Because such persons are believers Acts 15.9 purifying their hearts by faith that is every believer from the blood and spirit of Christ draws power to purifie and purge the heart from that filth which ariseth therein Now to every true believer there is a promise of blessedness 3 Because a purifying of the heart and hope of blessedness are inseparably annext or joyned together 1 John 3.3 Every man that hath this hope in him that is to see the Lord to his comfort whereof he had spoken verse 2. purifieth himself as God is pure A man may have other hopes without this as hope to be rich to be honourable but he cannot have this hope without purity Use 1 Exhortation to follow after purity of heart When the heart is pure thy hands will be pure clean hands and a pure heart go together Psalm 24.4 thy prayer will be pure Job 16.7 Mal. 1.11 thy conscience will be pure that it will witness thou lives not in sin 1 Tim. 3.9 Means to purity of heart 1 Get the blood and spirit to purifie thy heart As the blood of Christ purges the soul from guilt Heb. 9.14 so doth the spirit from filth 1 Peter 1.22 Seeing you have purified your hearts through the spirit Psalm 51.7 9 10. 2 Purifie your hearts from double mindedness James 4.8 Cleanse your hands ye sinners and purifie your hearts ye double minded Now that is double mindedness when a man thinks to grasp grace and sin and holds them in an equal poise as the young man Matth. 19. he would fain have held Christ and the inordinate love of the world together Contrarily Nathaniel John 1.47 3 Content not your selves with outward purity The Pharisees by an outward shew of purity by making clean the out-side of the cup and platter got great authority among men Matth. 23.25 though their hearts were full of rottenness and they that followed after inward purity of heart were contemned but in opposition Christ commends to his Disciples inward purity Many are pure in apparel but few in this 4 Nourish Gods fear in you cleanse your selves from all filthiness 2 Cor. 7.1 how shall we do it Perfecting holiness in the fear of God Gods fear makes a man afraid to let any sin have a quiet abode in him Psal 19.9 The fear of the Lord is clean 5 Believe the promises By the belief of the promises we partake of the divine nature and to escape the corruption of the world 2 Pet. 1.3 4. 2 Cor. 7.1 6 Purity of heart is a preparative for communion with God Psalm 24.3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord Who shall stand in his holy place He that hath a pure heart verse 4. For they shall see God Here 's the reason of their blessedness for they shall see God 1 In this life as a pure glass receives the image proposed to it 2 Cor. 3.18 we beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same glory 2 In the life to come Men of pure heart are not seen in the world or taken notice of but in another world they shall see God Now in the sight of God is fulness of joy Psal 16. ult Matth. 18.10 setting forth the glory of Angels he saith They always behold the face of my Father in heaven For as the sun is not beheld but by sound eyes so God that is a most pure light cannot be seen but by a pure heart For the former of these the beholding God in this life is 1 The beholding of God in the creatures Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showes his handy work Rom. 1.20 The eternal power and God-head of God are cleerly seen by the things that are made God left not himself without witness whiles he gave fruitfull seasons Acts 14.17 Carnal men might oppose many things against Atheisme but they consider not the works of the Lord nor the operation of his hands Psal 28.5 2 The beholding of God in his word By this was Christ set forth evidently crucified Gal. 3.1 The word enlightens the eys Psal 19.8 In the glass of the word we behold God with open face 2 Cor. 3.18 which sets him forth 1 By removing all imperfections from him 2 By ascribing all perfections to him 3 The beholding of God in the light of his countenance Psal 17.15 I shall behold thy face in righteousness Job 13.16 An hypocrite shall not come before him that is to behold the light of his face Psal 140. ult the upright shall dwell in his presence The beholding of this is the earnest desire of every holy man Psal 4.6 7. If there be so much comfort in this when we behold it here what will there be in future blessedness 2 In the life to come we behold God This beholding is an eternal fulness of joy 1 Its a fulness of joy Psal 16. ult In his presence is fulness of joy If Solomons servants were blessed that stood in the presence of Solomon 1 Kings 10.8 and beheld his wisdom much more they who behold the glorious presence of God in heaven 2 It s eternal If a man were to leave heaven after a thousand years it were not happiness but we shall for ever enjoy this happiness 2 Cor. 4.18 2 Cor. 5.1 1 Thes 4.18 This joy consists 1 in the absence of all evils as 1 freedome from sin both original wherewith now assail'd Rom. 7.15 and actual 1 Cor. 15.55 We shall set our feet on our corruptions as Joshua did his feet on the necks of the Kings 2 Freedome from temptations especially those of Satan which often make the life comfortless 3 From labours Rev. 14.3 The dead in the Lord rest from their labour They have the rest of an eternal sabbath Heb. 4.10 All things rest when they come at their proper place this is a maxime among men but true of glorified persons 4 From society of wicked men The Egyptians whom you have seen you shall see them no more for ever Exod. 15.13 shall then be made true all that do iniquity shall be gathered out Matth. 13.41 and turned into hell Psal 9.17 5 From all necessities of nature We shall need no house to dwel in no fire to warm us no meat to feed us no Physick to cleanse us for our bodies shall be spiritual not needing any of these 1 Cor. 15 43. 6 From all sorrow and mourning Revel 21.4 2 This joy consisteth in the enjoyment of all goods as 1 Light Psal 36.9 In thy light shall we see light darkness is part of the torment in hell 2 Pleasures and that for evermore Psal 16. ult hence heaven is called paradice Luke 23.43 3 Life of this shall mortality be swallowed up as time is swallowed up of eternity 2 Cor. 5.4 mortality shall be swallowed up of life 4 Perfect knowledge of God We shall see him face to face that is plentifully and cleerly as two men that behold one another 1 Cor. 13.12
Wolf shall dwell with the Lamb and the Leopard shall ly down with the Kid and the Calf and the young Lion they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain these things being promised at the conversion of the Jews or at the Reign of Christ here on earth they lookt to have them fulfilled at his first coming in the flesh when in stead of this expected peace all was on fire by wars and persecutions now Christ speaks these things to them that they should not be offended when they see all things tend to commotion and violence John 16.4 They shall cast you out of the Synagogues and whosoever kills you will think he doth God good service these things have I spoken unto you that when the time comes you may remember that I have spoken to you Quest What peace is this we must not think Christ to bring Answ 1 A quiet estate free from persecution and the cross 2 Tim. 3.12 John 16.33 In the world ye shall have tribulation but in me ye shall have peace If all the world would subscribe to the Gospel it were easie to be a Christian but because the greatest part is opposite to Christ and his Truth therefore we cannot confess Christ but we must be hated and opposed by the world 2 Christ did not bring a peaceable agreement in wickedness Psalm 94.16 Prov. 28.4 There was a peaceable agreement in those who agreed to build the Tower of Babel Gen. 11.4 and in Pilate and Herod in persecuting Christ 3 The peace Christ brings is peace of conscience John 14.27 Ephes 2.17 Rom. 5.1 Christ being the Prince of peace brings peace to the hearts of Saints Isai 9.6 Col. 1.20 Ephes 2.14 and slays the enmity betwixt God and us v. 16. but he brings not peace betwixt the Seed of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 Quest What is meant by a Sword Answ War is not meant but Separation and Division as Luke 12.51 the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is disagreement in Faith and Religion and from thence opposition and persecution disagreement of understanding draws with it a disagreement of will as an agreement of understanding especially in the things of Faith draws with it an agreement of wills How came the multitude of believers to be of one heart Acts 4.32 Why because they were of one minde Hence 1 Cor. 1.10 that the Corinthians might have no divisions among them and might all speak the same thing he beseeches them that they would be joyned together in the same minde and in the same judgment as if he should say unless that be there will be divisions now for such an agreement it must be in very generals or else no two Saints can agree together Besides if there be a defect in unity of opinion it