roabs of Christs righteousnesse the Needle-wrought Garment of sanctification will abundantly supply that want if a man want dainty food have nothing but the bread of adversity and the water of affliction the spiritual dainties which God affordeth his servants will be sufficient he who hath Christ hath all things hath him who is above all things he hath Lands Gold Silver honour peace pleasure more than all this as he who hath the Sun hath the light which is in many Torches and more again if a man want an earthly object whereon to fasten his love his trust whereon to expresse his joy whereto to reveal his minde yet Christ is above all and on him and about him he may with more delight and fulnesse of contentment expresse his love his joy his trust desire speech than to any creature in the world so that this should exceedingly comfort us in all our wants for Ephes 1.21.22 6. Against the fiercenesse of Gods anger the mighty force of Gods displeasure though it be a fire which all the water in the world cannot quench as the roaring of a Lion that maketh all the beasts in the forrest to tremble like a mighty wind rending the rocks Nah. 4.5 like that 1 Kings 19.11 an Arrow that drieth up the spirits Job 6.4 a burthen which no created shoulder can bear a Sword whose prickings a Scorpion whose slingings a rod whose lashings none can without desperation endure though it makes profane men at last say as once Job in the extremities of his anguish did Job 3.3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. that Rev. 6.16 though like the appearing of the hand-writing Dan. 5.4 5. like the tidings Jos 5.1 though it be of all terribles the most terrible of all noises the most hideous of all fires the most hot the most fervent of all Arrows the most sharp of all Gall the most bitter of all Clouds the most dark of all wayes the most Thorny of all burthens the most heavy of all tidings the most dismall yet fear not the Lord Iesus is above all he is at the right hand of his Father interceding for us he will stand between us and his fathers indignations his bloud speaketh better things than the bloud of Abel Rom. 5.9 10. 1 Thes 1.10 by him we have accesse to God Rom. 5.1 Eph. 2.17 he will turn the consuming fire into a warm and shining Sun the exceeding winde into a still voice the stormy Tempest into a calm the dreadfull voice into a joyfull sound Mount Synai into Mount Syon he will bring us from Mount Ebal to Mount Gerizim Deut. 11.29 7. Against the difficulty of attaining grace working perfecting true holinesse though it be a work of the highest transcendency a work not to be wrought by the finger of men or any angel not sound in any earthly Mine a flower not growing in our Gardens a Tree not to be planted by the Art of the choisest husband-men though Iob 15.14 though 2 Cor. 3.5 though Ier. 13.23 though Mat. 7.15 16. though Isa 11.6 though Ier. 2.24 Ier. 17 9. though as Martha told Christ Ioh. 11.39 so we stink in the grave of sin yet Christ is above all though Abana and Pharpar cannot wash away Naamans Leprosy yet Jordan can though the Disciple cannot cast out the unclean Spirit yet Christ is able he can turn the Lion into a lamb the thorne into a vine as he turned water into Wine he can open the eyes of the blind the ears of the deaf heal the hands that are withered the feet that are lame he can stop the bloudy issue cure all diseases he can send his Spirit into our hearts 1 Ioh. 1.7 Ioh. 1.29 Ioh. 8.36 1 Pet. 2.9 1 Thes 5.23 Ephes 5.26 27. therefore think on this and be comforted Thus of Christs excellency next let us look upon mans indignity described by his originall of the earth Man is resembled to the earth in regard of the bodily part whereof he consisteth he was made of the dust and in regard of the corruption he hath contracted dishonorable condition whereinto his sin hath brought him for as the earth of all the other Elements is most subject to mens feet tendeth downward is ful of slime corruption and the receptacle of worms vermines and many noisome creatures so are the bodies of men brought into a low estate even as low as hell thorough sin the minds of men are altogether downward upon the things of the earth dens of all uncleaness such doth the Baptist shew mans originall to be to his Disciples to teach them not to magnify man nor to think over highly of him but to ascribe all honour unto God and the Lord Jesus who is from above whence learne Doctr. THat Man is of a very low and weak originall and beginning dust and ashes Gen. 18.27 composed of the dust in regard of his bodily visible parts Gen. 2.7 his foundation is said to be laid in the dust to note his frailty easily cast down as a house builded on no better foundation than the dust Iob 4.19 Use 1 This must teach us humility we are but earth dust weak poor frail vessels of a very base beginning the earth which our eyes always behold whereon our feet continually tread should teach us this lesson this earthly garment of the flesh which covereth us by day and is not put off by night should always minde us hereof be as water to quench as a warlike instrument to throw down all high thoughts which exalt themselves the flowers have beauty the trees have blossoms leaves fruit the Cattle have strength the starres have brightness and glory but what hath the dust whereof to glory no Creature hath lesse cause of glorying than man hath of himself if we look either upon his earthly originall or corrupt condition since the fall of Adam therefore as the blackness of the Peacocks feet take away the pride he would otherwise take in his feathers so must the dusty condition of man take away all occasion of glorying which may arise from the other endowments God hath bestowed on him Use 2 This teacheth us to acknowledge the freedom of God in the Donation of his favours it is earth and dust that God hath advanced therefore let us not dream of any worthiness in our selves of any thing in us that might move God hereunto but 1 Cor. 1.20 Ioh. 3.8 Exod. 3.2 3. Zeph. 3.12 Use 3 This must teach us so much the more to admire the goodness and the singular love of God in advancing us into so high estate as to have sonship with him hership with Christ David thought it much that he having stood behinde the Ewes should be advanced in marriage with an earthly Kings Son how much more should we magnify the Lord for advancing us to Wed-lock with Christ the Sonne of a Heavenly King so did the Psalmist Psal 8.3 4. Oh! let this till our hearts with love to God with joy
be more glorious Reas 4 Hereby they shall have the more comfort in their owne hearts he that doth good to many hath more joy then he that doth good to a few The Shepheard that gathereth home many a wandring Sheep to Gods fold the Embassadour that perswadeth many to peace the Physitian that healeth many diseased hath much cause of rejoycing So the Minister whose lips feed many hungry and thirsting Souls whose Doctrine like a cloud of much raine watereth a large field and like a painfull Husband-man gathereth many sheafs into Gods Garner hath cause of much joy and may say as Paul 1 Thes 2.19 20. For what is our hope our joy our crowne of rejoycing are not even ye c. Reas 5 Hereby they shall appear before the Lord at the last day with much comfort with the more boldnes It is a singular honour comfort to a Minister to be the instrument of many Souls salvation to be able to say as Isa 8.18 Behold I and the Children whom the Lord hath given me are for signes and for wonders in Israel c. None hath a better recompence Dan. 12.2 Wealth and honour will not comfort a Minister at the last day but the faithfull discharge of their calling the gaining of many Souls to God Use 1 This therefore condemneth them that have more regard to chose such places as will yeild most benefit to them not respecting what good may be done to the Church As in marriage the common quere is what portion not what piety what birth not what new birth what kinred on earth not what kinred with God what riches not what goodnes So it is often in Ministers choise of places what value is the benefice to what Summe amounteth the stipend not what people what number what quality what hope of doing good what hope of bringing honour unto God Making it manifest that they came into the Ministrey to live rather than to teach other men a new life to fatten themselves not to feed others to cloath themselves with the fleece though the devill take the flesh contrary to the charge of the Apostle 1 Pet. 5.2 Many men that would be loath to marry to an old wife of a barren wombe that would be loath to hew timber wherein is nothing but knobs to sowe in a field wherein is nothing but thornes bryars rocks quagmires yet if the maintenance be large will adventure upon a barren stoney-hearted untractable and unteachable people which in all probability will never hear and obey the Gospel 1. If the Minister must make such choise of the people it is behoofefull that the people should also be circumspect in their choise of their teachers They will not have their meate drest by a Leprous cooke they will not have their bodies cured by an unskillfull Physitian they will not be led in an earthly joruney by a blind guid they will not put their flock in his hands that cannot see the Lion when he cometh that cannot discerne the Sheepe from the goates And yet is it not straunge they will commit their Souls into the custody of one that is as the Prophet describes Isa 56.10 11. Blind guides dry breasts c. that take up their habitation under such as are clouds carried away with every tempest wells without water as it is in 2 Pet. 2.17 Or else commit their Souls to men of leud life whose Doctrine hath no authority in the peoples consciences God in his just judgment casting dung in their faces Mal. 2.3 9. Making their persons as unsavoury salt to be trodden under foot of men Matth. 