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of God, ready to receive us. This added unto the love which all believers have unto the Lord Jesus, which is inflamed by contemplations of his glory, and their desires to be with him where he is, it will strengthen and confirm our minds in the resignation of our departing souls into his hand.

"2. It is required in us unto the the same ends, that we be "ready and willing to part with the flesh wherewith we are cloathed," with all things that are useful and desirable thereunto: The alliance, the relation, the friendship, the union that are between the soul and the body, are the greatest, the nearest, the firmest that are or can be among mere created beings. There is nothing like it, nothing equal unto it. The union of three persons in the one single divine nature, and the union of two natures in the one person of Christ, are infinite, ineffable, and exempted from all comparison. But among created beings, the union of these two essential parts of the same nature in one person, is most excellent. Nor is any thing equal to it, or like it, found in any other creatures. Those who among them have most of life, have either no bodies, as angels; or no souls, but what perish with them, as all brute creatures below.

state or condition. The powers of the whole entire nature acting in soul and body in conjunction, are all scattered and lost by death. But the powers of one essential part of the same nature, that is, of the soul, are preserved after death in a more perfect acting and exercise than before. This is peculiar unto human nature, as a man partaking of heaven and earth, of the perfection of angels above, and of the imperfection of the beasts below. Only there is this difference in these things: Our participation of the heavenly spiritual perfections of the angelical nature, is for eternity; our participation of the imperfections of the animate creatures here below, is but for a season: For God hath designed our bodies unto such a glorious refinement at the resurrection, as they shall have no more alliance unto that brutish nature, which perisheth for ever. For we shall be rayyeho like unto angels, or equal to them. Our bodies shall no more be capable of those acts and operations which are now common to us with other living creatures here below.

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"This is the pre-eminence of the nature of man, as the wise man declares: For unto that objection of Atheistical Epicureans, "As the one dieth so dieth the other; Angels being pure immaterial they have all one breath; so that a spirits, have nothing in them, no-man hath no pre-eminence above thing belonging unto their essence, that can die. Beasts have nothing in them that can live when their bodies die. The soul of a beast cannot be preserved in a separate condition, no not by any act of almighty power; for it is not; and that which is not, cannot live. It is nothing but the body itself in an act of its material powers.

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Only the nature of man in all the works of God, is capable of this convulsion. The essential parts of it are separable by death, the one contiquing to exist and act its special powers in a separate

a beast, and all go into one place, all are of the dust, and all turn to the dust again:" He granteth, that as unto their bodies it is for a season, in them we have a present participation of their nature: But, saith he, here lieth the difference, “Who knoweth the spirit of a man that goeth upward, and the spirit of a beast that goeth downward, unto the earth?" Unless we know this, unless we consider the dif ferent state of the spirit of men and beasts, we cannot be delivered from this Atheism; but the thoughts hereof will set us at liberty from it.

They die in like manner, and their | worketh in me now and then, but bodies go equally to the dust for a constant habitual inclination a season but the beast hath no working in vehement acts and despirit, no soul, but what dies with sires. And what doth he so dethe body and goes to the dust: If sire? It is avaλvai, to depart, say they had, their bodies also must be we, out of this body, from this taraised again unto a conjunction bernacle, to leave it for a season. with them; otherwise death would But it is such a departure as conproduce a new set of creatures sists in the dissolution of the preunto eternity. But man hath an sent state of his being, that it immortal soul, (saith he) an heaven- should not be what it is. But how ly spirit, which, when the body is it possible that a man should atgoes into the dust for a season, tain such an inclination unto such ascends to heaven (where the guilt a readiness for such a vehement deof sin, and the curse of the law sire of a dissolution? It is from interpose not) from whence it is a view by faith of Christ and his there to exist, and to act all its na-glory, whence the soul is satisfied, tive powers in a state of blessed-that to be with him is incomparably better than in its present state and condition.

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"He therefore that would die comfortably, must be able to say within himself and to himself, Die then, thou frail and sinful flesh,

But, as I said, by reason of this peculiar intimate union and relation between the soul and body, there is in the whole nature a fixed aversion from a dissolution. The soul and body are naturally and" Dust thou art, unto dust thou necessarily unwilling to fall into a state of separation, wherein the one shall cease to be what it was, and the other knows not clearly how it shall subsist. The body claspeth about the soul, and the soul receiveth strange impressions from its embraces; the entire na-disposition to evil. And otherwise ture existing in the union of them both, being unalterably averse unto a dissolution.

