members. Some I know would go farther, Lucius, a learned writer, saith, "That justification is therefore attributed to Christ's resurrection, because it was the complete and ultimate act of Christ's active obedience:" and from hence inferreth, "That remission of sin is attributed to his passive obedience, and justification or imputation of righteousness, to his active obedience." Goodwin, no way inferior to him, saith, that justification is put upon Christ's resurrection with a "Rather, Who is he that condeinn. eth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again," Rom. 8:34. not but that the matter of our justification, is only the obedience and death of Christ, but the form of our justification, or the act of pronouncing us righteous by that his obedience and death depends upon Christ's resurrection; for then it was that Christ himself was justified, and then he was justified as a common person, representing us therein, so that we were then justified with him, and in him, and we are said, "to be risen with him, and to sit with him in heavenly places." Berges, one admitably judicious, said, That justification is given to Christ's resurrection, as a privilege flowing from its efficient cause: Indeed Christ's death "is the meritorious cause of our justification, but Christ's resurrection, is, in some sense (said he) the efficient cause, because by his rising again, the Spirit of God doth make us capable of justification, and then bestoweth it on us." I know there is some difference amongst these worthies, but they all agree in this, that the resurrection of Christ was for our justification, and that by the resurrection of Christ, all the merits of his death were made applicable unto us. As there was a price and ransom to be paid by Christ for the redemption of man, so it was necessary that the fruit, effect, and benefit of Christ's redemption should be applied and conferred; now this work of application and actual collation of the fruit of Christ's death, began to be in fieri upon the resurrection day, but it was not then finished and perfected; for to the consummation thereof, the ascension of Christ, the mission of the Holy Ghost, apostolical preaching of the gospel to Jews and Gentiles, the donation of heavenly grace, and Christ's intercession at the right hand of God, were very necessary. O the benefit of Christ's resurrection as to our justification! "If Christ be not risen again, ye are yet in your sins, and your faith is vain," 1 Cor. 15:17. Remission of sin, (which is a part of our justification) though purchased by Christ's death, yet could not be applied to us, or possibly be made ours, without Christ's resurrection; and in this respect, Oh! how desirable is it?

2. He rose again for our sanctification. So the apostle, "He hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together with Christ," Eph. 2:5,6. Our first resurrection is from Christ's resurrection; if you would know how you that were blind in heart, uncircumcised in spirit, utterly unacquainted with the life of God, are now light in the Lord, affecting heavenly things, walking in righteousness: it comes from the blessed resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are "quickened with Christ:" it is Christ's resurrection that raised our souls being stark dead, with such a resurrection as that they shall never die more: whence the apostle, "Reckon yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord," Rom. 6:11. We are dead to sin, and alive unto God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; we may reckon thus for ourselves, that if we be in Christ, there comes a virtue from Christ, an effectual working of Christ by his Spirit into our hearts, and it is such a work as will conform us to Christ dead, and to Christ risen; why, reckon thus, saith the apostle, go not by guess, and say, I hope it will be better with me than it hath been; no, no, but reckon, conclude, make account, "I must live to

God, I must live the life of grace, for Christ is risen." To the same purpose he speaks before, "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life," Rom. 6:4. Christ rose again to a new life, and herein his resurrection differed from the resurrection of those others raised by him, as of Lazarus, Jairus' daughter, the widow of Nain's son, for they were but raised to the same life, which formerly they lived, but Jesus Christ was raised up to a new life: and according to this exemplar we should now walk in newness of life: this is the end of Christ's resurrection, that we should be new creatures, of new lives, new principles, new conversations: he rose again for our sanctification.

3. He rose again for our resurrection to eternal life. Christ is both the pattern and pledge, and cause of the resurrection of our bodies, "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead: for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive," 1 Cor. 15:21, 22. There is a virtue flowing from Christ to his saints, by which they shall be raised up at the latter day: as there is a virtue flowing from the head to the members, or from the root to the branches, so those that are Christ's shall be raised up by Christ. Not but that all the wicked in the world shall be raised again by the power of Christ as he is a Judge, for "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and they shall come forth," yet with this difference, "They that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation," John 5:28,29. In this respect the saints shall have a peculiar resurrection; and therefore they are called "the children of the resurrection," Luke 20:36. because "they shall obtain a better resurrection," as the apostle calls it, Heb. 11:35. And is not Christ's resurrection desirable in this very respect? If we should think, these bodies of ours being dust must never return from their dusts, it might discourage; but here is our hope, Christ is risen, and therefore we must rise: it is the apostle's own argument against those that held "that there was no resurrection of the dead," why, saith the apostle, "If there be no resurrection of the dead, then is not Christ risen,-If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised;But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept," 1 Cor. 15:12,13.16.20. He argues plainly that Christ's resurrection is the principal efficient cause of the resurrection of the just, "I am the resurrection, and the life," saith Christ, John 11:25. (i. e.) I am the author, and worker of the resurrection to life." "As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will," John 5:21. and hence is it that Christ is called " a quick ening Spirit," 1 Cor. 15:45. Christ is the head and stock of all the elect, Christ is the author, procurer, conveyor of life to all his offspring, by the communication of his Spirit. Christ is a quickening Spirit, quickening dead bodies, the author both of the first and second resurrection. And is not this desirable?

