ByFaith:SermonsonHebrews11

byThomasManton

TableofContents

EpistleDedicatory

TotheReader

SERMONI."Nowfaithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor,"&c.,ver.1SERMONII."Nowfaithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor,"&c.,ver.1SERMONIII."Andtheevidenceofthingsnotseen,"ver.1SERMONIV."Andtheevidenceofthingsnotseen,"ver.1SERMONV."Andtheevidenceofthingsnotseen,"ver.1SERMONVI."Forbyittheeldersobtainedagoodreport,"ver.2SERMONVII."Throughfaithweunderstandthattheworldswereframedbytheword,"&c.,ver.3SERMON VIII. "Through faith we understand that the worlds wereframedbytheword,"&c.,ver.3SERMONIX."Throughfaithweunderstandthattheworldswereframedbytheword,"&c.,ver.3SERMONX."Throughfaithweunderstandthattheworldswereframedbytheword,"&c.,ver.3SERMONXI."Throughfaithweunderstandthattheworldswereframedbytheword,"&c.,ver.3SERMONXII."ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrificethanCain,"&c.,ver.4SERMONXIII."ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrificethanCain,"&c.,ver.4SERMONXIV."ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrificethanCain,"&c.,ver.4SERMONXV."ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrificethanCain,"&c.,ver.4SERMONXVI."ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrifice

thanCain,"&c.,ver.4SERMONXVII."ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrificethanCain,"&c.,ver.4SERMON XVIII. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellentsacrificethanCain,"&c.,ver.4SERMONXIX."Bywhichheobtainedwitnessthathewasrighteous,Godtestifyingofhisgifts,"ver.4SERMONXX."Bywhichheobtainedwitnessthathewasrighteous,Godtestifyingofhisgifts,"ver.4SERMONXXI. "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not seedeath,"&c.,ver.5SERMONXXII. "By faith Enochwas translated that he should not seedeath,"&c.,ver.5SERMONXXIII."Forbeforehis translationhehad this testimony, thathepleasedGod,"ver.5SERMONXXIV."Butwithout faith it is impossible topleasehim,"&c.,ver.6SERMONXXV. "Butwithout faith it is impossible to please him," &c.,ver.6SERMONXXVI."ButwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,"ver.6SERMONXXVII."Butwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim,"ver.6SERMONXXVIII."Butwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim,"ver.6SERMONXXIX."ForhethatcomethtoGodmustbelievethatheis,"&c.,ver.6SERMONXXX."ForhethatcomethtoGodmustbelievethatheis,"&c.,ver.6SERMONXXXI."ForhethatcomethtoGodmustbelievethatheis,"&c.,ver.6SERMONXXXII."For he that cometh toGodmust believe that he is,"&c.,ver.6SERMONXXXIII."Andthatheisarewarderofthemthatdiligentlyseekhim,"ver.6SERMONXXXIV."Andthatheisarewarderofthemthatdiligentlyseekhim,"ver.6SERMONXXXV."ByfaithNoah,beingwarnedofGodofthingsnotseenasyet,"&c.,ver.7

SERMONXXXVI."ByfaithNoah,beingwarnedofGodofthingsnotseenasyet,"ver.7SERMONXXXVII. "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things notseenasyet,"ver.7SERMONXXXVIII."Preparedanark,"ver.7SERMONXXXIX."By thewhichhecondemnedtheworld,andbecameheir,"&c.,ver.7SERMONXL. "By faith Abraham,when hewas called to go out into aplace,"&c.,ver.8SERMONXLI."By faithAbraham,whenhewas called to goout into aplace,"&c.,ver.8SERMONXLII. "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in astrangecountry,"&c.,vers.9,10SERMONXLIII."By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in astrangecountry,"&c.,vers.9,10SERMON XLIV. "Through faith also Sara herself received strength toconceiveseed,"&c.,ver.11SERMON XLV. "These all died in faith, not having received thepromises,"&c.,ver.13SERMON XLVI. "These all died in faith, not having received thepromises,"&c.,ver.13SERMON XLVII. "These all died in faith, not having received thepromises,"&c.,ver.13SERMON XLVIII. "These all died in faith, not having received thepromises,"&c.,ver.13SERMONXLIX."Fortheythatsaysuchthingsdeclareplainlythattheyseekacountry,"&c.,vers.14–16SERMONL."WhereforeGodisnotashamedtobecalledtheirGod,"&c.,ver.16SERMONLI."By faithAbraham,whenhewas tried, offered up Isaac,"&c.,vers.17–19SERMONLII."ByfaithAbraham,whenhewastried,offeredupIsaac,"&c.,vers.17–19SERMONLIII."AccountingthatGodwasabletoraisehimup,evenfromthedead,"&c.,ver.19SERMONLIV."ByfaithIsaacblessedJacobandEsauconcerningthingstocome,"ver.20

SERMONLV. "By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed both thesonsofJoseph,"&c.,ver.21SERMON LVI. "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of thedeparting,"&c.,ver.22SERMON LVII. "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid threemonthsofhisparents,"ver.23SERMONLVIII."ByfaithMoses,whenhewascometoyears,"&c.,ver.24SERMONLIX."ByfaithMoses,whenhewascometoyears,"&c.,ver.24SERMON LX. "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people ofGod,"&c.,ver.25SERMONLXI."EsteemingthereproachofChristgreaterrichesthanthetreasuresofEgypt,"ver.26SERMONLXII."Throughfaithhekeptthepassoverandthesprinklingofblood,"&c.,ver.28SERMONLXIII. "By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dryland,"&c.,ver.29SERMONLXIV."ByfaiththewallsofJerichofelldown,"&c.,ver.30SERMONLXV."By faith theharlotRahabperishednotwith them thatbelievednot,"&c.,ver.31

SERMONSUPONTHEELEVENTHCHAPTEROFHEBREWS

THEEPISTLEDEDICATORY

TotheHighandMightyPrinceWILLIAM,BytheGraceofGod,KingofEngland,FranceandIreland,&c.

MAYITPLEASEYOURMAJESTY,—

THISrelictoftheworthydeceasedauthorwaslongsinceintended,whenyouwereatagreaterdistance,tobesentabroadunderthepatronageofyour great name. His own name indeed hath long been, and stillcontinues, so bright and fragrant in England that your Majesty'scondescending goodness will count it no indignity to yours to impartsomeofitsmorediffusedbeamsandodourstoit.However,ifwhattherewasofpresumptioninthatfirstintentioncanbepardoned,noreasoncanbeapprehendedofalteringituponyournearerandmosthappyapproachuntous.

Thekinddesignandblessedeffectwhereof,comparedwiththescopeanddesignofthisexcellentwork,domuchthemoreurgentlyinvitetoit;forasyoucometouswiththecompassionatedesignofadeliverer,andthewonderful blessing of heaven hath rendered you also a victor and asuccessful deliverer, the design of this book is to represent that faithwhichisthepeculiarandmostappropriateprincipleofwhatis(likeyourown) themost glorious of all victories. You have overcome, not by thepower of your arms, but by the sound of your name, and by yourgoodnessandkindness,whichsoeffectuallyfirstconqueredmindsastoleave you no opportunity of using the other more harsh and ruggedmeansofconquest.Yea,andyoursuccessisowingtoagreaternamethanyours;ourcase,andthe truthof the thing,allowandobligeus ina lowand humble subordination to apply those sacred words, 'Blessed is hethatcomethtousinthenameoftheLord,'thepowerofwhichgloriousname is wont to be exerted according as a trust is placed in it. Weacknowledgeandadoreamostconspicuousdivinepresencewithyouinthisundertakingofyours,whichisnototherwisetobeengagedthanbythatfaithofwhichtheapostleandthisauthordoheretreat.Thisfaith,weareelsewheretold,overcomesthisworld;andaretoldhereinwhatway—byrepresentinganother,withtheinvisibleLordofbothworlds,beingthesubstanceofwhatwehopefor,andtheevidenceofwhatweseenot,andwherebywe seehimwho is invisible.Thisworld isnot otherwise tobeconqueredthanasitisanenemy;itisanenemybythevanities,lusts,andimpurities of it. That faithwhich foresees the end of thisworld, whichbeholds it as a vanishing thing, passing away with all the lusts of it,—

whichlooksthroughalltime,andcontemplatesalltheaffairsandeventsofthistemporarystateasundertheconductandmanagementofanall-wise and almighty invisible Ruler,—which penetrates into eternity, anddiscoversanotherworldandstateofthingswhichshallbeunchangeableand of everlasting permanency, and therein beholds the same invisiblegloriousLord,asamostgraciousandbountifulrewarderofsuchasserveand obey himwith sincere fidelity in this state of trial and temptationhere on earth,—such a faith cannot but be victorious over all the lusts,vanities, impurities, and sensualities of this present evil world. Such afaith,workingbylovetoGodandgoodmen,andallmankind,andbeingthereuponfruitfulinthegoodworksofpiety,sobriety,righteousnessandcharity, will be the great reformer of the world, conquer its malignity,reduceitsdisorders,andinferauniversalharmonyandpeace.

EvenamongusthenoblestpartofyourMajesty'sconquestisyetbehind.It cannotbuthavebeenobserved, that formanyyearsby-pastadesignhathbeenindustriouslydriventhatwemightbemadepapists,tomakeusslaves; and for the enslaving us, to debauch us, and plunge us into allmannerofsensuality,fromatrueapprehension,thatbruteandslavearenearest akin, and that there is a sort ofmen so vile and abject (as theingeniousexpressionofagreatmanamongtheRomansoncewas)quosnondecetessenisiservos—towhomlibertywereanindecency,andwhoshould be treated unbecomingly if they were notmade slaves, that weshouldbefittoservethelustsandhumoursofanyotherman,whenoncewe were become servile to our own. And next, that the religionmighteasilybewrestedawayfromuswhichwasbecomesoweakandimpotentasnottobeabletogovernus;andthatifhumanitywereeradicated,theprinciples and privileges that belong to our nature torn from us, easyworkwouldbemadewithourChristianityandreligion.Whathathbeeneffectedamongusbysolabouredadesign,throughalongtractoftime,isbeforeyouasthematterofyourremainingvictory,which,asonourpart,willbethemoredifficult,wherethepernicioushumourisinveterate.Soyourmajesty'sparthereinwillbemosteasy, yourgreat examplebeing,underthesupremepower,themover,thepotentenginewhichistoeffectthe hoped redress, and your more principal contribution hereuntoconsisting but in being yourself, in expressing the virtue, prudence,goodness, and piety, which God hath wrought into your temper. The

designof saying this isnot flattery,but excitation.Giveme leave to laybeforeyourMajestysomewhatthatoccursinabookwrittentwenty-sevenyears ago, not byway of prophecy, but probable conjecture of thewaywhereinablessedstateofthingsinthesepartsoftheworldislikelytobebroughtabout:—

'God will stir up some happy king or governor, in some country ofChristendom,enduedwithwisdomandconsideration,whoshalldiscernthe true nature of godliness and Christianity, and the necessity andexcellency of serious religion, and shall placehis honour and felicity inpleasingGod and doing good, and attaining everlasting happiness, andshallsubjectallworldlyrespectsuntothesehighandgloriousends;shallknow thatgodlinessand justicehave themostpreciousnameonearth,andprepareforthemostgloriousrewardinheaven,'&c.

With how great hopes and joymust it fill every upright heart daily (astheydo)tobeholdinyourMajestyandinyourRoyalConsort,(whomadivine hand hath so happily placed with you on the same throne) thesame lively characters of this exemplified idea! It cannotbut inspireuswithsuchpleasantthoughtsthatwinteriswell-nighgone,andthetimeofsingingofbirdsapproaches;thenightisfarspentandthedayisathand,—a bright and gloriousmorning triumphs over the darkness of a foul,tempestuous night. The sober, serious age now commences, whensensuality, falsehood, cruelty, oppression, the contempt of God andreligionaregoingoutoffashion;tobeanoteddebaucheeofaviciouslifeand dishonest mind, capable of being swayed to serve ill purposeswithout hesitation, will no longer be thought a man's praise, or aqualification for trusts. It shall be no disreputable thing to profess thefearofGodandthebeliefofalifetocome.Ascenical,unseriousreligion,a spurious,adulteratedChristianity,madeupofdoctrines repugnant tothe sacred oracles, to sound reason, and even to common sense, withidolatrous and ludicrous formalities, and which hates the light, shallvanish before it. There shall be no more strife about unnecessarycircumstances;gravedecencies in theworshipofGodthatshallbeself-recommending, and command a veneration in every conscience, shalltake place. There shall be no contention amongst christians; but whoshallmost honourGod and ourRedeemer, domost good in theworld,

andmost entirely love and effectually befriend and serve one another,which are all things most connatural to that vivid realising, victoriousfaithheretreatedof.

