shall wipe away all Tears Then Christs Spouse puts off her Mourning How can the Children of the Bride Chamber Mourn when the Bride-Groom shall be with them Matt. 9.15 Thus Death gives a Believer his Quietus est it frees him from Sin and Trouble Though the Apostle calls Death the last Enemy 1 Cor. 15. yet it is the best Friend To me to dye is gain Use 1. See here that which may make a true Saint willing to die Death will set him out of Gun-shot free him from Sin and Trouble There is no cause of weeping to leave a Valley of Tears The World is the Stage on which Sin and Misery are Acted Believers are here in a strange Country why then should they not be willing to go out of it Death beats off their Fetters of Sin and sets them free who go weeping out of a Goal Besides our own Sins the Sins of others The World is a place where Satan's Seat is a place where we see God daily dishonoured Lot who was a bright Star in a dark Night his righteous Soul was vexed with the unclean Conversation of the Wicked 2 Pet. 3.8 To see Gods Sabbaths broken his Truths adulterated his Glory eclipsed is that which wounds a Godly Heart This made David cry out Psal. 120.5 Woe is me that I dwell in Mesech that I sojourn in the Tents of Kedar Kedar was Arabia where were Ishmaels Posterity This was a cut to David's Heart to dwell there O then be willing to depart out of the Tents of Kedar 2. The Bodies of Believers are united to Christ in the Grave and shall rest there till the Resurrection They are said to sleep in Jesus 1 Thess. 4.14 The dust of Believers is part of Christs Body Mystical The Grave is a Dormitory or place of rest to the Saints where their Bodies quietly sleep in Christ till they are awakened out of their sleep by the Trumpet of the Arch-angel Quest. 2. But how shall we know that we shall gain all this at Death to be freed from Sin and Trouble and to have our Bodies united to Christ in the Grave Resp. If we are Believers then we gain all this at Death To me saith Paul to dye is gain To me quatenus a Believer Are we such Have we this blessed Faith Faith where-ever it is is Operative Lapidaries say there is no precious Stone but hath Virtutem insitam some hidden Virtue in it So I may say of Faith It hath some secret Virtue in it It Anchors the Soul on Christ It hath both a justifying and sanctifying Virtue in it It fetcheth Blood out of Christs sides to Pardon and Water out of his sides to Purge It works by love It constrains to Duty It makes the Head study for Christ the Tongue confess him the Hands work for him I have read of a Father who had three Sons and being to dye left in his Will all his Estate to that Son who could find his Ring with the Jewel which had an healing Vertue The Case was brought before the Judges the two elder Sons counterfeited a Ring but the younger Son brought the true Ring which was proved by the Vertue of it whereupon his Fathers Estate went to him To this Ring I may compare Faith there is a counterfeit Faith in the World but if we can find this Ring of Faith which hath the Healing Vertue in it to purifie the Heart this is the true Faith which gives us an Interest in Christ and entitles us to all these Privileges at Death to be freed from Sin and Sorrow and to have our Bodies united to Christ while they are in the Grave 3. I should now come to the third Privilege at Death the Souls of Believers pass immediately into Glory Where I shall lead you to the top of Mount Pisgah and give you a short view of the Glory of Heaven A Believers Privilege after Death Phil. 1.21 And to dye is Gain 3. AT Death the Souls of Believers pass into Glory Death brings Malorum omnium ademptionem Omnium ademptionem Death 's the day-break of Eternal Brightness And here I shall lead you to the top of Mount Pisgah and give you a glimpse of the Holy Land Quest. 1. What is comprehended in Glory Resp. Glory is Status omnium Bonorum aggregatione perfectus Boetius It is a perfect State of Bliss which consists in the Accumulation and heaping together all those good things which immortal Souls are capable of And truly here I am at a loss all that I can say falls short of the Celestial Glory Appelles Pencil cannot delineate it Angels Tongues cannot express it We shall never understand Glory fully till we are in Heaven Only let me give you the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or some dark views and some imperfect Lineaments of that State of Glory the Saints shall arrive at after Death 1. The first and most sublime part of the Glory of Heaven is the full and sweet Fruition of God Ipse Deus sufficit ad praemium Aug. We are apt to think the Happiness of Heaven is in being free from Pain and Misery but the very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Quintessence of Happiness is the Enjoyment and Fruition of God this is the Diamond Ring of Glory God is an infinite inexhaustible Fountain of Joy and to have him is to have all Now the enjoying of God implies three things 1. It implies our seeing of God 2. Our loving of God 3. Gods loving of us 1. The enjoying of God implies our seeing of God 1 Iohn 3.2 We shall see him as he is Here we see him as he is not not mutable mortal there as he is Quest. 2. How shall we see God Resp. 1. We shall see him intellectually with the Eyes of our mind This Divines call the Beatifical Vision We shall have a full knowledge of God though not know him fully If there were not such an intellectual sight of God then how do the Spirits of just Men made perfect see him This sight of God will be very glorious As when a King on his Coronation-day shews himself in all his Royalty and Magnificence 2. We shall corporeally behold the glorified Body of Jesus Christ And if it be a pleasant thing to behold the Sun Eccles. 11.7 then how blessed a sight will it be to behold the Sun of Righteousness to see Christ clothed in our humane Nature sitting in Glory above the Angels Solomon saith The eye is not satisfied with seeing Eccles. 1.8 But sure the Eyes of the Saints will be satisfied with seeing that Orient Brightness which shall shine from the beautiful Body of Christ. It must needs be satisfying because through Christs Flesh some Rays and Beams of the God-head shall gloriously display themselves Gods excellent Majesty would overwhelm us but through the Vail of Christs Flesh we shall behold the Divine Glory 3. Our seeing of God will be transforming We shall so see him as to be in some measure assimilated and changed
How glad are Children when they are going home This was Christs comfort at Death he was going to his Father Ioh. 16.28 I leave the world and go to the Father and Iohn 20.17 I ascend to my Father If God be our Father we may with comfort at the day of death resign our Souls into his hands So did Christ Luke 23.46 Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit If a Child hath any Jewel he will in time of danger put it into his Fathers hands where he thinks it will be kept most safe Our Soul is our richest Jewel we may at Death resign our Souls into Gods hands where they will be safer than in our own keeping Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit What a comfort is this Death carries a Believer to his Fathers house where are delights unspeakable and full of glory How glad was Old Iacob when he saw the Waggons and Chariots to carry him to his Son Ioseph the Text saith His Spirit revived Gen. 45.27 Death is a triumphant Chariot to carry every Child of God to his Fathers Mansion house 20. If God be our Father he will not disinherit his Children God may for a time desert them but not disinherit them The Sons of Kings have been sometimes disinherited by the cruelty of Usurpers as Alexander the Great his Son was put by his just Right by the violence and ambition of his Fathers Captains but what Power on Earth shall hinder the Heirs of the Promise from their Inheritance Men cannot and God will not cut off the entail The Arminians hold falling away from Grace and so a Child of God may be defeated of his Inheritance but I shall show you that Gods Children can never be degraded or disinherited their Heavenly Father will not cast them off from being Children 1. It is evident Gods Children cannot be finally disinherited by vertue of the Eternal Decree of Heaven Gods Decree is the very Pillar and Basis on which the Saints perseverance depends Gods Decree tyes the knot of Adoption so fast that neither Sin Death or Hell can break it asunder Rom. 8.30 Whom he did predestinate them he also called c. Predestination is nothing else but Gods decreeing a certain number to be Heirs of Glory on whom he will settle the Crown whom he predestinates he glorifies what shall hinder Gods electing Love or make his Decree null and void 2. Besides Gods Decree he hath engaged himself by Promise that the Heirs of Heaven shall never be put by their Inheritance Gods Promises are not like blanks in a Lottery but as a sealed Deed which cannot be reversed The Promises are the Saints Royal Charter and this is one Promise that their Heavenly Father will not disinherit them Ier. 32.40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me Gods Fidelity which is the richest Pearl of his Crown is engaged in this Promise for his Childrens perseverance I will not turn away from them A Child of God cannot fall away while he is held fast in these two Armes of God his Love and his Faithfulness 3. Jesus Christ undertakes that all Gods Children by Adoption shall be preserved in a state of Grace till they inherit Glory As the Heathens feigned of Atlas that he did bear up the Heavens from falling Jesus Christ is that blessed Atlas that bears up the Saints from falling away Quest. How doth Christ preserve the Saints Graces till they come to Heaven Resp. 1. Influxu Spiritus Christ carries on Grace in the Souls of the Elect by the influence and co-operation of his Spirit Christ doth Spiritu continually excite and quicken Grace in the Godly his Spirit doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blow up the sparks of Grace into an holy flame Spiritus est Vicarius Christi The Spirit is Christs Vicar on Earth his Proxy his Executor to see that all that Christ hath purchased for the Saints be made good Christ hath obtained an Inheritance incorruptible for them 1 Pet. 1.4 and the Spirit of Christ is his Executor to see that this Inheritance be settled upon them 2. Christ carries on Grace perseveringly in the Souls of the Elect vi orationis by the prevalency of his intercession Heb. 7.25 He ever lives to make intercession for them Christ prayes that every Saint may hold out in Grace till he comes to Heaven Can the Children of such Prayers perish If the Heirs of Heaven should be disinherited and fall short of Glory then Gods Decree must be reversed his Promise broken Christs Prayer frustrated which were Blasphemy to imagine 4. That Gods Children cannot be disinherited or put by their Right to the Crown of Heaven is evident from their Mystical Union with Christ. Believers are incorporated into Christ they are knit to Christ as the Members to the Head by the Nerves and Ligaments of Faith so that they cannot be broken off Eph. 1.22 23. The Church which is his Body What was once said of Christs Natural Body is as true of his Mystical A bone of it shall not be broken As it is impossible to sever the leaven and the dough when they are once mingled and kneaded together so it is impossible when Christ and Believers are once united that they should ever by the power of Death or Hell be separated Christ and his Spiritual Members make one Christ now is it possible that any part of Christ should perish How can Christ want any Member of his Body Mystical and be perfect Every Member is an Ornament to the Body and adds to the honour of it How can Christ part with any Mystical Member and not part with some of his Glory too So that by all this it is evident that Gods Children must needs persevere in Grace and cannot be disinherited If they could be disinherited then the Scripture could not be fulfilled which tells us of Glorious Rewards for the Heirs of Promise Psal. 58.11 Doubtless there is a reward for the righteous Now if Gods Adopted Children should fall finally from Grace and miss of Heaven what Reward were there for the Righteous And Moses did indiscreetly to look to the recompence of reward and so there would be a door opened to despair Object This Doctrine of Gods Children persevering and having the Heavenly Inheritance settled on them may cause carnal security and make them less circumspect in their walking Resp. Corrupt Nature may as the Spider suck poyson from this Flower but a sober Christian who hath felt the efficacy of Grace upon his Heart dares not abuse this Doctrine He knows perseverance is attained in the use of means therefore he walks holily that so in the use of means he may arrive at perseverance St. Paul knew that he should not be disinherited and that nothing could separate him from the love of Christ but who more holy and watchful than he 1 Cor. 9.27 I
a means to bring us thither 18. The last means for obtaining the Heavenly Kingdom is Perseverance in Holiness Rev. 2.10 Be thou faithful unto death and thou shalt receive the Crown of Life In Christians non initia sed finis laudantur Hierom. 1. Is there such a thing as persevering 2. How doth a Christian come to persevere 3. What are the Incouragements 4. What Helps 1. Is there such a thing as persevering till we come to Heaven The Arminians deny it and truly that any one holds out to the Kingdom is a wonder if you consider 1. What a world of Corruption is mingled with Grace Grace is apt to be stifled as the Coal to be choaked with its own ashes Grace is oft like a Spark in the Sea 't is a wonder it is not quenched 'T is a wonder sin doth not do to Grace as sometime the Nurse to the Child overlay it that it dye so that this Infant of Grace is not smothered 2. The Implacable malice of Satan he denies that we should have a Kingdom when he himself is cast out it cuts him to the heart to see a piece of dust and clay be made a bright Star in Glory and he himself an Angel of Darkness he will Acheronta movere move all the Powers of Hell to hinder us from the Kingdom he spits his Venome shoots his fiery Darts raiseth a storm of persecution yea and prevails against some Rev. 12.4 There appeared a great red Dragon and his Tail drew the third part of the Stars of Heaven and did cast them to the Earth By the Dragon is meant the Heathenish Empire now when his Tail cast so many to the Earth it is a wonder that any of the Stars keep fixed in their Orb. 3. The Blandishments of Riches The Young man in the Gospel went very far thou art not far from the Kingdom of God but he had rich Possessions and these golden weights hindred him from the Kingdom Luke 18.23 Ionathan pursued the Battle till he came at the Honey-comb and then he stood still 1 Sam. 14.27 Many are forward for Heaven till they tast the sweetness of the World but when they come at the Honey-comb then they stand still and go no further Faenus pecuniae funus animae Those who have escaped the Rocks of gross sins yet have been cast away upon the Golden Sands What a wonder therefore that any doth hold on till he comes to the Kingdom 4. A wonder any holds out in Grace and doth not tire in his march to Heaven if you consider the difficulty of a Christians Work he hath no time to lye fallow he is either watching or fighting nay a Christian is to do those Duties which to the eye of sence and reason seem inconsistent While a Christian doth one duty he seems to cross another e. g. he must come with holy boldness to God in Prayer yet must serve him with fear he must mourn for sin yet rejoyce he must be contented yet covet 1 Cor. 12.32 contemn Mens Impieties yet reverence their Authority What difficult work is this a wonder any Saint arrives at the Heavenly Kingdom to this I might add the evil Examples abroad which are so atractive we may say the Devils are come among us in the likeness of Men what a wonder is it that any Soul perseveres till it comes to the Kingdom of Heaven but as great a wonder as it is there is such a thing as perseverance a Saints perseverance is built upon three immutable Pillars 1. Gods Eternal Love We are inconstant in our Love to God but he is not so in his Love to us Ier. 31.9 I have loved thee with an everlasting Love a havath gnolam with a Love of Eternity Gods Love to the Elect is not like a Kings Love to his Favourite when it is at the highest Spring-Tide it soon ebbs but Gods Love is eternized God may desert not disinherit he may change his Love into a Frown not into hatred he may alter his Providence not his decree When once the Sun-shine of Gods Electing Love is risen upon the Soul it never sets finally 2. A Saints Perseverance is built upon the Covenant of Grace 〈◊〉 a firm impregnable Covenant This you have in the words of the sweet Singer of Israel 2. Sam. 23.5 God hath made with me an everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure 'T is a sweet Covenant that God will be our God the marrow and quintessence of all Blessing and it is a sure Covenant that he will put his Fear in our heart and we shall never depart from him Ier. 32.40 This Covenant is inviolable cannot be broken indeed sin may break the Peace of the Covenant but it cannot break the Bond of the Covenant 3. The third Pillar Perseverance is built upon is the Mistical Union Believers are incorporated into Christ they are knit to him as Members to the Head by the Nerve and Ligament of Faith that they cannot be broken off Eph. 5.23 What was once said of Christs natural Body is as true of his mistical Body Iohn 19.36 A bone of it shall not be broken As it is impossible to sever the Leaven and the Dough when they are once mingled so it is impossible when Christ and Believers are once united ever by the Power of Death or Hell to be separated How can Christ lose any Member of his Body and be perfect You see on what strong Pillars the Saints Perseverance is built 2 Quest. How doth a Christian hold on till he comes to the Kingdom How doth he persevere Resp. 1. Auxilio Spiritus God carries on a Christian to perseverance by the Energy and vigorous working of his Spirit The Spirit maintains the Essence and Seed of Grace it doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blow up the Sparks of Grace into an holy Flame Spiritus est Vicarius Christi Tertul. 't is Christs Deputy and Proxy is it every day at work in a Believers heart exerting Grace into Exercise and ripening it into perseverance The Spirit doth carve and polish the Vessels of Mercy and make them fit for Glory 2. Christ causeth perseverance and carries on a Saint till he comes to the Heavenly Kingdom vi orationis by his Intercession Christ is an Advocate as well as a Surety he prays that the Saints may arrive safe at the Kingdom Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the uttermost i. e. perfectly seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them that Prayer he made for Peter on Earth he prays now in Heaven for the Saints that their Faith fail not Luke 22.32 that they may be with him where he is Iohn 17.24 and sure if he pray that they may be with him in his Kingdom they cannot perish by the way Christs Prayer is efficacious if the Saints Prayers have so much force and prevalency in them Iacob had power with God and as a Prince prevailed Hos. 12.4 By Prayer Eliah unlocked
not he like to to be well cured that throws himself into Hell for ease 3. Sin produceth all Temporal Evil. Lam. 1.8 Ierusalem hath grievously sinned ergo she is removed It is the Trogan Horse it hath Sword and Famine and Pestilence in the Belly of it Sin is a Coal that not only blacks but burns Sin creates all our Troubles it puts Gravel into our Bread Wormword in our Cup. Sin rots the Name consumes the Estate buries Relations Sin shoots the flying Roll of God's Curses into a Family and Kingdom Zach. 5.4 It is reported of Phocas having built a Wall of mighty strength about his City there was a voice heard 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sin is within the City and that will throw down the Wall 4. Sin unrepented of brings final damnation The canker that breeds in the Rose is the cause of its perishing and corruptions that breed in Mens Souls are the cause of their damning Sin without Repentance brings the second death Rev. 20.14 that is mors sine morte Bern. a death always dying Sins pleasure will turn to sorrow at last like the Book the Prophet did eat Ezek. 3.3 sweet in the mouth but bitter in the belly Sin brings the wrath of God and what Buckets or Engines can quench that Fire Mark 9.44 Where the worm never dies and the fire is not quenched Use 1. See how deadly an evil sin is how strange is it that any one should love it Psal. 4.3 How long will ye love vanity Hos. 3.1 Who look to other Gods and love Flagons and Wine Sin is a Dish Men cannot forbear though it make them sick who would pour Rose-water into a Kennel what pity is it so sweet an affection as Love should be poured upon so filthy a thing as sin Sin brings a sting in the Conscience a curse in the Estate yet Men love it A sinner is the greatest Self-denier for his sin he will deny himself a part in Heaven Use 2. Do any thing rather then sin O hate sin there is more evil in the least sin then in the greatest bodily Evils that can befall us The Ermyn rather chooseth to die then defileth her beautiful skin There is more evil in a drop of sin then in a Sea of Affliction Affliction is but like a rent in a Coat Sin a prick at the Heart In Affliction there is aliquid boni some good In this Lion there is some Hony to be found Psal. 119.71 It is good for me that I was afflicted Utile est animae si in hac area mundi flagellis trituretur corpus Aug. Affliction is God's Flail to thrash off our Husks not to consume but refine There is no good in sin it is the spirit and quintissence of Evil. Sin is worse then Hell for the pains of Hell only are a burden to the Creature but sin is a burden to God Amos 2.13 I am pressed under your iniquities as a Cart is pressed under the sheaves Use ult Is Sin so great an Evil then how thankful should you be to God if he hath taken away your sin Zach. 3.3 I have caused thy iniquity to pass from thee If you had a Disease on your Body Plague or Dropsie how thankful would you be to have it taken away much more to have sin taken away God takes away the guilt of sin by pardoning grace and the power of sin by mortifying grace O be thankful that this sickness is not unto death That God hath changed your Nature and by grafting you into Christ made you partake of the sweetness of that Olive that sin though it live doth not reign but the elder serves the younger the elder of sin serves the younger of grace ADAM's SIN Quest. XI WHat was the Sin whereby our first Parents fell from the Estate wherein they were created Resp. The Sin was their eating of the forbidden Fruit Gen. 3.6 She took of the fruit thereof and did eat and gave also to her husband Here is implied 1. That our first Parents fell from their State of Innocency 2. The Sin by which they fell Eating the forbidden Fruit. 1. Our first Parents fell from their glorious State of Innocency Eccles. 7.29 God made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Adam was perfectly Holy he had Rectitude of Mind and Liberty of Will to good but his head aked till he had invented his own and our Death he sought out many Inventions 1. Adam's Fall was voluntary he had à Posse non Peccare a Power not to Fall Free-will was a sufficient Shield to repel Temptation the Devil could not have forced him unless he had given his Consent Satan was only a Suitor to woe not a King to compel but Adam gave away his own Power and suffer'd himself to be decoy'd into Sin Like a young Gallant who at one throw looseth a fair Lordship Adam had a fair Lordship he was Lord of the World Gen. 1.28 Have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth But he lost all at one throw As soon as he had sinned he forfeited Paradise 2. Adam's Fall was sudden he did not long continue in his Royal Majesty Quest. How long did Adam continue in Paradise before he fell Resp. Tostatus saith he fell the next day Pererius saith he fell the eighth day after his Creation But the most probable and received Opinion is That Adam fell the very same day in which he was created So Irenaeus Cyril Epiphanius and many others The Reasons which incline me to believe so are 1. It is said Satan was a murderer ab initio from the beginning Joh. 8.44 Now whom did he murder Not the blessed Angel he could not reach them nor the cursed Angels for they had before destroyed themselves How then was Satan a Murderer from the beginning As soon as Satan fell he began to tempt Mankind to Sin this was a Murdering Temptation By which it appears Adam did not stay long in Paradise soon after his Creation the Devil set upon him and murdered him by his Temptation 2 Argument to prove that Adam fell the same day he was created Adam had not yet eaten of the Tree of Life Ver. 22 23. And now least he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat the Lord sent him forth of the garden This Tree of Life being one of the choicest Fruits in the Garden and being placed in the midst of Paradise it is very like Adam would have eaten of this Tree of Life one of the first had not the Serpent beguiled him with the Tree of Knowledge So that hence I conclude Adam fell the very day of his Creation because he had not yet tasted the Tree of Life that Tree that was most in his Eye and had such delicious Fruit growing upon it 3 Argument from Psal. 49.12 Man being in honour abideth not The Rabbins read it thus Adam being in Honour
and Drunkenness in Noah and Cursing in Iob If God leave a Man to himself how suddenly and scandalously may Original sin break forth in the holiest Men alive 5. Original sin doth mix and incorporate it self with our Duties and Graces 1. With out Duties as the hand which is paralitical or palsy cannot move without shaking as wanting some inward strength so we cannot do any holy action without sinning as wanting a Principle of Original Righteousness As the Leper whatever he touched became unclen if he touched the Altar the Altar did not sanctifie him but he polluted the Altar such a Leprosy is Original sin it defiles our Prayers and Tears we cannot write without blotting Though I do not say that the holy Duties and good Works of the Regenerate are sins for that were to reproach the Spirit of Christ by which they are wrought yet this I say that the best works of the godly have sin cleaving to them only Christ's Blood makes atonement for our holy things 2. With our Graces There is some Unbelief mixed with Faith Lukewarmness with Zeal Pride with Humility As bad Lungs cause an Astmah or shortness of breath so Original Corruption having infected our heart our Greaces breath now very faintly 6. Original sin is a vigorous active Principle within us it doth not lye still but is ever exciting and stirring us up to evil it is an Inmate very unquiet Rom. 7.15 What I hate that do I. How came Paul to do so Original sin did irritate and stir him up to it Original sin is like Quicksilver always in motion when we are asleep sin is awake in the Fancy Original sin sets the Head a plotting evil and the Hands a working it it hath in it principium motus not quiet is it is like the Pulse ever beating 7. Original sin is the cause of all Actual it is fomes peccati it is the Womb in which all actual sins are conceived Hence come Murders Adulteries Rapines it is the Trojan Horse out of which a whole Army of Impieties come Though Actual sins may be more scandalous yet Original sin is more heinous the Cause is more then the Effect 8. It is not perfectly cured in this Life Grace though it doth subdue sin yet not wholly remove it Though we are like Christ having the first fruits of the Spirit yet we are unlike him having the remainders of the Flesh. There are two Nations in the Womb. Original sin is like that Tree Dan. 4.23 though the Branches of it were hewen down and the main body of it yet the stumps and root of the Tree were left Though the Spirit be still weakning and hewing down sin in the godly yet the stump of Original sin is still left it is a Sea that will not in this Life be dried up Quest. But why doth God leave Original Corruption in us after Regeneration he could quite free us from it if he pleased Resp. 1. He doth it to shew the power of his Grace in the weakest Believer Grace shall prevail against a Torrent of Corruption Whence is this the Corrupion is ours but the Grace is Gods 2. God leaves Original Corruption to make us long after Heaven when there shall be no Sin to defile no Devil to tempt When Elias was taken up to Heaven his Mantle dropped off so when the Angels shall carry us up to Heaven this Mantle of sin shall drop off we shall never complain more of an aking head or an unbelieving heart Use 1. If Original sin be propagated to us and will be inherent in us while we live here then it Confutes the Libertines and Quakers who say they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without sin they hold Perfection they shew much Pride and Ignorance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but we see the Seeds of Original sin remain in the best Eccles. 7.20 There is not a just man lives and sins not And St. Paul complained of a body of death Rom. 7.24 Grace though it doth purifie Nature it doth not perfect it Object But doth not the Apostle say of Believers that their old man is crucified Rom. 6.6 and they are dead to sin Rom. 7.11 Resp. They are dead 1. Spiritually they are dead as to the Reatus the guilt of it and as to the Regnum the power of it the love of sin is crucified 2. They are dead to sin Legally as a Man that is Sentenced to Death is dead in Law so they are legally dead to Sin there is a Sentence of Death gone out against sin it shall die and drop into the Crave but at the present sin hath its Life lengthened out nothing but Death of the Body can quite free us from the Body of Death Use 2. Let us lay to heart Original sin and be deeply humbled for it it cleaves to us as a Disease it is an active Principle in us stirring us up to Evil. Original sin is worse then all Actual sin the Fountain is more then the Stream Some think as long as they are civil they are well enough I but thy Nature is poisoned thou hast a proud lustful envious Nature a River may have fair Streams but Vermin at bottom Thou carriest an Hell about thee thou canst do nothing but thou defilest it thy Heart like muddy ground defiles the purest Water that runs thorow it Nay though thou art Regenerate there is much of the Old Man in the New Man O how should Original sin humble us This is one reason God hath left Original sin in us because he would have it as a Thorn in our side to humble us as the Bishop of Alexandria after the People had embraced Cristianity destroyed all their Idols but one that the sight of that Idol might make them loath themselves for their former Idolatry So God leaves Original sin to pull down the Plumes of Pride Under our silver Wings of Grace are black feet 2. Let the sence of this make us daily look up to Heaven for help beg Christ's Blood to wash away the guilt of sin and his Spirit to mortifie the power of it beg further degrees of Grace Gratiam Christi eò obnixiùs ambiamus though Grace cannot make sin to be yet not to reign though Grace cannot expel sin it can repel it and for our Comfort where Grace makes a Combat with sin Death shall make a Conquest 3. Let Original sin make us walk with continual Iealousie and Watchfulness over our Hearts The Sin of our Nature is like a sleeping Lion the least thing that awakens it makes it rage The Sin of our Nature though it seem quiet and lies as Fire hid under the Embers yet if it be a little stirr'd and blown up by a Temptation how quickly may it flame forth into scandalous Evils therefore we had need always walk watchfully Mark 13.37 I say to you all watch A wandring heart needs a watchful Eye MAN's Misery by the FALL Quest. XIII WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell
dreadful when he causeth him to be set upon the Rack or to be broke upon the Wheel Who knows the power of God's wath While we are Children of Wrath 1. We have nothing to do with any of the Promises they are as the Tree of Life bearing several sorts of Fruit but no right to pluck one Leaf Eph. 2.3 Children of wrath Verse 12. Strangers to the covenants of promise The Promises are as a Fountain seal'd While we are in the State of Nature we see nothing but the flaming Sword and as the Apostle Heb. 10.27 there remains nothing but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a fearful looking for of fiery Indignation 2. While Children of Wrath we are Heirs to all God's Curses Gal. 3.10 How can the Sinner eat and drink in that Condition Like Damariâ—'s Banquet he sat at Meat and there was a Sword hanging over his Head by a small Thread one would think he should have little stomack to eat So the Sword of God's Wrath and Curse hangs every moment over a Sinner's head We read of a flying Roll written with Curses Zach. 5.3 There 's a Roll written with Curses goes out against every Person that Lives and Dies in Sin God's Curse blasts where-ever it comes A Curse on the Sinner's Name a Curse on his Soul a Curse on his Estate Posterity a Curse on the Ordinances Sad if all a Man did eat should turn to Poison The Sinner eats and drinks his own Damnation at God's Table Thus it is before Conversion As the Love of God makes every bitter thing sweet so the Curse of God makes every sweet thing bitter Use. See our Misery by the Fall Heirs of Wrath And is this Estate to be rested in If a Man be fallen under the King's Displeasure will he not labour to Re-ingratiate himself into his Favour O let us flie from the Wrath of God! And whither should we flie but to Jesus Christ there 's none else to shield off the Wrath of God from us 1 Thess. 1.10 Iesus hath delivered us from wrath to come 3. Subject to all outward Miseries All the Troubles incident to Man's Life are the bitter Fruits of Original Sin The sin of Adam hath subjected the Creature to Vanity Rom. 8.20 Is it not a part of the Creature 's Vanity that all the Comforts here below will not fill the Heart no more then the Mariner's breath can fill the Sails of a Ship Job 2â— 22 In the midst of his sufficiency he shall be in straits There is still something wanting and a Man would have more the Heart is always Hydropical it thirsts and is not satisfied Solomon put all the Creatures into a Lembick and when he came to extract the Spirits and Quintissence there was nothing but Froth all was Vanity Eccles. 1.2 Nay 't is vexing Vanity not only Emptiness but Bitterness Our Life is Labour and Sorrow we come into the World with a Cry go out with a Groan Ps. 90.10 Some have said that they would not be to live the Life they have lived over again because their Life hath had more Water in it than Wine More Water of Tears then Wine of Joy Quid est diu vivere nisi diu torqueri Aug. Man is born to trouble Job 5.7 Every one is not born Heir to Land but he is born Heir to Trouble as well separate Weight from Lead We do not finish our Troubles in this Life but change them Trouble is the Vermine bred out of the putred matter of Sin Whence are all our Fears but from Sin 1 Ioh. 4.18 There is torment in fear Fear is the Ague of the Soul sets it a shaking some fear Want others Alarms others fear loss of Relations If we rejoyce 't is with Trembling Whence are all our Disappointment of Hopes but from Sin Where we look for Comfort there a Cross where we expect Honey there we tast Wormwood Whence is it that the Earth is filled with Violence that the Wicked oppresseth the Man which is more righteous then he Hab. 1.13 Whence is it that so much Fraudulency in Dealing so much Falseness in Friendship such Crosses in Relations whence is it Children prove Undutiful they that should be as the Staff of the Parents Age are a Sword to pierce their Hearts Whence is it Servants are Unfaithful to their Masters The Apostle speaks of some who have entertain'd Angels into their Houses Heb. 13.2 But how oft instead of entertaining Angels into their Houses do some entertain Devils Whence are all the Mutinees and Divisions in a Kingdom 2 Chr. 15.5 In those days there was no peace to him that went out nor to him that came in All this is but the sowr Core in that Apple our first Parents eat viz. Fruit of Original Sin Besides all the Deformities and Diseases of the Body Feavers Convulsions Catarrhs Macies nova febrium terris incubuâ—t cohors These are from Sin There had never been a Stone in the Kidnies if it had not been first a Stone in the Heart Yea the death of the Body is the Fruit and Result of Original Sin Rom. 5.12 Sin entred into the world and death by sin Adam was made Immortal conditionally if he had not sinned Sin dig'd Adam's Grave Death is terrible to Nature Lewis King of France forbad all that came into his Court to mention the name of Death in his Ears The Socinians say That Death comes only from the Infirmness of the Constitution But the Apostle saith Sin usher'd Death into the World By sin came death Certainly had not Adam eat of the Tree of Knowledge he had not died Gen. 2.17 In the day thou eatest thou shalt surely die implying if Adam had not eat he should not have died O then see the Misery ensuing upon Original Sin Sin dissolves the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Harmony and good Temperature of the Body it pulls this Frame in pieces 4. Original Sin without Repentance exposeth to Hell and Damnation This is the second Death Rev. 20.14 Two things in it 1. Poena Damni Punishment of Loss the Soul is banished from the Beatifical Presence of God in whose Presence is Fulness of Joy 2. Poena Sensus Punishment of Sense the Sinner feels the scalding Viols of God's Wrath It is penetrating abiding Joh. 3.36 Reserved 2 Pet. 2.17 If when God's Anger be kindled but a little and a Spark or two of it flies into a Man's Conscience here in this life it be so terrible what then will it be when God stirs up all his Anger In Hell there is the Worm and the Fire Mark 9.44 Hell is the very Accent and Emphasis of Misery There 's Iudgment without Mercy O what Flames of Wrath what Seas of Vengeance what Rivers of Brimstone are pour'd out there upon the Damn'd Bellarmiâ—e is of Opinion That one Glimpse of Hell-fire were enough to make the most flaâ—itious Sinner turn Christian nay live as an Hermit a most strict mortified Life What is all other Fire to this but
let not unworthiness discourage you it is not unworthiness excludes any from the Covenant but unwillingness Quest. What shall we do that we may be in Covenant with God Answ. 1. Seek to God by Prayer Exige à Domino misericordiam Aug. Lord be my God in Covenant The Lord hath made an express Promise that upon our Prayer to him the Covenant shall be ratified he will be our God and we shall be his People Zach. 13.9 They shall call upon my Name and I will hear them I will say it is my people and they shall say The Lord is my God Only it must be an importunate Prayer Come as earnest Suiters resolve to take no denial 2. If you would be in Covenant with God break off the Covenant with Sin before the Marriage-Covenant there must be a Divorce 1 Sam. 7.3 If ye return to the Lord with all your hearts put away the strange gods and they put away Ashtaroth viz. their Female Gods Will any King enter into Covenant with that Man who is in League with his Enemies 3. If you would enter into the Bond of the Covenant get Faith in the Blood of the Covenant Christ's Blood is the Blood of Atonement believe in this Blood and you are safely arked in God's Mercy Eph. 2.13 Ye are made nigh to the blood of Christ. Use 4. Of Comfort to such as can make out their Covenant Interest in God 1. You that are in Covenant with God all your sins are pardoned Pardon is the crowning Mercy Psal. 103.3 Who forgiveth thy iniquity who crowneth thee c. This is a branch of the Covenant Ier. 31.33 I will be their God and I will forgive their iniquity Sin being pardoned all wrath ceaseth How terrible is it when but a Spark of God's Wrath flies into a Man's Conscience but sin being forgiven no more wrath God doth not appear now in the Fire or Earthquake but covered with a Rain-bow full of Mercy 2. All your Temporal Mercies are Fruits of the Covenant Wicked Men have Mercies by Providence not by virtue of a Covenant with Gods leave not with his Love But such as are in Covenant have their Mercies sweetned with God's Love and they swim to them in the Blood of Christ. As Naaman said to Gehazi 2 Kings 5.23 Take two Talents so saith God to such as are in Covenant Take two Talents take Health and take Christ with it take Riches and take my Love with them take the Venison and take the Blessing with it Take two Talents 3. You may upon all Occasions plead the Covenant If you are haunted with Temptation plead the Covenant Lord thou hast promised to bruise Satan under my feet shortly wilt thou suffer thy Child to be thus worried take off the roaring Lion If in want plead the Covenant Lord thou hast said I shall want no good thing wilt thou save me from Hell and not from Want wilt thou give me a Kingdom and deny me daily Bread 4. If in Covenant with God all things shall co-operate for your Good Etiam mala cedunt in bonum Psal. 25.10 Not only golden paths but his bloody paths Every wind of Providence shall blow them nearer Heaven Affliction shall humble and purifie Hebr. 12.10 Out of the bitterest Drug God distils your Salvation Afflictions add to the Saints Glory The more the Diamond is cut the more it sparkles the heavier the Saints Cross the heavier shall be their Crown 5. If thou art in Covenant once then for ever in Covenant The Text calls it Berith Gnolam an everlasting Covenant Such as are in Covenant are elected God's electing Love is unchangeable Ier. 32.40 I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them but I will put my fear in ther heart that they shall not depart from me God will so love the Saints that he will not forsake them and the Saints shall so fear God that they shall not forsake him 'T is Berith Gnolam a Covenant of Eternity it must be so for who is this Covenant made with is it not with Believers and have not they Coalition and Union with Christ Christ is the Head they are the Body Eph. 1.23 This is a near Union much like that Union between God the Father and Christ Iohn 17.21 As thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us Now the Union between Christ and the Saints being so inseparable it can never be dissolved or the Covenant made void you may die with Comfort 6. Thou art in Covenant with God and thou art going to thy God behold a Death-bed Cordial Death breaks the Union between the Body and the Soul but perfects the Union between Christ and the Soul This hath made the Saints desire Death as the Bride the Wedding-day Phil. 1.23 Cupio dissolvi Lead me Lord to that Glory said one a glympse whereof I have seen as in a Glass darkly Use 5. of Direct To shew you how you should walk who have tasted of Covenant-Mercy Live as a People in Covenant with God As you differ from others in respect of Dignity so you must in point of Carriage 1. You must love this God God's Love to you calls for Love 1. It is Amor Gratiatus a free Love Why should God pass by others and take you into a League of Friendship with himself In the Law God passed by the Lion and Eagle and chose the Dove so he passes by the Noble and Mighty 2. It is Amor plenns a full Love When God takes you into Covenant you are his Hephsibah Isa. 62.3 his delight is in you he gives you the Key of all his Treasure he heaps Pearls upon you he settles Heaven and Earth upon you he gives you a Bunch of Grapes by the way and saith Son all I have is thine And doth not all this call for Love Who can tread upon these hot Coals and his heart not burn in love to God 2. Walk Holily The Covenant hath made you a Royal Nation therefore be an holy People Shine as Lights in the World live as Earthly Angels God hath taken you into Covenant that you and he may have Communion together and what is it keeps up your Communion with God but Holiness 3. Walk thankfully Psal. 103.1 God is your God in Covenant he hath done more for you then if he had made you ride upon the high Places of the Earth and given you Crowns and Scepters O! Take the Cup of Salvation and bless the Lord. Eternity will be little enough to praise him Musitians love to play on their Musick where there is the loudest sound and God loves to bestow his Mercies where he may have the loudest Praises You that have Angels Reward do Angels Work Begin that Work of Praise here which you hope to be always doing in Heaven CHRIST the Mediator of the Covenant HEB. 12.24 Iesus the Mediator of the new Covenant c. JEsus Christ is the Sum and Quintessence of
Hence that saying of St. Augustine Surgunt indocti rapiunt coelum the unlearned Men rise up and take Heaven they know the Truths of Christ more savingly then the great admired Rabbies The duller the Scholar the more is his skill seen that teacheth Hence it is Christ delights in teaching the Ignorant to get himself more Glory Isa. 35.5 The eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped Who would go to teach a blind or a deaf Man yet such dull Scholars Christ teacheth Such as are blinded with Ignorance they shall see the Mysteries of the Gospel and the deaf Ears shall be unstopped 3. Wait upon the Means of Grace which Christ hath appointed Though Christ teacheth by his Spirit yet he teacheth in the use of Ordinances Wait at the Gates of Wisdoms door Ministers are Teachers under Christ Eph. 4.11 Pastors and Teachers We read of Pitchers and Lamps within the Pitchers Iudges 7.16 Ministers are Earthen Vessels but these Pitchers have Lamps within them to light Souls to Heaven Christ is said to speak to us from Heaven now Hebr. 12.25 viz. by his Ministers as the King speaks by his Ambassador Such as wean themselves from the Breast of Ordinances seldom thrive either they grow light in their Head or lame in their Feet The Word preached is Christ's Voice in the Mouth of the Minister and they that refuse to hear Christ speaking in the Ministry Christ will refuse to hear them speaking on their Death-bed 4. If you would have the Teachings of Christ walk according to that Knowledge which you have already Use your little knowledge well and Christ will teach you more Iohn 7.17 If any man will do his will he shall know of my Doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of my self A Master seeing his Servant improve a little Stock well gives him more to trade with Use 3. If you have been taught by Christ savingly be thankful It is your Honour to have GOD for your Teacher and that he should teach you and not others is matter of admiration and gratulation O how many knowing men are ignorant They are not taught of God they have CHRIST's Word to enlighten them but not his Spirit to sanctifie them But that you should have the Inward as well as the Outward Teaching that Christ should anoint you with the Heavenly Unction of his Spirit that you can say as he Iohn 9.25 One thing I know that whereas I was blind I now see O! how thankful should you be to Christ who hath revealed his Father's Bosom Secrets unto you Iohn 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him If Alexander thought himself so much obliged to Aristotle for the Philosophical Instructions he learned from him O how are we bound to Jesus Christ this great Prophet for opening to us the Eternal Purposes of his Love and revealing to us the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven CHRIST's Priestly Office Quest. XV. HOw doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest Resp. In his once offering up of himself a Sacrifice to satisfie Divine Justice and reconcile us to GOD and in making continual Intercession for us Heb. 9.26 Now once in the end of the world hath he appear'd to put away sin by the Sacrifice of himself Quest. What are the parts of Christ's Priestly Office Resp. Christ's Priestly Office hath two Parts his Satisfaction and Intercession 1. His SATISFACTION and this consists of two Branches 1. His Active Obedience Matth. 3.15 He fulfillâ—d all righteousness Christ did every thing which the Law required his holy Life was a Perfect Commentary upon the Law of God and he obeyed the Law for us 2. His Passive Obedience Our Guilt being transferred and imputed to him he did undergo the Penalty which was due to us He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself The Paschal Lamb slain was a Type of Christ who was offered up in Sacrifice for us Sin could not be done away without Bloud Heb. 9.22 Without bloud is no remission Christ was not only a Lamb without spot but a Lamb slain Quest. Why was it require there should be a Priest Resp. There needed a Priest to be an Umpire to mediate between a Guilty Creature and an Holy God Quest. How could Christ suffer being God Resp. Christ suffered only in the Humane Nature Quest. But if only Christ's Humanity suffered how could his suffering satisfie for Sin Resp. The Humane Nature being united to the Divine the Humane Nature did suffer the Divine did satisfie Christ's Godhead as it did support the Humane Nature that it did not faint so it did give Vertue to his Sufferings The Altar sanctifies the thing offered on it Matth. 23.19 so the Altar of Christ's Divine Nature sanctified the Sacrifice of his Death and made it of infinite value Quest. Wherein doth the Greatness of Christ's sufferings appear Resp. In the Sufferings of his Body he suffered truly not only a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Appearance the Apostle calls it Mors Crucis The Death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 Tully when he speaks of this kind of Death Quid dicam in crucem toilere though he were a great Orator he wanted words to express it The thoughts of this made Christ sweat drops of Bloud in the Garden Luke 22.44 It was an ignominious painful cursed Death Christ suffered in all his Senses 1. In his Eyes they beheld two sad Objects he saw his Enemies insulting and his Mother weeping 2. In his Ears his Ears were filled with the Revilings of the People Matth. 27.42 He saved others himself he cannot save 3. In his Smell when their Drivel fell upon his Face 4. In his Tast when they gave him Gall and Vinegar to drink Bitterness and Sharpness 5. In his Feeling his Head suffered with Thorns his Hands and Feet with the Nails Totum pro vulnere Corpus Now was this white Lily dyed of a Purple colour 2. In the Sufferings of his Soul he was pressed in the Wine-press of his Father 's Wrath. This caused that Vociferation and Outcry on the Cross My God my God Cur deseruisti Christ suffered a double Eclipse upon the Cross an Eclipse of the Sun and an Eclipse of the Light of God's Countenance How bitter was this Agony The Evangelist useth three words to express it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He began to be amazed Mark 14.33 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He began to faint 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To be exceeding sorrowful Matth. 26.37 Christ felt the Pains of Hell in his Soul though not locally yet equivalently Quest. Why did Christ suffer Resp. Surely not for any desert of his own Dan. 9.26 The Messiah shall be cut off but not for himself it was for us Isa. 53.6 Unus peccat alius plectitor He suffered that he might satisfie God's Justice for us We by our Sins had infinitely wronged God
aspects and smiles of Gods Face Which brings me to the third thing 3. The Saints at Death shall not only have a Sight of God but shall enjoy the Love of God there shall be no more Veil on Gods Face nor his Smiles checker'd with Frowns but Gods love shall discover it self in all its Orient Beauty and fragrant Sweetness Here the Saints pray for Gods Love and they have a few drops but there they shall have as much as their Vessel can receive To know this love passeth Knowledge This will cause a Jubilation of Spirits and create such Holy Raptures of Joy in the Saints as are Superlative and would soon overwhelm them if God did not make them able to bear 4. Believers at Death shall gain a Celestial Palace an House not made with Hands 2 Cor. 5.1 Here the Saints are straitned for Room they have but mean Cottages to live in but they shall have a Royal Palace to live in Here is but their Sojourning House there in Heaven is their Mansion-house An House built high above all the Visible Orbs an House bespangled with Light Col. 1.12 Enriched with Pearls and Precious Stones Rev. 21.19 And this is not their Landlord's House but their Father's House Iohn 14.2 And this House stands all upon Consecrated Ground it is set out by Transparent Glass to shew the Holiness of it Rev. 21.27 5. Believers at Death shall gain the sweet Society of glorified Saints and Angels This will add something to the felicity of Heaven as every Star adds some lustre to the Firmament First The Society of the glorified Saints we shall see them in their Souls as well as in their Bodies Their Bodies will be so clear and bright that we shall see their Souls shining through their Bodies as the Wine through the Glass and Believers at Death shall have Converse with the Saints glorified And how delightful will that be when they shall be freed from all their Sinful Corruptions Pride Envy Passion Censoriousness which are Scars upon them here to disfigure them In Heaven there shall be perfect Love among the Saints they shall as the Olive and Myrtle sweetly embrace each other The Saints shall know one another as Luther speaks If in the Transfiguration Peter knew Moses and Elias which he never saw before Mat. 17.3 then much more in the glorified State the Saints shall perfectly know one another though they never saw them before Secondly The Saints at Death shall behold the Angels with the glorified Eye of their Understanding The Wings of the Cherubins representing the Angels were made of Fine Gold to denote both their Sanctity and Splendor The Angels are compared to Lightning Mat. 28.3 because of those Sparkling Beams of Majesty which as Lightning shoot from them And when Saints and Angels shall meet and sing together in Consort in the Heavenly Quire what Divine Harmony what Joyful Triumphs will it Create 6. Believers at Death shall gain Perfection of Holiness Here Grace was but in Cunabulis in its Cradle very Imperfect we cannot write a Copy of Holiness without Blotting Believers are said to receive but Primitias Spiritus the first Fruits of the Spirit Rom. 8.23 But at Death the Saints shall arrive at Perfection their Knowledge clear their Sanctity perfect their Sun shall be in its full Meridian Splendour They need not then pray for Encrease of Grace they shall Love God as much as they would Love him and as much as he desires to have them Love him they shall be then in respect of Holiness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels of God 7. At Death the Saints shall gain a Royal Magnificent Feast I told you before what a glorious Palace they shall have but a Man may starve in a House if there be no Chear The Saints at Death shall have a Royal Banquet shadowed out in Scripture by a Marriage Supper Rev. 19.9 Bullinger and Gregory the Great understand by that Marriage-Supper of the Lamb the stately Magnificent Festival the Saints shall have in Heaven they shall feed on the Tree of Life Rev. 22. They shall have the Heavenly Nectar and Ambrosia the Spiced Wine and Iuice of the Pomegranate Cant. 8.2 This Royal Supper of the Lamb will not only satisfie Hunger but prevent it Rev. 7 16. They shall hunger no more Nor can there be any Surfeit at this Feast because a fresh Course will be continually served in New and fresh Delights will spring from God therefore the Tree of Life in Paradise is said to bear Twelve sorts of Fruit Rev. 22.2 8. Believers at Death shall gain Honour and Dignity they shall reign as Kings therefore we read of the Ensigns of their Royalty their White Robes and Crowns Caelestial 2 Tim. 4.7 We read that the Doors of the Holy of Holies were made of Palm-Trees and open Flowers covered with Gold 1 Kings 6.35 An Emblem of that Victory and Triumph and that Golden Garland of Honour wherewith God hath invested the Saints glorified When all Worldly Honour shall lye in the Dust the Mace the Star the Robe of Ermin the Imperial Diadem then shall the Saints Honour remain not one Jewel shall be pluck'd out of their Crown they shall gain at Death a Blessed Eternity If the Saints could have but the least Suspicion or Fear of losing their Glory it would much cool and imbitter their Joy but their Crown fades not away 1 Pet. 5.4 As the Wicked have a Worm that never dies so the Elect have a Crown that never fades Ever is a short Word but hath no ending in fine erit gaudium sine fine Bern. 2 Cor. 4.18 The things which are not seen are Eternal Psal. 16.11 At thy right Hand are Pleasures for evermâ—re Who can span Eternity Millions of Ages stand but for Ciphers in Eternity This is the Elah or highest strain of the Saints Glory ever in Christ's Bosom Quest. How come the Saints to have all this Gain Resp. Believers have a right to all this Gain at Death upon a diverse account By vertue of the Fathers Donation the Sons Purchase the Holy Ghosts Earnest and Faiths acceptance Therefore the state of future glory is called the Saints proper inheritance Col. 1.12 They are Heirs of God and have a right to inherit Use 1. See the great difference between the Death of the Godly and the Wicked the Godly are great gainers at Death the Wicked are great Losers at Death They loose Four things 1. They lose the World and that is a great loss to the Wicked they laid up their Treasure upon Earth and to be turned out of all at once is a great loss 2. They lose their Souls Mat. 16.26 The Soul was at first a noble piece of Coin which God stamped his own Image upon this Caelestial spark is more precious than the whole Globe of the World But the Sinners Soul is lost not that the Souls of the Wicked are annihilated at Death but damnified 3. They lose Heaven Heaven is Sedes
