to run the race he hath set before us striving to draw near to him to walk more worthy of his favour vouchsafed to us of the calling wherein he hath set us not looking back with Lots wife not lusting with Israel but as Noah continued constant in the building the Arke so let us be constant to the end in the duties God hath enjoyned us and so like Noah we shall escpe the deluge of destruction which will overtake other people VERS 25. THe Gospel seldome enjoyeth amy long or succesfull progresse without opposition The Sun shineth not many dayes but some clouds arise to obscure darken it The Corn cannot spring so fast but some weeds will spring up amōg it to overtop if If foraigne enemies fail domesticke jarres quarrels shall be raised rather than Christs Kingdome shall go forward without contradiction the Disciples among themselves shall be at variance rather than the Schoole of Christ shall enjoy quietness No sooner did our Saviour publickly undertake his office his Disciples baptize people frequent their baptisme but then their arose a question between some of the Disciples of John and the Jewes about purifying In which words we may take notice I. Of the time when this question or cōtroversie arose then II. Of the parties between whom it arose some of Johns Disciples and the Jewes III. The matter whereabout their controversy was about purifying First of the time then our Saviour came into Judea tarried there his Disciples baptized many he poured the gifts and graces of his Spirit upon them many resorted to him the day-starre of the Gospel began now to shine more clearly the way of life and salvation had more travellers in it than usuall and now began the contention whence note Doctr. That the cleare open shining of the Gospel is usually attended with much contention the shining of Gideons Lampes and the cry of the sword of the Lord Gideon made the Midianites to sheath their swords each in others bowels Herod the men of Ierusalem were much troubled when the Star pointing out the birth of the new borne King appeared and our Saviour himselfe hath beforehand told us Mat. 10.21 22 34. And you know the parable Matth. 14.25 Luc. 12.49 50 51 52 53. Reas 1 The more plainely and powerfully the Gospel is preached the more Satan is enraged the more his malice is like the waves of the Sea when the wind bloweth high are tossed he is loath to lose his prey to forsake his Kingdome therefore he roareth like a mighty Lion when God sendeth out his Shepheards to take his prey from him when the Lord of hosts laieth siege against him by the Ministry of his Gospel When Israel began to hearken to Moses then Pharaoh raised his forces when the good wheate was sown then the envious man sowed his tares the enemy cast not tares in before the carefull Husbandman had sown good seed Reas 2 Sathan is subtil and by raising quarrels and contentions he doth hope to dishonour the Gospel to open the mouths of wicked men to reproach it to withdraw themselves from it to shun all fellowship with them that entertaine it accompt Gods faithfull messengers seeds-men of discord 1 King 18.17 pestilent Persons Acts 24.5 Reas 3 The more plainly and plenteously the Gospel is preached the more Sathans Kingdome is shaken the more the number of his souldiers are abated and therefore he stirreth himselfe so much the more to defend his owne Kingdome against the ministry of the Gospel when a house is beset a city a countrey beseidged the Master of the Family the Gouvernour of the towne the Prince of the countrey girdeth on his armour stirreth up all that are under him for the defence of the House Towne or Kingdome they that slept are now awaked they that were on the bed are now in the street in the field they who were naked are now strongly armed thus Zach. 3.1 Acts 13.8 therefore c. Luc. 11.21 As the thunder sendeth downe the lightning so doth the thunder of Gods Word cast down the Devill Luc. 10.17 18. Reas 4 It is a great vexation and torment to Sathan to see the Kingdome of Christ to flourish as it was to Saul to see David thrive to Esau to see Jacob prosper to Pharaoh to see Israel encrease it is to him as a prick in the eye a thorne in the side an arrow in the bowels fire in the bones a grievous torment Matth. 8.29 Reas 5 The cleare and open shining of the Gospel doth provoke and stirre up the corruption wich is in the hearts of the people like a sounding trumpet it awakeneth the sleepy like a searching Officer it discovereth the stolne goods like a storme it searcheth the Ship rowseth them that are in it hence many that were quiet sociable peaceable men not having the Word of God preached to them discover much hatred of the truth utter hard words against the truth against the people of God whē the word hath been faithfully preached amōg them much coine that hath been thought good hath been found naught by the touch-stone many bodies have discovered much distemperature after the receiving of Physicke Rom. 7.8 Reas 5 The faithfull ministery of the Word doth breed