Norareothervictoriesalientoit,overthearmedpowersofGod'svisibleenemiesintheworld,suchashemayyetcallyourMajestywithglorioussuccesstoencounterinhisname,andforthesakeofit.Insomefollowingverses of this chapter (wherein the line of the apostle's discourse wentbeyond that of this worthy author's life) this is represented as thepowerful instrument which those great heroes employed in their highachievementsofsubduingkingdoms,workingrighteousness,orexecutingGod's just revenges upon his unyielding enemies, obtaining promises,stoppingthemouthsoflions,quenchingtheviolenceoffire,escapingtheedge of the sword, whereby out of weakness they were made strong,waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.By thisfaiththey(intheprophet'sloftystyle,Isa.34:5),asitwere,bathedtheirsword in heaven, gave it a celestial tincture, made it resistless andpenetrating. This is the true way, wherein, according to the divinestphilosophy, the spirit of a man may draw into consent with itself theuniversalalmightySpirit.AndifthegloriousLordofHostsshallassigntoyourMajestya furtherpart in theemploymentsof thisnoblekind,mayhegirdyouwithmightuntothebattle;mayyourbowabideinstrength,andthearmsofyourhandsbemadestrongbythehandsof themightyGodofJacob,evenbytheGodofyourfathers,whoshallhelpyou,andbytheAlmightywhoshallblessyou;andmayhemostabundantlyblessyouwith blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under,blessingsofthebreastsandofthewomb.Mayhecoveryourheadinfight,andcrownitwithvictoryandglory,andgrantyoutoknow,byuseandtrial,thepowerofthatfaith,inallitsoperations,whichunitesGodwithman, and can render, in a true and sober sense, and to all his ownpurposes,anhumanarmomnipotent.Whichistheseriousprayerof

YourMajesty'smostdevotedandmosthumbleservantandsubject,

JOHNHOWE.

TOTHEREADER

THOU art here presentedwith a third volume of theworks of the latereverendandlearnedDrThomasManton,whosegreatnameissufficientto recommend it to thy perusal, when thou art assured it is his own.Thesesermonsand treatiseswereeitherwritten fromhisownnotes,orcarefully compared verbatim with them, and amended by them; andwhosoeverwere acquaintedwith the spirit andpreaching of the authorwill find he hath no cause to suspect being imposed on herein. Hiscopious invention, clearandsuccinctopeningofgospelmysteries, closeapplicationtotheconscience,withthatadmirablevarietyofhandlingthesamesubjectwhichsometimesoccurs,arescarceimitablebyany.Itwereneedlesstoaddanythingtothetestimoniesthathavebeengivenhimbythosewhohavepublishedhisformerworks.

Whattheauthor'sopinionaboutpublishingposthumousworkswasmayjustifywhatofthiskindhathbeenalreadydoneandisnowtenderedtothee, which I shall give you in his own words in his epistle before DrSibb's 'Comment on the 1st. Chapter of the 2d Epistle to theCorinthians:'—'Let it not stumble thee that the work is posthume, andcometh out so long after the author's death; it were to be wished thatthose that excel in public gifts would during life publish their ownlabours, to prevent spurious obtrusions upon theworld, and give themtheirlasthandandpolishment;astheapostlePeterwascarefultowritebeforehisdecease,2Peter 1:12–14;butusually the church's treasure ismost increased by legacies. As Elijah let fall his mantle when he wastaken up into heaven; so God's eminent servants, when their personscouldnolongerremainintheworld,haveleftbehindthemsomeworthypieces as a monument of their graces and zeal for the public welfare,whether it be out of amodest sense of their own endeavours, as beingloath upon choice, or of their own accord, to venture abroad into theworld, or whether it be that being occupied and taken up with otherlabours,orwhetheritbeinaconformitytoChrist,whowouldnotleavehisSpirittillhisdeparture,orwhetheritbeoutofahopethattheirworkswould find a more kindly reception after their death, the living beingmoreliabletoenvyandreproach;butwhentheauthorisinheaven,thework is more esteemed upon earth. Whether for this or that cause,

usually it is thatnotonly the life,but thedeath,ofGod's servantshathbeenprofitabletohischurch,bythatmeansmanyusefultreatisesbeingfreedfromthatprivacyandobscurenesstowhichbythemodestyoftheauthortheywereformerlyconfined.'

Toallthismaybeaddedthatnotmanydaysbeforetheauthordepartedthis life he declaredhis intentions of publishing somethinghimself buthissuddendeathpreventedhim.

Andletnonewonderthatintheauthor'ssoconstantcourseofpreachingthe same matter may sometimes recur. In some places thou wilt findnotesofreference;inothersthesamematterishandledwithsuchvarietyastopreventtediousness,inwhichtheauthorhadasingularexcellency.However,repetitionsofthesametruthshavetheiruse.'Towritethesamethingstoyou,'saiththeapostle, 'tomeisnotgrievous,foryouit issafe,'Phil.3:1.Ourknowledgeisimperfect,andneedsacontinualincrease;ourmemoriesareslipperyandfrail,andneedtoberefreshed;ourattentionisdull,andmanytruthsslipbyusat thefirsthearingwithoutregard;ourhearts arebackward toourduty, andweneed frequently tobe excited.Wemoreblameadullhorsethantherider,whofrequentlyquickenshimwithaspur.Itsavourstoomuchofprideofknowledge,andacuriousitchofnovelty,whenwecannotendure tohearmore thanonceof thesametruths; and such a humour is not to be gratified, but mortified. Butthough some may quarrel, I doubt not but the serious christian willreceivebenefitbywhatishereoffered,which,thatitmaybethylot,istheearnestprayerof

Thyaffectionateservantintheworkofthegospel,

WILLIAMTAYLOR.

SERMONSUPONHEBREWSXI

SERMONI

Nowfaithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor,theevidenceofthingsnotseen.HEB.11:1.

IN the close of the former chapter the apostle had spoken of living byfaith,andthereupontakethoccasiontoshowwhatfaithis.Hethatwouldlivebyfaithhadneedsearchoutthenatureofit;anunknowninstrumentis of little use. It is true, a man may act faith that cannot describe itartificially, as an infant may live, that doth not know what life is; buthowever,itismorecomfortablewhenourthoughtsaredistinct,explicit,andclear,concerningthenatureofthosegracesthataresonecessaryforus,andthechristian life ismuchmoreorderly,and lessatrandomandperadventure. And therefore the apostle, to teach them this holy art ofexercisingfaith,andlivingbyfaithtomoreadvantage,hegivesthemhereanexcellentdescriptionofit,'Nowfaithisthesubstance,'&c.

Inthewordsthereisthethingdescribed,andthedescriptionitself.Thething described is Faith; the description is this, 'It is the substance ofthingshopedfor,'&c.Thedescriptionisproper,accordingtotherulesofart,Habitusdistinguunturperactus,etactusperpropriaobjecta,habitsare described by their formal acts, and acts restrained to their properobjects;so faith isheredescribedby itsprimaryandformalacts,whichare referred to their distinct objects. The acts of faith are two; it is thesubstance,itistheevidence.ThinkitnotstrangethatIcallthemacts,forthatisittheapostleintends,thereforeBezasays,inrenderingthisplace,he had rather paraphrase the text, than obscure the scope; and heinterpreteth it thus—Faith substantiates or gives a subsistence to ourhopes, and demonstrates things not seen. There is a great deal ofdifferencebetweentheactsoffaith,andtheeffectsoffaith.Theeffectsoffaitharereckonedupthroughoutthischapter;theformalactsoffaitharein thisverse.Theseactsare suitedwith theirobjects.As themattersofbeliefareyettocome,faithgivesthemasubstance,abeing,astheyarehiddenfromtheeyesofsenseandcarnalreason;sofaithgivesthemanevidence, and doth convincemen of theworth of them; so that one oftheseactsbelongstotheunderstanding,theothertothewill.Bytheonefaith is a convincing demonstration, and by the other a practicalapplication. By the one act it turns hope into some kind of presentfruitionandbytheotherthingsaltogetherinvisiblearerepresentedtothe

soulwithclearnessandcertainty.Inshort,byfaiththingshopedforhaveabeing;thingsnotseenhaveanevidence.

Ishalldiscussthepartsofthetextastheylieinorder.

First,Ibeginwiththefirstactandobject,'Faithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor.'

1.Letmeopenthephrases.Faithissometimestakenforthedoctrineoffaith,andsometimesforthegraceoffaith.Sometakelibertytoexpoundit of the former, the doctrine of faith, that is, the substance of thingshopedfor.Iconfessthewordsagreewell,butnotthescope;thedoctrineof faith, Fides quœ creditur, is the substance of things hoped for; theword and faith do come under one description. But the apostle's drifthere is to show, not what we do believe, but how we live by faith;thereforethegraceishereunderstood,notthedoctrine.Nowthegraceoffaithisconsideredhere,notasitjustifiesbutratherasitsanctifies,asitisaninstrumentinthespirituallife.Hespeakethofthoseactswhichfaithdiscovereth most in its use and exercise to baffle temptations, and tomake us stand our ground under sore assaults, troubles, andpersecutions.

Now this faith is the 'substance,' ὑπόστασις; that is, the word. Somedifferencethereisabouttherenderingofit;themostusualsignificationsof it are confidence and substance. Sometimes it is put for confidence,and for a firm and resolved expectation; as Heb. 3:14, 'We are madepartakers ofChrist, ifwehold thebeginningof our confidence firm, orsteadfastuntotheend,'ἀρχηντῆςὑποστάσεως,itisthesameword;buttherewerenderitconfidence;anditseemstobeparallelwithver.6, 'Ifweholdfasttheconfidence,andtherejoicingofthehope,firmuntotheend.' So 2 Cor. 9:4, 'In this confident boasting,' ὑποστάσει ταύτῃ τῆςκαυχήσεως, it is the sameword.And thus theSeptuagint translates theHebrew word, which they render sometimes by spes, sometimes byhypostasis;andsoinprofaneauthors,Plutarchcallsthosethatstandoutafter the field iswon,ὑφισταμένους, because of their great confidence.Polybius calleth the valorous resistance of Horatius Cocles, ὑπόστασιν,whichuseofthewordispropertotheoriginalofit,ὑφίστασθαι,firmiterstare.

