words to the High Priest the Son of Man shall come in his Glory Now saith Christ I will not defer thy Desires so long Heavenly Joys attend thy Soul And others seek to evade it by the word Paradise it is a Persick word but used by the Hebrews for Gardens and Orchards and by allusion for Heavenly Joys the Allusion is not only to the delights of an ordinary Garden but Eden or that Garden in which Adam was placed in Innocency The Fathers fancied secreta animarum receptacula beatas sedes But it is put for Heaven it self in other places 2 Cor. 12.2 He was caught up into the third Heaven which he presently calls Paradise Vers. 4. So that presently Souls upon their departure out of the Body are immediatly with Christ. Thus it is said Luke 16.22 The Beggar died and was carried by the Angels into Abraham 's Bosom presently in the twinkling of an Eye or the forming of a Thought Which is a great Comfort to us when we come to die in a moment Angels will bring you to Christ and Christ to God The Agonies of Death are terrible but there are Joys just ready and as soon as the Soul is loosed from the Prison of the Body you enter into your Eternal Rest it flieth hence to Christ to be there where he is To be short certainly Men enter upon their final State presently as soon as they die 2 Pet. 3.19 He went and preached to the Spirits in Prison compare it with Heb. 12.24 To the Spirits of Just Men made perfect How can Souls be perfect if they lie only in a dull Sleep without any Light Life Joy or Delight or Act of Love to God We see the very present refreshments of Sleep are a burden to the Saints because they rob us of so much Time cheat us of half our Lives 2. Compleatly at the Resurrection Believers consist of Body as well as Soul Now it is said that they may be there that is their whole Self shall be there where Christ is And so it proveth the Resurrection and the Translation of our glorified Bodies into Heaven So our Lord sheweth that our being there where he is shall compleatly be after his second coming John 14.3 And if I go and prepare a Place for you I will come again and receive you to my self that where I am there ye may be also Christ and we that are one cannot always live asunder if he have any Glory we must have part of it and therefore he will come again and take us to himself that as Coheirs we may live upon the same Happiness Rom. 8.17 And if Children then Heirs Heirs of God and joint Heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together As Joseph brought his Brethren to Pharaoh he bringeth us to God As he took part with us in Nature so he will have us take part with him in Glory Now the Happiness of it will appear 1. By the Place the third Heaven or Paradise as there was the Outward Court the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies The spangled Firmament is but the Outside and Pavement of that House where Christ and the Saints met When we look upon the aspectable Heavens we may cry out as David in his Night-Meditation Psal. 8.4 Lord what is Man that thou art mindful of him and the Son of Man that thou visitest him The Church is but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Portal as one saith and entrance into Heaven If the visible Heavens so affect us how glorious is it within 2. The Manner of bringing us thither I will come again and receive you to my self John 14.3 Christ will not send for us but come in Person to fetch us in state which will make our access to Heaven the more glorious Christ will come to lead his Flock into their Everlasting Fold to present his Bride to God decked and apparalled with Glory How glorious a sight will it be to see Christ and all his Troops following him with their Crowns upon their Heads to see the triumphant entrance into those Everlasting Habitations and to hear the Applauses of the Angels Psal. 24.7 8. Lift up your Heads O ye Gates and be ye lift up you Everlasting Doors and the King of Glory shall come in Who is this King of Glory the Lord strong and mighty the Lord mighty in Battel That was a private and a personal entry at his Ascension but now it shall be publick and glorious now Death the last Enemy is destroyed then he is the Lord mighty in Battel indeed 3. Our perpetual Fellowship with Christ in the Presence and Glory of his Kingdom Pray mark there is a Presence and that is much that we are called to Heaven as Witnesses of Christ's Glory The Queen of Sheba said of Solomon 1 Kings 10.8 Happy are thy Men happy are these thy Servants which stand continually before thee and that hear thy Wisdom They that stand before the Lord and see his Glory are much more happy Zacheus pressed to see him the Wise Men came from the East to see him It is our burden in the World that the Clouds interpose between us and Christ that there is a great Gulph between us and him which cannot be passed but by Death that God is at a distance that our Enemies often ask us Where is your God Now we shall be happy when we shall be in his Arms when we can say Here he is when our Redeemer is ever before our Eyes Job 19.26 to remember us of the Grace purchased for us and we are as near as we can desire Now we dwell in his Family David envied the Swallows that had their residence in the Temple One day spent in thy Courts is better than a thousand spent elsewhere Psal. 84.10 Then we shall always be about his Throne and we shall for ever feed our Eyes with this Glorious Spectacle Jesus Christ his Body shall be in a certain Place where all shall behold it The three Children walked comfortably in the fiery Furnace because there was a fourth there the Son of God Dan. 3.25 Lo I see four Men loose walking in the midst of the Fire and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God Again this Presence maketh way for Enjoiment It is not a naked sight and speculation we are in the same state and condition with Christ Rom. 8.17 Heirs of God and joint-Heirs with Jesus Christ. We shall be like him Servants may stand in the presence of Princes but they do not make their Followers Fellows and Consorts with them in the same Glory Solomon could only shew his Glory to the Queen of Sheba but Christ giveth it us to be enjoyed And all this is perpetual and without change and interruption 1 Thess. 4.17 We shall be for ever with the Lord. We are then above Fears no more Eclipses of God's Face no more trouble because of God's absence Here we complain
Blood in the same place where he shed the Blood of Naboth 3. The Place to which the Third Heaven The Tabernacle figured the Church the Temple Heaven In the Temple were three Partitions the Court where was the Altar of Burnt-Offerings the Holy Place where was the Table Candlestick Shew-bread and the Altar of Burnt-Incense then the Holy of Holies where the High Priest came once a Year So in that vast space which the Scriptures call Heaven there are as it were three Stories the Etherial Heaven the Starry Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens into this Christ as our High Priest is entred There was not only a change of his Presence but a translation of his Body into the High and Holy Place 4. The Witnesses the Eleven Apostles these were his choice Witnesses not the whole Company of Believers 5. Another Circumstance was his last Action a little before his Ascension Luke 24.50 He blessed his Disciples nay it is added again to put the greater Emphasis upon it Vers. 51. And while he blessed them he was parted from them and carried up into Heaven It is the fashion of good Men to die blessing Jacob and Moses when they were to take their leaves of the World they blessed the Tribes Christ before he would go would first leave his Blessing nay the last Act with which he would close up his Life was an Act of Blessing to shew that now the Curse was removed and he was going to Heaven to convey the Blessing to all the Heirs of Salvation Acts 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his Iniquities as God blessed Adam and Eve when his Work was done 6. The Manner Acts 1.9 When he had spoken these things while they beheld he was taken up and a Cloud received him out of their sight The Cloud answered to God's appearance in the Tabernacle When we look on the Clouds this was Christ's Chariot he will come again in like manner 7. In his Ascension he went to Heaven as a Conqueror he triumphed over his Enemies and gave Gifts to his Friends Ephes. 