The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the trial of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the tryal of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.
William Guthrie 1620–1665London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1681
[8], 134, [2] p. · 49k words · Wing G2273 · ESTC R218716
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
so highly commended by Christ, did go out in this way of wilful acting over the difficulties; and the Lord speaketh much good of it, and to it, because some will be put to it, to exercise faith that way sometimes, and so they have that for their encouragement. It were tedious to instance all the several ways of the acting of faith upon, and its ⟨p. 37⟩exercise about, and outgoing after Christ. I may say, according to the various conditions and pressures of the soul of man, the Lord hath variously held out himself and his fullness in Christ under divers notions, as might most fitly meet the distress or condition of man; and accordingly, Faith, which God hath appointed to traffic and travel between Christ and Man, as the instrument of conveyance of his fullness unto man, and of maintaining union and communion with him, acteth variously and differently upon God in Christ; for, Faith is the very shaping out of a mans heart, according to Gods contrivement of Salvation by Christ Jesus, in whom it pleased the Father that fullness should dwell; So that let Christ turn what way he will, Faith turneth and pointeth that way. Now, he turneth all ways, in which he can be useful to poor man, and therefore faith acteth accordingly on him, for drawing out of that fullness, according to a mans case and condition. As for example, The soul is naked, destitute of a covering to keep it from the storms of Gods wrath; Christ is fine raiment, Rev. 3. 17, 18. Then accordingly Faiths work here is to put on the Lord Jesus, Gal. 3. 27. The Soul is hungry and thirsty after somewhat that may everlastingly satisfy: Christ Jesus is Milk, Wine, Water, Bread of Life, and the true Manna, Isa. 55. 1, 2. Joh. 6. 4, 51. He is the feast of Fat things, and of Wine refined, Isa. 25. 6. Then the work and exercise of faith, is, to go buy, eat and drink abundantly, Isa. 55. 1. Joh. 6. 53. 57. The soul is pursued for guilt more or less, and is not Law-biding; Christ Jesus is the City of refuge, and the High-Priest there, during whose life-time (that is for ever) the poor man who wins this, is safe. Then the work and exercise of faith is to flee thither for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before us,
. 1. In a word, whatsoever way he may benefit poor man, so he speaketh
⟨p. 38⟩
of himself; and as he holdeth out himself in the Scripture, so faith doth point toward him.
so highly commended by Christ, did go out in this way of wilful acting over the difficulties; and the Lord speaketh much good of it, and to it, because some will be put to it, to exercise faith that way sometimes, and so they have that for their encouragement. It were tedious to instance all the several ways of the acting of faith upon, and its ⟨p. 37⟩exercise about, and outgoing after Christ. I may say, according to the various conditions and pressures of the soul of man, the Lord hath variously held out himself and his fulness in Christ under divers notions, as might most fitly meet the distress or condition of man; and accordinly, Faith, which God hath appointed to traffick and travel between Christ and Man, as the instrument of conveyance of his fulness unto man, and of maintaining union and communion with him, acteth variously and differently upon God in Christ; for, Faith is the very shaping out of a mans heart, according to Gods contrivement of Salvation by Christ Jesus, in whom it pleased the Father that fulness should dwell; So that let Christ turn what way he will, Faith turneth and pointeth that way. Now, he turneth all ways, in which he can be useful to poor man, and therefore faith acteth accordingly on him, for drawing out of that fulness, according to a mans case and condition. As for example, The soul is naked, destitute of a covering to keep it from the storms of Gods wrath; Christ is fine raiment, Rev. 3. 17, 18. Then accordingly Faiths work here is to put on the Lord Jesus, Gal. 3. 27. The Soul is hungry and thirsty after somewhat that may everlastingly satisfy: Christ Jesus is Milk, Wine, Water, Bread of Life, and the true Manna, Isa. 55. 1, 2. Joh. 6. 4, 51. He is the feast of Fat things, and of Wine refined, Isa. 25. 6. Then the work and exercise of faith, is, to go buy, eat and drink abundantly, Isa. 55. 1. Joh. 6. 53. 57. The soul is pursued for guilt more or less, and is not Law-biding; Christ Jesus is the City of refuge, and the High-Priest there, during whose life-time (that is for ever) the poor man who wins this, is safe. Then the work and exercise of faith is to flee thither for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before us, Heb. 6. 1. In a word, whatsoever way he may benefit poor man, so he speaketh ⟨p. 38⟩of himself; and as he holdeth out himself in the Scripture, so faith doth point toward him.
If he be a Bridegroom, faith will go out in a marriage relation; If he be a Father, Faith pleads the man to be a child; If he be a shepherd, faith pleads the man may be one of his sheep; if he be a Lord, faith calls him so, which none can do but by the Spirit of Jesus; If he be dead and risen again for our Justification, faith believeth God hath raised him on that account. Rom. 10. 9. wheresoever he be, there would faith be; and whatsoever he is, faith would be somewhat proportionally. For, by faith the heart is shapen out in breadth and length for him: yea, when the fame and report of him goeth abroad in his truth, although faith see not much, yet it believeth on his Name, upon the very fame he hath sent abroad of himself, Joh. 1. 12.
