eternity this shall be their glory even an everlasting name unto them better than the name of Sons and Daughters when the wicked shall see them all at the right hand of God and gnash their teeth that themselves are shut out when the Lord and his Saints shall take infinite delight one in another Luk. 12. 37. SECT III. Quest. 4. WHy is this a Christians glory excellency and honor Answ. 1. In regard of the baseness of other things wherein men do use to glory the wise man in his wisdom the strong man in his strength the rich man in his wealth There are Three things which make these base First These things make a man not the more to be accepted of God the Lord respects not values not the worth of any man by these things and to make all the world know this he staineth the pride of all glory and chuseth the poor and foolish things of the world to confound the wise a wise man will never respect the horse the more because it carries store of rich treasures he will not fall down and reverence it for this hang Swine about with pearls who honors them the more and will a wise God respect a man the more for these things 1 Pet. 3. 5. What is that that is of great price with God Holiness is of great price with God And what though all the world honor a man and a man honoreth himself while this is wanting Secondly All these things leave a man dead under the reign of Satan power of his sin and dominion of death and hence Ier. 9. 24. Let no man glory in his wisdom c. Death is entred into your windows take any bondman bound with fetters though golden doth any man account him the more glorious a Prince that is made a vassal and slave to every base fellow is he the more glorious no So whiles men lye under the reign of death stick a man that is dead with flowers what is he the more glorious alas no! his life is gone now the Spirit of holiness is called the Spirit of life even of the life that never shall dye Rom. 8. And therefore as it is said of a Flye there is more excellency in a Gnat than in a Cedar than in the glorious heaven because it hath life which the other hath not so though men wonder at the goodly trappings of wicked men yet the poorest and most despised Christian that hath the Spirit of life is more glorious Thirdly Because these things only purchase the more credit and honor in the eyes of men and that of wicked men for 1 Cor. 5. 10. We know no man after the flesh if they do it is that which they account themselves beasts and fools for as David did Psal. 73. And what is the honor of man it is the bâ—sest thing that is for it is that which is without a man it is no excellency within the man it is but the thoughts of a mans head and heart than which what more vain what more mutable nay 't is but the dreams of a mans head for they are mistakes If all the town should dream another was a King who yet were indeed a Beggar which when they awake they see what were he the better for this Paul 2 Cor. 11. 23. how he doth glory in priviledges which were better and more goodly hangings than theseâ— this saith he I speak as a fool and what be these a Christians glory no surely Answ. 2. Because that is a Christians glory which is Christs glory First It is that glory wherein the glory of Christ consists Psal. 45. 2. Thou art fairer than the children of meâ— full of grace is thy lips and 2 Cor. 3. ult into the same image from glory to glory Indeed Christ's greatness in governing the world is his glory but it is because it is mixt with such holiness Isa. 6. 1 2 3. Phil. 2. 8 9. he humbled himself and this hath given him a name and shall be his name for ever this is that which makes the Lord Jesus lovely and amiable in the eyes of all his people Revâ— 15. 4. Who would not fear thee or thou onely art holy and so he is for all the stars receive their light and shine with it by this Sun only and so the more a Christian excels in this the more like he is to Jesus Christ and so more glorious and lovely Secondly This is that which gives him glory â— e. so far as creatures can which is to manifest it and hence 2 Cor. 8. 23. which is the glory of Christ and hence Isa. 46 13. Israel is called the glory of the Lord Isa. 62. 2 3. the righteous is called the glory and crown and diadâ—m in the hand of the Lord and as God is better than the Soul so this viz. to glorifie the Lord is better than to be glorified by the Lord. SECT IV. HEnce see one reason why men lose their honor their love and respect in the eyes of God and men their judgements are not revereâ—â—ed their persons not accepted their names and practises despised this is one reason among the rest a decay in holiness the lamp is defiled the light and lustre of it going out and who will reverence it then 't is admirable to see the complaints abroad First Look but into Families what is the reason there is so much discontent there that Servants are weary of their Masters Masters of their Servants and there is such complaints one of another little respect one of another it is for want of holiness power and life of godliness the Master saith the Servant is unruly froward surly flothful unfaithful untrusty and must not be spoken to the Servant saith his Master is passionate unkinde wants pity to his body and sometimes strikes him without cause and much more careless of his soul never instructs him but is eaten up with the world c. truly this is the cause It seems the Lord wrought upon divers in Primitive times and the Apostle gives Servants an item that they may glorifie God and adorn the Gospel of the Lord Iesus how came Ioseph into â—oâ—iphar's books oh he was very holy and very prudent and I le warrant did his Masters work better when his Master was absent than before and prayed for success in his business as Abraham's Servant Look but upon Husband and Wife it is strange to see what divisions and jars there and what 's the cause of it Wife doth not honor Husband nor Husband honor Wife how comes this oh there is little holiness seen in their private walking one with another the woman thought the man godly had I known this I would have seen you a hundred miles off c. the man also he complains of his wife I see now I am like to be troubled with a continual dropping a very fury of hell so impatient and the next neighbor hears of it nothing can please her what 's the reason of
for the elects sake they are willing to spend and to be spent 2 Cor. 1â— 15. Paul wisheth himself anathâ—â—â— amor divinâ—s est exstâ—â—cus â— carries out of self Rom. â— 1 2 3. though it is true the Ministry was not blest to all yet the election obtained it Rom. 11. 7. hence the ministry is from men not Angels that there might be the more pity and so the more help Heb. 4. 2. SECT IV. 2. BUt why by the Ministry of the Gospel Because the Law cannot give life Gal. 3. 21. Now the Lord cannot make him that hath sinned not to have sinned that would be a contradiction and he that hath sinned must dye and hence there is no possibility for the Spirit to give life here hence the Spirit takes another instrument the Gospel can perswade to believe and bring to Christ where life is feared Because there is more of Christs blood here and hence more Spirit for they are all one to be cleansed with Blood and Spirit for the Lord Jesus did not by his blood purchase the unsealing of the Law but the Gospel is a secret and not known but by this means it is the New Testament which ariseth from the death of the Testator to have the neâ—â— of the Gospel printed it is by means of Christ blood but to have men sent to open it there is more of his blood therein and hence more Spirit Because there is more of Christ's love in the Gospel and where most of his love goes there his Spirit goes most it is love to make us know the Law though it be a hand-wrâ—ing against us but now when we see death to bring the Gospel and therein to entreat and wait there is great love and hence it is called the Ministry of Râ—conciliation Oh it is infinite pity to offer to take a dead â—artion up under his wings here he loâ—gs for the salvation of a siâ—ner most if we were fallen Angels he would never send the Ministry of the Gospel to us but so it is now that he hath taken the seed of Abraham SECT V. OF Instruction 1. Hence we may see the glory of the Gospel in that it is the Ministry of the Spirit of God this the Apostle professeth it exceeds in glory glorious light it scatters that which hath been hid from the wise nay from Prophets and Abraham who desired to see this day and saw it but â—â— far off hence it is called marvellous light which brings the foul to the light of that blessed face of Jesus and his glorious love which never shal be sounded to the bottom of it which damps the glory of all other things and although many great and wise despise it yet if they did know they would not despise the Lord of glory nor crucifie him but their eyes shall never see those glorious consolations and comforts promised to the people of God I will send the 〈◊〉 saith Christ which 〈◊〉 can be taken 〈◊〉 from Beleivers which in midst of all miserie comforts it is a great mercy when a man sees his sin else he would never seek for remedy but the Law canot do any thing but arrest and imprison it cannot get sin removed yet the Gospel can set at liberty which 〈…〉 prisoners Ioh 8. 32. You shall know the truth and that shall make you free I can through Christ c. Phil. 4. 13. It is a marvellous mercy to tremble before God and see and know and be affected with Gods wrath but yet if this be all the heart will sink and flye from God now the Gospel reveals Christ and so Ioh. 10. 