4.8 When â—e ascended up on high he led Captivity Captive and gave Gifts unto Men As glorious Conquerors lead their chief Enemies fettered in Iron Chains So Col. 2.15 Having spoiled Principalities and Powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non Sudore Sanguine aliorum ut quondam Imperatores solebant There is some Difficulty about the Exposition of that place those seem too literally to interpret it that think there was some open Pomp and Shew The Papists say he went to the Limbus Patrum and took Abraham Isaac Jacob and other holy Men of the Old Testament along with him in Triumph to Heaven but then he should have taken the Devils Zanchy thinks there was some real visible Triumph visible not to all but to God Angels and Men leading the Devils through the Air. Still it seemeth too gross and to be asserted without Warrant But this must be interpreted suitably to the other Acts of his Office this Triumph must be referred to his Ascension Christ fought for Heaven and struck the last Stroke on the Cross seized on the Spoil at his Resurrection led them in Triumph at his Ascension and by his quiet sitting on the Throne his Subjects enjoy the Benefit 8. Christ's Entertainment by the Angels Some were left to comfort the Apostles Acts 1.10 While they looked stedfastly towards Heaven two Men stood by in white Apparel These two Men were two Angels in the shape of Men. When the Husband is to go a long Journey he writeth to the Wife from the next Stage whilst her Grief is fresh and running and giveth an account of his Welfare Christ dispatcheth two Messengers out of his glorious Train which Message being done they accompany him with other Angels into Heaven Dan. 7.13 I saw one like the Son of Man with the Clouds of Heaven and they brought him near before him They that is the Angels the Son of Man that is Christ as appeareth by the next Verse they wait upon him and guard him into the Presence of God Certainly if the Angels came so chearfully to proclaim his Incarnation when born What Triumph is there by that blessed Company in Heaven at his Ascension Still the Angels are in Christ's Company when he cometh to Judgment the Angels shall come with him Christ coming into the Presence of the Father is royally attended his Entrance into Heaven is glorious with glorious Applauses and Acclamations Psal. 24.11 Lift up your Heads O ye Gates and be ye lift up ye everlasting Doors and the King of Glory shall come in viz. at the coming of his Humanity so Justin Martyr Basil Euthimius But clearly there is an Allusion to the bringing the Ark into the place prepared by David for it a Figure of Christ's entrance into Heaven They applaud him as mighty in Battel as newly returned from the Spoils of his Enemies The Entrance of a victorious and triumphant Captain is there described and so it is proper to Christ. Once more the blessed Saints have the like Applause Isaiah describes it Isa. 63.1 2 3. Who is this that cometh from Edom with dyed Garments from Bozrah this that is glorious in his Apparel travelling in the greatness of his Strength I that speak Righteousness mighty to save Wherefore art thou red in thine Apparel and thy Garments like him that treadeth in the Wine-fat I have troden the Wine-press alone and of the People there was none with me c. There is a Dialogue as before to express the Saint's Acclamations to Christ The Church is brought in there wondring at Christ's glorious Triumph over all his Enemies as returning victorious from some bloody Fight like a great Commander in goodly rich Robes besprinkled with the Blood of his Enemies 9. The last thing is his Welcome from God Psal. 2.8 I will give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance c. Psal. 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my Right-hand until I make thine Enemies thy Footstool compared with Mat. 22.44 In the day of his Inauguration God will say Welcome Son Sit at my Right-hand all the Kingdoms of the Earth are thine Christ doth not only enter as a Conqueror but as a Favourite Son thy Work is well done sit at my Right-hand that is God's first Word to him and then Ask what thou wilt it is thine It is a fashion among great Princes when they would shew great Affection or extraordinary liking to any they bid them ask what they would as Herod to Herodias's Daughter Mat. 14.6 7. When Herod 's Birth-day was kept the Daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod Whereupon he promised with an Oath to give her whatsoever she would ask And Ahasuerus to Esther Esth. 5.3 What wilt thou Queen Esther and what is thy Request
How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard We must know what Christ is before we can trust him with our Souls Would a Woman accept of a Man when she knows not what he is nor from whence he came Can the Soul rest it self with Christ and venture its Salvation upon him till it knows what he is 2 Tim. 1.12 I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that Day Faith is an advâ—sed Act it is a Child of Light Presumption is but a blind Adventure an Act that is done hand over-head without Advice and Care but Faith certainly presupposeth Knowledg The blind Man speaks Reason in this when Christ asked him Dost thou believe on the Son of God John 9.35 He answered Vers. 36. Who is he Lord that I may believe on him And then for Love No Knowledg no Love an unknown Object never affects us Love proceeds from Sight those that have a sight of the Excellencies of God by the Light of the Spirit accompanying the Word they love the Lord. And then where there is no Love there is no Knowledg 1 John 4.8 He that loveth not knoweth not God for God is Love And then for Worship and Obedience that is also the Fruit of Knowledg that Worship which is performed to the unknown God is never right As those Fruits that grow out of the Sun are crabbed and sowr so all such Acts of Worship as proceed not from Light and Knowledg are not right and genuine There cannot be a greater Preservative from Sin than Knowledg 3 Epist. John 11. He that doth Evil hath not seen God Certainly he that makes a trade and course of Sin was never acquainted with God 1 John 2.4 He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a Lyar and the Truth is not in him And there can be no enjoiment of God without Knowledg neither in a way of Grace nor in a way of Comfort Not in a way of Grace there can be no Grace without Knowledg if we be renewed and changed it is by Knowledg Col. 3.10 And have put on the New Man which is renewed in Knowledg after the Image of him that created him If we be strengthned in Affliction and enabled for the Duties of every Condition it is by Knowledg Phil. 4.12 I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need All Communications of Grace are conveyed by Light Nor can there be any enjoiment of God in a way of Comfort without Light and Knowledg Fears are in the dark till we have a distinct Knowledg of the Nature and Tenor of the Covenant we are full of Fears and Doubts which vanish as a Mist before the Sun when Knowledg is wrought 2. Proposition There is no Knowledg of the True God without the Knowledg of Christ as Mediator For two Reasons 1. Because God will accept no Honour from the Creature but in and through Jesus Christ. John 5.23 That all Men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that hath sent him God hath revealed himself in Christ and you make God an Idol if you think of him otherwise 2. Because God out of Christ is not comfortable but terrible The fallen Creature cannot converse with God without a Mediator As Waters which are salt in the Sea strained through the Earth are sweet in Rivers So are the Attributes of God in and through Christ sweet and comfortable to the Soul for we cannot draw nigh to God without a Screen Vse To press us to get Knowledg The more Knowledg the more a Man the more Ignorant the more Brutish Psal. 49.20 Man that is in Honour and void of Vnderstanding is like the Beasts that perish And again as Knowledg doth distinguish you from Beasts so the Knowledg of God doth distinguish you from other Men to know God is your excellency above other Men. Jer. 9.23 24. Let not the wise Man glory in his Wisdom neither let the mighty Man glory in his Might let not the rich Man glory in his Riches But let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord c. As if he had said If you will needs glory it is not who is most Wealthy nor most Mighty nor most Wise but who hath the greatest Knowledg of God in Christ. Above all know God in Christ that is most comfortable Horribile est de Deo extra Christum cogitare It is an horrible thing to think of God out of Christ. God in Christ is the greatest Mercy the World was ever acquainted with this is a Speculation fit for Angels 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels desire to look into Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto the Principalities and Powers in Heavenly Places might be known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God And therefore much more should it be the study of Saints But do not rest in a naked Contemplation there is a Form of Knowledg Rom. 2.20 as well as a Form of Godliness 2 Tim. 3.5 which is nothing else but an Artificial Speculation a naked Model of Truth in the Brain which aâ— the Winter-Sun shines but warms not But what is true Knowledg How shall we discover it I Answer 1. It must be a serious prudent Knowledg c. See on Ver. 8. I now come to speak to the Illustration of this Qualification of Saving-Knowledg It is illustrated I. By its Opposite the affected and obstinate Ignorance of the World The World hath not known thee II. By its efficient and exemplary Cause But I have known thee I. The first Illustration is from the Opposite Ignorance and Obstinacy of the World The World hath not known thee Why is this alledged I Answer Partly to shew the Reason why they should be otherwise dealt withal than the blind World As if he had said By thy righteous and wise Constitution thou hast appointed different Recompences to Men of different States but now They have known thee but the World hath not known thee Partly in commend their acknowledgment of Christ the World neither knowing nor believing yea rather hating and persecuting thee In the Original there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tho so that neither hindred by Fears nor Snares the Rulers and great Men were against the acknowledging of Christ the Multitude blind and obstinate yet the Disciples knew him and owned him as the Messiah or one sent of God 1. Observe That it is exceeding praise-worthy to own Christ when others disown him and reject him to own him in the midst of the World's blindness and madness against 〈◊〉 Now he is publickly received among the Nations it is no great matter to own his now as those
