EXTRACTS FROM THE WORKS ISAAC AMBROSE,

Some time Minister of Garatang, in Lancashire, CONTINUED.

 

LOOKING UNTO JESUS,

IN HIS

ASCENSION, SESSION, BLVD MISSION OF HIS SPIRIT.

 

THE SEVENTH BOOK.

 

CHAP. 1:

 

SECT. 1: Of CHRIST's Ascension.

 

 THUS far we have traced JESUS in his acting for us, "until the day in which he was taken up." That which immediately follows, is his ascension, session at GOD’s right hand, and mission of his Holy Spirit; in prosecution of which particulars, as in the former, I shall first lay down the object; and secondly, direct you how to look upon it. The object is threefold. 1. He ascended into heaven. 2. He sat down at GOD’s right hand. 3. He sent down the Holy Ghost.

 

The ascension of CHRIST; this was a glorious event, and of absolute necessity to the salvation of our souls. In prosecution of this subject, I shall show, That he ascended: How he ascended: Whither he ascended: Why he ascended.

 

 1. That he ascended. (1.) The prophets foresaw it; I saw in the night visions," said Daniel, “and behold one like the Son of Man, came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him, and there was given him dominion, and glory,. and a kingdom." (2.) The evangelists relate it, "He was received tip into heaven-he was carried up into heaven." (3.) The eleven witness it; "For while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight." (4.) The holy angels attest it; " For while they looked steadfastly towards heaven, as he went up, behold two men stood by them in-white apparel, which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven This same JESUS, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

 

 2. How he ascended. (1.) He ascended blessing his apostles; "While he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." It is some comfort to CHRIST's ministers, that though the world hate them, CHRIST does bless them; yea, he parted with them in a way of blessing; as Jacob, leaving the world, blessed his sons; so CHRIST, leaving the-world, blessed his apostles, and all the faithful ministers of CHRIST, unto the end of the world. (2.) He ascended visibly in the view of the apostles " While they beheld, he was taken up;" he was not suddenly snatched away, as Elijah was; nor secretly and privitly taken away, as Enoch was; but in the presence of them all, both his apostles and disciples, he ascended up into heaven. (3.) He ascended principally by, the mighty power of his Godhead: thus never any ascended up into heaven but JESUS CHRIST; for though Enoch and Elijah were assumed into heaven, yet not by their power; nor by themselves, it was GOD’s power by which they ascended, and it was by the help and ministry of angels. (4.) He ascended in a cloud; "While they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight." Hereby he spewed, that he was Lord of all the creatures; he had already trampled upon the earth, walked upon the sea, vanquished hell or the grave, and Plow the clouds receive him; and the heavens are opened to make way for this King of Glory to: enter in. And when he ascended, “He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." 1. He led them captive who had captivated us. Death was led captive without a sting; hell was led captive as one that had lost her victory; the serpent's head being bruised, was led before him in triumph, as was Goliath's head by David, returning from the victory. 2. He gave gifts unto men; this was as the shutting up and finishing part of CHRIST's triumph, in his ascension to heaven. What these gifts were, we shall speak in the mission of the Holy Ghost.

 

 3. Whither he ascended, the gospel tells us "into heaven;" only Paul says, that " He ascended far above all heavens." But the meaning is, he went above all those visible heavens, into those heavenly mansions, where the angels and the spirits of the just have their abode.

 

 4. Why he ascended, the reasons are, (l.) On CHRIST's part, that through his passion he might pass to glory. " Ought not CHRIST to have suffered these things, and so to enter into his glory" (2.) On our part: 1. That in our stead he might triumph over sin, death, and hell. In his resurrection he conquered, but in his ascension he led sin, death, and the devil in triumph at his chariot wheels. Arid the meaning of the Psalmist, and of the apostle, "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive," is, he vanquished and triumphed over all our enemies; he overcame the world, he bound the devil, he spoiled hell, he weakened sin, he destroyed death, and now he makes a public triumphal show of them in his own person. It is to the same purpose that the apostle speaks elsewhere, " Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a spew of them openly, triumphing over them in himself;" it is a manifest allusion to the manner of triumphs after victories amongst the Romans: first, they spoiled the enemy upon the place, before they stirred off the field; and the same was done by CHRIST on the cross; and then they made a public triumphal chew; they rode through the streets in the greatest state, and had their spoils carried before them, and the kings and nobles whom they had taken, they bound to their chariots, and led them as captives; and the same did CHRIST at his ascension; " Then he openly triumphed," e' aura, " in himself," that is, in his own power and strength. 2. That he might lead us the way, and open to us the doors of glory. 3. That he might assure us, that now he had run through all those offices which be was to perform here on earth for our redemption. First, he was to act as our Surety, and then he was to ascend as our Head, our Advocate, as the First-fruits, the Captain, the Prince of life, the Author of salvation, the Forerunner of his people. 4. That he might thoroughly convince believers of his perfect righteousness, and of their justification through him; "The Spirit, when he comes," (says CHRIST,) "shall convince the world of sin, and righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more." If CHRIST had not fulfilled all righteousness, there had been no -going to heaven for him, nor remaining there; but his ascension to heaven proclaims openly, 1. That he has completely finished the work he had to do for us here. 2. That GOD was well pleased with him, and with what he had done and suffered for us. 3. That we have our share in heaven with him; he went not up as a single person, but virtually, or mystically, he carried up all believers with him into glory. 4. That he had a new design to be acted in heaven for us: He was taken up into glory, that he might accomplish gloriously the second part of our righteousness; I mean, that he might apply it, and send down his Spirit to convince us of it. Three great things CHRIST acts for us now in glory. First, he is in place of an advocate and intercessor for us: "He lives to intercede for us." Secondly, he is the great Provider for us: he is laying in a stock of glory for us against we come there; "In my Father's house are many mansions;--I go to prepare a

 

place for-you." Thirdly, He sends down his Spirit to convince us, that CHRIST's righteousness is ours. Indeed, the means of procuring this, was the life and death of CHRIST.; but the means of applying this righteousness are those following acts of CHRIST's resurrection, ascension, session, intercession. By his death he obtained righteousness for us, but by his ascension he applies righteousness to us, or confers it upon us.

 

SECT. 2:

 

Of GOD’s right Hand, and of CHRIST' Ascension there.

 

 For the session of CHRIST at GOD’s right hand, I shall examine, 1. What is GOD’s right hand, and what it is to sit there 2. According to what nature CHRIST sits there. 3. Why is it that he sits at the right hand of God.

 

 1. What is this right hand of God I answer, The right hand of GOD is the majesty, dignity, dominion, power, and glory of God. "The right band of the Lord is exalted, the right-hand of the Lord does valiantly." "Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power; thy right hand, O Lord, has dashed in pieces the enemy:" Now his being said to sit at GOD’s right hand does not imply any corporal session there; which Stephen contradicts, saying, " I see the heavens opened, and the- Son of man standing on the right hand of God." The words sitting, or standing, are both metaphorical, and borrowed from the custom of kings, who place those they honor, and to whom they commit the power of government, at their right hand. But more particularly, this sitting at GOD’s right hand implies two things. (I.) His glorious exaltation. (2.) The actual administration of his kingdom. (3) CHRIST is exalted: "Wherefore GOD also has highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name, that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow." This session is the supreme dignity and glory, given by the Father unto CHRIST after his ascension; it-is the peerless exaltation of the Mediator in his kingdom of glory. But how was CHRIST exalted I answer, 1. In the regard of his Divine nature; not really, or in itself: for it was impossible that the Divine nature should receive any intrinsical glory, because all fullness of glory essentially belonged unto it; but declaratorily, or by way of manifestation; so it was, that his divinity; during the time of his humiliation, lay hidden and overshadowed; but now in his session, that divinity and glory which he had always with his Father, was showed forth-ant( declared " He was declared to be the- Son of GOD with power," both at his resurrection, and at his session. 2. In regard, of his human nature; and yet that must be understood soberly,- for I cannot think that CHRIST's human nature was at all exalted in regard of the grace of personal union; or in regard of the habitual perfections of his human soul, because he possessed all these from the beginning; but in regard: of those interceptions of the beams of the Godhead and Divine glory, and in respect of the restraints of that sense and sweetness, and feeling operations of the heatifical vision, during his humiliation; in these respects CHRIST was exalted in his human nature; and had all the glory from the Deity communicated to it which possibly in any way it was, capable of.

