deceitfulness of sin Reas 4 Because we shall hereby much advance the Gospell and promote the welfare of Christs Kingdom the hiddē mysterie of Godliness shall be the more plainly opened the wayes of life more clearily manifested our bretherens understanding the better informed their cold hearts the more inflamed their unclean affections the more thoroughly purged their feeble faiths the better strengtned the good things of Gods Word the more sweetly relished The often speaking of this language makes it the better understood the often sounding of this Trumpet doth awaken the conscience the more throughly the often shining of this light doth make the way appear the more plain we can in nothing more honour the Gospell or benefit our bretheren than in seeking to perfect their conversion Vse This condemneth our negligence and sloathfulnes our dulnes and backwardnes in doing good in seeking the salvation of our bretheren How many places come we unto where we doe no good how often are we among our bretheren never labouring the welfare of their Souls what more frequent with us than like the Priest and Levite passing between Jericho and Jerusalem never reaching out the hand to help them that lye wounded with sin Luk. 10. to see them erre and not instruct them to see them sorrowfull and not comfort them to see them barren in grace never labouring to make them fruitfull Where is the Disciple that imitateth his Saviour in doing of good continually as he goeth up and down Where is the man that with Mordecay Esther 10.3 that seeketh the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed who with Nehemiah seeketh the welfare of Israel as it is in Neh. 2.10 Who is it that with Iob becoms eyes to the spiritually blind feet to the spiritually lame Iob 29.15 I was saith he eyes to the blind and feet to the lame c. Who is it that becometh a Father to the poor searching out the state of there Souls that breaketh the jawes of sin and plucketh the spoiled Soule out of the teeth of Sathan as Iob did in another case vers 16.17 of that 29. Iob I was saith he a Father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his teeth Whose bowells are so full of compassion to his bretheren that fitteth and prepared himself to cloath there Souls as Dorcas prepared garments to cloath there bodies Acts. 9.39 Who is it that seeketh his straying bretheren as the Shepheard his wandring sheep Eze. 34.12 Where is the Father in Law that with Lot Gen. 19.14 speakes to his sonnes in Law saying Vp get you out of this place for the Lord will destroy this Citie Where is the Father that with David gives incouragment to his children to go on in the Lords Work 1. Cron. 28.9 to know God and serve him with a perfect heart and willing minde Where is the Master of the family that with Abraham commands his houshold to keep the way of the Lord to doe justice and judgment Gen. 18.19 Where is the Minister that holdes not his peace day nor night that makes mention of the Lord and keepeth not Silence That gives him not rest till he establish and make Ierusalem a Praise in the earth as it is in Isa 62.6.7 Where is the bountifull Christian that doth in Spirituall things as Solomon chargeth we should do in temporall Ecl. 7. Who is he that cometh as Abigal to David 1. Sa. 25.25 28. Who redeemeth the time Who seeketh opportunity who imbraceth the offered occasions to do good If we examine our selves we may all lay our hands up our mouths and confess our selves guilty we have all more or lesse withheld the waters which should have refreshed the thirsty the light which should have guided the ignorant the food which should have fed the hungry the staff which should have sustained the weary c. And as long as we are thus slothfull and backward in this behalf it doth discover 1. That we have no bowels of compassion towards our bretheren Who can see his brother taken prisoner by the Prince of darkness led away captive in his chain wounded to the death with sin pressed down under the heavy burden of iniquity stript naked of the rich and pretious garment of true holines altogether defiled with the dirt and slime of Sin if he have any compassion in him and not seek to deliver him how can he chose but pray as the Church Act. 12.3 4 5 6. endeavour as the angell vers the 7.8 Shall Abram raise an army to deliver Lot Gen. 14.14 Will God have men to shew such compassion to an enemies oxe or asse Exo. 23.4 5. How much more to the Souls of our bretheren captivated by Sathan led astray by or sunke under the burden of sin surely this is the truest compassion the sweetest mercy the best kindnes to help the Souls of our brother out of the snare of Sathan according to that of St. Iude vers 22.23 And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with feare pulling them out of the fire c. Men think all the mercy appeareth in giving food for the belly apparell for the back but what is lands and revenews to one confined to perpetuall imprisonment what is food to the diseased who needeth Physick what mercy is this to trim the house and leave the inhabitant in prison I may say as the Lord in Isa 58.5 6 7. Is it such a fast as I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his soule Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush to spread sack-cloth and ashes under him willt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Is not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bandes of wickednes to undo the hevy burdens and to let the oppressed go free and that ye breake every yoke Is it not to deale thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him and that thou hide not thy self from thy one flesh So is this the compassion the Lord looks on for a man now and then to feed cloth the hungry naked body is not this the compassion the Lord looks at to help thy brother off with his wicked bands to undo his heauy burdens to break his yokes c. 2. That we have no hearty and sanctified affection to our bretheren How can we say we love them if we seek not to remove sin from them read that place Lev. 19.17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour and not suffer sin upon him The love of Christ appeared not in making his servants rich or advancing them to worldly dignities for they are for the most part a poor despised people as it is in Zeph. 3.13 But his love appeared