must be supplied by a conjunction in the judgment of charity if this grace be in us though there may some light differences arise yet as boughs of the same tree being severed one from another by windes they soon come together again because they are united in one root so will dissenting Christians united in Christ and in love to one another soon come together again Quest How can Christ be said to bring a Sword or contention among men is not this a sin Answ The proper end of Christs coming or the Gospels coming is not to set men together by the ears for what a blessed Life should we have would every man obey it but by accident so Luke 2 34. Christ is said to be for the fall and rising of many in Israel so he is called a stone of stumbling and rock of offence which is by accident 1 Peter 2.8 2 Christ is said to bring a Sword from the necessitated opposition and separation Saints have to the worlds practises 3 Christ is said to bring a Sword from the slanderous calumnies of the World because they impute that to Christ which their own Lusts are the cause of Now this division arises 1 From the contrary dispositions in wicked men and godly Contraries oppose one another The Gospell calls for Saints to shew humility self denial c. now the principles of the world are contrary 2 Neither side can make abatement of their principles Christ and the Gospel cannot give ground wicked men will not hence arises contention 3 The Gospel of Christ offers violence to Satans Kingdom hence the Devil rages himself and inrages his instruments as the Princes of the world when a Foreign Prince invades their Territories arms his subjects against that Prince so doth Satan stir up instruments against the Saints of God and Preachers of his word Acts 14.1 2 4. Acts 16.19 Acts 17.4 5 6. Acts 19.24 Acts 22.22 Acts 24.5 Acts 28.22 Let the Devil alone he will let you alone Luke 11.20 21. But if once you assail him then look for sore opposition Psalm 2.1 2 3. The nations will rage and the Kings of the earth stand up against the Lord this is the cause why Antichrist makes war with the Saints of the most high Rev. 14.7 8. 4 Saints count the Gospel wisdom the world counts it foolishness if thou art a King or Prince or Teacher of Churches and seriously embracest the word the world will count thee mad and foolish Luth. Tom. 4.140 Use To apply this 1 Think not that to be truth because all are in peace Jer. 5.31 The Prophets prophesied falsly and the Priests bear rule by their means and the people love to have it so In a Family or City when all went in one way of prophaneness all were in peace but if some of them by Gods grace shall be called home Oh what a storm doth Satan stir up against them Peace is a singular blessing yet better there should be thousands of tumults and seditions then that either Satan should hold the souls of men in peace or that errour and confusion should be throughout the Churches 2 Exhort 1 Wonder not at the factions and divisions in Towns Churches and Families about matters of Religion Christ hath foretold it as Ishmael persecuted Isaac Gal. 4.29 so is it now Christs kindred thought he was mad Mark 3.21 2 Exhort Carry wisely under oppositions made against thee for the truths sake 1 Arm thy self with patience against their revilings so did Christ 1 Pet. 2.21 23. answer their reasons but pass by their railings If we must not rail against the Devil much less against opposers of truth 2 Tim. 2.25 26. 2 Confute their oppositions by the holiness of your lives Many arguments how strong soever will not do the cause of God so much good as one scandalous practice doth it hurt 1 Pet. 2.12 Let your conversation be honest among the Gentiles that whereas they speak against you as evil doers they may by your good works which they shall behold glorify God in the day of visitation 3 Do not unbosome your selves to them who are contrary to you in point of religion Many out of
escape the danger of death for the profession of Christ so Peter to save his life denied that he knew Christ Shall lose it that is unless with Peter he repent of his treachery upon a sincere repentant purpose to dye in truth for the confession and profession of the name of Christ our former treacheries we believing pardon in Christ and bewailing them shall not be charged upon us Whatsoever men talk of faith we see none are saved but Martyrs those that either actually or habitually in the preparation of their hearts do dye for Christ Hence sprange those noble resolutions of sundry of the Saints Acts 20.24.21.13 Gal. 6.14 2 Cor. 4.11 12. Rev. 2.13.12.11 Tertul. in Scorpiaco cap. 11. saith he hath found his life that hath denied Christ by gaining life but he shall destroy it in hell he that thinks in denying to gain his life shall lose it at present qui confessus occiditur he that confesses is kill'd but he shall finde his life into an everlasting life How can we better expend our life then to lay it out for Christ which in a short time will dye of it self how many lay down their lives for the Princes of the world and shall not we dye for Christ And he that loseth his life for my sake shall finde it that is had rather dye then deny the profession of my truth and Gospel they shall finde it in the day of the resurrection this is not easie as men think Thy letters pleased me not because I smelt in them I know not what spiritual presumption do not boast that thou wilt do and suffer many things for the word of God he that stands let him take heed that he fall not Thou hast not yet fought with death It s not so easie a thing as it is easily spoken of it c. Therefore walk in the fear of God and contempt of thy self and pray God that he would do all thy works and thou do nothing but be a sabbath to Christ Luth. Tom. 2 epist fol. 62. ad Gabrielem Didimum Pastorem Aldinburgensem Learn we then to contemn our life for the witness of Christs truth Rev. 12.11 They loved not their lives unto the death and so overcame by the word of their Testimony If life be to be contemned much more are estates friends and liberties for the cause of Christ seeing nothing is more dear unto us then life Happy is that day happy is that death with joy and chiefest thankfulness if at any time it fall out that I be apprehended and be destroyed in that cause Tom. 2.302 When one Christian is slain ten are begotten Luth. V. 40. He that receiveth you receiveth me and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Here is the last suffering which the Disciples might fear viz. That no man would receive them being so miserable to this Christ saith Look as there will be those who will receive me and my Father so will there be those who will receive you to their houses and that kindness they do to you I will take it as done to my self Matth. 25.40 What good man would shut out Jesus Christ no more will they shut out you Look as in the receiving of an Ambassadour the King is received in receiving him Preachers are Ambassadours for Christ 2 Cor. 5.20 Therefore in receiving them Christ is received All believers are members of his body in the happiness of whom the head is wont to sympathize Thus was Paul at first received by the Galatians as an Angel of God even as Christ Jesus Gal. 4.14 15. They being willing to have given their eyes unto him Preachers and other godly men might in the midst of so much hatred of the world be ready to think how shall we do to live therefore Christ opens the doors of all godly men to them to excite them whereto Christ proposes a great reward so that as the Princes of the world reward the kindnesses that are done to their Ambassadours and friends so and much more will Jesus Christ Receiveth him that sent me as if he should say he that receiveth my Apostles receiveth me and not onely me but also him that sent me Now he that receiveth God receiveth everlasting blessedness much whereof is seated in the beholding of God We may see wherein the Law of hospitality consisteth not in keeping open house for tag and rag but in the receiving the Messengers and Saints of Christ Luke 14.12 They cannot recompense thee but thou shalt be recompensed at the Resurrection of the just Heb. 13.2 Be not forgetfull to entertain strangers for some thereby as Lot and Abram have entertained Angels unawares Take heed your hearts grudge not at the charge of receiving such 1 Pet. 4.9 Remember Gaius who was not onely Pauls host but also the host of the whole Church Rom. 16.23 In receiving such we are fellow helpers to the truth 3 Epist of John v. 8. It was the wickedness of Diotrephes v. 9. That he would not receive the apostle nor yet the poor Saints but cast those out of the Church that did receive them When at the day of Christ Christ shall acknowledge himself to have been relieved in his Saints many hard hearted men will wish they had received him V. 41. He that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet shall receive a Prophets reward and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous mans reward Here 's a second consolation against fear of not receiving