16. his sheep he ar and follow him and the Gospel comes to hell with the Spirit to a poor sinner when he is blind captive broken mourning never so miserable now the Gospel penetrates thus low and brings the Spirit with it it makes the soul not only to see Christ but gives it him and now it is safe Oh beloved if the Spirit be glorious then is the Gospel glorious if the Ministry of men could bring in and draw with them the Princes of this world and all their wealth to serve you Angels and their Ministry nay bring Christ himself bodily to you how glorious were this but what is this to bring the Spirit into a Sty into thy Soul Oh therefore take heed of a light esteem of the Gospel as those Matth. 22. 3. which were shut out Men must speak something take heed you that have once esteemed it of accounting it a common thing it is next to the unpardonable sin of accounting the Gospel Ministers Truths Justification by Faith c. common things but see them glorious the greatest glory that ever was in the world did once lye hid under the meanest outside viz. Jesus Christ and yet the Apostles beheld his glory so the Gospel is most glorious now as being his glass and this notwithstanding is most mean in the account of many Paul is in the eyes of the Corinthian Doctors a mean man his presence was contemptible his words mean also men despised them Secondly hence see what cause they have to sit and go home to their houses lamenting that never found the Spirit conveyed by the ministry of the Gospel in life and power Lam. 1. 16. Oh the comforter that should refresh my soul is far from me if there be any hope of help it is by the Spirit and if the Spirit it is by the Ministry where the Gospel is published and the Spirit conveyed Oh thinks many a one in himself I find no such good thus long have I heard and thus oft do I hear but I come and go away as I came my heart never shaken my soul never broken my spirit never humbled nor comforted c. and therefore what care I for Ministers or Gospel it is true it is hid 2 Cor. 4. 3. but then it is from them that be lost only whom Satan hath blinded it may be the last medicine is now using as it is with many that have the last remedy applied when they be sick to death truly so it is here Heb. 6. 8. The tree or ground that brings forth bryars is nigh to cursing the condition is sad as it is there exprest it shall never see good when good comes Ier. 17. 6. Oh it was a sad complaint of Saul Oh the Lord answers me not and of the people of God Wee see no vision but you have none and lament it not if men in the old Law did not meet with the Lord in their Tent doors it was no wonder it was not usual so to do but when at the Tabernacle if they met not there with him it was sad then so here if you meet not the Lord there where he dwells it is strange not but that Saints may find the Lord absent but I speak to them that find it not and mourn not for it others shall rejoyce when they mourn for the absence of the Lord.
Lord apprehend us as in 2 Sâ—m 5. 1 2 3. But by his Covenant he bindes himself unto the souls of hâ—s people Isa. 55. 2 3. which is a mighty strong Covenant as strong as Gods purpose is for 't is nothing but Gods purpose revealed Now this the Lord reveals usually two wayes 1. In the Word without the conscience knowing it so as that a man hath not assurance of Gods Good-will to him And 2. To Conscience and this two wayes 1. By prayer the soul being instant with God to reveale his good-will the Lord doth it Ezâ—kiel 36. â—7 I will yet be enquired of for this c. Zach. 13. 9. Hence the Lord asks the poor heart Will nothing content thee but the Lord I wiâ—l fulfill thy desires then the Lord hath heard thy cryes all thy sinnes shall be pardoned all those corruptions subdued c. 2. By the Ministry of the Word when the soul hath been froward in seeking the Lord but now mournes under it that it cannot finde the Lord the Lord professeth I 'le create the fruit of the lips peace Psal. 25. 14. He will shew them his Covenant c. So that the soul is for a time stablished and supported by these and the like blessed words of Grace from the Lord. Secondly By an eternal Spirit of life which as from Christ the Head comes into every member and is in them and shall be in them never forsaking them though it be grieved a thousand times in a day by them this Spirit sets on the Covenant and gives the first fruits of glory c. Isaiah 59. ult This is my Covenant my Spirit shall never depart c. Thus Christ apprehends his herein differing from Adam he was next to God and was apprehended by God But 1. It was by a Covenant of works 2. As a first cause upholding and preserving and governing the second but this Spirit which should never forsake this he had not now when by Faith we are turned unto Christ Christ apprehends us with both these armes Now è contrà you may see what is it not to be apprehended by Christ. Because they were never given unto Christ in Vocation by the Fathers drâ—wing Iohn 6. 65. And Christ takes hold on none but them they are apprehended for the Givers sake though they be worthless in themselves All lawful Marriage is by the Parents consent so here Because he knows the vileness of such mens hearts lying in their sin the falseness deceits of them Ioh. 2. ult As we use to say Such a one No I know him well enough Of sad Reproof to those who never trouble themselves with any thoughts whether Christ hath apprehended them if they have once apprehended Jesus Christ they never question whether their Faith so apprehend Christ as that Christ apprehends it Oh consider these Virgins they did thus after a sort apprehend Christ all their liâ—e but now they know Christ never loved them because they never savingly apprehended him I remember Isa. 4. 1. Seven women shall take hold of one man â—nd shall say We will be called by thy Name to take away our reproach but we will eat our own bread Soâ— many take hold upon Christ Lord let us be call'd by thy Name to take away our reproach when as they care for no part nor portion in Christ but they will eat their own bread live upon their own lusts It was Christs speech unto divers that saw him and followed him Iohn 6. as to hâ—s Disciples also Except you eat my flesh you have no life in you What doth a man aim at in eating not only that he may have Bread in his hand but he examines What vertue hath it His end is that it may grow one with him and be turned into the â—ame flesh with him and so that there may be a most rear union that can be so should all Christians study that and aim at that that the Lord may be nearly united to them and grow one with them a gracious heart prayers and mournes for want of this Oh there be many that profess What should I trouble my self with this and that grace when I have done all I can but look up to Christ True but will you not yet try whether you so look to Christ as that he looks towards you Iohn 10. 10. I kâ—â—w mine and am known of mine there is a world of false faith in the world Ier. 7. 8. When they cryed the Temple of the Lord saith he Do you sweare lye c So I may say Are you slothful in carriage discontent in families live in secret adultery and your eyes and thoughts are full of it do you break your promises and Covenant with God and men and forget the Lord in a Land of Peace care for little but that your Plough may speed and your names may rise and do you cry Christ Christ go to Sâ—iâ—h go to the Palatinate Bohemia and see what God hath done Oh but I am better oh but go to these foolish Virgins let their dead ghosts affright thee if the Lords Word cannot make thee search here A man drowning all his care will be for a hand to take him so would you if all were right but you will not so Of Examination Whether ever the Lord Jesus hath apprehended you with his dearest love as well as you have apprehended him 2 Cor. 13. 5. In all Covenants among men whereby they are to binde themselves one to another men will make it sure on both sides Christ will make you sure to him do you see that he be also made sure and fast bound and united unto you Methinks the consideration of the example of the Virgins might awaken every one unto it for if this was the frame only of some rude prophane Rout of â—arnal Protestants professing Christ with their lips but denying him in their lives it might be excusable for us but when Virgins and so many and that in these times of Christs coming to faile here this may strike a holy â—awfulness even in the best and with much feare and trembling to search themselves as it did the Disciples of Christ when they heard not many but one only should beâ—ray him for there is this union on both parts Iohn 10. 14. 2. But though there is cause to search I confess 't is very hard to finde out this blessed Love-knot the union between Christ and the soul being so mystical and secret and spiritual a work especially in this life wherein the Lord Jesus ariseth in the souls of his people not in his perfect fulness but only as the day-starre at which time there is much darkness before the rising Sun and hence the Apostle Gal. 4. 9. You have known God or rather are known of him c. 3. But yet it may be known the many examples I might alledge might prove it and the promise of Christ to his Disciples doth evince it Iohn 14. 20. They were weak for a