31.18 19 20. and Rom. 7.24 3. They cannot be separated from sin if Naaman go not into Jordan he cannot be cleansed 2 King 5. if the fan be not used the chaffe corne cannot be severed Math. 3.12 read also Iohn 15.3 and Ier. 23.29 4. They can never have experience of the happy estate of Gods servants of the good things that he hath provided for them that love him of the sweetnes of his Ordinances these cannot be as Psal 46.4 A river the streams whereof make glad the heart But as waters in a sealed fountaine these cannot be as Eccl. 11 7. Light which is sweet and pleasant But as light under a bushell as a treasure under the earth as an unknown language They cannot say with Ieremiah in the 15 Ier. 16. nor with David in the 119. Psal 72. 5. Their Consciences can never be truely pacified for the publication of reconciliation is by the ministrey as 2 Cor. 5.20 the stormy and tempestuous Sea of a troubled soule cannot be quieted they cannot be assured they shall be saved Rom. 10.17 Eph. 1.13 14. The streams of Gods loving kindnes flow not with an equall fullnes into all corners of the earth To some God affordeth his mercies his blessings spirituall as a river of great strength of much depth running for many ages together to others as a weake streame a shallow brooke soone dryed among some he erecteth the meanes of life as a Lamp full of oile giving much light shinnig very long to others as a Lamp with little oile giving a slender light soone gone out to some the means of life are as a Sommers day cleare glorious of long continuance to others as a Winters day more obscure more short as Joseph in the distribution of his meat and apparell among his bretheren gave five times as much to Benjamin as to any other of his bretheren So our God in the distribution of the meanes of life giveth five times as much to some nations to some particular places as to others Thus our Saviour in the first beginning of his ministry passed by Jerusalem like a traveller making a very small stay but in the Land of Judaea he tarried as a sojourner making a longer stay among them revealing himself more fully unfolding the mysterie of salvation more plainly from whence we may gather this Doct. 4 That the long continuance of the faithfull ministery of the Gospell is a very great blessing to any people As the continuance of the fiery Pillar was a great blessing to Israel Exod. 40.38 So is the continuance of the fiery and shining Pillar of the Gospell to all that are appointed to travell from Aegypt to Canaan As the continuance of the light shining in Goshen was a great blessing to Israel when Aegypt sat in darknes Exod. 10.23 So is the continuance of the light to any Nation or particular person or assembly when others are left in ignorance This is apparent by Gods gracious and comfortable promise made to the Gentiles Isa 60.11 20. Therefore the gates shall be open continually they shall not be shut day nor night that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles and that their Kings may be brought vers 20. The Sun shall no more go down neither shall the Moon withdraw it self for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light and the dayes of thy mourning shall be at an end And also to the Jewish Church as some conceive under the new Testament Isa 62.6 7. I have set Watch-men upon thy walls O Jerusalem which shall never hold their Peace day nor night ye that make mention of the Lord keep not silence and give no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth And this doth God put into the hand of his Church as a burning Lampe to give her light in the darke night of affliction Isa 30.20 21. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy teachers and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying This is the way walk ye in it when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left The reasons of the point are these Reas 1 Because it is a peculiar testimony of Gods love a powerfull argument of his mercy towards us in Christ A surer a sweeter a richer testimony of his favour than if he did turn the shallow streame of our outward prosperity into a deep river the barren tree of our earthly abilities into a fruitfull vine loaden from the top to the bottome with the choicest grapes As Abrahams reservation of the inheritance for Isaac was a greater Testimony of his favour than if he had given hin all the moveables bestowed on Ismael So Gods donation of the ministry of the Gospell the means of life eternall is a far greater favour than if he had given all the moveable and mutable wealth of the world Earthly things are but as favours bestowed upon a servant but the Gospell is a Jewell peculiar to the wise Jer. 3.14 15. Turn O Back-sliding children saith the Lord for I am married to you and I will take you one of a citie and two of a family and I will bring you to Zyon and I will give you Pastours according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding read also Isa 62.5 6. Reas 2 Because it is a gracious argument of Gods comfortable presence as the continuance of the fiery Pillar of the Arke were a blessed Signe of Gods presence among the men of Israel So is the continuance of the light of the Gospell unto us Where sacred assemblies are according to Gods Ordinance continued there Christ is present Math. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them and Rev. 1.13 in the midst of the 7 golden Candlesticks one like unto the Sonne of man cloathed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle Mat. 28.19 20. I am with you to the end of the world As the tree of life in the midst of the garden so is Christ in the middest of such assemblies affording them food and nourishment unto life eternall Reas 3 Because it is a peculiar end of Christs resurection a singular benefit of his ascension As it is a singular benefit of the rising of the Sun in the Firmament to give light to the inferiour parts of the world So it is a singular benefit of the ascending of the Sonne of righteousnes to give light to them that sit in darkenes He did not rise he did not astend to endow his flowers with earthly riches to make them rulers over nations but he ascended to pour the grace of his Spirit to endow men with graces to instruct his people as you have it Eph. 4.8 11 12. and John 16.13
to hide it under the bushell to the seed to withhold it from the earth II. We rob our selves of the comfort we might enjoy in the good inployment of our received Talent Gods service well performed is comfortable not onely when it is finished but even in the very performance of it Paul and Silas sung before they had the crown even while they were in prison c. 2 Cor. 1.12 It is a joy to the husbandman to see the Corn spring though long before the harvest a comfort whereof the sluggard is utterly deprived III. We expose our selves to an utter deprivation of what we have received the one Talent was taken from him that did not imploy it and it is generally threatned from him that hath not shall be taken away even what he hath c. Prov. 11.24 IV. We discover our selves to be altogether vile and evill it is evill ground that after much soile and seed is full of weeds a corrupt body that after much Physicking is more diseased therefore Mat. 25.26 7. This teacheth us to waite and depend upon God for every good thing and in the use of means to seek to God by prayer for a blessing for as his goodness giveth us the means so his providence must make them effectuall for our benefit thus Jehosaphat's eyes were towards the Lord for help in the day of distress 2 Chro. 20.12 Thus David would not look to the earth and seek for help among the things there below but Psal 5.3 Thus the Prophet would have them look unto the promise which God had made to their fore-fathers Isai 511 2. and the Psalmist Psa 44.5 6. Thus Nehemiah used means but prayed unto God for a blessing Neh. 4.9 and this even Joab had respect unto 2 Sam. 10.12 and indeed without this Psal 127.1 2. 