taken from the Reward that will redound to such as shall receive good men Quest What is meant by Prophet Answ One that is enabled to expound the prophetical places of Scriptures There are three sorts of Disciples here mentioned 1 Apostles v. 40. The second sort are Prophets 3 Righteous men In general by Prophets he means Teachers of the Gospel these are in several places put next to the Apostles Ephes 2.20 Ye are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Ephes 3.5 Which in other ages was not made known as it is now revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets Ephes 4.11 He gave some to be Apostles and some Prophets 1 Cor. 12.28 First Apostles secondarily Prophets These Prophets are distinguished from righteous men as a sort of men abounding in spiritual wisdom 1 Cor. 12.29 Are all Apostles are all Prophets 1 Cor. 14.37 If any man think himself to be a Prophet or spiritual man So here in the Text they are distinguished from ordinary righteous men by the name and by the reward Now for Prophets we finde them in several of the Churches as at Rome Rom. 12.6 He that prophesieth let him prophesie according to the proportion of faith At Antioch also Acts 13.1 there was in the Church that was at Antioch certain Prophets and Teachers as Barnabas Simeon Lucius Manaen Saul In the Church at Jerusalem there was Judas and Silas Acts 15.32 who being Prophets exhorted Acts 11.27 the
word According or according to Matthew signifies that the Gospel of Matthew was not another Gospel from the Gospel of Mark Luke and John neither doth it bring another History or Doctrine but onely that there was another Writer or Pen-man and another manner of writing the Gospel is one but it is written of four Evangelists in a fourfold manner order and style IV. The different Relations of these four Evangelists is no way derogatory to the truth of that one Gospel for if all the words were alike and the same the Enemies then of Holiness and of the Gospel might have thought there was a Conspiracy among the Evangelists for to deceive but when they write in a diverse manner though not in a contradictory manner it appears that in the simplicity and sincerity of their hearts they wrote as they were commanded one being appointed by God to handle that which the other passes by nor was there any need of four Pen men had they writ for matter and manner one and the same thing V. Not onely the 4. Evangelists but the Book of the Acts and the Epistles Book of Revelations is called a Testament in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which word signifies a Disposing Appointment or Declaring of a Will Non morientium vâ—luntatem sed viventia pâ—cta Arâ—â— Law or Promise whether it proceed from one or more this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when there is speech of Christian Doctrine signifies a Covenant yet doth it also signifie a Testament Heb. 9.17 because in it is contained the will of Christ confirmed by his death This Testament is called the New Testament 2 Cor. 3.6 in opposition to the Old saying Who hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament and vers 14. The Vail remains untaken away in reading the Old Testament besides it is called New alluding unto the words of Christ Luke 22.20 This Cup is the New Testament in my Bloud in that Christ established his Doctrine by his Death it 's call'd by the name of New Testament in a word when mention is made of Bloud then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a Covenant when it sets forth the freeness of the Promise or Legacy then the word Testament is used also the word Testament is used rather than Law to shew how gently God deals with his People in the times of the Gospel so that if the New Testament at any time he called by the name of Law it 's call'd the Law of Faith Rom. 3.27 or Law of Liberty VI. Concerning the Pen-man Matthew observe we first the time wherein he wrote for which we can have nothing but humane testimony which is as Pareus mentions out of Theophilact and Eusebius that Matthew in Judea first wrote the Gospel in the third year of Caligula which was the ninth year after Christ's Ascension into Heaven and it was the opinion of the Fathers that the Gospels were written in the same order we have them in the Bible the Gospel according to Matthew the ninth year after Christ's Ascension the Gospel of Mark two years after the Gospel of Luke in the fifteenth year after Christ's Ascension and the Gospel of John in the thirty second year after Christ's Ascension as Theophilact noted Secondly concerning the Language wherein Matthew wrote the learned generally declare that he wrote it in the Hebrew Tongue for he abode about eight years in the Countrey of Palestine after Christ's Ascension as it hath been held by the great consent of Antiquity therefore it 's likely the Gospel was written in the Language of that Countrey so Papias Irenaeus and Origen and Eusebius relates out of Pantenus Euseb l. 5. that the Gospel of Matthew written in Hebrew was delivered to the Indians by Bartholomew Hierom remembers this Gospel to be in Hebrew in his time in the Library at Caesarea and at Berea and elsewhere It may very well be thought that that Hebrew Copy which was kept by the Nazarites at Berea and translated by Hierom into other Languages was transcribed out of the original Book writ by Matthew These Nazarites were the true offspring of them who first embraced the Faith in Judea and as they were called Christians because they embraced the Faith of Christ at Antioch so were the Christians of Berea called Nazarens of Jesus of Nazareth vide Grotium And the Syriack Interpreter hath prefixt this Title The Gospel which Matthew declared in Hebrew in the Country of Palestine Lapide cites Athanasius in Synopsi who saith The Gospel of Matthew was writ in the Hebrew dialect and brought forth at Jerusalem and interpreted by James the Brother of the Lord. VII The occasion that moved Matthew to write his Gospel was a Persecution that arose in Judea so that the Saints were in danger to be scattered that therefore they wanting the Teachers of their Faith might not want the Doctrine they intreated Matthew that he would write them a History of the works of Christ that where ever they should be they might have the state of the whole Faith with them Auctor imperfect in Matth. in Prooem Moreover as Maldonate well observes it was necessary the Apostles should commit to writing the History and Doctrine of Christ that their Hearers might not forget what the Apostles had spoken nor might not understand it otherwise than it was spoken and also that they might preach to others absent and to the generations following by the Scripture However solicitations and necessities of Christians moved no doubt Matthew spake no otherwise than he was inspired for that which was written as a Rule of Faith was also inspired 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture was given by inspiration of God And the Doctrine of the Apostles is said to be the Foundation of Believers Ephes 2.20 Ye are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets The four Evangelists the Acts and the Epistles of Paul c. were of undoubted authority among all Orthodox as Aretius observes To conclude as Chrys in Matth The four Evangelists wrote the Gospel neither at one time nor one place neither helping one another nor counselling one another that there might be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the greatest demonstration of this Truth AN EXPOSITION upon the GOSPEL of MATTHEW CHAP. I. VERSE 1. The Book of the Generation of Jesus Christ the Son of Abraham the Son of David c. IN this Chapter are two parts 1. The Genealogy or Generation of Christ from v. 1. to v. 18. 2. The Birth of Christ from v. 18. to the end of the Chapter V. 1. The Book of the Generation of Jesus Christ that is a Catalogue of the Ancestours of Jesus Christ this Pedegree of Christ is reckoned up for these Reasons 1. To difference Jesus Christ from Joshua the Son of Nun who was a Type of Jesus Christ but was not descended from David as Christ was 2. Because when Christ hath two Natures his Divine and Humane Nature the Evangelist onely mentions the Generation
