cui jus est preâ—â—cribendi eras It properly signifieth one that hath authority rule or dominion being a word of relation also It is in the writing of the Apostles simply and absolutely ascribed to Christ saith Zanchy a thousand times It is used civiliter as when we call an Honourable person or one that hath servants Lord. And Theologically when this appellation is given to the one true God answering the Hebrew name of God Iehovah which sets forth the absolute power and soveraignty of God over all the Creatures These are the words of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ to his Disciples wherein he begins to give them the sense and exposition of that his strange and wonderful condescention of washing his Disciples feet whereof you have the History in the precedent verses He doth now at large declare to what end and renders the reason why he washed his Disciples feet this done partly to shew his admirable love to them vers 1. and to give them an example of humility and love one to another and partly to intimate that he only cleanieth us from our sins 1 Ioh. 1.7 There was in this his action a teaching mystery which they knew not till they were further instructed they yet perceived not that it was not so much material for them to have clean feet as to be cleansed by the blood of Christ and have true humility and love one to another Here he taketh up an argument from their own mouths to shew what they ought to do in imitation of him except they will contradict themselves and in actions dissent from their own words of common use If I your Lord and Master have frooped so low as to wash your feet ye ought also to wash one anothers feet ye ought to be ready and willing to serve one another in love 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is put for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 much more ought ye seeing you are not as ye confess Lords over one another but fellow-servants equally bound in mutual duty Verily verily I say unto you the servant is not greater than his lord and argument a majore from the greater to the less If Christ who excelleth all do so admirably abase himself how may it even shame thee vers 15. I have given you an example that you should do as I have done we must follow rationem exempli magis quam individuum actum the moral reason of the example rather than do the individual act that is we must after Christs example be ready to perform the meanest and lowest offices of love one to another Doct. Christ is a Christians Lord and Master and every Christian is Christs servant Christ and a Christian stand in relation one to another as Lord and servant There is a relation between Christ and Believers as betwixt Master and servants Though Christ saith to the Apostles Ioh. 15.5 Henceforth I call you not servants but friends The meaning is not that he calleth them not servants at all but not meer servants they being more than servants having such acquaintance with his counsels as his friends for he presently vers 20. bids them remember that the servant is not greater than his Lord Mat. 23.8 One is your Master even Christ and all ye are brethren and vers 10. the Apostles called themselves the servants of Iesus Christ Rom. 1.1 1 Cor. 4.1 Phil. 1.1 He is called our Master and we his servants because he is our Rector expleno dominio with absolute propriety and doth not give us Laws to obey while we do our own work but giveth us his work to do and Laws for the right doing of it and it is a service under his eye and in dependance on him for our daily provisions as servants on their Lord. He hath work for us to do in the world and the performance of it he will require He biddeth his Sons go work to day in my Vineyard Mat. 21.28 and expecteth that they do his will ver 31. His servants are as Husbandmen to whom he entrusteth his Vineyard that he may receive the fruit ver 33 34 41 43. Faithful servants shall be made rulers over his Houshold Mat 24.45 46. Christ delivereth his Talents to his servants to improve and will require an account of the improvement at his coming Mat 25.14 1. Christ is a Christians Lord and Master 2. Christians are his servants For the first concerning Christs Lordship enquire what it is 2. How it is 3. Where it is 1. What it is observe that Christ as God-man hath a threefold Lordship as he is God he hath the same glory and dominion with the Father and as God-man Mediator there is a dominion that results from his Office and this is thus distinguished 1. Christ hath a more general dominion or Lordship over all men yea over all creatures He is over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9 5. Jesus Christ he is Lord of all Acts 10.36 He is King of Nations Soveraign Lord to rule and judg them Ioh. 3.35 the Father loves the Son and hath given all things into his hand Mat. 28.18 all power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth God hath put all things under his feet Eph. 1.22 This Lordship is or seems to be thaâ— Reign spoken of 1 Cor. 15.25 28. for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet and when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him that God may be all in all This Oeconomical Kingdom or Lordship is exercised over all whether good or bad whether willing or unwilling to serve him whether knowing or unknowingly and it is manifested by the Acts 1. Of restraining all creatures from crossing or hindering his will and works which he is determined shall be when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive Eph. 4.8 Satan sin death Hell and whatever opposed him in his state of humiliation captivity put for captives a multitude of captives 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ hath the keys of Hell and Death Rev. 1.18 i. e. power to deliver to or keep from Hell and the Grave and he is the worlds master Ioh 16 33. be of good cheer I have overcome the world 't is but a conquer'd Enemy let the waves roar the Lord reingeth Psal. 93.1 72.9 his enemies shall lick the dust he rules in the midst of his enemies 2. His Lordship is manifested in guiding and swaying them to his will and end Psal. 68.30 Rebuke the company of spearmen the multitude of bulls with the calves of the people till every one submit himself with pieces of silver Captains and Companies of greatest might rage and cruelty are bridled and tamed made to stoop and pay tribute to him Kings of Isles shall bring presents Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts yea all â—ings shall fall down before him all nations shall serve him for he shall deliver the needy when he cryeth the
that delivered him was called his Lord. So when we were mancipia peccati diaboli the Devils captives and slaves of sin in which condition if we had lived and died after a hard and toilsome service in the mean time our wages in the end should have been eternal death Christ by his death hath conquered sin and Satan and freed us from that wretched thraldom to this end that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies we might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life Luke 1.74 75 Thus the Israelites were delivered from Egypt the house of bondage to serve God Hence the Preface to the ten commandments and David confesseth Psal. 116.16 I am thy servant I am thy servant thou hast loosed my bonds If a man had brought another out of Captivity or he had sold himself all his strength or service belonged to the buyer Christ hath bought us from the worst slavery and with the greatest price no thraldom so bad as bondage to sin no prison so black as Hell and certainly Christs blood is better than any money not to serve him then is to defraud him of his purchase no bondage so great as ours no price so great as Christs and therefore no service so great as that which we owe. 2. By the fathers donation or delivery up of them Iohn 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word God hath made us and not we our selves and so hath absolute right to us and dominion over us hath given us unto Christ that we should serve him as well as be saved by him Isa. 44.21 Remember O Iacob thou art my servant I have formed thee thou art my servant O Israel they are given him for a Possession Psal. 2.8 3. By voluntary resignation and surrendring of themselves to him They have given themselves to the Lord that are real Christians 2. Cor. 8.5 'T is by their own consent and contract Rom. 6.13 Yeild up your selves unto God c. Christ loves to have his right and title established By our own consent we take Christ for our Lord and Master and give up our selves to him that we may be no longer at our own dispose and therefore 't is not only robbery but treachery and breach of Covenant to seek our selves in any thing and this resignation must be made out of a sense of Christs love to us in his death and sufferings 2 Cor. 5.15 Christ died that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him