray for them as an Advocate with the Father , being a Propitiation or at●onement for their sins , 1 Ioh : 2.1 , 2. — Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them , Heb : 7.25 5. That he renew & sanctity them wholly in Spirit , & Soul , and Body , that he renew them wholly in the inward Man ; So that the new Man of Grace may grow , and corruption may be brought under . 6. That he strengthen them , with all might , according to his Glorious power , unto all patience and long s●ffering with Joyfullness Col : 1.11 . That he may grant them , according to the riches of his Glory , to be strengthened with might by his Spirit , in the Inner-man , Ephes : 3.16 . That they may be strong in the Lord , and in the power of his might , Ephes : 6.18.7 That he may refresh and enliven the● , when sicking and fainting under fears , weakness , outbreakings of corruption , hidings of the Lords Face , or such like . 8. In a wo●d , that he may make them confident of this very thing , that he who hath begun a good work in ●hem , will pe●form it , until the day of Ies●s Christ , Phil : 1.6 . That in him they may perfect their Holiness in the fear of G●D , 2 Cor : 7.1 . That so the work may be C●owned to his Glory : That they may be presented to him , A glorious Church , not having spot or wrinkle , — but that they should be Holy and without blemish , Ephes. 5.27 . 10. Seeing Christ is so near them , that he himself , is in them , so they should have their retreat to him , in all their difficulties , for help and deliverance : And that 1. when distempered wi●h doubtings and discouragements an●nt their State , present frame , or Duties : For with him is the Fountain of Life , and in his Light shall we see Light , Psal. 36 9.2 . When they are assaulted with sinking dis●ouragements , so that they cannot stand and subsist under their burdens : For in him alone , and in the strength of his power , can they be strengthned : He can make them renew their strength , and mount up with Wings as Eagles , to run and not be wearied , Isa 40.31 , 3. Or when disordered with outward losses or crosses ; For he only can make up all their losses , and fully satisfy , being an incomparable portion , Ier. 10.16.4 . When they are confounded with fears , whether from the breaking forth of Corruptions , or from the deceitfulness of their own Heart , the cuningness of Satan , the weakness of Grace , the accusations of Conscience , &c. Seeing he is a present help upon all occasions , and easily with a blink of his Countenance , can drive away all these clouds and grounds of fear . Having now gi●en some Observations of these words , Christ in you ; We come now to speak of them , in so far as they are the ground of the hope of Glory : And so they teach us , that Christ in the Soul , is a most sure , clear and certain ground of a lively hope of Glory , which we shall manifest and confirm with these Scriptural Reasons . 1. All such in whom Christ is and Lives , He hath purchased and bought with his Blood , Gal. 2.20 . Christ liveth in me ( saith he ) and then addeth , Who loved me , and gave Himself for me . Such are bought with a price , both Soul and Body , 1 Cor. 6.20 . And seeing Christ hath bought them so Dear , and taken possession of them , as of his peculiar Treasure , what is there that can afford ground once to call in question ▪ or doubt of their Salvation , they are bought unto Glory , and Glory is purchased unto them , and Christ possesseth them as such , and so they are certain of Glory . 2. There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus , Rom. 8.1 . And who are in Christ , the same hath Christ in them , as is clear from what fol●ows in that Text , ver . 9.10.3 . That Christ is in the Soul , sayes , that however they were once without Christ , yet now are they made ●igh by the Blood of Christ ; Who is our Peace , ●nd hath reconciled us unto God , Ephes 2.12 , 13 , 14 , 16. Reconciled Souls shall certainly possess Glory . 4. Christ is called our Life ; And our Life is hide with him in God , Col. 3.3 , 4. They then that have him in them , may be ●ssured of Eternal Life . 5. Such in whom Christ lives , shall be Filled with all the fulness of God , as we see Ephes. 3.17 , 19. That is , until begun Grace here , be perfected in Glory hereafter , where we shall be filled fully and compleatly with the fulness of God , enjoying his pres●nce in immediate Communion with him , so full as we shall be able to contain . Ioh. 17.23 , 24.6 . Christ is made for all such , Wisdom , Righteousness , Sanctification and Redemption . 1 Cor. 1.30 How then can they be deprived of Salvation ? 7. Such are the Children of God , as the Apostle saith Rom. 8. Who are led by the Spirit , have the Spirit o● Christ in them , ver . 9 , 10 , 11. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God , they are the Sons of God , ver . 14 And if Children , then Heirs , Heirs of God , and joynt Heirs with Christ , ver . 17. So that Christ in them , must be a certain and sure hope of Glory 8. Providing Christ be in them , then The Spirit is Life ( saith the Apostle , Rom. 8.10 . ) Because of Righteousness : That is , their Soul and Spirit is already living , by vertue of Christs Righteousness , and the Life of Glory is begun in them , therefore they shall live the Life of Glory hereafter . 9. These that have Christ in them they have received Abundance of Grace , and of the Gift of Righteousness , through Christ living in them ; And so shall certainly Reign in Life by Him , Rom. 5.17.10 . Such who have Christ in them , they are quickned together with Him , yea they are raised up together in Heavenly places in Christ Iesus . Ephes. 2.5 , 6. Christ takes possession in their Name , and they in him , as their Head and Agent : And so in effect , and in respect of legal Certainty , they have present possession of Glory ; so that Christ in them , must be the assured hope of Glory . For further clearing and confirming hereof , observe these following Considerations . To wit. 1. That Christs being and living in the Soul , gives us to know the greatest Love and Respect He hath for that Soul : And whom he Loves . He Loves unto the end , Ioh. 13 1. And what can separate the Soul from his Love , Rom. 8.38 , 39.2 . Christs coming into a Soul , intimates his union therewith , which union is fast , and who can loose it ? And being one with him , and united with him , so they shall be alwayes with him : He hath prayed , that they might be with him , wher● he is , that they might behold his Glory , Ioh. 17.24 . He will not want his Servants : For where he is , there they must be also , Joh : 12.26.3 . Christs being in the Soul , holds forth his protection ; He ●s in them , to own and defend them ; & who can wrong them whom Christ defends ? Whom Christ defends , the Father defends also , Joh. 10.27 , 28 , 29 , 30. My sheep hear my voise , and I know them , and they follow me . And I give unto them Eternal Life , and they shall never perish , neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand . My Father which gave them me , is greater then all , ●nd no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand . I and my Father are one . 4. Christ is in them , taking possession of them , as of his own purchase : And who shall , or can take his Possession over his head ? Because greater is He , that is in them , then he that is in the World , 1 Joh. 4.4.5 . He is in them , as fitting and preparing them for Glory , and Sanctifying and cleansing them , With the washing of Water by the Word : That He might present them to himself a Glorious Church , not having spot or wrinckle , or any such thing , but that they should be Holy and without blemish , Ephes. 5.26 , 27.6 . He is in them by his Spirit , as the pledge and earnest of Glory , Ephes. 1.13 , 14. 2 Cor. 1.22.7 . In a word , that he is in them , is begun Glory , Glory in the Seed , and in the out-sprouting : He is in them , working the work of Grace , and that is the foundation of Glory : Here they have begun Communion with him , and that shall never be broken off , but be carried on to a more imm●diate , sweet , full , and uninterrupted Fellowship in Glory ; so that Christ in the Believer , can be no other thing then the sure hope of Glory . Vse 1. This Truth makes way for confuting 1. Papists , who are against assurance of Salvavation , and who defend and teach , that we are to fear and doubt all the dayes of our Lif● ▪ For if Christ in us , be the assured hope of Glory , then undoubtedly ▪ some of these , in whom Christ dwelleth attain to this assurance : For some of them come through Grace to see , that Christ dwells and abids in them . 2. It is for confutation of Arminians , who lay a sure foundation for the doubting of Papists , in ●aying , that the Saints may fall away , and that wholly and finally : But providing that were true , then Christ should not be the Hope of Glory in the Saints : For , according to that Doctrine , he could be in us to day , and not tomorrow , and so his being in us , could be no hope of Glory . 3. It is for confutation of Antimonians , who deny Sanct●fication to be any evidence of Justification ; notwithstanding we see that Christ in Believers , is a sure and fast ground of the hope of Glory : Now his being in them is through the work of Sanct●fication . 4. For confu●ing of poor deceived Souls , who build their Hope of Glory on some other thing . As ( 1 ) Upon an imagination that God is merciful ; which can afford them no more ground of the hope of Glory , then to all living , yea then to Devils . ( 2 ) Who build their hope upon their naked fancy of their good Heart , which is most false , the Heart being Deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked : So is it an undoubted token that Christ is not in them : For since He i● Light , so should he discover their deceitfulness unto them : So that it can never be a ground of Hope , but a sufficient foundation of a real imagination , and of a dreadful deceit . ( 3. ) Who build their hope upon their innocency and freedom from scandalous out-breakings ; with the Pharisee Luke 18 Yea a Heathen will pretend more then they . ( 4 ) Who build upon their Civility and Sobriety , which readily they may have through a soft nature & humor , through good education , & corrupte● by ends , which may be a ground of self-deceiving , though never of the hope of Glory . ( 5. ) Who bui●d on ou●ward diligence and carefulness , after publick Worship , wherein a Pharisee may go beyond them , and which at most but holds forth , that they have a Name they live , and yet are dead . Dead and formal Worship , is no assured hope of Glory . ( 6 ) Who build on the forsaking some Lusts and former evil practises , to which they were formerly addicted ; whereas notwithstanding Satan may have a sure and certain Poss●ssion of their Soul. Vse 2. This Truth serves to inform us of these two . 1. That the state of these , who are yet without Christ is very sad , and lamentable : For if without Christ , they have no hope of Glory : And what have they then , though they had the World at their disposal , and were swiming in Pleasure● ? Alas ! they want that , which might sweeten the want of all other things , to wit , the hope of Glory . 2. That the condition of those , who have fled to Christ , and have gotten that noble Guest , Christ in them , is unspeakably happy : For let their outward Estate be here in the World , what it will , they may Sing in the hope of the Glory of God ; having Christ in them , so they have the assuredest hope of Glory imaginable : They have Christ , who is the whole Covenant whereby Glory is ensured : They have him with●n their Souls , who already hath given them the possession of Glory , fitting them to have a Portion in the Inheritance of the Saints in Light : And who takes possession of them , that he and they may never more be separate . Vse 3. This Doctrine contains also in it a Reproof . 1. To Unbelievers who notwithstanding they be wholly without Christ , and his Spirit , nevertheless dreams and imagins , that they have an undoubted right unto Glory ; And so deceives themselves wi●h a vain and ungrounded hope , that all will be well with them at last . 2. For reproof to Believers , who have this assured ground of hope , nevertheless improves it not for their comfort and encouragement : But holds themselves up with doubtings and scruples concerning their Right and Inheritance ; taking heed to the lying whisperings and temptations of Satan , and so lives in Terrors , sinful Fears and Unbelief , whereby they wrong and grieve the noble Spirit , who hath taken up quarters in their Soul , even for that end among others that they might have a lively hope of Glory and thereby be supported under the pressure of Terrors and Fea●s , strengthened against th● Soul troubling injections , and heart-distur●ing temptations of Satan , and comforted against all discouragements Vse 4. Th●s Doctrine ●olds out these following Duties to the Unbeliever . As 1. They ought to Labour to have this Truth , deeply rooted in their Hearts , that before Christ be in them , they can have no well grounded hope ever to see God in Glory . 2. That herein they are to be convinced of the necessity of giving ear unto the Call of the Gospel , and to give obedience thereunto , which is ( as we shall after hear ) that we receive Christ , the Prince of Life in our Souls . 3. That therefore there should be nothing so desirable to them , as to have Christ living and working in their Souls ▪ and to rest on nothing less for a satisfying ground of the hope of Glory . Vse 5. This Truth holds out unto us , the sure ground of the consolation of Believers , in whom Christ is : O! what cause of gladness and rejoycing have they , go as it will with them in the World : For though the World frown upon them , nevertheles● they may rejoyce in the Hope of the Glory of God , what●ver ground of sorrow , they may otherwayes have , as they see how it fares with them in the World , yet when they look within , and beholds the footsteps of Christ walking within them , and the Fruits of his living and abiding in them ; so may they raise up themselves with unspeakable and excellent joy . Objection , But it may be asked , how comes it then , that even such are more filled with fears and anxieties then others , concerning their Eternal Happiness and lively hope , and are continually in fears and doubting , possessing their Life often in sorrow ? Ans. 1. It is one thing to have Christ in us , and another thing to see him in us ; This is a new and different Gift : And God may give the one , when he thinks good to with-hold the other . 2. The Lord may thus for wise and holy ends measure out his Favours : As he is a Soveraign , so he is also wise ; he doth what he will , and yet doth all in deep Wisdom , for wise and holy ends : The Lord may have a high and Soveraign hand in this business , and may find ●t necessar , so to keep them humble , tender , wa●chful and diligent in Duties : For he sees that readily , did they see how rich they were , they would forget bo●h God and themselves , not being well ball●ssed to carry such a high Topsail , and that thus they might come to boast and turn secure , and give too much advantage to Satan to assault and overcome them . 3. They may read●ly have a sinful h●nd therein themselves : And that ( 1 ) When they give too much heed to the lying Injections and temptations of Satan : It is not safe to entertain discourse with such an enemy , who is a Lyar and a Murderer from the beginning : He is too great a Sophist and Disputer for us . ( 2. ) When they give too much way to corruption , which darkens all , and gives Satan advantage and occasion to accuse of Hypocrisy , and to alledge and say , providing Christ be in you , how is it so and so ? ( 3 ) When by the false Injections of Satan , they Nick-name the work of Christ in them , consenting to the reproaches of the enemy , and joyning with him in affording Objections against all the work of Grace in their Soul : And thus having filled their mind with prejudices against themselves , through the instigation of Satan , they are not in case , either to receive , or accept of any right Information concerning their Souls . ( 4. ) It may also f●ll out through their misunderstanding the true Nature and work of Grace , and of Christs being in them , imagining that nothing can be called or reckoned Christ in the Soul , but an exceeding great out-letting of the Spirit , carrying the Soul over all difficulties , accompanied with great joy and gladness , and with an eminent and great degree of Sanctification . Vse 6. This Truth exceedingly calls for a narrow Tryal , viz. If Christ be in us or not : And because it is a material business we shall therefore speak the more to it . 1. We shall lay forth some false Marks , by which many deceive themselves , both on the one hand , and on the other . 2. We will give you some true Marks , where you may judge in this matter , In speaking to the false Marks , we must have our eye upon two sorts of Persons , and so speak to the Marks , whereupon each goes to work and deceives themselves : Some have Christ really dwelling in their Soul , and yet nevertheless imagine , that it is not so , upon ●uch and such grounds , that they perceive in ●hemselves , which they judge cannot consist ●ith Christs living in them : Others again , have ●ot Christ in them , notwithstanding imagine ●hat he is in them , by reason of such and such ●hings , which they judge to be real Marks of ●hrists being in them . And both the one and ●he other , are deceived with false grounds . As to the First , viz. Such who have Christ ●eally in them , and nevertheless will not be ●onvinced thereof : They may mistake on these ●nd the like grounds . 1. Because they are no wayes like to these ●aints , whereof the Scriptures make mention , 〈◊〉 whom was the Spirit of Christ ; Neither like ●ose , who now live , who have Christ in them : ●s if ( forsooth ) all were Christians of the ●●me Magnitude , Age , Strength and Liveli●ess ; As if there were not in Christs Family , young Children as well as old , young Centinels , as well as Lively , Strong and great Warriors , 1 Cor. 3.1 . 1 Ioh. 2.13 , 14. A Child hath real Life , and is a man , though not a strong and able man ; yea the very Child in the Mothers Belly hath real Life ; and so many Children in Christ go to Heaven , for he carries the Lambs i● his Bosome . Isa 40 11. 2. Because they find not the Operations of the Spirit in them ; That is likewayes no true mark : For he may be in the Soul , and yet may be hide from the Soul , the Lord judging it fittest it should be so ▪ that he may hide pride from their eyes , and they ( as was said ) may be keep'd humble and sobbing all their dayes . The Spirit bloweth where he listeth , and after what manner he will. 3. Because they are dayly full of Fears and Jealousies , that all is not right with them : Hence they conclude , that providing Christ were really in them , then all their Questionings would be done away , and all their clouds scattered , and they would obtain a full assurance : But this is a mistake , Christ may be , and Faith in him may be , where this certainty is not , never was , and likely shall never be , until the Soul come within the view of the Land of Glory : Yea the Scripture is ●ull of such like Complain●s of the Saints , and of their often expressing their suspicions : It is the Disease that follows the Royal Blood , incident to the most Heavenly Spirits ; Moses David , Heman , Asaph , Iob , Ieremiah , the C●urch , Psal : 120. Lam : 1. and 2. and 3. ●nd 4 And that under the Church and Saints of the New Testament , as well as the Old , 1 Cor : 10.6 . Now these things were our examples , — with v. 1.1 . 2 Cor : 1 8 9 2 Cor : 2.11 2. Cor : 7 4 , 5 , 6. 1 Pet : 1.6 , 7. Yea Christ may be there , where the Soul through the power of temptation pe●emptorly concludeth , that he is not in them , ●therwayes woe to not a few . 