a petard set against Heaven gates makes them fly open To cause holy fervour and ardency of Soul in prayer consider 1. Prayer without fervency is no prayer it is speaking not praying Lifeless prayer is no more prayer than the picture of a Man is a Man One may say as Pharaoh Gen. 41. I have dreamed a dream It is dreaming not praying Affectus operi nomen imponit Ambr. Life and fervency baptizeth a Duty and gives it a name 2. Consider in what need we stand of those things which we ask in prayer We come to ask the favour of God and if we have not his love all we enjoy is cursed to us We pray that our Souls may be washed in Christs Blood and if he wash us not we have no part in him Iohn 13.8 When will we be earnest if not when we are praying for the life of our Souls 3. It is only fervent prayer hath the promise of Mercy affixed to it Ier. 29.14 Then shall ye find me when ye search for me with all your heart 'T is dead praying without a promise and the promise is made only to ardency The Aediles among the Romans had their doors always standing open that all who had petitions might have free access to them Gods heart is ever open to fervent prayer 4. Prayer must be sincere Sincerity is the Silver-thread which must run through the whole Duties of Religion Sincerity in prayer is when we have gracious holy ends in prayer Our prayer is not so much for Temporal Mercies as Spiritual We send out our prayer as a Merchant sends out his Ship that we may have large returns of Spiritual Blessings Our aim in prayer is that our Heart may be more holy that we may have more Communion with God Our design is that by prayer we may encrease the stock of Grace Prayer which wants a good aim wants a good issue 5. Prayer that will prevail with God must have fixation of mind Psal. 57.7 O God my heart is fixed Since the fall the mind is like Quick-silver which will not fix it hath principium motus but non quietis The thoughts will be roving and dancing up and down in prayer Just as if a Man that is travelling to such a place should turn out of the road and wander he knows not whither In prayer we are travelling to the Throne of Grace but how often do we by vain cogitations turn out of the road which is rather wandring than praying Quest. But how shall we cure these vain impertinent thoughts which do so distract us in Prayer and we may fear hinder the acceptance Answ. 1. Be very apprehensive in Prayer of the infiniteness of Gods Majesty and Purity Gods eye is upon us in Prayer and we may say as David Psal. 56.8 Thou tellest my wandrings The thoughts of this would make us hoc agere mind the Duty we are about If a Man were to deliver a petition to an Earthly Prince would he at that time be playing with a feather Set your selves when you pray as in Gods presence Could you but look through the key-hole of Heaven and see how devout and intent the Angels are in their worshipping God sure you would be ready to blush at your vain thoughts and wild impertinencies in Prayer 2. If you would keep your Mind fixed in prayer keep your Eye fixed Psalm 123.1 Vnto thee lift I up mine eyes O thou that dwellest in the Heavens Much vanity comes in at the eye When the eye wanders in prayer the heart wanders To think to keep the heart fixed in Prayer and yet let the eye gaze is as if one should think to keep his house safe yet let the windows be open 3. If you would have your thoughts fixed in Prayer get more love to God Love 〈◊〉 a great fixer of the thoughts He who is in love cannot keep his thoughts off the Object He who loves the World his thoughts run undisturbedly upon the World Did we love God more our minds would be more intent upon him in Prayer Were there more delight in Duty there would be less distraction 4. Implore the help of Gods Spirit to fix our minds and make them intent and serious in Prayer The Ship without a Pilot rather floats than sails that our thoughts do not float up and down in Prayer we need the Blessed Spirit to be our pilot to steer us only Gods Spirit can bound the thoughts A shaking Hand may as well write a line steadily as we can keep our Hearts fixed in Prayer without the Spirit of God 5. Make holy thoughts familiar to you in your ordinary course of Life David was oft musing on God Psal. 139.18 When I awake I am still with thee He who gives himself liberty to have vain thoughts out of Prayer will scarce have other thoughts in Prayer 6 If you would keep your Mind fixed on God watch your Hearts not only watch them after prayer but in prayer The Heart will be apt to give you the slip and have a thousand vagaries in prayer We read of Angels ascending and descending on Jacobs Ladder So in Prayer you shall find your Hearts ascending to Heaven and in a moment descending upon Earthly Objects O Christians watch your Hearts in prayer What a shame is it to think that when we are speaking to God in prayer our Hearts should be in the Fields or in our Compting house or one way or other running upon the Devils errand 7. Labour for more degrees of Grace The more Ballast the Ship hath the better it sails so the more the Heart is ballasted with Grace the steadier it will sail to Heaven in Prayer 6. Prayer that is likely to prevail with God must be Argumentative God loves to have us plead with him and use Arguments in Prayer see how many Arguments Iacob used in Prayer Gen. 32.11 Deliver me I pray thee from the hand of my Brother The Arguments he useth are 1. From Gods Command ver 9. Thou saidst to me return to thy Country As if he had said I did not take this Journey of my own head but by thy direction therefore thou canst not but in honour protect me And he useth another Argument ver 12. Thou saidst I will surely do thee good Lord wilt thou go back from thy own promise Thus he was Argumentative in Prayer and he got not only a new Blessing but a new Name ver 28. Thy name shall no more be called Iacob but Israel for as a Prince hast thou had power with God and prevailed God loves to be overcome with strength of Argument Thus when we come to God in prayer for Grace be Argumentative Lord thou callest thy self the God of all grace and whither should we go with our Vessel but to the Fountain Lord thy grace may be imparted yet not impaired Hath not Christ purchased grace for poor indigent Creatures Every dram of Grace cost a drop of Blood Shall Christ dye to purchase Grace for us and
Devil's Image on a Man Malice is the Devil's Eye Hypocrisy his Cloven-foot It turns a Man into a Devil Iohn 6.20 Have not I chosen twelve and one of you is a Devil 2. Sin is a grieving of God's Spirit Eph. 4.30 Grieve not the holy Spirit of God To grieve is more than to anger Quest. How can the Spirit be said to be grieved for seeing he is God he cannot be subject to any passion Resp. This is spoken Metaphorically Sin is said to grieve the Spirit because it is an injury offered to the Spirit and he takes it unkindly and as it were lays it to heart And is it not much thus to grieve the Spirit The Holy Ghost descended in the likeness of a Dove Sin makes this blessed Dove mourn Were it only an Angel we should not grieve him but much less the Spirit of God Is it not sad to grieve our Comforter 3. Sin is an act of Contumacy against God a walking Antipodes to Heaven Lev. 26.27 If ye will walk contrary to me A sinner tramples upon God's Law crosseth his Will doth all he can to affront yea to spight God The Hebrew word for sin Pashang signifies Rebellion there is the heart of a Rebel in every sin Ier. 44.16 We will do whatsoever proceedeth out of our mouth to burn Incense to the Queen of Heaven Sin strikes at the very Deity Peccatum est Dei-cidium Sin would not only unthrone God but un-God him If the sinner could help it God should no longer be God 4. Sin is an act of disingenuity and unkindness God feeds the sinner keeps off evils from him be miracles him with Mercy but the sinner not only forgets God's Mercies but abuseth them he is the worse for Mercy like Absolom who as soon as David had kissed him and took him into favour plotted Treason against him 2 Sam. 15.10 Like the Mule who kicks the Damn after she hath given it Milk Vas pertusum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Sam. 16.17 is this thy kindness to thy Friend God may upbraid the sinner I have given thee may God say thy Health Strength and Estate thou requirest me evil for good thou woundest me with my own Mercies Is this thy kindness to thy Friend did I give thee life to sin did I give thee wages to serve the Devil 5. Sin is a Disease Isa. 1.5 The whole head is sick Some are sick of Pride others of Lust others of Envy Sin hath distempered the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the intellectual part 't is a leprosy in the Head it hath poison'd the Vitals Tit. 2.16 Their Conscience is defiled 'T is with a sinner as with a sick Patient his Pallat is distempered the sweetest things taste bitter to him The Word which is sweeter then the Hony-comb tasts bitter to him Isa. 5.20 they put sweet for bitter Thus a Disease and nothing can cure this Disease but the Blood of the Physitian 6. Sin is an irrational thing it makes a Man act not only wickedly but foolishly It is absurd and irrational to prefer the lesser before the greater the Pleasures of Life before the Rivers of Pleasures at God's right hand for evermore Is it not irrational to lose Heaven for the satisfying or indulging the Lust as Lysimachus who for a draught of Water lost a Kingdom Is it not irrational to gratifie an Enemy in sin we do so When Lust or rash Anger burn in the Soul Satan warms himself at this fire Mortalium errores epulae sunt daemonum Mens sins feast the Devil 7. Sin is a painful thing it costs Men much labour in pursuing their sins How do Men tyre themselves in doing the Devil's drudgery Ier. 9.5 They weary themselves to commit iniquity Peccatum est sui ipsius poena What pains did Iudas take to bring about his Treason He goes to the High-Priest and then after to the Band of Soldiers and then back again to the Garden St. Chrysostom saith Vertue is easier than Vice 'T is more pains to some to follow their sins than to others to worship their God While the sinner travails with his sin in sorrow he brings forth it is called serving divers Lusts Tit. 3.3 not enjoy but serve why so because not only of the slavery in sin but the hard labour it is serving divers Lusts. Many a Man goes to Hell in the sweat of his brows 8. Sin is the only thing God hath an antipathy against God doth not hate a Man because he is poor or despised in the World you do not hate your Friend because he is sick but that which draws forth the keens of God's hatred is sin Ier. 44.4 O do not this abominable thing which I hate And sure if the sinner dies under God's hatred he cannot be admitted into the Celestial Mansions will God let him live with him whom he hates God will never lay a Viper in his bosom the Feathers of the Eagle will not mix with the Feathers of other â—owls God will not mix and incorporate with a sinner Till sin be removed there is no coming where God is III. See the evil of Sin in the Price paid for it it cost the Blood of God to expiate it O Man saith St. Austin consider the greatness of thy sin by the greatness of the price paid for sin All the Princes on Earth or Angels in Heaven could not satisfie for sin only Christ. Nay Christ's active Obedience was not enough to make atonement for sin but he must suffer upon the Cross for without blood is no remission Hebr. 9.22 O what an accursed thing is sin that Christ should die for it The evil of sin is not so much seen in that one thousand are damned for it as that Christ died for it IV. Sin is evil in the Effects of it 1. Sin hath degraded us of our Honour Reuben by Incest lost his Dignity and though he were the first-born he could not excel Gen. 49.4 God made us in his own Image a little lower than the Angels but sin hath debased us Before Adam sinned he was like an Herauld that hath his Coat of Arms upon him all reverence him because he carries the King's Coat of Arms but let this Coat be pull'd off and he is despised no Man regards him Sin hath done this it hath pluck'd off our Coat of Innocency and now it hath debased us and turned our glory into shame Dan. 11.21 And there shall stand up a vile person This was spoken of Antiochus Epiphanes who was a King and his name signifies illustrious yet sin had degraded him he was a vile person 2. Sin disquiets the Peace of the Soul whatever defiles disturbs as Poison tortures the Bowels corrupts the Blood so doth Sin the Soul Isa. 57.21 Sin breeds a trembling at the heart it creates fears and there is torment in fear 1 Iohn 4.18 Sin makes sad Convulsions in the Conscience Iudas was so terrified with guilt and horrour that he hangs himself to quiet his Conscience And is
without any thing to uphold it The Glory of the Heavenly Kingdom is substantial it hath twelve Foundations Rev. 21.14 That which God and Angels count Glory is true Glory 2. The Glory of this Kingdom is satisfying Psal. 36.9 With thee is the Fountain of Life How can they choose but be full who are at the Fountain head Psal. 17.15 When I awake I shall be satisfied with thy Likeness i. e. VVhen I awake in the Morning of the Resurrection having some of the Beams of thy Glory shining in me I shall be satisfied Iob 28.14 The Creature saith concerning Satisfaction It is not in me If we go for Happiness to the Creature we go to the wrong Box only Heavens Glory is commensurate to the vast Desires of an Immortal Soul A Christian bathing himself in these Rivers of Pleasure cries out in a Divine Extasy I have enough The Soul is never satisfied till it hath God for its Portion and Heaven for its Haven Dissatisfaction ariseth from some defect but God is an Infinite Good and there can be no defect in that which is Infinite 3. The Glory of Heavens Kingdom is pure and unmix'd the Streams of Paradise are not muddied omnia clara omnia jucunda there that Gold hath no alloy no bitter ingredient in that Glory but pure as the Honey drops from the Comb there is a Rose grows without Prickles the Rose of Sharon there is Ease without Pain Honour without Disgrace Life without Death 4. The Glory of this Kingdom is constantly exhilarating and refreshing there 's fulness but no surfeit Worldly Comforts though sweet yet in time grow stale A Down-bed pleaseth a while but within a while we are weary and would rise Too much Pleasure is a pain But the Glory of Heaven doth never surfeit or nauseate the reason is because as there are all Rarities imaginable so every Moment fresh Delights spring from God into the glorified Soul 5. The Glory of this Kingdom is distributed to every individual Saint In an Earthly Kingdom the Crown goes but to one a Crown will fit but one Head but in that Kingdom above the Crown goes to all Rev. 1.6 All Elect are Kings The Land is settled chiefly upon the Heir and the rest are ill provided for But in the Kingdom of Heaven all the Saints are Heirs Rom. 8.17 Heirs of God and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Co-heirs with Christ. God hath Land enough to give to all his Heirs 6. Lucid and Transparent This Kingdom of Heaven is adorned and bespangled with Light 1 Tim. 6.16 Light is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Glory of the Creation Eccl. 11.7 The Light is sweet Hell is a dark Dungeon Mat. 22.13 Fire but no Light The Kingdom of Heaven is a Diaphanum all imbroidered with Light clear as Christal How can there want light where Christ the Sun of Righteousness displaies his Golden Beams Rev. 21.23 The Glory of the Lord did lighten it and the Lamb is the Light thereof 7. The Glory of this Kingdom is adequate and proportionable to the desire of the Soul In Creature-Fruitions that which doth commend them and set them off to us is Suitableness The Content of Marriage doth not lye either in Beauty or Portion but the suitableness of Disposition The Excellency of a Feast is when the Meat is suited to the Pallat This is one ingredient in the Glory of Heaven it exactly suits the desires of the glorified Saints we shall not say in Heaven Here is a Dish I do not love There shall be Musick suits the Ear the Anthems of Angels and Food that suits with the glorified Pallat the hidden Manna of Gods Love 8. The Glory of this Kingdom will be seasonable the seasonableness of a Mercy adds to the Beauty and sweetness it is like Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver After an hard Winter in this cold Climate will it not be seasonable to have the Spring Flowers of Glory appear and the singing of the Birds of Paradise come When we have been wearied and even tired out in battle with sin and Satan will not a Crown be seasonable 3. Quest. Wherein the Kingdom of Heaven infinitely excels all the Kingdoms of the Earth Resp. 1. It excels in the Architect Other Kingdoms have Men to raise their Structures but God himself laid the first Stone in this Kingdom Heb. 11.10 This Kingdom is of the greatest Antiquity God was the first King and Founder of it no Angel was worthy to lay a Stone in this Building 2. This Heavenly Kingdom excels in Altitude 't is higher scituated than any Kingdom the higher any thing is the more excellent The Fire being the most sublime Element is most Noble The Kingdom of Heaven is seated above all the visible Orbs There is first the Aery Heaven which is the space from the Earth to the Sphere of the Moon 2. The Starry Heaven the place where are the Planets of an higher Elevation Saturn Iupiter Mars 3. The Caelum Empyraeum the Empyraean Heaven which Paul calls the third Heaven Vbi Christ is there is the Kingdom of Glory scituated This Kingdom is so high that no Scaling Ladders of Enemies can reach it so high that the old Serpent can't shoot up his fiery Darts to it If wicked Men could build their Nests among the Stars yet the least Believer would shortly be above them 3. The Kingdom of Heaven excels all other in Splendor and Riches it is described by precious Stones Rev. 21.19 What are all the Rarities of the Earth to this Kingdom Coasts of Pearl Rocks of Diamonds Islands of Spices What are the Wonders of the World to it The Egyptian Pyramides The Temple of Diana The Pillar of the Sun offered to Iupiter What a rich Kingdom is that where God will lay out all his cost Those who are poor in the World yet as soon as they come into this Kingdom grow rich as rich as the Angels Other Kingdoms are inriched with Gold this is inriched with the Deity 4. The Kingdom of Heaven excels all other Kingdoms in Holiness Kingdoms on Earth are for the most part unholy there 's a Common Shore of Luxury and Uncleanness running in them Kingdoms are Stages for sin to be acted on Isa. 28.8 All Tables are full of Vomit But the Kingdom of Heaven is so holy that it will not mix with any Corruption Rev. 21.27 There shall enter into it nothing that defileth 'T is so pure a Soyl that no Serpent of Sin will breed there There is Beauty which is not stained with Lust and Honour which is not swelled with Pride Holiness is the brightest Jewel of the Crown of Heaven 5. The kingdom of Heaven excels all other kingdoms in its pacifick Nature 't is Regnum Paci◠a kingdom of Peace Peace is the Glory of a Kingdom Pax una Triumphis innumeris melior A Kings Crown is more adorned with the white Lilly of Peace then when it is beset with the red Roses of a bloody War but where shall
do all that God commands they leave nothing of his Will undone Psal. 103.20 Ye his Angels that do his Commandments If God send an Angel to the Virgin Mary he goes on Gods Errand if he gives his Angels a Charge to Minister for the Saints they obey Heb. 1.14 It cannot stand with Angelical Obedience to leave the least Iota of Gods Will unfulfilled This is to do Gods Will as the Angels when we do all his Will quicquid propter Deum fit aequaliter fit This was Gods Charge to Israel Numb 15.40 Remember to do all my Commandments And it was spoken of David Act. 13.22 I have found David a Man after mine own heart who shall perform all my Will Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all my Wills Every Command hath the same Authority and if we do Gods Will uprightly we do it uniformly we obey every part and Branch of his Will we joyn first and second Table surely we owe that to God our Father which the Papists say we owe to our Mother the Church unlimited Obedience we must incline to every Command as the Needle moves that way which the Loadstone draws 2. This discovers the unsoundness of many who do Gods will by halves they pick and choose in Religion they in some things comply with Gods will but not in other like a foundred Horse who sets but some of his Feet on the Ground he favours one Foot He who is to play upon a Lute must strike upon every Sring or he spoils all the Musick Gods Commandments may be compared to a ten-string'd Lute we must obey Gods will in every Command strike upon every string or we can make no good Melody in Religion The Badger hath one Foot shorter then the other Hypocrites are shorter in some duties then other some will pray not give alms hear the word not forgive their Enemies receive the Sacrament not make Restitution hovv can they be holy vvho are not just Hypocrites profess fair but vvhen it comes to sacrificing the Isaac crucifying the beloved sin or parting vvith some of their Estate for Christ here they stick and say as Naaman 2 King 5.18 In this thing the Lord pardon thy Servant This is far from doing Gods will as the Angels do God likes not such as do his will by halves if your Servant should do some of your vvork vvhich you set him about but not all hovv vvould you like that Object But vvho is able to do all Gods vvill Answ. Though vve cannot do all Gods vvill legally yet vve may Evangelically vvhich is 1. When we mourn that we can do Gods will no better when we fail we weep Rom. 7.24 2. When it is the desire of our Soul to do Gods whole Will Psal. 119.5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy Precepts What a Child of God wants in strength he makes up in desire in magnis voluisse sat est 3. When we endeavour quoad conatum to do the whole Will of God A Father bids his Child lift such a burden the Child is not able to lift it but he tries and doth his endeavour to lift it the Father accepts of it as if h◠had done it this is to do Gods Will Evangelically and God is pleased to take it in good part though it be not to satisfaction yet it is to acceptation 3. We do Gods Will as it is done in Heaven by the Angels when we do it sincerely sine fuco To do Gods VVill sincerely lies in two things 1. To do it out of a pure respect to Gods Command 2. With a pure Eye to Gods Glory 1. To do Gods Will out of a pure respect to Gods Command Abraham's sacrificing Isaac was contrary to Flesh and Blood to sacrifice the Son of his Love the Son of the Promise and that no other hand but the Fathers own should do this here was hard Service but because God commanded it out of pure respect to the Command Abraham obeyed This is to do Gods will aright when though we feel no present Joy or Comfort in Duty yet because God commands we obey not Comfort but the Command is the Ground of Duty thus the Angels do Gods will in Heaven Gods Command is the weight sets the wheels of their Obedience a going 2. To do Gods will sincerely is to do it with a pure Eye to Gods Glory The Pharisees did the will of God in giving Alms but that which was a dead Fly in the Ointment was that they did not aim at Gods Glory but vain-glory they blew a Trumpet Iehu did the will of God in destroying the Baal worshippers and God commended him for doing of it but because he aimed more at setling himself in the Kingdom then the Glory of God therefore God lookt upon it no better then Murder and said he would avenge the blood of Iezreel upon the house of Iehu Hos. 2.4 Let us look to our ends in Obedience though we shoot short let us take a right aim one may do Gods will yet not with a perfect heart 2 Chron. 25.2 Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord but not with a perfect Heart the Action was right for the matter but his aim was not right that Action which wants a good aim wants a good issue he doth Gods Will rightly that doth it uprightly his end is to honour God and lift up his Name in the world A gracious Soul makes God his Center as Ioab when he had taken Rabbah sent for King David that he might carry away the glory of the Victory 2 Sam. 12.27 So when a gracious Soul hath done any duty he desires that the glory of all may be given to God 1 Pet. 4.11 That in all things God may be glorified This is to do Gods will as the Angels when we not only advance Gods Glory but design his Glory the Angels are said to cast their Crowns before the Throne Rev. 4.10 Crowns are signs of greatest Honour but these Crowns the Angels lay at the Lords Feet to show that they ascribe the glory of all they do to him 4. VVe do Gods will as it is done in Heaven by the Angels when we do it willingly sine murmuratione The Angels love to be employed in Gods Service 't is the Angels Heaven to serve God they willingly descend from Heaven to Earth when they bring Messages from God and glad Tydings to the Church now Heaven being a place of such Joy the Angels would not leave it a Minute of an Hour only that they take such infinite delight in doing Gods will we do resemble the Angels when we do Gods will willingly 1 Chron. 28.9 And thou Solomon my Son serve the Lord with a willing mind Gods People are called a willing People Psal. 110.3 in Hebrew Gnam nedaebot a People of willingnesses they give God a free-will Offering though they cannot serve him perfectly they serve him willingly an Hypocrite though he doth facere bonum yet not velle he hath no
the Crown of Heaven Glorifying of God hath respect to all the Persons in the Trinity it respects God the Father who gave us our Life it respects God the Son who lost his Life for us it respects God the Holy Ghost who produceth a new Life in us we must bring Glory to the whole Trinity When we speak of God's Glory the Question will be moved What are we to understand by God's Glory Resp. There is a twofold Glory 1. The Glory that God hath in himself his intrinsical Glory Glory is essential to the Godhead as Light is to the Sun he is call'd the God of Glory Acts 7.2 Glory is the sparkling of the Deity Glory is so co-natural to the Godhead that God cannot be God without it The Creature 's Honour is not essential to his Being a King is a Man without his Regal Ornaments when his Crown and Royal Robe are taken away but God's Glory is such an essential Part of his Being that he cannot be God without it God's very Life lies in his Glory His Glory can receive no addition because it is Infinite this Glory is that which God is most tender of and which he will not part with Isa. 42.8 My glory I will not give to another God will give Temporal Blessings to his Children Wisdom Riches Honour he will give them Spiritual Blessings he will give them Grace he will give them his Love he will give them Heaven but his essential Glory he will not give to another King Pharaoh parted with a Ring off his Finger to Ioseph and a Gold Chain but he would not part with his Throne Gen. 41.40 Only in the throne will I be greater then thou So God will do much for his People he will give them the Inheritance he will put some of Christ's Glory as Mediator upon them but his essential Glory he will not part with in the throne he will be greater 2. The Glory which is ascribed to God or which his Creatures labour to bring to him 1 Chr. 16.29 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name And 1 Cor. 6.20 Glorifie God in your body and in your spirit The Glory we give God is nothing else but our lifting up his Name in the World and magnifying him in the eyes of others Phil. 1.20 Christ shall be magnified in my body Quest. What is it to glorifie God or wherein doth it consist Resp. Glorifying of God consists in four things 1. Appretiation 2. Adoration 3. Affection 4. Subjection This is the yearly Rent we pay to the Crown of Heaven 1. Appretiation To glorifie God is to set God highest in our Thoughts to have a venerable Esteem of him Psal. 92.8 Thou Lord art most high for evermore Psal. 97.9 Thou art exalted far above all gods There is in God all that may draw forth both Wonder and Delight he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is in him a Constellation of all Beauties he is Prima Causa the Original and Spring-head of Being who sheds a Glory upon the Creature This is to glorifie God when we are God-Admirers we admire God in his Attributes which are the glistering Beams by which the Divine Nature shines forth we admire him in his Promises which are the Charter of Free-grace and the Spiritual Cabinet where the Pearl of Price is hid we admire God in the noble Effects of his Power and Wisdom viz. the making of the World this is call'd the work of his fingers Ps. 8.3 such curious Needle-work it was that none but a God could work This is to glorifie God to have God-admiring Thoughts we esteem him most excellent and search for Diamonds only in this Rock 2. Glorifying of God consists in Adoration or Worship Psal. 29.2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness There is a twofold Worship 1. A Civil Reverence we give to Persons of Honour Gen. 23.7 Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the children of Heth. Piety is no Enemy to Curtesie 2. A Divine Worship which we give to God is his Prerogative-royal Neh. 8.6 They bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces towards the ground This Divine Worship God is very jealous of this is the Apple of his Eye this is the Pearl of his Crown which he guards as he did the Tree of Life with Cherubims and a flaming Sword that no man may come near to violate it Divine Worship must be such as God himself hath appointed else it is offering strange fire Levit. 10.2 The Lord would have Moses make the Tabernacle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the Pattern in the Mount Exod. 25.40 he must not leave out any thing in the Pattern nor add to it if God was so exact and curious about the Place of his Worship how exact will he be about the Manner of his Worship surely here every thing must be according to the Pattern prescribed in his Word 3. Affection This is a part of the Glory we give to God God counts himself glorified when he is loved Deut. 6.5 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. There is a twofold Love 1. Amor Concupiscentiae a Love of Concupisence which is a Self-love when we love another because he doth us a good Turn Thus a wicked Man may be said to love God because he hath given him a good Crop or filled his Cup with Wine and to speak properly this is rather to love God's Blessings then to love God 2. Amor Amicitiae a Love of Delight as a Man takes delight in a Friend this is indeed to love God the Heart is set upon God as a Man's-Heart is set upon his Treasure And this Love is 1. Exuberant not a few Drops but a Stream 2. It is Superlative we give God the best of our Love the Cream of it Cant. 8.2 I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the jâ—yce of my pomgranat If the Spouse had a Cup more juicy and spiced Christ must drink of it 3. It is Intense and Ardent true Saints are Seraphims burning in holy Love to God The Spouse was Amore perculsa in sainting Fits sick of love Cant. 2.5 Thus to love God is to glorify him he who is the chief of our Happiness hath the chief of our Affections 4. Subjection When we dedicate ourselves to God and stand ready prest for his Service Thus the Angels in Heaven glorifie him they wait on his Throne and are ready to take a Commission from him therefore they are resembled by the Cherubims with their Wings displaid to shew how swift the Angels are in their Obedience This is to glorifie God when we are devoted to his Service our Head studies for God our Tongue pleads for him our Hands relieve his Members The wise Men that came to Christ did not only bow the Knee to him but presented him with Gold and Myrrh Mat. 2.11 so we must not
