standing you know is a Gesture 1. as well of Attendance as of the Priests to minister in the name of the Lord Deut. 18.5 7. 2. as of Expectance 2 Cron. 20.17 of Salvation and Victory 3. Of Business whether it be in serving resisting enduring and suffering or persevering and persisting 4. As well as of Idleness Mat. 20.6 II. Therefore i.e. for reasons alledged before verses 12 13. III. Having your loins girt about as Souldiers of old time had broad and strong Belts and Girdles made of durable stuff beset with many plates or bosses whereby the weaker parts of the body the loins and upper part of the belly were armed both for ornament beauty and strength For Girding fasteneth the body and strengtheneth it and is usually in Scripture taken for an expression and sign of strength vigour and prowess or puissance 1. Job Job 12.18 21. He looseth the bonds of Kings and girdeth their loins with a girdle i.e. with strength and vigour and God weakneth the strength or he looseth the girdle of the strong and mighty as History speaks and now we know 2. So Job 38.3 and 40.7 God bids Job to gird up his loins 3. Isa 22.20 21. God promiseth Eliakim To cloth him with a robe and to strengthen him with a Girdle i. e. with honour and strength Cont. It was otherwise with Tyre Isa 22.10 In whom no more Girdlestrength And with Belshuzzar Dan. 5.6 When the joynts or girdles of his loins were loosed and his knees smote c. a strange Ague And with a wicked Assembly or Parliament Army Isa 8.9 10. Whom God threatneth to break in pieces though they did gird themselves IV. With Truth i.e. with Christ who is the Truth John 14.6 Whom all that are baptised put on Gal. 3.27 The Truth of Doctrine opposed to Errours and Heresies with Sincerity and Uprightness opposed to Hypocrisie which is the truth of our Life and actions and makes us firm and strong whereas Hypocrisy enfeebleth and makes men weak sickly and changeable in their actions and tryals when upon them Ap. How few in our times have learned believed or once so much as have thought of these things and thus you have had the meaning of this first expression pointing out the first part of our Christian Armour viz. Truth These things thus understood give us this Doctrine viz. That Doct. All Christians who hope to withstand prevail against and conquer their spiritual enemies the Devil the world c. must be girded i. e. strengthned with truth that is with Christ sound Doctrine and sincerity of life This our Saviour calls for Luke 12.35 Let your loins be girded c. And St. Peter also 1 Pet. 1.13 Gird up c. as well as our Apostle It is a Metaphor taken from an antient custome in the Eastern Countrey where they did wear long garments which they girded to their loins to make them expedite for travel or other service as Elijah did 1 Kings 18.46 2 Kings 4.29 and 9.2 Gehazi and that Child of the Prophets that went to anoint Jehu 2 Kings 9.1 2 3 4. Ap. From this custome of bodily girding up garments It is translated or transferred to the mind Luke 12.35 as Job 38.3 and 40.7 where God bids him gird up his mind and their Lamps burning with Faith Repentance Charity and Sanctity which is Lumen indeficiens as Jerom. 1 Cor. 13.8 Charity never faileth 2 Cor. 1.12 The testimony of a good conscience is a light of great joy and rejoycing hope ends in the fruition Faith perfected in the Object Love enlarged in heaven you hear the point that concerns the first peece of Armour viz. Doct. All Christians that would be conquerors over spiritual Enemies must be girded that is strengthned with truth viz. 1. With Christ 2. Sound Doctrine 3. A sincere Conversation Let me take these asunder and look upon them several apart I. We must be girded with Christ 1. God himself is said To be girded with power and strength Psalm 65.6 and 93.1.2 And Christ himself is said to be girded with his sword of Might Glory and Majesty and so to ride prosperously Because of Truth Meekness and righteousness Psalm 45.3 4 to 8. Ap. He alludeth to Princes that in their Triumph rid in Chariots shewing that the quiet State peace and prosperity of a Kingdom or Nation standeth in Truth Meekness justice and Righteousness not in worldly pomp or vanity much less in Robbery Oppression and Tyranny as our Nation of late hath done 3. So also we must be girded with Christ who is the Truth He is the first piece of our spiritual Armour for safety and the best apparel for our Honour Dignity and Beauty both are conjoyned 1 Cor. 1.30 For Christ is made to us Wisdom and Sanctification as Apparrel for Dignity Beauty Righteousness and Redemption as Armour for Safety Satisfaction and Security Ap. If the Sanctification of Christ be our Apparrel we are so clad that Aarons Robes Joshuahs Miter and Mordecai's Royal Apparrel are not like it Exod. 39. Zeph. 3.4 5. Esther 6.8 to 12. II. If the Righteousness and Redemption of Christ be our Armour then are we girt with Armour of proof utriusque the armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left 2 Cor. 6.7 1. Armour may well be styled defensive indeed by which we are saved from Gods displeasure Rom. 5.1 and from Satans Malice and Violence 2. As also active and infusive so as that it puts valour into the man that wears it as it did into the Worthies of old the Martyrs and Confessors of all ages who could not have stood in the time of trial had they not been Girded with this armour 3. Yea it may well be said to be Offensive also for being girded with this we do as easily conquer the devil c. as David did Goliah 1. Being thus apparrelled we are clothed like unto the Kings daughter Psalm 45.13 14. Or that woman Rev. 12.1 with the Sun the Moon under a crown of twelve stars and who can desire better 2. And being thus armed and girded about with the strength of Christ we are as safe as Mount Sion that is environed with Mountains and cannot be removed but abideth for ever Psalm 125.1 2. Ap. It is no marvel therefore though we be often called upon To put on the Lord Jesus Rom. 13.14 The new man Ephes 4.24 Col 3.10 3. And on the contrary without this how naked and unsafe are we obvious to all manner of ignominy and danger And as this Military Belt or Girdle doth extend 1. To Christ the fountain of Truth So also doth it 2. To sound Doctrine the Word of God which Christ in his Prayer John 17.17 speaks of The Gospel of Christ Gal. 2.5 Col. 1.5 This leads us to the old way it being the old rule and is the form of sound speech and the light to which we should look for our direction in all things III. And to sincerity of life All which together