4. Because Strangers to some sensible and ●omfortable manifestations , which some win ●t ; They see not , neither find they , as with ●ome , the Rayes and reall Blinks of his smiling Countenance : But this is no sure Mark ; Christ ●ay be , where these things are not , or other●ayes woe to many poor Soules . These are ●he free outlettings of his Love , wherein the LORD dealls as a Soveraign ; Allowing some ●o come near him , for so ●e thinketh fit , and ●thers to stand farther off , and think it suffici●nt , if but admitted to stand within the portall ●f his Pallace : All Subj●cts are not Courtiers , ●or all Courtiers alike high : The Mother will ●ake the one Child , and kiss and dandl● it upon ●he knee , and not the other ; So Christ takes ●ot all his Children into his Banqueting house , ●●ither spreads he his Banner of Love over ●hem , in a sensible manne● : Each one , is not ●ayed with Flaggons , and comforted with Apples ; Every one hath not Christs left hand unde● their head , and his right hand embracing them : Some must be satisfied , to want these manifestations , until they ascend into the Higher House . 5. Because they know not , what it is to have their Hearts lifted up in the wayes of the LORD ; They know not what that Joy in the Holy Ghost meaneth , nor what it is to chear themselves with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory . O is this sufficient ground to conclude , that Christ is not in them ? What a gross mistake is this ? Do all Christians attain to such high Attainments ? Alas ! Some must be well satisfied to creep to Heaven , and never once get up their back , untill they win within the very ports of Glory : Some in stead of rejoycing , must carry the tear in their eye , the whole way and never get it washen away , untill that Christs soft hand , once for all , wash it off , and then they shall weep no more , being arrived there , where no sorrowing nor sighing shall be heard , for then sighing and ●orrowing , must flee away . 6. Because their Graces shine not , nor have not that Beauty and Lustre , Which they believed to have had , Providing Christ were in them : Where Faith , Hope Love &c. is nothing to what it should , or must be , ( thin● they ) if Christ were in them . But they notl●● not , that there are degrees of Grace : All ar● not Saints of the first Magnitude ; Each ones Faith , ( even true Faith ) is not Assurance : Christ is , where the least grain weight of Grace is ; And sometimes Grace will go in litle Room ; Christ is , where there is but one smoaking Flax , and but one broken Reed . 7. Because they are not only without Comfort and Joy , but are also full of terrours , fears and trembling , whereof they imagine they should be free , providing Christ were in them : Alas , poor Soul , why thinks thou thus ! Were it so as ye imagine , what should have become of excellent Heman , Psal : 88.15 . Who from his youth up , was afflicted and ready to die , and was distracted with the Terrours of GOD , which he suffered . What should ye then say of the good King Hezekiah , who became to chatter like a Cran or a Swallow , and to mourn as a Dove , Isa : 38.14 . And of others whom we could name . 8. Because they see no Grace growing in them , all seems to be going back with them : I grant , it is most lamentable when it is so , and a case much to be condolled ; Nevertheless , it may readily appear to be so , when really it is not so ; Christ may be , where this grouth in Grace , is neither seen , nor observed ; Yea , Christ may be , where there is a sinful decay for a time , by reason of some Winter ●lasts and storms , or by reason of some worm , or such like at the root ; Nevertheless , the seed shall remain , and where the seed is , there is Christ , so that this is but a false Mark. 9. Because they observe so much Hypocrisie in their Actings , undoubtedly say they , if Christ were in us , it should not be so with us ▪ But as to this , we should mark , that however , he who hath Christ in him , can be no Hypocrite ; For a Hypocrite is such , whose state is without Christ ; Nevertheless , he may have much hypocrisie in him , even as he hath mor● or less of other corruptions ; Every act of hypocrisie , will not say , that that man is a hypocrite ; There is great difference between yellow brass , and Gold that hath scumm mixed with it , the best of our Mettals have dross in them : The State of perfection is not here . 10. Because they cannot perform commanded Duties , without opposition and grea● fighting : Whereas if Christ were in them ( imagine they ) their wheels would move more Lightly : But this is also a mistake , and a perverted rule to judge by ; For in the best that Live , there remains much of the old man , that never rests , But continually setts it self against every Good motion and work , that is in hand ; so that the good that they would , they cannot get done , But the evil , that they woul● not that they are made to do , the Law o● their members , warring continually against the ●aw o● their mind , making them cry Out , Owre ch●d man , that I am , who shall deliver me , from the Body of this Death ! Rom : 7.14 , 15.24 . 11. Because corruption is not weakned , but as they imagine is on the growing hand , which could not be , providing Christ were in them : But herein is also a mistake , the one or other special corruption , may in respect of some temptation , grow more at one time , than at another , & nevertheless , Grace under no decay , nor corruption growing in the who●e Body : The leaves will abundantly fall off ●he Tree , yea , and three times more in the Harvest , than at another time , and yet be under no decay : Corruption through temptation may be discovered , while never●heless , neither growing , nor in strength ; And at other times they may be less seen and feared , when most strong and dangerous : An unseen and quiet devil , may be more hazardous , than a seen and a roaring devil ; Corrup●ions grow● not alwayes most , when they rage most . 12. Because , sometimes they have gross out-breakings : This is sad I confess , and lamentable ; But therefrom we cannot certainly conclude , that we are without Christ ; Fo● Moses , David , Peter , &c. had their heavy falls , which occasioned the opening of the mouths of the ungodly . 13. Because , that sometimes they are carried away , with the tide and stream of their Corruptions , that they see nothing , but a constant course , and a joynt complotting of gross evils : This I aknowlege is a sad condition , and sadly to be Lamented ; Notwithstanding there is no Satisfying ground there form to conclude Positively , that such a Soul , is certainly without Christ ; For we find Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord ; And yet what a gross outbreakings find we in him , 2 Chr●n : 16. He made Benhadad to break his league with Baasha ; And further to engage him thereto , he commited sacriledge , and spoiled and plundered the House of the LORD , and he trusted in an arm of flesh ; And put the Prophet in the prison house for faithfully reproving of him , ; And besides at the time , oppre●sed some of the people ; And in his sickness , he sought not to the LORD , bu● to the Physicians . O! We cannot tell , beside how many corruptions , Christ will dwell in the Soul : Even such as are excommunicate for gross scandals , may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus , 1 Cor : 5.5 . 14. Because they are troubled with dreadful temptations and blasphemous injections : But neither can this be a sufficient ground to judge ●uch a Soul to be without Christ ; We know with what temptations the devil set upon Christ himself ; After that he had tempted him , with the foulest Idolatry , To wit , to worship the devil , then to a tempting of GOD , and a questioning his own God head , and his right and interest in GOD as his Father : What will he not then attempt against the poor Followers of Christ ? And seeing he so assaulted the Prince of Salvation , in whom he could find nothing , and that for forty dayes together , and then but left him for a time , Mark. 1.13 . Luk. 4 2.13 . Why should his Followers think it strange , when long troubled with such injections . 15. Because the LORD pursues them in his anger , and in his carriage to them shews his sore displeasure , and writs their sins on their judgements : This also is no sound Mark so to conclude ; For we know how he carried with David , Psal : 6. and 38. and 51. And what he did with Iob , who said , Chap. 6.4 . The arrows of the Almighty are within me , the poison whereof , drinketh up my Spirit : The terrors of God do set themselves in array against me . On the other hand , let us see , which are the false grounds , wherein others deceive themselves , imagining they are in Christ , when there is nothing like it . 1. They have a Pro●ession and a great Name , an Approbation of others , as none such Christians : But may with the Church of Sardis , have a name that they live , and yet are dead : Many believed in Christ , whom notwithstanding he would not commit himself unto , Because he knew all men , Ioh : 2.23.24 . The end of the five foolish Virgins in the parable , Mat : 25. May sufficiently alarm such ; For they were professors , yea great Professors , & acknowledged as such by others , long waiting P●o●essors , earnestly seeking to enter in , and desirous of oyl for their Lamps , &c. And yet Christ was never in them , for he declared He knew them not . 2. They are free of scandalous and gross sinns , whereunto some Gracious Souls may be lyable : But poor Soul , that may be , and yet Christ not in you : The Pharisee could say Luk : 18 11. God I thank thee , that I am not as other men are , extortieners , unjust , adulterers , or even as this Publican Many may escape the polutions of the world . 2. Pe● : 2.20 . And ye● the letter end be worse with them then the beginning . 3. They are Civil and honest in all their dealings , no man can charge them for wronging any by false or cheating means : But this may be , and notwithstanding Christ never admitted into your Souls : was not the young man such an one ? Luk. 18 21. who said , All these have I kept from my youth ? Many Civilians go to hell ; Civility may pretend somewhat , and go ●ar among men , but it is of a small account with GOD , where there is no more : Yea , the heathen may exceed many a Christian , in respect of Civility , and yet they are without Christ. 4. They have alwayes , as they imagine keeped a good Conscience , never gone contrary to unto it , But in every thing they have walked according to the Light and Dictates of the same : This may seem indeed to be a great length , and yet nothing to prove that Christ is in their Souls ; For many Consciences are deaf and blind , so that they cannot see far to guide , neither speak out , and many a ones Conscience is without eyes , and some Consciences are fast a sleep , so that this can prove but little : These that thought they did GOD good service in killing the Prophets and Apostles , according to what Christ ●oretold , Ioh : 16. Had their Consciences going before them ; Paul followed his Conscience , when he persecuted the Church , he acknowledges it , Act : 26.91.10 . I verily thought with my self , that I ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth . Which thing I also did in Jerusalem , and many of the Saints , did I shut up in prison , &c. Again he saith , Act : 23.1 . — I have lived in all good Conscience before God , untill this day : Which seems to have respect to his unconverted State , when out of Zeal , he persecuted the ●hurch , Phil : 3.6 . And yet untill Christ appeared unto him in ●he way to Damascus , he was a stranger unto Christ , and Christ not revealled unto him . 5 In many outward things , they are changed and reformed , and in respect of these they are changed folks : Alas ! that may appear to be something , and yet is nothing to prove that Christ is in the Soul ; For Herod was a stranger unto Christ , notwithstanding he did many things , when he heard Iohn ; Mark 6.20 . 6. They are careful Followers of the Ordinances , and take pleasure in running after Duties : This I confess may bear much bulk among Men ; But it is said , that Herod heard John gladly , Mark 6.20 . Isaiah speaks of some tha● sought the LORD daily , and had delight to know His ways , chap. 58.2 . with Ezek. 33 31 , 32. 7. They are much in Prayer , and think with themselves , that they are very diligent and serious therein : Neither is this any infallible token that Christ is in their Souls , For many may cry , Lord , Lord , open unto us , to whom Christ shall say , I know you not : Matth : 7.24 . And many may ask , and ask a miss . Iam. 4.3 . & 25.11.12 . 8. They hold with the Good Cause , and with them that suffer for it ; I acknowledge this is much ; But this alone will not prove that Christ is in the Soul ; Iudas continued long in Christs company , and many were Christs Disciples who in end forsook him , Iohn 6. David had many Valiant Men with him , who fought with him the battels of the Lord ; And Paul makes a supposition of some , that might give their bodies to be burnt , & yet be without love : 1 Cor. 13 3. 9 They have much knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel , they can speak much and illustrate the same by many reasons , yea , they can debate for it , and Preach thereof , and have many excellent and singular Gifts : This may be , and yet Christ not in the Soul ; Gifts and Graces differ much , Heb 6.4 . Read and observe it , and trust no more to such loose grounds : Shal not many who have prophesied in the Name of Christ , be shut out of the gates of Heaven ? Matth 7 22. 10. They have strong and earnest desires to be in Heaven , & to do what is Right : And had not the foolish Virgins , a desire to enter in with the Bridegroom , when they cryed , Lord , Lord , open unto us : Matth. 25 : 11. Wished not Balaam to die the death of the Righteous ? Alas ! carnal self-seeking desires , will not prove that Christ is in the Soul. 11. They have many Convictions , upstirrings , and awakenings of Conscience , and good resolutions following therupon : Ah! many have had such , who never were brought to embrace Jesus Christ ; There sickness is gone , and they afterwards become more obdured then ever : Convictions may be lively , and die out again , and terrors break forth , and hold up again , before that the Soul is brought fully home , and made willing to open unto Christ , and let him in upon his own termes . 12. They have a good opinion of the Doctrine of the Gospel , as being good and acceptable newes of good tydings and mercy ; And have no exceptions against the conditions of the Gospel offers , they judge them very reasonable , just , and most worthy to be accepted : But light and Conviction will not say that the thing is done ; At best it is but a tasting of the good word of GOD , Heb : 6 5. Having discovered some of these false Marks , on the one hand and one the other ; I come now to lay out some Particulars that will give fuller discovery of the matter ; only I must say before hand , that every one , that hath Christ realy in them , cannot alike Distinctly feel and comprehend all these Marks in them ; But some will be in case more to judg of some of them , & some to judge more of others of them . 1. Mark : Where Christ is , there has been some clear Discoveries of this , that that Person was without Christ , and of the miserableness of of the estate of being without Christ ; As likewise a weariedness of being longer in that condition with strong disires to be delivered there from ; As also a reall , full , resolute , & peremptory forsaking of all without Christ. I Say first , There hath beenclear convincing Discoverys of Persons being once without Christ , and of the Lamentableness and misery of that estate : Not that all has alike great and clear discoveries ; But every one in some measure , has this clear discovery in them : nether say I , that every one is peromptorly to stint themselves to the same measure and degree of Light here mentioned ; But that really , there must be some measure of light in the Soul , and such a measure as shall make willing to run out of that estate , and to hearken unto the G●spel . We must also here , pu● a d●fference betwixt those Discoveries , and the terrors that sometimes Accompanies them ; Providing the Discoveries be such as drives to Christ , it is well , be it accompanied with more or less terror . ( 2. ) I say there ha● been a weariedness of this their Natural state , with an earnest disire to be unbound and Delivered , and crying out with those , who were p●icked in there heart Act. 2. Act 16 Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved : And there hath never been any thing of this sor● , there has been no in letting of Christ ▪ ( 3. ) I say there is a real and actuall casting off all other things , Because they cannot serve two Masters ; There is a real forsakeing of all hope of life through our own Righteousness , or of any others whatsomever , But through Christ alone : what things formerly was account●d gain ▪ they account now Loss ●or Christ ; Yea doubtless they count all things but loss , for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesu● ●hil : 3.7.8 9 So that where there is a harkering after ou● own righteousness , or a resting thereon , or any thing besides him , for righteousness and life , with pleasure and satisfaction , Christ is not there . 2 Mark : Where Christ is , there is an opening of the heart for him , a real hearty accepting of consenting to closing with , and laying hold on him , As he is Offered in the Gospel ; A receiving of him upon his own termes freely , and wholy , and ●or all ends and uses , in order and in respect to Salvation ; As the door is opened , so will he come in . Revel : 3.20 . And where it is kept fast bolted , there is he not entered as yet : Where this opening of the heart , This cordiall Consenting , this soul receiving of the Offered Mediator , is wanting , Christ is not there . It s true some may have opened unto him , and yet not know of it , imagining that this opening to , accepting or receiveing of Christ offered , is some what else , then really it is , and looking out after more enlargedness of heart to receive him , yet more heartily ; they account but Little of any thing they have yet gotten or attained ; Therefore when the heart hath t●uely open'd it self for him and at least is realy satisfied that Christ who is a King , having the key of David open the Door , come in , Live there , and where the heart crieth out earnestly , O! when will He come to me ; we may conclude that Christ is already there . 3. Mark : Where Christ is , there is immediatly an emptiness seen in all other things , and such fullness Discovered and discerned in him , which satisfies and quiets the Soul , so that it rests therein , as having an All-sufficient portion , and as fully pleased and contented therewith , because they judge ( and indeed not a miss ) that the Lines are fallen to them in Pleasant places , Psal : 16. They cry out ; Whom have I in Heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth , that I desire besides thee : Psal : 73.25 . And they are so satisfyed with him , that they sit down , & call in all their wandering affections and inclinations , that were scattered upon the mountains of vanity , and brings them all in to him as the Center ; And gives them a new commission to be for ever again imployed in , by , and for him alone . 4. Mark. Where Christ is in the Soul , there they cast their burdens on Him , & run to with their Doubtings , Troubles , Accidents , Weakness , Accusations , Failings , Duties , and with all they have to do . The Soul shall have Him even in its eye a● All-sufficient , able and willing to help in all Exigencies and Necessities , and shall look out to Him for that effect . 5. Mark. Where Christ is , there He gets the Heart , for there he lives , Ephes. 