5.13 Yet such men though they strengthen the hands of the wicked Ier. 23.14 Cause the Sacrifice to be abhorred 1 Sam. 2.17 Are a remarkable signe of Gods indignation Mic. 2.11 A curse to the people Mic. 3.6 Yet into the hands of such they commit their Souls their onely jewell whereas this should be their choisest care to settle themselves where the light of the Gospel shineth most clearely where this seed is sown most plentifully where the Minister buildeth with the right hand of sound Doctrine and with the left hand of a good Conversation where Life and Doctrine go together like fire and heate like oxen drawing well in one yoke like wind and tide carrying the Souls of the people speedily to the haven of eternall peace this was the care of the people here They came to the Baptist and were Baptized of him whence learne That it is the duty of the people carefully to frequent such places where they may most plenteously and effectually enjoy Gods Ordinances The people came here to the Baptist where was much water As the Eagles go farre for their prey Mat. 24.28 The Queen of the South came from farre to hear Solomon Math. 12.42 So must we to hear that wisedom of God which will make us wise unto salvation When we want it we must run to and fro to seek the Word Amos 8.12 As Jacobs sonnes went to Aegypt for corne Gen. 42.1 2. So must we for bread for our Souls Math. 3.5 Mark 8.1 2 3. It is Gods precept that men should seek the food of our Souls Isa 55.1 2 3. Reas 1 Because this is the means which God hath sanctified and ordained for the saving of their Souls the instrument by which he conveyeth into the hearts of his people the grace which doth accompany salvation This is the Jordan by which he washeth away the Leprosy of the people the waters of Abana and Pharphar have no power to doe it Eph. 5.26 This is the warlike weapon 2 Cor. 10.5 The Sounding Trumpet John 5.25 and 1 Cor. 3.5 1 Tim. 4.16 Reas 2 Because these are the food of their Souls as the Manna to Israel as the milk to the child 1 Pet. 2.2 As the dewes to the ground Isa 55.10 As the water out of the rock to the thirstly people in the Wilderness as the cake cruse of water to the Prophet in the strength whereof he went to Horeb 1 King 19. And therefore as men frequent the market where is store of bodily provision so must we the spirituall market where is spirituall provision for the Soul Because they are very dull and need after to be put in mind 2 Pet. 1.12 Their hearts are hard and have need of frequent dewes their Souls are filthy and have need of much washing the dross of iniquity sticketh very fast in them and they have need of much fire to purge them our understandings are blind and we have need of much light to shine into them we are apt to forget God and have need of often remembrancing Reas 4 Because we are prone to revolt and go back to loose our first love to forsake God and follow the Counsell of our owne hearts As Israel fell to Idols when Moses was in the Mount as the wise men knew not how to go forward when the light of the starr failed Joash fell to Idols as soone as Jehojada was
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
by our conversion to Christ and conjunction with him we become as a vineyard sowne with much seed as a Mother of many Children plentifull in the grace of the Spirit Isai 54.1 2 3. And the Church is filty resembled to a Wife 1. In regard of her subjection as the Wife is subject to the Husband so must the Church be subject unto Christ in all things Ephes 5.24 she must not live as she list make lawes of her owne forget like a harlot the guide of her youth but she must follow Christ Mat. 17.5 He hath all authority and power given him all is made subject to him 2. In regard of affection as the Wife loveth the Husband so must our hearts adhere to Christ he must be in our eye the fairest of ten thousand we must be sicke of love Cant. 5.10 so love him as to leave all for him Psal 45.10 11. Luc. 18.28 Mat. 10.39 3. In regard of chast reservation of our selves as the Wife must reserve her selfe for her Husband so must the Church reserve herselfe from all others from seducers from the world from the devill from the flesh Mat. 4.10 The want of this much provoketh God and breedeth grievous afflictions Hos 2.6 7. Vse 1 Is Christ the Husband of his Church is he joyned in spirituall wedlocke with them then this may assure all Gods faithfull servants that Jesus Christ doth beare a singular love and fervent affection to them a love that passeth the love of women as David said of Ionathans love a love most sweet most pleasant most wonderfull a love wherewith we cannot but be much affected if we looke 1. Upon the order of it Christ loved us first as the aire heated by the Sun is hot so Christ loveth us before we love him 1 Ioh. 4.19 The savour of his good ointments in our nostrill draw love from us Cant. 1.2 He seeketh us as a Shepheard the straying Sheep Isai 65.1 He woeth and inviteth us before we think of coming to him Matth. 22.4 2. The freedome of his love there was nothing in us why he should love us we were void of all spirituall beauty and comelines a barren wildernes an unsavoury carkasse a garden altogether overspread with weeds unworthy of any love deserving all hatred Ezek. 16.6 therefore Hos 14.4 5. Rom. 5.8 3. Upon the truth of his love he did not love in word and in tongue onely but in heart and in deed also his love was not a painted but a reall fire not an empty well but a full streame he loved us not for any by or base end but for our good for Ephes 5.25 26. Ioh. 15.13 4. The quality of his love it is a pure and heavenly love a love fastnying it selfe chiefly upon the Soule a love respecting our spirituall and everlasting good a love causing him to sanctify us to make us vessels of honours to wash away the Leprosy of our Souls in the Jordan of his blood Tit. 3.4 5. 5. The quantity or measure of his love it was not a little sparkle a small streame but a fire of much wood a strong flood a love that cannot be paralelled Joh. 10.11 Joh. 15.13 6. The continuance of his love it is not like a morning dew that soone vanisheth like a fire in straw which soone extinguisheth like a tree of no roots that quickly withereth but the love of Christ is a constant love like a living fountaine alwayes flowing a Sun never setting the fire on the Altar alwayes burning a love more permanent than the mountaines Isa 54.10 for Jerem. 31.3 and Joh. 13.1 7. The fruits of his love no such grapes grow on any vine no such flowers as these in any garden no Bridegroome bestoweth such rich tokens of love as Christ doth on his spouse Ezek. 16.9 10 11. In his love he raiseth us out of the grave of sin to a new life Ephes 2.5 as he raised Lazarus Joh. 11.44 In his love he maketh us conquerours Rom. 8.37 In his love he hath made himselfe a Sacrifice to God for us Ephes 5.2 In his love he hath reconciled us to God given us interest in all good things filled us with much consolation 2 Thes 2.16 Washed us from our sin Tit. 3.4 5. Rev. 1.5 6. The consideration of all which should much affect our hearts like a burning Sun melt away the icy coldnes which is within us like a powerfull load-stone it should draw our hearts againe to love him like a musicall instrument sweetly tuned it should much affect us like sweet wine it should make our hearts cheerfull and fill us abundantly with love againe to him Vse 2 This must teach wicked men to take heed that they abuse not Gods Children and Servants that they wound them not with the venomous arrowes of reproach that they lay not on them the heavy burthen of affliction Christ is their Husband loveth them most entirely and therefore will surely be avenged on them that wrong them as a Husband on him that abuseth his Wife as David 1 Sam. 30.17 so will the Lord discover his indignation against them that abuse his people therefore likened to a jealous man Zach. 1.14 15. he will plead the cause of his people Isai 51.22 23. as Sampson Iud. 15.7 8. so will God on them that wrong such at have betrothed themselves to