THe Penman of this Epistle is specified in the first Chap­ter and first verse, thus: Peter a servant and an A­postle of Jesus Christ. The persons to whom this Epistle was de­dicated, to such as from free grace had obtained like precious faith with them that were of the Privy Councell: the Apostles, by the righteousnesse of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, verse the first, even to such contemned, con­demned, poore, scattered ones, through [Page 2] Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, By­thinia, as in1 Ep. ch. v. 1. The scope, is to fore­warne them of dangerous dayes and perillous times approaching, in which many will endeavour to pervert their life, and subvert their faith, even to the making shipwracke thereof; whereby they might prove as ignominious to themselves, so inglorious to the Gos­pell of Jesus Christ; he therefore in the precedent, and in this present Chapter reminds them of divers and dangerous positions and practices of men, that forewarned, forearmed; and walke as Pilgrims, and strangers warring against whatever will endanger their precious soules, holy faith, or godly life, not knowing when the day of the Lord comes nor with what speed, nor dread; by a convincing interrogatory he winds up their faith, to an exact pitch of the power of godlinesse, and holy conver­sation, verse 11. seconded by variety of arguments, ver. 14, 15. that they may keep themselves from being plucked away with the errour of the wicked; either [...], or [...], which to prevent, he prescribes my Text as an Antidote. As the last words usually best [Page 3] remembred; So, But grow. The words containe a needfull direction for all Christians scattered to and fro through­out the face of the whole Earth. If any aske the question, what is required in the Text? 'tis answered, To grow; In what? In grace and knowledge; Of whom? Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; In what order? here the method, In grace and knowledge: from which might be raised these three observa­tions:

First, 'tis our duty to grow in grace. Obser. 1

Secondly, 'tis our duty to grow in Obser. 2 knowledge.

Thirdly, 'tis our duty to grow in grace Obser. 3 and knowledge.

I shall insist on the first only.

'Tis the duty of Christians to grow in grace. In the handling of which,Doct. 1. I shall according to my usuall method, First open the termes of the Doctrine, grow and grace; Secondly, prove the point by the [...] of Scripture, and [...] of rea­son; and Thirdly, make the use and ap­plication; and the strength and blessing of the Lord be in and on us all.

To grow, is a metaphoricall expres­sion, and may fetch its illustration from [Page 4] Plant, Trees, Flowers, Corn, &c. which from small spires, sprigs, seed, augment, spread, enlarge themselves, so may be said to increase, grow; this the word [...] signifies: As these grow deeper, bigger, stronger, higher; so must a Christian sprout, flourish, waxing stron­ger and stronger in the strength of the Lord, and power of his might: Or to grow; may send forth an understanding to us of the duty, by observing of our naturall or civill growth; as we desire to manifest our selves by our long tra­ding, to be richer, wiser, better: So by our longer continuance under the brea­things of the spirit in Gospell-dispensa­tions, shew ye your selves to have re­ceived an increase of more light, life, zeale, love, knowledge, &c. this is to grow in grace. I conceive the grace in the Text, is not that grace of graces, free and perfect, displaid upon a soule by the infinite riches of wonderfull mercy, that admirable free, full grace of Justification. But by grace here, the graces of Gods holy Spirit, through the Word, with power and life, con­veighed into the beleevers soule, by the Holy Ghost; which may therefore fitly [Page 5] be phrased, the fruit of the spirit, Gal. 5.22, 23. which are thus in Apostolicall account enumerated; Love, Joy, Peace, long-suffering, gentlenesse, goodnesse, faith, meeknesse, temperance. These are gra­ces of Gods Spirit, and this grace in the Text includes the graces of this kind, in which we must endeavour to grow; to which knowledge is added in the verse, even that distinct under­standing of divine truths revealed in the Word, concerning the knowing of God and Christ, whom to know aright is not lesse then life eternall.John 17.3. The summe is, that little grace of Gods Spirit in thee, thou must be sure to act, that it increase more and more: that as to men there is evident a growth in your body; so to God and men you may make it apparent there is an increase in your soule, in the gracious exercise of a conscience and conversation void of offence before God and man. This I conceive, with submission to better judgements, the sence of the terme of the Text. I proceed to the point to be proved.

'Tis a Christians duty to grow in grace: which growth may have a re­ference [Page 6] to the number of graces, or to the measure of graces; in respect of both, we must grow.

This Paul adviseth Corinth. 2 Cor. 18.7. Therefore (as ye abound in every thing, in faith, utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in love to us) see that ye abound in this grace also: a bundle of beautifull excellencies are here col­lected. And our Apostle in the first Chapter, the fifth, sixth, and seventh verses: And besides this, give all dili­gence, adde to your faith vertue, and to vertue knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godlinesse; and to god­linesse, brotherly kindnesse; and to bro­therly kindnesse, charity. An addition, increase and growth of graces in the number. Is not this intimated in the parabolicall History of the Lord and his servants concerning the expected in­crease of the talents? in which the ho­nouring Encomiums, speaking them good and faithfull, that increased and multiplyed their two to other two, their five to ten, with an euge, well done good and faithfull servant, thou hast been faithfull over a few things, I will make [Page 7] thee ruler over much, enter thou into thy Masters joy. Mat. 25.21.

For the growth of the measure of grace; grow in it: hath not Christ given grace that wee should grow to a higher measure, even to the perfecting of the Saint, and come up to the mea­sure of the stature of Christ, the ful­nesse of ChristEph. 4.13. for-which Paul greatly rejoyced, hearing the faith of the Thessalonians grew so exceedingly, and their charity toward each other so abounded2 Thes. 1.3. to this Paul expects in the1 Thes. 4.1. that as they had received of them that were dispensers of the Go­spels-mysterie, so they would walke in pleasing God, and abound therein more and more, as in the fore-mentioned place; as man, so God, calls for more weight, more measure; to adde to the number and measure of grace; grow. Christians had need to looke to their growth, Non est bonus qui non vult esse melior, hee that hath no care for the growth of his grace, will soone bring the truth of his grace into suspition: by an Apostaticall revolt, or Cork-like levity in being removed from, or wa­vering in the first and best principles. [Page 8] Need we have to grow in grace, from the [...] to the [...]

Reas. 1 The Lord hath more to bestow on thee than yet appears to be in thee; what ever grace thou art enriched with, God hath more yet in the granary of his goodnesse for a poor soule: Think not thy selfe more than a broken Ci­stern; plume not thy selfe to sing a Re­quiem to thy soule, as if thou hadst grace, holinesse, righteousnesse, know­ledge enough; bee not deceived who­ever thou art, endowed with an ad­mired competency of gifts and graces, yet you need more than yet you enjoy; that great measure of knowledge is not the least of that you are ignorant of: Should I say be yee warm'd and fil­led, and give not that which is need­full for the body, it would little pro­fit: should I preach, grow in grace, and not tell you, God hath more for you than yet appeares in you, lesse rea­son, to be up and doing. But God is an inexhausted Fountaine, that both can and will bestow, more upon every soule that truely desires the growth of grace: Aske thy soule if it had not need be better stocked, and more stirre [Page 9] up it selfe to lay hold on God, if he wil not give further supply of grace and knowledge: Tis my happinesse, I know in my need how to be furnish­ed, it shall bee my reason; Therefore Ile grow.