might help their faith Whereunto some apply those prophetical Scriptures Ezek. 36.25 I will powr or sprinkle clean waters upon you and you shall be cleansed and Zach. 13.1 In that day there shall be a fountain set open for sin and for uncleanness This was called the baptism of repentance to show that none of right ought to take it up but those that repented first and those that believed first Act. 19.4 John there taught that they that were to be baptized should believe on Christ and hence his baptism was called baptism for forgiveness of sins for this John in his ministry made known Luk. 1.77 All Judaea That is persons of all age condition and sex not every individual person And all the region round about Jordan That is from all places of both sides of the river of Jordan Were baptized of him in Jordan confessing their sins That is they first confessing their sins were baptized of him together with the confession of their sins they profest a belief of the doctrine which he preached Tertul. in his book of repentance saith We are not therefore washed that we should cease to sin but because we have ceased because we are already washt in heart This very baptism in the manner of it Apol. to Antoninus was continued in Justin Martyrs time Whosoever are perswaded and believe those things to be true that are taught and spoken by us and have received that they can so live they are taught to pray fasting and to beg of God the forgiveness of their former sins we praying and fasting together with them then are they brought thither of us where there is water and with the same manner of regeneration that we our selves are regenerated are they regenerate in the name of the Father of all things and Lord God and of our Saviour Jesus Christ and of the Holy spirit then they are made a sacrifice in the water Tertul. to Quintilla cap. 1. Happy is the Sacrament of our water because the offences of old blindeness being washt away we are freed into an eternal life For the signification of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 take it out of Grotius The propriety of the word showes that this rite was wont to be done by dipping or covering all over with water not by sprinkling Also the places chosen for that rite prove it Joh. 3.23 John was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim because there was much water there Act. 8.38 39. The Eunuch and Philips going into the water and coming out of it and many allusions of the Apostles which cannot be referrd to sprinkling Rom. 6.3 4 5. We are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father so we should walk in newness of life Paul proves they should not live in sin because they were dead he proves they were dead because they were buried in baptism Heb. 10.22 We finde the dipping of the body our bodies washed in pure water not the sprinkling of the brow So that it appears that sprinkling was not the baptism of John or Christ 1 From the subject of baptism It was not a part but the whole body 2 From the form It was not sprinkling but burying Col. 2.12 Buried with him in baptism wherein ye are also risen again 3 From the matter or element It was much water Joh 3.23 which needed not if sprinkling had been enough 4 From the adjuncts of going into the water and coming out practised by Christ Matth. 3. and by the Eunuch Acts 8.38 39. Magnus writing to know Cyprians judgment of them that were baptized onely by sprinkling in sickness answers in the end of his 66 Epistle 1 That divine benefits in nothing should be either lamed or weakned 2 Necessity compelling and God pardoning divine abridgements bestow the whole benefit on believers 3 He mentions that those so baptized were called Clinici or bed Christians 4 If any man thought they had got nothing because they were sprinkled he saith If they escape their sickness let them be baptized Whereby we may gather first That the right way of baptizing was by burying 2 Because the opinion of those times was that baptism took away sin and therefore many put off their baptism till near the time as they thought of their death but death coming upon them suddenly they took sprinkling of a little water in their beds instead of baptism with an intention to be buried in water in case they recovered Moreover the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to drown dip or plunge as Scapula in his Lexicon interprets it and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to sprinkle Mar. 1.9 John baptized 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into Jordan which he could not have said had not the word baptize signified an application of the subject to the water not of the water to the subject Pareus on the 6th of the Romans saith The ancient rite in the Apostolical Church was this the persons baptized were dipped all over in a River with some tarriance under the water then they rose up again Dipping shewed crucifying and death because it was not without terrour and coming up out of the water signified resurrection with Christ Par. in Rom. 6. Mr. Fox saith Augustine and Paulinus baptized persons in rivers and not in hallowed fonts as witnesseth Fabianus cap. 119 120. Acts and Monuments Part. 1. pag. 138. After speaking of Austin he saith He departed after he had baptized ten thousand Saxons or Angles in the West River that is called Swale besides York on a Christmas day where note by the way Christian Reader saith Mr. Fox That whereas Austin baptized then in Rivers it followed then there was no use of Fonts See Acts and Mon. Part. 1. pag. 154. Also pag. 156. he saith During the life of King Edwin Paulinus christened continually in the Rivers of Gwenye and Swala in both Provinces of Deira and Bernitia Confessing their sins That is professed themselves guilty of sinful purposes and sinful customs and many sinful actions and that now they repented for them all Acts 2.37 38. Peter's hearers professed their faith and repentance for killing the Lord of life and were instantly baptized With this confession there went an holy hatred of their sins as the Ephesians shewed their wicked deeds so they burnt their conjuring books Acts 19.17 18. and if the confession of the sins of persons in these times baptized were more particular and with more grief it would come nearer the Apostolical practise Truly it argues a great change of heart when persons formerly proud unclean intemperate and unrighteous shall not onely confess themselves sinners but also such kinde of sinners Moreover they profest they fear'd the anger of God and desired to escape it at the day of judgement Also they confessed other believables that they believed on the Messias that was to come after and begin his preaching Act. 19.4 Also no doubt they made professions of their self-denial
feet Now he succours us 1 by letting the soul see that what the soul is assaulted with is nothing else but a temptation 2 By bringing in some promise to stay the soul as Gen. 3.15 The seed of the woman shall break the Serpents head this is as an anchor and cable in a storme Heb. 6.18 19. 3 By rebuking the tempter Zach. 3.2 The Lord rebuke thee O Satan yea the Lord rebuke thee 4 Comforting the tempted making over some Scripture to stay the soul against the temptation 1 Pet. 5.8 5 By causing the temptation to grow less and less till it be quite gone as in temptations of blasphemy self-murther c. in the children of God 3 Set faith on work to believe that Angels nor principalities cannot sever you from Christ Rom. 8.38 4 Make resistance Jam. 4.6 Resist the Devil and he will flye Were we in a city besieged and knew that relief were near at hand who would not stand it out Satan besieges but our God hath promised to be a present help in trouble 5 Beware in time of temptation of concluding against your souls as if you were not the Lords because tempted who more holy then Christ yet who more tempted Peter tempted Luk. 22.30 Paul tempted 2 Cor. 12.7 Yea these afflictions of temptations are accomplished among all Saints 1 Pet. 5.8 Satan lets many wicked men go without temptation because he hath them sure 6 Make no preparations for temptation neither by running your selves into harmes way nor into wicked company as Peter did in the High Priests Hall nor in time of Satanical temptations to go into places or conditions wherein you may give advantage to the tempter either by being solitary idle or ill imployed Many persons by not acting their graces as faith in the promises and hope in the thing promised give way to temptations 7 Be not discouraged with the length of the temptation for this Satan doth to weary poor souls he shoots his darts again and again hoping in the end to weary us As we see in Christ tempted three several times and yet when all came to all Satan left him not altogether but onely for a season Matth. 