Devil c. and so it is used in the Text. 4. Divine and so God himself is a Shield to the godly To protect them as Gen. 15.1 to Abraham Deut. 33.29 To Israel Psalm 3.3 and 84.9 11. To David and to all that walk uprightly 3. Of Faith This is the main grace the suctject of the Text here compared to a Shield Of which I shall speak at large as I handle the main Doctrine of this Verse 4. Wherewith ye shall be able to quench i.e. not only to repel and keep off but also to extinguish and utterly to destroy all their venemous power of hurting you 5. All the fiery darts that is all the Temptations of the Devil whereby he doth provoke us to sin against which we pray in the Lords Prayer And these are said to be fiery darts and destructive because if admitted once and allowed of they do easily kindle the heart to multitudes of sins which like links in a chain draw in one another successively and here we might observe by the way Doct. Satan hath his fiery darts to do us mischief with Quest If any do enquire what these fiery darts are I answer Answ Concupiscence and evil Lusts which do kindle the soul with Covetousness Ambition Self-seeking Revenge c. As also all Incentives to sin and dangerous temptations of incredulity distrust despair all which I may meet with in the main point and now pass them 6. Of the wicked or that wicked one i. e. of Satan and his instruments wicked men habits of sin corruption of heart c. These things premised and the Text thus explained it doth afford us Doct. Faith is a Christians Shield or Buckler to withstand repel and extinguish all the fiery darts and destructive temptations and seducements of the Devil Ergo we are commanded to resist him herewith and we have a promise of Conquest for he will flee if we give no place to him So also for the world This is the Victory c. and this we may the more easily be perswaded of if we consider 1. The promises of God made to Believers which are abundant 2. The Grace of Faith this Shield in it self which is evidence of our sonship union to Christ as the Anchor c. to the Root Foundation Head 3. That it justifieth us by possessing us of Christ of his Riches and Merits Rom. 3.28 and 5.1 as in marriage a woman possessing the mans means and here you are to consider what Justification is and how by faith we do obtain it Of which see my Notes at large on Rom. 13.11 only thus here Justification is an act of Gods imputing Christs Righteousness to a believing sinner absolving him from sin accepting him as righteous in Christ and as an Heir of Eternal life Bishop Downam de Just l. 2.1 Papists make Justification Justification and so confound Justification and Sanctification whereas the Hebrew Hitzdik and the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are verba forensia judicial words taken from Courts of Justice and do not signifie to make just but to absolve See Proverbs 17.15 Isa 5 23. Marzdik Rom. 3.24 26 28 30. By Faith in Christ only we are justified we exclude not God the Author nor the Holy Ghost and Ministers the Workers nor good Works the evidence of Justification But that as the matter nothing but Christ and his Righteousness which is the Object of Faith doth justifie Ergo we say Fides sola justificat oculus solus vidit as the only instruments to apprehend the Object but not Solitaria solo is joyn'd with the Predicat justificat solus sed non separatus ab anima cerebro c. 4. Faith gives Assurance Heb. 10.22 as to Job David Hezekiah Paul where yet note that the 1 Acts of Faith are 1. Direct 2. Reflect 2. Courts in which Pardon is sealed 1. In Heaven 2. In Conscience 3 Assurance is either of 1. Adherence 2. In Evidence 5 Faith sanctifieth and purifieth the heart Acts 15.9 Purifie c. Gal. 2.20 Christs lives in us Col. 2.12 Risen with Christ by faith An heavenly Conversation here is a good evidence of a heavenly condition hereafter as the Spirit put into upon Saul David Jehu were a good earnest of the future dignity of a Kingdom which befel them 6. And lastly Faith is an evidence of heaven and all good hoped for Heb. 11.1 Hab. 2.4 Ephes 2.8 Ye are saved 1 Pet. 1.9 Receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls Ap Now sum up all these together and apply them to the point then that Faith this Shield by which we have Son-ship Union with Christ Justification Assurance Sanctification and Salvation doth evidently conclude a full and final Conquest over all the fiery darts and destructive temptations of the wicked and so you may add them all as an Illustration of the Reason annexed in this Text-in the praise of this Faith drawn from the admirable and wonderful effects of the same viz. In quenching all the fiery darts Quest If any ask how these darts can be thus quenched I answer Answ By Faith I have interest into all the promises of God to Believers I am his Son I have Union with Christ am justified by his Righteousness have Assurance of his Favour am sanctified by his Grace and have evidence of heaven and final Salvation Now apply these to any Dart or Temptation and resist them with these and say to Satan c. Should I yield to be or do what thou suggest to defile and undo my self with wicked lustss forfeit all my honour and happiness for thy transitory pleasures profits and preferments And say in this case as the Lord Jesus our Saviour said to the Devil upon his great proffer of the power and glory of all the Kingdoms of the world Mat. 4.10 Luke 4.