But here for avoiding of mistakes, consider, 1. That although justifying Faith acteth so variously; yet every Believer, who hath a good title to Christ Jesus, hath not all these various actings and exercises of Faith; for his condition craveth them not: and also the Master is pleased not to lead out the faith of some persons at some times in some of these ways (for reasons known to himself) even when their necessity (to their apprehension) calleth for such acting of faith. Surely every one dare not say, Though he kill me, yet will I trust in him. Many would not have gone up with that woman I spake of, Mat. 15. but would have been discouraged and quit the pursuit. It is on this account that Christ doth highly commend the faith of some, beyond the faith of others, Mat. 8. 10. and 15. 28. Many good people are much disquieted about their faith, because it goeth not out in all those ways we find recorded in Scripture; But there is hardly and man will be found, whose faith hath acted all these ways. 2. Many of these actings of faith are ⟨p. 39⟩much intended and remitted. They are sometimes strong and vigorous, and discernible; and sometimes they fail, and misbelief doth prevail, so as it were an uncertain thing to judge of a mans estate by these. We find the Saints very different from themselves in regard of the actings of faith sometimes, as we showed before. 3. Each one of these actings of faith, speaketh good to the person in whom it is, and hath promises annexed unto it, as we have said. Yet 4. Although these Actings of faith have promises annexed unto them, they are not, for that, the condition of the New Covenant; for then every one behoved to have each one of them, which is not true, as we have said before. A promise is made to him who overcometh, but perseverance is not the condition of the New Covenant, but doth suppose it. There are promises made to the exercises of all Graces in Scripture; but only faith is the condition of the Covenant. I say then these promises are made to these actings of Faith, not as such, but as they do suppose Justifying faith, which is the condition of the Covenant: All these are actings of faith, but not as it is justifying. Therefore 5. There is somewhat common to all gracious persons, which may be supposed by all the foresaid actings of faith, wherein the nature and essence of justifying faith standeth;
But here for avoiding of mistakes, consider, 1. That although justifying Faith acteth so variously; yet every Believer, who hath a good title to Christ Jesus, hath not all these various actings and exercises of Faith; for his condition craveth them not: and also the Master is pleased not to lead out the faith of some persons at some times in some of these ways (for reasons known to himself) even when their necessity (to their apprehension) calleth for such acting of faith. Surely every one dare not say, Though he kill me, yet will I trust in him. Many would not have gon up with that woman I spake of, Mat. 15. but would have been discouraged and quit the pursuit. It is on this account that Christ doth highly commend the faith of some, beyond the faith of others, Mat. 8. 10. and 15. 28. Many good people are much disquieted about their faith, because it goeth not out in all those ways we find recorded in Scripture; But there is hardly and man will be found, whose faith hath acted all these ways. 2. Many of these actings of faith are ⟨p. 39⟩much intended and remitted. They are sometimes strong and vigorous, and discernable; and sometimes they fail, and misbelief doth prevail, so as it were an uncertain thing to judge of a mans estate by these. We find the Saints very different from themselves in regard of the actings of faith sometimes, as we shewed before. 3. Each one of these actings of faith, speaketh good to the person in whom it is, and hath promises annexed unto it, as we have said. Yet 4. Although these Actings of faith have promises annexed unto them, they are not, for that, the condition of the New Conenant; for then every one behoved to have each one of them, which is not true, as we have said before. A promise is made to him who overcometh, but perseverance is not the condition of the New Covenant, but doth suppose it. There are promises made to the exercises of all Graces in Scripture; but only faith is the condition of the Covenant. I say then these promises are made to these actings of Faith, not as such, but as they do suppose Justifying faith, which is the condition of the Covenant: All these are actings of faith, but not as it is justifying. Therefore 5. There is somewhat common to all gracious persons, which may be supposed by all the foresaid actings of faith, wherein the nature and essence of justifying faith standeth;
and this is the hearts satisfaction about Gods contrivance of Salvation by Christ; when man pleadeth Gods invention of satisfaction to justice through Jesus Christ, in whom all fullness doth dwell now by the Fathers pleasure; when the soul and heart of man acquiesceth in that, then it believeth unto Salvation. As at first, the Lord made man suitable to the Covenant of Works, by creating him perfect, and so putting him in a capacity to perform his Will in that Covenant: So under the New Covenant, when God giveth the new heart to man, he sets the Idea and stamp of all his device in the New Covenant upon ⟨p. 40⟩the man, so as there is a consonancy to Gods will there: Thus he beareth the image of the second […], Christ Jesus, on him. This is a great part of the new heart, and is most opposed to works; since now the man absolutely falleth off from works, becoming […] (as to the point of justification) […] a Rom. 7. 4. Man perceiving, […] way of satisfying Divine […] by the incarnation of […] sure a way, that he absolute […] I said before, and closeth with this contrivement•; and this is believing or faith, very opposite to works, and all resting thereupon: this cannot fail to be in all gracious persons, in whom many of the actions of faith are not to be found. This doth clearly suppose known distress in a man, without all relief in himself; this supposeth known fullness in Christ as the alone sufficient relief, this imports a sort of impropriation: for the heart pleasing that contrivement, it so far swayeth towards it. This is a thing clearly supposed in all the actings of faith, spoken of before. He that greedily hungereth, hath this; and he that leaneth hath this, and he that putteth on Christ hath this, &c. This is to esteem Christ the wisdom and power of God to Salvation. So is he said to be all that believe, 1 Cor. 1. 24. They esteem that contrivance wise and sure, beseeming God, and that is to believe. On this account Christ, who is the rejected stone to many, is precious to them who believe; a fit stone to recover, fortify, and beautify the tottering building, and fabric of l•st man. 1 Pet. 1. The Kingdom of God is like a man finding a treasure, for which with joy he selleth all, Mat. 13. 44. These words hold out the very way of believing, viz. Salvation is discovered in the Gospel to be by Christ; the heart valueth that invention as satisfying.