3 , 17. So that what ev●● it b●●hat presents its self to the Soul , though never so taking , yet He has still the precedency , disposing , and chief room , unless it be for a time , that the Soul may be over poured and carried away with some l●st or other . These that have Christ in them , they Confess that Iesus is the Son of God , 1 Joh : 4.15 . And so altogether Matchless : For all such dwell in Him , and He in them : So that He is unto them White and Ruddy , the chiefest among ten thousands , Song . ● . 10 . And whatever is his , is altogether lovely , ver . 16. For unto them which believes , He is precious , 1 Pet. ● . 7 . I acknowledge this love and esteem will not alwayes be the same , nor appear in the like degree : Nevertheless it is for the most part p●edomining and reigning , and where these ●hings are not so , it is a sad token that Christ hath not as yet taken up his abode . 6 , Mark. Where Christ is , there is a forsaking of all former Lovers , for now they have changed Masters : They shall say to their former Idoles , get you hence , as if they were so many menstruous cloaths , Isa : 30.22 . Then they say with Ephraim , What have we to do any more with Idoles Hos : 14 8. For where he comes , all these must give place to him , as being worthy of all ; There old ( J ) liveth no more , Gal : 2.20 . But where the old lovers keep their poss●ssion , where the old idoles , the old sinns , have the old esteem , and the old service , and not as yet cast out with loathing and shame , it is not as yet ●ight there : Christ , when he comes , binds the old man , sets the old Tyrant that possessed the Soul , out of doors . 7. Mark : Where Christ is , there is a compleat change , that word is realy felt 2. Cor : 5.17 . If any man be in Christ , he is a new creature : Now is he , as he were in another world , drawing his breath in another element ; They are no more the folks they were . They that are Christs , have Crucified the flesh , with the affections and lusts , Gal. 5 24. They look on those lusts and affections as their enemies , and declares themselves enemies against them ; wars against them in root and branch , and against all their motions ; whether they be sinful a●fections , and passions , such as these , whereby the mans Mind doth suffer , and is troubled and affected with ; or whether they be sinful lusts , such as these stirred up by fleshly carnal Baits and Pleasures , as motions to Intemperance , uncleanness , &c. Now those who are Christs , are said to cruci●y and put to death all these , because they have engaged themselves by profession and Covenant , Sealed in Baptism so to do , Rom. 6.3 , 4. And have actually begun th●s wo●k , so that though this Body of corrup● flesh be in them , yet through the Spirit , Rom. 8.13 . And by imitating his Cross , Rom. 6 5. They are upon the work of Mor●ifying it , suppressing the endeavours , and smoothering the ●ffects of it , Rom. 6.12 They resolve now to walk in newness of Life , Rom. 6.4 . From this time forth they have a new understanding , renewed in the Spirit of their mind , no more s●bject to the Dominion of fleshly Lusts , whic● is enmity against God ; They ●ave a new will , which is now flexible to God● will and Command , neither doth it now rebel as formerly ; They have new Desires , new Inclinations , new Work , new Ends before ●●em , new Followship , no more Fellows●ip wi●h the unfruit●ul works of Darkness . 8. Mark. Where Christ is , there is a resting on him for Li●e , and leani●g on him for Righteousness , Adop●ion , Justification and S●●vation , wi●h ●aul , Phil ▪ 3.9 . Who desired to be found i● him , not having his own Righteousness , which is of the Law , but that which is through the faith of Christ , the Righteousness which is of GOD by Faith. The Soul in●ends to live th●ough this way alone , to r●st in , to hide himsel● in Christ , until ( ●o speak so ) a bitt o● the Man cannot be seen , that when he is calle● for , it may be answered , LORD , I am in Christ , not having my own Righteousness : — If Christ be in you ( saith Paul ) — the Spirit i● Life , ●ecause of R●ghteousness , Rom : 8.30 . The Soul resolves alone to live through this way , through his Righteousness . I● 〈◊〉 LORD ●ave we Righteousness and stren●●● say they , Isa : 54.24 . In the LORD exp●c● they only to be Justifi●d and to Glory , ● . 2● 9. Mark , Where Christ is , there is a grea● 〈◊〉 to esh●w sin , Joh : 3.6 . Whos●e●er 〈◊〉 in him sinne●h not : To wit , with that 〈◊〉 as formerly : They may be overtaken in a fault , as Gal : 6.1 . But ●hey are not w●llingly intangled again with the yoke of bondage , G●l : ● . 1 . Som●times they may be carried away with the stream of a temptation , as David and Peter , yet they give not themselves willingly & deliberatly over to the will of their Lust● : But even when corruption has the upper hand , there is a party within them that protesteth against that course and usurpation , Rom : 7. That which they do they would not , and that which they do not , they would willing●y do ; The Spirit warreth against the fl●sh , Gal : 5.17 . Hereby it is , that ●●ey walk not after the flesh , but after the Spirit , Rom : 8.1 . 10. Mark , Where Christ is , there is a real , fast , & resolute care & endeavour to keep the Commandments of Christ , 1 Joh : 3.24 . And he that keepeth his Commandments , dwelleth in him , and he in him And again 1 Joh : 2.5 . Hereby they know , that they are in him , because they keep his word . They will cast at none of his Laws , but have respect unto all his Commandments , Psal : 119.6 . This is their work and design , to be conformable in all things to his Law , and their faillings , are the cause of much sorrow unto them . 11. Mark , In whom Christ is , they live in Love , as in their Element , 1 Joh : 4.16 . And we have known and believed the Love that GOD hath to us , GOD is love , and he that dwelleth in Love , dwelleth in GOD , and GOD in him , Also 1 Joh : 4.13 . Hereby know we , that we dwell in him ▪ and he in us , because he hath given us of his Spirit . A humble and condescending Spirit , , a tender and simpathizing Spirit , a Spirit of Wisdom and counsel , a Spirit o● Knowledge , and of the Fear of the LORD : We may see , what for a Spirit it is , that is given unto Christ without measure , Isa : 11.2 . Where it is called the Spirit of Wisdom and Vnderstanding , the Spirit of Counsel and Might , the Spirit of Knowledge , and of the Fear of the LORD ; So that these who have Christ living in them , are more or less partakers of this Spirit ; For they are one Spirit with Christ , their darkness is in part removed , their pride killed , and they made more conformable to Christ their Head and Husband . 12. Mark , Who have Christ in them , they walk after the Spirit , Rom : 8.1 . That is , they have a new counsellour , a new lea●er to lead them in all their wayes , they walk now in the strength of the LORD , being strong in him , and in the power of his might , Ephes : 6.10 . They have new principles and new Motives to their work ; They go now to their Duties upon another ground , and for other ends then formerly , a●d this is not at some times , at starts and si●s , but in a more serious , constant and resolute manner ; For they walk after the Spirit . 13 Mark , These who have this Spirit of Christ in them , they live by Faith , ●nd depend upon him for Grace , Strength , I●fluences and Life , that they may s●rve him in their na●ural , ordinary , and civil Conversations , as well as in their Christian Life ; That they may be for him , and for●his Glory , in all their eating , drinking , sleeping , walking , wi●hin and without house , in their ordinary calling , work and Imployment , as well as in the hearing of the Word , and in Prayer : The Life which they now live in the fl●sh , is by Faith , Gal● 2.20 . 14 Mark , These that have Christ in them , are of a broken and contri●e Spirit , they dare not arrogantly look up to GOD , they lyin the d●st , and cry guilty , glorifying GOD , and taking shame unto themselves : He dwells with him , that is of a contrite humble Spirit , Isa : 57 15. Such a Heart is his second Throne , whereas the proud he sees a far off . 15. Mark , Who have Christ in them , they get something of a publick Spirit ; That mind is in part in them , which also was in Christ , Phil 2.5 . So that they hav● a heart to lay out themselves more effectually for Zion then formerly : Christs cause , and the Suff●rings of his people lyes nearer thei● heart , then their own things . From these Marks , we may try and see , i● we have ground to think that Christ is really in us or not . Now , we come in the Third place , to speak of these words , Christ in you , the Hope of Glory , n so farr as they are the riches of the Glory of this Mysterie , which is now made manifest among the Gentiles ; which will lead us to speak of the first part of the verse , wherein ( as we said in the beginning ) is a praise and high commendation of the Gospel on several accounts . As 1. Being a Mysterie . 2. A Mystery that hath Glory in it . 3. A Mystery , that hath the Riches of Glory in it . 4. A Mysterie now made manifest among the Gentiles . 5. Tho so , nevertheless the Riches of the Glory of this Mysterie is not made manif●st to all the Gentiles , nay not unto all that hear the Gos●●l , but to the Saints mentioned verse 26.6 . And that according to the good pleasur● of GOD , T● whom GOD would make known . 7. So th●● it is alo●e GOD● work , to make known this Mysterie For the opening up of this Busines● , we shall first speak a word concerning every one of these pa●ticulars severally ; And then to all joyntly , holding ●his forth , To wit , that Christ in the Believer is the Hope of Glory . First then , the Gospel is a Mysterie , consider it , the Doctrine of the Gospel is a Divine de●p , Mysterious Truth , therefore it is called the Mysterie of the Gospel , Ephes : 6.19 . we may unde●stand that it is called a Mysterie in these respects , 1. In respect of the first finding of it out ; ●he Gospel was not at first ●ound out by men 〈◊〉 Angels , never could they have fallen upon 〈◊〉 ; It went far above the reach of their capaci●●es to find out the way , how the condemned ●●nner , should again be reconciled unto GOD ; ●●is only is the invention of GOD , therefore 〈◊〉 is called the Mysterie of his will Ephes : 1.9 . 〈◊〉 Mystery unto which he gave a being out of ●●s own good will and pleasure , He willed it , ●nd therefore it was . ● . The Gospel is a Mystery in respect of the disco●ery , and making known thereof ; As no flesh ●ould have found it out , so no flesh could have ●allen on such a way , until it pleased the LORD ●o make it known ; flesh and blood hath not ●evealed it , Math : 16.17 . Yea the Angels ●ould not have revealled it for they were strangers thereunto , and came to the knowledge ●hereof by the Church , Eph : 3.10 . By the Churc was the manifold wisdom of GOD ( to wit in the mystery of the Gospel ) made known unto the Principalites and powers in Heavenly places ; therefore we hear that the Angels are present in the Assemblies of GOD● people , 1 Cor : 11.10 . and Peter ●els us 1. Pet : 1.12 . That ●he Angels are desirou● to look into these things , Tim : 3.16 . Seen of Angels , giving us to know so much , They looked up with desire and satisfaction , as seeing something new in Him , which formerly they had not seen . 3. The Gospel is a Mystery , in respect of the way and manner of its manifestation . For it was not wholy at once revealed , bu● by degrees ▪ the more to hold forth the worth and excelency ●hereof : for fi●st darkly revealed , and mani●ested to Adam in this , The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent . Gen : 3.14 15 Then 2ly It was a litle more clearly discov●red unto Abraham , Isaac and Iacob , These we●e the old stock , of Belivers : And this was also ●hrough promises , when the LORD said un●o Abraham , ●hat he should be the father of many Nations Gen : 15.5 6. And that in hi● , all families of ●he earth should be bless●d , Gen : 12.3 . and 18.18 . and 22.18 Such like pr●m●ses we fi●d made unto Isaac , Gen : 26 4 And unto Iacob Gen : 28 14. And th●● was the ver● Gospel , as Paul declareth Gal : 3.8 . And Peter , Act. 3.25 3ly . It was yet more clearly discovered unto Moses , and u●to the peo●le , which G●D then separated for himself , in typs shadowes , ●ff●rings ●●d ●nd othe● figures and legal ceremonies ; all which held forth , the way of Salva●ion through a c●uc●fi●d Mediator . 4ly . Then was ●his business more clearly discove●ed unto David , ●o that the good ●h●ngs of the Gospel , are 〈◊〉 the sure mercies of David Act 13.32 , ●3 . ●4 . compared with Psal. 2 6. Isa : 55.3 Ps●l . 16.11.5 . After that Christ is now come , 〈◊〉 whole business is more fully and distinctly manifested then ever ; In respect of which clearness , the Gospel is now said in a special way , to be made manifest and revealed , and formerly shut up & kept secret Rom : 16.25.26 . Now to him , that is of Power to stablish you , according to my Gospel , and the preaching of Iesut Christ , according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the world began , bu● now is made manifest , see also Ephes : 3.3.5 . See also the verse that goeth before my text as the subj●ct of this present Treatise Col : 1.26 . 4. The Gospel is a Mystery , in resp●ct of the Instruments that reveal i● GOD himself first revealed it unto Adam , Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob . And men who had immedia●e Inspiraions , were imployed in this work Now at last his own Son Jesus Christ is imployed in this Embassag● , Heb : 2 3 , 5. It is a Mystery , in respect of the persons to whom it is openly publ●sh●d ? It must be a mysterious business , which G●D will not make known to all the world : This doth also hold out the singularity and excellency of the same , that not every one can m●ke to the knowledge thereof , bu● only some particular persons and Nations . GOD revealed the Gospel to few , save Abraham ▪ family in his day●s ; And as he revealed it to the posterity of Iacob ; very few of other Nations w●re priviledged with it ; He sheweth his word unto Jacob , his statutes ▪ and 〈◊〉 judgements unto Isr●el , He hath not dealt so wit any Nation : Psal. 147 ▪ 19.20 . And so commandeth Christ , that for a time , his Disciple should not go into the way of the Gentiles , no● enter into any City of the Samaritans , Mat : 10 5. In times past GOD suffered all Nations to wel● in their own wayes Act. 14.16 . And eve● since the door was opened for the Gentiles the Holy Ghost would not suff●r Paul an● Timothy to Preach the word in Asia and Bethynia Act. 16.6 , 7. So there has been i● all ages since the dayes of Christ , many N●tions living in darkness , without the gloriou● sun-shine of the Gospel : And the present sta●● of the Jews , and far more then the greates● part of the world , gives evidence thereof . Fo● that part of the world , this day that is enlightened with the outward administeration of th● Gospel , is but very inconsiderable , in respec● of the other parts . 6. The Gospel is ● Mystery in respect o● the few number of those unto whom it i● made known in power and life , seeing many are called , but ●ew are chosen , O! How grea● a Mystery is it , even unto many , who ar● under the outward administration of the same ▪ The Mystery of this Mystery is only made know● unto the Saints , as the verse before our ●ext holds sorth , and Job : 17 , 6. Vnto the men , which ●hou gavest me . O How few believe the rep●rt , ●hich is revealed in the Gospel , Isa. 5● ▪ 1. 7. The Gospel is a Mystery , In respect of th●●ptaking , or rather defect of the uptaking of many , even of those , who● have the re●ort thereof sounding in their ●at● ; how many remain ignorant thereof ? Is it not a ●tumbleing block unto some , as it was unto ●he Jewes ? And foolishness unto others , as it ●as unto the Greeks ? Cor : 1.23 ▪ Therefore ●e see , that not many wise men after the flesh ▪ ●ot many mighty , not many noble are called . But ●OD hath chosen the foolish things of the world , ●o confound the wise , And GOD hath chosen ●he weak things of the world , to confound the things , ●hich are mighty ; And base things of the world , ●nd things which are despised , ●hath GOD chosen , 〈◊〉 and things which are not , to bring to nouhge ●hings that are . Cor : 26.27 . ●8 . These things ●re hid from the wise and prudent , and reveal●d unto babes Mat : 11 . 2● . 8. It is a Mystery , even in respect of those ●ho are savingly enlightened , ●or they know ●ut these Mysteri●s , and prophesie in part , 1. ●or : 13. they see now but through a glass ●arkly 1. Cor 13.12 . So , that it remains ● Mystery , even to those , who see most of it . ● . It is a Mystery , in respect of the Matter 〈◊〉 treats of : which will appear , if we take it up more Generally , or more particuliarly , First More generally , so it contains a Mystery . 1. It is called the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven Matt : 13.11 . Mark. 4.11 . Luk. 8.10 . Here is indeed singular Mysteries o● state , whereof few have knowledge or understanding . 2. It is called the Mystery of Christ Ephes : 3.4 . Because that therein that great Mystery is revealed , whereof Paul speake●h 1. Tim. 3.16 great is the Mystery of Godlyness , GOD was manifest in the flesh , Iustifiyed i● the Spirit , seen of Angels , preached unto the Gentiles , believed on in the world received up unto Glory . The Mystery of Christs Incarnation , and his be●ng under the Law , and of his conception and Birth , of his N●tures , and of the uniting the same in one Pe●son , of his Offices , fi●tedness for , and excercise of his Offices , of his Life , Doctrine , sufferings and death , with the concomitans o● all these , all which is revealed and known unto us in the Gospel . 3. It is called the Mystery of GOD , and of the Father , and of Christ , Col : 2.2 . As being the Mystery , that was joyntly carried on by the Father and the Son , whereof the foundation was laid in that old or fundamental con●ract of Covenant of redemption , betwixt the father , and the Son , concerning mans Salv●tion ; And in so 〈◊〉 the Gospel makes known unto us , how GOD was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself 2. Cor : 5.19 . Again we take it up more Particularly , and it may be called a Mystery , because the great Mysteries are folded up therein , and thereby Discovered and brought to Light , and that in such a Measure of clearness and Revelation as no where else , or by no other means is to be obtained : These Mysterysare many , we shall bring them to Three Heads . The first Principal head , is of such Mysteries , as chi●ly respect men , whereof we shall name these following . 1. How , or on what conditions is it , that lost and condemned man , an heir of hell by Nature under the Wrath of GOD , is again reconciled unto GOD , and united to him , to wit , through Faith in Jesus Christ ; which therefore is called the Mystery of the Faith. 1. Tim : 3.9 . This is only brought to Light through the Gospel . 2. How that the Gentiles , who some●imes were a far off , without Christ , — Aliens from the common wealth of Israel , and strangers from the Covenants of promise , having no hope , and without GOD in the world , are now , made nigh by the blood of Christ ; And now are no more stranger and forreigners , but fellow citizens with the saints , and of the houshold of GOD Ephes : 2 . 1●.13.17.18.19 . and 3.5.6.3 . How justice is satisfyed , so that the poor Bankrupts , who had Forfeited their Right to Glory , and banished from the presence of GOD by Law and Justice , by reason of their breaking of the Law in Adam , and the Original Corruption of the Heart , and because of their dayly transgressions , are restored again into a State of Friendship , and brought again into the favour of GOD , and made Heirs of the Kingdom . The Gospel only brings these Mysteries to Light : For Life and Immortality are brought to Light through the Gospel . 