Devils so when our first Parents sinned they were cast out of Paradice and since all sinners are out of favour yea they lye under Gods anger and displeasure until they be reconciled All the children of men are by nature the children of wrath Eph. 2.3 And God is angry with the wicked every day Psal. 7.11 They have a natural enmity in their hearts against God and his Law Rom. 8.7 and God is an enemy unto them yea hath a hatred in his heart against all the workers of iniquity Psal. 5.6 God is an enemy unto the wicked because of their sins and this is worse ten thousand degrees than 〈◊〉 they had all the creatures in the world their enemies because of the power of his anger which none ca◠resist when once he suffers it to break forth We read of the stout-hearted and men of might th◠chariot and horse cast into a dead sleep at one o◠Gods rebukes and who can stand in his sight wher◠once he is angry Psal. 76.5 6 7. And God is coming forth with armed vengeance against his enemies he hath prepared instruments of death he hath whe◠his sword and girt it upon his thigh yea drawn it forth and lifted up his arm to strike he hath bent his bow and made ready his arrows upon the string and sinners can neither fly from him nor defend themselves against him Then a people are saved indeed when they are saved from Gods displeasure when his anger and the guilt of their sin which is the cause is removed when their peace is made with God through the mediation of Jesus Christ when God forgiveth all their sins and accepteth of them as perfectly righteous in his sight through the imputation of his Sons righteousness unto them and so puts up and layeth aside his sword unbends his bow and casts it behind his back and receiveth them into favour as if they had never offended him 2. When they are saved from the slavery of the Devil and their own lusts All the wicked are spiritual slaves and vassals they are in worse than Egyptian bondage their thraldom and captivity is greater than that of the Iews once to the Babylonians The Devil hath his fetters upon their hands and feet and leadeth them captive by the chains of their own lusts at his will 2 Tim. 2.26 They are shut up as it were in prison and lye in a deep dark dungeon where no light doth shine they are fallen into a horrible pit and their feet stick in the miery clay they are sunk into deep waters and the stream is gone over their soul they are fallen into a deadly sickness and a loathsome disease hath seized upon their spirits they are full of boils and blains and putrifying sores all this and a thousand times worse is their condition through the power and reign of sin in them then a people are saved in a spiritual sense when they are redeemed from sin and Satan when the Lord Jesus Christ doth rescue them out of the Devils chains when he leadeth captivity captive spoileth principalities and powers and snatcheth them like a prey out of the teeth of the roaring Lion when he delivereth them from the power of darkness and translateth them into the houshold and family of God when he brings them out of the house of bondage and leads them out of Egypt through the Red Sea of his own blood in which he drowneth and destroyeth their Egyptian lusts which do pursue them when he openeth the prison doors and pulls them out of the deep dungeon and knocks off the chains from their feet when he breaks the bonds of the Devil and sin and brings them forth into freedom and enlargement when he takes them out of the pit and draws them out of the water when he healeth their sickness cleanseth and cureth their putrifying sores I mean when he delivereth them from the power of sin which entangled overwhelmed and defiled them and was more dangerous than any sickness of body could be unto them then they are saved when Satan is taken off and sin hath no more dominion over them and the Throne of Christ is erected in their hearts and his graces implanted there which do beautifie them instead of lust which did besmear and deform them when being made free from sin and Satan they are become the Servants of God and yield up their members as instruments of righteousness Rom. 6.13 22. when they are enabled to overcome the Devil and his temptations and to crucifie the flesh with its lusts and affections when the old Serpent is wounded in the head and cast out and the old man is wounded in the heart and its reigning power taken down and they are made victorious through Christ the Captain of their salvation who loveth them 3. When they are saved from the Law not only from the yoak and bondage of the Ceremonial Law which the Iewish Church of old was under which required many burdensome expensive and more carnal services but also from the rigour irritation curse and malediction of the Moral Law The Law is like the Egyptian Task-masters who required Brick of the Israelites but gave no Straw it requireth duty perfect obedience but giveth no strength it discovereth sin but giveth no power to overcome it and it enjoyneth service but it giveth no ability to perform it therefore the Law is said to be weak through sinful flesh Rom. 8.3 Yea the Law when it breaketh in with a full spiritual light and conviction of sin upon the spirit forbidding heart concupiscence and the least motion or inclination of the soul to sin and pressing to spiritual and heart-purity and obedience it is so far from beating down and killing the power of sin and from strengthening the soul and enabling it unto obedience that it doth revive the power of sin which seemed to be dead before in the soul and occasionally doth irritate and provoke to all manner of concupiscence the discovering it awakens the enmity of the heart against it self which lay before dormant As the Apostle doth complain Rom. 7.5 For when we were in the flesh the motions of sin which were by the Law did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death And v. 7 8. Sin taking occasion by the Law wrought in me all manner of concupiscence for without the Law sin was dead but when the Commandment came sin revived and I dyed Moreover the Law doth curse all the children of men that are within its power and reach because of their sins which none are wholly free from Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them People are saved from the Law when they are delivered from the rigorous yoak of the Moral Law which is called the Law of sin and death as it occasioneth sin and threatneth
