the whole man shall be cleansed from all iniquity and to labour for this estate let us be perswaded 1. Because this will interest us in all Gods favours make all things to become ours to be comfortable helpfull beneficial this will make God to be our God our Father Christ to be our friend Mediator Advocate Husband Sun Shield Prince of peace the Spirit of God to be our comforter Ioh. 15.26 our guide Io. 16.13 to be our earnest penny and our Seal to assure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindnesse Ephes 1.13.14 a fire to warm us 1 Thes 5.19 water to cleanse us Isa 44.3 the Ministery of the Gospel to be a Ministery of reconciliation to us 2 Cor. 5.18 a pleasant light to shine unto our feet Psal 119.105 a heavenly Manna pure milk to feed our Souls 1 Pet. 2.2 a goad to drive us forward Physick to heal us a weapon to kill sin and defend our Souls all the earth shall be serviceable to us this life and the life to come shall be ours 1 Tim. 4.8 we shall be the richest people upon earth have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World Psal 34.10 Because this will inable us to finde many sweet and heavenly comforts in Gods ordinances this will make them full of precious and choise delights to our Souls this will make them be a delicate and dainty feast this will cause us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jesus the Bridegroom of our Souls this will make them sweet as the hony-comb to our palate Psal 19.10 even the rejoycing of our hearts Jer. 15.16 this will make them more precious than any Treasure Psal 119.72 more pleasant than any tidings Luke 2.10 this will make them the savour of life to our Souls 2 Cor. 2.14 this will make them speak peace to our consciences Isa 57.19 this will make them as a banquet to the hungry stomack Cant. 2.4 this will make them as the Dove to Noah as the Star to the wise-men as the water out of the Rocks to Israel this will inable us to say of them as David of Jonathan 2 Sam. 1.26 3 Because this will cause all to work for our good if we be regenerate whatsoever is against us shall in the issue be with us prove beneficial for us as David said of Shimei's railing 2 Sam. 16.11 So the fiery darts which Satan casteth the venemous arrowes which the evill speakers quiver shooteth the heavy burthens which the hand of the potent enemy imposeth imprisonment sicknesse poverty temptations disgrace and whatsoever it be it shall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good if we like David be men after Gods own heart for Tit. 1.15 all shall be for their welfare all shall be blessed to them the sword which is unsheathed against them shall like Goliah's sword become an instrument to cut off the enemies head the envious practises of their brethren shall be a means of their advancement as in Joseph the pit which is digged the snare which is spread for them shal take and entangle him that spread it every obstacle shall be turned into a furtherance every burthen into wings every lyon shall have a honey-comb in his belly This is the priviledge of Gods people the prerogative of sanctification an inducement full of power to perswade all that are not past feeling to return to God by true repentance to serve him in holiness and true righteousness 4. Since the natural mans workes are all naught water of a poysonous fountaine fruit from an evil tree let us all examine and try our selves what our workes are whether they be good or evill And this we shall discerne 1. By the fountaine whence they spring all good works must come from a good and a sanctified heart The good ground which brought forth good fruit resembled a good and honest heart and Matth. 12.35 Matth. 7.17 all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and issue none but a new creature can doe the works of new obedience All our actions are actions of uncleanness till we be washed and justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus 2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done They must not be done after our fancy in obedience to our own will our Sacrifice must be offered with fire from Gods Altar what we doe must be that which God required and it must be done because God hath required it Lev. 10.1 2. 1 Sam. 15.22 out of conscience to Gods precept 3. By the faith and perswasion we have in our heart when we do it We must beleeve that God in Christ is well pleased with us we must bear fruit as branches of Christ else it will be in Gods account as soure grapes Heb. 11.6 As we must ask all so we must do all in the name of Christ 4. By the affection wherewith it is performed It must not arise out of feare nor proceed from constraint but out of unfeigned love to God This must be the first mover in all our undertakings 1 Cor. 16.14 2 Cor. 9.7 as Jude 5.2 5. By the circumstances wherewith it is apparelled as Prov. 25.11 for Eccles 3.1 and Matth. 6.3 4. 6. By the end whereunto it is done We must chiefly look unto God all our arrows must be levelled to his glory as to the chiefest mark we are not our own but his by our election he hath chosen us Eph. 1.5 6. By our creation he hath made us for himselfe Prov. 16.4 By our redemption he hath bought us to himselfe 1 Cor. 6.20 By our vocation he hath called us to shew forth his praise 1 Pet. 2.9 and to him must we live 2 Cor. 5.15 If our works be thus qualified we may be sure they come from a regenerate spirit and are well accepted of him who is above all This is a repetition of what was formerly spoken to shew his disciples that they must needs subject themselves to Christ and to let them see how difficult it is he doth againe repeat it So that you see the repetition and the reason of the repetition The former may teach us Doct. 1 1. It is very needfull that Gods Ministers should often urge and presse the same material duties upon their hearts Phil. 3.1 that they may understand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually affected with it more throughly that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually that it may abide with them the more constantly People must not think it unprofitable to heare the same points of doctrine often pressed upon them Naaman went seven times into Jordan Peters cock crowed thrice From the other we may learn Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all self-confidence and subject themselves unto and altogether rely vpon Christ Jesus therefore the Baptist doth againe and againe presse it This occasioned