4. He rose again for the assurance of our justification, sanctification, and salvation. This is the reason why the apostle useth these words to prove the resurrection of Christ, "I will give you the sure mercies of David," Acts 13:34. none of God's mercies had been sure to us, if Christ had not risen again from the dead: but now all is made sure; his work of redemption being fully finished, the mercy which thereupon depended, was now made certain, (and as the apostle speaks) "sure unto all the seed," Rom. 4:16.

Methinks a thought of this object in respect of itself, and in respect of

us, should put our souls into a longing frame; is it not a desirable thing to see the King in his beauty? Were not the daughters of Zion glad to go forth, and "to behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals?" Sol. Song 3:11. If Christ incarnate, and in human frailty was the desire of all nations, how much more is Christ exalted, and in his glory? If it was Augustine's great wish to have seen Christ in the flesh, how should we but wish to see Christ as risen again from the dead? He is altogether lovely, or he is altogether desirable," Sol. Song 5:16. desirable in the womb, desirable in the manger, desirable on the cross, even when despised, and numbered with thieves, desirable in his resurrection, yea, all desirable, as risen, exalted, glorified; in this consideration we cannot fathom the thousand, thousand part of the worth and incomparable excellency of Jesus Christ. Or, if Christ's resurrection in itself will not stir up our lazy desires, is it not desirable as in reference unto us! What, that he should rise again for our justification? That by virtue of his resurrection thy soul should appear righteous before the judgment seat of God! O! what a ravishing word is that, what a triumphant challenge? "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again," Rom. 8:33,34. Oh! the stings that many have, saying, What shall I do when I die, and go down to the dust? May not the Lord have something against me at the day of reckoning? Why, no poor soul, if thou art in Christ, it is he that died, yea, rather that is risen again for thy justification; by his resurrection he hath cleared all reckonings, so that now who shall condemn? Not sin, Christ hath taken it away; not the law, Christ hath fulfilled it for us; not Satan, for if the judge acquit us, what can the jailor do? O! my soul, that thy portion may be with theirs who hath right and title to this blessed resurrection of Jesus Christ; but thou sayest again, What is it to me if I be justified in Christ, and yet my heart remain unholy, and unsubdued to Christ? It is true, thou findest a woful, sinful nature within thee, cross and contrary unto holiness, and leading thee daily into captivity; yet remember it is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, and by virtue of his resurrection he hath given thee a new nature; another nature, which makes thee wrestle against sin, and shall in time prevail over all sin. But thou sayest again, What if I be justified and sanctified, if after death I shall not be raised to life? Why, fear not, O my soul, for if Christ be risen thou shalt rise, and rise to eternal life, "I am the resurrection and the life," not only the resurrection, but life is in him originally, as water is in the fountain, and from him it is derived to us, "because I live, ye shall live also," John 14:19. But thou sayest again, O! that I were assured of this. Many doubts and jealousies are upon me from day to day. Sometimes indeed, I have a comfortable hope of my justification, sanctification, salvation, and sometimes again, I ain forced to cry, "Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?" Psalm 88:14. O! consider of the ends of Christ's resurrection, was it not to give thee the sure mercies of David? was it not to apply the merits of Christ's active and passive obedience, and to bring them home to thy soul? was it not to confirm and ratify thy faith, "else were it in vain?" 1 Cor. 15:17. O! the person of Christ! and O the privileges of Christ as being raised from the dead! O! my soul, that thou wert on the wing in thy desires after Christ! O! that thy motions were as swift as the eagle's that hasteth to eat! O that feelingly thou knewest him, and the power of his resurrection! that thou wert resolved to give no sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to

thine eyelids, until thou could say, "Christ's resurrection is mine!" Why Lord, that I should long for vanities, trifles, toys, pleasures, profits, earthly contentments; that I should long, like some women with child, for a deal of baggage, ashes, coals, very loathsome food; and yet that I should feel no pantings, breathings, hungerings, thirstings after Christ's resur rection, to feed upon it, and to be satisfied with it? Come, here is a bless ed object, here is delicious fate, O! stir up thy appetite, "suck and be satisfied, drink, yea, drink abundantly, O my beloved."

SECT. IV. Of hoping in Jesus in that respect.