 

 (2.) CHRIST reigns, or actually administers his glorious kingdom; and this is the principal part of CHRIST's sitting at GOD’s right hand. So the Psalmist; " The Lord said Unto my Lord, Sit you at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool: the Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion; rule you in the midst of thy enemies. The Apostle is yet more large;. "God set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and. dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in. all.." Some describe-this session, at GOD’s right hand to be all one with his reigning in equal power and glory with the Father; but the Son has always so reigned, and the Holy Ghost has always so reigned, who yet is not said in Scripture to sit at the right hand of the Father; A 1 believe therefore there is something-in this session or reign of CHRIST, which- dotl3 difference it from that reigning power and glory of the Father, and of the Son, as only GOD, and of the Holy Ghost; and if we would know what that is, I would call it an actual administration of his kingdom, or an immediate executing of his power and glory over every creature as Mediator. And this made CHRIST say, "The Father judges no man, but has committed alljudgment unto the Son," as Mediator. You may object, CHRIST was Mediator immediately after his incarnation, but he did not actually administer his kingdom then. I answer, it is true; CHRIST for a time did empty himself, and laid aside the actual administration of his kingdom; but immediately after his ascension, the Fattier, by voluntary dispensation, resigned it to the Son again; "Conic, now, says the Father, "and take you power over every creature, till the time that all things shall be subdued under thee." This right the Son relinquished in the time of that humiliation of himself, and this right the Father conferred at the time of the exaltation of his Son.

 

 2. According to what nature is CHRIST said to sit at the right hand of God I answer, according to both natures; first, he sits at GOD’s right hand as God; hereby his Divinity was declared; for his kingdom is such as none that is a poor creature cart possibly execute. Secondly,

 

he sits at GOD’s right hand as man too; and hereby his humanity was exalted, and a power given to CHRIST as man; "He has given him power to execute judgment„ in as much as he is the Son of man."

 

SECT. 3:

 

Of the Reasons why CHRIST does sit on GOD’s right Hand.

 

 Why does CHRIST sit at the right hand of God I answer,. 1. On CHRIST's part, that he might receive power and dominion over all the creatures. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth:" he speaks of it as done, because it was immediately to be performed; CHRIST at his session received a power imperial over every creature. 

 

 2. On our part, for many reasons, as (L) That he might be the head of his church, in a strict sense. As the-head is conjoined with the body and members; so is CHRIST the head united to his church. To this purpose he sits at GOD’s right band, that, having now fullness of grace and glory in himself, he might be ready to communicate the same to his church, who are as the members of his body; that he might give them grace here, and glory hereafter; when he shall deliver up his kingdom to his Father, and be all in all. (2.) That he might be the object of Divine adoration; then especially it was said and accomplished, " Let all the angels of GOD worship him: And let all men honor the Son, as they honor the Father." After CHRIST''s session, Stephen looked up into heaven, and saw the glory of GOD, and JESUS standing on the -right hand of GOD, and then he worshipped, and "called upon him, saying, Lord JESUS, receive my Spirit." It is true, the ground of this Divine adoration is the union -of the two natures of CHRIST, and therefore the magi worshipped him at his birth;• and as soon as ever he came into the world, " the angels of GOD worshipped him;" but because by his session at GOD’s right hand, the Divine nature was manifested, and the human nature was exalted to that glory which it never had before; therefore now especially, and from this time, was the honor and dignity of worship communicated to him as GOD and man. GOD highly exalted him, and gave him a name which is above every name, that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that JESUS is Lord, to the glory of-God the Father." (3.) That he might intercede for his saints. " Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum; We have such an High-priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, and a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not men." He is set on the right hand of GOD, as an high-priest or minister, to intercede for us. "For CHRIST is not entered into the holy place made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of GOD for us." (4.) That true believers might assuredly hope, by virtue of CHRIST's session, to sit themselves in the kingdom of glory. CHRIST living in heaven, is the very figure of us; CHRIST's person is the great model and first draft of all that shall be done to his body, the saints; therefore he is said to be the Captain of our salvation, that leads us on; he is said to be our Fore-runner into glory. He breaks the clouds first, he appears first before God; he sits down first, and is glorified first, and then we follow. (5.) That he might defend the church against her enemies; and at last destroy all the enemies of the church. (6.) That he might send down the Holy Ghost; to this purpose CHRIST told his disciples whilst he was yet on earth, that he must ascend into heaven, and reign there; " It’is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him to you." CHRIST is now in heaven, and sits at GOD’s right hand, that he may send us his Spirit, by whose forcible working we seek after heaven and heavenly things, where now CHRIST sits.

 

SECT. 4:

 

Of the time when, and the Persons to whom, the Holy Ghost was sent.

 

 No sooner was CHRIST set down at GOD’s right hand, than he sends down the Holy Ghost. It was in use amongst I the ancients, in days of great. joy and solemnity, to give gifts, and to send presents unto men: thus CHRIST, in the day of his majesty and inauguration, in that great solemn triumph, " when he ascended up on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. " When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place; and' suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting; and there appeared unto

 

them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Out of these words, I shall observe these particulars: the time when, the persons to whom, the manner how, the measure what, and the reasons why the Holy Ghost was sent.

 

 1. For the time when the Holy Ghost was sent, it is said, "When the day of Pentecost was fully come;" this teas a feast of the Jews, called *, because it was ever kept on the fiftieth day after the second of the Passover. Fifty dayswere the appointed time of the Jews' harvest;, their harvest being bounded as it were with two remarkable days, the one being the beginning, and the other the end thereof; the beginning was *, the second of the Passover; the end was WEV r9lxoS7l, the fiftieth after, called Pentecost; upon the former, they offered " a sheaf of the first-fruits of their harvest." Upon the Pentecost they offered two wave loaves; the sheaf being offered, all the after-fruits throughout the land were sanctified; and the two loaves being offered, it was a sign of the harvest being ended;- and now we find, that as there were fifty days between the second of the Passover and the Pentecost, so there were fifty days between CHRIST's resurrection and the coming down of the Holy Ghost. As on the day of Pentecost, the Israelites came to mount Sinai, and received the law; so the very same day is accomplished that prophecy, "Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem,; now was the promulgation of the gospel called by James, a The royal law," as given by CHRIST our king; and written in the hearts of his servants, by this Holy Ghost; it seems to shadow out the great difference between the law and the gospel; the law is given with terror, in lightning and thunder; but the gospel is given without terror; there was no lightning and thunder now: no,, the Holy Ghost slides down from heaven, and with joy sits on the heads and in the hearts of his saints.

 

 2. For the persons to whom the Holy Ghost was sent; it is said, "to all that were with one accord in one place;" who they were, it is not here exprest; yet from the former chapter we may conjecture, they were " the twelve apostles, together with Joseph, called Barsabas, and the women, and Mary, the mother of JESUS, and his brethren;" these all continued with one accord in one place; for so uas CHRIST's command, " that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, says he, ye have heard of me." It was the great promise of the Old Testament, that CHRIST should partake of our human nature; and it was the great promise of the New Testament, that we should partake of his Divine nature; he was clothed with our flesh, according to the former, and we are invested with his Spirit, according to the latter promise. For this promise the apostles and others had long waited, and for the accomplishment they were now fitted and disposed. 1. They had waited for it from the ascension-day, till the feast of Pentecost. He told them, at the very instant of his ascension, that he would send the Holy Ghost, and therefore bid them stay together till that hour; upon which command they continued waiting until the day of Pentecost was fully come.

 

He that believeth shall not make haste," says Isaiah. But, 2. As they waited for the Spirit, so they were rightly disposed to receive the Spirit, for " they were all with one accord in one place." To those that accord is the Spirit given; where is discord, jars, divisions, factions, there is no Spirit of God; for the Spirit is the Author of

 

concord, peace, unity, and amity; and can we imagine that essential unity will enter but where there is unity Can the Spirit of Unity come, or remain, but where there is unity of spirit Verily there is not, there cannot be a more certain disposition to make us meet for the Spirit,' than that quality in us that is likest to his nature; and that is unity, love, concord. Do we marvel that the Spirit does scarcely pant in us Alas, we are not all of one accord; the very first point is wanting to make us meet for the coming of the Holy Ghost upon us.

 

SECT. 5:

 

Of the Manner how the Holy Ghost was sent.

 

 For the manner how he was sent, or how he came to these apostles; we may observe these particulars:

 

 1. He came suddenly; which either shows the majesty of the miracle that is gloriously done, which is suddenly done, or the truth of the miracle; there could be no imposture or fraud in it, when the motion of it was so sudden; or the purpose of the miracle, which was to awake and affect them to whom it came: usually sudden things startle us, and make us look up. We may learn to receive those holy motions of the Spirit, which sometimes come suddenly, and we know not how. I am persuaded the man breathes not amongst us who are true. Christians, that sometimes feels not the stirrings, movings, breathings of the Spirit of God. O that men would take the wind while it blows, and the water while the angel moves it; as not knowing when it will, or whether ever it will blow again. 

 

 2, He came from heaven. The place seems here to commend the gift; as from earth, earthly things arise; so from heaven, heavenly, spiritual, eternal things. 

 

 3. He came like a wind; the comparison is most apt Of all bodily things, the wind is least bodily; it is invisible, and comes nearest to the nature of a spirit. It is quick collared active, as the Spirit is. Again, the Holy Ghost is colored to wind, in respect of its free actings; u the wind bloweth where it listeth," and so the Spirit bloweth where it listeth. Grace makes no' gain of man's work; free-will may indeed move and run, but if it be also good, it must be moved, driven, and breathed upon by GOD’s free-grace. 

