THe Apostle Paul, who was a chosen vessell unto the Lord, to beare his name before the Gentiles, Acts 9 15. wrote this Epi­stle to the Saints, and Faithfull brethren in Christ, which were at Colosse, chap. 1. verse 2. And as the Ensigne-bearer of His glorious Name displayed the Magnificency, and transcendent Excellencie of Christ, in the words of the Text, Christ is all, and in all. And that he might lift up Christs All-sufficiencie, he nullifies all other excellencies whatsoever, chap. 3. ver. 11 Where he gives the Colossians to understand, that the advantage of a Jew above a Gen­tile, the dignity of a Scythian, above a Barbarian, or the Immunities of a Freeman above a Bondslave, however esteemed amongst men, are nothing without Christ, who is all, and in all; These words have their dependance upon the exhortation unto Mortification, chap. 3. vers. 5. Which exhortation the Apostle pressed upon the Colossians, by telling them, vers. 9.10. they had put off the Old-Man with his deeds, & had put on the New-Man, &c. Where (that is) in which State of Regeneration, there is neither Greek, nor Jew, &c. But Christ is all, and in all. The lesson to be learned hence is this, to wit, Christ is all, and in all, in the New-Man.

Doct. Two thighs needs some explanation in this Doctrine, viz. 1. Who is here meant by the New-Man? and secondly, How Christ is all, and in all, in the New-Man? By the New-Man, here, we are to understand (as was intended by the Apostle) a true beleever, or a faithfull Brother in Christ, one sanctified in Christ Jesus, called a Saint, who is redeemed in the Spirit of his minde, and hath put on the New-Man, Ephes. 4 23, 24. which is done, when by the migh­ty operation of the holy Spirit, in the Promises given unto us, we are made partakers of the Divine nature, 2 Pet. 1.3, 4. Non per parti­cipationem Essentiae, sed per communicationem Spiritus, & gratiae ejus. Gal. 4 6. Ephes. 4.6. thus being by the Spirit and Faith united with Christ, we are made a new creature, or creation. 2 Cor. 5.17. have a new Heart, Ezek. 36.26, 27. and walke in newnesse of life, Rom. 6.4. And such may be said to have put on the New-Man, [Page 2]the sum then is this, Christ is all, and in all, in every true Beleever in every Justified-Sanctified person, wo hath a New-heart, and walke in newnesse of life. Touching the Second particular, to wit, How Christ is all, and in all, in the new man? The Lord Jesus Christ, (who is all in himselfe, for in him dwelleth all the Fulnesse of the Godhead bodily, Col. 2.9. which was the pleasure of God, that in all things he might have the preheminence, Col. 1.18, 19.) is all, and in all, in the New-Man. First, Fundamentally, I mean Christ is the Foundation of all, 1 Cor. 3.11. For other Foundation can no man lay then that is laid, which is Iesus Chirist; I say Christ is the Foundation of all that Faith, Repentance, Love, & other gra­ces, gifts, and fruits of the Spirit, which are in every true beleever: He is a living fountain full of grace, and from his fulnesse have we all received grace for grace, Joh. 1.14, 16. Secondly, Communi­catively, I meane, Chirst doth communicate all unto the New-Man, to wit, Life, Light, Grace, and Glory, &c. We have nothing, but what we have received, and we have received all from his ful­nesse, Ephes. 4.7. Joh. 1.16. The Titles given to Christ in the Scripture of truth, will make this appear yet more fully, viz. That Christ is all in the New-Man, or in every true Beleever: I shall in­stance some.

1. Christ is our life, Col. 3.4. Christ is the life of a Beleever, even eternall Life, 1 Joh. 5.11, 12. That is to say, The everlasting Spiritu­all well-being of a beleever, is by union and communion with Je­sus Christ, in whom he lives a life of grace here, and with whom he shall live a life of glory hereafter. Yea all those spirituall breath­ings of the hunger-thirsting soule after the enjoyment of God in any of his holy Ordinances, are from Christ, and from him are all those quicknings, and all that life we have in Prayer, Preaching, Conference, and other spirituall duties. In a word, the spirit of life himselfe, who so sweetly refresheth the weary soule, comforts the sorrowfull heart, and quickens the sanctified affections, is from Christ, and he is called the Spirit of the Son, Gal. 4.6. whom God sends forth into the hearts of his Children.

2. Christ is the true light of every beleever, or in the New-Man; That was the true Light, Joh. 1.9. even Jesus Christ, who inlight­neth the eyes of our vnderstanding, that we 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 greatnes of his power to us-ward, who beleeve, Ephe. 1.17, 18, 19. And though the hearts of men and women be very darke, yet God who com­manded the light to shine out of darknesse, hath shined in our [Page 3]hearts, (who are beleevers) to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the Face of Iesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4.6. And the Apostle tells the sanctified Ephesians, that they were sometimes darknesse, but now ye are light in the Lord, Ephes. 5.8. And indeed, all that heavenly knowledge, and spirituall understanding, which beleevers have in the mysterie of the Gospel, they had it from Christ; In whom are are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge, Col. 2.2, 3.

3. Christ is the Bread of life to beleevers, Joh. 6.35, 48, 51. He is the Spirituall meat and drink of their souls, who beleeve in him, they that eat him shall live by him, Joh. 6.55, 57. All that Spiritu­all nourishment, and soul refreshment, which beleevers have in pro­mises, duties, Ordinances, &c. is from Christ, whose flesh is meate indeed, and his blood is drinke indeed, communicated by his holy spirit unto his people in those promises, duties, Ordinances, &c. Christ is Milke and wine, to be had without money, Isa. 55.1. that will quench the thirst of the new-borne babes in Christ, which so much desire the sincere milke of the worde, that they may grow thereby, 1 Pet. 2.2, 3. and that will make the mournfull spirit of a a doubting or back-sliding Beleever, to have a cheerefull counte­nance, when his broken heart is cheered and warmed, yea melted, and comforted with the blood of Christ his Redeemer. Christ is Water of life, a pure River of living Water cleere as Crystall, flowes from this Fountain in the hearts of Beleevers, Rev 22.1, 17. Joh. 7.37, 38. & Ioh. 4.10.13, 14. This will satisfie the thirsty soul, as Chirist Promised Mat. 5.6, 11, therfore hee cried, If any man thirst, let him come to me and drinke. Christ is the the tree of life, which beareth twelve manner of fruits, and yeeldeth her fruit every moneth, whose leaves are for the healing of the Nations. Revel. 22.2. Christ is said to make a feast of wine and fat things full of Marrow, Isa. 25.6. and he thus speakes to beleevers, eate, O Friends, drinke, yea drinke, abundantly, O beloved, Cant. 5.1. I might be exceeding large in particularizing many other his Ti­tles, as namely; Christ is a beleevers Justification, Sanctification, Redemption, 1 Cor. 1.30. He is also our Peace, Ephes. 2.14. our Righteousnesse, Ier. 23.6. Our Advocate with the Father. 1 Iohn 2.1, 2. Our King, High-Priest, and Prophet, Our Father, Husband, Brother, our All. Thus it may appear, that Christ is all in the New-Man. How is Christ all, in all in the New-Man? I conceive, It is spo­ken by way of Preheminence, as it is expressed, Col. 1.18, 19. That is, In all, which is in the New-Man, or in a Beleever Christ ought to have the preheminence; First, as hee is the Author thereof, [Page 4]for instance, That precious faith of Gods Elect, which is in the New-Man is an excellent grace, but yet Christ must have the pre­heminence above that faith, because he is the Author of it, Heb. 12.2. And so above all other graces, gifts, and fruits of the Spirit.