Reas 4 Because it is a singular Ornament to any nation or particular people As the Sun is an Ornament to the heavens the flower an Ornament to the garden the shining Lamp an Ornament to the house the eye an Ornament to the body So is the light and burning Lampe of the Gospell a singular honour to the people a greater honour to enjoy the light of Gods truth than the light of the Kings face the earth among all her store hath not such a pearle as the Gospell all the trees of the earth are but brambles to this vine thornes to this lilley Cant. 2.2 all their fruit is but like sower to this sweet and pleasant grape all treasure is but like drosse to this gold Philip. 3.8 strip them but of this Robe and all their Ornaments are but as rags therefore 1 Sam. 4.42 Phyneas wife said when the Arke was taken away by the Philistines the glory is departed from Israel Reas 5 Because it is of the greatest necessity As needfull as the Sun to give light to the World for this they are called the light of the World Math. 5.14 and that passage of Solomon Prov. 6.23 the commandement is a Lamp and the Law is light and reproofs of instruction are the way of life As food is to the body without which it must needs languish 1 Pet. 2.2 Iob 23.12 As a Shepheard is to the flock Eze. 34.8 As a nurse is to the child 1 Thes 2.7 As dewes are to the ground Dutr. 32.2 As a weapon to the Souldier Eph. 6.17 As Physick to the diseased Psal 107.20 Isa 57.19 As the Samaritan to him that lay wounded between Jericho and Jerusalem So is the Gospell to the Lords people As Moses Rod to Israel to open the rock to divide the waters So is the Gospell to make way through trouble to give comfort in the midst of all affliction As the continuance of things so needfull is a great temporall blessing So is the continuance of the Gospell a singular mercy to any people Reas 6 Because the fruits of the Gospell are very excellent of singular choise farre surpassing the fruit growing on any tree of mans planting By this the understanding is enlightned and we are acquainted with Gods counsell Christ walked in the midst of the golden Candlestick when he revealed himself unto John the Evangelist Rev. 1.13 20. Here is the Schoole wherein we learne true wisedome 2 Tim. 3.16 This is the fountaine the Jordan wherein we may wash and be cleane John 17.17 This is the river whose waters will make our hearts rejoyce Ps 46.4 This is the pure gold which will enrich us Rev. 3.18 This is the warlike weapon which like Davids sling and stone will give us conquest over our enemies These are the waters which will cause us like trees planted by the waters side to encrease and fructify in great abundance of a little one to become a thousand and of a small one a strong Nation Isa 60.22 all these seriously considered we shall plainely see that the continuance of the Gospell is a singular blessing Use This giveth us occasion to take thorow notice of and to get our hearts soundly affected with the goodnes of God towards us in generall especially towards many places in particular he hath not passed by us as a stranger but hath taken up his dwelling amongst us and communicated his counsell as to the friends of his bosome broaken the bread of life as the father to the children drawn out the breasts as the loving mother to the tender infant he hath not taken away our Candlestick nor doth withhold Oile from the Lamp he hath not caused the tongue of the reprover to cleave unto his mouth he hath not caused the Sun to go down over our Prophets Ezek. 1.26 he hath not left them without vision Mic. 3.6 they have not been as clouds without raine as wels without water as dogs without tongues as eyes without sight God hath not suffered the Philistines to stop up Abrahams wells nor surprise Israels Arke the Lord hath not dealt with us as he threatned to do with them in another case Hos 13.15 To dry up our Springs and our fountaines and to spoile our treasury of all her pleasant vessels but rather on the contrary as Isa 41.17 18. They that sate in darkenes have seen a great light Isa 9.3 The barren womb is become mother of many Children the Candlestick which had none have had shining lights erected in them the breasts which have been dry have been filled with milke the pits which were empty have been replenished with water The fathers have seene the rising and the children have not God grant they never may see the setting of this Sun the Fathers have been fed with this Manna and the children have not through any spiritual famine been constrained to go from Sea to Sea to seek this bread Amos 8.11 12. It hath not vanished like a vapour but like the cloud which Eliahs servant saw it was little as a mans hand in the beginning 1 King 18.44 45. yet through his blessing who is the Ocean of all goodnes it hath overspread even the whole Land and watered many places thereof it hath not been as a tree of dry rootes but from a little plant it hath growne to a great tree like the tree in Nebuchadnezars vision Dan. 4.11 12. It hath not like the waters of Teman been soone dryed up but like the waters of the sanctuary Ezek. 47.3 4 5. Though the wild boare of the forrest hath often endevoured to roote up this vine though the Antichristian Locusts with the smoake of Popish Doctrine have sought to put out this light though the spirituall Philistines have laboured to Damme up this well though they plotted devised and combined the accomplishment thereof with their confederates as much as ever the Philistines did the taking away of Sampsons locks the putting out of Sampsons eyes by corrupting their Dalila that all like Sampson might be constrained to grind to their mill and to dance to their Pipe Iud. 16.21 25. Though the great Dragon hath striven with his taile flattering and fawning on some like a Dog that moveth his taile persecuting others as a Serpent beateth and woundeth with his taile to draw the starres from heaven teachers and professours from the Gospel Yet hitherto hath the Lord amongst us caused this vine to flourish this fountaine to send forth refreshing waters this starre to shine Many years hath he digged and cast soile about the rootes of this tree Luk. 13.7 Long hath he endeavoured like a Hen to gather us as Chickens under his wings Math. 23.37 Often hath he sent his messengers to wo us to reconcile us So that we may say as God himselfe doth what could he have done more then he hath done for us Isa 5.2 Treason Power Malice hath been discovered defeated false Doctrines trees which were not of Gods planting have hitherto been plucked up the Lyons coming in
ground the perswasions of our hearts upon apparant testimonies which will not deceive us Let us still be of humble disposition readily subjecting our selves to the Doctrine of Gods Word Let not affection conceit fond opinion but a judgment well informed be our guide Let all truths find entertainment approbation subjection so shall the Word bring comfort stablish our faith reconcile and draw us home to God assure us of his favour enrich us with his grace I. But if prejudice possesse our hearts bear sway within us we are taken in Satans snare we shall be lead like blind men into the pit of our destruction he hath put out the eye of the understanding that we shall not see the glorious light of the Gospel 2 Cor. 4.4 II. The sweet waters of life will be to our Palate as bitter as Gall the most sumptuous feast shall be but as the bread of adversity and the water of affliction Mal. 3.14 The most pleasant and delightfull light will be either an offence to the eye or at least as a Lamp without Oile Iob 34.9 All Religious and holy exercises will be as a cloud without raine as a vine without grapes III. The wisest counsell will be taken either as flattery or as treason the truest testimonies of the sincerest love will be looked on as baits upon the hooke to draw the fish to his death as meat spread by the fowler an allurement to the snare 2 Sam. 10.4 IV. Prejudice like a diseased stomack turneth good food into corrupted humours 2 Cor. 2.14 Like a diseased eye it beholdeth things in contrary colours Like David in one case it taketh friends to be enemies and enemies to be friends 2 Sam. 19.6 Like thornes and bryars in the field it causeth the seed of the word that it can take no roote Matth. 