 

 4. He came like "rushing mighty wind." As the wind is sometimes of that strength that it rends in sunder mountains and rocks, it pulls up trees, it blows down buildings; so are the operations of the Holy Spirit; it carries down all before it. It made a conquest of the world, beginning at Jerusalem, and spreading itself over all the earth.

 

 5. He filled all the house where they were sitting; there were none there that were not filled with the Holy Ghost; all the men and women (an hundred and twenty) in this room were visited from on high; for the Holy Ghost came upon them, and dwelt in them; a it filled all the house where they were sitting;" to signify, that all the other houses of Jerusalem felt none of this mighty rushing wind. Have we not sometimes experience of this in our very congregations One sound is heard, one breath does blow; and it may be, one or two, and no more, hear the sound, or feel the breath inwardly, savingly; it may be, one here, and another there, shall feel the Spirit, shall be touched with it sensibly; but twenty on this side of them, and twenty on that side of them may all be becalmed, and go their way no more moved than when they came into GOD’s presence. O that this Spirit of the Lord would come daily and constantly into our congregations! O that it would blow through them, and through! O that it would fill every soul in the assembly with the breath of heaven! u Come, Holy Spirit! awake, O north wind, and come, you south, and blow upon our gardens, that the spices thereof may flow out."

 

 6. He came down in the form of tongues. The apostles were not only inspired for their own benefit, but they had gifts bestowed on them to impart the benefit to more than themselves. But why did the Holy, Ghost appear like tongues., I answer, The Tongue is the chief instrument of spreading knowledge, which conveys the same from man to man. Though the soul be the fountain from whence all wisdom springs, yet the tongue is the channel where by this wisdom and knowledge is communicated. In the like manner, the Holy Ghost is the sole teacher of all truth; though CHRIST be the wisdom of GOD, yet the Holy Ghost is the-Teacher of this wisdom to men. And hence it is, that the Holy Ghost appeared in the form of tongues.

 

 And yet not merely in the form of tongues, but 1. They were -cloven tongues; to signify that the apostles should speak in divers languages. If there must be. a calling of the gentiles, men must needs have the tongues of the gentiles wherewith to call them. If they were debtors not only to the Jews, but to the Grecians; nor only to the Grecians, but to the Barbarians also, then must they have the tongues not only of the Jews, but of the Grecians and Barbarians, to go and teach all nations. 

 

 2. They were fiery tongues; to signify, that there should be an efficacy or fervour in their speaking; the world was so overwhelmed with ignorance and error, that the apostles' lips had need to be touched with, a coal from the altar. Tongues of flesh would not serve the tuna, no words of air, but there must be fire put into the tongue, and life into the words they speak. O that we of the ministry had these fiery tongues! O that the Spirit would put live coal into our speeches! May we not fear that the Spirit is gone while the people are dead, and we are no more lively in our ministry It is said of Luther, that when he heard one preach very faintly, " Cold, cold," says he; "this is cold preaching; here is no heat at all to be gotten." O, when the Spirit comes, it comes with a tongue of fire; instead of words, sparks of fire will fall from us on the hearts of hearers.

 

 3. These cloven tongues sat upon each of them, to sigriif f their constancy and continuance; they abode still; they continued steady, without any stirring or starting.

 

SECT. VI

 

Of the Measure of the Holy Ghost now given, and the Reasons why he was sent.

 

 For the measure, what or how much of the Spirit was now given This question is necessary, because we bring in the Spirit's mission after CHRIST's ascension, as if the Holy Ghost had not been given before this time. That this was the time of the Coming of the Holy Ghost, is very plain; but that the Holy Ghost was not given before this time, we cannot say; certainly the prophets spoke by him, and the apostles had him, not only when they were first called, but more fully when "he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost." So that if ye study the reconciliation of these things, I know not any way better, than to put it on the measure, or degrees of the Spirit. Here was the difference; before this the Spirit was but sprinkled (as it were,) upon them, but now they were all blown upon with a mighty wind.

 

 3. At first he was sent only in drops. and dew, but now he was poured out in showers and abundance: "The Holy Ghost (says Paul,) was shed on us abundantly." As there are degrees in the wind, a breath, a blast, a stiff gale; we cannot deny degrees in the Spirit; the apostles at CHRIST's resurrection received the Spirit, but now they were filled with the Spirit of CHRIST.

 

 4. For the reasons why the Holy Ghost was sent, they are several: 1. That all the prophecies concerning this mission might be accomplished. Isaiah speaks of a time when " the Spirit should be poured upon them from on high, and the wilderness should be a fruitful field." And Zechariah prophesies that " in that day GOD would pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplication." And Joel prophesies yet more expressly, "It shall come to pass, says GOD, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy." But of all the prophecies concerning the mission of the Holy Ghost, our Savior gives the clearest and most particular; “I will pray the Father, and he shall, give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth. Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you, but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. It is expedient for you, that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send him unto you." It was of necessity that all these prophecies and promises should be accomplished, and therefore was the Holy Ghost sent upon them.

 

2. That the holy apostles might be furnished with gifts and graces suitable to their estates, conditions, stations, places. To this purpose, no sooner was the Spirit sent, but "they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. They were filled with the Holy Ghost; not that they were before empty, but now, they were more full of the Spirit than ever; and they spoke with other tongues; other than ever they had learned; probably they understood no tongue but the Syriac, till this time, but now on a sudden they could speak Greek, Latin, Arabic, Persian, Parthian, and what not The wisdom and mercy of GOD is very observable herein, that the same means of diverse tongues, which was the destroying of Babel, should be the means conferred on the apostles to effect the building of Sion; that confusion of tongues sho j d be united to GOD’s glory. 3. “That he might fill the hearts of all the saints, and make them temples for the Holy Ghost; " Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God: and ye are not’ your own" It is said, that, after the mighty rushing wind and cloven fiery tongues, “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues."

 

 First, they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and then they spoke with other tongues; the Holy Ghost begins inwardly and works outwardly; it first alters the mind before it change the speech; it first works on the spirit before on the phrase of utterance; this. was the first work of the Spirit; it filled them. And thus for the daily ministration, such must be appointed as were fall of the Holy Ghost. And Stephen is said to be " full of the Holy Ghost;" and Barnabas is called a good man, and "full. of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Ghost is usually said to fill the saints; only whether it be the Person of the Holy Ghost, or the impressions of the Holy Ghost, is a very great question; for my part, I am apt to. incline to their mind, who say, not only the impressions of the Spirit, the qualities of holiness, the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, but the Holy Ghost himself does fill, and dwell, and reign in the hearts of all regenerate men.

 

CHAP. 2:

 

SECT. 1: Of knowing JESUS as carrying on the great Work of our Salvation in his Ascension, Session, and the Mission of the Spirit.

 

 LET us know JESUS carrying on the great work of our salvation in his ascension into heaven, in his session at GOD’s right hand, and in his mission of the Holy Ghost; these are points of great use; if these transactions had not been, where had we been Here is an object of admiration indeed, the very angels at the sight of it stood admiring and adoring; it took up their heart, and astonished their understanding. Come then; and, O my soul, do you take a view of that which they admire; the design concerns thee in particular;. and therefore study close this argument, and know it for thyself. Study first the ascension of CHRIST, how, and whether, and why he ascended. Secondly, study the session of CHRIST at GOD’s right hand; O the riches of that spiritual, heavenly knowledge

 

3. Study the mission of the Holy Ghost; not a circumstance in it but deserves thy study; what endeavors have there been to dive into the secrets of nature; what volumes have been written of physic, metaphysics, mathematics And is not this. subject CHRIST Is not every one of these subjects, CHRIST's ascension, CHRIST's mission of the Holy Spirit, of more value and benefit than all those Home study that piece of the Bible wherein these are written, there is not a line or expression of CHRIST in the Scripture,, but it is matter enough for a whole age to comment on; ’you needest not to leave old principles for new discoveries, for in these very particulars you might find successive sweetness unto all eternity.

 

SECT. 2: Of considering JESUS in that Respect.

 

 Let us consider JESUS carrying on this work of our salvation in these particulars: and to take them in order, 1. Consider CHRIST's ascension into heaven. What, shall he ascend, and shall not we in. our contemplations follow after him Gaze, O my soul, on this wonderful object, you needest not fear any check from GOD or angel, so that thy contemplation be spiritual and divine. No sooner had CHRIST finished his work of redemption here on earth, but on the mount called Olivet he assembles with his disciples, where having given them commands, he begins to mount; and being a little lifted up into the air, presently a cloud receives him out of their sight. Here' is a clear demonstration of Godhead; clouds are us all in Scripture put for the house, or temple, or receptacle of GOD himself. How often is it said, that " the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud" And that r' he came to Moses in a thick cloud" And that " he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud" And that " the Lord descended in the cloud" Are not the clouds GOD’s own chariot “Behold the Lord rideth on a swift cloud!" "O my Lord, my GOD, you art very great," says David; great indeed, and he proves it thus, " who makes the clouds his chariot." JESUS CHRIST, in his ascension to heaven, enters by the way into a cloud; this was his chariot, led by ten thousands of his angels. " The chariots of GOD are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels; the Lord is among them in Sinai in the holy place: you has ascended on high, you has led captivity captive; you has received gifts for men."

