From this proud conceit they are called Enthusiasts Answ. This of all the rest is the falsest glosse and grossest error directly against the evidence of Scripture and common experience Scripture warranteth means experience sheweth that the learning and knowledge which men have is attained by the use of ordinary means There are two grounds of this error 1. They take that simply which is spoken comparatively as we shall after heare 2. They sever the priviledge from the means which ought not to be done in those things for which God hath sanctified means 6. Others apply this priviledge of knowledge to faith in Christ love of God joy in the Holy Ghost and other like Christian graces to which they say Gods confederates need not be exhorted because they are forward enough thereto of themselves and all of them shall have a sufficient measure thereof This their exposition they ground upon the Chalde Paraphrase which thus expoundeth the words of 〈◊〉 They shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother 〈◊〉 know to â—…ear the Lord for all shall learn to know the fear of me He putteth knowledge of the fear of God for knowledge it self Answ. 1. A Paraphrase is not a sufficient rule to expound the word of God 1. That exposition no whit resolveth the doubt for it is as much if not more to love and fear God to believe and joy in him then to know him all these and other like graces presuppose knowledge They cannot be without knowledge yet knowledge may be wiâ—…hout them If therefore this prophesie be true of such graâ—… much more may it be true of knowledge 7. To apply this priviledge to the knowledge here expressed and to extend it to all of Gods covenant yet not to puâ—…fe up any with vain conceipts this which is here promised is to be taken comparatively and respectively 1. Comparatively in reference to those who lived under the old covenant when the mysteries of godlinesse were so obscurely and darkly in rites types and prophecies as very few conceived those mysteries They that did conceive any thing conceived but some few generall notions thereof They needed to be taught what was the mystery of the Tabernacle of the Altar of the Sacrifices of the â—…ncense of the manifold washings and of other like externall rites 2. Respectively and that in two especiall respects 1. In respect of the revelation of the mysteries of God 2. In respect of opening our understandings to conceive them 1. In respect of the revelation of the mysteries of the Gospell The whole counsell of God is so fully and distinctly so plainly and perspicuously made known that any person under the new covenant of any mean capacity that diligently attends upon the ministry of the Gospell may understand the same so as now there is not such need as under the law to stir up men to know God or to instruct them in the meaning of this or that article of faith which is revealed by the Gospell because it is so clearly revealed 2. In respect to the manner of opening mens understandings it is much more powerfull and effectuall then under the old covenant We have not only the ministry of man but also the anoynting of the Spirit 1 Joh. 2. 20 27. There is a kind of oyntment called eye-salve wherewith the sight will be quickned though it were dim and dark before To this doth the Apostle allude yea and Christ himself Rev. 3. 18. By this annoynting we come more clearly to see all the mysteries of the word then possibly they could be seen before Object The Saints under the old covenant had this annoynting whereupon David thus prayeth open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things 〈◊〉 of thy law Psal. 119. 18. And the law is said to â—…nlighten mâ—…ns eyes Psal. 119. 8. Answ. That annoynting was nothing so powerfull as the annoynting undâ—…r the Gospell nor the enlightning § 72. Of knowledge a priviledge of the new Covenant ONe generall point intended in this third promise of the new covenant is this knowledge of the Lord is one of the prerogatives of the new covenant This promise is intended to them my people shall know my name they shall know in that day c. Isay 52. 6. and Hos. 6. 3. These and other like prophecieâ—… are thus manifested to be accomplished The new man is renewed in knowledge Col. 3. 10. 〈◊〉 have an unction from the holy one and ye know all things and ye need 〈◊〉 that any man teach you 1 Joh. 2. 20 27. This must needs be a priviledge of the new covenant because it is the ground work of all graces If the understanding be not well enlightned the will cannot follow that that is good nor the affections be duly ordered If thine eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light but if thine eye be evill thy whole body shall be full of darknesse Matth. 6. 22 23. 1. By this priviledge sundry erroneous positions are discovered as 1. Ignorance is the mother of devotion See Chap. 3. v. 10. § 112. 2. An implicite â—…aith is sufficient that is as Papists expound it an assent to what the Church holdeth though he that pretendeth to assent know not what the Church holdeth This is the ground of much error and the bane of all sound confidence 3. The Scripture is not to be translated into the vulgar tongue This is an error so grosse as Papists dare not stand to it but have themselves translated it 4. The word is to be publickly read in Latine The Apostle doth mainly oppose against this error 1 Cor. 14. 2. c. 5. It is unlawfull for lay people to read the Scripture Thus they shew themselves like those who shut up the Kingdome of heaven against men c. Matth. 23. 13. yea they are like dogs in the manger which neither â—…ateth provinder nor suffereth the horse to eat it wretched guides are they and their followers a miserable people The guides are Satans 〈◊〉 their followers are Satans prey There is no one thing whereby Satan getteth greater advantage against people then by the foresaid positions of ignorance 2. The foresaid priviledge of the new covenant should quicken us up who are reâ—… to the time of this covenant to seek after knowledge As an help hereunto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Whole Armour of God Treat 2. Part. 8. on Eph. 6. 17. of Gods Word § 7. §. 73. Of that knowledge which every one under the new covenant hath THe priviledge of knowledge under the new covenant is extended to all that appertain thereunto All shall know me saith the Lord from the least to the greatest 〈◊〉 children shall be taught of the Lord Isa. 54. 13. Christ gives witnesse to the acâ—… hereof Ioh. 6. 45. God takes an especiall care of every one of his confederates and will not suffer 〈◊〉 to remain without instruction Hereby may we give proof whether we be admitted into this
under his feet this indefinite phrase is used under him which is in effect as much as the former For they who are absolutely put under one are put under his feet A mans feet are part of himself The former is the more emphaticall but it was sufficient once to expresse that emphasis It cannot be denied but that this generall All hath in sundry places restraints or limitations 1. It restrains to all kindes and sorts of things as in this phrase All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation 2 Pet. 3. 4. Many millions of particulars have perished as of men beasts fowls fishes plants minerals c. but yet the kindes of them remain 2. It is used Synecdochically as where the woman of Samaria saith He told me all things that ever I did Joh. 4. 29. she means many secret things Where the word is taken in these or in any other respects improperly it may be discerned either by some circumstance of the text as where God saith He will destroy all fâ—…esh Gen. 6. 17. and that all flesh died Gen. 7. 21. the context sheweth that such as were in the Ark must be excepted Or by some other Scripture as this generall The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sinne 1 Joh. 1. 7. hath an exception of totall apostacy Heb 6. 6. of the sin against the holy Ghost Mat. 12. 32. and of finall impenitency Luke 13. 3. But where there is nothing in the text nor in any other part of Scripture nor in common reason and understanding to limit this generall it is to be taken in the largest extent as Iohn 1. 3. Mat. 11. 27. and in this place Obj. The Psalmist seems to restrain this generall to things living on the earth and in the waters for he doth give instance in these particulars All sheep and oxen yea and the beasts of the field the fowl of the air and the fish of the sea Psal. 8. 7 8. Answ. He doth not restrain it to those creatures but only exemplifieth it in them Now for an exemplification it is sufficient to reckon up some particular instances though all be not mentioned Where the Apostle reckoneth up seventeen fruits of the flesh he addeth this clause and such like to shew that there were many other besides those seventeen Gal. 5. 19 20 21. Particular instances of some generals are so many as we may say of them what the Evangelist did of Christs works There are also many other the which if they should be written every one I suppose that even the world it self could not contain thâ—… books that should be written Joh. 21. 25. 2. The Psalmist alluding to Gen. 1. 26. 9. 2. resteth in those particulars which are there mentioned 3. As Moses so the Psalmist thought it sufficient to exemplifie the dominion of man over such sensible creatures as were visible and might be seen and experimentally known to be put under man 4. The Psalmist doth implicitely intend Christ but the Apostle plainly directly and explicitely speaketh of him and his main scope was to advance Christ above all invisible creatures even Angels themselves Therefore it concerned him to shew the uttermost extent of those all things which he doth in this phrase He left nothing that is not put under him that is he includeth and compriseth every creature invisible or visible above or below celestiall or supercelestiall terrestiall or subterrestiall not Angels not devils excepted §. 67. Of all things put under Christ. THis phrase not put under is the interpretation of one Greek word whichâ—… finde in three otheâ—… places of the New Testament and translated disobedient 1 Tim. 1. 9. unruly Titus 1. 6 10. The Greek word as here taken is most propeely used of Oxen Horses and other beasts which will not be brought under the yoak In other Authors the word is used to set out such as are of themselves subject to none or under the command of none In this sense it may fitly be here taken for in reference to Christ there is not any creature so of it self as it is not under his Power Government and Command If it be taken in the former sense it implieth thus much There is none be he never so refractory and stubborn but is under the command of Christ Mat. 8. 8 9. And if otherwise they will not they shall be forced to obey as Mark 1. 27. See more hereof § 62. Because the point most questioned was about the persons or things put under Christ therefore the Apostle yet further insisteth on that generall ALL and sheweth that it must be taken without limitation or exception of any For thiâ—… cause by way of explanation he addeth this clause He left nothing that is not pâ—… under him that is No creature is exempted from subjection under Christ. §. 68. Of subjection of all things denied to any man AGainst the extent of the foresaid subjection of all things the Apostle produceth an Objection in these words But now we see not yet all things put under him There are seven words in that Objection which carry an especiall emphasis 1. BUT This is an adversative conjunction which oft implieth an Objection as Rom. 3. 5. BUT if our unrighteousnesse c. So here it intendeth an Objection and such an one as in the matter of it cannot be denied to be true 2. NOW This conjunction is ordinarily used to set out the time present Yet it is sometimes used as a meer supplement or complement as Now then Go to now What now So 1 Cor. 12. 1 2. Thus in Hebrew Psal. 2. 10. 39. 7. The Grecians use to put a note of difference on this particle when it signifieth the time present they use to put an accent over it as Ioh. 4. 23. but when they use it for a supplement they set it down without any accent Here it is accented with a Circumflex and it setteth out the time present namely the time of this our pilgrimage while here we live on earth even these daies of our flesh as the Apostle stiles this time Heb. 5. 7. 3. NOT YET These two words are but one in Greek and it useth to have reference to some remarkable matter or time as to Christs suffering Iohn 7. 6 8 30. to Professors Martyrdom Heb. 12. 4. to the full consummation of all things 1 Iohn 3. 2. To that time namely to the continuance of the world unto the last day it hath reference in this place 4. WE SEE This is here to be taken of seeing with the eyes of the body as where an Angell saith of Christ There shall ye see him Matth. 28. 7. In the passive it implieth a clear manifestation as Heb. 9. 28. § 142. Of different kindes of seeing See § 72. It here intendeth a visible experience or proof of a thing and it implieth that men are hard to beleeve things which they see not because they