times because of our blockishness Col. 2.3 In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg Hidden not that they should not be found out but because they are seen by the Eye of Faith Hidden because deposited there to be dispensed to us God made Christ a Storehouse to furnish all our Necessities 1 Cor. 1.30 Of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption Wisdom to give us Spiritual Illumination Be not discouraged it is not the Pregnancy of the Scholar that prevaileth here but the Excellency of the Teacher If Christ be the Teacher no matter how dull the Scholar be Pride in Parts hath been in hinderance but Simpleness hath never been an hinderance Psal. 19.7 The Testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the Simple Jer. 31.33 34. I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my People And they shall teach no more every Man his Neighbour and every Man his Brother saying Know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them to the greatest of them saith the Lord. Mat. 11.25 I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the Wise and Prudent and hast revealed them unto Babes God can give to shallow and weak People great understanding in Spiritual Things as he cured him that was born blind John 9. 2. With Earnestness cry for Knowledg and lift up thy Voice for Vnderstanding Prov. 2.3 Many times God withholdeth Knowledg that we may cry for it especially when the Case is doubtful and litigious John wept when the Book was sealed with seven Seals Rev. 5.4 We need to cry for all Grace but especially for Saving-Knowledg Let us groan and sigh when we are in the Dark 1. Consider the Necessity of Knowledg The blind Man cried after Christ because he knew what it was to want Eyes Luke 18.41 Lord that I may receive my Sight We are not sensible of our natural blindness as we ought to be There is Ignorance and Folly in all but Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg in Christ. If we are not ignorant yet we are indiscreet Men know not how to guide and order their Course Certainly if you were acquainted with your selves you would not hold your peace 2. Consider the Excellency of Knowledg All Knowledg is Excellent as all Light is Comfortable Knowledg is your Excellency above the Beasts that you have Receptive Faculties capable of knowing and understanding Things that you are intelligent Creatures this is your advantage above the Beasts But Saving-Knowledg is far more excellent even the Knowledg of God in Christ. This is the Glory of a Man Jer. 29.23 24. Let not the wise Man glory in his Wisdom neither let the mighty Man glory in his Might let not the rich Man glory in his Riches But let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord c. If Men should be able to dispute of every thing that might be known from the highest Star to the lowest Shrub this Knowledg is nothing to the Knowledg of God in Christ which is far better than all the Knowledg of the Questionists and Disputers of this World The Fear of God that is the best Excellency and that is it which Christ teacheth I observe the Providence of God in that one thing viz. Solomon had wrote many Books of Philosophy which are not extant when the Books of some Heathens as Aristotle's Book de Animalibus c. are extant but his Books of the Fear of God are preserved by a special Providence not one of them lost we may want the other without any loss of true Wisdom but we cannot want these And therefore you are more concerned in the getting of Saving-Knowledg than you are aware of Light was the first Creature that God made so it is the way by which all Grace is wrought in the Soul for in all Communications of Grace God beginneth with the Understanding Jer. 31.19 After I was instructed I smote upon my Thigh He makes the Creature to submit to his Providence to be contented in all Estates and Conditions Phil. 4.12 In all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need God draws you to Christ but his drawing is accompanied with a Teaching John 6.44 No Man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him Ver. 45. And they shall be all taught of God Every Man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me God's drawing is not a blind Force but there is a teaching with it God loves rational Service not blind Obedience And therefore cry for Knowledg and run to Christ that he may teach you and lead you into the Paths of Righteousness SERMON XLIV JOHN XVII 26 And I have declared unto them thy Name and will declare it that the Love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them THIS is the second Reason taken from the Benefits Christ had bestowed upon them Here is his Gift and his Aim In the first what he had done what he will do Where 1. Quid the Manifestation of his Father's Name 2. Quibus to whom principally to the Apostles and from them to Believers 3. Quomodo I have that is by his Ministry upon Earth and I will in the pouring out the Spirit and his Discourses with them after the Resurrection All that needeth Explication is What is meant by God's Name Answ. The use of Names from the beginning was a distinction to separate Creature from Creature by their Appellations At first Adam gave Names to the Beasts that their Species and Kinds might be distinguished for Beasts are distinguished only by their Herds and Kinds But the Names which Men bear are individual and particular Man being an excellent Creature made for Rule and Commerce and therefore is to be known not by his Kind but Name But now what is God's Name Where there are many there is need of Names but where there is but one the singularity is distinction enough But yet God hath his Name by way of distinction from Creatures so we have a Negative Name removing the Imperfections of the Creature and to distinguish him from those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods that are so called and his Name is a Jealous God Exod. 34.14 For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose Name is Jealous is a Jealous God And by way of Notification that we may conceive of him aright as Names are not only distinctive but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Damascen So all that by which he is known or distinguished that is his Name and so God hath many Names because one cannot enough express him his Works are a part of his Name but chiefly his Word the Doctrine
an Acquâ—efcency in Gods Providence though our Talents be not so large 2. Let it quicken those that have received greater Gifts than others to do so much the more good with them you are more bound and that which God will accept from others he will not from you If you have many Ordinances and means of Improvement you should get the more Grace Heb. 6.6 7. and Mat. 11.22 23 24. You are deeper in the State of Condemnation if you do not bring forth Fruit proportionable to the means of Salvation if greater Abilities you must give God the more Glory if a greater Estate you must be richer in good Works 1 Tim. 6.7 8. For you to shut up your Bowels 1 John 3.17 How dwelleth the Love of God in you Potentes potenter cruciabuntur Mighty shall be the Destruction of the Mighty if we have greater Mercies there is greater Duties and greater Duties greater Sins and greater Sins greater Judgments Surely if men had any Sense of their Accounts those that have much to answer for would have more Trouble Doct. III. Among those that have received Talents all are not alike Fruitful I shall handle the Point with respect to the Context we have in hand 1. Though but one be mentioned yet the Number of Vnfaithful ones is very great In Parables the Scope must be regarded Now the general Scope is to shew that as the Virgins are not all admitted so all the Servants of the House not accepted in the Parable Indeed two of the Servants are Faithful one unfaithful We cannot conclude thence that the Number of those that used their Talents well should be greater than of those that hid them or neglected the Improvement of them as in the former Parable that the Number of the Foolish shall be just equal with the Number of the Wise or in the Parable of the Wedding Garment that but one shall come to the Gospel-feast unprepared No the Ornament of that Scheme and Figure which Christ would make use of to signify his mind required it should be so expressed For since our Lord to avoid Perplexity and Confusion would mention but three Servants 't was fit that one should be an instance of eminent Faithfulness and Service another of Service in a lower degree that the meanest may not be discouraged and the other should represent the unfruitful ones Now Experience sheweth they are more than one to two yea more than ten to one much the far greater Number Oh how few are there even of those that hold much from God that return him ought of Love and Service The Idle and Unprofitable ones are found every where in all Ranks and Conditions of men 2. Observe He that had but one Talent is represented as the Vnfaithful One and that with good Advice If the Example of Reprobation and Punishment had been put in the Servant that had five Talents or two Talents we might have thought that men of eminent Gifts Rank Quality and Employment in the Church shall be called to an Account and punished for their Neglect No but as our Lord hath laid it it reacheth his full Scope and Purpose For in the instance of the Servant that had but one Talent those that had five and two may easily know how much sorer Punishment shall light upon them if he that had least be called to such a strict Reckoning for his Non-improvement However this