only bow the Knee give God Worship but bring Presents Golden Obedience This is to glorifie God when we stick at no Service we will fight under the Banner of his Gospel against Regiments and we say to him as David to King Saul 1 Sam. 17.32 Thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine Thus you see wherein the Glorifying of God doth consist in Appretiation Adoration Affection Subjection A good Christian is like the Sun which doth not only send forth Heat but goes its Circuit round the World thus he who glorifies God hath not only his Affections heated with love to God but he goes his Circuit too he moves vigorously in the sphere of Obedience Quest. Why we must glorifie God Resp. 1. Because he gives us our Being Psal. 100.3 It is he that hath made us We think it a great kindness in a Man to spare our Life but what kindness is it in God to give us our Life we draw our breath from him and as Life so all the Comforts of Life are from God he gives us Health which is the Sawce to sweeten our Life he gives us Food which is the Oyl that nourisheth the Lamp of Life now if all we receive is from the hand of his Bounty is it not good reason we should glorifie him and live to him seeing we live by him Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him are all things Of him are all all we have is of his Fulness through him are all all we have is through his Free-grace and therefore to him should be all so it follows To him be glory for ever God is not only our Benefactor but our Founder the Rivers come from the Sea and they empty their Silver Streams into the Sea again 2. Because God hath made all things for his own Glory Prov. 16.4 The Lord hath made all things for himself that is for his Glory As a King hath Excise out of Commodities God will have his Glory out of every thing he will have Glory out of the Wicked the Glory of his Justice they will not give him Glory but he will get his Glory upon them Exod. 14.17 I will get me honour upon Pharoah But especially he hath made the Godly for his Glory they are the living Organs of his Praise Isa. 43.21 This people have I formed for myself and they shall shew forth my praise It is true they cannot add to his Glory but they may exalt it they cannot raise him in Heaven but they may raise him in the Esteem of others God hath adopted the Saints into his Family and made them a Royal Priesthood that they should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called them 1 Pet. 2.9 3. Because the Glory of God hath so much intrinsick Value and Excellency in it it transcends the Thoughts of Men and the Tongue of Angels God's Glory is his Treasure all his Riches lie here as Mica said Judg. 18.24 What have I more So of God what hath God more God's Glory is more worth then Heaven More worth then the salvation of all Mens souls Better Kingdoms be thrown down better Men and Angels be annihilated then God should lose one Jewel of his Crown one Beam of his Glory 4. Creatures below us and above us bring Glory to God and do we think to sit Rent-free shall every thing glorifie God but Man it is pity then that ever Man was made 1. Creatures below us glorifie God the inanimate Creatures the Heavens glorifie God Ps. 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of God The curious Workmanship of Heaven sets forth the Glory of its Maker the Firmament is beautified and pensill'd out in Blue and Azure colours where the Power and Wisdom of God may be clearly seen The heavens declare his glory We may see the Glory of God blazing in the Sun twinkling in the Stars 2. Look into the Air the Birds with their chirping Musick sing Hymns of Praise to God saith Anselm Every Beast doth in its kind glorifie God Isa. 43.20 The beasts of the field shall honour me 2. Creatures above us glorifie God The angels are ministring spirits Heb. 1.14 They are still waiting on God's Throne and bring some Revenues of Glory into the Exchequer of Heaven Then surely Man should be much more studious of God's Glory then the Angels for God hath honour'd him more then the Angels in that Christ took Man's Nature upon him and not the Angels say tho' in regard of Creation God hath made Man a little lower then the Angels Heb. 2.7 yet in regard of Redemption God hath set him higher than the Angels he hath married Mankind to himself The Angels are Christ's Friends but not his Spouse he hath covered us with the Purple Robe of his Righteousness which is a better Righteousness then the Angels have 2 Cor. 5.20 So that if the Angels bring Glory to God much more should we being dignified with Honour above the Angelical Spirits 5. Resp. We must bring Glory to God because all our Hopes hang upon him Psal. 39.7 My hope is in thee And Psal. 62.5 My expectation is from him I expect a Kingdom from him A Child that is good natur'd will Honour his Parent as expecting all that ever he is like to be worth from him Psal. 87.8 All my fresh springs are in thee The Silver Springs of Grace the Golden Springs of Glory Quest. How many ways may we glorifie God Resp. 1. It is a glorifying God when we aim purely at God's Glory it is one thing to advance God's Glory another thing to aim at it God must be the Terminus ad quem the Ultimate End of all our Actions thus Christ Joh. 8.50 I seek not my own glory but the glory of him that sent me 'T is the Note of an Hypocrite he hath a squint Eye he looks more to his own Glory then God's Glory Our Saviour Deciphers such and gives a Caveat against them Matth. 6.2 When thou givest alms do not sound a trumpet A Stranger would ask What means the noise of this Trumpet Then it was answered They are going to give to the Poor And so they did not give Alms but sell them for Honour and Applause that they may have Glory of Men the Breath of Men was the Wind that blew the Sails of their Charity Verily they have their reward The Hypocrite may make his Acquittance and write Received in full payment Vain-glory Chrysostome calls one of the Devil 's great Nets to catch Men. And Cyprian Quem non gula 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 superavit Whom Satan cannot prevail against by Intemperance those he prevails against by Pride and Vain-glory. O let us take heed of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Self-worshipping Aim purely at God's Glory Quest. How shall we know we aim at God's Glory Resp. 1. When we prefer God's Glory above all other things above Credit Estate Relations when the Glory of God comes in competition with them we prefer his Glory before them if
in Wisdom and Love therefore I will sit down satisfied with my Condition Surely this doth much glorifie God God counts himself much honoured by such a Christian saith God Here is one after my own heart let me do what I will with him I hear no murmuring he is content This shews abundance of Grace When Grace is crowning it is not so much to be content but when Grace is conflicting with Inconveniencies then to be content is a glorious thing indeed for one to be content when he is in Heaven is no wonder but to be content under the Cross is like a Christian This Man must needs bring Glory to God for he shews to all the World that though he hath little Meal in Barrel yet he hath enough in God to make him content he saith as David Psal. 16.5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places 7. We glorifie God in working out our own Salvation God hath twisted these two together his Glory and our Good we glorifie him by promoting our own Salvation 't is a Glory to God to have multitude of Converts now his design of Free-grace takes and God hath the Glory of his Mercy So that while we are endeavouring our Salvation we are honouring God What an Encouragement is this to the Service of God to think while I am Hearing and Praying I am glorifying God while I am furthering my own Glory in Heaven I am encreasing God's Glory Would it not be an Encouragement to a Subject to hear his Prince say to him You will honour and please me very much if you will go to yonder Mine of Gold and dig out as much Gold for yourself as you can carry away So for God to say Go to the Ordinances get as much Grace as you can dig out as much Salvation as you can and the more Happiness you have the more I shall count myself glorified 8. We glorifie God by living to God 2 Cor. 5.15 That they which live should not live to themselves but unto him who died for them Rom. 14.8 Whether we live we live unto the Lord. The Mammonist lives to his Money the Epicure lives to his Belly the design of a Sinner's Life is to gratifie Lust. But then we glorifie God when we live to God Quest. What is it to live to God Resp. When we live to his Service and lay out ourselves wholly for God The Lord hath sent us into the World as a Merchant sends his Factor beyond the Seas to trade for him Then we live to God when we trade for his Interest and propagate his Gospel God hath given every Man a Tallent Now when he doth not hide it in a Napkin but improves it for God this is to live to God When a Master in a Family by Counsel and good Example labours to bring his Servants to Christ when a Minister doth exhaust himself in the Labours of his Holy Calling when he spends himself and is spent that he may win Souls to Christ and make the Crown flourish upon Christ's Head when the Magistrate doth not bear the Sword in vain but labours to cut down Sin and suppress Vice this is to live to God and this a glorifying of God Phil. 1.20 That Christ may be magnified whether by life or by death Three Wishes St. Paul had and they were all about Christ That he might be found in Christ be with Christ and that he might magnifie Christ. 9. We glorifie God by walking chearfully It is a Glory to God when the World sees a Christian hath that within him that can make him chearful in the worst Times he can with the Nightingale sing with a Thorn at his Breast The People of God have ground of Chearfulness they are justified and instated into Adoption and this Creates inward Peace it makes Musick within whatever Storms are without 2 Cor. 1.4 1 Thes. 1.6 If we consider what Christ hath wrought for us by his Bloud and wrought in us by his Spirit it is a ground of great Chearfulness and this Chearfulness glorifies God It reflects upon a Master when the Servant is always drooping and sad sure he is kept to hard Commons his Master doth not give him what is fitting So when God's People hang their Harpes on Willows sure they do not serve a good Master repent of their Choice this reflects Dishonour on God as the gross Sins of the Wicked bring a Scandal on the Gospel so do the unchearful Lives of the Godly Psal. 100.2 Serve the Lord with gladness Your serving him doth not glorifie him unless it be with Gladness a Christian 's chearful looks glorifie God Religion doth not take away our Joy but refine and clarifie it it doth not break our Viol but tunes it and makes the Musick sweeter 10. We glorifie God by standing up for his Truths Much of God's Glory lies in his Truth God hath intrusted us with his Truth as a Master intrusts his Servant with his Purse to keep We have not a richer Jewel to trust God with than our Souls nor God hath not a richer Jewel to trust us with than his Truth Truth is a Beam that shines from God much of his Glory lies in his Truth now when we are Advocates for Truth this is to glorifie God so Athanasius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Bulwark of Truth Jud. 3. That ye should contend earnestly for the faith viz. the Doctrine of Faith The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to contend signifies a great contending as one would contend for his Land and not suffer his Right to be taken from him so we should contend for the Truth Were there more of this Holy Contention God would have more Glory Some can contend earnestly for Trifles and Ceremonies but not for the Truth we should count him indiscreet that should contend more for a Picture then for his Land of Inheritance a Box of Counters then for his Box of Evidences 11. We glorifie God by praising of him Doxology or Praise is a God-exalting Work Psal. 50.23 Whoso offers praise glorifies me The Hebrew word Bara to create and Barak to praise are little different because the End of Creation is to Praise God David was called the sweet Singer of Israel and his praising God was called a glorifying of God Psal. 86.12 I will praise thee O Lord my God and I will glorifie thy name Though nothing can add to God's essential Glory yet Praise exalts him in the eyes of others when we praise God we spread his Fame and Renown we display the Trophies of his Excellency In this manner the Angels glorifie God they are the Queristers of Heaven and do trumpet forth God's Praise and praising of God is one of the highest and purest Acts of Religion in Prayer we act like Men in Praise we act like Angels this is an high degree of glorifying God Believers are called Temples of God 1 Cor. 3.16 when our Tongues praise God then the
not carnal but sacred Delights As our Employments shall be spiritual it will consist in Adoring and Praising of God so our Enjoyment shall be spiritual it shall consist in the having the Perfection of Holiness in seeing the pure Face of Christ in feeling the Love of God in conversing with Heavenly Spirits these Delights will be more adequate and proper for the Soul and infinitely exceed all carnal voluptuous Delights 2. We shall have a Lively Sence of this glorious Estate A Man in a Lethargy though he be alive yet he is as good as dead because he is not sensible nor doth he take any pleasure in his Life we shall have a quick and lively sence of the infinite Pleasure which ariseth from Enjoyment of God we shall know our selves to be happy we shall reflect with joy upon our Dignity and Felicity we shall taste every Crumb of that Sweetness every Drop of that Pleasure which flows from God We shall be made able to bear a sight of that Glory We could not now bear that Glory it would overwhelm us sensibile fortè destruit sensum as a weak Eye cannot behold the Sun but God will capacitate us for Glory our Souls shall be so heavenly and perfected with holiness that they may be able to enjoy the blessed Vision of God Moses in a Clift of the Rock saw the Glory of God passing by Exod. 33.22 Through that blessed Rock Christ we shall behold the Beatifical sight of God 4. This Enjoyment of God shall be more then a bare Contemplation of him Some of the Learned move the Question Whether the Enjoyment of God shall be only by way of Contemplation Answ. That is something but it is but one half of Heaven there shall be a Loving of God an Acquiescence in him a Tasting his Sweetness not only Inspection but Possession Joh. 17.24 That they may behold my Glory there is Inspection Vers. 22. And the Glory thou hast given me I have given them there 's Possession Glory shall be revealed in us Rom. 8.18 not only revealed to us but in us To behold God's Glory there is Glory revealed to us but to partake of his Glory there is Glory revealed in us As the Spunge sucks in the Wine so we shall suck in Glory 5. There 's no Intermission in this State of Glory We shall not only have God's glorious Presence at certain special Seasons but we shall be continually in his Presence continually under Divine Raptures of Joy There shall not be one Minute in Heaven wherein a glorified Soul may say I do not enjoy Happiness The Streams of Glory are not like the Water of a Conduit often stopped that we cannot have one drop of Water but those heavenly Streams of Joy are continually running O how should we despise this Valley of Tears where we now are for the Mount of Transfiguration How should we long for the full Enjoyment of God in Paradise Had we a sight of that Land of Promise we should need Patience to be content to live here any longer 2. Let this be a Spur to Duty How diligent and zealous should we be in glorifying God that we come at last to enjoy him If Tully Demosthenes Plato who had but the dim Watch-light of Reason to see by and did but fancy an Elizium and Happiness after this Life did take such Herculean Pains to enjoy it O then how should Christians who have the Light of Scripture to see by bestir themselves that they may arrive at the Eternal Fruition of God and Glory If any thing may make us rise off our Bed of Sloth and serve God with all our might it should be this the hope of our full Enjoyment of God for ever What made Paul so active in the Sphere of Religion 1 Cor. 15.10 I laboured 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more abdundantly then they all His Obedience did not move slow as the Sun on the Dial but swift as the Sun in the Firmament Why was he so zealous in glorifying God but that he might at last center and terminate in him 1 Thess. 4.17 Then shall we be ever with the Lord. 3. Use of Consolation Let this comfort the Godly in all the present Miseries they feel Thou complainest Christian thou dost not enjoy thy self Fears disquiet thee Wants perplex thee in the Day thou canst not enjoy Ease in the Night thou canst not enjoy Sleep Thou dost not enjoy the Comforts of thy Life let this revive thee that shortly thou shalt enjoy God and then thou shalt have more then thou canst ask or think Thou shalt have Angels Joy Glory without Intermission and Expiration We shall never enjoy our selves fully till we enjoy God Eternally Of the SCRIPTVRES Quest. II. WHat Rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enioy him Answ. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament is the only Rule to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God c. By Scripture is understood the Sacred Book of God It is given by Divine Inspiration that is the Scripture is not the Contrivance of Man's Brain but of a Divine Original The Image of Diana was had in Veneration by the Ephesians because they did suppose it fell from Iupiter Acts 19.35 This Book then of the Holy Scripture is to be highly reverenced and esteemed because we are sure it came from Heaven 2 Pet. 1.21 The two Testaments are the two Lips by which God hath spoken to us Quest. How doth it appear that the Scriptures have a Jus Divinum a Divine Authority stamped upon them Answ. Because the Old and New Testament are the Foundation of all Religion If their Divinity cannot be proved the Foundation is gone on which we build our Faith I shall therefore endeavour to evince this great Truth That the Scriptures are the very Word of God I wonder whence the Scripture should come if not from God 1. Bad Men could not be the Authors of Scripture would their Minds be imployed in indighting such holy Lines would they declare so fiercely against Sin 2. Good Men could not be the Authors of Scripture Could they write in such a strain or could it stand with their Grace to Counterfeit God's Name and put Thus saith the Lord to a Book of their own devising 3. Nor could any Angel in Heaven be the Author of Scripture Because 1. the Angels pry and search into the Abyss of Gospel Mysteries 1 Pet. 1.12 which implies their nescience of some parts of Scripture and sure they cannot be Authors of that Book which themselves do not fully understand besides 2. what Angel in Heaven durst be so Arrogant as to Personate God and say I create Isa. 65.17 and I the Lord have said it Numb 14.35 So that it is evident The Pedigree of Scripture is Sacred and it could come from none but God himself Not to speak of the
Harmonious Consent of all the Parts of Scripture there are Seven cogent Arguments may Evince it to be the Word of God 1. By its Antiquity It is of ancient standing The gray Hairs of Scripture make it Venerable No Humane Histories extant reach further then since Noah's Flood but the Holy Scripture relates Matters of Fact that have been from the beginning of the World it writes of things before Time Now that is a sure Rule of Tertullian That which is of the greatest Antiquity is to be received as most Sacred and Authentick 2. We may know the Scripture to be the Word of God by the Miraculous Preservation of it in all Ages The Holy Scriptures are the richest Jewel that Christ hath left and the Church of God hath kept these Publick Records of Heaven that they have not been lost The Word of God hath never wanted Enemies to oppose and if possible to extirpate it They have given out a Law concerning Scripture as Pharaoh did the Midwives concerning the Hebrew Womens Children to strangle it in the Birth yet God hath preserved this blessed Book inviolable to this Day The Devil and his Agents have been blowing at Scripture-Light but could never prevail to blow it out a clear sign that it was lighted from Heaven Nor hath the Church of God in all Revolutions and Changes only kept the Scripture that it should not be lost but that it should not be depraved The Letter of Scripture hath been preserved without any Corruption in the Original Tongue The Scriptures were not corrupted before Christ's Time for then Christ would never have sent the Jews to the Scriptures but he sends them to the Scriptures Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures Christ knew these Sacred Springs were not muddied with Humane Fancies 3. The Scripture appears to be the Word of God by the Matter contained in it 1. By its Profundity The Mystery of Scripture is so abstruse and profound that no Man or Angel could have known it had it not been Divinely revealed That Eternity should be born that he who Thunders in the Heavens should cry in the Cradle that he who Rules the Stars should Suck the Breasts That the Prince of Life should die that the Lord of Glory should be put to shame that Sin should be punished to the full yet pardoned to the full who could ever have conceived of such a Mystery had not the Scripture been the Oracle to reveal it to us So for the Doctrine of the Resurrection That the same Body which is crumbled into a thousand pieces should rise idem numero the same individual Body for else it were a Creation not a Resurrection how could such a Sacred Riddle above all Humane disquisition be known had not the Scripture made a Discovery of it 2. By its Purity It is for the Matter of it so full of Goodness Justice and Sanctity that it could be breathed from none but God The Holiness of it shows it to be of God it bears his very Image The Scripture is compared to Silver refined seven times Psal. 12.6 This Book of God hath no Errata's in it It is a Beam of the Sun of Righteousness a Chrystal Stream flowing from the Fountain of Life All Laws and Edicts of Men have had their Corruptions but the Word of God hath not the least Tincture it is of a Meridian Splendour Psal. 119.140 Thy Word is very pure like wine that comes from the grape which is not mixed or adulterated It is so pure that it purifies every thing else Iohn 17.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth The Scripture presseth Holiness so as never any Book did It bids us live soberly righteously godly Titus 2.12 Soberly in Acts of Temperance Righteously in Acts of Justice Godly in Acts of Zeal and Devotion It commends to us whatever is just lovely of good report Phil. 4.8 This Sword of the Spirit Eph. 6.17 cuts down Vice Out of this Tower of Scripture is thrown down a Milstone upon the Head of Sin The Scripture is the Royal Law which commands not only the Actions but Affections it binds the Heart to its good Behaviour Where is there such Holiness to be found as is dig'd out of this Sacred Mine Who could be the Author of such a Book but God himself 4. That the Scripture is the Word of God is evident by its Predictions it Prophesieth of things to come This shows the Voice of God speaking in it it was foretold by the Prophet A Virgin shall conceive Isa. 7.14 and the Messiah shall be cut off Dan. 9.26 The Scripture foretels things that should fall out many Ages and Centuries after as how long Israel should serve in the Iron Furnace and the very day of their Deliverance Exod. 12.41 At the end of the four hundred and thirty years even the self same day it came to pass the Hoasts of the Lord went out of Egypt This Prediction of Future Things meerly contingent and not depending upon Natural Causes is a clear Demonstration of its Divine Original 5. The Impartiality of those Men of God who wrote the Scriptures they do not spare to set down their own Failings What Man that writes an History would black his own face viz. record those things of himself that might stain his Reputation Moses records his own Impatience when he struck the Rock and tells us therefore he could not enter into the Land of Promise David writes of his own Adultery and Bloodshed which stands as a Blot in his Scutchion to succeeding Ages Peter relates his own Pusillanimity in denying Christ. Ionah sets down his own Passions I do well to be angry to the death Surely had not their Pen been guided by God's own Hand they would never have written that which did reflect dishonour upon themselves Men do usually rather hide their Blemishes then publish them to the World But these Pen-men of Holy Scripture eclipse their own Name they take away all the Glory from themselves and give the Glory to God 6 Arg. The mighty power and efficacy the Word hath had upon the Souls and Consciences of Men. 1. It hath changed their heart 1. Some by reading of Scripture have been turned into other Men they have been made holy and gracious By reading other Books the Heart may be warmed but by reading this Book it is transformed 2 Cor. 3.3 Ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ written not with Ink but with the Spirit of the living God The Word was copied out into their Hearts and they were become Christ's Epistle so that others might read Christ in them If you should set a Seal upon Marble and it should make an Impression upon the Marble and leave a Print behind there were a strange Virtue in that Seal So when the Seal of the Word leaves an heavenly print of Grace upon the Heart there must needs be a Power going along with that Word no less than Divine 2. It hath comforted their Heart When
had ever been her chiefest delight 3. If the Scripture is of Divine Inspiration Believe the Word The Romans that they might gain Credit to their Laws reported that they were inspired by the Gods at Rome O give credence to the Word it is breathed from God's own Mouth Hence ariseth all the prophaneness of Men they do not believe Scripture Isa. 53.1 Who hath believed our Report Did you believe the glorious Rewards the Scripture speaks of would you not give diligence to make your Elections sure Did you believe the Infernal Torments the Scripture speaks of would not this put you into a cold sweat and cause a trembling at heart for sin But People are in part Atheists they give but little credit to the Word therefore they are so impious and draw such dark shadows in their Lives Learn to realize Scripture get your hearts wrought to a firm belief of it Some think if God should send an Angel from Heaven and declare his Mind then they should rather believe him or if he should send one from the damned and preach the Torments of Hell all in Flames then they would believe But Luke 16.31 If they believe not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one arose from the dead God is wise and he thinks this way fittest to make his Mind known to us by writing and such as will not be Convinced by the Word shall be Judged by the Word The belief of the Scripture is of high importance It is the belief of Scripture that will inable us to resist Temptation 1 Iohn 2.14 The Word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one T is the belief of Scripture conduceth much to our Sanctification therefore these two are put together Sanctification of the Spirit and Belief of the Truth ◠Thess. ◠13 If the Word written be not believed it is like writing on the Wate◠which takes no impression 4. Love the Word written Psal. 119.97 O how love I thy Law Sint 〈◊〉 deliciae meae Scripturae sanctae Lord saith Augustine let the holy Scriptures be my chast delight Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a Garden every Truth is a fragrant Flower which we should wear not in our Bosom but our Heart David tasted the Word sweeter than the Honey and the Honey-comb Psal. 19.10 There is that in Scripture may breed delight It shows us the way to Riches Deut. 28.5 Prov. 3.16 to long Life Psal. 34.12 to a Kingdom Hebr. 12.28 Well then may we count those the sweetest hours which are spent in reading the holy Scriptures Well may we say with the Prophet Ier. 15.16 Thy words were sound and I did eat them and they were the joy and rejoycing of my heart 5. Conform to Scripture Let us lead Scripture Lives O that the Bible might be seen printed in our Lives Do what the Word commands Obedience is an excellent way of Commenting upon the Bible Psal. 86.11 I will walk in thy Truth Let the Word be the Sun-Dial by which you set your Life What are we the better for having the Scripture if we do not direct all our Speeches and Actions according to it What is a Carpenter the better to have his Rule about him if he sticks it at his back and never makes use of it for the measuring and squaring his work So what are we the better for the Rule of the Word if we do not make use of it and regulate our Lives by it How many swerve and deviate from the Rule The Word teacheth to be sober and temperate but they are drunk to be chast and holy but they are prophane they go quite from the Rule The Scriptures are Canonical but their Lives are Apocryphal What a dishonour is this to Religion for Men to live in a Contradiction to Scripture The Word is called a Light to our feet Psal. 119.105 It is not only a Light to our Eyes to mend our sight but to our Feet to mend our walk O let us lead Bible Conversations 6. Contend for Scripture Though we should not be of contentious Spirits yet we ought to contend for the Word of God this Jewel is too precious to be parted with Prov. 4.13 Keep her for she is thy Life The Castle of Scripture is beset with Enemies Hereticks fight against it we must therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contend for the Faith once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. The Scripture is our Book of Evidences for Heaven shall we part with our Evidences The Saints of old were both Advocates and Martyrs for Truth they would hold fast Scripture though it were with the loss of their Lives 7. Be thankful to God for the Scriptures What a Mercy is it that God hath not only acquainted us what his Will is but that he hath made it known to us by writing In the old Times God did reveal his Mind by Revelations but the Word written is a surer way of knowing God's Mind than by Revelation 2 Pet. 1.19 This Voice which came from heaven we heard we have also a more sure word of prophecy The Devil is God's Ape and he can transform himself into an Angel of Light he can deceive with false Revelations As I have heard of one who had as he thought a Revelation from God to Sacrifice his Child as Abraham had whereupon he following this Impulsion of the Devil did kill his Child Thus Satan oft deceives People with Delusions instead of Divine Revelations therefore we are to be thankful to God for revealing his Mind to us by Writing We have a more sure word of prophesie We are not left under a doubtful Suspence that we should not know what to believe but we have an Infallible Rule to go by The Scripture is our Pole-star to direct us to Heaven it shews us every step we are to take when we go wrong it instructs us when we go right it comforts us And 't is matter of Thankfulness that the Scriptures are made intelligible by being translated 8. Adore God's distinguishing Grace if you have felt the Authority and Power of the Word upon your Conscience if you can say as David Psal. 119.50 Thy word hath quickened me Christian bless God that he hath not only given thee his Word to be a Rule of Holiness but his Grace to be a Principle of Holiness Bless God that he hath not only written his Word but sealed it upon thy Heart and made it effectual Canst thou say it is of Divine Inspiration because thou hast felt it to be of lively Operation O Free-grace that God should send out this Word and heal thee that he should heal thee and not others that the same Scripture which is to them a dead Letter should be to thee a Saviour of Life That there is a GOD. Quest. III. WHat do the Scriptures principally Teach Resp. The Scriptures principally teach what Man is to believe concerning GOD and what Duty GOD requires of Man Quest. What is