who died for them We enter upon other services out of hopes but we enter upon Christs service out of thankfulness 'T was our own voluntary Act by Marriage-Covenant we take him for our Lord our Husband Guide Governour and Protector and as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him Lord so we Christ we have bound our selves by solemn vow and promise to be and continue Christs faithful servants unto the end of our lives now the word is gone out of our lips we may not alter it nor after we have made a vow enquire what we have to do He hath the best right to our best services by this three-fold title and a threefold cord is not easily broken our tongues are not our own to speak what we please nor our hearts to think what we please nor our hands to do what we list By vertue of these and many more titles we are anothers and are bound to live and Act for him according to his will and for his glory 3. What a Lord and Master Christ is The Scriptures give us these Characters or Properties of Him 1. He is the most absolute and supreme Lord. His stile is King of kings and Lord of lords he hath no superior or co-partner with him in his dominion and government all other Power and Lordship is dependent and derivative and subordinate 1. All Power is from him as 1. Civil Prov. 8.15 By me Kings reign and Princes decree Iustice. 2. Ecclesiastical 2 Cor. 10.8 That power which the Apostle had was derived from Christ For though I should boast something more of the Authority which the Lord hath given us for Edification and not for Destruction 3. Inward and spiritual Mar. 16.20 They preached every where the Lord working with them the opening of the eyes of the blind quickening the dead turning them from darkness to light were the effects of his power not the parts or piety of the Preacher but his grace and spirit did the work Lastly extraordinary and miraculous power whereby they confirmed the word signs and wonders were wrought in his name and by his power When the lame man was healed and the Apostle examined by what power or by what name they had done it Peter answered Acts 4.10 Be it known unto you all tâ—at by the name of Iesus of Nazareth this man doth stand before you whole 2. As all power is derived from him and dependent on him so 't is to be used and obeyed in subordination to him 1. For him as the authority of Magistrates Parents 1 Pet. 2.13 Submit to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake whether it be to the King as supream Eph. 6.1 Children obey your parents in the Lord so wives to husbands servants to masters Col. 3.18 2. According to him Acts. 5 29 the Apostle answered We ought to obey God rather than men 3. All other Lords are responsible to him for the use and abuse of that authority and those gifts they received from him and are therefore punishable by him 2 dly He is an universal Lord Lord of all 1. In regard of persons he is over all Rom. 9.5 He rules over all nations persons hearts all other Masters and Lords are inferiour to him Eph. 6.9 And ye masters do the same things to them that is your Servants forbearing threatning knowing that your master also is in heaven neither is there respect of persons with him 2. In regard of matters and acts outward inward Godward manward civil spiritual all come under his cognizance Eph. 6.5 6. Col. 3.23 Rom. 14.18 in all these things we are to serve Christ 3. In regard of places the three kingdoms of Heaven Earth and Hell have no other Lord but Christ Angels and glorified Saints in Heaven Saints Sinners and every creature on Earth the damned and Devils in Hell are all his subjects 3 dly He is a spiritual Lord for the manner of his rule and government Iohn 18.36 My kingdom is not of this world not from hence Not that he governs not in Heaven and Earth for though his kingdom be not of this world Rex tamen est in hoc mundo Bern. when Pilate had openly declared whose accusation it was Jesus plainly tells him that his Kingdom was not secular but spiritual not of this world So that he nothing intrenched on Caesars
right which he saith not to avoid death but to shew that he was unjustly accused 4. He is an eternal Lord Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth even for ever Isa 9.7 Luke 1.33 He is the King immortal 1 Tim. 1.17 Death the King of terrors and terror of Kings is subdued by this Lord not only so as never to touch him but also never to hurt any of his Servants Other Rulers though they be called gods and lords yet shall dye like men earthly Monarchs either by some Poison or Treason are brought to untimely deaths at least some disease or other will lay their glory in the dust but Jesus Christ is yesterday today and the same for ever 5. He is a mighty Lord most able to do what is good for his Servant and to subdue all persons and things to himself Psal. 3.21 He can kill the Soul and throw both the Body and Soul into Hell he can subdue the hearts of men even of the deadliest enemies unto his love and obedience he can protect and shelter his Servants from all evil and bestow all good things on them for the world is his and the fulness thereof He hath under his command the forces of all creatures in Heaven and Earth which he rules as he pleases to his own purpose he can at ease frustrate the harmful intentions and noisom qualities of the worst of them he can turn their malice into mercy their hatred into love yea can bring forth glory to himself and profit to his Servants not only against but even out of their mischievous designments as in Daniel and the three Children c. 6. He is a most just Lord his is a Scepter of righteousness Heb. 1.8 his right hand is full of righteousness The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works Psal. 145.17 In him is exact and perfect integrity and equity of all his counsels words and actions and there is no unrighteousness in him His will is the rule and standard of justice and whatever he commands is most equal and right because he wills and commands it 7. He is a most glorious Lord and Master The glory of Kings and Emperours is but a borrowed ray or spark from his Majesty the glory of all the Caesars c. is but a black coal in comparison of his splendor and when he shall appear in his glory the glow-worms of worldly splendor and majesty shall disappear and be extinguished the poorest Servant he hath shall then appear with him in such glory that the combined-excellency of Kings shall not be so much as a shadow to it 8. He is a most gracious Lord he puts them upon none but safe honourable and comfortable employments He puts no more upon them than they can go through and lays no more upon them than they are able to bear he knows their mould and frame remembers they are but dust he is Jesus as well as Lord a Shepherd as well as a Master he joins his glory and their happiness together he never requireth brick from his people without giving them straw he will either multiply grace or diminish the temptation his Grace is always sufficient for them 9. He is a wise judicious Master A man that serves a fickle and unconstant Master who often changes his mind has a hard task and endless labour but a prudent man who orders his affairs with discretion and deliberation his commands are but once obeyed his work is soon done what he doth now anon he must undo and so Sysiphus like he is ever doing and hath never done he never knows an end of his work But the Servant of Christ is at a good certainty and knows before-hand what his work must be and what his wages as his Master himself is so his Commandments are immutable and invariable without so much as a shadow of change Iam. 1.17 That was a needless cavil and meer peevishness and selfishness in Ionah Ionah 4.2 10. He is a most knowing and discerning Lord. He observes the ways and works of his Servants so narrowly that the closest and subtillest among them cannot deceive him he spies them in every corner nay every corner of their hearts in them all things are open and naked before him though now in some sort he be absent yet he needs no informer he knows what every Servant doth in his absence and will manifest every ones work to all the world his eyes are as a flame of fire clearer than ten thousand suns he takes notice of all their services and hearts Rev. 2.19 I know thy works and charity and service and faith and thy patience and thy works and the last to be more than the first 11. He is a pitiful and merciful Lord and Master He hath an eye as pitying as it is piercing he doth no less observe the wants and troubles than the ways and works of his Servants he is a Father as well as a Master and As a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him Psal. 103.13 14 And spareth them as a father his son that serveth him Mal. 3.17 hath more tender bowels than a mother Isa. 49.15 Can a woman forget her sucking-child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee Christ is not as the slothful man thought a cruel and hard Master Matt. 25.24 that looks for much work and gives little encouragement but is moved with compassion towards his Servants Matt. 18.27 he will not have his Servants complain that they serve an hard Master 12. He is a meek and lowly Master condescending to serve his Servants here and hereafter 1. Hereâ— Matt. 20.28 He came not to be ministred unto but to minister Luke 22.27 Whether is greater he that sitteth at meat or he that serveth is not he that sitteth at meat but I am among you as he that serveth He stoopt so low as to wash his Disciples feet 2. Hereafter Luke 12.37 Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching Verily I say unto you That he shall gird himself and make them sit down to meat and will come forth and serve them Study but yet expect not to understand either the comfort or condescention of this promise made to the faithful Servants of Christ He shall gird himself c. Lord saith one did I not think that the cheer and the attendance were both one I should say the attendance were infinitely better than the meat Think what it is for Christ himself to serve at the Table what is it but infinite delight for the guests to have him set himself to solace them who is infinite as in sweetness so in knowledg to make his sweetness please them Nor will the dignity of these
