of a small burden anchoreth a Netherlander pretendeth the death of a Merchant in that Vessel beseecheth the thirty Frenchmen that the dead body of their Merchant might be buried in hallowed ground namely in Sark-Chappel unto a Request so charitable the secure Frenchmen yield The Flemings bring into the Isle a Coffin filled not with a dead body but with murdering Harquebusses then entring the Chappel they shut the door upon themselves take their Weapons from out of the Coffin slay every Frenchman in Sark and immediately possesse themselves of the whole Island Many many a covetous Tradesman receiveth just such [2] Prov. 1.19 5.22.11.1.22.23.23.4.13.11 Exck. 7.13 a Coffin into his shop from out of a gracelesse good will unto himself he welcometh false measures false weights false wares false accompts with all the security that may be But note the event Wherewith this Shop-keeper deceiveth his Customers therewith [3] Acts 5.3 the Devil [4] 1 Tim. 3.6 7 surprizeth this Shop-keeper taketh [5] 2 Tim. 2.26 possession of his captived heart and [6] 1 Pet. 5.8 slayeth his deluded soul Alas ill fareth the owner whose shop is the Devils [7] Pro. 1.32 ware-house When once the Prince of darknesse playeth at Sark a Soul may soon [8] Eph. 5.5 acquit her self of the Mansions in my Fathers House Every unjust gain [9] Luk. 12.21 1 Tim. 6.9 Prov. 28.20 Jer. 7.19 selleth heart and body body and soul grace and Glory Heaven and the God of Heaven for a messe of the Supplanters pottage When it is too late you will then be able to resolve your selves who findeth least trouble of heart the [10] Prov. 15 16 16.8 poor man that is righteous or the rich man [11] Psalm 4.3 that is fraudulent And yet mercy God! What do most of our Markets and Faires signifie other then [12] 1 Thes 4.6 Hos 4.2 lying and cheating Ah how is the Prince of this world pleased to see many who vote themselves [13] Tit. 1.16 Christians as very lyars as [14] John 8.44 himself Judas is not the [15] Heb. 13.5 2 Pet. 2.3 only Disciple who selleth Jesus Christ for a piece of money But had Judas peace who sold his Master neither shall ye Full well are divers Faires among us kept upon Holy-dayes for pray all we can you that turn and wind moneys will hardly keep [16] James 1.27 Esay 8.13 65.16 your selves unspotted of the world your covetous practises witnesse to your face that ye doom [17] Amos 9.10 Prov. 12.3 your hearts to trouble Alas alas how can ye lay claim to the [18] John 14.1 2 5.44 Mansions in my Fathers House so long as ye distrust God and his Christ Beloved rather make the fear [19] Prov. 8.1 3 of your God your wisdom esteem the Spirit of Jesus Christ your [20] Luke 16.11 only Riches set a high value [21] 1 Pet. 1.4 upon the Mansions in my Fathers House then [22] Acts 24.16 shall you be at peace with your own consciences then shall you find that Godlinesse hath the [23] 1 Tim. 4.8 promise of this life then shall this Gospel [24] Esay 26.3 say unto you Let not your heart be troubled Fifthly This Let not condemneth every Soul Of all Christistians which at any time [1] Rom. 8.1 2 Cor. 1.12 omitteth any Duty every person who in performing any Duty maketh not [2] Psalm 52.7 his God his Rest every Christian which [3) Esay 50.10 rolleth not But as easily may I cramb all Homers Iliads into a nut shell as [4] Eccl. 1.8 repeat all the troubles of a neglected heart in one breath Yea as soon may I force a Camels [5] Mat. 19.24 back through the eye of a Needle as remove [6] Gal 6.1 offences meerly by finding fault The end of rebuke is [7] 2 Tim. 4.2 Ezek. 3.26 to correct I passe therefore from these [8] Joh. 14.1 troubles of heart unto a faith in the living God I proceed from what our Saviour here prohibiteth unto what he next enjoyneth Dearly beloved you will now at the last escape reproofs if [9] Pro. 10.17 15.31.12.1 without further troubles of heart you receive instruction I told you Matter of instruction from the (1) Page 2. beginning that this seasonable Precept Believe in God believe also in me was cloathed with Evangelical instructions It is so Take the words 2 absolutely and they are our instruction they teach us that believe in God believe in Christ we must but consider them as opposed against the distractions of the Disciples hearts you will then learn that This (2) 1 Joh. 5.4 is the victory which overcometh all our troubles even our faith How great a comfort faith is against the greatest troubles of mind will appear from the (1) See page 6 various occasions of this Text. Occasion One was (1) Luke 22.24 ambition disappointed The hearts of these Disciples hab been troubled with worldly interests They had (2) Luke 24.21 Acts 1.6 dreamed hitherto of glorious preferments upon earth they had been (3) Luke 22.24 striving which of them should sit nearest unto their enthroned Lord I say these Disciples although they (4) Mat. 16.16 John 6.69 knew Jesus as the Son of God yet not [5] Mat. 20.9 knowing the Scriptures they aimed at worldly greatnesse they as yet fancied that (6) Matth. 20.21 Mark 9.34 Acts 1.6 Surely Christ would in good time reign gloriously upon earth To follow this to them [7] Mat. 2.2 known to others [8] Mat. 27.11 unknown King of the Jews they had (9) Mark 10.28 30 forsaken all and in so doing they had (10) Mat. 20.21 Luke 22.29 promised unto themselves no small advancement Now when they (11) John 13.31 learn that God would straightway glorifie their long attended Master not with Thrones but with Thornes not with a royal Diadem but by 12 sufferings when they in stead of seeing Christ restore the Kingdom unto Israel hear him (12) Mat. 16.21 John 13.1.33 14.2 contriving his departure out of this world when instead of being exalted by their Lord they must by him be (13) Mat. 13.36 37 shortly left at a losse this was unto them a consternation of spirit the failing of this their long expectation made their (14) Pro. 13.12 heart sick this this was one reason why our Saviour mindeth them to their comfort ye believe in God Secondly Whereas these were they which Occasion of all men had (1) Luke 22.28 continued with Christ in his Temptations Christ now twitteth them how of them one should (2) John 13.21 betray him another should (3) John 13.38 deny him all should (4) Mat. 36.31 forsake him These were (5) Mar. 8.38 Rev. 21.8 hard sayings Their meek Master had deserved no such uncomely neglects from them And now long at last
discovered in your (32) Jer. 17.9 treacherous hearts what (33) 2 Pet. 2.9 escapes from temptation what (34) Jer. 31.19 helps to Repentance what (35) 2 Pet. 1.10 advantages towards Duty what (36) Psalm 27.13 supports of faith what [37] 2 Pet. 3.18 1.8 growth of grace ye have observed within your selves that cordially impart unto your bosome-friends So many of you as understand what [38] 1 Tim. 6.18 Heb. 13.16 belongeth unto the neighbourhoods of Piety engrosse not that experience unto your selves which may benefit others Freely ye have received [39] Matth. 10.8 freely give The Lord is with them that [40] Psalm 34.4 uphold my soul Come and hearken all ye that fear God I will declare what he [41] Psalm 66.16 hath done for my soul What ye believe that enjoy ye believe the Communion of Saints in such Communions our [42] 1 Thes 4.9 God is glorified Thirdly When in the worship of the most holy God our self-accusations confessions complaints intercessions supplications and petitions are for the matter and form of them Scripture-proof and go not out of [1] Psalm 17.1 feigned lips then do (2) Rom. 10.10 See Matth. 6.6 our words glorifie our God and more when (3) Matth. 