2.Thesecondexplicationisthesubstance.Thewordsignifiessubstanceor subsistence;because confident expectationgivesourhopesakindofpresentor actualbeing, andapprehends things to comeaspresent andsubsisting, and causes them to work, as if they were already enjoyed;thereforeourtranslators,fitlyIconceive,renderitheresubstance,saiththeGreek scholist, τὰἐνἔλπισιν,&c.Though things inhopeareabsentand to come, yet in the certain firm expectation and persuasion of thebeliever,theyarepresentandreal;sothatthemeaningis,faithdothnotonlylookoutwithcoldthoughtsaboutthingstocome,butcausesthemtowork as if they had already a being, and the believer were in thepossessionandenjoymentofthem.Andinthissenseitisthesubstanceofthings hoped for; it gives them a being, while it beholds them in theiroriginal fountain,which is thewordofpromise;andwhile itunitesandjoinsthesoultothembyearnesthope,whichisasitwereananticipationofourblessedness,andapre-occupationofthejoysoftheworldtocome,faithcausethsuchasubsistenceandfiducialpresenceofthethingshopedforinthemindofabeliever,asthatheconcludesnotonlythattheymaybe,orshallbe,butthattheyalreadyare.Faithisthesubstance,andthat'of thingshoped for;' sohecallsall theblessingsof thecovenantwhicharenotyetenjoyed.Manythingsindeedwerehopedforbythepatriarchs,andbelieversoftheoldtestament,whicharenowpast,whicharemattersof mere belief, and not of hope to us, and so come under the latterdescriptionoffaith,theevidenceofthingsnotseen,astheincarnationofChrist: yet their faith made those things present to them: John 8:56,'YourfatherAbrahamrejoicedtoseemyday.'Abrahamsawthatday,andhadadistinctviewofit,thoughtheyweretothemthingshopedfor;yetwebelievethem,thoughwedonotseethem.Butthereareotherthingswhich are only promised by God, and not yet enjoyed, that are simplematters of hope—as the general resurrection, the happiness of theglorifiedestate.Nowfaithdothasitweregivearealbeingtothemasiftheywerepresent.Butthenthereareotherthingsthatmaybeenjoyedinthisworld,thoughnotforthepresent,yetinsomeseason;asthegraciouspresence of God, and his favourable returns after absence, and someestrangement,anddeepaffliction;thesethingsmayalsobecomprisedinthis expression, being things we hope for according to promise, andthough theybe absent, faith gives themabeing andpresence.Youwillfindfaithtobeakindofpropheticgrace;fortofaith,whenGodisabsent,

yetthenheispresent;whenhehideshisface,faithcanlookbehindtheveil, and there see fatherly love, and a God ofmercy. And in scriptureuponthisaccount thechildrenofGodanswerthemselves,andantedatetheir praises.When they ask anything ofGod in prayer, faith asks andanswers itself; it makes the help and mercy present which we askaccordingtoGod'swill:Ps.6:4,'Return,OLord,delivermysoul;'thenheanswershimself,ver.8,9,'TheLordhathheardthevoiceofmyweeping;theLordhathheardmysupplication.'Butchieflytheexpressionreflectsuponandismeantofthoseblessingswhichareonlyinexpectation,andneverinactualandcompleteenjoymentinthisworld,asheavenandthegloryof theeverlastingstate; faithgivesabeingandrealsubsistence inthesoultotheglorythatisyettoberevealed.

Obj.Ihavedonewiththeexposition,onlyhereisadoubt;doesnotthisconfound faith and hope, tomake things hoped for to be the object offaith,forgracesdifferintheirobjects?

Sol.Ianswer,Thereisalinkbetweenthegraces,butnoconfusion;theyareakin,butnotconfoundedonewithanother.Blessednesstocomeisanobjectoffaith,andanobjectofhope;itisanobjectoffaithasitispresentinthepromises,orpresentinourhearts;andanobjectofhopeinregardof its futurity, as it is yet to come. Faith is the ground of hope. Faithbelieveth, and hope expecteth. Faith first closethwith verbumDei, thewordofGod,thatassuresusofsuchablessedness;thenhopeiscarriedouttowardsremverbi,thethingpromised.Faithmakesallthingscertain,and in a sort already present; but hope looks out for a fullaccomplishment.Faithgivesusaright,andpersuadesusofthetruthofthings promised, and hope looks after the manifestation of them inpossession.Faithisthehand,andhopeistheeyeofthesoul.Faithlayshold upon the promise, and hope looks out after the things promised.Faith awakens hope, and hope cherishes faith, bringing in constantsupporttoit.

Outofthisfirstclauseletmeobserve—

Doct. That a lively faith doth give such a reality, certainty, andpresentbeingtothingshopedforandyettocome,asiftheywerealreadyactuallyenjoyed.

And thus it is said of Abraham, John 8:56, that 'he saw Christ's day.'Though there were many successions of ages between Christ andAbraham,yetfaithmadeitpresent,representeditasifitwerebeforehiseyes; 'he sawmyday,'notbyanakedsuppositionbutby realprospect,suchaswroughtuponhisheart,and'hewasglad,'andleapedforjoy.Andsointhissenseabelieverissaidtohaveeternallife,John3:36.Heisnotonlysureof itwhenhedies,buthathithere insomesense:Heb.11:13,'Thesealldiedinfaith,nothavingreceivedthepromises,buthavingseenthemafaroff.'Without faithwe cannot see thingsat adistance.Here Ishallshow—

1.Howfaithdoththis.

2. The benefit and advantage of this property of faith in the wholebusinessofthespirituallife,howthisisthegreatgroundofourlivingbyfaith.

First.Howdoesfaithgiveasubsistenceorpresentbeingtothingshopedfor?Howcanwebesaidtohavethathappinesswhichwedobutexpect?

I answer: Faith takes possession four ways—(1.) Spe, by hope. (2.)Promissis,inthepromises.(3.)Capite,inourhead.(4.)Primitiis,inthefirst-fruits.

1.Spe.Bya livelyhopeitdothas itweresipof thecupofblessing,andpreoccupyand foretaste those eternal and excellentdelightswhichGodhathpreparedforus,andaffectstheheartwiththecertainexpectationofthem,asiftheywereenjoyed.Itappearsbytheeffectofthishope,whichis rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8. Joy ispropertofruitionandenjoyment.Wedelightinathingwhenwehaveit,andwedelightinathingwhenwehopeforit;forachristian'shopebeingbuiltuponcertainandunerringgrounds,itcauseththesameeffectalso.Natural hope is the flower of pleasure and foretaste of happiness; sospiritual hope is the harbinger and forerunner of those eternal andunmixeddelightswhichtheLordhathpreparedforus.Hopemustneedsmakethingspresent; formark, it ismore thansuppositionandconceit.Heaven in the thoughts differs verymuch fromheaven in our hope, asmuch as taste doth from sight, or longing from looking. Hope causeth

rejoicing—anaffectionpropertopresentpossession.Whereitisanythingstrong,itdivertsthemindfrompresentwantsandmiseriesandcomfortsus,anddothusgoodwiththeevidenceofafutureblessedestatereservedfor us in the heavens. Hope is not a presumptuous conceit, like thesupposition of a beggar imagininghimself to be a king, andhowmuchpowerandgloryitwillbringtohimwhenheisarrivedtoit;butliketheexpectationofaprincewhoistheundoubtedheirofacrown,andknowsthatonedayheshallpossessit.Thereisnotonlyanakedsupposal,butareal certainty and expectation; therefore it must needs cause somepresentjoy.Barecontemplationworksakindofunion.Thereisaunionbetweenthethoughtsandtheobject,asthereisbetweenthestarandtheeye;itispresentinmyeye,thoughthestarbeathousandmilesdistant:sothereisakindofunionbetweenthethoughtandthethingthoughtof;butmuchmore aunionbetweenhopeand the thinghoped for: for thesouldothasitweresallyoutbydesire,andtheeffectofhopeisfarmorerealthantheeffectsofnakedandfondimagination.Itfilleththesoulwithlively comfort: 'Rejoice in hope,' saith the apostle, Rom. 12:12. Joy ordelightistheeffectoffruitionorpresentenjoyment,yetdelightisgiventohope;fordelightingisthecomplacencyofthesoulinathingobtained;nowhope,whereitisstrong,givesusasweetcontentmentandjoyfromtheevidenceofafutureblessedestate:Heb.3:6,'Whosehousearewe,ifweholdfasttheconfidenceandrejoicingofhopefirmuntotheend;'andRom.5:2, 'Werejoice inhopeof thegloryofGod.'Hope,byamystery,andspiritualkindofmagic, fetchethheaven fromheaven,andmakes itexist in theheartofabeliever. Itdothnotonly, like the spies,bringustidings,andagloriousreportofthatheaven,butmakesheaventostoopand earth to ascend, and brings the believer into the company of theblessed,andbringsdownthejoysoftheSpiritintotheheartofabeliever.We cannot hope for anything, but we must in part possess the thinghopedfor;muchmoreinspiritualthings.FaithdothnotonlyuniteyoutoChrist, but puts Christ and heaven into the soul by hope. There is theLamb,thewhitethrone,theglorifiedspirits,theupperparadise,andthetreeoflifeinthesoul,madereallypresenttousbyfaiththroughalivelyandwatchfulhope.

2. Faith takes possession, and gives a being to the things hoped for—promissis, in the promises. There is not only the union of hope, but a

clear right and title;Godhathpassed over all those things to us in thecovenantofgrace.Whenwetakeholdofthepromises,wetakeholdoftheblessingpromisedby the rootof it, until it flowsup to full satisfaction.Hencethoseexpressions,believersaresaid 'to layholdofeternal life,'1Tim. 6:12–19, by which their right is secured to them; 'And he thatheareth my words, and believeth in me, hath eternal life,' John 5:24.Christdothnotonlysay,Heshallhaveeternallife,but,jushabet,hehathaclearrightandtitletoit,whichisassureassense,thoughnotassweet.Faithgivesusheaven,becauseinthepromiseitgivesusatitletoheaven;we are sure to have that to which we have a title; a right is enough,thoughtherebenotalwaysanactualfeeling;hehathagrant,God'swordtoassurehimofit.Heissaidtohaveanestatethathaththeconveyanceofit,butit isnotnecessaryheshouldcarryhislanduponhisback.Thefee of heaven ismade over to us in law though not in deed; it is oursbeforewepossessit,becauseGodhathpassedhiswordthatweshallhaveit. And we hold it by covenant right, though we have it not by actualpossession.It isnotonlypreparedforus inthedesignmentofGod,butgiven inrespectof the indefeasablenessofourrightandproperty:Luke22:29, 'Iappointuntoyouakingdom.'Nowfaithreceives thekingdom.Wetakeholdofthethingpromisedbytherootofit,andthenwearesureofit;thepromiseisnotadryroot,andthehandoffaithisnotabarrensoil; but when once the hand of faith takes hold of the promise, yourinterestwillgrowupintostalkandbud,andflower,andbringforththefruit of full contentment. Now this contents a believer for the present,becausefaithconsiderswhatthepromisesare,andwhosetheyare.

[1.]Whatarethepromises?

(1.)Partlythus:TheyaretheeruptionsandoverflowsofGod'sgraceandlove.God'sheart issobigwithlovetothesaintsthathecannotstaytilltheaccomplishmentofthings,buthemustacquaintusbeforehandwhathemeanstodoforus:'Beforetheyspringforth,'saithGod,'Itellyouofthem,' Isa.42:9.God'spurposesofgraceare likea sealed fountain,buthispromiseslikeafountainbrokenopen;beforehispurposesbebroughttopass,hewill tellusof them.TheLordmighthavedoneusgood,andgiven us never a promise; but love concealed would not have been somuch for our comfort. Now faith, seeing the testimony of God's love,

counts itselfboundtorestonthepromise,anddoth ineffectsayto thesoul,asNaomitoRuth, 'Sitstill,mydaughter,until thouknowhowthematterwillfall;forthemanwillnotbeinrest,untilhehavefinishedthething,'Ruth3:18.Sofaithsaithtothesoul,Sitstill,untilthouknowhowthematterwillbe;forGodwillnotbeatresttillhehathaccomplishedallthathehathspokentothee.Godaccountsourpurposestobeobedience,becausetheyarethefirstissuesofourlove:Ps.32:5,'IsaidIwillconfessmysinuntotheLord,andthouforgavestmineiniquity;'andHeb.11:17,'By faithAbrahamofferedIsaac,'becausehedid it invowandpurpose;much more should we accept promises which are the declarations ofGod'spurposesasperformances:itwillintimecometopass.

