Tis by the sap, which from the root is derived through the bark to the branches, that makes them fruitful. Tis from •he strength which faith derives from Christ, that the Christian becomes so abundant in holiness; cut off the bark and the tree withereth. Take away faith, and no more good works. The extension of the branches, ariseth from the intension of the sap; and how shall that be conveyed but by the bark? Christ, like Joseph, keeps the granaries, wherein is abundance of soul-food, and faith unlocks those Store-houses, and takes out supplies. As Pharaoh when the Egyptians cried to him for bread, said, Go ye to Joseph, and what he saith to you do: So God saith to Christians that call on him for Grace, Go ye to Christ by Faith, and he will relieve you. It pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell; Here is
1. Fullness, abundance, not a drop, or a small degree of living water.
2. All fullness, a redundance, the fullness of a spring, a fountain, not of a vessel.
3. All fullness dwelling, abiding there to eternity; running over, and running ever. But you will say, What is a Christian the better for it? I Answer, Of his fullness, by faith, We all receive grace for grace. As a Pipe from the River supplieth the house upon all occasions, and the several offices therein with water; so doth faith supply the Christian with grace from Christ, answerable to his several exigencies and necessities. Indeed, all the graces act valiantly in their several places, under the command of this General. Hence though fear, and ⟨p. 725⟩love and heavenly mindedness were specially operative in many of the Patriarchs actions and passions for God, yet still the crown is set upon the head of faith, under whose banner and conduct they fought, Heb. 11. per tot. When this Champion, like Goliath is vanquished, the other graces, as the Philistines, are put to the rout. As dark clouds obscure the glorious stars, so doth unbelief blemish the lustre of a Christians graces. If this shepherd, Faith, be smitten, other Graces, like •heep, are scattered. If this grace keep the field, the rest always keep their ground. The length of the days depends upon the shining of the sun; as this shines more or less, so the days are longer or shorter: The degrees and measures of other graces depend exceedingly upon this grace. The branches blossom answerable to the sap which they receive from the root.
Tis by the sap, which from the root is derived through the bark to the branches, that makes them fruitful. Tis from •he strength which faith derives from Christ, that the Christian becomes so abundant in holiness; cut off the bark and the tree withereth. Take away faith, and no more good works. The extension of the branches, ariseth from the intension of the sap; and how shall that be conveyed but by the bark? Christ, like Ioseph, keeps the granaries, wherein is abundance of soul-food, and faith unlocks those Store-houses, and takes out supplies. As Pharoah when the Egyptians cryed to him for bread, said, Go ye to Joseph, and what he saith to you do: So God saith to Christians that call on him for Grace, Go ye to Christ by Faith, and he will relieve you. It pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell; Here is
1. Fulness, abundance, not a drop, or a small degree of living water.
2. All fulness, a redundance, the fulness of a spring, a fountain, not of a vessel.
3. All fulness dwelling, abiding there to eternity; running over, and running ever. But you will say, What is a Christian the better sor it? I Answer, Of his fulness, by faith, We all receive grace for grace. As a Pipe from the River supplieth the house upon all occasions, and the several offices therein with water; so doth faith supply the Christian with grace from Christ, answerable to his several exigencies and necessities. Indeed, all the graces act valiantly in their several places, under the command of this General. Hence though fear, and ⟨p. 725⟩love and heavenly mindedness were specially operative in many of the Patriarchs actions and passions for God, yet still the crown is set upon the head of faith, under whose banner and conduct they fought, Heb. 11. per tot. When this Champion, like Goliah is vanquished, the other graces, as the Philistines, are put to the rout. As dark clouds obscure the glorious stars, so doth unbeleif blemish the lustre of a Christians graces. If this shepherd, Faith, be smitten, other Graces, like •heep, are scattered. If this grace keep the field, the rest always keep their ground. The length of the days depends upon the shining of the sun; as this shines more or less, so the days are longer or shorter: The degrees and measures of other graces depend exceedingly upon this grace. The branches blossom answerable to the sap which they receive from the root.