18.20 jointly with others then when separately by our selves alone more when in (4) Gen. 18.19 Josh 24.15 our open families then in our retired closets more when in our (5) Psalm 107.32 26.12 publique congregations then when in our private families I was (6) Psalm 122.1 glad when they said unto me Let us go into the house of the Lord. Object That house of the Lord was erected by Gods immediate command our Steeple-houses not so Answ 1. That Command was [1] 2 Tim. 3.16 Rom. 15.4 written for our learning Answ 2. As the Temple at Jerusalem was a [1] Esay 56.7 House of prayer unto all Nations viz. an [2] Esay 62.10 Ensigne lifted up upon Mount Zion to draw in all the [3] Psalm 22.27 Esay 55.5 Zech. 2.11 Gentiles unto the then true worship of the only true God So among us Houses set apart for divine worship are [4] 1 Cor. 14.23 24 10 20 21 11.19 Revel 14.6 John 15.22 Cant. 1.8 Jer. 13.11 Gods witnesses and Ensignes set up to leave inexcusable may to reclaim Sectaries Papists Jewes Turks Pagans and Atheists from the errour of their way unto pure worship of the God of truth Answ 3. It is fully as [1] Acts 9.20 13.5 15.2 18.4 lawful for us to have our several Churches for the convenience of our several Villages as it was for the Jewes to have their [2] Psal 74.8 Matth. 4.23 9.35 Mark 1.21 39 Luke 4.16 7.5 John 18.20 divers Synagogues for the convenience of their divers Cities Answ 4. Compare Deut. c. 17.14 with c. 12.9 10 11 12 13 14. In 2 Sam. 7. compare v. 3 7 10 with v. 2. and v. 6. with Acts c. 1.13 and c. 2.1 Compare 1 Thes 1.9 [1] When the Temples of dumb Idols are like those Censers Numb 16.37 38 39 40. consecrated unto the living God they are unto us memorials of Thankfulnesse with 1 Cor. 11 17 18 22. compare Esay 66.1 with Hag. 1.4 and although I know assuredly that the glory of the Gospel consisteth not in pomp but in truth not in things carnal but in things spiritual yet compare Hag. 1.4 Prov. 3.9 Luke 8 3. Rom. 15.27 1 Cor. 9.11 John 12.7 2 Cor. 8.9 12. Phil. 4.17 with Psalm 72.10 15. and with 2 Cor. 3.9 10 11. Esay 60.6 and 61.6 and 66.10 11. and Hag. 2.7 8. compare Philem. 19. with 2 Sam. 19.30 Answ 5. In the room of the Levitical Priesthood Jesus Christ [1] Mat. 10.1 Acts 1.8 Ephes 4.11 1 Cor. 12.28 ordained a Ministery in the stead of Circumcision he brought in [2] John 4.2 Mark 16.16 Matth. 3.16 28.19 1 Pet. 3.21 Baptism and in the place of the [3] 1 Cor. 5.7 8 11.24 25. Passeover he instituted his Holy Supper Now those being required it were superfluous to enjoyn time and place these are naturally coincident if God was solemnly magnified in the Messiah yet to come the Messiah being already come God must much more be magnified A Testament we still have and that [4] Heb. 9.15 not the old but a new one If God take away the first it is that he may [5] Heb. 10.9 establish the second If old things are passed away [6] 2 Cor. 5.17 new things doth he declare Object That Christ ordained a Ministery Baptism and the Eucharist we read we read not that he appointed Festivals Meeting-places no nor yet the Lords-day A. This new Covenant which the Lord now maketh puts such lawes as these [1] Heb. 8.10 11 into our inward parts Should we [2] Psalm 30 4 give thanks at the remembrance of his Holinesse and not second Jewish rites with Christian Festivals the Sabbath celebrating the Creation with our Lords day celebrating the Redemption their Tabernacle Temple and Synagogues with our Churches set apart for divine worship we should deny our gracious and merciful Lord the tribute of [3] Rom. 12.1 1 Cor. 14.20 37 Heb. 8.11 Esay 35.8 10 our reasonable service Object Unto a publique worship we assent but not unto set-forms Dub. Answ 1. Divine Worship without set-forms will scarcely deserve the name of a publique worship so soon will it [1] 1 Cor. 14.26 Rom. 14.19 Phil. 2.4 crumble into private sects and factions Answ 3. Examine and you will find Vnto that Congregation which joyneth with him in prayer the extemporary prayer of the best gifted Minister upon the whole earth is a [1] Yea what are those Psalmes Hymns and spiritual Songs wherein we should Ephes 5.19 speak unto our selves but professedly set-forms set form Answ 3. Such as condemn set-forms do not consider that unto a heart intent upon spiritual desires it is one and the same thing to shape cloath and word those [1] As for God he Psalm 139.2 4. knoweth our thougets beforehand Matth. 6.8 spiritual desires in the foreknown phrase of a Liturgy and in the new found phrase of an extemporary petition In all his providences the mighty God [2] Acts 15.18 applyeth his eternal Decree unto new workings in like manner devout souls do in the use of Liturgies [3] Rom. 12.11 12 1 Pet. 4.7 Col. 4.2 1 Cor. 14.15 Acts 1.14 Rom. 15.6 apply set and prepared formes unto fresh and new ejaculations Answ 4. That thine heart may not be hasty to utter any thing before the dreadful God be not [1] Eccl. 5.1 2 rash with thy mouth that thou mayest not be rash with thy mouth let thy words be few and since few they must be find out [2] Eccl. 12.10 Rom. 12.1 acceptable words even words of truth and such thou wilt find in the Liturgy of our English Church Take with you words [3] Hos 14.2
that He should passe so hard a censure upon them full ill (6) Mat 26.22 could their ingenuous spirits brook these black imputations this you see was another occasion of their sorrows another cause why Jesus Christ encourageth them to believe as in God so in Himself Thirdly Occasion The Scene was now (1) Erasm Marlorat Jansen in locum Tragrcal a forsaking a denying a betraying of Christ could boad no good What the issue might be who could tell if he who hath no Sword is by the Patient Jesus (2) Luke 22.36 allarmed to buy one matters must necessarily threaten some evill Jesus himself was (3) John 13.21 troubled in Spirit well therefore might his Disciples be affrighted That a third reason of this consolation Ye believe in God Occasion Fourthly (1) Leoatius Elsthym Theodor. Mopsuest c. in locum They were not now (2) Joh. 2.25 to learn that their Master could certainly divine If Jesus spake it they might (3) Mat. 24.35 believe it for a while (4) Mat. 26.35 flatter themselves they might but on second thoughts their hearts might well mis-give them Their eyes had already seen Judas turning himself into (5) Joh. 13.20 a Traytor what was (6) Mat. 20.23 foretold of Judas that Judas was now (7) Mar. 14.11 perpetrating By the same rule what was (8) Mar. 14 16. presuged of them that they also should (9) Mat. 26.56 too soon be guilty of Or be it that Judas had aforetime (10) Mat. 26.8 been false Peter he had persevered None more (11) John 6.68 zealous yea none more (12) Mat. 14.29 daring then was Peter neverthelesse Simon Peter he had his (13) John 13.38 doom Now if Simon Peter could not stand well might they expect to fall The Devil had already been busie with (14) Luke 22.32 Cephas should Satan sift them (15) Luke 22.31 as wheat too they alas would soon appear but (16) Mat. 3.12 Jer. 23.28 chaffe Fear whispered unto them what dastards for ought any courage they had they would make of themselves Guilt shame unmanlinesse were (17) Mark 14.50 John 13.28 18.8 already at their heels That a fourth circumstance wherefore our Saviour here useth this supporting Instruction As ye believe in God believe also in me In the next place Occasion if the young Prophets sought so unreasonably after [1] 2 Kings 2.17 the late Head of their Colledge loth very loth might these Disciples be to think of parting with [2] Gorran Tirinus Maldonat Jansenius in locum their dear Lord and Master As yet they walked more by sight then by faith although they knew Christ as [3] John 6.69 a Son of God they knew him after the [4] Mat. 16.22 flesh too He had affectionately [5] John 15.16 gathered them under his [6] Mat. 23.37 wings and it was warm [7] John 14.20 being there A Master so meek so mercifull so tender-hearted so endearing so communicative so infinitely knowing so miraculously Powerfull Wo [8] Mat. 16.22 John 14.5 were it with them should they part with such a Teacher No living for them but at the Son of Gods [9] Mat. 6.68 Acts 20.38 ell-bowe Now to hear this their dear Lord talk thus of leaving of them of going away of going away they could not [10] John 13.33 36 14.5.8 imagine whether This a fifth grief of mind if the Bridegroom was [11] Mat. 9.15 upon going the children of the Bride-chamber could not [12] Gen. 42.36 chuse but mourn they had no patience they to hear of Jesus Christs departure This I reckon a fifth Argument why they were solaced Believe in God believe also in me Again Occasion The hour was now almost [1] John 13.1 Matth. 