 

 But stay not thy contemplation in the cloud; he ascends yet higher, through the air, and through the clouds, and through the heaven of fixed stars, nor stood he still till he carne to the heaven of heavens. In all this triumphant march, some tell us of an heavenly harmony made by the lalessed angels; and that this is the meaning of the Psalmist, " GOD is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet." In this meditation pass not over thy duty, which immediately follows, " Sing praises unto GOD, sing praises; sing praises unto our King, sing praises: sing unto GOD, sing praises unto his name, extol him that rideth upon the heavens, by the name * and rejoice before hint." You has cause, O my soul, to praise him, and to rejoice before him, especially if you considerest that CHRIST ascended not for himself, but for thee. It is GOD in our nature -that is gone up to heaven, CHRIST as a public person ascended up to heaven; thy interest is in this very ascension of JESUS CHRIST, and therefore dost you consider thy head as soaring up O let every member praise his name! And yet stay not by the way, but consider further; CHRIST being now arrived at heaven's gates, those heavenly spirits that accompanied him began to say, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, even lift up yourselves, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall conic in!" To whom some of the angels that were within, not ignorant of his person, but admiring his majesty and glory, said again, a Who is the King of Glory" And then they answered, "The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle;" and thereupon those twelve gates of the holy city, of the new Jerusalem, opened of their own accord, and JESUS CHRIST, with all his ministering spirits, entered in. O my soul, how should this heighten thy joy, and enlarge thy comforts in that CHRIST is now received up into glory! Livery sight of CHRIST is glorious, _ and in every sight you shouldst wait on the Lord JESUS CHRIST for some glorious manifestations of himself. Come, live up to the rate of this great: mystery; view CHRIST as entering into glory, and you wilt find the same sparkles, of glory on thy heart.

 

 2. Consider CHRIST's session at GOD’s right hand; no sooner was CHRIST entered into heaven, but he was brought before his heavenly Father; and a dominion was given him above all creatures, above the hierarchy of all the angels. O the glory of CHRIST at his first entrance into glory! immediately all the angels fell down and worshipped him, immediately his Father welcomed him with the highest grace that ever was shown. " Come," says he, " sit you at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool." O my soul, meditate on this session of CHRIST at GOD’s right hand, and thence draw some virtue into thyself. What! was CHRIST exalted Had he a name given him above every name Walk then as becomes those that have so glorious a head: O defile not that nature which in thy CHRIST was so highly honored

 

 3. Consider the mission of the Holy Ghost: " When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." He gave gifts, or the gift of gifts, the gift of the Holy Ghost. O my soul, consider this princely gift of CHRIST T Such a gift was never before,. but when GOD ve his Son; " GOD so loved the world, that he gave his Son;" and CHRIST so loved the world, that he gave his Spirit. But consider especially to whom this Spirit was given; the application of the gift is the very soul of thy meditation; " Unto us a Son is given," said the prophet; and, "Unto us the Holy Ghost is given," says the apostle. And yet above all, consider the reasons of this gift in reference to thyself; was it not to make thee a temple of the Holy Ghost Stand awhile on this! admire, O my soul, at the unspeakable love of CHRIST in this! It was infinite love to come down into our nature; but this is more to come down into thy heart by his Holy Spirit; he came near to us then, but he comes nearer now; for now he unites himself unto thy person; now he comes and dwells in thy soul by his Spirit. Come here is that which will content thy vast desires; CHRIST is in thee by his Spirit; will not this content the utmost capacity of thy heart Surely he is too covetous whom GOD himself cannot suffice; if you has CHRIST, you has all things; and if you has the Spirit of CHRIST, you has CHRIST himself, not notionally, but really, essentially, substantially, by his Spirit. It is the very Spirit of CHRIST, the Spirit itself, the Holy Ghost itself in his own person that is united to thee, and dwells in thee. Nor only comes he in person, but he brings along with him all his train; has be not endowed thee with gifts has he not divided a portion to thee in thy place and calling Observe it and be thankful, if you has a gift of prayer, of wisdom, of knowledge, it flows from this Holy Spirit: " Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of CHRIST." Or according to the measure of the Spirit; who is the gift of CHRIST. And " all these works that one and the same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." But besides a gift, has he not endowed thee with his grace, has he not planted in thy soul the power, the principle of grace Have you not felt the quickenings, stirrings of the Spirit of GOD, commanding thy faith, love, zeal, and other graces has he not many a time, at some mighty strait, at some prevailing temptation, when you wast even ready to yield to SATAN, come in as between the bridge and water, and given thee grace to help in time of need O the sweet incomes of the Spirit of God! As he is a Holy Spirit, so he makes holy hearts; and if there be holiness in thy heart, what is, it but au emanation of the Spirit of God Have you not sometimes felt the joy unspeakable and full of glory A drop of heaven's joy as the earnest of thy inheritance Why, all these are but the workings of the promised Comforter: " I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." Another effect is the seal of the Spirit stamped on thee. I will not say this is absolutely necessary, but has you not sometimes been assured of thy salvation by an irradiation of the Spirit on thy graces P Sometimes the Spirit is pleased to shine with its bright, and glorious, and heavenly beams into our souls, and then we are assured: hence the apostle prays for the Ephesians, CQ that they might have the Spirit of revelation." If the Spirit shine upon our graces, then it seals. O consider this shining sealing work, and leave not till the Spirit dart in a spiritual light, and give thee a revelation, knowledge, and persuasion of thy effectual calling.

 

SECT. 3:

 

Of desiring JESUS in that Respect.

 

 Let us desire JESUS carrying on the great work of our salvation in these particulars. Who, seeing CHRIST to ascend into heaven, would not be glad to ascend up with him Who, seeing CHRIST scatter his gifts and graces amongst his saints, would not cry, CO Come, Holy Spirit O CHRIST, give me thy Spirit: you that givest gifts unto men, come and bestow these gifts on me! even upon me" The believing soul cannot hear of CHRIST in any true discovery of his grace and glory, but it must needs send out many breathings after him, "O that CHRIST were Mine! O that I had any interest in this transaction!’ It is true, these transactions are past, but the virtue of there continues still; and accordingly the virtue, power, and influence of these transactions must be the object of our desires; now what is the virtue of CHRIST's ascension, but that we might ascend And what the virtue of CHRIST's session, but that we might sit down with him on his throne And what the virtue of the mission of his Spirit, but that we might partake of the Holy Ghost O let these be the objects of our desires; let us pant and breathe after these things!

 

 1. Let us see CHRIST ascending, and so desire to ascend with him. When CHRIST ascended, it was not merely for himself, but also in our stead. He ascended as a common person. As the high-priest, ascending into the holy of holies, carried all the names of the twelve tribes on his breast; so JESUS CHRIST, ascending into heaven, carried the names of all believers in the world on his breast, thereby spewing that they were likewise to cone after him; in this case how should we long after him, and cry after him, as Elisha after Elijah, when he saw him ascending, " My father! my father! the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!" How should we cry after him, " O my Lord and my GOD, see that my name be written on thy breast; O that virtually I may ascend with thee, and that really and bodily I may at last ascend after thee!" A desire after CHRIST, and his ascension, is the way to heaven. If you wilt ascend after CHRIST, set thy desires upon CHRIST. If you wilt arrive at true glory, breathe after CHRIST ascending up into his glory. O when will it once be that by the virtue of CHRIST's ascension I shall ascend!

 

 2. Let us see CHRIST sitting down at the right hand of GOD, and so desire to sit with him. When CHRIST sat down, it was not jn his own right simply, as it is his inheritance, but with relation to his members; " He has quickened us together with CHRIST, and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS." • He sat down- as a common person, thereby showing that we were to sit down with him in our proportion, 11 To him that overcomes, I will grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I overcame, and am set down with my Father on his throne." O my soul, desire this, for this is worthy of thy desire. This is a great thing, an high exaltation, another manner of honor than any this world affords; only take heed of apprehending it after a carnal way. This very exaltation consists in the image of GOD, and communion with God; whatever you givest or deniest, Lord give me this, and I have enough for ever.

 

 3. Let;us see CHRIST's mission of his Holy Spirit, and desire a share in that gift. We cannot expect to sit with CHRIST, but we must first have the Spirit of CHRIST. Consider, O my soul, all things here below are either temporal or spiritual; and of things spiritual. this is the sum, the indwelling of the Spirit. O Lord, give me thyself, and that contains all gifts; O-give me thy Spirit, and you can not but with him give me all things. O what longings! O what' pantings and gaspings should there be in thy spirit after this Spirit! Come, Holy Spirit, O come and dwell in my soul! I know you wilt make the place of thy feet glorious; if I have but thy presence, I shall be all glorious within.

