THEEXCELLENCYOFTHEGOSPELABOVE

THELAW

TableofContents

Introduction

WhatismeantbySpirit?

SpiritgiveningreatestmeasureafterChrist'sresurrection

Uses

WhyChristiansaresodark-spirited

TheSpiritthesoulofthesoul

DirectionshowtogettheSpirit

Spirituallibertyandbondage

HowtheSpiritworkethliberty

AllwhomChristredeemshefrees

NobenefitbyChristwithoutunion

Sanctificationspringsfromjustification

Christiansruletheirlusts

FourrulesconcerningthefreedomoftheSpirit

Libertyofthegospel

Uses

SignsofSpiritualLiberty

Threedegreesinthewaytoheaven

HowtheSpiritisgrieved

ThreedifferencesbetweentheLawandtheGospel

Fourexcellenciesinthecovenantofgrace

ThegraceandfreemercyofGodhisglory

GloryofGodgreatestinthegospel

Uses

Christ'sminddiscoveredinthegospel

ThesacramentsglassestoseeGod'sloveinChrist

Faithcomparedtosightinfourparticulars

HindrancestoourbeholdingChrist

Wehaveboldnessinthegospel

HowtoreadthelifeofChristinthegospel

HowtobecomelikeChrist

Threecomfortablesightsseenintheglassofthegospel

FourdegreesofthegloryofaChristian

Whytheworlddespiseththosethataregracious

Graceandglorygobothunderonename

DegreesinthegloryofaChristian

Christianscomparedtothebestthings

MarkswherebyweknowthatwehavetheSpirit

THEEXCELLENCYOFTHEGOSPELABOVETHELAW

NOTE

'TheExcellencyoftheGospelabovetheLaw'fillsaconsiderablevolume,which was originally published in 1639, under the supervision ofGoodwinandNye.Seetitle-pagebelow.*G.

*THEEXCELLENCIEOFTHEGOSPELLabovetheLAW.

WhereintheLibertyoftheSonnesofGodisshewed.

WiththeImageoftheirGraceshere,andGloryhereafter.

Which affords much Comfort and great Incouragement, to all such asBeginTimely,andContinueConstantlyinthewayesofGod.

ByR.Sibbs,D.D.Mr.ofKatherinHall,Cambridge,andPreacherGrayes-Inne,London.

Beguninhislifetime,andpublishedbyT[homas]G[oodwin]andP[hilip]N[ye].†

LONDON

PrintedbyTho.Cotes,andaretobesoldbyJohnBartlet,athisshop,attheSigneoftheguiltCup,neereS.Austinsgate.1639.

EXCELLENCYOFTHEGOSPELABOVETHELAW-Introduction

NowtheLordisthatSpirit:andwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.Butweall,withopenfacebeholdingasinaglassthegloryof the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord.—2Cor.3:17,18.

THE Apostle beginneth this chapter with the commendation of hisministry,havingbeenputuponitbytheirundervaluingofhim;yetsoastogether with himself he commendeth them as his best and onlytestimonialandlettersofcommendation,ver.2;andsomakethwayforhimself to fall into amore set and large commendation of the gloriousgospelitself,whereofGod'hathmadehimsoableaministertothem,ver.6. And because the excellency of anything is best commended bycomparingandsettingbyitsomethingelsethatexcelsinitself,andyetisexceeded by it, therefore he carrieth along his commendation of theministryof thegospel through thewhole chapter,by comparing itwiththelawandtheministryoftheOldTestament.Thiscomparisonismadebytheapostle.

First, more briefly, in laying down some distinct properties andprerogativesofthegospelwhereinitexcelleththelaw,ver.6,as

(1.)Thatthiswas'theministryoftheNewTestament;'thatofthelawoftheOld.

(2.)And'notoftheletter,'asthelawwas;'butoftheSpirit.'

(3.) Nor of death, 'for the letter killeth'; but of life, for 'the Spiritquickeneth.'

And then, by inferences drawn from these properties thus brieflysummedup,theapostlemorelargelyillustratesthetranscendentgloryofthegospel,andhowfar itexceedeththegloryof the law;although itbegrantedthelawbeglorious.As

[1.]Ifthatwhichwasbutaministrationoftheletterwrittenandengraveninstonewasglorious,versetheseventh;thatis,iftheliteralnotionsandbareknowledgeofthelaw,which(likesomanydeadwordsorcharacters)makethnoalterationatall,butleaveththeirheartshardandstony, likethe tablesonwhich the lawwaswritten,which remainedstones still; ifthiswasglorious,eventheliteralknowledgeofthelaw:asitwas,bothintheJews'ownaccountofthemselvesandinthejudgmentofthenationsamongstwhomtheylived:'howshallnottheministrationoftheSpiritberather glorious? verse the eighth; the meaning whereof is largelyexplained in the third verse; where the Corinthians are said to be an'epistlewrittennotwith ink'(ordeadletters), 'butwiththeSpiritof thelivingGod';whichkindofwritingleavethnottheheartaheartofstone,asthedeadwritingofthelawdid,butchangethitintoa 'heartofflesh,'andmakethsuchathoroughalterationinthewholeman,asthewritingwithin, 'in the tables of theirhearts,' is 'knownand readof allmen.Sothattheir livesandconversationsbeinganswerabletothatspiritualandgraciouswritingofChristintheirhearts,theyare'manifestlydeclaredtobetheepistleofChrist.'Andthereforesuchaministryasthisis,bywhichthe Spirit of the living God is received (and not by the law, Gal. 3:2),whichisaSpiritofglory,andworkethgloriousthingsbothintheheartsandlivesofmen,mustneedsbe'ratherglorious.'

[2.]Anotherinferencewehaveintheninthverse; 'Iftheministrationofcondemnation be glorious;' that is, if that word which 'concludedmenundersin,'Gal.3:22,andpronouncedthesentenceofdeathuponthem,'beglorious,muchmoredoththeministrationofrighteousnessexceedinglory.Foritismoreglorioustopardonthantocondemn;togivelife,thantodestroy.Itisthegloryofamantopassoveranoffence,Prov.19:11,andinGoditiscalledthe'richesofhisglory,'Rom.9:23.'Thelaw,whichwasmade glorious,' in terrifying, condemning, and stoping the mouths ofmen, insomuch as they had not aword to say for themselves, 'hath noglory, by reason of the glory' of the gospel 'that excelleth,' even in thisrespect,thatitbringethsucharighteousness,asbythemeritwhereofandsatisfaction given by it, we are justified and have peace towards God,notwithstandingtheutmostrigourofthelaw.

[3.]Theapostlearguethfurther,ver.11, 'Ifthatwhichisdoneawaywas

glorious,'astheoldcovenantis,whichwasmadeoldbythecomingofthenew, Heb. 8:8, and by it removed as a thing grown weak and shaken,Heb. 12:27, 'much more that which remaineth,' which is the newcovenant, which cannot be shaken, but shall remain, and is 'theeverlasting gospel,' Rev. 14:6, 'is more glorious,' as God's last worksexceed the former, and taketh away the remembrance of them incomparison. As when he createth 'new heavens and a new earth,' theformershallnotberememberednorcomeintomind,Isa.65:17.

[4.] There is another excellency of the gospel above the law,which theapostleaddeth,andinsistethuponitmorelargelythanuponalltherest,andthatis,thecomfortableplainnessandperspicuityofthedoctrineandministry of it: verse the 12th, 'Seeingwe have such hope,we use greatplainness of speech.' Inwhich it excelled theministry ofMoses, whichwasinmuchdifficultyandobscurity,andthatinathreefoldrespect,laiddowninthe13th,14th,and15thverses.

(1.)Thematterofitwasterrible,tendingtotheshame,confusionofface,and condemnation of the hearers; insomuch as they were not able tostandbeforehim,norstedfastlytobeholdhisface,itwassuchadazzlingandamazinglightthatshinedinhisministry.

(2.) Themanner of delivery was in obscure and dark expressions, that'thechildrenofIsraelcouldnotseetotheendofthatwhichisabolished;'thatis,theycouldnotseethedriftandscopeofhisministry,byreasonofthetypesandshadows,whichwas'theveilheputuponhisface.'

(3.)Theirmindswereblinded.Therewas'aveilupontheirhearts,'whichis evident by experience in the Jews at this day,who so cleave in theiraffection toMoses, and to the shadowsandceremoniesofhisministry,that they reject the scopeandendof it,which isJesusChrist crucified.And theycandonoother.Foralthough theveil thatwasuponMoses'sfaceheremoved,asitisbythedoctrineofthegospel,whichshewethusinallpossibleplainnesswhatthedriftandmeaningofMoseswasinallthosetypesandceremonies,yetuntilthegospelinthespiritandefficacyof it cometh home to their hearts, and taketh off 'the veil that is upontheirhearts' also; that is,until theirnaturalblindnessandobstinacybetaken away, which cannot be, but is rather increased, by the law—'For

although Moses be read, yet until this day remaineth the same veiluntaken away,' 2 Cor. 3:14—the Jews will unavoidably abide in theirignoranceandbondage.

Now,inoppositiontothisdarknessandobscurityofthelawinallthoserespects, the apostle exalteth the gospel in this high and excellentprivilegeofit,thatitisplain,andevident,andfullofdemonstration,andthat the light of it is not terrifying and amazing, but sweet andcomfortable.Sothatwemaywithmuchlibertyandboldnessofspiritlookconstantlyuponthegreatandgloriousthingssetbeforeusinit,althoughitbenootherbutthegloryoftheLordJesusChrist.

[5.]And there is,moreover, suchanefficacyandworkingpower in thisministry of the gospel, as it will not suffer men to remain the samewithout alteration, as they did underMoses's ministry, though he wasreaddaily,butitwill 'change'themeven'intotheimageofJesusChrist,and carry them on still in that image and likeness, from one degree ofglory to another,' after a most admirable and spiritual manner ofworking.

Thisspecialexcellencyandprerogativeof thegospel is laiddowninthetwolastversesofthischapter,whicharethewordsuponwhichweshallmorelargelyinsistinthefollowingdiscourse.

Verse17.'NowtheLordisthatSpirit:andwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.'

'TheLordisthatSpirit'thattakesawaytheveilthatisspokenofbefore.

He sets down what Christ is by what he doth; Christ is 'that Spirit,'becausehegivestheSpirit.

AndthenasweeteffectoftheSpiritofChrist,'WheretheSpiritofChristis,thereisliberty.'

TheSpirithere isnot taken for thepersonofGod,as if theHolyGhosthadsaid, 'TheLordisaSpirit,'andnotabodilything, thoughthatbeatruth.

Andasitisnotmeantnaturally,*sonotpersonally,'ChrististhatSpirit,'asifChristweretheHolyGhost.Thatwereaconfusionofpersons.Norasrestrained to the thirdperson.TheHolyGhost is theSpirit.Neither,assomeheretoforewouldhaveit,toshewthattheSpiritisJehovah,God.ItisneithertoshewthatChristisGod,northattheSpiritisGod,northatChrist is the Holy Ghost. But it is meant in regard of a specialdispensation.'TheLordisthatSpirit;'thatis,theLordJesusChrist,whoistheLordofhischurchbymarriage,office,&c.,'isthatSpirit;'thatis,he

(1.)HaththeSpiritinhimselfeminently;and

(2.)DispensethandgiveththeSpirituntoothers;allreceivingtheSpiritfromhimasthecommonrootandfountainofallspiritualgifts.

First,Hewas 'thatSpirit,' ashaving theHolyGhost inhimself asman.TheHolyGhostfilledthehumannatureandmadeitspiritual.TheSpiritis all in all in the humannature ofChrist; andwhatsoever he doth, hedoth,asitwere,beingfulloftheSpirit,inhimself.HegivestheSpiritasGod, and receives it asman. So he both gives and receives. The SpiritproceedethfromtheFatherandtheSonasGod,buttheSpiritsanctifiedChristasman,asitdidinthevirgin'swomb.TheHolyGhostsanctifiedthatblessedmassofhisbody. It sanctifiedhim, and filledhimwithallgraces and gifts; whereupon it is said, 'He received the Spirit withoutmeasure,' John 3:34; that is, in abundance. Christ hath the Spirit inhimselfinamoreeminentexcellentmannerthanallothers;anditmustneedsbesoforthesereasons:

(1.)Fromthenearunionbetweenthehumannatureandthedivine.Theyare one person. Therefore there is more Spirit in Christ than in allcreaturesputthemtogether;thaninalltheangels,andallmen,becausethe divine nature is nearer to Christ than it is to the angels or to anycreature.

(2.)Christhath theSpiritwithoutmeasure,both in regardofextensionandintension,aswesay.Hehathallgracesinalldegrees,evennexttoaninfinite.Allothershaveitintheirmeasureandproportion.

(3.)TheSpiritdothrestuponChrist invariably. Inothermenthathave

the Spirit, it ebbs and flows; it is sometimesmore and sometimes less.Therebespiritualdesertions,notonlyinregardofcomfort,butinregardofgrace, thoughnot totally.But theSpirit restsonChristeternally inafullmeasure;andthereforeyouhaveitthusinIsa.11:2,'TheSpiritoftheLord shall rest upon him, the Spirit ofwisdom and understanding, theSpiritofcounselandmight,'&c.

(4.)By reasonofhisplaceor offices in relation to the church, ashead,husband,king,priest,prophet,&c.Theheadismadebynaturetheseatofthemore noble faculties, as of seeing, hearing, understanding, judging,and is furnishedaccordinglywithgreaterplentyofspirits for therulingandgoverningthewholebody.SoChrist istheHeadofthechurch,andthegovernmentofalltheworldislaiduponhim,andallexcellenciesarederivedfromhimuntoallhismembers,asfromtherootlifeisderived*unto all the branches. And therefore hemust needs have the Spirit ingreatest abundance. His fulness of the Spirit is as the fulness of thefountain; ours is but as the fulness of the cistern.Hehath grace in thespring; we have it but in the conduit. His graces are primitive; oursderivative.We have nothing butwhatwe have received. Therefore it issaid,'Hehaththeoilofgladnesspoureduponhimabovehisfellows,'Ps.45:7.

He hath his name from anointing, 'Christ.'† He was anointed; that is,separated andordained to the office ofmediatorship, by anointing,notproperly,‡ that is,withanymaterialoil,butwiththeSpirit.Thiswas inregard of his human nature only, but it was above his fellows; that is,aboveallkingsandpriests,fortheyarehisfellowsinregardoftitles.Hewasabovethemall,forallhavetheiranointingfromhim.Thereforeheisthe King of kings, and the Prophet of prophets, &c. Also above all hisfellows.AswetakehisfellowsforChristians,theyarehisfellows;'IgotomyGod and yourGod,' &c., John 20:17.He is the 'first-born' amongstthem,andinallthingshehaththepre-eminence.

(5.)Heistobeasthepattern,wearetofollowhim.Weare'predestinatedtobeconformedtohim,'Rom.8:29,andtogrowuptothatfulnesswhichisinhim.AndinthisrespectthereiscausewhyheshouldhavetheSpiritand all the graces of it in greater abundance, that hemight exceed all,evenChristiansofgreatestgrowthandperfection.He is tobeapattern

and example to all: to the strongest as well as to the weak. Even Paulhimself, who was a leader to others, for the excellency of the grace ofChristthatwasinhim,wasyetafollowerofChrist. 'Beyoufollowersofme,asIamofChrist,'1Cor.4:16.

Quest.WhendidthisfulnessoftheSpiritcomeuponChrist?Whenhadheit?

Ans. 1. Therewas a fulness of the Spirit poured out uponChrist in theunion of the human nature with the divine. Union and unction wenttogether.TherewasanointingoftheSpirit,togetherwiththeunionoftheSpirit.

Ans.2.TherewasamorefullmanifestationoftheSpiritinhisbaptism.WhentheHolyGhostfellonhimintheshapeofadove,thenhereceivedtheSpirit.Hewastoenterintotheministryofthegospel. 'TheSpiritofthe Lord God was upon him,' because he had anointed him to preachgoodtidingsuntothemeek,&c.,Isa.61:1.

Ans. 3. But the fullest degree of declaration and manifestation of theSpirituponChristwasafterhisresurrection;afterhehadsatisfied fullyforoursalvation.Thenthestopofhisglorywastakenaway.Fortoworkour salvation, therewas a keeping back of the glory of Christ from hishuman nature, that hemight be abased to suffer for us.When he hadfullysufferedforus,thatstayofhisglory,hisabasement,wastakenaway,and thennothing appearedbut all glory andSpirit inChrist.All thingswereputunderhisfeet,andhewassetuponhisthroneasagloriousking.Hispriestlyofficeappearedinhisdeath,hispropheticalofficebeforehisdeath. But then he appeared to be King and Lord of all in theresurrection.ThusweseehowChrististhatSpirit;thatis,heisfulloftheSpiritinregardofhimself.

Secondly, He is 'that Spirit' in regard of his dispensations towards hischurchandchildren.'TheLordisthatSpirit;'thatis,[1.]ofalltruths,and[2.]ofallpersons,togivelifeandquickeningtothem.

(1.)First,oftruths.WhatisthescopeofthewholeScripturesbutChrist?fromthefirstpromiseoftheblessedseed, 'Theseedofthewomanshall

break theserpent'shead,'Gen.3:15, to theendof thebook.What isalltheScriptureswithoutChrist?Thelawisadeadletter;yea,andsoisthegospeltoowithoutChrist.Heis 'thatSpirit'whichgives lifeuntoall theScriptures.Moses without Christ is but a shadowwithout a body, or abody without a soul. Take away Christ, what was the brazen serpent?Whatwastheark?Whatwerethesacrifices?Whatisall?IsnotChrist'allin all' these? The kings, and priests, and prophets, they were types ofChrist; all thepromises theyweremadeand fulfilled inChrist.The lawceremonialaimedatChrist;thelawmoralistodriveustoChrist.ChrististheSpiritofall.AndtheScripturewithoutChristitisbutameredeadthing;itisbutashellwithoutakernel,asitistotheJewsatthisday.

(2.)Christis 'thatSpirit,'inregardofpersons,quickeningthem.Heisauniversal principle of spiritual life, infusing it into all his church andchildren. Christ is always with his church from the beginning of theworld,andwillbetotheend.ItwasnolosstothechurchthatChristinhisbodilypresenceleft it, forheleftthem'theComforter,'hisSpirit,bywhichhewroughtgreaterworksafterhisascension thanhedidbefore.Heis'anointedwiththeoilofgladness,'andgrace'abovehisfellows,'Ps.45:7,butallwas forhis fellows.Whatsoeverhe is,orhath,all is forhischurchandchildren. 'Forus'hewasborn, 'forus'hewasgiven.HeisaKing,aPriest,aProphetforus.Hediedforus,heroseagainforus.

Andhedothallhedothtowardsthechurch,ashehaththeSpirit,andbytheSpirit.TheFather is the first in theTrinity, 'fromwhom'all comes;and the Son, 'by whom' all things are; but the Holy Ghost is theimmediateworkerofall things,nextthecreature.All thingsareappliedfrom God the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. What Christwrought, and what the Father in wisdom devised, was applied by theSpirit;andsotheframingofustobefitforsuchagloriousconditionaswehavebyChrist,isalsobytheSpirit.AndthisisthereasonwhyChristgiveththeSpirittothosetowhomhepurposethtogivefaithorlove,ortoworkanygraciouswork.

ForwhereChristsaveth,hedoth itnotonlybymeritandsatisfying thewrathofGodforus,butalsobysanctifyingandeffectualworkinginus,that he might be a perfect Saviour. Now the essential vigour andoperativeprincipleinallthings,eitherwroughtbyorfromtheFatheror

theSon,istheSpirit.Asinmanthereishiswillfromwhichheresolvethand purposeth, there is wisdom and understanding by which heproceedeth, and then there is a vigorous power in man by which heexecuteth and doth all. So is it in this working of God. The Fatherplotteth* and determineth of what is to be done; the Son, 'who is thewisdomoftheFather,'1Cor.1:24,dispensethwhattheFatherwilleth;theHoly Spirit, the power of both, finisheth andworketh all upon us, andthereforeheiscalledthe'powerofthehighest,'Luke1:35.

Whatsoever works come from God to the creature in general, and arewrought in the world, as works of creation and providence, areimmediatelyby theHolySpirit nakedly considered, as the thirdpersoncomingfromtheFatherandtheSon.Andinthosespecialworks,wroughtinhischurchandonhischildren,allthingscomethfromtheHolyGhost,butnotsimplyconsideredasthethirdperson,butasheis 'theSpiritofChrist;' that is, first sanctifying and filling the humannature of Christ,andthensanctifyingandfillingus.ChristcouldnotgivetheHolyGhostimmediatelytous,webeinginenmitywithGod,andseparatedfromhimthroughoursins;buthemustfirsttakeittohimself,whohavingbyhisdeathandsufferingsreconciledustohisFather,andpurchasedtheSpiritforus,maynowdispenseandgiveforthhisSpirittous.

IfwehadstoodinAdam,weshouldnothavereceivedgracesoasnowwedo;fUse1.ChrististheSpiritoftheScripturesorweshouldhavereceivedit from the first Adambut as from aman.Nowwe receive it not frommere man, but, which is much more, from the 'second Adam,' who isGod-man.Nay,Adamhimself receivednothis grace after so glorious amanneraswedo,forhereceiveditfromtheSpiritnakedlyconsideredasthe thirdperson in theTrinity, andasallother creatures received theirexcellencies.ButwereceiveitfromtheHolySpirit,whichdothnotonlyproceedfromtheFatherandtheSon,butcometh,asitwere,throughourown nature, whichwasmarvellously united toGod the Son, andmadeonewithhim,untous,andworkethinus.

'ThefirstAdamwasalivingsoul,thelastAdamwasaquickeningSpirit,'1Cor.15:45.Hequickenedhimselfwhenhewasdead,andhequickensallhismemberstoo.First,hereceivestheSpirithimself,andthesameSpiritthatfilledandsanctifiedhishumannature,thesameSpiritsanctifiethhis

church,whichhe'lovesevenashimself.'Asheloveththathisownhumannature,whichtheHolyGhostsanctified,sodothhelovehisownmysticalbody,hischurch,beingmysticallyunitedtohim,andsanctifiethitbythesameSpirit.

Christ dispensethhis Spirit untous, as headof his church, and this hedothindiversrespects.

(1.)AsheisGod,bywayofimmediateinfluence.Hepourethitoutuponusastheprimeandprincipalcause.AndthishedothasGod,notasman,forthemanhoodcannotworkaboveitself,itcannotdotheworkofGod,itcannotworkgraceorgivetheSpirit.

(2.)Asheisman,consideredasjoinedtogetherwiththeGodhead,bywayofmeritandsatisfaction.HeprocureththeSpirittobegivenandpouredout,whichisdonebytheFatherandtheSononallthosewhoarebelovedin the Son. So that the Spirit is given by Christ, with the Father, asMediator,meritoriously.Forhebysufferingandsatisfyingprocuredthegift.Christhimself is thefirstgift,yea, thegreatest thateverwasgiven,the giving of Christ to die, to satisfy the wrath of God, and to obtaineternallife.NexttothatmaingiftisthegiftoftheSpirit,inwhichistheseed of all gifts and graces; and this we have by his merit andmediatorship.Yetthiswemustlikewiseremember,thatalthoughChristbesaidtogivetheSpirit,ashedoth,yettheHolySpiritgivethitselftoo.ForthereissuchaunityintheTrinityofconsentandnature,thatthoughtheFatherand theSon send theSpirit, yet theSpirit comesofhisownself.ThoughtheFatherandtheSongivetheSpirit,yettheSpiritgivethhimself.

(3.)WehavetheSpiritfromChristnotonlybywayofmerit,butinsomekind byway of example.He is the exemplary cause of all graces in us;looking towhom,weare transformed,asweshall seeafterwards, 'fromglorytoglory.'ForwhenweconsiderthatChristhathdonesomuchforusastosaveus,andredeemus,anddieforus,thisbegettethaloveinusto Christ, andmakes us often to think of him, and desirous to imitatehim,asweusuallydosuchasweloveandhighlyesteemof.

ThedispensationoftheSpiritisinmostabundanceaftertheresurrection

ofChrist.Asheappearedinhimselfthentobemostspiritualandgloriousafterheroseagain;sothenbeingasthesuninitsfullheightandperfectbeauty, casteth his beams most plentifully abroad, and that for thesereasons,

[1.]Becausethenhehavingfinishedtheworkofredemptionandsatisfiedthe wrath of God fully, and given contentment to divine justice, andaccomplishedallbyhisdeath,therewasnothingtohindertheblessedgiftoftheSpirit.Itissaid,that'before,theHolyGhostwasnotgiven,becauseChristwasnotglorified,'John7:39.ThegiftoftheHolyGhostespeciallydependsupontheglorifyingofChrist.Whenhehadfulfilledtheworkofredemption, andwas raised to glory,God being pacified gave theHolyGhostasagiftofhisfavour.

[2.]Thenagainafterhisresurrectionandascension,hedidgivetheHolyGhostmoreabundantly thanbeforetohischurch,becausenowhe is inheaven, andhath the advantage of theplace, being exalted onhigh.Asthatglorious creature the sun,by theadvantage ithathbeingplaced intheheavensaboveus,isabletoshineuponthegreatestpartoftheearthat all times; andweneednot call the sundown from itsplace to comeintoourhouses,orfields,orgardens.No.Whereitisseatedinitsproperplaceororb,ithaththebestopportunity,inmostabundanceandlargestextent, to senddownheatand lightand influence to inferior things.SoChristdothhischurchmoregoodnowheis inheaven,fromwhencehesendstheSpirit, thanhecoulddo ifhewerebelow;because thoughhishuman nature be confined in heaven, his person is everywhere. Andbeing'ascendednowfaraboveallheavens,'hegivethgiftsmoreliberallyandplentifully,insomuchashefillethallthings,Eph.4:10.Heenlargeththetentsofhisgospel,andhathtakeninagreaterpeopletohimself.Weseeinwinter,whenthesunislowandneartheearth,allthingsaredeadandcold;butwhenthesuninthespringcomethtoovertopus,tobeinahigher point above us, we see how all things put a new garment uponthem.There is anewvigour and freshness in them.So therewasmoreabundant vigour of the SpiritwhenChrist came in the flesh; his virtueappearedmuchmoreeverywaythanbefore.ButwhenthisblessedSonofrighteousnesswasadvanced,andseatedat therighthandofhisFather,wherehisnaturewasperfectly enriched, andperfectly adornedwith all

kindof graceswhatsoever in thehighestgloryof them,his influenceoflight and heat now beginning to be increased, and the efficacy andworkingofittobefelteverywhere,thegloriousbeamsofthesunbegantobescattered,andthe lightof thegospel toshinetoagreaternumberofpeople. Now there was no respect of persons, whether Jew or Gentile,bondorfree,maleorfemale,allwasone.Thecommissionwasenlargedtoall,Mark16:15, 'Gopreachthegospeltoeverycreature;'andwiththewordtheSpiritwent,andwasreceived;andthosethatwere'addedtothechurch,'evensuchas'shouldbesaved,'weremanythousands,Acts2:47.

Thushaveweopenedthemeaningofthewords,andshewed'howChrististhatSpirit,'bothinrespectoftheSpirit'sbeingeminentlyinhim,andhis giving of it, and spiritual gifts by it. All the vigour and life andinfluence we have that is spiritual and supernatural, and above theordinary course, is from the Spirit; and whatsoever the Spirit hath, ordoth for us, is done as sent from Christ, in whom the Spirit is in allfulness.Nowwe shall shew howmanyways the consideration of thesetruthswillbeprofitableandusefultousinthecourseofourlives,andforthecomfortofourspirits.

Use1.ChrististheSpiritoftheScriptures,ofalltruths,ofallordinances.We may by this be able to reconcile the Scriptures, one place withanother, where they seem to contradict. The law is said to be 'a deadletter,'a 'ministrationofcondemnation,'&c.,2Cor.3:6,seq.;but inthe19thPsalmthereitissaid,'ThelawoftheLordisperfect,convertingthesoul,'&c.,Ps.19:7.Theseplacesarethusreconciled.Thelawissaidtobedead,soitiswithoutChrist,withouttheSpiritwhichquickeneth;andsois the gospel too, even 'a savour of death,' 2 Cor. 2:15. And so are thesacramentsalsoaswellastheword,deadordinancesifChristbenot inthem.Thelawissaidtobe'perfect,'and'toconvertthesoul.'Soitdoth,whentheSpiritgoethalongwithit,asitdidordinarilybeforeChristcameinthe flesh,as inDavid's time.ButafterChristwascome,whowas thesubstance of those shadows, they became 'beggarly rudiments,' as inPaul'stime,Gal.4:9.AndtheSpiritdidnotworkwiththem,butwiththegospel,'thehearingoffaith,'Gal.3:2.

Use2.Andwemayunderstand likewise fromhencewhat the reason isthat an ordinance at one time differeth somuch from itself at another

timeinrespectofthelifeandcomfortofit,asweoftenfindeveninourown experience; as also why the same ordinance (be it word, orsacrament,&c.)atthesametimeisprofitabletoone,andanotherhathnobenefitatallfromit.ThisisfromthepresenceorabsenceofChrist,whois 'that Spirit.' What is the reason that wine, or aqua vitæ, doth morerefreshandstrengthenthancommonwater?Itisofthesamesubstance,of thesamecolour thatotherwater is.But there ismorespirit in it.Allthings work answerable to the spirits that is in them. So what is thereason that the readingorhearingof the same thingaffectethone, andnotanotheratall?Thesubstanceofthethingisthesame,buttheSpiritisnotthesame.TheSpiritgoethwiththeone,andnotwiththeother.Wegrant that our negligence in preparation and attention, our pride andearthly-mindedness,ourwantoffaithtominglewiththeword:these,orthelike,maybecauseswhywearemanytimessentemptyaway;yetthisstillmust be observed as amost evident truth, that all the efficacy andfruitofanyordinancedependethuponChrist'sbeingpresentinit,whois'that Spirit' that quickeneth. The most powerful means that ever wasordainedforourgoodwillbedeadandheartlessifhebenottherebyhisSpirittoputlifeintoit.ItmayseemstrangewhatJohnsaith,chap.6ver.63, 'The fleshprofitethnothing.' 'The fleshofChrist,' ournaturewhichChrist took, and in which so much was wrought for us, which is thegreatestordinanceofall,yetthisflesh'profitethnot,'norwilltherebeanybenefit of it, if it benot applied tous spiritually. For it is not the fleshsimplyconsidered,butasbyitandwithitwereceivetheSpiritofChrist,whichSpiritquickenethandmakeththefleshofChrist'meatindeed.'AsitiswiththefleshofChrist,sowithallotherordinances.TheScripturesprofit nothing, preaching profiteth nothing, the sacraments will profitnothing;thereisnoneofthesewillbe'meatindeed,'unlesstheSpiritofChristquickenthem.

Thereforeweought to joinwithall theordinancesofGod,adesire thatChristwouldjoinhisSpirit,andmakethemeffectual.WeoughttocometotheordinancesinadependenceuponChristforablessinguponthem,andforhispresenceinthem,whoisthelifeandscopeofall;andthenweshouldnot findsuchdulnessanddeadness in them.It is thesinof thisage,thisformality.Itisthesinofthosethathaveanythinginthem.Setdesperate drunkards and roarers and such wretches aside, as plainly

discoverthemselvestobeactedbythespiritofthedevil.Takethemthatconformthemselvesinanyfashiontoreligion,thekillingsinthattheylieunderisthissamedeadformality.Theywillhearasermonnowandthen,lookonabook,anditmaybepraymorningandevening,butneverlookuptothelivingandquickeningSpiritJesusChrist.Sothatalltheydoisdeadandloathsome,likesaltthathathnosavour.Whatisthebestliquorif ithath lost its lifeandspirit,but flatandunsavoury:andbloodwhenthe spirits are out of it, what is it but loathsome gore! So are all theirperformances, even like sacrifices that had no fire in them. The Lordloathed such sacrificesashedidCain's; and sohedothall our flat andlifelessservices,yeaandourpersonstoo,beingasJudesaith,'fleshly,andnothavingtheSpirit,'ver.19.

Use3.Whatneedistherethatweshouldsanctifyallwetakeinhandbyprayer!Whenwegotohearasermon,whenwetakeuptheBibletoreadachapteralonebyourselves,orinourfamilies,weshouldliftupoureyesandheartsandvoicestoheaven;weshouldsaytoChrist,Lord, jointhySpirit,bepresentwithus;withouttheethywordisdead,ourheartsaredead,andwillhardenunderthemeans,anddarkeninthelight,andweshallfallundertheheavycondemnationofthesesecureandformaltimes,ifthouleavestus.

Use4.Christ is said tobe thatSpirit, to send theSpirit asGod, and toreceiveitasman,infulness,andthatforoursakes.Itisapointofmuchcomfort, that there is such abundance of Spirit in ournature inChrist,and for thebehalfof thechurch, thatwehavea fulness toreceiveof. ItwasacomforttoJoseph'sbrethren,andthatfamily,thatJosephwasfullofhonour, and rules the second in thekingdom.Therefore they shouldwantnothingthatwasgoodinEgypt.IsitnotacomfortforChristianstoknowthatChrististheSpirit,thathehaththeSpirittogive,theSpiritofwisdom in all straits, the Spirit of truth to keep us from all errors, theSpiritofstrengthforallservices,theSpiritofcomfortforallafflictions?He that is their Lord hath abundance of Spirit in him, and for them.Therefore,whenwewantanygrace,orgiftoftheSpirit,weshouldgotoChrist; for God doth all by Christ. Christ doth all by the Spirit. DesireChristthathewouldvouchsafehisSpirittoruleus,counselus,comfortus, and strengthen us. Therefore in our emptiness, as indeed we are

empty creatures of ourselves, let us go toChrist for theSpirit.Hehathreceived that fulness forus;desirehimthatoutofhis fulnesshewouldvouchsafetogiveuntous.

It is the reasonwhyChristians are so dead and so dull and so dark intheirspirits;theydonotfirstconsiderthemselves,andthengotoChrist.Weshouldall,inallexigents*whatsoever,makeuseofthisourgreathightreasurer,thegreathighstewardofheavenandearth,ofthisourJoseph,thesecondpersoninheaven.HeisattherighthandofGod,andalltofillhis church with his Spirit. Our comfort is now that our strength andcomfortlieshidinChrist,thatisneartousasman,andneartoGodasGod.HeisbetweentheFatherandus;heisneartheFatherasbeingofthesamenaturewithhim;heisnearusasbeingofthesamenaturewithus.Sobeingamediatorinoffice,andbeingsofitforamediatorinnature,whatacomfortisthis.

Indeed, there isno coming toGod,no intercoursebetweenGodandusimmediately,butbetweenGod-manandGodandus,whoisthemediatorbetweenGodandus.Hecomesbetween.InChristwegotoGod,inourflesh, in our nature; and in Christ, and fromChrist, and by Christ, wehaveallgraceandcomfort.FromChristwehaveallasGod,togetherwiththeHolyGhostandtheFather;andwehaveall inChristasaheadandhusband; and we have all through Christ as mediator by his merit.ThereforeweshouldgotoChristeveryway.

Use 5. Let us labour to be inChrist thatwemay get the Spirit. It is ofgreat necessity that we should have it. Above all things next toredemptionbyChrist,labourfortheSpiritofChrist.

Christ isourSaviour,notonlybymeritandsatisfaction,butbyefficacyandgrace,thatis,ashehathpurchasedusforhispeoplebyhisblood;sohewillsubdueourcorruptions,andruleusbyhisSpirit.

For,first,'HethathathnottheSpiritofChristisnoneofhis,'Rom.8:13.ThosethathavenottheefficacyoftheSpiritinthemtorulethem,shallnot have benefit by his death to reconcile them, for these go alwaytogether,Christasakingtorule,andasapriesttodie.'Hecamebybloodandbywater,'1John5:6,tosatisfyandtosanctify.

Secondly,There isanecessityof theSpirit, thatwebenewcreatures.ItwastheSpirit'sbroodinguponthechaosthatbroughtforthall,Gen.1:2;sotheSpiritmustsituponoursoulsbeforeanychangewillbemade.Nowthere isanecessity thatwebechanged,and thatwebenew,orelsewecanneverbeinhabitantsofthenewheavensandthenewearth.WemusthavetheSpiritofGod.Therefore,Zech.4:6,asinthematerialtemple'itisnotbymight,orbypower,butbytheSpirit,'soinraisingupspiritualtemplesit isnotbystrengthofwitorparts,butbytheSpirit.ThereforetheSpiritisnecessaryforus,evenasourbeingingraceisnecessary.

Theholy apostles,we know, till theSpirit camemore abundantlyuponthem,whatdarkcreaturestheywere!ButwhentheHolyGhostwascomeuponthem,howfulloflifeandlightandcouragetheywere!thatthemorethey suffered, themore theymight suffer!So itwill bewithChristians:themore spiritual they grow, themore lightsome and courageous; themorestrong,themorelivelyandvigoroustoallduties.TheHolyGhostisthesubstantialvigourofallcreatureswhatsoever.Allthespiritualvigourof every thing comes from the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit fromChrist.

For nothing can work above itself. Nature cannot work above nature.Thatwhich elevatesnature above itself, and sets a spiritual stamp, andputsdivinequalitiesupon it, is theSpiritofGod.Thatdivinequality iscalledspirit.Thereisthefleshandthespirit.Allinusisfleshbynature,and whatsoever is spiritual and divine cometh from the Spirit, andthereforeitiscalledspirit.Youseethereforeanecessityoftheworkingofthe Spirit, even as there is a necessity to be new creatures, and to bespiritual. If wewill be spiritual, wemust have it from him that is firstspiritual,theSpirithimself;thatistheprincipal*andfountainofallthatisspiritual.

Thirdly,Wearecalledofttimestodoandsuffersuchthingsasareabovenature;andthereforewemusthaveaspiritabovenature.Whenwefeelsin, tobelievethe forgivenessofsins;whenweseedeath, tobelieve lifeeverlasting;andwhenweareinextremity,tobelieveGodpresentwithusto deliver us, to believe contraries in contraries, is a strange almightyworkoffaith,bytheworkoftheSpirit.Itisabovetheworkofnaturetodie,toendourdayswithcomfort,andtoresignupoursouls,fornature

sees nothing but darkness anddesolation in the grave and destruction.Nothing canmake aman comfortable in death, but that which raisethhimabovenature,theSpiritofGod.

Now these things, andmany such like,wemustdoand suffer, ifwebeChristians;andthereforewemusthavetheSpirittoenableustodoall.The Spirit is to the soul as the soul is to the body. What is the bodywithout the soul? A carcase, a loathsome dead thing.What is the soulwithouttheSpirit?Achaosofdarknessandconfusion.

Well,howshallweknowwhetherwehavetheSpiritofChristorno?

(1.)WemayknowitpartlybythatIsaidbefore.TheSpiritisavigorousworkingthing,andthereforeallthreepersonstakeuponthemthenameofSpirit,buttheHolyGhostespecially,becauseheisthespiritualvigour.The Spirit is an operative thing. The spirits are the quintessence andextractionofthings,thatisnothingbutoperation.Godthatisnothingbutapureactissaidtobeaspirit.ThosethathavetheSpiritofGodarefullof act andvigour.The spiritsofdull creaturesareactivewhen theyareextracted.Shall thespiritsofbodiesbevigorous,andshallnottheHolyGhostbevigorous,thatisasubstantialvigour?Therefore,ifamanhavetheSpiritofGodinhim,itwillworkinhim;itisveryoperative.

Thereforeitiscomparedtofireindiversrespects,for,

First,Fire it isofaworkingnature.It istheinstrumentofnature.Ifwehadnotfire,whatcouldwework?All fabricsandall thingsaredonebyfire,especiallymetals;theyareframedandmademalleablebyfire.SotheHolyGhost, it isaworkingthingandsofteneththeheart,andmakesusmalleable;itmakesusfitfortheimpressionofallgood.

Secondly, Fire, again, though bodies be dark, itmakes them lightsomelike itself. Iron is a dark body, but if the fire penetrate it, it makes itlightsome.We are dark creatures of ourselves: if we have the Spirit itmakesuslight.

ThirdlyAgain,fireitmakescheerful,andascendsupwards.IfamanhavetheSpiritofGod,hisconversationwillbeupward,hisconversationwill

beheavenly,hemindsthethingsofGod,hedothnotgrovelherebelow;so indiverssuchrespects theHolyGhost is compared to fire,andhathsucheffectsinus.Insomesortwefindourunderstandingsenlightened,andourselvesquickened,andcarrieduptotheabovenature,inholyandheavenly actions; and then it is a good sign that we have the Spirit ofChrist.Apartwillfollowthewhole.Asweseeapartoftheearthitfallstothecentre,becausealltheearthisheavy,allthewholeearthfallsdowntothe centre, and therefore every little clodwilldo it; soChristourhead,thathathabundanceoftheSpirit,isinheaven,andifwehavetheSpiritwewillfollowhim,andmindthethingswhereChristis.

(2.)WheretheSpiritofChristislikewise,itconvinceth,asitisJohn16:8,seq.;thatis,itbringsaclearevidentconvictionwithit,thatthetruthofGod is the truthofGod. It isnodoubtful thing.Thereforewhenamanstaggersinthetruth,inthisandthatcourse,whetherheshoulddothisorthat, it isasignhehathnot theSpirit,or thathehath it inavery littlemeasure,becausetheSpiritisaconvincingthing,aslightitconvincethaman.Hedothnotdoubtofthatthatheseethatnoon-day.Sothatthataman seeth by the Spirit, he is convinced of. When a man doubts andwavers,whetherheshouldtakeagoodcourseorabad,andwavers,itisasign he is carnal, and hath not the Spirit ofGod; for if he had not theSpirit* it would convince him, and set him down, You must take thiscourseifyouwillbesaved.Thatissaidtoconvince,thatsaithmoreforathingthananythingcansayagainstit.NowwhenamanhaththeSpiritofGod,hecansaymoreforGodandforgoodthingsandgoodways,thanallthe devils in hell by discouragement can say against them. Therefore,whenamancannotsayanythingforGod,andforgoodcausestopurpose,hehathnottheSpiritofGod.TheSpiritofGodwouldsoconvincehim,that he should answer all cavils and objections. The argument iswondrous large. I give you but a taste, to know whether the Spirit ofChristbeinyouorno.

(3.)Inaword,ifChristbethatSpirit,andhaveinfusedtheSpiritintous,itwillmakeuslikehim;itwilltransformusintohislikeness,itwillmakeus holy and humble and obedient as he was, even to the death. Thesethingsmightbelargelyfollowed,butwehaveoccasiontospeakofthesein other portions of Scripture. Therefore, that yemay get the Spirit of

God,takethesedirections.

[1.]Wemustgo toChrist,studyChrist. Ifwewillhave theSpirit, studythegospelofChrist.What is the reason thatbeforeChrist therewas solittle Spirit in comparison? There was but a little measure of theknowledgeofChrist.ThemoreChristisdiscovered,themoreistheSpiritgiven;andaccordingtothemanifestationofChristwhathehathdoneforus, andwhat he hath, themore the riches of Christ is unfolded in thechurch,themoretheSpiritgoesalongwiththem.Themorethefreegraceand loveofGod inChristalone ismadeknowntothechurch, themoreSpiritthereis;andagainbackagain,themoreSpiritthemoreknowledgeofChrist; for there is a reciprocal goingof these two, the knowledgeofChristand theSpirit.What is the reason, that inpopery theschoolmenthatwerewitty todistinguish, that therewas littleSpirit in them?Theysavourednot thegospel.Theywerewondrousquick indistinctions,butthey savoured not thematters of grace, and of Christ. It was not fullydiscovered to them,but theyattributed it to satisfaction,and tomerits,and to the pope, the head of the church, &c. They divided Christ, theyknewhimnot;anddividingChrist,theywantedtheSpiritofChrist;andwantingthatSpirit,theytaughtnotChristastheyshould.Theyweredarktimes, as themselves confessed, especially about nine hundred and athousandyearsafterChrist,becauseChristwasveiledtheninaworldofidleceremonies—todarkenthegospelandthevictoryofChrist—thatthepopemade,whowas the vicar of Satan. Thesewere the doctors of thechurch then, and Christ was hid and wrapped in a company of idletraditions and ceremonies ofmen; and thatwas the reason that thingswereobscure.