26.2 come wherein the Son of Man must be crucified A long time had been [2] John 16.21 Mark 9.31 spent in preparing these Apostles for this tryal It had been as warily as frequently hinted unto them that Christ should suffer many things in Jerusalem and should after that suffer death it self Wherefore as [3] John 16.33 anon he animateth them Be of good chear in the world ye shall find trouble but be of good chear so he now comforteth them Let not your heart be troubled quasi [4] Bâ—da August c. in locum ye are already startled at late events but worse evils are yet to come if malice be hot [5] Luke 23.31 against a green tree it will be set on fire against the dry branches You my servants will be more [6] Mat. 10.24 John 15.20 despitefully persecuted then am I your Master whosoever killeth you will [7] Mat. 16.2 think he doth his God good service but even then when my sufferings shall portend yours Let not your heart be troubled neither be ye [8] Mat. 14.27 dismayed but believe in God believe also in me Lastly When ye shall take more thought for me then for your selves Occasion When ye shall [1] Rupertus in locum ut G otius see me delivered up into the hand of [2] Mat. 26.45 sinners viz. of inveterate and most implacable Adversaries when ye shall see me numbred among Transgressours condemned [3] Luke 23.4 14 contrary to Law when ye shall see me nailed [4] John 20.25 to the Crosse lifted up [5] John 3.14 upon the Crosse and by [6] Acts 2.23 unjust hands [7] Phil. 2 8 crucified crucified even unto death to a death as [8] Heb. 12.2 reproachful as languishing as languishing as painfull then weep [9] Luke 23.28 not for me then let not your heart be troubled no not for my sake but let this be your refuge Believe in God believe also in me Thus from the seven-fold coherence of these words from their foregoing and following Context very evident it is that our greatest [1] 1 John 5.4 comfort against our greatest discomforts is faith Faith rolleth away every stone which presseth heavily upon us to believe in God to believe in Christ this is life life more abundant Object If it be so why am I thus Object If Faith hath a power so soveraign to expell all troubles why yea why are believing hearts so often troubled Answ 1. Answ 1. They are troubled on every side but [1] 2 Cor. 4.8 not distressed perplexed they are but not altogether without help cast down but not forsaken Answ 2. Answ 2. All men have not faith Many Professors there are but few believers I wiss The faith of most Christians is a faith of their own forging not this spirit [1] 2 Cor. 4.11 13 of faith here in my Text viz. That which guardeth every blow from off the heart must be a [2] 1 Thes 5.8 breast-plate of faith and love and of this breast-plate the generality of Believers for Believers they seem unto others and
once undertake his Service God inviteth them from earth to Heaven by his bounty Surely He who [33] 1 Tim. 5.17 Psalm 72.6 Deut. 8.18 Psalm 52.9 Joel 2.23 compared with Deut 32.2 can afford such abundance of all outward blessings unto these Sons of Belial hath unsearchable Riches in store for his adopted children Yea God draweth these prosperous sinners with the cords of a man he would if they would themselves overcome them with [34] Psalm 73.12 Rom 2.4 Esay 55.10 kindnesse he would by temporal mercies [35] John 1. ◠50 Jerem. 5.24 encourage them to taste of spiritual now if Jesurum [36] Deut. 32.15 therefore kick because he waxeth fat if he scorn [37] Psalm 49.6 62.10.52.7 Heaven because he hath the world at will if he disclaim [38] Job 33.4 12.10 Acts 17.28 the breath of the Almighty because by the help of the Almighty he lives breaths and hath his very being if the more good God giveth him the more [39] Phil. 3.19 Psalm 62.10 11 ungodly he maketh himself is it possible that this wretch should have no trouble of heart I tell you it is [40] Eccles 1.14 impossible Since nothing [41] Psalm 16.2 compared with Psalm 62.5 6 7 can satisfie the heart of man under that God who made mans heart it is impossible that any heart which despiseth God [42] Job 22.21 Esay 48.22 compared with Rom. 8.9 and with Gen. 17.1 can rest satisfied A prosperous sinner hath [43] Psalm 73.7 all that heart can wish true but the trouble of his heart is his heart is [44] Psalm 14.3 2 Tim. 3.4 Rom. 1.31 Col. 3.5 Gal. 5.24 a meer slave to his own unruly passions He liveth at [45] Zech. 1.15 Amos 6.1 ease you will say yea but he [46] Jer. 9.5 wearieth himself to work wickednesse There is no end of his Riches true but either his [47] Crescit amor nummi quantum ipsa pecunia cresci◠covetous mind abideth unsatiable or else his prodigal soul knoweth not how to [48] Phil. 4.12 abound No marvail then if the heart of prosperous sinners be troubled for their very prosperity [49] Pro. 1.32 is their destraction give Alexander more worlds to conquer or he [50] Aestnat infae'ix augusto limine mundi will weep poor soul The rich God sendeth [51] Isa 29.8 empty away Prosperous sinners [52] Jam. 4.2 lust and have not they have and yet they lust They are just like [53] Pro. 2.15 compared with Job 5.13 and with Pro. 21.8 16.27 our children in coats then most froward then most unquiet when least under tuition Give a Child his self-will and the whole house is too little to hold him just so let an ungodly wretch blesse himself in the jollity of his ignorance in the madnesse of his Riot in the beastlinesse of a carnal life or in the pomp and vanity of a sinful world and he turneth every whit as (54) 1 Cor. 11.7 14 monstrous as the peri-wiggs of hair which many Ruffians now adayes affect to trouble their heads and hide their shoulders with Foolish creature he is troublesome to [55] Vides convivium peccatoris interroga ejus conscientiam Nonne gravius omnibus foetet sepulchris Intueris laetitiam ejus salubritatem miraris corporis filiorum atque opum abundantiam introspice ulcera vibices animae ejus Ambros offic l. 1. c. 12. himself so phantastical that what apish apparel to shackle himself with he consulteth his Taylors folly so luxurious that of what Dish to eat of what Wine to quaffe neither his gluttony nor his drunkennesse can resolve him Passe time he would but cannot sleep at night till he hath determined what needlesse sport shall rob him of the morrow Mind him of his wealth and unlesse he may insult oppresse covet or fool away as well his Revenues as his health Reputation and Time he is no body as he [56] Si dicam jucunditas incipit homini occurrere talis jucundil as qualem solet habere in poculis in prandiis in avaritiâ in honoribus saeculi Extol'untur enim homines laetitiâ quâdam insaniunt sed non est gaudere impiis dicit Dominus Augustin thinketh To conclude well may the heart of a prosperous sinner be troubled since Pride swelleth and paineth him Idlenesse distracteth wearieth him Worldlymindednesse cloyeth and choaketh him alas he is sick of himself his heart is troubled meerly for want of troubles and y etlet him know though all the flames of Hell heat that iron hot [57] 2 Tim. 4.2 wherwith he seareth his shipwracked conscience though his conscience wax so [58] Rom. 2.15 unnatural that it neglect to accuse for particular sins yet in the general his heart [59] 1 John 3.20 condemneth him he hath within himself the sentence of death eternal no favour he deserveth and none he expecteth I say the expectation of the wicked is [60] Pro. 11.23 wrath wrath to come and even in this sense his heart is troubled I say as the Spirit of God witnesseth [61] Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 1.22 5.5 unto the Believer that he is [62] Ephes 4.30 sealed unto the day of Redemption so the Spirit of wickednesse witnesseth unto him who doeth despite unto the Spirit of Grace that he hath [63] Jer. 7.19 John 3.18.36 Heb. 10.27 rejected God unto his own everlasting destruction Secondly If no sin saith (1) St. Augustin de Civitate dei lib. 1. cap. 7. St. Augustine If no sin were openly punished in this world the Divine Justice would not be believed Beloved this is one reason why the same God who passeth by some fool-hardy Unbelievers with a (2) Jer. 2.19 severe neglect maketh other Unbelievers daily (3) Ezek. 30.16 examples of his displeasure As the Almighty fatteth some Bulls of Basan against his last (4) Zeph. 3.8 slaughter As by way of stratagem the Lord of Hosts (5) 1 Kings 22.22 1 Pet. 2.9 permitteth some Rebells to march (6) Psalm 73.4 5 securely over the very pit of Hell it self ere ever he set fire unto his (7) Psalm 9.17 train of Gun-powder As the indignation of the provoked God doth in (8) Hos 4.17 Matth. 