Explication.

1. GOD so loved the World that he gave his only be­gotten Son, that whosoe­ver believeth in him, should not pe­rish, but have everlasting life. Joh. 3.16. For God sent him not into the World to condemn the World, but that the World through him might be saved. ver. 17. Here's the Fountaine, or rather Ocean from whence all good doth come: even from the Love of God, or from God who is love, yea an unfathomable Ocean of love: Therefore the beloved Disciple who leaned on the bosom of our Lord, describes him thus, God is Love: and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 Joh. 4.16. And this love is an ex­tensive love, reaching to all: there­fore saith he, God so loved the World, he saith not, God so loved this or that Nation, or this or that sort of men, but God so loved the World, [Page 10] that he gave his only begotten Son. A [...] the Sun in the Firmament shine [...] upon all good and bad, and as th [...] raine falls upon all both just and un­just; so the love of God reaches t [...] all in sending his Son. Therefor [...] the Angel that brought the glad ty­dings of the birth of Christ to th [...] Sheepherds, said to them, Fea [...] not, for behold I bring you good tydings of great joy which shall be to a [...] People Luk. 2.10. And likewise tha [...] multitude of the Heavenly Host which appeared suddenly with th [...] Angel praised God, saying, Glor [...] to God in the highest, and on Ear [...] peace, good will towards men, ver. 1 [...] towards men, or towards ma [...] kinde in the general, and not onl [...] towards this Sect or that Sect: o [...] this form or that form but toward [...] all men: namely that creatur [...] which was made in his own imag [...] to bear a representation of him i [...] the Creation. To this creature [...] the love of God thus signified fo [...] his restoration to that purity, Majesty [Page 11] and dignity in which he was created, and to an eternal felicity in that station, with God.

So then, This is the condemnation, that light is come into the World, and men love darkness rather then light be­cause their deeds are evill, Joh. 3.19. What light is this thats come into the World, that was not in the World before? Verely the light of the love of God; or of Salvation freely by grace, which hath a glo­ry in it, that discovers and de­stroyes evill works: and therefore where men love their evil works, they love to cleave to the darkness in which they may enjoy their evil deeds, and continue therein. This is the condemnation, not because they have done evil, but because they chuse to continue therein. For the love of God hath manifested it self unto all in sending his Son as a Sacrifice for all, a Lamb without blemish to take away the Sin of the World, Joh. 1. ver. 29.

2. As the Father hath manifested [Page 12] his love to man; so the Son like­wise, who is the only begotten Son of God, the first born of every creature, and the expresse image of the Father, he hath shined forth in the glory of the same love: We beheld his glory (saith the Apostle, wherein? Even in this that he was) full of grace, and full of truth. Grace is free gift, bounty, good will and this is glorious, this we beheld in the Son of God, saith the Apostle What love like this? Or what favour like this? To lay down ones life for another. This our Lord hath done for us. 1 Tim. 2.6. He gave himself [...] ransome for all (saith the Apostle and this is to be a Testimony i [...] due time for so the words signify [...] He offered up himself a Sacrifice for us according to the will of God, that h [...] might put away our sin, by the Sacrifice of himself. Heb. 9.26. and tha [...] was the will of God, who layed o [...] him the iniquity of us all. And this h [...] willingly underwent for us: fo [...] [Page 13] when burnt offerings and Sacrifices of the Law for sin could not purge the conscience so as to make the commers thereunto perfect as per­taining to the conscience, (and therefore God took no pleasure in them,) then said the Son, Loe I come to doe thy will O God, Heb. 10. That so a way might be made for reconciling our Hearts to God, by laying a ground for faith in us. He bare our sins in his own body on the Tree. 1 Pet. 2.24. Here's the ground for faith; and a foundation layd for mans returning towards the Lord in Love: for we cannot love him till we be made sensible of his love to us, and understand that he loveth us. And when this under­standing and beliefe arises in our Hearts, it drawes our Hearts to him in love again. We love him be­cause he first loved us, saith the be­loved Disciple. 1 Joh. 4.19. He loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood. Rev. 1.5. His love goes before our washing: He loved [Page 14] us and washed us. I said unto the when thou wast in thy blood live Ezek. 16.6.

He that hath his Heart opene [...] to believe this Testimony of th [...] Love of God in Christ Jesus ou [...] Lord, he shall finde the incomes o [...] the Spirit of Christ in some measure; as they did who believe [...] these joyfull tydings at the foundin [...] forth of our Salvation by the bloo [...] of Christ, in the primitive time▪ when the Gospel was first preached to them.

And this now is faith, even to receive the Testimony of the So [...] of God, concerning the love of God, and to believe in him for Salvation▪ Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth. Isa. 45.22. As Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness, so the Son of man was lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever­lasting life: For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, [Page 15] should not perish, but have everlasting life, Joh. 3.14, 15, 16. The words are doubled to confirm the certain­ty thereof. And therefore seeing we have Salvation in him and by him, and by no other, he is cal­led, The Lord our Righteousness, Jer. 23.6. For he is made of God unto us, Wisdome, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and redemption, that according as it is written, he that gloryeth, let him glory in the Lord, 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. Let him glory in the Lord, not in his own works, for all glorying therein is cast out. Therefore shall men say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. Isa. 45.24.

He that believeth this love of God in Christ, therewith receiveth Christ, and with him power to be­come a Son of God. Joh. 1.12. As many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. To believe on his name is to receive him, and to receive him is to be­lieve [Page 16] on his name: So that by fai [...] Christ is received. And by faith a [...] the Spirit of Christ is received, Gal. [...] 2, and 5. This only would I learn [...] you: received ye the Spirit, by t [...] works of the Law or by the hearing [...] faith, (that is of Salvation by fait [...] ver. 5. He therefore that ministre [...] to you the Spirit — doth he it the works of the Law or by the heari [...] of faith? The Scripture many tim [...] layes that down by way of questio [...] which is undenyable, as it do [...] here; as much as to say, I'ts by fai [...] that the Spirit is received: for he [...] by the hearing of faith, we mu [...] understand such a hearing as is a r [...] ceiving or obeying the Gospel: a [...] in this the Spirit is received.

And so by faith also we receive r [...] mission of sins. To him give all the Pr [...] phets witnesse, that through his nam [...] whosoever believeth in him shall recei [...] remission of sinns. Act. 10.43. A [...] this was the Doctrine that Peter w [...] preaching to Cornelius and the that were with him when the Ho [...] [Page 17] Ghost fell on all them that heard [...]e word. ver. 44. Now where [...]hrist and his Spirit is received, it [...]rnes the Heart from sin, and turns [...] to righteousness. And this tur­ [...]ing of the minde and Heart from [...]n to righteousness is repentance. [...] is not a little remorse or sorrow [...]or sins past only, and yet conti­ [...]uing therein: but turning from [...]t toward righteousness, that's re­ [...]entance. So all these things ac­ [...]ompany the ministery of the Gos­ [...]el, or the true preaching of Christ, [...]nd receiving of him, it opens the [...]yes to see the love of God, and [...]is mercyfull kindness in Christ Je­ [...]us, and this turns them from dark­ [...]ess to light, and so from the power of Satan unto God (this is true repen­ [...]ance) that so they may receive remis­sion of sins, and inheritance among [...]hem which are sanctifyed by faith in Christ Jesus. Act. 26.18. The Spi­rit of Christ entring into the Heart by faith, or in believing, turns it or converts it from sin to God, by [Page 18] renewing of it, and so washes [...] from its filthines by the blood [...] Christ, and Sanctifyes it. Therefore said Christ, except I wash the [...] thou hast no part in mee. Here's th [...] washing and sprinkling by th [...] blood; here's the being born agai [...] of Water and of the Spirit witho [...] which one cannot enter into th [...] Kingdome of God: here's the wor [...] of regeneration, without whic [...] one cannot see the Kingdom [...] God. Joh. 3. So now all things a [...] become new and the Stream turne [...] The Stream of that mans Heart [...] which was downward towards th [...] Earth, and towards evil, is no [...] turned upwards towards God, an [...] towards things that are good: Longing after a participation of Go [...] Heavenly nature, and Holyness▪ which it hath received a taste [...] and as a new born Babe he now desires and longs after the since [...] Milk of the word, that he ma [...] grow thereby, and feel more an [...] more fellowship with the Heaven [...] [Page 19] nature. Flourishes of wit, and elo­quence which please the itching Ear, will not satisfy this hungring Babe, but the sincere uncorrupted Milk of the word, which adds strength and growth. Thus I say God lets in something of himself and Heavenly nature by faith into the Hearts of the Sons of men, that they tasting of that Heavenly na­ture may presse after a further en­joyment thereof, and to be more and more filled therewith.