Secondly, as he is the preserver of all in the New-Man, every beleever, is called and Sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, Iude 1. And the Beleever is not onely preserved in the state of Grace by Christ, but the Grace of God wrought in him, to wit, faith, &c. Is by Christ preserved also; namely, by the Intercession of Christ. I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.

Thirdly, as he is the finisher, who strengtheneth, stablisheth, and perfecteth all in the New-Man. Christ is not onely the Author, but the Finisher of our Faith. Heb. 12.2. He is the Alpha, and Omega; the beginning and the ending of all those Graces, gifts, and fruits of the Spirit, which are in the New-Man. Revel. 1 8. Thus Christ is all, and in all, in the New-Man. He is the Author, Preserver, and finisher of all. He purchased all, He is the Donour of all, He is the Beauty of all, the Summe of all, the Perfection of all, in the New-Man.

Reason. This was the good pleasure of the Fathers will, that all fulnesse, all-sufficiencie, all spiritualnesse should dwell in Christ, and should by Christ be communicated to his people, that in all things Christ might have the preheminence, Col. 1.18, 19. And thus God will have it done to the Man Christ Jesus, whom he delighted to ho­nour, for the service Christ did unto his Father in the Redemption of his people, therefore he gave him a Name, above every Name, Christ is all, and in all. Which honour & dignity, Christ will at the last day prostrate at the feet of his Father, that God may be all in all. 1 Cor. 15.28. Moreover, this being the designe of God, that Christ should communicate all grace, gifts, &c. unto his people. It was requisite, that all fulnesse should be in Christ, and so we read, John. 1.14, 16. Yea the great necessitie of the Lords redeemed ones, to have a constant supplie of grace, and spirituall gifts, also a conti­nuall growth of the fruits of the spirit, requires this all-fulnesse to be in Christ.

Vse. 1 Seeing, Christ is all, and in all, in the New-Man; Let us hence be Instructed. First, to prize Christ highly, to set an high esteeme upon Christ, to let Him have the preheminence, who is all in all. It is that which the Prophet complained of, Isa. 53.3. He, to wit Christ, was despised, and rejected of men, and we esteemed him not. We are apt to slight Christ, and to disesteem Him, because we dis­cerne [Page 5]not that beauty, excellencie, riches, and glory, which is in Himselfe, we are ignorant of the worth of Christ, and know not our need of him, and therefore we do not so prize him, as we ought. These two Considerations, I desire, to propound, as motives, to prize Christ. First, Christ his worth, which I may hint unto you in three particulars, to wit, 1. The unvaluable preciousnesse of his blood, which hath in it a cleansing vertue, 1 John 1.7, 9. And the blood of Iesus Christ his Son, cleansed us from all sin, therefore, we are said, to be justified by his blood, Rom. 5.9. Let me aske you, who now beleeve, How did you esteem of this precious blood of Christ? When you were sighing-out your mournfull request to God in secret corners, for one drop of Christs blood, one dram of the grace of God, and faith of God his Elect, one word of pro­mise, one smile of a reconciled Father, or one beam of the light of Gods countenance, did you not prize the blood of Christ above all corruptible things, as silver, gold, honour, riches, pleasure, &c. Did you not esteem the least drop of it more precious, then all creature-comforts whatsoever, as friends, liberties, and life? Again, the pre­cious blood of Christ hath a purging quality, Heb 9.14 The blood of Christ shall purge your consciences from dead workes, to serve the living God. Sin doth both contract guiltinesse, and pol­lution, and therefore the blood of Christ doth both cleanse, and purge, pardon, and purifie, therefore we are also said, to be sancti­fied by the blood of Christ; Heb. 13.12. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctifie the people with his own blood; Suffered with­out the gate. Oh beloved, what can be esteemed so precious to a gracious heart, as this blood of Christ, which washeth away all those defilements, and uncleannesses, which through our corrup­tions cleave unto us, even in our best actions, and holy duties: Such of you, (as have many a time groaned in prayer to God under the feeling sence and sight of any corruption) know by experience, what high esteem you have had of the blood of Christ to save you, from your uncleannesse.

Secondly, the unsearchable riches of his grace. Ephes. 3.8. To me who am lesse then the least of all Saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ. Christs riches are of such an hight, depth, length, and bredth, that passeth knowledge, yea thus much is spoken of the love of Christ. Ephes. 3.18, 19. Also Faith in Christ is called precious faith, 2 Pet. 1.1. To them, that have obtained like precious faith with us, through the Righteousnesse of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, yea all the Graces of Christ are the riches of the poore [Page 6]Saints, Jam. 2.5. God hath chosen the poor of the world, rich in grace, &c. Tell me, beloved, how did you esteem of the riches of Christ, when you being poor in spirit, mourned for Christ and his grace, when you discerned Faith, Love, Humility, &c. in others of the children of God, did you not prize it highly in them? Did you not account them happy, rich, and blessed, whom Christ had inriched with those jewels, and adorned with such graces? Ah how much more should you now prize Christ, in whom is all fulnesse of these unsearchable riches, and especially conside­ring, that from his fulnesse you have received grace for grace, Ioh. 1.14, 16.

