deceitfulness of sin Reas 4 Because we shall hereby much advance the Gospell and promote the welfare of Christs Kingdom the hiddē mysterie of Godliness shall be the more plainly opened the wayes of life more clearily manifested our bretherens understanding the better informed their cold hearts the more inflamed their unclean affections the more thoroughly purged their feeble faiths the better strengtned the good things of Gods Word the more sweetly relished The often speaking of this language makes it the better understood the often sounding of this Trumpet doth awaken the conscience the more throughly the often shining of this light doth make the way appear the more plain we can in nothing more honour the Gospell or benefit our bretheren than in seeking to perfect their conversion Vse This condemneth our negligence and sloathfulnes our dulnes and backwardnes in doing good in seeking the salvation of our bretheren How many places come we unto where we doe no good how often are we among our bretheren never labouring the welfare of their Souls what more frequent with us than like the Priest and Levite passing between Jericho and Jerusalem never reaching out the hand to help them that lye wounded with sin Luk. 10. to see them erre and not instruct them to see them sorrowfull and not comfort them to see them barren in grace never labouring to make them fruitfull Where is the Disciple that imitateth his Saviour in doing of good continually as he goeth up and down Where is the man that with Mordecay Esther 10.3 that seeketh the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed who with Nehemiah seeketh the welfare of Israel as it is in Neh. 2.10 Who is it that with Iob becoms eyes to the spiritually blind feet to the spiritually lame Iob 29.15 I was saith he eyes to the blind and feet to the lame c. Who is it that becometh a Father to the poor searching out the state of there Souls that breaketh the jawes of sin and plucketh the spoiled Soule out of the teeth of Sathan as Iob did in another case vers 16.17 of that 29. Iob I was saith he a Father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his teeth Whose bowells are so full of compassion to his bretheren that fitteth and prepared himself to cloath there Souls as Dorcas prepared garments to cloath there bodies Acts. 9.39 Who is it that seeketh his straying bretheren as the Shepheard his wandring sheep Eze. 34.12 Where is the Father in Law that with Lot Gen. 19.14 speakes to his sonnes in Law saying Vp get you out of this place for the Lord will destroy this Citie Where is the Father that with David gives incouragment to his children to go on in the Lords Work 1. Cron. 28.9 to know God and serve him with a perfect heart and willing minde Where is the Master of the family that with Abraham commands his houshold to keep the way of the Lord to doe justice and judgment Gen. 18.19 Where is the Minister that holdes not his peace day nor night that makes mention of the Lord and keepeth not Silence That gives him not rest till he establish and make Ierusalem a Praise in the earth as it is in Isa 62.6.7 Where is the bountifull Christian that doth in Spirituall things as Solomon chargeth we should do in temporall Ecl. 7. Who is he that cometh as Abigal to David 1. Sa. 25.25 28. Who redeemeth the time Who seeketh opportunity who imbraceth the offered occasions to do good If we examine our selves we may all lay our hands up our mouths and confess our selves guilty we have all more or lesse withheld the waters which should have refreshed the thirsty the light which should have guided the ignorant the food which should have fed the hungry the staff which should have sustained the weary c. And as long as we are thus slothfull and backward in this behalf it doth discover 1. That we have no bowels of compassion towards our bretheren Who can see his brother taken prisoner by the Prince of darkness led away captive in his chain wounded to the death with sin pressed down under the heavy burden of iniquity stript naked of the rich and pretious garment of true holines altogether defiled with the dirt and slime of Sin if he have any compassion in him and not seek to deliver him how can he chose but pray as the Church Act. 12.3 4 5 6. endeavour as the angell vers the 7.8 Shall Abram raise an army to deliver Lot Gen. 14.14 Will God have men to shew such compassion to an enemies oxe or asse Exo. 23.4 5. How much more to the Souls of our bretheren captivated by Sathan led astray by or sunke under the burden of sin surely this is the truest compassion the sweetest mercy the best kindnes to help the Souls of our brother out of the snare of Sathan according to that of St. Iude vers 22.23 And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with feare pulling them out of the fire c. Men think all the mercy appeareth in giving food for the belly apparell for the back but what is lands and revenews to one confined to perpetuall imprisonment what is food to the diseased who needeth Physick what mercy is this to trim the house and leave the inhabitant in prison I may say as the Lord in Isa 58.5 6 7. Is it such a fast as I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his soule Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush to spread sack-cloth and ashes under him willt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Is not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bandes of wickednes to undo the hevy burdens and to let the oppressed go free and that ye breake every yoke Is it not to deale thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him and that thou hide not thy self from thy one flesh So is this the compassion the Lord looks on for a man now and then to feed cloth the hungry naked body is not this the compassion the Lord looks at to help thy brother off with his wicked bands to undo his heauy burdens to break his yokes c. 2. That we have no hearty and sanctified affection to our bretheren How can we say we love them if we seek not to remove sin from them read that place Lev. 19.17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour and not suffer sin upon him The love of Christ appeared not in making his servants rich or advancing them to worldly dignities for they are for the most part a poor despised people as it is in Zeph. 3.13 But his love appeared
this they are as no gift at all Prov. 19.14 So c. therefore 1 Pet. 5.5 5. Because these are the choisest and surest testimonies of the Love of God to our soules he giveth common and worldly endowments to his enemies as well as to his friends the Master of the Family giveth food rayment some-time money to the servant as well as to the childe the Raine falleth on the Rock as well as on the ground Eccles 9.1 But as the Master of the Family sheweth his love to his children in putting them to Schoole giving good education to them so doth God shew his Love to his Children in training them up in the Schoole of Christ in educating them with the saving knowledge of his will in framing their hearts to love him and to walke sincerely and uprightly towards him when he leaveth others in darknesse and in the shadow of death as Christ sheweth his Love to Lazarus in raising him out of his grave Jo. 11.44 So doth he shew his Love to us in raising us to a new life as he shewed his love to Israel in causing the Sunne to shine upon them when all Egypt sate covered with darknesse so doth hee open the Fountain of his Loving-kindnesse in causing the light of his truth to shine among us Jerem. 