him they are deare to God Zach. 2.8 they are his Jewells Mal. 3.17 He will not endure that to be abused and cast into the dirt they are his flocke he is their Shepheard Psal 80.1 and as 1 Sam. 17.34 35. so will God deale with them that prey upon the lambs of his fold thus Pro. 11.8 though the Lord let them alone for awhile to correct and humble his people yet as the Goldsmith extinguisheth the fire when the Gold hath been thoroughly purged so will God Isai 10.12 Though the Lord spare till their sin be ripe yet at length as Isai 13.8 so though they are as a rod to scourge Gods people yet the Lord at length will breake them in pieces Isa 14 5 6 7. thus Ier. 30.16 17. as Adoni-bezek said Iud. 1.7 so shall wicked men say at last as I have dealt with Gods people so hath the Lord dealt with mee Zech. 1.18 19 20. They that cast the three Children into the fire were burned they that caused Daniel to be cast into the Lions den were themselves devoured of the Lions Dan. 3.22 Pharaoh that pursued Israel was swallowed in the red Sea Dan. 6.24 Therefore let every man take heed how he reach his hand or open his mouth against the people of God Exo. 14. how he touch the Lords anointed or do his Prophets any harme 1 King 13.4 Psal 105.15 Vse 3 This must cause all Gods people all that professe communion with Christ to yeeld an internall externall universall cheerfull hearty and spirituall obedience unto him as a carefull and respective wife to the Husband not as a slave to a tyrant not as a servant to
his Lord but as a Wife to the Husband as a sonne to the father with love and cheerfulnes this is the commendation of the Romans Rom. 6.17 the property of Gods people Psal 110.3 hath gracious acceptance 1 Sam. 15.22 a blessed recompence Iob 36.11 12. 2. To love him intirely fervently incessantly above all creatures with all the powers of our Souls bodies Mat. 22.37 None must be so deare to us as Christ our love to him must be as a streame of much water as a chimney having a great fire Mat. 10.37 3. To delight in him as the Bride in the Bridegroome to esteeme and rejoyce in him more than in all the World thus Phil. 3.8 and this he gave in charge Phil. 4.4 thus Cant. 2.3 Psal 94.19 to this they are invited Isai 55.1 2. 4. To depend upon him firmely as upon a sure friend a firme foundation a never failing rock his ability his faithfulnes his love invite us hereunto they that trust in him shall never faile Ier. 17.6 7. their undertakings shall be succesfull 2 Cor. 20.20 their consciences shall be full of joy peace Rom. 15.13 their is not another on whome we may repose our selves Ioh. 6.68 5. To rest our selves contented with him as the Wife with the Husband not joyning any corrivals with him though we have nothing besides yet having him we have enough as Elkana said to Anna 1 Sam. 1.8 Vse 4 This serveth for the singular comfort of every faithfull servaÌ„t of God as an Ark to beare them up in every deluge as a Lamp to shine in every dark night as an anchor to stay them in every storme Feare not saith the Lord to Iacob thou art mine Isai 43.1 Gods interest and propriety in his servants must support them in all dangers encourage them in all feares assure them of a happy passage out of all troubles be unto them as the honycomb in the belly of Sampsons Lion as water out of the rock to Israel they may upon good ground say with the Psalmist though they be poor and needy and Psal 40.17 but more particularly the neare Union between Christ and them may comfort them 1. In regard of reproach though the World dispise there as Rahel despised bleare-eyed Leah though in their eye they be blacke Cant. 1.4 and like the tents of Kedar void of beauty as a garden without flowers as a tree without leaves and blossomes a face without comeliness looked on as signes and wonders Isai 8.18 esteemed as the dung and off-scouring of all things as of all men the most miserable yet Jesus Christ is their Husband the Prince of the Kings of the earth hath joyned himselfe in wedlocke with us 1 Cor. 4.13 1 Cor. 15.19 we are all glorious within comely in his eyes faire as the Moone and cleare as the Sun Cant. 6.10 No estate so honorable as the estate of Gods people none in the eyes of men more despicable none in the eyes of God more beautifull in the eyes of men they are like the Pelican in the wildernes c. Ps 102.6 7. in the eyes of God as the beautifull Doves Cant. 2.14 Though they seeme black as scullions whose lodging is in the chimneys yet Ps 68.13 they shall be beautifull let the honour that God affordeth us sustaine us against all the dishonour that man can cast upon us let the crowne of glory which God hath provided for us cause us patiently to weare the crowne of thornes which wicked men do put upon our head Rev 2.17 Let the new name that God hath given us cause us contentedly to endure the casting out of our name as abominable among men let our Union with God inable us to endure a separation from men Luk. 6.22 for how contemptible soever we are in the eyes of men yet Isa 62.3 4 therefore Isa 51.7 8. 2. In regard of enemies hating us advancing themselves against us insulting over us the Lord Jesus he is our Husband he is a faithfull friend he will be a wall of fire about us in stead of all munition to defend us to destroy them that rise against us a wall round about us no place shall be undefenced this he will be for ever Psa 125.2 and he will not onely be a defence but a glory to us Zach. 2.5 He will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks he will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him Isa 26 1 3. He will be a sure foundation bearing up all that are builded on â—im a victorious Captaine of the Lord of hoasts Ios 5.14 make his people conquerours over all that rise against them Rom. 8.37 he can easily subdue their adversaries Psal 29 The love of the Lord Jesus must weigh downe the hatred of all enemies the light of the Kings face will countervale the frownings of many inferiour persons the shining of the Sun comforteth the traveller against the clouds which hang over his head thus Psa 46.6 7. 3. In regard of the failing of all earthly friends though these forsake us and stand aloofe off from us as from men that have the pestilence Psal 38.11 though they run from us as mice from the barne when the Corn is gone as marriners from the ship when it is broaken and beginneth to sinke though they breake the bands of nature in which they were tyed to us though our familiar friends offer us the greatest injuries Psal 55.12 13 14. though they which have been lodged in the same womb with us contend against us like Esau against Jacob Mat. 10. though their hands lay heavy burthens on us whose breasts have nourished us whose knees have dandled us Psal 27.10 Though father and mother faile us Yet Christ is our Husband his love is unchangeable his friendship is a tree which never withereth a bow that never starteth a chaine that never breaketh a Lamp that is ever full of Oile allway shining the love of Christ is like the cruse of Oile that did not faile with using 1 King 17.16 Like the shoes and garments of the Israelits that did not waxe old with using Deut. 29.5 Though Orpah went back yet Ruth clave to Naomi so though all thy friends go back from thee yet Christ will still cleave unto thee Mat. 28.20 he will not be as a Liar nor as waters that faile Ier. 15.18 but as Mat. 5.18 so the love of Christ is perpetuall Isai 9.6 Isai 54.8 4. In regard of barreness in grace though we are as a woman of dry breasts a field wherein is little Corn as a tree wherein is a small portion of fruite yet here is comfort Christ Jesus is our Husband he can if we be instant with him he will make as fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit as the Lord opened the womb of Sarah Gen. 18.10 when the time was past in the course of nature Ps 113.9 and maketh the barren woman the mother of many Children so can ke make us fruitfull in all holines like trees