2 Tim. 1.10 , 4. How that Sinners by Nature standing under the Sente●ce of the Law , and guilty before GOD , are Justified in the presence of a Righteous GOD , and are Cloathed with a Righteousnes which is not their own , from any thing in themselves , but imputed unto them , and received by Fai●h : This is realy the Mysterie of Faith , and of the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation . Tit. 2.11 , And this is Justification by Faith , and through the Grace of GOD , which the Gospel maketh known , and fully revealeth ; For therein the Kindness and Love of GOD our Saviour toward man appears : Not by works of Righteousness , which we have done , but according to His Mercy He saved us , by the washing of Regeneration , and renewing of the Holy Ghost : That being Iustified by his Grace , we should be made Heirs according to the hope of eternal Life . Ti● . 3 4 : 5 , 7.5 . How pro●tigate Sinners who have their hearts full of enmity against GOD , ●eing enemies in their mind by wicked works , Col : 1.21 . And who hate Christ and his Fa●her . Iohn . 7.7 , and 15.18.23 , 24. Are made willing to lay hold on Christ for their LORD and King , and to take on his yoke to believe in him , and to rest on him . By the Gospel is only made known , what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe , according to the working of his Mighty Power . Ephes. 1.19 . And how the Sinner is convinced , humbled , broken , and brought off from his vain hope , false grounds , and unsound imaginations , and perswaded to deny himself and his own Righteousness , and to flee to Christ , that he may be preserved under the shaddow of his Wings from the tempests and storms of GOD's wrath . This Mystery of Godlyness manifesteth unto us , how that Limbs of Satan are married unto Christ as their husband Ephes : 5.23.6 . How the sinner , being altogether foul and ugly , polluted within and without , is made meet to be partaker of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light Col : 1.12 . And sanctified and cleansed , with the washing of water by the word , That Christ might present it to himself , not having spot or wrinkle , or any such thing , but that it should be Holy , and without blemish Ephes : 5.26.27 . The Gospel only manifesteth this real Evangelick way of Sanct●fication . 7. How cometh it to pass , that such a wonderfull chang is wrought in the creature , who sometimes was foolish , disobedient , deceived , serving divers lust● and pleasures , living in malice , envy , hatefull , and hateing one another ; How now they are tame as Lambs , seeking peace with all men , crucified to the World , dead to the pleasures and vanities which formerly they were drowned ; being now taught to deny ungodlyness and worldly lusts , they live soberly , righteously and Godly in their present world , Tit : 2.12 . The Gospel only Discovers to us , the right ground of this wonderfull change , and lets us see that this is the fruit of his Reigning , who i● th● R●d out of the stem of Iesse , the girdle of whose Ioy●● is righteousness , and faithfulness the girdle of his reins , That the wolf shall dwell with the Lamb , and the Leopard shall lay down with the kid , and the calf and the young Lyon , and the fa●ling together , and a litle Child shall lead them &c. Isa : 11.1 , 5 , 6 7.8 . How it is , that such as were the curse of the Law , heirs of hell , under the sentence of condemnation , are made heirs o● Glory , have a sure and Covenanted right to Everlasting Salvation ; have the lively hope and certain expectation thereof , & are Coheirs with Christ , have the same sealed , which he as the head of the Body hath . The Gospel brings this eternall Mystery of love to Light ; and maketh , the eternal purpose of GOD , and his decre● of predestination manifest , whereby he hath ordained unto li●e his Elect through Jesus Christ : here is the Mystery of his will made known unto us , according to ●is good pleasure , which he had purposed in himself . Ephes : 1.9 . The second principal head is , of such Mysteries as relate unto Christ ; And here is a bundle of Mysteries , Revealed and made known by the Gospel , which shall be matter of wondering ●or the Redeemed through all Eternity . Take but some few instances , for his Name is Wonderful Isa. 9.6 . And he is answerable to his Name ; For he is wholy a wonder And 1 That he became a man , that God is made man , made fl●sh , and made manifest in the flesh 1. Tim : 3.16 . And dwelt among us , Joh. 1.14 . That the Creator of the ends of the earth , is become a Creature ; how may the Angels stand astonished thereat , that GOD taketh on mans Nature , Uniting it in a personal union with himself ? Who can ●each the ground of this Mystery ? And how should we have attained the knowledge thereof , but through the Gospel ? 2. That he should not only take on him man● Nature , but also take upon him the form of a servant , though he ( being in the form of GOD ) thought it no robbery to be equal with G●D : & yet notwithstanding should make himself of no reputation , Phil 2 6.7 . That he should take upon him our infirmities , and be made like unto us in all things except sin Heb : 2.17 . That he should become poor as a servant , not haveing whereupon to lay his head , and being born had no better intertainment than a manger ; And that all the dayes of his life he was a man of sorrows , and acquainted with grief ; And meeting with many injures and reproaches from the hands of friends and foes , great and smal , from Relations and others : What a Mystery of love , compassion , tenderness , and Condescendency is here ! 3. That he should be GOD and man in two distinct Natures , and one person for ever ▪ so that it was realy he who was GOD , that same Person who suffered all that was laid ●pon him to suffer ; Therefore are we said to be purchased with his own Blood Act. 20.28 . This was the true Emmanuel , GOD with us Isa , 14.7 . Mat : 1.23 . Luk : 1.31 . And he is GOD and man at this day , and for ever . 4 That he should come under the Law , who was the great Law-giver Gal : 4 ▪ 4. And that he subjected himself unto the commands of the moral Law and to the Institu●ion of the Ceremonial Law , that he might fullfill all righteousness Matt ● . 15 . and 5.17 . and migh● Redeem them that were under the Law , that we might receive the Adoption o● Sons Gal : 4.5 . What a bottomless depths of love is here ! 5. That this Person should come as the Fathers servant , with his orders and Comission Isa : 53.11 . and 42.1 ▪ Zech : 3. ● , Joh : 6.38 . and 10.18 . and 15.10 . and 17.4 . and 20.21 . And that he took upon him the Offices of a King , Priest and Prophet Psal : 2.6 . Heb : 5.5.6.7 . and ● . 14 , 15. Act : 13. — Luke 18. — and alone for our behoove , that he might be a compleat Saviour . 6 ly . That He who was all fullness , condescended to receive a fullness as Head and Saviour of His Body , that we all of his fulness might receive , and Grace for Grace , Iohn 1.16 . Thus was He anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure , Iohn 3.34 . Psalm 4 5.7 . In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge , Col. 2.3 . It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell , Col. 1.19 Yea in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the God ●ead bodily , Col. 2.9 . And for that end , that he might be compleatly furnished for saving of His people . What could make known unto us , such a compleat ordained Mediator , but this Gospel alone ? 7. That he fully and faithfully performed the word , which he undertook ; exercising punctually the Offices , whice he took upon himself , and that he is still carrying on ●h● work of these Offices , untill he hath deliverd up the Kingdom to GOD , even the Father , Cor : 15.24.8 . That he for the carring on of this work of Redemption , was well satisfyed to endure the Cross , dispising the shame Heb : 12.2.3 . &c. To be assaulted with , and tempted of the Devil Ma : 4.1 , 2 3 &c. Luk : 4.2 . &c. Heb : 4.15 . to be persecuted unto death , yea to the death of the Cross , Isa : 53.9 , 10. Yea and to bear the wrath and curse of GOD Almighty which we had deserved Gal : 2.13 . Lu● 22 44 , Isa : 53 5.6 , 10. How may men an● Angels stand astonished at these Mysteries o● love that he undertook , and all for such , unto whom he was never , & can never be obliged ▪ yea even for his enemies Rom : 5.10.9 . Tha● he as a publick person , head and Representative of the Elect , which were given unto him to be saved , after that he had remained unde● the power of Death until the third day Act : 2.24 , 25.26 . R●se again from the dead by hi● own Power Joh : 10 18 And thereby with powe● declared himself to be the Son of GOD Rom : 1 4 And that he had satisfied Justice , having payed the price , and come out of Prison Rom : 8.34 . Heb : 2.14 . here are Mysteries full of hope , & soul consolation . 10. That he as head , and representing his ransomed Ones , should ascend up unto Heaven , triumphing over principalites & powers leading captivetycaptive , to take possession , in their Name , & prepare a place for them Heb : 6 20 Ephs : 4.8 Joh 14 3 The Apostles stood gazing on him , and so do ye lift up your heart● to gaz● on him by fai●h , and view him in that act , as p●ssing along unto Heaven , as leading sin , hell , death and devils in triumph at his Chario● wh●els , when he ascended up on high , he led captivity captive , then he led captive all our Spiritual enemies , that would have ruined ensl●ved and captivated us . Now leading of captives , is alwayes after a compleat Victory ; And therefore whereas at His Death , He had conquered them , at His Rising scattered them , now at His Ascension , He leads them Captive . O what a Mystery of Hope , and of full Assurance is here ! 11. That even when exalted to that high state of Honour , Power and M●jesty , having got a Name , which is above every Name . Phil. 2.9 . And glorified with the Father Himself , with ●hat Glory , which He had wi●h the Father be●ore the World was Ioh. 17.8 . He should not ●orget His poor Members on Earth , but that He daily now appears in the presence of GOD ●or them Heb. 9 , 12.24 . & 7.25 Rom 8.34 . An●wering all the particular Accusations brought ●n against them 1 Ioh. 2 1. T●king care , that ●hey and their Performances be accepted ●phes . 1.6.1 Pet. 2.5 . Revel . 8.3 . How shall ●e attain unto the knowledge of these Heart-●omforting Cordials , and Soul-strengthening Mysteries , but alone through the Gospel ? 12. That He by His Word and Spirit should make real and effectual Application of the good and great Things that are purchased , by giving them Saving Grace , Repen●ance and Remission of Sins Act. 5.31 . and Faith Tit. 3.5 6. Ephes. 2.8 . 2 Cor. 4.13 . Ephes. 1.17 , 18 , 19. And His Spirit establishing and strengthe●i●g their Faith Ioh. 14 , 16 , 17 , 26. And bringing the begun work unto perfection , through the continual I●fluences of His Spirit ; And at l●st ●●owning them with G●ory Psal. 110.1 . 1 Cor ▪ 15.25 . Who thô such as the Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard , neither hath it entered into th● Heart of Man to take up Isa. 64.4 . 1. Cor. 2 , 9 ▪ Neither doth it yet appear 1 Ioh. 3.2 . Nevertheless is the Revelation of these unknow● tran●cending Mysteries of Glory , only mad● known to us by the Gospel . The Third principal Point is of these Mysteries , which the Gospel reveal● to us of GOD ▪ These are also many , we shall name but a fe● of them . As 1. His Love and Goodness i● finding out a way of Salvation , and for th● end sending His own Son unto the World Well might Iohn say Chap. 3 , 16. For God solved the World , that He gave His only ●egotten 〈◊〉 that whosoever believeth in Him , should not peris● but have everlasting Life . For who can say● express what sort of Love , or how great th● Love was ? Heathens without the Churc● may observe and see much of His Love , in th● common tract of Dispensations , and His Goo●ness should lead them to Repentance Act 1● 17. But thereby they can never attain suc● length , as to see and understand this Lov● this everlasting Fountain of Love. This Lo●● and Goodness o● GOD , is only manifested u●to Men through the Gospel Tit. 3.4.2 H●● Eternal Purpose and Decree of Saving 〈◊〉 Sinners , in a way unspeakably , tending to 〈◊〉 Praise of His glorious Attributes , especia● of His Justice , Mercy and Wisdom : Nature ●hereat must sing dumb ; Nature can discover nothing how He has chosen some of us in Christ , before the foundation of the World , having predestinated them , unto the Adoption of Children by Iesus Christ , according to the good pleasure of Hes Will : To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace . Ephes. 1 4 , 5 , 6. Only the Gosp●l doth this Vers 9. Natu●e cannot learn us , how the Children unb●rn , not having as yet don● either Good or Evil , should h●ve it said unto them , the Elder serve the Younger , That the purpose of God , according to Election , might stand , not of works , but of Him , that calleth . Rom 9 11 , 12 , 13 3 His Soveraignity is in this matchless Remedy , in choosing o● some , and not all , in undertaking for some , and not for others , sending the glad Tydings of the Gospel to some , and not to others ; reaching the Heart of some through the Preaching of the Gospel , and not of others . 4. His Justice in pun●shing of Sin , even in His own Son , when standing in the place and room of Sinners , which is a greater Demonstration of GOD's Justice than ever could be obta●ned by all the Plagues and Judgements , whereby He hath ever punished the greatest of Sinners Rom. 3.21 , 22 , 25.26.5 . His Mercy in pardoning & passing by Sinners , according to the satisfaction of Christ , and in accepting such as believe , as Righteous , according to ●he good pleasure of His Will Ephes. 1.6 , 7 , 8. Can there be a greater Evidence of Mercy than this ? A grea●●● cannot be imagined ; Therefore the Gospel 〈◊〉 called the Grace of GOD. 6. His infinit Wisdom is herein discovered , in so ordering th● whole work of our Salvation , that Just●ce should be fully satisfied , and Mercy hav● place ; so that Mercy & Truth should k●ss ea●h other : This is called His manifold W●sdom . ●phes 3.10 . All Wisdom Ephes. 1.8.7 . H●● Truth in letting loose all His Threa●nings upon the Cautioner , when the principal Debter was spared . From all which it is more than evident , tha● the Gospel holds sorth the great Plot of Salvation more clearly and distinctly , than all ●he works of Creation and Providence could have done . But 10. The Gospel is called a Mysteey , in respect of the many glorious and remarkable Effect● and Fra●s , which it hath ; whereof we shall give these ●ew instane●s . 1. By the Gospel , there is a Church gathered out of the VVorld , which shall stand to the end of the VVorld , in d●spi●e of all ●he O●position , Men and D●vils shall make against it : VVhat a Mystery o● P●wer was here , when a few Fishers , without the help of Humane Learning and without the ●ssi●tance of Humane Advantages , through Preaching and continual Su●fering , carried on the Gospel of Christ ; So that it was spread throu●h the world , and continueth to this day , no●withstanding of all the Oppositions that the Gates of He●l can do against it , through Emperors , higher Pow●●s , with inferiour Magistrats , corrupt Church-men , &c. who through Subtility and Violence , laboured totally to root out the same . 2. By the Gospel , Men were brought out of themselves to seek R●ghteousness , and Justification in another ; yea in a Crucified and Despised Mediator , and made willing directly contrary their Nature and deep rooted Inclination of Heart , which is continually looking out for Help and Delivery in themselves , to fors●ke their own Righteousness , and all which formerly they counted Gain , and to fl●e to Christ Jesus for all , and to lay hold on Him Faith , that only they may be justified in Him. 3. This Gospel learns the Soul alone to depend on Christ for Help in every Duty , whereunto they a●e called , and to see their S●reng●h only to be in Him , and in the Streng●h of His Right Arm O! a 〈◊〉 My●●ery to ●lesh and Blood. 4. This G●spel m●kes M●n to forsake all Relations and Interests fo● Chr●st . Mat 10.37 , 38. Luk 14 26. VVha● 〈◊〉 Mystery of P●wer must be here ? 5. This G●s●●l m●kes M●n to f●rsake their Id●ls , 〈◊〉 Bosome sins and Evil● , which formerly ●●ey loved as their liv●s , and to pl●ck ou●●heir ●●ght Eyes , and to cut off ●heir right Hands Mat 5. 29 , 30. Mat. 18 8 , 9. Mark. 9.45.6 . Th● Gospel makes a Man suffer all things , and th●● cheerfully , were it even Death is self for Christ and H●s Truths , and to forsake all that is de●● unto him , yea the world . Act. 20 24. Reve. 12.11 . 1 Vse . Certainly the serious pondering 〈◊〉 ●hese , Might justly cause us stand astonishe● ▪ Neither could we forbear from wondering providing we noticed what wonderful Goodness , Mercy , and infinit Condescendency , i● herein held forth , in the Lord 's bringing to light these Mysteries , and His keeping up th● fairest and clearest Discoveries thereof for ou● days ; or that orders our time in the worl● thus to be , when the Sun of Righteousnes● with His full and bright Beams , shineth in ou●●orizon . 2 Vse . The Consideration of the Lord opening up these Mysteries in our days , ca●● for great thank●ulness from us . O how shoul● our Hearts praise and magnify Him , who ha●● thus brought Life and Immortality into ligh● The Angels sung when this Evangelick day fi●● brake up , and counted it their honour to 〈◊〉 the fi●st News thereof to a Company of poo● Shepherds . Luk. 2.10 , 11. And the Angel sa●● unto them , fear not : for behold I bring you go●● Tydings of grea● joy , which shall be to all peop●● 〈◊〉 unto you is born this day , in the City of David a Saviour , which is Christ the Lord. Luk 2.31 whereupon Anna the Prophetess gave Thanks likewise unto the Lord ▪ and spake of Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem . Mary cried forth , & said , My Soul doth magnify the Lord , and my Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luk. 1.46 , 47. Zacharias ▪ when his Tongue was loosed , spake and praised God Luk 1 64 And again Vers 68 , 69. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ▪ ●or He hath visited and redeemed His People , And hath raised up a horn of Salvation for us , in the house of His Servant David , &c. 3 Vse . This requires that we should l●ment and weep over the sad condition of th●se . 1. That have not so much as the outward Revelations of these Mysteries amongst them , who notwithstanding of all this Light sit in Darkness , and live in the Land of the shaddow of Death . O! Pray for the coming of Christ's Kingdom , that the People ●hat w●lk i● Darkness may see a g●eat light , and that the light may shine upon th●se tha● dwell in the Land of the shadow of Death Isa 9 2.2 . As also the sad estate of those that hear the outward sound thereof , bu● knows no more of the lively Power and Operation of this M●ster● , then there were no such thing , Whom the God of this World hath blinded — lest the light of the Glorious Gospel — should shine unto them . 2 Cor. 4 4. 4 Vse This Doct●ine requires , 〈◊〉 we walk sutably under these grea● M●●cies p●ovided and purchased unto us , and improve th●m accordingly : And more especially . 1. Th●● we esteem and account highly of this unspeakable Favour , the Mystery of the Gospel , which is the Grace of God , and the discovery of Life and Immortality . 2. That we be herein tender and watchful , that we neither do , nor say any thing , which may be to the Dishonour of th●s Mystery ; But that in all things we walk wo●thy of the Gospel . 3. That we should be Zealous , in standing up for the Defence o● this Gospel , which is such a Mystery : we should be always ready to buy the Truth , and upon no account to sell it . 