Chrisâ— Repent or else you will all certainly perish Luk. 13.3 Repent or else iniquity will be your ruine Ezek 18.30 Repent or else ye cannot be saved When thâ—â— Jews who had crucified the Lord of glory heard Peters Sermon which ripped up their sin and they being pricked in their hearts cry out to Peter and the rest of the Apostles Men and Brethren What shall we do Act. 2.37 We have committed a great sin and what shall we now do What course shall we take that we may be saved from that eternal wrath and death which we have deserved The Apostle directs them to Repent for the remission of sin vers 38. And will not conscience accuse you of the guilt of sin Are there no drunkards in this place no swearers none that have committed adultery and been unclean in secret places no unrighteous persons that have defrauded their neighbour no Sabbath-breakers nor profane persons no lyars nor covetous persons and are not the most civil and morally honest of you all that are out of Christ guilty of many heart-sins yea and lip-sins and some gross slips in your life which conscience doth sometimes twinge you for Are not you guilty of impenitency and hardness of heart and unbelief and want of love to God and his Son and neglect of your own salvation Let me tell you all that have not yet repented that unless ye repent and that speedily ye shall all perish certainly and ye shall be miserable everlastingly Repent of your sins mourn for sin and turn from sin or else you will weep for sin hereafter to no purpose and burn for sin for ever Loath sin and leave sin or else Christ will disdain you at the last day and sentence you to depart from him into everlasting fire Confess sin and forsake sin or else you will finde no mercy here nor end or the least asswagement of misery in the other world Drunkards repent of your sins you have felt after your revellings and excessive carousings your heads ake and have vomited up your drink sometimes O that you could now feel your hearts ake and that you would vomit up your sin by repentance Swearers repent of your sins you have taken Gods Name in vain yea even torn it in pieces by your oaths O that you would hallow Gods Name in confessing your sin and that you would rend and tear your hearts with sorrow for the affronts you have by your oaths offered to the highest Majesty Adulterers and unclean persons repent of your sins you have tasted sweetness in your â—oul sins O labour to taste bitterness in grief for your sins that you may not feel the bitterness of hell torments which without repentance will certainly be your portion Unrighteous persons lyars covetous persons repent or you will not escape Gods righteous judgements Sabbath-breakers get your hearts broken for your sins or else God will break you to pieces with his Iron Rod. Prophane persons and all ye that have sinned more grosly repent and humble your selves before the Lord the more deeply The most crimson and scarlet â—ins may be washed away those who embrewed their hands in the blood of Christ were forgiven upon repentance and there may be hope of remission for the worst of you if you repent And you that have been more civil yet under the power of some sin which hath reigned in your hearts though it hath not broken forth so notoriously in your lives and have moreover lived in the neglect of Christ and your own salvation by him not perceiving your need so much of him Let me tell you as our Saviour told the Scribes and Pharisees that sometimes Publicans and Harlots the vilest and most notorious come into the Kingdom of Heaven sooner than you because they are more readily awakened and humbled and made sensible of their need of Christ than the civil and fair dealing men and women who are very apt to lean and trust to their own righteousness without such earnest seeking of the righteousness of Christ to justifie them Therefore let me warn you also to repent of your sins of heart-sins and Gospel-sins which are the greatest sins and will certainly sink you without repentance Look upon your own righteousness as filthy raggs and cast it away and loath your selves and be perswaded that if ever you be pardoned and saved you must be as much beholding to free grace as the vilest sinner 2. Peter tells them that God sent a Word of Peace which was preached by Iesus Christ. It is said Ioh. 1.17 The Law was given by Moses but grace and truth and I may add peace too came by Iesus Christ. The Law which came by Moses was given for this end to lead men yea it was a School-master to whip men to Christ and God did enjoyn those legal services upon his people that they might look to Christ in them and look for Christ who should deliver them from that yoak of bondage The Law which was from Mount Sinai gendereth to bondage and was given with thunderings and lightnings to awaken men and in preaching of the Law God giveth a spirit of bondage to work men to fear and repentance But Christ came in a more mild way and in a more soft and still voice preached Peace and the Gospel of Reconciliation The word of Peace was that which the Angels preached unto the Shepherds at Christs birth Luk. 2.14 Glory be to God in the highest on earth peace and good will towards men Peace was that which Christ preached in his life Ephes. 