and this is the hearts satisfaction about Gods contrivance of Salvation by Christ; when man pleadeth Gods invention of satisfaction to justice through Jesus Christ, in whom all fulness doth dwell now by the Fathers pleasure; when the soul and heart of man acquiesceth in that, then it believeth unto Salvation. As at first, the Lord made man suitable to the Covenant of Works, by creating him perfect, and so putting him in a capacity to perform his Will in that Covenant: So under the New Covenant, when God giveth the new heart to man, he sets the Idea and stamp of all his device in the New Covenant upon ⟨p. 40⟩the man, so as there is a consonancy to Gods will there: Thus he beareth the image of the second 〈…〉, Christ Jesus, on him. This is a great part of the new heart, and is most opposed to works; since now the man absolutely falleth off from works, becoming 〈…〉 (as to the point of justificatim) 〈…〉 a Rom. 7. 4. Man perceiving, 〈…〉 way of satisfying Divine 〈…〉 by the incarnation of 〈…〉 sure a way, that he absolute 〈…〉 I said before, and closeth with this contrivement•; and this is believing or faith, very opposite to works, and all resting thereupon: this cannot fail to be in all gracious persons, in whom many of the actions of faith are not to be found. This doth clearly suppose known distress in a man, without all relief in himself; this supposeth known fulness in Christ as the alone sufficient relief, this imports a sort of impropriation: for the heart pleasing that contrivement, it so far swayeth towards it. This is a thing clearly supposed in all the actings of faith, spoken of before. He that greedily hungereth, hath this; and he that leaneth hath this, and he that putteth on Christ hath this, &c. This is to esteem Christ the wisdom and power of God to Salvation. So is he said to be all that believe, 1 Cor. 1. 24. They esteem that contrivance wise and sure, beseeming God, and that is to believe. On this account Christ, who is the rejected stone to many, is precious to them who believe; a fit stone to recover, fortify, and beautify the tottering building, and fabrick of l•st man. 1 Pet. 1
This is to believe on the Son of God lifted up, which is ⟨p. 41⟩compared to the looking up to the brazen Serpent, John 3. 14. It was mans approbation of that device, which made it effectual for his healing. So is it here, He that believeth, setteth to his seal that God is true. True! wherein? In that record he hath born, That God hath provided life for men; and placed it all in Christ, 1. Joh. 5. 10. 11. He that believeth not, maketh God a liar. Where? In his saying that Christ is a safe and sure way to Heaven. This is well pleased with and acquiescing in that devise, and it is consonant to all, I know, spoken of Justifying Faith in Scripture. This is in the believing on Christ and on his Name, the receiving of him, and resting on him for Salvation in our Catechism. The believing that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Anointed one whom the father hath sealed, and set apart and qualified for the work of reconciling man unto God; and he that believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God, 1. Joh. 5. 1. This is to believe with the heart that God hath raised Christ from the dead. The man believeth Christ died, and is raised on the account of satisfaction for mans transgression: Devils may believe that. Nay, but the man I speak of, believeth it with his heart, (which no natural man doth, until a new heart be given unto him) that is, he cordially pleadeth, is satisfied with, and acquiesceth in this noble invention. And thus faith layeth out it self now and then in its actings, out-goings, and exercise. according to all the Covenant relations, under which Christ is held forth in the Scripture.
This is to believe on the Son of God lifted up, which is ⟨p. 41⟩compared to the looking up to the brazen Serpent, John 3. 14. It was mans approbation of that device, which made it effectual for his healing. So is it here, He that believeth, setteth to his seal that God is true. True! wherein? In that record he hath born, That God hath provided life for men; and placed it all in Christ, 1. Joh. 5. 10. 11. He that believeth not, maketh God a lyer. Where? In his saying that Christ is a safe and sure way to Heaven. This is well pleased with and acquiescing in that devise, and it is consonant to all, I know, spoken of Justifying Faith in Scripture. This is in the believing on Christ and on his Name, the receiving of him, and resting on him for Salvation in our Catechism. The believing that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Anointed one whom the father hath sealed, and set apart and qualified for the work of reconciling man unto God; and he that believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God, 1. Joh. 5. 1. This is to believe with the heart that God hath raised Christ from the dead. The man believeth Christ died, and is raised on the account of satisfaction for mans transgression: Devils may believe that. Nay, but the man I speak of, believeth it with his heart, (which no natural man doth, untill a new heart be given unto him) that is, he cordially pleadeth, is satisfied with, and acquiesceth in this noble invention. And thus faith layeth out it self now and then in its actings, out-goings, and excrcise. according to all the Covenant relations, under which Christ is held forth in the Scripture.
Now; I say, This faith is discernible, not only in these actings many times; a man may know if his heart doth hunger after Christ and flee for refuge to him, when pursued, and if he doth commit himself unto God, &c. but also in its very nature, as it is justifying, it is discernible, and may be known. A man may clearly know, if from known distress in himself upon the report and ⟨p. 40⟩[…] ⟨p. 41⟩[…] ⟨p. 42⟩fame of Christs fullness, his heart is well pleased with Gods contrivement in the new Covenant, if it goeth out after Christ in that invention, and pleadeth him a Lord of the life of men, terminating and resting there, and no where else, acquiescing in that contrivement with desire and complacency. This is a discernible thing. Therefore I beseech men impartially to examine themselves; and if they find that their heart hath closed so with that invention of salvation, and is gone out after him as precious, that thereupon they would conclude a sure and true interest in Christ Jesus, and a good claim and title to the crown, since he that helieveth shall never perish, but have everlasting life. John 3. 16. 36.
Now; I say, This faith is discernable, not only in these actings many times; a man may know if his heart doth hunger after Christ and flee for refuge to him, when pursued, and if he doth commit himself unto God, &c. but also in its very nature, as it is justifying, it is discernable, and may be known. A man may clearly know, if from known dis••ess in himself upon the report and ⟨p. 40⟩〈…〉⟨p. 41⟩〈…〉⟨p. 42⟩fame of Christs fulness, his heart is well pleased with Gods contrivement in the new Covenant, if it goeth out after Christ in that invention, and pleadeth him a Lord of the life of men, terminating and resting there, and no where else, acquiescing in that contrivement with desire and complacency. This is a discernable thing. Therefore I beseech men impartially to examine themselves; and if they find that their heart hath closed so with that invention of salvation, and is gone out after him as precious, that thereupon they would conclude a sure and true interest in Christ Jesus, and a good claim and title to the crown, since he that helieveth shall never perish, but have everlasting life. John 3. 16. 36.
Object. Hypocrites and Reprobates have a sort of faith, and are said to believe, Joh. 2. 23. Acts 3. 13. and cannot choose but go out after Christ, and that invention of Salvation, when they hear of it; and they profess they do so, yet are deluded, and so may I be.