CHRIST DISPLAYED AS THE Choicest Gift and Best Master From Ioh. 4.10 Ioh. 13.13 Being some of the last Sermons Preached by that faithful and industrious Servant of Jesus Christ Mr. NATHANEEL HEYWOOD Sometime Minister of the Gospel at Ormeschurch in Lancashire 1 Cor. 2.2 For I determined not to know any thing among you save Iesus Christ and hlm crucified Salvian de Gubern Dei Lib. 4. In id penitus deducta res est ut sicut de Paganis Barbaris priùs diximus Christi nomen non videatur jam Sacramentum esse sed sermo Nam in tantum apud plurimos nomen hoc parvi penditur ut nunquam minus cogitent quippiam facere quam cum se jurant per Christum esse facturos LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1679. To the Worshipful HENRY HOGHTON Esq And the Lady STANLEY His Vertuous Consort Worthy SIR MADAM I Presume to affix your Venerable Names in the Frontispiece of this Treatise not upon my own account or upon any such interest I can challenge in your Worships being much unknown to you but as acting the part of the deceased Author who had upon great reason conceived a very high estimation of you as I doubt not but your respects to him were reciprocal being grounded both upon long acquaintance and experience of each other his discourse of you with grateful acknowledgments of your multiplied kindness to his person and family in my hearing and his affectionate prayers for you were clear testimonies that you were engraven upon his heart and if his unparallel'd modesty had permitted him to have committed any thing to the Press doubtless his cordial affection would have issued it self in such an Epistolary inscription But since I am necessitated to supply his place in handing these Discourses to the World I prostrate this exposed Orphan at your feet and question not your candid reception and resolute protection of what was the genuine product of his mind and mouth which I will confidently assure you these Treatises are both for matter method words without the least addition substraction or alteration being taken out of his own notes as he preacht them writ at large with his own hand The matter of these Sermons is of greatest moment and importance fundamental truths they are of the gift of God in our blessed Redeemer and Christs Lordship and Soveraignty which are truths of the first magnitude most necessary like wool and corn the staple-commodities of this Kingdom like bread and salt that must be set upon the Table like ground-Cells upon which lyes the weight of the fabrick these are comprehensive and extensive truths without this gift sinners had not been pardoned accepted without this Lordship souls would wander and rebel the former brings us into favour with God the latter conquers rebellious wills subdues enemies regulates Saints and crowns them with glory The manner of handling these subjects is plain exact nervous and very pathetical which took great impression on the hearers vvhen first delivered with the lively voice of that fair spokesman for Christ whose heart was much taken with this lovely and beloved Lord and took great delight to recommend him to poor sinners which he did with great advantage and success whereby he became a spiritual father of many children whom he begot in the bonds of the Gospel Indeed he excelled others in other subjects but in this he excelled himself especially in this swan-like song which savours of Heaven and seems to be calculated for the height of Sion to be sung by that heavenly host in the praises of our dear Redeemer But neither do these weighty subjects nor the lively colours wherein they are set off need my recommendation nor yet the Authors gifts graces industry fidelity and other imitable properties well known to you and all that were acquainted with him need at all be mentioned by me at least at this season his singular accomplishments and conversation shine too bright to be darkened by any black-mouth'd Momus as his soul and body are beyond the reach of Satan and Sorrow so his name is above any just censures and calumnies I make bold to put these Posthumous works into your hands may your Worships in the first place reap the benefit and by your experiments thereof in your souls and conformity thereto in your lives incourage others to come and see how good our Lord Jesus is this is a lovely Song of one that could play well on an instrument may your hearts eccho to this Gospel-tune here 's solid food well cookt rendred delectable with the sweet sauce of acceptable words may your stomacks be keen and sharp and nourisht by it to eternal life These are goads and nails fastened by this master of assemblies now rewarded by his Master given out by one shepherd may Gods Spirit fasten them as a nail in a sure place upon many consciences I have then attained my ends in this undertaking may God be thereby glorified and souls edified we have enough The Lord bless you both and make you rich blessings to your Country in your publick domestical and personal station and relation The Lord drop down this choice gift into your laps and hearts that you may give up your selves to him again as his bored devoted servants for ever God Almighty that hath been the stay of your Youth be also the staff of your old age and maintain you as choice instruments of his glory in the land of the living and in a good old age conduct you through the valley of the shadow of death into the land of life so prayeth Your Worships humble Servant in our Dearest Lord O. H. Febr. 1. 1678 9. To the CHRISTIAN READER especially the Inhabitants of the Town and Parish of Ormeschurch and the places adjacent Grace Mercy and Peace My dearly beloved in our dearest Lord IT is an astonishing Providence that in such a day of Epidemical sinning general fears of approaching Iudgments and great necessity in most places God should thus weaken our strength undermine the fabrick by cutting off so many faithful Shepherds in so short a space therein seeming as if he would make a way to his wrath But as your dark parts have more need of such faithful Watchmen so you are most emptied God having of late renewed his witnesses against you and broken you with breach upon breach before your eyes were fully wiped for one loss another follows at the heels like Job's messengers bringing the sad tidings of the death of another gracious Minister and this last is not the least under which you lye bleeding It is true on his account that 's gone you have no reason to lament God hath put a blessed end to his torturing pains of body perplexing thoughts of heart and indefatigable labours in the Ministry and crown'd him with glory the sharper was his passage the sweeter is his present repose he finds himself abundantly rewarded God made great