beatorum the Royal Seat of the Blessed it is the region of Happiness the Map of Perfection There is that Manna which is Angels Food there is the Garden of Spices the Bed of Perfumes the Rivers of Pleasure Sinners at Death lose all this 4. They lose their Hopes For though they lived wickedly yet they hoped God was Merciful and they hoped they should go to Heaven Their Hope was not an Anchor but a Spiders Web. Now at Death they lose their Hopes they see they did but flatter themselves into Hell Iob. 8.14 Whose Hope shall be cut off That is sad to have a Mans Life and his Hope cut off together Use 2. If the Saints gain such glorious things at Death then how may they desire Death Doth not every one desire Preferment nemo ante funera Foelix Faith gives a Title to Heaven Death a Possession Though we should be desirous of doing Service here yet we should be ambitious to be with Christ Phil. 1.23 We should be content to live but willing to Dye Is it not a blessed thing to be freed from Sin and to lie for ever in the Bosom of Divine Love Is it not a blessed thing to meet our Godly Relations in Heaven and to be singing Divine Anthems of Praise among the Angels Doth not the Bride desire the Marriage Day especially if she were to be matched unto the Crown What is the Place we now live in but a Place of Banishment from God We are in a Wilderness while the Angels live at Court Here we are combating with Satan and should not we desire to be out of the Bloody Field where the Bullets of Tentation fly so fast and to receive a Victorious Crown Think what it will be to have always a smiling Aspect from Christs Face to be brought into the Banqueting House and have the Banner of his Love displayed over you O ye Saints desire Death it is your Ascension-day to Heaven Egredere anima egredere said Hilarion on his Death-bed Go forth my Soul what fearest thou Another Holy Man said Lord lead me to that Glory which I have seen as through a Glass Hast Lord and do not tarry Some Plants thrive best when they are transplanted Believers when they are by Death transplanted cannot choose but thrive because they have Christ's sweet Sun-beams shine upon them And what though the Passage through the Valley of the shadow of Death be troublesome Who would not be willing to pass a tempestuous Sea if he were sure to be crown'd as soon as he came at shore Use 3. Comfort in the loss of our dear and pious Relations They when they dye are not only taken away from the Evil to come but they are great gainers by Death They leave a Wilderness and go to Paradise They change their Complaints into Thanksgivings They leave their Sorrows behind and enter into the Joy of their Lord Why should we weep for their Preferment Believers have not their Portion paid till the day of their Death Gods Promise is his Bond to make over Heaven in Reversion to them But though they have his Bond they do not receive their Portion till the day of Death Oh! Rejoyce to think of their Happiness who dye in the Lord to them to dye is gain They are as Rich as Heaven can make them A Believers Privilege at Death Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to dye is gain HOPE is a Christan's Anchor which he casts within the vail Rom. 12.12 Rejoycing in Hope A Christians Hope is not in this Life but he hath Hope in his Death Prov. 14.32 The best of a Saints Comfort begins when his Life ends The Wicked have all their Heaven here Luke 6.28 Woe unto you Rich you have received your Consolation You may make your Acquittance and write Received in full Payment Luke 16.25 Son remember that thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things But a Saints Happiness is in Reversion The righteous hath Hope in his death God keeps the best Wine till last If Cato the Heathen said To me to dye is gain He saw Mortality to be a Mercy Then what may a Believer say Eccles. 7.1 The day of Death is better than the day of ones Birth Nemo ante Funera Felix Solon A Queen of this Land said she prefer'd her Coffin before her Cradle Quest. 1. What Benefits do Believers receive at Death Resp. 1. They have great Immunities 2. They pass immediately into a State of Glory 3. Their Bodies are united to Christ in the Grave till the Resurrection 1. The Saints at Death have great Immunities and Freedoms A Prentice when out of his time is made Free When the Saints are out of their time of living then they are made Free not made Free till Death 1. At Death they are freed from a Body of Sin There are in the best reliquiae peccati some Remainders and Reliques of Corruption Rom. 7.24 O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me from this Body of Death By the Body of Death is meant the Congeries the Mass and lump of Sin It may well be called a Body for its weightiness and a Body of Death for its noisomness 1. It weighs us down sin hinders us from doing good A Christian is like a Bird that would be flying up but hath a string tyed to its Legs to hinder it so he would be flying up to Heaven with the Wings of desire but sin hinders him Rom. 7.15 The good that I would I do not A Christian is like a Ship that is under Sail and at Anchor Grace would sail forward but Sin is the Anchor that holds it back 2. Sin is oft more active in its Sphere than Grace How stirring was Lust in David when his Grace lay dormant 3. Sin sometimes gets the Mastery and leads a Saint Captive Rom. 7.19 The evil I would not that do I. Paul was like a Man carried down the stream and could not bear up against it How oft is a Child of God over-power'd with Pride and Passion Therefore Paul calls sin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Law in his Members Rom. 7.24 it binds as a Law it hath a kind of Jurisdiction over the Soul as Cesar had over the Senate 4. Sin defiles the Soul it is like a stain to Beauty it turns the Souls Azure Brightness into Sables 5. Sin debilitates us it disarms us of our strength 2 Sam. 3.39 I am this day weak though anointed King So though a Saint is crown'd with Grace yet he is weak though anointed a Spiritual King 6. Sin is ever Restless Gal. 5.17 The flesh lusts against the Spirit It is an Inmate that is always quarrelling Like Marcellus that Roman Captain of whom Hannibal said Whether he did beat or was beaten he would never be quiet 7. Sin adheres to us we cannot get rid of it It may be compar'd to a wild Fig-tree growing on a Wall though the Roots are pull'd up yet there are some Fibers
some stings of it in the joynts of the stone-work which cannot be gotten out 8. Sin mingles with our Duties and Graces we cannot write a Copy of Holiness without blotting This makes a Child of God weary of his Life and makes him water his Couch with his Tears to think sin so strong a Party and he should offend that God whom he loves This made Paul cry out Miser ego Homo O wretched Man that I am Hence Paul did not cry out of his Affliction of his Prison-chain but of the body of sin Now a Believer at Death shall be freed from sin he is not taken away in but from his sins he shall never have a vain proud thought more he shall never grieve the Spirit of God any more Sin brought Death into the World and Death shall carry sin out of the World The Persians had a certain day in the Year in which they kill'd all Serpents and venomous Creatures Such a day will the day of Death be to a Believer it will destroy all his sins which like so many Serpents have stung him Death smites a Believer as the Angel did Peter it made his Chains fall off So Death makes all the Chains of Sin fall off Acts 12.7 Believers at Death are made perfect in Holiness Heb. 12.23 The Spirits of just Men made perfect At Death the Souls of Believers recover their Virgin-purity O what a Blessed Privilege is this to be sine macula ruga without spot and wrinckle Eph. 5.27 to be purer than the Sun-beams to be as free from sin as the Angels This makes a Believer so desirous to have his Pass to be gone He would fain live in that pure Air where no black Vapors of sin arise 2. At Death the Saints shall be freed from all the Troubles and Incumbrances to which this Life is subject Sin is the Seed sown and Trouble is the Harvest reaped 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eurip. Life and Trouble are married together There is more in Life to wean us than to tempt us Parents divide a Portion of Sorrow to their Children and yet they leave enough for themselves Iob 5.7 Man is born to trouble He is Heir to it it is his Birth-right You may as well separate weight from Lead as Trouble from the Life of Man Quid est diu vivere nisi diu Torqueri Aug. King Henry's Emblem a Crown hung in a Bush of Thorns There is a far greater Proportion of Bitterness than Pleasure in this Life Prov. 7.17 I have perfumed my Bed with Myrrhe Aloes and Cynamon For one sweet Ingredient there were two bitter for the Cynamon there was Myrrhe and Aloes A Mans Grace will not exempt him from Troubles Gen. 47.9 Few and evil have the days of the years of my Life been Though he was a Godly Patriarch though he had met with God Gen. 32.30 He named the name of the place Peniel For I have seen God face to face Yet he had his Troubles few and evil c. There are many things to imbitter Life and cause trouble and Death frees us from all 1. Care The Mind is full of perplexed thoughts how to bring about such a Design how to prevent such an Evil. The word for Care 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comes from a Primitive in the Greek that signifies To cut the Heart in pieces Care doth discruciate the Mind wast the Spirits No such bitter Bread as the Bread of Carefulness Ezek. 12.19 Care is a Spiritual Canker which eats out the Comfort of Life Death is the Cure of Care 2. Fear Fear is the Ague of the Soul which sets it a shaking 1 Iohn 4.14 There is Torment in Fear Fear is like Prometheus his Vulture it gnaws upon the Heart There is a distrustful Fear a Fear of Want and a distracting Fear Fear of Danger and a discouraging Fear a Fear God doth not love us These Fears leave sad Impressions upon the Mind Now at Death a Believer is freed from these torturing Fears He now knows he is passed from Death to Life He is as far from Fear as the Damned are from Hope The Grave buries a Christians Fears 3. Labour Eccles. 1.8 All things are full of labour Some labour in the Mine others among the Muses God hath made a Law In the sweat of thy Brows thou shalt eat Bread But Death gives a Believer a Quietus est it takes him off from his Day-labour Rev. 14.13 Blessed are the dead that dye in the Lord they rest from their labours What needs working when they have their Reward What needs fighting when the Crown is set on their Head they rest from their Labours 4. Suffering Believers are as a Lilly among Thorns as the Dove among the Birds of Prey The Wicked have an Antipathy against the Righteous and secret Hatred will break forth into open Violence Gal. 4.29 He that was born after the Flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit The Dragon is described with seven Heads and ten Horns Rev. 12.3 he plotteth with the one and pusheth with the other But at Death the Godly shall be freed from the Molestations of the Wicked they shall never be pestered with these Vermin more Iob 3.17 There viz. in the Grave the wicked cease from troubling Death doth to a Believer as Ioseph of Arimathea did to Christ it takes him down from the Cross and gives him a Writ of Ease The Eagle that flies high cannot be stung with the Serpent Death gives the Soul the Wing of the Eagle that it flies above all these venomous Serpents here below 5. Temptation Though Satan be a conquered Enemy yet he is a restless Enemy 1 Pet. 5.8 He walketh about the Devil is always going his Diocess He hath his Snares and his Darts One he tempts with Riches another with Beauty it is no small trouble to be continually followed with Temptation As for a Virgin to have her Chastity daily assaulted But Death will free a Child of God from Temptation he shall never be vexed more with the old Serpent After Death hath shot its Dart at us the Devil shall have done shooting his Though Grace puts a Believer out of the Devils Possession only Death frees him from the Devils Temptation 6. Sorrow A Cloud of Sorrow gathers in the Heart and drops into Tears Psal. 31.10 My life is spent with Grief and my years with sighing It was a Curse Gen. 3.16 In sorrow thou shalt bring forth Many things occasion Sorrow Sickness Law-suits Treachery of Friends disappointment of Hopes loss of Estate Ruth 1.20 Call me not Naomi call me Mara I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty Sorrow is the evil Spirit that haunts us the World is a Bochim Rachel wept for her Children some grieve that they have no Children and others grieve that their Children are undutiful Thus we spend our years with sighing 't is a Valley of Tears But Death is the Funeral of all our Sorrows Rev. 7.17 And God
A Christian after his weary Marches and Battels shall put off his Bloody Armour and rest himself upon the Bosom of Jesus that Bed of Perfume When Death hath given the Saints the Wings of a Dove then they shall fly away to Paradise and be at rest 7. The Seventh thing in Glory is Eternity 2 Cor. 4.17 An Eternal weight of Glory First Glory is a Weight The Hebrew Word for Glory quod significat Pondus is a Weight God must make us able to bear it Secondly An Eternal Weight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Glory is such a Manna as doth not breed Worms If the Saints glory in Heaven were but for a time and they were in fear of losing it it would eclipse and imbitter the Joys of Heaven but Eternity is written upon their Joys The Garland made of Flowers of Paradise fades not 1 Pet. 5.4 I have read of a River which they call the Day-River in which time it runs with a full Torrent but at Night it is dried up such are all Earthly Comforts they run with a full Stream all the Day-time of Life but at the Night of Death they are dried up but the Saints glorified shall drink of the Rivers of Pleasure for evermore Psal. 16.11 Eternity is the Heaven of Heavens in fine Gaudium erit sine fine Bern. The Joys of Heaven as overflowing so ever-flowing Quest. 2. When do Believers enter upon Possession of Glory Resp. They pass immediately after Death into Glory Some hold with the Platonists and Lucianists that the Soul dies But many of the Sober Heathens believed the Souls immortality The Romans when their Great Men died caus'd an Eagle to be let loose and fly about in the Air signifying hereby that the Soul was immortal and did not dye with the Body Christ tells us the Soul is not capable of Killing Luke 12.4 Therefore not of Dying And as the Soul doth not Dye so neither doth it Sleep in the Body for a time If the Soul be at Death absent from the Body 2 Cor. 5.8 then it cannot Sleep in the Body There is an immediate passage from Death to Glory It is but winking and we shall see God Luke 23.43 This Day shalt thou be with me in Paradise by Paradise is meant Heaven the Third Heaven into which Paul was wrap'd which all hold to be the Heaven of the blessed was called Paradise 2 Cor 12.4 Now saith Christ to the Thief on the Cross 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This Day shalt thou be with me in Paradise his Body could not be there for it was laid in the Grave But it was spoke of his Soul that it should be immediately after Death in Heaven Let none be so vain as to talk of Purgatory A Soul purg'd by Christs Blood needs no fire of Purgatory but goes immediately from a Death-bed into a glorified State Use 1. See what little cause Believers have to fear Death when it brings such glorious Benefits To me to Dye is Gain Why should the Saints fear their Preferment Is it not a blessed thing to see God to love God and to lye for ever in the Bosom of Divine Love Is it not a blessed thing to meet our Godly Relations in Heaven Why should the Saints be afraid of their Blessings Is a Virgin afraid to be matched into the Crown Now is but the Contract at Death is the Marriage-Supper of the Lamb Rev. 19.9 What hurt doth Death but take us from among Fiery Serpents and place us among Angels What hurt doth it do but to cloath us with a Robe of Immortality Hath he any wrong done that hath his Sack-Cloath pull'd off and hath Cloath of Gold put upon him Fear not Dying who cannot live but by Dying Use 2. You who are Real Saints whose Hearts are purified by Faith spend much time in musing upon these glorious Benefits which you shall have by Christ at Death Thus might you by a Contemplative Life begin the Life of Angels here and be in Heaven before your time Eudoxus was so affected with the Glory of the Sun that he thought he was born only to behold it What should we contemplate but Caelestial Glory when we shall see God Face to Face David was got above the ordinary sort of Men he was in the Altitudes â—sal 139.18 I am ever with thee A true Saint every Day takes a turn in Heaven his Thoughts and Desires are like Cherubims flying up to Paradise Can Men of the World so delight in looking upon their Bags of Gold and Fields of Corn and shall not the Heirs of Heaven take more delight in Contemplating their Glory in Reversion Could we send forth Faith as a Spy and every Day view the Glory of the Ierusalem above how would it rejoyce us as it doth the Heir to think of the Inheritance which is to come into his Hand shortly Use 3. Consolation This is that which may comfort the Saints in Two Cases 1. Under their Wants they abound only in Wants The Meal is almost spent in the Barrel but be patient till Death and you shall have a Supply of all your Wants You shall have a Kingdom and be as Rich as Heaven can make you He who hath the promise of an Estate after the expiring of a few Years though at present he hath nothing to help himself yet comforts himself with this that shortly he shall have an Estate come into his Hands 1 Iohn 2.3 It doth not yet appear what we shall be we shall be enamel'd with Glory and be as rich as the Angels under their Sufferings 2. A true Saint is as Luther Haeres Crucis but this may make us go chearfully through our Sufferings there are great things laid up in store there is Glory coming which Eye hath not seen we shall drink of the Fruit of the Vine in the Kingdom of Heaven though now we drink in a Wormwood Cup yet here is Sugar to sweeten it we shall taste of those Joys of Paradise which exceed our Faith and may be better felt than they can be expressed Of the RESVRRECTION John 5.28 Marvel not at this for the Hour is coming in which all that are in the Graves shall hear his Voice and shall come forth they that have done Good unto the Resurrection of Life and they that have done Evil unto the Resurrection of Damnation Quest. WHat Benefits shall Believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection Resp. 1. Their Bodies shall be raised up to Glory 2. They shall be openly acquitted at the Day of Judgment 3. They shall be made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God for ever 1. The Bodies of Believers shall be raised up to Glory The Doctrin of the Resurrection is a Fundamental Article of our Faith the Apostle puts it among the Principles of the Doctrin of Christ Heb. 6.2 The Body shall rise again we are not so sure to rise out of our Beds as we are to rise out of our Graves The saved Body shall arise again Some
hold that the Soul shall be cloathed with a new Body but then it were improper to call it a Resurrection it should be rather a Creation Iob 19.26 Though worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God Not in another flesh but my flesh 1 Cor. 15.53 This corruptible shall put on incorruption Quest. 2. By what Arguments may the Resurrection be proved Resp. Argument 1. By Scripture Iohn 6.44 I will raise him up at the last day Isa. 25.8 He will swallow up Death in Victory That is by delivering our Bodies from the Captivity of the Grave wherein Death for a time had power over them 1 Thess. 4.14 Them which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him Argument 2. Christ is risen Therefore the Bodies of the Saints must rise Christ did not rise from the Dead as a private Person but as the publick Head of the Church and the Head being raised the rest of the Body shall not always lye in the Grave Christs rising is a Pledge of our Resurrection 2 Cor. 4.14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Iesus shall raise up us also by Iesus Christ is called the first Fruits of them that slept 1 Cor. 15.20 As the first Fruits is a sure Evidence that the Harvest is coming on so the Resurrection of Christ is a sure Evidence of the rising of our Bodies out of the Grave Christ cannot be perfect as he is Christ Mystical unless his Members be raised with him Argument 3. In respect of Gods Justice If God be a just God then he will reward the Bodies of the Saints as well as the Souls It cannot be imagined that the Souls of Believers should be glorified and not their Bodies They have served God with their Bodies Their Bodies have been Members of Holiness Their Eyes have drop'd Tears for Sin Their Hands have relieved the Poor Their Tongues have set forth Gods Praise therefore Justice and Equity require that their Bodies should be crown'd as well as their Souls And how can that be unless they are raised from the Dead Argument 4. If the Body did not rise again then a Believer should not be compleatly happy for though the Soul can subsist without the Body yet it hath Appetitum Unionis a desire of re-union with the Body and it is not fully happy till it be clothed with the Body Therefore undoubtedly the Body shall rise again If the Soul should go to Heaven and not the Body then a Believer should be only half saved Object 1. But some may say as the Virgin Mary to the Angel How can this be So how can it be that the Body which is consum'd to Ashes should arise again Resp. It doth not oppose Reason but transcend it There are some Resemblances of the Resurrection in Nature The Corn which is sown in the ground dies before it springs up 1 Cor. 15.36 That which thou sowest is not quickned except it dye In Winter the Fruits of the Earth dye in Spring there is a Resurrection of them Noah's Olive-tree springing after the Flood was a lively Emblem of the Resurrection After the Passion of our Lord many of the Saints which slept in the Grave arose Matt. 27.52 God can more easily raise the Body out of the Grave than we can wake a Man out of sleep Object 2. But when the Dust of many are mingled together How is it possible that a Separation should be made and the same numerical Body arise Resp. If we believe God can Create then he can distinguish the dust of one Body from another Do we not see the Chymist can out of several Metals mingled together as Gold Silver Alchimy extract the one from the other the Silver from the Gold the Alchimy from the Silver and can reduce every Metal to its own kind And shall we not much more believe that when our Bodies are mingled and confounded with other Substances the wise God is able to make an Extraction and re-invest every Soul with its own Body Quest. 3. Shall none but the Bodies of the Righteous be raised Resp. Yes all that are in the Graves shall hear Christs Voice and shall come forth Acts 24.15 There shall be a Resurrection of the Dead both of the just and unjust Rev. 20.12 I saw the dead small and great stand before God But though all shall be raised out of their Graves yet all shall not be raised alike 1. The Bodies of the Wicked shall be raised with Ignominy those Bodies which on the Earth did tempt and allure others with their Beauty shall be at the Resurrection loathsom to behold they shall be ghastly Spectacles as the Phrase is Isa. 66.24 They shall be an abhorring unto all flesh But the Bodies of the Saints shall be raised with Honour 1 Cor. 15.43 It is sown in dishonour it is raised in Glory The Saints Bodies then shall shine as sparkling Diamonds Matt. 13.43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun 2. The Bodies of the Saints shall arise out of their Graves with Triumph The Bodies of the Wicked shall come out of the Grave with Trembling as being to receive their fatal Doom But the Godly when they awake out of the Dust shall sing for Joy Isa. 26.19 Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust When the Arch-angels Trumpet sounds then the Saints shall sing The Bodies of Believers shall come out of the Grave to be made happy As the chief Butler came out of Prison and was restored to all his Dignity at the Court But the Bodies of the Wicked shall come out of the Grave as the chief Baker out of Prison to be executed Gen. 40.22 Use 1. Believe this Doctrin of the Resurrection and that the same Body that dies shall arise again and with the Soul be crown'd Without the belief of this tota corruit Religio all Religion falls to the ground 1 Cor. 15.4 If the Dead rise not then Christ is not risen and then our Faith is vain Use 2. Comfort The Body shall rise again This was Iob's Comfort Iob 19.26 Though Worms destroy this Body yet in my flesh shall I see God The Body is sensible of Joy as well as the Soul And indeed we shall not be in all our Glory till our Bodies are re-united to our Souls O consider what Joy there will be at the re-uniting of the Body and Soul at the Resurrection Look what sweet Imbraces of Joy were between Old Iacob and Ioseph when they first saw one another Gen. 46.29 Such and infinitely more will there be when the Body and Soul of a Saint shall meet together at the Resurrection How will the Body and Soul greet one another What a welcome will the Soul give to the Body O blessed Body When I prayed thou didst attend my Prayers with hands lifted up and Knees bowed down Thou wert willing to suffer with me and now thou shalt reign with me Thou wert sown in dishonour but now art raised in Glory O my dear
Body I will enter into thee again and be eternally married to thee Use 3. The Resurrection of the Body is a Cordial when a Christian lyes a dying Thy Body though it drop into the Sepulchre it shall revive and flourish as an Herb in the Resurrection The Grave is a Bed of dust where the Bodies of the Saints sleep but they shall be awakened by the Trump of the Arch-angel The Grave is your long home but not your last home Though Death strip you of your beauty yet at the Resurrection you shall have it restored again As David when he found Saul asleep took away his Spear and Cruse of Water but when he awoke he restored them again 1 Sam. 26.22 So though at death all our strength and beauty be taken away yet at the Resurrection God will restore all again in a more glorious manner Quest. 4. But how shall we know that our Bodies shall be raised to a glorious Resurrection Resp. If we have a part in the first Resurrection Rev. 20.6 Blessed is he that hath a part in the first Resurrection Quest. What is meant by this Answ. It is a rising by Repentance out of the Grave of Sin He who lies buried in sin can have little hope of a joyful Resurrection His Body shall be raised but not in Glory O then ask Conscience Have you a part in the first Resurrection Hath the Spirit entred into you and lifted you up Hath it raised you out of your Unbelief Hath it raised your Hearts above the Earth This is the first Resurrection and if your Souls are thus Spiritually raised then your Bodies shall be gloriously raised and shall shine as Stars in the Kingdom of Heaven Regeneration makes way for a glorious Resurrection Use Seeing you expect your Bodies should arise to Glory keep your Bodies unspotted from sin Shall a drunken Body rise to Glory Shall an unclean Body rise to Glory Shall a thievish Body steal into Heaven O keep your Bodies pure Keep your Eyes from unchast Glances your Hands from Bribes your Tongues from Slander Defile not your Bodies which you hope shall rise one day to Glory Your Bodies are the Members of Christ and hear what the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 6.15 Shall I take the members of Christ and make them the members of an Harlot God forbid O keep your Bodies unspotted let them be Instruments of Righteousness 1 Cor. 6.20 Glorifie God in your Body If your Bodies glorifie God God will glorifie your Bodies Quest. 5. But seeing our Bodies must be laid in the Grave and they may lye many years rotting there before the Resurrection What may support and comfort us in this case Resp. 1. That God will not leave his People in the Grave Our Friends bring us to the Grave and leave us there but God will not God will go to the Grave with us and watch over our dead Bodies and take care of our Ashes Rizpah watched over the dead Bodies of the Sons of Saul and guarded them against the ravenous Fouls of the Air 2 Sam. 21.10 Thus the Lord watcheth over the dead Bodies of the Saints and looks to it that none of their dust be missing Christian thou hast a God to watch over thy Body when thou art dead 2. The Bodies of the Saints in the Grave though separated from their Souls are united to Christ. The dust of a Believer is part of Christs Mystical Body 3. When the Bodies of the Saints are in the Sepulchre their Souls are in Paradise The Soul doth not sleep in the Body but returns to God that gave it Eccles. 12.7 The Soul immediately partakes of those Joys the blessed Angels do When the Body returns to dust the Soul returns to rest When the Body is sleeping the Soul is triumphing When the Body is buried the Soul is crowned As the Spies were sent before to taste of the Fruits of the Land Numb 13. so at Death the Soul is sent before into Heaven to taste of the Fruit of the Holy Land 4. When Gods time is come the Graves shall deliver up their Dead Rev. 20.13 When the Judge sends the Goaler must deliver up his Prisoners As God said to Iacob Gen. 46.4 I will go down with thee into Egypt and I will surely bring thee up again So the Lord will go down with us into the Grave and will surely bring us up again 5. Though the Bodies of the Saints shall rot and be loathsom in the Grave yet afterwards they shall be made Illustrious and Glorious Concerning this consider 1. The Bodies of the Saints when they arise shall be comely and beautiful The Body of a Saint in this Life may be deformed Those whose minds are adorned with Virtue yet may have mis-shapen Bodies as the finest Cloth may have the coarsest List But this deformed Body shall be aimable and beautiful This beauty consists in two things 1. Perfection of parts There shall be a full Proportion of all the Members In this Life there is oft a defect of Members The Eye is lost the Arm is cut off but in the Resurrection all parts of the Body shall be restored again Therefore the Resurrection is called the time of restoring of all things Acts 3.19 Malcha's Ear cut restituit 2. Clarity and Splendor The Bodies of the Saints shall have a graceful Majesty in them they shall be like Stephen whose Face shined as if it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6.15 Nay they shall be made like Christs glorious Body Phil. 3.21 2. The Bodies of the Saints when they arise shall be free from the Necessities of Nature as Hunger and Thirst Rev. 7.16 They shall hunger no more Moses on the Mount was so fill'd with the Glory of God that he needed not the Recruits of Nature Much more in Heaven shall the Bodies of the Saints so fill'd with Gods Glory be upheld without Food 3. The Bodies of Saints when they arise shall be swift and nimble our Bodies on Earth are dull and heavy in their Motion then they shall be swift and made fit to ascend as the Body of Elias in the Air. Now the Body is a Clog in Heaven it shall be a Wing We shall be as the Angels Matt. 22.30 And how nimble are they The Angel Gabriel in a short time came from Heaven to the Earth Dan. 9.21 As the Helm turns the Ship instantly whether the Steersman will so the Body in an instant will move which way the Soul will 4. The Bodies of the Saints at the Resurrection shall be very firm and strong 1 Cor. 15.43 It is raised in power Through frequent Labour and Sickness the strongest Body begins to Languish But at the Resurrection we shall be of a strong Constitution Then there will be no Weariness in the Body nor Faintness in the Spirits This may comfort you who now conflict with many bodily Weaknesses This weak Body shall be raised in Power The Body which is now a weak Reed shall be like a Rock