hath made it intelligible and hath stamped upon it his Likeness not his Essence Quest. But is it not said That we are made Partakers of the Divine Nature Resp. By Divine Nature there is meant Divine Qualities 2 Pet. 1.4 We are made Partakers of the Divine Nature not by Identity or Union with the Divine Essence but by a transformation into the Divine Likeness Thus you see how God differs from other Spirits Angels and Souls of Men. He is a Spirit of transcendent Excellency the Father of Spirits Object Against this Vorstius and the Anthropomorthites object That in Scripture an Humane Shape and Figure is given to God he is said to have Eyes and Hands Resp. It is contrary to the Nature of a Spirit to have a Corporeal Substance Luke 24. â—9 Handle me and see me for a Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones as ye see me have Bodily Members are ascribed to God not properly but metaphorically and in a borrowed sence he is only set out to our Capacity By the right Hand of the Lord is meant his Power by the Eyes of the Lord are meant his Wisdom Now that God is a Spirit and is not capable of Bodily Shape or Substance probatur 1. A Body is visible but God is invisible Therefore he is a Spirit 1 Tim. 6.16 whom no man hath seen nor can see not by an Eye of sence 2. A Body is terminated can be but in one place at once but God is ubique in all places at once Therefore he is a Spirit Psal. 139.7 8. God's Center is every where and his Circumference is no where 3. A Body being compounded of integral Parts may be dissolved Quicquid divisibile est corruptibile but the God-head is not capable of dissolution he can have no End from whom all things have their Beginning So that it clearly appears God is a Spirit which adds to the Perfection of his Nature Use 1. If God be a Spirit then he is impassible he is not capable of being hurt Wicked Men may set up their Banners and bend their Forces against God they are said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to fight against God Acts 5.39 But what will this fighting avail what hurt can they do to the Deity God is a Spirit and therefore cannot receive any hurtful impression wicked Men may imagine Evil against the Lord Nahum 1.9 What do ye imagine against the Lord But God being a Spirit is impenetrable The wicked may Eclipse his Glory but cannot touch his Essence God can hurt his Enemies but they cannot hurt him Iulian might throw up his Dagger into the Air against Heaven but could not touch the Deity God is a Spirit invisible how can the Wicked with all their Forces hurt him when they cannot see him Hence all the Attempts of the Wicked against God are foolish and prove Abortive Psal. 2.3 4. The Kings of the Earth set themselves against the Lord and against his Anointed He that sits in the Heavens shall laugh He is a Spirit he can wound them but they cannot touch him Use 2. If God be a Spirit then it shows the folly of the Papists who worship him by Pictures and Images Being a Spirit we cannot make any Image to represent him by Deut. 4.12 The Lord spake to you out of the midst of the fire ye heard the voice of the words but saw no similitude 1. God being a Spirit is imperceptible cannot be discerned how then can there be any Resemblance made of him Isa. 40.18 To whom then will ye liken God or what likeness will ye compare unto him How can you paint the Deity can we make an Image of that which we never saw Ye saw no similitude God is a Spirit It were a folly to go to make the Picture of the Soul because it is a Spiritual Thing or to Paint the Angels because they are Spirits Object Are not the Angels in Scripture represented by the Cherubims Resp. There is Imago Personae Officii there is the Image of the Person and the Image that represents the Office The Cherubims did not represent the Persons of the Angels but their Office The Cherubims were made with Wings to show the swiftness of the Angels in discharge of their Office and if we cannot Picture the Soul nor the Persons of the Angels because they are Spirits much less can we make an Image or Picture of God who is Infinite and the Father of Spirits 2. God being a Spirit is Omnipresent he is present in all places Ier. 23.24 Do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Therefore being every where present it is absurd to worship him by an Image Were it not a foolish thing to bow down to the King's Picture when the King is present So to go to worship God's Image when God himself is present Quest. But how then shall we conceive of God being a Spirit if we may make no Image or Resemblance of him Resp. We must conceive of him Spiritually viz. 1. In his Attributes his Holiness Justice Goodness which are the Beams by which his Divine Nature shines forth 2. We must conceive of him as he is in Christ Christ is the Image of the invisible God Col. 1.15 Set the Eyes of your Faith on Christ God-man In Christ we see some Sparklings of the Divine Glory in him there is the exact Resemblance of all his Fathers Excellencies The Wisdom Love and Holiness of God the Father shine forth in Christ Iohn 14.9 He that hath seen me hath seen the Father 3. Infer If God be a Spirit it shows us that the more spiritual we grow the more we grow like to God To be earthly is to be unlike God How do Earth and Spirit agree Phil. 3.19 Earthly ones may give for their Crest the Mole or Tortoise that live in the Earth What Resemblance is there between an Earthly Heart and him who is a Spirit The more Spiritual any one is the more like God Quest. What is it to be Spiritual Resp. To be Refined and Sublimated to have the Heart still in Heaven to be thinking of God and Glory and to be carried up in a fiery Chariot of Love to God this is to be Spiritual Psal. 73.25 Whom have I in Heaven but thee on which Beza paraphraseth thus Apage Terra utinam tecum in Coelo essem O that I were in Heaven with thee A Christian who is taken off from these Earthly Things as the Spirits are taken off from the Lees hath a noble Spiritual Soul and doth most resemble him who is a Spirit 4 Infer It shows us what that Worship is God requires of us and is most acceptable to him viz. such a Worship as is suitable to his Nature Spiritual Worship John 4.24 They which worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth Spiritual worship is the Virgin-worship Though God will have the Service of our Bodies our Eyes and Hands lifted up to testifie to others that Reverence we have of God's Glory
and Majesty yet chiefly he will have the worship of the Soul 1 Cor. 6.20 Glorifie God in your body and in your spirit Spirit-worship God prizeth because it comes so near to his own Nature who is a Spirit Quest. What is it to Worship God in the Spirit Resp. 1. To worship him without Ceremonies The Ceremonies of the Law which God himself ordained are now abrogated and out of date Christ the Substance being come the Shadows flie away and therefore the Apostle calls the Legal Ceremonies Carnal Rites Heb. 9.10 and if not use those Iewish Ceremonies which God did once appoint then not those which he did never appoint Resp. 2. To worship God in Spirit is to worship him 1. With Faith in the Bloud of the Messiah Heb. 11.9 And 2. to worship him with the utmost Zeal and Intensness of Soul Acts 26.7 Our twelve tribes instantly serving God day and night 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with Intensness of Spirit not only constantly but instantly This is to worship God in the Spirit The more Spiritual any Service is the nearer it comes to God who is a Spirit and the more excellent it is the spiritual part of Duty is the Fat of the Sacrifice it is the Soul and Quintessence of Religion The richest Cordials are made of Spirits and the best Duties are such as are of a Spiritual Nature God is a Spirit and will be worshipped in Spirit It is not Pomp of Worship but Purity which God accepts Repentance is not in the outward Severities used to the Body Pennance Fasting and Chastising the Body but it consists in the Sacrifice of a broken Heart Thanksgiving doth not stand in Church-Musick the Melody of an Organ but rather making Melody in the Heart to the Lord Eph. 5.19 Prayer is not the Tuning of the Voice into an heartless Confession or telling over a few Beads but it consists in Sighs and Groans Rom. 8.26 When the Fire of Fervency is put to the Incense of Prayer now it ascends as a sweet Odour that is the true Holy Water not which the Pope sprinkles but what is distilled from the Limbeck of a Penitent Eye Spirit-worship best pleaseth that God who is a Spirit Ioh. 4.23 The Father seeks such to worship him to shew the great acceptance of such and how God is delighted with Spiritual-worship This is the savoury Meat God loves How few mind this worshipping him who is a Spirit in the Spirit they give him more Dreggs then Spirits they think it enough to bring their Duties but not their Hearts which hath made God disclaim those very Services he himself appointed Isa. 1.12 Ezek. 33.31 Let us then give God Spirit-worship this best suits with his Nature a Soveraign Elixar full of Vertue may be given in a few drops a little Prayer if it be with the Heart and Spirit may have much Vertue and Efficacy in it The Publican made but a short Prayer God be merciful to me a sinner Luke 18.13 but it was full of life and spirit it came from the Heart therefore was accepted Use 2. of Exhortation Pray to God that as he is a Spirit so he will give us of his Spirit The Essence of God is incommunicable but the Motions the Presence and Influences of his Spirit When the Sun shines in a Room not the Body of the Sun is there but the Light Heat and Influence of the Sun God hath made a Promise of his Spirit Ezek. 36.27 I will put my Spirit within you Turn Promises into Prayers O Lord thou who art a Spirit give me of thy Spirit I Flesh beg thy Spirit thy enlightning â—anctifying quickning Spirit Melancthon's Prayer Domine accende animam meam Spiritu tuo Lord inflame my Soul with thy Holy Spirit How needful is his Spirit we cannot do any Duty without it in a lively manner when this Wind blows upon our Sails then we move swiftly towards Heaven Pray therefore that God will give us of the Residue of his Spirit Mal. 2.15 that we may move more vigorously in the Sphere of Religion Use 3. of Comfort As God is a Spirit so the Reward that he gives is Spiritual that is the Excellency of it as the chief Blessings he gives us in this Life are Spiritual Blessings Eph. 1.3 not Gold and Silver he gives Christ his Love he fills us with Grace so the main Rewards he gives after this Life are Spiritual a Crown of Glory that fades not away 1 Pet. 5.4 Earthly Crowns fade but the Believer's Crown being Spiritual is Immortal a never-fading Crown It is impossible saith Iulius Scaliger for that which is Spiritual to be subject to Change or Corruption This may comfort a Christian in all his Labours and Sufferings he lays out himself for God and hath little or no Reward here but remember God who is a Spirit will give Spiritual Rewards a sight of his Face in Heaven white Robes a weight of Glory Be not then weary of God's Service think of the Spiritual Reward a Crown of Glory which fadeth not away GOD is INFINITE Quest. WHat kind of Spirit is God Resp. He is Infinite so he differs from all created Beings which are Finite Though Infinite may be applied to all God's Attributes he is infinitely Merciful infinitely Wise infinitely Holy yet if we take Infiniteness properly so implies 1. God's Omnipresency the Greek word for Infinite 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies without Bounds or Limits God is not confined to any place he is Infinite and so is present in all places at once His Centre is every-where Divina essentia nusquam inclusa aut exclusa Aug. 1 Kings 8.27 Behold the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee This the Turks have a Notion of they build their Temples open on the top to show that God cannot be confined to their Temples or circumscribed but is in all places by his Presence God's Essence is not limited either to the Regions above or to the Terrestrial Globe but his whole Essence is every-where This is to be Infinite As Philosophers say of the Soul it is Tota in toto tota in qualibet parte The Soul is in every part of the Body in the Eye Heart Foot so we may say of God he is Ubique his Essence is every-where his Circuit is in Heaven and Earth and Sea and he is in all places of his Circuit at once This is to be Infinite God who bounds every thing else is himself without Bounds He sets Bounds to the Sea Huc usque Hitherto shalt thou come and no further He sets Bounds to the Angels they like the Cherubims move and stand at his appointment Ezek. 10.16 but he is Infinite without Bounds He who can span the Heavens and weigh the Earth in a pair of Scales must needs be Infinite Isa. 40.12 Object Vorstius That God is in all places at once but not in regard of his Essence but Virtute potentia by his Vertue and
to the Church of God in General If God be a God of Knowledge he sees all the Plots of the Enemies against Sion and can make them prove Abortive The wicked are subtil having borrowed their skill of the old Serpent they dig deep to hide their Counsels from God but he sees them and can easily counter-work them The Dragon is described with seven Heads Rev. 12.3 to shew how he plots against the Church But God is described with seven Eyes Zach. 3.9 to shew that he sees all the Plots and Stratagems of the Enemies and when they deal proudly he can be above them Come saith Pharaoh let us deal wisely Exod. 1.10 and he never plaid the Fool more then when he thought to deal wisely Exod. 14.24 In the morning watch the Lord looked to the Hoast of the Egyptians by the Pillar of fire and troubled their Hoast How may this be as Sap in the Vine and may comfort the Church of God in her Militant State the Lord hath an Eye in all the Counsels and Combinations of the Enemy he sees them lay their Train and can blow them up in their own Mine Of the Eternity of GOD. THE next Attribute is God is Eternal Psal. 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God The Schoolmen distinguish between Aevum Eternum to Explain the Notion of Eternity There is a threefold Being 1. Such a Being as had a Beginning and shall have an End So all Sensitive Creatures the Beasts Fowls Fishes these at Death are destroyed and return to Dust their Being ends with their Life 2. Such a Being as had a Beginning but shall have no End as the Angels and Souls of Men they are Eternal à parte post they abide for ever 3. Such a Being as is without Beginning and without Ending and that is proper only to God He is semper existens viz. from everlasting to everlasting it is God's Title a Jewel of his Crown 1. He is called The King Eternal 1 Tim. 1.17 2. Iehovah a word that properly sets out God's Eternity a word so dreadful that the Jews trembled to name or read it therefore used another word Adonai Lord. Iehovah contains in it Time past present and to come Rev. 1.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is and which was and which is to come it interprets the word Iehovah Which is He subsists of himself having a pure independent Being Which was God only was before Time There is no searching into the Records of Eternity Which is to come His Kingdom hath no End His Crown hath no Successors Hebr. 1.8 Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever The doubling of the word ratifies the certainty of it as the doubling of Pharaohs Dreams did I shall prove that God only could be Eternal without Beginning Angels could not they are but Creatures though Spirits they were made and therefore there beginning may be known their Antiquity may be searched into If you ask When they were created Some think before the World was but not so For what was before time was Eternal the Angels first Rice and Original reacheth no higher than the beginning of the World 'T is thought by the Learned that the Angels were made that day on which the Heavens were made Iob 38.7 When the Morning-stars sang together and all the Sons of God shouted for joy St. Hierom Gregory venerable Bede understand it of the Angels When God laid the Foundation Stone of the World the Angels being then Created did sing the Anthems of Joy and Praise The Angels could not be before time for what was before Time was Eternal 'T is only proper to God to be Eternal without Beginning He is Alpha and Omega the First and the Last Rev. 1.8 No Creature can write it self Alpha that is only a Flower of the Crown of Heaven Exod. 3.14 I am that I am viz. he who Exists from and to Eternity Use 1. Here is Thunder and Lightning to the Wicked God is Eternal therefore the Torments of the Wicked are Eternal God lives for ever and as long as God lives he will be punishing the damned This methinks should be as that Hand-writing on the Wall Dan. 5.5 it should make their joints to be loosed c. The sinner takes liberty to sin he breaks God's Laws like a Wild beast that breaks over the Hedge and leaps into forbidden Pasture he sins 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with greediness Eph. 4.19 as if he thought he could not sin fast enough But remember this is one of God's Names Eternal and as long as God is Eternal he hath time enough to reckon with all his Enemies To make Sinners tremble let them think of these three things The Torments of the the Damned are without Intermission without Mixture and Eternal 1. Without Intermission their Pains shall be acute and sharp and no relaxation the fire shall not be slackned or abated Rev. 4.11 They have no rest day nor night like one that hath his Joints stretched continually on the Rack and hath no ease therefore the Wrath of God is compared to a Stream of Brimstone Isa. 30.33 Why to a Stream Because a Stream runs without intermission it runs and doth not stop so God's Wrath runs like a stream and pours out without any intermission In the Pains of this Life there is some abatement and intermission the Fever abates after a fit of the Stone the Patient hath some ease but the Pains of Hell are intense and violent in summo gradu the damned Soul never saith I am now more at ease 2. Without Mixture Hell is a place of pure Iustice. In this Life God in Anger remembers Mercy he mixeth Compassion with Suffering Deut. 33.25 Asher's shoe was of Iron but his foot was dip'd in Oyl Affliction is the Iron shoe but Mercy is mixed with it here is the foot dip'd in Oil. But the Torments of the Damned have no mixture Rev. 14.10 They shall drink of the Wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture No mixture of Mercy How is the Cup of Wrath said to be full of mixture Psal. 75.8 The Wine is red it is full of mixture yet in the Revelation it is said to be without mixture It is full of mixture that is it is full of all the Ingredients that may make it bitter The Worm the Fire the Curse of God all these are bitter Ingredients It is a Cup mixed yet it is without mixture viz. there shall be nothing to afford the least Comfort no mixture of Mercy so it is a Cup without mixture In the Sacrifice of Jealousy Numb 5.15 there was no Oil put to it So in the Torments of the Damned their is no Oil of Mercy to abate their Sufferings 3. Without Cessation Eternal The Pleasures of sin are but for a season but the Torments of the wicked are for ever Sinners have a short Feast but a long Reckoning Origen erroniously thought that after a thousand years the damned should be released out
they cast their Crowns before the Throne they lay all their Honour at his Feet Thus they shew humble Adoration to the Eteral Essence Study God's Eternity it will make us adore where we cannot Fathom 2. Think of the Soul's Eternity As God is Eternal so he hath made us Eternal We are never-dying Creatures we are shortly entring upon an Eternal State either of Happiness or Misery Have serious thoughts of this Say O my Soul which of these two Eternities is like to be thy Portion I must shortly depart hence and whither then shall I go to which of these Eternities either of Glory or Misery The serious Meditation of the Eternal State we are to pass into would work strongly with us 1. Thoughts of Eternal Torment a good Antidote against Sin Sin tempts with its Pleasure but when we think of Eternity it may cool the intemperate Heat of Lust Shall I for the Pleasure of Sin for a Season endure eternal Pain Sin like those Locusts Rev. 9.7 seems to have on its Head a Crown like Gold but it hath in it a Tail like a Scorpion Verse 10. And a Sting in its Tail and this Sting can never be plucked out Shall I venture eternal Wrath is Sin committed so sweet as lying in Hell for ever is bitter This would make us flye from Sin as Moses from the Serpent 2. The serious Thoughts of Eternal Happiness would very much take us off from these Worldly Things we should not esteem much of them What are these Sublunary Things to Eternity they are quickly gone they salute us and take their Farewel But I am to enter upon an Everlasting Estate I hope to live with Him who is Eternal what is the World to me They who stand upon the top of the Alps the great Cities of Campania seem as small things in their eyes so he who hath his Thoughts fixed on his Eternal Estate after this Life all these things seem as nothing in his eye What is the Glory of this World how poor and contemptible compar'd with an Eternal Weight of Glory Aeternis inhianti in fastidio suns transito Bern. 3. To conclude The serious Thoughts of an Eternal Estate either of Happiness or Misery would have a powerful Influence upon whatsoever we take in hand Every Work we do promotes either a blessed or cursed Eternity every good Action sets us a step nearer to an Eternity of Happiness every bad Action sets us a step nearer to an Eternity of Misery O what Influence would the Thoughts of Eternity have upon our Religious Duties it would make us do them with all our Might A Duty well performed lifts a Christian higher towards Heaven and sets a Christian a step nearer to a blessed Eternity GOD's Vnchangeableness THE next Attribute is God's Unchangeableness Mal. 3.6 I am Iehovah I change not 1. God is unchangeable in his Nature 2. In his Decree 1st Unchangeable in his Nature 1. There is no Eclipse of his Brightness 2. No Period put to his Being 1. No Eclipse of his Brightness His Essence shines with a fixed Lustre Iam. 1.17 With whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Psal. 102.27 Thou art the same All created Things are full of Vicissitude 1. Princes and Emperours are subject to Mutation Sehostris an Aegyptian Prince having subdued divers Kings in War made them draw like Horses in his Chariot as if he intended to turn them to Grass as God did King Nebuchadnezzar The Crown hath many Successors 2. Kingdoms have their Ecclipses and Convulsions What is become of the Glory of Athens the Pomp of Troy Iam seges est ubi Troja fuit Kingdoms tho' they have a Head of Gold yet Feet of Clay 3. The Heavens change Psal. 102.25 26. As a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed The Matter of the Elements as it is more pure so more firm and sollid the Heavens are the most ancient Records where God hath written his Glory with a Sun-beam yet these shall change though I do not think they shall be destroyed as to their substance yet they shall be changed as to their qualities They shall meâ—t with fervent heat 2 Pet. 3.12 and so be more refin'd and purifi'd Thus the Heavens shall be changed but not He who dwells in Heaven With him is no Variableness or Shadow of Turning 4. The best Saints have their Eclipses and Changes look upon a Christian in his Spiritual Estate and he is full of Variation though the Seed of Grace doth not dye yet the Beauty and Activity of it doth often wither A Christian hath his Aguish Fits in Religion sometimes his Faith is at an high Tide sometimeâ— low Ebâ— somtimes his Love flames and at another time like Fire hid in the Embers and he hath lost his first Love How strong was David's Grace at one time 2 Sam. 22.3 The God of my rock in him will I trust At another time I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul What Christian can say he doth not find a Change in his Graces that the Bow of his Faith doth never unbend the Strings of his Viol do never slacken Sure we shall never meet with such Christians till we meet them in Heaven But God is without any Shadow of Turning 5. The Angels were subject to Change they were created Holy but Mutable Jud. 6. The angels which kept not their first estate Those Morning-stars of Heaven were falling Stars But God's Glory shines with a fixed Brightness In God there is nothing looks like a Change no better or worse no better in him because then he were not perfect nor worse in him for then he should cease to be perfect He is immutably Holy immutably Good There is no Shadow of Change in him Object Christ who is God assumed the Humane Nature here was a Change Resp. If indeed the Divine Nature had been converted into the Humane or the Humane into the Divine here had been a Change but not so The Humane Nature was distinct from the Divine therefore there was no Change As suppose a Cloud cover the Sun this makes no Change in the Body of the Sun so though the Divine Nature be covered with the Humane this makes no Change in the Divine Nature 2d There is no Period put to his Being 1 Tim. 1.16 Who only hath immortality The Godhead cannot die 1. An Infinite Essence cannot be changed into a Finite but God is Infinite 2. He is Eternal Ergo he is not Mortal to be Eternal and Mortal is a Contradiction Use 1. See here the Excellency of the Divine Nature in its Immutability this is the Glory of Godhead Mutableness denotes Weakness it is not so in God he is the same Yesterday and to Day and for ever Heb. 13.8 Men are fickle and mutable like Ruében Unstable as water Gen. 49.4 They go in changeable Colours 1. They are changeable in their Principles sometimes Protestant sometimes Papist if their Faces altered as fast as their Opinions