enemies Col. 1.21 Those that are afar of are made nigh by the blood of Christ he hath broken down the partition-wall and slain the enmity Ephes. 2 16 17 18. If thou hast some dear friend who bestows a gift on thee in token of his dear love and respect to thee and there should be afterwards some disagreeing and falling out betwixt you wouldst thou shew this gift a pledg of league and amity c. thus hold up Christ to God 3. Or though it be not thus yet thou wantest the sense and feeling of his love and art comfortless in the want of it O then make use of Christ in this case who is able to make all Consolations abound and fill thy soul with joy and peace in believing He hath said Ioh. 14.18 I will not leave you comfortless Tristatur aliquis nostrum veniat in cor Iesus Is any man sad saith Bernard let that sweetest name Jesus come into his heart and so he shall have that peace and comfort that the world cannot give neither can the world take it away from him Christ is a most soveraign Cordial apply and use him and your joy will be full 4. Or art thou terrified in Conscience and groaning under the insupportable burden of a wounded spirit art thou affrighted with accusing and condemning thoughts O go to Christ who as he can make peace in the Court of Heaven so he can create peace in thy heart and still the crys of Conscience and make a calm there also though the waves roar and the winds blow c. thy soul shall have peace in him which passeth all understanding Col. 1.20 And will say in me ye shall have peace be of good cheer let not your hearts be troubled though your hearts ake and tremble yet he is greater thaâ— your hearts who is nigh to justifie you Isa. â—â— 8 so that you may triumph with the Apostle Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died Rom. 8.34 Expect no peace in laying aside Christ. 5. Are you afraid of death and judgment to come in this case also make use of Christ. It 's reported by Cassander that in ancient times sick and weak dying persons were directed and accustomed to make use of Christ at that time especially interposing him betwixt them and Gods Judgment saying these words Lord we put thee the death of our Lord Iesus Christ betwixt us and thy judgment But what need we look into Historians the Scriptures shew what languishing souls and drooping spirits must do Psal. 23.4 5. Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death yet I will fear no evil c. Christ hath destroyed him that had the power of death Heb. 2.4 taken out the venome and malignity of it Death lost its sting in Christs side And now O death where is thy sting O grave where is thy victory 1 Cor. 15.55 57. Or fearest thou judgment look to Christ and thou shalt not die the second death but he will raise thee up at the last day Ioh 6.49 50. Having Christ thou maist stand in judgment and lift up thy head with joy for 't is the day of thy Redemption then the redeemed of the Lord shall return with joy everlasting and you shall appear with him in glory 4. Fourth Branch of Exhortation Be â—ery thankful for him yea let your whole soul go out in thankfulness be ever praising and magnifying God for his unspeakable mercy in Christ your Sacrifice your Redeemer your Saviour often call upon your sluggish hearts and say Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name Psal. 103.1 and 116.12 What shall I render to the Lord for this the greatest of all his benefits O be thankful not in a common ordinary formal manner but in the most lively enlarged and raised manner that is possible where the mercy is high and great the thankfulness must bear some proportion to it O let your apprehensions be widened to conceive the vastness of this mercy that your affections may be more enlarged to praise God for it O how shall we get our hearts affected with it what thankfulness can be enough for such a gift should not the whole soul be summon'd in to give its most united acknowledgment of so signal a mercy for God to give his only begotten Son to be a Saviour for sinners Here 's the wonder of wonders God never did the like before and he 'l never do the like again and blessed be his name there is no need he should It would have been admirable mercy if God would have sent some other person upon this Errand to redeem and save undone sinners If send he will why did he not send an Angel or body of Angels to try their skill and see what they could do Nay why did he not send an Angel as once he did with a flaming sword in his hand to keep off sinners from the Tree of Life O this did not comport with his gracious designs though it did too well with the creatures merit therefore he would not do it no his own Son shall be pitcht upon he is the person whom God will send Surely here was love great love great to the degree of infiniteness Millions of Angels were nothing to one Son to one such Son his first-born his only begotten Son the Son of his love who lay in his bosom had been his delight from everlasting O astonishing mercy O admirable goodness and condescention how may we cry out here Lord what is man that thou art thus mindful of him and the Son of man that thou makest this account of him Psal. 8.4 and 144.3 or as Iob 7.17 What is man that thou shouldest magnifie him and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him Here was God so loving so as can never be expressed never be comprehended Ioh 3.16 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believed on him might not perish but have everlasting life The Heavens and the Earth were once called upon to be filled with astonishment because of the ingratitude of a sinful people Isa. 1.2 May not now Heaven and Earth Angels and men all creatures whatsoever be called upon to be filled with astonishment because of the stupendious love of God! O Christians what influence hath this upon your dull and sluggish hearts what are you made of that you are no more in the sense of it drawn out in blessing loving admiring and adoring of God Pray if there be any holy ingenuity in you take some pains with your selves that you may be much more affected with it and give not over till you have such thoughts and affections upon Gods giving his Son raised in you as may in some measure answer to those thoughts and affections which you shall have about it when you shall be in Heaven The Angels never reaped that advantage that we do yet they were at praising-work as soon as ever Christ was born
children Not fashioning our selves according to the former lusts in our ignorance but as he that hath called us is holy so let us be holy in all manner of conversation 1 Pet. 1.13 14 15. O what manner of persons should we be in all holy conversation and godliness It is most reasonable that we should walk in Christ as we have received him both from the rules of ingenuity fidelity and equity 1. It is a rule of an ingenuous man that nothing be done to the prejudice of him from whom we receive nothing but the fairest expressions of favour and kindness God deals with his people in sweet expressions and carriages of condescending love bounty and good-will all his ways are mercy and faithfulness his with drawings or whatever God doth to his people it is for their good Now for any man to walk contrary to God that still goes on to discover more of the riches of his grace to him is to requite evil for good a piece of great disingenuity there is not only rebellion and disobedience but wickedness in it 2. 'T is a rule of fidelity whatever is given to a man to be disposed of upon such and such things and for such ends should be carefully imployed and laid out upon such things and for such ends according to the will of the giver A man may certainly dispose of his own as he pleases Now Christ was not given to us to live as we list or to walk in the vanity of our minds as other Gentiles Ephes. 4.17 Those that have received Christ and do not walk worthy of him do not improve him for mortifying the old man and putting on the new man and for holiness of heart and life they go against the will of him that hath bestowâ—d thâ—s gift upon them 3. 'T is a rule and principle of equity whatsoever we have received from another to occupy we should return it with all possible advantage being intrusted in anothers business an ingenious and just man will labour to advantage him in whose business he is employed as much if not more than his own If we receive this special gift and grace of God and instead of walking answerably we dishonour him by walking contrary to the grace we have received where is justice and ingenuity in this deportment As if a servant be employed in his Masters business he is to use his utmost skill and strength and put to his utmost endeavours to perform his duty exactly So we are servants and whatever we do is our duty Lâ—k 17.10 the stock we have received from another must be faithfully returned to the owner with advantage Mat. 25.27 A servant is not to mind his own advantage and profit but his masters the end why you perform duties and frequent Ordinances must not be meerly to be free from guilt and horrour and to escape Judgment and Hâ—ll that 's but as a servant that works indeed and does his masters business for his own ends but you must eat and drink work and trade pray and hear and all that you do for God and his glory For directions how we must walk in Christ You must walk in Christ as you have received him 1. You received Christ as one that hath taken upon him your nature and sanctified it Ioh. 17.19 and in this respect you should walk in him as those that are sanctified Ephes. 