peace safety and comfort whereunto they shall be advanced they cannot with powefull and invincible arguments work upon and move their affections they cannot make their words pierce like goads Eccles 12.11 and cause the people to cry out Acts 2.37 They cannot give the knowledge of God 1 Cor. 4.6 They cannot with Paul espouse them unto Christ 2 Cor. 11.3 but Jer. 10.21 V. Some hinder the people by their profane walking Ier. 23.14 As the people stood still when they came to the place where Ahasel who went before them fell down 2 Sam. 2.23 So when the people see their leaders fall they stand still have no heart to go forward in the way of life this is a stumbling block a snare a gulfe the Word is usually made unprofitable when the conversation is profane and carnall good Doctrine and evill walking is like a yoake of oxen the one drawing forward the other backward Loquendi authoritas perditur quando vox opere non adjuvatur Vse 2 This teacheth us how requisite the Ministry of the Word is how great the benefits are which thereby do accrew unto us how needfull it is the Messengers of the Lord should be instant with the people 2 Tim. 4.2 wherein it is that they ought chiefly to be imployed even in reconciling men unto God and to the end the Ministers may be able to accomplish this great work make this heavenly marriage between the Church and the sonne of the great King they must do as Abrahams Servant did when he went to make a marriage for his Masters Sonne 1. Abrahams Servant received instruction what he should doe Gen. 24.3 4. So must the Ministers of God receive instruction be taught of God before they become teachers of others the Sun was filled with light before he became the ruler of the day the Sea with water before it undertook the watering of the earth the Apostles staid at Jerusalem the Holy Ghost was poured down upon them before they went forth to preach the Gospel the Lamp must be filled with Oile before it can give light to others Timothy know the Scriptures from a Child 2 Tim. 3.16 Paul had his eyes opened Acts 9. â—7 Isaiahs lips were touched Isai 6.6 he had the tongue of the learned Isa 50.4 Ier. 1.9 and Mal. 2.7 whereas 2 Pet. 2.17 2. Abrahams Servant made an oath to his Master to be faithfull Gen. 24.9 so the Minister of the Lord must be faithfull 1 Cor. 4.2 and 2 Tim. 2.2 unfainedly seeking the glory of God faithfully unfolding the whole counsell of God keeping back nothing either out of feare fraud or sloath Acts 20.26 27. 3. Abrahams Servant made supplication to God that is journey might be prosperous Gen. 24.12 so must the Ministers of the Lord make fervent prayer unto God for a blessing upon their endevours that the Word may be as seed sowen in good ground Mat. 13.24 As the sword of Saul and bow of Ionathan which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As Moses rod to the Rock turning the stoney into a repenting heart Exod. 17.6 As eye-salve to the blind opening the eye of the understanding Rev. 3.18 Deut. 32.2 As dew to the dry ground causing it to flourish abundantly in the grace of the Spirit thus Phil. 2.9 10 11. Col. 2.9 and Ephes 6.18 4. Abrahams Servant left all other inployments and attended this so must the Minister of the Lord wholy imploy himselfe in the duty of godlines and the work of his Ministry 2 Tim. 2.4 This is a task requiring our best abilities our most serious thoughts our whole time therefore 1 Tim. 4.15 We must be instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 take all opportunities Isai 62.5 be as vigilant to save as Satan to destroy the Souls of the people 5. Abrahams Servant gave this imployment the preheminence he would not eate till he had done this errand Gen. 24.33 so must the Minister of God leaving all other busines attend his follow it with all speed with all care with all industry neither pleasure nor profit must be an obstacle to it but as all men Mat. 6.33 So especially the Ministers of the Lord must seek the Kingdome of Christ this must be their meate and drink as it was Christs Ioh. 4.34 6. Abrahams Servant related the great riches of his Master and how he had given all to his Sonne Isaac Gen. 24.35 36. so must the Ministers of God acquaint the people with the gloriousnes of Gods nature the honorable condition of Christ the blessed estate they shall enjoy the dignity whereunto they shall be advanced that so their hearts may be affected with Christ lead unto repentance by Gods goodnes and moved to joyne themselves in wedlock with the Lord Jesus greatnes riches dignities prevaile much in earthly marriages a powerfull loadstone to move and draw affections all the excellencies in the World are in this Bridegroome nothing can be desired but it may be found here in perfection therefore 1 Cor. 7.1 Rom. 12.1 2. 3. Is it the chiefest labour of the Minister to perswade the people to turne to God to joyne themselves in wedlock with Christ do they cry day and might for this do they leave all other inployments to accomplish this work Then this must stirr up the people to turne to God to yeeld up themselves into the hands of Christ Rom. 6.13 to give themselves unto God 2 Cor. 8.5 and Rom. 6.17 for I. This is the chiefest end of the Ministry the most comfortable use of the word even the reconciling of men to God 2 Cor. 5.20 therefore called the Ministry of reconciliation vers 18. as the speciall imployment of an Embassadour is to make peace so is the speciall labour of Gods Embassadours to make peace between God and his Servants therefore Acts 26.17 18. II. This advanceth us to the highest dignity this maketh us to be a chosen generation 1 Pet. 2.9 the spouse of Christ faire and beautifull as the great light of the World Cant. 6.10 as the comeliest person deckt with the choisest ornaments Cant. 1.1 11. This incorporated us into Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 this maketh us citizens of the new Jerusalem Ephes 2.19 this maketh us Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1.6 No such way to honour as to leave the broad way of sin and to set our feet in the way of Gods cammandements Rom. 2.10 to sow in righteousnes is the way to reape in mercy Hos 10.12 Gal. 6.8 III. This bringeth us to the surest safety the strongest defence this maketh God to be a wall of fire Zach. 2.5 this causeth Christ Isai 32.3 Iob 22.23 25. No wals are so sure for defence no weapon so succesfull for conquest as a godly conversation a Holy Union with Christ he will beare us as an Eagle beareth her yong Deut. 32.11 and Zach. 12.6 7 8. We shall be as fire and they as stubble we shall be as the wind and they as the chaffe we
the tidings of salvation rejoyceth greatly because of the bridegroomes voyce Doctr. THe study meditation and publishing of the Gospel is very comfortable to Gods faithfull Messengers Psal 8.9 10. Ier. 15.16 and Paul called it a finishing of his course with joy Acts 20.24 Herein they see the great things of God the sight whereof is more pleasant to the eye of the mind than the sight of the Sun is unto the eye of the body as the Psalmist saith of the marriners Psal 107.24 so may I say of the Ministers of the Lord they go down into the deep and behold the holy and heavenly wonders of the Lord. II. Hereby the Word of God doth cast a sweet savour in their nostrils and becometh as a warme fire in their bones often travelling among the flowers refresheth us with their smell the bruising of spice maketh the sent thereof the more odorifeous in our nostrils III. They are glad to do any service to bring any honour unto God it is their meate and drinke to do the Lords will IV. They are glad to do good to others to informe their judgments stablish their faith cleanse their affections comfort their hearts quicken them in the duties of holines and make them rich in the grace of the Spirit Vse 1 They are no faithfull Ministers that do not the work of the Lord with cheerfulnes that rejoyce not of all opportunities to publish the gladsome tidings of eternall happines but to go about the Lords busines by constraint as a lasy horse driven with the whip as a sluggard that must be compelled to his labour this want of delight in Ministers in their calling argueth want of love unto God want of a lively feeling of the goodnes and operation of the Word of God within them want of zeale for Gods honour want of hatred against sin want of true compassion to the Souls of Gods people inconsideratenes unsensiblenes of the weighty calling they have taken upon them of the fearefull accompt they must render unto God for the Souls of whom they have the oversight Vse 2 This discovereth the cause why some Ministers are so laborious so frequent constant earnest in the work of their Ministry it is a great delight unto them delight maketh hard things seeme easy irksome things seeme pleasant labour becometh no labour sufferings are turned into joy the work becometh as joyous as their meate As this hath relation particularly to Ministers so it is generally true of all faithfull Christians of every godly man that loveth Christ every one that is his friend heareth the Bridegroomes voyce and rejoyceth greatly Doctr. IT is a very great joy to Gods faithfull people to heare the voyce of Christ in the preaching of the Gospel as Israel shouted at the presence of the Arke 1 Sam. 4.5 so do the people of God at he presence of the Gospel as appeareth by the examples recorded in this behalfe Acts 8.8 Acts 2.46 Acts 13.48 1 Thes 1.6 II. By the entertainement they give the faithfull Ministers of the Word Gal 4.14 Job 33.23 Acts 21.17 III. By the charge which is in this regard given Phil. 2.28 29. IV. By titles given attributed to the Gospel Psal 89.15 Luc. 2.10 1 Tim. 1.11 V. By the promise which God hath made Jer. 31.12 13 14. Isai 35.2 Reas 1 From the nature of the Gospel and the preaching of it it is of a very pleasant and delightfull nature therefore likened to the light 2 Pet. 1.19 Ps 119.105 for as the light is pleasant to the eye Eccles 11.7 so