The righteous branch growing out of the root of Jesse and healing the nations held forth in several sermons upon Isai. chap. 11, from vers. 1 to 10 : together with some few sermons relating to all who live under the shadow of the branch / by William Colvill.

Soul-healing Vertue from Christ, by believing in him. SERMON IV. (Book 4)

JOHN 3.14, 15.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness: even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life.

IT is said, Joh. 1.17. The Law was given by Mose••; but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. The Moral and Ceremonial Law was by Gods appointment proclaimed by Mo∣ses; but the grace of Justification and absolution from the curse of the Moral Law, as also Truth in fulfilling the Ceremonial Law, and answering to all the types under the Old Testament, came by Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, the body, and substance of all the legal Sacrifices and Offerings, Joh. 1.29. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the World. He is the truth of all the legal washings and purifications,

1 Joh. 1.7. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. He is the truth of all the lights and lamps in the Levitical service, Joh. 8.12. I am the light of the world: he that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. He is the truth of all the Levitical Altars, as he was of their sa∣crifices, Heb. 13.10. We have an altar, where∣of they have no right to eat, which serve the taber∣nacle. He is the alone Altar that sanctifieth all our spiritual offerings, 1 Pet. 2.5. His death was the true antitype of the lifting up of the brazen Serpent in the wilderness; as is clear from the words in the text: in which we have a vive resemblance between Christ crucified, and the brazen Serpent; as is clearly insinuat in the particle of similitude as, and in the par∣ticle of reddition and application, even so.

The resemblance is, 1. In that which was lifted up, to wit, the brazen Serpent, and the Son of man. 2. In the place, to wit, in the wilderness. 3. In the lifting up of the Ser∣pent upon a pole; and the lifting up of Christ upon the tree of the Cross. 4. In the necessity of the lifting up of both; there was a necessity of lifting up the brazen Serpent to heal those who were stung; so there was a necessity of the death of Christ, for healing and saving sinners, even so must the Son of man, &c. 5. There is a resemblance in the consequent and benefit fol∣lowing, their looking: all those, who being

stung, did look on the brazen Serpent, were healed: So all sinners wounded with sorrow for their sins, and looking by faith, receiving him in all his offices, and resting on Christ crucified, as he is offered in the Gospel, shall not perish but have eternal li••e.

2. There was some resemblance between that brazen Serpent and Jesus Christ, who by way of excellency, is called, The Son of man, 1. That Serpent was in outward form, like unto Serpents that have stings; but really it had no sting: So our blessed Lord, though he was in form like unto sinful men, yet was he without all sin, Rom. 8.3. He was in the similitude of sinful flesh, it is not said, In the similitude of flesh, for he was truly and really partaker of flesh and blood; but without sin: for he behoved to be clean him∣self, who was to cleanse us; and to be whole and perfect, who was to heal us. 2. That Ser∣pent was not made of Gold, but of Brass: Je∣roboams Calves were made of Gold: Our Lords outward Garb and fashion before the world, was without all show and pomp, Isai. 53.2. When we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him, Luk. 17.20. The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. The ordinances of men are oftentimes very specious in their out-side, as were the Calves of Jeroboam; but the Ordinances of God are simple, without outward splendor: as the holy Word preached in simplicity, and the holy

Sacraments administred in simple elements, yet with them is great vertue, and a blessing to believers. The Word, accompanied by the Spirit of God, is the power of God to salvati∣on, Rom. 1.16. and worketh eff••ctually in those that believe, 1 Thes. 2.13 The Sacrament of Baptism, through the Spi••it, is the Laver of Re∣generation, Acts 22.16. Tit 3 5. and the Sacra∣ment of the holy Supper, is through the blessing of God, the real and spiritual communion of the body and Blood of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 10.16. Jeroboam his Calves, though of Gold, did not heal any who worshipped them: but there is much comfort and benefit to be had in the ••••••ple Ordinances of God, much more than in all the specious and glistering inventions of men. One old zealous Father, at the Council of Nice, prevailed more with that young Hea∣then Philosoph, for his conversion to the Chri∣stian Faith, even by speaking to him in the simplicity of the Gospel, than all the learned Fathers could do by dispute and arguing. 3. The occasion of making and lifting up the brazen Serpent, was their great pain and dan∣ger in being deadly wounded by the fiery flee∣ing Serpents, Numb 21. So the occasion, both of the Incarnation of Christ, and of his death upon the Cross, was our sins, wherewith we were wounded by the old Serpent, and had been in pain for ever, if Christ had not been

Incarnat and died also for us; he was wounded for our transgressions, Isa. 53.5.

