Christ the way and the truth and the life, or, A short discourse pointing forth the way of making use of Christ for justification and especially and more particularly for sanctification in all its parts, from Johan. XIV, vers. VI : wherein several cases of conscience are briefly answered, chiefly touching sanctification / by John Brown.

CHAP. XX. Some general uses.

BEfore we come to speak of some particular cases of deadnesse, wherein beleevers are to make use of Christ, as the Life; we shall first propose some useful consequences and deductions from what hath been spoken of this life, and.

First. The faith of those things, which have been mentioned, would be of great use and advantage to beleevers: and therefore they should study to have the faith of this truth fixed on their hearts, and a deep impression thereof on their spirits, to the end, that

1. Be their case and condition what it will, they might be keeped from dispaire, and despondency of spi•…•…it, from giving over their case as hopless; and from looking upon themselves as irremediably gone. The faith of Christs being Life, and the Life, would keep up the soul in hope, and cause it say; how dead so ever my case be, yet Life can help me, and He, who is the resurrection and the Life, can recover me.

2. Yea, be their case and condition what it wil, they would have here some ground of encourage∣ment, to goe to Him with their dead soul, and to look to Him for helpe, seing He is the Life, as me∣diator, to the end He might enliven and quicken his dead, fainting, swooning members, and to reco∣ver them from their deadness.

3. They might be freed from many scruples and objections, that scar and discourage them. This one truth beleeved would cleare up the way so, as that such things, as would have been impediments and objections before, shall evanish and be rolled out of the way now: such as are the objections taken from their own worthlesness, their long continuance in that dead condition, and the like.

4. They might hereby likewise be freed from that dreadful plag•…•…e and evil of jealousie, whereby the soul is oft keeped aback from comeing to Christ:

for they feare, He will not make them welcome; they doubt of his love and tendernesse, and questione his pity and compassion; yea their jealousie maketh them to doubt of his faithfulnesse. So that the faith of this truth would cure this jealousie, and deliver the soul therefrom, and open a way for the soul to come forward with boldnesse and confidence.

5. They might also be hereby helped to waite with patience, and to be still and quiet under the Lord's various dispensations: so as they would not frete nor repine against him, knowing that He would prove himself to be Life, even the Life, in his own good time: so that the soul would paitiently waite at his door, till He were pleased to look out, and with his look convey life in to their dead soul.

6. They might be preserved hereby from look∣ing out to, or expecting any help from, any other arth: knowing that He alone is the Life, and so, that help can no where else be had. The faith of this truth would guaird from many sinistrous wa∣yes, which the soul, in a time of straite, is ready to run to, for reliefe: for hereby would it see, that neither instruments, nor meanes, nor outward ad∣ministrations, nor any thing of that kinde, can quicken their dead soul; and that He, and He a∣lone, must breathe - in life into them, as at first, so now againe.

Secondly, May we not see and observe here great matter of admiration, at the goodnesse and rich bounty of God towards his people, who hath found out and condescended upon such a sure, saife and satisfying way, whereby he becometh all things to

his •…•…ple, which they stand in need of; and that notwithstanding

1. That we are most unworthy of any such dis¦pensation of grace at his hands.

2. That we too oft are too desirous of other guests in our hearts, beside Him. O How much corruption, sin and death lodge we within our souls! and how more desirous are we oftimes of death, than of life!

3, That we little improve the noble advantages for life, which we have granted unto us: yea many a time we abuse them; and this He did foresee, and yet notwithstanding would condescend thus unto us.

4. That we do little expresse our thankfulnesse for such mercies.

But not for our sakes hath He done this, but for his owne names sake: for noble and holy ends hath He resolved upon this course; as

1. That He might be all and in all Col. 3: 11. and they nothing. That He alone might fill all in all Ephes. 1. ult, and they be empty & nothing with∣out Him.

2. That He might weare the glory of all; for of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things Rom. 11. last, and that no man might share therein.

3. That Man might be His everlasting debtor, and cast downe, in testimony thereof, his crowne at His feet, who sitteth on the throne, as those did Revel. 4: 10. and might c•…•…y out with these same elders vers. 11. Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory & honour and power &c. and with those Chap. 5: 12.

worthy is the lamb that was staine, to receive power, and riches, and wisdome, and strength, & honour, and glory, and blessing.

4. That mans mouth might be stopped forever, and all boasting excluded: for man is a proud crea∣ture, and ready to boast of that, which is nothing and vanity. Now God hath chosen this noble way of the covenant of grace, that man might boast no more. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? by the law of works? no, but by the law of faith, sayeth the Apostle, Rom. 3: vers. 24.