Thirdly, the glorious liberties of his Spirit; for where the Spi­rit of the Lord is, there is libertie. 2 Cor. 3.17. Not any carnall liberty to sin, and so fulfill the lusts of the Flesh, Gal. 5.13. but Spirituall liberty, and freedome from sin. I mean not a perfect and totall freedome from all sin, as if the people of God could never sin after Conversion. For if we say, that we have no sin, we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us, 1 Joh. 1 8, 10. But I mean a freedome: First, from the guilt of sin. Rom. 8 33. And the Apo­stle saith, Colos. 2.13. That he hath forgiven us all trespasses. Secondly, from the polution or filth of sin, Zach. 13.1. A fountain set open to Beleevers for sin and for uncleanesse. And Ezek. 36.25, 29. God promised they shall be cleane, and he will save them from all their uncleannesses. Thirdly, from the raigning power of sin: Rom. 6.14. Sin shall not have dominion over you, under grace. Fourthly, from the punishment due for sin, which is the cure of the Law, Gal. 3.13. or condemnation, Rom. 8.1. or any other satis­factory punishment.

2 The great need you have of Christ, may move you to praise him, and set an high esteeme of him. Christ is the one thing ne­cessarie, and therefore the Titles given him in the Scripture, are such as declare his usefullnesse to Beleevers, for he is our Life, our Light, our Bread, Water, Milke, Wine, His flesh our meat indeed, His blood our drink indeed; He is our Father, our Husband, our Brother, our Friend, our King, Priest, and Prophet; He is our Ju­stification, Sanctification, and Redemption; He is our Peace, our All. We can have no accesse to God but by his Mediation, no acceptance with God without his Jntercession. Revel. 8.3.4. We cannot resist the next Temptation, neither can we overcome the next Corruption, nor shall we be able to suffer with patience the next Persecution, or indure any tribulation, unlesse we have renewed strength from Christ. Beleevers have received, that Grace, [Page 7]they have, from Christ, Iohn 1 16. And they cannot have increase of grace bu by Christ, Iohn 15.1, 2. Lord increase our Faith said the Disciples, neither can they persevere in grace, unlesse they be preserved in Christ, Iude 1. To conclude, we are nothing, have nothing, can do nothing with­out Christ, Iohn 15.5. Without me you can do nothing; that is to say, you cannot in your own strength, nor in the strength of any grace recei­ved, do any thing to please God, or to glorifie God, without me; unlesse you abide in me, and have renewed ability and strength from me, you can do nothing that God my father will own or crown with acceptance or reward: But yet we who are Believers, have all and abound, Phil. 4.18. can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth them, Phil. 4.13. can suffer the losse of all, Phil. 3.7, 8, 9. yea and conquer all, nay be more then conquerours through Christ, Rom. 8.35, 36, 37, 38, 39. Oh consider your need of Christ and learn to prize him, let him be exalted highest in your hearts, as the pearl of greatest worth, as the one thing necessary which you most of all need, let him be all in all in your communication and conversation.

2. Vse. Seeing Christ is all and in all in the new-Man, let every one examine whether Christ be in him. 2. Cor. 13.5. Examine your selves, know you not that Christ is in you, &c. This nearly concernes you belo­ved, for if you have Christ, you have all. Christ is all you heart but if you lose him you lose all; you will lose your hopes, Comforts, and all your duties, yea you will lose God, Heaven, and soul, and all. It matters not what you have if you want Christ, no guifts, duties, reformations, qua­lifications, or other things whatsoever, will make you happy without Christ; And if you enjoy Christ, it is not materiall what ever you want, for my God (saith the Apostle) shall supply all your need, according to his riches, in glory by Christ Jesus Phil. 4.19. Therfore make sure that Christ is yours. Some would ask this question, How shall I so examine, that I may know assuredly that I have Christ? I answer, you must bring your hearts to the touchstone of the Word of God, and cast them into the bal­lance of the Sanctuarie and weigh them there. And to this purpose, I shall propound one Scripture of truth for your examination and triall, to wit, 2 Cor. 5.17. If any man be in Christ he is a new-creature, or creation; That is to say, he is new-born, born again, or born of God, Joh. 1.12, 13. But as many as received him, &c. which were born of God. And our Sa­viour urged the necessitie of this new-birth, Joh. 3.3.5.7, 8. Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdome of God, he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God, vers. 5. Now every one who is a new creature in Christ, all things are become new in him, or all things are made new [as in the Greek [...], ecce nova facta sunt omnia.] To wit; first he is made a new man, Ephes. 4.21.22.23.24. Col. 3.10.11, [Page 8]and have put on the new-man where Christ is all and in all. Secondly, he hath a new heart, Ezek. 36.26. A new heart also will I give you, &c. That is, a new will and new affections, yea and a new spirit will I put within you, verse 26. That is (Ephes. 4.23.) to be renewed in the spirit of our minde, to wit, a new judgement or spirituall understanding in the know­ledge of Gods will, Col. 1.9. Thirdly, he walkes in newnesse of life: Rom. 6.4. Even so we also should walk in newnesse of life. That is, the conversation of a new-creature should be such as becomes the Gospell: Phil. 1.27. To wit, humble, harmlesse, and holy: 1 Pet. 1.15 16. And thus God hath promised in the everlasting covenant of grace, that all and every one of his people shall walk: Ezek. 36.27. And I will put my spi­rit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, &c. Examine your selves, Are you a new creature? Such of you as have not put off the old man, but still have your old hearts, and your old sinnes, and walk in your old wayes, and fulfill the old lusts of your sinfull natures, are not in a new creature, you are not in Christ, nor Christ in you.

But some may thus say within themselves, I hope my soul is in a bet­ter condition, I am not so wicked and carnall as some others are, neither am I so vilde a sinner as I have been formerly; but I am somewhat refor­med, and have forsaken my sinfull courses, and begin to delight to hear Sermons, and I pray with my family. To this I would answer, although your condition be not so desperate as others, who have lived long under ordinatie meanes of grace, and yet are not at all wrought upon, I must tell you, Professors may (through strong Convictions, horrour of conscience, and feares of Hell) leave the Acts of some sins, and may customarily per­form some religious duties, and yet not regenerated. Professors may have leaves like the unfruitfull Figtree, and Lampes like the five foolish Vir­gins, they may seem to be Religious, and have a forme of Godlinesse; and not be a New creature, or creation. I might instance many such in the Scriptures. Herod, Mark. 6.20. He heard Iohn gladly, and did many things. Saul, 1 Sam. 10.6, 9. was turned into another Man, had another heart, yet unconverted: So thou mayest be another Man, and not a New-Man, maiest have another heart, but not a new heart.

But I speak not this to adde sorrow to the afflicted, nor to break the the bruised, for though some may deceive themselves herein; Yet such of you as are borne again or borne of God, though but New-borne babes, who have put on the New-Man, have a New heart, and walke in New­nesse of life, are in Christ, and Christ in you.