2.17 He came and preached Peace to you which were afar off and to them which were nigh Peace was that which Christ purchased by his death Col. 1.20 He made Peace by the blood of his Cross. Peace was that which he spake to his Disciples at his appearance after his resurrection Ioh. 20.19 Iesus came and stood in the midst of them and said Peace be unto you Peace he left with his Disciples behind him as a Legacy when he was to go away from them Ioh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my Peace I give unto you And Peace he commissioned his Disciples to preach unto the world Mark 16.5 Go ye into all the World and preach the Gospel unto every creature Which Gospel is a Gospel of Peace containing glad tidings of good things Rom. 10.15 Christ preached Peace not Peace with men though this also he would have his Disciples endeavour after as much as in them lyeth to live peaceably with all men Rom. 12.28 and to follow after peace with all men so far as it consisteth with holiness and a pure conscience Heb. 12.14 For he tells his Disciples Luk. 12.51 Suppose ye that I am come to give Peace on earth I tell you nay but rather division Whatever peaceable disposition he taught and his Gospel doth work in the heart where it prevails yet accidentally it causeth division and stirreth up to opposition in those that will not yield obedience thereunto and
truely believe in Christ do receive remission of sins inasmuch as guilt being an obligation to punishment and where satisfaction is made this obligation is removed 1. But first Christ hath made satisfaction to Gods Justice for the sins of men he only was qualified to do it and he hath actually done it 1. Christ only was qualified to do it no meer man could make it because Gods Justice being infinite requireth an infinite satisfaction and all Creatures are finite but Christ was more than a Creature he was God and Man in one person It was necessary that he should be a Creature because otherwise he could not have suffered the Deity being impassible it was necessary he should be Man because Gods Justice required that the same Nature which did commit sin the same Nature should suffer punishment for it Gen. 2.17 In the day thou eatest thereof Thou a Man shalt die Therefore Christ took not upon him the nature of Angels but the seed of Abraham Heb. 2.16 And it was necessary that he should be God because otherwise he could never have born up under nor have got loose from that dreadfull punishment which was inflicted upon him It would have sunk the whole Creation under its weight Because otherwise his Merits would not have been of infinite value and fully satisfactory to Gods Justice therefore he was God and Man in one person and so duly qualified to make satisfaction 2. Christ hath actually made satisfaction to Gods Justice for Mans sin he hath born the punishment which their sins did deserve 1 Pet. 2.24 Who his own self bare our sins that is the punishment of our sins in his own body on the tree Isa. 53.5 He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities and the chastisment of our peace was upon him And Ephes. 5.2 He hath given himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour which leadeth to the second particular 2. This satisfaction which Christ hath made unto Gods Justice is accepted in the behalf of sinners There might be sufficiency of value in Christs sufferings and sacrifice to make satisfaction for the sins of the whole world and yet God might have required the satisfaction from the offending party and received the debt from none but sinners themselves that owed it but God hath accepted Christs satisfaction as is evident 1. From Gods eternal Covenant with him that if he would make his soul an offering for sin he should see his seed and should prosper in his work Isa. 53.10.2 From his sealing and setting him apart for the office and work of Mediatour Ioh. 6.27 Him hath God the Father sealed 3. From his mission or sending him into the world for this very end Ioh. 3.16 Gal. 4.5 4. From his owning of him when he was sent and that both by a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and by his large effusion of the Spirit upon him which did appear in his life so holy his doctrine so pure his miracles so powerfull 5. From his raising him up from the dead on the third day where he must have continued for ever if having undertaken to satisfie he had not done it and it had not been accepted 6. From his receiving him up into glory and setting him at his right hand and hearing his prayers in the behalf of sinners All which Arguments do abundantly prove Gods acceptation of Christs satisfaction 3. The satisfaction is as really imputed unto true Believers as if they had made it themselves Forasmuch as Faith doth appropriate Christ and his Righteousness and therefore Christ is called speaking of Believers the Lord our Righteousness Ier. 23.6 And we are called through the imputation of the merits of his death by faith The Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 Christs Righteousness is made over to Believers by Faith as if it were their own If then Christ hath fully satisfied Gods Justice for the sins of men and this satisfaction is accepted by the Father in behalf of sinners and imputed unto all true Believers then all true Believers are absolved from the guilt of sin and that not only upon the account of mercy but justice too which cannot require a double satisfaction therefore God