3.14.15 Isaiah 62.5.6 Psalm 87 2.7 6. Because these do most endeare men unto God these like a Load-stone draw the Love care and goodnesse of God towards us cause him highly to esteem us tenderly to affect us carefully to watch over us mightily to defend us as 1 Sam. 16.7 8. So it is neither for riches honours nor beauty that God respecteth us neither Dives wealth Absolons beauty Sampsons strength Achitophels Policy Senacharibs victories nor Solomons royalty can move or draw affection from the Lord but the holinesse and sincerity of his servants Isa 57.15 Isaiah 66.2 Pro. 11.21 Psalm 16.3 Vse Our spirituall gifts of all others the most excellent are these the graine and world the chaffe are these the sweet the earth the sower grapes then behold and be astonished at the strange and wonderfull folly of the greatest number of the world who like the Jewes of old preferre Barrabas before Christ who like Esau value a messe of earthly pottage above a Heavenly birth-right like revolting Israel are more affected with Egyptian Onions and Garlicke then with the best fruit growing upon the Heavenly Canaan what more frequent amongst men then to cry after the things of the earth like the horsleeches two daughters Pro. 30.15 what more common then to runne after riches honours pleasures as Mica after his Idol Jud. 18.23.24 How many see wee rising early setting up late and eating the bread of sorowfulnesse to dig silver out of this Mine how many behold wee wounding and piercing themselves with sharpe thorney care intangling and wearing themselves with worldly snares for triviall and transitory riches how many see wee making ship-wrack of Faith and a good conscience to load themselves with this treasure what more usual with men then to deprive themselves of rest peace all true comforts to neglect God their souls heaven the Crown of Eternall Glory for the vanishing cloud of worldly abilities as if all our felicity safty comfort stood in the having of the abundance of the earth the saving grace of Gods Spirit were nothing worth but these mens folly will be easily descerned if they would but looke 1. Vpon the vanity of the world what is the riches and honoures when thou hast it without the grace of Gods Spirit but as the Apostle said of false teachers 2 Pet. 2.17 It hath no filling satisfying nor contenting vertue in it Isa 50.11 Hag. 1.6 If at any time they have abundance and seem like the first Kine in Pharaohs dreame to be fat yet presently one thing or another ariseth like the second Kine in Pharaohs dream to deceive and devour all the fat so that still the soule is an empty vessell a barren womb not satisfyed 2. The impotency of these outward things they are weak unable to defend themselves or their owners like the Idol gods unable to keep themselves and therefore must bee kept by their worshippers the rust will consume it the theefe steale it the fire burn it if the Lord smite thee with sicknesse though with Asa thou hadst a kingdome it cannot procure health for thee if God send an enemie and thou hast horses swift of foot yet it will not deliver thee Isa 15. Psa 33.16 If thou hast all kind of delights art seated in a Paradise of worldly pleasures yet if God doth send a dreadfull noise into thy eares then wilt thou runne like Adam to the covert If God awaken thy conscience it will be with thee as with Balshazar Dan. 5.4 5. Zeph. 1.18 3. The impiety it is full of truble as Achans golden Wedge troubled the whole army so the things of the world if they bee not sanctified if men want grace to esteem affect and imploy them as they ought they are a great trouble as Adams forbidden fruit in evill men as a heavy burthen to the back as a net full of snares to the feet as a bed of thornes in the night Pro. 11.17 Pro. 15.6 As the Sea where are most waters are most tempests 4. Their commoneness a flower grown in the worst as well as in the best mans garden a livery worn by Gods enemies as well as by Gods followers a gift in the hand of a reprobate as well as in the hand of Gods chosen Solomon saw servants on horse-back and Princes on foot and wee may easily see the servants of sinne the bondmen of Satan on horse-back on the Throne in place of eminency enriched with the abundance of the earth men as Princes men richly adorned with the grace of the Spirit men who are conquerors over Satan and their lusts who are Kings and Priests to God goe on foote are in a low state of no reputation in the world the most wicked usually are most favoured and suck most milke out of the breasts of the world Jo. 15.19 Job 12.4.5.6 Is it not great folly to neglect the graces of the Spirit which are so sweet so pure so full so pleasant so peculiar to Gods people so precious as nothing in the world is sufficiently able to expresse it and to seeke after the things of the earth which are so vaine so weake so beggarly so troublesome so common that he that hath the greatest abundance of them may be and often is the divells bondman an abomination in Gods sight a vessel of Gods wrath a firebrand of everlasting destruction 2. Therefore since the graces of Gods Spirit are of all gifts the most excellent this must cause us 1. To desire them most earnestly to long after them as Rachel after children Gen. 30. 1. As the thirsty ground after water the hungry soule after food th man that setteth in darknesse after light Psa 143.6 Psa 42.12 Cant.
answer to the Papists for none at greater variance than themselves among themselves who can reckon up the discords between the Popes themselves the secular Priests and Jesuits the Monks Canonists and the like they must first heal their owne wounds before they can object our scarres Yet their discords will not justify our contentions no more than quarrels between thieves cut-purses drunkards will justify the contention of honest sober men but we must bewaile the discords that are amongst us pray to the God of peace to suppresse attend the word of peace the instrument with which God doth use to work therefore let mee say to you as the Apostle doth to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 5.13 14. Let us labour for sincerity of heart freedome from corruption this sin is the cause of all quarrell nothing is more effectuall to quench this fire than the water of sanctification which is the internall baptising of the heart and for this the outward baptisme is called a purifying whence note Doctr. The efficacy and the proper fruit of Baptisme consisteth in the purging away of our corruption Therefore Paul resembleth it to a grave wherein our corruption is buried like a dead man Rom. 6.4 Other to a sprinkling of water not upon the body but the conscience 1 Pet. 3.21 not the putting away the filth of the flesh c. Reas 1 Because they who are effectually Baptised have Communion with Christ Gal. 3.27 None are in Christ but such as are sanctified 2 Cor. 5 17. Reas 2 Because they who are effectually Baptised are truely penitent therefore called the Baptisme of repentance Luc. 3.3 Marc. 1.4 True repentance there is none where there is not sanctification where sin like filthy dirt in the house is not washed away Reas 3 Because they who are effectually Baptised are ingrafted into the Mysticall body of Christ 1 Cor. 12.13 Now none are true and living members of that body but such as are truely cleansed from their sin Use This must therefore teach us not to content our selves with the outward washing of the flesh in baptisme but let us strive to feel the internall effecacy of it in our Souls Having our consciences sprinkled within our bodies washed without the inward and the outward man also renued not thinking it enough that we have the shell unles we have also the kernell the sheath unles we have also the sword the bowe without the arrow the parchment without writting hand seale delivery Pharaoh and the Aegyptians were in the red sea as well as Israel but they were drowned Israel had a safe passage as Jo. 6.63 You must feel the quickning Spirit move in your Souls in the use of this Sacrament as the Angel moved in the Pool of Betheshda or the diseass of your Soul will not be healed you must find your lusts mortified it is nothing worth your bodies are washed if the fire of concupiscence within be not quenched as Gal. 6.14 15. Nothing in the Kingdome of God is of any accompt but onely a new creature therefore under circumcision he comprehendeth the preheminence of the Jew which though it were much Rom. 3.1 Rom. 9.4 by uncircumcision the wisedome strength love Policy of the Gentile though of great esteeme in the eyes of the world yet of no