ignorance and ingratitude speaking out of the ardencie of his affection in a patheticall manner to them If thou hadst knowne thou that art the head Citie of Judah the habitation of God in respect of his Temple a holy Citie in respect of thy profession the lampe and light of the Church in respect of the residence of the Priests and Prophets in that place and yet shee knew not the things belonging to her peace Much common knowledge is often attended with damnable and damning ignorance they had been often punished wasted embondaged againe restored Christ came preached proffered salvation but they knew not Christ as the Sonne of God Isa 53.2 as the Prince of peace to reverence him but despised him as one that had no forme nor comelinesse they knew him not as the Way Ioh. 14.6 the Truth the Life by a lively faith to lay hold upon him as the Prophet from whom they were to receive instruction as their husband in regard of love and affection as their Lord and Master in regard of subjection And because they did not so know acknowledge receive him the things belonging to their peace were hidden from them Many things might here bee noted but their unprofitablenesse ingratitude rebellion under so great meanes afforded them being that for which our Saviour Christ did chiefly lament and weepe over them and for which especially hee did upbraid them you may see that The estate of that person or people is very dolefull Doct. which continueth barren and unprofitable under the plentifull and powerfull meanes of salvation whether it bee a publicke nation a private congregation or particular person which thrives not under the meanes of life their estate is much to be bewailed This is manifest by our Saviours commination c Math. 11.20 21. Woe bee unto thee Chorazin woe bee unto thee Bethsaida if the mighty workes which have been done in thee had been done in Tyre and Sydon they would have repented long agoe in sackcloth and ashes therefore it shall bee easier for Sodome and Gomorrah in the day of judgement then for thee Where God hath most abounded in his goodness he will be most severe in his punishments if the people remaine unfruitfull abused mercie is the forerunner of the greatest misery the impure conversation of the people the heavy judgements ready to surprize them for their barrennesse disobedience and prosligate kinde of life under the plentifull meanes of grace ministred to them caused the Prophet to wish Ier. 9.1 that his head were teares and his eyes a fountaine to weep day and night for the daughter of his people And for this another Prophet crieth out Woe is me Mic. 7.1 2 for I am as when they have gathered Summer fruit as the grape gleanings of the vintage there is no cluster to eate The good man is perished out of the earth there is none upright among men c. And thus the Lord expressed as in a type by a girdle bought Ier. 23.1 girt about the Prophets loines and afterwards rotten by the river Euphrates and so cast away as good for nought that Israel might see how God had brought them out of Egypt exalted them above all nations joyned them neere unto himselfe as a girdle about his loynes but in the multitude of their prerogatives and priviledges they corrupted themselves grew obstinate and were rejected of the Lord and the estate of such people is very dolefull First in regard of Frustration they having frustrated the labours of Gods faithfull Ministers all the work of their Ministery in regard of any saving good to their soules hath been as the powring of water upon the rocke the sowing of seed upon the sand the lighting of a candle to the blinde As David said of his labour and care about Nabal 1 Sam. 25.21 In vaine have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wildernesse So may the Lord say In vaine have I set my Ministers as watchmen upon their walls in vaine have they like husbandmen planted manured watered the soules of the people and there is no fruit Thus the flower of the Prophets in the person of Christ Jesus complained of old Isâ— 49.4 I have laboured in vaine I have spent my strength for nought Secondly in regard of Inexcusablenesse they have no cloake for their sinne they cannot say as Abimilech did in another case to Saul 1 Sam 22.15 Thy servant knew noâ—hing of all this lesse or more The presence of the meanes of grace amongst them is a great aggravation of their corruption their sin without the means is not simply but comparatively no sinne Ioh. 15.22 2 Cor. 3.10 As the glory of the Law though very glorious had no glory as the Apostle speaketh in this respect by reason of the glory of the Gospel which excelleth so that which was sinne before though very great sinne yet was no sinne in comparison of their sinne now joyning malice and wilfull obstinacie to their ignorance Thirdly in regard of Perversion They are by accident made the worse by the meanes of life As some diseased eyes are made the more blinde through the brightnesse of the light some stomackes are made more sicke by good physicke So accidentally through the great strength and power of their corruption the Word is made the savour of death to death to some Plutarch relates of the Tygers Si quis tympanis circumsonet in rabiem aguntur adeo ut seipsas denique discerpant And thus many people of a savage disposition are disquieted perplexed inraged to heare the sweet and heavenly musicke which the Word maketh Fourthly in regard of Desertion The Lord will leave such a people as a Physician doth the Sick Ier. 51.9 Isa 5.3 4. which are incurable the Husbandman the Field which after much cost paine care labour remaineth still barren the Lord will leave such to Satan to blinde and harden them to deceivers to seduce to the allurements of the world to ensnare them to their owne lusts to rule over them to hell at last to swallow them Fifthly in regard of Condemnation These shall have the greatest condemnation the more favours the more torments Capernaum that was exalted to heaven temporally Mat. 11.25 excelling all the cities of Galilee in greatnesse noblenesse worldly fulnesse exalted to heaven spiritually in regard of Christs bodily presence preaching miracles which hee wrought there for her ingratitude obstinacie plenitude of all profanenesse is brought downe to hell in regard of temporall devastation and everlasting destruction This by way of humiliation Use must teach every one of us to acknowledge and bewaile our barrennesse obstinacie disobedience under that plentifull meanes of grace which God doth minister to us and to humble our selves under the mighty hand of God for it 1 Sam. 1.10 Hanna was much grieved in great b tternesse of soule considering the barrennesse of her womb and shee prayed and wept sore let us in like
discover nor cure the disease of the soule And as sometime the Lord said of the Egyptians Å¿ Isa 30.2 The Egyptians shall helpe in vaine and to no purpose their strength is to fit still so may wee of all humane carnal doctrines they help in vain and to no purpose they can doe nothing by way of mortification to sin by way of corroboration against Satans temptations by way of pacification in quieting the conscience In such cases their strength is to sit still they doe not profit the receivers of them It is but the sowing of chaffe that brings forth no fruit or feeding on huskes that ministers no strength a labour which doth not t Ier. 2.8 profit He that lookes beyond or beside Christ for light to direct him his labour is altogether unprofitable In regard of the foolishnesse of man to step aside from Christ and cleave to humane observations Every man reputes it a foolish thing for a man that hath a full fountaine to seeke water out of an empty pit for him that hath the Sunne shining upon him to light a Candle to guide him It was great folly in the men of Schechem to refuse u Iud. 9.9 the Vine the Olive and the Figge-tree and choose the Bramble to leave the sonnes of Jerubbaal and choose Abimelech to reigne over them What is Christ but a living fountaine a bright and shining Sunne a Vine an Olive a Figge-tree full of all light replenished with the greatest fulnesse of all divine and heavenly fruit And what are humane doctrines and observations but an empty pit a very snuffe that gives no light a barren bramble that beares no good fruit Man never more manifests his foolishnesse then in leaving the Lord Jesus w Ier. 2.11 12 13. Hath any nation saith the Lord changed their gods which are yet no gods But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit Bee astonished O yee heavens at this and be horribly afraid bee yee very desolate saith the Lord for my people have committed two great evils they have forsaken mee the fountaine of living waters and hewed them out cisternes broken cisternes that can hold no water Who is the fountaine of living waters but God and his Christ What are the broken cisternes but humane inventions which have no water of life in them Who is censured in the Parable as a foole but he that left the Rock and built upon the Sand Who is the Rock but Christ What is the Sand but the vaine and idle observations of men And who so foolish as he that leaves the former and builds his faith and salvation upon the latter Hee is certainly in Gods account a man of no understanding that leaves Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of true wisedome In regard of perill It is very dangerous to leave Christ and adhere to rotten