4.10 Every temptation is an affliction Gal. 4.14 And in affliction we ought to be humbled but not to be discouraged how long soever it remain upon us Never say My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord. 8 Keep in the compass of your callings for want of this Peter was tempted by a silly maid We may look for protection in the wayes of our calling Psal 91 â—1 Not out of those wayes but in them have the Angels charge to keep us Whereas it is said 1 Joh 5.18 A godly man keepeth himself and the wicked one toucheth him not it s meant either when he is in holy wayes or if he then touch him it is not to a prevailing 9 Consider what Satan by himself and his instruments aimes at in temptations which is the surprizing of our faith when Satan combated so with Job what did he aime at was it Jobs goods nay it was to make an onset on Jobs faith The like he did with Christ Mat. 4. First Satan tempts us to break Gods commands and then tempts the soul to unbelief as if there were no pardon for such a sinner Satan knows if he can overcome our faith he hath taken our armour from us 1 Pet. 5.8 Eph. 6. Hence sometimes he draws souls away from the means of faith if he cannot prevail so far then to question the truth of what is spoken if he cannot prevail to this then he strives to bring souls to put off promises as belonging to others and not to themselves and to take all comfortable places of Scripture from us in an hour of temptation Remember not onely Satan is resisted by our stedfastness in the faith 1 Peter 5.8 but also Christ hath prayed that the Faith of Believers fail not Luke 22.30 31. Faith is that piece of Armour which before all others we should hold Ephes 6.16 Above all taking the Shield of Faith by this Shield we shall hold out against all temptations arising from imperfection of obedience the weight and number of our sins the want of outward things c. Satans temptations are compared to fiery or poysonous Darts whose Poyson lies burning in the flesh till they have destroyed a man if they be not cured even so do Satans temptations as we see in Judas Matth. 27.5 To keep off these Darts we must have a Shield and as they are fiery the Shield of Faith in Christ drawing strength against them from Christ his Death Resurrection and Intercession 10 Labour to discern a temptation to be a temptation and that it is not the true state of thy soul which Satan tells thee he will tell thee thou hast no grace because thy grace doth not grow to a hundred-fold that thy Prayers are not heard because they are not every time evidenced to be heard that thy faith fails because thou hast sometimes intermitted the acts thereof though the habit remain sometimes he pretends to release thee from all thy troubles Satan does as Fowlers who in Frost and Snow shew Meat to the Birds that they may come to their own destruction So Satan endeavours to bring souls out of poverty by injustice and deceit out of trouble of conscience by self-murder out of Prison by denying the Truth or deceitfull distinguishing thereof When a tempted soul can see no way of escape let him shut his eys and answer nothing but commend his cause to God 11 Complain to God against them and pray for patience and power against them If you cannot pray away the suggestion yet strive to pray away the consent and delight Condemned men make not suit to the Jailour but to the Judg so in temptation go not to Satan but to the Lord in whose hand is the entrance the continuance and the issue of the temptation When Satan and his messenger came against Paul he besought the Lord thrice 2 Cor. 12.7 12 Take heed of security sometimes Lusts tempt when we are secure as Lot to drunkenness when gone from Sodom So doth Satan when the Husbandmen slept the Enemy sowed Tares As in civil affairs nothing more exposeth a State to danger than security as we see in the affairs of divers States and Cities so nothing more exposeth the soul to danger than security Security hath overcome them whom the opposition of temptation could not overcome Our whole life is a temptation till we come in Heaven therefore be not secure Travellers are in continual danger to fall into the hands of Thieves therefore not secure so should we While Noah David Peter have through security been so overcome let us fear always Prov. 28.13 Blessed is the man that feareth always It 's yet a day of Battel not of Victory we are yet at Sea not in the Haven 13 Take heed of spiritual pride which is ordinarily cured with a spiritual
could faithfulliest retain or of their eloquence who could roundliest discourse but of their wills who would most obediently do them this being his chief honour to have his throne and command not in the head and brains but in the strong hold of their hearts and lives David did not onely delight in Gods commands but he lifted up his hands to them Psal 119.47 48. for to do them I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon the rock That is upon a rocky ground taking away all the loose mold that covered the rock A Christian when he builds digs deep and casts out the loose earth to denote that believers knowing there is much falshood and hollowness in their hearts therefore when they have heard the Word they suspect their own hypocrisie and formall receiving of the Word hence they dig up their hearts by soul-searching humiliation to finde out the prevailing iniquity of their hearts which keeps them from an even and constant walking with God How much greater weight of building any man intends to build so much deeper he digs the foundation and the fabrick when it is built rises on high but he that digs the foundation is prest down below therefore the fabrick is made low before the height and the top is rais'd up after the humiliation Aug. de verb. Dom. Ser. 11. Carnall professors on the contrary have all their building above ground and therefore he thinks he hath done enough if he do onely talk a little of good things he spends no time in digging and searching that is in grieving and lamenting for his corruptions nor in reforming what 's amiss Hence Luke adds these words which Matthew omits viz. He digged deep and laid the foundation on a rock Luke 6.47 48. By the building the house upon the rock is meant the placing our faith upon Christ as the prop of our salvation for Christ is called a rock 1 Cor. 10.4 As an house built upon the sand is an hypocritical formal profession or temporary faith so the house built upon the rock is saving justifying faith which as it pitcheth on Jesus Christ so it shews it self by all gracious fruits and universal observations of all Christs commands It pitches on Christ as the foundation See Ephes 2.20 21. Acts 4.12 1 Cor. 3.11 1 Pet. 2.5 V. 25. And the rain descended and the floods came and the windes blew and beat upon that house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock The words seem to be taken out of Prov. 10.25 As the whirlewinde passeth so is the wicked no more but the righteous is an everlasting foundation By the rain floods and windes are meant inward and outward temptations which true and sound faith will be able to endure upon this rock Christ builds his Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it Matth. 16.18 much less shall any of Satans temptations of blasphemy self-murther c. which Satan darts into the soul nor any persecutions banishments or imprisonments which the instruments of Satan stir up against true believers prevail against them This Advocate on whom the faith of believers pitcheth prayed for us when he was on earth Luk. 22.31 Satan hath desired to have You that he may sift You but I have prayed for thee and consequently for other believers that your faith fail not and now he intercedes for us in heaven No other foundation save Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 can any man lay without believing on whom we must look to die in our sins John 8.24 other foundations of wealth honour and earthly greatness will not be able to make us bear up against the stream of temptations Interest in God through Jesus Christ is that which keeps up the soul in the midst of greatest storms See Psal 3.5 6.27.1 2 3.46.1 2. Dan. 3.17 18. Acts 27.23 24 25. Prov. 18.11 Psal 112.7.125.1 Christ doth not say that believers shall be without trials and temptations nay these above all other must look for storms and tempests Acts 14.22 but they do not fall by them See Heb. 11.35 Whosoever will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3.12 Trial and temptation showes what men are Every man is that in truth out of temptation which he sheweth himself to be in temptation A wise builder is wise before stormes come but how will that be known by the standing of his house in the time of a storm Professors generally seem to stick alike to Christ till a temptation come but unsound men in time of temptation fall away Luke 8.13 The carnal Professor is like Orpah to her mother Naomi the sincere Professor like Ruth Unsound Professors are usually drawn aside by earthly enjoyments on the one hand as the young man or by storms of persecution and suffering on the other hand contrarily Moses Heb. 11.25 26. We may judge of our patience what it is when we have a wrong offered us of our temperance what it is when we are at a great feast of our love to God what it is when some great thing is to be left for a good conscience of our sincerity what it is by what we do when no man sees us of our liberality what it is when God presents an object of mercy to us It was sweetly instanced by a reverend Preacher Peter was a good house Judas was an ill house When a storm came Peter lost a slate or two as the best house may yet the foundation and the side walls stood firm but Judas when Christ rebuked him he was full of wrath and when the Priests offered him money he was full of covetousness so thinking to gain more by selling Christ then by serving him he betrayed him to his adversaries and Joseph being good under his fathers government continued good under the government of Infidels where he had all means of damnation but none of salvation The same he was in his fathers house he was in Potiphars house and in the prison and after in Pharaohs Court which was the most dangerous temptation of all being a young man a ruler and a rich man in which three considerations there were many snares as appears from that young rich Ruler Luke 18.18 who left Christ rather then his enjoyments Obs It 's a great point of wisedome to joyn doing to our hearing Christ likens such to a wise man A Sermon is but half heard when it is heard from the Preachers mouth Be ye like Johns hearers desirous to know your own duty with intention to do it Luke 3.10 11 12 13 14 15. Deut. 4.6 2 Sooner or later Professors must be exposed to the storms and tempest of great and violent inward and outward temptations Use 1 In times of peace prepare for storms do as Mariners who in calm weather make all their tacklings firm Means 1 Clear up all scruples till the conscience hath nothing to say against thee so David 1 Kings 2.5 he had some scruple on his conscience for not