accompt in the eyes of God Regeneration sanctification are in chief esteeme with him not the noble wise rich strong creature but a new creature see Luc. 16.15 1 Cor. 1.26 and 1 Tim. 4.18 Therefore as Gideon pulled down the Altar his father had erected and then set up another at Gods commandement as men put off an old and then put on a new garment so let us Eph. 4.22 whatsoever we have hitherâ—o have been let us be so no more but let us strive to be such that it may be said of us as 1 Cor. 6.9 10 11. VERS 26. IN this Verse we have set before us the occasion of the controversy between some of John's Disciples and the Jewes the Disciples of John saw the people frequent our Saviours Doctrine morâ— than they did their Mr the Baptist and hereupon took occasion to quarell with them came to the Baptist and complained of it as loath to see their Masters honour overshadowed by the shining of a more glorious Sun 2. Their ignorance they heard what the Baptist had taught of our Saviour they saw what he did to our Saviour how he Baptised him but yet did not understand that Christ was the Sonne the Saviour and Redeemer of the World 3. The danger of over-much admiring the persons of our teachers they â—o admired his person that they did not rightly conceive his Doctrine that they did disable Christ and cried up the Baptist 4. The fidelity of the Baptist in his calling for so they confesse that the Baptist did beare witnes of Christ 5. Their envy at the successe of Christs Ministry of these in their Order From the of these we learne Doctr. That self-love and ambition are many times an occasion of most contention this is like the evill Spirit that came between Abimelech and the men of Shechem turning their Union into division their love into hatred their peace into trouble this is a bellowes kindling the coales of strif betweeÌ„ such as are knit together in the strictest bonds why did Josephs Brethren sell him into Aegypt but out of self-love because they would not be subject to him Why else did Eliab quarrell with David 1 Sa. 17.28 This made Saul seek the life of David a most faithfull beneficiall Servant this disturbed the peace even of the Apostles Luc. 22.24 and Solomon maketh it a generall rule Prov. 13.10 Reas 1 Because pride and self-love doth breed envy at other mens endowments and at the successe of other mens undertakings envy is the spawn of pride the daughter of self-love a branch alwayes adhering to this root Luc. 15.18 Dan. 6.4 Phil. 1.15 Reas 2 Because pride and self-love cause men to aime at by and base ends neglecting the glory of God the welfare of the Gospel the good of their brethren and to seek their owne applause ease wealth as the Apostle long since complained Phil. 2.21 and our Saviour discovereth this as the speciall cause of the Pharises contention against him Ioh. 5.44 Reas 3 Because self-love and pride doth occasion men to make evill and false constructions of the doings and purposes of others 1 Sam. 17.28 This made the Pharises think that our Saviour came to take their place from them Reas 4 Because pride and self-love doth make men ingratefull yea to contend with and render evill to such as seek to do them the greatest good yea that have shewed them the greatest love let David be a wall about Nabals men and possessions in the Wildernes 1 Sam. 25.16 yet Nabal that regards no man but himself will raile at him abuse him if he demand any assistance from him so Jud. 8.1 and Jud. 12.1 2 3. Thus self-love made the
before the Lord with sincere and unpright hearts and then Ps 145.18 19. Let us have no more to do with sin but say as Ephraim to his Idols Hos 14.8 let us take us Words vers 2.3 and then vers 4.5 6 7. Let us win on God with patience and constancy and the Lord at length will look upon us in mercy Heb. 10 35. Whatsoever be our want in the Lord is all fullnes all readiness to supply us therefore as Ia. 1.5 So if thou want faith knowledge patience if thou want tendrings of heart peace of conscience sence of Gods love or any other good blessing aske it the Lord will surely bestow it on thee Hanna was troubled with her barrenness cryed to the Lord he opened her womb Solomon considered the weightines of his calling sought wisedome and the Lord gave him wisedome Sampson was much oppressed with thirst called on the Lord and the Lord gave him water Iud. 15.18 19. In like manner when the barrenness of grace want of knowledge doth afflict thee seek it at the hands of the Lord and the Lord shall grant the supplication of thy Soul unto thee had we but hearts to seek we might enjoy what now we want the ignorant might be full of knowledge the empty Lamp might be full of oile the weake faith which shaketh like a withered reed might be like a Cedar of deep and strong roots the Soul which is like a barren vineyard might be full of grace like the valleys overspread with Corn and good pasture the naked Soul might be well armed richly apparelled the dejected Spirit might be full of comfort the mind that is pressed down with worldly cares like a cart with sheaves might soar aloft as on eagles wings unto the heavens the unstable Soul might be as well fastned the wilderness of the life might be made a Paradise a sweet Communion with God a holy fellow ship with the saints might be maintained much delight might be found in Gods Ordinances Isa 41.17 18 19. Isa 44.3 This must teach us to receive all as from God whatsoever our care labour industry hath been yet let us not look upon what we possesse as upon yarne of our owne weaving fish of our owne taking Hab. 1.16 Upon a house of our owne building as Dan. 4.30 But let us looke on all we have as on Gods blessing a gift from Gods hand a light shining from the sun of Gods bounty though Paul plant and Apollo water the encrease is Gods though Israel fight the victory is the Lords whatsoever evill is in us whatsoever evill is committed by us is the seed of our owne sowing whatsoever evill is inflicted on us is a wages of our owne deserving whatsoever good we work it is the labour of Gods finger whatsoever good we receive it is of the fulnes and freedome of Gods bounty therefore we must all say as 1 Cor. 29 11 12 13.14.15 16. for Prov. 21.31 Therefore let us fasten our eyes on all both internall and externall endowments as on shewers falling from the cloud of Gods love as on gifts given by the Lords hand even the least the meanest as well as upon the fairest of our possessions this will make us the more sensible of Gods love the more ashamed of our ingratitude and disobedience this will the more endeare and oblige our hearts to God this will make us the more thankfull the more circumspect and heavenly minded in the use of them nothing doth more occasion the abuse of Gods blessing than forgetfulnes of the hand whence they have there originall and beginning Ps 78.10 11. 4. This may acquaint us with a sure way how to be provided for in all estates to find a supply in all our wants to have some liccour alwayes in our vessel to refresh us some fruit upon the barrenest tree to relieve us God you see is the giver of every good blessing all cometh from him therefore get into his favour and you shall want no good thing be regenerate become a new creature make God your Father and your wants shall be supplied let the prodigall returne and in his Fathers house there is all manner of provision his Father kindly entertaining him Luc. 15. So let us do c. for as Mat. 7.11 this hath the promise Psal 84. â—â— Used as a motive to stirre up men to feare God Psal 34.10 to follow Christ Matth 19.29.30 This will bring us within the Covenant giveth us interest in all Gods blessings we shall be in league and Job 5.23 24 25 26. We shall enjoy security boldnes towards God tranquility and cheerfulnes in our hearts Job 11.13 14 15 16 17 18. It is not a carnall vexing care a greedy heaping up of things of the earth that will be sufficient defence a never setting light a never failing streame but the fruition of Gods love is the way to win it Mat. 6.33 this Psal 23. â— If God be Shepheard he will provide