this he straightway tells us I have not spoken in secret in a dark place of the Earth my Promises were not made in a corner but openly 6. By the scorus taunts and bitter reflections which the adversaries would poure upon him if he should suffer the hedge of his Vineyard to be still trodden down 1. They would asperse him with cruelty tyranny and carelessenesse they would say for mischiefe did he bring them out to slay them in the mountains Exod. 32.12 or 2. With impotency as if he could not deliver because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he spake unto them therefore hath he slain them in the wildernesse Numb 14.16 Though these seem to be the objections of professed Athiests and Heathens onely yet even people that professe to know God have two much of this in their hearts we are naturally prone to have hard thoughts of God when we see or feele those dispensations that seem to be rugged or harsh Sion her selfe is apt to say the Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord hath forgotten me Esa 49.14 3. There is yet another conclusion which with more plausibility and yet with as much distast to God is raised from these premises they that dare not call Gods power or faithfulness into question yet will they question the truth of the Church if God seem to forsake it can this be Gods Church say they thats thus afflicted and tossed God lookes upon himselfe as much concerned in all these he cannot suffer his Name to be thus abused and therefore he often resolves the deliverance of his servants that thereby he might take an occasion to vindicate both himselfe and them how often hear we this Esa 49.23 60.16 62.11 12. I will arise and they shall know that I am the Lord and they shall know that you are my people Jer. 30.17 I will restore health unto thee and I will heal thee of thy wounds saith the Lord because they called thee an outcast saying This is Zion whom no man seeketh after Reason 2 2. As the Church was the great thing which God in the Creation of the Word had an eye upon as a meanes of glorifying himselfe so is it likewise the main object of providence had it not been for this he would not have created the World Eph. 3.9 10. Wee have two things asserted by the Apostle 1. That all things were created by Jesus Christ who is the Mediator and Saviour of his Church and consequently all this was done in reference to the great design of his Church I understand the place to speak of the Creation of the World as Joh. 1.3 And not of the work of redemption though I know many expound it so 2. That he appointed his Church to be the great means of displaying to Men and Angels that wonderfull variety of wisdome which is more to be seen in it then in all the Creation besides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And were it not for his Church he would not uphold the world the righteous are the pillars of the earth he extends indeed his providence to all even the least and most despicable things but he hath a speciall care of his Church Zach. 1.8 We find Christ mounted with his attendants on red horses speckled and white that is ready to execute judgement or mercy or a mixture of both the place where he keeps his guards is said to be among the Mirtle trees in the bottom the Mirtle trees figure out unto us the Church they are low but precious plants the bottom where these trees grow shewes us the Churches hazards she is subject to storms and inundations but yet Christ incamps in the midst of her in a place most commodious for the succour and help of every corner yea and he is on horseback and riding as being in a posture of service and watchfulness for their good To the same purpose in Zach. 3.9 we have mention made of seven eyes which in cap. 4.10 are expresly called the seven eyes of God which run to and fro through the earth not to trouble you with the number seven in a word these eyes are Gods Providence now observe they are said to be fixed upon one stone that is Jesus Christ the Corner stone and the Church which is built upon it it seems they are very intent upon the Church and yet cap. 4. they are said but to run to and fro not so fixedly dwelling upon all the earth beside 1 King 18.27 If God had been like the blinde carelesse sleepy vanities of the heathens or if his Providence had onely kept it selfe within the circuit of Heaven as some Epecurei quae opinio a quibusdam Aristoteli tribuitur Si quid in terris curant dii non nisi maxima curant Philosophers and others thought Job 22.13 14. or if he had onely minded the greatest and highest matters among the sons of men as many have dreamed then possibly the Church might have been neglected but if his eye * Job 28.24 seeth under the whole heaven if he keep and water his Vineyard every moment Esa 27.3 We may confidently add the Conclusion of the Prophet v. 6. He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root Israel shall blossome and bud Reason 3 3. In the Administration of Providence as the constant aim of God is the good of his people so the meanes which he would rather use for bringing it about are loving kindnesse and mercies 1. We are sure of this that God intends his Church no hurt true indeed take a single affliction abstracted from the tendency of Gods designe and the concurrent meanes which must bring it about and it will seem to hurt the thunder and lightnings may affright them the iron may enter into their soules but view the whole frame and you will see how one wheele turnes about another like the wheeles of a watch which though they have crosse and contrary motions all conspire and (a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 work together for good Rom. 8.28 2. We are as sure of this also that he rather delights to lead his people with the cords of love and with the bands of a man he assures us he afflicts not willingly Lam. 3.33 Judgement is his strange worke believe it God delights not to be still beating his Children he will not take up the rod but when he is forced to it and when nothing else will prevail with what reluctancy and striving doth God chastise his servants to the very turning of his heart and the kindling of his repentings Hos 11.8 How shall I give thee up Ephraim c. If then it be the unalterable purpose of God to do good to his Church if by afflictions he doth not break down his Sanctuary but rather take it down as a workman doth with a frame which he intends to set up again in better order thus he took down Israel by the Chaldeans with an intent