(2.)Faithlooksuponthemastheruleandwarrantofourcertainty.Theyshow how far God is to be trusted, even so far as he is engaged;promittendosefacitdebitorem,Godhathenteredintobonds,andmadehimself adebtor tohis creaturesbyhispromises.ThepurposesofGodare unchangeable; but now when his purposes are declared in hispromises, youhavea furtherholdfastuponhim.Godwill tryour faith,and seewhat credit he hathwithmen,whether theywill depend uponhimwhenthereissecurityputintoourhands.Wellthen,faithtakesholdoftheblessing,thepromise;why?Godbathpassedhisword,thewordisgoneoutofhislips,andhecannotinhonourrecallit,'Ps.89:34;wemaychallengehimbyhispromise.SaithAustinofhismother,'Lord,shewaswonttothrowtheeinthyhand-writing;''shewaswonttopleadpromises.Godhathenteredintobonds,andyoumaycomeandplead,andputthosebonds in suit: Ps. 119:49, 'Remember theword unto thy servant, uponwhich thou hast caused me to hope.' An usurer thinks himself rich,though he hath little money in the house, because he hath bonds andgood security.He that hath a thousandpounds in good security is in abettercasethanhethathathonlyahundredpoundsinreadymoney.AchristianaccountsGod'spromises tobehisestateandpatrimony, tobehissubstanceandinheritance.

(3.)Thepromise isapawnof the thingpromised,andmustbekept tillperformancecomes.God'struthandholinessare leftatpledgewiththecreature,andhewillsetthemfree;hishonourliesatstake,andyoumaytell him of it: 'Lord, for thy mercy and truth's sake,' Ps. 115:1. God is

interestedtovindicatehisnamefromcalumnyandreproach.Wellthen,faith, lookinguponthepromisesas theeruptionsofGod's love, flowingfromGod'seternallove,assomanybondsandholdfastsuponGod,andlookinguponthemasapawnleftustilltheblessingcome,uponalltheseadvantagesitservesinsteadoffruition;itentertainsthingstocomewithlikecertaintyasiftheywereaccomplished.

[2.] Faith considers whose the promises are; they are God's, who isfaithful and able. The faithful and almighty God, he cannot say andunsay.Wehaveitunderassuranceenoughifwehaveitunderhisword.ThereisbothSarah'sandAbraham'sfaithcommendedtousinscripture;Sarah's, 'becauseshejudgedhimfaithfulwhohadpromised,'Heb.11:11.That God who cannot lie, that God who hath been ever tender of hisword,thatGodwhowilldestroyheavenandearthratherthanoneiotaofhiswordshallpassaway,hehathleftuspromises,andisnotthisasgoodas payment? Then faith looks upon God's almightiness. This wasAbraham's faith: Rom. 4:21, 'Being fully persuaded that what he hadpromisedhewasalsoabletoperform.'Itisadifficultthingtoseehowweshall be secured from so many temporal dangers, and brought safe toeternalhappiness.Aye,butGodisable,andwehavehisword;hissayingisdoing;'Godspaketheword,anditwasdone,'Ps.33:9.Whatcanlettheall-sufficientGod?Hispromisesareperformances.

3.Wehaveitincapite,inourhead.Thatisachristian'stenure;heholdsallinhisheadbyChrist.Thoughhebenotglorifiedinhisownperson,heis glorified in his head, in Jesus Christ.When Christ was glorified, wewere glorified; he seized upon heaven in our right: John 14:2, 'I go toprepareaplaceforyou.'Christisgonetoheaveninourname,topossessit in our stead; therefore a believer is assured he shall share therein.Therefore as Christ's glorification is past, so in a sense a believer'sglorification is past; the head cannot rise, and ascend, and be glorifiedwithout the members: Eph. 2:6, 'And hath raised us up together, andmade us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' The apostlespeaksofitasathingpast.Hedothnotsay,Weshallrise,shallsitdownwithhim;butwearerisen,andareascended,andaresatdownwithhiminheavenlyplaces. In the right, andbyvirtueof thehead, all ofusarealready glorified—an expression which implies greater certainty than a

single prediction and promise; and all this that our comfort might bemore abounding, and our couragemore strong against dangers, death,difficulties,andall thatmaybefalus in theway toheaven.Look,aswesay of an old decrepitman, such an one hath one foot in the grave, abelieverhathmore thanone foot inheaven;hishead is there;wehavetakenpossessionofitinChrist,orratherhehathtakenpossessionofitinourname;andassoonasweareunitedtoChristweareinterestedinthiscomfort, even whilst we lie groaning under pressures and miseries.Nothingbutfaithcanunriddlethismystery,thatabelievershouldbeonearth, and yet in heaven; converse with sinners, and yet be in thecompany of glorified saints; or humbled with the pressures andinconveniences of thepresent state, yet be ascended and sit downwithChristinheavenlyplaces.Faithgivesyouanactualrightandinvestitureinregardofyourhead.Assoonaswearesanctifiedweareinamannerglorified also, and have not only a title and right in ourselves, but anactualpossession inourhead.As thehead is crowned to reflectagloryandhonouruponthewholebody,soJesusChristiscrowned,andweareglorifiedwithhim;andthismakestherightmorestrong;fornothingonearth can take that happiness from me which Christ keeps for me inheaven.

4.Faithgivesbeinginprimitiis,inthefirst-fruits.TheIsraeliteshadnotonly a right toCanaangiven thembyGod,buthad livery and seizinofCanaan,wherethespiesdidnotonlymakereportofthegoodnessoftheland,butbroughttheclustersofgrapeswiththem,notonlytoencouragethem to conquer, but actually to instate them in the possession of theland;sodothGoddealwithabelievingsoul,notonlygiveitaright,butgiveitsomefirst-fruits;thereisnotonlyareportandpromise,butGodhathasitweregivenusliveryandseizinofheaven.Abelievingsoulhaththebeginningsofthatestatewhichithopesfor;someclustersofEscholbywayofforetasteinthemidstofpresentmiseriesanddifficulties.ThisisthegreatloveofGodtous,thathewouldgiveussomethingofheavenhere upon earth, that he will make us enter upon our happiness bydegrees.Saiththeapostle,1Cor.13:13,'Nowabidethfaith,hope,charity.'Beliefinthislifeisinsteadofintuition:byfaithwebeginourglory,andhereafter it is perfected, and made up in sight and vision. We havesomething by way of advance and foretaste, in our wants and present

dangers.Innaturethingsdonotarriveatoncetotheirlastperfection;soit is in grace, God carrieth us on by degrees to heaven's glory andhappiness.Wehavesomethingbywayofessayandprelibation,beforewepossessandenjoythesovereigngood,andthoserichesandtreasures,andthatfulnessofeternalglorywhichGodhathprovidedforus.Butwhatarethesefirst-fruits?Theyarethree—unionwithChrist,thejoysoftheSpirit,andgrace.

[1.]UnionwithChrist.There is someenjoymentofGod inChristhere,this is the chiefest part of eternal life.What is heaven but the eternalenjoymentofGodinChrist?Anditisinasortbegunhere.Unionmakesway for presence; though we are not present with Christ, yet we areunitedtoChrist;andfaithmakeswayforfruition.Thenitwillbe'Godallin all,' 1Cor. 15:28;now it is 'Christ inus thehopeof glory,'Col. 1:27.Nowhecomestodwellinourheartsbywayofpledge,thatoncethesoulshallcometobe filledupwithGod; this isanearnestandbeginningofourfullenjoymentofhim.Andwhenoncethisisdone,thenwemaybecertainofglory.Isay,eternallifeisbegunwhenweareunitedtoChrist.Itisthesameinsubstance,thoughnotindegree,withthelifeofheaven.WhenonceweareunitedtoChrist,wecanneverbeseparated.Christisstillahead,hecanneverleavehisoldmansionanddwelling-place.SaithLuther,'Youcanassoonseparatetheleavenfromthedough,whenoneiswroughtintotheother,asyoumayseparateChristandasoulthatisonceunitedtohim:'1John5:12,'HethathaththeSonhathlife.'YouhavethefairestpartofeternallifealreadywhenyouhaveChristinyou.

[2.] The joys of the Holy Ghost. When a man hath received theconsolationsof theSpirit, he is in the skirts and suburbsofheaven,hebegins to enteruponhis countryand inheritance.Heavenbegins inus,when theHolyGhost comeswith peace, confidence, and joy, and dothleavea sweet senseand relishupon the soul.Fulnessof joy, that is theportionofthelifetocome,andisreservedforGod'srighthand;buthereisthebeginningofheaven;andpeaceofconscienceandjoyintheHolyGhost is but the pledge of that joywhich the blessed spirits have. Andtherefore the comforts of the Holy Ghost which we have here in thisworldarecalled'joyunspeakableandfullofglory,'1Peter1:8,becauseittends and works that way towards our glorious and happy estate in

heaven.AstheodoursandsweetsmellsofArabiaarecarriedbythewindsand air into the neighbouring provinces, so that before travellers comethithertheyhavethescentofthataromaticcountry;sothejoysofheavenareby thesweetbreathingsandgalesof theHolyGhostblown into thehearts of believers, and the sweet smells of the upper paradise areconveyed into thegardensof the churches; those joyswhichare stirredupinusbytheSpiritbeforewegettoheavenareapledgeofwhatwemayexpecthereafter.Godwouldnotwearyourhopesbyexpectingtoomuch,therefore he hath not only given us his word, but he gives a taste andearnesthereaspartofthesumwhichshallbepaidusinheaven;bythesesweet refreshments of the Spirit we may conceive of the glory of theeverlasting state. Look, as before the sun ariseth, there are someforerunningbeamsandstreaksoflightthatusheritin;sothejoysoftheHolyGhostarebut themorningglancesof thedaylightofglory,andofthesunofhappinessthatshallariseuponusinanotherworld.

[3.]There isgracealsowhich is theearnestofglory; it is the liveryandseizin,theturfthatputsusintopossessionofthewholefield.Graceisthebeginningofglory,andgloryisbutgraceperfected.Graceisgloryinthebud,andmoulding,andmaking;forwhentheapostlewouldexpressourwholeconformity toChrist,heonlyexpresseth it thus, 'Wearechangedintohisimagefromglorytoglory,'2Cor3:18,thatis,fromonedegreeofgracetoanother.Itiscalledglory,becausetheprogressofholinessneverceaseth till it comes to theperfectionof gloryand life eternal.The firstdegree of grace is glory begun, and the final consummation is gloryperfected.AllthedegreesofourconformitytoChristaresocalled.Itisabudof thatsinless,pure, immaculateestatewhichshallbewithoutspotandwrinkle; the seed of that perfect holiness which shall be bestoweduponushereafter.Thusthespirituallifeisdescribedinitswholeflux;itbegins in grace, and ends in glory. See the golden chain: Rom. 8:30,'Whom he hath called, them he also justified; and whom he justified,themhealsoglorified.'There isnomentionofsanctification, for that isincludedinglory.Graceisbutyoungglory,anddiffersfromgloryasaninfantdothfromaman;thereforebydegreestheLordwillhaveyouenterupon your everlasting inheritance. As the heir receives his estate byparcels,sodowe;firstGodgivesusaseed,andaninitialfruition,thenwearedrawnonfurtherandfurthertoafullenjoyment.Thenewcreature,

likemetalintheforge,itisheaveninthemouldingandframing;andGodgivesusthedraughtherebelow,whichglorywillat lengthfinishabove.Uponallthesegroundsfaithworksasifthethingwereenjoyed;whilewehopeandhaveacertainexpectation,itdothasitweretastetheblessing;andwhilst it looks upon them in the sure promises ofGod, and in ourhead; or that which Christ hath done for us in the first-fruits; so ourhopesaremadetoworkuponusasiftheywerealreadyaccomplishedandenjoyed.

SERMONII

Nowfaithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor.—HEB.11:1.

Secondly,Thebenefitandadvantageofthisact,andtheuseoffaithinthespirituallife.