And thus faith is an inward work wrought by the power of God ope­ning the Heart to receive the love of God, whereby a new work is wrought in the Heart, renewing it, or regenerating it again to God, and forming a new Creation in the Heart, which makes a man a new Creature. And there is a going on in this work from faith to faith, and so a following on in the rege­neration. And this is the great available thing with the Lord, as the Apostle testifyed saying, neither [Page 20] circumcision availeth any thing wit [...] the Lord, nor uncircumcision but [...] new creature, or new creation, Gal [...] 6.15. which he otherwise expresses thus, chap. 5.6. Neither circumcision availeth any thing with th [...] Lord nor uncircumcision, but fait [...] which worketh by love. No outwar [...] thing, no outward profession, i [...] the available thing, but faith whic [...] worketh by love, and which renewes the creature, or makes [...] man a new creature. This is tha [...] which the Lord accepts: because now a man begins to live to God▪ and to be a Vessel sanctifyed for th [...] Masters use. This work raises him up, and sets him upon his feet, a [...] a man raised up from the dead▪ and now it is the delight of thi [...] new man to doe the will of God▪ and to be found in his work. An [...] now he begins to warr and sigh [...] the good fight of faith, striving against sin, that he may keep hi [...] conscience pure and clear befor [...] the Lord. For the mystery of fait [...] [Page 21] is thereby preserved. The mystery of faith is held in a pure conscience, 1 Tim. 3.9. Faithfulness to God pre­serves and nourishes faith. That is, Faithfulness to what the conscience knows to be the will of God, this preserves peace and faith in God. But in case of being overcome by the Enemy, the Lord calls for re­pentance; that is, turning from the evil with all our Hearts, and turning again to him, and looking to his mercy and forgiveness, with a stedfast purpose to cleave to him in fear and trembling, considering our own weakness; and so waiting upon him for help to overcome: and in his due time he purges the conscience again from the evil, and purifies it by the blood of sprin­kling, even by the blood of Christ: and thus our Lord Jesus Christ washes us in his own blood by the Spi­rit, renewing his love in the Heart, and remitting the transgression. And so faith is restored in a true Heart; though it hath been over­taked [Page 22] by the subtilty of the Ene­my. For indeed the failings of the true Seed, or truely converted, are not from a life had in the evil, bu [...] rather from being surprised, and overtaken: therefore it causes grie [...] and anguish, and a crying unto the Lord for deliverance. Whereas he that hath a life in the Evil, he rests in it. While the strong man keeps the House all things are at quiet: But when a stronger then he is come, he disturbes that quietness in the evil; ther's no rest there▪ For what fellowship can the true seed have with falsehood? What Communion can Christ the true Spirit have with the works of the evil Spirit in us? Therefore he casts out the deceiver and his works. Therefore that Faith that is under the blessing must needs warr against the deceiver to cast him out: other­wise it is not right. For Faith in Truth begets an honest and true Heart, which works against deceit and the deceiver. True Faith first [Page 23] begets an honest and true Heart, and then is therein retained, as in a fit Vessel. And the departing from Truth and honesty and uprightness makes Shipwrack of Faith.

To open this mystery of Faith more plainly, whereby the Truth thereof may be known, and it may be discerned in some measure from all false appearances thereof, I shall come to some particulars, that we may know it by the Fruits of it, as Christ our Lord hath taught us to know Prophets, of what sort they are. Yee shall know them by their Fruits.

First, This Faith purifyes the Heart, Act. 15.9. That so that which flowes out of the Heart may be pure. Out of the Heart unsancti­fyed proceeds evil thoughts, Mur­thers, Adulteries, Thefts, Blas­phemies (or speaking evil of Holy­ness, and of Holy men, as well as of God) envy, malice, revenge, pride, scornfulness, ambition, coveteousness and such like, which [Page 24] keep a man from entring into the Kingdom of God. For such shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, Its the Apostles Testimony 1 Cor. 6.9. Eph. 5.5, 6. Therefore faith is like a Refiners fire to these things to consume and burn them up, and to purifie the Heart from such filth. Purifying their Hearts by faith, saith the Scripture. And this thing the Servants of the Lord witnessed as to their own condition, as well as others. We our selves (saith the Apostle Tit. 3.3, 4, 5.) were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hatefull, and hating one another. This was their state before the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared to them: but after that appeared to them (which is the very ground of Faith) then came the washing from these things, and Salvation. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of right­ousness which we have done, but ac­cording to his mercy he saved us, by [Page 25] the washing of regeneration, and re­newing of the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) which he shed on us abundant­ly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Here Faith is plainly implyed in this work: For the kindness and love of God appearing is received: (and thats Faith) and in this recei­ving of the love and kindness of God comes the washing of regene­ration (without which washing we have no part in Christ, Joh. 13.8.) And so here comes the renewing of our Hearts by the Holy Spirit, which the Apostle calls, the renewing of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit. That is, the renewing of our Hearts by him, who is let in by Faith, for its we that want renewing; not the Holy Spirit. So here the new Crea­ture is begot by the Spirit, which is created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Mark! In Christ Jesus, that is in the ministration of the Gospel, or of the kindness and love of God: whereof Christ Jesus is the Minister, not in Moses or in the ministery of [Page 26] the Law which consists in works: But in Christ Jesus, whose ministery is in Faith, in this is the Creation unto good works, that we should live in them, and no longer to serve the evil and impure lusts of the Flesh. For if we live after the Flesh we shall dye, but if we through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body we shall live. Rom. 8.13.

Now the Heart thus washed and renewed, that which proceeds out of the Heart savours of cleannes, and purity. Out of the aboundance of the Heart, the mouth speaks▪ and so better language is hereby learn't. Corrupt language comes un­der judgment, being felt inwardly to be contrary, or a burthen to th [...] Spirit of life now in measure recei­ved. And thus the Lord fulfills hi [...] promise to his People, in turning to them a pure language. The lea [...] grain of Faith, though it be but a [...] a grain of Mustardseed inclines th [...] Heart thus after righteousness, an [...] Holyness. And if through tempta­tion [Page 27] the Heart be sometimes over­taken with evil, yet it hath not rest there, but it turnes again in pur­suite of righteousness, until it get Victory over the World and the lusts thereof: and in Faith is the victory. 1 Joh. 5.4. And here's the Heart that hungers and thirsts after righteousness which it hath received a taste of, by the Holy Spirit shed abroad upon it. And this is one inseparable Fruit of true Faith, thus to work against sin, and to thirst after right­ousness, from the seed of Sanctifi­cation sown in the Heart, which springs up to eternal life.

Second [...]y, Another inseparable Fruit of true Faith is Love. Gal. 5.6. For in Christ Jesus neither cir­cumcision availeth any thing, nor un­circumcision, but Faith which worketh by love. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision: no outward badge or character is now available with God, but Faith which worketh by love. No outward distinction, nor every Faith neither is available with [Page 28] God, but that Faith which works by love. Such a Faith as is of the true stamp, which hath the nature of Christ Jesus in it, which is love. This is that Faith which pleases the Lord. And this therefore discovers all killing and destroying Faiths, all persecuting and hurtfull Faiths, to be ungrounded and false Faiths They are not right: they bear not a resemblance with the Faith of the Apostles and ancient believers. But such a Faith is a Heterodox Anti-christian Faith. Its not of a right birth: but spurious, begot by th [...] Law of works, or from the evil one and not from the kindness and love of God in Christ Jesus. Its a kin to the faith of Devils: The Devils believe and tremble, but remain Murderers: So these that believe and remain Mutherers and persecu­ters, stand as yet ingrafted into the murthering and persecuting Spirit. The works of their Fathe [...] they doe who was a Murderer from the beginning. But he that come [Page 29] to the true Faith, he works accor­ding to the nature of that Spirit that begets his Faith, and that is to save life, to doe good and not to destroy, The destroying Faith is of Apollyon (that is a destroyer) but the saving Faith is of him that came to save mens lives, and not to destroy. That Faith that saves us, teaches us to save or preserve others, not to seek their destru­ction. It matters not how zealous men be for their Faith, if it carry the destroying nature in it, its not right in the sight of God: it springs but from works at best, not from grace, nor is it according to know­ledge. The persecuting Jews had a Zeal of God but not according to knowledge; and so may false Faiths have: and hereby they are disco­vered to the true seed, that they are not according to true know­ledge. This is the second Character of true Faith, it works by love.

Thirdly, It brings peace and consolation. Rom. 5.1. Therefore [Page 30] being justifyed by Faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Therefore saith the Apo­stle, the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Rom. 15.13. It must needs follow that he that sensibly believes this love of God in Christ Jesus to all men, and to him in particular: It must needs be I say that peace will spring up in his Heart thereby. And so here's the entrance into the Kingdom of God by Faith. The Kingdom of God is within; and it consists in righteous­ness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. And into this Kingdom or Heavenly Canaan we enter by Faith. While unbelief and fears lye upon us and shut up our Spirits, we are short yet of our possession of the Kingdom. There are some to whom the Kingdom of Heaven belongs, who are not fully entred into the possession of it, as an inheritance may belong to an Heir, before the time come that he possesseth it: such are the poor in Spirit, who go [Page 31] mourning under the sense of the bo­dy of sin not yet shaken off, and who go hungring and thirsting after righteousness, which they have not yet attained unto as their Souls desire. Such I say, are under a bles­sing, and have right to the King­dom of God, though as yet they go mourning. For Christ Jesus our Lord applyes the right of the King­dom to them. Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. And blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted, Matt. 5.3, 4. Their mourning is while they are in travel: but when they have brought forth then there is rejoycing, when Faith hath over­come, then joy and gladness. And this is in some sooner, in some la­ter. In the primitive times of the Apostles, when the mystery of the Gospel or glad tydings was holden forth with open face, as I may say, and without a vail or myst, many that received those tydings by Faith were immediatly filled with peace [Page 32] and consolation. How quickly was the Jaylor that came in trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas, crying out, Syr's what must I doe to be saved? How quickly I say was he raised up into peace and consola­tion, after he had heard the joyfull tydings of Salvation by Christ Jesus plainly preached to him in few words, and by Faith received it? Act. 16.31, 32, 33, 34. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy House. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his House. And he took them the same hour of the night (it was not a work of many hours but the same hour) and washed their stripes and was Baptized, he and all his straight way. And when he had brought them into his House, he set meat before them, and rejoyced, believing in God with all his House. See how love and joy accompanied his Faith, believing in God he re­joyced. Therefore the Gospel is called, glad tyding of great joy. For [Page 33] who can believe that his sins are done away in Christ Jesus, and that freely by grace, (or in love,) the Lord accepteth him in Christ Jesus, and not therein rejoyce. The Preach­ing of the Gospel, is preaching peace by Jesus Christ, Act. 10.26. Eph. 2.17. And therefore its call'd, the Gospel of Peace. How beautifull are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tydings of good things, Rom. 10.15. The Eunuch to whom Philip preached Christ, and opened to him the way of Salvation by Christ, and he by Faith had received this love of God in Christ, the same day he was filled with joy, and after Philip was caught away from him, he went on his way rejoycing. Act. 8.39. So at Sa­mari [...], Philip having preached Christ unto them and working Mi­racles in his name, there was great joy in that City. Act. 8.8. So like­wise that great multitude that was converted at Peters preaching the Gospel to them, Act. 2. besides those eminent Fruits of love which [Page 34] sprang up in them in an extraordi­nary manner, they also were filled with great joy and consolation, which made them to eat their meat with gladness and singlenes of praising God.