doctrines and empty devices It is dangerous to the Sheepe to leave the Shepheard and apply himselfe to the Wolfe to the sicke to leave the wise and faithfull Physician and put himselfe into his hands who is both ignorant and deceitfull What are the Teachers of corrupt doctrine but x Mat. 7.15 Wolves in sheeps clothing and y Ier. 6.14 false Physicians who heale the disease of the daughter of Gods people deceitfully The men of Israel exposed themselves to great danger when they left David their true King and z 2 Sam. 20.2 followed Sheba that blew the trumpet of rebellion The man that leaves Christ and followes them that blow the trumpet of vaine and idle Omne quod non aedificat audientes in periculum vertitur auâ—ientum Ierom carnall and unsound doctrine exposeth his soule to the danger of infection seduction and utter ruine Unsound doctrines are instruments of great prejudice to their receivers the bait by which Satan like a Fowler allures them the snare in which like a Hunter he intangles and takes them The Prince of darknesse hath no such agents as deceitfull Teachers he doth more advance his kingdome and bring greater ruine to the soules of the people by bad seeds-men then by the men of any one calling besides them a lying speech out of the mouth of an a 1 Kings 13.8.19 old Prophet prevails draws to disobedience more then a Kings perswasion Satan ordinarily workes the greatest mischiefe by being a b 1 Kings 22.22 lying spirit in the mouth of some Prophet The state of mans soule is very dangerous that stickes not close to Christ Jesus CHAP. III. Disclosing the folly of not cleaving to and contenting our selves with Christ but going aside to vaine inventions THis discovers the vanity of their minds the folly of their hearts the perill of their soules who cleave not to Christ who rest not quiet not content not themselves in Christ and his fulnesse but step out goe aside turne away from Christ to vaine doctrines humane devices and carnall observations like the two c 2 Sam. 15.11 12. hundred men of Ierusalem that turned aside from David and went after Absolom As they went in the simplicity of their hearts so these in the folly of their soules As they knew not any thing so these know not any thing truly and savingly of God of Christ of the deceit of Satan of the danger of their estate and doing As they took unto themselves Achitophel a Counsellour of David so these take unto themselves some Teacher some Minister who by calling is one of Gods Counsellours one that should plead Gods cause and open Gods counsel And as their conspiracy was strong against David so is these mens conspiracie strong against God against his truth against the good of their owne soules Hee that cleaves to corrupt doctrine conspires against Christ and his owne salvation And whence is it that falshood is more welcome then truth a man that comes in his d Ioh. 5.43 Five Grounds hereof owne name more acceptable then hee that comes in Gods name but first from the dominion and fulnes of corruptioÌ„ A deformed face pleaseth it selfe in a deceitfull glasse the malefactor rejoyceth to heare of a corrupt Judge some diseased stomackes desire to feed on ashes a rotten heart and a rotten doctrine are very suteable Ahab having e 1 Kings 22. sold himselfe to commit wickednesse was very attentive to the false Prophets Men saith our Saviour f Ioh. 3.19.20 love darknesse rather then light because their deeds are evill Hee that doth evill hateth the light neither commeth hee to the light lest his deeds should bee reproved Iob saith of Theeves g Iob 24.17 The morning is to them as the shadow of death if one know them they are in the terrours of the shadow of death To men that rob God by their impieties the morning the truth which shineth forth like the h 2 Pet. 1.19 Morning starre is as the shadow of death if one know them if the Minister detect and lay open
one that thirsteth come yee to the waters and hee that hath no money come buy and eate yea come buy wine and milke without money and without price Sometimes to a Fountaine in whom is all plenty of water Sometimes to the Å¿ Cant. 2. â— Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the vallies for the surpassing beautie and transcendent excellencie of graces in himsâ—lfe and for the sweet and plentifull pleasant and delightfull communication of himselfe to the soules of his people Sometime to the Apple tree among the trees of the wood for his dignity worth and excellencie above other persons as the Apple tree excells the trees of the Forrest in comfortablenesse of shadow sweetnesse of smell pleasantnesse and plenty of fruit and the Spouse describing thâ— height fulnesse and perfection of the excellencies of Christ her Bridegroome saith of him thâ—t hee is t 〈◊〉 â— 5 white and ruddy the fairest of ten thousand white for his innocencie in himselfe for his victory peace joy and comfort in his God and for his administration of grace and mercie to penitent and beleeving sinners and ruddy for the imputation of our sinne unto him for his suffering and for his justice to punish his enemies and the fairest of ten thousand for his beauty majesty authoritie worth and fulnesse surpassing all Men and Angels The Lord Jesus is exceeding glorious in the eyes of his unfained friends and lovers hee is indeed beautifull onely in their eyes who love him The more man loves him the more cleare and comfortable is his apprehension of that fâ—â—â—esse which is in him This perfection and fulnesse of Christ was shadowed in the high Priest being washed with u Exod. 29.7 water and annointed with holy oyle signifying Christs sanctity and his unction with the oyle of gladnesse above his fellowes The high Priest having his loynes w Exod. 28.2 covered with cleane linnen his body gloriously apparelled and a holy crowne upon his head signifying the clothing of Christs humanity with true holinesse the adorning of it with perfect righteousnesse and the crowning thereof with Majesty as King of his chosen This was likewise figured by the Temple that was a stately and glorious edifice full of light in it was the Arke there God appeared and filled it with his glory so is the fabrick of Christs humane nature immaculate and spotlesse full of heavenly knowledge the full treasure of true wisedome grace and knowledge being hidden in him the God-head personally there x Ioh. 1.14 dwelling and filling him with all grace and glory This was also signified in y Gen. 39.6 Ioseph Ioseph was a beautifull person Christ is fairer then the children of men There was none like Ioseph in understanding and wisedome in whom the Spirit of God was as in him Vers 38. there is noâ—â— comparable to Christ in wisedome Men and Angels are his Schollers Ioseph was set over the whole land in generall over the Kings house in speciall Christ is Lord of the whole earth but chiefly over Gods Church Ioseph had the custody of the Kings garner and therewith fed all Egypt other nations Christ hath all the fulness of God and therewith feedeth Jew and Gentile the beleevers of all nations And such fulnesse of Christ was requisite Three grounds of Christs fulnesse In regard of the dignity of his person As the second person he was the Sonne of God by eternall generation as Man hee was the Sonne of God by grace of hypostaticall union Christ is nearer unto God then Saints or Angels and by how much hee commeth neerer to God then all creatures by so much hee participates more of Gods fulnesse Christ is the Sonne of God after a more high and eminent way then others hee is the Sonne of God by eternall generation others are the sonnes of God by regeneration Christ is the Sonne of God by naturall generation wee are the sonnes of God by voluntary dispensation Christ is the Sonne of God begotten of the essence of the Father very God of very God wee are the sonnes of God begotten not of his essence but by the operation of his Spirit Christ is the proper and onely begotten Sonne of the Father wee are the adopted sonnes of God not borne sonnes by nature but made sonnes by grace Many of us saith * Mulli nos filii Dei sed non talis hic filius est hic enim verus proprius filius est orgine non adoptione veritate non nuncupatione Hilary are sonnes of God but this Sonne is not such for this Sonne is a true and proper Sonne by originall not by adoption by truth not by nuncupation by birth not by creation and who doth inherit his Fathers fulnesse but the Sonne the beloved Sonne the onely begotten Sonne the Sonne of the Fathers delights Thou art my Sonne saith God the Father unto Christ this day have I begotten thee there is his eternall generation Aske of mee and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession there is the fulnes of the gift communicated to him Ioseph gave portions to all his brethren but to Benjamin a portion five times as good as what hee gave the residue God gives blessed and liberall portions to all his adopted sonnes but Christs portion doth farre excell them their receivings are from and through him hee is the z Heb. 1.4 heire of all more excellent then the Angels having obtained a more a Hâ—b 1.4 excellent name then they as the name of a Sonne is more excellent then the name of a Servant and the name of a King more excellent then the name of a Subject Christ is both Sonne and King farre above Men and Angels in all divine fulnesse b Heb. 1.3 being the brightnesse of his Fathers glory and express image of his Fathers person upholding all things by the Word of his power having by himselfe purged our sinnes and sate down at the right hand of Majestie on high In regard of divine Ordination God hath appointed to convey all fulnesse of grace by Christ unto his chosen God hath ordained to convey all fulnesse of light to the aire by the Sunne and therefore hath put a great fulnesse of light into the Sunne all fulnesse of nourishment to the branches by the roots and therefore hath put a fulnesse of juyce into the roots In like sort he hath appointed to communicate all gracious and heavenly fulnesse to the soules of men by Christ hee hath given him to bee the c Ephes 1.22 head over all things to the Church The head is above the members rules the members and communicates sense and motion to the members Christ hath preheminence above all the members of his Church rules and guides them communicates spirituall sense and motion to them And the Father saith Saint Iohn hath d Joh. 5.20 committed all judgement to the Sonne the judgement