4 20 21 22 23 24. But ye have not so learned Christ c. 1 Thes. 4.4 As you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God so ye would abound more and more for this is the will of God even your sanctification that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour 2. As one that mediates and intercedes for you at the Throne of Grace and ye should be sure to walk in him come to God in this new and living way that your persons and services may be accepted and prayers answered 3. As one to whom you have resigned up your selves as your King and Lord ruler and governour that hath the sole ordering and disposing of you and all your affairs and ways and in this respect you should yield obedience and subjection to his commands and give up your selves wholly to him 4. As one that is your Saviour who is your strength and safety against all enemies and evils whose design and undertaking is to deliver you from the evil of sin Satan and the world in all your fears dangers temptations then you must fly unto him and relye upon him when he hath restored liberty to you captives and slaves you must walk in this liberty and make use of it not to sin but to serve him freely without fear and without distraction 5. As a guide and leader to shew you the way of life and happiness and 't is nothing but reason you should follow him and walk as he walked In a word he is your life and your all and so you should live not to your selves but to him and his praise and glorifie him in soul and body which are his that since he died for all 't is very reasonable that they which believe should not live henceforth to themselves but to him that died for them Rom. 6.22 â—3 Being made free from sin and become servants unto God ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Iesus Christ our Lord. CHRIST The Best MASTER Joh. 13.13 Ye call me Master and Lord and ye say well for so I am 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 VOS me vocantes dicitis magister aâ— domine bene dicitis sum enâ—m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per enallagen as Mark 15.34 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod ponitur Mat. 27.46 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 these are put 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Grammarians speak the Nominative for the Vocative case Vel est mutata forma orationis ut hoc dicatur vos compellando me utimur his vocibus magister dominus Unless we read it with Epiphanius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 So Erasmus translates it Magistrum dominum for saith he it is not usual nor proper to call any thus unless he be present and they speak to him but now Christs Disciples did call him so when he was absent as Ioh. 21.7 This saith Beza is confessed but here the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which may be rendred saintatis vel vocantes me appellatis being here used it may be understood of the common speech wherewith they spoke to Christ when present The Syriack word Rabban and Maran as in Maranatha the Lord cometh 1 Cor. 16.22 soundeth something more Sacred and Divine than ordinarily 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth a teacher of Letters Manners or any Art in relation whereunto they were called Disciples or Learners 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicitur qui pollet authoritate
3. Removing the spirit of bondage and restoring peace and joy to the soul He gives them peace with him Iohn 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid and Iob. 16.33 He gives them a free spirit an inlarged heart a sound mind the spirit of power and love 2 Tim. 1.7 5. He shews his Lordship towards his peculiar people in maintaining them in his service and supplâ—ing them in all their wants From this Head wherein dwells all fullness all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministred increases with the increase of God Col 2.19 The Lord is their shepherd they shall not want Psal. 23.1 and 84.11 Verily his houshold shall be fed they shall want no good thing He gives them all things pertaining to life and godliness 2 Pet. 1.4 Even of outward necessaries they shall have what they want if not what they would 6. In defending them against and upholding them in all temptations and troubles He tells them in all their dangers and straits my grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 He will keep them in all their ways surely then in all his work safety evermore accompanies duty His Servants are strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Eph. 6.10 They are preserved in Christ Jesus Iude 2. and are never unsafe but when they leave working or with Ionah run away from their Master Micah 5.4 He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God and they shall abide There is no security but in Christs family never are his servants in danger but when they go out of it and he takes care of the seed and posterity of his Servants Psal. 69.36 7. At last abundantly rewarding and dignifying them In doing his work there is great reward That happiness which Christ gives his Servants in this life is unspeakable their work seems to have more of wages than of work in it but in the next life their joy will be so great as that it cannot so well be said to enter into them as they to enter into it Mat. 25.51 Well done good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. The joy of their Lord whose bosom is the hive and center of all goodness and that in which all the scattered parcels of blessedness are bundled up Râ—v 22.12 Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be Their services are all Booked he who formerly gave them abilities for to work will now give them a recompence for working their work though never so great is but small to their wages nor is the weight of their labours comparable to that of their Crown and put in all their heavy sufferings too Rev. 2.10 Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life 2. How is this threefold Lordship exercised 1. By what means 2. For what end 3. In what manner or order 1 st By what means doth he exercise this Lordship 1. By his hand of providence concourse and co-operation in the creature that Providence Christ speaks of in Iohn 5.17 19 22 My father worketh hitherto and I work For what things soever he doth these also doth the son likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which Nazianzen well interprets 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. nor for the similitude of those things they do but in respect of the same power and authority of both the Son doth not imitate but co operate he works not like but the same work that the Father doth Quod operatur filius opus patris est Hil. Whatsoever the Father doth the Son doth because they are one God have one will power and working for the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son the Father judgeth not alone because he judgeth by the Son The word judging here signifies full power to rule in Heaven and Earth 1 Cor. 8.6 There is one God the father of whom are all things and we in him or for him and one Lord Iesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him By here notes not the instrumental but the principal cause the Prepositions of and by are not so to be taken that we make two Causes seeing they have but one Nature though they be distinct persons and the Father and Son work together but by these of and by the Apostâ—e differenceth their order and manner of working Col 1.17 He is before all things and by him all things consist 2. By his Word and Spirit in common works and gifts Psal. 110 2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies The Lord i. e. God the Father â—ho had said sit thou on my right hand i. e. receive chief power and authority from me and exercise jurisdiction over alâ— shall send forth the Rod of thy power i. e. thy powerful and mighty Rod or the Rod and Scepter whereby thou declarest thy power and might â—he means specially the Preaching of the Word which is the Power of God to Salvation and is able to cast down strong holds and every high thing Be thou Ruler by thy word and spirit notwithstanding all the resistance of thine enemies 1 Pet. 3.19 By which aâ—so he went and preached to the spirits in prison by the power and manifestation of his spirit 3. By his Word and Spirit in saving works and effects His Word worketh effâ—ctually in all them that believe 1 Thes. 2.13 and the Spirit of Truth the Comforter which he promises to send Iohn 14.16 18 and 16.14 He shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto on 2. The end or use of this threefold Lordship why or for which he exercises it 1. For his Fathers and his own glory John 13.31 Now is the son of man glorified and God is glorified in him i e He shall be glorified in the admirable work of mans redempâ—ion for death to overcome death is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 great glory and shews him to be the Lord of life Col. 1.16 all things were created and do consist as well for him as by him that he might have the preheminence and glory as the first-born of every creature or heir of all things 2â— For the salvation of his chosen that he may give unto them eternal life Iohn 17.2 Father the hour is come glorifie thy Son that thy Son may also glorifie thee as thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 3. For the overthrow of all adverse power to these ends whatever opposeth the glory of God and happiness of believers his Lordship is exercised for