a separation between people it converteth some unto God endoweth them with new qualities maketh them holy righteous full of love to God his wayes his servants leaving other in ignorance uncleaness hardnes of heart enlightning the one making the other more blind like the Sun softing the waxe hardning the clay so that thornes and bryas vines light darknes Lambs Lions are not more unlike one another more repugnant one to the other than these are Gen. 3.15 1 Iohn 3.11 as Exod. 32. They that joyned in adoring Idolls when Moses came sheathed their swords in each others bowells Reas 6 The faithfull ministry of the word and successe of the Gospel is much maligned and stirreth up envy in the hearts of many that hear it as Sanballat and Tobihu were grieved to see Nehemiah to build up the walls of Ierusalem Neh. 2.10 thus Acts 13.45.46 Obj. If such contention be occasioned by it then better be without it how can it be a Gospel of peace if it occasion such and so much warr an ambassage of reconcilement if it breed such division Ans 1. It is in it selfe tidings of much joy a fountaine full of pure pleasant water a tree loaden with delightfull fruite an Alabaster boxe of precious ointment a Sun full of light 2. It is to Gods People a river making them glad Psal 46.4 A feast of sweet and savoury meat 2 Cor. 2.15 A joyfull message Rom. 10.15 A healing medicine Jsai 57.19 A word of much peace like the Olive branch to Noah like the voyce of Christ to his Disciples in the tossed Ship rebuking the winds and the waves of the Sea like Jordan to Naaman washing away the sin of their Souls 3. To wicked men it is
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
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
eyes for their understanding to Fishpooles for the letting of the people to see the face the quality of their estates for watering them with the Doctrine of life and salvation to a nose like the Tower of the Lebanon for their judgment in finding out the sins and discerning the states of the people as men discerne smels by their nostrils 5. In regard of the weakeness of mens capacities they cannot conceive the things of God unles we plainely unfold them rightly and powerfully apply them they cannot walke in this path unles we guide them Acts 8.31 they are Children and we must draw forth the breasts of the Scripture to them they are ignorant and know not the sound of this musick unles we give the distinction they cannot feed on the Corn in these eares before the Ministers of God like the oxe do tread it out Therefore in these and such like respects it is very needfull that every faithfull Minister should be after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods counsell Use Such therefore as are deprived of the true knowledge of God and have not after a peculiar manner acquaintance with Gods counsels are altogether unfit for the Ministeriall function the blind are unfit to lead the way descry the snares foresee the thiefs forewarne their followers of ensueing dangers disswade them from the crooked incourage them in the right way a lanterne without light is unusefull a Lamp that hath no Oile is unprofitable ignorance in them that possesse the place of Ministers doth not onely make them unprofitable but also very perilous to the people as an ignorant Physician to the patient an unskilfull Pilot to the Ship Mat. 15.14 II. They have no approbation in Gods sight Hos 4.6 Considera saith Ierome sacerdotis esse officium de lege interrogantes respondere si sacerdos est sciat legem Domini si ignorat legem Domini ipse se arguit non esse sacerdotem Domini sacerdotis est enim scire legem ad interrogationem respondere de lege A blind eye is as no eye an empty well is as no well cathedra non facit sacerdotem sed sacerdos cathedram non locus sanctificat hominem sed homo locum Qui bene sederit super cathedram honorem accipit ab illa qui male sederit injuriam facit cathedra Chrysost in Mat. 23. III. These cannot descry the cunning of Satan the grovth of sin the good from the bad any more than a blind Watchman can see the coming of the enemy a blind Gardener the encrease of the weeds or a blind Sheepheard the goates from the Sheep he cannot separate the precious from the vile Ier. 15.19 Eze. 22.26 IV. The accompt of these men at the last will bee fearefull when they shall be constrained to answer for all the Souls that have perished for want of instruction these cannot say as Paul 1 Thes 2.19 Acts 20.26 but as Ezek. 3.18 and such as have Pastours not acquainted with Gods counsell unable to informe them in the way of life and salvation are bound neither by the Lawes of God nor godly men to attend upon them whosoever doth confine himselfe to them hath no more sure ground to expect salvation than a Child depending upon my breast having no breasts Use 2 Therefore here you see how needfull it is that Gods Ministers should be well acquainted with Gods counsels perfectly instructed in the Scriptures like Timothy 2 Tim. 3.15 16. able to Minister