1.Itisverynecessaryweshouldhavesuchafaithasshouldsubstantiateourhopes,tochecksensuality,forwefindthecorruptheartofmanisallfor present satisfaction. And though the pleasures of sin be short andinconsiderable,yetbecausetheyarenearathand,theytakemorewithusthan the joys of heaven, which are future and absent. A man wouldwonderatthefollyofmenthatshouldwithEsausellhisbirthrightforamorselofmeat,Heb.12:16,thattheyshouldbesoprofaneastoselltheirChristandglory,andthoseexcellent thingswhich thechristianreligiondiscovers,topartwiththejoysofChristianityforthevilestprice.Whenlustisupandsetagog,allconsiderationsofeternalgloryandblessednessarelaidasidetogiveitsatisfaction.Alittlepleasure,alittlegain,alittleconveniencyintheworldwillmakemenpartwithallthatishonestandsacred.Amanwouldwonderat their folly,but thegreatreason is, theylivebysense:'Demashathforsakenme,havinglovedthispresentworld,'2Tim.4:10;thereliesthebait,thesethingsarepresentwithus;wecantastethedelightsofthecreatures,andfeelthepleasuresoftheflesh;butthehappinessoftheworldtocomeisathingunseenandunknown.'Let

us eat and drink, for to-morrowwe shall die,' 1 Cor. 15:32. This is thelanguageof every carnalheart, letus takeupwithpresent things.Whowill venture upon the practice of a duty difficult and distasteful to hisaffections,andforegowhatweseeandenjoyupontheuncertainhopesofthings to come?Present advantages,nay vanities, though theybe smallandverytrifles,yethavemorepowertopervertusthangoodthingsatadistance, nay, than all the promises of God to allure and draw in ourheartstoGod.Andhereliestherootandstrengthofalltemptations;theinconveniences of strictness in religion are present, there is a presentdistasteandpresenttroubletotheflesh;andtherewardsarefuture;hereis the great snare: therefore how should we do to check this living bysense that is so natural to us? Why, faith substantiating our hopesprovidesaremedy;forthatmakesthingstocometoworkasiftheywerealreadyenjoyed; thedayof judgment toworkuponus, as ifwedid seeChristuponhiswhitethrone,andthebooksopenedandheavenasifwewerereadynowtoenter into it.Where faith is livelyandstrong,and istheevidenceofthingsnotseen,itbafflesanddefeatsalltemptations.Thewarandconflict inmen'shearts iscarriedonunderthesetwocaptains,faith and sense. All the forces of the spiritual and regenerate part aredrawn and led up by faith; sense on the other side marshals all thetemptations of the world and the flesh; sense is all for enjoyment andactualpossession.Nowfaith,tovanquishit,givesasubstance,andmakesthingstocomepresenttous,andmakesussensibleofothersatisfactionsandcontentments,whicharefarbetter;andthereliesthestrengthoftherenewed part; and the great success of the spiritual battle is in theliveliness of hope and in the certainty of faith, that itmaymake thosethingsworkaspresentwhichsense judgethabsentandafaroff.That isthe reasonwhy faith and sense are so often opposed in scripture; faithforestalls the joys of heaven, and makes them to be in the mind andjudgment, and upon the heart of a believer, that the restraint frompresentdelightsmayseemlessirksome;ifitbelaboriousanddifficulttoserveGod,yetitisforheaven.Allthatthedevilcanplead,whoworksbysense,istheenjoymentofalittlepresentprofitandpleasure;hecannotpromiseheavenandglory,oranythinghereafter;nowthereinhethinkshe hath the start of God—heaven is to come, but the delights andadvantages of sin are at hand. Faith, to baffle the temptation, stronglyfixeth the heart of a believer upon things to come, that in some sort it

doth preunite their souls and their happiness together, and by givingthemheavenuponearthconfirmsthesoulinabeliefofbetterthingsthanthe devil or the world can propose. Thus you see that to defeat thetemptation there needs faith, that it may strongly fix the heart of abeliever upon things to come and put him within the company of theblessed; that in some sort hemayhaveheavenupon earth, and such acertain persuasion of better things, that hemay look upon all that thedevil, the world and the flesh do oppose to him as a weak and paltrything.

2.Itgivesstrengthandsupporttoallthegracesofthespirituallife.Thegreatdesignof religion is tobringus toaneglectofpresenthappiness,and tomake the soul to look after a felicity yet to come; and the greatinstrumentofreligion,bywhichitpromoteththisdesign,isfaith,whichisasthescaffoldandladdertothespiritualbuilding.Itisusefultoalltheothergraces,whethertheybedoingorsufferinggraces.Weareassaultedoneveryside,both'ontherighthandandontheleft,'astheapostlesaith,2Cor.6:7;ontheonesidebythepleasuresoftheflesh,ontheothersideby the frowns of theworld; and therefore the armour of righteousnessmustbe fittedonboth sides, thatwemaybe strengthenedon the righthandagainstthepleasures,profits,andhonoursoftheworld,andonthelefthandagainsttroubles,disgraces,andbitterpersecutions.Ifwewouldstandourground,andbefaithfulinthebusinessofourheavenlycalling,wemustlookforthesetwothings,todoforGod,andtosufferforGod;for thesetwowaysachristianapproveshimself toGod;bysufferingwedeclareourloyalty,bydoingweperformourhomage.

Ques.Indeeditisaprettyquestion,Inwhichofthesewemanifestmostlove toGod,eithermortifyingour lusts,orrenouncingour interests—towhich the chiefest crownofhonour is due?whether tobe set upon theheadofthesufferingfaith,ortheactiveordoingfaith?

Sol.Itmaybepleadedontheoneside,thatinholiness,ortheactivepartofduty,weonlygiveawayourill-beingforChristbycrucifyingourlusts,whichareenemiestoourpeaceaswellastothecrownofheaven;butbysuffering,we losebeingandwell-being,our livesandlivelihood,andallforChrist; therefore it seems there shouldbemore love in that.Butontheotherside,itmaybepleadedthus,thattherearemanythatsufferfor

Christ,whosacrificeastoutbodytoastubbornmind;andbecausetheyareengagedtheywillsuffer,yetarenotabletoquitalustforhim.Anditmay be pleaded, the victory is less over outward inconveniences, thaninward lusts which are rooted in our nature, and so more hard to beovercome; and the enduring trouble and hardship is more easy thansubduingofsin,andthatitisthesharpestmartyrdomamancanenduretotamehisflesh,majusincastitatevivere,quamprocastitatemori—itisaharderthingtobeaholypersonthantobeamartyr.Thusyouseeeachpartindeedhathitsdifficulties,whichIhavementioned;partlytosatisfythemthatarenotcalledtosuffer,yet thouhastemploymentenoughbyfaithtomortifythylusts,andindeedthereistheharderwork;itismoreeasytowithstandanenemythanatemptation.Whenweconflictwithanenemy,wedobutconflictwithanarmoffleshandblood;butwhentheapostlespeaksoftheinwardwarfare,hesaith,Ephes.6:12,'Wefightnotwith flesh andblood,butwithprincipalities andpowers.'Andpartly toshow, that there are inconveniencesonbothhands, anda greatdeal ofdifficulty,andthereisneedofallthestrengththatpossiblywecanhave,bothfordoingandsuffering.Weneedfaithoneitherside,thatwemightbeholy andwilling todo forGod; and thatwemaybe courageousandwillingtodieforGod.

But why should I debate this difference? Let me compound it rather;holiness and sufferingmust both go together, for no one can suffer forChrist, but they whose hearts are drawn forth to love him above allthings.Thepriestsunderthelawweretosearchtheburnt-offering,andifitwerescabby,orhadanyblemishuponit,itwastobelaidasideandnotoffered.TheLorddothnotdesireascabbedcarnalmanshouldsufferforhim.Hethatkeepsthecommandmentsisbestabletosufferforthem.InMat. 5, first Christ saith, 'Blessed are the pure in heart,' ver. 8, then,'Blessedaretheythatsufferforrighteousness'sake,'ver.10.Theblessingofmartyrdomisput inthe lastplace, implyingthatamartyrmusthaveall the precedent graces of meekness, humility, poverty of spirit, &c.ThereforewemustlookfordoingthewillofGod,andsufferingthewillofGod,beforethesepromisesbeaccomplished,andthethingswehopeforbroughtabout.

[1.] To suffer forGod. It is oftentimes a crime to be faithful toChrist's

interests,andamatterofdanger tobea thoroughchristian;whenmenare exposed to affronts, and troubles, and disgraces, they need all thewisdomandgrace thatpossibly they canget together.Now faith is 'thesubstanceofthingshopedfor,'therewillbeourbestfurniture;why?forthiswill teach us to counterbalance our temptationswith our hopes. Itputs yourhopes in onebalance,when thedevil puts theworldwith allterrors,disgracesandlossesintheother;andthenthesoultriumphs,andsays,thatourlossesarenomoretobecomparedwithourgains,thanafeather is tobe set against a talentof lead. 'I reckon,' saith theapostle,Rom.8:18, 'thatthesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthytobecomparedwiththeglorythatshallberevealedinus;'andthebitternessofthecrossisallayedandsweetenedbycomparingourhopeswithit.ThusMoses sets the recompense of reward against the loss of the pleasures,treasures,andhonoursofEgypt,Heb.11:24,25.AndthosefortymartyrsBasilspeaksofthatwerekeptnakedintheopenairinacoldfrostynight,andtobeburntthenextday,theycriedout,'Sharpisthecold,butsweetisparadise;troublesomeistheway,pleasantistheendofthejourney;letusendurethecoldforthepresent,andthepatriarch'sbosomshallsoonwarmus,'&c.Thesepassageswilltrulyopenthemeaningoftheapostle,that 'faith is thesubstanceof thingshopedfor,'&c.,whenwecanreallysetoneagainsttheother,andbearthehardestlotthatcanbefalusuponexpectation of our blessed hopes. And that of the apostle doth notablyopenit,2Cor.4:16,'Forthiscausewefaintnot,'&c.,why?ver.18.'Whilewelooknotatthethingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen;forthethingswhichareseenaretemporal,butthethingswhicharenot seen are eternal;' that is,whenwe are supported and fortifiedby aremembrance and certain expectation of our blessed hopes. When theJews were full of fury against Stephen, Act. 7:56, 'he saw the heavensopened;' and so he fortified himself against the anger, and shower ofstones from the people. Therewas somewhat ofmiracle and ecstasy inthatvision,thegloryofheavenbeingrepresentednotonlytohissoul,butpossibly to his senses by some external representation. But as to thesubstance of the comfort itself, it is thatwhich falls out ordinarily in awayofbelieving;faithopensheaventoabeliever,andbringshimtothecompanyoftheblessed;andwhenthesoulistakenupwiththethoughtsofanotherworld,itcanbetterdigesttroublehere.Faithistheperspectiveofhissoul,heseethheavenopenedandglorypreparedforhim,andthen

the temptation vanisheth. This is the reason believers can endureplundering'andspoilingofgoods,'Heb.10:34.'Faithisthesubstanceofthings hoped for.' Let goods go, saith a believer, so he may keep hisinterestinthebetterandmoreenduringsubstance.Thechristiansintheprimitive timeswere first exposed to the rapineandmaliceof the rudepeople, before actions at law or any legal process was formed againstthem by the persecuting edicts of the Roman emperors for theirprofession.AndtheJewsweremostfierceagainstchristiansinthatkind;theywouldspoil them,andtheycouldhavenoadvantageagainstthem.Now 'they took joyfully,' theywerewilling topartwith themas Josephwithhiscoattokeephisconscience;andtoquitallworldlypossessions,because they had an assurance of a better and a more enduringsubstance. So that it is of great use to support suffering graces, asfortitudeandself-denial.

[2.]TodoforGod.Astothedoingpart,thosegracesservefordoingthewillofGod,which isourconstant trial.Lookto theseveralpartsofourduty.

(1.)Forthedestructivepart,ortheworkofmortification.Whenheavenisintheeyeandheartofabeliever,whenitispreoccupiedbyhisfaith,sinhathlesspowerupontheheart.Whenfaithgivessubstanceandbeingtoyourhopes,itwillappearinyourlives;youwillmortifycorruption,andstudy holiness, while you can set the pleasures on God's right handagainstthepleasuresofsin;andyoucanreasonthus,Rom.8:13,'IfIliveaftertheflesh,Ishalldie;butifI,throughtheSpirit,mortifythedeedsofthebody,Ishalllive.'Youwillbemoreabletobearwiththedifficultiesofreligion,whenyouseeyoudonotactuponanuncertainfuturity;youdonot fightas those thatareuncertain;as theapostle speaks,Heb. 10:36,'That after ye have done thewill ofGod yemight receive the promise.'Nay, before we have done the whole will of God, faith receives thepromise;wehavetheroot,thoughnottheblossom.Itistrue,Christcallstosufferunpleasingausterities;aye,butheavenmakesamendsforthemall.Thereforewheneversensitivedesires insinuatethemselves, faithcanseecarnalpleasuresarebase,andbutthehappinessofbeasts;andtheyare short, 'pleasures of sin for a season,' Heb. 11:25, and they issuethemselves into unspeakable torments; 'they shallmourn at last,' Prov.