his name is called Wonderfull Isay 9.1 Counsellour the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Wonderfull for the admirable union of two natures in one person for his wonderfull conception and birth of a Virgine and Wonderfull for the administration of his kingdome wonderfully saving his servants wonderfully destroying his enemies Counsâ—llour for the wisedome which he revealeth and counsell which hee giveth the elect by the Gospel making them wise unto salvation The mighty God for the miracles hee wrought the donation of the Spirit and regeneration of Gods chosen The everlasting Father for the life of grace and glory which hee ministers to all true beleevers And the Prince of Peace for the peace which hee makes between God and his chosen for the concord which hee workes between Gods children and the heavenly tranquillity which hee puts into the consciences of contrite and broken-hearted sinners The names of the Lord Iesus are Characters full of wonders in the eyes of all beleevers and beames ministring the heavenly light of wisedome and consolation to all that come unto him Sometimes he is figuratively stiled a Head Eph. 1.22 for the excellency dignity and eminency of his condition above others as the head is the most noble and eminent above all the members for his mysticall conjunction with true beleevers direction gubernation protection which hee ministers to them and for the communication of all spirituall life sense motion and every good thing to Gods children Sometimes hee is stiled a Rocke 1 Cor. 10.4 1 Pet. 2 5. and the head stone of the corner for his conjunction of Jew and Gentile in one Church and for his might in sustaining all such as are by a lively faith built a spirituall house upon him Sometimes hee is called a Lyon the Lyon of the tribe of Juda Rev. 5.5 for his principality and eminence as the Lyon is the King of all beasts for his vigilancie as the Lyon sleeps with his eyes open Christ is a keeper that never sleeps for his power efficacie in plucking us out of the mouth of the roaring Lyon the Divel for his custody keeping us as the Lyon his whelps for the terrour he casts upon the hearts of his enemies by the preaching of his word as the Lyon by his voyce makes all the beasts to tremble and by the raising of his chosen unto life as the Lyon by his cry awakens his young which sleepe Sometimes hee is called the Sunne Mal. 4.2 the Sunne is the Prince of the Starres Christ is the Prince of the Kings of the earth the Sunne is the eye of the world Christ of the Church the Sunne conferreth light with his beames Christ conferres the light of knowledge faith and all grace to the soule the Sunne is in the midst of the planets Christ is a middle person betweene God and man Christ gives the light of glory to the Saints above the light of grace to beleevers here beneath The Sunne warmes the earth Christ the heart with his divine love the Sun makes the earth fertile Christ makes the soule fruitfull the Sunne casts his light upon the poore mans cottage as well as on the kings palace Christ shines as clearely and comfortably unto the heart of the poorest as of the richest Christian Sometimes he is stiled a Bridegroome a husband 2 Cor. 11.2 for his dominion over despensation and betrothment with and singular affection to his Spouse the Church for his protection nutrition communication of honour to the children of God for his entire union with acquisition of his Spouse Sampson and David obtained their Brides by shedding the bloud of their enemies Christ hath obtained his Spouse by shedding his owne bloud and dissolving the workes of the Divell his their adversary Most excellent is the authority dignity majesty power beauty wisedome love and chiefest goodnesse shining forth to the soules of Gods servants in and through the names of Chrâ—st Jesus Foure excellencies in Christ on which men are to fasten the eyes of their faith 1. Excellency of dominion Let us therfore lock and fasten the eies of our faith First upon the excellency of Christs dominion behold him reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords and vaile and bow to him As Pharaoh put all the people of his land from the lowest to the highest under Joseph because none was excellent as Joseph so let us put all the faculties of our soules and all the members of our bodies the whole man under Christ let all be subject and serviceable unto Christ let all be ruled and guided by Christ Christ hath absolute and most excellent authority over us and therefore as all that travell in the day are guided by the Sunne as all Israel were guided by the pillar as all the members of the body are guided by the head so let us in all things be guided by Christ Mat. 8.8 let us goe and come at Christs command as the souldiers did at the command of the Centurion All mans goings are aberrations if he be not guided by Christ Iesus nothing is wel done but that which answers Christs direction they that walke after their owne fancies walke in darkenesse It is recorded of the wheeles in Ezekiels vision Ezek. 1.21 that when the living creatures went the wheeles went and when the living creatures stood the wheeles stood when the living creatures were lifted up the wheeles were lifted up over against them for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheeles Thus let our motion station be according to Christs prescription having as the Psalmist saith Psa 40.8 the law of the Lord in our hearts And as Christ hath excellent dominion so let us feele him reigning and ruling within us by illumination as the Sun doth rule the day by filling the aire with light by subjugation putting under all our unruly lusts as Iosua ruled in Canaan by treading upon the neckes of the kings of Canaan and putting them to death by direction and guidance of our souls to move aright in the wayes of God as the pilot doth guide the ship by love as the husband doth rule the wife by inhabitation possession as the dweller doth rule the house by gracious heavenly influence as the hand doth guide the pen and the load-stone doth turne and draw the iron towards it It is the glory of mans heart to become the Throne of Christ the honour of mans life to bee wholly subject unto Christ it is a far greater honor to be Christs * Bonus obediens domini servus proximi socius mundi dominus superiora habet ad gaudium aequalia ad consortium inferiora ad sâ—rviâ—ium Bern. gracious servant then the worlds profane commander Hee that is most spiritually subject is most truly excellent of all men he hath the choycest dominion that yeelds to Christ most ready free subjection Every thing shall serve him who readily serves
in title to all Gods promises in the acceptation of their persons and services in and for Christ Eph. 1.6 Christ being the Beloved in whom they are accepted And hence we learne that Doct. There is a spirituall and heavenly perfection and fulnesse in Gods faithfull servants Sorts of perfection a fulnesse of inchoation but not of consummation as there is a fulnesse of light begun in the aire in the dawning of the day a fulnesse of parts but not of degrees as there is a fulnesse of members in an infant as well as in a man in respect of parts though not in respect of full growth a fulnesse of truth and uprightnesse though not of absolutenesse The least dramme of gold and drop of water is as truly gold and water as all the gold in the Kings Treasure or all the water in the deep Sea a fulnesse in respect of intention Phil. 3.12 though not of acquisition they set perfection as a marke before them they presse to it though they have not yet fully attained a fulnesse of duration though not of fruition they doe not faile and fall like Hasael 2 Sam. 2.23 by the way but like good travellers they goe from strength to strength untill they appeare before the Lord in Sion Psa 84.7 though they do not yet enjoy the end of their calling a fulnesse in respect of extention they mortifie all lusts they depart from every evill way they allow themselves in no sinne though they cannot wholly abolish any sinne they have an eye to all Gods precepts and walke in all Gods ordinances though they limpe and halt a little as Iacob did in his travell after hee had obtained the blessing This perfection and fulness of Gods Saints and Servants was shadowed in the Arke as it was a type of the Church the Arke had a crowne