[2.]NowwhenChrist,andallgoodthingsbyChrist,andbyChristonly,arediscovered,theveilistakenoff.Nowoflateforthesehundredyears,in the time of reformation, there hath been more spirit and morelightsomeness and comfort. Christians have lived and died morecomfortably.Why?BecauseChrist hath beenmore known.And as it iswith thechurch, so it iswithparticularChristians, themore theystudyChrist,andthefulnessthatisinChrist,andallcomfortinhimalonetobehad—'wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption,'1Cor.1:30—themoremengrowupintheknowledgeofChrist,themoretheygrow

spiritually;andthemorespirituallytheygrow,themoretheygrowintheknowledgeofChrist.Therefore, ifwewouldhavetheSpirit, letuscomeneartoChrist,andlabourtoknowhimmore,whois thefountainofallthatisspiritual.

[3.]Thenagain,ifwewouldbespiritual,letustakeheedwetrustnottoomuchtodeadthings,withoutChrist;tohaveakindofpoperyintheworkdone; to think that reading, and hearing, and receiving the sacrament,and that the government of the churchwill do it, as if it were asmanwould have it. Put case there were all these, which are excellent goodthings;butwhatareallthesewithouttheSpiritofChrist!Amanmaybedead with all these. Though he hear never so much, and receive thesacramentneversooften,ifamangonottoChristthequickeningSpiritinthismanner:Lord,these,andmysoultoo,aredeadthingswithoutthySpirit, therefore quicken me. Join Christ with all our performances,withoutwhichallisnothing,andthenhewillbespiritualtous.

[4.]AndwhenwegotoChristfortheSpirit,aswemustbegitifwewillhaveit,—GodwillgivetheHolyGhosttothemthataskhim,Luke11:13,—remember that we use the means carefully; reading, and hearing, andholy communionof saints, because though thesewithout theSpirit candonothing,yettheSpiritisnotgivenbutbythese.Thesearethegoldenconduits of the Spirit of Christ. No man is ever spiritual but they arereaders,andhearers,andconferrersofgoodthings,andattendersuponthe means of salvation, because God will work by his own tools andinstruments.Thereforeitissaid,Rev.1:9,thatJohnwas'fulloftheSpiritupontheLord'sday.'LetaChristiansanctifytheSabbathasheshoulddo,hewillbeintheSpiritontheLord'sdaymorethanonotherdays.Why?Because then he is reading, and hearing, and conferring, and in somespiritualcourse;andthemoreamanontheLord'sday. is inaspiritualcourse,themoreheisintheSpirit:'JohnwasintheSpiritontheLord'sday.'Somuchforthesewords,'TheLordisthatSpirit.'

'AndwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.'

We seeherewhat the Spiritworkswhere it is. 'Where the Spirit of theLordis,thereisliberty.'IwillnametheinstancethatIgavebefore,thatImaythebettergoon.Wesaythesunisheatandinfluence;notthatitis

so,fortheybeaccidents,butthesunappearstousforourcomfortinheatandinfluence,thereforewecallitbythatname.Wesayofaman,heisallspirit.SoChristisallSpirit.Thesunisalllight,andwherethelightandheatof thesun is there is fruitfulness.SoChrist isallSpirit,andwheretheSpiritofChrististhereisspiritualliberty.

Itwere expenseof time tonopurpose to tell youof thediverskindsofliberty.Inaword,libertyisthatthatalldesire,butourmiscarriageisinthemeansof it, theway to attain to it.Herewe seewhence tohave it,fromtheSpiritofChrist.Libertyisasweetthing,especiallylibertyfromthe greatest enemies of all. If outward liberty be such a sweet thing—liberty from tyranny andbase servitude, it is a thing thatman'snaturedelightsin;andthecontrary,manasamanabhors;andhehathnotthenatureofamanthatdothnotabhorit,—whatshallwethinkthenoftheliberty of the Spirit from the great enemies that daunt the greatestmonarchs in the world? Liberty from the anger of the great God; andliberty from Satan, God's executioner; liberty from the terror ofconscience,fromthefearofdeath,andhell,andjudgment;whatshallwethink of liberty in these respects? Therefore we speak of greatmattersherebelowwhenwespeakofliberty.

NowlibertyiseitherChristianorevangelical.

Youmaythinkthisanicedifference,butthereissomerealityinit.

(1.) Christian liberty is that that belongs to all, even to those beforeChrist. Though they have not the term of Christians, yet they weremembersofChrist.Christwasheadofthechurch'yesterday,andto-day,andforever,'Heb.13:8.

(2.)Evangelical liberty is that that ismoreappropriated to the timesofthe gospel since the coming of Christ. Now the liberty that belongs toChristians as Christians, is perpetual from those grand enemies, thegreatestenemiesofall,spiritualandinwardliberty.Inevangelicalliberty,besides that, there is anotheroutward liberty, from the ceremonial andmorallawandsuchlike;andalibertyfromtherestraintofthelaw.TheJewswereundermanyrestraints, thatunder thegospel in this timeweare not. I speak therefore of liberty as it runs through all ages of the

church, not of evangelical merely since the time of Christ. Where theSpiritis,boththeselibertiesarenowsincethecomingofChrist.Nowinthat the Holy Ghost saith here, 'Where the Spirit of Christ is there isliberty,'itsupposeththatweareinbondagebeforewehavetheSpiritofChrist.

Thatisasupposedgroundandtruth,andindeedsoitis.ForoutofChristweareslaves,thebestofusallareslaves.InChristthemeanestofallisafreeman,andaking.OutofChristthereisnothingbutthraldom.Weareunder the kingdom of the devil.When he calls uswe come.We are inthraldomunderthewrathofGod,underthefearofdeathanddamnation,and all those spiritual enemies that I need notmention. They are wellenough known to you by often repetition. There is noman but he is aslave tillhebe inChrist;andthemore freeamanthinkshimself tobe,and labours tobe, themore slavehe is.For takeaman that labours tohavehisliberty,todowhathelist,*hethinksitthehappiestconditionintheworld;andothersthinkitthebestconditiontohavelibertynottobetyrannisedover by others. It is thedispositionofman'snaturewithoutgrace.Theyaccount itahappinesstohavetheirwillsoverallother,butthemorelibertyinthis,themoreslavery.Why?

Themorelibertythatamanhathtodolawlesslywhathewill,contrarytojustice and equity, themore he sins. Themore he sins themore he isenthralled to sin. The more he is enthralled to sin the more he is inbondagetothedevil,andbecomestheenemyofGod.Thereforeifamanwouldpickout thewretchedestman in theworld, Iwouldpickout thegreatestmanintheworldifhebenaught,†thathathmostunderhim;hehathmost liberty,andseeksmost liberty,andaccounts ithishappinessthat hemay have his liberty. This is the greatest thraldom, and it willprove,whenhediesandcomestoanswerforit,thegreatestthraldomofall.Thereforethepointneedsnotmuchproof,thatifwebenotinChristweareslaves,asAugustinesaithinhisbookDeCivitateDei,'Heisaslavethoughhedomineerandrule.'

Amantillhebe inChrist isaslave;notofonemanorofonelordoverhim,buthehathsomanylordsashehathsomanylusts.TherearebuttwokingdomsthattheScripturespeaksof,thatis,thekingdomofSatananddarkness,andthekingdomofChrist;allthereforethatarenotinthe

kingdomofChrist, in thatblessed liberty, theymustneedsbe shoaled‡under the other kingdomof Satan. This is a ground. Therefore I speakshortly of it, as an incentive and provocation to stir us up, to get intoChrist,togettheSpiritofChrist,thatwemayhavethisspiritualliberty,orelseweareallslaves,notwithstandingallourcivilliberties,whatsoeverthey be. Now, 'where the Spirit of Christ is there is liberty,' there isfreedom from that bondage that we are in by nature, and which isstrengthenedby awicked course of life. For thoughwebe all slaves bynature,bornslaves,yetnotwithstandingbyawickedcourseoflife,weputourselves into bonds and tangle ourselves; so many sins and so manyrepetitionsofsin,somanycords;thelongeramanlivesthegreaterslaveheis.NowwhentheSpiritofChristcomes,itfreesusfromall;bothfromthenaturalandfromthecustomary§slavery.

Now this liberty is wrought by Christ and applied by the Spirit. WhatChristworkshemakesitoursbyhisSpirit,whichtakesall fromChrist.AsChristdothallbytheSpirit,sotheSpirittakesallfromChrist.Allthecomfort it hath is from reasons taken from Christ, from grounds fromChrist,anddoctrinesfromChrist,butyetbothhavetheirefficacy—Christasthemeritoriouscause,andtheSpiritastheapplyingcause.TheSpiritdiscoversthestateofbondageweareinbynature,anditdiscoverswithalamoreexcellent condition;andas itdiscovers, so likewise theSpiritofGodbringsustothisstate,byworkingfaithinthatthatChristhathdoneforus.Christhathfreedusbyhisdeathfromthecurseofthelaw,fromthe wrath of God, from death and damnation, and the like. NowwhatsoeverChristhathdonetheSpiritworksfaith,tomakethisourownbyunitingus toChrist.WhenChrist andweareone,his sufferingsareours,andhisvictoryisours,allisours.ThentheSpiritpersuadingusofthe love of God, and Christ redeeming us from that cursed slavery wewere in, that Spirit, it works love in us, and other graces whereby thedominionofsinisbrokenmoreandmore,andwearesetatlibertybytheSpirit.

NowtheSpiritdothnotworklibertyproperlyoriginally,butChrististhegrandredeemer.ButChristredeemethtwoways.

First,Heredeemsusbypayingtheprice,andsoheonly*redeemeth,forhepaidthepricetodivinejustice.WeareinbondagetothewrathofGod

underhis justice;andso theremustbesatisfaction to justicebeforewecanbefree.

Then, secondly,We are in bondage to Satan, asGod's executioner andjailor.Nowfromhimwearefreedbystronghand.SoChristfreethusbyhis Holy Spirit, working such graces in us as makes us see theloathsomenessofthatbondage;workinglikewisegraceinustobeinlovewithabettercondition,thattheSpiritdiscoverstous.SothattheSpiritbringsusoutbydiscoveryandbypower.AllthatChristfreethbyvirtueofredemption,payingthepricefor,allthosehefreeslikewisebyhisSpirit,discoveringtothemtheirbondage,andtheblessedconditionwhereuntotheyaretobebroughttoastateoffreedom,whichfreedomheperfectsbylittleandlittle,tillhebringthemtoagloriousfreedominheaven.

And the reason of this,—that where Christ doth free by way ofredemption,todieandsatisfyGod'sjusticeforany,tothosehegiveshisSpirit,bywhichSpirit theyare setat liberty—the reasonsaremanifold.Tonameoneortwo.

[1.]Christdothsaveallthathedothsaveanswerabletothenatureofthepartysaved.Hesavesthemasreasonablepersons,forhesavesusthathemaymakeus friends.He savesusasmen,and redeemsusasmen.Hedoth not only pay a price for us as we buy a thing that is dead, butlikewisehefreesus,soaswemayunderstandtowhat,andbywhomwearefreed,andwhatconditionwearefreedfrom.Thereforetheremustbea Spirit joinedwith thework of Christ, to inform us thoroughly, beingcreaturesfittobeinformed.

[2.]AndGod intending to come into covenantwithus, thatwemaybefriendswithhim,which is our glory andhappiness, he acquaints us asfriendswith all the favours and blessings that he hath done for us.Heacquaints us what misery he brings us out of, and what happiness hebrings us unto, andwhat is our duty. This is thework of the Spirit, toshewuswhathehathdoneforus,thatwemaybefriends.

[3.]AndthenitisagroundtoloveGod.Godsavethusbyawayofloveinthe covenant of grace. His desire is that we may love him again, andmaintain love.Nowhowcan thisbe,without theSpiritofGoddiscover

whatGodinChristhathdoneforus?ThereforetheremustbetheSpirittoshewtotheeyeofthesoul,andtotellus,thisChristhathdoneforus.

[4.]Thenagaintheremustbeafittingforheaven,forthatglorythatGodintendsus inelection.Nowthis fittingmustbealtogetherby theSpirit.ThesameSpiritthatsanctifiedChrist inthewomb,thesameSpiritthatanointedChrist,anointsallthosethatareChrist's,thattheymaybefitforso glorious a head. So theremust be the Spirit aswell as Christ in theworkofredemptionandliberty.

NowthisSpiritofGoddothsetusatliberty,inallthecourseandwholecarriageofsalvation,fromthebeginningtotheend.

Hesetsusatlibertyatthefirstincallingus.

Hesetsusatlibertywhenwearejustified.

Hesetsusatlibertywhenbesanctifiethus.

Andhesetsusthenatlibertyfullyinglorification.

Firstofall,theSpiritofGodisaSpiritofliberty,whenwearefirstcalledpowerfullyandeffectually.Forlivinginthechurchsetsusnotatliberty,unless theSpiritstirusuptoansweradivinecall. 'Formanyarecalledbutfewarechosen,'Mat.20:16.InthechurchthereisHagarandIshmaelaswellasIsaac.TherearehypocritesaswellassoundChristians.Thereisoutwardbaptismaswellasinward.Thereisoutwardcircumcisionofthefleshaswellas inwardof thespirit.Amanmayhaveall theseoutwardprivileges,andyetnotwithstandingbeaslaveinthebosomofthechurch;forIshmaelwasabond-slave thoughhewere in thehouseofAbraham.Thereforethefirstbeginningofspirituallibertyis,(1.)WhentheSpiritofGod in the ordinances, in themeans of salvation, stirs up the heart toanswerGod'scallasitwere.Whenweareexhortedtobelieveandrepent,the Spirit gives power to echo to God, 'Lord, I believe; help thou myunbelief,'Mark9:24.Lord,Irepent,anddesiretorepentmoreandmore.When theSpiritofGod in theordinancesaith, 'Seekmy face,Thy face,Lord,willIseek,'Ps.27:8.Bethoumine,Lord,andIwillbethine.Thisspiritual echo and answer of the soul comes from the Spirit of God in

calling,anditisthefirstdegreeofliberty.

(2.)Nowthisanswerofthesoul,bythepoweroftheSpirit,overpoweringourcorruptions, istogetherwiththeobedienceoftheinwardmantogoout. For man answereth the call, not only by the speech of the heart,Lord,Idoit;buthedothit indeed.ThereforewhenbythepoweroftheSpirit we come out of the world and out of our corruptions, and walkmorefreelyinthewaysofGod,thenwearesetatspiritual liberty.Nowthe Spirit doth all this. For if it were not the Spirit that persuaded thesoul,whentheministerspeaks,alas!allministerialpersuasionsaretonopurpose.IftheSpiritdonotstirupthesoultoanswer,allspeechistonopurposefrommen.ButthistheSpiritdoth.Inthefirstplaceheopeneththeeyeswithspiritualeye-salvetoseeournaturalbondage;heopenethour eyes to see, Imust comeout of this condition if Iwill be saved, ofnecessity,orelseIammiserableforever.Anditisenoughforthesoulofamiserablemanifhebeconvincedtoseehismiseryandbondage,whatheisbynature;forletusbeconvincedofthatonce,andalltherestofthelinksofthegoldenchainofsalvationwillfollow.LetamanbeconvincedthatheisastheScripturesaithheis,andashereafterheshallfindtohiscost, you shall not need to bid him come out of his conversation andcondition,andworldlycoursethatheisin.Allthiswillfollowwherethereis conviction of spirit. Therefore the firstwork of the Spirit in spirituallibertyistoconvinceusofsinandmisery;andthentowork,asIsaid,ananswerofthesoul,andanobedienceofthewholeman.ThisIwillnotbelongin,beingaclearpoint.

Second, 'Where the Spirit is, there is liberty.' Again, in matter ofjustificationthereisalibertyandfreedomofconsciencefromsinandthecurseofsin,andallthedangerthatfollowsuponsin,bytheSpirit.

Obj.Butyouwillsay,thelibertyofjustificationiswroughtbyChrist;wearejustifiedbytheobedienceofChrist;andtherighteousnessofChristisimputedtous.

Ans.ItistrueChristisourrighteousness.Butwhatisthattousexceptwehave something toput it on?Exceptwebeunited toChrist,what goodhave we by Christ if Christ be not ours? If there be not a spiritualmarriage, what benefit have we by him if we have not him to pay our

debt?Forhis riches tobeours,andourdebt tobehis, theremustbeaunion first. Now this union is wrought by the Spirit. It is begun ineffectual calling. From this union there comes to be a change; hisrighteousnessismine,asifIhadobeyedanddoneitbymyself;andmydebtsandsinsarehis.This isby theSpirit,because theunionbetweenChrist and me is by the Spirit. For whatsoever Christ hath done, it isnothing tome till there be a union. And then freedom is by the Spiritlikewise, because theSpirit ofGodworks faith inme,not only touniteandknitmetoChrist,butfaithtopersuademethatChristismine,andthatallhisismine,andthatmydebtsarehis.ThissupernaturalhandoffaiththeSpiritworkstolayholduponChrist,andthentopersuademe.FortheSpiritisalightsomething,andtogetherwiththegracesittellsmethegracesitworks.Asreason,besidesreason,ittellsmethatIusereasonwhenIdo.Ithathareflexact.SotheSpiritofChristithathareflexactuponitself;for,beingabovereason,itdothnotonlylayholduponChrist,it doth not only do the work, but it tells me that I do so when I do.Therefore itnot only tellsme thatChrist isminewhen Ibelieve, but itassuresmethatIdobelieve.Itcarriesalightofitsown.Iknowthelightby the light,andreasonby reason,and faithby faith, togetherwith thereflexactjoiningwithit.Sothatthereflexactjoiningwithit,theSpiritisthe cause of liberty in justification in that respect, as it is a means ofunion,whereuponthereisapassageofallthatisChrist'stobemine,andminetobeChrist's.AndlikewiseitassuresmethatIdobelieve,whenIdo believewithout error. For the Spirit is givenme to know the thingsthat IhavebyChrist,notonly toknowtheprivilegesbyChrist,but thegracesofChrist.

And,beloved,unlesstheSpiritshoulddoit, itwouldneverbedone;forthesoulofmanissofullofterrorsandfearsandjealousies,thatexcepttheSpirit ofGodwitness tomy spirit, thatGod is reconciled inChrist,andthatChrist'srighteousnessismine,Icouldneverbepersuadedofit.ForthesoulitalwaythinksGodisholinessitself,andIamamassofsin.What reason have I to think that God will be so favourable to such awretch,tosuchalumpofsinasIam,wereitnotthatGodtheSonhathsatisfiedGodtheFather?GodhathsatisfiedGod;andtheSpiritcertifiesmyconscience.SotheSpirit,thatsearcheththedeepthingsofGod,thatknowswhat love is in thebreastofGod,andthereforehesearcheththe

heart,hesearcheththeheartofGod,andhesearchethmyspirit.Exceptthe Spirit should tellme thatGod the Son hath satisfied (andGod theFather will accept of the satisfaction of God the Son), I should neverbelieve it.ThereforeGodmuststablishtheheart inagracious libertyofjustification,aswellasthatGodtheSonhathwroughtit.

It isnowonder thatmenofgreatpartswithoutgraceare fullof terrorsanddespair;forthemorepartsandwitamanhathwithouttheSpiritofGod, themore he disputes against himself, and entangles himself withdesperatethoughts.ButwhentheSpiritisbroughttospeakpeacetothesoulinChrist,andmakesthesoultocastitselfonhimforsalvation,thenGod's Spirit is above the conscience. Though conscience be above allthingselse,yetGodisaboveconscience,andcanstilltheconscience;andtheSpirit tellsus thatGodtheFather isreconciledby thedeathofGodthe Son. And when God witnesseth what God hath wrought, thenconscienceisatpeace.ThusweseehowtheSpiritsetsusatlibertyinthegreatmatterofjustification.

Third,Solikewiseinthematterofholylife,inthewholecourseofaholylife, 'wheretheSpiritofChristis,thereisliberty,'andfreedomfromtheslaveryofsin.Fortheretheunderstandingisfreedfromthebondageofignorance,andtherethewillisfreedfromthebondageofrebellion;theretheaffectionslikewise,andthewholeinwardandoutwardmanisfreed.But this liberty of holiness, inherent liberty, it doth spring from theliberty that we have by justification, by the righteousness of Christ,wherebyweareperfectlyrighteous,andfreedfromallthetitlethatSatanhathinus.WearefreedfromthecurseofGod,fromthelaw,andenabledin a course of sanctification to go on fromgrace to grace.TheSpirit ofChristcomesafterjustification.ForwhomGodgivesforgivenessunto,hegiveshisSpirit tosanctify them.ThesameSpirit thatassuresmeof thepardon of my sin, sanctifies my nature. Where the Spirit is ofsanctification,itbreakstherulingpowerofsin.BeforethenthewholelifeisnothingbutacontinualsinningandoffendingofGod;butnowthereisa gracious liberty of disposition, a largeness of heartwhich follows thelibertyofcondition.Whenamanisfreeinstateandlawfromwrath,andfrom the sentence of damnation, then he hath a free and voluntarydispositionwroughttoserveGodfreely,withoutfearorconstraint.

Whenamanisunderthebondageofthelaw,whenheisunderthefear,ofdeath,beingarmedwithasting,whatsoeverhedothhedothitwithaslavishmind.WheretheSpiritofGod is, there is thespiritofadoption,the spirit of sons,which is a free spirit. The sondothnot duties to hisfatheroutofconstraintandfear,butoutofnature.TheSpiritaltersournatureanddisposition.Itmakesussons,andthenwedoallfreely.Goddoth enlarge the hearts of his children. They can deny themselves in agood work. They are 'zealous of good works.' It is the end of theirredemption;as it isTit.2:14, 'Weareredeemedtobeapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks.'ForthenwehaveabaseesteemofallthingsthathinderusfromfreenessinGod'sservice,asworldliness,&c.WhatdothaChristianwhen he seeth his gracious liberty in Christ? The love of theworld andworldly things, he is ready to partwith all for the service ofGod.He isso free-hearted thathecanpartwith life itself.Paulsaithofhimself, 'My life isnotdear tome, so Imay finishmycoursewith joy,'Acts20:24.Asweseeinthemartyrsandothershowfreetheywere,evenoftheirveryblood.

Whatshallwethinkofthosetherefore,thatifwegetanythingofthem,itmustbeasasparkleoutoftheflint.DutiescomefromChristiansaswateroutofaspring.Theyarenatural,andnotforcedtoissue,sofarforthastheyarespiritual.

I confess that there is remainders of bondage where the Spirit sets atliberty;forthereisadoubleprincipleinus,whileweliveinthisworld,ofnatureandgrace.Thereforetherewillbeaconflictineveryholyduty.ThefleshwilldrawbackwhentheSpiritwouldbeliberal.Thefleshwillsay,OhbutImaywant!WhentheSpiritwouldbemostcourageous,thefleshwillsay,Butthereisdangerinit.Sothatthereisnothingthatwecandobutitmustbegottenoutofthefire.Wemustresist.Yetnotwithstandinghere is liberty to do good, because here is a principle that resists thebackwardnessoftheflesh.

In a wicked man there is nothing but flesh, and therefore there is noresistance.Andwemustunderstandthenatureofthisspirituallibertyinsanctification. It isnota liberty freeingusaltogether fromconflict, anddeadness, and dulness, and the like; but it is a liberty enabling us tocombat,notfreeingusfromcombat.It isa libertytofightthebattlesof

theLordagainstourowncorruptions,notfreeingusfromit.Thatistheliberty of glory in heaven, when there shall be no enemy within orwithout.

Therefore let notChristians bediscouragedwith the backwardness anduntowardnessoftheflesh,togoodduties.Ifwehaveaprincipleinustofightagainst it, toenableus to fightagainstourcorruptions,and togetgooddutiesoutofitinspiteofit,itisanargumentofanewnature.Godwillperfecthisownbeginnings,andsubduethefleshmoreandmore,bythepowerofhisSpirit.WeseeourblessedSaviour,whatasweetexcusehe makes for his disciples when they were dead-hearted and drowsy,when they shouldhave comfortedhim in thegarden:Oh, saithhe, 'thespiritiswilling,butthefleshisweak,'Mat.26:41.

Indeed,thereisadoublehindranceinGod'speoplewhentheyareaboutholyduties,sometimesfromtheirverymouldandnature,considerednotascorrupted;theverymouldwithouttheconsideration.

Andthenconsideritasitismademoreheavyanddullbytheflesh,andcorruptionsinthem,astherebeinvincibleinfirmitiesandweaknessesinnature.Sometimesdeadness,after labourandexpenseofspirits, creepsininvincibly,thatamancannotovercomethosenecessitiesofnature.Sothat'thespiritmaybewilling,andthefleshweak;'thefleshwithoutanygreatcorruption.Godlooksuponournecessities;asthefathersaith,Freemefrommynecessities(a).Aswesee,Christmadeanexcuseforthem.Itwas not so much corruption, though that were an ingredient in it, asnatureinitself.Christsawagreatdealofgoldintheere,thereforeweseehowheexcuseththem.Thereforewhenwearedull,letusstrive.Christisreadytomakeexcuseforus,ifourheartsberight: 'Thespirit iswilling,but the flesh is weak.' I speak this for the comfort of the best sort ofChristians,thatthinktheyarenotsetatlibertybytheSpirit,becausetheyfindsomeheavinessanddulnessingoodduties.AsIsaid,thereissininuswhile we live here, but it reigns not. After aman hath the Spirit ofChrist, the Spirit of Christ maintains a perpetual combat and conflictagainstsin.ItcouldsubduesinallatonceifGodsawitgood;butGodwillhumble us while we live here, and exercise us with spiritual conflicts.ThereforeGodseesitsufficienttobringustoheaven,tosetupacombatin us, that we are able by the help of the Spirit to fight God's battles

against the flesh.So that thedominionofsinmaybebroken inus,andexcellently, saith Paul, Rom. 8:2, 'The law of the spirit of life in ChristJesus hath freedme from the law of sin and of death.' The law of theSpiritof life, that is, thecommandingpoweroftheSpiritofChrist, thatcommandsasalawintheheartsofGod'speople,itfreesusfromthelaw,that is, from the commanding power of sin and death. So that thedominionandtyrannyofsinisbrokenbytheSpiritofChrist,andsoweare set at a gracious liberty. In some respects we are under grace,thereforesinshallnothavedominionoverus,astheapostlespeaks.

Again,bytheSpiritofChristinsanctificationwearemadekings,toruleoverourownlustsinsomemeasure;notkingstobefreedaltogetherfromthem, but kings to strive against them. It is a liberty to fight, and infightingtoovercomeatlast.WhentheIsraeliteshadapromisethatGodwouldgivetheirenemies intotheirhands, themeaningwasnot thathewouldgive themwithout fightingablow,but Iwillgive them intoyourhands. You shall fight; and be of good comfort, in fighting you shallovercome. So this liberty of sanctification, it is not a liberty that weshould have no combat with our corruptions, but a gracious liberty tokeepthemunder,tillbysubduingthembylittleandlittle,wegetaperfectvictory.Whatgreaterencouragementcanamanhavetofightagainsthisenemy, than when he is sure of the victory before he fights, of finalvictory! You see then how the Spirit brings a liberty into the soul. ItbringsusoutofthatcursedkingdomofSatanandsin.Itbringsusoutofthe curse ofGodand the law in justification; and it bringsus from thedominionandtyrannyofsin,byaspiritofsanctification.

But this is not all that is in liberty; for the Spirit dothnot only free usfromallthatisill,fromsin,butfromthatthatfollowsit.Thereissomeillthat follows, as fear and terrors of conscience, &c. They follow sin anddeathandwrath,andsuchlike,thesubjectiontothese.Now,wheretheSpiritofGodis,itfreesfromtheillconsequents,fromthetailthatfollowssin.WheretheSpiritis,itfreesusfromfear;forthesameSpiritthattellsusinjustificationthatGodisappeased,thesameSpiritfreesusfromthefear of damnation anddeath and judgment; from the terrors of an evilconscience.Being 'sprinkledwith thebloodofChrist,' 1Pet. 1:2,wearefreedfromfear.

Anditfreesnotonlyfromthefearofillthings,butitshewsimmunityandfreedom to good. Liberty implies here two things: a freedom from ill,fromacursedcondition,andlikewisealibertytoabetter;alibertyfromill,andtogood.Wemusttakeitinthejustlatitude,becausethebenefitsofChristarecomplete,notonlyprivativebutpositive;notonlytofreeusfromill,buttoconferallgoodtous,asmuchasournatureiscapableof.Asmuchasthesesoulsofoursarecapableof,theyshallbemadefreeandgloriousandhappyinheaven,Godwillleavenopartofthesoulunfilled,nocornerofthesoulempty.Bylittleandlittlehedoethit,asweshallseeinthenextverse.WhenwearecalledoutofSatan'skingdomwearenotonly called out of that cursed state, but we are made free of a betterkingdom;wearemadethemembersofChrist;weareenfranchised.Andsoinjustificationwearenotonlyfreedfromdamnation,fromthejusticeand wrath of God, but likewise we can implead* our righteousnesswhereby we have title to heaven, which is a blessed privilege andprerogative.Wearenotonlyfreefromthecurseofthelaw,butlikewisewehaveothergraciousprerogativesandprivileges.Wearenotonlyfreedfromthedominionofsin,butwearelikewisesetatlibertybytheSpirittodothatthatisgood.WehaveavoluntaryfreespirittoserveGodwithasgreatcheerfulnessasweservedourlustsbefore;andaswearefreedfromthe rigour and curse of the law, so we have prerogatives to goodanswerable.WearenowbytheSpiritsetatlibertytodelightinthelaw,tomake the law our counsellor, tomake theword ofGod our counsellor.Thatthatterrifiedandaffrightedusbefore,nowitisourdirection.Evenas he that was a severe schoolmaster to one in his under years, after,whenhecomestoyears,becomesawisetutortoguideanddirecthim;sothelawthatterrifiedandwhippeduswhenwewereinbondage,tillwebeinChrist,—it scaresus toChrist,—that lawafter comes tobea tutor, totellusthisweshalldo,tocounselus,andsaythisisthebestway;andwecome to delight in those truths, when they are discovered to us in theinwardman.Andthemoreweknow,themorewewouldknow,becausewewouldpleaseGodeverydaybetter.Sothatbesidesfreedomfromthatthat is ill, and the consequents of ill, there is a blessed immunity andprerogativeandprivilege.Thatismeantherebyliberty.

ForGod'sworksarecomplete.Wemustknowwhenhedeliversfromillhe advanceth to good. His works are full works always. He doth not

thingsbyhalves.ThereforewehavethroughChrist,andbytheSpirit,notonly freedom from that that is ill, but advancement to all that iscomfortableandgraciouslygood.

Andonethinggivemeleavetotouch,whichthoughitbemoresubtle,yetitisuseful,thatthetextputsmetospeakof.'WheretheSpiritofGodis,thereisliberty'oftheinwardman,libertyofjudgment,andlibertyofwill.WheretheSpiritofGodisnot,thereisnoliberty,nofreewill.Alittletotouchuponthat.

That whichwe call free will, it is either taken for a natural power andendowmentthatGodhathputuponthesoul,andsothewillisalwayfreein earth and inhell.Thedevil'swill is free so, free to evil.There is thenatural freedom;for freedomit isadowryuponthewill, investeduponthewill,thatGodnevertakesfromit.Todoitfreely,thatis,uponreasonthatitsees,beitgoodorevil,soImeannotfreedom;butItakefreedomforabilityandstrengthtothatthatisgood.ForanylibertyandabilitytothatthatisgoodisonlyfromtheSpirit;andthedefenceofLuther'sandothers(b),thatwroteofthisfreedom,issoundandgood,thatthewillofmanisslavishaltogether,withouttheSpiritofGod. 'WheretheSpirit isthereisliberty:'libertyasitistakenforpowerandabilitytodogood.Inaword,thereisalwayalibertyofthesubject,oftheperson;alibertyoftheunderstanding,butnotoftheobject,tothisortothatthing.Alibertytosupernaturalobjectscomesfromsupernaturalprinciples.Nothingmovesabove its own sphere; nothing is acted above its ownactivity, thatGodhath put into it. Now a naturalman can do nothing but naturally; fornothingcanworkaboveitself,byitsownstrength,nomorethanabeastcanworkaccordingtotheprinciplesofaman.Thereforethesoulofmanhath no liberty at all to that which is spiritually good, without asupernatural principle, that raiseth it above itself, and puts it into therankofsupernaturalthings.

First,TheSpiritofGodputsanewlifeintothesoulofaman;andthenwhenhehathdonethat,itpreservesthatlifeagainstallopposition;andtogetherwithpreservingthatlife,itappliesthatinwardlifeandpowerithathputintoittoparticularworks.Forwhenwehaveanewlife,yetwecannot doparticular actionswithout the exciting power of the Spirit ofGod.TheSpiritstirsuptoeveryparticularthing,whenthesoulwouldbe

quiet of itself. The moving comes from the Spirit of God. As everyparticularmovinginthebodycomesfromthesoul,sotheSpirititputsanewlife,itappliesthatlife,itappliesthesoultoeveryaction.WheretheSpirit of God therefore is not, there is no liberty to any supernaturalaction; but 'where the Spirit of God is, there is liberty.' It follows bothnegativelyandaffirmatively.Thereisalibertyofwilltothatthatisgood.So then this riseth from hence, again, that where the Spirit of God isefficacious and effectual in his working, there it robs not the soul ofliberty,butperfectsthatliberty.

Youhavesomedivines, toomanyindeed,thatholdthattheHolyGhostonlyworksbywayofpersuasionuponthesoul,andbywayofmoving,asitwere,without;buthedothnotenterintothesoul,noralterandchangethesoul;hedothnotworkuponthesoulasaninwardworker,butonlyasan outward entreater and persuader and allurer, propounding objects,and with objects persuasions and allurements. This is too shallow aconceit for sodeepabusinessas this; for theSpiritworksmoredeeplythanso.Itputsanewlifeintothesoul;ittakesawaythestonyheartandgives a fleshly heart, Ezek. 40:19. Those phrases of Scripture are tooweightytofastensuchashallowsenseuponthem,onlyastoentreatthemtobeconverted,asamanwouldentreatastonetobewarm,andtocomeoutof itsplace.Hemight entreat longenough.But theSpiritwith thatspeech,itputsanewlifeandpower,andthenactsandstirsthatpowertoallthatisgood.

Obj.Oh,saythey,whichistheirmainobjection,hereisaprejudicetothelibertyofthewill!Thisistooverthrowthenatureofman!

Ans.Oh,bynomeans!Thisisnoprejudicetothelibertyofthewill;forthe Spirit of God is so wise an agent that he works upon the soul,preservingtheprinciplesofaman.Italters the judgmentbypresentinggreaterreasons,andfurtherlightthanitsawbefore;andthenitaltersthewill,thatwewillcontrarytothatwedidbefore,bypresentingtothewillgreaterreasonstobegoodthaneverithadtobeillbefore.Thenthesoulchoosethfreelyofitsownwillanything,whenitdothitupondiscoveryoflightandreason,withadvisementandreason.Thenthesouldoththingsfreely,whenitdoththemuponthedesignmentofreason,whenjudgmenttellsmethisisgood.NowwhentheSpiritchangeththesoul,itpresents

such strong reasons to come out of that cursed estate I am in, and tocome to theblessedestate inChrist, that thewillpresently follows thatthattheunderstandingpresentsasthechiefgoodofall.Herethefreedomispreserved,because thewill is so stirredby theHolyGhost, as that itstirsitself,beingstirredbytheHolyGhost;anduponthisgrounditseesabetter good. So that grace takes not away liberty. No; it stablishethliberty. Thoughwe hold that in effectual grace the Spirit ofGodworksuponthesoulthroughly,yetnotwithstandingwepreserveliberty,becausewesaythatthesoulworksof itsownprinciples,notwithstandinggrace;becausetheSpiritofGodactsandleadsthesoulaccordingtothenatureofthesoul.TheSpiritofGodpreservesthingsinthemannerofdoingofthings.Itisthemannerofdoingofthereasonablecreature,todothingsfreely. Therefore the Spirit working upon the soul, it preserves thatmodus,thoughitworkeffectuallyuponthesoul;andthemoreeffectuallyitworksuponthesoul,themore*thesoulis;becauseitseethreasontodogood.ThereforethemorewegivetotheSpiritinthequestionofgraceand nature, the more we stablish liberty, and prejudice it not. Wherethesethreeorfourrulesareobserved,therelibertyispreserved,thoughtherebeamightyworkingoftheHolySpirit;as,

First,Wherethewillchoosethandmakeschoice,andinclinestoathingwith the advisement of reason. Alway that must be, or else it is not ahumanaction.NowwhentheSpiritofGodsetsthewillatliberty,amandoth thathedothwith full advisementof reason; for thoughGodworkupon thewill, it iswith enlightening of the understanding at the sametime; and all grace in thewill comes through the understanding, as allheatuponinferiorthingsitcomeswithlight.Sothatthoughheatcherishtheearth,itcomeswithlight.Soalltheworkuponthesoulisbytheheatof the Spirit. But it comes from the light of the understanding. So thefreedomofthesoulispreserved,becauseitiswithlight.

Second; Again, where freedom is, there is a power to apprehend otherthings,aswellas that itdoth; toreasononbothsides, Imaydothisorthat.Forthatpowertoreasononbothsidesispropertothesoulalway.Nowgracetakesnotawaythatpowertoreasononbothsides;forwhenamanissetatlibertyfromthebaseslaveryofilltodogood,hecanreasonwithhimself, Imighthavedonethisandthat if Iwouldbedamned.So

thatthejudgmentisnotboundtoonethingonly,butthejudgmenttellshimhemighthavedoneotherwise ifhewould;butheseeshemustdothisifhewillnotbedamned.

Third;Again,wherethereislibertyandfreedom,thereisanenlargementtounderstandmorethingsthanone,orelsetherewerenofreedom;andthoughthesoulbedeterminedtochooseonething,andnotmany,yetofitself it hath power to choosemany things. Tomake this clear a little:some creatures are confined to one thing, out of thenarrowness of theparts theyhave;someareconfinedtoone thing,outof the largenessofparts.Theseseemcontrary,but thus Iwillgive this instance tomake itclear.Thecreaturethatisunreasonable*isalwayconfinedtoonemannerof working, because they want understanding to work in a diversemanner.Birdsmake theirnests andbeesmake their hives always afteronemanner,becauseoftheirnarrowness,thattheyhavenotchoice.

NowwhentheSpiritsetsamanatlibertytoholythings,heisconfinedtogood; especiall[y] this is in heaven. This is out of largeness ofunderstanding,apprehendingmanygoodsandmany ills;and thatgoodthatheconceivestobethebestgood,outofalargeunderstandingheisdeterminedtothatone.Sothat,thoughtheSpiritofGodtakeawayasitwerethatpresentlibertythatamancannotdoill,—itwillnotsufferhimto be so bad as he was,—yet it leaves him in a state of good, to do amultitudeof good things.And then, though it confinehim to a stateofhappiness, thathe cannotwill the contrary, yethere isno liberty takenaway, because it is done out of strength of knowledge, not out ofnarrowness;becausethereisnomorethingsforhimtojudge,butoutoflargeness,tellinghimthisisthebestofall,andcarriesallthesoulafterit.Thegloryofheavenrobsnotamanofhispower.

Whatisthereasontheyaredeterminedeternallytothatthatisgood?Isitforwantofunderstandingthattheangelschoosenotill?No!Theyknowwhat ill is by speculation, but there is a strength of understanding toknowthatthatisgood;andtheunderstanding,whereithathfulllight,itcarriesthewilltochoose.Therefore'wheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.'Notwithstandingallobjectionstothecontrary,theSpirittakesnot away, nay, it strengtheneth, the liberty of the soul. It is an idleobjectionandagreatstayofmanythatarewillingtobedeceived,Ohif

graceconfineaman,determinehim,as theword is, swayhimonewayperpetually,thatheholdsontotheend,andleaveshimnotatlibertytohiswill,thisconfiningandswayingonewayitisanabridginghimofhisliberty, &c. No. For it comes not fromweakness of understanding, butfrom strength of understanding; and it is perfect liberty to do well.Therefore, on the contrary, it is so far fromabridging the libertyof thesoulthatitcannotdoill,orthatitcannotbutperseveretodogood,thatitisthestrengthofliberty.

For Iwould knowwhether the firstAdam's libertywere greater, or thelibertyinheaven,thesecondAdam'sliberty?Ourlibertyingraceorthatin glory? The liberty of the first man was, that he might not sin if hewould;thelibertyofChristwas,thathecouldnotsinatall.Whichthinkyouwasthechief?Hethatcouldnot,orhethatmightnotsinifhewould?Was there not a more gracious and blessed liberty in Christ than inAdam,whenhemight not sin if hewould? Is this aworse liberty thenwhenamancannotsin?SowhentheSpiritofGodbearsthatswayoverthe soul, and takes away that potentiality and possibility to sin, that amancannotsin,becausehewillnot,hiswillissocarriedbythestrengthofjudgment,thisisthegreatestgood.Iwillnotmoveoutofthiscircle.IfIgooutofthisIshallbeunhappy.Andthisisthegreatestlibertyofall.

What dowe pray in the Lord's prayer but for this liberty? 'Thywill bedone,'Mat. 6:10. That is, takeme out ofmy ownwillmore andmore;conformmywilltothineinallthings.ThemoreIdoso,themorelibertyIhave.Thestrengthofthatpetitionis,thatwemayhaveperfectlibertyinservingGod.

Thegreatestandsweetestlibertyis,whenwehavenolibertytosinatall;whenwecannotsin.It isgreaterchastitynottohavepowertoresist,tobeimpregnableincontinenceandsobriety.Whenthereissuchameasureofthesegracesastheyarenottobeovercome,itisgreaterstrengththanwhen they may be prevailed over. So men mistake to think this thegreatestlibertytohavepowertogoodorevil.Thatistheimperfectionofthe creature.Manwas at the first created free to either good or evil ofhimself,thathemightfallofhimself.Thiswasnotstrength,butathingthatfollowedthecreaturethatcameoutofnothing,andthatwassubjecttofalltohisownprinciplesagain.Buttohavethesoulstablishedthatit

shall not have freedom to ill, it is so stablished in good. It hath theunderstanding so enlightened, and the will so confirmed andstrengthened, that it is without danger of temptation. That is properlygloriousliberty,andthatisthebetterendowmentofboth,sothatweseeitclearlythatgracetakesnotawayliberty,butestablishethit.

NowbesidesthisinwardspirituallibertythatwehavebytheSpirit,thereisanoutwardpreservinglibertythatmustbealittletouched,andthatistwofold.

(1.)Alibertyofpreachingthegospel;and(2.)Alibertyofdiscipline,aswecallit;ofgovernmentthatisinthechurchofGod;andshouldbeatleastinallplaces,becausewearemen,andmusthavesuchhelps.NowthesearelibertiesthattheSpiritbestowsuponthechurchwheresoeverthereisaninwardspiritualliberty.Menarebroughtintothechurchbythelibertyofthegospel,andpreservedbygovernment.Theremustbeasubjectiontopastors;theremustbeteachingandsomediscipline,orelseallwillbeina confusion.Now this inward liberty iswroughtby the libertyof thegospel.

Quest.Whatisthelibertyofthegospel?

Ans.When there is a blessed liberty in the church to have true libertyopened,thecharterofourliberty.

Quest.Whatisthecharterofourliberty?