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Abi abscede retro me Satana Arias Montan. Get thee hence depart avoid be gone I defie thee in such a case as this then draw the sword of the Spirit upon him and adjoyn Supplications and Prayer to God to defend thee and to subdue him under thy feet Ap. Thus resist and he will flee and thou shalt conquer Thus you see how you may improve this Shield of Faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked in every kind I have done with the proof of the point I do now descend to Use Uses of this point are of Reproof Examination and Comfort I. The first Use is of Reproof and Terrour to all that want this shield or neglect it either in defect or excess either by Unbelief or Presumption 1. Vnbelief is a sin against Faith in the way of defect and Vnbelievers are such as either know not the Word of God through ignorance and want of the means of Faith as Pagans Psalm 147.19 20. which yet excuseth them not but a tanto John 15.22 Or Obstinacy and Wilfulness against means as many Christians 2 Pet. 3.5 And this is the mother of Errours and
God jointly and together Such are the Acts of Invocation of God by prayer with fasting sometimes as Dan. 10.2 3. or by lawful oaths whether assertory or promissory affirming some needful truth or promising some lawful and useful thing as oaths of judgement or of Allegiance giving of thanks by a celebration of God and giving him glory in the approbation admiration and right estimation of all his works By a confession of him and one faith in him Vel voce vel martyrio in word and deed in expression or martyrdome By an observation of such Ecclesiastical Rites and of such holy times as have warranty in the Word of God as in the right use of the Ordinances of God his Word and Sacraments and the observation of his Sabbaths and the like but be sure we walk not nor make progress in these things of divine Worship without a divine Warrant 2. To our selves in the exercise of those divine Graces and Vertues with which God hath endued us viz. Our Wisdom Courage and Temperance in the several branches of it viz. Sobriety Chastity and Vigilance c. as is requisite And in the study of true Glory by vertue These are good works and in these we should be exercised And as our good works do refer to God our selves 3. So also to our Neighbour in divers respects which do reflect upon the soul as well as the body such are 1. Humanity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherein we express our love and good will to men in gesture word and convenient offices Pol. p. 312. 2. Civility in the moderation of our external manners and gestures towards others and that both in our language actions shunning scurrility and unseemly things and using Urbanity in a civil and seeming way 3. Christian Charity which is the mother and root of I. Liberality which communicates both Counsel and Comfort 1. Counsel when we impart our gifts for the good of others in reproving instructing admonishing or incouraging and praying for others To reduce them from evil and to excite you to that which is good These are good works Jam. 5.19 20. For if any of them do err from the truth c. And no less good than to pull an infant or weak person out of the fire or water to save them from perishing Jude 23.2 Comfort by lending and giving cheerfully and liberally according to our Ability to the relief of our brethrens necessity and especially to such as are godand of the houshold of faith Psalm 41.1 2 3. Isa 58.6 to 13. Gal. 6.10 II. True Friendship and amity both publick and private and that for piety and vertues sake as was betwixt Jonathan and David 1 Sam. 18.1 Pol. pag. 318. III. A mutual Sympathy both by commiseration and congratulation of our Neighbours both in their sorrows and joyes Rom. 12.15 IV. A readiness to procure anothers good both in his fame and goods his reputation and ectate Phil. 2.4 1 Thes 5.11 Thus Humanity Civility and Christian Charity do produce excellent good works for our Neighbours Peace Solace comfort and advantage Let me name one or two more which are viz. 4. The Exercise of the common justice righteousness and equity which should be amongst men in their affairs and dealings and this is either universal which consists in the agreement of our whole life with the Law of God and obedience to all those Laws in special which do most concern and belong to us or particular in the performance of those things wherein we stand bound to others in some peculiar manner This is either privative concerning our own Calling and Station and that both in our lawful obtaining it not by money or unjust means as in Papacy c. And our care to discharge our duty in our places with that sedulity and diligence which is requisite Rom. 12.11 and with that fidelity and trust that we may give up a good account of the same as modest Moses was in his place Heb. 3.2 5. Or publick in the Administration and Dispensation of Justice both commutative and distributive This Justice is a Verue of large Extent and hath an influence into our whole Lives and is the very Bond of all publick Societies and Communities and Affairs of Nations But I hasten for I may not inlarge upon such an ample Subject V. Lastly A restraint and Moderation of such inordinate motions of mind