it is a pleasant thing to Gods people to behold the light of the Gospel II. To the dewes as the dewes rejoyce the ground make it green and pleasant so doth the Gospel rejoyce the hearts of the people Isa 35.1 2. III. To milk as that delighteth and nourisheth the Child so doth this Gods Children 1 Pet. 2.2 IV. To wels of water which afford much refreshment to the thirsty traveller so doth the Gospel to the Souls of Gods people Isai 12.3 V. To ointment poured out because as that is very savoury to the nostrils of men so is this to the nostrils of Gods people Cant. 1.3 even the savour of life unto life 2 Cor. 2.16 Reas 2 From the matter of joy contained in it it is a letter full of the expressions of the love of Christ Jesus replenished with exceeding great and precious promises 2 Pet. 1.4 A garden overspread with sweet flowers a shop full of precious ointments and savoury perfumes a tree every branch whereof is loaden with most pleasant and comfortable grapes a proclamation of peace Acts 10.36 a treaty of Union 2 Cor. 5.18 19. the profer of a free pardon Mar. 1.4 a marriage feast between Christ and the people Mat. 22.2 3 4. gladsome tidings Rom. 10.15 a relation of the high and incomparable love of God to man of the victories which our Saviour wonne the downfall of Satan sin and the shutting up of the gates of Hell the large endowments high honourable priviledges of Gods people all matter of the truest sweetest most lasting joy and therefore cannot but make the hearts of Gods people exceeding joyfull Reas 3 From the sence and feeling the people of God have of the want of the Ministry of the Word as a sick man feeleth the want of Physick a man in darknes the want of light a hungry man the want of food a captived man the want of freedome a condemned man the want of a pardon and therefore do much rejoyce at the presence and enjoyment thereof as the Wisemen rejoyced at the appearing of the starre which formerly they beheld as the woman in the parable rejoyced at the finding of the groate which shee had lost thus the Apostle Rom. 18.15 alledgeth that of Isai 52.7 to signify that the coming of Gods Messengers unto such is very desirable their preaching sweet and comfortable their words being sweet as honey as drink to the thirsty bread to the hungry alluring and drawing them like a loadstone their conversation being cleare as the Sun as their lips their Doctrine so their feet their walking was holy and upright and their Message altogether replenished with comfort Reas 4 From the sweet agreement which is between the hearts of Gods people and the Ministry of the Gospel as between the eare and the best tuned musick the palate and the pleasantest wine the nostrill and the purest ointment never did Jonathan David better accord than the heart of a sincere Christian and the faithfull Ministry of the Gospel and surely as David said of Ionathan 2 Sam. 1.26 so may every faithfull servant of God say of Gods Word Ier. 15.16 Ps 19.10 Reas 5 From the near Union between Christ and his faithfull people they are his friends Ioh. 15.14 members of that body whereof Christ is the head 1 Cor. 12.12 joyned in wedlock with him Ephes 5.30 and therefore as the Bride rejoyceth to hear the voyce of the
the servant Mat. 25.23 and so Dan. 12.3 Prov. 11.30 he if any layeth up a sure foundation against the World to come Reas 11 Because this doth inable him to present himselfe with singular comfort before the Judge the good servant cometh with confidence so he that can say Isa 8.18 shall look on God with more boldnes than he that can say behold the many Benefices Ecclesiasticall Dignities that I have gotten these will be miserable comforters then but 1 Thes 2.19 Prov. 11.4 2 Cor. 1.14 Use Most prophane and impious therefore are such Ministers as are grieved to behold the zeale sincerity love faith and holy conversation of the people under them a sin even unnaturall and monstrous what more unreasonable more vile more hatefull than that the nurse should envy the growth of the Child the Generall the courage and forwardnes of the souldier the Shepheard the welfare of the flocke the Husbandmen the growth of the Corn and pasture the steward the welfare of the family that Minister must needs be full of profaneness who maligneth the spirituall prosperity of the Lords Servants it is either weakenes or sicknes in the eye that maketh the light offensive it is an evill Master to whom a good Scholler doth prove unpleasant he can never be the Bridegrooms friend that cannot brook his spouse a good Embassadour that affecteth not the embracers of true peace a good servant that liketh not the trees which grow bear blossoms in great abundance it is fearfull in any but espeally in Ministers to dislike others for their holines Ezek. 34.3 Like butchers that kill the fat with the Pharises accompt them accursed Joh. 7.48 Vse 2 This should acquaint us with the grief that we bring to the Ministers of God when we walk profanely reforme not by their Doctrine but continue like bad ground Heb. 6.6 8. Like deaf adders Psa 58.5 Like knobby timber that will not cleave like a wild asse Ier. 2.24 this maketh them weary Ier. 20.9 this putteth them out of courage Like Peter when he fished all night and could take nothing Ioh. 21.3 this doth provoke them to impatience Jer. 9.1 2. breedeth many complaints Isai 53.1 this filleth their Souls full of heavines as Anna's heart was of bitternes when her womb was barren 1 Sam. 1.16 this maketh them complaine of loosing their labours Isa 49.4 as Ier. 12.13 Hag. 1.6 maketh them grieve for the dishonour done to God as Josuah grieved when Israel fled before the men of Ai Ios 7.9 filleth their Souls with sorrow to see them still in the gall of bitterness in the bondage of Satan as it grieved David to see his Sonne rebell 2 Sam. 15.30 the parent to see his Child still abiding upon his languishing bed as Christ grieved to see the obstinacy of Jerusalem and Ier. 13.17 Isai 22.4 This is no small sin to grieve the Souls of Ministers to frustrate their labours to disanull their endevours to make them uncheerefull in their undertakings to make them say as Jer. 51.9 as 1 Sam. 15.11 14. Use 3 This sheweth us what course to take to make the faithfull Ministers of God cheerfull exceeding joyfull the growth of the Corn maketh the Husbandman merry the bearing of much fruit maketh the Gardener glad fruitfulnes in grace sound obedience to Gods precepts a lively faith in Gods promises repentance from dead works love to Gods truth zeale for Gods glory these are as a well tuned instrument making sweet musick in Gods eares a precious ointment casting a sweet smell in their nostrils as David 1 Cro 29.17 Jud. 5.1 2. So doe the Ministers of the Lord rejoyce to see the people offer themselves willingly unto God this doth more comfort them than a feast of the choisest dainties you can provide for them more delight them than if you did bestow much gold and silver upon them to win your Souls to God is more pleasant to them than to win the whole World as Psal 69.30 31. so in this case therefore let this move your hearts work upon your affections provoke you to repentance perswade you to holines that the hearts of Gods Ministers may rejoyce and in making them after this manner joyfull you shall make them more fervent in their prayers Col. 1.8 9. more frequent in their labours Isai 52.5 a good draught giveth incouragement to a second casting in of the net as 1 Sam. 17.34 35. more intire in their conversations like a vertuous loadstone it draweth them to a holy fellowship with us more free and familiar in their counsels more patient in their afflictions more bold and couragions against all oppositions more plenteous in all internall and externall comforts There are wayes by which the people may administer much comfort occasion much joy in the faithfull Minister of the Lord. I. By their holy language gracious counsels and incouragements for the strongest is many times much comforted holpen and edified by the weake the Generall is many times comforted by the common souldiers the little sticks set the greater logs on fire Prov. 27.9 Sometimes Jethro is able to advise Moses Aquila can instruct Apollos Abigail give good counsell to David and Psal 8.2 therefore Rom. 1.11 12. and the people may strengthen the faith of the Minister by praying for him by ministring inward and outward consolations to him by expressing such subjection to his Doctrine as may plainely testify that God hath sent him and given him this honour to be an instrument of much good to his Church II. By visiting the faithfull Minister of the Lord as the presence of the Children rejoyce the father the presence of the flock doth comfort the Shepheard so doth the presence of the people refresh the Minister for 1 Thes 2.17 and as Prov. 27.17 so doth the face of Gods people like a Whetstone sharpen the affections of the Minister when they began to grow dull and therefore Paul calleth it a refreshing being like dew to to the ground drink to the thirsty traveller 1 Cor. 16.17 18. 2 Tim. 1.16 17. III. By amending at the reproofs they administer censures they impose it comforteth the parent to see the Child bettered by correction it comforteth the Husbandman to see the tree bettered by pruning so 2 Cor. 7.12 13. IV. By being full of love to their fellow brethren delighting in them that excell in vertue joying together as members of one body sheep of one fold stones of one building helping comforting and edifying one another in their most holy faith this the Minister of God knoweth will much adorne the Gospel improve the graces of the people strengthen them in the truth make them rich in every good gift and therefore Phil. 20. vers 7. V. By growing in all the graces of the Spirit as the nurse rejoyceth at the growth of the Child the Husbandman at the growth of the Corn so 2 Thes 1.3 4. VI. By the joyfull entertainement of the Word of God receive it as the dry ground the