and upbraideth not Jam. 1.5 Wisdom is in God tanquam in fonte as in the Fountain his wisdom is imparted not impaired his Stock is not spent by giving Go then to God Lord do thou light my Lamp in thy Light ' I shall see Light give me wisdom to know the fallacies of my heart the subtilties of the old Serpent to walk jealously towards my self religiously towards thee prudently towards others guide me by thy Counsel and afterwards receive me to Glory Of GOD's Power THE next Attribute is God's Power Iob 9.19 If I speak of strength lo he is strong In this Chapter is a magnificent Description of God's Power So he is strong The Hebrew word for strong ammytz signifies a conquering prevailing strength He is strong the Superlative Degree is intended here viz. He is most strong He is call'd Elshaddai God Almighty Gen. 17.1 His Almightiness lies in this he can do whatever is feasible Divines distinguish between 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Authority and Power God hath both 1. He hath a Soveraign Right and Authority over Man He may do with his Creature as he please Who shall Dispute with God who shall ask him a Reason of his doings Dan. 4.35 He doth according to his Will in the Army of Heaven and among the Inhabitants of the Earth and none can stay his Hand or say unto him what dost thou God sits Judge in the highest Court he calls the Monarchs of the Earth to the Barr and is not bound to give a reason of his proceedings Psal. 75.5 7. He putteth down one and raiseth up another He hath Salvation and Damnation in his power He hath the Key of Justice in his hand to lock up whom he will in the fiery Prison of Hell and he hath the Key of Mercy in his hand to open Heaven's Gate to whom he please This is the Name engraven upon his Vesture King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 19.16 he sits Lord paramount and who can call him to account Isa. 46.10 I will do all my pleasure The World is God's Diocess and shall not he do what he will in his own Diocess He it was that turned King Nebuchadnezzar to grass and threw the Angels to Hell when they sinned that broke the head of the Babylonish Empire Isa. 14.12 How art thou fallen from Heaven O Lucifer thy pomp is brought down to the grave Who sets bounds to the Sea and bridles the proud Waves Job 38.11 God is the Supream Monarch all Power is seated originally in him and the powers that be are of God Rom. 13.1 Kings hold their Crowns from him Prov. 8.15 By me Kings reign 2. As God hath Authority so he hath Infinite Power What is Authority without Power He is mighty in strength Job 9.4 This Power of God is seen 1. In the Creation To Create requires an Infinite Power all the World cannot make a Fly God's Power in Creating is evident 1. Because he needs no Instruments to work with 't is proper to God to work without Tools 2. He needs no Matter to work upon first he creates Matter and then works upon it 3. He works without labour Psal. 33.9 He spake and it was done 2. The Power of God is seen in the Conversion of Souls Surely a mighty Power went to raise Christ from the Grave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eph. 1.20 The same power goes to draw a Sinner to God as drew Christ out of the Grave to Heaven Greater Power is put forth in Conversion than in Creation 1. When God made the World he met with no opposition as he had nothing to help him so he had nothing to hinder him But when he comes to convert a Sinner here he meets with opposition Satan opposeth him and the Heart opposeth him a Sinner is angry with Converting Grace 2. The World was the work of God's Fingers Psal. 8.3 Conversion is the work of God's Arm Luke 1.5 3. In the Creation God wrought but one Miracle he Spake the word but in Conversion he works many Miracles The Blind is made to see the Dead is raised the Deaf hears the Voice of the Son of God O the infinite Power of Jehovah Before his Scepter Angels vail and prostrate themselves Kings cast their Crowns at his Feet Amos 9.5 He toucheth the Mountains and they melt Job 9.6 He removes the Earth out of her place An Earthquake makes the Earth tremble upon her Pillars but God shakes it out of its place he can remove the Earth from its Center God can do what he will his Power is as large as his Will Were Men's power as large as their will what work would they make in the World God's Power is of equal extent with his Will God can with a word un-pin the wheels and break the Axle-tree of the Creation He can do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more then we can think Eph. 3.20 He can suspend natural Agents he sealed up the Lions mouth made the Fire not burn he made the waters stand upon an heap he caused the Sun to go ten Degrees backward in Ahaz his Dial Isa. 38.8 What can pose Omnipotency The Lord cuts off the Spirit of Princes Psal. 76.12 He Counter-works his Enemies he pulls down their Flags and Banners of Pride infatuates their Counsels breaks their Forces and he doth it with ease with the turning of his hand Psal. 81.14 with his breath Isa. 40.24 with a look That is all it needs cost God to destroy his Enemies a look a cast of his eye Exod. 14.24 The Lord looked into the hoast of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and troubled their hoast Who shall stop him in his March God commands and all Creatures in Heaven and Earth obey him Xerxes the Persian Monarch threw Fetters into the Sea when its Waves swelled as if he would have chained up the Waters but when God speaks the Wind and Sea obey him if he say but the word the Stars fight in their course against Sisera if he stamp with his Foot an Army of Angels shall presently be in a Battalia What cannot Omnipotent Power do The Lord is a Man of War Exod. 15.3 He hath a mighty Arm Psal. 89.13 God's Power is a glorious power Col. 1.11 1. It is an irresistible power Rom. 9.19 Who hath resisted his will To contest with him is as if the Thorns should set themselves in Battel aray against the fire or as if an infirm Child should fight with an Arch-Angel If the Sinner be once taken in God's Iron Net there is no escaping Isa. 43.13 There is none that can deliver out of my hand 2. God's Power is an inexhaustible power it is never spent or wasted Men while they exercise their strength weaken it but God hath an everlasting spring of strength in him Isa. 26.4 though he spends his Arrows upon his Enemies Deut. 32.23 yet he doth not spend his strength Isa. 40.28 He fainteth not neither is weary Object Can God do
The Lion of the Tribe of Iudah he hath broken the Serpent's head upon the Cross. Satan is a chained Enemy and a conquered Enemy Michael is stronger then the Dragon 3. Comfort in case of Weakness of Grace and Fear of falling Away I pray but I cannot send out strong Cries I believe but the hand of my Faith doth shake and tremble Cannot God strengthen weak Grace 2 Cor. 12.9 My strength is made perfect in weakness Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me I fear I shall not hold out Christian Dost thou believe the Power of God Hath not God preserved thy Grace thus far Maist not thou set up thy Eben-ezer God hath kept thy Grace hitherto as a Spark in the main Ocean and is not he able still to keep thy Grace 1 Pet. 1.5 We are kept by the power of God c. God's Mercy pardons us but his Power preserves us He who by his Power keeps the Stars that they do not fall out of their Orb keeps our Grace that it doth not fail or annihilate 4. Comfort in case of the Deficiency in thy Estate God can multiply the Oil in the Cruise miraculously he can raise up Supplies God that provides for the Birds of the Air cannot he provide for his Children He that cloaths the Lilies cannot he cloath his Lambs 5. Comfort in regard of the Resurrection This seems difficult to believe that the Bodies of Men when eaten up by Worms devour'd by Beasts and Fishes or consum'd to Ashes should be rais'd the same Numerical Bodies but if we believe the Power of God it is no great Wonder Which is hardest to create or raise the Dead He that can make a Body of nothing can restore it to its parts when mingled and confounded with other Substances Matth. 19.26 With God all things are possible If we believe the first Article of the Creed That God is Almighty we may quickly believe the other Article The Resurrection of the Body God can raise the Dead because of his Power and he cannot but raise them because of his Truth 6. It is Comfort in reference to the Church of God He can save and deliver it when it is brought low The Enemies have power in their hand but the remainder of Wrath God will restrain Psal. 76.10 God can either confine the Enemies Power or confound it If God be for us who can be against us God can create Ierusalem a praise Isa. 65.18 The Church in Ezekiel was compar'd to dry Bones but God made breath to enter into them and they lived Ezek. 37.10 The Ship of the Church may be toss'd because Sin is in it but it shall not be overwhelm'd because Christ is in it Psal. 46.5 Deus in medio All the Churches Pangs shall help forward her Deliverance Of the Holiness of GOD. THE next Attribute is God's Holiness Exod. 15.11 Glorious in holiness Nedar Bakkodesh Holiness is the most sparkling Jewel of his Crown it 's the Name by which God is known Psal. 111.9 Holy and reverend is his name He is the holy one Job 6.10 Seraphims cry Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Isa. 6.3 His Power makes him Mighty his Holiness makes him Glorious God's Holiness consists in his perfect loving of Righteousness and abhorrency of Evil Hab. 1.13 Of purer eyes then to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity 1 st God is holy intrinsically 1. He is holy in his Nature his very Being is made up of Holiness as Light is of the Essence of the Sun 2. He his holy in his Word the Word bears a Stamp of his Holiness upon it as the Wax bears an Impression of the Seal Psal. 119 140. Thy word is very pure it is compared to Silver refined seven times Psal. 12.6 Every Line of the Word breaths Sanctity it encourageth nothing but Holiness 3. God is holy in his Operations all God doth is holy He cannot act but like himself he can no more do an Unrighteous Action then the Sun can darken Psal. 145.17 The Lord is holy in all his works 2 dly God is holy primarily He is the Original and Pattern of Holiness Holiness began at him who is the Ancient of Days 3 dly God is holy efficiently He is the Cause of all that Holiness in others Iam. 1.17 Every good and perfect gift comes from above He made the Angels holy he infus'd all that Holiness into Christ's Humane Nature All the Holiness we have is but a Chrystal Stream from this Fountain We borrow all our Holiness from God as the Lights of the Sanctuary were lighted from the middle Lamp so all the Holiness of others is a Lamp lighted from Heaven Lev. 20.8 I am the Lord which sanctifie you God is not only a Pattern of Holiness but he is a Principle of Holiness His Spring feeds all our Cisterns he drops his holy Oyl of Grace upon us 4 hly God is holy transcendantly 1 Sam. 2.2 There is none holy as the Lord No Angel in Heaven can take the just Dimensions of God's Holiness The highest Seraphim is too low of Stature to measure these Pyramids the Holiness in God is far above the Holiness in the Saints or Angels 1. It is above the Holiness in the Saints 1. It is a purer Holiness The Saints Holiness is like Gold in the Oar imperfect their Humility is stained with Pride he that hath most Faith had need pray Lord help my unbelief But the Holiness of God is pure like Wine from the Grape it hath not the least dash or tincture of Impurity mix'd with it 2. A more unchangeable Holiness The Saints though they cannot lose the habit of Holiness for the Seed of God remains yet they may lose some degrees of their Holiness Rev. 2.4 Thou hast left thy first love Grace cannot dye yet the Flaim of it may go out Holiness in the Saints is subject to Ebbing but Holiness in God is Unchangeable he never lost a drop of his Holiness As he cannot have more Holiness because he is perfectly Holy so he cannot have less Holiness because he is unchangeably Holy 2. The Holiness in God is above the Holiness in the Angels Holiness in the Angels is only a Quality which may be lost as we see in the fallen Angels but Holiness in God is his Essence he is all over Holy and he can as well lose his God-head as his Holiness Object But is not he privy to all the Sins of Men he behods their Impurities how can this be and he not be defiled Resp. God sees all the Sins of Men but is no more defiled with them then the Sun is defiled with the Vapours that arise out of the Earth God sees Sin not as a Patron to approve it but as a Judge to punish it Use 1. Is God so infinitely Holy then see how unlike to God Sin is Sin is an unclean thing it is
lodged not one night The Hebrew word for abide bal-jalin signifies to stay or lodge all night Adam then it seems did not take up one night's lodging in Paradise 1 Inference From Adam's sudden Fall he fell the same day in which he was created Learn 1. The Weakness of Humane Nature Adam in a State of Integrity quickly made a Defection from God He soon lost the Robe of Innocence and the Glory of Paradise And was our Nature thus weak when it was at the best what is it now when it is at the worst If Adam did not stand when he was perfectly righteous how unable are we to stand when Sin hath cut the Lock of our Original Righteousness If purified Nature did not stand how then shall corrupt Nature If Adam in a few hours sinn'd himself out of Paradise O how quickly should we sin ourselves into Hell if we were not kept by a greater Power then our own but God puts underneath his Everlasting Arms Deut. 32.27 2. From Adam's sudden Fall he fell the same day Learn how sad it is for a Man to be left to himself 1. Adam being left to himself fell O then what will become of us how soon fall if God leave us to ourselves A Man left to himself will choose his own Death he will be a Prey to every Temptation A Man without God's Grace left to himself is like a Ship in a Storm without Pilot or Anchor and is ready to dash upon every Rock Make this Prayer to God Lord do not leave me to myself If Adam fell so soon who had strength how soon shall I fall who have no strength O urge God with his Hand and Seal 2 Cor. 12.9 My strength shall be made perfect in weakness 2. The Sin by which our first Parents fell was Eating the forbidden Fruit Where consider two things 1. The Occasion of it 2. The Sin itself I. The Occasion of it The Serpent's Temptation the Devil did creep into the Serpent and speak in the Serpent as the Angel in Balaam's Ass where consider 1. The Subtilty of Satan's Temptation his Wiles are worse then his Darts Satan's Subtilty in Tempting 1. He dealt all along as an Impostor he usher'd in his Tentation by a Lye He heaps up many Lyes 1. That though our first Parents did eat of that Tree they should not die Gen. 3.4 Ye shall not surely die 2. Lye that God did envy our first Parents their Happiness Verse 5. God knows that in the day ye eat your eyes shall be opened q. d. 'T is God's envying your Felicity that he forbids you this Tree 3. Lye that they should be thereby made like unto God Verse 5. Ye shall be as gods Here was his Subtilty in Tempting the Devil was first a Lyar then a Murderer 2. In that he set upon our first Parents so quickly before they were confirmed in their Obedience The Angels in Heaven are fully confirm'd in Holiness they are called Stars of the Morning Iob 38.7 and they are fixed Stars But our first Parents were not confirm'd in their Obedience they were not fixed in their Orb of Holiness Though they had a possibility of standing they had not an impossibility of falling they were Holy but Mutable here was Satan's Subtilty in tempting our first Parents before they were confirm'd in their Obedience 3. His Subtilty in tempting was that he sets upon Eve first 1. Because he thought she was less able to resist Satan did break over the Hedge where it was weakest he knew he could more easily insinuate and wind himself into her by a Temptation An expert Soulder when he is to Storm or enter a Castle observes warily where there is a Breach or how he may enter with more Facility so did Satan the weaker Vessel 2. He tempted Eve first because he knew if once he could prevail with her she would easily draw her Husband Thus the Devil handed over a Temptation to Iob by his Wife Job 2.9 Curse God and die Agrippina poison'd the Emperour Commodus with Wine in a perfum'd Cup the Cup being perfumed and given him by his Wife it was the less suspected Satan knew a Temptation coming to Adam from his Wife would be more prevailing and would be less suspected O bitter sometimes Relations prove Temptations A Wife may be a Snare when she disswades her Husband from doing his Duty or enticeth him to Evil Ahab sold himself to work wickedness whom his wife Iezebel stired up 1 Kin. 21.25 She blew the Coals and made his Sin flame out the more Satan's Subtilty was in tempting Adam by his Wife he thought she would draw him to sin 4. Satan's Subtilty in tempting was in his assaulting Eve's Faith he would perswade her that God had not spoken truth Ye shall not surely die Gen. 3.4 This was Satan's Master-piece to weaken her Faith when he had shaken that and wrought her once to Distrust then victa fuit she presently put forth her hand to Evil. 2. Satan's Cruelty in Tempting As soon as Adam was invested in all his Glory the Devil cruelly as it were on the Day of Adam's Coronation would Dethrone him and bring both him and all his Posterity under a Curse We see how little love Satan hath to Mankind he hath an implacable Antipathy against us and Antipathies can never be reconciled So much for the Occasion of Adam's Sin tempted by the Serpent II. The Sin itself Eating the forbidden Fruit This was very heinous and that appears three ways 1. In respect of the Person that committed it 2. The Aggravation of the Sin 3. The Dreadfulness of the Effect 1. Very Heinous in respect of the Person that committed it Adam had Excellent and Noble Endowments he was illuminated with Knowledge embellished with Holiness he knew his Duty and it was as easie to him to obey God's Command as to know it he might have chosen whether he would sin or no yet he wilfully did eat of the Tree which was forbidden 2. The Aggravation of Adam's Sin Quest. Wherein did it appear to be so great 'T was but raptus Pomi Was this such a great matter to pluck an Apple Resp. Besides that 't was against an infinite God it was Malum complexum a voluminous Sin there were many Sins twisted together in it As Cicero saith of Parricide He who is guilty of it Plurima committit peccata in uno he commits many Sins in one So there were many Sins in this one Sin of Adam A big-bellied Sin a Chain with many Links ten Sins in it 1. Incredulity our first Parents did not believe what God had spoken was truth God said They should die the death in the day they eat of that tree They believed not that they should die they could noâ— be perswaded that such fair Fruit had Death at the Core Thus by Unbelief they made God a Lyer nay which was worse they believed the Devil rather then God 2. Unthankfulness which is the Epitome of all Sin Adam's Sin
and Drunkenness in Noah and Cursing in Iob If God leave a Man to himself how suddenly and scandalously may Original sin break forth in the holiest Men alive 5. Original sin doth mix and incorporate it self with our Duties and Graces 1. With out Duties as the hand which is paralitical or palsy cannot move without shaking as wanting some inward strength so we cannot do any holy action without sinning as wanting a Principle of Original Righteousness As the Leper whatever he touched became unclen if he touched the Altar the Altar did not sanctifie him but he polluted the Altar such a Leprosy is Original sin it defiles our Prayers and Tears we cannot write without blotting Though I do not say that the holy Duties and good Works of the Regenerate are sins for that were to reproach the Spirit of Christ by which they are wrought yet this I say that the best works of the godly have sin cleaving to them only Christ's Blood makes atonement for our holy things 2. With our Graces There is some Unbelief mixed with Faith Lukewarmness with Zeal Pride with Humility As bad Lungs cause an Astmah or shortness of breath so Original Corruption having infected our heart our Greaces breath now very faintly 6. Original sin is a vigorous active Principle within us it doth not lye still but is ever exciting and stirring us up to evil it is an Inmate very unquiet Rom. 7.15 What I hate that do I. How came Paul to do so Original sin did irritate and stir him up to it Original sin is like Quicksilver always in motion when we are asleep sin is awake in the Fancy Original sin sets the Head a plotting evil and the Hands a working it it hath in it principium motus not quiet is it is like the Pulse ever beating 7. Original sin is the cause of all Actual it is fomes peccati it is the Womb in which all actual sins are conceived Hence come Murders Adulteries Rapines it is the Trojan Horse out of which a whole Army of Impieties come Though Actual sins may be more scandalous yet Original sin is more heinous the Cause is more then the Effect 8. It is not perfectly cured in this Life Grace though it doth subdue sin yet not wholly remove it Though we are like Christ having the first fruits of the Spirit yet we are unlike him having the remainders of the Flesh. There are two Nations in the Womb. Original sin is like that Tree Dan. 4.23 though the Branches of it were hewen down and the main body of it yet the stumps and root of the Tree were left Though the Spirit be still weakning and hewing down sin in the godly yet the stump of Original sin is still left it is a Sea that will not in this Life be dried up Quest. But why doth God leave Original Corruption in us after Regeneration he could quite free us from it if he pleased Resp. 1. He doth it to shew the power of his Grace in the weakest Believer Grace shall prevail against a Torrent of Corruption Whence is this the Corrupion is ours but the Grace is Gods 2. God leaves Original Corruption to make us long after Heaven when there shall be no Sin to defile no Devil to tempt When Elias was taken up to Heaven his Mantle dropped off so when the Angels shall carry us up to Heaven this Mantle of sin shall drop off we shall never complain more of an aking head or an unbelieving heart Use 1. If Original sin be propagated to us and will be inherent in us while we live here then it Confutes the Libertines and Quakers who say they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without sin they hold Perfection they shew much Pride and Ignorance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but we see the Seeds of Original sin remain in the best Eccles. 7.20 There is not a just man lives and sins not And St. Paul complained of a body of death Rom. 7.24 Grace though it doth purifie Nature it doth not perfect it Object But doth not the Apostle say of Believers that their old man is crucified Rom. 6.6 and they are dead to sin Rom. 7.11 Resp. They are dead 1. Spiritually they are dead as to the Reatus the guilt of it and as to the Regnum the power of it the love of sin is crucified 2. They are dead to sin Legally as a Man that is Sentenced to Death is dead in Law so they are legally dead to Sin there is a Sentence of Death gone out against sin it shall die and drop into the Crave but at the present sin hath its Life lengthened out nothing but Death of the Body can quite free us from the Body of Death Use 2. Let us lay to heart Original sin and be deeply humbled for it it cleaves to us as a Disease it is an active Principle in us stirring us up to Evil. Original sin is worse then all Actual sin the Fountain is more then the Stream Some think as long as they are civil they are well enough I but thy Nature is poisoned thou hast a proud lustful envious Nature a River may have fair Streams but Vermin at bottom Thou carriest an Hell about thee thou canst do nothing but thou defilest it thy Heart like muddy ground defiles the purest Water that runs thorow it Nay though thou art Regenerate there is much of the Old Man in the New Man O how should Original sin humble us This is one reason God hath left Original sin in us because he would have it as a Thorn in our side to humble us as the Bishop of Alexandria after the People had embraced Cristianity destroyed all their Idols but one that the sight of that Idol might make them loath themselves for their former Idolatry So God leaves Original sin to pull down the Plumes of Pride Under our silver Wings of Grace are black feet 2. Let the sence of this make us daily look up to Heaven for help beg Christ's Blood to wash away the guilt of sin and his Spirit to mortifie the power of it beg further degrees of Grace Gratiam Christi eò obnixiùs ambiamus though Grace cannot make sin to be yet not to reign though Grace cannot expel sin it can repel it and for our Comfort where Grace makes a Combat with sin Death shall make a Conquest 3. Let Original sin make us walk with continual Iealousie and Watchfulness over our Hearts The Sin of our Nature is like a sleeping Lion the least thing that awakens it makes it rage The Sin of our Nature though it seem quiet and lies as Fire hid under the Embers yet if it be a little stirr'd and blown up by a Temptation how quickly may it flame forth into scandalous Evils therefore we had need always walk watchfully Mark 13.37 I say to you all watch A wandring heart needs a watchful Eye MAN's Misery by the FALL Quest. XIII WHat is the Misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell
let not unworthiness discourage you it is not unworthiness excludes any from the Covenant but unwillingness Quest. What shall we do that we may be in Covenant with God Answ. 1. Seek to God by Prayer Exige à Domino misericordiam Aug. Lord be my God in Covenant The Lord hath made an express Promise that upon our Prayer to him the Covenant shall be ratified he will be our God and we shall be his People Zach. 13.9 They shall call upon my Name and I will hear them I will say it is my people and they shall say The Lord is my God Only it must be an importunate Prayer Come as earnest Suiters resolve to take no denial 2. If you would be in Covenant with God break off the Covenant with Sin before the Marriage-Covenant there must be a Divorce 1 Sam. 7.3 If ye return to the Lord with all your hearts put away the strange gods and they put away Ashtaroth viz. their Female Gods Will any King enter into Covenant with that Man who is in League with his Enemies 3. If you would enter into the Bond of the Covenant get Faith in the Blood of the Covenant Christ's Blood is the Blood of Atonement believe in this Blood and you are safely arked in God's Mercy Eph. 2.13 Ye are made nigh to the blood of Christ. Use 4. Of Comfort to such as can make out their Covenant Interest in God 1. You that are in Covenant with God all your sins are pardoned Pardon is the crowning Mercy Psal. 103.3 Who forgiveth thy iniquity who crowneth thee c. This is a branch of the Covenant Ier. 31.33 I will be their God and I will forgive their iniquity Sin being pardoned all wrath ceaseth How terrible is it when but a Spark of God's Wrath flies into a Man's Conscience but sin being forgiven no more wrath God doth not appear now in the Fire or Earthquake but covered with a Rain-bow full of Mercy 2. All your Temporal Mercies are Fruits of the Covenant Wicked Men have Mercies by Providence not by virtue of a Covenant with Gods leave not with his Love But such as are in Covenant have their Mercies sweetned with God's Love and they swim to them in the Blood of Christ. As Naaman said to Gehazi 2 Kings 5.23 Take two Talents so saith God to such as are in Covenant Take two Talents take Health and take Christ with it take Riches and take my Love with them take the Venison and take the Blessing with it Take two Talents 3. You may upon all Occasions plead the Covenant If you are haunted with Temptation plead the Covenant Lord thou hast promised to bruise Satan under my feet shortly wilt thou suffer thy Child to be thus worried take off the roaring Lion If in want plead the Covenant Lord thou hast said I shall want no good thing wilt thou save me from Hell and not from Want wilt thou give me a Kingdom and deny me daily Bread 4. If in Covenant with God all things shall co-operate for your Good Etiam mala cedunt in bonum Psal. 25.10 Not only golden paths but his bloody paths Every wind of Providence shall blow them nearer Heaven Affliction shall humble and purifie Hebr. 12.10 Out of the bitterest Drug God distils your Salvation Afflictions add to the Saints Glory The more the Diamond is cut the more it sparkles the heavier the Saints Cross the heavier shall be their Crown 5. If thou art in Covenant once then for ever in Covenant The Text calls it Berith Gnolam an everlasting Covenant Such as are in Covenant are elected God's electing Love is unchangeable Ier. 32.40 I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them but I will put my fear in ther heart that they shall not depart from me God will so love the Saints that he will not forsake them and the Saints shall so fear God that they shall not forsake him 'T is Berith Gnolam a Covenant of Eternity it must be so for who is this Covenant made with is it not with Believers and have not they Coalition and Union with Christ Christ is the Head they are the Body Eph. 1.23 This is a near Union much like that Union between God the Father and Christ Iohn 17.21 As thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us Now the Union between Christ and the Saints being so inseparable it can never be dissolved or the Covenant made void you may die with Comfort 6. Thou art in Covenant with God and thou art going to thy God behold a Death-bed Cordial Death breaks the Union between the Body and the Soul but perfects the Union between Christ and the Soul This hath made the Saints desire Death as the Bride the Wedding-day Phil. 1.23 Cupio dissolvi Lead me Lord to that Glory said one a glympse whereof I have seen as in a Glass darkly Use 5. of Direct To shew you how you should walk who have tasted of Covenant-Mercy Live as a People in Covenant with God As you differ from others in respect of Dignity so you must in point of Carriage 1. You must love this God God's Love to you calls for Love 1. It is Amor Gratiatus a free Love Why should God pass by others and take you into a League of Friendship with himself In the Law God passed by the Lion and Eagle and chose the Dove so he passes by the Noble and Mighty 2. It is Amor plenns a full Love When God takes you into Covenant you are his Hephsibah Isa. 62.3 his delight is in you he gives you the Key of all his Treasure he heaps Pearls upon you he settles Heaven and Earth upon you he gives you a Bunch of Grapes by the way and saith Son all I have is thine And doth not all this call for Love Who can tread upon these hot Coals and his heart not burn in love to God 2. Walk Holily The Covenant hath made you a Royal Nation therefore be an holy People Shine as Lights in the World live as Earthly Angels God hath taken you into Covenant that you and he may have Communion together and what is it keeps up your Communion with God but Holiness 3. Walk thankfully Psal. 103.1 God is your God in Covenant he hath done more for you then if he had made you ride upon the high Places of the Earth and given you Crowns and Scepters O! Take the Cup of Salvation and bless the Lord. Eternity will be little enough to praise him Musitians love to play on their Musick where there is the loudest sound and God loves to bestow his Mercies where he may have the loudest Praises You that have Angels Reward do Angels Work Begin that Work of Praise here which you hope to be always doing in Heaven CHRIST the Mediator of the Covenant HEB. 12.24 Iesus the Mediator of the new Covenant c. JEsus Christ is the Sum and Quintessence of