This true Faith in Christ Jesus brings peace and consolation upon two principal accounts. First, be­cause it receives the glad tydings of remission or forgiveness of sins by Jesus Christ. The guilt of sin, or conscience of sin binds a man under the fear of condemnation, and cau­ses him to cry out in the bitterness of his Soul, what shall I doe? As it did these here in the 2d of the Acts when they were struck with a sense of their sin, they cryed out, Men and Brethren what shall we doe? And so the Jaylor, what shall I doe to be saved? And this state the Apostle Paul personates, Rom. 7.24. O wretched Man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Now what can be more joyfull at such a time, and to such a condi­tion, [Page 35] then to be satisfyed that their sins are forgiven them, and that Christ Jesus the Lamb of God, that taketh away the Sin of the World, hath borne their sin in his own body on the Tree: And so to have their con­science sprinkled by his blood from an evil conscience, and to be made clean by that blood of sprinkling. Here's cause indeed of rejoycing by Faith in him. For now the chaine of darkness is unloosed, and the li­berty of the Sons of God begins to appear, and he is translated out of darkness into marvellous light. Even the light of life. 1 Pet. 2.9. And then secondly in this faith there is also a measure of the Spirit received, which is the comforter, and brings his Testimony with him, which is beyond all words for giving conso­lation and peace. The Spirit wit­nessing with our Spirits, that we are accepted into Sonship with God. And therefore the joy received in believing is called, the joy of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit. 1 Thess. [Page 36] 1.6. And ye became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, and joy of the Holy Ghost. That is, joy which the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit mini­stred in their receiving the word. There's joy in Heaven over one sin­ner that truely repents, and he also is made partaker of that joy. Thus the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace to that man that receives the Testimony of the love of God in Christ Jesus: and also it begets the same in that man towards others. It begets love in him towards others, and joy in their returning to God, and makes him a man of Peace in the World.

Obj. It may be some may say how can this be, seeing Christ said, I came not to send peace on Earth, but a Sword: And to set one man at va­riance against another?

Answ. That is occasionally, be­cause the Earthly Spirit, will be opposing and persecuting the right­ous seed: although the righteous [Page 37] seed be a seed of peace and quiet­ [...]ess in it self, and to others.

Obj. Again some may say, Christ [...]ells of mourning, ye shall mourn, [...]nd the World shall rejoyce, &c. How then doth this stand with that [...]y, which thou speaks of?

Answ. A Woman while she is in [...]ravel hath sorrow but when she hath brought forth she rejoyceth for joy that a man Childe is brought forth into the World: so it is here. And then again saith Christ Jesus, In the World ye shall have tribulation, but in me ye shall have peace, Joh. 16.33.

Forthly, I come now to another Fruit or concomitant of this Faith, and that is this, it excludes boast­ing: It cuts down vainglory. Where is boasting then? It is excluded: By what Law? Of Works? Nay; but by the Law of Faith. Rom. 3.27. For what hath that man to glory in, in respect of himself, that sees him­self wholy a receiver at the hands of the Lord? When he rightly sees [Page 38] himself justifyed freely by grace▪ and the superaboundant mercy o [...] God; who hath revealed himself to him in Christ Jesus: (That is, hath revealed his love to him in Chris [...] Jesus; for God is love.) And hath let him see, that he is accepted freely in Christ Jesus. He that hath the right sence of this upon his Spi­rit, it draws his Heart into the ad­miration of the infinite love and mercy of God, in deep humility▪ And the more fully this is revealed to him or in him, the greater is his admiration still of the glory of God in this his mercy, and the deeper is his humility, and lowlines of minde Minde but the writings of the Holy Apostles of Christ Jesus, and you will finde it so, that still they are harping upon this string, sounding forth the mercies of the Lord in Christ Jesus, and his love in revealing his Son to them. Yea observe but that high state of the Elders, spoken of in the Book of the Revelations, who were set [Page 39] upon seats round about the Throne, and cloathed in white Raiment, and Crowned. The substance of their song was this; Thou art worthy to take the Book, and to open the Seals thereof. (Now mark why;) For thou was slain and hast redeemed us to God, by thy Blood, out of every kin­red, and Tongue, and People and Nation. (Mark!) Not a word of their own righteousness, not a word of their works, how good so­ever they were, which doubtles were excellent, but yet not a word there­of, the riches of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus puts all that out of sight, and layes them low at his Footstool, for they are said to fall down before the Lamb, and sing this Song. Now what are these El­ders, but representatives of all the Elect seed of God from all parts of the Earth? Seeing it is contained in their Song, that they were redee­med by his Blood out of every kinred, and Tongue, and People, and Nation. Now there be many more kinreds, [Page 40] and Tongues and Nations then four and twenty: but all represented by these four and twenty.

Well then you see their faith in Christ is not like the Faith of the Pharisees, in which they stand justi­fying themselves in their own works, and exalting, themselves thereby over poor Publicans. But all their admiration and glorying is in the mercy of God. And so we finde the Apostles sounding forth the same things in their Epistles. Eph. 2.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love where­with he loved us; even when we were dead in sins, hath quickned us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved.) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus. For by grace ye are saved, through Faith, and that not of your selves it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should [Page 41] boast. Thus all boasting is excluded by true Faith. And as I have shewed before, the right Faith works by love: and that love is not of an exalting nature. But as the Apostle saith, it vaunteth not it self, is not puffed up. 1 Cor. 13.4. Thus the true and right Faith shuts out boast­ing, and cuts down vainglory, and makes humble. Therefore saith our Lord Jesus Christ, Verely I say unto you, except ye be converted, and be­come as little Children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble him­self as this little Childe, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matth. 18.3, 4.

Fifthly, To proceed, this true Faith is accompanyed with an Ʋn­ction, or an Anointing from the holy one. John writing to those he calls little Children, whose sins are for­given for his names sake, saith thus, But ye have an Ʋnction from the holy one, and ye know all things. 1 Joh. 2.20. All things, that is, that [Page 42] appertained to life and godliness. Why? For this Unction or Anoin­ting taught them all things that ap­pertained thereto, that so walking according to the teaching thereof, they might abide in Christ. Now this Unction is the Spirit, which gives a sense and feeling of the will of God what he would have us to doe, and what he would have us to forbear▪ And we need not that any ma [...] should teach us beyond the teaching [...] of that, to amuse us with high notions and mysteries which the Unction gives us no openings of. An [...] so keeping to that, keept us wi [...] to sobriety; minding to doe th [...] will of God which the Unction inclines our Hearts to, rather the [...] to fill the brain with knowledge [...] things which add not to our comfort, and profiting and grouth i [...] Christ. Now that this Unction [...] the Spirit appears by compearin [...] this Scripture with another. Tha [...] is, compare this 1 Joh. 2.20, 2 [...] with Ioh. 14.16, 17. Where it [...] [Page 43] expressed by the name of the Spirit. I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. This is that abideing Un­ction which abides with the Faith­full for ever. The Unction is a con­stant abiding thing, and so is the Spirit, abiding for ever. Thus the Lord fulfills his promise of old, Isa. 44.3. and chap. 59.21. I will pour Water upon him that is thirsty: and floods upon the dry ground. (Thir­sty and dry, these are such as hun­ger and thirst, and fit to receive the Heavenly rain) but he expresses [...]t more plainly in the following words; thus, I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon [...]hine Off-spring. Then in ch. 59.21. [...]he promises the constancy of this Spirit with the seed of Christ; in [...]hese words. As for me this is my [Page 44] Covenant with them, saith the Lord. My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy Mouth, shall not depart out of thy Mouth, nor out of the Mouth of thy Seed, nor out of the Mouth of thy Seeds Seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. So that this is a promise to all the Seed, and that for ever: which promise is fulfilled to all faithfull believers in Christ Jesus. There­fore saith the Apostle, if any ma [...] have not the Spirit of Christ, he i [...] none of his. Rom. 8.9. And herein th [...] Son-ship is established even in thi [...] Spirit, or abiding Unction, o [...] Anointing: As the Apostle witnes­seth. ver. 14. For as many as are le [...] by the Spirit of God, they are the Son [...] of God. Thus the Anointing wit [...] the Spirit, (typifyed by the precious Ointment that was poure [...] upon Aarons head, and ran dow [...] to the Skirts of his Garment,) thi [...] Anointing with the Spirit run [...] down from our High-Priest to th [...] lowest of his Servants. He wa [...] [Page 45] anointed with the Oyl of gladness above his fellows, but we all of his fullness receive every one a measure of his Spi­rit: and so are hereby stated, by this Spirit of Adoption, into Son­ship and Heir-ship with him. If Children, then Heirs, Heirs of God, and joynt-heirs with Christ, &c. Rom. 8.17. And this state or Spiritual condition carryes its own evidence in it self: for, the Spirit it self, beareth witness with our Spirit, that we are the Children of God. ver. 16. And as this Spirit or Unction is a guide to the Children of light, lead­ing them into all Truth; and as it is a witness to the Children of God, witnessing with their Spirits, and administring comfort, and Heavenly food to the Soul: So also he administers words and mat­ter to Christs little ones, when they are called before Rulers and Magi­strates for his names sake. And Christ Jesus our Lord taught his to depend hereupon, and not to per­plex themselves with thinking be­fore [Page 46] hand what to say to them. Matt. 10.19, 20. But when they de­liver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour, what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that spea­keth in you. Hence it is that some­times Women and unletter'd Per­sons, have been enabled to con­found great learned men, for the Lord by his Spirit gives a mouth and wisdome which their Adversaries ar [...] not able to gainsay nor to resist.