pasture and Ps 37.25 it is iniquity an ungracious conversation that bringeth want Pro. 13.25 Eccles 5.13.14 5. Is every good gift from God cometh it all from him then let us remember that we must give an accompt of all we do enjoy we are not Lords but stewards of Gods blessings such as must yield accompt to God of all our abilities though it be long before the Lord call us yet he will at length require a strict accompt of all our doings how we spent our time our strength our temporall blessing our spirituall graces how they have been improved what increase hath been made therefore as the Apostle said in another case 2 Cor. 1.24 1 Pet. 5.2 3. So in this case use what you have received not as Lords to do with it what you list but as they who must be accountable to the Lord that not onely for the greatest but also for the least blessings as our Saviour said we must render accompt of every idle Word so we must render accompt of every little favour which God hath bestowed on us the time will come Luc. 16.2 Therefore we should think of this that we might be able to do it with joy Heb. 13.16 6. As it is all from God so let us be carefull to imploy it to the honour of God his good ground receiving good seed yieldeth a good increase as the good servant Mat. 25.20 as it cometh from heaven so let us use it in a heavenly manner to the praise of him whose dwelling is in the heavens this their very originall doth challenge Ro. 11.36 This the Dominion that God hath over all doth claime this the end which God proposeth to himselfe in all his works doth require Prov. 16.4 Rev. 4.11 Ephes 1.5 6. and it is the charge 1 Cor. 6.20 and if we neglect this we abuse the gift we have received it is a wrong to the creature to restraine it from the service of the Creator I. It is a wrong to the light
planted by the water side Psal 1.3 like an orchard of pomegranats Cant. 4.13 5. In regard of remaining corruptions and imperfections 1. If there be much ignorance in us and we see the things of God but darkly as the man that had his eyes opened did at the first see men as trees The Lord Jesus is in the bosome of his Father Mar. 8.24 in him are all the treasures of wisedome Joh. 1.18 and he is our Husband therefore he will instruct us more perfectly Col. 2.3 In his Schoole we shall learne wisedome he will give us his Spirit Ioh. 14.26 he will open the Scriptures Luc. 24.32 He will give us pastors to feed us with knowledge Ier. 3.14 15. and Luc. 1.77 he will open the sealed book Rev. 5.2 2. If we be weake in faith Christ will strengthen us and make us strong in faith like Abraham Rom. 4.20 Cause us like trees to be rooted in faith Col. 2.7 he will mightily persuade us Rom. 8.37 38. 3. If we find our Souls like a diseased body annoyed with sin as with a strong disease Iesus Christ is a Physician he will heale us Hos 6.1 If our consciences be burdened he will ease us Mat. 11.28 Isai 61.1 2. as Mat. 8.25 26. 6. In regard of perseverance though Satan buffet us though our corruption like a heavy burthen presse us down though the World hang like birdlime about the wings of our Souls Though we sometimes think and are ready to say of sin and Satan as David did of Saul 1 Sam. 27. I. Yet let us remember we are married unto Christ Iesus and that for ever Hos 2.19 there is no dissolution of this wedlocke being in his hand we shall be held fast Ioh. 10 28. We shall be kept by the power of God unto everlasting life 1 Pet. 1.5 Satan may win now us but Christ will not suffer our faith to faile Luk. 22.32 the Ship of our Souls may be shaken but it shall not sinke we may receive many wounds in the battel but yet we shall have the conquest as 2 Cor. 4.8 9. The next thing is the affection which Christ doth bear unto his messengers he calleth them his friends the friend of the Bridegroome a friend is one whom we do entirely love above others and use more familiarly and privately than we do others as David did Ionathan and of such a friend Solomon saith Prov. 18.24 A friend of God is one to whome God imparteth his mind and secrets so familiarly and fully as one friend doth to another Gen. 18.17 and the Apostles Ioh. 15.15 and thus doth the Baptist stile himselfe the friend of Christ noting the love which Christ did beare unto him and the understanding which he had of Gods will and counsell whence Doctr. That Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love to his faithfull Ministers II. Gods faithfull Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counsells III. Every faithfull Minister of God is an unfained friend unto God First of the first of these Christ Iesus doth beare a singular love unto his faithfull Ministers this appeareth plainely I. By the place wherein see hath set them made them his Embassadours 2 Cor. 5.19 20. starres in his right hand Rev. 2.20 his mouth Ier. 15.19 keeper of his vineyard Cant. 8.11 steward of his family 1 Cor. 4.1 The nurses of his Children 1 Thes 2.7 II. By the trust he committeth to them the instruction conversion edification salvation of his people hence are they called Fathers 1 Cor 4.15 Saviours Obad vers 21. 1 Tim. 4.16 builders 1 Cor. 3.9 watchmen Heb. 13.17 Shepheards having the custody of Gods flocke Ezek. 34.4 6. the charge to feed Gods people Ioh 21.17 III. By the service they doe him like Souldiers they lead his armies fight his battels subdue sin and Satan his enemies 2 Tim. 2.3 4. 2 Cor. 10.5 Isa 49.2 Psal 45.4 5. Like Husbandmen they roote up the thornes and briars in the Lords vineyard breake up the fallow ground of mens hearts sow therein the seed of Gods Word plant trees of righteousnes and like good Husbandmen bring much fruit unto the Lord Ier. 1.10 1 Cor. 3.6 Like Shepheards they gather home the lost Sheep to Gods fold Like Fishermen by the draw-net of the Gospel they draw the Souls of men out of the gulfe of sin IV. By the acception of the wrongs done unto them he taketh it as done to himselfe as a King taketh the wrongs done to his Embassadour as done to himselfe Luk. 10.16 Exod. 16.8 V. By the care he hath to defend them the arme stretched out against them shall wither 1 Ki. 13.4 the tongues which mock them shall not go unpunished 2 King 2.24 2 Cor. 36.16 and it is the Lords promise Ier. 15.19 20 21. VI. In regard of the recompence provided for them their love and labour shall not be in vaine they that strive lawfully shall have the prize 2 Tim. 2.3 their work is with the Lord Isai 49.4 as they shine by their Doctrine and conversation now so shall they shine hereafter Dan. 12.3 VII In regard of the love they beare unto him Joh. 21.16 a love which maketh them industrious in their callings 2 Cor. 5.14 joyfull to see men convert unto the Lord Iesus 1 Thes 2.19 20. ready to lay down their life Acts 20.24 Vse 1 This must therefore occasion the Ministers to endevour to walke worthy of this love of the Lord Iesus to order themselves in such manner that the Lord may still continue a friend unto them as men near about earthly Princes enjoying the favour of their Soveraigne are carefull to keep so must we by our holy walking sincere faithfull and frequent teaching be carefull to keep the favour of the Lord Iesus II. This must encourage them to beare the hatred of wicked men because the Lord is their friend to be patient in the bearing the difficulties of their calling the Lord will recompence them Vse 2 This must cause the people to love and reverence the faithfull messengers of the Lord to be friends to them to whome Christ is a friend this is required Thes 5.13 not an ordinary but a singular love a peculiar honour and respect 1 Tim. 5.17 and surely there is great cause for I. These are your spirituall parents by whom you are begotten againe to God raised out of the grave of sin to a new life Iohn 5.25 II. These are the instruments by whom we are inabled to behold the great things of the Law of God these are the lights of the World Mal. 2.7 these are as the fiery Pillar to Israel Exo. 13.21 as the starre to the Wisemen Mat. 2.10 III. These are the Lords Champions by whom we are delivered out of sin and Satans bondage these are the Priests who by sounding the Trumpet of the Gospel cast down the walls of Iericho who by the thunder of the Word threw Satan down like lightning IV. These are the Messengers who bring glad tidings of peace