we may observe That he that had the least Gift was Unfaithful to be sure those that have most Spiritual gifts do usually improve them and the rest are left without Excuse 3. Observe His Crime is he went and digged in the Earth and hid his Lords Money Men dig in the Earth to find Metals and Talents not to hide them there Mark 't is not said he did imbezzle his Talent as many waste their Substance in riotous Living quench brave parts in excess sin away many precious Advantages of Ordinances and Education and powerful Convictions No he did not imbezzle his Talent but hid it Mark again he did not Misimploy his Talent as some do their Wealth others their Wit to scoff at Religion or to put a Varnish on the Devils Cause their Power to Oppress and crush the good The precious Gifts that many have are like a Sword in a mad-mans hand they use them to hurt and mischief No no such thing is charged upon this evil and naughty Servant 'T is Fault enough to hide our Talents though we do not abuse them That you may conceive of this I shall shew you 1. His Sin in hiding his Lords Money 2. What may be the Cause of it in those that imitate him First 'T was a Sin Partly because 't was against the command of his Master In Luke 19.13 He gave them a Charge Occupy till I come Partly because 't was against the end of the Distribution of the Talents to keep Money unprofitably by us is a loss 't was made for Commerce so were Gifts given us to profit withall scattered into several hands to bring in some encrease to the Lord and Owner Partly because 't was against the Example of his Fellow-Servants who were industrious and careful to comply with their Charge 2 Cor. 9.2 Your Zeal hath provoked very many And partly as his Obedience and Account would have been easier as 't is more easie to give an Account of a small Sum than a greater as there is less Trouble less Danger so his Refusal is less excusable And partly as 't was an Abuse of his Masters Patience 't was long e'er he called him to a Reckoning God will bear long with us in Infancy Childhood and Youth but he will not bear alwayes if we do not bethink our selves at last our Account is hastened and God will suffer idle Servants no longer to have an Opportunity of Promoting his Glory the good of others and their own Salvation Secondly What may be the Causes of such like Unfaithfulness Men are taken off from Improving their Talents First Sometimes by a sloathful Laziness and should that hinder us especially us that are Servants to God what man can endure an idle Servant though he should not whore and steal yet if he do not his work you put him away Every thing in the World costs Diligence and shall not we be diligent in our Masters Work How will men labour for a small Reward in the World and is not Heaven worth our most industrious Care shall not we be hard at work 1 Cor. 15.58 The Reward is still propounded to the diligent 1 Cor. 3.8 Every man shall receive his Reward according to his own Labour 2 Cor. 9.6 He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly Idleness is its own Punishment An idle man is a Burden to himself like a man buryed alive When 't is Morning would God it were Evening He Contracts Distempers a Key seldom turned rusts in the Lock standing Pools are apt to putrify David when he was idle fell into those foul Faults An idle
highly exalted him and given him a Name above every Name That at the Name of Jesus every Knee should bow of things in Heaven and things in Earth and things under the Earth And that every Tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father His Inauguration into the Throne and Authority over all Things The preaching of the Gospel in his Name together with the success of it Isa. 55.4 5. Behold I have given him for a Witness to the People a Leader and Commander to the People Behold thou shalt call a Nation that thou knewest not and Nations that know not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God and for the Holy One of Israel for he hath glorified thee His Return at the Day of Judgment with Power and great Glory The Petition must be explained according to the Event of all the Glory that God put upon Christ after his Passion The meaning of the whole is Hitherto I have laid aside my Glory and now lay down my Life sustain me by thine Arm that I may overcome Death and raise me again with Triumph and Honour that I may go into Glory leading Captivity captive and receive the Principality that by the Resurrection publication of the Gospel and last Judgment the Glory of my Divinity may be known and acknowledged But how doth Christ pray Glorify me when he saith elsewhere John 8.5 I seek not my own Glory I Answer Christ speaketh there of himself in the Judgment of his Adversaries who thought him a meer Man and sheweth that he came not as an Impostor to seek himself God would well enough provide for his Glory and Esteem There he disclaimeth all particular privat Aims Affections and Attempts here he sueth out his Right according to his Father's Promise Observe hence 1. Christ saith The Hour is come and then Father glorify me The true Remedy of Tribulation is to look to the succeeding Glory and to counter-ballance future Dangers with present Hopes In this prayer Christ reviveth the Grounds of Confidence One is Father glorify me This was Comfort against the sad Hour and so it must be our course Not to look to things which are seen but to things that are not seen 2 Cor. 4.17 to defeat Sense by Faith When the Mind is in Heaven it is fortified against the Pains which the Body feeleth on Earth Strong Affections give us a kind Dedolency a Man will venture a knock that is in reach of a Crown 1 Tim. 4.8 It is the folly of Christians to let Fancy work altogether upon present Discouragements Faith should be fixed in the contemplation of future Hopes It is a sad Hour but there is Glory in the issue and close 2. Observe again First Christ had his Hour then he saith Glorify me Luke 24. 26. Ought not Christ to suffer and then to enter into his Glory Shame Sorrow and Death is the Road-way to Glory Joy and Life The Captain of our Salvation was thus made perfect Heb. 2.10 and all the Followers of the Lamb are brought in by that Method It is the folly of some that think to be in Heaven before they have done any thing for God's Glory upon Earth You would invert the Method and stated course of Heaven None is crowned except he strive lawfully 2 Tim. 2.5 6. and Vers. 11 12. It is a faithful saying for if we be dead with him we shall also live with him If we suffer we shall also reign with him It hath the Seal of a constant Dispensation it is a faithful Saying All the Promises run To him that overcometh We must have Communion with Christ in all Estates Rom. 8.17 If so be that ye suffer with him that ye may be also glorified together It is a necessary Condition We are Heirs if so be that we suffer with him c. We are too delicate we would have our Path strewed with Roses and do not like this Discipline Abel signifies Mourning and Stephen a Crown they were the first Martyrs of either Testament If you want Afflictions you want one of the necessary way-marks to Heaven 3. Glorify me Christ seeketh not the empty things of this World but to be glorified with the Father We want some Spiritual Ambition and are too low and groveling in our Desires and Hopes If you be risen with Christ seek those things that are above where Christ sitteth at the right Hand of God Col. 3.1 It is no Treason to aspire to the Heavenly Kingdom Mat. 6.33 Seek first the Kingdom of God and the Righteousness thereof and to seek a place on Christ's own Throne Neither is it any culpable self-seeking to seek Self in God John 5.44 How can ye believe that receive Honour one of another and seek not the Honour that cometh from God alone Joh. 12.43 They loved the Praise of Men more than the Praise of God Here we may seek our own Honour and Glory without a Crime O behold the liberality and indulgence of Grace God hath set no stint to our Spiritual Desires we may seek not only Grace but Glory 4. Christ himself prayeth to be glorified it noteth the Truth of his Abasement He is the Lord of Glory 1 Cor. 2.8 and had a natural and eternal Right he thought it no robbery to be equal with God and yet Christ himself is now upon his Knees If he had said Let them be glorified that had been much that he would open his Mouth to plead for Sinners But he saith Glorify me or glorify thy Son which is a strange Condescention that he that had the Key of David should now be knocking at the Father's Gate and receive his own Heaven by Gift and Intreaty He might take without robbery Glory as his due yet as our Mediator he is to ask When he took our Nature he brought himself under the Engagement of our Duty 5. Christ asketh what he knew would be given So John 8.50 I seek not my own Glory there is one that seeketh and judgeth The Father was zealous for the Son's Glory there was an Oracle from Heaven to assure him of it John 12.28 Father glorify thy Name Then came there a Voice from Heaven saying I have both glorified it and will glorify it again meaning by strengthning him in the Work of Redemption And yet now again Glorify thy Son that he may glorify thee Obs. Providence doth not take away Prayers We are to ask though our Heavenly Father knoweth we have need of these things and we know God will give them to us John 16.26 27. At that day ye shall ask in my Name I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you for the Father himself loveth you The meaning is though there be need of my great Instance and I need not tell you I will make Intercession I pass by that now I only tell you of that free Access you have to God and his great Affection to you yet still you must