sundry Sermons preached at St. Iames Dukes-place by Zech. Crofton The life and death of Edmund Stanton D. D. To which is added a Treatise of Christian-conference and a Dialogue between a Minister and a Stranger Sin the Plague of plagues or sinful sin the worst of Evils by Ralph Venning M. A. Cases of Conscience practically resolved by I. Norman The faithfulness of God conâ—idered and cleared in the great Events of his Word or a second part of the fulfilling of the Scripture The immortality of the Soul explained and proved by Scripture and Reason to which is added Faiths-triumph over the fears of death by Tho. Wadsworth A Treatise of the incomparableness of God in his Being Attributes Works and Word by George Swinnock M. A. A discourse of the original c. of the Cossacks The generation of Seekers or the right manner of the Saints addresses to the throne of Grace with an Exposition on the Lords-Prayer The administration of Cardinal Ximones A discourse of Family-instruction by Owen Stockton with directions for those that have suffered by the Fire An Essay to facilltate the Education of Youth by bringing down the rudiments of Grammar to the sense of seeing which ought to be improved by Syncresis by M. Lewis of Totenham An Artificial Vestibulum wherein the sense of Ianua Linguarum is contained compiled into plain and short sentences in English for the great â—ase of Masters and Expeditious progress of Scholars by M. Lewis Speculum Sherlockianum oâ— a Looking glass in which the admirers of Mr. Sherlock may behold the man as to his Acuracy Judgment Orthodoxy A discourse of Sins of Omission wherein is discovered their Nature Causes and Cure by George Swinnock Mr. Baxter's Reformed Pastor His Majesties Propriety in the British Seas vindicated Quakerism no Christianity or a through-Quaker no Christian proved by their Principles and confirmed by Scripture by I. Faldo Differences about Water-baptism no bar to Communion by Io. Bunian The Dutch-dispensatory shewing the vertues qualities and properties of Simples the vertue and use of Compounds whereto is added the Compleat Herbalist Judg Dodaridge's laws of Nobility and Peerage Dinglys Spiritual Fast. Solitude improved by Divine Meditation by Matth. Ranew A Murderer punished and pardoned or Tho. Savage his life and death with his Funeral sermon Small 8 vo A defence against the fear of death by Zach. Crofton Gods Soveraignty displayed by William Gearing The godly mans Ark or a City of Refuge in the day of his distress in five Sermons with Mrs. Moors evidences for Heaven by Edmund Calamy The Almost-Christian discovered or the false-Professor tried and cast by M. Mead. The true bounds of Christian-freedom or a discourse shewing the extent and restraints of Christian-liberty by S. Bolton D. D. The sinfulness of Sin and fulness of Christ in two Sermons by Will. Bridg. A Plea for the godly or the Righteous mans Excellency The holy Eucharist or the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A Treatise of Self-denial All three by Tho. Watson The life and death of Tho. Wilson of Miâ—dstone in Kent The life and death of Doctor Samuel Winter A Covert from the Storm or the fearful encouraged in the day of Trouble Worthy-walking press'd upon all that have heard the Call of the Gospel The Spirit of Prayer All three by Nath. Vincent The inseparable union between Christ and a Believer by Tho. Peck A discoâ—rse of Excuses setting forth the variety and vanity of them the sin and misery brought in by them by Iohn Sheffield Invisible reality demonstrated in the holy life and triumphant death of Mr. I. Ianeway The Saints encouragement to diligence in Christs service both by Mr. Iames Ianeway A discourse concerning the Education of Children Convivium Coeleâ—te a plain and familiar discourse concerning the Lords Supper both by R. Kidder The Saints perseverance asserted in its Positive-ground against Mr. Ives by Tho. Danson A Wedding ring fit for the Finger by Will. Secker The Young-mans Call and Duty by Nich. Lockyer An Explanation of the shorter-Catechism of the Assembly of Divines by Tho. Lye The Childs Delight with Pictures by Tho. Lye The life and death of Tho Hall A Plea for the Non-Conformists tending to vindicate them from Schism by a Doctor in Divinity The flat opposition of Popery to Scripture by I. N. Chaplain to a Person of Honour The Weavers Pocket-book or Weaving spiritualiz'd by I. C. D. D Two disputations of Original-sin by Richard Baxter The History of Moderation The welcome Communicant The ready way to prevent sin by William Bagshaw The Little-peace-maker discovering foolish Pride the Make-baâ—e Philadelphia or a Treatise of Brotherly-love by Mr. Gearing Reformation or Ruine being certain Sermons on Levit. 26 2â— 24. by Tho. Hotchkis The Riches of Grace displayed to which is added the priviledg of Passive Obedience and 52 proposals in order to help on Heart-humiliation by Will. Bagshaw The parable of the great Supper opened in 17 Sermons by Io. Crump A present for Teeming-women by I. Oliver Non-conformity without Controversie by Benj. Baxter The Christians daily Monitor by Iosh. Church A Treatise of Closeâ—-prayer by Richard Mayo The Religious Family by Philip Lamb. A sober inquiry or Christs Reign with Saints a thousand years A discourse of the prodigious Abstinence of Martha Taylor A Memento to young and old by Iohn Maynard The priviledg of the Saints on Earth above those in Heaven by William Hook Index biblicus multijugus or a Table of the holy Scripture wherein each of its Books Chapters and particular matters are distinguished and Epitomized The day of Grace with the conversion of a Sinner by Nath. Vencent The Greek Testament in 8 vo An easie and useful Grammar for the learning of the French tongue by Mr. Gosthead Gentleman Mr. Raworths work and reward of a Christian. The Miners Monitor or advice to those that are employed about the Mines A Protestant Catechism for little Children A Scripture Catechism by Samuel Petto A Catechism according to the Church of England Grotius Catechism Brief of the Bibles-History The Fountain sealed by Dr. Sibbs Nero Tragidea Cottons None but Christ. Cornelianum dolium The Christians earnest longing for Christs appearing preached at the Funeral of Mr. Noah Webb by Dan. Burgess Wilsons Catechism Elenchus motuum nuperorum in Anglia Cocains Poems Poor Robins Jesâ—s Croftons Foelix Sâ—elus or Prospering prophaneness provoking holy conference by Zech. Crofton Gramaticus Analyticus by the same Author Alexanders advice to his Son Artificial Embelishments H. Excellency of Christ set forth Gods Soveraignty displayed by Mr. William Gearing In small 12 s. The duty of Parents towards their Children A little Book for little Children A method and instruction for the Art of divinâ— Meditation All three by Tho. White The considerations of Drexelius on Eternity The shadow of the Tree of Life by M. M. The Psalms of David newly translated more plain smooth and agreeable to the Text than any heretofore The Prisoners Prayers Mr. Henry Lukin's Life of Faith Awakening Call to Sinners Câ—umbs of Comfort or the Lord Bacons Prayer FINIS
Lord and Master have washed your feet ye ought then to wash one anothers feet for I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done unto you If our Lord have forgiven us our debts much more should we forgive our fellow-servants Mat. 18.32 Christ saith to his servants as Gideon to his Soldiers Iudg. 7. What ye have seen me do that do you Follow me compriâ—eth in it the sum of Christianity the whole duty of man He that saith he abideth in Christ ought himself also to walk as he walked 1 Joh. 2.6 Moses was a faithful servant in all his house for he made all things according to the Pattern shewed him in the Mount The examples of Christ are either active or passive in both he is to be imitated in doing and suffering his Fathers will and in the manner of both as Christ said to the Lawyer concerning the good Samaritan Go thou and do likewise so seest thou not Christs obedience to his Parents bounty in giving love in forgiving diligence in his calling meekness and humility in his carriage contempt of the world zeal for Gods glory holiness in his life and unprovoked patience in his sufferings and his whole life Exemplary from his Cradle to his Grave go thou and do likewise else thou art not his servant yea canst be no Christian for this is the substance of Christian Religion the end of the Gospel and the character of one that shall inherit Glory As when two walk together a man cannot tell whom the servant