a word in due season Isa 50.4 Like a good steward bringing forth new and old out of his store Luk. 13.52 Like a Lamp full of Oile giving much light of heavenly knowledge 2 Cor. 4.6 Like fountaines full of these waters as the Fishpooles of Heshbon that so they may refresh the wearied Souls of Gods people Vse 3 This must make the people resort to them more frequently attend their Doctrine more carefully that so they may be made wise unto salvation for these are appointed of God to feed men with knowledge Ier. 3.15 to build them up in grace to hew them square them and fit them for the Lords building 1 Cor. 3.9 Ephes 4.11 to guide them in the way wherein they should walke Luk. 1.79 to resolve them when they are doubtfull Mal. 2 7. to open to them the great things of Gods Law Acts 10.33 to comfort them when they are afflicted Isai 50.1 2. to heale them when they are wounded Isai 61.1 3. Therefore come to these as Iacob to Aegypt for bread-corn when there was a famine as the men of Gibeon to Iosuah when they were beseidged by the Amorites Gen. 42.1 as Israel to Moses when they were stung by the fiery Serpents Ios 10.6 as the Children to the nurses ordained to feed them Neh. 21.6 Open your eares to their Doctrine subject your necks to the yoake of Gods precepts Ephes 2.7 Follow their counsell with cheerfulnes and you shall find your Souls replenished with many sweet consolations and as themselves are so will they cause you following their counsels to become the friends of the Lord Jesus and thus are we come to the third observation Doctr. Every faithfull Minister of God is an unfained friend of God therefore they are called his friends Joh. 15.15 men after Gods owne heart Jer. 3.15 and Paul found his heart cleaving unto God so firmely that Rom. 8.38 And every Minister must endevour to shew himselfe the friend of Christ 1. By walking in the steps of Christ by being holy as Christ was holy by yeelding sound obedience to his precepts by shining in the integrity of his conversations this is the way to testify our love and friendship 1 Joh. 5.3 and Joh. 15.14 He that liveth ill is an enemy to the Lord Iesus though he preach well the gall of bitternes is in his heart though he seem to have a honey-comb in his mouth Like Iudas he betrayeth Christ by his ungodly walking while he seemeth by his Doctrine to give him a friendly salutation 2. By their diligent conscionable faithfull and powerfull preaching by being instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 By dividing the word aright giving every man his portion 2 Tim. 2. â—5 as Eccles 11.2 6. Taking every opportunity Gal. 6.10 going up and down doing good and teaching the Servants of the Lord the way of God making it their joy and their glory to turne men from iniquity 1 Thes 2.19 2 Cor. 1.11 12. 3. By bearing contentedly all reproaches by undergoing readily any losse for the honour of Christ for the testimony of his truth 4. By doing the duties of our calling with a willing and ready mind 1 Pet. 5.2 3. in love 2 Cor. 5.14 15. and as the Minister must in this manner shew themselves the friends of God So must the people shew themselves to be the friends of Christ by attending on the Word diligently receiving it thankfully subjecting to it patiently readily cheerefully bringing forth the fruit thereof abundantly The Third
raine from the cloud as the hungry Child doth milk from the mothers breasts let their feet be beautifull in your eyes Rom. 10.15 dance as David before the Arke 2 Sam. 6.16 and then as Paul 1 Thes 1.2 6. VII By constancy in the wayes of God stedfast confidence in the Lord Jesus when he seeth them like Job trusting in God though God seeme to kill them with letting Satan loose upon them suffering wicked men to disturb and pierce them with their venomous arrowes when he beholdeth them rooted like strong trees and builded like houses upon the rock Col. 2.7 Mat. 7.25 when he seeth them like good travellers going from strength to strength Ps 84.7 when he seeth them like good souldiers keeping their ranks following their leader not shrinking for the presence threatrings power or malice of the enemy when he shall hear them answer him as Ionathans Armour-bearer did him 1 Sam. 14.6 7. this doth rejoyce him Col. 2.5 VIII By yeelding him a competent maintenance good wages increaseth the industry and cheerefulnes of the labourers strong and deep water carry the Ship with pleasantnes and drive the mill swiftly good pay and much spoile maketh the souldiers couragious in the fight though it be baseness for any Minister to make his wages his bodily advantage prime end of his labours yet when they see the hands of men are open to communicate things temporall to them to yeeld such maintenance as may inable them to love both with credit and comfort it proveth a great refreshment no small incouragement for this Paul did much commend the men of Macedonia 2 Cor. 8.3 4. 