8. This must stirre up the hearts of men to love and praise God every man according to that which God hath bestowed upon him according to the number and the measure of our graces must be our thankfulnes we have nothing but it is the Lords gift and many are his favours challenging thankfulness from us the Donation of his Sonne Joh. 3.16 the giving of his Word Ier. 3.15 the separating of us from the workers of darknes 1 Pet. 2.9 saith in his promises Ioh. 6.29 peace of conscience forgiveness of sin sence of Gods love with every other good grace they are all the gifts of God 1 Cor 2â—1 We were not worthy of any of this but deserved the coÌ„trary when we deserved death the Lord gave us life when we sate in darknes and the shadow of death and were worthy to be so left then did God send us light Mat. 4.16 When we were in bondage the Lord made us free when we lay like the man between Jericho and Jerusalem robbed wounded Luc. 10.30 then did God like the mercifull Samaritan help us when the Leprosy of sin had altogether overspread us then did the Lord wash us in the Jordan of his Sonnes blood 1 Ioh. 1.7 when we could expect nothing but everlasting burnings then God turned his consuning fire into a shining Sun our tempestuous Sea into a calme River our Hell into a Paradise and oh that we had hearts to love him laud him delight in him for this his goodnes and mercy towards us 9. Lastly this serveth for the great comfort of the Children of God every good thing is in their Fathers hand he that loveth them is the Lord of all things Psa 23. therefore they may rest themselves assured that they shall never want any good thing were these things in the hand of any stranger they might in the hand of an enemy they surely should lack them but now since all things are in the hand of God be sure of this I. God will give you the best things though Ismael have the movables Isaac hath the inheritance if Esaa have the fatnes of the earth yet Jacob shall have the birth-right if profane men have what the bodily eye doth see yet 1 Cor. 2 9. II. You shall have a competency that which shall give contentment Phil. 4.11 You shall have such peace therewith as will make the coursest dirt more pleasant than the danitiest feast Prov. 15.15 III. You shall have that which God doth see to be best for you as a loving Physitian a wise father giveth what is best for his child for his patient so will our wise loving God do for us VERS 28. THe matter contained in these Words hath been already opened for the most part onely here we may observe I. A reprehension of that particular sin whereof they were guilty II. How hardly men are brought to the knowledge of the truth being once possessed with prejudice III. The desire of Gods people to have all the glory given unto Christ not to rob him of the least part of it The first of this will teach us Doctr. That Gods Ministers must reprove the peculiar and particular sins of their hears the Physican doth apply to the particular diseases of his patient the gardiner reacheth the hands to the weeds which are most noysome thus Isa 58.1 and 2 Sam. 12.11 12. Mar. 6.20 Acts 2 36. Reas 1 Because these sins are most dangerous it is the predominant disease that threatneth the dissolution of the body Reas 2 Because this will awaken the conscience convince the judgment lead unto repentance 1 Sam. 15.14 19. When the Lot was cast on Achan than he confessed so 2 Sam. 12.13 Vse 1 Therefore Ministers must acquaint themselves thoroughly with the state of the people search into their particular diseases as Physitians try the estate of their patients marriners look to the state of their ships builders the decayed places of the house and accordingly prepare their exhortations for the convincing of the obstinate informing of the ignorant awakening of the secure reclaiming of them that stray 2 Tim. 3.16 and consolation of the dejected thus as they are stiled so shall they shew themselves seers stewards Physitians guides lights and thus Ier. 15.19 Vse 2 This must cause the people to be patient willing thankfull to hear their particular sins discovered reproved as they would have the disease of their body launced the breaches of their houses repaired Ps 141.5 1 King 18.21 Heb. 13.23 The second point teacheth us Doctr. That men are hardly brought to the knowledge of the truth when once they are possessed with prejudice against it these men were perswaded that the Baptist was the Christ they would not be driven from it though he plainely told them he was not Mat. 13.56 57. Ioh. 7.52 By this means things appear in other colours than indeed they are as to him that looketh thorough a glasse of a red colour things seeme to be of a red colour therefore let us take heed that this weed arise not stand not in the garden of our hearts quench it like fire destroy it like stubble Isa 20 8. Psa 57.3.17 Let us
seed took occasion to speak of the word sown in the hearts of men This is a blessed use of things earthly it sweetneth our Meditation it plainly informeth the weakest understanding it strongly convinceth it deeply in presseth upon the memory we find like Sampson a hony combe in the Lyon and fetch water from the rock 2. Let us be well acquainted with the sacred Scriptures let us get the word of God to dwell with in us plenteously Coll. 3.16 and then as a full fountaine sendeth forth waters a full cloud poureth out the raine so shall our lips drop down knowledge when there is much fewel in the fire it giveth heat to al that come nigh to it if the Word of God be as a fire in our bones it will make us that we shall not be silent see it in Iob in Iob 32.18 19 20. in Jeremiah Ier. 20.8 in David Psal 40.10 11. 3. Let us get our hearts inflamed with love to God his word his wayes we easily break forth into a large and full discourse of the persons and things we entirely love the worldly man of his wealth the voluptuous man of his pleasures the ambitions man of his honour every mans tongue is ready to discourse of the object of his love so David the commandments being his love see what he saith Psa 119.46 47. I will speak of thy testimonies also before Kings and will not be ashamed and I will delight my self in thy commandments which I have loved This will make us with the spouse to enter into a large discourse of the diety of her Saviour Cant. 5.11 of his judgement and understanding in all things vers 12. of the sweet manifestation of himself in his ordinance vers 13. of the excellency of his actions depth of his councels vers 14. of the stability of his proceedings of the amiablenesse and uprightness of his carriage towards his chosen vers 15. of the sweetnes of his voyce and the singular comforts which flow from him reside in him vers 16. 