of the honour of Christ that seeketh its owne applause Joh. 5.44 1. Pet. 5.5 6. The last thing in this Verse was the manner of manifesting Christ Jesus he must increase Doctr. CHrist Jesus is not fully and at once but by degrees revealed unto his Servants the Sun appeareth by degrees so doth the sun of righteousnes by degrees manifest himselfe unto his people the blind man in the Gospel saw men as trees first he saw obscurely afterwards he saw more plainely thus Cant. 2.8 he was seen as on the mountaines a farre of then vers 9. he came nigher Joh. 16.29 Luc. 24.31 And our Saviour doth after this manner reveale himselfe unto his people I. Because of their infirmity as we reveale things to Children teach them a little and things easy at the first giving them milk and not strong meate Iac. 16.12 Mat. 9.16 17. II. Because they shall be sensible of the difficulty of obtaining it they shall be inforced to seek Prov. 2.2 3. search Ioh. 5.39 to waite Prov. 8.34 III. This he doth to humble us for our ignorance and removing corruption Use Therefore we must strive to grow in the knowledge of Christ as Schollers in learning apprentices in their trades we are not perfect 1 Cor. 13.9 12. therefore with Mary Luk. 10 39. with the lame man Joh. 5.5 we must not set still but 2 Pet. 3.18 we must not cease but strive to be filled Col. 1.10 Vse 2 This will teach us that all such as are Gods Servants do find Christ Jesus revealing himselfe unto them more graciously his Kingdome doth increase within them the longer they are in Christ the more clearly they understand his will the more sensibly they are affected with his love the more glorious he is in their eyes the more firmely they cleave to him the more strongly they build upon him the more abundance of contentement they find in him the more cheerefully they follow him VERS 31. THe Baptist having endevoured to remove from himselfe the sinister opinion which the Disciples conceived of him now he plainely delivereth his opinion of Christ sheweth by another comparison how farre he excelleth all others how much he is superiour to all others likening Christ to a King or supream Commander who speaking from his throne or tribunall is to be hearkned unto with all reverence but likeneth himselfe to one whose seate is in the dust infimetily inferiour unto Christ he who cometh from above who is not onely God-man but also God who teacheth divine and heavenly things in whom is nothing but that which is heavenly and full of Majesty he is above all in the excellency of his nature authority power wisedome and ability to unfold Gods counsell being the onely begotten of the Father in the bosome of the Father no creature man nor Angel being any thing in comparison of him but he who is of the earth even every man who hath an earthly originall and beginning is earthly ignorant carnall weake savouring of the things of the earth and can no further savour perceive or speake of the things of God than as they are revealed to him by him who is from above The Words set before us 1. Christs excellency 2. Mans indignity Christs excellency is set forth 1. By his originall he cometh from above 2. By his Dominion he is above all Man 's indignity is set forth 1. By his originall or from whence he is from the earth 2. By his quality or disposition earthly 3. By his practise speaketh of the earth first of Christs originall he cometh from above that is usually in Scripture said to be from above which is from heaven Acts 2.19 which is excellent and of great accompt of a spirituall and heavenly nature Gal. 4.26 or doth belong to a heavenly life Col. 3.1 The Sonne of God is said to be from above because he is God coequall with the Father according to his divine nature from the Father by eternall generation as he is the second person in the Trinity he is said to come from above in that he assumed our nature into the unity of his person dwelt in our flesh appeared in the forme of a servant to work out our redemption Doctr. That Christ Jesus who came to work out our redemption with a divine and heavenly originall and is even the Son of God by eternall generation Prov. 8.22 23 24 25 30. Psal 2.7 Phil. 2.7 8. Mat. 3.17 and this it behoved him to bee Reas 1 For the full expression of Gods unspeakeable love to his chosen had God sent a man an Angell a meere creature his love had not beene so great so excellent so worthy of admiration but now when he sent his owne Sonne his onely Sonne this did wonderfully disclose his love unto his people If a King send not a common man a counsellour a favourite but his owne Sonne to be a ransome to redeeme the captived a Physician to heale the diseased a teacher to instruct his ignorant subjects it is an argument of singular love so Ioh. 3.16 1 Ioh. 4.16 Reas 2 For the sustaining of his Fathers wrath a burthen which would have ground the rocks to powder and the mountaines to dust a fire whose heate would have dried up the deep waters of the Sea a wind which would have overturned all the Cedars of Lebanon and removed the pillars of the earth out of their places an arrow that would have drunk up the Spirits of all the mighty men of the earth a Wine-presse which neither man nor Angell was able to tread a cup which our Saviour himselfe prayed might passe from him a passion which made him sweat drops of blood which constrained him to complaine of desertion Psal 22.1 Reas 3 For the satisfying of his Fathers justice it was in vaine Mic. 6.6 7. Isa 40.16 the debt was so great that all the World was too little to make satisfaction Isa 53.10 11. as Psal 49.6 7. Reas 4 For the revealing of his Fathers will and counsell a sealed booke which none can open Rev. 5.3 4 5. therefore Ia. 1.18 Col. 2.3 Matth. 11.27 Reas 5 For the making of us to be the Sonnes of God by adoption Gal. 4.4 5. He that was the Sonne of God became a Servant to make us the Sonnes of God by grace who were the Servants of sin by corruption he emptied himselfe that we might be filled Reas 6 For the sanctifying and washing away the sin of our Souls no nitre could cleanse us Ier. 2.22 Abanah and Pherphar could not wash away the Leprosy of our Souls nothing but the Jordan of Christs blood could doe it 1 Ioh. 1.7 This quencheth our burning lusts extinguisheth our carnall and worldly thirst as Christ came by blood to justify us so he came by water to sanctify us 1 Ioh. 5.6 8. these things he could not work for us were he not omnipotent alsufficient and from above Vse This teacheth us whence our salvation and externall happines cometh not from beneath not from
an enemy by their evill works cause him in steed of being a comfortable and shining Sun to be a consuming and burning fire needs must their estate be dangerous for Christ whom they dishonour whom they provoke is above all none is able by his strength to make his part good against him no wicked man shall by any device be able to escape from him he will not be born down with might he will not be appeased with money he will not let any man escape for his nobility or place of eminency though your estate were as glorious rich strong as the image in Nebuchadnezzars vision Da. 12.32 yet vers 34.35 none can exalt himselfe against him but to his owne destruction Mat. 21.44 there will be no hiding place from his wrath he is above all all the creatures are at his command like the Centurious servant Mat. 8.9 They are his armies to execute his wrath upon his enemies he is above all there is no hiding of our selves from him Psal 139.5 6 7. Amos 9.1 2 3 4. The strongest shoulder is too weake to beare the burthen of his indignation the frownings of his face will make the stoutest heart to stoope all the nations of the World are in his hand but as the drop of a bucket Isai 40.15 as chaffe before the wind as stubble before the fire Nah. 1.4 5 6. Iniquity is so repugnant to his nature to his honour to his office so advantagious to Satan so averse to this Kingdome that it shall not escape without punishment where it is