The consideration of this, that our sins were the cause of the lifting up of Christ upon the Tree of the Cross, should work in us these three penal affections, 1. Grief and great sorrow for our bypast sins, Zech. 12.10. David when he saw the innocent people destroyed by the Pesti∣lence, he was grieved at the heart, and said, 2 Sam. 24.17. Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? So we may and should say in the grief of our hearts, What hath the innocent Lamb of God done, who was without spot, and blameless? But we have sinned, and we have eaten the so•••• Grape; and his teeth was set on edge: we stretched out our hearts and hands to iniquity; and his back was scourged for our offences. 2. It should work in our consciences, shame and self-indignation; and we should afflict our spirits for our sins, as Ephraim did, Jer. 31.19. I was ashamed, yea even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. 3. An active detesta∣tion of all sin••ul wayes for time coming, as it is said, Job 34.32. That which I see not, teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more, Hos. 14.8. Ephraim shall say, what have I to do any more with idols?

2. The place wherein the Serpent was lifted up, was the wilderness: even there did God provide a remedy, where no means of humane

help was to be had: there was no antidotes to be found in the wilderness against the venom, for preserving from that infl••mmation, and extreme burning with pain: So fallen man, was in a wilderness-estate after he had sinned against God: for in holy Scripture, wilderness i•• taken for, a desolat condition, Isai. 35 6. In the wilder∣ness shall waters break out; that is, plentiful re∣freshment by the Messias. Isai. 41.18. I will make the wilderness a pool of water. When no remeed for healing man could be had from creatures, the righteous Angels could not sa∣tisfie infinit Justice, they being finit creatures: no more than the payment of ten pounds can exhaust the debt of an hundred thousand pounds: holy and righteous men cannot satis∣fie for themselves, Psal. 143.2. And enter not in∣to judgement with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Yet in such an extre∣mity, like a wilderness, wherein no out-gate is seen, the Lords own arm brought salvation to his people, Isai. 63.5. I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought sal∣vation unto me, and my fury, it upheld me. In this wilderness, our blessed Lord was lifted up; let us look by faith to him, when at any time we are stung with the tongues of a viperous ge∣neration, and back-biters, who are like Dan, an adder by the way; in such a case look thou to Jesus Christ lifted up on the Cross, mocked

and reviled, Heb. 12.3. Consider him, that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. In this world, that is a wilderness of many Labyrinths and difficulties, wherein ma∣ny times we see no probable outgate: Let us lean by faith and dependance on Christ cru∣cified, the Captain of our Salvation; and he will at death lead us out of this wilderness, in∣to that Paradise that is above. as it is said of the spouse in Cant. 8.5. Who is this that com∣eth up from the wilderness, leaning upon her be∣loved? Rom. 8.39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separat us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. As the Serpent was lifted up upon the Pole; even so was Christ upon the Cross, 1 Pet. 2 24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree; the word there (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) signifieth both to bear a burden, as Matth. 4.6. The Angels will bear thee in their hands, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and also to take away, Joh. 1.29. Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. So our blessed Lord took away our sins, by bearing the burden of the punishment due to us; and thereby making satisfaction to Divine Justice, Isai. 53.6. We have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquity of us all; and vers. 12 He was

numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sins of many. He was lifted up upon the Cross, and died that kind of death, to take away the curse of the moral Law, threatned against us for our sins, Gal. 3.13. 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 on a tree. Although there be no proportion between a temporal curse or punishment, and that eternal curse and punishment due to us for our sins; yet the infinite worth of the Person, being the Son of God, gave infinite worth and value to his sufferings for a short time, for taking away the eternal punishment, and for procuring to us an eternal and exceeding weight of glory, ac∣cording to that of Heb. 9 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God, Purge our Conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?

As our blessed Lord was lifted upon the Cross; so let us lift up our minds and hearts to him, and as Paul had the Philippians alwayes in his heart, Philip. 1.7. So let us carry Christ crucified alwayes in our hearts. 1. This should be our great care and study, with the Apostle Paul, who studied nothing so much as the knowledge of Christ and him crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2. And Philip. 3.10. That I may know the fellowship of his sufferings. For this end, the