shalt return:" I yield thee up unto the righteous doom of the holy One. Yet therein also I gave thee into the hand of the great Refiner, who will hide thee in thy grave, and by thy consumption purify thee from all thy corruption and

this will not be. After a long sincere endeavour for the mortification of all sin, I find it will never "Wherefore unless we can over- be absolutely perfect but by this come this inclination, we can never reduction into the dust. Thou die comfortably or chearfully. We shalt no more be a residence for the would indeed rather chuse to be least remainder of sin unto eternity, cloathed upon, that mortality might nor any clog uato my soul in its be swallowed up of life, that the actings on God. Rest therefore cloathing of glory might come on in hope; for God, in his appointed our whole nature, soul, and body, season, "when he shall have a without dissolution. But if this desire unto the work of his hands, may not be, yet then do believers will call unto thee, and thou shalt so conquer this inclination by faith answer him out of the dust." Then and views of the glory of Christ, as shall he, by an act of his almighty to attain a desire of this dissoluti-power, not only restore thee unto on. So the apostle testifies of him-thy pristine glory, as at the first self; "I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better" than to abide here, Phil. i. 23. saith be, as ex. Not an ordinary desire; not that which

creation, when thou wast the pure workmanship of his hands; but enrich and adorn thee with inconceiv able privileges and advantages. Be not then afraid; away with all

reluctancy; go into the dust, rest | die, and then they shall be most

in hope, for thou shalt stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

willing so to do. But it is the love of life that lies at the bottom of all these desires of men, which of itself will never forsake them. But no man can die cheerfully and comfortably, who lives not in a

and season of his death unto the will of God, as well as himself with respect unto death itself. Our times are in his hand, at his sovereign disposal, and his will in all things must be complied withal. Without this resolution, without this resignation, no man can enjoy the least solid peace in this world.

"That which will enable us hereto in an eminent manner, is that view and consideration of the glory of Christ; for he who is now possessed of all that glory, under-constant resignation of the time went this dissolution of nature as truly and really as ever we shall do. "3. There is required hereunto a readiness to comply with the times and seasons, wherein God would have us depart and leave this world. Many think they shall be willing to die when their time is come, but they have many reasons, as they suppose, to desire that it may not yet be, which for the most part arise merely from fear, and an aversion of death. Some desire to live, that they might see more of that glorious work of God for his church, which they believe he will accomplish. So Moses prayed that he might not die in the wilderness, but go over Jordan and see the good land, and that goodly mountain, and Lebanon, the seat of the church and of the worship of God; which yet God thought meet to deny unto him. And this denial of the request of Moses, made on the highest consideration possible, is instructive unto all in the like Others may judge themselves to have some work to do in the world, wherein they suppose that the glory of God, and the good of the church is concerned, and therefore would be spared for a season. Paul knew not clearly whether it were not best for him to abide a while longer in the flesh on this account. And David often deprecates the present season of death, because of the work which he had to do for God in the world. Others rise no higher than their own private interests or concerns with respect unto their persons, their families, their relations, and goods in this world; they would see these things in a better and more settled condition before they

case.

"4. As the times and seasons, so the ways and means of the approaches of death, have especial trials, which, unless we are prepared for them, will keep us under bondage with the fear of death itself. Long wasting, wearing consumptions, burning fevers, strong pains of the stone, or the like from within, or sword, fire, tortures, with shame and reproach from without, may be in the way of the access of death unto us. Some who have been wholly freed from all fears of death, as a dissolution of nature, who have looked on it as amiable and desirable in itself, have yet had great exercise in their minds about these ways of its approach; they have earnestly desired that this peculiar bitterness of the cup might be taken away; to get above all perplexities on the account of these things, is a part of our wisdom in dying daily. And we are to have always in a readiness those graces and duties which are necessary thereunto. Such are, a constant resignation of ourselves in all events, unto the sovereign will, pleasure, and disposal of God. May he not do what he will with his own? Is it not right and meet it should be so? Is not his will in all things infinitely holy, wise, just, and good? Doth he not know what is best for us, and what conduceth most unto

his own glory? Doth not he alone | ness, and the near approaches of death, do call me off from any further labour in this kind."

do so? So is it to live in the exer. cise of faith that if God calls us to any of those things which are

TIES, AND THE EFFECTS OF
DIVINE TEACHING.

peculiarly dreadful to our natures, ON THE NATURE, THE PROPERhe will give us supplies of spiritual strength and patience, as shall enable us to undergo them, if not with ease and joy, yet with peace and quietness beyond our expectation. Multitudes have had experience, that those things which at a distance have had an aspect of overwhelming dread, have been far from insupportable in their approach, when strength hath been received from above to encounter with them. And moreover, it is in this case required, that we be frequent and steady in comparing these things with those which are eternal, both as unto the misery which we are freed from, and that blessedness which is prepared for us. But I shall proceed no farther with these particulars.