given indeed to him he lets them go but Christ speaks to his Disciples Will you go So if a man hâ—th a stranger in his House he will let him go and enquire not after him he came to me for a time but if he hath a Son and he is gone he will finde him out and there he wonders at a Fathers love to see his Spirit So here and hence come the Saints to wonder at the Lord so much What is not the Lord yâ—t gone I speak this partly to terrifie those that go and never return again and to answer Objections of Saints the Lord hath hid himself from me and I have forsaken him yet mark he will bring thee back again to himself lamenting c. 5. Degree This apprehending love of Christ it now witnesseth love to the soul most clearly and fully the Question is Doth Christ apprehend any but those to whom he witnesseth love No for he doth witness to all in some measure but here comes the cleare manifestation of it When I was dead he quickned me and since that I have lost the Lord and he me yet he hath found me out and hence now the soul concludes the Lord loves it Gal. 2. 20. Who loved me and gave himself for me Psalme 23. Vlt. The Lord restoreth my Soule surely mercy shall follow me Now try if the Lord never dealt thus with thee As this may serve to discourage or terrifie those that never did so it may encourage â—hose to preserve their faith who so apprehend Christ as that they are apprehended of him If a Woman was never Married to such a man for her to call him or speak of him or think of him to be her Husband 't is presumption but when he hath given himself to her then let her own her priviledge and maintaine her claime against all Law and wranglers and preserve her interest So those that never were given to Christ let them know their faith is but smoke and vanity but let Iob say Though he kill me yet I 'le trust him David Psal. 42. 3. had that temptation Where is now thy God that his teares were his meat and drink and was much shaken and cast down by it but what Doth he lie still No he stirs up himself aud chides himself Why art thou cast down Ver. 5. 11. He is my God 1 Tim. 6. 12. Fight a good fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life whereunâ—o thou art called 'T is very unsafe for any Christian to lay by Faith and cast off the exercise of it because 't is Christs apprehending of us which doth preserve us True but 't is by faith which may not be at all times seen as neither the other can and therefore take heed you make not this use of Doctrine here because many may apprehend Christ whom Christ never apprehended therefore what have I to do to close with Christ To be kept from putting out faith either in your judgement and practice or practice only I would but only ask of such these Questions Fâ—rst If we were only to look to Christs apprehending us without the other why doth the Apostle put such a weight upon Faith as that all the benefits of Christ are communicated by it Heb. 3. 14. We partake of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast and Heb. 10. 38. The just lives by it not from it Secondly If so why doth Satan so much strike at faith when Peter fell what did he strike at what did he winrow him for To shake out his faith and hence Christ prayes that it faile not When Satan comes to Christ the first thing which made way for all his temptations was If thou beest the Son c. Our blessed fellowship with Christ he sees consists of two things Faith on our part and the Spirit on Christs and Satan strikes at the weakest first Thirdly If so Why doth the Lord Jesus so carefully seek to preserve it both mediately by all meanes and Ministries Word Sacraments which are to feed Faith and hence Paul 1 Thess. 3. 2. To establish you in faith And ver 5. he hence rejoyced and ver 10. We would be yours to perfect your Faith And also immediately Peter falls Christ prayes his faith faile not his grace should not And 1 Pet. 1. 2 3. Preserved by faith to Salvation Object But I cannot believe Answ. Before faith you cannot and after you do believe the Acts of faith and lively working of faith may be many times in disertions of the soul from God or God from the soul hindered and when he hath those lively workings of it it 's from the power of Christ that it is acted as well as preserved but yet if Christ hath once given power to believe he maintaines it constantly and increaseth it and therefore you have no cause to plead I cannot so that you cannot sin and live in it especially in unbelief and lie there you cannot draw back to perdition but believe to the salvation of your souls the just lives by faith we say we must live Faith will be stirring when no other grace can be so it Victuals the whole Camp Relieves the besieged and it 's most strong when man is most weak 'T is true indeed there may be many acts of presumption for one act of faith take heed of that That faith is not presumption which the more it works the more humble it makes the soul to be and vile in his own eyes because as Faith ever fetcheth of Christs fulness to the soule so it ever is attended with sence of emptiness in the soule naturally and then it 's right Oh resist not the Lord Jesus when he comes to apprehend you by his Almighty Arme In a shipwrack if a man sees many drowning and perishing never a hand to take hold of them when one is reached out to him will he resist it Oh no! I know indeed when the time of love comes there is no power of overcoming and frustrating the grace of God but yet there is a power of resisting which the Lord complaines of in them Acts 7. and which he makes his people to complaine with bitterness of in his bosome when his time comes Isaiah 50. 2. The Lord cryes out of his people when they had sold themselves into the hand of their enemies and were apt to lay the fault on the Lord as men do Now the Lord gives not me a heart to believe Saith he Wherefore when I came was there none to answer Object You can never pardon such finners help against such sinnes mercy cannot reach us Is my hand shortned No such matter I do not press you now to apprehend Christ but resist not the Lord when he hath his hand upon thy heart or conscience to apprehend thee Is the Lord at work with none of you art forsaken of Christ altogether There are many wayes of Resisting Christ thus I 'le only name these two First When the soul will not
to Prayer and Word and want many things but find them not Oh come therefore Lord I must have I cannot go without supply Not but that a Christian must wait and be content humbly but not careâ—esly Therefore think within thy self 1. What is there that I need but this the presence of God the life of God c. Is it not enough in Heaven where 's no wealth nor comforts else and is it not suffâ—cient now 2. May I have it oâ— this condition I must have it I am resolved not to go without it Rev. 22. 17. if you will come take it Are the termes so sweet 3. Do wicked men thirst more and more after their lusts and is Christ and his Grace and his Presence no better that I have enough of them quickly God forbid there should be such a heart 4. Doth the least sin so exceedingly go to the heart of my God and shall I suffer it not only to act here and tempt here but remain alive here 5. Is not the Lord after all love shewn me worthy of infinite not a little honour from me and doth he deserve all and must I not shall I not give it him before I dye it must it shall be so Now when here you feel a need know it that you are at the very door of relief I conceive this is the great door at which Christ enters into the soul. The root of Faith i. e. the author object and foundation of Faith is out of a mans self the door of Faith which opens to all treasures is in a mans self This door is not any good in us for then we should have somewhat to boast of nor sin in us for that shuts out God from us nor knowledg of want for that the Devils have but sense of want which when the Saints have now the door is opened for the Lord Jesus in all his fulnesse to come in Now if you know these things blessed are you if you do them SECT VIII TO all the Churches of the Lord Jesus here planted in these Western parts of the World to maintain your Church-chastity and Virginity you have a name of it abroad pure chaste Virgin-churches not polluted with the mixtures of mens inventions not defiled with the company of evill men pure Ordinances pure People pure Churches which is the cause of the scoffs and enmity of some but of the desire and joy of others O if there how happy I and how blessed they Take heed you do not defile your selves again Open whoredoom is too gross too shameful to yeild to mans inventious to open the door for all comers into the Church but take heed of secret whoredoms and departings from Christ for think of this speech when you see me dead that of all Churches in the World the Lord Jesus carries a most jealous eye over these for whom he hath done such great things and I know it he takes exceeding ill your secret wantonnesse and whoredoms of heart the Lord hath kept you hitherto look you maintain it for you may be soon defloured again few Churches retain their purity long aged gray-haired purity is seldom seen I will tell you of the several Temptations some at least that may prevail to the defilement of you First Spiritual defilement is forsaking of the Husband a total secret forsaking of Christ for here is the temptation to it viz. Gods withdrawing himself in his Ordinances from his Ordinances For three sorts of Temptations make men fall back 1. By Persecution and there many fall though some hold out as in the stony land 2. By Peace and here many fall like the thorny ground like Saylors that in a storm at Sea every man is ready and will be pulling his rope but when a calm then go to their Cabbins and there fall asleep and here many fall in this place and others stand it out 3. By the Lords withdrawing from them as those Mal. 3. 