the Gospel the Wonder of Angels the Joy and Triumph of Saints The Name of Christ is sweet it is as Musick in the Ear Honey in the Mouth and a Cordial at the Heart I shall wave the Context and only speak of that which concerns our present Purpose Having discours'd of the Covenant of Grace I shall speak now of the Mediator of the Covenant and the Restorer of lapsed Sinners IESUS the Mediator of the Covenant There are several Names and Titles in Scripture given to Christ as the Great Restorer of Mankind 1. Sometimes he is called a Saviour Matth. 1.21 His name shall be called Iesus The Hebrew word for Jesus Ioshuang signifies a Saviour and whom he saves from Hell he saves from Sin where Christ is a Saviour he is a Sanctifier Matth. 1.21 He shall save his people from their sins There is no other Saviour Acts 4.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Neither is there salvation in any other As there was but one Ark to save the World from drowning so there is but one Jesus to save Sinners from damning As Naomi said to her Daughters-in-law Ruth 1.11 Are there yet any more sons in my womb So hath God any other Sons in the Womb of his Eternal Decree to be Saviours to us besides Christ Job 28.13 Where shall wisdom be found the deep saith it is not in me and the sea saith it is not with me Let me allude Where shall Salvation be found The Angel saith it is not in me Morality saith it is not in me the Ordinance saith it is not in me Christ alone is the Well-spring of Life the Ordinance is the Conduit-pipe that conveys Salvation but Christ is the Spring that feeds it Neither is there salvation in any other 2. Sometimes Christ is called a Redeemer Isa. 59.20 The redeemer shall come to Sion Some understand it of Cyrus others of an Angel but the most ancient Iewish Doctors understand it of Christ the Redeemer of the Elect Job 19.25 My redeemer liveth The Hebrew word for Redeemer Goel signifies such an one as is near a Kin and hath Right to redeem a Mortgage So Christ is near a kin to us being our Elder Brother therefore hath the best right to redeem us 3. Christ is called a Mediator in the Text Iesus the mediator of the new covenant The Greek word for Mediator 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a middle Person one that doth make up the breach between two disagreeing Parties God and we were at Variance by Sin now Christ doth Mediate and Umpire between us he reconciles us to God through his Bloud therefore is call'd the Mediator of the New Covenant There is no way of Communion and Intercourse between God and Man but in and through a Mediator Christ takes away the Enmity in us and the Wrath in God and so makes Peace nor is Christ only a Mediator of Reconciliation but Intercession Heb. 9.24 Christ is entred not into the holy place made with hands but into heaven itself now to appear in the presence of God for us The Priest when he had slain the Sacrifice was to go with the Bloud before the Altar and Mercy-seat and show it to the Lord. Now in Christ our Blessed Mediator consider two things 1. His Person 2. His Graces 1. His Person His Person is amiable he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all made up of Love and Beauty He is the Effigies of his Father Heb. 1.3 The express image of his person Consider 1. Christ's Person in two Natures 2. His two Natures in one Person 1. Christ's Person in two Natures 1. Look upon his Humane Nature as Incarnate The Valentinians deny his Humane Nature but Joh. 1.14 The Word was made Flesh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 'T is spoken of Christ the promised Messiah Christ took our Flesh that the same Nature which sinned might suffer and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The word made flesh that through the Glass of his Humane Nature we might look upon God Quest. Why is Christ called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Word Resp. Because as a Word is the Interpreter of the Mind and reveals what is in a Man's breast so Jesus Christ reveals his Father's Mind to us concerning the great Matters of our Salvation Iohn 1.18 Were it not for CHRIST's Manhood the sight of the Godhead would be formidable to us but through Christ's Flesh we may look upon God without Terrour And Christ took our Flesh that he might know how to pity us he knows what it is to be faint sorrowful tempted Psal. 103.14 He knows our frame And he took our Flesh that he might as Austin saith Ennoble our Humane Nature with Honour Christ having married our Flesh hath exalted it above the Angelical Nature 2. Look upon Christ's Divine Nature Christ may fitly be compared to Iacob's Ladder Gen. 28.12 which reached from Earth to Heaven Christ's Humane Nature was the foot of the Ladder which stood upon Earth his Divine Nature the top of the Ladder which reached to Heaven This being a grand Article of our Faith I shall amplifie I know the Arians Socinians Ebionites would rob Christ of the best Jewel of his Crown his Godhead but the Apostolical Nicene Athanasian Creed affirm Christ's Deity to this the Churches of Helvetia Bohemia Wittembergh Transylvania c. give their full Consent and the Scripture is clear for it He is call'd the Mighty God Isa. 9.6 El Gibber and in him dwells the fulness of the Godhead Col. 2.9 He is not only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the same Nature and Essence with the Father So Athanasius Basil Chrysostom 1. Is God the Father call'd Almighty so is Christ Rev. 1.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Almighty 2. Is God the Father the Heart-searcher so is Christ Ioh. 2.25 He knew their thoughts 3. Is God the Father Omnipresent so is Christ Joh. 3.13 The Son of man which is in heaven Christ as God was then in Heaven when as Man he was upon the Earth Quest. Is God Eternal Resp. Christ is the Everlasting Father Isa. 9.6 which Scripture may be urged against the Cerinthian Hereticks who deny'd the Pre-existency of Christ's Godhead and held that Christ had no being till he derived it from the Virgin Mary 4. Doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Divine Worship belong to the first Person in the Trinity so it doth to Christ Ioh. 5.23 Heb. 1.6 Let all the angels of God worship him 5. Is Creation proper to the Deity This is a Flower of Christ's Crown Col. 1.16 By him were all things created 6. Is Invocation proper to the Deity This is given to Christ Acts 7. Lord Iesus receive my spirit 7. Is Recumbency and Trust peculiar to God the Father This is given to Christ Joh. 14.1 Ye believe in God believe also in me Christ must needs be God not only that the Divine Nature might support the Humane from sinking under God's Wrath but also to give Value and Weight to his
them and as Acts 10.33 We are all here present before God to hear all things commanded 6. Christ when he Teacheth doth not only illuminate but animate He doth so teach as he doth quicken Iohn 8.12 I am the light of the world he that follows me shall have lumen vitae the light of life By Nature we are dead therefore unfit for teaching who will make an Oration to the Dead But Christ teacheth them that are dead he gives the light of life as when Lazarus was dead Christ said Come forth and he made the dead to hear Lazarus came forth So when Christ saith to the dead Soul Come forth of the Grave of Unbelief he hears Christ's voice and comes forth it is the Light of Life The Philosophers saith Calor lux concrescunt Light and Heat encrease together 'T is true here where Christ comes with his Light there is the heat of Spiritual Life going along with it Use 1. of Information Branch 1. See here an Argument of Christ's Divinity Had he not been God he could never have known the Mind of God or revealed to us those Arcana Caeli those deep Mysteries which no Man or Angel could find out Who but God can anoint the eyes of the blind and give not only light but sight who but he who hath the Key of David can open the Heart who but God can bow the iron sinew of the Will He only who is God can enlighten the Conscience and make the stoney Heart bleed Branch 2. See what a Cornucopia or Plenty of Wisdom is in Christ who is the Great Doctor of his Church and gives saving knowledge to all the Elect. The Body of the Sun must needs be full of Charity and Brightness which enlightens the whole World Christ is the great Luminary In him are hid all Treasures of Knowledge Col. 2.3 The middle Lamp of the Sanctuary gave light to all the other Lamps Christ duffuseth his glorious Light to others We are apt to admire the Learning of Aristotle and Plato alas what is this poor Spaâ—k of Light to that which is in Christ from whose infinite Wisdom both Men and Angels light their Lamp Branch 3. See the Misery of Men in the state of Nature before Christ came to be their Prophet they are inveloped with Ignorance and Daâ—kness Men know nothing in a salvifical sanctified manner they know nothing as they ought to know 1 Cor. 8.2 This is sad 1. Men in the dark cannot discern Colours so in the state of Nature they cannot discern between Morality and Grace they take one for the other pro dea nubem 2. In the dark the greatest Beauty is hid Let there be rare Flowers in the Garden and Pictures in the Room yet in the dark their Beauty is vail'd over so though there be such transcendent Beauty in Christ as amazeth the Angels a Man in the state of Nature sees none of this Beauty What is Christ to him or Heaven to him the vail is upon his heart 3. A Man in the dark is in danger every step he goes so a Man in the state of Nature is in danger every step of falling into Hell Thus it is before Christ teacheth us nay the darkness in which a Sinner is while in an unregenerate state is worse then natural darkness for natural darkness affrights Gen. 15.12 An horrour of great darkness fell upon Abraham But the Spiritual Darkness is not accompanied with horrour Men tremble not at their condition nay they like their condition well enough Iohn 3.19 Men loved darkness This is their sad condition till Jesus Christ comes as a Prophet to teach them and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God Branch 4. See the happy condition of the Children of God they have Christ to be their Prophet Isa. 54.13 All thy children shall be taught of the Lord. 1 Cor. 1.30 He is made to us wisdom One Man cannot see by anothers eye but Believers see with Christ's eyes in his light they see light Christ gives them the light of Grace and light of Glory Use 2. Labour to have Christ for your Prophet he teacheth savingly he is an interpreter of a thousand he can untie those Knots which puzzle the very Angels till Christ teach never learn any Lesson till Christ is made to us wisdom we shall never be wise to Salvation Quest. What shall we do to have Christ for our Teacher Resp. 1. See your need of Christ's Teaching you cannot see your way without this Morning Star Some speak much of the Light of Reason improved Alas the Plumb-line of Reason is too short to Fathom the deep things of God the Light of Reason will no more help a Man to believe then the light of a Candle will help him to understand A Man can no more by the power of Nature reach Christ then an Infant can reach the top of the Pyramids or the Ostridge fly up to the Stars See your need of Christ's Anointing and Teaching Rev. 3.18 2. Go to Christ to teach you Psal. 25.5 Lead me in thy truth and teach me As one of the Disciples said Lord teach us to pray Luke 11.1 so Lord teach me to profit Do thou light my Lamp O thou great Prophet of thy Church give me a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation that I may see things in another manner then ever I saw them before Teach me in the Word to hear thy Voice and in the Sacrament to discern thy Body Psal. 13.3 Lighten mine eyes c. Cathedram habet in coelo qui corda docet in terra Aug. He hath his Pulpit in Heaven who converts Souls And that we may be encouraged to go to Christ our great Prophet 1. Jesus Christ is very willing to teach us Why else did he enter into the Calling of the Ministry but to teach the Mysteries of Heaven Matth. 4.23 Iesus went about teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of diseases among the people Why did he take the Office Prophetical upon him why was Christ so angry with them that kept away the Key of Knowledge Luke 11.52 why was Christ anointed with the Spirit without measure but that he might anoint us with Knowledge Knowledge is in Christ as Milk in the Breast for the Child O then go to Christ to Teach None in the Gospel came to Christ for sight but he restored their eye-sight And sure Christ is more willing to work a cure upon a blind Soul than ever he was upon a blind Body 2. There are none so dull and ignorant but Christ can teach them Every one is not fit to make a Philosophers Scholar of Ex omni ligno non fit Mercurius but there is none so dull but Christ can make a good Scholar of such as are ignorant and of low parts Christ teacheth them in such a manner that they know more then the great Sages and Wisemen of the World
and could we have shed Rivers of Tears offered up Millions of Holocausts and Burnt-Offerings we could never have pacified an angry Deity therefore Christ must dye that God's Justice might be satisfied It is hotly debated among Divines Whether God could not have forgiven Sin freely without a Sacrifice Not to dispute what God could have done but when we consider God was resolved to have the Law satisfied and to have Man in a way of Justice as well as Mercy then I say it was necessary that Christ should lay down his Life as a Sacrifice 1. To fulfil the Predictions of Scripture Luke 24.46 Thus it behoved Christ to suffer 2. To bring us into Favour with God 'T is one thing for a Traytor to be pardoned and another thing to be made a Favourite Christ's Bloud is not only called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Sacrifice whereby God is appeased but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Propitiation whereby God becomes gracious and friendly to us Christ is our Mercy-seat from which God gives Answers of Peace to us 3. Christ dyed that he might make good his last Will and Testament with his Bloud There were many Legacies which Christ bequeathed to Believers which had been all null and void had not he dyed and by his Death confirm'd the Will Heb. 9.17 A Testament is in force after Men are dead The Mission of Spirit the Promises those Legacies were not in force till Christ's Death but Christ by his Bloud hath sealed them and Believers may lay claim to them 4. He died that he might purchase for us Glorious Mansions Therefore Heaven is called not only a promised but a purchased Possession Eph. 1.14 Christ dyed for our Preferment He suffered that we might reign he hung upon the Cross that we might fit upon the Throne Heaven was shut c. Crux Christi clavis Paradisi The Cross of Christ is the Ladder by which we ascend to Heaven His Crucifixion is our Coronation Use 1. In the Bloudy Sacrifice of Christ see the horrid Nature of Sin Sin it is true is odious as it banish'd Adam out of Paradise and threw the Angels into Hell but that which doth most of all make it appear Horrid is this it made Christ vail his Glory and loose his Bloud We should look upon Sin with Indignation and pursue it with an Holy Malice and shed the Bloud of those Sins shed Christ's Bloud The sight of Caesar's Bloudy Robe incensed the Romans against them that slew him The sight of Christ's bleeding Body should incense us against Sin let us not parly with it let not that be our Joy which made Christ a Man of Sorrow Use 2. Is Christ our Priest sacrific'd see God's Mercy and Iustice displayed I may say as the Apostle Rom. 11.27 Behold the goodness and severity of God 1. The Goodness of God in providing a Sacrifice Had not Christ suffered on the Cross we must have lain in Hell for ever satisfying God's Justice 2. The Severity of God Though it were his own Son the Son of his Love and our Sins were but imputed to him yet God did not spare him Rom. 8.32 but his Wrath did flame against him And if God were thus severe to his own Son how dreadful will he be one day to his Enemies Such as dye in wilful Impenitency must feel the same Wrath as Christ did and because they cannot bear it at once therefore they must be enduring it for ever Use 3. Is Christ our Priest who was sacrificed for us then see the endeared Affection of Christ to us Sinners The Cross saith Austin was a Pulpit in which Christ preached his Love to the World That Christ should dye was more then if all the Angels had been turned to Dust And that Christ should dye as a Malefactor having the weight of all Mens Sins laid upon him That he should dye for his Enemies Rom. 5.10 The Balm-tree weeps out its precious Balm to heal those that cut and mangle it Christ shed his Bloud to heal those that crucified him And that he should dye freely it is call'd the Offering of the Body of Jesus Heb. 10.10 And though his Sufferings were so great that they made him sigh and weep and bleed yet they could not make him Repent Isa. 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and be satisfied Christ had hard travel upon the Cross yet he doth not repent of it but thinks his Sweat and Bloud well bestowed because he sees Redemption brought forth to the World O infinite amazing Love of Christ a Love that passeth Knowledge Eph. 3.19 That neither Man or Angel can paralel How should we be affected with this Love if Saul was so affected with David's Kindness in sparing his Life How should we be affected with Christ's Kindness in parting with his Life for us At Christ's Death and Passion the very Stones did cleave asunder Matth. 27.5 The rocks rent Not to be affected with Christ's Love in dying is to have Hearts harder then the Rocks Use 4. Is Christ our Sacrifice then see the Excellency of this Sacrifice 1. It is perfect Heb. 10.14 By one offering he hath perfected them that are sanctified Therefore how impious are the Papists in joyning their Merits and the Prayers of Saints with Christ's Sacrifice They offer him up daily in the Mass as if Christ's Sacrifice on the Cross were imperfect this is a Blasphemy against Christ's Priestly Office 2. Christ's Sacrifice is meritorious he not only died for our Example but to merit Salvation The Person who suffered being God as well as Man did put Vertue into his Sufferings and now our sins are expiated and God appeased No sooner did the Messengers say Uriah is dead but David's Anger was pacified 2 Sam. 11.21 No sooner did Christ dye but God's Anger is pacified 3. This Sacrifice is beneficial out of the dead Lyon Sampson had Honey it procures Justification of our Persons Acceptance of our Services Access to God with Boldness Entrance into the Holy Place of Heaven Heb. 10.19 Per latus Christi paâ—escit nobis in coelum Israel passed through the Red Sea to Canaan so through the Red Sea of Christ's Bloud we enter into the Heavenly Canaan 2. Use of Exhortation Branch 1. Let us fiducially apply this Bloud of Christ All the Vertue of a Medicine is in the applying though the Medicine be made of the Bloud of God it will not heal unless by Faith applyed As Fire is to the Chymist so is Faith to a Christian the Chymist can do nothing without Fire so there is nothing done without Faith Faith makes Christ's Sacrifice ours Phil. 3.8 Christ Iesus my Lord. It is not Gold in the Mine enricheth but Gold in the Hand Faith is the Hand receives Christ's Golden Merits It is not a Cordial in the Glass refresheth the Spirits but a Cordial drunk down Per fidem Christi sanguinem sugimus Cypr. Faith opens the Orifice of Christ's Woundâ— and drinks the precious Cordial of
Request for them in Heaven Quest. What are the Fruits of Christ's Intercession Resp. 1. Iustification In Justification there is two things 1. Guilt is remitted 2. Righteousness is imputed Ier. 23.6 The Lord our Righteousness We are reputed not only Righteous as the Angels but as Christ having his Robes put upon us 2 Cor. 5.21 But whence is it that we are justified 'T is from Christ's Intercession Rom. 8.33 34. Lord saith Christ these are the Persons I have died for look upon them as if they had not sinned and repute them Righteous 2 d Fruit. The Unction of the Spirit 1 Iohn 2.20 Ye have an Unction from the holy one This Unction or Anointing is nothing else but the Work of Sanctification in the heart whereby the Spirit makes us partake of the Divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 Such as speak of the Philosophers Stone suppose it to have such a Property that when it toucheth the Mettal it turns it into Gold such a Property hath the Spirit of God upon the Soul when it toucheth the Soul it puts into it a Divine Nature it makes it to be holy and to resemble God This sanctifying work of the Spirit is the fruit of Christ's Intercession Iohn 7.39 The Holy Ghost was not yet given because Iesus was not yet glorified Christ being glorified and in Heaven now he prays the Father and the Father sends the Spirit who pours out the holy Anointing upon the Elect. 3 d Fruit. The Purification of our holy Things It is Christ's work in Heaven not only to present his own Prayers to his Father but he prays over our Prayers again Rev. 8.3 Another Angel came having a golden Censer and there was given to him much Incense that he should offer it with the Prayers of all Saints upon the golden Altar This Angel was Christ he takes the golden Censer of his Merits and puts our Prayers into this Censer and with the Incense of his Intercession makes our Prayers go up as a sweet perfume in Heaven It is observable Lev. 16.16 Aaron shall make Atonement for the holy Place this was Typical to shew that our holy Duties need to have Atonement made for them Our best Services as they come from us are mixed with Corruption as Wine that tasts of the Cask Isa. 64.6 they are filthy rags But Christ purifies and sweetens these Services mixing the sweet odours of his Intercession with them and now God accepts and Crowns them What would become of our Duties without an High Priest Christ's Intercession doth to our Prayers as the Fan to the Chaff it winnows it from the Corn so Christ winnows out the Chaff which intermixeth with our Prayers 4 th Fruit. Access with boldness unto the Throne of Grace Hebr. 4.16 We have a great High Priest that is passed into the Heavens let us go Come boldly to the Throne of Grace we have a Friend at Court that speaks a good word for us and is following our Cause in Heaven therefore let this animate and encourage us in Prayer We think it too much boldness what such Sinners as we to come for pardon we shall be denied this is a sinful modesty Did we indeed come in our own Name in Prayer it were presumption but Christ intercedes for us in the forcâ— and efficacy of his Blood now to be afraid to come to God in Prayer is a dishonour to Christ's Intercession 5 th Fruit. The sending the Comforter Iohn 14.16 I will pray the Father and â—e will give you another Comforter The Comfort of the Spirit is distinct from the Anointing this Comfort is very sweet sweeter than the Honey drops from the Comb it is the Manna in the Golden Pot it is Vinum in pectore a drop of this heavenly Comfort is enough to sweeten a Sea of worldly Sorrow It is called arrhabo the earnest of the Spirit 2 Cor. 1.22 an Earnest assures one of the whole Sum. The Spirit gives an Earnest of Heaven in our Hand whence is this comforting work of the Spirit Thank Christ's Intercession for it I will pray the Father and he shall send the Comforter 6 th Fruit. Perseverance in Grace Iohn 17.11 Keep through thy own Name those which thou hast given me It is not our prayer or watchfulness or grace that keeps us but it is God's care and manu-tenancy he holds us that we do not fall away and whence is it God preserves us it is from Christ's Intercession Father keep them That Prayer of Christ for Peter is the Copy of his Prayer now in Heaven Luke 22.32 I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Peter's Faith did fail in some degree when he denied Christ but Christ prayed that it might not totally fail The Saints persevere in believing because Christ perseveres in praying 7 th Fruit. Absolution at the Day of Judgment Christ shall judge the World Iohn 5.22 God hath committed all Iudgment to the Son Now sure those that Christ hath so prayed for he will Absolve when he sits upon the Bench of Judicature Will Christ condemn those he prays for Believers are his Spouse will he condemn his Spouse Use 1. Branch 1. See here the Constancy of Christ's Love to the Elect. He did not only die for them but intercedes for them in Heaven when Christ hath done dying he hath not done loving he is now at work in Heaven for the Saints he carries their names on his breast and will never leave praying till that Prayer be granted Iohn 17.24 Father I will that those whom thou hast given me be with me where I am Branch 2. See whence it is that the Prayers of the Saints are so powerful with God Iacob as an Angel prevailed with God Moses's Prayer tied God's hands Precibus suis tanquam vinculis ligatum tenuit Deum Let me alone Exod. 32.10 Whence is this It is Christ's Prayer in Heaven makes the Saints Prayers so available Christ's Divine Nature is the Altar on which he offers up our Prayers and so they prevail Prayer as it comes from the Saints is but weak and languid but when the Arrow of a Saint's Prayer is put into the Bow of Christ's Intercession now it pierceth the Throne of Grace Branch 3. It shows where a Christian must chiefly fix his Eye when he comes to prayer viz. on Christ's Intercession We are to look up to the Mercy-seat but to hope for Mercy through Christ's Intercession We read Levit. 6. That Aaron made the Atonement as well by the Incense as the Bloud We must look to the Cloud of Incense viz. the Intercession of Christ. Christian Look up to thy Advocate one that God can deny nothing to A word from Christ's Mouth is more then if all the Angels in Heaven were interceding for thee If a Man had a Suit depending in the Court of Chancery and had a skilful Lawyer to plead this would much encourage him Christ is now at the Court appearing for us Heb. 9.24 and he hath great Potency in Heaven
his Bloud abusing his Love grieving his Spirit and will he ever pray for me Resp. Which of us may not say so But Christian dost thou mourn for Unbelief be not discouraged thou maist have a part in Christ's Prayer Numb 16. The congregation murmured against Aaron yet though they had sinn'd against their High-Priest Verse 46. Aaron run in with his censer and stood between the dead and the living If so much Bowels in Aaron who was but a Type of Christ how much more Bowels is in Christ who will pray for them who have sinn'd against their High-Priest Did not he pray for them that crucified him Father forgive them Quest. But I am unworthy what am I that Christ should intercede for me Resp. The Work of Christ's Intercession is a Work of Free-grace Christ's praying for us is from his pitying of us Christ looks not at our Worthiness but our Wants Quest. But I am followed with sad Temptations Resp. But though Satan tempts Christ prays and Satan shall be vanquished tho' thou maist loose a single Battel yet not the Victory Christ prays that thy Faith fail not therefore Christian say Why art thou cast down O my Soul Christ intercedes 't is Man that sins 't is God that prays The Greek word for Advocate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Comforter This is a Soveraign Comfort Christ makes Intercession CHRIST's Kingly Office Quest. XVI HOw doth Christ execute the Office of a King Resp. In subduing us to himself and in restraining and conquering his and our Enemies Now of CHRIST's Regal Office Revel 19.16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ is of mighty Renown he is a King he hath a Kingly Title High and mighty Isa. 57.15 2. He hath his Insignia Regalia his Ensigns of Royalty Corona est insigne Regiae potestatis His Crown Rev. 6.2 His Sword Psal. 45.3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh His Scepter Heb. 1.8 A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom 3. His Escotcheon or Coat-Armour he gives the Lyon in his Arms Rev. 5.5 The lion of the tribe of Iudah And he is the Text saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 King of Kings He hath a Preheminence of all other Kings he is call'd the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Rev. 1.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He must needs be so for by him Kings reign Prov. 8.15 They hold their Crowns by immediate Tenure from this Great King Christ infinitely out-vyes all others Princes he hath the highest Throne the largest Dominions and the longest Possession Heb. 1.8 Thy throne O God is for ever and ever Christ hath many Heirs but no Successors Well may he be called King of Kings for he hath an Unlimited Power other Kings their Power is limited but Christ's Power is unlimited Psal. 135.6 Whatsoever he pleased that did he in heaven and earth and in the seas Christ's Power is as large as his Will The Angels take the Oath of Allegiance to him Heb. 1.6 Let all the angels of God worship him Quest. How Christ comes to be King Resp. Not by Usurpation but Legally Christ holds his Crown by immediate Tenure from Heaven God the Father hath decreed him to be King Psal. 2.5 6. I have set my king upon my holy hill I will declare the decree God hath anointed and sealed him to his Regal Office Joh. 6.27 Him hath God the Father sealed God hath set the Crown upon his Head Quest. In what sence is Christ King Resp. Two ways 1. In reference to his People And 2. In reference to his Enemies 1. In reference to his People 1. To govern them it was prophesied of Christ before he was born Matth. 2.6 And thou Bethlehem art not the least among the princes of Iudah for out of thee shall come a governour that shall rule my people Israel 'T is a vain thing for a King to have a Crown on his Head unless he have a Scepter in his Hand to rule Quest. Where doth Christ Rule Resp. His Kingdom is Spiritual he rules in the Hearts of Men. He sets up his Throne where no other King doth he rules the Will and Affections His Power binds the Conscience he subdues Mens Lusts Mic. 7.19 He will subdue our iniquities Quest. What doth Christ rule by Resp. By Law and by Love 1. He rules by Law 'T is one of the Iura Regalia the Flowers of the Crown to Enact Laws Christ as King makes Laws and by his Laws he Rules The Law of Faith Believe in the Lord Iesus the Law of Sanctity 1 Pet. 1.15 Be ye holy in all manner of conversation Many would admit Christ to be their Advocate to plead for them but not their King to rule them 2. He rules by Love He is a King full of Mercy and Clemency as he hath a Scepter in his Hand so an Olive-branch of Peace in his Mouth Though he be the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah for Majesty yet the Lamb of God for Meekness His Regal Rod hath Honey at the end of it He sheds abroad his Love into the Hearts of his Subjects he rules them with Promises as well as Precepts This makes all his Subjects become Volunteers they are willing to pay their Allegiance to him Psal. 110.3 Thy people shall be a willing people Plur. Gnam nedabot 2. Christ is a King to defend his People as Christ hath a Scepter to rule them so a Shield to defend them Psal. 3.3 Thou O Lord art a shield for me When Antiochus did rage furiously against the Iews he took away the Vessels of the Lord's House set up an Idol in the Temple then this Great King call'd Michael did stand up for them to defend them Dan. 12.1 Christ preserves his Church as a Spark in the Ocean as a Flock of Sheep among Wolves That the Sea should be higher then the Earth and yet not drown it is a Wonder so that the Wicked should be so much higher than the Church in Power and not devour it is because Christ hath this Inscription on his Vesture and his Thigh King of Kings Ps. 124.2 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side they had swallowed us up They say Lions are Insomnes they have little or no sleep 't is true of the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah he never slumbers nor sleeps but watcheth over his Church to defend it Isa. 27.2 3. Sing ye unto her a vineyard of red wine I the Lord do keep it least any hurt it I will keep it night and day If the Enemies destroy the Church it must be at a time when it is neither Night nor Day for Christ keeps it Day and Night Christ is said to carry his Church as the Eagle her young Ones upon her Wings Exod. 19.4 The Arrow must first hit the Eagle before it can hurt the young Ones and shoot through her Wings the Enemies must first strike through Christ before they