15.14 mere wrath forbear till Doomes-day before he punish some so he walketh as contrary unto others as (9) Levit. 26.23 24 40.41 Esay 28.19 they walk contrary unto him He giveth them to understand that every Creature is ready to avenge their Creatours quarrel against them if he once speak the word If God saith (10) Num. 32.23 Surely your iniquities shall find you out full soon shall the iniquities of their heels (11) Psalm 49.5 overtake them All the worldly wisdome sinners upon earth have shall not (12) Deut. 29.19 30 31 out-wit Gods all-seeing Justice and if God so please the world shall (13) Ezek. 5.8 be made to know it If God see cause
paratam lo â—è toculentissimam ampâ—â—ssimam bonis omnibâ—â—â— instraâ—ctissimam Jac. Capellus Ostendit hoc nomine Apostolos Deo fiâ—ere debere quod in domo Patris sui variae sint paratae mansiones A transsugis sumpta Metaphora quibus magno solatio èst habere varia Asyla ad consugièndu quae promittit Christus sive praesentem vitam spectes sive futuram Zegerius moment if compared unto the 3 Mansions in my Fathers House Fifthly Imagine these afflictions I which for the present seen so grievous were worthy to be compared unto the Joyes that are set before us yet [1] Deur 4.29 believe in God God is [2] Psal 47.7 King of all the earth Again I say believe in God Faithfull are the [3] Prov. 27.6 3.11 Job 5.17 Heb. 12.6 Revel 3.19 wounds of a Friend I know O Lord that thy Judgements are true and that thou in 4 very faithfulnesse hast afflicted me Sixthly Believe also in Christ In Him thou mayest find peace He [1] John 14.29 foretelleth thee that he hath [2] John 16.33 overcome the world for thee He hath [3] John 13.15 given thee an Example of [4] Luke 21.29 possessing thy Soul in patience His peace he [5] John 14.27 giveth unto thee and what he giveth that he [6] ibid. leaveth with thee He putteth that into thine eye which will make thee see the better soweth that in thy [7] Psalm 126.5 Heb. 12.11 tears which will bring forth fruit to thine accompt even the peaceable fruits of Righteousnesse Once Jesus Christ doth in thy sufferings give thee the [8] Phil. 1.29.3.10 2 Cor. 4.11 Credit the Reputation the honour of having a fellowship in his sufferings A second Life of Comfort here is Against the death of our Friends namely [1] Videbat eos commotos antecedentibus de suâ morte Sermonibus it áque eos erigit Grotius in John 14.1 against the [2] 2 Sam. 1.26 18.33 John 11.3.33 Phil. 2.27 Death of our Friends Thou who art a follower of God art thou troubled on every side So were these Disciples Art thou disappointed of worldly hopes So were these Disciples Is some dear Friend deceased Loe these Disciples were [3] John 13.33 16.6 fain to part with their dearest Jesus What it was to be bereaved of so good a Master you have [4] viz. p. 235. already seen but This was not all When Jesus had escaped death was [5] Luke 24.21 beyond all hopes raised from the Grave was beyond all hopes restored unto them again for his Disciples then again to lose Him to lose Him whom [6] Cant. 3.4 their Soul had found Him who [7] Revel 1.18 was dead and is alive and behold he liveth for evermore This this is much very much One would think if at Christ his death his Disciples hearts were troubled they would have been at his [8] Acts 1.6,11 ascension troubled much more Did I not say unto my Lord [9] 2 Kings 4.28 Do not deceive me If when Christ dyed all their hopes [10] Luke 24.21 dyed with him then much more when he arose their hopes [11] Luke 33.34 Acts 1.11 revived also Consider now For Jesus after that he had overcome death to depart from his Disciples again to depart from them now no more by a necessity of death but during health and life to ascend from them [12] Luke 24.9 just then when they [13] Luke 24.6 expected the issue of his [14] Matth. 21.7 8 riding in triumph of his [15] Matth. v. 9 15 accumulated Hosanna's of his declaring and owning of himself to be the [16] Matth. 2.2 27.11 King of the Jewes the long expected [17] Matth. 21.15 Luke 2.11 Son of David yea the [18] Matth. 3.17 17.5 Rom. 1.4 Son the only Son of the great and only God Loe ye here a tryal yet see when this dear this potent friend thus unexpectedly ascended I say when the most loving Jesus most unexpectedly departed his Disciples which had formerly drooped were now so far from being at all troubled that they were [19] Luke 24.52 filled with great joy Consider consider my Beloved When the God of all flesh taketh away from us our best our nearest friends he can and if we trust in him he will leave a greater comfort [20] John 14.16 16.17 behind them This for the death of others Against our fear of death Is now thlne own death thy [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist terrour I say is the darknesse of the shadow of death thy discomfort Fear thou [2] Psal 23.4 none evil He who hath [3] Joh. 16.8.5.4 taught thee to live will [4] Phil. 4.13 help thee to dye Women bring forth in sorrow but it is to their comfort for their repeated pains in Child-bearing [5] 1 Tim. 2.15 teach that fearful Sex how to overlook a lesser pain namely that of death As when the Moon so when the soul is in the change she is then nearest unto the [6] Psalm 84.11 Sun When Christ came from Bozrah his dyed [7] Esay 63.1 Garments drew the [8] 1 Cor. 15.56 Fiducia Christianorum resurrectio mortuorum Tertul. de carnis resur sting out of Death and as of the flesh of Adders are made Antidotes against poyson so of that sting is now made a Cordial for the deceasing Party The Grave seemeth to [9] Prov. 30.16 Rom. 3.13 gape like the red Sea mean while it maketh way for our more speedy coming unto the promised Rest Christ was placed within the Grave that we [10] 2 Cor. 4.10 Col. 3.4 See Bishop Reynolds his Churches Triumph over Death might step over it with ease The Believer now a dying is onely passing from death to life nay more from the death of sin unto him who is [11] John 14.6 1 John 3.2 Col. 3.3 4 The Life The Earth provideth a Rest for our Bodies the Heavens contain a Rest so our souls but Jesus Christ will be a Rest unto them both True Death [12] Rom. 5.12 passed upon all these Disciples This [13] John 21 19 spake Christ signifying by what death he should glorifie God viz. Peter was to put off his earthly Tabernacle [14] 2 Pet. 1.14 shortly As for St. James he was [15] Acts 12.2 killed with the Sword Great very great [16] Gal. 2.9 Matth. 19.28 were these Apostles but notwithstanding their greatnesse as (17) Psal 82.7 Princes so THEY must dye like men A Believers Comfort is [18] Job 30.23 not that he shall not dye but that he shall not dye the everlasting death of common men Of the beloved Disciple himself the Lord Jesus never said [19] John 21.23 he shall not dye but Unto him he said [20] John 14.2 In my Fathers House are many Mansions The least child of God can now [21] Revel 1.18 fetch a stride
