A practical commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and uses upon the first…

Use 2 If Christ be our reconciliation, then it shows us what we are without Christ, enemies to God, and such enemies, then if all the Angels and Saints in heaven should put in for us, they could not make propitiation for us, it is only Christs Prerogative, Col. 1.21. Rom. 5.20. Ephes. 2.3. we are enemies and strangers to God, and all our imaginations of our hearts wholly evil continually, we are ready to delude our selves, I hope I am not so far out with God, I am not an enemy, but we are all so by nature.

Ʋse 2 If Christ be our reconciliation, then it shews us what we are without Christ, enemies to God, and such enemies, then if all the Angells and Saints in heaven should put in for us, they could not make propitiation for us, it is only Christs Prerogative, Col. 1.21. Rom. 5.20. Ephes. 2.3. we are enemies and strangers to God, and all our imaginations of our hearts wholly evill continually, we are ready to delude our selves, I hope I am not so farre out with God, I am not an enemy, but we are all so by nature.

Use 3. It should teach us, when we do find and feel that we are sinners, to consider of Christs Reconciliation, and Propitiation.

Ʋse 3. It should teach us, when we doe find and feele that we are sinners, to consider of Christs Reconciliation, and Propitiation.

Q. I do believe that Christ hath made an Atonement for sinners, and reconciled all Believers, but how shall I know that I am of that number or no?

Q. I doe believe that Christ hath made an Attonement for sinners, and reconciled all Beleevers, but how shall I know that I am of that number or no?

Obj. I, but that comfort is all gone again?

Ans. No man that is brought into the Kings presence stands always before him, but there is a time for the King to sequester himself from him, so there is no Christian that stands always in the presence of Gods face, it is enough if thou hast been brought to kiss Gods hand, and taste of his favour.

Ans. No man that is brought into the Kings presence stands alwayes before him, but there is a time for the King to sequester himselfe from him, so there is no Christian that stands alwayes in the presence of Gods face, it is enough if thou hast been brought to kiss Gods hand, and taste of his favour.

Obj. But I have never felt any comfort or joy in Prayer, and other Ordinances?

Ans. 1. I would ask you, Are you fallen out with your sins? if you be, you love God, and are beloved of him, Psal. 97.10.

2 Do you find that you love God much, for you have been a great sinner, and yet God hath had mercy on you, if so, it is a sign much is forgiven you.

2 Doe you finde that you love God much, for you have been a great sinner, and yet God hath had mercy on you, if so, it is a sign much is forgiven you.

3 Do you find your hearts compassionate over other mens sins? it is a sign yours are forgiven, Matth. 17.23. to. 33. Eph. 4. ult.

3 Do you finde your hearts compassionate over other mens sins? it is a sign yours are forgiven, Matth. 17.23. to. 33. Eph. 4. ult.

Use 4. If we find that we are enemies to God, and our peace is not made with him, it is our wisdom to pacify God, do as Adoniah did when he had offended King Solomon, he ran and took hold of the horns of the Altar, 1 King. 1.15. so we should run and lay hold on Christ, as he that had any benefit by a Sacrifice, was to lay his hands on his head, so, would you have any benefit by Christ? lay hold on him, confess your sins over him, entreat him to make your peace with God.

Ʋse 4. If we find that we are enemies to God, and our peace is not made with him, it is our wisdome to pacifie God, doe as Adoniah did when he had offended King Solomon, he ran and tooke hold of the hornes of the Altar, 1 King. 1.15. so we should run and lay hold on Christ, as he that had any benefit by a Sacrifice, was to lay his hands on his head, so, would you have any benefit by Christ? lay hold on him, confesse your sins over him, intreat him to make your peace with God.

Q. But how shall I know whether I lay hold on Christ?

A. 1. No man lays hold on Christ, but he takes him for better, for worse, he takes him to be a Ruler, as well as a Saviour, you must give up your selves to be guided by his will, as well as to receive any benefit by him.

A. 1. No man layes hold on Christ, but he takes him for better, for worse, he takes him to be a Ruler, as well as a Saviour, you must give up your selves to be guided by his will, as well as to receive any benefit by him.

2 If you find your hearts wholly resting on Christ, and none but him, if this be the frame of your heart, that there is none in Heaven or Earth that you desire in comparison of him, Psal. 73.25. then you have laid hold upon him.

2 If you finde your hearts wholly resting on Christ, and none but him, if this be the frame of your heart, that there is none in Heaven or Earth that you desire in comparison of him, Psal. 73.25. then you have laid hold upon him.

Use 5. For Christians that have their sins pardoned, and are in Christ, though it be thus with you, yet you are not to think that you have no need of Christ, for were you as St. John, and the Apostles Pillars, yet you have need of an Advocate, and Propitiation still, for in many things you sin daily, and fall out with God, so that if God should fall out with us as often as we with him, we should never have peace, therefore still go to Christ, entreat him to be your Atonement from day to day, Christ is not only a Peace-maker, but a Peace-keeper; we daily offend God, or others, or our selves, and therefore stand daily in need of Christs mediation.

Ʋse 5. For Christians that have their sins pardoned, and are in Christ, though it be thus with you, yet you are not to think that you have no need of Christ, for were you as St. John, and the Apostles Pillars, yet you have need of an Advocate, and Propitiation still, for in many things you sin daily, and fall out with God, so that if God should fall out with us as often as we with him, we should never have peace, therefore still goe to Christ, intreat him to be your Attonement from day to day, Christ is not only a Peace-maker, but a Peace-keeper; we daily offend God, or others, or our selves, and therefore stand daily in need of Christs mediation.

We have much need of Christs Spirit to help us in our prayers.

We have much need of Christs Spirit to helpe us in our prayers.