of gold about it Exod. 25.10 11. the Church the faithfull servants of the Lord are crowned with divers gifts and graces here and shall bee with the crowne of glory hereafter The Arke had foure proportionable dimensions the faithfull servants of Christ have the depth of faith the height of hope the latitude of charitie and the longitude of perseverance abounding as the Apostle saith in every thing 2 Cor. 8.7 in faith in utterance in knowledge in all diligence and love The Candlestick in the Sanctuary had seven lamps Exod. 25.31.37 and many branches adorned with bowles knops and flowers the Church and faithfull servants of God are replenished with fulnesse of divine and heavenly light and beautified with the gracious workes of the Spirit Isai 11.9 this was prophesied The earth the faithfull people of God on earth shall bee full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea abundantly replenished with all the gifts of God and this the Lord signified by the mouth of the Psalmist Psa 72.16 saying There shall be an handfull of corne in the earth on the top of the mountaines the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon and flourish like the grasse of the earth A prophesie of the plentifull preaching of the Gospel abundant communication of divine and saving gifts to men a large encrease of the number of beleevers and sweet consolations arising in the soules of men upon their freedome from the power of Satan and their owne corruption under Christs kingdome And this perfection fulnes of the servants of God is expressed somtimes by the beauty of the Lillies of the valley Cant. 2.2 Cant. 6.10 sometimes by the brightnesse of the Sunne the Moone and the Morning sometimes by the glory and rich attire of a Queene clothed with gold of Ophir Psal 45.9 13 14. and a needle wrought garment sometimes by a body washed with water Ezek. 16. and anointed with oyle clâ—thed with broidred worke shod with a Badgers skinne girded about with fine linnen covered with silke decked with ornaments having bracelets upon the hands and a chain on the necke signifying the riches fulnesse splendor beauty and admirable excellencie of those graces with which the Lord adorns the soules of his servants grace and holinesse making Gods children surpassingly beautiful That soule is most comely and beautifull which hath the greatest measure of sanctification This is likewise symbolized by the waters comming forth under the threshold of the Temple rising higher and higher Ezek. 47.5 untill they grew so deepe that a man might swim in them and for this the children of God are termed Cant. 4.2 a flocke of Sheepe even shorne come up from the washing every one bearing twinnes none barren among them for this they are stiled a Garden inclosed a Spring shut up a Fountaine sealed an Orchard of Pomegranats with pleasant fruits a Tree planted by the waters side Psa 92.12 whose leafe doth not fade trees bearing more fruit in their old age It is the propertie of Gods children to grow to more perfection their corruptions like the house of Saul 2 Sam. 3.1 growing weaker and weaker and their graces like the house of David waxing stronger and stronger and the Scripture speakes of them plainly testifying that they are full of goodness Rom. 15.14 as the starres are full of light and good trees full of good fruit full of piety towards God full of charity towards man full of knowledge in Gods will full of faith in Gods promises full of godly sorrow for their offences full of humility meeknesse for their low opinion of themselves readiness to put their neckes under the yoke of Gods precepts Phil. 1.11 Full of the fruits of righteousnesse as the fields are full of all sorts of fruit in the day of harvest Col. 4.12 Perfect and full in the will of God in the knowledge and observance of it as a good servant is full in knowing and obeying his masters will as a good traveller is full in his way knowing it and going on fully in it with all his strength with all cheerfulness and with all stedfastnesse Yea Eph. 3.19 filled with all the fulnesse of God not with the fulnesse of his essence but of his operations and communications of grace to the soules of men With the fulnesse of his will Col. 1.9 being filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisedome and spirituall understanding With the fulnesse of his promises beleeving them and drawing waters of consolation from them with the bucket of faith as from so many Wells of comfort With the fulnesse of his love as the the childe with the love of the parent feeling the love of God shed abroad in their hearts With the fulnesse of his gifts as the aire is full of the light of the Sunne With the fulnesse of his Christ who filleth all things in all men And thus wee see there is a spirituall and heavenly fulnesse in the Lords servants Ephes 1. CHAP. XVII Laying downe foure grounds of the Saints
perfection 1. Union with Christ IN regard of union with and incorporation into Christ They are united unto Christ as branches to the vine the vine is of the same nature with the branches so is Christ as man of the same nature with beleevers the branches have their originall from the vine beleevers are begotten againe by Christ to a lively hope the branches are supported nourished and filled by the vine so are all true beleevers by Christ Rom. 12.5 They are united unto Christ as members to the head the head communicates sense and motion to all the members of the body Christ communicates spirituall life sense and motion a heavenly fulnesse of all good things to the members of his mysticall body They are united unto Christ as the bride unto the bridegroome Hos 2.19 they are betrothed unto him for ever the wife by her wedlocke participates of the name honour dignity and earthly fulnesse of her husband the Church by spirituall wedlocke with Christ partakes of the name honour dignity and heavenly fulnesse of Christ As man and wife are one matrimoniall flesh 1 Cor. 12.12 so are Christ and his members one mysticall Christ In regard of proportion 2. Proportion betweene Saints and Christ There is a naturall proportion and likenesse betweene the head and the members betweene the parent and the child betweene the Sunne and the aire enlightned by the Sunne and thus there is a spirituall proportion between Christ and all such as like living members are enlivened by him like children are begotten of him and savingly enlightned by him as the Sunne doth enlighten the aire There is a gracious proportion and answerablenesse betweene Christ and all Gods faithfull servants as betweene the Sunne and the Starres in the firmament as betweene the King and the Queene in the Court as betweene the father and the children in the family they are holy as hee is holy in proportion 1 Pet. 1.15 Rom. 8.29 in imitation in quality but not in adequation degree and equality they are conformed unto Christ in sanctification and in suffering Christ hath fulnesse above measure they have fulnesse in measure In Christ is fulnesse as in the fountaine in them as in the cisterne 3 Christs communication to the Saints In regard of Communication The Sun communicates light unto all the Starres the Sea waters to all the Rivers Christ hath not received for himselfe alone but for all his members Joseph had not the fulnesse of Egypt for himselfe alone but for all the people of the land to dispense to them according to their severall necessities God hath put all fulnesse into Christ and through Christ hee doth dispense the same to us God saith S. Paul hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings in heavenly places in Christ Ephes 1.3 with knowledge justification remission adoption sanctification and all spirituall riches in Christ God dispenseth all his fulnesse by Christ Jesus to his servants As the Angels came downe by Jacobs ladder so doe all the gifts of God come downe to the soule of man by Christ Of his fulnesse wee doe all receive Ioh. 1.16 Ioh. 17.8 grace for grace The words saith Christ which thou gavest mee I have given them the words of precept to direct them the words of promise to sustaine them the words of life to quicken them the words of peace to comfort them what thou hast revealed and given to me as Mediator have I revealed and communicated unto them as their teacher and Saviour In regard of Imputation 4. Imputation of Christ Christ with all his benefites is imputed to beleevers their sinnes are imputed unto him and his righteousnesse is imputed unto them Hee that knew no sinne 2 Cor. 5.11 was made sinne for us that wee might bee made the righteousnesse of God in him not our righteousnesse but the righteousnesse of God not in us but in Christ As Josua the high Priest had his filthy garments taken from him Zach. 3. and was clothed with change of raiment so is our sinne like a filthy garment put from us and wee are clothed with Christs righteousnesse as with a rich and royall robe and wee are to put on Christ to justification being through faith clothed and covered with Christ his perfect innocencie and holinesse of nature and actions as with a garment to appeare holy and unblameable without spot or wrinkle before God And wee are also said to put on Christ to sanctification Rom. 13. being decked and adorned with the gifts and fruits of his Spirit as with jewels ornaments Yee are of God saith Saint Paul elected 1 Cor. 1.30 called regenerated by his Spirit All things are