This is that Spirit which beget­teth earnings and longings in our Hearts after the Lord: and which helpeth our infirmities, when we know not how to utter our minds to the Lord: for then he maketh in­tercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered: and these groanings being according to the will of God, he hears them: for he knoweth what is the minde of the Spirit. Rom. 8.26, 27.

There be many Spirits gone [Page 47] forth into the World, which are not this Unction, but work con­trary to it, and lead out from Christ into the World: therefore the Apostle bids us, try the Spirits, whe­ther they are of God. 1 Joh. 4.2. Well but how shall we try them? He tells us how to know them in the next verses following. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God. Every Spirit that con­fesseth Jesus Christ come in the Flesh is of God. And every Spirit that con­fesseth not Jesus Christ come in the Flesh, is not of God. For so the words run more truely according to the Greek, then to render them thus; Every Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the Flesh, &c. For this confession is such a confes­sion as owns an interest in him, or professes a relation to him, by Faith in him, and by love and obedience to him. The evil Spirits did verbally confesse him; Mar. 1.24. and so evil men may verbally confesse him: tho they neither truely believe in him, nor love, nor obey him. But this [Page 48] true confession of him hath these things necessarily conjoyned there­with. 1. Faith. Iohn 3.18, 36. For that Spirit that wants that, is un­der condemnation and wrath: as this Scripture testifyes. 2. Love. 1 Cor. 16.24. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Ana­thema Maranatha. 3. Obedience to him. And therefore saith John, he that saith I know him, and keepeth not his Commandements is a lyar, and the Truth is not in him. So then eve­ry Spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ that suffered for our sins, i [...] Faith, and in Love and Obedience to him, that Spirit is of God. But otherwise evil Spirits may confesse him: and Children of the evil one may confesse him. Also the Apostle draweth this down to himself, and others who were in the pure and li­ving faith, and innocent life in whom Christ appeared. ver. 6. o [...] the same Chapter. We are of God▪ he that knoweth God heareth us: [...] that is not of God heareth not us: here­by [Page 49] know we the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of error. So here you see he places the mark to know Spirits by upon their owning or not owning of Christ himself, come in Flesh, and of him appearing in others: For they that know him not in his Children where he appears, but deny his appearance there, they are not of his Spirit themselves. But then how shall we know his Chil­dren, from the Children of the De­vil? The Apostle tells us, this is manifest by their works. 1 Joh. 3.10. He doth not say, its manifest by any particular forme, but by their works: In this the Children of God are manifest, and the Children of the Devil: Whosoever doth not righte­ousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his Brother. So then let men pretend what they will, if their works be evil, they are not of God. So that by their works false Spirits and false Prophets are known: and by them they shall be judged at the last day. Though they [Page 50] shall say, we have Prophecyed in thy name, yet it shall be said to them, Depart from me, I know you not ye workers of Iniquity. Now these must needs own his comming, that Pro­phecy in his name. And that they may doe, and yet not own hi [...] where he is come and appears i [...] Flesh. And so they may confesse hi [...] comming; and yet not confesse him­self where he is come. As the Iew owned Moses and the Prophets wh [...] were come and gone: but yet persecuted them that came in their Spirit: they owned and confessed Abraham, but owned not, nor confessed the true seed of Abraham ▪ and so were not of Abraham thoug [...] they confessed him. In like manne [...] many now confesse that Christ cam [...] in the Flesh, but persecute the [...] that come in his Spirit, that is persecute him in them, for so he wil [...] charge it upon them. Because what done to his little ones, is done upo [...] this account, that he is in them▪ who hath no fellowship with th [...] [Page 51] unfruitfull works of darkness in which they are who persecute them. For if he were not in them who hath not fellowship with unfruitfull works of darkness, they would not hate them: but would love them. The World loves its own, and those of its own Spirit. If you were of the World, the World would love his own, but because ye are not of the World, but I have chosen you out of the World, therefore the World ha­teth you. Joh. 15.19.

A little further still for the ma­nifestation of this true Unction, or Anointing, to distinguish it from other Spirits; not only from evil Spirits, but even from some ope­rations of the true Spirit. Consider that this Holy Unction is an abi­ding thing keeping the Heart in the fear and love of God, making that the maine care of him in whom it is, to keep in obedience to the will of God, and so in fellowship with God: for thats the Kingdom into which we are translated: and what­soever [Page 52] interposeth between us, and that fellowship with God who i [...] love, that wounds and slayes: And we are then like one banished hi [...] native Kingdom, and like an Exile until we be established in it again and then there's rest, and care and fear lest we grief the Spirit again▪ And thus the promise to the true seed is fulfilled which saith, I wil [...] put my fear in their Hearts and they shall not depart from me. Jer. 32.40▪ Now other Spirits which give no [...] this fellowship in the love of God, may doe great things, whereby the person may be admired; but they doe not keep the heart low, watch­ing to doe the will of God. Balaam had an eminent Prophecy given him, by the Spirit of the Lord, which also strove with him to keep him back from the error of his wayes: but he had not this Holy abideing Unction. And so may others have the gift of Prophecy; and under­stand many mysteries, &c. and yet be destitute of this Anointing: as [Page 53] its plain from the Scriptures. Psal. 68.18. Mat. 7.22. 1 Cor. 13. But I am sparing of speaking of these things, because the same gifts may accompany the true Anointing: and these gifts are serviceable for the edifying of the Babes of Christ. Therefore let none think that I would undervalue such precious gifts, or teach others to despise Prophecying: that is not my pur­pose, but only to give the right understanding of that which is es­sential to Christianity and a Hea­venly life, in which true believers walk with God. Who doe not al­wayes bear the greatest show in their profession, by such gifts, nor bear forth themselves the highest among their Brethren, but yet their lives are most innocent in the World. I have seen in several professions of Religion, this humble seed, this plain hearted, this true hearted Jacob bowing under his rough Bro­ther Esau: and like a little shrub under tall Cedars, which flourish [Page 54] and spread forth themselves over his head: for their inclination is to exalt themselves, his care to keep out of vain-glory, and to walk humbly with his God. Thus in some measure the Children of light, who are the first Fruits unto God, are distinguished from the Children of darkness, who are of the World, and therefore love the World, and the things that are of the World, namely, the lusts of the Flesh, the lust of the Eyes, and the pride of life. I doe not mean that here­by they are made so distinct one from another that they may certain­ly and fully be known in the World: but my endeavour is so to discover the essential life of Christianity to themselves, that they may not rest in a formal and circumstantial pro­fession of Christianity, without the true life and power thereof, where­in true peace and fellowship with God is enjoyed and lived in; which indeed is the Kingdom of God. Which at first may be but like a [Page 55] grain of Mustardseed, but it is of a growing nature. Therefore many may for a time in an outward pro­fession outshine those that are entring yea and entred into the Kingdom: But these last will become first, and those first will become last. For the seed of the free Woman, or new Covenant, born by promise, and begot by Faith, will become Heir, when the seed of the bond Woman borne after the Flesh must be cast forth.

These things here written are no new things, but according to the current of the Doctrine of Christ and his Holy Apostles left upon Re­cord. But it may be some Objections may be made against them, by some. For Truth doth usually meete with Opposition.

Obj. Perhaps some will say, these things speak of the Kingdom of God here in this life: but we look for the Kingdom of God after this life.

Answ. True, the Kingdom of God is here spoken of, to be en­tred [Page 56] into, in this life: but not in opposition to the Kingdom of God, or Kingdom of Heaven hereafter: but as an entrance into the ever­lasting Kingdome which shall have no end. For the Kingdom of Hea­ven is begun here, and entred into by faith which works by love, and purifyes the Heart. And therefore when Christ Jesus our Lord sent forth his Disciples to preach and to heal the sick, he bid them preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand: And he told the Jews, that the Kingdom of God commeth not with outward observation, but that the Kingdom of God was within: And the Apostle tells us wherein it doth consist, namely, in righteous­ness and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the Spirit, that comforter administers that joy. And this is the earnest of the everlasting inheri­tance, and it is the beginning of his Kingdome; into which the Saints witnessed an entrance for­merly. Col. 1.13. — who hath [Page 57] delivered us from the power of dark­ness; and hath translated us into the Kingdome of his dear Son. And the Apostle Peter tells us, how an en­trance shall be ministred unto us abun­dantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1. A place of Scripture wor­thy to be Printed in every ones Heart, seeing it teaches an abun­dant entrance into the Kingdom of God: In which things there writ­ten the Saints then living were found walking: and yet being of so great importance, the Apostles care was to put them still in minde of them, that after his decease they might alwayes have them in remem­brance. I shall give you some of the words, and leave you to read the rest in your Books. Peter writing to those believers who had obtained like precious Faith with him and other A­postles, through the righteousness of God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, (note, not through their own right­ousness, but through the righte­ousness [Page 58] of God and our Saviour Je­sus Christ) he exhorts them to give all diligence to add to this Faith, vertue; and to vertue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to tem­perance, patience; and to patience, Godliness; and to Godliness, Bro­therly kindness; and to Brotherly kind­ness, love. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you, that ye shall not be barren (argues slothfull) nor unfruitfull to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lac­keth these things is blinde, and can­not see far off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and ele­ction sure: for if ye doe these things, ye shall never fall, For so an entrance shall be ministred unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Now take notice, that it is not the knowing of these things, but the walking in them, that gives an abundant entrance into the King­dom. [Page 59] If ye doe these things, saith the Apostle.