Therefore grow in grace: The more Reas. 2 grace the more strength: The infusion of grace puts life and energy into the soule, the addition of grace renewes the active faculties with greater strength: that as of the heroick Cham­pions enroll'd in the eleventh Chapter of the Hebrewes, of weake (by the grace of faith) they became strong, strong to an unmatchable power: So by the growth of grace, the soule that was wont to be as water, becomes to be as strong as steele it selfe; the Apostles witnessing the truth of this to the world. The want of saving grace hinders the want of saving knowledge, that enlightens, emboldens: when hea­ven afforded many an advantagious opportunity to satisfie thy darkened judgement, doubting spirit, let mee appeale, if thou hast not returned home, likewise, as came out: the sad experience of our owne heart, dictates [Page 10] want of grace proudly kept backe, that in many things, we remaine as new­borne Babes, poore, weake Creatures. The truth of grace (O Christian) quickens, but the growth of grace strengthens thy soul: that panoply of God makes the Saints strong, the brea­thing of the spirit of grace makes a stripling more puissant than the Goli­ah's of the Nations. 'Tis recorded of Father Abraham, being not weake in faith, he staggered not at the promises of God, but being strong in faith, hee beleeved in hope even against hopeRom. 4.20, 21. Christians meet with Principalities, Powers, and the Rulers of the dark­nesse of this world, a terrible army; how shall a poore soule encounter with this maine body, when onely the strength he hath is little more than a forlorne hope? let him strengthen himselfe with the graces of Gods Spi­rit, and hee shall finde a power invin­cible; none more need of strength than a poore Christian: The more grace the more strength; Whe­ther,

1. Against sin, that is not satisfied with a being in, but would dominiere [Page 11] over a Christian: or what strugling with secret corruptions, as wrastling with too many corruptions, hard to be subdued, enforcing Paul to cry outRom. 7.24. Oh wretch who shall deliver me from this body of death? Oh, the sobs and groanes, teares and feares of a weak Christian, when corruptions be­gin to discover themselves, then they in apprehension, the undone of all the world: Amaleck fights and sometime prevails, the want of strength foiles the soule, the height of grace upholds the soul, the more grace the more strength against sinne.

2 Against suffering, the Church and people of God meet with opposition, contradiction, persecution, who more? it was the Fathers appoint­ment, as the sonnes predictionIo. 15.16. and this Apostles, the great Doctor of the Gentiles oft in sacred Writ, To passe by bad report, hunger, nakednesse, pri­son, &c. 'tis difficult, for some, not all. When strongly growne in the grace of Christ, Paul can conquer, the A­postles with admired resolution, daunt their enemies; when formerly all left he Lord Jesus Christ, and why? they [Page 12] were growne in grace, and more grace, more strength against suffering.

3. Against Temptation: our Saviour would not have taught his Disciples to pray, Lead us not into temptation, had not he known, the devill and an evill heart, laid snates to tempt; which of Gods choisest Jewels free? Not Abra­ham, Job, David, not Christ himself; And canst thou expect or request to be above thy Lord? Poor weak Christi­an, thou must look to be buffeted, as­saulted. Labor for more grace; so more able to resist: for by the grace of God you may stand, as withstand.

4. Against Desertion: The more grace the more strength. Tis a conditi­on Gods people sometimes meet with, and complaine of: A bitter expostula­tion, My God, my God why hast thou forsaken? Faith and feare in a double combate: Whither in reference to Da­vid, the Type, or the Son of David the Antitype, The Lord Christ: And may not your full tide ebbe? Your bright moon ecclipse? Your fair day cloud? and your clear Sun misten? Oh know ye that are dandled in the armes of an everlasting God may yet not be [Page 13] ever danced in Gods everlasting arms? He may shoot bitter Arrows against you, and his everloving smile may frown it self to a momentary indigna­tion, as bitter as death, as dreadfull as hell it self; Labour therefore for more grace, so more strength to suffer all, and endure hardship, as the good soul­dier of Jesus Christ. So that either si­lently with Aaron hold your peace: or with David religiously Language, It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good. The more grace the more strength in all, against all. Ergo.

The more grace the more comfort; Reas. 3 many that regard not to live conscio­nably, yet are desirous to spend their years in prosperity, and their daies in comfortable pleasures; but as without grace little conscience, so without true grace little true comfort; the more sin in us, the more opposition, the more trouble, griefe, and fearefull horrour, to the appaling of spirit, and deading of heart. But let a soul reflect, and in sim­plicity speak, an increase of humility, faith, zeal, love, knowledge, grace, more comfort questionlesse; not more rejoicing can a condemned Malefactor [Page 14] receive by the tender of a Princes par­don, than a poor soul comfort, con­tent, in the truth and growth of grace; were it not for the grace of God in them, of all men Christians were most miserable: in the sad apprehension of many and mighty corruptions within them, diverse and great troubles upon them, and severall scandalous reproa­ches against them: Whither shall the soul search for comfort? To whom fly for solid consolation? Can that honour that is fading, that estate that is flying, that name that is blasting, that friend that is dying afford any? Alas, misera­ble comforters all! nothing so much as the least spark of divine grace; and if a little will cherish, what strong con­solations will the growth added to the truth of grace afford? view and re­view the instances of Sacred Writ, and you shall find, where most grace, there most comfort; Therefore grow in grace,

Reas. 4 This comfortable evidence, the sin­cerity and truth of your grace, shew me your faith by works, a dead faith, no life in works? The soule is barren and unfruitfull: What is a body without a [Page 15] soule? a poor body: What is a soule without grace? a poor soul: And what is grace without the growth thereof? uncomfortable grace: What advantage to have a name to live, and want life? What profit to have a forme, and void of the power of godlinesse? This will upon good ground witnesse to the world the truth of grace is in you, when they see your light shine, that they may glorifie your father in hea­ven; and your light which was at first as the dawning of the day, appea­ring as the Sun heightned to the top of the Zenith, fairly discovers the truth of grace in you to men: And to con­science an evidentiall sign of truth, when that which flames as a fire begins to live, to a never dying worm, tis quenched and crashed by this: my con­science bears me witnesse, that I, though my beginning was small, yet am encreased to a second, a fift, a tenth talent: behold oh conscience, did I make bones of Curse, Lye, Oath, Sabbath, Gospell, Ordinance, Hypo­crisie, Pride, Passion, secret Impiety, or open Enormity, in times past? And do I not, dost not thou oh conscience, oh [Page 16] heart, hate and abhor every false way? Dost not performe and delight to do what God pleaseth, pressing hard to be found in the righteousnesse of Jesus Christ? Who in my Infancy hoped to be justified by duties, desires, well-mea­ning, &c. whence comes my love to God and his? Whence Patience, Zeal, Faith, more then in times past? Comes not my growth from my truth? oh ene­my be my Judge, speak righteously. And to God also, when at the houre of Death, day of Judgement, summoned to appear, disarmed of all hopes, & helps, no more muse or burroughs to save or shelter; This will witnesse for thee, though thou hast been a poor comfort­lesse one, yet a true one; behold Lord, thy Talent hath gained, multiplied, tis encreased and grown, though little yet good evidence, the truth of grace is in thee: When as on the contrary, to man, to conscience, to God, I have no more grace now then from my Infancy and day of youth; This comes off with sin, shame, sorrow, to the blacknesse of de­spaire it selfe: Therefore being the growth of grace evidences the truth of grace, good reason we should grow in grace, &c.

[Page 17]According to my usuall method, I proceed to the Use.