that puts one under another This relative He hath reference to God See § 57. IV. Creatures are under Christ. They are put in subjection under him See § 67. V. Creatures are as low as can be under Christ. This phrase under Him is as much as under His feet See § 62. VI. No creature at all is exempted from subjection under Christ. He left nothing that is not put under him See § 67. VII Objections against a Point may be produced This particle But intendeth as much See § 68. VIII Experience of all ages is a good proof This phrase We see not intends as much Withall it implies another Point viz. IX Men hardly beleeve that which they see not X. In this world no man ever had an absolute Monarchy These particles Now Yet set out the time of this world This phrase Not all things under him denies an absolute Monarchy See § 69. XI The fullnesse of Saints glory is not here discerned See § 68. §. 72. Of seeing Iesus Verse 9. But we see Iesus who was made a little lower then the Angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour that he by the grace of God should tast death for every man THe answer to the former Objection is â—…ere so plainly and fully set down as thereby it evidently appears what man was meant in the forequoted testimony namely Iesus who is expresly named and proved to be the only man that was there intended This answer is brought in by way of assumption as this assuming note BUT declareth See § 50. Or to explain the passage more clearly it may be brought in with discretive notes thus Though we see no other man yet we may discern Iesus so and so exalted The word here translated we see is sometimes put for bodily sight sometimes for spirituall If the sight here in this verse mentioned be taken for bodily sight it must be applied to the witnesses of Christs resurrection whereof mention is made 1 Cor. 15. 5 6 7. and of his ascention Acts 1. 9 10. and to the visible evidences which he gave of his supream power in heaven Acts 2. 33. 4. 10. 9 5 c. But all these visible evidences were accomplished before the time of the Apostles writing this Epistle And the Apostle here speaking in the present tense of a present and continued fight must needs be understood to speak of a spirituall sight Though our English use one and the same word namely See in the objection and in the answer yet in the Greek there are two words differing in sense and syllables The former is taken of the sight of the body See § 68. This latter of the sight of the minde Heb. 3. 19. Rev. 3. 18. Both the Greek words are oft used in the one and the other sense The former word sets out the sight of the minde Heb 11. 27. Iam. 2. 24. And this latter sets out the sight of the body Matth. 11. 4. 12. 22. But here it must be taken for the sight of the minde For Jesus is crowned with glory in heaven where men on earth see him not That we may the better discern how men are said to see Christ now in glory it will not be unseasonable to set out the different kindes of sight expressed in Scripture There is a sight of the body and of the minde Both these are exercised on earth and in Heaven On earth ordinarily and extraordinarily To exemplifie these 1. All among whom Christ conversed in the dayes of his flesh on earth saw him with their bodily eyes after an ordinary manner Matth. 8. 34. 2. Stephen and Paul saw him with their bodily eyes after an extraordinary manner Acts 7. 56. 1 Cor. 15. 8. We do not read of any other that so saw Christ after his ascension 3. All of all sorts shall see Christ with their bodily eyes at the day of judgment Matth. 24. 30. 26. 64. 4. Glorified Saints shall see him with a beatificall vision in heaven Rev. 22. 4. The sight of the minde consisteth in two things 1. In understanding things to be as they are though they be invisible to the bodily eye Ioh. 9. 39. 2. In beleeving what they conceive to be true Heb. 11. 27. Thus as the body so the soul hath two eyes which are Knowledge and Faith The former is here especially intended yet the latter is not to be excluded for true Christians beleeve what they know of Christ. As in Greek to express the two forementioned kindes of sight there are two distinct words so also there are the like in sundry Latin translations and might also in our english be distinguished by translating the former thus We see not the latter thus We perceive This latter word is so translated 2 Cor. 7. 8. This metaphor of seeing is used in spirituall matters because we are as much assured of them as if we beheld them with our bodily eyes We beleeve and are sure saith Peter Joh. 6. 69. Beleevers are as sure that Christ is now in heaven at Gods right hand crowned with glory and honour as Thomas was that Christ was risen from the dead when he saw Jesus before him and put his hand into Christs side Ioh. 20. 27 28. Nothing can be more sure then that which Gods word affirmeth Beleevers who lived before Christ was exhibited were in their souls certain and sure of every thing that God had foretold concerning the Messiah In this respect Christ saith Abraham rejoyced to see my day and he saw it and was glad Joh. 8. 56. How much more may beleevers be sure of those things which in Gods word are revealed of the glory of Christ. Of such saith Christ Blessed are they that have not seen and yet haâ—… beleeved Joh. 20. 29. As for this particular of Christs being crowned with glory it is testified by four Evangelists and by all the Apostles whose writings are come to our hands and and by the gifts that Christ conferred on sonnes of men whether extraordinary Acts 2. 33. and 3. 16. or ordinary Ephes. 4. 8 c. Well therefore might the Apostle say of himself and other beleevers we see Iesus They did as well know that Christ in heaven was crowned with glory as they who on earth saw it knew that he was crowned with thorns What may be thought of them that live under the light of the Gospel whereby the great mysteries of Jesus Christ are fully and clearly revealed and yet if they be demanded whether ever they saw Jesus crowned with glory and sitting at Gods right hand and making intercession for us will be ready to answer after such a manner as the Ephesians did Acts 19. 1 2. We have not so much as heard of any such thing What may be thought of such but that the God of this world hath blinded the mindes of them which beleeve not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ
any excludeth not any of what sex age degree condition or distinction soever they be if at least they may in charity come under the title of a brother For this as other Christian duties is to be performed without partiality 1 Tim. 5. 21. Iam. 3. 17. Herein we shall shew our selves like unto God 2 Chron. 19. 7. See Chap. 6. v. 11. § 78. §. 125. Of perpetuall circumspection THe aforesaid duty of circumspection over our selves with the extent thereof over others is amplified by continuance therein in this phrase Lest a any time This is the interpretation of one Greek word whereof see Chap. 2 v. 1. § 6. The first particle lest is a note of prevention and hath reference to the first word take heed The other particle translated at any time is a note of constâ—…cy or perpetuity It here implieth an holy jealousie in the Apostle as 2 Cor. 11. 2 3. lest hereafter sometime or other they might fall away though they now stood and 〈◊〉 intendeth a perpetuall watchfulnesse This is more fully exprest in these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 good to be zealously affected alwaies in a good thing Gal. 4. 18. Hereupon he is pronounced happy that feareth alway Pro. 28. 14. Man by his naturall disposition is very prone to decay in grace if care be 〈◊〉 taken to nourish grace and to make it increase more and more as water thougâ—… seething hot is prone to wax cold if fire be not kept under it Besides the 〈◊〉 is restlesse 1 Pet. 5. 8. Mat. 12. 43 c. The Apostle that well knew this thus such to those over whom he had a charge I will not be negligent to put you alwaâ—… 〈◊〉 remembrance 2 Pet. 1. 12. It well becomes us therefore to persevere in all our good beginnings Hereâ—… see more § 68. §. 126. Of looking to the heart THe object whereabout men ought to take most heed is here set down to be the heart and that in generall that it be not evil and in speciall that 〈◊〉 belief seize not upon it Of the heart and of the divers acceptions thereof See § 79. The heart is here taken in the largest extent for the whole soul of man â—…sisting of two especiall faculties Understanding and Will For as Faith exercisâ—… it self in both these so unbelief depraveth both Such virtues and vices as are â—…rectly contrary one to the other have the same object The Apostle in mentioning the heart striketh at the very root and gives us 〈◊〉 understand that The heart is especially to be looked unto Keep thy heart with 〈◊〉 diligence Prov. 4. 23. or word for word above all keeping Above thy Coyâ—… Jewels For a mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possessâ—… Luke 12. 15. But out of the heart are the issues of life Pro. 4. 23. Yea keep thine 〈◊〉 above thine eyes ears tongue hands feet or any parts of thy body 1. The heart is as a Queen and hath an absolute command over all the parts of the body As Iosiah the King caused all his subjects to stand to the Covenant 〈◊〉 he had made with God 2 Chron. 34. 32. so will the heart cause the whole 〈◊〉 Barnabas therefore exhorteth such as were turned to the Lord that with pâ—… of heart they would cleave unto the Lord Act. 11. 23. God himself wished that 〈◊〉 were in his people an heart to fear him and to keep all his Commandments alwâ—… Deut. 5. 29. 2. The heart is a spring whence all manner of affections and actions do 〈◊〉 and they are so qualified as the heart is A good man out of the good treasure of 〈◊〉 heart bringeth forth that which is good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of 〈◊〉 heart bringeth forth that which is evil Luke 6. 45. Philosophers say that the 〈◊〉 of the body is the fountain of naturall life The heart first lives in him and 〈◊〉 dies in him So the heart of the soul is the fountain of spirituall life It is 〈◊〉 leaven Matth. 13. 33. It is first seasoned it self with grace then it seasoneth 〈◊〉 whole man If grace be clean out of the heart there is no hope of recoâ—…ing it 3. The heart is as Gods Throne whereon he alone will sit It is his secret 〈◊〉 whereinto he alone will come It is thereupon noted that to search the heart 〈◊〉 one of Gods incommunicable properties Ier. 17. 9. Act. â—… 24. This therefore 〈◊〉 Lord most desireth Prov. 23. 26. Deut. 5. 9. 4. The integrity of the heart is so acceptable to God as a man of an upright heart is said to be a man after his own heart 1 Sam. 13. 14. Acts 13. 22. This therefore Hezekiah is bold thus to plead before God I beseech thee O Lord remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart 2 Kings 20. 3. Though there may be many failings in that which men do yet if they prepare their heart to seek the Lord the Lord will passe by those failings Gen. 20. 6. 2 Chr. 30. 19 20. But on the contrary though never so great and glorious things be done and not with an upright and pure heart they are an abomination to the Lord Isa. 66. 3. Mat. 15. 8. On these and other like grounds there is great and just cause to take heed of the heart and to keep it with all diligence A Queen useth to have a strong Guard to watch for her safety Springs also use to be charily kept What care can be sufficient to keep that wherein God doth most delight God hath placed the heart in the midst of a man and compassed it about with ribs for the greater safety If a mans heart be ready to faint the bloud in the body will quickly come about it to refresh it Thus Nature it self teacheth us to have an especiall care of the heart as it is spiritually taken §. 127. Of an evil heart THe greater heed must be taken to the heart because otherwise it may soon prove to be an evil heart which the Apostle implieth by adding this Epithete Evil to the heart here in this place The Greek word signifieth a troublesome evil or evil that troubleth a man It is derived from a Noun that signifieth labour or trouble In this sense as here the heart is called evil so the conscience Heb. 10. 22. For an evil conscience is troublesome So some men are in this respect called evil men 2 Thes. 3. 2. yea Satan who is most troublesome is stiled the evil one Matth. 13. 19. 1 Joh. 5. 18. and troublesom times are said to be evil dayes This Greek word is translated grievous Rev. 16. 2. This caveat against an evil heart the Apostle giveth to those whom he called Brethren and partakers of the heavenly calling v. 1. whereby he sheweth that he had a holy jealousle over them and this in two respects