holy Sacrament of the Supper was institute, to bring often to our remembrance the death of the Lord Jesus, 1 Cor. 11.26. 2. Serious and frequent thoughts of his Cross, will mor∣tifie sin in us, Gal. 2.20. I am crucified with Christ. Thoughts of the great grief and shame, brought upon the Innocent Lamb of God by our sins, should pierce our hearts: should we rejoyce in that, which made him cry out, My Soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death? God forbid we should glory in that which procur∣ed the shame of the Cross to him. The thoughts of his Cross will mortifie our impa∣tience in all our afflictions; when we look to him, who with so great patience endured the Cross, and with insuperable courage despised the shame of the World. This will mortifie our love to the perishing vanities of this pre∣sent world, Gal. 6.14. 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 world. As a dead man is not affected with the pleasures of the world; and the world is crucified to him, as a man has no pleasure to look upon the limbs of a malefactor hanged up in the high way. 3. Thoughts of the cross of Christ, have an active and attractive Vertue: they will quicken our Faith, and draw us near∣er to Christ; where the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered, Matth. 24.28. The sweet smell of the cross of Christ, draweth Be∣lievers

to him: It will quicken our love to Christ, and our obedience, Can. 1.3, 4. Thy name is as oyntment poured forth, therefore do the Virgins love thee: draw me, and we shall run after thee. A thankful man cannot but love his servant, that has suffered much for him; how much more should we love our blessed Lord, who suffered so much for us, who by an evil Nature, are born enemies to God? The consideration of his death, will quicken our hope and dependance upon God, for all things needful in time coming, Rom. 8.32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all; how shall he not with him al∣so, freely give us all things? It will quicken our love to all who belong to Christ, especi∣ally in the time of their distress; as the love of David to Jonathan, in the remembrance of his great kindness, did make him enquire after these that belonged to Jonathan, that he might shew kindness to them, 2 Sam. 9.1. The consideration of this great love of Christ, in dying such a death for us, by the power of his Love, will subdue our sinful lusts, and make us by patience to overcome difficulties and afflictions in suffering for his Name, Rom. 8.37. Nay, in all tbese things we are more than Conquerours, through him that loved us. This Heavenly fire of his Love in our hearts, like lightnings, will quench that earthly fire and exhalations of unclean lusts. 4. Serious and

deep thoughts of the cross of Christ, will comfort and encourage us against all our ene∣mies, whether devils or wicked men, because Christ, upon th•• c••oss, hath spoiled principali∣ties and powers. Col. 2 15. Satan our arch-enemy, is both bound and spoiled by the Cap∣tain of our Salvation. He may and will molest us, like an enemy besieging a City, and making frequent assaults; but he shall not prevail to get possession, John 10.28. They shall never pe∣rish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. The true Believers, may and will be molested, by wicked men tempting them to sin; and persecuting them with tongue or hands, because they will not run with them in the excess of riot, 1 Pet. 4.4. But be of good comfort; for even all the wicked in the world, are subiected to him by the merit and power of his Cross, Phil. 2.8, 9, 10. Joh. 16.33. These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace; in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good chear, I have overcome the world. The thoughts of the death of Christ, will comfort us against the severe charge, and sharp challenges of a guilty and accusing Conscience, Rom. 8.34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather th••t is risen again; who is even at the right hand of G••d, who also maketh Intercession for us. It will comfort and encourage against the fear of death; seing our blessed Lord by

his death on the Cross, hath taken away the sting and curse from our death, 1 Cor. 15.57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victo∣ry, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. The necessity of the death of Christ upon the Cross, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; It was necessary our Lord should die. 1. There was a necessity of immutability in respect of Gods decree to save lost man by the sufferings and death of Jesus Ch••ist, Heb 2.10. For it be∣came 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. 1 Pet. 1.20. Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. 2. There was a necessity in respect of infallibili∣ty to fulfil the Prophesies concerning his death for our sins. Isa. 53.12. He hath poured out his soul unto death. Dan. 9.26. The Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself. 3. To fulfil and to be answerable by his death and bloody sa∣crifice to the typical sacrifices, Heb. 10.4, 5, 6, 7. For it is not possible, that the blood of Bulls and Goats should take away sins, &c. And, Rev. 13 8. he is called, The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; to wit, in these mystical and ty∣pical sacrifices, before, and under, the Law. 4. There was a necessity for him to die this kind of death on the Cross; whereof see more in Serm. Joh. 12.32.

Though there was a necessity for our blessed Lord to die, yet he submitted to it most wil∣lingly; he poured out his soul unto death, and frequently it is said in the New Testament, he emptied himself, and gave himself to the death, Gal. 1.4. Eph. 5.2. Tit. 2.14. This kind of necessity agreeth well with a spontaneous wil∣lingness, though not with a liberty of indiffe∣rency toward the opposit act. And seing our blessed Lord submitted himself willingly to this necessity, in order to our salvation; let us also, when-ever in a necessity of divine pro∣vidence we are called to undergo this or that cross, willingly and chearfully submit our selves to the necessity of his wise providence: Let us say as our Lord did, Not my will, but thine be done. Let us say as David did, 2 Sam. 15.26. Behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. And with these loving Profes∣sors, Acts 21.14. When Paul would not be per∣swaded, we ceased, saying, the will of the Lord be done.