as usually arise from pride anger or desire of wealth or honour the common Make-bates of the World vid. Pol. page 314 315. But Cure the first by modesty humility and teachableneffe The second by meeknesse longanimity placability The third by contentment in every condition Phil 4.11 and by a serious and due consideration of the uncertainty mutability and vanity of all earthly contentments Honours Riches Pleasures all are vanity and vexation of spirit You have had the Point the Proof Explanation Doct. Increasing in Grace and abounding in good works is a Christians excellency as well as his Duty This was the Point for which you have had Scripture Instances Arguments or Reasons As also a view of the Grace which you are to encrease in and of those good works in which you are so to abound Concerning which good works you have had a view of the Rules of good works by which they are to be ordered of the works in themselves and that in their nature and Definition Names Number Causes and Species or kinds of good works and that in Respect of God our selves our Neighbour In all which if we did abound we should be sure to have peace with God and abundant comfort in our own consciences in the evidence of our Faith and of our implanting into Christ and that we are fruitfull Branches in him and that we and our works are accepted of God as Cornelius was Acts 10.2 4. and that our good works will never leave us but will attend and follow us as Rev. 14.13 both in Life and Death even as the shadow doth the Body untill they bring us to the Reward of well-doing the joy of our Lord in the eternal life of glory Mat. 25.21 23 34 46. Of God in all acts of piety true Devotion towards him Our selves in the way of Regularity exact Walking Our Neighbour in the works of Christian Charity in all which c. I have done with the proof and clearing of the Confirmation and Explication of the Point I do descend to the sixth and last thing in the method propounded viz. the Application which is manifold in the several Uses of Lamentation Reprehension Exhortation Examination and Consolation 1. Use is of lamentation and that upon this occasion ☞ Me thinks whilest we have been viewing these good Works before-mentioned we have been with Saint Paul in Paradise and have heard and seen strange and wonderfull things But now being descended with him to the Earth in the Use and Application of these things and to see what is done among men we may say with him that
we have heard 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arcana verba quae non licet homini loqui Arias Mont Secret or Unknown or unspeakable words which is not lawfull or possible for man to utter Not lawfull for us to say because our speech would be untrue and Christians must not utter and speak untruths Not possible for as Solomon makes enquiry after Women Prov. 31.10 So may we after men and say who can find a vertuous man so qualified with Grace and good works as is before specified Ans It is almost impossible to sinde such a man and therefore impossible to utter it 2 Cor. 12.4 So few are the Jobs and Nathaniels of our Times In the general we may say of this encreasing and abounding as the Poet of Astraea Terras Astraea reliquit These things in a manner have forsaken the Earth And instead of these How wanting are we in the good works towards God our selves and others as is above specified And how wicked are we in producing and abounding in the contrary growing worse worse and multiplying bad works and fruits daily I. To the first of these viz. How wanting we are in good works we may easily give a short but yet a very full account with Salomon Eccl. 1.15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight and that which is wanting cannot be numbered For as for that little measure of Grace we have and those few good Works which we do if we do but consider how crooked perverse tortuous or writhed they be from the straitnesse uprightness excellency which should be in them they are as nothing But if we consider how much Grace and how many good Works are wanting we may well say with a learned Interpreter Infinita desiderantur in quibus pietas probitas versatur we are infinitely wanting both in Grace and good Works For our Graces how few are they and those few how defective if you should take a view of particulars Faith c. And gor our good works how defective are we to God in our Invocation of God whither by prayers or oaths c. or giving of thanks by approbation admiration and a right Estimation of his Works who doth consider these things confessing him vel voce vel Martyrio like them Joh. 12.42 in a right use observation of his holy Rites and Times his holy Word and Sacraments and Sabbaths Do we not rather run Byas and backward in those things then to perform them devoutly as we should To our selves how defective are we in the exercise of our Graces Vertues Parts and Abilities whatsoever they be We rather suffer them to Rust and become unprofitable like him Mat. 25.29 And to others how wanting are we in particulars named viz. In our Humanity Civility Christian charity with the happy fruits thereof viz. Liberality giving Counsel and Comfort Amity Sympathy and readinesse to do good In the exercise of that common Justice Righteousness and Equity which we do owe to all in all our Affaires Actions and Dealings both privately and publickly of all which we may say Where are they are they not lost And lastly In the restraint and moderation of our inordinate and unruly passions affections and motions of mind which do arise from pride anger evil concupiscence and unlawfull desires which are so apt to boyl up in our sinfull Souls to the prejudice of others yea and to our selves also whilst we feed cherish and pursue them Should