ask Assurance is a ground of the more earnest Request When Daniel understood by Books the number of the Years then he was most earnest in Prayer and when Elijah heard the sound of the Rain he prayed Prayer is to help on Providences that are already in motion That thy Son also may glorify thee Here is another Argument It is usual in Prayer to speak of our selves in a third Person so doth Christ here That thy Son may glorify thee This may be understood many ways partly as the Glory of the Son is the Glory of the Father partly by accomplishing God's Work that I may destroy thy Enemies and save thy Elect partly by the preaching of the Gospel in Christ's Name to the Glory of God the Father He doth as it were say I desire it for no other end but that I may bring Honour to thee From this Clause 1. Observe That God's Glory is much advanced in Jesus Christ. In the Scriptures there is a Draught of God as Coin bears the Image of Caesar but Caesar's Son is his lively Resemblance Christ is the living Bible we may read much of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. We shall study no other Book when we come to Heaven for the present it is an advantage to study God in Jesus Christ. The Apostle hath an expression 2 Cor. 4.4 Lest the Light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them Christ is the Image of God and the Gospel is the Picture of Christ the Picture which Christ himself hath presented to his Bride There we see the Majesty and Excellency of his Person and in Christ of God And Vers. 6. the Apostle saith To give the Light of the Excellency of the Knowledg of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. In Christ we read God glorious in his Word Miracles personal Excellencies Transfiguration Resurrection we read much of God There we read his Justice that he would not forgive Sins without a plenary Satisfaction If Christ himself be the Redeemer Justice will not bate him one Farthing His Mercy he spared not his own Son What scanty low Thoughts should we have of the Divine Mercy if we had not this Instance of Christ His Truth in fulfilling of Prophecies Psal. 40.7 8. Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the Book it is written of me I delight to do thy Will O my God yea thy Law is within my Heart This was most difficult for God to grant for us to believe yet rather then he would go back from his Word he would send his own Son to suffer Death for a sinful World All things were to be accomplished though it cost Christ his precious Life God had never a greater Gift yet Christ came when he was promised He will not stick at any thing that gave us his own Son His Wisdom in the wonderful contrivance of our Salvation When we look to God's Heaven we see his Wisdom but when we look on God's Son we see the manifold Wisdom of God Ephes. 3.10 The Angels wonder at these Dispensations to the Church His Power in delivering Christ from Death and the glorious Effects of his Grace His Majesty in the Transfiguration and Ascension of Christ. O then study Christ that you may know God There is the fairest Transcript of the Divine Perfections the Father was never published to the World by any thing so much as by the Son 2. Observe Our Respects to Christ must be so managed that the Father also may be glorified for upon these terms and no other will Christ be glorified 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the Promises in him are Yea and in him Amen to the Glory of God by us Phil. 2.10 11. That at the Name of Jesus every Knee shall bow and every Tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father John 14.13 Whatsoever ye shall ask in my Name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son Look as the Father will not be honoured without the Son John 5.23 That all Men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that hath sent him so neither will the Son be honoured without the Father I condemneth them who out of a fond respect to Christ neglect the Father As the former Age carried all respect in the Name of God Almighty without any distinct reflection on God the Son So many of late carry all things in the Name of God the Son that the Adoration due to the other Persons is forgotten The Wind of Error doth not always blow in one Corner When the heat of such an Humour is spent Christ will be as much vilified and debased Our Hearts should not be frigidly and coldly affected to any of the Divine Persons 3. Observe It is the proper Duty of Sons to glorify their Father Mal. 1.6 If I be a Father where is mine Honour Mat. 5.16 Let your Light so shine before Men that others seeing your good Works may glorify your Father which is in Heaven How must this be done 1. By reverend Thoughts of his Excellency especially in Worship then we honour him when we behave our selves before him as before a great God this is to make him glorious in our own Hearts When we conceive of him as more excellent than all things Usually we have mean base thoughts by which we streighten or pollute the Divine Excellency 2. By serious Acknowledgments give him Glory Rev. 4.11 Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Glory and Honour and Power for thou hast created all things and for thy Pleasure they are and were created Now this is not in naked ascriptions of Praise to him pratling over words but when we confess all the Glory we have above other Men in Gifts or Dignity is given us of God this is to make him the Father of Glory Ephes. 1.17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledg of him 3. When we make the advantage of his Kingdom the end of all our Actions 1 Cor. 10.31 Whether ye eat or drink or whatever you do do all to the Glory of God Phil. 1.20 Christ shall be magnified in my Body whether it be by Life or by Death Christ had glorified him yet he seeks now to do it more Self will be mixing with our Ends but it must be beaten back We differ little from Beasts if we mind only our own Conveniences 4. By making this the aim of our Prayers We should desire Glory and Happiness upon no other terms Ephes. 1.6 To the Praise of the Glory of his Grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved It is a mighty encouragement in Prayer when we are sure to be heard John 12.28 Father glorifie thy Name then came there a Voice from Heaven
1.6 7. When he bringeth in the first begotten into the World he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him And of the Angels he saith Who maketh his Angels Spirits and his Ministers a Flame of Fire He cometh royally attended Then the Father welcometh him with Ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thy Inheritance and the utmost parts of the Earth for thy Possession Psal. 2.8 As Mediator Christ was to have a grant of the Kingdom by pleading his Right and then God seateth him on the Throne Sit thou on my right Hand Psal. 110.1 God doth as it were take his Son by the Hand and seat him on the Throne This sitting on God's right Hand implieth 1. The giving of all Power or a restoration of him to the full use of the Godhead He had an Eternal Right as the Second Person but he was to receive a new Grant Mat. 28.18 All Power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth Christ as God hath all Power equal Power with the Father by Eternal Generation but as God Incarnate it is given to him So Phil. 2.9 10. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a Name above every Name that at the Name of Jesus every Knee shall bow of Things in Heaven and Things in Earth and Things under the Earth to make all Enemies stoop to him that he might receive Adoration from Angels Men and Devils 2. A Grant of Authority to rule according to Pleasure He is made Prince of Angels Col. 2.10 He is the Head of all Principality and Power He is to be their Soveraign Lord and Head of the Church Ephes. 1.22 Christ is to us the Head of all Vital Influences And Judg of the World Acts 17.39 He hath appointed a day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness by the Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given Assurance to all Men in that he hath raised him from the Dead This is the Sum of Christ's Glorification The Uses of the whole Vse 1. In that Christ prayeth for Glory it presseth us 1. To take heed of dishonouring Christ now he prayeth to be glorified It was a great Sin that the Jews crucified the Lord of Glory but they have some excuse in that they knew not what they did 1 Cor. 2.8 Whom none of the Princes of this World knew for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory His Glory was not easily seen in his Exinanition and Abasement But now we know more and we cross his Prayers if we crucify him again afresh and put him to open shame Heb. 6.6 We cannot indeed crucify Christ really but we may draw the Guilt of his Enemies that crucified him upon us By your scandalous Lives you do in effect as to your Intentions deprive him of his Glory and approve the Act of the Jews against him you live as if no such thing had been done to Christ as his Translation into Heaven 2. Since Christ so earnestly sued for his Glorification it is our Duty by all means to procure and further his Glory We cannot do any thing as his Father doth we cannot bestow any thing upon him but Praise and magnify him by a stedfast Faith and by an Holy Life Mortified Christians are the Glory of Christ. 