therefore a Rest to the people of God THis verse sets down the conclusion of the Apostles Discourse concerning the rest of the Sabbath and of the Land of Canaan both which he had proved by sundry arguments not to be the rest intended by David Thereupon he inferreth this conclusion There remaineth a rest that is there is another kind of rest for Gods people to rest in This concluding particle Therefore doth demonstrate this to be a conclusion So it is used Rem 8. 1. Gal. 3. 7. This Conjunction is sometimes used by way of interrogation as Shall he finde faith Luk. 18. 8. So Act. 8. 30. Sometimes for confirmation of a point and tranâ—… no doubt and truly As No doubt the Kingdom of God is among you and 〈◊〉 ye 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 11. 20 48. Sometimes by way of addubitation or supposition and translated Perhaps Act. 8. 22. Haply Act. 17. 27. But most frequently it is used by way of inference and translated then as then are ye bastards Heb. 12. 8. This is in a manner all one as here in my Text Therefore An expresse setting down of a conclusion is an especiall means of making ones minde and meaning clear It shews what is the main intendment and what is especially to be observed It is like a white in the Buâ—…t or a mark to such as shoot at rovers to direct the 〈◊〉 in drawing his bow and shooting out his arrow Or rather like to the lanâ—… in the Admirall Ship which directeth all the Ships in the Navy Thus the demonstration of the main conclusion gives great light to the whole Discourse §. 54. Of the Rest to be laboured after THat which is here inferred is that there is a Rest. The Greek word here translated Rest is no where else used throughout the New Testament not in any other Greek Author except in some of the Greek Fathers who have taken it from this place The notation of it is taken from an Hebrew word which signifieth Rest and soundeth Sabbath See § 31. Hereupon the last Translators have thus turned it in the Margin Keeping a Sabbath So as the rest here intended is not simply a lying sitting or standing still without doing any thing at all but a ceasing from such things as are done here in this world These are called our own works in the next verse Of the heavenly Rest here intended See § 6 8 9. This word doth fitly set forth the Rest that is to come For as God who rested on the Sabbath from creating new creatures yet did other works of providence and as Gods people here on earth who cease from the works of their calling on Sabbath daies yet do sundry works of piety and mercy which are proper to the Sabbath So in heaven the glorified Saints who rest from the works of this world do many celestiall works which are proper to that place and time These works are excellent and glorious in their kinde The Saints there have sufficient ability to perform them according to the minde of their Lord and withall there is in them a ready willingnesse and forwardnesse to put out their ability and that to the utmost in those works §. 55. Of Rest in Heaven from Troubles on earth THat which under the word here translated Rest the Apostle doth in speciall give us to understand is that there shall be a freedom from every thing that is toylsom and grievous in this world The wise man in Ecclesiastes declareth how full of outward molestations and inward vexations this world is and that as long as men abide therein Besides the many expressions that he hath of the vanity of the things of this world sometimes in way of aggravation doubling the word and adding this note of generality ALL unto it thus Vanity of vanity vanity of vanities all is vanity Eccl. 1. 2. 12. 8. and besides the labours travels and troubles that he there mentioneth ten severall times he useth this clause Vexation of spirit But in the Rest here mentioned they rest from their labours Rev. 14. 13. and all tears shall be wiped away from their eyes Rev. 21. 4. under labours all molestations of body are comprised and under tears all vexations of spirit Labours and troubles are not the things whereunto God hath ordained man as unto his ultimate end Man by sinne hath pulled them upon himself Sin was the cause of this doom upon the woman I will greatly multiply thy sorrow c. and of this upon the man In sorrow shalt thou eat c. Gen. 3. 16 17. From sin proceeded all manner of evils even evils of punishment Obj. The Lord himself saith I create evil Isa. 45. 7. Hereupon a Prophet maketh this inference Shall there be evil in a City and the Lord hath not done 〈◊〉 Amos 3. 6. Ans. By evil in those and other like places the just punishment of sin is intended That God is said to create and do in these respects 1. God ordained that sin should be punished 2. God by his providence ordereth the punishments which are inflicted on sin and that for the kinde measure and continuance thereof 3. The Ministers and means whereby sinners are punished are appointed and sent by God On these grounds we may conclude that Gods people shall for the present be sufficiently supported in their afflictions and at length be fully freed from all 1 Cor. 10. 13. Upon expectation of the soresaid freedom and rest it is just and equall both diligently to work the work of our Lord and Master all the working time of this our Pilgrimage and also patiently to endure whatsoever the Lord shall be pleased 〈◊〉 upon us Christ hath made himself a worthy pattern herein I must saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the works of him that sent me while it is day Joh. 9. 4. And Though He 〈◊〉 a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered Heb. 5. 8. There being a freedom and rest to come Christ had an eye thereto Heb. 12. 2. So had 〈◊〉 Heb. 11. 26. When we are pinched or grieved with any work travell trouble or affliction 〈◊〉 us call to minde and meditate on this freedom and rest Marrineâ—…s passe over 〈◊〉 boisterous and dangerous seas in hope of attaining to a quiet haven Labourers toyl all the day in hope of rest at night So others in other cases Expeâ—… of freedom rest and recompence upholds their spirits yet they may â—…ail of their expectation But they for whom this rest is prepared shall not 〈◊〉 thereof What then should we not do what should we not endure in hope of this rest The 〈◊〉 because hope thereof is certain and sure If the joy honour and glory which will accompany this rest were duly 〈◊〉 it would much more stirre us up to this duty §. 56. Of Rest to come OF the soresaid Rest it is here said that it remaineth The same word is here used that was used before v. 6.
they must pray without ceasing 1 Thess. 5. 17. They must also frequent the publike Ministry of the word and the Lords Table Nature and reason teach men daily to eat drink and sleep because once doing of these things cannot be sufficient Let Gods word and true religion teach us to be as wise for our soules §. 113. Of cleansing ones self first THey who did that which Christs needed not are thus expressed as those high Priests The particle as being inferred on a negative implyeth a dissimilitude The dissimilitude is betwixt Christ and the legall high-Priests For this relative pronoune those hath reference to the Priests of whom he had before spoken v. 11 20 23. An especiall work of those Priests was to offer up sacrifice Of Priests and of their offering sacrifice see Chap. 5. v. 1. § 6 7. A double end of the legall Priests sacrifices is here set down One was for his own sins The other for the sins of the people That sacrifices were for sins is proved Chap. 5. v. 1. § 8. That Priests offered sacrifices for their own sins is also proved Chap. 5. v. 3. § 14. This adverb of order first is remarkable for it implyeth that they who use meanes of cleansing others must first seek to cleanse themselves First oâ—…st out the team out of thine own eye Matth. 7. 5. Physitian heal thy self Luk. 4. 23. The Apostle kept under his own body and brought it into subjection lest that by any meanes when hee had preached to others he himself should be a cast away 1 Cor. 9. 27. By this course of a mans first cleansing himself the meanes which he useth for others will be the more powerfull and effectuall and that in three respects 1. Gods blessing doth usually most accompany such a course 2. The mind and disposition of those whose cleansing is endevoured will more readily be made subject to the means used in such a manner of proceeding 3. The conscience of those who use the meanes will be more chearfull in performing that duty A self condemning conscience is a great hinderance to such duties This is a good direction to Ministers who pray for and preach to others to pray for and preach to themselves Though in regard of their calling they teach yet in regard of their persons they must learn what they teach others and apply all to themselves The like may be said of Parents Masters and other Governors All that by vertue of their generall or particular calling seek to instruct and inform others must consider what in this case is said Thou which teacheâ—…t another teacheâ—…t thou not thy self Rom. 2. 21. Of the word here twice used and translated according to the composition of it offered up See Chap. 5. v. 1. § 6. §. 114. Of cleansing others also THe other end of a Priests offering sacrifiâ—…e was for the peoples sins Hereof see Chap. 5. v. 3. § 14. This correlative adverb then is also observable It gives us to understand that it is not sufficient for them who have charge over others to cleanse themselves unlesse also they seek to cleanse others Though they must first cleanse thâ—…selves yet withall they must seek to cleanse others So did Iacob Gen. 35. 2. â—…shua 24. 15. Hezekiah 2 Chro. 29. 2 c. Iosiah 2 Chro. 34. 31 32. Eâ—… 10. 5. This charge did David give to the chief of the Levites Sanctifie your 〈◊〉 yee and your brethren 1 Chro. 15. 12. and Christ to Peter When thou art coâ—… strengthen thy brethren Luk. 22. 32. Thus men ought to do in regard of God those others and themselves 1. It is an evidence of an holy zeal of Gods glory to bring others with our 〈◊〉 to God 2. It is a fruit of brotherly love to promote the spirituall good of others as 〈◊〉 own 3. We shall by this meanes give up our account to God with joy and not 〈◊〉 grief Let all those who are conscionable in observing the former duty of cleâ—… themselves know that if their care and endevour be only for themselves they 〈◊〉 very short of performing what they should and may loose the glory and conâ—… thereof §. 