4. That we receive the Gospel into our Hearts , believing and welcoming the same ; not judging it enough that we hear the sound thereof , without fi●ding , and experimentally knowing the lively and strong Effects and Operations of the same in the Soul. 5. That we in the pre●ching , and ye in the hearing of the Gospel , continually look upon it , as a Mystery , and therefore should beware of judging ourselves in a capacity to reach unto the ground of this so great a Depth , or to measure the sam● by our scrimp natural Understandings , or sh●llow Capacities , and so to cast at all , we cannot fathom , or attempt to cast it in our C●lins and Form. O! indeed a heavy Sin , a bold , daring , and presump●uou● counterfei●ing of ●h● King's Coyn , and a giv●ng out of our Counterfeit , mixed , clipped Mettal , instead of the K●ng's true Coyn. 6. That we , s●e●ng it 's a Mystery , and so far above the reach of our Capacities , should seek unto the LORD alone for Light ; we should go to H●m as the Author thereof , and should go to Christ , who is given for a Light , that this Sun of Righteousness , who is the real substance of this Mystery , might clear up our Understanding with the Sun Beams of His light , and make us in some measure to know what the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery is , and that He might drive away the Clouds of Ignorance and Prejudices , whereby this light is keeped from us ; Hereby we should evidence our believing that this is a Mystery , through our faith●ul and continual dependence on this Fountain of Light that we may see this Mystery of Light in His Light. Of the Glory of this Mystery . Moreover , there is the Glory of th●s Mystery ; For it is a Mystery that hath Glory in it . Therefore it is called a Glorious Gospel , the Glorious Gospel of Christ 2 Cor. 4.4 . 1 Tim. 1.11 . Therefore is its Minist●ation mo●e glorious , than the Ministration of the Law 2 Cor. 3 7 , 8. But if the Ministration of Death , written & ingraven in stones was glorious , so that the Children of Is●●el , could not stedfastly behold the face of Mose● , for the glory of his Countenance , which Glory was to be done away . How shall not the Ministration of the Spirit ( which is a Gospel Ministration ) be rather Glorious ? This is the Ministration of Righteousness , which exceedeth in Glory Vers 9. And here is the excellent Glory Vers. 10. Let us see in what respect , and from what Head this Gospel is so Glorious . 1. It is Glorious , in respect of the Author o● the same : GOD is the Author of it , and all Hi● works are Glorious ; Men nor Angels could never have found out this way of Salvation through a Crucified Saviour ; But it is GOD'● VVork , and a singular pe●ce of VVorkmanship of His , above all what we see in Scripture ; Therefore it is called , The Glorious Gospel of the Blessed God. 1 Tim. 1.11 . 2. The Gospel is Glorious , in respect of the Instruments imployed in Preaching and making known this Mistery : GOD the Father , made the fi●st publication thereof in Paradise , whe● He said to our Fore-father , that the Seed o● the Woman should bruise the Head of the Serpent , Gen. 3 15 The Son is more especially made use of , in this work Heb. 1.2 . and 2.3 . There●or● c●lled the Gloriou● Gospel of Christ 2 Cor 4 4. Also the Holy Ghost is therein employed — But unto us they did minister the thi●gs which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel un●● you , with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven 1 Pet. 1.12 . The Angels were imployed in this work Luk 2.10 , 11 , 12. The great Prophets and Apostles were Messengers of this Gospel 1 Pet. 1.10 , 11. It was their work to publish this great Salvation : So that it must be a glorious wo●k , wherein such glorious Hands were imployed . 3. It is Glorious , in respect of the way , which GOD entered on for the manifesting and making known this Mystery , and for confirming us in the same ; which is held out in short , Heb. 2.3 , 4 How shall we expect if we neglect so great Salvation , whi●h at the first began to be spoken by the Lord , and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him ; God also bearing them witness , both with Signs and Wonders , and with diverse Miracles , and Gifts of the Holy Ghost , according to His own will. 4. It is a Glorious Gospel , in respect ●f ●hese who have studied it ; not only many R●ghteous Mat. 13.17 . But also many Prophets and Kings Luk. 10.24 . 1 Pet. 1 10. have desired to see these Mysteries ; The Prophets enqui●ed unto , & searched diligently after this Salvation : And even the Angels themselves have a holy Curiosity to know what i● meaneth & herefore they are said to look into it , or to stoop down with the bowing of the Head , and bending of the Neck , that they may behold what it is ; And they come to the knowledge of i● by this Gospel 1 Pet. 1.12 . Ephes 3 10. This must then be a Glorious Subj●ct , and there must be some ravishing Glory in this Mystery , which engageth these glor●fied Creatures to pore and lock into it . 5. It cannot be otherways than a Glorious Gospel , seeing even the Feet ( thô suddled with dust ) of those that bring good Tidings thereof , are so beautiful Isa. 52.7 . Rom. 10.15 . Yea it cannot be expressed how lovely and beautiful they are in the Eyes of those , who are sensible of their necessity of Salvation . 6. It is a Glorious Gospel , in respect that i● putteth a singular glorious Beauty , on all that it comes near unto ; Therefore it is the Glory of a Land to enjoy it , and where this Gospel is , Glory dwelleth in that Land Psal. 85.9 . And where this , or any outward resemblance of the same is , there is Glory ; Therefore when the A●k was taken by the Philistines , the Holy Wife of Phineas , the Daughter in Law of Eli , cried forth , saying , Glory is departed from Israel . ● Sam. 4 22. Therefore was it that the Glory of the latter House , should be greater than the Glory of the former Hag. 2.9 . Because Christ should appear therein with this Glorious Gospel . 7. The Gospel is Glorious , in respect of 〈◊〉 Su●ject and Matter ; It treats of a ma●chless and glorious Business of that Fair , Amiable and Glorious Branch of the Lord Isa 4.2 Here is the Branch of that Root o● Iesse , which is every way Glorious Isa. 11.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Here is the Revelation of the knowledge of ●he LORD , ●he knowledge whereof should fill the Earth in the days of the Gospel , as the Waters cover the Sea Isa. 11.9 . Hereby is the Riches of the Glory of the Lord made known , and therefore it must be a Glorious Business Rom. 9 23. And her● behold we the Glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ 2 Cor 4.6 . The Gospel is as it were the face of Christ ; Herein sh●ned His Glory which the Apostles saw Ioh. 1.14 . of Him , who therein is the ●rightness of His Father's Glory Heb 1.3 . Is ●t not a Glorious Business , which bringeth to ●ight Life and Immortality , and this is done ●y the Gospel 2 Tim 1.10 . It revealeth Grace , and so is the Gospel Grace Act. ●0 . 24 . 8. It is Glorious in respect that Christ hereby makes His Body and Bride Glorious unto Him●elf , for it is by this Word that He sanctifi●th ●nd cleanseth Ephes 5.26 , 27. 9. It is a Glorious Gospel , in respect of the many several Eff●cts and Fruits which it bring●th sorth , being ●he savour of Life unto Life . As 1. It is the weapon of our Warfare , which is Mighty through God , To the pulling down of ●●rong holds , casting down of imaginations , and every high thing that exalteth it self , against the ●nowledge of God , and bringeth into captivity ●very thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor 10.4 , 5. Therefore it is called , The power of God ●nto Salvation Rom. 1.16.2 . It hath a begetting vertue , it bringeth forth Sons an● Daughters unto GOD , as the Apostle says ● Cor. 4.15 that He had begotten the Corinthian● through the Gospel . 3. The Gospel containeth the Conditions and Articles of Peace between GOD and the poor Sinner , and therefore it is called , The Gospel of Peace , Ephes 6.15 . And it is the Mean , whereby the miserable Enemy Man , is brought unto another state of Peace and Reconciliation with GOD ; so that he lays off his enmity against GOD , Hi● interests and servants , so that thereby the Wolf is made to ly with the Lamb. 4. The Gospel hath an ensuring and establishing power , establishing the Soul against all Storm● and Tentations ; Therefore saith Paul. Now to Him that is of Power to stablish you , according to my Gospel , and the preaching of Iesus Christ ( according to the Revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the World began — be Glory — Rom 16 25 , 27.5 . The Gospel hath a trans●o●ming and changing power , cloathing the Heirs of Hell with begun Glory , and changing them into the Image of GOD 2 Cor. 3 18. But we all with open face , beholding as in ● glass , the Glory of the Lord , are changed into th● same Image , from Glory to Glory , even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 6. In a word , it is the Instrument of Salvation , and therefore called the Gospel of Salvation Ephes 1.13 . It is the savour of Life unto Life 2 Cor. 2.16 . Before we ●pply this , we shall speak a litle to the other part , to wit , The Riches of Glory . Of the Riches of Glory . There is not only a Glory to be seen in the Gospel , but thereis an exceeding great Excellency of Glory , which points forth the singularness and excellency thereof . And this will appear , First , Providing we compare this Glory with other things , which either are but such in the esteem of Men , or that really have Glo●y in mu●● less than that Glory , which shineth forth ●ere . 1. Compare it with that which the Men of this World , ordinarly esteem Glorious , as greatness of Power and Authority , stately Buildings , many Servants , great and multiplied Titles o● Honour , and such like . Alas ! what a poor spectacle is all ●he glittering Glory of this World , which hath no reali●y in it , but consists in a meer imagination , and the meer blossomings of a ●oving Fancy , and fruit of a light and creazie Brain : Alas ! how lean , sober and empty , is this so called and fancied Glory , wherewith the Children of this World are so bewitched , taken up with child●sh admiration , eager gaping and hot pursuing after the same : What is it in comparison of this Glory , which shineth in the Gospel ? What is here , that should take up the Soul of Man , that knoweth what real Glory is ? What can these ou●ward , borrowed , imaginary Garnishin●s do , to the real amending and felici●ating of a poor immortal Soul ? What is here ●or quie●ing a raging and disordered Conscience ? What is here , which can make the poor Creature sing , when pale Death looks him in the face , and when wrestling with the King of Terrors ? Yea will not the thoughts of all these things , wherein the Soul formerly boasted , but add to his sorrow , and augment his grief , now when he seeth , he must fors●ke all , and live in darkness eternally ? For when he dieth , he shall carry nothing away : his Glory shall no● descend after him . Psal. 49.17 . What signifi●●h ●hen the Glory of his House , how great so●ver it be ? What is the Glory of Great Ones , when the Lord kindle●h under the same , a burning like the burning of a fire , Isa. 10.16 . Nebuchadnezzar had a Kingdom , and Majesty , and Glory and Honour , so that all People , Nations and Languages trembled and fearrd before him : whom he would he slew , and whom he would he kept alive , and whom he would he set up , and whom he would be put down Dan 5 18 , 19. But a poor lamentable Glory was it , that could not desend him from the grea●est Misery that ever a King or Prince was brought unto . Vers. 20 , 21. But when his heart waes lifted up , and his mind hardened in pride , he was deposed from his Kingly throne , and they took his Glory from him . And he was driven from the ●ons of Men , and his Heart was made like the Beasts , and his dwelling was With thr wild Asses , they fed him with gross , like Oxen , and his Body was wet with the dew of Heaven , till he knew , that the Most high GOD , ruled in the Kingdom of Men , and that He appointeth over it , whomsoever He will. See also Isa. 5.14 Therefore Hell or the Grave hath inlarged hee self , and opened her mouth without measure , and their glory , and their multitude , and their pomp , and he that rejoiceth shall descend into it . How vain and empty then , ●ust that Glory be , which thus dieth out with a fi● by stink ? How far inferiour to this rich and excellent Glory ? 2. Compare the Gospel Glory , with the great and real Glory of Heaven and Earth , this piece of Work of the only wise Creator ; And it will very far surmount these in Glory : The noble Fabrick of Heaven and Earth , replinished with such variety of Creatures , carries clear evidences of the glorious Wisdom & Power of Him , who hath made the same out of Nothing , and sustaineth them continually , by the Word of His Power ; For He spake , and it was done , He commanded and it stood fast Psal. 33.9 . — For the Pillars of th● Earth are the Lords , and He hath set the World upon them . 1 Sam. 2.8 . He hath established them Psal 89.2 . And formed them Psal 90 2. Who can once look upon this Fabrick , being so curious in all its points and proportions , without observing singular Glory , wh●ch hold forth the Glory of the great Master Builder : Who can look upon the Heavens ▪ and observe how admirably they are garnished , and indented with so many glorious shining Creatures , and not fall a wondering at the rare Building , and its excellent Contrivance ? Who can behold the Sea , that terrible and vast Creature , the dry Land , the Hills , the Valleys , with their pleasant Rivers , and watery Rivolets , with all their fair and fruitful Inclosures , the spacious , vast and bowling VVilderness , with all their various , different and numerous Inhabitants , the VVater with its Fishes , the Air above with its Fowls ; And not behold , I say , a special ravishing Glory therein : But O! what is all ●his Glory in comparison to that Glory , which shineth in the Gospel : The Flowers springs out of ●he Earth , and spreads for●h ●ts Glory , but suddenly it is cut down and withereth , so shall the Heavens and the Earth pass away , they shall perish , yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment , and as a Vesture sha●l they be changed Psal. 102.26 . But this Glory , which shines forth in the Gospel , is an eve●lasting Glory : Great was the VVisdom of GOD , which shined forth in creating all things of nothing , but in the G●spel , The manifold Wisdom of God is ma●e known . Ephes. 3 , 10. 3. Compare the Glory of the Gospel , with the first Covenant made with Adam , in the state of Innocency , so shall there appear here a singular Glory ; I confess it was a Glorious Business , to see that rational Creature Man , in a Covenant of Friendship wi●h his Maker ; For there was wonderful Condescendency on GOD's part , in that He came under the Bond of the Covenant , and under Obligations of a rich Promise unto the Creature , in case of Obedience , which otherwayes he was indebted to his Creator , by vertue of His Creation ; And pleasant was it to behold , the Wheels of the Soul of Man , besmeered with the promise of the rich Recompense of Reward : But the Glory of the Gospel Covenant da●kens that , as the rising of the Sun darkeneth the sparkling light of the Stars : Adam if he had ●tood , had never appeared with Christ as a glorious Member of Hîs glorified mystical Body Col. 3.4 . He ha● never been partaker of that Glory , which Christ bestoweth upon His own , which He hath of the Father , as the Redeemed now have Ioh. 17.22 . He had never been brought to Glory through Christ , as the Captain of Salvation made perfect through Suff●rings , as the Saints are now brought Heb. 2.10 He had never had that relation and interest in Christ , as his elder Brother , H●ad and Saviour , which Believers now have by ve●tue of the New Covenant : He had never sitten with Christ upon His Throne , as Christ sitteth upon His Father Throne ; But this unspeakable Concotenat●on of Glory is carried on through the Covenant of Grace : The Glory which he should hav● purchased , should have been but a Glory o● his own begetting , bought with his poor inconsiderable sweating and legal payment , but the Glory of the Gospel , is a Glory , bought wit● the Life and heart Blood of the E●ernal Son of GOD ; The other had been but a Glory of Law work and of Law-merit ; But this is a matchless Glory , wholly through and through , shining with the Glory of free Grace : Here appear● incomprehensible Love , wonderful free Grace inconceivable Mercy , and a wonderful harmony of Mercy and Judgement . Adam had not sung that new Song , which the Redeemed now sing in Glory : So that upon infinite accounts , the Glory of the Gospel , far surmounteth the Glory of the Covenant of Works ; That was unsure , as the event did manifest ; This is sure for all the Seed , being grounded and firmly bottomed on the Faithfulness , established on the Truth , ensured through the Righteousness , strengthned by the Oa●h of GOD , and confirmed by the Death of the Testator . &c. 4. Compare the Gospel with the forme● Administration of the Covenant of Grace , before Christ's Incarnation , and thô that Administration had its own Glory , which nevertheless beho●ved to be abolished ; yet here is a Glory far more excellent ; A Glory after which in former times , the Prophets searched , ●nd unto whom it was revealed , they Prophe●ed of this Grace that should come unto you . 1 Pet. ● . 10 , 12. The first Dispensation was da●k , ●s also the Mysteries were vailed with Types , ●hadows , Ceremonies and Offerings ; There●ore Moses put a vail over his face , that the Chil●ren of Israel should not stedfastly look to the end ●f that which is abolished . 