is said as he is just to justifie them which believe Rom. 3.28 II. The second Argument to prove that all true Believers do receive remission of sins may be drawn from Christs intercession If Christ doth intercede for the remission of sins and this intercession be prevalent with the Father and all true Believers have an interest in this intercession then all true Believers do receive remission of sins 1. But first Christ doth intercede for the remission of sins Heb. 7.25 Heb. 2.17 He intercedeth for reconciliation therefore for remission of sins 2. This Intercession is prevalent with the Father Whatever Christ prayed for on earth he obtained Ioh. 11.42 Surely then his intercession in Heaven is prevalent which might be made further evident from his neerness and interest in the Father from the dear love of the Father unto him and because his intercession for remission of sins is for that which he hath purchased by his death and what the Father hath purposed and promised and is for his glory to give 3. All true Believers have an interest in Christs Intercession having by faith an interest in Christs person they have an interest in Christs intercession III. The third Argument to prove that all true Believers do receive remission of sins may be drawn from the promise of remission of sins in the New Testament Heb. 8.12 I will be merciful unto their unrighteousness and their sins and â—niquities will I remember no more Which New Testament is of full force through the death of Christ the Testator Heb. 9.16 17. And Believers have an interest in and by faith do apply the promises to themselves therefore true Believers do receive remission of sins Thus concerning Peters Sermon to Cornelius and them which were with him and the words which he spake to them whereby they were saved SECT X. 3. THE third thing is to shew How Ministers must tell people words whereby they may be saved Now this must be done 1. Sincerely 2. Plainly 3. Convincingly 4. Boldly 5. Compassionately 6. Warmly 7. Earnestly 8. Frequently 1. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Sincerely and that both as to the matter and as to the design 1. As to the Matter the Doctrine of salvation which they preach must be sincere in Doctrine they must shew uncorruptness sincerity sound speech which cannot be condemned Tit. 2.7 8. The Apostle complains of many who corrupt the Word 2 Cor. 2.17 The Word is corrupted when the Scripture is wrested and the sense perverted when errours and damnable opinions are broached and vented for truths and mingled with some truths of the word which will bring destruction and not salvation to them that receive them 2
these words may have the Holy Ghost fall upon you and feel such a wonderfull power going along with them as shall draw you unto Christ and bring you out of the estate of spiritual death and damnation in which you are by nature into a state of life and salvation whilest I am speaking to your ears God may speak to your hearts whilest I am presenting these words before you and holding forth the light unto you God may open your eyes and give you by his Spirit such a spiritual discerning of these things as you never had before and so affect your hearts as no word of man is able to do hear then a Sermon of God out of the mouth of the Apostle Peter which hath been effectual for conversion and who knoweth but it may produce the same effect in some of you in the repetition and explication of it as it did in the Gentiles in the first preaching of it It is said the Holy Ghost fell upon all them which heard these words when Peter preached them O that the Holy Ghost might fall upon some of you whilest I am preaching them The Gentiles had extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost given unto them in their hearing Peter O that you might have a true work of conversion by the Holy Ghost given in the hearing of me They are the Words of God receive them as his words which may effectually work to your salvation if the Lord give faith in the hearing Look up then to the Lord for his blessing on which the efficacy of the Word doth depend The words are in Act. 10. from the 34th to the 44th Vers. I shall first read them and then open these words of salvation to you After that Cornelius had sent for Peter to Ioppa he sent for many of his friends to his house and when they were come together and Peter was come and had a relation from Cornelius of his â—ision and they had told him that they were all there present before God to hear the things which were commanded him of God Vers. 34. he begins his Sermon Then Peter opened his mouth and said Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him The Word which God sent unto the Children of Israel preaching peace by Iesus Christ he is Lord of all That Word I say ye know which was published throughout all Judea and began from Galilee after the Baptisme which John preached How God anoynted Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of Judea and in Jerusalem whom they slew and hanged on a tree him God raised up the third day and shewed him openly not to all the people but to witnesses chosen before of God even to us who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead And he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testifie that it was he which was ordained of God to be the Iudge of quick and dead To him gave all the Prophets witness that through his Name whosoever believeth on him shall receive remission of sins This Sermon of Peter's which is the first Sermon which was preached unto the Gentiles after the partition-wall was broken down is but brief but it hath much sweet and soul-saving doctrine in it and it is likely that the Scripture doth bâ—t