Answ. To say nothing of that thought of your heart, [whereby you wonder that any man should not please the contrivement of salvation by Christ, and lead out towards him] as a very promising thing, and speaking out justifying faith to be in your bosom; and to say nothing in contradiction to that which you think, That a natural man whilst such, and before he get a new heart, can please that contrivement, and believe with his heart and affectionately, that which perfectly overthroweth the Covenant of works, and abaseth man in the point of self-righteousness already attained, or that can be won at by him, which is inconsistent with many Scriptural truths; I offer these differences between the faith of all Hypocrites or reprobates, and that true saving justifying faith whereof we have spoken. 1. They never close with Jesus Christ (in that contrivement) and him alone as a sufficient covering of the eyes, as is said of Abraham ⟨p. 43⟩to Sarah, Gen. 20. 16. They still hold fast somewhat of their own, at least to help to procure Gods favour and salvation: Their heart doth still speak, as that young mans speech, Luke. 18 18, 21. doth insinuate, What want I that I may inherit life? Beside that, they do still retain their former lovers, and will not break their Covenants with Hell and Death, imagining they may have Christ with these things equally sharing in their heart, contrary to that, A man cannot serve two Masters, Mat. 6. 24. Either Christ must be judged absolute Lord, and worthy to be so, or nothing at all. And so it is clear, their heart is not shapen out for that way of salvation by Christ, whom God hath alone made Lord here, in whom all fullness shall dwell. But where justifying faith is, the soul of a man and his heart doth close with Christ, and him alone, having no confidence in the flesh, Phil. 3. 3. Psal. 62. 5. he trusteth only in God. As also the man here giveth up with other lovers, as they stand in competition with Christ; they resolve not to be for another, Hos, 3. 3. They call him Lord, which a man can only do by the Spirit of Christ, 1. Cor. 12. 3. 2. As Hypocrites and Reprobates do never close with Christ alone; so they do never close with full Christ as he is anointed to be a King to rule over a man in all things; a Priest, to procure pardon, and to make peace for man upon all occasions;
Answ. To say nothing of that thought of your heart, [whereby you wonder that any man should not please the contrivement of salvation by Christ, and lead out towards him] as a very promising thing, and speaking out justifying faith to be in your bosom; and to say nothing in contradiction to that which you think, That a natural man whilst such, and before he get a new heart, can please that contrivement, and believe with his heart and affectionately, that which perfectly overthroweth the Covenant of works, and abaseth man in the point of self-righteousness already attained, or that can be won at by him, which is inconsistent with many Scriptural truths; I offer these differences between the faith of all Hypocrites or reprobates, and that true saving justifying faith whereof we have spoken. 1. They never close with Jesus Christ (in that contrivement) and him alone as a sufficient covering of the eyes, as is said of Abraham ⟨p. 43⟩to Sarah, Gen. 20. 16. They still hold fast somewhat of their own, at least to help to procure Gods favour and salvation: Their heart doth still speak, as that young mans speech, Luke. 18 18, 21. doth insinuate, What want I that I may inherit life? Beside that, they do still retain their former lovers, and will not break their Covenants with Hell and Death, imagining they may have Christ with these things equally sharing in their heart, contrary to that, A man cannot serve two Masters, Mat. 6. 24. Either Christ must be judged absolute Lord, and worthy to be so, or nothing at all. And so it is clear, their heart is not shapen out for that way of salvation by Christ, whom God hath alone made Lord here, in whom all fulness shall dwell. But where justifying faith is, the soul of a man and his heart doth close with Christ, and him alone, having no confidence in the flesh, Phil. 3. 3. Psal. 62. 5. he trusteth only in God. As also the man here giveth up with other lovers, as they stand in competition with Christ; they resolve not to be for another, Hos, 3. 3. They call him Lord, which a man can only do by the Spirit of Christ, 1. Cor. 12. 3. 2. As Hypocrites and Reprobates do never close with Christ alone; so they do never close with full Christ as he is annointed to be a King to rule over a man in all things; a Priest, to procure pardon, and to make peace for man upon all occasions;
a Prophet, to be wisdom, and a Teacher and Counsellor in all cases to man. So they do not receive Christ, especially in the first and third offices. But where true justifying faith is, a man closeth with whole Christ in all his offices, judging all his will good, holy, just and spiritual, Rom. 7. 12. and right concerning all things, Psalm 119. 128. making mention of his righteousness only, Psal. 71, 16. The man also giveth up himself to be taught of him, Mat. 11. 29. So that Christ is made to the true believer ⟨p. 44⟩with his own consent, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and complete redemption, 1. Cor. 1. 30. And although he hath not all these things formally in exercise when his heart goeth out after Christ; yet, upon search and trial, it will be found with him as I have said. 3. Hypocrites and Reprobates do never close with Christ, and all the inconveniences may follow him; they stick at that, with that man Mat. 8. 19. 20. But where true justifying saith is, a man doth close with him on all hazards; he resolveth to forego all, rather than to forego Christ, Mar. 10. 28. he reckoneth all to be loss and dung for the excellency of Christ Jesus, as his Lord, and to be found in him, Phil. 3. 8. We might give other differences also, as that true faith is operative, purifying the heart, Acts 15. 9. working by love, Gal. 5. 44. Whilst Hypocrites do only cleanse the outside of the platter, Mat. 23. 25. and do all to be seen of men, Mat 6. 5. not seeking the honour that is of God only, and so cannot believe, John. 5. 6. We might also show that true faith is never alone in a man, but attended with other saving graces: But because these things will co-incide with what followeth, and here we are showing that a man may take up his gracious state by his faith, and the actings thereof on Christ, we pass these things.