3. Vse. Seeing, Christ is all, and in all in the New-Man; Let it serve for the consolation of every true beleeve, Christ is yours, and all things are yours: 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23. All are yours, and ye are Christs, and Christ is God. Christ is your life, your light, your foode, your All, and by union [Page 9]with Christ, you are one in God, John. 17.21. God is your God and Father, John 20.17. All that is Christs is yours, his Wisdome, Righte­ousnesse, Sanctification, Faith, Love, Humility, &c. All in all fulnesse, was in Him, and dwels in him, for his people, to communicate to them, Epes. 4.7. Are you full of spirituall wants, you may have supply from the fulnesse of Spiritualls in Christ. Doe you want Wisdome, Faith, love, &c. What ever you want, go to Christ for that grace; There is enough in Christ to satisfie the most hunger-thirsting soules in spirituall things, Epes. 1.3. God hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings, in heavenly things in Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of Wisdome, and knowledge: Col. 2.3. Doe you want power against corruptions? go to Christ for strength, His grace is sufficient for thee, 2 Cor. 12.8.9. There is an all-sufficiencie in Christ, Christ is all, saith the Text, therefore the Apostle having Christ, said, I have all, I can do all through Christ, Phil. 4.13, 18. And know for your further consolation, that Chirist is in all in the New-Man, or in every true Beleever.

He is in you, Col. 1.2. Christ in you, the hope of glory; Christ liveth in me saith the Apostle, 2 Gal. 20. Christ is, and lives in a true beleever by participation of his Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1.3, 4. By incohation of his holy Spirit, Gal. 4.6. and by communication of his saving grace, Ephes. 3.17. and 4 7. Christ is in your hearts, in your gifts, in your graces, in your duties, in all, by whom you finde acceptance of your persons, and services with God your heavenly Father, Ephes. 1.6. Christ is with you, and in you, in all conditions, in all relations, in all Afflictions, Isa. 63.8 9. And to conclude this use, know for your increase of joy; that Christ, who is all, and in all in you will abide in you for ever; Nothing shall be able to separate Christ and your soules, Rom. 8.35, 38, 39. Christ is the strength of your heart, and your portion for ever, Psalm. 73.26.

4. Vse. Seeing Christ is all, and in all in the New-Man, suffer a word of exhortation, which will conscerne every one present to hearken to, viz. Both such as are in Christ, and out of Christ. And I am sure evere one of you are in one of these two estates: either you are in Christ, or without Christ. The first branch of the exhortation shall be you, who are beleevers, and sanctified in Christ Iesus, called Saints, seeing, Christ is all in all, Let him be all in all in your justification, take ye heed you bring not any righteousnesse of your owne, nor any grace or worke of his in you, to joyne with Christ, and his righteousnesse in point of justifica­tion: Phil. 3.9. This glory Christ will not give to another. He is our ju­justification, or righteousnesse, 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. Christ will not permit any coadjutor, concause, or cooperator whatsoever in justification of sinners.

Consider this you who will not beleeve, unlesse you could see your selves so holy, so humble; except you can first have such a sinne subdued, you will not beleeve any of your sinnes are pardoned, untill you finde and feele in your selves a soft heart, a broken heart, a praying spirit, a mourning spirit, you cry out you are not justifyed. Oh, say you, if I could pray, mourne for sinne, profit by the meanes, as such and such doe, then I would beleeve: but alas, I have a hard heart, a blinde minde, a perverse will, carnall affections, &c. I cannot, dare not, I will not beleeve that my sins are forgiven. Thus most professors would bring in (if not their owne righteousnesse) some grace or work of God in them, to joyne with Christ in their justification, not considering that God justifies the ungodly, Rom. 4.5. and that Christ is all and in all in the justification of sinners.

Secondly, let Christ be all, in all the gifts of the Spirit, and graces of sanctification: for, as you heard, he is the Author, the Preserver, and the finisher of them all, therefore let him have the preheminence, above all, set an high esteeme of every gift and grace of God, account a little grace better then all the riches, honours, pleasures, and creature-comforts of this world. But you ought to prize Christ farre above all his owne gifts and graces in us, for he is the life of them all, the marrow and substance of them a I. What is all knowledge, unlesse ye know God in Christ? 1 Cor. 13.2 nothing. What is all Faith, except Christ be the object of it? 1 Cor. 13.2 Nothing. Patience, Temperance, and all other Vertues, what are they? but either naturall qualities, or morall habits, unlesse Christ be the root of them; Nature, Education, and acquired gifts of Art may produce the like, yea the same, in Heathens. But Christ is the lustre and beauty of each spirituall gift and grace: that influence beleevers receive from Christ, and those rayes that come from this Sunne of Righteousnesse upon their graces, makes them shining Saints, beautifull and all glorious within. Heare this you poore in spirit, you new-borne babes in Christ, who have the persons of beleevers (especially Preachers) in admiration, and set them up on high in your hearts, and extoll them with your tongues, because you discerne so much humility, love, patience, faith, and other gifts of the Spirit, and graces of sanctification in them: should you not rather admire Christ, exalt Christ, and extoll him, who is the purchaser, the owner, the donor, and the author of all these spirituall gifts and graces, for we have nothing but what we have received, by his grace we are what we are, and all the grace we have, from his fulnesse we received it, Joh. 1.16. ther­fore let him receive the glorie of all, and let him have the preheminence in all, for he is all in all.

Thirdly, let Christ be all, in all your affections, words, and actions. Set your affections on Christ. Oh let the discoveries of that superlative ex­cellencie, and glorious beautie of Christ, which are made out to your soules [Page 11]by the Spirit and Word of God, draw you to set your affections on him, Col. 1.1 2. Love every one, and every thing that God hath put the name of Christ upon, for his sake, but chiefly set your affectionate love upon himselfe, love Christ in his Saints, love Christ in his messengers, in his or­dinances, &c. this will quicken your desires to enjoy more of Christ, more of Christ in his Saints, Ministers, Ordinances, and in your owne hearts. On let Christ be chiefest in your affections, he is altogether love­ly, Cant. 5.16. Let him have your dearest love, he is the wel-beloved of his Father and yours, 2 Pet. 1.17. let him be your wel-beloved. Christ beares you in his armes, everlasting armes of mercy, yea in his bosome, Isa. 40.11. & 63.9. Doe you beare him in your heart, and let Christ be exalted highest there. Againe, let the absence of Christ be the chiefe oc­casion of your sorrow and mourning, Matth. 9 15. cry after him, enquire for him, give him no rest untill he returne: this was the practice of the Spouse, Cant. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. & Cant. 5.4, 6, 8. Oh how was her affections set upon her Beloved! tell him I am sicke of love, Cant. 5.8. Though there be many other just occasions for mourning to the Saints, yet this is the chiefe. If a loving wife cannot thinke of the departure of her deare hus­band without sorrow, how much more sorrowful will a gracious heart be in the absence of Christ? Mary likewise who wept, and being asked the reason by the Angels, answered, Because they have taken away my Lord, &c. Joh. 20.11, 13, 15, 16. And as Christ should be all in your affections, so let him be in your words and actions: speake for him, doe for him, suf­fer for him, let him be the matter of your communications and conferen­ces, that you may minister grace to the hearers: what ever you do in word or deed, let all be done to the honour of Christ, for he that honours the Sonne, honours the Father also.