this nothing for the worshipping the reliques of Saints for it was not the touching the garment of Christ but her faith that made her whole V. 22. But Jesus turned him about and when he saw her he said Daughter be of good comfort thy faith hath made thee whole and the woman was whole from that hour Luke adds some body hath touched me for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me as if a man perceived when blood goes out of his veins Quest Why would not Christ have this miracle kept secret Answ 1 To free the woman from scruple who was troubled in her conscience as if she had stole her health 2 To propound her faith for imitation 3 To prove his God-head by his omniscience 4 To strengthen Jairus his faith whose daughter he was about to raise from death 5 That she might know that she was healed not from the touching of his garment but from Christ himself who knowingly and wittingly healed her hence Christ saith virtue is not gone out of my garment but out of me Christ doth not give his Spirit to old raggs and clouts had the virtue been in the garment it would have had the same effect on others that touched it Christ was touched by her Faith Many follow Christ that onely press him but they onely touch him that lay hold on him by Faith and know that Christ doth not as Princes cast their alms they know not to whom 6 That the woman might come forth as a witness Probably they would not have believed Christs testimony of himself but her confession must needs prevail with them Daughter be of good comfort thy faith hath made thee whole Christ helps the weakness of her Faith Unless her trembling had been faulty Christ would not have raised her up She comes to Christ trembling Mark 5.33 Luk. 8.47 knowing what was done in her and tells him all the truth Persons that do things privily are wont to tremble fearing least they be found out so this woman Now Christ encourages her signifying withall that it was not her touching his garment but her perswasion of his divine power that conduced to her healing Yet doth not every faith touch Christ but that onely which is saving Now as she got healing so we remission of sins by such a faith in Christ and as she went away in peace hereby so by faith in Christ we have peace Rom. 5.1.15.13 Thy Faith hath made thee whole My power hath done it efficiently I perceive virtue is gone out of me thy Faith hath done it instrumentally not by way of merit nor as if the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 credere or the act of believing did it but by way of apprehension receiving my grace and favour Poor believers though they come trembling to Christ yet they go from him comforted and supported so true is that promise Joh. 6.37 he calls her daughter as being by him begotten to a new life so when Christ forgave the Palsey-man he called him Son Matth. 9.2 V. 23. And when Jesus came into the Rulers house and saw the minstrels and people making a noise V. 24. He said unto them Give place for the maid is not dead but sleepeth Jesus came into the Rulers house Christ goes from healing the woman with the bloody issue into the Rulers house where is seen both his wisdom in deferring to help the Rulers daughter till his daughter was dead and also his goodness in helping the Rulers Faith by this miracle on the woman 2 In raysing up his Faith Fear not onely believe so Mark. He saw the minstrels and people making a noise Who were hired at the Funeral to sing some sorrowful song containing the virtues of the deceased and to stir up mourning and tears from friends and neighbours there were both men mourners Eccles 12. and women mourners Jer. 9.17 The heathens thought this a mean to appease the infernal Spirits Ambros in Luc. 8. also Marcellinus lib. 19. writes they mourned seven dayes the Men and Women singing sad funeral songs but for piping at funerals it was more late Not as if mourning for the dead were unlawful for Abraham mourned for Sarah Gen. 23.3 also Gen. 50.10 Josephs house mourned for Jacob with a great and fore lamentation and himself made a mourning for his Father seven dayes the Egyptians mourned for Jacob threescore and ten dayes ver 3. Israel mourned thirty dayes for Aaron There were great lamentations made for Josiah Zach. 12.13 Bos bovem requirit non ego te frater Amb. One ox lows for another and shall not we bewail one another We are bid to go to the house of mourning Eccles 7.1 Bewail the burning the Lord hath kindled Levit. 10.6 Stephen was mourned for Act. 8.2 but mourning becomes sinful 1 When it is excessive Matth. 2.15 Rachel weeping for her children and would not be comforted 2 When it is hopeless 1 Thess 4.13 Sorrow not as others that have no hope 3 When it is feigned As in these hired mourners The mourners go about the streets Eccles 12. Many pretend to mourn for those of whose death they are glad 4 When it is heathenish Levit. 19.28 Deut. 14.1 the heathens thought these to be funeral dues to the dead He said unto them give place 1 Because of the troublesome noyse they made 2 Because they were no fit witnesses of the miracle The maid is not dead but sleepeth 1 Because death to the Godly is as a sleep for after sleep we arise refreshed so in the resurrection 2 Because in respect of God dead men are as if they were asleep so Lazarus is said to sleep Joh. 11.11 All godly souls live to him 3 She was not absolutely dead as the multitude thought as if she could not be brought back again to life but onely for a while 4 Though death and sleep are distinguished yet are they near one to another for death seems a continual sleep and sleep seems a short death Let us not fear death for God can as easily raise up men from death as men that are asleep from their sleep 4 She is not dead in respect of her soul which is the better part Eccles 12.7 the Spirit returns to God 5 In respect of Christ his omnipotent power death it self was to him but as a sleep because he knew he could as easily raise her to life as any man could awaken a person asleep yea more easily for sometimes we call three or four times to a man in sleep though yet she might be dead to others Hence he saith Talitha Cumi i.e. Damosel arise But sleepeth The death of the godly is as a sleep Steven fell asleep Act. 7.60 Sundry of the Corinthians 1 Cor. 11.30 Lazarus Joh. 11.11 David fell asleep and saw corruption Act. 13.36 Christ is the first fruits of them that slept 1 Cor. 15.20 Death is resembled to a sleep 1 Because of refreshment we have thereby as the body is refreshed after sleep so shall we be in the
into any City of the Samaritans but the twelve sent out Matth. 28.19 are commanded to make Disciples all Nations and to preach the Gospel to every creature Mark 16.15 these were onely to go to the lost Sheep of the House of Israel 3 Because these were to make no manner of provisions for their Journey of Gold Silver nor Brass in their Purses but the Preachers in the following order of the Scripture are required to be hospitable now they cannot do this unless they have wherewithall to do it as Money c. also to make all provisions Luke 22.35 4 Because here are onely barely named twelve and no provision for others after them as there is Matth. 28.19 nor no precept unto any other Preacher but unto them 5 It appears from Luke 22.35 When I sent you forth without Scrip wanted ye any thing and they said Nothing But now he that hath a Purse let him take it and likewise a Scrip c. Where the word have sent signifies the command to be at an end and the word now imports another different command to be given to them 6 The Apostles when they went to the Gentiles were not at first received till they had seen their Miracles and holiness and therefore before they brought them over to the faith they must carry provisions for themselves and their company which many times was not small See Acts 20.4 7 Aquinas saith It was a custome among the Jews to provide for their Masters therefore Christ bids them carry nothing when they went to the Jews but that custome being not among the Gentiles they had power to carry provisions 8 The sufferings hereafter mentioned from v. 16. did not befall the Apostles in their first sending in the first sending the Apostles found no persecution to fly from one City to another but all things succeeded according to their desire they joying that the Devils were subject to them Luke 10.17 but in this sending they are bid to prepare for persecution and death Reasons to prove that this sending was perpetual and part of that commission Matth. 