14. and here the great ones fall Many come to enjoy Ordinances and persecution vext them not world it 's base it troubles them not and they think to find much but do not but the Lord withdraws and they can get no good hereupon their false hearts discover themselves they draw back from God and lie still whereas Saints cry the more after him and look the more into themselves and find out the cause of it and then the Lord helps them Isai. 63. 17. Oh take heed of this 1. Shall I forsake the Lord that hath done these great things for my Soul 2. Shall I now do it after I am so near Heaven 3. Shall I forsake him when he departs from me but for a time it may be when as he followed me when I departed long from him 4. Is it not Hell to dye without him and shall it not be Death to live without him 5. Doth he depart without a cause he hath no cause to follow me I have all reason to follow him the Lord grant you may do so Secondly Secret defilement is by neglect of private communion with him this is whorish in a Wife Here is stronger Temptation to neglect private Prayer and Meditation partly by want of room partly by multitudes of businesses and work and cares hereabout that being weary in the day sleepy at night busie in the morning Prayer Meditation daily examination are sent away as Paul from Faelix we will speak with these at some more convenient season and hence straitnesse of heart toward Christ and no means do good Oh Beloved have you such a Husband as Christ in Heaven that loves thy looks thy company thy sighs thy speeches and will you neglect him thus what no love 2. Is he not broken with this whorish heart 3. Is that speech worth any thing with you We shall ever be with the Lord doth it comfort you to think of being ever with him and now neglect him where are your hearts Thirdly Secret defilement is by bringing other lovers into the same bed the same heart with him and here the Temptation to this is strong for most men have lost and sunk in their Estates and it 's hard to live lower than we did and this is a grief and here 't is possible to recover estate again and here grief for losse hath a vent by greedinesse and pursuit after more In other places men had a very coâ—fortable estate hence rejoyced in what they had and did not greedily desire more but now want makes men hungry and greedy and now when a man hath thought and lookt about him and seen what he may gain by his labours of many acres by his Goats and Cartel in so many year now he casts himself into the world and also will not forsake Christ utterly but bring both into the same heart Christ shall have some love some desire but the world as much and so the heart is divided and hence some set high prizes on their corn commodities cattel others look for large wages
Their comfort for union to the Church of God 1. Covers their sin and hides it from the eyes of the world Theeves walk without suspition in true mens companies and thus they make the House of Prayer a Den of Theeves and this is some comfort For Hypocrites if they can carry it cleverly that none see though God see 't is no matter It will not be thought that a Member of a Church dares do such a wickednesse yet so it is sometimeâ— 2. Comforts their conscience in their sin men love their lusts but what no respect to Ordinances of Christ yes and so conscience is quiet and sin lives too Ier. 7. 3. Because there is much comfoâ—t in Gods Ordinances and in attending on God there not only verbal but the visible Gospel is sweet the Sacraments hence they joyn themselves as in Iohns Ministry You rejoyced for a season not only in Christ but in communion of Saints especially in dangerous times that a man fears the judgements of God will come in those places where ever they live without them And now they are quiet when got into the Cities of the Levites from the pursuer of blood 4. In regard of the Saints themselves First There is seen many times a Divine Majesty and excellency in them which hath a drawing vertue with it that many out of respect to that close with them as Gen. 26. 27 28. God makes Balaam to see Israels glory in his Tents and he cannot curse if he might have all the world but must bless them Secondly There is much charity which thinks no evil that where they see evils they cover them where there is but little good appearing they hope there is more than they see the Kings Daughter being all glorious within Thirdly There is a spirit of humility in them to think others that appear fair better than themselves until God discovers them especially if they are yet unsetled Fourthly A spirit of desire to have all as near the Lord as they can and though there be evils in them yet they hope that will make them better 5. From the Lord himself who hath First Reserved this exact separation as one part of his own glory at his Second coming Then he shall separate sheep and Goats Secondly Because some are very serviceable to his Church and so to Christ as Caput politicum both in regard of outward means of subsistance and also with edifying gifts hence into his Family he will let them come being servants and like Carriers that carry anothers money and wealth to him and then turns them out of doors Thirdly Because of a certain real yet not thorow work of the Lord whereby he draws them to some fellowship with the Church the Members and some kind of fellowship with his Son yet it not being a thorow effectual Almighty drawing they prove unsound Iohn 6. 65. Fourthly That the Lord might manifest the exceeding greatness of his wrath in some for Gods last end in all the wicked is to shew the greatnesse of it Rom. 9. 21 22. yet in some more than others and hence raiseth them up in the Church to great eminency of profession and parts and honour that all the Saints also may admire Gods Grace to themselves the more that when Two in the field one should be taken another left that they should sit in the same seats and yet some called others left and of them that are called to leave many and love me and that men of great parts and I a poor simple one to chuse such a base thing to confound the wise the mighty But as it 's said of Pharaoh what meant all the miracles all the humblings of heart and yet he would not let them go For this cause have I raised thee up Exod. 9. 16. Of all that thou hast given me saith Chriâ—â— not one is lost but the Son of Perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled So here SECT IV. THis serveâ— to cleâ—r us in this Country from a soul aspersion that is cast out of the mouths of Pulpits upon us that we hold the Churches of Christ to have no Hypocrite in theâ— We answeâ— that though if Hypocrite could be openly and Ecclesiassâ—ally disceâ—ned they should not be received in noâ— kept in because 〈…〉 Church are not fit to make a Church yet we say there will be Tares and Wheâ—t there will be chast and corn there will be wise and foolish Virgins there will be good and bad mingled together in the Churche until the worlds end To the Watch â—en of the Churches nay to all that professe themselve to be their Brethrens keepers to 〈…〉 Virgins not to laviâ—h your chaâ—â—ty too far it 's a precious Grace and you have little enough for 〈…〉 but to bear a jealous heart and to labouâ— for a quick discerning eye to find out them that will 〈◊〉 themselves among you This was the commendation and honour of the Ephesians Rev. 2. 2. I confesse it â—s a sinful extream to cry doâ—n all the virgins as foolish when there be Five wise Satan will seek to â—reak he â—ond of Brotherly-love by soâ—ing false reports and horrible suspitions and 't is a hard thing foâ— a Paâ—â— after the Lord hath wrapt him up to the Third Heaven in Revelations not to be puâ—tup and in seeing himself at a distance from other men not to despise and condeâ—n them that have not risen so high as he especially in a discontented spirit nothing will please them A false heart when he sees more than others as he thinks now thinks highly of himself as so he great reformer of Churches and world especially if men of shallow heads and â—ence such do censure and condeâ—n all that do not magnifie them and reverence their Judgements and the dust of their feet And yet 't is another sinful extream to swallow down all flies that be in the cup and to think too charitably of every one that doth proâ—esse Children that have no children themselves will make children of clouts and then love theâ— and hence many a soul lies bleeâ—â—ng to â—eath because they have such tender Friends as will not search them An I doubt not but many in Hell â—ay say Oh that I should live among such and such and they never deâ—â— faithfully with me If a man walk â—airly should I censure him No but yet maintain a holy jealousie over them as Paul did over the Galâ—â—hiansa 〈◊〉 stands with love as it was with Iob ch 1. 5. As 't is with Chirurgions ' â—is love to cut to the quick Love theâ— because they appear to be Christs and are so to thee and this shall have a reward but yet be jealous in love because there may be that hid which was never yet seen 1. It may be thou maist save a soul and they will love thee or else thou shalt clear justice by being a witnesse against them 2. 'T is the chief work for Christ here there being