of God by creation elect beleevers by the grace of adoption and regeneration Yee are of him in Christ elected in Christ before the foundation of the world In Christ who is made unto us of God wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption Made unto us of God not by creation but by ordination Wisedome the authour and teacher of wisedome revealing to us the counsell of his Father touching our salvation and making us wise by giving us the spirit of illumination Righteousnesse our Justifier making us righteous through his righteousnesse imputed to us Sanctification our Sanctifier regenerating and renewing us by the worke of his Spirit Redemption by his merit and efficacie freeing us from the power of Satan the dominion of our corruption and death eternall He is our Wisedome as a Prophet our Justification and Sanctification as a Priest our Redemption as a King Hee is our Righteousnesse Imputativè by way of imputation hee is our Wisedome Sanctification and Redemption Effectivè by way of inherent and gracious operation Christ saith * Christus factus est nobis sapientia in praedicatione justitia in peccatorum absolutione sanctificatio in conversatione redemptio in passione Bernard is made unto us Wisedome in preaching Righteousnesse in the absolution of sinne Sanctification in conversation and Redemption in his passion Christ saith * Liberans ab errore peccatorum dimisâ—ione per spiritum paracletum Two sorts of men excluded from Christ and the number of his Saints Theophilact maketh us wise freeing us from errour hee maketh us wise by forgivenesse of sinnes he sanctifieth us by his Spirit the Comforter And thus he â— parteth to us perfect redemption or dâ—â—â—â—aâ—ce from all evils and thus it appeâ—â—eâ— that there is a spirituall and heavenly perfection and fulnesse in all the Lords servants This shewes how great strangers they are to Christ how farre from the number of Gods faithfull servants First who are empty of all saving grace whose soules like the foolish virgins lamps are empty of all spirituall and heavenly oyle whose hearts are an empty house I. Matth. 25. Rom. 7.18 Hos 10.1 wherein dwelleth no divine and saving good whose lives are as the Prophet said of Israel an empty vine bringing forth to themselves to the flesh but not
to God empty of the knowledge of God as the eyes of the blind are of light having no wisedome to discerne the things which differ any more then a blind man can discerne of colours empty of faith as Jeroboams withered hand was empty of strength having no power to beleeve to lay hold on Christ and the promise of â—â—â—â—nall life empty of love as a dead mâ—n is empty of heaâ—e It is said of David thâ—â— hee was old and stricken in yeares 〈◊〉 they câ—verâ—d him with clothes but h◠〈…〉 Many such there bee so old 〈…〉 have spent so many yeares in 〈…〉 of the world and in the workâ—◠〈…〉 that though they have much 〈…〉 warme them many sermons â—â—ny â—â—monitions and instructions yet they get no heat no love doth burne within them their soules remaining like an empty chimney wherein is no fire empty they are of all the fruits of righteousnesse as a withered branch is empty of grapes Such men have nothing of Christ in them as the empty cisterne hâ—th nothing in it of the fountain Such men can do nothing to the resisting of Satan no more than an empty hand to the withstanding of the enemy in the battel The unclean Spirit finding the house empty Matth. 12.44 45. entred in with seven others worse then himselfe Such are unprofitable to others in their spirituall distresses like the pits which were empty when the children of the Nobles came unto them in their thirst Jer. 14.3 as an empty lanthorne that gives no light to him that travels in the dark like the fig-tree which bare no fruit when Christ came to it in his hunger Such men know not how to comfort themselves how to sustain and stay themselves in their own distresse they have nothing of God and Christ at home within themselves in their owne hearts but as Hagars bottle was empty had no water in it Gen. 21. neither knew she which way to looke for water to refresh her but sate downe and wept so are their soules empty and when trouble comes upon them they know not which way to looke for comfort they have no anker to stay them in the storme but are as the Psalmist saith of the Mariners in the tempest even at their wits end Psal 107.27 Such men are a dishonour to the Gospel a shame to the Christian profession as an empty Scholar that hath no learning in him is a disgrace to the Schoole or a barren Tree a discredit to the Orchard To such men it may be spoken as once Archidamus spake unto his son rashly conflicting with the Athenians wanting strength to make his part good against them Aut viâ—â—bus aâ—â—e aut animâ—â—s adiâ—â—â— Either adde to thy strength or take from thy boldnesse so must these men either adde to their shew more power of godlinesse in their conversation or cease from their profession For as in warre audaciousnesse without strength is dangerous so in religion profession without practice is scandalous and what is the end of such empty and barren Christians but as the tree that had leaves without fruit was cursed Matth. 21.19 Joh. 15. and the withered branches cast into the fire and burned so the curse and everlasting burning will be these mens last portion 2 This likewise shewes how farre they are from Christ who in stead of spirituall and heavenly fulness have a fulnesse of sin and uncleannesse within them some being full of worldly mindednesse of distracting cares and cogitations as the sluggards field was full of thornes and briars Pro. 24.31 some are full of idolatry and superstition full of errour heresie and corrupt opinions as Baals house was full of Idolaters from one end to the other 2 King 10.21 some are full of fraud and deceit Ier. 5.27 Isa 22.2 as a cage is full of birds some are full of stirres tumults and contentions as the Sea is full of stormes some are full of hypocrisie full of many noisome and filthy lusts as the Pharisees Sepulchres were whited without Matth. 23.27 but full of dead mens bones within some are full of malice wrath and indignation Iam. 3. as the serpents are full of deadly poison some are full of cursing swearing evill speaking as the woman on the scarlet coloured beast was full of the names of blasphemy and the golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness Rev. 17.3.4 and what attends this fulnesse of impiety and profanenesse but fulnesse of shame fulnesse of woes fulnesse of everlasting tortures Fulnesse of vengeance ever waits upon fulnesse of ungodlinesse CHAP. XVIII Evidencing the fulnesse of the Saints by foure Characters or markes with foure motives to labour for fulnesse THis may teach us then duely to examine Use 2 the estate of our soules and to labour for clear and comfortable evidence of this spirituall and heavenly fulnesse The presence of this fulnes will be discerned 1 Fulnesse of resisting evill 1 By the fulnesse of mans resisting and withstanding every temptation every opposition every contradiction of the Divell the World and the Flesh As a Castle full of armour full of men full of fortification full of all provision abides all assaults a tree full of roots abides and holds out against all the gusts and blasts of winds The Arke being pitched within and without full of strength endured all the tossings of the Deluge The man in whom this fulnesse is in the midst of all oppositions as Chrysostome said of Peter is as a man made all of fire walking in stubble he overcomes and consumes all opposition all difficulties are but whetstones to his fortitude all Satans temptations are but firebrands cast into the water all the gainsayings of the world are to him but as the barking of dogs to a traveller all the proffers of the world are base and contemptible the very reproach of Christ is in his eye greater riches then all the treasure of Egypt Heb. 11. the horse neighes at the trumpet the Leviathan laughs at the speare the man that is filled with Christ accounts it all joy to fall into manifold temptations Jam. 1.2 hee is ready to goe through fire and water hee carries his life in his hand he sayes to father and mother I know you not to carnall counsellors and friendly enemies Get you behind me Satan 2 By the fulnesse of answerablenesse to the whole law 2 Fulnesse of answerablenesse to the whole law and will of God where is fulnesse of grace the whole man is put into a holy frame and there is a readinesse to obey every precept as the Centurions souldiers were ready to every command to goe and come to doe this and to do that Mat. 8.8 a readinesse to beleeve every promise as there is a readinesse in the hand to receive every gift a readinesse to embrace every wholesome admonition as there is a readinesse in the eye to receive light from every starre a