5. That all might be sure to the poor chosen be∣leever. The Lord will not have the stock of life, any longer to be in mans own hand: for even A∣dam, in the state of innocency, could not use it well, but made shipewrack thereof, and turned a banke∣rupt: much more would man now do so, in this state of sin, in which he lyeth at present; therefore Hath God, out of love and tendernesse to his cho∣sen ones, put all their stock in the hand of Christ, who is better able to manage it, to God's glory and mans advantage, being faithful in all things, and a trusty servant, having the fulnesse of the Godhead dwelling in Him bodyly. Therefore (sayeth the Apostle Rom. 4: 16.) It is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end, the promises might be sure to all the seed.

6. That beleevers might have strong consola∣tion, notwithstanding of all the opposition of ene∣mies without and within, when they see that now their life is hid with Christ in God Col. 3: 3. and that their life is in their Head: they will not feare so

much devils and men without, nor their own dead and corrupt hearts within.

Thirdly, How inexcuseable must all such be, (1.) Who will not lay hold on this life, on Jesus who is the Life, sure life, yea everlasting life?

(2.) Who seek life any other way, than by and through Him, who is the Life?

(3.) Who oppose this way of life, and not only reject the offers of it, but prove enemies to it, and to all that carry it, or preach it?

Fourthly, Here is strong encouragement to all, that would be at heaven, to enter into this gospel way, which is away os life. Such need not fear that their Salvation shall not be throughed, let Sa∣tan and all their adversaryes do what they can, all that enter into this way shall live: for the way it self is life, and nothing but life. So that here all obje∣ctions are obviated: life can answere all. If the be∣liever fear, that he shall never win thorow difficul∣tyes, he shall die by the way, or by fainting, suc∣cumbeing and swooning, dishonour the profes∣sion, and at length f•…•…ll - off and apostatize, or dis∣paire and give over all hope; Here is that, which may answere and obviat all: life can quicken, and who can perish in the way, which is the way of life, an enlivening way, yea the way, which is life it self; yea the Life, in a singular and eminent manner?

Fiftly, Here is ground of reproof even of be∣leevers. who, though they have come to Christ, yet do not live in Him, as they ought; do not walk in Him, with that livelinesse, activity, which is called for: but

1. Leane too much to their owne understanding▪ gifts, or graces; and think thereby to ride - out stor∣mes, and to wade thorow all difficulties, whileas, if He who is the Life, do not breath upon us, all that will faile us, in the day of tryal: our under∣standing and pairts or gifts may drie up, and our graces may whither and decay, and goe back∣ward.

2. Rest too much an duties; when they should in them goe to Him, who is the Life; for only in Him is life to be had; and Him should they seek to in the ordinances▪ that they might have life from Him, in those outward duties: and this appeareth in their way of going about duties, without that dependence on Him, & single eyeing of Him, which is called for; as also by their freting and repineing, when duties do not their business, as if life lay all in du∣ties: and concludeing all will be right, because they get duties somewhat tolerably performed; and on the contrary desponding, when duties fall heavie on them, and they finde themselves indis∣posed for duty: all which clearly evinceth, that they lay too too much weight on duties; whileas it would be otherwayes with them▪ if they were purely depending on Christ, and looking for all from Him.

3. Desponde too soon, because they get not help•…•… and reliefe instantly; or because they are not pre∣served from every degree of fainting.

4. Neglect to make use of Him, and to come to Him, with all their wants, failings and necessities, as they ought: or come not with that freedome and boldnesse, which the gospel grounds allow.

Sixtly. This preacheth out the woful misery of such, as are strangers to Christ: for being stran∣gers to the Life, they have no life, they are dead, and death is ingraven on all they do; even though

1. They should be very diligent in external du∣ties, yea and outstripe many true beleevers; as the pharisees had their fasts twice a week. Luk. 18.

2. They should be eminently gifted, able to iustruct others, and to speak of the mysteries of the gospel, to good purpose and to edification: for such gifts of knowledge and utterance may be, where the lively operations of the grace of Christ are not; and consequently, where Christ is not, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Life.

3. They should seem eminent in all their out∣ward carriage, and seem to carry most christinaly in all their walk, and appeare most devout in the matter of worshipe.

4. And they should have something more than ordinary; even taste of the heavenly gift, & be made partakers of extraordinary gifts of the holy ghost, yea and taste the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. Heb. 6: 4, 5.

Seventhly. This discovereth the noble advantage of such, as have accepted of Christ for their life. Their condition is happy, sure, desirable & thrive∣ing; for Christ is theirs, and life is theirs; because Christ, who is the Life, is theirs

Objection. 1. But some wicked person may say, we see not that happy and advantagious condition of such, as go for beleevers; for we observe them to be as little lively oftimes, as others, and as unfit

for duties; yea and sometimes, as much subject to sin and corruption, as others.