follows till they part so when Christ and our lusts or our interests command contrary things then it puts us to the trial whether we be his servants or not we must not only follow him in the easie and pleasant ways of obedience but such as cross our lusts and interests we must do in reality what the Lawyer said in compliment Master I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest Revel 14.14 The Angels are Gods Ministers that do his pleasure Psal. 103.21 A servant hath no will of his own but hath given up his liberty to the directions and commands of others hence Christs servants do earnestly desire and study to know what his will and pleasure is and do it The Masters will is motive enough 1 Thes. 4.3 and 5.18 1 Pet. 2.15 This his will if God will have it so if Christ will have it so it is enough to a faithful servant the very signification of his will carries with it reason enough to enforce the practice of it We are not to trade for our selves and to drive on our own designs of credit and advantage we are servants and employed for our masters use A man that sets up of himself is to trade for himself but all that a servant doth should be for his masters honour and profit we are entrusted with talents of Gifts Graces Estates c. now after some time the Lord will come and reckon with us and see what we have done for his honour what good we have done in our places how we have employed our gifts improved our interests whether we have beaten or helped our fellow servants whether our talent hath been hid in a napkin or laid out for the good of souls and the glory of our Lord and Master 5. To participate with him in his estate both good and bad Ioh. 12.26 If any man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall my servant be If any man serve me him will my Father honour But the world will dishonour and reproach the servant as they have done the Master Mat. 10.24 25. The Disciple is not above his Master nor the servant is not above his Lord. It is enough for the Disciple that he be as his Master and the servant as his Lord If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub how much more shall they call them of his houshold Servants must be contented to bear his Cross whose priviledg it shall be to wear his Crown and should be satisfied with their allowance The proper work of a servant is to wait and stay his masters pleasure for any comfort He that is but a servant in the house must not think to command whatsoever the house affordeth at his own pleasure that 's the masters prerogative alone but must content himself with what his master is content to allow him and take his portion of meat drink livery lodging and every other thing at the direction and appointment of his master neither may the servant of Christ look to be his own carver in any thing nor may he murmur against his master with that ungracious servant in the Parable Mat. 25.24 complaining of his hardness and austerity if his allowance in some things fall short of his desire having food and raiment be it never so little never so course he should be content with it nay though he want either or both he should be content without it as grace and long experience had taught that faithful servant of Christ Phil. 4.11 I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content Pro. 30.8 Feed me with my allowance 6. To submit to his correction A beaten servant must not strike again nor word it with his master 't is chaff that flyes in the face of him that fannes it must take it patiently if he be buffeted undeservedly or without fault How much more ought Christians to accept the punishment of their iniquity when this gracious master shall think fit to exercise a little severity towards them especially since he never strikes them but for their fault such is his justice nor such is his mercy but for their good he chides not because he loves it but because they need it and because he loves them Rev. 3.19 Servants must bear what they would not as well as forbear what they would 7. To expect wages from him Knowing saith the Apostle that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ Col. 3.24 The true Christian believes that his Lord is the rewarder of all that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 And is content to refer all to him knowing that though the vailes be uncertain yet standing-wages are set and certain great is their reward in Heaven there is a reward in the very work but he will bestow a further recompence hereafter the Hypocrite looks for his reward here and sells his service to Christ works for present wages but the sincere servant of Christ submits all to Christ. As we should not serve him for so he will not be served without wages even such as will weigh down all our work and all our woes Mat. 6.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Wherein they are Christs servants or how it comes to pass 1. By redemption servus a servando Aust. or servâ—s quasi bello servatus He that by right of war might justly be put to death and yet was saved alive was called servant and he
come unto me Hear and your soul shall live why do you spend your money for that which is not bread and your labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently unto me eat ye that which is good and let your soul delight it self in fatness Alas ye feed on husks and chaff till you return to Christ. Isa 55.2 3 4 7. How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity and fools delight in folly turn ye at my reproof Forsake the foolish and live and go in the way of understanding O that you were wise and would understand these things and consider your latter end O that there were such hearts in you c. O that ye knew the things that belong unto your peace in this your day before they be hid from your eyes O when shall it once be what is your resolution shall Jesus Christ be your Lord and Master or shall he not Take heed how you refuse him that speaks from heaven do not as you want Christ despise this loving invitation and make light of this gracious offer lest his wrath be kindled in his breast and you perish He that hath so long held forth his Scepter of Grace yet stands waiting for your return yet stretcheth forth his arms to embrace you yet opens his very heart to entertain you Hark he bids you come and lodg your souls in his warm bosom yet he calls by his Word yet he strives by his Spirit and follows you with checks of conscience and renews his mercies on you every morning would fain draw you with cords of love if it would be But it will not be always thus his patience will not always wait his Spirit shall not always strive with man the door of mercy shall not always stand open When once the master of the house is risen up and hath shut to the door and ye begin to stand without and to knock at the door saying Lord Lord open to us then 't is too late Luk. 13.25 O come to Christ now or never do it this day or you may never be invited again Hear now Christ bespeaks and wooes thee sinner Cast down thy weapons of rebellion surrender thy soul to me give me thy heart submit to my government I vvill pass by all thy former resistance and put up all the wrongs thou hast done me I will remember thy iniquities no more but pass an act of everlasting oblivion upon them O look unto me and be ye saved This is my business with you my beloved at this time this is mine errand to your Souls What answer shall I return from you to him that sent me The great work you know of us Ministers is to perswade men to become Christs covenanting Servants to consent to his Laws and acknowledg his Lordship our way to win your hearts is to tell you what he is some little hath been spoken but not the thousand part of the excellencies of this incomparable Lord O he is the chiefest of ten thousâ—nd his name is wonderful he is God and Man in one person he is Man that you may not be afraid of him God that he may be able to do you good He is the Lord of lords and King of kings Heir of all things Saviour of the world c. 