briefly rehearse the heads of that which the Apostle discoursed of more largely unto them and therefore I shall endeavour to open this Sermon unto you which is like a rich Cabinet of most precious treasure wherein is to be found the Pearle of the greatest price which the wise Merchant-man will sell all that he hath to obtain because it is not only desireable to enrich him but also necessary to save him I mean the Lord Jesus Christ whom the Apostle doth describe and hold forth unto the Gentiles We read Luk. 24.31 that the Disciples hearts burned within them whilest our Saviour spake to them by the way and opened to them the Scriptures and O that you might feel your hearts burn within you whilest I am opening unto you this Scripture which doth relate Peters Sermon The Sermon of Peter may be reduced to Four general heads 1. Concerning God 2. Concerning the Word 3. Concerning Iesus Christ. 4. Concerning the way of salvation by Christ. SECT VI. 1. THE Apostle speaks unto the Gentiles concerning God v. 34. and 35. Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him Two things he gives them to understand concerning God 1. His gracious disposition to accept of Men. 2. His good will towards the Gentiles 1. He lets them know how gracious God was in being willing to accept of men of any men without respect of persons whatever their sins had been so that they did turn from them in his fear and wrought righteousness for the future This is needfull for sinners to know that they might be encouraged to seek after salvation For if they apprehend God only as he is holy and just and jealous if they are told only that he is powerful and furious and a sin-revenging God when they reflect upon their guilt they will be ready to fly away from him under a slavish fear of punishment and in discouragement and despair go on in the practice of sin as long as they can Therefore Ministers must represent God unto sinners as gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness pardoning iniquity transgression and sin as he sets forth himself to Moses Exod. 34.6 7. they must tell sinners that God is gracious and ready to accept of all those that fear him and turn from their evil waies and resolve to work righteousness for the time to come and that he will be found of and give a reward unto all such as diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 He that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek him O that you who are going on in sin were perswaded of this how gracious and merciful the Lord is whom you do so highly offend by sin and how ready he is to accept of you if you would but turn from sin He hath given us Ministers commission to tell you that there is an accepted time and a day of salvation for your souls which he yet lengthens out unto you Yea we are sent as his Embassadours to entreat and beseech you that you would be reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5.20 And when God declares by us that he is so willing to accept of you that he desires you to accept of his salvation and beseecheth a reconciliation when he can so easily avenge
Earth and hath put all things under his feet and all power into his hand and appointed him to be head over all unto his Church He is the King of Saints whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and whose Scepter is a Scepter of Righteousness he hath given Laws to his people with great wisdom and ruleth in their hearts with great power and whosoever will not submit to his Sceptâ—r to be ruled by his Laws he will break them in pieces with his Iâ—on Rod. Thus concerning Christs Vâ—ction to his Offices 2. Peter speaks to them concerning Christs Life that he went about doing good His Life was holy free from sin he did no evil no injury to any man he was harmless his whole employment was to do good Never was there such a man living upon the face of the Earth who never committed any sin in his life neither in thought word or deed Some indeed have said they had no sin but they have lied for no man liveth that sinneth not but Christ was born without sin and lived without sin he was perfectly good and righteous and he did good His Life was exactly according to the Rule he fulfilled the Law not only by his passive but also by his active Obedience 3. Peter speaks to them concerning Christs Miâ—acles whereof they were witnesses instance is given of his casting out Devils likely he told them of more of his calming the Winds and Sea with a word his feeding five thousand with five Loaves his opening the eyes of them which were born blinde his raising the dead that had been buried several dayes and the like which works were a testimony of his Divinity and that he came from the Father 4. Peter speaks to them concerning Christs Death Him they slew and hanged upon a tree Christ humbled himself not only to take upon him our Humane Nature to be born of a mean Virgin and live in a low condition when he was Lord of all and God equall with the Father to take upon him the form of a servant but he humbled himself further to become obedient unto Death even the death of the Cross Phil. 2.6 7 8. It was a cursed disgracefull lingering and painfull death which he endured and however it was inflicted upon him by the hands of cruel blood-thirsty men yet it was according to the fore-appointment of God for the satisfaction of Gods Justice for the expiation of Mans sin it was not only for an example of suffering to men but in the room and stead of sinners who otherwise must all have unavoidably perished and for the ratification of the New Testament and Covenant of Grace So that the salvation of Man from sin and Hell and the Inheritance of glory and happiness doth depend upon