Obj. Doubtles, It is a happy thing to walk and live in these Admonitions of the Apostle, may some say; But who is there, that do so? We know but few, if any, that do so, then how few enter into the Kingdom, if so great and high things are to be lived in?

Answ. For answer hereunto con­sider these things following.

1. That there be various stations in Religion, and so some are nea­rer, and some further off from the Kingdom of God. Some are seeking it with their faces thitherward, as its said of Sion: some are weeping and mourning, and hungring, and thirsting after Gods Righteousness. These if they hold on are under a blessing and promise to be answe­red and filled, and though they be poor in Spirit, yet theirs is the Kingdome, and in due time they shall possesse it, and enter into it. Some are near the Kingdom, as that [Page 60] young man was, who had keept the precepts of the Law from his youth, which Christ looked upon and lo­ved, though he was not yet able to enter into the Kingdom, because of his riches. Others are set down in the Kingdom, of righteousness, and peace, and joy in Christ Jesus. As the Apostles, and many belie­vers or Saints were in the primitive times. For which they magnifyed the Lord for his rich mercy towards them in raising them up, and ma­king them sit together in Heavenly places (or Heavenly things) in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2.6.

2. Now consider further, that these who in earnest seek the King­dom of God, or are already entred into it, doe not alwayes make the greatest shew or appearance in the World. They are like that Mer­cant man that having found treasure hid in a Field, goeth and hideth it, lest he should be robbed thereof, and for joy thereof he goeth and selleth all he hath and buyeth that [Page 61] Field. He boasteth not of his trea­sure, but carefully purchaseth it. So it is with many that are seekers and possessors of the Kingdome of God; And therefore are not made so visible in the World, though they live in the World. Nay many times the World looks upon them as fooles or conceited People, not seeing the Heavenly treasure which they pursue, or possesse; but af­terwards shall be made to see it to their amazement. Read Wisdom of Solomon, chapter the 5th which sheweth how the wicked shall won­der at the strangeness of the Salva­tion of the righteous, beyond all that they looked for. Some may be without that in their Books, it be­ing in the Apocrypha, therefore I shall here give you part of it, be­ginning at the last verse of the 4th chap. to the 10th verse of the 5th. where Solomon shews the different end of the righteous and wicked. And when they cast up the accouts of their sins, they shall come with fear: [Page 62] and their own iniquities shall convince them to their face. Then shall the right­ous man stand in great boldness, be­fore the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his la­bours. When they see it they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed, at the strangeness of his Salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting, and groaning for anguish of Spirit, shall say within themselves, this was he whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverbe of reproach. We fools ac­counted his life madness, and his end to be without Honour. How is he num­bred among the Children of God, and his lot is among the Saints? Therefore have we erred from the way of Truth; and the light of righteousness hath not shined unto us. We wearied our selves in the way of wickedness and destru­ction: yea we have gone thorow de­serts, when there lay no way, but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it. What hath pride profitted us? Or what good hath riches with our [Page 63] vaunting brought us? All those things are passed away like a shaddow, and as a Post that hasteth by. &c. Hence you may see how little they are ta­ken notice of in the World who are Heirs of the Kingdom of God, and how little they are discerned to be what they are. And lest you should think that because these words are quoted out of the Apocrypha, they have not weight in them, hear Paul speaking to the same purpose. 1 Cor. 1.26. &c. For ye see your cal­ling, Brethren, how that not many wise men after the Flesh, not many mighty, not many Noble are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the World, to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things that are mighty, and base things of the World, and things which are de­spised, hath God chosen, yea and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no Flesh should glory in his presence. Thus the Lord will confound the thoughts of men, [Page 64] and make that last which was first, and that first which was last: and that highly esteemed which was de­spised and that despised which was highly esteemed. And though the Heirs of his Kingdom be scarcely discerned in the World, yet will he finde out a numberless Number out of all Nations, Kinreds, Peo­ple and Tongues: that shall inhe­rit it: such as the World takes little notice of, they being a People comming out of great tribulation, in which they have lived, in the World. Therefore let non say, Where shall we finde such a People as live in the Kingdom of God: but let them desire of the Lord that he would open their Eyes, to see them, whom he ownes, and admits into his King­dom. Read Revel. the 7th. ver. 9. to the end. The Lord doth put the treasures of his Kingdom into Ear­then Vessels which not being beau­tifull to the outward Eye, are there­fore overlooked and not seen by the curious Eye. As it was said of our [Page 65] Lord and Master, there is no beauty in him that we should desire him, the same also may be said of his followers. But wisdom is justi­fyed of her Children. Look upon the rough and withered or deadlike coat of the Vine, specially in Winter, and one would think it good for little, except to be consumed by the fire; So are the branches of the true Vine many times to the outward Eye, and therefore not regarded by the World as the strong Oakes and Trees of the forrest are, or as the losty Cedars of Libanon which are seen a far off. The Lord had reserved to himself 7 thousand who had not worshipped Baal, even in the great Apostacy of Israel in Ahabs time, whom Elijah the Prophet could not see. So in the great Apostacy of Professed Christianity, the Lord hath a numberless Number who are sealed, who stand before the Throne, and before the Lamb, cloathed with white Robes, and Palmes in their hands, glorifying God, and [...]scribing all Salvation to our God which sit­eth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb. As you read in that 7th of Revel. Thou that [...]anst not see a People fit for the Kingdom of God, canst thou see a People that work [...]ighteousness? The Apostle tells us, that eve­ [...]yone that doth righteousness is born of God. 1 [...]oh. 2.29. Dost thou see any People dwelling [...] a Spirit of love? The same Apostle tells [...]s, that every one that loveth is born of God, [...] Joh. 4.7. Another Apostle tells us, that [...] every Nation he that feareth God and wor­keth [Page 66] righteousness is accepted of him. Act. 10.35. The Apostle doth not tell us that eve­ry one that can magnify themselves in a form of Religion are accepted, but he that worketh righteousness only. There is a Pharisaical Eye which can see none righte­ous but such as are in their own form: But God seeth not as man seeth. There is also a prophane and hatefull Eye, which hates the appearance of righteousness and holiness, because it is a chain to their loose prophanes and wickedness, these also through the myst of enmity and hatred cannot see the Servants of the living God, over whose consciences he rules, and so hath a King­dom there, and they in it, submitting to his requirings as true Subjects. Therefore I say, though the Kingdom of God be a gloryous Kingdom, yet hath he many Sub­jects belonging to it, some in it, and some pressing hard after it, some going mourning and full of heavyness not accounting themselves worthy of it, but yet longing after it: and the glory of his Kingdom be­ing inward the purblinde Worldly Eye see it not. For who of them would think that [...] poor shatter'd creature, full of heavyness▪ and of a drooping Spirit, and it may be sore­ly exercised with outward afflictions and wants, and hath no pleasant carriage i [...] their Eye, that such a one belongs to the Kingdom of God? And yet our Lord pro­nounces such poor ones in Spirit to be bles­sed, and saith, their's is the Kingdom o [...] God.

Obj. But it may be some will still object, that though these things be true, yet we doe not see Christians arise to that Vigor of Chri­stianity, and joy and pace, as they did in the primitive times, nor so quickly receive peace and comfort as they did then; What's the rea­son of that, if the same Heavenly state be at­tanable now as was then attained unto by be­lievers?

Answ. For Answer hereunto, consider that there was a mystery of iniquity to arise under the formal part of Christianity: and that this mystery was to overspread Na­tions, Tongues, Multitudes, Peoples, and sit upon these Waters: for so they are called. And that under this mystery a bot­tomless Pit was to be opened, out of which a smoke arose and darkened the Sun in the Firmament. Now this mystery is the height of wickedness under the profession of Chri­stianity. To act the Devils part in the name of Christ: and that makes it a mystery. To teach traditions of men and their inven­tions for precepts of Christ, which was al­wayes call'd whoredom among the Jews, and is so among Christians. To teach lyes in Hypocrisie, to teach Murther as a pre­cept of Christ, as all Persecutors who pro­fesse Religion must doe: this is to hold out the Devils work in the name of Christ. Now such Apostacy as this, and teaching [...]uch things, they darken the Sunshine of [...]he gloryous Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: And God will not give his glory to [Page 68] another (then Christ) nor his praise to graven Images, nor mens curious imaginations, or traditions. And therefore the gloryous beams of the Gospel being obscured by such things, the Heavenly warmth and refresh­ing thereof hath not so speedily, nor fully darted into mens Spirits, to raise them up so powerfully it may be and so quickly into the enjoyment of that peace and joy that passes understanding. But yet God hath not left himself without witnesses to bear Testi­mony to the Truth of the joyfull tydings of Salvation by Faith in Christ: and he will raise up still m [...]re, as the mystery of ini­quity consumes. What think ye of those that love not their lives unto death, warring against the mystery of iniquity? Who expose their lives and all they have to the fury and rage of men, rather then ensnare their conscien­ces with the vain traditions of men. Thus Michael and his Angels feight by suffering: And the Dragon and his Angels by inflict­ing. Therefore seeing the mystery of ini­quity is to be overcome by such warrs as these, Christ Jesus our Lord and Captain wants not his valiant Souldiers to encoun­ter with the Dragon and his Champions, even under the Apostacy into the mystery. The Dragon feights but prevails not against the Lords hoast. Now do not think that its a small matter that makes men so resolute and venterous, thus to expose their lives. No, its for no lesse then a Kingdom, either already in possession of, or in view to be [Page 69] attained. But these things being Spiritual, are not discerned by the carnal Eye. And so the Subjects of Christs Kingdom, whether they be in real possession of it, or in earnest pursuite of it, are little seen by the World, although many belong thereunto.