115. Of Christs offering up himself once THe latter part of this verse containeth a reason why Christ needed not to 〈◊〉 his sacrifice daily For this did he once The causal particle For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that this clause is added as a reason The relative pronoun This hath reference to that which goeth before Thâ—… reference may either be generall to the act of offering which he did once or else pâ—…ticular to the first clause of this verse and then these words of order first for 〈◊〉 own sins and then for the peoples be included in a parenthesis Or it may have reference to this clause immediately before for the peoples If it should have reference to the order of Priests offering sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the peoplâ—… it would contradict the description of Christs purity v. 26. The adverb once is here used exclusively It excludeth all iterations as if he had said once for all once and but once never again There is a little difference in the Greek betwixt this word and that which is translated once Chap. 6. v. 4. § 32. And that by prefixing a preposition before this adverb here But both words are used in the same sense and applyed to the same thing as Heb. 9. 28. and 10. 10. In this very sense is Christs sacrifice or offering said to be one namely exclusively onely one but one and no more Heb. 10. 12 14. That this adverb once is thus to be taken exclusively is evident in that where the Apostle said Christ dyed once it is also said Christ being raised from the deâ—… dieth no more Rom. 6. 9 10. So as to die once is to die but once and no more In the very same sense it is said It is appointed unto men once to die Heb. 9. 27. Now we know by experience that men use to die but once and no more It was a full and absolute perfection of Christs sacrifice and of his offering up thereof that caused that sacrifice to be but one and that offering to be but 〈◊〉 A wonder it is that Papists should be so blinded as they are in this case for hereby it is evident that the sacrifice of the Mass which they dayly offer up is both â—…roneous and blasphemous Erroneous in that it expresly contradicteth the Scripture blasphemous in that it maketh Christs sacrifice offered by himself to be imperfâ—… I would demand of them whether the sacrifice of the Masse be the very same thâ—… Christ offered upon the Crosse or no. If they should say no then they make that imperfect by adding another unto it Thus the sacrifice of the New Testâ—… would not be one and in that respect not perfect If they say yea that it is â—…ry same then Christs offering up
but there shall be a purging with fire at this day to refine all things 2. Churches have continued and will continue to that day 3. It is an heavenly Canaan that Christians expect 4. They looked for Christ the Kng of Kings to sit on his throne 5. They account the grave to be a sweet bed to rest in 6. They expect a generall resurrection as a returne from Captivity 7. The first comming was in the flesh in great meannesse and weaknesse as a servant to serve to suffer but now as a lord to reigne rule and govern all things As great a difference as is betwixt infirmity and omnipotency betwixt meannesse and majesty betwixt a servant and a soveraigne betwixt suffering and judging betwixt fighting and triumphing betwixt paying a price and taking possession betwixt momentaninesse and everlastingnesse So great a difference there is betwixt their hope and ours Obj. â—…ey also expected this glorious day of Christ Iude v. 14. Iâ—… 19. 25. Answ. Not so immediatly as we many changes and alterations were expected before this day as was shewed before This teacheth us to have answerable minds 2 Pet. 3. 11. And answerably to carry our selves This is that worthy walking which is much pressed in the new Testament Col. 1. 10. 1 Thes. 2. 12. Phil. 1. 27. Eph. 4. 1. §. 84. Of the clear evidences of Christs comming SO evident is the aforesaid point of the day of the Lords approaching near aâ—… the Apostle saith yee see it Of the meaning of the Greek word translated see see Chap. 2. v. 8. § 68 And v. 9. § 72. Sight here may be taken properly and applyed to the eyes of the body or metaâ—…ically applyed to the eyes of the soul. In the former respect they might see the accomplishment of the types prophesies and promises concerning Christs-first comming in the flesh Of his living on earth of his sufferings death burial resurrection and ascension they might see also the evidences of his being in heaven by the gifts which he gave to Children to men Eph. 4. 8 9 c. In the latter respect they might understand and believe those things which were written of Christ and upon conceiving and believing the truth of them be said to see his day approaching This giveth instance that God hath so cleerly made known the consummation of all things as Christians may see them They may be as sure of the truth of them as if they saw them all with their bodily eyes Oft therefore is this note of observation Behold prefixed before this comming of the Lord Iud. 14. Rev. 1. 7. and 16. 15. And they have as just cause to believe this article of our Christian faith as any other article What now may we think of those mockers which are mentioned 2 Pet. 3. 3. saying where is the promise of his comming what can be thought of these but that wilfully they close their eyes against that truth which is as clear as the Sun §. 85. Of that care which the approaching of the last day requireth THis argument taken from the clear approaching of the last day is much enforced by this comparative inducing of it so much the more as The argument is taken from the lesse to the greater If at all times we must be circumspect over our selves and others then especially when we see the day approaching But now under the Gospell we see the day approaching therefore now especially we must be circumspect Yea by how much the more we see this by so much the more circumspect we must be This manner of arguing addeth much emphasis and sheweth that the more clearly God hath made this known to us the more carefull and conscionable we must be in fiâ—…ting our selves to appear before Christ in that his day Well mark the places before quoted about the manifestation of Christs comming and you may find this inference either plainly expressed or by just consequence inferred It is one special end of Gods manifesting this mystery unto us that we should perform the foresaid duty 1. It is naturall unto all things to make the greater speed to their center the nearer they come to it Hot watry things ascend the faster the higher they goe Heavy things fall down faster the nearer they come to the earth Herein lyeth the difference betwixt naturall and violent motions the former encrease their speed the latter decrease by continuance 2. On this day every one is to receive his final doome In and after it there is no time to do what hath been omitted or of redressing that which hath been done amisse For our help in fitting our selves against this day let these rules be observered 1. Oft meditate on this day and on the near approach thereof even when thou lyest down and when thou risest up when thou tarriest at home or goest abroad when thou art at thy calling or doing workes of justice and mercy in all places at all seasons This is an especiall meanes to keep men in awe An ancient Father professeth that he had this continually sounding in his eares arise ye dead and come to judgement 2. Take notice of such particular duties as the Holy Ghost on this ground enforceth For this purpose consider these Texts Luk. 21. 28. Rom. 8. 19. 1 Cor. 1. 7. Heb. 11. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. Patiently bear afflictions for the day draweth nigh Iam. 5. 8. Heb. 10. 37. 4. Watch Matth. 13. 35. Luk. 12. 36. 5. Be sober 1 Pet. 4. 7. Sobrlety is a kind of moderation in all things excesse is contrary thereunto Luk. 21. 34. 6. Try thy faith Luk. 18. 8. 2 Cor. 13. 5. Of all graces this will then stand thee in most stead 7. Be the more carefull to avoyd all sin 1 Cor. 16. 11. Then shall that judgement be pronounced which will admit of no repentance 8. Be more carefull of all duty 2 Pet. 3. 11. A servant will double his diligence when he knoweth his Master is at hand Matth. 24. 46. §. 86. Of the resolution and observations of Heb. 10. 24 25. Ves. 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good workes Vers. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching IN these two verses there is a direction in reference to others to keep them from falling away Vers. 24. Hereof are two parts 1. The duty to be performed v. 24. 2. The meanes of effecting the same v. 25. In setting down the former we may observe 1. The connexion of it with the former in this copulative and. 2. The direction it self Wherein we may again observe 1. The manner of propounding it Let us 2. The matter whereof it consisteth This is set out 1. By the main duty 2. By the end thereof In the duty we have 1. An act enioyned consider 2. The object thereof one another The end is described 1. By another
The first particle in our English NOW is the note of an assumption in a syllogism It is the interpretation of the Greek conjunction commonly translated BUT which is used to the same purpose The Syllogism may be thus framed The just live by that which is the substance of things hoped for c. But Faith is the substance of things hoped for Therefore the just live by faith §. 3. Of Faith being the substance of things present OF the Greek word translated substance see Chap. 1. v. 3. § 〈◊〉 and Chap. 3. v. 14. § 152. In general it signifieth that which hath a subsistence or being that which is indeed and so subsisteth Thus it is taken as it is simply considered in it self But as it hath reference to other things it importeth that which giveth a kind of being to that whereunto it hath reference so as believers rest confident thereupon In which respect this word is translated confidence Chap. 3. v. 14. 2 Cor. 9. 4. 11. 17. This property or effect substance is here attributed to faith in reference to the object thereof which are things hoped for Things hoped for are future they are to come But things to come have no present being Quest. How can faith give a being to things that are not Answ. We speak not of a natural being in regard of the things themselves as 〈◊〉 faith did simply make that to be which is not But of a being to the mind of the believer which if we may so speak is a mental being such a being as the believer is confident of as if they had a natural present subsistence This is not a meer imagination but as true as any thing can be For faith resteth on the 〈◊〉 principal and infallible truth that can be namely Gods promise What he promiseth shall without question be accomplished and faith resteth upon it as accomplished That faith giveth a being to things that are not is evident by the Patriarchs 〈◊〉 the promises which they received not v. 13. In Christ are hid all the 〈◊〉 of God and faith is that hand whereby Christ is received Ioh. 1. 12. Now all things tending to life being in Christ that which hath Christ hath all Faith is herein much commended and that 1. By the Excellency of it It is a kind of Creator in giving a being to things 2. By the Necessity of it Our chief happiness is to come as perfection of sanctification full freedome from all misery resurrection of the body eternal life Faith gives a present being to all these 3. By the Benefit thereof Through faith we reap good by things before they are For faith gives not onely a title but a kind of possession of that which we â—…ope for This giveth an answer to those that make temporal blessings the onely ground 〈◊〉 the faith of the antient Fathers and that because Evangelical and Celestial blessings were not then exhibited The Answer is this They hoped for those Evangelical and Celectial truths and thereupon their faith gave a being unto them In this respect the Gospel was 〈◊〉 unto them Heb. 4. 