Learn hence, The life of a Christi­an Ʋse 1 must be a life of action;Instru. Tis shame­full impiety to practice (when once enlightned, graced from God with precious Truths, Promises, Privileges) nothing: Such a lazy devotion as brings in question the truth of grace: Grace will make us faithfull husbands, wives, servants, as Christians: If man cannot endure a Lurdan Lozell, God cannot endure a loitering idle Christian, nor in reference to the things of this life, or that which is to come; I know not a Christian as a man or woman but have or might have employment, or in works of necessity or charity: And as a Christian man or woman hath to work out Salvation, a work hard enough, to so far from thinking them idle drones, that may spurre them to be as busie as the Bee, and all little enough to give a good account at the last day: Jacobs Ladder is usually applyed here, as Angels some ascending, some de­scending, but none standing still, to in­timate so it must be in the Church of God; Either looking up to God, or in­to [Page 18] the soul, that admire God for his Ma­jesty, Glory, Mercy, or humble our selves for our unworthinesse, sin, and iniquity. Did not God set his Adam presently after he had made him a li­ving soule into the Garden to dresse it, so to become a labouring soule; and why? But to tell the children of Adam that they must not be without motion, action; God gives no Supersedeas for a Christian to be idle, or standing still: Nay, he checks with a Why stand you idle all the day long Mat. 20.6.? Tis here in the Text required that he be doing, thri­ving, growing, Grow in grace; This of the first Use.

Ʋse 2, If a Christians duty be to grow in grace: Try we then, whither we have performed this duty or no. But how may I know? I answer.

1. They are grown more and better in duties: Grace is like Ezekiels wa­ters, though little at first, discovers it self by streames to run, rivolets, rivers, to waters impassable: Or as fire, that encreases in light, heat, more, greater, so grace in growth makes a Christian in his duties more frequent; whereas before he would court the Lord in a [Page 19] morning, so bid him good morrow, or complement with a goodnight, he now begins to be more frequent, grace acts him to morning, evening, and when occasion serves, at midnight as high-noon: at first seldome, since he is grown more frequent.

2. They are more fervent, more zealous, if not, I could question that truth as growth of grace; Though at first grace as fire, of which compara­tively we say, tis a cold fire; so a soul finds it self, in the dutie of hearing, praying, receiving, cold devotion in all, chill, almost stiffe, but by that time encreased, grown, grown warme [...], seething boyling hot; the affections kindled to a flame, a zeale as hot as fire.

3. More conscionable, what in times past was done in custome, formality, hypocrisie, education, selfe, is now steeld, from conscience he doth it, and dare not but do it, and delight to do it also: He at first saw the observing the Ordinances, and Sabbaths, of God his duty, now grown beholds them his privilege, so that as in time past he acted them as a task, now he performes [Page 20] them as his delight, and joy to think of his communion with the Lord: Now he makes conscience and will not omit a duty, as not commit a sin, he makes conscience of all; so doth a Christian that is grown in grace: dis­cover it in his duties, being more fre­quent at them, fervent in them, and conscionable of them: Try and enlarge the particulars in your meditations, I must hasten.

2. The growth of grace discovers it selfe by the death and dwinging away of sin, at first sin lives, but when grace comes sin pines, and graces growth is sins decay; as the house of Saul weaker and weaker, and the house of David stronger and stronger: So grace and sin in the soule. As tis in the body with nature and the humour: If the hu­mour prove predominant then nature decaies, and soon man is gathered to his Fathers; but when nature gets the upper hand by degrees the killing hu­mour lessens, and abates to a perfect recovery; so that the bed-red one walkes strongly and comfortably. This grace, like his bloud, runs through eve­ry veine, actuates in every faculty of [Page 21] the soule, as the soule in the whole body; Now mortifying this, now cru­cifying that corruption, laying the axe of zeale, revenge, care, to the root, and so cuts down root and branch, he leaves not a hoofe behind, spares not the Da­lila, the darling, the sweet bit under the tongue, or bosome sin in any corner of his heart, nothing in his Judgment, Understanding, Will, Memory, Affe­ctions, but shall relate to grace; The Enemy thereof shall be brought and arraigned before Jesus Christ, and ca­shiered for ever, his precious, gracious soule; he is grown and acts to the ut­most, as fire, heat, and water moisten to the utmost, so grace, that dwinges sin to decay and dye: The gallant Adonijah shall not be spared, the deli­cate Agag not connived at, nor the least of his sins (if sin against God can be called little) but shall be examined, traduced, and gibbited before the God of Israel: He spies the inside, he views the outside, what gracelesse thing is discovered, is discarded, he abstains from, and abhors secret as open wic­kednesse: So that no sin shall have a willing being in his soule; but he is [Page 22] sensible, so sensible of their imperfecti­on, as a bone in throat, or mote in eye, never quiet till removed, using all means to recover the health of the soule into the state of strength, Oh try, which dwinge and decay grace or sin. So second triall.

3. Grown Christians more boldly, manifest the grace of God in them, confidently they dare to speak and act upon the growth than they did upon the first truth of their grace; The Apo­stles would flie and deny Christ before they would suffer or die: But after the truth of their grace, faith, knowledge was strengthened, then they feared not the Synods, Councels, of countermand­ing preaching Jesus Christ, as you that are versed in the Acts of the Apostles can attest. A soule at first is like Nico­demus, it loves and would faine be with Christ, but a great deale of feare­full sin clouds the new inspired grace, secretly it dare but appeare for feare of the Jews; I wave quotations for that I speak to (or I am much mis-inform­ed and mistaken) Scripture-searching Christians: But grown as Daniel, & the 3 Children, they are gloriously manife­sting [Page 23] their zeale for God, and none but God, though controled by Soveraignty itselfe: As a child that hath life in ope­rari & esse, goeth but by this support, and that assistance, for but weak now, new going; When a few yeares over-past, a shame to hold by a Finger, Chaire, Stoole, &c. but now strength encreasing hee goeth confidently by himselfe: So a poore soule at first creeps, cannot go; but his grace strengthened, renewed, he ventures in nomine Domini, as David against Go­liah and dreads not, when all Israel is struck with a misgiving doubt, if not Panick feare. A grown Christian ma­nifests his grace by undanted professi­on in the hardest of body-torturing per­secution, and middest of (precious name) disgracefull slander: In a word, by what contradiction soever of men, opposition of the gates (the power and wisdome) of hell the poore Christians grace is assaulted with it discovers it selfe void of feares as offence, in the flames of a Sacred love to God, Chri­stian love to the Saints of God, in a steadfast resolution to walk up to Co­venant and Gospell Reformation, and [Page 24] in a Christian deportment of them­selves, with the exercise of a good conscience before God and man: here I conceive is growth as truth of grace: Try, oh try if it be thus with thee or not. I must hasten, time bids a dis­patch.

4. They can trust God with outward and inward estate also, sometime in weaknesse he feared one, sometime the other; Now steere over both, knowing that God hath given the Pro­mise to godlinesse, of this and that life which is to come. No distrustfull thoughts for things temporall; Christ hath commanded, and his [...] war­rant for a growne Christian,Mat. 6.25. and assured for things of eternity to the truth as growth of grace, that nor faint nor feare: by which well may the soul relye on the Lord for its outward and inward estate. Abraham the Father of the Faithfull sometime doubted, but afterRom. 4. from 16. to vers. 22. Try how this reflects on thy soule, by a patient, humble waiting, till God answer.

5. Lastly, they that are grown in grace, grow and endeavour to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ more and [Page 25] more in the [...] & [...] thereof: truly to beleeve God and Christ, in God and Christ, and to acknowledge the Lord Jesus, by a separation from the goats, and communion with the sheep of Christ: Not only notionally to know and understand more of the hi­story of Christ, but practically to doe for Christ more then in times past; that we may read in conversation one san­ctified and strengthened in the grace of the Lord; and experimentally, that God may have experience, and the world also, that their grace, is a grace and knowledge of and according to Jesus Christ: making them more humbleJob 42.5, 6. and more desirous to know and find more, so the truly wise and knowing Christian; not to display the radiant beames of their vainglorious under­standing, but to discover the riches of Gods free and infinitely full grace to their souls, in looking upon them when blind in understanding, and unsanctified in heart; after this they presse to know more of themselves, and more of Christ, to the praise of the Lord their God for bestowing as truth, so a growth in grace. Try, and by this comfortably [Page 26] conceive growth of grace.