4. Let us get our Souls filled with the knowledge of the Lord and of his wayes We must first inform our selves before we can well inform others the Lamp can give no light unless it self be first filled with Oile the blinde man is not fit for a guide therefore David prayes Make me to understand the way of thy precepts so shall I talk of thy wondrous works and that of the Prophet in Isa 50.4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary c. We must be skilfull like Physicians to apply our exhortation aright it is not enough to speak but it must be to edifying to good purpose so as it may minister grace to the hearers therefore Prov. 15.2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright c. 5. Let us labour to be thoroughly affected with the goodness of God towards our Soul to be assured of the forgiveness of all our sins to have a lively feeling of Gods love and the joyes of his spirit and this will make us ready and cheerfull in teaching others as we have mentioned in that of David Psal 51.12.13.14.15 Restore me to the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit Then will I teach transgressours thy wayes and sinners shall be converted unto thee c. And that Psal 66.16 6. Let us strive to be truely good and gracious sanctified throughout both in our Souls and also in our bodies let grace be as a fountain of living water in the heart and the speech shall be as many gracious streams issuing from it As waters to the citie as silver to the needy as food to the hungry so shall be the speech of a gracious man Prov. 10.11 20 21 32. If these things be in us we shall not be idle nor unprofitable but we shall communicate of what we have received impart what we know stirre up others to attain the like measure of grace and assurance with us And let not any say like the sluggard there is a Lyon in the way if we seek the good of mens Souls we shall be hated reproached say not they are dissolute or wordly businesses shall be hinderers for as Solomon saith Eccl. 11.4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap But look upon Christ the Prophets Apostles Gods precept bretherens wants Gods blessing Gods acceptance clearing of thy owne conscience joy which will accompany the due performance and so go forward in it without fainting So much for the first point We have seen the connexion next we are to take notice of the words and therein first of all the place whereunto he journied namely into the Land of Judea that is into that part thereof which was nigh unto the city Aenon a city situate in the Tribe of Manasses thither he came to shew himself a Saviour to them to tender life and salvation to declare Gods counsell he did not stay altogether in one place but went from place to place to publish the tidings of life Thereby shewing thus much Doct. That some of all places and of all nations are appointed to eternall life by Christ Jesus As the Sun in the Firmanent though not all at once yet by succession doth cast his light and heat upon all the parts of the earth more or lesse So the Son of righteousnes sooner or later bringeth some out of all places and nations from darknes to light from death to life from ignorance to the knowledge of the truth This was shadowed as some conceive by the four corners of the Altar and sprinkling of blood round about it Exod. 27.6 7 8. nothing the all-sufficiency of Christ's death the plenty of his bloodshed the manifestation of him to the four corners of the world by the ministry of the Gospell This was Prophesied Zzech 14.8 And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem half of them towards the former sea and half of them towards the hinder sea in Summer and in Winter shall it be As the sea sendeth her streams to all the corners of the earth as the King swaying over the parts of his Kingdom Psal 72.6 7 8. He shall come down like rain upon the mowen grasse as showers that water the earth In his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth he shall also have Dominion from Sea to Sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth Therefore he gave his Apostles a large commission Math. 28.19 Go teach all nations c. and long before he told the people Math. 8.11 I say unto you that many shall come from the East and West and shal sit down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the Kingdom of God and this was the tenure of their song Rev. 5.9 And they sung a new song saying thou
worke in the heart of his people Ezek. 16.4 Turning the hearts which were as hard as stones into hearts as tender as flesh Ezek. 36.26 This is a sweet and delightfull Sacrifice unto him Psal 51.17 This is a subject capable of Gods Word as the broken and tender ground is capable of the seed Ier. 4.3 4. Gods eyes are mercifully bent towards them he will communicate his comforts in a plentifull manner to them he will not behave himselfe as a stranger but as a most loving friend towards them Isa 57.15 A contrite heart is a loadstone of more force to draw the love of God to us than all worldly Ornaments Isa 66.2 A jewell of more price with God than many rubies 1 Pet. 3.34 To whom will God be a Physitian to to heal the wounds of the Soul but to the broken heart Psal 147.3 With whom will he be present to whom will he be a sure defence but the contrite heart Psal 34.18 To whom will he make his Gospel a joyfull tidings but the broaken Isa 61.1 2. Who will have a joyfull harvest they that sow in tears Psal 126.5 6. That goeth forth weeping This is one end of our baptisme one fruit thereof in all Gods people Luk. 3.5 And therefore let us all strive to be made partakers of it 3. As the water doth quench the flaming and burning fire so let us strive to feel the vertue of our baptisme in extinguishing all the fiery lusts that are within us in quenching all sinfull and libidinous and disorderly affections as a man cast into a deep water will feel his body cooled burning heats removed so must we strive to feel all unlawfull heats in our Souls by vertue of this water extinguished therefore resembled to a grave wherein all our lusts are buried and how strong soever before yet now they are as a dead body which doth every day more and more consume Rom. 6.3 4 5 6. 4. As the waters doth cause the herbes grasse trees and plants arising out of the earth to grow and flourish So must these waters of baptisme cause us to grow in Sanctification to be like the willowes Isa 44.3 Like the tree Psal 1.3 This is that God requireth 2 Pet. 3.18 This is the property of all the trees in Gods Orchard of Gods Planting Psal 92.13 14. We must imitate our Saviour Luk. 2.52 As the children in the family grow so must we as many as are children in Gods family grow to further perfection in the grace of Gods Spirit Like good Schollers in the Schoole of Christ Like Israelites moving after the fiery Pillar Like Jacobs driving his flocks though slowly like Josuah more and more subduing the Cananites which opposed Like David in his warres against Saul growing stronger and Saul weaker this will make us able 1. To discerne the things that differ Heb. 5.14 2. To take the opportunities God affordeth for the welfare of our Souls 3. To run with chearfullnes the race which God hath set before us 4. To conquer with facility all oppositions 5. To depend on God with much assurance 6. To appeare before him with much boldnes confidence and gladness Thus of the first point the second was this Doctr. 