'T is infinite condescention of love in him to treat with you or intreat your consenâ— that he may be your Lord. This being a matter of greatest importance and knowing the terror of the Lord let me perswade you for that end I intreat you to press upon your selves and improve in your retirements these considerations as motives 1. Motive Yeild up your selves to the service of the Lord Christ or you are unjust you do him open wrong Equity and justice requires that you render to all their due jus cuique tribuere is the first and most proper act of justice Tribute to whom tribute fear to whom fear honour to whom honour Rom. 13.7 It is a common principle among you which nature teacheth that you deal righteously with men owe no man any thing do no man wrong let every one have that which of right appertaineth to him And if we may not deny unto Caesar the things that are Caesars it is but right we should also give unto God the things that are Gods by so many just titles Why now you cannot without apparent wrong to Christ deny him your selves you are his and owe your selves unto him and all you have and all that you can do you are not your own but his I lay claim unto you in the name of Christ and challenge your souls and bodies to his use Dare you deny the claim or will any step out and question this title The Lord Jesus hath laid challenges to you It has been a custom in England on the Coronation day as multitudes of people were feasting in Westminster-Hall a Herald comes forth and Champion for the King and proclaimed his title to the Crown and if any questioned his title he was there ready to make it good I do now proclaim to you that Christ is your Lord and you are his Servants and challenges your service if any question his Title I will justifie it and make it good let the case come to tryal on condition that whoever is convinced shall yield subjection Let me ask you then Did not he make you and not ye your selves Psal. 95.6 and does not he preserve and sustain you and ye are the Sheep of his pasture Vers. 7 Did not Christ purchase you with his own blood 1 Pet. 1.18 Were you not the dearest purchase and was not the greatest price paid for you that ever the world heard of Well what say you to this Title Doth not justice give every one his own and are not you Christs If there be any creature in Heaven or Earth that can lay a better claim or pretend a juster Title to you than Christ then let it have your hearts and service but if the Lord Jesus have the full and sole right to you then do not so much wrong him and your own souls as to deny or withstand this just and reasonable motion 2. Give up your selves to this Lord or you are unthankful gratitude as well as justice requires this at your hands Nothing is more abhorrent to an ingenuous spirit than the brand of ingratitude to be so base and unworthy as to render evil for good ingratum si dixeris omnia dixeris call a man unthankful and you call him all that 's naught abhor it as death to be guilty or have the name of ingratitude Well now suppose a man had by some capital crime incurred the danger of the Law and the sentence of death were past upon himâ— should another step in and humble himself to beg the pardon or begger himself to buy the freedom for him Must not that man be wholly his who hath ransomed him from the Gallows This is our case Sin was our work and Death was our wages
we had sinned and must dye for it there was no escape from destruction but the Lord Jesus would not suffer us to perish but debased himself came down from Heaven gave himself for us and suffered in our stead that we might live and made himself a Servant for us though no way bound to us Now judg with your selves I appeal to your own Consciences whether this incomparable favour do not lay an unavoidable obligation upon us to devote our selves wholly to him 2 Cor. 5.14 15. If after Christ hath stoopt so low as to become man and was made under the Law and being in the likeness of sinful flesh bore our infirmities and sorrows lay under the frowns oâ— his Father and submitted himself to the pain shame sting and curse of the death of the Cross if after all this we should neglect his Salvation reject his Soveraignty Would not the Heavens blush at this unheard of ingratitude and the very bruits rise up in judgment against us and condemn us The Ox knows his owner and the Ass his Masters crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not consider Isa. 13. Jer. 8.7 8. 3. Resign your selves to this blessed Lord for he deserves you he is worthy of you if you were Ten thousand times better than you are you can never submit your selves to a better Lord nor serve a better Master There is nothing in him that can justly discourage you nor reasonably deter you from his service fear not evil from the greatest good unless it be in a way of disobedience and rebellion He is not a proud rigid imperious or cruel Master he will not deal with you as the treacherous Master the World which fills your souls with nothing but husks and swill and rewards all your painful services with nothing but disappointment and misery at the best presents you with a breast full of wind and vanity and at the last with wo and vexation and leaves you helpless in your greatest necessities Nor is he cruel and tyrannical as Satan who fills his Servants with terror here and hereafter rewards them with fire and brimstone Nor like the flesh and sin whose work is bad and its wages no better for the servant of sin besides that he hath no fruit nor comfort of his service in the mean time when he comes to receive his wages at the end of his term findeth nothing but shame or death shame if he leave his service if he leâ—ve it not death Rom. 6.21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed for the end of those things is death 'T is horrible intollerable slavery to serve Sin Satan and the World but when you give up your selves to the service of Christ you shall live to the sollidest contentment and real joy and honour you cannot possibly yield your selves to a more excellent and delightful service His yoke is easie and his burthen light his ways are ways of pleasantness and all his paths are peace Prov. 3.17 His service is freedom and his work wages to be Christs devoted servant is not only better than liberty but more to be desired than soveraignty No other Lord ever bought his Servants so dear or fed them so plentifully or clad them so sumptuously or used them so gently or rewarded them so bountifully He will protect and prosper them yea takes pleasure in their prosperity he will bless them with spiritual blessings which are the best blessings and lead them by his own counsel yea carry them in his bosome and afterward receive them to glory 4. Surrender your selves to this great Lord for he desires you yea that you would be his as he hath been yours is all he desires you cannot bestow a better gift upon him than your selves others may give him their goods their estates c. but he that gives Christ himself can give no more no better He desires you not that he hath any need of you or to make advantage of you but that he may restore you better to your selves than he receives you He will put his grace into your hearts repair his image in your minds and make you wise unto salvation Seneca tells us That among other Scholars that gave rich gifts to their Master Socrates Eschines gave himself having nothing else to give His Master answered Upon this condition I take thee that I may restore thee better than I receive thee On the same and no worse terms yea much better Christ accepts of those that tender their service unâ—o him he that gives not himself to the Lord whatever else he gives in his esteem is just nothing nothing in esse gratiae in point of truâ—h worth and grace First you must give your selves to the Lord and then your goods to his poor if you would find acceptance 2 Cor. 8 5 or as the King of Sodom said to Abraham Give me the persons the souls and take the goods to thy self 5. Take Christ for your Lord and own your selves for his Servants for so you are whether you will or not your consent and resignation is necessary to your good to ease you of your cares and secure you from present eternal misery not for his title and right which is absolute and unquestionable and he will have you either by love or by force He requires in the Covenant of Grace that he have his right by your consent and not by constraint that you thankfully accept the motion and with hearty and full consent of will resign your selves to him as his own even as his creatures and his ransomed ones by a Covenant never to be violated But if you will not understand and acknowledg this plenary dominion he hath over you he will not lose his right nor lay down his claim to you It 's the greatest folly to rebel against this Lord to whom at last you must be forced to submit Who would not chuse him to be their Lord when whether they will or no he will be their Lord Who would not desire to be ruled and guided by his Testimonies rather than to be suppressed and destroyed by his Providence We must all either bow the knee or he will break the back if we will not bear his yoke we must become his footstool Were it not better to take hold of his strength by Faith than his strength should take hold of us in displeasure and wrath and to feel the efficacy of his grace than the power of his anger The proudest Rebel shall at last cry Lord Lord but it will be too late At length Christ will be too hard for all that rise up against him and will not that he should reign over them he that will not come to him as a friend shall be slain by him as an enemy Luke 19.27 every one Sub pedibus ejus erit aut ad obtatus aut victus all must one way or other be subject to him either as sâ—rvants or slaves either under his grace or under