3. Now after Triall the uses follow, of terrour to some, comfort to others, exhortation to all. If not growne in grace, come in, come in, I have bitter things against thee, yet shall this Law condemne none before it heare him speake: Ask conscience then if growne in grace; whence bleating of sheep, lowing of oxen? whence in the soule, or Family, or Congregation, neglect of duties, or if performed, resting on du­ties? how many cast the word of God behind their backs? prophane the Sab­bath, condemne the soule-ravishing promises of the everlasting Gospell? whence is it men trust to and rest in their duties? as the hypocriticall Jews,Isa. 58.23. rising to too lofty an expostulation, in questioning the Deity it selfe, a non­timely answering, regarding their pray­ers and performances? how many as the Pharisees vainly gracing them­selvesLuk. 18.11, 12.? A soule growne in grace, would nor make it an Idoll, nor a slight, yet how many of us thus guilty?

2. The falling of (too many) from their first love, like that Ephesine [Page 27] Church in the second of the Revela­tion; and is not the love and zeale of many waxen cold in this day of affli­ction, in the winter of our adversity? when if ever, God, Covenant, Church and Kingdome had need of champions, zealous for the glory of the one, the re­nowne of the other, the safety and ho­nour of all; Now, but woe, and alas, oh what cold, dead spirits, hearts, are we possessed withall? when at first zealous, since remisse, matter of humili­ation and feare: 'tis neither naturall, nor supernaturall, for either would make the nearer the center more life, vigor and activity: let conscience speak if thou didst not in time past better affect Gods wayes, Worship, Sabbaths, Ordinances, Ministers, People, then now: fear we may: guilty we are.

3. The pride of thy grace speaks the not growing of grace: and how many plume themselves in this unhappy age, with the men-admiring vertue, when they put off the God-bestowing grace? into what assemblies shall we enter? in what company shall we be? but God shall be robbed of his glory, by mans boasting of his grace; Grace keeps a [Page 28] soule low, and exalts the Lord, know­ing whatever received, received of God: the Apostle and the strong Chri­stian, number not themselves with such as commend themselves, and measure themselves with themselves, for they are not wise2 Cor. 10.12. the more grace the more humility, while men advance and exalt, so as boast of zeale, grace, John-like, &c. it speaks us not grown.

4. Lastly, the seldome searching of our hearts speaks no growth of grace, if I cast not up my account, I know not whither my receipts or disbursements be most, I feare a bad reckoning, in this the Lord be mercifull unto us, we know not the windings of our hearts, despe­rately wicked and deceitfull, we try not, search not: how many (nay how few) Sermon after Sermon, Sabbath af­ter Sabbath, moneth after moneth, commune with their owne hearts, to see in what this or that grace is increa­sed since the reception of so many mer­cies? When a man seldome looks into his heart, I cannot conceive how it should be discovered he is growne in grace, but must passe sentence: (I speak to wise men) are they not blame­worthy? [Page 29] And may I not?

1. When the Lord hath graciously affoorded time and space; it was a check severe; he gave her space to re­pent, and she repented not:Rev. 2.21. And may not the Lord say, many a day and yeare have I offered free grace stretch­ing out my hand all the day long, and ye despighted hitherto the spirit of grace? Goe gracelesse soule into gracelesse so­ciety; sad sentence.

2. Yea, when in that space cal'd and tendred all the means that infinite un­derstanding conceiv'd conducible to the growth of grace; no pruning, dressing, nor watering wanting; Judge I pray betwixt me and my vineyard, what could I doe more? 'tis heavens gracious con­descending appeale: Oh England, what shall I doe unto you? Oh People, how should I intreat you? your goodnesse yet as a morning cloud, your grace so far from growing, as 'tis the early dew dismist, dispell'd: When a father thus by a child, or a Prince thus by a Tyrone, the doome of death must follow. A harvest is set, and at due time the axe must be laid to the root of the soule, and the tree cut downeMat. 3.10.: What in [Page 30] Christ? at his Church? and Ordinance? of his profession? and not fructifie, multiply, increase and grow? SeeJoh. 15.2. he takes away God, and God takes away the firme influence of his spirit, from the possession of his inheritance, he takes away, and then the soule wi­thers, and withers, till fuell for everla­sting burning. Oh dismall: when man endued with such a soul as an Angel of God, should so undervalue it in the neglect of grace and sleight of God, the God of grace, such a grace, such a God vilifyed: what can be expected lesse then the height of calamity, and depth of misery to be inflicted, while Gods justice, and Satans tyranny shall re­main? but hoping better things of you, and wishing better things to you, I wave the terrour, and passe to the use of comfort.

Ʋse 4 To all such as Grow in grace, Com­fort; for,

1. Thou art more then a naturall man, then take comfort: wert in na­ture only, I could not line or letter of consolation thus, but daub with un­tempered mortar; but intituled to, or invested with grace, true comfort in­deed. [Page 31] When a Parent sees a child out­run his extravagant courses, to become a man, and a man of God in the world, is it not great comfort? so for a be­leeving husband or wife, to perceive the worke of grace in each other, joy to ravishment. Nor can the Minister be silent in this, but when he beholds Jesus Christ formed in his Congregati­on, he must rejoyce with joy unspeak­able, & full of glory, for his people being filled with grace; and is it not a joy for the Church of God nigh you, by you? so let it be to thy soule also: Thou art more then a naturall man.

2. Art growne in grace? herein is comfort that more shall be given thee: to him, to her that hath shall bee given,Mat. 25.26. more given to you, more done for you, God himselfe will purge you, that yee may bring forth more fruitJoh. 15.2.: the Lord seldome, never, meddles with a soule, but it fares the better, growes the faster: A secret influentiall vertue distils it selfe to the flourishing in grace and duty, and per­fecting to every good worke; this talent doubled, thy grace blessed, that more and more fruitfull and abundant [Page 32] in the worke of the Lord be com­forted.

3. Ye can more boldly goe to the Throne of grace, the growne righteous man as bold as a Lion: so comfortably a weake new-borne babe cannot ap­proach before the presence of a jea­lous God and consuming fire, as one that with resolved exercise of sancti­fying grace, hath waded through the troubled waters of mortification, &c. and landed at the haven of full assu­rance: Jesus Christ being our High-priest warrants it, the Apostle inferres it,Heb. 10.21, 22. for he by his one oblation for ever hath perfected them that are san­ctifiedHeb 10.14.: He therefore exhorts and so comforts the Saints asHeb. 4.15, 16., and may not that comfort?

Compl.But oh, I see other that younger, more illiterate, unlearned then I, have more grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ then I; therefore I feare the truth, the growth of grace, and what can I take of comfort?

Resp.And what if so? why O soul shouldst thou be disquieted? take heed of a cu­rious eye, when the hand of providence disposes as pleases him, beware it dis­please [Page 33] not thee; lest you murmure and suffer: it was none of Joshua's vertues to exasperate Moses for the prophe­cying of Eldad and Medad Num. 11.28, 29., but Moses is for our imitation: And blesse ye the Lord, that he adds to the number of his Church, and you behold others to magnifie the name of Jesus Christ. A grown Christians eyes gush out with rivers of teares, when men sinne against God, and their hearts leap with joy at the conversion, salvation of others, seeing the Gospell of Jesus Christ in­larged. Goe ye and doe likewise: ye and they shall have eternall possession, be not overwhelmed with sorrow.