13.12 Like Sheba that blew the Trumpet of Rebellion it causeth the people to disclaime the Messenger of the Lord and to say they have no part in his Doctrine 2 Sam. 20.1 2. Like the evill Spirit that arose between Abimelech and the men of Shechem it doth breed a great division hasten their ruine Iud 9.23 Like a disease in the body it maketh men greedily imbrace what will nourish it Ahab being possessed with prejudice against the Prophet cast him into prison opened his eares to the false Prophets who deceived him 1 King 22. for the prevention whereof we must labour 1. For a sound judgment to be able to discerne the things which differ to make choise of the things which are most excellent a cleare eye judgeth and distinguesheth colours best delight is most welcome to that sight which hath most perfection sound Doctrine hath best approbation among men of sound knowledge and good understanding and surely as Paul said in another case Acts 26 2.3 So may the Minister of God say in this case and therefore 1 Cor. 14.20 Col. 1.9 1 Cor. 10.15 1 Thes 5.21 but ignorance is the common cause of prejudice 2 Pet. 2.12 2. For a good affection an entire love to the Messenger of the Lord this the Apostle requireth 1 Thes 5.13 This will cause us to hearken to their Doctrine with diligence to endure the word of exhortation with patience to imbrace it with thankfulnes to subject our selves to it with readines we take bitter pils contentedly from the Physitian whom we affect and you know what the Apostle saith of love 1 Cor. 13.5 6 7. 3. We must strive for an humble and teachable Spirit the broken ground entertaineth the seed the meeke in heart do readily subject themselves to the Doctrine of salvation the yoke of Gods precept is not irksome to the humble therefore Mat. 11.29 were we humble as Christ was then as he notwithstanding all his sufferings Isa 42 2. no more would we stirre and cry and make a noise and tumult when the axe is said to the roote of the tree we would not kick against the Word of the Lord though it prick like a goade and pierce like an arrow Ex. 12.11 Ps 45.4 The humble â—oul shall find sweetnes in it it shall be a word of glad tidings Isa 61.1 a pleasant food Psal 22.26 4. Carefully try all things by the touch-stone of Gods Word examine it by that line wherein there is no crookednes weigh it in that ballance wherein is no deceit try it by that touch-stone which will infallibly distinguish between good and reprobate silver the day 1 Cor. 13 13. that is the light of Gods Word Rom. 13.12 shall make it manifest the fire Gods Spirit speaking in the Scriptures will certifie you of the truth of what was taught therefore Isa 8.20 1 Joh. 4.1 Acts 17.11 By this meanes shall ye find that it is not so much man as God that speaketh by this meanes ye shall perceive more power in it attend with more feare and reverence to it and subject your selves thereunto with more willingness 5. Allow not your selfe in any evill way be not wedded to any sin but resolve in the uprightness of your hearts to subject your selves to the whole will of God be glad to be informed in any truth and be able to say to Gods Messenger as Cornelius did to Peter Acts 10.33 and the people to Moses Deu. 5.27 Then shall not your hearts rebell against any truth not distast any wholesome Doctrine not take offence at any godly exhortation more than a traveller resolving to go to his journeys end doth to be guided in the right way when he strayeth or a sick man desirous of a freedome from all diseases doth at the good counsell of a wise Physitian but shall with David 1 Sa. 25.32 33. The allowance of sin maketh true Doctrine unacceptable godly admonition unwelcome the tidings of peace an occasion of trouble the sweet flowers gathered out of the garden of the Scriptures as a bundle of noisome weeds the honey comb of the word as gall therefore let us put iniquity farr away and let no iniquity dwell in our tabernacles and then we shall receive the word without prejudice The Third thing is the Baptists deniall of himself the removing of all that honour from himself which they would falsely have ascribed to him Doctr GOds Servants must not seek their owne but the honour of the Lord Jesus This is given in charge 1 Cor. 6.20 this we are taught to make our first Petition Mat. 6.9 This the Saints Angels of God have refused to receive when men either ignorantly or superstitiously would have bestowed it on and have willed them to give it unto God and Christ Acts 10.25 26 Acts 14 14 15. Rev. 19.10 our Saviour blamed the want of this in the Pharises Joh. 5.44 and the Lord plagued them that neglecting his sought their owne glory Acts 12.21 22. Dan. 4.30 31. Reas 1 In regard of that perrogative which God hath over all he is the Prince of the Kings of the earth Rev. 1.5 every knee must bow to him Rom 14.11 He hath
sheep oxen gold silver wordly friends these are empty vessels withered armes broken cisternes Physitians of no value unable to give salvation to lead to life eternall as King 6.26 so may all the creatures in the World say in this behalfe and as Psal 33.16 17. so much more in this case therefore it is in vaine to build on this for these are as God said of Aegypt Isai 31.3 It is to no purpose to cry to them for they will be as deaf as Baal 1 King 18.26 as the Psalmist said of promotion Psal 75.6 so it is also true of this spirituall promotion it cometh neither from the Sea nor from the Land it cannot be gotten by strength bought for money wonne by policy but as Solomon said Eccles 9.11 so in this case and as Iob 28.12 13 14 15 16 17 18. so of salvation for Ioh. 1.13 it is Christ that is made unto us of God 1 Cor. 1.30 earthly abilities have no power hereunto these are a weapon too weake to throw downe the holds of sin Satan will say to these as to the Sonnes of Sheva Acts 19.15 these have no power to enlighten the understanding 1 Cor. 2.10 no ability to purify the conscience Dan. 5.5 6 7. to cleanse the affections it is the word and spirit that maketh wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.17 that giveth peace Isa 57.19 reconcileth to God 2 Cor. 5.19 our salvation is wholly from the Lord Ier. 3.29 and therefore let us regard and fasten our eyes upon the meanes which is from above more than on the means which is here beneath let us seek for happines from above where it may be had and not here below where it cannot be found let us not seek for grapes on thornes and for figs upon thistles like them Luk. 24.5 Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why Christ and his Ordinances have such slender entertainement why they are no more respected among the men of the World they are from above they are not of the earth but from a forreigne countrey as the Sodomites resolved to deale hardly with Lot because he was a stranger Gen. 19.9 so doth the Sodomitish World with Christ Ioh. 15.19 Joh. 9.29 2 Pet. 2.12 these things are above their earth 1 Cor. 2.14 as Joh. 4.11 they have no bucket to draw these things have no savour in their nostrils 2 Cor. 2.16 as Job 24.17 so Ioh. 3.20 the head stone of the corner is a stone of offence the way to life is become a stumbling block 1 Pet. 2.7 Ioh. 8.22 23. Vse 3 Is Christ Jesus from above is his originall divine