a Prophet, to be wisdom, and a Teacher and Counsellor in all cases to man. So they do not receive Christ, especially in the first and third offices. But where true justifying faith is, a man closeth with whole Christ in all his offices, judging all his will good, holy, just and spiritual, Rom. 7. 12. and right concerning all things, Psalm 119. 128. making mention of his righteousness only, Psal. 71, 16. The man also giveth up himself to be taught of him, Mat. 11. 29. So that Christ is made to the true believer ⟨p. 44⟩with his own consent, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and compleat redemption, 1. Cor. 1. 30. And although he hath not all these things formally in exercise when his heart goeth out after Christ; yet, upon search and tryal, it will be found with him as I have said. 3. Hypocrites and Reprobates do never close with Christ, and all the inconveniencies may follow him; they stick at that, with that man Mat. 8. 19. 20. But where true justifying saith is, a man doth close with him on all hazards; he resolveth to forego all, rather than to forego Christ, Mar. 10. 28. he reckoneth all to be loss and dung for the excellency of Christ Jesus, as his Lord, and to be found in him, Phil. 3. 8. We might give other differences also, as that true faith is operative, purifying the heart, Acts 15. 9. working by love, Gal. 5. 44. Whilst Hypocrites do only cleanse the outside of the platter, Mat. 23. 25. and do all to be seen of men, Mat 6. 5. not seeking the honour that is of God only, and so cannot believe, John. 5. 6. We might also shew that true faith is never alone in a man, but attended with other saving graces: But because these things will co-incide with what followeth, and here we are shewing that a man may take up his gracious state by his faith, and the actings thereof on Christ, we pass these things.
The second great mark of a gracious state and true saving interest in Jesus Christ, is, the new creature, 2 Cor. 5. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. That new creation or renovation of that man, is a very sensible change, although not in those who are effectually called from the womb, or in their younger years; because those have had this new creature from that time in them, so as this charge in after period of time, is not discernible: yet in those who have been regenerated and brought unto Christ, after they were come to greater age, and so have been more palpably unde the power ⟨p. 45⟩of darkness, before they were translated into the Kingdom of Christ, Col. 1. 13. But in all who do warrantably pretend to Christ, this new creature must be, although some do not know experimentally the contraries of every part of it, so as others do, because they have not been equally, in regard of practice, under the power of darkness. This new creature is called the new man, Gal. 3. 10. which doth hold out the extent of it. It is not simply a new tongue, or a new hand, but a new man. There is a principle of new life and motion put in the man, which is, the new heart: which new principle of life sendeth forth acts of life, or of conformity to the image of him who created it, Col. 3. 10. So as the party is renewed in some measure every way. This renovation of the man who is in Christ, may be reduced to these two great heads.
The second great mark of a gracious state and true saving interest in Jesus Christ, is, the new creature, 2 Cor. 5. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. That new creation or renovation of that man, is a very sensible change, although not in those who are effectually called from the womb, or in their younger years; because those have had this new creature from that time in them, so as this charge in after period of time, is not discernable: yet in those who have been regenerated and brought unto Christ, after they were come to greater age, and so have been more palpably unde the power ⟨p. 45⟩of darkness, before they were translated into the Kingdom of Christ, Col. 1. 13. But in all who do warrantably pretend to Christ, this new creature must be, although some do not know experimentally the contraries of every part of it, so as others do, because they have not been equally, in regard of practice, under the power of darkness. This new creature is called the new man, Gal. 3. 10. which doth hold out the extent of it. It is not simply a new tongue, or a new hand, but a new man. There is a principle of new life and motion put in the man, which is, the new heart: which new principle of life sendeth forth acts of life, or of conformity to the image of him who created it, Col. 3. 10. So as the party is renewed in some measure every way. This renovation of the man who is in Christ, may be reduced to these two great heads.
First, There is a renovation, of the mans person, soul and body, in some measure. 1. His understanding is renewed, so as he judgeth Christ Preached in the Gospel, to be the wisdom and power of God, a wise, strong contrivement beseeming God, 1 Cor. 1. 23, 24. He knoweth the things of God really and solidly, not to be yea and nay, and uncertain fancies, but all to be yea and amen, solid, certain, substantial things, having a desirable accomplishment in Christ, and resolving much in him, 1 Cor. 2. 15. 2 Cor. 1. 18. Natural men, educated under Gospel ordinances, although they have some notional knowledge of God, Christ, Promises, the motions of the holy Spirit, &c. so as they may Confer, Preach, and dispute of these things; yet they look on them as common received Maxims of Christianity, from which to recede were a singularity and disgrace; but not as real, solid, substantial truths, so as to adventure their Souls and Everlasting being on them. The understanding is renewed also to take up somewhat of God in ⟨p. 46⟩the creatures, as bearing sparks of his glorious attribute•Psal. 10. 1. They see the Heavens declaring his Glory and Power, and somewhat of God in providence an• dispensations that fall out: His wondrous works declaring that his Name is near, Psal. 75. 1. The understanding also taketh up the conditions and cases of the soul otherwise than it was wont to do; As we find the Saint• usually speaking in Scripture, O my Soul thou hast sai• unto the Lord, &c. Psal 16. 2. My Soul said thy fac• will I seek, Pral. 26. 8. Why art thou cast down, O my Soul? Psal. 42. 5. Psal. 43. 5. Return unto thy rest, O my soul, Psal. 116. 7. 2. The heart and affections are renewed. The heart is made a new heart, a hear• of flesh, capable of impressions, having a copy of his law stamped on it, and fear of God put into it, whereby the mans duty becometh in a manner native and kindly to the man, Jer. 32. 39, 40. Ezek. 36. 26. It was before a heart of stone, void of the fear of God, The affections are renewed now. The love is renewed in some good measure: it goeth out after God; I will love the Lord, Psal. 18. 1. after his Law, O how I love thy Law Psal. 119. 97. after those who have Gods Image in them, John 13. 35. 1 Joh. 3. 14. This love to Gods people is upon a pure account, as they are the children of God, and do keep his Statutes, 1 Pet. 1. 22. It is with a pure heart, Psal. 119.