have taken away my Lord John 20.2 One cries my Health is gone another my Estate is gon but he who is a Lover of God cries out my God is gone I cannot enjoy him whom I love What can all Worldly Comfors do when once God is absent It is like a Funeral Banquet where there is much Meat but no Chear Iob 30.28 I went Mourning without the Sun If Rachel Mourned so for the loss of her Children what Vail or Pensil can shadow out the Sorrow of that Christian who hath lost God's sweet Presence Such a Soul pours forth Floods of Tears and while it is lamenting seems to say thus to God Lord thou art in Heaven hearing the Melodious Songs and Triumphs of Angels but I sit here in the Vally of Tears weeping because thou art gone O when wilt thou come to me and revive me with the Light of thy Countenance Or Lord if thou wilt not come to me let me come to thee where I shall have a perpetual Smile of thy Face in Heaven and shall never more Complain My Beloved hath withdrawn himself 7. The Seventh Visible Sign He who loves God is willing to do and Suffer for him He subscribes to God's Commands he submits to his Will First He subscribes to Gods Commands If God bids him Mortifie Sin Love his Enemies be Crucified to the World he obeys 'T is a vain thing for a Man to say he loves God and slights his Commands Secondly He submits to God's Will If God will have him suffer for him he doth not Dispute but Obey 1 Cor. 13.7 Love endureth all things Love made Christ suffer for us and Love will make us suffer for him It is true every Christian is not a Martyr but he hath a Spirit of Martyrdom in him He hath a Disposition of Mind to suffer if God call him to it 2 Tim. 4.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I am ready to be Offered up Not only the Sufferings were ready for Paul but he was ready for the Sufferings Origen chose rather to live despised in Alexandria than with Plotinus to deny the Faith and be great in the Princes Favour Rev. 12.11 Many say they love God but will not suffer the loss of any thing for him If Christ should have said to us I love you well you are dear to me but I cannot suffer for you I cannot lay down my Life for you we should have questioned his Love very much And may not the Lord question ours when we pretend Love to him but will endure nothing for his sake Use 1. What shall we say to them who have not a Dram of Love in their Hearts to God They have their Life from him yet do not Love him God spreads their Table every Day yet they do not Love him Sinners dread God as a Judge but do not love him as a Father All the strength in the Angels cannot make the Heart love God Judgments will not do it Only Omnipotent Grace can make a Stony Heart melt in Love How sad is it to be void of Love to God When the Body is cold and hath no heat in it 't is a sign of Death He is Spiritually Dead who hath no heat of Love in his Heart to God Shall ever such live with God that do not love him Will God lay an Enemy in his Bosom Such as will not be drawn with Cords of Love shall be bound in Chains of Darkness Use 2. Let us be perswaded to love God with all our Heart and Might O let us take our Love off from other things and place it upon God Love is the Heart of Religion the Fat of the Offering 'T is the Grace which Christ enquires most after Iohn 21.15 Peter lovest thou me Love makes all our Services Acceptable it is the Musk that perfumes them 'T is not so much Duty as Love to Duty God delights in therefore Serving and Loving God are put together Isa. 56.6 'T is better to Love him than to Serve him Obedience without Love is like Wine without the Spirits O then be perswaded to love God with all your Heart and Might To perswade to this Virgin Affection of Love 1. 'T is nothing but your Love God desires The Lord might have demanded your Children to be offered in Sacrifice he might have bid you Cut and Launce your Selves or lain in Hell a while but he only desires your Love he would only have this Flower Is this an hard Request to Love God Was ever any Debt easier paid than this Is it any labour to the Wife to Love her Husband Love is delightful Non potest Amor esse dulcis non esse Bern. What is there in our Love that God should desire it Why should a King desire the Love of a Woman that is in Debt and Diseased God doth not want our Love There are Angels enough in Heaven to Adore and Love him What is God the better for our Love It adds not the least Cubit to his Essential Blessedness God doth not need our Love yet seeks it Why doth God desire us to give him our Heart Prov. 23.26 Not that he needs our Heart but that he may make it better 2. Great will be our Advantage if we love God God doth not court our Love that we should lose it 1 Cor. 2.9 Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard the things which God hath prepared for them that love him If you will Love God you shall have such a Reward as exceeds your Faith God will betroth you to himself in the dearest Love Hos. 2.19 I will betroth thee unto me for ever in Loving-Kindness and Mercies Zeph. 3.17 The Lord thy God will rejoyce over thee with Ioy he will rest in his Love If you love God he will interest you in all his Riches and Dignities he will give you Heaven and Earth for your Dowry he will set a Crown on your Head Vespasian the Emperor gave a great Reward to a Woman who came to him and professed she Loved him God gives a Crown of Life to them that Love him Iames 1.12 3. Love is the only Grace that shall live with us in Heaven In Heaven we shall need no Repentance because we have no Sin no Faith because we shall see God Face to Face But Love to God shall abide for ever Love 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never faileth 1 Cor. 13.8 How should we nourish this Grace which shall out-live all the Graces and run parallel with Eternity 4. Our Love to God is a sign of his Love to us 1 Iohn 4.19 We love him because he first loved us By Nature we are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we have no Love to God we have Hearts of Stone Ezek. 36.1 And how can any love be in Hearts of Stone Our Loving God is from his Loving us If the Glass burn it is because the Sun hath shined on it else it could not burn If our Hearts burn in Love 't is a sign the Sun of Righteousness hath shined upon
him by our standing up for his Interest We will appear in his Cause and vindicate his Truth wherein his Glory is so much concerned Athanasius was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Bulwark of Truth he stood up for it when most of the World were Arrians In former times the Nobles of Polonia when the Gospel was read did lay their Hands upon their Swords signifying that they were ready to defend the Faith and hazard their Lives for the Gospel No better sign of our having an Interest in God than by our standing up for his Interest 5. We may know God is ours and we have an Interest in him by his having an Interest in us Cant. 2.16 My beloved is mine and I am his When God saith to the Soul Thou art mine the Soul answers Lord I am thine All I have is at thy Service My Head shall be thine to study for thee My Tongue shall be thine to praise thee If God be our God by way of Donation we are his by way of Dedication We live to him and are more his than we are our own And thus we may come to know that God is our God Use 1. Above all things let us get this great Charter confirmed that God is our God Deity is not comfortable without Propriety Tolle meum tolle Deum Aug. O let us labour to get sound Evidences that God is our God We cannot call Health Liberty Estate ours O let us be able to call God ours and say as the Church Psal. 67.6 God even our own God shall bless us Let every Soul here labour to pronounce this Shibboleth My God And that we may endeavour after this to have God for our God Consider 1. The Misery of such as have not God for their God in how sad a Condition are they when an hour of distress comes This was Saul's Case 1 Sam. 28.15 I am sore distressed for the Philistins make war against me and the Lord is departed from me A wicked Man in time of Trouble is like a Vessel toss'd on the Sea without an Anchor it falls on Rocks or Sands A Sinner not having God to be his God though he makes a shift while Health and Estate last yet when these Crutches are broken he leaned upon his Heart sinks It is with a wicked Man as it was with the Old World when the Flood came the Waters at first came to the Vallies but then the People would get to the Hills and Mountains But then the Waters came to the Mountains Then there might be some Trees on the high Hills and they would climb up to them I but then the Waters did rise up to the tops of the Trees Now all hopes of being saved were gone their Hearts failed them So it is with a Man that hath not God to be his God If one Comfort be taken away he hath another If he lose a Child he hath an Estate I but then the Waters rise higher Death comes and takes away all now he hath nothing to help himself with no God to go to he must needs dye despairing 2. How great a Privilege it is to have God for our God Psal. 144.15 Happy are the People whose God is the Lord. Beatitudo hominis est Deus Aug. That you may see the Privilege of this Charter 1. If God be our God then though we may feel the stroke of Evil yet not the sting He must needs be happy who is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in such a Condition that nothing can hurt him If he lose his Name it is written in the Book of Life If he lose his Liberty his Conscience is free If he lose his Estate he is possessed of the Pearl of Price If he meets with Storms he knows where to put in for Harbour God is his God and Heaven is his Haven 2. If God be our God then our Soul is safe The Soul is the Jewel it is a Blossom of Eternity Dan. 7.15 I was grieved in the midst of my Body In the Chaldee it is In the midst of my Sheath The Body is but the Sheath the Soul is the Princely part of Man which sways the Scepter of Reason It is a Celestial Spark as Damascen calls it If God be our God the Soul is safe as in a Garison Death can do no more hurt to a vertuous Heaven-born Soul than David did to Saul when he cut off the lap of his Garment The Soul is safe being hid in the Promises hid in the Wounds of Christ hid in Gods Decree The Soul is the Pearl and Heaven is the Cabinet where God will lock it up safe 3. If God be our God then all that is in God is ours The Lord saith to a Saint in Covenant as the King of Israel to the King of Syria 1 Kings 20.4 I am thine and all that I have So saith God I am thine How happy is he who not only inherits the Gifts of God but inherits God himself All that I have shall be thine my Wisdom shall be thine to teach thee my Power shall be thine to support thee my Mercy shall be thine to save thee God is an infinite Ocean of Blessedness and there is enough in him to fill us If a thousand Vessels be thrown into the Sea there is enough in the Sea to fill them 4. If God be our God he will intirely love us Propriety is the ground of Love God may give Men Kingdoms and not love them but he cannot be our God and not love us He calls his Covenanted Saints Iediduth Naphshi The dearly beloved of his Soul Jer. 12.7 He rejoyceth over them with Joy and rests in his Love Zeph. 3.17 They are his Refined Silver Zech. 13.9 His Jewels Mal. 3.17 His Royal Diadem Isa. 62.3 He gives them the Cream and Flower of his love He not only opens his hand and fills them Psal. 145.16 but opens his Heart and fills them 5. If God be our God he will do more for us than all the World besides can What is that 1. He will give us Peace in Trouble When a Storm without he will make Musick within The World can create Trouble in Peace but God can create Peace in Trouble He will send the Comforter who as a Dove brings an Olive Branch of Peace in his Mouth Iohn 14.16 2. God will give us a Crown of Immortality The World can give a Crown of Gold but that Crown hath Thorns in it and Death in it but God will give a Crown of Glory which fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5.4 The Garland made of the Flowers of Paradise never withers 6. If God be our God he will bear with many Infirmities God may respit Sinners a while but long Forbearance is no Acquittance he will throw them to Hell for their Sins But if God be our God he will not for every failing destroy us He bears with his Spouse as with the weaker Vessel God may Chastise Psal. 89.32 He may use the Rod and the pruning Knife
manner Thirdly When are the Seasons Fourthly Why God delivers Fifthly How the deliverances of the Godly and Wicked out of Trouble differ First 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That God doth deliver his Children out of Troubles Psal. 22.4 Our Fathers trusted in thee they trusted and thou didst deliver them 2 Tim. 4.17 And I was delivered out of the Mouth of the Lion viz. from Nero. Psal. 66.11 12. Thou laidst Affliction upon our Loins but thou broughtest us out into a Wealthy Place Psal. 30.5 Heaviness may endure for a Night but Ioy cometh in the Morning God brought Daniel out of the Lions Den Sihon out of Babylon God in his due time gives an issue out of trouble Psal. 68.20 The Tree which in Winter seems dead in the Spring revives Post nubila Phaebus Affliction may leap on us as the Viper did on Paul but at last this Viper shall be shaked off 'T is called a Cup of Affliction Isa. 51.17 The Wicked drink a Sea of Wrath the Godly drink only a Cup of Affliction and God will say shortly Let this Cup pass away God will give his People a Goal Delivery Secondly Quest. In what manner doth God deliver his People out of Trouble Resp. He doth it like a God in Wisdom 1. He doth it sometimes suddenly as the Angel was caused to fly swiftly Dan. 9.21 So God sometimes makes a Deliverance fly swiftly upon the Wing and on a Suddain he turns the shadow of Death into the Light of the Morning As God gives us Mercies above what we can think Ephes. 3.20 so sometimes before we can think of them Psal. 126.1 When the Lord turned the Captivity of Sion we were like them that Dreamed we were in a Dream we never thought of it Ioseph could not have thought of such a sudden Alteration to be the same Day freed out of Prison and made the chief Ruler in the Kingdom Mercy sometimes doth not stick long in the Birth but it is brought forth on a sudden 2. God sometimes delivers his People strangely That the Whale which swallow'd up Ionah should be a means to bring him safe to Land God sometimes delivers his People in that very way they think he will destroy In Bringing Israel out of Egypt God stirred up the Hearts of the Egyptians to hate them Psal. 105.22 And that was the means of their Deliverance He brought Paul to Shoar by a contrary Wind and upon the broken Pieces of the Ship Acts 27.44 Thirdly Quest. When are the times and Seasons that God usually delivers his People out of the Bondage of Affliction Resp. 1. When they are in the greatest Extremity When Ionah was in the Belly of Hell then Chap. 2.5 Thou hast brought up my Life from Corruption When there is but an Hairs breadth between the Godly and Death then God ushers in Deliverance When the Ship in the Gospel was almost covered with Waves then Christ awoke and rebuked the Wind. When Isaac was upon the Altar and the Knife going to be put to his Throat then comes the Angel Lay not thy Hand upon the Child When Peter began to sink then Christ took him by the Hand Cum duplicantur lateres venit Moses When the Tale of Brick was doubled then comes Moses the Temporal Saviour When the People of God are in the greatest danger then appears the Morning Star of Deliverance When the Patient is ready to faint now the Cordial is given 2. The Second Season is when Affliction hath done its Work upon them When it hath effected that God hath sent it for As First When it hath humbled them Lam. 3.19 Remembring my Affliction the Wormwood and Gall my Soul is humbled in me When Gods Corrosive hath eat out the Proud Flesh. Secondly When it hath tamed their Impatience Before they were proud and impatient like froward Children that would struggle with their Parents but when their curst Hearts are tamed and they say as Micah 7.9 I will bear the Indignation of the Lord because I have sin'd against him and as Eli It is the Lord let him do what seems him good Let him hedge me with Thorns if he will plant me with Grace 3 When they are more Partakers of God's Holiness Heb. 12.10 they are more full of Heavenly-Mindedness When the sharp Frost of Affliction hath brought forth the Spring Flowers of Grace now the Cross is sanctified and God will bring them out of the House of Bondage Luctus in laetitiam vertetur cineres in Corollas When the Metal is refined then it is taken out of the Furnace When Affliction hath heal'd us now God takes off the smarting Plaister Fourthly Quest. Why doth God bring his People out of the House of Bondage Resp. Hereby he makes way for his own Glory Gods Glory is dearer to him than any thing besides it is a Crown-Jewel God by raising his People raiseth the Trophies of his own Honour He glorifies his Attributes His Power Goodness Truth do all Ride in Triumph 1. His Power If God did not sometimes bring his People into Trouble how would his Power be seen in bringing them out He brought Israel out of the House of Bondage with Miracle upon Miracle he saved them with an outstretched-Arm Psal. 114.5 What ailed thee O thou Sea that thou fleddest c. It is spoken of Israel's March out of Egypt when the Sea fled and the Waters were parted each from other Here was the power of God set forth Ier. 32.27 Is any thing too hard for me God loves to help when things seem past hope he creates Deliverance Psal. 124.8 He brought Isaac out of a Dead Womb and the Messiah out of a Virgins Womb. O how doth his Power shine forth when he overcomes seeming Impossibilities and works a Cure when things look desperate 2. His Truth God hath made Promises to his People when they are under great pressures to deliver them and his Truth is engaged in his Promise Psal. 50.15 Call-upon me in the Day of Trouble I will deliver thee Job 5.19 He shall deliver thee in Six Troubles and in Seven How is the Scripture bespangled with these Promises as the Firmament is with Stars either God will deliver them from Death or by Death 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he will make a way to escape 1 Cor. 10.13 When Promises are verified God's Truth is magnified 3. His Goodness God is full of Compassion to such as are in Misery The Hebrew Word Racham for Mercy signifies Bowels God hath Soundings of Bowels Isa. 63.15 And this Sympathy stirs up God to deliver Isa. 63.9 In his Love and in his Pity he Redeemed them This makes way for the Triumph of Gods Goodness First He is Tender-hearted he will not over-afflict he cuts asunder the Bars of Iron he breaks the Yoaks of the Oppressor Thus all his Attributes ride in Triumph in the saving his People out of Trouble Fifthly Quest. How the Deliverances of the Godly and Wicked out of Trouble differ Resp. 1. The deliverances of
our Blood Ezek. 16.6 We had no Spiritual Beauty to tempt Christ. Nay we were not only in our Blood but we were up in Arms Rom. 5.8 When we were Enemies Christ died for us When he was shedding his Blood we were spitting our Poyson Secondly As we could not deserve so neither could we recompense Christ's Love For 1. After he had dy'd for us we could not so much as love him till he made us love him 2. We could give Christ nothing in lieu of his Love Rom. 11.35 Who hath first given to him We were fallen to Poverty if we have any Beauty it is from Christ. Ezek. 16.14 Thou wert comely through my comeliness which I put upon thee If we bring forth any good Fruit it is not of our own Growth it comes from Christ the True Vine Hos. 14.8 From me is thy Fruit found So that it was nothing but pure Love for Christ to lay out his Blood to redeem such as he could not expect to be really bettered by 5. That Christ should die so willingly Iohn 10.17 I lay down my Life The Jews could not have taken it away if he had not laid it down he could have called to his Father for a Legion of Angels to be his Life-guard but what needed that when his Godhead could have defended him from all Assaults But he laid down his Life The Jews did not so much thirst for Christ's Death as he thirsted for our Redemption Luke 12.50 I have a Baptism to be baptized with and how am I straitned till it be accomplished Christ call'd his Sufferings a Baptism He was to be baptiz'd and sprinkled with his own Blood and Christ thought the time long before he suffered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 How am I straitned till it be accomplished Therefore to show Christ's willingness to die his Sufferings is called an Offering Heb. 10.10 By the offering of the Body of Iesus His Death was a Free-will Offering 6. That Christ should not grutch or think much of all his Sufferings his being scourged and crucified we grutch him a light Service but that he should be well contented with what he hath done and if it were to do again he would do it Isa. 53.11 He shall see of the Travel of his Soul and be satisfied As the Mother tho she hath had hard Labour yet when she sees a Child brought forth she doth not repent of her Pangs but is well contented So Christ though he had Hard Travel upon the Cross which put him into an Agony yet he doth not think much he is not troubled but thinks his Sweat and Blood well bestowed because he sees the Man-child of Redemption brought forth into the World He shall see of the Travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied 7. That Christ should make Redemption effectual to some and not to others Here is the Quintessence of Love Tho there is a Sufficiency in Christ's Merit to save all yet only some partake of its saving Vertue all do not believe Iohn 6.64 There are some of you that believe not Christ doth not pray for all Iohn 17.9 Some refuse Christ Psal. 118.22 This is the Stone which the Builders refused Others deride him Luke 16.14 Others throw off his Yoak Luke 19.14 We will not have this Man reign over us So that all have not the benefit of Salvation by him Herein appears the distinguishing Love of Christ that the Vertue of his Death should reach some and not others 1 Cor. 1.26 Not many wise Men after the Flesh not many mighty not many noble are called That Christ should pass by many of Birth and Parts and that the Lot of Free-Grace should fall upon thee that he should sprinkle his Blood upon thee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Depth of the Love of Christ. 8. That Christ should love us with such an entire transcendent Love The Apostle calls it a Love which passeth knowledge Eph. 3.19 That he should love us more than the Angels He loves them as his Friends Believers as his Spouse He loves them with such a kind of Love as God the Father bears to him Iohn 15.9 As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you O what an Hyperbole of Love doth Christ show in redeeming us 9. That Christ's Love in our Redemption should be everlasting Iohn 13.1 Having loved his own he loved them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the end As Christ's Love is matchless so endless The Flower of Christ's Love is sweet and that which makes it sweeter it never dies Christ's Love is Eterniz'd Ier. 31.3 He will never divorce his Elect Spouse The Failings of his People cannot quite take off his Love They may eclipse his Love not wholly remove it their Failings may make Christ angry with them but not hate them Every Failing doth not break the Marriage-knot Christ's Love is not like the Saints Love sometimes they have strong Affections towards Christ at other times the hot Fit is off and they can find little or no Love stirring in them But it is not so with Christ's Love to the Saints it is a Love of Eternity When the Sun-shine of Christ's Electing Love hath once risen upon the Soul it never sets finally Death may take away our Life from us but not Christ's Love Behold here a rare Subject on a Sabbath-morning to meditate upon The Meditation of Christ's wonderful Love in Redeeming us would work in us a Sabbath-Frame of Heart First It would melt us into Tears for our Spiritual Vnkindnesses That we should sin against so sweet a Saviour that we should be no more affected with his Love but requite Evil for Good Like the Athenians who notwithstanding all the good Service Aristides had done them banished him out of their City That we should grieve Christ with our Pride rash Anger our Unfruitfulness Animosities strange Factions Have we none to abuse but our Friend Have we nothing to kick against but the Bowels of a Saviour Did not Christ suffer enough upon the Cross but must we needs make him suffer more Do we give him more Gall and Vinegar to drink O if any thing can dissolve the Heart in Sorrow and broach the Eyes with Tears 't is dis-ingenuity and unkindness offered to Christ. When Peter thought of Christ's Love to him how he had made him an Apostle and reveal'd his Bosom-Secrets to him and taken him to the Mount of Transfiguration and that he should deny Christ it broke his Heart with Sorrow he went out and wept bitterly Mat. 26.75 What a blessed thing is it to have the Eyes dropping Tears on a Sabbath And nothing would sooner fetch Tears than to meditate of Christ's Love to us and our unkind Requitals Secondly The Meditating on a Lord's Day Morning of Christ's Love would kindle Love in our Hearts to Christ. How can we look on Christ bleeding and dying for us and our Hearts not be warmed with Love to him Love is the Soul of Religion the purest Affection it is not
Life of another This makes the Sin of Blood more bloody The less Provocation to a Sin the greater the Sin 2. To shed the Blood of another contrary to Promise Thus after the Princes of Israel had sworn to the Gibeonites that they should live Iosh. 9.15 Saul slew them 2 Sam. 21.1 Here were two Sins twisted together Breach of Oath and Murder 3. To take away the Life of any Publick Person inhanceth the Murder and makes it greater As 1. To Kill a Judge upon the Bench because he represents the King's Person 2. To murder a Person whose Office is Sacred and comes on the King of Heaven's Ambassage The murdering of him may be the murdering of many Herod added this Sin above all that he shut up Iohn Baptist in Prison Luke 3.20 Then much more to behead Iohn in Prison 3. To stain ones Hands with Royal Blood David's Heart smote him because he did but cut off the Lap of King Saul's Garment 1 Sam. 24.5 How would David's Heart have smote him if he had cut off Sauls Head 4. To shed the Blood of a near Relation aggravates the Murder and dies it of a deeper Crimson For a Son to kill his Father is horrid Parricides are Monsters in Nature Qui occidit patrem plurima committit peccata in uno Cicero He who takes away his Fathers Life committeth many Sins in one He is not only guilty of Murder but of Disobedience Ingratitude Ostracism and Diabolical Cruelty Exod. 21.15 He who striketh his Father or Mother shall be surely put to Death Then how many Deaths is he worthy of that destroyes his Father or Mother Such a Monster was Nero who caused his Mother Agrippina to be slain 5. To shed the Blood of any Righteous Person aggravates the Sin First Hereby Justice is perverted Such a Person being innocent is unworthy of Death Secondly A Saint being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Publick Blessing he lies in the Breach to turn away Wrath So that to destroy him is to go to pull down the Pillars of a Nation Thirdly He is precious to God Isa. 15.43 44. He is a Member of Christ's Body therefore what Injury is offered to him is done to God himself Acts 9.4 Caution I. Tho this Commandment forbids Private Persons Thou shalt not kill to shed the Blood of another unless in their own Defence yet such as are in Office must punish Publick Offenders yea with Death else they sin To kill an Offender is not Murder but Justice A Private Person sins if he draws the Sword a Publick Person sins if he put up the Sword A Magistrate ought not to let the Sword of Justice rust in the Scabbard As the Magistrate should not let the Sword be too sharp by Severity so neither should the Edge of it be blunted by too much Lenity Caution II. Neither doth this Commandment Thou shalt not kill prohibit a Iust War When Mens Sins grow ripe and long Plenty hath bred Surfeit Then God saith Sword go through the Land Ezek. 14.17 God did abet the War between the Tribes of Israel and Benjamin When the Iniquity of the Amorites was full then God sent Israel to commence a War against them Iudg. 11.21 Vse I. Lamentation That this Land is so defiled with Blood Numb 35.33 How common is this Sin in this Hectoring Age England's Sins are written in Letters of Blood Some make no more of killing Men than Sheep Ier. 2.34 In thy Skirts is found the Blood of the poor Innocents Iunius reads it in Alis and so in Hebrew In Thy Wings is found the Blood of Innocents It alludes to the Birds of Prey which stain their Wings with the Blood of other Birds May not the Lord justly take up a Controversie with the Inhabitants of the Land because Blood toucheth Blood Hos. 4.2 There is a Concatenation a Plurality of Murders And that which may encrease our Lamentation is that not only Man's Blood is shed among us but Chrst's Blood Such as are profane flagitious Sinners are said to Crucify the Son of God afresh Heb. 6.6 1. They Swear by his Blood and so do as it were make his Wounds bleed afresh 2. Crucifie Christ in his Members Why persecutest thou me The Foot being trodden on the Head cried out 3. If it lay in their Power were Christ alive on Earth they would nail him again to the Cross. Thus Men Crucifie Christ afresh And if Man's Blood doth so cry how loud will Christ's Blood cry against Sinners Vse II. Beware of having your Hands imbrued in the Blood of others Obj. But such a one hath wronged me by Defamation or other ways and if I spill his Blood I do but revenge my own Quarrel Resp. If he hath done you wrong the Law is open but take heed of shedding Blood What because he hath wronged you will you therefore wrong God Is it not a Wrong to God to take his Work out of his Hand He hath said Vengeance is mine and I will repay Rom. 12.19 But you will take upon you to revenge your self You will be both Plantiff and Judge and Executioner your self This is an high Wrong done to God and he will not hold you guiltless Now to deterr all from having their Hands defiled with Blood consider what a Sin Murder is 1. A God-affronting Sin It is a Breach of Commandment trampling upon God's Royal Edict It is a Wrong offered to God's Image Gen. 9.6 In the Image of God made he Man It is a tearing God's Picture and breaking in Pieces the King of Heavens Broad-Seal Man is the Temple of God 1 Cor. 6.19 Know ye not that your Body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost So that the Man-slayer destroys God's Temple And will God endure to be thus confronted by proud Dust 2. It is a crying Sin Clamitat in Coelum vox Sanguinis There are three Sins in Scripture said to cry 1. Oppression Psal. 12.5 2. Sodomy Gen. 18.21 3. Blood-shed This comes so loud that it drowns all the other Cries Gen. 4.10 The Voice of thy Brothers Blood cries unto me from the Ground Abel's Blood had as many Tongues as Drops to cry aloud for Vengeance This Sin of Blood lay heavy on David's Conscience Tho he had sinned by Adultery yet that he cried out of most was this Crimson Sin of Blood Psal. 51.14 Deliver me from Blood-guiltiness O God Tho the Lord visits for every Sin yet he will in a special manner make Inquisition for Blood Psal. 9.12 If a Beast did kill a Man the Beast was to be ston'd and his Flesh must not be eaten Exod. 21.8 If God would have a Beast stoned that killed a Man who had not the Use of Reason to restrain him then much more will he be incensed against those who go both against Reason and Conscience in spoiling the Life of a Man 3. Murder is a Diabolical Sin It makes a Man Primogenitum Diaboli The Devil 's First-born He was a Murderer from the beginning Iohn