5:11.When the devilwouldmake you faint and lazy in thework of theLord,faithcanrepresenttheshortcontinuanceofthepresentdifficulty;so when the devil would beget irksome thoughts of duty, faith canrepresent endless delights that will follow; and then the believerdetermines, it is better to go to heaven with labour, than to hell withpleasure. This is that which made Moses, who had an eagle eye, sovictorious:Heb.11:26,'Hehadrespecttotherecompenseofthereward,'which made him despise the pleasures, and treasures, and honours ofEgypt.The lookingupon the recompensesmakeshope tohave such aninfluenceonthe life; for thoseviewsandforetastesofheavenwillbegetsuchastrongpersuasionintheheartofabeliever,thatallthereasonsintheworldshallnotalter,orbreaktheforceofhisspiritualpurpose.Whenthe devil tempts to filthiness, unclean ness, wantonness, faith presentshopesofbeingconsortsand followersof theunspottedand immaculateLamb.Whenwearetemptedtoneglectdutyforworldlyadvantages,faithdothopposethegloryofourinheritance,therichesofthenewJerusalem,andwhatisthehopeofourhighcalling,andthegoodtreasureGodhathopenedtousinthenewcovenant.Ifwearetemptedtohuntafterworldlyhonour, faith proposeth a crown of righteousness which the just andrighteous God will give us at that day. If the fear of disgracemake usloosen and slacken our duty, faith proposeth the confusion of facewherewiththewickedshallappearbeforethethroneoftheLamb,andthedisgracethatshallfalluponthewickedatthegreatday.Sowhenwearetempted to murmuring and repining under the cross, faith will assurethat though thewaybe rough, the endof the journeywill be sweet. Sothat the promises are like cordials next the heart, and keep the poisonfrom seizing upon the vital spirits, and preserve the soul in a holygenerousnessandbraveryforGod;theytellusofriversofpleasurethatstreamout of theheart of JesusChrist, and the sweet contentwe shallenjoywithGodforevermore.

(2.)Fordiligenceandseriousnessinaholylife.Thenearerthingsare,thegreater and the more they work upon us, and the further off the less.Thoseneverthoughtofrepentancethatputfarawaytheevilday,Amos6:3.Astaratadistance,thoughofgreatmagnitude,seemslikeasparkorspangle.We are sensible of thingsmore, the nearer they are; distancedoth much alter our apprehensions of things; we have not the same

notions of eternity, living as we shall have when we come to die. Oh!when time begins to draw to an end, and we are going into the otherworld,whatwouldwegivetoliveoverourlivesagain?Oh,howdiligent,watchful, seriousshouldwebe ifwehad thesenseofeternityuponourhearts!Nowhowshallwedotomakethingsatadistance tobenear tous?Thus,faithistheperspectiveofthesoul.Asbyaperspectiveglassweseethingsatadistanceasiftheywerepresentandnearathand;sofaithapprehendsthingsatadistance,andmakesthemworkuponus.Certainexpectationproduceth industriousprosecution:Phil.3:14, 'Ipressontothemark,' saithPaul, 'for theprize of thehigh calling ofGod inChristJesus.'Wemaketheworldbelievethatheavenandhellarethingsspokenin jest, whilst we are so careless about them; but when we apprehendthem in good earnest, and have a true sense of them, then we fall a-working out our salvation with fear and trembling; we see that all thediligenceandholycarewecanuseislittleenoughtocarryawaythisgreatprizeof theeternalenjoymentofGod.Byfaithyou lookwithintheveil,and lift up the heart to the heavenly joys, and this keeps the heartwatchfulover theblessedhope. It is thedescriptionofabeliever:Jude,ver.21,'LookingforthemercyofourLordJesusChristuntoeternallife.'Nowwehavenoothereyebut faith,andfaithstandsyou instead,as itconfirms you in the certainty of your hopes.Heaven is in the heart byfaith, and therefore the heart is in heaven by spiritual meditation; alltheirthoughtsareabouttheircountry:Phil.3:20,'Forourconversationisinheaven;'andallthebusinessoftheirlivesistoapproachnearertotheirhopes. Paul was taken up into the third heaven. Faith giveth you atemperateanddeliberateview,thoughnotbysucharapidmotion,yetbyseriousandsolemnthoughts,andsokeepsthesoulinaheavenlyframeandexpectation.Itputsyourheadabovetheclouds,andinthemidstoftheworldtocome.Theapostlebiddethustolayupinstoreforourselvesa good foundation against the time to come, 'that we may lay hold ofeternal life,'1Tim.6:19.Nowfaithdothnotonly laythefirststone,butthewholeheapisincreased,theworkofholinessiscarriedonbythehelpandassistanceoffaith,whichkeepethheavenandeternallifeintheviewofthesoul,andsoencouragethheavenlymotionsandendeavours.

(3.) For contentation, that is a necessary part of the holy life. Thiscontentationistwo-fold;underthedifficultiesandinconveniencesofthe

presentlife,andunderthewantanddistanceofourfuturecomfort.

(1st.)Underthedifficultiesandinconveniencesofthepresent life.Faithsweetensalltheafflictionsofthislifebypresentingtheadvantagesofthefuture,andbalancethwhatwefeelwithwhatwedoexpect.Theshortestlifeislongenoughtobesensibleofinconveniencesandmanycalamities.Butthoughthewayisrough,faithseethheavenattheendofthejourney,andsoitconveyethrealsupportandcomfortintothesoulandheartofabeliever.Achristianmayliveinthesweetnessoftranquillityinthemidstof all outward disturbances, because the presence of his hopes makesamendsforall,andgivethhimahappydedolencythathefeelsnothing;whereaswhenfaithisweakwesoonfaint:Ps.119:92,'Unlessthylawhadbeen my delight, I had perished in my affliction.' There is such asweetness in the word, that when faith takes hold of it, the sense ofworldlymiseryisoverwhelmedandquenched.Faithislikeacordialthatkeepsoffthepoisonofafflictionfromthevitalspirits,andthepoisonofthe encumbrances of the present life from the soul: Ps. 27:13, 'I hadfainted,unless Ihadbelieved tosee thegoodnessofGod in the landofthe living,' that is, without the sense of eternal happiness I had beenutterly lost. Heaven is properly the land of the living, and that herespecteth.ToseeGodinthelandofthelivingisasmuchastoenjoyGodinheaven;andsotheChaldeeexplainethit,inthelandoflifeeternal.

(2dly.) It helps us to contentation under the want and distance of ourfuture comforts. Let it not seem a paradox, that here the conflict ishardest.Itiseasiertobeartheevilthanwaitforthepromisedgood,forsorrows are better and sooner allayed than desires. Desires are thevigorousbentof thesoul,andtheyare impatientofcheck,chieflywhenthey are drawn forth upon reasons of religion, and usually aftermuchmortification.ItisveryhardtotarrytheLord'sleisurefortheenjoymentoftheirhopes,whentheirheartsareweanedfromtheworld;theirpulsethen beats strongly towardsChrist, and it is a hardmatter to cool andrestrainthevehemencyoftheirdesires,especiallytowardsourlatterend.Thenearerwearetotheenjoymentofanygood,themoreimpatientweareof thewantof it;asastonemovethfaster,whennearest thecentre.Allnaturalmotionisswifterintheclose;soachristian'smotions,thoughslow in thebeginning,are swift in theclose; therefore theirheartsbeat

with longing desires, ready to break within them for the enjoyment ofChrist. And this burden is the greater, because faith gives a partialenjoyment; but the same faith,which stirs up those desires, also yieldstheremedyagainstthevehemencyofthem.Desireisnotonlythefruitofhope, but patience: 2 Peter 3:12, 'Looking for,' or waiting for, and yet'hasteningtothecomingoftheLord.'Thewordintheoriginal, 'lookingfor,'notesapatientbearing:nowthesetwowordsseemcontrary,waiting,yethastening.ThisisthedispositionofthepeopleofGod,theylookfor,and they hasten to the Lord's coming. They covet the everlasting state,andyetwaitGod's leisure.There isavehemencyandyetaregularity intheir expectations, andboth are promoted by this act of faith: for faithgives certainty, and that quiets the soul, though there be not presentenjoyment.Thefirsteffectoffaithisapresentinterestandtitle,and'Hethatbelievethmakethnothaste,'Isa.28:16.Thoseprelibationsofheavenwehave in theworld, the scripturegivesusunderadoublenotion; thefirst-fruits,andearnest;thefirst-fruitsortasteshowgood;andanearnestor pledge, how sure. Under the quality of the first-fruits, so they doawaken desires and vehement longings: Rom. 8:23, 'We that have thefirst-fruitsoftheSpirit,evenweourselvesgroanwithinourselves,waitingfor theadoption, towit, theredemptionofourbodies.'Achristianhathtasted how sweet God is in Christ, therefore he groans after the fullenjoymentofhim.Astheyareanearnest,2Cor.1:22, 'Whohathsealedus,andgivenustheearnestoftheSpiritinourhearts;'soitisagroundofwaiting.WemaytrustGodifhehathgivenusanearnest.Itisnotforthecomfortofamantocarryhisinheritanceathisback,itisenoughthathehatharightandtitle.Faithiseverywayassure,thoughnotassweetassense;andthereforeabelieverwaitsaslongasGodhathanythingforhimtodointhisworlduponthissecurityoffaith.Itistrue,heisinastrait,hisdesirespresshim,yethewillwait.ThusSt.Paul,Phil.1:23,24,'Iamin a strait between two, having a desire to be dissolved, and be withChrist; but to abide in the flesh ismoreneedful for you.'A christian isthusdividedbetweenhisownprofitandGod'swill,andGod'sglory;butatlengthfaithcaststhescales,andbringshimtoaholycontentationwiththepleasureofGod.Thefirst-fruitsbegetlongings;andthe'earnestkeepsus frommurmuring and discontent; so the sureness sweetens the painwhichtheremotenessoccasions.

Use1.Toexaminewhetheryouhavethiskindoffaithorno,whichisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor.Todiscoverhowlittleofthisfaiththereisintheworld,consider—

1.Manymensaytheybelieve,butalas,what influencehavetheirhopesuponthem?Dotheyaffectthem?Dotheyengagethemasthingspresentandsensibledo?Alas,inthegeneral,thingstemporalworkmoreuponusthan things eternal, and things visible than things invisible. A smallmatterwillproveatemptation;alittlepleasureandprofit,howdothitsetyoua-work?Wehavenothalfthatseriousnessinspiritualbusinessthatwehaveinearthly.Surelymendonotbelieveheaven,becausetheyaresolittleaffectedwithit;becausetheymindandcareforitandlabourforitsolittle.Alas!theyliveasiftheyneverheardofanysuchthing,orbelievenotwhat theyhear; every toy and trifle is preferredbefore it. If apoorman understood that some great inheritance was bequeathed to him,wouldnotheoftenthinkofit,andrejoiceinit,andlongtogoandseeit,andtakepossessionofit?Thereisapromiseofeternallifeleftwithusinthegospel,butwhoputsinforashare?Wholongsforit?Whotakesholdofit?Whogivesalldiligencetomakeitsure?Whodesirestogoandseeit?Oh,thatImightbedissolved,andbewithChrist!Becausethesehopeshavesolittleinfluenceonus,itisasignwedonotmakethemexistinourhearts.