28. which was after enlarged 1 From the providential care which Christ had for these Apostles that when he sent them forth without any thing they wanted nothing Luke 22.35 And he said unto them When I sent you without Purse and Scrip and Shoes lacked ye any thing and they said Nothing So why will not Christ have the same care of Gospel Preachers if they durst trust Christ 2 Because the twelve at this sending were commanded to shake off the dust of their feet against that house or any that did not receive them and this was performed long after Christs Resurrection and Ascension and after the giving of the commission Matth. 28. by Paul Acts 13.50 51. when persecution drove Paul and Barnabas from the City of Antioch and the coasts thereof they shook off the dust of their feet against them as Christ here commanded v. 14. 3 Because the seventy afterwards have the same Instructions Luke 10.9 10 11. that the twelve had 4 Because the same temptations which Christ fences these Apostles against to wit poverty and persecution are the temptations which in all ages faithfull Preachers are liable unto 5 Because these following precepts given to these twelve are of no less concernment to the Preachers of following ages than to these twelve viz. Be wise as Serpents v. 16. Beware of men for they will deliver you up to Counsels v. 17 c. Upon the Arguments on both sides I shall leave the matter onely I declare I rather incline to think that this fending was onely temporary for the fore-mentioned reasons We have in this Chapter three parts 1 The sending forth of the twelve Apostles from v. 1. to 15. 2 A caution to them thus sent out in particular v. 16 17. and in general to all Christians for so Luke expounds it Luke 12.1 to v. 13. That they should speak what he had spoken to them in the ear upon the house top and not to fear them that can onely kill the body 3 An encouragement of them in particular and of all Christians in general against slavish fear from v. 16. to the end In the sending forth of the Apostles observe 1 Their names v. 2 3 4. 2 Their call Jesus sent them forth and commanded them v. 5. 3 The place whereto they are designed to wit the lost sheep of the house of Israel But go not in the way of the Gentiles nor into any City of the Samaritans 4 Their power which was 1 To preach amplified from the subject matter of it The Kingdome of heaven is at hand v. 7. 2 To do miracles viz. Heal the sick cleanse the Lepers raise the dead cast out devils v. 8. 5 From their maintenance in their work set down 1 Negatively 1 They should not take any thing for their preaching nor for the miracles they wrought v. 9. 2 They should not provide gold nor silver nor brass in their purses nor scrip to cary provisions nor two coats v. 10. 2 Positively 1 That where ever they wrought the Lords work they should expect all due provision v. 10. For the workman is worthy of his meat 2 That there should still be worthy persons that would be ready to receive and give them harbour v. 11 12 13. 3 The wofull condition of them that should not receive them and relieve them v. 14 15. It should be more tolerable for Sodome and Gomorrah in the day of judgement then for that people V. 1. And when he had called unto him his twelve Disciples he gave them power against unclean spirits and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease And when he called his twelve Disciples together he gave them power against unclean spirits Christ sending out his Disciples to preach furnishes them thereunto Besides an ability to preach he inables them to do miracles for the confirmation of their doctrine he makes them of Scholers to be Masters having in private first instructed them thereto The power Christ gave them was not onely Potentia or an ability but it was also Potestas an authority Some have power to do a thing that have not authority and some have authority that have not power the Disciples had a derivative power to do miracles Christ had this power from himself Devils are called unclean spirits as being full of pride and hatred of God and envy against men and to distinguish them from the holy Angels and because they delight in uncleanness and make men unclean defiling with blindness in the minde rebellion in the will We may see here the power of Christ above Moses and the Prophets Moses when he brought his Law did sundry miracles and so did Christ but neither Moses nor the Prophets could give power to others to do miracles as Christ here doth Besides Christ had power and gave power over devils which none else did V. 2. Now the names of the twelve Apostles
the Lord. Besides what ever evils befall us God can turn them for our good as in Josephs case he saith to his Brethren Ye meant it for evil but God meant it for good Loss of goods hath proved a gain of grace Heb. 10.34 Restraint of outward liberty a means to set the conscience free Acts 16.25 Disgrace a motive for God to manifest his approbation torment an occasion of easing the minde Heb. 11.35 3 Look on God not onely as the cause of the being of things but the cause of their not being That the fire did not burn the three men Dan. 3. nor the hungry Lions devour Daniel why men favour us not and why their hearts are turned against us Psalm 105.25 God hath a work in men hearts as in Absalom who refused the best counsel Nothing is so high that is above his providence nothing so low that is beneath it nothing so large but is bounded by it nothing so little that he overlooks it nothing so confused but he can order it nothing so bad but he can draw good out of it nothing so wisely plotted but he can supplant it nothing so unpolitickly carried but he can give a prevailing power to it both is to be taken heed of Be not proud of thy wisdom and counsels if they succeed not do not despair because God governs and prospers the errours of the godly I have often committed the greatest rashness and follies but I did it not with a desire to hurt but unwisely desiring to counsel faithfully hence I prayed that God would amend my errour Luth. in Gen. 27. 4 Exhort to resign up all our actions to God in times of suffering 1 Peter 4.19 Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls unto him in well-doing as into the hands of a faithfull Creatour When we have a Jewel in times of danger we trust it in the hand of a father let us in suffering times leave our souls with God Let us also in the disposal of our conditions submit to poverty disgrace imprisonment banishment death even as the Lord in his providence shall please to dispose of us Even as the Patient doth to his Physician who hath seen his Water or felt his Pulse All the afflictions wherewith Saints are afflicted are no other thing than a pleasant and sweet play wherewith God plays with us as a father with his little ones whom he bids do something above their strength which when they endeavour diligently to do the father also puts to his hand Luth. in Gen. 43. V. 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess before my Father in Heaven Here 's a third Reason not to fear death because he that confesses Christ even to loss of Life Christ will confess him before his Father See Rev. 2.13 Quest What Confession is here meant Answ Habitual in the purpose of the heart for it 's not enough to confess Christ in one act onely 2 Seasonable Confession with the mouth When men shall oppose or deny Christ and his Truth or when Tyrants shall examine us of our Faith we shall unmoveably and constantly profess our belief in Christ and our cleaving to his Truth even to death and tortures Be we exhorted to confess Christ before men 3 Properties in Confession 1 Let it be with boldness Mark 15.33 1 Tim. 4.16 2 Plain without any equivocation So Peter and John answered the Council Acts 4 7. 3 With meekness and fear 1 Peter 3.15 See this fully in my Treatise of Denial of Christ p. 27. V. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men him will I deny before my Father which is in Heaven Christ doth not here mean actual denial for Peter denied Christ yet is in Heaven And so Bilney the Martyr and many others under temptation so denied Christ yet stuck to him in the habit and purpose of their hearts but Christ means habitual denial of Christ in the purpose of the heart when a man for the saving of his Lands Liberty or Life will deny Christ or any part of his Truth Actual denial of Christ is dangerous though but in one act especially when the soul hath time to deliberate and for such a treachery God is wont to fill the soul with horrour that a man would give all the world to be eased of it as in Spira c. how much more dangerous is habitual denial Christ is denied 1 Silently when persons can hear the Truth spoken against his Servants railed on Idolatry cried up and they sit still as if the thing nothing concerned them against this see these places Psalm 119.46 1 Kings 22.8 Matth. 