2. Cor. 3.13 . That Administration in respect of the Administra●ion of the New Testament , is called the Let●er that killeth , and the ministration of Death written and engraven on Stones , the Ministra●ion of Condemnation ; But this is called the Spirit , the Spirit that giveth Life , and the Ministration of the Spirit , the Ministration of Righteousness : So that the Glory of the former Ministration , was not once to be compared with the Glory of the latter Ministration . That was ●ndeed glorious , so that the Children of Israol could not sted●●stly behold the Face of Moses , for the Glory of his Countenance , but it was a Glory that was to be done away ; But this is much more glorious , and surpasseth far in Glo●y ; For even that which was made glorious , had no Glory in this repect , by reason of the Glory that excelleth 2 Cor. 3.6 , 7 , 8 , 9 10. Therefore until that that Evangelical Day began to down and clear up , and Faith , or the great object of Faith Christ Jesus came unto the World ; The Heirs were kept under the Law , shut up unto the Faith , as in a prison , and held under the strict Discipline of a Pedagogue or School Master Gal. 3.23 , 24 , 25. Under the Law , they were Children , differing nothing from Servants , but were in Bondage , under the Elements of the World , and they were Tutors and Governours Gal. 4.2 , 3. They were under weak and beggerly Elements Gal. 4.9 But we shall not insist longer here , this being sufficiently held forth by the Apostle Paul , throughout hi● whole Epistle to the Hebrews . Secondly , Further , that there are Riches in the Glory of the Gospel , will appear , providing we in the next place take notice of the glorious and super-excellent Nature of the same . Many things might be brought in for clearing of this , but we shall satisfie our selve● with some f●w . As 1. This rich glorious Nature of the Gospel appears , while it is called , The Power of God unto Salvation , to every o●● that believeth , to the Jew first , and also to the Greek Rom. 1.16 . That noble and sharp-fighted Apostle of the Gentiles saw such a Riche● of Glory therein , that how contemp●ible so ever it appeared to others , whether Iew o● Gentile , yet with him it had a high esteem , he was not ashamed of it , that is , he gloried in it , this being a dimunitive menner of Speech , wherein more is understood , than is exprest ▪ For he descerned it to be the glorious and none-such Instrument of GODs Power to break up Satan's hoof Quarters in the World , and so to spread out the Kingdom of Jesus Christ ; Whereupon he says 2 Cor. 10.4.5 The weapons of our warefare are not carnal , but mighty through God , to the pulling down of strong Holds , casting down Imaginations , and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God , and bringing into captivity , every thought to the obedience of Christ. Justly then might he magnify his Office , whileas he was imployed to carry these Treasures unto the Gentiles Rom. 11.13.2 . Its Riches appeareth herein , that the Gospel is the Cabinet wherein lyeth , and the Field wherein is to be found , the most enriching Glory imaginable : It hath folded up in it , that really enriching Pearl , which when the wise Merchant had found , sold all that he had and bought it ; which you may read in that Parable , and which is doubled with very litle alteration Mat. 13.44 , 45 , 46. Christ the alone enriching Pearl of great Price , is the whole Matter , the Heart and Marrow of this Gospel ; It is wholly imployed about Him , therefore cannot but contain Glory , and Riches of Glory , therefore it is called , The Word of Christ Col. 3.16.3 It appears herein , because it is the offering , a●d the holding forth of the most en●iching and glorious Marriage , that ever was heard tell of a A Marriage between the lof●ly , high , holy , glorious and matchless King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , and despicable Sinners , poo● beggerly Creatures , by Nature Heirs of Hell. It is the word of Reconciliation containing Articles and Conditions of Peace , between the Holy , Righteous and Glorious GOD , and sinful self-destroying Sinners , which is intrusted to the Apostles , and their Successors 2 Cor 5.10 , 20. therefore called the word of Peace . Act. 10.36 , 37.4 . The Riches of Glory appears herein , because the Gospel is the outward Call of God ; which , when the LORD makes effectual , He accompanyeth with an inward , powerful , irresistable Calling to the most glorious things imaginable : It is hereby that the Lord Jesus bringeth many Sons unto Glory Heb. 2.10 . Hereby do the Elect obtain the Salvation , that is in Christ Iesus with Eternal Glory . 2 Tim 2.10 . By the Gospel the Thessalonians were called to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Iesus Christ 2 Thess. 2.14 15. Who can tell what is the hope of this Calling , and what is the Glory of this Inheritance of the Saints in light : Such as can discern this , must have the Eyes of their Understanding opened and enlightned of GOD Ephes. 1.17 , 18. It is a compleat rich glorious Kingdom , whereunto Men are called by the Gospel . 1 Thess. 2.12 . He calleth unto His Kingdom and Glory . 5 It appears herein , that it is the means of discovering the most enriching glorious , most latent ●nd concerning Secrets : What is better and ●ore desireable than Life , than true Life and ●mmortality , and this is made manifest ●hrough the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 . One that is ●ondemned to Die should esteem a Reprive of ●he Sentence , a rich and glorious Business , ●hô ignorant but that he might be taken away within few Hours or Days , through some special stroke of GOD upon him : How much more infinitly worthy and richly excellent is ●his Life , which is Immortality ? And what Riches of Glory , must there be in the Gospel which bringeth thi● into light ? 6. It appears ●erein , that the Gospel bring● Heaven to the Door of the Soul , with all the Glory that is herein ; And therefore called the Word of ●he Kingdom , or the Gospel of the Kingdom Mat. 4.23 . and 9 35. and 24.14 . And the matter thereof , is to preach the Kingdom of God Mark. 1.14 . Act 20.25 . and 28.31 . Luk. 4.43.9.60 . So it is also called , The Kingdoms of God Luk. 10.9 11. Mark. 1.15 . and 4.25 . And the Kingdom of Heaven in many of the ●arables Mat. 13. and 20.1 . and 22.2 . &c. Thirdly , That there are Riches in the Gospel , appears from the special , rich and glorious Efficacy of the same ; whereof take these few Proofs . 1. The Gospel hath a powerful enlightning vertue , so that these that sit in darkness , come to see a great light Math. 4.15 , 16. Therefore Paul was sent to open the Eyes , and turn Men from darkness to light Act. 26.11 Where it comes with power , it discovers th● lamentable estate , wherein poor Man is b● Nature , and discovers the way of escape 2. It hath a propagating and begetting power where it is the savor o● Li●e unto Life ; I ha●● begotten you through the Gospel ( saith Paul to th● Corinthians ) 1 Cor. 4.15 . Therefore it is calle● the Word of Life ; Phil. 2 16. It quickneth from the Dead ; through the powerful operation o● the Spirit ; we are born again by this Word 1 Pet 1 23. 3. It hath a nourishing vertue , therefore it is called , The sincere Milk of th● Word ; whereby we grow , even as the Child groweth by the Milk on the Breast : 1 Tim. 2 2. 4. Thereby is the Soul brought by Faith ●o lay hold on Christ , and so thereby brought into a sure and safe state ; Therefore it is called , The Word of F●ith Rom. 10 8. And the Word of Salva●ion Act 13 26. VVe believe through this word preached by the Apostles and their Success●rs Ioh 17.20 . 5. It hath a washing and cleansing vertue ; It is by the word , that Christ sanctifieth and cleanseth His Church Ephes 5.26 6. It hath a cu●●ing and piercing vertu● ; Paul speaking of the Gospel ( Heb 4.12 . ) saith , That the Word of God is quick and powerfu● , and sharper than any two edged Sword , piercing to the dividing asunder of both Soul and Spirit , and of the Ioints and Marrow , and is a discerner of the thoughts of the Heart : ●n allusion to the Anatomy of Bodies , or else ●o the cutting up of the Sacrifices , whether ●hese of the Iews , or as it was used among the Heathens , especially by the Sooth-sayers , who ●uriously searched into every inward part as Ezek. 21.21 . Look what the Intrals are to a ●harp Sword , or Sacrificers Kni●e , or like In●turments of Anatom●zing in a ●kilful Hand , ●uch are all the most inward and secret parts of ●he Heart , even those , which are most difficult to be divided , unto this Sword in GOD's Hand , when pleased to use it to search the Heart and Reins , and to discover and bring ●orth to judgement the secrets of them ; Not only is it to ungird and stripe off the outward Cloaths of outward and formal Actions , and so present the Soul naked as Vers. 13. Nor only to flea off all the Skin , and so to see what lyes under it ( as the next word , Opened , doth sometimes signifie ) but further to cut up and cleave to the Back bone ( as the word will bear ) that so all the Inwards may appear ; And this so curiously divided and laid asunder , as to see and view a part , what is in each . In a word , this Sword of the Gospel , when rightly handled , it not only hath a discerning , piercing , penetrating power with it , to come in on the Heart , discovering its Intents , and striking at the root of Corrup●ions ; But it will humble the proudest Hearts ▪ and quicken the deadest Spirits , and peirce through the Soul and Conscience of the most obdured ; Anatomize an● lay open their Thoughts , their Security , Pride ▪ Formality , Hypocrisie , &c. And strike a● the root of the Body of Death , to kill it , and be its death ; Undoubtedly then , their canno● but be a singular Riches o● Glory in this Gospel . 7. As it hath its arise from free Grace , and is the open Proclamation of the Grace of GOD ; And therefore called , The Word of His Grace Act. 20 32. so it builds up such as receive it , and carries them on until it fairly land them in Glory ; for it is able to save Souls Iames 1.21 . 1 Vse . Here we have ground and reason ●o bemoan the state and condition of not a few People and Persons , to pity them , and from compassion towards them , to pray for them . As 1. These who never as yet saw this Glory , having never as yet heard of this glorious Gospel ; They may it's true , go beyond others in worldly Riches , fulness of all things , carnal Prudence and Policy , and have abundance of Gold , Silver and costly Jewels , and have much outward Pomp and Flourishes : But alas ! nevertheless when they have never heard of Christ , they are but continuing and sitting in darkness ; The Glory of the Lord , hath never as yet shined upon them , the Sun of Righteousness is never risen upon them , with Healing under His Wings : Miserable and lamentable is their Conditions , notwithstanding of all their Supe●fluities . O! let us pray , that this glorious Light , may once break up amon●st them , that the Earth may be filled with the Glory of ●he Lord , as the Waters cover the Sea. 2. We should condole these Nations , where the Name and outward Knowledge of the Gospel is , and nothing else ; Nothing of the Power , Beauty and Glory of the Gospel of Salvation ; But alas ! all is darkned with the fogg and mist of Idolatry , and Superstition , or of humane Inventions , which vails and darkens the singular Beauty , which is to be seen in the Ordinances of Jesus Christ , according to the Simplicity of the Gospel . Oh! have compassion on such , who hasten Judgement on themselves , and love darkness , rather than light : For what are all the vain Imaginations and Inventions o● Men , but a darkning of the glorious Splendour of the Sun of Righteousness , that He may not sh●ne in His native and superexcellent Glory . 3. We should commiserate that People , where His Glory did once shine , bu● seems now to be robbed thereof , through the Godlessness and Wickedness of Men , being Instruments of Satan , in whose Soul , the ●ight of this Gospel never shined . While Satan hath imployed his Agents to banish the Faithful , who carry this Torch of Light , and hold up the Glorious Standart of Jesus Christ ; These ungodly Men do what in them is , by their Conclusions , Acts and Deeds , o● unreasonable Persecution , to banish Christ , His Servants and Gospel out of the Land. O● wha● a loss is it , to be robbed of this Glory , providing we have any Tenderness or Sympathie as Christians , let us be earnest in Prayer fo● such . 4. We should condole such Nation● and Churches , that have a Name , that they Live , and yet are Dead , who have only the sound of the Gospel , with a bare and naked Offer of Jesus Christ : And those , thô they b● free of Idolatry and Superstition , which ar● open Blots and Spots on this Glory , and th● free of outward Persecution , yet great Strangers unto the Riches of the Glory of this Gospel , S●rangers unto the Power and Operations of the same , having the Name o● Purity ▪ and G●spel Truths amongst them , but no more ; And so are dying and perishing throug● an inward decay of Life and Power . The●● undoub●edly are also to be lamented over . 2. Vse . As on this ground we lament th● state of the Churches , so may we take up ● Lamentation over the persons who live unde● the dew and sun-shine of the Gospel , and nevertheless see no Beauty or Glory in the ●ame The Glory the●eof is hid from ●heir Eyes , an● they see no Beau●y , nor desireableness , no● Riches of Glory in the same , the GOD of th●● World having blinded their Minds 2 Cor 4.4 . They look upon the Gospel , as an artificia● composed Fable ; They set no worth nor pri●● upon it as they should ; In place of Glory , is a burthen whereof they would willingly be quite ; Therefore they improve not the occasion , which they have for attaining to the knowledge thereof , and for having an Interest in this Glory : Many are ind●fferent and Gallio like , and in no ways lay the ●●siness to Heart ; Others are Heart-enemies to this Glory , and the power thereof ; Many content themselves with the outward Glory , without seeking inward Heart knowledge of the Riches of Glory , which is to be seen therein . 3 Vse . This affords ground of Rebuke , unto several sort of People . As 1. Unto such , who darken the Glory of this Gospel , with their Errours , Superstitions , Inventions and false Glosses , and all such , who in any measure darken and cloud the Simplicity of this Gospel , its Glory and singular Beauty . 2. Such are to be rebuked , who persecute the ve●y Name and Profession of the Gospel , and all who adhere to the same , as many do , who ( ●f possible ) would drive it out of the World. O! what aileth them , and offends them at this Gospel , which is so ●ull of Glory , and bringeth Glory in it to poor Soul● ? Surely such Men must be driven on and acted by the Spirit of the Devil , who is an unreconcilable Enemy unto this Gospel of Glory . 3. It is for rebuke to such , who are Enemies to the power and purity of the Gospel ; who thô they may readily stand for the profession of it , and own that , yet their Heart riseth against the Life and Power thereof , wherever they discern it ; and as a fi● occasion ●ff●rs them , they but laugh and mock at all that is more than an outwar● prof●ssion . It s true there is a Beau●y and Glory to be seen in the very ou●ward Dispensation of the Gospel , when performed in Gospel purity ; But the more special Glory , with the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel , l●eth in the power thereof upon the Soul , leading captive to the obedience of Faith , and bringing them unto subjection unto Christ ; And their Heart riseth against that , wherein the Glory and Power of the same do●h most signally appear . 4. Such are to be rebuked , who bring stains and shame , through ●h●ir scandalous Life upon that gloriou● Gospel , bringing up an evil Report upon th● same ; And thereby occasioning Enemies to desp●se and con●emn the same : O! what a da●k Cloud doth the scandalous Lives of Profess●rs , raise over the ●ace of this Sun ? This is far from adorning the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things , which is required Tit. 2.10 5. Such are to be reproved , who will not s●ffer this Glory , once to enter their Souls , who c●st no● up the Door of their Souls , that it may enter in , and call not to the GOD o● Glory , that He. Who commanded the light to shine out of d●rkness , ma● shine into ●heir Hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God , in the Face of Iesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4.6 . But on the contrary makes themselves hard against it , and refuse to accept of it : As appears from the following Particulars . ( 1 ) They resolve to keep their old way , whatever be said unto them , they will not alter , they will remain the old Men and the old Women still . ( 2 ) They refuse to subject themselves unto the Righteousness of GOD , and endeavour to establish a Righteousness of their own ; Now herein lyes the Glory of the Gospel , that it breaks us off from that Course of self-seeking , that we might live and grow up in Him , who is the Head in all things . ( 3 ) They will not submit themselves unto the Conditions of the Gospel Covenant , nor receive Christ as He is offered in the Gospel . ( 4 ) They will not forsake their old Lovers , and especially that Ash●aroth , that prime Dagon , and principal Idole Self ; Now the power of the Gospel appears herein , that it makes the Soul put out its right Eye , and cut off the right Hand , and cast away all its own Righteousness , as so many menstruous Cloaths and fil●hy Rags . 4 Vse . This requires of us sundry Du●ies . As 1. We ought then to be very thankful unto GOD , that ever it hath pleased Him to tryst us in the time and ●lace of His manifesting this glorious Mystery ; What are we better than others , that have gone before us , or than many that live in other places of the World , who have never a● ye● s●en one blink of Glo●● ? Providing we could prise a right the worth o● this Treasure , we should see ou● unspeak●ble and great Obligations to Thankfulness , 〈◊〉 as we would be forced to cry forth , What shall we render unto the Lord for this Benefi● and infinite Mercy ? 2. We should esteem highly of this Gospel , and priz● it much , that our despising thereof provoke not the Lord to remove it ; that the Sun might not go down over the Prophets , nor the day be dark over them Mic. 3.6 . And lest He might give us up unto the lusts of our own Heart , and give us darkness in place of light , for our misprising and undervaluing the Glory and light of the p●●cious Gospel . 3. We should be much it P●ayer , to hold the Gospel still in its power and purity amonst us , that it may shine in the midst of us , in its Glory and Beauty , as the power of GOD unto Salvation . 4. We should endeavour on all occasions greatly to welcome ●he Gospel amongst us , and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operation● of the same . O let the Glory thereof shine it our H●arts ! And for that eff●ct let us lay ope● our selves to the Beams of the same , that they may have free entry into our Souls : Les us lay aside all prejudices and love to our Idols , and receive this Light and Glory in love , 5 Let us not be satisfied until that we see and obtai● a more clear discovery of the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery . To wit. ( 1 ) That this Gospel discovers to us our Wre●chedness , Emptyness , Madness , Poverty , Nakedness and every way Undon●n●ss . ( 2 ) That it holds forth unto us the Excellency of Christ , in His Person , Nature , Offices , Works , and Employments in the World. ( 3 ) That it draws Hearts to Him , and from our selves , and from all other Lovers and Vanities , wherewith heretofore we have been betwitched . ( 4 ) That it unites our Souls to Him through Fai●h , that we may live in Him , and He in us , and be one in Him. ( 5 ) That it enclineth our Hearts , unto a swee● Union with the Gospel Comman●s , and to a living by Faith in Christ , and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation , through His offe●ing of Himself , and through His Media●ory Righteousness offered and hold●n for●h in the Gosp●l ▪ and impu●ed ●o Believers th●ough F●ith . ( 6 ) Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us ●●ll in love with Holiness , an● to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling , leaning on Jesus by Faith , drawing Life and Power from Him , who is given ●or a Covenant un●o the People , that we might so g●ow up and bea● Fru●t in Him , and go from streng●h ●o streng●h in Him , untill we appear be●or● GOD 〈◊〉 Zion 5 Use. This requires ● sel●-searching , whether or not we hav● ever attained a sav●ng si●ht of this Glory , the Riches of the Glory of ●his Mystery : And we may know it by these Mark● As 1 Mark. The light of the Gospel discover● a Fulness , a sensible Fulness , a Soul-satisfy●ng , and a Soul-saving Fulness , and a free and gracious Fulness in Christ. 2 Mark. The light of the Gospel discovers , I say , where this glorious Light comes , it discovers sel● ▪ emptiness , self deceitfulness , and loathsomness . 3 Mark. It takes the Soul captive instantly to make choise of Christ for all , to esteem of Him above all , as the chief among ten thousand ; And to lay hold on Him , on His own Terms , with Heart and Hand , and to accept of Him for all our Wants , and for all that we desire , and to rest fully satisfied and content with Him. 4 Mark. It inclines the Soul sweetly to employ Christ in all their Needs , to give Him constant employment in all His Offices , until He bring them home and land them in Glory . 5. Mark. It makes the Soul , that hath a right discovery thereof , fall in love with Holiness , and to make Conscience of their ways , to walk circu●spectly to the Glory of GOD , and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession , to the engaging of Strangers unto the ●eceiving of the Gospel . 