Discourse I
importance, but as they have already appeared in print, we include them in this edition.—ED.
DISCOURSE I
JUNE 8, 1673.
FAITH is bounded, in every ordinance, by its objects and acts. The general object of saving faith respecting God, is the truth of his word and promises, Rom. 15:8. The special object of our faith in this ordinance is the sufferings and death of Christ. Herein he is
"evidently set forth crucified before our eyes." And we must act faith upon three things with respect to his death:—
First, The personal love of Christ to our persons, from whence it was that he died for us. So saith the apostle, "Who loved me, and gave himself for me," Gal. 2:20. Were we helped to raise up our hearts by faith to apprehend Christ's love to our persons, it would greatly help us in this ordinance. The Lord lift us up above our fears, and give us a view by faith, not only of the love of Christ in general, but that be personally loved us, even this whole church!
Secondly, The sufferings of Christ. In this ordinance we are to act faith upon his death, as therein undergoing the punishment due to our sins. It is [intended] to mind us that "he made his soul an offering for sin," that "he suffered for sin, the just for the unjust,"
"bearing our sins in his own body on the tree," that we should not come into judgment.
Thirdly, The effects of Christ's death; which were, tho making an atonement for all our sins,—the making peace between God and our souls, bringing in everlasting righteousness. Under the law we find that "the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctified to the purifying of the flesh," and that the people were thereby legally cleansed; "how much more shall