and heavenly then we must also labour to be borne againe from above to be endued with divine and heavenly wisedome that we may know him so the many blessings which come by him a carnall an unsanctified knowledge cannot conceive him an unregenerate a profane heart hath no sence and feeling of these things the carnall palate cannot relish these dainties the unsanctified eye cannot behold this light the profane heart cannot intertaine these misteries Isa 29.11 Christ appeareth as a worme and no man Psa 22.6 as a face wherein is no beauty Isa 52.14 as a store-house having no treasure things heavenly must be looked on with a heavenly eye holy matters must be discerned by a holy understanding intertained with sanctified affections therefore we must pray with the Apostle Ephes 1.18 19. with the Psalmist Psal 119.33 and when our understandings are thus inlightned from above then shall Iesus Christ be glorious in our eyes Cant. 5.10 as the apple-tree among the thornes and briars Cant. 2.3 as the Sun among the clouds as King David in the eyes of his subjects more worth than ten thousand of the common people like Saul the head above all the residue of the people beyond measure more beautifull more excellent than all the World II. Then shall we behold in him all fulness all sufficiency of all good things such as eye hath not seene nor eare heard of shall we find in him 1 Cor. 2.9 we shall find him to be a living fountaine whose waters never faile Joh. 4.14 to be a tree never barren but alway bearing Rev. 22.10 a sure rock never sinking Isai 32.2 a Sun yeelding all fulnes of contentement to his servants Psa 84.11 so that they shall say as Elkanah to Anna 1 Sam. 1.8 and upon better ground than Esau they shall say they have mongh III. Then they shall cast themselves and their burthen upon Christ as upon a never failing friend a sure foundation a strong Pillar a Sepheard able to deliver the flock out of the pawes of the beare and the jawes of the Lion like David a wall of fire able to defend his Servants and consume their enemies for Psal 9.10 IV. Then shall they have a low estimation of the things of the earth look upon them as on waters that passe away as on empty vessels as on cobwebs soone sweept down Job 8.14 as on a slippery place where is no standing Psal 73.18 as on dung and drosse of little value Phil. 3.8 as on things yeelding no true contentment no sound comfort no sure defence but are as chaungable as the wind as a garment Psal 102.26 and therefore they fasten not affections on things here below but on things above Use 4 Is Christ from above is his originall divine and heavenly then this may comfort all the Children of God I. In regard of their emptiness he hath all fulness he can abundantly supply our wants Ioh. 1.14 16. as the Sea and full clouds fill the chanels II. In regard of our ignorance he is full of knowledge as the Sun of light able to make us wise unto salvation III. In regard of unrighteousnes he is from above he is full altogether righteousnes he hath long Roabs to cover us Ier. 23.6 IV. In regard of trouble of conscience he is a Prince of peace Isa 9.6 Ephes 2.14 Mat. 8.26 Thus of Christs originall next of his Dominion Doctr. CHrist Jesus hath preheminence above and Dominion over all creatures therefore called the King of Kings Rev. 1.5 the great King Rev. 12.5 Phil. 2.9 10. and Dominion he hath I. In regard of creation Col. 1.16 17. II. In regard of gubernation Ioh. 13.3 the very devils are subject to his command Mar. 5.8 III. In regard of subjugation 1 Cor. 15.25 IV. In regard of his office for the executing of Gods judgment upon all men and evill Angels Ioh. 5.22 Dominion he hath over his owne people I. As head of that body whereof they are members 1 Co. 11.3 II. As a redeemer having first bought us 1 Cor. 6.26 III. In regard of conquest having obtained victory over sin and Satan Col. 2.15 IV. In regard of possession having erected his Kingdome within them V. In regard of protection being a continuall defence unto them Isa 32.2 Use This acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of such as disobey Christ cast his precepts behind their backs make him
nor the bow of your wordly strength renewed in your hand as Job's was yet if your souls bee washed in Christ's blood if the oile of grace bee powred upon them if the dew of God's grace rest upon them if they grow in holiness as trees planted by the waters side if the inward glorie of the soul bee fresh if the strength of grace bee renewed if God's external ordinance your internal grace bee like the bow of Jonathan that turned not back the sword of Saul which returned not empty from the blood of the slain and from the fat of the mightie if this conquer your corruptions prevaile against Satan and the world though your earthly estate be like a small river a lamp with little oil a tree with few branches yet having the saving grace of the Spirit you have the best having this they have enough As God answered Paul 2 Cor. 12.9 Complaining vers 8. so may all men endued with the saving grace of the Spirit if they complain of anie want of absence of anie outward good or presence of anie outward evil bee answered The grace of God is sufficient this is a feast to the hungry Prov. 15.16 an inheritance to the poor Psal 119.111 armor to the assaulted Ephes 6.13 this is instead of all other blessings as the sun is instead of all other lights therefore all God's people should say as David did Psal 16.5.6 for 1. Tim. 6.8 and wee should all resolv with Jacob. Gen. 28.20.21 grace is the best portion the most abiding substance the tree whose leaf doth never fade the fountain whose waters are never dried up the store-hous which yieldeth the best riches a garment like them once worn by Israel it weareth not out with using like the widow's barrel of meal and cruis of oil it will feed not consume nor grow dry with drawing forth a catalogue of blessings do ever attend it the light of God's face which ministreth more joy than the brightest Sun of worldly prosperitie doth alwaies accompany it a singular and satisfactorie fulness is ever to bee found in it and therefore rest your selvs contented with it Prov. 19.23 Motives quickning stirring moving induceing and leading us to the practice of all these duties may bee drawn 1. From the dignitie Honor Eminence and Excellency of their estate above all other estates and conditions of men and estate exceeding other estates as far as life exceedeth death as far as liberty excelleth bondage light darkness for others are dead in sin Col. 1.22 bondmen to Satan 2 Tim. 2.26 sitting in darkness and the shadow of death Mat. 4.16 but these are alive to God free from sin Rom. 6.11.18 have seen a glorious light Isa 93. These have the most worthy and honorable original they are the regenerate ofspring of the everliving and most glorious God Isa 1.18 Ioh. 1.13 These have most honorable kindred Heb. 2.11 Luk. 8.21 calling 1 Tim. 1.9 1 Pet. 2.9 These are not strangers but Sons Ioh. 1.12 not rubbish but living stones in God's building 1 Pet 2.5 not thorns and briars in the forrest but fruitful and bearing trees in Gods Orchard Cant. 4.14 even trees of God's planting Isa 16.3 Holiness is the surest way to the best preferment the onely step to bee unchangeably and gloriously advanced this shall bring men like Ioseph out of the prison to bee advanced into the second place not of an earthly but a heavenly kingdom this shall make them shine as the Sun Mat. 13.43 set a glorious crown upon their head Rev. 2·10 for Mat. 19.28 As Saul was the head of the people so shall these bee the head of all their brethren Isa 58.13.14 men do much for honor bee good you shall bee great 2. From the joy which doth accompany the true and saving grace of the spirit the opening of the womb to the barren of the prison to the captived of the hand to the needy the filling of poor with riches of the diseased with health of the heavie-hearted glad tidings of the hungry with the choicest delicates cannot so warm the soul so rejoice the heart so solace the inward man as a gracious measure of true holiness The joy of Anna for the birth of a childe 1. Sam. 2.1 the joy of Saul and the men of Israel and the day of their enemies overthrow and Saul's Coronation 1 Sam· 11.15 the joy of the Citizens of Susan in the time of Haman Est 8.15 the joy of the rich man in filling his barns Luk. 12.19 the joy of the Souldier in dividing the spoil Isa 9.3 is not so great as the joy of the new birth spiritual coronation of God's people the overthrow of the holds of Satan the filling of the soul with the saving graces of the spirit this joy to other joyes is as a full stream to a few drops as a flaming fire to a few sparks as a bright and shining Sun to the light of a candle readie to extinguish this is a full joy Ioh. 16.24 great joy Acts. 8.8 glorious and unspeakale joy 1. Pet. 1.8 constant and abiding joy Ioh. 15.11 a Sun which shineth when all other vanishing meteors of comfort are extinct Prov. 13.9 all the causes of true joy do accompany a godly life God's favor God's presence God's blessing sense of God's goodness assurance of a gracious issue out of all dangers 3. From the stabilitie and stedfastness which doth attend it men that are endued with true grace are like a hous upon a sure foundation like a tree of deep roots uneasily moved therefore likened to a tree by the waters side Psal 1.3 Psal 52.8 and Pro. 14.11 they are held in a strong hand Ioh. 10.28 they are built upon a sure rock Mat. 16.18 they are compast about with a strong defence Zech. 2.5 hence Psa 31.20.21 1. Sam. 2.9 Prov. otherwise Psal 73.18 Hos 13.3 4. From the presence of God vouchsafed to it God's gracious presence is yielded onely to such as are indued with true holiness amongst them will hee be as a General among his army a shepherd among his flock a teacher among his scholars a father among his family defending against adversaries power instructing them in holy duties encouraging them in all their undertakings feeding them with his ordinances watering them with the dews of his spirit hee will frustrate all assaults of the enemie Zeph. 3.15 he will fill the souls of his people with gladness v. 17. make them a prais glory among the people as flowers among the grass as the lilly among the thorns Zech. 2.5 they shall enjoy all abundance Ioël 2.26.27 if they fall into affliction it shall not consume them Exod. 3.4 5. From the happy gracious and comfortable issue whereunto it leadeth how full of storms soëver the sea bee yet it alway bringeth to a peaceable haven though the seed twice bee full of tares yet the harvest is ever replenished with joy though the godly man meet at first like Samson with
a lion yet at length hee shall seed upon the hony-comb of consolation though hee pass like Israël thorough the red sea the wilderness Iordan yet hee shall have a land that floweth with milk and hony though hee now wear a crown of thorns yet hee shall hereafter wear a crown of glorie though his drink bee now mingled with gall and bitterness yet hee shall drink out of the river of God's pleasures though David was long oppressed yet at length hee attained the Kingdom though the three children were cast into the fierie furnace yet they attained honor in the province of Babylon So Isa 65.13.14.15 Isa 35.4.5.10 Ecl. 8.11.12 From the gift descend wee to take notice of the measure of the gift not scantly slenderly sparingly but above measure abundantly plentifully fully Whence learn Doctr. That Christ Jesus was superabundantly filled withall heavenly gifts and graces As the Sun in the firmament is full of light and brightness so is the Son of righteousness full of true holiness and even according to his humane nature exceedingly filled with all goodness even full of the holy ghost as the fountain is full of waters This fulness of his was many waies evident 1. by the fulness of his wisdom his lamp was full of oil it gave a very great light a light enlightning all the world a wisdom breeding admiration in them that saw it Mat. 13.54 a wisdom whereby as the Psalmist saith of himself Psal 119.98.99 so and much more may it bee verified of Christ for in him Col. 23. and Ioh. 1.18 hath a most full and intimate knowledg of God 2. By the fulness of his power it was not a withered arm but an arm endued with fulness of strength able like David to conquer the Bear the Lion the great Goliah able to dash his enemies in pieces like a potter's vessel Psa 29. a stone hewn out of the mountains breaking in pieces the image representing the glorie riches and strength of all kingdoms Dan. 2.44 Able to heal the sick raise the dead ransom the captived nothing was too hard for him 3. By the fulness of his holiness his face had neither spot not wrinckle there was no defilement stuck in his garment his soul was a field no tares mingled with his wheat a garden all flowers no weed a tree all bearing no barren withered no unfruitful branch upon it as it is said of Absalom 2. Sam. 14.25 so it is 1. Pet. 2.22 Ioh. 14.30 1. Pet. 1.19.4 by the fulness of his love a love like a full Sea a flameing fire a strong Chariot that drew him from heaven to earth from the highest honor to the deepest ignominy from a paradise of pleasures to a wilderness of sorrows his love to us of a Lord caused him to become a servant Philip. 2.7 of a Sovereign a subject Gal. 4.4 of rich poor 2 Cor. 8.9 of a joyfull man a man of sorrows Mat. 26.38 It brought him from the throne to the cross from the highest heavens to the lowest parts of the earth Joh. 15.13 Joh. 15.9 As the Father so loved him that hee communicated all good things to him sustained him under affliction and delivered him from the power of hell and the grave so doth the Son so love us that hee imparteth all good things to us beareth us up in all our distresses and delivereth us from all miseries 5. By the fulness of his patience hee was the mirror of meekness the perfect pattern of true humility Isa 53.7 1 Pet. 2.23 Hee was one in whom patience had her perfect work Jam. 1.5 patient in poverty patient in ignominy patient in sorrowfulness patient in doing patient in suffering patient in life patient in death the patience of Job and the Prophets was marvelous yet as 2 Cor. 3.10 so their patience compared with his was no patience therefore well might hee propose himself for an example Mat. 11.29 and thus full of all grace it was requisite our Saviour should bee 1. In regard of the holy precise exact and perfect rule of the Law which hee was to fulfill every letter of his life must without any the least variation answer the copy every faculty of the soul the disposition of the whole man must bee suitable to this frame every thought of his heart every motion of his affection every word of his mouth every deed of his life must be as arrows falling neither under nor above but fully pitching upon this mark therefore Gal. 4.5 Matth. 