6. Mark. It will give them a high esteem of all , even of the smallest Ordinance and Institution of Christ , and make them careful ●o keep them pure , and to improve them to the right end , and will make them help to maintain His Cro●● rights and Priviledges . ●s King in His ow●●●urch , and chief Commander in ●is own House . — Among the Gentiles : These 〈…〉 of Glory , 〈…〉 things . 1. 〈…〉 ●●credible in th● beg●●●ing of th● 〈…〉 the Gentiles should be 〈…〉 Priviledge , and exal●ed to 〈…〉 Glory : For 1. 〈…〉 o● Christ. 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 unto the 〈…〉 ordained , 〈…〉 first off●● of the G●spel , 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 with an 〈…〉 way of 〈…〉 Mat. 10.5 . 〈…〉 who● are 〈…〉 Enemies or 〈…〉 cou●● not only not tolerate , tha● 〈…〉 should be Partakers of that 〈…〉 bad to spr●●● to 〈…〉 , th● be saved — 1 Thes. 〈…〉 worl●●either 〈…〉 of Heaven , 〈…〉 further the Apostles themselves notwithstanding of their ample and large Commission to g● and Teach and Baptize all Nations . Math. 28 ▪ 18 , 19. And notwithstanding they were fo● that end qualified and furnished , with extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost , yet could hardly be perswaded to Preach this Word among the Gentiles ; For we find that Peter w●● examined by the rest of the Apostles , for b● going unto Cornelius . Act. 11.2 , 3.3 . Th● Gentiles were looked upon with an ill Eye an● contemned , therefore called Sinners of th● Gentiles . Gal. 2.15 . And as without Christ , so aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel , a●● strangers from the Covenants of Promise , havin● no hope , and without God in the World. Ephes. : 12.4 . Yea they were accounted Dogs , an● unworthy to eat of the Childrens Bread ▪ se● on that ground , Christ seemed to cast off th● poor Cananitish Woman , to whom He answered , I am not sent , but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel . Math. 15. 2. Notwithstanding of all this , the Lor● so ordered it , that the Gospel got entranc● under the Gentiles , while He sent His Apostle● among them , and blessed their Labours , amongst them . Act. 13.46 . and 14.27 . a●● 15 3 , 7.14.15 , 17 and 18 , 6 Yea the Ie● rej●cting of the Gospel , occasioned the preaching of the same under the Gentiles . A●● 23 46. and 8.6 . and the di●●i●●shing of 〈◊〉 Iews , was the Riches of the Gentiles . Rom. 11.12 . 3. Hereby were the Prophecies concerning Christ , and His Kingdom fulfilled ; The Root ●f Iesse must stand for an Ensign to the People , and the Gentiles must seek into it . Isa. 11.10 . and 60.5 . His Name must be great among the Gentiles . Mal. 1.11 . And to such , had Christ a Commission to come in an appoin●ed time Isa. 42.6.49.6 . Act 13.47 . Luk. 1.32 . So must He bring forth judgement to the Gentiles . Isa. 42.1 . Math. 12.18 . see Rom. 15.9 , 10 , 11. 4. And as this was an eminent Evidence of this Mystery of Wisdom , Love , and free Grace , which was long kept bide in the Heart of GOD , Ephes. 3.3 , 4 , 5 So was i● that the Apostles , who for a time , were unsatisfied , therewith at last held their peace , and glorified God , saying , Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life . Act 11.18 . And Paul accounted it his Mercy to preach among the Gentiles . Ephes. 3.7 , 8. And magn●fied his Office thereby . Rom 11 13. And we find him often glorying therein . 1 Tim. 2.7 . 2 Tim. 1.11 . Which , as it should stir up our Hearts to admiration over that wonderful Love and free Grace of GOD , who hath sought after the Gentiles in Clemency and Mercy , who had been so long debarred ; And establ●shed usi●● the Faith of the great things promsed unto ●ut in ●he Word , now 〈…〉 to see the old Prophesies and 〈…〉 were 〈…〉 als● 〈…〉 〈…〉 our un●o 〈…〉 p●ay for them , upon 〈…〉 g●ven on their acc●un● , 〈◊〉 the Lord in due time will accompl●sh ; A●d besides it should make us lay to Heart ou● Duty in managing aright t●● Pri●iledge , in the thankful acknowledg●ment of the Lord 's undeserved Love herein , and by hearty embracing and welcoming this Offer , and to walk worthy o● the same , in all holy Conversation , to the Glory of GOD. Qu●st . But providing it be asked , Whe●her all the Gentiles see the Glory , and know the Richer of the Glory of this Mystery . I Answer , No : For all have not the p●eaching of the G●spel among ●hem . If it be ●urther asked , If all th●se , to whom thi● Gospel is preached , see ●h●s Glory ? I Answer , No. But only the Saints among the Gentiles , as app●ar● from Vers 26 This is made manifest to the Saints . Where we see that it is a●●ne ●he Sain●s , who have obtained G●ace to beli●ve this G●spel , and not every one who hears i● preached , who d●scern the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery , which is in the Gospel For 1. Unto some he preaching of the glad Tydings of the Gospel , is the savor of Death unto Death . 2 Cor. 2.16 . And unto their corrup●ed and prejudicated Understanding it savours as a dead Carion , wherein their Souls hath no pleasure , yea it is as D●ath ▪ so that their rejecting of the Gospel , and their averseness from it , proves their Death and 〈◊〉 . 2. Unto some it is but foolishness , as it was unto the Greeks . 1 Cor. 1.23 . And matter of Mocking and Derision , as the Doctrine of the Resurrection , was unto these of Athens Act. 17.32 . Many have no better op●nion of the Ambassadours of Christ , who are sent to preach the Gospel , 〈◊〉 Fest●s of Paul , Act. 26.24 . And of the Believers of the Gospel , than the Pharisees had of the Multitude Ioh. 7 49.3 . Unto some Christ is a Rock of Offence , and the preaching of the Gospel of Christ , is a stumbling Block unto them , even as unto the Iews , who stumbled at the stumbling Stone and rock of Offence . 1 Cor. 1. ●3 . Rom 9.32 , 33. Even as Christ Himself was for the fall of many , so the preaching of the Gos●el is the occasion of the ruine of many . 4. Many will not hear the Gospel with Faith , and therefore it cannot profi● them , Not being mixed with Faith in th●m that heard it . Heb. 4.2 . Neither will they receive it in Love , nor receive the Love of the Tr●●h . 2 Thess. 2.10 . And therefor● sa●●●oe 〈◊〉 ●hemselves unto th● Righteousness of God , held out unto them therein Rom. 10.3 . They will not suffer the Word of Instruction to get any room in their Souls , but they receive this Grace of GOD in vain , and through unbelief they reject it , they will not obey this form of Doctrine , nor yeild themselves Servants thereunto . 5. The GOD of this World hath so blinded the Minds of them which believe not , that the Light of the glorious Gospel of of Christ , who is the Image of GOD , cannot shine unto them ; So that they can discern nothing of the Glory of the same . 2 Cor 4.4 . And some blinded by a Judgement from GOD , are therefore no Co-partners of this Revelation . Math. 11.25.6 . Some see a glance , some da●k half glimmerings , of this Glory , but discern not the glory of this Mystery , they get some sight , which may occasion some litle work and operation in them , nevertheless they continwe strangers unto the true spiritual Glory thereof : For ( 1 ) They may see so much therein , as may engage them to a profession of the same , for a time in a fair day , when i● is accompanied with no persecution ; But ●ven as the stony ground having no deepnes● of Earth , whe● persecution comes , they immediatly forsake the Gospel , and turn their back upon it . Math. 13. ( 2 ) They may readily see so much in it , as makes them willing●● to part with somewhat , but not that in●● which will make them willing to forsake 〈◊〉 for Christ ; The cares of the World , doth not only choak all again , but creats a mist in their Eyes , which totally cloudeth and darkneth this Glory ( 3 ) They may see that which may inwardly affect them , as Agrippa to be almost Christians . Act. 26. and no more . ( 4 ) They may readily have some general knowledge of the Letter and out-side thereof , and may be great Doctors and learned Preachers , and nevertheless wholly strangers unto the Power and Life of the same . ( 5 ) Yea they may attain some resemblance thereof , and as it were some glorious sparklings , such as the Apostle speaks of , Heb 6.4 , 5. But alone unto True Believers , the Lord maketh known and manifesteth this Glory , and maketh them to see the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery ; These see it , to whom He discovereth those Secreets which are kept hid from the wise of the World ; They s●e it , who see that Glory , which changeth the Soul , so that thereby , they are changed into the same Image , from Glory to Glory , even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3.18 . But what is that sight they get , which others are Strangers unto ? Ans. 1. They see a special necessary good , which deeply affecteth the Heart ; Others only win at some Conceptions , that goeth no further , than the Head. 2. They see something directly applicable unto to their case and condition , and is very sut●able unto them , where●● others look on these things , a● more the concernment o● others than themselves . 3. They see the good is co●pleat , all-sufficient , necessary and satisfying , which is held out in this Gospel , and therefore they seek not after more , provi●ing they obtain that , they judge their Lot is fa●len unto them in pleasant places , and that t●ey have goodly Heritage . 4. They see somewhat of that Soul-ravishing profound Counsel of Redemption , wherein all the Persons of the Tri●ity are engaged to carry on and perf●ct the same , and ●●ey see herein such Glory , that it makes them long for Heaven , that they might obtain a more broad and wide look o● that divine mysterious on-carrying of the wa● of Salva●ion , wherein so much of GOD , and of His glorious Attribut●● , in such a lofty way doth appear . 5. Th● 〈…〉 that therein , 〈◊〉 reache● 〈…〉 Soul , a●d make●h them , that 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 and soul , giving their 〈…〉 , as be●ng al●ogether p●ecious 〈◊〉 Soul satisfying . 6. They see that which makes them 〈◊〉 willing , and 〈…〉 all and ●●ll every thing , 〈…〉 once they 〈…〉 invaluable 〈◊〉 7. They se● that Light which hath that pow●● and force therein , that bringeth under their irregular love to the World , and all other Vanities , together with the strong Corruptions that molest them . 1 Vse . It needs then be no strange business , that there are so ●ew , that highly esteem of this Gospel , and that so many undervalue and contemn it ; seeing there are so few real Saints , who alone can see the glory and singula● Excell●ncy of this Gospel . Oh! it is a sealled 〈◊〉 , even unto them who 〈◊〉 hear it , 〈…〉 the ou●ward ●h●ll , and 〈…〉 sweet and deli●a● kirnel 〈◊〉 . 2 Vse . Behold here ●he Touch-stone , whereby every one must ●●●mine himself , and judge of Himself , wh●●her 〈◊〉 be in the Faith or not ; This special sight and discovery is alone peculiar to Believe●s , the Spirit of Light which they have received in the Gospel , makes them now see another sight than formerly they could apprehend or understand . O the depth of Wisdom , Power , Love , Grace , Righteousness and Mercy , which we now daily more and more discover ! O what heavenly and divine Glory shines therein , and ●ha● in the very meanest of all Christ's Precepts ! Othe●s take but a carnal and general look of th●se Ordinances , and therefore not so tender nor so zealou● of them , who can bear with the mixtures and Inventions of Men amongst them , and can fancy a Beauty , Decency and Consistency in these Inventions , whereas there is nothing in them but a vile deformity : And as for the substance of the Gospel , the glad Tydings of Peace & Reconcîliation with GOD , it is unto them an indifferent business far from being all their Salvation , & all their desire ; Their Hearts cannot embrace the Gospel , as the glorious Manifestation of the Son of GOD , which brings to Light , Life and Immortality ; They see not the Glory of GOD in the Face of Jesus Christ. Wo then to such , who have not more knowledge of this Business ; Then 1. A literal speculative knowledge of this Glory of GOD , which pusseth up , and filleth the Soul with wind and vanity , and never sinketh deep into the Soul. 2. A tickling outward Motion , with somewhat of acquired knowledge , that only affecteth the person , as the lovely Song of one that hath a pleasant Voice . Ezek. 33.32 . Their Ears are tickled with the new Tydings of Salvation , and of a Mediator to preserve them from the Wrath of GOD , and that is all . 3. Who have no more than some small tastings in the time of a Communion , or at some o●her solemn occasion , that take● more on them than ordinary , but is instantly suffocate , without taking further root . 4. Wo also to such , that have but some Light that forceth to some half works , and to some raw wishe● , that all might be better , some Flashes of Resolutions and hasty Undertakings , which occasioneth somewhat that looketh like a change , thô ●las ! their Heart in the interim is cleaving to their Abominations , and going out continually after their Covetousness . To whom God would make known , &c. These words may have respect both to the outward manifesting of the Mystery of this Gospel Truth ; As as also to the making known and discovering of this Truth of the Gospel effectualy on the Heart , which is more especially here to be understood , because that this Revealed Mystery is calldd , Christ in them , the Hope of Glory . In respect of both these , the Words hold forth two thing● : First , That this Revelation is of GOD. Secondly , That it is an Act of His free Grace and free Love. As to the First , to wit , The outward making known of the Gospel ( which we shall pass in a word ) We see , that as this Gospel is alone of GOD , Who is the Author thereof , so the outward publishing of the same dependeth on His free Grace and Will , so that he sends it to whom He will , and to whom He will , He sends it not ; see Act. 16.7 . The Spirit suffered not Paul , and his Companions to go unto Bithynta : However Satan and his Instruments may have a hand therein , nevertheless we are to look mostly to GOD , Who has the chief hand in i● ▪ Who followeth His own Resolution , sending the Gospel , where He has any to bring in thereby , be it one Soul or moe , or to 〈◊〉 one lost Groat , or one wandering Sh●●p , which finding incapacitate either to le●d or drive , He taketh it on His Shoulders ; rej●ycing . Luk 15.5 . Christ went ove● to the G●da●ens ●or one poor Soul : Paul 〈◊〉 charged to abide at 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 Gospel of Salv●●ion , and th●t 〈◊〉 〈…〉 the publishi●g of 〈…〉 time and place , w●er● 〈…〉 Providence of GOD have ou● 〈…〉 That we abase our selves in 〈…〉 be ashamed of our unsuteable 〈…〉 Him , Who hath sought us ou● , 〈…〉 many Thousands , whereas we 〈…〉 as any , only th●t He 〈◊〉 give ●●●vidence of the freeness of His 〈…〉 3. That we walk more 〈…〉 benefit , that He 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 , when 〈…〉 The conside●●●ion 〈…〉 as to ●ear , 〈…〉 the remov●●● the 〈…〉 us , as He 〈…〉 Revel 2.4 . Tha● 〈…〉 GOD 's Soveraign t● , who singularly in this disposeth as He will : Our carnal Hearts are sometimes ready to rise against Him , and to wonder wherefore He suffers so many rich Nations to be so long without one Word of the Gospel of Salvation , and suffers it to remain there , where the People i● wearied thereof , and would willingly be quite of it ; But His Will should answer all such Objections in us , and settle all such Distempers in our Hearts : We must be satisfied herein , for He doth what He will in Heaven and Earth , and gives no account of what He doth . As to what relates to the other part , which is here principally to be understood , we learn. First , That it is GOD alone , Who can make known unto the Soul the Glory and Riches of this Mystery , and do●h effectually publish and reveal it ; This requires the revealing of the Arm of the Lord. Isa. 53.1 . For Flesh and Blood cannot do it , but the Father which is in Heaven Math. 16.17 . And the Spirit . Ephes. 3.5 . The God of our Lord Iesus Christ , the Father of Glory , must give unto us the Spirit of Wisdom , in the knowledge of Him. Ephes. 1.17 . see Vers. 9. Therefore the Spirit is promised for that effect . Ioh. 14.26.1 Cor. 2.10 , 11 , 12. Gal. 1.16 . This appears further from the natural state of Mankind , who cannot know these Mysteries without a divine powerful Revelation & Manifestation of the same in them . For 1. Natural Men are by Nature blind , without knowledge , lying and living in darkness ; And wha● can they then discern ●n these M●steries ? Revel 3.17 . Luk 4.18.1 Pet. 2.9 . Act. 26.18 . Isa 42.7 . They are in darkness , and darkness hath blinded their Eyes , 1 Ioh. 2 11. They walk in Darkness , and ly in Da●kness . 1 Ioh. ● . 6 . 1 Ioh. 2.9 They are of Darkness . 1 Thess. 5.5 . They are called Darkness it self . Ephes 5.8 . Yea under the power of Darkness . Col. 1.13 2. Therefore they are under a natural Impotency and Unfi●ness to understand the things of GOD. 1 Cor. 2 14. The natural Man receiveth not the things of the ●pirit of God , for they are foolishness unto him , neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned . 3. Besides this natural Impotency in the Understanding , to take up and know these Mysteries , there is also an acquired moral Inability seated in him , through misunderstanding and prejudice against the Mysteries of GOD : For it is said of the natural Man , 1 Cor. 2 14 That he receiveth not the thing of the Spirit of God , for they are foolishness unto him ; Therefore , was the Preaching of Christ cruc●fied , unto the Jews a stumbling block , and unto the Greeks foolishness . 1 Cor. 1.23.4 . Yea the carnal Understanding is enmity against GOD ; It submits not it self to the Law of GOD , neither can it . Rom. 8.7 , 8. so that there is also a pravity and impotency in their will ; Therefore saith Christ , that a corrupt Tree cannot bring sorth good Fruit. Math. 7. The Ethiopia● canno● change his Skin . Ier. 13 5. There is an acquired habitual ave●ssness , through the pravi●y of our Inclinations : By Nature People are so w●dded and glewed to their Lusts and Idols which they will not ●ors●ks ( which augments their natural Antipathy against the Gospel ) so that they are Enemies in their Minds by wicked works Col. 1.21.6 . Besides all this , the Devil , who is the god of this World , i● working in th●m . Ephes 2.2 . who more especially so blinds the Minds of those who do not believe , that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ , who is the Image of GOD , may not shine unto them . 2 Cor. 4.4 . This needs no ●u●ther evidence , being more than manifest by daily experience ; no preaching will once pick on some ; yea Christ Himself preached unto many who go● no profit thereby ; The great things of GOD's Law , are accounted bu● a strange thing by some . Hos. 8. Many have Eyes and see not , Ears and hear not . 1 Vse . We are hereby called to be established in ●he Faith of this Truth , That it is only a Divine Power , which can mak● known unto us and in us the Gospel Truths ; We by Industry and Education , with some ordinary light of the Spirit , may win to understand the letter of the Gospel ; But in respect of the saving Manifestation of this Mystery , there is a necessity of a real , discriminating , special , immediate , inward and powerful Operation of the Spirit of GOD in the Soul , driving away the natural Darkness , and received prejudices , creating Divine Light in the Mind and Understanding , and so forming in the Soul , a Spiri●ual Patern of the glorious Mysteries of the Gospel : For until this enlightning Operation and Revelation of the Spirit come , all will be to no purpose . 