5. There is a resemblance in the consequent and effect of their looking to the brazen Ser∣pent, and of believers their looking to Christ on the Cross. 1. These Serpents in the wil∣derness were deadly: the Septuagint Inter∣preters calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: so in sin there is the bite of the old Serpent, when a temptation to sin is fastned on our hearts, and we give consent to it, Jam. 1.15. When lust

hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The bite of the Serpents, was painful before they looked up to the brazen Serpent; there was a burning inflammation and pain from the sting: so it is in sinne••s, after they have sinned, the sting of an evil conscience remains burning and tormenting them from the sense of guiltiness, and the fear of wrath to come, and fear hath torment, 1 Joh. 4.18. 2. They were pained at the heart, before they looked to the brazen Serpent: so before a sinner can look by faith to Jesus Christ, and so be healed, there must be pain and grief at his heart in some measure of sincerity, for offending the just and gracious God, Mat. 9.11, 12. Jesus said unto them, they that be whole need not a Physician, but they that are sick. Two sorts of persons are not healed at the first, to wit, those that are le∣thargick, or phrenetick; sensless of sin, or con∣ceitful of their own righteousness: The Church of Laodicea is convinced first of her security and vain imaginations, before she be invited to be healed, Rev. 3.19. And the Pharisee, conceited of his own righteousness, returned to his house not justified, Luke 18. As the lethargick is or∣dinarily cured by casting him into a fever, and then he being sensible of his distemper, is heal∣ed by the Physician; so our great Physician puts secure and sensless sinners oftentimes to a sharp fever and exercise of conscience, by dis∣covering

covering sin and wrath to them, and thereaf∣ter heals them, as he did the Jaylor, Act. 16.30, 31. The Phrenetick and conceity soul, the Lord heals, by beating them with the sharp rods of affliction, Job 36.8, 9, 10. If they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; then he sheweth them their work and their trans∣gressions that they have exceeded: he openeth al∣so their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

They were healed by looking up to the braz∣en Serpent; so by faith in Christ Jesus, we are healed from our sins, Act. 16.30. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be sav∣ed. He is the only Physician, that is both able and willing to heal the broken in heart: As the People stung, were healed by their looking up, as a condition appointed and required by God: But they were not healed for their looking up, as a cause meritorious of heal∣ing; so Faith is appointed, and required as an instrument or condition, without which there is no Justification and Salvation; but it is not the cause meritorious, but looks to Christ alone, as the procurer of our Justification and Salvation in his blood: The sick Woman was healed of her bloody flux, through her touching of Christ, but not by any vertue in her touching; for the healing vertue came from Christ himself alone, Mark 5.30. Luke 6.19. He healeth us of all the stings, that dis∣quiet

and torment our spirits; of which there be four. 1. The sting of a guilty and torment∣ing Conscience, spoken of, Job 20.12. 2. The sting of outward great afflictions, not on∣ly in the Wicked, but also in the Godly; to wit, a fear and apprehension of wrath in the affliction, Job 6.4. The arrowes of the Al∣mighty are within me, the poyson whereof drink∣eth up my spirit; the terrours of God do set themselves in array against me. 3. The sting of temptation, 2 Cor. 12.7. There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. 4. The sting of death, 1. Cor. 15.56. At that time, our sins that were quiet from tormenting us, as the viper was for a time, Act. 28. at death they leap on our Consciences, to torment them with fear of the second Death. Therefore let us look to Christ crucified, that we may be heal∣ed of all these stings, Isai. 45.22. Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth: Look to him, who shed his blood for the re∣mission of sins; who has reconciled us in the blood of his Cross; and this look, will calm the Conscience, from the sting of guiltiness, Rom. 5.1. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. When thou art disquieted with the sting of afflictions, look to Christ, who by the me∣rit of his sufferings, hath taken away the curse and wrath from thy sufferings, and maketh them medicinal and profitable for thy soul,

Heb. 12 10. He chastiseth us for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. 3. Against the sting of temptations and sharp tryals, look to his rich and free Love, Rom. 8.37. He will give strength to resist, 2 Cor. 12.9. He will give outgate, 1 Cor. 10.13. 4. Against the sting of death, look by Faith to Jesus Christ, who is the Saviour of his body, Rom. 8 1. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Look by Faith to him, inter∣ceeding at the right hand of God, for preserv∣ing us Believers unto eternal Life, Rom 8.34. Joh. 10.28. As by his death he purchased our peace with God, so by his Intercession he per∣petuats that peace, Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the outermost, that come unto God by him, seing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them.