YOUR day sanctifying the Lord of hosts in your heart exalt him not only as a Diadem of beauty unto the residue of your people but as a crown of glory unto your Royal head And you the happy subjects of a (1) Ezra 7.27 serene Monarch why are ye the last (2) 2 Sam. 19 11 to defend the glory of your God Knowledge covereth our Island as waters cover the Sea the late Rod of Gods wrath we (3) Mic. 6.9 could not chuse but hear the present plenty peace and prosperity we (4) Psal 34.8 both see and taste neverthelesse multitudes multitudes from among us have (5) 1 Tim. 5.15 turned aside after Satan Beloved what wickednesse may we expect from forreign Dominions if in this Kingdom a Kingdom so (6) Esay 26.9 schooled by late judgements so (7) Psalm 144.14 endeared with preseut benefits so (8) Acts. 17.30 enlightened with the truth of the Gospel so small a remnant give glory to the Lord their God More knowledge then any beside us we have but we have likewise lesse grace then any beside us else what others have is excedeing little lesse then is a grain of Mustard seed for that brancheth forth Surely the fear of God is in very few places I had almost said in very few persons Ye then who fear the Lord (9) Matth. 3.16 speak often one to another Let not the Royal Standard fall to the ground since (10) 1 Joh. 5.19 the whole world lyeth in wickednesse see that ye (11) Phil 2.15 shine as lights in the world When other of Christs Disciples went back and walked no more with Jesus Jesus called unto these in my Text (12) John 6.66 67 Will ye also go away Brethren the more universal the defection the greater the alarm Wherefore take unto you the whole (13) Eph. 6.11 armour of God The Lord looketh out of his Chariot (14) 2 Kings 9.32 Who is on my side Who by this will he finde whether we be for him or against him if (15) 1 John 2.29 3.7 3 John 11. we seek after holinesse as he is holy should so small a remnant as list themselves under his Banner neglect to fight a good fight (16) Acts 1.8 of faith What will God do unto his great Name True His (17) Psalm 62.11 is the power but it more becometh the Majesty of the Emperour to look on then to fight or if fight he do let the Adversary know that the Generals Souldiers love their Commander The (18) Heb. 2.10 Captain of our salvation must have glory from his followers as well as from his own Prowesse The Lord subdueth our Canaanitish affections but (19) Josh 23.10 1.7 Phil. 2.12 31 Joshus must fight the Lords battel the sword of the Spirit is the Lords but (20) Judg. 7.18 Gideon must draw it God winneth the Victory but (21) 2 Sam. 23.12 Shammah must stand his ground too accursed are we if when God is ready to work in us and by us we our selves (22) Judg. 5.23 come not in unto the help of the Lord If we hold our peace His glory (23) Esther 4.14 Eph. 5.16 will not he give unto another but who knoweth whether we are born in this backsliding generation for such a time as is this if as Saint Paul did Christ should complain No man (24) 2 Tim. 4.16 stood with me but all were against me the Lord would lay this to your charge and mine But the (25) 2 Cor. 5.14 love of Christ and not a fear for our selves should constrain us to stand upon our guards Let us draw out our affections Have we a King and (26) 1 Pet. 1.17 18 Heb. 12.4 such a King let us then resist our corruptions unto blood let us (27) Judg. 5.18 jeopard our lives that is (28) Matth. 10.39 save them let us jeopard our lives unto the death that is (29) Mark 10.30 exchange the for an everlasting life If the conspiracy be strong if Achitophel be in the conspiracy of his own accord Hushai the Archite will (30) 2 Sam. 15.32 both rent his coat and cover his head with earth If David be in a strait Abishai the son of Zerviah (31) 2 Sam. 21.17 will succour him Christians stand to your Armes keep to your Colours follow your Leader even the Captain of your salvation for Legions of Devils and a world of men are risen up against him O be not ye like unto them whose damnation is just but resist (32) 1 Pet. 5.9 stedfast in the faith Though ten (33) 1 Kings 12.20 Hos 4.15 Tribes revolt let Judah walk with God and if nine Lepers neglect their duty let not the (34) Luke 17.15 17 tenth fail to testifie his thankfulness Let God instance in us as he did (35) Job 1.8 in his servant Job Let the Devil know that (36) 1 John 4.5 6 all are not of the world that are in the world Let not the Lord of our hosts want a Souldier to fight his spiritual battels so long as (37) Psalm 104.33 you and I have any breath in our bodies although all men should forsake him let us perfectly cleave unto him By how much the more he is dishonoured by others by so much the more let him be by us glorified Creatures void of reason cannot those void of grace should but will not but God give us grace that as well as we can we may zealously bring glory unto the Throne of his Holinesse Prophanesse spreadeth from one corner of the Land unto the other it is therefore high time for us to bestir (38) See Mr. Baxters Now or Never our selves it now concerneth us that our God be by us glorified more then ever Again Naturally a right understanding will no lesse desire to cleave unto the living God then a dying creature would struggle to prolong life Nor is it possible there can be invented a greater Doom then to be for ever justly separated from the only God When at length the last the just the terrible the avenging day is fully come Depart from me ye cursed will then [1] Matth. 7.23 21.41 be the last the blackest sentence The foreknowledge of this one truth makes [2] James 2.19 even the proudest of the Devils stoop and tremble yet is this sentence this dismal sentence the unadvised choyce of every gracelesse person Fight against God the ungodly will although they dye for it in the place they will rather [3] Jonah 2.8 2 Chron. 15.2 Ezra 8.22 Esay 1.28 Psalm 9.17 hazard rather damn body and soul then not depart from the presence of their holy God thus unadvised wicked men are but why they are thus unadvised they themselves can in no wise pretend a reason No [4] Matth 27.23 evil hath Christ done that the Jewes should all of them be thus maliciously bent against him nor is there iniquity
3.8 them whom and them alone whom he listeth to sanctifie but as true it is that whosoever (2) Gal. 6.8 soweth to this Spirit shall of this Spirit reap life everlasting Object He that will sow to the Spirit must think a good thought but it is not in us of our selves (1) 2 Cor. 3.5 to think a good thought Answ Neither is it of our selves that we (1) Acts 17.28 live move and have a being Our self-insufficiency is so far from being (2) Phil. 2.12 13 a bar against Duty that it should excite us unto the use of all meanes possible The more we want breath the more we gasp for it I opened my mouth and panted for I (3) Psalm 119.131 When Anaxarchus the Philosopher told the Treasurer the gist which he expected from Alexander was no lesse then an bradred talents Alexander was very well pleased for said he He understandeth me aright he understandeth that I am both able and willing to give him Luke 11.13 so great a gist Plutarch Apotheg longed for thy Commandements Therefore work out your salvation with fear and trembling because he who worketh in you to will and to do is God Therefore be renewed in the spirit of your mind Therefore be ye filled with the Spirit because God is he which poureth forth of his Spirit upon all flesh God is he and he alone that must put his Spirit in our inward parts When unto what we should do alone the Master himself putteth a helping hand we the servants are the more sober the more circumspect the more diliget yea and the more confident too for if our Master himself begin once to help us without doubt he would have his work well performed and perfectly finished Be of good chear arise