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The Thirtieth SERMON.

pp. 515–52658 passagespart 1 of 2

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.

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The Thirtieth SERMON.¹

1Sermon 30.

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1 JOHN 2. 6. He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so ¹to walk, even as he walked.

1Text.

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These words having been resolved into their parts and the sense opened in the former Sermon; The observation was this:

THese words having been resolved into their parts and the sense opened in the former Sermon; The observation was this:

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DOCT.

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That every man is bound to the imitation of Christ, under penalty of forfeiting his claim to Christ.¹

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Secondly, The nature of Christ mystical requires this Conformity, ¹and renders it indispensably necessary. Otherwise, the body of Christ must be heterogeneous; of a nature different from the head: and how monstrous, and uncomely would this be? This would represent Christ to the world in an image, or Idea, much like that, Dan. 2. 32, 33. The head of fine gold, the breast and arms of silver, the thighs of brass, the legs of iron, the feet part of iron, part of clay. Christ the head is pure and holy, and therefore very unsuitable to sensual and earthly members. And therefore the Apostle in his description of mystical Christ describes the members of Christ (as they ought to be) of the same nature and quality with the head. 1 Cor. 15. 48. As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly; and as we have born the image of the earthy, so we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. That image or resemblance of Christ which shall be complete and perfect after the Resurrection, must be begun in its first draught here, by the work of regeneration.

Secondly, The nature of Christ mystical requires this Conformity, ¹and renders it indispensably necessary. Otherwise, the body of Christ must be heterogeneous; of a nature different from the head: and how monstrous, and uncomely would this be? This would represent Christ to the world in an image, or Idea, much like that, Dan. 2. 32, 33. The head of fine gold, the breast and arms of silver, the thighs of brass, the legs of iron, the feet part of iron, part of clay. Christ the head is pure and holy, and therefore very unsuitable to sensual and earthly members. And therefore the Apostle in his description of mystical Christ describes the members of Christ (as they ought to be) of the same nature and quality with the head. 1 Cor. 15. 48. As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly; and as we have born the image of the earthy, so we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. That image or resemblance of Christ which shall be compleat and perfect after the Resurrection, must be begun in its first draught here, by the work of regeneration.

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Hence it also follows, That real Christians are the sweetest companions, 'Tis a comfortable thing to walk with them that walk ¹after the example of Christ. The holiness, heavenliness, humility, self-denial, and diligence in obedience which was in Christ, is in some measure to be found in all sincere Christians. They show forth the virtues of him that calleth them. The graces of the spirit do more or less shine forth in them. And Oh how endearing, sweet and engaging are these things? upon this very account the Apostle invited others into the fellowship of the saints, 1 John 1. 3. That ye may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus: And is it not sweet to have fellowship with them, who have fellowship with Christ? O let all your delights be in the Saints, and in the excellent of the earth who excel in virtue, Psal. 16. 3. Yet mistake not, there is a great deal of difference betwixt one Christian and another, and even the best of Christians are sanctified but in part. If there be something sweet and engaging, there is also something bitter and distasteful in the best of men. If there be something to draw forth your delight and love, there is also something to exercise your pity and patience. Yet this is most certain, that notwithstanding all their infirmities and corruptions, they are the best and sweetest company this world affords.

Hence it also follows, That real Christians are the sweetest companions, 'Tis a comfortable thing to walk with them that walk ¹after the example of Christ. The holiness, heavenliness, humility, self-denial, and diligence in obedience which was in Christ, is in some measure to be found in all sincere Christians. They shew forth the vertues of him that calleth them. The graces of the spirit do more or less shine forth in them. And Oh how endearing, sweet and engaging are these things? upon this very account the Apostle invited others into the fellowship of the saints, 1 John 1. 3. That ye may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus: And is it not sweet to have fellowship with them, who have fellowship with Christ? O let all your delights be in the Saints, and in the excellent of the earth who excel in vertue, Psal. 16. 3. Yet mistake not, there is a great deal of difference betwixt one Christian and another, and even the best of Christians are sanctified but in part. If there be something sweet and engaging, there is also something bitter and distastful in the best of men. If there be something to draw forth your delight and love, there is also something to exercise your pity and patience. Yet this is most certain, that notwithstanding all their infirmities and corruptions, they are the best and sweetest company this world affords.

1Inference 4.

The Thirtieth SERMON.

The Thirtieth SERMON.¹

DOCT.

The Thirtieth SERMON.

The Thirtieth SERMON.¹

DOCT.

1. Use for Information.¹

Inference 1.

Inference 2.

Inference 3.

Inference 4.

Inference 5.

2d. Use for Exhortation.

1. Motive.

2. Motive.

3. Motive.

4. Motive.

5. Motive.

6. Motive.

The Thirtieth SERMON.1

DOCT.

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

The Thirtieth SERMON.1

DOCT.

1. Use for Information.1

Inference 1.

Inference 2.

Inference 3.

Inference 4.

Inference 5.

2d. Use for Exhortation.

1. Motive.

2. Motive.

3. Motive.

4. Motive.

5. Motive.

6. Motive.

The Thirtieth SERMON.¹

The Thirtieth SERMON.¹

1. Use for Information.¹