Answere. 1. However it be with them, either in thine eyes, or possibly in their own, sometimes; yet thou may hold thy peace: for in their worste condition, they would not exchange with thee, for a world. In their deadest-like condition, they are not voide of all life, as thou art, notwithstanding all thy motions, and seeming activenesse in duty▪ because all thy motion in and about duty is but like the moveing of childrens puppies, caused by external motives, such as a name, applause, peace from a natural conscience, or the like; and not from any in∣ward principle of grace and life.

2. Howbeit they sometimes seem to be dead; yet they are not alwayes so; life doth really worke sometimes in them: whereas there was never any true or kindly motion of life in thee.

3. There may be more life in them, yea life in motion, when they seem to be overcome with some lusts or corruption, yea when really they are over∣come; then beholders, that are strangers to the heart, can observe: for when temptation is vio∣lent, as having the advantage of the time & place, of the constitution of the body, and the like, it argu∣eth no small degree of life, and of life in motion, to make some resistance and opposition thereunto, though at length he should be overcome thereby. And this opposition and resistence, flowing from a principle of grace, speaketh out life, though cor∣ruption, having the advantage, should at that time over - power the motion of life, and carry the man away.

4. If it be not otherwise with beleevers than is objected, they may blame themselves: for not improveing Christ better for life.

Obj. 2. But some, who are true beleevers, will object the same, and cry out of themselves as dead; and say, they finde not that livelinesse & activity in their souls, that will evidence Christ, the Life, dwelling and working in them.

Ans. It may be they prejudge themselves of that lively frame, they might enjoy, and so wronge themselves.

1. In not exere•…•…eing faith on Christ, nor draw∣ing life from Him through faith. The life which they live should be by faith Gal. 2: 20. How then can such as do not eat become fat? by faith we feed on Christ.

2. In not watching, but giving way to securi∣ty, and thereby encourageing and strengthening the adversary, as we see in David: when they stand not on their watch towre, they invite Satan to set on; and he is vigilant enough, and knoweth how to take his advantage, and to improve his oppor∣tunity.

3. In giving way to leazinesse and not stirring up themselves, as we see in the Bride Cant. 3: 1. & 5: 3. When they stirre not up the grace of God, which is in them, how can they belively? If grace be laid by, it will contract rust. The best way to keep grace lively, is to keep it in exercise, how little so ever it be.

4. By their rashnesse, walking without feare, as is to be observed in Peter, whe•…•… he slipped so foulely. When through their want of circum∣spection,

they precipitate themselves into danger, and cast themselves among their enemies hands, is it any wonde•…•…, that it goe not with them, as they would; and that they provock God to leave them to themselves, that they may know what they are, and learne afterward not to tempte the Lord, and to walk more circumspectly?

5. By leaning too much to their attainements, and not looking out for new influences of grace and life. Hereby they provock God to let them know to their expences, that for as great a length as they are come, they must live by faith, and be quickened by new influences from the Spirit of life.

6. So they may wronge themselves through their ignorance of Christ, and of the way of makeing use of Him: and if they, through unacquantednesse with Christ and the right way of improveing the fulnesse that is in Him, misse the fruit and advantage, which otherwise they might have, they can only blame themselves.

7. They may also prejudge themselves, by their self love, self esteem, self seeking, self pleasing &c. which piece and piece will draw them off Christ, and cause them forget the way of sucking life from Him, who is the fountaine of life.

8. When they give way to small sins, they open a door for greater; and they lose thereby their ten∣dernesse, and so provock the Lord to withdraw: and this is another way, whereby they prejudge them∣selves of that benefite of livelinesse, which they might otherwise have.

9. So also by wordly mindednesse, which alie∣nateth their minde from God: and.

10. By their impatience and fret•…•…ing and repi∣neing against God, and his wi•…•…e dispensations, they also prejudge and wrong themselves: for while they are in that mood, they can not, with •…•…e com∣posednesse of Spirit, go to Christ, and draw life from Him through faith.

Obj. 3. But is there not even some of those, who are most tender, that compleane of their deadnesse and shortcomings?

Ans. 1. It may be that they complaine with∣out cause; & that they have more cause of rejoyce∣ing. and of blessing the Lord, for what He hath done to them, than of complaineing.

2ly. Their complaineing will not prove the want of life, but the contrare rather: for when they complaine most, they must be most sensible, if their complaints be real, and not meerly for afa∣shion; and sense is a manifest evidence of life.