2. Vse . So should we have a loathing and aversion of that dreadful Doctrine , which says , That this Divine Spiritual Enlightning is not needful , but alledge that moral perswasion , with the outward Revelation is sufficient ; whereas none who hath any knowledge of his own Heart can be so stupid , that he should not see so much of the Darkness of his own Understanding , that no less than a Divine Power must be exercised and put forth in order to this his Enlightning : And what doth this Opinion else , but signally vilifie , and palpably deny the Divine Mystery of this Revelation , and lamentably blow up the empty Creature with Pride , Ambition , and a foolish conceit of himself to retain somewhat , whereby he may ( as he ●ancies ) be the less obliged to GOD , and may have ground to thank himself , to sacrifice unto his own Net , and burn incense unto his own Drag . What a ruining and dreadful Enemy is this opinion , against the exalting of the Power of GOD's Grace , and against Folks carrying therein with subordination and dependency on GOD , and against all Prayer unto GOD. 3 Vse . However this be only GOD's work , and His powerful work ; nevertheless none ought because of his Impotency and natural Ignorance to account himself therefore discharged , exeemed or delivered from guilt : For ( 1 ) Our natural Impotency is our Sin. ( 2 ) Besides there is ever real opposing and rejecting of this Light , in all such as are come to the years of discretion , who hear this Gospel , and a wilful contemning of this Light , which will abundantly stop the Mouths of every one ; And this often appears either by their neglecting of the Means , or by their negligent and sloathful improving of the same , and their not using , but misusing of the Light which they have , &c. 4 Vse . Notwithstanding this be GOD's work , yet we should not cast off the Means , for hereby it pleases the Lord to convey Life , and to come with that Light and enlighten when and where He will ; For it ple●sed God by the foolishness of preaching to save — 1 Cor. 1.21 . And Faith come●h by hearing . Rom. 10.17 . And however the Means in themselves can do nothing , yet being ordained by Him , as it is our duty , so we may have peace in waiting on the ●ree and glorious King , where He Commands us to wait , and our waiting will sharpen our desires and longings after that blessed Light ; yea when we are disappointed and cut off in our expectations , even this must serve for the further humbling and abasing of our selves , and to make us the more earnestly cry out unto Him , who is the Fountain of Light , that He who has caused the Light to shine out of Darkness , would shine in our Hearts , in giving us the Light of the knowledge of the Glory of God , in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4 6. Our attendance on the Means should be constant , because we know not , when He may come ; It is good to sow by all Waters , and to sow Morning and Evening , and in our Du●●es alone to eye Him , knowing that all must come from Him. And albeit there may many Discou●agements arise to cause us give it over ; partly from without , Sa●an crying , It is in vain to wait any longer , and partly from within , our Hearts , looking on it as a desperat work ; yet this consideration that this Enlightning is GOD 's working , may encourage and set us foreward again ; For GOD is a Soveraign King , free to come when He will , so is He gracious and merciful , and can and will pass over many Enormities , and much opposition ; yea ●urther for quieting of our Hearts under all Objections whatsomever , this may suffic● , He is GOD Almigh●y , and unresistible in His workings ; He shall work , and who shall hinder it . 2 dly . Moreover , we should learn from hence , that GOD maketh known this Glorious Mystery to whom He wi●l most freely , without Hyre or Price , it is an Act of His wonderful free G●ace , He would make known &c. not by reason of any deserving or worth , in us , or by vertue of any pliabliness , or readiness in those , to whom ●his is made known , or of any necessary connexion betwixt the preparation in them and His Work ; But meerly from His free Grace and good Pleasure ; for He is found of them that sought Him not Isa. 65.1 . Therefore it is through Faith that we are saved , and Faith is not from our selves , It is the Gift of God. Ephes 2.8 . And not by the works which we have done , but accord●ng to His Mercy we are saved . T it 3.5 . 1. Vse . For Instruction , and this should learn us , 1. To admire this wonder●ul and undeserved Love towards us in this Mystery , in respect of the very outward making known of the same to us , when Kingdoms and Nations more preferrable than we , ly still in Darkness , or have corrupted and undone these Truths by their Errors . 2 That we with all ●hankfulness heartily acknowledge this Mystery , and walk humbly under the sense of this undeserved favour . We are to fear the Lord and His Goodness , as also to meditate what an account we have to give for these rich Mercies , lest we misimprove the same , and turn His Grace unto Wantonness , seriously laying to Heart , that it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorah in the day of Judgement , than for such , who have had these Manifestations , and this Light among them , and notwithstanding have desired Darkness rathe● than Light. 2. Vse . For warning unto such , to whom the Lord in a saving way , hath made known the Riches of Glory , by bringing it into their Soul with power and efficacy : Namely , 1. They should walk worthy of such Grace and Love , by carrying themselves humbly before Him , remembring their Nativity and the Rock from whence they are hewed , that free free Grace may get the Honour of all 2. They should live in the admiration of this rich and free Grace of GOD : What were you , or your Fathers House , that GOD should have cast His Eye upon you ? What could He see more in you , than in others , who yet 〈◊〉 in Darkness , without these saving Discoveries ? 3. They ought to endeavour to commend the Riches of this Grace and Goodness to others , to speak good of Him , who hath been so good to them . 4. They ought to make use of these Discoveries , which GOD hath given them for the advantage of others , doing their outmost to win others , and to hold out somewhat of that Light to others , that they may be brought in thereby . But I hasten now to the Last Point in this Verse . to wit , That Christ i● the Soul is the riches of the Glory of this Mystery made known in the G●spel ; Which is Christ in you , saith he . This Truth contains these three Particulars . First , That a Soul-union wi●h Christ is the first Intention , chief Scope and D●sign of the Gospel : This principally is intended therein , that Christ may be near hand and within the Soul. A Second is , That in this Union , consists the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel , thereby is this Riches made known , and here is their Center : For the Soul that is in possession of this Union , is likeways partaker of the Riches of this Glory . Thirdly , That this Union of the Soul with Christ , or the bringing of Christ unto the Soul , is only the Work of GOD , for He maketh known th● Riches of the Glory of the Gospel . As to the First of these Truths , we are to observe these two Things , 1 ▪ That until ●he Gospel come unto a Soul with power and efficacy , the Soul is without Christ. 2. That the Gospel is the Instrument of GOD , whereby this Union between Christ and the Soul is carried on ; and this is the end and design thereof . The First which is here premised , is clear from Ephes 2.12 . before the Gospel came to the Ephesians , among the Miseries wherein they were , this was the chief , that as they were withou● G●D , so also wi●hout Christ , when the Gospel fi●st comes among a Pe●ple , it finds them fitting in Da●kn●ss , and in the reg●on and shadow of Death . Mat. 4 16 ●sa . 9 2. And under the power of Satan . Act 26.18 . Therefore it was the principal work of the Apostles , where they came to preach Christ , Act. 9 20. and 8 5 Vse . This being sufficiently clear , we are to lea●n thus to make use of it . As 1. Earnestly to seek ●fter more solid and real Convictions of these T●uths ; Many yet lying in Nature , and before whom the Light of the Gospel hath never shined in its power , dream notwithstanding that they have Christ in them as well as others , and so deceive their own Souls , and disappoint the great end of the Gospel . A full conviction hereof , should dispose Folk more earnestly to give ear unto the preaching of the G●spel . 2. These Fools must not imagine i● sufficient , that they have the outward Ordinances of the Gospel , and under the administration of the same : For unless the Gospel do come in p●wer , and in the evidence of the Spirit unto ●h●m , the● may nevertheless abide without Christ : Yea and until they fi●d this in them , they will certainly continue Christless and Graceless . 3. They are called then to cry unto the Lord , that He would reveal his Arm in the preaching of the Gospel , that they may not longer continue in in their s●d and lamentable Condition The Second is , That this Gospel , and the administration of the same , is the appointed Means , whereby this spiritual and saving Union , is carried on , and that this is its princ●pal end and d●sign , appears from these G●ounds . 1 st . Here is the Off●r of this Reconciliation and Union held ●orth , Christ comes in the preaching of the Gospel ; And 1. He tells what is His Father's Mi●d and Will , namely that they should accept of Him , believe in Him , and let Him into ●he Soul , for this is the great Commandment and so much called for duty . Ioh. 6.29 — This is ●he work of GOD , that ye believe on ●im , whom He hath sent . 1 Ioh. 3.23 . And this His Commandment , that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ. 2. He entreateth them in His Father's N●me to come , to open unto Him , that He might come and take up His Habitation with them . Isa ●5 . 1 . Revel 3.20.3 He pr●sses and drives on His Request , Su●e and Desire , with many Arguments and Motives , as we have evidenced formerly . 4. He removes all the Difficulties out of the way , by answering all Objections , preventing all Discouragements . O how full is the Gospel of this ! 5. He upb●aids them that they come not unto Him. Joh. 5.4 . Ye will not come to me , that ye might have Life . 6. He waits patiently , with much Longanimity upon them , ●●newing His Sute● , Cries and Intreaties . A● which is palpable in the administration of th● Gospel ; whereby appears sufficiently th●● this Union betwixt Christ and the Soul , is th● great design and end of the Gospel . 2 dly . Herein the Gospel , the Conditions ar● cleared and laid open , whereupon this Union must be accomplished ; Namely , 1. That w● forsake all other Lovers , and be fully satisfied that thereis a separation between us and them ; for we must foresake our Fathers House , providing we will ●ave the King greatly to take pleasure in us . Psal 45.10 , 11.2 . That we receive Him freely without Money and without P●ice . Isa. 55.1 , 2.3 . That we receive Him wholly , even as He offereth Himsel● to be married unto us , that is as a Priest , Prophet and King for we must receive all of Him , and not ● part of Him. Joh. 1.12.4 . That we receive Him fully without reserve , absolutely without exception , seeing He is altogether Lovely , and every way useful and absolutely ne●essary . 5. That we receive Him for every Work and Imployment , for Sanctification as well as Justification . 6. That we jointly deny our selves , take up His Cross and follow Him. Mat. 16.24 . 3 dly . In this Gospel , we have the Nature of this Union . viz. The indwelling of Christ manifested unto us : For here is declared , 1. That is indwelling of Christ , and union with him , mysterious . profound , unsearchable , and comprehensible , Ephes : 5.32.2 . That is wholly Spiritual , so that they become ●he Spirit , 1 Cor : 6.17 . They are made parkers of His Spirit , Rom : 8.9.3 . That it a near and inward Union , so that no Com●●rison can sufficiently demonstrate it , as we ●●ve heard before . 4. That it is permanent ●●d inviolable , nothing can make a separati●● here , Rom : 8.38 , 39.5 . That it is Glo●●ous & Exceeding Excellent . 6. That it is very useful and profitable Union , having ●●effably great and wonderful Advantages , ●oth here and hereafter . 4 In this Gospel we have what Christ did for ●●e carrying on of this Union , how he is be●●me a Mediator & Cautioner , taking upon ●●m to make peace and reconciliation ▪ and so 〈◊〉 satisfie Justice for their sins , How in the ●●lness of time , he has come , and has given a ●●ll and perfect satisfaction according to his ●ndertaking ; how he hath purchased of the ●ather all that was accounted necessary for the ●●rrying on of this Union in respect of the E●●ct ; How he lives forever as an Intercessor , ●●r that end and effect ; How he as King and ●ead of the Church hath appointed ordinan●es and Laws ; How that he hath blessed them ●●cording to his good pleasure for that Effect ; ●nd how he hath sent his Spirit to work up his Chosen to a cheerful receiving of his offer ; A● this , and much more is made known in the Gospel . 5. Here is held forth and cleared , what is required on our part , in respect of obtainin● possession , and to be possessed of this Noble Spirit , and to win at this Union : Namely , 1. Tha● we forsake all our Righteousness , with al● other Idols and lovers , which poss●s● our So●l● 2. That we acknowledge and be convinced o● our own inability , and natural unwillingnes● to open unto him . 3. That we attend on th● means appointed , and on him in the mean● 4. That we lay a side all prejudices . 5. Tha● we lay our selves open to his approaches . 6. That we cry and long after him , and his company so as we can . 6. Here in this Gospel is made known , tha● this opening of the heart for Christ , is a wo●● above nature , and that Christ is the Au●ho● and finisher of Faith , Heb. 12.1 , 2. And that no man can come until the Father draw him . Ioh. 6.44 . 7. Here is also discovered that notwithstanding ●he LORD wonderful in Council , mighty indeed , hath thought good through the foolishness of Preaching to save those that believe , 〈◊〉 Cor. 1.21 . And to make use of Plan●ers an● waterers , albeit neither of them can do good , providing he give not the increase . 1 Cor. 3 ▪ 5 , 6 , 7. And therefore hath he sent Labour●rs to his Vine-yeard to labour and work there , ●o that they are Labourers together with GOD Cor. 3.8 , 9. He sends his servants , as so ●any Amb●ssadors to Court a Bride for Christ. ● Cor. 5.20 , and 11 , 2. Therefore they ●ome in their Masters Name , and lay forth ●he Articles of agreement and reconciliation , ●nd he himself must and will through his Spirit ●etermine and perswad unto an opening . Vse , From all that is said appears that the Gospel and the preaching of the same is the ●eans appointed of GOD , for this end , and ●hat it is the chief and grand design of the preached Gospel to work up the Soul into this Un●on with Christ , and make the heart to open , ●hat the King of Glory may enter in : Which ●hould incite to these things . 1. To a high es●eemation of the Gospel , as being such a noble mean ordained for such an excellent end ; To account highly of it , ( I say ) and of such who are appointed to carry these glad tidings of the great Salvation , and to ha●ken unto it & them , as such noble means of Gods appointment . 2 That we may have this end before us in the Administration of the Gospel ; The Ministers should so preach it , and the People should so hear it , as a mean ordained for that end , and never to rest s●ti●fied , or much less to think all is well , until this end be first attained , to wit , that Christ be formed in the Soul : O! it were desireable to see that the Ministers in preaching of the Gospel were ( as it were ) traveiling 〈◊〉 Birth to obtain this end , Gal. 4.19.3 . That 〈◊〉 lament the estate of such who miss this glorio●● gospel , & of those who have but the sound of t●● Gospel without the power thereof . 4. That 〈◊〉 be thankfull for this inesteemable priviledg● and so be sensible of the same , and be care●●● that we provoke not God to remove this adva●tagious & most useful Candlestick . 5. That 〈◊〉 have compassion on those who are desperat● wicked , that they are so wearied of this prec●ous Gospel , that they hate , oppose , ruine , y●● persecute the same : O what a misery is th●● for Poor Souls to forsake their own unspea●able riches . The third thing is , that this Vnion , to wit● Christ in the Soul , is the riches of the Glory 〈◊〉 this Gospel Mysterie ; And this appears . 1. In th●● it is the principal and chief business , which th● Infinitly wise GOD had be●ore him in the Eternal Counsel of his will , to work out by th● dispensation . 2. The LORD who is the Autho● of this Gospel , is thereby Gloryfied in his Glorious Attributes , Christ exalted and made 〈◊〉 see the travel of his Soul , and the pleasure o● the LORD prosper in his hand , and the grea● designe therein principally intended next th● Glory of GOD , to wit , the Eternal compact between GOD and the Mediator , is then begun 〈◊〉 be accomplished . 3. All the Draughts of th● Glorious Gospel , terminate here as in a Cente● 4. Then beginneth ●he Soul to kn●w what are the excellen● Riches of the 〈◊〉 of Love , Grace and w●sd●m , that are brough● to light throug●t the G●spel , then , and not untill then , begin ●hey to be part●k●rs thereof . Vse , This serves to set us all a wo●k to a serìous enquiry and tryal , if the Gospel hath had these noble Fruits in us , which may be known from what hath been formerly mentioned of Christ his being in the Soul : And we are never to think we see or know any thing of the R●ches of the Gospel , ( how great soever a measure of kn●wledge otherwayes we may have attain●d , or be partake●s of ) un●il this Union be wrought ; and prov●ding this be wrought , then we may well sit down contented , what ever other things we want , as having now in thi● Union the whole Riches of the G●spel , as in a Treasure laid up in our Souls . O what a condition must this b● ▪ The last thing i● , that thi● Fruit of the Gospel , and ●his sh●rt compend of the Riches of its Glory ; is of GOD , and wrough● by Him , He makes i● known , and the reason is clear ; ●or , 1. Man by nature hates Christ , will no● welcome Him , much less let Him in to dwell in the Soul ; they hate bo●h Him and His Father , Ioh. 15 24 2ly . The l●gh● which must discover this enmitie , together wi●h the miserie that accompanieth their estate , who are w●thout Christ , is Divine ; these Saving discoveries are only attainable through a divine supernatural illuminati●● ▪ Now it is GOD alone that openeth the eyes of the blind . 3ly . As it is GOD alone that taketh away the natural blindnes● of the understanding , and sends Divine Light into the Soul ; so must He guard off , and remove the natural pravity of the will , and do away the stony heart , and make his people willing ; after this manner must He open th● heart , as He opened the heart of Lydia , Acts 16 . 14.4ly . Even so must GOD by His immediate powerful Grace effectually work the consen● unto the offer made in the Gospel ; And how ever this work of the LORD be powerfull and irresistable , overcoming all opposition from without and within , nevertheless it is without force and violence ; For though He draw , yet He draweth with the cords of Men and Bonds of love , strongly convincing , making the Soul effectually to submit and give it self over , seing the heart is in his hand , He can turn it whether He will ; as He pouers in Grace , so He makes the Soul willing . 1. Vse . This should serve to teach those who are made partakers of this Union , to know whom they have to thank for it , and who should have the praise and the honour of this noble and glorious Work , and make them far from thinking or saying , that they themselves have made the difference , or from offering sacrifice unto their own net ▪ in respect o● his Grace . 2 , Vse . This should also learn others , where the right door is ▪ whereunto they must betake themselves O! poor Souls look to him , and to him alone , and wait at the Posts of his door , forsaking your own strength , and despairing in and of your selves . FINIS .