J >fW IH& ¦4. /¦ < ' i«\ 0 L/jw- tfcy?t<7Hfixg,£f a CoUegt. bitm$l£olo>iyA Gift of /Em ms A SYSTEM OF REVEALED RELIGION, IDigesteti unaer proper i^eang, AND COMPOSED IN THE EXPRESS WORDS OF SCRIPTURE: CONTAINING ALL THAT THE SACRED RECORDS REVEAL, I WITH RESPECT TO DOCTRINE AND DUTY. BY THE LATE REVEREND JOHN WARDEN, M.A. REVISED and published by his son, THE REVEREND JOHN WARDEN. A NEW EDITION. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR F. C. AND J. RIVINGTON ; J. CUTHELL j OGLE, DUNCAN, AND CO.; R. PRIESTLEY; G. AND W. B. WHIT1AKER; AND J. NISBET. ' 1819. RECOMMENDATORY LETTER. To Mr. DILLY, Bookseller in London. " SIR, " As you are desirous to have our opinion con cerning the late Rev. Mr. Warden's book, intituled, ' A System of Revealed Religion, &c.' We think it proper to acquaint you, that we approve of the general plan upon which it is formed, and of the manner wherein it is executed. We have read a good, part of the Work, and think it pre ferable to any thing of that sort which hath been hitherto published : so that, in our opinion, it may be of considerable benefit to private Christians in their reading the Scriptures, and be particularly useful to those, whose inclination or pro fession leads them to an accurate study of these sacred books. " We are, " SIR, " Your most obedient humble Servants," WILLIAM ROBERTSON, D.D. Principal of the College of Edinburgh. DANIEL MACQUEEN, D.D. HUGH BLAIR, D.D. JOHN ERSKINE, D.D. GEORGE WISHART, D.D. ALEXANDER WEBSTER, D.D. PREFACE. When a performance is offered to the public on a plan which is thought to be entirely new, some account of the design and nature of the book becomes necessary. To draw mankind from religious dissentions ; to lay before them the great things pertaining to God and salvation in a plain and perspicuous manner, and in the very expressions which the Holy Ghost hath dictated ; and to engage them to a proper attention to the word of God, is the principal design of the following sheets. It has been justly observed, that the Christian Religion has suffered more by disputes and animosities among its professors, than by all the attacks made upon it by its most violent enemies. — In these disputes, the Holy Scriptures are appealed to as the supreme judge of controversy: but, instead of being consulted, in order to direct and form the sentiments of men, they have been called in to support opinions already fixed by prejudice and attachment to a party. Could mankind be persuaded candidly to search the Scriptures, these disputes might be happily ended: for, where the Scriptures have decided, there our assent is due; — where they, have not decided, we may at least conclude, that the debate is not of importance. VI PREFACE. A Work of this kind cannot be easily executed. The Scriptures are written on a variety of subjects, and contain instructions given to men upon different occasions, and living under different dispensations. Hence we frequently find the most important doctrines and precepts, the most illustrious promises and awful threatenings, intermixed with a narrative, a prayer, or a hymn of praise. Though it be difficult, yet it is certainly practicable, to bring together the whole that the Scriptures contain, on the great articles of our holy Religion, under their several heads: — and, when the passages are properly arranged^ they will throw a light on each other; and the meaning will be, in this manner, often found with more ease and certainty) than by the most elaborate ex positions of many commentators. The greatest part of Christians bestow but little time and labour in searching the Scriptures : — But, when the truths of God are set before them in the manner proposed, this might have the happy effect of engaging their attention, of increasing their know ledge of divine things, of assisting their devout meditations, and of animating them in the practice of their Christian duty. These are the great objects the Author had in view in the. following undertaking. The benefit which the public teachers of Religion may receive from it, he will not insist upon; because the usefulness of the work in this light, if Tightly executed, is apparent. In order to gain the important purposes now mentioned, he apprehended that these three rules were to be ofbserved : 1st, That all which the Scriptures contain, relating to any PREFACE. Vll one article of faith or practice, should be fairly quoted under its respective head. This the Author has attempted ; so that every chapter may be considered as a separate discourse. 2dly, That the texts be arranged in a proper order, such as may add to their perspicuity, and, at the same time, illustrate the subject. 3dly, It will be of great consequence, in a Work of this kind, that it be executed in such a manner as may render the reading connected and agreeable ; and that every chapter be in the form of a regular and continued discourse. Very often in the same chapter, and sometimes in a few verses, we find the inspired Author addressing himself to men, directing his prayer to God, and introducing the Almighty as declaring his will. Where the subject would admit of it, each of these are carefully distinguished. By not attending to these rules, many valuable collections of Scripture texts do not seem rightly to answer the purposes for which they were designed. Of this sort of collections are, Scripture Sufficiency, published anno 1676 ; A Common place Book to the Bible, published anno 1697 ; and some others that have appeared since that time. The collection which the Author most approved of, was The Christian Institutes, by Dr. Gastkel, late Bishop of Chester ; but the small size of that book plainly shows he had no view of taking in the whole that the Scriptures reveal on the several articles of religion; and he hath said in his preface, that he hath not attempted to lay them before us in the form of a continued discourse. The Author of the following sheets, therefore, looked on this as a work, in some respects, entirely new. Whether he Vlll PREFACE. hath observed the rules laid down, must be submitted to the reader. For more than six years he employed in it every hour he could spare from his ministerial duties, and other necessary affairs : — he sought the advice of the most accu rate and judicious divines he could have access to; — and, with the warmest gratitude, he acknowledges the peculiar care with which they revised his4 compositions, and the friendly candour with which they communicated their remarks. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. PART I. OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. Page Chap. I. That there is but one God 1 II. That He is Invisible »••• 4 III. That He is Incomprehensible, or infinitely Great* • • • 5 IV. That He is Eternal 8 V. That He is Unchangeable •••• 10 VI. That He is Independent, and that all things depend on Him • 11 VII. That He is infinite in Knowledge 14 VIII. That He is unerring in Wisdom 20 IX. That God is of almighty Power 23 X. Of this as manifested in the Creation of the Universe. 27 XI. Of thisas manifested in his -Providence 34 XII. Of this as manifested in the Government of the World, or of the Dominion of God 40 XIII. Of the Holiness of God, or the absolute rectitude and perfection of his Nature 57 XIV. Of His Goodness 59 XV. OfhisMercy 72 XVI. Of his Justice 79 XVII. Of His Faithfulness and Truth 87 XVIII. Of God as the Supporter and Preserver of all his CrG3.tu.rGs #«¦»#•#•••»•*••»•>•••••••••••••••••• Ql XIX. OfGod as Judge of all the earth 100 XX. Of the Majesty and Condescension of God ; and that He is the sole object of Adoration 110 PART II. OF HUMAN NATURE. Chap. I. Of the Origin and Fall of Man". 125 II. Of his Ignorance, Obstinacy, and Folly 131 CONTENTS. Page III. Of his Depravity 139 IV. Of Man as guilty before God, and liable to punish ment • 158 V. All that he can possess in this State, is both unsatis fying and uncertain 167 VI. His Present State, a State of Mortality 176" VII. Yet he is intended for Immortality 184 VIII. But in this State, can neither extricate himself from his Miseries, nor entertain the hope of future Hap piness, without the Divine interposition 190 PART III. OF THE METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. ARTICLE I. OF THE REDEEMING LOVE OF GOD- 195 ARTICLE II. OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Chap. I. Of the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ 200 II. Of the peculiar circumstances which preceded and attended his Incarnation •• • • 207 III, IV. Of the Designs and Purposes for which he was mani fested in the World. 1. To instruct his People in things .belonging to Salva tion 216 11. To redeem Man from Destruction, and to reconcile him to God • ••«• 529 V. That he is invested with Sovereign Power for perfecting all that believe on him. Gen. Sect. I. A genera] view of this argument • • • • 243 IL This sovereign power of Jesus displayed i . In sanctifying his Church • • 250 2. la Carrying his People through this State of Trial 259 3. In conquering Death, and giving eternal Life to his Followers • • • • 270 VI. Of the Ministry trf John the Baptist, as introducing that of our Lord • 280 VII. Of the Ministry of our Lord upon Earth 285 VIII. Of His last Sufferings 305 IX. Of His Resurrection and Ascension ••• 321 CONTENTS. XI ARTICLE III. OF THE HOLY GHOST. Page Chap. I. Of the Divinity of the Holy Ghost 339 II. Of His extraordinary Operations 342 III. Of His saving Operations 356 PART IV. OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL DISPENSATION. 374 PART V. OF THE GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MANKIND; AND OF THE WAY IN WHICH WE BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE BENEFITS OF THE GOSPEL. Chap. I. Of Faith 392 II. Of Repentance 410 III. Of the Fear of God 445 IV. Of Love to God and Divine Things 462 V. Of Obedience, Holiness, and Righteousness 473 VI. Of the Worship of God •• 492 Sect. I. A general view of Worship, as due to our God and Saviour, and to none else ib. A SYSTEM OP REVEALED RELIGION, &c PART I. OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS, CHAP. I. THAT THERE IS BUT ONE GOD. Sect. 1. The testimony of the Prophets and Apostles to this purpose. — 2. This truth delivered to us as from God himself. — r- 3. The adoration of the Saints is directed to him as the only Lord. Sect. 1. The testimony of the Prophets and Apostles to this purpose. Hear, O Israel, ,. the Lord our God is one Lord*; unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God ; there is none else besides him. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath; there is none elseb. All the gods of the people are idols; but the Lord made the heavens'. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands ; they have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not ; they have ears, but they hear not ; noses have they, but they smell not ; they have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throat: they that make them are like unto them ; so is every one that trusteth § 1. » Deut. vi. 4 » Deut. iv. 35, 39. c 1 Chron. xvi. 96. VOL. 1. B 2 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. in themd: they are altogether brutish and foolish; the stock is a doctrine of vanities. They are vanity, and the work of errors ; in the time of their visitation they shall perish6. Thus shall ye say unto them, the gods that have clot made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens' ; but the Lord is the true God ; he is the living God, and an everlasting king; at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation6. — We knOw that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one; for though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many); but to us there is but one God the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him\ There is one God and one Mediator between God and men1. There is one law giver, who is able to save, and to destroy11 ; — who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality1; the one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all"1. Who is God save the Lord ? or who is a rock save our God" ? There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help ; and in his excellency upon the sky". Let them praise the name of the Lord ; for his name alone is excellent ; his glory is above earth and heaven p. Sect. 2. This truth delivered to us, as from God himself. Thus saith the Lord that created the heavens, God himself that formed the earth and made it, I am the Lord, and there is none else. They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together; who hath ¦> Psal. cxvv4— 8. e Jer. x. 8, 15. ' Jer. x. 11. « Jer. x. 10.* h 1 Cor. viii. 4, 5, 6. '1 Tim. ii. 5. k James, iv. 12. » 1 Tim. vi. 15, 16. ¦> Eph. iv. 6. » Psal. xviii. 31. ° Deut. xxxiii. 26. >> Psal, cxlviii. 13. Chap, 1.] THAT THERE IS BUT ONE GOD. S declared this from ancient time ? who hath told it from' that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else ; a just God and a saviour ; there is none beside me ; for I am God, and there is none else2. See now that I, even I am he, and there is no God with me : I kill and I make alive ; I wound, and I heal ; neither is there any that can deliver out of my handb. I am the Lord thy God ; and thou shalt know no god but mec : thou shalt have none other gods before me*1. Thus saith the Lord, the king of Israel, and his rer deemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there is no god*. I am the Lord that maketh all things ; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone, that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself. Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen ; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he : before me there was no god formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I am the Lord, and beside me there is no saviour. Yea, before-ihe day was, I am be. I am the Lord your holy One ; the .creator of Israel, your kingf. Sect. S. The adoration of the Saints is directed to him as the only Lord. O Lord God of Israel, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms 0/ the earth*; for thou art great, O Lord God ; there is none like thee, neither is there apy God beside thee b. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord, neither are there .any works like unto thy works'. Are theve among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain ? or cap the heavens give showers? Art not thou be, O Lord our God? therefore we will wait upon theed. There i$ nope holy as the Lord ; for there is none beside thee ; neither }s there any rock like our Gode. O Lord aur God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us ; but by § 2. »Isa,slv. 18, 20, 21, 22. b Deut. xxxii. 39. " Hos. xiii. 4. d Deut. v. 7. e Isa. ,xliv.i6, 24. ' Isa. xliii. 10, 11, 18, 15. § 3. a 2 Kings, xix. 15. b 2 Sam. vii. 22. c Psal. lxxxvi. 8. d Jer. xiv. 2». e 1 Sam. ii. 2. * See Isa. xlv. 5. 4 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. thee only will we make mention of thy namef. Ashur shall not save us, we will not ride upon horses, neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ye are our gods8. We will rejoice in thy salvation ; and in the name of our God we will set up our banners'1. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee? glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders1. Lord God of Israel, there is no god like thee in heaven above, or on earth beneath \ Thou whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth'. CHAP. II. THAT GOD IS INVISIBLE. God is a spirit; and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth*. — He is the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God b; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto ; whom no man hath seen, nor can see'. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape d. To whom then will ye liken God ? or what likeness will ye compare unto him'? O that I knew where I might find him ! that I might come even to his seat ! I would order my course be fore him, and fill my mouth with arguments. Behold I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him ; on the left hand where he doth work, but I cannot behold him ; he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see himf. Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not ; he passeth on also, but I perceive him nOts. He holdeth back the face of his throne and spreadeth his cloud upon ith : but he knoweth the way that I take*. ' Isa. xxvi. 13. er Hos. xiv. 3. » Psal. xx. 5. f Exod. xv. 11. * 1 Kings, viii. 23; • Psal. lxxxiii. 18. Ch. II. » John, iv. 24. D 1 Tim. i. 17. « 1 Tim. vi. 16. <¦ John, v. 37. e Isa. xl. 18. ' Job,xxiii;3,4, 8, 9. - Job, ix. 11. >> Job, xxvi. 9. ' Job, xxiii. 10. Chap. 3.] GOD IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE, &C. 5 No man hath seen God at any time*; But the in visible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power, and Godhead'. The heavens declare the glory of God ; and the firmament showeth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world1™. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he who is of God, he hath seen the Father". The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him". CHAP. III. THAT GOD IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE, OR INFINITELY GREAT. Sect. 1. This truth testified by the Prophets and Apostles. — 2. Delivered to us as from the mouth of God himself. — 3. And asserted in the praises of his servants. Sect. 1. This truth testified by the Prophets arid Apostles. Behold, God is great, and we know him not* ; touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice b. Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection ? It is as high as heaven ; what canst thou do ? Deeper than hell ; what canst thou know ? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the seac. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised : his greatness is k John, i. 18. ' Hom. i. 20. m Psal. xix. 1 — 4. n' John, vi. 46. ° John, i. 18. § 1. ' Job, xxxvi. 26. ^ Job, xxxvii. 23. « Job, xi. 7, 8, 9. 6 of god and his Perfections. [Parti. unsearchable". — He fille.th all in- air. The heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain himf : the whole earth is full of his gloryE. His glory covered/ the heavens ; and the earth is full of his praise h. Great things doth he^ which We cannot comprehend1 : great things past finding out ; yea, and wonders without number k. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand ? and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and Weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a ba lance1 ? Behold the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance : be hold; he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. All nations before him are as nothing ; and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity"1. Have ye not known ? Have ye not heard ? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he that sitteth upon the circle, of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers ; that stretcheth out the heavens as a cur tain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in". Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number : he calleth them all by names ; by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power, not one faileth*. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out p! His name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven '. Sect. 2. Delivered to us as from the mouth of God himself. Thus saith the Lord*, I am that I am*. — The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool : Where is the house that ye build unto me ? and where / d Psal. cxlv. 3. c Eph. i. 23. ' 2 Chron. ii. 6. « Isa. vi. 3 . * Hab. iii. 3. • Job, xxxvii. 5. k Job, ix. 10. ' Isa. xl. 12. ¦> Isa. xl. 15, 17. n Isa. xl. 21, 22. ° Isa. xl. 26. " Rom. xi. 33. *i Psal. cxlviii. 13. § 2, * Isa. kvi. 1. b Exod. iii, 14. Chap. 3.] GOD IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE, &C 7 is the plaqe of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made0. Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places, that I shall not see him ? Do not I fill heaven and earth ? saith the Lord d. Sect. 3. Asserted in the praises of his servants. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! who hast set thy glory above the heavens *. Blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou art Lord alone : thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host; the earth, and all things that are therein; the seas, and all that is. therein; and thou preservest them all, and the host of heaven worshippeth thee b. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment; who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain ; who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters ; who raaketh the clouds his chariot ; who walketh upon the wings of the wind c. The mountains saw thee, and they trembled ; the overflowing of the water passed by; the deep uttered his voice, andlift up his hands on high; the sun and moon stood still in their habitation'1. Thou God seest me ' : O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me ; thou knowest my down-sitting, and mine up-rising ; thou understandest my thought afar off; thou cohipassest my path, and my lying down ; and art acquainted with all my ways'. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me : it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I fly from thy presence? If I aseend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make ntiy bed in hell, behold t'hou art there; if I take the wings Of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the c Isa. Jxvi. 1,(2. d Jer. xxiii. 23, 24. § 3. » Psalqi yjjL 1. b Neh. jx. 6, 6. c Psalm civ. 1, %, 3. ¦d Hab. iii„4,0, 11. e Gen! xvi. JL3. ' Rs. cxxxi*. 1 , 3, 3. 8 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me: yea the darkness hideth not from thee ; but the night shineth as the day : the darkness and the light are both alike to thee E. When I wake, I am still with thee \ CHAP. IV. THAT GOD IS ETERNAL. Sect. 1. This article taught by Prophets and Apostles. — 2. Revealed as in the words of God himself. — 3. Devoutly acknowledged even by a heathen prince. — 4. Celebrated in the praises of his Saints. Sect. 1. This article taught by Prophets and Apostles. Behold God is great and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out*. He liveth for ever and ever b. His goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting'. One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one dayd. He is, and was, and is to come'. The true God, the living God, and an everlasting King*. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is frOm generation to generation g. Hast thou not known; hast thou not heard; that the everlasting God the Lord fainteth not, neither is weary h ? The Lord shall endure for ever1 ; the Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations k. Happy art thou, O Israel1. The eternal God, is thy refuge; and underneath are the everlasting arms"1. B Ps. cxxxix. 5 — 12. h Psalm cxxxix. 18. § 1. » Job, xxxvi. 26. » Rev. iv. 9. c Micah, v. 2. d 2 Pet. iii. 8. e Rev. j, 4. f Jer,x. 10. J Dan. iv. 3. h Isa. xl. 28. ' Psalm ix. 7. 1 Psalm cxlvi. 16. ' Deut. xxxiii. 29. m Deut. xxxiii. 27. Chap. 4.] THAT GOD IS ETERNAL. 9 Sect. 2. Revealed as in the words of God himself. Thus saith the Lord \ I AM that I am ; — this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations" : for I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever c. Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, I am he, I am the first, I also am the last*1; I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty'. — The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holyf. Trust ye in the Lord for ever ; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength g. Sect. 3. Devoutly acknowledged even by a heathen Prince. I Nebuchadnezzar lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him, that liveth for ever; whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation, to generation*; for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed ; and his dominion shall be even unto the end \ Sect. 4. Celebrated in the praises of his Saints. Lord thou hast been our dwelling place in all gene rations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world ; even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God *. A thou sand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night \ Art thou not from everlasting, O Lord, my God, mine holy one'? Thy throne is -established of- old, thou art from ever lasting*. Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever; and thy memorial throughout all generations6. Of old § 2. a Isa. lxvi. 1. " Exod. iii. .14, 15. c Deut. xxxii. 40. d Isa. xlviii. 12. c Rev. i. 8. f Isa.-lvii. 15. s Isa. xxvi. 4. § 3. » Dan. iv. 34. b Dan. vi. 26. § 4. * Psalm xc. t, 2. b Psalm xc. 4. c Hab. i. 12. ¦ d Psalm xciiL "2. e Psalm cxxxv. 13. 10 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. hast thou 4aid the foundation of the earth ; and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure; yea, air of them shall wax old like a garment: as a vesture shalt thou change therri, and they shall be changed. . But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no endf. Thou, O Lord, remainest for ever, thy throne from generation to generation6. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen \ CHAP. V. THAT GOD 15 UNCHANGEABLE. Sect. 1. The testimony of Prophets and Apostles on this head. — 2. This doctrine delivered to us, as by God himself. Sect. 1. The testimony of Prophets end Apostles on this head. God willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath ; that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation who haye fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us*. God is not a rnan that he should lie, neither the son of man that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it gopd b ? The Lord of hosts bath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his band is stretched out, and who shall turn it back f ? He is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever d : the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning '. The counsel of the Lord staqdeth for ever., the thoughts of his heart to all generations f. ' Ps. cii. 25, 26, 27. * Lwn. v. .19,. >> 1 Tjim, j, 17. § 1. » Heb. vi. 17, 18. b Numb. x«xjji, 19. V..Iqa.*jv, 27. d Heb. xiii. 8. e James, i, .17. f .P.sa'fl? XKSui. U. Chap. 6.] THAT GOD 18 INDEPENDENT, &C. 1 1 Sect. 2. This doctrine delivered to us, as by God himself. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I am the Lord, I change not 3 ; — my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure \ Surely as I have thought, so shall it ; come to pass ; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand '. Hearken unto me, my people, and give ear unto me, O my nation"1. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Hearken unto me ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings; for the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool ; but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation e. CHAP. VI. THAT GOD IS INDEPENDENT, AND THAT ALL THINGS DEPEND ON HIM. Sect. 1. He is the author and possessor of all things.— 2. He has no need of the' services of his creatures.— 3. These truths revealed as by the mouth of God. — 4. They depend entirely on him for every temporal comfort. — 5. And for every spiritual blessing. Sect. 1. He is the author and possessor of all* things. God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwellethnot in temples made with hands ; neither is worshipped with § 2. a Mai. iii. 6. b Isa. xlvi. 1.0. c Isa. xiv. 24. dIsa. Ii. 4. e Isa.fi. 6,7,8. 12 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all, life, and breath, and all things*. Behold the heaven, and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy God; the earth also with all that therein is*. In whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways ' ; who holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved d : who giveth food to all flesh ; for his mercy endureth for ever '. He is the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth f; — the blessed and only potentate ; the King of kings, and Lord Of lords * : for of" him, and through him, and to him are all things ; to whom be glory for ever \ Sect. 2. He has no need of the services of his creatures. Look unto the heavens, and see, and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him ? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him ? or what receiveth he of thine hand ? thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art, and thy righteousness may profit the son of man *. Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy way perfect ? will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment b ? Sect. 3. — These truths revealed as by the mouth of God. Hear, O my people, and I will speak ; O Israel, and I will testify against thee : I am God, even thy God. I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices, or thy burnt offerings to have been continually before me. I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he-goats out of thy § 1. a Acts, xvii. 24, 25. b Deut. *. 14. " Dan. v. 23. d Psalm lxvi. 9. ' Psalm cxxxvi. 25. f Gen. xiv. 19. * 1 Tim. vi. 15. •> Rom. xi. 36. § 2. a Job, xxxv. i— 8. " Job, xxii. 2, 3, 4. Chap. 6.] THAT GOD IS INDEPENDENT, &C. 13 folds : for every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee, for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof*. Will I eat the flesh of bulls ? or drink the blood of goats ? Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most High. And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me\ Sect. 4. They depend entirely on him for every temporal comfort. O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth ; thou hast made heaven and earth*. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty : for all that is in the heaven, and in the earth is thine ; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee ; and thou reignest over all, and in thine hand is power and might, and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto allb; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created'. O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh d, O Lord, thou preservest man and beast', the eyes of all wait upon thee, and thou givest them their meat in due sea son. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living th}ngf. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit %. Sect. 5. And for every spiritual blessing. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts : we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, § 3. » Psalm 1. 7—12. b Psalm 1. 13—15. § 4. * Isaiah, xxxiii. 16. b 1 Chron. xxix. 11, 12. c Rev. iv. 11. d Num. xvi. 22. e Psalm xxxvi. 6. ' Psalm cxlv. 15, 16 ? Job, x. 12. 14 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. . [Part 1. even of thy holy temple* : they shall be abundantly satis* fied with the fatness of thy house ; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures ; for with thee is the fountain of life \ Thou wilt show me the path"" of life ; in thy presence is fulness of joy ; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore '. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings, in heavenly places, in Christ". CHAP. VII. THAT GOD IS INFINITE IN KNOWLEDGE. Sect. I. He knoweth perfectly every thing that hath being. — 2. He discerneth betwixt the righteous and the wicked. — 3. He looks particularly to the hearts and intents of men.- — 4. God introduced as declaring these truths. — 5. His Knowledge of future events. •6. This attribute acknowledged and adored by his servants. — 7. Daniel's doxology. Sect. 1. He knoweth perfectly every iking that hath being. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all* ; his understanding is infinite b. Known unto God are all ,his works from the beginning of the world ' : neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to dod. Secret things belong; unto the Lord our God': he discovereth deep things out of dark ness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death'. He cutteth out rivers among the rocks, and his eye seeth every precious thing : for he looketh to the end of § 5. a Psalm lxv. 4. b Psalm xxxvi. 8, 9. c Psalm xvi. 11. d Eph. i. 3. § 1. * 1 John., i. 5. b Psalm cxlvii. 5. c Acts, »v. 18. d Heb. iv. 13. e Deut. xxix. 29. ' Job, xii. '98. Chap. 7.] GOD IS INFINITE IN KNOWLEDGE. 15 the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven*. Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering11. He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection1. He is perfect in knowledge; he is mighty in strength, and in wisdom k. Times are not hidden from the Almighty ' : for the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth m : and he knoweth all things". Sect. 2. He discemeth betwixt the righteous and the wicked. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good *. The Lord looketh from heaven ; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth : he fashioneth their hearts alike ; he considereth all their works b : his eyes behold, his eye-lids try the children of men'. The ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings'1; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed'. The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous f : he knoweth them that trust in him s. The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him ; and upon them that hope in his mercy ; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive from famine11. He knoweth vain men ; lie seeth wickedness also : will he not then con sider it1 ? — The Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God: for what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him ? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God'\ s Job, xxviii. 10, 24. h Job, xxvi. 6. ' Job, xxviii. 3. k Job, xxxvi. 4, 5. ' Job, xxiv. 1. m 2 Chron. xvi. 9. " 1 John, iii. 20. § H. a Pl-ov. xv. '3. b Ps. xxxiii. 13, 14, 15. c Psalm xi. 4. dProv.V. 31. e 1 Sam. ii. 3. f Psalm i. 6. sNah. i. 7. h Psal. xxxiii. 18, 19. ' Job, xi. 11. k 1 Cor. ii. 10, 11. 16 OF. GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. Sect. 3. He looks particularly to the hearts and intents of men. The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart*. Hell and destruction are before the Lord : how much more then the hearts of the children of men\ The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts': for the Lord seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart4. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes ; but the Lord pondereth the hearts ' : the Lord weigheth the spirits f : the proud he knoweth afar off s ; God knoweth your hearts11. For the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins '. When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth ; that thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are : for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do ; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask himk. Moreover, when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance ; but anoint thine head, and wash thy face ; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father who is in secret ; and thy Father who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly1. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus, saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, I know § 3. * Heb. iv. 12. b Prov. xv. 1 1. q Chron. xxviii. 9. " 1 Sam. xvi. 7. e Prov. xxi. 2. f Prov. xvi. S. e Psalm cxxxviii. 6. h Luke, xvi. 15. ' Psalm vii. 9. Matt. vi. 3—8. ' Matt. vi. 16, 17, 18. Chap. 7.] THAT GOD IS INFINITE IN KNOWLEDGE. L? thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience; and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of satanm. Behold I will cast them into great tribulation; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searcheth the reins and hearts ". But they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High ° ? Can he judge through the dark cloud ? Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not, and he walketh in the circuit of heaven p : the Lord shall not see ; neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand ye brutish among the people ; and ye fools, when will ye be wise ? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear ? He that formed the eye, shall he not see ? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct ? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not. he know q ? He formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought' : for his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings : there is no darkness nor shadow of death where the workers of iniquity may hide them selves ' : for he knoweth the secrets of the heart '. Sect. 4. God introduced as declaring these truths. Thus saith the Lord, the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it ? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins ; even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings * : for mine eyes are upon all their ways ; they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyesb. I know their imagination which they go about'. I know the things that come into your minds, every One. of themd. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark ; and they say, Who seeth us ? and . who knoweth us e ? Behold, even I have seen it, m Rev.ii. 1, 2, 9. ' • n Rev. ii. 22, 23. ° Psalmlxxiii. 11. p Job, xxii. 13, 14. i Psalmxciv.7 — 10. r AukSs, iv. 13: - Job, xxxiv. 31, 22. ' Psalm xliv. 31. § 4. a Jer. xvii. 5, 9, 10. b Jer. xvi. 17. ' Deut. xxxi. 21. d Ezek. xi. 5. e Isaiah, xxix. 15. VOL. I. C 18 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. saith the Lord f. They have committed villany in Israel, and haVe spoken lying words ; even I know, and am a witness8. Can any hide himself in secret places, that I shall not see him ? Do not I fill heaven and earth, saith the Lord"? Sect. 5. His knowledge of future events. — They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea let them take counsel together : Who hath declared this from ancient time ? Who hath told it from that time ? Have not I the Lord* ? Produce your cause, saith the Lord ; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall hap pen; let them show the former things what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them ; or declare us things for to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods : yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. Behold ye are of nothing, and your work of nought ; an abomination is he that chooseth you \ Behold the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare : before they spring forth, I tell you of them0. Remember the for mer things of old ; for I am God, and there is none else, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times, the things that are not yet done ; saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure11. Sect. 6. This attribute acknowledged and adored by his servants. O Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart*, — thou, even thou only know- est the hearts of all the children of men b : for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men '. I f Jeremiah, vii. 11. e Jeremiah, xxix. 23. b Jeremiah, xxiii. 24. § 5. a Isaiah, xiv. 20, 91. b Isaiah, xli. 2 1—24. c Isaiah, xlii. 9. d Isaiah, xlvi. 9, 10. § 6. a Jeremiah, xx. 12. b 1 Kings, viii. 39. c Jeremiah, xxxii. 19. Chap. 7.] THAT GOD IS INFINITE IN KNOWLEDGE. 19 know thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from theed. Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps'? O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my down sitting, and mine up-rising ; thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo ! O Lord, thou knowest it altogether f. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I fly from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there ; if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there; if I take' the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me ; even the night shall be light about me. Yea the darkness hideth not from thee ; but the night shineth as the day : the darkness and the light are both alike to thee : for thou hast possessed my reins ; thou hast covered me in my mother's womb6. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect ; and in thy book all my members were written11. Sect. 7- Daniel's doxology. Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever ; for wisdom and might are his. He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. He revealeth the deep and secret things; he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him*. d Job, xlii. 2^ c Job, xxxi. 4. f Psal. cxxxix. 1 — 4.. s Psal. cxxxix. 7 — 13. . b Psal. cxxxix. 15, 16. §7. "Dan.ii. 20, 21, 22. 20 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. CHAP. VIII. THAT GOD IS UNERRING IN WISDOM. Sect. 1. He is the fountain of wisdom.— 2. His wisdom is unsearchable. — 3. The wisdom of man is foolishness with God. — 4. He giveth wisdom to • them that rightly wait on him. 5. The praises and prayers of his Saints on this head. Sect. 1. He is the fountain of wisdom. Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding * ? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air b ? God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof: for he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven, to make the weight for the winds ; and he weigheth the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder : then did he see it, and declare it ; he prepared it ; yea, and searched it out. And unto man ,he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil is under standing '. Doth not wisdom cry ? and understanding put forth her voice ? Unto you, O men, I call ; and my voice is to the sons of men d. Counsel is mine, and sound wis dom : I am understanding, I have strength'. The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth ; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled ; before the hills was I brought forth. While as yet he had not made the earth, nor^the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world ; when he prepared the heavens, I was there. When he set a compass upon § 1. * Job, xxviii. 12. b Job, xxviii. 21. c Job,xxviii. 23 — 28. d Proverbs, viii. 1, 4. " Proverbs, viii. 14. Chap. 8.] THAT GOD IS UNERRING IN WISDOM, 21 the face of the depth ; when he established the clouds above ; when he strengthened the fountains of the deep ; when he gave -to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment ; when he appointed the foundations of the earth ; then was I by him, as one brought up with him ; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the 'habitable .parts of his earth ; and my delights were with the sons of menf. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. — Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights s. Sect. 2. His wisdom is original and unsearchable. The Lord of hosts is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working a * : he is wise in heart, and mighty in strength \ He hath made the earth by his power ; he hath established the world by his wisdom, and haih stretched out the heavens by his discretion '. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth ; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dewd. Who hath directed the spirit of the Lord, or, being, his counsellor, hath taught him ? With whom took he counsel ? and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding' ? Q the depth both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counsellor f ? f Prov. viii. 22 — 31. e James, i. 5, 17. § 2. a Isaiah, xxviii. 29. b Job, ix. 4. c Jeremiah, x. 12. d Prov. iii. 19, 20. e Isaiah, xl. 13, 14. '< Romans, xi. 33, 34. * See Jeremiah, xxxii. 19. 22 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. IPart 1. Sect. 3. The wisdom of man is foolishness with God. There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel, against the Lord*. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought; he maketh the devices of the people of none effect\ He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprize: he taketh the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong' *. — The wisdom of the . wise men shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid d. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the dis- puter of this world ? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world' ? Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than menf. 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 which are mighty8. Sect. 4. He giveth wisdom to them that rightly wait on him. With him is wisdom and strength: he hath counsel and pnderstanding *. He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding \ — Where is God my maker, who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven'? Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts ? or who hath given understanding to the heart d ? The Lord giveth wisdom ; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding: he layeth up sound wisdom for^the righteous ". He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction f. The only wise § 3. a Prov. xxi. 30. b Psalm xxxiii. 10. « Job, v. 12, 13. d Isaiah, xxix. 14. e 1 Cor. i. 20. f 1 Cor. i. 25. « 1 Cor. i. 27. § 4. a Job, xii. 13. b Daniel, ii. 21. c Job, xxxv. 10, 11. d Job,.xxxviii. 36. e Prov. ii. 6, 7. ' Job, xxxiii. 16. * See Job, xii. 16, 17, 20. Chap. 9.] THAT GOD IS OF ALMIGHTY POWER. 23 God 8 giveth to a man that is good in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy \ — To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church, the manifold wisdom of God !. Sect. 5. The praises and prayers of his servants on this head. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! In wisdom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of thy riches *. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep b. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters ; thy footsteps are not known'. Yet justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne; mercy and truth shall go before thy faced. I esteem all thy precepts, concerning all things, to be right'. Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments f. Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts ; and, in the hidden part, thou shalt make me to know wisdom8. To God only wise be glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever h. CHAP. IX. THAT GOD IS OF ALMIGHTY" POWER. Sect. 1. The testimony of the sacred writers on this head. — 2. His power is terrible to his enemies. — 3. None can withstand it. — 4. Celebrated in the praises arid prayers of his Saints. — 5. The doxology of the Apostle Paul. Sect. 1. The testimony of the sacred Writers on this head. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name ; show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among e Jude, 25. h Eccles, ii. 26. ' Eph. iii. 10. § 5. i Psalm civ. 24. b Psalm xxxvi. 6. c Psalm Ixxvii. 19. d Psalm lxxxix. 14. e Psalm cxix. 128. f Psalm cxix. 73. s Psalm li. 6. Rom. xvi. 27. 24 OF GOD and HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised : he is to be feared above all gods*. Honour and majesty are before him ; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary*. Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength b'|\ Ascribe ye strength unto God : his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds c. The Lord is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he. hath girded himself*1. With God is terrible majesty; touch ing the Almighty, we cannot find him out : he is excel lent in power and in judgment'. If I speak of strength, lo. he is strong f : he is wise in heart, and mighty in strength : who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered s ? Behold God is mighty ; he is mighty in strength and wisdom h. Great is our Lord, and of great power *. He doth great things past finding out ; yea, and wonders without number k. For the , invisible things of God, from the creation of the world, are dearly seen, being understood by the things that are made ; even his eternal power and Godhead1. G od hath spoken once ; twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God m. Hast thou not known ? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary ? He giveth power to the faint ; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength". The Lord will give strength unto his people'0. God is my strength and power; and he maketh my way perfecfj. The Lord is my strength and my shield ; and he is the saving strength of his anointed9-. My flesh, and my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for everr. — Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might8. Trust ye in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength*. § 1. * Psalm xcvi. 2, 3, 4. b Psalm xcvi. 6, 7. ' c Psalm lxviii. 34. d Psalm xciii. 1. « Job, xxxvii. 22, 23'. f Job, ix. 19. *Job,-ix. 4. h Job, xxxvi. 5. ' Psalm cxlvii. 5. kJob, ix. 10. ' Rom. i. 20. m Psalm lxii. 11. n Isaiah, xl. 28, 29. ° Psalm xxix. 11. p 2 Sam. xxii. 33. i Psalm xxviii. 7, 8. ' Psalm lxxiii. 26. 9 Eph. vi. 10. ' Isaiah, xxvi. 4. * 1 Chron, xvi. 27. t Psalm xxix. 1. X See Hab. iii. 19, and Psalm xxvii. 1. Chap. 9.] THAT GOD IS OF ALMIGHTY POWER. 25 Sect. 2. His power is terrible to his enemies. Say unto God, how terrible art thou in thy works ! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee a. Who knoweth the power of thine anger b ? Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron ; thOu shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel c. — The Lord is the true God, and an everlasting king; at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation11. He - ruleth by his power for ever, his eyes behold the nations ; let ,not the rebellious exalt themselves '. If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him f. Sect. 3. None can withstand it. Thus saith the Lord, is my hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem ? or have I no power to deliver*? I am the Almighty Godb. I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for me'? See now that I, even I am he ; and there is no God with me; I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand*. Who then is able to stand before me'*? Sect. 4. Celebrated in the praises and prayers of his Saints. Ah, Lord God, there is nothing too hard for thee, the great, the mighty God, the- Lord of hosts, great in counsel, and mighty in work a ; I know that thou canst do everything b. O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven ? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen ? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee'? In thine hand it is to make great, and to give § 2. a Psalm lxvi. 3. b Psalm xc. 11. c Psalm ii. 9, d Jer. x. 10. e Psalm lxvi. 7. f Job, ix. 13. § 3*. a Isaiah, 1. 1, 2. b Gen. xvii. 1. c Jer. xxxii. 27. d Deut. xxxii. 39. e Job, xii. 10. § 4. * Jer.xxxii. 17,18,19. b Job, xlii. 2. c 2 Chron. xx. 6. * Ezek. xxii. 14. 26 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. strength unto alld. O Lord God thou hast shown thy greatness, and thy mighty hand : for what God is there in heaven or in earth that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might'? Who is like unto, thee, O Lord, among the gods ? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders f? Who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord ? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee g ? Thou hast a mighty arm ; strong is thy hand, and high is thy right handh ! Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound ; for thou art the glory of their strength ; and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted1: for the Lord is our defence, and the holy One of Israel is our kingk. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord ; neither are there any works like unto thy works; for thou art great, and doest wondrous things . Give ear, thou that dwellest between the cherubims ; shine forth ; stir up thy strength, and come and save usm. My soul thirsteth for' thee, my flesh longeth for thee, to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanc tuary". Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thine own strength0.. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and majesty ; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things p. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion ; thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power9. Sect. 5. The doxology of the Apostle Paul. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abun dantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us ; unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world with out end. Amen\ d 1 Chron. xxix. 12. c Deut. iii. 24.. f Exod. xv. 11. e Psalm lxxxix. 6, 8. h Psalm lxxxix. 13. ' Psalm lxxxix.15,17. k Psalm lxxxix. 18. ' Psalm lxxxvi. 8, 10. m Psalm lxxx. 1, 2. " Psalm lxiii. 1, 2. ° Psalm xxi. 13. p' Psalm xiv. 3, 4. i Psalm ex. 2, 3. § 5. ' Eph. iii. 20, 21. Chap. 10.] THE POWER OF GOD IN THE CREATION. 2,7 CHAP. X. OF THE POWER OF GOD AS MANIFESTED IN THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE. Sect. 1. That God is the Creator of all things. — 2. The account of the creation given by Moses. — 3. His account of the creation of man. — 4. The heavens called to praise him as their Maker. — 5. The vanity of idols when compared with the Creator of the heavens and earth. — 6". Scriptural representations of the power of God creating this world. — 7. The obligation on reasonable creatures to worship their Maker. — 8. God represented as declaring himself the Maker of all things. — 9. The adoration and praises of his servants relative to this great character of the Deitv. Sect. 1. That God is the Creator of all things. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear". The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth ; by under standing hath he established the heavens \ By him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth ; visible and invisible ; whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him and for him ' : for of him, and through him, and to him are all things d. Sect. 2. The account of the creation given by Moses. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void ; and darkness was upon the face of the deep ; and the spirit of God moved upon. the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light ; and there was. light a. And § 1. * Heb. xi. 3. b Prov. iii. 19. c Col. i. 16. d Rom. xi. 36. i § 2. a Gen. i. 1, 2, 3. 28 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters ; and let it divide the waters from the waters ; and it was sob. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear ; and it was so '. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself upon the earth ; and it was so d- And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven, to divide the day from the night ; and let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years ; and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also; and set them in the firmament of the heaven, to give light upon the earth'. And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly; and every winged fowl after his kindf. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind ; cattle and creeping thing, and beast of the earth, after his kind ; and it was so. And God saw that it was good g. Sect. 3. His account of the creation of man. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness ; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth*. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul b. And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone : I will 'make him an help meet for him, And the Lord God caused a deep b Gen. i. 6, 7. " Gen. i. 9. d Gen. i. 11. c Gen. i. 14-^17. ' Gen. i. 20, 21. * Gen. i. 24, 25. § 3. a Gen. i. 26. b Gen. ii. 7. Chap. 10.] THE POWER OF GOD IN THE CREATION. 29 sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept ; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man made he a woman, and brought her unto the man ', So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them d. Sect. 4. The heavens called to praise God as their Maker. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He spake and it was done, he commanded and it stood fast*. He alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea ; he maketh Arcturus, ¦ Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south b. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens ; praise him in the heights. Praise ye him all his angels ; praise ye him all his hosts. Praise ye him sun and moon ; praise him all ye stars of light. Praise him ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord ; for he commanded and they were created : he hath also established them for ever and ever : he hath made a decree which shall not pass c. He appointeth the moon for seasons ; the sun knoweth his going down d. All thy works shall praise thee O Lord, and thy saints shall bless thee ". Sect. 5. The vanity of idols when compared with the Creator of the heavens and earth. Every man is brutish in his knowledge ; every founder is confounded by the graven image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them : they are vanity and the work of errors ; in the time of their visitation they shall perish a. The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall c Gen. ii. 18, 31, 22. d Gen. i. 27. § 4. "¦ Psalm xxxiii. 6, 9. b Job, ix. 8, 9. c Ps. cxlviii. 1—6. d Psalm civ. 19. e Psalm cxlv. 10. §5. = Jer. x. 14, 15. 3 30 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. b perish from the earth, and from under these heavens The portion of Jacob is not like them ; for he is the former of all things'-: he hath made the earth by his power; he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion d. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by names; by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power, not one faileth e. Wherefore we preach unto you, that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein f. Sect. 6. Scriptural representations of the power of God creating this world. The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein: for he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods3. He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing15. He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not rent under them. He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end '. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap ; he layeth up the deep in storehouses'1. Who hath gathered the winds in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment ? who hath established all the ends of the earth ' ? Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand? and meted out heaven with the span? and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure ? and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance ? that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in f ? Thy God, O Israel, is he that formeth the moun tains, and createth the wind, that maketh the morning bJer. x. 11. cJer. a. 16. d Jer. x. 12. e Isa. xl. 26. ' Acts, xiv. 15. §6. a Psalm xxiv. 1, 2. b Job, xxvi. 7. * Job, xxvi. 8, 10. d Psalm xxxiii. 7. e Prov. xxx. 4. f Isa. xl. 12, S3. l Chap, 10.] THE POWER OF GOD IN THE CREATION. 31 darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth ; the Lord of hosts is his name E. He layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; he maketh the clouds his chariots ; he walketh upon the wings of the wind \ He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud. By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens1 ; the earth he hath established for ever k. Sect. 7. The obligation on reasonable creatures to worship their Creator. God who made the world and all things therein, seeing that he, is Lord of heaven and earth, giveth to all (life and, breath and all things ; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth *. The Lord he is God ; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves b. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help ; whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven, and earth, the sea and all that therein is c. O come and let us sing unto the Lord ; for the Lord is a great God, and a great king above all gods ; in his hand are the deep places of the earth ;. the strength of the hills is his also; The sea is his, and he made it ; and his hands formed the dry land d. O come, let us worship and bow down ; let us kneel before the Lord our maker e : fear God, and give .glory to him; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters f. Sect. 8. God represented as declaring himself the Maker of all things. Thus saith the Lord, the holy One of Israel, and his Maker a ; the Lord that created the heavens, God himself that formed the earth and made it, he hath established it; he created it not in vain ; he formed it to be inhabited \ I have made the earth and created s Amos, iv. 12, 13. h Psalm civ. 3. , * Job, xxvi, 12, 13. * Psalm lxxviii. 69. §7. a Acts,xvii.24,25,26. * Psalm c. 3. c Psalm cxlvi. 5, 6. d Ps. xcv. 1, 3, 4, 5. ' Psalm xcv. 6. ' Rev. xiv. 7. § 8. a Isa. xiv. 11. b Isa, xiv. 18. 32 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. man upon it: I, even my hands have stretched out the heavens, and all their hosts have I commanded c. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens; when I call unto them they stand up together d. I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; that- giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night f. I form the light, and create darkness ; I make peace and create evil; I the Lord do all these things8*. I am the Lord your holy One, the Creator of Israel, your kingh. Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it ; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein l ; — the Lord who stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him k : I have made the earth,- the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power, and by my outstretched arm1. — I have created him for my glory, I have formed him, yea I have made himm. This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise ". — Who art thou that thou should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass ? and forgettest the Lord thy Maker that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth ° ? Fear ye not r»e, saith the Lord ? will ye not tremble at my presence ; who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree that it cannot c Isa. xiv. 12. i Isa. xlviii. 13. e Isa. xliv. 24. f Jer. xxxi. 35. g Isa. xiv. 7. h Isa. xliii. 15. i Isaiah, xlii. 5. k Zech. xii. 1. l Jer.xxvii. 5. ¦"Isaiah, xliii. 7. " Isaiah, xliii. 21. ° Isaiah, li. 12, 13. * " This text and gome similar passages in scripture are stated in opposi tion to the opinions of the magi, (which prevailed in the eastern countries, particularly in Persia, and was like to creep in among the Jews,) concerning two opposite principles maintaining a continual struggle, in all nature; the one, the author of good, of light, and peace; the other, of evil, darkness, and misery." Chap. 10.] THE POWER OF GOD IN THE CREATION. 33 pass it; and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet' can they not prevail ; though they roar, yet can^they not pass over it D ? Sect. 9. The adoration and praises of his servants, relative to this great character of the Deity. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power ;, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created*. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all b ! Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth °, that it should not be removed for ever: thou coveredst it with the .deep as with a gar ment*1; and the heavens are the work o^ thy hands'. Blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise ; for thou, even thou art Lord alone. Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens^ with all their host, the earth and all things that are therein ; the seas, and all that is therein ; and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth theef. Thy word is settled in heaven ; thou hast established the earth, and it abideth ; they continue this day according to thine ordinances ; for all are thy servants8. The heavens are thine ; the earth also is thine ; as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. The north and south,. thou hast created them \ The day is thine, the night also. is thine; thou hast, prepared the lightiand the sun : thou hast set all the borders, of the earth ; thou' hast made' summer and winter1. O Lofd our. Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ; who hast set thy glory above the . heavens !. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers ; the moon and the stars which, thou hast ordained ; whatisman, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thpu visitest him k ? ;> , O Lord thou art our father, we are the clay, and thou v Jeremiah, v. 22. § 9. a Rev. iv. 11, b Psalm civ. 24. c Psalm cii. 25. a Psalm civ. 5, 6. e Psalm cii. 2$. f Neh. ix. 5, ,6. srPs.cxix. 89,90,91. h Psal. kxxix. 11,12. ' Psalm lxxjv. 16, If. k Psal. viii. 1, 3, 4. VOL. I. p 34 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. our potter ; and we all are the work of thy hand l. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made : for thou hast possessed my reins ; thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. My substance was not hid from thee when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect ; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them m. Thine hands have made me, and fashioned me together round about ; — thou hast made me as the clay ; thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh ; and hast fenced me with bones and sinews". The spirit of God hath made me ; and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life °. Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me ; give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments '. CHAP. XI. OF THE POWER OF GOD MANIFESTED IN HIS PROVIDENCE. Sect. 1. This power displayed in the clouds. — 2. In the stormy winds, in frost and snow. — 3. In the thunder. — 4. In the animal tribes. — 5. This power declared as in words of the Almighty. — 6*. The praises of the Saints of God in the view of his power. — 7. And as it was displayed in bringing Israel out of Egypt. Sect. l.~The power of God displayed in the clouds. I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods : whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places1. Great things doth he which we cannot com- ' Isaiah, lxiv. 8. "> Ps. cxxxix. 13—16. " Job, x. 8, 9, 11. ° Job, xxxm. 4. f Psalm cxix. 73. § 1. a Psalm cxxxv. 5, 6. Chap, il.] ''of the power of god, &c. 35 prehend b ! Who in the heaven can be cOinpared unto the Lord'? Dost thou know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? Hast thou with him spread out the sky d? Can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle6? He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth ; he maketh the light nings for the rain ; he bringeth the wind out of his trea suries f. He maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof; which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly8. By watering he wearieth the thick cloud ; he scattereth his bright cloud ; and it is turned round about by his counsels ; that they may do whatsoever, he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. He causeth it to come whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy h. He covereth the heavens with clouds ; he pre- pareth rain for the earth ; he maketh grass to grow upon the mountains ; he giveth to the beast his food, 'and to the young ravens which cry x. Sect. 2. In the stormy winds, in frost and snow. Praise the Lord from the earth ye dragons and all deeps ; fire and hail, snow and vapours, stormy wind fulfilling his word\ For he saith to the snow, Be thou upon the earth ; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength \ Out of the south cometh the whirlwind ; and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given ; and the breadth of the waters is straitned'. He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth ; his word runneth very swiftly : he giveth snow like wool ; he scattereth the hoar frost like ashes ; he casteth forth his ice like morsels ; who can stand before his cold? He sendeth out his word and melteth them ; he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flowd. b Job', xxxvii. 5. c Psalm lxxxix. 6. d Job, xxxvi. 16, 18. e Job, xxxvi. 29. f Psalm cxxxv. 7. g Job, xxxvi. 37, 28. h Job, xxxvii. 11, 12, 13. ' Psalm cxlvii. 8, 9. § 2. a Psalm cxlviii. 7, 8. b Job, xxxvii. 6. c Job, xxxvii. 9, 10. dPsalmcxlvii. 15 — 18. 3§ OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. Sect. 3. In the thunder. Lo these are parts of his ways ; but how little a portion is heard of him ? — the thunder of his power who can' 'understand3? Hearken unto this, O man, stand, still and consider the wondrous works of God b ! Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth put of his mouth. He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. After it a voice roareth ; he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; God thundereth marvellously with his voice'. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth ; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries d. The voice of the, Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thundereth. The voice of the LoYd is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of Majesty. , The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire ; the voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness '. He removeth the mountains, and they know not ; he over turned them in his anger. He shaketh the earth out of her place ; and the pillars thereof tremble f. He putfeth forth bis hand upon the, rock; he overturned} the moun tains by the roots. He» bindeth the floods from over flowing ; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light8. Tremble^ thou earth*: at the presence of the Lord, at tbei presence of the God of Jacob ; who turned the rock into k standing water, the [flint into a fountain of waters'1. '; ; Sect. 4. In the, an\mqffribes,.m Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee ; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee; or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee, and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought § 3. * Job, xxvi. 14. b Job, xxxvii. 14. c Job, xxxvii. 3 — 5. ¦ dJer. x. 13. e Psal. xxix.3,4, 7,8. r Job, ix. 6, 6. s Job, xxi. 9, 11. b Psalm cxiv. 7, 8. Chap. 11.] OF THE POWER OF GOD, &C. 37 this1? Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord b. Praise the Lord from the earth ye mountains, and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars ; beasts and all cattle, creeping things, and flying fowl ; for his name alone is excellent ; his glory is above the earth and heaven0. He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills : they give drink to every beast of the field ; the wild asses quench their thirst. He watereth the hills from his chambers ; he causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man ; that he may bring forth food out of the earth d : upholding all things by the word of his power °. Sect. 5. This power declared as in words of the Almighty. Gird up now. thy loins like a man ; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid: the foundations of the earth ? who hath laid the measures thereof?" or who hath stretched the line upon it? whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened ? or Avho laid the corner stone thereof3? who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it ; and brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors;; and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further;, and here shall thy proud waves be staid b. Hast thou commanded the morning since thy' days, and caused the day spring. tb know his place'? Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the deep?, have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death d? Hast thou entered into the trea sures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail e ? Who hath divided a water course for the over flowing of waters? or a way for the lightning of thunder f? Hath the rain a father? or who hath be- § 4. " Job, xii. 7, 8, 9. b Psalm cl. 6. c Ps.cxlviii.7,9, 10,13. Ips.civ.10,11,13,14. eHeb.i.3. . . „'. ' , § 5. a Job, xxxviii. 3 — 6. b Job,xxxviii. 8— 11. " Job, xxxviii. 1?. d Job, xxxviii. 16, 17. e Job, xxxviii. 22. f Job, xxxviii. 25. 38 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. - [Part 1. gotten the drops of the dew ? out of whose wombjcame the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it8? Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion ? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or. canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons ? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven ? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth ? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds,, that abundance of waters may cover thee ? Canst thou send lightnings that they may go, and say unto thee, here we are " ? Who can number the clouds in wisdom ? or who can stay the bottles of heaven \ Who hath sent out the wild ass free ? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild assk? — Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib1? — Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacock? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich"1? — Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder"? — Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom? Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high"? Hast thou an arm like God ? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him ? Deck thyself now with .majesty and excellency ; and array thyself with glory and beauty ; cast abroad the rage of thy wrath ; and behold every one that is proud, and abase him ; look on every one that is proud and bring him low ; and tread down the wicked in their place"; hide them in the dust together, and bind their faces in secret ; then will I also confess unto thee, that thine own right hand can save thee ,. Sect. 6. The praises of the Saints of God in the view of his power. O Lord my God, thou art very , great ; thou art clothed with honour and majesty : who coverest thyself with light as with a garment; who stretchest out the s Job, xxxviii. 28, 29. h Jbb,x;xxviii.31 — 35. ' Job, xxxviii. 37. k Job, xxxix. 5. ' Job, xxxix. 9. m Job,xxxix. IS. " Job, xxxix. 19. " Job, xxxix. 26, 27. p Job, xl. 9 — 12. « Job, xl. 13, 14. Chap-. 11.] OF THE POWER OF GOD, &C 39 heavens like a curtain4; who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains ; they go down by the valleys, unto the place which thou hast founded for themb. The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works"; the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great d. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled ; thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit ; they are created ; and thou renewest the face of the earth e. Sect. 7. And as it was displayed in bringing Israel out of Egypt. Thou art the God that dost wonders; thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid; the depths also were troubled a. With the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together; the floods stood upright as- an heap ; and the depths were congealed in the heart of the seab. The clouds poured out water, the skies sent out a sound ; thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven ; the lightnings lightned the world ; the earth trembled and shook. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known'. Thy right hand, 0 Lord, is become glorious in power : thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose § 6. a Psalm civ. 1, 2. b Psalm cxiv. 5—8. c Psalm civ. 13. d Psalm civ. 24, 25. e Psalm civ. 27-^30. §7. "Ps.lxxvii.14,15,16. " Exodus, xv. 8. c Ps.lxxvii. 17,18, 19. 40 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. up against thee. The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil: thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them ; they sank as lead in the mighty waters'1. God came from Teman, and the holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. He beheld and drove asunder the nations, and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow : his ways are everlasting". CHAP. XII. OF THE POWER OF GOD, DISPLAYED IN THE GO VERNMENT OF THE WORLD; OR, OF THE DO MINION OF GOD. Sect. I. He ruleth over all, things in heaven and earth. — 2. All the human race are subject to him. — 3. Every thing relating to them is disposed of accord ing to his will. — 4. Of the decrees and purposes of God. — 5. Though his ways cannot be fully known, yet they must be perfectly righteous. — 6. The Al mighty introduced asserting his supreme dominion. — 7. That supreme dominion belongs to him only. — 8. His dominion over kingdoms and nations. — 9. His dominion over individuals. — 10. He delivers them that truly seek' him.— 11. He will disappoint and consume his adversaries. — 12. Threatenings against his adversaries denounced as from his own mouth. — 13. His promises to such as return and submit to him. — ,14. The joy of the Saints in the view of the dominion of God. — 15. He assures his people of his protection and favour. — 16. His * people worship him as Lord over all. — 17. The exalted idea that is, given of the supreme dominion of God in our Lord's prayer. d Ex. xv. 6, 7, 9, 10. n « Hab. iii. 3, 6. Chap. 12.] OF THE POWER OF GOD, &C. 41 Sect. 1. He ruleth over all things in heaven and earth. The Lord hath prepared his tbrOne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all \ -A ¦ thousand thou sands minister unto him, and ten thousand • times ten thousand stand before him\ Bless >the Lord, ye his angels that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of bis word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts, ye .ministers of his that do his pleasure c ; — who maketh his angels spirits ; his ministers a flaming fired. Praise him in the firmament of his power": for the Lord; is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep: places of the earth ; the strength of the hills is his also f. Honour and majesty are before him; strength and beauty; are in his sanctuary g. He doth great things and unsearch-r able; marvellous things without number h. Whatsoever the Lord, pleased thatdid he, iniheavenand in earth, in the seas, and, all deep places1. He looketh Onitheearth, and it trembleth; he toucheth the ihills, and they smoke k: .the pillars of heaven tremble, and are asto nished at his reproof1. The Lord is the true God, and ah everlasting King; at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation m. Sect. &. All the human race are subject to him. The Most High liveth for ever ; whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from genera tion to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing ; and he doth according to his will, in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth : and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, what dost thou a ? He is the King of heaven, all § 1. * Psalm ciii. 19. b Daniel, vii. 10. c Psatai ciii. 20, 21. ¦i.Psalm civ. 4. e Psalm cl. 1. f Psalm xcv. 3, 4» e Psalm xcvi. 6. b Job, v. 9. ' Psalm cxxxv. 6. kPsalin civ. 32. ' Job, xxvi. 11. m Jeremiah, x. 10. § 2. » Daniel, iv. 34, 35. 42 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part I. whose works are truth, and his ways judgment, and those that walk in pride he is able to. abase \ For the king dom is the Lord's ; and he is the governor among the nations. All they that . be fat upon the earth shall worship; all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him c. Dominion and fear are with him d. Such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth ; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut ofP ? Sect. 3. Every thing relating to them is disposed of according to his will. God, that made the world, and all things therein* is Lord of heaven and earth, and hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before ap pointed, and the bounds of their habitation a. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong ; neither bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understand ing, nor yet favour to men of skill ; but time and chance happeneth to them all b. The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof, is of the Lord c. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord that shall . stand d. The horse is prepared against the day of battle ; but safety is of the Lord6. Affliction cometh not forth out of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground f ; promo tion corneth neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south ; but God is the judge ; he putteth down one, and setteth up another8. He is in one mind ; who can turn him ? and what his soul desireth, even that he doth\ If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him *, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will k ? When he giveth quiet ness, who can make trouble ? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him ? Whether it be done b Daniel, iv. 37. c Psalm xxii. 28, 29. "' Job, xxv. 3. e Psalm xxxvii. 32. § 3. a Acts, xvii. 24, 26. b Eccles. ix. 11. <= Prov. xvi. 33. d Prov. xix. 21. c Prov. xxi. 31. ' Job, v. 6. e Psalm Ixxv. 6, 7. h Job, xxiii. 13. ' Job, xi. 10. k Eph. i. 11. Chap. 12.] OF THE POWER OF GOD, &C 43 against a nation, or against a man only \ Behold he taketh away ; who can hinder him ? Who will say unto him, what doest thou"1 ? The Lord hath done that which he had devised : he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded ". The counsel , of the Lord standeth for ever ; and the thpughts of his heart to all generations0. Sect. 4. Cf the decrees and purposes of God. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose : for whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified ; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us a ? — Many be called, but few chosen b : for I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias ; but unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elizeus the prophet; and none of them were cleansed, save Naaman the Syrian0. What then? — The election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded ; according as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear unto this dayd. And nol^ only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac, the children being not yet born,: neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, it was said unto her, the elder shall serve the younger : as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then ? Is there unrighteousness with God ? God forbid ! For 1 Job, xxxiv. 29. m Job,ix. 12. " Lam. ii. 17. 0 Psalm xxxiii. 11. § 4. a Rom. viii. 28—31. " Matth. xx. 16. c Luke,iv.25, 26,27. d Rom. xi, 7, 8. 44 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Patt'l. he saith, I will have mercy on whom 1'ivill have mercy; and I will have compassion on whom I will haVe com passion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor Of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercye. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show' my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, why doth he yet find fault? for who, hath' resisted his will ? Nay, but, O man, who art thou, thou that repliest against God f ? — J. will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Why doest thou strive against him? for' he giveth not account of any of his matters8. Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why hast thou made' me thus? Hath not the potter pOwer over the clay, of the same lump to mtfke one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shdw his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long- suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction } arid that he might make known the riches of his glory 6h the vessels of mercy, whic'h he had afore prepared unto glory h? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people which were hot my people, and beloved which was not beloved : and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto thenr, ye are not my people, there shall they be called the children of the living God \ Sect. 5. Though his ways cannot be fully known,, yet they must be perfectly righteous. O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge Of God ! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or wh6 hath been his counsellor a? Who hath enjoined him his way? or Who can say, thou hast wrought iniquity b ? Who hath directed the spirit <= Rom. ix. 10—16. f Rom. ix. 17—20. e Job, xxxiii. \i, 13. * Rom. ix. 20—23. ' Rom. ix. 25, 2*6. § 5. a Rom. xi. 33> 34. b Job, xxxvi. 23. Chap. 12.] OF THE POWER OF GOD, &C 45 of the Lord,, or being his counsellor hath taught him ? With whom took ,he counsel? and who instructed. him c? Me??. know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither under stand, they his counsels4? As thou knowest not what is the.way of the spirit, nor'how the bones dp grow in the womb of her that is with child ; even, sor thou knowest not the works of, God who maketh all °. Woe unto him that striveth with his, Maker. Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth : shall the clay say to him that. fashioned it, what makest thou? or thy work, he hath no, hands'. Ascribe, ye greatness untp,our God; for all his ways are judgment; a God of truth and without iniquity, just and, right is he8. The eyes of the Lord preserve , knowledge ; and he over- throweth the words of the transgressor h. The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is, in heaven; his. eyes behold, his eyelids try the children of men, The, Lord trieth the righteous; but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth1. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in-all his works k. There is no iniquity with, the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor: taking. 'of gifts1. Clouds and darkqess are round about him; righteousness and judgment are ..the habita tion of his throne m*. Sect. 6*. The Almighty introduced asserting his supreme dominion. Thus saith the. Lord,, the, heaven is my throne, and the. earths is my footstool ,a. Counsel is mine, and sound, wisdom ; I am understanding ; 1 have strength; • by me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth b. I am the Lord that maketh ''all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens, alone, that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself ^thatfrustrateth the tokens of the liars, and ¦ c Isa. xl. 13, 14. d Mic. iv. 12. e Eccles. xj. 5. £ Isa. xlv. 9. e Deut. xxxii. 3, 4. h Prov. xxii. 12. 1 Psalm xi. 4, 5. . k Psalm cxlv, 17. ' 2 Chron. xix, 7. m Psalm xcvii. 2.i § 6. a Isa. lxvi. 1. b Prov. viii. 14, 15, 16. * More texts might have been added on this important subject : but as this would have anticipated what will be found in the chapter " on the righteous ness of God," the reader is referred to that. ¦ 46 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. maketh diviners mad ; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish ; that confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers ; that saith to the deep, be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers0. I appointed the ancient people; and the things that are coming, and shall comed. I form the light, and create darkness ; I make peace and create evil; I do all these things0. Surely as I have thought; so shall it come to pass ; and as I have pur posed, so shall it stand f. My counsel shall stand ; and I will do all my pleasure2. I am the Lord which exer cise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things do I delight saith the Lord\ Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen ; I will be exalted in the earth \ I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return; that unto me evgry knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear k. Sect. 7. That supreme dominion belongs to him only. The Lord reigneth ; he is clothed with majesty : the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself1. He is the living God, and stedfast for ever; and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed ; his dominion shall be even unto the end b. He is the blessed and only potentate ; the King of kings, and the Lord of lords c ; the one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy d. The God of gods, arid Lord of lords ; a great God, mighty and terrible, who regardeth not persons nor taketh reward ". Sect. 8. His dominion over kingdoms and nations. The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will * : wisdom and might are his ; he changeth the times and the seasons ; « Isa. xliv. 24—27. d Isa. xliv. 7. e Isa. xiv. 7. ' Isa. xiv. 24. s ISa. xlvi. 10. b Jer. ix. 24. * Psalm xlvi. 10. k Isa. xiv. 2S. § 7. a Psalm xciii. 1. b Dan. vi. 26. c 1 Tim. vi. 15. d James, iv. 12. e Deut. x. 17. § 8. a Dan. iv. 17. Chap. 12.] OF THE POWER OF GOD, &C. 47 he removeth kings, and setteth Up kings6. With him is strength and wisdom: he leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools: he looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle: he leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty: he removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged : he poureth contempt upon princes*, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty c : he increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them ; he enlargeth the nations, and straiten- eth them again : he taketh away the heart Of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no wayd. The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; as the rivers of waters he turneth it whithersoever he will \ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let men say among the nations, The Lord reignethf. God is the king of all the earth : sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen; God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness : for the shields of the earth belong unto God ; he is greatly exalted E. The Lord of hosts hath purposed ; who shall disannul it ? his hand is stretched out; who shall turn it backh? Who hath hardened himself against him, and hath, pros pered ' ? The floods have lifted up, the floods have lifted up their voice ; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters; yea, than the mighty waves of the seafc. The Lord sitteth upon the flood ; yea, the Lord sitteth king for ever1. He stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people"1. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved; he uttered his voice, the earth melted". Come, behold the works of the Lord; what desolations he hath made in the earth ! He maketh wars to cease unto the ends of the earth : he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in - ¦> Dan. ii. 20, 21. c Job,. xii. 16— 21. d Job, xii. 23, 24. e Prov. xxi. 1. f 1 Chron. xvi. 31. * Psalm xlvii. 7, 8, 9. h Isa. xiv. 27. * Job, ix. 4. " Psalm xciii. 3, 4. 1 Psalm xxix. 10. , ra Psalm lxv. 7. " Psalm xlvi. 6. * See Psalm cvii, 39, 40. 48. OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. sunder; he bufneth the- chariot in the fire °. InJudah, is God known; his name is great in Israel. There- brake, he the arrows of the bow, the shield and the sword and the battle p. The bows of the mighty men are broken; and they that stumbled are girt with strength 9. Through God we shall do valiantly; for he it is that shall tread dowp our enemies'. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of jglorj- shall come in. Who is this King of glory ? the Lord' strong and mighty : the Lord mighty in battle5, Sect. 9. His dominion over individuals. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive; he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, he ' bringeth low and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the donghil, to set them among princes, and to make ' them inherit the throne of, glory*. He that is mighty hath done great things, and holy is his name. He' hath showed Strength with his arm; he hath scat tered the proud in the imagination of their hearts; he hath put down the mighty from their Seats, and exalted thein of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good thihgS, and the rich he hath sent empty away b. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble0. He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way ; yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him' families like a flock d. The Lord lifteth up the, meek ; he eastern the wicked down to the ground *.'¦ He exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all, his saints f. He hath 'strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee8. ° Psalm xlvi. 8, 9. p Psalm lxxvi. 1, 3. 1 1 Sam. ii. 4. r Psalm lx. 12. s Psalm xxiv. 7, 8. § 9. a 1 Sam. ii. 6, 7, 8. b Lulte, i. 49, 51, 52, 53. c James, iv. 6.. d Psalm cvii. 40, 41. e Psalm cxlvii. 6, '.^sal'm cxlviii. 14. e Psalm cxlvii. 13. Phap. 12.] OF THE DOMINION OF GOD. 49 } Sect. 10. He delivers them that truly seek him. The Lord is great in Zion, and he is high above all people2. God hath power to help and to cast down b: He is able to save and to destroy0. Call upon me, saith the Lord, in the day of trouble : I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me d. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles \ The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth : he will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : he also will hear their cry, and will save them f. — But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead ; who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver ; in whom we trust that he will yet deliver usg- Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you h : casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you1.' The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished k. Such as sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron ; because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the Most High, therefore he brought down their heart with labour : they fell down, and there was none to help : — then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses ; he brought them out of darkness, and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder1. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his wonderful works to the children of men ! For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools, be cause of their transgression, and because of their ini quities, are afflicted : -their soul abhorreth all manner of meat, and they draw near unto the gates of death, — Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, he saveth them §1Q. a Psalm xcix. 2. b 2 Chron. xxv. 8. ° James, iv. 12. d Psalm ). 15. e Psalm xxxiv. 4, 6. f Psalm cxlv. 18, 19. g 3 Cor. i. 9, 10. , h James, iv. 8„ ' 1 Peter, v. 7„ , k 2 Peter, ii. 9. ' Psalm cvii. 10—14. VOL. I. E 50 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions m. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness ! and let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing". He executeth judg ment for the Oppressed ; he giveth food to the hungry : the Lord loOseth the prisoners ; the Lord openeth the eyes of the blind : the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down ; the Lord preserveth the strangers ; he relieveth the fatherless and widow : but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down'. The Lord doth build up Jeru salem ; he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel : he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds p. It is God who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were '. His way is perfect : the word of the Lord is tried ; he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect r. — The Lord shall reign for ever; even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations *. Sect. 1 ] . He will disappoint and consume his adversaries: The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble ; he sitteth between the cherubims, let the earth be moved a. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things : who have said, with our tongue will we prevail ; our lips are our own ; who is lord over us b? Who is the Lord, that we should obey his voice c? The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought ; he maketh the devices of the people of none effect*1? Why do the heathen rage? and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that ""Psalmcvii.lS — 20. " Psalm cvii. 21, 22. ° Psalm cxlvi. 7, 8, 9. p Psalm cxlvii. 2, 3. q Rom. iv. 17. r Psalm xviii. 30, 33. ' Psalm cxlvi. 10. § 11. > Psalm xcix. 1. b Psalm xii. 3, 4. c Exod. v. 2. d Psalm xxxiii. 10. Chap. J2.] OF THE DOMINION OF GOD. 51 sitteth in the heavens shall laugh ; the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure e. Is not destruction to the wicked ? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity f? These shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal E : for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of menh. Because of these cpmeth the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience1. Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up, and he shall be brought low ; and the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of man shall be made low ; and the Lord alone shall be exalted k. Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon you'? For he bringeth down them that dwell on high m : he shall cutoff the spirits of princes ; he is terrible to the kings of the earth n. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings ! be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little : blessed are all they that put their i trust, in him °. Sect. 12. Threat enings against his adversaries denounced as from his own mouth. Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord ; ye have said, It is vain to serve God ; and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance"? What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto himb ? They say unto them that despise me, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every, one that walketh after the imagina: ¦« Psalm ii. 1—5. ' Job, xxxi. 3. * Matth. xxv. 46. "> Rom. i. 18. ' Eph. v. 6. k Isa. ii. 10, 12, 17. 1 Job, xiii. 11. ¦" Isa. xxvi. 5. " Psalm lxxvi. 12. 0 Psalm, ii. 10, 11, 12. § IS. a Mai. iii. 13, 14. h Job, xxi. 15, 52 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. tion of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you0. — Do they provoke me to anger, saith the Lord? Do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces'1? Therefore thus saith the Lord, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them". Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down ; and though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence. The Lord of hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt ; and all that dwell therein shall mourn'. — For I am a great king, saith the Lord of hosts; and my name is dreadful among the heathen s. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou con demn me, that thou mayest be righteous h ? I even I am the Lord, and there is none that can deliver out of my hand : I will work, and who shall let it1? Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand k. Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong in the days that I shall deal with thee ? I the Lord have spoken it1. Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord"1: — For thus saith the Lord, My servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: My servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty : My servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed : My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit". Sect. 13. His promises to such as return and submit to him. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull c Jer. xxiii. d.7. d Jer. vii. 19. = Jer. xi. 11. ' Amos, ix. 2, 3, 5. * Mai. i. 14. h Job, xl. 8. ' Isa. xliii. 11, 13. k Jer. xviii. -6. ' Ezelc. xxii. 14. ¦» Obad. 4. * Isa. lxv. 13, 14. Chap. 12.] , OF THE DOMINION QF GOD. 53 down, and to destroy it ; if that, nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them : And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it ; if it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them*. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Repent, and turn from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations ; that the house of Israel may be my people, and I may be their God b. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land ; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword ; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it'. Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you : For I ani merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for everd. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts c. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted outf. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him ; and to our God, for he will abun dantly pardon E. Sect. 14. The joy of 'the Saints in the view of the dominion of God. ' The Lord reigneth ; let the earth rejoice ; let the multitude of the isles be glad a. For the Lord will not cast off his people ; neither will he forsake his inherit ance : But judgment shall return again unto righteous ness ; and all the upright in heart shall follow itb: For the Lord is our defence ; the Holy One of Israel is our King0. God is niy King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth rt. He shall choose our inheritance 5 13. a Je.r. xviii. 7—10. b Ezek. xiv. 6, 11. c Isa. i. 19, 20. d Jer. iii. 12. c Mai. iii. 7. ' Acts, iii. 19. e Isa. Iv. 7, § 14. a Psalm xcvii. 1. b Psalm, xciv. 14, 15. c Psalm lxxxix. IS. 6 Psalm lxxiv. 12. 54 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Pa 1 John, iv. 4. " Psalm v. 11, 12. 'Psalmlxxxiv.il. § 16. * Psalm civ. 1. b Psalm xciii. 2. c 1 Chr. xxix. 11, 12. d 2 Chron. xx. 6. e Jer. x. 6, 7. ' Neh. ix. 6. « 2Kings,xix. 15,16,19. h. Psalm Ixxvi. 10. ' Psalm Ixxxv. 7. 56 OFGOD AND 1IIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. thy name for ever and everk. All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord, and thy saints shall bless thee : They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power ; to make known to the sons of men thy mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of thy kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations '. I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart ; I will show forth all thy marvellous works ; I will be glad, and rejoice in thee; I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High ! For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou sattest in the throne, judging right. Thou hast rebuked the heathen ; thou hast destroyed the wicked ; thou hast put out their name for ever and ever m. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee : For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee ". All my bones shall say, Lord, Who is like unto thee; who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him ; yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him". For lo ! thine enemies, O Lord, thine enemies shall perish ; all the workers of iniquity shall be scat tered1". Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ; just and true are thy ways, thou King of -saints q- Now, unto the King eternal, immortal, in visible, be honour and glory for ever and ever r. Sect. 17. The exalted idea of the supreme dominion of God, that is given in our Lord's Prayer. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors : And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : — For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen \ k Psalm cxlv. 1. ' Ps. cxlv. 10— 13. ra Psal. ix. 1, 2, 4, 5- " Psalm ix. 10. ° Psalm xxxv. 10. p Psalm xcii. 9. i Rev. xv. 3. r 1 Tim. i. 17. § 17." Matth. vi. 9—13. Chap. 13.] OF THE HOLINESS OV GOD, &C; 57 CHAP. XIII. , OF THE HOLINESS OF GOD, OR THE ABSOLUTE RECTITUDE AND PERFECTION OF HIS NATURE. Sect. 1. The holiness of God adored by the heavenly host. — 2. Declared by his Prophets and Apostles'. — 3. Testified as by the Almighty himself. — 4. Cele brated in the praises and prayers of his Saints. Sect. 1. The holiness of God adored by the heavenly host. In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon' a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims : each one had six wings ; with twain he covered his face, with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory *. They rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to comeb. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name, for thou only art holy °. Sect. 2. Declared by his Prophets and Apostles. There is none holy as the Lord ; neither is there any rock like our God a ; his way is perfect ; the word of the Lord is tried \ The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good0. As he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation d. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether'. Every word of God is puref. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works8. God judgeth § 1. a Isa. vi. 1, 2, 3. b Rev. iv. 8. ' Rev. xv. 4. § 2. a 1 Sam. ii. 2. b Psalm xviii. 30. * Rom. vii. 12. d 1 Pet. i. 15. e Psalm xix. 7, 8, 9. ' Prov. xxx. 5. s Psalm cxlv. 17. 58 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part I. the righteous; and God is angry with the wicked every day \ The sacrifice of the wicked, the way of the wicked, even his prayer, is an abomination to the Lord1 ; but the prayer of" the upright is his delight; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousness ; his countenance doth behold the uprightk. Holy and reverend is his pame1. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness"1. Glory ye in his holy name ; let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord ; bring an offering, and come before him, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness ". Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy °. The Lprd is our defence, and the holy One of Israel, is our kingp. Cry out and shout thou inhabitant of Zion ; for great is the holy One of Israel in the midst of thee q. Sect. 3. Testified as by the Almighty himself. Thus saith the Lord your redeemer, the holy One of Israel. I am the Lord your holy One, the Creator of Israel, your king a, the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy, I dwell in the high and holy place b. I will make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more ; and the heathen shall know, that I am the Lord, the holy One in Israel0. Ye shall be holy unto me; for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mined. I the Lord which sanctify you, am holy6. Be ye holy, for I am holyf; — and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the holy One of Israel g. Sect. 4. Celebrated in the praises and prayers of his Saints. Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises h Psalm vii. 11. > Prov. xv. 8, 9. and chap, xxviii. 9. k Psalm xi. 7. ' Psalm cxi. 9. w Psalm xxx. 4. " lChron.xvi.10,29. ° Psalm xcix. 9. p Psalm lxxxix. 18. i Isa. xii. 6. Isa. xliii. l^ Ley. xx. 26 Isa. xii. 16. § 3. * Isa. xliiL 14, 15. b Isa. lvii. 15. ° Ezejc. xxxix. 7. 11 Ley. xx. 26. c Lev. xxi. 8. ' 1 Pet. i. 1(6. Chap. 14.] OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. 59 of Israel*; and holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for everb. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness; neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest all Workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing ; the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man °. Let the people tremble ; let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holyd. According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth; thy right hand is full of righteousness0. Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness, and of thy glory f. Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together ; that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise s. My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness, and thy salva tion all the day. Thy righteousness, O God, is very high! O God, who is like unto thee? I will praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God ; unto thee will I. sing with the harp, O thou holy One of Israel b. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever '. CHAP. XIV. OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. Sect, 1. A general view of this attribute.' — 2. His goodness to all his creatures. — 3. His beneficence to the sons of men. — 4. His goodness displayed towards them in their various necessities. — 5. His distinguished goodness to them that truly fear him. — 6. His delight in his people. — 7. His promises to them. — 8. The divine goodness most illustriously displayed in the redemption of mankind. — 9. The § 4. * Pfealm xxii. 3. b Psalm xciii. 5. c Psalm v. 4, 5, 6. d Psalm xcix. 1, S. e Psalm xlviii. 10. f Isa. lxiii. 15. * 1 Chron. xvi. 35. h Ps. lxxi. 15, 19, 22. ' Psalm cxlv. 21. 60 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. , praises of the Saints for his goodness in nature, and to. the animal tribes.— 10. For his peculiar good-* ness to the children of men. — 11. For his loving kindness to his people. — 12. The prayers of his servants entreating his favour. — 13. Their sure hope of being heard. Sect. 1. A general view of this attribute. I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that he hath bestowed on us; and his great goodness towards us, according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses a. How great is his goodness ! how great is his beauty b I He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things °. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord d. Sect. % His goodness to all his creatures. Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise unto our God, who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains ". He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills : they give drink to every beast of the field ; the wild asses quench their thirst b. The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted; where the birds make their nests : as for the stork the fir-trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats, and the rocks for the conies °. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cryd. The young lions roar. after their prey, and seek their meat from God0. Behold the fowls of the air ; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly Father feedeth themf. He giveth food to all flesh ; for his mercy endureth for ever s. Sj 1. a Isa.lxiii. 7. b Zech. ix. 17. c Acts, xvii. 25. d Psalm xxxiii. 5. § 2. a Psalm cxlvii. 7, 8. b Psalm civ. JO, 11, c ps. civ. 16, 17, 18. ° Psalm cxlvii. 9. e Psalm civ. 21. f Matt. vi. 26. 8 Psalm cxxxvi. 25. Chap. 14.] OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. 6l Sect. 3. His beneficence to the sons of men. There is none good but one, that is God \ The same Lord over all, is rich unto all that call -upon himb. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above; and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning0; that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth notd. Your Father who is in heaven, maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good ; and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust0; he is kind to the unthankful and to the evilf. He left not himself without a witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and ' fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness s. The Lord is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works11. He watereth" the hills from his chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of his Works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man ; that he may bring forth food out of the earth ; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthened! mans heart '. But none saith, Where is God my Maker, who giveth songs in the night k? Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain ; both the former and the latter in his season; he reserveth unto us the 'appointed weeks of harvest \ O man, despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance, and long-suffer ing ; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance"1. Fear the Lord and his goodness"; who holdeth our soul in life, and suftereth not our feet to be moved0. His mercies are new every morning, great is his faithfulness". — Be not high minded; nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy ,.. '¦§ 3. a Matt. xix. 17. b Rom. x. 12. c James, i. 17. d James, i. 5. e Matt v. 45. f Luke, vi. 35. « Acts, xiv. 17. h Psalm cxlv. 9. ' Psa. civ. 13, 14,'*15. * Job, xxxv. 10. 'Jer. v. 24. "Rom. ii. 3,4. ¦"Hos.iii. v. ° Psalm lxvi. 9. p Lam. iii. 23. « 1 Tim. vi. 17. 63 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS, p>art 1. Sect. 4. His goodness displayed towards them in their various necessities. O give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good ; for hfe mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so a. They wandered in the wilderness, in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them : Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses : And he led them forth by the right way; that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men ! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness b. They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works pf the Lord, and his wonders in the deep : For he com- mandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths, their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble; and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad, because they be quiet; so he bringeth them into their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men0! Let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanks giving, and declare his wprks with rejoicing. Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people; and praise him in the assembly of the elders d. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name; extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH ; a father of the fatherless and a judge of the widows is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families; he bringeth out those which are bound with chains0. Blessed be God, even the father of our Lord Jesus § 4. * Psalm cvii. 1, 2. bPsalmcvii.4 — 9. "= Psalm cyii. 83 — 31. d Psalm cvii. 22, 32. e Psalm lxviii. 4, 5,6. 4 Chap. 14.] OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. 63 Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort ; who comforteth us in all our tribulation f. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are op pressed g : He giveth food to the hungry ; the Lord looseth the prisoners. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind ; the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down ; the Lord loveth the righteous ; the Lord preserveth the strangers ; he reiieveth the fatherless and widow ; but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down h. Sect. 5. His distinguished goodness to them that truly fear him. Good and upright is the Lord : therefore will he teach sinners in the way : the meek will he guide in judgment ; and the meek will he teach his w:ay \ What man is he that feareth the Lord ? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease ; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he will show them his covenant b. The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down °. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him ; to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of , them that fear him ; he also will hear their cry and will save themd. Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy ; to deliver their soul from death ; and to keep them alive in famine6. O taste, and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord ye his saints ; for there is no want to them that fear him : the young lions do lack and suffer hunger ; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing f. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers %. The good ness of God endureth continually h. The Lord is good, f 2 Cor. i. 3, 5. s Psalm ciii. 6. b Psalm cxlvi. 7, 8, 9. § 5. » Psalm xxv. 8, 91 b Ps. xxv. 12, 13, 14. c Psalm cxlv. 14. d Psalm cxlv. 18, 19. e Psal. xxxiii. 18, 19. f Ps. xxxiv. 8, 9, 10. e 1 Peter, ^ii. 12. " Psalm Hi. 1. 64 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him \ O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good k : for the Lord God is a sun and shield ; the Lord will give grace and glory ; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly J. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture"1. He that is our God is the God of salvation ; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death". He is a rewarder of them that, diligently seek him °. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the good ness of the Lord in the land of the living". He comforteth those that are cast down q. The Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom shall I fear ? the Lord is the strength of my life ; of whom shall I be afraid r ? My goodness and my fortress, my high tower and 'my deliverer, my shield, and he in whom I trust5. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But verily God hath heard me ; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me \ Bless the Lord, O my soul ! and all that is within me bless his holy name, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies u. If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good , things to them that ask him*? Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love himy. ' Nah.'i. 7. k Psalm cvi. 1. ' Psalm Ixxxiv. 11. ¦»> Psalm c. 3. n Psalm fetviii. 20. <> Heb. xi. 6. P Psalm xxvii. 13. « 2 Cor. vii. 6. 'r Psalm xxvii. 1. " Psalm cxliv. 2. ' Psalm lxvi. 16 — 20. " PSalm ciii. 1 — 4. 1 Matt. vii. 11. y lCor. ii. 9. Chap. 14.] OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. 65 Sect. 6. His delight in his people. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion*, more than all the dwellings of Jacob*. For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever ; here will I dwell ; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision ; I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with sal vation; and her saints shall shout aloud for joy \ The prayer of the upright is his delight0. The righteous Lord loveth righteousness ; his countenance doth behold the upright*1. I am the Lord which exercise loving- kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth ; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord e. He taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy f. I will rejoice over them to do them good, saith the Lorde. Walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers thereof ; mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God, for ever and ever ; he will be our guide, even unto death11. Sect. 7. His promises to them. Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, the holy One of Israel, I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldst go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments ! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteous ness as the waves of the sea *. Thus saith the Lord to Israel, I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn theeb. I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye § 6. » Psalm lxxxvii. 2. * Ps. cxxxii. 13 — 16. * Prov. xv. 8. d Psalm xi. 7. : Jer. ix. 24. 'Psalmcxlvii.il. e Jer. xxxii. 41. hPs.xlviii. 12, 13,14; § 7. a Isa. xlviii. 17, 18. D Jer. xxxi. 2, 3. * " It may be proper'to observe here, that these words, Jacob, Israel, Judab, Jerusalem, Zion, &c. are understood to signify the church of God ; and before our Lord's ascension, the church of God subsisted chiefly in the house of Jacob : and now, that the blessings of Abraham are come upon the Gentiles, all the instructions, exhortations, complaints, threaten ings, and promises delivered to them, may be considered as directed to all the people of God, in all periods, when in like circumstances." VOL. I. F 66 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. shall be my' sons and daughters,, saith the Lord Al mighty0. Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations ; for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall Come, and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord; and their soul shall be as a watered garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all : for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow d. And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground ; and I will break the bOw, and the swOrd, and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely. And I will betroth thee unto me for ever ; yea I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness and in mercies0. And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth, and the earth shall hear the corn and the wine, and the oil, and they shall hear Jezreel. And I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy ; and I will say unto them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say. Thou art my Godf. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his Godg. There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises11. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come1. All things- are yours, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's \ Sect. 8. The divine goodness most illustriously dis played in the redemption of mankind.' Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all c 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. d Jer.xxxi.7,11— 13. e Hos. ii. 18, 19. r Hos. ii. 21, 22, 23. s Rev. xxi. 7. h 2 Peter, i. 4. 1 1 Tim. iv. 8. k 1 Cor. iii. 22, 23. Chap. 14.] OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. 67 comfort*, the God of patience and consolation b, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ ; according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; having predestinate us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will ; to the praise of the glory of his , grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved ; in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace °. As his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and Virtue ; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust d. God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together in Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to corne, he might show the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus0. God is love. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love ! not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sinsf. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things85*? Sect. 9. The praises of the Saints for his goodness in nature, and to the animal tribes. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in § 8. * 2 Cor. i., 3. " Romans, xv. 5. " Eph. i. 3—7. d 2 Peter, i . 3, 4. - Eph. ii. 4— 7. f 1 John, i v. 8, 9, 10. e Rom. viii. 32. * Many more texts might have been quoted on this important article: but this would have anticipated what wiU be found in the discourse on " the re deeming love of God." 68 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. all the earth ! who hast set thy glory above the heavens a. Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth and waterest it, thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water; thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly; thou settlest the furrows thereof; thou fnakest it soft with showers ; thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness ; and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks ; the valleys also are covered over with corn ; they shout for joy, they also sing b. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great0. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season: That thou givest them they gather; thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good d. Thou satisfiest the desire of every living thing °. Sect. 10. For his peculiar goodness to the children of men. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High ! to show forth thy loving-kindness in the morning, and thy faithful ness every night. For thou Lord hast made me glad through thy works ; I will triumph in the works of thy hands a. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained, What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him ? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour : thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands ; thou § 9. a Psalm viii. 1. b Psalm lxv. 8 — IS. c Psalm civ. 24, 25. d Psalm civ. 27, 28. ' Psalm cxlv. 16. §10.* Psalm xcii. 1, 2,4. Chap. 14.] OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. 69 hast put all things under his feet b. Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done ; and thy thoughts which are to us-ward, they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee * ; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered ° : for thou preventest us with the blessings of goodness d. Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee ; thus will I bless thee while I live ; I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness ; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips; when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches °. For all things come of thee ; both riches and honour come of thee ; in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all f. Sect. ] 1. For his loving-kindness to his people. Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. Thy congregation hath dwelt therein; thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor1. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive; thou hast received gifts for men ; yea for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits6. Salva tion is of the Lord; thy blessing is upon thy people °. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness d. All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord, and thy saints shall bless thee °. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us, God is lovef. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people : to perforin the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant5. How excellent is b Psalm viii. 3—6. ,c, Psalm xl. 5. d Psalm xxi. 3. e Psalm lxiii. 3—6. f 1 Chron. xxix. 12, 14. §11. a Psalm lxviii. 9, 10. b Psal. lxviii. 18, 19. c Psalm iii. 8. d Psalm clxv. 7. e Psalm cxlv. 10. ' 1 John,iv. 16. e Luke, i. 68,72. * See Psalm cxxxix. 17, 18. 70 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. thy loving-kindness, 0 God ! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house ; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures : for with thee is the fountain of life ; in thy light shall we see light \ We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple1. O how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee ! which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the sons of menk ! Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear; neither hath the eye seen, O God, besides thee; what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him1. O continue thy loving kindness to them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart"1. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope" ; who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace". For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord p. Sect. 12. The prayers of his Saints entreating his favour. I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes ; nevertheless thou heardst the voice of my supplica tions, when I cried unto thee ". Thou hast dealt 'with thy servant according to thy word. Thou art good, and dost good; teach me thy statutes. Quicken me, O Lord, according to thy loving kindness \ Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord ; let thy loving kindness and thy truth continually preserve mec. h Psal. xxxvi. 7, 8, 9. * Psalm lxv; 4. k Psalm xxxi. 19. i Isaiah, lxiv. 4. m Psalm xxxvi! 10. " 1 Peter, i. 3. ° 2 Thess. ii. 16. p Rom. viii. 38, 39. §12.' Psalmxxxi. 22. bPs. cxix. 65, 68, 159. ° Psalm xl. 11. Chap. 14-] OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD. 71 , Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning, for in thee do I trust. Thy spirit is good, lead me unto the land of uprightness d. Hear me, O Lord, for thy loving kindness is good ; turn unto me according to the. multitude of thy tender mercies0. I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me, according to thy wordf. Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation8. O Lord be gracious unto us, we have waited for thee h : take away all iniquity and receive us graciously1. Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people : O visit me with thy salvation; that I may see the good of thy chosen; that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation; that I may glory with thine inheritance k. 1 ¦ ¦ Sect. 13. Their sure hope of being heard. O my God, my soul is cast down within me; deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts; all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his loving kindness in the day time ; and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life3. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is. the health of my counteriance and my Godb. Return upto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee; for thou hast delivered my sOul from death,, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling °. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup ; thou maintainest niy lot. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth ; my flesh also shall rest in hope. Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fulness of joy ; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for thou art d Psalm cxliii. 8, 10. e Psalnvlxix. 16. r Psalm cxix/58. e ,Psalm lxxxv. 7. h Isaiah, xxxiii. 2. ' Hosea, xiv. 3. k Psulm cvi. 4, 5. § 13. » Psalm xlii. 6, 7, 8. b Psalm xlii. 11. c Psalm cxvi. 7, 8. , d Psalm xvi. 5, 9, 11. 7S OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Surely' goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever*. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen*. CHAP. XV. OF THE MERCY OF GOD. Sect. 1. General calls to celebrate his mercy. — 2. His long-suffering towards sinners. — 3. His calls to re pentance. — 4. His joy over sincere penitents. — 5. The boundless extent of his mercy to them that really fear him. — 6. The afflictions of his people are no just objection against the tenderness of his mercy. — 7. The fullest assurance of mercy given in the gospel. — 8. The prayers, and the praises of his Saints, for his mercy and compassions. Sect. 1. General calls to celebrate his mercy. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; be cause his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, That his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, That his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the Lord say, That his mercy endureth for ever'. The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion ; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works \ Sect. 2. His long-suffering towards sinners. The Lord is long-suffering to us- ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repent- * Psalm xxiii. 4, 6. ' Eph. iii. 30, 31. § 1 * Psalm cxviii. 1—4. b Psalm cxlv. 8, 9. Chap; 15.] OF THE MERCY OF GOD. 73 ance *. He will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth b. He endureth with much long-suffering the Vessels of wrath fitted to de struction c. The children of Ephraim kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law ; and forgat his works, and his wonders that he had showed them d. And they sinned yet more against him, by provoking the Most High in the wilderness *. But he being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not; yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath: for he remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again f. Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you ; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment; blessed are all they that wait for him s. Sect. 3. His calls to repentance. Thus saith the Lord a, For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off \ O Jerusalem, wilt thou not be made clean ? When shall it once be c ? Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die ? saith the Lord God ; and not that he should return from his ways and live d ? As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel0? Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn, and he will heal us ; he hath smitten, and he will bind, us up; and we shall live in his sight f: for the Lord ia very pitiful, and of tender mercy g. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you. all § 2. a 2 Peter, iii. 9. b 1 Tim. ii. 4. , c Rom. ix. 22. d Ps. lxxviii. 9, 10, 11. ', Psalm lxxviii. 17. ' f Ps. lxxviii. 38, 39. e Isa. xxx. 18. § 3. a Isa. xlviii. 17. b Isa. xlviii. 9. c Jer. xiii. 27. d Ezek. xviii. 23. e Ezek. xxxiii. 11. f Hos. vi. 1, 2. * James, v. 11. 74 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed ; and make you a new heart, and a new spirit ; for why will ye. die, O house of Israel ? For I have no pleasure in the, death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God : wherefore,; tqrn yourselves, and live ye\ Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lprd, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you : for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever1. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lordk. Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God : for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil1. Therefore, now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God ; and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against yoqm. Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ; and bring forth fruits meet for repentance". The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost", and to call shiners to repentance" ; — that repentapce and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations'. Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out r. Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found ; call ye upon biin, while he ^s near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him ; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon \ Sect. 4. His joy over sincere penitents. How shall I give thee up, O Ephraim ? how shall I deliver thee, Israel ? how shall I make thee as Admah ? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me ; my repentings are kindled together : I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger ; for I am God, b Ezek. xviii. 30, 31, 32. ' Jer. iii. 12. k Mai. iii. 7. 1 Joel, ii. 12, 13. m Jer. xxvi. 13. " Matth. iii. 2, 8. 0 Luke, xix. 10. p Matth. ix. 13. *> Luke, xxiv. 47. r Acts, iii. 19. B Isa. Iv. 6, 7. Chap. 15.] OF THE MERCY OF GOD. 75 and not man a. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth b. — And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son ; make me as one" of thy hired servants. And he arose, arid came to his father. — But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and felt on his neck, and kissed him0. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning, himself thus : Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke : turn < thou me, and I shall be turned ; for thou art the Lord my God. Is Ephraim my dear son ? is he a pleasant child? Since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still; therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lordd. For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy, I dwell in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit; to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones ". The Lord hath called thee, as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer f. Sect. 5. The boundless extent of his mercy to them that really fear him. The Lord said unto Moses, I will make all my good ness pass before thee; and, I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee *. And the Lord descended in the, cloud, and proclaimed the name of the Lord : The Lord, § 4. « Hos. xi. 8, 9. b Luke, xv. 7. c Luke, xv. 17—20. d Jer. xxxi. 18, 20. « Isa. lvii. 15. ' Isa. liv. 6, 7, 8. § 5. * Exod. xxxiii. 17, 19. 76 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. {Parti. the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and , truth, keeping mercy for thou sands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sip; and that will by no means clear the guilty \ O praise the Lord all ye nations ; praise him all ye people : for his merciful kindness is great towards us, and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever °. The Lord is merciful and gracious, »s1q\v to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide; neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities: for, as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him : for he knoweth our frame ; ' he reuaembereth that we are dustd. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him ; and his righteousness unto children's children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them0. Let Israel hope in the Lord : for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption; and he shall redeem Israel, from all his iniquities f. Sect. 6. The afflictions of his people are no just objection against the tenderness of his mercy. I remembered God, and was troubled ; I communed with mine own heart, and my spirit made diligent search \ Will the Lord cast oft' for ever ? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever ? Doth his promise fail for ever more ? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies b ? Know, that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth °. The Lord will not cast off for ever : but though he cause grief, yet will he have h Exod. xxxiv. 5, 6, 7. c Psalm cxvii. 1,2. d Psalm ciii. 8 — 14. c Psalm ciii. 17, 18. ' Psalm cxxx. 7, 8. § 6. a Psalm lxxvii. 3, 6. b Psalm lxxvii. 7, 8, 9. c Job, xi. 6. Chap. 15.] OF THE MERCY OF COD. 77 compassion according to the multitude of his mercies d. Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him : for whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth ; and scourgeth every sPn whom he receiveth. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby \-^—. For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of menf. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night; but joy cometh in the morning8. When thou art in tribulation, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his Voice, the Lord thy God is a merciful God ; he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee h. Sect. 7. The fullest assurance of mercy given in the Gospel. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people ; and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us, in the house of . his servant David ; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant a : To give knowledge of salvation unto his people, by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dayTspring from on high hath visited usb. God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us, together with Christ0; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood ; to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of Godd. The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but accord ing to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regene ration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost0. — Blessed be d Lam. iii. 31, 32. e Heb. xii. 5,6,7, 11. f Lam. iii. 33. e Psalm xxx. 5. h Deut. iv. 30, 31." § 7. a Luke, i. 68, 69, 72. b Luke, i. 77, 78. c Eph. ii. 4, 5. d Rom. iii. 25. ' Tit. iii. 4, 5. 78 OF GOD AND *HIS PERFECTIONS.' [Parti. the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by. the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the deadf. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace ; that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need s. Sect. 8. The prayers and the praises of his Saints for his mercy and compassions. If thou, Lord, shbuldst mark iniquities; O Lord, who shall stand ? but there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared". O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face ; because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him ; neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God*. O Lord hear, O Lord forgive, for thine own sake, O my God ! For we do not present our supplications before thee, for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies c. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, according to thy loving kindness; according unto the multitude of < thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions d. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy loving kindnesses ; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions ; according to thy mercy remember thou me, for thy goodness sake, O Lord0. O turn unto me, and have mercy upOri'me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid f: For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive g; a God full of compassion, and gracious; long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth h. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word ; and let thy tender mercies come unto me that I may live !. Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation \ O satisfy us early with ' 1 Pet. i. 3. g Heb. iv. 16. § 8. a Psalm cxxx. 3, 4. b Daniel, ix. 8, 9, 10. " Dan, ix, 18, 19. d Psalm li. 1. e Psalm xxv. 6, 7. f Psalm lxxxvi. 16. e Psalm lxxxvi. 5. " Psalm lxxxvi. 15. ' Psalmcxix. 76, 77. k Psalm lxxxv. 7. Chap. 16.] OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD. 79 thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days \ I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people ; I will sing unto thee among the nations : for thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds™. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart ; for great is thy mercy towards me : and thou hast de livered my soul from the lowest hell ". O Lord God of Israel, there is no god like thee in the heaven or in the earth ; who keepest covenant, and showest mercy unto thy servants0: A God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, who forsakest them notp. Who is a God like unto thee? that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression' of the remnant of his heritage ? He retaineth not his anger for ever ; because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again; he will have compassion upon us ; 'he will subdue our iniquities ; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea q. CHAP. XVI. OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD. Sect. 1. A general view of this attribute. — 2. The prosperity of the wicked affords no solid objection against the justice of God. — 3. Nor is the delay of . judgment to be admitted as an objection.— 4. Of the impartiality of the divine justice. — 5. The justice of God will be fully vindicated at his appointed time. 6. This attribute celebrated in the praises of his servants.— 7. And it is conspicuous in all his statutes. 8. The doxology of the redeemed. Sect. 1. A general view of this attribute. The Lord is in his holy temple ; the Lord's throne is in heaven ; his eyes behold, his eyelids try the children ' Psalm xc. 14. m Psalm lvii. 9, 10. " Ps. lxxxvi. 12, 13. ° 2 Chron. vi. 14. p Neh. ix. 17. q Mic. vii. 18, 19. 80 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. of men. The Lord trieth the righteous ; but the wicked and him that loveth violence, his soul hateth. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness ; his countenance doth behold the upright1. ,A Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the widows, is God in his holy habita tion b. God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him c. He accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor ; for they are all the works of his hands d. He is a great God," mighty and terrible ; who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward. He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow6. He is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice'. Without respect of persons he judgeth according to every man's works g. For the work of a man shall he render unto him ; and cause every man to find according to his ways\ Whatsoever good any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free1: of the Lord he shall receive the reward of the inheritance; but he that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done ; and there is no respect of persons k. Sect. 2. The prosperity of the wicked affords no solid objection against the justice of God. Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee ; yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments : Wherefore doth the day of the wicked prosper ? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? Thou hast planted them, yea they have taken root ; they grow, yea they bring forth fruit". The tabernacles of robbers prosper; and they that provoke God are secure b. I have heard the check of the reproach ; and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer0. Ye have wearied the Lord with your words, when ye say, every § 1. * Psalm xi. 4, 5, 7. b Psalm lxviii. 5. c Acts, x. 34, 35. a Job, xxxiv. 19. e Deut. a. 17, 18. f Job, xxxvii. 23. s 1 Peter, i. 17. b Job, xxxiv. 11. ' Eph. vi. 8. k Col. iii. 24, 25. § 2. a Jer. xii. 1, 2. b Job, xii.' 6'. ° Job, xx. 3. Chap. 16.] OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD. 81 one that doth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, arid he delighteth in them ; or where is the God of judg ment d? Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him0? Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker'? What is man that he should be clean? Or he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous E ? Doth God pervert judgment ? or doth the Almighty pervert justice h ? Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness ; and from the Almighty that he should com mit iniquity. Yea surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment1. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right k? Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon the earth, that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds ; yet he shall perish for ever ; they that have seen him shall say, Where is he? He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found ; yea he shall be chased away as a vision of the night. The eye also which saw him, shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him l. His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust. Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue ; though he spare it and forsake it not ; but keep it still within his mouth ; yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him °\ • When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish ; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever". But know, that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous ; and God is angry with the wicked every day". All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep his covenant, and d Mai. ii. 17." < e Job, xl. 2. ' Job, iv. 17. e Job, xv. 14. h Job, viii. 3. ' Job, xxxiv. 10, 12, k Gen. xviii. 25. ' Job, xx. 4—9. >»Job, xx. 11—14. n Psalm xcii. 7. ° Psalm iv. 3. ? Psalm vii. 10, 11, VOL. I. G 82 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. his testimonies'. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous ; and if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction ; then he showeth them their work, and their transgressions. He openeph also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity'. But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath ; they cry- not when he bindeth them : they die in youth, and their life is among the unclean \ I have seen the wicked in great power; and spreading himself like a green bay tree ; yet he passed away, and lo he was not ; yea I sought him but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the end of the wicked shall be cut , off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord ; he is their strength in the time of trouble '. Sect. 3. Nor is the delay of judgment to be admitted as an objection. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the "heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil \ They say, the Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it\ All things come alike to all ; there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good, and to the clean, and to the unclean ; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not; as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath c. — Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous d ? Talk no more so exceeding proudly. Let not arrogancy come out of your mouth ; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed0. Doth not he that pondereth the heart, consider it? arid he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? and shall he not render to every man according to his works'? Clouds and i Psalm xxv. 10. r Job, xxxvi. 7 — 10. • Job, xxxvi. 13. ' Ps. xxxvii. 35 — 39. §, 3. * Eccles. viii. 11. •> Psalm xciv. 7. c Eccles. ix. 2. d Job, xl. 8. « 1 Sam. ii. 3. f Prov. xxiv. 12. Chap. 16.] OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD. 83 darkness are round about him ; righteousness and judg ment are the habitation of his throne B ; yet surely I know, that it shall be well with them that fear God ; but it shall not be well with the wicked h. Although thou sayest, thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him1. God shall wound the head of his enemies; the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his trespasses11. Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Wo unto the wicked, it shall be ill with him ; for the reward of his hands shall be given him \ i The Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries; and he reserveth wrath for his enemies, he will not at all acquit the wicked1". Yea though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished " ; for he that is higher than the highest regardeth", and repayeth them that hate himp. One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day q. Sect. 4. Of the impartiality of the divine justice. What mean ye, that ye use this proverb, saying, the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge ? As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel \ The soul that sinneth, it shall die; the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the- iniquity of the son ; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, he shall surely live, he shall not dieb. But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, shall he live? AH his righteous ness that he hath done shall not be riientioned ; in his trespass that he hath trespassed, arid in his sin that he b Psalm xcvii. 2. h Eccles. viii. 12, 13. ' Job, xxxv. 14. " Psalm lxviii. 21. ' Isa. iii. 10, 11. m Nah. i. 2, S. ¦> Prov. xi. 21. - Eccles. v. 8. "> Deut. vii, 10. i 2 Pet. iii. 8. § 4. » Ezek. xviii. 2, 3. b Ezek. xviii. 20, 21. 84 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. iiath sinned, in them shall he die0. Yet saith the house of Israel, the way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal ? Are not your ways unequal ? Therefore will I judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord Godd. I will do unto them after their way, and accord ing to their deserts will I judge them ; and they shall know that I am the Lord0; a just God and a saviour; there is none beside me f. Unto the wicked God saith, what hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? seeing thou hatest instruction, and easiest my words behind thee; thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit8. These things thou hast done, and I kept silence ; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will re prove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes \ For we know him that hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge his people1. Sect. 5. The justice of God will be fully vindicated at his appointed time. God hath appointed a day in the which he shall judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he bath ordained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead". Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother,- or wife,, or children, or lands, for my sake, but he shall re ceive an hundred fold, now in this time, and in the world to come eternal life b. Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked ; between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not0. So that a man shall say, verily, there is a reward for the righteous ; verily, he is a God that judgeth in the earth d. For we c Ezek. xviii. 24- ' d Ezek. xviii. 29, 30. e Ezek. vii. 27. ' Isa. x1v. 21. s Psal. 1. 16, 17, 19. h Psalm 1. 21. ' Heb.x. 30. , § 5. ' Acts, xvii. 31. b Mark, x. 29^30. ' Malachi, iii. 18. d Psalmlviii.il. Chap, 16.] OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD. 8 5 shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God0 . He hath committed all judgment unto the Son ; and the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth ; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damna tion f. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruc tion from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power ; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe5. Sect. 6. This attribute celebrated in the praises of his servants. O Lord, thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity*. Thou hatest all workers of iniquity \ Art thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One? O Lord, thou hast ordained them for judgment ; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction0. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into, destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment ! They are utterly consumed with terrors ! As a dream when one awaketh ; so, O Lprd, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image d. Thou dost establish equity; thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob0:, for thou renderest to every man according to his work f. With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful ; and with the upright man, thou wilt show thyself upright : with the pure, thou wilt e Rom. xiv. 10, 12. ' John, v. 22, 28, 29. e 2 Thess. i. 6—10.. § 6. " Hab. i. 13. b Psalm v. 5. c Hab. i. 12. d Ps. lxxiii. 18, 19, 20. e Psal. xcix. 4. f Psalm lxij. 12v 86 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. show thyself pure ; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself unsavoury. The afflicted people thou wilt save ; but thine eyes are upon the haughty, to bring them down s. O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end ; but establish the just : for the righteous God trieth the hearts and the reins'1. Sect. 7. And it is conspicuous in all his statutes. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments ; thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous, and very faithful a. The law is holy, and the commandment holy, just, and good\ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing .the heart : the command ment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes: the judg ments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether ; and in keeping of them there is great reward0. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right d. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth*. The ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them'. The way of the just is uprightness; thou most upright dost weigh the path of the just g. Sect. 8. The doxology of the redeemed. Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty : just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name ? All nations shall worship before thee ; for thy judgments are made manifest*. Alleluja! salva tion, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God ; for true and righteous are his judgments \ « 2 Sam. xxii. 26, 27, 28. h Psalm vii. 9. § 7. a Ps. cxix. 137, 138. b Rom. vii. 12. « Ps. xix. 8, 9, 11. d Psalm cxix. 75. « Psalm cxix. 142. \ Hos. xiv. 9. 8 Isa. xxvi. 7. \ 8. » Rev. xv. 3, 4. b Rev. xix. 1, 2. Chap. 17>] THE TRUTH AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD. 87 CHAP. XVII. OF THE TRUTH AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD. Sect. 1. General testimonies on this head. — 2. Every word of God shall receive its full accomplishment. — 3. This declared as in the words of the Almighty himself. — 4. The Saints adore his faithfulness as the stable foundation of their comfort and hope. Sect. 1. General testimonies on this head. I will publish the name of the Lord; ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the rock; his work is perfect ; all his ways are judgment : a God of truth, and without iniquity ; just and right is hea. For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done in truth \ The Works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure : they stand fast for ever, and are done in truth and uprightness0. He hath remem bered his covenant for ever, the word which he com manded to a thousand generations'1 : and ye know in all your hearts, and in all your souls, that not one thing bath failed, of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you ; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof0. Know, therefore, that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him, and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations'. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenantand his testimonies5. The Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations'1. Sect. 2. Every word of God shall receive its full accomplishment. Know, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, § 1. • Deut; xxxii. 3, 4. >> Psalm xxxiii. 4. c Psalm cxi. 7, 8. d Psalm cv. 8. e Josh; xxiii. 14. f Deut. vii. 9. s Psalm xxv. 10. h Psalm c. 5. 88 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming ? For, since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation3. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long- suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance b. He is faithful that promised c. Also the strength of Israel will not lie d. God is not man, that he should lie ; neither the son of man, that he should repent. Hath be said ? and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken? and shall he not make it good0? Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar'. If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful ; he cannot deny himself6. — For men verily swear by the greater ; and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife : wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath ; that, by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us ; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil\ Wherefore let us commit the keeping of our souls to him in well-doing, as to a faithful Creator1 ; in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began k ; for verily, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be ful filled1. Sect. 3. This declared as in the words of the Almighty himself. The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass ; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand V I am the Lord ; I change not". 'My counsel shall standi and I will do all my § 2. » 2 Pet. iii. 3, 4. b 2 Pet. iii. 9. ° Heb. x. 23. d 1 Sam. xv. 29. e Num. xxiii. 19. f Rom. iii. 4. * 2 Tim. ii. 13. h Heb. vi. 16 — 19. l 1 Pet. iv. 19. fcTit. i. 2. ' Matth. v. 18. 3. * Isa. xiv. 24. b Mai. iii. 6. Chap. 17.] THE TRUTH AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD. 89* pleasure. I have spoken it ; I will also bring it to pass r I have -purposed it ; I will also do it0: for I am the- Lord; I will speak, and the word that I speak shall come to pass : I say the word, and will perform it d. I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent ; neither will I turn back from it e. For as the rain Cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth : it shall not return to me void ; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it '. Thou spakest in vision to thy Holy One, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty ; I have exalted one chosen out of the people, with whom my hand shall be established ; mine arm also shall strengthen him. My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him; and in my name shall his horn be exalted g. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments h : then will I visit their trarisgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless, my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness, I will not lie, his seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun be fore me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven \ But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me \ Will the Lord cast off, for ever ? Doth his promise fail for evermore ' ? Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb ? yea, they may « Isa. xlvi. 10, 11. d Ezek. xii. 25. « Jer. iv. 28. ' Isa. Iv. 10, 11. e Ps. lxxxix. 19, 21, 24. h Ps.lxxxix.28,29,30. 1 Ps. lxxxix. 32—37. k Isa. xlix. 14. ' Psah lxxvii, 7, 8. 90 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. forget ; yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of, my hands; thy walls are continually before me"1. Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away". For the mountains shall depart* and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee0. Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed ; neither be thou confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame : for thy Maker is thine husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, the God .of the whole earth shall he be called °. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath ; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a gar ment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like man ner ; but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished9-. He who blesseth himself in the earth, shall bless himself in the God of truth ; and he that swearelh in the earth, shall swear by the God of truth'. Sect. 4. The Saints adore the faithfulness of God as the stable foundation of their comfort and hope. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever ; with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations : for I have said, mercy shall be built up for ever ; thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens : and the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord ; thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about theea? Justice and judgriient are the habitation of thy throne ; mercy and truth shall go before thy face b. I will wor ship towards thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness, and for thy truth ; for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name c ; and thy faith- m Isa. xlix. 15, 16. " Matt. xxiv. 35. ° Isa. liv; 10. p Isa. liv. 4, 5. 1 1sa. Ii. 6. ' Isa. lxv. 16. § 4. " Ps.lxxxix. 1, 2,5, 8. b Psalm lxxxix. 14. c Psalm cxxxviii. 2. Chap. 18.] OF GOD AS THE PRESERVER, &C. 91 fulness reacheth to the clouds d. Thy word is true from the beginning6 ; and thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth '. Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants, that walk before thee with all their1 heart g. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven : thy faithfulness is unto all genera tions \ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Remember the word unto thy ser vant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope l : for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth k. CHAP. XVIII. OF GOD AS THE SUPPORTER AND PRESERVER OF ALL HIS CREATURES. Sect. 1. All that exists, holds its being of God. — 2. In his protection is safety and happiness. — 3. His peculiar care of his people. — 4. Nothing that relates to them is overlooked _ by him. — 5. His gracious pro mises of protection to them that truly wait on him. — 6. His servants adore him as the preserver of every creature. — 7. Their prayers and thanksgiving for his protection. Sect. 1. All that exists, holds its being of God. Bless the Lord, O my soul, who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed for ever a ; who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that therein is \ He compassed the waters with bounds, until day and night come to an end0; and while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease d. O give d Psalm xxxvi. 5. e Psalm cxix. 160. ' Isa. xxv. 1. s 1 Kings, viii. 23. b Psalm cxix. 89, 90. ' Psalm cxix. 38, 49. k Psalm xxxi. 5. § 1. * Psalm civ. 1, 5. b Psalm cxlvi. 6. c Job, xxvi. 10. d Gen. viii. 32. 92 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. thanks unto the Lord, who giveth food to all flesh0. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God '. Sing unto the. Lord with thanks giving; sing praises upon the harp unto our God; who covereth the heaven with clouds ; who prepareth rain for the earth ; who maketh grass to grow upon the moun tains ; he giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which crys; he is the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways h ; in whose hand is the, soul of every living thing, and the breath of all man kind x ; if he set his heart upon man ; if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath ; all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again untp dustk. In him we live, move, and have our being \ Sect. 2. In his protection is safety and happiness. Happy art thou, O Israel ; who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency3? There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms \ Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God; who executeth judgment for the oppressed, who giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners ; the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down; the Lord preserveth the strangers ; he relieveth the fatherless and widow0. The living God delivereth and rescuethd. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble ° ? The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord'; for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by fewE. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host ; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength ; an horse is a vain thing for e Psalmcxxxvi.1,25. f Psalm civ. 21. t Ps. cxlvii. 7, 8, 9. h Daniel, v. 23. * Job, xii. 10. . k Job, xxxiv. 14, 15. , ' Acts, xvii. 28. § 2. a Deut. xxxiii. 29, b Deut. xxxiii. 26,27. c Ps. cxlvi. 5, 7, 8,9. dDan. vi. 26, 27. !" Jib.xxxiv; 29. f Prov. xxi. 31. ; , g 1 Sam. xiv. 6. •> Chap. 18.] OF GOD AS THE PRESERVER, &C. 93 safety, neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him : upon them that hope in his mercy ; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine \ He hath said, I will never forsake thee : so that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me1. The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him ; and the Lord shall cover him all the day longk. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into, it, and is safe1. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favdur wilt thou compass him as with a shield"1. Sect. 3. His peculiar care of his people. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them1. The Lord for sake th not his saints ; they are preserved for ever\ The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord, he is their strength in the time of trouble. The Lord shall help them, and deliver them ; he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him0. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all. He keepeth all his bones ; not one of them is broken d. They cry unto the Lord in their trouble, he saveth them out of their dis tresses °. He shall deliver thee in six troubles ; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine, he shall redeem thee from death ; and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue; neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh; neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth; for thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field ; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee'. The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud, and h Ps. xxxiii. 16—19. • Heb. xiii. 5, 6. k Deut. xxxiii. 12. 1 Prov. xviii. 10. m Psalm v. 12. § 3. * Psalm xxxiv. 7. b Psalm xxxvii. 28. c Ps. xxxvii. 39, 40. d Psal. xxxiv. 19, 20. 6 Psalm cvii. 19. f Job, v. 19—23. ' 94 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night : for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle, for a shadow in the day time from the heat; and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from raing. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of wafer in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land\ They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from henceforth, and for ever1. God is our refuge and strength,; a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea ; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled ; though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God ; the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early. The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob is our refugek. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world1. If God be for us, who can be against us m. The Father himself loveth you \ Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteous ness". — God, even our Father, hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace p. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord,- He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in him will I "trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.' He shall cover thee b Isa. iv. 5, 6. b Isa. xxxii. 2. > Psalm cxxv. 1, 2. k Psalm xlvi. 1 — 5,7. ' Matt, xxviii, 20. ¦" Rom. viii. 31 . " John, xvi. 27. " Isa. xii. 10. p 2 Thes. ii. 16. Chap. 18.] OF GOD AS THE PRESERVER, &C. 95 with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust ; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day ; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon day. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh theeq. Because thou hast made the Lord who is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation ; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling : For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone'. Thou shalt dig about thee,, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety; also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid3. Yea thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet'. The Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my life ; of whom shall I be afraid"? For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion ; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me, he shall set me upon a rock''. The Lord is my rock, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, the horn of my salvation, and my high tower y. I laid me down, I slept, I awaked ; for the Lord sustained me z. The Lord is my strength, and my shield ; my heart trusted in him*, and I am helped a. I will lift up mine eyes to the hills whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved ; he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold he that keepeth Israel, shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper ; the Lord is thy shade, upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day; nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil ; he shall preserve Psalm ix. 17. P Job, xxi. 30. « Psalm i. 5. Chap.. 19,] OF GOD AS JUDGE OF ALL THE EARTH. 105 portion of their cup*. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven p ; he shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him q : Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of niy Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world : And he shall say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal'. ¦t>L Sect. 4. His judgments are righteous. Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance ? God forbid : For then how shall God judge the world a? For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against all un godliness and unrighteousness of men b. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and dost the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God ? or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness, and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and reve lation of the righteous judgment of God c. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins ; but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indigna tion, which shall devour the adversaries : He that despised Moses' law, died without mercy, under two or three wit nesses : of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God; and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into, the o Psalm xi. 6. J> 1 Thess. iv. 16. « Matth. xxv. 31. r Matth. xxv. 34, 41, 46. § 4. a Rom. iii. 5, 6. b Rom. i. 18. c Rom. ii. 3, 4, 5. 106 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. {Part 1. hands of the living God d. For the time is colne, that judgment must begin at the house of God : And if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God °? It is a righteous thing, with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you ? and to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven'. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished %. Shall not the Judge of all the world do right h ? Sect. 5. These judgments proceed on God's perfect knowledge of their hearts and ways. Is not God in the height of heaven ? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are ; and thou sayest, How doth God know ? can he judge through the dark cloud? Thick clouds are a covering to him that he seeth not ; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven \ — I the Lord search the heart ; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings b : For mine eyes are upon all their ways; they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes °. If thou dost well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou dost not well, sin lieth at the doord. Now is the end come upon thee; and I will judge thee according to thy ways e. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet ' : For we must all appear before the judgment- seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or badg. For, the Lord cometh, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts'1, — in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus d Heb. x.N26— 31. e 1 pet. iv. 17. f 2 Thess. i. 6, 7. g 2 Pet. ii. 9. '" Gen. xviii. 25. § 5. a Job,xxii. 12, 13, 14. b Jer. xvii. 10. c Jer.xvi. 17. d Gen. iv. 7. e Ezek. vii. 3. f Isa. xxviii. 17. s2Cor. v. 10. "lCor.iv. 5. Chap. 19.] OF GOD AS JUDGE OF ALL THE EARTH. 107 Christ '. Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me; to give every man according as his works shall befc. Sect. 6. The equity of his procedure in judgment. A man is accepted according to that he hath; and not according to that he hath not a. That servant who knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever, much is given, of him shall much be required-; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more b. As many as have sinned without law, shall also perish without law ; and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law0. Be not deceived ; God is not mocked : For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap : Forhe that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. Let us not be weary. in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not d. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love e. Wherefore, look to yourselves that we lose not those things which we have wrought; but that' we receive a full reward '. Sect. 7. Of the time of the last judgment. As Jesus sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us,, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world ? And Jesus answered and said unto them, This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come a. The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: — And then shall appear i Rom. ii. 16. k Rev. xxii. 12. § 6. s 2 Cor. viii. 12. b Luke, xii. 47, 48. c Rom. ii. 12. d Gal. vi. 7, 8, 9. e Heb. ~vi. 10. f 2 John, 8. §7. "Matt.xxiv.3,4,14. 108 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. the sign of the Son of man in heaven ; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn ;" and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet ; and they shall gather together his elect frOm the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other \ But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father0. As a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth d. — For, in such an hour, as ye think not, the Son of man cometh e. Wherefore, let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord '. There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts ; and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they are willingly ignorant of, that, by the word of God, the heavens .were of old, and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water; whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word, are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men 8. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness. — But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness11? Sect. 8. The Saints adore him as the sovereign Judge. O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest b Matt. xxiv. 29, 30, 31. c Mark, xiii. 32. d Luke, xxi. 35. ' Matth. xxiv. 44. f Luke, xii. 35, 36. * 2 Pet. iii. 3—7. " 2 Pet. iii. 9, 10,11. Chap. 19J, OF GOD AS JUDGE OF ALL THE EARTH. 109 the reins and the heart a ; Thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men ; to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings b. Thou dost establish equity ; thou execu test judgment and righteousness in Jacob0. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne ; mercy and truth shall go before thy face d. Thou, even thou art to be feared ; and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry ? Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven : The earth feared, and was still, when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth e. Arise, O Lord, lift up thyself, and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded'. O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth, O God, to whom vengeance belongetiv show thyself: Lift up thyself, thou Judge of the earth8. Arise, O God, judge the #arth ; for thou shalt inherit all nations \ Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever \ Sect. 9- They confess their sins, and plead for mercy. How should man be just with God ? If he contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand a. If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me : If I say I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse13. — For innumerable evils have compassed me about; mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up ; they are more than the hairs of mine head, therefore my heart faileth me0. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgestd. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand ? But there is- for giveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared \ Behold, O God, our shield; and look upon the face of thine anointed ' : And enter not into judgment with thy ser vant; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified8. § 8. a Jer. xi. 20. b Jer. xxxii. 19. c Psalm xcix. 4. d Psalm lxxxix. 14. e Psalm lxxvi. 7, 3,9. f Psalm vii. 6. * Psalm xciv. 1, 2. h Psalm lxxxii. 8. ' Matth. vi. 13. § 9. a Job, ix. 2, 3. b Job, ix. 20. c Psalm xl. 12. d Psalm li. 4. " Psalm cxxx. 3, 4. f Psalm lxxxiv. 9. s Psalm cxliii. 2. 110 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation11. Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercy's sake * : For by grace are we saved k, and made accepted in the Beloved1. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us m. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access, by faith, into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God". Sect. 10. The doxology of the redeemed. We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who art, and wast, and art to come ; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. The nations were angry; and thy wrath i%come, and the time pf the dead, that they should be judged ; and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them that destroy the earth*. Thou art righteous, O Lord, who art, and wast, and shalt be ; because thou hast judged thus. Even so, Lord God Almighty ; true and righteous are thy judgments b. CHAP. XX. OF THE MAJESTY AND CONDESCENSION OF GOD ; AND THAT HE IS THE SOLE OBJECT OF ADORA TION. Sect. 1. Calls to worship and adore him. — 2. Of the infinite majesty of God. — 3. This terrible to his enemies : — 4. To the proud ; and — 5. To the op pressor. — 6. Of the condescension of God. — 7. Joint views of the majesty and condescension of God; these displayed in behalf of his people : — 8. In bring- h Psalm xiii. 5. ' Psalm xliv. 26. k Eph. ii. 8. 1 Eph. i. 6. mTit. iii. 5. ¦> Rom. v. 1, 2. § 10. » Rev. xi. 17, 18. b Rev. xvi. 5, 7. Chap. 20.] OF THE MAJESTY OF GOD, &C Ill ing Israel out of Egypt : — 9. In protecting his church : — 10. In working deliverance for them that trusted in .him. — 11. Representations of the majesty and con descension of God, given by his prophets. — 12. Their pious sense of these; and their prayers for further displays of these perfections. — 13. Their joy and praises for the displays he had made of these.— 14. They declare all their hope to be in God alone. — 15. Their admiration of his condescension. Sect. 1 . Calls to worship and adore him. Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain ; my speech shall distil as the dew ; as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. Because I will publish the name of the Lord; ascribe ye greatness unto our Goda. Honour and majesty are before him ; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength : give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name : bring an offering and come into his courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness ; fear before him all the earth5. Sect. 2. Of the infinite majesty of God. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength : who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered ? He removeth the mountains, and they know not; he overturneth them in his anger. He shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. He commandeth the sun, and it riseth not ; and sealeth up the stars. He alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea*. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth ; he toucheth the hills, and they smoke b: the pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at his reproof0. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand ? and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth §1. • Deut. xxxii. 1, 2, 3. b Psalm xcvi. 6—9. § 2. * Job, ix. 4—8. b Psalm civ. 32. - Job, xxvi. 11. 112' OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance ? All nations before him are as nothing, and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity d*. Sect. 3. This terrible to his enemies. The Lord God of hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt ; and all that dwell therein shall mourn". Behold the Lord cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft : as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place \ The Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries ; and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power; and will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind, and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He re- buketh the" sea, and maketh it dry ; and drieth up all the rivers. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burnt at his presence ; yea, the world and all that dwell therein. Who can stand be fore his indignation ? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger ? With an over-running flood he will make an utter end; and darkness will pursue his enemies0. God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise : his brightness was as the light. Before him went the pestilence ; and burning coals went forth at his feet. He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations ; and the' ever lasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow : his ways are everlasting. I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction ; and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Was the Lord displeased against the rivers ? Was thine anger against the rivers ? Was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine d Isa. xl. 12, 17. § 3. * Amos, ix. 5. b Mic. i. 3, 4. c Nah. i. 2 — 6, 8. * See further chap, ix, x, xi, xii. " concerning his power, providence, and dominion." p. 23, to p. 56. 2 Chap. 20.] OF THE MAJESTY OF GOD, &C 113 horses, and thy chariots of salvation ? The mountains saw thee, and they trembled ; the overflowing of the water passed by ; the deep uttered his voice, and lift up his hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation : at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear d *. Thou didst march through the land in thine indignation : thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed0. Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters. When I heard, my belly trembled ; my lips quivered at the voice : rottenness, entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble'. Sect. 4. To the proud; and-~- The day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up, and he shall be brought low. And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up; and upon all the oaks of Bashan ; and upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up ; and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall ; and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures f- And the loftiness of mail shall be bowed down ; and the haughtiness of men shall be made low ; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day : and the idols he shall utterly abolish. And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when heariseth to shake terribly the earth \ Sect. 5. To the oppressor. How hath the oppressor ; ceased ! the golden city ceased ! The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, d Hab. iii. 3—8, 1.0, 11. » Hafe. iii. 12, 13. ' Hab. iii. 15, 16. § 4. » Isa. ii. 12--19, 21. ^ ; * " Alluding to the1 signals from commanders, which give the whole host such movements as they will." ¦f Pictures. — The images worshipped by idolaters. VOL. I. I 1 14 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. and the sceptre of the rulers. He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke : he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth*. Hell from beneath is moved for thee, to meet thee at thy coming ; it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth ; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. All they shall speak, and say unto thee, art thou also become weak as we? Art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols ; the worm is spread under thee; and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ? how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations ! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven ; I will exalt my throne above the stars, of God; I will sit also upon the mount Of the congregation; in the sides of the north b; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High ; yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms ? That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof, that opened not the house of his prisoners ° ? Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain; exalt the voice unto them; shake the harid, that they may go into the gates of the nobles. I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highriess. The noise of a multitude in the moun tains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together ; the Lord of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord and the weapons of his indignation. Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand ; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint; and every man's heart shall melt; and they shall be afraid. Pangs and sorrows shall take hold § 5. • Isa. xiv. 4, 5, fij. b Isa. xiv. 9—13. c Isa. xiv. 14—17. Chap. 20.] OF THE MAJESTY OF GOD, &C 115 of them ; they shall be in pain as a woman that tra- vaileth ; they shall be amazed one at another d : For the stars of heaven, and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the riioon shall not cause her light to shine. And I will cause the arrogtocy of jthe prOud to cease ; and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible °. Sect. 6. Of the condescension of God. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on high? who humbletb himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth a. What is man that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him b ? Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him ° : For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous^ and his ears are open unto their prayers'1. He will regard the prayer of the destitute ; he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to loose those that are appointed to death °. The meek will he guide in judgment ; the meek will he teach his way '. If a man love me, said Jesus, he will. keep my words ; and my Father' will love him, arid we will come unto him, and, make our abode with him e. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly , to revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones l : And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ k. Sect. 7. Joint views of the majesty and condescension of God, — these displayed in behalf of his people. The Lord's portion is hjs people ; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness ; he led him about; he d Isa. xiii. 2 — 8. « Isa. xiii. 10, 11. § 6. a Psalm cxiii. 4, 5, 6. b Psalm viii. 4, c Psalm ciii. 13. d 1 Pet. iii. 12, 14. e Psalm cii. 17, 19, 20. f Psalm xxv. 9. * John, xiv. 23. h Psalm cxxxviii. 6. ' Isa. lvii. 15. k 1 John, i. 3. ¦ ' . . • 116 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. instructed him ; he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings, so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him a. In his love, and in his pity he redeemed them, and carried them all the days of old \ There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency upon the sky °. Israel shall dwell in safety alone : Happy art thou, O Israel ; who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency d. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his mercy endureth for ever: To him who alone doth great wonders. — To him that by wisdom made the heavens, and, stretched out the earth above the waters. — Who remembered us in our low estate, for his mercy endureth for ever; and hath redeemed us from our enemies, for his mercy endureth for ever '. Sect. 8. In bringing Israel out- of Egypt. Ogive thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds amOng the people ; sing unto him, sing psalms unto him ; talk ye of his wondrous works *. He did great things in Egypt; wondrous works in the the land of Ham ; and terrible things by the Red Sea b. Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through ; and he made the waters to stand as an heap0. I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously ; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea ; his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them ; they sank unto the bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power ; thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces, the enemy. And § 7. a Deut. xxxii. 9—12, b Isa. lxiii. 9. « Deut. xxxiii. 26. a Deut. xxxiii. 28, 29. e Ps. cxxxvi. 3 — 6, 23, 24. § 8. » Psalm cv. 1, 2. b Psalm cvi. 21, 22. e Psal lxxviii. 12, 13. Chap. 20.] OF THE MAJESTY QF GOD, &C 117 in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee ; thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. With the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together ; the floods stopd upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea d. The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil ; my lust shaU be satisfied upon them, I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind ; the sea covered them ; they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the gods ? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders"? Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee ; they were afraid ; the depths also were troubled'. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven ; the light nings lightened the world, the earth trembled and shook g. The stout-hearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep ; and none of the men of might have found their hands. At thy rebuke, O God of Jacobj both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep h. Sect. 9. In protecting his church. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness \ For lo, the kings were assembled ; they passed by together. They saw it, and so they marvelled ; they were troubled, and hasted away. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail6. In Judah is God known ; his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. There brake he the arrows of the bow ; the shield, the sword, and the battle c. A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened1 the world; the earth saw and trembled. The hills d Exod. xv. 1, 8. e Exod. xv. 9— 11. f Psal. lxxvii. 15, 16. e Psalm lxxvii. 18. h Psalm lxxvi. 5, 6. § 9. a Psalm xlviii. 1. b Psal. xlviii. 4, 5, 6. c Psalm lxxvi. 1, 2, 3. 118 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. melted like wax at the presence of the Lord ; at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth d. The sea saw it, and fled ; Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest ? thou Jordan, that thou wast, driven back ? ye mountains that ye skipped like rams ? and ye little . hills like lambs ? Tremble thou earth at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob ; who turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters". Sect. 10. In working deliverance for them that trusted-in him. I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice, and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live*. The sorrows of death compassed me; and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God ; he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came be fore him. Then the earth shook and trembled ; the foundations also of the hills moved, and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured ; coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also and came down ; and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly ; yea he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place ; his pavilion round about him were dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him, his thick, clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire. The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice. Yea he sent out his arrows, and scattered them ; and he shot out lightnings and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were dis covered, at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the d Psalm xcvii. 3, 4, 5. e Psalm cxiv. 3 — 8. §10. ' Psalm cxvi. 1,2. Chap. 20.] OF THE MAJESTY OF GOD, &C 119 breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He brought me forth also into a large place ; he delivered me, because he de lighted in me b. This poor man cried ; and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good : Blessed is the man that trusteth in him". — Thou hast fully known what persecutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord delivered me d. The^Lord shall deliver me from every evil". Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us '. Our God whom we serve is, able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king s. O love the Lord, all ye his saints ; for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and. plentifully rewardeth the proud doer h. Sect. 1 1 . Representations of the majesty and con descension of God given by his Prophets. O clap your hands, all ye people, shout unto God with the voice of triumph ; for the Lord most high is terxible ; he is a great king over all the earth a. God is gone up with a shout; the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises ; sing praises unto our king, sing praises : For God is the king of all the earth; sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen ; God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness b. He sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers c. Behold the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of a balance. Behold he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. All nations before him are as nothing, and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity d. Let all the earth fear b Ps. xviii. 4— 16, 19. c Ps. xxxiv. 6, 7, 8. d 2 Tim. iii. 10, 11. ' 2 Tim. iv. 18. f 2 Cor. i. 10. * Dan. iii. 17. h Psalm xxxi. 23. § 11. a Psalm xlvii. 1, 2. b Psalm xlvii. 5—8. c Isa. xl. 28. d Isa. xl. 15, 17. 120 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Parti. the Lord ; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him0. Who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man who shall be made as grass? and forgettest the Lord thy Maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth'? Neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread8. Fear this glorious and fearful name, the lord thy GOD b. O fear the Lord, ye his saints ; for there is no want to them that fear him'. Ye that fear the Lord, praise him ; all ye seed of Jacob, glorify him ; and fear him all ye seed of Israel k. In all their afflic tions he was afflicted ; and the angel of his presence saved them1. He that toucheth them- toucheth the apple of his eyem. If they be bound in fetters, and holden in cords of affliction ; then he showeth them their work, and their transgressions ; he openeth also their ear to discipline; he delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression n. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly ; but the proud he knoweth- afar off0. Thus saith the high and lofty One, that ihhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy, I dwell in the high aiid holy place; with him also that-is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones p. The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool ; where is the house that ye build unto me ? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, saith the Lord. But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word'. Thus saith the Lord that created the heavens, God himself that formed the earth and made it, I am the Lord, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my- mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shah1 bow, every tongue shall E Psalm xxxiii. 8. f Isa. Ii. 12, 13. s Isa. viii. 12, 13. b Deut. xxviii. 58. ¦ Psalm xxxiv. 9. k Psalm xxii. 23. • Isa. Ixiii. 9. ™Zech. ii. 8. " Job, xxxvi. 8, 9, 10, 15. 0 Psal. cxxxviii. 6. p Isa. lvii. 15. 1 1sa. lxvi. 1, 2. Chap. 20.] OF THE MAJESTY OF GOD, &C. 121 swear': That he who blesseth himself iri the earth, shall bless himself in the God of truth ; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth '. For, from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place, incepse shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering ; for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts \ Sect. 12. Their pious sense of these, and their prayers for further displays of these perfections. All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord, and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power a. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works : And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts ; and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness b. The heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord; thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. For who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints ; and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee; or to thy faithfulness round about thee ? Thou rulest the raging of the sea ; when the waves thereof arise thou stillest them. Thou, hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain ; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. Thou hast a mighty arm ; strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand0. Oh that thou wouldst rent the heavens, that thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence ; to make thy name known to thine adversaries ; that the nations may tremble at thy r Isa. xiv. 18, 23. • Isa. Ixv. 16. « Mai. i. 11. § 12.a Psalm cxlv. 10, 1 1. b Psalm cxlv. 4—7. c Ps. lxxxix, 5—10, 13. 122 OF GOD AND HIS'PERFECTIONS. [Parti. presence, When thou . didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou earnest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence*. Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? Art, thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep, that hath made the deeps of the sea a way for the, ran somed to pass over ? That led them with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name6? Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness, and of thy glory : Where is thy zeal and thy strength, the founding of thy bowels, and of thy mercies towards me? are they restrained ? Doubtless thou art our father, though Abra ham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not ; thou O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer, thy name is from everlasting'. Sect. 13. Their joy and praises for the displays he had made of these. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty : Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment ; who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain \ Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can show forth all his praise b? How terrible art thou in thy works? Through the greatness of thy power, shall thine enemies submit them selves unto thee". My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears d. My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour : For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name0. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad '. I will joy d Isa. lxiv. 1, 2, 3. e l5a.li.9,10,andlxiii. 12. ' Isa. lxiii. 15, 16. §13.* Psalm civ. 1,2. b Psalm cvi. 2. r- Psalm lxvi. 3. d Psalm xxxi v. 2, 3,4. * Luke, i. 46, 47, 49. ' Psalm exxvi. 3; Chap. 20.] OF THE MAJESTY OF GOD, &C. 123 in the God of my salvation g. My soul shall be joyful in my God ; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation \ O God, when thou wentest forth before' thy people, when thou didst march through the wilder ness, the earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God; even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel1. The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels : The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Thou hast ascended on high; thou hast led captivity captive ; thou hast received gifts for men, yea for the rebellious also ; that God the Lord might dwell among them k. O Lord our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth 2 ! Lord, What is man, that thou takest knowledge of him ? or the son of man, that thou makest accbunt of himm? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour". Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty ; for all that is in the heaven, and in the earth, is thine : Thine is the kingdom, O Lord ; and thou art exalted as head above all0. Let all those that seek after thee rejoice, and be glad in thee : Let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified p. Sect. 14. They declare all their hope to be in God alone. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Before Ephraim, and Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up thy strength, and come and save us. Turn us again, O God ; and cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved a. Save us, O God of our salvation, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise b. I will praise thee, O Lord, with i Hab. iii. 18. b Isa. Ixi. 10. « Psalm lxviii. 7, 8. k Psal. lxviii. 17, 18. ,' Psalm viii. 1. m Psalm cxliv. 3. n Psalm viii. 5. ° 1 Chron. xxix. 10, 11. p Psalm xl. 16. § 14.» Psalm lxxx. 1, 2, 3. b 1 Chrou. xvi. 35. 124 OF GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS. [Part 1. my whole heart : 1 will show forth all thy marvellous works °. My soul, wait thou only upon God ; for my expectation is from him : He only is my rock, and my salvation d. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude. of mountains: Truly in the Lord our God is the salvation- of Israel e. I, even I, am the Lord, and beside me there is no Saviour, saith the Lord '. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth : For I am God, and there is none else g. I will be glad and rejoice in thee : I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High". Sect. 15. Their admiration of his condescension. But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth! Behold the heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee * ; and the earth, O Lord', is full of thy mercy b. Who am I, 0 Lord God ? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto ? And is this the manner of man, O Lord God0? Thou art great, O Lord God ! there is none like thee ; neither is there any God beside theed. When I consider thy heavens, the wOrk of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of hip ? and the son of man, that -thou visitest him0, c Psalm ix. 1. d Psalm lxii. 5, 6. * Jer. iii. 23. ' Isa. xliii. 11. g Isa. xiv. 22. h Psal. ix. 2. § 15.a 2 Qhron. vi. 18. b Psalm cxix. 64. c % Sam. vii. 18, 19. d 2 Sam. vii. 22, ° Psalm viii. 3, 4. Chap. 1.] OF THE ORIGIN AND FALL OF MAN. 125 PART II. OF HUMAN NATURE. CHAP. I. OF THE ORIGIN AND FALL OF MAN. Sect. 1. A general view of God as our Creator. — 2. An account of the creation of our first parents. — 3. Their first state of honour and happiness. — 4. God's special command given to them in Paradise, as a testimony of their daily subjection and gratitude to him. — 5. They are deceived by the serpent. — 6. The judgment denounced on the serpent, on Adam, and on Eve. — 7. Their fall affects all their offspring. — 8. Of the remains of their original ex cellency. — 9- The acknowledgments and supplications of his servants on this article. Sect. 1. A general view of God as our Creator. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands; serve the Lord with gladness. Know ye that the Lord he is God : It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves : We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture*. He giveth to all life, and. breath, and all things ; and hath made of one blood, all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth ; and hath de termined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation : For in him we live, and move, and have our being ; for we are also his offspring b. Sect. 2. An account of the creation of our first parents. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth1, and all that therein is\ And God said, Let § 1. * Psalm c. 1, 2, 3. b Acts, xvii. 25, 26, 28. § 2. a Gen. i. 1. b Psalm cxlvi. 6. 126" OF HUMAN. NATURE. [Part 2. us make man in our image, after our likeness ; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth0. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground ; and "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became, a living soul. And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for himd. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept ; and he took orie of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof : And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh : She shall be called woinan, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife ; and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, and were not ashamed °. — So God created man in his own image : In the image of God, in righteousness and true holiness, created he him : Male and female created he them '. Sect. 3. The first state of honour and happiness. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it ; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth ; and every tree; in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed ; to you it shall be for meat a : And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air, and brought them unto Adam, to see what he would call them. And whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof b. God hath made man upright0. cGen. i. 25. d Gen. ii. 7, 18. e Gen. ii. 21— 25. f Gen.i.27.&Eph.iv.24. § 3. » Gen. i. 28, 29. b Gen. ii. 19. « Eccles. vii. 29. 4 Chap. 1.] OF THE ORIGIN AND FALL OF MAN. 127 And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good d. Sect. 4. God's special command given to them in Paradise, as a testimony of their daily subjection and gratitude. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow; every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for .food ; the tree of life also, in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil a. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to dress it, and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat ; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it ; for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die\ Sect, 5. They are deceived by the serpent. Now the serpent was more subtile than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made ; and he said unto the woman, yea hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden ? And the woman said unto the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden ; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch ft, lest ye die. And. the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know, that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened ; and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it -was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise ; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat ; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened; and they knew that they d Gen. i. 31. ., § 4. » Gen. ii. 8, 9. b Gen. ii. 15, 16, 17. 128 OF HUMAN NATURE. ,. [Part 2. were naked; and they sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons ". For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being; deceived was in the transgression b. The serpent beguiled Eve through his siibtilty0: that old serpent called the Devil and Satan d, he was a murderer from the beginning : When he speaketh a lie, he speak eth of his own : for he is a liar, and the father of it". Sect. 6\ The judgment denounced on the serpent, on Adam, and on Eve. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day ; and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. , And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou ? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden ; and I was afraid because I was naked ; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee, that thou wast naked? hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I com manded thee, that thou shouldst not eat ? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat* And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field ; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. 'And I will put enmity between thee and the woman; and between thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow, and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children ; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten Of the tree of which I commanded thee, § 5. » Gen. iii. 1 — 7. b 1 Tim. ii. 13, 14. c 2 Cor. xi. 3. d Rev. xii. 9. e John, viii. 44. Chap. 1.] OF THE ORIGIN AND FALL OF MAN. 129 saying, Thou shalt not eat of it ; cursed is the ground for thy sake ; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee ; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face Ishalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground : for out of it wast thou taken ; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return \ And the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man ; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden, cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life b. Sect. 7- Their fall affects all their offspring. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; but they have sought out many inventions \ How is the gold become dim ! how is the fine gold changed b ! By one man sin came into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. But not as the offence; so also is the free gift ; for if by one man's offence, death reigned by one ; much more they who receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life, by one, Jesus Christ0. As by the offence of one, judg ment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. As by one man's dis obedience many were made sinners ; so by the obedi ence of one shall many be made righteous d. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead : For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive °. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit '. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins, and were by nature the children of wrath even as others E. § 6. a Gen. iii. 8—19. b Gen. iii. 23, 24. § 7. - Eccles. vii. 29. b Lam. iv. 1. c Rom. v. 12, 15, 17. d Rom. v. 18, 19. e 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22. f John, iii. 6. e Eph. ii. 1, 3. VOL. I. K 130 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. Sect. 8. Of the remains of their original excellency. There is a spirit in man ; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding*. The spirit of God hath made me ; and the 'breath of the Almighty hath given me lifeb. God, my Maker, giveth songs in the night : he teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven0. He hath put wisdom in the inward parts ; he hath given understanding to the heart*1. For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things con tained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves ; which show the work of the law written in their hearts ; their conscience also bearing witness ; and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing one another0. That which may be known of God, is manifest in them ; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse'. Sect. 9. The acknowledgments and supplications of his servants on this article. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth" ! when I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the rnoon and the stars which thou hast ordained ; what is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet ; all sheep and oxen, yea and the beasts of the field ; the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seasb. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee; but unto us confusion, of .faces, because we § 8. " Job, xxxii. 8. b Job, xxxiii. 4. c Job, xxxv. 10, 11. d Job, xxxviii. 36. e Rom. ii. 13, 14, 15. f Rom. i. 19, 20. § 9. * Psalm viii. 1. b Psalm viii. 3—8. Chap. 2.] OF THE IGNORANCE, &C. OF MAN. 131 have sinned against thee0. If we say, we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in usd. How then can man be justified with God ? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? Not one. What is man, that he should be clean, and he that is born of a woman, that he should be righteous0 ? The joy of our heart is ceased ; our dance is turned into mourning; the crown is fallen from our head ; woe unto us that we have sinned. For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim'. O Lord, enter not into judgment with thy servants; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified6. If thou Lord shouldest mark iniquities; O Lord, who shall stand? but there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared h. With the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption ; and he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities1. To the Lord, our God, belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against himfc. O remember not against us former iniquities : let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name ; and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake1. CHAP. II. OF THE IGNORANCE, FOLLY, AND OBSTINACY OF MAN. Sect. 1. Some general testimonies on this head. — 2. The folly of human wisdom in the sight of God.— - 3. The danger of entertaining a fond opinion of our own wisdom. — 4. Our own wisdom can neither direct our paths, attain our purposes, nor secure us from ill. — 5. That men are obstinate and averse to instruction. — 6. The charge of ignorance, folly, c Daniel, ix. 7, 8. d 1 John, i. 8. e Job, xxv. 4; xiv. 4 ; xv. 14. f Lam. v. 15, 16, 17. s Psalm cxliii. 1, 2. h Psalm cxxx. 3, 4. 1 Psalm cxxx. 7, 8. * Daniel, ix. 9. ! Psalm lxxix. 8, 9. 132 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. and obstinacy, brought as by God himself against the sons of men. — 7. The reflections of the Saints on their former ignorance, and their ardent desires after true wisdom. — 8. Their prayers to this effect. — 9- Their hope of obtaining their requests. Sect. 1. JSome general testimonies on this head. Vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild a£s's colta; for we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow \ I said, I wfll be wise ; but it was far from me. That which is far off, and* exceeding deep, who can find it out? I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things0. Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun ; because, though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it ; yea further, though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find itd. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child ; even so, thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all e. Canst thou, by search ing, find out God,? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection'? Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness s. Sect. 2. The folly of human wisdom in the sight of God. . Let no man deceive himself; if any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God : and the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vaina. If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know \ Howbeit we speak not the § 1. a Job, xi. 12. bJob, viii. 9. " Eccl.vii.23,24,25. d Eccles. viii. 17. ' * Eccles. xi. 5. f Job, xi.-7. t Job, xxxvii. 19. § 2. » 1 Cor. iii. 18—20. b 1 Cor. viii. 2. Chap. 2.] OF THE IGNORANCE, &C OF MAN. 133 wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought0. For it is written, I will destroy the .wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the under standing of the prudent. Where is the wise ? where i^ the .scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world ? For after that in the wisdom .of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe d. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men ; and the weakness of God is stronger #than men. For ye see your calling, brethren 5 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 which 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 pre sence6. He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged: they grope in the dark without light; and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man f. He dis- appointeth the devices of the crafty ; he taketh the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong. They meet' with darkness in the day time, and grope in the noon-day as in the night g. Sect. 3. The danger of entertaining a fond opinion of our own wisdom. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him*. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight b : they turn aside into vain jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm c. The way of peace they know c 1 Cor. ii. 6. d 1 Cor. i. 19, 20, 21. e 1 Cor. i. 25—29. f Job, xii. 17, 20, 25. « Job, v. 12.,, 13, 14. § 3. * Proverbs, xxvi. 12. b Isa. v. 21. c 1 Tim. i. 6, T, 134 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2, not, and there is no judgment in their goings : they have made them crooked paths ; whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace d. The god of this world hath blinded their minds " ; they know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness', professing them selves to be wise, they became fools ; because when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened8. Our fathers have inherited lies, vanify, and things wherein there is no profit11. Their way is folly; yet their posterity approve, their sayings *. Therefore is judgment far from us ; neither doth justice overtake us. We wait for light, but behold obscurity ; for brightness, but we walk in dark ness. We grope for the wall like the blind ; and we grope as if we had no eyes. We stumble at noon-day as in the night''. Sect. 4. Our own wisdom can neither direct our paths, attain our purposes, nor secure us from ill. The foolishness of a man perverteth his way*. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted theeb. Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more • excellent, being instructed out of the law ; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of the babes, which hast the form of knowledge, and of truth in the law : thou therefore who teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God0? Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of d. All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes ; but the Lord weigheth the spirits0. The way of a man is not in him self; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps'. d Isa. lix. 8. . e 2 Cor. iv. 4. f Psalm lxxxii. 5. * Rom. i. 21, 22. h Jer. xvi. 19. j Psalm xlix. 13. k Isa. lix. 9, 10. § 4. • Prov. xix. 3. b Isa. xlvii. 10. ' Rom.ii. 17—21,23. d Luke, ix. 55. c Prov. xvi. 2. ,f Jer. x. 23. Chap. 2.] OF THE IGNORANCE, &C OF MAN. 135 Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own wayg? A man's heart deviseth his way ; but the Lord directeth his steps h. He is the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways *. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man ; but the end thereof are the ways of death k. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gain; whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow ; for what is your life ? it is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away1. Surely every man walketh in a vain show ; surely they are disquieted in vain; he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather themm. For man also knoweth not his time : as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare ; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it faileth sud denly upon them n. Sect. 5. That men are obstinate, and averse to instruction. The natural man receiveth riot the things of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know * them, because they are spiritually discerned a. In the beginning was the word b : in him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended.it not. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not0. And this is the condemna tion, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved d. s Prov. xx. 24. hProv. xvi. 9. * Dan. v. 23. k Prov. xvi. 25. • James, iv. 13, 14. m Psalm xxxix. 6. = Eccles. ix. 12. § 5. • 1 Cor. ii. 14. b John, i. 1. c John, i. 4, 5, 10. d John, iii. 19, 20. * " This cannot be understood of utter incapacity : but of such a degree of aversion to spiritual things, as prevents their inquiring into them." 136 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. He that hateth reproof shall die °. Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands; he shall destroy them, and not build them up'. For they are of those that rebel against the light, they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof8. They walk in the vanity of their own mind ; having the understanding darkened ; being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart11. They are altogether brutish and foolish l : a wise man will hear, and will increase learning ; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge11. O ye simple, understand wisdom ; and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart1. Sect. 6. The charge of ignorance, folly, and ob stinacy, brought as by God himself against the sons of men. Who is this that darkerieth /counsel by words without knowledge a ? How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us ? Lo, certainly in vain made he it, the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise' men are ashamed, they ate dismayed and taken ; lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them b ? My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge : because thou hast rejected J knowledge, I will also reject thee ; seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children °. For my people is foolish, they have not known me ; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding ; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge d. Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times ; and the turtle, and the crane, and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my c Prov. xv. 10. ' Psalm xxviii. 5'. e Job, xxiv. ,13. "¦ Eph. iv. 17, 18. ' Jer. x. 8. * Prov. i. 5, 7, 22. 1 Prov. viii. 5. § 6. a Job, xxxviii. 2. b Jer. viii. 8, 9. c Hosea, iv. 6. d Jer. iv. 22. Chap. 2.] OF THE IGNORANCE, &C OF MAN. 137 people know not the judgment of the Lord". They hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord : they would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. My people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me5, O that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had chosen my ways ! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and. turned my hand against their adversaries \ To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken; behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach ; they have no delight in it. Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee \ Sect. 7. The reflections of the Saints on their former ignorance, and their ardent desires after true wisdom. We ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts, hateful, and hating one another a. Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord ; walk as children of the light : and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light b. For this cause we do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God °. Sect. 8. Their prayers to this effect. Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in truth, and teach me ; for thou art the God of my salvation, on thee do I wait all the day a. That which I see not, teach thou me b. Who can understand his errors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults °. How " Jer. viii. 7. f Prov. i. 29, 30. g Psalm lxxxi. 11. h Psalm lxxxi. 13, 14. j Jer. vi. 8, 10. $ 7. a Titus, iii. 3. b Eph. v. 8, 11, 14. c Col. i. 9, 10. § 8. * Psalm xxv. 4, 5. b Job, xxxiv. 32. c Psalm xix. 12. 138 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. many are mine iniquities, and sins ? make me to know my transgression and my sin d. Consider and hear me, O Lord my God ; lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death e. Teach me good judgment and know ledge. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth ; hide not thy commandments from me . Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk ; for I lift up- my soul unto thee. Teach me to do thy will ; for thou art my God. Thy spirit is good ; lead rne unto the land of uprightness8. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee h. Wherefore I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers ; .that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him ; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints1. Sect. 9. Their hope of obtaining their requests. Good and upright is the Lord ; therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment; and the meek will he teach his way". What man is he that feareth the Lord ? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. The secret pf the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he will show them his covenant b. I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go ; I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding0. — Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts ; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom d. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given d Job, xiii. 23. e Psalm xiii. 3. ' Ps.cxix. 18, 19, 66. s Psalm cxliii. 8, 10. h Psalm li. 13. ' Eph. i. 15, 16, 17, 18. § 9. * Psalm xxv. 8, 9. b Psalm xxv. 12, 14. e Psalm xxxii. 8, 9. d Psalm li. 6. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 139 him0. Ask and it shall be given you'. If thou criest aftef knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understand ing, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord; and find the knowledge of God : for the Lord giveth wisdom g. CHAP. III. OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. Sect. 1. General testimonies to this purpose. — 2. The depravity of the human heart hath discovered itself in all age>— 3. Of the criminal affections which prevail in the hearts of men. — 4. Our Lord's testi mony to this purpose. — 5. When these affections are indulged, they lead to the greatest degrees of wickedness. — 6. This subject continued and further illustrated by what is said concerning the sinful be haviour of the people of Israel.' — 7. That men are averse to reformation, — 8. God introduced charging men with depravity and obstinate wickedness. — 9. That obstinate wickedness leadeth to judicial hard ness of heart. — 10. The subject continued. — 11. The destruction of the transgressor is entirely owing to himself. — 12. Our Lord's complaint of the obstinacy of the Jews. — 13. Nevertheless men every where called upon to repent. — 14. The reflections of the servants of God on their state before their conversion. — 15. Their struggles with the remains of depravity. — 1 6. Their confessions and supplications on this subject. Sect. 1. General testimonies to this purpose. What is man that he should be clean? and he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, God putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight, how much more ' James, i. 5. f Matt. vii. 7. E Prov. ii. 3, 5, 6. 140 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. abominable and filthy is man, who drinketh iniquity like water a ? There is not a just man upon earth, that dfeth good and sinneth notb. Estranged from the womb, they go astray as soon as they be born °. The way of a man is froward and strange d. Yea also the. heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live'. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ; who can know it ' ? ' for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth s- Sect. 2. The depravity of the human heart hath discovered itself in all ages. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men; to see if there were any that did understand, and seek Goda. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every ima gination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually b. The earth also was corrupt before God ; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth, and the earth was filled with violence through them0. They are corrupt ; they have done abominable works d ; they are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doth good, no not one0. Both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God f. Sect. 3. Of the criminal affections which prevail in the hearts of men. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he ariy man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it bringeth forth sin ; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death a. If any man § 1. » Job, xv. 14, 15, 16. b Eccles. vii. 20. « Psalm lviii. 3. d Prov. xxi. 8. c Eccles. ix. 3. ' Jer. xvii. 9. eGen. viii. 21. § 2. a Psalm xiv. 2. "> Gen. vi. 5, « Gen. vi. 11, 12, 13. d Psalm xiv. 1. " Psalm xiv. 3. f Rom. iii. 9, 23. § 3. » James, i. 13, 14, 15. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 141 love the world, the love of the Father is not in him ; for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh,, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the worldb. From whence come wars, and fightings among you ? Come they not hence, even of your lusts, that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not ; ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain ; ye fight, and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not ; ye ask, and receive not ; because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to env,y°? For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men d ? for they that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh ; to be carnally minded is death, because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God e. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,. variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like '. Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce- breakers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof6, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith : from such turn away h ; for they are enemies to the Cross of Christ : whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly ; and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things '. b 1 John, ii. 15, 16. c James, iv. 1—5. d 1 Cor. iii. 8. " Rom. viii. 5— 8. ' Gal. v. 19, 20, 21. s 2 Tim. iii. 2, 5. b 2 Tim. iii. 8. > Phil. iii. 18, 19. 142 OF HUMAN NATURE- [Part 2.; Sect. 4. Our Lord*s testimony to this purpose. Now Jesus knew all men ; and needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man". And when he had called the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you and understand, there is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him ; but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the manb. Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him ; because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and gpeth out into the draught, purging all meats. That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man ; for from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts," adulteries, fornications, murders,' thefts, covetousness, wickedness) deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness ; all these evil things come from within, and defile the man °. ¦ Sect. 5. When these affections are indulged, they lead to the greatest degrees of wickedness. Unto the pure all things are pure ; but unto them that are defiled, and unbelieving, is nothing pure ; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God ; but in works they deny hini, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate". Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful ; but became Vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools; and changed the glory of the incor ruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections b : and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave theiri over to a reprobate § 4. > John, ii, 24, 25. b Mark, vii. 14, 15. « Mark, vii. 18—23. § 5. * Titus, i, 15, 10, b Rom. i. 21,22, 23,26. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 143 mind, to do those things which are not convenient: being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wicked ness, covetousness, maliciousness ; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, inventers of evil things, without understanding, covenant-breakers, implacable, unmer ciful0. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities'1. These as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the thing that they understand not, and shall utterly perish in their own corruption ; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day-time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings ; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin ; • beguiling unstable souls ; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices ; cursed children, which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, fol lowing the way of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness0. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption ; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage'. Woe unto them, for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam, * for reward, and perished in the gain saying of Core. Trees they are whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots ; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame ; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. These be they who separate them selves, sensual, not having the spirit8. Woe unto them " Rom. i. 28—31. d 2 Pet. ii. 9, 10. e 2 Pet.ii. 12—15. ' 2 Pet. ii. 17, 19. * Jude, 11, 12,13, 19. 144 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope. Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil ; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter ; who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him \ Sect. 6. This subject , continued, and further illus trated by what is said concerning the sinful behaviour of the people of Israel. The Lord hath a controversy' with the inhabitants of the land ; because there is no truth nor mercy, nor know ledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, ¦ they break out". Their throat is an open sepulchre ; with their tongues they have used deceit ; the poison of asps is under their lips ; whose mouth is full of cursing and bit terness ; their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways ; and the way of peace have . they not known : there is no fear of God before their eyesb. Being past feeling, they have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleariness with greediness0. They sleep not except they have done mischief; for they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence"1. None calleth for justice, nor pleadeth for truth ; they trust in vanity, and speak lies. Their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity ; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not, and there is no judgment in their goings.* "They have made them crooked paths ; whosoever goeth therein, shall not know peace °. There is no faithfulness in their mouth ; their inward part is very wickedness '. They encourage themselves in an evil matter; they say, who shall see them?. They search out iniquities; they accomplish a " Isa. v. 18, 20, 23. § 6. » Hos. iv. 1,2. b Rom. iii. 13—18. c Eph. iv. 19. d Prov. iv. 16, 17. e Isa. lix. 4, 6, 7, 8. f Psalm v. 9. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 145 diligent search ; both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart is deep6. Pride compasseth them about as a chain, violence covereth them as a garment. They are'corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppres sion ; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens ; and their tongue walketh through the earth \ They speak vanity, every one with his neigh bour ; with flattering lips* and a double heart, do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things : who have said, With our tongue will we prevail ; our lips are our own, who is Lord over us * ? The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit ; he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good ; he abhorreth not evilk. He speaketh vanity; his heart gathereth iniquity to itself1. Behold he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood m. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire; and blesseth the covetous whom the Lord abhorreth ; through the pride of his countenance, he will not seek after God ; God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above, out of his sight. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved. His mouth is full of cursing, and deceit and fraud ; under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten; he hideth his face, he will never see it". But the Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth ; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands0. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men ? Yea, in heart you work wickedness, you weigh the violence of g Psalm Ixiv. 5, 6. h Psalm lxxiii. 6, 8, 9. ' Psalm xii. 2, 3, 4. k Psalm xxxvi. 1 — 4. ' Psalm xii. 6. m Psalm vii. 14. - Psalm x. 3—7, 11. ° Psalm ix. 16. VOL. I. L 146 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. your hands in the earth0. Your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity, your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness s. Yet ye are they which justify yourselves before men ; but God knoweth your hearts r. Sect. 7. That men are averse to reformation. * The Lord's portion is his people ; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance"". But Jeshurun forsook God who made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation. They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger b. They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children ; they are a perverse and crooked genera tion0. And when the Lord saw it he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daugh ters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be ; for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith d. They are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understand ing in them0. Their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah ; their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter. Their- wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among mjf treasures'? The Lord established a testimony in Jacob, and ap pointed a law in Israel; that the generation to come might know thems ; and might not be as the fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation ; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God\ They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law ; and forgot his works, arid his wonders that he had showed them. Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers1 ; and they sinned yet more against him, by provoking the Most High in the p Psalm lviii. 1,2. 1 1sa. lix. 3. " r Luke, xvi. 15. § 7. a Deut. xxxii. 9. b Deut. xxxii. 15, 16. c Deut. xxxii. 5. dDeut. xxxii. 19,20. e Deut. xxxii. 28. f Deut.xxxii.32 — 34. * Ps, lxxviii. 4, 5, 6. •' Psalm lxxviii. 8. * Ps.lxxviii.10,11,12. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 147 wilderness. Yea, they spake against God ; they sa5d> Can God furnish a table in the wilderness k ? He opened the doors of heaven, and rained down manna upon them to eat.1. He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea. So they did eat, and were filled. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works"1. When he slew them, then they sought him. Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues ; for their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant". Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the holy One of Israel ; and dealt unfaithfully ; they were turned aside like a deceitful bow0. O Lord, thou hast stricken them,' but they have not grieved ; they have refused to receive correction, they have refused to return p. — And the Lord hath sent unto you all his servants, the prophets, but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, Turn ye again, now every one from his evil way, yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the- Lord9-. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost ; as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted ? And they have slain them who showed before of the coming of the just One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers'. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own pro phets ; and have persecuted us ; and please not God, and are contrary to all men; to fill up their sins alway*. Sect. 8. God introduced charging men with depravity and obstinate wickedness. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth ; for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib ; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful " Ps. lxxviii. 17, 18,19. ' Ps. lxxviii. 23, 24. mPs. lxxviii. 27, 29,32. n Ps. lxxviii. 34, 36, 37. ° Ps. lxxviii. 41, 57. >' Jer. v. 3. « Jer. xxv. 4, 5, 7. ' Acts, vii. 51, 52. * 1 Thess. ii. 15, 16. 148 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part2. nation, *a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children that are corrupters, they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward a. The whole head is sick and the whole heart faint; from the sole of the foot even unto the head, there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrifying sores; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with .oint ment b. Hath a nation changed their gods, which yet are no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this! and be horribly afraid ; be ye very deso late, saith the Lord ; for riiy people have committed two evils ; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters; and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water0. This people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart d; their transgressions are many, their backslidings are increased ; the house of Israel*, and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the Lord6. As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness; violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds'. As they were increased, so they sinned against me; they set their heart on their iniquity. Israel slideth back, .as a backsliding heifer ; Ephraim is joined to idols g ; and my people are bent to backsliding from meh. The good man is perished out of the earth, and there is none upright among men1. Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed ; how then art thou turned unto the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto mek? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes1. How shall 1 pardon thee § 8. * Isa. i. 2, 3, 4. , b Isa. i. 5, 6. = Jer. ii. 11, 12, 13. d Jer. v. 23.' e Jer. v. 6, 11. f Jer. vi. 7. s Hos. iv. 7,8, 16, 17. b Hos. xi. 7. * Mic. vii. 2. k Jer. ii. 21. ' Isa. v. 4. * Israel, Though this and many other passages quoted in these sections evidently relate to the degeneracy of the house of Jacob, and may thus, seem an insufficient proof of the general depravity of human nature; yet nothing will more effectually convince us of our town depravity, than to find a nation highly favoured of Gqd, so prone to idolatry and sin, and on different periods sunk into the grossest vice and wickedness. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 149 for this? shall I not visit for these things, saith the Lord, and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this"? O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, arid ye would not ! Behold your house is left unto you desolate". Sect. 9. That obstinate wickedness leadeth to judicial hardness of heart. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed ^speedily ; therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil*. Yea, when he heareth the words of the curse he blesseth himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst b. Let favour be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteous ness '; in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord. Lord, when thy hand is lifted up they will not see : but they shall see and be ashamed0. For thus. saith the Lord, Behold I frame evil against you ; return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. And they said, There is no hope, but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart d. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have if we pray unto him0? This people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed ; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them f. In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression m Jer. v. 7, 9. n Matth.xxiii.37,38. § 9. " Eccles. viii. 11. b Deut. xxix. 19. r Isa. xxvi. 10, IL d Jer. xviii. 11, 12. e Job, xxi. 14; 11 ¦ ' Mat. xiii. 15. 150 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood; judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter s. Sect. 10. The subject continued. Hear, O my people, and I will testify to thee, O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me"; but my people would not hearken to my voice ; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lusts ; and they walked in their own counsels \ To whom shall I speak, and give warning that they may hear? Behold their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken : Behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Hear, O earth, behold I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts ; because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it °. They re fused to heancen, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the prophets d. Behold this . was the iniquity of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her; they were haughty and committed abomination before me ; therefore I took them away as I saw good °. Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations ; but as if that were a little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways'. Sect. 11. The destruction of the transgressor is entirely owing to himself. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a re bellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts ; a people that provoketh me to anger continually a. I hearkened and heard, but s Isa. lix. 13, 14. § 10. J Psal. lxxxi. 8. * b Psal. lxxxi. 11, 12. c Jer. vi. 10, 19. d Zech. vii. 11, 12. c Ezek. xvi. 49, 50. f Ezek. xvi. 47. §11. a Isa. lxv. 2,3: Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 151 they spake not aright; no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done ? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle \ Were they ashamed, when they had committed abomi nation? Nay they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush c. I said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways d. Be cause I have called and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity ; I will mock when your fear cometh e. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer ; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me ; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord : Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices': For my spirit shall not always strive with mang. Therefore, son of man, I send thee to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me ; they and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. For they are impudent children and stifF- Jieartedh. Now go, write before therri in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come, for ever and ever ; that this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord ; which say to the seers, See not ; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits . O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew, it goeth away". Your fathers have forsakeri me, saith the Lord, and have not kept my law. And ye have done worse than your fathers; for behold, ye walk every one after the imagi nation of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me l. I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is ap b Jer. viii. 6. c Jer. vi. 15. <> Psal. xcv. 10. « Prov. i. 24, 25, 26. f Prov. i. 28, 29, 31. t Gen. vi. 3. h Ezek. -ii.. 3, 4. ' Isa. xxx. 8, 9, 10. k Hos. vi. 4. : Jer. xvi. 11, 12. 152 0E HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. iron sinew, and thy brow brass ; yea thou heardest not, yea thou knewest not, yea from that time that thine ear was not opened ; for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb"1. Thou hatest instruction and castest my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief then thou con- sentedst with him, and bast been a partaker with adul terers. Thou givest thy mouth to evii, and thy tongue frameth deceit11. How canst thou say, I am not polluted? See thy way in the valley, know What thou hast done". As I live,, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live: .Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel p ? O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thine help q. Sect. 12. Our Lord's complaint of the obstinacy of the Jews. The world cannot hate you,' but.ihe it hateth ; because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil \ If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin ; but now they have no cloak for their sin. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had .not had sin ; but now they have both seen and hated both me and my. Father \ O Jerusalem, Jerusa lem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how Often would I have ga thered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings? and ye would not0! Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life! But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you d. Ye seek to kill me ; because my word hath no place in you. Ye are pf your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do ; he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth ; because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own ; m Isa. xlviii. 4, 8. " Psalm 1. 17, 18, 19. " Jer. ii. 23. " Ezek. xxxiii.' 11. "¦ Hos. xiii. 9. § 18, * John, vii. 7. b John, xv. 22, 24. c Matth. xxiii. 37. d John, v. 40, 42. Chap. 3/J OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 153 for he is a liar and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not \ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes'. Sect. 1 3. Nevertheless men every where called upon to repent. O ye sons of men, how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing1? Turn you. at my reproof; behold I will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make known my words unto you b. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him return unto the Lord ° : Who commandeth all men every where to repent d. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out e. Sect. 14. The reflections of the servants of God on their state before their conversion. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins : wherein in time past ye walked, according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now Worketh in the children of disobedience, Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the. mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others1. Wherefore remember that ye being in time past Gen tiles in the flesh, were without Christ ; being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world b. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another0. And you being dead in your sins, and the e John,viii.37,44,45. f Luke, xix. 41, 42. § 13. * Psal. iv. 2. b Prov. i. 23. c Isa. Iv. 7. d Acts, xvii. 30. e Acts, iii. 19. § 11. - Eph. ii. 1, 2, 3. b Eph. ii. 1 1, 12. c Tit. iii. 3. 154 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses d. You that were sometime alienated, and, enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled0. This Lsay therefore, and testify in the Lordj That ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart'. But that ye put off, concerning the former conversation, the Did man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts g, and have no fellowship ' with the unfruitful works of darkness ; for it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret11. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof; neither yield ye your members as instru ments of unrighteousness unto sin ; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead ; and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. As ye have yielded your members servants to unclean- ness and to iniquity, unto iniquity ; even so now, yield your members servants to righteousness, unto holiness1: For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the .will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, re veilings, banquet- ings, and abominable idolatries; wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of youk. Save yourselves from this untoward generation1. Sect. 15. Their struggles with the remains of. depravity. The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh ; and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would*. For we know that the law is spiritual ; but I am carnal, d Col. ii. 13. e Col. i. 21. ? Eph. iv. 17, 18. « Eph. iv. 22. bEph. v. 11, 15. ' Rom. vi. 12, 13,19. k 1 Pet. iv. 3, 4. ' Acts, ii. 40. §15.aGal.v. 17. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 155 sold under sin : For that which I do, I allow not; for what I would, that I do not ; but what I hate^ that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good, but sin dwelleth in me. For I know, that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing; for to will is present with me; but how to perforrii that which is good I find notb. I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God, after the inward man ; but I see • another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of thjs death0? I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who enabled me, who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, ancj injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I did it igno- rantly in unbelief d. I therefore so run not as uncer tainly: so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection0. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth', striving against sing; for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live \ ' Sect. 16. Their confessions and supplications on this subject. Who hath believed our report ? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed a ? O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved ; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction; they have made their faces harder than a rock ; they have refused to return. Therefore I said, surely these are poor, they are foolish ; for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them ; for they have known the way of b Rom. vii. 14— 18. c Rom. vii. 2-1— 24. d 1 Tim. i. 12, 13, e 1 Cor. ix. 26, 27. f Col. iii. 5. s Heb. xii. 4. h Rom. viii. 13. §16." Isa. liii. 1. 156 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. the Lord. But these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds b. Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man ; preserve me from the violent man ; who imagine mischiefs in their heart. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adder's poison is under their lips°. Send thine hand from above, rid me, and deliver me out of great waters ; from the hands of strange children ; whose mouth speaketh vanity ; and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood d. O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments ; we have sinned, and committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts, and from thy judgments ; neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, who spake iri thy name, to all the people of tbeiand. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee ; but unto us confusion of faces ; to all that are near, and that are afar off, because of their tres- passfess6. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him, neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us. " Yea all have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice. Yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and- understand thy truth'. • We are all. as an unclean thing, and ail our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away5. We have sinned, with our fathers ; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly h. We acknowledge, O Lord, our wicked ness, and the iniquity of our fathers ; for we have sinned against thee. Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake *. Help us, O God of our salvation, for. the glory of thy name ; and deliver us, and purge away our sins for thy name's sake*. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O b Jer.' v. 3, 4, 5. c Psal. cxl. 1, 2, 3. d Psal. cxliv. 7, 8. - Dan. ix. 4—7. f Dan. ix. 9, 10, 11, 13. * Isa. lxiv. 6. b Psal.-cvi. 6. ' Jer. xiv. 20, 21. k Psal. Ixxix. 9. Chap. 3.] OF THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND. 157 Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God; for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies \. I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin"1. Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin. did my mother conceive me ". Behold I am vile ; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon, my mouth. Once have I spoken ; but I will not answer ; yea twice, but I will proceed no further". Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord ; for innu merable evils have compassed me about, mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up ; they are more than ,the hairs of mine head, therefore my heart faileth me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me ; O Lord make haste to help mep. Create in me a clean heart, O God! and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not from thy presence ; and take not thy holy spirit from me'1. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults; keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me : then shall I be upright • and I shall be innocent from the great transgression '. If thou, Lord, shouldst marj< iniquities, O Lord who shall stand'? Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified t. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world u : for we ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared; not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, ' and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour \ i Dan. ix. 18, 19. "» Psal. xxxviii. 18. n Psal. li. 5. ° Job; xl. 3, 4, 5. p Psal. xl. 11, 12, 13. « Psal. li. 10, 11. r Psal. xix. 12, 13. " Psal. cxxx. 3. ' Psal. cxliii. 2. " Eph. ii. 1, 2. . "Tit. iii. 3—6. 158 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. i CHAP. IV. OF MAN AS GUILTY BEFORE GOD, AND LIABLE TO PUNISHMENT. .Sect. 1. General testimonies to this article. — 2. That all mankind have sinned either against the law of nature, or that of revelation. — 3. That sin is the source of our sorrows and various miseries. — 4> That it must ever stand in the way of our happiness.— 5. That it brings down the judgments of God. — 6. And exposes to eternal misery. — 7- The Almighty is introduced charging men with guilt, and denouncing judgments and wrath. — 8. Yet calling men to repentance. — 9- The penitent confessions and supplications of his people. Sect. 1. General testimonies to this article. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness ; but a faithful man who can find* ? There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness b. For every way of a man is right in his own eyes ; but the Lord pondereth the hearts c. How should man be just with God ? if he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand*1. For who can say, I have made my heart clean? I am pure from my sin ° ? How can man be justified with God ? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not ; yea the stars are not pure in his sight ; how much less man that is a worm ; and. the son of man who is a worm'? Sect. 2. That all mankind have sinned, either against the law of nature, or that of revelation, If we say, that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us a. § 1. a Prov. xx. 6. b Prov. xxx. 12. ° Prov. xxi. 2. d Job, ix. 2, 3. e Prov.xx. 9. f Job, xxv. 4, 5, 6. § 2. » 1 John, i. 8, 10. Chap. 4.] OF MAN AS GUILTY BEFORE GOD, &C 159 For all flesh hath corrupted his way upon earth b. There is not a just man upon earth, who doeth.good and sinneth not °. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Gpdd. For whosoever shall' keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all e. And in many things we offend all'. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. For until the law, sin was in the world : but sin is not imputed where there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses,' even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression g. For when the Gentiles who have not the law, do* by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves; which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another11. Because that which may be known of God, fe manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them; so that they are without excuse1. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Was then that which is good made death unto me ? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good ; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful k. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin ! ; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God"1. For as many as have sinned without law, shall also perish without law ; and as many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified n. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse; for it is written, cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book Of the law, to do them0.' b Gen. vi. 12. * Eccles. vii.v 20. d Rom iii. 23. e James, ii. 10. f James, iii. 2. s Rom. v. 12, 13, 14.. b Rom. ii. 14, 15. * Rom. i. 19, 20. * k Rom. vii. 5, 13. 1 Gal. iii. 22. ra Rom. iii. 19- " Rom. ii. 12, 13. ° Gal, iii. 10. 16X> OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. Sect. 3. That sin is the source of our sorrows, and. various miseries. Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds, yet he shall perish for ever ; they which have seen him shall say, Where is hea? His bones are full of the sin ,of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust. Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue ; yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him b. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins°. The backslider in heart. shall be filled with his own ways d : Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid ; they shall prevail against him. For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself egairist the Almighty. He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers °. His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off. His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street '. This is the portion of a wicked man, and the heritage appointed unto him by God g. They, shall eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices'1. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked1. Sect. 4. That it must ever stand in the way of our happiness. Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear \ This people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart ; they are revolted and gone. Neither say § 3. * Job, xx. 4—7. b Job, xx. 11, 12, 14. c Prov. v. 22. d Prov. xiv. 14. # « Job, xv. 24, 25, 26. f Job, xviii. 16, 17. eJob, xx. 29. ^ Prov. i. 31. ' Isa. lvii. 21. § 4. " Isa. lix. 1, 2. Chap. 4.] OF MAN AS GUILTY BEFORE GOD, &C 16 1 they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God that giveth rain, both the former and the latter rain in his season : he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things ; and your sins have withholden good things from you b. For the eyes of the wicked shall fail ; and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost0. For when they shall say, peace, and safety ; then sudden de struction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child ; and they shall not escape d. Sect. 5. That it brings down the judgments of God. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him ; bat if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him a ? as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity6. Is not destruction to the wicked, and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity °? The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cutjaffthe remembrance of them from the earth d. God shall wound the head of his enemies; and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his tres passes '. The transgressors shall be destroyed together, the end of the wicked shall be cut off'. The Lord trieth the righteous : but the wicked and him that loveth violence, his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire, and brimstone, and an horrible tempest ; this shall be the portion of their cup s. Sect. 6. And exposes to eternal misery. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God a? For without are dogs, and sorcerers^ and whoremongers, and ipurderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie b. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God °. For the wrath of pod is revealed from heaven, against b Jer. v. 23, 24, 25. \ c Job, xi. 20. diThess. v. 3. § 5. » 1 Sam. ii. 25.. b PBalm cxxv. 5. c Job, xxxi. 3. * d Psalm xxxiv. 16. e Psalm lxviii. 21. ' Psalm xxxvii. 38. b Psalm xi. 5, 6. § 6. • 1 Cor. vi. 9.' b Rev. xxii. 15. c Psalm ix. 17. VOL. I. M 162 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. all unrighteousness of mend; and we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth, against them who commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that doest the same* that thou shalt escape the judgment of God ? or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering? but after thy hardness, and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revela- tiori of the righteous judgment of God ; who will render to every man according to his deeds. Unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil °. It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his rnighty angels ; in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the prer sence of the Lord, and the glory of his power {. His fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floOr, and will gather the wheat into his garner ; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable g. The wicked is reserved to the day of destruction; they shall be brought forth to the day Of wrath \ For the time is come that judgriient must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, What shall be the ertd of them that obey not the gospel of God l ? Go to now ye rich men, weep and «howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten ; your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you,, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold the hire of the labourers, which have reaped down your fields, which, is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. \ dRom.i. 18. c Rom. ii. 2— 6, 8, 9. ' 2 Thess. 1.6,7,8,9. s Luke, iii. 17. h Job, xxi. 30. i ' ' 1 Pet. iv. 17. Chap. 4.] OF MAN AS GUILTY BEFORE GOD, &C. 163 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton ; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just ; and he doth not resist you fc. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep ; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness1. Hear ye that are afar off, what I have done ; and ye that are near, acknowledge my might ; the sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites ; Who among us shall dwell with the devour ing fire? Who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting burning"1? Then shall he say to them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. ' And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal n. Sect. 7. The Almighty is introduced, charging men with guilt, and denouncing judgments and wrath. Hear ye the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Thus saith the Lorda. The soul that sinneth, it shall die'. Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have trans gressed against me ° ; and behold ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an. increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the Lord d. What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain ° ? The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law, knew me not; the pastors also trans gressed against me, and the prophets walked after things that do not profit. Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the Lord, and with your children's children will I plead'. Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee ; know therefore and see,* that it is, an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast for saken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, k James, v. 1 — 6. ' James, iv. 9. mIsa. xxxiii. 13, 14. " Matth. xxv. 41,46. § 7. a Jer. ii. 4, 5. b Ezek. xviii. 4. c Isa. xliii. 27. d Num. xxxii. 14. = Jer. ii. 5. f Jer. ii. 8, 9. 164 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. saith the Lord God of hosts. For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God E. Yet thOu sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me ; behold I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned h. For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, aijd avenge me of mine enemies. And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together; and they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed1. Their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched ; and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh \ Those rnine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither and slay them before me \ For unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words, behind thee ? When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him ; and hast been a partaker with adulterers ; thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit"1. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself; but 1 will reprove theej and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God ; lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver \ Can thine heart endure, or thine hand be 'strong in the days that I shall deal with thee ° ? For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness ; thou hast said, None seeth me. Therefore shall evil come upon thee, and thou shalt not know from whence it riseth; and mischief shall fall upop thee, thou shalt not be able to put it off; and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know p. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of thelSon of man, and shall come forth, they that have done good, * Jer. ii. 19, 22. h Jer. ii. 35... ' Isa. i. 24, 28. k Isa. lxvi. 24. ' Luke, xix. 27. "Psalm 1. 16—19. " Psalm 1. 21, 22. • Ezek. xxii. 14. * Isa. xlvii. 10, 11. Chap. 4.] OF MAN AS GUILTY BEFORE GOD, &C. 165 unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation °-. Sect. 8. Yet calling men to repentance. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel ? How shall I make thee as Admah ? How shall I set thee as Zeboim ? Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together *. Therefore will the Lord wait that he may be gracious unto you ; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you \ Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon c. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed, and make you a new heart, and a new spirit, for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God ; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye d. Repent ye, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out °. Sect. 9- The penitent confessions and supplications of his people. Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my medita tion. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God ; for unto thee will I pray *. For .thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight ; thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing ; the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man b. Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies; thy right: hand shall find out those that hate thee, Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in i John, v. 25, 27, 28, 29. § 8. » Hos. xi. 8. b Isa. xxx. 18. ' Isa. Iv. 6, 7. d Ezek. xviii. 31, 32. * Acts, iii. 19. § 9. * Psalm v. 1, 2. b Psalm v. 4, 5, 6. 166 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. the time of thine anger; the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them c. O Lord, our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us ; for our transgressions are with us, arid as for our iniquities, we know thejn d. The crown is fallen from our head, woe unto us, that we have sinned. For this our heart is faint,, for these things our eyes are dim0. We lie down in our shame, and our confusion COvereth us; for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God '. O remember not against us former iniquities ; let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us. Help us, O God of our salvation; for the glory of thy name, deliver us, and puege away our sins for thy name's sake. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee, according to the greatness of thy power ; preserve thou those , that are appointed to die g. Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplica tions ; and enter not into judgment with thy servant ; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified \ If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me : If I say I am perfect, it' shall also prove me perverse1. Be hold I am vile ; what shall I answer k ? I have sinned ; •what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men1? How many are mine iniquities and my sins? make me to know my transgression and my sinm. Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more. That which I see not teach thou me ; if I have done iniquity,- I will do no more ". If thou, Xord, shouldest mark iniquities ; O Lord, who shall stand ? but there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. With the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption V Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and -thy loving-kindnesses ; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to thy c Psalm xxi. 8, 9. d Isa. lix. 12. " Lam. v. 16, 17. 'Jer. iii. 25. s Ps. lxxix. 8, 9, 11. h Psalm cxliii. 1, 2. 1 Job, ix. 20. k Job, xl. 4. ' Job, vii. 20. "Job, xiii. 23. » Job, xxxiv. 31, 32. ° Psalm cxxx. 3, 4, 7. Chap 5.] VANITY OE CREATED ENJOYMENTS. 167 mercy remember thou me, for thy goodness sake, O Lord. For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great'. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness ; according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my trans gressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin : For I acknowledge my trans gressions ; and my sin is ever before me : (Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight ;) that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest q. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean ; wash me and I will be whiter than the snow. Hide thy face from my sin ; and blot out all mine iniquities r. For thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it ; thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit ; a broken and con trite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise ?. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin <, is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile (. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid ; I said, • I will confess my trans gressions unto the Lord ; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin ". As for me, my prayer is unto thee, Q Lord, in an acceptable time. O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Hear me, O Lord, for thy loving^kindness is good ; turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. Draw nigh unto my soul and redeem it*. CHAP. V. ALL THAT CAN BE POSSESSED IN THIS STATE IS BOTH UNSATISFYING AND UNCERTAIN. Sect. 1. Even our honest labours, our cares and ac quisitions, are precarious and vain. — 2. This illustrated p Psalm xxv. 6, 7, 11. i Psalm li. 1 — i. " Psalm li. 7, 9, 8 Psalm li. 16, 17. * Psalm xxxii. 1, 2. and Rom. iv. 7, 8, 0 Psalm xxxii. 5. * Ps. Jxix. 13, 16, 18. 168 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. by the experience of Solomon. — 3. Still more -fleet-. : ing and unsatisfying are enjoyments acquired by wickedness — wealth and power filling the heart with pride and presumption, and often abused to the pur poses of sin.— 4. This illustrated by the examples of . the kings of Assyria, Babylon, and Tyrus. — 5. The final disappointment that awaits the men of this world.— 6. The acknowledgments and prayers of ; the Saints on this subject. Sect. 1. Even our honest labours, our cares, and acquisitions, are precarious and vain. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the suna? All things are full of labour, man cannot utter it ; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing \ All the labour of man is for his mouth ; and yet the appetite is not filled ; for what hath the wise man more than the fool ? this is also vanity and vexation of spirit °. For what hath a man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travel grief; yea his heart taketh not rest in the night d. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrows °. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread ? and your labour for that which satisfieth not' ? Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is riiari the better? for who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life, which he spendeth as a shadow ? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun E ? He that loveth silver, shall- not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance, with increase : this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them ; and what good is there to the owners thereof saving the beholding of them with their eyes h ? If riches § 1. » Eccles. i. 2, 3. b Eccles. i. 8. c Eccles. vi. 7, 8, 9. d Eccles. ii. 23, 23. e Psal. cxxvii. 2. ' Isa. Iv. 2. * Eccles. vi. Jl, 12. h Eccles. v. 10, 11. Chap. 5.] VANITY OF CREATED ENJOYMENTS. 169 increase, set not your heart upon them \ Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity; for vanity shall be his recompense k. Labour not to be rich. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not ? for riches certainly make themselves wings ; they fly away as an eagle towards heaven1. For we brought nothing into this world ; and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith con tent. But they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows m *. Sect. 2. This illustrated by the experience of Solomon. I the preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek, and search out by wisdom, concerning all things that are done under heaven. I have seen .all the works that are done under the sun ; and behold all is vanity and vexation of spirit a. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly ; I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom, is much grief; and he that in creaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow \ I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, there fore enjoy pleasure ; and behold this also is vanity. I said of laughter, it is mad ; and of mirth, What doth it ? I sought in mine heart, to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom. I made me great . works ; I builded me houses ; I planted me vineyards ; I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit ; I made me pools of water ; I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house ; also I had great possessions of great and 1 Psalm lxii. 10. k Job, xv. 31. ' Prov. xxiii. 4, 5. mlTim. vi. 7 — 10. § 2. * Eccl. i. 12, 13, 14. . b Eccles. i. 17, 18. i * " Many other texts to this purpose will be found Part VII. sect. 2, chap. iii. of spiritual affections, in opposition to covetousness.'' 170 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. small cattle, above all that were in Jerusalem before me* I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings, and of the provinces ; I got me men- singers, and women-singers, and -the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts c. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem ; also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired, I kept not from them. I withheld not my heart from any joy ; for my .heart rejoiced in all my labour, and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do, and behold all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun d. . , Sect. 3. Still more fleeting and unsatisfying are enjoyments acquired by wickedness — wealth andpower filling the heart with pride and presumption^ and often abused to the purposes of sin. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and lo he was not ; yea I sought him but he could not be found \ For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul ? will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him b ? He is green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his garden °. But he shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfec tion thereof upon the earth. He shall not depart put of darkness, the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away d. The hypor crite's hope shall perish ; whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand ; he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure °. Lo this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance c Eccles. ii. 1—8. d Eccles. ii. 9, 10, 11. § 3. a Psal. xxxvii. 35,36. b Job, xxvii. 8, 9. - Job, viii. 16. d Job, xv. 29, 30. e Job, viii. 13, 14, 15. Chap. 5.] VANITY OF CREATED ENJOYMENTS. 171 of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness'. He blessed himself in his heart, sayipg, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. The Lord will not spare him; the anger of the Lord shall smoke against that man ; and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven g. He saith to his soul, Thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee : Then whose shall these things be which thou hast provided h ? Ephraim feedeth on the wind, and followeth after the east wind; he daily increaseth lies and desolations1. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little ; ye eat, but ye have not enough ; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink ; ye clothe you, but there is hone warm ; and he that earneth wages, earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Ye looked for much, and lo it came to little ; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon itk. Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth. In mine ears, said the Lord of hosts, of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair without inhabitant1. Thus saith the Lord God, An evil, an only evil, behold is come. The time is come, the day draweth near. Let not the buyer re joice nor the seller mourn ; for wrath is upon all the multitude"1. All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. They shall also gird themselves, and horror shall cover them, and shame shall be on all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. Their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord ; they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels". I will also make the pomp of their strong to cease ° : And I will cause the f Psalm Iii. 7. s Deut. xxix. 19, 20. b Luke, xii. 19, 20. i Hos. xii. 1. k Hag. i. 5, 6, 9. ' Isa. v. 8, 9. "¦Ezek. vii. 5, 12. ¦> Ezek". vii. 17, 18, 19. - Ezek. vii. 24. 