thing in the Verse was the Ministers office as the friend of the Bridegroome prepareth a Bride for him so do Gods Ministers persuade prepare and fit the people to joyne themselves in a Holy wedlock to Christ Jesus Doctr. THat it is the speciall labour of Gods faithfull Ministers to perswade the people to turne unto and joyne themselves in a holy wedlock with Christ Iesus as Abrahams Servant sought a Wife for his Sonne Isaac made an oath to be faithfull praying for good speed Gen. 24.9 12. gave the Woman bracelets and a golden earering vers 22. would not eate till he had done his errant vers 33. commended the riches of his Master vers 35.36 So must the Ministers of the Lord seek woo and perswade men to joyne themselves unto Christ in a spirituall marriage Hence Paul saith he had espoused the Corinthians to one Husband that he might present them as a chast virgin unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 the Ministry of the Gospel compared to the marriage feast the Ministers unto Servants inviting men to the wedding by the use fruition sence and feeling of his Ordinances the spouse was made sick of love and filled with vehement and earnest longings after Christ Jesus Cant. 2.4 and this the Apostle sheweth to be their chiefest labour 2 Cor. 5.19 20. and so they make it 1. Because it bringeth much honour to God as Prov. 14.28 So by the encrease of godly men the bringing of many to yeeld ready and cheerefull subjection unto God is the name of the Lord much honoured by this the Scepter of Christ Iesus is erected in the hearts of men the Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles are constrained to bow before him to subject their necks to his yooke to plow up the fallow ground of their hearts and to bring forth fruit unto God by this they are brought to confesse their sin and to give glory unto God as Achan did when the Lot was cast upon him Ios 2.19 by this they are turned from Idols and wordly vanities to serve the living God 1 Thes 1.9 by this their nature is changed Isa 11.6 they are made to be at peace with God and among themselves by this of a barren wilderness they are made a fruitfull vineyard Isai 35.1 2 5 6 7. 2. Because it is very pleasing unto God the returning of the prodigall was delightfull to his Father as appeareth by the hast he made to meet him by the entertainement he gave him the bringing home of the lost sheep doth much rejoyce the Shepheard so the conversion of sinners is very pleasing unto God Luc. 15.7 What the bringing of many sheass into the barne is to the Husbandman what the birth of the Child is to the Mother the same is bringing of many to the new birth the gathering home of many Souls into Gods garner it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the heart which is in the sight of God of the greatest price 1 Pet. 3.3 4. It is not the bestowing of much riches upon men but the making of them rich in the grace of the Spirit which God respecteth 3. Because this doth bring the greatest ruine unto Satans Kingdome this like a key openeth the prison doores of sin and bringeth forth the Souls of men to liberty as the Angel brought Peter out of prison Act. 12.7 this overturneth his strong holds 2 Cor. 10.11 driveth him from his former possession Luc. 11.21 as the breaking of the pitchers shining of the lights with the cry of the sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianits to flight and gave freedome to Israel thus Isai 9.4 5. 4. Because this is most profitable for the people this of dead doth make them new and living creatures Joh. 5.25 of dry trees doth make them like trees planted by the waters side Psal 1.3 of barren Souls it maketh them fruitfull like a Mother of many Children Isai 54.1 of a desolate and forsaken people it bringeth them to a holy fellowship and honorable Communion with Christ Jesus by working faith in them Ephes 1.13 By separating them from profane persons like sheep from goats Chaffe from Corn Mat. 3.12 Ier. 23.29 Use This therefore discovereth the fearefull sin of such in the Ministry as in stead of turning men unto God do turne them from God in stead of joyning them in wedlock unto Christ do separate them from Christ in stead of drawing the hearts of men unto God and to the love of holy duties do like Absolon steale away the hearts affections of men from delight in the works of sanctification from subjection unto Gods precepts 2 Sam. 15.6 Some like the false Apostles seek to marry the people to themselves not to Christ seeking their owne praise not the honour of the Lord Jesus as the Disciples of the Baptist would have had their Master have taken the honour to himselfe which was due to Christ so there are some Masters labour to make their Disciples give them the reverence obedience praise which is due to Christ alone by making their sayings to be a Law an infallible ruse which must be followed giving preheminence or equalizing their traditions and unwarranted Doctrines to the Scriptures exercising Lordship tyranny over the faith and consciences of men rather than assisting them contrary to that of the Apostle 2 Cor. 1.24 and that of our Saviour Mat. 23.8 9 10. as if they were authours when they can be but instruments the fountaine when they must be like cisternes conveying the waters of life which they receive from God the Sun when they must be but starres in the right hand of Christ shining in the light which they receive from him Ier. 6.14 II. Some draw others from Christ by their false Doctrine flattering them in their sin speaking peace when there is no peace healing the disease of the people deceitfully like an unfaithfull Physician Ezek. 13.10 daubing with untempered morter like a deceitfull builder promising liberty when themselves are the servants of sin 2 Pet. 2.19 III. Some hinder men from coming to Christ harden them in sin by opposing and disgracing the wholesome Doctrine and gracious admonition given by their fellow brethren by sowing tares to choake the wheat by withstanding like Elimas Acts 13.8 by forbidding them to speake Amos 7.10 by seeking to alienate the hearts of the people from them Gal. 4.17 by incouraging the people in evill 1 King 22.11 12. IV. Some hinder men from coming to Christ by their silence they teach not the way of life and salvation they open not the danger of the naturall mans estate they acquaint not men with the riches of Gods mercy but Isai 56.10 11. A man that is both blind and dumb is an unfit man to make a marriage so they who are spiritually blind and dumb are no way meet to perswade the people to joyne themselves in wedlock unto Christ they cannot open unto them the honour