Ans.ThewordofGod.Whenthecharterandpatentofourlibertyislaidopen, in laying it open we come to have interest in those liberties.Thereforethelibertyofthetemple,thelibertyofthechurch,ofthewordand sacraments, and some order in the church with it, it brings inspirituallibertyandpreservesit.Itisasitwerethebondsandsinewsofthechurch.NowwheretheSpiritofGodiswiththegospel,thereisthislibertyofthegospel;therearethedoorsofthetempleandsanctuarysetopen, as, blessed be God, this kingdom hath had. With the spiritualliberty,thereisanoutwardlibertyofthetabernacleofGodandthehouseofGod,thatwecanallmeettohearthewordofGodandtoreceivethesacraments;thatwecanallmeettocalluponGodinspiritandintruth;

andtheseoutwardliberties,beloved,areblessedliberties.ForwhereGodgivestheseoutwardliberties,heintendstobestowandtoconveyspiritualliberty. How shall we come to spiritual liberty without unfolding thecharter, thewordofGod?ThereforeChristhathestablishedaministry,apostles,anddoctors,*andpastors,toedifythechurchtotheendoftheworld; and therefore we see where there is no outward liberty ofunfolding the word, where there is no outward liberty of theministry,therewants this inward liberty.ForGodby thepreachingof thegospelsetsusatliberty.

Again,whenChrist preached the gospel first, itwas the year of jubilee.Now,intheyearofjubilee,allservantsweresetatliberty,andthosethathadnotsold†theirinheritancesmightrecoverthemagainiftheywould.This jubileewasa typeof thespiritual liberty that thegospelsetsusat.Those that have served sin and Satan before, if they will regard thegracious promises of the gospel, they may of slaves of sin and SatanbecomethefreemenofJesusChrist.But inthosetimessomewouldbeservantsstill,andwouldnotbesetat liberty.Theirearswerebored forperpetual slaves;‡ and it is pity but their ears should be bored foreverlastingslaves,thatnow,inthegloriousjubileeofthegospel,resolvestilltobeslaves.WhenaproclamationoflibertywasmadetocomeoutofBabylonallthatwould,manywouldsticktherestill.SomanyareinlovewithEgyptandBabylonandslavery.Itispitybuttheyshouldbeslaves.But those that have more noble spirits, as they desire liberty, so theyshoulddesirespiritual libertyespecially.Andhereyouseehowtocomeby it. 'Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty;' and where theordinanceofGodis;thatis,theministryoftheSpirit,thereistheSpirit.Where these outward liberties are, it is a sign that God hath anintendmenttosetmenatspiritualliberty.

Those,therefore,thatareenemiesofthedispensationofthegospelintheministry,theyareenemiestospiritualliberty;anditisanargumentthata man is in bondage to Satan when he is an enemy any way of theunfoldingofthewordofGod.Foritisanargumentthatheislicentious,that he will not be called to spiritual liberty, but live according to theflesh;whenhewillnothearofthelibertyoftheSpirit,asyouhavesomekindofmenthataccountitabondage,'Letusbreaktheirbands,andcast

awaytheircords,'Ps.2:3.Whyshouldwebetiedwiththewordandwiththeseholythings?Itisbetterthatwehavenopreaching,noorderatall,butliveeverymanashewould.Thoughtheyspeaknotsoinwords,yettheir lives and profane carriage shew that they regard not outwardliberties; and that argueth that they are in spiritual bondage, and thattheyhavenointerestinspiritualliberty,becausetheyareenemiesofthatwherebyspirituallibertyispreserved.

Thereforethegospelissetoutbythatphrase,'ThekingdomofGod.'NotonlythekingdomofGodsetupinourhearts,thekingdomoftheSpirit,but likewisewherethegospel ispreached, there is thekingdomofGod.Why?BecausewiththedispensationofdivinetruthChristcomestoruleintheheart;bytheoutwardkingdomcomesthespiritualkingdom.Theycomeunderonename.

ThereforethosethatwouldhavethespiritualkingdomofGod,bygraceandpeace to rule in theirhearts till they reign for ever inheaven, theymustcomebythisdoor,bytheministry,bytheoutwardordinance.Theordinancebringsthemtograce;andgracetoglory.Anditisagoodandsweetsignofamanspirituallysetatliberty,broughtoutofthekingdomofSatan,and freed fromtheguiltofsin,and fromthedominionofsin,which is broken in sanctification, when we can meekly and cheerfullysubmit to the ordinance of God, with a desire to have his spiritualthraldom discovered, and to have spiritual duties unfolded, and therichesofChrist laidopen.Whenhehears these thingswitha tasteandrelish,andalove,itisasignGodloveshissoul,andthathehathinterestinspiritualliberty,becausehecanimprovethecharterofhissoulsowell.'WheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.'

Andbesidesthislibertyinthisworld,thereisalibertyofglory,called'theliberty of the sons of God,' Rom. 8:21. The liberty of our bodies fromcorruption,thegloriouslibertyinheaven,whenweshallbeperfectlyfree.For,alas!inthisworldwearefreetofight,notfreefromfight;andwearefree,notfrommisery,butfreefromthraldomtomisery.Butthenweshallbe free from the encounter and encumbrance. 'All tears shall bewipedfrom our eyes,' Rev. 7:17. We shall be free from all hurt of body, insicknessandthelike,andfreefromalltheremaindersofsininoursouls:that isperfect liberty,perfectredemption,andperfectadoption,bothof

bodyandsoul.AndthatwehavebytheSpirittoo;forwheretheSpiritofGodis,thereisthattoointhisworldinthebeginningofit.For,beloved,what is peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost? Is it not thebeginningsofheaven?IsitnotagrapeoftheheavenlyCanaan?Isitnotthe Spirit thatwehavehere an earnest of that inheritance?An earnestpenny;andanearnestisapieceofthebargain.Itisnevertakenaway,butismadeupwith thebargain.Therefore,whenby theSpiritwehave thebeginningsofgraceandcomfort,wehavethebeginningsofthatgloriousliberty; and it assuresusof that glorious liberty as sure aswehave theearnest. For God never repents of his bargain that he makes with hischildren.Graceinsomesortisglory,asweseeinthenextverse;becausegraceisthebeginningofglory.Itfreesthesoulfromterrorandsubjectiontosin,fromthethraldomofsin.Sothelifeofgloryisbeguningrace.WehavethelifeofglorybegunbytheSpirit,thisgloriouslife.

Use 1. Ifwehaveall theseblessed liberties in thisworldand in that tocomebytheSpirit,thenweshouldlabourtohavetheSpiritofChrist,orelsewehavenolibertyatall;andlaboureverydaymoreandmoretogetthisspirituallibertyinourconsciences,tohaveourconsciencesassuredby theSpirit thatoursinsare forgiven,and to feel inourconsciencesapowertobringundersinthathathtyrannizedoverusbefore.Letuseverydaymore andmore labour to find this spiritual liberty, andprizedailymore theordinancesofGod,sanctified tosetusat liberty.Attenduponspiritual means, that God hath sanctified, wherein he will convey theSpirit.Therewerecertaintimeswhereintheangelcametostirthewatersofthepool,John5:3.SotheSpiritofGodstirsthewatersofthewordandordinances, and makes them effectual. Attend upon the ordinances ofGod, thecommunionofsaints,&c.,andtheSpiritofGodwillslide intoour souls in the use of holy means. There is no man but he findsexperienceofit.Hefindshimselfraisedabovehimselfintheuseofholymeans.Themoreweknowthegospel,themorewehaveoftheSpirit;andthemoreSpiritwehave,themorelibertyweenjoy.Ifweprizeandvalueoutward liberty, as indeedwedo, andwe are naturallymoved to do it,howshouldweprizethecharterofourspiritualliberty,thewordofGod,andthepromisesofsalvation(wherebywecometoknowallourliberty,wherewehaveallthepromisesopenedtous;thepromiseofforgivenessof sins, of necessary grace; the promise of comfort in all conditions

whatsoever).Thereforeletuseverydaylabourtogrowfartherandfartherbothintheknowledgeandinthetasteandfeelingofthisspiritualliberty.

Use 2.Oh beloved,what a blessed condition it is to have this spiritualliberty!Dobutseetheblesseduseandcomfortofitinallconditions.Forif a man hath the Spirit of God to set him at spiritual liberty, in alltemptations, either to sin, he hath the Spirit of God to free him fromtemptation;or,iftemptationcatchholdonhimforsin,hehaththeSpiritofGodtoflyto,thebloodofChrist,toshewthatifheconfesshissinsandlayholdonChrist,hehathpardonofsin;andthebloodofChrist'speaksbetterthingsthanthebloodofAbel.'Itspeaksmercyandpeace.Ifhebyfaithsprinkleituponhissoul,ifheknowthelibertyofjustification,andmakeuseofit:whatablessedlibertyisthiswhenwehavesinned!

In restraint of the outwardman. If everGod restrain us to humble us,whatablessedthingisthis,thatthespiritisatliberty!andthatisthebestpart of a man. A man may have a free conscience and mind, in arestrainedcondition;andamanmayberestrainedinafreestate.Intheguiltofsin,boundovertothewrathofGod,andboundovertoanotherevilday,amaninthegreatestthraldommayhaveliberty.Whatablessedconditionisthis!

So in sickness, toconsider that there isaglorious libertyof thesonsofGod,andaredemptionofbody,aswellasofsoul,thatthisbasebodyofmine shall be likeChrist's gloriousbody; that there is a resurrection toglory—theresurrectionwillmakeamendsforallthesesicknessesandillsofbody—whatacomfortisittothinkoftheresurrectiontoglory!

Andsowhendeathcomes,toknowthatbythebloodofChristthereisaliberty to enter into heaven; that Christ by his blood hath opened apassagetoheaven.

Andsoinallnecessities,tothinkIhavealibertytothethroneofgrace;Iam free of heaven; I am free of the company of saints in earth and inheaventoo;IamfreetohavecommunionwithGod;Ihaveafreedominallthepromises;—whatasweetthingisthis,inallwantsandnecessities,touseaspiritualliberty,tohavetheearofGod,asafavouriteinheaven!NotonlytobefreefromthewrathofGod,buttohavehisfavour,tohave

his care inall ournecessities:whatablessed liberty is this, that amanmaygowithboldnesstothethroneofgracebytheSpiritofChrist!

Beloved, it is invaluable. There is not the least branch of this spiritualliberty but it isworth a thousandworlds.How shouldwe value it, andblessGodforgivingChristtoworkthisblessedliberty;andforgivinghisSpirit toapply it tousmoreandmore,and tosetusmoreandmoreatspiritualliberty.ForboththeFather,andtheSon,andtheHolyGhost,alljoin in this spiritual liberty.TheFather gives theSon, andhegives theSpirit;andalltosetusfree.Itisacomfortableandblessedcondition.

Use3.Buthowshallweknowwhetherwebesetatlibertyorno?BecauseallwillpretendalibertyfromthelawandfromthecurseofGod,andhiswrath in justification?And though itbe the foundationofall, Iwillnotspeakofthat,butofthatthatalwaysaccompaniesit,alibertyofholiness,a liberty to serve God, a liberty from bondage to lusts, and to Satan.Therefore,

(1.)WheresoevertheSpiritofGodis,thereisalibertyofholiness,tofreeus from the dominion of any one sin. We are freed 'to serve him inholinessallthedaysofourlives,'Luke1:75.WheretheSpiritthereforeis,itwillfreeamanfromthraldomtosin,eventoanyonesin.FortheSpiritdiscovers to the soul theodiousnessof thebondage.For aman tobeaslavetoSatan,whoishisenemy,acruelenemy,whatanodiousthingisthis!Nowwhosoeverisenthralledtoanylust,isinthraldomtoSatanbythat lust.Thereforewhere this liberty is, therecannotbe slavery toanyonelust.Satanthereforecaresnothowmanysinsoneleaves,ifheliveinanyonesin;forhehaththeminonesin,andcanpulltheminbyonesin.Aschildrenwhentheyhaveabird,theycangiveitleavetofly,soitbeinastringtopullitbackagain;soSatanhathmeninastring,iftheyliveinanyonesin.TheSpiritofChristisnotthere,butSatan'sspirit,andhecanpull them inwhenhewill. Thebeast that runs awaywith a cord abouthim,heiscatchedbythecordagain;sowhenweleavemanysins,andyetnotwithstandingcarryhiscordsaboutus,hecanpullusinwhenhelists.Suchareprisonersatlibertymorethanothers,butnotwithstandingtheyareslavestoSatanbythat,andwhereSatankeepspossessionbyonesin,andrulesthere,thereisnoliberty.Forthespiritofsanctificationwhereitis,isacounter-poisontothecorruptionofnature,anditisoppositetoit,

inallthepowersofthesoul.Itsuffersnocorruptiontogethead.

(2.) Again, where this liberty from the Spirit is, there is not only afreedomfromallgrosssins,butlikewiseablessedfreedomtoallduties,anenlargementofheart toduties.God'speopleareavoluntarypeople.Those thatareundergrace, theyare 'anointedby theSpirit,'Ps.89:20,and that spiritual anointmentmakes themnimble.Christian is nothingbutanointed.*NowhethatistrulyanointedbytheSpirit,isnimble,andquick,andactiveinthatthatisgoodinsomedegreeandproportion.Oneuseofanointingistomakethemembersnimble,andagile,andstrong;sothe Spirit of God is a spirit of cheerfulness and strength where it is.Thereforethosethatfindsomecheerfulnessandstrengthtoperformholyservices,toheartheword,topraytoGod,andtoperformholyduties,itisasignthatthiscomesfromtheSpiritofGod.TheSpiritsetsthematthisliberty, because otherwise spiritual duties are as opposite to flesh andbloodasfireandwater.Whenwearedrawnthereforetoduties,asabeartoastake,aswesay,withforeignmotives,forfear,oroutofcustom,withextrinsecal motives, and not from a new nature, this is not from theSpirit.ThisperformanceisnotfromthetruelibertyoftheSpirit.Forthelibertyof theSpirit is,whenactionscomeoffnaturallywithout forceoffear or hope, or any extrinsecal motive. A child needs not extrinsecalmotives topleasehis father.Whenheknowshe is the childof a lovingfather,itisnatural.SothereisanewnatureinthosethathavetheSpiritof God to stir them up to duty, thoughGod'smotivesmay help as thesweet encouragements and rewards. But the principal is to do thingsnaturally,notforfear,orforgivingcontenttothisorthatman.

Artificial thingsmove fromaprinciplewithout them, therefore theyareartificial.Clocksandsuchthingshaveweightsthatstirallthewheelstheygo by, and that move them; so it is with an artificial Christian thatcomposethhimselftoacourseofreligion.Hemoveswithweightswithouthim;hehathnotaninwardprincipleoftheSpirittomakethingsnaturalto him, and to excite and make him do things naturally and sweetly.'Where theSpirit ofGod is, there is freedom;' that is, akindofnaturalfreedom,notforced,notmovedbyanyforeignextrinsecalmotive.

(3.) Again, where the freedom of spirit is, there is a kind of courageagainstalloppositionwhatsoever,joinedwithakindoflightandstrength

offaith,breakingthroughalloppositions.AconsiderationoftheexcellentstateIamin;ofthevilenessofthestatewearemovedtobyopposition;—whentheSpiritdiscoversthesethingswithakindofconviction,whatisalloppositiontoaspiritualman?Itaddsbutcourageandstrengthtohimtoresist.Themoreopposition, themorecouragehehath. InActs4:23,seq.,whentheyhadtheSpiritofGod,theyopposedopposition;andthemoretheywereopposed, themoretheygrew.Theywerecast inprison,andrejoiced;andthemore theywere imprisoned, themorecourageoustheywerestill.Thereisnosettingagainstthiswind,nornoquenchingofthis fire, by any human power, where it is true; for the Spirit of God,where it setsamanat liberty indeed, it gathers strengthbyopposition.SeehowtheSpirittriumphedinthemartyrsoverallopposition,fire,andimprisonment,andall.TheSpirit inthemsetthemat libertyfromsuchbasefears,thatitprevailsinthemoverall.TheSpiritofGod,whereitis,isavictoriousSpirit.Itfreesthesoulfrombasefearsofanycreature.'IfGodbeonourside,whoshallbeagainstus?'Rom.8:33,34.ItissaidofStStephen, that theycouldnotwithstand theSpiritbywhichhespake,Acts6:10;andChristpromisethaSpiritthatalltheenemiesshallnotbeable to withstand: so those that are God's children, in the time ofopposition, when they understand themselves and that to which theystand, God gives them a Spirit against which all their enemies cannotstand.TheSpiritofChristinStephenputsuchagloryuponhim,thathelookedasifhehadbeenanangel,Acts6:15;sotheSpiritofliberty,whereit is, it is with boldness, and strength, and courage against opposition.Those, therefore, that areawedwitheverypetty thing for standing inagoodcause, theyhavenot theSpiritofChrist; forwhere that is, it freesmenfromthesebasefears,especiallyifthecausebeGod's.

(4.) Again, where the Spirit of liberty is, it gives boldness with Godhimself,andthus it isknownespeciallywhere it is: 'where theSpirit is,thereisliberty.'Whattodo?EventogotoGodhimself,thatotherwiseisa 'consuming fire,'Heb.12:29.For theSpiritofChristgoes throughthemediationofChristtoGod.Christ,byhisSpirit,leadsustoGod.Hethathath not the Spirit of God cannot go to God with a spirit of boldness.Therefore,whenamanisinaffliction,inthetimeoftemptationorgreataffliction,especiallywhenthereisopposition,hemaybestjudgewhatheis intruth.Whenamanis intemptation,oroppositionfromtheworld,

withinorwithout,andcangoboldlytoGod,andpourouthissoultoGodfreely and boldly as to a father, this comes from the Spirit of liberty.WheretheSpiritofChristisnot,thoughthepartsbeneversostrong,ornever so great, it will never do thus. Take anotherman, in the time ofextremity, he sinks; but take a child ofGod in extremity, yet hehath aspirittogotoGod,andtocry,Abba,Father;togoinafamiliarmannertoGod.Saulwasamightyman.Whenhewasinanguish,hecouldnotgotoGod.CaincouldnotgotoGod.Judas,amanofgreatknowledge,hecouldnotgotoGod.Hisheartwasnaught;*hehadnottheSpiritofChrist,butthespiritof thedevil;andthespiritofbondageboundhimover forhistreason to hell and destruction; because he had not the Spirit to go toGod,butaccountedhimhisenemy;hehadbetrayedChrist.IfhehadsaidasmuchtoGodashedidtothescribesandPharisees,hemighthavehadmercyintheforceofthething.IspeaknotofthedecreeofGod,butinthenatureofthethingitself.IfhehadsaidsomuchtoChristandtoGod,hemighthavefoundmercy.Soletamanbeneversogreatasinner,ifhecangotoGod,andspreadhissoul,andlayopenhissinswithanyremorse;ifhe can come, and open his soul in confession and in petition, and begmercyofGodinChrist,toshineasaFatheruponhissoul—thisSpiritofliberty togo toGod, it argues that theSpiritofChrist is there,becausethereislibertytogotoGod.InRom.8:26,speakingthereofcomfortinafflictions,thisisoneamongtherest, 'thatthechildrenofGodhavetheSpiritofGod,tostirupsighsandgroans.'Now,wheretheSpiritofGodstirsupsighsandgroans,GodunderstandsthemeaningofhisownSpirit.Thereisthespiritofliberty,andthereis;thespiritofsons;foraspiritoflibertyisthespiritofason.AmanmayknowthatheisthesonofGod,andamemberofChrist;andthathehaththespiritoflibertyinhim,ifhecan, in affliction and trouble, sigh and groan to God in the name andmediationofChrist; for theSpirit stirsupgroansand sighs: they comefromtheSpirit.

Thatfamiliarboldnesswherebywecry'Abba,Father,'itcomesfromsons.Theyonlycancryso.ThiscomesfromtheSpirit.Ifwebesons,thenwehave the Spirit,wherebywe cry,Abba, Father. So, ifwe can go toGodwithasweetfamiliarity,—Father,havemercyuponme,forgiveme;lookin the bowels of pity uponme,—this sweet boldness and familiarity, itcomes from the spirit of liberty, and shews that we are sons, and not

bastards.

Your strong, rebellious, sturdy-hearted persons,who think towork out[of]theirmisery,outofthestrengthofpartsandfriends,&c.,theydieindespair. Their sorrows are too good for them. But when a broken soulgoestoGodinChristwithboldness,thisopeningofthesoultoGod,itisasignofliberty,andofthelibertyofsons,forthislibertyhereisthelibertyofsons,ofaspouse,ofkings,ofmembersofChrist:thesweetestlibertythatcanbeimagined.Itisthelibertythatthosesweetrelationsbreedofawifetothehusband,andoflovingsubjectstotheirprince,andofchildrento their father.Here is a sweet liberty; and 'where the Spirit ofGod is,thereisallthissweetliberty.'

Therearethreedegreesthatamanisin,thatisinthewaytoheaven.

[1.] The state of nature,whenhe caresneither for heavennorhell in amanner,sohemayhavesensualnaturepleased,andgoonwithoutfearorwit,*withoutgrace,nay,without theprinciplesofnature, sohemaysatisfy himself in a course of sin. That is the worst state, the state ofnature.

[2.]ButGod,ifhebelongtohim,willnotsufferhimtobeinthissottishandbrutishconditionlong,butbringshimunderthelaw;thatis,hesetshisowncorruptnaturebeforehim,he shewshim thecourseofhis life,andthenheisafraidofGod:'Departfromme,Iamasinner;'asAdamheran fromGodwhen he had sinned, thatwas sweet to him before; so abruteman,whenheisawakenedwithconscienceofsin,consideringthatthereisbutastepbetweenhimandhell,andconsideringwhataGodhehathtodealwith,andthatafterdeaththereiseternaldamnation,—whentheSpiritofGodhathconvincedhimofthis,thenheisinastateoffear,andwhenheisinthisstate,heisunfittohavelibertytoruntoGod.Heuseth all his power to shift from God all he can, and hates God, andwisheththerewerenoGod,andtremblesattheverythoughtofGod,andofdeath,&c.

[3.] Oh, but if a man belong to God, God will not leave him in thiscondition(andthoughthisbebetterthanthefirst,itisbetterthatamanwere out of his wits almost, than to be senseless as a block); there is

another condition spoken of here, that is, of liberty; when God by hisSpiritdiscoverstohiminChrist forgivenessofsins,thegraciousfaceofGodreadytoreceivehim,'Comeuntomeallyethatarewearyandheavyladen,' Mat. 11:28, saith Christ; and 'where sin hath abounded, gracemoreabounds,'Rom.5:20;whenamanhearsthisstillsweetvoiceofthegospel, he begins then to take comfort to himself, then he goes toGodfreely.Nowallinthisstateoffreedom,takethemattheworst,theyhaveboldness to go to God. David in his extremity, he runs to God. DavidtrustedintheLordhisGod.Whenhewasathiswits'end,whatdothSaulinhisextremity?Herunstohissword'spoint,Judges9:54,seq.Takeamanundernature,orunderthelaw,inextremity,thegreaterwithehath,themoreheentanglethhimself.Hiswitservestoentanglehim,toweaveawebofhisowndespair.Buttakeagraciousman,thatisacquaintedwithGodinChrist,insuchamanthereisalibertytogotoGodatthelowest;for he hath the Spirit of Christ in him. What did the Spirit in Christhimselfdirecthimtodoatthelowest?'OmyGod,myGod,'Mark15:34.Inthedeepestdesertion,yet 'myGod.'TherewasalibertytogotoGod.SotakeaChristianthathaththesameSpirit inhim,as indeedhehath,'MyGod'still.HeownsGodandknowshiminallextremity.

ManyarediscoveredhencetohavenoSpiritofGodinthem.Introublewhithergothey?Totheirpurse,totheirfriends,toanything.Theylabourtoovercometheirtroublesonewayorother,byphysicandthelike,butnevertogowithboldnessandcomfort,andakindoffamiliaritytoGod.They have no familiaritywithGod. Therefore they have not a Spirit ofliberty.

[4.]Again,where thisSpirit of liberty is, as there is a freedom togo toGod, so in regard of the creature and the things here below, there is afreedomfrompopular,vulgarconceits,fromtheerrorsofthetimesandtheslavishcoursesofthetimes.

Therearealwaytwosortsofwickedpersonsintheworld.

(1.) The one who accounts it their heaven and happiness, to domineerover others; to bring them into subjection, and to rule over theirconsciencesiftheycan,andsellalltopleasethem,conscienceandall.

(2.)Anothersortagain,sotheymaygain,theywillselltheirliberty,theirreasonandall:ifitbebutforapoorthing,sotheymaygetanythingthattheyvalueintheworld,tomakethembeasts,asiftheyhadnoreasonableunderstanding souls, much less grace. Between those two, somedomineering and others beastly serving, a few that go upon terms ofChristianity,areofsoundjudgment.NowwheretheSpiritofGodis,thereis liberty, that is, a freedomnot to enthral our judgments to anyman,much less conscience. The judgment of man enlightened by reason isaboveanycreature; for reason isabeamofGod,andall thepersons intheworldoughtnottothinktohavepoweroveraman,tosayanythingagainst his knowledge.* It is to say against God, if it be but in civilmatters, be itwhat itwill Judgment is the spark ofGod.Nature is butGod'scandle.It isa lightof thesamelight thatgrace isof,but inferior.Foramantospeakagainsthisconsciencetopleasemen,whereisliberty!Foramantoenthralhisconsciencetopleaseanotherman!Nomanthathath the spirit of a man will be so pharisaical, to say as another mansaith,andtojudgeasanothermanjudgeth,andtodoallasanothermandoth,withoutseeingsomereasonhimself;goingupontheprinciplesofamanhimself.Itistrueofamanasaman,unlesshewillunmanhimself.It ismuchmore trueofaChristianman.Hewillnot forbase fearsandengagementsenthralhisconscience,andsellheavenandhappinessandhis comfort for this and that; and those that do it, though they talk ofliberty, theyareslaves; thoughtheydomineer intheworld, thecurseofCain*isuponthem,theyareslavesofslaves.

Therefore,wheretheSpiritofChristis,thereisanindependentliberty.Aman is independentuponanyotherman, further thanhesees itagreeswiththerulesofreligion;andheisdependentonlyuponGod,andupondivine principles and grounds. The apostle saith, 'The spiritual manjudgethallthings,andisjudgedofnone,'1Cor.2:15.Sofarasamanis'led with the Spirit,' Rom. 8:14, he discerns things in the light of theSpirit.Hejudgethallthingstobeastheyare,inthelightoftheSpirit,andisjudgedofnone.Hismeaningisnot,thatnonewillusurpjudgmentofhim, for that they will do. The emptiest men are most rash andcensorious; but he is judged of none aright. It is a fool's bolt. But thespiritualmanindeedpassetharightverdictuponpersonsandthings,asfar as he is spiritual. And that is the reason that carnalmen especially

hate spiritualmen above all things. They hatemen that have a naturalconscience, that judgeaccordingto the lightofreason, for that isaboveanycreature.Whenamanwillnotsaywhiteisblack,thatgoodisevil,topleaseanyman in theworld,aman thathathanatural consciencewillnot do this. And this is very distasteful.Wheremen idolise themselvestheylovenotsuch,butsuchasareslavestothem.Butmuchmore,whenaman is spiritual, he judgeth all things and censureth them and theircourses; for he is above all, and seeth all beneath him. Therefore thegreatestmen in theworld areholymen.Theyare above all othermen,andwithoutusurpation,theypassacensureuponthecourseandstateofothermen,thoughtheybeneversogreat.HowsoevertheimageofGodisupon them, in regard of their authority and the like, yet in theirdispositionstheyarebase,andslavesto theircorruptionsandtoSatan.Theyarenotoutofthebaserankofnature.NowamanthatisachildofGod, he is taken into a better condition, and hath a spiritual liberty inhim.'Hejudgethallthingsandisjudgedofnone.'Theymaycallhimthisandthat; it isbutmalice,andaspiceofthesinagainsttheHolyGhost;buttheirheartstell themheisotherwise.Heshall judgethemere long,for'thesaintsshalljudgetheworld.'†ThereforeChristiansshouldknow,and takenoticeof their excellency. 'Where theSpiritofGod is, there isliberty' to judge all things as far as they come within their reach andcalling, to judge aright of all things. Thereforewe should knowhow tomaintain the credit of a Christian, that is, to maintain a libertyindependentuponallbutGod;andotherthingswithreservation,as faras they agree with conscience and religion. Thus we see how we mayjudgeofthisliberty.'WheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.'

He doth not say licentiousness to shake off all government; for by toomuch licentiousness all liberty is lost; but 'where the Spirit of God is,there is liberty.' For a true Christian is the greatest servant and thegreatestfreemanintheworld;forhehathaspiritthatwillyieldtonone.Inthingsspiritualhereservesalibertyforhisjudgment,yetforoutwardconformityoflifeandconversationheisaservanttoall,todothemgood.Lovemakeshimaservant.Christwasthegreatestservantthateverwas.Hewas both the servant ofGod and our servant.And there is none sofree. The greater portion of the Spirit, the more inward and spiritualfreedom; and the more freedom, the more disposition to serve one

anotherinlove,andtodoallthingsthatamanshoulddooutwardly,allthings that are lawful. We must take heed of that, mistake not thisspiritual liberty. Itstandswithconformity toallgood lawsandallgoodorders,andthereisagreatmistakeofcarnalmenforwantofthis.Theythinkitlibertytodoasmenlist.*Itistrue,ifamanhaveastrongandaholy understanding, to be a good leader to it, but it is the greatestbondageintheworld,tohavemostfreedominill.AsIsaidbefore,thosethataremost free in ill aremost slavesofall; for their corruptionswillnotsufferthemtoheargoodthings,tobewheregoodthingsarespoken,toaccompanywiththosethataregood,theircorruptionshaththeminsonarrowacustody.Somekindofmen,theircorruptionsaresomalignantand binding, that they will not suffer them to be in any opportunitywhereintheircorruptionsmayberestrainedatall,buttheyhatetheverysightofpersonsthatmayrestrainthem,andalllawsthatmightrestrainthem.Nowthisisthegreatestslaveryintheworld,foramantohavenoacquaintancewiththatthatiscontrarytohiscorruptdisposition.

Well, 'new lordsnew laws,'as soonaseveraman is inChristandhathChrist'sSpirit,hehathanotherlawinhissoultorulehimcontrarytothatthat therewas before. Before hewas ruled by the law of his lusts, thatcarriedhimwhitherhewould;butnowinChristhehathanewLordandanew law, and that ruleshimaccording to the regiment† of theSpirit,'The lawof theSpiritof life inChristhath freedmefromthe lawofsinandofdeath,Rom.8:2.

Use4.Again, seeingwhere theSpirit ofGod is, there is this sweet andglorious liberty, letus takeheedbyallmeans thatwedonotgrieve theSpirit.Whenwe find theHoly Ghost in the use of any goodmeans totouchuponoursouls,Ohgivehimentranceandwaytocomeintohisownchamber, as it were to provide a room for himself; as Cyprian saith,Consecra habitaculum, &c., enter into thy bedchamber; consecrate ahabitation for thyself (c).So letusgivehimway tocome intooursoulswhenheknocksbyhismotions.Wethatliveinthechurch,thereisnoneofusallbutourheartstellusthatwehaveoftenresistedtheHolyGhost.Wemight have been saved ifwehadnot been rebellious and opposite.GrievenottheSpiritbyanymeans.

Quest.HowistheSpiritgrieved?

Ans.Especiallythesetwoorthreeways.

(1.)TheSpiritbeingaSpiritofholiness,isgrievedwithuncleancourses,withuncleanmotionsandwordsandactions.HeiscalledtheHolySpirit,andhestirsupinthesoulholymotionslikehimself.Hebreathesintousholy motions, and he breathes out of us good and holy and savourywords,andstirsusuptoholyactions.Nowwhenwegive liberty toourmouthstospeakrottenly, toswear—Iamashamedalmost tonamethatword—whenwegivelibertytosuchfilthiness,isnotthisagrievingoftheSpirit, if we have the Spirit at all? If we have not a care to grieveourselves,dowenotgrieveallaboutus?Thereforetakeheedofallfilthyunholywords,thoughts,orcarriages.ItgrievestheSpirit.

(2.)ThentheSpiritisaSpiritoflove,takeheedofcankerandmalice.Wegrieve the Spirit of God by cherishing canker and malice one againstanother. It drives away the sweet spirit of love. Therefore makeconscienceofgrievingtheSpirit.HewillnotrestinamaliciousheartwhoistheSpiritoflove.

(3.)Again,theSpiritofChrist,wheresoeveritis,itisjoinedwithaspiritof humility. 'God gives grace to the humble,' James 4:6. It empties thesoulthatitmayfill it.Itemptiesitofwhatis init,ofwindyvanity,andfills itwith itself. Therefore those that are filledwith vain, high, proudconceits,theygrieveandkeepoutthegoodSpiritofGod;forweshouldemptyoursoulsthattheSpiritofGodmayhavealargedwellingthere,orelsewegrievetheSpirit.

(4.)Inaword,anysinagainstconsciencegrievestheSpiritofGod,andhinders spiritual liberty, because 'where the Spirit of God is, there isliberty.'Wouldwepreserveliberty,wemustpreservetheSpirit.Ifwesinagainstconscience,wehinderlibertyeveryway.Wehinderourlibertytogood duties. When a man sins against conscience he is dead to goodactions.Consciencetellshim,Whydoyougoaboutit,youhavedonethisandthat?Heisshackledinhisperformances;hecannotgosonaturallytoprayerandtohearing.Consciencelaysacloguponhim.

[1.]Heisshackled,inprayerespecially;hehathnotlibertytothethrone

ofgrace.Howdareshelooktoheaven,whenhebathgrievedtheSpiritofGod,andbrokenthepeaceofhisconscience?Whatcommunionhath,hewithGod?SoithinderspeacewithGod.AmancannotlookChristintheface.As aman,whenhehathwronged anotherman, he is ashamed tolookonhim,sothesoulwhenithathrunintosinsagainstconscience,itisashamedtolookonChrist,andtogotoGodagain.Thereforeanysinagainst conscience grieves the Spirit, and hinders all sweet liberty thatwasbefore.Ittakesawaythedegreeofit.

[2.]Ithindersboldnesswithmen, forwhatmakesamancourageous inhisdealingswithmen?Aclearconscience.Let itbethestoutestmanintheworld,lethimmaintainanylustagainstconscience,itwillmakehimsofaraslave;forwhenitcomestothecrossingofthatlustonce,thenyoushall see hewill even betray all his former stoutness and strength. If amanbecovetousandambitious,hemaybestoutforatime,butwhenhecomes to be crossed it will take away all liberty that a man hath, tocherishanysin.

Inaword,topreservethisliberty,letusgotoChrist,fromwhomwehavethisliberty;complaintohim.Whenwefindanycorruptionstirring,gototheLordinthewordsofStAustin,andsay,'Now,Lord,freemefrommynecessities.'*IcannotservetheeasIshoulddo,norasIwoulddo.Iamenthralled tosin,but Iwoulddobetter. Icannotdosowellas Iwould;freemefrommynecessities.ComplainofourcorruptionstoGod.Asthewomaninthelaw,whenshecomplainedifshewereassaulted,shesavedherlifebycomplaining,Deut.22:25–27,soletuscomplaintoChristifwefind violence offered to us by our corruptions. I cannot by my ownstrength set myself at liberty from this corruption. Lord, give me thySpirittodoit.Setmemoreandmoreatlibertyfrommyformerbondage,andfromthisthathathenthralledme.SocomplaintoChrist,anddesirehimtodohisoffice.Lord,thyofficeis'todissolvetheworksofthedevil,'1John3:8.AndgototheSpirit.ItistheofficeoftheHolyGhosttofreeus,tobeaSpiritof liberty.NowdesireChristandtheHolyGhosttodotheirofficeof settingusat spiritual liberty.And thiswemustdo in theuseofmeansandavoidingofoccasions,andthenitwillbeefficacioustopreserve thatspiritual libertyaswill tellourconsciences thatwearenohypocrites;andthatwillendinagloriouslibertyinthelifetocome.

And let this be a comfort to all poor struggling and striving Christiansthatarenotyetsetatperfectlibertyfromtheirlustsandcorruptions;thatit is theofficeof theSpirit ofChrist as theKingof the church; it ishisoffice by his Spirit to purge the church perfectly, tomake it a gloriousspouse.Atlasthewilldohisownoffice.Andbesidesthislibertyofgracejoinedwithconflictinthisworld,thereisanotherlibertyofglory,whenIshall be freed from all oppositions without, and from all conflict andcorruptionwithin.Itiscalled'thelibertyofthesonsofGod,'Rom.8:21,andthosethatlooknotmoreandmoreforthegraciouslibertytobefreefrompassionsandcorruptionshere,theymustnot lookforthegloriouslibertyinheaven.Butthosethatliveaconflictinglife,andpraytoChristmoreandmorefortheSpiritoflibertytosetupalibertyinus,thesemaylookforthelibertyoftheSonofGod,thatwillbeerelong,whenweshallbeoutofreach,andfreefromcorruption;whentheSpiritofGodshallbeall in all.Nowour lustswill not suffer the Spirit to be all in all, but inheavenheshall;thereshallbenothingtoriseagainsthim.Thisthathathbeenspokenshallsufficeforthat17thverse, 'TheLordistheSpirit,andwhere the Spirit, of the Lord is there is liberty.' I proceed to the nextverse,whichIpurposetodwellmoreon.

Verse18.'Butweall,asinaglass,withopenfacebeholdthegloryoftheLord,andarechangedintothesameimage,fromglorytoglory,asbytheSpiritoftheLord.'

Asthesunrisethbydegreestillhecometoshineinglory,soitwaswiththe Sun of righteousness.He discovered himself in the church by littleand little.The latter timesnowaremoreglorious than the former; andbecause comparisons give lustre, the blessed apostle, to set forth theexcellency of the administration of the covenant of grace under thegospel,he compares itwith theadministrationof the samecovenant inthe time of the law; and in the comparison prefers that administrationunderthegospelasmoreexcellent.Nowbesidesotherdifferencesinthechapter,heinsistsuponthreeespecially.

Theydifferingenerality,evidence,efficacy.

(1.) First, in regard of the generality, 'We all now with open face,' &c.MosesonlybeheldthegloryoftheLordinthemount,but'weall,'notall

men, but all sound Christians that have their eyes opened; all sorts ofbelievers,beholdthisglory.Inspiritualthingsthereisnoenvy.Everyonemaybepartaker insolidum,entirelyofall.Envy is in the thingsof thislife,wherethemoreonehaththelessanotherhath.Itisamatterofgloryand excellency the more are partakers of spiritual things. The Jewsrejoicedthat theGentilesshouldbecalled,andwenowrejoice inhope,andshouldrejoicemarvellouslyifwecouldseeiteffected,thattheJewsshouldbetakeninagain;themorethebetter;'weall.'

(2.) And then for evidence. 'We behold with open face,' that is, withfreedom and boldness, which was not in the time of the law. For theywereafraidtolookuponMoseswhenhecamedownfromthemount,hiscountenancewas somajestical and terrible.But 'we allwithopen face,'freely, boldly, and cheerfully, lookupon the gloryofGod in the gospel.Thelightofthegospelisanalluringcomfortinglight;thelightofthelawwasdazzlingandterrifying.

'Asinaglass.'TheybeheldGodinaglass,butitwasnotsoclearaglass.Theybeheldhimasitwereinthewater,webeholdhimincrystal.WeseeGod in the glass of the word and sacraments, but they in a world ofceremonies. Christ was to them swaddled and wrapped up in a greatmanytypes.

(3.)And then for the power and efficacy, the gospel is beyond the law.The lawhadnotpower to convert, to change into its own likeness; butnowthegospel,whichistheministryoftheSpirit,ithathatransformingchangingpower, into the likenessofChristwhom itpreacheth. 'Wearechangedfromglory toglory.' It isagradualchange,notallatonce,butfromglorytoglory,fromonedegreeofgracetoanother;forgraceisherecalled glory. We are changed from the state of grace till we* come toheaven,thestateofglory.

Andthenthecauseofall.Itis'bytheSpiritoftheLord.'TheSpiritrunsthroughall.Itis'bytheSpiritoftheLord'thatwebehold.ItistheSpiritoftheLordthattakesawaytheveil.ItisbytheSpiritthatwearechangedfromglorytoglory.

Thusyouseehowmanywaystheadministrationofthecovenantofgrace

now ismore excellent than the administrationof the covenant of gracewasthen.Inawordithathfourexcellenciesespecially,as,

First, Liberty and freedom from the bondage of ceremonies and of thelaw.Inagreatparttheyhadlittlegospelandagreatdealoflawmingledwithit.Wehavemuchgospelandlittlelaw.Wehavemorefreedomandliberty.

Second, And thereupon we have more clearness. We see Christ moreclearly.'WithopenfacewebeholdthegloryoftheLord.'

Third. And thirdly, there is more intension of grace. The Spirit worksmorestronglynow,eventoachange.TheministryofthegospelhaththeSpiritwithit,wherebywearechangedfromtheheart-rootinwardlyandthoroughly.

Fourth,Andlastly,intheextension.Itismorelarge.'Weall,'GentilesaswellasJews,'behold,'&c.

Hence,letusseriouslyandfruitfullyconsiderinwhatexcellenttimestheLord hath cast us, that we may answer it with thankfulness andobedience.Godhathreservedustotheseglorioustimes,betterthaneverourforefatherssaw.†

There are threemainparts of the text:Our communion and fellowshipwithGodinChrist. 'Weallnowinaglassbeholdthegloryof theLord.'Andthen,

Our conformity thereupon.Bybeholdingweare changed into the sameimage.

Thethirdisthecauseofboth;thecausewhywe'beholdthegloryofGod,'andwhybybeholding'wearechangedfromglorytoglory;'itis'theSpiritofGod.'

This text hathmany themes of glory. All is glorious in it. There is thegloriousmercyofGod inChrist,who is theLordofglory, thegospel inwhichweseethegraceofGodandofChrist;'Thegloriousgospel,'1Tim.1:11,thechangebywhichwearechanged,agloriouschange 'fromglory

toglory,'andbyagloriouspower,by 'theSpiritof theLord,'allhere isglorious.ThereforeblessedbeGod,andblessedbeChrist,andblessedbethe Spirit, and blessed be the gospel, andwe blessed that live in theseblessedandglorioustimes!Buttocometothewords.

'Butweallasinaglass,'&c.

Thehappinessofmanconsistsespeciallyintwothings:

IncommunionwithGod,inconformitytoGod.

Themeanshowtoattainthembotharelaiddowninthisverse.

I shall speak of them in order. First, of our communionwith the chiefgood;andthenoftheconformitywroughtuponthatcommunion.

Andinthecommunion,firstofGod'sdiscoveringofhimselfbyhisSpirit.

Andthenofourapprehensionofhimbybeholding.

'WeallwithopenfacebeholdthegloryoftheLord,'&c.

In the glass of the gospelwe seeChrist, and inChrist the glory ofGodshining,especiallyofhismercy.

Thepointthenhereis,that,

Doct. The grace and freemercy of God is his glory. Now in our fallenestatethegloryofGodisespeciallyhismercyshininginJesusChrist.

Whatisglory?

Gloryimplieththesethings.

[1.]First,Excellency.Nothingisgloriousbutthatthatisexcellent.

[2.] Secondly, Evidence and manifestation; for nothing is glorious,though it be excellent, if it appear not so. Therefore light is said to beglorious,because the raysof it appearand run into the eyesof all as itwere.Andthereforewecallthingsthataregloriousbythenameoflight,

illustrissimusandclarissimus,termstakenfromlight,(d)becausewhereglory is theremustbemanifestation.Thus light, it is a creatureofGodthatmanifestsitselfandotherthings.

[3.]Thirdly,Victoriousness.Inglorythereissuchadegreeofexcellencyas is victorious, and convincing that it is so indeed; conquering thecontrary that opposeth it. Light causeth darkness to vanish presently.Whenthesunwhichisagloriouscreatureappears,wherearethestars?Andwherearemeanermenintheappearanceofagloriousprince?Theyarehid.Themeanerthingsareshadowedbyglory.

[4.] Again, usually glory hath with it the suffrage and approbation ofothers,orelseithathnotitsrightend;thatis,WhydothGodcreatesuchgloryinnatureaslight,andsuchlike,butthatmenmaybeholdthelight?andwhyarekingsandgreatmengloriousatcertaintimes,butthattherebebeholders?Iftherewerenobeholderstherewouldbenoglory.

Nowtoapplythistothepointinhand.'ThegloryoftheLord;'thatis,hisattributes, especially that of grace, mercy, and love in Christ. Thatespeciallyishisexcellency.