2 Cor. 11.9 IX By their constant attendance on the Word of God when they wait on the gates of Gods house as the lame man did for an almes at the gates of the Temple when they flew to the house of God as the streames to the Sea as the diseased to the Physician Luc. 4.40 when the whole parish can say to the Minister of God as Cornelius to Peter Acts 10.33 when they come men women and children Deut. 31.12 when as Acts 2.1 this maketh the Minister of the Lord cheerefull putteth life and courage into him this maketh him frequent in his exhortations comfortable in opening and applying the promises of salvation many buyers make the Merchant glad many guests make the cooke laborious much fish causeth the fisherman willingly to cast in the net thus 2 Cro. 30.25 26 27. But on the other side the absence of the people is occasion of much grief it troubleth the Master of the freast when the invited guests come not the nurse when the Child will not suck it troubled Saul when Davids place was empty it grieved the Prophet when the people came not to the solemne feast think on this beloved put these things in practise with diligence if you meane to comfort and encourage your teachers if you meane to have a blessing upon their labours if you meane to fulfill their joy as the people fulfilled the joy of the Baptist VERS 30. MEn of the best and most sanctified abilities are least conceited of their owne goodness the deepest rivers run with the greatest silence the fullest vessell giveth the least sound the more we partake of Gods fulnes the more sensible we are of our owne naturall emptines the more fully we are encompassed with the light of the Sun the more we see the deformities of our bodies and of our garments the more fully we are acquainted with what is amisse within us the more vile we are in our apprehensions the more we see our selves obliged unto God for his goodnes the more we see our selves bound to give him the glory of all our abilities and with the Baptist to become even ignominious that God and the Lord Jesus may appear the more glorious The Baptist in these words shewed his Disciples that as the day starre though bright glorious in it selfe yet when the Sun appeareth doth altogether vanish so he though greater than all the Prophets in going more imediately before Christ in pointing him out more plainely more fully than any other yet Christ the Sun of righteousness now appearing he must become as a light that is extinguished the eyes of men must be no more fastned on him he must now become as nothing and Christ must be all in all his honour applause respect attendance and high estimation which he had in the hearts of the people must decay and become as nothing and all men must now fasten their eyes on Christ attend his Doctrine beleeve in him for salvation imbrace him as the fountaine whence all felicity doth take its originall as the tree of life the Prince of their peace In the Words we have set before us I. The wonderfull humility of the Baptist in translating all the honour unto Christ in being contented to decrease II. His care to have all the honour ascribed unto Christ though with the losse of his owne honour among men he must increase though I decrease III. The exceeding glory of Christ or the graduall manifestation of the honour of Christ the glory of Christ was such that the Baptist though greater than all the Prophets yet was nothing in comparison of Christ and such was the honour of Christ that it did not all appear at once but by degrees it was an encreasing honour from the former we learne Doctr. That Gods faithfull people are of a meeke and humble disposition therefore likened to little Children who of all sorts of people are least tainted with pride ambition and high conceits of their owne worthines the sheep the most gentle among cattle the dove the most meek among birds this they are exhorted to put on as a garment to cloath them Col. 3.12 this they are charged to seek Zeph. 2.3 this is required more than all externall sacrifice Mic. 6.7 8. this is one branch on every tree growing within the pale of Gods Orchard the lesson of every Scholler in the Schoole of Christ the livery of every follower of the Lord Jesus a fruit of Gods Spirit in all Gods Servants and that Gods Children are an humble people doth appeare 1. By the sight and sence of their owne unworthines they are in their owne apprehension uncleane as any leper men of polluted lips full of abominations altogether vile Iob 40.4 full of corrupt and unsavoury wounds void of all soundness replenished with loathsome diseases Psal 38.5 7. the chief of all sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 their estate in their apprehension is as a house wherein is no one good thing no one clean person Rom. 7.18 is as a garden full of filthy weedes a vineyard overgrowne with thornes a tree that hath nothing but fading leaves a fountaine full of uncleane waters a body covered with rotten rags Isai 64.6 so that they abhorre themselves and repent in dust and ashes Iob 42.6 and being thus vile in their owne apprehension they must needs be humble 2.