2. Evangelical and Celestial truths were promised before hand now faith giveth so full assent to that which God hath promised as it rests as câ—…nfidently upon it before it be actually accomplished as if it were indeed really accomplished We may therefore conclude thaâ—… the antient Fathers who believed made Evangelical and Celestial truths the object of their faith and rested thereupon A proper object of faith is that which is hoped for and that is not seen as is shewed Chap. 6. v. 19. § 156. In this respect faith is the substance of it and gives a being unto it Thus there is a mutual relation betwixt faith and hope We wait for the hope of righteousness by faith Gal. 5. 5. See more hereof in The whole Armour of God Tract 2. part 7. on Eph. 6. 17. § 3. 5. §. 4. Of Faith an evidence of things not seen THat faith which is the substance of things hoped for is also an evidence of tâ—…ings not seen The noun translated evidence is derived from a verb thâ—…t signifieth to convince Ioh. 8. 9 46. Iam. 2. 9. Thence this noun that is here properly translated an evidence which proveth and demonstrateth things to be so and so Hereby it appeareth that faith doth as evidently convince the soul of the truth of things that are not seen as if they were before a man and he saw them with his eyes Herein lyeth a main difference betwixt faith and sense 2 Cor. 5. 7. By things not seen are meant such as cannot be discerned with the eyes of the body because they are either invisible in their nature or kept some way or other from the eye of the body Of this word see Chap. 2. v. 9. § 7â—… Quest. Wherein lyeth the difference betwixt this fruit of saith and the 〈◊〉 part and this Answ. The former speaks onely of things to come this of things past and present also as well as to come There are many things past and accomplished which are not now seen as the birth of Christ his miracles his death and â—…surrection There are also many things present that are not seen as Christs â—…ting at Gods right hand Angels attending us the souls of just men in Heaven yet faith gives evidence of the truth of all these even such evidence as they are as sure to believers that now live as the things which Christ did on earth were to them who then saw them with their eyes and as the things in Heaven are 〈◊〉 them in Heaven So as faith works assurance This Apostle attributes full â—…rance to faith See Chap. 10. v. 22. § 65. In that the things whereof faith is an evidence are not seen it is evident that Invisibility maketh not things less credible many evidences are given hereof in this Chapter This point is thus expressed to the life Whom having not seeâ—… ye love in whom though ye see him not yet believing ye rejoyce 1 Pet. 1. 8. Christ taketh the point for granted in pronouncing them blessed who have not seen and yet have believed Ioh. 20. 29. Faith comes by hearing Rom. 10. 17. not by sight 2 Cor. 5. 7. we hear of many things that we see not This discovers the deceit of them who so long as they see such and such objects can believe but will believe no further like Thomas who said Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails c. I will not believe Joh. 20. 2â—… If God give men health peace plenty and all manner of prosperity they will believe him to be their God But if they see no external evidences of his favour they will not believe on him This is the common faith of most 〈◊〉 Herein they take away the difference betwixt faith and sight 2 Cor. 5. 7. It is faiths excellency to raise the soul above sight to
the special promises of Seed and Canaan were not made unto them Answ. 1. The blessed Seed Christ Iesus which is the principal Seed intended was made to them all Gen. 3. 15. 2. The truth typified by Canaan which was Heaven was by faith expected of them all And the Ark did in a manner typifie the same 3. They also had special promises which were equivalent 4. It is not necessary that every proof should be applyed to every Believer This general is true of them all All dyed in faith To prove this some proofâ—… belong to some other to others By this proof not having received the promises it is evident that faith â—…esteth on that which it enjoyeth not Hereof see v. 1. § 4. §. 66. Of Believers embracing promises afar off THough Believers enjoy not what they do believe yet by faith they see them therefore he addeth But having seen them This Conjunction 〈◊〉 manifesteth a distinction between receiving and seeing They received not the things which they saw Of the word translated seen see Chap. 2. v. 8. § 68 72. Men see two waies 1. With the eyes of their body 2. With the eyes of their soul. Whereof there are two sorts 1. The eye of the understanding Eph. 1. 18. 2. The eye of faith Heb. 11. 27. It is the spiritual sight that is here meant and that in both the former respects for they well understood what things were promised and withall they believed that they should be accomplished but with their bodily eyes they did not see them This word that is added afar off joyned with the former verb of seeing is a metaphor taken from Seamen which use to see the Countryes whereunto they are sailing afar off It is a fit metaphor for the World is as a Sea the Church therein as a Ship Saints as Passengers in that Ship Heaven and other things promised are as the Country whereunto they sail Well may it be said of those that are here intended that they saw them afar off because they lived in the former ages of the world Besides a long date was put to the accomplishment of most of the promises in which respect they were afar off This doth much illustrate their faith that a long date for accomplishing what was promised did not weaken it For it is further added that they were perswaded of them Of the word which we translate perswaded see Chap. 6. v. 9. § 56. It here implyeth confidence in the accomplishment of what is promised and assurance of enjoying the same This assurance the Apostle doth exemplifie in Abraham Rom. 5. 19. Hereby we are given to understand that faith worketh assurance Full assurance is expresly attributed to faith Chap. 10 v. 22. § 65. In regard of that assurance it is said of these Believers that they emâ—…aced them Of the notation of the Greek word see Chap. 13. v. 24. § 191 It is ordinarily translated to salute Rom. 16. 5. and the noun derived from this verb signifieth salutation Luk. 1. 29. In salutations men use to embrace one another Fitly and properly is it here translated embraced The phrase implyeth a thankfull and joyfull resting on a thing In testimony hereof Gods people when a special promise was brought unto them were wont to bow down and worship Exod. 4. 31. Obj. They received not the promises how could they then embrace them Answ. 1. We must distinguish betwixt possession and expectation In present possession they did not receive the promises but in an assured expectation they did For faith gives a being to things future v. 1. 2. This here may metaphorically be taken following the former metaphor of seeing things afar off For Mariners and others that sail to a Country so soon as they espy that Country though afar off seem joyfully to embrace it This verifieth that which was noted v. 1. § 4. of faith giving an evidence to that which is not For faith resteth on Gods word which is as true as if it were a deed What is promised is altogether as true as if it were accomplished §. 67. Of Believers confessing their mean estate THE Patriarchs well knew what their present condition was as is implyed under this word confessed Of the composition and meaning of the Greek word see Chap. 3. v. 1. § 27. and Chap. 13. v. 15. § 144. It here implyeth a free and open profession of that condition wherein they were and giveth evidence that Believers are not ashamed of that condition wherein they are though it be a mean and despicable condition This may be exemplified in Abraham professing his present estate yea and Iacob too Gen. 23. 4. 47. 9. Oft doth the Apostle thus make profession of his Imprisonment and of his Chain and Bonds Eph. 3. 1. 4. 1. 6. 20. Faith pierceth thorow the thick Clouds of all meaness in this world and beholdeth that glory which is prepared for Believers and in that respect makes the Believer not ashamed of a present mean condition but ready on all occasions to make profession thereof Were we thorowly acquainted with the invisible spiritual and celestial prerogatives that belong to Believers and did we believe them we should not be ashamed of any mean condition in this world but as occasion requireth be ready to make profession thereof §. 68. Of Strangers and Pilgrims THat condition which the aforesaid Believers confessed is expressed in thâ—… two words Strangers Pilgrims Of the former Strangers see Chap. 13. v. 2. § 14. The other word Pilgrims in Greek is a compound The root whâ—… the simple noun is derived signifieth People The word used here is a double compound for there are two prepositions with which it is compounded It signifieth a going from people to people 〈◊〉 from place to place as Pilgrims use to do It is translated Strangers 1 Pet. 1. 1. and Strangers and Pilgrims are joyned together 1 Pet. 2. 11. They do in general imply one and the same thing yet they may be distinguished For Strangers are so called in regard of their situation which was out of their Country but Pilgrims in regard of their condition which was to travel towards their Country Hereby we have instance that Saints are as Strangers This was prefigured in the Patriarchs Exod. 6. 4. Gen. 15. 13. Psal. 39. 12. The Apostle intimateth as much of Christians 1 Pet. 2. 11. Obâ—… Wicked ones are Strangers as well as Saints Answ. 1. They are not so in their opinion Psal. 49. 7 9 11. Luk. 1â—… 18. 2. Saints are Strangers here in reference to their proper Country which it Heaven In that respect Wicked ones are not Strangers We that would give evidence that we are true Believers must be as Strangers and that in these respects 1. We must use this world as not abusing it 1 Cor. 7. 31. 2. We must pass by wrongs as Isaac did Gen. 26. 18. 3. We must be content
one 〈◊〉 to another Of the simple verb which signifieth to see we have spoken on Chap. 2. 1. 9. § 72. And there shewed how it is sometimes properly used for seeing with 〈◊〉 eye of the body and sometimes metaphorically for seeing with the eye of the soul. This compound is here to be taken Metaphorically for the sight of the soul. Thus a like word of the same signification is used in the next verse and applyed to that which is invisible To see him who is invisible must needs be meant of a Metaphâ—…rical and spiritual sight In setting down this sight there are two prepositions one signifieth from with which this verb is compounded The other signifieth to and is joyned by way of reference unto the recompence of reward These two prepositions From To imply two terms of motion One from which one turneth The other to which he turneth It importeth a remooving of the eye from one object to an other Hereby the mind of Moses is excellently set out he turned his mind and heart from the honours pleasures and treasures of Egypt and fixed them upon the honors pleasures and treasures of Gods Church here on earth and of his Church above in heaven Thus was he moved to prefer these before those This act of Moses in having respect to the recompence of reward is here approved and it demonstrateth that respect may be had to reward See more hereof Chap. 6. v. 18. § 149. The inference of this act of Moses as a reason of that which he did before namely that he suffered affliction with the people of God and refused to be callad the Son of Pharaohs daughter and esteemed the reproach of Christ greates riches than the treasures of Egypt giveth proof that respect to reward maketh a Believer deny any thing or endure any thing as those Hebrews suffered afflictions and took joyfully the spoiling of their goods Hebr. 10. 33 34. They know that God can and will abundantly recompence all This sheweth one reason why so little is done and endured for Christ. Men do not look from that which is present to that which is to come They consider not the recompence of reward Let us therefore acquaint our selves therewith and oft meditate thereon and duely weigh who is the rewarder and what is the reward both for the greatness and also for the continuance thereof then shall we know that our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Cor. 4. 