the Death of Christ which was the purchase hereof 5. Peter speaketh to them concerning Christs Resurrection Him hath God raised from the dead and shewed openly Though Christ dyed and was buried yet the bands of death could not hold him and the Holy One did not see corruption his body was not so long in the grave as to putâ—â—fie but within three dayes he arose again from the dead and was seen of Mary Magdalen first after of two Disciples as they went unto Immaus after of Peter and all the Apostles after of above five hundred Brethren at once He was declared to be Man by his death he was declared to be the Son of God with power by the Spirit of holiness in him which raised him from the dead forty dayes he remained upon the Earth after his Resurrection and then was caught up to the Throne of God in the presence of his Disciples and there he that was dead is alive and lives for evermore whose Resurrection as it hath an influence upon the spiritual Resurrection of his people from sin who when dead in sin are quickened by the same Spirit which raised him up So it is the first fruits of the resurrection of his people from the grave who in their order and Gods appointed time shall be awakened out of their long sleep of death and come forth of the dust and be caught up to meet him in the Air at his last appearance to Judge the World which is the next thing Peter speaketh of Christ. 6. Peter speaketh to them concerning Gods ordination of Iesus Christ to be the Iudge of quick and dead God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the World in Righteousness and hath ordained Jesus Christ to be the Judge who will so soon as the mystery is finished and the Elect are gathered come down from Heaven where now he is with a great shout and the sound of a Trumpet and awaken all the dead and summon the whole world to his barr and render unto all according to their works to them that have repented and believed and by patient continuance in well-doing have sought for glory and honour and immortality he will give eternal life but to them which have been impenitent and hard-hearted and disobedient to the Gospel he will give indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish and sentence them to eternal Death 7. Peter speaketh to them concerning Christs Mission of them to preach He sent the Apostles to preach repentance and remission of sins in his Name and he hath appointed the Office of the Ministry to continue to the end of the World for the calling and conversion of those which belong to the Election of Grace and the building up and perfecting the Saints which are called untill they all come into the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Eph. 4.12 13. Thus the Apostle Peter preacheth Christ unto Cornelius and them which were with him SECT IX 4. AND lastly Peter speaks to them concerning the Way of Salvation by Christ vers 43. To him gave all the Prophets witness that through his Name whosoever believeth in him should receive remission of sins There is no Name under Heaven whereby we can be saved but the Name of Christ Act. 4.11 and there is no salvation by Christ but by Faith When the Jaylor with trembling enquired of Paul and Silas What shall I do to be saved they tell him Believe in the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved Act. 16.30 31. There are three Arguments which will evidently prove That all such as truely believe in Christ do receive remission of sins and consequently are in a state of Salvation The First may be drawn from Christs Satisfaction The Second from Christs Intercession The Third from the Promises of the New Testament I. First from Christs Satisfaction If Christ hath fully satisfied Gods Justice for the sins of men and this satisfaction be accepted by the Father in the behalf of sinners and this satisfaction be imputed unto all them that truely believe in Christ as if they bad made it themselves Then all those that
as to convince the Conscience of sin and that they may do this they must not rest in general discourses of the nature of sin but particularly apply themselves to their hearers and reprove them homely and sharply for their particular sins They must not sow pillows under the elbows of secure sinners and deal gently fearing to touch the soars of some lest they lift up the heel against them but with all faithfulness they must tell all of their sins and endeavour to awaken them by discovery of their danger their words must be like Nails and Goads which will prick unto the quick they must lance and rip up the soars that they may be healed they must cry aloud and spare not they must lift up their voice like a trumpet and cause the people to know their iniquities they must bend the bow and shoot the arrows of bitter and sharp reproof into guilty Consciences they must draw forth the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and therewith lay about them in Gods Name and as those which are in Gods room and lash and wound sinners to the very heart that have been so audacious as to break Gods Law they should endeavour to make the sword enter into the Soul with such a force that sinners being convinced judged and condemned may with trembling fall down and in perplexity cry out as those did whom Peter had convinced of their great sin in crucifying the Lord of glory Act. 2. Men and brethren what shall we do 4. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Boldly This the Apostle desires prayers for himself to the Lord that he might be enabled to do Eph. 6.19 20. And for me that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an Ambassadour in bonds that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak Ministers should deliver their Message with all boldness and authority as being the Ambassadours of the King of glory they should speak boldly without shame and without fear 1. They should speak boldly without shame as Paul Rom 1.16 I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation unto every one that believeth the preaching of the Gospel is accounted folly by some of great account in the World for wisdom and the Preachers of the Gospel are accounted Fools and despised Some reproach them others mock and deride them especially when they preach in such plain language as is most easie for all to understand but Ministers must preach boldly notwithstanding all the scoffs of the ungodly and profane and in a good sense they may glory in their shame for indeed that which the wicked do make the matter of scorn and shame is matter of the greatest glory it is the honour of Ministers to preach the Gospel of salvation such an honour as the Lord hath not conferred upon the Angels as hath been shewn and therefore they should preach boldly without shame 2. Ministers should preach boldly without fear they must deliver the message they are entrusted withall by God without fear of the face of men 1 Thess. 2.2 We were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention Though the wicked contend with them and oppose though they persecute and do what they can to hinder them though they command them to preach no more and would stop their mouths and threaten imprisonment banishment death yet being intrusted with the Gospel they must preach the Gospel with all boldness This was the practice of the Primitive Ministers when they were threatned for preaching Act. 4.29 And now Lord behold their threatnings and grant unto thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thy Word and this is the duty of all Ministers if God open to them a door of opportunity to preach they should open their mouths boldly to declare the mysteries of salvation whatever danger they may incurr of sufferings hereby Men may say Wo be to you if you do preach the Gospel but when God saith Wo be to you if you do not preach they have reason to fear and obey God rather than Men. 5. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Compassionately The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians with many tears 2 Cor. 2.4 and he preacheth to the Ephesians with many tears Act. 20.19 O what tender bowels of compassion should Ministers have towards poor souls in preaching the Gospel of salvation to them how should they pity sinners that lie wâ—ltring in their blood that have no pity for themselves that are cruel to their own Souls that are wounding themselves as being more distracted than the man we read of who tore his own flesh and cut himself with stones Mark 5.5 How should they commiserate sinners that are wounding their Consciences by sin not knowing what they do and are posting on in the broad way unto destruction and eternal misery not knowing whither they go that are running against a rock which will dash them to pieces and ready to leap into flames where they must burn for ever Ministers should weep and bleed over such and with the greatest tenderness tell them of their danger and shew them the inevitable ruine which is before them and beseech them to turn from their evil wayes that iniquity may not be their ruine and accept of Jesus Christ by whom they may attain salvation Ministers should be ready to beseech sinners upon their knees if that would do that they would not destroy themselves O Turn ye turn ye why will you die and be ready to lay their hands under their feet if that would move them to put their feet into the narrow way of salvation 6. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Warmly and that both with a warm love to the Souls they preach unto and with a warm sense of what they preach upon their own spirits 1. They must preach with a warm love to Souls as the Apostle with other Ministers to the Thessalonians 1 Thess. 2.8 So being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted unto you not the Gospel of God only but also our own souls because ye were dear unto us Ministers should preach the Gospel with such ardent affection to Souls and thirsting desires after their salvation so as to be willing to pluck out their hearts and give them to their hearers if this would promote their salvation they should be ready to spend themselves and be spent and not think much to consume themselves with fervour of heart towards and for the good of poor souls 2. Ministers should preach with a warm sense of what they preach upon their own spirits as those that have been under the impressions of the Word and have experienced the powerful operations thereof unto their own salvation Moreover they should get their hearts affected more and more with the words which they
eternal death and wrath which they have deserved and by sin are exposed unto Moreover you may here learn the reason why so many people especially those who most seriously and earnestly desire and endeavour their salvation choose to hear Ministers preach rather than others because they are commissioned by the Lord to preach the Word of salvation and their Ministry is most likely to be effectual Others may preach without a Commission the same words and do no good for want of Gods blessing It is not the bare speaking the words of salvation that will bring salvation but the revelation of Gods arm and operation of his Spirit with the Ministry of the Word As when our Saviour raised Lazarus from the dead he cryed with a loud voice Lazarus come forth and he that was dead received life and came forth Ioh. 11.43 44. Others could have spoken the same words as our Saviour and cryed over the grave