4. Let us hope in Jesus, as carrying on the great work of our salvation for us in his resurrection. Only remember, I mean not a fluctuating, wavering, unsettled, unestablished hope, no no, let us hope firmly, surely, fixedly: let us come up to that plerophory, or full assurance of hope, that we may conclude comfortably and confidently, Christ's resurrection is ours; and yet that our conclusion may not be rash, but upon right grounds, we may examine the firmness, solidness, substantialness of our hope in Christ's resurrection by these following signs.-As,

1. If Christ's resurrection be nine, then is Christ's death mine, the fruits or effects of Christ's death and resurrection cannot be severed; "If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection," Rom. 6:5. Mortification and vivification are twins of one and the same Spirit, "Depart from evil, and do good, Psal. 34:14.-Cease to do evil, learn to do well," Isa. 1:16:17. Many may think they have their part in the first resurrection, but can they prove their death unto sin? As there cannot be a resurrection before a man die; so there cannot be a resurrection to a new life, but there must be a separation of the soul from the body of sin. What, shall a man cleave to sin, be wedded to sin? Yea, shall a man like it, love it, live in it, and yet say or imagine that Christ's resurrection is his? O be not deceived, God is not mocked! come search, try, examine, Hast thou any share in Christ's passion? Knowest thou the fellowship of his sufferings? Art thou made conformable to his death, that as he died for sin, so thou diest to sin? If herein thou art at a stand, peruse these characters laid down in his suffer. ings and death, the truth and growth of our mortification, or of our death unto sin is discovered before.

2. If Christ's resurrection be mine, then is Christ's Spirit mine, yea, then am I quickened by the Spirit of Christ, "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you, then he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies, (and I may add your immortal souls) by his Spirit that dwelleth in you," Rom. 8:9.11. Christ's Spirit (if Christ's resurrection be ours) will have the same operation and effect in our souls, that it had in his body; as it raised up the one, so it will raise up the other; as it quickened the one, so it will quicken the other. But the question here will run on, How shall we know whether we have received this quickening Spirit? many pretend to the Spirit, never more than at this day; but how may we be assured that the Spirit is ours? I an

swer,

1. The Spirit is a spirit of illumination, here is the beginning of his work, he begins in light; as in the first creation, the first born of God's works was light, "God said, Let there be light, and there was light," Gen. 1:3. so in his new creation, the first work is light, "God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our hearts, to give the

light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," 2. Cor. 4:6. Hence the state of nature is called darkness, and the state of grace is called light, "Ye were some times darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord," Eph. 5:8. And "he hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light," 1 Pet. 2:9. There is a light in the mind, and a light in the heart of those who have the Spirit of Christ; there is a speculative and an effective knowledge, not only to know the truth, but to love it, believe it, embrace it. O my soul! wouldst thou know whether Christ's Spirit be thine? Consider, and see then, whether any of this new light hath shined into thy heart; take heed, deceive not thyself, thou mayest have a great deal of wit, and knowledge, and understanding, and yet go to hell; this light is a light shining into thy heart, this light is a Christ-discovering light, this light is a sin-discovering light; this light will cause thee to find out thy hypocrisy, deadness, dulness in spiritual duties; if thou hast not this light, thou art near to eternal burnings; darkness is one of the properties of hell, and without this light inward darkness will proceed to utter darkness, where is nothing but "weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth."

2. This quickening Spirit is a spirit of faith, as it reveals Christ, so it inclines men's hearts to close with Christ upon those gospel terms as he is offered. I know there are degrees and measures of faith, but the least measure of faith is a desiring, panting, breathing after the Lord Jesus; and no sooner hath the soul received that new light from the Spirit of Christ, but it is presently, at the same instant exceedingly affected with Jesus Christ; O! it desires Christ above all desires. I know not a more undeceiving sign than this, read over the whole Bible, and wherever there was any soul-saving discoveries, there ever followed inward desires, soul. longings after Jesus Christ; when Paul preached of the resurrection of Christ, some there were that mocked, jeered and slighted that doctrine, but others, (whose hearts the Lord stirred) they were exceedingly taken with it, saying, "We will hear thee again of this matter;" yea, and this very serion so wrought on some, that "they believed, among whom was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them," Acts 17:32,34. and when he preached another sermon on the same subject at Antioch, the Jews were much offended, but the Gentiles were so exceedingly taken with it, that "they besought Paul, that these words (the very same resurrection sermon) might be preached to them the next Sabbath day," Acts 13:42. Their very hearts did so long after Christ, whom Paul preached, that "when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; and the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the saine sermon," verse 43,44. O my soul! dost thou hear these sermons of Christ's resurrection? Dost thou hear sweet gospel-preaching? Dost thou hear the free tenders and offers of Christ, with all his glory and excellency to poor sinners, to vile, lost, undone souls? And art thou no whit taken with them? Canst thou sleep away such sermons as these? Hast thou no heart risings, no stirrings, workings, longings, desires in thy soul! Oh! take heed, this is a dangerous case, but on the contrary, if thou sayest in thy heart, "Oh! that I could hear this sermon again! O the sweet and virtue of Christ's resurrection! I had not thought such honey could have dropped out of this rock; O the blessed beginnings and springings of grace which I felt in my soul on such a meditation! Oh the desire, the delight! O the longings! O the comforts of Christ's resurrec tion! O the drawings of the Spirit, inclining my heart to receive Jesus