63. and therefore it goeth towards all such whom the man knoweth or apprehendeth to be such, Psal. 119. 63. I am a Companion to al• them, &c. In all cases and conditions, even where there is nothing to beautify or commend but the Image of God And this love is so fervent many times, 1 Pet. 1. 22. tha• it putteth it self out in all relations, so as a man seeketh a Godly Wife, a Godly Master, a Godly Servant, a Godly Counsellor, if he have to choose upon, Psal. 101. 6. and it is not quenched by many waters, Cant. 8. 7. many ⟨p. 47⟩imperfections and infirmities, difference in opinion, wrong received will not altogether quench love. Also it is communicative of good according to its measure, and as the case of the poor godly requireth, Psal. 16. 2. 1 John 3. 17, 18. 19. The mans hatred is also renewed, and is now bent against sin, Psal. 119. 113. I hate vain thoughts: against Gods enemies, as such, Psal. 139. 21, 22. Do not I hate them that hate thee? &c. The joy or delight is renewed, for it runneth towards God, Psal. 73. 25. Whom have I in Heaven? &c. towards his Law and Will, Psal. 1. 2. His delight is in the Law of the Lord. And towards the Godly and their fellowship, Psal. 16. 3.— In whom is all my delight. The sorrow is turned against sin which hath wronged Christ, Zech. 12. 10. Looking on him whom they have pierced, they mourn, 2 Cor. 7. 11. The sorrow is godly there, and against what encroacheth upon Gods honour; they are sorrowful for the —assemblies, and the reproach of that is their burden, Zeph. 3. 18. There is some renovation in all the affections, as in every other part of the soul pointing now towards God. 3. The very outward members of the man are renewed, as the Scriptures speak, the tongue, the eye, the ear, the hand, the foot, &c. so that those members. which once were improved as weapons of unrighteousness unto sin, are now improved as weapons of righteousness unto holiness, Rom. 6. 19.
63. and therefore it goeth towards all such whom the man knoweth or apprehendeth to be such, Psal. 119. 63. I am a Companion to al• them, &c. In all cases and conditions, even where there is nothing to beautify or commend but the Image of God And this love is so fervent many times, 1 Pet. 1. 22. tha• it putteth it self out in all relations, so as a man seeketh a Godly Wife, a Godly Master, a Godly Servant, a Godly Counsellor, if he have to choose upon, Psal. 101. 6. and it is not quenched by many waters, Cant. 8. 7. many ⟨p. 47⟩imperfections and infirmities, difference in opinion, wrong received will not altogether quench love. Also it is communicative of good according to its measure, and as the case of the poor godly requireth, Psal. 16. 2. 1 John 3. 17, 18. 19. The mans hatred is also renewed, and is now bent against sin, Psal. 119. 113. I hate vain thoughts: against Gods enemies, as such, Psal. 139. 21, 22. Do not I hate them that hate thee? &c. The joy or delight is renewed, for it runneth towards God, Psal. 73. 25. Whom have I in Heaven? &c. towards his Law and Will, Psal. 1. 2. His delight is in the Law of the Lord. And towards the Godly and their followship, Psal. 16. 3.— In whom is all my delight. The sorrow is turned against sin which hath wronged Christ, Zech. 12. 10. Looking on him whom they have pierced, they mourn, 2 Cor. 7. 11. The sorrow is godly there, and against what incroacheth upon Gods honour; they are sorrowful for the —assemblies, and the reproach of that is their burden,
Secondly, A man who is in Christ, is renewed in some measure in all his ways. Behold all things are new, 2 Cor. 5. 17. The man becomes new, 1. In the way of his interest. He was upon any good before, though but apparent, and at best but external, Psal. 4. 6. But now his interest and business is, how to be found in Christ, in that day, Phil. 3. 9. or, how to be forth-coming to him, and walk before him in the land of the living, Psal. 56. 13. which he would choose among all the mercies that •ill this ⟨p. 48⟩earth, Psal. 119. 64. The interest of Christ also becom• eth the mans interest, as appeareth in the song of Hannah, 1 Sam. 2. And in the song of Mary, Luke 1. • is strange to see people newly converted, and having reached unto the beginnings of knowledge, concern an• interest themselves in the public matters of Christ• Kingdom, so desirous to have him riding prosperously and subduing the people under him. 2. The man that i• in Christ, is renewed in the way of his worship. He wa• wont to serve God in the oldness of the letter, for the fashion, answering the letter of the command in the outside of duty, which one in whom the Old man hath absolute dominion can do? But now he worshippeth God in th•• newness of the Spirit Rom. 7. 6. In a new way, wherein he is helped by the Spirit of God, Rom, 8. 26. beyond the reach of flesh and blood. He serveth now the true and living God, 1 Thess. 1. 9. in Spirit and in truth. John 4. 24. having spiritual apprehensions of God, and engaged in his very soul in that work, doing and saying truly, and not feignedly, when he worshippeth, still desiring to approach unto him as a living God, who heareth and seeth him, and can accept his service. Psal. 42. 1, 2. I grant he fails of this many times; yet I may say, such worship he intendeth, and sometimes overtaketh, and doth not much reckon worship, which is not so performed unto God; and the iniquity of his holy things, is not the least part of his burden and exercise: Such a worship, natural men are strangers unto, whilst they babble out of their vain-glorious boastings, Luke 18. 11, 12. to an unknown God. Acts 17. 23. 3. The man that is in Christ, is renewed in the way of hit outward calling and employment in the world; he now resolveth to be about it, because God hath commanded so, Rom. 12. 11. and to eye God in it as his last end, doing it to his glory, 1 Cor. 10. 31.