5.17 2. In regard of the love God beareth unto him and wonderfull delight which hee had in him as Elkanah 1 Sam. 1.4 5. as Joseph Gen. 43.24 so our God giveth portions of grace to all his children but to Christ hee gave a worthy portion more then five times as ample as to any of his brethren because hee had a more abundant love to him Isa 42.1 Mat. 3.17 3. In regard of the Office hee had undertaken to be a Mediator between God and man a peace-maker by appeasing of Gods wrath in suffering for man by making him just Phil 3.9 by being found cloathed not in their own but in the righteousness of Christ the party dying and satisfying the law for another must bee innocent and not dy for his own offence the righteousness which maketh another just must bee free from all blemish therefore 1 Pet. 3.18 2 Cor. 5.21 4. In regard of our emptiness wee were all poor and therefore it behooved him to have a full hand to make us rich wee were all blinde and therefore it was requisite hee should bee full of knowledg to make us wise wee were all sick and therefore it was needfull hee should bee a skilful Physitian to make us whole all unclean and therefore behooffull hee should bee full of holiness to make us pure all captivated and dead in sin and therefore needfull hee should bee full of power to ransom us Hence that prophesie Isa 61.1 that invitation Rev. 3.17 18. Isa 55.1 for Joh. 1.16 Eph. 1.21 22. 5. In regard of the enemies hee was to conquer Sin Satan Hell Death trees not able to bee rooted up by any mortal hand walls not able to bee beaten down by any cannon shot fetters not to bee broken by any creäted strength enemies not conquerable by the most valiant among men as all Israel trembled till David came 1 Sam 17. so Heb. 2.14 this is the Moses dividing the waters Exod. 14.21 this is the Sampson bearing away the gates of Gaza this is the David delivering his sheep this is the Cyrus opening the two leaved gates Isa 45.1 this is the Angel bringing Peter out of prison Act. 12.7 6. In regard of the depth of Gods counsels which are to bee opened a well whereof none can drink before Christ rowl away the stone as Jacob did from the wells mouth a riddle which cannot bee unfolded unless wee plow with Gods spirit a sealed book which none but the lion of the tribe of Juda can open a vision which
holiness hee hath healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 hee is like Mal. 3.2 3 4. Isa 35.6 7 8. he can Mat. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 1 Joh. 3 8. as Joh. 11.44 hee can bring you out of the grave of your corruption though no nitre can purge you yet Jerem. 2.22 yet hee Ephes 5.25 26. 5. If they want temporal endowments our outward estate bee slender our wealth small our love friends honor respect and place in the world nothing at all if our outward abilities bee like waters in a dry summer at a low ebb like the heat of fire arising from a little wood like the light of a lamp wherein is but little oil though our backs bee cloathed with camel's hair a leathern girdle sheep-skins goat-skin or vile raiment though we feed with puls barly bread or a few fish have nothing but a little oil in the cense a little mâ—aâ— in our barrel though with David wee bee set behinde the ews with Amos bee gatherers of Sycamore fruit with Gideon our family bee poor among the families of the earth and wee the least in our Father's hous though with Jacob wee have but a stone whereon to lay our heads with our Saviour have no room in the inn of this world where none but they that have store of money in their purs are welcom though wee have nothing but a manger to rest in yet remember that in Christ the head of the body whereof yee are members the Master of the family whereof yee are sons daughters the husband of the souls in him is all fulness hee is the heir of all things Heb. 1.3 hee is the maker the preserver of all the great Lord treasurer of the world in him saith the Apostle all things consist Col. 1.16 in respect of conservation hee continueth them in their beeing in respect of precept hee prescribeth the laws by which nature policy and religion are governed in respect of operation in that all things move by the influence of his hand in respect of ordination hee appointeth all things to their end in respect of disposition hee disposeth the means to the end intended and therefore since all things are in him thus dispensed by him let us say in our needs as the prodigal in his wants Luke 15.17 10. there is enough in Christ and therefore let this sustain us 2. As this comforteth against all wants so it is full of consolation against all evils if wee bee full of sin the blood of Christ is full of virtue to purge it out 1 Joh. 1.7 Heb. 9.14 Zach. 13.1 2. If the law bee full of exactness and rigor all the letters thereof written in blood every sentence a sentence of death though it stand like the Cherubin and flaming sword to keep us from entring into eternal life as that kept the way to the tree of life Gen. 3.24 yet in Christ is righteousness exactly to answer every title of it hee hath fulness to satisfie it so that it becometh as a serpent without sting as a sword without edg it cannot condemn the people of God though God bee a consuming fire yet in the merits of Christ is fulness enough to appeas his anger to procure his favor to turn his angrie into a pleasant voice his frowning into a shining face of an enemy to make him a friend of one dreadfull as a lion to make him gentle as a lamb of a stranger to make him the loving husband of our souls though Satan assault with violence though his holds bee strong his weapons venemous his attempts incessant his devices deep his instruments subtile his stratagems treacherous yet in Christ there is all fulness to prevail against him to put him to flight to drive him to his den to roul a stone upon his cave and tread upon his neck as Joshua did upon the five Kings of Canaan Jos 10.18 24. cast him down in his own pursuit as hee did the Egyptians Pharaoh Exod. 14.24 disarm him as David did Goliah 1 Sam. 17.51 Col. 2.15 Eph. 4.8 if our enemies be strong many violent merciless and wee have no power no helper no way to fly but begin to despair to hang down the head and lose all our comfort then look upon Christ's fulness and as Elisha said to his fearing disquieted and perplexed servant 2 King 6.16 17. so may you say to your own souls for Christ will bee with you stand by you work for you and overthrow all such as rise against you Isa 54.17 Psal 2.9 the stoutest opposers the greatest disputers the most bloody persecutors iron-handed oppressors and iron-hearted and brasen-faced dispisers shall by the Lord Jesus be scattered as the chaff trodden down as the dung rooted up as thorns and briars thrown out as the salt which hath lost his savour and is good for nothing but the dunghill therefore Mat. 18.6 Isa 35.3 these and the like are the streams of consolation which flow from that full fountain of all goodness which is in Christ Jesus this is the pleasant and soul refreshing fruits which grow upon this tree of life the delightfull and heart-rejoicing