The other branch of the exhortation, is to such as are in their naturall condition, without Christ, seeing Christ is all & in all, be exhorted to seek Christ. Paul preaching on Mars-hill to the Athenians, tells them, God made of one blood all Nations of men, that they should seeke the Lord, Act 17.22, 26, 27. and there be many exhortations in holy Scripture to this purpose: as Isa. 55.6, 7. Seeke ye the Lord while he may be found, &c. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him returne unto the Lord, &c. The Apostle Peter in his speech to Simon Magus, Act. 8.20, 21, 22, 23. told him his heart was not right in the sight of God, that he was in the gall of bitternesse, and in the bond of iniquity. And yet he exhorted him to repent and pray to God, vers. 22 Not that any man in his naturall condition can of himselfe come to Christ, desire him, or seeke to enjoy him for none can come to Christ except the Father draw him. Joh. 6.44. It is God that workes in us to will and to doe ac­cording to his good pleasure, Phil. 2.13. So then, saith the Apostle, it is [Page 12]not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that shew­eth mercy; onely know this, God requiring poore sinners to use the meanes, he hath appointed, is pleased to make that meanes effectuall for their conversion and salvation. For if God have purposed to shew mer­cy, and conferre his grace upon your soules, he will cause you to seeke unto him, Ezek. 36.26, 27 37. A new heart will I give you, and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walke in my Statutes: Thus saith the Lord God, I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them, vers. 37. Gods gracious and free promises doe not ex­clude the meanes he hath appointed to attaine the mercies therein pro­mised. It pleaseth him to tye his creatures to the use of meanes, when he affords it them, though he will sometime worke without it. Now the ordinary meanes which God hath in his infinite wisedome appointed to convert sinners, and also to build them up in Christ, is the Word preach­ed, Rom. 10.8, 17. This word of the Gospel God will have preached to every creature in all parts of the world, Mark 16.15. None are exempted or prohibited from hearing the Gospel preached, but every one that hath an eare is required to heare, Revel. 2.7. And let such as neglect the hear­ing of the word of God (preached by such as are called and sent of Christ) consider what the Lord saith, Prov. 1. from the 20. vers. to the 32. vers. But albeit some of you see it is that you ought to doe, and that you had need to doe, to wit, to seeke the Lord; assenting to what you heard in the first verse of the doctrine, that there is much worth, beauty, and excellen­cy in Christ, and that poore-lost-undone sinners stand in need of him: Notwithstanding how to obtaine Christ you know not as yet. Let me tell you, God offers you Christ upon Gospel-termes, which are these three.

First, God in the dispensation of the Gospell propounds Christ to lost sinners, as the onely necessary, and all-sufficient meanes of Salvation: Christ is the onely necessary means of Salvation, Act. 4.12. Neither is there Salvation in any other. And Christ is the All-sufficient meanes of Salvation, so that we need none but him: Heb. 7.25. He is able to save them to the umost, &c.

Secondly, God doth offer Christ to lost sinners without respect to price or person, He invites them, that have no money, to come, and buy Wine, and milk, (that is to say, Christ) without price, Isa 55 1. And any one, that will, are invited to take Christ freely: Revel. 22.17 And whosoever will, let him take the water of life (that is, Christ) freely.

Thirdly, God requires, that those, who do receive him, shall depart from iniquity, 2. Tim. 2.19. Live soberly, righteously, and Godly in this present world, Ti [...]us. 2 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. And that they shall sell all, lose all, and hate all for the sake of Christ, and take up the Crosse and fol­low him.

You will say to me, Alas, here is my miserie, to wit, although God propound Christ upon good termes to poor sinners, to me among others, I have no power of my selfe to receive Christ, to beleeve in him, and accept of him. True, It is not (as I said) in him, that willeth, nor him that runneth, but in God, who sheweth mercy; Rom. 9.16. It is the ex­ceeding greatnesse of his power to us-wards, who beleeve, which must be put forth in your hearts, to make you beleeve also, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, Ephes. 1.19, 20. And you ought to wait on God in the diligent use of meanes untill the day of his power come upon you, and then you shall be a willing, a beleeving people: Psal. 110.3. I may exhort you to repent of your wickednesse, prophanenesse, &c. as Peter did: Act. 8.22. But God must give you repentance unto life, Act. 11.18 It is my duty to preach the Gospel to you, and to exhort you to seek Christ. Act. 17.22, 27. but it is the meer mercy and free grace of God to drive you to Christ, which nothing but his everlasting love can move him to doe, Ier. 31.3. You ought to seek, and wait, aske, and have, and use all the meanes which God hath appointed, and afforded you, both secret, private, and publike, Revel. 2.29. But God must make the meanes effectuall: Acts 16.14. And therefore I must say, It is not in me, I cannot draw you to Christ, that is the Fathers worke: John 6.44. But having exhorted you to seeke him in the use of meanes, there I must leave you to waite on God for the moving of his holy Spirit, where you must lye and continue like the poore impotent man at the poole of Bethesda for healing: And though as he did, so you may see many a Lame, Blinde, Deaf, Dumb, Naked-leprous soule, get healing and goe away rejoycing and praising God, and you remaine still so impotent, that you cannot get in to the Fountaine, set open for sin and for uncleannesse, nor have any that can helpe you in, that you may be cu­red: yet be not disheartned, as Christ came suddenly and unexpectedly, and healed the impotent man after long waiting; so Christ will come ac­cording to his promise to your soules that seek him, Malac. 3.1. The Lord whom you seek shall come, shall suddenly come, saith the Lord of Hosts.

IN this chapter you have; First, the inscription of the Epistle, vers. 1. and therein is declared both the Pen-man Paul; and his Office, an Apostle of of Jesus Christ by the will of God; also the per­sons to whom the Epistle was written, the Saints, and to the faithfull in Christ Jesus, which are at Ephesus.

Secondly, A salutation, vers. 2. and therein is expressed the matter of the Salutation, Grace, and Peace; the persons saluted you, to wit, the Saints; the Author from whom Grace and Peace comes to the Saints: From God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thirdly, A congratulation, vers. 3. for spirituall blessings in generall, [...] &c. Who hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings &c. or with every spirituall blessing. Whereof the Apostle mentioneth some particularly in the following verses, to wit, Election, Predestination, Adoption. In this 4 verse Saint Paul hints to us.