And there is an evidence and manifestation of it. It appears to us inChrist,'ThegraceofGodhadappeared,'Titus2:11.Christiscalledgrace.He is the grace of God invested and clothed withman's nature.WhenChristappeared,thegraceandmercyandloveofGodappeared.

Thenagainitisvictorious,shiningtovictoryoverallthatiscontrary.For,alas!beloved,whatwouldbecomeofusiftherewerenotgraceabovesin,andmercyabovemisery,andpowerinChristJesusaboveallthepowerinSatananddeath!

Andthentheyhavea testimonyofall thatbelongtoGod; for theyhavetheireyesopenedtobeholdthisglory,andbybeholdingaretransformedfromglorytoglory,asweshallseeafter.

Sothatwhatsoevermaybesaidofglorymaybesaidofthisglory,whenceallothergloryindeedisderived.

'ThegloryoftheLord.'

By thegloryof theLord then ismeantespecially thegloryofhismercyandloveinJesusChrist.

TheseveralattributesofGodshineuponseveraloccasions:Theyhaveasitwereseveraltheatreswhereontodiscovertheirglory.Increationtherewaspowermostofall.Ingoverningtheworld,wiseprovidence.Inhell,justice in punishing sinners. But now to man in a lapsed estate, whatattributeshinesmost,andismostglorious?Ohitismercyandfreegrace.Ifgraceandmercywerehid,ourstatebeingas it is since the fall,whatwere all other attributes butmatter of terror? To think of thewisdom,andpower, and justice ofGodwould add aggravations.He is themorewise and powerful to take revenge on us, &c. Grace is the gloriousattribute whereby God doth as it were set himself to triumph over thegreatestillthatcanbe,oversin.Thatthatisworsethanthedevilhimselfcannot prevail over his grace. There is a greater height and depth andbreadth; there are greaterdimensions in love andmercy inChrist thanthere is inoursinsandmiseries;andall this isgloriouslydiscovered inthegospel.

DoyouwonderthenwhythegraceofGodhathfoundsuchenemiesasithathdonealway,especiallyinpopery,wheretheymingletheirworkswithgrace?FortheoppositeheartofmanbeinginaframeofenmitytoGod,sets itselfmost against that that Godwill be glorified in. Thereforeweshould labour to vindicate nothing so much as grace. We have adangerous encroaching sect risenup, enemies to the graceofGod, thatpalliate and cover their plot cunningly and closely, but they set natureagainst grace. Let us vindicate that upon all occasions; for we live bygrace, andwemust die by grace, and stand at the day of judgment bygrace;not inourownrighteousness,but in the righteousnessofChrist,beingfoundinhim.Butbecauseitisasweetpoint,andmayserveusallinstead,toconsiderthatGodwillhonourhimselfgloriouslyinthissweetattribute, let us see a little how the glory ofGod shines inChristmorethanotherwise;parallelitwithotherthingsalittle.

(1.)ThegloryofGodwasinAdam;forAdamhadtheimageofGoduponhim,andhadcommunionand fellowshipwithGod;but there isgreater

glory now shining in the gospel, in Jesus Christ, to poor sinners. Forwhenmanstoodininnocency,Goddidgoodtoagoodman,andGodwasamiableandfriendlytoafriend.AdamwasthefriendofGodthen.Nowtodogoodtohimthatisgood,andtomaintainsweetcommunionwithafriend,thisisgoodindeed,anditwasagreatgloryofGod'smercythathewouldraisesuchacreatureasmanhereto.ButnowinJesusChristthereis a further glory ofmercy; forhereGoddoth good to illmen, and thegoodness ofGod is victorious and triumphant over the greatestmiseryand the greatest ill of man. Now in the gospel God doth good to hisgreatestenemiesherein,asitisRom.5:10.Godsetforthandcommendedgloriouslyhis love, that 'whenwewereenemies,hegavehisSon forus.Thereforehere isgreatergloryofmercyand loveshining forth to fallenmaninChristthantoAdamininnocency.

(2.) The glory of God shines in the heavens. 'The heavens declare thegloryofGod,andthefirmamentshewethhishandiwork,'Ps.19:1.EverycreaturehathabeamofGod'sgloryinit.ThewholeworldisatheatreofthegloryofGod.Butwhat is thegloryofcreation,ofpreservation,andgoverning of the world, to the glory of hismercy and compassion thatshines inChrist?Thegloryof thecreature isnothing to this; forall thecreaturesweremadeofnothing; buthere the glory ofmercy is such inChristthatGodbecameacreaturehimself.

(3.)Nay,togohigher,totheangelsthemselves.Itisnotphilangelia,butphilanthropiathatoutshinesall.*Godisnotcalledtheloverofangels.Hetooknotuponhimthenatureofangels,butthenatureofman;andmanisthespouseofChrist,thememberofChrist.Angelsarenotso.Theyarebutministeringspiritsforthegoodofthemthatshallbesaved.Christ,asit is Eph. 1:21, when he rose again, he was 'advanced above allprincipalities and powers,' therefore above the angelical nature. NowChristandthechurchareallone.Theymakebutonemysticalbody.Thechurchisthequeen,andChrististheking.ThereforeChristmystical,thechurch, isaboveallangelicalnaturewhatsoever.Theangelsarenot thequeen and spouse of Christ. So the glory ofGod's goodness ismore toman,tosinfulman,afterhebelievesandismadeonewithChrist,thantoany creature whatsoever. Thus God hath dignified and advanced ournature in Jesus Christ. Comparisons give lustre. Therefore this shews

plainly unto us Christians that the glory of the mercy and love andkindnessofGodtomaninChristshinesmorethanhisgloryandmercyandkindnesstoallthecreaturesintheworldbesides.Thereforehereisaglorywithanexcellency.

Ontheotherside,nothingmoreterriblethantoconsiderofGod.OutofChrist,what ishebuta 'consumingfire'?Heb.12:29.Buttoconsiderofhismercy,hisgloriousmercyinJesusChrist,nothingismoresweet.ForinJesusChristGodhathtakenuponhimthatsweetrelationofaFather;'The Father of mercy, and God of all comfort,' 2 Cor. 1:3. So that thenatureofGodislovelyinChrist,andournatureinChristislovelytohim.Andthismadetheangels,who,thoughtheyhavenotincreaseofgracebyChrist,yethavingincreaseofcomfortandglory,whenChristwasborn,tosing from heaven 'Glory to God on high,' &c., Luke 2:14. What glory?Why,thegloryofhismercy,ofhislove,ofhisgracetosinfulmen.Indeed,thereisagloryofwisdomtoreconcilejusticeandmercytogether,andagloryoftruthtofulfilthepromise.Butthatthatsetsallattributesforoursalvationonworkwasmercyandgrace.ThereforethatisthegloryofGodespeciallyheremeant.Foraswesayinmorality,thatisthegreatestvirtuethatothervirtuesserve,soindivinity,thatattributewhichothersserveisthegreatestofall.Inoursalvation,wisdom,yea,andjusticeitself,servesmercy. For God by his wisdom devised a way to content justice, bysendinghisSontotakeournature,andinthatnaturetogivesatisfactiontojustice,thattheremightbeaharmonyamongtheattributes.Tomakesomeuseofthis.

Use 1. Doth Godmanifest his glory? I will not speak at large of glory,beinganendlessargument,butconfineittothegloryofgraceandmercyinthegospel,whichthereforeiscalledthegloryofthegospel.Isay,dothGod shew such glorious mercy in Christ? Then, I beseech you, let usjustify God, and justify this course that God hath taken to glorify hismercy in Jesus Christ, by embracing Christ. It is said of the proudPharisees, 'they despised the counsel of God,' Luke 7:30. God hathpoured out mercy, bowels of mercy, in Christ crucified. Therefore, inembracingChrist,wejustifythecounselofGodconcerningoursalvation.

DobutconsiderwhatalovingGodwehave,whowouldnotbesofarinlovewithhisonlySonas tokeephim tohimself,whenwehadneedof

him:aGod thataccountshimselfmostglorious in thoseattributes thatare most for our comfort. He accounts not himself so glorious for hiswisdom,forhispower,orforhis justice,asforhismercyandgrace,forhis philanthropia, his love of man. Shall not we therefore even beinflamedwithadesireofgratifyinghim,whohath joinedhisglorywithoursalvation?thataccountshimselfgloriousinhismercyaboveallotherattributes? Shall the angels, that have not that benefit by Christ as wehave, shall they inourbehalf, outof love tousandzeal toGod'sglory,sing fromheaven, 'Glory toGodonhigh'?and shallwebe sodeadandfrozen-hearted that reap the crop, as not to acknowledge this glory ofGod, breakingout in the gospel, the glory ofhismercy and rich grace?Theapostleissofullwhenhefallsuponthistheme,thathecannotspeakwithout words of amplification and enlargement; one while he calls it'rich grace,' Eph. 1:7, another while he stands in admiration, 'Oh thedepth of the love of God,' Rom. 11:33. What deserves admiration butgloriousthings?Thebesttestimonythatcanbegivenofgloriousthingsiswhen we admire them. Now if we would admire, is there anything soadmirable thatwe can say,Oh theheight, anddepth, aswemayof theloveofGodinChrist?Thereareallthedimensionsofunparalleledglory,height, and breadth, and depth. Therefore, I beseech you, let us oftenevenstandinadmirationoftheloveofGodtousinChrist.'SoGodlovedtheworld,'John3:16.TheScriptureleadstothisadmirationbyphrasesthatcannothaveapodesis,*aredition*backagain.'So.'How?Wecannottellhow.'So'asisbeyondallexpression.TheScriptureitselfisatastandforwords.Ohbasenature,thatwearedazzledwithanythingbutthatweshould most admire. How few of us spend our thoughts this way, toconsiderGod'swonderfulandadmirablemercyandgraceinChrist,whenyetthereisnoobjectintheworldsosweetandcomfortableasthisis,thatthe very angels pry into! They desire to pry into the mystery of oursalvationbyChrist.Theyarestudentstherein.Thecherubins,theywereset upon the mercy seat, having a counterview, one upon another,implyingakindofadmiration.TheypryintothesecretsofGod'sloveingoverninghispeople,andbringingthemtoheaven.Shalltheydoit,andshallnotwestudyandadmirethesethings,thatGodmayhavetheglory?Godmadeallforhisglory,beloved;and'thewickedforthedayofwrath,'asSolomonsaith,Prov.16:4.Andhathhenotnewmadeallforhisglory?Is not the new creature more for his glory than the old creature?

Thereforeifwewillmakeitgoodthatwearenewcreatures,letusseektoglorifyGodeveryway,notinwordalone,butinheartadmiringhim,andinlifeconversingwithhim.

And thatwemayglorifyGod indeed, letusglory inGod's love; forwemustglory in thisglory.Nature,beloved, is gloriousof itself, andvain-glorious.Butwouldyouglorywithoutvanity?Gooutof yourselvesandseewhatyouareinChrist,inthegraceandmercyandfreeloveofGod,cullingusout fromtherestofmankind;andthereyoumayglorysafelyoversin,anddeath,andhell.Forbeingjustifiedfreelyfromoursins,youcanthinkofdeath,ofthedamnationofothers,ofhell,withoutfear.'Godforbid,'saithStPaul,'thatIshouldgloryinanything,butinthecrossofChrist,'Gal.6:14; that is, in themercyofGodappointingsuchameansforsatisfaction.'Letnotthewisemangloryinhiswisdom,northestrongman glory in his strength,' &c., Jer. 9:23. There is a danger in suchglorying.Itissubjecttoacurse.Butifamanwillglory,lethim'gloryintheLord.'

Use2.Again,ifGodaccounthismercyandloveinChrist,especiallyhisglory,shallwethinkthatGodwilladmitofanypartnerwithChristinthematter of salvation? If, as the psalmist saith, 'hemade us, and not weourselves,' Ps. 100:3, shall we think that we have a hand in makingourselves again? Will God suffer his glory to be touched upon byintercessionsofsaints'merits,andsatisfaction,andfreewill?Graceisnotgloriousifweaddtheleastthingofourowntoit.Cannotwemakeahairofourhead,orthegrassthatwetrampleupon,buttheremustbeagloryandpowerofGodinit?Andcanwebringourselvestoheaven?Thereforeawaywiththat 'Hail,Mary, fullofgrace!' 'Hail,Mary, freelybeloved!' isthe right interpretation; and they that attribute matter of power andgrace and favour to her, as in that 'Ohbeseech thy Son,'&c., they takeawaythatwhereinGodandChristwillbeglorified,andattributeittohismother and other creatures (e). I do but touch this, to bring us intoloathing and abomination of that religion that sets somewhat of thecreatureagainstthatwhereinGodwillbeglorifiedaboveall.

Use3.Again, letus stayourselves,whenwewalk indarkness,with theconsideration of the gloriousness of God's mercy in Jesus Christ, herecalled'thegloryoftheLord.'Itisnolessmercythangloriousmercythat

willsatisfyus,whenweareindistressofconscience;andifthiswillnot,whatwill?LetSatanaggravateoursinsasmuchasmaybe,andjoinwithconscience in this business; yet set this glorious mercy against all oursins,makethemostofthem,theyaresinsofafinitecreature.Buthereisinfinitemercy, triumphing and rejoicing over justice, having gotten thevictoryoverit.Ohbeloved,whenthetimeoftemptationcomes,andthehour of death, and conflict with conscience, and a confluence andconcurrenceofallthatmaydiscourage,Satanwillbestirhimself;andheisacunningrhetoriciantosetall thecoloursuponsin,especially inthetime of despair; be as cunning to set all colours uponmercy, gloriousmercy.IfGodweregloriousinallotherattributes,andnotinmercy,whatwouldbecomeofus?Thegloryofotherattributeswithoutmercytendstodespair;gloriousinwisdomtofindusout;gloriousinjusticetodealwithusinrigour.Theseaffright,butthatthatsweetenethallotherattributesishismercy.

Whatacomfortisthistosinfulman,thatincastinghimselfuponChrist,anduponGod'smercy inChrist, he yields glory toGod; thatGodhathjoinedhisglorywithourspecialgood; thathere isa sweetconcurrencebetween thesummumfinis*and thesummumbonumofman!The lastendofmanofallisthegloryofGod;forthatisasitwerethepointofthecirclefromwhichallcame(forhemadeallforhisglory),andinwhichallends; so is the chief good.Therefore by theway it is a vain conceit forsometothink,'Ohwemustnotlooktoourownsalvationsomuch;thisisself-love.'

It is true, to sever the consideration of the glory of God's mercy andgoodness in it, but see both these wrapped and knit togetherindissolvable,oursalvationandGod'sglory.WehinderGod'sgloryifwebelievenothismercyinChristtous.Soatoncewewrongourselvesandhim, andwewrong himnot in amean attribute, but in hismercy andgoodness,whereinhehathappointed toglorifyhimselfmostofall;andtherefore,Ibeseechyou,letusyieldtohimthegloryofhismercy,andletus think that when we sin we cannot glorify him more than to haverecourse to his mercy. When Satan tempts us to run from God, anddiscouragethus, ashewilldoat such times, thenhavebut this inyourthoughts,Godhath sethimself tobe glorious inmercy, above all other

attributes.Andthisisthefirstmovingattributethatstirsupalltherest,and therefore God will account himself honoured if I have recourse tohim.Letthisthoughtthereforebeasacityofrefuge.Whentheavengerofblood follows thee, fleepresently to this sanctuary.Think thus,Letnotme deny myself comfort and God glory at once: 'Where sin abounds,grace abounds much more,' Rom. 5:20. Though sins after conversionstain our profession more than sins before conversion, yetnotwithstanding go to the gloriousmercy ofGod still, to seventy timesseventy times,* there is yet mercy for these.† We beseech you bereconciled,saithStPaultotheCorinthians,whentheywereinthestateofgrace, and had their pardon before. Let us never be discouraged fromgoingtoChrist.

Oh, but I have offended often and grievously.What saith the prophet?'My thoughts are not as your thoughts; but as high as the heavens areabove the earth,' &c., Isa. 55:8. Therefore howsoever amongstmen, oftoffencesbreedan eternal alienation, yetnotwithstandingwithGod it isnotso.ButsooftaswecanhavespirittogotoGodformercy,andspreadour sins before him, with broken and humble hearts, so oftenwemaytakeoutourpardon.CompareExod.33withExod.34.Moses, inchap.33:18, seq., had desired to see the face of God. There was some littlecuriosityperhapsinit.Godtoldhimthatnonecouldseehimandlive.Tosee the faceofGod inhimselfmustbe reserved forheaven,wearenotproportioned for that sight. But in the next chapter there he shewshimselftoMoses;andhowdothheshewhimselfandhisglorytoMoses?'The Lord, the Lord, gracious, merciful, long-suffering,' clothed all insweet attributes. He will be known by those names. Now, then, if wewouldknowthenameofGod,andseeGodasheispleasedanddelightedto discover himself to us, let us know him by those names that heproclaims there, shewing that the glory of the Lord in the gospelespeciallyshinesinmercy;andasIsaidbefore,itmustbegloriousmercythatcansatisfyadistressedconscience,howsoeverinthetimeofeaseandpeacewethinkalittlemercywillservetheturn.Butwhenconscienceisonceawaked,itmustbegloriousandinfinitemercymustallayit.

And therefore those that find their consciences anythingwoundedwithany sin, stand not out any longer with God, come and yield, lay down

yourweapons,thereismercyready.TheLordisgloriousinhismercyinJesus Christ. It is a victorious triumphing mercy over all sin andunworthinesswhatsoever.LookuponGodinthefaceofJesusChrist;asyou have it in 2 Cor. 4:6, 'God, who commanded light to shine out ofdarkness,hathshinedinourhearts,togiveusthelightoftheknowledgeofGod, in the face of JesusChrist.' In the face of ChristGod is lovely.Lovelinessandexcellencyisinthefaceaboveallthepartsofthebody.

'ThegloryofGod.'

Weareneverinsuchaconditionasweoughttobe,exceptgracebeglorytous;andwhenisgraceglorytoasinner?Oh,whenhefeelstheweightandburden of his sin, and languishing desires.Oh that Imight have adropofmercy!Thengraceisglory,notonly inGod'sesteem,but intheeyeofthesinner.Indeed,weareneversoundlyhumbledtillgraceinouresteembeglory;that is, till itappearexcellentandvictorious.Ibeseechyourememberit.Wemayhaveuseofitinthetimeofdesertion.

How is this grace of God in Christ conveyed to us yet nearer? By thegospel.

'Asinaglass.'

Thegospelisthe'goodwordofGod,'Heb.6:5.ItrevealsthegoodGodtous,andthegoodChrist.Itisasweetword.ForChristcoulddousnogoodwithout the word, if there were not an obligation, a covenant madebetweenGodandus,thefoundationofwhichcovenantisthesatisfactionof Christ. If therewere not promises built upon the covenant of grace,wherebyGodhathmadehimselfadebtor,whatclaimcouldasinfulsoulhave toChrist and toGod'smercy?ButGodhathboundhimself inhisword.ThereforethegraceofGodshinesinChrist,andallthatisinChristisconveyedtousbytheword,bythepromise.Thegospelthenisasweetword.Youknowthatbreedingpromiseofallothers,Gen.3:15,'Theseedofthewoman.'Thatrepealed*andconveyedthemercyofGodinChristto Adam. So the continuance of that and all the sweet and graciouspromisesbudfromthat;allmeetinChristasinacentre,allaremadeforhimandinhim.Heisthesumofallthepromises.Allthegoodthingswehave are parcels of Christ. Christ he is the Word of the Father, that

discovers all from the bosomof his Father. Therefore he is named 'theWord.' The gospel is theWord from him. Christ was discovered to theapostles,andfromtheapostlestous,totheendoftheworld,byhisSpiritaccompanyingtheordinance.SothemirrorwhereinweseethegloriousmercyofGod,isfirstChrist.Godshinesinhim,andthenthereisanotherglass wherein Christ is discovered, the glass of the gospel. Thus itpleaseth God to condescend to stoop to us poor sinners, to reveal hisglory, the glory of hismercy, fitly and suitable in a Saviour, God-man,God incarnate,God our brother,God our kinsman, and to do it all yetmore familiarly, todiscover it inaword.And then toordainaministrytogetherwiththeword,to layopentherichesofChrist; for it isnotthegospelconsiderednakedly,butthegospelunfoldedbytheministry.

Christ is thegreatordinanceofGod foroursalvation.Thegospel is thegreat ordinance ofGod, to lay open 'the unsearchable riches of Christ,'Eph.3:8.Thecasketofthisjewel,thetreasuryofhistreasure,thegraceand love andmercy ofGod, are treasured inChrist; andChrist and allgood things are treasured in the gospel. That is the richmine; and theministry of the gospel lays open thatmine to the people.Nay,God yetgoesfurther.HegiveshisHolySpiritwiththeministry.Itistheministryof the Spirit, that howsoever there are many that are not called andconverted in the gospel, yet theSpirit ofGod is beforehandwith them.TherearenoneunderthegospelbuttheSpiritgivesthemsweetmotions.He knocks at their hearts, he allures and persuades them; and if theyyieldnot,itisbecauseoftherebellionoftheirhearts.ThereismoregraceoftheSpiritofferedthanisentertained.Sothatthemouthsofmenshallbe stopped. ThusGod descends, and Christ, and grace, the gospel, theministry,theSpirit,allinwayoflovetous,thatwemaydoallinawayoflove toGodagain. It should thereforeworkus todoallwith ingenuousheartstohimagain.

Thegospel is theglasswhereinweseethisglory.Christ indeedinsomesortistheglass,forwecannotseeGodoutofChristbutheisaterrifyingsight. But in the glassChristwe can seeGod, aswe see the sun in thewater.Ifwecannotseethesuninhisglory,thatisbutacreature,howcanwe see God himself but in some glass? Therefore wemust see him inChrist,andsohissightiscomfortable.

And in the dispensing of the gospel, especially in the preaching andunfoldingoftheword,therichesofGodinChristareunfolded,andnotonlyunfolded,but theSpirit inunfoldingconveys the sense,assurance,andpersuasionthereofuntous.

There is such a connection between the evangelical truth of God andJesusChrist,thattheyhavebothonename,*toinsinuatetousthataswewillbepartakersofChrist,soitmustbeofChrist,asheisrevealedinthegospel,notinconceitsofourown.Thewordistruth,andChrististruth.Theyhavethesamename;forwerethereneversomuchmercyandloveinGod,ifitwereconcealedfromus,thatwehadnothingtoplead,thatwehadnotsometitletoitbysomediscoveryofit inhiswill,thewordandthe seal of theword, the sacraments (for the sacrament is but a visibleword, theymakeoneentire thing, thewordand sacraments; theone istheevidence,theothertheseal),whatcomfortcouldwetakeinit?Nowhiswillisinthepromise,whereinthereisnotonlyadiscoveryofwhathedothorwilldo,buthehathengagedhimself:'Ifwebelieve,weshallnotperish,buthavelife,'John3:15;and'Comeuntome,'Matt.11:28,andberefreshed,saithChrist.Everyonethatthirsts,comeandbesatisfied,John7:37.Andnowwemay claim theperformance ofwhathehath spoken,andbindhimbyhisownword. 'Hecannotdenyhimself,'John7:37.Sonowweseehimcomfortablyintheglassofthewordandsacraments.

These three go together, the glory of God; Christ the foundation of allgrace,inthecovenantofgrace;andthenthegospelofgrace,thegospelofthe kingdom, the gospel of life, that discovers the gracious face ofGodshining in Christ.We have communion with God through Christ, withChristthroughthegospel;thereforeinthegospel'webeholdasinaglassthegloryofGod.'

Thisissuitabletoourconditionwhileweareherebelow.Wecannotseedivine things otherwise than in a glass.That sight ofGod thatwe shallhaveinheaven,immediately,withoutthewordandsacraments,thatisofahighernature;whenournaturesshallbeperfect.ButwhileweliveherewecannotseeGodbutinChrist,andwecannotseehimbutinthewordand sacraments. Such is the imperfection of our sight, and such is thelustreandgloryoftheobject,thegloryofGod,thatwecannotperfectlyseeitbut inaglass.GodsaidtoMoses, 'Nonecanseemeandlive.'His

meaningis,nonecanseemeasIam,nonecanseemeimmediatelyandlive. Ifwewould seeGod, and the glory ofGod immediatelywithout aglass,wemustseeitinheaven.Wemustdiefirst.Wemustpassthroughdeath to see God face to face as he is; then, not as he is, but morefamiliarlythanwecannow.ThenGodwillrepresenthimselfsoasshallbe forourhappiness, thoughnot simplyashe is; forhe is infinite, andhowshouldfinitecomprehendinfinite?Weshallapprehendhim,butnotcomprehendhim(f).Whileweareinearth,therefore,wemustbecontenttoseehiminaglass,whichisthegospel,especiallyunfolded.

Nowinthisword'glass,'inwhichweseethegloryofGod,isimpliedbothaperfectionandsomeimperfection.

Perfection,becauseitisasaclearcrystalglassinregardoftheglassthatwasbefore;forthoseunderthelawsawChrist inaglassofceremonies.And,asIsaidbefore,thereisdifferencebetweenone'sseeinghisfaceinwaterand inacrystalglass.Sothenthis impliesperfection inregardoftheformerstate.

Again,inregardofheaven,itimpliesimperfection,forthereweshallnotseeinaglass.Sightinaglassisimperfect,thoughitbemoreperfectthanthat in water. For we know out of the principles of learning andexperience, that reflectionsweaken, and themore reflections, themoreweak.Whenweseeathingbyreflection,weseeitweakly;and[when]weseeitbyasecondreflectionfromthat,weseeitmoreweakly.Whenwesee the sunon thewall, or any thing that is light, it isweaker than thelightofthesunitself.Whenamanseethhisfaceinaglass,itisaweakerrepresentationthantoseefacetoface.Butwhenweseethesunuponthewall,reflexinguponanotherwall,thethirdreflectionisweakerthanthefirst.Themorereflectionsthemoreweak.Sohereallsightbyglasses isnot so powerful as that sight and knowledge which is face to face inheaven.ThatisthereasonthatStJamessaith,thathethatseethhisfaceinaglassissubjecttoforget(1:23).Whatisthereasonthatamancannotrememberhimself,whenhe seeth his face in a glass, sowell as he canrememberanotherman'sfacewhenheseethit?Becauseheseethhimselfonlybyreflection.Therefore it isaweakerpresentationtohim,andthememoryandapprehensionofitisweaker.Whenheseethanotherfacetoface, he remembers him longer, because there is a more lively

representation. It is not a reflection, but face to face. So there isimperfectioninthissightthatwehaveofGod,whilewearehere,asinaglass.Itisnothingtothatwhenweshallseefacetoface,withoutthewordand sacraments or any othermedium,which sight,what it is, we shallknowbetterwhenwearethere.Wecannotnowdiscoverit.ItisapartofheaventoknowwhatapprehensionsweshallhaveofGodthere.Butsureit is more excellent than that that is here. Therefore this impliesimperfection.

We consist of body and soul in this world, and our souls are muchconfined and tied to our senses. Imagination propounds to the soulgreaterthingsthanthesenses.SoGodhelpsthesoulbyoutwardthingsthat work upon the senses; sense upon the imagination, and so thingspassintothesoul.

Godframeshismannerofdealingsuitabletothenaturehehathcreatedus in. Therefore he useth the word and sacraments, and such things,wherebyhemakesimpressionsupontheverysoulitself.

Andthisindeed,bytheway,makesspiritualthingssodifficultastheyareofttimes,becausewearetoomuchenthralledto imaginationandsense,andcannotabstractandraiseourmindsfromoutwardsensiblethingstospiritualthings.Thereforeyouhavesome,allthedaysoftheirlife,spendtheir time in the bark of the Scriptures; and they are better than someothers that are all for notions and outside: such things as frame to theimagination,andnevercometoknowthespiritoftheScriptures,butrestin outward things, in languages and tongues, and such like. Whereasthese things lead further,orelse theycomenot to theirperfection.TheScripture is but a glass, to see some excellencies in it. 'We see as in aglass.'

Nowtheuseofaglassamongusespeciallyistwofold.

(1.) It is either to help weakness of sight against the excellency of theobject.When there is aweak sight and an over excellent object, then aglassisused,orsomepolite*andclearbody,aswecannotseethesuninitself. The eye is weak and the sun is glorious. These two meetingthereforetogether,wehelpitbyseeingthesuninwater,asinaneclipse.

Ifamanwouldjudgeofaneclipsehemustnotlookonthesun,butseeitinwater,andtherebeholdanddiscernthesethings;sotoseethegloryofGodinhimself, it is toogloriousanobject.Oureyesaretooweak.HowdothGodhelpit?Hehelpsitbyaglass,by'Godmanifestintheflesh,'1Tim. 3:16, and by the word and sacraments whereby we come to havecommunionwithChrist.Toapplythismoreparticularly.

Now thatwe are to receive the sacrament, conceive the sacraments areglasseswhereinweseethegloryoftheloveandmercyofGodinChrist.Fortakethebreadalone,asitdothnotrepresentandfigurebetterthings,andwhat is it? and take thewinealone, as itdothnot representbetterthings,andwhatisthewine?Butanordinarypoorcreature.Oh,buttakethemastheyareglasses,asthingsthatconveytothesoulandrepresentthingsmore excellent than themselves, so theyaregloriousordinances.Takeaglassasaglass,itisapoorthing;buttaketheglassasitrepresentsamoreexcellent thing than itself, so theyareofexcellentuse; sobreadandwinemustnotbetakenasnakedelements,butastheyrepresentandconveyamoreexcellentthingthanthemselves,thatis,Christandallhisbenefits,theloveandmercyandgraceofGodinChrist;andsotheyareexcellentglasses.Therefore Ibeseechyounow,whenyouare to receivethesacrament,letyourmindsbemoreoccupiedthanyoursenses.Whenyou take the bread, think of the body of Christ broken; andwhen youthink of uniting the bread into one substance, think of Christ and youmade one. When the wine is poured out, think of the blood of Christpouredoutforsin.Whenyouthinkoftherefreshingbythewine,thinkoftherefreshingofyourspiritsandsoulsbytheloveofGodinChrist,andoftheloveofChristthatdidnotsparehisbloodforyoursoul'sgood.HowdothChrist crucified and shedding his blood refresh the guilty soul, aswine refresheth theweak spirits. Thus consider themas glasses,wherebetter things are presented, and let yourminds be occupied as well asyoursenses,andthenyoushallbefitreceivers,as'inaglass.'

'Webehold,'&c.

Godwhenhemadetheworld,thisgloriousframeofthecreatures,andalltheir excellencies, he created light to discover itself, and all otherexcellencies. For light is a glorious creature. It discovers itself. It goeswithamajestyanddiscoversallotherthings,goodandbadwhatsoever;

and togetherwith lightGod created sight inman, and other senses, toapprehendtheexcellencyofthecreation.Whatwereallthisgoodlyframeofcreatures,thesun,andmoon,andstars,andgloryoftheearth,iftherewerenotlighttodiscoverandsighttoapprehenditby?Isitnotsointhisoutwardcreationoftheoldheavensandoldearththatmustbeconsumedwithfire?Andisitnotmuchmoreinthenewcreation?Thereisexcellentglory, marvellous glory, wondrous grace in* Christ, &c. Must there belight,andmustnot therebeaneye todiscover this?Surely theremust.Thereforeitissaidhere,'Webehold.'

GodputsaspiritualeyebyhisSpiritintoalltruebelievers,wherebytheybehold this excellent glory, this glorious grace, that Godmay have theglory,andwethecomfort.Thosearethetwomainends.Godintendshisowngloryandoursalvation.Theremustbea'beholding.'Howshouldhehave glory andwe comfort, unless allwere conveyedby spiritual sight!Well then the Spirit creates and works in us spiritual senses. Withspirituallifetherearespiritualsenses,sight,andtaste,andfeeling.Sightishereputforall,'Webehold.'

Therearemanydegreesofsight.Itisgoodtoknowthem.ThereforeIwillnamesomeofthem.

[1.] We see God in his creatures, for 'the heavens declare the glory ofGod.'Theyareabookinfolio(g).ThereGodislaidopeninhiscreatures.Thatisagoodlysight.Butwhatisthistotheknowledgeofhiminhiswilltous,whathemeanstous?Thecreaturesdiscovernotwhathemeanstous.

[2.]BesidesthereforethesightofGodinthecreatures,thereisasightofGod inhiswill, inhiswordandpromises.Thereweseewhathe is.Hisgrace is revealed inChrist, andwhathisgoodwill tous is, andhiswillfromus,whathewilldotous,andwhathewillhavefromusagain.Thereweseehimasaspouseseesherhusbandinalovingletterwhichconcernsherself. We see him as the heir sees a deed made to him with aninheritance.He seeswith application. It is not a bare sight, but a sightwith feeling and discovery of a favour. So the sight in the word andsacraments,itisahighersight.

[3.]TherewasasightofChristwhenhewas in the flesh.Whenhewascovered with the veil of our flesh upon earth, it was a sweet sight.Abrahamdesiredtosee it,John8:56,andSimeon,whenhesawit,waswillingtobedissolvedandtodepart,Luke2:29.Hehadenough.Butthatoutwardsightisnothingwithoutanotherinwardsightoffaith.

[4.]Thereisasightthereforeoffaith,andothersightsaretonopurposeif they be without this, a sight of God shining in Christ. And this isperfectedinheaven,inthesightofglory,whenweseehimasheis.Nowthereisacomfortinallthesesights,toseehiminhiswordandworks.Itwasagloriousthingtoseehiminhisbodilypresence;andbyfaithtoseeGodinChrist,toseehisfaceinChrist.OhitisasweetandlovelysighttoseeGodshininginChrist!Ohbutwhatisallthistothesightofhimafterin glory!Now this beholdingmeant here especially, is the beholding offaith,intheordinances,inthewordandsacraments.'Weallbehold,'asinthe glass of the word and sacraments, by the eye of faith. Faith isexpressed by beholding, by knowledge; for indeed faith is nothing butknowledgewithapplication.Thereforefaithincludesknowledge.Whatisfaith,but toknowGodandChrist,andthepromisesasmine?Christ inthe sacrament as mine, as verily as the outward things are mine:Knowledgewithapplicationisfaith.Therefore,whenIsayfaith,Iincludeknowledge,'Webehold.'

The knowledge of the mind is compared to the eye of the body.Knowledge and faith is compared to seeing and beholding, for manyreasons.

First,Becausesightisthemostgloriousandnoblesense.Itisthehighestinsituation,andthequickestinapprehension,forinamoment,presentlysightapprehendsitsobjectinthehighestheavens.Soitiswithfaith.Itisthemostnoblesightofall,anditisquickassightis;forfaithisthateaglein the cloud. It breaks through all, and sees in a moment Christ inheaven: it looks backward, and sees Christ upon the cross; it looksforward,andseethChristtocomeinglory.Faithissoquickagrace,thatitpresentsthingspast,thingsabove,thingstocome,andallinamoment,soquickisthiseagle-eyeoffaith.

Second, Again, it is the largest sense; for we can see almost thewhole

hemisphereatoneview.Thatalittlethingintheeyeshouldapprehendsomuch in a moment, as it is quick in apprehension, so it is large incomprehension.

Third, Again, it is the most sure sense—sight more than hearing;thereforethatdivineactofknowledgeiscomparedtoseeing;believingiscompared to beholding.When faith looks uponGod in the glass of theword and promises, it is as certain as the object is certain. Now, howcertain is theobject?Themercyand loveofGodinChrist,who is truthitself,ismostcertain.

Fourth, Then it is that sense thatworksmost upon the soul, sight; forwhatthebodyseeth,thesoulisaffectedandmovedwith.Theaffectionsof desire and love rise out of sight. It works upon the affectionsmost.Thereforetheknowledgethatstirsuptheaffections,andworksupontheheart,iscomparedtosight.Itaffectsusmarvellously,for,answerabletoour faith,we love,and joy,anddelight. Italters the frameof thewholeman. Therefore it is expressed here by beholding. Divine, spiritualknowledge, it works upon the heart. So we see why this beholdingspirituall[y]oftheunderstandingandsoul,iscomparedtooutwardsight.Itiscalledbeholding,becauseitisamostnoblespiritualactofthesoul;anditismostcertainandsure.'Faithistheevidenceofthingsnotseen,'Heb.11:1;anditworksupontheheartandsoul.

Use.Therefore,weshouldlabourtoclearthiseyeofthesoul,thatwemaybeholdthegloryofGodintheglassofthegospel.

Quest.Howshallwehave theeyeofoursouls fit tobehold thegloryofGod?

Ans.1.Wemustfixtheeyeofthesoul;fixourmeditationuponthegloryofGodandtheexcellencyofChrist.Amoving,rollingeyeseethnothing.Thereforewemustsetsometimeapart,tofixourmeditationsupontheseexcellentthingsinthegospel.

Ans.2.Thenagain,wemustlabourtohavethehindrancesremoved,bothwithinandwithout.

(1.)Sightwithin ishinderedbysomeinwardsuffusion.Wemust labourthatthesoulbecleansedandpurgedfromallcarnalpassionsanddesiresand base humours, that we may clearly behold this spiritual object.Unless the soul be spiritual, it can never behold spiritual things. Thebodilyeyecannotapprehendrationalthings,northerationaleyebeholdnot spiritual things. Therefore there must be a spiritual eye. The soulmust be purged and sanctified by the Spirit. There must be someproportion between the soul and spiritual things, before the soul canbeholdthem.Therefore,asthesoulmustbefixeduponthismeditation,sotheSpiritofGodmustsanctifyandpurgethesoul.

(2.) Outward hindrances of sight, as dust in the eyes, and clouds, &c.,they hinder sight. Satan labours to hinder the sight of the soul frombeholding the glory of God shining in the gospel, with the dust of theworld, as the apostle saith in the next chapter, 'The god of this worldblindstheeyesofmen,'2Cor.4:4,thattheybeholdnotthegloryofGodshininginthegospel.Therefore,ifthegospelbehid,itishidtothemthatperish, that are lost, inwhom the god of thisworld hath blinded theirminds,thattheybelievenot,lestthelightofthegloriousgospelofChristshould shine upon them, 2 Cor. 4:4. Therefore, take heed of toomuchworldlythings,offixingoursoulsuponthedustoftheworld,uponthingsherebelow.ThesightofChrist,andofGodinChrist, it isnotgottenbylooking below, by fixing the soul upon base things below. Let us look,therefore, that our souls be inwardly cleansed, and fixedupon spiritualthings;andthenweshallthebetterbeholdthegloryofGodshininginthegospel.

And we should preserve this sight of faith by hearing. Hearing begetsseeinginreligion.Deathcameinbytheearatthefirst.Adamhearingtheserpent,thatheshouldnothaveheard,deathcameinbytheear.Solifecomesinbytheear.Wehear,andthenwesee:'Aswehaveheard,sohaveweseen,'saytheyinthepsalm,Ps.48:8.Itistrueinreligion,mostofoursightcomesbyhearing,whichisthesenseoflearning.Godwillhaveitso.ThereforeweshouldmaintainallwecanthisbeholdingofthegloryoftheLordintheglassoftheword;andforthatendhearmuch.

Youwillaskme,WhatisthebestglassofalltoseeandknowChristin?

Ifyouaskapapist,hewillshewyoucrucifixes,andsuchkindofthings.OhbuttobeholdChristintheglassoftheword,withaspiritoffaith,thatis the best picture and representation that can be! It is scarce worthspending so much time, as to confute that foolery, to have any gracewroughtintheheartbysuchabominablemeansasthatis,astheyuseit.Takeitatthebest,itisbutabastardlyhelp,andbastardlymeansbreedabastardly devotion. For will God work grace in the heart by means ofman's devising? If pictures be any teachers, they are 'teachers of lies,'saith the prophet, Isa. 9:15; and in the church of God, till pastors andteachers became idols, idols never became teachers. Then came thedoctrineofidolsteachingofsimplepeople,whenidolsbecameteachersathousandyearsafterChrist.SothatthebestpicturetoseeChristin,isthewordandsacraments;andthebesteyetoseehimwith,istheeyeoffaithinthewordandsacraments.Keepthatclear,andweneednocrucifixes,nosuchbastardlyhelpsofbastardlydevotion,devisedbyproudmenthatwouldnotbebeholdentoGodforhisordinances.Butatouchisalmosttoomuchforsuchthings,thataresocleartomenthathavespiritualeyes.In Gal. 3:1, see what St Paul saith his judgment was: 'Oh foolishGalatians,beforewhomChristhathbeenpaintedandcrucified!'(h)Howwashepainted?Nothingbutby thepreachingofChristcrucified in thegospel,andtherichesofChristinthegospel;andinthesacramentslaidopen.Doyouthinktherewereanyothercrucifixesintheworldthen?

'Withopenface.'

Themannerofthisbeholdingis'withopenface.'Theremustbeadoubleveil taken away before we can behold the glory of God: the veil of

obscurity, and the veil of slavery; the veil of ignorance and infidelitywithin, and the veil of the things themselves. These two veils are bothtaken away beforewe canwith open face behold the glory of theLord.The inward veil is taken away by the Spirit of God illuminating ourunderstandings, and giving us a spirit of faith. The outward veil of theobscurityofthethingsistakenawaybytheteachingandministryofthegospel,having thathelp toknowthemeaningof theScriptures; so thatnowintheseglorioustimesofthegospel,boththeveilsaretakenaway,thatwemay beholdwithout hindrance the glory ofGod shining in thegospel.FornowweenjoytheministryoftheSpirit.TheSpiritiseffectualtoshineinourhearts.Andthenwehavethegiftsofmen,outwardgifts,whereby the veil of ignorance is taken away in regard of the thingsthemselves,thethingsareunfolded.

Ifthethingsofthemselvesbedark;oriftheybelightsome,andtherebenosightwithin;oriftherebesight,andthatsightbeveiled;therecanbenoseeing.ButnowtoGod'selecthetakesawayalltheseveils,heshinesinwardly and gives outward light in the help of means; and yetnotwithstandingwhilewe livehere, there is always someobscurity anddarkness, for theveilof theScriptures isnotquite took*away.There issomedarknessof theScriptures, and likewise theveil of ignoranceandinfidelity is not altogether taken away. There are some remainders ofignorance,ofinfidelity,andhardnessofheart;butyetinagreatmeasureit istakenawayhere,andshallbylittleandlittle[be]tookaway,tillwecometoseeGodfacetofaceinheaven.

'Withopenface.'

CoveringshadtwousesintheJewishstate.

They had a use of subjection. Therefore the women had their veils intokenofsubjection.

Andtheyhadauselikewiseofobscurity,tohindertheoffensive*lustreofthatthatisglorious.ThereforeMosesputaveilonhisfacewhenhecamedownfromthemount.NowinChristJesusinthegospel,boththeseveilsaretakenawayinsomerespects.Theveilofsubjectionandslavery,sofaras it is a slavery, is takenaway.TheSpirit ofChristworks liberty.As I

saidbefore,nowwe serveGodas sons, andnotas servantsany longer.The veil of subjection is taken away, only there is a spouse-like filialsubjection;theservilesubjectionwearefreedfrom.

Andthentheveilthathidthethingsistakenawaytoo.Sonow'withopenfacewebeholdthegloryoftheLord.'Nowthethingsthemselves,Christandthegraciouspromisesofgraceandgloryandcomfort,theyareclearlylaid open without any veil. How comes it then that we see them not?There is a veil over our hearts. Themore shame for us, that when thethingsareunveiledweshouldhaveaveiluponourhearts,of ignoranceandunbelief.Therefore if anybelievenot, it isbecause 'theGodof thisworldhathblindedtheireyes,'2Cor.4:4.Wherethemeansofsalvationare,andChristlaidopeninthemeans,ifmendonotbelieve,thefaultisnotinthethings;fortheyareunveiled,theyarediscoveredandlaidopen.The fault is in us. There is a veil over the heart. There is a cloud ofignoranceandunbelief,thatkeepstheheartfrombeholdingthegloryofthemercyofGodinChrist.

'Withopenface.'