he (4) Mar. 10.49 calleth thee Object If he begins But Doth he or will he begin Answ He both does and will if thou (1) Acts 5.32 wilt not resist Know where God freely vouchsafeth the ministration of his Gospel there (2) Acts 11.18 28.28 2 Cor. 3.8 9 Velle currere meum est sed ipsum meum sine Dei auxilio non erit meum Hieron Tom. 2. Ep. 197. the ministration of his Gospel is unto them who obey it the ministration of the Spirit Object To obey is also a gist of the Spirit Answ Until the Spirit first furnisheth thee with a sanctified will and with a sanctified obedience he (1) 2 Cor. 8.12 accepteth what thou hast even thy hearty will and real desire If thou in the simplicity of thy soul stretchest forth the uttermost of thine understanding and of thine affections after things spiritual God will (2) Nos autem dicimus humanam voluntatem sic divinitùs adjuvari ad faciendam justitiam ut accipiat Spiritum Sanctum quo fiat in animo ejus delectatio dilectioqs summi illius incommunicabilis Bozi Aug. de Sp. cap. 3. mercifully interpret this a spiritual mindednesse he will not quench this smoaking flax Reason telleth thee it is as well thy wisdome as thy duty to prefer Gods wayes Gods will and Gods glory before thine own wayes will and glory Doth thy heart assent unto this evident truth If so I doubt not but God will sanctifie thee by his truth He that will do the will of his God shall (3) John 7.17 know it and he that coveteth Gods Spirit for Gods sake shall (4) Esay 44.3 have what he coveteth Beloved Of free grace it is that (1) Acts 10.45 2 Pet. 1.3 God causeth his Gospel to shine among us of free grace it is that now while it shineth we rereive from it any light of knowledge at all of free grace it is that any lght of knowledge raiseth in any of us any good desires (2) Habemâ—s nos aliqud Dei sed ab ipso non à nobis sed ex gratiâ ipsius non ex nostiâ proprâ—etate Tertul. câ—ntr Hermog of free grace it is if in us and from us proceedeth any thought word or deed that good is but then so abundant is this free grace of his that if we resist not his free Spirit will succour strengthen stablish us in a firm resolution and practice of glorifying our Lord God (3) 2 Cor. 4.6 I pronounce therefore and what I pronounce I vehemently believe to be true viz. that who so through (1) Trahitur miris modis ut velit ab illo qui novit imus in ipsis hominum cordibus operari non ut homines quod fieri non potest nol ntes credan sid ut volentes ex nolentibus siant August coatr 2 Epist Peleg l. 1. c. 19. a desire of the quickening Spirit applyeth himself unto prayer unto the word preached unto new obedience c. and doth in a diligent use of these and of the like Gospel-Ordinances patiently wait the Lords leisure in Gods time and Gods time is best he shall obtain the so long desired spirit of grace and this as unquestionably as the spirit of Truth hath both offered and promised this Spirit Consider Friends as faith cometh by hearing so if (2) Rev. 13.9 any man will he may hear By such unlimited invitations the Father who sent Christ draweth us (3) John 6.44 to coâ—e unto Christ and whosoever of us doth in the search of the Scriptures and fervency of prayer come to Christ him will (4) John 6.37 Jesus Christ in no wise cast out Yea if our fainting souls mistrust that the Father draweth us not Behold Christ of himself (5) Rev. 3.20 Quicquid appetitur appetitur ad modum appetentis cometh unto us he standeth at the door of our consciences at the door of our understandings at the door of our affections he standeth patiently and knocketh importunately he is as glad to hear our voyce as we are to hear his if we enlarge our hearts unto him if we open the door unto him though a King of glory (6) Psalm 24.7 9 he be he will not disdain to come in unto us he hath a mind to (7) Coen◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à commuatoae vesceatium Isiod sup with us and we if we will take an humble corfidence may feast with him our defiled consciences may (8) 1 Cor. 5.8 feast upon his Righteousnesse of this Fountain of (9) John 7.37 38 all spiritual graces our thirsty (10) Quicquid recipitur recipitur ad modum recipientis appetites may drink freely and abundantly and of this bread of life our hungry soules may eat their fill If we want Spirit look we unto Jesus Christ he will put spirit into us If we have a desire to glorifie the God of Heaven then is Jesus Christ one of our (11) Affectu consociat â— confoederat voluntates Cypr. Yea we glorifie the same Father which John 20.17 Christ himself doth fraternity whatsoever he doth he doth it for the praise and glory of his Father we cannot please him
thereof we (3) 2 Cor. 12.10 Est quaedam stere volupt as take pleasure in infirmities The Lord hath set adversitie over against prosperity (4) Symmachus Cajetanus in locum to the end that man should finde nothing worthy complaint 5 nothing therefore wearisome because alwayes the same That life is certainly the least burdensome which is checkered as well with the darknesse of affliction as with the light of gladnesse Yeares would slip from us like a dream did neither vanitie nor (5) Eccles 1.2 vexation keep us awake Winter is (6) Gen. 8.22 every whit as seasonable as is either Spring or Autumn and frosts not only purge but (7) Job 37.10 Matth. 5.4 please Then the morning is comfortable when weeping (8) Psal 30.5 endured a whole night and the likeliest course to reap in joy is to sowe (9) Psa 126.5 in teares A holy rest prepareth for (10) Exod. 20.9 six dayes labour and when by (11) 1 Cor. 7.20 24 2 Thess 3.10 walking in our Vocations we have gotten a (12) Mat. 5.6 Esay 58.13 spiritual appetite the first day of the week will be more the (13) John 20.1 19 Acts 20.7 1 Cor. 16.2 Revel 1.10 Lords day then our own without (14) There is such a thing as Mos populi Dei As every society so the Church besides her habemus legem hath her habemus consuetudinem Men have so great a good liking to duties which be afterward their customes that they are remembred without book neither need they be put in writing as Lawes and Statutes are Bishop Andrews Serm. 13. of the Resurrection The Civil Law speaking of Custom saith Imò magnae authoritatis hoc jus habetur quòd in tantum probatum est ut non fuerit scripter comprehendere necesse Pandect 1. Tit. 3. de legibus 35. Once call to mind what provision God made in the old Testament for his Ministery by Tithes and Offerings and for his publique worship not only on every seventh doy bùt in very many other yearly festivals and except you will either deny God your Rom. 12.1 reasonable service or else degrade the 2 Cor. 3.7 8 9 10 11. ministration of the Gospel below the ministration of death you must openly acknowledge that concerning either the maintenance of Gods Ministery or solemn dayes for Gods worship under the new Testament the holy and blessed Spirit need not 1 Thess 1.8.4.9.5.1 2. 1 John 2.27 Heb. 8.12 Esay 35.8 write unto us more then what is already written and received in the 1 John 2.7 old Testament Wherefore if any disclaim the observation of other our Holy dayes Psalm 81.3.42.4 Esther 9.26 27. John 10 22. much more if any disclaim the observation of the Lords day it is sufficient if we reply first with the first Nicene Counsel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deut. 4.12 Job 8.8 Jer. 6.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 next with the Apostle 1 Cor. 11.16 we have no such custom neither the Churches of God videas Cyril in Joan. l. 12. c. 58. As Christ substituted the Lords Supper instead of the Posseover so did he the Lords day in the Jewish Sabbaths room saith Athanasius further scruple I say In the Kindome of grace Look how many the troubles of the righteous are so many are their (1) Rom. 8.28 Psalm 34.19.50.15 83.18 opportunities of glorifying God as God First amidst equal paines variety affordeth some ease and the more (2) Rom. 101.1 amant alterna Camaenae vicissitudes we finde the lesse we nauseate our wearisome lives Next It is both (3) Jerem. 