73 74. So that if you will not believe man yet believe God and if you will not believe his Word yet his Oath Oh but many good Christians find no such thing But is it so as they find it indeed Either then they are no Christians or else the Lord is forsworn Thirdly That by the inward principle of Spirit and Graces our lamp burns and shines our actions issue The Spirit enables a man to know hence the act flows he doth know the Lord. The Spirit enables inwardly for to love the Lord and hence it doth love him That as Christ saith a good tree brings forth good fruit from an inward sap received from the root and by abiding on the root So here 1. Those that are renewed to Adams image in their measure have according to that measure power to act or in those Graces there is power to act for he had power so to do Every creature in the world had a Law of Nature to carry them to their end and so were carried to it But Adam had a Law of Divinity whereby he being a cause by Counsel was enabled by God to carry himself toward his end Now we are renewed to that image in part Eph. 4. 24. I know there is difference between Adams power to act which had no Faith ours that hath And do not think that this doth advance nature the power of man no more than the execution of the Promise of the Covenant of Grace doth destroy Grace and advance nature For the writing again the Law in our hearts is that which this Covenant promiseth nay this doth honour the riches of Grace that a man being under the power of sin and cannot get deliverance the Lord should now give an humble conquering Spirit never a precious heart but will be thankful for it 2. Because the Graces in us are received from the Lord Jesus his fulness Iohn 1. 16. Now the Graces in Christ are not dead but living are not weak but powerful the Spirit of Grace 't is now triumphing in him 't is so in us only 't is in him in the highest degree in us in a lower And therein consists our likeness to Christ 2 Cor. 3. 18. And to deny this is to deface the Image of the Lord Jesus and this is part of the Beauty and Glory of Christ hence to deny this is to obscure the glory of the Lord Jesus Without Christ a Christian can do nothing but how doth Christ do all by the Spirit without Graces I speak not of Conversion where 't is without Graces as causes No truly as he acts so we act in part Unless any will say we have not received grace for grace or are in no measure like the image of Christ. 3. If the first Adam hath conveyed to all his members a power of corruption then the second Adam also a power of Godliness contrary to that 2. Tim. 3. 5. yet in measure still so as the Apostle saith we can do nothing against the Truth but for the Truth 2 Cor. 13. 8. But what measure of power is it I know no man that can from any ground limit the measure of it For it may be in some men in greater power in some men in less in the same man at one time in a greater measure at another time less If one ask of trees what measure of fruit they can bring forth we cannot tell because sometime more sometime less and the same tree more one year than another and more at one time of the year then another for they have their winter season Only this whereas before conversion he is stark dead to act now he is alive and is not dead And if a man should after conversion be but in the next disposition to receive Grace then how could one Christian be more grown and stronger in Grace in his inner man than another I know not any to question this only I speak it to cut off their carnal hopes that think Christ is theirs when they have nothing can do nothing and sleightly say he must do all I cannot I tell you the Saints can they cannot but love the Lord and choose the Lord. c. But must not a Christian deny himself and alway go to Christ for power to do and so be humble and empty 1. You must because this is the meanes to live to Christs but this doth not argue you have no power at all A man must pray for his daily bread much more for daily grace but doth this argue a man hath no bread in his house No this is the means to have it continued and blest Easily can the Lord take away bread or the staff of bread Graces extinguish not Faith but help it 2. A Christian can do no duty perfectly hence must repair to Christ to help him to do every duty better hence though he must use that power he hath and do what he can yet he must not content himself with what he hath but seek for more and what a sweet life is this What honour would here come in God lets in a new light into my minde now I may and must see his truth I saw it yesterday but I may and must go to Christ to do it better I must not quench the Spirit of prayer but carry the key with me and next day pray better And thus the soul is thankful for what it hath and emptying it self notwithstanding that and daily then receiving from Christ. And I beleeve many Christians fail here As in the body meat feeds and strengthens life so I cannot live without Christ. But doth not this make a man trust to graces To act from them is not to trust to them no more then for a diligent hand to trust to his diligence when he acts diligently that so he may be rich But doth not this dishonour grace to do all by the power of it Then the Saints in heaven that are made perfectly like Christ and that love the Lord perfectly should not honour grace by this means when as this is it that makes them honour it most of all As David Lord what am I and my people that we should offer willingly So here SECT II. SEE hence what cause of thankfulness to all the people of God that the Lord should make their souls the Vessels which he might easily and justly have dashed in peeces to receive and preserve this eternal anointing I do beleeve there is no man that knows the bitterness of sin the plague of his own heart but when he sees Christ is his yet it makes him mourn that there should be so little suitableness between the Lord and him so little likeness between his life and Christ what though the Lord love me and yet my heart weary of him what though the Lord bless me and my heart abuse him and hence this makes it thankful Rom. 7. 24 25. This is so far from dishonouring grace as that the
is an end of it then a man is stript naked of all his greatness and honor friends blessings and when a man sees an end and is come to an end of a sinful way now all a mans delights and hopes perish the beginning of a sinful course is sweet and beautiful like pictures seen afar off beautiful but the end is gal and woormwood for every sinful secure course is sweet in appearance or indeed if only in hope and conception as in a dream when the end comes all a mans hopes perish If indeed it hath been sweet now there 's the more grief now my heart my life my blood must be taken from me and what profit is there now in this my stubborn way when a man is sinking and the boat is breaking what a miserable wretch now Lord help hence Ezek. 7. 3 6. when an end is come now they fling their silver in the streets Oh the stumbling-block of mine iniquity verse 18 19. now they shall seek peace and shall not find it verse 25. now they shall seek a vision of the Prophet verse 26. Like a man that is drawn into a fair way and is out of that his way when he comes to an end and is forsaken of all and left in a wood now what 's the profit Because at his coming there is the entrance and passage into eternity and into an eternal state of weal or wo now though the apprehension of the end of a secure sinful way may and will awaken yet when eternity is apprehended it will amaze for this time is but a little spring or river which runs into eternity and carries all men living down with it to eternity Now when men see an end of time and the beginning of eternity and themselves posting thereto it is as when a man sees himself floating upon the waters where there 's no bottom and all stay gone though he hath been long secure now he will cry out if he sees it It is with men now as it is with those that are ready to be cast down from some Towr it makes the heart tremble oh where shal I alight oh it 's impossible but if men do apprehend eternity and that also near unto them but it will awaken them it will make a stout stony-hearted Saul to run to Urim it will make Kings and Princes run to Monasteries and men to Cells and Deserts It will make the proudest Felix tremble when Paul reasons of Judgement to come It 's usually the first thing that doth awaken the people of God eternity doth amaze them and them that have fallen to all â—asciviousness Oh eternity Because of the terror at the coming of the Lord Revel 6. ult to them that be unprovided and unprepared hence it is and will be when an evil is near fear will flie out Men as men will do it unless they be walking blocks and bruits For 1. Then they are to stand naked before the Lord so great and holy 2. Then they shall have all their sins set in order Psal. 50. 21. and especially those secret sins which they never saw and whereby they did perfect their own perdition 3. Then the final sentence past never to be recalled again and they shall know it for if there might be a day to repent then some hope but if not oâ— this awakens 4. Then to be surrendred up into the hands of Devils to be kept by that Jaylor in Prison 1 Pet. 3. 19. until the coming of the great day and so to be kept in their custody and to be in their fellowship looking back and mourning for time mis-spent looking to time to come shortly to meet my body and then to be parted for ever from the Lord oh when this evil is apprehended it will awaken a man to search and look about him SECT III. HEnce see a great cause of the deep and long security of many a man and that in Virgin-Churches under all awakening means Ordinances and Providences of God men put far from them this day of death and time of Christs coming they think seldom of it come not near to it nor make it near to them sometime they complain of a dead sluggish spirit secure heart and yet remain so and wonder sometime at the reason of it why it shou'd be so why this is one reason of it either you think not of this coming of the Lord or see it not near even at the door but number many days to your selves and this is the cause of it you do not lodge in nay look to your Coffins and walk to your graves side often and so stand there and hear the cry and see the Lord a coming there will be more in what I say than what you see at first blush of this truth but this I know and the Word proves it universal security ariseth from hence As for instance 1. Why do men minde the things of the world so much that there is such care for them such eager desire after them that many times prayer is neglected Sabbaths neglected when will they be at an end God neglected Souls of wife children servants a mans own soul neglected and overgrown with nettles that there is such an high opinion dreams of worldly goods and when a man hath them then at rest because with the glutton they think they have goods for many a year and hence we shall see when a man waketh death is near to him and when it is near to a man now he thinks he hath been deceived in all the things of the world that they are not good for him 1 Cor. 7. 29. The time is short and the fashion of the world passeth away Nothing makes these things so sought after and good but only esteem now this is because men look only to things present 2. Why do mens hearts sink with the meanness of their outward condition and the troubles of it for this is security it is because of this they do not remember the nearness of the coming of the Lord it is but a little while longer and then the God I have chosen will alone be sweet and he will make me amends for all my troubles and therefore let me bear up my head a little while Psal. 39. when Davids heart began to be troubled by seeing others prosperity his own misery Lord saith he make me to know my end and the measure of my days mine age is as an hand breadth hence ver 7. Lord what hope I for truly my hope is in thee 3. Why are men puâ—t up with their own excellencies and filled with such pride and high conceâ—â—s of themselves sometimes of their beauty sometimes of their apparel sometime their friends sometime their esteem and they value themselves much by this men consider not the coming of the Lord which shall stain the pride of all glory Isa. 23. 8. and that this time is near 4. Why do people complain they cannot prize the Lord or his Ordinances as
this your sin makes your shame and there 's the want of holiness 1 Pet. 3. 3. man might be conveâ—ted by the Wife and the Wife by the Husband not that it is always so but usually so Secondly Look into Churches what is the reason people lose their honor much in the hearts of Ministers he respects others but not me and sometimes they think now he strikes at me and meaneth me and then the heart swells c. what 's the reason that Paul professeth he will come with a rod among the Corinthians they were babes and carnal and contentious and puâ—t up little love and life and what 's the reason he sets out the Thessalonians so 1 Thess. 1. 5. because of this they did abound and hence commended of all Saints hence want of growth and holiness they travel in birth till Christ be formed and when they cannot see that hence they are in throws for you what 's the reason Ministers lose their glory among people I confess 't is not always for decay here for Iohn in prison did not lose his holiness and hence when they despised him Christ commended him and his reward was with the Lord it was not a testimony of his unholiness but a fore-râ—nner of the end of his days as well as of the end of his work and hence when all Asia forsook Paul 2 Tim. 4. 16. it was the time of his departing now at hand But that which is the cause of it many times is want of holiness within and hence though men fee not yet the Lord will not give a false testimony nor let men do so hence neither judgements nor their speeches reverenced or because men see not the ancient Spirit of holiness hence no mourning for them in secret no holiness in speeches they smell of the field not walking as patterns before them Mal. 2. 8 9. not caring for the fâ—ock which Christ hath purchased with his own blood What 's the reason there is that complaint of want of love one man to another one member to another who are bound by covenant to it such jars divisions c. Truly nothing makes so firm an union between man and man as holiness and grace this tieth the knot and it is not holiness hid but now seen it not being seen hence comes all your breaches its impossible else such small things should make it Oh a tender heart and the life of Christ is not indeed seen a holy man exact shall never want love that in every company scatters something that like Christ goes up and down doing good healing the diseases of mens hearts there 's a man I could dye with him in my very bosom I am perswaded the decay of holiness in the lives of men is the cause why Sanctification is questioned as an evidence of Justification and hence division Thirdly Look abroad into the world what is the reason the Churches lye among the pots and are soiled with so many disgraces that though we be the people of the Lord yet we are not called so why jaâ—s divisions earthliness want of love and mercy murmurings loss of former life When Jews are shining with the glory of God Kings and all Nations shall bring in their glory to them Oh consider this sin doth make you vile in Gods eyes and mans eyes Many complain they cannot be respected nor received this is the cause of it you excell not here others take notice of your unrighteousness unholiness of life there 's some evil in their bargaining and buying and ill language from the people of God Oh therefore go home and lament this as she The glory of God is departed from Israel so do you here SECT V. HEnce see when the Lord doth honor us to do his work what little cause there is to seek honor of men nay though all the worlds glory be taken from you because it is honor enough to do the Lords work would you have more honor than Christ this was his beauty glory and honor God hath an everlasting name for you though you have disgrace by it nay though no success yet Isa. 49. 5. glorious in the Lords eye Oh it was a sweet course of Barak Iudg. 4. 9. thou shalâ— lose honor that 's all one said she Let me do the Lords work though it be in a difficult work of pursuing the Lords enemies what profit have you on the other side when you seek it in your pitchers what company c. this was Sauls sin 1 Sam. 15. 30. Oh worship and honor me nevertheless this time before the people it 's his reward and it 's the Devils sin to be puft up this pull'd down Nebuchadnezar Herod was smote with worms because he gave not glory to God but took it to himself it was a heavy speech to Eli 1 Sam. 2. 29. Because thou honorest thy sons above me this and that I will do unto thee Nay though men are so holy as to honor God with their lips yet God will blast the wisdom of the wise for it Oh therefore let this be enough and then you will not hunger after other honor for this is glory and honor enough and you have thought so when your selves Oh if I may but honor the Lord it is enough Hence see what little cause any wicked man hath to lift up his head with any glory he hath because the spirit of holiness beauty and glory is departed from them as when the Soul is departed from the body its glory and beauty is departed from them it 's withered and therefore we shall read in Scripture what names the Lord gives them as Dogs Swine Serpents a generation of vipers painted Sepulchres Devils in the time of the greatest profession as Iudas Ioh. 6. Wilde beasts and that in the greatest outward glory and hence the four Monarchies of the world are resembled to such beasts Bears Leopards c. Thus for their persons And as for their actions all they do is unclean and ignoble and hence compared to Thistles that cannot bring forth Figs or Grapes and hence Solomon compares them As jewels in a Swines snout so is a parable in the mouth of a fool it becomes them not it 's abomination in the sight of God all that which they do though glorious before men and at last day they shall rise up to everlasting contempt and it is said Isa. 66. ult their worm shall never dye and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh though they may carry it out fair for a time the fairest professors that by their Sorceries and enchantments deceive the people shall be filled with shame and as the Magicians were smitten with sores they could not stand before Moses being smitten with sores so you shall not be able to stand before the Lord at the last day and look as it is with Christ and his people their cross and shame here it is but their preparation to their crown and hence when Christ was put to the
be called for out of the Word it is a way of works almost flat Popery in their books If Ministers have had the Spirit burning within them seeing people led from the truth and so speak against them that deceive them 't is passion and bitterness if they have sought to keep the hearts of Gods people close one to another the strong man then keeps the palace What should I name all Quest. But for what is it that they are thus sâ—andalized Ans. 1. For preaching that we are justified by Faith and that Faith is required to the entertainment of Christ as a condition of the Gospel here is not bread say men 2. For preaching that Sanctification is an evidence of Justification and though it be granted the Lord never justified any without a work of vocation at least and this is not against Gods Grace to justifie by Faith yet it is against Grace and 't is a way of works say some to see my self justified by Faith If the Word did reveal a second Justification by Faith and a first Justification without Faith then our first evidence might be without sight of Faith because there is some word which reveals our being Justified without it But the Word reveals all our Justification to be by Faith and thus for preaching the Gospel of Christ have the Servants of the Lord been reproached And though they keep it in yet how many are there whose hearts go after these detestable things 3. Some resist the Spirit by despising inwardly and so casting off the Word of the Lord Heb. 2. 2 3. if we neglect or slight so great salvation and when was the Gospel more slighted by many every thing we say is dear but Gospel which should make us mourn that ever it should be said so in this Country you despise the Spirit of God a man of greatness suffers by nothing so much as by contempt so it is with the Spirit of Grace And it is a thousand to one but that there will be something to make them despise at last the Lord himself But the Word comes thus to be despised and cast off SECT IX First PArtly by the false reports of others as if they were factious disturbers of peace men under a Covenant of Works c. It is the Jesuites policy to raise up lyes and though all will not beleive them yet some will stick Secondly Partly by covetousness the glory of the things of this world is greater than the glory of the Gospel tell them of living by Faith and Promises they deride you in their hearts tell them of a Kingdom and the excellency of holiness they slight them to be so rich and honored it is glorious indeed Luke 16. 14. The Pharisees scorned him because they were covetous Thirdly Sometime because Ministers and Ministry are Bills of charges to a congregation and are too costly inhabitants among them Fourthly Partly because of ignorance of the truth why was Paul's Ministry foolishness it was a mystery so many come and understand not the truths preached they be too high points for them to conceive of let truth be never so precious they esteem it not because they know it not Fifthly Partly because they have known all that our Ministers do preach before which is now like flowers and roses withering which were flourishing heretofore Capernaum despiseth that which Sodom would not and Tyreâ— and Sidon would have repented at and say They can do as well themselves as this and better Sixthly Partly because Ministers are so long at it and that may be delivered in one hour which is stood upon an hour and half and they wonder men preach so little and yet so long which argues contempt and that every truth is not precious Men cry not out of men when they are telling money to them many hours and yet this is more precious Eutychus grows sleepy thank Paul for preaching so long and falls down thank long Sermons for that This is the sinful language of some Seventhly Because they cannot profit by them hence when they should mourn for themselves they despise the truth of the Lord Mic. 2. 7. are not my words good to him that walks uprightly Eighthly Because some have weaker gifts than others And thus I say the Ministry of the Lord and his Spirit is despised Mat. 18. 8. Take heed you despise not little ones for Angels behold them Oh what is it then to despise the Spirit himself And thus I say the Spirit of God is resâ—sted go home therefore and mourn and consider 1. The time is already set the Spirit will not alway strive and time may come that it will go from you and never return to you more 2. Fire will come out of their mouthes Rev. 11. 5. 3. The Ministry shall be taken from you and your children Act. 13. 46. 4. The Spirit it self shall torment you Isa. 63. 10. SECT X. OF Exhortation Oh therefore if ever you would have the Spirit dispensed to you wait here upon the Ministry of the Gospel for it neglect not private helps books and meditations c. but know if ever you have it dispensed here it is chiefly to be had buy at this shop Do you not find parched dryed up hearts the Spirit of God is gone from men and this verily is the cause of it what consolations what peace what glory from the Spirit of all comfort of peace and glory might men have but for this Obj. But I may never get this Spirit Ans. Yes Heaâ— and your souls shall live Isa. 55. 3. for to reprobates the Lord never gives an ear what a comfort is this you cannot help your selves to look to Christ to come to Christ hear him then when he is come to thee Rom. 11. 7 8. he hath given them ears not to hear and usually the first work of the Spirit in the soul is to give an ear the Lord awakens that to 〈◊〉 that never regarded any thing before and then something enters first or â—ast SECT XI Quest. HOw shall I so hear as to receive the Spirit Answ. 1. Get a deep sence of your wants particularly and distinctly before you come if a man comes to the Market and 〈…〉 his Family wants he will never come and buy of them that sell a poor man if he comes into a rich shop hath a mind to buy all the commodities he sees if he had money but if it may be had without money he will take them gladly Matth. 11. The poor receive the Gospel I am perswaded that this is the great cause why scarce any buy here they know not their need of every truth hence Isa. 50. 4. He hath given me the tongue of the learned to preach a Word in season to the weary the Lord will do it in season when the heart is weary of its own deceit and ignorance and all carnal contents and blessings and sins now the Lord Jesus must speak at last let a people be more weary of outward
second two thousand years In the Primitive times and Churches the Apostles especially â—ames and Peter spake of the end of all things to be at hand who writing to the scattered Jews had good reason to tell them of it viz. the end of the Temple Though Barâ—â—â—s to weaken the Authority of Scripture thinks they spake only their own apprehensions divers Christians thought then it was nigh and hence Paul 〈◊〉 them to beware of those thoughts seeing much danger in them 2 Thess. 2. 1 2. And in succeeding ages Tertullian expresseth the affection of the Christians to the Roman State that they sought not the ruine of it but prayed pro mor â finis as fearing it was then coming upon the world for sin and so many Saints seeing wickedâ—ess abound have thought that time is not far off but yet the times and seasons are not in our hands to know Act. 1. 7. and that must quiet us that come he will SECT III. Quest. 2. WHere will he come to judge Answ. Into this visible world again for if it should be in heaven as no unclean thing shall come there so we should then rather come to Christ to be judged than for him to come to Judgement No there is a second coming that as his first was into this visible world so shall his second Act. 3. â—1 Whâ—â— the heavens must contain untill the time of the restitution of all things and then shall he break out of heaven again for this work Now to what particular place in the world he shall come to judge is disputed on by many especially some of the Schoolmen Some think that it shall be in Mount Calvary where he was crucified some in Mount Olivet where he ascended others in the Valley of Iehosaphat Ioel 3. 2. which as it cannot contain all people that ever were so the place only speaks of the terror of God against the enemies of his scattered Jews at their conversion I would not be wise above what is written all that I read most plainly of is 1 Thess. 4. 17 18. That then we shall meet the Lord in the air now how high or where the Lords Throne shall be set those things are not for us to enquire after but so the Lord will order it as that all Nations all the dead small and great shall stand before him and see him in one place which shall not be very low where men have sinned there they shall be judged and hence as Judges have their Circuits so men having sinned in this world shall be judged here SECT IV. Quest. 4. HOw will he come to judge Answ. He shall come in power and great glory Matth. 24. 30. As first The glory of the Father Matth. 16. 27. the brightness of his Diety his infinite wisdom was hid in the dark lanthorn of his humanity but then he shall appear as 't is said Rom. 1. 4. manifested to be the Son of God by his Resurrection so then much more when he comes to raise the world all the world shall see his power wisdom greatness then Secondly All his mighty Angels with him Matth. 16. 27. all shall be there so that heaven shall be left empty a thousand times ten thousand shall then minister unto him and you know how gloriously the Lord made the Angels shine at Christs Resurrection Thirdly With the voyce of the Arch-Angel and the trump of God and with a shout 1 Thess. 4. 