2 That in antient times the whole body of the Baptized did use to be washed Christ went downe into Jordan Math. 3.16 The Eunuch and Philip went into the water Acts 8.38 Resembled to a buriall wherein not one part but every member is buried Rom. 6.4 Wherein the Apostle setteth forth three degrees of our Sanctification 1. The first Mortification whereby the power of sin is destroyed resembled by the putting into the Water and expressed by a death of sin 2. The progresse of our Mortification resembled by the resting of the body under the water and expressed by a buriall with Christ because as the body buried doth continually moulder so doth sin in them that are Gods Children 3. Vivification Newnes of heart life resembled by the rising of the body out of the water and expressed by a resurrection out of the grave Thus the whole body was then dipped or dived into the water as divers Councels testifie Yet not of absolute necessity it should be now as it was then For then they were for the most part of mature age before they were baptized being such as were converted from Paganisme they were instructed in the Christian faith and desired Baptisme before they did participate thereof And besides their countrey was very hot But now few of ripe years are Baptized our countries are cold and therefore the sprinkling of water upon the child is used and that without any injury unto or violation of the Sacrament and that for these reasons 1. Because Baptisme doth signify a sprinkling as well as a dipping into the water 2. The thing signified the sprinkling of Christs blood upon our consciences is signified by the sprinkling of the water upon the Child as well as by dipping it into the water The Analogie between the signe and the thing signified remaineth 3. The weaknes of the Children requiring it The Ceremoniall must give place to the Morall Law charity and necessity may dispence with ceremonies and in equity mitigate their sharpness they being ordained for man and not man for them Onely that which was thereby in baptisme represented unto them and unto us and which we are to learne from it is this That as the whole body was dipped in the water so the whole man must be renewed every sin must be renounced every good duty practised every faculty of the Soul every member of the body must be sanctified graciously exercised in the duties of Godlines As the floore of the house was overlaid with gold within and without 1 King 6.30 So must we have the inward and the outward man adorned with the grace of the Spirit we must like the spouse be glorious within and richly arrayed without Psal 45.13 Thus Ps 119.128 and Luk. 1.6 To the end we may so do consider That 1. By this we shall resemble God as the aire thoroughly inlightned doth resemble the Sun in brightnes hence the change wrought in Gods Servants the restoring of Gods image is likened not to the putting off of a glove from the hand or a shoe from the foot but the putting off of the whole raiment Eph. 4.22 23 24. 2. Hereby we shall shew the truth of repentance which like Noahs flood drowneth hills and valleys all sinnes like a faithfull Physician letteth out the corruption out of every wound Counterfeit repentance like Saul spareth Agag and the best of the beasts But true repentance like Samuel sheatheth the sword in Agag too even in the dearest sin Unsound repentance like Pharaoh will let the aged men go some old sinnes wherein the sinner hath now no more pleasure But Pharaoh will not suffer the younger ones to depart no more will the unsound heart suffer his new sinnes to depart wherein for the present he taketh delight
peace safety and comfort whereunto they shall be advanced they cannot with powefull and invincible arguments work upon and move their affections they cannot make their words pierce like goads Eccles 12.11 and cause the people to cry out Acts 2.37 They cannot give the knowledge of God 1 Cor. 4.6 They cannot with Paul espouse them unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.3 but Jer. 10.21 V. Some hinder the people by their profane walking Ier. 23.14 As the people stood still when they came to the place where Ahasel who went before them fell down 2 Sam. 2.23 So when the people see their leaders fall they stand still have no heart to go forward in the way of life this is a stumbling block a snare a gulfe the Word is usually made unprofitable when the conversation is profane and carnall good Doctrine and evill walking is like a yoake of oxen the one drawing forward the other backward Loquendi authoritas perditur quando vox opere non adjuvatur Vse 2 This teacheth us how requisite the Ministry of the Word is how great the benefits are which thereby do accrew unto us how needfull it is the Messengers of the Lord should be instant with the people 2 Tim. 4.2 wherein it is that they ought chiefly to be imployed even in reconciling men unto God and to the end the Ministers may be able to accomplish this great work make this heavenly marriage between the Church and the sonne of the great King they must do as Abrahams Servant did when he went to make a marriage for his Masters Sonne 1. Abrahams Servant received instruction what he should doe Gen. 24.3 4. So must the Ministers of God receive instruction be taught of God before they become teachers of others the Sun was filled with light before he became the ruler of the day the Sea with water before it undertook the watering of the earth the Apostles staid at Jerusalem the Holy Ghost was poured down upon them before they went forth to preach the Gospel the Lamp must be filled with Oile before it can give light to others Timothy know the Scriptures from a Child 2 Tim. 3.16 Paul had his eyes opened Acts 9. â—7 Isaiahs lips were touched Isai 6.6 he had the tongue of the learned Isa 50.4 Ier. 1.9 and Mal. 2.7 whereas 2 Pet. 2.17 2. Abrahams Servant made an oath to his Master to be faithfull Gen. 24.9 so the Minister of the Lord must be faithfull 1 Cor. 4.2 and 2 Tim. 2.2 unfainedly seeking the glory of God faithfully unfolding the whole counsell of God keeping back nothing either out of feare fraud or sloath Acts 20.26 27. 3. Abrahams Servant made supplication to God that is journey might be prosperous Gen. 24.12 so must the Ministers of the Lord make fervent prayer unto God for a blessing upon their endevours that the Word may be as seed sowen in good ground Mat. 13.24 As the sword of Saul and bow of Ionathan which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As Moses rod to the Rock turning the stoney into a repenting heart Exod. 17.6 As eye-salve to the blind opening the eye of the understanding Rev. 3.18 Deut. 32.2 As dew to the dry ground causing it to flourish abundantly in the grace of the Spirit thus Phil. 2.9 10 11. Col. 2.9 and Ephes 6.18 4. Abrahams Servant left all other inployments and attended this so must the Minister of the Lord wholy imploy himselfe in the duty of godlines and the work of his Ministry 2 Tim. 2.4 This is a task requiring our best abilities our most serious thoughts our whole time therefore 1 Tim. 4.15 We must be instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 take all opportunities Isai 62.5 be as vigilant to save as Satan to destroy the Souls of the people 5. Abrahams Servant gave this imployment the preheminence he would not eate till he had done this errand Gen. 24.33 so must the Minister of God leaving all other busines attend his follow it with all speed with all care with all industry neither pleasure nor profit must be an obstacle to it but as all men Mat. 6.33 So especially the Ministers of the Lord must seek the Kingdome of Christ this must be their meate and drink as it was Christs Ioh. 4.34 6. Abrahams Servant related the great riches of his Master and how he had given all to his Sonne Isaac Gen. 24.35 36. so must the Ministers of God acquaint the people with the gloriousnes of Gods nature the honorable condition of Christ the blessed estate they shall enjoy the dignity whereunto they shall be advanced that so their hearts may be affected with Christ lead unto repentance by Gods goodnes and moved to joyne themselves in wedlock with the Lord Jesus greatnes riches dignities prevaile much in earthly marriages a powerfull loadstone to move and draw affections all the excellencies in the World are in this Bridegroome nothing can be desired but it may be found here in perfection therefore 1 Cor. 7.1 Rom. 12.1 2. 