beams which discend to the souls of God's people from this sun therefore let us all strive for interest in him communion with him let us in all estates depend upon him in every condition rest our selvs contented with him hee hath fulness of riches for all his faithfull that are now poor fulness of honor for all that are now in ignominy fulness of peace for all his that are now in trouble fulness of joy for all that are now in heaviness fulness of liberty for all that are now in bonds fulness of power to deliver all his which are in any distress for Vers 35. The father loveth the son and hath given all things into his hands THe Baptist having set before his disciples the authority of Christ the commission which the father gave him to undertake the great and mighty work of our salvation having also declared the sufficiency of Christ the abundant effusion of the saving grace of the Spirit upon him descendeth now to discover and lay open the ground hereof even the love of God as if hee had said The Father hath wonderfully enriched the Son with many choice and singular endowments bestowed upon him a rich store-hous of all graces and why hath hee done so becaus hee loved the Son so that from the coherence of this with the former vers wee may learn Doctr. That the bestowing of the saving gifts and graces of the Spirit is the choicest testimony of the love of God a greater testimony of the love of God to fill the vessels of the soul with sanctification then to fill the barn with corn the fold with sheep the stall with oxen the chest with gold the life with pleasure or to set upon the head a crown of worldly honor therefore when God entred into Covenant with his people promised to bee their God and took them above all the people of the
throne of grace in his name wee shall finde acceptance for his sake Hebr. 10.22 Rom. 5.1 2. though Jonathan could not appeas the anger of his father Saul against David yet our Jonathan will surely prevail with our God for us though wee are unworthy yet as the man of God looked on Jeboram for Jehoshaphat's sake 2 King 3.14 so will our God look favorably on us for Christ's sake 3 This must quicken and stirr up us to love the Lord Jesus the children use to love where the father doth the servants use to affect where their Lord God the Father loveth the Son therefore let us also get our hearts inflamed with love to him to them that love him all felicity is wished Eph. 6 24. to them that love him not all evils are denounced 1 Cor. 16.22 and many inducements there are to move us to set our affection upon 1. the dignity beauty majesty glory and excellency of his person Isa 45.3 Cant. 5.10 2. The love that hee hath shewed to us Joh. 15.13 Rom. 5.8 Jonathan's love to David caused David again to love him fire begetteth fire 3. The great afflictions hee hath suffered for us 4. The great endowments hee hath bestowed upon us 5. The many enemies hee hath conquered for us 6. The great things hee hath purchased for us in the heavens these are as so many load-stones to draw our hearts unto Christ Jesus as so many bellows to blow up the fire of our affections to inflame or hearts with fervent sacred and constant love unto the Lord Jesus and that so much the more because wee have hence seen Doctr. That the love of God to Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness which cometh to God's servants as the waters come to us from the fountain by and thorow the cistern the light cometh from the sun to the eie by and thorow the aër so is Christ the medium whereby all the goodness of God cometh unto us and God's love to Christ is the original and prime cause hereof as Gen. 45.17 18. the love of King Pharaoh to Joseph was the moving caus of all the favor and kindness hee shewed to his father and brethren when they were in great distress by reason of the famine so the love of God the King of kings viz. Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness peace comfort which is derived and communicated to the brethren of Christ Jesus as the Ark was the caus of the wellfare of Obed-Edom's house so is God's love to Christ the caus of all our welfare this was shadowed out by the ladder in Jacob's vision Genes 28.11 12. reaching from heaven to earth the Angels ascending and descending to shew how all the goodness of God descendeth unto us by and thorow Christ this was also prophecied as the Lord hath put the grace of his spirit upon the son of righteousness to enlighten them that sit in darkness and why hath hee done so but because hee delighted in him and the Apostle speaketh plainly that wee are accepted in the beloved Ephes 1.6 Acts 2.33 Reas 1. Because wee are from all eternity elected in Christ as the Apostle witnesseth Eph. 1.4 saying wee are chosen in him before the foundation of the world in him noting the order in which wee are elected not the cause of election the grace of election beginneth first with Christ our head and descendeth to us in him wee are not first elected and then Christ is chosen by reason of our fall but God out of his love did first chuse him to bee the head of the body mystical and then are wee chosen to bee his members as the head corner stone in the building is first chosen Psa 116.22 and then the other stones which are to bee put into the building hence hee is said to bee the first begotten amongst his brethren Col. 1.18 to have the preheminence to bee sealed John 6.27 set apart to be the prince of our salvation to be fore-ordained before the foundations of the world 1 Pet. 1.20 by how much more excellent things are by so much more timely and principally they bee in God's decree hee doth not think of electing and predestinating us first as a body and then come afterward by occasion to think of a him who is the head hee is the first pattern and wee are predestinated to bee like him Rom. 8.29 and as the master-picture and pattern is first and then the thing which is to bee drawn by it as in a naturall birth the head cometh first and then the feet after it so first was Christ chosen then as the head or the elect and fountain of grace and then are wee chosen in him things in their material existing have one order in their intentional another as for example a man that maketh a house intendeth to dwell under some covering 2 hee intendeth to build a house 3. to hire workmen 4. to prepare matter but in the execution hee 1. setteth stone and wood in place 2 hee hireth workmen then raiseth the frame and lastly entreth in and dwelleth there In order of materiall existing Christ is revealed promised exhibited after sin but intended before sin 1 Cor. 3.22 23. The Apostle reckoning the order in which things exist mentions 1. the world 2 the elect 3 Christ then God but giveth us to understand in order of intention that God intendeth first his own glory then Christ then the Church then the world out of which hee intended to gather such as should bee saved by Christ and thus Christ is the head of the elect and the fountain of grace 2. Because all the promises of God are to us in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 hee is the cistern by which God hath promised to convey the waters of life to our souls It is hee who of God is made unto us all things behooffull to our salvation 1 Cor. 1.30 it is in him that God hath promised audience and acceptance to our persons Gen. 3.15 it is in him that the blessing was promised to all nations Gen. 12.34 it is in his dayes that all peace and felicity was promised to the Church Jer. 23.5 6. it is hee that brought good and joyfull tidings Micah 4.4 5. 3 Because God hath put all fulness in him for the good of his Church as hee hath put all fulness of light into the sun for the giving of light to the world all fulness of water into the sea for the watering of the earth so hath God put all fulness into him for our behoof that are in him that wee might receive grace needfull to salvation Col. 1.19 John 1.16 Isa 61.1 2. as all Aegypt fetched out of Joseph's store as the ointment on Aaron's head ran down to the beard even the skirts of his garment Psalm 133.1 2. 4. Because our life the life of grace is hidden in Christ even when wee were dead in sin Col. 3.3 as the life of the tree in the winter is in the root the