Obj. But one Objection more may seem very material and weighty to many: namely thus. In this Treatise of Essential Christianity, why is there no mention made of Baptism, and the Lords Supper, and of Preaching the Word and Prayers? Are not these Essential things in Christianity? And why are these left out?

Answ. I answer, I do not leave them out in opposition to them, but because, first, they are not so inseparable to the Kingdom of Christ, as that there is no enjoyment thereof without these, especially as they are under the Apostacy administred. Se­condly because these may all be professed and taken up by persons who are workers of iniquity, and not owned by our Lord Jesus Christ: even by men who live in open wickedness, and therefore are not admitted into his Kingdom because they are Baptised, or receive the Supper or frequent publique Prayers, or are Preachers of the Scriptures. Paul speaks the same thing to a Baptized Church, who also had the Supper of the Lord in practice among them, and who came behind in no gift. Yet notwithstand­ing all these things he sets this caution be­fore their Eyes to ponder on: Know ye not (saith he) that the unrighteous shall not in­herit [Page 70] the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankinde, nor Thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of Go [...] 1 Cor. 6.9, 10. This he speaks to such [...] did wrong, and defrauded their Brethren▪ Laying before them the danger of su [...] courses if they should fall back again to su [...] things: and return with the Dog to t [...] vomit, and like the Sow to her wallowin [...] in the mire. Hence it is that we are admonished to turn away from such as have [...] form of Godliness (as men that professe the [...] things, namely Baptism, the Lords Suppe [...] publique Prayers and Preaching, may have but deny the power thereof. Simon Mag [...] was Baptized, and yet was in the Gall [...] bitterness, and bond of iniquity Act. 8. [...] one may eat and drink the Lords Suppe [...] without profit to themselves: yea they m [...] eat and drink judgment to themselves, and [...] guilty of the body and blood of the Lor [...] 1 Cor. 11. And for Prayers, men ma [...] make many Prayers, and long Prayers and yet be no better then the Pharisee [...] or the Jews of old who honoured the Lor [...] with their lips, while as their Heart wa [...] far from him. And Christ himself hath foretold that many shall plead for themselve [...] thus, Lord, Lord, have we not Prophecy [...] in thy name? &c. Yet he will answer them I never know you [...], depart from me, [...] [Page 71] that work iniquity. Now here's a form of Godliness lyes in these things, namely, in being Baptized, and frequenting Prayers, and Preaching and the Lords Supper, but seeing one may live in these and yet be far from the Kingdom of God, therefore I have not placed these things among those that are essential to that life that enters the Kingdom, although these things rightly used, and at the Lambs requirings may be refreshing helps, to those who in sincerity of Heart, and simplicity of conscience do walk therein. There is a Baptism indeed and a Supper which are essential to the Kingdom of Christ, but those are couched under other things before spoken, yet for more plainess I shall here expresse them more particularly. Peter tells us of a Baptism that saves us; and that must needs be essential. 1 Pet. 3.21. The like Figure whereunto, even Baptism, doth also now save us (not the put­ting away of the filth of the Flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This indeed is essential, namely, the answer of a good conscience towards God; which is a Baptism indeed and which is a Fruit of righteous­ness. For they that by an ungodly and wic­ked life make Shipwrack of Faith, they thereby beget in themselves an evil and ac­cusing conscience, although they be out­wardly Baptized: and so its not that that saves, but the answer of a good conscience by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So there [Page 72] is a Supper also which is essential to the Kingdom of Christ: which our Lord him­self speaks of, Rev. 3.20. Behold I stand a [...] the Door and knock: if any man hear my voyce and open the Door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. This is a Sup­per that is essential. Here's joy and consola­tion in this Supper, and sweet communion with the Lord. This was writ to a Church who were Baptized with outward Baptism, and had the outward Supper and other Ordi­nances, as we may well presume they had, as well as other Churches: and especially because they thought themselves rich in such things, and increased with goods hav­ing need of nothing; which blinded their Eyes, so that they knew not that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. And so the rest of the Churches of Asia, they were all in Church fellowship, enjoying the outward Ordi­nances; but that was not enough. For they were gathered in thither, as into a nursery or Garden, to the end, they should grow up in grace, and bring forth good Fruit unto God. So there is a prayer, that is es­sential, and hath communion with God. viz. When in the Spirit we worship God: and when the Spirit maketh intercession in us according to the will of God. There is also Preaching, or a holding forth of Truth which is essential, when the Lord requi­res it, whether it be by a righteous life, or by bearing Testimony to the Truth. But [Page 73] these things I leave out which the Worldly Spirit may cloath it self with all: and un­der that Cloak live wickedly, yea and hate the life and power of Christianity, as may be done under a verbal profession of the new Covenant, as well as under the Old, when the false Prophets and such as adhered to them persecuted the true Prophets. And yet though they were Persecutors of the true, they brought Oblatious to God, and burnt incense to him, and kept solemn meetings, and fasts, and came as a People that delighted to draw near unto the Lord, and made many Prayers to him: and their Hearts in all this far from him: and so may it be now: and therefore such things I omit, and point at such things as wherein a Soul drawes near to God, and is approved of God, and in which he comes to some en­joyment of Spiritual blessings, and by de­grees comes into possession of the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. The things wherein a man walks with God, and follows the Lamb, whether into external observances or out of them, those I would here compre­hend. For there may be a following of him out of some things that the evil Spirit may take up, as well as into them. The Scrip­ture leaves us not without examples and ground hereof. The Br [...]en Serpent set up by Gods own institution, and which was an eminent Type of Christ, yet after the use of it was over, and the People ma [...]e an Idol of it, and so went a whoring after the [Page] shaddow, and forgot the substance, and their Hearts were removed far from the Lord; that good King Hezechiah, who walk't before the Lord with a perfect Heart, he caused it to be broken to pieces, and put an end to it. 2 King. 18.4. The Lord did also command circumcision very stricktly, so that the Seed of Abraham must needs be circumcised and this called an Ordi­nance for ever: Yet when the fulness of time was come, that the substance of all the shad­dowes took place in their stead, then sayes one Apostle, behold I say unto you, that if ye be circumcised Christ shall profite you no­thing. Gal. 5.2. This was a hard lesson to some and especially to such who were zea­lous of Gods ordinances, yea even to many who believed in Christ. Now the Scripture tells us of a falling away, from God unto all wickedness, and of retaining a form of Godliness still to cover all that, and of a mystery of iniquity to be revealed, and yet he that shall heed that mystery, shall have his seat in the Temple of God, that is were Gods Ordinances have their place by right: but iniquity working under this profession of these things, makes that a mystery, which otherwise is open-fast wickedness: only it hides it self under a profession and destructive zeal against neglecters of its form. Now in this case I say, there may be a following of the Lamb, even out of those observances of his which once were commanded. But I do not urge this except [Page 75] he lead. And if he lead, and go before them, then shall his followers have peace, and a secret witness in themselves, although they meet with opposition from others; Which they are likely to doe in following the Lamb: for its him that the evil Spirit per­secutes by his Servants, in whom he rules. And this is a great Testimony, that its one great ordinance of Christ, for his People to come out of false and corrupted worships, after the mystery of iniquity hath abused them, because the persecution lyes most thereupon; if not altogether. The Papists, they persecute because People relinquish their form: the Episcopal, the Presbyte­rian, &c. they all do the like. Though a man be just and upright in his conversation, yet if he draw from their form, they hate, they revile, they persecute, at least with the Tongue. And why is this? But because they follow the Lamb, who saith, in their Spirits, Come out of her my People. I'ts he that goes before his true followers, and leads them out gently, and therefore saith come out. And this comming out I say, is a great ordinance of Christ, in the disco­very and dissolution of all corrupted wor­ships. And the followers of Christ herein are dignifyed with this Honour, that its said of them, these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. But note, they are such as truely follow the Lamb, in whose mouth is found no guile. If they shall turn from corrupted worships, and retain still [Page 76] their corrupted Hearts, and so follow the Wolf, the Lyon, the Bear, the Fox, and such devouring creatures, or the Dog or Sow, those dirty creatures, their forsake­ing this or that form or way of worship will not profite them. They are followers of the innocent harmless Lamb, not of Beasts of prey, or ravenous hurtfull creatures. They follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes: which seems to imply various removes in the Lambs leading of them, or going be­fore them. As there was various removes or journings in the Wilderness, out of Egypt literal towards the Earthly Canaan, so may there be, out of Egypt Spiritual to the Hea­venly Canaan: for things under the Law were Typical, shaddowing out something Spiritual. Now under that word Lamb is pointed out to us the guide in those journ­ings: even the Lamb and his nature, as the Pillar of Fire, and Cloud was the guide in the Wilderness. Therefore i'ts safe kee­ping to the unhurtfull Lamb, and to go where his Nature accompanies: That's the Standart to which his Travelling following Subjects do resort. And though some that set forward out of Egypt spiritual, turn back in their hearts, or murmor and through un­belief faint and fall in the way, yet the Lamb holds on his way, and followers he hath that go throw with him, whithersoe­ver he goes. Whether it be out of the Egyp­tian Societies, or into a Wilderness, throw the red Sea, or to warr against the uncir­cumcised [Page 77] Philistins, who provoke the Lord by their Idolatry and wickedness: But not with carnal Weapons. but with Spiritual. The followers of the Lamb have piercing Weapons, and yet not carnal, and so hath their Captain, of whom it is said, Ride on prosperously because of Truth, meekness and righteousness, and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things (terrible things in meek­ness) thine Arrows shall be sharp in the Heart of the Kings Enemies. Michael and his An­gels and followers finde opposition from the Dragon and his Angels and followers: and they both feight: The Dragon and his fol­lowers with carnal Weapons to stop the way of the Lamb and his followers, lest they should invade his Kingdome of darkness and destruction: And on the other hand, the Lamb and his followers they feight with other Weapons even with meekness, and the word of Truth, to make good their way that they may hold on to follow the Lamb. Thus the Lamb leads on his Army forward out of the World, that is out of the Worlds evil wayes and corrupted wor­ships: But whether or no he lead into that which is outwardly to be set up as yet, I leave to further discovery. I mean whether that which is to continue is as yet to be set up, that I leave: But that there may be pitch­ing of Tents for a Season even in a Journey, thats manifest from the Journeys of the Israelites in the Wilderness; who pitched their Tents till the cloud went forward, [Page 78] and then there was danger in remaining behinde in their pitched Tents. There is a Seed will understand what I say.

