Use. And this lesson may afford us this use, that howsoever the ⟨p. 193⟩free grace, and mercy, and goodness of Christ Jesus is revealed and offered to all men universally; yet our Saviour takes none but such as are willing to take upon them his yoke; he gives himself to none but such as are ready to sell all and follow him: he saves none, but such as deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godlily in this present world: in a word, he purgeth none, or cleanseth none by his blood from all sin, but such as walk in the light as God is in the light, who make conscience of detesting and declining all sins, and sincerely set their hearts and hands with love and careful endeavour to every duty enjoined them; why these are the men only to whom his death is effectual; and therefore, as we mean to partake of his merits, or to have good by his death, let us become new creatures. It is true indeed, and we cannot but maintain it, that to justification nothing but faith is required, but this caution must be added, it must be a faith that purifies the heart, that works an universal change, that shows it self in the fruits: if therefore any of us would come in, let us have ready our answer, as a late Divine speaks the dialogue betwixt Christ and a true Christian on this manner: First, (saith he) when God hath enlightened the eyes of a man, that he can see where this treasure is, what then? Why (saith the Christian) I am so inflamed with the love of it, that I will have it whatsoever it cost me: yea (saith Christ) but there is a price upon it, it must cost thee dear, a great deal of sorrow, and trouble, and crosses, and afflictions: Tush, tell me not of price (saith the Christian) whatsoever I have shall go for it, I will do any thing for it that God will enable me: Why (saith Christ) wilt thou curb thine affections? wilt thou give up thy life? wilt thou be content to sell all thou hast? I will do it (saith the Christian) with all my heart, I am content to sell all that I have, nothing is so dear unto me but I will part with it, my right hand, my right eye: nay, if hell it self should stand between me and Christ, yet would I pass through it unto him. This (beloved) this is that violent affection which God puts into the hearts of his children, that they will have Christ whatsoever it cost them: yet understand me, I pray you:
Ʋse. And this lesson may afford us this use, that howsoever the ⟨p. 193⟩free grace, and mercie, and goodnesse of Christ Jesus is revealed and offered to all men universally; yet our Saviour takes none but such as are willing to take upon them his yoke; he gives himself to none but such as are readie to sell all and follow him: he saves none, but such as deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godlily in this present world: in a word, he purgeth none, or cleanseth none by his bloud from all sin, but such as walk in the light as God is in the light, who make conscience of detesting and declining all sins, and sincerely set their hearts and hands with love and carefull endeavour to every duty enjoyned them; why these are the men onely to whom his death is effectuall; and therefore, as we mean to partake of his merits, or to have good by his death, let us become new creatures. It is true indeed, and we cannot but maintain it, that to justification nothing but faith is required, but this caution must be added, it must be a faith that purifies the heart, that works an universall change, that shews it self in the fruits: if therefore any of us would come in, let us have ready our answer, as a late Divine speaks the dialogue betwixt Christ and a true Christian on this manner: First, (saith he) when God hath enlightened the eyes of a man, that he can see where this treasure is, what then? Why (saith the Christian) I am so enflamed with the love of it, that I will have it whatsoever it cost me: yea (saith Christ) but there is a price upon it, it must cost thee dear, a great deal of sorrow, and trouble, and crosses, and afflictions: Tush, tell me not of price (saith the Christian) whatsoever I have shall go for it, I will do any thing for it that God will enable me: Why (saith Christ) wilt thou curb thine affections? wilt thou give up thy life? wilt thou be content to sell all thou hast? I will do it (saith the Christian) with all my heart, I am content to sell all that I have, nothing is so dear unto me but I will part with it, my right hand, my right eye: nay, if hell it felf should stand between me and Christ, yet would I passe through it unto him. This (beloved) this is that violent affection which God puts into the hearts of his children, that they will have Christ whatsoever it cost them: yet understand me, I pray you:
