their Offering Luke 2.24 A pair of Turtle Doves which was the usual Offering of the Poor Lev. 12.8 Christ was so poor that when he wanted Money he was fain to work a Miracle for it Matth. 17.27 He when he died made no Will. He came into the World poor 4. Why he came That he might take our flesh and redeem us that he might instate us into a Kingdom He was poor that he might make us rich 2 Cor. 8.9 He was born of a Virgin that he might be born of God he took our Flesh that he might give us his Spirit He lay in the Manger that we might lye in Paradise He came down from Heaven that he might bring us to Heaven And what was all this but Love If our Hearts be not Rocks this Love of Christ should affect us Behold Love that passeth Knowledge Eph. 3.19 Branch 2. See here the wonderful Humility of Christ Christ was made flesh O Sancta Humilitas Tu filium Dei descendere fecisti in uterum Mariae Virginis Aâ—st That Christ should clothe himself with our flesh a piece of that Earth which we tread upon O infinite Humility Christ's taking our flesh was one of the lowest Steps of his Humiliation Christ did humble himself more in lying in the Virgins Womb then in hanging upon the Cross. It was not so much for Man to die but for God to become Man that was the wonder of Humility Phil. 2.7 He was made in the likeness of Men. For Christ to be made flesh was more Humility then for the Angels to be made Worms Christ's flesh is called a Vail Hebr. 10.20 Through the Vail that is his Flesh. Christ's wearing our Flesh vail'd his Glory For him to be made flesh who was equal with God O Humility Phil. 2.6 Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God He stood upon even Ground with God he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Patri co-essential and con-substantial with his Father as Austin and Cyril and the Councel of Nice expresses it yet for all this he takes flesh Christ strip'd himself of the Robes of his Glory and covered himself with the Rags of our Humanity If Solomon did so wonder that God should dwell in the Temple which was enrich'd and hung with Gold how may we wonder that God should dwell in Man's weak and frail Nature Nay which is yet more Humility Christ not only took our flesh but took it when it was at the worst under Disgrace as if a Servant should wear a Noble-man's Livery when he is impeached of High Treason Nay besides Christ took all the Infirmities of our flesh There are two sorts of Infirmities Such as are sinful without pain or such as are painful without sin The first of these Infirmities Christ did not take upon him sinful Infirmities to be covetous or ambitious Christ never took these upon him but Christ took upon him painful Infirmities as 1. Hunger Matth. 21.18 He came to the Fig-tree and would have eaten 2. Weariness as when he sate on Iacob's Well to rest him Iohn 4.6 3. Sorrow Matth. 26.38 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My soul is sorrowful even unto death It was a Sorrow guided with Reason not disturb'd with Passion 4. Fear Hebr. 5.7 He was heard in that he feared Nay yet a further Degree of Christ's Humility he not only was made flesh but in the likeness of sinful flesh He knew no sin yet he was made sin 2 Cor. 5.21 He was like a sinner he had all sin laid upon him but no sin lived in him Isa. 53.12 He was numbred among Transgressors He who was numbred among the Persons of the Trinity he is said to bear the sins of many Hebr. 9.28 Now this was the lowest degree of Christ's Humiliation For Christ to be reputed as a sinner never such a Pattern of Humility That Christ who would not endure sin in the Angels should himself indure to have sin imputed to him it is the most amazing Humility that ever was From all this learn to be humble Dost thou see Christ humbling himself and art thou proud 'T is the humble Saint is Christ's Picture Christian be not proud of your fine Feathers 1. Hast thou an Estate be not proud the Earth thou treadest on is richer then thou it hath Mines of Gold and Silver in the Bowels of it 2. Hast thou Beauty be not proud it is but Air and Dust mingled 3. Hast thou Skill and Parts be humble Lucifer hath more knowledge than thou 4. Hast thou Grace be humble thou hast it not of thy own growth it is borrowed Were it not a folly to be proud of a Ring that is lent 1 Cor. 4.7 Thou hast more Sin then Grace Spots then Beauty O look on Christ this rare Pattern and be humble It is an unseemly sight to see God humbling himself and Man exalting himself to see an humble Saviour and a proud Sinner God hates the very resemblance of Pride Lev. 2.11 He would have no Honey in the Sacrifice Indeed Leaven is sowr but why no Honey because when Honey is mingled with Meal or Flour it makes the Meal to rise and swell ergo no Honey God hates the resemblance of the Sin of Pride better want Parts Comforts of Spirit then Humility Si Deus superbientibus Angelis non pepercit If God saith Austin spared not the Angels when they grew proud will he spare thee who art but Dust and Rottenness Branch 3. Behold here a Sacred Riddle or Paradox God manifest in the flesh The Text calls it a Mystery That Man should be made in God's Image was a wonder but that God should be made in Man's Image is a greater wonder That the Ancient of Days should be born that he who Thunders in the Heaven should cry in the Cradle Qui tonitruat in Coelis clamat in cunabulis qui regit sidera sugit ubera that he who rules the Stars should suck the Breasts that a Virgin should conceive that Christ should be made of a Woman and of that Woman which himself made that the Branch should bear the Vine that the Mother should be younger than the Child she bare and the Child in the Womb bigger than the Mother that the Humane Nature should not be God yet one with God This was not only mirum but miraculum Christ taking flesh is a Mystery we shall never fully understand till we come to Heaven when our Light shall be clear as well as our Love perfect Branch 4. From hence God manifest in the flesh Christ born of a Virgin a thing not only strange in nature but impossible learn That there are no impossibilities with God God can bring about Things which are not within the sphere of Nature to produce That Iron should swim that the Rock should gush out with water that the Fire should lick up the water in the Trenches 1 Kings 18.38 'T is natural for the water to quench the fire but for the fire to
of God because no condemnation Rom. 8.1 No condemnation to them in Christ Iesus God doth not condemn them nor Conscience doth not condemn them Both Jury and Judge acquit them then no evil befalls them for nothing is really an evil but that which damns 10. If God be our Father this may make us go with chearfulness to the Throne of Grace Were a Man to petition his enemy there were little hope but when a Child petitions his Father he may come with confidence to speed The word Father works upon God it toucheth his very Bowels What can a Father deny his Child If a Son ask bread will he give him a stone Matth. 7.9 This may embolden us to go to God for pardon of Sin and further degrees of Sanctity We pray to a Father of Mercy setting upon a Throne of Grace Luke 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Spirit to them that ask him This did quicken the Church and add wings to Prayer Isa. 63.15 Look down from heaven ver 16. Doubtless thou art our Father Who doth God keep his Mercies for but his Children Three things may cause boldness in Prayer We have a Father to pray to and the Spirit to help us to pray and an Advocate to present our Prayers Gods Children should in all their troubles run to their Heavenly Father as that sick Child 2 Kin. 4.19 He said unto his Father My head my head So pour out thy complaint to God in Prayer Father my heart my heart My dead heart quicken it my hard heart soften it in Christs Blood Father my heart my heart Sure God that hears the cry of the Ravens will hear the cry of his Children 11. If God be our Father he will stand between us and danger A Father will keep off danger from his Child God calls himself scutum a shield A shield defends the Head guards the Vitals God shields off dangers from his Children Acts 18.10 I am with thee and none shall set on thee to hurt thee God is an hiding place Psalm 27.5 God preserved Athanasius strangely he put it into his mind to depart out of the house he was in the night before the enemies came to search for him As God hath a Breast to feed so he hath Wings to cover his Children Psal. 91.4 He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust God appoints his holy Angels to be a Life-guard about his Children Heb. 1.14 never was any Prince so well guarded as a Believer The Angels 1. are a numerous guard 2 Kings 6.17 The mountain was full of horses of fire round about Elisha The Horses and Chariots of fire were the Angels of God to defend the Prophet Elisha 2. A strong guard One Angel in a night slew an hundred and fourscore and five thousand 2 Kin. 19.32 if one Angel slew so many what would an Army of Angels have done 3. The Angels are a swift guard they are ready in an instant to help Gods Children therefore they are described with wings to show their swiftness they fly to our help Dan. 9.21 23. At the beginning of thy supplication the commandment came forth and I am come to thee Here was a swift motion for the Angel to come from Heaven to Earth between the beginning and ending of Daniels Prayer 4. The Angels are a watchful guard not like Sauls guard asleep when their Lord was in danger 1 Sam. 26.12 The Angels are a vigilant guard they watch over Gods Children to defend them Psal. 34.7 The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him There is an invisible guardianship of Angels about Gods Children 12. If God be our Father we shall not want any thing that he sees is good for us Psal. 34.10 They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing God is pleased sometimes to keep his Children to hard commons but it is good for them Sheep thrive best on short pasture God sees too much may not be good plenty breeds surfeit Luxuriant animi rebus secundis God sees it good sometimes to dyet his Children and keep them short that they may run the Heavenly Race the better it was good for Iacob there was a Famine in the Land it was a means to bring him to his Son Ioseph so it is that Gods Children sometimes see the Worlds emptiness that they may acquaint themselves more with Christs fulness if God see it be good for them to have more of the World they shall have it God will not let them want any good thing 13. If God be our Father all the Promises of the Bible belong to us Gods Children are called Heirs of the promise Heb. 6.17 A wicked Man can lay claim to nothing in the Bible but the Curses he hath no more to do absolutely with the Promises than a Ploughman hath to do with the City Charter the Promises are Childrens Bread the Promises are mulctralia Evangelii the Breasts of the Gospel milking out Consolation and who are to suck of these Breasts but Gods Children The promise of Pardon is for them Ier. 33.8 I will pardon all their iniquity whereby they have sinned against me The promise of Healing is for them Isa. 57.18 the promise of Salvation Ier. 23.6 the Promises are supports of Faith they are Gods sealed Deed they are a Christians Cordial O the Heavenly Comforts which are distilled from the Lembick of the Promises St. Chrysostome compares the Scripture to a Garden the Promises are the Fruit-Trees that grow in this Garden A Child of God may go to any Promise in the Bible and pluck Comfort from it He is an Heir of the Promise 14. God makes all his Children Conquerours They are born of God and are conquerours 1. They conquer themselves Fortior est qui se quam qui fortissima vincit maenia The Saints conquer their own Lusts they bind these princes in fetters of iron Psal. 149.8 Though the Children of God may sometimes be foiled and lose a single battle yet not the victory 2. They conquer the World The World holds forth her two Breasts of Pleasure and Profit and many are overcome by it but the Children of God have a World-conquering Faith 1 Iohn 5.4 This is the victory over the world even your faith 3. They conquer their Enemies How can that be when they oft take away their Lives 1. They conquer by not complying with them The three Children would not fall down to the Golden Image Dan. 3.18 they would rather burn than bow here they were Conquerours He who complyes with anothers Lust is a Captive he who refuseth to comply is a Conquerour 2. Gods Children conquer their enemies by heroick Patience A patient Christian like the anvil bears all strokes invincibly Thus the Martyrs overcame their enemies by Patience nay Gods Children are more than conquerours Rom. 8.37 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We
them and as Acts 10.33 We are all here present before God to hear all things commanded 6. Christ when he Teacheth doth not only illuminate but animate He doth so teach as he doth quicken Iohn 8.12 I am the light of the world he that follows me shall have lumen vitae the light of life By Nature we are dead therefore unfit for teaching who will make an Oration to the Dead But Christ teacheth them that are dead he gives the light of life as when Lazarus was dead Christ said Come forth and he made the dead to hear Lazarus came forth So when Christ saith to the dead Soul Come forth of the Grave of Unbelief he hears Christ's voice and comes forth it is the Light of Life The Philosophers saith Calor lux concrescunt Light and Heat encrease together 'T is true here where Christ comes with his Light there is the heat of Spiritual Life going along with it Use 1. of Information Branch 1. See here an Argument of Christ's Divinity Had he not been God he could never have known the Mind of God or revealed to us those Arcana Caeli those deep Mysteries which no Man or Angel could find out Who but God can anoint the eyes of the blind and give not only light but sight who but he who hath the Key of David can open the Heart who but God can bow the iron sinew of the Will He only who is God can enlighten the Conscience and make the stoney Heart bleed Branch 2. See what a Cornucopia or Plenty of Wisdom is in Christ who is the Great Doctor of his Church and gives saving knowledge to all the Elect. The Body of the Sun must needs be full of Charity and Brightness which enlightens the whole World Christ is the great Luminary In him are hid all Treasures of Knowledge Col. 2.3 The middle Lamp of the Sanctuary gave light to all the other Lamps Christ duffuseth his glorious Light to others We are apt to admire the Learning of Aristotle and Plato alas what is this poor Spaâ—k of Light to that which is in Christ from whose infinite Wisdom both Men and Angels light their Lamp Branch 3. See the Misery of Men in the state of Nature before Christ came to be their Prophet they are inveloped with Ignorance and Daâ—kness Men know nothing in a salvifical sanctified manner they know nothing as they ought to know 1 Cor. 8.2 This is sad 1. Men in the dark cannot discern Colours so in the state of Nature they cannot discern between Morality and Grace they take one for the other pro dea nubem 2. In the dark the greatest Beauty is hid Let there be rare Flowers in the Garden and Pictures in the Room yet in the dark their Beauty is vail'd over so though there be such transcendent Beauty in Christ as amazeth the Angels a Man in the state of Nature sees none of this Beauty What is Christ to him or Heaven to him the vail is upon his heart 3. A Man in the dark is in danger every step he goes so a Man in the state of Nature is in danger every step of falling into Hell Thus it is before Christ teacheth us nay the darkness in which a Sinner is while in an unregenerate state is worse then natural darkness for natural darkness affrights Gen. 15.12 An horrour of great darkness fell upon Abraham But the Spiritual Darkness is not accompanied with horrour Men tremble not at their condition nay they like their condition well enough Iohn 3.19 Men loved darkness This is their sad condition till Jesus Christ comes as a Prophet to teach them and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God Branch 4. See the happy condition of the Children of God they have Christ to be their Prophet Isa. 54.13 All thy children shall be taught of the Lord. 1 Cor. 1.30 He is made to us wisdom One Man cannot see by anothers eye but Believers see with Christ's eyes in his light they see light Christ gives them the light of Grace and light of Glory Use 2. Labour to have Christ for your Prophet he teacheth savingly he is an interpreter of a thousand he can untie those Knots which puzzle the very Angels till Christ teach never learn any Lesson till Christ is made to us wisdom we shall never be wise to Salvation Quest. What shall we do to have Christ for our Teacher Resp. 1. See your need of Christ's Teaching you cannot see your way without this Morning Star Some speak much of the Light of Reason improved Alas the Plumb-line of Reason is too short to Fathom the deep things of God the Light of Reason will no more help a Man to believe then the light of a Candle will help him to understand A Man can no more by the power of Nature reach Christ then an Infant can reach the top of the Pyramids or the Ostridge fly up to the Stars See your need of Christ's Anointing and Teaching Rev. 3.18 2. Go to Christ to teach you Psal. 25.5 Lead me in thy truth and teach me As one of the Disciples said Lord teach us to pray Luke 11.1 so Lord teach me to profit Do thou light my Lamp O thou great Prophet of thy Church give me a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation that I may see things in another manner then ever I saw them before Teach me in the Word to hear thy Voice and in the Sacrament to discern thy Body Psal. 13.3 Lighten mine eyes c. Cathedram habet in coelo qui corda docet in terra Aug. He hath his Pulpit in Heaven who converts Souls And that we may be encouraged to go to Christ our great Prophet 1. Jesus Christ is very willing to teach us Why else did he enter into the Calling of the Ministry but to teach the Mysteries of Heaven Matth. 4.23 Iesus went about teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of diseases among the people Why did he take the Office Prophetical upon him why was Christ so angry with them that kept away the Key of Knowledge Luke 11.52 why was Christ anointed with the Spirit without measure but that he might anoint us with Knowledge Knowledge is in Christ as Milk in the Breast for the Child O then go to Christ to Teach None in the Gospel came to Christ for sight but he restored their eye-sight And sure Christ is more willing to work a cure upon a blind Soul than ever he was upon a blind Body 2. There are none so dull and ignorant but Christ can teach them Every one is not fit to make a Philosophers Scholar of Ex omni ligno non fit Mercurius but there is none so dull but Christ can make a good Scholar of such as are ignorant and of low parts Christ teacheth them in such a manner that they know more then the great Sages and Wisemen of the World
will make thee keep it joyfully I will give thee those Enlargements in Duty and that inward Comfort as shall abundantly satisfie thee thy Soul shall overflow with such a stream of Joy that thou shalt say Lord in keeping thy Sabbath there is great Reward And I will cause thee to ride upon the High Places of the Earth That is I will advance thee to Honour ascendere faciam so Munster interprets it Some by the High Places of the Earth understand Iudaea So Grotius I will bring thee into the Land of Iudaea which is higher situated than the other Countries adjacent And I will feed thee with the Heritage of Iacob That is I will feed thee with all the delicious things of Canaan and afterwards I 'll translate thee to Heaven whereof Canaan was but a Type And another Promise Isa. 56.2 Blessed is the Man that doth this that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it Blessed is the Man in the Hebrew it is in the Plural Ashre Blessedness To him that keeps the Sabbath holy here is Blessedness upon Blessedness belongs to him he shall be blessed with the Vpper and Nether Springs he shall be blessed in his Name Estate Soul Progeny Who would not keep the Sabbath from polluting it that shall have so many Blessings entail'd upon him and his Posterity after him 2. A Conscientious keeping the Sabbath seasons the Heart for God's Service all the Week after Christian the more holy thou art on a Sabbath the more holy thou wilt be on the Week following EXOD. XX. 12 Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy Days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Having done with the First Table I am next to speak of the Duties of the Second Table The Commandments may be likened to Iacob's Ladder The First Table as the Top of the Ladder reacheth to Heaven it respects God The Second Table as the Foot of the Ladder rests on the Earth it respects Superiors and Inferiors By the First Table we walk Religiously towards God by the Second we walk Righteously towards Man He cannot be good in the First Table that is bad in the Second Honour thy Father and thy Mother In this 1. A Command Honour thy Father and thy Mother 2. A Reason annexed to it That thy Days may be long in the Land 1. The Command Honour thy Father Quest. Who is meant here by Father Ans. Father Verbum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken several ways the Political Ancient Spiritual Oeconomical Natural First The Political Father the Magistrate He is the Father of his Countrey he is to be an Encourager of Vertue a Punisher of Vice a Father to the Widdow and Orphan Such a Father was Iob Chap. 29.16 I was a Father to the Poor and the Cause which I knew not I searched out And as Magistrates are Fathers so especially the King who is the Head of Magistrates is a Political Father He is placed as the Sun among the lesser Stars The Scripture calls Kings Fathers Isa. 49.23 Kings shall be thy Nursing Fathers They are to nurse up their Subjects in Piety by their good Edicts and Examples and to nurse them up in Peace and Plenty Such nourishing Fathers were David Hezekiah Iosiah Constantine Theodosius It is happy for a People who have such nursing Fathers whose Breasts milk Comfort to their Children These Fathers are to be Honour'd For 1. Their Place deserves Honour God hath set these Political Fathers to preserve Order and Harmony in a Nation and to prevent those State-Convulsions which otherwise might ensue Iudg. 17.6 When there was no King in Israel every man did that which was right in his own Eyes A Wonder Prov. 30.27 2. God hath promoted Kings that they may promote Iustice. As they have a Sword in their Hand to signifie their Power so a Scepter an Emblem of Justice It is said of Marcus Aurelius Emperor That he allotted one Hour of the Day to hear the Complaints of such as were oppressed Kings place Judges as Cherubims about the Throne for distribution of Justice These Political Fathers are to be honoured Honour the King 1 Pet. 2.17 And this Honour is to be shown by a Civil Respect to their Persons and a chearful Submission to their Laws so far as they agree and run parallel with God's Law Kings are to be Pray'd for which is a part of that Honour we give them 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort that Supplications Prayers Intercessions be made for Kings that we may lead a quiet peaceable Life under them in all Godliness and Honesty We are to pray for Kings that God would honour them to be Blessings that under them we may enjoy the Gospel of Peace and the Peace of the Gospel How happy was the Reign of Numa Pompilius when the Swords were beaten into Plough-shares and the Bees made their Hives of the Soldiers Helmets Secondly There is the grave ancient Father who is Venerable for old Age whose Grey Hairs are resembled to the White Flowers of the Almond-tree Eccles. 12.5 These are Fathers for Seniority on whose wrinkled Brows and in the Furrows of whose Cheeks is pictur'd the Map of Old Age. These Fathers are to be honoured Levit. 19.32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary Head and honour the Face of the Old Man Especially those are to honoured who are Fathers not only for their Seniority but their Piety whose Souls are flourishing when their Bodies are a decaying 'T is a blessed sight to see the Spring of Grace in the Autumn of Old Age To see Men stooping towards the Grave yet going up the Hill of God To see them lose their Colour yet keep their Savour Such whose silver Hairs are crowned with Righteousness are worthy of double Honour They are to be honoured not only as Pieces of Antiquity but as Patterns of Vertue If you see an Old Man fearing God whose Grace shines brightest when the Sun of his Life is setting O honour him as a Father by reverencing and imitating him Thirdly There are Spiritual Fathers as Pastors and Ministers These are the Instruments of the New-Birth 1 Cor. 4.15 Tho you have Ten Thousand Instructors yet have ye not many Fathers for in Christ Iesus I have begotten you through the Gospel The Spiritual Fathers are to be honoured 1. In respect of their Office What-ever their Persons are their Office is honourable They are the Messengers of the Lord of Hosts Mal. 2.7 They represent no less than God himself 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ. Jesus Christ was of this Calling he had his Mission and Sanction from Heaven Ioh. 8.18 And this Crowns the Ministerial Calling with Honour 2. Ministers these Spiritual Fathers are to be honoured for their Work sake they come like the Dove with an Olive-branch in their Mouth they preach glad Tidings of Peace Their Work is to save Souls Other Callings have only to do with Mens Bodies or Estates but the Ministers
Children to show their Honour to their Parents Resp. I. In a Reverential Esteem of their Persons They must 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Give them a Civil Veneration Therefore when the Apostle speaks of Fathers of our Bodies he speaks also of giving them Reverence Heb. 12.9 This Veneration or Reverence must be shown 1. Inwardly by Fear mixed with Love Lev. 19.3 Ye shall fear every Man his Mother and his Father In the Commandment the Father is named First here the Mother is named First 1. Partly to put the Honour upon her the Mother because by reason of many Weaknesses incident to her Sex she is apt to be more slighted by Children And 2. Partly because the Mother endures more for the Child therefore here God gives the Mother the Priority names her first Ye shall fear every one his Mother and his Father 2. Reverence must be shown to Parents Outwardly viz. In Word and Gesture 1. In Word and that either in speaking to Parents or speaking of them First Reverence in speaking to Parents Children must speak to Parents respectively and in decent Language 1 Kings 2.20 Ask on my Mother said King Solomon to his Mother Bathsheba Secondly Reverence in speaking of Parents Children must speak of their Parents honourably they ought to speak well of them if they deserve well Prov. 31.28 Her Children rise up and call her Blessed And in case a Parent betrays Weakness and Indiscretion the Child should make the best of it and by his wise Apologies for his Father cover his Fathers Nakedness 2. In Gesture Children are to show their Reverence to their Parents by Submissive Behaviour by uncovering the Head bending the Knee Ioseph tho he were a Great Prince and his Father grown poor yet he bow'd to him and behaved himself as humbly as if his Father had been the Prince and he the poor Man Gen. 48.46 And King Solomon when his Mother came to him rose off his Throne and bowed himself to her 1 Kings 2.19 Among the Lacedemonians if a Child had carried himself arrogantly and sawcily to his Father it was lawful for the Father to appoint whom he would to be his Heir O how many Children are far from this giving Reverence to their Parents They despise their Parents they carry themselves with that Pride and Malapertness towards them that they are a shame to Religion and bring their Parents Grey Hairs with Sorrow to the Grave Deut. 27.16 Cursed be he that setteth light by his Father or Mother If all that set light by their Parents are Cursed how many Children in our Age are under a Curse If such as are disrespectful to their Parents live to have Children they will be Thorns in their sides and God will make them read their Sin in their Punishment II. The Second way of showing Honour to Parents is in careful Obedience Col. 3.20 Children obey your Parents in all things Our Lord Christ herein set a Pattern to Children Luke 2.51 He was subject to his Parents He to whom Angels were subject yet was subject to his Parents This Obedience to Parents is shown three ways 1. In hearkning to their Counsel Prov. 1.8 Hear the Instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Mother Parents are as it were in the room of God if they would teach you the Fear of the Lord you must listen to their Words as Oracles and not be as the deaf Adder to stop your Ears Ely's Sons hearkned not to the Voice of their Father 1 Sam. 2.25 but they were called Sons of Belial ver 12. And Children must hearken to the Counsel of their Parents as in Spiritual Matters so in other Affairs which relate to this Life as in the Choice of a Calling and in case of entring into Marriage Iacob would not dispose of himself in Marriage tho he were Forty Years old without the Advice and Consent of his Parents Gen. 28.1 2. Children are as it were the Parents proper Goods and Possession and it is high Injustice in a Child to give away her self without the Parents leave If Parents should indeed counsel a Child to match with one that is Irreligious or Popish I think the case is plain and many of the Learned are of Opinion that here the Child may have a Negative Voice and is not obliged to be ruled by the Parent Children are to marry in the Lord 1 Cor. 7.39 Therefore not with Persons Irreligious for that is not to marry in the Lord. 2. Obedience to Parents is shown in subscribing to their Commands A Child should be the Parents Eccho When the Father speaks the Child should Eccho back Obedience The Rechabites were forbidden by their Father to drink Wine and they did obey him and were commended for it Ier. 35.6 And Children must obey their Parents 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in all things Col. 3.20 Things that are more against the Grain and which they have some Reluctancy to yet they must obey their Parents Esau would obey his Father when he commanded him to fetch him Venison because it is probable he took pleasure in hunting but refused to obey him in a matter of greater Concernment namely in the Choice of a Wife But tho Children must obey their Parents in all things yet restringitur ad licita honesta it is with this Limitation Things just and honest Obey in the Lord Ephes. 6.1 That is so far as the Commands of Parents agree with and are consonant to Gods Commands If they command against God here they lose their Right of being obeyed and in this Case we must unchild our selves 3. Honour is to be shown to Parents in relieving their Wants Ioseph cherished his Father in his Old Age Gen. 47.12 It is but the paying a just Debt Parents have brought up Children when they were young and Children ought to nourish their Parents when they are old The young Storks by the Instinct of Nature bring Meat to the Old Storks when by reason of Age ther are not able to fly Pliny Lex Pelargica The Memory of Aeneas was honoured for carrying his Aged Father out of Troy when it was on Fire I have read of a Daughter whose Father being condemned to be starv'd to Death she did in Prison give him Suck with her own Breasts which being known to the Governours procured his Freedom out of Prison To blame are such shall I say Children or Monsters who are ashamed of their Parents when they are old and fallen to decay When Parents Tears and lean Cheeks may plead Pity yet Children have no Compassion When they ask for Bread they give them a Stone When Houses are shut up we say the Plague is there When Childrens Hearts are shut up against their Parents the Plague is in those Hearts Our blessed Saviour took great Care for his Mother When he was on the Cross he charg'd his Disciple Iohn to take her home to him as his Mother and see that she wanted nothing Iohn 19.26 27. The Reasons
may be in the Number of God's Servants That is evident because God calls them his Servants Levit. 25.4 He shall depart from thee and his Children with him for they are my Servants Therefore Children in their Infancy being God's Servants why should they not have Baptism which is the Tessera the Mark or Seal which God sets upon his Servants 3 d Arg. Is from 1 Cor. 7.14 But now are your Children holy Children are not called Holy as if they were free from Original Sin but in the Iudgment of Charity they are to be esteemed holy and true Members of the Church of God because their Parents are Believers Hence that excellent Divine Mr. Heldersam saith That the Children of the Faithful as soon as they are born have a Covenant-Holiness and so a Right and Title to Baptism which is the Token of the Covenant 4 th Arg. From the Opinion of the Fathers and the Practice of the Church 1. The Ancient Fathers were strong Assertors of Infant-Baptism Irenaus Basil Lactantius Cyprian and Austin 2. It was the Practice of the Greek Church to baptize her Infants Erasmus saith That Infant-Baptism hath been used in the Church of God for above Fourteen Hundred Years And St. Austin in his Book against Pelagius affirms That it hath been the Custom of the Church in all Ages to Baptize Infants Yea it was an Apostolical Practice St. Paul affirms that he Baptized the whole House of Stephanus 1 Cor. 1.16 And as you have seen Scripture Arguments for Infant-Baptism so let us consider whether the Practice of those who delay the Baptizing of Children till Riper Years be warrantable For my part I cannot gather it from Scripture For tho' we read of Persons Adult and grown up to Years of Discretion in the Apostles times Baptized yet those were such as were converted from Heathenish Idolatry to the True Orthodox Faith But that in a Christian Church the Children of Believers should be kept unbaptized several Years I know neither Precept nor Example for it in Scripture but it is wholly Apocryphal The Baptizing of Persons grown up to Maturity we may argue against ab effectu from the Ill Consequences of it They dip the Persons they baptize over Head and Ears in cold Water and naked which as it is Indecent so it is Dangerous and hath been often times the occasion of Chronical Diseases yea Death it self and so is a plain Breach of the Sixth Commandment And how far God hath given up many Persons who are for the deferring of Baptism to other vile Opinions and vicious Practices is evident if we consult with History Especially if we read over the Actings of the Anabaptists in Germany Vse I. See the Riches of God's Goodness who will not only be the God of Believers but takes their Seed into Covenant Gen. 17.7 I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy Seed after thee to be a God unto thee and thy Seed A Father counts it a great Priviledge not only to have his own Name but his Child's Name put in a Will 2. It blames those Parents who forbid little Children to be brought to Christ they with-hold the Ordinance By denying their Infants Baptism they exclude them from having a Membership in the Visible Church and so their Infants are sucking Pagans Such as deny their Children Baptism make God's Institutions under the Law more full of Kindness and Grace to Children than they are now under the Gospel which how strange a Paradox it is I leave to you to judge Vse III. Exhort 1 st Branch We that are Baptized let us labour to find the Blessed Fruits of Baptism in our own Souls Let us labour not only to have the Sign of the Covenant but the Grace of the Covenant Many glory in this that they are Baptized The Jews gloried in their Circumcision because of their Royal Priviledges To them belonged the Adoption and the Glory and the Covenants Rom. 9.4 But many of them were a Shame and Reproach to their Circumcision Rom. 2.24 For the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you The scandalous Jews tho Circumcis'd were in God's Account as Heathens Amos 9.7 Are ye not as Children of the Ethiopians to me saith the Lord Alas What is it to have the Name of Christ and want his Image What is Baptism of Water without the Baptism of the Spirit Many Baptized Christians are no better than Heathens O labour to find the Fruits of Baptism that Christ is form'd in us Gal. 4.19 That our Nature is chang'd we are made Holy and Heavenly this is to be Baptized into Iesus Rom. 6.3 Such as live unsuitable to their Baptism may go with Baptismal Water on their Faces and Sacramental Bread in their Mouths to Hell 2 d. Br. Let us labour to make a Right Use of our Baptism 1 st Vse of Baptism Let us use it as a Shield against Temptations Satan I have given up my self to God by a Sacred Vow in Baptism I am not my own I am Christ's therefore I cannot yield to thy Temptations but I break my Oath of Allegiance which I made to God in Baptism Luther tells us of a Pious Woman who when the Devil tempted her to sin she answered Satan Baptizata sum I am baptized and so beat back the Tempter 2 d. Vse of Baptism Let us use it as a Spurr to Holiness By remembring our Baptism let us be stirred up to make good our Baptismal Engagements Renouncing the World Flesh and Devil let us Devote our selves to God and his Service To be Baptiz'd into the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost implies ◠Solemn Dedication of our selves to the Service of all the Three Persons in the Trinity It is not enough that our Parents dedicate us to God in Baptism but we must dedicate our selves to him This is called a Living 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Lord Rom. 14.8 Our Life should be spent in worshipping God in loving God in exalting God We should walk 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as becomes the Gospel Phil. 1.27 Shine as Stars in the World and live as Earthly Angels 3 d. Vse of Baptism Let us use it as an Argument to Courage We should be ready to confess that Holy Trinity into whose Name we were baptized With the Conversion of the Heart must go the Confession of the Tongue Luke 12.8 Whosoever shall confess me before Men him shall the Son of Man also confess before the Angels of God Peter openly confessed Christ crucifyed Acts 4.10 Cyprian a Man of a brave Spirit was like a Rock whom no Waves could shake like an Adamant whom no Sword could cut He confessed Christ before the Proconsul and suffered himself to be proscribed yea chose Death rather than he would betray the Truths of Christ. He that dares not confess the Holy Trinity shames his Baptism and God will be ashamed to own him at the Day of Judgment Vlt. Vse See the fearfulness of the Sin of
How glad are Children when they are going home This was Christs comfort at Death he was going to his Father Ioh. 16.28 I leave the world and go to the Father and Iohn 20.17 I ascend to my Father If God be our Father we may with comfort at the day of death resign our Souls into his hands So did Christ Luke 23.46 Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit If a Child hath any Jewel he will in time of danger put it into his Fathers hands where he thinks it will be kept most safe Our Soul is our richest Jewel we may at Death resign our Souls into Gods hands where they will be safer than in our own keeping Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit What a comfort is this Death carries a Believer to his Fathers house where are delights unspeakable and full of glory How glad was Old Iacob when he saw the Waggons and Chariots to carry him to his Son Ioseph the Text saith His Spirit revived Gen. 45.27 Death is a triumphant Chariot to carry every Child of God to his Fathers Mansion house 20. If God be our Father he will not disinherit his Children God may for a time desert them but not disinherit them The Sons of Kings have been sometimes disinherited by the cruelty of Usurpers as Alexander the Great his Son was put by his just Right by the violence and ambition of his Fathers Captains but what Power on Earth shall hinder the Heirs of the Promise from their Inheritance Men cannot and God will not cut off the entail The Arminians hold falling away from Grace and so a Child of God may be defeated of his Inheritance but I shall show you that Gods Children can never be degraded or disinherited their Heavenly Father will not cast them off from being Children 1. It is evident Gods Children cannot be finally disinherited by vertue of the Eternal Decree of Heaven Gods Decree is the very Pillar and Basis on which the Saints perseverance depends Gods Decree tyes the knot of Adoption so fast that neither Sin Death or Hell can break it asunder Rom. 8.30 Whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Predestination is nothing else but Gods decreeing a certain number to be Heirs of Glory on whom he will settle the Crown whom he predestinates he glorifies what shall hinder Gods electing Love or make his Decree null and void 2. Besides Gods Decree he hath engaged himself by Promise that the Heirs of Heaven shall never be put by their Inheritance Gods Promises are not like blanks in a Lottery but as a sealed Deed which cannot be reversed The Promises are the Saints Royal Charter and this is one Promise that their Heavenly Father will not disinherit them Ier. 32.40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me Gods Fidelity which is the richest Pearl of his Crown is engaged in this Promise for his Childrens perseverance I will not turn away from them A Child of God cannot fall away while he is held fast in these two Armes of God his Love and his Faithfulness 3. Jesus Christ undertakes that all Gods Children by Adoption shall be preserved in a state of Grace till they inherit Glory As the Heathens feigned of Atlas that he did bear up the Heavens from falling Jesus Christ is that blessed Atlas that bears up the Saints from falling away Quest. How doth Christ preserve the Saints Graces till they come to Heaven Resp. 1. Influxu Spiritus Christ carries on Grace in the Souls of the Elect by the influence and co-operation of his Spirit Christ doth Spiritu continually excite and quicken Grace in the Godly his Spirit doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blow up the sparks of Grace into an holy flame Spiritus est Vicarius Christi The Spirit is Christs Vicar on Earth his Proxy his Executor to see that all that Christ hath purchased for the Saints be made good Christ hath obtained an Inheritance incorruptible for them 1 Pet. 1.4 and the Spirit of Christ is his Executor to see that this Inheritance be settled upon them 2. Christ carries on Grace perseveringly in the Souls of the Elect vi orationis by the prevalency of his intercession Heb. 7.25 He ever lives to make intercession for them Christ prayes that every Saint may hold out in Grace till he comes to Heaven Can the Children of such Prayers perish If the Heirs of Heaven should be disinherited and fall short of Glory then Gods Decree must be reversed his Promise broken Christs Prayer frustrated which were Blasphemy to imagine 4. That Gods Children cannot be disinherited or put by their Right to the Crown of Heaven is evident from their Mystical Union with Christ. Believers are incorporated into Christ they are knit to Christ as the Members to the Head by the Nerves and Ligaments of Faith so that they cannot be broken off Eph. 1.22 23. The Church which is his Body What was once said of Christs Natural Body is as true of his Mystical A bone of it shall not be broken As it is impossible to sever the leaven and the dough when they are once mingled and kneaded together so it is impossible when Christ and Believers are once united that they should ever by the power of Death or Hell be separated Christ and his Spiritual Members make one Christ now is it possible that any part of Christ should perish How can Christ want any Member of his Body Mystical and be perfect Every Member is an Ornament to the Body and adds to the honour of it How can Christ part with any Mystical Member and not part with some of his Glory too So that by all this it is evident that Gods Children must needs persevere in Grace and cannot be disinherited If they could be disinherited then the Scripture could not be fulfilled which tells us of Glorious Rewards for the Heirs of Promise Psal. 58.11 Doubtless there is a reward for the righteous Now if Gods Adopted Children should fall finally from Grace and miss of Heaven what Reward were there for the Righteous And Moses did indiscreetly to look to the recompence of reward and so there would be a door opened to despair Object This Doctrine of Gods Children persevering and having the Heavenly Inheritance settled on them may cause carnal security and make them less circumspect in their walking Resp. Corrupt Nature may as the Spider suck poyson from this Flower but a sober Christian who hath felt the efficacy of Grace upon his Heart dares not abuse this Doctrine He knows perseverance is attained in the use of means therefore he walks holily that so in the use of means he may arrive at perseverance St. Paul knew that he should not be disinherited and that nothing could separate him from the love of Christ but who more holy and watchful than he 1 Cor. 9.27 I
hate him as he is the holy One 2. Men are prejudiced at the Truths of Christ. 1. Self-denyal A man must deny his Righteousness Phil. 3.9 his Duties and Moralities he would graft the hope of Salvation upon the stock of his own Righteousness 2. He must deny his Unrighteousness The Scripture seals no patents to Sin it teacheth us to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts Tit. 2.11 We must divorce those Sins which bring in Pleasure and Profit 3. Forgiving of injuries Mark 11.25 These Truths Men are prejudiced at they can rather want forgiveness from God than they can forgive others 3. Men are prejudiced at the Followers of Christ. 1. Their paucity there are but few in comparison that embrace Christ but why should this offend Men are not offended at Pearls and precious Stones because they are but few 2. Their Poverty many that wear Christs livery are low in the World but why should this give offence 1. Christ hath better things than these to bestow upon his Followers the holy Anointing the white Stones the hidden Manna the Crown of Glory 2. All Christs Followers are not humbled with Poverty Abraham was rich in Gold and Silver as well as rich in Faith Though not many Noble are called yet some Noble Acts 17.12 Honourable women which were Greeks believed Constantine and Theodosius were Godly Emperours so that this stumbling block is removed 3. Their Scandals Some of Christs Followers under a mask of Piety commit sin this begets a prejudice against Religion but doth Christ or his Gospel teach any such thing The Rules he prescribes are holy Why should the Master be thought the worse of because some of his Servants prove bad 4. Men are prejudiced at the Wayes of Christ they expose them to Sufferings Matth. 16.24 Let him take up his cross and follow me many stumble at the Cross. There are as Tertullian delicaetuli silken Christians who love their ease they will follow Christ to Mount Oliver to see him transfigured but not to Mount Golgotha to suffer with him But alas what is Affliction to the Glory that follows The weight of Glory makes Affliction light Adimant Caput non Coronam O take heed of prejudice this hath been a stumbling stone in Mens way to Heaven and hath made them fall short of the Kingdom 6. If you would not miss of the Kingdom of Heaven take heed of Presumption Men presume all is well and take it as a principle not to be disputed that they shall go to Heaven The Devil hath given them Opium to cast them into a deep sleep of security The presumptuous Sinner is like the Leviathan made without fear He lives as bad as the worst yet hopes he shall be saved as well as the best He blesseth himself and saith he shall have peace though he goes on in sin Deut. 29.19 As if a Man should drink Poyson yet not fear but he should have his health But whence doth this presumptuous hope arise Surely from a conceit that God is made up all of Mercy 'T is true God is merciful but withal he is just too Exod. 34.6 7. Keeping mercy for thousands and that will by no means clear the guilty If a King did proclaim that only those should be pardoned who came in and submitted should any still persisting in Rebellion claim the benefit of that Pardon Dost thou hope for Mercy who wilt not lay down thy Weapons but stand out in Rebellion against Heaven None might touch the Ark but the Priests none may touch this Ark of Gods Mercy but holy consecrated Persons Presumption is heluo Animarum the great devourer of Souls A thousand have missed of Heaven by putting on the broad spectacles of Presumption 7. If you would not miss of the Heavenly Kingdom take heed of the delights and pleasures of the Flesh soft pleasures harden the heart Many people cannot endure a serious Thought but are for Comedies and Romances they play away their Salvation Homines capiuntur voluptate ut pisces hamo Cicero Pleasure is the sugred bait Men bite at but there is an hook under Iob 21.12 They take the timbrel and harp and rejoyce at the sound of the organ And a parallel Scripture Amos 6.4 That lye upon beds of ivory that chant to the sound of the viol that drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the chief oyntments The pleasures of the World do keep many from the pleasures of Paradise What a shame is it that the Soul that princely thing which swayes the sceptre of Reason and is akin to Angels should be enslaved to sinful pleasure Beard in his Theatre speaks of one who had a Room richly hung with fair Pictures he had most delicious Musick he had the rarest Beauties he had all the Candies and curious Preserves of the Confectioner thus did he gratifie his Senses with Pleasure and swore he would live one week like a God though he were sure to be damned in Hell the next day Diodorus Siculus observes that the Dogs of Sicily while they are hunting among the sweet Flowers lose the scent of the Hare so many while they are hunting after the sweet pleasures of the World lose the Kingdom of Heaven 'T is saith Theophylact one of the worst sights to see a Sinner go laughing to Heaven 8 If you would not fall short of the Kingdom of Heaven take heed of Worldlimindedness a covetous Spirit is a dunghil Spirit it choaks good Affections as the earth puts out the fire The World hindred the young Man from following Christ abiit tristis he went away sorrowful Luke 18.23 which extorted those words from our Saviour Verse 24. How hardly shall they that have Riches enter into the Kingdom of God Divitiae saeculi sunt laquei Diaboli Bern. Riches are golden Snares If a Man were to climb up a steepy Rock and had Weights tied to his Legs it would hinder him from his ascent Too many Golden Weights will hinder us from climbing that steepy Rock which leads to Heaven Exod. 14.3 They are entangled in the Land the Wilderness hath shut them in So it may be said of many they are entangled in earthly Affairs the World hath shut them in The World is no Friend to Grace the more the Child sucks the weaker the Nurse is and the more the World sucks and draws from us the weaker our Grace is 1 Iohn 2.15 Love not the world Had a Man a Monopoly of all the wealth of the World were he able to empty the Western Parts of Gold and the Eastern of Spices could he heap up Riches to the Starry heaven yet his heart would not be filled Covetousness is a dry dropsy Ioshua who could stop the course of the Sun could not stop Achan in his covetous pursuit of the Wedge of Gold he whose heart is lockt up in his Chest will be lockt out of heaven Some Ships that have escaped the Rocks have been cast away upon the Sands Many who have escaped gross Sins
may give his Soldier Armour but not strength Faith partakes of Christs strength and Faith gets strength from the promise as the Child by sucking the Breast gets strength so doth Faith by sucking the Breast of the Promise hence Faith is such a wonder working Grace and enables a Christian to persevere 3. If you would hold out to the Kingdom set before your Eyes the Examples of those Noble Heroick Saints who have persevered to the Kingdom Vivitur Exemplis Examples have more influence upon us then Precepts Iob 23.11 12. My Foot hath held his steps Though the way of Religion hath Flints and Thorns in it yet my Foot hath held his steps I have not fainted in the way nor turn'd out of the way Daniel held on his Religion and would not intermit Prayer though he knew the writing was signed against him and a Prayer might cost him his life Dan. 6.10 The blessed Martyrs persevered to the Kingdom through Sufferings Saunders that holy Man said Welcome the Cross of Christ my Saviour began to me in a bitter Cup and shall I not pledge him Another Martyr kissing the Stake said I shall not lose my Life but change it for a better instead of Coals I shall have Pearls What a spirit of gallantry was in these Saints let us learn Constancy from their Courage A Souldier seeing his General fight valiantly is animated by his Example and hath new Spirits put into him 4. Let us add fervent Prayer to God that he would inable us to hold out to the Heavenly Kingdom Psal. 119.117 Hold thou me up and I shall be safe Let us not presume on our own strength When Peter cryed to Christ on the water Lord save me then Christ took him by the hand Matth. 14.30 but when he grew confident of his own strength then Christ let him fall O pray to God for auxiliary Grace The Child is safe when held in the Nurses armes so are we in Christs armes Let us pray that God will put his fear in our hearts that we do not depart from him and that Prayer of Cyprian Domine quod caepisti perfice ne in portu naufragium accidat Lord perfect that which thou hast begun in me that I may not suffer shipwrack when I am almost at the haven 3. Branch Let us press forward with the greatest diligence to this Kingdom And here let me lay down some powerful Perswasives or Divine Arguments to make you put to all your strength for the obtaining this blessed Kingdom 1. This is the great errand for which God hath sent us into the World to prepare for this Heavenly Kingdom Matth. 6.33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God First in time before all things and first in affection above all things Great care is taken for the atchieving Worldly things Matth. 6.25 To see people labouring for the earth as Ants about a Molehill would make one think this were the only errand they came about But alas what is all this to the Kingdom of Heaven I have read of a devout Pilgrim travelling to Ierusalem who passing through several Cities where he saw many stately Edifices Ware and Monuments he would say I must not stay here this is not Jerusalem So when we enjoy Worldly things Peace and Plenty and have our presses burst out with new Wine we should say to our selves this is not the Kingdom we are to look after this is not Heaven 'T is Wisdom to remember our errand It will be but sad upon a Death-bed for a Man to think he was busying himself only about trifles playing with a feather and neglected the main thing he came into the World about 2. The seeking after the Heavenly Kingdom will be judged most prudent by all Men at last Those who are regardless of their Souls now will before they dye wish they had minded Eternity more when Conscience is awakened and Men begin to come to themselves Now what would they give for the Kingdom of Heaven How happy were it if Men were of the same mind now as they will be at Death Death will alter Mens opinions then those who did most slight and disparage the wayes of Religion will wish their time and thoughts had been taken up about the excellent Glory At Death Mens eyes will be opened and they will see their folly when it is too late If all Men even the worst will wish at last they had minded the Kingdom of Heaven why should not we do that now which all will wish they had done when they come to dye 3. This Kingdom of Heaven deserves our utmost pains and diligence it is Glorious beyond Hyperbole Suppose Earthly Kingdoms more magnificent than they are their Foundations of Gold their Walls of Pearl their Windows of Sapphire yet they are not comparable to the Heavenly Kingdom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. If the Pavement of it be bespangled with so many bright shining Lights glorious Stars what is the Kingdom it self 1 Iohn 3.2 It doth not yet appear what we shall be This Kingdom exceeds our Faith How sublime and wonderful is that place where the blessed Deity shines forth in his immense Glory infinitely beyond the comprehension of Angels 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is a place of Honour there are the glorious Triumphs and sparkling Crowns In other Kingdoms there is but one King but in Heaven all are Kings Rev. 1.6 Every Saint glorified partaker of the same Glory as Christ doth Iohn 17.22 The glory thou hast given me I have given them 2. This Kingdom is a place of Joy Matth. 25.21 Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. To have a continual aspect of Love from Gods face to be crowned with Immortality to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels of God to drink of the Rivers of Pleasure for ever this will cause Raptures of Joy Sure it deserves our utmost pains in pursuing and securing this Kingdom Iulius Caesar coming towards Rome with his Army and hearing the Senate and People fled from it said They that will not fight for this City what City will they fight for If we will not take pains for the Kingdom of Heaven what Kingdom will we take pains for It was the speech of the Spies to their Brethren Iudg. 18.9 We have seen the land and behold it is very good and are ye still be not slothful to go and to enter to possess the land We have had a lively description of the Glory of Heaven we find the Kingdom is very good why then do we sit still Why do we not operam navare put forth our utmost zeal and industry for this Kingdom The diligence of others in seeking after Earthly Kingdoms shames our coldness and indifferency in pursuing after the Kingdom of Heaven 4. The time we have to make sure of the Heavenly Kingdom is very short and uncertain take heed it doth not slip away before you have prepared for the Kingdom Time passeth on apace Cito pede praeterita vita
because he hath bound himself by promise to forgive an humble Confessor of sin Cum accusat excusat Tertull. When we accuse our selves God absolves us We are apt to hide our sins Iob 31.33 which is as great a folly as for one to hide his disease from the Physitian But when we open our sins to God by Confessing he opens his Mercy to us by Forgiving 4. Means for pardon sound Repentance Repentance and Remission are put together Luk. 24 47. There is a Promise of a Fountain Opened for the washing away the guilt of sin Zach. 13.1 But see what goes before Zac. 12.10 They shall look upon me whom they have pierced and shall mourn for him Isa. 1.16 Wash ye make ye clean that is wash in the waters of Repentance and then follows a promise of Forgiveness Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow 'T is easie to turn white into scarlet but not so easie to turn scarlet into white yet upon Repentance God hath promised to make the scarlet-sinner of a Milk-like whiteness Caut Not that Repentance merits pardon but it prepares for it We set our Seal on the Wax when it melts God seals his pardons on melting hearts 5. Means Faith in the blood of Christ. It 's Christ's blood washeth away sin Rev. 1.6 but this blood will not wash away sin unless it be apply'd by Faith The Apostle speaks of the Sprinkling of the blood of Christ 1 Pet. 1.2 Many are not pardoned though Christ's blood be shed because it is not sprinkled Now it is Faith that sprinkles Christ's blood on the Soul for the Remission of sin As Thomas put his hands into Christ's sides Ioh. 20 27. So Faith puts its hand into Christ's wounds and takes of the blood and sprinkles it upon the Conscience for the washing away of guilt Hence in Scripture we are said to obtain pardon through Faith Act. 13.39 By him all that believe are justified Luk. 7.48 Thy sins are forgiven Whence was this Vers. 50. Thy faith hath saved thee O let us labour for Faith Christ is a Propitiation or Atonement to take away sin But how through Faith in his blood Rom 3.25 6. Means Pray much for Pardon Hos. 14.2 Take away all iniquity Luk. 18.13 The Publican smote upon his breast saying God be me merciful to me a sinner and the Text saith he went away justified Many pray for Health Riches Children but Christ hath taught us what to pray for chiefly remitte nobis debita nostra Forgive us our sins And be earnest Suitors for pardon Consider what guilt of sin is it binds one over to the Wrath of God Better thy House were haunted with Devils than thy Soul with guilt He who is in the bond of iniquity must needs be in the Gall of bitterness Acts 8.23 A guilty Soul wears Cain's Mark which was a Trembling at Heart and a Shaâ—â—ng in his Flesh. Guilt makes the sinner afraid lest every Trouble he meets with should Arrest him and bring him to Judgment If guilt be so dismal and breeds such Convulsion fits in the Conscience How earnest should we be in Prayer that God would remove this guilt and so earnest as to Resolve to take no denial Plead hard with God for Pardon as a Man would plead with a Judge for his Life Fall upon thy Knees say Lord hear one word Why may God say What canst thou say for thy self that thou shouldst not dye Lord I can say but little but I put in my surety Christ shall answer for me O look upon that blood which speaks better things than the blood of Abel Christ is my Priest his Blood is my Sacrifice his Divine Nature is my Altar As Rahab was to shew the Scarlet thread in the Window and when Ioshua saw it he did not destroy her Iosh. 2.18.21 Iosh. 6.22 23. So shew the Lord the Scarlet thread of Christs Blood and that is the way to have mercy But will God say why should I pardon thee thou hast no ways obliged me but Lord pardon me because thou hast promised it I urge thy Covenant when