3ly. It would be remembered, that the Lord can make their failings and shortcomings contri∣bute to the furthering of their life; as we see it did in Peter.

4ly. It would also be remembered, that Christ doth not distribute and give out of this life to all his members and followers, in a like measure; but to some more, and to others lesse, according as He seeth it meet and convenient, both for his own glory and their good. He hath more service for some, than for others: and some He will imploy in greater and more difficult work, which will call for

more life; and others He will imploy in common work, which will not call for such an eminent de∣gree of life.

5ly. And upon the same account, He may think it good, to give to the same person a larger measure of grace at one time, than at another.

6ly. And that for wise reasons and noble ends, as

1. That all may see, how absolute He is in his dispensations: a Soveraigne, that doth with his owne what He will, and will not give an ac∣count of any of his wayes or communications▪ to us.

2. That we may learne submission, and quietly to stoup before Him, whatever measure He be pleas∣ed to dispense towards us.

3. That we may learne, to depend upon Him, more closely all alongs; and in all our wayes to acknowledge Him.

4. That we may learne, to exercise patience, which must have its perfect work, in waiting upon Him, as a great king. This is his glory, and itis the testifying of our homage to Him.

5. He will traine us up so, as to be welcontent∣ed and satisfied, if He bring us home at length, though not with such a convey of the graces of his Spirit, as we would wish.

6. That we may see and read our dayly obliga∣tion to Christ our life, and the dayly need we have of his keeping our life in, by fresh ga•…•…ls of his Spi∣rit, and new heavenly influences.

7. And that getting new proofs of his kindnesse •…•…nd faithfulnesse, we may give Him new songs of

praise daylie and so expresse our thankfulnesse to Him, which will tend to set forth his glory.

Eightly. This may point out unto beleevers, several duties, to which they are called: we shall name some few of many: as

1. That they should rejoyce, and be comforted, in the thoughts of this, that they have such a com∣pleet Mediator, one that is throughly furnished, and made all things for them; not only the Way, and the Tru•…•…h; but the Life also.

2. The thoughts of this should also stirre up to wondering at the wisdome, graciousnesse and good∣nesse of God; & to thankfulnesse for providing such an alsufficient way for them.

3. This should also encourage them under all temptations, faintings, backsets and fits of dead∣ness, that they fall into, that there is one, who is the Life: and that He, whom their soul hath chosen, is the Life, and so fully able to quicken and enliven them.

4. This should teach them humility, and not to be proud of any thing they have▪ or do: for it is He, who is the Life, who keepeth them in life, and helpeth them to any duty; yea it is life, that worketh all in them.

5. And likewise it should teach them to acknow∣ledge Him, to whom they are obliged, for any thing they do, for any life they have, or any acts or frutes of life that appeare in them; and to be thank∣ful to Him therefore.

6. And mainly, They should here read their obligation and duty, to improve this advantage, and to draw life out of this fountaine, and so live by

this life; act and do all in and through this life; and so be quickened by this life, in all their fits of dead∣nesse: and for this cause would keep those things in minde,

(1.) That they should live in a constant convi∣ction of their own weaknesse, deadnesse and ina∣bility to do any acts of life, of themselves; and far lesse to recover themselves out of any distemper and fit of deadnesse, which they fall into.

(2.) That they should live in the faith of this. That there is life enough in Him, who is the Life, to do their businesse. They should be perswaded of His alsufficiency.

(3.) That He is not only an alsufficient deliverer, able to deliver a soul, that is, as it were, rotting in the grave, and to cause the dead to heare his voice and live; but also most willing and ready to answere them, in all their necessities, according to wisdome, and as He seeth it is for his glory, and their souls advantage. The faith of this is necessary, and will be very encourageing.

(4.) That they should go to Him, how dead∣like so ever their condition be, and by faith roll their dead case upon Him, who is the Life.

(5.) That they should pray upon the promises of grace and influence, even out of the belly of hell, or of the grave, with Ionah Cap. 2: 2. for He is faithful and true, and tender - hearted, and will heare and give a good answer at length.

(6.) That in the exercise of faith and prayer, they should waite with patience, till He be pleased to come, and breath upon the dry bones, and till the •…•…un of righteousnesse arise on their souls, with healing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his wings.

But of this more particularly, in the following cases, which now we come to speak a little unto, of purpose to cleare up more fully, how the beleever is to make use of Christ, as the Life, when he is under some one distemper or other, that calleth fo•…•… life and quickening from Christ the Life. We can∣not handle distinctly all the particular cases, which may be brought under this head, it will suff•…•…, for clearing of this great duty, to speak to some few.