found without repentance no hiding no vailing no vaine and frivolous pretences shall excuse or patronize us but as the arrow smote Ahab though he disguised himselfe in the battel so will the arrow of Gods judignation smite all ungodly men notwithstanding all their disguisements for Prov. 21.30 though they be never so high God will bring them down Obad vers 4. he will tread them as the dust under his feet Psal 110.1 If they want their garment Mat. 22.13 If they refuse to be subject to his governement Luk. 19.27 As it was with Sodome that would not have Lot to rule over them they were burned with fire and brimstone so will it be with such as will not suffer Christ to rule over them however they may flourish for a time like the old World promise themselves great things like the rich man Luk. 12.19 yet 2 Thes 1.8 Psal 2.9 2. This setteth before us their folly who neglect and leave Christ Jesus and pursuing and following other things turne their backs on him who is from above and turne their faces on the things which are here below leaving the living fountaine and digging to themselves broken cisternes a folly very manifest I. Because Christ is above all in power none so able to deliver out of danger to preserve in safety he is a sure rocke they who are builded on him shall not sinke he hath a strong arme there is none shall plucke his people out of his hand he is a faithfull keeper Psal 32.7 He is a Lion at whose roaring all the beasts of the forrest shall tremble Deut. 32.11 he is an Eagle bearing his people upon his wings an Arke sustaining them in the deluge of trouble he hath power to restraine the fire that it burne not the winds that they blow not the Seas that they be not boisterous all creatures are in his hands and he can turne them for us or against us Luk. 11.21 Ioh. 11.44 Gen. 18.14 Now is it not great folly to forsake this rocke and build upon the sand like the men of Shechem to leave the shadow of this tree and to hide our selves under the bramble to leave this shield and to arme our selves with browne paper to forsake Christ and trust to the World which will prove a leaking ship in the stormy day a broken bow in the battel able to do nothing 2. Because Christ is above all in wisedome all treasures of wisedome are hid in him as in a store-house Col. 2.3 as light in the Sun as waters in the Sea he is able to endue us to fill us with the truest the sweetest and most usefull knowledge he is able to frustrate the policy of all our adversaries discover and defeate all the stratagems of the old Serpent he knoweth how to heale all the diseases of our Souls he can teach us how to get the favour of God Ephes 4.20 how to become the Sonnes and daughters of God how to find sweetness in his Ordinances Isai 48.17 18. how to attaine peace in our consciences contentment in all estates and conditions how to make a healing Medicine of very poyson how to use an enemies sword as a launcing knife now what folly is it to leave him to reject his counsell and follow them who cannot teach us the Lords way open Gods counsell make us wise unto salvation that cannot shew us how to win the favour of God how to get freedome from Satan this is a wisdome which the World doth not know which her Schooles cannot teach which her treasure cannot buy Job 28.12 13 14 15. 1 Cor. 2.7 8. 3. Because Christ is above all in love all the love of the Creature is but a sparkle to that flame which is in Christ but a shadow to the substance of his love Jacobs love to Rahel causing him to serve for her seaven yeeres in the heate and in the cold was much Jonathans love to David was wonderfull but Christs love doth farre excell them Joh. 15.13 never such love manifested a love so strong that like a mighty streame it did beat down all the banks of opposition Cant. 2.8 a love like an ever living Fountaine alwayes yeelding waters of refreshment like the fire on the Altar alwayes burning Jo. 13.1 A Sun that never setteth though sometime for a moment eclipsed Isai 54.7 This is a love as high above the love of men as the Heaven is above the Earth as the Sea in deepth doth excell the shallow brooke a love so deep so wonderfull that the line of our reason cannot fathome it Eph. 3.19 A love so sweet so pleasant so full of contentement that it beareth a man out against all the hatred of the World it maketh a man cheerefull in the deepest affliction Rom. 5.5 Confident in the strongest opposition constant in the duties of Religion full of inward rejoycing heavenly meditations holy and gracious desires Cant. 1.2 better than Wine Wine is one of the most comfortable Creatures rejoycing the heart of man Psal 104.15 maketh the life joyfull Eccles 10.19 causeth to forget affliction poverty misery Psal 31.6 7. but the love of Christ sensibly felt in the hearts of his Servants doth farre excell all worldly pleasure and causeth such as drinke thereof to forget their bitterness poverty and sorrowes Now is it not great folly to leave this love of Christ so farre above all love for the love of the World which like a shallow brooke is
Husband their portion and the onely beloved of their souls there is no cause of repentance of going back of leaving Christ though Christ be alone as Naomi was in much affliction in much reproach poverty envy trouble yet they may well say to him as Ruth to Naomi Ruth 1.16 and to all that shall question with them hereabout as Pilate answered them Ioh. 19.22 what I have chosen I have chosen I will not reverse it and to all you that have laid hold on him that have entred into Covenant with him let me say as Paul in another case to the Galatians Gal. 5.1 stand fast in the choise you have made suffer not your hearts to be divorced from Christ to be brought again in bondage to the World let not honours pleasures on the one side nor taunts reproaches persecutions losses on the other side divide your hearts from Christ as once the evill spirit made a breach between Abimelech and the men of Sechem But ever remember whatsoever the World proffer or threaten Christ is above all he will make a large satisfaction for all and therefore having Christ comfort your selves 1. Against adversaries be they never so powerfull subtile violent full of fury and indignation Christ is above all above all in wisedom turning all the devices of the crafty Achitophels of the earth into foolishnes and Isa 44.25 he taketh them in the snares of their own spreading in the pits of their own digging there is Prov. 21.30 31. for he can do great things Iob 5.9 10 11 12 13. he is above all in power he can open the prison Acts 12.7 8. he can divide the Sea Exod. 14.30 31. he is a man of warre Exod. 15.3 he is a valiant Captain Ios 5.14 he can make us valiant Psal 60.12 he can make one of us chase a thousand Ios 23.10 If he be the leader of the army he can overthrow the Wals of Jericho with the sound of a Rams horne he can smite our enemies with blindness send a trembling into their hearts overturn them with a barley cake and make their bowels sheaths for their own swords it is all one to overcome with few or with many to cast down with a stone or with a sword with a Jaw bone or with a thousand men with a goade or with a multitude of Canon shot 2. Against the strength of sin the mighty power of Satan though our lusts be as untamable as the wilds beasts in the forrest yet he can put a bridle into their lips though they be like the bloudy issue which no Physician could cure yet Christ is above all he can dry them up though they be like a deep a strong and swift runing stream he can stay them though they be like Trees of a deep Root of a mighty growth yet he can pluck them up though they be strong holds yet he can cast them down as David took the fort of Syon notwithstanding all the strength thereof so 2 Cor. 10.5 he can tame the Lion Isai 11.6 7. the vertue of his death can make iniquity to moulder like a tree whose roots are rotten like a house whose foundation is decayed like a body which hath received a deaths wound though it be as strong as the buildings of the Temple yet as that was cast to the ground not one stone left upon another so can Christ cast down our sins that not one lust shall remain upon another as David overthrew Goliah and made all the Philistines fly So will Christ overthrow Satan and put all our lusts to flight the same power that opened the eyes of the blind that healed the lame that raised the dead can and will do the like for us He is above all who is our Saviour our Physician our Husband our Friend the beloved of our Souls therefore think of this and be comforted 3. Against spiritual assaults and grievous temptations perplexity and anguish of conscience though no bed can give us rest no Sun can give us delight no Fountain afford refreshment no Musick can give any comfort no friend no earthly treasure no tidings give contentment but all paths are paths of Thorns every speech dreadfull as Thunder every Fountain as the waters of Marah all manner of comfort that can be presented like the Prophets pottage whereof they cried there was death in the pot yet the Lord Jesus is above all he is the Prince of peace Isa 9.6 he he can still the stormy Tempest Math. 8.26 he can cast out the unclean spirit that casteth men into the fire and into the water into manifold troubles and perplexities he can cure the stinging of the fiery Serpent Math. 21.6 7. he can binde up the broken heart and heal the wounded spirit though it be a burden in supportable yet he can give us ease Matth. 