2.Youmaydiscernitbyyourcarriageinanytrialandtemptation.Whenheavenandtheworldcomeincompetition,canyoudenypresentcarnaladvantagesuponthehopesofeternity?doyouforsakeallasknowingyoushallhaveathousandtimesbetterinanotherworld?SodidMoses,Heb.11:24,25;thereasonisrendered—'Forhehadrespecttotherecompenseofreward;'thenisthebesttimetojudgeofyourspirit;thenGodputsyouto it; therefore they are called temptations and trials. Certainly it is ofmuch profit to observe the issue and result of these deliberate debatesandconflictsthatareintheconscience.Nowwherefaithisthesubstanceof thingshoped for, therewillbeadenialofpresentcarnaladvantages;heavenwillbeaspresentasthetemptation,andyouwillseeJesusChristoutbiddingtheworld;nay,thatmomentarysufferingsarenotmeettobenamed the same day with your hopes. If the world should come incompetitionwith glory, to violate conscience for a present satisfaction,

faithcomesawayfromthecontestwithanholydisdainandindignationatsuchacomparison.Invainisthesnarelaidbeforethebirdthatisofsohighandsonobleaflight.TheservantsoftheLordweretortured,Heb.11:35; intheoriginal it isἐτυμφανίσθησαν,theywerestretchedoutasadrum,yettheywouldnotacceptofdeliverance,thattheymightobtainabetterresurrection.Willyoubetakenofftherack?No.Theworldofferedthema release, but faithoffered thema resurrection, the raisingof thebody out of the grave to the glory of God. The world suggests earthlyenjoyments, present advantages, You may have such and suchpreferments for the violating of conscience; then faith comes with thetreasuresofthecovenant.Weareputtoourchoicemanytimeseithertowrongconscience,oracceptoftheworld'sprofits;outwardconveniencesareputintoonescale,faithputsyourhopesintotheother;oneispresent,the other is absent. Now observe the workings of your spirits in suchcases.Iconfesstheremaybearesistancesometimesoutofstubbornness,but if there be faith, it will work thus, by presenting your hopes, andcastingthebalancebyanexceedingweightofglory.Wecanlosenothing,saithfaith,butweshallhavebetterinheaven;wecangainnothing,butChrist will be more advantage to us. Upon this a believer sells all topurchasethepearlofprice.

3.Iffaithdosubstantiateyourhopes,thoughyoudonotreceivepresentsatisfaction, youmaydiscern it by this, youwill entertain thepromiseswithmuchrespectanddelight.Are theydearandprecious toyou?Youwouldembracethepromisesifyoulookeduponthemastherootoftheblessing. It is said of the patriarchs, Heb. 11:13, that 'they saw thepromises afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them.'When they were to go out of the world, they took their leave of thepromiseswithembraces;thoughtheycamenottopossession,theywerepersuaded of the possession; though they lived many years before thepromises concerning theMessiah took effect, yet they embraced them.Such ceremonies and compliments pass between friends; we hug themand commend them to the Lord; so faith hugs the promises, andcommendsthemtoGod'spower.Oh!thesearesweetpromises;theseoneday will bring aMessiah, and yield a saviour to the world. Old Jacob,when he took leave of his sons, he blessed them; he saith to one—'Hisbow shall abide in strength,' Gen. 49:24; this shall be a victorious

warrior;toanother,soandso.Or,aswedo,whenwepartwithchildrenof greathopes, just sodid theseholypatriarchsdealwith thepromiseswhenGodhadgiven thembutanobscuresignificationofheavenandaChrist;theywereembracingthesesayingsasthecomfortandstrengthoftheir souls; when they went down to the grave; they could not withSimeonholdChristintheirarms,yettheyheldthepromisesinthearmsoftheirfaith.Soitwillbewithyou;youwillrejoiceinGodbecauseofhisword,Ps.56:4.Whenyoutakeholdofthepromise,youhavetheblessingbytheroot,andthisshouldfillyouwithholyjoy,oh,thesearegreatandprecious promises! 2 Peter 1:4. Here is a promise that will yield meheaven;thiscompleteholiness,thisthefruitionofGod.BythispromiseIcanexpect tomeet the faithfulofGod inheaven;by thispromise I canexpecttositdownwithAbraham,IsaacandJacob;bythispromiseIcanlook for theabolitionof sin;by this for thebruisingofSatanundermyfeet; by this for a freedom from all temptations, desertion and trouble.Andtheywillcherisha littlesparkofgrace;here isabudofglory;herearesomemorningglances,someforerunningbeamsofthelightthatshallshineuponusinheaven.

4.Youmaydiscern itbythis, themindwilloftenrunuponyourhopes.Wherethethingisstronglyexpected,theendandaimofyourexpectationwillstillbepresentwithyou.Thoughtsare thespiesandmessengersofthesoul.Hopesendsthemoutafterthethingexpected,andloveafterthethingbeloved;thereforeitstandsuponyoutoseehowyourthoughtsandprincipaldesiresarefixed.Wherethethingisstronglyexpectedthoughtsarewont to spend themselves, and to be set a-work in creating imagesandsuppositionsofthehappinessweshallhaveintheenjoyment;andsothefutureconditionwilloftenruninyourmind,andbepresentwithyou.Forinstance,ifapoormanwereadoptedintothesuccessionofacrown,hewouldpleasehimselfinthesuppositionofthehonourandsplendouroftheroyalandkinglystatethatissetupinhisownthoughts.Anddidwebelieveweareheirsof thekingdomofheaven, co-heirswithChrist,wewouldoftenthinkofthehappytimewhenweshallcometoheaven,andseeChristinthemidstofhisblessedones;whenweshallseeAbraham,Isaac,andJacobinthekingdomofheaven,thataresatdownatthefeastofGod,andseePaulwithhiscrownofrighteousnessuponhishead.Butalas!itmaybesaidofmany,heavenisnotintheirthoughts,theirhearts

dwellinthisworld,becausetheydonotexpectabetter:thereforetheyarealways transportedwithadmiringthoughtsofworldlygreatness;alwaysthinking what it is to enjoy thousands, and to have no complaining intheir families; thinking of pulling downbarns, and raising greater, andadvancingtheirposterity.Wearethinkingofourpleasures,lusts,profits.Thesearethepleasingthoughtswherewithwefeastoursouls.Weshouldstill observe what it is we meditate upon most, which way thecontrivancesanddeliberationsofyoursoulsdotend.Areyourthoughtstakenupwiththesecarnalprojects?withthosewhosecharacteritis,Phil.3:19, 'That they are enemies of the cross of Christ, who mind earthlythings?' or 2 Peter 2:14, 'A heart exercised with covetous practices,'alwaysrunninguponsomeworldlydesigns,plottinghowtogettheworldinto their net? Christ describes theworldly person: Luke 12:17, 18, 'Hethoughtwithin himself,'&c.He created images and suppositions in hissoul of barns, possessions, and heritages; for that is the Holy Ghost'swordof the carnalman, διελογίζετο, hedialogised anddiscoursedwithhimself.Butontheothersideheavenwillbemoreintheeyeandmindofa christian; and these provisional thoughts are the spies sent out towelcome our hopes. I will tell you what such an one is doing; he isframing suppositionsof thewelcomehe shall receiveof JesusChrist athis first coming toglory;he is thinkingof the joybetweenhimandhisfellow-saints,whentheyshallmeetinheaven;thereisastagesetup,andasweetrepresentationandactingoverofheavenintheirthoughts.

5. You may discern it, by your weanedness from the world. They thatknowheaventobetheirhome,reckontheworldastrangecountry.ThereisamoreexcellentglorysealeduptotheminChrist,andtheydothelesscare forworldlyadvantages;certainly theydonot layout their strengthand their care upon them.Whowould purchase a rattlewith the samepricethatwouldbuyajewel?ordigforironwithmattocksofgold?Theywillnotwearouttheiraffectionsoncarnalthings;faithaquainteththemwithnoblerobjects.Thewoman,whensheknewChrist,leftherpitcher,John4:28,29.WhenChristtoldZaccheusthat'salvationwascometohishouse,'then'Lord,halfofmygoodsIgivetothepoor,'&c.Luke19:8,9.Butnowwhenmenonly relish and favour earthly things, and live as iftheirhopeswereonlyinthisworld,theyeitherhavenorighttoheaven,orbelievetheyhavenone.

6.Therewill not be such a floating and instability in their expectation.You have already blessedness in the root, in the promises; and thoughtherebenotassurance,therewillbeanaffiance,andreposeoftheminduponGod: if therebenot rest in your souls, yet therewill be a restingupon God, and a quiet expectation of the things hoped for. Faith issatisfiedwiththepromise,andquietlyhopesfortheperformanceofitinGod'sduetime:Lam.3:26,'Itisgoodthatamanshouldbothhope,andquietlywaitforthesalvationoftheLord.'Beliefisoftenintermixedwithdoubtings, yet there will be the patience of hope, that is the least; weshould not entertain jealousies and suspicions of God. There is a freepromise,thoughnotacertainevidence,andtherewillbelonging,wherethereisnotcomfort.

Use2.Toexhortyoutoworkupfaithtosuchaneffect,thatitmaybethesubstanceofthingshopedfor.

1.Workitupinawayofmeditation.Letyourmindsbeexercisedinthecontemplation of your hopes:Mat. 6:21, 'Where your treasure is, therewill yourheartbe.'There isnothing that youprizebut yourmindswillrunuponit.How,freelyandfrequentlycanwethinkofotherthings,ourlusts, our pleasures, our ordinary occasions! and shallwe have never athought of that place where our treasure is? Our God, our Christ, ourhappiness is there; shouldnotourheartsbe there too?Oh! takea turnnow and then in the land of promise; seewhat ismade over to you inChrist, thinkof thebeautyandgloryof thathappiness; surely ifwedidbelieveandesteemit,wewouldhavefreerthoughtsofthatheaven,andthathappinessGodhathmadeovertous.

2.Workitupinawayofargumentation.Faithisareasoninggrace:Heb.11:19,λογισάμενος,'AccountingthatGodwasabletoraisehimevenfromthe dead.' Reason with yourselves thus: Is there not a blessed estatereserved inheaven for all that come toGod inChrist? and so forme ifcometoChrist?Othershavethepossession,andthouhastthegrant;thedeed is sealed,and thouhast theconveyances toshow;hast thou itnotunder God's hand and seal? hast thou not a promise made to all thatbelieveandrepentoftheirsins,andarewillingtowalkwithGod,andarefruitful in good works? Is not heaven made over to such? and God'spromiseswereevermadegood:2Cor.1:20, 'All thepromisesofGodin

himareyea,andinhimamen.'Nay,hathnotChristseizeduponheaveninthenameofallsuchascometoGodbyhim?Andhast thounothadsomefirst-fruits,Omysoul,someforetastes,someearnestsoftheSpirit?HathnotGodgiven theea little comfort,a littlegrace,asanearnest toassuretheeofthegreatersum?

3.Workitupinawayofexpectation.Lookforit,longforit,waitforit:Tit.2:13, 'Looking for theblessedhope:'andJude,ver.21, 'Looking forthemercyofGoduntoeternallife.'IhaveagraciousGod,andatender-heartedSaviour inheaven; Iamtherefore lookingand longing till Iamcalleduptotheenjoymentofthem.

4.Workitupinawayofsupplication.Putinthyclaim—Lord!Itakeholdofthegraceofferedinthegospel;anddesiretheLordtosecurethyclaim:Ps.73:24,'Thoushaltguidemewiththycounsel,andafterwardsreceivemetoglory;'andPs.43:3, 'Osendoutthylight,andthytruth;letthemleadme,letthembringmeuntothyholyhill,andtothytabernacle.'

5.Work it up in a way of close and solemn application. In the Lord'ssupper,therethoucomestbysomesolemnritestotakepossessionoftheprivilegesofthecovenant,andbytheseritesandceremonieswhichGodhathappointed,toenterourselvesheirstoall thebenefitspurchasedbyChrist, and conveyed in the covenant, especially to thegloryofheaven:thereyoucometotakethecupofblessingasapledgeofthe'NewwineinyourFather'skingdom,'Mat.26:29.Godherereachethouttousbydeed,orinstrument,whatwasbypromiseduetoeverybelievingsinnerbefore.