As if a Company of Archers were shooting and one should go and stand in the place where the Arrows fly if the Arrow did kill him he is accessary to his own Death In the Law God would have the Leper shut up to keep others from being infected Lev. 13.4 Now if any would be so presumptuous as to go in to the Leper and get the Plague of Leprosie he might thank himself he occasioned his own Death Secondly A Person may be in some Sence guilty of his own Death by neglecting the Use of Means if sick and use no Physick If hehath received a Wound and will not apply Balsom he hastens his own Death God appointed Hezekiah to lay a Lump of Figs to the Boil Isa. 38.21 If he had not used the Lump of Figs he had been the cause of his own Death Thirdly By Immoderate Grief 2 Cor. 7.10 The Sorrow of the World worketh Death When God takes away a dear Relation and one is swallowed up with Sorrow How many weep themselves into their Graves Queen Mary grieved so excessively for the loss of Calice that it broke her Heart Fourthly By Intemperance Excess in Diet. Surfeiting shortens Life Plures periere crapula quam gladio Many dig their Grave with their Teeth Too much Oyl choaks the Lamp The Cup kills more than the Canon Excessive drinking causeth untimely Death 2. One may be guilty of Self-murder Directly and Absolutely 1. By Envy Envy is Tristitia de bonis alienis a secret repining at the Welfare of another Invidus alterius rebus macrescit opimis An envious Man is more sorry at anothers Prosperity than at his own Adversity He never laughs but when another Weeps Envy is a Self-murder a Fretting Canker Cyprian calls it Vulnus occultum a Secret Wound it hurts a Man's self most-Envy corrodes the Heart dries up the Blood rots the Bones Prov. 14.30 Envy is the rottenness of the Bones It is to the Body as the Moth to the Cloth it eats it and makes its Beauty consume Envy drinks its own Venom The Viper which leap'd on Paul's Hand thought to have hurt Paul but fell her self into the Fire Acts 28.3 So while the envious Man thinks to hurt another he destroys himself 2. By laying Violent Hands upon himself and thus he is Felo de se as Saul fell upon his own Sword and kill'd himself Because I see so many in the Bills of Mortality who make away themselves let me a little expatiate It is the most unnatural and barbarous kind of Murder for a Man to butcher himself and imbrue his Hands in his own Blood A Man's self is most near to him therefore this Sin of Self-murder breaks both the Law of God and the Bonds of Nature The Lord hath placed the Soul in the Body as in a Prison now it is a great Sin to break Prison till God by Death open the Door Self-murders are worse than the Brute-Creatures they will tear and gore one another but no Beast will go to destroy its self Self-murder is occasion'd usually from Discontent Discontent is joyned with a sullen Melancholy The Bird that beats her self in the Cage and is ready to kill her self is the true Emblem of a discontented Spirit And this Discontent ariseth 1. From Pride A Man that is swell'd with an High Opinion of himself thinks he deserves better than others and if any Cross befall him he is discontented and now in a suddain Passion will make away himself Achitophel had high Thoughts of himself his Words were esteemed Oracles and to have his Wise Counsel rejected he was not able to bear it 2 Sam. 17.23 He put his House in order and hanged himself 2. Discontent is occasioned from Poverty Poverty is a sore Temptation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Menand Prov. 30.29 Give me not Poverty Many by their Sin have brought themselves to Poverty and when a great Estate is boil'd away to nothing then they are discontented and think better to die quickly than languish in Misery Hereupon the Devil helps them to dispatch themselves 3. Discontent is occasion'd from Covetousness Avarice is a dry Drunkenness an Horseleech that is never satisfied The Covetous Man is like Behemoth Iob 40.23 Behold he drinketh up a River and yet his Thirst is not allayed The covetous Miser hoards up Corn and if he hears the Price of Corn begins to fall then he is troubled and there 's no Cure for his Discontent but an Halter 4. From Horror of Mind A Man hath sinn'd a great Sin he hath swallowed down some Pills of Temptation the Devil hath given him and these Pills begin to work in his Conscience and the Horror is so great that he chooseth Strangling Iudas having betray'd Innocent Blood he was in that Agony that he hanged himself to quiet his Conscience As if one should to avoid the stinging of a Gnat endure the biting of a Serpent This Self-murder 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is an High Breach of this Commandment it is an execrable Sin I can see no ground of hope for such as make away themselves for they die in the very Act of Sin and cannot have time to repent 2. Here is forbidden hurting ones own Soul Thou shalt not Kill Many who are free from other Murder yet are guilty here they go about to murder their own Souls they are wilfully set to damn themselves and throw themselves into Hell Quest. Who are they that go about desperately to murder their own Souls Resp. 1. Such wilfully go about to murder their Souls who have no Sence of God or the other World They are past feeling Eph. 4.19 Tell them of God's Holiness and Justice they are not at all affected Zech. 7.12 They made their Hearts like an Adamant The Adamant saith Pliny is insuperable the Hammer cannot conquer it Sinners have Adamantine Hearts The Altar of Stone when the Prophet spake to it rent asunder 1 Kings 13.2 But Sinners Hearts are so hardened in Sin that nothing will work upon them neither Ordinances nor Judgments they do not believe a Deity they laugh at Hell These go about to murder their Souls they are throwing themselves as fast as they can into Hell 2. Such as are set wilfully to murder their Souls are they who are resolved upon their Lusts let what will come of it the Soul may cry out I am killing I am murdering Eph. 4.19 They have given themselves over to work all Vncleanness with Greediness Let Ministers speak to them about their Sins let Conscience speak let Affliction speak yet they will have their Lusts tho they go to Hell for them Are not these resolved to murder their Souls As Agrippina Mother to Nero said Occidat modò imperet Let my Son kill me so he may Reign So many say in their Hearts Let our Sins damn us so they may but please us Herod will have his incestuous Lust tho it cost him his Soul Men will for a drop of Pleasure drink a Sea of Wrath. Are not
Adulteress who can paint her black enough The Scripture calls her a deep Ditch Prov. 23.27 She is a Common-shore Whereas a Believer his Body is a Living Temple and his Soul a little Heaven bespangled with the Graces as so many little Stars The Body of an Harlot is a walking Dunghil and her Soul a lesser Hell Fourthly Adultery is destructive to the Body Prov. 5.11 And thou mourn at last when thy Flesh and thy Body is consumed It brings into a Consumption Uncleanness turns the Body into an Hospital it wastes the Radical Moisture rots the Skull eats the Beauty of the Face As the Flame wastes the Candle so the Fire of Lust consumes the Bones The Adulterer hastens his own Death Prov. 7.23 Till a Dart strike through his Liver The Romans had their Funerals at the Gate of Venus Temple to signify that Lust brings Death Venus is Lust. Fifthly Adultery is a Purgatory to the Purse as it wastes the Body so the Estate Prov. 6.26 By the means of a Whorish Woman a Man is brought to a piece of Bread Whores are the Devil's Horseleeches Spunges that will soon suck in all ones Money The Prodigal had soon spent his Portion when once he fell among Harlots Luke 15.30 King Edward the Third's Concubine when he lay a dying got all she could from him and pluck'd the Rings off his Fingers and so left him He that lives in Luxury dies in Beggery Sixthly Adultery blots and eclipseth the Name Prov. 6.33 Whoso committeth Adultery with a Woman a wound and dishonour shall he get and his Reproach shall not be wiped away Some while they get Wounds get Honour The Soldiers Wounds are full of Honour The Martyrs Wounds for Christ are full of Honour These get Honour while they get Wounds But the Adulterer gets Wounds in his Name but no Honour His Reproach shall not be wiped away The Wounds of the Name no Physician can heal The Adulterer when he is dead his Shame lives When his Body rots under ground his Name rots above ground His base-born Children will be the Living Monuments of his Shame Seventhly This Sin doth much eclipse the Light of Reason it steals away the Understanding it stupifies the Heart Hos. 4.11 Whoredom takes away the Heart It eats out all Heart for good Solomon besotted himself with Women and they enticed him to Idolatry Eighthly This Sin of Adultery ushers in Temporal Iudgments The Mosaical Law made Adultery Death Lev. 20.10 The Adulterer and the Adulteress shall surely be put to Death And the usual Death was Stoning Deut. 22.24 The Saxons commanded the Persons taken in this Sin to be burnt The Romans caused their Heads to be stricken off This Sin like a Scorpion carries a Sting in the Tail of it The Adultery of Paris and Helena a beautiful Strumpet ended in the Ruin of Troy and was the Death both of Paris and Helena Iealousie is the rage of a Man and the Adulterer is oft killed in the Act of his Sin Adultery cost Otho the Emperor and Pope Sixtus the Fourth their Lives Laeta venire Venus tristis abire solet I have read of two Citizens in London 1583. who defiling themselves with Adultery on the Lord's Day were immediately struck dead with a Fire from Heaven If all that were now guilty of this Sin should be punished in this manner it would rain Fire again as on Sodom Ninthly Adultery without Repentance damns the Soul 1 Cor. 6.9 Neither Fornicators nor Adulterers nor Effeminate shall enter into the Kingdom of God The Fire of Lust brings to the Fire of Hell Heb. 13.4 Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge Tho Men may neglect to judge them yet God will judge them But will not God judge all other Sinners Yes Why then doth the Apostle say Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge The meaning is 1. He will judge them assuredly they shall not escape the Hand of Justice 2. He will punish them severely 2 Pet. 2.10 The Lord knoweth how to reserve the Vnjust to the Day of Iudgment to be punish'd but chiefly them that walk in the Lust of Vncleanness The Harlot's Breast keeps from Abraham's Bosom Momentaneum est quod delectat Aeternum q. d. Cruciat Who would for a Cup of Pleasure drink a Sea of Wrath Prov. 9.18 Her Guests are in the depths of Hell A wise Traveller when he comes to his Inn tho many pleasant Dishes are set before him yet he forbears to taste because of the Reckoning which will be brought in We are here all Travellers to Ierusalem above and tho many Baits of Temptation are set before us yet we should forbear and think of the reckoning which will be brought in at Death With what Stomach could Dionisius eat his Dainties when he imagined there was a naked Sword hung over his Head as he sat at Meat While the Adulterer feeds on strange Flesh the Sword of God's Justice hangs over his Head Causinus speaks of a Tree that grows in Spain that is of a sweet Smell and pleasant to the Taste but the Juyice of it is poysonous The Emblem of an Harlot she is perfum'd with Powders and fair to look on but poysonous and damnable to the Soul Prov. 7.26 She hath cast down many wounded yea many strong Men have been slain by her Tenthly The Adulterer doth not only wrong his own Soul but doth what in him lies to destroy the Soul of another and so kill two at once And thus the Adulterer is worse than the Thief For suppose a Thief Rob a Man yea take away his Life yet that Man's Soul may be happy he may go to Heaven as well as if he had died in his Bed But he who commits Adultery endangers the Soul of another and deprives her of Salvation so far as in him lies Now what a fearful thing is it to be an Instrument to draw another to Hell Eleventhly The Adulterer is abhorr'd of God Prov. 22.14 The mouth of a strange Woman is a deep Pit he who is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein What can be worse than to be abhorr'd of God God may be angry with his own Children but for God to Abhor a Man it is the highest Degree of Hatred Quest. But how doth the Lord show his abhorring of the Adulterer Answ. In giving him up to a Reprobate Mind and a Seared Conscience Rom. 1.26 And now he is in such a condition that he cannot repent This is to be abhorred of God Such a Person stands upon the Threshold of Hell and when Death gives him a Jog he tumbles in All which may sound a Retreat in our Ears and call us off from the pursuit of so damnable a Sin as Uncleanness I will conclude with two Scriptures Prov. 5.8 Come not nigh the Door of her House Prov. 7.27 Her House is the way to Hell Twelfthly Adultery is a Sower of Discord It destroyes Peace and Love the two best Flowers which grow in a Family Adultery sets Husband
Christ doth not cast these Pearl before Swine Whether Iudas were present at the Supper is controverted I rather incline to think he was not For Christ said to the Disciples This is my Blood which is shed for you Luke 22.20 Christ knew his Blood was never shed effectually and intentionally for Iudas In eating the Passover Christ gave Iudas a Sop which was a Bit of Unleavened Bread dipt in a Sauce made with bitter Herbs Iudas having received the Sop went immediately out John 13. But suppose Iudas were there tho he receiv'd the Element yet not the Blessing 7. Take Eat This Expression of Eating denotes Four things 1. The near mystical Vnion between Christ and his Saints As the Meat which is eaten incorporates with the Body and becomes one with it so by eating Christ's Flesh and drinking his Blood Spiritually we partake of Christ's Merits and Graces and are mystically one with him Iohn 17.23 I in them 2. Take eat Eating shows the infinite Delight the believing Soul hath in Christ. Eating is grateful and pleasing to the Pallat So feeding on Christ by a lively Faith is delicious Nullus animae suavior cibus Lactantius No such sweet feeding as on Christ crucifyed This is a Feast of Fat things and Wine on Lees wâ—ll refined 3. Take eat Eating denotes Nourishment Meat as it is delicious to the Pallat so it is nourishing to the Body So eating Christ's Flesh and drinking his Blood is nutritive to the Soul The new Creature is nourished at the Table of the Lord to everlasting Life Iohn 6.54 Whoso eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood hath eternal Life 4. Take eat shows the Wisdom of God who restores us by the same means by which we fell We fell by Taking and Eating the Forbidden Fruit and we are recovered again by Taking and Eating of Christ's Flesh. We died by eating the Tree of Knowledge and we live by eating the Tree of Life 8. This is my Body These Words Hoc est Corpus meum have been much controverted between us and the Papists This is my Body that is by a Metonymy It is a Sign and Figure of my Body The Papists hold Transubstantiation that the Bread is after Consecration turn'd into the very Substance of Christ's Body We say we receive Christ's Body Spiritually they say they receive Christ's Body Carnally which is contrary to Scripture The Scripture affirms that the Heavens must receive Christ's Body until the times of the restitution of all things Acts 3.21 Christ's Body cannot be at the same time in Heaven and in the Host. Aquinas saith It is not possible by any Miracle that a Body should be locally in two places at once Besides it is absurd to imagine that the Bread in the Sacrament should be turned into Christ's Flesh and that his Body which was hung before should be made again of Bread So that This is my Body is as if Christ had said This is a Sign and Representation of my Body 9. And he took the Cup. The Cup is put by a Metonymy of the Subject for the Adjunct for the Wine in the Cup it signifies the Blood of Christ shed for our Sins The taking of the Cup denotes the Redundancy of Merit in Christ and the Fulness of our Redemption by him He not only took the Bread but the Cup. 10. And when he had given Thanks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ gave Thanks that God had given these Elements of Bread and Wine to be Signs and Seals of Man's Redemption by Christ. Christ's giving of Thanks shows his Philanthropy or Love to Mankind who did so rejoyce and bless God that Lost Man was now in a way of Recovery and that he should be rais'd higher in Christ than ever he was in Innocency 11. He gave the Cup to them Why then dare any with-hold the Cup This is to pollute and curtail the Ordinance and alter it from its Primitive Institution Christ and his Apostles administred the Sacrament in both Kinds the Bread and the Cup 1 Cor. 11.24 25. And the Cup was receiv'd in the ancient Church for the space of 1400 Years as is confess'd by Two Popish Councils Christ saith expresly Drink ye all of this He doth not say Eat ye all of this But Drink ye all as foreseeing the Sacrilegious Impiety of the Church of Rome in keeping back the Cup from the People The Popish Council of Constance speaks plainly but impudently That altho' Christ instituted and administred the Sacrament in both Kinds the Bread and the Wine yet the Authority of the Holy Canons and the Custom of the Mother Church think good to deny the Cup to the Laity Thus as the Popish Priests make Christ but half a Saviour so they administer to the People but half a Sacrament The Sacrament is Christ's Last Will and Testament in the Text This is my Blood of the New Testament Now to alter or take away any thing from a Man's Will and Testament is a great Impiety What is it then to alter and mangle Christ's Last Will and Testament Sure 't is an high Affront to Christ. Quest. 3. What are the Ends of the Lord's Supper Resp. 1. It is an Ordinance appointed to confirm our Faith Iohn 4.48 Except ye see Signs ye will not believe Christ sets the Elements before us that by these Signs our Faith may be strengthened As Faith cometh by hearing so it is confirmed by seeing Christ crucify'd The Sacrament is not only a Sign to represent Christ but a Seal to confirm our Interest in him Object But it is the Spirit confirms Faith therefore not the Sacrament Answ. This is no good Logick The Spirit confirms Faith therefore not the Sacrament is as if one should say God feeds our Bodies therefore Bread doth not feed us whereas God feeds us by Bread So the Spirit confirms our Faith by the Use of the Sacrament 2. The End of the Sacrament is to keep up the Memory of Christ's Death 1 Cor. 11.25 This do ye 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in remembrance of me If a Friend give us a Ring at his Death we wear it to keep up the Memory of our Friend Much more then ought we to keep up the Memorial of Christ's Death in the Sacrament Christ's Death lays a Foundation for all the magnificent Blessings which we receive from Christ. The Covenant of Grace was agreed on in Heaven but sealed upon the Cross. Christ hath sealed all the Articles of Peace in his Blood Remission of Sin flows from Christ's Death Matth. 26.28 This is my Blood of the New Testament shed for many for the Remission of Sins Consecration or making us Holy is the Fruit of Christ's Death Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the Blood of Christ purge your Conscience Christ's Intercession is made available to us by Vertue of his Death Christ could not have been admitted an Advocate if he had not been first a Sacrifice Our entring into Heaven is the Fruit of Christ's Blood Heb. 10.19
Christ and all his Benefits to us We are to pray that this great Ordinance may be Poyson to our Sins and Food to our Graces That as it was with Ionathan when he had tasted the Honey-Comb his Eyes mere enlightned 1 Sam. 14.27 So that by our receiving this Holy Eucharist our Eyes may be so enlightned as to discern the Lord's Body Thus should we implore a Blessing upon the Ordinance before we come The Sacrament is like a Tree hung full of Fruit but none of this Fruit will fall unless shaken by the Hand of Prayer 2. That the Sacrament may be effectual to us as there must be a Due Preparing for it so a right partaking of it Which right Participation of the Sacrament is in Three Things 1. When we draw nigh to God's Table in an humble Sense of our Vnworthiness We do not deserve one Crumb of the Bread of Life we are poor Indigent Creatures who have lost our Glory and are like a Vessel that is Shipwrack'd We smite on our Breast as the Publican God be merciful to us Sinners This is a right Partaking of the Ordinance 'T is part of our Worthiness to see our Unworthiness 2. We rightly partake of the Sacrament when at the Lord's Table we are fill'd with Anhelations of Soul and inflamed Desires after Christ and nothing can quench our Thirst but his Blood Matth. 5.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Blessed are they that thirst They are blessed not only when they are filled but while they are thirsting 3. A right participation of the Supper is when we receive in Faith Without Faith we get no good What is said of the Word Preached It profiteth not not being mixed with Faith Heb. 4.2 is as true of the Sacrament Christ turned Stones into Bread Unbelief turns the Bread into Stones that it doth not nourish Then we partake aright when we come in Faith Faith hath a two-fold Act an adhering and an applying By the first Act we go over to Christ by the second Act we bring Christ over to us Gal. 2.20 This is the great Grace we must set awork Acts 10.43 Philo calls it Fides Occulata Faith is the Eagle Eye that discerns the Lord's Body Faith causeth a virtual Contact it toucheth Christ. Christ said to Mary Touch me not c. Iohn 20.17 She was not to touch him with the Hands of her Body But he saith to us Touch me Touch me with the Hand of your Faith Faith makes Christ present to the Soul The Believer hath a real Presence in the Sacrament The Body of the Sun is in the Firmament but the Light of the Sun is in the Eye Christ's Essence is in Heaven but he is in a Believers Heart by his Light and Influence Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your Heart by Faith Faith is the Pallat which tastes Christ 1 Pet. 2.3 Faith makes a Concoction it causeth the Bread of Life to nourish Faith causeth a Coalition it makes us one with Christ Eph. 1.23 Other Graces make us like Christ Faith makes us Members of Christ. Fourthly Then we partake aright of the Sacrament when we receive in Love 1. Love to Christ. Who can see Christ pierced with a Crown of Thorns sweating in his Agony bleeding on the Cross but his Heart must needs be endeared in Love to him How can we but love him who hath given his Life a ransom for us Love is the Spiced Wine and Juyce of the Pomgranate which we must give Christ Cant. 8.2 Our Love to this Superiour and Blessed Jesus must exceed our Love to other things as the Oyl runs above the Water Tho' we cannot with Mary bring our costly Oyntment to anoynt Christ's Body yet we do more than this when we bring him our Love which is sweeter to him than all Oyntments and Perfumes 2. Love to the Saints This is a Love-Feast Tho' we must eat this Supper with the Bitter Herbs of Repentance yet not with the bitter Herbs of Malice Were it not sad if all the Meat one eats should turn to bad Humours He who comes in Malice to the Lord's Table all he eats is to his hurt He eats and drinks Damnation to himself 1 Cor. 11.29 Come in Love It is with Love as it is with Fire You keep Fire all the Day upon the Hearth but upon special occasions you draw the Fire out larger So tho we must have Love to all yet to the Saints who are our Fellow-Members here we must draw out the Fire of our Love larger and we must show the Largeness of our Affections to them by prizing their Persons by chusing their Company by doing all Offices of Love to them counselling them in their Doubts comforting them in their Fears supplying them in their Wants Thus one Christian may be an Eben-ezer to another and as an Angel of God to him The Sacrament cannot be effectual to him who doth not receive in Love If a Man drinks Poyson and then takes a Cordial the Cordial will do him little good He who hath the Poyson of Malice in his Soul the Cordial of Christ's Blood will do him no good Come therefore in Love and Charity And thus we see how we may receive the Supper of the Lord that it may be Effectual to our Salvation Vse I. From the whole Doctrine of the Sacrament learn How precious should a Sacrament be to us It is a Sealed Deed to make over the Blessings of the New Covenant to us Justification Sanctification Glory A small piece of Wax put to a Parchment is made the Instrument to confirm a rich Conveyance or Lordship to another So these Elements in the Sacrament of Bread and Wine tho in themselves of no great value yet being consecrated to be Seals to Confirm the Covenant of Grace to us so they are of more value than all the Riches of the Indies Vse II. The Sacrament being such an Holy Mystery let us come to this Holy Mystery with Holy Hearts There 's no receiving a crucify'd Christ but into a consecrated Heart Christ in his Conception lay in a pure Virgins Womb and at his Death his Body was wrapped in clean Linnen and put in a new Virgin-Tomb never yet defiled with Rottenness If Christ would not lie in an unclean Grave sure he will not be received into an unclean Heart Isa. 52.11 Be ye clean that bear the Vessels of the Lord. If they who did carry the Vessels of the Lord were to be holy then they who are to be the Vessels of the Lord and are to hold Christ's Body and Blood ought to be holy Vse III. Consolation Christ's Body and Blood in the Sacrament is a most Sovereign Elixir or Comfort to a distressed Soul Christ having poured out his Blood now God's Justice is fully satisfied There is in the Death of Christ enough to answer all Doubts What if Sin is the Poyson here is the Flesh of Christ an Antidote against it What if Sin be red as Scarlet is not Christ's
