66 NOTES UPON PART II. 199 therefore, with propriety explain it to signify the righteousness of CHRIST imputed to the believer, but the renewal of the soul to holiness; for this alone is visible to the eyes of men. They, who have put on this raiment, are also " clothed with humility:" so that they readily perceive the excellencies of other believers, but cannot discern their own, except when they look in the glass of GOD's word. At the same time they become very observant of their own defects and severe in animadverting on them, but proportionably candid to their brethren: and thus they learn the hard lesson of esteeming others better than themselves." 46..5. Great-heart...The stated pastoral care of a vi gilant minister, who is strong in faith, and courageous in the cause of GOD, is represented by the conductor of the pilgrims. We shall have repeated opportunities of showing, how desirous the author was to recommend this advantage to his readers, to excite them to be thankful for it, and to avail themselves of it when graciously afforded them. 47.11. Pardon...The subsequent discourse, on Pardon by the deed done,' confirms the interpretation that hath been given of the cross, and of CHRISTIAN's deliverance from his burden.-The doctrine is, however, here stated in a manner to which some may object, and indeed it is needlesly systematical and rather obscure. By the righteousness of CHRIST as GOD his essential divine attributes of justice and holiness must be intended: His righteousness as Man denotes his human nature as free from all the defilement of sin. The righteousness of his person, as he hath the two natures joined in one, can only mean the perfection of his mysterious person in all respects; and his capacity of acting as our surety, by doing and suffering in our nature all that was requisite, while his divine nature stamped an infinite value on his obedience unto death. The eternal WORD, the only-begotten Son of GOD was under no obligation to assume our nature: and when he had seen good to assume it, he was not bound to live a number of years here on earth, X X X 2 200 NOTES UPON PART II. obedient to the law, both in its ceremonial and moral require ments, amidst hardships, sufferings, and temptations of every kind; except, as he had undertaken to be our surety. In this sense he himself had no need of that righteousness which he finished for our justification. And assuredly he was under no obligation, as a perfectly holy man, to suffer even unto the violent, torturing, and ignominious death upon the cross. That part of his obedience, which consisted in enduring agony, and pain in body and soul, was only needful, as he bare our sins, and gave himself a sacrifice to GoD for us. Indeed, his righteousness is not the less his own, by being imputed to us: for we are considered as one with him by faith, and thus "made the righteousnes of GOD in him," and we are justified in virtue of this union. He was able by his temporal sufferings and death to pay our debt and ransom our inheritance, thus delivering us from eternal misery, which else had been inevitable, and bringing us to eternal life, which had otherwise been unattainable; and the law of love, to which as a man he became subject, required him to do this: for if we loved our neighbour as ourselves," we should be willing to submit to any inferior loss, hardship, or suffering, to rescue an enemy or stranger from a greater and more durable misery, which he hath no other way of escaping; or to secure to him a more valuable and permanent advantage, which can no otherwise be obtained. 51..21. Thy father...When believers, in the warmth of their affections,' feel the humbling, melting, endearing, and sanctifying effects of contemplating the glory of the cross, and the love of CHRIST in dying for sinners, and considering themselves as the special objects of that inexpressible compassion and kindness, they are apt to conclude that the belief of the propositions, that CHRIST loves them and died for them, and that GOD is reconciled to them, produces the change by its own influence; and would affect the most carnal hearts in the same manner, could men be persuaded to believe it: for they vainly imagine that apprehensions of GOD's severity, NOTES UPON PART II. 201 and dread of his vengeance are the sources of the enmity which sinners manifest against him. Hence very lively and affectionate christians have frequently been prone to sanction the unscriptural tenet, that the justifying act of faith consists in affuredly believing that CHRIST died for me in particular, and that GOD loves me: and to consider this appropriation, as preceding repentance, and every other gracious disposition; and as in some sense the cause of regeneration, winning the heart to love GOD, and to rejoice in him and in obeying his commandments. From this doctrine others have inferred, that if all men, and even devils too, believed the love of GOD to them, and his purpose at length to make them happy; they would be won over from their rebellion against him, which they persist in from a mistaken idea, that he is their implacable enemy: and they make this one main argument, in support of the