3. Is it the chiefest labour of the Minister to perswade the people to turne to God to joyne themselves in wedlock with Christ do they cry day and might for this do they leave all other inployments to accomplish this work Then this must stirr up the people to turne to God to yeeld up themselves into the hands of Christ Rom. 6.13 to give themselves unto God 2 Cor. 8.5 and Rom. 6.17 for I. This is the chiefest end of the Ministry the most comfortable use of the word even the reconciling of men to God 2 Cor. 5.20 therefore called the Ministry of reconciliation vers 18. as the speciall imployment of an Embassadour is to make peace so is the speciall labour of Gods Embassadours to make peace between God and his Servants therefore Acts 26.17 18. II. This advanceth us to the highest dignity this maketh us to be a chosen generation 1 Pet. 2.9 the spouse of Christ faire and beautifull as the great light of the World Cant. 6.10 as the comeliest person deckt with the choisest ornaments Cant. 1.1 11. This incorporated us into Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 this maketh us citizens of the new Jerusalem Ephes 2.19 this maketh us Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1.6 No such way to honour as to leave the broad way of sin and to set our feet in the way of Gods cammandements Rom. 2.10 to sow in righteousnes is the way to reape in mercy Hos 10.12 Gal. 6.8 III. This bringeth us to the surest safety the strongest defence this maketh God to be a wall of fire Zach. 2.5 this causeth Christ Isai 32.3 Iob 22.23 25. No wals are so sure for defence no weapon so succesfull for conquest as a godly conversation a Holy Union with Christ he will beare us as an Eagle beareth her yong Deut. 32.11 and Zach. 12.6 7 8. We shall be as fire and they as stubble we shall be as the wind and they as the chaffe we
soone dryed up like a tree of rotten roots is soone withered like a morning dew soone gone many times soone changed into deadly hatred like Amos love to Thamar many times full of fraud like Dalilahs love to Sampson like Judasses kisse to our Saviour 4. Because Christ is above all in Care No Watchman so vigilant no Keeper so carefull as Christ is over his people he keepeth them as a man will keep the apple of his eye Zach. 28. he maketh them up as a man will make up his Jewells Mal. 3.17 he leadeth them like a carefull guide in a desolate way Deut. 32.12 becometh with them as a Shepheard with his flocke Isai 40.11 As Jacob dealt with his Sheep Gen. 33.14 so doth Christ with the Sheep of his pasture Isai 42.3 he dealeth with them as a Physitian with his patient Isa 61.1 as a vine-dresser with his vine Isai 27.3 as Phil. 2.20 So it is much more true of Christ and therefore it is great folly to neglect him who is so carefull for us and to set our hearts on that which hath no respect unto us no care for us no thought if wee perish 5. Because Christ is above all in goodness and sufficiency in him is all fulnes Rev. 22.1 he is a tree of life loaden with twelve sorts of fruite whatsoever good thing the Souls of man can desire it is fully in him above measure John 3.33 so fully that we shall be able to desire no more in him so much that he can quench our thirst John 4.14 he will fill us with good things Luc. 11.1 52. he will satiate our Souls with fatness and fill us with goodness Ier. 31.14 He can fill the understanding with knowledge the heart with faith love zeale and every good gift in prosperity he can fill us with meeknes in adversity with patience in a low estate with contentedness in every condition he will be enough unto us If we do but imbrace him turne our hearts to him settle our affections upon him then as Solomon gave charge in another case Prov. 5.18 19. so shall we find in this for they who convert unto Christ have the promise Ier. 50.19 20. His Ordinances are the breasts which yeeld the milke that satisfieth Isa 66.11 12. The River that refresheth Psal 36.8 Is it not now exceeding folly to leave Christ in whom is such and so great fulness 3. Hath Christ preheminence and dominion over all creatures then this must teach us to give Christ preheminence 1. In our knowledge if we know nothing else let us not be ignorant of him who ever be a stranger to us let us get and maintaine an holy intire and gracious acquaintance with the Lord Iesus for he is our portion Psal 16.5 6. and therefore as a man will know his owne Lands and revenewes though he remaine ignorant of all other mens possessions so must we know Christ Iesus and our interest in him of whatsoever beside we are ignorant of he is our Husband our beloved Can. 2.16 he is our Shepheard Isai 40.11 he is our Prophet our teacher Acts 10.38 he is our Physician Isai 61.1 he is our Friend Iohn 15.13 and therefore as a Woman knoweth her Husband above all other men the Sheep know the voyce of a Shepheard and will not hearken to the voyce of a stranger as the Scholler knoweth his teacher above all other instructours the sicke man his Physician and a friendly and loving man knoweth his friend which is to him as his owne soule Deut. 13.6 So must we know Christ Iesus above all others with a more cleare familiar affectionate and delightfull knowledge than we know any other we must study to excell in this knowledge this must be the first lesson we learne the art we should every day study we must cry after this Prov. 2.2 3. strive to be filled therewith as the aire with light Col. 1.10 to grow herein as good Schollers in learning 2 Pet. 3.18 esteeme all knowledge as vaine without this 1 Cor. 2.2 and accompt this our best gaine Prov. 4.7 8. a tree bearing the sweetest fruit Prov. 3.16 17. a knowledge surpassing all other knowledge for profoundnes pleasantnes profitablenes holiness as farre as the Heavens are above the Earth Ephes 3.18 19. therefore rest not till you are better experienced in this knowledge than in any other knowledge 2 Let us give him preheminence in our feare fear him above all creatures feare to offend him rather than any other whatsoever beside him feare the losse of his favour the frowne of his displeasure rather as the Wife fears the Husband more than the handmaid the subject the King more than his fellow subjects the Servant his Lord and Master more than his fellow Servants Christ is the Husband of his Church the King of his people the Lord and Master of his Family all creatures are his subjects and Servants yea the very Angels are fellow-servants with us Rev. 22.9 therefore let him have the preheminence in our feare none so well able to recompence our obedience none so powerfull to revenge our disobedience the losse we sustaine for him turneth to our best advantage Mat. 19.28 29. the service we performe unto him hath the best wages Rom. 2.10 the headship which he hath over us the price which he hath paid for us the interest which he hath in us the great things he hath done for us the good things he hath bestowed on us the glorious things he hath provided in the Heavens his ability to support us in all assaults to comfort us in all afflictions to deliver us out of all troubles the many relations which are between us do challenge preheminence in our obedience and bind us to exalt him in our feare as God hath exalted him in his place Acts 5.29 30 31 32. Mat. 10.28 thus Heb. 11.26 27. Pet. 3.13 14 15. all creatures are nothing in his hand none can hurt us when he is pleased with us none can defend or comfort us when his indignation is kindled against us therefore Rev. 14.6 7. he giveth victory to such as feare him over their enemies therefore Rev. 15.3 4. and it is the charge 2 King 17.36 to 39. 