Bridegroome so do they to hear the voyce of Christ Cant. 5.16 Reas 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections like the warme Sun it heateth their frozen hearts causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love Ephes 3.18 19. So to love him as to leave all for him Mat. 10.37 to despise all in comparison of him Luc. 14.26 an affection so strong that nothing can breed a separation Rom. 8.35 38 and loving Christ so fervently they cannot chuse but rejoyce abundantly in him love and joy like joynt companions go together Gal. 5.22 like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other Reas 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word this is the key by which our hearts are opened and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls hence Acts 10.44 1 Thes 1.6 Acts 13.52 Reas 8 From the benefits which arise from hence by this the understanding is enlightned 2 Cor. 4.6 their faith is confirmed Ephes 1.13 victory over Satan obtained Ier. 31.11 their hearts are so softened and made tender as ground by the dewes Deu. 32.2 Isa 55.10 their affections are purified as the Corn by the fanne Mat. 2.12 Ier. 23.29 their consciences are purified Isa 57.19 their love and zeale is increased of a small drop these affections become like a flowing streame of few sparks become a burning flame of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit and hence as Acts 3.8 so Isa 35.5 6. Reas 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people a sure defence Gods Ministers the best Watchmen the best Souldiers the Word of God is the surest shield the strongest shot the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot the shining of the Lamps the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon put the Midianites to flight sooner than an army of men the Arke put the Philistines in greater feare than all the Israelitish army when the Ministry of life was removed from Ierusalem their house lest desolate then the Temple was cast to the ground Reas 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it as Phinea's Wife would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away 1 Sam. 4.21 Ioseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost Luk. 2.46 so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word La. 2.6 12. Ps 74.9 Use This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it musick to the deafe not hearing it food to the sick not relishing it want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God an apparent testimony that we are not of God that we have not tasted of Gods goodnes he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke hath not Davids heart wanteth Davids love is a strangers to Davids sence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him He that looketh on this as on a vessell without water a tree without fruite a Lamp without Oile hath a heart without grace who is it but a Stoick a man of a stupified heart a seared conscience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling that saith Job 21.14 A theef hideth himselfe from light Ioh. 3.20 Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant musick Psal 58.5 Mat. 11.17 Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace Luk. 19.42 are not delighted with the Gospel of peace how canst thou be the Child of God if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father How canst thou be the Bride of Christ if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband How canst thou be a new creature if like a new borne Child thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomack and not be glad of this honey-comb How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon he cannot be the faithfull servant of God that findeth no delight in the Word of God Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God do so desire Gods Word Psa 27.4 Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth Ps 63.1 Why they seek it Amos 8.12 why they incourage one another Zach. 8.21 why they wait Pro. 8.34 as Ioh. 5.5 Acts 3.3 why they say Ioh. 6.34 It is musick to their eares and they like David 2 Sam 6.16 it is Isa 25.6 and as Eccles 10.19 it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts Ier. 15.16 It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes the staffe that sustaineth them in their weakenes the Arke bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles the Fountaine affording refreshment when all their water brooks do faile therefore no wonder they attend upon it Use 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether we can find this joy in the Word of God in hearing the Gospel preached whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend a gracious Father a loving husband whether these apples these flagons Cant. 2.4 comfort stay and glad our hearts as they with their bottles Hos 5.3 made the King glad and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed it will appeare 1. By our conscionable preparation to it as sick men prepare their stomacks and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physick or the other soweth his seed so do they that delight in the Word for this is Physick and seed which they who wisely husband their Souls and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sowne among thornes and briers but as Exo. 19.10 2. By our frequent meditation upon it man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth thus Psal 11.2 delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoyced in 3. By our constant attendance on the same if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speake unto us we will be no strangers in Gods house but we will take every opportunity to go thither desire to make it our habitation Ps 27.4 accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his house Ps 84.10 4. By our high valuation of it as the Sun above the Candle pure wheat
they will go weeping after it as Phaltiel after Michall so great is their love to it that no persuasions no threatnings shall breed a rejection of it 4. The tendernes of it therefore likened to the eye it is grievousnes to put out the eye a man will endure any member to be wounded any injury to be offered to any part of the body rather than to his eye Mat. 18.1 for this also it is likened to the mortifying of the members making the members of the body dead by giving them many blowes by piercing them with many wounds Col. 3.5 the naturall man will not have his sin his beloved one to be touched Amos 7.10 the Baptist must not meddle with Herodias Ahab will not be crossed in his journey to Ramoth Gilead they will not have the Hemme of this Garment touched 2 Sam. 18.5 5. The inherency and thorough mixture of sin with the soul and deep dy of it upon the heart as water and wine are so mingled that the skilfullest hand cannot make a separation the Ivy and the stones so combined that unles the Wall be thrown down it can not be removed so is sin and the soul so mixed that no skill of man or Angell can divide them it is as the marrow in the bones as the juyce in the root as the roots infolded wrapped up in the earth the bones must be broken Psal 51.8 the fallow ground must be plowed up Ier. 4.3 before sin can be plucked up it is a deep staine water cannot wash it nitre cannot purge it the best humane abilities have no power to remove it Ier. 2.22 it is a Leprosy of that calour depth and strength that the Water of Damascus cannot purge it no River but Jordan can heal it Isai 26.10 Prov. 27.22 Amos 4.6 7 8. Pharaoh Exod. 5.6 7 8. Ahas 2 Cro. 28.22 Isai 1.5 6. I might add many more but by these things it is sufficiently manifest what strangers we are to all abilities of turning our selves to God and working out our salvation before the Lord do put the life of grace into us and by his Word and Spirit as by his Horsmen and Chariots do draw us forward in the way of life and happiness 4. This will teach us not to ascribe too much to any man of themselves they are earth and earthly disposed even the very best among all men the excellency wherewith they are endowed is not of themselves but of God it is the dew from his cloud that doth make them fat the treasure of his store-house that doth make them rich the work of his finger that doth make them differ we are all empty vessels the fulness which we enjoy cometh from above barren fields till the Lord doth water and dresse us therefore as we admire not the vessel which holdeth good liquour but rather the Tree which bare the Grape that made the liquor so let us not so much admire the Creature the woodden vessel that hath the excellent Treasury as the Creator that gave the Treasure to him 2 Cor. 4.6.7 we are but the Casket the Jewel is the Lords we are but the Lamp it is the Lord doth give the Oile without him we can do nothing we are altogether dependant upon him all our abilities are the Lords talent we are but stewards thorough Christ inabling we can do all things but if Christ do not inable man can do nothing God is the Alpha and the Omega of all the good we enjoy or do therefore as Mar. 2.11 12. Acts 3.11 12. I Gideon overthrow the Midianitish army it is not so much Gideon as the Lord hath done it therefore first they