 

SECT. 4:

 

Of hoping in JESUS in that Respect.

 

 Let us hope in JESUS, carrying on the great work of our salvation in these particulars; this was the apostle's prayer " Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." Could we abound in hope that CHRIST's ascension, session, and mission of his Spirit did belong to us, we should never be ashamed; O then let us look to our hope, and be sure that it be of the right stamp; which, in reference to each of these passages, we may examine thus:

 

 1. If CHRIST's ascension be mine, then am I ascended with CHRIST. For we may ascend into heaven by faith and love' though for the present we are on earth; " If ye be risen with CHRIST, seek those things which are above, where CHRIST sitteth at the right hand of God; set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth." If CHRIST our Head be ascended, then we that are his members must follow after him in our affections CHRIST tells us, "Where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also." If CHRIST, our treasure, be ascended into heaven, our loves, our affections, our hearts will follow after him; and if our hearts be in heaven, no question but we ourselves, both souls and bodies, shall at last ascend.

 

 2. If CHRIST's session be mine, then am I set down with CHRIST in heavenly places; I mean not bodily, but by faith, which faith makes it as sure to my soul as if I had a foot already in heaven; " Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." By faith I now sit in heavenly places, in that I verily believe I shall do it one day; my hope is now certain, in that I am as sure of that I look for, as I am of that I have already received. The apostle said of CHRIST, "We see not yet all things put under him;" but he presently answers, " We see JESUS, who was made a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor," and so we maybe sure the thing is as good as done; for if he be above, all must come under; in like manner we see not ourselves in present possession, but we see CHRIST crowned, and ourselves sitting with him virtually; and therefore at last we shall see ourselves actually crowned; and sitting together with CHRIST in heavenly places.

 

 3. If CHRIST's Spirit be mine, and sent to me, then have I both the person and train of the Spirit of CHRIST. It is the having the Spirit, and the working of the Spirit in me, that is my evidence for the Spirit's mission; I look upon this as the greatest question and the weightiest case of conscience that can be propounded, whether the Spirit of CHRIST does reside in us Or whether we have a well-grounded hope to say of ourselves that we have the indwelling of the Spirit of God " Know ye not that ye are the temple of GOD, (says the apostle,) and that the Spirit of GOD dwells in you" And again, " Know ye not that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost" In this he seems to put it out of question that true Christians know the Spirit of GOD dwells in them; if we know not this, we cannot know that we have any part in CHRIST; because the Holy Spirit is the principal bond of our union. If we know not this, we cannot know that we are justified, for we have nothing to do with CHRIST's righteousness by which we are justified, until, by our spiritual union, CHRIST is made ours. If we know not this, we cannot know that we are the adopted children of GOD, for it is by the Spirit of adoption that we cry in our hearts, Abba, Father. If we know not this, we cannot know that we are sanctified, for it is the Spirit which is the Beginner and Perfecter of our sanctification.- If we know not this, we cannot know that our prayers are heard, for it is " the Spirit that helps our infirmities, and that makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." If we know not this, we cannot know whether we are in error or truth; or whether our religion be true or false, for it is the Spirit who enlightens and leads us into all truth. If we know not this, we cannot know our own comforts, for he is the only true Comforter. Come, then, and put we ourselves to the trial; let us search whether we have the Spirit of CHRIST; which we may resolve (if we will not deal deceitfully with our own hearts,) by these following signs:

 

 1. The Spirit of CHRIST is the Spirit of illumination.. If he dwell in us he will enlighten our eyes, reveal to us those saving truths of GOD as they are in JESUS; " But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things.""Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things."-" The anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you all things"' and hence it is that this Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God."

 

 2. The Spirit of CHRIST is a Spirit of prayer. " I will pour upon’the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of'grace and supplication."-Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered." It is not said that the Spirit teaches us words, and fluent phrases, but it teaches us to pray in the heart with sighs and groans.

 

 3. The Spirit of CHRIST is a spirit of sanctification. The apostle having told the Corinthians that they had been notorious sinners, says further, that " they were washed and sanctified by the Spirit of God. Hence the Holy Spirit is called " The Spirit of holiness;" because he makes us holy. If we have this Spirit, it inclines our hearts to things above, it mortifies our lusts, it brings us nearer to God: the Spirit therefore that is impure and encourageth men in sin, and cries up carnal -liberty, is certainly not the Spirit of CHRIST; and by this one sign many carnal pretenders of our times may be convicted.

 

 4. The Spirit of CHRIST is a Spirit of love. " GOD is love, and he that dwells in love, dwells in GOD, and GOD in him;" as the Spirit is love, so it begets love in the hearts of his people: " The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." All these graces are the fruits of the Spirit, but the first grace in the link is love. By his Spirit we are taught to love GOD, not only for his benefits, but in respect of his nature; for his goodness, justice, holiness; by his Spirit we are taught to love any thing that has the stamp and image of GOD upon it " But as touching brotherly love, ye need not I write unto you, for ye yourselves are taught of GOD to love one another."

 

 5. The Spirit of CHRIST is a witnessing Spirit. "The Spirit itself bears witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God:" and," every one that believeth has the witness in himself." This witnessing is an office of the Spirit, whereby it works the soul into a knowledge, persuasion, or conclusion of its acceptance with GOD in CHRIST. But it may be asked, How does the Spirit thus witness I answer, 1. Immediately. 2. Mediately.

 

 1. Concerning the immediate testimony of the Spirit, there is some controversy. Antinomians would have no other testimony but this; all other evidences, (say they) are deceiving evidences; or if not deceiving, yet to make use of them were but to light a candle to the sun: for what are the graces of the Spirit in comparison of the Spirit's own testimony. And it may be the running into this extreme has caused others absolutely to deny any such testimony; or at last to say, " For these enthusiasms, or inspirations; let them boast of them that have them, we know no such thing." Methinks a middle between these is most consonant to truth: for neither can I reject the graces of our assurance; neither dare I deny that there is something of the work of the Spirit's testimony, which is an immediate work. Certainly there is a work wherein the Spirit acts as in illumination, and infusion of good motions into. us, wherein by a secret influence upon the heart, he quiets and calms the troubled soul concerning its condition by his own immediate power, without any grounds from Scripture outwardly, or graces within.

 

 There is a threefold work of the Spirit, says Mr. Caryl; 1. To convey and plant grace in the soul. 2. To help us to exercise the graces which are planted there. 3. To shine upon and enlighten those graces: this last work the Spirit fulfils two ways; 1. By arguments and inferences, which is a mediate work. 2. By presence and influence, which is an immediate work; this the apostle calls, " witness bearing; there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit, and water, and blood;" the Spirit brings ’in the witness of water and. blood, which is a mediate work; but besides and above these, he gives a distinct witness of his own, which is his immediate work, and is in a way of peculiarity and transcendency, called witness of the Spirit.-As it is with the motions of the Spirit, many a time the Spirit excites a man to such or such duties, by laying his hand immediately upon the heart, and thereby inclining it to obey those motions; so in this case when a poor soul sits in darkness, and sees no light, sometimes it is, as it were, taken up into the third heaven; and this is in such a way, that though the spirit of a man is immediately calmed by it, yet it cannot tell how it came to pass.

 

 But for fear of mistakes, in this case observe we these rules. (1.) That although the Spirit may immediately testify without express or formal application of the word, yet he never testifies but according to the word. If a man that never felt sin a burden, that throws away all duties of religion, that never prays, reads, hears, or meditates, shall say, that he is filled with joy, peace, and the assurance of GOD’s word, it is certain the Holy Spirit is not the author of this, because the promise of peace belongs to none of his stamp; see Matt. 11: 28, Isaiah lvii. 15. (2.) That ordinarily the Spirit brings in his testimony either in duty, or after duty. " I have seen his ways, and I will heal him; I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners; I create the fruit of the lips, peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, says the Lord, and I will heal him." I know there may be a case of grievous temptations, and at such time the Spirit of GOD may come in by a sudden irradiation, and cheer the soul wonderfully, though it knows not how; yet usually the Spirit brings in his testimony either in duty, or not long after duty. (3.) That such testimonies of the Spirit beget only an actual assurance during the present exigency, or in order to some present design that GOD is working thereby.