16. He shall descend with a shout i. e. of joy to the Saints as in the day of victory and triumph of God as at giving the Law the Trumpet did blow to work dread and terror then so now Fourthly With burning and consuming of the world 2 Pet. 3. 7. 2 Thess. 1. Fifthly Raising and callâ—ng all the dead before him small and great good and bad in earth and sea and that in a moment it shall not be a long work 1 Cor. 15. 52. and thus the Lord shall appear at this day that as he came before with baseness so he shall now come in glory and nothing then shall have any glory but himself and those that are his because he will damp all the glory of the world and thus sitting in the clouds in a Throne of glory he shall judge i. e. examine convince and condemn examine all secrets and convict men of their evils and then condemn them and pass sentence upon the wicked and grace to his Saints the Saints examinations and all their duties and actings for God opened and that all the world that censured them may see then the infinite wisdom and love of God in his people in making and keeping them sincere SECT V. Quest. 4. VVHy will he come Answ. 1. If it was only for his peoples sake for their perfect redemption and refreshing there were reason enough for it hence it is called a day of redemption and a time of refreshing here they are captived under miseries and sadded by them under sin Satan world but then they shall be redeemed Now that it shall be so First He hath come already to redeem his people from sin which is the greatest evil and which redemption wâ—s performed by his blood now if he hath redeemed from the greatest evil viz. Sin then from Corruption then from Death and Satan c. If he once came by blood and baseness then he will come in glory and greatness if he came through fire to them then he will come through fair ways to them if by death to them then by life to them and hence Ioh. 5. 24. all judgement is committed to him because he is the Son of Man And though it be long yet surely he will he must come especially seeing himself hath perfectly redeemed his people and is now himself exalted above all A man that hath been in prison himself with his poor brethreâ— that are left there still the price of their redemption being paid and there being nothing for their deliveraâ—ce wanting but one to fetch them if none help he will do it alone So here Secondly in regard of the Justice of God that that may be cleared before the eyes of all the world men sin now and are not punished but flourish and the Saints are grieved every man sees patience bounty longâ—sufferance exercised but the wrath of God against the least sins is not yet made known there must therefore be a day to declare it and the equity of it Thirdly In regard of the Wisdom of God Look in all Commonwealths well governed in the world and we shall not finde any but they have Court days and their Petty Sessions and great Assizes as in Israel for to what extremity of wickness would places come to else so here Shall the wise Governor of the world never have a day of hearing and trying causes hath he no care others are but in his room under him till that time neither is it enough to say that there is Judgement of death Answ. That is only Christs judging
the soul in private either to his shame or glory before Christ but the body is to be judged as well as the soul to shame before men or glory before all the world Fourthly In regard of Christ's soveraignty and excellency the coming of Christ is called his Kingdom 2 Tim. 4. 1. Why doth not Christ rule now in the world Yes but it is in the midst of his enemies his enemies rule and he rules also but there must a time come that no enemies must rule but Christ alone and this is his kingdom in a most illustrious manner for the things of Christ are said to be with us when they do in a special manner appear as the coming of his Spirit and his love so his Kingdom now Christ must reign till all his enemies are put under foot for it is not fit he should lose his Kingdom hath the Lord suffered others to reign and rule and himself to be hid and his glory lost and that so long and will he never return to his Kingdom to be glorious there to reap all his glory that he hath lost by all his enemies in the world Was there ever King that would ever endure one generation of Rebels after another and never make himself sole Sovereign however Man may suffer it yet the Lord will not he must reign And wherefore doth Christ reign It is to trample 〈◊〉 under foot his and his peoples enemies Christ sets death his enemy to destroy his enemies and keep them as in a Goal but afterward Christ will call them forth and pass an irreversible doom upon them SECT VI. SEE therefore and believe the truth of this Point as well as hear it At the first coming of Christ Heb. 11. 13. they did thus saw the Promises afar off and embraced them so see it afar off There be divers people that profess this truth that do not fully believe it for if they did they would never live as they do That look as men that know the Judge rides Circuit within half a year dare not commit any open sins so if you believed this you would make conscience of secret sins which this Judge shall judge Others there be that do believe it as they do reports that every man saith but they do not see that really to be true indeed which their hearts literally believe and hence mens hearts are not a whit moved with grief or sorrow or joy or fear at the remembrance of this day For as it is with us in reports of news out of Germany many hear things but are not affected with their misery because they do not see it acted before their eyes God presents not their sorrows and hence they are not moved but when they do see them acted then they are moved much so here Look as it is with a man awake and in sleep a man awake believes the day of Judgement and never stirs but when asleep he dreams of it and is much affected with that because he sees it acted before his eyes much more when men have not dreams but real visions or sight of it it will affect And hence set painted fire before a Malefactor it affects not but shew him really it wherein he must be burnt now it amazeth him and hence 2 Pet. 2. 11 12 14. looking for and hence Peter saith what manner of persons ought we to be and whereever there is Faith thus it will be Heb. 11. 1. it makes things absent present and things unseen evident Oh that God would shew you this truth you young men Eccles. 11. 9. you would not spend time vainly but know God You aged men whose hearts are rooted in this world Oh know that God will come and burn up your delights will you never see this day and fear it before you see it and mourn because of it Oh take heed of rash judging and condemning and suspecting and censuring other men In Pauls time Rom. 14. 10. one Brother in a Church there judged another about indifferent things in a Christ-like manner as if he had no Grace c. You shall stand before Christs Iudgement Seat saith Paul and hence Paul 1 Cor. 4. 3 4 5. accounts little of mans Judgement and bids them judge nothing c. What if Christ find that to be a lye which thou judgest to be true Many of Gods Servants lie under hard thoughts and speeches in private not only from Enemies abroad but from inhabitants at home men out of the Church censuring and judging of Members men in the Church one of another especially if they take to a side The Lord will discover hard speeches and an edition of all your hard thoughts put out in print at the last day This breaks love this breaks Church-fellowship and is the cause of breacheâ— in this Country Oh take heed of an hypocritical heart if the Lord should come to judge according to the seeing of the eyes of the outward man then well were it with many but when the secrets of the hearts shall be judged it will be terrible if there should never be a calling over of things again happy were it for many but 't is otherwise 2 Cor. 5. 10. Paul sought only to please the Lord for we must all appear c. Civil men if they can carry it so as men may not say hurt of them they think 't is well Hypocrites if they can maintain a name of Religion so as they may maintain their interest in good mens hearts it is well if they get some enlargement in duties that they are commenâ—â—â— of them well if they can get so much mercy as to get the Lord to accept of Christs righteousness for them it is well but saith Paul We laborto be accepted of him I am perswaded godly men do not think of this we think the wicked shall have all their secrets laid open but the Saints come not into condemnation 't is true not of wrath but of trial so as that their righteousness shall be laid open to all to their glory at the great day 1 Pet. 1. 6 7. And therefore get that life which Christ himself may commend that as Christ said I have not found such faith in Isrâ—el So here when thou hast spoken a good word repeated a Sermon spent a Sabbath ask thy heart is this worth shewing to all the world that though at be vile yet Christ himself will commend this Oh you will finde only acting for him will commend the act Mat. 25. 40. there is that needlework and golden Arras of Holiness which is lapt up in the Saints that Christ will open before all the world another day Oh therefore repent Act. 17. 31. Paul tells them times past were spent in ignorance without God time to come was a time of Judgement and wrath of God against all sin Oh then repent Mourn for all wrongs done against Christ You will â—â—il then if you take not your season now mourn therefore for time past and for