4. All that looked to the brazen Serpent, were healed; although in such a great number of men, all were not alike quick-sighted; so all Believers, though not alike strong in Faith, by looking to Christ crucified, are saved from their sins. There is no exception of infants in the life of Faith, although in the estate of Grace, and for the time they be not able, by a reflex act, to discern their own estate: as in∣fants are refreshed with bodily food, although their hand be not so large, as the hand of men grown up to ripe age: the promise of salvati∣on is universal to all true Believers, whether

stronger or weaker, Joh. 3.16. Joh. 3.36. He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life: The Church of Christ, is compared to a flock of sheep, Act. 20.28. And all the sheep are not alike strong; yet the great Shepherd of our souls, doth gather the Lambs with his arm, and carrieth them in his bosom, and doth gently lead those that are with young, Isai. 40.11. It is compared to a family, Heb. 5.14. And all in the family are not alike strong; so it is in the Church: and yet our heavenly Father feed∣eth all by Jesus Christ, the bread of life. There∣fore look unto him, with the eye of Faith, though weak, and be ye saved, Isai. 45.22. It is not so with the eye of a believing soul, as it is with the eye of the body, in beholding this created Sun; the more it looketh upon it, the eye is the more dazled and weakned; but the more a Believer looketh on Christ the Sun of righteousness, he groweth the stronger in the grace of Faith: because he seeth more and more of the power of Christ, to save all who come to God by him; who is the Son of God, in whom the Father is alwayes well pleas∣ed; he seeth the more of his willingness to accept of sinners; he seeth him on the cross, give∣ing pardon, and promising Paradise to a noto∣rious malefactor; he heareth him praying for forgiveness to his enemies: Therefore he concludes, that he will not reject his soul that cometh unto him sincerely, though weakly.

It is not said, that the Son of man must be lifted up, that all men may believe; or that all men may have eternal li••e: For if the Lord had intended, that all men should believe, or that all men should be saved, then all men should believe and should be saved; for who hath resisted his will, and purpose? Rom. 9.19. It is also repugnant to his wisdom, to in∣tend what he knows cannot come to pass, to wit, that all men should have Faith; for Faith comes by hearing the Gospel, and God intends not to send the Gospel to all men.

The bite of the Serpent in the wilderness, was in it self deadly; yet all who looked to the brazen Serpent were healed: So all sin in it self is deadly; for the wages of sin is death, Rom. 6.23. But if we confess our sins with sorrow for them, and a purpose to forsake them; and if by faith, we look to Christ cru∣cified, and rest on him, we shall be saved, 1 Joh. 1.9. If we confess our sins, he is faith∣ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We would consi∣der well the covenant of Grace, made in Christ to Believers: It is a covenant well or∣dered, sure and everlasting, 2 Sam. 23.4. It is well ordered, and adorned with rich and free promises of all things requisit for our eternal happiness; as promises of mercy, (I will forgive them their sins) of grace and san∣ctification,

I will put my Law in their inward parts, and writ it in their hearts, &c. Jer. 31.33, 34. It is a sure Covenant, because grounded on two things immutable, to wit, Gods eter∣nal Counsel and Decree manifested in the Gos∣pel, for blessing and saving all Believers in Je∣sus Christ, Gal. 3.16. All the promises, are Yea and Amen in him; because, made in a re∣spect to his satisfaction, and performed by him in the fulness of time: The other ground of the sureness of the Covenant, is the Oath of God, Heb. 6.17, 18. Gen. 22.16. It is made sure by the blood of our Surety and Mediator Jesus Christ, who shed his blood both to purchase, and to assure us of the remission of our sins: It is ensured to us by the Seals of the holy Sa∣craments, and although the Seals under the Old and New Testament, be diverse: yet the Covenant sealed, is one and the same; as the face is one and the same, when vailed and un∣vailed. It is an everlasting Covenant, Jer. 32.40. I will make an everlasting Covenant with them, &c. It is put in the hand of our Surety, to be kept for us, and he by the power of his invincible Grace, keepeth us for the possession of the heavenly Inheritance. 1 Pet. 1.5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. For farther clear∣ing the Doctrine of believing in Jesus Christ for Justification, or Remission of sins, and

for eternal Life, we would answer some Questions.