we pursue these particulars as before-named it were an endlesse work to innumerate our Wants for that which is wanting cannot be numbred Eccles 1.15 2. Now for the second particular if we consider how wicked we be in producing and abounding in bad Works and Fruits we have reason to abhor our selves and to repent in dust and ashes Job 42.6 for how apt are we to produce the works of the flesh Gal. 5.19 adultery fornication c. the unfruitful works of darkness Eph. 5.11 dead works that have the Lineament but not the life of good Works or sins which expose us to death the works of the Devil which Christ came to destroy 1 John 3.8 So like are we to the barren Fig-tree in our emptiness Luke 13.6 Or to the bad Vine in our Fulnesse Esay 5.24 for our Fruits are degenerated Jer. 2.21 as Israel was into the nature of a strange Vine and producing wild grapes Esay 5. so that our Vine is as that of Sodom and our Fields as of Gomorrah Our grapes are of Gall and our Clusters bitter Our wine is the poyson of Dragons and the cruel venom of Asps Deut. 32.32 33. which may too fitly be applied to us yea we are very apt to produce such works as may fitly be compared to all sorts of vilest Fruits Such are our unsavoury fruits of luxury lust and uncleannesse bitter fruits of envy and strife James 3.14 Some distastfull fruit of anger and passion James 1.20 Insipid and indigested fruits of Gluttony Drunkennesse and fulnesse of Bread and all intemperance Cold destructive fruit of sloth and idleness in the love of God practise of good works Prov. 10.4 5 c. poverty shame and beggery are the cold fruits of a slothfull person Corrosive ill relish't fruit of cruelty covetousness and oppression which corrupt the tast of our Souls so that we cannot well rellish but disgust the tast of spiritual things Hard high-grown fruit of pride and disdain the Fruits of Mount Gilboa without Rain or dew of any divine Grace in them 2 Sam. 1.21 Such are proud persons Rotten worm-eaten fruit of vitious Manners which expose us to the dunghill or the Swines-trough Luke 15.15 16. and provoke the worm that shall never dye Esay 66.24 Mark 9.14 46 48. to live in us to torment and consume us for ever like them Revel 20.10 Ap. So forwardly are we to abound in such Fruits and Works as end in Destruction and so unapt to those good works to which we are created redeemed and sanctified and which have the Encouragements and Motives of the conscience of well-doing which is ever attended with abundant comfort in Life and Death and for ever as E contra The clearing of our Faith and implantation into Christ the acceptance of God before whom we must appear 2 Cor. 5.10 The eternal Reward promised to well-doing Mat. 25.21 23 34. This is a lamentation and shall be for a Lamentation Ezek. 19.14 Thus from this first Use of Lamentation for our being so wanting in good and abounding in bad Works 2. I proceed to the use of Reprehension which is To all such as are at so little cost and pains to get Grace and so little care to abound in good works whilst they are unwearied in the pursuit of other things and here we may justly blame men of several Ages 1 How many young Children the Infantry of the Church are rude and unruly as being never taught and instructed in the Principles of Religion the great fault of Parents Whereas young Timothy
so rich powerfull and gracious as cannot be expressed give good things yea and that most excellent gift of all even the holy Spirit to them that ask him as v. 13. This is a great Encouragement And thus much for this second Direction to gain the Spirit viz. Prayer 3. And lastly Obey the Spirit in the Motions and Excitements of it This is the good voyce behind us saying This is the way walk ye in it c. Esay 30.20 21. The Spirit doth this by the Word and faithfull Teachers and this is a special means to keep the Spirit once gained and to continue the Spirit of God with you ☞ Take special care that you neither resist nor grieve nor quench the Spirit Of which see Esay 63.10 Acts 7.51 Eph. 4.30 1 Thess 5.19 The Spirit of God in Scripture is put for either the person the gifts and gracious Endowments and the Motions of the Spirit these Scriptures cited do extend to all the three Only note that the Gifts are of three sorts tending to particular Callings as in Saul 1 Sam. 10.6 c. A Spirit for Government which was lost after a while General graces tending to sà nctification such as Faith in some kind Remorse for sin And joy in the Gospel in some measure Also a tast of the good Word of God Heb. 6.4 5. Ap. But of all these Hymeneus and Alezander made ship-wrack 1 Tim. 1.19 20. Such like the Corn sown upon the Rock Luke 8.6 13 may make a shew for a time but in time of Temptation fall away Cain Judas and Herod c. did look a litlle this way and many others but all came to nothing suddenly There is the Root and Habits of heavenly graces which are in the godly and these cannot be lost the Gates of Hell cannot prevail against them Mat. 16.18 to overthrow them Ap. Now to apply these Gifts qualifying to particular Employments as it was in Saul 1 Sam. 10.6 c. may be lost So also the gifts disposing to Sanctification may be as in Hymeneus and Alexander before-namd And for the best gifts the exercise of them may be intermitted as in David about Vriah As Sense and Reason are in sleep and passion the heat and fervor of Gifts may be abated in some measure as in Ephesus Revel 2.4 Suggestions and particular motions of the Spirit may be repelled And thus although habitus non amittitur Yet Actus intermittitur gradus remittitur as it befals too often to the dear servants of God Therefore to keep our spiritual gifts in Life and Vigor the means are 1. Exercise and Employment 2. Good conscience and holy Obedience 