3. Let us give him the preheminence in our thoughts as he is above all so he ought to be thought upon before all his owne worthines his goodness compassion love to us doth challeng and the love which we should beare to him ought to enforce us to yeeld him precedency in our thoughts and the first fruits of our meditations he should be the last we think on in the evening the first we think upon in the morning the companion of our thoughts in the whole dayes travell as the Wife thinketh on her Husband with more frequency with more delight with more seriousnes and affection than on any stranger so must we thinke of Christ the Husband of our Souls this is the charge Mat. 6.39 thus the spouse Cant. 3.1 the Psalmist Psal
with it if it go into captivity into prison into noysom diseases into poverty reproach nay though they are surerely and infallibly shewed that it goeth to Hell yet they will go with it 5. By their dislike of holinesse and all the means teaching man to lead a holy life this is like fetters to the man possessed with an unclean spirit they break these cords as he brake them like the Sun to diseased eyes Job 24.13 like a Candle to him that hath stolne goods Ioh. 3.19.20 like the hand-writing to Baltazzar Dan. 5.5 no weed so unsavory to their Nostrils no Gall so distastefull to their Palates no noise so terrible to their Ears this is a stranger they will give it no entertainment an enemy they will make war against it Rom. 8.7 they watch an opportunity as Iudas to betray Christ as Esau to murder Iacob so they to betray to destroy this if possible they might it is as offensive to them as Mordecai to Haman nothing can give them contentment as long as this prospereth by which it is apparent that the natural mans disposition is altogether carnal Vse This may teach us not to wonder be astonish'd or dismayed to see the whole world lie in wickedness the greatest number of men carnally disposed their affections tending downward to things here below as the streams go down the Channel or the earth moveth down towards the Center not think it strange that the carnal world wonders after her own lusts as the Popish idolatrous world after their beast that they pursue the earth and the vanities of the same as Micah pursued his Idol that they lye overwhelmed in sin as once the world was overwhelmed with the deluge that Hill and vale high and low rich and poor learned and ignorant even all a few poor despised yet sanctified Souls excepted given unto covetousnesse and carnal lusts as the Prophet long since complained Ier. 6.14 that the broad way is full the narrow way hath few travellers that Baals house is full the seats in Gods house like the seats in Sauls house in the new Moon were empty yesterday and to day Sabbath after Sabbath that the world the earth riches honours pleasures are in great request heaven religion holinesse duties of sanctification in little or none at all Marvel not I say at this shrink not back from God leave not the Lord Iesus for this the three hundred Souldiers left not Gideon though many thousands went back from him Ioshua and Caleb turned not back from following the Lord though Israel besides did and perished let Peters resolution be your practise though all men forsake him yet go not you back from him be not moved be not shaken at the sight of the multitude of prophane persons for all men are earth and earthly and 1. They are ignorant and see no beauty no benefit no pleasure in the way of Godlinesse it is to them as a light under a bushel a fountain shut up Luke 19.42 these are like the Gods of whom Daniel spake Dan. 5.23 these are as Ier. 5.4 Psal 82.5.2 they are sick and cannot rellish the good things of God their Palate hath lost its taste bread is as gravell Wine as Gall a feast of the choisest heavenly delicates as the white of an Egg which hath no taste or unsavoury meat which cannot be eaten without salt Iob 6.6 what our Saviour said to Peter in one particular may be universally verified of every carnall man thou savourest not the things of God but of men and what Barzillai said to David in another case every carnall man may say of himself unto God I am old in sin and cannot taste the Word of the Lord and let not me be pressed to this and that duty of holines to follow the Lord with such preciseness but let me return to mine own way fashion delights c. 3. They are dead in sins and trespasses no more feeling of sin than a dead man of the disease no more sence of the working of Gods Word then feared flesh of the prickings of a needle as Psal 6.5 so there is no thought no remembrance of God among carnall men they have no thought of Heaven life eternall the way and means tending thereunto 4. They know not things of any better nature than the earth the Cattle know not any better thing than pasture in the field water in the brook and therefore never look after wine and other delicates so the naturall man knoweth nothing but this World not knowing the comforts of the Gospel the sweetness of Gods love the pleasantness of the peace of a good conscience think there is no clearer nor warmer sun no more pure nor pleasant streame no sweeter musick than peace and prosperity in this World the Woman of Samaria knowing no other water than such as was in Jacobs Well asked not water of life from Christ knew not what he meant when he spake of it the unsound Disciples knowing no other bread than that which nourisheth the body thought not upon the bread which nourisheth the soul unto life eternall 5. They are inconsiderate hasty and violent in the pursuite of their own projects in accomplishing their own purposes in running their own way in following their own counsell in fulfilling their own lusts therefore likened to the Adder Psal 58.5 the wild asse Ier. 2.24 mad men Jerem. 17.9 they have in heart to consider what the issue will be of all their evill doings though they set thornes yet they think they shall gather grapes though they serve sin yet they think the wages shall be eternall life though they sow to the flesh yet they hope to reap life everlasting thus Psal 36.1 and though they be like them Isa 65.4 like him Mar. 5.4 5. Though they have fellowship with the workers of the works of darkness though they be men of swinish condition and conversation though there souls be full of the breath of abominable things though they break the strongest bonds of Gods precepts wound themselves with many lusts as with swords and speares yet like them Isai 65.5 they spare not to think to say they are better than the dearest of Gods Children so highly are they opinionated of their own goodness so strongly are they wedded to their own afflections that all admonition is but as water upon a black Moor dew upon a rock it maketh no impression but as Solomon saith Prov. 27.22 Now this being the qualification order disposition bent and course of every naturall mans heart and life it is no marvell that the World is generally profane nor let any go back because there are so few that set and keep their feet constant in the way to life 2. Is this the condition of corrupt man since the fall of our first parents are they all earthly carnall full of sin then this may assure us that in this estate there is no salvation the naturall mans way will never lead him