2. The lesse ye have, the lesse to answer for, the Lord requires no more then he gives: if you have five talents, five more will content; if you have but two, two more will satisfie: The Lord is not severe, austere; if you have not an oxe or heifer, a goat, kid or lamb, nay a turtle Pigeon; God will not ex­tort, be but faithfull, fruitfull in thy lit­tle, and he will make thee ruler over much: God looks to the truth of thy graces, to the quality rather then the quantity; so that if but a mite, a cup of [Page 34] cold water, accepted, rewarded, be therefore comforted.

3. Thou that growest though but lit­tle and other more, thou shalt never want, thou shalt hold out; 'tis to the happinesse of salvation, and why not to the hearts consolation? thy grace is Gods grace, he a fountain, when thou beginnest to be dry, know God can refresh, renew: In the Prophets phrase I end all; Thou shalt be as a Tree plan­ted by the waters, whose root spreads out by the river: thou shalt not see when heat commeth, but thy leafe shall be green, thou shalt not be carefull in the yeare of drought, neither shalt cease from yeelding fruit Jer. 17.8.. Take this for thy comfort, and I am now dismissing this Assembly.

Suffer but a word of exhortation:

Ʋse 5 First, Grow, grow, thrive and prosper in grace and knowledge of God, let me crave leave to prescribe meanes, to propound motives, and I have done.

1. Exercise of grace, that little, that truth of grace you have; do we not direct, use legs and have legs, use me­mory and have memory? actions intend habits: Stirre up and exercise that grace [Page 35] of God in you, and your morning, dawning, will appeare bright as the Sun.

2. Unite to gracious company, joyn to the assemblies of the Saints, with­draw not from such as speake to edifi­cation, giving grace to the hearers; the tongues that are tipped with the language of Canaan, will advantage to enlightning, to greater heat, and further growth: sit not in the seat of the wicked, that cooles; discourse furthers the Schollars studies; good counsell helps forward to heaven: 'tis sad (be­cause oft too late) to say, oh that I had followed good counsell, of such Mini­sters, friends, parents, I had never come to this place of execution: lest we re­pent too late, use the society of the Saints.

3. Beware of secret corruption; as fame and credit wil keep a natural man from open, scandalous, transgression; let grace and piety keep a spirituall man from secret corruption; strive and pray against it, as David in the nineteenth Psalme. Dust, coales, and such trash, in secret, will overthrow the stomacke, and make the wholsomest food, loath­some: [Page 36] so will sinne, if we harbour with delight a close iniquity under our tongue, it will nauseate all the saving truths of Jesus Christ gloriously held out in his Gospell, and hinder the growth of grace.

Lastly, conscionably use the Ordi­nances of God, doe not as many for custome, formallity; but hoc age, doe it in the integrity and simplicity of con­science; the Law and statutes of GodPs. [...]9.7, 8. are beneficiall, that which issues out of the Sanctuary increasesEzek. 47.12., when pray, read, receive, exercise your selves conscionably, and your benefit will be profitably discovered to all.

PAƲL by the will of God, sepa­rated to the Gospell for the Churches sake of the Gentiles, renders the worke of his Mini­stry faithfull as to others, to this Church of Ephesus; which after his Apostolicall salute in the first and second verses, doth magnifie the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings in heavenly places in Christ, verse the third. A­mongst which precious excellencies, this in the Text for the consolation of the faithfull in Christ, is little inferiour to life everlasting, this being the trou­blesome obstacle to a beleeving soule till it apprehend Jesus Christ, in whom [Page 40] it hath redemption, &c.

Doct.The Text contains this truth, fully to redeeme from sinne, cost no lesse then the bloud of Jesus Christ, or the bloud of the Saviour is the redemption of the Saints. That this is so, why this is so, and what use hereof, are the three things I shall burthen your memory and patience with at this time.

That it is so, appeares by the Text: 1. In whom, that is, in Christ, verse 3. in whom elected, ver. 4. predestinated unto adoption, ver. 5. in whom we are accepted, ver. 6. In whom redemption, as in the Text: We, the Saints, &c. faith­full, ver. 1. blessed with all spirituall blessings, ver. 3. Select Paul, elect Ephe­sians in Christ, In whom we have re­demption, freedome, full plentifull free­dome, the word in the Originall having a Preposition added, speaks the perfe­ction of the redemption: To take re­demption as in reference to the body or soule here, body and soule hereafter, no redemption but by Christ, in whom full redemption; Redemption is said to be fourefold.

First, by Manumission, as Lords, their vassels freely discharging, so Christ by [Page 41] his grace freely justifying.Rom. 3.24

Secondly, by permutation or change, as in warres; so Christ himselfe bare our sinnes in his owne body on the Tree1 Pet. 2.24.; the wrath of the Father went downe in the Sonne to redeeme the Saints: he suffered in his body that we might be redeemed in our soules; so a redemption.

Thirdly, by violent ablation; so Abra­ham rcscued Lot; so Christ redeemed his, having spoiled Principallities and Powers; blotting out the handwriting of Ordinances that was against us, ta­king them out of the way,Col. 2.14. and through death destroyed him that had the power of death, delivering them, who through feare of death, were all their life-time subject to bondage.Heb. 2.14, 15.

Fourthly, by price and ransome; so slaves and captives are redeemed from the thraldome of cruell Turks, and the hands of barbarous enemies: Thus Christ redeemeth his also captived un­der captivity, yee are bought with a price1 Cor. 6.10, not with corruptible things of silver and gold, but with the precious bloud of Christ himselfe, that immacu­late Lambe1 Pet. 1.18, 19.. In whom we have, &c. [Page 42] Through his bloud: that is, the shed­ding & oblation of his bloud. As in the Law the bloud of buls and goats sancti­fyed to the purifying of the flesh: so Christ by the sacrificing of his bloud obtained thorow sanctification,Heb 9.14. and eternall redemption, verse the tenth. In whom, &c.

The forgivenesse of our sinnes: That is, Remission, or as the word signifies, retromission, or sending backe againe from the soule to the first Originall the Father of all sinne: A full remission from the defilement and destruction, from the guilt and curse, from the do­minion and power; by his bloud, from the guilt of sinne; and by his spirit, from the power: In a word, from all that re­lates to, or attends upon the blacknesse and darknesse of sinne. The forgivenesse of sinnes: The forgivenesse, not only by the bloud of Christ have we re­demption Col. 1.20., or sanctification Heb. 9.14., but remission also, as in the Text; soCol. 1.14. in whom we have redemption by his bloud, even the forgivenesse of sinnes. John in his RevelationRev. 1.5. confesses that Christ washed us from our sinnes by his bloud; and to fetch the record [Page 43] (bearing witnesse to this truth) as high as heavenRev. 5.9. the foure and twenty Elders acknowledge, Thou wert slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy bloud, out of every kindred, tongue, people, and Nation. Agreeing to this, is that of1 Joh. 1.7., and the bloud of Jesus Christ his Sonne cleanseth us from all sinne. Hath a poore soule need to be healed? Christ is a Physitian to cure him; doth thy soule parch and burne within thee? Christ is a fountaine to refresh thee; art thou laden with the unsupportable burthen of thy sinnes? Christ is righteousnesse to ease thee; if thou fearest the stroke of death, he hath for thy poore beleeving soule the gift of eternall life; and if thou walk mourn­fully apprehending damnation for sinne, he hath redemption for thee from sinne, as in the Text. The Reasons follow.

Christ only acceptable to God, the Reas. 1 heavens are not cleane in his sight, he chargeth his Angels with folly, the quire of Heaven and Saints in earth are not well-pleasing in his sight, di­stinct from Christ; he is the Son of his Love, he the Son of his complacency, of his delight, in whom only he is well-pleased [Page 44] Mat. 3 17., and in the verse before my Text, he hath made us accepted in the beloved; all the oblations Legall, and offerings Ceremoniall, had a redolent savour in the pure nosthrils of the Al­mighty, as they stood in reference to Christ. Without God none could please God, saith Ambrose; whatever is pre­sented to the Father without the Son, is said to be unprofitable, and unaccep­table; as the High-priest offered all in the time of the Law, so the Lord Jesus presents all in the time of the Gospell, without him nothing is accepted: ther­fore of him the Saints have all, to, and of, redemption. This is the first Reason, the second followes.