Quest. What is the Object of justifying and saving Faith? Answ. The Object of divine Faith, is all the divine truths revealed in the holy Scripture; but the Object of justifying and saving Faith, is the Lord Jesus Christ; he is the only Object, whereunto we must look for justification and salvation, Isa. 45.22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth. Act. 10.43. To him gave all the Prophets wit∣ness, that through his Name, whosoever believ∣eth in him, shall receive remission of sins. Act. 13.39. By him, all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses. As these who were wound∣ed by the firy serpents in the wilderness, look∣ed also to the pole whereupon it was set; but they were healed only by looking to the brazen Serpent its self; so though the whole Scrip∣ture, is as a ring of gold, precious and much to be esteemed, yet the Lord Jesus Christ, is as the precious stone in the midst of it; and for obtaining justification and salvation, is to be looked unto allanerly: The Lord Jesus Christ, and Gods rich and free love in sending him into the world, is mostly, among all divine Truths, to be looked unto, Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eter∣nal life, and they are they which testifie of me. Joh. 20.31. 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. So as he is the alone Object, to which we should look, as the meritorious cause of our justification and salvation; so, of all revealed divine Truths, he is the principal Object of our Faith; he is the end of the Law Cerimonial, Gal. 3.24. He is the entire supplement of the Moral Law, by his perfect righteousness and sa∣tisfaction to divine justice, Rom. 8.3. For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likness of sinfull flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. And he is the Mediator and substance of all Gospel-promises, 2 Cor. 1.20. All the promises of God in him, are Yea, and in him Amen. There∣fore it is our duty to be conversant in all di∣vine Truths revealed in holy Scripture; but we should meditate most frequently upon this divine Truth of our justification and salvation by Jesus Christ, wherein most eminently is ma∣nifested the Father's love in sending him, the love of the Son in coming into the world, that by the merit of his death, we may be justified and saved; and the love of the Holy Ghost, in anointing and qualifying him for these great effects: as the Bee passeth thorow many flowrs in the Garden, but stayeth longest on these, where it getteth most hony; so we should of∣ten meditate upon the mystery of Gods free love in Jesus Christ: All the Scriptures are

faithful sayings, and worthy of all acceptation; yet this saying is eminent above all, 1 Tim. 1.15. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. We should turn away our eyes from looking to any thing as meritorius of justifica∣tion and salvation: but we should look unto Christ alone and his righteousness for the salva∣tion of our souls; because life eternal, is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, Rom. 6.23. And we are saved by grace, through Faith in him, Eph. 2.8. This doctrine, from the force of truth upon the Conscience, and for quieting the heart in the remembrance of our own unrighteousness, the learned and worthy reformed Divines, have maintained according to the holy Scriptures; and the learned Bishop Andrews, (in his Serm. on Jer. 23.6.) saith pi∣ously and soundly, That if men would set God before them in his justice, and their own souls in their guiltiness, they would interpose no∣thing between the revenging justice of God, and their guilty souls, but the alone righteous∣ness of Jesus Christ: yea, some of the Roman Church, have acknowledged, that justification and salvation, is to be sought only in the Lord Jesus Christ; as was evident from that directo∣ry for visitation of the sick, reprinted at Venice, one thousand five hundred seventy six; the priest is directed to propone this question to the sick person, Believest thou that none can be

saved by their own merits, or any other way, than by the merit of our Lord Jesus Christ? And the Priest is directed to instruct the sick person, that there is no other way of salvation, but by Faith on Jesus Christ alone. Bellarmin. (lib. 3. of Justif.) after a long debate, he concludes,

It is safer for the uncertainty of our own righ∣teousness, and for shunning the danger of vain glory, to put our confidence only in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Fe∣rus, a learned and moderat Divine, comment∣ing upon the parable of the Labourers in the Vine-yard, Mat. 20. speaketh to this purpose,

God promised freely, and he rewardeth free∣ly; therefore if thou wouldest keep Gods fa∣vour toward thee, make no mention of thy own merits; for he will give all things out of his own mercy; nevertheless thou must not be the slower to do good works; yea rather thou shouldest be the more zealous of them, seing we have so bountiful a Lord.

Quest. Is there no more required for justifica∣tion, but only Faith in Jesus Christ? Is there no more required for inheriting eternal life, but to receive him, and to rely on him? Answ. Some of late, even Divines of the reformed Church, have spoken very rashly (to say no worse) of some eminent and Orthodox learned men of the Reformed Churches, as if they did not require in the believer new obedience and sanctificati∣on: It is true, they require according to the