to Heaven Rom. 6.23 1. His work is evill his wages will be death eternall his seed is naught his harnest cannot be good Gal. 6.3 2. There is nothing in him but earth and therefore Heaven cannot be his habitation his soul is a vessell full of uncleane waters his heart is a fountaine of all abominations the best of his fruit is but sower grapes Sodomitish Apples guilded brasse fair without soul base rotten within 3. When he thinketh himself most rich he is poor and blind and naked when he thinketh himself most wise best sighted he knoweth not light from darkness sweet from sower good from evill when he thinketh himself most free then he is as fast fettered as ever Peter was when he lay bound between the two Souldiers for so do they between the World Devill in the Chaines of their corruption when he thinketh himself most secure then he is nighest to distruction 1 Thes 5.3 like him Luc. 12.19 that naturall man is a stranger to God Christ the Covenant Eph. 2.12 an enemy by his evill works Col. 1.21 a habitation for the uncleane Spirit Luc. 11.20 21. a Servant of iniquity Rom. 6.17 a Souldier in Satans army a branch in the wild Olive a goate and no Sheep a thorne and no Apple-tree a Lion a Bear a Swine a Vulture no Lamb no Deer and therefore in that estate must look to drink of no cup but of the cup of Gods wrath to have no companions but the Devill and his Angels no lodging but eternall darknes that is his portion the Lord will surely give it him there is no way no hope of escaping for Luc. 13.3 Unlesse you turn from the way of sin to the way of life you must perish Ioh. 3.3 Heb. 12.14 no man shall see him here in his word revealing himself to be a gracious father to him in his holiness sanctifying him in his love affecting him with his savours in his presence presenting himself in a loving manner to him nor shall ever be filled with his glorious presence hereafter therefore be not deceived dream not of mercy before there be a desertion of all iniquity of Gods goodnes before you be lead to true repentance Psal 104.4 3. This will meet with and discover their folly who boast of their naturall abilities inclination and freedome to God to renounce sin to imbrace salvation to follow the call of God when they please as if they had as ready a disposition to execute the Lords command as ever the Centurions Servants had to do his of whom he said Math. 8.8 9. As if they were as strong in grace as Sampson in bodily strength able to break the cords of iniquity as if they were but reeds and rushes as if they were but fallen a little asleep in sin like Jonah in the bottome of the ship the voyce of the Minister was presently able to awaken them as if sin were not like the skin to the flesh hardly pulled of like the marrow to the bone uneasily gotten out but an old outer garment upon the back easily cast off But here we see that the Baptist doth not say we are fire whose sparks naturally fly upward nor watery vapours which are easily exalted by the influence and attractive power of the Sun but earth and earthly whose nature is ponderous heavy and altogether tending downward no more able no more inclinable to any thing savingly good than the earth is able of itself to ascend upward or to speak in the language of the Prophet then a black-Moor can make himself white or a Leopard change his spots Ier. 13.23 and surely these mens errour might easily be discerned if they did but well weigh and throughly consider 1. Their indisposedness to all good yea their aversness from it their enmity against it their indisposedness to it expressed by a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke Ier. 31.18 by a wild asse running over hedge ditch refusing to be taken Ier. 2.24 by a dead man that hath no disposition to rise out of the grave Ephes 2.1 by a Lion and a Leopard which are altogether fierce Isai 11.6 by evil ground which naturally beareth nothing but Thornes and Bryars Heb. 6.8 by stones and Rocks which have no disposition to turne into water or soft ground Exek 36.26 their enmity against all good is expressed by a Serpent refusing to hear the voyce of the charmer Ps 58.50 by a theef striving against the light Iob 24.13 an unruly subject breaking all the bounds which are set him by his Soveraigne Psal 2.2 an implacable enemy that will not that cannot be reconciled Rom. 8.7 and surely if we well weigh if we have any true experience of the violence and mighty force of our corruption we may say of that as St. James doth of the tongue Iac. 3.7 8. so in this case we may say of our corruption all other fierce beasts have been tamed but who can rule this this is a horse of that force that man cannot bridle it a fire of that strength man cannot quench it a Lion of that fierceness man cannot tame it a Sea of that force that man cannot stop it none but he that put a bridle into the nostrils of Senacharib can bridle this unruly monster 2. The power of sin resembled to a conquerour leading captives