First, That there is an Election.

Secondly, That the Elect are chosen in Christ.

Thirdly, That Election was before the World was founded.

And fourthly, that the Elect of God should be holy, and without blame in his presence, in love.

Thus you see the occasion, and dependence of the words of the Text, which offers to your religious consideration this plaine Doctrine.

Doct. God will have his people to be an holy people. This point of doctrine needeth no explanation; And it is a truth so generally assented to by all professors, that I shall give you but one Scripture, to confirme it. 2 Thes. 3. This is the will of God, [...] your Sanctification. And [Page 15]indeed it appeares manifestly in the Scripture of truth, that this is Gods holy will.

First, because God hath chosen them in Christ to this end, Ephes. 1.4. That they should be holy.

Secondly, God calles his to holinesse, 1 Thes. 4.7. God hath not called us to uncleannesse, but unto holinesse.

Thirdly, God hath given to every one of his the holy spirit to sanctifie them, Rom. 15 16. being sanctified by the holy spirit.

Fourthly, God affords them his holy word, which is a meanes of Sanctification. John. 17.17. Sanctifie them through thy truth, thy word is truth. Yea when they sin against God, he will chastise them for their profit; that they may be partakers of his holinesse, Heb. 12.10. So that God would have his people holy.

Reason 1. God will have his people to be holy, that he may be justi­fied in justifying the ungodly, Rom. 3.26. That he might be just, that justifieth the ungodly, Rom. 4.5. God justifieth the ungodly, that is, He finding men and women in their blood, or in their sins, Ezek. 16 6, 8. he (in the the time of love) forgives them all their sins, covers their na­kednesse with the skirt of Christs Righteousnesse, and bids them live; This is done when God enters into covenant with them, and so they be­come his. Now that God may be justified in so doing, though he found them ungodly, unbeleevers, impenitent, prophane, &c. He doth not onely forgive them all their sins, and so leave them ungodly, to go on in their wicked waies; But he gives them his holy Spirit of Sanctificaton, who changeth their hearts, renewes the spirit of their minde, sanctifies their wills, and affection, and produceth all those fruits of the spirit in them, mentioned, Gal. 5.22, 23. whereby they are made holy in all man­ner of conversation. 1 Pet. 1.15, 16. And this reason the Apostle gives, Ephes. 1.4, 6. That we should be holy: to the praise of the glory of his grace, and verse 12. That we should be to the praise of his Glory. And herein is God justified in justifying the ungodly, in that he doth make and keep them holy, Jude 1.

Reason 2. God will have his people to be holy, for the honour and glory of his Son Jesus Christ to whom he hath given them. All mine are thine (saith Christ in his Prayer to his Father, John 17.1, 10.) and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them, also verse. 19. And for their sakes, I sanctifie my selfe, that they also might be sanctified. Christ shall be glorified in his Saints, especially in his Kingly Office, Revel. 15.3, 4. Just and true are thy waies; Thou King of Saints; Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorifie thy Name, for thou onely art holy. And albeit, now Christ, and his poor Saints are scorned, and despised of men; yet that Prophesie of Enoch, the seventh from Adam, will have its accomplishment, Jude 14. [Page 16] Behold, the Lord commeth with ten thousand of his Saints. The Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels; When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints, 2 Thes. 17 10. And in that day it will ap­pear to all the world, that it is the great glory of Jesus Christ, that his Father hath given him so many, ten thousands of Saints to be his Sub­jects, and himselfe to be their King, Isa. 33.17, 22.

Reason. 3. God will have his people holy, that they may enjoy spiri­tuall communion with him in this life, and Eternall communion with him in heaven. The Saints do enjoy spirituall Communion with God in this life, 1 John 1.3 Truely our fellowship is with the father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, and with the Spirit, Phil. 2.1. And they shall have eter­nall communion with God in Heaven, in that Kingdome prepared for them, which then thy shall receive, Matth. 25.34. Now this commu­nion with God, none can have without holinesse. Heb. 12.14. Therefore God will have his people to be holy.

1. Vse. Will God have his people to be holy? Let it be usefull to us, first for enquiry, what holinesse is? And how God makes His holy? [...] 1 Thes. 4 3. 7 Holinesse or Sanctification is a reall change of the whole Man, from the pollution of sin, to the purity of the Image of Christ Rom. 6.22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants of God, ye have your fruits unto holinesse Here was a reall change in them from the pollution of sin, 2 Cor. 3.18. But we all with open face beholding, as in a glasse, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same Image. Here was the other part of that reall change in them, to wit, in­to the purity of the Image of Christ. For as men in their naturall estate bear the Image of the Earthy first-man Adam; so men in their spirituall estate bear the Image of the Heavenly second-Man CHRIST, 1 Cor. 15.47, 48, 49. This holinesse or sanctification (if you have respect to the Author and efficient cause thereof) is called the sanctification of the Spi­rit, 2 Thes. 2.13. and 1 Pet. 1.2. (If unto the divine act of God) it is cal­led Renovation or Renewing of the minde, Ephes. 4.23, and Rom. 12.2. (If unto the Acts and fruits of holinesse in beleevers) it is called Faith, love, long suffering, gentlenesse, goodnesse, meeknesse, temperance, &c. Gal. 5.22. (If unto the root, fountain, and foundation of holinesse) the Scripture saith; Christ is our sanctification, 1 Cor. 1.30. Thus you hear what holinesse is. Now God maketh His holy by his Spirit and Word; Whereby he doth convince them, that they are without Christ: Ephes. 2.12. Maketh discoverie to them of the worth of Christ, their need of him, and Gods offer of him in a covenant of Grace upon Gospell termes; changing their hearts into the Image of Christ, 2 Cor. 3.18. Gives them Faith in Christ, Repentance from dead workes, Love to all the Saints, &c. And so the very God of Peace Sanctifie his people, [Page 17]1 Thessalonians 5.23. Thus much may suffice touching the Jnquiry.

2. Vse. Will God have his people to be holy? Let us make use of this, to discover who are the people of God, & who are not. Those people, that are ungodly, unsanctified, are not the people of God, such may boast of their Justification, but they deceive themselves, for God hath no justified-unsanctified people, 1 Cor. 6 9, 10, 11. They may talke of the free-grace of God manifested to them & bringing them Salvation, but they are delu­ded; for the grace of God, that bringeth Salvation, teacheth us to de­ny ungodlinesse, and to live godly. Titus. 2.11, 12. Now there are three sorts of professors, who would be esteemed the people of God, and yet are not sanctifyed by the holy spirit, they are not holy, and therefore are not the Lords people in Covenant.