There is one thing yet behinde to be spo­ken to, which tends greatly to the keeping of our mindes and affections alive, and in pursuite of an everlasting inheritance: and that is Hope. Faith believes the love of God. And from hence Hope waites for good things not yet seen: For we are saved by Hope (saith the Apostle) but Hope that is seen is not Hope: For what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Rom. 8.24, 25. Hope you see is one in­gredient tending to eternal life: and a principal piece of Spiritual Armor, bearing up the head in pursuite of the Kingdom of God, against all the Opposition met with in the World. Therefore i'ts called, the Helmet of Salvation. Eph. 6.17.

There be divers things to be considered concerning this Hope: and the ground of it, whereupon our hope is placed: that so it may be as an Anchor sure and stedfast to keep us safe in the waves and billowes of the tribulations of this World.

1. The first thing is this. That there shall be a Resurrection of all, for if there be no Resurrection, our hope is vain, and hath no ground to stand upon: and we are of all men most miserable, if in this life only we have hope in Christ: as the Apo­stle saith. 1 Cor. 15.19. Therefore for the [Page 79] confirmation of this ground for the sure An­chor of hope, and for reviving of your re­membrance thereof, let us call to minde some passages of the Scripture, and the Testimony of Christ and his Holy Apostles concerning this thing,

And first of all consider the Resurrection of Christ: who is said to be the first Fruits in the Harvest. 1 Cor. 15.23. Now if Christ be preached, that he rose from the dead, how say some among you, that there is no resurre­ction of the dead? ver. 12. His resurrection necessarily proves our resurrection: for he needed not for himself to have taken our nature upon him, and to be made like us in all things (except sin) but it was for our sakes that he took to himself our nature, that he might prepare it, and bring it back again, and that with advantage into the happy union and fellowship of our Maker, out of all that death hath involved us in: both out of sin, and out of the Graves. And therefore according to these two deaths, there is a twofold resurrection spo­ken of by Christ. Joh. 5. That there is a death in sin is manifest. Eph. 2.1. You hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. Now of a resurrection out of this death Christ speaks. Joh. 5.25. Verely, verely, I say unto you, the hour is comming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voyce of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. And this is that resurrection that Paul speaks of, Col. 3.1. If ye then be risen with [Page 80] Christ seek those things which are above; and in some other places this is called a resur­rection. But then besides this resurrection out of sin, there is a resurrection also out of the Graves, when the Sea shall give up its dead that are in it, and Death and Hell shall deliver up the dead that are in them, and all graves shall be opened, and shall render up their dead. And of such a resur­rection also Christ speaks in the forenamed place, Joh. 5.28, 29. Marvel not at this: (saith he, that is, that men shall [...]ow hear the voyce of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live) for the hour is comming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voyce, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. The first of these resurrections, namely out of the death of sin, is a mar­vellous work of God, wrought by the voyce of the Son of God in the Heart. But Christ Jesus seemes to make the other resurrection which is to be general out of the graves, to be more marvellous. Secondly, the first of these resurrections, is in order to bring men to live the life of righteousness: but the second or general resurrection is after [...]ey have done good to give them their re­ward. The first is only a raising up to life. The second is a raising up of some to life: and of others to condemnation, according as they have done good or evil in their life time. For we must know, that this is after [Page 81] men have done good, or done evill; that is, at the last day, which our Saviour of­ten mentions for the comfort of the righte­ous who are before hand raised up to life by him. Joh. 6.39, 40, 44, 54. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of the Father that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Again, No man can come unto me, except the Father which sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day. Again saith he. Who so eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. This is not a raising up out of the death o [...] sin unto life: but a raising up again of those that before hand have eternal life. And this is spoken for the comfort of all such; as al­so many other comfortable words are left upon record for such: which also clearly hold forth this Doctrine of the general re­surrection. Take this one place for conclud­ing of this particular. 1 Thess. 4:13. to the end of the Chapter. But I would not have you ignorant Brethren, concerning them which are a sleep, that ye sorrow not as others that have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus dyed and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the com­ming [Page 82] of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are a sleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voyce of the Archangel, and with the Trumph of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive, and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the Ayre: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one an­other with these words. Here he calls the death of believers a sleep, as Christ said of Lazarus, he sleepeth, when he was dead, and its frequently said in the Old Testa­ment, such a one sleept with his Fathers, when he was dead. Death is but as a sleep out of which men must rise again: there­fore sorrow not (saith the Apostle) as others that have no hope. For if Jesus dyed, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. And further the Apostle here describes the order of the resurrection. The dead in Christ shall rise first, and with them such believers (or Servants of Christ) as are then alive, shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds, to meet the Lord in the Ayre: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Now comfort one an­other herewith saith the Apostle. Here is a stedfast ground for Hope to Anchor upon. One thing he expresses in the 1 Cor. 15. which is here passed over concerning them that are alive at that day; namely they shall not dye, but they shall be changed, in a mo­ment, in the twinkling of an Eye: for this [Page 83] mortal must put on immortality: and the natural body must be made a Spiritual body, I have spoken the more of this, because al­though the common notion hereof is retai­ned among People, yet the lively sence of these things, is to much buryed and out of minde. For surely if men did seriously me­ditate hereof, it would have a weighty in­fluence upon their lives and conversations, to make them inoffencive in the World.