Rom. 7.23 to a Master whom we serve at whose beck we move Tit. 3.3 to a King raigning over the whole man as a King over the people Rom. 6.12 to a death which hath the whole command of the body there is nothing remaineth to resist it Col. 2.12 such a forcible disease it is that as no Physician could heal the bloody issue Marc. 5.25 29. so none can cure this but onely he that cured that 3. The dearness of sin it is tenderly beloved the palace wherein the naturall man delighteth to dwell the pleasant wine which he drinketh the onely manchet whereof he desireth to feed Prov. 9.17 the onely Companion wherein he taketh comfort this is to him as the Idoll to Micah as the messe of pottage to Esau as the forbidden fruit to our first parents as the pieces of money to Judas as the golden wedge and Babylonish garment to Achan this is the Dalilah whereon they doat the Child which they feed the infant whereunto they draw out both their breasts the game which they pursue the Musick whereat they dance the treasure for which they search they love sin as Jonathan David they will strip themselves of their best garments to apparell it 2 Sam. 18.1 2. as Jacob loved Rahel they will serve in the heat and in the cold in all estates endure all miseries for it this is pleasant to their eyes Gen. 3.6 delightfull to their Palates Job 20.12 a precious pearle in their hands as the signets on their finger the mistris of their affections they will spend all in the service of it Prov. 23.21 they will suffer all miseries rather than forsake it Prov. 23.34 35.
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
Lord how can the Sun shine if light were not put into him the Souldier fight if he be not trained up in military discipline and furnished with weapon 2. Because otherwise they cannot preach Christ but themselves not seek the Glory of God but their own ends as the fals Prophets did who ran when God did not send them 3. Because otherwise they will not convert the people from sinne but confirme them in sinne not make them loath but rather blesse themselves in their iniquities Ier. 14.14 Ier. 23.16 Not turne them to God but drive them from God Neither must they preach any thing besides Gods councell 1. Because this alone hath power to discover mens sinnes Heb. 4.12 This is a light discovering of all their spots this will finde it out though never so deeply vailed never so artificially hidden as Psa 19.5 so it is true of this Doctrine 2. Because this alone can awaken the conscience like Peters Cock Eccles 11.13 Acts. 2.37 This makes them cry Rom. 7.24 3. Because this doth purifie and cleanse the soule from sinne all other doctrines are but like the rivers of Damascus unable to cleanse the leprosie of Naaman This is the fan Matth. 3.12 The fire Ier. 23.29 This doth drive away the evill spirit 4. Because this doth pacify the conscience Christs voice stilled the raging tempest the Dove brought the Olive branch Gods word is the word of peace 5. Because this maketh men fruitfull in grace the chaffe is sown in vaine the good ground bringeth the increase the pleasant rivers makes the earth fruitful other doctrins like the water about a Jerico make the soules of men barren Vse Miserable is the estate of such people as live under and content themselves with such ministers as have not their commission from God as open not faithfully the councells of God these are as a house without light full of darknesse as a field without husbandmen full of briars as a Garden without Gardener full of weeds as a child without breasts a sick man without Physick and more dangerous is the estate of such as have libertine false teachers set over them for these are as a traveller that hath a false guide to lead him a ship that hath a false Pilot to conduct him a patient that hath poyson ministred unto him a child that hath a stone given instead of bread as a Serpent instead of fish 2. Therefore this must cause the people fervently to desire earnestly to pray and carefully to labour for such ministers as are sent of God and duely qualified for that calling as sick men desire a skilfull faithful Physitian as passengers desire a careful understanding Pilot to convey them over rough and dangerous waters travellers desire a good and circumspect guide in a doubtfull way which must be run with much speed and that upon paine of death as the souldiers entring combate with potent and politick enemies desire wise couragious and experienced commanders and leaders Sinne is a disease of all diseases the most dangerous a malady not curable by the hand of the most skilfull Physitian a leprosie like Naamans the Rivers of Damascus cannot cleanse it no passage so dangerous as the passage of a Christian between Egypt Canaan no gulfs no rocks no sands no stormy tempests no mischievous and bloudy pyrates so hardly avoidable as sin and Satan no snares so uneasily discerned no by-paths so difficultly avoided as the crooked waies of iniquity no enemy