10.24 judgement from God and mercy to us that we are corrected The (4) Rom. 6.23 wages of sin is death now because the deadly wound and killing stroke lighted upon Him who (5) Rom. 5.6 7 8 most willingly dyed for us meet it is that we our selves (6) 2 Sam. 12.13 14 10 should feel some smart That we may perceive how heavy a curse we had (7) Gal. 3.10 13 layen under had not the only Son of God been made a curse for us meet it is that (8) Gal. 6.5 every man should bear some part of his own burden and most kindly it is that we (9) Matth. 20.23 taste although we do but taste that bitter Cup the dregs whereof the mighty Redeemer drank in our stead In the third place more (10) Heb. 12.1 easily sin besetteth us the the more circumspectly we do at least the more circumspectly we should walk In (11) Mic. 7.8 Luke 12.35 dark nights we are careful to keep (12) Perdidistis utilitatem calamitatis S. August our Lamps burning If ought can draw us out of Gods blessing it is the (13) Deut. 6.12 Prov 1.32 Woe to the house where there is no chiding warm Sun as for stormes they compell us to have (14) Luke 12.32 Psalm 119.71 our loynes girt Fourthly where sorrow for sin aboundeth there thankfulnesse for free grace much more (15) Rom. 5.20 aboundeth when the letter killeth then (16) 2 Cor. 3.6 Christ cometh that we may have life and that we may have it (17) John 10.10 more abundantly Fifthly the more grievous godly sorrow is for the present (18) Heb. 12.11 afterward the more it bringeth forth the peaceable fruits of righteousnesse Sixthly If we were without chastisement whereof all are (19) Heb. 12.8 partakers we should then seem to our selves bastards and not Sons Whom thou Lord lovest them thou (20) Heb. 12.6 chastenest O shew me some (21) Psa 86.17 At tu si modò sum caelesti stirpe creatus Ede notam tanti generis meque assere coelo Ovid. Psalm 23.4 Revel 3.19 token for good A seventh particular I will be (22) Pse 31.7 glad and rejoyce in thy mercy for thou hast considered my trouble and hast known my soul in adversities Unto us in the Kingdom of grace Calamities are trials as woll of (23) Pse 20.6 41.11 Gods goodness as of (24) Deut. 8.2 16 Judges 2.22 3.1 our own It is matter worthy our thanksgiving unto God that the shoe waxeth not old upon the (25) Deu 29.5 Pilgrims foot or that his weather-beaten garment abideth new If the Prophets Widow be poor God will (26) 2 Ki. 4.1 7 pay her debts and that Widow in Zarephath shall not want for a (27) Ps 104.15 chearful countenance so long as her Cruse is (28) 1 Kings 17.16 filled with Oyle Elijah will (29) 1 Kings 17.6 want bread to chuse forasmuch as his God (30) Psa 147.9 feedeth the Ravens O my God the bones which thou (31) At Sir Thomas Overburies gate Monday Jan. 29th 1654. hast broken do (32) The Lord do good unto the house of the Overburies for then when I was mortally bruised they tenderly refreshed me 1 Tim. 1.16 rejoyce for during my weaknesse thou didst (33) A week together at Sir Thomas Overburies
house Compare 2 Sam. 13.6 with Psa 41.3 Cant. 1.13.2.6 make my bed Let my Beloved stay me with flagons or comfort me with apples and I 'le most willingly be (34) A weck together at Sir Thomas Overburies house Compare 2 Sam. 13.5 sick of love Let Saul encrease his fury it mattereth not so long as Jonathans heart is knit to David the more (35) 1 Sam. 20.4 Davids troubles encrease the more Jonathans loving (36) crescent illae crescetis amores kindnesses appear Good God In all our afflictions thou [37] Isa 63.9 art afflicted Can Heaven it self yield unto us many larger matters of thankfulnesse then this Blessed are they that [38] Rev. 14.13 rest from their labours I deny it not mean while I add Blessed are they who lead a [39] Mat. 5.4 heavy life viz. They shall still be praysing thy Spirit the [40] Joh. 14.16 Comforter thy Son saying in my Text Let not your heart be troubled and thy Self the [41] 2 Cor. 1.3 father of mercies Who hath none to still him may weep his eyes out but we know [42] 2 Tim 1.12 in whom we have believed The Rabbins [43] Elias Thisbites in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reckon twenty sorts of thorns mentioned in the old Testament were those twenty and twenty more in our sides the blood of the new Testament would [44] 2 Cor. 12.9 draw them forth unto the prayse and glory of the Testator Thorough our thanksgiving for many deliverances the [45] 2 Cor. 4.15 Christus Dominus veluti medicus anima rum summus ad curandum grav's ani ni morbos permittit electos suos morbis corporum graviter affligi Eâ— quod plus est ad curandum majora crimina permittit in cidere in minora etiam mortalia D. Tho. in 2 Cor. 12. lect 3. abundant grace will redound to the glory of God Ye who mourn in Zion seven-fold are your opportunities of glorifying God as God and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way We shall in Heaven [1] Rom. 8 17 2 Tim. 2.12 reign with Christ true but that which is on our part the [2] Acts 20.35 more blessed is this We here in this Kingdom of grace have the honour not only to [3] Rom. 5.17 rule with Christ but also to [4] Rom. 8.17 Acts 5.41 Phil. 3.10 Col. 1.24 suffer with Christ said Thomas [5] John 11.16 Let us also go that we may dye with him Brethren I protest by our rejoycing which we have in Christ Jesus our Lord we may with him [6] 1 Cor. 15.31 Non decent sub spinoso capite membra esse delicata dye daily There is an Elixar in ever godly mans sorrow This Kingdome of grace hath a Chimique power it extracteth Oyl out of Flints Silver out of Lead Gold out of Brass it sweeteneth the bitterest [7] Aâ—deo dicere superhis esse utile cadere in aliquod apertum manisestumque peccatum unde sibi displiceant quijam sibi placeddo ceciderant sâ—abrias eniâ— Petrus sibi displicuit quandâ— sleviâ— quam sibi placuit quandâ— praesumpsit August de civitate Dei l. 14 c. 13. Wormwood consecrateth every cross spiritualizeth every tribulation maketh whatsoever we suffer a suffering with Christ Ignatius his love was crucified and so is [8] Gal. 2.20 6.14 ours Beloved this is a matter worthy our thanksgiving a happinesse peculiar unto this present life that to us it is [9] Phil. 1.29 GIVEN to suffer with Christ a Talent which into the future Kingdom of glory we may in no wise carry with us Once more There is [1] Esay 45.3 a promise of Treasures of darknesse Oh Sirs The dark grief for the [2] Eph. 4.18 darknesse of ignorance the darknesse of [3] Jer. 13.16 sorrow for sin and every other darknesse of [4] Lom 3.6 affliction doth in This kingdome of Heaven bring forth Treasures which Treasures the holy Angels cannot but we sinners [5] Psalm 51.3 17 32.5 2 Cor. 7.10 12 Esay 57.15 66.20 Rom. 10.10 Dan. 9.10 Ezra 10.1 may and do dedicate unto our God Although they have in Heaven no such passions as anger indignation hatred fear sim of these Priviledges We partake In our [6] Eph. 6.12 warfare against sin and Satan these passions these spiritual [7] 2 Cor. 10.4 weapons we use and for them blessed be our God It is matter well worthy our most unfeigned thanksgivings that we have by these our [8] Heb. 5.14 senses (9) 1 Tim. 4.7 exercised unto godliness Worldly and carnally minded persons have such passions but no [10] 1 John 2.15 Rom. 8.9 godlinesse the Saints departed have a godliness but no [11] 1 Cor. 15.52 such passions whereas we of the kingdome of grace participate of both esteeming the exercise of godlinesse a [12] Acts 24.16 1 Tim. 4.7 8 Psalm 119.47 great refreshment a delightful recreation a ravishing delight After death it will be too too late to [13] Isa 25.8 attempt humiliation contrition sorrow self-denial repentance c. Let not your heart be troubled taketh no place within the mansions in my Fathers house we cannot [14] Revel 7.17 21.4 shed teares in Heaven we cannot sacrifice [15] Joel 2.13 Psalm 51.17 a sorrowful spirit in Heaven Friends this matter for our thanksgiving which here we in the Kingdome of grace daily rejoyce in they in the kingdome of glory have not Christians Let us [16] Joel 56.8 42.3 Jeb 16.20 Esay 38.5 Jerem. 