172 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the, haughtiness of the terrible p. Sect. 4. This illustrated by the examples of the kings of Assyria, Babylon, and Tyrus. O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the . staff in their hand is mine indignation ;* I will send him against a hypocritical nation ; and against the people of my wrath, will I give him a charge to take. the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread thenl down like the mire of the streets a. And it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion, and on Jerusalem, I will punish the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and , the glory of his high looks. For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent. And I .have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man. And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people ; and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth, and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth or peeped. Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth there with ? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it ? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up ; or as if the staff' should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness, and under his glory he shall kindle a burning, like the burning of a fireb; and shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field. Behold the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror ; and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall, be humbled °. Thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of.Baby- lon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased ! the golden city ceased ! the Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, " Isa. xiii. 11. § 4. * Isa. x. 5, 6. b Isa. x. 12—16. c Isa. x. 18, 33, Ch.ap.5.] VANITY OF CREATED ENJOYMENTS. 173 and the sceptre of the rulers. He who smote the people in wrath, with a continual stroke ; he that ruled the nations in anger is persecuted, and none hindereth*. Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy:viols ; the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morn ing ! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations ! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will' ascend into heaven ; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God e ; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit, They that see thee, shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms ; that made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof ? Sit thou silent,- and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans ; for thou shalt no more be called the lady of kingdoms. Thou saidst I shall be a lady for ever; so that thou didst not lay these things to thy- heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it. Therefore hear now this thou- that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children. But these two things shall come upon thee in a moment, in one day. For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness ; therefore shall evil come upon thee, and mischief shall fall upon thee ; thou shalt not be able to put it off1. Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God, Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God in the midst of the seas ; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God. Behold thou art wiser than Daniel ; there is no secret that they can hide from thee. With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast d Isa. xiv. 4, 5, 6. « Isa. xiv. 11, 12, 13. f Isa. xiv. 14— 17. - Isa. xlvii. 5, 7 — 11. 174 , OF HUMAN NATURE. .. [Part 2. gotten the gold and silver into thy treasures. By thy great wisdom, and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches. Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, behold I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the death of them that are slain in the rnidst of the seas. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am aGodh? Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth, glory in this,, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth1. Sect. 5. The final disappointment that awaits the men of this world. Of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and safety ; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child ; and they shall not escape a. And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it also be in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that- Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded ; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it -rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed ' 11 Ezek. xxviii. 2 — 9. ' Jer. ix. 23, 24. § 5. » i Thess. v. 1, 2, 3. b Luke, xvii. 26—30. lb Chap. 5.] .VANITY OF CREATED ENJOYMENTS. 175 Sect. 6. The acknowledgments and prayers of the Saints on this subject. O Lord, myt strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of affliction, surely our fathers have inherited lies and vanity, and things wherein there is no profit \ Verily, every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Surely every man walketh in a vain show; surely they are disquieted in vain ; he heapethup riches and knoweth not who shall gather them. And now, Lord, what wait I for ? my hope is in thee b. Bow thy heavens, O I' 2 Cor. iv. 16, 17, 18. 1 ICor. xv. 58. J §4. a Job, xix. 25, 26, 27. Chap. 7.] MAN, AS INTENDED FOR IMMORTALITY. 1 89 and I am persuaded, that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day \ I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith : Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of rightequsness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,, shall give me at that day; and not to ine only, but unto all them also that love his appearing °. For to me , to live is Christ; and to die is gain. Yet what I shall choose, I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better; nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you d. O death! where is thy sting? O grave ! where is thy victory ? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ0. Sect. 5. Their praises to God for this blessed hope. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart; apd,,I will glorify thy name for ever more; for great is thy mercy towards me ; and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell1. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory". Yea though I walk, through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy sjaff they comfort me °. I will behold thy face in righteousness ; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness d. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resur rection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time0*. Si b 2 Tim. i. 12. « 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. d Phil. i. 21— 24. e 1 Cor. xv. 55, 57. § 5. » Psal. lxxxvi. 12, 13. b Psal. lxxiii. 24. ' e Psal. xxiii. 4. ' f Psal. xvii. 15. • . e 1 Pet. i. 3, 4, 5. -H * Any that would see more on this interesting subject, may turn to Part III. chap. iv. " Of the sovereign power of Christ," Art. 'III. " in con quering death, and giving eternal life to' his followers," where they will find a great many texts relative to it, not quoted in this chapter. 190 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. CHAP. VIII. MAN, IN THIS STATE OF IGNORANCE, GUILT, VA NITY, AND MORTALITY, CAN NEITHER EXTRI CATE HIMSELF FROM HIS MISERIES, NOR ENTER- ^ TAIN THE HOPE OF FUTURE HAPPINESS, WITHOUT THE DIVINE INTERPOSITION : — FOR, Sect. 1. He can have no merit on which he may plead with God. — 2. He is unable to rectify his own nature. — 3. He can make no atonement to God for past transgressions. — 4. All this is acknowledged in the confessions and prayers of the most eminent Saints of God. — 5. But in God is our help found. Sect. 1. Man can have no merit on which he may plead with God. How should man be just with God? If he will con tend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand a. If thou sinnest, what dost thou against him? or if, thy transgressions be multiplied, what dost thou unto him ? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand ? Thy wickedness may hurt a man; as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man b. Can a man be profitable unto God, as he -that is wise may be profitable unto himself? ; .Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous ? oris it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect? .Will he reprove thee for fear of thee ? Will he enter .with thee into judgment ° ? Which of you having a servant ploughing, or feedirig cattle, willsay unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat ; and wilPriot rather say urifo him, Make ready wherewith* I may sup, and gird thyself and serve me; and afterwards' thou 'shalt eat and' drink? Doth he thank that servant, because he did the things that were commanded him? T trow not. — So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those § 1. » Job, ix. 2, 3. b Job, xxxv. 6, 7, 8. ' Jod, xxiil 2, 3," 4- Chap..8.] FALLEN MAN IS UNABLE, &C. 191 things which are commanded you, say, We are unpro fitable servants ; we have done that which was our duty to do d. By grace are ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God ; not of works, lest any man should boast : For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them °. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost f. For, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight ; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Gods. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets11. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confi dence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more i. But what things were gairi to me, those I counted loss for Christ.- Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesns my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law ; but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith k^ Sect. 2. He is unable to rectify his own nature. A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord di- recteth his steps \ Man's goings are of the Lord ; How can a man then understand his own wayb? A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven °. Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots ?, then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to- do evil d. d Luke, xvii. 7— 10. • Eph. ii. 8, 9, 10. f Tit. Iii. 5. s Roms iii. 20, 23. b Rom. iii. 21. ' Philip, iii. 3, 4. k Philip.' iii. 7, 8, 9. § 2. ¦ Prov. xvi. 9. b Prov. xx. 24. - John, iii. 27. ? d Jer. xiii. 23. 192 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh ; and these are contrary the one to the other ; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would °. For I know that in me, that is, in my 'flesh dwelleth no good thing; for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find not : For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I dof. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weakg. But I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me \ Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of ourselves ; but our suffi ciency is of God l : For it is God who worketh in you, both to will, and to do, of his good pleasure11. Where fore, lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet; lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed1 : And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins m. . Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself? except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the. branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him,, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing". Wait on the Lord ; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord". Sect. 3. He can make no atonement to God for past transgressions. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God.? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves of a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil ? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my seul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; e Gal. v. 17. ' Rom. vii. 18, 19. g Matth. xxvi. 41. b Philip, iv. 13. ' 2 Cor. iii. 5. k Philip, ii. 13. 1 Heb. xii. 12, 13. m Eph. ii. 1. " John, xv. 4, 5. ° Psal. xxvii. 14. Chap. 8.] FALLEN MAN IS UNABLE, &C. 193 and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Goda: For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore, when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou prepared me : In burnt-offer ings, and sacrifices for sin, thou hast had no pleasure". While as the first tabernacle was yet standing, in it were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience ° : For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope d. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second0. But what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh ; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in usf: For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly g. Sect. 4. All this is acknowledged in the confessions and prayers of the most eminent Saints of God. O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps ". We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags ; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us awayb. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces; because we have trespassed against thee°. We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies'1. If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand0? Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified'. Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine, and we § 3. » Mic. vi. 6, 7, 8. '• Heb. *. 4, 5, 6. c Heb. ix. 8, 9. . - d Heb. vii. 19. e Heb. viii. 7. f Rom. viii. 3, 4. e Rom. v. 6. % 4. » Jer. x. 23. b Isa. Ixiv. 6. c Dan. ix. 7. d Dan. ix. 18. c Psalm cxxx. 3. f Psalm cxliii. 2. VOL. I. O 194 OF HUMAN NATURE. [Part 2. shall be saved E. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the Son of man, whom thou madest strong for thyself. So will not we go back from thee : Quicken us, and we will call upon thy name h. Have mercy upon me, O Lord ': 1 am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me*. Help me, O Lord my God : O save me according to thy mercy 1. With my whole heart have I sought thee : O let me not wander from thy commandments. My soul melteth for heaviness : Strengthen me according unto thy word m. For thou hast delivered my soul from death : Wilt thou not deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living " ? I am poor and needy ; yet the Lord thinketh upon me : Thou art my help, and my deliverer ; make no tarrying, O my God". Sect. 5. In God our help is found. " On this subject see the Part immediately following." * Psalm lxxx. 7. h Psalmlxxx. 17,.18. ' Psalm xxxi. 9. . .¥ Psalm cix. 22. ' Psalm cix. 26. m Psalm cxix. 10, 28. " Psalm lvi. 13. ° Psalm xl. 17. Art. 1.] OF THE REDEEMING LOVE OF GOD. 195 PART III. OF THE METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. ARTICLE I. OF THE REDEEMING LOVE OF GOD. Sect. 1. This great purpose of redemption to all nations declared to the Saints from the earliest ages. — 2. The character of the Divine Person by whom this redemption should be wrought. — 3. This unspeakable love of God to men, fulfilled by Christ Jesus our Saviour, who acted in the Father's name, and appeals to his works as a proof of his divine mission. — 4. The praises and thanksgivings of the Saints, on this great event. Sect. 1 . This great purpose of redemption to all nations declared to the Saints from the earliest ages. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together*. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired, and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you b. The Lord said unto the serpent, I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed ; and it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel °. The Lord said unto Abraham, I will make of thee a great nation, and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed d. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto him shall the gathering of the people be". There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion f. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon §1, » Isa. xl. 5. b 1 Pet. i. 10. 'Gen. iii. 14, 15. d Gei*, xii. 1,2,3. « Gen. xlix. 10. f Numb. xxiv. 17, 19. 196 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part' 3. the earth ; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God g. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive ; thou ¦hast received gifts for men, yea for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them \ The stone which the builders refused is become the head of the corner1. His name shall endure for ever, his name shall be continued as long as the sun : and men shall be blessed in him, all nations shall call him blessed k. Behold my servant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my soul delighteth, I have put my spirit upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall riot fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth, and the isles shall wait for his law \ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth m. I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts". Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be , my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, saying, Know the Lord ; for they shall all know me from the least unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord ; for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more0. I saw in the visions of the night, and behold one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the ancient .of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion and glory, and a kingdom that all people, nations, and languages should serve him; -his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be de stroyed1". I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee * Job, xix. 25, 26. h Psal. lxviii. 18. > Psal. cxviii. 22. k Psal. Jxxii. 17. ' Isa. xlii. 1, 4. m Isa. Iii. 7. < • * Hag. ii, 7. o Jer. xxxi. 31, 33, 34. p Daft. vii. 13, 14. Art. 1.] OF THE REDEEMING LOVE OF GOD. 197 for a covenant of the people, for a light to the Gentiles q. Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord p. Sect. 2. The character of the Divine Person by whom this redemption should be xvrought. Unto us a child is bora, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and' upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment, and with justice, from henceforth even for evera. Behold the days come, saith the Lord,, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall, be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. And this is his name, whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS b. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end °. Behold the man whose name is the branch, and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord, and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he shall be a Priest upon his throne, and the council* of peace shall be between them both d. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jeru salem, Behold thy King cometh unto thee; he is just and having salvation, lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass °. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets, a 1 Isa. xlii. 6. >' Mai. iii. 1, 4. § 2. a Isa. ix. 6, 7. b Jer. xxiii. 5, 6. c Luke, i. 32, S3.. d Zech. vi, 12; 13. * Zech. ix. 9, 198 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. bruised reed shall he not break, a smoking flax shall he not quench ; he shall bring forth judgment unto truth f. To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ; for he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground, and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied ; by his know ledge shall my righteous servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities ; therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong8. He shall judge the poor of the people, and break in pieces the oppressor. The righteous shall flourish in his days ; he shall have dominion also from sea to sea. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him, and his enemies shall lick the dust h. Ho- sannah to the Son of David ; blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosannah in the highest1. Sect. 3. This unspeakable love of God to men fulfilled by Christ Jesus our Saviour, who acted in the Father's name, and appeals to his works as a proof of his divine mission. God who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son \ The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. He caine unto his own, and his own received him not, but as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God; even to them that believe in his name \ Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.0. Christ now once in the end of the world hath* appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Unto them f Isa. xlii. 2, S. « Isa. liii. 1, 2, 7, 11, 18. h Psalm lxxii. 4, 7, 8, 9. ' Matth. xxi. 9. . ' ' | 3. * Heb. i. 1, 2. ' b John, i. 11, 12*14. * Tit. ii. 14. Art. 1.] OF THE REDEEMING LOVE OF GOD. 199 that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation d. He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, where fore God hath also highly exalted him and hath given him a name which is above every name, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father0. Jesus said, my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me ; I am not come of myself; but he that sent me is true f. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. When ye have lift up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things^. If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not: But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works, that ye may know and believe that the Father is in me and I in him \ John calling unto him two of his disciples, sent them unto Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come, or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits, and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said unto them, Go your way and tell John what things you have seen and heard, how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are jraised, to the poor the gospel is preached; and blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me1. Sect. 4. The praises and thanksgivings of the Saints on this great event. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people; and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David ; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the iriercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy d Heb. ix. 26, 28. ' Phil. ii. 8, 9, 10, 11. f John, vii. 16, 28. * John, viii. 18, 28. b Johnrx. 37, 38. ' Luke, vii. 19, 21, 32, 23. 200 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION* [Part 3. covenant, the oath which he swore to our father Abraham) that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life*. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inherit ance incorruptible, and undefined, and that fadeth riot away, reserved in heaven for yOu who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last timeb. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God Of all comfort, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ °. ARTICLE II. OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. CHAP. I. OF THE DIVINITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Sect. 1. That he is the eternal Son of God, and one with the Father. — 2. Divine titles and attributes are given him. — 3. Divine works are done by him. — 4. Divine worship is appointed to be paid to him. Sect. 1. That he is the eternal Son of God, and one with the Father. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with Goda. Behold a virgin shall § 4. » Lute, i. 68—75. b 1 Pet. i. 3, 4, 5. ^ c Eph. i. 3, and 2 Gor. i. 3. § 1. * John, i. 1, 2. ] i Art. 2.] OF THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST. 201 be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall Call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is God with us b. The angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias, thy wife Elizabeth shall bear a son, — and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord0. Concerning the 'flesh Christ came, who is over all God blessed for everd. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us°' — Great is the mystery of godliness : God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory f. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true. This is the true God and eternal life6. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God \ He said, except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, I will not believe. Then said he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger; and Thomas answered, My Lord and my God . , The Jews said unto him, Where is thy Father ? Jesus answered, If ye had known me, ye should have knownmy Father also k. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, I and my Father are one. Ye may know and believe that the Father is in- me and I in him '. For in him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bo'dily m. Unto which of the angels said he at any time, thou art my Son. — But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom". Take heed therefore to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood0. Looking for the appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ p. Sect. 2. Divine titles and attributes are given him. God — hath in these last days spoken unto us by his b Matth. i. 23. « Luke, i. 13, 16, 17. d Rom. ix. 5. e 1 John, iii. 16. f 1 Tim. iii. 16. s 1 John, v. 20. h Phil. ii. 6. ' John, xx. 25,27,28. , , ± John, viii. 19. 1 John, x. 15, 30, 38. ""Col. ii. 9. ""Heb. i.5, 8. ¦ " Acts, xx. 28. p Tit. ii. 13. 202 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. Who being the bright ness of his glory, and the express image of his person, — when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Again, I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son. Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool \ -No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son which ' is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him \ And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. He that cometh from above is above all. — For God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand0. — As the Father hath life in himself, so hath he, given to the Son to have life in himself d. Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him e. — He knew all men, and needed not that any should testify, of man, for he knew what was in man f. Nathaniel saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee. Nathaniel saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel g. Philip saith unto him, Lord show us the Father. Jesus saith unto him, He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me h. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son1. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self,. ; with the glory which I had with thee before the world' was. Father, I will itbat they also whom thouhastigiveiune be with me,, where I am, that they may behold my glory, § 2. » Heb. i. 1—5, 13. b John/i..' 18. , ,c John, iii. 13,3^,^4,35! ¦"John, v. 26. - e John, vi. 64.. . . f John, ii. 24, 25. f John, i. 48, 49. h John, xiv. 8j 9, 10. * John, xiv. IS. -, >"' Art. 2.] OF THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST. 203 which thou hast given me, for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world \ Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and living : For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ : Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God1. We preach Christ crucified, — unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, the power of God, and the wisdom of God01. Who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts n. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father *. He raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all p. — Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature ; and he is the head of the body the church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead ; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell ; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things on earth, ^or things in heaven q.— Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels, and authorities^ and" powers, being made subject unto him r. — Who is set down at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens '.-^The same yesterday, to-day, and for ever \ — *'jonn, xvii. 5, 24." ' Rom. xiv. 9, 10, 11, 12. ml Cor. i. 23, 24. » i Cor. iv. 5." » Philip, ii. 9,10, 11. * Eph. i. 20, 81, 22,23. 1 Col. i. 15, IS, 19, 20. ' '1 Peter, iii, 22. ' Heb. viii. 1. * Heb. xiii. 8. -k'H .'" .. 201; METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Who is the faithful witness, and the first-begOtten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth J. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I am the first and the last. I am he that liveth, and was dead ; and behold I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of hell, and of death". And alhthe churches shall know, that I am he which searcheth the reins and the hearts ; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works Y. These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth z. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ,, and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord Almighty^ which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned \ — For he is Lord of lords, and King of kings b. Sect. 3. Divine works are done by him. All things were made by him ; and without him was not any thing made that was made *. To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him1*. — For by him were alb things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers; all things were created by him and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist0; upholding all things by the word of his power. — Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever, and ever, a sceptre of righteousness1 is the sceptre of thy kingdom. And thou, Lord, in the be ginning, hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the » Rev,i. v- z Rev. iii. 7. " Rev. i. 8, 17, 18. * Rev. xi. 15, 16, 17. "Rev.ii. 23. b Rev* xvii. 14. §3. "John, i. 3. b 1 Cor. viii. 6. c Cgl.i. 16,17. Art. 2.] OF THE DIVINITY" OF JESUS CHRIST. 205 heavens are the works of thine hands. They shall perish, but thou remainest; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them, and they shall be changed ; but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail d. My Father worketh hitherto, and I work ; whatsoever things he doth, these also doth the Son likewise ": That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, he saith to the sick of the palsy, Arise, take up thy bed, and go to thine house f. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. — And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my handg. Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be \ Sect. 4. Divine worship is appointed to be paid to him. The Father judgeth no man,' but hath committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent hima. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved \ He being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly unto heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. And they stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their charge °. The Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed ; — the dHeb. i. 3, 8, 10,11, 12. e John, v. 17, 19. f Mark, ii. 10, 11. s John, x. 17, 18, 28. > Rev. xxii. 12. • - §4. a John, v. 22, 23. b Acts, ii. 20, 21. c Acts, vii. 55, 86,59, 60 206 METHOD DF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. same Lord over all is rich to all that call upon him : For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved d. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me ; for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry °. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope, through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work f : And the Lord direct your hearts unto the love of God, and unto the patient waiting for Christ*. And again, when he bringeth in the first- begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him \ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost1. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and everk. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the elders, and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory; and blessing ; and every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever1. Salvation to our God that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb"1. Grace be with you, mercy and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love ?. aRom.x. 11, 12, 13. MTim.i. 12. ' 2 Thess. ii. 1<5, 17. t 2 Thess. iii. 5. h Heb. i. 6. i Matth. xxviii. 19. k Rev. i. 5, 6. ' JEtev. v. 11, 12, 13, 14. mRev. vii. 10. "2 John, 3. : Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 207 CHAP. II. OF THE PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH PRE CEDED AND ATTENDED HIS INCARNATION. Sect. 1. The vision of Zacharias in the temple. — '2. The annunciation by the angel to Mary. — 3. Mary's visit to Elizabeth, and their hymns of praise. — 4. The birth of John the Baptist, and the song of Zacharias on that occasion. — 5. The birth of Jesus Christ. — 6. The reception given him by. Simeon and Anna. — 7. The wise men come to worship, and Herod seeks to slay him. — 8. Some circumstances of his youth. Sect. 1. The visionr of Zacharias in the temple. There was in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia ; and his wife was, of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they* were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless. And they had no chjld, because that Elizabeth was barren; and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priest's office before God, in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without, at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel' of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw, him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias; for thy prayer is heard ; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth: For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine, nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel 208 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part.3. shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this ? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years". — And the angel answering, said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God ; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed; because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple ; for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own' house. And after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among menb. Sect. 2. The Annunciation by the Angel to Mary. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God, into a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin ' espoused to a njan whose name was Joseph, of the house of David ; and the Virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee " ; blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind, what man ner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary ; for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name § 1. a Luke, i. 5—19. b Luke, i. 19—25. § 2. » Luke, i. 26, 27, 28. / Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 209 Jesus. He shall be great, and be called the Son of the Highest ; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reigo over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man ? And the angel answered, and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee ; therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. And be hold thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age ; arid this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word : and the angel departed from her\ Sect. 3. Mary's visit to Elizabeth, and their hymns of praise. And Mary arose in those days, and . went into the hill-country with haste, into a city of Judah, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and she was filled with the Holy Ghost. And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me ? For lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And hlessed is she that believed ; for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour". For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden ; for behold from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed: For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and b Luke, i. 29—38. § 3. a Luke, i. 39—47. VOL. I. P 210 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm ; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts ; he hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree ; he hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, • as he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house b. Sect. 4. The birth of John the Baptist, and the song of Zacharias on that occasion. Now Elizabeth's full time came that she should be delivered ; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her ; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child ; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered, and said, Not so ; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, there is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, his name is John ; and they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them ; and all those sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill-country of Judea. And all they that heard them, laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be ? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, anoS pro phesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David a ; as he spake by the mouth of his holy bLuke, i. 48—56. § 4. a Luke, i. 57—69. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 211 prophets, which have been since the world began ; that . we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform the mercy pro mised unto our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant ; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might .serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou child shalt be called the prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go be fore the face of the Lord to prepare his ways ; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, by the remission of their sins through the tender mercy of our God ; whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death ; to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit; and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel b. ¦ Sect. 5. The birth of our %,ord Jesus Christ. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on, this wise-; when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people frorri their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel ; which being inter preted, is, god with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him ; and took unto him his wife ; and knew her not, b Luke, i. 71—80. 212 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. \ till she .had brought forth her first-born son; and he called his name JESUS1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world. should be taxed. And all went to be taxed ; every one. into his own city. And. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto. the city of David which is called Bethlehem ; because he was of" the house and lineage of David ; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child; and so it was, that while they were there, the days were ac complished that she should be delivered. And she; brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped- him in , swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger ; because-' there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the' angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them ; and they were sore afraid.' And the angel said unto them, Fear not ; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For urito you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you ; ye shall find the babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will towards men. And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child., And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds; but Mary kept all these things, and pondered, them in her heart. And § 5. a Matth. i. 18—25. Art.2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 213 the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was fold unto them \ Sect. 6. The reception given to him by Sfmeon and Anna. And when eight days were accomplished for the cir cumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. • And when the days of her purification ac cording to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present #him to the Lord a ; and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons. And behold there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon ; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel ; and the Holy Ghost was upon him ; and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy. word ; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation ; which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold this cliild is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel ; and for a sign which shall be spoken against ; (yea a sword shall pierce through thy own Soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser ; she was of a great age,, and had lived with. a husband seven years from her vir- b Luke, ii. 1—20. § 6. "Luke, ii. 21, 22'. 214 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. ginity ; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years ; which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant,, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord; and spake, of him to all tnem that looked for redemp tion in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wis dom ; and the grace of God was upon himb. • Sect. 7. The wise men come lo worship, and Herod sieks to slay him. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews ? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to wofship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests, and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea : for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least of the princes of Judah ; for out of thee shall come a governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. Arid he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go, and search diligently for the young child ; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed ; and lo, the star which. they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And, when they were come into the , house, they saw the young child, with Mary his mother ; and fell down, and worshipped him \ h Luke, ii. 24 — 10. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 215 and, when they had opened their treasures, they pre sented unto him ^ifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another waya. And when they were departed, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and fly into Egypt; and be thou there until I bring thee word : for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt ; and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be ful filled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my Son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth ; and sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time, which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying* In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted ; because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young Child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel ; for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither. Notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee ; and he came and dwelt, in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazareneb. Sect. 8. Some particulars of his youth. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year, at the § 7. - Matt. ii. 1—12. b Matt. ii. 13—23. 216 METHOD OF man's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem ; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey ; and they sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking theni questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed ; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing". And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me ? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business ? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject, unto them ; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and manb. CHAP. III. . OF THE DESIGNS AND PURPOSES FOR WHICH CHRIST WAS MANIFESTED TO THE WORLD. I. " To instruct his people in things belonging to salvation." Sect. 1., Promises, which God was graciously pleased to make to men, of peculiar degrees of light in the latter days. — 2. That these promises' should be ac complished,^ virtue of a new covenant. — 3. That the § 3. » Luke,%. 41—49- b Luke, ii. 49—52. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRJST. 217 accomplishment of these promises was expected from the Great Messiah. — 4. That in the Lord Jesus they are actually fulfilled. — 5. Jesus cheers his disciples with the assurance of this divine light. — 6. The wis dom of Jesus acknowledged by strangers, and even by enemies. — 7. The testimony of the Apostles on this subject. — 8. The mission of the Apostle Paul. — Q. That this light maketh wise unto salvation. — 10. The importance of making a right use of this light. — 1 1 . The prayers of the Apostles for the increase of this knowledge. Sect. 1. Promises, which God was graciously pleased to make to men, of peculiar degrees of light in the latter days. Hearken unto me, my people, and give ear unto me, O my nation ! for a law shall proceed from me; and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people \ Behold my Servant whom I uphold, mine Elect in whom my soul delighteth : I have put my spirit upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. — He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench ; he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail, nor be dis^ couraged, till he have set judgment in the earth ; and the isles shall wait for his law. Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out ) he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein ; I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will. hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles ; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners. from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house b : that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth ; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves0. In that day shall the deaf hear the § 1. * Isa. li. 4. b Isa. xlii. 1—7. c'Isa. xlix. 9. 218 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. words of the book ; and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness*1. They also that erred in spirit, shall come to understanding; and they that murmured, shall learn doctrine0. And the eyes Of them that see shall not be dim ; and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge ; and the tongue of the stam merers shall be ready to speak plainly f. So shall, he sprinkle many nations, the kings shall shut their mouths at him : for that which had not been told them, shall they see ; and that which they had not heard, shall they consider8. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing h. And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not, I will lead them in paths that they have not known : I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them'. Moreover, the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be seven-fold, as the light of seven daysk. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising1. Sect. 2. That these promises should be accomplished in virtue of a new covenant. Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will mate a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah ; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand, to bring them out of the land of Egypt ; but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my people; and they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord : for they d Isa. xxix. 18. e Isa. xxix. 24. f Isa. xxxii. 3, 4. s Isa. Iii. 15. h Isa. xxxv. 5, 6. ' Isa. xlii. 16. k Isa. xxx. 26. ' Isa. Ix. 3. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 219 shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord1. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more ; but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it ; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the leftb. I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go : I will guide thee with mine eye0. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord ; and great shall be the peace of thy children*1. Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord ; and to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths : for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"; and the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the seaf. Sect. 3. That the accomplishment of these promises was expected from the Great Messiah. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people ; and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David ; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began"; to give knowledge of salva tion unto his people, by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God ; whereby the day spring from on high hath visited lis ; to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death ; to guide our feet into the way of peace \ That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land. of Nephtalim, by the way of the sea beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles ; the people which sat in darkness saw great light ; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up0*. For so hath the Lord commanded us, § 2. d Jer. xxxi. 31 — 34. b Isa. xxx. 20, 21. c Psalm xxxii. 8." d Isa. liv. 13. ¦ € Micah, iv. 2. f Hab. ii. 14. 3. * Luke, i. 68, 69, 70. b Luke, i. 77, 78, 79. L' Matt. iv. 14, 15, 16. * See Matthew, iii. 14, 15, 16. 220 method of man's redemption. [Parts. sayings I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles ; that thou shouldest be for salvation to the ends of the earth d; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel*. Now I say, that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to con firm the promises made unto the fathers; and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice ye Gentiles with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud him all ye people. And again Esaias saith f, There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots ; and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him ; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. He shall stand for an ensign of the people : to it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shall be glorious6. Sect. 4. That in the Lord Jesus they are actually fulfilled. And Jesus returned in the power of the spirit into Galilee ; and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their syna gogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Naza reth, where he had been brought up ; and as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias " ; and when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the d Acts, xiii. 47, c Luke, ii. 32- ' Rom. xv. 8—12. 5 Isa. xi. 1, 2, 10. § 4. a Luke, iv 14—17. Art. 2,] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 221 book, and gave it again to the minister, and sat down ; and: the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him; and he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears\ I am the light of the world ; he that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life °. To this end was I, born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice d. Are there not twelve hours in the day? if any man walk in the day he stumbleth not ; because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night he stumbleth^ because there is no light in him°. Yet a little while is the light with you; walk while ye have the light; lest darkness come upon you ; for he that walketh in dark ness, knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness f. And this is the . condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; for every one that doth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved8. Sect. 5. Jesus cheers his disciples with the assurance of this divine light. It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven a. Blessed are your eyes, for they see ; and your ears for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them \ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I tharik thee, O Father, Lord of' heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes ; even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight °. If ye continue in my b Luke, iv. 18 — 21. " John, viii. 12. d John, xviii. 37. * John, xi. 9, 10. f John,xii.35,36,46. s John, iii. 19, 20. § 5.. a Matth. xiii. 11. b Matth. xiii. 16, 17. c Luke, x. 21. 222 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. word, then are ye my disciples indeed ; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free d. Hence forth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth : but I have called you friends ; for all things that I have heard of ray Father, I have made known unto you °. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Com forter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto youf. When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth ; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak ; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto yous. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe \ Sect. 6. The wisdom of Jesus acknowledged by strangers; and even by enemies. Those men who were miraculously fed, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world a. Now we believe, and know, That this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world \ Never man spake like this man°. For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes d. Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God ; for no man can do these miracles that thou dost, except God be with him °. We know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth; neither carest thou for any man ; for thou regardest not the person of men f. Sect. 7. The testimonies of the Apostles on this subject* In the beginning was the Wor(l, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God*. In him was life, d John, viii. 31, 32. e John, xV. 15. f John, xiv. 25, 26. g John, xvi. 13, 14. h John, xiv. 29. § 6. * John, vi. 14. b John, iv. 42. c John, vii. 46. d Matth. vii. 29. e John, iii. 2. . ' Matth. xxii. 16. § 7. a John, i. 1. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 223 and the life was the light of men \ That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world0. ¦ A prophet mighty in deed and word before God, and all the people d; who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light, through the gospel0. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time ; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him f. The Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom ; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling- block, and unto the Greeks foolishness ; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God g. For Moses truly said unto the Fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like urito me ; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say uhto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel, and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying urtto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities \ See that ye refuse not him that speaketh ; for if they es caped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven \ For if toe word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received ajustrec^mpense of reward ; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him ; God also bearing them witness, both" with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own willk? - John, i. 4: ° John, 1, 9. d Luke, xxiv. 19. - * 2 Tim. i. 10, f John, i. 17, 18. « 1 Cor.i. 22,23,, 24. h Acts, iii. 22—26. ' Heb. xii. 25. k Heb. ii. 2, 3, 4. 224 METHOD OF man's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Sect. 8. The mission of the Apostle Paul. As I, Paul, went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests; at mid-day I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to, the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and sayir>g in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me ? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise and stand upon thy feet ; for 1 have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee ; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open /their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision ; but showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and, then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance". Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying pone other things than those which the prophets, and Moses did say should come; that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the G entiles b. Ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me ; how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit0. Unto me who am less than the least of all § 8. a Acts, xxvi. 12—20. b Acts, xxvi. 22, 23. c Eph. iii. 2, 3, 5. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 225 saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ d : To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the mani fold wisdom of God °. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ f ; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself; that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in him g. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein ye stand ; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you " ; and if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven ; whereof I Paul am made a minister \ according to the dispensation of God, which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God ; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages, and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints ; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles ; which is Christ in you the hope of glory ; whom we* preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus ; whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working;, which worketh in me mightily k. Therefore I have written the more boldly unto you, in some sort, as putting yOu in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the d Eph. iii. 8, 9. ' Eph. iii. 10. ' Eph. i. 3. *Eph. i. 9, 10. h 1 Cor. xv. 1, 2. ' Col. i. 23. k Col. i. 25—29. VOL. I. Q 22<5 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Gentilesj-ministering the gospel of God', -that -the Offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ, in those things which pertain to God1. For I am not ashamed of rthe gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth ; for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith m. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss,, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my. Lord ; for whom I hare suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ, and be found in him ; that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death". Sect. 9. That this light maketh wise unto salvation. Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowmg of whom thou hast learned them ; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works \ For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning ; that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope b. We have also a more sure word of prophecy ; whereunto you do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man ',. but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost0; who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you ; searching what, or what manner of time the ' Rom. xv. 15, 16, 17. m Rom. i. 16, 17. n Phil. iii. 8, 9, 10. § 9. t '2. Tim. iii. 14— 17. b Rom. xv. 4. « 2 Pet. i. 19, 20, 21. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST- 227 spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified before hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look iqto d. :'¦-. Sect. 10. The importance of making a right use of this light. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord ; according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that per tain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to, glory and virtue a. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fel lowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin b. For God who con> manded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ0. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true ; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ"1. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light- in the Lord; walk as children of light, and have no fel- ' lowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them0 ; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds ; and have put on the riew man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. , Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ; teaching "and admonishing one another in d i^Ret.i.10, %\,n. ...,.-¦¦. § 10. a 3 PfetV; i. 2,#. b 1 John, i. 5, 6; 7. 9 2 Cor. iv. 6, i A 1 J&in, -v.. 20. 1 «Eph. v. 8, 11. 228 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs f. For ye are a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his mar vellous light8. Sect. 11. The prayers of the Apostles for the increase of this knowledge. We give thanks to God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you ; for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel a. We also do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk Worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of Godb; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Sonc: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him ; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling; and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe d ; that ye may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge; that ye might be filled with all the fulness of Gode. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ; according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began ; but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the com mandment of the everlasting God, made known to. all nations for the obedience of faith ; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Aoieh*. ' Col. iii. 9, 10, 16. g 1 Pet. ii. 9. - ¦ §11.* Col. i. 3, 5. bCol. i. 9, 10. c€ol.i. 13. d Eph. i. IT, 18, 19. * Eph. iii. 17, 18, 19. fAom.xvi.25,26,27. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 229 CHAP. IV. OF THE DESIGNS AND PURPOSES ON WHICH HE WAS MANIFESTED TO THE WORLD. II. " That he is come to redeem man from destruction and to reconcile him to God'' Sect. 1. A general view of this great design. — 2. That it should be executed in due time by the Messiah, and through his sufferings and death. — 3. Of the glory that should follow his sufferings,— 4, Jesus informs his disciples of this grand purpose, and of the manner in which he was to accomplish it, even by his death and intercession.— 5. The Apostles testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Saviour.-^r 6. Concerning the everlasting priesthood of Christ,— 7. Of the efficacy of his merits and mediation. — 8. Of the divine benefits procured by him in behalf of all that believe in his name. — 9. Of the obligations on believers to walk worthy of these benefits. — 10. The importance of our making a proper qse of our access to God by Jesus Christ. Sect. 1. A general view of this great design. We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin ; that every mouth may be stop ped, and all the world may become guilty before God ; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of Goda. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believeb. Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, and the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all i 1. * Rom. iii. 9, 19, 23. *> Gal. iii. itf, 22. 230 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. nations be blessed c. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made! He saith not, And to seeds as of many ; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christd. To him gave all the prophets witness, that through his • name whosoever believeth in him, shall receive remission of sins,0. , -; Sect. 2. That it should be executed in due time by the Messiah, and through his sufferings and death. O Israel thou hast fallen by thine iniquity3; thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help5. Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah0. I will be their God, and they shall be my people; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more d. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good ; but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me°; and I will cleanse tbem from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me ; and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against mef. Jn those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of Righteousness to grow up unto David, and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely ; and this is the name wherewith he shall be called, the lord our righ teousness e. Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is the branch, and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord; even he shall build the temple of the Lord, and shall bear the glory and shall sit and rule- upon lps throne, and he shall be a priest upon his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both". I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry; and I will- c Gal. iii. 6, 8. d Gal. iii. 16. e Acts, x. 43. § 2. " Hos. x\V. 1. b Hos. xiii. 9. Jer. xxxi. 31. d Jer. xxxi. 33, 34. e Jer. xxxii. 40. ' Jer. xxxiii. 8. * Jer. xxxiii. 15, 16. h Zech. vi. 12, 13. Art. 2.] op OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 231 place salvation in Zion, for Israel niy glory *. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire, burnt-offering and sin- offering -hast thou not required. Then saio! I, Lo I come, in the volume of the book it is written of .mek. After threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself1. But to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness"1. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and, carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and. afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people was he stricken". It pleased the Lord to bruise him, he hath put him to grief , when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied^ by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many ; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide- him a portion with the great, and he shall divide.the spoil with the strong ; because he hath poured out his, soul unto death; and he was num bered with the transgressors, and he bare the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors". *In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleannessp. And it shall, come to pass, that who soever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved9-. Sect. 3. Of the glory that should follow his sufferings. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him '* Isa. xlvi. 13. k Psalm xl. 6, 7. ' Dan. ix. 26. ' m Dan. ix. 24. „ " Isa. liii. 4, 5, 6, 8. ° Isai liii. 10, 11, 12. p Zech, xiii. 1 ' 1 Acts, ii. 2i. 232 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3; that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the sal vation of our God\ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people; and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David b ; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant ; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins'. Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, good will towards mend. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ; and the govern ment shall be upon his shoulder ; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace0. Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins. And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is, God with us f. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool : He shall drink of the brook in the way, therefore shall he lift up the head*. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree : The Lord said unto me, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession h. I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him : And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him : His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdpm that which shall not be destroyed '. Thou hast ascended on high, tljou hast led captivity captive ; thou hast received gifts § 3. • Isa. Iii. 7, 10. b Luke, i. 68, 69. c Luke, i. 72, 77. d Luke, ii. 14. c Isa. ix, 6. ' Matth. i. 21, 23. i Psalm ex. 1, 7. h Psalm ii, 6, 7, 8. * Dan. vii. 13, 14. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 233 for men, yea for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell amongst themk. — His name shall endure for ever : And men shall be blessed in him ; all nations shall call' him blessed1. Sect. 4. Jesus informs his disciples of this grand purpose, and of the manner in which he was to ac complish it ; even by his death and intercession. And Jesus going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge, and to crucify him ; and the third day he shall rise again. For the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many*. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness^ even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whoso ever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life b. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me °. For God sent hot his Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through him might be saved d. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost °. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good Shepherd ; and I lay down my life for the sheep f. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself; I have power to lay it down, I have power to take it again : This commandment have I received of my Father5. And if any man hear my words, and believe hot, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world; but to save the world b. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend§ \ And he took bread and gave thanks, and k Psalmlxviii. 18,19. ' Psalm lxxii. 17. $ 4. aMatth. xx.17,18,19,28. b John, iii. 14, 15. '¦ John, xii. 32. d John,iii. 17. * Luke, xix. 10. 'John, a. 10,14, 15. E John, x. 17, 18. * John, xii. 47. * John, xv. 13. 234 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part -3- brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my. body which, is given for you ; This do in remembrance of me : .Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup, is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you £. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing : Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in toy name ; ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. At that day ye shall ask in my>name; and I say unto you, that I will pray the Father for you1 ; arid whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son"1. Then opened he their understanding, that they might under stand the scriptures; and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,' and to rise from the dead the third day ; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem". Sect. 5. The Apostles testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Saviour. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Na zareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know ; him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain; this Jesus hath God raised up, whereof- we all are wit nesses*. Be it known unto you therefore men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; and by him, all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses b. * Neither is there salva tion io any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved0. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and for- k Luke, xxii. 19, 20. 'John, xvi.23,24,26. m John, xiv. 13. "Luke, xxiv. 45, 46, 47. § 5. * Acts, ii. 22, 23, 32. "Acts, xiii. 38, 39. c Acts, iv. 12. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 235 giveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things ; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey himd. Unto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord0. Sect. 6*. Concerning the everlasting priesthood of Jesus Christ. Wherefore holy brethren, partakers- Of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our pro fession, Christ Jesus*. For every high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men in things per taining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sa crifices for sins ; who can have compassion on the igno rant, and on them that are out of the way ; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity ; and, by reason hereof, he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of Gpd, as was Aaron ; so also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee. As he saith in another place, Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedeckb. For this Melchizedeck, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham re turning from the. slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all ; first being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and, after that, also King of Salem, which is King of Peace; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life ; but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils0; and blessed him that had the promises. And without all d Acts, v. 31, 32. * Acts, iii. 19, 26. § 6. » Heb. iii. 1. b Heb. v. 1—6. c He.b. vii. 1—4. 236 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. contradiction the less is blessed of the better. If, there fore, perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedeck, and not be called after the order of Aaron d? But it is evident, that, after the similitude of Melchizedeck, there ariseth another priest, who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life". And in as much as not without an oath he was made priest, by so much was Jesus made Surety of a better testament : And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to con tinue, by reason of death ; but this man, because he con tinueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Where fore he is able also to save them to the uttermost; that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens ; who needeth riot daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's ; for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity ; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the. Son, who is consecrated for evermore*. Now we have such an High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens ; a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle w.hich the Lord pitched, and not man. . For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices ; wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better pro mises8. Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect taber nacle, not made with hands, that is to sav, not of this building ; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered in Once into the holy * Heb. vii. 6, 7, 11. c Heb. vii. 15, 16, ' U<*>. vii. 20, 22—28. " Heb. viii. 1, 2, 3, 6. Art. 2.] ¦¦ OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 237 place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For, if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who, through the eternal spirit, offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new testament ; that, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance11. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us : Nor yet that he should offer himself often^ as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others ; for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world : But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation1. And every priest standeth daily ministering, and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, whieh can never take away sins; but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting tilL his enemies be made his footstool; for, by one offering, he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified k. Sect. 7. Of the efficacy of his merits and mediation. What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sendirtg his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, for sin condemned sin in the flesh ; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit a. When the b Heb. ix. 11—15. ' Heb. ix. 24—28. * Heb. x. 11—14. § 7. * Rom. viii. 3, 4. 238 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law; to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons". Christ hath redeemed, us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for.it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth upon a tree0. Now the righteousness of God without the law is mani fested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all that believe"1, being justi fied freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, whom God hath set forth to be a propitia tion through faith in his blood ; to declare his righteous ness .for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus0. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth f. For if by one man's offence, death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so, by .the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobe dience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous s. There is there fore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit11. For we are the circumcision who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confi dence in the flesh1. Yea doubtless,, and I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered othe loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not '. having mine own righteousness, which is of the law ; but that b Gal. iv. 4, 5. ,c Gal. iii. 13. d Rom. iii. 21, 22. e Rom. iii. 24, 25, 26. ' Rom. x. 4. * Rom. v. 17, 18,19. h Rom. viii. 1. ' Phil. iii. 3. Art. 2;] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 239 which is through the faith of Christ; the righteousness which is of God by faith \ All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation ; to wit, that God was in Christ recon ciling, the world unto himself, not imputing their tres passes unto them1. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righte ousness of God in him"1. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable, riches of Christ11, who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time " ; who was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification p ; who hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour0-. Who also hath once suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to Godr. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die ; yet per- adventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love towards, us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us \ For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich '. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fitness dwell ; and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption x. k Phil. iii. 8, 9. ' '2 Cor. v. 18, 19. m 2 Cor. v. 21. ¦> Eph. iii. 8. ° 1 Tim. ii. 4, 5, 6. D Rom. iv. 25. 2 Tim. i. 2, V. c Col. ii. 13. d Eph. ii. 11—14. " Eph. ii. 17, 18, 19. f Rom. v. 1, 2. sRora. v. 10, 11, h Rom. viii. 16, 17. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 24l! If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all ; how shall he not with him freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect ? It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter cession for us \ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin uot^ and if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ; and he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world k. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins ; and in him is no sin '. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins"\ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ n ; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will ; to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved ; in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace0. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father ; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amenp. Sect. 9. Of the obligation on believers to walk worthy of these benefits. We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners pf the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the ' Rom. viii. 31—34. k 1 John, ii. 1, 2. '1 Johnf iii., 5. "¦ 1 John, iv, 9, 10. " Eph. i. 3. • Eph. i. 5, 6, 7. pRev. i. 5, 6. VOL. I. R 248 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part'S. works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ; that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified*. For I through the law am dead) to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless .1 alive ; yet not I, but Christiliveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for meb. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works0. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that lie died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again d. I .therefore beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called6. As he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of, conversation f; for as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and' gold ; hut with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spotg. And ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"., . '».»3tt'.: Sect. 10. The importance of making a proper use of our access to God by Jesus sChris$.l 9rj3 Seeing then that we have a great High Pfies1;,Bfhat 5s passed into the heavens, Jesus the Sbri of God," 'let us hold fast our profession. For we have not aii High Priest who cannot be touched with the "feeling of bljjr infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we! are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly fintoihie throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, ariti-fmrJ . . i-I § 9. » Gal. ii. IS, 16. b Gal. ii. 19, 20. c Tit. ii. 14. d 2. Cor. v. 14, 15. °Eph. iv. 1. flPet.i. 15. * 1 Pet. i. 18, 19. h 1 Cor. vi. 19j 20. Art. Q.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. §43 gracei to;' help in time of need Y Haying boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by. a new and living way which he has consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his flesh; and haying an High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith ; ..having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water b. chap: V. tfllAT HE IS INVESTED WITH SOVEREIGN POWER FOR PERFECTING ALL THAT BELIEVE ON HIM. GENERAL SECTION I. A GENERAL VIEW OF THIS ARGUMENT. Sept., j. , Daniel's vision of, the Son of nian.— 2. That his dominion is over all, and shall be everlasting.— 3. . ,The spiritual nature pf his kingdom. — 4. The testimony t# of)||ie Apostles on this head.— 5. The vision of the -w Apostle Jpjin. ^ ;. :\[v Sect. 1. Daniel's vision of the Son of man.' uv j Daniel saw iii (the night visions, aria1 behold one like the Son T of man came with the clouds of heaven, 3apdapajg(|p the j4ncjent jptdays, ar^Jhey,. brpujh| him i^rm^dorainian. which shall, not pass, away y. and his Kdom>1ihati which shall not be destroyed , , And the ..kipgdpm'anippiriiniQn, and the, greatness of the, kingdom "Jail i *^£Jifl#S ~ W »j* »vi! I 'ISJSJiLi** '¦ ' \y*~* . ' T" * f *— ' under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an ever- ' § 10. a Heb. iv. 14, 15, 16. b Heb. x. 19—22.' § 1. * Dan. vii. 13, 14. METHOD OF MAN S -REDEMPTION. [Part 3. lasting kingdom, and all dominions shall jserye and obey himy. Sect. 2. Tfiflt his dominion is over all, and shall be everlasting. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves^ and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, arid; against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh ; the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon- my holy . hill of Zion. I will declare the decree; the Lord hath said, unto me, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession*. — He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor b. He shall come down like rain upon the mowri grass ; as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish ; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him ; and his enemies shall lick the dust.' The kings of Tarshish and of the isles' shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him0. He shall deliver the. needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that, i, hath he- helper. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence; and precious shall their blood be in his sigb&d. His name shall endure for ever ; his name ^balJotje continued as long as the sun ; and men shall be blessed in him, all nations shall call him blessed0. Be wise b Dan. vii. 27. § 2.' • Psalm ii. 1—8. b Psalm lxxii. 4. Psalm lxxii. 6— 11. d Psalm lxxiit 12, 14. c Psalm lxxii. 17. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 245 now therefore ye kings; be instructed ye judges of the earth; serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little; blessed are all they that put trust in him f. ' Thou spakest in vision to thy Holy One, and, saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty ; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant ; with my holy oil have I anointed him. With whom my hand shall be established ; mine arm also shall strengthen him. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. But my faith fulness and my mercy shall be with him; and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the^ sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, my God, and the rock of rny salvation. Also I will make him my first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for ever more ; and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I mal$e to endure for ever; and his throne as the days of heaven *. It shall be established for ever^ as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven \ The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out , of. Zion ; rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy ; people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning; thou hast the dew of thy youth*. Behold I have given fain* for a witness1 to the people^ a leader and commander to the jbeople.* J Behold thou shalt call a nation that thou kw©west«not ; and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee /^because of the Lord thy God, and, for the ¦¦Holy One of Israel, for he hath glorified thee k. And in mercyj shall the throne be established, and Jie shall sit upon it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness1. ' Psal. ii. 10, 11, 12. « Ps. lxxxix. 19—29. h Psalmilxxxix. 37. ' Psalm ex. 1, 2,3. kIsa. Iv. 4, 5. ' Isa. xvi. 5. 2404' METHOD OF 'MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. k Thus ' s'atiih" me Lord1, the^ redeemer of Israel, and <¦ his Holy One,- fd him whom man despiseth, to- bkn whotii the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, kings*-, shall .sed arid arise,' princes also shall' worships 'because 'of' the Lord that is faithful, andtteHoly One ofTsraeli, and*-' he 'shall choose thee'V Behold a King shall reigh' in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment ". 'Be hold the -days corrie, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto' David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall' execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his davs Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; -and this is his name whereby he shall' be called, the LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS". Behold the Lot$ God will come' with strong hand, and his arm shall' rule for him ; behold his reward is with him, and his5 work before him. He shall feed his flpek like a- shepherd, he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and* carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young'. I will setup one shepherd over them,1 and he shall feed them, even my servant David ; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it*. Rejoice greatly, O daughter- of Zion ; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem ; behold thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, -and having salvation; and he shall speak peace unto the heathen; and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the. ends., of the earth7. ; And the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph. , And the angel said qnto her, Fear not Mary ; for thou hast found; favour with God ; and* behold thou shalt conceive in. thy Womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his nana© JESUS». He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the 'Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the mIsa. xlix. 7. " Isa. xxxii. 1. „ ° Jer. xxiii. 5, 6. p Isa. xl. 10, 11. i Ezek. xxxiv.28,24. r Zech. ix. 9, 10. • Luke, i. (26; .27, 30, 31. , Art. 2.] OF OUR. LORD JESUS CHRIST. 247 house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom ,th.ere? shall b&no end '. ( Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace^ good will towards men". For unto us a child is b©rr% unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Won derful Counsellor, the Mighty God;) the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government, and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment, and with justice, from henceforth, even for ever; the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall; perform this \ All things are delivered unto me of my Fatbery. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth z : For God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above everyname a, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that.ismamed, not only in this world, but also, in that which is to come, and hath put all t things under his feet b>u , Sect. 3. ,, T/he spiritual naty,re of his kingdom* And when Jesus was demanded of the Pharisees, When the kingdom of God should come ; he answered them, and said, The kingdom of God Cometh not with observation. Neither shall they say, Lo here, or lo there; for behold, the kingdom of God is within you". They shall say to you, See here, or see there; go not after" them1, nor follow them : For, as the lightning that tfghtehefh out of the'one part under heaven^ shineth unto the1 dther part under heaven, so shall also the Son of rrian be in his day b. My kingdom is not of this world ; ifriiy1 kingdom were of this world, then would my servants figfit; but now is my kingdom not from hence0. And there wds also a strife ambrtg them, which5 Of them should be' accounted the greatest. And; he said unto them, The ¦ '¦!.:! '..¦! t;: ,.., - ;i ..... ,,r .^i t '¦'¦ ¦ . - ¦' < ' Luke, i. 32, 33. » Luke, ii. 14. " Isa. ix. 6, 7. ' y^Matth. xi.'27l * Matth. xxviii. 18. a Phil. ii. 9. . b Eph. i. 20,j81', 22. !.' (-'..; Jr., ..i ,;;i . . . ' , '* §3. - Luke, xvii. 20, 21. b Luke, xvii. 23, 24. c; John, xviii. 36. 248 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Paritife. kings of (wexXJentiles exercise' lordship over them ;aad Aey>;Aatti»exercise iawthofityi upon themy are feaUjed benefactors. t-Mitj ye; shall not be so; ? but toe that) iis greatest among you, let )hinai be as the younger /.add he that is chief, as he that idoth serve, i Fori whether iis greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serssth? 'is not he that sitteth at meat? (but lam among you as-he that serveth **. < Ye are they that have continued witfome in my temptations : And 1 appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me!°. Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord ; peace in heaven, and glory in the: highest f, . n*.. Sect. 4. The testimony of the Apostles on thisihead. Men and brethren, Let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead arid ' buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day; therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had swbrtfwith an oath to him, That of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit Ori his , throne : He seeing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was- not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath Gbd raised up, whereof we all are witnesses ". For David is not ascended into the heavens; but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit 'thou on my right hand, until I make1 thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel krtpw assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ b. Him hath God exalted with h^s right hand to be a Prince and Savipur,,fdr to give reperttattceSfo1 Israel, and forgiveness of sins0. He failed hi'rh from fhe'clead, arid ^et hihTat his own right ^aWih5<^;Ma^uy places ; and hath put all things under his feetp'afid gave him to be head over all things to th^ church, whiqh is his body; the fulness of him that filleth all inSll ": 2fAnd he commanded us to, preach viinto the people, and tortiestify, d Luke,xxii. B4» — 27. " Luke; xsih 28, 29. ' Luke, xix. 88, § 4. f Acts, ii. 29—32. b Acts, ii. S4, 35, 36, e Ac$s, v. 3%} ' a Eph. i. 20,22. '¦¦* *.¦>--- ¦•- > ¦ ' .-9 • Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS .CHRIST. 249 that it is he who. was ordained of God: to. be the judge of quick and deadl0. , For to this end Christ both died, and rose;: and ireyived* that he might be Lord both of the dead and living'; angels, and authorities, iand powers being made subject unto him g. -. For unto which of the angels said heat any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, when he bringeth in the First-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship* him. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom \ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? or the son of man, that thou visitest him ? rThou madest him a little lower than the angels : thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things in sub jection under/; his feet : for in that he put all in sub jection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little,, lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and hopour1. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. Thelast enemy that sh^dl be destroyed is death k. Then cometh the, end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to Gpd,: even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule,, and aU authority, and power '. For he hath put all things under frig feet. But when he saith, all things are put under l»fp,rit is , manifest, that he is excepted who did put all things under him.! And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto, hiro. that put all things under him, that God may be all in all m. ^ } if ( Sect. 5. The vision of the Apostle John. s yi'And I John saw heaven opened; and behold a White "Acts, x. 42. £. Rom. xiv. 9. « 1 Pet. iii. 23.' h Heb. i. 5, 6, 8. 'Heb. ii. 5*-^9. k 1 Por> xv. 25, 26. 1 1 Cor. xv. 24. m 1 Cor. xv. 27, 28. - r.. , 250 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part?. horse; and he that sat upon him was called faithful and true ; and in righteousness fre* doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written that no man knew but ihe himself. And he was clothed with a white vesture dipt in blood; and his name is called THE word of GOD. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in white linen; white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations ; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron ; and he treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, KING OF KINGS and lord OF lords1. And there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks,1 O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee, thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants, the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great0. GENERAL SECTION IL THIS SOVEREIGN POWER OF JESUS IS DISPLACED, I. " In sanctifying his church." Sect. 1. This divine blessing was promised to the fathers. — 2. Jesus declares" this' to be one particular end for which he came into the world. — 3. This the § 5. 3 Rev. xix. 11—16. " ' b Rev. xi. 15-^-18. Art. 2.]' OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST^ "ii 25'f Aptistles alsO witness.— 4. This is the intent of all his ordinances.'— 5. That this is indeed the work of his grace. — 6. The Apostles' coftgratulations with them tMt were sanctified. —7. The joy of the Saints on account of this great blessing. — 8. The prayers of the Apostles for the perfect sanctification of those that prdfessed the name of Christ. :•.,. " ¦ n -¦¦¦'¦', . .- • i Sect. 1. This divine blessing was promised to tke fathers. Can the Ethiopian change his' skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good that are accus tomed to do evil3. With men it is'impossible| but not with God ; for with God all things are possible1*. As it is written, There shall come out of Zion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob0. He shall sit as a refiner, and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may 'offer unto the Lord an offering in righteous ness d. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire0. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean ; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you : and I will takeaway the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes ; and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them ; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God f. Sect. 2. Jesus declares this to be, one particular end for which he came into the world. And (Jesus) seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and taught them, saying4, Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness ; for they shall be, filled, ., Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see Godb. They* that are whole have no need § 1'. " Jer. xiii. 23. b Mark, x. 27. c Rom. xi. 26. d Mai. iii. 3. «• Matt. iii. 11. f Ezek. xxxvi. 25— 28. § 2. » Matt. v. 1, 2. b Matt. v. 6, 8. 252 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. f Part 3. of a physician, but they that are sick : I came not to Call the righteous, but sinners to repentance0; to turfr the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just d. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free0. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin : and the servant abideth not in the house for ever; but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed'. Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for I am meek, and lowly in heart ; and ye shall find rest unto your souls : for my yoke is easy, and my burthen is light E- And 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 b, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name; he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever' I have said' unto you1. He will guide you into all truthk. These words spake Jesus, and lift up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father1, I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world m : for I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them. I pray for them which thou hast given the,' for they are thine". Sanctify them through thy truth ; thy word is truth. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth : neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe ori me through their word0.'" i; ' ! Sect. 3. This the Apostles also pjiiness* *-rGhrist also loved the church, and gave himself for at;? that he might sanctify and cleanse it, with the c Mark, ii. 17;. 6 Luke, i. 17. = John, viii. 31, 32. f John, viii. 34—36. * Matt. xi. 28—30. h John, xiv. 16,,jl?. 'John, xiv. 'afe. k John) xvi. 13. ' JohiY, xvii. i. " ra John, xvii. 6. " John, xvii. 8,' 9. ° John, xvii: 17, 19,- 20. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 253 washing pf water by the word ; that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy,: and with out blemish". And, by one offering; he, hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that we should bring forth fruit unto God °. We are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held ; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter*1. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the i Lord, so walk ye in him; rooted and built up in him, and sta- blished in the faith0. In whom also And he gave some apostles; and: some prophets ; and some evangelists; and1 some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints^for the work of the ministry, for the edifying the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to; and ' fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine^ thy the slight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in -lovtej may grow up into him in all things, which is the 'head? even Christ b; that we might war a good warfare, imkdingj faith and a good conscience0. For though -.>-'>¦¦. >,.¦/ ¦'-)¦ ¦ -":•• ¦-.:.:. .',- !-l->° ¦-' < -- § 5. * James, i. 17, 18. b 1 Pet. i. 23. c Eph. ii. 10. 4 Rom. viii. 29. e 1 Thess. v. 9, 10. ' 1 Pet. ii, 2,4, 25. * 2 Tim. i. 9. b Tit. iii. 5. ' Tit. ii. 11— 14. k James, i.^. l JameS>> iii. 17: •"' "V1 T '' 256* METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3, Sect. 6. The Apostle's congratulations with them that were sanctified. And you that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he recon ciled, in the body of his flesh through death ; to present you holy, and unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight3. For this is the will of God, even your sanctifica- tionb; because God hath from the beginning chosen yOu to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth'. Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our Godd. Ye are elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ0. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light*. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit8. — Ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the comingof our Lord Jesus Christ ; who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ'1. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God. and precious, ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,' acceptable to God by Jesus Christ1. They that are in the flesh cannot please God : but ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead, because of sin ; but the spirit is life because of righteousness11. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek ness, temperance1, in all righteousness and truth™. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; § 6. » Col. i. 21, 22. b 1 Thess. iv. 34 e 2 Thess. ii. 13. 4 1 Cor. vi. 11. * 1 Pet. i. 2. f 1 Pet. ii. 9. g 1 Pet. i. 22. h 1 Cor. i. 7, 8. H Pet. ii. 4, 5. k Rom. viii. 8, 9, 10. ' Gal. y. 22. 23. ™ Eph. v. 9. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS: CHRIST* 257 old things are passed away, behold all things are become new \ ¦ "' ¦* ¦¦>* ' ¦ .).,¦¦..¦ ¦. . s .. Sect. 7. The joy of the Saints on account of this great blessing* J. will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul 'shall be joyful in my God ; for he hath clothed me with the gar ments of sanation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels". For the Jaw of the spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death b. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath, blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him before, the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love°. Accord ing as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue ; whereby are- given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust *.. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God; when Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory0. 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, purifie,th .himself even as he is puref.. Sect. !8.: The 'prayers of the Apostles for the perfect sanct'ification < of those that professed the name of '¦ Christ. ¦...':, < - -¦ Now^ our Loj-d Jesus Christ himself, arid God even our Father, who hath loved us, and given us everlastirig "SrCor. v. 17. ' \. ' -"] : § 7. a Isa. Jxi. 10. . b Rom. viii, 3. c Eph. i. 3,' 4. d2Pet. i. 3,5. c Col. iii. 3, 4. f 1 John, iii, 2, 3. VOL. I. S 258 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. consolation, and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work3. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God, your whole spirit and soul and body be pre served blameless, -unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth yOu, who also will do ftb. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this callings and fulfil all' the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.; that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace pf God and our Lord Jesus Christ0 ; to the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,' with all his saints d. For this cause we do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and -spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy, of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in trje knowledge of God. Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience' and long-suffering with joyfulness ; giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light6. For this, cause I bow. my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might, by his Spiri^in the inner manf. That your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and in all judgment ; that ye may approve things that are excellent ; that ye may be sincere, and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of Gods. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sancti- § 8. a 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. b 1 Thess. v. 23, 24. c 2 Thess. i. 11, 12. A 1 Thess. iii. 13. e Col. i. 9—12. f Eph. iii. 14, 15, 16. * Phil. i. 9, 10, 11, Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. £59 fied h. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope -through the power of the Holy Ghost1. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ k. The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you1. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, do minion and power, both now and ever. Amenm. THE POWER OF JESUS IS DISPLAYED, II. " In carrying his people through this state of discipline and trial." Sect. 1. That the servants of God are secured against all that is finally hurtful. — 2. Jesus assures his dis ciples of his constant presence to this end. — 3. The hopes of the people of God for direction, assistance, and supply. — -4. Promises of God heretofore given to this purpose. — 5. Jesus assures his disciples of these heavenly benefits. — 6*. That through Christ they shall overcome the world. — 7. Shall be supported in temptation. : — 8. Shall.be made conquerors over Satan. — 9. And shall be sustained in all their afflic tions. — 10. The joyful hopes and praises of the Saints in their views of the divine support. Sect. 1. That the servants of God are secured against all that is finally hurtful. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, h Acts, xx. 32. ' Rom. xv. 13. k Heb. xiii. 20, 21. 1 1 Pet. v. 10. m Jude, 24, 25.' 260 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part £ neither is there any divination against Israel*. The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among' themb. For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance ; he found . him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness ; led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye : as an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, bearing them on her wings ; so the Lord alone did lead him; and there was no strange god with him0. There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency upon the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and un derneath are the everlasting armsd. The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself0. He shall dwell on high ; his place of defence shall be the munition of rocks, bread shall be given him, his water shall be suref. He shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust ; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways8. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister unto' them who shall be heirs , of salvation h. He shall deliver thee in six troubles ; yea in seven there shall no evil touch thee l. Because thou hast made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation ; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling*. Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and . he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not, for I have re deemed thee ; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee : for § 1. » Numb, xxiii. 23. b Numb, xxiii. 21. c Deut. xxxii. 9 — 12. d Deut. xxxiii. 26,27. * Psalm iv. 3. f Isa. xxxiii. 16. e Psal. xci. 1,3,4,11. '' Heb. i. 14. ' Job, v. 19. k Psalm xci. 9, 10. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 261 I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel thy Saviour1. And a man shall be a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land"1. Sect. 2. Jesus assures his disciples of his constant presence to this end. Jesus sent forth the twelve, and commanded them, saying, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst jf wolves ; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harm less as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them, and the Gentiles". 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 youb. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord ; if thev have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household0? These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.- They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth God ser vice11. And I say unto you, my friends, be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that, have no more that they can do : but I will forewarn you whom you shall fear; fear him, who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell; yea I say unto you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, there fore, ye are of more value than many sparrows0. My 1 Isaiah, xliii. 1,2, 3. mIsaiahj xxxii. 2. § 2. a Matth.x.5, 16, 17, 18. b Matth. x. 19, 20. c Matth. x. 24,25, d John, xvi. 1, 2. ° Luke, xii. 4—7. 262 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me ; and I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father who gave them me is greater than all ; and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's handf. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth ; and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world8*. Sect. 3. The hopes of the people of God for direction, • assistance, and supply. I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth \ The Lord God will help me ; there fore shall I not be confounded ; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth me ; Who will contend with me ? , Behold the Lord will help me ; Who is he that shall condemn meb? For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. But judgment shall return unto righteousness ; and all the upright in heart shall follow it0. He will keep the feet of his saints'1. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their* cry, and will save them0. For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield ; the Lord will give grace and glory ; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly f. The meek will he guide in judgment ; and the meek will he teach his wayg. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he will show them his covenant11. Righteousness shall go before him, and shall set us in the way of his steps1. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord ; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down ; for the Lord upholdeth him with ' John, x. 27, 28, 29. g Matth. xxviii. 18, 20. § 3. a Psalm cxxi. 1, 2. b Isaiah, 1. 7, 8, 9. c Psalm xciv. 14, 15. d 1 Samuel, ii. 9. * Psalm cxlv. 19. f Psalm lxxxiv. 11. £ Psalm xxv. 9. h Psalm xxv. 14. ' Psalm lxxxv. 13. * Such as would see more passages concerning the divine power that pro tects the people of God, may consult the chapter on " God as the Pre server, &c." page 91 — 100. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 263 his hand\ The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord ; he is their strength in the time of trouble : and the Lord shall help them, and deliver them ; he shall save them, because they trust in him \ The righteous also shall hold on his way ; and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger"1. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree ; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age ; they shall be fat and flourishing". For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King ; he will save us*. The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people1". Trust in him at all times, ye people ; pour out your heart before himq. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths'. For the preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord". Sect. 4. Promises of God heretofore given to this purpose. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel ; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel a. Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will up hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness b. Strengthen ye the weak hands, confirm the feeble knees. Say unto them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not ; behold your God will come with vengeance ; even God with a recompense, he will come, and save you°. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord bath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on k Psal. xxxvii. 23, 24. • Psal. xxxvii. 39, 40. m Job, xvii. 9. » Psal. xcii. 12,13,14. ° Isaiah, xxxiii. 22. p Psalm lxviii. 35. i Psalm lxii. 8. r Proverbs, iii. 5, 6. s Proverbs, xvi. 1. § 4. * Isaiah, xii. 14. b Isaiah, xii. 10. c Isaiah, xxxv. 3, 4. 264 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. the son of her wotob? yea, they may forget; yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms, of my hands ; thy walls are continually before med. For thus saith the Lord God, Behold, as a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered, so will I seek out my sheep0. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and ,bring again that which was driven away, arid will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sickf. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd ; arid I the- Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them g. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not, I will lead them in paths that they have not known ; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake themb. I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring ; and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water-courses1. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known ? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary ? There is no searching of his understanding k. He giveth power to the faint ; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength : even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary ; and they shall walk, and not faint J. *Isa.xlix.l4,15,16. ' Ezek. xxxiv.11,12. ' Ezek. xxxiv. 15, 16. * Ezek. xxxiv. 23, 24. h Isaiah, xlii. 16. > Isaiah, xliv. 3, 4. ." Isaiah, xl. 27, 28. ' Isaiah,xl.29,30,31. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 265 Sect. 5. Jesus assures his disciples of these heavenly benefits. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit ofitself, except it abide in the vine ; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches ; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can 3o nothing. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love". If a man love me, he will keep my words ; and my Father will love him ; and we will come unto him, and make our abode with himb. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth ; for he shall not' speak of himself; he shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you °. These words spake Jesus, and lift up hisT eyes to heaven, and said, Father, I have manifested thy name unto the men whid~ thou gavest me out of the world d. For I have given unto them thy words, which thou gavest me ; and they have received them. I pray for them ; I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine0. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me ; that they may be one, as we are. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world ; but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil f. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee; but I have known thee ; and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it ; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them6. Sect. 6. That through Christ they shall overcome the world. Grace be to you, and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ ; who gave himself for § 5. * John, xv. 4, 5, 9. b John, xiv, 23. c John,xvi. 12,13,14. d John, xvii. 1, 6. e John, xvii. 8, 9. f John, xvii. 1 1, 15. £ John, xvii. 25, 26. Q66 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father a. Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world ; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God b? Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world0; and of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace d. Therefore, my brethren, be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God which passeth all under standing shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus0. Cast all your care upon him; for he careth for youf. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me8. Sect. 7. Shall be supported in temptation. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work ; that ye may be perfect, and entire, wanting no thing*. Now for a season, if need be, ye are in hea viness through manifold temptations, that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ5. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation". There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man ; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make § 6. » Gal. i. 3, 4. " 1 John, v. 4, 5. c 1 John, iv. 4. d John i. 16. ' Phil. iv. 1, 6, 7. f 1 Pet. v. 7. e Heb. xiii. 5, 6. § 7. * James, i. 2, 3, 4. b 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. c 2 Pet, ii. 9. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 267 a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear itd. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God; let us hold fast. our profession, for we have not an High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin ". For in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren ; that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God ; for in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted; he is able to succour them that are tempted f. Sect. 8. Shall be made conquerors over Satan. The Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done- this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel*. For this purpose the Son of God was mani fested, that he might destroy the works of the devil b. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil ; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage0; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in his cross im Wherefore my brethren be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put On the whole armour of Ged, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, arid having done all to stand °. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith J 1 Cor. x. 13. . e Heb. iv. 14, 15. f Heb, ii. 17, 18. § 8. a Gen. iii. 14, 15. ° 1 John, iii. 8. c Heb. ii. 14, 15. * Col. ii. 15. e Eph. vi. 10—13. 268 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked f. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour ; whom . resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world*. Putting on the breast-plate of faith and love, and for an helmet the hope of salvation11. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you1. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly11. My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me; for when I am weak then am I strong1. 1 can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth mem. Sect. 9- And shall be sustained in all their afflictions. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing hap pened unto yog ; but rejoice in as much as ye are par takers of Christ's sufferings ; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joya.< Wherefore we sent Timotheus to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith ; that no man should be moved by these afflictions ; for yourselves know, that we are appointed thereunto b. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake; that the life' also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh'. For which cause we faint not; hjut though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen ; ' Eph. vi. 16. « 1 Pet. v. 3, 9. b 1 Thess. v. 8. * James, iy. 7. k Rom. xvi. 20. • 2 Cor. xii. 9, 10. "Phil. iv. 13. § 9. » 1 Pet. iv. 12, 13. b 1 Thess. iii. 1, 2, 3. c 2 Cor. iv. 1 1. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 269 for the things which are seen, are temporal ; but the things which are not seen are eternal"1. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also ; knowing that tribu lation worketh patience ; and patience, experience ; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, be cause the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us0. Sect. 10. The joyful hopes and praises of the Saints in their views of the divine support.. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul ; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake". My soul wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence, I shall not be moved.. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength and my refuge is in Godb. Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land. Delight thyself also in the Lord ; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him ; and he shall bring it to pass ; and he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noon-day °. -For the Lord is our defence ; and the holy One of Israel is our King d. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back; this I know, for God is for mee. In God have I put my trust ; I will not be afraid what man can do unto mef. For thou hast delivered my soul from death ; wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living8. Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort : Thou hast given commandment to save me, for thou art my rock;, and my fortress11.' Thou art my hope, d2Cor.iv.l6,17, 18. e Rom. v. 3, 4, 5. §10. "Psal. xxiii. 1,2, 3. b Psal. lxii. 5, 6, 7. c Psal. xxxvii. 3— 6. J Psal. lxxxix. 18. e Psal. lvi. 3, 9. ' Psal. lvi. 11. * Psal. lvi. 13. h Psal. lxxi. 3. 270 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. O Lord God; thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb ; thou art, he that took me out of my mother's bowels, my praise shall be continually of thee1. O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste for my helpfc. I will hope con tinually, and will yet praise thee more and more; my mouth shall show forth thy righteousness, and thy salva tion all the day. I will go in the strength of the Lord God ; I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only1. Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in truth and teach me ; for thou art the God of my salvation, on thee do I wait all the day"1. Consider mine enemies, for they are many ; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soui and deliver me ; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me ; for I wait on thee". Let thine hand help me, for I have chosen thy precepts0. Behold God is my salvation ; I will trust and not be afraid ; for the Lord Jehq,vah is my strength and my song, he also is become my salva tion p. I am continually with thee; thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever9-. THE POWER OF JESUS IS, DISPLAYED, III. " In conquering death, and giving eternal life to his followers." Sect. 1. Eternal life fully revealed by our Lord Jesus. — 2. He comforts his disciples with this glo rious prospect. — 3*. The vision of John relative to these blissful objects of hope. — 4. These divine ' Psal. Ixxi. 5, 6. k Psal. lxxi. 12. ' Psal. lxxi. 14, 15, 16. "" Psal. xxv. 4, 5. " Psal. xxv. 19, 20, 21. ° Psal. cxix. 173. p Isa. xii. 2. q Psal. 1 xxiii. 23—26. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 271 blessings preached by the Apostles as the gift of God through Jesus Christ. — 5. Urged as incitements to obedience, patience, thanksgiving and steadfast- _ ness. — 6. John's vision of the glory of the heavenly * state. Sect. 1 . Eternal life fully revealed by our Lord Jesus. Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel3. Jesus said, Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give urito you ; for him hath God the Father sealed b. Then said they unto him, Lord, ever-. more give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life ; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me, shall never thirst0. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me ; and this is the Father's will who hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life ; and I will raise him up at the last day d. Verily, verily, I "say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life °. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven ; if any man eat of this bread he shall live for#ever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world f. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, apd drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed8. As the living Father hath sent me, § 1. » 2 Tim. i. 10. b John, vi. 27. c John, vi. 34, 35. d John, vi. 38, 39, 40. e John, vi. 47, 48. f John, vi. 49, 50,51. g John, vi. 53, 54,55. 272 METHOD OF Man's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me ; he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever \ From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away ? Then . Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go ? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God1. As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he willfc. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath ever lasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verijy, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God ; and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in him self'. Marvel not at this ; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 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 m. Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ' And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other n. Wheri the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate thein from one another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats; and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit h John, vi. 57, 58. ' John, vi. 66—69. k John, v. 21. 1 John, v. 24, 25, 26. m John, v. 28, 29. n Matth. xxiv. S0,'31. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 273 the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world0. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father0. For they are equal unto the angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection q. Sect. 2. He comforts his disciples with this glorious prospect. He that loveth his life shall lose it;< and he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be : if any man serve me, him will my Father honour*. Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me in the regene ration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twerfe thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life b. 'Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom0. Let not your heart be troubled ; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have, told you ; I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be, alsod. These words spake Jesus ; and lift up his eyes to hea ven, and said, Father, the hour is come ; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent0. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory which thou • Matth. xxv. 3 1^-34. p Matth. xiii." 43. <" Luke, xx. 36. ' § 2. * John, xii. 25, 26. b Matth. xix. 28, 29. « Luke, xii. 32. d John, xiv. 1, 2, 3. * John, xvii. 1,2, 3. VOL. I. T 274 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the founda tion of the world f. Sect. 3. The vision of St. John, relative to these great objects of hope. Fear not; I am the first and the last; I am he that liveth and was dead ; and behold , I am alive for ever more, and have the keys of hell and of death*. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of Godb; he shall not be hurt of the second death0. To him that over cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna ; and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth itd. He shall be^lothed in white raiment ; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels °. These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David ; he that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth f. Behold I come quickly; hold that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown g. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne; even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne \ — These things are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God ; and that be lieving, ye might have life through his name1. Sect. 4. These divine blessings preached by the Apostles as the gift of God, through Jesus Christ. — And I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, con cerning them which are asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For, if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him*. For this we f John, xvii.- 24. § 3. a Rev. i. 17, 18. b Rev. ii. 7. • •. « Rev. ii. 11. „ i Rev. ii. 17.r « Rev. iii. 5. ' Rev. iii. 7. ,, , , * Rev. ifcjSll: ,<¦ Rev. iii. 21. * John, xx. 31., 's * §4^1 Thess. iv. 13, 1^ *¦£&#/ Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 275 say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are, alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout ; with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump 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 air ; and so shall we ever be with the Lord b. Now, if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, How say some among you, that there is no resurrection of the dead0? If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept : for since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead : for as in Adam all die,, even so in Christ shall all be made alive d. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteous ness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our. Lord". And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will raise us up by his own power f. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die. And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body which shall be; but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or some other grain : but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him; and to every seed his own bodyg- So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in cor ruption, it is raised in incorruption ; it is sown in dis honour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power ; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit'1. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven1. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also b 1 Thess.iv.15,16,17. c 1 Cor. xv. 12. d 1 Cor. xv. 19—22. 'Rom. v. 21. f 1 Cor. vi. 14. s 1 Cor. xv. 35—38. h 1 Cor. xv. 42—45. ' 1 Cor. xv. 47. 276 METHOD OF MANS REDEMPTION. [Part 3. bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, That flesh and blood cannot inherit the king dom of God ; neither doth corruption inherit incorrup- tion. Behold I show you a mystery ; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed* ; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. Then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin ; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ1. The wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life through, Jesus Christ our Lord™. Wherefore holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession Christ Jesus". Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him°. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings p. Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building ; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place ; having obtained eternal redemption for us'. And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testa ment, that by means of death, for the redemption of transgressions, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance1. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many ; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second klCor.xv. 49, 50,51. ' 1 Cor. xv. 52— 57. ¦" Rom. vi. 23. " Heb. iii. 1. ° Heb. v. 8, 9. p Heb, ii. 10. "- Heb.ix. 11, 12. 'Heb.ix. 15. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 277 time without sin unto salvation'. For the life was ma nifested ; and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us1. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life ; and this life is in his Son u. Sect. 5. Urged as incitements to obedience, patience, thanksgiving, and steadfastness. It is a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribu lation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels *. When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe b. The Lord is not slack con cerning his promise ; but the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up °. Then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with power and .great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass,' then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh d. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. . When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory e. And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall re ceive a crown of glory that fadeth not awayf. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy con versation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto • the coming of the day of God ; wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye » Heb. ix. 27, 28. ' 1- John, i. 2. "1 John, v. 11. § 5. a 2 Thess. i. 6, 7. b 2 Th'esS. i. 10. c 2 Pet. iii. 9, 10. d Luke, xxi. 27, 28. e Col. iii. 3, 4. flPet.v. 4. 278 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. may be found of him in peace, without spot and blame less8. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lordh; in hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began \ Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ; for as much as ye know, that your labour is not in vain in the Lordk ; by whom also we have access by faith unto this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God ' ; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life"1. For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body,- that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able , even to subdue all things unto himself". Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a. lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ; to an inheritance incor ruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, re served in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ; ready to be revealed in the last time0. 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 isp. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God : and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together9. For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire'; but ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jeru salem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the g 2 Pet. iii. 11—14. h Luke, xii. S5, 36. • Tit. i. 2. * 1 Cor. xv. 58. ' Rom. v, 2. m Tit. iii. 7. n Phil. iii. 20, 21. ° 1 Pet. i. 3, .4, 5. p l' John, iii. 2. q Rom. viii. 16, 17. > Heb. xii. 18. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 279 general assembly and church of the first born which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant'. Wherefore, we receiv ing a kingdom which cannot be moved1, a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God u, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear*. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you, at the revelation of Jesus Christ7. Give diligence to make your calling and elec tion sure : for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall ; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abun dantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ z. Sect. 6. St. Johns vision of the glory of the heavenly state. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city". Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them\ For they are without fault before the throne of God0, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands'1. They came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes0*. ' Heb. xii. 22, 23, 24. ' ' Heb. xii. 28. u Heb. xi. 10. * Heb. xii. 28. " 1 Pet. i. 13. « 2 Pet. i. 10, 11. § 6. a Rev. xxii. 14. " Rev. xiv. 13. " Rev. xiv. 5. dRev. vii. 9. " e Rev. vii. 14— 17. * Such as would see more on this head, may consult Part II. chap. vi. " Of Man, as mortal ;" and chap* vii. "Of Man, as intended for immor- 280 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. CHAP. V. OF THE MINISTRY OF JOHN, AS INTRODUCING THAT OF OUR LORD. Sect. 1. The testimony of John the Baptist concerning Jesus. — 2. The character given of him by our Lord. — 3. His imprisonment and death. Sect. ]. The testimony of John the Baptist concerning Jesus. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cassar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came unto all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ; as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low ; and the crooked shall be made straight ; and the rough ways shall be made smooth ; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God *. And saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand b. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, con fessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pha risees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers ! who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come ? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance °. And as the people were in ex pectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ or not? John answered, saying unto them all d, I indeed baptize you with water , tality and eternal life," page 176 to 189. There they will find a great many texts relative to this subject, but not quoted in this Section. § 1, * Luke, iii. 1—6. » Matth. iii. 3. e Matth. iii. 5—8. d Luke, iii. 15, 16; Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 281 unto repentance ; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear ; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner ; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee ; and comest thou to me ? And Jesus answering, said unto him, Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straight way out of the water ; and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased °. John bare witness of him ; and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me, is preferred before me, for he was before me. And of his fulness have we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time ; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jeru salem, to ask him, Who art thou ? And he confessed, and denied not, but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet ? and he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us ; what sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord ; as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet ? John answered them saying, I baptize with water; but * Matth. iii. 11—47. 282 METHOD OF MAN S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. there standeth one among you, whom ye know not ; he it is who coming after me is preferred, before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing f. The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him ; and saith, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom, I said, After me cometh a man who is preferred before me. And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to. Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not ; but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shall see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizeth with the Holy Ghost; and I saw, and bare record, that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after, John stood and two of his disciples, and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he sai,th, Behold the Lamb of God. And the two disciples* heard him speak, and they followed Jesus g. ' ; After these things came Jesus and his disciples info the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Enon, near to Salim ; because there was much water there : and they came and were baptized11. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying. And' they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness ; behold, the same baptizeth, and ail men Gome unto him. John .aaswered and said, A man can ; receive nothing except fit be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am> not the Christ; but that I am sent be fore him. He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom ; but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's ' John, i. 15—28. * Jphn,,i. 29-r37. h John, iii. 22, 23. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 283 voice ; this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must in crease, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above, is above all ; he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the. earth ; he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testineth ; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God ; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life ; and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him !. Sect. 2. The character given of him by our Lord. Now, when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another*? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard ; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached b. And, when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see ? A reed shaken with the wind ? But what went ye out for to see ? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold they who are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in king's courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet: yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, Behold I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee : For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women, there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he that is least in the kingdom of God, is greater than he0. And, from the days of John the Baptist, until now, the kingdom « John, iii. 25—36. § 2. " Matth. xi. 2, 3. b Luke, vii. 21, 22. c Luke, vii. 24—28. 284 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. of heaven suftereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets, and the law, prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear d. And all the people that -heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. And the Lord said °, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you : for John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not ; but the publicans and the harlots believed him. And ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterwards, that ye might believe him-. Whereunto shall I liken the men of this gene ration ? and to what are they like ? They are like unto children sitting in the market-place, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced ; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept : for John the Baptist came neither eating bread, nor drinking wine ; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking, and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of all her children E. Sect. 3. His imprisonment and death. Herod sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife ; for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not. For Herod feared John ; knowing that he was a just man, and an holy ; and observed him ; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief d Matth. xi. 12—15. ¦ Luke, vii. 29 — 31. ' Matth. xxi. 31, 32. g Luke, vii. 31 — 35. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 285 estates of Galilee : and when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod, and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, aud I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou wilt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom a. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask ? and she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by, in a charger, the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet, for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and com manded his head to be brought; and he went and beheaded him in prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel ; and the damsel gave it to Tier mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tombb. When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place0. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why say the Scribes that Elias must first come ? And Jesus answered, and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things ; but I say unto you, that Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed : likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood, that he spake unto them of John the Baptist"1. CHAP. VI. OF THE MINISTRY OF OUR LORD UPON EARTH. Sect. 1. The baptism of our Lord, and his temptations in the wilderness. — 2. His entry on his ministry, § 3. ' Mark, vi. 17—23. b Mark, vi. 24—29. c Matt. xiv. 13. a Matt. xvii. 10—13. 286 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3- when he publickly asserted his divine mission ; and that he was the Messiah promised to the fathers. — 3. In proof of this, he showed that the secrets of hearts were known to him. — 4. That he had power over nature. — 5. Over all manner of diseases. — 6. Over evil spirits. — 7. And over death. — 8. That futurity lay Open to him. — 9- To these mighty things, that showed themselves in him, he appealed, as so many evidences of his divine mission. — 10. He likewise ap pealed to the prophecies that went before concerning him. — 1 1. His devotion to God, his love to mankind, and the purity and excellency of his life and manners. — 12. His laborious diligence in the exercise of his mission, and the manner of his teaching. — 13. His ' compassionate concern even for those who rejected him. — 14. His poverty, and the reproach and hatred that came upon him.— 15. His courage and resolution in exercising his authority, asserting his own character, and disregarding the threats of his enemies. — 16. He is betrayed by Judas Iscariot. — 17. He institutes the sacrament of his supper. Sect. 1. The baptism of our Lord, and his tempta tions in the wilderness. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. And there went, out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins \ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering, said unto him, Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him, ; And Jesus, when he was baptized, went, up straightway out of the water b ; and praying, the heaven was opened ; and the Holy Ghost descended in. a bodily shape, like a dove, upon him; ^ind a xoice came from § 1. "'Mail, i. 4, 57 b Matt. iii. 18—16. Art, 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 287 heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased c. And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned, from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness ; being forty days tempted of the devil : and in those days he did eat nothing; and when they were ended, he afterwards hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, com mand this stone, that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them, for that is delivered unto me ; and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If thou there fore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus an swered, and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan : for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence : for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee ; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering, said unto him, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season d. And behold angeis came, and ministered unto him'. — In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren; that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make recon ciliation for the sins of the people : for in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted f. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmi ties; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet c Luke, iii. 21, 22l d Luke, iv. 1—13. e Matt, i v. 11. f Heb. ii.17, 18. 288 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. without sing. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations \ Sect. 2. His entry on his ministry, when he publickly asserted his divine mission, and that he was the Messiah promised unto the fathers. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee ; and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their syna gogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up ; and, as his custom was* he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath-day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias ; and when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written2, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach de liverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind ; to set at liberty them that are bruised ; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down ; and the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth V Sect. 3. In proof of this, he showed that the secrets of hearts were known to him. Jesus would go forth into Galilee? and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Philip findeth Na- thanael, and saith unto him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come, and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, i Heb. iv. 15. 2 Pet. ii. 9. § 2. » Luke, iv. 14—17. " Luke, iv. 17—22. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. - 289 Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered, and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered, and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel a. Jesus knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man ; for he knew what was in man b. For Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said unto the twelve0, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil d ? Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me0*. For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing, even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart : neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight ; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to dof. Sect. 4. That he had power over nature. Now, it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples ; and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake ; and they launched forth3. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow ; and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish ? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be thou still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful ? How is it that ye haye no faith ? And they § S. a John, i. 43—49. b John, ii. 24, 25. * John, vi.64, 65,67. d John, vi. 70. * John, xiii. 21. f Heb. iv. 12, 13. § 4. a Luke, viii. 22. * His interview with the woman of Samaria is another proof of his omniscience, John, iv.^29 VOL. I. U 290 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. feared exceedingly ; and said one to another, What manner of irian is this, that even the wind and the sea obey himb*? Sect. 5. Over, all manner of diseases. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went through out all Syria ; and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases, and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, a*hd those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy ; and he healed thema. Now, when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases, brought them unto him ; and he laid his hands on every one of them* and healed themb. And great multitudes came unto him, having with, them those that were lame, blind, „ dumb, maimed, and many pthers, arid cast them down at Jesus' feet, and he healed them ; irisomuch that the mul titude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see; and they glorified the God of Israel0. And John calling unto him two of his disciples, sent them unto Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come, or look we for another ? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits ; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard, how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached ; and blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me d. And the people were beyond measure "Markjiv. 36—41. § 5. * Matt. iv. 23, 24. b Luke, iv. 40. = Matt. xv. 30, 31. d Luke, vii. 19, 21, 22, 23. * His po:vVer over nature was likewise displayed " in feeding five thousand men, besides women and children, with five loaves and two little fishes, Matt. xiv. 15 — 21." And again, " in feeding four thousand with seven loaves and a few little fishes, Matt. xv. 3* — 39." And, " in his walking upon the sea, Matt. xiv. 22 — 33." Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 291 astonished, saying, He hath done all things well ; he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak0. Sect. 6. Over evil spirits. — God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil : for God was with him*. And they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils, and suffered them not to speak, because they knew him b. And, when the even was come, they brought unto him many that were pos sessed of devils; and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick0. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them, suf fered them not to speak : for they knew that he was Christ d. And, when he had called unto him his twelve dis ciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out ; and to heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease". These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely givef*. Sect. 7. And over death. And behold there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue ; and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house : for he had one only daughter^ about twelve e Mark, vii. 37. § 6. a Acts, x. 38. b Mark, i. 32, 33, 34. c Matth. viii. 16. ; °"Lufce, iv. 41. e Matth. x. 1. ' Matth. x. 5, 8- * The power of Jesus, " in healing diseases, and casting out devils," was so often, displayed in behalf of individuals! that, to quote every instance, would swell this chapter to a great size. — We have, therefore, confined our selves to general testimonies on these heads. 292 METHOD OF MAN*S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. years of age, and she lay a-dying *. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead, trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, and all wept: and bewailed her, but he said, Weep not ; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straight way ; and her parents were astonished b. And it came to pass, that he went into a city called Nain ; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow ; and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier, and they that bare him stood still ; and he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak ; and he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen among us; and that God hath visited his people0*. Sect. 8. That futurity lay open to him. And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about, and looked on §7. a Luke, viii. 41,42. b Luke, viii. 49— 56. « Luke, vii. 11— 16. * " The miracle of our Lord in raising Lazarus from the dead, is narrated by St. John,: with so many important circumstances, that it could not be well abbreviated, nor transcribed without exceeding the intended bounds. We therefore refer to it. See John, xi. 1 — 46." Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 293 his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men \ And they passed through Galilee ; and he would not that any man should know it; for he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him, and after that he is killed he shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask himb. And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them : and they were amazed, and as they followed they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him ; say ing, Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes ; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles ; and they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him, and the third day he shall rise again0. The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall to the ground, and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit*-. Now is the judgment of this world ; now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signify ing what death he should die0. And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple ; and his disciples came to him for to show him the build ings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things ? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us when shall these things be ? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto themf, When ye shall seethe abomination, of desolation spoken. of. by Daniel the § 8. » Mark, viii. 31, 32, 33. b Mark, ix. S0,31,32. c Mark, x. 32—34. d John, xii. 23, 24. ° John, xii. 31—33. f Matth. xxiv.'I— 4. 294 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand). Then let them which be in Judea, flee to the mountains. Let him which is on the house-top, not come down to take any thing out of his house; neither let him which is in the field, return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days. But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day ; for then shall be great tribulation, Such as was not since "the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall beB. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name". And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written1. Sect. 9- To these mighty works that showed themselves in him, he appealed as so many evidences of his divine mission. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true3. There is another that beareth witness of me, and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of toe is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man ; but these things I say that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light ; and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John ; for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself which hath sent me, hath borne witness of meb. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be s Matth. xxiv. 15—21. b John, xx. 30, 31. ' John, xxi. 25. § 0. * John, v. 31. b John, v. 32—37. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 295 the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not; the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me', If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works ; that ye may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in himd. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works sake0. Sect. 10. He also appeals to the prophecies that went before concerning him. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life*. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father ; there is one that accuseth you, even Moses in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me ; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words b ? He said unto the two disciples going to Emmaus, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken ! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory ? And beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself0. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures : and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance, and remission of sins, should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem d. - John, x. 23, 24, 25. i John, x. 37, 38. ' John, xiv. 11. § 10. " John, v. 39, 40. b John, v. 45,46,47. c Luke, xxiv. 25,26, 27. d Luteyxxiv. 44 — 47. 296 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3- Sect. 11. His devotion to God, his love to mankind, and the purity and excellency of his life and manners. While his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat ; he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to-finish his work". I can of mine own self do nothing ; as I hear, I judge ; and my judgment is just ; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent meb. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father hath given me com mandment, even so I do0. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep d. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine; and I lay down my life for the sheep, and other sheep I have, which are not of this fold ; them also I must bring, and they Shall hear my voice, and there shall be onefold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself; I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again-0. This commandment have I received of my Father. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love. If ye keep my command ments, ye shall abide in my love ; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his lovef. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends s. . Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour \ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die ; yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God com- mendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet §11. a John.iv. 31,32, 34. b John, v. 30. « John, xiv. 31. ('John, x. 11. " John, x. 14— 18. ' John, xv. 9, 10. t John, xv. 12, 13. h Eph, v. 2. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 297 sinners, Christ died for us '. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps ; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth ; who when he was reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously k. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens 2. Sect. 12. His laborious diligence in the exercise of his mission, and the manner of his teaching. And it came to pass afterward, that he went through every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with hima. And Simon and they that were with him, followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also ; for therefore came I forth. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils b. And in the day-time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple for to hear him0. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works d ? And they went into Capernaum ; and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine; for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes ° ; for his word was with power £. And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than this man hath done? The Phari sees heard that the people murmured such: things con cerning him ; and the Pharisees and chief priests sent ' Rom. v. 7, 8. k 1 Pet.ii. 21, 22,25. ' Heb. vii. 26. § 12. a Luke, viii. 1. b Mark, i. 36—39. c Luke, xxi. 37, 38. d Matth. xiii. 54. * Mark, i. 21, 22. r Luke, iv. 32. 298 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. officers to take himE. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him ? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man\ While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord ; saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool ? If then David call him Lord, how is he his son ? And no man was able to answer him a word ; neither durst any man, from that day forth, ask him any more questions '. Sect. 13. His compassionate concern even for those who rejected him. Jesus cried and saida, I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him ; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. - And I know that his commandment is life everlasting. What soever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak b. And he looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts0. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not ! Behold your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of e. John, vii. 31, 32. h John, vii. 45, 46. ' Matth. xxii. 4J-^l6, §13. » John, xii. 44. b John, xii. 46—50. c MaiC/iii. $¦ Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 299 the Lordd. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, artd keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee % and they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations ; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled f, because thou knewest not the time of thy visita- tion g- Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do\ Sect. 14. His poverty, and the reproach and hatred that came upon him. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests ; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head a. And certain women which had been healed of evil spirits, and infirmities, Mary called Mag dalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna, the wife of Ghuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others ministered unto him of their substance b. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich0. Then was brought unto him one possessed of a devil, blind and dumb ; and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David ? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself, is brought d Matt, xxiii. 37, 38, 39. e Luke, xix. 41 — 44. f Luke, xxi. 24. n Luke, xix. 44. h Luke, xxiii. 34. § 14. a Matt. viii. 19, 20. b Luke, vii. 2, 3. c 2 Cor. viii. 9. 300 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself, shall not stand. And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand4? And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man that was blind from his birth ; and Jesus spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. He went his way therefore, and washed, and tcame seeing0. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind ; and it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisess asked him, how he had received his signt ? He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore, said some of the Phari sees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath dayf. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise, we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not ; one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear it; wherefore would ye hear it again? Will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is g. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye 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. Remember the word that I said unto, you, The servant is not greater than the lord \ It is enough for the disciple that. he be as his master, and. the servant as his lord; if they , have ;called , the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they d Matt. xii. 22—26. = John, ix. 1, 3, 6, 7. ' John, ix. 1$— 16. * John, ix, 24—29. h John,xv. 18, 19,20. s of. >'¦'.<¦¦ Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 301 call them of his household ' ? If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come, and spoken unto them, they had not had sin ; but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me, hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man- did, they had not had sin ; but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father11. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause '. Sect. 15. His courage and resolution in exercising his authority, asserting his own character, and disre garding the threats of his enemies. And they came to Jerusalem ; and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves ; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves a. And as he was walking in the temple, there came to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, and say unto them, By what authority dost thou these things ? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men ? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say from heaven, he will say, Why then did ye not believe him ? but if we shall say, of men, they feared the people ; for all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering, saith unto them, Neither do I tell ' Matth. x. 25. k John, xv. 20—24. ' John, xv. 25. §15." Mark, xi. 15, 1C, 17. 302 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. you by what authority I do these things k. Which of you convihceth me of sin ? and if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me ° ? There came certain of the Pharisees,: saying unto him, Get thee out and depart hence ; for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye and tell that fox, Behold I cast out devils, , and I do cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless, I must walk to-day and to-morrow, arid the day following ; for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem d. Sect. 16. He is betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Then entered Satan into Judas, sirnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went 'his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray him unto them a. And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you ? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him b. Then- came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meetryou, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, the Master saith unto thee, Where, is the guest-chamber, where I f^hall eat the passover with my disciples? And he. shall show you a large upper- room furnished ; there make ready. Apd they went and found as he bad said unto them; and they made ready the passover0. Now when the. even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat,, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shajl, betray me* And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every ope of them to , say, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish," b Mark, xi. 27—33. c John, viii.. 46. J Luke, xiii. 31, 32; 33. § 16. * Luke, xxii. 3, 4. b Matth.xxvi. 15, 16. c Luke, xxii. 7—43. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 303 the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth, as it is written of him; .but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed ; it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I ? He said unto him, Thou hast said d. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom, one of his disciples whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast, saith unto him, Lord, who is it ? Jesus answered, He it is to whom I shall give a sop when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot the son of Simon. And after the sop, Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou dost do quickly ". Sect. 17. He institutes the sacrament of his supper. And as they were eating a, he said unto them, With desire have I desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God b. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you ; this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper °, saying, Drink ye all of it ; for this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many, for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives d. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread : and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat ; this is my body which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also, he took the cup when he had supped, <> Matt.xxvi. 2Q— 25. " John,,xiii. 23—27. § 17. a Matt; xxvi. 26. b Luke, xxii. 15, 16. c Luke, xxii. 19, 20. <¦ Matt. xxvi. 27—30. METHOD OF MAN S REDEMPTION. , [Part 3. saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as Often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come e *. CHAP. VIII. OF THE LAST SUFFERINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Sect. 1. On his intimating his sufferings to be at hand, Peter vows adherence to him. — 2. His agony in the garden. — 3. He is betrayed and apprehended. — 4. Peter denies him. — 5. His pretended trial, and his condemnation by Caiaphas. — 6. Judas Iscariot's despair and death. — 7. Our Lord's conversation with Pilate. — 8. He, is sent by Pilate to Herod. — 9. Barabbas preferred to" Christ, and Pilate's mean and sinful compliance.— 10. The sufferings of our Lord in the common-hall. — 11. He is led along to Calvary, (or * 1 Cor. xi. 23— 26i * " In the above chapter, we have been obliged to depart from the rule which has been observed in all the foregoing chapters, namely, that of quoting at large what is contained in the holy scriptures concerning their important subjects. The ministry of our Lord Jesus could not be fully laid open without quoting almost all that the Evangelists have re corded. This, however, the composer attempted ; but those with whom he consulted, were of opinion, that it would swell the volume to too large a size; and therefore,, advised such a sketch as might bring to remembrance his divine mission, his mighty acts, the excellency of his life and manners, and the unworthy entertainment given him by a blind and obstinate generation. " It will be probably thought, that his sympathy with his friends and disciples, his condescension to them, and affectionate concern for them, should not have been omitted in this chapter. These virtues do indeed shine eminently in him. His sympathy with the weeping sisters of Lazarus, groaning in spirit, and mingling his tears with theirs, while he was about to raise their brother from the dead, shows the compassionate, as well as the mighty Saviour. (John, xi. 33 — 44.) The washing of his disciples' feet, and his consolatory discourse to them, recorded in the 14th, 15th, and 16th chapters of John, and his fervent prayer for them, and for all that should believe on him, which we read in the 17th chapter of that gospel, are such proofs of condescension, tenderness and love, as may warm the coldest heart. But as these are all connected together from the 13th to the 17th chapters of St. John's gospel, we choose to refer to these chapters." Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. . 305' Golgotha). — 12. His crucifixion, and the remarkable events connected with it. — 13. His burial. — 14. A watch set upon his sepulchre. — 15. Reflexions on this great event. Sect. 1. On his intimating his sufferings to be at hand, Peter votes adherence to him. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night; for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee". Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, Whither goest thou ? Jesus answered him, Whither I go thou canst not follow me- now ; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice \ But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will hot I c. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with* .thee, both into prison, and to death. . And he said^ I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest med. But he spake the \ more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee, in anywise. Likewise also said they1 all0. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye. any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he uhfq. them, But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written, must §1. a Matt. xxvi. 3Q, 31, 32. '» John, xiii. 36, 37, 38. c Mark, xiv. 29. ¦« Luke, xxii. 3 1—34.- f Mark, xiv. 31. VOL. I. X 306 METHOD OF MAN'6 REDEMPTION. [Part 3. be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors ; for the things concerning me have an end . Sect. £. His agony in the garden. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden"; and his disciples also followed him\ And Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place ; for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples °. , And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane ; and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy d. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrow ful, even unto death ; tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and was withdrawn from them about a stone-cast, and fell on his face, and prayed e, That if it were possible the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee ; take away this cup from me ; nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wiltf. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation ; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass from me, except I drink it, thy will be done g. And there appeared an angel unto him from; heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly ; and his sweat was as it were great, drops of blood, falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow ; and said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation b. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same 'Luke, xxii. 35— 37. § 2. - John, xviii. 1. b Luke, xxii. 39. c John, xviii. 2. d. Mark, xiv. 32, 33. ' Matth. xxvi. 38, 39. with iuke, xxii. 41. f Mark, xiv. 35, 36. * Matt.xxvi.40— 42. h Luke, xxii.43— 46. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 307 words'. And when he returned, he found them asleep again ; for their eyes were heavy ; neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest ; it is enough, the hour is come; behold the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. — Rise up, let us go ; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand k. Sect. 3. He is betrayed and apprehended. And while he yet spake, lo Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves from the chief priests, and elders of the people"; a band of men and officers with lanterns, and torches, and weapons'5. And he that betrayed him, gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he, hold him fast"; take him, and lead him away safely d. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him °. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, where fore art thou comef? Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss8? Jesus therefore knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye ? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, who betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.' Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he : if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way ; that the saying might be fulfilled which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me, have I lost none". When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword * ? Then Simon Peter having a sword,' drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's 1 Matth. xxvi. 44. k Mark, xiv. 40—42. § 3. » Matth. Xxvi. 47. b John, xviii. 3. c Matth. xxvi. 48. d Mark, xiv. 44. « Mark, xiv. 45. f Matth. xxvi. 50. Luke, xxii.- 59. * Mark, xiv. 70. » John, xviii. 26, 27. ' Mark, xiv. 71. , k:Luke, xxii. 61, 62. ' ' § 5., * Luke, xxii, 63—66. -> b John, xviii. 19". c Lukeyxxii. 67, 68. 310 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. heard me, what have I said unto them : behold they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by, struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so ? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil ; but if well, Why smitest thou med ? And the chief priests, and all the council, sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death ; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? but he held his peace, and answered nothing0. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us, whether thou be the Christ, the Son of Godf. Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am. And ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven g. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy. What further need have we of witnesses? Behold now ye have heard his blasphemy, What think yeh ? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and. to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy ; and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands*. Sect. 6. Judas Iscariot's despair and death. When the morning was come, all the chief priests, and elders of the people, took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he d John, xviii. 20— 23. e Mark, xiv. 55—61. ' Matthew, xxvi. 63. « Mark, xiv. 61, 62. h Matth. xxvi. 65, 66. ' Mark, xiv. 64,65,66. Art.2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 311 saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that. Arid he cast down the pieces of silver, and departed, and went and hanged him self. And the chief priests took the silver-pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field to bury strangers in : wherefore that field was called, the field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy (Zechariah) the prophet, saying, And > they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value ; and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me". Sect. 7. Our Lord's conversation with Pilate. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas, into the hall of judgment; and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment-hall, lest they should be defiled ; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring you against this man ? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto theea. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying, that he himself is Christ, a Kingb. And the chief priests accused him of many things ; but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing ? Behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled °. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews there fore said' unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death : that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, § 6- * Matth. xxvii. 1—10. § 7. a John, xviii. 28—30. b Luke, xxiii. 2. e Mark, xv. S, 4, 5. 312 METHOD OF MAn's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. which he spake, signifying what death he should died. Then Pilate entered into the judgment-hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art -thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others teU it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew ? Thine own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered thee unto me. What hast thou done ? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be deliveredto the Jews ; but now is my kingdom not. from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a King then ? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice. .. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth ? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all0. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place f. Sect. 8. He is sent to Herod. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked, Whether the man was a Galilean ? And, as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself was also at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad ; for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood, and vehemently accused him. And Herod, with his men of war, set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him. in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together ; for before they were at enmity between themselves a. d John, xviii. 31, 32. ' " John, xviii. 33 — 3&.' . ' Luke, xxiii. 5. § 3. » Luke, xxiii. 6 — 1". Art. -2.] • OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 313 Sect. 9. Barabbas is preferred to Jesus, and Pilate s mean and sinful compliance. Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, and the rulers, and the people, said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people; and behold I having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man, touching those things whereof ye accuse him ; no, nor yet Herod ; for I sent you to him ; and lo nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him". Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas b, who lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud, began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them0. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you ? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was sat down on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man ; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you ? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done ? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified d. Pilate, there fore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done ? I have found no cause of death in him ; I will therefore chastise him,- and let him go. And • they were § 9. * Luke,xxiii. 13— 16. b Matth. xxvii. 15, 16. c; Mark, xv. 7, 8. d Matth, xxvii. 17—23. 314 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be cru cified ; and the voices of them, and of the chief priests, prevailed6. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, say ing, I am innocent of the blood of this just person ; see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children f. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he re leased unto them, him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired ; but he delivered Jesus to their will5. Sect. 10. The sufferings of our Lord in the common hall. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stript him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand ; and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews. And they spit upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head \ Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man. When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Take him and crucify him ; for I find no fault in hfm. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die ; because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid ; and went again into the judg ment-hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou ? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I e Luke, xxiii. 20—23. ' Matth. xxvii. 24, 25. * Luke> xxiii, 24, 25. §10. » Matth. xxvii. 27—30. Art, 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 315 have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above ; therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him. But the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend ; whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment-seat, in a place called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth . hour, and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your king. But they cried out, saying, Away with him, crucify him ! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your king? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Csasar. Then delivered he him therefore to be crucified ; and they took Jesus and led him away b. Sect. 11. Jesus led along to Calvary, {or Golgotha.) And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him \ And he bearing his cross went forth b. And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon a Cyrenian °, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus d, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus e. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women which also bewailed and la mented him. But Jesus turning unto them, said, Daugh ters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For behold the days are coming, in the which they shall say ; Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us ; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be b John, xix. 4 — 16. § 1 1. » Mark, xv. 20. b John, xix. 17. c Luke, xxiii. 26. d Mark, xv. 31. ° Luke, xxiii. 26. 316 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. done in the dryf? And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, the place of a scull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall. And when he had tasted thereof he would not drink8. Sect. 12. His crucifixion, and the remarkable events connected with it. And there were also two other malefactors led with him to be put to death. And when they .were come to Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors; one on the right hand, and the other on the left3. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, and he was num bered with the transgressors b. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do. And the people stood beholding ; and the rulers also with then? derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, and saying, If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself0.. And they that passed by, reviled him, wagging their heads, and "saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself; if thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others, himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God ; let him deliver him now if he will have him ; for he said, I am the Son of God d. And one of the malefactors which were hanged, railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering, rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly ; for we receive the due reward of our deeds ; but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when thou comest into fLuke,xxiii.27— 31. g Matt, xxvii. 33, 34. § 12. » Luke, xxiii. 32,33. " Mark, xv. 28. c Luke, xxiii. 34— 37. d Matt, xxvii. 39-^-43. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 317 thy kingdom. • And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in paradise e. And Pilate wrote a title, (the superscription of his accusation) f, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS- This title then read many of the Jews ; for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city ; and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews ; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written, 1 have written g. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier apart; and also his coat; now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said there fore among themselves, Let us not rent it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be ; that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did \ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother. And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home '. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sa-" bachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me ? Some of them that stood there, when they heard' that, said, This man calleth for Elias k. And straightway one of them rah, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said; Let be, let us see whether Elias « Luke, xxiii. 39-r43. ' (Mark, xv. 26.) g John, xix. 19—22.' •" John, xix. 23, 24. ' ' John, xix. 25, 26, 27. k Matt, xxvii. 45, 46/47. 318 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. will come to save him '. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar"1, he cried with a loud voice", and said, Father, ipto thy hands I commend my spirit ° : It is finished: And he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost p. And the sun was darkened * ; and behold the vail of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of saints which slept, arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and appeared unto many r. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly; saying, Truly this was the Son of God \ There were also women looking on afar off; among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome ; who also when he was in Galilee followed him, and ministered unto him, and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem '. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts and returned ". The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath-day, (for that Sabbath was an high day) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him ; but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs. But one of the soldiers with a spCar pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record ; and his record is true. And he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe*. For these things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And 1 Matt, xxvii. 48, 49. m John, xix. 28, 30. " Mark, xv. 37. - Luke, xxiii. 46. p John, xix. 30. q Luke, xxiii. 45. r Matt, xxvii. 51, 52, 53. " Matt, xxvii. 54. ' Mark, xv. 40, 4 1 . " Luke, xxiii. 48. * John, xix. 31—35. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 319 again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced y. Sect. 13. His burial. Now when the even was come, because it was the pre paration, that is, the day before the Sabbath"; there came a rich man of Arimathea, a city of the Jews, named Joseph ; who also himself was Jesus' disciple b, but se cretly, for fear of the Jews ° : and he was a good man and a just d; an honourable counsellor; who also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate mar velled, if he were already dead ; and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him, Whether he had been any while dead ? and when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph °. He came therefore and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, who at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight f. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes, with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was cruci fied, there was a garden ; and in the garden a new se pulchre g, which was hewn out of a rock h, wherein was never man yet laid \ There laid they Jesus therefore, because of the Jews' preparation day ; for the sepulchre was nigh at handk. And Joseph rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed '. And Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Josesm, and the women also which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned and prepared spices and oint ments, and rested the Sabbath-day according to the com mandment". y John, xix. 36, 37. § 13. a Mark, xy. 42. •> Matt, xxvii. 57. c John, xix. 38. a Luke, xxiii. 50, 51. e Mark, xv. 43—45. [ John, xix. 38, 39. 6 John, xix. 40, 41. h Mark, xv. 46. ' John, xix. 41. ¦ ^ John, xix. 42. ' Matt, xxvii. 59,60. m Mark, xv. 47. n Luke, xxiii. 55, 56. 320 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Sect. 14. A watch set upon his sepulchre. Now the next day that followed the day of the prepa ration, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember, that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days 1 will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure, until the third day; lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead; so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch ; go your way, make it as sure as you can. So they went and made the sepulchre sure; sealing the stone and setting a watch ". • Sect. 15. Reflexions on this amazing event. Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to sutler a ; that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works b. For it became him, for whom are all things, and i by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering0. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by the which we draw nigh unto Godd. For such an high priest became us, who is holy; harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than thefreavens; who needeth not daily to offer up (Sacrifice, first for. his own sins, and then for the people's ; . for this he did once^ when he offered up himself0. For Christ being come an high' priest of good, things / to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood ofigoats'and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of hulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth' to ^he § 14. » Matt, xxvii. 62—66. § 15. a Luke, xxiv. 46. b Tit. ii. 14. <= Heb. ii. 10. d Heb. vii. 19. ' Heb. vii. 26, 27. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 321 purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God ? And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament ; they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance*^ What shall we then say to these things? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things g. CHAP. IX. OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, AND HIS ASCENSION. Sect. 1. The appearance of an angel to the watch. — 2. Of two angels to the women at the sepulchre. — 3. Of two angels to Mary Magdalene. — 4. To her our Lord makes his first appearance. — 5. He is next seen of the women returning' from the sepulchre. — 6. The low art of the chief priests. — 7. Christ shows himself to two of his disciples in their way to Emmaus. — S. He is seen of Peter. — 9. He appears to his as sembled disciples. — 10. He visits them again while Thomas was with them. — 11. He shows himself to them at the sea of Tiberias. — 12. He meets with them upon a mountain in Galilee, where he gives them their apostolical commission.— 13. He is seen of the Apostle James, of five hundred brethren at once, and afterwards, in an extraordinary manner, he mani fested himself and his glory to St. Paul.-— 14. He ascends into heaven. — 15. These facts witnessed to the Jews by Peter .— 1 6. Testified by the Apostles to all ranks of men. — 17. These events delivered by the Apostles as objects of our faith, grounds of our joy f Heb. ix, 11—15. e Rom. viii. 31, 32. VOL. I. Y 322 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. and hope, our encouragements to prayer, and our com forts in the view of death.— 18. The prayers of the Apostles for the Saints. Sect. 1. The appearance of an angel to the watch. And when the Sabbath was passed, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him*. Now, upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them". And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre0 ? And behold there was a great earthquake ; for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow ; and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead mend. Sect. 2. Of two angels to the women at the sepulchre. And. when they {the women) looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away, for it was very great"*. § 1. * Mark, xvi. 1. b Luke, xxiv. 1. e Mark, xvi. 3. d Matt, xxviii. '1, 3, 4. § 2. » Mark, xvi. 4. * " The difficulties arising from the accounts of the resurrection of our Lord given by the Evangelists', will be easily removed, if we observe, that, before he appeared, to any person, there were no less than three several ap pearances of angels, plainly difl'erenc from each other. The first was to the watch that guarded the sepulchre. They had no sooner recovered them selves from their -astonishment, than they fled into the city. Soon after, the women came to the sepulchre, and found the stone rolled away from the door. It was natural to conclude, that the body was taken away. Mary Magdalene took it ,for granted, and without further inquiry, ran to inform Peter and John of what she bad seen. While she was gone upon this errand, the other women, her companions, entered into the sepulchre, where two angels appeared, told them of the resurrection of the Lord, and bid them go and inform his disciples of it. When they were gone to communi- catefthe Joyful tidings, Mary Magdalene returned with Peter and John. These twfr Apostles went into the sepulchre, and, on finding it empty, they came back to the city to converse with their friends, and to wait for further information, while Mary Magdalene remained at the tomb weeping. But on looking into it, two angels appeared to her also ; while she spoke with them, the Lord himself appeared, and sent her to his disciples to inform them of his resurrection from the dead. She hasted with the blissful message, and be- Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 323 Mary Magdalene then runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid himb. Meanwhile the women whom Mary Magdalene had left at the sepulchre, entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold two men stood by them in shining garments, and as they were afraid and bowed down their faces to the earth0, they said unto them, Be not affrighted ; ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified d. He is not here; for he is risen, as he said: Come, see the place where the Lord lay0. Why seek ye the living among the dead ? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise againf. But go your way, tell his disciples, and Peter, that he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him, as he said unto youg. And they remembered his words'1. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre, with fear and great joy, and did run to bring his disciples word'. Neither said they any thing to any man, for they were afraid k. ^ Sect. 3. Of two angels to Mary Magdalene. Peter therefore (on Mary Magdalene's information) went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together; and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the se pulchre. And he stooping down and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, n John, xx. 1, 2. c Luke, xxiv. 3, 4, S. d Mark, xvi. 6. " '« Matt, xxviii. 6. ' Luke, xxiv. 5, 6, 7. e Mark,xvi.7. Matt, xxviii. 7. •> Luke, xxiv. 8. ' Matt, xxviii. 8. " Mark, xvi. 8. /ore! she came up with the other Women, Jesus had appeared unto them also, Mktt. xiviii.'9, 10! It is certain, that she did overtake them.; because we find her joined with them, when they informed the Apostles of this glorious event, Luke, xxiv. 9, 10. After this, all' the other appearances of Christ follow in an easy and natural order." 324 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. and seeth the linen clothes lie; and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple who came first to the sepulchre, and fre saw, and believed. For as yet they knew' not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own -home ; but Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping. And as she wept she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have* laid him*. Sect. 4. To her our Lord makes his first appearance. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him -away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni, which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not ; for I am not yet ascended unto my Father ; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father ; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magda lene came, and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her*. Sect. 5. He is next seen of the women returning from the sepulchre. And as the women, who had been at the sepulchre, went to tell his disciples, behold Jesus met them, saying, All hail! and they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not § 3. * John, xx. 3—13. § 4. " John, xx, 14—18. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 325 afraid: go tell my brethren, that they go into Galilee; there shall they see mea. He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils b. It was she and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with him, which returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest that had been with him as they mourned and wept. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not0. Sect. 6. The low art of the chief priests. Now when they were going, behold some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers ; saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught. And this sayiiig, is commonly reported among the Jews until this day". Sect. 7. Jesus shows himself to two of the disciples in their way to Emmaus. And behold, two of his disciples went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs*. And they talked together of all, these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that while they communed together, and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden, that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communica tions, are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, § 5. a Matt, xxviii. 9, 10. b Mark, xvi. 9. c Mark, xvi. 10, 11, with Luke, xxiv. 10, 11. $ 6. a Matt, xxviii. 11—15. * " It seems probable, that this journey of the disciples to Emmaus, was before Christ's appearance to Peter, but after Mary Magdalene and the other women had made their report. We have therefore stated it as the third time that he was seen by any of his followers. However that be, it is abundantly evident, that these, and his first appearance, to the whole of his assembled disciples, ware all on the first day of the week." 326 METHOD OF MAn's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. and are sad? and the one of them, whose nanie was Cleopas, answering, said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people ; and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he, who should have redeemed Israel. And besides all this, , to-day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, who were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not his body, they came saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us, went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken ! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory ? And beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scrip tures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto' the village, whither they went ; and he made as though he would have gone further". But they con strained him, saying, Abide with us ; for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gaye to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures b? Sect. 8. He is seen of Peter. And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem ; and found the eleven gathered together, and § 7. a Luke,xxiv, 13—28. fc Luke, xxiv. 29—32. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. , 327 them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread"*. Sect. 9. He appears to his assembled disciples. And as they thus spake, (the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews,) Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you". But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts ? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me haveb. And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet1. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lordd. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they .gave unto him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them'. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you ; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosoever's sins ye remit, they are § 8. » Luke, xxiv. 33, 34, 85. § 9. a Luke, xjciv. 36. John, xx. 19. " Luke, xxiv. 37— 40. « Luke, xxiv. 40. d John, xx. 20. e Luke, xxiv. 41, 42, 43. * " The Evangelist Mark,, in mentioning his appearance to the two disciples, says, After that, he appeared in another form to two of them, at they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue, neither believed they them. This seems to be contradictory to what is said by Luke, chap. xxiv. 34, 35. But if we read forward in that chapter, we shall find, that all the evidence of the resurrection of Christ given by Mary Magdalene, the women, the two disciples, and Peter, had not heen able entirely to remove the doubts they entertained, or to give them the full persuasion they wanted of that interesting event:- insomuch, that when he appeared in the midst of them all, instead of welcoming him, they were ter rified, and even when he had shown them his hands and his feet; we are told, Luke, xxiv. 41, they yet believed not for joy." 328 ' METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. remitted unto them ; and whosoever's sins ye retain, they . are retained f. Sect. 10. He visits them again, when Thomas was with them. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the niidst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then said he to Thomas, , Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side ; and be not faithless, but believing". And Thomas answered, and said, My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed ; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed \ Sect. 11. He shows himself to them at the sea of Tiberias. After these things, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias ; and on this wise showed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon, Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately ; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat ? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the ' John, xx. 21,22, 23. § 10, a John, xx. 24—27. b John, xx. 28, 29. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 39.9 right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it tor the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved, saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him (for he was naked) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred fifty and three. And for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of his disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples after that he was risen from the dead**. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these ? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. ¦* He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second, time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, , Feed my sheep. He saith. unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest, thou me? Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me ? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou knowest that I. love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, when thou § 11. a John, xxi. 1—14. ; * " When the Evangelist John says, Thai this is the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, it must be understood of his appearing to them when assembled together. Because, from the other Evangelists we learn no less than six appearances, which, in point of time, must have been before this, besides his appearance to James, mentioned 1 Cor. xv.*7, of which neither manner, place, nor time, are specified." 330 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest ; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following; who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee ? Peter then seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do ? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee ? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. Yet Jesus did not say unto him, He shall not die ; but, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple who testifieth of these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is trueb. Sect. 12. He meets with them on a mountain in Galilee, where he gives them their apostolical com mission. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee into a mountain, where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him ; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying*; Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that be lieve ; in my name they shall cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover b. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fufilled which were written jn the law of |$ose.s, b John, xxi. 15— 24. $ 12. * Matt, xxviii. 16, 17, 18. b Mark, xvi. 15—18. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 331 and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures ; and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are wit nesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you ; but tarry ye in the city of Jeru salem, until ye be endued with power from on high0*. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations ; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world df. Sect. 13. He was seen of the Apostle James, of five hundred brethren at once ; and afterwards, in an extraordinary manner, he manifested himself and his glory to St. Paul. Brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein ye stand ; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you", concerning Jesus c Luke, xxiv. 44 — 49. d Matt, xxviii. 18, 19, 20. § 13. * 1 Cor. xv. 1, 2. * " It is not to be thought, that the instructions recorded Luke, xxiv. 44 — 49, were delivered before his meetings with his disciples at the sea of Tiberias, and in the mountain at Galilee. We cannot believe that the Apostles should so far forget their master's command to stay at Jerusalem, until they received power from on high, as to travel thence to the sea pf Tiberias during the appointed interval; especially as St. Luke tells us, that after they had witnessed his ascension, they continued at Jerusalem until after the day of Pentecost. It seems therefore natural to consider this passage as part of the directions given them in Galilee before his return to Jerusalem, or in Jerusalem before his ascension." , t* " 1' "s probable, that it was at this time that our Lord was seen by. five hundred brethren atpnce; who had convened at Galilee, in the faith of the promise given by the angels unto the women at the sepulchre,, and confirmed to them by our Lord himself. From this place, it is evident that he and his disciples returned to Jerusalem; because the next interview, on record, that he had with them, was upon the Mount of Olives. There he gave his last instructions ; there he blessed them ; and thence he ascended into heaven." . : . 332 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3: Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the deadb. For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures0; and that he was buried; and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures ; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep,. After that he was seen of James; then of all the Apostles ; and last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due timed. Sect. 14. He ascends into heaven. The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen. To whom also he showed him self alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days; and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God \ And he led them out as far as to Bethany15. And being assembled together with them, commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father; which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence. When they were therefore come together, they asked him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not fof you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ; and ye shall be witnesses unto me> both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the b Rom. i. 3, 4. c 1 Cor. xv.,3. . d 1 tCor. xv. 4—8. § 14. » Acts, i. 1, 2, 3 . b Luke, xxiv. 50. Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 333 earth. And when he had spoken these things c, he lift up his hands, and blessed them ; and it came to pass, while he blessed them, and while they beheld, he was parted from themd; he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight6. He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of Godf. And while they looked steadfastly towards heaven, as he went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel ; who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven8. And they worshipped him ; and returned to Jerusalem with great joyh; from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jeru salem a Sabbath-day's journey1, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing Godk. And they went forth, and preached every where ; the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following1. And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them allm*. c Acts, i. 4 — 9. d Luke, xxiv. 50, 51. « Acts, i. 9. f Mark, xvi. 19. g Acts, i. 10, 11. " Luke, xxiv. 52. ' Acts, i. 12. kLuke, xxiv. 53. ' Mark, xvi. 20. , ¦> Acts, iv. 33. * " Eleven appearances of our Lord, after his resurrection, are recorded in scripture. But, on reading Acts, i. S, and x. 41, 42, and 1 Cor. xv. 3 — 8, we are led to think, that he had been seen by them at some other times; and by so many people who were alive when the Evangelists wrote, that it was unnecessary to record particulars universally known. On the whole, I must beg, leaye to observe, that the seeming differences in the accounts given of this important event, and the artless manner in which it is told by all the Evangelists, adds not a little to the credibility of their evidence. It not only shows, that there was no concert among them ; but also, that our Lord's resurrection was a fact so certainly known to all about Jerusalem, as to need neither detail nor proof. This remark will be confirmed, if we observe, that there are three of his appearances recorded in scripture, of which neither time, place, nor circumstance are mentioned, viz. that to Peter, that to five hundred brethren at once, and that to James. Had farther evidence been necessary, and had there been .the smallest doubt : of the truth of the fact remaining in the minds of the disciples, these appearances would have been elucidated by a full detail of every attending ' circumstance. But the concise manner in which these are mentioned, adds to the evidence of the facts ; and, I apprehend, justifies the observation now made." 334 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Sect. 15. His resurrection and ascension witnessed to the Jews by the Apostle Peter. And, Ye men of Israel, hear these words ; Jesus of Naza reth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles and wonders, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know ; him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken', and by wicked hands have crucified and slain; whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death ; because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face ; for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad ; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Menf and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried ; and his se pulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him," that of the fruit Of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ, to sit* on his throne; he seeing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that^ his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and 'having received of the Father the promise "Of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this* which ye now see and hear. • For David is not ascended into the heavens; but he --saith ''himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou On my right hand, uhtiUI triake thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hatti made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ*. § 15. l Acts, ii. 2&— 36.s * " The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit." Art. 2.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 335 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God hath made with our Fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities6. Sect. 16. Testified by the Apostles to all orders of men. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent". The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a treeb. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rujers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath-day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him1- Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly ; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he arose from the dead*1. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him6. And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Gali lee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath ful filled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again. As it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Where- : fore fie saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thipe holy One to see corruption. For David, after he '¦-. .'' t j ¦ ' . 't: ' - b Acts, iii. 25, 26. §16. a Acts, xiii. 26. b Acts, v. 30. c Acts, xiii. 27. d Acts, x. 40, 41. e Acts, v. 31, 32. 336 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. had served his own generation, by the will of God fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corrqption. But he whom God raised again, saw no corruptionf. Sect. 17. These events stated by the Apostles as the objects of our faith, the ground of our joy and hope, our encouragement to prayer, and our comfort in the view of death. Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory a. When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things6. Where fore holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, cohsider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus L. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you ; who by him do believe in God that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in Godd : who being the brightness of the Father's glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power; when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high '. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us f. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him ; seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them8. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope, by the resurrection of f Acts, xiii. 31— 37. § 17. * 1 Tim. iii. 16. b Eph. iv. 8, 9, 10. <= Heb. iii. 1. a 1 Pet. i. 20, 21. « Heb. i. 3. ' Heb. ix. 24. «Heb. vii. 25. Art. 9.] OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 337 Jesus Christ from the dead; to an inheritance incor ruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away h. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth ; Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again ; who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter cession for us'. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism unto death ; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by„the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life*. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead ; and that he died for all, that they who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again'. Wherefore let us run with patience the race that is set before us ; looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith ; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of Godm; angels, and authorities, and powers being made subject unto him". And let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men ; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth ; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father0. Seeing then Jhat we have a great high priest that is passed into" the heavens, Jesus the Son of Godp; an high priest' who' is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens ; a minister of the sanctuary, h 1 Pet, i. 8, 4. ' Rqm.viii.-33, 34. k Rom. vi. 4. 1 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. j , m Heb. xii. 1, 2. " 1 Pet. iii. 22. •Phil. ii. 5— 11. p Heb. iv. 14. VOL. I. Z 338 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3- and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not manq ; let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest who cannot be, touched with the feel ing of our infirmities ; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin ; let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help, in time of need1. Now if Christ be preached, that he rose from the dead ; how say some among you, that there is no resur rection of the dead? but if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain3. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept1. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope ; for if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also who sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him". Wherefore comfort one another with these words". Sect. 18. The prayer of the Apostle Paul for the Saints, relative to these events. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers ; that the God- of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us- ward who believe, according to . the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, ' and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places; far above all principality, and power, and might, i Heb. viii. 1, 2. r Heb. iv. 14, 15, 16. • 1 Cor. xv.J2, 13,14. ' 1 Cor. xv. 20. " 1 Thess. iv. 13, 14. * 1 Thess. iv. 18. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLT GHOST. 339 and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world; but also in that which is to come; and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body,* the fulness of him thatfilleth all in all1*. ARTICLE III. OF THE HOLY GHOSTf. CHAP. I. THE DIVINITY OF THE HOLY GHOST. Sect, 1. The testimonies of inspired Writers on this head, — 2. Divine works ascribed to him. — 3. The Saints adore him as the universal Spirit operating in all nature. — 4. The resurrection of Christ attributed to him. — 5. Baptism administered and benedictions pronounced in his name. Sect. 1. The testimonies of inspired Writers on this head. , There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one; and there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, the Water, and the Blood ; and these three agree in one*. The Spirit searcheth all §18.* Eph. i. 15— 23. § 1. " 1 John, v. 7, 8. * " We cannot omit the beautiful view of this subject given by the Apostle John : When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead ; and he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last; I am he that liveth,"Snd was dead ; and behold I am alive for evermore; Amen : and have the keys of hell and of death. Rev. i. 17, 18.'' f " It might have been expected, that a chapter should have been here inserted on the subject of our Lord's exaltation. But the texts on that subject will be found under the article of the sovereign power wherewith our Lord is invested ; to which we beg leave to refer ; as well as to those in, the pre ceding chapter, relating to his ascension, and his supreme authority." 340 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION, [Part S« things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of. God". And Peter said to Ananias, Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God\ Sect. 2. Divine works ascribed to him. In the beginning God created the heaven, and the earth ; and the earth was without form, and void ; and darkness was upon the face of the deep ; and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters*. By his Spirit he hath garnished the heavens b. There is a spirit in rnan; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding". Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts ? or who hath given under standing to the heartd? The Spirit of God hath made me ; and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life6. Sect. 3. The Saints adore him as the universal Spirit operating in all nature. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me: thou knowest my down-sitting, and mine up-rising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my -ways". Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence11? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there ; if I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall eover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee ; but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are bothlalike to -f . * 1 Cor. ii. 10, 11. ' Acts, v. S, 4. _§ 2. * Gen. i. 1, 2. b Job, xxvi. 13. « Job, xxxii. 8. d, Job,' xxxviii. 36. e Job, xxxiii. 4. § 3. * Psal. cxxxix. 1, 2, 3. b. Psal. cxxxix. 7. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY CHOST. 3 41 theec. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! The earth is full of thy riches : so is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beastsd. These all wait upon thee, that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand; they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face ; they are troubled. Thou takest away their breath ; thev die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy Spirit ; they are created ; and thou renewest the face of the earth'. Sect. 4. The resurrection of Jesus attributed to him. Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God ; being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit*; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead\ And if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you ; he that raised up Jesus from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in youc. Sect. 5. Baptism administered, and benedictions- pronounced in his name. - The eleven disciples went away into Galilee*; and* Jesus came and Spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth : Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of-the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghostb. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you alle. •« Psal.cxxxix.8 — 12. d Psal. cjv. 24s, 25. • Psal. civ. 27 — 30. §4.-1 P§t. iii. 18. b Rom. i. 4. c Rota, viii. 11. § 5. * Matth. xxviii. 16. , ""i Matth. xxviii. 18, 19. c 2 Cor. xlii. 14. 342 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. CHAP. II. OF THE EXTRAORDINARY OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY GHOST. Sect. 1. Of the diversity of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. — 2. Some of those given to qualify men for peculiar purposes. Thus, to Bezaleel and Aholiab, to qualify them for making the tabernacle. — 3. To the seventy elders, to qualify them for judging Israel. — 4. To Joshua, to qualify him for supplying the place of Moses. — 5. To Balaam, directing him to bless Israel. — 6. To Zerubbabel and Joshua, to qualify them for restoring the Jewish state. — -7. That the Spirit of God was to rest in a distinguished manner on the Messiah. — 8. That the Spirit did thus rest on the Lord Jesus. — 9- The prediction, Isaiah lxi. 1, 2, 3, fulfilled in him. — 10. The Spirit pro mised by our Lord to his disciples. — 11. The extra ordinary effusion of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. — 12. Miraculous powers given to the Apostles and Evangelists. — 13. The Holy Ghost given by the laying on, of the hands of the Apostles. — 14. The Spirit directing the ministration of Philip. — 15. And those of Barnabas and Piaul. — 16. Peculiar operations in the ministry of Paul. — 17. Of the Spirit inspiring the sacred writers. Sect. 1. Of the diversity of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of opera1 tions, but it is the same God who worketh all in. all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit, the word of wisdom ; to another, the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit ; to another, faith, by the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing, by the same Spirit; to another, the working of miracles; to Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 343 another, prophecy ; to another, discerning of spirits ; to another, divers kinds of tongues ; to another, the inter pretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will". Sect. 2. Some of those given to qualify men for pecu liar purposes. Thus, given to Bezaleel and Aholiab, to qualify them for making the tabernacle. Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah ; and he hath filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship3; and to devise curious works; to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in the cutting of stones to set them, and in carving of wood to make any manner of cunning work. And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Aholiab, the son of Achisamach of the tribe of Danb. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding, to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded0. And Moses did look upon all the work; and behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it. And Moses blessed themd. Sect. 3. To the seventy elders, qualifying them for judging Israel. And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them ; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there ; and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and I will put it upon them ; § 1. » 1 Cor. xii. 4—11. § 2. * Exod. xxxv. 30, 31. b Exod. xxxv. 32, 33, 34. c Exod. xxxvi. 1. d Exod. xxxix. 43. 344 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. • and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone a. And Moses ga thered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy, elders. And it came, to pass, that when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the camp; and the , spirit rested upon them. They were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle; and they prophesied in the camp. And there ran a young man$ and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid themb. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for toy sake? Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon themc. Sect. 4. To Joshua, qualifying him, for supplying the place of Moses. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the1 Spirit, and lay thine hand upon him, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation ; and. give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient*. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him b. And Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom ; for Moses had laid his hands upon him ; and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses c. So the Lord was with Joshua d. Sect. 5. To Balaam, directing him to bless Israel. And Balaam lift up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding § 3. » Numb. xi. 16, 17. b Numb. xi. 24r— 28. c Numb, xii 29.' $ 4. » Numb, xxvii. 18, 19, 20. b Numb, xxvii. 22. c Deut. xxxiv. 9. d Josh. vi. 27. Art. 3.} OF THE HOLY GHOST. 345 in his tents, according to their tribes ; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said ; he hath said, who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open ; How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob ! and thy tabernacles, O Israel a ! — He hath said, who heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the Most High ; — I shall see him, but not now ; I shall behold him, but not nigh : there shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Shethb. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion "'. Sect. 6. To Zerubbabeland Joshua, qualifying them for restoring the Jewish state. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, saying, Thus saith Cyrus, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem. Who is there among you of all his people ? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel : he is the God \ Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of IddO, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel*. Then spoke Haggai the Lord's messenger, in the Lord's message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord c. Now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord ; and be strong, O Joshua, the son of Josedech the high priest ; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts ; according to the word that I covenanted with you, when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth § 5. » Numb. xxiv. 2 — 5. b Numb, xxiv. 16, 17. c Numb. xxiv. 19. § 6. • Ezra, i. 1, 2, 3. b Ezra, v. 1. * Hag. i. 13. 346 METHOD OF MAn's REDEMPTION. [Part-3. among you ; fear ye notd. And the; Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the son of , Shealtiel, governor of Juadh; and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people ; and they came and did work in the house of the Lord of hosts, their God e. In the eleventh month came the word, of the Lord unto Zechariah the prophet, saying f, This is the word of the Lord unto, Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great moun tain ? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain ; and he shall bring forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings ; crying, grace, grace unto it g. The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish ith. And the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews1. — Blessed be the. Lord God of pur fathers, who hath put such a thing as this into the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem ; and hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes ; and I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon mek *. Sect. 7. That the Spirit of God was to rest in a distinguished manner on the Messiah. Behold my Servant whom I uphold, mine Elect d Hag. ii. 4, 5. c Hag. i. 14. , f Zech. i. 7. g Zech. iv. 6, 7. h Zech. iv. 9. ¦ ' Ezra, v. 5. k Ezra, vii. 27, 28. . * " Other examples of the 'extraordinary operations of the Divine Spirit might be adduced from the Old Testament. # Of these the most remarkable are, that spirit of supernatural strength, which at times moved Samson, and freed Israel from the bondage of the Philistines a. The spirit of prophecy given to Saul ; and, after his unworthy behaviour, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him. We read also of the Spirit . of the Lord coming upon Othniel, on Gideon, and Jephtha ; and translating Elijah b. These and some other passages, already quoted, lead us to conclude, that extraordinary and miraculous gifts were not always connected with saving grace ; and that the first were sometimes granted, where the last was not to be found. The same remark may be made concerning miraculous powers under the New Testament ; witness Judas and Demas. To this purpose are the words of our Lord, Matth. vii. 21, 22, 23. and those of his apostle, 1 Cor. xiii. 1, &c. * Judg. xiv. xv. xvi. chaps. b 1 Sam. x, xvi. chaps. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 347 in whom my soul delighteth : I have put my Spirit upon him ; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles a. There shall come forth a Rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord ; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord ; and he shall notjudge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears ; but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity, for the meek of the earth ; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth ; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked b. Come ye near unto me ; hear ye this ; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I, and now the Lord God and his Spirit hath sent me c. Sect. 8. That the Spirit did thus rest on the Lord Jesus. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand a. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance ; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear ; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire \ Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened ; and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him ; and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son, iii thee I am well pleased c. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not; but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, JJpon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizeth with the § 7. a Is. xlii. 1. b Isa. xi. 1 — 4. c Isa. xlviii. 16. § 8> » Matth. iii. 1, 2. "Matth.iii.il. c Luke, iii. 21, 22. 348 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. (Part 3. Holy Ghost d. He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God ; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him e. Sect. 9. The prediction, Isa. lxi. 1, 2, 3, fulfilled in him. And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilder ness, being forty days tempted of the devil*. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee b. And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up ; and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue upon the Sabbath-day, and stood up for to read*. And there was -delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias; and when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord : and he closed the book, and gave it again to the minister, arid sat down ; and the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him ; and he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which . proceeded out of his mouth c. Sect. 10. The Spirit promised by our Lord to his Disciples. Unto the apostles whom he had chosen he showed himself alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs ; being seen Of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God \ Then said JesUs to them, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me* * John, i. 32, 33, 34. = John, iii. 33, 34. / % 9. * Luke, iv. 1, 2. b Luke, iv. 13, 14. ^Luke, iv. 16—25. §10. 'Acts, i, 2, 3. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 349 so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them ; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained \ And behold I send the promise of my Father upon you ; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high c, — the promise of the Father ; which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence d. And ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth*. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up ser pents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall recover'. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do, shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father s. Sect. 11. The extraordinary effusion of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, »and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And, there, appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his* own language. And they were all amazed, b John, xx. 21, 22, 23. c Luke, xxiv. 49. d Acts, i. 4, 5. c Acts, i. 8. ' Mark, xvi. 17, 1& e John, xiv. 12. 350 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans ? And how hear we every man in our tongue, wherein we were born ? Parthians and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Lybia about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear thern speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God, And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking, said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter stand ing up with the eleven, lift up his voice, and said unto them : Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken unto my words ; for these are not drunken as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day : but this "is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel ; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh ; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy ; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy *. Ye men of Israel, hear these words ; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know; him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain \ This Jesus hath God raised up; whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted ; and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear c. Repent therefore, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". § 11. a Acts, ii. 1—18. b Acts, ii; 22, 23. c Acts, ii. 32, 33. d Acts, ii. 38. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 351 Sect. 12. Miraculous powers given to the Apostles and Evangelists. And they lift up their voice to God with one accord ; and said, Lord, thou art God, who hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is ; who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things ? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gen tiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings ; and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with bold ness3. And they went forth and preached every where; the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following b. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people ; insomuch that they brought forth the. sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches ; that, at the least, the shadow of Peter passing by might over shadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed every onec. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul'; so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons; and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of themd. § 12. a Acts, iv. 24—31. b Mark, xvi. 20. c Acts, v. 12, 15, 16. d Acts, xix. 11, 12. 352 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Sect. 13. The Holy Ghost given by the laying on of the hands of the Apostles. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake ; hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them > and many taken with palsies and that were lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man called Simon, who before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria; giving out that himself was some great one. To whom they all gave heed from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God a. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also ; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; who when they were come down prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost : for as yet he was fallen upon none of them ; only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon 'saw, that through laying on of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift Of God may be purchased with money. ' Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter ; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God\ §13. * Acts, viii. 5—10. * Acts, viii. 12—21. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 353 Sect. 14. The Spirit directing the ministrations of Philip. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go towards the south, unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza. And he went; and behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of Ethiopia, who had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard hitn read ; and said to him, Understandest thou what thou readest ? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me ? And he desired Philip, that he would come up and sit with him*. Then Philip began at'the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water ; and the eunuch said, See, here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of Godb. And he commanded the chariot to stand still ; and they went down both into the water ; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more ; and he went on his way rejoicing*. Sect. 15. And those of Barnabas and Paul. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and 'teachers ; and as they ministered unto the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted, and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed*. § 14. a Acts, viii. 26—3 1. b Actsj viii. 35—37. c Acts, viii. 33, 39. § 15. * Acts, xiii. 1—4. VOL. I. A A 354 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. And when they had gone unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus, who was with the deputy of the country Ser gius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpre tation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, Wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord ? And now, behold the hand of the Lord is upon thee ; and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord \ And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost0. — Now, when they had gone throughout Phrygia, and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, they essayed to gO into Bithynia; but the Spirit suffered them not**. Sect. 16. His peculiar operations in the ministry of Paul. And it came to pass, that Paul came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghest. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized ? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people,' That they should believe on him who should Come after him ; that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord b Acts, xiii. 6— 13. c Acts, xiii. 52. d Adtg, xvi. 6, 7. , Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 355 Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied1. After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome5. And from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church, and said unto them, Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with youc. And now, behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusa lem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there ; save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide med. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseeljB; to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood \ — Arid it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched f, we landed at Tyre. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days; who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem g. And when we had finished our course from Tyre we came into Cesarea; and we entered into the house of Philip the Evangelist, who was one of the seven, and abode with him. And the same man had four' daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, apd said, Thus saith the -Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles \ Sect. 1 7. Of the Spirit inspiring the sacred Writers. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for § 16. a Acts, xix. 1—6. b Acts, xix. 21. c Acts, xx. 17, 18. d Acts, xx. 22, 23. e Acts, xx. 28. ' Acts, xxi. 1. g Acts, xxi. 3, 4. * Acts, xxi. 7 — 11. 356 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [ParV3. instruction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly "furnished unto all good works ". Knowing this first, that« no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation; for the prophecy came not of old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost b. When the Comforter is come, whom 1 will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, he shall testify of mec ; he will guide you into all truth d. There fore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip : for, if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him ? God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will e. CHAP. III. OF THE SAVING OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY GHOST. Sect. 1. Promises of these made to the Fathers. — 2. Regeneration by the Spirit taught by our Lord Jesus.— 3. The promise of the Spirit given by him. — 4. His divine work, — enlightening and renewing the soul. — 5. Sanctifying and purifying the heart. — 6. Giving efficacy to the word of the gospel. — 7. Assisting the servants of God in the paths of their duty, and strengthening them according to their circum stances of need. — 8. Comforting them in their suffer ings and afflictions. — 9. That Christian virtues are the fruits of the Spirit. — 10. Of our obtaining the Spirit by Christ Jesus. — 11. Of the excellency of the §17.* 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. b 2 Pet. i. 20, 21. c John, xv. 26. d John, xvi. 13. ' ' Heb. ii. 1—4. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 357 dispensation of the Spirit. — 12. Of grieving and resist ing the Holy Spirit. — 13. Of our duty toward the Holy Spirit, and our right improvement of" his influence. — 14. The thanksgiving and prayers of the Apostle in behalf of those that were made partakers of divine grace. — 15. Ardent supplications for divine grace and support, together with' thankful acknowledgments. Sect. 1. Promises of these made to the Fathers. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity ? and the scorners delight in their scorning? and fools hate knowledge? Turn ye at my reproof; behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you; I will make known my words unto you a. Now hear, O Jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have chosen, thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, who will help thee, Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou Jeshurun whom I have chosen : for I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground ; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring; and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water-courses \ One shall say, I am the Lord's ; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with hie hand unto the Lord, and sirname himself by the name of Israel c. The Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard ; and the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for me, this is my 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 seed's seed, saith the Lord, from hence forth and for ever d. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of , supplications ; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son ; and shall be § 1. a Prov. i. 22, 23. b Isa. xliv. 1—4. c Isa. xliv. 5. dIsa, lix. 19, 20,21. 358 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. in bitterness for 'him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born e. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean ; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them f. Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, I will set mine eyes upon them for good ; and I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord, and they shall be niy people, and I will be their God ; for they shall return unto me with their whole heart". Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah h. After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know ye the Lord ; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord : for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more1. And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever; for the good of them, and of their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good ; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me : I will heal their backslidings ; I will love them freely. I will be as the dew unto Israel ; he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return ; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine; the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon'. e Zech. xii. 10. f Ezek. xxxvi. 25,26,27. e Jer. xxiv. 5, 6, 7. " Jer. xxxi. 31. ' Jer. xxxi. 33, 34. k Jer. xxxii. 39, 40. 1 Hos. xiv. 4 — 7. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 359 The Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever m. Sect. 2. Regeneration by the Spirit taught by our Lord Jesus. There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews ; the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know thou art a teacher come from God ; for no man can do these miracles that thou dost, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old ? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born ? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be horn of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. * That which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that whieh is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth ; so is every one that is born of the Spirit \ Sect. 3, The promise of the Spirit given by him. If ye love me, keep my commandments ; and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Com forter, 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\ The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the m Isa. xxxii. 15, 16, 17. § 2. « John, iii. 1 — 8. §3. a John, xiv. 15, 16, 17. 360 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,- and bring all things to your remembrance what soever I have said unto youb. I tell the truth ; it is ex pedient for you that I go away ; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I will send him unto you'. When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit, of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify, of me d. And he will reprove' the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment : of sin, because they believe not on me ; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more ; of judgment, because the prince of the world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you unto all truth ; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak ; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me ; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you". Sect. 4. His divine work — enlightening and renewing the soul. * Ye were sometimes darkness ; but now are ye light in the Lord a. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ b. And we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lordc. The natural man, having the under standing darkened, being alienated from the life of Godd, receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him ; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned6. — To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from b John, xiv. 26. = John, xvi. 7. * John, xv. 26. * John, xvi. 8 — 14. §.,i. * Eph. v. 8. b 2 Cor. iv. 6. « 2 Cor. iii. 18. d Eph. iv. 18. e 1 Cor. ii. 14. ^irt. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. $6\ the power of Satan unto God f— who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light8. — And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and^ sins ; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience11. We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works1. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new\ Ye have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him1 — the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness1". For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature". Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me". God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ p. Sect. 5. Sanctifying and purifying the heart. We ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour*. Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our Godb: elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctifica- * Acts, xxvi. 18. ft 1 Pet. ii. 9. ^ Eph. ii. 1, 2. » Eph. ii. 10. * 2 Cor. v. 17. ' Col. iii. 10. m Eph. iv. 24. » Gal. vi. 15. " Psal. li. 10, 1 1. PEph. ii. 4,5. § 5. * Tit. iii. 3—6. b Cor. vi. 11. 362 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. [Part 3. tion of the Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ0. We are bound to give thanks alway to God ,for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to sal vation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth d. They that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, be is none of his". If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die ; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall livef. Know ye not, that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy ; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye areg. Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse ith ; that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works*. Sect. 6. Giving efficacy to the word of the gospel. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth*. Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for everb. — For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; and ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost". — And a certain woman named Lydia, which worshipped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul d. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power'. Now we have received, not the spirit c 1 Pet. i. 2, A 2 Thess. ii, 13. e Rom. viii. 8, 9. ' Rom. viii. 13. g 1 Cor. iii. 16, 17. h Eph. v. 25, 26. 1 Tit. ii. 14. § 6. » James, i. 18. b 1 Pe.t. i. 22, 23. e 1 Thess. i. 5,,6. * Acts', xvi. 14. « 1 Cor. ii. 4. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST, 363 of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of Godf. And they spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus : and the hand of the Lord was with them : and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord5. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as -it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe11, — that ye may know what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead1. — Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead*. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you1. Sect. 7. Assisting the 'servants of God in the paths of their duty, and strengthening them according to their circumstances of need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me a. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved usb. By the grace of God I am what I. am: and his grace, which was bestowed upon me, was not in vain ; but I laboured more abundantly than they all ; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me c. Whatsoever is born of 'God overcometh the world d. — I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ *. — Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear ; but ye have ' 1 Cor. ii. 12. * Acts, xi. 20, 21. h 1 Thess, ii. 13. ' Eph. i. ,18, 19, 20. k Col. ii. 12. ' 2 Thess. iij. l. § 7. * Phil. iv. 13. b Rom. viii. 35, 37. ° 1 Cor. xv. 10. * 1 John, v. 4. " Phil. i. 19. 364 METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abbar Father f. Praying always with ah prayer and suppli cation in the Spirit6. Praying in the Holy Ghost h. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with , groanings which cannot be uttered1. — My grace is sufficient for thee : for my strength is made perfect in weakness : most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmi ties, that the power of Christ may rest upon mek. — Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyful- ness1. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temp tation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear itm. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world". Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might0. Sect. 8. Comforting them in their sufferings and afflictions. I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, — that he may abide with you for ever". Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the. comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of God: for as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ \ If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon youc. And not only so, but we glory in tribu lations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience ; and patience, experience ; and experience, hope ; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is ' Rom. viii. 15. t Eph. vi. 18. h Jude, 20. ' Rom. viii. 26. k 2 Cor. xii. 9. ' Col. i. 11. m 1 Cor. x. 13. " 1 John, iv. 4. "Eph. vi. 10. § 8. » John, xiv. 16, 17. b 2 Cor. i. '3, 4, 5. ' 1 Pet. iv. 14. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. , 365 shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto usd. Sect. 9. That Christian virtues are the fruits of the Spirit. There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit: for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free frdm the law of sin and death1. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteous ness, and truth b. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek ness, temperance. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit11. Sect. 10. Of our obtaining the Spirit by Christ Jesus. It is expedient for you, that I go away ; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you". In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. This spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because' that Jesus was not yet glorified D. Through him we have an access by one Spirit unto the Father0. It pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell d. And of his fulness have all we received,. and grace for grace*. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto menf. — And gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in * Rom. v. 3, 4, 5. § 9. * Rom. viii. 1, 2. b Eph. v. 9. c Gal. v. 22, 23, 25. § 10. * John, xvi. 7. b John, vii. 37, 38, 39. c Eph. ii. 18. d Col. i. 19. • John, i. 16. ' Eph. iv. 7, 8. 366 METHOD OF MAN's REDEMPTION. (Part 3. all8. I am the vine; ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothingh. If ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children ; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him1. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, — let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need11. Sect. 11. Of the excellency of the dispensation of the Spirit. Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you ? Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men ; for as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God ; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. And such, trust have we through Christ to God-ward ; not, that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves ; but our sufficiency is of God, who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and en graven on stones, was glorious ; so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away ; how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious ? . for if the ministration of 'condem nation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory*. For even that which was made glorious, had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which re- e Eph. i. 22, 23. h John, xv. 5. '¦ Luke, xi. 13. k Heb. iv. 14, 16. § 11. » 2 'Cor. iii. 1— 9. Aft. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 367 maineth is glorious \ Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then, he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even 'so it is now". Now the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty d. Sect. 12. Of grieving and resisting the Holy Spirit. Brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the seaa; and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud, and in the sea ; and did all eat the same spiritual meat • and did all drink the same spiritual drink ; for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased ; for they were over thrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples1". — For by one Spirit are we all baptized into One body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free ; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit". Quench not the Spirit; despise not pro phesying'1; and grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption". For the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with manf. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches g. The Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the day of provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest\ Ye stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your b 2 Cor. iii. 10, 11. ° Gal. iv. 28, 29. d 2 Cor. iii. 17. § 12. » 1 Cor. x. 1. b 1 Cpr. x. 2—6. c 1 Cor. xii. 13. d 1 Thess. v. 19, 20. , <= Eph. iv. 30. « ' Gen. vi. 3. • « Rev. ii. 7. h Heb. iii. 7—1 1 . 368 METHOD OF man's REDEMPTION. [Part' 3. fathers did, so do ye'. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the Angel of his presence saved them ; in his love, and in his pity he redeemed them, and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit ; therefore he was turned to be their enemy. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he that put his holy Spirit within himk ? That led him by the right hand of Moses, with his glorious arm, dividing the waters before them ? That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble1. But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea they made their hearts as an adamant stone ; lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his Spirit by the former prophets : therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts m. He that despised Moses' law, died without mercy, under two or three witnesses ; of how much sorer punish ment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit Of grace"? For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly 'gift, ' and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come ; if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance0. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewithsoever they shall blaspheme ; but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, hath never forgiv'6-1 ness, but is in danger of eternal damnation p. And who soever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever speaketh against the 4 Acts, vii. 51. " Isa. lxiii. 9—11, ' Isa. lxiii. 12, 13. ™ Zech. vii. 11, 12. * » Heb. x. 28, 29. ° Heb. vi. 4, 5, 6. " Mark, iii. 28, 29. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 369 Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to comeq. Sect. 13. Of our duty toward the Holy Spirit, and our right improvement of his influence. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak1. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh b. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit". Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap cor ruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting4. I therefore beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called ; with all lowliness and meekness, with long- suffering, forbearing one another in love ; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling ; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" ; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the know-. ledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ f. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy ; that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind8. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, unto unfeigned; i Matth. xii. 32. § 13. » Heb. vi. 9. b Gal. v. 16. * Gal. v. 24, 25. d Gal. vi. 7, 8. ' Eph. iv. 1^-7. ' Eph. iv. 12, 13. g Phil, ii. 1, 2. VOL. I. B B 37& METHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3. love of the brethren ; see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently h. And I myself also ani persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another1. Wherefore, my beloved, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling ; for it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure k. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit ; speaking to your selves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs ; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord1. Build jng up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ unto eternal life"1. In whom you also are builded together, for an habitation of God through the Spirit". That good thing which was committed unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us0; for we, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith". Sect. 14. The thanksgiving and prayers of the Apostle in behalf of those that were made partakers of divine grace. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ3, according to the riches of his grace ; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence \ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of our sal vation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, Until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory". I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is. given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all b 1 Pet. i. 22. ' Rom. xv. 14. k Phil. ii. 12, IS. r -Efth. v. 18, 19. m Jude, 20, 21. n Eph. ii. 22. • 2 Tim. i. 14. i':Gal. v. 5. § 14. » Eph, i. 3. b Eph. i. 7, 8. « Eph. i. 13, 14. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 371 knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was con firmed in you; so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you unto, the end, that ye may be blameless' in the day of our Lord, Jesus Christd. Where fore I also cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of himc; the eyes of your understanding being en lightened, that ye may know- what 'is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inherit ance in the saints; and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believef. — That he would grant you according to the riches ,of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man : that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to com prehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge; that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God B. We cease not to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy, of the Lord unto all pleasing, being, fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might accord ing to his glorious power, unto all patience, and long- suffering with joyfulness h. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peaCe in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost1. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. And I pray God, your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus, Christ k. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and. the love of God; arid the communion of the Holy Ghost, be! with you all. Amen1. d jt Cor. i. 4—8. e Eph. i. 15, 16, 17. f Eph. i. 18, 19. f Eph. ii;. 16 — 19. " Col. i.: 9, 10, 11. 'Rom. xv. 13, * 1 Thess; vT 23. - ' 2 Cor, xiii. 14. 372 MffiJfHOD OF MAN'S REDEMPTION. [Part 3- Sect. 1.5. Ardent supplications for divine grace and support, together with thankful acknowledgments. _ Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me ; for thou art the God of my salvation, on thee do I wait all the day*. Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts ; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean ; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow ; make me to hear joy and gladness ; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice6. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence ; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation ; and uphold me with thy free Spirit". Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications3 ; for I stretch forth my hands unto thee; my- soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty lapd". Hear me speedily, O Lord, my spirit faileth ; hide not thy face from me. Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto theef. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God. Thy Spirit is good, lead me unto the land of uprightness %. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments ; for • therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testi monies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity ; and quicken thou me in thy way\ O send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy; yea, upon the harp Will I praise thee, O God, my God. Why art thou cast down, O my soul ? and why art thou disquieted within §15.»Psal.xxv.4, 5. b Psal. li. 6, 7, 8. c Psal. li. 10, 11, 12. d Psal. cxliii. 1 . • Psal. cxliii. 6. ' Psal. cxliii. 7, 8. » Psal. cxliii. 10. b Psal. cxix. 33—37. Art. 3.] OF THE HOLY GHOST. 373 me? Hope in God ; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God1. 1 will lift my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help Cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber". The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, from this time forth, and even for evermore1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in»the heavens'". I had fainted unless I had believed to see the good ness of the Lord in the land of the living". Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord; help me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul°. In the day when I cried, thou answeredst me ; and strengthenedst me with strength in my soulp. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; and thy right hand shall save me'. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried ; he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God, save the Lord r or who is a rock, save our God ? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my .way perfect r. I am continually with thee ; thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory". The Lord shall de liver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom1. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever". He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righ teousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me1. ' Psal. xliii. 3, 4, 5. k Psal. cxxi. 1, 2, 3. ' PsaL cxxi. 8. m Psal. cxxiii. 1. " Psal. xxvii. 13. ° Psal.xciv.17,.18,19. r Psal. cxxxviii. 8. q Psal. cxxxviii. 7. r Psal. xviii. 30—32. ¦ Psal. lxxiii. 23, 24. ' 2 Tim. iv. 18. " Psal. lxxiii. 25, 26. * Psal. xxiii. 3, 4. 374 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4, PART IV. OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE DISPENSATION OF THE GOSPEL. Sect. 1. The exalted' views, which are given usl by the Prophets and Saints, of this dispensation. — 2. That this is a dispensation of the greatest goodness; — 3. Of light and saving knowledge. — 4. Of mercy and reconciliation.— 5. Entirely of grace. — 6\ By which both Jews and Gentiles have access to all the riches of the covenant of God. — 7. The gospel affords the most solid comforts in adversity. — 8. By it the over whelming terrors of death are removed. — 9. It fills the soul with the joyful hope of eternal life. — 10. Of the necessity of giving due attention to this dispen sation of divine love.— 1 1. The triumph of the Apostles in the lively view of its excellency. — 12. The doxology of the redeemed. Sect. 1. The exalted views, which are given us by the Prophets and Saints, of this dispensation. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth*! Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem : for the Lord hath comforted his people; he hath re deemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God b. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other c. All the ends of the world shall remember, and turn unto the Lord; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee : for § 1. a Isa. Iii. 7. b Isa. Iii. 9, 10. c Psalm Ixxxv,, 10. Sect. 1.] A DISPENSATION OF GOODNESS, &C. 375 the kingdom is the Lord's; and he is the governor among the nations d. He shall judge the poor of the people; he shall save the children, of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor e. In his days shall the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth f. Yea all kings shall fall down before him ; all nations shall serve himg. Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord ; make straight in the desert a high way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low ; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be re vealed ; and all flesh shall see it together : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken ith. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee1. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath com* forted his people; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our Godk. The wilderness and the solitary place shall he glad, and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose : they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God \ I the Lord have called thee in righteousness^ and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles"1. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not ; and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he bath glo rified thee". Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion$ shout, O daughter of Jerusalem : behold, thy King cometh unto thee ; he is just, and having salvation0. His name shall endure for ever ; his name shall be con- d Psalm xxii. 27, 28. * Psalm lxxii. 4. ' Psalm lxxii. 7, 8. * Psalm lxxii. 11. b Isa. xl, 1, 3, 4, 5. ' ' Isa. Ix. 1. k Isa. Iii. 9, 10. • i Isa. xxxv. 1, 2. m Isa. xlii. 6, " Isa. Iv. 4, 5. « Zech.ix. 9. ' .' 376 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4. tinued as long as the'sun; and men shall be blessed in him ; all nations shall call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever ; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory, Amen and amenp. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David ; as he spake by the mouth of his froly prophets, which have been since the world began; that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us ; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before1 him, all the days of our life9. — To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercies of our God ; whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death ; to guide our feet in the way of peace'. Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, good will towards men'. Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them ; and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God *. Amen : Blessing, and glory, and wis dom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be. unto our God, for ever and ever ". Sect. 2. That this is a dispensation of the greatest goodness. Rejoice greatly; O daughter of Zion; shout, O daugh ter of Jerusalem : behold thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation ". I will greatly rejoice in. the Lord ; my soul shall be joyful in my God : for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation; he pPs.lxxii.17,18,19. « Luke, i. 68r-75. r Luke, i. 77, 78, 79. ' Luke, ii. 14. * Rev. xxi. 3. ," Rev. vii. 12. & 2. * Zech. ix. 9. Sect. 3.] A DISPENSATION OF GOODNESS, &C 377 hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels : for as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations b. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness; let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together c. — God is love. — In this was manifested the love of God towards us; because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love ; not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins1^ The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ; and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth ". And of his- fulness have all we received, and grace for grace ; for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ/ Sect. 3. Of light and saving knowledge. The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth*. God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds b : Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ; but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel c : Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice, with joy unspeakable and ¦ full of glory ; receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of b Isa. lxi. 10, 11. c Isa. xiv. 8. d t John, iv. 8, 9, 10. • John, i. 14. f John, i. 16, 17. § 3. " 1 John, ii. 8. b Heb. i. 1,2. " 2 Tim. i. 9, 10. 378 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. "[Part 4. your souls : of which salvation the prophets have in quired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, did signify, when it testified beforehand the suffer ings of Christ, and the glory that should follow : unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you, by them that have preached the gospel unto you, with the 1 Pet. i. 8—12. « 2 Pet. i. 2, 3, 4. ' Col. i. 9. s Col. i. 12, 13. b 2 Cor. iv. 6. ' Eph. v. 8. k Eph. v. 10. §4. a Gal.'iv.-4, 5. Sect. 4.J A DISPENSATION OF MERCY, &C. 379 and worthy of all acceptation, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief b. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law ; being made a curse for usc. Now, the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets ; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe d ; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ; to declare, I say, at this time, his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus6. And all things are of God, who hath recon ciled us to himself by Jesus Christ ; and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation ; to wit, That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, nq,t imputing their trespasses unto them. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew nO sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in hirnf. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand-8; in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace \ For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell ; and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven !. And you that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your minds by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy, and unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight k. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the' flesh but after the b 1 Tim. i. 15. e Gal. iii. 13. a Rom. iii. 21, 22, e Rom. iii. 24, 25, 26. ' 2 Cor. v. 18,19,21. « Rom. v. 1, 2. b Eph. i. 7. * Col. i. 19, 20. k Col. i. 21. 22. 380 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4. Spirit '. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit"1. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all ; how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth ; who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter cession for us n. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love o£God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord0. Sect. 5. A dispensation entirely of grace. Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above* and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures a. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in loveb. , Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour ". For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves ; it is the gift of God ; not of works, lest any man should boast: for we are his 1 Rom. viii. 1. m Rom. viii. 3, '$. n Ronr: viii. 31 — 34. 0 Rom. viii. 38, 39. § 5. a James, i. 17, 18. *¦ Eph. i. 3, 4. c Tit. iii. 5, 6. Sect. 6.] -DISPENSATION TO JEWS AND GENTILES. 381 workmanship, created »in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in themd. Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sancti fication and redemption e. Ye are washed, ye are sancti fied, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our Godf. Ye are a chosen gene ration, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light ; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God ; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy g. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? But tiow being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life h. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men \ Sect. 6. A dispensation by which both Jews and Gentiles have access to all the riches of the covenant of God. And you hath he quickened who were dead in tres passes and sinsa. Even when we were dead in sins, he hath quickened us together with Christ; and hath raised us up together, and hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus b. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands : that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world ; but now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace who hath made both one ; and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ; * Eph. ii. 8, 9, 10. • 1 Cor. i. 30. f 1 Cor. vi. 11. * 1 Pet. ii. 9, 10. h Rom. vi. 21, 22. ' 1 Tit. ii. 11. § 6. * Eph. ii. 1. b Eph. ii. 5, 6. 382 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4. having abolished in his flesh the.enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace ; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and came and preached peace to you, which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him, we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God : and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone c. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified"1. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through the vail, that is to say his flesh; and having an High Priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water e. For we have not an High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need f. Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knoCk, and it shall be opened unto youg. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? -Or if he ask, a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father, give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him h ? And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive1. Ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, c Eph, ii— 20. a Heb. x. 14. e Heb, s. 19—22. [ Heb. iv. 15, 16. s Matth. vii. 7. *Luke,xi.ll,12, 13. ' Matth. xxi. 22. Sect. 7.] GOSPEL AFFORDS SOLID COMFORTS, &C. 383 and it shall be given |c. Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full1. Sect. 7. The gospel affords the most solid comforts in all our adversities. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's, sufferings ; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy a. Now, for a season, (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations, that the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honour, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ b. Wherefore, let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin c ; and there hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man ; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it4. For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee ; so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me c. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen ; for the things which are seen, k James, i. 5. ' John, xvi. 24. § 7. a 1 Pet. iv. 12, 13. b 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. c Heb. xii. 1—4. d 1 Cor. x. 13. e Heb. xiii. 5, 6. 384 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4- are temporal; but the things which are not seeu, are eternal f. Therefore, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice6. Be careful for nothing ; but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all un derstanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through, Christ Jesus \ And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly '. Sect. 8. By it the overwhelming terrors of death are removed. The, last enemy that shall be destroyed is death": that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord b. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead ; for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive c. Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took parjt of the same; that through death, he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the deyil ; and deliver them, who through the fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage d. For I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hqpe ; for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him e. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory . I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plague ! O grave, I will be thy destruction*! O death! where is thy sting ? O grave ! where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law ; f 2 Cor. iv. 16, 17, 18. « Phil. iv. 1, 4. h Phil. iv. 6, 7. 1 Rom. xvi. 20. § 8. » 1 Cor. xv. 26. b Rom. v. 21. c l'Cor. xv. 21, 22. d Heb. ii. 14, 15. e 1 Thess. iv. 13, 14. ' 1 Cor. xv. 54. f Hos. xiii. 14. Sect. 9.] IT FILLS THE SOUL, &C 385 but thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ11. Therefore let no man glory in men ; for all things are yours ; whether Paul or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's1. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens k. For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself1. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God ; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me"1. I know whom I have be lieved ; and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day V.I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, 1 have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day ; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing0. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ". Sect. 9. It fills the soul with the joyful hope of > eternal life. Jesus answered and said unto Nicodemus a, As Moses liftedr up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up ; that whosoever believeth on ¦> lCor.xv.55,56,57. ' lCor.iii.21,22,23. k 3 Cor. v. 1. » Phil-, iii. 20, 21. m Job, xjx. 25, 26, 27. " 2 Tim. i. 12, • 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. " 1 Pet,, i. 13. § 9. ' John, iii. 10. VOL. I. C C 386 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4. him, should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life \ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice c, in hope of eternal life, which- God that cannot lie, promised before the world began d. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you ; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ0; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to • be admired in all them that believe f. 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 iss. For the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God : and if children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together11. For God hath not appointed us unto wrath; but to obtain salvation by our. Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him1. Wherefore, brethren, give diligence to make. your calling and election sure ; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall ; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto >> John,iii. 14, 15, 16. <= 1 Pet. i. 3—6. •> Tit. i. 2. • 2 Thess. i. 6, 7, 8. ' 2 Thess. i. 9, 10. * 1 John, iii. 2. 11 Rom. viii. 16, 17. ' 1 Thess. v. 9, 10. Sect. 10.] NECESSITY OF DUE ATTENTION, &C 387 you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ1'. For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire ; nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard, entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more l ; but ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant m. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump 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 air ; and so shall we be ever with the Lord \ And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever". Wherefore, comfort one another with these words p ; and edify one another, even as also ye do9. Sect. 10. Of the necessity of giving due attention to this dispensation of divine love. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shaH we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him ; God also bearing them wit ness by signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own willa? For k 2 Pet. i. 10, 11. ' Heb. xii. 18, 19. m Heb. xii. 22,23,24. ¦ 1 Thess. iv. 16, 17. • Dan. xii. 3. p 1 The.ss. iv. 18. * 1 Thess. v. 11. § 10. » Heb. ii. 1—4. 388 OF THE^ EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4. if we sin wilfully, after that we have received the know ledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins ; but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law, died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace"? See that ye refuse not him that speaketh ; for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven c. Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith, To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts ; as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness*1. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain : for he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee : behold now is the accepted time ; behold now is the day of salvation". For the scripture saith, Whoso ever believeth on him, shall not be ashamed : for there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek ; for the same Lord over all is rich to all that call upon him : for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved f. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found ; call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon5. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the chprches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come: and let him that heareth say, Come : and let him that is a-thirst come ; and whbsoever will, let him take the water of life freely h. b Heb. *. 26—29. c Heb. xii. 25. <• Heb. iii. 7, 8. • 2 Cor. vi. 1, 2. ' Rom. x. 11,12, 13. * Isa. Iv. 6, 7. h Rev. xxii. 16, 17. Sect. 11.] TRIUMPH OF THE APOSTLES, &C 389 Sect. 11. The triumph of the Apostles in the lively view of its excellency. , The Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom ; but we preach Christ crucified, unto, the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness ; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God". For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ ; for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth ; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek ; for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.0. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the ex cellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord ; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count „ them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him ; not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law ; but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith ; that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death ; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the deadc. Thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ d. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world6. For I am crucified with Christ ; nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me f. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count yon worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power; that the ,hame of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God, and the Lord Jesus Christg. For we have not followed cun- § 11. a 1 Cor. i. 22, 23, 24. b Roni. i. 16, If". c Philip, iii. 8—1 1. * 2 Cor. ii. 14. ' Gal. vi. 14. r Gal. ii. 20'. * 2 Thess. i. 11, 12. 390 OF THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. [Part 4. ningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty : for he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount11. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ1. Behold what' manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God : we know, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he isk. This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son1. — Christ in you the hope of glory"1. Sect. 12. The doxology of the redeemed. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain a. And the four beasts, and four and twenty elders, fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saiiits. And they sung a new S^ong, saying, Thou art worthy, — and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation : and hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign in the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the yoice of many angels round sfbout the throne, and the beasts and the elders ; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands ; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and ' glory, and " 2 Pet. i. 16, 17, 18. i 1 John, i. 3. "1 John, iii. 1, 2. ' 1 John, v. 11. °> Col. i. 27. §12.»Rev. v. 6. Sect. 12.] THE DOXOL'OGY OF THE REDEEMED. 391 blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen ; and the four and twenty elders fell down, and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever0. " Rev. v. 8 — 14. 392 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. PART V. OF. THE GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MANKIND; AND OF THE WAY IN WHICH WE BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE BENEFITS OF THE GOSPEL. CHAP. I. OF FAITH. Sect. 1. Of faith in general. — 2. Of faith in special' revelations, made to particular persons, for peculiar purposes of divine Providence. — 3. Of faith in the Old Testament revelation, and sacred regard to it. — 4. Of the unbelief and perverseness of Israel. — 5. Of the complaints and denunciations of the Most High on this account — 6. Of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.. — 7. The ruinous effects of unbelief. — 8. Of our being justified by faith in Christ. — 9. Of the efficacy of faith, and its influence on holiness. — 10. Some examples of the power of faith in ancient times. — 1 1. This divine principle, and its effects, illustrated in the character of Abraham. — 12. Faith in Christ Jesus lays the founda tion of the most comfortable hope, and opens a joyful prospect to the people of God. — 13. The prayers of the Apostles in behalf of those that believed. Sect. 1. Of faith in general. Without faith, it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to Gcjd must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him*. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seenb. He that cometh from heaven is above all ; and what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth. He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal, that God is truec; — that they may believe that thou hast § 1. » Heb. xi. 6. b Heb. xi. 1. c John, iii. 31—33. Chap. 1. J OF FAITH. 393 sent med. — We believe that thou earnest forth from Gode. — I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets'. Sect. 2. Of faith in special revelations made t& particular persons, for peculiar purposes of divine Providence. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith". By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out not knowing whither he went; for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Godb. Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was deli vered of a child when she was past age; because she judged him faithful who had promised ; therefore sprang there, even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea-shore innumerable0. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to comed. By faith Jacob when he was a dying blessed both the sons of Joseph '. By faith Joseph when he died made mention of the departing of the children of Israel ; and gave com mandment concerning his bones f. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season ; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward6. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king ; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that A John, xi. 42. • John, xvi. 30. r Acts, xxiv. 14. § 2. » Heb. xi. 7. b Heb. xi. 8, 10. c Heb. xi. 11, 12. d Heb. xi. 20. • Heb. xi. 21. ' Heb. xi. 22. *Heb.xi. 24,25, 26. 394 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. destroyed the first-born should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea, as by dry land ; which the Egyptians essaying to do, were drowned11. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning ; that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope1. Sect. 3. Of faith in the Old Testament revelation, and sacred regard to it. The Lord made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel". He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and judgments unto Israel b. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children ; that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God ; but keep his commandments; and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation ; a genera tion that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God c. The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them ; he shined forth from Mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints; from his right hand went a fiery law for them. YCa he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet ; every one shall receive of thy words. Moses commanded us a law; even the inhe ritance of the congregation of Jacob d. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests, and unto all the elders of Israel ; and commanded them, saying6 : Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law ; and that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye livef. Give ear, O Vny people, to my law ; incline your ears b Heb. xi. 27 — 29. ¦ Rom. xv. 4. § 3. » Psal. ciii. 6, 7. b Psal. cxlvii. 19. « Psal lxxviii. 5,7, 8. 11 Deut. xxxiii. 2 — 4. * Deut. xxxi. 9, 10. ' Deut. xxxi. 12, 13. Chap. 1.] OF FAITH. 395 to the words of my mouthg. Bow dpwn thine ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge ; for it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, that thy trust may be in the Lord*1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding1 ; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom ; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding's Lay up my words in your heart, and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes1. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee ; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee ; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp ; and the law is light ; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life m. Where fore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me ; hear, and your soul shall live". Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established ; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper0. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established0. Sect. 4. Of the unbelief and perverseness of Israel. The children of Ephraim kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; and forgat his works and his wonders that he showed them. Yea they spake against God". Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth ; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel ; because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation b. For all this they sinned still ; and believed not for his wondrous e Psal. lxxviii. 1. h Prov. xxii. 17,18, 19. ' Prov. ii. 1, 2. " Prov. ii. 5, 6. ' Deut. xi. 18. mProv. vi. 21,22, 23. " Isa. Iv. 2, 3. "2 Chron. xx. 20. p Isa. vii. 9. §4. » Psal.lxxviii. 9,10,1 1,19. b Psal.lxxviii.21,22. 396 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5, works"; for their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant3. But turned back and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers ; they were turned aside like a deceitful bow". Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known f. Then believed they his words, they sang his praise ; but they soon forgat his works, they waited not for his counsel8. They forgat God their saviour; they believed not his word, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord h. Therefore he lifted up his hand against them to overthrow them l. Sect. 5. The complaints and denunciations of the most high God on this account. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib ; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider ". Yea the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times, and the turtle, and the crane, and the swallow observe the time of their coming ; but my people know not the judgment of the Lordb. For my people is foolish, they have not known me, they are sottish children, and they have none understanding0. They are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear, which will not hearken to the voice of the charmers, charming never so wisely d. Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them and not build them up". For they will not hearken unto me ; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted f; and will not behold the majesty of the Lord g. They refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, c P3al. lxxviii. 32. d Psal. lxxviii. 37. • Psal. lxxviii. 57. f Psal. cvi. 8. g Psal. cvi. 12, 13. h Psal. cvi. 21,24,25. « Psal. cvi. 26. * Isa. i. 2, 3. d Psal. lviii. 4, 1 1sa, xxvi. 10. §y5. * Isa. i. 2, 3. b Jer. viii. 7. c Jer. iv. 22. d Psal. lviii. 4, 5. ' Psal. xxviii, 5. f Ezek. iii. 7. Chap. L] OF FAITH, S97 lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his Spirit by the former prophets11. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts1. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh k ; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind ; when distress and anguish "cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer ; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated. knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord1. For unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver™. Sect. 6. Of faith in our, Lord Jesus Christ. I am the light of the world ; he that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life". I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness b. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice". For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting lifed. He that believeth on him is not condemned ; but he that believeth not, is condemned already ; because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemna- <¦ Zech. viL 11, 12. * Zech. vii. 13. k Prov. i. 24, 25, 26. 1 Prov. i. 27, 28, 29. m Psalm 1. 16, 17, 22. | 6. * John, viii. 12. h John, xii. 46. c John, xviii. S7. d John, iii. 16. 39.8 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. tion, that light is come into the wOrld, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil6. Blessed be your eyes, for they see ; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them ; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard themf. Let these sayings sink down into your ears8. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Eather, cometh, unto me; and him that cometh , unto me, I will in nowise cast out11. I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me1 ; and this is the will of him that sent me, that every one who seeth the Son and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day -k. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God1. In him was life, and the life was the light of menm. That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world". He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal, that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God ; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand0. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people0. To him gave all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him, shall receive remission of sins q. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that ' John, iii. 18, 19. ' Matt. xiii. 16, 17. e Luke, ix. 44. h John, vi. 37, 45. ' John, vi. 37, 38. " John, vi. 40. ' John, i. 1. m John, i. 4. " John, i. 9. ' John, iii. 33—35. - Acts, iii. 22, 23. i Acts, x. 43. Chap. 1.] OF FAITH. 399 through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins ; and by him all that believe, are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses'. Sect. 7. The ruinous effects of unbelief . What shall we say then? That the Gentiles which ¦ followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith"; God purifying their hearts by faithb; but Israel which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore ? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law; for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone; as it is written, Behold I lay in Zion a stumbling-stone, and rock of offence ; and whosoever believeth on him, shall not be ashamed0. Beware therefore, lest that- come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets, Behold ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your o!ays, a work which ye shall in nowise believe, though a man declare it unto youd. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed ; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them °. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore who believe, he is precious ; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner ; and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed f. Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness; when your fathers r Acts, xiii. 38, 39. % 7. >Hom. ix. 30. b Acts, xv. 8, 9. e Rom. ix. 3 1,32, 33. d Acts, xiii. 40, 41. e Acts, xxviii. 27. ' 1 Pet. ii. 6, 7, 8. 400 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part £ tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation ; and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest6. But with whom was he grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness11? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest ? but to them that believed not. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief1. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well ; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith : be not high minded, but fear. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not theek. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God1-. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work01, with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, in them that perish ; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness". He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him°. , Sect. 8. Of our being justified by faith in Christ. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth ; for Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doth those things, shall live by them. But the righteous ness which is of faith, speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? that is, to bring Christ down from above ; or, Who shall descend into the deep? that is, to bring Christ again from the dead. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart ; that is the word of faith * Heb. iii. 7—11. » Heb. iii. 17. » Heb. iii. 18, 19. k Rom. xi. 19,20,21. ' Heb. iii. 12. ¦ 2 Thess. ii. 7. " 2 Thess. ii. 10, 12. ° John, iii, 36. Chap. 1.] OF FAITH. 401 which we preach, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord. Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved; For with the heart man believeth unto righteous ness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salva tion". Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a school master1'. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight ; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets ; even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference0. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, whom God hath set forth to be a pro pitiation through faith in Ins blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then ? It is excluded. By what law ; of works? Nay, but by the law of faith d. .Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ'. Sect. 9. Of the efficacy of faith, qnd its influence on holiness. In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love". Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God b : whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world ; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of Godc? He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the § 8. » Rom. x. 4—10. •> Gal. iii. 24, 25. c Rom. iii. 20, 21,22. d Rom. iii. 24 — 27. e Rom. v. 1. §9. • Gal. v. 6. "Uohn, v. 1. « 1 John, v. 4, 5. VOL. I. D D 402 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. witness in himself1. We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord ; because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth e. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe'. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance ye became followers of us and of the Lord in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that you were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia : also, in every place, your faith to God-ward is spread abroad. For they themselves show of us, what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God ; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come6. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying, and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore reeeiyed Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him ; rooted and built up in him ; and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving11. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law'. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein11. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ; neverthe less I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me1. I count all things but loss for the- excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own d 1 John, v. 10. « 2 Thess. ii. 13. f 1 Thess. ii. 13. 1 1 Thess. i. 5—10. h Col. ii. 5, 6, 7. » Rom. iii. 31. k Rom. vi. 2. ' Gal. ii. 19, 20. Chap. 1.] OF FAITH. righteousness, which is of the law ; but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith ; that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable . unto his death01. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works ; these things are good and profitable unto men". What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works ? can faith save him ? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be you warmed and filled ; notwithstanding ye give them not those things that are needful to the body ; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works; is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works ; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God ; thou dost well; the devils also believe "and tremble. But wilt thou knowj O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham, our father, justified by works, when he had offered Isaac, his son, upon the altar ? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the scrip ture was fulfilled, which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called. the friend of God. Ye see then, how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. For, as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also". Therefore we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end. That ye be not sloth ful, but followers of them, who through faith and pa tience inherit the promises0. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, temperance ; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and * Phil. iii. 8, 9, 10. » Tit. iii. 8, " James, ii, 14—24,26,' rHeb.vi. 11,'IS. 404 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF. GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kind ness, charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ9-. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar 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 do these things ye shall never fall1. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold upon eternal life, whereunto thou art also called' ; putting on the breastplate Of faith and love,. and for an helmet the hope of salvation'. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong0, and let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not*. Sect. 10. Some examples of the power of faith in ancient times. * What shall I more say, for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak and of Sampson, of Jepthah, of David, also of Samuel and of the Prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again : and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might ob tain a better resurrection ; and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn i 2 Pet. i. 5—8. r 2 Pet. i. 9, 10. ¦ 1 Tim. vi. 12. * 1 Thess. v. 8. » 1 Cor. xvi. 13. x Gal. vi. 9. * " With respect to the special revelations that wore made to Gideon, Jepthah, and others, on sacred record, it is evident that their faith in these revelations is not to be confounded with that faith which justifies the ungodly. To them it was revealed that God would by their means deliver his people Israel from their oppressors. This they believed, they acted accordingly, and the purposes of Providence in these revelations were obtained. — Christians believe the record of God concerning his eternal Son; to them it is glad tidings of great joy; they cordially embrace and rejoice in Hope. The devils also believe and tremble ; for to them it contains nothing but what is dreadful." Chap. 1.] OF FAITH. 405 asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword ; they wandered about in sheep skins and goat skins, being des titute, afflicted, tormented ; (of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens, and caves of the earth: and these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect". Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. Now the just shall live by faith ; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in hirn. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them who believe to the saving of the soulb. Sect. 1 1 . This divine principle and its effects illus trated in the character of Abraham. What shall we say then, that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found"? For what saith the scripture ? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness b. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircum- cision also? For we say, That faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned ? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision also ? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteous ness of the faith which he had, being yet uncircumcised ; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that the righteousness might be imputed unto them also; and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had, being yet uncircumcised. For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law ; but through the righteousness of faith0. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace ; to the end the promise §10. » Heb. xi. 32—40. p Heb. x. 35, 38,39. § 11. * Rom. iv. 1. c Rom. iv. 3.. e Rom. iv. 9—13. 406 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN,. [Part 5. might be sure to all the seed ; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abra ham, who is the father of Os alld. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations ; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb ; he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God ; and being fully persuaded that what he bad pro mised he was able also to perform'. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac ; and he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten" son ; of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called ; accounting that God was able to raise hiin up even from the dead, from whence also he received him in a figure'. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him ; but for us also to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the deadg. Know ye therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which he of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham h. Ghrist hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us ; that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith1. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many ; but as of one; and to thy seed, which is Christ*. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added, because of transgres- u sions, till the seed should come, to whom the promise ¦> Rom. iv. 16. • Rom. iv. 18—21. ' Heb. xi. 17, 18, 19. i Rom.iv.Sl2, 93, 24. h Gal. iii. 7, 8, 9. ' Gal. iii. IS, 14. " Gal. iii. 16. Chap. L] OF FAITH. 407 was made1. Is the law then against the promises of God ? God forbid ; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin ; that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe01. Sect. 12. Faith in Christ Jesus lays the foundation of the most comfortable hope, and opens a joyful prospect to the people of God. And you that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he recon ciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy, and unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight; if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye have heard*.* Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith unto this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of Godb. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ' ; but we all beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed unto the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lordd: for we, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteous ness by faith8 : — as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his namef. We walk by faith, not by sight8. For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself". — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, » Gal. iii. 19. m Gal. iii. 21, 22. § 12. a Col. i. 21, 22, 23. D Rom. v. 1, 2. c 2 Cor. iv, 6. d 2 Cor. iii. 18, e Gal. v. 5. ' John, i. 12. * 2 Cor. v. 7. h Philip, iii. 20, 21. 408 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and un dented, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for yon who are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time: wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold tempta tions; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than that of gold that perishethr though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honour and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ; whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls1. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls*. He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life1. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto youm. Abide in me, and 1 in you ; as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches ; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing". In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink : he that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive : for the Holy Ghost was not given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified0.) I am the resurrection and the life: he that ielieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. * 1 Pet. i. S— 9. " Matt.,xi. 28, 29. ' John, v. 24. m John, xv. 7. » John, xv. 4, 5. ° John,vii.37,38,39. Chap. 1.] OF FAITH. 409 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never diep. Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind ; be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ0- Ye beloved, building up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life'. Sect. 13. The prayers of the Apostles in behalf of those that believed. To the saints, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus"; to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ; grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord\ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Ghristc ; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure4. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers ; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe0; that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power f; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth and length, and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that p John, xi. 25, 26. i 1 Pet. i. 18. r Jude, 20, 21. § 13. » Eph. i. 1. ° 2 Pet. i. 1, 2. c Eph. i. 3. " Eph. i. 9. c Eph. i. 15—19. f 2 Thess, i. 11. 410 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. ye might be filled with all the fulness of GodB. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting conso lation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work"1. And the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost1. CHAP. II. OF REPENTANCE. Sect. 1. All mankind, as guilty before God, are called to repentance. — 2. While the Lord challenges his people for their rebellious behaviour, he also invites them to return to him and live. — 3. To this "duty he incites them, by many great and precious promises. — 4. The preaching of John the Baptist to this purpose. — 5. To this effect also the instructions of our Redeemer. — 6. The beautiful and affecting views of repentance which he hath given in his parables. — 7. Genuine repentance is always attended with deep humility and contrition of spirit. — 8. Gracious pro mises are made to the humble and contrite in spirit, and peculiar benefits arise from godly sorrow. — 9- Real contrition illustrated by the examples of the woman that was a sinner, and of the humble publican. — 1 0. True penitence leads to confession of sin, and supplication for mercy. — 11. If our repentance be real, it will issue in reformation of heart and life. — 12. To this purpose are the solemn calls of Almighty God. — 13. To this effect also are the commandments of our Lord Jesus and his Apostles. — 14. The fatal consequence of disregarding these merciful calls to repentance and reformation. — 15. This disregard s Eph. iii. 17,18, 19. * 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. ' R»m. xv. 13. Chap.2.] OF REPENTANCE. 411 leads to final impenitence and judicial hardness of heart, and at last issues in utter ruin. — 16. The God of heaven is introduced as bewailing the impenitence of men, and waiting to be gracious unto all that repent. — 17. His tender mercy and gracious promises are powerful motives and encouragements to repent ance. — 18. It is by our Lord Jesus, that we are brought to true repentance, and receive the remission of sins. — 19. The Spirit of God urgeth this duty on slothful professors of religion. — 210. Repentance, in all its extent, illustrated by the humble confessions, supplications, and purposes of the servants of God. — 21. The joy and praises of the Saints, in their view of the pardoning mercy and grace of God. The effi cacy of repentance exemplified in the case of the children of Israel ; of Rehoboam, Ahab, and Ma- nasseh ; and of Josiah, the people of Nineveh, Ezra, and Nehehiiah. Sect. 1. All mankind, as guilty before God, are called to repentance. How should man be just with God ? If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand": for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God\ Who can say, I have my heart clean, I am pure from my sin c ? 'Repent ye therefore, and be con verted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord d. Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee '. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up; thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles f. Then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto GodB. § 1. » Job, ix. 2, 3. b Rom. iii. 23. c Prov. xx. 9. « Acts, iii. 19. e Job, xxii. 21. ' Job, xxii. 23. * Job, xxii. 26. 412 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. Sect. 2. While the Lord challenges his people for their rebellious behaviour, he also invites them to return to him and live. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth ; for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished, and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib ; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are corrupters, they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more ? Ye will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head, there is no soundness in it ; but wounds, and bruises, and putri- fying sores ; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment". Be instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate \ Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel : say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked ; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways ; for why will ye die, O house of Israelc? Go and proclaim these words towards the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord ; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you ; for I am merciful, saith the Lord ; and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God ; and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord d. Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings ; but they did not hearken unto me, saith the Lord e. O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God ; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and § 2. » Isa. i. 2—6. b Jer. vi. 8. c Ezek. xxxiii. 10, 11. d Jer. iii. 12, 13. • Zech. i. 4. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 413 turn to the Lord ; say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously ; so will we render the calves Of our lips f. Turn ye unto him, from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted g. Sect. 3. To this duty he incites them by many great and precious promises. Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to you. And. be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation ; for if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion ; for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him ". Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord ; for I am married unto you ; and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion b. Behold I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth ; they shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them ; I will cause them to walk by the rivers of water in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble c. Thus saith the Lord* God, Repent and turn yourselves from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations d ; that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgres sions ; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God e. Now therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider your ways f. O Israel thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help g. A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel ; for they have perverted . their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God. Return ye backsliding children, and f Hos. xiv. 1, 2. e Isa. xxxi. 6. § 3. * 2Chron.xxx.6,7,9. D Jer. iii. 14. c Jer. xxxi. 8, 9. i Ezek. xiv. 6. * Ezek. xiv. 11. ' Hag. i. 5. * Hos. xiii. 9. 414 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. I will heal your backslidings. Behold we come unto thee ; for thou art the Lord our God h. Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens *, and let us return unto the Lord ; for he hath torn, and he will heal us ; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up k. Sect. 4. The preaching of John the Baptist to this purpose. The word of God came unto John the son of Zar charias, in the wilderness ; and he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of re pentance for the remission of sins ". And saying, Repent ye ; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand b. Then said he unto the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance ; and begin not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father ; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise^up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the tree; every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire c. I indeed baptize you with water ; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose ; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Whose fan is in his hand, and will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable4. Sect. 5. To this effect also the instructions of our Redeemer. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdpm of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom h Jer. iii. 21, 22. ' Lam. iii. 40, 41. * Hos. vi. 1. § 4. - Luke, iii. 2, 3. b Matt. iii. 2. c Luke, iii. 7, 8, 9. d Luke, iii. 16, 17. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 415 of God is at hand ; repent ye, and believe the gospel a. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish b. The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it ; because they repented at the preaching of Jonas, and behold a greater than Jonas is here. The Queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it ; for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth, to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold a greater than Solomon is here c. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin ; but now they have no cloak for their sin d. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father6. And when he was come near he beheld- the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes f. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behpld your house is left unto you desolate g. Sect. 6*. The beautiful and off ecting views of repent ance which he hath given in his parables, exhibiting the mercy of God, and his readiness to receive the penitent. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them*. But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice; § 5. » Mark, i. 14, 15. b Luke, xiii. 3. c Matt. xii. 41, 42. A John, xv. 22. « John, xv. 24. ' Luke, xix. 41, 42. g Matt, xxiii. 37, 38. §6. * Luke, xv. 1, 2. 416 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance b. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing ; and when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that' likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no re pentance c *. And he said, A certain man had two sons ; and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that faileth to me ; and he divided unto them his living. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, theve arose a mighty famine in that land ; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country ; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat ; and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he saiid, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger d ? I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son ; make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck; and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to he called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth b Matt. ix. 12, 13. « Luke, xv. 3—7. d Luke, xv. 11—17. * See Luke, xv. 8, 9, 10. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 417 the best robe, and put it on him ; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the fatted. calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again ; he was lost, and is found c. Sect. 7. Genuine repentance is always attended with deep humility and contrition of spirit. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; but the proud he knoweth afar off". God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to Godb. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep ; let your laughter be turned to mourn ing, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up u. And the Lord shall give thee rest from thy sorrow and from thy fear d. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time0. For the Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit f. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth, and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him8. Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders, and all the inhabitants of the land, into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord h. Alas for the day ; for the day of the Lord is at hand. And as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come1. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. And rend your heart, and not your garments ; and turn unto the Lord your God ; for he is gracious, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil k. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and e Luke, xv. 18—24. § 7. * Psal. cxxxviii. 6. ¦> James, iv. 6, 7. c James, iv. 9, JO. d Isa, xiv. 3. e 1 Pet. v. 6. ' Psal. xxxiv. 18. s Psal. cxxvi..5, 6. >' Jo'el, i. 14. ' Joel, i. 15. k Joel, ii. 12, 13. VOL. J. E E 418 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS. OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach '. Sect. 8. Gracious promises are made to the humble and contrite in spirit, and peculiar benefits arise from godly sorrow. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to comfort them that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness". In that day, saith the Lord, I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications, and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his onlv son, and shall be in bitter- ness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jeru salem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart, and their wives apart \ They shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourn ing, every one for his iniquity0. There shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, /wherein ye have been defiled, and ye shall loath yourselves in your own sight, for all your evils that ye have committed. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake d. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place ; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth ; for the spirit should fail before me,, and the souls 1 Joel, ii. 17. . , % 8. » Isa. lxi. 1,2,3. b Zech. xii. 4,10,11,12.. c Ezek. vii. 16. d Ezek. xx. 43, 44. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 419 which I have made'. Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. All those things hath mine hand made. But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my wordf. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn ; for they shall be comforted8. Though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent ; for I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though it were but for a season : now I rejoice; not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance ; for ye were made sorry after a godly manner. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death11. For behold this self-same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea what fear, yea what vehement desire, yea what zeal, yea what revenge1? Sect. 9- Real contrition illustrated by the examples of the woman that was a sinner, and of the humble Publican. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed, them with the ointment. Now when the Pha risee who bad bidden him saw it, he spake within him self, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him ; for she is, a sinner. And Jesus answer ing, said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a « Isa. Ivii. 15, 16. f Isa. lxvi. 1, 2. * Matt. v. 3, 4. " 2 Cor. vii. 8—10. ' 2 Cor, vii. 8—11. 420 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part5. certain creditor, which had two debtors; the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered, and said, I suppose he to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged". Wherefore, I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven ; for, {or therefore) she loved much". And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray ; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus With himself, God, I thank thee, that. I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tythes of all that I possess. And the Pub lican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other ; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted0. Sect. 10. True penitence leads to confession of sins, and supplications for mercy. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin, to do a trespass against the Lord, then they shall confess their sin which they have done". If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespasses which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me ; if their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity; then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham willl remember0. § 9. * Luke, vii. 36—43. b Luke, vii. 47. c Luke, xviii. 9—14. § 10 .a'TSTumb. v. 5, 6, 7. , b Lev. xxvi. 40, 41, 42, Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 421, He that covereth bis sins shall- not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, shall have mercy c. If we say that we haie no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the .truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness d. He looketh upon men; and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; he will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light6. We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers ; for we have sinned against thee,f. We have sinned with our fathers ; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly g. We lie down in our shamej and our confusion covereth us; for, we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice, of the Lord our God'1. O remember not against us former iniquities ; let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us ; for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name ; and deliver us and purge away our sin". Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger towards us to ceasek. Show us thy mercy, O Lord,, and grant us thy salvation '. Sect. 11. If our repentance be real, it zvill issue in reformation of heart and life. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath a. Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is under standing5. Behold God is mighty, and despiseth, not any; he witfidraweth not his eyes from the righteous0. And if they be bound -in fetters and holden in cords of affliction, then he showeth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded ; he openeth also ' Prov. xxviii. 13. * 1 John, i. 8, 9. e Job, xxxiii. 27, 28. f Jer. xiv. 20. ' * Psal. cvi. 6. ' h Jer. iii. 25. ' Psal. lxxix. 8; 9. k Psal. Ixxxv. 4. ' Psal. lxxxV. 7. § 1 1. * Prov. xv. 24. u Job, xxviii.' 28. c Job, xxxvi. 5, 7. « 422 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity d. Surely it is meeLto be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I wiflfnot offend any more. That which I see not, teach thou me : if I have done iniquity, I will do no more". If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands towards him ; if iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea thou shalt be steadfast and shalt not fearf. ¦ Come ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach .you the fear of the Loijd : what man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile, Depart from evil, and do good ; seek peace, and pursue it8. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him ; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon \ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you : cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded1, Wherefore break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor \ Turn thou to thy God ; keep mercy, and judgment ; and wait on thy God continually1. Sect. 12, To this purpose are the solemn calls of Almighty God. O house of Israel, saith the Lord, Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hands, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; if that nation against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them". O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou d Job, xxxvi. 8— 10. « Job, xxxiv. 31, 32. f Job, xi. IS, 14, 15. s Psal. xxxiv. 11—14. ¦' Isa. Iv. 7. ' James, iv. 8. k Dan. iv. 27. ' Hos. xii. 6. §12> Jer. xviii. 6,7,8. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 423 mayest be saved ; how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee b? Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sin. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righte ousness, and forsook not the ordinances of their God; they ask of me the ordinances of justice ; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not ? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?, Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exact all your labours; behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness. Is it such a fast as I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him ? wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose1 the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed gO free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast Out, to thy house? When thou seest £he naked, that thou cOver him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily c. If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only, he will deliver youd. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings. Trust" ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of tile Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple Of the Lord are these. For if ye thoroughly amend your ways 'and yGur doings ; if ye thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour ; if ye oppress not the stranger, the father less and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt; •> Jer. iv. 14. c Isa, lviii. 1 — 8. a 1 Sam. vii. 3. 424 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. . then jvilll cause ypu to dwell in tins; place; in the land: that I gave to your fathers for ever and ever". If ye, transgress, I will scatter' you abroad among the nations. But if ye turn unto toe, and keep my commandments, ; and do them; though there were of you cast out unto, the uttermost parts of heaven, yet will I gather them. from thence,, and will bring them into the place that I have chosen to set my name there/. Wash ye, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do; evil, learn to do well, seek judg-: ment, relieve the oppressed, judge1 the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now and, let us reason together,: saith the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they, shall be as white as snow ; though they be red like . crimson, they shall be as wool. : If ye be willing and. obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land ; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured by the sword ; for. the mouth of the -Lord, hath spoken itg. But if the wicked,, will turn from all his sins that he hath com mitted, and keep all my statutes, and do that; which, is lawful and right; he, shall surely live, he shall not. die. All his transgressions, that he hath committed, they shall not be - mentioned unto him ; in his righte-; ousness that he. hath done, he shall live11. Therefore will I judge you, O house of Israel, every one ac cording to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent and turn yourselves ; from all your transgressions ; so v iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed ; and make you a new heart, and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house. of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith. the Lord God ; wherefore turn yourselves and live ye1. When I say. unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die ; ; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die". " Jer. vii. 3 — 7.k- ! Neh. i. 8, 9. g Isa. i. 16 — 20. ' 11 Ezek. xviii. 21, 22. s Ezek. xviii.30,31, 32. k Ezek. xxxiii. 14,15. , \ -. Chap. 2.] Hy ¦ ¦ OF REPENTANCE. , 425. Sect. 13. To this effect *also are the commandments . ¦ of our Lord Jesus, arid his Apostles. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good ; or. else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit a. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ? even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit b. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall, know them0. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things ? for out of the abundance, of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good, things ; and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things d. Wherefore, if thy hand ¦• or foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from' thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or, maimed,, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter, into life, with one eye, rather than having two eyes -to- be. cast into hell-fire e. Ye know after what manner I have been with youf, and, how, I' kept back nothing that was profitable, unto you, but have showed you, and taught you publicly,, and from house to house ; testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward , our Lord Jesus Christ g ; showing that they should repent, and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance h. The times of 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 given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead1. The Lord is not slack, concerning' his promise, (as some men count slackness,) but is long-suffering to us-ward, not § 13. - Matt. xii. 33. b- Matt. vii. 16, '17. c Matt. vii. 20. , <• Matt. xii. 34, 35. e Matt, xviii. 8,(9. f Acts, xx. 18. , s Acts, xx. 20, 21. h Acts, xxvi. 20. ' Acts, xvii. 30,31. 426 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance k. The earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for the use of them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God ; but that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing ; whose end is to be burned1. What fruit had ye then in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now, being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life"1; that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord". As it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall 'turn away ungodliness from Jacob". Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affec tion, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry ; for which things' sake the wrath of God' cometh upon the Children of disobedience ; in the which you also walked some time, when ye lived in them. ' But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, ! filthy communication Out of your mouth p. Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind ; arid put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness*; For the time past of our life may suffice to have, wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, arid abominable idolatries'. If a man purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honour, Sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work'3. For1 the grace of God that bringetfi salvation, hath appeared unto all men^: teach ing us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we k 2 Pet. iii. 9. ' Heb. vi. 7, 8. m Rora. vi. 21, 22. " Rom. v. 21. • Rom. xi. 26. p Col. iii. 5—8. ' Eph. iv. 22, 23,24. ' 1 Pet. iv. 3. • 2 Tim, ii. 21. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 427 should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world ; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious . appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works'. For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls™. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light". For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as the children of light; arid have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove themy. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise fronv the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circum spectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the titoe, because the days are evilz. Exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sina: looking diligently lest any man fail Of the grace of God ; lest any root of bitter ness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birth right6. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to them selves the Son of God afresh^ and put him to an open shame0 #. * Tit. ii. 11—14. » 1 Pet. ii. 25. x Rom. xiii. 12. y Eph. v. 8, 11. * Eph. v. 14, 15, 16. a Heb. iii. 13. b Heb. xii. 15, 16. ° Heb. vi. 4, 5, 6. * " See more on this important article of turning from sin to holiness, by consulting the sixth chapter of this Part, " Of obedience." And Part VII, Article I. chap. iii. " Of purity and holiness in heart and life."' 428 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. ¦ [Part 5. Sect. 14. The fatal consequences of disregarding these merciful calls to repentance and' reformation. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh ;, for. if they escaped not, who refused him that spake on earth, niuch more, shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven a. If the word . spoken by . angels was steadfast, and every transgression and ¦ disobedience received; a just recompense, of reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation b ? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. . It is a fearful thing .to fall into the hands of the living God*. And thinkest thou, O man, that, thou shalt escape the judgment of God? or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and 'long-suffering ;• not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance d? But after .thy hard^ ness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God ; who will render unto every man according to his deeds \ Unto them that are con tentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighte ousness ; indignation and wrath ; tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil f. Sect. 1.5. ' This disregard leads to final impenitence, and judicial . hardness of heart ; and issues at last in utter ruin. In that day did the Lord God of hosts call to weeping, and to, mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth; and behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine. And it was revealed in mine ears by the Lord of hosts, ' surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you, till ye die, saith the Lord of hosts . Thus, saith the Lord, Shall they fair and not arise? Shall he turn away and; not return? . Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden § 14. » Heb. xii. 25. b Heb. ii. 2, 3. c Heh. x. 30, 3 1.. ,' d Rom. ii. 3, 4. e Rom. ii. 5, (5. f Rom. ii. 8, 9. § 15. a Isa. xxii. 12, 13, 11. Chap. 2.] ' ; OF REPENTANCE. 429 back by a perpetual' backsliding ? • They hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. , I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright ; no man repented him of his wickedr ness, saying, What have 1 done ? Every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle \ How do ye say,, We are wise ; and the law of the' Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribe. is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken ; lo they have rejected the word of the Lord, arid what wisdom is in them c ? O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the, truth? Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved ; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to , receive correction ; they have made their faces harder than a rock, they have refused to return. • These, I said, surely these are poor, they are foolish; for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the Lord, and the judgment of their God ; but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds d. How shall I pardon thee for this ? Shall I not visit for these things ? saith the Lord ; and shall not mv • O " ? ml soul be avenged on such a nation as this'? This people hath. a revolting and rebellious heart; they are revolted and gonef ; neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear;the Lord our God that giveth rain, both the former and the latter in his , season ; he reserveth unto us .the appointed weeks of. the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withho'lden good' things from you5. And now because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early, and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore I will cast you out of my sight. Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for . them, neither make intercession to me ; for I will not hear thee\ . And. he said, Go and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but » Jer. viii. 4, 5, 6. ' ' c Jer. viii. 8, 9. d Jer. v. 3, 4, 5.' e Jer. v. 7, 9. f Jer. v. 23. . s Jer. v.; 24, 25. * Jer. vii. 13—16. .... 430 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes ; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed1.. They loved to wander; they have not refrained their feet; therefore the Lord doth not accept of them ; he will now remember their iniquities, and visit their sins. Then said the Lord unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry ; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them ; but I will consume themk. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear ; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord, of hosts1. Because I have called, and ye refused ; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh ; when your fear cometh as deso lation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind ; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me ; for , that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would none of my counsel ; they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their way, and be filled with their own devices m. Sect. 16*. The God of heaven is introduced as be wailing the impenitence of men, and waiting to be gracious to all that repent. When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria. They consider not in their hearts, that I remember all their wickedness ; now their own doings have beset them about, they are before my face*. O Ephraim, what, shall I dp unto thee ? 0 Judah, what shall I do unto « Isa. vi. 9, 10. k Jer. xiv. 10, 11, 12. ' Zech. vii. 13. mProv. i. 24 — 31. § 16. a Hos, vii. 1, 2. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 431 thee ? for your goodness is as a morning cloud ; and as the early dew it goeth away\ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim ? How shall I deliver thee, Israel ? How shall I make thee as Admah ? How shall I, set thee as Zeboim ? Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together'. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus, Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke ; turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after I was turned, I repented ; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh ; I was ashamed, yea even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Is Ephraim. my dear son? Is he a pleasant child ? for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still;, therefore my bowels are troubled for him ; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lordd. Sect. 17. His tender mercies and gracious promises are powerful motives and encouragements to, re pentance. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not; they are new every morning a. The Lord is very pitiful and pf tender mercy b. He is the Lord, the Lord God merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sinc. The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion ; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works'1. He hath not dealt with us after bur sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities". Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him ; for he knoweth our frame, he remem- bereth that we are dustf ; he forgetteth' not the cry of the humble5. If thou seek him with all thy heart, and with b Hos. vi. 4. c Hos, xi. 8. * Jer. xxxi. 18,19,20. § 17. * Lam. iii. 22, 23. b James, v. 11. c Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7. d Psal. cxlv. 8, 9. * Psal. ciii. 10. f Psal. ciii. 13, 14. g Psal. ix. 12. 432 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MANr. [PaTt 5. all thy soiil; if thou turn to the Lord thy God,' and be obedient to his voice; the Lord thy God is a merciful God, he will not forsake theeh. Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon youi For the Lord is a God of judgment; blessed are all they that wait for him1. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the holy One of Israel k, I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy trans gressions for mine own sake, and will riot -remember thy sins1 ; return unto me, for I have redeemed thee"1. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from allyour filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also .will I give you, and a new spirit will Iput within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and do them". In that day there shall' be a fountain Opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin, and for uncleanness0. • And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity whereby they have" sinned against mep. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the, Lord ; and they shall be my people, arid I will be their God ; for they shall return unto, me with their whole heart'. I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord, and I will heal himr. I will heal their back sliding, I will love them freely ; for mine anger is turned away'. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will re member their sin no more'. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall jsay, ; Here I am ". And it shall , come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear*. h Deut.iv.29,30,31. ' Isa. xxx. 18. v Isa. xliii. 14. ' Isa. xliii. 25. m Isa. xliv. 22. " Ezek. xxxvi. 25,26,27.- ¦' ° Zech. xiii. 1. f Jer. xxxiii. 8. i Jer. xxiv. 7. ' Isa. lvii. 19. s Hos. xiv. 4. ' Jer. xxxi. 34. " Isa. lviii. 9. - Isa. Ixv. 24. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 433 Sect. 18. It is by our Lord Jesus that we are brought to true repentance, and receive the re mission of sins. It behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day ; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem". Beit known unto you there fore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins ; and by him all that believe, are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Jaw of Moses b. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a prince and a saviour; for to give repentance unto Israel and forgiveness of sins0. Therefore let all the house of Israel know as suredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when the people heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do ? Then Peter said unto" them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins ; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghostd. . All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to him self by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation ; to wit, that God was in Christ recon ciling the world unto himself, not imputing their tres passes unto them ; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ; as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God e. We then as workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee ; behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation f. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying § 18. » Lulce, xxiv. 46, 47. b Acts, xiii. 38, 39. c Acts, v. 31. d Acts, ii. 36, 37, 38. « 2 Cor. v. 18, 19, 20. ' 2 CorJ vi. 1, 2.' VOL. I. F F 434 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. of the flesh ; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works, to serve the living GodE? Wherefore, he is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God- by him ; seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for themh. My little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ; and he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world1. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins; according to the riches of his gracek. It pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell ; and having made peace, through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile allothings to himself. And you that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable, "and unreprovable in his sight1. You being dead in your. sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all your trespasses"1. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us"? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter cession for us0. Sect. 19. The Spirit of God urgeth this duty on slothful professors of religion. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write these things: I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evila. Nevertheless I have somewhat, against thee; be- * Heb. ix. 13, 14. * Heb. vii. 25. • 1 John, ii. 1, 2. , " Eph. i. 7. ' Col. i. 19—22. ¦» Col. ii. 13. n Rom. viii. 31. ° Rom. viji. 33, 34. §19." Rev. ii, 1, 2. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 435 cause thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works ; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repentb. And unto the angel of the church in Sardis, write these things, I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thoujivest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that are ready to die ; for I have not found thy work perfect before. God. Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold. fast, and repent c. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans, write, These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God ; I know thy works d. Thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable and poor, and blind -and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich ; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear ; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love,T rebuke arid chasten ; be zealous there fore and repent6. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches'. Sect. 20. Repentance in all its extent illustrated by the confessions, supplications, and purposes of the servants of God. Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord, in the presence -of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands towards heaven ; and he said, Lord God of Israel a, have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry, and to the prayer which thy ser vant prayeth before thee to-day b. And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel ; and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place; and when i b Rev. ii. 4, 5. c Rev. iii. 1, 2, 3. a Rev. iii. 14, 15, e Rev. iii. 17, 18, 19. f Rev. iii. 22. $20. a 1 Kings, viii. 22, 23. b 1 Kings, viii. 28. 436 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. thou nearest, forgive0. What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy' people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart; • then hear thou in heaven, and forgive, and dod. If they , sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not) and thou be angry with them, and deliver thern' to the enemy ; yet if they shall bethink themselves, and repent, and make supplication unto thee, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wicked ness, and so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, and pray unto thee ; then hear thou their prayer, and their supplication, and maintain their cause ; and forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have trans gressed against theee. I Daniel set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, we have sinned and committed iniquity, and have done wickedlv, and have rebelled even by departing from thy precepts, and from thy judments ; neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee ; but unto us confusion of faces, because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him ; neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us, by his servants the prophets s. O Lord, according to thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away. O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine. O my God, incline thine ear, and. hear; open thine eyes, and behold ; for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righ teousnesses, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear ; e 1 Kings, viii 30. ' 1 Kings, viii. 38,39. * lKings,viii..46 — 50. I Dan. ix. 2—5. * Dan. ix. 6—10. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 437 O Lord, forgive ; O Lord, hearken, and do ; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God\ O my God, I am ashamed, and blush to lift up my face unto thee, my God; for our iniquity is increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heaven1. Thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly k. For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us ; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities we know them1. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away; Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever m. O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake ; for our backslidings are many, we have sinned against thee. Do not abhor us for thy name's sake". The joy of our heart is ceased, our dance is turned into mourning. The crown is fallen from our head; wo unto us that we have sinned. For this our heart is faint, for these things our eyes are dim0. Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water ; mine eye trickleth down and ceaseth not, without intermission ; till the Lord look down and behold from heaven ?. Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned q. O Lord our God, other lords besides thee have had dominion over us ; but by thee only will we make mention of thy name '. Give ear unto my words, O Lord ; hearken unto the voice of my cry, my king, and my God ; for unto thee will I pray '. For thou art not a God that hath plea^ sure in wickedness; neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight ; thou hatest all workers of iniquity ''. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak ; I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear ;. but now mine eye seeth thee ; wherefore I abhor myself, i> Dan. ix. 16—19. '¦ Ezra, ix. 6. * Neh. ix. 33. 1 Isa. lix. 12. m Isa. lxiv. 6, 9. » Jer. xiv. 7, 21. 0 Lam. v. 15, 16, 17. » Lain. iii. 48, 49, 50. n Lam. v. 21. r Isa. xxvi. 13. s Psal. v. 1, 2. ' Psalm v. 4, 5. 438 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. and repent in dust and ashes u. Behold I am vile ; what shall I answer unto thee? I will lay mine hand on my mouth. Once have I spoken, but I will not answer; yea twice, but I will proceed no further". I have sinned ; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men T? If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me : if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse". If I covered my transgression as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom"; shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heartb. How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression, and my sin c. 1 said, Hear me ; for I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sind. O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath ; neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure : for thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no sound ness in my flesh, because of thine anger ; neither is there any rest in my bones, because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over my head ; as an heavy burden, they are too heavy for me". I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. I have roared, by reason of the disquietness of my heartf. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing ; my strength faileth because of mine ini quity, and my bones are consumed s- I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears h. Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hid from thee1. Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord : for innumerable evils have compassed me about; mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up ; they are more than the hairs of u Job, xlii. 4, 5, 6. * Job, xl. 4, 5. r Job, vii. 20. z Job, ix. 20. = Job, xxxi. 33. b Psalm xliv. 21. c Job, xiii. 23. i Ps.'xxxviii. 16 — 18. e Psal. xxxviii. 1 — 4. ' Psalm xxxviii. 6, 8. g Psalm xxxi. 9, 10. b Psalm vi. 6. 1 Psalm xxxviii. 9. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 439 mine head, therefore my heart faileth me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me ; O Lord, make haste to help mek. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy loving-kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Re member not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to thy mercy remember thou me, for thy goodness sake, O Lord. For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity ; for it is great. Look upon mine affliction, and my pain, and forgive all my sins '. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kind ness ; according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine ^iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I ac knowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; .that thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother con ceive mem. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow n. Hide thy face from my sins ; and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; arid uphold me with thy free Spirit". For thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt-offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit ; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise p. O God, thou knowest my foolishness ; and my sins are not hid from theeq. But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time. O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Hear me, O Lord, for thy. loving-kindness is good ; turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies'. I have gone astray like a lost sheep ; seek thy servant8. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the kPs. xl. 11, 12, 13. IPs. xxv. 6, 7, 11, 18. => Psalm li. 1—5. 11 Psalm li. 7. " Psalm li. 9—12. i> Psalm li. 16, 17. 0 Psalm lxix. 5. r Psalm lxix. 13, 16, s Psalm cxix. 176. 440, GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. workers of iniquity '. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; . keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity u. Depart from me, ye evil doers ; for I will keep the commandments of my God*. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes ! Then shall I not be ashamed, when 1 have respect unto all thy com mandments7. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly2! Lord be merciful to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against theea. Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning ; for in thee do I trust. Cause nie( to know the way wherein I should walkv for I lift up my soul unto theeb. I entreated thy favour with my whole heart; be merciful unto me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments0. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep thy wordd. But who can understand his errors ? Cleanse thou me from secret faults; keep back thy servant also from presump tuous sins ; let them not have dominion over me. Then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression0. Search me, O God, and know my., heart ; try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me ; and lead me in the way everlasting f. Thou hast delivered my soul from death; Wilt thou not deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living8? Sect. 21. The joy arid praises of the Saints in their view of the pardoning mercy and grace of God. O God of Abraham, and God of Isaac, I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy .servant". If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall; stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou ' Psalm xxviii. 3. » Psalm cxli. 3, 4. * Psalm cxix. 115. y Psalm cxix. 5, 6. * Psalm cxix. 8. » Psalm xii. 4. b Psalm cxliii. 8. c Ps. cxix. 58, 59, 60. * Psalm cxix. 101 . ' Psalm xix. 12, 13. f Psal. cxxxix. 23, 24. g Psalm lvi. 13. §21. a Gen. xxxii. 9, 10. Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 441 mayest be feared b: with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption0. Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them awayd. Blessed is he whose transgression is for given, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile °. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But verily, God hath heard me ; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God which hath .not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me'. O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst meE. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by. the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He re- taineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again ; he will have compassion on us ; he will subdue our iniquities ; and thou wilt cast all their sins irito'the depths of the seah. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name, and forget not. all his benefits. — Who for- giveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving- kindness and tender mercies1. I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy- salvation k. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son ; much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement '. § The efficacy of repentance exemplified in the case of the children of Israel, of Rehoboam, Ahab, and Manasseh ; and of Josiah, the people of Nineveh, Ezra, and Nehemiah. " There are many facts recorded in holy writ, which tend to illustrate this subject, by showing the necessity * Psalm cxxx. 3, 4. c Psalm cxxx. 7. d Psalm lxv. 3, e Psalm xxxii. 1, 2. ' Ps. lxvi. 18, 19, 20. s Isa. xii. 1. h Micah, vii. 18, 19. ' Psal. ciii. 1, 2, 3,4. k Psal. xiii. 5. ' ' Rom. v. 10, 11. 442 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part, 5. and efficacy of repentance, in suspending or averting divine judgments, and procuring peculiar blessings from God." " Even after the greatest degeneracy of Israel, their repentance was graciously accepted." For a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. ~ But when they in their trouble. did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them a. Many times did he deliver them ; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Never theless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their * cry : and he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his merciesb. Rehoboam forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him c. Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoc- boam, and to the princes of Judah, and 'said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken me, and there fore have I also left you in the hands of Shishak. Whereupon the princes. of Israel, and the king, humbled themselves ; and they said, The Lord is righteous. And when the Lord saw that they humbled' themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves ; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance*. There was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord. " But when Elijah the prophet had denounced the judgments, which God was to send on him and his posterity," it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? Because he humbleth #himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days". § a 2 Chron. xv 3, 4. b Psal. cvi: 43—45. ° % Chrou. xii. 1. d 2 Chron. xii, 5—7. e 1 Kings, xxi. 25, 27—29- Chap. 2.] OF REPENTANCE. 443 . Manasseh wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger; and made Judah* and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to err, and to do worse than the heathen. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people ; but they would not hearken. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him; and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom f. " In the reign of good Josiah, when the book of the law of the Lord was found, and read before him," he rent his clothes, and commanded, saying, Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found ; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to. do after all that is written in this book. And they went to Huldah the prophetess, and they spake to her to that effect. And she answered them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, thus saith the Lord, Behold I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah ; because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger. And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith th*e Lord God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard, Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and hum- bledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me ; I have even heard thee also, saith the ' 2 Chron, xxxiii. 6, 9—13. 444 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. . [Part 5. Lord. Behold I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace; neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon, the inhabitants of the same s. Jonah arose and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord ; and began to enter into the city a day's journey. And he cried,, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed' a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even unto the least of them. For word came unto the king of Ni neveh ; and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and pub lished through Nineveh, by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing ; let them not feed, nor drink water. But let man and beast be Covered with sackcloth,' and cry mightily unto God ; yea let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way ; and God repented of the evil that he had said that he would do unto them, and he did it not11. " We shall conclude this chapter with observing; that the most eminent patriots and reformers in Israel begun, and carried on their work by solemn acts of repentance, fasting, confessing, weeping, arid making _ supplication. Thus Ezra tells us," I proclaimed a fast at the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way. So we fasted, and besought our God for this ; and he was entreated of us1. " In like manner, when he separated the people from the strange wives they had married," he prayed, and con fessed, weeping, and casting himself down before the house of God\ s 2 Chr. xxxiv. 19—28. >' Jonah, iii. 3-10. > Ezra, viii. 21, 23. k Ezra, x. 1. Chap. 3] OF THE FEAR OF GOD. 445 Nehemiah entered upon his arduous undetaking with the same preparation." He sat down, and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven1. " And his purpose was crowned with success." CHAP. III. OF THE FEAR OF GOD. Sect. 1. AU nature represented as fearing before God. — 2. Of the dread that ought to possess his enemies. — 3. He is the only proper object of reverence and fear. — -4. The vision of St. John to this purpose. — 5. Of that fear which restrains from offending God, that renders us watchful, and disposes to every thing that is well pleasing in his sight. — 6. The fear of God takes its rise, from a due sense of his glorious per fections, and supreme dominion. — 7. The happiness 'of those who truly fear God. — 8. That they who truly fear God have nothing else to fear. — 9- The sure confidence of all that fear him.- — 10. Holy fear ex pressed in the praises and prayers of the Saints.— 1 1. The doxology of the redeemed. Sect. 1. All nature represented as fearing before God. The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble; he sitteth between the cherubims, let the earth be moved3. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth ; he toucheth the hills, and they smoke b. The pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at his reproof.0. Clouds and darkness are round about himd. His lightnings enlightened the world ; the earth saw and trembled. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth6. The sea saw it, and fled ; Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped 1 Neh. i. 4. § 1. a Psal. xcix. 1. b Psal. civ. 32. c Job, xxvi. 11. d Psal. xcvii. 2. ' Psal. xcvii. 4, 5. 446 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. like rams, and the little hills like lambs. What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fledest ? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back ? ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams ? and ye little hills, like lambs ? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence-of the God of Jacob, who turneth the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters'. The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid s- When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice : rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble11. Dominion and fear are with him1. He is in one, mind, and who can turn himk. Therefore am I troubled at his presence ; when I consider, I am afraid of him1. Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon youm? Sect. 2. Of the dread that ought to possess his enemies. The* transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before bis eyes3. Therefore they say untoGod, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him ? And what profit should'we have if we pray unto him b? • Let all the earth fear the Lord ; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him0. Say unto God,. How terrible art thou in thy works ! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee d. The mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled : but the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness0. Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his Majestyf. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that -is proud and lofty, and upon every 1 Psal. cxiv. 3—8. s Isa. xii'. 5, h Hab. iii. 16. 1 Job, xxv. 2. Il Job, xxiii. 13. ' Job, xxiii. 15. m Job, xiii. 11. § 2. a Psal. xxxvi.' 1. b Job, xxi. 14, 15. c Psal. xxxiii. 8. a Psal. lxvi. 3. eIsa. ,. 15, 16. f Isa. ii. 10. Chap. 3.] OF THE FEAR OF GOD. 447 one that is lifted up, and he shall be brought lowg. The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughti ness of man shall be made low ; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day\ And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his Majesty when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth1. He shall cut off the spirit of princes; he is terrible to the kings of the earth \ The nations shall see, and be confounded at all their might; they shall lay their hands upon their mouths, their ears shall be deaf. They shall lick the dust like a serpent ; they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth ; they shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and shall fear because of thee1. For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven ; and all the proud, yea and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble, saith the Lord of hosts™. The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrite ; Who among us shall dwell with the devouring. fire ? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burn ings" ? Be wise now therefore, O ye kings ; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be-angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled •but a little0. For he will repay fury to his adversaries, and recompense to his enemies. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sunp. , And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God ; for they shall wisely consider of his doing'. Sect. 3. The Most High is the only proper object of reverence and fear. A son honoureth bis father, and a servant his master ; if then I be a father, where is mine honour ? and if I be a master, where is my fear ? saith the. Lord of hosts ". « Isa. ii. 12. b Isa. ii. 17. ! Isa. ii. 19. k Psal. lxxvi. 12. ' Micah, vii. 16, 17. mMal. iv. 1. n Isa. xxxiii. 14. " Psal. ii. 10, 11, 12. i> Isa. lix. 18, 19. i Psal. lxiv. 9. §.3. a Mai. i. 6. 448 , GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. Be still, and know that I am God ; I will be exalted among the heathen; I will be exalted in the earth b. For I am God, and there is none else ; unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear0. For from the rising of the' sun, even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be offered, and a pure offering ; for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts'1. But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart ; they are revolted and gone ; neither say they in their heart, ,Let us now fear the Lord' our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter rain in his season". Mine eyes are upon all their ways ; they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyesf. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her placeg ; and I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity ; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible11; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord1. Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee : know therefore and see, that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee^ saith the Lord God of hosts k. Hear now this, O foolish people and without understanding, which have eyes and see not ; which have ears, and hear not ; fear ye not me? saith the Lord. Will ye not tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree that it cannot pass it; and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail ; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it1? Sept. 4. The vision of St. John to this purpose. And I beheld, and lo the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together ; and every mountain and b Psal. xlvi. 10. c Isa. xiv. 22, 23. * Mai. i. 11. e Jer. v. 23, 24. f Jer. xvi. 17. t Isa. xiii. 13. h Isa. xiii. 11. ' Prov. i. 29. k Jer. ii. 19. I Jer. v. 21, 22. Chap. 3.] OF THE FEAR OF GOD. 449 island were moved out of their places ; and the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bond man, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens, and in the rocks of the mountains ; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb ; for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand"? Sect. 5. Of that fear which restrains from offending God ; that renders us watchful, and disposes to every thing that is well pleasing in his sight. Where shall wisdom be found ? and where is the place of understanding"? God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof \ When he made a, decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder ; then did he see it, and declare it, he prepared it, yea and searched it out. And unto man he said, Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding0. And now, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy sould. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked ; for the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, who regardeth not persons nor taketh reward0. Fear this glorious and fearful name, the lord thy GODf. Him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship; and to him shall ye do sacrifice8; and. ye shall not fear other gods ; but the Lord your God ye shall fear, and he shall deliver you\ Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name; he is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee great §4. a Rev. vi. 12, 14— 17. §5. "Job, xxviii. 12. " Job, xxviii. 23. c Job, xxviii. 26,27,28. 1 Sam. xii. 24. m Psal. cxi. 9. « Psal. cxi. 10. ° Numb. xv. 30. P Prov. xvi. 6. i Prov. xiv. 2. r Prov. xiv. 16. 8 Prov. xiv. 26, 27. « Prov. xv. 33. " Prov. iii. 7. * Eccles. xii. 13, 14. J 2 Cor. vii. 1. « Acts, ix. 31. * Eph. v. 15. "> Matth. xxvi. 41. c 1 Pet. v. 8. fl Rom. xii. 9. e 8 John, 8. Chap. 3.] OF THE FEAR OF GbD. 451 Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of itf; lest any man fail of the grace of God ; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled8. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall h. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkentiess, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Watch ye there fore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted Worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man1. I therefore so fun, not as uncertainly ; so fight I, not as one who beateth the air : but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection ; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be cast away \ Be not high minded, but fear1. Sect. 6. The fear of God taketh its rise from a due sense of his glorious perfections, and supreme dominion.The Lord is great in Zion, and he is high above all people3. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people b. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised ; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols ; but the Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him ; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary c. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; bring. an offering and come into his courts. 0 worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness ; fear before him all the earth d. For who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty Can be likened unto the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him °. Vow and pay unto i f Heb. iv. 1. « Heb. xii. 15.- h 1 Cor. x. 12. • Luke, xxi. 34, 36. k 1 Cor. ix. 26, 27. ' Rom. xi. 20. § 6. '" Psal. xcix. 2. b Psal. xcvi. 3. c Psal. xcvi. 4, 5, 6'. . a Psal. xcvi. 8, 9. e Psal. lxxxix. 6, 7. 452 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF. GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. the Lord your God; let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared f. Ye that fear the Lord, praise him ; all ye seed of Jacob, glorify him ; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel g. I will pay my vows before them that fear him h ; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the Lord's; and he is the governor among the nations1. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear \ For every one of us shall give account of himself to God '. He shall judge the world with righteousness m. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thpu only art holy"? The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens ; and his kingdom ruleth over all °. in Sect. 7. The happiness of those who truly fear God. Come, ye children, hearken unto me ; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good ? Keep thy tongue from evil, arid thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good ; seek peace and pursue it \ What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he will show them his covenant b. Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him ; upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine c. O fear the Lord, ye his saints ; for there is no want to them that fear him d. Stand in awe and sin not; commune with your heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness; and put your trust in the Lorde. He • fPsalmlxxvi.ll. s Psalm xxii. 23. h Psalm xxii. 25. ' Psalm xxii. 27, 28. k 1 Pet. i. 17. » Rom. xiv. 12. ¦» Psalm xcvi. 13. " Rev. xv. 4. « Psalm ciii. 19. § 7. a Ps. xxxiv. 11— 14. b Psal. xxv. 12 — 14. c Psal. xxxiii. 18, 19. d Psalm xxxiv. 9. e Psalm iv. 4, 5. Chap. 3.] OF THE FEAR OF GOD. 453 will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their cry, and will save them f. Who is among vou that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of "is servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord,' and stay upon his Gods- For as the heaven is high above the earth ; so- great is his mercy toward them that fear him \ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitiqth them that fear him1. For the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, upon them that fear him ; and his righteousness unto their children's children k. <. O Israel, trust thou in the Lord 1 ; ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord. He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great m. Happy is the man that feareth alway ; but he that hardeneth .his heart shall fall into mischief11. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honour, and life °. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding; for by me thy days shall be mul tiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased p. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him ; but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow ; because he feareth not before God11. The fear of the Lord tendeth to life, and he that hath it shall abide satisfied ; he shall not be visited with evil r. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed ; but he that feareth the command ment, shall be rewarded3. Be thou in the fear of the Lprd all the day long ; for surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off'. Trusty in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths u. f Psalm cxlv. 19. g Isa. 1. 10. h Psalm ciii. 11. 1 Psalm ciii. 13. k Psalm ciii. 17. ' Psalm cxv. 9. m Psalm cxv. 11, 13. " Prov. xxviii. 14. ° Prov. xxii. 4. p Prov. ix. 10, 11. « Eccles. viii. 12, 13. r Prov. xix: 23. - Prov. xiii. 13. ' Prov. xxiii. 17, 18. " Prov. iii. 5, 6. 454 Gracious proposals of god to man. [Parts. Sect. 8. That they who truly fear God have nothing else to fear \ The word of the Lord came unto Abraham in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abraham ; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward ". I am the Almighty God ; walk before me and he thou perfect b.— The Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread c. Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God ; I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee w^th the right hand of my righteousness d. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee : fear not, tbou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel ; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the holy One of Israel6. I, even I am he that comforteth you ; who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass ? and forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched' forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth ? and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury ol the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy ? and where is the fury of the oppressor f? Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do : but I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear; fear him, who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell ; yea I say unto you, fear him s. Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled : but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts h. The fear of man bringeth a snare ; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, shall be safe *. Thus saith tiie Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and § ,.8. » Sen. xv.. 1. * Gen. xvii. 1. « Isa. viii. 11, 12, 13. & Isa. xii, 10. * Isa. xii. 13, 14, f Isa. li. 12, 13. * Luke, xii. 4, 5. M Pet. iii. 14, 15. ' Prov. xxix. 25. Chap. 3.] OF THE FEAR OF GOD. 455 he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee : when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the holy One of Israel,#thy Saviour k. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid ; yea thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall* be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh ; for the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken '. Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, who will help thee, Fear not, O Jacob, and thou Jeshurun whom I have chosen m ; strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees ; say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not ; behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense, he will come and save you n. Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom °. Fear not ; I am the first and the last ; I am he that liveth and was dead ; and behold I am alive for ever more, Amen ; and have the keys of hell and of death p. Sect. 9. The sure confidence of all that fear him. If God be for us, who can be against usa? The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge b. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion. God is known in her palaces for a refuge : for lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together : they saw it, and so they marvelled ; they were troubled, and hasted away. Fear took hold of them there, and pain as of a woman in travail0. There were they in great fear ; for God is in the generation ofjtfie righteous*. " Isa. xliii. 1, %, 8. ' Prov. iii. 24,25, 26. *#» Isa. xliv. 2. n Isa. xxxv. 3, 4. "Luke, xii. 32. p Rev. i. 17, 18. § 9. » Rom. viii. 31. * Psalm xlvi. 11. c Psalm xlviii. 2—6. d Psalm xiv. 5. 456 GRACIOUS PROPOSAL^ OF COD TO MAN. [Part 5. In the Lord I put my trust ; how say ye to my soul, Flee, as a bird to your mountain e ? Truly my soul waiteth upon God ; from him cometh my salvation f ; my expectation is from him ; he only is my rock, and my salvation ; he is my defence ; I shall not be moved g. I will hear what God the Lord will speak ; for he will speak peace unto his people and to his saints; but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his solvation is nigh them that fear himh. In God I have put my trust ; I will not be afraid what man can do unto me i. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid k ? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear ; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident '. He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee : so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto mem. I have set the Lord always before toe ; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth ; my flesh also shall rest in hope". Sect. 10. Holy fear expressed in the prayers and praises of the Saints. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders a? O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people ; when thou didst march through the wilderness; the earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God ; even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel b. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid ; the depths also were troubled. The clouds poured out water, the skies sent out a sound; thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven ; thy lightnings lightened the world, « Psalm xi. 1. ' Psalm lxii. 1. g Psalm lxii. 5, 6. h Psalm Ixxxv. 8, 9. • ¦ Psalm lvi. 11. k Psalm xxvii. 1. ' Psalm xxvii. 3. " Heb. xiii. 5, 6. " Psalm xvi. 8, 9. §1«. * Exod, xv. 11. b Psalm lxviii,. 7, 8. Chap. 3.] OF THE FEAR OF GOD. 457 the earth trembled and shook c. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places'1. O Lord, thou art great, and thy name is great in might. Who would not fear thee, O king of nations ? for to thee doth it appertain '. In Judah is God known ; his name is great in Israel f. There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle g. Thou, even thou art to be feared ; and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry ? Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven ; the earth feared and was still \ nO Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid *. Be not a terror unto me ; thou art my hope in the day of e*vilk. Let not thy dread make me afraid1. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments"1. While I suffer thy terrors I am distracted ; thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me offn. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord °. If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand ? but there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared p. Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion ; so the heathen shall fear thy name, and all the kings of the earth thy glory q. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations \ All nations whom thou hast ' made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and dost wondrous things ; thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, unite my heart to fear thy name '. I am a companion of all them that fear thee; and of them that keep thy precepts'. Salvation is far from the wicked ; for they seek not thy statutes ; but my heart standeth in awe of thy word u. Establish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fearx._ ' Ps. lxxvii. 16, 17, 18. d Psal. lxviii. 35. - Jer. x. 6, 7. ' Psalm lxxvi. 1. g Psalm lxxvi-. 3. h Psalm lxxvi. 7, 8. 1 Hab. iii. 2. k Jer. xvii. 17. ' Job, xiii. 81. m Psalm cxix. 120. ¦ Ps. lxxxviii. 15, 16. ° Psalm cxxx. 1. p Psalm cxxx. 3, 4. q Psalm cii. 13, 15. r Psalm lxxii. 5. 9 Ps. lxxxvi. 9, 10, 11. ' Psalm cxix. 63. u Psal.cxix. 155,161. 1 Psalm cxix. 38. 458 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. O Lord, our Lord ! how excellent is thy name in all • the earth ? who hath set thy glory aboye the heavens y. When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained ; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest himz? Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned ; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord ". The foolish shall not stand in thy sight ; thou hatest all workers of iniquity. But as for me, I will come into thy House in the multitude of thy mercy ; and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple b. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.' Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eve of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress ; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God c. O how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee ; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the sons of men d ! I will not be afraid often thousands of people, that have set themselves against me, round about*. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou Lord only makest me to dwell in safety f. Sect. 1 1. The doxology of the redeemed. We give thanks, Lord God Almighty, who art, and wast, and art to come ; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldst give reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great, and shouldst destroy them which destroy the earth \ Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ; y Psalm viii. 1. z Psalm viii. S, 4. a Psalm xv. 1, 2, 4. b Psalm v. 5, 7. c Psalm cxxiii. 1, 2. " Psalm xxxi. 19. e Psalm iii. 6. f Psalm iv. 8. §11. » Rev. xi. 17, 18. Chap, 3.] op THE FEAR OF GOD. 459 just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name ? for thou only art holy : for all nations shall come and worship before thee ; for thy judgments are made ma nifest h. _ Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters c. Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him both small and great,. Hallelujah ! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth; let us be glad, and rejoice, and give honour to him d. " Before we leave this subject, it may be proper to illustrate the several views that have been given of the fear of God by some facts or examples, whieh could not easily be brought into the text, and are here sub joined. The dread of wicked men in the view of judgment, is strongly exemplified in the case of Felix, when hearing the Apostle Paul." As he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time ; when I have a convenient season I will call for thee e. " Jacob gives us a striking example of the reverence due to God by all his saints : after his encouraging dream at Bethel, we are told," Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not ; and he was afraid, and said, How dreadful (or how venerable) is this place ! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven f. — " Another example of holy reverence we find in the case of the publican who went up to the temple to pray;" the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner g. b Rev. xv. 3, 4. c Rev. xiv. 7. d Rev. xix. 5, 6, 7. * Acts, xxiv. 25. f Gen. xxviii. 16, 17. * Luke, xviii. IS. 460 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. " Godly fear, first, restrains from iniquity. How expressive is Joseph's answer ? " How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God h? " It next disposes the soul to an unlimited obedience to the divine will. How acceptable to God was Abraham's intended sacrifice of Isaac ! He received this glorious testimony from heaven:" Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me1. " The words in Psal. xxii. 28, He is the Governor among the nations, call to our remembrance the decree of Darius," I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom, men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He de livereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth k. " The expression in Psal. xxv. 14, (The secret of the Lord is with • them that fear him,) may be properly illustrated by the case of Cornelius, of whom we are told, that he was,'' a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway '. " When, by the direction of the heavenly vision, he had sent for Peter, that Apostle observes," Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons ; but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is ac cepted with him m. " The promise in Isa. 1. 10, reminds us of the example of our Lord," who, in the days of his flesh, offered up, prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared n. " The goodness of God to them that fear him is beautifully described by the prophet Malachi." Ye shall h Gen. xxxix. 9. ' Gen. xxii. 12. k Dan. vi. 26, 27. 'Acts, x. 2. ""Acts, x.'34, 35. " Heb. v. 7. Chap. 3.] OF THE FEAR OF GOD. 461 know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. My covenant was with him of life and peace ; and I gave them to him, for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before me0. " And again," Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened, and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels ; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him p. " We find some expressions delivered in Scripture as from the mouth of God, which may be justly con sidered as most persuasive motives to filial reverence. Such are these affectionate words of their condescending Sovereign to Israel, when they had vowed obedience : " O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always; that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever q ! O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end r ! O that my people had hearkened unto' me, and Israel had walked in my ways 3 ! But I said, How shall I put thee amongst the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the host of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My Father, and shalt not turn away from me'. " There is a fear of wrath spoken of in Scripture, which often proves the mean of awakening the con science, and rousing the attention of a sinner, and thus bringing him to God. Of this the Apostle says," The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we' might be justified by faith u. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men \ » Mai. ii. 4, 5. " Mai. iii. 16, 17. q Deut. v. 29. r Deut. xxxii. 29. s Psalm lxsxi. 13. ' Jer. iii. 19. " Gal. iii. 24. * 2 Cor. v. 11. 46*2 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. CHAP. IV. OF LOVE TO GOD AND DIVINE THINGS. Sect. 1. The love of God, one of the most important duties. — 2. It includes a right and affecting sense of his glorious excellency and diffusive goodness. — 3. Of his redeeming love, and of those particular mercies which are bestowed upon Us. — 4. Love "to God includes an ardent desire of his favour above all. -^5. This love will control sensual and vicious passions, and be supreme in the soul. — 6. It will powerfully incite us to a steadfast obedience. — 7. It will prompt us to love our brethren, and to prize whateyer belongs to God. — 8. The happiness of those who love him, and rightly seek after his favour. — 9. Its several actings expressed in the prayers and praises of his servants. Sect. i. The love of God, one of the most important duties. One of the scribes came, and asked Jesus, Which is the first commandment of all ? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one God ; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy Strength : this is the first commandment; and the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these a. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets \ And the scribes said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth : for there is one God, and there is none other but he ; and to love him with ail the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And Jesus said unto him, Thou art not § 1. a Mark, xii. 2&— 31. h Matt. xxii. 40. Chap. 4.] OF LOVE TO GOD AND DIVINE THINGS. 465 far from the kingdom of Godc. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in himd. Sect. 2. It includes a right and affecting sense of his glorious excellency and diffusive goodness. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained, what is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest hima? Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like unto thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders b ? Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are thy ways, O thou King of saints! Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holyc. Behold God is mighty, and despiseth not any : he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous; but with kings are they on the throne, yea he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted ; and if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; then he showeth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded11. Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains ; thy judgments are a great deep : O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God ! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abun dantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house ; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures'. For with thee is the fountain of life ; in thy light shall' we see lio-ht6. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works f. He loveth righteousness and judgment : the earth is full of « Mark, xii. 32—34. * 1 John, iv. 16. § 2. a Psalm viii. 1, 3, 4. b Exod. xv. 11. ° Rev. xv. 3, 4. d Job, xxxvi. 5 — 9. e Psalm xxxvi. 5 — 9. Psalm cxlv. 13, 17. 464 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. the goodness of the Lord5. The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering,, and abundant in goodness and truth ; keeping mercy for thousands, for giving iniquity, and transgression, and sin ; and that will by no means clear the guilty11. ¦ The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine ; as for the world, and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne ; mercy and truth shall go before thy face1. — O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of menk. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of thy riches1. The Lord is good unto all ; and his tender mercies are over all his works. The eyes of all wait upon thee, and thou givest them their meat in due season : thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing"1. He left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness". Your Father which is in heaven — maketh his sun to rise en the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust0. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God ; which made heaven and earth, the sea and all that therein is; which keepeth truth for ever ; which executeth judgment for the oppressed ; which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners : the Lord openeth the eyes of the blind : the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down : the Lord loveth the righteous p. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for everq The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his that do his s Psalm xxxiii. 5. h Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7. ' Ps. lxxxix. 11, 14. k Psalm cvii. 8. ' Psalm civ. 21. m Ps. cxlv. 9, 15, 16. » Acts, xiv. 17. ° Matt. v. 45. p Psalm cxlvi. 5— &. i Psalm cxxxvi. 1. Chap. 4.] OF LOVE TO GOD AND DIVINE THINGS. 465 pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul1 ! Sect. 3. Of his redeeming love, and of those parti cular mercies which are bestowed upon us. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people*. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love ; not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for qpr sins\ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life0. For God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he has loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath he quickened us together with , Christ d. God com- mendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us e. We love, him, because he first loved us f. My soul doth magnify the Lord, %nd my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour g. For the love of Christ constraineth us\ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God1. Now our Lord Jesus Christ, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and workk ! Bless the Lord, O my soul ! and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul ! and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mer cies1. I lovethe Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplication. Because he hath inclined his ear r Psalm ciii. 19 — 22. § 3. » Luke, i. 68. b 1 John, iv, 9, 10. « John, iii. 16. d Eph. ii. 4, 5. e Rom. v. 8: f 1 John, iv. 19. t Luke, i, 46, 47. h 2 Cor. v. 14. ' 1 John, iii, 1. k 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. ' Psalm ciii. 1—4. VOL. I. H H 466 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5, unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live m. Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee ; for thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling n. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me? how great is the sum of them0? What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me ? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lordp. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness11. I will love thee, O Lord, my strength : the Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high towerr. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the wojrld, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the for giveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace*. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things' ? Sect. 4. Love to God includes an ardent desire of his favour above all. There be many that say, who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased*. When m Psalm cxvi. 1, 2. » Psalm cxvi. 7; 8. ° Psalm cxxxix* 17. * Psalm cxvi. 12, 13. 1 1sa. lxi. 10. ' Psalm xviii. 1, 2. • Eph. i. 3—7. ' Rom. viii. 32. § 4. » Psalm iv. 6, 7. Chap. 4.] OF LOVE TO GOD AND DIVINE THINGS. 4671 thou saidst, Seek ye my face ; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek\ I entreated thy favour with my whole heart0. The desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night, yea with my spirit within me will I seek thee early d. O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee : my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise theee. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God ! when shall I come and appear before Godf? Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none in the earth whom I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever8. My soul shall be Satis fied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips ; when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee, thy right hand upholdeth meh. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord : my goodness extendeth not unto thee1. Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent we may be accepted of him k. Why art thou cast down, O my soul ? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God1. Sect. 5. This love will control sensual and vicious passions, and be supreme in the soul. The love of Christ constraineth us — that they which livej should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him, which died for them and rose again*. For the b Psalm xxvii. 8. c Psalm cxix. 58. d Isa. xxvi. 8, 9. « Psalm lxiii. 1, 2, 3. f Psalm xlii. 1,2. e Psalm lxxiii. 25, 26. h Psalm lxiii. ¦"&— 8. ' Psalm xvi. 2. k 2 Cor. v. 9. 1 Psalm xliii. 5. § 5. • 2 Cor. V. 14, 15. 468 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world b. Know ye not, that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoso ever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God c. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world, and the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doth the will of God abideth for everd. . .They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts'. If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out; if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from theef. No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other; ye cannot serve God and mammon8. He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me ; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it : and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find.it\ Sect. 6. It will powerfully incite us to a steadfast obedience. Ye that love the Lord, hate evil*. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his com mandments are not grievous6. If ye love me, keep my commandments0. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me ; and he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him. If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we "Tit. ii. 1 1,12. « James, iv. 4. * Uohn,ii. 15,16,17- « Gal. v. 24. f Matt. v. 29, 30. s Matt. vi. 24. •> Matt. x. 37—39. § 6. a Psalm xcvii. 10. b 1 John, v. 3. . « John, xiv. 15. Chap. 4.] OF LOVE TO GOD AND DIVINE THINGS. 469 will come Unto him, arid make our abode with himd. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you ; con tinue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love\ He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him : but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected f. If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples' indeed B. Let us therefore go on unto perfection \ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without waver ing1. Continue ye in the faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard k. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, know ledge ; and to knowledge, temperance ; and to temperance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ; and to godliness; brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity '. As ye have therefore received Christ, so walk ye in him™, that when he shall appear, ye may have confi dence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming". — Till I die I will not remove my integrity from me : my righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go ; my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live0. Sect. 7- It will prompt us to love our brother, and to prize whatever belongs to God. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love*. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seenb? Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of com- a John, xiv. 21, 23. c John, xv. 9, 10. f 1 John, ii: 4, 5. r John, viii. 31. h Heb. vi. 1. ' Heb. x. 23. k Col. i. 23. ' 2 Pet. i. 5, 6. m Col. ii. 6. " John, ii. 28. "Job, xxvii. 5, 6. $ 7. » 1 John, iv. 7, 8. b 1 John, iv. 20. 470 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. passion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in himc? If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in usd. Jesus said, If God were your Father, you would love me, for. I proceeded forth and came from Gode. But I know that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye. receive me notf. Ye tithe mint and rue, and pass oyer judgment and the love of Godg- For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God\ He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent him1, But he that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal, that God is true ; for he whom God; hath sent, speaketh the words of Godk. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God : and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him1. One thing have I desired of the Lord, and that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple"1. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lprd of hosts ! My soul longeth, yea fainteth for the courts of the Lord : my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, they will be still praising thee". Blessed, is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy place". O send out thy light and thy truth, let them lead me, let them bring me into thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacle. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God, my exceeding joy ; yea upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God p. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness9. The sons of the c 1 John, iii. 17. d 1 John, iv. 12. • John, viii. 42. ' Jphn, v. 42, 43. t Luke, xi. 42. b John, xii. 43. 1 John, v. 23. k John, iii. S3, 34. ' 1 John, v. 1. m Psalm xxvii. 4. " Ps. lxxxiv. 1, 2, 4. " Psalm lxv. 4. I v Psalm xliii. 3, 4. "» Psalm Jxxxiy. 10. Chap. 4.] OF LOVE TO GOD AND DIVINE THINGS. 471 stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant ; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them jdyful in my house of prayer r. O how love I thy law, it is my meditation all the day '. With my whole heart have I sought thee, O let me not wander from thy commandments'. I de light in the law of God, after the inward man11. I delight to do thy will, O my God ; yea, thy law is within my heart". Sect. 8. The happiness of those who love him, and rightly seek after his favour. The Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him, and keep his commandments, to a thousand genera tions*. O love the Lord all ye his saints, for the Lord preserveth the faithful b. The Lord preserveth all them that love him*. Glory ye in his holy name, let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord : seek the Lord, and his strength, seek his face evermore*. I Jove them that love me, and those that seek me early, shall find mee. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God f. For this God is our God for ever and for ever ; he will be our guide even unto death6. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him ; I will set him on high, because he hath known my name'1. Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him1. Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to facek. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father '. And tbey that be wise shall shumas the brightness of the firmament; and they - Isa. lvi. 6, 7. ¦ Psalm cxix. 97. ' Psalm cxix., 10. " Rom. vii. 22. " Psalm xl. 8. §8. a Deut. vii. 9. b Psalm xxxi. 23. " Psalm cxlv. 20. * Psalm cv. 3, 4. ' Prov. viii. 17. ' Rom. viii. 28. « Psalm xlviii. 14. h Psalm xci. 14- ' 1 Cor. ii. 9. * 1 Cor. xiii. 12. ' Matt. xiii. 43. 472 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever m. The ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads ; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away n* - Sect. 9. Its several actings expressed in the prayers and praises of his servants. I will worship towards thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness, and for thy truth ; for thou hast magnified thy love above all thy name*. Thou, even thou, art Lord alone ; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host ; the earth, and all things that are therein ; the seas and all that is therein ; and thou preservest them all, and the host of heaven wor- shippeth theeb. Grive unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength, give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name ; bring an offering , and come before him ; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness0. Thou art my hiding place, and my shield; I hope in thy word"1. O magnify the Lord with me, and let iis exalt "his name together6. The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted/. O taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in him8. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup, thou main- tainest my lot \ O satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days*. O that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seatk. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth1. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path™. Thou art my portion, O Lord ; I have said I would keep thy word". I hate vain thoughts, but thy law do I love". m Dan. xii. 3. n Isa. xxxv. 10. § 9. a Psalm cxxxviii. 2. b Neh. ix. 6. c l€hron.xvi.98,29. u Psalm cxix. 114. e Psalm xxxiv. 3. f Psalm xviii. 46. * Psalm xxxiv. 8. h Psalm xvi. 5. ' Psalm xc. 14. k Job, xxiii. 3. ' Psalm xxvi. 8. '" Psalm cxix. 105. n Psalm cxix, 57. " Psalm cxix. 113. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C. 473 O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of menp. CHAP. V. OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. Sect. 1. We are evidently under manifold obligations to the service of God. — 2. He was pleased to make known his will to his ancient people, and to enter into covenant with them. — 3. To send them Prophets, from time to time, to instruct, reprove, and reclaim them. — 4. Obedience is the way of peace and happi ness ; but wickedness, of pain and misery. — 5. To turn us from sin unto God, that we might be sanctified to his service, was one great purpose for which the Son of God was manifested. — 6. Purity of heart and life is clearly taught, and indispensably required. — 7. As our nature is sanctified and renewed by the Holy Spirit, so his gracious aid may well be expected in the path of our Christian service. — 8. A perfect example of all holiness and righteousness is exhibited to us in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 9. Our obedience must be cordial, constant, and progressive. — 10. Va rious exhortations and incitements to purity, holiness, and righteousness. — 11. The prayers and praises of the Saints relative to this subject. Sect. 1. We are evidently under manifold obligations to the service of God. Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the rock : his work is perfect ; for all his ways are judgment : a God of truth, and without iniquity : just and right is he. Is he not thy Father that hath bought thee ? Hath he not made thee, and established thee*? Let all the P Psalm cvii. 8. § 1. * Deut. xxxii. 3, 4, 6. 474 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. earth fear the Lord ; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him : for he spake, and it was done : he commanded, and it stood fastb. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over allc. The heavens are thine ; the earth also is thine ; as for the world, and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy faced. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil*. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness ; neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest all workers of iniquityf. » O Lord, thou hast Searched me, and known me : thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising : thou under standest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path, and my lying-down, and art acquainted with all my ways6. Wherefore, we labour, that whether present or absent we may be accepted of him : for we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad \ So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God '. And the wicked shall go away into everlasting punish ment; but the righteous into life eternal k. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul ; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell '. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and for bearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the good-i- ness of God leadeth thee to repentance"1 ? What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me"? — Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord ; walk as children of the light". As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the b Psalm xxxiii. 8, 9. c Psalm ciii. 19. d Ps. lxxxix. 11, 14. « Eccles. xii. 14. f Psalm v. 4, 5. * Ps. cxxxix. 1, 2, 3. '¦ 2 Cor. v. 9, 10. ' Rom. xiv. 12. k Matt. xxv. 46. 1 Matt. x. 28. m Rom. ii. 4. " Psalm cxvi. 12. ° Eph. v. 8. Chap. 5.] . OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C. 475 former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conver sation ; because it is written, Be ye holy, as I am holyp. Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God's*1. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them, and rose again r. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you pre sent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service5 : that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his king dom and glory1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord": 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, purifieth himself, even as he is pure*. He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk even as he walked r. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my ser vant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour2. Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless*. For this is the love of God, that we keep his com mandments, and his commandments are not grievous6. The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good0. The law Of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple, The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing P 1 Pet. i. 14, 15, 16. i 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20. r 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. • Rom. xii. 1. ' 1 Thess. ii. 12. u 2 Cor. vii. 1. * 1 John, iii. 2, 3. '1 John, ii. 6. z John, xu. 26. * 2 Pet. iii. 14. b 1 John, v. 3. c Rom. v". 12. 476 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever ; the judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether! More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold ; sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward*1. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humhly with thy God ? ? The Lord is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly f. — As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered in the, heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him1. Sect. 2. He was pleased^ to make known his will to his ancient people, and to enter into covenant with them.The Lord our God made a covenant with us in, Horeb*. Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee ; and upon earth he showed thee his great fire, and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire. Know therefore this day, and consider in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath ; there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments which I command thee this day \ Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord ; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might ; and these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart0. And now Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him ; and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul ; to keep the command- * Psalm xix. 7—11. e Mic. vi. 8. f Psalm lxxxiv. 11. « 1 Cor. ii. 9. • § 2. a Deut. v. 2. b Deut. iv.36,39, 40. c Deut. vi. 4, 5, 6. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C. 477 ments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy goodd. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will doe. He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation f. Sanctify yourselves, therefore, and be, ye holy ; for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them : * I am the Lord which sanctify youB. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and con sume you after that he hath done you good. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay, but we will serve the Lord. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are wit nesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are wit nesses. Now therefore, put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel. And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey\ Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people ; and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you1. To the Israelites pertained the adoption, and the glory; and the covenant, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises'1. Sect. 3. To send them Prophets, from time to time, to instruct, reprove, and reclaim them. Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day, I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early, and sending them*. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly d Deut. x. 12, 13. e Exod. xix. 8. ' Psalmcxlvii. 16,20. g Levit. xx. 7, 8. h Josh. xxiv. 20 — 24. ' Jer. vii. 23. k Rom. ix. 4. §'3. » Jer. vii. 25. 478 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part5J execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; if ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt, then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land I gave to your fathers for ever and everb. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth ; for the Lord hath spoken, 1 have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib ; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are corrupters; they have for saken the Lord ; they have provoked the holy One of Israel unto anger; they are gone away backward. Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil, learn to* do well ; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool °. Sect. 4. Obedience is the way of peace and happiness; but wickedness, of pain and misery. Say to the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for they shall, eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked, it shall be ill with him ; for the reward of his hands shall be given him*. — The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked b. Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue, though he spare it and forsake it not, but keep it still within his mouth ; yet his meat in his bowels is turned ; it is the gall of asps within him0. — Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend themd. For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish : thou hast destroyed all b Jer. vii. 3, 5, 6, 7. c Isa.i.2— 4,16— 18. § 4. » Isa. iii. 10, 11. b Isa. lvii. 20, 21. " Job, xx, 12—14. * Psalm cxix. 165. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C. 479 them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to Gode. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart f. And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever8. You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his statutes which he hath com manded thee. And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with theeh. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments ; which if a man do, he shall live in them ; I am the Lord'. Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day : for it is not a vain thing for you, because it is your lifek. But if ye will not obey the voice of the^Lord, but rebel against the com mandment of the Lord, then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against your fathers : if you shall still do wickedly, you shall be consumed1. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron-furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them according to all which I command you, so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God. Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear ; but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart ; therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant ; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble™. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night ; and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the e Psalm lxxiii. 27, 28. f Psalm xcvii. 11. * Isa. xxxii. 17. h Deut. vi. 17, 18. ' Lev. xviii. 5. k Deut. xxxii. 46,47. 1 1 Sam. xii. 15, 25. m Jer, xi. 3, 4, 8, 14. 480 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. chaff which the wind driveth away". For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord". Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who, by patient con tinuance in well-doing, , seek for glory, honour, and immortality, eternal life. But unto them that are con tentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteous ness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentilep. Sect, 5. To turn us from sin unto God, that we might be sanctified to his service, was one great pur pose for which the Son of man was manifested. For this purpose the Son of. God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil*. To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death ; to guide our feet in the way of peaceb. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me0. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for USj that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify us unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works d. For we our selves were also sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and . envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love Of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy n Psalm i. 1 — 4. ° Rom. vi: 23. p Rom. ii. 6 — 9. § 5. a 1 John, iii. 8. » Luke, i. 79. c Acts, xxvi. 18. * Tit. ii. 11—14. Chap.5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, cvC 481 Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour". Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it, with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish f. Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our Gods. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized unto Jesus Christ, were baptized unto his death ? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism unto death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life h. In that he died, he died unto sin once ; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof; neither yield ye your members as instruments of un righteousness unto sin ; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God1. Sect. 6. Purity of heart and life is clearly taught, and indispensably required. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God a. I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works11. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision avail'eth anv thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature u. But be ye doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving your ownselvesd. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord; Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven0. Where fore, if thy hand or foot offend thee, cut them off, and ' Tit. iii. 3—6. f Eph. v. 25, 26, 27. g 1 Cor. vi, 11. »> Rom. vi. 3, 4. i Rom. vi. 10—13. $ 6. • Matt. «. 8. h Tit. iii. 8. * Gal. vi. 15, d James, i. 22. " Matt. vii. 21. VOL. 1. II 482 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. cast them from thee ; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands and two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell-firef. Ye are .my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you8. For cir cumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law ; but if tbou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision : for he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew which is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart in the Spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God\ Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God1. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead alsok. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap ; for he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting1. Know ye not, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived ; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of Godm. Sect. 7. As our nature is sanctified and renewed by the Holy Spirit, so his gracious aid may well be expected in the path of our Christian service. Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and the house of Judah : I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my people*. For their sakes I sanctify r Matt, xviii. 8, 9. s John, x v. 14. h Rom. ii. 25, 28, 29. ¦ 1 Cor. vii. 19. k James, ii. 26. ' Gal. vi. 7, 8. m 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. § 7. a Jer. xxxi. 3 1, 33. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C 48S myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Sanctify them thrdugh thy truth ; thy word is truth \ The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death0- And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins . ^ If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are past away, behold all things are become new0. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before-ordained that we should walk in themf. Sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Christg. Abide in me, and I in you ; as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing11. Never theless, I .tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you1. Ye are of God, little children, and have over come them ; because greater is he tiiat is in you, than. he that is in the worldk. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves, but our suffi ciency is of God1. By the grace of God, I am what I am ; and his grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all ; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me"1. He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee ; for my strength is made perfect in weakness". I can do all things through Christ strengthening me0. Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth pot, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the 'faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men b John, xvii. 19, 17. c Rom. viii. 2. d Eph. ii. 1. e 2 Cor. V. 17. f Eph. ii. 10. e Jude, 1. h John, xv. 4, 5. ' John, x^i. 7. k 1 John, iv. 4. 1 2 Cor. iii. 5. m 1 Cor. xv. 10. " 2 COr. xii. 9. "Philip, iv. 13. 484 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5, shall utterly fall : but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run, and not be weary ; they shall walk, and not faint p. 1 will go in the strength of the Lord God ; I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only ,. Fear not thou, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness'. My soul followeth hard after thee; thy right hand upholdeth me. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory '. Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you : for every one that asketh, receiveth ; and he that seeketh, findeth ; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent * ? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him x ? Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need y. Sect. 8. A perfect example of all holiness and righte ousness is exhibited to us in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus *, who was holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners0. Wherefore, holy brethren^ partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to him that appointed him c. Christ suffered for us, -" Isa. xl. 28 — 31. i Psalm lxxi. 16. ' Isa. xii. 10. = Psalm lxiii. 8. « Psalm lxxiii. 24. ° Luke, xi. 9, 10, 11. * Luke, xi. 13. s Heb. iv. 14, 16. § 8. » Philip, ii. 5. b Heb. vii. 26. c Heb. iii. 1, 2. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C 485 leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps : who did no sin ; neither was guile found in his mouth : who, when he was reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously d. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey him \ I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me'. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work g. I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day\ I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea thy law is within my heart1. O my Father, if this cup may not pass away, except I drink it, thy will be done k. Now is my soul troubled ; and what shall I say ? Father, save me from this hour ; but for this cause came I unto this hour : Father, glorify thy name '. I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do m. And, when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray". And Jesus went forth, and saw a great mul titude, and was moved with compassion towards them ; and he healed their sick ". Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother ; and she was a widow ; and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on. her, and said unto her, Weep notp. When Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They 6ay unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold. how he loved him q. And when he was come near, * 1 Pet. ii. 21—23. e Heb. v. 8, 9. ' John, vi. 38. * John, iv. 34. * John, ix. 4. ' Psal. xl. 8. " Matt. xxvi. 42., ' John, xii. 27, 28. m John, xvii. 4. n Matt; xiv. 23. • Matt. xiv. 14. p Luke, vii- U, 13. * John, xi. 32—36. 486 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, 'even thou, at least in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes r. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not"? Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for I am meek and lowly in heart \ The officer which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so ? Jesus answered, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil ; but if well, why smitest thou me"? And there followed him a great company of people, and of women which also bewailed and lamented him : but Jesus turning unto them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep hot for me ; but weep for yourselves, and for your children. And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified him. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; they know not what they do". Such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens y ; the holy One and the Just z ; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed *. He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked \ Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye °. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you d. Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour ". ' Luke, xix. 41, 42. " Matt, xxiii. 37. ' Matt, xii 29. ," John, xviii. 22, 23. * Luke,xxiii.27,28,33,34.* Heb. vii. 26. 1 Acts, iii. 14. a Acts, x. 38. b 1 John, ii. 6. • Col. iii. 12, 13. * Eph. iv. 32. * Eph. v. 1, 3. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C 487 Sect. 9- Our obedience must be cordial, constant, and progressive. ¦ The Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments : thou shalt therefore keep and. do them, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul a. You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee\ The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day c. Now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life d. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself; for whether we live, we live unto the Lord ; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord ; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died and rose, and revived, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and living \ We beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us, how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and moref. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus s. Sect. 10. Various exhortations and incitements to purity, righteousness, and holiness. Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life *. Those things which proceed out of the mouth, come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies ; these are the things which defile a man b. § 9. * Deut. xxvi. 16. b Deut. vi. 17. , c Prov. iv. 18. a Rom. vi. 22. e Rom. xiv. 7, 8, 9. f 1 Thess. iv. 1. sr Phil. iii. 13, 14. §10." Prov. iv- 23. b Matt. xv. 18, 19, 20. 488 GRAGIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. Put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, which, after the image of God, is created in righteousness and true holiness °. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God d. Also, put off all these, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him e. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof f. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, know ledge,-' and to knowledge, temperance; and to tem perance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ; and to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, what soever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things \ Only, let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ1. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord k. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Christ Jesus, unto the glory and praise of God l. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world"1; that ye may adorn the doctrine of God c Eph. iv. 22, 23, 24. d Rom. xii. 2. • Col. iii. 8, 9, 10. ' Rom. xiii. 14. g 2 Pet. i. 5—8. h Phil. iv. 8. ' Phil. i. 27. k Rom. xii. 9, 11. ' Phil. i. 11. » Phil. ii. 15. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C. 489 our Saviour in all things * ; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation °. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord p. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord ,. Finally, brethren, farewell, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you r. Sect. 1 1. The prayers and praises of the Saints relative to this subject. Teach me thy way, O Lord, I will walk in thy truth ; unite my heart to fear thy name *. Show me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation ; on thee do I wait all the day b. I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth : he will not suffer thy foot to be moved ; he that keepeth thee will not slumber". Who shall ascend into the hill of God, or who shall stand in his holy place ? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully, he shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation d. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me ". Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins ; let them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright, and I shall be' innocent from the great transgression f. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes; then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto ¦ Titus, ii. 10. • 1 Pet. ii. 12. f Heb. xii. 14. 1 1 Cor. xv. 58. ' 2 Cor. xiii. 11. §11.* Psalm lxxxvi. 11. " Psalm xxv. 4, 5. c Psalm cxxi. 1, 2, S. <> Psalm xxiv. 3— 5. ' Psalm li. 10. f Psalm xix. 12, 13. 490 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF'GOD TO MAN. [Part 5.- all thy commandments : I will praise thee with upright ness of heart, when I have learned thy righteous judg ments : I will keep thy statutes ; O forsake me not utterly8. I esteem all thy precepts, concerning all things, to be right. Let thine hand help me, for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for toy salvation, O Lord, and thy law is my delight'1. Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven above, or in the earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants, that walk before thee with all their heart1. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways*. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staid on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever ; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength '. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God ; thy spirit is good, lead me into the land of uprightness m. For this cause also we thank God, without ceasing; because, when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe". We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the be ginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth". And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another, and towards all men, even as we do towards you ! To the end, that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints". That ye may walk worthy of the Lord unto all well pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering, with joyfulness, giving g Psalm cxix. 5— 8. h Ps.cxix.128,173,174. * 1 Kings, viii. 23. k Isa. lxiv. 5. ' Isa. xxvi. 3, 4. m Psalm cxliii. 10. " 1 Thess. ii. IS. ° 2 Thess. ii. 13. »¦ 1 Thess. iii. 12, 1-3. Chap. 5.] OF OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS, &C. 491 thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us to the kingdom of his dear Son q- Now the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work r. I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner-man \ Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Christ Jesus, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen \ The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you u. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; and I pray God, your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ x. Now, unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present' you faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy ; to the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen y. i Colos. i. 10—13. r 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. " Eph. iii. 14^16. t Heb. xiii. 20, 21. " 1 Pet. v. 10. x 1 Thess. v. 23. y Jude, 24, 25. 492 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. CHAP. VI. OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD; OR, OF THESE SOLEMN ACTS IN WHICH WE CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD. SECTION I. A GENERAL VIEW OF WORSHIP AS DUE TO OUR GOD AND SAVIOUR, AND TO NONE ELSE. Sect. 1. The infinite excellencies of the living God, call for the devout worship of all his reasonable creatures. — 2. To worship any other, is both absurd and impious. — 3. Israel, as the peculiar people of God, were bound to worship him in the manner he had enjoined. — 4. During that dispensation, the Lord let them know, that the time would come when he should be adored by all nations. — 5. By the gospel, our Lord Jesus is revealed as a proper object of our devout worship and ,adoration. — 6. It is by him, as our mediator and intercessor, that we are allowed to draw near unto God. — 7. The servants of God have always esteemed access to him as their greatest honour, and highest privilege. Sect. 1. The infinite excellencies of the living God, call for the devout worship of all his reasonable creatures. The Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth; the strength of the hills is his. The sea is his, and he made it ; and his hand "formed the dry land. O come and let us worship and bow down ; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker: for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand*. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy". Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give § 1. * Psalm xcv. 3—7. k Psalm xcix. 5. Chap. 6.] OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 493 unto the Lord the glory that is due unto his name. Bring an offering, and come before him ; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness0. Fear God, and give glory to him, and worship him that made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters'1. Bless ye God in the congregation, even the Lord from the foun tain of Israel0. Ascribe ye strength unto God ; his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the cloudsf. Ye that fear the Lord, praise him ; all ye seed of Jacob glorify him ; and fear him all ye seed of Israel8. For he hath not despised the affliction of the afflicted ; neither hath hid his face from him, but when he cried unto him, he heard \ They shall praise the Lord that seek him ; your hearts shall live for ever. All the ends of the world shall remember, and turn unto the Lord ; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee; for the kingdom is the Lord's, and he is the governor among the nations. All they that be fat upon earth, shall eat and worship ; all they that go down to the dust, shall' bow before him1. Worship him, all ye godsk. Sect. 2. To worship any other, is both absurd and impious. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any like ness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them*. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve \ Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven c. I have not spoken in secret, in atiark placevof the earth; I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot saved. They that make a graven e 1 Chron. xvi. 28, 29. * Rev. xiv.-7. ' Psalm lxviii. 26. f Psalm lxviii. 34. * Psalm xxii. 23. h Psalm xxii. 24. 1 Psal. xxii. 26 — 29. k Psalm xcvii. 7. 2. * Exod. xx. 3, 4, 5. " Matt. iv. 10. " Exod. xx. 22. * Isa. xiv. 19, 20. 494 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN; [Part 5. image, are all of them vanity, and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses, they see not, nor know ; that they may be ashamed. Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is pro fitable for nothing0 ? They have not known, nor under- Stood ; and none considereth in his heart, neither is their knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burnt part of it in the fire, yea also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh and eaten it, and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination ? Shall I fall down to the stock of a treef*. And now Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy souls? Hear there fore, O Israel, and observe to do it, that it may be weU with thee\ Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow your selves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them ; but the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, with great power and a stretched out. arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice1. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you ; lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth \ Take heed to thy self, that thou be not snared by following them ; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so to the Lord thy God'. Ye shall utterly destroy all the places wherein the nations which ye shall possess, served their gods, upon the high moun tains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree. And you shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire, and you shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place"1. « Jsa. xliv. 9, 10. ' Isa. xliv. 18, 19. £ Deut. x. 12, »' Deut. vi. 3. j 2Kings,xvii.35,36. * Deut. vi. 14, .15. 1 Deut. xii. 30, 31. ra Deut. xii. 2, 3. * See Isa. xii. 6, 7, and Isa. xliv. 11—17. Chap. 6.] OF THE WORSHIP. OF GOD. 495 Paul stood in the midst of Mars' Hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive, that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your de votions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO the unknown god. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare 1 unto you. God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things". For in him we live, and move, aud have our being ; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone graven by art and man's device0. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; so that they are without excuse ; because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful ; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools ; and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things p. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and wor shipped, and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever9-. For this cause, God gave them up unto vile affections r ; and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind \ Sect. 3. Israel, as the peculiar people of God, were bound to worship him in the manner he had enjoined. Thus saith the Lord unto the house Of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live. But seek not Bethel, nor enter n Acts, xvii. 22 — 25. ° Acts, xvii. 28, 29. p Rom. i. 20—23. , * Rom. i, 25. ' Rom. i. 26. s Rom. i. 26. 496 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba**. Seek him that maketh the seven stars, and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night; that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth; the Lord is his name b. I love them that love me, and those that seek me early, shall find me0. And in all places where I record my name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee d. Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary which he hath sanctified for ever0. Unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come ; and thither ye shall bring your burnt-offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave-offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your free-will-offerings, and the firstlings of your herds, and of your flocks ; and there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand untof. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for8? When we cried unto the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our affliction ; and the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm\ Sect. 4. During that dispensation, the Lord let them know, that the time would come when he should be adored by all nations. It shall come to pass in the last days, that the moun tain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills ; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the § 3. * Amos, v. 4, 5. b Amos, v. 8. « Prov. viii. 17. 4 Exod. xx. 24. e 2 Chron. xxx. 8. ' Deut. xii. 5, 6, 7. * Deut. iv. 7. h Deut. xxvi. 7, 8. * " These were places made infamous by the idolatries of the ten tribes."' Chap. 6.] OF THE WORSHIP of GOD. 497 mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths*. And in that time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they, and the children of Judah together, going and weeping ; they shall go and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves unto the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten". The watchmen on the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion, unto the Lord our Godc. They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead themd. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord6. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all thevends of the earth ; for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear f. For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering ; for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts8. One shall say, I am the Lord's ; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord ; and sirname himself by the name of Israel h. Surely, shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength; even to him shall men come, and all that are incensed against him, shall be ashamed \ And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me,, saith the Lordk. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer ; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear1. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go § 4. ".Isa. ii. 2, 3. b Jer. 1. 4, 5. c Jer. xxxi. 6. d" Jer. xxxi. 9. e Jer. xxxi. 1 2. f Isa. xiv. 22,-23- g Mai. i. 11. * Isa. xliv. 5. ' Isa. xiv. 24. * Isa. lxvi. 2S. Isa. lxv. 24. VOL. I. K K 498 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart; and I will be found of you, saith the Lord01. Sect. 5. By the Gospel, our Lord Jesus is revealed as a proper object of our devout worship and adoration, The Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doth; for as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them ; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son ; that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent him*. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him au thority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of manb. All power is given unto me in heaven, and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have Commanded you ; and lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world'0. Verily I isay unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son4. God who at sundry times, and in -divers manners, .spake in times past unto the fothers % the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by ibis Son, wihoaaa he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom .also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, an«d upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat -down on the right hand of the Majesty on high*; being made so much better than the angels, as by inheritance he hath obtained m Jer.xxix.18,13,14. § 5. a John, v. 20—23. * John, v. 26, 27. e Matt.*xvjii. 18,19,20. d John, xiv. 12, 13. e Heb. i. 1,*, 3. Chap. 6.] OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 499 a more excellent name than they. For when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever ; a sceptre of righteousness, is the sceptre of thy kingdom f. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily ; and ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power8 ; who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men ; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross ; wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every nameh ; far above all principality and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church1; that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth ; and that every tongue should confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Fatherk*. I John was in the Spirit on the Lord's day1. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a lamb, as it had been slain"1. And the four beasts, and four and twenty elders, fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy ; for thou wast slaki* and ' Heb. i. 4—8. « Col. ii. 9, lO. "> Phil. ii. 6—9. , i Eph. i. 21, 22. k Phil. ii. 10,. 11. ' Rev. i. 9, 10. " Rev. v. 6. * " Every text that asserts the divinity of our Lord1 Jesus, is a proof that he is a proper object of worship. In this section are quoted, those texts which are more general, and comprehensive of his divine excellency, and mediatorial glory.'' See Part iii. Art. 2. chap. 1. " Of the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ." 500 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation"; and hast made us unto our God, kings and priests; and we shall reign upon the earth. ! And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders ; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thou sands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing*. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down, and worshipped him that liveth for ever and everp. Sect. 6. It is by him, as our Mediator and Inter cessor, that we are allowed to draw near unto God. . Jesus saith unto Thomas, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me*. And him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast outb. Ye now have sorrow ; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing : Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full0. At that day ye shall ask in my name ; and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you ; for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that 1 came out from God>d. Every high priest taken from among men, is Ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins '. And no man taketh " Rev. v. 8, 9. ° Rev. <. 10, 11, 12. p Rev. v. 13, 14. §6. - John, xiv. 6. •> John, vi. 37. « John, xvi. 22,23, 24. a John, xvi. 26, 27. e Heb. v. 1. Chap. 6.] OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 501 this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also, Christ glorified not himself, to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedeck f. It is evident, that after the similitude of Melchisedeck there ariseth another priest ; who is made, not after- the law of a carnal com mandment, but after the power of an endless lifeg. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens ; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins, and then for the people's ; for' this he did once when he offered up himself11. For Christ being come, an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building ; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us '. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for themk. We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ; and he is the propitiation for our sins1 ; in whom we have bold ness, and access, with confidence by the faith of himm. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God n, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens"; and having boldness to enter into the holiest by the; blood of Jesus; by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail, that is ,.to say, his flesh p; let us draw near with a true heart,' in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water*- Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace ; ' Heb. v. 4, 5, 6. g Heb. vii. 15, 16. »Heb. vii. 26, 27. 1 Heb. ix. 11, 12. k Heb. vii. 25. * 1 John, ii. 1, 2. m Eph. iii. 12. * Heb. iv. 14. » Heb. viii. 1. p Heb. x. 19, 20. i Heb. x. 22. 502 GRACIOUS PROPOSALS OF GOD TO MAN. [Part 5. that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need'. Now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ*. For through him we have an access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God '. For ye are not come unto the mount which might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness and darkness, and tempest ". But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant*; by whom we have access by faith unto this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of Gody. Sect. 7- The servants of God have always esteemed access to him as their highest honour, and greatest privilege. Thou, even thou art Lord alone, thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all, and the host of heaven worshippeth thee*. O Lord, our Lord, how excel lent is thy name in all the earth ! who hast set thy glory above the heavens b. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained ; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him'? But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain : thee d. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight ; thou hatest all Workers of iniquity " ; but as for me, I will come into thy ' Heb. iv. 16. • Eph. ii. 13. < Eph. ii. 18, 19. ¦ Heb. xii. 18. * Heb. xii. 22, S3, 24. » Rom. v. 2. § 7. * Neh. ix. 6. b Psal. viii. 1. • Psal. viii. 3, 4. * 1 Kings, viii. 27. " Psal. v. 5. " Chap. 6.] OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 503 house, in the multitude of thy mercy ; and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy templef. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice ; have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face ; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek g. O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee ; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is \ My soul fol- loweth hard after thee ; thy right hand upholdeth me1. For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish : thou hast destroyed all them that go a-whoring from thee. But it is good for me that I draw near to God ; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works k. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound ; they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day ; and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted '. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house ; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures"1. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple". ' Psal. v. 7. g Psal. xxvii. 7, 8. h Psal. lxiii. 1. 1 Psal. lxiii. 8. ^ Psal. lxxiii. 27, 28. ' Psal. lxxxix. 15,16. m Psal. xxxvi. 8. » Psal. lxv. 4. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. JT. MOYES, GREVILIE STREET, LONDON. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 9002 03738 9807 RS m J. % V -./ - /