are more than conquerours How are Gods Children more than Conquerours Because they conquer without loss and because they are crowned after death which other Conquerours are not 15. If God be our Father he will now and then send us some tokens of his Love Gods Children live far from home and meet sometimes with coarse usage from the unkind World therefore God to encourage his Children sends them sometimes tokens and pledges of his Love What are these He gives them a return of Prayer there is a token of Love he quickens and enlargeth their Hearts in Duty there is a token of Love he gives them the first fruits of his Spirit which are Love-tokens Rom. 8.23 As God gives the wicked the first fruits of Hell horrour of Conscience and Despair so he gives his Children the first fruits of his Spirit Joy and Peace which are foretasts of Glory Some of Gods Children having received these tokens of Love from their Heavenly Father have been so transported that they have dyed for Joy as the Glass oft breaks with the strength of the Wine put into it 16. If God be our Father he will indulge and spare us Mal. 3.17 I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him Gods sparing his Children imports this his clemency towards them he doth not punish them as he might Psal. 103.10 He hath not dealt with us according to our sins We oft do that which merits Wrath grieve Gods Spirit relapse into Sin God passeth by much and spares us God did not spare his Natural Son Rom. 8.32 yet he will spare his Adopted Sons God threatned Ephraim to make him as the Chaff driven with the Whirlwind but he soon repented Hos. 13.4 Yet I am the Lord thy God ver 10. I will be thy King Here God spared him as a Father spares his Son Israel oft provoked God with their complaints but God used clemency towards them he oft answered their murmurings with Mercies here he spared them as a Father spares his Son 17. If God be our Father he will put Honour and Renown upon us at the last day 1. He will clear the innocency of his Children Gods Children in this Life are strangely misrepresented to the World they are loaded with invectives they are called factious seditious Elijah the troubler of Israel Luther was called the trumpet of Rebellion Athanasius was accused to the Emperor Constantine to be the raiser of Tumults the Primitive Christians were accused to be infanticidii incestus rei killers of their Children guilty of Incest as Tertullian St. Paul reported to be a pestilent person Acts 24.5 Famous Wickliff called the Idol of the Hereticks and that he dyed drunk If Satan cannot defile Gods Children he will disgrace them if he cannot strike his fiery darts into their Conscience he will put a dead fly into their Name but God will one day clear his Childrens innocency he will roll away their reproach As God will make a Resurrection of Bodies so of Names Isa. 25.8 The Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces and the rebuke of his people shall he take away God will be the Saints compurgator Psal. 37.6 He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light The Night casts its dark mantle upon the most beautiful Flowers but the light comes in the Morning and dispells the darkness and every Flower appears in its orient brightness so the wicked may by misreports darken the honour and repute of the Saints but God will dispel this darkness and cause their Names to shine forth He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light As God did stand up for the honour of Moses when Aaron and Miriam went about to eclipse his Fame Numb 12.8 Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses So will God say one day to the wicked wherefore were not ye afraid to defame and traduce my Children They having my Image upon them how durst ye abuse my Picture At last Gods Children shall come forth out of all their calumnies as a Dove covered with silver and her feathers with yellow gold Psal. 68.13 2. God will make an open and honourable recital of all their good deeds As the Sins of the Wicked shall be openly mentioned to their eternal infamy and confusion so all the good deeds of the Saints shall be openly mentioned and then shall every man have praise of God 1 Cor. 4.5 Every Prayer made with melting eyes every good service every work of Charity shall be openly declared before Men and Angels Matth. 25.35 I was an hungred and ye gave me meat thirsty and ye gave me drink naked and ye clothed me Thus God will set a Trophy of Honour upon all his Children at the last day Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father Matth. 13.43 18. If God be our Father he will settle good land of inheritance upon us 1 Pet. 1.4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus who hath begotten us again to a lively hope to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled A Father may be fallen to decay and have nothing to leave his Son but his Blessing but God will settle an Inheritance on his Children and an Inheritance no less than a Kingdom Luke 17.32 It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you a kingdom This Kingdom is more Glorious and Magnificent than any Earthly Kingdom it is set out by Pearls and precious Stones the richest Jewels Rev 21.19 What are all the Rarities of the World to this Kingdom The Coasts of Pearl the Islands of Spices the Rocks of Diamonds In this Heavenly Kingdom is that which is satisfying unparallel'd Beauty Rivers of Pleasure and this for ever Psal. 16.11 At thy right hand are pleasures for evermore Heavens eminency is its permanency and this Kingdom Gods Children shall enter into immediately after Death There is a sudden transition and passage from Death to Glory 2 Cor. 5.9 Absent from the body present with the Lord. Gods Children shall not stay long for their Inheritance it is but winking and they shall see God How may this comfort Gods Children who perhaps are low in the World your Father in Heaven will settle a Kingdom upon you at death such a Kingdom as eye hath not seen he will give you a Crown not of Gold but Glory he will give you white Robes lined with Immortality It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you a kingdom 19. If God be our Father it is Comfort 1. In case of loss of Relations Hast thou lost a Father yet if thou art a Believer thou art no Orphan thou hast an Heavenly Father a Father that never dyes 1 Tim. 6.16 Who only hath immortality 2. It is comfort in case of Death God is thy Father and at Death thou art going to thy Father Well might Paul say Death is yours 1 Cor. 3.22 it is your friend that will carry you home to your Father
Wind blowes no wonder Men go full sail in sin when the Devil the Prince of the Air blowes them Thus it is till the kingdom of Grace come Men are under the power of Satan who like Draco writes all his Lawes in blood 6. Till the kingdom of Grace comes a Man lyes exposed to the Wrath of God And who knowes the power of his anger Psal. 90.11 If when but a spark of Gods Wrath flyes into a Mans Conscience in this Life it is so terrible what then will it be when God stirs up all his anger So unconceivable torturing is Gods Wrath that the wicked call to the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from it Rev. 6. 1st The Hellish torments are compared to a fiery lake Rev. 20.15 other fire is but painted in comparison of this And this lake of fire burns for ever Mark 9.44 Gods breath kindles this fire Isa. 30.33 and where shall we find engines or buckets to quench it Time will not finish it tears will not quench it To this fiery Lake are Men exposed till the kingdom of Grace be set up in them 7. Till the kingdom of Grace come Men cannot dye with comfort only he who takes Christ in the armes of his Faith can look Death in the face with joy But it is sad to have the king of Terrors in the Body and not the kingdom of Grace in the Soul 'T is a wonder every Graceless person doth not dye distracted What will a Grace-despiser do when Death comes to him with a Writ of Habeas Corpus Hell followes Death Rev. 6.8 Behold a pale horse and his name that sat on him was death and hell followed him Thus you see what need we have to pray that the kingdom of Grace may come He that dyes without Grace I may say as Christ Matth. 26.24 It had been good for that-man he had not been born Few do believe the necessity of having the kingdom of Grace set up in their hearts as appears by this because they are so well content to live without it Doth that Man believe the necessity of a Pardon that is content to be without it Most People if they may have Trading and may sit quietly under their Vines and Fig-trees they are in their kingdom though they have not the kingdom of God within them If the Candle of Prosperity shine upon their head they care not whether the Grace of God shine in their hearts Do these Men believe the necessity of Grace Were they convinced how needful it were to have the kingdom of God within them they would cry out as the Jaylor Acts 16.30 What shall I do to be saved Quest. 3. How may we know that the Kingdom of Grace is set up in our hearts Answ. It concerns us to examine this our Salvation depends upon it and we had need be curious in the search because there is something looks like Grace which is not Gal. 6.3 If a man think himself to be something when he is nothing he deceives himself Many think they have the kingdom of Grace come into their heart and it is only a Chimera a golden dream Quam multi cum vana spe descendunt ad inferos Aug. Zeuxis did paint grapes so lively that he deceived the living birds There are many Deceits about Grace Deceit 1. Men think they have the kingdom of Grace in their hearts because they have the means of Grace they live where the silver trumpet of the Gospel sounds they are lift up to Heaven with Ordinances Iudg. 17.13 I have a Levite to my priest sure I shall go to Heaven The Iewes cryed Ier. 7.4 The temple of the Lord The temple of the Lord we are apt to glory in this the Oracles of God are committed to us we have Word and Sacrament Alas this is a fallacy we may have the means of Grace yet the kingdom of Grace may not be set up in our hearts we may have the kingdom of God come nigh us Luke 11.20 but not into us the sound of the Word in our ears and not the savour of it in our hearts Many of the Iewes who had Christ for their Preacher were never the better Hot clothes will not put warmth into a dead Man Thou may'st have hot clothes warm and lively Preaching yet be Spiritually dead Mat. 8.12 The children of the kingdom shall be cast out Deceit 2. Men think they have the kingdom of Grace set up in their hearts because they have some common works of the Spirit 1. They have great enlightnings of mind profound knowledge and almost speak like Angels drop'd from Heaven but the Apostle supposeth a case that after Men have been enlightened they may fall away Heb. 6. Quest. But wherein doth this illumination come short Answ. The illumination of Hypocrites is not vertual it doth not leave an impression of Holiness behind 't is like weak Physick that will not work The mind is enlightned but the heart is not renewed A Christian is all head but no feet he doth not walk in the wayes of God 2. Men have had convictions and stirrings of Conscience for sin they have seen the evil of their wayes therefore now they hope the Kingdom of Grace is come but I say convictions though they are a step towards Grace yet they are not Grace Had not Pharaoh and Iudas convictions Exod. 10.16 Quest. What makes convictions prove abortive wherein is the defect Answ. 1. They are not deep enough A Sinner never saw himself lost without Christ. The seed that wanted depth of earth withered Matth. 13.5 These convictions are like blossoms blown off before they come to maturity 2. These convictions are involuntary the Sinner doth what he can to stifle these convictions he drowns them in Wine and Mirth he labours to get rid of them as the Deer when it is shot runs and shakes out the arrow so doth he the arrow of conviction Or as the Prisoner that files off his fetters and breaks loose so a Man breaks loose from his convictions His corruptions are stronger than convictions 3. Men have had some kind of humiliation and have shed tears for their sins therefore now they hope the Kingdom of Grace is come into their hearts But this is no infallible sign of Grace Saul wept Ahab humbled himself Quest. Why is not humiliation Grace Wherein doth it come short Answ. 1. Tears in the wicked do not spring from love to God but are forced by affliction Gen. 4.13 as water that drops from the Still is forced by the fire The tears of Sinners are forced by Gods fiery Judgments 2. They are deceitful tears lachrymae mentiri doctae Men weep yet go on in sin they do not drown their sins in their tears 4. Men have begun some reformation therefore sure now the Kingdom of Grace is come But there may be deceit in this 1. A Man may leave his Oaths and Drunkenness yet â—â—ill be in love with Sin he may leave Sin
〈◊〉 to depart and be with Christ from this Connexion departing and being with Christ we see clearly that there is a subitus transitus speedy passage from death to Glory No sooner is the Soul of a Believer divorced from the Body but it presently goes to Christ 2 Cor. 5.8 absent from the Body present with the Lord it were better for Believers to stay here if immediately after death they were not with Christ in Glory for here the Saints are daily encreasing their Grace here they have many praelibamina sweet tasts of Gods love so that it were better to stay here if their Soul should sleep in their body and they should not have a speedy sight of God in Glory But this is the Consolation of Believers they shall not stay long for their kingdom 't is but winking and they shall see God it will be a blessed change to a Believer from a Desert to a Paradise from a bloody battle to a victorious Crown and a sudden Change no sooner did Lazarus dye but he had a Convoy of Angels to conduct his Soul to the kingdom of Glory You who now are full of bodily Diseases scarce a well day Psal. 31.10 My Life is spent with Grief be of good Comfort you may be happy before you are aware before another Week or Month be over you may be in the kingdom of Glory and then all tears shall be wiped away 2. The Glory in the kingdom of Heaven will be fully perfected at the Resurrection and general day of Judgment then the Bodies and Souls of Believers will be re-united what Joy will there be at the Re-union and meeting together of the Soul and Body of a Saint O what a welcome will the Soul give to the Body O my dear Body thou didst oft joyn with me in Prayer and now thou shalt joyn with me in Praise thou wert willing to suffer with me and now thou shalt reign with me thou wert sown a vile Body but now thou art made like Christs Glorious Body we were once for a time divorc'd but now we are married and Crowned together in a kingdom and shall mutually congratulate each others Felicity 5. Quest. Wherein appears the Certainty and infallibility of this Kingdom of Glory Resp. That this blessed kingdom shall be bestowed on the Saints is beyond all Dispute 1. God hath promised it Luke 12.32 It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you a Kingdom Luke 22.29 I appoint unto you a Kingdom Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I bequeath it as my last Will and Testament Hath God promised a kingdom and will he not make it good Gods promise is better then any Bond Tit. 1.2 In hope of eternal Life which God that cannot lye hath promised The whole Earth hangs upon the Word of Gods Power and cannot our Faith hang upon the Word of his Promise 2. There is a Price laid down for this kingdom Heaven is not only a kingdom which God hath promised but which Christ hath purchased 'T is called a purchased Possession Eph. 1.14 Though this kingdom is given us freely yet Christ bought it with the Price of his blood Christs blood is an Heaven-procuring blood Heb. 10.19 Having boldness to enter into the Holiest i. e. into Heaven by the blood of Iesus Crux Christi Clavis Paradisi Christs blood is the key that opens the Gates of Heaven to us should not the Saints have this kingdom then Christ would lose his Purchase Christ on the Cross was in hard Travail Isa. 13.11 he travailed to bring forth Salvation to the Elect should not they possess the kingdom when they dye Christ should lose his Travail all his Pangs and Agonies of Soul upon the Cross should be in vain 3. Christ prays that the Saints may have this kingdom settled upon them Iohn 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am i. e. in Heaven This is Christs Prayer that the Saints may be with him in his kingdom and be bespangled with some of the Beams of his Glory now if they should not go into this heavenly kingdom then Christs Prayer would be frustrated but that cannot be for he is Gods Favourite Iohn 11.42 I know thou hearest me alwaies and besides what Christ prays for he hath power to give Observe the manner of Christs Prayer Father I will Father there he prays as Man I will there he gives as God 4. The Saints must have this blessed kingdom by vertue of Christs Ascension Iohn 20.17 I ascend to my Father and your Father to my God and to your God Where lies the comfort of this here it lies Jesus Christ ascended to take Possession of heaven for all Believers as an Husband takes up Land in another Country in the behalf of his Wife so Christ went to take possession of heaven in the behalf of all Believers Iohn 14.2 I go to prepare a place for you My Ascension is to make all things ready against your coming I go to prepare the heavenly Mansions for you The Flesh that Christ hath taken into heaven is a sure Pledge that all our Flesh and Bodies shall be where he is ere long Christ did not ascend to heaven as a private Person but as a publick Person for the good of all Believers his Ascension was a certain Fore-runner of the Saints ascending into heaven 5. The Elect must have this blessed kingdom in regard of the previous Works of the Spirit in their hearts they have the beginning of the kingdom of heaven in them here Grace is heaven begun in the Soul besides God gives them primitias spiritus the first Fruits of the Spirit Rom. 8.23 These First-fruits are the Comforts of the Spirit the First-fruits under the Law were a certain sign to the Jews of the full Crop or Vintage which they should after receive The First-fruits of the Spirit consisting in Joy and Peace do assure the Saints of the full Vintage of Glory they shall be ever reaping in the kingdom of God and the Saints in this Life are said to have the earnest of the Spirit in their hearts 2 Cor. 5.5 as an earnest is part of Payment and an assurance of Payment in full to be made in due Time So Gods Spirit in the hearts of Believers giving them his Comforts bestows on them an earnest or tast of Glory which doth further assure them of that full Reward which they shall have in the kingdom of heaven 1 Pet. 1.8 believing ye rejoyce there is the earnest of heaven Verse 9. receiving the end of your Faith Salvation there is the full Payment 6. The Elect must have this blessed Kingdom by virtue of their Coalition and Vnion with Jesus Christ. They are Members of Christ therefore they must be where their Head is Indeed the Arminians hold that a justified person may fall from Grace and so his Union with Christ may be dissolved and the Kingdom lost but I would demand of them can Christ lose a
was established in my Kingdom King Henry VI. was deposed from his Throne yet restored again to it but they who once lose Heaven can never be restored to it again After millions of years they are as far from obtaining Glory as at first Thus you see how needful this Exhortation is that we should fear least we fall short of this Kingdom of Heaven Quest What shall we do that we may not miss of this Kingdom of Glory Resp. 1. Take heed of those things which will make you miss of Heaven 1. Take heed of Spiritual Sloath. Many Christians are settled upon their lees they are loath to put themselves to too much pains It is said of Israel They despised the pleasant land Psal. 106.24 Canaan was a Paradise of Delight a Type of Heaven I but some of the Iews thought it would cost them a great deal of trouble and hazard in the getting and they would rather go without it They despised the pleasant land I have read of certain Spaniards that live where there is great store of Fish yet are so lazy that they will not be at the pains to catch them but buy of their Neighbours such a sinful sloath is upon the most that though the Kingdom of Heaven be offered to them yet they will not put themselves to any labour for it They have some faint velleities and desires O that I had this Kingdom like a Man that wisheth for Venison but will not hunt for it Prov. 13.4 The soul of the sluggard wisheth and hath nothing Men could be content to have the Kingdom of Heaven if it would drop as a ripe Fig into their mouth but they are loath to fight for it O take heed of Spiritual Sloath God never made Heaven to be an hive for drones We cannot have the World without labour and do we think to have the Kingdom of Heaven Heathens will rise up in Judgment against many Christians what pains did they take in their Olympick Races when they ran but for a Crown of Olive or Myrtle intermixed with Gold and do we stand still when we are running for a Kingdom Prov. 19.15 Sloathfulness casts into a deep sleep Sloath is the Souls sleep Adam lost his Rib when he was asleep Many a Man loseth the Kingdom of Heaven when he is in this deep sleep of sloath 2. Take heed of Unbelief Unbelief kept Israel out of Canaan Heb. 3.19 So we see they could not enter in because of unbelief and it keeps many out of Heaven Unbelief is an enemy to Salvation 't is a damning sin it whispers thus to what purpose is all this pains for the Heavenly Kingdom I had as good sit still I may come near to Heaven yet come short of Heaven Ier. 18.12 And they said there is no hope Unbelief destroyes hope and if you once cut this sinew a Christian goes but lamely in Religion if he goes at all Unbelief raiseth jealous thoughts of God it represents him as a severe Judge this discourageth many a Soul and takes it off from Duty Beware of unbelief believe the Promises Lam. 3.25 God is good to the Soul that seeks him seek him earnestly and he will open both his Heart and Heaven to you Deus volentibus non deest do what you are able and God will help you While you spread the sails of your endeavour Gods Spirit will blow upon these sails and carry you swiftly to the Kingdom of Glory 3. If you would not miss of the Heavenly Kingdom take heed of mistake imagining the way to the Kingdom of Heaven to be easier than it is 't is but a sigh or Lord have Mercy There 's no going to Heaven per saltum one cannot leap out of Dalilahs lap into Abrahams bosom The Sinner is dead in trespasses Eph. 2.1 is it easie for a dead Man to restore himself to life Is Regeneration easie Are there no pangs in the new birth Doth not the Scripture call Christianity a warfare and a race And do you fancy this easie The way to the Kingdom is not easie but the mistake about the way is easie 4. If you would not miss of the Heavenly Kingdom take heed of delayes and procrastinations Mora trahit periculum It is an usual delusion I will mind the Kingdom of Heaven but not yet when I have gotten an Estate and am grown old then I will look after Heaven and on a sudden Death surprizeth Men and they fall short of Heaven Delay strengthens sin hardens the heart and gives the Devil fuller possession of a Man Take heed of adjourning and putting off seeking the Kingdom of Heaven till it be too late Caesar deferring to read a Letter put into his hand was killed in the Senate-house Consider how short your Life is 't is a Taper soon blown out Animantis cujusque vita in fuga est The Body is like a Vessel tun'd with breath Sickness broacheth it Death draws it out delay not the business of Salvation a day longer sometimes Death strikes and gives no warning 5. If you would not come short of the Kingdom of Heaven take heed of prejudice Many take a prejudice at Religion and on this Rock dash their Souls they are prejudiced at Christs Person his Truths his Followers his Wayes 1. They are prejudiced at his Person Matth. 13.57 And they were offended in him what is there in Christ that Men should be offended at him He is the pearl of price Matth. 13.46 are Men offended at Pearls and Diamonds Christ is the wonder of Beauty Psal. 45.2 Fairer than the children of men is there any thing in Beauty to offend Christ is a mirrour of Mercy Heb. 2.17 why should Mercy offend any Christ is a Redeemer why should a captive slave be offended at him who comes with a summe of Money to ransom him The prejudice Men take at Christ is from the inbred pravity of their hearts The eye that is sore cannot endure the light of the Sun the fault is not in the Sun but in the sore eye There are two things in Christ Men are prejudiced at 1. His Means The Iewes expected a Monarch for their Messiah but Christ came not with outward Pomp and Splendor His Kingdom was not of this World The Stars which are seated in the lightest Orbs are least seen Christ who was the bright Morning Star was not much seen his Divinity was hid in the dark Lanthorne of his humanity all who saw the Man did not see the Messiah this the Jews stumbled at the Means of his Person 2. Men are prejudiced at Christs strictness they look upon Christ as austere and his Lawes too severe Psal. 2.3 Let us break their bands and cast away their cords from us Though to a Saint Christs Laws are no more burdensome than Wings are to a Bird yet to the Wicked Christs Laws are a yoke and they love not to come under restraint hence it is they hate Christ. Though they pretend to love him as a Saviour yet they
a Limb from the Body He takes away an holy Child Iacobs Life was bound up in Benjamin Gen. 44.30 and that which puts Teeth into the Cross and is worse than the loss of Children is when they are continued as living Crosses where the Parents expected Honey there to have Wormwood What greater cut to a Godly Parent than a Child who disclaims his Fathers God! A Corrosive applyed to the Body may do well but a bad Child is a Corrosive to the Heart Such an undutiful Son had David who conspired Treason and would not only have taken away his Fathers Crown but his Life 4. God sometimes afflicts with a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 infirmness of Body scarce a well day Sickness takes away the Comfort of Life and makes one in Deaths oft thus God tryes his People with various Afflictions so that there is need of Patience to submit to Gods Will. He who hath divers Bullets shot at him needs Armour when divers Afflictions assault we need Patience as Armour of Proof 3. God sometimes lets the Affliction continue long Psal. 74.9 as it is with Diseases there are some Chronical that linger and hang about the Body several years together so it is with Affliction the Lord is pleased to exercise many of his precious ones with Chronical Afflictions such as lye upon them a long time so that in all these Cases we need Patience and submissiveness of Spirit to Gods Will. VSE I. It reproves such as have not yet learned this part of the Lords Prayer Thy Will be done they have only said it but not learned it If things be not according to their Mind if the Wind of Providence crosseth the Tide of their Will they are discontented and querulous where is now submission of Will to God To be displeased with God if things do not please us is this to lye at Gods feet and acquiesce in his Will This is a very bad temper of Spirit and God may justly punish us by letting us have our Will Rachel cryed Give me Children or I dye Gen. 30.1 God let her have a Child but it cost her her Life Gen. 35.18 Israel not content with Manna Angels Food they must have Quails to their Manna God punished them by letting them have their Will Numb 11.31 There went sorth a wind from the Lord and brought quails ver 33. And while the flesh was yet between their teeth the wrath of the Lord was kindled against them and the Lord smote them with a great plague They had better been without their Quails than had such sower sawce to them Many have importunately desired the Life of a Child and could not bring their Wills to Gods to be content to part with it and the Lord hath punished them by letting them have their Will the Child hath lived and been a burden to them Seeing their Wills crossed God their Child shall cross them VSE II. Of Exhortation Let us be exhorted whatever troubles God doth exercise us with aequo animo ferre to resign up our Wills to God and say Thy Will be done Which is fittest that God should bring his will to ours or we bring our will to his Say as Eli 1 Sam. 3.18 It is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good And as David 2 Sam. 15.26 Behold here am I let him do to me as seemeth good unto him It was the saying of Harpulas Placet mihi quod Regi placet that pleaseth me which pleaseth the King So should we say that which pleaseth God pleaseth us Thy Will be done Some have not yet learned this art of submission to God and truly he who wants Patience in Affliction is like a Souldier in Battle who wants Armour Quest. When do we not as we ought submit to Gods Will in Affliction Answ. 1. When we have hard thoughts of God and our Hearts begin to swell against him 2. When we are so troubled at our present Affliction that we are unfit for Duty We can mourn as Doves but not pray or praise God We are so discomposed that we are not fit to hearken to any good Counsel Exod. 6.9 They hearkened not to Moses for anguish of spirit Israel were so full of grief under their present burdens that they minded not what Moses said though he came with a Message from God to them They hearkened not to Moses for anguish of spirit 3. We do not submit as we ought to Gods Will when we labour to break loose from Affliction by indirect means Many to rid themselves out of trouble run themselves into Sin When God hath bound them with the cords of Affliction they go to the Devil to loosen their bands Better it is to stay in Affliction than to sin our selves out of Affliction O let us learn to stoop to Gods Will in all afflictive Providences Quest. But how shall we bring our selves to this Christian Temper in all Occurrences of Providence patiently to acquiesce in Gods Will and say Thy Will be done We know not what Tryals Personal or National we may be exercised with We seem now to be under the Planet Saturn which hath a malignant Aspect Our Ship is steer'd so strangely that we are in danger on one hand of the Sands on the other hand of the Rocks If Affliction comes how shall we keep a Christian Decorum how shall we bear things with equanimity of mind and say Thy Will be done Answ. The means for a quiet resignation to Gods Will in Affliction is 1. Judicious Consideration Eccles. 7.14 In the day of adversity consider When any thing burdens us or runs cross to our desires did we but sit down and consider and weigh things in the ballance of Judgment it would much quiet our Minds and subject our Wills to God In the day of adversity consider Consideration would be as Davids Harp to charm down the evil Spirit of frowardness and discontent Quest. But what should we consider Answ. That which may make us submit to God in Affliction and say Thy Will be done is 1. To consider that the present state of Life is subject to Afflictions as a Seamans Life is subject to storms Ferre quam sortem omnes patiuntur nemo recusat Iob 5.7 Man is born to trouble he is heir apparent to it he comes into the World with a cry and goes out with a groan Ea lege nati sumus The World is a place where much Wormwood grows Lam. 3.15 He hath filled me with bitterness Hebr. Bammerorim with bitternesses he hath made me drunk with wormwood Troubles arise like sparks out of a Furnace Afflictions are some of the Thorns which the Earth after the Curse brings forth VVe may as well think to stop the Chariot of the Sun when it is in its swift motion as put a stop to trouble the consideration of this our Life is exposed to eclipses and sufferings should make us say with Patience Thy Will be done Shall a Mariner be angry that he meets with a storm at