11.28 he can make our peace like a River turn the winter of our sorrow into a pleasant spring the Hail and Thunder of trouble into the Sun-shine of sweet and pleasant rest 4. Against all reproches contumelies Christ our head our soveraign our husband is above all therefore though for the present we are in the eye of the world as our Saviour was a face wherein was no beauty a dry Tree without leaves without fruits signs wonders spectacles gazing stocks a cursed people out-casts the worst of all sinners the most miserable of all base things and things which are not yet let us remember that Christ is above all and that we are Members of the body whereof he who is the head is above all the spouse of that husband who is the Prince of all Kings let us remember whatsoever we are in the eye of the world yet in and through Christ we are Exod. 19.5 as the Sun Phil. 2.15 Jewels Mal. 3.17 Kings 1 Pet. 2.9 the most honourable and glorious people in the world therefore Cant. 1.9 10 11. Cant. 6.10 5. Against all wants Christ Jesus who is ours is above all in him there is all fulnesse Therefore let us comfort assure our selves in all our necessities there shall no good thing be wanting for all things are in Christ in a transcendent manner after a more full larger sort than in the creature as light is in the Sun after a fuller manner than in the Gloe-worm he who hath him if he be well experienced in him shall find enough to supply himself if a man want love from the world the love of the Lord Jesus will abundantly recompence it as the love of the King of the Master will abundantly recompence the want of the love of the begger of the servant if a man want honour estimation respect among men to be honourable in the sight of God to have sonship with God heirship with Christ will largely answer it if a man want fellowship with men fellowship with God Christ sufciently countervaileth it if a man want rich and glorious apparel the royal
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
hereby no way diminished Reso 2. The son is the person which doth chiefly manifest himself in the administration of the kingdom not that the Father and holy Ghost are excluded but the work of the Son is most apparent seen and observed and therfore to him it is chiefly attributed Qu. If the Father gave all things into Christ's hands how come's it to pass that hee was in externall condition so poor loaden with so many reproaches that hee lived in the form of a servant why had hee not lived as a King and glorious prince Reso Christ's Kingly Office during his abode on earth was to give place to his Priestly office the priestly office was now fully to bee executed the kingly office but sparingly manifested that the execution of his priestly office might not bee hindered which would have been if his kingly office had now been fully manifested 1 Cor. 2.8 and therefore hee often charged his disciples to conceal the miracles which hee wrought These things thus answered the Use serveth Vse 1. To bee terror in the hearts of all profane men of all such as are enemies to Christ by their evil works the power of a mortal enemy doth much affright us hee that is regardless at the barking of a dog will fly at the roaring of a lion the great stature and strength of Goliah made all Israel tremble Christ hath all things in his hands hee is endowed with all power and authority none shall bee able to resist him none can make his part good against him hee is a stone hewen out of the mountains breaking in pieces the greatest opposing kingdoms Dan. 2.44 a stone whosoever falleth on him shall bee bruised on whomsoever it falleth it will grinde him to powder Rev. 5.5 hee is the lion of the tribe of Judah if hee roar in his indignation hee will make all the beasts of the forrest all the wicked men of the world to tremble if hee appear in his wrath they will fly like Gaal before Abimelech however they make a mock of the day of Judgment 2 Pet. 2 3. as Gaal did of the coming of Abimelech as hee is to his servants like the sun with healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 so to his enemies will hee bee as a flaming fire 2 Thes 1.8 full of burning as hee is gentle like a gracious and sweetly disposed friend to the one so will hee bee terrible as a man of war to the other Psal 54 5. as hee appeased the storm to the comfort of his disciples Mat. 8.26 so will hee raise a stormy tempest to annoy his enemies which never shall bee quieted There are 5. things in Christ which should make all the prophane men on the earth to tremble 1. The fulness of his power her can dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel Psal 2.9 hee can beat the mountains into dust if hee becom an enemy if hee arm himself against us it will bee with us as when Joshua came it was with the Canaanires Josh 5.1 there will no more spirit remain within us no friend will help us no shield will defend us no walls will shelter us hee hath all creatures to command the very divels are subject to him 2. The knowledg of Christ as the Psalmist saith of the sun Psal 19. so it is much more true of the Son of righteousness hee searcheth from one end of the soul from one end of the life to the other and nothing is hidden from his eie hee will finde out the sin that lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship hee will finde out the Babylonish garment and golden wedg like Joshua it was in vain for Jeroboam's wife to disfigure her self before the Prophet it is in vain for any man to draw off the concealment of his sin or the hiding of himself from the eies of the Lord Iesus 3. The justice of Christ hee will not suffer sin to go unpunished punishment shal as surely follow sin as the thread doth follow the needle as the heat doth follow the fire there is no iniquity shall escape as the carefull husbandman rooteth out the thorns and briars as the diligent houswife casteth the rubbish out of the hous as the chaff and tares are cast into the fire so will Christ deal with the thorns and briars chaff and tares profane men of the world therefore as the Angel said to Lot as David to the people so let mee in this behalf say to you 4. That Christ shall bee Judg it will much trouble a malefactor that his enemy shall bee his judg Christ whose ordinances you have neglected whose precepts you have transgressed whose servants you have abused hee shall bee your judg therefore labor to bee in with Christ as men labor to bee in with the Judg and to make him your friend or else you are for ever undone 5. That Christ alone is the Saviour if hee do not deliver thy soul as David the sheep out of the jaws of the lion if hee do not open the prison as the Angel did to Peter if hee do not cure you no Physitian can heal you if his blood do not wash you no water can cleans you therefore there is no hope of entring into life if you make not your peace with him no beholding of God's face unless you bee united to his Son no reigning with him unless you bee now made conformable to him unless you now enter into Covenant with him better all the world were an enemy against him better beg like Lazarus from door to door better bee esteemed as a monster in the world better live in goats skins and sheep skins having his favor then with all the pomp pride pleasure and jollity of the world with his displeasure if hee bee angry what will you do whither can you go who can help you will not all creatures say as the King of Israël said to Naaman 2 King 5.7 Am I a God to kill and to make alive that you come to mee cannot all creatures join with Christ against us as the souldiers with the General are not all things given into his hands oh think on this even this fulness of the power of Christ and tremble to go on in any sin against Christ to continue under the wrath of Christ for bitter at the last will be the portion of all such as are not at peace with him as walk not uprightly before him Psal 110 1 2. Mat. 21.41 Mat. 22.13 I would chuse rather to live in the poorest condition in the world with the love of my Saviour than possess the highest places of the earth and drink of the sweetest river of worldly pleasures and bee a stranger to the light of his countenance and to all that walk as enemies to the cross of Christ I will say as Jacob did to Simeon Genes 49.6 7. 2. Is all put into Christ's hands then this must teach all God's people 1. Obedience and a holy subjection to his will in all things