3. It is Comfort against the Reproaches and Oppositions of Men as to the Kingdom of Christ. Though the Jews scorn it the Turks blaspheme it Hereticks undermine it yet Christ's Prayers will do more than all their Endeavours still he will appear God manifest in the Flesh. Christ's Glory cannot be hindred he hath prayed for it Vse 2. In that Christ was glorified for he cannot be denied whatever he demands it is useful for our Comfort for our Instruction 1. For our Comfort 1. Christ's Glorification is the Pledg and Earnest of ours Had not he risen and ascended and been received up into Glory neither should we the Gates of Death had been barred upon us and the Gates of Heaven shut against us and we should have been covered with eternal Shame and Ignominy But now Christ like another Sampson hath broken through the Gates and carried them away with him our Head is risen and we in him we receive of his Fulness Glory for Glory as well as Grace for Grace Nobis dedit arrhabonem Spiritus à nobis recepit arrhabonem Carnis We have Livery and Seisin of the Kingdom of Heaven already in Christ. We are ascended with him Ephes. 2.6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus In Contracts Pledges are usually taken and given Our Head is crowned and shall not the Members The Humane Nature is already placed in the highest Seat of Glory 2. It is a sign God hath received Satisfaction The Lord sent an Angel to remove the Stone not to supply any Power in Christ But as a Judg when he is satisfied sends an Officer to open the Prison Doors Our Surety is delivered out of Prison with Glory and Honour God hath taken him up to himself What is done to our Surety concerneth us Christ hath perfectly done his Work there is no more to be done by way of Satisfaction God was well-pleased with him or else he had not been at his right Hand Certainly all the Work of his Mediation was not accomplished on Earth he is now in Exaltation performing those other Offices that remain to be fulfilled by him in Heaven 3. Hence we have Confidence in his Ability to do his People Good He is now restored to the full Use and Exercise of the Godhead he can give the Spirit and perform all the Legacies of the Covenant There were many repaired to Christ in the days of his Flesh when he was under Poverty Crosses Death the Thief on the Cross said Lord remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom What shall we not expect now he is entred into Glory Faithful Servants follow their Prince in Banishment but they have greater Encouragement when he is on the Throne Those that adhered to David in the Desert might look for much from him crowned at Hebron Acts 2.33 Therefore being by the right Hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear Not that then only he was endowed with the Gifts of the Spirit for whilst he was on Earth he was filled with the Spirit without measure but then he received the Accomplishment of the Promise of pouring out the Spirit upon us for by Promise is meant the Accomplishment of the Promise for the Promise was long before Luke 24.49 And behold I send the Promise of my Father upon you but tarry ye in the City of Jerusalem till ye be endued with Power from on High Acts 1.4 And being assembled together with them commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for
if they were not accepted in and for Christ. Nothing can be acceptable to infinite Purity but what is pure Habbak 1.13 Thou art of purer Eyes than to behold Evil and canst not look on Iniquity We should not have one good look from God were it not for Christ. To salve this Attribute was Jesus Christ sent into the World We think that Christ was only sent to satisfy Justice God hateth Sin out of Holiness punisheth it out of Justice and executeth that Punishment by his Majesty and Power so that we dread God for his Wrath Power and Justice but all these are awakened by his Holiness there is the Root of all So that consideration of God's Holiness maketh us to prize Christ. Alas what should vile Creatures do before an Holy God out of Christ 3. It is God's principal Glory Exod. 15.11 Thou art glorious in Holiness God is mighty in Power rich in Grace glorious in Holiness It is good to mark the distinctness of Expression in all the Attributes God that he might shew us how much we should prize Grace would be glorious in nothing so much as in Holiness This is Seraphical Divinity the Angels would teach us no other Divinity and Notions of God but Holy holy holy Lord God of Hosts Isa. 6.3 this is most pleasing to God profitable to Men. Christ taught us to pray first of all Hallowed by thy Name This should be the chiefest thing that we should think of in our Addresses to God So when the Angel Gabriel came to give notice of Christ Luke 1.35 That Holy Thing that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Priùs sanctum quà m Dei Filium nominavit saith one of the Fathers You cannot call God nor Christ by a better Title it is his darling Attribute So the Saints in Heaven Rev. 4.8 They rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty it is nine times in Plantius's Edition as if they were delighted with the mention of it they take a sweet content in the Work Holy Father Holy Son Holy Spirit In Heaven they bless and praise God praise him for his Excellencies bless him for his Benefits We praise him for his Holiness we bless him for his Mercy in Christ this will be our Employment in Heaven Psal. 99.5 Exalt ye the Lord our God and worship at his Footstool for he is Holy God counteth it his chiefest Glory that he might teach the Creature that Moral Perfections are to be preferred before Natural it is better to be Wise than Strong to be Holy than Wise. III. Why especially must we thus look upon him when we deal with him for Grace and Sanctification 1. Because it is a Relief to Faith when we represent God to our selves as the Fountain of Holiness He is the Holy One of Israel and Christ calls him Holy Father Jude 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father There is enough in God when we come for Pardon he is rich in Mercy when we come for Holiness he is glorious in Holiness he is the God of Grace you may have enough if you be not wanting to your selves Men are willing to spare out of their Fulness the Holy God is as able as willing to sanctify you it is a Work that he delighteth in Joab interceded for Absalom when he perceived the King's Heart was towards Absalom 2 Sam. 14.1 2. It may be a means to enlarge your Spiritual Desires You are to be holy as he is holy 1 Pet. 1.15 The Children if they be of the right Stock they should have some Resemblance of their Father Now you ask Holiness of God that you may be as God in some degree of Conformity tho not in exact Equality Assequi non possuâ—â—â— saltem nanquam sequi desinamus we cannot overtake God but we should never cease to follow him We have an high Patern that we might not be content with any low measures of Grace When you are asking it is good to be thinking of your Patern that you may inlarge your Spiritual Desires Lord wash me throughly Lord make me holy as thou art holy I forget the things that are behind it is nothing that I have already Vse 1. Information It informeth us 1. How greatly they sin that deride Men for their Holiness which is the express Image of the glorious God God is glorious in Holiness therefore they that despise Holiness they despise God himself Holy Brethren should no more be a Disgrace than Holy Father That is your Scorn which is the Divine Glory one of the chiefest Excellencies in the Godhead You hate God more than you do the Saints Holiness in them shineth with a faint Lustre 2. How much we should prize Holiness It is the Glory of God and the Glory of holy Angels the Devils also excel in Strength and the Glory of the Saints Ephes. 5.27 That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having Spot or Wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without Blemish This is the Glory of the Church the Church that are are a distinct People from all the World should have a distinct Excellency Other Societies are made glorious by their Policy their Pomp their Trade the Church is a Society for Holiness and therefore it is called The fairest among Women the best of all Societies though it hath little of worldly Pomp and Splendor Psalm 93. ult Holiness becometh thy House O Lord for ever Some Ordinances became God's House for a time Ceremonies and Sprinklings and the Vail and the covering of Badgers Skins c. but Holiness is a standing Ordinance So private Christians are changed from Glory to Glory 2. Cor. 3.18 it is from Grace to Grace for the Apostle speaketh of our being changed into the Likeness of Christ. The World counteth Purity and Strictness a base thing Religio ignobilem facit but the Word is quit with the World and calls a wicked Man a vile Person Psal. 15.4 and the basest of Men Dan. 4.17 Vse 2. It presseth us to draw nigh to God as unto an Holy Father Worship must always be proportioned to the Object of it Conformity maketh way for Communion John 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth As he is a God of Peace he will not be worshipped with wrathful Affections 1 Tim. 2.8 I will that Men pray every where lifting up holy Hands without Wrath and Doubting A living God must have a lively Service so a holy God should have a holy Worship this doth make us fit to enjoy God in the way of a sweet and gracious Communion 1. We must be in an holy State If we be accepted by God we must be like him holy as he is holy Partakers of a Divine Nature The Majesty and Glory of God we are not capable of God would not have us to imitate his Power and Majesty but his Holiness We enjoy him