two Talents take the Venison and take a Blessing with it Take the Oil in the Cruse and take my Love with it Take two Talents 'T is observable Christ joins these two together Give us our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as if Christ would teach us there is little comfort in daily bread unless sin be forgiven Forgiveness doth perfume and drop sweetness into every earthly enjoyment 11. If sin be forgiven God will never upbraid us with our former sins When the Proâ—igal came home to his Father the Father received him into his loving embraces and never mentioned his former Luxury or spending his Estate among Harlots So God will not upbraid us with former sins nay he will intirely love us we shall be his Jewels and he will put us in his bosom Mary Magdalen a pardoned Penitent after Christ arose he appeared first to her Mark 16.9 So far was Christ from upbraiding her that he brings her the first New of his Resurrection 12. Sin being pardoned is a pillar of support in the loss of dear Friends God hath taken away thy Child thy Husband but withal he hath taken away thy sins He hath given thee more than he hath taken away He hath taken a-away a Flower and given thee a Jewel He hath given thee Christ and the Spirit and the earnest of Glory He hath given thee more than he hath taken away 13. Where God Pardons Sins he bestows righteousness With Remission of sin goes Imputation of Righteousness Isa. 61.10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness If a Christian can take any comfort in his Inherent Righteousness which is so stain'd and mix'd with sin O then what comfort may he take in Christ's Righteousness which is a better Righteousness than that of Adam Adam's Righteousness was Mutable but suppose it had been Vnchangeable yet it was but the Righteousness of a Man but that Righteousness which is Imputed is the Righteousness of him who is God 2 Cor. 5.21 That we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him O blessed priviledge to be reputed in the sight of God Righteous as Christ having his Embroidered Robe put upon the Soul This is the comfort of every one that is pardoned he hath a Perfect Righteousness and now God saith of him Thou art all fair my Love and there is no spot in thee Cant. 4.7 14. A pardon'd Soul needs not fear death He may look on Death with Joy who can look on Forgiveness with Faith To a pardoned Soul death hath lost his Sting Death to a pardon'd sinner is like the Arresting a Man after the Debt is paid Death may Arrest but Christ will shew the Debt-book Crossed in his Blood A pardoned Soul may Triumph over Death O Death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory He who is pardon'd needs not fear death it is not a Destruction but a Deliverance It is to him a day of Iubilee or Release it releaseth him from all his sins Death comes to a pardoned Soul as the Angel did to Peter it smote him and beat off his Chains and carried him out of Prison So doth Death to him who is pardon'd it smites his Body and the Chains of Sin fall off Death gives a pardon'd Soul a Quietus Est it frees him from all his Labours Revel 14.13 Faelix transitus à labore ad Requiem Death as it will wipe off our Tears so it will wipe off our Sweat Death will do a pardon'd Christian the greatest good turn therefore it is made a part of the Inventory 1 Cor. 3.22 Death is yours Death is like the Waggon which was sent for old Iacob it came ratling with its Wheels but it was to carry Iacob to his Son Ioseph So the Wheels of Death's Chariot may rattle and make a noise but they are to carry a Believer to Christ. While a Believer is here he is absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5.6 He lives far from Court and cannot see him whom his Soul loves But Death gives him a sight of the King of Glory in whose presence is fulness of Ioy To a pardoned Soul Death is Transitus ad regnum it removes him to the place of Bliss where he shall hear the Triumphs and Anthems of Praise Sung in the Quire of Angels No cause hath a pardoned Soul to fear Death What needs he fear to have his Body buried in the Earth who hath his Sins buried in Christ's Wounds What hurt can Death do to him It is but his Ferry-man to Ferry him over to the Land of Promise The day of Death to a pardon'd Soul is his Ascension day to Heaven his Coronation-day when he shall be Crown'd with those delights of Paradice which are unspeakable and full of glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost. Thus you see the the rich Consolations which belong to a pardoned sinner Well might David proclaim him blessed Psal. 32.1 Blessed is he whose iniquity is forgiven In the Hebrew it is in the plural 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Blessednesses Here is a Plurality of Blessings Forgiveness of sin is like the first link of a Chain which draws all the links after it it draws these 14 Priviledges after it It Crowns with Grace and Glory Who then would not labour to have his sins forgiven Blessed is he whose Iniquity is forgiven whose sin is covered Now followeth the Duties of such as have their sins forgiven Mercy calls for Duty Be much in Praise and Doxology Psal. 103. 1. Bless the Lord O my Soul who forgiveth all thy Iniquities Hath God Crowned you with pardoning Mercy set the Crown of your Praise upon the head of Free Grace Pardon of sin is a Discriminating Mercy a Jewel hung onely upon the Elect this calls for Acclamations of Praise You will give thanks for daily bread and will you not much more for Pardon You will give thanks for deliverance from Sickness and will you not for deliverance from Hell God hath done more for you in forgiving your sin than if he had given you a Kingdom And that you may be more thankful do but set the Unpardoned condition bâ—fore your eyes How sad is it to want a pardon all the Curses of the Law stand in full force against such an one The Unpardoned Sinner dying he drops into the Grave and Hell both at once He must quarter among the Damned and will not this make you Thankful that this is not your condition but that you are delivered from wrath to come 2. Let God's pardoning love inflame your hearts with love to God For God to pardon freely without any desert of yours to pardon so many offences that he should pardon you and pass by others that he should take you out of the ruines of Mankind and of a clod of dust and sin make you a Jewel sparkling with Heavenly Glory Will not this make you love God much Three Prisoners that deserve to die if the King pardon one
This is Satan's Temptation the hand of Ioab is in this 2. To Rejoyce is a Duty Psal. 33.1 Praise is comely for the Vpright But when God by his judgments calls us to Weeping now Joy and Mirth is unseasonable Isa. 22.12 In that day did the Lord call to weeping and behold joy and gladness Oecolampadius and other Learned Writers think it was in the time of King Ahaz when the Signs of God's Anger like a Blazing-Star did appear now to be given to Mirth was very unseasonable 3. To Read The Word is a Duty but Satan will sometimes put Men upon it when it is unseasonable To Read at home when God's Word is Preaching or the Sacrament Administring is unseasonable yea sinful As Hushai said 2 Sam. 17.7 The Counsel is not good at this time There was a Set-time enjoyned for the Passover when the Iews were to bring their Offering to the Lord Numb 9.2 Had the People been Reading the Law at home in the time of the Passover it had not been in season and God would have punished it for a contempt This is the Devil 's subtil Temptation either to keep us from duty or to put us upon it when it is least in season Duties of Religion not well timed and done in season are dangerous Snow and Hail are good for the ground when they come in their season but in Harvest when the Corn is ripe then a Storm of Hail would do hurt 25. Subtilty of Satan in Tempting is to perswade Men to delay their repenting and turning to God He saith as Hag. 1.2 The time is not yet come Now youth is budding or you are but in the flower of your age it is too soon to repent the time is not yet come This Temptation is the Devil's draw-net by which he drags Millions to Hell It is a danâ—erous Temptation Sin is Dulce venenum Bern. a Poison the longer Poison lies in the Body the more mortal By delay of Repentance sin strengthens and the heart hardens The longer Ice freezeth the harder it is to be broken The longer a Man freezeth in impenitency the more difficult it will be to have his heart broken When sin hath gotten an haunt it is not easily shaken off Besides the danger of this Temptation to delay Repentance appears in this because life is hazardous and may on a sudden expire What security have you that you shall live another day Life is made up of a few flying Minutes it is a Taper soon blown out Jam. 4.14 What is your life It is but a vapour The body is like a Vessel tun'd with a little breath Sickness broacheth this Vessel Death draws it out How dangerous therefore is this Temptation to procrastinate and put off turning to God by repentance Many now in Hell did purpose to Repent but Death surpriz'd them 26. Subtilty of Satan in Tempting is to infringe and weaken the Saints peace If he cannot Destroy their Grace he will Disturb their Peace Satan envies a Christian should have a good day and if he cannot keep him from Heaven he will keep him from an Heaven upon Earth There is nothing next to Holiness a Christian prizeth more than Peace and Tranquillity of Mind This is the Cream of Life a Bunch of Grapes by the way Now it is Satans great policy to shake a Christian's Peace that if he will go to Heaven he shall go thither through Frights and plenty of Tears The Devil throws in his Fireballs of Temptation to set the Saints Peace on fire Of such great concern is Spiritual Peace that no wonder if Satan would by his Intricate subtilties Rob us of this Jewel Spiritual Peace is a Token of God's Favour As Ioseph had a special testimony of his Fathers Kindness in the Party-coloured Coat he gave him so have the Saints a special token of God's Good-will to them when he gives them inward Peace which is as it were the party-coloured Coat to wear No wonder then if Satan so much rage against the Saints Peace and would tear off this comfortable Robe from them The Devil troubles the waters of the Saints Peace because hereby he hopes to have the more advantage of them 1. By this perplexing of their Spirits Satan takes off their Chariot-wheels unfits them for the Service of God Body and Mind are both out of temper like an Instrument out of Tune Sadness of Spirit prevailing a Christian can think of nothing but his Troubles his Mind is full of doubts fears surmises that he is like a person distracted and is scarce himself Either he neglects the duties of Religion or his mind is taken off from them while he is doing them Especially there is one Duty that melancholy and sadness of spirit unfits for and that is Thankfulness Thankfulness is a Tribute or Quit-rent due to God Psal. 149.3 Let the Saints be joyful let the high praises of God be in their mouth But when Satan hath disturbed a Christian's spirit and fill'd his Mind full of black and almost despairing thoughts how can he be Thankful It rejoyceth Satan to see how his Plot takes by making God's Children Vnquiet he makes them Vnthankful 2. Satan by troubling the Saints Peace hath this advantage of laying a stumbling-block in the way of others By this policy the Devil gets an occasion to render the ways of God unlovely to those who are looking Heaven-ward He sets before new beginners the perplexing Thoughts the Tears the Groans of them who are wounded in Spirit to scare them quite off from all seriousness in Religion He will object to new beginners Do you not see how these sad Souls torture themselves with melancholy Thoughts and will you change the comforts and pleasures of this life to sit always in the house of mourning Will you espouse that Religion which makes you a terror to your selves and a burden to others Can you be in love with such a Religion as is ready to fright you out of your wits This advantage the Devil gets by troubling the Saints Peace he would discourage others who are looking towards Heaven he would beat them off from Praying and hearing all Soul-awakening Sermons lest they fall into this black humour of Melancholy and end their days in despair 3. By this subtil policy of Satan in disturbing the Saints Peace and making them believe God doth not love them he hath this advantage he sometimes so far prevails over them as to make them begin to entertain hard thoughts of God Through the black Spectacles of Melancholy God's dealings look sad and Ghastly Satan tempts the Godly to have strange thoughts of God to think he hath cast off all pity and hath forgotten to be gracious Psal. 77. and to make sad conclusions Isai. 38.13 I reckoned that as a Lion so will he break all my bones from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me The Devil setting in with Melancholy causeth a sad Eclipse in the Soul it begins to think God hath shut up
will strengthen us in our sufferings Psal. 37.39 He is their strength in the time of trouble Either God makes our burden lighter or our Faith stronger He will compensate and recompence our sufferings Mat. 19.29 Every one that hath forsaken Houses or Lands for my name sake shall receive an hundred fold and inherit Life everlasting Here are encouragements to suffer affliction but there is no encouragement to sin God hath brandish'd a flaming Sword of threatnings to deter us from sin Psal. 68.21 God shall wound the Hairy scalp of such an one as goes on still in his trespasses There is a flying Roul of Curses which enter into the House of a sinner Zac. 5.4 if a Man sin be it at his peril Deut. 32.42 I will make mine Arrows drunk with Blood God will make Men weary of their sins or he will make them weary of their Lives Thus sin is worse than Affliction there are Encouragements to suffer Affliction but no Encouragement to sin 8. When a Person is afflicted only he himself suffers but by sinning openly he doth hurt to others 1. He doth hurt to the Vnconverted one mans sin may lay a stone in another mans way at which he may stumble and fall into Hell O the Evil of scandalous Sin some are discouraged others hardned thy sinning may be a cause of anothers damning Mal. 2.7 8. The Priests going wrong caused others to stumble 2. He doth hurt to the Converted by an open scandalous sin he offends weak Believers and so sins against Christ 1 Cor. 8.12 Thus sin is worse than Affliction because it doth hurt to others 9. In Afflictions the Saints may Rejoyce 1 Thes. 1.6 Ye receiv'd the Word in much Affliction with Ioy Heb. 10.34 Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your Goods Aristotle speaks of a Bird that lives among Thorns yet sings sweetly so a Child of God can rejoyce in Affliction St. Paul had his Prison-songs Rom. 5.3 We glory in Tribulation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Word signifies an Exuberancy of Joy a Joy with Boasting and Triumph God doth oft pour in those Divine Consolations as cause the Saints to rejoyce in Afflictions they had rather have their Afflictions than want their Comforts God doth candy their Wormwood with Sugar Rom. 5.5 You have seen the Sun shine when it rains The Saints have had the shining of Gods Face when Affliction hath rained and drop'd upon them Thus we may rejoyce in Affliction but we cannot rejoyce in sin Hos 9.1 Rejoyce not O Israel for Ioy as other people for thou hast gone a Whoring from thy God Sin is Matter of Shame and Grief not of Joy David having sinn'd in numbring of the people His Heart smote him 2 Sam. 24.10 as the pricking of a Vein lets out the Blood so when sin hath prick'd the Conscience it lets out the Joy 10. Affliction is a Magnifying of a Person Iob 7.17 What is Man that thou shouldest magnifie him and visit him every morning That is visit him with Affliction How do Afflictions magnifie us Answ. 1. As they are signs of Son-ship Heb. 12.7 If ye endure Chastening God deals with you as Sons Every Print of the Rod is a Badge of Honor. 2. As the sufferings of the Godly have raised their Fame and Renown in the World the Zeal and Constancy of the Martyrs in their Suffering have Eterniz'd their Name O how Eminent was Iob for his Patience Iam. 5.11 Ye have heard of the Patience of Job Iob the Sufferer was more Renown'd than Alexander the Conqueror Thus Afflictions Magnifie a Person but sin doth not magnifie but vilifie him When Eliâ—s Sons had sinn'd and prophan'd their Priesthood they turn'd their glory into shame the Text saith They made themselves Vile 1 Sam. 3.13 Sin casts an indelible Blot on a mans Name Prov. 6.32 33. Whoso commits Adultery with a Woman a Wound and Dishonour shall he get and his Reproach shall not be wiped away 11. A man may suffer Affliction and bring Honour to Religion Pauls Iron Chain made the Gospel wear a Gold Chain suffering Credits and propagates the Gospel but committing of sin brings a Dishonour and Scandal upon the ways of God Cyprian saith when in the Primitive Times a Virgin who vow'd her self to Religion had defil'd her Chastity Totum Ecclesiae Caetum erubescere Shame and Grief fill'd the face of the whole Congregation When scandalous sins are committed by a few they bring a Reproach upon all that profess As three or four brass shillings in a summ of Mony make all the rest suspected 12. when a mans Afflictions are upon a good Account that he uffers for Christ he hath the Prayers of God's People 'T is no small priviledge to have a stock of Prayer going 't is like a Merchant that hath a part in several Ships Suffering Saints have a large share in the Prayers of others Acts 12.5 Peter was in Prison but Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church to God for him What greater Happiness than to have God's Promises and the Saints Prayers But when a Man sins presumptuously and scandalously he hath the Saints bitter Tears and just Censures he is a burden to all that know him as David speaks in another Case Psal. 31.11 They that did see me without fled from me So a scandalous sinner the People of God fly from him he is like an infected person every one shuns and avoids him 13. Affliction can hurt a Man only while he is living but sin doth hurt when he is dead as a Mans Vertues and Alms may do good when he is dead so a Mans sin may do Mischief when he is dead When a Spider is kill'd the Poison of it may do hurt so the Poison of an Evil Example may do much hurt when a man is in his Grave Affliction at most can but last a Mans Life but his sin lives and doth hurt when he is gone Thus you see sin is far worse than Affliction 2. Sin is worse than Death Aristotle calls Death 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Terrible of Terribles and Iob calls it The King of Terrors Iob 18.14 but sin is more deadly than Death it self First Death tho' it be painful yet it were not hurtful but for sin It is sin that imbitters Death and makes it sting 1 Cor. 15.56 The Sting of Death is sin Were it not for sin tho' Death might kill us it could not curse us Sin poisons Deaths Arrow so that sin is worse than death because it puts a sting into Death Secondly Death doth but separate between the Body and the Soul but sin without Repentance separates between God and the Soul Iudg. 18.24 Ye have taken away my Gods and what have I more Death doth but take away our Life from us but sin takes away our God from us So that sin is worse than Death Thirdly Sin is worse than Hell In Hell there is the Worm and the Fire but sin is worse 1. Hell is of God's making but sin
is none of his making 'T is a Monster of the Devils Creating 2. The Torments of Hell are a burden only to the sinner but sin is a burden to God Amos 2.13 I am pressed under you as a Cart is pressed that is full of Sheaves 3. In Hell-Torments there is something that is Good There is the Execution of God's Justice there is justice in Hell but sin is the most unjust thing It would rob God of his Glory Christ of his Purchase the Soul of its Happiness So that it is worse than Hell Fifthly Look upon sin in the manner of its Cure it cost dear to be done away The Guilt of sin could not be removed but by the Blood of Christ he who was God must die and be made a Curse for us before sin could be remitted How horrid is sin that no Angel or Arch-Angel nor all the Powers of Heaven could procure the Pardon of sin but it cost the Blood of God If a Man should commit an Offence and all the Nobles should kneel upon their Knees before the King for him but no Pardon could be had unless the King's Son be Arraigned and suffer Death for him all would conceive it was an horrible Fact that must be the cause of this such is the case here the Son of God must die to appease God's Anger for our sins O the Agonies and Sufferings of Christ 1. In his Body his Head Crown'd with Thorns his Face spit upon his Side pierced with the Spear his Hands and Feet nailed Totum pro vulnere Corpus 2. He suffered in his Soul Mat 26.38 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My Soul is exceeding sorrowful unto Death He drank a bitter Cup mingled with Curses which made him tho' he were sanctified by the Spirit supported by the Diety comforted by Angels sweat great Drops of Blood and cry out upon the Cross My God why hast thou forsaken me All this was to do away our sin view sin in Christ's Blood and it will appear of a Crimson Colour Sixthly Look upon sin in the dismal Effects of it and it will appear the most horrid prodigious Evil Rom. 6.23 The Wages of sin is Death that is the Second Death Rev. 21 8. Sin hath shame for its Companion and Death for its Wages A wicked man knows what sin is in the Pleasure of it but doth not know what sin is in the Punishment of it Sin is Scorpio pungens it draws Hell at the heels of it This hellish Torment consists of two Parts 1. Poena damni the Punishment of Loss Mat. 7.23 Depart from me It was a great trouble to Absalom that he might not see the Kings face to lose Gods Smiles to be banished from his Presence in whose Presence is fulness of Joy how sad and tremendous this word Depart saith Chrysostom is worse than the fire Sure sin must be the Greatest Evil which separates us from the Greatest Good 2. Poena sensus the Punishment of Sence Mat 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Why might sinners plead Lord if we must depart from thee let us have thy Blessing no Go ye Cursed But if we must depart from thee let it be into some place of Ease and Rest no go into fire But if we must into the fire let it be but for a little time let the fire be quickly put out no go into everlasting fire But if it be so that we must be there let us be with good Company no with the Devil and his Angels O what an Evil is sin All the Torments of this Life are but Ludibrium Risus a kind of sport to Hell-Torments what is a burning Fever to the burning in Hell It is call'd the Wrath of the Almighty Rev. 19.15 The Almighty God inflicts the Punishment therefore it will be heavy a Child cannot strike very hard but if a Giant strike he kills with a Blow To have the Almighty God to lay on the stroke it will be intolerable Hell is the EMPHASIS of Misery The Body and Soul which have sinn'd together shall suffer together and these Torments shall have no Period put to them Rev. 9.6 They shall seek Death and shall not find it Rev. 24.11 And the Smoak of their Torment ascendeth for ever and ever Here the wicked thought a Prayer long a Sabbath long but how long will it be to lie upon Beds of Flames for ever this word ever breaks the Heart Thus you see sin is the most deadly and execrable Evil look upon it in its Original in its Nature in the Judgment and Estimate of the Wise look upon it comparatively it is worse than Affliction Death Hell look upon it in the manner of Cure and in the dismal Effect it brings Eternal Damnation is there not then a great deal of Reason that we should make this Prayer Deliver us from Evil Vse 1. Branch I. Is Sin such a deadly pernitious Evil the Evil of Evils See then what it is we are to pray most to be delivered from and that is from Sin Our Saviour hath taught us to pray Deliver us from Evil. Hypocrites pray more against Temporal Evils than Spiritual Pharaoh pray'd more to have the Plague of Hail and Thunder to be remov'd than his hard Heart should be removed Exod. 9.28 The Israelites pray'd Tolle Serpentes Take away the Serpents from us more than to have their sin taken away Numb 21.8 The Hypocrites prayer is Carnal he prays more to be cured of his Deafness and Lameness than of his Unbelief More that God would take away his Pain than take away his sin But our Prayer should be Deliver us from Evil. Spiritual Prayers are best hast thou a diseased Body Pray more that the Disease of thy Soul may be removed than thy Body Psal. 41.4 Heal my Soul for I have sinned The Plague of the Heart is worse than a Cancer in the Breast Hast thou a Child that is crooked Pray more to have its Unholiness removed than its Crookedness spiritual Prayers are more pleasing to God and are as Musick in his Ears Christ hath here taught us to pray against sin Deliver us from Evil. II. Branch If sin be so great an Evil then admire the Wonderful Patience of God that bears with Sinners Sin is a breach of God's Royal Law it strikes at his Glory now for God to bear with sinners who so provoke him it shews admirable Patience well may he be called The God of Patience Rom. 15.4 It would tire the Patience of the Angels to bear with mens sins one day but what doth God bear How many Affronts and Injuries doth he put up God sees all the Intreagues and horrid Impieties committed in a Nation Ier. 29.23 They have committed Villany in Israel and have committed Adultery even I know and am a Witness saith the Lord. God could strike men dead in their sins but he forbears and respites them My thinks I see the Justice of God with a