1 Tim. 1.19.3 Humility that conservatrix virtutum Bern. 4. The use of holy Assemblies Heb. 10.25 Neglect no means sanctified to work Establishment These things understood you may easily perceive what it is to grieve resist or quench the Spirit viz. 1. Grieving and vexing the holy Spirit Eph. 4.30 Esay 63.10 doth specially refer to the person of the Spirit to the holy Ghost the third person in the blessed Trinity Not as if he could grieve c. as we do but it is so spoken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to our understanding as weak men that we may know how much it is against him when we by our obstinacy and stubbornnesse our manifold sins and rebellious do inforce him to withdraw himself and comforts from us as Ps 51.12 Restore doth intimate and to make us feel the fruits of his anger as a Father doth with grief behold those evils in his Children for which he must needs though unwillingly correct them instead of embracing them Thus the Spirit is grieved by our sins and Misdemeanors 2. Resisting the holy Spirit as it is charged upon them Acts 7.51 doth specially refer to the Motions of the Spirit which motions and suggestions whether secretly or openly by the Word of God his Messengers or otherwise are obstinately resisted and withstood by wicked and ungodly men and too often in some things by the dear Children of God 3. Quenching the Spiit doth specially refer to the Gifts of the holy Spirit which are as Fire to give Light to our Understanding heat and fervour to our Affections ☜ This sire must not be quenched but maintained as the Fire of the Altar which was never to go out Levit. 6.12 13. neither by violence put out nor by Negligence We must not stop restrain or abate of these gifts and motions of the Use and Degrees or fervour of any of them lest they be lost intermitted or impaired and our selves undone But we must stir them up by all good means ordained to that end as 2 Tim. 1.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Paul advised Timothy neglect the Fire and it will go out of it self the Fewel must be put up together to keep the Fire burning Let us take heed that we neither stop the Motions of the Spirit in our selves nor restrain the gifts thereof in others But rather let us use all good means that this Fire of the Spirit may alwayes be kept burning in us with Zeal for the honour and glory of God till we all appear before and shine in his presence being cloathed with his Eternal and everlasting Glory And thus much for the first and principal meanes of growth and proficiency of encreasing and abounding in good viz. the gaining and keeping of the Spirit the Principle of Life Quest Only thus much more If any shall ask how the Motions of Gods Spirit may be distinguished from diabolical delusions Answ I answer 1. By way of concession It is true that Satanical suggestions are oft subtilly contrived and cunningly coloured For Satan can transform himself into an Angel of Light and that lying spirit dares sometimes to counterfeit the Spirit of Truth 2 Cor. 11.14 ☞ Scarce ever was Heretick so impudent but pretended guidance by the Spirit of God So Anabaptists and others though they despise Authority and Vilifie all Ordinances yet pretend to Instincts and Revelations from the Spirit of God So did Montanus of old for his damned Errours of Whoredom Incest c. for he affirm'd himself to be the holy Spirit But for distinction betwixt these suggestions I answer To the Law and Testimony Esay 8.20 let that be your Rule if they speak not according to it c. see Deut. 13.1 2 3. of lying Wonders all must be suitable with the Word Expect not extraordinary Inspiration that is ceased God deals not now as formerly but by his Word Revel 22.11 which must not be added to or impaired but carefully observed by us If the suggestions be to any evil thing in the whole kind or by circumstance it is no divine motion but either a concupiscential phantasie James 1.14 Or a diabolical delusion as it was in Judas Joh. 13.2 If any motions lead us beyond our Callings or measure of Gifts be we jealous of them our Rule is to be wise to sobriety Rom. 12.6 and not to meddle with things
and a little man a slender Tree may be very active and fruitfull yet every tree and man must attain to that fulness and perfection of stature allotted him by Nature and then they are of full growth Ap. So it is with true Christians the Trees of the Garden of God all have not the same measure of grace some have more some lesse as of faith hope patience and other perfections yet all must endeavour to a full growth unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Eph. 4.13 Now this fulnesse of stature this high measure of growth doth refer to 1. particular persons as members or 2. the whole Church as the Body 1. For particular persons the members of the Church you must know that all are not of the same stature growth and perfection in godlinesse some are of one and others of another dimension Some are Babes in Christ weak Christians that must be fed with milk Others are strong and tall in perfections who feed upon strong meat having their senses exercised to discern both good and evil Heb. 5.12.13 14. Yet nevertheless this Disparity all have their growth and measure of grace proportioned for them though this measure or stature of a Christian in grace cannot be stated in this life because here we can never attain to perfection the babe hath his fulness and the strongest his wants other things attain to their Achme of Nature the top of perfection the Christians top-stone is in Heaven Ergo whilest we be here let us be still growing and learning to abound more and more 2. As this stature doth refer to the whole Body of the Church together Note That in Heaven every