horrid inquisitions bloody massacres unmercifull expulsions banishments and cruelties that the Church hath groaned under you cannot be ignorant of neither can we so easily forget what hath been done here in these Nations where we live farre be it from me to nourish unthankfull murmurings against the goodnesse of God who hath given us so much liberty in the enjoyment of his Gospell Though we have great cause to be thankfull yet still we have cause to take up a Lamentation that the Sanctuary is not cleansed and that the building is not yet perfected how fearfully are many drunk and mad with error did those honest hearts that so earnestly followed God with tears when reformation first was spoken of ever think to hear so many outragious blasphemies vented and pleaded for as now they do how have we been undone by an unlimited Christian-Liberty who would have thought that this would have been wrested to patronize licentiousness how unwilling are most to beare the yoke of Christs Government how hath the Devill by little and little drawn men to a carelessenesse of Religion thereby making way to a growing Athiesme as appears by the scorns of some and the Apostasies of others how cowardly and sinfully shamefac'd are many when they should plead for God and truth as if their own hearts did secretly question the reality of Religion how strangely do many of the Gentry spend their time what irreligious prayerlesse families do some of them keep when they should shew better example to the meaner sort and yet how consid ently can they censure others for hypocrites sometime unjustly concluding against the strictnesse of Gods wayes from the hypocrisy of some Professors not considering what their own carriage and vanity do testifie against themselves how do we needlesly multiply our controversies and disputes and with what bitternesse do we manage them even then when the strife is meerly about words and method and generally how is the Name of God and religion abused to serve the designs of men what strange Religious People have we some must needs be religious by taking up a singular conceit and opinion though a man may easily see their hearts through their lives others have all their religion on their tongues end they can have good discourses and yet be unconscionable in their callings shops and tradings Are not these instances enough to move your compassions and yet I have not spoken all neither can I. They have hard hearts that are not affected with these things How is our silver become dross our wine mixed with water upon the fall of Saul and Jonathan David taught the children of Israel the Bow 2 Sam. 1.18 Weems Jud. Law vol. 2. cap. 44. not the art and use of shooting as some expound for they knew that before but the Lamentation which was called the Bow it was usuall to stile their Elegies and Songs by the names of Arcus Ala Securis Scutum c. Bow wing c. much more reason have we to teach our hearts to mourn when the Sanctuary of the Lord lieth desolate 1. Ps 48.2 The Church is a Glorious building beautifull for situation the Joy of the whole earth and can thy heart be strong or thine eyes forbear when thou beholdest this forsaken and made an heap walk about Sion tell the towers thereof Psal 48.12 mark well her bulwarks it may be thou hast not well considered her beauty if thou hast thou canst not but be distressed for it when it becomes solitary Lam. 1.1 Esa 1.8 and as a widow when t is brought to this to be like a cottage in a Vineyard or a lodge in a garden of Cucumbers can Jonah vex himself when his gourd withers Can the Merchants of Tyre bewail the fall of their City and shall not thy Countenance be sad with Nehemiah chap. 2.3 when the City the place of thy fathers sepulchers lieth wast and the gates thereof are consumed with fire 2. When it comes to this then be sure that God is very angry he would not give his darling to the power of the dog upon a light displeasure and if the Lion roar shall not all the beasts of the forrest tremble Amos 3.8 Will not a towardly child be more troubled at the anger of his father then at the smart of his rod Have you found his loving kindness sweet his smiles better then life and will not his frowns then cut you to the heart 3. His people also are surely guilty of more then ordinary sins at such a time if any ask Why hath the Lord done thus to his people Deut. 29.24 What meaneth the heat of his great anger Will not any one return this answer They have sinned greatly God doth not use severity but upon great provocations and doth not sin call for mourning 4. Gods honour seems to suffer deeply when the Church is troden down and laid wast and is this nothing to you 5. Gods Children have usually been overwhelmed with grief upon this occasion Jeremiah desires to weep a flood of tears for this Jer. 9.1 Oh! that my head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears that I might weep day and night c. And yet he wept till sorrow overcame him till his heart was ready to break Jer. 4.19 My bowels my bowels I am pained at the very heart my heart maketh a noise in me I cannot hold my peace because thou hast heard O my Soul the sound of the trumpet c. Esay is resolute in Lamentation and like Rachel weeping for her children will not be comforted Esa 22.4 Look away from me I will weep bitterly labour not to comfort me because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people Eze. 9.3 Ezra pluckt off the hair of his head and the hair of his beard and sits down astonied Daniel refuseth his comforts and refreshments Dan. 10.2 He eat not pleasant bread neither came flesh nor wine in his mouth neither did be unnoint himself till three weeks were fulfilled If thy heart then be not Adamant or Steel thou canst not chuse but weep for company 6. If thou canst not mourn for the Church thou wilt at least have cause to mourn for thy self both for thy obdurateness and for the judgements thou shalt surely feel if God should sweep us away in a common deluge yet he will provide an Ark for the mourners of Sion He would be a little sanctuary to them in the Countries where they should come Ezek. 11.16 and for that end he sets a mark upon such Ezek. 9.4 6. but for such as are at-ease not grieving for the afflictions of Joseph they shall have the first and saddest share of the Judgements Amos 6.1 4 5 6 7. They are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive c. It may be when you hear the words of this curse you bless your selves in your heart supposing that you