WeseethegloryofGodwithboldnessinthegospel.WegoboldlytoGod.Christ takes us by the hand and leads to his Father.Wehave boldnessand access to God through Christ by the Spirit, as St Paul teacheth indiversplaces,†God isnot terrible tous.Now inChrist,God'snature isfatherlyandsweettous.Christinthegospelisourhead.ThereforewegoboldlytoGodinChrist;andChristbyhisSpiritbringsustohisFather.Wemayboldlylayopenoursoulsinprayer;andallourcomplaintsbeforehimastoaFather.Wecomenotasmalefactorstoajudge,asslavestoalord,butaschildrentoafather,asawifetoherspouse.'Withopenface'in the gospel,webeholdGod, that is,withboldnesswe go tohim.Thegospel by shininguponus takes away a spirit of fear andbondage; themoreweseeChristthelessfear;themorelovethelessfear.ThemoreweseethegraceofGodinChrist,itdiminishethaspiritoffear,andputsintous a spirit of love and boldness. For it presents to us in Christ, fullsatisfaction to divine justice, that when we offer Christ to the Fatherwhomhehathsentandsealedforus,GodcannotrefuseaSaviourofhisownsendingandsealing,andappointingtosatisfyhisjustice.Thereforewegoboldlytothethroneofgrace.Itisamarvellousprivilegethatwesee

Godclearlyinthegospel,withopenface,withaspiritofboldness,theveilofignorancebeingtakenaway.ForthesightofGodtoaconsciencethatisnatural, and is not convinced of themercy ofGod by the Spirit, it is aterrible sight. A guilty conscience cannot see aman but it trembles. Itcannot see a judge without trembling. And will not the tremblingconscience,theguiltysoul,fleefromthefaceofGodapace,thattremblesat the sight of aman?What is so contrary as the nature ofGod to thenatureofmanoutofChrist?Theunholy,impure,anduncleannatureofman,tothepure,holynatureofGod?IfChristhadnottakenournatureandsanctifieditinhimself,andsatisfiedjusticeinit,whatboldnesscouldthis unclean nature of ours have had to go to the holy God? Let us, Ibeseechyou,bewrappedupinadmirationofthesingularloveofGodtous, especially in thedaysof thegospel, thatnowwesee inaglass, inaclearglass,theloveofGodinChrist,andwithopenfaceboldlywemaygotoGod.

Sometimeswhenthesoulisboldinsin,itweakenethboldnessandfaith,andmakesuslookuponthatobjectthatoursinshathdeserved,uponawiseGod.ForhowsoeverwemaybeholdhisgloriousfaceinChrist,yetifwebeholdsinagainstconscience,Godwillhidehimself,Christwillhidehisface,andhidethepromises,andleaveustoterrorsofconscience;andthe soul shall not apprehend his gracious face in Christ, but thatcorrectionthatoursinhathdeserved.Godhathpoweroverthesoul,andmakesthesoulapprehendwhatobjecthewill;andhepresentstoaboldsoulthatrunsintosinwhatitdeserves,hellforthepresent.ThereisnoterrorstotheterrorofaChristianthatisboldinsin,tillGodshineuponhim inhis grace again.Sins against conscience, especiallywasting sins,weakenfaith,thatwecannotgosoboldlytoGod.Thereforethosethatsaywhen they sin against conscience, that all the cause of their grief isbecausetheydonotconceivethefreemercyofGod,theyareignorantofGod'sways.Godiswise,andthoughhepardonsin,assinispardonedinheaven, before it be pardoned in the conscience, they shall never bepardonedinthyconsciencetillGodhavemadethyconsciencesmartforit;andGodwillletwrathintothyconscience,andthyfaithshallstagger.Itisasinforfaithtostagger,itshouldnotdoso;butitwilltrembleandquake,tillwehavehumbledourselvesbeforeGod.

What is theway,afterwehavehadboldnessandsweet familiaritywithGod,andithathbeeninterruptedbysin?howshallwerecoverourselves?

Surely,toapprehendoursinstobepardonableinChrist,andthatGodisaneverlastingFather,andthat thecovenantofgrace iseverlasting,andthatthereismercyinIsraelforthisthing;andtheconceit*ofmercymustwork our hearts to grief and shame. That is certain; for mark in thegospel,'Comeuntome,allyethatarewearyandheavyladen,'Mat.11:28.He calls uswhenwe find our consciences afflicted and tormented. 'Hecametosavethatwhichwaslost,'Mat.18:11.BytheblessedpoweroftheSpirit, the blood ofChrist is as a fountain 'for Judah and Jerusalem towashin,'Zech.13:1,andthe'bloodofChristpurgethusfromsin,'1John1:7;andChristbidsus fordaily trespassesaskpardon,Mat.6:12.DailythereforeconceivegoodnessinGodstill,aneverlastingcurrentofmercy;andthismustworkuponusgriefandshame,andrecoverandstrengthenour faith again. For God's children, after breaches, arise the strongerratherthanevertheywerebefore.Butthisonlybytheway.WeseeherehowGod'sgloriousgraceisconveyedtous,andwhatiswroughtinustoapprehendit,aspiritualeyetoseeit,intheglassofthegospel,and'withopenfacewebeholdit,'wemaygoboldlytothethroneofgrace.

I beseech you, let not that privilege be forgotten, this privilege of thegospel.Whatisthegloryofthetimeswelivein,butGod'sfacediscoveredinChrist? In thegospel faith iswrought inus toapprehend this, toseeGod'sfaceopenly,andthatwemaycomeboldlywithBenjamin,ourelderbrother;*comewithEsau'sgarments,Gen.27:23;comewithChrist,andwe cannot be too bold. Remember alway there must be a reverentfamiliarity, because he hath majesty mixed with his bowels of mercy.Botharemixedtogether;beamsandbowels.Soourcarriagetohimmustbelovingandfamiliar,asheisfullofbowelsofmercy.Butthenhehathmajesty.Areverentfamiliarityisfitforafather,andforsograciousandso sweet aGod.Therefore thatphrasewe see in theScriptures, 'Wegoboldly,'andcry,'Abba,Father,'Rom.8:15.Fatherisawordofreverence;thatis,wegoboldlytoGodinChrist,andopenourwantsastoafather,with love and reverence; as it is said here, 'with open face.' Let us notforgetthisprivilege.

'Weall.'

Here is the generality, 'We all.' Before, inMoses's time, he alonewentintothemountandsawGod;butnow'weall,'JewsandGentiles,wherethe gospel is preached, 'we all.' Therefore, you see here the church isenlargedbythecomingofChrist.AnditwasacomforttoStPaul,andtoallgoodChristians,tothinkoftheenlargementofthechurchbytakingintheGentiles,asitwillbeacomforthereaftertothinkoftheenlargingofthechurchbytaking intheJewsagain.Themorethebetter inreligion.Whyis itaprivilegeformany,that 'weall?'Becauseinmattersofgraceand glory there is no envy at all. All may share without prejudice. Allcannotbekingshereuponearth,norallcannotbegreatmen,becausethemoreonehaththelessanotherhath.ButinChristandinreligionallmaybegracious.Godrespectseveryone,asiftherewerenonebutthem.Herespectsallasone,andone,as if therewerenonebuthe.Everymaninsolidum,asciviliansexpressit,entirelyenjoyethChrist,as if therewerenonebuthe.Heistoallasone,andtooneasiftherewerenonebuthe.Thereisnoenvy,asIsaid,ingraceandglory,whereallmaysharealike.Andthatisthereasonwhyitisalwaycomfortabletothinkofcommunityinreligion.Itisjoinedwithcomfort.

Andindeedsoitismatterofcomforttoseeacommunionofmanyinone;forwhatisthemysticalbodyofChristJesusbutmanymembersjoinedinone body, under one gracious and glorious head? And therefore it is adeformedsighttoseefractionanddisunion.It isthatthedevilrules in.Divideandrule.It isfit forthedevil.GodandChristruleinunion.ThesameSpiritofGodthatknitsthememberstotheheadbyfaith,knitsthemembersonetoanotherinlove;andallgraceisderivedfromtheheadtothe members, as they are united to the body. If there be thereforedisunion,thereisnograceconveyedsofarasthereisdisunion.Thereisno grace conveyed from the head; for the body grows up as compactunderonehead.

Thereforeletuslabourtocherishunion,andaswehatedistractionitself,so hate distraction and division; for dissipation causeth distraction.†Thereforebyallmeanslabourforunion,especiallynowwearetotakethecommunion,thatisasealofourcommunionwithChristbyfaith,andonewith another. By love let us labour to bring our hearts to a holycommunion. None gains by disunion but the devil himself. Alway his

policyistomakethebreachgreaterwhereanyis.Thereforeletuslabourbyallmeanstobeunited.Themorejointogetherintheblessedmysteriesofthegospel,themorecomfortandthemoreglory.WhenallliveandjointogetherinholythingsofGod,andinsweetloveonetoanother,itisthegloryofthatplaceandsocietyandstate.Somuchforthat'weall.'

'Andarechanged.'

Ishewedbeforehowman'shappinessstandspartly incommunionwithGod, and partly in his conformity and likeness to God. And surelywheresoever there is communion there will be conformity. Thisconformity isheresetdownspringing fromcommunion. 'Weallbeholdthe glory of God.' Now, reconciled in Jesus Christ, what doth thatbeholding work? A conformity. We are 'changed into the same image,fromglorytoglory.'Inthesewordswesee,

First,Anecessityofachange;changedwemustbe.

Then in this change there must be a pattern of conformity. We arechangedintotheimageofChrist,whoistheprototype,thefirsttypeandideaofallperfection.Wearechangedintothesameimage.

And then, how this change is wrought to the image of Christ. It is bybeholdingthegloryofChristinthegospel.Thereisatransformingpowerin beholding the glory of God's mercy in Christ. It is not a delightingobjectonly,toseethemercyofGodinChrist,butitisapowerfulobjectthathathaninfluenceuponthesoul.

Andthenthestateofmanafterthischange,itisagloriouscondition,'Wearechangedfromglory.'

Andthenitisagrowingcondition,'Wearechangedfromglorytoglory.'Still,tillwecometothatpitch,wheretherecanbenogrowth;whenthesoulshallbe filled 'with the fulnessofGod,'as theapostlespeaks,Eph.3:19;whenthesoulshallhaveall thepowersthat ithathtoreceiveandretain,andcomprehend,allthecornersofitfilled.Sowegrowfromglorytoglorytillthen.Thesethingsfollowoneanother.Tobeginwiththefirst.

Thereisanecessityofachange.

Inthestatewearewemustbechanged,asChristtellsNicodemus,John3:1,seq.Theremustbeachange;andsuchachangeasisanewbirth.Itmust be all new, as a bell; if there be but a crack in it, itmust be newmouldedandcastagain.Itisgoodfornothingelse.Sothesoulofman,iftherebebutaflaw,butacrack,allisnaught.Itmustbecastandmouldedagainanew.Wemustbeset intuneagain.All isoutof tune.Beforethesoul canmake any sweet harmony in the ears ofGod, theremust be achange. There is no coming to heaven without a change.What need Ipress this, it is soeasyapoint in religion. 'Exceptwebebornanewwecannotenterintoheaven,'John3:3.Buttoclearfromevidenceofreasonthenecessityofachangeinthewholeman.

First, Because we are in a contrary state to grace and to God.We aredead.Theremustbelifeinusbeforewecometoheaven.Weareenemies,and if* enemies we must be made friends. How shall we be fit forcommunion else with God, wherein our happiness stands, withoutconformity?Communionisbetweenfriends.Beforethosethatare inanoppositeconditioncanbe friends, theremustbeanalteration;and thisalteration it must be on God's part, or on our part. Now who mustchange? God that is unchangeable, or we that are corrupt andchangeable? God will not change. There is no reason he should. He isgoodness itself, alway unchangeable. His perfection stands in anindividualpoint.Hecannotalterawhit.Thereisnotashadowofchangein God. Therefore, when there is difference between God and us, thechangemustbeonourpart.Wemustbechanged,asitisRom.12:2,andother places, 'in the spirit of ourminds.'Wemust be whollymouldedanew.WherethereisaconditionsooppositeastheframeofourheartsistoGod, he being holiness andwe amass and lump of sin, of necessitythere must be a change. God intends in the gospel to bring us nearhimself,andChrist'sendistobringustoGod,asitis1Pet.3:18.AllthegospelistobringusbacktoGodfromwhomwefell.Nowournature,asIsaid,isdefiledandunholy;andwecannotbefriendswithGodtilltherebe a likeness in disposition to God. Therefore our natures must besuitabletothesweetandholyandpurenatureofGodinsomemeasure.WeenterintoacovenantwithGod,inthecovenantofgrace,andhowcan

wemaintain the covenant of grace, without some likeness to God andChrist? In that regard of necessity there must be a change; and thischangemust be on our part. Aswe see in an instrument, those stringsthatareoutoftunearebroughttothemthatarein,soitiswethatmustchangeandalter,andnotGod.Godisalwayunchangeable,likehimselfinhislove;anditisourcomfortthatheissounchangeableinhismercyandholinessandjustice.ThereforeIsaythechangemustbeonourpart.

'Fleshandblood,asitis,cannotenterintoheaven,'1Cor.15:50;thatis,the nature ofman, as it is corrupted; wemust have new judgments ofthings,andnewdesires,andnewesteem,newaffections,newjoys,newdelights,newconversation,newcompany.Alltheframeofthesoulmustbenew.Theremustbeanewbentofsoul.Itmustbeturnedanotherway.The face of the soul must look clean another way. Whereas before itlookedtotheworld-ward,andtothingsbelow,nowitmustlooktoGod-ward andheaven-ward.Therefore those that are in their purenaturals,thatfeelnochangeinthemselves,whatshallwethinkofthem?Theyarenotinthestateofgrace,forofnecessitytheremustbeachange.

Thereisadoublechange,realandgradual.

First,Arealchange,fromilltogood.

Andthen,Agradualchangefrombettertobetter,'fromglorytoglory.'

The first change is from the state of nature to grace at our firstconversion,whenGodputsthefirstformandstampuponus.

Andthenachangeingrace,'fromglorytoglory,'wemustbechanged.

Second,Then again,we all expect glory inheaven; andhow canwedothatexceptwebefittedforit?Thechurchisthefittingplaceforglory.Weenterintoheaveninthechurchhere.Wearehewnandsquaredhere.Ifwebenotholyhere,weshallneverenter intoheaven.Theremustbeachange begun here if ever it be perfected in heaven. 'No unclean thingshall come there,' Rev. 21:27. As soon as ever Satan, an angel of light,sinned,hewastumbledoutofheaven.Itwillbrook*nouncleanthing;nouncleanthingshallevercomethereagain.Thereforeournaturemustbe

alteredsuitable to thatplaceandgloriouscondition,beforewecome toheaven. Except we be new born, we cannot enter into the kingdom ofGod.ThereisdirectScriptureforit.Beloved,thisisforgot.MentrusttothegraceandmercyofGod,andlooknotafterachange;andthisholdsmanyfromembracingthegospelinthetruthofit;romknowingChristasthe truth is in him. They hear they must be changed, which they areunwillingto.TheybelievethatGodismerciful,andthatChristdied,&c.Theysnatchsomuchofthegospel,asmayservetobuildthemupinself-love.Sofartheythinkall iswell.Butwhentheyseesuchgraceasmustteachthem'todenyungodlinessandworldlylusts,'Titus2:12,andsuchgrace asmust change and alter them, this they cannot brook. They arecontenttogotoheaveniftheymayhaveitinawaytohell;inmaintainingtheir corruptions; being proud and covetous and worldly, as they are.Thismustnotbe.Ofnecessitytheremustbeachange.

Third, Nay, I say more, beside the former reasons, the soul that trulydesiresmercyandfavour,desiresalwayspoweragainstsin.Pardonandpower go together, inGod's gift and in the desire of a Christian's soul.There is no Christian soul but he desires the grace of sanctification tochangehim,asmuchasthegraceofpardon;forhelooksuponcorruptionand sin as the vilest thing in the world; and upon grace and the newcreatureasthebestthingintheworld.Thereisnomanchangedbuthehaththoseapprehensionsofsanctification.

Rememberthisagainstsomeweakconceitslikewise,thatwouldhaveallthe change in justification. They rent* Christ's offices, as if hewere allpriest, and not a king to govern; as if he were righteousness, and notsanctification; as if he had merit to die for us and to give us hisrighteousness,andnoefficacytochangeournatures;asifinthecovenantofgraceGoddidnotwritehislawinourhearts,butonlyforgaveoursins.He doth both in the covenant of grace. And where God makes acombination,wemustnotbreak it.Efficacyandmerit, justificationandsanctification,waterandblood,gotogether.Theremustbeachange.Buttofollowthepointalittlefurther.

Fourth,Theremustbechange,becausenoholyactioncancomefromanunchangedpowerandfaculty.Actionsspringfrompowersandfaculties.They are suitable to them. Therefore there must be a change in the

powersandfacultiesofthesoul,beforetherebeachangeinthelifeandconversation.Thesethreefollowinnature.

Theform,andliving,andbeingofthings;andpowers;andactionissuingfromthepower.Sointhelifeofgraceandsanctificationthereisapowerandability tobelieve inGod,andtobeholy,andto loveGod;andthentheactionsof lovespringfromthatpower.Welive,andthenwehaveapowertomove.Innature,beingandlifeandmovinggotogether.Soifwehaveabeingingrace,wehaveapowertomove.Ibeseechyou,therefore,considerthenecessityofachangeoftheinwardman,ofthepowersandfacultiesofthesoul.Cantheeyeseewithoutapowerofseeing?ortheearhearwithoutafacultyofhearing?Canthesoulperformsanctifiedactionswithoutasanctifiedpower?Itisimpossible.

Andespeciallythealterationandchangeisinthewill,whichsomewouldhaveuntouched.Theywouldhaveitfree;thosethatwouldhavenomoregiventogracethanneedsmust.Butgraceworksuponthewillmostofall.Divinityrulesthewillespecially.Forthebentofthewillmakesagoodorabadman;andthedesiresofthewillcarrythewholemanwithit.Weareasthebentisofourwill.Weareasthechoiceofourwillis.Ifthechoice,andbent,andbiasbetherightway,bytheSpirit,itisgood.Ifthewillbenotinclinedandwroughttogothebestway,thereisnoworkofgraceatall. Though all grace come in through the understanding enlightened,that is the first, yet it goeth into the will. It passeth through theunderstanding intothewill,and itputsanewtasteandrelishuponthewillandaffections.

Well,yousee, therefore, that thegracewrought in thegospel it isnotamere persuasion and entreaty, &c., but a powerful work of the Spiritenteringintothesoulandchangingit,andalteringandturningthebentand inclination of the will heavenward, whereas* corruption of natureturns the soul downward to things below. When the Spirit of Godenterethintothesoul,itisnotonlybymereoutwardpersuasiontoleaveit to the liberty of will, but it altereth the taste of the will. The soul iscarriedup, and is shut to thingsbelow. It useth theworld as though itused it not. We must have great conceits of the work of grace. TheScripturehathgreatwordsofit.Itisanalteration,achange,anewman,anewcreature,newbirth,&c.Weseethenecessityofachange.

Fifth.Again,anotherreasonisthis:God,wherehecallsanddignifies,healsoqualifies.Princescannotqualifythosetheyraise,butGod,whomheadvanceth toglory,he fitsandqualifies forglory;wherehebestowshismerciesandfavours to lifeeverlasting,hecalls togreatmatters,andhealsochangeththem.IfSaulwerechangedwhenhecametobeaking,inregard of a new quality, shall we think that God will call any to theparticipationofhisgloriousmercyinChrist,inpardoningtheirsin,andacceptingthemto lifeeternal,buthewillchangethem?No.Whosoeverhecallstoglory,hechangethandaltereththeirdispositionstobefitforsogloriousaconditionasaChristianiscalledto.Theremustbeachange.

Proud men love not to hear of this. It is a prejudice to their formerauthority.What!Ithatwasaccountedawiseman,nowtobeafool!Ithatwasaccountedsoandso,toalterallmyframeandcourse,andtoturnthestream another way—the world will say I gomad. I say because gracealterethandchangethall:'Oldthingsarepassedaway,andallthingsarebecomenew,'2Cor.5:17;thosethatarecarnalandproudcannotendureachange,becauseitissomeprejudicetotheirreputation.Butitmustbesoiftheylookforsalvation.Thusyouseethatpointprovedenough.

'Intothesameimage.'

ThepatterntowhichwearechangedistheimageofChrist.It isarule,andatruerule,thefirstineverykindisthemeasureofalltherest.Itistheidea,thepattern,andplatformofalltherest.NowChrististhefirst,forheisthe'first-born,'the'firstfruits,'the'firstbeloved.'Thereforeheisthepattern of all the rest, and themeasure of all other. ThenearerwecometoChrist,thebetterweare;forthat isthemeasureofathing,thenearer it answereth to that the better. Now Christ is the best, and ournatureinChristisjoinedtotheGodheadinoneperson.ThereforewearechangedtothelikenessofChrist,'thesecondAdam;'forasbeforewearechanged,wearecorruptedanddepravedaccordingtothelikenessofthefirstAdamafterhisfall;andasbeforehisfall,ifhehadnotfallen,wehadbeenbornaccordingtohis likeness,that is,goodandrighteous;sonowbeing fallen, as soon as by faith we are planted and grafted into thesecondAdamwearechangedintohislikeness.ChristasitwereisGod'smaster-piece, that is, the excellentest work, and device, and frame of

heaventhateverwas,tosetupsuchaMediator,toreconcilejusticeandmercyinbringingGodandmanintooneperson.NowChristbeingGod'smaster-piece,thebestandmostexcellentframeofall,heisfittobethepatternofallexcellencywhatsoever.Thereforeheistheimage,theidea,thepatternandplatformofalloursanctification.

ChristthesecondAdamistheimageintowhichwearechanged.WearenotchangedtotheimageofthefirstAdambygrace,buttotheimageofthesecondAdam.Thereisfromhimaderivationofallgood,oppositetoalltheillwedrewfromthefirstAdam.WedrewfromthefirstAdamthedispleasure of God; by the second we obtain the favour of God by hisdeathandsatisfaction.WiththewrathofGodwedrewcorruptionfromthefirstAdam,inthesecondwehavegrace.FromthefirstAdamwehavedeath,andallthemiseriesthatattenddeathandfollowit.InthesecondAdam we have life and all happiness, till it end in glory. In a word,whatsoeverillwehaveinthefirstAdam,itisrepairedabundantlyinthesecond,whenwearechangedintohisimage.Therefore,whenyoureadofthe image of God in theNew Testament, itmust be understood of theimageofGodinJesusChrist,thesecondAdam.

Nowthis imageconsists inknowledge, inholinessandrighteousness.IfwecompareCol.3withEph.4, thiswasperfect inChrist,whowas theimage of his Father, and we must be like Christ the second Adam insanctification.

NowthegroundswhywemustbeconformabletotheimageofthesecondAdam,andnottothefirst,arethese:

BecausethesecondAdamisfarexcellingthefirstAdam;andasIsaid,wemustbeconformedtothebestimage.Aswehavebornetheimageofthefirst,sowemustbeartheimageofthesecond,asitisin1Cor.15:49.

AndthentheimageofGodinthesecondAdamismoredurable.Forallexcellencies andgrace ismore firmly set onChrist than ever theywereuponAdam.Itissetuponhimwithsuchacharacterandstampasshallneverbealtered.WhenGodsethisimageonthefirstAdamitwasrased,anddecayed,andlost,bythemaliceofthedevil,becauseitwasnotsetonso firmly, Adam being a man and a good man, yet he was a man

changeable. But Christ isGod-man; in one natureGod hath set such astamp of grace on the human nature, being eternally united to theGodhead,thatshallneverbealtered.ThereforewearerenewedaccordingtotheimageofGodasitisstampedonChrist,notasitwasstampedonthefirstAdam.

AndthatisthereasonwhythestateofGod'schildrenisunalterable,whybeingoncegracioustheyaresoforever.IfGodsetthestampoftheSpiritofChristonthem,itisfirm,asitisuponChrist.ItneveraltersinChrist,norinthosethataremembersofChrist.Thealterationisingrowthfrombetter to better.God's children sometimes a little deface that image bysin,security,andthelike.Butasapieceofcointhatisalittledefaced,yetit hath the old stamp still, and is acknowledged for good coin, so aChristian in all desertions, in the worst state, he hath the stamp still.Though it be darkened by his carelessness, yet after it receives a freshstamp it is an everlasting stamp.When oncewe areGod's coinwe areneverreprobatesilver.Andall is,becauseweare 'renewedaccording totheimageofChrist,'andgraceisfirmlysetinournatureinChristsosurethat all the devils in hell cannot rase it out. And he is the 'quickeningSpirit,'andthereforeabletotransformustohislikenessbetterthanthefirstAdamwas.ThereforetheimageofGodisthelikenessofthesecondAdam,andwearechangedintothat.

NowthereasonswhythesecondAdamchangethusintohisownimagearemany:

First, Because he is a powerful head that changeth all his members, apowerful root that changeth all his branches into his own nature, apowerfulhusbandthatchangethhisownspouse.Isay,heisaquickeningSpirit,apublicperson,andtherootofallbelievers,asthefirstAdamwasofusallaswearenaturalmen.

Second,Again,itismeetthatbrethrenshouldbeallalike;therefore,asitisinRom.8:29,'wearepredestinatetobeconformtoChrist.' 'Heisthefirst among many brethren.' The chief brethren must be all alike.Therefore we being predestinate to salvation, it was fit we should bepredestinatetobeconformabletoourelderbrother,thatbrethrenmightbe of one nature and disposition. It is fit that the husband and wife

shouldbeofonedisposition.Christisthehusbandandwearethespouse.Thereforebygracehealters,andcleanseth,andpurgethhisspouse,asitisEph.5:25, seq., 'He lovedhis spouse,andgavehimself for it; thathemightpurgeit,andmakeitagloriousspouse.'Itismeetthewifeshouldbethegloryofthehusband,asStPaulsaith,1Cor.11:7,thatis,thatsheshouldreflecttheexcellenciesofherhusband.ThereforethatthechurchmightbethegloryofChristandreflect theexcellenciesofChrist,she ischanged to be like Christ more and more daily. There is a kind ofcongruity that brethren should be like, and that the spouse and thehusbandshouldbealike.ThereforeGodhathordainedthatweshouldbelike him in a threefold degree: in suffering, in grace, and in glory.Whosoeverwillbelikehiminglory,mustbelikehimingrace.FirstGod'selectionandordainingmusthaveitsissue;thatis,therepresentationofthelikenessofChristinournatures.

Third,Again,theendofChrist'scomingwas'todestroytheworksofthedevil,' 1John3:8, todefaceallSatan'sworks,especiallyhiswork inus,the imageofSatan inourdispositions.Foreverymanbynaturecarriestheimageofthedevilonhim,tilltheimageofChristbestampedon,andtheimageofSatanrasedout.Forinmanthereisnaturallyanoppositionto the truth,ahatredofGodandofgood things.NowChristcoming todissolve the works of the devil, puts out this image, and sets his ownstampandimageuponthesoul.ThereforeunlessChristchangeustohisownimageheshouldmissoftheendofhiscoming.TheseandmanysuchreasonstherearetoprovethatwearerestoredaccordingtotheimageofChristJesus,andwhyChristwillchangeustohisownlikeness.Toaddonemore:

Fourth, The end of Christ is, that we should enter into a sweetcommunionwithhim.Thereforehewillsetsuchastampuponusashemay delight in us and be friends. Now if he should not change ournatures, what correspondence could there be between Christ and us?Nowwhenhehathalteredandchangedus,helooksonusascarryinghisstampandimage.

Use 1. If this be so, that we are changed into the image of the secondAdam,JesusChrist,thenIbeseechyouletuslaboureverydaymoreandmoretostudyChrist,thatsobybeholdingChristwemaybetransformed

into his likeness. For the looking upon Christ is a transforming sight.Therefore letus look intohisdispositionas it is set forth in thegospel,and to his carriage, and look to his privileges, that so wemay receive'grace for grace,' grace suitable to his grace, disposition suitable to hisdisposition, conversationsuitable tohis conversation,andprivilegeandprerogative suitable to his prerogative, that we may be like him everyway.

Whatwashisdispositionandcarriage? Itwere too large tounfold it toyouasitisinthegospel,butbecausewemustbechangedintotheimageof Christ, it is good to look to that picture, that wemay resemble thatImageasmuchasmaybe.Youseeinthegospelhowhecarriedhimselftohisfriends,enemies,thedevil,himself.

You seehow full of lovehewas.Whatdrewhim fromheaven to earth,andso tohiscrossandtohisgrave,but love tomankind?Youseehowfullofgoodnesshewas:'Hewentaboutdoingallthegoodhecould,'Acts10:38.Howmuch good doth that speech savour of that Paul speaks ofhim, 'It isamoreblessed thing togive than to receive,'Acts20:35.Seehow full of zeal he was! He whipped the buyers and sellers out of thetemple,John2:15.Hewasfullofgoodness.Itwashismeatanddrinktodo good, John 4:32, seq. It was as natural to him as for a fountain tostreamout.

(1.)Andas I said forhiscarriage towardhis friends, to those thatweregood,howsweetandindulgentwashe.

[1.]Wheretherewasanybeginningsofgoodness,hedidencourageit.Henever sent anybackagain,but those thatwentbackagainof theirownhead, as the young man. Christ sent him not back. He was so full ofsweetness to weak Christians, nay, he discovered himself most to theweakest.Hewasnevermore familiarwithany thanwith thewomanofSamaria,thatwasanadulteress,John4:6,seq.;andMarythathadbeenasinner,howsweetlydidheappeartoherfirst,John20:1,seq.Howsweetwashetosinnerswhentheyrepented!howreadytoforgiveandpardon!SeeitinPeter.Henevercasthimintheteethwithhisapostasy;heneverupbraidedhimwithit;heneversomuchastellshimofit,onlyhe'looks'uponhim,andafterward,'Lovestthoume?'&c.,John21:15.

[2.]Hewouldnot'quenchthesmokingflax,norbreakthebruisedreed,'Mat.12:20,sogentleandsweetaSaviourhavewe.Hewassweettothosethatwere good in the lowest degree of goodness; nay,where therewasbut a representation of goodness, as in the youngman, he kissed andembraced himwhen he came and said, 'What good thing shall I do toinherit eternal life?'Mark 10:17.He embracedhim, andmademuch ofhim.AndsotothePharisee,'ThouartnotfarfromthekingdomofGod,'Mark 12:34. He laboured to pull him further. He was of a winning,gaining disposition. Those that were good he loved them, and carriedhimself so to all asmuch asmight be. Shallwenot labour to be of hisdisposition,nottosetpeoplefurtheroff,buttobeofagaining,winningnature?

[3.] See how obedient hewas to his Father, 'Notmywill, but thine bedone,'Mat.26:42;bothinactiveandpassiveobedience, inall thingshelookedtohisFather'swill,beingsubordinatetohim.Wheresoeverthereis subordination, there ought to be obedience. Now there is asubordinationtoGodasourFatherinChrist.Thereforeweshouldlabourto be obedient even to death, as Christ was. Our happiness stands insubordination. The happiness of the inferior is in subjection to thesuperiorthatmaydohimgood.ThereforewemustbeobedienttoGodasChristwas.Weseeheprayedwholenights.*

(2.) For his own particular, how holy and heavenly was he.† He takesoccasion of vines, of stones, of water, of sheep, and all things to beheavenlyminded,toraisehissouluponalloccasions.Andwhenherosefrom thedead, and conversedwithhisdisciples,whatwashis talk?Hediscoursed all of matters of the kingdom of heaven. So his wholedispositionwasheavenlyandholyinhimself,andpatientinwrongsdonetohim.Hedidnotreturninjuryforinjury.Youseehowmeekhewas.Igiveyoubutatouchofeveryparticular.Youmaybyproportionapplytherest.Hewas inhisownparticularholyandheavenly, and fullofpurityandholinessandheavenliness.

(3.)Whatwashetohisenemies?Didhecall for fire fromheavenwhentheywrongedhim?Washeallonaheat?Whenhispoordisciples,beingmorefleshthanspirit,wouldhavefirefromheaven,'Youknownotwhatspirityouareof,' saithhe,Luke9:55.Heshedtears for those thatshed

his blood, 'Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem,' &c., Mat. 23:37, that afterwardcrucified him. And upon the cross you see there to his very enemies,'Father,forgivethem,theyknownotwhattheydo,'Luke23:34.Sothenifwe will be like to Christ, consider how he carried himself to God indevotion and obedience, and how in himself he was full of purity andholiness, unspotted every way; how to his friends, to all that had anygoodness in them; and how to his enemies, he prayed for his veryenemies.

(4.)Andforthedevilhimself.DealwithhimasChristdid,thatis,havenotermswithhim,althoughhecometousinournearestfriends.HecametoChristinPeter.'Satanavoid,'saithhe,Mat.16:23.Ifthedevilcometousinourwives,inourchildren,inourfriends,'avoidSatan.'Satancomestoussometimeinourfriends,togivecorruptjudgment,tomaintainselfcauses,todothisorthatthatmaycrackourconscience.Discernthedevilin our best friends; for sometime theymay be the trunks* of the devil.The devil may convey his spirit through Peter. Let us imitate Christ.Discernbetweenour friends' love and the subtilty of thedevil in them,andbeabletogivethemanavaunt,'avoidSatan.'WeseeChristwhenheencounteredSatan,hefightsnotwithSatan'sweapons;andwhenhewasto deal with his instruments, but with the word of God. He gives notreproachforreproach,norsophistryforsophistry;but'Itiswritten,'Mat.4:4,etalibi,shewingthatwemustencounterSatanwithGod'sarmoury,withweaponsoutofthebookofGod.

And thenwhen Satanwould confess him, andmakemuch of him, 'OhthouarttheSonofGod,'hewouldhavenothingtodowithhim.SothosethataremanifestlyledwiththespiritofSatan,andwouldpresskindnessonus,havenothingtodowiththemsofar.Aswesayofthedevilheisnotalwayaliar,buthealwaycozeneth;sotakethosethatareledbythespiritof the devil, that are Jesuited papists, they lie not in all, but there iscozening in all; for all is but snaring kindness and gifts that will hurtmore. All offers from Satan, and those that are led with the spirit ofSatan,we ought to suspect, asChristwe seewhenSatanofferedhimakindness, he sawhewas to be tookheed of. Therefore saithhe, 'away,'youandyourkindness.Sohavenothingtodowithdevilishmen.Thosearebestatease,andprospermostthathaveleasttodowiththem;those

that see they are alway deceivers though they be not alway liars; thosethat are nearest hostility prosper best. Thus you see a taste of Christ'scarriage to his friends, to his enemies, to Satan. And for hypocrites hespeaks, 'Woe to them,'Mat. 23:13.He hated them above all the proudPharisees. I might spend much time in going over particulars in thegospel,toseewhatexpressionsthereareofJesusChrist.

Use2.Ibeseechyou,makethisuseofit,wheninthegospelyoureadofanyexpressionofhisloveandgentleness,ofhisobedienceandhumility,inwashinghisdisciples'feet,and'LearnofmeforIammeek,'&c.,Mat.11:29, and 'Comeuntome, all ye that arewearyandheavy laden,'Mat.11:28,thenthinkthisistheexpressionofmyblessedSaviour,'thesecondAdam,' to whose image I must be conformed, and transformed, andchanged; and thereforewhen you aremoved and tempted to sin, fromyourowncorruption,orfromSatan,reasonthuswithyourselves:WouldourblessedSaviour,ifhewereuponearth,dothis?wouldhespeakthus?wouldhenotdothusifhewereherenow?wouldhenotbereadytodothisgood turn?Surelyhewould;andImustbechanged intohis imageand likeness.Therefore letmeconsiderwhatmyblessedSaviourwoulddointhelikecase.SurelyourblessedSaviourwouldnotstainanddefilehis body. He would not make his tongue an instrument of untruth todeceive others. He would not be covetous and injurious. Art thou aChristianorno?If thoubeaChristian thouhast theanointingofJesusChrist.Thatanointingthatwaspouredonhimasthehead,itrunsdowntotheeasamember,asAaron'sointmentrandowntohisskirts.IfthoubetheskirtofChrist,themeanestChristian,thouhastthesamegraceifthoubeaChristian.AndthereforethoumustexpressChrist,thatasthouart partaker of his name, so thoumust be partaker of his anointing. Ifthou be a Christian, why doest thou thus? Doth this suit with thyprofession?DostthoucarrytheimageofSatan,anddostthouthinktobea Christian, except it be in title and profession only? No. There is noChristianbut ifhebeatrueChristianheischangedintothelikenessofChrist,intohisimage.Thereforeitisagoodthoughtuponalloccasions,everyday to thinkwhatwouldmyblessedSaviour say ifhewerehere?andwhatdidheinthelikecasewhenhewasuponearth?Imustbe'ledbytheSpiritofChrist,'orelseIamnoneofhis.Therefore letusshameourselveswhenwearemovedbyourcorruptionsandtemptationstodo

anythingcontrarytothisblessedimage.

Andconsider,themorewegrowintothelikenessofChrist,themorewegrow in the loveofGod,whodelights inusashedoth inhisownSon:'ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased,'Mat.3:17.NowthemorelikewearetoChrist,themoreheispleasedwithus.

Andthemoreweshallgrowinloveonetoanother;forthelikerpicturesaretothefirstpattern,thelikertheyareonetoanother.Sothelikerwegrow to Christ, the likerwe are one to another, and themore like, themorelove.

Who keeps Christ alive in theworld, but a company of Christians thatcarryhisresemblance?Aswesayofachildthatislikehisfather,thismancannotdieaslongashissonisalive,becauseheresemblethhisfather;soaslongasChristiansareintheworld,thathavetheSpiritofChrist,Christcannotdie.Helivesinthem,andChristisalivenootherwiseintheworldthan in the hearts of gracious Christians, that carry the picture andresemblanceofChristinthem.

ButhowarewechangedintothelikenessofChrist?Howcomewetobelikehim?

When oncewe believe in Christ, we are graft into the similitude of hisdeath, and into the likeness of his resurrection. It is a point somewhatmystical, yet it is stoodupon in theScriptures, inRom.6 especially, atlarge.

How come we to die to sin by virtue of Christ's death? and to live torighteousnessbythefellowshipofChrist'sresurrection?ItissaidwearetransformedintothelikenessofChrist.ThephrasesofScriptureshewit.Buttostanduponthesephrasesalittle.

Beloved,asitwasinChrist'sownpersonwhenChristdied,wholeChristdied and was crucified, but yet the death itself, the crucifying wasterminateinthehumannature:thehumannaturediedandnottheGod-head;yetbyreasonoftheunion,wholeChristdiedandwascrucified:the'Lord of glory' was crucified, as the Scripture speaks. And as it was in

Christ natural, so it is in Christ mystical, whole Christ mystical wascrucified, whole Christ mystical is risen again, notwithstanding thecrucifyingwasterminate inChrist thehead,not inthemembers.Ashisdeathwasterminate inhishumannature, itendedandwasconfinedinthat;sothiscrucifyingbelongedtothehead,andtheheadrose;yetwholeChrist,allbelieversassoonastheyareonewithChrist,byreasonofthemysticalunion,theyaredeadandcrucifiedinChristtheirhead,andrisenandsit inheavenlyplaces, inChrist theirhead.So thena truebeliever,when he is made one with Christ, he reasons thus, My corruption ofnature,thisprideofheartthatnaturallyIhave,thisenmityofgoodness,thisiscrucified;forIamonewithChrist.Whenhedied,Iandmyheaddiddie, and thisprideandcovetousnessandworldliness, thisbaseandfilthy carnal disposition,was crucified inChristmyhead. I inmyheadwascrucified,andIinmyheadnowamrisenandsitinheaven.Thereforenow I am in some sort glorious. Therefore Imind things above inmyhead.Andthereforebecauseofthenecessaryconformityofthememberstothehead,Imustmoreandmoredietosin,becrucifiedtosin,andriseby the Spirit of Christ and ascend with him. The more I know, andconsider, and meditate of this, the more I am transformed into thelikenessofhisdeathandresurrection.Buttogoalittlefurther.

Quest.WhatthingsinChrist'sdeathdidespeciallydiscoverthemselvestous,whenweoncebelieve,toourcomfort?

Ans.Threethings.

Inregardofus,wonderfullove,thathediedforus.

Inregardofsin,wonderfulhatred,thathewoulddieforsin.

Andwonderfulholinessand loveofgrace.Heshewedhishatredof sin,thathewouldshedhisheart-bloodforit;andwantingthegloryofGod,asitwere,byfeelingthewrathofGodforatime,eveninhatredtosin.

There were these two affections pregnant in Christ upon the cross,wondrousloveforustodieforus,andwondroushatredofsintopurgeit,for which he died; and wondrous holiness, from whence hatred of sincame.Whencedothhatredof sin come,but fromwonderfulpurity and

holiness,thatcannotenduresin?Thus,whenthesoulconsidersitisonewithChrist,ithaththesameaffectionsthatChristhad.Christinlovetous died. Can I apprehend that love of Christ when he died and wascrucifiedandtormentedformysin,butoutofloveImusthatesinagain?And when I consider how Christ stood affected to sin upon the cross,whenhediedtopurgeit,andtosatisfyforit,canIhaveotheraffections,beingonewithhim,thanhehaduponthecross?Icannot.So,whetherIconsiderhislovetome,orthehatredheboretosin,consideringmyselfonewithhimbyamysticalunion,Ishallhavethesameaffectionoflovetohim,andbelikehimeveryway,tolovewhatheloves,andtohatewhathehates.

Icannotbuthatesin;and,hatingsin,Imustacthispartanew,thatis,ashediedforsin,soIdietosin;ashewascrucifiedforit,soitiscrucifiedinme; as hewas pierced, so he gives corruption a stab inme; as hewasburied, so my corruption is buried; and as he died once, never to dieagain,soIfollowmysinstothegrave,todeath,andconsumptionofoldAdam,thatheneverrisethagain.SoIsay,theconsiderationofmyunionwithChrist, that I inChristdiddieandwascrucified,becausemyheaddiedandwascrucified.AndthenitputsthataffectionintomethatwasinChrist,andmakesmeactChrist'spart,todietosindailymoreandmore.Theseandthe like thoughtsarestirredup inaChristian,whichStPaulaimsatinRom.6andotherplaces.

SobythevirtueofhisresurrectionIamconformablemoreandmoretothegracesinhim;forasthepowerofGod'sSpiritraisedhimupwhenhewasatthelowest,whenhehadbeenthreedaysinthegrave,sotheSpiritineveryChristianraiseththemupat the lowesttocomfort, toa furtherdegreeofgrace,moreandmore;nay,whentheyarefallenintoanysinoranyafflictionforsin, thesamepowerthatraisedChristwhenhewas inthegrave,foroursins,inthelowesthumiliationthatcouldbe,itraiseththemfromtheirsinsdaily,thattheygatherstrengthfromtheirsins.ThepowerthatraisedChristatthelowestraisethaChristianatthelowestinsinandinafflictionforsin;forwhenheistrippedandunderminedbyhiscorruptions,GodbythatpowerthatraisedChristatthelowestrecoversandstrengthenshim,andmakeshimafreshrevengehimselfuponhissin.Andwhenheisatthelowest,inthegrave,thesamepowerwillraisehim,

likeChristeveryway.Soyouseehowwearechangedto the likenessofChrist.

Howshallweknow thenwhetherwehave the imageofChrist stampeduponusorno?

Ifwebechanged intothe likenessofChrist,weshallbechanged inourunderstandings, to judgeof things ashedid.His aimwas topleasehisFatherinallthings.Ifwehavethesameends,andthesameopinionandesteemof things,…*He judgedmattersofgraceandof thekingdomofGodaboveallother;forthesoulismoreworththanthewholeworld.Seethe judgment thathepassedupon things: 'Seekye first thekingdomofGod,andallotherthingsshallbecastuponyou,'Mat.6:33.Wemustbechangedinourjudgmentifwewillhavehisimageuponus.Wemustbelike him in our will, in our choice, in the cleaving, and purpose, andresolutionofourwill.Wemusthavethebentofoursoulashiswas.Oursoulsmustbeedgedandpointedashiswas,wholly forheavenand thekingdom of God. And so for our affections, theremust be a change inthem,inourlove,andjoy,anddelight.Wemustloveandjoyanddelightinwhatsoeverhedid.