Reas. 2 He only able to satisfie divine ju­stice, thousands of Rammes, ten thou­sands of rivers of oyle unsatisfactory; to give the fruit of the body for the sinne of the soule, and the first-borne for my transgressionM [...]c 6.6., It will neither be pleasing to God, nor satisfactory to divine justice; the leaprous person was to be cleansed by the bloud of the little birdLev. 14.51., and the leaprous soule is to be purified and redeemed from all its sinne and uncleannesse by the bloud of Jesus [Page 45] Christ, that bird of Paradise, the coele­stiall Pellican, that sacrificed himselfe to death to save his to everlasting life: when sinne was to be remitted, it was to be put upon another, none must ex­pect a satisfaction in or from himselfe; the sinnes of the people were to be put upon the Scape-Goat: Thus they were deliveredLev. 16., to teach us under the Gos­pell, our sinnes must be put upon Christ to be the only satisfaction to Almighty justice.

Two things are required of such as satisfie Gods justice.

First, he that satisfies must be free from all sinne: if any man under Christ, saith he have no sinne, he deceives him­selfe, and the truth of God is not in him;1 John 1.9. Christ in every thing like us, sinne only excepted: his enemies being Judges he hath done all things well; so he, he only free from sinne, can satisfie Gods ju­stice.

Secondly, that which satisfies must be pure, only pure in the offering, and such oblations, sacrifices, poore mortals cannot tender to their God, there is iniquity in their holy things, they are unprofitable, and come short of grace [Page 46] now, and must of glory for ever, if the Lord be not freely gracious in accep­ting, as bestowing: Oh the wants and weaknesse in our hearing, praying, in our duties, graces, uncleane, uncleane, imperfect, imperfect in all, but Christ a pure and holy offering unto the Lord: hence in the Law, when the High-priest went for an atonement, he only entred into the Sanctum Sanctorum, & in the Gospell, Christ trode the wine-presse of his fathers wrath aloneIsa. 63.3., and thats the second reason.

Reas. 3 Thirdly, that the glory of our redemp­tion may redound to the praise of God in Jesus Christ; whose is the worke, 'tis fit theirs should be the honour: Hos feci, tulit alter honores, is inju­stice; rich mercy, full merit is the ground worke and foundation of all our excellency. The Saints good and com­fort ariseth from the free grace of the Father, and the full merit of the Sonne, and why to man or Angell should the glory be given? when Scriptures speake any thing of this spirituall bles­sing, redemption, or forgivenesse of sins, there is usually annexed a doxology or blessing, asRev. 1.5, 6 So Rev. 5.9, 12. Col. 1.12, 14. 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. with this in the Text, [Page 47] as appeares in the third verse; and thus of the third Reason.

That the Type might correspond Reas. 4 with the Antetype; the Law and the Gospell might answer one the other: In the Law the bloud was sprinkled round about the Altar, to intimate, that nothing is of worth but by the force of Christs bloud: and as without bloudshedding no remissionHeb. 9.22., so no forgivenesse of sinne but by the bloud of Christ: herein is a large field, but I hasten to the Uses.

Instruction;Use instr. If the bloud of the Sa­viour be the redemption of the Saint, learne we first, what an unhappy and cursed thing sinne is, the forgivenesse whereof cost no lesse then Christs dea­rest hearts bloud, it deludes us to defile us, it defiles us to destroy us, that our poore (yet precious) soules should pe­rish for ever without remedy, but for Christ in whom we have, &c. Sinne Dalilah-like, speaks fairly, acts friendly, for her advantage; but when oppor­tunity serves, then shall Sampson smart for it; Adam bemocks himselfe to a being made immortall, and doomes his selfe, and posterity as low as death [Page 48] and deep as hell, When he had faire promises to be as God, high as heaven, lofty as Eternity; by eating the forbid­den fruit, fruit though pleasant in the taste, bitter in the bowels as everlasting burning; cursed sinne as a leaprosie and plague infects and overspreads all de­grees, faculties, persons, estates, souls, bodies, insnaring millions to the eter­nall, infernall tortures of devouring Tophet, as impossible to avoid, as in­tolerable to endure, without the bloud of Jesus Christ, in whom we, &c. Oh that the Lord would enlighten our un­derstandings to see sinne in its naked­nesse, then we would (as purity it selfe) hate it with a perfect hatred: Did we consider aright that Christ is so long in sorrow as we are in sinne, would we thus transgresse? Unhappy Oath, curse, security, unbeliefe, sinne of what sort or condition soever, crucifying the Lord of glory, unpardonable but by the al­sufficient merit of Jesus Christ. What meant in the Law an oblation of a He­goat for a sin-offering? but to teach us that sinne is of an odious sent, and an ill savour in the nosthrils of the Lord: Oh cursed sinne, when not all the Saints [Page 49] on Earth, nor all the Seraphicall spirits in heaven can expiate that sinne which notion called the least: Oh that the children of men, and the Sons of God would apprehend the Lord speaking to a soule, as once Leah to Jacob: I have hired thee with my sonnes Mandrakes, thou must come unto me. So the Lord to our soules, ye are mine, you must come unto me by faith, love, obedience; I have bought thee with my Sonnes teears, sufferings and bloud; precious soules, set your esteeme on every sinne, as is the redemption, and it will speake you to remember how unhappy and cursed a thing sinne is, when for the pardon thereof it cost no lesse then the unvaluable bloud of the Sonne of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we, &c.

Is the bloud of the Saviour the re­demption Use 2 of the Saints? learne hence how deare and precious in the sight of Jesus is the soule of the Saints: Oh the tender love of Christ to a poore Chri­stian; as the relation speaks him, a friend, a brother, a Father, a Spouse, a Creatour, each tearme speaks him in­gaged to love: so his love beyond mea­sure, so deare, tender, unparalell'd, to be [Page 50] admired, not to be expressed; greater love then this can no man shew. What greater then this could God declare? his love engaged that piety be scour­ged, and impiety by his stripes healed; it was content wisedome it selfe be derided, and folly passe unscoffed; truth suffers, and falshood triumphs; Justice is condemned, and unrighteousnesse escapes free away; mercy is afflicted for cruelty; life resignes it selfe to death, to preserve the damned from the sting thereof: In a word, God dyeth once, that man might live for ever; by right propriety, he doth redeem the poor soul as his creature, by right of propinqui­ty, redeems man as his creature-Saint: he undertooke that which would have mouldred ten thousands of men to dust to have endured, and attomed the myri­ads of Angels to have suffered. Oh the depth, breadth, length, height of Christs love, speaking to the Father in a loftier expression then Paul to Philemon concerning Onesimus, I beseech thee for my sonne Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, formerly unpro­fitable to thee; I Paul have written it with my owne hand: Holy Father [Page 51] I beseech thee for this my poore soule, whom by my Gospell I have begotten, to thee formerly unprofitable, unservice­able, and yet unfruitfull enough, but let me obtaine all his sinnes to be laid upon my shoulders; 'tis thy beloved Sonne, that Sonne in whom thou art well pleased, I have writ it, and sealed it, with no lesse then my precious bloud: Behold, love, love and admire! was not, was not Rebeckah's love great to Ja­cob? doe as I advise, the curse be on me and the blessing on thee: so Jesus Christ, Soule, follow my advice, doe as I bid, and all the blessings of thy Father be upon thee, and if any curse, let it light on me, for in me thou shalt have redemption: Oh, see as to serve Christ for his love, and thy redemptions sake, deare and tender, when his life is not spared, that thy sinne may be pardoned, and soule saved in the day of the Lord. You see then how deare a Saint is to Christ; thus of the first Use.