so strong so cunning so violent as Satan no conquest so uneasy no overthrow so full of danger therefore Gods ministers who must heale this disease conduct the people over this passage make them conquerers over their enemies must bee abundantly replenished with all their utmost graces Gods people must do their utmost to obtain the most fit meanes for this calling men commonly desire the best food for their bodies the best seed for their ground the best Physick for their diseases the best councel for their weighty undertakings the best armour for the day of battel the best coyn to put in their treasury it is a great shame that men should have no regard to their souls whether they be fed with manchet or gravell with wheat or chaffe whither they have wholesome Physick or poison given to them whither they have good coynor reprobate silver brasse tin or led given them that you may a little more clearely see the folly of men contenting themselves with blind and insufficient guides the great necessity of able teachers looke 1. Upon the secrecy and depth of sinne how deep it lieth how uneasily found out how roughly it is guilded over like base with good mettall how much it is loved how men are uneasily brought to reject it it is deepe like a tree of deepe roots there must be much digging to finde it like a deepe wound there must be a skilful Chirurgion to search out the depth of it it lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship so Jsa 29.15 Josua 7.21 Prov. 30 18 19.20 Therefore the ministers of God must be able to apply the word aright to make it pierce like a two-edged sword Heb. 4.12 Psa 49.2 that 1 Cor. 14.25 It is also artificially vailed curiously and cunningly covered as the rotten bones under a whited Sepulcher as poison under a golden cup or sweet Sugar brutish and beastly lust is covered under the white comely apparel of love Pro. 7.18 Covetousnesse under the vail of frugality and application of things to better uses Io. 12.5 6. drunkennesse goeth under the name of love and preserving amity between men prophanation of Gods day under the vizard of recreation thus Iehorams wife comming to the prophet fained her selfe to be another then shee was so sinfull men that their iniquity may not be found out fain themselves to be others then they are Jehu 2 Kings 10.20 Mat. 15.8 Mat. 8.2 Lu. 11.44 Therefore Gods ministers must be replenished with much knowledge that they may discover their deceitfulnesse and disclose their Hypocrisies take away this deceitful vail from their faces and make them see their own vilenesse as Samuel dealt with Saul 1 Sam. 15 13.14 That they may say as 1 Kings 14.6 That they may convince them and make them ashamed of that wherein they glory and bring them to see Num. 7.9.24 And as sinne is deeply rooted cunningly covered so is it also strongly loved men are loath to depart from it it is as pleasant wine Pro. 9.17 As sweet Sugar Job 20.12 They are loath to leave it as Rabel her fathers Idols the hearts of men are wedded to it strongly set upon it and with much violence eagarnesse pursue it Pro 23.35 And there fore Gods Ministers must be both skilfull and earnest to make men hate what they love so strongly to make thē trample under foot as dung what they esteem more precious then gold to reject as gravell what they delight in
life of children before they are born in their parents so our life is in Christ the tree of life the second Adam the common parent of God's people and as the tree when the spring cometh and the sun shineth it full of life buddeth and blossometh so when the sun of righteousness ariseth and causeth the light of his truth to shine in our hearts then that life is manifested in us which before was hidden in him John 14.6 5. Because all the favors and gifts which God bestoweth on his people are bestowed on them in and thorough Christ in him they have redemption remission in him wee are blessed with all spiritual blessings Ephesians 1.3.7 thorough him wee have all things that pertain to life and Godliness 2 Pet. 1.3 all that God giveth to any person in love or in mercy hee giveth it in and through Christ as the King by reason of some eminent man in the Court whom hee highly favoureth bestoweth many gifts on them of his family kindred and acquaintance 6. Because it is in him alone that God is well pleased Mat. 3.17 thorough him hee accepteth our services thorough him hee graciously casteth out upon us the light of his countenance as David shewed kindness to lame Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake 2 Sam. 1.1 2 11 12 13. so God sheweth mercy and kindness to us who are lame deformed unworthy of any favor even for his son's sake for God is in Christ reconciling us unto himself 2. Cor. 5.19 Vse This may serve to assure the children of God of the stability of God's love towards them were they loved in themselvs their disorderly conversation their unholy walking their unseemly carriage might avert the love of