Nowthewaytostirusuptothisistoseewhatimagewenaturallycarry,and to see ourselves in the glass of the law. If aman consider thus, ifChrist'simagebenotuponme,Icarrytheimageofthedevil,thiswouldmakehimlabourtogetanotherimageuponhim.For,beloved,atthedayofjudgmentChristwillnotownusifheseenothisimageuponus.Cæsarwill own Cæsar's coin if he see his image upon it. 'Whose image andsuperscription is this? Give unto Cæsar that which is Cæsar's,' Mat.22:20. If Christ see his stamp on us, he will own us at the day ofjudgment,or elsenot.Naturallyweareall opposite toChrist;naturallywearefullofprideandmalice;ofthespiritoftheworldandthedevil.Getout this by all means, or else Christ will not own us at the day ofjudgment.Hewillnotlookonus.Hecannotabidetoseeusifwehavenothis image.Wemust bear the image of the secondAdam aswe did theimageofthefirst.

Again, the lawofGodwaswritten inAdam's heart, it is expressed andcopied out. There see ourselves. There see all the curses. There see

ourselvesguiltyofthebreachofeverycommandment.Ifweunderstandthe law spiritually, that desire of women and revengeful thoughts aremurderandadultery.Understandthelawspiritually,andseeourselvesinthatglass,seeourselvesutterlycondemned.Thiswillmakeusflytotheglassofthegospel,thatwemaybechangedintotheimageofChrist.

There isanother image thatwemoredesire tobechanged into.Wearetransformed into the likeness of the world, cast into the mould of thetimes.We labour tohave thoseopinions that the timeshave,and thosewaysofgettingandrisingtoprefermentthattheworldhath,andtohavethatcarriageanddispositioneverywaythattheworldhath,andsoframetothespiritoftheworldinallthings,thatsowemightnotbeobservedbyothers,andcrossedinourpleasures,andpreferments,andprofits.Well,thisdesire tobe transformed into the likenessof theworld, tohave thespirit of theworld,whatwill it come to in the end?Theworld shall becondemned.Ifwewillbecondemnedwiththeworld,letuslabourtobetransformedintotheopinionoftheworld,andtogowiththestreamanderrors of the time if we desire to be damned. The world must becondemned.ItisthekingdomofSatan,whereinherules.Thereforethereisnoimageorlikenessforustobetransformedinto,ifwewillbesavedand have comfort, but the image of Christ; and can we have a betterlikenesstobetransformedintothantheimageofhimbywhomwehopeto be saved? than to be like him, from whom we hope for so great amatterassalvationis?

Use2.Again,thatwemaybechangedintothelikenessofChrist,letusfixourmeditationsuponhim,andweshallfindachangeweknownothow,insensible.As those that stand in the sun for other purposes, they findthemselves lightened and heat [ed]; so let us set ourselves about holymeditations,andweshallfindasecret,insensiblechange;oursoulswillbealteredandchangedweknownothow.Thereisavirtuegoeswithholymeditation,achanging,transformingvirtue;andindeedwecanthinkofnothinginChristbut itwillalterandchangeustothe likenessof itself,becausewehaveallfromChrist.Canwethinkofhishumilityandnotbehumble?Canwethink,wasGodhumble,andshallbasewormsbeproud?Shall Ibe fiercewhenmySaviourwasmeek?Canaproud, fierceheartapprehendasweet,meekSaviour?No.Theheartmustbesuitabletothe

thing apprehended. It is impossible that a heart that is notmeek, andsweetened, and brought low, should apprehend a loving and humbleSaviour.Theremustbeasuitablenessbetween theheartandChrist.Ashewasbornofahumblevirgin,soheisbornandconceivedinahumbleheart. Christ is born and conceived, and lives and grows in everyChristian;andinahumbleandlowlyheart,madelikehimbyhisSpirit:that is thewomb.Theheart that is suitable, that is theheart thathe isformedin.

Use3.Again,tobechangedintothisimage,whenweareonceinthestateofgrace, letus lookto theremainderofourcorruptions.Thebestofusshall see that that will make us look after Christ. Look to our worldlymindedness, to our passions, to our rebellions, to our darkness anddeadnessofspirit,andthengotoChrist.Lord,thouhastappointedChristtobeahead,tobeafullvessel,thatofhisgracewemighthavegraceforgrace.Hewas 'anointedwith the oil of gladness above his fellows,' Ps.45:7,butforhisfellows.Iamearthly-minded,heisheavenly.Iamfullofrebellions,oflusts;allisatpeaceinhim.TheimageofGodisperfectinhim, andhe is ahead to infuse grace, aheadof influence aswell as ofeminence. He is not only above me, but he hath all grace for me.Therefore, go to Christ. I need thy heavenly-mindedness, and someportionof thymeekness,of thyspiritualstrength.Iamweak,anddark,anddead, shine onme. Thouhast fulness forme. So go toChrist, anddrawuponeveryoccasionvirtueandlifefromChristourhead.ThisistoknowwhatismeantbybeingtransformedtoChristourhead.

Therearetwoconformities,beloved,exceedingcomfortabletous,andwemustmeditateonboth.

First,Christ'sconformitytous.Hewastransfiguredintoourlikeness.Hebecameman in love to us; not onlyman, but in the formof a servant,baseman. He tookman's nature, andman's base condition, Phil. 2:8.Here is the ground of our comfort, that Christ took our form, hetransfigured himself to our baseness; and shall not we labour to betransformed,tobelikehim,thatoutoflovestoopedsolowtobelikeus?Letusbutthinkofthis,beloved!OurblessedSaviourtookournatureonhim pure and holy by his Spirit. He followed sin to death. He wasconceived,andlived,anddiedwithoutsin,tosatisfyforsin;andnowby

hisSpirithecleansethoutsin.Hepursuedandchasedoutsin fromhisconceptioninallthepassagesofhislife;soweshouldbelikehim.Driveaway sin, get theSpirit, that ournature inusmaybe as itwas inhim:holy,andpure,andspiritual.Shallhebeconformedtous,andshallnotwebeconformtohim?ManysuchreasonsandconsiderationstherebetomoveustobechangedintotheimageofChrist.

Christ,inthisworkofchanging,isallinall;for(1.)firstofall,byChrist'sdeath and satisfaction to divine justice, we have the Spirit of God thatdothall;fortheSpiritisthegiftofGod'slove,nexttoChrist,thegreatest.NowChristhavingreconciledGod,Godbeingreconciled,givestheSpirit.Oursinsbeing forgiven, the fruitofGod's love is theSpirit.SowehavetheSpiritbythemeritofChrist.

(2.)Again,wehaveitfromChrist,asahead,derived*untous.WehavetheSpiritforChristandfromChrist.ChristreceivestheSpiritfirst,andthenhesendsitintoourhearts.SoforChrist'ssake,andfromChristasahead,wehavetheSpirit.

(3.) Again, fromChrist we have the pattern of all gracewhatsoever, towhichwearechanged.ThepatternofallgraceisfromChrist.Hebeginstousineverygrace.

(4.)Again, in the fourthplace, thereasons inducingareall fromChrist.For we are not only changed by power, but by reason. There is thegreatest reasons in theworld to be aChristian, and to comeout of thestate of nature. When our understanding is enlightened to see thehorrible stateofnature,with theangry faceofGodwith it, and then tohaveoureyesopenedat thesametimetosee thegloriousandgraciousfaceofGod inJesusChrist,here is thegreatestwisdomin theworld tocomeoutofthatcursedstatetoabetter.Now,thereasonsofthischangearefetchedfromChrist,thatbyknowingChristweknowbyreflectionthecursed state out of him, and to see the glorious benefits by Christ'sredemption and glorification. These set before the eye of the soul, andthentheheartwroughtuponthesebyreasons.IfChristgavehimselfforme,shallnotIgivemyselftoChrist?Paulhathhisheavenlylogic,'Christdiedforus,thatwemightlivetohim,'2Tim.2:11.Sowehavethemeritof the Spirit from Christ, the derivation of the Spirit from Christ as a

head,andthepatternofgracefromChrist,andtheinducingreasonsallfromChrist,inthischangingtohisimage.

(5.) Again, in that Christ is the image to which we are changed, let uslearn, ifwewould see anything excellent and comfortable in ourselves,see it in Christ first. There is nothing comfortable in man but it is inChrist first, as the first image, the first receiver of all, Christ Jesushimself.IfwewouldseetheloveofGod,seetheloveofGodinChristourheadfirst,inhimthatisGod'sbeloved;ifwewouldseethegiftsthatGodhath blessed us with spiritual blessings, but it is in Christ.We have itfrom our head first. If wewould see God's favour, 'This ismy belovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased,'Mat.3:17.Iamwellpleasedinhim,andin all his, that are one mystical body with him. If we would seecomfortablyourilldoneaway,oursinsremoved,seeitinChristabased,in Christ crucified, andmade a curse. See them all wiped away in thecrossofChrist.Ifwewouldseegloryupontheremovalofoursins,seeitin Christ first. He is first risen, and therefore we shall rise. He isascended, and sits in heavenly places, therefore we ascend and sit inheavenlyplaceswithhim.Allthatwehaveorlooktohavecomfortableinus,seeitinthefirstpatternandplatforminChrist.ThereasonisclearinRom. 8:29. We are elected and predestinate 'to be comformed to theimageofhisSon.'Wearepredestinate tobe conformed toChrist in allthings,tobelovedasheis,tobegraciousasheis.Torisetobeglorious,tobefreedandjustifiedafterwardfromalloursins,asheoursuretywas.Weareordainedtobeconformabletohimeveryway.Inaword,thefleshofChrist itwasholy, itwasa suffering flesh, and thena glorious flesh,now it is glorious. So our nature must be like this image. It must besanctified flesh,by the sameSpirit that sanctified themass thathewasmadeofinthewomb.Itmustbesufferingflesh,inconformitytohim;forthe flesh that he took was suffering flesh, and he had a kingdom ofpatience before he had a kingdom of glory. So we must go through akingdomofpatiencetothekingdomofglory,andthenuponconformityin holiness with Christ comes our conformity in glory. When we arecontenttobeconformedtoChristinoursufferingflesh,thenweshallbeconformedtoChrist inourglorious flesh; forour fleshmustbeusedashiswas. Itmustbeholy andpatient and suffering, and then it shall beglorious.So inall thingswemust look toChrist first;hemusthave the

pre-eminence.

Beloved,ofall contemplationsunderheaven, there isnocontemplationso sweet and powerful as to see God in Christ, and to see Christ firstabasedforusandourselvesabasedinChrist,andcrucifiedinChrist,andacquitted in Christ. And then raise our thoughts a little higher. SeeourselvesmadebylittleandlittlegloriousinChrist.Seeourselvesinhimrising and ascending and sitting at the right hand of God in heavenlyplaces.Seeourselves,byaspiritof faith, inheavenalreadywithChrist.What a glorious sight and contemplation is this! If we first look uponourselveswhatweare,weareasbranchescutofffromthetree;asarivercutofffromthespring,thatdiespresently.WhatisinusbutwehaveitbyderivationfromChrist,whoisthefirst,thespringofallgrace,thesumofallthebeamsthatshineuponus?Weareasbranchescutoff.ThereforenowtoseeChrist,andourselves inChrist, this transformsus tobe likehisimage.Itisthesweetestcontemplationthatcanbe.

Weseethischangeiswroughtbybeholding.ThebeholdingofthegloryofGod in the gospel, it is a powerful beholding; for, saith he, 'we arechanged, by beholding,' to the image of Christ. Sight works upon theimaginations in brute creatures; as Laban's sheep, when they saw theparti-coloured rods, it wrought upon their imaginations, and they hadlambssuitable.*Willsightworkuponimagination,andimaginationworkarealchangeinnature?AndshallnottheglorioussightofGod'smercyandloveinChristworkachangeinoursoul?Isnottheeyeoffaithmorestrongtoalterandchangethanimaginationnatural?Certainlytheeyeoffaith, apprehendingGod's love andmercy in Christ, it hath a power tochange. The gospel itself, together with the Spirit, hath a power tochange.Wepartakebyitofthedivinenature.

This glass of the gospel hath an excellency and an eminency above allotherglasses. It isaglass thatchangethus.Whenweseeourselvesandourcorruptionsintheglassofthelaw,thereweseeourselvesdead.Thelawfindsusdead,andleavesusdead.Itcannotgiveusanylife.Butwhenwelook intothegospelandseethegloryofGod, themercyofGod, thegracious promises of the gospel, we are changed into the likeness ofChristwhomweseeinthegospel.Itisanexcellentglass,therefore,thathath a transforming power to make beautiful. Such a glass would be

muchprizedinthisproudworld;suchaglassisthegospel.

Therefore let us be in love with this glass above all other glasseswhatsoever. Nothing can change us but the gospel. The gospel hath achanging power, as you have it Isa. 11:6, seq.: there the lion shall feedwiththelamb,'&c.'ForthewholeearthshallbefulloftheknowledgeoftheLord,'ver.9.TheknowledgeofChristJesusisachangingknowledge,that changeth a man even from an untractable, fierce creature, to betractable, sweet, and familiar. So that the knowledge of God in JesusChrist,yousee,itisatransformingknowledge,andchangethusintotheimageofChrist,tothelikenessofChrist.

Especiallyuponthisground,thatwhenwelookuponChrist,andGodinChrist,weseeourselvesthereintheloveofChrist,andintheloveofGod;andthereuponwearemovedtobechangedtoChrist,notbyseeingChristalone,orbyseeingGodinChristalone,butbyseeingGod'sloveinChristto us, and Christ's love to us. For the Spirit of faith, which is giventogetherwith the gospel, it sees Christ giving himself forme, and seesGodtheFather'slovein†meinChrist,andgivingmetoChrist.WhentheSpirit of faith with this appropriation seeth God, mine in Christ, andseethChristmine,andseesmyselfintheloveofGod,andintheloveofChrist,hereuponthesoulisstirredupfromaholydesiretobelikeChristJesus,thatlovedmesomuch,andtobeconformabletoGodallIcan.Forifthepersonbegreatandglorious,andourfriendtoo,thereisanaturaldesiretobelikesuch,toimitatethem,andexpressthemallwecan.NowwhenweseeourselvesintheloveofGodandChrist,outofthenatureofthe thing itself, itwill stir us up to be like so sweet, and gracious, andlovingaSaviour.

There are three sights that hath a wondrous efficacy, and they gotogether.

GodseesusinChrist,andthereforelovesusasweareinChrist.

ChristseesusintheloveofhisFather,andthereforelovesusasheseesusinhisFather'slove.

WeseeourselvesinChrist,andseetheloveofGodtousinChrist.

These three sights are the foundation of all comfort. God gives us toChrist,andseesusasgiventohiminhiselection.ChristseesusasgivenoftheFather,asyouhaveitJohn17:12;andlovesusaswearelovedoftheFather,andthenseesusashisownmembers.AndwebyaSpiritoffaith seeChrist, and see ourselves inChrist, and given toChrist by theFather. Hereupon comes a desire of imitation and expression of JesusChrist.WhenweseeourselvesinChristGodlooksuponusinChrist,andwe lookuponourselves inChrist;andwhenwe lookuponthemercyofGodinChrist,itkindlethlove,andlovekindlethlove,asfirekindlethfire.Firehaththatquality,thatitturnsalltoitself.Nowthemeditationoftheglorious love ofGod inChrist itworks love, and love is an affection ofchanging;lovetransformsasfiredoth.TheloveofGodwarmsus,andweare fit for all impressions, as things that are warm. Iron is a dull andheavything,yetwhenitiswarmitisbrightandpliable,andhathasmuchasmaybeofthenatureoffireimprinteduponit.Soourdead,anddull,andinflexible,andunyieldingsoulsbecomemalleableandflexiblebytheloveofChristshininguponthem.Hislovetransformsthemandkindlesthem.SohereisthewayhowthegloryofGod'sloveinChristtransformsus, because the discovery of the bowels of mercy in God towards uskindleslovetohim;andthatbeingkindleditworkslikeness,forlovetogreatnesstransformsus.Itworksadesiretobelikethosethataregreat.Wherethereisdependencethereisadesiretobelike,evenamongmen.MuchmoreconsideringthatGodsolovesournatureinChrist,andthatournatureissofullofgraceinChristas it is, the loveofGodinChrist,thathathdonesomuchforus,itbreedsadesiretobelikeChristinourdisposition,allwecan.

BylookingtothegloryofGodinChristweseeChristasourhusband,andthatbreedsadispositioninustohavetheaffectionsofaspouse.WeseeChristasourhead,andthatbreedsadispositioninustobememberslikehim.

Quest.HowshallweknowthenthatweseeGodinChrist,andthegloryofGodinthegospelcomfortably?

Ans.Haththissightatransformingpowerinthee,totheimageofChrist,tomaketheelikehim?Ifithavenotatransformingpower,itisabarren,emptycontemplation,thathathnoefficacyorcomfortatall.Sofarasthe

sight of God's love in Christ breeds conformity to Christ, so far it isgraciousandcomfortable.Seethereforewhetherthouarttransformedtothe image of Christ. If there be not a change, there is no beholding ofChristtospeakof.NomaneverseesthemercyofGodinChristbytheeyeoffaith,butheischanged.

For, beloved, as there must be a change, so it is in this order, frombeholdingthemercyofGodinChrist.ForcanyouimaginethatanysoulcanseeitselfintheglassofGod'sloveinJesusChrist,thatitshouldseein thegospelChrist, and inhimGod reconcileduntohim inparticular,but that soul, out of the apprehensionofGod's love inChrist,will loveGod again, and be altered and changed? It is impossible such a sighttherefore,wherebywe seeourselves in this glass, aswhenwe look in aglass, and seeourown image,we seeourownselves inChrist, and theloveofGod.*Suchasightalterethandchangethalway.Itworkslove,andloveistheworkerofimitation;forwhatdothmakeonelabourtoexpressanotherintheirdisposition,carriage,andconversation?Ohitislove,aschildrenimitatetheirparents.Loveisfullofinvention,andofthiskindofinvention, that it studies to please the person loved, asmuch as it caneveryway.HereuponwecometobedesiroustobelikeChrist,becauseweseethegloryofGod'smercyshininginChrist.

The adversaries of the grace ofGod they fall foul upon us, becausewepreachjustificationbythefreemercyandloveofGodinChrist.Oh,saythey, this is to dead the spirits ofmen, that they have no care of goodworks.

Beloved, can there be any greater incentive andmotive in theworld tosanctification, to express Christ and to study Christ, than to considerwhatfavourandmercywehaveinChrist?howwearejustifiedandfreedby him, by the glorious mercy of God in Christ? There cannot be agreater.Thereforeweseeheretheydependoneuponanother.ByseeingintheglassofthegospelthegloryofGod,wearetransformedfromglorytoglory.Anexcellentglassthegospelis:byseeingGod'sloveinitwearechanged.The law isaglass too,butsuchaglassasStJamesspeaksof,that when a man looks into it, and sees his duty, he goes away, andforgetsall,1:23.Thelawdiscoversoursinandmisery.Indeed,itisatrueglass.Ifwe lookthere,weshallseethetruepictureofoldAdamandof

corruption;butitissuchaglassasworksnothinguponus.Butwhenthisglassisheldoutbytheministersoftheword,whoseofficeitistoholdtheglass to people, when they see the love of God in Christ, this is achanging, transforming glass, to make them that were deformed anddisfiguredbefore,thatboreuponthemtheimageofSatanbefore,nowtobe transformedtobe likeChrist,bywhomtheymustbesaved. Is thereanystudyintheworld,therefore,moreexcellentthanthatofthegospel,andofthemercyofGodinChrist,thattransformsandchangesmenfromonedegreeofgracetoanother,asitfollowsinthetext.

Therefore, those that findthemselves tobe the 'oldmen'still, thathavelived in corrupt courses, anddo so still, let themnot think tohaveanybenefit by the gospel. They deceive themselves. They never knew God.ForhethatsaithhehathcommunionwithGod,andwalksindarkness,heisaliar,1John4:20.StJohngiveshimthelie,forGodislight.HowcanamanseehimselfintheloveofGod,andremaininadarkstateoppositetolove?Willitnotalteraman?Itwillnotsufferhimtoliveinsinsagainstconscience.Letnomanthatdothso,thinkhehathbenefitbyChrist.Thatknowledge is but a notional knowledge, a speculation, a swimmingknowledge: it is not a spiritual knowledge; because wheresoever theknowledge of God in Christ is to purpose, there is a change andconversion of the whole man. There is a new judgment and newaffections. The bent and bias of them is another way than they werebefore. There is a change which is called a turning in the Scripture.*Those things thatwere before them before, are now behind them; andthosethingsthatwerebehindthem,arenowbeforethem.WhereastheyturnedtheirbackuponGodandgoodthings,nowtheyturntheir faces,theylookGod-wardandheaven-ward,andtoabettercondition;forthischange is nothing else but conversion. Therefore amanmay say as hesaid,'IamnotI.'ThosethathaveseenChrist,itmakesthemdifferfromthemselves;thissightworksachange.

Iftherewerenotachange,itwouldmakeGodforsworn;asitisLuke1:13,seq.,inZacharias'ssong,'Hehathswornthat,beingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,weshouldservehimwithoutfear,inholinessandrighteousness,all thedaysofour lives.' If anyman, therefore, sayhe isdeliveredfromhisenemies,thathethinksheshallnotbedamnedandgo

to hell, and yet doth not live in holiness and righteousness, he makesGod'soath frustrate, forGod'soath joinsbothtogether: 'Hehathswornthat, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies,we should servehimwithout fear;'without slavish fear,butwitha fearof reverence: 'inholinessandrighteousnesallthedaysofourlife.'Whosoever,therefore,areinastateofdeliverance,havegracegrantedthemwherebytheymayserveGodinholinessandrighteousnessallthedaysoftheirlife;theyarechangedintothesameimage,

'Fromglorytoglory.'

Bygloryismeantespeciallygracehere,andthatwhichaccompaniesthegrace of God, the favour of God. When we are persuaded of it by theSpirit, bywhich grace iswrought in us, upon grace in us there followspeace,and joy,andcomfort,andmanysuch thingswhich theScriptureaccountstobeglory.

WesaytherearefourdegreesofthegloryofaChristian.

First,initialglory,inhisfirstconversion,andthereupon,theknowledgeofhisdeliverancefromthatcursedanddamnablestatethatheisin;theknowledge, likewise, of his title to life everlasting. He comes to havefriendshipwithGod;hecomestohavehisnaturerenewed,thathemaybe friends with God. There must be an assimilation by the Spirit, likeGod, inaholydisposition.Now,uponthe favourofGodwecometobefriendswithGod,andtohaveournaturesaltered;andhereuponcomesthose glorious qualifications, as peace, and joy, and consolation in allconditions,andliberty,andboldnesstothethroneofgrace.Thisisglory,beloved! Is it not a glory to be friendswithGod, and tohaveGoddealwith us as friends? to reveal his secrets to us of his love and grace inChrist? to discover thehiddenmysteries of his love to us, thatwashidfrom the beginning of the world? We never know it till our effectualcalling,tillourfirstconversion,forGodtobefriendswithusallourlives:AbrahamwasthefriendofGod.Andthentohaveournaturerenewed,tohave our shame laid aside. Indeed, sin makes us shameful. It is thedishonourandabasementofthesoul.Theverychangeofournaturetobesuch as God may delight in, this is glory. The image of God is glory.ThereforeinRom.3:23,etalibi,itissaidwearestrippedand'deprivedof

thegloryofGod'sincethefall,thatis,oftheimageofGod,byAdam'ssin,wherebywe resembledGod in holiness; so gracewherebywe resembleGodistheimageandlikenessofGod,andthatisthegloryofman.Ifoneshould ask,What is thebest glory of aman? that intrinsecal glory thatcharacteriseth a man indeed? It is the stamp of Christ upon him, theimageofthesecondAdam,inhissoultobelikehim.

Andhereupon thosegloriousqualifications that followupon it,gloriouspeace, and glorious joy; glorious and unspeakable comfort, above alldiscomfortswhatsoever;as indeedthecomfortsofreligionarecomfortstriumphingandprevailingabovealldiscomforts.Therearenocomfortsbutthoseinreligion,thatareabovethediscomfortswemeetwithinthisworld. For what can be set against the wrath of God, against hell anddamnation, but the comforts of the gospel?Nowwhen aman is in thestate of grace, andhath these glorious things following him, sweet andgloriouspeacethatpassethunderstanding,thatalltheworld,andallthedevils in hell cannot shake, and joy in the Holy Ghost, and comfortsabove all discomforts whatsoever: and then glorious liberty he hath tocomeintothepresenceofGoduponalloccasions,beingafriendofGod—are not these things glorious, beloved? And these belong to everyChristian.

Second, Now as a Christian grows in assurance of his salvation andfurtherfriendshipwithGod,andfurtherpeaceandjoyandcomfort,thereisa furtherdegreeofglory.Thegrowthofgrace isglory.Therefore in2Pet.1:5,seq.,hefollowsthepointatlarge.Whenweaddgracetograce,he saith it gives a further entrance into the kingdom of God: for thekingdomofGodisbeguningracehere;andthefurtherwegrowingrace,themorewe enter into thekingdomof grace; and the furtherwe enterintothat,thenearerwearetothekingdomofglory.

Third,Thenextdegreeofglory iswhen the soul enjoys thepresenceofGodinheaven.

Fourth,Thentheupshotandconclusion,theclosureandconsummationofall,atthedayofjudgment,whenbodyandsoulshallbeunitedagain.Thenisperfectglory.Hereitisinsinuated,whenhesaithwearechangedfromglorytoglory,thatis,fromgracetograce,tillallendinglory,which

is the perfection of all in heaven, when body and soul shall be bothglorious,'fromglorytoglory.'

Inthisisconsiderable,first,thatgraceisglory:andthen,thatgracebeingglory,isgrowinginacontinualcoursetillitcometoperfection.Wegrow'fromglorytoglory,'fromonedegreeofgracetoanother.

[1.]GracewherebyweresembleChristisglory,andindeedsoitis,fortheimageand likenessofGod isourglory.WhatwasAdam'sglorybuthislikenesstoGod?HewascreatedinGod'simage.Andwhatisourglory?TobelikeChrist.Thereforegraceisourglory.

[2.] Man's perfection is his glory. But the renewing of God's image ingraceisman'sperfection.Thereforeitishisglory.

[3.]Thatwhichmakesamanterribletoalloppositeswhatsoeverisglory.But grace makes a man terrible to the devil and to wickedmen. Bothgraceinoneman,andgraceinthechurch;forthechurchis'terrible,likeanarmywithbanners,'Cant.6:4.WhentheordinancesofGodaresetupin glory, and there is glorious obedience to them in the church, it isterribletotheenemiesasanarmywithbanners;forthereisalustreandgloryinallthatisGod's,bothinthepersonsofbelievers,andlikewiseintheordinancesofGod.Graceisglorious.Asthewisemansaith,'Wisdommakesaman'sfacetoshine,'Eccles.8:1.Isnotwisdomagloriousthing:toseeawiseunderstandingmanabletoguidehimselfandothers?Itputsa beauty upon a man, to be a wise and understanding man. Humilitymakesamanglorious; for itmakesGodputgloryuponaman,whenamanisglorious,andunderstandsitnot.AsMoseswhenhisfaceshined,heknewnot that it shinedhimself.Manyhumblemenaregloriousandthinknotso.Theyareglorious,andtheyshine,thoughtheyseeitnot.

Isitnotagloriousthingtobetakenoutofourselves,todenyourselves,tooffer a holy violence to ourselves, and to our corruptions? Is not this aglorious thing, when others lie grovelling like slaves under theircorruptions,tostandunmoveableinallthechangesoftheworld,andinall intercourse of troubles to stand as a rock in the midst of all,unmoveable, founded upon the love of God in Christ, and the hope ofglory after? Not to be shaken with the wind of temptations from his

standing,atleastnottobeshookoffhisstanding:thisisglorious,tohaveaconstantspirit.

Is it not glorious to have admittance boldly by grace; to go into thepresenceofGodatall times;tobeprevailerwithGod?Faithovercomesnotonlytheworld,butGodhimself.Itbindshimwithhisownpromise.Is not faith a glorious grace, that triumphs over the greatGodhimself,bindinghimwithhisownwordandpromise?

Is not love a glorious grace, thatmelts one into the likeness of Christ?Beloved,get love.It istheonlyartificialworkerof imitation.ItmeltsusintothelikenessofChrist.Itconstrains,ithathakindofholyviolenceinit.Nowatercanquenchit.Weshallgloryinsufferingsforthatwelove.Nothing can quench that holy fire that is kindled from heaven. It is agloriousgrace.

Hope,whatdothit?Whenitcastsanchorinheaven,itkeepsusinallthewaves.Itpurgethournaturestobelikethethinghopedfor.Thereisnogracebutitisglorious.Sothatgraceisglory.TheimageofGodisglory.Itmakesamanglorious.Itmakeshimshine.

Beloved, do but represent to your thoughts such a one as Joseph, of asweet,wise,andlovingspirit.It isanexcellentstatetoseeamaninhisplaceinthecommonwealth.WhataglorioussightisittoseeaJoseph,aNehemiah,toseeamanlikePaul,allonfireforthegloryofGodandthegood of the church! The care of all the churches lay upon him. Theconceit*ofamanshiningingrace,whatagloriousrepresentationinourthoughtsisit!

Andsoinmennowliving.Whenweseewisdomandlovetendingtothecommongood;whenweseeaspiritofmortification,whenweseeaspiritoflove,thatisnotforitselfbutforothermen,aspiritofloveaboveself-love, all for the good of others, asChrist 'went about doing good,' Acts10:38,itmakesthemsolovelyandglorious,asthatnoobjectintheworldissoglorious,as toseeamaninwhomthe imageofChrist is; itputsagloryuponhim.

Besides,itputsaninwardgloryuponaman,whenitmakeshimrejoice:

'TheSpiritofgloryrestsuponhim,'Isa.61:1.Nay,inimprisonmentsandabasements, take a good man in any condition, he is glorious. Hiscarriage is glorious. You shall not see flesh and blood, no revengefulhumour.Whenfleshandbloodissubdued,andnothingappearsinamanbut the image of Christ, he is a glorious creature in the greatestabasement that can be. When Paul was in the stocks, what a gloriousconditionwashein!Whenhesungatmidnight,whentheSpiritofglorywas upon him! To see the martyrs suffer without revenge, to pray fortheirenemies,thattheyhadaspiritthatconqueredallwrongsandfearofdeath,anddispleasureofmen;atriumphantspiritaboveallthingsbelow,to raise them above encouragements and discouragements, what aglorious thing was this! To see a man in his right principles, with theimage ofGoduponhim, he sees all things below, beneathhim.This isglorious,toseeamanthatovercomestheworld,thatcaresnomoreforthe offers of preferment on the right hand, or for threatenings on theotherhand.Allisnothingtohim.HebreaksitasSamsondidhiscords.Toseesuchavictoriousspirit,isnotthisglorious!Toseeaglorioussoul,thatisaboveallearthlythingswhatsoever,thattramplestheworldunderfoot, as the 'woman clothed with the sun' treads the 'moon under herfoot,'Rev. 12:1.The church clothedwithChrist,who is the glory of thechurch, tramples all earthly things under feet. Grace is victorious andconquering,prevailingoverthosecorruptionsthatprevailoverordinarymen. A Christian as David, when he had Saul in the cave, overcomeshimself,1Sam.24:4,seq.Itisanargumentofagreatdealofstrengthofgrace.Christovercamehimselfonthecross.Heprayedforhisenemies.So when the nature of man is so subject to the power of grace, thatthough there be rebellions in us, as there will be, while we are in thisworld,yet theycannotoverpowertheprincipleofgrace.All thiswhileaman is a glorious Christian, because he is not subject to the commonhumoursandinfirmitiesandweaknessesofmen.ThereforethatmakesaChristianglorious,whenhebringseverythoughtandaffection,andeverycorruption,asmuchasmaybe,tothesubjectionoftheSpiritofglory,totheSpiritofChrist inhim.ThougholdAdamstir inhim,yethebringshimdown,thathedothnotdiscoverhimselftothescandalofthegospeland profession, and to theweakening of the love of good things in theheartsofothers.Itshallnotbreakout.Hesubjectstheserisingthoughts.Heregraceisglorious.

Another man cannot do this. He cannot love God; he cannot denyhimself;he cannot resist temptations,not inwardly.Hemay forbearanactionoutoffear,butaChristiancanlove,andfear,anddelightingoodthings; and he can resist, and he can enjoy the things of this life, in asubordinatemannertobetterthings.Aworldlingcannotdoit.ThereisagloryuponaChristian,aderivativegloryfromChrist.Forweshineinhisbeams.Wearechangedaccordingtohisimage'fromglorytoglory.'

Obj.Thethingisnotmuchquestionablethatgraceisglorious,butitmaybeobjected,Dothgracemakeoneglorious?Thenhowcomestheworldtodespisesuchashavegrace?suchasarelikeChrist?

Ans. 1. I answer it is from blindness, from spiritual drunkenness andmadness.They cannotdiscernof things; they are besotted; they seenodifference. Therefore they cannot discern things that are excellent. Buttakeaman inhisrightprinciples; takeasoberman,andhewill seeanexcellencyinaChristianabovehimself.

Ans. 2. Again, grace is not made so much of ofttimes in the world,becauseitisjoinedwithsomanyinfirmities.Ourlife'ishidwithChrist,'Col. 3:3. It is hid under infirmities and under afflictions ofttimes; andbeinghiddenitdothnotappearsomuchinthisworld.

Ans.3.Andthenagain,howevermenforceuponthemselvesacontemptofgrace,andofthebestthings,yetnotwithstandingit isbutforced;fortheirconsciencestoopsat it.Witnessconsciencewhen itgivesevidenceon their deathbed. Take a man when he is himself, when he is sober,whenheisbestabletojudge,whenthosethingsaretakenfromhim,thatobscuredanddarkenedhisjudgment,andthenyoushallhavehimjustifyallthingsthataregood,bothgraceandthemeansofgrace.

Ans.4.Again itmustbeso, thatwemaybeconformable toChrist.Theworldmisguideth*thestateofaChristian.Theythinkthemvileandbasepersons.So theydidChrist theheadof the church.You seehowChristwas esteemed.His glorywas veiledwith our nature andwithmisery awhile;but itsparkledoutofttimesinhismiracles.Nowthiswasthathemight suffer and perform the work of salvation. For the devil nor thewickedworldwouldneverhavedonethattheydidtohim,ifhisgloryhad

brokenforthtothefulllustreofit.

SoitiswiththebodymysticalofChrist.Theworldmisjudgethofthem.Itappears not now what they shall be hereafter, nor what they are nowindeed;becauseGodwillhavethemconformabletoChrist.Ifsobethatthe glory of Christians were discovered in the true lustre, who wouldwrongaChristian?IftheydidseehimindeedtobeamemberofChristandanheirofheaven,thecareofangelsandthepriceofChrist'sdeath;iftheydidseehiminhisexcellency,all theworldwouldadmirehim,andmake another man of him than of potentates andmonarchs! But howthenshouldhebeconformabletohisheadinafflictions?Theheadwastosave us by death. He must be abased. The world must take him as astrangeman, andwe thatmust be conformed to him,wemust pass asunknownmen in theworld.Butnot sounknown,but thatgracebreaksout sometimes to admiration and imitation; and when it hath notimitation, it stirs up envy and malice in others, in the children of thedevil.Therefore,notwithstandingallobjections,grace isglory. ItmakesuslikeChrist,whoisglorious,whois'theLordofglory.'

Andthenitdrawsglorywithit,gloriouspeaceandgloriouscomfort,andjoy in the Holy Ghost, the attendants of grace in the hearts of God'speople.Isitnot,asIsaid,agloriousthingforamantohavethatpeaceinhimthatpassethallunderstanding,thatshallsettleandquiethissoulinall tumults intheworld?Whenall thingsareturnedupsidedown,foraChristian to stand unmoveably built upon the rock:whence comes thisglorious pitch, but from grace? Grace and peace: one follow another.Thenforamantohaveinwardjoyandcomfortinthemidstofafflictionsanddisconsolationsintheworld,itisawonderfulandagloriousthing.Itis called 'joy unspeakable,' 1 Peter 1:8, and 'glorious grace,' 2 Cor. 3:8.Thereforeinregardofthatthatfollowsit,inthisworlditisglory.

Henceitisthatthewisemansaith,that 'therighteousismoreexcellentthanhisneighbour.'Heismoregloriousthananotherman,aspearlsareabove pebbles. He is more excellent in life, in death, and after deathespecially;forthereisagrowingfromglorytoglory.Heisgloriousinlife,moreglorious indeath,whenhissoulshallbeput intoglory inheaven;and most of all glorious when Christ shall come to be glorious in hissaints,asitisin2Thess.1:10.Soheisexcellentinlife,andindeath,and

forever.Foranotherman,thatisbutaman—aman,saidI,nay,ifamanbebutaman,heiseitherlikeadevilinsubtlety,orabeastinsensuality;he carries the image either of a beast or of the devil, besides aman.ArighteousmanthereforethathaththeimageofGodstampeduponhim,he is better than anotherman everyway; for he is in a higher rank ofcreatures. Grace sets a man as far above other men as other men areaboveothercreatures.AtthefirstthecreaturesreverencedGodinAdam.Theycameandtooktheirnamesfromhim.Theyweresubjecttohim.Sograceisaglorious,majesticalthing.Wickedmen,evenHerod,reverencedgrace in John Baptist, Mark 6:20, and evil men reverence it in theirhearts,inGod'speople,thoughtheirmouthsspeakagainstit.AChristianis a spiritualman. As reason lifts aman above other creatures, so theimageofGodsetuponaman,itliftsandraisethhimaboveothermen.

Use1.IfgraceandtheimageofGodandChristinusbeglory,andmakeusexcellent, letusall labourforgraceaboveallthings.Weall,asIsaidbefore,desireliberty;andaswedesireliberty,sowedesireglory;butweknow not the way how to come to it. In seeking liberty, we seeklicentiousness;inseekingglory,weseekitfrommenthatcannotgiveit.Weseekgloryinoutwardthingsthatarenothing.Whatisthegloryofalloutward things, but the shining of a rotten piece of wood in the nighttime,orasaglow-worm?Whatisallthisglorybutaflash?Itisnothing.Ifwewouldseektruegloryindeed,asnaturallyalldo,letusseekgrace.TherebyweresembleChrist, 'theLordofglory;' therebywearegloriousin the eyes of Christ; therebywe are glorious bothwithout andwithin.Though this glory for thepresentbehid, therebywe are terrible to thedevilandallenemies.ForeversincehisheadwascrushedbyChrist,thatbroke the serpent's head, he is afraid of man's nature in Christ; he isafraidofChristians,asknowingthattheybebetterthanhimself.Andheshallbejudgedbythemerelong.ThedevilshallbejudgedbyChristians.Thereforeletusstudyforthisglory.AmanisneverglorioustillhebeaChristian.

ItissaidofAntiochus,thathewasavileperson.What!Thoughhewasaking(i)?Yes.Letamanbeneversogreatintheworld,ifhebeawickedman,amanthatdishonourethhistongue,thatshouldbehisglory,thathathnot the languageofCanaan, that dishonours anddefileshis body,

that should be the 'temple of theHoly Ghost,' 1 Cor. 6:19, aman thatcarriesamaliciousandmalignantspirit,thathaththeimageofthedevilinhissoul:ifhebeneversogreataperson,hewillbevileerelong,whenall relations shall end in death. All excellencies must be laid down indeath. Therefore seeing all other excellencies cannot keep aman frombeinga vileperson, letus labour for that thatwillput a gloryuponus.Labour for the imageofChrist tobestampeduponoursoul.There isagreathumour inthisage in lookingtopiecesofworkmanship.Ifamanhave skill to discern a piece, as they call it, it is more than ordinary.Beloved,whatavanityisthis(thoughthesepicturesbelawful;theyareakindofmutepoetry).ButwhatisthistothehavingofthegloriousimageofChrist stampeduponus; tobe glorious in the eyeofGodand in theveryjudgmentofcarnalmen!

Thereisnothingsoexcellentasgrace,andnothingsobaseassin.Indeedthere is nothing base but sin; and nothing excellent but grace. So thatGod'schildren,notonlyintheirgloriousrichesandprerogativestobethesonsofGodandheirsofheaven,areglorious,but theyhavean inwardglory. 'ThespouseofChristisgloriouswithin,'Ps.45:13.InsomuchthatChristisinlovewithhisowngraces.Hewondersathisowngracesinhischildren.

Use 2. Again, oppose this to the scorn and hatred of the world; base-mindedpersons,thatdisgracegoodnessthattheirillnessmaybethelessdiscerned.Theylabourtomakeallalike,alltheycan,byslandersatleast,that their illnessmaynotappear.Oppose the judgmentsofGod'sSpiritthat esteems grace glory against all the judgment of the base world.Beloved,theyshallknowoneday,thatthosethattheydespiseshalljudgethem; and their hearts secretly tell them so.Whatmakes themmalignmenbetterthanthemselves?Theyhaveasecretconceit,heisaboveme.'The spiritual man judgeth all things,' 1 Cor. 2:15. He is a man thatdiscerns by a spiritual eye.He judgeth and condemnethmyways, andhereafterhewilljudgeme.Asecretconscienceinhimmakeshimfearagoodman.Thoughhedeprave*andmalignhim,yethisheartstoops.

Use3.Again,isgraceglory?WhenGodsetsin†onus,shallwecastourcrown in the dirt? Shall we defile and blemish our glory by sinningagainst conscience? We forget our excellency, that grace is glory. It

teachethushowtocarryourselvestoourselves.Iftherebegraceinus,letus be honourable to ourselves. It is a good caveat that we should bevenerable to ourselves; that is, Christians should take a holy state tothemselves.What!Ithatamanheirofheaven;Ithatamaking;Ithatama conqueror; I that am the son of God; I that am a freeman: should Itanglemyselfwiththesethings?ShallIgoandstainmyself?Isitnotanunsightlythingtoseeagoldenpillardaubedwithdirt?ortoseeacrowncast into thedirt?Godhathput a crownuponme;hehathmademeaking;hehathmademeanheirofheaven;hehathmademehisson;hehathputagloryuponme;—shallIabasemyselftodevilishbasecourses?No.Iwillbemorehonourableinmyowneyes.Letusthinkourselvestoogood for the base services of Satan. These thoughts we should take toourselves. These are not proud thoughts, but befitting our condition.Whenwearetemptedtoanybasecourse,whatsoeveritis,itiscontrarytomycalling.

Use 4. And let us comfort ourselves in thework of grace, though it bewrought in never so poor a measure, in all the disparagements of theworld;forthosethatarebesottedwithfalsevain-glory,theyhavetheeyesof their souls put out, and dimmed and dazzled with false glory. TheycannotjudgeofthegloryofaChristian.Theywanteyes.Thereforeletusbecontenttopassintheworldashidden.Christpassedconcealedintheworld; only now and then the beams of his glory brake forth in hismiracles. Sowemustbe content.Forour glory ishid inChrist, for themostpart;anditiscloudedwiththeimputationsandmaliceofmen,andsometimes with infirmities, as it will in this world. Let us comfortourselveswiththis,thatweareglorioushowsoever,andgloriouswithin;andthisglorywillbreakoutinaholyconversation.Anditisbettertobeglorious in the eyes of God, and angels, and good men, and in theconsciencesofillmen,thantohavegloryfromtheirmouths.Malicewillnotsufferthemtoglorifythemwiththeirmouths,buttheirconsciencesmustneedsstooptogoodness;forGodhathputamajestyintogoodness,that any man that is a man, that is not a beast, that hath naturalprinciples,will reverence it;andtheconsciencesofsuchmenwillmakethemspeakthetruthoneday,andtheyshallsay,'Wefoolsthoughtthesemen mad,' but 'now we see ourselves fools.' Therefore in thedisparagementsofworldlymen, thatknownotwheretrueglory lies, let

usbecontentwiththis,thatGodhathmadeustrulygloriousbyworkingachangeinacomfortablemeasure;letuscomfortourselvesinthis.