by the way observe this may comfort us in regard of the Church of God though at present we do not see that Peace and Purity in the Church as we could desire yet in the fulness of time when God's time is come and Mercy is ripe then shall Deliverance spring up and God will come riding upon the Chariots of Salvation When the fulness of time was come then God sent forth his Son made of a Woman Quest. Why was Iesus Christ made flesh Resp. 1. The Causa prime and impulsive Cause was Free-grace Causa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it was Love in God the Father to send Christ and Love in Christ that he came to be Incarnate Love was the intrinsical Motive Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God-man because he is a lover of Man Christ came out of Pity and Indulgence to us Non merita nostra sed miseria nostra Aug. not our Deserts but our Misery made Christ take flesh Christ's taking flesh was a Plot of Free-grace a pure Design of Love God himself though Almighty was overcome with Love Christ Incarnate is nothing but Love covered with Flesh. Christ's assuming our Humane Nature as it was a Master-piece of Wisdom so a Monument of Free-grace 2. Christ took our flesh upon him that he might take our sins upon him He was saith Luther maximus peccator the greatest Sinner having the weight of the sins of the whole World lying upon him He took our flesh that he might take our sins and so appease God's wrath 3. Christ took our flesh that he might make the Humane Nature appear lovely to God and the Divine Nature appear lovely to Man 1. That he might make the Humane Nature lovely to God Upon our Fall from God our Nature became odious to him no Vermin is so odious to us as the Humane Nature was to God When once our Virgin-Nature was become sinful it was like flesh imposthumated or running into Sores loathsom to behold Such was our Nature when corrupt odious to God he could not endure to look upon us Now Christ taking our flesh makes the Humane Nature appear lovely to God As when the Sun shines on the Glass it casts a bright lustre so Christ being clad with our flesh makes the Humane Nature shine and appear amiable in God's Eyes 2. As Christ being cloath'd with ou◠flesh makes the Humane Nature appear lovely to God so he makes the Divine Nature appear lovely to Man The pure God-head is terrible to behold we could not see it and live But Christ's cloathing himself with our flesh makes the Divine Nature more amiable and delightful to us Now we need not be afraid to look upon God seeing him through Christ's Humane Nature It was a custom of old among the Shepherds they were wont to clothe themselves with Sheep-skins to be more pleasing to the Sheep so Christ cloathed himself with our flesh that the Divine Nature may be more pleasing to us The Humane Nature is a Glass through which we may see the Love and Wisdom and Glory of God clearly represented to us Through the Lanthorn of Christ's Humanity we may behold the Light of the Deity shining Christ being Incarnate he makes the sight of the Deity not formidable but delightful to us 4. Jesus Christ united himself to Man that Man might be drawn nearer to God God was before an Enemy to us by reason of sin but Christ taking our flesh doth mediate for us and bring us into Favour with God As when a King is angry with a Subject the King's Son marries the Daughter of this Subject and so mediates for this Subject and brings him into favour with the King again so when God the Father was angry with us Christ marries himself to our Nature and now mediates for us with his Father and brings us to be Friends again and now God looks upon us with a favourable aspect As Ioab pleaded for Absalom and brought him to King David and David kissed him so doth Jesus Christ ingratiate us into the favour and love of God Therefore he may well be called a Peace-maker having taken our flesh upon him and so made Peace between us and his angry Father Use 1. Branch 1. See here as in a Glass the infinite love of God the Father that when we had lost our selves by sin then God in the riches of his Grace did send forth his Son made of a Woman to redeem us And behold the infinite love of Christ that he was willing thus to condescend to take our flesh Surely the Angels would have disdained to have taken our flesh it would have been a disparagement to them What King would be willing to wear Sackcloth over his Cloath of Gold but Christ did not disdain to take our flesh O the love of Christ Had not Christ been made flesh we had been made a Curse had not he been incarnate we had been incarcerate and had been for ever in Prison Well might an Angel be the Herauld to proclaim this joyful News of Christ's Incarnation Luke 2.10 Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy for unto you is born this day a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. The Love of Christ in being Incarnate will the more appear if we consider 1. Whence Christ came He came from Heaven and from the richest place in Heaven his Father's Bosom that Hive of Sweetness 2. To whom Christ came Was it to his Friends no he came to sinful Man Man that had defaced his Image abused his Love Man who was turned Rebel Yet he came to Man resolving to conquer Obstinacy with Kindness If he would come to any why not to the Angels that fell Hebr. 2.16 He in no wise took upon him the Nature of Angels The Angels are of a more noble Extract more intelligible Creatures more able for Service I but behold the Love of Christ he came not to the fallen Angels but to Mankind Among the several Wonders of the Loadstone this is not the least That it will not draw Gold or Pearl but despising these it draws the Iron to it one of the most inferiour Mettals Thus Christ leaves the Angels those Noble Spirits the Gold and the Pearl and he comes to poor sinful Man and draws him into his Embraces 3. In what manner he came He came not in the Majesty of a King attended with his Lifeguard but he came poor Not like the Heir of Heaven but like one of an inferiour Descent The Place he was born in was poor not the Royal City Ierusalem but Bethlehem a poor obscure place He was born in an Inn and a Manger was his Cradle the Cobwebs his Curtains the Beasts his Companions he descended of poor Parents One would have thought if Christ would have come into the World he would have made choice of some Queen or Personage of Honour to have descended from but he comes of mean obscure Parents That they were poor appears by
one with God our Nature is enobled above the Angelical Nature Christ taking our flesh hath made us nearer to himself than the Angels The Angels are his Friends Believers are flesh of his flesh his Members Eph. 5.30 and cap. 1.23 And the same Glory which is put upon Christ's Humane Nature shall be put upon Believers CHRIST's EXALTATION Phil. 2.9 Wherefore GOD also hath highly exalted him and given him a Name above every name c. BEfore we have spoken of Christ's Humiliation now of his Exaltation Before you saw the Sun of Righteousness in the Eclipse now you shall see it coming out of the Eclipse and shining in its full Splendour and Glory Wherefore God hath highly exalted him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Super-exaltavit Ambr. Above all Exaltation Quest. XVIII Wherein consists Christ's Exaltation Resp. In his rising from the Dead his ascending into Heaven and sitting at the right Hand of God the Father c. Quest. In what sence God hath exalted Christ Resp. Not in respect of Christ's Godhead for that cannot be exalted higher then it is as in Christ's Humiliation the Godhead was not lower so in his Exaltation the Godhead is not higher But Christ is exalted as a Mediator his Humane Nature is exalted Quest. How many ways is Christ exalted Resp. Five ways God hath exalted Christ 1. In his Titles 2. In his Office 3. In his Ascension 4. In his Session at God's right Hand 5. In constituting him Judge of the World First Title 1. God hath exalted Christ in his Titles 1. He is exalted to be a Lord Act. 19.17 The name of the Lord Iesus was magnified He is a Lord in respect of his Soveraignty he is Lord over Angels and Men Matth. 28.18 All power is given to him Christ hath three Keys in his Hand the Key of the Grave to open the Graves of Men at the Resurrection the Key of Heaven to open the Kingdom of Heaven to whom he will the Key of Hell Rev. 1.18 to lock up the Damned in that fiery Prison To this LORD all Knees must bow Phil. 2.10 That at the name of Iesus every knee should bow Name is put here for Person To that holy thing JESUS to the Scepter of that Divine Person every knee shall bow Bowing is put for Subjection all must be subdued to him as Sons or Captives submit to him as to their Lord or Judge Kiss the Son Psal. 2.12 With a Kiss of Love and Loyalty We must not only cast ourselves into Christ's Arms to be saved by him but we must cast ourselves at his Feet to serve him Second Title Christ is exalted to be a Prince Dan. 12.1 There shall stand up Michael the great prince Some think it was a created Angel but it was Angelus Foederis Christ the Angel of the Covenant He is a great Prince Rev. 1.5 The prince of the kings of the earth They hold their Crowns by immediate Tenure from him His Throne is above the Stars he hath Angels and Archangels for his Attendance Thus he is exalted in his Titles of Honour 2. God hath exalted Christ in his Office He hath honoured him to be Salvator Mundi The Saviour of the World Act. 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a saviour It was a great Honour to Moses to be a Temporal Saviour but what is it to be the Saviour of Souls Christ is call'd the Horn of Salvation Luke 1.69 He saves from sin Matth. 1.21 From Wrath 1 Thess. 1.10 To save is a Flower belongs only to his Crown Acts 4.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Neither is there salvation in any other What an Honour is this to Christ How doth this make Heaven ring of the Saints Praises they sing Halelujahs to Christ their Saviour Rev. 5.9 They sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy bloud 3. God hath exalted Christ in his Ascention If he be ascended then he is exalted Austin saith Some were of Opinion that Christ's Body ascended into the Orb and Circle of the Sun So the Hermians But the Scripture is plain he ascended into Heaven Luke 24.51 And Eph. 4.10 Far above all heavens Ergo above the Firmament He is ascended into the highest part of the Empyraean Heaven which Paul calls the third Heaven Concerning Christ's Ascension two things 1. The manner of Christ's Ascension 1. Christ being to ascend blessed his Disciples Luke 24.50 He lift up his hands and blessed them and while he blessed them he was parted from them and carried up into heaven Christ did not leave his Disciples Houses and Lands but he left them his Blessing 2. Christ ascended as a Conqueror in a way of Triumph Psal. 68.18 Thou hast led captivity captive c. He triumph'd over Sin Hell and Death and Christ's Triumph is a Believer's Triumph Christ hath conquered Sin and Hell for every Believer 3. The Fruit of Christ's Ascension Christ's Ascension to Heaven causeth the Descention of the Holy Spirit into our Hearts Eph. 4.8 When he ascended up on high he gave gifts to men Christ having ascended up in the Clouds as his Triumphant Chariot gives the Gift of his Spirit to us As a King at his Coronation bestows Gifts liberally to his Favourites 4. God hath exalted Christ in his Session at God's right hand Mark 16.19 After the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God Eph. 1.20 He raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand far above all principality and power and every name that is named Quest. What is meant by Christ's sitting at God's right hand Resp. To speak properly God hath no right Hand or left for being a Spirit he is void of all bodily parts but it is a borrowed Speech a Metaphor taken from the manner of Kings who were wont to advance their Favourites next to their own Persons and set them at their right Hand Solomon caused a Seat to be set for the Queen his Mother and placed her at his right hand 2 Kin. 2.19 So for Christ to sit at the right Hand of God is to be in the next place to God the Father in Dignity and Honour The Humane Nature of Christ being personally united to the Divine is now set down in a Royal Throne in Heaven and adored even of Angels By Vertue of the Personal Union of Christ's Humane Nature with the Divine there is a Communication of all that Glory from the Deity to Christ as his Humane Nature is capable of Not that the Manhood of Christ is advanced to an Equality with the Godhead but the Divine Nature being joyned with the Humane the Humane Nature is wonderfully Glorified though not Deified Christ as Mediator is filled with all Majesty and Honour beyond the Comprehension of the highest Order of Angels Descendit Christus quo inferius non
Divinely called are not Natives here but Pilgrims they do not conform to the world or follow its sinful fashions They are not of the world though they live here yet they trade in the heavenly Country The World is a place where Satan's Throne is Rev. 2.13 a Stage on which sin every day acts its part now such as are called are in but not of the World Quest. To what God calls Men Resp. 1. He calls them to Holiness 1 Thess. 4.7 God hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto holiness Holiness is the livery or silver star the Godly wear Isa. 63.18 Knam kodsheca The people of thy holiness The called of God are anointed with the consecrating Oil of the Spirit 1 Iohn 2.20 Ye have an Unction from the holy One 2. God calls them to Glory as if a Man were called out of a Prison to sit upon a Throne 1 Thess. 2.12 Who hath called you to his Kingdom and Glory Whom God calls he crowns It is a weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4.17 The Hebrew word for Glory Kauod signifies pondus a weight The weight of Glory adds to the worth The weightier Gold is the more it is worth And this Glory is not transient but permanent an eternal weight 't is better felt then expressed Quest. What is the cause of the effectual Call Resp. God's electing Love Rom. 8.30 Whom he predestinated them he also called Election is the Fountain-cause of our Vocation It is not because some are more worthy to partake of the heavenly Calling then others as the Arminians we were all in our blood Ezek. 16.6 and what worthiness in us What worthiness was there in Mary Magdalen out of whom seven Devils were cast What worthiness in the Corinthians when God began to call them by his Gospel they were Fornicators Effeminate Idolaters 1 Cor. 6.11 Such were some of you but ye are washed c. Before effectual Calling we are not only without strength Rom. 5.6 but Enemies Col. 1.21 So that the Foundation of Vocation is Election Quest. What are the Epithites or Qualifications of this Call Resp. 1. It is a powerful Call Verba Dei sunt opera Luther God puts forth infinite power in calling home a sinner to himself He doth not only put forth his Voice but his Arm. The Apostle speaks of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the exceeding greatness of his power he exerciseth towards them that believe Ephes. 1.19 God rides forth conquering in the Chariot of his Gospel he conquers the Pride of the Heart and makes the Wiil which stood out as a Fort-Royal to yield and stoop to his Grace he makes the stony heart bleed It is a mighty powerful Call Why then do the Arminians seem to talk of a Moral Perswasion That God in the Conversion of a Sinner doth only morally perswade and no more He sets his Promises before them to allure them to Good and his Threatnings to deter them from Evil and here is all he doth But sure Moral Perswasions alone are insufficient to the effectual Call How can the bare Proposal of Promises and Threatnings convert a Soul This amounts not to a new Creation or that Power which raised Christ from the dead God doth not only perswade but inable Ezek. 36.27 If God in Conversion should only morally perswade that is set Good and Evil before Men then God doth not put forth so much power in saving Men as the Devil doth in destroying them Satan doth not only propound tempting Objects to Men but doth concur with his Temptations therefore he is said to work in the children of disobedience Ephes. 2.2 The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to work signifies imperii vim Cameron the power Satan hath in carrying Men to sin And shall not God's Power in converting be greater then Satan's Power in seducing The effectual Call is mighty and powerful God puts forth a Divine Energy nay a kind of Omnipotency It is such a powerful Call that the will of Man hath no power to resist 2. It is an high Calling Phil. 3.14 I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God It is an high Calling 1. Because we are called to high Exercises of Religion To be crucified to the World to live by Faith to do Angels Work to love God to be living Organs of his Praise to hold communion with the Father and the Son 1 Iohn 1.3 2. It is an high Calling because we are called to high Priviledges to Justification and Adoption to be Kings and Priests unto God We are called to the fellowship of Angels to be co-heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 They who are effectually called are Candidates of Heaven they are Princes in all Lands Psal. 45.16 though Princes in disguise 3. It is an immutable Call Rom. 11.9 The gifts and calling of God are without repentance that is those gifts which flow from Election as Vocation and Justification these are without Repentance God repented he called Saul to be King but he never repents that he calls a Sinner to be a Saint Use 1. See the necessity of the effectual Call a Man cannot go to Heaven without it First we must be called before glorified Rom. 8.30 A Man uncalled can lay claim to nothing in the Bible but Threatnings a Man in the state of Nature is not fit for Heaven no more then a Man in his filth and rags is fit to come into a Kings presence a Man in his pure Naturals is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a God-hater Rom. 1.30 and is he fit for Heaven will God lay his Enemy in his bosom Use 2. of Trial. Whether we are effectually called We may know it by the Antecedent and Consequent of it 1. By the Antecedent Before this effectual Call an humbling work passeth upon the Soul A Man is convinced of sin he sees he is a sinner and nothing but a sinner the fallow-ground of his heart is broken up Ier. 4.3 As the Husband-man breaks the Clods then casts in the Seed so God by the convincing work of the Law breaks a sinners heart and makes it fit to receive the Seeds of Grace Such as were never convinced were never called Iohn 16.8 He shall convince the world of sin Conviction is the first step to Conversion 2. By the Consequents Two 1. He who is savingly called Answers to God's Call When God called Samuel he answered Speak Lord thy servent heareth 1 Sam. 3.10 When God calls thee to any Act of Religion thou dost run at God's Call Acts 26.19 I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision If God calls to Duties contrary to flesh and blood we obey his voice in every thing True Obedience is like the Needle which points that way which the Loadstone draws Such as are deaf to God's Call a sign they are not called by Grace 2. He who is effectually called doth stop his Ear to all other Calls which would call him off from God as God hath his Call so there are other contrary
the adoption and the glory But now in the time of Gospel the Chartar is enlarged and the believing Gentiles are within the Line of Communication and have a Right to the Priviledge of Adoption as well as the Iews Acts 10.35 In every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted with him Position 2. Adoption takes in both Sexes Females as well as Males 2 Cor. 6.18 I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters I have read in some Countries Females are excluded from the Supream Dignity as by the Salique Law in France no Woman can inherit a Crown But if we speak of Spiritual Priviledges Females are as capable as Males Every gracious Soul of whatever Sex lays claim to Adoption and hath an Interest in God as a Father Ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty Position 3. Adoption is an Act of pure Grace Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us to the adoption of children according to the good pleasure of his will Adoption is a Mercy spun out of the Bowels of Free-grace all by Nature are Strangers therefore have no Right to Sonship only God is pleased to adopt one and not another to make one a Vessel of Glory another a Vessel of Wrath. The adopted Heir may cry out Lord how is it thou wilt show thyself to me and not unto the World Quest. What this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this Filiation or Adoption is Resp. Adoption is the taking a Stranger into the Relation of a Son and Heir So Moses was the adopted Son of King Pharoah's Daughter Exod. 2.10 And Esther was the adopted Child of her Cousin Mordecai Esth. 2.7 Thus God adopts us into the Family of Heaven and God in adopting us doth two things 1. He Ennobles us with his Name he who is adopted bears his Name who adopts him Rev. 3.12 I will write on him the name of my God 2. God consecrates us with his Spirit Whom he Adopts he Anoints whom he makes Sons he makes Saints When a Man adopts another for his Son and Heir he may put his Name upon him but he cannot put his Disposition into him if he be of a morose rugged Nature he cannot alter it But whom God adopts he sanctifies He doth not only give them a new Name but a new Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 God turns the Wolf into a Lamb he makes the Heart humble and gracious he works such a Change as if another Soul did dwell in the same Body Quest. From what State doth God take us when he adopts us Resp. From a State of Sin and Misery King Pharoah's Daughter took Moses out of the Ark of Bulrushes in the Water and adopted him for her Son God did not take us out of the Water but out of our Bloud and adopted us Ezek. 16. God adopted us from Slavery It is a Mercy to redeem a Slave but it is more to adopt him Quest. To what God adopts us Resp. He adopts us to a State of Excellency it were much for God to take a Clod of Dust and make it a Star it is more for God to take a Piece of Clay and Sin and adopt it for his Heir 1. God adopts us to a State of Liberty Adoption is a State of Freedom A Slave being adopted is made a free Man Gal. 4.7 Thou art no more a servant but a son Quest. How is an adopted Son free Resp. 1. Not to do what he list he is freed from the Dominion of Sin the Tyranny of Satan the Curse of the Law 2. He is free in the manner of Worship he hath God's free Spirit which makes him free and chearful in his Service of God he is joyful in the house of prayer Isa. 56.7 2. God adopts us to a State of Dignity God makes us Heirs of Promise God Instals us into Honour Isa. 43.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight thou hast been honourable The Adopted are God's Treasure Exod. 19.5 His Jewels Mal. 3.17 His first Born Heb. 12.23 They have Angels for their Life-guard Heb. 1.14 They are of the Bloud-Royal of Heaven 1 Iob. 3.9 The Scripture hath set forth their Spiritual Heraldry they have their Escutcheon or Coat-armour Sometimes they give the Lyon for their Courage Prov. 28.1 Sometimes the Dove for their Meekness Cant. 2.14 Sometimes the Eagle for their Sublimeness Isa. 40.31 Thus you see their Coat of Arms display'd but what is Honour without Inheritance God adopts all his Sons to an Inheritance Luke 12.32 It is your Father's good pleasure to give you a kingdom 'T is no Disparagment to be the Sons of God To reproach the Saints is as if Shimei had reproached David when he was going to be made King Adoption ends in Coronation The Kingdom God gives his adopted Sons and Heirs excels all Earthly Monarchies 1. In Riches Rev. 21.21 the Gates of Pearl and the Streets of pure Gold and as it were transparent Glass 2. In Tranquility it is peaceable the white Lily of Peace is the best Flower of a Prince's Crown Pax una triumphis innumeris melior No Divisions at Home or Invasions Abroad no more the Noise of the Drum or Canon but the Voice of Harpers harping the Hieroglyphick of Peace Rev. 14.2 3. In Stability other Kingdoms are corruptible though they have Heads of Gold yet Feet of Clay but this Kingdom into which the Saints are adopted runs parallel with Eternity 't is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken Heb. 12.28 The Heirs of Heaven reign for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 Quest. What is the Organical or Instrumental Cause of Adoption Resp. Faith interests us in the Priviledge of Adoption Gal. 3.26 Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus Before Faith be wrought we are Spiritually Illegitimate we have no relation to God as a Father an Unbeliever may call God Iudge but not Father Faith is the filiating Grace it confers upon us the Title of Sonship and gives us right to inherit Quest. Why Faith is the Instrument of Adoption more then any other Grace Resp. 1. Faith is a quickning Grace it is the Vital Artery of the Soul Hab. 2.4 The just shall live by faith Life makes us capable of Adoption dead Children are never adopted 2. Faith makes us CHRIST's Brethren and so GOD comes to be our Father Use 1. Branch 1. See the amazing Love of God in making us his Sons Plato gave God Thanks that he had made him a Man and not only a Man but a Philosopher but it is infinitely more that he should invest us with the Prerogative of Sons It is Love in God to feed us but more to adopt us 1 Joh. 3.1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God! It is an Ecce Admirantis a Behold of Wonder The Wonder of God's Love in adopting us will appear the more if we consider these six things 1. That God should adopt us when he
had a Son of his own Men adopt because they want Children and desire to have some to bear their Name but that God should adopt us when he had a Son of his own the Lord Iesus here is the Wonder of Love Christ is call'd God's dear Son Col. 1.13 A Son more worthy then the angels Heb. 1.4 Being made so much better then the angels Now when God had a Son of his own such a Son here is the Wonder of God's Love in adopting us We needed a Father but he did not need Sons 2. Consider what we were before God did adopt us We were very deformed a Man will scarce adopt him for his Heir that is crooked and ill-favoured but that hath some Beauty Mordecai adopted Esther because she was fair But we were in our Bloud and then God adopted us Ezek. 16.6 When I saw thee polluted in thy bloud it was the time of love God did not adopt us when we were bespangled with the Jewels of Holiness and had the Angels Glory upon us but when we were black as Aethiopians diseased as Leapers then it was the time of Love 3. That God should be at so great Expence in adopting us When Men adopt they have only some Deed seal'd and the thing is effected but when God adopts it puts him to a far greater Expence it seâ—s his Wisdom a work to find out a way to adopt us It was no easie thing to make the Heirs of Wrath Heirs of the Promise And when God had found out a way to adopt it was no easie way our Adoption is purchased at a dear Rate When God was about to make us Sons and Heirs he could not Seal the Deed but by the Bloud of his own Son Here is the Wonder of God's Love in adopting us that he should be at all this Expence to bring this work about 4. That God should adopt his Enemies If a Man adopts another for his Heir he will not adopt his mortal Enemy but that God should adopt us when we were not only Strangers but Enemies Here is the Wonder of Love for God to have pardoned his Enemies had been much but to adopt them for his Heirs this sets the Angels in Heaven a wondring 5. That God should take great Numbers out of the Devil's Family and adopt them into the Family of Heaven Christ is said to bring many sons to glory Heb. 2.10 Men adopt usually but one Heir but God is resolved to encrease his Family he brings many Sons to Glory God's adopting Millions is the Wonder of Love Had but one been adopted all of us might have despair'd but he brings many Sons to Glory this opens a Door of Hope to us 6. That God should confer so great Honour upon us in adopting us David thought it no small Honour that he should be a King's Son-in-law 1 Sam. 18.18 But what Honour to be the Sons of the High God And the more Honour God hath put upon us in adopting us the more he hath magnified his Love towards us What Honour that God hath made us so near in Alliance to him Sons of God the Father Members of God the Son Temples of God the Holy Ghost that he hath made us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels Matth. 22.30 Nay in some sence superiour to the Angels all proclaims the Wonder of God's Love in adopting us Branch 2. See the sad Condition of such as live and dye in Unbelief they are not the Sons of God To as many as received him he gave power to become the sons of God even to them that believe in his name No Faith no Sonship Unbelievers have no Sign on Sonship they know not God all God's Children know their Father but the Wicked do not know him Jer. 9.3 They proceed from evil to evil and know not me saith the Lord. Unbelievers are dead in Trespasses Eph. 2.1 God hath no dead Children and not being Children they have no Right to inherit 2. Use of Tryal Try whether we are adopted all the World is divided into these two Ranks either the Sons of God or the Heirs of Hell Joh. 1.12 To them he gave power to become the sons of God Let us put ourselves on a Tryal it is no sign we are adopted Sons because we are Sons of Godly Parents The Iews boasted that they were Abraham's Seed Ioh. 8.33 they thought they must needs be good because they came of such an Holy Line But Adoption doth not come by Bloud we see many godly Parents have wicked Sons Abraham had an Ishmael Isaac an Esau. The Corn that is sown pure yet brings forth Grain with an Husk He who himself is Holy yet the Child that springs from his Loins is Unholy So that as Hierom Non nascimur filii We are not God's Sons as we are born of godly Parents but by Adoption and Grace Well then let us try if we are the adopted Sons and Daughters of God First Sign of Adoption Obedience a Son obeys his Father Jer. 35.5 I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine and cups and said unto them Drink ye Wine But they said We will drink no wine for Ionadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us saying Ye shall drink no wine So when God saith Drink not in Sin 's enchanted Cup an adopted Child saith My Heavenly Father hath commanded me I dare not Drink A gracious Soul doth not only believe God's Promise but obey his Command And true Child-like Obedience must be Regular which implies three things 1. It must be done by a right Rule Obedience must have the Word for its Rule Lydius Lapis Isa. 8.20 To the law to the testimony If our Obedience be not according to the Word it is offering up strange Fire it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Will-worship and God will say Who hath required this at your hand The Apostle condemns worshipping of Angels which had a show of Humility Col. 2.18 The Iews might say they were loath to be so bold as to go to God in their own Persons they would be more humble and prostrate themselves before the Angels desiring them to be their Mediators to God Here was a show of Humility in their Angel-worship but it was abominable because they had no Word of God to warrant it It was not Obedience but Idolatry Child-like Obedience is that which is consonant to our Father 's revealed Will. 2. It must be done from a right Principle i. e. The noble Principle of Faith Rom. 16.26 The obedience of faith Quicquid decorum est ex fide proficiscitur Aug. A Crab-tree may bear Fruit fair to the Eye but it is sowr because it doth not come from a good Root A Moral Person may give God outward Obedience and to the Eyes of others it seems glorious but his Obedience is sowr because it comes not from that sweet and pleasant Root of Faith A Child of God gives him the Obedience of Faith and that