home the waters which are drawne out of the Wells of salvation as in firme and sure vessels by engraving upon your hearts as letters written with a pen of Iron or the point of a Diamond that it may never bee blotted out by ruminating and meditating thereupon day and night writing them upon the tables of your hâ—arts Pro. 7.2 3 4. keeping them as the apple of your eye binding them as jewels and precious stones upon your fingers in regard of your affection to them high estimation carefull preservation continuall remembrance of them singular delight in them let them be to you as sisters and kinswomen for your daily commemoration of them familiar communion and acquaintance with them Bee fruitfull in your affections let your love grow as the waters which flowed out under the Temple Ezek. 47.5 1 King 18 44 45. as the Cloud which was first no bigger then a mans hand and at length so great that it covered the whole heavens let it grow to a great love to a flaming and a burning fire a fire so strong that no floods be able to quench it to a love like Jonathans love to David a love surpassing the love of women to their children O love the Lord all ye his Saints Ps 35.23 saith the Psalmist love him with a childs love a friends love a wifes love love him with all manner of love love him purely in regard of the spring whence your love ariseth love him sincerely for the quality love him fervently for the measure love him continually constantly for the time love him universally for the extent love him in his Attributes as a God of power supporting a God of wisedome guiding a God of mercy forgiving love him in his Creatures as an Almighty Maker love him in his Word as a King prescribing lawes of obedience as a friend revealing his counsels declaring the riches of his mercies love him in Christ Jesus as a Father love him in his children as the fountaine of all grace and sanctification Bee fruitfull in all your sufferings As spices the more bruised the more fragrant resemble the fire in Nymphaeus which if we give credit to Pliny imbribus fit ardentior let all your sufferings be as Schoolemasters teaching fires purging trumpets awakening spurres quickning Zac. 10.9 winds driving neerer to God come forth of the fornace of affliction as gold out of the fire be able to say out of experience to Satan tempting to the world hating Gen. 50.20 traducing persecuting as Joseph said to his brethren Ye thought evill against me but God meant it unto good as it is this day Be fruitfull in your Callings Ministers in teaching Magistrates in governing every man in his particular Calling As every member in the body the head eyes hands feet are all profitable in their places so should each of us be fruitfull in the station wherein the Lord hath set us Every wheele in the clock hath his motion doth his part every starre in the firmament sendeth forth his influence giveth his light so must every person in that politicall or ecclesiastical orb where God hath set him abide and be fruitfull 1 Cor. 7.24 6 Be fruitfull in all your Actions in your hearing as fields receiving good seed in your prayers draw some water out of Gods well let not thy prayer returne empty Heb. 10.24 but like Noahs Dove with an olive branch of some comfort in your meetings Consider one another provoke one another to good workes in your speeches let your tongue be as choice silver Pro. 10.20 21. and fruitfull pasture for the purity sincerity profitablenesse enrichment of others feeding filling the hungry rejoycing the sorrowfull strengthening the weake by your gracious communication as by a spirituall banquet in your families let every man wife Luke 1.6 like Zachary and Elizabeth walk in all the ordinances of God and be blameles every master like Abraham Gen. 18.19 command his people to keepe the way of the Lord every servant like Joseph in Potiphars house so religious towards God so observant of his master so faithfull in his Calling that all his undertakings may be prosperous every son and daughter so attentive to the parents instruction so full of grace and godlinesse that they may make glad the hearts of their parents be an ornament to their families as the flowers to the garden every subject so loyall faithfull and obsequious to his Soveraigne that he prove both an honour and strength to the Kingdome every houshold like Philemons house Philem. vers 2. a Church of God in regard of holy instructions there delivered religious duties there observed in regard of the lively faith and holy life of such as live in it thus let us endevour to be fruitfull thus let us grow in grace Hearken beloved how Saint Paul perswades you We beseech you brethren 1 Thes 4.1 and exhort you by the Lord Jesus that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walke and to please God so ye would abound more and more Consider deare Christians how Saint Peter presseth it 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. Giving all diligence adde to your faith vertue and to vertue knowledge to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godlinesse And to the end you may be fruitfull under the meanes you must be 1 Carefull in preparing a prepared field is made fruitfull by the seed and a prepared soule receiveth much benefit by the ordinances of the Lord you must put iniquity farre away from you Job 11.13 by desertion detestation declination of every occasion leading thereunto Gen. 43.24 Josephs brethren washed their feet made ready their present when they were to come before him and bowed themselves unto the earth and then Joseph made them eat and drinke and they were merry with him thus when we come before our Joseph our God and our Christ Isa 1.16 we must wash and be cleane wee must make ready our eare to heare our heart to pray and present our petition before the Lord and then the Lord Jesus will sup with us feast and feed us and make us merry Rev. 3.20 Isa 56.7 joyfull with him in his Ordinances 2 Diligent in frequenting the house of God the place where the meanes is we must wisely forecast all our businesse that we be not hindered husband our time well that we may have time to spare for good duties Cleanthes carried water by night that he might not be hindered from studying the Liberall Sciences by day thus should we rather worke by night then be absent from the house of Christ by day It is a foule shame that Shops Tavernes Market places nay the house of Baal 2 Kin. 10.20 21. should be full and the house of God empty If you purpose to be fruitfull you must attend on the Ministers of the Lord as Lydia did on Paul Act. 16.14 the lame man at Bethesda as Suiters
Saint Paul to Titus hath appeared teaching men to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and to live soberly righteously c Acts 26.16 and goâ—â—â—â— in this present evill world And 〈…〉 Christ to Paul have appeared 〈…〉 â—â—is purpose to make thee a Miâ—â—ster 〈◊〉 witnesse both of these things which thou hast seene and of those things in the which I will appeare unto thee delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles unto whom now I send thee to open their eyes and to turne them from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God In regard of Gods expectation The husband-man after the long manuring of the field lookes for fruit from the field Who is the d Mat. 21. housholder in the parable that planted a vineyard but the Lord What is the vineyard but the Church and what are the vines but the several meÌ„bers of the Church Who are the servants but the Ministers whom God sends to dresse his vineyard what is the fruit which God there expects but knowledge faith repentance the fruit of his Ministers labours in the soules of his servants The shepheard lookes for increase from the flocke which he watcheth feedeth conducteth and defendeth the husband lookes for children from the wife whom he espouseth the fruit of his wedlocke and God the husband and shepheard of our soules lookes for fruit from us over whom by his Ministers hee watcheth whom by their labours he feedeth conducteth and defendeth and espouseth to himselfe The Teacher expecteth learning from his scholer and herein saith Christ is my Father glorified e Joh. 15.8 that ye beare much fruit so shall ye be my Disciples In regard of honouring and glorifying the Word and Ministers thereof The fruitfulnesse of the field is the glory of the seed sowne in it and of the husband-man which sowed it f Psa 128.3 the wife which is as the vine by the sides of the house and the children standing like Olive plants round about the Table are the glory of the house and husband g Psal 127.5 happy is he that hath his quiver full of them sayth the Psalmist he shall not be ashamed The fruitfulnesse of the people when the Congregation is full of spirituall fruit like a vine growing by the house side and the severall members thereof fat and flourishing in grace like Olive plants then the Word is glorified then the Minister is honoured happy is that Messenger of God that hath his quiver the house of his Ministery full of them It is sayd of the Gentiles h Acts 13.48 that they heard and glorified the Word of God and as many as were ordained unto life beleeved They glorified the word of God by acknowledging the truth of it by beleeving the promises of salvation proposed in it by submitting themselves to the power and authoritie of it by walking answerably to it Mans obedience is the glory of Gods ordinance the fruitfulnesse of the hearers is the crowne of Gods Messengers In regard of peace and consolation to their owne soules The good effects of Physicke make the patient joyfull the fructification of the word in the heart of man makes the soule of man comfortable When the Gospel commeth not in i 1 Thess 1.5 word onely but in power also in power in lightning in power converting and changing the heart of man working and perfecting grace in the inward man then the soule of man is filled with joy in the holy Ghost then the Word is the