salutary tendency of the final restitution scheme. But all these opinions arise from a false and flattering estimate of human nature; for the carnal mind hates the scriptural character of GOD, and the glory displayed in the cross, even more than that which shines forth in the fiery law. Indeed, if we take away the offensive part of the gospel, the honour it puts upon the law and its awful sanctions, and the exhibition it makes of the divine justice and holiness, it will give the proud carnal heart but little umbrage: if we admit that men's aversion to GoD and religion arise from misapprehension, and not desperate wickedness, many will endure the doctrine. A reconciliation, in which GOD assures the sinner that he has forgiven him, even before he has repented of his sins, will suit man'spride; and if he have been previously frighted, a great flow of affections will follow: but the event. will prove, that they differ essentially from spiritual love of GOD, gratitude, holy joy, and genuine humiliation, which arise from a true perception of the glorious perfections of GOD, the righteousness of his law and government, the real nature of redemption, and the odiousness and desert of sin. In short, all such schemes render regeneration needless; or 202 NOTES UPON PART II. substitute something else in its stead, which is effected by a natural process, and not by the new-creating power of the Holy Spirit. But, when this divine agent has communicated life to the soul, and a capacity is produced of perceiving and relishing spiritual excellency, the enmity against GoD receives a mortal wound: from that season the more his real character and glory are known, the greater spiritual affection will be excited, and a proportionable transformation into the same holy image effected, Then the view of the cross, as the grand display of all the harmonious perfections of the Godhead, will soften, humble, and meliorate the heart: while the persuasion of an interest in these blessings, and an admiring sense of having received such inconceivable favours from this glorious and holy LORD GOD, will still further elevate the soul above all low pursuits, and constrain it to the most unreserved and self-denying obedience.-But, while the heart remains unregenerate, the glory of GoD and the gospel will either be misunderstood, or hated in proportion as it is discovered. Such views, and affections therefore as have been described spring from special grace; are not produced by the natural efficacy of any sentiments, but by the immediate influences of the Holy Spirit; so that even true believers, though they habitually are persuaded of their interest in CHRIST, and the love of GOD to them, are only at times thus filled with holy affections: nor will the same contemplations constantly excite similar exercises; but they often bestow much pains to get their minds affected by them in vain; while at other times a single glance of thought fills them with the most fervent emotions of holy love and joy. 52..15. Hanged...The dreadful falls and awful deaths of some professors are often made notorious, for a warning to others; and to put them upon their guard against superficial, slothful, and presumptuous men, who draw aside many from the holy ways of GOD. The names of the persons thus deluded show the reasons why men listen to deceivers; for these are only the occasions of their turning aside, the cause NOTES UPON PART II. 203 lies in the concealed lusts of their own hearts. The transition is very easy from orthodox notions and profession without experience, to false and loose sentiments, and then to open ungodliness.-These lines are here inserted under a plate. Behold here how the slothful are a sign Hung up 'cause holy ways they did decline: 54..13. Clear...This passage shows, that the preaching of the gospel was especially intended by the Spring, in the former part of the work. Since that had been published, the author had witnessed a departure from the simplicity of the gospel, as has been before observed'. This might be done unadvisedly in those immediately concerned; but it originated from the devices of evil men, and the subtlety of SATAN. Nevertheless they, who honestly and carefully aimed to distinguish between the precious and the vile, might separate the corrupt part from the truths of GOD, and from the latter derive comfort and establishment. 54..30. Stopped...The express declarations, commandments, and warnings of scripture, and the heart-searching doctrine and distinguishing application of faithful ministers sufficiently hedge up all those by-ways, into which professors are tempted to turn aside: but carnal self-love, and desire of ease to the flesh, which always opposes its own crucifixion, induce numbers to break through all obstacles, and to risk their eternal interests rather than deny themselves and endure hardship in the way to heaven.. Nor will teachers be wanting to flatter them with the hope of being saved by notionally believing certain doctrines; while they practically treat the whole word of GOD as a lie. 58..25. Beloved...The word DAVID signifies beloved. We should be very cautious, not to speak any thing, which Note 18. 23. |