11.19 2 Christ is denied expresly and that 1 In a vicious Life Titus 1.16 2 Tim. 3.5 Jude 4. 2 Christ is denied in word this is 1 Publickly when being asked by the Magistrate concerning our Faith for fear of Prisons or Death we shall not acknowledg it Acts 4.8 9 10. This also is committed when we present our selves at worship which our own Conscience judges false for the substance thereof 2 In private when we conferring with men shall for fear of loss or hope of gain deny that Truth we inwardly acknowledg 3 Christ is denied in writing when we shall subscribe to any thing as truth which we are perswaded in our consciences is an errour or subscribe to the recantation of any truth Satan may tell you such a thing is soon done but know that is done in a moment which may be lamented for ever 4 Christ is denied in worship when we shall present our selves at such worship as we loath in our hearts Hosea 13.2 Let the men that sacrifice kiss the Calves 5 There is a denial of Christ in asserting Principles when for fear of loss we shall withhold the asserting of our Principles being thereunto called this was Peters sin Gal. 2.12 6 Christ is denied implicitely when though we do not deny Christ in life word or writing because we are not put to it yet we would deny him were we put thereto We must to mend this have the purposes of our hearts right to forsake all we have for Christ take we heed we deny not Christ for Church-communion John 9. John 12.42 This denial of Christ as to the acts of it is twofold 1 Sudden when a man is surprized on a sudden and denies Christ so Peter 2 Deliberate when a man notwithstanding reluctations checks and deliberations about confessing some truth yet for fear he shall hang back and deny it See my Treatise of Denial of Christ p. 12. V. 34. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth I came not to send peace but a sword Christ comes to propose another hardship his Disciples should encounter with to wit the contentions and oppositions not onely of strangers but also of near relations Think not that I am come to send peace on earth Many thought from the misunderstanding of that Scripture Isai 11.6 The
thing and limit the satisfaction to his sufferings then not mentioning any other 2 Suppose it were granted that all the sufferings of Christ should concur in point of satisfaction which I suppose is difficult if at all possible to prove yet it follows not that because all his sufferings through the course of his life as well as those in death did concur in point of satisfaction therefore his observation and fulfilling of the Law should also concur as a part of that price Obj. But is it not dangerous to leave out Christ his fullfilling of the Law And is it not safe to joyn it to Christ his death Answ It 's dangerous to add any thing when the Scripture fixeth the Redemption on the death and sufferings of Christ in and about death He gave his own son the price of redemption for us the holy for them who had transgressed the Law the just for the unjust for what other thing could cover our sins then his righteousness In whom other can we unjust and wicked men be counted just then in the alone Son of God O sweet change that the iniquity of many should be hid in one righteous but that the righteousness of one should cause that many unjust should be counted righteous Justin Mart. ad Diognetum p. 386. The conscience may as well scruple what if I add as what if I leave out for additions are dangerous in this case especially where the Scripture speaks so plainly and positively Gal. 5.4 3 The third cause of our justification is the formal cause whereby Christ his satisfaction and merit is imputed to us as our sin is imputed to him Isai 53.6 Rom. 8.3 4. 2 Cor. 5.21 Christ being our surety Heb. 7.22 and paying our debt he rose out of the prison of the grave and manifested his discharge thereof Acts 2.22 So that as on the cross Christ blotted out the hand-writing of ordinances and took them out of the way and nail'd them to his cross Col. 2. so doth the Lord behold the travel of his soul and rests satisfied therewith Isai 53.11 4 The final cause of a souls justification in respect of God it was the declaration of his severe justice against sin that though in himself he could yet he decreed that he would not pass by sin without satisfaction Rom. 3.25 26. to declare his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth on Jesus There are many other ends as for the shewing forth his free grace to a sinner which I shall pass by Obj. But how are we said to be justified by God and Christ seeing the Scripture saith we are justified by faith Rom. 3.28 Answ The Lord justifies judicially as a Judge justifies an innocent person or a person when sued for debt the paiment of the debt appearing 2 Christ justifies meritoriously Acts 13.39 Heb. 9.26 Faith justifies instrumentally 1 Not professional faith for then all hypocrites should be justified against whom James disputes Jam. 2.24 2 Nor doth the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 credere the act of believing justifie us as if that were imputed unto us for righteousness not for its own merit but for Gods favourable acceptance as if God did accept the act of believing for the perfect obedience of the Law as some have held The act of believing doth not justifie 1 Because no man is saved and justified by an act of his own Tit. 3.6 7. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us Being justified by his grace Eph. 2.9 not of works Now to believe is an act of our own taking denomination from the next agent 2 From absurdity then we should be justified by two righteousnesses to wit the righteousness of Christ and the righteousness of faith if one be sufficient what needs another it tends to thrust Christ out and all his merits Faith justifies us objectively as it terminates upon the redemption in Christ Joh. 3.14 15. as it is the eye to look up to him typified by the brazen Serpent Thou holds divers sorts of seeds in thy hand I ask not what the seeds are with which they are joyned but what the virtue of every one of them is Here speak plainly what faith alone doth not with what graces it is conjoyned it takes hold of the promise love and hope have other business Luth. in Gen. 15. This righteousness is called the righteousness of God because he â—ound it out the righteousness of Christ because Christ offers that which was equivalent to righteousness the righteousness of faith because faith is the instrument by which we apprehend it It 's called our righteousness Jer. 23.6 because it 's given us of God to be ours by imputation on Gods part by acceptation on our part First Use for information 1 For information 1 See how thou becomes righteous not by working but by believing Acts 13.38 39. Rom. 3 22. Gal. 2.16 Rom. 4.4 5. A man may work long enough and yet in fine work himself into hell if he have not faith in Christ Paul had a righteousness even to blamelesness Phil. 3.6 before conversion after conversion he disclaims it v. 7. The Law of works saith Do what I command the Law of faith Give what thou commands August The commands are sweet when we understand them not onely in books but in the wounds of a most sweet Savior Luth. Tom. 1. ad Stanpic If a good life have not been led do not therefore despair if a good life have been led do not therefore hope that is as to justification 2 See the danger of thousands of ignorant persons who if you ask them how they hope to be saved they will tell you by their good prayers and well meanings and because they deal justly Many fast pray deny themselves mourn deal justly that God may speak peace to their spirits this is the righteousness of the Law this is a working for life not from life so they refrain from evil that they may not be under the curse In order to satisfaction of Divine justice there must be a full righteousness of an infinite person these two things must be because an infinite Majesty is offended this can be no other then the righteousness of God in Christ Obj. But though the works we do in our natural state do not make us righteous yet the works of our regenerate estate do for they are the works of Christ which he works in us by his Word and Spirit Answ The personal works of Christ in making atonement for our sins justifie us 1 Pet. 2.24 but for his other virtual works they do not justifie us 2 The works of regenerate men are so wrought by Christ that they are also wrought by us Rom. 8.13 If ye mortifie the deeds of the body by the Spirit ye shall live Hence because of our imperfection they cannot be perfect 3 Regenerate men in their best actions stand need of sparing When Nehemiah had desired the