expos'd to the Waves and Rocks 3. Watch your Temptations Satan continually lies in ambush and watcheth to draw us to sin Stat in procinctu diabolus he is fishing for our Souls he is either laying of snares or shooting of darts therefore we had need watch the Tempter that we be not decoyed into sin Most sin is committed for want of watchfulness 7. If you would be kept from the evil of sin consult with the Oracles of God be well versed in Scripture Psal. 119.11 Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee The word is Anceps gladius a two-edged Sword to cut asunder mens lusts When the Fogs and Vapours of sin begin to arise let but the Light of Scripture shine into the Soul and it dispels those Fogs Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you Col. 3.16 Alphonsus King of Arragon read over the Bible Fourteen times The word shews the damnable evil of sin it furnisheth us with Precepts which are so many Receipts and Antidotes against sin When Christ had a Temptation to sin he beat back the Tempter and wounded him Three times with this Sword of the Spirit It is written Why do men live in sin but because they either do not Read the Word or do not believe it 8. If you would be preserv'd from gross presumptuous sin get your hearts fired with love to God Love hath a great force in it it is strong as death it breaks the league between the heart and sin Two things in God cause Love First His Orient Beauty Moses desired to see some glimpse of it Lord shew me thy glory 2. His Amazing Love What a Prodigy of Love was it to give his Son out of his Bosom and lay such a Jewel to pawn for our Redemption These two the Orient of God's Beauty and the Magnitude of his Love may like two Loadstones draw our Love to God and if we love him we will not sin against him He that loves his Friend will not by any means displease him I have read of four men meeting together who asked one another What it was that kept them from sinning One said The Fear of Hell Another said The Joys of Heaven The Third said The Odiousness of Sin The Fourth said That which keeps me from sin is Love to God Shall I sin against so good a God Shall I abuse Love Love to God is the best Curben-bit to keep from sin 9. If you would be kept from the evil of sin be diligent in a Calling Dū laboribus omnia vendunt Adam in Paradise must till the Ground Such as live idly expose themselves to sin if we have no work to do Satan will find us work He sows most of his seed in Fallow ground A Woman being much tempted to sin came to Reverend Mr. Greenham for Advice What she should do to resist the Temptation He gave her this Answer Be always well employed that so when Satan comes he may find thee busied in thy Calling and thou maist not be at leisure to listen to his Temptations 10. If you would be kept from sin fix the eye of your Mind upon the Beauty of Holiness Holiness consists in our Conformity to God Holiness is the sparkling of the Divine Nature a beam of God shining in the Soul How lovely is Christ's Bride when decked and bespangled with the Jewels of Holiness What makes the Seraphims Angels of Light but their Holiness Do but think with your selves what a splendid glorious thing Holiness is and it will cause a disgust and hatred of sin which is so contrary to it The beholding of Beauty makes one out of love with Deformity 11. If you would keep from the evil of sin meditate frequently of Death First The unavoidableness of it Heb. 9.27 Statutum est It is appointed for all once to die We are not so sure to lie down this night in our Bed as we are to lie down in our Grave Secondly The uncertainty of the Time We are but Tenants at will we hold our Life at the Will of our Landlord And how soon may God turn us out of this house of clay Death oft comes when we least look for it The Floud as some Learned Writers observe came in the Month Zif or April in the Spring when the Trees were Blossoming and the Birds Singing then came the Floud when they least looked for it So oft in the Spring of Youth when the Body is most healthy and the Spirits most sprightly and vigorous and Death is least thought on then it comes Could we think often and seriously of Death it would give a Death's-wound to sin Nihil sic revocato peocata quà m crebra mortis contemplatio Aug. No stronger Antidote against sin than this Am I now Singing and to morrow may be Dying What if Death should take me doing the Devil's work Would it not send me to him to receive my Wages Would but the Adulterer think I am now in the Act of Sin but how soon may Death come and then I who have burned in lust must burn in Hell This sure would strike a damp into him and make him afraid of going after strange Flesh. 12. If you would be kept from Gross Scandalous Sins beware of a Covetous Heart Covetousness is a dry Drunkenness He who thirsts insatiably after the World will stick at no sin he will betray Christ and a Good Cause for Money Cui nihil satis eidem nihil turpe Tacitus 1 Tim. 6.10 The love of Money is the root of all evil From this Root comes First Theft Achan's covetous humour made him steal the VVedge of Gold Josh. 7.21 Covetousness makes the Jayls so full Secondly From this root comes Murder VVhy did Ahab Stone Naboth to death but to possess his Vineyard 1 King 21.13 Covetousness hath made many swim to the Crown in blood Thirdly From this bitter Root of Covetousness proceeds Cousenage It is the Covetous hand holds false weights Fourthly From this Root of covetousness comes Uncleanness You read of the hire of a Whore Deut. 23.18 For Money she would let both her Conscience and Chastity be set to sale O if you would be kept from the evil of sin beware of Covetousness which is the In-let to so many sins 13. Let us be much in Prayer to God to keep us from Ingulphing our selves in sin Psal. 19.11 Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins We have no power inherent to keep our selves from evil Arnoldus saith That Man in his corrupt estate hath Aliqua◠reliquias vitae Spiritualis Some Reliques of Spiritual Life left And Arminius saith Man hath a sufficiency of Grace in himself whereby he may Abstinere à malo abstain from evil Free-will is a sufficient curb to check and pull him back from sin But then what needed Christ to have Taught us this Prayer Libera nos à malo Deliver us from evil If we have power of our selves to keep from sin What need we pray to
1. From Restraining Grace not Renewing Grace As God with-held Laban from hurting Iacob Gen. 31.24 The Lord may restrain Men from Sin by the Terrour of a Natural Conscience Conscience stands as the Angel with a drawn Sword and saith do not this Evil. Men may be frighted from Sin but not divorced 2. Men may abstain from Sin for a while and then return to it again as Saul left off pursuing David for some time and then hunted him again This is like a Man that holds his Breath under Water and then takes Breath again Ier. 34.15 16. Ye were now turned and had done right in my sight but ye turned and polluted my Holy Name 3. Men may leave gross Sin and yet live in more Spiritual Sins leave Drunkenness and live in Pride leave Uncleanness and live in Malice The Pharisee boasted he was no Adulterer but he could not say he was not Proud or Superstitious here he left gross Sin and lived in Spiritual Sins 4. Men may leave Sin partially abstain from some Sins not all they feed some Sin in a corner Herod left many Sins but one Sin he lived in viz. Incest All this doth not amount to the New Creature II. I shall shew you wherein the Essence of the New Creature consists 1 In General To the constituting of the New Creature there must be a great Change wrought He who is a New Creature is not the same Man he was Alter idem He is of another Spirit Numb 14.24 My Servant Caleb because he had another Spirit When the Harlot Lais came to one of her old Acquaintance after he was converted and tempted him to Sin Ego non sum Ego saith he I am not the same Man When one becomes a New Creature there is such a visible Change that all may see it therefore it is call'd a Change from Darkness to Light Acts 26.18 Paul a Persecutor when converted was so altered that all who saw him wondred at him and could scarce believe that he was the same Man Acts 9.21 as if another Soul had lived in the same Body Mary Magdalen an unchast Sinner when once savingly wrought upon what a penitent Creature did she become Her Eyes that were enticements of Lust she takes Penance of them and washed Christ's Feet with her Tears Her Hair which she was so proud of and which was a Net to entangle her Lovers she now takes Penance of it and wipes Christ's Feet with it Thus the New Creature makes a visible change Such as are the same as they were as vain and proud as ever here is no New Creature to be seen for then a mighty change would appear 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified c. But every Change doth not evidence the New Creature 1. There is a change from one Extream to another from a Prodigal to an Usurer from a Turk to a Papist This is as if one should recover of one Disease and die of another 2. There is an outward change which is like the washing of a Swine Ahab was much changed to outward view when he rent his Cloaths and put on Sackcloth 1 Kings 21.27 insomuch that God stands and wonders at him Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself Yet for all this he was but an Hypocrite Quest. What Change then is that which is requisite in the New Creature Answ. It is an inward Change a change of Heart Though the heart be not new made it is new moulded Ier. 4.14 Wash thy heart O Ierusalem Ahab's Cloaths were rent but not his Heart The outward change will do no good without the inward What will become of them then who have not so much as an outward Change Thus you see in General That in the production of the New Creature there must be a change II. More particularly The Change in the new creature consists in two things and they are both set down in the Text Old things are passed away behold all things are become new I. Old Things are passed away Old Pride old Ignorance old Malice The old House must be pulled down ere you can set up a new Object If all old things must pass away then there are no new creatures Who can be quite freed from Sin Doth not the Apostle complain of a Body of Death Answ. We must know that the change wrought in the new creature though it be a through change yet it is not a perfect change Sin will remain As there is a Principle of Grace so of Corruption like Wine and Water mix'd there is in the Regenerate Flesh as well as Spirit Here a Question ariseth Quest. If Sin in the Regenerate is not quite done away then how far must one put off the old Man that he may be a new creature Of which hereafter Therefore if any Man be in Christ he is a new Creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new Doct. That whosoever is in Christ is a new Creature We are now upon the Trial of the New Creature In it there is a Change wrought and this Change consists in Two Things which are set down in the Text. 1. Old things are passed away 2. All things are become new I. Old things are passed away Old Pride old Ignorance old Malice The old House must be pull'd down ere you can set up a new Object But if all old things must pass away then there are no new Creatures Who can be quite freed from Sin Doth not Paul complain of a Body of Death Answ. We must know the change wrought in the new Creature is but imperfect as there is a Principle of Grace so of Corruption like Wine and Water mixed there is in the regenerate Flesh as well as Spirit Quest. If Sin in the regenerate is not quite done away then how far must one put off the old Man that he may be a new Creature Answ. 1. There must be a grieving for the Remains of corruption Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from this body of Death Paul did not cry out of his Sufferings his being beaten with Rods ship-wrack'd stoned but like the Bird of Paradise he bemoaned himself for sin In the new Creature there must be quotidianus mugitus a daily mourning for the in-dwelling presence of corruption A Child of God doth not wear Sin as a Gold-Chain but as a Fetter 2. In the new Creature there must be a detestation of old things as one would detest a Garment in which is the Plague It is not enough to be angry with Sin but we must hate it Psal. 119 163. I hate and abhor lying Hatred is the highest degree of Enmity And we must hate Sin not only for its hurtful Effect but its loathsom Nature as one hates a Toad for its poysonful quality 3. In the new Creature there is an opposition against all old things A Christian not only complains of Sin but fights against it Gal.
to do with our Words Who shall controll us Who is Lord over us There 's no Engine the Devil makes more use of than the Tongue What Errors Contentions Impieties have been propagated this way to the Dishonour of the high God David calls his Tongue his Glory Psal. 57.8 Awake my Glory Why did he call his Tongue his Glory but because by it he did set forth God's Glory in praising him But a wicked man's Tongue is not his Glory but his Shame With his Tongue he wounds the Glory of God it is set on fire of Hell Vse 3. Confutation Bran. 1. It confutes the Catharists and Perfectists that plead for Perfection in this Life If the Tongue hath so many Evils in it how are they perfect Prov. 20.9 Who can say I have made my heart clean I am pure from Sin He makes a challenge to all the World But the Perfectist saith he is pure from Sin Like Isidore the Monk Non habâ—o Domine quod mihi ignoscas I have nothing Lord for thee to pardon If pure and perfect then they put Christ out of Office he hath nothing to do for them as an Advocate they have no need of his Intercession But Eccles. 7.20 There is not a just man upon Earth that doth good and sinneth not Nay that sinneth not in doing good In the Grammar with the Present Tense is joyn'd the Imperfect With the Present State of Grace is joyn'd Imperfection There 's not a just man on earth that sinneth not nay I may say that sinneth not in his tongue Moses was noted for the meekest man alive yet he spake unadvisedly with his Lips Hear ye Rebels Moses could not plead Perfection Paul was an elect Vessel but there fell out a sharp contention between him and Barnabas and they grew so hot in their Words that they parted each from other and we do not read that they had any more friendly Visits Acts 15.39 Paul himself was not perfect Sin is like the wild Fig-tree in the Wall cut off the Branches and Stump yet some Sprig or other will spring out again How proud and supercilious are they who hold they are perfect when the holiest men alive at some time or other offend in their Tongue There is no Perfection on this side the Grave Perfection never begins till the Life ends Only the Death of the Body will free us from the Body of Death Branch 2. It confutes the Arminians those Patrons of Free Will they say they have power to their own Salvation they can change their Heart The Apostle saith The Tongue can no man tame Jam. 3.8 If they cannot bridle their Tongue how can they conquer their Will If they cannot master this little Member Tongue how can they change their Nature Alas as St. Austin saith Cathedram habet in Coelo qui corda docet in Terra He hath his Pulpit in Heaven that converts Hearts But what Reply will Men make at the last Day when God shall say You had power to convert your selves why were you not converted You could have come to Christ if you pleased but why did ye not It was Wilfulness Ex ore tuo out of thy own mouth I will condemn thee Vse 4. Caution Take heed to your Tongue have a care that ye offend not with your Tongue Psal. 34.14 Keep thy Tongue from evil A Sin we are very prone to to lash out with our Tongues There 's the Fire of Lust in the Eye and the Fire of Passion in the Tongue Psal. 39.1 I said I will take heed to my Ways that I offend not with my tongue An hard Lesson Pambus said he was above twenty years learning that Scripture not to offend with his tongue The Tongue is an unruly Member God hath set a double Hedge before the Tongue the Teeth and Lips to keep it within its bounds that it doth not speak vainly O look to your Tongue When a City is besieged he that keeps the Gates of the City keeps the whole City safe so if you keep the Gates or Doors of your Mouth you keep your whole Soul Rules for the well ordering and regulating your Words or the governing of your Tongue that you do not dishonour God therewith 1 Rule If you would have better Tongues labour for better Hearts It is the Heart hath Influence upon the Tongue The Heart fills the Tongue with Words as the Cistern is fill'd from the Spunge The way to heal the Tongue is to better the Heart The Vapours that trouble the Head come from the Stomach If you would cure the Head apply something to the Stomach If the Stomach were better the Head would be better Reformation must begin at the Heart In a Watch when the Wheels are out of order they mend the Spring thereof so when the Tongue is like a Watch that runs too fast in vain sinful talk mend the Spring let thy Heart be bettered If the Heart be vain and earthly the Tongue will be so If the Water be foul in the Fountain it cannot be clear in the Vessel If the Heart be holy the Tongue will be so Look to thy Heart get a better Heart and a better Tongue Quest. How shall I get my Heart bettered Answ. Get a Principle of Grace infused Grace is like the Salt cast into the Spring Grace changeth the Heart and sanctifies all the Members of the Body it sanctifies the Eyes and makes them Chast it sanctifies the Tongue and makes it Meek and Calm When the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles they began to speak with other Tongues Act. 2.4 When God's Spirit comes on a Man with a sanctifying Work he speaks with another Tongue the Speech is Heavenly Grace makes the Heart Serious and that cures the levity of the Tongue When the Heart is serious the Words are savoury 2 Rule If you would not Sin in your Tongue call to Mind how you have formerly offended in your Tongue and that will make you more watchful for the Future Have not you spoken Words that have savoured of Discontent or Envy Have not you been guilty of Censuring and Slandering Have not you been disguised with Passion Hath not your Tongue out run your Discretion Have not you spoken Words that you have been sorry for afterwards and have caused either shame or tears O observe former failings how you have sinned in your Tongue and that will be a good help for the future David certainly made a Critical Observation upon some of his Words wherein he had offended Words of Pride Psal. 30.6 In my Prosperity I said I shall never be moved And Psal. 116.14 I said in my haste All Men are Lyars Even Samuel and all the Prophets who promised me the Kingdom they are all Lyars and I shall die before I can come to enjoy it David having observed how he had offended in his Tongue he is more careful of his Words and made a strict Vow with himself that he would look better them Psal. 39.1 I said I
boast what we will do to morrow The Apostle seems in the Text to meet with them by way of Answer Do ye know all this Then the greater is your Sin that you do it not To him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is Sin I shall only explain this Phrase 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to him it is Sin that is it is an heinous Sin it is Sin with a witness every infirmity every thing that falls short of the Rule is Sin much more that which contradicts the Rule this man's Sin hath an Emphasis it is a crimson Sin and it shall have a greater punishment He that knew his Master's Will and did it not shall be beaten with many stripes Luke 12.47 If he that sins ignorantly be damned then he that sins knowingly shall be double damned 1. Doct. implied That we ought to know to do good know our Duty 2. That we ought not only to know to do good but to do it 3. That he that knoweth to do good and doth it not is of all others most guilty 1. Doct. implied That we ought to know to do good we ought to be well informed of those things which are to be done by us in order to Salvation The Word written is a Rule of Knowledge and the Word preached is a Commentary upon the Word written and both of them are to enrich our understanding and to nurse us up in the knowledge of that which is good The Reasons why we should know to do good are 1. Knowledge is our Lamp and Star to guide us in the Truth It shews us what we are to do and what we are to leave undone If we do not know that which is good we can never practise it Without Knowledge we cannot do any thing in Religion aright we offer up the Blind we cannot give God a reasonable Sacrifice He that doth not know his Trade is like to make but bad Work of it 2. Knowledge is the Foundation of all Grace Every Grace borrows its Light from this Lamp it is the radical Vertue it is the Seed out of which the Flower of Grace grows it ushers in Faith They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee Psal. 9.10 Knowledge carries the Torch before Faith A blind Faith is as bad as a dead Faith It inflames Love Phil. 1.9 This I pray that your Love may abound yet more and more in Knowledge The Knowledge of Christ's Beauty enticeth our Love it breeds Perseverance it is like the Mariner's Lanthorn to direct the Ship and as the Anchor that holds it steddy in Storms and Tempests The Apostle joyns these two together unlearned and unstable 2 Pet. 3.16 Such as are unlearned will be unstable 3. The chief Work in Conversion consists in Knowledge Rom. 12.2 Be ye transformed by the renewing of your Mind The Mind being renewed the Man is transformed The first thing in the Creation was Light so in Conversion the first thing is Illumination The first part of God's Image consists in Knowledge Col. 3.10 The first thing a Limner draws in a Picture is the Eye so the first thing God draws in the Soul is the Eye of Knowledge Psal 51.6 In the hidden part thou shal◠make me to know Wisdom 4. There is nothing in Religion though never so excellent can do us good without Knowledge The Blessed Sacrament which is one of the highest Ordinances yet if we come to it without Knowledge it can do us no good What Benefit can he receive that is not able to discern the Lord's Body If one come to a Physick Garden and knows not the Nature of the Herbs he may gather Poison instead of the Physical Herb as he who went into the Field and gathered wild Gourds and then there was Death in the Pot 2 Kings 4.39 So if one understand not the Mystery of the Lord's Supper there is Death in the Cup he eats and drinks his own Damnation Vse See how necessary it is to get the knowledge of what is good It ushers in Salvation 1 Tim. 2.4 We must know to do good before we can do it Omne Peccatum fundatur in ignorantia Ignorance of God is the cause of all Sin Ier. 9.3 They proceed from evil to evil and know not me saith the Lord. Ignorance of God damns Hos. 4.6 My People are destroyed for want of Knowledge 'T is sad to be ignorant in Gospel-times to be blind in the Sun How many go to Hell blind-fold And which is worse not only nescire but nolle scire they do not only not know Good but they are not willing to know Ier. 9.6 They refuse to know me saith the Lord. II. Doct. That we ought not only to know to do Good but to do it This the Apostle implies To him that knows to do good and doth it not he implies that he who knows to do Good should do it The End of Knowledge is Practice Search from one end of the Bible to the other and you will find that it is the practick part of Religion is chiefly intended The Crown is not set upon the Head of Knowledge but Practice Rev. 22.14 Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have right to the Tree of Life The Eye is to direct the Foot Knowledge is the Eye that is to direct the Foot of Obedience Vse 1. It shews us wherein most Christians are defective in the Times of Gospel viz. In the doing part of Religion they know how to do Good but do it not They have good Eye-sight but are lame on their Feet they are like Rachel beautiful in regard of Knowledge but barren We are like our first Parents greedy of the Tree of Knowledge Knowledge is an Ornament and People love to hang this Jewel on their Ear but though they know what they ought to do yet they do it not They know they should abstain from evil and pursue Holiness they know to do Good but do it not 1. They know they should abstain from evil They know they should not swear Matth. 5.34 Swear not all yet they do it they are more free of their Oaths than their Alms. They know uncleanness to be a Sin it wastes the Body wounds the Conscience blots the Name damns the Soul Gal. 5.19 Yet they will go on in that Sin and for a Cup of Pleasure drink a Sea of Wrath. They know Drunkenness to be a Sin it doth brutifie them take away their Reason they cannot think to go reeling to Heaven God is brewing a Cup for the Drunkard Rev. 16.19 The Cup of the Wine of the fierceness of his Wrath Wormwood-Wine yet he will not leave his drunken Fits Men know that rash censuring is a Sin Iam. 4.11 Speak not evil one of another Brethren Yet they are guilty of this they will not swear but they will slander and speak to the prejudice of others They can never make them Recompence for this No Physician can heal the Wounds of the
we find an un-interrupted Peace upon Earth Either home-bred Divisions or Forreign Invasions 2 Chron. 15.5 There was no Peace to him that went out or to him that came in But the kingdom of Heaven is a kingdom of Peace there are no Enemiest o conflict with all Christs Enemies shall be under his Feet Psal. 110.1 The Gates of that kingdom alwaies stand open Rev. 21.25 The Gates shall not be shut at all to show that there 's no fear of an assault of an Enemy the Saints when they dye are said to enter into Peace Isa. 57.2 There 's no beating of Drums or roaring of Canons but the Voice of Harpers harping in token of Peace Rev. 14.2 In Heaven Righteousness and Peace kiss each other 6. The Kingdom of Heaven excels in Magnitude 't is of vast Dimensions though the Gate of the kingdom be strait we must pass into it through the strait Gate of Mortification yet when once we are in it is very large though there be an innumerable Company of Saints and Angels yet there is room enough for them The kingdom of Heaven may be called by the Name of that Well Gen. 26.22 Iacob called the Name of it Rehoboth for he said now the Lord hath made room for us Thou who art now confin'd to a small Cottage when thou comest into the Caelestial kingdom thou shalt not be straitened for room As every Star hath a large Orb to move in so it shall be with the Saints when they shall shine as Stars in the kingdom of Heaven 7. The Kingdom of Heaven excels in Unity all the Inhabitants agree together in Love Love will be the Perfume and Musick of Heaven as Love to God will be intense so to the Saints Perfect Love as it casts out Fear so it casts out Envy and Discord Those Christians who could not live quietly together on Earth which was the Blemish of their Profession yet in the kingdom of Heaven the fire of Strife shall cease there shall be no vilifying or censuring one another or raking into one anothers sores but all shall be tied together with the Heart-strings of Love there Luther and Suinglius are agreed Satan cannot put in his Cloven Foot there to make Divisions there shall be perfect Harmony and Concord and not one jarring String in the Saints Musick It were worth dying to be in that kingdom 8. This kingdom exceeds all Earthly in Joy and Pleasure therefore it is called Paradise 2 Cor. 12 4. for delight There are all things to cause Pleasure there is the Water of Life pure as Christal there 's the Honey-comb of Gods Love dropping 'T is called entring into the Ioy of our Lord Mat. 25.23 There are two things cause Joy 1. Separation from Sin Sin creates Sorrow but when this Viper of Sin shall be shaken off then Joy follows there can be no more sorrow in Heaven then there is Joy in Hell 2. Perfect Union with Christ Joy as Aristotle saith flows from Union with the Object When our Union with Christ shall be perfect then our Joy shall be full If the Joy of Faith be so great 1 Pet 1.8 then what will the Joy of Sight be Ioseph gave his Brethren Provision for the way but the full Sacks of Corn were kept till they came at their Fathers House God gives the Saints a Tast of Joy here but the full Sacks are kept till they come to Heaven not only the Organical Parts the outward Sences the Eye Ear Tast shall be filled with Joy But the Heart of a Glorified Saint shall be filled with Joy the Understanding Will and Affections are such a Triangle as none can fill but the Trinity There must needs be infinite Joy where nothing is seen but Beauty nothing is tasted but Love 9. This kingdom of Heaven excels all Earthly in self-perfection Other kingdoms are defective they have not all Provision within themselves but are fain to trafick abroad to supply their wants at home King Solomon did send to Ophir for Gold 2 Chron. 8.18 But there is no defect in the kingdom of Heaven it hath all Commodities of its own growth Rev 21.7 there is the Pearl of Price the Morning Star the Mountains of Spices the Bed of Love there are those sacred Rarities wherewith God and Angels are delighted 10. This kingdom of Heaven excels all other in Honour and Nobility it doth not only equal them in the Ensigns of Royalty the Throne and white Robes but it doth far transcend them Other Kings are of the Blood-Royal but they in this Heavenly kingdom are born of God Other Kings converse with Nobles the Saints Glorified are Fellow Commoners with Angels they have a more Noble Crown 't is made of the Flowers of Paradise and is a Crown that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5.4 they sit on a better Throne King Solomon 1 Kings 10.18 sat on a Throne of Ivory overlaid with Gold but the Saints are in Heaven higher advanced they sit with Christ upon his Throne Rev. 3.21 they shall judge the Princes and great Ones of the Earth 1 Cor. 6.2 This honour have all the Saints Glorified 11. This kingdom of Heaven excels all others in healthfulness Death is a Worm that is ever feeding at the Root of our Gourd kingdoms are oft Hospitals of sick persons But the kingdom of Heaven is a most healthful Climate Phisicians there are out of date no Distemper there no passing Bell or Bill of Mortality Luke 20.36 neither can they dye any more in the Heavenly Climate are no ill Vapours to breed Diseases but a sweet aromatical Smell coming from Christ all his Garments smell of Myrrh Aloes and Cassia 12. This kingdom of Heaven excels in Duration it abides for ever Suppose Earthly kingdoms to be more glorious then they are their Foundations of Gold their Walls of Pearl their Windows of Saphyre yet they are corruptible and fading Hos. 1.4 I will cause the Kingdom to cease Troy and Athens now lie buried in their Ruines jam Seges est ubi Troja fuit Mortality is the Disgrace of all Earthly kingdoms but the kingdom of Heaven hath Eternity written upon it it is an everlasting kingdom 2 Pet. 1 1â— 't is founded upon a strong Basis Goâ—s Omnipotency this kingdom the Saints shall never be turned out of or be deposed from their Throne as some Kings have been viz. Hen. VI. c. But shall reign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 How should all this affect our Hearts What should we mind but this kingdom of Heaven which doth more out-shine all the kingdoms of the Earth then the Sun out-shines the Light of a Taper 4. Quest. When this Kingdom shall be bestowed Resp. This Glory in the kingdom of Heaven shall be begun at death but not perfected till the Resurrection 1. The Saints shall enter upon the kingdom of Glory immediately after death before their Bodies are buried their Souls shall be Crowned Phil. 1.23 having a desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