of ours cannot be received into Heaven till they be changed and immortalized vers 53. This corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality As a man to build his house better razeth it to the very bottom so God will have the body resolved into dust before he will set it forth in this new fair Edition As the creature is dissolved that is delivered from the Bondage of Corruption first the creature is set free and discharged from being obnoxious to change and alteration so we must first die then be raised in Incorruption which should make us the more ready and willing to submit to the appointed course and not only even dare to die but to be willing to dye since Death puts an end to sin and all our calamities and is the gate and entrance by which we pass into Glory 2. Doct. That the liberty to which Gods people are reserved is a glorious liberty Here I shall first speak of the liberty of Gods children in this life 2. The glorious liberty in the world to come for the one is a step to the other for 't is called a glorious liberty to distinguish it from the liberty of Gods children here in this world which is not glorious but gracious to shew how it exceedeth this estate in glory Therefore I must shew 1. What is the liberty of Gods children in this world 2. What in the world to come 1. What is the liberty of Gods children in this world There are three practical notions in which man is greatly mistaken Misery and Happiness Wisdom and Folly Liberty and Bondage Misery and Happiness Men count none miserable but the afflicted none happy but the prosperous because they judg by the present ease and commodity of the flesh Wisdom and Folly we all affect the repute of Wisdom Job 11.12 Please our selves with a false shew of wisdom neglecting what is true and solid which is to be wise to salvation Liberty and Bondage Man accepteth of a false liberty rather than none every man would be at his own dispose live as he list whereas the true liberty must be determined by our condition as creatures by our end as creatures that are in pursuit of true happiness To think the only true liberty is to be at the command and controul of none above our selves or to live at large according to our hearts desire is to affect a thraldom and bondage instead of liberty therefore it concerneth us to state exactly what is the liberty of Gods children now it either relateth to our duty or to our felicity 1. To our duty and so our liberty must he stated by these four Things 1. It must be such a liberty as becometh a creature who is in subjection to God 'T is not a power to live as we list but a power to live as we ought to affect a power to live as we list and to be accountable to none is to revive the arrogancy of Adam and to sup up again the poyson of the old Temptation ye shall be as Gods Gen. 3.5 'T was mans Original Ambition to be at his own dispose and Lord of his own Actions to think and speak and do as he pleaseth Psal. 12.4 Our tongues are our own who is Lord over us And the Rebellion of the Libertine World is set forth by casting off the Yokes and Cords of Duty Psal. 2.3 Let us break their â—ands asunder and cast away their cords from us Meaning there the Laws of God and Christ who are impatient of any restraint But this is a liberty cannot be justified for since man hath principium finem A principle upon which he dependeth in his Being and Operations and an end unto which he is appointed he must wholly give up himself to the will of another and his liberty lyeth in a readiness to comply with Gods commands who is his proper Lord to whom he is to subject himself and to give an account of all his Actions So that mans true liberty is Gods Service Psa. 119.45 I will walk at liberty for I seek thy precepts To will and do things pleasing to our Creator is the only liberty proper to us 2. It must be such a liberty as will leave us in a capacity to pursue our chief good and last end For all creatures are by natural instinct carried to their last end and the more fettered and restrained from this the more they are in Bondage the less the more free which holdeth good in all creatures but principally in the reasonable Certainly the reasonable nature is dishonoured and debased and under a defect as 't is disabled from the fruition of God or seeking after it we are in Bondage as we are captivated and intangled with the love of inferior things and so perverted and diverted from the pursuit of true happiness The restraining of our irregular desires is not Bondage but the gratifying of them for that is a snare to us Men live in sin with as much delight as Fishes in their own Element yet they are in bonds still as they are detained from God and turned aside from him our liberty is our power over inferior things and our Bondage is their power over us 1 Cor. 6.12 When we love God with all our hearts and serve him with all our minds we are free Liberty in the root implyeth an inclination to God as the supream Object of our love In the first Act In a power of chusing the means whereby we may injoy him In the second Act in an exercise of this power or in an actual pursuing the end by these means The elective power and a governing our Actions in order to our great end is our liberty the Angels that immutably and indeclinably adhere to their last end are freer than us who may err from it Well then None are such slaves as they that cannot use the means which should make them happy but imploy their whole time in seeking after Pleasures and Honours and Profits like dissolute Servants who being sent by their Masters to a Mart or Fair to buy Commodites spend their time and money in some Inn or House of Entertainment by the way and neglect their Fair or Mart to which they were sent to imploy their Money to the best advantage So we are inslaved by the way and neglect our main business 3. It must be such a liberty as will suit with the dignity of a rational creature as man is For that is the liberty of a man when he acteth with a condecency to the reasonable nature Man was at first made to be happy his happiness consisted in the Fruition of God and his subjection to him was no captivity and restraint but rather a part of that blessedness but we became bondmen not only by breaking the Law of God but by disordering the constitution of our Souls by submitting conscience and reason to our lusts so suffering the beast to ride the man for the rule of
Tears and Snares Blessed be God that there are any hopes mingled with our Tears therefore they groan and desire earnestly Fevv and evil are the days of the years of my Pilgrimage said holy Jacob Gen. 47.7 Our days are evil and 't is well they are but few That in this Shipwrack of mans felicity we can see banks and shores and a landing place where we may be safe Here all our days are Sorrow and our Travel grief but there is our repose There are many things to wean a Christian from the present life Manifold temptations from Satan grievous Persecutions from the world and sharp afflictions from God himself All these may be ranked under the head of miseries 1. Manifold temptations from Satan who seeketh all advantages either to dissuade us from serving God or distract us in it 1 Pet. 5.8 9. All these things are accomplished in our Brethren which are in the flesh They are all acquainted with a busy Tempter who seeketh to insnare their Souls and this is one of a Christians burthens that in this world which is Satans walk and Circuit they meet with so many snares laid for them 2. Bitter and grievous Persecutions which sometimes make them weary of their lives hard Task masters that trouble them 2 Thes. 1.6 7. To you that are troubled rest with us but before the rest cometh they groan and long 3. Sharp afflictions from God himself God is jealous of our hearts because we are not watchful over them we are apt to take up with an earthly happiness and to root here and look no farther whil'st we have all our comforts about us our hearts say 't is best being here but God awakeneth us our of our drouzy fits Arise depart hence this is not your rest Micah 2.10 We are so pleased with our entertainment by the way that we forget home God is fain to imbitter our worldly portion that we may think of a remove to some better place and state where all Tears shall be wiped from our eyes We would sleep here and rest here if we did not sometimes meet with thorns in our Bed 2dly The next Reason of our groaning is our having had a tast of better things Rom. 8.23 We that have within our selves the first fruits of the Spirit groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption the Redemption of our Bodies A Christian here is unsatisfied he waiteth for a better and surer state of Bliss and Immortality The first fruits shew us what the Harvest will be and the tast what the Feast will prove 1. This Vnion and Communion with Christ is not perfect We are one Spirit by being joyned to the Lord but yet many things hinder this Union from being full we have but a glimpse of Christ as he sheweth himself through the lattis But there we shall see him with open Face Here sometimes he affords sometimes he withdraws his presence But there ever with the Lord and the Lord with us Here we get a little from him in an Ordinance and that little is as much as we can hold but there he is all in all and we are filled up with the fulness of God Christ in us now is the hope of glory but Christ in us then is the fruition of glory Col. 1.27 Here we enjoy him in part and by Faith there we shall enjoy him to the full This mighty Sea is pent up and floweth now by so narrow