cry the Sword of the Lord and then Gideon the Rod was used in dividing the waters of the red Sea yet Moses and Israel give the praise unto God Exod. 15.6 therefore Col. 1.29 Paul laboured not of himself but more or lesse according to the measure of Gods working in him so 1 Cor. 3.5 intimating that they were but instruments God was the chief Agent that if they brought any to the knowledge of the truth it was the Lord that did open the understanding if they turned any man to the faith it was the Lord did open the heart if they brought comfort to any mans Soul it was the Lord that spake peace unto the conscience teaching them whosoever were the instrument yet to give the whole praise to God the chief Agent to have God and not the persons of men in admiration 5. Let therefore our own worthiwess our own indisposednesse unto any good cause us to give the praise of our whole salvation unto God acknowledging him to be the soul and onely fountain whence all water which giveth refreshment to our Souls have their Original the more we see our own emptinesse the more feelingly let us acknowledge the Lords fulnesse the more we look upon our own poverty the more let us magnifie the full and open hand of God towards us the more let us laud him rejoyce in him for his abundant goodnesse the more let us study to please him to honour him to walk in all sincerity before him striving in all things to make him glorious utterly denying our selves saying as the Psalmist Psal 44.3 for as we are earth and earthly so we speak of the earth which is the third thing here noted their practise they speak of the earth their imployments are earthly their actions are carnal 9. The whole labour and practise of un-regenerate people is earthly and carnall as the whole fruit of a corrupt Tree is so Matth. 7.18 men are all like Travellers out of the way every foot they step is awry Psal 58.3 our whole work is but a Spiders Web and increases no better than a Cockatrice Egge Isa 59 56. Reas Because the Root and Original is evil and as men speak of the Countrey and parentage whereof they are so men being of the World of the flesh speak and do the works thereof 1 Ioh. 4.5 2. Because the whole man is full of sin as the Sea full of waters a dead body of rotteness an undrest Garden of weeds the eyes are full of vanity the tongue full of evil communication the hands full of idlenesse full of bloud of unrighteous dealings the heart full of uncleannesse and hence stream all kinde of abominations Matth. 15.19 Use We have no cause to glorie of our works as long as we are carnal they are nothing but the fruit of the flesh Gal. 5.19 Brasse Tin Iron base Metal Ier. 6.28.30 as the Psalmist saith of men Ps 62.9 so may the natural man say of all his works whither of piety or common equity of his way towards God or towards man they are altogether vanity surely if God should lay our deeds in the ballance as Baltazar was that would be found of us which was written of him mene mene tekel upharsin you are laid in the ballance your works are weighed which are found too light
the most beautiful creature will seem to have no beauty When we are once apprehensive of that power majesty and goodness which is in him all the world will be as a dry tree a withered arme a vain thing This will exceedingly ravish our souls make us sick of love Cant. 2.4 constraine us to doe all for him 2 Cor. 5.14 make us say with Peter Matth. 7.17 Prov. 31.29 Thus of the repetition of these words He that is from Heaven is above all Verse 32. The Doctrine of life and salvation is of all things the most infallible the most certaine yet of all things hath the worst entertainment in the world This is the surest guide yet hath the fewest followers the best merchandize but hath the fewest buyers the best Physick but hath the smallest number of Patients the truest narration but findeth the smallest credence in the world This is the Rock wheron the wise man builded which the rainy tempest could not overthrow This world as the sand whereon the foolish man built whose house soon fell This like the bow of Jonathan which returned not back and the sword of Saul that returned not empty The world like Israel a bow that started back in the day of battel This like a fountaine alwayes full of water the world like the brooks of Tema dryed up in summer Yet notwithstanding all this the world hath audience affection attendance acceptance when little or no respect at all is given to Christ Jesus for though that which he testifieth be no other then what he hath seen and heard yet no man receiveth his testimony As in the former verse the Baptist commended our Saviour from the excellency of his person so in this verse he commendeth him by the certainty and truth of his Doctrine That which a man doth both hear and see and whereof he is able to perswade another mans conscience that he must needs know with a most certain and sure knowledge But in such manner doth our Saviour know what he speaketh therefore that must needs be most sure and most certain which he teacheth And to the end the Baptist might perswade his Disciples to believe in Christ he doth commend Christs Doctrine to them from the certainty of it intimating to them whatsoever imperfection errour or deceit might be in other mens doctrine whatsoever occasion there might be of doubting yet the doctrine of Christ must needs be true free from all errour And though it be a doctrine thus void of all exception so wholsome good holy heavenly profitable yet there is no entertainment given thereunto by the world few beleeve it love it subject themselves unto it In the verse we have 1. The certainty of Christs Doctrine in it selfe 2. The entertainment given to it in the world From the first learn Doct. 1 That the Doctrine of life and salvation is a most sure and certain doctrine it is that which Christ saw and heard it is a light free from all darknesse a rule exempted from all crookedness silver seven times purified no drosse in it Psalm 12.6 Therefore called a sure word 2 Pet. 1.19 A foundation whereupon whosoever is built sinketh not Eph. 2.20 A word more durable then the world Matth. 5.18 Letters more firm more lasting then such as are written with a pen of iron and the point of a diamond they shall never be defaced nor blotted out like the Lawes of the Medes and Persians they shall not alter Likened to a fountaine of living water which is pure and constant Jer. 2.13 And it is evident 1. By the nature of the Author of it he is the truth it self John 14.6 Without sin without guile 1 Pet. 2.22 2. By his fulnesse of knowledge Col. 3.2 3. John 3.33 As the Sun is full of light the Sea is full of water so is he full of knowledge 3. By his neer union and communion with the Father John 1.18 Matth. 11.23 4. By the opposition which this Doctrine was to meet with from wicked men and devils who would surely have overthrown it if there had been any errour or imperfection in it but this is tryed silver Psal 12.7 A sure vessel Luke 23.4 Acts 4.12 6. For the establishment of the faith of Gods people who must be builded thereupon Eph. 2.20 6. For the discovery of sin Heb. 4.12 7. For the pacifying of the conscience against all assaults and accusations Isa 57.19 2 Cor. 5.18 19. Vse 1 If it be so then beleeve put confidence and rest on this sure pillar a tree that hath firme rooting a light that cannot be darkened other foundations may fail and light too may wax dim but this abideth for ever therefore beleeve it For the more full setting home of this upon you to beleeve put confidence on this Doctrine of Christ take these following considerations 1. Because it is a Doctrine most beneficial a doctrine of consolation Heb. 6.17 18. A doctrine healing soules Matth. 8.13 and bodies opening the eyes Matth. 9.28 29 30. 2. Because it maketh all prosper 2 Chron. 20.20 Like the Ark of Obed-edom it makes a man like the tree by the waters Jer. 17.7 8. 3. Because it is the key that openeth the doores of the Kingdome of grace to soules Matth. 