17. This is it that will make us stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. §. 147. Of Moses forsaking Egypt Hebr. 11. 27. By faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the King for he endured as seeing him who is invisible ONe evidence of Moses Faith was his contempt of the world manifested by refusing honour v. 24. Pleasures v. 25. and Treasures v. 26. Another evidence is here set down in this verse which was an undaunted spirit in not fearing the wrath of a King A proof of this evidence is premised in this phrase He forsook Egypt This is here made a fruit of faith By faith he did it As he refused honour pleasure and wealth by faith so by the same faith he shewed himself to be of an invincible courage The word translated forsook is the same that is used Chap. 4. v. 1. § 7. and translated left Thereof see more in that place Concerning his forsaking Egypt the Scripture mentioneth two times betwixt which fourty years passed Act. 7. 30 One when he fled into Midian Exod. 2. 15. The other when he led the People of Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness Exod. 12. 31 c. Interpreters differ about the time which should be here meant Both antient and modern Expositors apply it to the former namely his flying out of Egypt to Midian Their reasons are these 1. The order of setting down this point by the Apostle For the other leaving of Egypt was after the Passeover v. 28 29. 2. The emphasis of the word forsook which implieth a flying from Egypt as a banished man 3. The other departure out of Egypt is set down by the Apostle in another place v. 29. therefore it cannot be here intended Many of our later Expositors apply this to the latter forsaking of Egypt Their reasons are these 1. Moses then so forsook Egypt as he never returned to it again â—… Then was the Kings wrath most incensed against him â—… Then he shewed greatest courage against the Kings wrath To take up this difference I see no necessity to oppose one against the other â—… At both times great faith was manifested yea and an undaunted spirit â—… At both times he did forsake Egypt â—… The wrath of the King was at both times incensed against him For at first 〈◊〉 to slay Moses Exod. 2. 15. At the second time he charged Moses to see his face no more threatning 〈◊〉 if he saw him again Exod. 10. 29. 〈◊〉 At the first it is said that Moses sled from Pharaoh Exod. 2. 15. 〈◊〉 cannot be accounted a matter of courageâ—… but rather of prudence that he 〈◊〉 used a means to avoid danger Answ. That prudence may stand with courage Where Christ again and an shâ—…reth up his disciples not to fear man he adviseth them to sly from Ciâ—… City when they are persecuted Matth. 10. 23 26. So as a wise avoiâ—… of danger may stand with good courage Christ himself did oft keep himâ—… danger Luk. 4. 30. Iohn 8. 59. 〈◊〉 his courage appeared that he maintained the cause of his Countreyâ—… and slew an Egyptian in the quarrel which he well knew could not but 〈◊〉 the King This evidence of faith that Moses forsook Egypt wherein he had such hoâ—… and wealth and freedom as he enjoyed in Egypt giveth proof that faith 〈◊〉 put on a man to forsake any place This made Abraham leave his native 〈◊〉 v. 8. So did Ruth Ruth 1. 16. Faith assures a Christian of a better 〈◊〉 than that which is left in Gods cause v. 16 35. Hereby we may discern a true faith if being born and brought up in an Idolaâ—… or prophane place where honours pleasures and treasures may be enjoyed 〈◊〉 conscience â—…ake we forsake that place surely we have a good faith §. 148. Of not fearing the wrath of a King 〈◊〉 a proof as was given of the faith of Moses Parents that they were not aâ—… of the Kings Commaddement is here given of the faith of Moses himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the wrath of the King Here the point is set out with much emphasis 〈◊〉 1. Men use to be most feared when their choler is stirred up and wrath enâ—… wrath makes men seek the greatest revenge Yet Moses did not in such a 〈◊〉 fear â—… The wrath of a King useth to be more feared than the wrath of other 〈◊〉 and that
Tables of the Law 1. This union of these two graces discovereth the uncertainty of that note which Papists give of a true Church namely Union Concord Peace These simply in themselves cannot be a note of the true Church because they may be without holinesse but the true Church is an holy Catholick Church There may be communion and peace amongst the most impious that be If they could shâ—…w holinesse of doctrine holinesse of order and discipline holinesse of life and conversation their union were to purpose But their Idolatry Heresie manifold errors and superstitious ordinances their filthinesse and licentiousnesse take away the glory of their pretended union 2. This sheweth that the agreement of the common sort in disorderly courses which they call good fellowship is no true Christian peace because it is without holinesse 3. This manifesteth the folly of those who upon pretence of peace neglect if not reject holinesse such as these 1. They who to keep their people the faster together as they think setup a religion of their own invention and restrain them from Gods holy ordinances So did Ieroboam 2 King 10. 31. 2. They who suffer a toleration of Idolatry where the Gospell is professed upon pretence of keeping peace So Sid Solomon 1 King 11. 4 c. And Ioash 2 Chro. 24. 17. 3. They who being in Idolatrous places subject themselves to Idolatry to keep peace and avoid trouble Ezek. 23. 5 12. 4. Governors who to have the good will of their people either yeeld to an unholy act as Aaron did Exod. 32. 24. Or suffer their people to do that which is unholy as Zedekiah did Ier. 38. 5. 5. Subjects who to gain and retain peace with their governors conform themselves to their unholy pleasure Ioh. 12. 42. This may be applied to all sorts of inferiors yea and to friends and neighbors A heathen man being moved by his friend to swear for him in a false cause returned this answer that a friend must accommodate his friend so far as the Altar that is so far as may stand with holinesse Peace is a most precious thing but as gold it may be bought too deare And it is bought too deare if holinesse be let go for it 4. In all endeavours after peace either of gaining or retaining the same be sure that it want not this companion of holinesse If peace and holinesse cannot in this or that case stand together let peace depart rather then holiness These limitations if it be possible as much as lyeth in you are not to be applyed to holiness It is not in our power to let holinesse go away Neither may it be presupposed that it is impossible to attaine holinesse as peace for peace consisteth in the agreement of others as well as of our selves but holiness consisteth in a mans own disposition all the men in the world cannot keep him that hath a mind to be holy from holinesse Lotâ—…emained â—…emained holy in the midst of Sodome 2 Pet. 2. 8. Well therefore might the Apostle presse his exhortation to holinesse with the same emphaticall verb. §. 77. Of Seeing God TO put us on the more to endeavour after holinesse The Apostle useth this motive Without which no man shall see the Lord. Though this relative Which may seeme to have reference both to peace and holinesse For it may be of both â—…umbers yet the Greek putteth this doubt out of question for it is of the singular number and masculine gender as the Greek word translated holinesse is The motive is taken from the damage of wanting holinesse which is an impossibility of seeing God Of this word seeing and the diverse kinds of sight See Chap. 2. v. 9. § 72. It is here implied that God may be seen so Matth. 5. 8. 1 Ioh. 3. 2. and it is said of Iacob and Moses they saw the Lord Gen. 32. 30. Heb. 11. 27. Obj. The contrary is affirmed that no man can see God Exod. 33. 20. Joh. 1. 18. â—… Tim. 6. 10. Therefore he is stiled invisible 1 Tim. 1. 17. Answ. Seeming contradictions in words must be reconciled by distinguishing the different significations and acceptions of them For the poynt in hand Man is said to see two wayes 1. With Corporall eyes 2. With Spirituall Both these are ordinary or extraordinary and that in this life and in the life to come Things ordinarily seen with corporall eyes are sensible and visible objects within the ordinary reach of Sight Gen. 24. 63 64. Things extraordinarily seen with corporal eyes are extraordinary visions Dan. 10. 7. or visible objects at an extraordinary distance As when Stephen on earth saw the humane nature of Christ in heaven Act. 7. 56. In the life to come after the general Resurrection Saints with their bodily eyes shall see such glorious objects as the very sight thereof will add much to their blessednesse The spiritual eyes of a mans soul are two 1. Understanding Eph. 1. 18. 2. Faith Heb. 11. 27. The former is more common for all of all sorts regenerate and unregenerate Christians and Heathen may with the eye of understanding see God in some measure that is conceive that there is an eternal Almighty most wise just and gracious God Rom. 1. 20. The latter is proper and peculiar to the Saints and in that respect stiled The Faith of Gods Elect. Tit. 1. 1 Spiritual sight of God is in this world imperfect but will be perfected in the world to come 1 Cor. 13. 9 10 11 12. To apply these distinct kinds of sight to the point in hand the forementioned seeming contradiction about seeing him who it invisible may be thus reconciled 1. God simply considered in his divine essence is a Spirit and cannot be seen with bodily eyes 2. God fully considered in his infinite excellency and majesty is incomprehensible So as no man no not with the eyes of his soul can see God to the full 1 Tim. 6. 16. Yet in some respect may God be seen both with corporall and spirituall eyes He was seen with corporall eyes in sundry apparitions and resemblances as in a cloud Exod. 13. 21. Levit. 16. 2. In brightnesse Ezek. 1. 26 27 28 29. In an humane shape Gen. 18. 3. In a true body Ioh. 14. 9. 1 Tim. 3. 16. The three former were extraordinary proper to the old times before Christ was exhibited The last was for that time that Christ lived on earth then all that would come to him might see God made manifest in the flesh even with their bodily eyes Yea after his ascension when Christ was in heaven Stephen saw him with his bodily eyes Act. 7. 55. and Paul also 1 Cor. 15. 8. At the day of judgement all men shall see him with their bodily eyes 2 Cor. 5. 10. and in heaven after that day shall Saints continually behold him 1 Ioh. 3. 2. 1 Thes. 4. 17. Some restrain this of my Text to seeing Christ in heaven and that