God from them but being loved in Christ the love of God will ever continue constant with them for Christ is ever the same with God alwayes the beloved of God ever dear in God's sight and hence the love of God to his people is as a hous builded on a rock which neither winde nor water can overturn as a sun that ever shineth as a fountain that never faileth an everlasting love Isa 54.6 9 10. a love more durable than the mountains a love continued when wee have no feeling of it when wee by our sin have deserved an utter extinguishment thereof yet in Christ wee are still beloved God hath given us unto Christ for an inheritance God hath joined us in wedlock unto Christ and wee shall bee loved for our husband's sake a great stay it should bee to God's people that God's love shall ever continue to them Two things much commend Love Antiquity and Constancy wee say such one hath loved mee 30 40 years and will not fail mee 2 This move's us to labor for interest in and for a near communion and more intire fellowship with Christ Jesus because thorough him the love of God descendeth upon us men seek for infinite acquaintance with and labor much for near communion with them that are in favor with earthly princes that they may also enjoy the love of such worldly potentates the like care should wee use to enter communion with Christ that so weee might gain the love of God and great and sweet inducements there are to move all men to labor for this fellowship with the Son 1. The dignity of Christ hee is the Son of God Psal 2.7 the Prince of peace the Lord of glory the subject's much desire highly esteem intire acquaintance with the young Prince the like and much more should wee do to have communion with Christ 2 The honor whereunto wee shall bee advanced wee shall bee the sons of God by adoption the members of Christ citizens of the new Jerusalem the Lord's free-men a roial Priesthood a chosen generation wee shall bee in respect of others as the sun to the clouds as the vine to the bramble the lily to the thorn the conqueror to the captive the son to the servant the richly arrayed to the naked the Queen to common women 3. The neer relation wee shall thereby have with Christ thereby wee shall bee servants of the family whereof hee is Lord subjects of the common-wealth whereof hee is King sheep of the flock whereof hee is shepherd scholars of the school wherein hee is chief teacher vines in the garden whereof hee is the dresser souldiers of the army whereof hee is the leader members of the body whereof hee is the head the spouse to whom hee shall bee the husband 4. The clear and comfortable knowledg wee shall thereby have of the will of God the nearer wee approach to the sun the more light wee receive Christ is in the bosom of the Father Joh. 1.18 in him are all the treasures of knowledg hidden Col. 2.3 hee can open the book with seven seals Rev. 5.5 he can open the deep things of God the hidden mysteries of our salvation 1 Cor. 2 10. though as dark as Sampson's riddle hee will give light to such as sit in darkness if they do but approach unto them Luke 1.79 5. The sweet and heavenly sense and feeling of God's love which wee shall hereby attain hereby wee shall feel the love of God shed abroad into our hearts Ro. 5.5 bee made exceeding glad with the light of his face Psal 21.6 this will inable us to look upon him as a childe on his loving father as a malefactor on his reconciled Sovereign this will inable us to rejoice in the light of God's face as in the face of our dearest friend and as Solomon saith of a friend Pro. 27.9 so shall wee bee able to say of God as ointment and perfume rejoice the heart so shall the Lord our God rejoice our souls if wee have communion with his Son 6. The blessed and unspeakable peace which wee shall hereby enjoy Rom. 5.1 the raging tempest of our souls shall bee appeased the piercing arrows of trouble removed the fiery darts of Satan quenched the hideous cry of an accusing conscience silenced the deadly wounds of the soul healed the heart so quieted all sorrow and heaviness so taken away Rom. 15.14 all inward comforts so restored that wee shall say as Peter said of the Mount Phil. 4.7 It is good beeing here 7. The glorious victory wee shall hereby win over all the enemies of our salvation wee shall hereby conquer Satan as David did Goliah 1 Sam. 17. subdue sin as Joshua did the walls of Jerico Josh 6.20 1 Job 3.8 pass through affliction as Moses and Israël thorow the red sea Job 16.35 and pass as the three children thorow the fiery fornace Rom. 8.35 8. The stability and growth in grace which waiteth hereupon this will cause the grace of the Spirit to bee in us as a living spring that is never dry as a light that shineth more and more as an immortal seed which doth not fade this will cause us to bee as trees planted and willows growing by the river's side as trees bearing much fruit in our old age this will
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