make a Will and settles his Estate upon such Persons as he names in the Will none else but they can lay claim to the Will so God makes a Will and Testament but it is restrained and limited to such as are sanctified and it is high presumption for any else to lay claim to the Will 4. There is no going to Heaven without Sanctification Hebr. 12.14 Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. God is an holy God and he will suffer no unholy Creature to come near him A King will not suffer a Man with Plague-sores to approach into his Presence Heaven is not like Noah's Ark where the clean Beasts and the unclean entred no unclean Beast comes into the Heavenly Ark. Though God suffer the Wicked to live a while on the Earth he will never suffer Heaven to be pestered with such Vermin Are they fit to see God who wallow in wickedness will God ever lay such Vipers in his bosom Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. It must be a clear Eye that sees a bright Object only an holy Heart can see God in his Glory Sinners may see God as an Enemy not as a Friend may have an affrighting Vision of God but not a beatifical Vision They may see the flameing Sword but not the Mercy Seat O then what need is there of Sanctification 5. Without Sanctification all our holy things are defiled 1 Tit. 1.15 Unto them that are defiled is nothing pure Under the Law if a Man who was Unclean by a dead Body had carried a piece of holy Flesh in his Skirt the holy Flesh had not cleansed him but he had polluted that Hag. 1.12 13. An Emblem of a Sinners polluting his holy Offering A foul Stomack turns the best Food into ill Humours An unsanctified Heart pollutes Prayers Alms Sacraments this evinceth the necessity of Sanctification Sanctification makes our holy things accepted an holy Heart is the Altar which sanctifies the Offering his Duties tho' they are not to Satisfaction yet to Acceptation 6. Without Sanctification we can show no sign of our Election 2 Thes. 2.13 Election is the cause of our Salvation Sanctification is our Evidence Sanctification is the Ear-mark of Christ's Elect Sheep Quest. What are the Signs of Sanctification Resp. 1. Such as are sanctified can remember a time when they were unsanctified Tit. 3.3 We were in our Bloud and then God wash'd us with Water and anointed us with Oyl Ezek. 16.9 Those Trees of Righteousness that blossom and bear Almonds can remember when they were like Aaron's dry Rod not one Blossom of Holiness growing A sanctified Soul can remember when he was estranged from God thro' Ignorance and Vanity and then Free-grace planted this Flower of Holiness in him Second Sign of Sanctification is the in-dwelling of the Spirit 2 Tim. 1.14 The Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us As the Unclean Spirit dwells in the Wicked and carries them to Pride Lust Revenge the Devil hath entred into these Swine Acts 5.3 So the Spirit of God dwells in the Elect as their Guide and Comforter The Spirit possesseth the Saints God's Spirit sanctifies the Fancy causing it to mint holy Thoughts it sanctifies the Will putting a new Byass upon it whereby it is inclin'd to Good He who is sanctified hath the Influence of the Spirit tho' not the Essence Third Sign of Sanctification is an Antipathy against Sin Ps. 119.104 An Hypocrite may leave Sin yet love it as a Serpent casts its Coat but keeps its Sting but a sanctified Person can say he not only leaves Sin but loaths it As there are Antipathies in Nature between the Vine and Laurel so in a sanctified Soul there is an holy Antipathy against Sin and Antipathies can never be reconciled Because he hath an Antipathy against Sin he cannot but oppose it and seek the Destruction of it Fourth Sign of Sanctification is the Spiritual Performance of Duties viz. with the Heart and from a Principle of Love The sanctified Soul prays out of love to Prayer he calls the Sabbath a Delight Isa. 58.13 A Man may have Gifts to Admiration he may speak as an Angel drop'd out of Heaven yet may be carnal in spiritual things his Services do not come from a renewed Principle nor is he carried upon the Wings of Delight in Duty A sanctified Soul worships God in the Spirit 1 Pet. 2.5 God doth not judge of our Duties by the length but by the love Fifth Sign A well-order'd Life 1 Pet. 1.15 Be ye holy in all manner of conversation Where the Heart is sanctified the Life will be so too the Temple had Gold without as well as within As in a Piece of Coyn there 's not only the King's Image within the Ring but his Superscription too without So where there is Sanctification there is not only God's Image in the Heart but a Superscription of Holiness written in the Life Some say they have good Hearts but their Lives are Vitious Prov. 30.12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes yet is not washed from their filthiness If the Water be foul in the Bucket it cannot be clean in the Well Psal. 45.13 The king's daughter is all glorious within There is Holiness of Heart her Garments are wrought of wrought Gold Holiness of Life Grace is most beautiful when its Light doth so shine that others may see it this adorns Religion and makes Proselites to the Faith Sixth Sign Stedfast Resolution he is resolved never to part with his Holines let others reproach it he loves it the more let Water be sprinkled on the Fire it burns the more He saith as David when Micol reproach'd him for Dancing before the Ark 2 Sam. 6.22 If this be to be vile I will yet be more vile Let others persecute him for his Holiness he saith as Paul Acts 20.24 None of these things move me He prefers Sanctity before Safety and had rather keep his Conscience pure than his Skin whole He saith as Iob My integrity I will hold fast and not let it go Cap. 27.6 He will rather part with his Life then his Conscience Use 1. See what is the main thing a Christian should look after viz. Sanctification this is the Unum necessarium Sanctification is our purest Complexion it makes us as the Heaven bespangled with Stars it is our Nobility by it we are born of God and partake of the Divine Nature it is our Riches therefore compar'd to rows of Jewels and Chains of Gold Cant. 1.10 It is our best Certificate for Heaven what Evidence have we else to show have we Knowledge so hath the Devil Do we profess Religion Satan oft appears in Samuel's Mantle and transforms himself into an Angel of Light But here is our Certificat to show for Heaven Sanctification Sanctification is the first Fruits of the Spirit the only Coyn will pass currant in the other World Sanctification is the Evidence of God's Love we cannot guess at God's Love by giving us
the Strings of a Viol the Musick is spoil'd if Christians slacken in Duty they spoil the sweet Musick of Peace in their Souls As the Fire decays so the Cold increaseth as Fervency in Duty abates so our Peace cools Use. Labour for this blessed Peace Peace with God and Conscience Peace with Neighbour Nations is sweet Pax una Triumphis innumeris melior the Hebrew Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peace comprehends all Blessings it is the Glory of a Kingdom a Princes Crown is more Beautiful when it is hung with the white Lilly of Peace than when it is set with the Red Roses of a Bloody War O then how sweet is Peace of Conscience it is a Bulwark against the Enemy Phil. 4.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it shall keep you as in a Garrison you may throw out the Gantlet and bid defiance to Enemies It is the Golden Pot and the Manna it is the first Fruits of Paradise It is still Musick for want of this a Christian is in continual fear he doth not take that comfort in Ordinances Hannah went up to the Feast at Ierusalem but she wept and did not eat 1 Sam. 1.7 So a poor dejected Soul goes to an Ordinance but doth not eat of the Feast he weeps and doth not eat He cannot take that comfort in Worldly Blessings Health Estate Relations he wants that inward Peace which should be as Sawce to sweeten his Comforts O therefore labour for this blessed Peace consider the noble and excellent effects of it First It gives boldness at the Throne of Grace Guilt of Conscience clips the Wings of Prayer it makes the Face Blush and the Heart But when a Christian hath some lively apprehensions of God's Love and the Spirit whispering Peace then he goes to God with boldness as a Child to his Father Psal. 25.1 Unto thee O Lord I lift up my Soul Time was when David's Soul was bowed down Psal. 38.6 I am bowed down greatly But now the case is alter'd he will lift up his Soul to God in a way of Triumph whence was this God had spoken Peace to his Soul Psal. 26.3 Thy loving Kindness is before mine Eyes 2. This Divine Peace fires the Heart with Love to Christ Peace is the result of Pardon he who hath a Pardon seal'd cannot choose but love his Prince How endeared is Christ to the Soul now Christ is precious indeed O saith the Soul how sweet is this Rose of Sharon Hath Christ waded through a Sea of Blood and Wrath to purchase my Peace hath he not only made Peace but spoke Peace to me how should my Heart ascend in a fiery Chariot of Love how willing should I be to do and suffer for Christ 3. This Peace quiets the heart in Trouble Mic. 5.5 This Man shall be the Peace when the Assyrian shall come into our Land and tread in our Palaces The Enemy may invade our Palaces but not our Peace this Man Christ shall be the Peace When the Head akes the Heart may be well when Worldly troubles assault a Christian his Mind may be in Peace and Quiet Psal. 4.8 I will lay me down in Peace and Sleep 'T was now a sad time with David he was flying for his Life from Absalom it was no small Afflicton to think that his own Son should seek to take away his Fathers Life and Crown David wept and covered his Face 2 Sam. 15.30 Yet at this time saith he I will lay me down in Peace and Sleep He had trouble from his Son but Peace from his Conscience David could sleep upon the soft Pillow of a good Conscience This is a Peace worth getting Quest. 8. What shall we do to attain this blessed Peace Resp. 1. Let us ask it of God he is the God of Peace he beats back the roaring Lion he stills the raging of Conscience If we could call all the Angels out of Heaven they could not speak Peace without God The Stars cannot make Day without the Sun none can make day in a dark Deserted Soul but the Sun of Righteousness as the Wilderness cannot water it self but remains dry and parched till the Clouds drop their Moisture so our Hearts cannot have Peace till he infuse and drop it upon us by his Spirit Therefore pray Lord thou who art the God of Peace create Peace thou who art the Prince of Peace command it Give me that Peace which may sweeten trouble yea the bitter Cup of Death 2. If you would have Peace make War with Sin Sin is the Achan that troubles us the Trojan Horse 2 Kings 9.22 When Joram saw Jehu he said is it Peace Jehu And he answered what Peace so long as the Whoredoms of thy Mother Jezabel and her Witchcrafts are so many What Peace as long as Sin remains unmortified If you would have Peace with God break the League with Sin Give battel to Sin it is a most just War God hath proclaimed it Nay he hath promised us Victory Sin shall not have Dominion Rom. 6. No way to Peace but by maintaining a War with Sin Pax nostra Bellum contra Daemonem Tert. When Sampson had slain the Lion there came Hony out of the Lion By Slaying Sin we get this Hony of Peace 3. Go to Christs Blood for Peace Some go to fetch their Peace from their own Righteousness not Christs they go for Peace to their Holy Life not Christ's Death If Conscience be troubled they strive to quiet it with their Duties this is not the right way to Peace Duties must not be neglected nor yet idolized Look up to the Blood of Sprinkling Heb. 12.24 That Blood of Christ which pacified God must pacifie Conscience Christ's blood being suck'd in by Faith gives Peace Rom. 5.1 Being justified by Faith we have Peace with God No Balm to cure a Wounded Conscience but the Blood of Christ. 4. Walk closely with God Peace flows from Purity Gal. 6.16 As many as walk according to this Rule Peace be on them In the Text Grace and Peace are put together Grace is the Root and Peace is the Flower As Balm-Water drops from the Limbeck so Divine Peace comes out of the Limbeck of a Gracious Heart Walk very Holily God's Spirit is first a Refiner before a Comforter Bran. 2. You who have this Peace Peace above Peace within labour to keep it it is a precious Jewel do not lose it 'T is sad to have the League of National Peace broken but it is worse to have the Peace of Conscience broken Oh preserve this Peace First Take heed of Relapses hath God spoken Peace do not turn again to Folly Psal. 85.8 Besides the Ingratitude there 's folly in Relapses it was long ere God was reconciled and the Breach made up and will you again Eclipse and Forfeit your Peace Hath God heal'd the wound of Conscience and will you tear it open again Will you break another Vein will you cut a new Artery This is returning indeed to folly What Madness is it
aspects and smiles of Gods Face Which brings me to the third thing 3. The Saints at Death shall not only have a Sight of God but shall enjoy the Love of God there shall be no more Veil on Gods Face nor his Smiles checker'd with Frowns but Gods love shall discover it self in all its Orient Beauty and fragrant Sweetness Here the Saints pray for Gods Love and they have a few drops but there they shall have as much as their Vessel can receive To know this love passeth Knowledge This will cause a Jubilation of Spirits and create such Holy Raptures of Joy in the Saints as are Superlative and would soon overwhelm them if God did not make them able to bear 4. Believers at Death shall gain a Celestial Palace an House not made with Hands 2 Cor. 5.1 Here the Saints are straitned for Room they have but mean Cottages to live in but they shall have a Royal Palace to live in Here is but their Sojourning House there in Heaven is their Mansion-house An House built high above all the Visible Orbs an House bespangled with Light Col. 1.12 Enriched with Pearls and Precious Stones Rev. 21.19 And this is not their Landlord's House but their Father's House Iohn 14.2 And this House stands all upon Consecrated Ground it is set out by Transparent Glass to shew the Holiness of it Rev. 21.27 5. Believers at Death shall gain the sweet Society of glorified Saints and Angels This will add something to the felicity of Heaven as every Star adds some lustre to the Firmament First The Society of the glorified Saints we shall see them in their Souls as well as in their Bodies Their Bodies will be so clear and bright that we shall see their Souls shining through their Bodies as the Wine through the Glass and Believers at Death shall have Converse with the Saints glorified And how delightful will that be when they shall be freed from all their Sinful Corruptions Pride Envy Passion Censoriousness which are Scars upon them here to disfigure them In Heaven there shall be perfect Love among the Saints they shall as the Olive and Myrtle sweetly embrace each other The Saints shall know one another as Luther speaks If in the Transfiguration Peter knew Moses and Elias which he never saw before Mat. 17.3 then much more in the glorified State the Saints shall perfectly know one another though they never saw them before Secondly The Saints at Death shall behold the Angels with the glorified Eye of their Understanding The Wings of the Cherubins representing the Angels were made of Fine Gold to denote both their Sanctity and Splendor The Angels are compared to Lightning Mat. 28.3 because of those Sparkling Beams of Majesty which as Lightning shoot from them And when Saints and Angels shall meet and sing together in Consort in the Heavenly Quire what Divine Harmony what Joyful Triumphs will it Create 6. Believers at Death shall gain Perfection of Holiness Here Grace was but in Cunabulis in its Cradle very Imperfect we cannot write a Copy of Holiness without Blotting Believers are said to receive but Primitias Spiritus the first Fruits of the Spirit Rom. 8.23 But at Death the Saints shall arrive at Perfection their Knowledge clear their Sanctity perfect their Sun shall be in its full Meridian Splendour They need not then pray for Encrease of Grace they shall Love God as much as they would Love him and as much as he desires to have them Love him they shall be then in respect of Holiness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels of God 7. At Death the Saints shall gain a Royal Magnificent Feast I told you before what a glorious Palace they shall have but a Man may starve in a House if there be no Chear The Saints at Death shall have a Royal Banquet shadowed out in Scripture by a Marriage Supper Rev. 19.9 Bullinger and Gregory the Great understand by that Marriage-Supper of the Lamb the stately Magnificent Festival the Saints shall have in Heaven they shall feed on the Tree of Life Rev. 22. They shall have the Heavenly Nectar and Ambrosia the Spiced Wine and Iuice of the Pomegranate Cant. 8.2 This Royal Supper of the Lamb will not only satisfie Hunger but prevent it Rev. 7 16. They shall hunger no more Nor can there be any Surfeit at this Feast because a fresh Course will be continually served in New and fresh Delights will spring from God therefore the Tree of Life in Paradise is said to bear Twelve sorts of Fruit Rev. 22.2 8. Believers at Death shall gain Honour and Dignity they shall reign as Kings therefore we read of the Ensigns of their Royalty their White Robes and Crowns Caelestial 2 Tim. 4.7 We read that the Doors of the Holy of Holies were made of Palm-Trees and open Flowers covered with Gold 1 Kings 6.35 An Emblem of that Victory and Triumph and that Golden Garland of Honour wherewith God hath invested the Saints glorified When all Worldly Honour shall lye in the Dust the Mace the Star the Robe of Ermin the Imperial Diadem then shall the Saints Honour remain not one Jewel shall be pluck'd out of their Crown they shall gain at Death a Blessed Eternity If the Saints could have but the least Suspicion or Fear of losing their Glory it would much cool and imbitter their Joy but their Crown fades not away 1 Pet. 5.4 As the Wicked have a Worm that never dies so the Elect have a Crown that never fades Ever is a short Word but hath no ending in fine erit gaudium sine fine Bern. 2 Cor. 4.18 The things which are not seen are Eternal Psal. 16.11 At thy right Hand are Pleasures for evermâ—re Who can span Eternity Millions of Ages stand but for Ciphers in Eternity This is the Elah or highest strain of the Saints Glory ever in Christ's Bosom Quest. How come the Saints to have all this Gain Resp. Believers have a right to all this Gain at Death upon a diverse account By vertue of the Fathers Donation the Sons Purchase the Holy Ghosts Earnest and Faiths acceptance Therefore the state of future glory is called the Saints proper inheritance Col. 1.12 They are Heirs of God and have a right to inherit Use 1. See the great difference between the Death of the Godly and the Wicked the Godly are great gainers at Death the Wicked are great Losers at Death They loose Four things 1. They lose the World and that is a great loss to the Wicked they laid up their Treasure upon Earth and to be turned out of all at once is a great loss 2. They lose their Souls Mat. 16.26 The Soul was at first a noble piece of Coin which God stamped his own Image upon this Caelestial spark is more precious than the whole Globe of the World But the Sinners Soul is lost not that the Souls of the Wicked are annihilated at Death but damnified 3. They lose Heaven Heaven is Sedes
beatorum the Royal Seat of the Blessed it is the region of Happiness the Map of Perfection There is that Manna which is Angels Food there is the Garden of Spices the Bed of Perfumes the Rivers of Pleasure Sinners at Death lose all this 4. They lose their Hopes For though they lived wickedly yet they hoped God was Merciful and they hoped they should go to Heaven Their Hope was not an Anchor but a Spiders Web. Now at Death they lose their Hopes they see they did but flatter themselves into Hell Iob. 8.14 Whose Hope shall be cut off That is sad to have a Mans Life and his Hope cut off together Use 2. If the Saints gain such glorious things at Death then how may they desire Death Doth not every one desire Preferment nemo ante funera Foelix Faith gives a Title to Heaven Death a Possession Though we should be desirous of doing Service here yet we should be ambitious to be with Christ Phil. 1.23 We should be content to live but willing to Dye Is it not a blessed thing to be freed from Sin and to lie for ever in the Bosom of Divine Love Is it not a blessed thing to meet our Godly Relations in Heaven and to be singing Divine Anthems of Praise among the Angels Doth not the Bride desire the Marriage Day especially if she were to be matched unto the Crown What is the Place we now live in but a Place of Banishment from God We are in a Wilderness while the Angels live at Court Here we are combating with Satan and should not we desire to be out of the Bloody Field where the Bullets of Tentation fly so fast and to receive a Victorious Crown Think what it will be to have always a smiling Aspect from Christs Face to be brought into the Banqueting House and have the Banner of his Love displayed over you O ye Saints desire Death it is your Ascension-day to Heaven Egredere anima egredere said Hilarion on his Death-bed Go forth my Soul what fearest thou Another Holy Man said Lord lead me to that Glory which I have seen as through a Glass Hast Lord and do not tarry Some Plants thrive best when they are transplanted Believers when they are by Death transplanted cannot choose but thrive because they have Christ's sweet Sun-beams shine upon them And what though the Passage through the Valley of the shadow of Death be troublesome Who would not be willing to pass a tempestuous Sea if he were sure to be crown'd as soon as he came at shore Use 3. Comfort in the loss of our dear and pious Relations They when they dye are not only taken away from the Evil to come but they are great gainers by Death They leave a Wilderness and go to Paradise They change their Complaints into Thanksgivings They leave their Sorrows behind and enter into the Joy of their Lord Why should we weep for their Preferment Believers have not their Portion paid till the day of their Death Gods Promise is his Bond to make over Heaven in Reversion to them But though they have his Bond they do not receive their Portion till the day of Death Oh! Rejoyce to think of their Happiness who dye in the Lord to them to dye is gain They are as Rich as Heaven can make them A Believers Privilege at Death Phil. 1.21 For to me to live is Christ and to dye is gain HOPE is a Christan's Anchor which he casts within the vail Rom. 12.12 Rejoycing in Hope A Christians Hope is not in this Life but he hath Hope in his Death Prov. 14.32 The best of a Saints Comfort begins when his Life ends The Wicked have all their Heaven here Luke 6.28 Woe unto you Rich you have received your Consolation You may make your Acquittance and write Received in full Payment Luke 16.25 Son remember that thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things But a Saints Happiness is in Reversion The righteous hath Hope in his death God keeps the best Wine till last If Cato the Heathen said To me to dye is gain He saw Mortality to be a Mercy Then what may a Believer say Eccles. 7.1 The day of Death is better than the day of ones Birth Nemo ante Funera Felix Solon A Queen of this Land said she prefer'd her Coffin before her Cradle Quest. 1. What Benefits do Believers receive at Death Resp. 1. They have great Immunities 2. They pass immediately into a State of Glory 3. Their Bodies are united to Christ in the Grave till the Resurrection 1. The Saints at Death have great Immunities and Freedoms A Prentice when out of his time is made Free When the Saints are out of their time of living then they are made Free not made Free till Death 1. At Death they are freed from a Body of Sin There are in the best reliquiae peccati some Remainders and Reliques of Corruption Rom. 7.24 O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me from this Body of Death By the Body of Death is meant the Congeries the Mass and lump of Sin It may well be called a Body for its weightiness and a Body of Death for its noisomness 1. It weighs us down sin hinders us from doing good A Christian is like a Bird that would be flying up but hath a string tyed to its Legs to hinder it so he would be flying up to Heaven with the Wings of desire but sin hinders him Rom. 7.15 The good that I would I do not A Christian is like a Ship that is under Sail and at Anchor Grace would sail forward but Sin is the Anchor that holds it back 2. Sin is oft more active in its Sphere than Grace How stirring was Lust in David when his Grace lay dormant 3. Sin sometimes gets the Mastery and leads a Saint Captive Rom. 7.19 The evil I would not that do I. Paul was like a Man carried down the stream and could not bear up against it How oft is a Child of God over-power'd with Pride and Passion Therefore Paul calls sin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Law in his Members Rom. 7.24 it binds as a Law it hath a kind of Jurisdiction over the Soul as Cesar had over the Senate 4. Sin defiles the Soul it is like a stain to Beauty it turns the Souls Azure Brightness into Sables 5. Sin debilitates us it disarms us of our strength 2 Sam. 3.39 I am this day weak though anointed King So though a Saint is crown'd with Grace yet he is weak though anointed a Spiritual King 6. Sin is ever Restless Gal. 5.17 The flesh lusts against the Spirit It is an Inmate that is always quarrelling Like Marcellus that Roman Captain of whom Hannibal said Whether he did beat or was beaten he would never be quiet 7. Sin adheres to us we cannot get rid of it It may be compar'd to a wild Fig-tree growing on a Wall though the Roots are pull'd up yet there are some Fibers
shall wipe away all Tears Then Christs Spouse puts off her Mourning How can the Children of the Bride Chamber Mourn when the Bride-Groom shall be with them Matt. 9.15 Thus Death gives a Believer his Quietus est it frees him from Sin and Trouble Though the Apostle calls Death the last Enemy 1 Cor. 15. yet it is the best Friend To me to dye is gain Use 1. See here that which may make a true Saint willing to die Death will set him out of Gun-shot free him from Sin and Trouble There is no cause of weeping to leave a Valley of Tears The World is the Stage on which Sin and Misery are Acted Believers are here in a strange Country why then should they not be willing to go out of it Death beats off their Fetters of Sin and sets them free who go weeping out of a Goal Besides our own Sins the Sins of others The World is a place where Satan's Seat is a place where we see God daily dishonoured Lot who was a bright Star in a dark Night his righteous Soul was vexed with the unclean Conversation of the Wicked 2 Pet. 3.8 To see Gods Sabbaths broken his Truths adulterated his Glory eclipsed is that which wounds a Godly Heart This made David cry out Psal. 120.5 Woe is me that I dwell in Mesech that I sojourn in the Tents of Kedar Kedar was Arabia where were Ishmaels Posterity This was a cut to David's Heart to dwell there O then be willing to depart out of the Tents of Kedar 2. The Bodies of Believers are united to Christ in the Grave and shall rest there till the Resurrection They are said to sleep in Jesus 1 Thess. 4.14 The dust of Believers is part of Christs Body Mystical The Grave is a Dormitory or place of rest to the Saints where their Bodies quietly sleep in Christ till they are awakened out of their sleep by the Trumpet of the Arch-angel Quest. 2. But how shall we know that we shall gain all this at Death to be freed from Sin and Trouble and to have our Bodies united to Christ in the Grave Resp. If we are Believers then we gain all this at Death To me saith Paul to dye is gain To me quatenus a Believer Are we such Have we this blessed Faith Faith where-ever it is is Operative Lapidaries say there is no precious Stone but hath Virtutem insitam some hidden Virtue in it So I may say of Faith It hath some secret Virtue in it It Anchors the Soul on Christ It hath both a justifying and sanctifying Virtue in it It fetcheth Blood out of Christs sides to Pardon and Water out of his sides to Purge It works by love It constrains to Duty It makes the Head study for Christ the Tongue confess him the Hands work for him I have read of a Father who had three Sons and being to dye left in his Will all his Estate to that Son who could find his Ring with the Jewel which had an healing Vertue The Case was brought before the Judges the two elder Sons counterfeited a Ring but the younger Son brought the true Ring which was proved by the Vertue of it whereupon his Fathers Estate went to him To this Ring I may compare Faith there is a counterfeit Faith in the World but if we can find this Ring of Faith which hath the Healing Vertue in it to purifie the Heart this is the true Faith which gives us an Interest in Christ and entitles us to all these Privileges at Death to be freed from Sin and Sorrow and to have our Bodies united to Christ while they are in the Grave 3. I should now come to the third Privilege at Death the Souls of Believers pass immediately into Glory Where I shall lead you to the top of Mount Pisgah and give you a short view of the Glory of Heaven A Believers Privilege after Death Phil. 1.21 And to dye is Gain 3. AT Death the Souls of Believers pass into Glory Death brings Malorum omnium ademptionem Omnium ademptionem Death 's the day-break of Eternal Brightness And here I shall lead you to the top of Mount Pisgah and give you a glimpse of the Holy Land Quest. 1. What is comprehended in Glory Resp. Glory is Status omnium Bonorum aggregatione perfectus Boetius It is a perfect State of Bliss which consists in the Accumulation and heaping together all those good things which immortal Souls are capable of And truly here I am at a loss all that I can say falls short of the Celestial Glory Appelles Pencil cannot delineate it Angels Tongues cannot express it We shall never understand Glory fully till we are in Heaven Only let me give you the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or some dark views and some imperfect Lineaments of that State of Glory the Saints shall arrive at after Death 1. The first and most sublime part of the Glory of Heaven is the full and sweet Fruition of God Ipse Deus sufficit ad praemium Aug. We are apt to think the Happiness of Heaven is in being free from Pain and Misery but the very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Quintessence of Happiness is the Enjoyment and Fruition of God this is the Diamond Ring of Glory God is an infinite inexhaustible Fountain of Joy and to have him is to have all Now the enjoying of God implies three things 1. It implies our seeing of God 2. Our loving of God 3. Gods loving of us 1. The enjoying of God implies our seeing of God 1 Iohn 3.2 We shall see him as he is Here we see him as he is not not mutable mortal there as he is Quest. 2. How shall we see God Resp. 1. We shall see him intellectually with the Eyes of our mind This Divines call the Beatifical Vision We shall have a full knowledge of God though not know him fully If there were not such an intellectual sight of God then how do the Spirits of just Men made perfect see him This sight of God will be very glorious As when a King on his Coronation-day shews himself in all his Royalty and Magnificence 2. We shall corporeally behold the glorified Body of Jesus Christ And if it be a pleasant thing to behold the Sun Eccles. 11.7 then how blessed a sight will it be to behold the Sun of Righteousness to see Christ clothed in our humane Nature sitting in Glory above the Angels Solomon saith The eye is not satisfied with seeing Eccles. 1.8 But sure the Eyes of the Saints will be satisfied with seeing that Orient Brightness which shall shine from the beautiful Body of Christ. It must needs be satisfying because through Christs Flesh some Rays and Beams of the God-head shall gloriously display themselves Gods excellent Majesty would overwhelm us but through the Vail of Christs Flesh we shall behold the Divine Glory 3. Our seeing of God will be transforming We shall so see him as to be in some measure assimilated and changed