a Channel that it cannot diffuse its self but his interest is not crouded up there is full room for Christ in the Soul 2. Our Holiness is not perfect and therefore we groan and long for more There is much corruption left the new nature is called the Seed of God 1 John 1.9 and the immortal Seed 1 Pet. 1.23 look as a little Seed will work through the dry clods that it may grow up unto its perfect estate so doth this Seed of God work towards its final perfection A Christian is not satisfied with such imperfect degrees of conformity to God and slender tasts of his love he must have more Grace tendeth to the place whence it cometh as a spark of Fire tendeth to the Element of fire and they groan and long for the time of perfection 3. His comforts are not perfect The Joys of the Spirit are unspeakable things but at his right hand there is fulness pleasures for evermore Psal. 16.11 These the Soul longeth for therefore tho they are thankful for a refreshing by the way yet they groan as longing to be at home the Spirit now is a Well springing up but it wasteth its self in an Ocean of Glory John 4 14. Look what difference there is between the Springs head and the out-fall of a River into the Sea so between our comforts now and hereafter 3dly The excellency of this estate requireth it that we should groan after and earnestly desire it If it be not worth your desires it is little worth When happiness is provided for you will not you send a groan after it 'T is great ingratitude and folly That when Christ hath procured a state of Blessedness for us at a very dear rate we should value it no more He procured it by a life of labour and sorrow and the pangs of a bitter cursed Death and when all is done we little regard it Surely if we choose this for our happiness we shall be longing and looking for it No man would flie from his own happiness Where a mans Portion is there not only his mind will be but his heart will be Mat. 6.21 If you prize it you will sigh and groan after it our chief good is that we can least want you will be waiting as at Heaven Gates expecting when God will let you in Surely something else satisfieth you are contented to be here always if you do not send your desires thither before you can get thither The Apostle saith I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ which is much more better Phil. 1.23 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If you count it better to be there than elsewhere your Souls will begroaning to be there and longing to be there For we are always longing for that which is better chiefly best of all There is the best estate the best work the best company all is better But if you do not think it so though it be best in itself yet if not best to you you will not long for it but if you count it best is it so difficult to bring you earnestly to desire it 4thly The three Theological Graces imply it Faith Hope and Love Therefore we must seek and earnestly desire it These Graces 1 Cor. 13.13 Faith Hope and Charity 1 Thes. 5.8 1. Faith They that believe that there is another sort of life infinitely more desirable than that which we now enjoy will find their affections stirred towards it for sound persuasion sheweth its self in answerable affections Heb. 11.13 If we did believe that when this
is of this Nature and when it is strong and vigorous it will make strong and mighty impressions upon the heart no opposition will extinguish it Waters will quench fire but nothing will quench this love Rom. 8.37 Nay in all those things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us There are two sorts of tryals that ordinarily carry away Souls from Christ the first is from the left hand from crosses these carry away some but not all though the stony ground could not yet the thorny ground could abide the heat of the Sun yet the Second sort of tryals the cares of the World the deceitfulness of riches and voluptuous living which are the Temptations of the right hand will draw away unmortified Souls and choak the Word Pleasures Honours Riches are a more strong and subtile sort of Temptations than the other But yet these are too weak to prevail with that heart which hath a sincere love to Christ planted in it They will not be tempted and inticed away from Christ If a man would give all the substance of his house such a Soul will be faithful to Christ and these offers and treaties are in vain If love be true and powerful 't is not easily ensnared but rejects the allurements of the World and the flesh with an holy disdain and indignation all as dung and dross that would tempt it from Christ Phil. 3.9 And these essays to cool it and divert it and draw it away are to no purpose Well then this warm love to Christ is the hold and bulwark that maintaineth Christs Interest in the Soul The Devil the World and the Flesh batter it and hope to throw it down but they cannot nothing else will serve the turn in Christs room 3. Whence love to Christ cometh to have such a force upon us or which is all one how so forcible a love is wrought in us I answer 1. Partly by the worth of the object And 2. Partly by the manner how it is considered by us and applyed to us 1. From the worth of the object When we consider what Christ is what he hath done for us and what love he hath shewed therein how can we choose but love with such a constraining unconquerable love as to stick at no difficulty and danger for his sake The circumstances which do most affect our hearts are these our Condition and Necessity when he came to shew this love to us we were guilty sinners in a lost and lapsed estate and so altogether hopeless unless some means were used for our recovery kindness to them that are ready to perish doth most affect them Oh how should we love Christ who are as men fetched up from the Gates of Hell under sentence of condemnation when we were in our blood Ezek. 16. Had sold our selves to Satan Isa. 52.3 Cast away the mercies of our Creation and had all come short of the Glory of God Rom. 3.23 When sentenced to death John 3.18 And ready for execution Eph. 2.3 Then did Christ by a wonderful act of love step in to rescue and recover us Not staying till we relented and cryed for mercy but before we were sensible of our misery or regarded any remedy then the Son of God came to die for us 2. The astonishing way in which our deliverance was brought about by the incarnation death shame blood and agonies of the Son of God Who was set up in our natures as a glass and pledge of Gods great love to us 1 John 3.16 Hereby perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us We had never known so much of the love of God had it not been for this instance He shewed love to us in Creation in that he gave us a reasonable Nature when he might have made us Toads and Serpents He sheweth love to us in our daily sustentation in that he keepeth us at his expence though we do him so little service and do so often offend him But herein was love that the Son of God himself must hang upon a cross and become a propitiation for our sins We now come to learn by this instance that God is love 1 John 4.8 What was Jesus Christ but love incarnate love born of a Virgin love hanging upon a cross laid in the grave love made sin love made a curse for us 3. The consequent benefits I 'le name three to which all the rest may be reduced 1. Justification of our persons Rom. 5.1 Being justified by faith we have peace with God And Eph. 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins And Rom. 5.9 Being justified by his blood we are saved from wrath through him To be at present upon good terms with God and capable of Communion with him and access to him with assurance of welcome and audience To have all acts of hostility cease this is to stop mischief at the fountain head For if God be at peace with us of whom should we be afraid Then to have sin pardoned which is the great ground of our bondage and terror that which blasteth all our comforts and maketh them unsavory to us and is the venom and sting of all our crosses and miseries the great make-bate between God and us Once more to be freed from the fear of Hell and the Wrath of God which is so deservedly terrible to all serious persons that are mindful of their Condition So that we may live in an holy security and peace Oh how should we love the Lord Jesus who hath procured these benefits for us 2. To have our natures sanctified and healed and freed from the stain of sin as well as the guilt of it and to have Gods impress imprinted upon our Souls this is also consequent of the death of Jesus Christ Eph. 5.26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of water And Titus 2.14 Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works So that being delivered from the thraldom of sin which is a great ease to a burdened Soul and fitted for the service of God for Christ came to make a people ready for the Lord to be cleansed from all filthiness of flesh and Spirit and to have a Nature Divine and heavenly Let diseased Souls desire worldly greatness swine take pleasure in the mire and ravenous beasts feed on dung and carrion An inlarged Soul must have those higher blessings and looketh upon holiness not only as a duty but a great priviledge to be made like God and made serviceable to him This is that which indears their hearts to Christ he hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood that we might be Kings and Priests unto God Revel 1.5 3. Eternal Life and Glory 1 John 3.1 2. Behold what manner of love the Father hath shewed us That we should be called the Sons of God It doth