joy and rejoycing of the heart then the k Isai 5.7.19 fruit of the lippe is peace spirituall inward universall plentifull and perpetuall peace peace with God peace with man peace with the conscience a paradise of heavenly comforts a river of peace which no humane understanding can fathome And therefore it must bee the care of men to see that they grow to much spirituall perfection after the Ministers long and frequent preaching This therefore reproveth such as after the long and frequent preaching of the Gospel continue barren and unfruitfull Use like the grounds about l 2 King 2.19 Iericho which were not made fertile but rather barren by the waters which did flow upon them to whom the waters drawne out of the wells of salvation are as waters powred upon the rocke which bringeth forth no fruit from whom the sounding of the trumpet of the Gospel and the constant cry of Gods watchmen like the m 1 King 18 26. call and cry of Baals worshippers from the morning to the evening upon Baal hath no voyce nor answer of faith in Gods promises of obedience to Gods precepts nor of godly sorrow for mens transgressions ministring matter of complaint to God provoking the site of Gods indignation against their soules I n Isa 64.2 have spred out my hands all the day long saith the Lord unto a rebellious people which walketh in a way that is not good after their owne thoughts a people that provoketh me to anger continually 〈…〉 face ministring cause of great complaint to Gods Messengers causing them to say with the Prophet Esay o Isa 53.1 Who hath beleeved our report and to whom hath the arme of the Lord been revealed to mourne wish with Jeremy O p Jer. 9.1 that my head were waters and mine eyes a fountaine of teares that I might weepe day and night for the slaine of the daughter of my people O that I had in the wildernesse a lodging of way-faring men that I might leave my people and goe from them for they are all adulterers an assembly of treacherous men Great is the griefe arising in the soules of Gods Ministers when men continue barren under their labours And when men thrive not ascend not to perfection in grace by the care industry of Gods watch-men they lose that q Pro. 2.10 knowledge the presence whereof is more pleasant then the sun that r 1 Pet. 1.6 faith the enioyment whereof is more pretious then all gold that peace which is more comfortable and delightfull then any paradise then the garden of Eden it self and that communion with God in coÌ„parison wherof the sweetest communion with men is but an exilement continuing their soules under the dominion of sin which is more loathsome full of torment then any sicknes under that bondage of Satan which is infinitely worse then captivity under any mortall tyrant provoking God at length to leave them and making their last account for all the Sermons which they have heard most dreadfull and most uncomfortable Therefore let it bee our care after the long and frequent preaching of the Gospel after the due and faithfull discharge of the Ministers dutie towards us to discharge our dutie also towards God the Lord hath caused the Starre of his Gospel a long time to shine amongst you and hath made the dew of his doctrine to drop for divers years upon you he hath shewed you his statutes and
more yet the fruit of their ministery remaining and the presence or succession of other able Ministers to edifie and bring them unto further perfection affoords them matter of much and sweet rejoycing though Paul departed from Jerusalem to Tarsus yet the Churches w Acts 9.31 were edified and walking in the feare of the Lord and comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied Gods hand is not shortned if one helper faile hee can raise a second if all faile the Lord himselfe is all-sufficient he that truly profiteth by the Word when the Lord affoords it shall never be destitute of all spirituall comfort whether the ministery faile or be continued hee hath a Day-starre of grace risen within him which shall give him some glimpse of sweet and heavenly consolation the soule of him that conformes himselfe to the doctrine of Gods faithfull Ministers shall ever meet with some matter of true joy and gladnesse In regard of the blessed presence of Reas 1 Gods grace and Spirit within them there appeares a x 2 Pet. 1.19 Day-starre of regeneration which makes them joyfull as the Starre did the wise men they feele in their hearts that y Rom. 14.17 kingdome of God that worke of righteousnesse and peace which is attended with joy in the holy Ghost they discerne that presence and operation of faith which filleth them with z Rom. 15.13 all joy in beleeving and they behold that Spirit of God dwelling in them which is the a Joh. 14.16 true Comforter the authour and fountaine of all consolation Reas 2 In regard of subjugation of Satan and their owne corruption They perceive by the effect and fruit of the ministerie which they have enjoyed how Satan is b Rom. 16.20 troden under their feet as Josua c Jos 10.24 trode upon the neckes of the Kings of Canaan how their corruption is subdued as d 2 Cor. 10.4 strong holds are cast downe by warlike instruments how the Minister of the Lord hath put the Divell and all his workes to flight as David sometime overthrew e 1 Sam. 17. Goliah and made all the Philistian army flye And as Israel had great f Exod. 15.1 joy to see Pharaoh and his hoast drowned in the waters of the sea so have they matter of great joy to see Satan and all their lusts cast downe Reas 3 3. In regard of communion with God Whatsoever be taken from them yet their communion with God is not dissolved walking in the light conforming themselves to the doctrine of Gods Messengers they g 1 Joh. 1.6 have fellowship with God by prayer as Petitioners with the great master of Requests By faith and love as the Bride with the Bride-groome By subjection as the subjects with their Soveraigne By meditation as the rich men with their treasure By desire as Pilgrimes with their owne countrey And this is the joy of all joyes to Gods servants even communion with God their Father and with Christ their Husband and Saviour O then whiles you enjoy Gods Ministers Use conforme your selves to their doctrines observe their counsels embrace and follow their instructions bee renewed and become new creatures and then whether they goe or stay live or dye you shall have matter of joy and gladnesse you shall have the word of God dwelling in you to direct and guide you to strengthen and sustaine you to comfort and encourage you you shall have the grace of the Spirit shining like a lampe in the house of your soules when others are in darknesse as Israel had the light shining in h Exod. 10.23 Goshen when the Egyptians had no light to shine upon them but thick darknesse covered them you shall have faith embracing Christ filling you with Christs fulnesse when others are strangers and have no acquaintance with Christ Jesus you shall have the i Rom. 5.5 love of God shed abroad into your hearts which shall rejoyce you more then k Cant. 1.3 wine the thirsty more then l Psa 4.6 corne and oyle rejoyce the rich or m Psal 63.3 life it selfe the living though the dearest earthly possession you shall have the n Col. 3.16 peace of God even that peace which passeth all understanding reigning within you And whensoever the Minister of God departeth from you he shall be able with confidence to commend you to God bestow a blessed Legacie upon you and with Saint Pauls heart and words joy and gladnesse take his last leave of you and say Finally brethren farewell Bee perfect bee of good comfort be of one minde live in peace and the God of love and peace be with you And thus are wee come to the fourth branch of this Text Saint Pauls Exoptation or Wish Bee perfect bee of good comfort Hee doth not wish them earthly honours worldly riches carnall pleasures but perfection of grace spirituall comfort mutuall love unanimity and concord among themselves and sweet and sure communion with God Note Heavenly and saving graces are the best gifts which any man can wish or desire for others These are the surest pledge of Gods love the choycest ornament of mans soule the sweetest Embassadours of peace to mans heart the treasure of greatest worth to enrich man the gift of highest honour to enoble man the staffe of greatest strength to sustaine man the companion of most pleasant communion to solace and delight man and the well spring of most plentifull and lasting waters to fill and to content man a starre of everlasting brightnesse which will never set nor leave us And therefore these Saint Paul wisheth to the Corinthians these he commendeth to them wisheth for them bestoweth on them as the best Legacie he had to give them the best possession he could thinke on to leave behind among them And these gifts or Legacies of his you have heard are five the full opening and handling of which requires no lesse then five dayes discourse buâ— because my glasse is almost run and my ministeriall breath is now expiring and going out I shall lâ—â—â— briefly open them and leave them to â—our long and lasting consideration The first is a Legacie of perfection Bee yee perfect fill yee up that which is wanting encrease abound goe forward bee good proficienâ—â— in Christs Schoole thriving trees in Gods Orchard be more and more perfect And hence observe that Doct. It is the dutie and must bee the câ—â—â— of Gods children to strive to more spirituall perfection As the house of David grew o 2 Sam. 3.1 stronger and stronger in victory over the house of Saul and full possession of the kingdome so must they grow stronger and stronger in victory over their corruption and in the full possession of Christ and his kingdome It is Gods charge p 2 Pet. 3.18 Grow in grace as rich men in wealth as trees in height q Eph. 5 18. Bee yee filled with the Spirit as the Sea with waters and as the aire with light