can let the wicked of the world consume as the rotten branches of a tree in the fire and yet never think himself engaged to pluck them out though they belong to him He that made them will not have mercy on them he that formed them will shew them no favour Esa 27.11 Yet peculiar interests are obliging this peculiarity ariseth not barely from the absoluteness of dominion and soveraignty for then God should have less soverainty dominion over the wicked who are not his peculiar people nor from better natural â—â—â—â—ities or inclinations in them above others but from greater love and a designment to a higher use and end a mans dunghill is as truly his own as his garden yet such a love hath he to this piece of ground that he will hedge dress and weed it when he will not do so to the other The Sanctuary then cannot still lye waste he will not give up the inheritance which is so peculiarly his own Christs interest in the Church is so great that it prevails with him to put his own name upon her as 1 Cor. 12.12 so also is Christ the head and body are joined in one name also Col. 1.24 he will surely then awake for her Shall we find our selves engaged to help to the utmost when our wife and our child is wronged and shall not God do so for his sons and daughters Shall he upon the account of interest charge us to provide for our Families and will he neglect his own 3. He is yet further engaged by what he hath already done for it Christ bought it at the full rate he suffered he gave himself for it he hath preserved it all along from the beginning and is at cost with it every day If then he had purposed to forsake it would he as Manoahs wife pleaded in another case Judg 13.23 have done all this for it What waste would this have been I find it an ordinary piece of Scripture-Logick to conclude the certainty of mercies desired from mercies already bestowed because one mercy engageth God to another thus the Apostle argues if he have given his Son will he not together with him give us all things Rom. 8.32 so 2 Pet. 1.2 3. He concludes that grace will be multiplied because he hath given the seeds and beginnings of it The argument rests upon this bottom He that hath begun will also perfect Rom. 8.26 This very pleading the Spirit of God makes use of in the prayers of his people for the Church which shews it to be very binding and strong for as God knows the mind of the spirit So the spirit knows the mind of God and will use no argument which he knows will not prevail We find Joshua pressing this upon God Josh 7.7 Wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan Jehoshaphat urges it 2 Chron. 20.7 Thou didst drive out the inhabitants of this Land and gavest it to the seed of Abraham David also more fully Psal 80.8 9. And thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt thou hast cast out the Heathen and planted it Why then hast thou broken down her hedges c. v. 12. Yea it is further to be observed that the price we pay and the sufferings or hardships we undergo for any thing doth not onely engage our honour to see it effected but our affections also They say Eph. 5.25 mothers love those children best that put them to most pain in the birth we may say that Christ giving himself for his Church is not onely a demonstration and an effect of his love but also a motive and engagement to a further complacency If these undertakings of Christ for his people had proceeded from humour or inconsiderate rashness we might then have feared that the feeling of his sufferings might have changed his resolutions * Habet omnir amorvim suam nec potest vacare Aug. in Ps 121. but oh they were the results of an eternal deliberate counsel and managed by a person to whom it can never be objected This man began to build and is not willing or not able to finish 4. By the love he carries to it It is the nature of love to be operative it cannot be * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gr. Nazi car jamb idle it is in perpetual motion it sets the heart on a fire and puts on strength and resolution against the greatest oppositions it teacheth the very bruits to expose themselves to dangers for the safety of their young ones and makes the very tame and fearful creatures to be violent and couragious above their strength We find the little sparks of our love to be thus powerful upon our selves but what the Ocean of Gods infinite love is who can comprehend Who hath (a) Esa 40.12 measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and meated out Heaven with the span Though we have no exact standard to measure it by yet if we look into our selves Quamvis Deus non cognoscitur quidditativè comprehensivè cognoscitur tamen viâ negationis viâ aeminentiae per operationes suas we can guess it to be more then we can speak we know certainly it is greater then ours more pure not self-by-assed not pettish fickle unconstant c. What a strong engagement must that be that ariseth from an infinitely powerful working love If we doubt of the certainty or constancy of it we may be satisfied from his own mouth he hath so fixed the earth that it cannot be moved and yet his love is more firm Esa 54.10 The mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee Natural affections of the most tender-hearted mother to her child are nothing to this Esa 49.15 16. They may forget yet will not I forget thee I have graven thee upon the palmes of my hands thy walls are continually before me He cannot look upon himself nor upon the hangings of Heaven if I may so speak but he will see the names of his people and must remember them Sing then O Sion and thou that liest in the dust the time of thy visitation will come because thy God delighteth in thee 5. By the publick declarations of this love and interest in his people had these been onely secret intendments kept within his own brest who could have laid claime to them Or if they had not been performed who could have said to him What dost thou But he hath made publick Proclamations of it to the Isses afar off in the hearing of the Heathen round about Moses in his prayer takes hold on this Numb 14.14 15. The Inhabitants of this land have heard that thou Lord art among this people the Nations have heard the fame of thee and what will they say if thou shouldst destroy us God himselfe confesseth that he hath respect to this Esa 45.19 Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting Salvation v. 17. But what moves God to