Secondly, A man who is in Christ, is renewed in some measure in all his ways. Behold all things are new, 2 Cor. 5. 17. The man becomes new, 1. In the way of his interest. He was upon any good before, though but apparent, and at best but external, Psal. 4. 6. But now his interest and business is, how to be found in Christ, in that day, Phil. 3. 9. or, how to be forth-coming to him, and walk before him in the land of the living, Psal. 56. 13. which he would choose among all the mercies that •ill this ⟨p. 48⟩earth, Psal. 119. 64. The interest of Christ also becom• eth the mans interest, as appeareth in the song of Hannah, 1 Sam. 2. And in the song of Mary, Luke 1. • is strange to see people newly converted, and having reached unto the beginnings of knowledge, concern an• interest themselves in the publick matters of Christ• Kingdom, so desirous to have him riding prosperously• and subduing the people under him. 2. The man that i• in Christ, is renewed in the way of his worship. He wa• wont to serve God in the oldness of the letter, for the fashion, answering the letter of the command in the outside of duty, which one in whom the Old man hath absolute dominion can do? But now he worshippeth God in th•• newness of the Spirit Rom. 7. 6. In a new way, wherein he is helped by the Spirit of God, Rom, 8. 26. beyond the reach of flesh and blood. He serveth now the true and living God, 1 Thess. 1. 9. in Spirit and in truth.
and studieth to keep some intercourse ⟨p. 49⟩with God, in the exercise of his outward employments, as Jacob doth in his latter Will, Gen. 49. 18. and Nehemiah did, Nehem. 2. 4. So as the man resolveth to walk with God, and set him always before him, Psal. 16. 8. wherein I deny not he faileth often. 4. He becometh new in the way of his relations; he becometh a more dutiful Husband. Father, Brother, Master, Servant, Neighbour, &c. Herein doth he exercise himself to keep a conscience void of offence towards men, as well as towards God, Acts 24. 16. 1 Cor. 22. Becoming all things to all men. 5. He becometh now in the way of his lawful liberties, he studieth to make use of meat, drink, sleep, recreation, apparel, with an eye to God, labouring not to come under the power of any lawful thing, 1 Cor. 6. 12, 13. Nor to give offence to others in the use of these things, Rom. 14. 20, 21. & 15. 2. nor using liberty as an occasion to the flesh, Gal. 5. 13. Yea, he laboureth to use all these things is a stranger on earth, so as his moderations may appear, Phil. 4. 5. And some way he doth eye God, as the last end in these things, 1 Cor. 10 31. doing all to the glory of God: So as we may say of that man, old things are much past away, all things are in some measure become •ew, 2 Cor. 5. 15. He that is so new a creature, is undoubtedly in Christ.
and studieth to keep some intercourse ⟨p. 49⟩with God, in the exercise of his outward employments, as Jacob doth in his latter Will, Gen. 49. 18. and Nehemiah did, Nehem. 2. 4. So as the man resolveth to walk with God, and set him alwayes before him, Psal. 16. 8. wherein I deny not he faileth often. 4. He becometh new in the way of his relations; he becometh a more dutiful Husband. Father, Brother, Master, Servant, Neighbour, &c. Herein doth he exercise himself to keep a conscience void of offence towards men, as well as towards God, Acts 24. 16. 1 Cor. 22. Becoming all things to all men. 5. He becometh now in the way of his lawfull liberties, he studieth to make use of meat, drink, sleep, recreation, apparel, with an eye to God, labouring not to come under the power of any lawful thing, 1 Cor. 6. 12, 13. Nor to give offence to others in the use of these things, Rom. 14. 20, 21. & 15. 2. nor using liberty as an occasion to the flesh, Gal. 5. 13. Yea, he laboureth to use all these things is a stranger on earth, so as his moderations may appear, Phil. 4. 5. And some way he doth eye God, as the last end in these things, 1 Cor. 10 31. doing all to the glory of God: So as we may say of that man, old things are much past away, all things are in some measure become •ew, 2 Cor. 5. 15. He that is so new a creature, is •ndoubtedly in Christ.
This renovation of a man in all manner of conversation, and this being under law to God in all things, is ••at holiness without which none shall see God. Heb. 12. ••. Men may fancy things to themselves, but unless they •••dy to approve themselves, unto God in all well-plea••ngs, and reach some inward testimony of sincerity that •ay, they shall not assure their hearts before him. The testimony of mens conscience is their rejoicing, 2 Cor. 1. 2. By this we know that we know him, if we keep […] Commandments, 1 John 2. 3. 1 John 3. 20, 21. No ⟨p. 50⟩confidence if the heart condemn. This is the New Creature, having a principle of new spiritual life infused by God into the heart▪ whereby it becometh new, and puteth forth acts of new life throughout the whole man, as we have said, so as he pointeth towards the whole Law, both the commands which forbid sin; so he resolveth to set against secret sins, not to lay a stumbling block before the blind, Lev. 19. 14. little sins, which are judged so by many, the least things of the Law, Matth. 5. 19. spiritual sins, filthiness of the spirit, • Cor. 7. 1. sins of omission, as well as commission, since men are to be judged by these, Mat. 25. 42, 43, 44 yea, sins that are winded into his natural humour and constitution, and so are as a right eye or hand to him, Matth, 5. 29. This new principle of life, by the good hand of God, maketh the man set against every known sin, so far as not to allow peaceable abode […] any known darkness, 2 Cor. 6. 14. As also he point eth towards those commands which relate to duty, an• the quickening of grace in man. It maketh a man respect all known commands, Psal. 110. 6. to live godly, righteously, and soberly. T•t. 2. 12. yea, and to study a right and sincere way and manner of doing things, resolving not to give over the study of conformity to Gods Will whilst he lives on earth, but still to bend forward toward the price of the high calling of God, Phil. 3. 13, 14. Th• is true holiness, very becoming all those who pretend • be heirs of that holy habitation in the immediate company and fellowship of a holy God, 1 Joh. 3. 3.