with as loud a voice Lazarus come forth but with no effect the dead man would have remained still in the state of the dead whatever any man could have spoken or done but when our Saviour spake the words the dead man was quickened there went forth a vertue and efficacy a divine power and spirit with our Saviours words which raised him from the dead so uncommissioned persons may entrench upon the work of the Ministry and preach the Gospel speak words of salvation and cry to sinners to leave their sins to arise from their spiritual death to come forth from their graves they may exhort them to repent and believe that they may be saved and yet none of their words be likely to take impression and effect a saving change in the heart because being out of Gods way they cannot expect Gods blessing but Ministers are qualified and commissioned for the work and through Gods blessing there is a life and power goeth along with their preaching which maketh it effectual for salvation no wonder then if such as are led by the Spirit do choose to hear Ministers preach refusing others that they may be safely guided by them in the way of life and salvation SECT XIII Vse 2. FOR Reproof 1. Of Ministers 2. Of People 1. Are Ministers to tell people words whereby they may be saved this then reproves such Ministers 1. As do not preach at all 2. As do not preach soul-saving Truths 3. As do not preach in such a Way as is likely to do good But my business being chiefly to speak unto People I shall pass by this Use. 2. People are here to be reproved unto whom the Lord sends faithfull Ministers to tell them such words whereby they may be saved 1. It reproves such as persecute such Ministers that are of such a spirit as the wicked Iewes of old spoken of 1 Thess. 2.15 16. Who both killed the Lord Iesus and their own Prophets and persecuted us and they please not God and are contrary unto all men forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved to fill up their sin alway for wrath is come upon them to the uttermost Some there are that persecute Ministers with the tongue by reproaching of them others persecute Ministers with the hand by imprisoning of them and many other wayes afflicting of them seeking the extirpation of them as persons not fit to live upon the face of the earth thus ungratefully they endeavour the ruine of them that desire and seek their salvation and foolishly endeavour to blow out the light which would shew them the way to Heaven 2. It reproves such who if they do not persecute Ministers yet hate them bear a secret spight and enmity in their hearts against them and the reason is because they testifie that their works are evil upon which account our Saviour was hated Ioh. 7.7 they hate them because they reprove them for their sins and disturb their Consciences sometimes by sounding peals of Judgement in their ears that they cannot sin with that freedom and security as they desire Poor souls how will they endure the pains of Hell themselves that cannot endure the sore-thoughts of them and hate them which bring such sad thoughts into their mindes though it be in order to their escape Would any of you hate a neighbour that should cry aloud in the dead of the night Fire fire and bounce at your doors and awaken you out of your sleep to warn you of a Fire drawing neer to your habitation which if not prevented would burn house and goods and persons together And what do Ministers more than cry Fire fire and tell you of your near approach to everlasting burnings in which without some speedy course taken for prevention will certainly seize upon you and consume you everlastingly And have any reason to be troubled and offended and hate Ministers for awakening them upon such an account as this when their souls lie at stake and are in such danger A Physician of the body is not hated that tells his Patient that his disease is dangerous which if let alone without taking such a remedy will certainly be his death And have any reason to hate Ministers who are Physicians of the Soul because they tell men of the disease of sin which if not cured by the blood of Christ will certainly and may suddenly bring eternal death 3. It reproves such who if they do not so deeply hate Ministers yet will not be perswaded to hear them such as are so drencht in the World and so over head and ears in worldly business that they minde nothing else If any could tell them of a good bargain or some notable way of thriving in their Estates such a one they would visit and hear and O how would they relish such discourses But though Ministers give notice of the best bargain that ever was made and bring tydings of the most notable way of thriving namely of the way of thriving in spiritual and heavenly riches and shew men how they may gain pardon and peace and the favour of God and the graces of the Spirit and escape future misery and attain salvation and everlasting happiness yet like Gallio they minde none of these things they will not step over the threshold to hear Ministers preach the Gospel of salvation and how shall they escape who neglect so great salvation Heb. 2.3 4. It reproves such who if they do hear Ministers yet do not understand them that are so dull of hearing that they know not what Ministers say nor whereof they affirm that gather about a Minister as beasts about a Man that sounds a Trumpet and stare upon him but know not what the meaning of the sound is so they hear Ministers and look and stare upon them some strange things are brought to their ears which they know not the meaning of and are like words of another language to them because their eyes are closed and they want spiritual sense and discerning and a great reason is because they do