The first Sort are all those legall professors, who having been by the spirit, and word of God much convinced of sin, Iohn 16.8. Sorely woun­ded in their consciences, Proverbes. 18.14. and somewhat reformed in their conversations, by hearing godly Preachers, as Herod was, Mark 6 20. after all this, goe about to establish their own righteous­nesse, and rest upon their duties, humiliation, and legall reformation; And never have their hearts changed, and renewed, nor Christ given of the Father unto them: These are not sanctified, are not the Lords. Hear what the Apostle speakes to such among the Galatians. Are yee so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh? Have you affired so many things in vain? If it be yet in vaine. Well such of you as God hath chosen in Christ, that you should bee holy, &c. He will also by his Spirit and Word convince you of Righteousnesse, to wit, that all your own Righteousnesses are as filthy rags, Isa. 64.6. That being ignorant of Gods Righteousnesse, you have gone about to establish your owne righteousnesse, Rom. 10 3. and that you must be found in Christ, not having your own righteousnesse, which is of the Law; but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousnesse which is of God by faith, Phil. 3 9.

The second Sort are all those formall professors, who seem onely to be religious. Iames 1.26. Having a forme of Godlinesse, but denying the power thereof. 2 Tim. 3.5. These will tell you they rest not on duties, trust not to their owne righteausnesse, confide not in their Humiliation, as legal pro­fessors doe; But they (after much trouble of conscience for their sins) got comfort, joy, and peace in applying some promises of the Gospell to themselves: Consider, I pray you, the Parable of the stony ground hea­rers. They on the rock, are they, which when thy hear receive the Word with joy, and these have no root, which for a while beleeve, and in time of temptation fall away, Luke 8.13. Here was some (plowing, though it went not deep enough,) and some Harrowing also, to co­ver the good seed; after this the [...]e was some joy, but no root; Here was [Page 18]the Word convincing, and wounding, and comforting, but no Christ (who is called the root Coloss. 2.6, 7) to quicken, renew, and sanctifie: And therefore, though they believed awhile, yet they fall away, in the time of Temptation. And this is the condition of formall Professors, they get comfort in promises, but they receive not Christ and His sanctifying comforting-spirit in the promises, let such hear what the Lord by His Prophet speakes to a formall professing people, Isa. 50.11. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compasse your selves about with sparks; Walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have at my hand, ye shall lye down in sorrow.

The third sort are all those carnall Professors, who say they are the peo­ple of God, and hold the common Faith, Titus 1.4. which is the faith of Gods Elect, Titus 1.1. and beleeve the common salvation: Jude 3. That is to say, common to every one that beleeveth, both Jew and Gentile: Rom. 1, 16. But notwithstanding all this profession of generall redemp­tion, they themselves are the servants of corruption: 2 Pet. 2.19. For they take liberty to live in sin, and walk after the flesh fulfilling the lusts there­of; turning the grace of God into lasciviousnesse, and denying the onely Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ: Jude 4 They are so fa [...]re departed from the Faith, which they sometime professed, and seemed to have, 1 Tim. 4.1. that they question whether the Scriptures of truth be the Word of God? Whether Christ be the sonne of God? Whether the first day of the Week be the Sabboth of God? And they are so farre from li­ving godly, and walking in the way of holinesse; that they totally omit all holy duties, they refrain prayer, they speak not of the Word of God when they rise up, nor when they lye down, nor as they sin in the house together with their family: They do not pertake of any Ordinances, nor perform any worship to God. And as for sin, they make a mock at it; some of them say God takes no knowledge of their sins, He sees no iniqui­tie in them; others affirm, that they have no sin, they are born of God, and they cannot sin: And some others are bold, to say, they are justified persons, and therfore all their words and actions are alike acceptable to God, and well-pleasing in his sight &c. But these carnall professors are not holy, are not the people of God: This may make some discovery of those, whose hearts are not right with God; to whom I would give the Apo­stles exhortation, Acts 8.22.

3. Vse. Will God have His people to be holy? Then may this doctrine occasion a deep Humiliation, and godly sorrow in believers for their un­holinesse, carnallnesse, and sinfulnesse in heart or life, O beloved, let you and I commune with our own hearts, how much unbelief, hypo­crisie, self-filthinesse, formality and wickednesse, shall we upon diligent examination finde still remaining in us? What vanity of minde and car­nality is in our hearts? How many hard thoughts of God have we still? [Page 19]Notwithstanding all the experiences God hath given us of his unchange­ablenesse, his faithfulnesse, and his everlasting loving kindnesse in Jesus Christ: How apt are we by an evill heart of unbelief, to depart from God? Alas what sinfull contemplations have we in our spirits? What evill concupiscence? How do our hearts run out after the creature-com­forts of this world, and how are our affections still set upon the things be­low Christ and God? How many Idols are set up in our hearts! How great is our self-love, self-seeking, self-confidence, self-dependence, and self-sufficiencie! O what high thoughts have we sometimes of our selves, our gifts, our graces, our experiences, our performances? Surely we have just cause (if God will in mercy work in us godly sorrow) to be ashamed, to mourn after a godly manner, and to loath our selves for the abomina­tions of our own hearts. But my brethren, let us examine our lives, and search and try our wayes, as well as commune with our hearts, for the eye of the world is open upon us; God, and Angels, men and Divels, all observe us (who are believers) they hear what we say, and take know­ledge what we do. O beloved, how much vain, carnall, and sinfull com­munication comes out of our mouthes, that ministers no grace to the hea­rers! How many idle words do we speak? What unprofitable talk have we among our selves and with others; not gracious, nor seasoned with the salt of truth and holinesse, but very unsavoury speeches. And when we meet together, and speak one to another of Religion, we are apt to speak slightly, rashly, formally, inconsiderately, and not soberly, humbly, and graciously, as becomes the Saints. Yea, our conferences sometimes turns to vain janglings, and un-edifying disputes, wherein we strive for victory, or to maintain our own opinion, more then truth; But besides all this, How much ungodlinesse is there in our actions? Albeit God preventeth us by His grace, from doing actions simply and grossely evill and ungod­ly, as drunkennesse, uncleannesse, &c. Yet in doing lawfull things, we often mis-carry; the Messengers of Christ do sometimes preach them­selves, Fathers of Families do correct their children sometimes after their pleasure, provoking their children, being bitter to their Wives sometimes; Oh how uneven do we walk in our callings and relations! Wherein we should especially shew forth the power of godlinesse. Oh had we tender hearts and were we truly sensible of our sinfull miscariages, we could not speak of those particulars without teares of godly sorrow. Can we consi­der how many yeares we have professed the Gospell, how long we have enjoyed the Word preached in season and out of season unto us, and yet how little our conversation is as becomes the Gospell, how little we have profited, how little we have grown in Grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and not be affected to mourn under the feeling of our un­profitablenesse, and great barrennesse. But I hope God will give us re­pentance [Page 20]unto salvation, not to be repented of for all our unrighteousnesse.