 

2. The Spirit witnesseth immediately; and that eitherwithout, or with argumentation. But both from the word. (1.) without argumentation, and that is when the Spirit applies some suitable word to the soul, and without more ado enables the soul to close with that word. As for instance, you art burdened for sin, and you has prayed earnestly for pardon of sin, and even then a secret whisper of the Spirit casts that word into thy heart, " I will heal thy backslidings, and love thee freely;" or such a voice as that, " Come unto me all ye, that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Now this is a direct testimony; only I dare not leave it without a caution.--Some can relate extraordinary passages of providence attending the coming in of such and such a word As that they did not know there was any such a Scripture, nor did they know where it was-. and yet in opening the book, it was the very first place they cast their eye upon; or they wanted a book, and in the use of some other means unexpectedly a word was spoken, or remembered, so suited to the case, as if it had been a message from heaven. Certainly the Spirit's hinting of words thus, is very observable; yet a bare suggesting of a word is no warrant that it comes from the Spirit, unless the soul come up to some end which the word itself pointeth at; as the ends it aimeth at, such as quickening, comforting, supporting, exercising of some graces, or such like; and by this we may know that the testimony is true, and proceeds from the Spirit of God.

 

 (2.) With argumentation, and that is when the Spirit brings in the testimony of blood and water, I may call it a testimony of graces, written in our hearts, and brought out by the Spirit in a way of argument; as thus-" He that believeth has everlasting life; but I believe, therefore I have everlasting life." The first proposition is the Gospel, and in this way it is the first work of the Spirit to open our eyes, for the understanding thereof. The second proposition is thy case, or my case; and here the Spirit enlightens the soul to see itself under that condition. But I believe, in all cases, the assurance that the Spirit gives, maintains a soul in a way of reliance and dependence, when it sees no reason why he should do so, or it may be when he sees reason why it should not he so; as it is said of Abraham in another case, that he " believed in hope against hope." Faith told him there was hope that he should be the father of many nations, when reason told him there was none. Again, the assurance that the Spirit gives, is attended with an high esteem for, prayer, duties, ordinances; and in the. issue, (which is the most sure mark,) it purifies the soul, " he that has this hope purifies himself, even as he is pure." He is ever washing himself from sin, and watching against sin, and taking all possible care to keep himself pure and unspotted in this world. It keeps the soul humble and lowly, it being impossible that such a testimony of the Spirit, and so intimate a converse with GOD, and the light of his countenance, should not reflect low thoughts upon a man concerning himself. Such a man cannot but say, "Lord, what am I that you have brought me hitherto What for such a peevish, unbelieving, impatient_ soul as mine, to be carried in thy arms, and cheered with thy smiles, and to enjoy the comforts of thy Spirit O what a wonderful, merciful, gracious GOD have I"

 

 O my soul, try now the hope of the Spirit's indwelling by these several signs. Art you enlightened savingly in the knowledge of GOD and of CHRIST Have you a spirit of prayer and supplication A spirit of sanctification A spirit of love Have you ever had the immediate testimony of the Spirit without any argumentation Have you unexpectedly lighted on some places of Scripture that have satisfied thy soul as with marrow and fatness Or if not so neither, have you the immediate testimony of the Spirit with argumentation Can you argue thus: " He that believeth shall be saved, but I believe, therefore I shall be saved." Or if any doubt be made of the assumption; can you prove it by such other graces as accompany faith, and are the' fruits of faith Can you say, by the help and shinings of the Spirit, that these and these graces are in me, I love GOD and CHRIST, I repent of my sins, surely then thy hope is well grounded; thou has the indwelling of the Spirit; it is thine, even thine,

 

SECT. 5:

 

Of believing in JESUS in this' respect.

 

 Let us believe on JESUS, as carrying on the great work of our salvation in these particulars; many scruples are in many hearts, "What Is it possible that I should have any share in CHRIST's ascension, CHRIST's session, CHRIST's mission of his Spirit Was it ever in GOD’s heart that I

 

should partake with CHRIST in all these glories What is this that earth should go up to heaven, that men should ascend to God Yea, that nmy soul with CHRIST, and by CHRIST, should ascend to GOD, and sit. down with GOD in heavenly places That my soul should have for its inmate the very same Spirit that CHRIST himself has O 1 cannot, I dare not believe." Scrupulous souls, be not faithless but believing; there is not one of these particulars for which we have not a warrant out of the Word of God; and. therefore believe.

 

 I shall lay down, 1: Some directions, and 2. Some encouragements for faith. For the former, observe as before these particulars.. 1. Faith must directly go to CHRIST. 2. Faith must go to CHRIST as GOD in the flesh. 3. Faith must go to CHRIST as GOD in the flesh made under the law. 4. Faith must go to CHRIST, not only as made under the directive part of the law by his life, but under’the penal part of the law, by his death. 5. Faith must go to CHRIST not only as " put to death in the flesh, but as quickened by the Spirit." 6. Faith must not only go to CHRIST as quickened by the Spirit, but as going into glory, as sitting down at GOD’s right hand, and as sending the Holy Ghost. Faith should eye CHRIST as. far as he goes; if he be ascended; so should faith; if he go into glory, and sit down there, and act there for his people, so should faith; and so should we, in a way of believing, follow after him, and take a view of all his transactions where he is. We have heard before how faith should go to CHRIST as dying, and as rising again; but yet faith is low, while it does not go within the veil, and see him in glory. It is not enough to have only a faith of justification, we must also have a faith of glorification. O come let us see CHRIST in heaven, and we can have no less than a glorious faith! how many are there that never yet came to CHRIST as a glorified CHRIST We are still in the lower form. Many of us take in no more of CHRIST than what was done on the cross; we seldom follow CHRIST into heaven, to see what he is doing there for us. O my soul! O my faith! mount up, and be upon the wing. CHRIST is gone up to heaven, CHRIST has sat down at GOD’s right hand; CHRIST has sent down his Holy Spirit. He gave the gift of gifts, even the gift of the Holy Ghost himself. What Art not you a partaker of this gift O then look up unto JESUS in reference to all this, set him before thee: CHRIST in all these particulars is a right object for thy faith. 7. Faith in going to CHRIST, in his ascension, session, and mission of the Holy Spirit, is principally to look to the design of CHRIST, in each of these particulars. CHRIST did nothing but he had an end in it for our good; and here is the life of faith, to eye the meaning of CHRIST in all his doings. Now the ends of CHRIST's ascension, session, and mission of his Spirit were several; I shall instance only in these few.

 

 (1.) CHRIST ascended that we might ascend. Look whatever GOD acted on CHRIST's person, that he did as on our behalf, and he means to act the same on us. Was CHRIST crucified so are we: is CHRIST risen again so we are risen with him: is CHRIST gone up into glory So are we: heaven is now opened and possessed by JESUS CHRIST for us, and at last we shall ascend even as he ascended. How should faith pry into this As we must go through all ordinances and creatures, till we come to CHRIST, so through all conditions of CHRIST until we come to glory. 

 

 (2.) CHRIST Sat down that we might sit with him in heavenly places; for what is the end of CHRIST’s session, but that he might invest all his saints with the same privilege In this height of glory, CHRIST is the pattern of what we shall be. Surely this is the very top of heaven; CHRIST is exalted above the heavers, that we might in our measure be exalted with CHRIST; it was CHRIST's prayer, that his Father, and he, and we, might be one, " As You, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." O how should faith stand and gaze on CHRIST in that respect What Is he at GOD’s right hand Arid is he there preparing a mansion for my soul What shall I sit at the right hand of CHRIST Admire, O my soul, this aim of CHRIST, the meaning of his exalting himself, if it was to exalt thee; and the meaning of his exalting thee on this manner, is to manifest to all the world, what the Son of GOD is able, to do, in raising so poor a creature to so rich a glory.

 

 (3.) CHRIST sent clown the Holy Ghost, that he might dwell in our souls, endow us with gifts and graces; that he might comfort usy seal us unto the day of redemption; fit us for glory. Amongst,the many ends for which CHRIST sent down his Holy Spirit, I shall insist only oil these two: 1. That he might enable us to cry Abba Father and make us come boldly to the throne of grace, as children to a father; It is the Spirit that takes us by the hand, and leads us to the Father, when others stand at a distance, and cannot come near: Though others are kept out, yet the adopted child, who has received the spirit of adoption, can say, " Let me come to my Father; guards are appointed to keep out strangers, but not sons.".2. That he might guide us into all truth; I mean into all necessary, fundamental, saving truths: in this respect we have need of the Spirit. He it is that dictates to us what the true religion is. He it is that transcribes upon our hearts, that which was before only written in our books.

 

 He it is that not only reveals truth from without, but imprints it also upon- the soul, as a man does a seal by impressing it on the wax. As the written word i!* the testimony without us, so are these impressions of the Spirit the testimony within us, by which we may know every necessary truth as it is in JESUS. Unbelievers have a testimony without them, but believers have a double testimony; one without, and one within; and this witness within us will go with us and accompany us through all straits and difficulties. Men may take from us our bibles, teachers, friends; or imprison us where we cannot enjoy them: but they cannot take from us the Spirit of CHRIST. This witness within is a permanent, settled, standing witness. O what an excellent help is here to a poor Christian, beyond all the furniture of the most learned men, that want this testimony of the Spirit of CHRIST! Surely this advantage will exceedingly furnish us against all temptations to any error, that is plainly contrary to the essentials of religion.