Scriptures, that by Faith alone in Christ and his righteousness, they should look for justifica∣tion; but they require new obedience and sanctification in the believer, as a necessary an∣tecedent unto eternal life. The Harmony of lear∣ned Divines of the reformed Church, in the Doctrine of justification, See in learned Horn∣beck his Institut. Theolog. Cap. 11. and they affi••m that as our sins were imputed to Christ the Surety and Mediator of the New Covenant, so his Righteousness is imputed to believers for justification: therefore it is not, as some in their expressions, complying with the Papists, have spoken, a fancy, or Justitia Putativa, a sup∣posed righteousness, but it is real of God the Father, accompting his Sons Righteousness un∣to the sinner, and by that accompting, making it his to all effects, as if the sinner himself had performed it: as speaketh the learned and famous Arch. B. Ʋsher, in his Sum of Christian Religion up••n this Subject:

Because (saith he) this Righteousness is in Christ, not as in a person severed from us; but as in the head of the Church, the second Adam, from whom therefore it is communicated unto all, who being united as members unto him, do lay claim thereunto, and apply it unto themsel∣ves, Rom. 5.19. Rom. 10.4. And though (saith he) it be not fit to measure heavenly things by the yard of reason, yet it is not un∣reasonable,

that a man owing a thousand pound, and not being able to pay it, his Cre∣ditor may be satisfied by one of his ••riends:

And answering to that question, how then doth the soul reach after Christ in the act of justify∣ing?

Even as a man (saith he) fallen into a river and like to be drowned, as he is carried down with the flood, espyeth the bough of a tree, hanging over the river, which he catch∣eth at, and clingeth unto, with all his might to save him; and seeing no other way of succour but that, ventureth his life upon it:

This man so soon as he had fastned upon this bough, is in a safe condition; though all trou∣bles, fears and terrours are not presently out of his minde; until he come to himself, and seeth himself quit out of danger; then he is sure he is safe; but he was safe, before he was sure: Even so it is with a believer, Faith is the espying of Christ, as the only means to save, and the reaching out of the heart to lay hold upon him: God hath spoke the word and made the promise in his Son; I believe him to be the only Saviour, and remit my soul to him to be saved by his Mediation: So soon as the soul can do this, God imputeth the righteousness of his Son unto it, and it is actually justified in the Court of heaven; though it is not presently quieted and pacified in the court of conscience; that is done afterwards, in some sooner, in some later, by the fruits and effects of justification.

Quest. Is there an infallible and inviolable connexion between true faith on Jesus Christ, and salvation by him? Ans. Yea, for it is said here, That whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life. And it was said ••y the Apostle Paul unto the Jaylor, Acts 16. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt he saved. Christ is said to dwell in the heart by faith, Eph. 3.17. As there is a local union between a man and the house wherein he dwells and resides, so there is a spiritual and real uni∣on between Christ and a believer; and there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ: and to assure believers on Christ, of the cer∣tainty of their salvation, it is said in the present tense, Joh. 3.36. He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life. Believers are as sure of it by their claim of faith on Christ, as if they were already in present possession of it: yea, it is said in the preterit tense, Rom. 8.30. Whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Quest. May not one have true justifying and saving faith in his heart, and yet not know that he is justified? Ans. Yea, he may have the direct act of faith, whereby he is justified; and yet not have the reflex act of faith, where∣by he knows, and is assured of the gift of Faith, freely given to him of God, by which act he is Assured of his justification; as an Infant has the truth of life natural in him, though for want of ripeness in judgement, he

doth, not by a reflex act of understanding, know the same: Yea, a true and justified per∣son, may be so overwhelmed in spirit with the fears of his former great and many sins, though he embrace Christ, and rely on him wholly and only for salvation, that yet he may so faint in his fears, that at the time he doth not discern the truth of the life of grace and faith in his Soul; as a person in the time of his bodily swouning and fainting, doth not di∣scern the truth of a natural life in his body: Notwithstanding the true Believer, in such times and cases, cannot discern the truth of the life of faith in himself; yet other godly discerning Christians, perceiving his sincere desire after the means of Salvation, and his appetite toward the Gospel, which is the im∣mortal seed of the new life, do very rational∣ly conclude, that he has the truth, though not the vigor of the life of grace and faith in his soul; as these who look on, and see an Infant greedily sucking the breast, though the Infant it self has no knowledge to discern its own life, yet they truely conclude from its natural appe∣tit to the means of life, that it has life; be∣cause as new born babes, they desire the sincere milk of the Word, 1 Pet. 2.2.