because he is stiled the Lord. But though this be not excluded yet so generall a phrase is not to be restrained to one particular For in a larger extent the Lord may in some measure bee seen with both the eyes of the Soul Understanding and faith in this world and the world to come In this world The Lord is seen in his holy ordinances as his word and Sacraments Prayer and praising him in which being duly performed the soul is as it were wrapt out of the body and presented before God contemplating him Yea further in this world the Lord is seen by an experimentall knowledge of hiâ—… grace and favour to believers and by an assured faith and confidence which is so clear and evident as if they did see Gods face That which is seen to the eyes of the body cannot be more sure In the world to come the Lord is seen by an apprehension and sensible fruition of Gods glory and favour so far as the creature is capable of §. 78. Of the honor and benefits of seeing God THe foresaid point of seeing God giveth evidence of the great and good respect which God beareth to man though God be invisible incomprehensible yet he is pleased to afford means whereby man may see him Among the Persians and other Heathen it was accounted an high honour to be admitted to see the Kings face Hest. 1. 14. and 5. 2. But what was that to the seeing of the Lord of heaven and earth It is one branch of that which the Apostle stileth a great mystery that God was seen of Angels 1 Tim. 3. 16. What is it then to be seen of sons of men Moses desired this as an especiall evidence of Gods favour Exod. 33. 18. and Iacâ—…b as a testimony of his high account thereof and as a memoriall to all posterity of that favour named the place where he saw God Peniel that is the face of God Gen. 32. 30. This honour and favour have all true believers This honour is the greater in regard of the many benefits which flow from thence both in this life and the life to come In this world sight of God 1. Makes men fearfull of sin and that not only in the sight of men but also in secret where they see God Gen. 39. 9. Herein lieth a main difference betwixt the unholy and holy God seeth them both but the unholy see not God as the holy do 2. It maketh men carefull to please God instance Enoch Gen. 5. 24. Heb. 11. 5. 3. It imboldneth against all that man can do and maketh Saints endure any thing Heb. 11. 27. For by seeing God they are assured to have sufficient assistance and seasonable deliverance 4. It much encourageth and comforteth even in death it self witnesse the case of Stephen Act. 7. 55 56. 5. It assureth us of a blessed resurrection In the world to come that sight which Saints shall have of God will possesse and fill their souls with all the content joy and delight that possible can be Psal. 16. 11. and 17. 15. It is therefore stiled a beatificall vision The sweetnesse the fullnesse the hapinesse thereof no tongue can expresse no heart can conceive The souls of the glorified Saints are ravished therewith This is it whereof most truely it may be said Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him 1 Cor. 2. 9. §. 79. Of holinesse as a qualification of them that see God THe aforesaid honour of seeing God is not common to every one It is proper to holy ones Christ himself termeth those that were made partakers of this honour pure in heart Matth. 5. 8. which is all one as holy All who in Scripture are noted to see God as Iacob Gen. 32. 30. Moses Exod. 33. 23. Isa. 6. 5. Ezek. 1 29. Dan. 7. 9. and 10. 5 c. God himself is holy This they who best know God do with much earnestnesse professe Isa. 6. 7. Rev. 4. 8. I will not deny but that this trebling of the word â—…oly 〈◊〉 â—…oly may have reference to the three Persons yet withall and that most especially to the infinite excellency of Gods holinesse Now nothing makes us so like to God as holinesse Nothing makes us so amiable in his sight and so pleasing unto him as holinesse This therefore must needs be an especiall means to move God to afford us accesse to himself to come into his presence and to behold his face Hesters beauty pleased Ahashuerah therefore she had accesse to him Hest. 5. 6. No beauty no deckings can make any Woman so gracious in mans eyes as holinesse makes Saints in Gods 1. This doth much amplifie the benefit of holinesse Whereof see Chap. 1. v. 1. § 2. This is a good incitation to labour after holinesse even because it is the means of seeing God Hereof see more Chap. 3. v. 1. § The greater care ought to be taken hereabouts because of the absolute necessity thereof This is two waies set down in my text and that by two negatives The first denies the thing Without holinesse God cannot be seen The second denies the persons No man of what rank and degree soever he be can without holinesse see God There are in the Greek these three negatives not without no man Of the emphasis see Chap. 13. v. 5. § It is said concerning heaven that there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth Rev. 21. 27. but unholy ones defile This the Apostle referreth to the judgment and conscience of men themselves thus Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdome of God 1 Cor. 6. 9. There is such an infinite distance betwixt the holy God and unholy men so as these can no way come to see him 1. This manifesteth an absolute necessity of holinesse It is as necessary as to see God but in the sight of God consisteth our happinesse A man were better not be thâ—…n not be happy 2. This manifesteth the great damage which unholy persons bring to themselves they deprive themselves of that which is most to be desired even of seeing God Without this we can have no experimental comfort in Gods gracious presence no sound confidence in his mercy or in any thing to be done by him for our good yea all hope of future communion with God in coelestiall glory is taken away And is this all were it all it were enough and too much But from this deprivation of â—…eeing God followeth in this world horror and terror of conscience and a certain fearfull looking for of judgement Heb. 10. 27. And in the world to come torture and torment endlesse and easelesse mercilesse and remedilesse The schooles raise a dispute about the privation of the beatificall vision and subjection to hellish torment whether of them be the greater vengeance But that dispute is in this place needlesse in that
Uncreated as God Ioh. 4. 24. Created are reasonable and unreasonable Reasonable as Angels Heb. 1. 7. and souls of men Eccl. 3. 21. Zac. â—…2 1. Unreasonable as the souls of beasts Eph. 3. 21. It s more cleer then needs be proved that the souls of men are here meant For God can have no perfection added to him The good Angels abide as they were created they are no more perfect then they were indeed by Christ they are confirmed and established in their first estate but that estate is not altered As for evill Angels they shall never be perfected The souls of beasts are never severed from their bodies they both perish together neither are their souls capable of the perfection here intended It s therefore most evident that by Spirits are here meant souls of men which are of a spiritual substance In which respect they are here and in sundry other places called spirits as Eccl. 12. 7. Luk. 23. 46. 1 Cor. 6. 20. That the souls of men are of a spirituall substance appears 1. Because they come immediatly from God as Gen. 2. 7. In this respect he is stiled the God of the Spirits of all flesh Numb 16. 22. and 27. 16. And Father of Spirits Heb. 12. 9. And mens spirits are said to return to him that made them Eccl. 12. 7. 2. God would make man after his own Image which a meer body without a spirit could not be For God is a Spirit John 4. 24. and his Image consists in spiritual endowments as knowledge Col. 3. 10. and holinesse and righteousnesse Eph. 4. 24. The Reasons why the souls of men are of a spiritual substance 1. That the divine excellencies of God might be made the more conspicuous in this admirable fabrick For by reason of the spirit united to the body man is the most admirable creature that God made he is therefore stiled a little world By his understanding he resembleth the Angels by his sight the sun and stars by his breath the aire by his sensible faculties all the excellencies of unreasonable creatures by his vegetable faculties the excellencies of all manner of plants by his flesh and bones the substance of minerals and other senselesse creatures Thus doth he contain in him the quintessence of all creatures having a Spirit to animate his body 2. Their ends for which they were made as To animate bodies to quicken them to enable them to doe those severall functions which belong to the severall parts as the eyes to see ears to hear noses to smell palat to tast mouth to speak shoulders to beare hands to handle and hold and feet to go which they cannot do without a soul instance carved bodies and idols Psal. 115. 5 6 7. Yea instance dead bodies Iudg. 19. â—…7 28. 3. That men might be the better enabled to glorifie their Creator for as it is in Hezekiahs thanksgiving Isa. 38. 19 20. the living the living he shall praise thee 4. That they might be according to their disposition and carriage more capable of the greater reward or punishment For Spirits are much more capable then bodies Take we a distinct view of the severall faculties of mans soul and we shall find man to be the rarest creature that God made No senselesse or unreasonable creature is comparable to man by reason of mans reasonable soul. Yea and a man hath herein a kind of excellency beyond Angels in that he hath a body united to the soul wherein it may more discernably exercise the abilities of a soul. Yea and herein beyond all exception man hath an excellency above Angels in that his nature is such an one as the Son of God was pleased to assume Heb. 2. 6. which he would not have done if a Spirit had not been united to his body Q. If a Spirit be so excellent a thing how can it be begotten seeing begetting is an act of the body as well as the soul. A. 1. The ancient and common answer is negative The soul is not begotten 1. Others answer that by vertue of the divine blessing Gen. 1. 28. the soul is propagated and that as other creatures bring forth according to their kind so man 2. How doth this aggravate the evill disposition of man that consisting of so excellent a part as a Spirit is should so pervert and abuse it as he doth by sin The aggravation of Devils sin is in this respect the greater because they are wholy and only spirituall such are their sins as no means of expiating them is afforded Though man be not wholy spirituall yet is he in part yea and in his principall part By sin is that divine part polluted and all the excellent faculties thereof perverted So that the mind is become a blind and erroneous guide The will a stubborn and rebellious servant The memory an unhappy treasure The conscience a sluggish monitor The heart a false touch-stone The affections domineering masters The senses pernicious inlets Thus all the parts are become instruments of evill What a shame is it that men who have reasonable and immortall Spirits should become worse then the unreasonable and mortall bruits such are Atheists Idolaters blasphemers profane and impious persons despisers of Governours hatefull and revengefull persons Drunkards Gluttons Adulterers Murtherers and many other such like as all notorious sinners Hath God given men Spirits to be more audacious and impudent in sinning 2. This may admonish us to take due notice of this admirable part whereof men are constituted and well to weigh what are the distinct faculties thereof what their severall functions how to be imployed and answerably to use them 1. The first and chiefest is the mind which is given to man for a guide labor to have it inlightened with Gods truth that it may be a good guide Matth. 6. 22. 2. The will ought to be Gods hand-maid ready to yeeld to Gods will revealed to the mind that we may be able to say as Samuel 1 Sam. 3. 10. Speake Lord for thy servant heareth 3. The memory must treasure up all good directions and consolations for future times that what is once learned may be of perpetuall use that we may say with David Psal. 119. 55. I have remembred thy name O Lord in the night and have kept thy Law 4. The conscience ought to be tender of the least sin and quickly smite us as it did David whose heart is said to smite him after he had numbred the people 2 Sam. 24. 10. And after he had cut off the skirt of Sauls robe 1 Sam. 24. 5. And not let us be quiet till it hath brought us to thorow repentance as it did Peter Matth. 26. 75. and then to pacifie us 5. The heart ought to be upright as Psal. 18. 23. This sweetneth all graces and shews a good respect unto God 6. All the affections must be as servants to the understanding and be ordered thereby each of them being placed on their right object and