 

 2. For the encouragement of our faith to believe in CHRIST in reference to his ascension, session, and mission of his Spirit. 1. Considerthe excellency of this object. What is it but CHRIST CHRIST in his ascendant, reigning power CHRIST in his marching, conquering, triumphing postures in his free, and large, and magnificent gifts “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." O the glory, O the excellency of CHRIST in these respects! I believe this is the top of heaven's glory, to see and wonder at the virtues of him that sits on the throne at the right hand of God; to be filled, but never satiated with the glory of CHRIST. Consider the power, virtue, and influence of this object unto our soul's salvation. O what a stately tower have we here erected to see heaven on Faith may stand, as it were, on this mount, and see itself in glory. O the flowings, the rich emanations of grace and glory that come from hence! O why do we toil in gathering sticks, when to-morrow we shall be out of this world, and go to CHRIST. 3. Consider the suitableness of these object# to our several conditions: " Behold he conies leaping “on the mountains, and skipping upon the hills," Cap! 2: 8. Gregory, that measured his leaps, thus gives them; he first leaps from his Father's mansion to his mother's womb; from her womb to the manger, from his manger to his cross; from his cross to his grave; from his grave up again to heaven; great leaps indeed, that showed both his readiness to love, and willingness to save! O believe I believe thy part in CHRIST's ascension, CHRIST's session, CHRIST's mission of his Holy Spirit, and you may go singing to thy grave! a lively faith in such particulars would set a soul in heaven, even whilst on earth.

 

SECT. VI

 

Of loving JESUS in that Respect.

 

 Let us love JESUS, as carrying on the great work of our salvation in these particulars. Much has been said already of CHRIST's conception, birth, life, death, resurrection; such arguments of love as are enough to swallow up souls in love. ’But as if all those were not enough for - GOD, see here new mines, never known in the world before, opened in JESUS CHRIST. See! CHRIST for us and for our salvation is gone up to heaven, is set down at GOD’s right hand, and has sent down the Holy Ghost into our hearts. In the pouring out of these springs of heaven's love, how should our souls but open the mouth wide, and take in the streams of CHRIST's honey and milk; I mean his precious love-breathings

 

 Two things I shall instance in, which may be as the loadstones of our love to CHRIST; the first is his glory, and the second his bounty,

 

1. For his glory no sooner was he ascended, and sat down at GOD’s right hand, but John the Divine had a sight of him, and O what a glorious sight! " He was clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle; his head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire, and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace, and his voice as the sound of many waters; and he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his-mouth went a-sharp two-edged sword, and his countenance was as the sun that shineth in his strength.; when John saw him thus, he fell at his feet as dead. But CHRIST, notwithstanding all his glory, holds up his servant's head, saying, " Fear not, I am the first and the last; I am he that lives, and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore, amen! and have the keys of hell and death." A glorious CHRIST is good for dying sinners would sinners but draw near, and come and see this king in the chariot of love, and in his beauty, he would certainly draw their souls unto him; nay, suppose that all the. damned in hell were brought up with their fiery chains to. the door of heaven; could we let them look in, and behold the throne, and the Lamb, and the troops of glorified spirits- clothed in white, with crowns of gold upon their heads, and palms in their hands, singing the eternal praises of their king; O how would they be sweetened in their pain, and ravished with those joys that are in CHRIST's face for evermore O who can think of the glory thatis in this delightful One, and not be swallowed upp in. love Who can think of CHRIST's sitting at GOD’s right hand,' and sparkling in his glory round about, and casting out beams of glory through East and West, and North and South, through heaven, and earth, and hell, and not love him with a whole heart. I remember one dying, and hearing some discourse of JESUS CHRIST: 11O, (said she) speak more of this, let me hear more of this; be not weary of telling his praise, I long to see him, how should I but long to hear of him" Surely I cannot say

 

too much of JESUS CHRIST. O the loveliness, beauty, and glory of his countenance! Can I speak or you hear of such a CHRIST And are we not all in a burning love, O my heart! how is it you art not love-sick How is it you dost not charge the daughters of Jerusalem as the spouse did, " I charge ye, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him I am sick of love"

 

 2. For his bounty: no sooner was he ascended, and sat down at GOD’s right hand, but he gave gifts unto mien; and sent down the Holy Ghost. I shall only weigh two circumstances in this gift, each of which both dignifies and casts a beam of bounty from the giver, into the heart of the receiver to move him to love.

 

 (1.) One circumstance is the greatness of the giver. O my soul, how shouldst you but love CHRIST the great emperor of heaven and earth. It was he that gave thee his Spirit; it was he that took off the Spirit which is upon him, (so is the expression of GOD to Moses,) and put it upon thee; and does not the person of CHRIST, the dignity of CHRIST, enhance the value of the gift As all gifts are signs of love, so the love of a great personage, and the gifts issuing from such a love, ought more to be accounted of than any gifts of any meaner person whatsoever.

 

 (2.) Another circumstance is, the greatness of the gift. This argueth the greatness of the good-will; and consequently deserveth a correspondence of affection. Now what greater gift had CHRIST in store than to give his own Spirit The Spirit proceeds from him, and is of the same essence with himself; the Spirit is the third Person of the true and holy Godhead, proceeding from the Father and the Son, and co-eternal, co-equal, and consubstantial with the Father and the Son; this appears by those divine attributes and properties which are-attributed' to the Holy Spirit. As, 1. Eternity; "In the beginning GOD created heaven and earth, and the Spirit of GOD moved upon the face of the waters." 2. Omnipotency, because he, together with the Father and the Son, created and preserveth all things By his Spirit he has garnished the heavers; the Spirit of GOD has made me; and all these things works that one and the.self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." 3. Omnisciency, or the knowledge of all things, GQ For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God." I might add miracles, and the institution of sacraments and prophecies, and gifts, and graces, as the effects of his Divinity; " I cast out devils (says CHRIST) by the Spirit of God; and baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Holy Ghost.". And " the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith." And "we are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." See now how the Holy Spirit is GOD, co-eternal, co-equal, consubstantial with the Father, and the Son! Is not this a great gift Yea, as great a gift as possibly can be given; what can he do more, than to give himself, and to give his Spirit O the bonds of love that are upon man towards CHRIST in this respect.

 

 Come, my soul, and take a view of the glory and bounty of JESUS CHRIST! If thy heart be not all brass and iron, how shouldst you but choose to love If either beauty or bounty, if either majesty or magnificence can draw thy affection, CHRIST will have it; for in him is all; O let him be thy all! surely if you have any thing besides himself, he is the donor of all, he- is the beauty of all, the sum of all, the perfection, of all, yea, he is the author, preserver, and finisher of all.

 

SECT. 8:

 

Of joying in JESUS in that Respect.

 

 Let us joy in JESUS as carrying on the great work of our salvation in these particulars; there is not a particular under consideration, but it is the object of a Christian's joy.-1. How should it heighten my joys, and enlarge my comforts, when I consider that CHRIST is ascended into glory By this it is clear that CHRIST is accepted of the Father for me, or otherwise he should never have been received into heaven: O what joy is in this! 2. How it should heighten my joys, and enlarge my comforts, when I consider that CHRIST is set down at GOD’s right hand. Now he has the keys of heaven delivered into his hands; 11 All power is given unto him in heaven and in earth," and now he call do what he will; GOD the Father has given away (as it were) all his prerogative unto JESUS CHRIST: " All judgment is committed to the Son, for the Father judges no man." Now he is in a capacity of manifesting all his love to me in the most glorious way; he is highly advanced, and thereby he has the advantage to' advance me, and to glorify me: O what joy may enter into this poor, dark, disconsolate soul of mine, whilst I think over these glorious passages of CHRIST in glory! 3. How should it heighten my joys, when I consider that CHRIST has sent down his Holy Spirit into my heart O what comfort is this, to know that the Spirit of CHRIST is my inmate That my soul is the temple, the house and dwelling of the Spirit of: God That CHRIST is in me of a truth, and that not only by the infusion of his grace, but by the indwelling of his Spirit. CHRIST in his bodily presence went away, but CHRIST in his Spirit continues still:: " Lo I am. with you always, even unto the end of the world: he is with us, and which is more, he is in us: " CHRIST in you the hope of glory." Not CHRIST in sermons which we hear, nor CHRIST in chapters which we read, nor CHRIST in sacraments which we receive; but CHRIST in our hearts by his Spirit, is unto us " the hope of glory."

 

 And now, O my soul, spread thyself on this great good, CHRIST's ascension, CHRIST's session, and CHRIST's mission of his Holy Spirit. There is not any particular here before thee, but it is fuel for joy. O what joy was in. heaven. when CHRIST ascended, and when CHRIST sat down at GOD’s right hand, and when CHRIST sent down the Holy Spirit Suppose thyself to have been in heaven, when he first entered into it, and when he first sat down at GOD’s right hand, and sent down the Comforter to his saints, was not heaven full off joy Methinks the very thought of CHRIST's bright face, and white throne, and his harpers, and heavenly troop, surrounding the throne, and his welcome to his Father, both "for himself and all his saints; and his carrying thy name upon his breast before his Father, should fill thy soul as full of joy, as possibly it' can hold. O the first-fruits of Emmanuel's land that lies beyond time and death! O the joys that were in heaven at CHRIST's first entrance into heaven! O my soul, why dost you not check thyself and lay aside thy sad complaints, and forget this earth, and earthly troubles! why dost you not lookup to JESUS CHRIST, and rejoice in him who has done all this for thy salvation Either the Spirit of GOD is not thy Comforter, or you can not but receive comfort in these passages.