member shall be filled with perfection of grace and godliness and the knowledge of our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ and then the whole mystical body of Christ shall be compleated in Glory by the addition of every member in perfection To which end the Ministry is singularly useful to the end of the World Eph. 4.8 11 to 17. You do know the point under-hand the confirmation application of it the Uses are five all which are dismist but the last which I do now enter upon 5. Use is of Consolation the comfort cannot but be very great to all that find this growth and strength this proficiency and ability in themselves the measure of this stature in so large a proportion Each proof and Argument Instance and Illustration of the point cannot but fill them with abundant consolation and joy in the holy Ghost The very sense and conscience of well-doing is full of Comfort The experience of a well-grown Christian of his own danger and deliverance Conflicts Conquests besides the manifold promises of God to them that overcome that fight the good fight of Faith and run the Race set before them that hold out to the end and are faithfull to the Death Rev. 2.3 Heb. 12.1 2. Rev. 2.10 These are streams of comfort that refresh the souls of such with continual comforts that will never be dryed up so that to such light looks in at every crevise and joy at every loop-hole A window is opened into the Ark of their Breasts to assure them that the waters of Tribulations c are asswaged and a wide door is opened to them into the everlasting kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1.11 Therefore I need not speak much to comfort them that are thus abundantly comforted of God and endowed with such fulness 2 But this Use of comfort is especially intended to all such as write bitter things against themselves and deny their own mercies nevertheless that they haue much interest in the Comforts of God They are full of fears and doubts and are apt to object against themselves in this or the like manner 1. Touching this fulness measure and stature of perfection I fall so far short of it because of my corruptions and evils remaining c. that I do even despair of ever attaining to it 2. And as for growth I fear Grace decayes and Ebbs in me because I am not so affected and earnest in the pursuit of it and love of it as I have formerly been at my first conversion 3. Besides I do want that sense sight and feeling of Gods Favour and Loving-kindness which he usually bestoweth upon good Proficients as also of my own full assurance of salvation 4. Yea I am exposed to Satans Siftings Buffettings and Temptations as it befell Peter Luke 22.31 32 33 34. Mark it and Paul that indefatigable Apostle in the Work of Christ 2 Cor. 12.7 These and the like are the usual complains of very precious Christians Answ I answer 1. By way of concession that all this may be For God is pleased sometimes to withdraw his own presence and to withhold our assurance c. for special ends viz. 1. To make us see our own weakness in doing good or bearing evil how that without him we move as Pharoahs Chariots did without Wheels and when storms and troubles arise and appear as imminent we sink or deny as Peter did Mat. 14.30 and 26.7 2. To seek support and strength of him as Infants do to be upheld by the Parent or Nurse as David did Ps 51.12 and of which he was very confident Psa 27.14 c. and which God hath promised so freely Isa 41.10 Fear them not for I am with thee be not dispaid for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousnesse 3. To be more watchfull against occasions Temptations to sin ictus piscator sapit sayes the old Proverb the Fisherman that hath touch'd a Torpedo or Cramp-fish will be more wary afterwards and the burnt-child will fear the fire say we and he that hath hurt himself by a Fall will look to his Feet hereafter This is case and the end of Gods withdrawing his Comforts 4. For Correction as to David psalm 51.8 12 whose bones were so broken joyes so eclipsed you know for what that he prayed heartily to God to splint and to restore his joyes again 5. For tryal of their Faith patience c. as 1 Pet. 1.6 7 c. Thus the Lord dealt with Job Hezekiah c. See Rom. 5.3 4 5. Tribulation produceth patience Experience and Hope 6. For prevention of pride self-confidence and other-like sins Thus the Lord dealt with Paul 2 Cor. 12.7 Least he should be exalted above measure because of his Revelations the Messenger of Satan was let loose to buffet him c. v. 7 8 9 10. And thus with Peter Mat. 26.31.33 34 35. who was so very confident of himself that though all men yet he would never be offended but would rather die with then deny his Master 7. To work in us Commiseration and pitty towards others that are fallen Not to insult over but to help and restore such persons Gal. 6.1 2 3. if a man
lawful imployment the safer he is Diligence in Duty is our safety and Satan hath the less advantage against us The Bird upon the wing in flight is safe from Gun-shot till she stoop to the lure the Bait laid for her then she is in danger ☞ David in his Wars and Solomon whilest in pious Works of building the Temple were very right in their way But when at ease and out of good imployments each of them met with a fiery dart of the devil The first by anothers mans wife 2 Sam. 11. And the second by a multitude of Wives 1 King 11.1 which made a wound and left a scar almost indelible which before they were free from 3. It is by the instruction of this sword the word of God that Kings reign and Princes decree justice c. Prov. 8. That Kingdoms are established and prospered yea the very foundations of the earth were laid and the heavens established and all things governed by this Word Thit is the best sword of defence for any Countrey Nation or Kingdom yea and for the whole world Where this is wanting there is no safety but all goes to wrack The Nations are naked and exposed to all kind of Trouble Danger and Destruction 2 Chron. 