Use5.Again,bythiswemayknowwhetherwehavegraceinusorno.Ifwethinkgracetobeglory,letushavethatjudgmentandconceitofgrace.

(1.)Of thechangeofournatures,by theSpiritofGod,and the truthofGod, as theHolyGhost hath here, calling it glory. That very judgmentshewsthatthereisanalterationinouraffections;thatwearechangedinthespiritofourminds; thatwehavearightconceitofheavenly things.FornonebutaChristianindeedcanjudgegracetobeglory,thatcantrulythinkso.Forifamanthinkgracetobeglorytruly,ifhebeconvincedbythepoweroftheSpirit,hewillbegracious.Forthereisaninstinctinallmenbynature toglory in something.Youhave thegulls*of theworld,theygloryinsomething,inswaggering,beastlycourses.Youhavedevilishmenglorythattheycancircumventothers.Ratherthanmenwillhavenoglory, they will glory in that that is shame indeed. Man having adispositionalwaytoglory insomething, ifhebeconvincedthatgrace isglory,hewillbegracious.

Therefore, I beseech you, enter into your own souls, and see whatconceitsyouhaveoftheimageofGod,ofthegracesofChristianity,andthen certainly itwill raise aholy ambition tohave that stamp set uponyou.

(2.)Again,thisisanotherevidencethatamanisgracious,ifhecanlookupon the life of another that is better than he with a conceit that it isglory, and loving of it as glory.Manymen see grace in othermen, butwith amaligning eye. They see it to disgrace it. For naturally this is inmen. They are so vain-glorious and ambitious, that when they see thelives of othermenoutshew theirs, insteadof imitation, they go to basecourses.Theyobscureanddarkenthatlightwithslanders,thattheywillnotimitateintheircourses.Thisisinthebettersortofmen,theprouder,and greater sort of men. What grace they will not imitate they willdefame.Theywillnotbeoutshinedbyanything.Therefore,thosethatcansee so far into the life of anotherman, as they love it, and honour thegrace of God in another man, it is a sign there is some work of glorybeguninthem.Mencanenduregoodthingsinbooks,andbyreports,and

good things of men that are dead, &c., but they cannot endure goodthings running in their eyes. Especially when it comes in a kind ofcompetitionandcomparison,theylovenottobeoutshined.

'Fromglorytoglory.'

We see the state ofGod's children here, and the state in heaven, comeboth under one name; both are 'glory.' The children of God are kingshere,theyshallbekingsinheaven.Theyaresaintshere,astheybesaintsinheaven.Thereisanadoptionofgraceaswellasanadoptionofglory,Rom.8:30,etalibi.There isaregenerationhereofoursouls; there isaregenerationofsoulandbodythen.Wearenewcreatureshere;andweshallbenewcreaturesthere.

Quest.Whydoallcomeunderonename,thestateofgloryinheaven,andthestateofgracehere?Istherenodifference?

Ans.Yes.Butthedifferenceisindegrees,andnototherwise.Forheavenmustbebegunhere.Ifeverwemeantoenter intoheavenhereafter,weenterintothesuburbshere.Wemustbenewcreatureshere.Wearekingshere;weareheirsapparenthere;weareadoptedhere;weareregeneratehere; we are glorious here, before we be glorious hereafter. Therefore,beloved,wemayreadourfuturestateinourpresent.Wemustnotthinktocomedesceloincœlum,ashesaith(j),outofthefilthofsintoheaven,butheavenmustbebegunhere.Youseebothhavethesamename,grace,and glory. Therefore, wouldst thou know what thy condition shall beafterwards?Read it in thypresentdisposition. If therebenot a changeand a glorious change here, never look for a glorious change hereafter.What is not begun in grace shall never be accomplished in glory. Bothgracehere and gloryhereafter comingunder the samename, it forceththis.

And likewise it is a groundof comfort; forwhyhavewe the same termhere?Whenweareinthestateofgrace,whyarewedeckedandadornedwiththesametitleasweshallbeinheaven?

It ispartly forcertainty.Grace isglory,aswellas theperfectionof it isglory,toshewthatwheregraceistrulybegunitwillendinglory.Allthe

powers in theworld cannot interruptGod's graciousprogress andway.What is begun in gracewill end in glory.Where the foundation is laid,Godwillbesuretoputuptheroof.Heneverrepentsofhisbeginnings.Solomonsaiththat the 'righteous is like to thesun,' thatgrowsbrighterandbrighter,tillhecometohisfullstrength,Prov.4:18.Sothestateofthegodly growsmoreandmore, from light to light, till he come to fullstrength.Thestateofthewickediscleancontrary.Thestateofthewickedislikethedecliningday.Thesungrowsdownanddowntillitbetwilight,andthencetodarkness,andthentoutterdarkness.Sotheybeingdarkinthemselves, they grow from the darkness of misery and terror ofconscience to eternal darkness, black, dismal darkness in hell. But thestate of the godly it is like the course of the sun aftermidnight, that isgrowingup,upstill,tillitcometomid-day.Sothestateofthegodlyitisalwayonthemendinghand; it isalwaysagrowingstate; it isahopefulcondition.Theygofromglorytoglory.Andthereforeletusbeassuredofeternalgloryforthetimetocome,assureasweareofthebeginningsofgraceherewrought.Yousee, then,amaindifferencebetweenthegodlyandothersOthermengrowbackward,proficereinpejus,aswesay.Theytakedegreesback fromworse toworse, till theyend inutterdesolationanddestructionforever.Buttheotherrisethbydegrees,tilltheycometothat happiness that can admit no further degrees. All the glory of theworld ends in vanity and in nothing; but the glory of a Christian thatbegins in grace, you see it proceeds from glory to glory, alway growingandamending.Ifmenwerenotspirituallymad,wouldtheynotratherbeinaconditionalwayamendingandgrowingmoreandmorehopefulstill,than to be in a condition alway declining, andmost subject to declinewhenitisatthetop.Thereisnoconsistenceinanyhumanfelicity,butitis inpræcipite,nearadownfallwhenit isat thehighest.God'schildrenare near rising when they are at the lowest. There is a spirit of glorylights,andnotonlyso,butrestsonthem.Itdothnotlightuponthemandthengoaway.Itisnotasaflashorblazeofflaxorso(k).ButtheSpiritrests and grows still upon them, 'from glory to glory.' The state of aChristianitiscomfortable,thatissoundlyconverted,whenheshallthinkevery day bringsme nearermy glory; every day I rise I am somewhathappierthanIwasthedaybefore,becauseIamsomewhatmoregloriousandnearertoeternalglory;whenanotherwretchthatlivesinsinsagainstconscience may say, I am somewhat nearer hell, nearer eclipsing, and

ebbing,anddecliningthanbefore.Soeverydaybringsterrortotheone,andmatterofcomforttotheother.

'Fromglorytoglory.'

Grace,we see, is glory, especiallywhen it is in strength; and themoregracegrows,themoreglory.Themoreitshines,themoreglory.Wesayoffire,themoreitburnsthelessitsmokes;thelessinfirmityappearsthatmaydisgrace it, themoregrace.Themore lightand lustre,andthe lessinfirmity.Glorybelongstothegrowthofgraceinthisworld.ForisnotaChristian a glorious Christian when he is a grown Christian? when hesends a lustre as a pearl? when as a glorious light he shines to theexampleofothers?whenheisable,asPaulsaithgloriouslyofhimself,'Icandoall inChrist that strengthenethme,'Philip.4:13, towantand toabound.Casthimintoanyconditionwhatyouwill,heislikehimself.CastJosephintoprison,heisJosephstill;castPaulinthedungeon,heisPaulstill,andisnevermoregloriousthaninthemidstofafflictions.Sogracegrowing to some perfection is glorious; 'wisdommakes aman's face toshine,'saithSolomon,Eccles.8:1.Soitistrueofallothergracesinsomeperfection. They make a man shine. There is nothing in the world sogloriousasaChristianthatisgrowntosomeperfection.Indeed,heissoglorious, that theeyeof theworld,when it is castuponhim, it stirsupenvy, as carnal persons,when they see aChristianmanunmoveable inthemidstofallmotions,andunchangeableinallchanges,whennothingcanalterhim,buthegoeson,theywonderattheconditionofthisman,whenas indeed his grounds and resolutions are above alldiscouragementsorencouragementsthattheworldcanafford.Davidwasa king and a prophet, and David was a holy man, and David, forconstitutionofbody,was ruddyandofa sweet complexion;andDavid,forthemannerofhiskingdom,wasakingofagreatpeople,Thereweremany excellencies of David. Oh but what doth David account theprerogative of a man? 'Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven, inwhosespiritthereisnoguile,'Ps.32:2;thatis,thatistrulysanctifiedinspirit;thatisinthestateofjustification;andasawitnessofthat,oftheforgivenessofhissins,hathaspiritwithoutguile.Happyisthatman,notthatisaking,oraprophet,orastrongman,orabeautifulman,orhaththis endowmentor that;buthappy is themanwhose sins are forgiven,

andwhosespiritissanctified.

'Fromglorytoglory.'

We see then that there must be an increase, a growing 'from glory toglory.'Thereisnostopnorstaytobemadeinreligion.Theremustbeofnecessity a desire to grow better and better; for glorywill grow still toglory.Gracewillneverceasetillitendinglory.

[1.]Bothinourdispositionsthathaveitwroughtinus;weshalldesireitmayincreaseinustheimageofGodandChristmoreandmore.

[2.]And inGod'spurpose.Wherehebeginshemakesanend.Whetherwelooktohimthatwillnothaveusinastateofimperfection,*.…Hehathnotchosenustoimperfection,buttoperfection;andhehathcalledusnotto imperfection, but toperfection.Hehath electedus toperfection.Hehathchosenustobespotless,nottobeconflictingwithourcorruptions,andtobehaltingalwayasJacob.Weshallhaveperfectstrength.Wearecalledandelectedtoperfection.Thereforethereisnostandingatastayinreligion;theremustbeaperpetualgrowth.Itisourdispositiontodesireandendeavouritstill.

For,beloved, it is that that is inbred to all things that are imperfect, tohastentoperfection,tilltheycometotheirubi,totheirpitch.Weseeitingrain,weakgrain.Tillitcometothefullgrowth,itbreaksthroughclods,through harder things than itself. There is a nature in corn and seeds,thathaveabeginningoflifeintheirkindinthem,tillthoseseedscometogrowth, they put out themselves with a great deal of strength againstopposition.Sograceisofsuchastrongnature.BeingintendedbyGodtoperfection,itwillnotrestinmeanbeginnings,butputsitselfforwardstill,andbreaksthroughopposition.Iwillnotstanduponthecommonplaceof growth in grace. It is a large discourse, and I touched it uponmanyoccasions.Youseethenecessityofit.Theremustbeagrowthfromglorytoglory.

Agrowthnotinpartsaswesay.Foratthefirstregeneration,inthefirstbeginning,whenwearegracious,thereisthebeginningofanewlife,andthereistheseedsofallgraces.Butespeciallythisgrowthisinintension

andextension.Gracegrowsmoreandmoreinstrength,andextendsandreachethitselffurtherandfurthertotheuseofmany.Gracegrows,Isay,in the intension of itself, and extends and reacheth itself to the use ofmore.ThemoreaChristianlives,whenheisinarightstateandframeasaChristianshouldbe,heisofmorestrengthinallparticulargraces,anddoth the more good, and shines more in his life and conversation toothers.

Andlikewise,asthereisagrowthinintensionandextension,sothereisagrowthinthequalityandpurityofgrace;forthelongeramanlives,thosegraces that he hath growmore refined.When a Christian is but a newChristian,hetastesmuchoftheoldstock.Asallfruitatthefirstwilltasteofthestock,sothereisnofruitofrighteousnessthatcomesfromaman,athisfirstconversion,butittastesagreatdealofoldAdam.Itsavoursoftheold stock.Themorehe live,andgrowsspiritual, themore that thatcomes fromhimrelishethof theSpirit, themorerefined ishiswisdom,themorerefinedishislove,themorerefinedfromself-love,hisjoyanddelightismorerefined.

Obj.Hencewemayansweranobjectionby theway;anoldmanseemsnot to grow in grace.He seems not to be so good aman, not to be sozealousaswhenhewasyoung;notsoforward.

Ans. Beloved, In those that are young there is a great deal of naturejoined with a little grace, and that grace in them makes a greaterexpression,becauseitiscarriedwiththecurrentofnature.Butinageitismore refined.That that is, thatknowledge theyhave, ismorepureandmore settled, and that love and affection ismore refined. There is lessself-love, and that zeal they have it is joined with more heavenlydiscretion.Thereislesswildfire,thereislessstrangefirewithit.Thoughthere be less heat of nature, that it do not work in outwarddemonstrationstotheeyeoftheworld,yetitismorerefinedandpure.Sogracegrowsthuslikewiseinthepurityandperfectionofit;notaltogetherpure,forsomewhatwillsticktoourbestperformances,savouringoftheworstprinciple innature.Foraswecarryfleshandspiritalway,sothatthat comes from them will savour of corruption; yet less in a grownChristian,thatisafatherinChristianity,thaninanother.

'Fromglorytoglory.'

Grace is glory in regardof the statebefore.The leastdegreeof grace isgloryinregardofthestateofnature.Butgraceisnotgloryproperlytillitcome to a growth. Grace is not glorious, so in comparison to otherChristiansthataregrown.Inregardofthestateofnature,graceisglory,takeitinthelowest;forisnotthisagloryforamantobetakenintothefellowshipofChrist?tobethesonofGod,andanheirofheaven?tohaveangelsforhisattendants?tobebegottenbythegloriousgospel,thewordofGod, that immortal seed?Whatsoever thing is aboutaChristian it isglorious. Isnotheglorious thathathGodtheFather,andGodtheSon,theLordofglory,andtheHolyGhost,theSpiritofglory,andthegloriousgospel,andgloriousangelsforhisattendants?EverythingisgloriousinaChristian.IneveryChristianthereisthis.Sograceisakindofglory;butnotwithstandingwemustnotcontentourselveswith that.Grace is thenespeciallyglorywhenitcomestogrowth.Wemustlabourthatgracemayappear.What isglory?Properlyglory is excellencyandvictoryover thecontrarywithmanifestation,excellencymanifested.Nowamanissaidtobeglorious in grace,whenhis grace comes tobe excellent in view, andvictoriousoverthecontrarywithpublicmanifestation.

Use1.Nowthisweoughttolabourfor;thoughgracebegloryinrespectofthe formerestate,yet in therankofChristiansweought tobeglorious,thatis,moreandmoregracious;both.

InregardofGod,thatGodmayhavethemoregloryfromus.Themoregrace,themoreesteemfromhim,becauseweresemblehim.

And in regard of Christ Jesus: themore glorious we are, themore weresemble him. Let us labour to be more and more glorious, in regardlikewiseofthechurch,whomweshallbenefitmore.Themorewegrowingrace,themoreweshallprevailwithGodbyourprayers.WhoprevailedmorewiththeirprayersthanMoses,andsuchmen?Again,whengraceisglorious,thatis,withvictoryandfullmanifestation,themorewearefittogive a lustre and light, that others seeing it may glorify God; to drawothers to the love of grace,when they see grace glorious.Now grace isthenglorious inus thatothersmaybeencouraged.Whenwecan resiststrongtemptations,whenwearenotlikechildren'carriedawaywiththe

wind of every doctrine,' Eph. 4:14, this is a glorious thing. When aChristiancanholdhisownintheworsttimes;whenitisawitty*thingtobeaChristian:asHilarysaidinatimeofschism,'itrequiredagreatdealofwittobeaChristian'(l),itrequiresagreatdealofwitandstudytoholdamanoninChristianity.

Andforamantobestrongagainsttemptationsandtheworld,whetheritfrownorfawn,thathecaresforneither,butholdshisown,isnotthisagloriousthing?Whenamanshallcarryhimselfasalion,breakthroughoppositions in ill times, and fall square, cast him as you will, in allconditions,—here is a glorious Christian. Therefore through grace beglory, that must not content us, but we must labour to have such ameasureofgloryasthatwemaybegloriousinourownrank.Isitnotaglorious thing when a man can break through doubts and fears thattroubleotherfolktoomuch?Asthesunissaidtobeinglorywhenheisgottenonhigh;therearemanycloudsinthemorning,butwhenthesunisgottentohisheightatnoon-day,hescattersall.SoaChristianisinhisglory and exaltationwhenhe can scatterdoubts, and fears, and terrorsthat trouble other weak beginning Christians. Therefore when we aretroubledwithscruples,withthisandthat,weshouldlabourtogetoutofthem,thatgracemaybeglorious;toshewthatwehavegottensuchalightandsuchaconvincingknowledge,andthatwearesorootedinfaithandgrace,thattheSpiritofChristinushathbrokenthroughallthesecloudsandmists,andmadeusglorious.

'Fromglorytoglory.'

Ourgloryit isnot likeatorrentthatrunsamainforatime,andafter isdried up for ever. Grace it is a continuing and an increasing thing. Itcontinuesstill.Asthestreamthatitisfedwithisanever-livingspring,soisgrace.ItisfedwiththegraceinChrist,andheisanever-dyingspring,afountain.For that grace inhim is fedwithhisdivinity.Therefore theremust be a perpetual spring in Christ. So where Christ hath opened aspringintheheart,hewillfeedthatgraceperpetually.

Use2.Letnonebediscouragedthathavegracebeguninthem.GodwillIgo on with his own grace. When he hath begun a good work, 'he willfinish it to thedayof theLord,' 1Cor.1:8.Thoughgracebe littleat the

first,yetitshallnotstaythere.Itgrowsupweknownothow;butatlastitisgloriousindeed.Fortillgracebegrown,itislittlediscernedfromotherthings:asbetweenweedsandherbsthereislittledifferencewhentheybegreen,tilltheybegrown.Graceislittleatthefirst,asagrainofmustard-seed,Mat.13:31.Jerusalemisnotbuiltinaday,aswesayofRome.YouhavesomethatareaweakersortofChristians,thataregood,theywouldfain be in Canaan, as soon as ever they are out of Egypt, and I cannotblame them.Buthereupon theyarediscomforted.As soonas ever theyhavegraceinthem,theywouldhavetheirpitchpresently,outofspiritualcovetousness.OhthatIhadmoreknowledgeandmorevictory!&c.Thesedesiresaregood; forGodputsnot invaindesires into theheartsofhischildren,buttheymustbecontenttobeledfromglorytoglory,fromonedegreeofgracetoanother.ChristhimselfgrewmoreinfavourwithGodandman.Asthatlittlestonegrewtoamountain,Dan.2:34,sowemustbecontenttogrowfromgracetograce.Thereisagradualproceedinginthenewcreature.WemustnotbepresentlyinCanaan.Godwillleadusthroughthewilderness,throughtemptationsandcrosses,beforewecometo heaven.Many because they see they are far short of others that arestrongerChristians,thereforetheythinktheyhavenograceatall.

Thereforeletthosethatareonthegrowinghand,thoughtheybeshortofmanythatarebeforethem,letthemnotbediscouragedwiththeirover-little beginnings. For it isGod's ordinance and course in thisworld, tobringhischildrenbylittleandlittlethroughmanystations.Astheywereledinthewildernessfromstandingtostanding,andfromplacetoplace,soGod brings his children bymany standings to heaven.And it is onepart of a Christian'smeekness to [be] subject to God's wisdom in thiskind,andnottomurmurthattheyarenotsoperfectastheywouldbe,orastheyshallbe;butrathertomagnifythemercyofGodthatthereisanychange in suchdefiled andpolluted souls; thathehath vouchsafedanyspirituallightofunderstanding,anyloveofgoodthings;thatthebentoftheir affections are turned to a contrary course than they were before;thatGodhathvouchsafedanybeginnings.Rathermagnifyhismercythanquarrel with his dispensation, that he doth not this all at once; and,indeed, if we enter into our own hearts, it is our fault that we are notmoreperfect.Butletuslabourtobemeek,andsay,Lord,sincethouhastordainedthatIshallgrowfromglorytoglory,fromonedegreeofgraceto

another,letmehavegracetomagnifythymercy,thatthouhastgivenmeany goodness, rather than to murmur that I have no more. And becontent in theuseofmeans,andendeavour togrowfurther, thoughwehave not so much as others have. Nay, we may not be discouraged,becauseoftheweaknessofgrace,butwemaynotbediscouragedwithaseeming interruption in our spiritual growth.God sometimesworks bycontraries.Hemakesmengrowby theirputtingsback,and tostandbytheirfalls.Sometimes,whenGodwillhaveamangrow,hewillsufferhimto fall, that by his fall he may grow in a deeper hatred of sin, and injealousy over his own heart, and a nearer watchfulness over his ownways;thathemaygrowmoreinlovewithGodforpardoningofhim,andgrowmore strong in his resolution for the time to come;' that hemaygrow more in humility. None grow so much as those that have theirgrowth stopped for a time. Let none be discouraged when they find astop,butconsiderthatGodisworkinggraceinanotherkind.TheSpiritappears inonegracewhenitdothnot inanother.Itgrowsinonegracewhen it doth not in another. Sometime the Spirit will have us grow inhumility;asthe juiceof theherbsrunstotheroot inthewinter, it is inthe leaves in the spring, it is in the seed in the autumn; as the lifesometimeappears in theplant inonepartandsometimeinanother;sothe Spirit of God appears sometime in humility, sometime in joy,sometime in spiritual strength and courage. Let none be discouragedovermuch when they find a stop; for there is no interruption of Spiritaltogether, and this little interruption is like a sickness that will makethem grow and shoot upmore afterwards. It spends the humours thathindersgrowth.Thereissuchamysteryinthecarryingofmenfromgloryto glory, that it makes men more glorious sometimes by base sins. Iwouldhavenomandiscouragedtherefore.Indeed,Godwillworkso,thatheshallwishhehadnotgivenhimoccasiontoshewhisstrength inhisweakness,hisgloryinhisshame;butGod,wherehehathbegunhewillgothroughwiththework,andwillturnalltogood.

And to encourage us here, grace begun hath the same name as graceperfect. Both are glory. Why doth God call them by one name? ToencourageChristians.Hetellsthemthatifitbebegunitisglory,notthatitissoproperly,butifitbebegunitshallneverendtillitcomeinheaven.ThereforeGodstylesgraceinallthelatitude,fromthehighesttothevery

beginnings,bythesamename,toencourageChristians.Iftheybewithinthedoorofthetemple,thoughtheybenotsofarasthosethatareinhighandgloriousplaces,yettheyaregoingthither.ToencourageChristianstoknowthatunavoidablyandindefeasiblytheyshallcometoperfectionofgloryifitbebegun.AndGodlooksnotonChristiansastheyareintheirimperfections and beginnings, but that that in time hemeans to bringthemto.Heintendstobringthemtoglory.Thereforehegivesgracethestyleofglory.AsinthecreaturesGodlookednotontheseedsoftreesassuch,buthelookedonthemasseedsthathemeanttomaketreesof;andwhen God looks upon his children, he looks not on them as they arechildren,butastheyshallbeperfectmen.DoththewisdomofGodlookontheseedsoftreesasheintendstomakethemtrees?anddothhenotlookuponChristians,thatarebabesingrace,asheintendstomakethemmen,tocometotheperfectstatureofChrist?Heviewsusatonceinourbeginningsandperfections.Allispresentedatoncetohim.Thereforehegivesonenametothewholestateofgrace,graceandglory,allisglory.Ibeseechyoutherefore,iftherebeanygoodness,anyblessedchangeinus,letusbecomforted;forhethathathbroughtustothebeginningsofglorywillneverfailtillhehathbroughtustoperfectgloryinheaven,andthereourchangeshallrest.Thereisnofurtherchangethere,whenweareonceinourelement.

ForevenasGod,whenhemademan,herested fromallhisworkupontheSabbath;manwashisexcellentpiece.SotheSpiritofGodwillrest,sanctifying and altering of us. When we are once in heaven, in thateternalSabbath, thenweshallneednochanges fromglorytoglory.WeshallforeverbefilledwiththefulnessofGod,tillwhichtimethereisnocreatureintheworldsochangeableasaChristian.

For,first,youseehewasmadeinGod'simageandlikenessinhisstateofstanding.

Afterhefelltherewasachange,tohissecondstateofsin.

Afterthestateoffall,thereisachangetothestateofgrace.

Afterthatfromonedegreeofgracetoanotherinthisworldtillhedie.

Andthenthesoulismoreperfectandglorious.Butatthelast,whenbodyandsoulshallbeunited,thereshallbenomorechange;thereshallbeanendofallalteration.

SoweseethatGodintendsbyhisSpirittobringustoperfection,thoughby littleand little, toperfectionofgloryas farasournature is capable,andthisshallbeatthelatterday.

Quest.Whynotbefore?whynotinthisworld?

Ans.Beloved,wearenotcapablehereofthatfulnessofglory.SaintPeteron the mount had but a glimpse of the glory of heaven, and he wasspirituallydrunkasitwere,heknewnotwhathesaid,Mark9:6.Wearenot capable. Therefore we must grow here from glory to glory, till wecometothatperfectionofglory.Godthatgivesustheearnestcouldmakeupthebargainhereifwewerecapableofit,butwearenot.

God will have a difference between the militant and the triumphantchurch,andwill trainusuphere to live the lifeof faith, tillwecometolivethelifeofsight,thelifeofvisionforeverinheaven.

DothGodbyhisSpirit changeusbyhisSpirit to the likenessofChrist,'from glory to glory,' till he have brought us to perfection of glory inheaven?Oh let us comfort ourselves in our imperfections here.We areherelameMephibosheths.Hewasaking'sson,buthewaslame.Wearespirituallylameanddefective,thoughwebekings'sons(m).Oh,butweshallgrowfromglorytoglory,tillallendinperfectioninheaven.Whatacomfort is this in our imperfections, that as every day we live in thisworldcutsoffadayofourlife,forwelivesomuchtheshorter,soeverydaywe live brings us nearer to heaven; that as we decay in the life ofnatureeveryday,sowegrowupanotherway,'fromglorytoglory,'tillwecome to perfect glory in heaven; is not this a sweet comfort? Let uscomfortourselveswiththesethings.

Use3.Again,ifthestateofGod'speoplebethussweetandcomfortable,and full ofwell-groundedhopes, thatglory shall go furtheron toglory,andendinglory, thenwhyshouldwebeafraidofdeath?Forgracewillbutendinglory.Ameangloriousestatewillbutevenbeswallowedupof

atrulygloriousestate.Indeedgraceisswallowedupofglory,evenastherivers are swallowed up of the ocean. Glory takes away nothing, butperfects all better bydeath.Why shouldwebe afraid of death?Weareafraidofourglory,andoftheperfectionofourglory.

Therebedegreesofglory.Thereisglorybegunhereingrace,andthereisthegloryofthesoulafterdeath,andtheglorybothofsoulandbodyforever in heaven, and these make way one to another. A Christian isgloriouswhilehelives,andhegrowsinglorywhilehelives.Heismoregloriouswhenhedies,forthenhissoulhathperfectlytheimageofChriststampeduponit.Butheismostgloriousatthedayofresurrection,whenbody and soul shall be glorious, when he shall put down the very sunitself.Allgloryshallbenothingtothegloryofthesaints,'Theyshallshineasthesuninthefirmament,'Dan.12:3.AndindeedtherewillbenoglorybutthegloryofChristandofhisspouse;allothergloryshallvanishandcometonothing.ButthegloryoftheKingofheavenandhisqueenthathe hath chosen to himself to solace himself eternally with, when thespiritualmarriageshallbeaccomplished, theyshallbe foreverglorioustogether.Whythenshouldwebeafraidofdeath?Forthenthereshallbea further degree of glory of the soul, and after that a further degree ofbodyandsoul,whenourbodiesshallbeconformabletothegloriousbodyofChrist,whentheyshallbespiritual,as it is in1Cor.15:44. Ibeseechyou, therefore, let,us learn this tocomfortourselvesagainst thosedarktimes of dissolution, when we shall see an end of all other glory. Allworldlygloryshallend in thedust,and liedown in thegrave;whenwemustsaythat'rottennessisourfather,'andthe'wormourmother,'Job.17:14.Wecanclaimnootherkininregardofourbody,yetthenweshallbemoreglorious in regardofoursouls.Christ shallputa robeofgloryuponus,andthenafterwardweshallbemoregloriousstill.

Thereforeitisbaseinfidelitytobeafraidofourdissolution,whenindeeditisnotadissolution,butawaytoglory.Weshouldratherconsidertheconjunction, than the dissolution.Death takes in pieces body and soul,butitjoinsthesoultoChrist.Itmakesthesoulmoregloriousthanitwasbefore. We go from glory to glory. Our Saviour Christ saith, 'He thatbelievethinmeshallneverdie,'John11:26.Whatdothhemeanbythat?

Indeed,we shallneverdie, for grace shallbe swallowedupof glory.As

soonaseverthelifeofnatureisgone,helivesthelifeofglorypresently.Soheneverdies.Thereisbutachangeofthelifeofgraceandofnatureforthelifeofglory.

Whatthatgloryshallbeatthatday,itisapartofthatglorytoknow;forindeed it is beyond expression, and beyond the comprehension of ourminds. They cannot conceive it nor our tongues express it. Peter, as Isaid, seeing but a glimpse of it, said, 'It is good for us to be here.' Heforgot all his former troubles and afflictions. If such a little glimpse ofglorycouldsopossessthesoulofthatblessedmanPeter,asthatitmadehimforgetallhisformermiseries,andallhisafflictionswhatsoever,tobeinlovewiththatconditionaboveallothers,whatshallthegloryofheavenbe then! Shall we think then of our formermisery, and baseness, andtrouble,andpersecutions?Ohno.

Use4.Again,letusbeexhortedbythistotrythetruthofgraceinus,byourcaretogrowandproceedfromglorytoglory,stilltobemoregloriousin Christianity. Beloved, of necessity it must be so. Let us not deceiveourselvesinournaturalcondition.Dowecontentourselvesthatweliveasickman's life?No.Wedesirehealth.Whenwehavehealth, is thatall?No.Whenwehavehealth,wedesirestrengthtoo,thatwemayencounteroppositions.Isitsoinnature,thatlifeisnotenough,buthealth;andthatisnotenough,butstrengthtoo?Andis itnotsomuchmore inthenewcreature, in thenewnature, in thedivinenature? If therebe life, therewillbeadesiretohavehealth,thatoursicksoulsmaybemoreandmorehealed; that our actions that come from our faculties sanctified be notsickactions;thattheybenotweaklanguishingactions;thatwemayhavehealed souls; thatGod togetherwith pardoning gracemay join healinggrace,tocureoursoulsdailymoreandmore,thatwemaybemoreabletoperformances.Andthen,whenwehavegotspiritualhealth,letusdesirespiritual strength to encounter oppositions and temptations, to gothroughafflictions,tomakewaythroughallthingsthatstandinourwaytoheaven.Letusnotdeceiveourselves.Thiswillbeso.Iftherebetruthofgrace,stilla furtherandfurtherdesireofgrace,carryingustoa furtherandfurtherendeavour.

Themorewegrowingrace, themoreGodsmellsasweetsacrifice fromus; that that comes from us ismore refined and less corrupt. It yields

betteracceptancetoGod.

And then for others, themorewe grow in grace, themorewe grow inability, innimbleness, and cheerfulness todo themgood; and that thatcomes fromus findsmore acceptancewithothers, being carriedwith astrong spirit of love anddelight, which alway is accepted in the eyes ofmen.

Themorewe grow in grace, themore cheerfulwe shall be in regardofourselves.Thebetterweare,thebetterwemaybe;themorewedo,themore we may do. For God further instils the oil of grace, to give usstrength and cheerfulness in good actions, so that they come off withdelight.Ourowncheerfulness increasethasourgrowth increaseth. Inaword,youseeglorytendstoglory,andthatisenoughtostirusuptogrowin it. Seeing glory here, which is grace, tends to glory in heaven, weshouldneverresttillwecometothatperfection;tillthegloryofgraceendin glory indeed. For what is the glory of heaven but the perfection ofgrace? Andwhat is the beginnings of grace here but the beginnings ofglory?Graceisglorybegun,andgloryisgraceperfected.Therefore,ifwewouldbeinheavenasmuchasmaybe,andenterfurtherandfurtherintothekingdomofGod,asPetersaith,2Pet.1:5,seq.,letusbealwayaddinggracetograce,andonedegreetoanother.Putsomewhattotheheapstill,that so wemay go from glory to glory, from knowledge to knowledge,fromfaithtofaith,fromonedegreetoanother.

Obj. But it will be objected that Christians sometimes stand at a stay,sometimestheyseemtogoback.

Ans.Inaword,toanswerthat,somebecausetheycannotseethemselvesingrowing,theythinktheygrownotatall.Itisbutignorance;forweseethesunmoves,thoughweseehimnotinmoving.Weknowthingsgrow,thoughweseethemnotingrowing.Thereforeitfollowsnot,thatbecauseweperceivenotourgrowth fromgrace tograce, that thereforewegrownot.

But put the case indeed that Christians decay in their first love and insomegrace.Thereisasuspensionofgrowth.Itisthattheymaygrowinsomeothergrace.Godsees itneedfultheyshouldgrowintheroot,and

therefore abaseth them in the sense of some infirmity, and then theyspringoutamainagain.Asafterahardwintercomesagloriousspring,uponacheckgracebreaksoutmoregloriously.AndthereisamysteryinGod's government in that kind, that God often increaseth grace by thesightandsenseofourinfirmities.Godshewshispowerfulgovernmentinourweakness; forGod'schildrenneverhate theircorruptionmorethanwhentheyhavebeenovercomebyit.Thentheybegintobesensibleofit,thatthereissomehiddencorruptionthattheydiscernednotbefore,thatitisfittheyshouldtakenoticeof.Thebestmanlivingknowsnothimselftill he comes to temptation. That discovers himself to himself.Temptationdiscoverscorruptionandmakesitknown,andthenstirsuphatred for it. As love stirs up endeavour, so hatred aversation* andloathing.ItisprofitableforGod'schildrentofallsometimes.Theywouldnever be so good as they are else. Theywould not wash for spots; butwhen they see they are foul indeed, then they go towash.But this is amystery;Godwillhaveitsoforgoodends.

Itchecksthedispositionofsomegoodpeople.Theythinktheyhavenotgrace,becausetheyhavebutalittle.Thisphraseshewsthatwehavenotall at once. God carries us by degrees, 'from glory to glory,' from onedegreeofgracetoanother.God'schildren,whentheyhavetruthofgracewrought in them,theirdesiresgobeyondtheirendeavourandstrength.Their desires are wondrous large, and their prayers are answerable totheirdesires.ThereforeintheLord'sprayerwhatsaywe?'Thykingdomcome;thywillbedoneinearthasitisinheaven,'Mat.6:10.Canitbesointhisworld?No.Butwemustpraytillwecometoit.Wemustpraytillwecometoheaven,whereprayershallcease.Sotheprayersanddesiresof God's people transcend their endeavours. Their prayers are infinite.Hereupon, thechief thing inconversionbeingthedesire, theturningofthestreamofthewill,whentheyfindtheirwillandtheirdesiregood,andtheirendeavourtofallshortoftheirpurposes,theysay,SurelyIhavenogood,becauseIhavenotthatIwouldhave,asiftheyshouldhaveheavenuponearth.Wemustgrow'fromglorytoglory.'AndthankGodforthatbeginning.ItisGod'smercythathewouldworktheleastdegreeofgracein such rebellious hearts as all of us have; that he would work anygoodness, any change, though never so little. God looks not to themeasure, so much as to truth. For he will bring truth to perfection,

though it be never so little. Let us be comforted in it. And it is God'sgovernment,tobringhischildrentoglorybylittleandlittle,thatsotheremaybeadependenceofoneChristianuponanother;theweakeronthestronger: and that there may be pity, and sweet affections of oneChristiantoanother;andthattheremaybeperpetualexperienceofGod'smercy in helping weak Christians; and a perpetual experience of thatwhichisthetruegroundofcomfort,justification;thatwemustneedsbejustified, and stand righteous before God, by Christ's absoluterighteousness, having experience of our imperfect righteousness. So alittlemeasureof grace inus is for greatpurpose.Therefore letnonebediscouraged,especiallyconsideringthatGod,whomwedesiretoplease,valuesusbythatlittlegoodwehave,andesteemsusbythatconditionhemeanstobringustoere longtoperfection.So longaswetakenotpartwithourcorruptions,butwiththeSpiritofGod,andgivewaytohim,andlethimhavehisworkinus;solongbeofgoodcomfortinanymeasureofgracewhatsoever.

Use. 5. Again, in that grace is of a growing nature, in all changes andalterations,whatsoeverwedecayin,letusnotdecayingrace.BegofGod.Lord,whatsoeverthoutakestfromme,takenotthySpiritfromme!takenotthystampfromme!LetmegrowintheinwardmanalthoughIgrownot in theworld.Letus labour togrow 'fromglory toglory,' thoughweloseotherwise.Thatiswelllostandpartedwithintheworldthatiswiththegainofanygrace,becausegraceisglory.Itisagoodsicknessthatgetsmorepatience,andmorehumility. It isagood loss thatmakesusgrowlessworldly-mindedandmorehumblebyit.Allotherthingsarevanityincomparison.Andthatgracethatwegetbythelossofthemiswellgained.Graceisglory;andthemorewegrowingrace,themorewegrowinglory.Therefore I beseech you labour to thrive that way, to grow upheavenward,dailymoreandmoreinourdisposition.Beloved,themoregraceweget themoreglory; and themore likeweare toChrist and toGod, themoreweadornourprofession;and themorewe shameSatanand his instruments, and stop theirmouths, themore duties come offnaturallyandsweetlyfromuswithoutconstraint.It isgoodforustobegrownChristians, thatweneednotbe cumberedwith corruptions.Themorewegrow,themorenimbleandcheerfulandvoluntaryweshallbeinduty.We shall partakemore of that anointing thatmakesusnimble in

God's service. There is nothing in the world so glorious as a grownChristian. Therefore let us be in love with the state of Christianity,especiallywithgrownChristians.Ofall things,he is comparedwith thebest. If he be a house, he is a temple; if he be a plant, he is a cedargrowingup;ifhebeaflower,heisalilyrisingandgrowingfresher;ifhebeastone,heisapearl.Hegrowsinestimationandusemoreandmore.Beloved,ifwehadspiritualeyestoseethestateofaChristian,ofagrownChristian especially, we would labour above all things to thrive in thisway. Have we not many works to do? Have we not many enemies toresist? Have we notmany graces to perfect? Are we not to die and toappearbeforeGod?ArewenottoenjoytheblessingsofGodpurely?anddonotthesethingsrequireagreatdealofstrengthofgrace?Ohtheydo.Therefore labour above all things in the world to behold God's love inChrist,andtobeholdChrist,thatbythissightwemaygrowfromglorytoglory.

Andthiswillmakeuswillingtodie.Whatmakesamanwillingtodie,butwhenheknowsheshallgofromglorytogreaterglory?Afterdeathistheperfectionofglory.Thenwearegloriousindeed,whenweareinheaven.Aweaksightherebyfaithchangethus;butastrongsight,whenweshallseefacetoface,perfectlychangethus.Thenweshallbelikehim,whenweshallseehimfacetoface.

Awickedmancannotdesiredeath,hecannotdesireheavenitself.Why?Becauseheaven is theperfectionofgrace.Glory[which] isbutgracehelovesnot.Thereforeit isacertainevidenceoffutureglory,foramantolovegrace,andtogrow.Isaysuchamaniswillingtodie.Awickedman,thathatesgrace,thatlovesnotChristinhisimage,inhischildren,orinhistruth,hehatesglorythatistheperfectionofgrace;forpeace,andjoy,andcomfort,theyarebutthosethingsthatissuefromgrace,andspringfromgrace.Graceisthechiefpartofheaven,theperfectionoftheimageofGod, theperfectionof all thepowers to be likeChrist.But for peaceandcomfortthatspringsfromit,awickedmanlovespeaceandquiet,buttohavehisnaturealteredhelovesnotthat;andifhelovenotgrace,howcanheloveglory?ThereisnomanbutaChristianthatlovesheaven.Weare ready to drop away daily. Now to be in a state unchanged, it is afearful thing. Unless we be changed by the Spirit of God, we shall be

afraid to die. We cannot desire to be in heaven. The very heaven ofheavensistheperfectionofgrace.ToseeGodtobeallinall,andbythesight ofGod tobe transformed intohis likeness, it is the chief thing inheaven.ThereforeIbeseechyouletuslabourmoreandmoretogrowingrace; setChristbeforeus.Letmeadd thisone thing,makeuseof ourpatternsamongus.Christisnowinheaven,buttherewillbetheSpiritofChrist in his children to the end of the world; and grace is sweetlyconveyed from those that we live amongst. We grow up in grace bygrowinginaholycommuniononewithanother.Christwillkindlelightsineverygeneration.Thereforeletuslabourtohavethespiritofthosewelivewithgiventous; inconversing,tobelikeChrist inhismembers;tolovetheimagoofChristinhischildren,andtoconversewiththem;tobealteredintotheirlikeness.ThiswillchangeustothegloriouslikenessofChristmoreandmore.

Those that care not what company they keep, those that despise theimageofChristinthoseamongwhomtheylive,cantheygrowingrace?

Weshall giveaccountof all thegoodexampleswehavehad.DothGodkindle lights fornothing?We shouldglorifyGod for the sunandmoonandstars,andothercreatures. IsnotaChristianmoregloriousthanallthecreaturesintheworld?WeshouldglorifyGodforgraceinChristians,and labour to be transformed to them that we may grow the liker toChrist,thatwemaygrowmoreandmoreglorious.Ispeakthistoadvancethecommunionof saintsmoreandmore,aswedesire topartakemoreandmoreofthisgrace,andtogrow'fromglorytoglory.'

Use6.Again,consideringthatGodmeanstobringus,bylittleandlittle,bydegrees,toperfectgloryofbodyandsoul,andconditioninheaventobe like Christ, let thismake us be content to be vile for Christ in thisworld,asDavidsaidwhenheteasscorned,'Iwillbeyetmorevile,'2Sam.6:22, 'doyouthinkIthinkmuchtoshewmyselfthus, forthehonourofGod?'WhenMichalscoffed, 'Iwillbemorevile.'Letusbecontenttogoout of the camp, and bear the reproach of Christ,Heb. 11:26, bear thereproachofreligion.Lettheworldscornusfortheprofessionofreligion.God is bringingus fromglory to glory, till hebringus toperfect glory;and shallwe suffernothing forhim?Letusbe content tobemorevile,andtobearthereproachofreligion.Theveryworstthinginreligion,the

reproach of Christ, asMoses made a wise choice, it is better than thetreasuresofEgypt,Heb.11:26.Themostexcellentthingsintheworldarenot so good as theworst thing in religion, because reproach endswithassurance of comfort, that God will take away that, and give us gloryafter.Therefore,letusnotbediscouragedfromaChristiancourse,butgothrough good report and bad report, break through all, to finish ourcoursewithjoy,asStPaulspeaksofhimself,Acts20:24.

Use7.AnddothGodbringusfromglorytoglory,tillhehavebroughtustoperfectionofglory?Then,Ibeseechyou,letusbeforehandbethankfultoGod,asweseeintheepistlesofblessedStPaulandPeter:'BlessedbeGod, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that hath begotten us to aninheritanceimmortal,undefiled,reservedinheaven,'saithStPeter,1Pet.1:4;andsoStPaul.Letusbegintheemploymentofheavenbeforehand.ForwhydothGoddiscovertousthathewillbringustoglory?whydothhe discover it to our faith, that excellent state? That we might beginheavenonearth,asmuchasmightbe.Andhowshallwedothat?Bytheemployment of heaven. What is that? 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God ofhosts,'Rev.4:8.There isnothingbutmagnifyingandglorifyingofGod.Thereshallbenoneedofprayer.Therearepraisesalway;andsomuchasweareinthepraisesofGod,andglorifyingofGodforhismercyandlovein Christ, so much we are in heaven before our time. I beseech you,therefore,bestirredupinconsiderationofthis,thatweareleadingonbydegrees, fromglorytoglory,tillwecometoperfection.LetusevengiveGodthepraiseofallbeforehand.Foritisassureasifwehadit.Foroneway,howthingstocomearepresent,isbyfaith.Glorytocomeispresenttwoorthreewaysalready,thatmaystirusuptoglorifyGodbeforehand.