 

SECT. VIII.

 

Of calling on JESUS in that Respect.

 

 Let us call on JESUS: I mean, 1. Let us pray that we may have our part in these transactions; or let us pray for more and more assurance thereof unto our souls. For though we do not disbelieve, yet may we not be without our doubts; and in case of doubts, (if once we are but assured) what better means can we use than prayer 2. Praise GOD for these great transactions of his Son Are they not mercies like mountains lying one upon another, and reaching up to the very heavens Did not love break out first in a direct line, and as it went along, has it not wound up itself, in such a variety of unthought of discoveries, as that it amazeth men and angels What That JESUS CHRIST should not only act for us, here on earth, but also ascend for us into heaven, and sit down there at GOD’s right hand, above the heavens; that all this should be done for us and our salvation, and to that purpose that he should send down his Spirit into our hearts, to prepare us for his glory Now " bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name; bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his

 

benefits."

 

Sect. 9:

 

Of conforming to JESUS in that Respect.

 

 Let us conform to JESUS in the aforesaid respect. A serious beholding of JESUS in his ascension, session; mission of his Spirit, is enough; to change us into. the same image from glory to glory. It was the sweet saying of an experienced saint, " View a glorified CHRIST, see him as in that relation and condition. and you will soon have the sparkles of the same glory on your hearts." CHRIST is now exalted: he is now in glory at the right hand of God: O let all our actions be glorious, let all our walking joys, breathings, be as in glory. I shall not in this transaction lay out many particular conformities to CHRIST, but gather all into one, which is heavenly conversation. Seek things above, set your affection on things above; CHRIST has gone up, and CHRIST has sat down at GOD’s right hand; and herein if you will conform, let your hearts be in heaven, let your affections be in heaven, let your conversations be in heaven.

 

In prosecution of this, I shall examine, 1. What we mean by our conversation in heaven 2. Why our conversation must be in heaven 3. By what means we may come up to this conversation in heaven

 

 1. By our conversation in heaven, I mean, (1.) Our aim at heaven. As heaven is our home, so our eye is there; whatever we do, our end, our scope is to fit us for heaven, and to' be in heaven; " We look not at things which are seen, but at things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." By our conversation in heaven, I mean, (2.) Our communion with CHRIST in heaven. " Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son JESUS CHRIST." As it is among friends that converse together, they act mutually for the comfort one of another; there is a communion, or a mutual acting of the soul upon CHRIST, and of CHRIST upon the soul. I mean, (3.) The having our affections on heaven, or on CHRIST in heaven; " Set your affections on things above," that is, set your desires, loves, hopes, joys, on heavenly things. Our affections are precious things, and are only to be set on precious objects. O what a shame is it to set our affections on the things of this life! Have we not a kingdom; a GOD, a CHRIST, a crown in heaven, to set our affections upon And shall we set them upon dross and dung Are not all our pleasure and vanities base in comparison of CHRIST O let us not be so base as to set our affections on earthy thirtgs, but let us rather set them on GOD and CHRIST; and this is our heavenly conversation. And by our conversation in heaven, I mean, (4.) That we should conduct and behave ourselves in this life as free denizens of heaven, our city, whereof we arc citizens, and whereunto we have a right. In this respect we trade not on trifles, as other men do, but we trade for great things, for high things; we merchandise for goodly pearls, even for GOD, and for CHRIST, who sitteth at the right hand of God. We see now what is meant by our conversation in heaven.

 

 2. Why is the conversation of the saints in heaven (1.) Because they know that the original of their souls, came from GOD in heaven; the body indeed was of the dust of the ground, but the soul was the breath of God; so it is said of the first man, " GOD breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul." The soul had a more heavenly original than any of the other creatures that are in the world; and when GOD works grace in the soul, and it begins to know itself, it looks on all things here below as vile and contemptible; it then looks upward, and begins to converse with things suitable to its original. (2.) Because their best and choice things are already in heaven. As their Father is in heaven, and their Savior in heaven, their husband is in heaven, their elder brother is in heaven, and their king is in heaven; their treasure is in heaven; their inheritance is in heaven, their hope is in heaven, their mansion is in heaven, their chief friends are in heaven, their substance is in heaven, their reward is in heaven, their wages are in heaven. And all these things being in heaven, it is no marvel that their conversation should be in heaven. (3.) Because they are going towards heaven even while yet they are on earth.. If the nobleman do once know his condition, and begins his journey homeward towards his father's court, will he not every morning that he rises, converse with them that come from his father to conduct him home. Does it not do him good’ to hear any man speak of his father's country Is it not in his thoughts, in his talk, in his eye, at every step O my soul, if you art indeed traveling towards heaven,, how shouldst you but have it in thy motions, affections, conversations 3. By what means may we come to have our conversation in heaven

 

 1. Let us watch opportunities for heavenly exercises. God now by his ministers calls, " Come ye to the waters, come buy and eat; come, buy wine and milk without money;, come to me, and your soul shall. live." Why, " Now is the accepted time, ’behold now is the day of salvation:" whilst ministers call, and we live under the droppings of the word; these are opportunities from heaven. O then ire that never prayed, led him pray; and he that never heard, let him hear; the Lord is now near to us; CHRIST JESUS is calling, and mercy is entreating, and love is beseeching, and he is crying after us. O let us lay hold on these opportunities for heavenly exercises, and then we shall come to heavenly conversations.

 

 2. Let us take heed of resting in the formality of duties. Many souls that have enlightenings of conscience, dare not but take opportunities for heavenly duties; but then come in the' temptations of the devil, and corruptions of their own hearts, and then they say, " Now the duty is done, and what needs more" Alas! It is riot, What have we done but where have we been What; have our souls been in heaven, with GOD and with CHRIST Have we had communion with the Father, and with the ’Son in our duties O take heed of formality! it will exceedingly hinder us from having our conversation in heaven! O let us keep our,eye still upon our heart!'ask in duty, what our affections have been How much are we got nearer heaven thereby And by this means we shall come to an heavenly conversation.

 

 3. Let us look up unto JESUS as hanging on the cross, and as sitting on the throne: this is the apostle's rule. "Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith, to who for-the joy that was set before hi in endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." These two are the objects of a Christian's look, who studies an heavenly conversation, viz. CHRIST's cross, and CHRIST's session; by the cross he is the author, and by the throne he is the finisher of our faith. In the first is shown his love to us, in the second our hope in him. Come then, and settle your thoughts and looks on this blessed object. A sight of CHRIST's cross, but especially of CHRIST's throne, is a blessed means to wean us from the world, and to raise our affections to things above, yea to form our conversation towards heaven.

 

 4. Let us wait for the appearing of JESUS CHRIST,` Our conversation is in heaven," says the apostle, " from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord JESUS CHRIST." Where his expectations are, there a man's conversation will be. If we expect ere long, that the Lord JESUS will appear in glory, and that we shall see him riot with other, but with the same eyes, the very waiting for. these things will help our conversation to be heaven-ward. Certainly the day is coming, when JESUS CHRIST shall come with his angels in his glory, and then shall the bodies of the saints shine gloriously before the face of GOD and JESUS CHRIST. O the wonders of this day! The glory of CHRIST shall then darken the glory of the sun and moon, and stars; but my body shall not be darkened, but rather

 

it shall shine like the glorious body of CHRIST JESUS.

 

 5. Let us observe the drawings and movings of the Spirit, and follow his dictates. To this purpose CHRIST ascended, and sat down at GOD’s right hand, and sent down the Holy Spirit, that being come down, he might do his office in bringing on our souls towards salvation. And if ever our souls get above this earth, and get acquaintance in heaven, it is the Spirit of GOD that must be the chariot of Elijah, yea the very living principle, by which we must move and ascend. O then let us take heed of quenching its motions, or resisting its workings. Take we heed of grieving our guide, or of knocking off the chariot wheels of his Holy Spirit. We little think how much the life of grace and the happiness of souls does depend upon our ready and cordial obedience to the Spirit of God. When he forbids us, and we will go on; when he tells us which is the way, and we will not regard; no wonder if we are strangers to an heavenly conversation. If we will not follow the Spirit, how should it lead us to heaven, or bring our hearts unto the presence of God, O learn we this lesson, and let not only the motions of our bodies, but the very thoughts of our hearts be at the Spirit's beck! If we would cherish these motions, and hearken to the Spirit, O what a help should we find to this heavenly conversation.