This renovation of a man in all manner of conversa•ion, and this being under law to God in all things, is ••at holiness without which none shall see God. Heb. 12. ••. Men may fancy things to themselves, but unless they •••dy to approve themselves, unto God in all well-plea••ngs, and reach some inward testimony of sincerity that •ay, they shall not assure their hearts before him. The ••stimony of mens conscience is their rejoycing, 2 Cor. 1. 2. By this we know that we know him, if we keep 〈…〉 Commandments, 1 John 2. 3. 1 John 3. 20, 21. No ⟨p. 50⟩confidence if the heart condemn. This is the New Creature, having a principle of new spiritual life infused by God into the heart▪ whereby it becometh new, and puteth forth acts of new life throughout the whole man, as we have said, so as he pointeth towards the whole Law, both the commands which forbid sin; so he resolveth to set against secret sins, not to lay a stumbling block before the blind, Lev. 19. 14. little sins, which are judged so by many, the least things of the Law, Matth. 5. 19. spiritual sins, filthiness of the spirit, • Cor. 7. 1. sins of omission, as well as commission, since men are to be judged by these, Mat. 25. 42, 43, 44 yea, sins that are winded into his natural humor and constitution, and so are as a right eye or hand to him, Matth, 5. 29. This new principle of life, by the good hand of God, maketh the man set against every known sin, so far as not to allow peaceable abode 〈…〉 any known darkness,
Some may think these things high attainments, a• very hard to be attained to. I grant it is true. But fir•• Remember, that there is a very large allowance in th• Covenant promised to his people, which maketh thing more easy. The Lord hath engaged to take away […] stung heart, to give a heart of flesh, a new heart, a hea•⟨p. 51⟩to fear him for ever; he hath engaged to put his law in mens heart, to put his fear in their heart, to make them keep that Law; to put his Spirit within them to cause them to keep it: He hath promised to satisfy the Priests with fatness, that the souls of the people may be satiated with goodness, and to keep, and water them continually every moment, Ezek 26. 29. Jer. 32. 39, 49. and 31. 33. Ezek. 36. 27. Jer. 31. 14. and 31. 12. Isa. 27. 3. and if he must be enquired to do all these things unto men, he engageth to pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication on them, and so to learn them how to seek these things, and how to put him to it, to do all for them, Zech. 12. 10. Secondly, for the satisfaction of the weaker, I grant this new creature, as we have circumscribed and enlarged it, will not be found, in all the degrees of it, in every gracious person. But it is well, if 1. There be a new man, we cannot grant less; If any man be in Christ, there must be a new creature; and that is the new man, Ephes. 4. 21, 22, 23, 24. which all must put on who are savingly taught of Christ, There must be some renewing after the image of God in a mans soul and body; There must be somewhat of every part of the man pointing towards God: although I grant every one cannot prove this to others, neither discern it in himself, because many know not the distinct parts of the soul, nor pieces of reformation competent to every part of soul and body. Yet it will be found there is some such thing in them, yea, they have a witness of it within them, if you make the thing plain and clear to them what it is. 2. There must be such a respect unto Gods known Commands, that a man doth not allow peaceably any known iniquity to dwell in him, for what concord is between light and darkness? 2 Cor. 6. 14, 15, 16. Psal. 119. and 66. 18. he must not regard iniquity. I grant men may be ignorant of many commands, and many sins, and ⟨p. 52⟩may imagine in some cases, that some sins are not hateful unto God.
Some may think these things high attainments, a• very hard to be attained to. I grant it is true. But fir•• Remember, that there is a very large allowance in th• Covenant promised to his people, which maketh thing more easie. The Lord hath engaged to take away 〈…〉 stong heart, to give a heart of flesh, a new heart, a hea•⟨p. 51⟩to fear him for ever; he hath engaged to put his law in mens heart, to put his fear in their heart, to make them keep that Law; to put his Spirit within them to cause them to keep it: He hath promised to satisfie the Priests with fatness, that the souls of the people may be satiated with goodness, and to keep, and water them continually every moment, Ezek 26. 29. Jer. 32. 39, 49. and 31. 33. Ezek. 36. 27. Jer. 31. 14. and 31. 12. Isa. 27. 3. and if he must be enquired to do all these things unto men, he engageth to pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication on them, and so to learn them how to seek these things, and how to put him to it, to do all for them, Zech. 12. 10. Secondly, for the satisfaction of the weaker, I grant this new creature, as we have circumscribed and inlarged it, will not be found, in all the degrees of it, in every gracious person. But it is well, if 1. There be a new man, we cannot grant less; If any man be in Christ, there must be a new creature; and that is the new man, Ephes. 4. 21, 22, 23, 24. which all must put on who are savingly taught of Christ, There must be some renewing after the image of God in a mans soul and body; There must be somewhat of every part of the man pointing towards God: although I grant every one cannot prove this to others, neither discern it in himself, because many know not the distinct parts of the soul, nor pieces of reformation competent to every part of soul and body. Yet it will be found there is some such thing in them, yea, they have a witness of it within them, if you make the thing plain and clear to them what it is. 2. There must be such a respect unto Gods known Commands, that a man doth not allow peaceably any known iniquity to dwell in him, for what concord is between light and darkness?
Puritans
Scotland
Minister of Fenwick; author of The Christian's Great Interest.
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⟨p. 12⟩
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. The Kingdom of God is like a man finding a treasure, for which with joy he selleth all,
. These words hold out the very way of believing, viz. Salvation is discovered in the Gospel to be by Christ; the heart vallueth that invention as satisfying.
. There is some renovation in all the affections, as in every other part of the soul pointing now towards God. 3. The very outward members of the man are renewed, as the Scriptures speak, the tongue, the eye, the ear, the hand, the foot, &c. so that those members. which once were improved as weapons of unrighteousness unto sin, are now improved as weapons of righteousness unto holiness,
. having spiritual apprehensions of God, and engaged in his very soul in that work, doing and saying truly, and not feignedly, when he worshippeth, still desiring to approach unto him as a living God, who heareth and seeth him, and can accept his service.
. I grant he fails of this many times; yet I may say, such worship he intendeth, and sometimes overtaketh, and doth not much reckon worship, which is not so performed unto God; and the iniquity of his holy things, is not the least part of his burthen and exercise: Such a worship, natural men are strargers unto, whilst they babble out of their vain-glorious boastings,
. 3. The man that is in Christ, is renewed in the way of hit outward calling and imployment in the world; he now resolveth to be about it, because God hath commanded so,
. to live godly, righteously, and soberly. T•t. 2. 12. yea, and to study a righ• and sincere way and manner of doing things, resolving not to give over the study of conformity to Gods Will whilst he lives on earth, but still to bend forwardtoward the price of the high calling of God,