Deale faithfully O ye beloved of the Lord,2. Ʋse is of exam. and examine whether or no you can say, in him we have redemption: David speaks of the goings of God in his Sanctuary, the singers before and [Page 52] the minstrels follow after: O holy, O happy progresse; so may I behold the soule going to, and comming with par­don of sinnes; try we first by what precedes and goes before, then see what followes after remission of sinnes, so may we apprehend terrour or comfort to a remitted or unforgiven soule: This I premise, the foregoings of a pardoned soule, are not to be looked on as causes, though conditions, or as kind of quali­fications that support a soule to hope­full comfort.

1. Try and examine whether or no you sence your sinnes deeply, I cannot instance in whom sinne was pardoned comfortably, that was never sensed deeply; the experimentall Christian knew once sadly, as truly, it lay a load upon his soule, and a burthen upon his spirit, that nothing but a secret support kept him from resigning up infinite mercy: A load to a griefe, a griefe and load with a witnesse, and can it be lesse to thy soule when such a dishonour to thy God, A curse to thy Christ, a grief to thy spirit, a sadning to Angels, and a vexation to all the Saints of God? a deep sence as that reported of Queen [Page 53] Mary, were my heart unript, you should find the losse of Callice there; so the soule, were my heart uncased, it would be knowne to men and Angels, and is knowne to the Lord that knowes all secrets; never any sorrow like this, never any burthen to my spirits as this; my unbeliefe, my unprofitablenesse, my deadnesse, my unworthy walking to that high calling and rich mercy, to which I am called, and which I have received, none like my sinne, a burthen too heavy for me to beare, If I have not a supply from my Christ, in whom I hope to have redemption: Try whe­ther suffering or sinning most burthen thy soule, 'tis that which is deeply sen­sed, if hopefully to be pardoned.

2. The soule before it comfortably can expect the forgivenesse of sinne, feares dreadfully, to this dread and feare the poore soule must needs step. When it senseth sinne deeply, apprehends it rightly, dismay, terrour, must appale the spirit, and affright the heart; when the soule looks on the sinnes many and mighty, that every sinne is a crucifier of Christ, and not feare, and not be trou­bled, 'tis impossible: When David ap­prehended [Page 54] his sinnePsal. 38.3. There is no rest in my bones because of sinne, ver. 6. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly, I goe mourning all the day long feare and trembling make all my bones and every veine of my heart to shake: If appre­hending of judgement will make the quaffing Belteshazzer shake and trem­ble, what must the deep apprehension of sinne and judgement too? When the malefactor perceives the sentence of death passed upon him, Oh what a shaking stupid trembling fals upon him? so a poore soule receiving the sentence of death in himselfe; oh what feare, what amazement, and horrour? unspeakable; the apprehension of sinne discovers the frownes of an everliving, and ever-gracious Father, this trou­bleth a soule to astonishment; the pro­mise is, God will come and save you, the Lord will come with recompence and vengeance (oh sweet) vengeance on thy sinnes, recompence on thy poore desires; but what goes before, to whom is this salvation engaged? to the fear­full heartIsa. 35.4., Try, hast, dost feare sinnes curse, heavens anger? hope thy Saviour is working a pardon for thee his Saint.

[Page 55]Once more, if thy soule be pardoned, then it hath been throughly humbled, will not experience tell you, reason in­forme you, when a sinne is deeply sen­sed, a soule is terribly afraid, and how can it then but be throughly humbled, how should it lesse? When the pro­mises of the Lord are engaged to com­fort the broken, contrite, and humble soule, and the Lord of Promises inhabi­ting Eternity, inthrones himselfe in such a souleIsa. 57.15., when the day of expiation was, the soule was to be afflictedLev. 23., why but to hint as God was ready to shew himselfe mercifull, so the people ought to shew themselves humble. A childe when faulty, or servant guilty, expect no favour except they be sub­missive: so a poore soule, little hope of mercy till humble. Repent, for the king­dome of heaven is at hand, that king­dome that affords the subduing of, and pardon for sin to a poore penitent hum­ble soul: Try, hast bin humbled for every sinne, as any sinne? hast sentenced thy selfe to hell? hast been afraid to come before God? lying low in thy eyes, worth nothing but confusion? hast ag­gravated thy sinne against such a God, [Page 56] such a Father; faire hopes for a gracious pardon.

Lastly, Try, hast sought, dost seeke with all earnestnesse and intensenesse of soule and spirit? making it the great request, that the Lord vouchsafe pardon and forgivenesse to thy poore soule? When a man is in danger of the Kings wrath, will he not endeavour a compo­sition? and when a poore soule sees it selfe by sinne, in danger of hell, will it not seeke the Lord while he may be found? and call upon him while he is neare? by and by the Lord will abun­dantly pardon: How earnestly will a condemned malefactor sue and cry, good my Lord, mercy, mercy my Lord I beseech you for Christs sake: even so the soule sentenced to the gates of death, and chambers of hell, hearing the God of sinners is a mercifull God, in all duties, upon all opportunities, seeks for redemption, the forgivenesse of their sins, crying for Christs sake to find grace; the soule knowes well that prayer breaks downe the banke of sinne, and makes a sluce for the streames of di­vine pardon to flow amaine to a pray­ing soule. Pray if perhaps the thoughts [Page 57] of the heart may be forgiven, was the advice of Simon Peter to Simon Ma­gus Acts 8.22; when a soule knowes it is blessed in heavens accompt, if the sins be remittedPsa. 32.1., what can impead the soule from making out with such ear­nestnesse that neither lets it selfe nor the Lord be quiet till a pardon be sea­led, by this time I conceive the Lord Jesus discovers himselfe to the soule, the one, the only one in whom it hath redemption, &c.

These precedent foregoings for par­don, experience will attest sure enough, lets heare the minstrels which follow after.

First, the soule accepts thankfully; who can expresse the gratitude? the gladdest tydings and joyfullest newes that could be related to a poore droop­ing Christian, that all the day and night long crys out, oh my sinnes; oh my sins. How thankfull will a poor bedrid man be to his Physitian that is instrumentall to his inlargement? how thankfull a prisoner endungeoned for his free­dome? or a condemned person at the place and minute of execution to heare and see a pardon? And what thanks [Page 58] unutterable to the Lord will a poore soule render? what huggings, and em­bracings? what speakings and actings of thanks? till obtained; deep load, dreadfull feare, humble dejection, and earnest seeking, now an answer of peace enjoyed, how thankfull? Hig­gaion Selah can best expresse though farre beneath the thanks of a soule re­deemed by the bloud of Christ. Try if thy soule hath gladly accepted, joyfully received this unspeakable mercy, by the returne of ineffable soul-hearty thanks; canst thou in some measure subscribe toRev. 1.5., or toRev. 9., or this third verse, to blesse God as for other, so for this his spiri­tuall blessing, redemption, forgivenesse of sinnes? a comfortable signe. To pro­ceed.