15.3 to 7. ☞ In this lies the hope of Englands happiness and the misery and confusion of Infidels and Indians through the want of this 4. It hath a great influence upon life it self For by it our dayes are prolonged Deut 32.46 47. And the years of our life increased Prov. 9. By this our ways are made safe and our sleep secured Prov. 3.23 24. And our life it self is given and defended hereby Eccles 7.12 Wisdom is a defence and money is a defence but the excellency of knowledge is That wisdom giveth life to them that have it 5. By this Sword we do defend our selves in our best parts and abilities For by this our Souls are converted Understandings enlightned Thoughts purged Affections sanctified Wills confirmed to the Will of God Memories stored Consciences cleared Hearts changed cheared and comforted which before were as flint or Adamant 6. With this Sword we defend all our Graces Faith Hope Charity Patience Perseverance 7. With this Sword we do defend our selves from and against Idolatry Infidelity Heresie Strange Religions Mens Traditions Carnal security Presumption in iniquity Desperation of Mercy Idleness Evil Company Pride and vain Glory all manner of ungodliness and wickedness of Conversation usually practised by men in several kinds as you may see more at large in Mr. Tho. Becons Book intituled The Governance of Vertue printed above an hundred years ago 2. These things lead me to a second Use of Exhortation For since this sword of the Spirit is so exceedingly useful both for offence and defence 1. Let us be perswaded to let the Word of God dwell in us richly or plentifully as Col. 3.16 2. And let us labour to be like Apollo mighty in the Scriptures Acts 18.24 28. 3. And to use this sword so well in our several Stations Vocations and Occasions as that according to our ability and opportunity we may become instrumental that ignorant men may be instructed disordered men reformed dull Memories quickned cold zeal inflamed the afflicted comforted and the distressed relieved that errour may be convinced vice corrected death may be avoided and life eternal through Christ obtained In a word to conclude by this Word the righteousness of God is revealed the Church is sanctified and at last everlastingly saved and glorified in heaven so that we may well conclude with the wise man Prov. 8.34 35. He is a blessed man that heareth attendeth upon and gaineth wisdom by this word And with the Kingly Prophet his father Psal 19.11 That in the keeping and making a right use of this word there is true true safety as well as a great reward 7. This verse leads me to and gives us in the last piece viz. the 7th of our spiritual Armour wherewith to resist these mighty enemies before cited And this seventh piece of Armour is propounded last yet not as the least and most useless piece of the rest but of great concernment in reference to all the rest For we are commanded before Vers 10 11 13. To be strong in the Lord to take unto us and to put on the whole armour of God and how shall this be done without prayer to God to help us herein Besides how shall we get any good either in the way of offence or defence by all the former pieces viz. Truth Righteousness Gospel Faith Hope and the sword before named if God do not furnish us with them and give us wisdom and strength to make use of them aright until we have gained the victory Thefore to all these to bring up the rear and also to arm you compleatly add this seventh and last piece of our spiritual armour viz. Prayer and Supplication betwixt which I think you need not make use of that nice distinction betwixt them viz. That Prayer is put for Deprecation of some evil or temptation that it might not overtake us And Supplication is an earnest request to God for his help and grace against the evil of Temptations that may befal us 1 Cor. 10.13 There hath no temptation taken you c. So Paul did 2 Cor. 12.8 9. both the words being promiscuously used and usually taken for the same thing Now this last piece of our armour is both offensive and defensive it subdues our enemy and supports our selves and this Prayer and Supplication 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oratio Obsecratio Arias Mont. Thus conjoyned together do intimate to us the very nature of Adoration when any one doth humble himself before God and doth ask any thing of him and doth imply 1. An acknowledgement of the Omnipotency c. of God and Christ and Ergo doth adore and obsecrate him as the only God and Saviour 2. And of his own Indigence which sets him upon supplication for help and this is the first condition of true prayer The conditions of Prayer are divers you have had the first And 2. The next is when you must pray 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Always i. e. in every opportunity as ost as necessity requires When Evils and Enemies invade and assail vs we had need fly to God and have recourse to Christ for help Psalm 50.15 Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver Luke 18.1 7 8. That men ought alwayes to pray Note That he speaks of free voluntary prayers and occasional Not of the ordinary prayers of the Church or several Families nor in favour of them that are ever babling as the Euchitae praying Hereticks who rejected all Ordinances Vocations Alsted Dr. Sclat p. 508. III. Prayer must be in the Spirit the holy Spirit is the procreant cause of our prayers and our own spirits must be set to work also it must not be only with our lips or in Hypocrisie as they did Esay 29.13