9.1 Lam. 2.18 Mal. 2.13 Luke 7.38.44 Acts 20.19.31 2 Tim. 1.4 bottle up teares for Heaven while we may let us weep for our sins committed let us mourn for him whom [17] Zech 12.10 we have pierced while we yet may Teares and blood these are the white and red colours the [18] Gal. 6.14 Rom. 1.16 Matth. 16.24 Domine hic da mihi poenitentiam postea indulgentiam Fulgentius flourishing trophies peculiar not unto the Church triumphant but unto the Church militant oh that with religious sighs and loving teares we could daily glorifie our God as God! Hitherto of the Moon [1] Revel 12.1 under our feet now of the [2] Revel 1.16 Sun over our heads hitherto of the [3] Jer. 32.27 God of all flesh now of the Father of [4] Heb. 12.9 Spirits hitherto of the body which is [5] Matth. 6.24 more then raiment now of what the Lord hath [6] Psalm 66.16 done for our soules for in the kingdome of grace duly considered these are the [7] 2 Cor. 4.18 non inferiora secutus most principal points worthy our thanksgiving in these distinctly we glorifie God as God If from that consolation Let not your heart be troubled we have found so plentiful matter of thanksgivings what may we expect from the reason and ground of that consolation Ye believe in God believe also in me Few there are who [1] Rari
an Oyster opened under our feet If heaven be a house it is a mansion-house a glorious house a holy house the house of my God and that I may speak home My Fathers house God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is (1) Exod. 15.11 glorious in holinesse Fearful in prayses What sort of (2) 1 Chron. 29.1 Palace What kind of Temple must that be which deserveth to be called (3) Esay 66.1 The House of God! And yet our rejoycing lyeth not so much in the fabrique as in the builder not so much in the builder as in the owner of this house The Owner of this House is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ This is My Fathers house First in regard of God the-Father Heaven is God the Fathers home He indeed (1) Jerem. 23.14 filleth all places but heaven is the (2) Luke 16.9 Esay 57 15 place of his habitation the (3) Palm 26.8 palace where his honour dwelleth the (4) 1 Chron. 29.1 palace where he keepeth his Court the (5) Esay 62.9 Court where he exalteth his Throne his power and his glory Next in regard of God the Son As to work out our Redemption he came down from heaven so having finished that work he ascended up on high Oh it was a (1) John 20.17 comfort to the son of man as man to go unto his Father for his Father is (2) John 14 28 greater then he Thirdly in regard of us Believers First We (1) Esay 64.1 fancy great matters might Jesus Christ here converse among us in the flesh Sirs God the father loveth Jesus Christ as his only Son Jesus Christ reciprocally loveth him as his dear Father If we love Jesus Christ more then we love our selves we (2) John 14.28 rejoyce because he is now at home with his own Father Fools may prate that Fathers are good friends but evil company it was never so with the Son of man For the (3) Acts 3.21 7.55 Humane nature of Jesus Christ there is no such company as the visible society of his eternal Father Shew him the father and (4) John 14.8 it sufficeth Secondly My Fathers house is (1) Matth. 6.9 Our Fathers house Doubtlesse thou art our Father was a high-strained faith even then when (2) Esay 63.16 derived from Gods creation at most from Gods protection of us But the person speaking in my Text hath now given us a nearer claime he can (3) John 20.17 send us word I go to my Father and your Father therefore your Father because my Father Thirdly Our Fathers house was never built for Spiders God doth not like some of our Gentry first build a great house and then ever after lay all hospitality aside No He (1) Esay 25.6 feasteth it he (2) Revel 19.9 ever feasteth it like (3) Revel 19.17 Esther 1 an Emperour In the house of my Father as none serve him (4) Revel 1.6 under Priests and Kings so all who serve him fare like (5) Revel 3.20 Princes Upon earth this is the infelicity of Kings that to maintain a requisite State they most what sit at Table alone whereas in heaven although Kings we are yet our meat doth us no good except we eat it (6) Heb. 12.22 23 with company In our Fathers house as our Supper is the (1) Revel 3.20 19.17 Supper of the Lord so our society is the (2) Heb. 12.22 communion of the Saints In heavenly places we shall sit (3) Ephes 2.6 together with Abraham Isaac and Jacob. Abel will there tell us what hard words and blowes he (4) Gen. 4.8 received from Cain We shall there see Job beholding his Redeemer with his (5) Job 19.27 own eyes Charles the (6) Of great Brittain France and Ireland King First the first since that hour wherein Jesus Christ was crucified that ever dyed and so dyed for the good of his people Him we shall finde among if not above the noble Army of Martyrs Yea we shall there converse with every glorified soul with every soul glorified in its own order in its own mansions joying and rejoycing with its own peculiar degree of glory The elect of God which here upon earth were unto us Neighbours Friends Kinred Brethren Sisters Children Parents Wives or Husbands with these we shall renew an acquaintance an acquaintance encreasing unto all eternity Scholars if ever you would save time in your studies if ever you would be exquisite Phisosophers great Historians or perfect (1) Hoc hâ—bet animus argumentum suae divinitatis quod illum divina delectent Seneca Divines make your (2) Bene oravisse est bene studuisse Luther Plus cogitando orando proficiunt quà m legendo audiendo August Epist 112. Origo sontium sluminum maâ—e virtutum scientiarum Christus Bern. in Cant. Serm. 13. calling and election sure get an everlasting fellowship in these mansions in heaven your knowledge shall be made perfect nor shall you sit like mutes but you shall speak of the goodnesse of your God with a fulnesse of delight joy and love How happy would some children acknowledge themselves were the place of their education adjoyning unto the place of their nativity How much of her Dowrye would many a Wife part with upon condition that her husbands estate lay not far from (1) Illa domus laetâ—tiae est ista militiae illa domus laudis ista orationis Idem Serm. 2. in dedic Eccles her Fathers house Beloved in my Fathers house are many mansions but all of them in one and the same House We are there all of us one Society one Family one Colledge one Houshold one Church one Body Forget thy (2) Psalm 45.10 Fathers house and thine own kinred taketh no place in these mansions Duty and Death separate the nearest relations here but in my Fathers house friends never part Dominions Principalities Powers Angels Arch-Angels c. about whom the Schoolmen have been so idly busied them and their (1) Delectat quâ—cquid est adm rabile Cicere Part. Oâ—at distinct orders we shall know and delight in Many a good Angel which unaware to us took of us an especial charge we shall know by name and by sight in these mansions The Holy Ghost who gave us life first natural then spiritual That good that (1) Neminâ—m unquam demisit tristem loving spirit which did doth and will continue our preserver sanctifier and comforter will in Heaven put life into us indeed when he once entertaineth us in my fathers house then we shall live The person speaking in my Text thorough whom the just God is so well pleased with us He who came down from heaven to bring us thither who underwent for us the reproaches of men and the curse of God who for our sakes spake and wrought and suffered wonders Him who passed by the fallen Angels and exalteth our nature above his elect