Secondly, a soule pardoned will henceforth shun sinne carefully; it well knowes there is forgivenesse with the Lord, that he may be feared; the childe once flamed or gasht will feare the burning fire, and cutting knife long after; the prisoner coopt up to hard­ship and dungeon-straights, released, will be fearfull of debts and sin againe: And shall not a soule long fetter'd by [Page 59] the hellish guilt and apprehension of sinne, redeemed through the only worth of Christs all-meritorious bloud, dare to meddle with sinne, the way to hell as hell it selfe? The pardoned soule knowes there is only one Physitian to afford forgivenesse, to attaine his care and cure, a worke and labour of highest difficulty: nor can the sonne of man, or Daughter of Jerusalem bee more watchfull over an unparalleld glasse, than the pardoned sinner, over his soul, fearing if once broken, hard, if ever possible, to bee repaired. The appre­hension of this made one of the Anci­ents to say, Till sinne hath done as much for me as God, I will have no­thing to doe with the stoole of iniqui­ty. Try precious soule, canst say, I have washed my feet, how shall I de­file them? gracious pardon hath cast off the ragges of sinne, what have I to doe any more with Idolls? shall such a one as I flee? have I shed so ma­ny teares to the dimming of my eyes, to the breaking of my heart? have I beene oft hurried as low as everla­sting burnings to obtaine a pardon [Page 60] for my sinne? and hath infinite good­nesse enricht my soule in its forgive­nesse? and shall it be in vaine? shall I againe returne with the Dogge to the vomit, and with the Swine to wal­low in wickednesse? God forbid: Ile shunne sinne hereafter carefully; dost thou so? desirest thou truely so? a hopefull signe.

Thirdly, a pardoned soule will live honourably: if once thou gaine Redemption through Christ, thou wilt live like a Saint on earth, yea a Citizen in heaven; yea thou wilt walke like the redeemed of the Lord; not as one imprisoned in a mierie Dungeon, but as one walking in a Paradise of Eden; now as the Pro­digall in a new Garment, a Vesture of Righteousnesse; not as the Brat of Hell, but as heavens Royall Off­spring; not with the menstruous Cloathes of sinfull Adam, but the Candid stole of Christs innocency, daily invested with his holy-day ap­parell: his conversation in heaven, his vaine thoughts dislodged, his frothy words checked, his idle wayes [Page 61] refrained, the whole man Saint-like, hee is bought with a price, hee will glorifie the Lord with body and soule, hee puts to his Seale, tis a sinne with a shame and curse to keep the Labourers hireDeut. 24.15.. A soule that sees his Redemption in Christ, know­eth it cost his precious bloud: should hee live any longer to himselfe, to his former sinnes, hee easily under­stands hee detaines his soule and body from Christ, the purchase of Christ, hee resolves therefore henceforth to know no thing, no person unrelate to Christ, hee hath obtained his par­don, his deportment shall be as Co­heire with Christ, and heire to God of eternall glory, hee will live ho­nourably. Try if you so live and breath, act and affect, that your conversation may be sutable to your priviledge, and all your endeavours answerable to this Princely preroga­tive, the forgivenesse of sinnes: Doest thou labour to exalt the Lord, and magnifie Jesus Christ above sin, crea­ture, selfe? comfortable signes, if not, e contra.

[Page 62]Fourthly, the soule pardoned walks more comfortably than ever: A man long time confined to bed, home, or prison, set free, with what in­ward joy, satisfactory content, his soule is comforted, experience can best expresse; so a poore soule for­merly plunged in ghastly feares, and hellish apprehensions to dwell and live in everlasting darknesse for want of pardon: Now the Lord by his Spirit sealing as full, as free remissi­on, no stranger can intermeddle to relate his joy unspeakable and full of glory, pardon and peace; remission and consolation like Aaron and Hur, hold up Moses hands, support the pardoned soule; Goe in peace, and be of good comfort, thy sinnes are forgi­ven thee bee frequent expressions of holy Writ. When by pardon of my sinne, my soule beholds it selfe once a farre of, now nigh by the bloud of Christ, how can I but rejoyce? the feares, sorrow, trembling, hor­rour, because my sinnes were unpar­doned, dispell'd, must needs create inward joyes unspeakable, for that [Page 63] mine iniquities are forgiven. Try what inward joy and consolation in some measure, at some time, Gods Word affords from Christ, in whom thou hast redemption. Thus for the tryall.

Thirdly,3 Use for Reprehen­sion. this serves to reprove such as cannot say, in him wee have redemption; hath not pardon beene tendred? free, full, long as the sinne? the doome must bee thine, if no redemption by Christ, thou art a Captive to the power of thy lust, and a bond slave to the curse of thy sinne; to an ingenuous spirit, it is misery to bee a prisoner to a superi­our, deep calamity to bee subject to an equall, but a slave to his drudge vexation high; little comfort left for the gallantry of bravest spirits but this, they are enthralled by men, and in that little comfort too, but to bee enslaved under Hels Darling, Heavens scorne, the soules everla­sting shame and confusion, sinne, makes not onely the eare to tingle, heart to tremble, but dumbes, be­cause it doomes to that Lake which [Page 64] burnes with torturing fire and sul­phurous brimstone; whether the pains of sence, or losse be sorest, needs no determination, either enough to fill a soul with the terror of black despaire, well considerJob 20.11., The thoughts of a resurrection speakes the soule glad to returne to dust againe: But hoping better things of you (precious soules) I spare to reprove, and passe to the fourth Use.

4. Use of Comfort.To all you that can say in any mea­sure, my Saviours bloud is my Re­demption, let your soules rejoyce, and all within you blesse his name: For,

First, thou art blessed, as the sweet PsalmistPsa. 32.1., in this happy e­nough, happy in Gods account; what if deprived of earthly contents and enjoyments? yet thou hast remission, forgivenesse, thats worth a thousand Worlds: I deny not (deare soule) but that many have more of bles­sings without, but thou hast that white stone, that new nameRev. 2.17. affor­ding such a consolation within as may fill thy soule with joy ineffable and full of glory.

[Page 65]Secondly, by this assured of Sal­vation; it is the souls trouble, the uncertainty of the reward, so that it workes it out with little below feare and trembling; the forgivenesse of thy sinnes distills with a sweet influence enlightning to salvation: as by the heat I know the fire burnes, by the light I know the Sunne shines, by the pardon of my sinne, I am confident of the salvation of my soule.Luk. 1.77

Thirdly, in this comfort, whatsoe­ver God sends or suffers, tis in mercy; no affront from beneath, no deserti­on from above, no affliction without, no temptation within, but proceeds from a Father as well as from a God: Jonathans Arrowes were shot for David, as at David; the tender Mother gives with a bitter Pill, close­ly Sugar to sweeten: so the Lord, though hee sometimes answers with terrible things, yet hee is the God of salvation, take comfort there­fore.

Fourthly, God will sanctifie thee as well as justifie thee, thou shalt be partaker of his Spirit as well as [Page 66] of his bloud: I know thy soule long­eth to bee sanctified, it shall bee, bee comforted, where God pardons hee purges, so runnes the CovenantEzek. 36.25, 26, 27. seconded by the Apostle John 1 Joh. 1.9. Object.. But here a soule is ready to complaine, there is nothing in me from me, that I should hope of the Lords pardon to me.

Answ.To this I Answer: Hast thou not as much as God looks for? what had the Infant, the Churches Hierogli­phickeEzek. 16. but bloud in it, polluted, defiled? yet God pittied: What had the Prodigall? yet his Father freely pardoned, and joyfully entertained him. Feare not then, for Christs sake, the Lord will doe more than this, in him there is Righteousnesse, Grace, Perfection, Merit enough to redeem from Hell, the nethermost Hell, to save, to save to the highest Hea­vens: Hath not he offered himselfe a Sacrifice for sinne for ever? and will not he for ever perfect them that are sanctified? and will the Lord remember their sinnes and iniquities any moreHeb. 10.12. & 17.? Be comforted there­fore, [Page 67] and if this will not serve, let God himselfe answer such an obje­ction madeIsay 43.22, 23, 24. Exhort.. I hasten to the last Use, Labour to subscribe to this truth, you that cannot say you have redemption through his bloud.