21.31 32. Now that we may beleeve consider the following particulars 1. Cast away sin if ever we would believe wee must have nothing to doe with sin read these places Mark 1.15 Psal 50.16 Psal 66.18 2 Cor. 6.14 John 9.31 2 Tim. 2 19· 2. Deny your selves consult these Texts for this John 5.44 Rom. 7.9 John 9.41 Rom. 7.18 3. See the fulness that is in Christ meditate on it Gen. 17.1 John 6.68 John 14.10 11. 4. Attend the word Rom. 10.17 Acts 16.14 Eph. 1.13 Vse 2 Follow this fiery pillar sure guide best light say of this as Ruth to Naomi Ruth 1.16 Follow it as a shadow the body and that you may doe it aright follow it 1. Heartily Rom. 16.17 Psalm 119.168 1 Cor. 16.14 2. Fully as 1 Kings 18.21 Num. 14.24 1 Kings 11.6 3. Universally Luke 1.6 Psalm 119.128 James 2.10 In every linke ingredient 4. Freely willingly Psalm 110.3 Psalm 119.32 2 Cor. 8.3 Phil. 1.15 5. Holily 1 Pet. 1.15 16. 6. Constantly not going back like Israel Judg. 7.3 Like those mentioned 2 Pet. 2.22 Vse 3 Get interest and make sure of this doctrine of life and salvation to thy soule cease not till thou finde this 1. An instructing word Ps 119.99 2 Tim. 3.17 2. A purifying word Matth. 3.12 Jer. 23.29 John 17.17 purifying as Jordan 3. A quickning word Phil. 2.14 4. A pacifying word 2 Cor. 5.19 5. A rejoycing word Jer. 15 16. As the Star to the wise men Matth. 2.10 6. A fructifying Doctrine Matth. 13 24. Deut. 32.2 But to pass by that observation and to come to a second which may be gathered from the second particular namely the entertainment this doctrine of Christ had the generality of the world received not
for Job 34.19 it is onely true piety which maketh us dear and pretious in God's eies which moveth God to fasten his affection upon us and to delight himself in us men may bee admired by men for their endowments because men judg according to external appearance as 1 Sam. 16.6 but as vers 7. so God looketh not on men because tall in honors high in external callings great through a worldly abundance but the holy man is the object of God's affection Psal 146.8 these are God's chois Jam. 2.5 these are God's delight Pro. 11.20 these are a diademe and a crown of glory in God's hand Isa 62.3 to these doth hee look with these doth hee delight to dwell Isa 57.15 Joh. 14 23 24. these are unto Christ in stead of all others Mat. 12.50 And indeed upon whom hath the cloud of God's love distilled on whom hath the light of his countenance shined towards whom have the infallible testimonies of God's favor been manifested but onely to such as are endued with the saving gifts and graces of his Spirit to whom hath hee vouchsafed his presence as a father among his children as a shepherd among his flock as the sun among the stars in the firmament surely onely to such as fear him Psal 46.5 Zeph. 3.15 Gen. 28.12 upon whom doth hee cast forth the light of his countenanee whose soul doth hee affect with the sens of his love but onely such as by a lively faith imbrace his promises and keep their feet within the way of his commandements Psal 11.7 Rom. 5.5 to whom doth hee make his Word a joifull tidings a healing salve a sweet savour but onely to such as pass their time in his fear order their conversation in a holy manner to them the meditation thereof is sweet Psal 104.34 common favors indeed are vouchsafed to the bad as the rain falleth on the bad ground as well as the good Mat. 5.45 but the special pledges of God's love are conferred onely upon the righteous Psal 50.16 But it may bee you will say That riches and honors and these external favors that they are also blessings they are water out of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from his hand 2. They are therefore very much deceived who bless themselvs as being God's dearest favorites the choisest of his beloved because they are most plenteously enriched with these common endowments because their houses are fairer their possessions larger their dignities greater their earthly delights pleasures and comforts far excelling other this is a sandy foundation to build upon a deceitfull balance to weigh themselvs in a fals rule whereby to judg of God's love who had more pleasure than the glutton faring deliciously and wearing fine apparell every day yet a fire brand of hell Luke 16. who richer than hee that builded his barns greater cheared up his soul with the thought of his great abundance yet who at the last were his attendants but the devils Luke 12. where was his dwelling but in everlasting darkness who perished in the red sea was it not Pharaoh king of Egypt Exod. 14. who was eaten up of lice was it not Herod that sate upon the throne Act. 12.22 On whom came sorrow widowed and loss of children in one day was it not upon the Babylonish Queen that lived in pleasures Isa 47.7 8. Who stand in slipery places but they who have more than heart can desire Psal 73.18 Who perish like their beasts but they that boasted of their wealth Psal 14.49 on the other side Who poorer than Lazarus who had resting place in Abraham's bosom Luke 16.8 Who had no other cradle but a manger Luke 2. Who had not where to lay his head but the Son of man Christ Jesus who of all others was most dear to God Who were in sheeps skins and goats skins in the wilderness in caves destitute afflicted tormented but the good people of God of whom the world was not worthy Who were accounted as the dung and of-scouring of the earth but the Apostles of the Lord Jesus the transgressors they have grown as the grass overtopt the righteous as the tares the corn advanced themselvs in the world like the cedars in Lebanon they have been among men as the Leviathan among the fishes of the sea as the lion buls bears among the beasts of the field as the eagle among the birds of the aër as the tree by the great waters among the trees of the forrest the most unholy have many times the greatest abundance of outward favors and therefore wee cannot but falsly conclude them to bee most happy who have most earthly plenty fatness and prosperity for having nothing but this 1. they are dead in sin and whom judg wee most happy the dead with a goodly tomb or the living that hath life in him the widow living in pleasures was very wretched because dead in sin while shee lived 2. these are destitute of God's image it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the soul with grace which is in the sight of God of great price 3. these have no communion with God it is not by wealth but by faith and holy life that wee have fellowship with God 1 Joh. 1.6 4. these are strangers to true peace it is not wordly riches but true grace that bringeth peace unto the conscience riches usually breed many troubles they have unability to appeas a stormy tempest of a troubled conscience Ez. 19.7 But it may bee you will say that riches honors and external favors are blessings also that these are waters of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from God's hand and therfore also a testimony of God's love to which I answer it is true they are blessings in themselvs for every creature of God in it's own kind is good Gen. 1.31 they are all from the Lord the giver of every good gift Isa 1.17 for the earth is the Lord 's Psal 24.1 riches and honor come from him 1 Chro. 29.12 the Lord setteth one and pulleth down another 1 Sam. 2.7 all cometh from God's providence but all cometh not from God's mercy and love to them who are possessors of it it is one thing to have a thing by the cours of God's Providence another thing to have it from God in love and in favor for God giveth in wrath as well as in mercy as Hos 13.11 so God giveth wealth and riches in his wrath and taketh it away in his displeasure thus Israel had quails given but it was in wrath Numb 11.33 better they had been without them Thus Solomon saw this evil under the sun riches kept for the owners thereof to their own hurt Ecles 5.13 when Absalon made a feast hee invited all his brethren prepared dainties for them som hee invited in love but Amon in hatred for hee gave charge to his servants when they should see him merry with wine that then they should fall upon him and