4. Vse. Will God have his people to be holy? Let it be usefull for the consolation of every true Believer, especially such as at present groane under the tyrannicall power, or captivating bondage of any corruption; And sigh to God for supply from Christ of any grace wanting, or weake in their apprehension, sense, and feeling. Hearken poor mourning soul, and consider what may be said for thy comfort, and search the Scriptures whether it be so or not.

Know first, That Gods eternall purpose toward thee (who art a true Beleever) in chusing thee in Christ, was, that thou shouldest be holy, E­phes. 1.4 and Rom. 8.30. I have purposed it (saith God) I will also do it, Isa. 46.11.

Secondly, That God hath made with thee an everlasting Covenant of Grace and Holinesse, wherein he hath given thee many great and preci­ous promises, to pardon sin, to subdue iniquity, and to put his Law in thy minde, and write it in thy heart: Jer. 3.31.34, and 32.40, with Heb. 8.10.11.12. Micah. 7.18, 19, 20, with 2 Pet. 2.3, 4, to the 11. vers.

Thirdly, that Christ hath prayed to His Father for thee, that he would sanctifie thee, John 17.1.17.20.

Fourthly, that Christ sanctified himself for thy sake, that thou also might be sanctified, Joh. 17.19.20.

Fifthly, that God hath given thee the spirit of his sonne, Gal. 4.6. who is a comforting sanctifying spirit, yea the Comforter; John 14.16, 17.18: And he that sanctifieth all the people of God, 1 Thes. 5.23.

Sixthly, That faithfull is God, who called thee, who also will do it; 1 Thes. 5.24. He called thee unto Holinesse, 1 Thes 4.7, and he will both make thee holy. [He hath said thou shalt be holy, Levit. 11.44.45, and 19.2. That is such a command, as hath the force of a promise in it; And though that place, Levit. 20 7, is, [...] San­ctifie your selves therefore and be ye Holy; yet the 70. Interpreters renders it, [...]. Et sanctificabimi, & eritis sancti. And so doth the Chaldees Paraphrast render it also. And Hierom translates that place, in the first of Pet. 1.16. [...], Be ye holy, Sancti eritis, Ye shall be holy: And indeed, there is [...], in the Margent of one Greek Testament, for God can put a being to His Word] And therefore be of good comfort, thy sinnes are forgiven thee. Matth. 9.2. And sinne shall not have dominion over thee, Rom. 6.14. The grace of Christ is sufficient for thee, 2 Cor. 12.9. He is full of grace, John 1.14. And from his ful­nesse, thou shalt receive grace upon grace; John 1.16. According as his divine power hath given us all things, that pertain unto life and godlinesse. 1. Pet. 1.3.

5. Vse. Will God have his people to be holy? Let me conclude with [Page 21]an use of exhortation to holinesse; As he that called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation, 1 Pet. 1.15. God will have his peo­ple holy at all times, in all relations, and in every condition. Therefore I beseech you brethren, and exhort you in the Lord, and for his sake, to be holy in all manner of Conversation, holy in your callings, for godli­nesse is great gaine: holy in your Families, in your shops, in your jour­neyes in all your waies, and in all your relations. Godlinesse hath the pro­mise both of this life, & that which is to come. Piety hath a majestie in it, it will give you a throne in the Consciences of others, that they dare not sin in your presence. Holinesse is an ornament to your callings, to your persons, to your families, and to the place where you live. The more ho­ly the more like your Heavenly Father, and the more you, glorifie your heavenly Father, and the more you adorne the Doctrine of Christ, yea the more communion you have with the Father and with Christ. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit, perfecting ho­linesse in the feare of God, 2 Cor. 7.1, 4. great is my boldnesse of speech toward you in this exhortation, because I desire fruit that may abound to your account; And give me leave to presse this exhortation upon such beleevers present who have carnall parents, yoke-fellowes, or other car­nall friends. You would have your naturall friends converted, and to that end you pray for them, mourne over them, many a sigh, and many a tear, it may be, they have cost you; but they live in the flesh still, are carnall still. Oh let not an holy conversation be wanting, that may further their conversion, 1 Cor. 7.16, 17. And if any obey not the Word, they also may be wonne, without the word, by your Godly conversation, 1 Pet. 3.1. And if they be not drawn thereby to a love of the truth, yet their mouthes will be stopped, that they cannot speake against it. Would it not be a comfortable thing, to have a carnall father speake thus of his godly son, or daughter, to wit, I was unwilling my children should go so often to heare Sermons, and be so often at Conferences, and private fasts, and the like; But I have observed, that since they professed Re­ligion, and gave themselves to pray, and read the Scriptures, They have been much more dutifull to us their parents then before, and they are more diligent in their callings. If this be the worst, they shall have liber­ty to professe the Gospell still. The like I might speak of other relations but should carnall parents or friends have cause by your loose or un even­walking to speak evill of the waies of God, it would bee very uncom­fortable to you, and dishonourable to the Gospell. I shall conclude in the words of the Apostle, Phil. 4.8. Finally, Brethren, Whatsoever things are true, Whatsoever things are honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report. If there be any vertue, and if there be any praise, thinke on these things, and the God of peace shall be with you. vers. 9.

One objection had need to be answered, before I end, and that is this; May some say, you have exhorted us to holinesse, and the Apostle tells us, 2 Tim. 3.12. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer perse­cution.

Object. How may wee be encouraged and strengthened against the feares of persecution?

Solu. I answer, First pray to God, that he will furnish you with suffe­ring graces, against persecuting times, Colos. 1.9.10, 11. Secondly im­prove your interest through Christ in the promises, and beleeve, that the more sufferings for Christ, the more comfort by Christ, 2 Cor. 1.5. The more sufferings the more holinesse, Heb. 12.10. The more sufferings the more happinesse: 1 Pet. 4.14. Onely take heed of suffering as an evill doer, verses 15.16. And if any suffer as a Christian, Christ will suffer with him, Isa. 63.9. Christ will share with you in your suffering perse­cution. Acts 9.4, 5. And you shall share with Christ in glory, Rom. 8.17. But you must bee holy in sufferings also, praying for them that persecute you, as Christ taught and practised: and so did his Martyr Stephen, 7.60. Lord lay not this sin to their charge: And so let us pray for them that now disturbed us.