a Man is to dye by the Law he calls for his Book so say Lord let me have the benefit of my Book thy Word saith if the sinner forsake his evil way thou wilt pardon abundantly Isa. 55.7 Lord I have forsaken my sin let me therefore have mercy I plead the benefit of the Book But for whose sake should I pardon thou canst not deserve it Lord for thy own name sake thou hast said thou wilt blot out sin for thy own name sake Isa. 43.25 'T will be no Eclipsing to thy Crown how will thy mercy shine forth and all thy other Attributes ride in triumph if thou shalt pardon me Thus plead with God in Prayer and resolve not to give him over till thy pardon be sealed God cannot deny importunity He delights in Mercy as the Mother saith Chrysostom delights to have her Breast milked so God delights to Milk out the Breast of Mercy to the sinner these means being used will procure this great blessedness the Forgiveness of Sin Thus I have done with the first part of this fifth Petition Forgive us our Sins I come next to the second part of the Petition as we forgive our Debtors Mat. 6.12 As we forgive our Debtors or as we forgive them that trespass against us I proceed to the second part of the Petition As we forgive them that trespass against us As we forgive This word As is not a note of Equality but Similitude not that we equal God in forgiving but imitate him This great Duty of forgiving others is a crossing the stream 't is contrary to flesh and blood Men forget kindnesses but remember injuries But it is an indispensable duty to forgive we are not bound to trust an Enemy but we are bound to forgive him We are naturally prone to revenge Revenge saith Homer is sweet as dropping Honey The Heathen Philosophers held revenge lawful Vlcisci te lacessitus potes Cicero But we learn better things out of the Oracles of Scripture Mar. 11.25 when ye stand praying forgive Mat. 5.44 Col. 3.13 If a Man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do ye Quest. 1. How can we forgive others when it is only God forgives sin Answ. In every breach of the second Table there are two things an offence against God and a trespass against Man so far as it is an offence against God only he can forgive but so far as it is a trespass against Man so we may forgive Quest. 2. When do we forgive others Answ. When we strive against all thoughts of revenge if it be in our power to do our enemies mischief we will not we wish well to them grieve at their Calamities we pray for them we seek reconciliation with them we shew our selves ready on all occasions to relieve them this is Gospel forgiving Object 1. But I have been much injur'd
is none of his making 'T is a Monster of the Devils Creating 2. The Torments of Hell are a burden only to the sinner but sin is a burden to God Amos 2.13 I am pressed under you as a Cart is pressed that is full of Sheaves 3. In Hell-Torments there is something that is Good There is the Execution of God's Justice there is justice in Hell but sin is the most unjust thing It would rob God of his Glory Christ of his Purchase the Soul of its Happiness So that it is worse than Hell Fifthly Look upon sin in the manner of its Cure it cost dear to be done away The Guilt of sin could not be removed but by the Blood of Christ he who was God must die and be made a Curse for us before sin could be remitted How horrid is sin that no Angel or Arch-Angel nor all the Powers of Heaven could procure the Pardon of sin but it cost the Blood of God If a Man should commit an Offence and all the Nobles should kneel upon their Knees before the King for him but no Pardon could be had unless the King's Son be Arraigned and suffer Death for him all would conceive it was an horrible Fact that must be the cause of this such is the case here the Son of God must die to appease God's Anger for our sins O the Agonies and Sufferings of Christ 1. In his Body his Head Crown'd with Thorns his Face spit upon his Side pierced with the Spear his Hands and Feet nailed Totum pro vulnere Corpus 2. He suffered in his Soul Mat 26.38 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My Soul is exceeding sorrowful unto Death He drank a bitter Cup mingled with Curses which made him tho' he were sanctified by the Spirit supported by the Diety comforted by Angels sweat great Drops of Blood and cry out upon the Cross My God why hast thou forsaken me All this was to do away our sin view sin in Christ's Blood and it will appear of a Crimson Colour Sixthly Look upon sin in the dismal Effects of it and it will appear the most horrid prodigious Evil Rom. 6.23 The Wages of sin is Death that is the Second Death Rev. 21 8. Sin hath shame for its Companion and Death for its Wages A wicked man knows what sin is in the Pleasure of it but doth not know what sin is in the Punishment of it Sin is Scorpio pungens it draws Hell at the heels of it This hellish Torment consists of two Parts 1. Poena damni the Punishment of Loss Mat. 7.23 Depart from me It was a great trouble to Absalom that he might not see the Kings face to lose Gods Smiles to be banished from his Presence in whose Presence is fulness of Joy how sad and tremendous this word Depart saith Chrysostom is worse than the fire Sure sin must be the Greatest Evil which separates us from the Greatest Good 2. Poena sensus the Punishment of Sence Mat 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Why might sinners plead Lord if we must depart from thee let us have thy Blessing no Go ye Cursed But if we must depart from thee let it be into some place of Ease and Rest no go into fire But if we must into the fire let it be but for a little time let the fire be quickly put out no go into everlasting fire But if it be so that we must be there let us be with good Company no with the Devil and his Angels O what an Evil is sin All the Torments of this Life are but Ludibrium Risus a kind of sport to Hell-Torments what is a burning Fever to the burning in Hell It is call'd the Wrath of the Almighty Rev. 19.15 The Almighty God inflicts the Punishment therefore it will be heavy a Child cannot strike very hard but if a Giant strike he kills with a Blow To have the Almighty God to lay on the stroke it will be intolerable Hell is the EMPHASIS of Misery The Body and Soul which have sinn'd together shall suffer together and these Torments shall have no Period put to them Rev. 9.6 They shall seek Death and shall not find it Rev. 24.11 And the Smoak of their Torment ascendeth for ever and ever Here the wicked thought a Prayer long a Sabbath long but how long will it be to lie upon Beds of Flames for ever this word ever breaks the Heart Thus you see sin is the most deadly and execrable Evil look upon it in its Original in its Nature in the Judgment and Estimate of the Wise look upon it comparatively it is worse than Affliction Death Hell look upon it in the manner of Cure and in the dismal Effect it brings Eternal Damnation is there not then a great deal of Reason that we should make this Prayer Deliver us from Evil Vse 1. Branch I. Is Sin such a deadly pernitious Evil the Evil of Evils See then what it is we are to pray most to be delivered from and that is from Sin Our Saviour hath taught us to pray Deliver us from Evil. Hypocrites pray more against Temporal Evils than Spiritual Pharaoh pray'd more to have the Plague of Hail and Thunder to be remov'd than his hard Heart should be removed Exod. 9.28 The Israelites pray'd Tolle Serpentes Take away the Serpents from us more than to have their sin taken away Numb 21.8 The Hypocrites prayer is Carnal he prays more to be cured of his Deafness and Lameness than of his Unbelief More that God would take away his Pain than take away his sin But our Prayer should be Deliver us from Evil. Spiritual Prayers are best hast thou a diseased Body Pray more that the Disease of thy Soul may be removed than thy Body Psal. 41.4 Heal my Soul for I have sinned The Plague of the Heart is worse than a Cancer in the Breast Hast thou a Child that is crooked Pray more to have its Unholiness removed than its Crookedness spiritual Prayers are more pleasing to God and are as Musick in his Ears Christ hath here taught us to pray against sin Deliver us from Evil. II. Branch If sin be so great an Evil then admire the Wonderful Patience of God that bears with Sinners Sin is a breach of God's Royal Law it strikes at his Glory now for God to bear with sinners who so provoke him it shews admirable Patience well may he be called The God of Patience Rom. 15.4 It would tire the Patience of the Angels to bear with mens sins one day but what doth God bear How many Affronts and Injuries doth he put up God sees all the Intreagues and horrid Impieties committed in a Nation Ier. 29.23 They have committed Villany in Israel and have committed Adultery even I know and am a Witness saith the Lord. God could strike men dead in their sins but he forbears and respites them My thinks I see the Justice of God with a