Thus Iacob said concerning his Brother Esau I fear him thereupon he prayed to God to be delivered from him and withall used means to prevent what mischief he could Genesis 32 11 13 c. The evil therefore of fear of man is in the excesse thereof and that 1. When man is feared more then God so as in that case there is an opposition betwixt God and man This Christ for bids where he saith Fear not them which kill the body but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body Matth. 10. 28. 2. When fear of man keeps us from our bounden duty as They which knew Christ yet were kept from speaking openly of him for fear of the Iews Iohn 7. 13. 3. When it puts us on to any sinne as Abraham was hereby brought to dissemble his wife Gen. 12. 11 c. 20. 2. So Isaac Gen. 26. 7. and Peter was hereby brought to deny his Master Matth. 26. 69 c. Saul acknowledgeth his sinfull fear in this kinde 1 Samuel 15. 24. §. 86. Of Motives against fear of man III. AMong other Motives against fear of man these following are of force 1. Expresse Prohibition 1 Pet. 3. 14. Christ himself hath thrice together inculcated this prohibition Matth. 10. 26 28 31. which makes it the more forcible 2. The Patern of such Worthies of old as have not feared man The Parents of Moses were not afraid of the Kings commandment Moses himself feared not the wrath of the King Heb. 11. 23 27. David as here so in sundry other places professed that he feared not man Psal. 56. 4. Micaiah feared not the threatning of Ahab 1 King 22. 28. Nor Daniel nor his three Companions feared the King and his Princes Dan. 3. 16. 6. 10. The Apostles feared not the threatning of the Priests of the Jews Acts 4. 19. 5. 29. The examples of Martyrs in all ages are memorable in this kinde 3. The Disgrace that followeth upon fear of man It ill beseems yea it is a great shame to servants of God to fear men Should such a man as I flee saith Nehemiah in this case Neh. 6. 11. There can be no greater disgrace to a souldier then upon fear to flee from his colours 4. The evil Effects that follow thereupon Many are thereby brought against their conscience to omit bounden duties as openly to professe Christ Iohn 7. 13. and to acknowledge other truths Iohn 9. 22. Others are brought to commit grosse sins This moved Aarâ—…n to make the golden Calf Exod. 32. 22 c. This made many Christians of old to offer Sacrifice to Devils as the Heathen did and otherwise to commit abominable Idolatry This made many English in Queen Maries dayes to go to Masse and professe Popery This in our dayes hath made many to seem more prophane then their consciences told them they should be This hath made many Judges to pervert judgment There is scarce a sin that fear of man brings not men unto 5. The Restraint of mans power It can at the uttermost but reach to the body and all that it can do to the body cannot make a man miserable See more hereof in The Extent of Gods Providence on Mat. 10. 29. § 8. 6. The Extent of Gods Power no way limited but by his own will The Extent thereof in this case is to be considered two wayes 1. Against such as Gods servants may be afraid of 2. For Gods servants themselves In the former respect five things are duly to be observed 1. God can turn the minds of enemies The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord c. Prov. 21. 1. God turned the fury of Esau into favour towards his brother Compare Gen. 32. 6. with Gen. 33. 4. 2. God can abate the spirit of the stoutest God made all the Inhabitants of Canaan to faint Ioshua 2. 9. The terrour of God was upon the Cities that were round about Iacob Gen. 35. 5. Even the youth shall faint c. Isa. 40. 30. 3. God can weaken the power of the strongest He weakneth the strength of the mighty Job 12. 21. 4. He can disappoint mens plots He disappointeth the devices of the crafty so that their hands cannot accomplish their enterprize Job 5. 12. Ye thought evil against me saith Ioseph to his brethren but God meant unto good Gen. 50. 20 Act. 12. 6. 5. God can utterly destroy his servants enemies 2 King 19. 35. In the later respect five other things are duly to be observed 1. God can keep his servants safe in the midst of danger He kept Daniels three companions safe in the midst of a fiery fornace and Daniel himself in a Den of Lions Dan. 3. 25. 6. 22. God in general hath promised as much Isa. 43. 2. 2. He can deliver out of the danger He caused Ieremiah to be pulled out of the dungeon He delivered also him that pulled out Ieremiah Jer. 38. 13. 39. 17 18. 3. He can turn the judgement to an advantage The carrying of Daniel and his three companions and Mordecai and Esther into Captivity proved much to their advantage Dan. 2. 48 49. Esth. 2. 17. 6. 10. 4. God can make a temporal judgment to be a means of spiritual good When Manasse was in affliction He prayed unto God and God was intreated of him 2 Chron. 33. 12 13. 5. By the uttermost that man can do which is death God can free his servants from greater evils Isa. 57. 1. Iosiah was killed by an enemy at that very time when the floud-gates of Israels misery began to be pulled up Hereupon it is said That he should be gathered to his grave in peace and that his eye should not see all the evil c. 2 Kings 22. 20. §. 87. Of Rules for redressing fear of man IV. FOr preventing and redressing fear of man these Rules following are observable 1. Possesse thy soul with a fear of God Fear of God and fear of man are contrary one to another as light and darknesse life and death Light keeps out darknesse and so long as life remains in a man death is kept away The more fear of God there is in one the lesse fear of man there will be in him If the fear of God were perfect in one there would be no fear of man in him Christ prescribeth this Rule where after he had forbidden his to be afraid of them that kill the body he addeth But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear Fear him which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell yea I say unto you Fear him Luk. 12. 4 5. 2. Lift up the eye of thy soul which is Faith higher then thou canst the eye of thy body Thus shalt thou see him who is invisible So did Moses and feared not the wrath of the King Heb. 11. 27. 3. Frequently and seriously meditate on Gods Promises and on his Properties of Mercy Goodnesse Truth Faithfulnesse Wisdom Power and the like Psal. 18. 2.
acts of his humane nature Yet there are two exceptions in this case 1. Extraordinary matters 2. Temporary Extraordinary things done by Christ and not imitable are such as these 1. His fasting fourty daies Mat. 4. 2. Indeed Moses Exod. 24. 18. and 〈◊〉 1 King 19. 8. did as much but it was by an extraordinary assistance which cannot be imitated in ordinary cases 2. Christs walking on the water Matth. 14. 25. which when Peter attempted to do he began to sink only by Christs extraordinary assistance he did the like Matth. 14. 30 31. 3. Praying all night Luk. 6. 12. though Christ called upon his Disciples in that case to pray with him yet they could not but slept Mat. 26. 40 c. 2. Temporary matters were such as belonged to the time wherein he lived as his being Circumcised celebrating the Passeover observing sundry Feasts and other Rites of the Law To these may be added occasionall matters as celebrating the Lords Supper at night in a private chamber among men only with unleavened bread and sitting as at the Passeover So his sitting while he preached Luk. 4. 20. his preaching out of a ship Luk. 5. 3. and on a mount Matth. 5. 1. These being occasioned by present circumstances do not binde us to imitate him therein but upon like occasions Quest. Wherein then is Christ to be imitated Answ. In these three cases 1. In such generall morall duties as belong to all persons at all times Such as belong to all persons are not extraordinary Such as belong to all times are not temporary 2. In such particular duties as belong to the like calling 3. In such as have the like reason and occasion for doing them 1. Generall morall duties expressed in Scripture to be done by Christ for our imitation are these 1. Meekness Matth. 11. 29. 2. Humility Matth. 11. 29. 3. Love Eph. 5. 2. 4. Forgiving wrongs Col. 3. 13. 5. Compassion Luke 10. 37. 6. Patience Heb. 12. 2. 7. Contempt of the world Hâ—…b 12. 2. 2. Particular duties which Christ did by vertue of his place and calling were such as these 1. As a Son he was subject to his parents Luke 2. 51. 2. As a Minister he was diligent Luke 8. 1. He was also faithfull Heb. 3. 2. Ioh. 7. 16. 3. As an husband of his Church he was loving to her Eph. 5. 25. 3. Things which Christ did upon common equity and may be done upon like reason and occasions were these 1. Preferring mercy before sacrifice Matth. 12. 12. 2. Avoiding danger Luk. 8. 59. 3. Refreshing himself when he was weary thirsty hungry sleepy c. Ioh. 4. â—… c. Mat. 8. 24. This sheweth how requisite it is that we acquaint our selves with the life of Christ and that for this end to be like him Herein lieth the difference betwixt sound and formall Christians All may be acquainted with the story of Christ and be able to discourse thereof but they are the sound Christians who lay it as a pattern before them Such vertues as became the Head must needs become the members They are unworthy such an Head who preferre honour riches pleasures gay apparell or any thing else before the vertues of their Heads Among other motives meditate on these to imitate Christ. 1. The excellency of the Guide 2. The perfection of the Pattern 3. The blessed issue that will follow thereupon If we be here like to our head in grace we shall be hereafter like to him in glory §. 133. Of going out of the Camp OUr Apostle giveth this particular instance wherein he would have us to imitate Christ Let us go forth unto him without the Camp This phrase Let us go forth is the interpretation of one Greek word but a compound even the same that is translated came out Chap. 3. v. 16. § 163. A double Preposition is here used as was there and implieth a like emphasis namely that we readily and throughly do what is here required The word translated Camp is the same that was used v. 11. § 127. But here it is used in another sense For Camp is here metaphorically put for the world and that in two especiall respects 1. The world is as a place of tents which were of no stability nor of long continuance 1 Cor. 7. 31. 1 Ioh. 2. 17. 2. The world is as a Camp of enemies to Saints especially Iames 4. 4. 1 Ioh. 3. 13. The world in generall compriseth under it all creatures whether places persons or other things In this sense the world is said to be made by Christ Joh. 1. 10. For all things were created by him that are in heaven and that are on earth visible and invisible Col. 1. 16. And to shew that the heavens are comprised under the world as well as the earth the plurall number is used thus He made the worlds Heb. 1. 3. and the worlds were framed c. Heb. 11. 3. In this respect the world is divided into two parts One is called this world John 12. 31. and this present world 2 Tim. 4. 10. The other is called that world Luke 20. 35. and the world to come Heb. 6. 5. This world is here below That world is above Both these by way of distinction are mentioned together thus Neither in this world nor in the world to come Mat. 12. 32. and thus Not only in this world but also in that which is to come Eph. 1. 21. It is this present world that is here meant by this metaphor of a Camp and by a Metonymy the honours promotions profits pleasures and other like allurements which are in this world These are styled the things of this world and comprised under these three titles The lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life 1 John 2. 15 16. that is concupiscense covetousnesse and ambition To go then out of the Camp as here intended hath respect to the minde more then to the body and to the inward affections rather then to the outward actions though these be not altogether excluded To go out of the Camp is to withdraw our minde heart and affections from the world so as not to love it 1 Joh. 2. 15. not to be conformed to it but rather transformed Rom. 12. 2. Thus the duty required doth not so much respect the place where we live as the grace of the heart As they are said to have their conversation in heaven Phil. 3. 20. whose heart and affection is on heavenly things so they are said to go out of the world whose hearts and affection are alienated from the world The grace here intended is commonly called contempt of the world whereby a mans heart is so taken off from the world as no alluâ—…ements thereof under the pretence of honour profit or delight nor any terrours thereof under the pretence of the loss of goods good name liberty or life it self can put one on to do that