(1.)TheglorytocomeispresenttoChristourhead.We,inourhusband,areinheaven.Nowhehathtakenheavenforus!

(2.)Andinregardoffaith,thatistheevidenceofthingsnotseen.Itisthenature of faith to present things to come as present. To faith, glory tocome is present, present in Christ, and we are part of Christ, Christmystical,andmembers.Andweinourheadareinheavenalready,andsitthere.Andtofaith,thatmakesthingspresentthataretocome,weareinheavenalready.

(3.)Andwehavetheearnestofheaven,thefirst-fruitsof theSpirit.Wehavegracewhichisglory,thebeginningsofglory.Wehavethefirst-fruitsandearnest.Now,anearnestisnevertakenaway,butismadeupbythebargainwiththerest;sotheearnestoftheSpiritofGod,thefirst-fruitsofpeaceandjoy,ofcomfortandlibertytothethroneofgrace,thesearethebeginnings of heaven. Therefore, bemuch in praisingGod.Oh thatwecouldbeso!IfwecouldgetintoaframeanddispositiontoblessGod,wecould never be miserable; no, not in the greatest afflictions, forthankfulness hath joy alway. When a man is joyful, he can never bemiserable,forjoyenlargeththesoul.Whenisamanmostjoyful,butinastate of thankfulness? And what makes us thankful so much, as toconsider the wonderful things that are reserved in another world, theglorythatGodisleadingustobylittleandlittle,fromglorytoglory,tillwebeperfect?

'EvenasbytheSpiritoftheLord.'

'As'here is takenaccordingto thephrase in theGreek;andthere is thelikewordintheHebrew.Itsignifiethlikenessandsimilitudesometimes,and sometimes otherwise.* It is not heremeant as if we were like theSpiritoftheLord,butthischangeiswroughtevenasbytheSpiritoftheLord.Thatis,itissoexcellentandsostrong,thatyoumayknowthatitisdonebynonebuttheSpiritofGod.

Again,'asbytheSpiritoftheLord,'thatis,sofarastheSpiritoftheLordchangethus.Itimplieththosetwothings,thatis,itisdonebythepoweroftheSpirit, thatwemayknowit isdonebytheSpiritoftheLord;andthen, as by him and no further, for we no further shine than heenlightenethus.Astheair,itisnofurtherlightthanthesunshinesintoit; sowehavenomoreglory, strength, comfort,andpeace,oranythinggraciousorglorious, than theSpiritofGodshines intous: thereforehesaith,'asbytheSpiritoftheLord.'Itissogloriousandexcellent,andsofarforthashedothit.'AsbytheSpiritoftheLord;'soheexpresseththemeaningofthatphrase.

Now you see here the doctrine is clear, that all that I have spoken ofbeforecomesfromtheSpiritoftheLord,andfromnoothercause.

Thebeholding,thetransforming,thedegreesoftransformingfromglorytoglory,thetakingawayoftheveil,allisfromtheSpiritoftheLord.Togoovertheparticulars.

TheHolyGhostdothopenoureyestobeholdthegloryoftheLord,andtherefore he is called the Spirit of illumination. The Holy Ghost takesaway the veil of ignorance andunbelief, and thereuponhe is called theSpiritofrevelation.TheHolyGhostuponrevealingtheloveofGodtousin Christ, and the love of Christ to us, and illuminating ourunderstandingstoseethesethings,hebreedslovetoGodagain,shewingtheloveofGodtous,andthereuponheiscalledtheSpiritoflove.Nowwhen God's love is shed into us by the Spirit of illumination andrevelation, then we are changed according to the image of Christ; andthereupon theHolyGhost, from theworking of a change, is called theSpirit of sanctification, because he is not only the holy temple of thatblessed person, but he makes us holy; and because this change is aglorious change, a change from one degree of grace to another, till wecometobeperfectinheaven;hereuponitiscalledaSpiritofglory,asStPeter saith, 'theSpirit of glory restethonyou,' 1Peter4:14, that is, theSpiritofpeace,oflove,ofcomfort,ofjoy,&c.TheSpirit,inregardofthisblessed attribute,working all these, he is called theSpirit of glory.TheSpirithathdiversnamesaccordingto thediversoperationsheworks inthe saints and people of God; as here the Spirit of illumination, ofrevelation, of love, of sanctification, of glory, all is by the Spirit.Whatsoever is wrought in man it is by the Spirit. All comes from theFatherasthefountain,andthroughtheSonasMediator;butwhatsoeveriswroughtitisbytheHolyGhostinus,whichisthesubstantialvigourintheTrinity.AllthevigourandoperationintheTrinityuponthecreature,it is by theHoly Ghost, the third person. As in the creation the Spiritmoveduponthewaters,andmovingthereandbroodingonthem,framedthewholemodelofthecreatures;allwereframedbytheHolyGhost;sothe Holy Ghost upon the water of our souls frames the new creature,frames all this change 'from glory to glory,' all is by the Holy Spirit.Therefore it is here in thepassive term, 'Weare changed fromglory toglory,asbytheSpiritoftheLord.'Sointhechainofsalvationyouhavepassivewordsinthemall.'WhomGodforeknewhechose:andwhomhechose he justified: and whom he justified he glorified,' Rom. 8:30, all

because they come from God, and the Spirit of God. So here we aretransformed from glory to glory, all is by the Spirit of God, the thirdperson. For, beloved, even as from God toward us all things comethrough theSonby theSpirit, soback again, all things fromus toGodmustcomebytheSpiritandthroughChrist.WedoallbytheSpirit,asallthingsarewrought inusby theSpirit.Godgivesus theSpiritofprayerand supplication, and the Spirit of sanctification; and we pray in theSpirit, andwork in the Spirit, andwalk in the Spirit.We do all in theSpirit,toshewthattheSpiritdothallinall.InthisnewcreatureandworkofsanctificationitisbynolessthantheSpiritoftheLord.For,beloved,asitwasGodthatredeemedus,soitisGodthatmustchangeus;asitwasGodthatwroughtoursalvationandreconciledus,—nolesspersoncoulddoit,—soitmustbeGodthatmustpersuadeusofthatgloriouswork,andfit us for it by hisHoly Spirit. It is God thatmust knit us to our headChrist,andthenbylittleandlittletransformustothatblessedconditionthatChristhathpurchasedforus.GodtheSondoththeone,andGodtheSpiritdoththeother.Youhaveallthethreepersonsinthisplace,forwesee the glory ofGod the Father, Son, andHolyGhost shining in JesusChrist.Christistheimageaccordingtowhichwearechanged.TheSpiritishethatchangethusaccordingto that image.Godshowshismercy inChrist.WeknowingandapprehendingthemercyofGodinChristbytheSpirit,arechangedbythatSpirit'fromglorytoglory.'SothattheblessedTrinity,astheyhaveaperfectunityinthemselvesinnature,fortheyarealloneGod,sotheyhaveamostperfectunityintheirlove,andcare,andrespect tomankind.We cannot want the work of any one of them all.Theirworkisforthegoodofmankind.TheFatherinhiswisdomdecreedandlaidthefoundationhowmercyandjusticemightbereconciledinthedeath of the Mediator. Christ wrought our salvation. The Holy Ghostassures us of it and knits us to Christ, and changeth and fits us to bemembersofsogloriousahead,andsotranslatesandtransformsusmoreandmore'fromglorytoglory.'

Itisacomfortableconsiderationtoseehowoursalvationandourfittingforsalvation,tillwebeputinfullpossessionofit,standsupontheunityof the three glorious persons in the Trinity, that all join in one for themakingofmanhappy.

Iwillnametwoorthreedoctrines,beforeIcometothatwhichImeantodwellon.

As,first,that

Doct.TheSpiritcomesfrom,Christ.

Itissaidhere,'BytheSpiritoftheLord,'thatis,ofChrist;becauseChristdothspirare,*aswellastheFather.TheFatherdothspirare,andtheSondoth breathe. TheHolyGhost proceeds byway of spiration from both.ThereforetheSpiritisnotonlytheSpiritoftheFather,butoftheSon,asweseehere,'TheSpiritoftheLord.'ChristsendstheSpirit,aswellastheFather.'IwillsendyoutheComforter.'TheHolyGhostproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSon;andhedothreporttoustheloveoftheFatherandofthe Son; and therefore, 2 Cor. 13:14, the shutting of the chapter, 'Thegrace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and thecommunionoftheHolyGhost,'&c.AstheHolyGhosthathcommunionin proceeding from the Father and the Son, and knows the secrets ofboth;soherevealsthemtous.TheloveofGodtheFather,andtheSon,andthecommunionoftheHolyGhost;sotheHolyGhostproceedsfromtheSonaswellasfromtheFather;heiscalledheretheSpiritoftheLord.

Thenagain, theSpirit isadistinctperson fromChrist. It is saidbefore,'TheLordisthatSpirit.'Thatmighttroublemen,howtoknowthat 'theLordisthatSpirit.'MenmightthinkthatChristisallonewiththeSpirit.No.Here theSpirit is said tobe theSpiritof theLord.Hemeanshe isanother distinct person from Christ; and the Spirit is God as well asChrist,becausetheSpirithaththeoperationsofGodattributedtohim,tochange and transform, and make new.We are changed into the sameimage, fromglory to glory, 'even as by the Spirit of theLord.' Creationand renovation of all new is from an almighty power. All the power inheaven and earth cannotmake that thatwas not, to be, especially thatthatwascontraryandopposite,tobe.Nowforamaninoppositionandenmitytoreligion,tobechangedtoabetterimage,totheimageofChrist,itarguethanalmightypower.ThesedoctrinalpointsIdobutonlytouch.IcometothatthatIjudgemoreuseful;thatis,that

Doct.WhatsoeverisgoodinuscomesfromtheSpiritofGod.

What need I stand upon reasons?Whatsoever is above nature it mustcome from God's Spirit. The Spirit is the author of all things abovenature. Grace whereby we are like Christ, is above nature; therefore itmustbebytheSpiritofGod.

Besides,thatwhichrisethofnothing,andisopposite,andhathSatantooppose it, it must have an almighty power to work it. Thereforewhosoeverworksanythingthatissupernaturallygoodinus,hemustbeabovethedevil.WecannotsomuchascallJesus,*withafeeling,butbytheSpirit ofGod.We cannot think a good thought.All is by theSpirit,whatsoever is gracious and comfortable in us. I should be over-troublesometoyoutobemuchinsoclearacommonargumentasthisis.ThereforeIwillhastentomakesomeuseofit.

Use1.Andthereforeputoutofyourthoughts, Ibeseechyou,whenyoulook tohave anygraceor comfortwrought, shutoutof yourhearts toomuch relying upon any outward thing. Think not that education canmakeamangood,orploddingcanmakeamangood:inbodilyexercise,in hearing much, in conferring much, in custom or education, or anypainsofourown.ThesearethingsthattheSpiritwillbeeffectualin,ifweusethemasweshould;butwithouttheSpiritwhatarethey?Nay,whatisthebodyofChristwithouttheSpirit?'Thefleshprofitethnothing,'John6:63.Whatisthesacramentandtheword?DeadthingswithouttheSpiritof the Lord.Nothing canwork upon the soul, no outward thing in theworld,buttheSpiritofGod;andtheSpiritofGodworksuponthesoulbythemeansofgrace,bygracioushabitsandqualitieswrought.Forhedothnotworkuponthesoulimmediately.Beforehealterandchangethesoul,theSpiritworksuponthesoulbyaltering,andchangingofit;andwhenithathalteredthesoul,thenitjoinswiththesoul,andaltersandchangethitaccordingtotheimageofChrist,moreandmorestill.

Ibeseechyou,inyourdailypractice,alllearnthis,thatyoutrustnottoomuch to any outward performance or task; to make idols of outwardthings.Peoplewhentheywouldchangetheirdispositions,andbebetter,theytakeagreatdealofpains inhearing,andreading,andpraying.Allthesearethingsnecessary;buttheyaredeadthingswithouttheSpiritofChrist.Thereforeintheuseofallthoseoutwardthings,whatsoevertheybe, lookup toChrist, that is thequickeningSpirit, thatsends theSpirit

into our hearts. The Spirit must enliven and give vigour to all thesethings, and then somewhat will be done in religion, in hearing, andreading,andpraying,andreceivingthesacrament.ThereforeinalltheselooktotheSpiritfirst.Helabourethinvainthatreliethnotwhollyuponthe Spirit of God, that trusts not to a higher strength than his own. Itmustbeahigherstrengththanourownthatmustworkanygoodinoursouls, eithergrace,or comfort,orpeace.And therefore in theuseofallthings,astheproverbis,oculosadcælum,&c.Lettheeyebetoheaven,when the hand is at the storn† at the same time; and thenwe shall batransformed and changedby theSpirit ofGod.Know that in allmeansalway the Spirit is the principal, efficient, blessing, cause of all. Andthereforebeforewesetuponanythingthat isgood,whereinwelookforany spiritual good, desire God by his Holy Spirit that he would clothewhatshallbesaid.WordsarewindwithouttheSpirit.TheSpiritmustgowiththeordinances,asthearteriesgotogetherwiththeveins.Youknowintheveinsinthebodytherearearteriesthatgowiththem.Theyconveythespirits.Theveinsconveytheblood.That isadull thing,withoutthespirits, of itself. If therewereno spirits in the arteries,whatwould theblood intheveinsbe?Nothingbutaheavyuncomfortablehumour.Butthearteries thatcome fromtheheart, the fountainof life,being joined,and conveying the spirits, they quicken the blood that comes from theliver.Sotheveinsandarteriesjointogethertomakethebloodcheerful.ThewordandtruthofGodarelikethebloodintheveins.Thereisagreatdealofmatterinthem,butthereisnolifeatall.TheremusttheSpiritgoalongwiththemtogive lifeandquickeningtotheword,toclothethosedivine truthswith theSpirit, and then itworkswonders, not else. PaulspaketoLydia,Acts16:14,seq.,buttheHolyGhostopenedherheart.TheSpirithaththekeyofthehearttounlockandopentheheart.Wespeaktotheoutwardman,butexcepttheinwardmanbeopenedbytheSpiritofGodandunlocked,allistonopurpose.ThereforeletusprayfortheSpiritofthischanging.AllisbytheSpiritoftheLord.

ItisinmysticalChrist,evenasitwasinnaturalChrist;allhisgracewasfromtheHolyGhostasman.ForthoughhewereconceivedoftheHolyGhost, he was anointed by theHoly Ghost; he was sealed by theHolyGhost; he was led by the Holy Ghost into the wilderness; he offeredhimselfbytheSpirit;hewasraisedbytheSpirit;hewasfulloftheSpirit.

AsitwasinChristnatural,soitisinChristmystical;thatis,inthechurchallisbytheSpirit.AshewasconceivedinthewombbytheSpirit,soweare conceived to be Christians by the Spirit. The same Spirit thatsanctified him sanctifieth us. But first the Spirit by way of unionsanctifieth us, by knitting us to him the head of all; and then unctioncomesafterunion;anointingafterunion.ThentheSpirit,whenhehathknit us to Christ, works the same anointing that he did in Christ.Therefore we are called Christians of Christ, not only partakers of thenaked name, but of the anointing of Christ—that anointing that runsdown the head of our spiritual Aaron to the skirts, to every poorChristian.All change, all comfort, all peace is from theSpirit ofChrist.Thereforegivehimthegloryofall.Ifwefindanycomfortinanytruth,itcomesnot fromus,but fromhisSpirit;andwemustgoupwardtohimagain.As all descends fromheaven, from theFatherof lights and fromtheSpirit ofGod, so allmust ascend again.Yieldhim thepraise of all.Andoneworkof theSpirit is tocarryoursoulsup.For theSpirit,as itcomes fromheaven to change, so it carries us up again to view and toimitateChrist,tobewhereChristis.Aswaterwhenitistobecarriedup,itiscarriedashighasthespringhead,fromwhenceitcame,sotheSpiritcomingfromChrist,itneverleaveschangingandalteringofustillithavecarriedustoChristagain.ThereforeasitistheworkoftheSpirittocarryustoChrist,soletusdesireitmaycarryusbeforehandforthegoodworkbeguninus,inthankfulness,thatwemaybeginheavenuponearth.AllisfromtheSpiritofChrist.

Amannowinthestateofgracemustlookfornothingfromhimself;foraswearesavedaltogetheroutofourselvesbyChristthemediator,sothefitting for thatglorioussalvationthatwehavepurchasedbyChrist, it isbytheSpirit.TheworkingofoursalvationisbyGod,andtheassuranceofit tooursouls isby theHolyGhost,by thewitnessofGodsealedtous.Andthefittingandpreparingandchangingandsanctifyingofus,itisbytheHolyGhost.Allisoutofusinthecovenantofgrace,whereinGodisagraciousFatherinChrist.Allisoutofusinregardofthespring.Theworkindeed is terminated inus.TheSpirit ofGodalters ourunderstanding,will,andaffections,butthespringisoutofus.Asinparadisethosefourstreamsthatwateredparadise,thatranthroughit,yettheheadofthemwasoutofparadise,inanotherpartoftheworld.Sothoughtheworkof

theHolyGhost,thestreamsoftheSpirit,runthroughthesoulandwaterit;yetthespringofthosegraces,theHolyGhost,isoutofus,andChristtherootofsalvationisoutofus.ForGodinthecovenantofgracewillnottrustus,asinAdamGodtrusteduswithgrace,hehadgraceinhisownkeeping.Ifhewouldhemighthavestood.Hehadlibertyofwill,butGodsawwewere all ill husbands of grace and goodness, that hewouldnottrust us again. Therefore he trusted God-man, the second Adam, withgrace;andhe sendshisSpirit intous, andconveysgrace 'fromglory toglory'bydegrees,andallbytheSpiritoftheLord.

And,inthenextplace,thispointofdoctrineshouldmarvellouslycomfortandstayus,anddirectus.

Use 2. It should comfort us when we find no goodness at all, nor nostrength at all in our natures. Doth God expect that we should haveanything from ourselves? Who expects anything from a barrenwilderness?Ourheartsaresuch.Godknowsitwellenough.Thereisnogoodness in us, no more than there is moisture in a stone or a rock.ThereforehelooksthatweshouldbegtheSpiritofhim,anddependuponhim for the Spirit of his Son, to open our eyes with the Spirit ofillumination;torevealhislovetous,andthentosanctifyusandtoworkusmoreandmore toglory,and toworkoutall corruptionby littleandlittle.He expects thatwe should depend upon him for the Spirit in allthingswedo.

ThereforeChristiansaremuchtoblame.Theythinktoworkandtohewout of their own nature the love of God, and keep ado with their ownhearts,asiftheyhadaprincipleofgraceinthemselvesasofthemselves;and theymay long enoughwork thatway.But that is not theway, butacknowledgmentthatinourselves,asofourselves,asSaintPaulsaith,wecannotdoanything,Philip.2:13.Wecannotsomuch,byallthepowerintheworld, as thinka good thought. Ifwe should live a thousandyears,therecannotriseoutofourheartsagooddesireofourselves.AllisoutofusfromtheSpiritoftheLord.Nowthereuponwemustnotlookforitinourselves,butgotoGodforhisHolySpirit.GotoChristforhisSpirit,forthe Spirit proceeds from them both, that he would enlighten us andsanctify us, as I shewed in particular before. We must not thereforepresume that we can do anything of ourselves; and so we must not

despair.ShallwedespairwhenoncewebelieveinChrist?whenwehaveabundanceofgraceandSpiritinourheadChrist?Andhecanderive*hisSpiritashepleaseth.HegivestheSpiritbydegreesashepleaseth;forheisavoluntaryheadtodispenseitashewill.Heisnotanaturalhead.Whoshall despair when he is in Christ, who is complete? And in him wereceivegraceforgrace,graceanswerableforgraceinhim.

Let none presume that he can do anything of himself, for you see howGod sufferedholymen tomiscarry. Itwas folly in this case inPeter topresume of his own strength: 'Though all forsook Christ,' Mark 14:31,seq.,yetwouldnothe.Hepresumeduponhisownstrength.Godlefthimto himself. You see how foully he fell. So it is with us all, when wepresumeuponthestrengthofournatureandparts.Wemustnotcometothisholyplaceinthestrengthofourownwitandparts,butcomewithadesire that the Spirit may join with his ordinances, and make themefficaciousforourchange.AllchangeisbytheSpiritoftheLord.Nothingworksabovehisownsphere.Itisabovethepowerofnaturetoworkanythingsupernatural.Thereforeifwewillprofitbytheword,comenotwithpresumptuous spirits, but lift upourhearts toGod, thathis Spiritmayclothe the ministry with vigour and power, that he may convey holytruths intoourhearts, andmake themeffectual for thechangingof theinwardandoftheoutwardman.Thenwecomeasweshould.AllisbytheSpirit of the Lord, blessing all means whatsoever, without which allmeansaredead.Thereforewemustopenas that flower thatopensandshutsasthesunshinesonit(n).SomustweasChristshinesonus;andweebbandflowasheflowsuponus.Weshineoraredarkasheshinesonus.Astheairisnolongerlightthanthesunshines,sowearenolongerlightsomeandopen,andflowandarecarriedtoanything,thanChristbyhisSpiritflowsonus.Forwedowhatwedo,butwearepatientsfirsttoreceivethatpowerfromtheSpirit.Wehearanddogoodworks,buttheactivityandpowerandstrengthcomesallfromtheSpiritofGod.

Use3.Hencelikewisewemaymakeanotheruseoftrial,whetherwehavethe Spirit of Christ or no: whether we have the Holy Ghost, which iscalledheretheSpiritoftheLord.

Iwillnotgooutofthetextfortrials.

(1.)IfamanhavetheSpiritofGod,itopeneththeeyesofthesoultoseeintheglassoftheword,thefaceofGodshiningonhiminChrist.IfamanhavetheSpiritheseesGodasaFather,bytheSpiritofillumination.

(2.) Again, if thou hast the Spirit of God, thou hast the Spirit of love.God's Spirit manifesteth the hidden love of God, that was hid in thebreast ofGod, to his soul; for the Spirit ofGod searcheth the breast ofGodandthesecretofGod,anditsearchethmyheart.NowhethathaththeSpiritofGodknows the loveofGod inChrist tohim; it reveals theloveofGod,theheight,andbreadth,anddepthofittoourspirits.Asinthetext,weseethegraciousloveofGodinChrist,andthenwelovehimagain.

(3.)AndthereuponwheretheSpiritisitchangeth.ItisnotonlyaSpiritof illumination,butofsanctification.Wherehedwellshesanctifieththehouse,andmakesitatemple.Itisefficacious.WheretheSpiritis,itwillwork. It is like thewind.Where it is it will stir, it willmove.Where itmovesnotit isnotatall.WheretheSpiritaltersnottheconditionfrombadtogood,andfromgoodtobetter,suspectthatitisnotthere;atleastitwillmove.Asthepulseswillhaveadrawingin,andasendingout,bystirring,sotherewillbesomeoperationoftheSpiritthatisdiscernibletoajudiciouseye;alwaysomestirringwheretheSpiritofGodis.

Thepapistsslanderuswillingly:Ithinkagainstmanyoftheirconsciencesthat understand anything. Oh, say they, we will have Christians likeSatan, toappearasangelsof light,andblackamores inwhitegarments,thathave their teethwhite,andnothingelse.SoyourChristiansputonthe garment of Christ's righteousness. Let them put on that, and thenthoughtheybenotchangedawhit, it isnomatter.Whoteacheththus?Weteachoutofthistext,that,

First of all, theSpirit ofGodopensour eyes.He takesoff the veil, andthenweseethegloryofGod'smercyinChrist,pardoningoursinsfortherighteousness and obedience of Christ; and then that love warms ourhearts, so that it changeth our hearts by the Spirit, fromonedegree ofgrace to another. There is a changing power that goeswith the love ofChrist,andwith themercyofGod inChrist.This [is]ourdoctrine.ThesameSpirit that justifiethusby applying tous theobedienceofChrist,

thesameSpiritsanctifiethus.Thereforetheirallegationsandobjectionsaretonopurpose.WeseeheretheSpiritoftheLordchangethus.

Andso foryour commonatheisticalprofessors, thatprofess themselvesChristians.Theypartakeofthename,butnotoftheanointingofChrist.TrueChristiansthatareanointedwiththeSpiritofChrist,itwillenforcea change. Beloved, we cannot behold the sun, but we must beenlightened;wecannotbeholdtheSunofrighteousness,butweshallbechanged and enlightened. The eye of faith, though we think not of it,though it look upon Christ for justification and forgiveness of sins, yetnotwithstandingatthesametimeinsensiblythereisanalterationofthesoul. If aman look up for other ends, yet at the same time there is anenlighteningbythesun.SoatthesametimethatwelookuponthemercyofGodinChrist,atthesametimethereisagloryshinesuponus,andweare altered and changed, thoughwe think not of it. At the very instantthatweapprehend justificationand forgivenessof sins, in themercyofGodinChrist,atthesameinstantthereisagloryputuponthesoul.Wecannothave commercewith theGodof glory, butwe shall be glorious.Therefore,thereisnomanthathathanythingtodowithGod,thathathnotsomegloryputintohissoul,whatsoeverheis.

Therefore,letnomanthinkhehathanythingtodoinreligiontillhefindtheworkoftheSpiritalteringandchanginghim.HehaththetitleofHolySpirit,fromtheblessedworkofsanctifyingandchanging:hedothchangeus.

(4.)Andwhenhehathchangedus,hegovernsandguidesusfromgloryto glory.Where theHoly Ghost is, therefore, he promotes the work ofgrace begun.He doth not onlymove us but promove; he promotes theworkbegun.ThereforethosethathavetheSpiritofGod,theyrestinnodegree of grace, but grow from grace to grace, from knowledge toknowledge, from faith to faith, till they come to that measure ofperfectionthatGodhathappointedtheminChrist.Those,therefore,thatsetuptheirstaff,andwillgonofurther,thatthinkall iswell,theyhavenottheSpiritofGod.FortheSpiritstirsuptogrowfromonedegreeofgracetoanother,toaddgracetograce,andtoenterfurtherandfurtherintothekingdomofgrace,andtocomenearertoglorystill.

(5.)ForthisendtheHolySpiritdwellsinus,andguidesus,asitis,Rom.8:26.Heisatutortous.WheretheHolyGhostisinanybody,itisasacounsellor.'Guidemebythycounsel,tillthoubringmetoglory,'Ps.31:3,et alibi. It is a tutor. As noblemen's children they have their tutors, soGod's childrenarenoblyborn.Theyhave their tutor and counsellor, aswellasangels toattend them.Theyhave theSpiritofGod to tell them,Thisdo,andthatdo,andhereyouhavedoneill.Theyhaveavoicebehindthem, to teach them in particular wherein they have done amiss. TheythathavetheSpirit,findsuchasweetoperationoftheSpirit,theSpiritisa teacher and a counsellor to them. They that are acquaintedwith thegovernment of God's Spirit, they find it checking them presently whentheydoill.ItgrievesthemwhentheygrievetheSpirit,soitteacheththeminparticularbusinesses,Do this, donot that.Thusmayweknow ifwehavetheSpirit,ifitguideandgovernusfromglorytoglory,tillwecometoperfection,wheretheSpiritisallinallinheaven.

(6.) Another evidence is this, the Spirit where it is it rests and abides;becauseitdothnotonlychangeusatthefirst,butitleadsusfromgloryto glory. As St Augustine saith, 'Wicked men have the Spirit of Godknocking, andhewould fain enter' (o); as thewickedestman,whenhehearsholytruthsdiscovered,theSpiritofGodknocksathisheart,andhefindssweetmotionsinhispoisonfulrebelliousnature,butthisisbuttheSpirit knocking, thatwouldhave entrance.ButGod's childrenhave theSpiritentering,anddwellingandrestingthere.TheSpiritofGodrestethonChrist,anditrestsonChrist'smembers.Howcanitchangethem,andhavingdoneso,guideandgovernthemfromglorytoglory;buthemustrestthere,hemusttakeuphislodgingandresidence.AChristianisnotanordinaryhouse,butatemple;heisnotanordinaryman,butaking;heis not an ordinary stone, but a pearl; he is not an ordinary tree, but acedar;heisanexcellentperson.AndthereforetheSpiritofGoddelightsto dwell in him. As the excellency of the body is from the soul, so theexcellency of the soul is from the Spirit dwelling in him. However, inparticular operations, the Spirit suspends his acts of comforting andguiding,tohumblethemfortheirpresumption,alwaytheHolyGhostisintheheart,thoughhebehidinacorneroftheheart.'IwillsendyoutheComforter,andheshallabidewithyouforever,'saithChrist,John14:16.Thuswemayseehowwemaytryourselves,whetherwehavetheSpiritof

theLordorno.IfwehavenottheSpirit,wearenoneofhis,wearenoneof Christ's, Rom. 8:13, 14. And then whose are we, if we be none ofChrist's? Do but think of that. Therefore if we would not be men nothavingtheSpirit,thatis,mendead,ledwithaworsespiritthanourown,letus labourtoknowwhetherwehavetheSpiritofChristorno.LetusseewhatchangethereistothelikenessofChrist.For,

(7.)TheSpirit,as it comes fromtheLord, so itmakesus like theLord,and we are changed by reasons from the Lord; by reasons andconsiderationsfromChrist,andfromthe loveofGodinChrist;becausetheSpirittakesfromChristwhatsoeverhehath: 'Heshalltakeofmine,'&c.,John16:13.Thatisthecomforthecomfortsthesoulwith;hefetchesthemfromhisdeathandbloodshed,andtheloveofGodinhim.Thathetakes of Christ. So there is a change wrought in us by reasons fetchedfromtheloveofGodinChrist,thoseconformingreasons.GodhathgivenhisSon,andChristhathgivenhimself,andwefeeltheloveofGodbytheSpirit.If theSpiritworkanygraceorcomfortbyconsiderationsfetchedfromChrist,thisisthetrueSpirit.Thechangeandalterationthatitworksinus isaccordingtothe imageofChrist, thatwemaybe likeChrist.SoChrist is the beginning and the end, and Christ is all. He works fromChrist and to Christ. Let us examine therefore if we have the Spirit ofChrist, whether it change us; and examine if we have the Spirit, fromwhat reasons and grounds it changes us; and thenwemay upon somecomfortablegroundssaywehavetheSpiritindeed.

If we have not the Spirit, how shall we come to have the Spirit?Whatmeansmustweusetogetit?

Inaword,thischapterexcellentlysetsoutthat,for,

[1.]ThegospeliscalledtheministryoftheSpirit;fortheopeningofthelove ofGod inChrist,which is the gospel, is theministry of the Spirit.Why? Because God hath joined the Spirit with the publishing andopening of these mysteries. Therefore study the gospel, and hearunfoldeddivineevangelicaltruths.ThemorewehearofthesweetloveofGodinChrist,themoretheSpiritflowsintothesoultogetherwithit.TheSpirit goes togetherwith thedoctrine of the gospel;which is called theministry of the Spirit. Therefore let us delight in hearing evangelical

points,theloveofGodopenedinChrist.

Acivilmoralman,Ohheistakenmightily,ifhehearamoralwittypoliticdiscoursethattouchethhim;andheisinhiselementthen.Whatisthistothegospel?Thishathitsuse.OhbuttheSpiritgoeswiththeopeningofthegospel,withevangelicalpoints;andifourheartswereeverseasonedwith the love of God, these points of Christ, and the benefits andprivilegesbyChrist, theywillaffectusmorethananyotherthingintheworld.Thatisonemeanstostudythegospel,andtohearthetruthsofthegospelopenedwheretheSpritworks.

[2.] Again, the Spirit of the Lord it is given to us usually in holycommunity.TheHolyGhost felluponthemin theActswhentheyweregatheredtogether,Acts4:31;andsurelyweneverfindsweetermotionsofthe Spirit than now, when we are gathered at such times, about holybusiness,asthisday.WeneverfindtheSpiritmoreeffectualtoalterandchangeour souls, thanat such times. 'Where twoor threearegatheredtogether,Iwillbeinthemidstofyou,'Mat.18:20,butbytheSpirit,saithChrist,warming,andaltering,andchangingthesoul.ForGodinfusethallgraceincommunion,aswearemembersofthebodymystical.Thosethathavesullenspirits,aspiritofseparation,thatscornallmeetings,theyarecarriedwiththespiritofthedevil,andoftheworld.TheyknownotwhatbelongstothethingsofGod.ItisthemeekspiritthatsubjectsitselftotheordinanceofGod.TheHolyGhostfallsusuallyuponmenwhentheyareinholycommunion.

[3.]AndinLuke11:13,thereGodwillgivetheHolyGhosttoallthatbeghim.PrayfortheHolyGhost,asthemostexcellentthingintheworld.Heshallbegiventothemthatbeghim,asifheshouldsay,thereisnothinggreaterthanthat,andGodwillgivehimtothemthataskhim.Therefore,come toGod,and inany thingwehave todo,emptyourselvesandbegthe Spirit; for the more a man empties him of his own confidence, inregardofholyperformanceofduties,themorewewilldesiretobefilledwith the fulnessof theSpirit; and this senseof ourownemptinesswillforceprayer.

Therefore, know that of ourselves we can do nothing holily, that mayfurtherourreckoning,butbytheSpirit.Doallthingsthereforeinasense

ofourownemptiness,andbegtheSpirit.

As likewisewhenwe are framed by the Spirit to obedience. Those thatobeythemotionsoftheSpirit,theSpiritjoinsmoreandmorecloselywiththeirsouls.GodgiveshisSpirit tothemthatobeyhim.Thosethatobeythe first motions of the Spirit, they have further degrees. What is thereasonthatmenhavenomoreSpiritintheordinances?TheHolyGhostknocksattheirhearts,andwouldfainhaveentrance,andtheyresistit,asStephensaith,Acts7:51.NowtheHolyGhostiswillingtoenteruponthesoul,butheisresisted.Thereforeifyouwillhavehimmoreandmore,letusopenoursouls,thattheKingofglorymaycomein.TheSpiritiswillingtoenter,especiallyinholyassemblies.SaithStJohn,Rev.1:10,'IwasontheLord'sday,Iwas intheSpirit,' that is,as ifheweredrownedintheSpiritontheLord'sday.WhenweareaboutholyexerciseswearenevermoreintheSpiritthanthen.LetusopenoursoulstotheSpirit,andthenweshallfindtheSpiritjoiningwithoursouls.TheSpiritismorewillingtosaveus,andtosanctifyus, thanweare toentertainhim.Ohthatwewere willing to entertain the sweet motions of the Spirit! Our natureswouldnotbe sodefiled, andwe souncomfortable asweare.There arenoneofusall,butwefindcomfortablemotionsinholyexercises.Thuswemay get the Spirit of the Lord, that doth all, that illuminates, andsanctifieth,andruleth,andrestsinus.

(8.) And let us learn, I beseech you, hence to give the third gloriousperson, theHolyGhost, his due. Sincewe have all by the Spirit, let uslearntogivetheSpirithisdue,andlearnhowtomakeuseoftheworkoftheSpirit. There are severalworks of the Spirit. You seeherewhat theSpiritdoth,'Weall.'TheSpiritunitesustogether.ItisaSpiritofunion.Itknits all together by one faith to God. All meet in God the Fatherreconciled;andweallarejoinedtogetherbylove,wroughtbytheSpirit,'with open face.'Who takes away the veil?We are all veiled by nature.TheSpirittakesawaytheveilfromoureyes,andfromthetruth.Whatisthereasonthegospelissoobscure?TheSpirittakesnotawaytheveil,itteachethnotby theministry;orelse it takesnotaway theveil fromtheeyes.TheSpirittakesawaythescalesfromoureyes,andtheSpiritintheministrytakesawaytheobscurityoftheScriptures.Allthosethatwecallgraces,thefreegifts,theministerialgifts,theyarethegiftsandthegraces

oftheSpirit;andtheyareforthegracesoftheSpirit.SkillintonguesandintheScriptures,andinother learning,aregiventomenthattheymaytakeawaytheveil fromtheScriptures, that theymaybe lightsome;andthenwhentheSpiritisgiven,hetakesawaytheveilfromthesoulbyhisown work; and then with open face 'we behold the glory of the Lord.'Whatdothopenoureyestosee,whentheveilistakenoff?TheSpirit.Wehaveno inward lightnorsight,butby the illuminationof theSpirit.Alllight in the things, and all sight in us, it is by the illumination of theSpirit. And then the change according to the image of Christ, this isaltogether by the Spirit of Christ, it is altogether from theHolyGhost.Christbaptizeth'withtheHolyGhost,andwithfire,'Mat.3:11,andChristcame'byblood,andbywater,'1John5:6;byblood,todieforus;andbywater,byhisSpirittochangeusandpurgeandcleanseus.All isbytheSpirit.ChristcameaswellbytheSpiritasbyblood.Thischange,andthegradual change from glory to glory, all is by the Spirit. Therefore weshouldnotthinkaltogetherofChrist,orGodtheFather,whenwegotoGod inprayer; but think of thework of the Spirit, that theHolyGhostmayhavehisdue.

Lord,without thy Spirit,my body is as a thingwithout a soul, a dead,loathsome, stiff, unapt carcase, that cannot stir awhit; and somy soulwithout the operation of thyHoly Spirit, it is a stiff, dead, unmoveablething;andthereforebythySpiritbreatheuponme.AsthyHolySpiritinthecreationdidlieuponthewaters,andbroodasitwereallthingsthere;lyinguponthewatersitfashionedthisgoodlycreature,heavenandearth,thismundus. So the Spirit ofGod lying upon thewaters of the soul, itfashionsallgracesandcomforts,whatsoever theyare;all iswroughtbytheSpirit in thenewcreature,asall in thisglorious fabricof theworldwas by the Spirit of God. Let the Spirit of God therefore have dueacknowledgmentinallthingswhatsoever.

And what are we to look to mainly now? The knowledge of God theFather, and his love to us shining in Christ, all is in Christ; and if wewouldhaveanythingwroughtinus,anyalterationofournatures,letusbegtheSpirit,thatwemayhavethediscoveryoftheloveofGodinChrist,andtheSpiritattendinguponthegospel.

And because we have all these abundantly in these latter times of the

church,inthesecondspringofthegospel,inthereformationofreligion,afterour recoveryoutofpopery, there isa secondspringof thegospel.Oh, beloved, how much are we beholding to God! Never since thebeginningoftheworldwastheresuchglorioustimesasweenjoy.Weseehowtheholyapostledothpreferthesetimesbeforeformertimes,whenthe veil was upon their eyes, andwhen all was hid in ceremonies, andtypes, and such things among theJews. 'Now,' saithhe, 'webehold thegloryofGod,andarechangedbytheSpiritfromglorytoglory.'

To concludeall.Therefore consider that thegloryof the times, and theglory of places and persons, all is from the revelation of Christ by theSpirit,whichhaththeSpiritaccompanyingit.ThemoreGodinChristislaid open, the more the times, and places, and persons are excellent.Whatmade the second temple beyond the former? Christ came at thesecond temple. Therefore though itwere baser in itself, yet the secondtemplewasmoregloriousthanthefirst.WhatmadeBethlehem,thatlittlecity,glorious?Christwasbornthere.WhatmakestheheartwhereChristisbornmoregloriousthanotherfolk?Christisbornthere.Christmakespersons and places glorious.Whatmakes the times nowmore gloriousthan they were before Christ?Whatmade the least in the kingdom ofheaven greater than John Baptist? He was greater than all that werebefore him; and all that are after him are greater than he. Because hisheadwascutoff,hesawnotthedeathandresurrectionofChrist,andthegiving of the Holy Ghost. He saw not so much of Christ. So that therevelation ofChrist and the love ofGod inChrist, it is that thatmakestimes,andpersons, andplacesglorious, all glorious,because theveil istakenawayfromoureyes.WeseeChristtheKingofgloryinthegospelflourishing,andtheloveofGodmanifested,andbytheSpiritofGodtheveil is taken away inwardly as well as outwardly. Now for a fullerdiscovery of Christ than in former times, comes the glory of the times.Now therearemore converted than in former times,because theSpiritgoes togetherwith themanifestation ofChrist.What is the reason thatthiskingdomismoregloriousthananyplacebeyondtheseas?BecauseChrist is here revealedmore fully than there. The veil is taken off, andhere 'we see the glory of God with open face,' which changeth manythousandsfromglorytoglorybytheSpiritofGodthataccompaniestherevelationof the gospel. Is there anyoutward thing that advanceth our

kingdombeforeTurkey,orSpain,&c.?Nothing.Theirgovernment.andriches,andoutwardthingsareasmuchasours,ifnotmore.Thegloryofplaces and times are from the revelation of Christ, that hath the Spiritaccompanying of it. That Spirit changeth us 'from glory to glory.' Ourtimes aremore glorious than theywere ahundred years or twobefore.Why?Becausewe have a double revelation of Christ, and of antichrist.WeseeChristrevealed,andthegospelopened,andtheveiltakenoff.Weseeantichristrevealed,thathathmaskedunderthenameofheadofthechurch,andhathseducedtheworld.

Nowthisdoublerevelationchallengethacknowledgmentoftheseblessedtimes.What should all this do but stir us up to know the time of ourvisitation, and to thankfulness; to bless God that hath reserved us fortheseplacesandcountriesthatwelivein,tocastourtimestobeinthisglorious light of the gospel tobeborn in.What ifwehadbeenborn inthose dark Egyptian times of popery? Our lives had not been socomfortable.Nowwe liveunderthegospel,wherein 'withopenface'wesee thegloryof themercyofGod inChrist, the 'unsearchable riches'ofChrist opened and discovered to us. And together with the gospel, theministry of the Spirit, goeth the Spirit; and those that belong to God,thousandsbytheblessingofGodarechangedfromglorytoglory.

CertainlyifweshareinthegoodofthetimeswewillhaveheartstothankGod,andtowalkanswerably,thataswehavethegloriousgospel,sowewillwalkgloriously,thatwedonotbyabaseandfruitlesslifedishonoursogloriousagospel.Ibeseechyouletusthinkofthetimes,elseifwebenotthebetterfortheglorioustimes,iftheveilbenottakenaway,weareunderafearfuljudgment.'Thegodofthisworldhathblindedoureyes,'2Cor.4:4.Doweliveunderthegloriouslight,andyetaredark,thatweseeno glory in Christ? We see nothing in religion, but are as ready toentertainpoperyastruereligion.Isthisthefruitofthelongpreachingofthegospel,andtheveilbeingtakenoffsolong?Certainlythegodofthisworld hath cast the dust of the world into our eyes, that we can seenothingbutearthlythings.WeareunderthesealofGod'sjudgment.Hehath sealed us up to a dark state, from darkness of judgment to thedarknessofhellwithout repentance.Therefore letus takeheedhowweliveinadullanddeadcondition,underthegloriousgospel,orelsehow

cursed shallwe be! Themorewe are exalted and lifted up above otherpeopleintheblessingsofGodthisway,themoreweshallbecastdown.'WoebetoChorazin,'&c.,Mat.11:21;andHeb.2:3,'Howshallweescapeifweneglectsogreatsalvation?'

Ibeseechyouletustakeheedhowwetrifleawayourtime,theseprecioustimes and blessed opportunities; for if we labour not to get out of thestateofnatureintothestateofgrace,andsotobechangedfromglorytoglory, God in justice will curse themeans we have, that in hearing weshall not hear, and seeing we shall not see, and he will secretly andinsensibly harden our hearts. It is the curse of all curses,whenwe areunder plenty of means, to grow worse and duller. Oh take heed ofspiritual judgments above all others, tremble at them. They belong toreprobatesandcastaways.Letuslabourforheartssensibleofthemerciesof God in Christ, and labour to be transformed andmoulded into thisgospel every daymore andmore. That that hath been spoken shall besufficientforthistime,andforthiswholetext.

Sibbes,R.(1863).TheCompleteWorksofRichardSibbes.(A.B.Grosart,Ed.) (Vol.4,pp.236–304).Edinburgh;London;Dublin: JamesNichol;JamesNisbetandCo.;W.Robertson.