There is probably no subject in all the system of Christian doctrine, on which professors have wandered more astray from the word of truth, than on what is termed the influence of the Holy Spirit, or divine teaching. Some indeed deny that any supernatural agency is now afforded to the church of God, or exerted in bringing men to the faith, and sanctifying their depraved natures. They contend that the scripture itself, or the word of revelation, is a divine power, given to men whereby to believe, and that to look, expect, or pray for any supernatural influence to go forth with it, in the way of enlightening the "There is none of all the things understanding and so causing men we have insisted on, neither the to perceive and believe the things resignation of a departing soul into that are reported or testified in the the hand of God, nor a willingness inspired writings is nothing else to lay down this flesh in the dust, than enthusiasm. This sentiment nor a readiness to comply with the destroys the necessity of prayer will of God, as to the times and for a blessing upon the word seasons, or the way and manner of whether read or preached; and is the approach of death, that can demonstrably at variance with the be attained unto, without a pros- doctrine of our Lord and his spect of that glory that shall give apostles. But others run into an us a new state far more excellent opposite extreme, and attribute to than what we here leave or depart the Holy Spirit the workings of a from. This we cannot have, what- heated imagination, the flights and ever we pretend, unless we have raptures of an unbridled fancy, some present views of the glory of and have thus exposed to the deChrist; an apprehension of the rision of scoffers, what ought to future manifestation of it in heaven, strike conviction into their minds, will not relieve us, if here we know and lead them to devout and sober not what it is, and wherein it doth inquiry. Let us, therefore, with a consist; if we have not some pre-view to correct these mistakes, vious discovery of it in this life.deavour to trace out this important This is that which makes all things doctrine by the light of scripture, easy and pleasant unto us, even and try if we cannot obtain some death itself, as it is a means to discriminating characteristics be bring us unto its full enjoyment, tween divine teaching, and that and direct us unto the spring and which is merely human. reasons of them. But I shall here break off, because weakness, weari

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Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the days of his public ministry, quoted

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known to one another only by the confession of the truth and conformity to it.

The teaching here promised is divine teaching, for they are to be taught of the Lord. The same promise is made to them, Jer. xxxi. 34. where it is distinguished from a man teaching his neighbour. The accomplishment of which promise was exemplified in the first Christians, see Matt. xiv. 17. 1 John ii. 27. Not that it supersedes the means appointed of God for that purpose; for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. x. 17. but it is above and beyond all human teaching, even of that word, and the only thing that can give suc cess and effect to the outward re

is displayed in hiding divine things from the wise and prudent, and revealing them unto babes, Matt. ii. 25.

a passage from the prophet Isaiah, in these words, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God." Johu vi. 45. And this divine teaching he describes by its effects, when he adds, "Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." This coming to him, he himself explains, ver.35. as neither more nor less than believing on him, or receiving the divine testimony concerning him; and affirms, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out," ver. 36, 87. The prophetic scripture which our Lord adduces is from Isa. liv. 13. "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children." The chil-velation. The sovereignty of God dren of whom the prophet here speaks, are the children of Zion, or gospel church, which has the Lord for her husband, ver. 5. the same which the apostle calls The subject matter of this teach"the Jerusalem which is above, ing is the knowledge of God as which is free, and the mother of manifested in Christ. " They shall all God's children,” Gal. iv. 26,27. all know me," Jer. xxxi. 34. and for to her he applies what is that this knowledge respects Jesus written in the first verse of this Christ, is evident from John vi. 65. 54th chapter. See Gal. iv. 27. where our Lord applies this very They are God's children, chosen in promise to the Father's drawing Christ before the foundation of the men by divine teaching to believe world, and so predestinated unto on his Son for eternal life. It is the adoption of children by Jesus therefore the knowledge of the Christ to himself, Eph. i. 5. Re- gospel--the knowledge of the Lord deemed by the blood of Christ, as our God; "I will be their God,” Gal. iv. 5. Begotten and born again Jer. xxxi. 33. viz. in the new coveby the word and Spirit of God, nant relation. This implies his John i. 13. iii. 5. 1 Pet. i. 23. remembering our sins no more, Jam. i. 13. for they are the chil-ver. 34. or his justifying us, Rom. dren of God by faith in Christ iii. 29, 30. and his giving us eternal Jesus, John i. 12. Gal. iii. 26. life from the dead, Matt. xxii. 32. endued with the Spirit of his Son, Heb. xi. 16. all which the apostle whereby they cry, Abba, father, founds upon the redemption that Rom. viii. 15. Gal. iv. 6. and heirs is in Jesus Christ, and the ratifiof the everlasting heavenly in- cation of the new covenant in his heritance, Rom. viii. 17. 1 Pet. i. 4. blood, Heb. x. 14—18. These are not selected out of any one nation, or particular man's fleshly seed, but are taken out of all nations, without exception, Rom. x. 12. Gal. iii. 28, 29. and are

Now divine teaching may be distinguished from all mere human teaching by the following characteristics and effects:

1. It is effectual. Men may

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