6. Work it up in your conversations by constant spiritual diligence. Isheavensure,sosureasifwehaditalready,andshallIbeidle?Ohwhatcontriving,carking,striving,fighting,warringistheretogetastephigherin theworld!How insatiable aremen in the prosecution of their lusts!andshallIdonothingforheaven,andshownodiligenceinpursuingmygreat happiness? Oh, let me 'work out my salvation with fear andtrembling,'Phil.2:12.Shallmenriseearly,andgotobedlate,andallforalittlemaintenancetosupportafrailtabernaclethatiseverdroppingintothegrave,andcrumblingtodust?andshallIdonothingformyGodandeverlastinghopes?Certainlyifwedidbelievethesethings,weshouldbemoreindustrious.

Use3.Topressyou toget this faith.Thereare somemeansanddutiesthathaveatendencyhereunto.

1. Theremust be a serious consideration ofGod's truth, as it is backedwithhisabsolutepower:'Ichangenot,thereforeyouarenotconsumed,'Mal.3:6.IfeitherthecounselorthebeingofGodchange,itmustbeoutof forgetfulness or weakness. It cannot be out of forgetfulness, for allthingspastandtocomearepresenttoGod;itcannotbeoutofweakness,forhistruthisbackedwithanabsolutepower;thereforeahopefoundeduponhispromise isnot liable todistrust.Truth cannotdeceive,norbedeceived. Princes and potentates may often break their word out ofweakness,lightness,orimprudence,theycannotforeseeinconveniences;theirlightisboundedaswellastheirpower;butinGodthereisnoerrorormistake;noweakness and thereforeno change: 2Tim. 1:12, 'I knowwhomIhavebelieved, and I ampersuaded thathe is able tokeep thatwhichIhavecommitteduntohimagainstthatday.'IknowIhavegivenupmysoultoanableGod;andIhavewaitedfortheaccomplishmentofthewill of anableGod; andJude, ver. 24, 'Tohim that is able tokeepyou.'Faith standsupon these two supports,God's truthandpower;hismercyisengagedbyhistruth,anddispensedbyhispower;thereforetakethistruthandpowerofGod,andcastitintothelapofthesoulbyfaith;andthenyoumaybeascertainoftheeventasifitwerealreadyexhibited.

2.Youmustrelievefaithbyexperiences:byconsideringwhatispastwemaymoreeasilybelievethatwhichistocome.

[1.]Cast inexperiencesofwhat ispast.ThepatriarchsbelievedChrist'scoming in the flesh, as we believe and own: John 8:56, 'Your fatherAbrahamsawnayday;'andonemiracledothfacilitateandpreparebelieffor another. The belief of our future greatness is facilitated by theexampleofhisownabasement.WhenChristwasapparelledwith flesh,wemayeasilybelieveweshallbeclothedwithglory.Ourmiserycannothinder us from being glorified with God, since Christ's glory did nothinderhimfrombeingabasedwithmen.IfChristcoulddie,thenasinnermightlive.Ifhecansufferuponacross,thenwemayreigninglory.Ifthegreatnessofpromisesraiseanydoubt,letuslooktoChrist;for,lesthighpromises should find no credit with our understanding, God clears upfaithbythiswonderfulinstance.

[2.]Godhathtakenyouintoanestateofgraceandmarvellouslight;itisawonderful thing thatGodshouldcallpoorsinners.Godhathgivenusnotonlypromises,butassurances;anearnestaswellashisword.Allthatispastisbutafoundation;hethatsparedyouwillmuchmoresaveyou;gloryandpardonissueoutofthewombofthesamegrace.Nay,gloryisalesserthingthanreconcilation,orthefirstactofpardon.Theapostleputsamuchmoreuponit:Rom.5:10,'Forifwhenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon:muchmorebeingreconciled,we shallbe savedbyhis life.'Whena sinner comes tobeaccepted intograce, there is thegreatest conflict, for there isagreat conflictbetweenjustice andmercy: therefore, it is harder to get the guilty sinner to beabsolved,thanapardonedsinnertobeblessed.Ifhehascalledme,willhe not glorifyme?As amongmen it is easier to keep a pardonedmanfromexecution, thantogetaguiltymantobepardoned;so theapostlemakesitaneasierthingtogiveglory,thanitistogivegraceandpardon.

[3.] Compare your hopeswith carnal hopes.When you look upon yourown hopes, you may say with David, Ps. 31:19, 'Oh, how great is thygoodnesswhichthouhastlaidupforthemthatfearthee!'Wemaysaywehaveagreatdeal laidup, andagreatdeal laidout; somewhat inhand,andmoreinhope.Inspiritualmattersourexpectationcomesfarshortofenjoyment, but in carnal matters the hope is far above the comfort;therefore they are called vanity and vexation of spirit;we expectmore,and thereforearevexedwithdisappointment.Carnalhopesarebut likedreamsofwakingmen,thatmakewayforfearandforsorrow.Ifyoulivein thehopeofmuch fromtheworldyouwillbebut likedreamers, thathave an imaginary content in their sleep, but they meet with realdisappointment when they awake; so when we expect much from thecreature,wemeetwithnothingbutburden,vanity,andvexation.

[4.]Make it theworkofyour lives togetyourowntitleconfirmed,andassuredtotheconscience.Christiansaretoblameforcontinuingsolonginuncertainties,becausetheydonotgettheirowntitleconfirmed:1Tim.6:20, 'Laying up in store for yourselves a good foundation against thetime to come, that youmay layholdof eternal life.' If youwouldmakeeternallifepresenttothesoul,thenlayupsolidevidences.Andmark,hespeaks'layingup'tonotethisworkisalwaysadoing;alwayswemustbe

layingthisfoundation.

SERMONIII

Andtheevidenceofthingsnotseen.—HEB.11:1.

I comenow to the secondpartof thedescription—'And theevidenceofthingsnotseen.'Inwhichyouhave—

1.Theact—itistheevidence.

2.Theobject—ofthingsnotseen.

[1.]Theact,whichbelongschieflytotheunderstanding,astheotherdothto thewill. By the first act, faith is the hand of the soul to lay hold ofeternallife;bythisact,faithistheeyeofthesoultolooktowardsit,andrepresentittous.

[2.]Theobject—'Thingsnotseen:'itisofalargerextentthantheformer.Allmatters of faith are not future, and the objects of hope, 'things notseen,' is a termmore capacious and comprehensive than 'things hopedfor.'Webelievepastandpresentthingsaswellasfuture,butwecannotbe said to hope for them; as the creation of the world, the deluge, thedeliveranceofthechurchoutofEgyptandBabylon;Christ'sincarnationandpassion,hisgloriousascension,theeffusionoftheHolyGhostupontheapostles;allthesethingsarepast,andcannotbecalledthingshopedfor;butarehere inamorecomprehensiveexpressionsaid tobe 'thingsnot seen.' Many present things we believe, as God's providence, theintercession of Christ, the influences of his grace upon the hearts ofbelievers, pardoning mercy; these, because they could not becomprehendedintheformer'thingshopedfor,'aredeliveredtousinthislatterexpression,'thingsnotseen.'

Mybusinessmainlyistodiscourseoftheobject,'Thingsnotseen.'Butinmyway,—

First,Concerningtheact.Faithissaidtobeἔλεγχος, 'theevidence.'Thewordisbysomerenderedtheargumentofthingsnotseen;byothersthe

demonstration; by us the evidence, and that not altogether unfitly. Forthoughtheoriginalwordhathaspecialemphasis,whichIshallopenbyandby;yetthisword'evidence'isofgreatsignificanceEvidenceismostpropertoobjectsofsight,andnotesclear,distinct,andfullapprehensionofobjectspresent;thereforethetestimonyofeye-witnessesinmattersoffact,wecallittheevidence;andhenceitistranslatedtosignifytheclearsight of themind; the clear and satisfactory apprehension is called anevidence,whentheobjectisrepresentedsoasthedesireofknowledgeisfullysatisfiedconcerningthetruthandworthofit;forthisenddothfaithserveinthesoul,togiveusasatisfactoryknowledgeoftruthsdeliveredintheword.Thisdothsomewhatclearthetext.

Butwemustalittleexaminetheoriginalword:ἔλεγχοςisatermofart,and implies a convictionbywayof argument anddisputation.Aristotlesaith, it is συλλόγισμος τῆς ἀντιφάσεως, a convincing argument ordispute,which infers conclusions contradictory to thosewhichwe heldbefore. And in this sense it is said in scripture: John 16:8, 'The Spiritἔλεγζειshallconvince,'orreprove;sothatἔλεγχοςisaconfutationofanopinion which men were possessed of before. So it is used Titus 1:9,where,speakingoftheofficeofaminister,ἐλεγχειντούςἀντιλεγοντας,toconvincegain sayers, that is, confute their cavilsandprejudicesagainstthetruth.Again,thephilosopherdescribesthisconvictiontobesuchanarguing by which we prove τὸ μὴ δύνατον ἄλλως ἔχεινὠγγʼ οὕτωςὡςἡμεῖςλέγομεν—thethingisimpossibletobeotherwisethanwerepresent.Thereforethiswasafitandchosenwordbytheapostle,toshowitwasaclearorinfallibledemonstrationofeternalveritiesdeliveredinscripture,that theman to whom it is made cannot think otherwise than as it isrepresented to him. Out of all which we may gather that there is inconviction—

1.Arepresentationofcleargrounds.

2.Thesedrawnforthinargumentanddiscourse.

3.Aconfutationofprejudices.

4.A sweet constraint of themind to assent and subscribe to the truthsdelivered.Alltheseareinfaith—

[1.]Aclearnessandperspicuityoflight.

[2.]Aseriousnessofarguinganddispute.

[3.]Confutingofprejudices.

[4.]Asweetconsent,orrationalenforcementofthemind,acompulsionof the soul by reasons, an answerable assent to the truth of religion ascertainandworthy;asIshalldeclareinthisfollowingdiscourse.

Ishallwindupallinthisdoctrine,

Doct.Thattruefaithisanevidenceorconvincinglightconcerningeternalverities. Or take it thus:—It is a grace that representeth the things ofreligionwithsuchclearnessandperspicuityofargument,thatabelieveris compelled to subscribe to the truth and worth of them; as a manyieldeth,whenheseethclearevidencetothecontrary.

Thereareinfaithfourthings:—

1.Aclearlightandapprehension.AssoonasGodconverteththesoul,heputslightintoit.IntheoldworldyouknowthefirstthingthatGodmadewas light; so in thenewcreation,whenhe comes to convert sinnersheinfuseth light, brings in a stock and frame of knowledge into the soul;therefore it is said,Heb.8:10, 'Iwillputmy laws into theirminds,andwritethemintheirhearts'—thefirstandgreatprivilegeofthecovenant.There is a double allusion. 'I will put my law into their minds;' thatalludestotheark,asthetableswerekeptintheark;'Iwillwriteitupontheirhearts;'asthelawwaswrittenuponthetables,soGodwritesitupontheirhearts;sodothGoddoat firstconversion;andthereforewhereverthereisfaith,theremustbelight.Itistrue,thischangeisnotsosensible;lightenters,likeasunbeam,gentlyandwithoutviolence;Godopensthewindow,anddrawsthecurtain.Thisisamostnecessaryact.Yetthereisasensible difference afterwards: Eph. 5:8, 'Ye were sometimes darkness,butnowareye light in theLord.'Thedevil carriethonhiskingdombyblindnessanddarkness,andChristgovernsbylight.Thedevilkeepsmenin bondage and captivity by blinding their eyes, by casting a veil ofprejudices before their eyes: 2 Cor. 4:4, 'The God of this world hath

blindedthemindsofthemwhichbelievenot.'AndGodrecoversthemoutofthiscaptivitybyopeningtheireyes:Acts26:18,'Toopentheireyes,toturnthemfromdarknessto light,andfromthepowerofSatantoGod.'There cannot be any act of a rational soul about an object withoutknowledgeorlight.AndthereforewhenGodwoulddrawourconsenttohis covenant, he begins