Another thing collateral with this, is, that as there shall be a resurrection of all, so there shall be a day of judgment for all: when every man shall receive according to the things done in the body, whether good or bad. It may be some will say, this is rather a ground of fear, then a ground of hope. True it is so, to them who take pleasure in iniquity, and are strangers to Christ Jesus, and to a righteous life. But to those that are inno­cent in the World, and believe in Christ, and meet with afflictions and tribulations here, it is a most comfortable ground of Hope. For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. But before we speak more of it see first how certainly it is groun­ded upon Scripture; that there shall be a day of judgment. Act. 17.30, 31. The times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men every where to repent? Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the World in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained: whereof he hath [Page 84] given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Hence its plainly held forth, that the raising of Christ from the dead, is a sure Testimony to all men, that God will in an appointed day, by him judge the World, and that in righteousness. For every man shall receive according to his deeds done in the body, whether good or evil. Again the Apostle Paul tels us of a day of wrath, and righteous judgment of God. Rom. 2.5. and so forward. But thou after thy hardness and impenitent Heart trea­surest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath, and day of the revelation of the righte­ous judgment of God. Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glo­ry, and honour, and immortality (to them he will render) eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the Truth but obey unrighteousness, (to them) indignation and wrath. Then he goes over with it again, ver. 9, 10. Tribulation and anguish upon every Soul of man that doth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile: But glory, honour and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. Again minde what our Saviour Jesus Christ said to his twelve Disciples when he sent them forth with power to preach or publish, the Kingdom of Heaven to be at hand, and therefore to call them to repentance, and to heal the sick, and cast out Devils, &c. saith he, whosoever shall not receive you, nor [Page 85] hear your words, when ye depart out of that House, or City, shake off the dust of your feet. Verely I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom and Gomor­rah in the day of judgment then for that City. Matth. 10.14, 15. The like expression he uttered concerning Chorazin and Bethsaida in the next Chap. viz. Chap. 11.21, 22. Be­cause they repented not when they saw the mighty works which he had done in them. It shall be more tolerable (saith he) for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, then for you. Hence its plain, that there's a day of judgment yet to come for those Cities that have been so long since destroyed. And that it shall be more tolerable for them at that day, then for those that have had more means of knowledge and true understanding afforded them, and yet cast it behinde their backs, and remain impenitent. This being rightly considered may make the stoutest Heart to tremble, who goes on in the paths of wic­kedness, as it did Felix. Act. 24.25. As Paul reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled: or was made fearfull, struck with fear. For he that is to judge is no respecter of Per­sons, and hath all power given him in Hea­ven and in Earth: and from him can none flee for shelter: Therefore to the unrighte­ous and ungodly that day is terrible. But to the upright in Heart, who in sincerity and Truth desire to please the Lord in walking obediently before him, in a good conver­sation, [Page 86] and innocent in the World, to them the day of judgment is a ground of Hope. Why? Because they shall receive good at the hands of the Lord: He will appear to their comfort. Judge you, how comfortable a thing it shall be at the last day to the righteous and mercifull, when Christ shall say to them, come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World. Matth. 25. But be­cause that portion of Scripture doth so emi­nently set forth the day of judgment, with some remarkable circumstances thereof, let us view it a little more fully; in the pre­paration to it, and also in the matter of fact upon which judgment is to passe; and the Sentence of judgment it self. The prepara­tion is this. The Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the Holy Angels with him, and shall sit upon the Throne of his glory. ver. 31. there's the preparation of the judge. And before him shall be gathered all Nations. ver. 32. there's the preparation of the People to be judged. And he shall separate them one from another, as a Sheepherd divideth his Sheep from the Goats, and he shall set the Sheep on his right hand, but the Goats on the left. Here now is his secret judgment of them in himself who knowes the wayes and thoughts and Hearts and lives of all men. Then follows his open expressed sentence of judgment upon them. First to those on his right hand, this comfortable sentence, come ye blessed of my Father inherit the King­dom [Page 87] prepared for you from the foundation of the World. ver. 34. And then he gives the reason of this his righteous judgments. For (saith he) I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in, I was na­ked, and ye cloathed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer, Lord when saw we thee so and so, or did so unto thee? Take notice! Their sentence or judg­ment of matter of fact runs wholy upon Acts of mercy which by them were not had in re­membrance, or at least little set by, for they had herein minded the Counsel of Christ, in not letting their left hand know, what the right hand had done. But though they minded not what they had done, yet the righteous judge of all the World recor­ded what they had done, and brings up again their mercy into remembrance to their joy and comfort. Yea a Cup of cold Water given to one of his little ones in love to them because they belong to him, shall not be forgotten. Then on the other hand, he shall say to them on his left hand, depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting Fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels. And then he gives the reason of their sentence; which is only a defect in mercy. For (saith he) I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye cloathed me not, sick and in prison, and ye [Page 88] visited me not. Then these shall plead for themselves as the others did against them­selves, saying, Lord when saw we thee an hungred or a thirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not Minister unto thee. Then shall he answer them saying, Verely I say unto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal. Here you see this Scripture doth not only hold forth a day of general judgment, but upon what grounds also the sentence of judgment shall passe. And its worth your observation to take notice, that the sen­tences run wholy upon Acts of mercy, and the want of mercy. It runs not upon this or that profession, or united Society of men. It runs not thus, come ye blessed of my Father; for ye are Catholiques or Pa­pists, and have been absolved by your Priest: or ye are Protestants reformed in part from the superstition and Idolatry of the Papists: or ye, are of the Episcopal or Presbyterian, or Independent, or Ana­baptist, or fifth Monarchy, or Quakers Society. But ye have been mercifull: ye have shown forth the nature of your Heavenly Fa­ther, who is love and mercy: and therefore now mercy is extended to you. For seeing God is love, surely he must needs have most respect to his own nature where it is found. As on the other hand he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed [Page 89] no mercy. Oh therefore list up your heads, you tender hearted humble mercifull men, in hope of a righteous day of judgment to come: and faint not in doing good, or in your pa­tient waiting for the comming of the Lord, though you be under affliction and tribula­tion in the World. For the day will come that will make amends for all, and satisfy you to the full: So that your labour of love, in what kinde soever, shall not be in vain, or forgotten of the Lord. Divers other Scriptures do confirm the general resurre­ction of the dead and Eternal judgment; which were principles in the Doctrine of Christ, and not to be confounded with the first Spiritual resurrection out of the Grave of sin; or with the particular secret judg­ment of God inwardly in a mans Spirit: For these are before death natural, the other come after. These first are to prepare for that which is to come after, that we may in hope look for that day that is to come. We are raised up here out of the death of sin, that we may rise with comfort hereaf­ter: We are judged of the Lord here that we may not be condemned with the World: and we are made to judge our selves here, that we may not be judged. Blessed and ho­ly is he that hath part in the first resurre­ction, on him the second death hath no power. So that Hope having so sure a foun­dation, it is as an Anchor sure and stedfast: And tends greatly to an essential Christian life: to bear us up therein, in holding on [Page 90] in patience doing the will of God, and de­nying the pleasurable and easie paths of un­righteousness. This Hope of an eternal in­heritance, makes us not ashamed to bear reproach for Christs sake, and for observ­ing his commands, though we be accoun­ted as the of-scouring or refuse of all things for so doing. So that Hope is as a Helmet upon our heads to bear us up under all the vilifyings of the World. I know it is a com­mon thing with many, if not with most, to say, I hope to be saved, and I hope God will be mercyfull. Yea and they will swear by their hope too, saying, as I hope to be saved. Well, I would not dash thy hope in Gods mercy, but rather strengthen it; and help to raise it up higher. But take heed how thou exposes thy hope and thy self there­with to judgment, in breaking the com­mand of the great judge, who is to judge the [...], and all the World, who hath said, Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, nor by Earth, nor by any other Oath. Certainly if men shall give an account in the day of judg­ment, of every idle word, (as the true judge hath told us they shall, Matt. 12.36.) then surely forbidden Oaths must be given account of: therefore put away such things, as are threatened with judgment. And to raise up thy hope into strength, and infalli­bility, that it may be a comfortable stay to thee consider what it is, that it is grounded upon, and how it will operate in thee, if it be right, and see that the right founda­tion [Page 91] be layd. Consult with the sayings of those who have had this lively hope in them: and see how their's was grounded: and what they testify of it. I shall lay this one Scripture before thee to consider on, and to set before thee as a marke, to presse after. 1 Joh. 3. the three first verses. Be­hold what manner of love the Father hath be­stowed on us, that we should be called the Sons of God: therefore the World knoweth us not, because in knew not him. Beloved, now are we the Sons of God, and it doth not yet ap­pear what we shall be: but we know, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifyeth himself, even as he is pure. Wouldst thou have thy hope raised up to this pitch, to expect to be made like the Son of God at his appear­ing by beholding of him or seeing him as he is? Then thou must purify thy self from all uncleanness of Flesh and Spirit, for he is pure and piercing. If the Sun shine upon a dull thick Earthy body, it doth not fill that with its beautifull light: but if it shine upon a pure transparent Gem, in fills that with its one glorious light. Therefore there must be a purifying and cleansing going before, to prepare us to be made partakers of the glory of the Lord. Every one that hath this hope in him, purifyeth himself, as he is pure. Now there be two things requisite in this purification; namely, Faith in Christ: and an obedient life. Purifying their Hearts by [Page 92] Faith, saith the Scripture: and again, If I wash thee not thou hast no part in mee: thus he purifyeth the conscience from dead works, by his Spirit, working faith in us, in his blood: and by the same Spirit leading us in an obedient conversation. And as many as are led of the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God. And the same Spirit that leads the Sons of God, the same witnesses in them, that they are so: And so giveth a most firm ground of Hope: [...]: So that we may say with the beloved Apostle, now are we the Sons of God, but it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is. Oh Brethren! How can one think of these things, and give himself up to a loose wicked life and conversation! Nay, this hope tends greatly to the essen­tial life of a Christian: and to preserve him therein from turning back again into the polluted wayes of the World.

As for Forms wherein, since the Aposta­cy, men professe the same Christ, there may be something essential also to a Chri­stian life: But not as they are such or such a form; but as the Lord shall require, or lead men by his Spirit, and exercise their Spirits, for the tryal of them, whether they will follow him whithersoever he leads, either into them, or out of the n [...] bearing the reproach of the World, and [Page 93] shewing their obedience in answering that measure of light wherewith he doth illu­minate them, and in which he goes before them by the movings of his good Spirit in them. But herein is danger, namely, in urging men by the force of reason, before the Lord lead them: for men may lay that burden upon the Spirits of others, which the Lord doth not lay: and this work makes only Proselytes and Hypocrites. Its safe to minde what Christ Jesus our Lord layes upon our Spirits, and not what men lay. I will put upon you no other burden; but that which ye have already hold fast till I come; saith Christ to some in the Church of Thya­tyra. Rev. 2.24, 25. But there were some that would have layd upon them other bur­dens, who undervalued the simple and ho­nest hearted, and counted them weak, and dark, not knowing the depths of Satan, as they used to speak in their vaunting over them. But the Lord encouraged them to keep to the burden which he alone layd upon them. Again there is another danger in those that are urged before the Lord go before them to lead them: (I speak in point of Form, and outward observations) namely, to be puffed up and exalted in themselves from their form, and so to over­look the righteous life in others. And then they fall into the number of those, who be­ing exalted in their form, say in their Hearts, stand by thy self come not near to me for I am holyer then thou. And this now pro­vokes [Page 94] the Lord to wrath; and he will rather look to him that is of a humble and contrite Spirit, standing in awe of him, then to such. Its good for both these to minde whats said, Isa. 66.5. Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; your Brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my names sake said, let the Lord be glorifyed: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be asha­med. This is encouragement to those hum­ble ones, whose Hearts stand in awe before the Lord, not willing to be lead of any, against the leadings of the Lord: or to sub­ject themselves to that which is contrary to the teachings of the Lord in them; though they be therefore despised, and cast out by their Brethren. And it may also be a cau­tion unto others to teach them to take heed how they hate, and cast out of their esteem, the poor and humble in Spirit, upon the account of any outward formality. For what hast thou to doe to judge thy Brother, or to set at nought thy Brother, for any out­ward observation, or formality? Whereas thou canst not tell whether Christ our Lord doth lay it upon him or not. Behold we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. One man keeps a day to the Lord, another keeps not a day: two contrary things. Canst thou believe that these two contrary things, may both be done in obedience to the Lord, at his requirings? Surely they may, or else I judge that Paul would no [...] have defended them both against eac [...] [Page 95] other, and have judged nothing but their judging of one another in such case. There­fore Men and Brethren, whosoever loveth our Lord Jesus Christ, and his Govern­ment, lay aside all emulation and wrath, and disesteem of one another for such things; and learn to love one another though you be not of the same stature one with an­other: even as Christ hath loved us, and doth love us, and feed us in several pa­stures. And learn what this means, in my Fathers House are many mansions, or dwell­ings, that so you may not despise one an­other.