which hath beene done by me in this function let mee therefore for the time to come be reputed as nothing forgotten like a dead man out of minde and like a broken vessell And if any soule hath benefited under my labours let all the glory be given to Christ Jesus For my selfe I have somewhat to say but not much I have now served you more than two Apprentiships wherein I trust I have so served you that I may say as Paul did to the men of Ephesus I am z Acts 20.26 27. pure from the bloud of all amongst you for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsell of God all that I meane which God hath made knowne to mee according to my weake and poore abilities I have disclosed all I have kept backe nothing from you In the worke of my Ministery I have had no respect of persons I never shunned the declaration of any truth nor spared the reprehension of any vice for feare of any mans greatnesse neither favour nor feare ever made mee false in the discharge of my office As Elihu sometimes said I a Job 32.21 have not accepted any mans person nor given flattering titles unto any man For I knew not to give flattering titles because in so doing my Maker would take me away I have truely desired the salvation of your soules and that is my câ—â—â—fors I should have done more then I have done and that is my shame more labour hath been bestowed then profit yet appeareth and that is your sinne and my discomfort My service hath been long amongst you the longer I served you the more I loved you the more unwilling I was to leave you I can truly say to you what Paul did to the Corinthians You were in my heart to live to dye with you my mouth was open to you my heart was enlarged yee were not straitned in me but yee were straitned in your owne bowels Had your hearts at least according to your present outward expression been towards me as mine was towards you I am perswaded nothing but death had parted us as sometime Ruth said to Naomi I should have valued your love your societie the enjoyment of your presence above the chiefest and most abundant worldly abilities I should have chosen rather to have lived with you in the lowest outward condition then elsewhere in the greatest fulnesse of the world so unwilling was I to leave you that if occasion had required I would have relinquished all rather then any prejudice should have come unto you by my departure from you But God hath so disposed and framed it that no impediment to my departure hence hath been offered it is the hand of God hath done it whether in judgement unto me or in mercie unto you ensuing time will manifest Three things there are very memorable touching Gods goodnesse in this place towards mee which I cannot passe in silence 1. In all this time of my service I was never hindered one Lords day by sicknesse from my Ministeriall labours the Lord that set me over you gave mee health and strength to doe his worke among you 2. I was never suppressed not restrained from the liberty and use of my ministery by any opposition though there have been adversaries both politicke and powerfull 3. Though in this place I have had neither certainty nor competencie to sustaine mee and my family yet the Lord hath from elsewhere raised meanes to uphold mee and to enable mee to continue the labours of my Ministery amongst you I can truly speake to you in Saint Pauls language to the men of Ephesus b Acts 20.33 34. I have coveted no mans silver or gold or apparrell Yea your selves doe at least may know how these hands have after a sort ministred unto my necessities and to them that were with me I speake not this to disparage you or to under-value the kindnesse which I have received from you I am very mindfull and very sensible of your favours from the highest to the lowest and though I am not complementall yet bee yee assured your courtesie and kindnesse shall rest with mee as a strong and inviolable obligation to binde mee to your everlasting service even to the very utmost of my slender abilities to my power and beyond my power if ever and as often as occasion shall require it or you manifest your desire of it And what shall I say of these things or how shall I expresse my selfe towards my God for these his great mercies towards mee but in the words of the Psalmist c Psal 31.19 O how great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid up for them that feare thee which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sonnes of men And now Brethren having no more time nor place nor calling to instruct and teach you to admonish and warne you O let me as a lover of your soules a helper of your joy a promoter of your peace and a well-wisher of your everlasting well-fare O let me I say with burning love in my heart with melting sorrow in my soule with teares of griefe in mine eyes and with the language of a faithfull friend in my tongue intreat you perswade and beseech you to remember what you have heard to practise what you have learned and to bring forth the fruits of the seed which hath been here sowne And before I goe let mee blesse you as Moses blessed the twelve tribes before he died d Deut. 33.6 7. Let the men of this place O Lord live and not dye let them live the life of grace and not dye the second death and let not the men thereof bee few Heare Lord the voyce of Plympton when they pray and bring them in peace and holinesse to thine owne people Let their hands bee sufficient for them teach thou their hands to warre and their fingers to fight and gird thou them with strength to battell against sinne Satan the world and all the enemies of their salvation be thou their helper in all dangers their strength against all oppositions Let thy Thummim and thy Urim thy perfections and thy lights bee with thy holy one whom thou shalt set over this Congregation Let him preferre his dutie and function above all naturall affection and have no respect of persons Let him teach this people thy Judgements and thy Law by his Doctrine Let him appease thy wrath and procure thy favour and blessing for them by his prayer and supplication Blesse Lord his substance furnish and fill him with all inward and outward endowments and prosper all his godly labours Let this people Lord as thy beloved dwell in safety by thee and cover them under the wings of thy protection all the day long and for ever dwell O Lord between their shoulders stablish settle with them thine ordinance make this place thy habitation and thy rest for ever The Lord blesse your Land with the pretious things of heaven with the influence moisture from above and make it fertile the Lord blesse your soules with all heavenly graces make you spiritually fruitfull For the good will of him that dwelt in the busts Let the blessing even all good things speedily fully sweetly and constantly come upon your heads that all may see and observe it and learne how good it is to serve the Lord through the observation of it The Lord make your glory like the Firstling of a Bullocke for your joy and gladnesse for your excellencie and amiablenesse in the eyes of all beholders and for your growth in all spirituall gifts and graces and your hornes like the hornes of an Unicorne for your strength and prevailing over all opposing powers The Lord make you to rejoyce in your going out and in your tents The Lord bring you to his holy mountaine and make you there to offer the sacrifice of righteousnesse The Lord enlarge you in dissolving all your sinnes in despelling all your sorrowes in removing all your troubles in filling you with all temporall and heavenly fulnesse and make you like a Lyon for your victory over all your adversaries for your vigilancy and watchfulnesse and for your resolution and courage in all godly undertakings The Lord satisfie you with his favour the Lord fill you with his blessing and make you acceptable in his eyes and in the eyes of your brethren And let me charge you now Brethren before my ministeriall breath expire as David a little before his death charged his sonne Solomon e 1 Chro. 28.9 And you my brethren know yee the God of your fathers and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts If you seeke him hee will be found of you but if you forsake him hee will cast you off for ever Let me now before I leave you and in the conclusion of my Ministerie pray for you as Saint Peter did for the people in the conclusion of his Epistle f 1 Pet. 5.10 The God of all grace who hath called us into his eternall glory by Christ Jesus after that yee have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you And being now to leave you as sometimes Saint Paul left Ephesus let me commend you to God in the words of Saint Paul g Act. 20.32 And now Brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified And as I this day begun so let me this day for ever conclude Finally brethren farewell Be perfect bee of good comfort be of one mind live in peace and the God of Love and Peace be with you