Quest. What are the effects and signs where∣by I may discern the truth of faith, when we have not the vigor of it? Ans. We discern it by the effects. 1. The true Believer has an high

estimation of Christ, and a low estimation of himself: He is precious to Believers, 1 Pet. 2.7. Paul had an high estimation of Christ, that he came into the world to save sinners; and a low estimation of himself, as being the least of Saints, and chief of sinners: The true be∣liever esteems highly of the Gospel, whereby life and immortality is brought to light through Christ. He accounteth all things but loss; yea, but dung and unsavory, in campari∣son of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord, Phil. 3.8. 2. The true believer, as he rejoices most in the cross of Christ; so he mourns for his sins, whereby he crucified the Lord of glory; he looks upon him whom he pierced with his grievous sins, and he mourneth as one mourneth for his only Son, Zach. 12.10. 3. True faith, is a Magisterial grace, and labours to quiet our unruly affections and passions, as an awful Master, by his presence, quiets the unruly Scholars; for, faith receiving Christ in the heart to dwell there, commandeth all the af∣fections to be still, and to do nothing that may disturb and grieve the Spirit of Christ; the Spouse, after shee has found her Beloved, saith to her heart and affections, I charge you, O yee daughters of Jerusalem, &c. that ye stir not up, nor awake my love till he please: That ye neither interrupt his delight in me, nor my delights in him, Cant. 3.5. 4. True faith

purifieth the heart, and labours daily to keep it clean by the bessom of repentance, Act. 15.9. God put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. The Lord is said to dwell in the heart by faith, Ephes. 3.17. And after the believer has received him, he endeavours daily to keep the house clean where he dwells: by faith, the heart is espoused unto Christ as a chast virgin, 2 Cor. 11.2. And when the believer is tempted to any vile lust, he saith with Joseph, how can I do this and sin against my Lord, to whom I am espoused for ever in holiness and righteousness? 5: True faith on Jesus Christ, worketh by love, Gal. 5.6. It commands us, and in an holy violence con∣straineth us to love the Father, who has for∣given us much; to love the Son, who shed his blood for the remission of sins; an•• to love the Holy Ghost, who is the sealer and con∣firmer of our justification and remission: Faith on Christ, commands us, and by a command∣ed act, requires us to love one another, 1 Joh. 3.23. This is his commandment, that we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another. As lines drawn from the circumference, the nearer they come to the Centre, they are the nearer one unto another; so believers the nearer they come by faith to Jesus Christ, the Centre of our souls rest and happiness, they are the more united one to another in love; yea, when by faith we look

upon Christ, as our great example, faith doth command us to love even our enemies, with the love of benevolence and beneficence; when we perceive our blessed Lord, both prayed for his enemies, and also healed Malchus ear; and in a special manner to love all saints with a love of complacency and delight, as fellow-mem∣bers of the mystical body of the Lord Jesus Christ; and to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an of∣fering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smel∣ling savour.

It is therefore the wisdom, duty, and com∣fort of believers, to examine themselves, that they be not only sound in the doctrine of faith, but also sincere in the grace and work of faith, that they may have rejoycing in them∣selves from the testimony of a good conscience, Gal. 6.4. True and sincere justifying and saving faith, receiveth Christ entirely to dwell in their hearts: the sincere believer receiveth him in all his Offices; as a Priest, to bless the soul where he dwells, with all spiritual blessings; as a Prophet, to teach him by the Word; and as a King, to rule him by his Law and holy Commandments. As he receiveth him by faith, so he intertains him by love; as he re∣ceiveth Christ by faith, so he gives up himself by love unto him; as Christ dwells in him by faith, so he dwells in Christ by love and de∣light; he intertains him by obedience in the

course of Sanctification; as an honest Subject, who sometime was a rebel to his Prince, the more he rests upon the word of the Prince for his remission, he is the more ready and active to obey him in all time coming: for though faith rest on Christ alone, and on no other for Justification and Salvation, yet it rests not from the duties of obedience in the course of San∣ctification; the true believer in the preparati∣on of his heart, is ready to every good work and commanded duty, with the Apostle Paul, Acts 9.6. saying, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? For the Doctrine of Justification by Faith, obligeth believers the more strictly to the duties of Sanctification: for, knowing they are justified in the blood of Christ, which is the price of our redemption, therefore should they glorify God in their body and in their spirit, which are God's, not only by the right of crea∣tion, and temporal preservation; but also by the right of redemption and everlasting salvati∣on, 1 Cor. 6.20. Seing they have the promises of free grace, ratified in the blood of Christ, they should cleanse themselves from all filthi∣ness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1. See more, 2 Cor. 5.15. Tit. 2.11, 12, 14. So that the Do∣ctrine of Justification by faith in Jesus Christ, doth not make void the Law, but establisheth the Law, Rom. 3.31. Though it make the

Law void as to Justification by it, Rom, 8.3. yet it doth not make it void, or cancell it from being a fixt rule for our direction. Now to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Author and Fi∣nisher of our faith, with the Father and Holy Ghost, be all praise, &c. Amen.