hereby no way diminished Reso 2. The son is the person which doth chiefly manifest himself in the administration of the kingdom not that the Father and holy Ghost are excluded but the work of the Son is most apparent seen and observed and therfore to him it is chiefly attributed Qu. If the Father gave all things into Christ's hands how come's it to pass that hee was in externall condition so poor loaden with so many reproaches that hee lived in the form of a servant why had hee not lived as a King and glorious prince Reso Christ's Kingly Office during his abode on earth was to give place to his Priestly office the priestly office was now fully to bee executed the kingly office but sparingly manifested that the execution of his priestly office might not bee hindered which would have been if his kingly office had now been fully manifested 1 Cor. 2.8 and therefore hee often charged his disciples to conceal the miracles which hee wrought These things thus answered the Use serveth Vse 1. To bee terror in the hearts of all profane men of all such as are enemies to Christ by their evil works the power of a mortal enemy doth much affright us hee that is regardless at the barking of a dog will fly at the roaring of a lion the great stature and strength of Goliah made all Israel tremble Christ hath all things in his hands hee is endowed with all power and authority none shall bee able to resist him none can make his part good against him hee is a stone hewen out of the mountains breaking in pieces the greatest opposing kingdoms Dan. 2.44 a stone whosoever falleth on him shall bee bruised on whomsoever it falleth it will grinde him to powder Rev. 5.5 hee is the lion of the tribe of Judah if hee roar in his indignation hee will make all the beasts of the forrest all the wicked men of the world to tremble if hee appear in his wrath they will fly like Gaal before Abimelech however they make a mock of the day of Judgment 2 Pet. 2 3. as Gaal did of the coming of Abimelech as hee is to his servants like the sun with healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 so to his enemies will hee bee as a flaming fire 2 Thes 1.8 full of burning as hee is gentle like a gracious and sweetly disposed friend to the one so will hee bee terrible as a man of war to the other Psal 54 5. as hee appeased the storm to the comfort of his disciples Mat. 8.26 so will hee raise a stormy tempest to annoy his enemies which never shall bee quieted There are 5. things in Christ which should make all the prophane men on the earth to tremble 1. The fulness of his power her can dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel Psal 2.9 hee can beat the mountains into dust if hee becom an enemy if hee arm himself against us it will bee with us as when Joshua came it was with the Canaanires Josh 5.1 there will no more spirit remain within us no friend will help us no shield will defend us no walls will shelter us hee hath all creatures to command the very divels are subject to him 2. The knowledg of Christ as the Psalmist saith of the sun Psal 19. so it is much more true of the Son of righteousness hee searcheth from one end of the soul from one end of the life to the other and nothing is hidden from his eie hee will finde out the sin that lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship hee will finde out the Babylonish garment and golden wedg like Joshua it was in vain for Jeroboam's wife to disfigure her self before the Prophet it is in vain for any man to draw off the concealment of his sin or the hiding of himself from the eies of the Lord Iesus 3. The justice of Christ hee will not suffer sin to go unpunished punishment shal as surely follow sin as the thread doth follow the needle as the heat doth follow the fire there is no iniquity shall escape as the carefull husbandman rooteth out the thorns and briars as the diligent houswife casteth the rubbish out of the hous as the chaff and tares are cast into the fire so will Christ deal with the thorns and briars chaff and tares profane men of the world therefore as the Angel said to Lot as David to the people so let mee in this behalf say to you 4. That Christ shall bee Judg it will much trouble a malefactor that his enemy shall bee his judg Christ whose ordinances you have neglected whose precepts you have transgressed whose servants you have abused hee shall bee your judg therefore labor to bee in with Christ as men labor to bee in with the Judg and to make him your friend or else you are for ever undone 5. That Christ alone is the Saviour if hee do not deliver thy soul as David the sheep out of the jaws of the lion if hee do not open the prison as the Angel did to Peter if hee do not cure you no Physitian can heal you if his blood do not wash you no water can cleans you therefore there is no hope of entring into life if you make not your peace with him no beholding of God's face unless you bee united to his Son no reigning with him unless you bee now made conformable to him unless you now enter into Covenant with him better all the world were an enemy against him better beg like Lazarus from door to door better bee esteemed as a monster in the world better live in goats skins and sheep skins having his favor then with all the pomp pride pleasure and jollity of the world with his displeasure if hee bee angry what will you do whither can you go who can help you will not all creatures say as the King of Israël said to Naaman 2 King 5.7 Am I a God to kill and to make alive that you come to mee cannot all creatures join with Christ against us as the souldiers with the General are not all things given into his hands oh think on this even this fulness of the power of Christ and tremble to go on in any sin against Christ to continue under the wrath of Christ for bitter at the last will be the portion of all such as are not at peace with him as walk not uprightly before him Psal 110 1 2. Mat. 21.41 Mat. 22.13 I would chuse rather to live in the poorest condition in the world with the love of my Saviour than possess the highest places of the earth and drink of the sweetest river of worldly pleasures and bee a stranger to the light of his countenance and to all that walk as enemies to the cross of Christ I will say as Jacob did to Simeon Genes 49.6 7. 2. Is all put into Christ's hands then this must teach all God's people 1. Obedience and a holy subjection to his will in all things