of death 2 Cor. 2. ver 16. Now a lively faith make's the Word of God as comfortable tidings to the sorrowfull Rom. 20.15 as a word of Reconciliation to them with whom God is at variance 2 Cor. 5.19 as a healing medicine to the diseased Isa 61.2 as food to the hungry as a light to the traveller as dew to the weary ground as good seed to good land Job 23.12 It maketh the Sacrament to bee as a seal to the King's pardon Rom 4.11 to confirm them in the assurance of the forgiveness of all their offences it maketh prayer strong as wings to carry the soul aloft to God Jam. 5.16 it maketh meditation of God and his promises very sweet Psal 104.34 so that to him that beleeveth God's ordinances prove an effectual means to to draw him from sin to turn him from every evil way to bring him home to God to enable him to grow up in all holiness and to walk before the Lord in all well-pleasing this the Apostle intimateth Heb. 4.2 and out of all this it appeareth That everlasting life must need 's bee a fruit of faith Vse This must stir up every man to labor for a lively faith in Christ to rest and rely wholly upon him to get assured interest in him it is not favor with men places of eminency in the world abundance of riches nor any of these external endowments can make a man's daies everlasting this is a fruit growing upon none of the trees in this garden this is a stream flowing from none of these muddy fountains a treasure to bee found in none of these store-houses it is not the valor of the strong the wisedom of the politick the act of the learned the honor of the mighty the pleasures of the wanton the wealth and great abundance of the rich can make their estate everlasting Psal 33.16 17. Psal 49.6 7 8 9. The high cedars are cast down as well as the little shrubs the flowers are plucked as well as the common grass it is onely a lively faith will bring us to everlasting life Therefore use all means to bee made partakers of it with the wise Merchant sell all to buy this pearl Mat. 13. cast away all your sins that you enjoy this gift with the disciples leave the world that you may win Christ Mat. 4.22 with Paul esteem all but dung and dross that you may bee found in Christ cloathed with that righteousness which is by faith Phil. 3.8 9. wait with all diligence at the post of God's house let the Word bee as your dayly food as your guid and counseller let it sink into your souls let it work upon your hearts let it dwell and rule within you that so you at length have the fruition of this faith pray for it desire it long after it as earnestly as ever Rachel or Anna did for children Gen. 30. 1 Sam. 1. go to God in his house in thy family in thy closet morning evening at noon-day at mid-night and beg for a lively faith say unto the Lord Thou art undone thou art but a dead man if God give not this faith unto thee say that all riches pleasures worldly endowments are but hay and stubble as long as this is absent Oh! think of this go about this as about a matter of most need of greatest importance of chiefest use of sweetest consolation and as Naomi said to Ruth of Boaz Ruth 3.18 so take thou no rest till thou hast finished this thing till thou hast by a lively faith joyned thy self in wedlock with the Lord Jesus make a covenant with thy soul in this as David did in another case Psal 132.4 and when you feel your hearts beginning affectionately to lean upon and cleave unto the Lord Jesus pray with the men in the Gospel Mar. 9.24 you shall never have just cause to repent of your labor in this behalf nothing can bring you so nigh to God as a lively faith nothing can give you such access to God nothing can inable you so to prevail with God and to gain so many good things from the hands of God nothing can stand you in such stead and afford you so much comfort the owner of this will not give it for the rich man's gold the noble man's honor the King's renown and the time will come wherein such as now want would give ten thousand worlds if they had them to bee partakers of it therefore while God giveth time and means seek it 2. This serveth for the singular comfort of all true believers if they have nothing but their faith their condition is infinitely more happy than the worlds choicest darling as Prov. 7.1 so the poorest condition of life with patience faith is better than a stalled oxe with unbelief this will supply all wants as the presence of the sun supplieth the want of all lights as David said of Goliah's sword 1 Sam. 21.9 so I may say of a lively faith there is none like that neither riches honors nor pleasures for this maketh both our persons and actions acceptable to God which no worldly furniture can do this in corporateth us into Christ this giveth us the fruition of all the good things which are in Christ this distinguisheth us from all God's enemies bringeth us within God's Covenant breedeth many sweet and glorious relations betwixt God and us and at last bringeth us to peace and everlasting happiness The gain of faith thus unfolded the comforts thereof thus opened and proposed the danger and dammage arising from unbelief presenteth it self in the next place to bee considered which wee shall find to bee a root bearing as many uncomfortable branches loaden with as many sower grapes as the other with sweet a spring as full of bitter as the other of pleasant water for hee that believeth not shall not see life hee that believeth not whose soul cleaveth not unto whose heart resteth not upon the Lord Jesus who buildeth not upon him as on a sure foundation who cometh not to him as to the fountain of living water who getteth not assured interest in him who joyneth not himself in wedlock to him who becometh not to him as the wife to the husband in subjection in affection in use in dependance and in intire union hee that believeth not shall not see life shall not enjoy no nor have the least apprehension or comfortable feeling of the felicity peace glory and fulness of all goodness which true believers shall enjoy in the heavens but the wrath of God diseases uncomeliness shame sorrow torment all manner of misery all kinde of calamity all the testimonies of God's displeasure abideth on him abideth not cometh for wee are born the children of wrath Ephes 2.3 and so continue thorough unbelief therefore this wrath abideth it will not wear with time like a garment it will not overflow the body and soul for an hundred and fifty dayes as the Deluge of old did overflow the earth and then abode Genes 7.24