into his image 1 Iohn 3.2 We shall be like him If when Moses was with God on the Mount and had but some imperfect sight of his Glory Moses face shined Exod. 34.33 How shall the Saints glorified shine being always in God's Presence and having some beams of his Glory put upon them We shall be like him One that is deformed may look on Beauty and not be made Beautiful But the Saints that so see God as that sight shall transform them into his Likeness Psal. 17.15 When I awake I shall be satisfied with thy likeness Not that the Saints shall partake of God's Essence for as the Iron in the Fire is made Fiery yet remains Iron still so the Saints by beholding God's Majesty shall be made Glorious Creatures but yet Creatures still 4. Our seeing of God in Heaven will be unweariable Let a Man see the rarest Sight that is he will be soon cloyed when he comes into a Garden and sees delicious Walks fair Arbours Pleasant Flowers within a little while he grows weary But it is not so in Heaven there is no Surfeit Ibi nec Fames nec Fastidium Bern. The Saints will never be weary of their Prospect viz. of seeing God for God being infinite there shall be every Moment new and fresh Delights springing from God into the Souls of the Glorified II. The Second thing implied in our enjoying God is our Loving of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is a Saints grief that his Heart is like the Frozen Ocean that he can melt no more in Love to God but in Heaven the Saints shall be like Seraphims burning in Divine Love Love is a pleasing Affection Fear hath Torment in it 1 Iohn 4.18 Love hath Joy in it To love Beauty is delightful God's amazing Beauty will attract the Saints Love and it will be their Heaven to Love him III. The Third thing implyed in enjoying God is Gods Loving us Were there Glory in God yet if there were not Love it would much eclipse the Joys of Heaven but God is Love 1 Iohn 4.16 The Saints glorified cannot love so much as they are loved What is their Love to God's What is their Star to this Sun God doth love his People on Earth when they are black as well as comely they have their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Imperfections O how intirely will he Love them when they are without Spot or Wrinkle Eph. 5.27 1. This is the Felicity of Heaven to be in the sweet Embraces of God's Love To be the Hephsibah the delight of the King of Glory To be Sunning our selves in the Light of Gods Countenance Then the Saints shall know that Love of Christ which passeth Knowledge Eph. 3.19 From this glorious manifestation of God's Love will flow infinite Joy into the Souls of the Blessed Therefore Heaven is call'd entring into the joy of our Lord Mat. 25.21 The Seeing of God the Loving of God and being Beloved of God will cause a Jubilation of Spirit and create such Holy Raptures of Joy in the Saints as is unspeakable and full of Glory 1 Pet. 1.8 In Deo quadam dulcedine delectatur anima imo rapitur Aug. Now the Saints spend their Years with Sighing they weep over their Sins and Afflictions then their Water shall be turned into Wine then the Vessels of Mercy shall be fill'd and run over with Joy they shall have their Palm-Branches and Harps in their Hand Rev. 14.2 in token of their Triumphs and Rejoycing 2. The Second thing comprehended in Glory is the good Society there There are the Angels every Star adds to the Light Those Blessed Cherubims will welcome us into Paradise If the Angels rejoyced so at the Conversion of the Elect First How will they rejoyce at their Coronation Secondly There is the Company of the Saints Heb. 12.23 The Spirits of Iust Men made Perfect Quest. Whether shall the Saints in Glory know each other Resp. Certainly they shall for our Knowledge in Heaven shall not be diminished but increased We shall not only know our Friends and Godly Relations but those glorified Saints which we never saw before It must be so for Society without Acquaintance is not comfortable And of this Opinion were St. Austin Anselm Luther And indeed the Scripture seems to hint so much to us For if Peter in the Transfiguration knew Moses and Elias whom he never saw before Mat. 17.4 then surely in Heaven the Saints shall know one another and be infinitely delighted in each others Company 3. The Third thing comprehended in Glory is Perfection in Holiness Holiness is the Beauty of God and Angels it makes Heaven What is Happiness but the quintessence of Holiness Here a Christians Grace is imperfect he cannot write a Copy of Holiness without blotting He is said to receive but Primitas Spiritus the first Fruits of the Spirit Grace in Fieri Rom. 8.23 But at Death Believers shall arrive at Perfection of Grace Then this Sun shall be in its Meridian Splendour then they shall not need to pray for Encrease of Grace for they shall be as the Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their Light shall be clear as well as their Joy full 4. The Fourth thing in Glory is Dignity and Honour they shall reign as Kings Therefore the Saints glorified are said to have their insignia Regalia their Ensigns of Royalty their white Robes and their Crown 2 Tim. 4.7 Caesar after his Victories in token of Honour had a Chair of Ivory set for him in the Senate and a Throne in the Theatre the Saints having obtained their Victories over Sin and Satan shall be inthroned with Christ in the Empirean Heaven To sit with Christ denotes Safety to set on the Throne Dignity Rev. 3.21 This Honour have all the Saints 5. The Fifth thing in Glory is the Harmony and Union among the Heavenly Inhabitants The Devil cannot get his Cloven Foot into Heaven He cannot conjure up any Storms of Contention there there shall be perfect Union There Calvin and Luther are agreed there 's no jarring String in the Heavenly Musick there is nothing to make any difference no Pride or Envy there Though one Star may differ from another one may have a greater degree of Glory yet every Vessel shall be full There shall the Saints and Angels fit as Olive-Plants round about their Fathers Table in Love and Unity Then shall they joyn together in consort then shall the loud Anthems of Praise be sung in the Heavenly Quire 6. The Sixth thing in Glory is a blessed Rest Heb. 4.9 There remains a Rest Foelix transitus à labore ad requiem here we can have no rest tossed and turn'd as a Ball on Racket 2 Cor. 4.8 We are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 troubled on every side How can a Ship rest in a Storm But after Death the Saints get into their Haven Every thing is quiet in the Center God is centrum quietativum animae as the Schoolmen The Center where the Soul doth sweetly acquiesce
A Christian after his weary Marches and Battels shall put off his Bloody Armour and rest himself upon the Bosom of Jesus that Bed of Perfume When Death hath given the Saints the Wings of a Dove then they shall fly away to Paradise and be at rest 7. The Seventh thing in Glory is Eternity 2 Cor. 4.17 An Eternal weight of Glory First Glory is a Weight The Hebrew Word for Glory quod significat Pondus is a Weight God must make us able to bear it Secondly An Eternal Weight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Glory is such a Manna as doth not breed Worms If the Saints glory in Heaven were but for a time and they were in fear of losing it it would eclipse and imbitter the Joys of Heaven but Eternity is written upon their Joys The Garland made of Flowers of Paradise fades not 1 Pet. 5.4 I have read of a River which they call the Day-River in which time it runs with a full Torrent but at Night it is dried up such are all Earthly Comforts they run with a full Stream all the Day-time of Life but at the Night of Death they are dried up but the Saints glorified shall drink of the Rivers of Pleasure for evermore Psal. 16.11 Eternity is the Heaven of Heavens in fine Gaudium erit sine fine Bern. The Joys of Heaven as overflowing so ever-flowing Quest. 2. When do Believers enter upon Possession of Glory Resp. They pass immediately after Death into Glory Some hold with the Platonists and Lucianists that the Soul dies But many of the Sober Heathens believed the Souls immortality The Romans when their Great Men died caus'd an Eagle to be let loose and fly about in the Air signifying hereby that the Soul was immortal and did not dye with the Body Christ tells us the Soul is not capable of Killing Luke 12.4 Therefore not of Dying And as the Soul doth not Dye so neither doth it Sleep in the Body for a time If the Soul be at Death absent from the Body 2 Cor. 5.8 then it cannot Sleep in the Body There is an immediate passage from Death to Glory It is but winking and we shall see God Luke 23.43 This Day shalt thou be with me in Paradise by Paradise is meant Heaven the Third Heaven into which Paul was wrap'd which all hold to be the Heaven of the blessed was called Paradise 2 Cor 12.4 Now saith Christ to the Thief on the Cross 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This Day shalt thou be with me in Paradise his Body could not be there for it was laid in the Grave But it was spoke of his Soul that it should be immediately after Death in Heaven Let none be so vain as to talk of Purgatory A Soul purg'd by Christs Blood needs no fire of Purgatory but goes immediately from a Death-bed into a glorified State Use 1. See what little cause Believers have to fear Death when it brings such glorious Benefits To me to Dye is Gain Why should the Saints fear their Preferment Is it not a blessed thing to see God to love God and to lye for ever in the Bosom of Divine Love Is it not a blessed thing to meet our Godly Relations in Heaven Why should the Saints be afraid of their Blessings Is a Virgin afraid to be matched into the Crown Now is but the Contract at Death is the Marriage-Supper of the Lamb Rev. 19.9 What hurt doth Death but take us from among Fiery Serpents and place us among Angels What hurt doth it do but to cloath us with a Robe of Immortality Hath he any wrong done that hath his Sack-Cloath pull'd off and hath Cloath of Gold put upon him Fear not Dying who cannot live but by Dying Use 2. You who are Real Saints whose Hearts are purified by Faith spend much time in musing upon these glorious Benefits which you shall have by Christ at Death Thus might you by a Contemplative Life begin the Life of Angels here and be in Heaven before your time Eudoxus was so affected with the Glory of the Sun that he thought he was born only to behold it What should we contemplate but Caelestial Glory when we shall see God Face to Face David was got above the ordinary sort of Men he was in the Altitudes â—sal 139.18 I am ever with thee A true Saint every Day takes a turn in Heaven his Thoughts and Desires are like Cherubims flying up to Paradise Can Men of the World so delight in looking upon their Bags of Gold and Fields of Corn and shall not the Heirs of Heaven take more delight in Contemplating their Glory in Reversion Could we send forth Faith as a Spy and every Day view the Glory of the Ierusalem above how would it rejoyce us as it doth the Heir to think of the Inheritance which is to come into his Hand shortly Use 3. Consolation This is that which may comfort the Saints in Two Cases 1. Under their Wants they abound only in Wants The Meal is almost spent in the Barrel but be patient till Death and you shall have a Supply of all your Wants You shall have a Kingdom and be as Rich as Heaven can make you He who hath the promise of an Estate after the expiring of a few Years though at present he hath nothing to help himself yet comforts himself with this that shortly he shall have an Estate come into his Hands 1 Iohn 2.3 It doth not yet appear what we shall be we shall be enamel'd with Glory and be as rich as the Angels under their Sufferings 2. A true Saint is as Luther Haeres Crucis but this may make us go chearfully through our Sufferings there are great things laid up in store there is Glory coming which Eye hath not seen we shall drink of the Fruit of the Vine in the Kingdom of Heaven though now we drink in a Wormwood Cup yet here is Sugar to sweeten it we shall taste of those Joys of Paradise which exceed our Faith and may be better felt than they can be expressed Of the RESVRRECTION John 5.28 Marvel not at this for the Hour is coming in which all that are in the Graves shall hear his Voice and shall come forth they that have done Good unto the Resurrection of Life and they that have done Evil unto the Resurrection of Damnation Quest. WHat Benefits shall Believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection Resp. 1. Their Bodies shall be raised up to Glory 2. They shall be openly acquitted at the Day of Judgment 3. They shall be made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God for ever 1. The Bodies of Believers shall be raised up to Glory The Doctrin of the Resurrection is a Fundamental Article of our Faith the Apostle puts it among the Principles of the Doctrin of Christ Heb. 6.2 The Body shall rise again we are not so sure to rise out of our Beds as we are to rise out of our Graves The saved Body shall arise again Some
Body I will enter into thee again and be eternally married to thee Use 3. The Resurrection of the Body is a Cordial when a Christian lyes a dying Thy Body though it drop into the Sepulchre it shall revive and flourish as an Herb in the Resurrection The Grave is a Bed of dust where the Bodies of the Saints sleep but they shall be awakened by the Trump of the Arch-angel The Grave is your long home but not your last home Though Death strip you of your beauty yet at the Resurrection you shall have it restored again As David when he found Saul asleep took away his Spear and Cruse of Water but when he awoke he restored them again 1 Sam. 26.22 So though at death all our strength and beauty be taken away yet at the Resurrection God will restore all again in a more glorious manner Quest. 4. But how shall we know that our Bodies shall be raised to a glorious Resurrection Resp. If we have a part in the first Resurrection Rev. 20.6 Blessed is he that hath a part in the first Resurrection Quest. What is meant by this Answ. It is a rising by Repentance out of the Grave of Sin He who lies buried in sin can have little hope of a joyful Resurrection His Body shall be raised but not in Glory O then ask Conscience Have you a part in the first Resurrection Hath the Spirit entred into you and lifted you up Hath it raised you out of your Unbelief Hath it raised your Hearts above the Earth This is the first Resurrection and if your Souls are thus Spiritually raised then your Bodies shall be gloriously raised and shall shine as Stars in the Kingdom of Heaven Regeneration makes way for a glorious Resurrection Use Seeing you expect your Bodies should arise to Glory keep your Bodies unspotted from sin Shall a drunken Body rise to Glory Shall an unclean Body rise to Glory Shall a thievish Body steal into Heaven O keep your Bodies pure Keep your Eyes from unchast Glances your Hands from Bribes your Tongues from Slander Defile not your Bodies which you hope shall rise one day to Glory Your Bodies are the Members of Christ and hear what the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 6.15 Shall I take the members of Christ and make them the members of an Harlot God forbid O keep your Bodies unspotted let them be Instruments of Righteousness 1 Cor. 6.20 Glorifie God in your Body If your Bodies glorifie God God will glorifie your Bodies Quest. 5. But seeing our Bodies must be laid in the Grave and they may lye many years rotting there before the Resurrection What may support and comfort us in this case Resp. 1. That God will not leave his People in the Grave Our Friends bring us to the Grave and leave us there but God will not God will go to the Grave with us and watch over our dead Bodies and take care of our Ashes Rizpah watched over the dead Bodies of the Sons of Saul and guarded them against the ravenous Fouls of the Air 2 Sam. 21.10 Thus the Lord watcheth over the dead Bodies of the Saints and looks to it that none of their dust be missing Christian thou hast a God to watch over thy Body when thou art dead 2. The Bodies of the Saints in the Grave though separated from their Souls are united to Christ. The dust of a Believer is part of Christs Mystical Body 3. When the Bodies of the Saints are in the Sepulchre their Souls are in Paradise The Soul doth not sleep in the Body but returns to God that gave it Eccles. 12.7 The Soul immediately partakes of those Joys the blessed Angels do When the Body returns to dust the Soul returns to rest When the Body is sleeping the Soul is triumphing When the Body is buried the Soul is crowned As the Spies were sent before to taste of the Fruits of the Land Numb 13. so at Death the Soul is sent before into Heaven to taste of the Fruit of the Holy Land 4. When Gods time is come the Graves shall deliver up their Dead Rev. 20.13 When the Judge sends the Goaler must deliver up his Prisoners As God said to Iacob Gen. 46.4 I will go down with thee into Egypt and I will surely bring thee up again So the Lord will go down with us into the Grave and will surely bring us up again 5. Though the Bodies of the Saints shall rot and be loathsom in the Grave yet afterwards they shall be made Illustrious and Glorious Concerning this consider 1. The Bodies of the Saints when they arise shall be comely and beautiful The Body of a Saint in this Life may be deformed Those whose minds are adorned with Virtue yet may have mis-shapen Bodies as the finest Cloth may have the coarsest List But this deformed Body shall be aimable and beautiful This beauty consists in two things 1. Perfection of parts There shall be a full Proportion of all the Members In this Life there is oft a defect of Members The Eye is lost the Arm is cut off but in the Resurrection all parts of the Body shall be restored again Therefore the Resurrection is called the time of restoring of all things Acts 3.19 Malcha's Ear cut restituit 2. Clarity and Splendor The Bodies of the Saints shall have a graceful Majesty in them they shall be like Stephen whose Face shined as if it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6.15 Nay they shall be made like Christs glorious Body Phil. 3.21 2. The Bodies of the Saints when they arise shall be free from the Necessities of Nature as Hunger and Thirst Rev. 7.16 They shall hunger no more Moses on the Mount was so fill'd with the Glory of God that he needed not the Recruits of Nature Much more in Heaven shall the Bodies of the Saints so fill'd with Gods Glory be upheld without Food 3. The Bodies of Saints when they arise shall be swift and nimble our Bodies on Earth are dull and heavy in their Motion then they shall be swift and made fit to ascend as the Body of Elias in the Air. Now the Body is a Clog in Heaven it shall be a Wing We shall be as the Angels Matt. 22.30 And how nimble are they The Angel Gabriel in a short time came from Heaven to the Earth Dan. 9.21 As the Helm turns the Ship instantly whether the Steersman will so the Body in an instant will move which way the Soul will 4. The Bodies of the Saints at the Resurrection shall be very firm and strong 1 Cor. 15.43 It is raised in power Through frequent Labour and Sickness the strongest Body begins to Languish But at the Resurrection we shall be of a strong Constitution Then there will be no Weariness in the Body nor Faintness in the Spirits This may comfort you who now conflict with many bodily Weaknesses This weak Body shall be raised in Power The Body which is now a weak Reed shall be like a Rock
5. The Bodies of the Saints at the Resurrection shall be Immortal 1 Cor. 15.53 This Mortal shall put on Immortality our Bodies shall run parallel with Eternity Luke 20.36 Neither can they dye any more Heaven is an healthful Climate there is no Bill of Mortality there If a Physician could give you a Receipt to keep you from Dying what Sums of Mony would you give At the Resurrection Christ will give the Saints such a Receipt Rev. 21.4 There shall be no more death 2. The second Privilege Believers shall have at the Resurrection is They shall be openly acquitted at the day of Judgment Of the Day of Iudgment Quest. WHat Benefits do Believers receive from Christ at the Resurrection Resp. 1. Their Bodies shall be raised up to Glory and shall be openly acquitted at the day of Judgment and crown'd with the full and perfect Enjoyment of God to all Eternity 2. They shall be openly acquitted at the day of Iudgment This is to be laid down for a Position that there shall be a Day of Judgment 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the Iudgment-Seat of Christ. This is the Grand Assizes the greatest Appearance that ever was Now Adam shall see all his Posterity at once We must all appear the greatness of Mens Persons doth not exempt them from Christ's Tribunal Kings and Captains are brought in trembling before the Lambs Throne Rev. 6.15 We must all appear and appear in our own Persons not by a Proxy Quest. 1. How doth it appear that there shall be a Day a Iudgment Resp. Two ways 1. By the Suffrage of Scripture Eccles. 11.9.12.14 For God shall bring every work into Judgment with every secret thing Psal. 96.13 For he cometh for he cometh to judge the Earth The Reduplication denotes the certainty Dan. 7.9 I beheld till the Thrones were cast down and the ancient of days did sit whose garment was white as snow The Judgment was set and the Books were opened 2. It appears from the petty Sessions kept in a Man 's own Conscience when a Man doth Virtuously Conscience doth excuse him when evil Conscience doth arraign and condemn him Now what is this private Session kept in the Court of Conscience but a certain fore-runner of that General Day of Judgment when all the World shall be summoned to Gods Tribunal Quest. 2. Why must there be a Day of Iudgment Resp. That there may be a Day of Retribution when God may render to every one according to his work Things seem to be carried very unequally in the World The Wicked do so prosper as if they were rewarded for being Evil And the Godly do so suffer as if they were punished for being good Therefore for the vindicating Gods Justice there must be a day wherein there shall be a righteous Distribution of Punishments and Rewards to Men according to their Actions Quest. 3. Who shall be Iudge Resp. The Lord Jesus Christ Iohn 5.22 The Father hath committed all Iudgment to the Son It is an Article in our Creed That Christ shall come to judge the Quick and the Dead It is a great Honour put upon Christ He who was himself judged shall now be Judge He who once hung upon the Cross shall sit upon the Bench. Christ is fit to be Judge as he partakes both of the Manhood and Godhead 1. Of the Manhood Being cloathed with the Humane Nature he may be visibly seen of all It is requisite the Judge should be seen Rev. 1.7 Behold he cometh with Clouds and every Eye shall see him 2. As he partakes of the Godhead He is of infinite Prudence to understand all Causes brought before him And of infinite Power to execute Offenders He is described with seven Eyes Zach. 3.9 to denote his Prudence and a Rod of Iron Psal. 2.9 to denote his Power He is so Wise that he cannot be deluded and so Strong that he cannot be resisted Quest. 4. When will the Court fit when will the time of Iudgment be Resp. For the Quando or the time of the General Judgment it is a Secret kept from the Angels Matt. 24.36 Of that day and hour knows no Man no not the Angels of Heaven But this is sure it cannot be far off One great sign of the approach of the Day of Judgment is That Iniquity shall abound Matt. 24. Sure then this day is near at hand for Iniquity did never more abound than in this Age Lust grows hot and Love grows cold This is certain when the Elect are all converted then Christ will come to Judgment As he that owes a Ferry-boat stays till all the Passengers are taken into his Boat and then he rows away So Christ stays till all the Elect are gathered in and then he will hasten away to â—â—dgment Quest. 5. What shall be the modus or manner of Trial Resp. 1. The Citing of Men to the Court The Dead are cited as well as the Living Men when they Dye avoid the Censure of our Law-Courts but at the last Day the Dead are cited to God's Tribunal Rev. 20.12 I saw the Dead Small and Great stand before God This citing of Men will be by the Sound of a Trumpet 1 Thes. 4.16 and this Trumpet will sound so loud that it will raise Men out of their Graves Mat. 24.31 Such as will not hear the Trumpet of the Gospel sound in their Ears Repent and Believe shall hear the Trumpet of the Arch-Angel sounding Arise and be Iudged 2. The approach of the Judge to the Bench. First This will be terrible to the Wicked How can a guilty Prisoner endure the sight of the Judge If Foelix trembled when Paul Preached of Judgment Acts 24.25 How will Sinners Tremble when they shall see Christ come to Judgment Christ is described sitting in Judgment with a Fiery Stream issuing from him Dan. 7.10 Now the Lamb of God will be turned into a Lion The sight of Christ will strike Terrour into Sinners As when Ioseph said to his Brethren I am Ioseph whom ye sold into Egypt they were troubled at his Presence Gen. 45.6 Now how did their Hearts smite them for their Sin So when Christ shall come to judge Men and say I am Jesus whom ye sinned against I am Jesus whose Laws ye have broken whose Blood ye despised I am now come to Judge you O what horror and amazement will take hold of Sinners they will be troubled at the Presence of their Judge Secondly The approâ—ch of Christ to the Bench of Judicature will be Comfortable to the Righteous 1. Christ will come in Splendor and Great Glory His first coming in the Flesh was obscure Isa. 53.2 He was like a Prince in Disguise but his Second coming will be illustrious he shall come in the Glory of his Father with the Holy Angels Mark 8 38. O what a bright Day will that be when such a number of Angels those Morning Stars shall appear in the Air and Christ the Sun of Righteousness shall shine
Willingness You love to see your Servants go chearfully about your Work Under the Law God would have a Free-Will-Offering Deut. 16.10 Hypocrites obey God grudgingly and against their Will they do facere bonum but not velle Cain brought his Sacrifice but not his Heart 'T is a true Rule quicquid Cor non facit non fit What the Heart doth not do is not done Willingness is the Soul of Obedience God sometimes accepts of Willingness without the Work but never of the Work without Willingness Chearfulness shews that there is Love in the Duty and Love doth to our Services as the Sun doth to the Fruit Mellow and Ripen them and make them come off with a better Relish 2. Obedience must be Devout and Fervent Rom. 12.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fervent in Spirit c. Quae ebullit prae ardore It alludes to Water that boils over So the Heart must boil over with Hot Affections in the Service of God The Glorious Angels who for their burning in Fervour and Devotion are called Seraphims these God chooseth to serve him in Heaven The Snail under the Law was unclean because a dull Sloathful Creature Obedience without Fervency is like a Sacrifice without Fire Why should not our Obedience be lively and Fervent God deserves the Flower and Strength of our Affections Domitian would not have his Statue carved in Wood or Iron but in Gold Lively Affections make Golden Services It is Fervency makes Obedience acceptable Eliah was fervent in Spirit and his Prayers opened and shut Heaven And again he pray'd and fire fell on his Enemies 2 Kings 1.10 Eliah's Prayer fetch'd Fire from Heaven because being fervent it carried Fire up to Heaven Quicquid decorum ex Fide proficiscitur Aug. 3. Obedience must be extensive it must reach to all Gods Commands Psal. 119.6 Then shall I not be ashamed or as it is in the Hebrew lo Ebosh blush when I have respect to all thy Commandements Quicquid propter Deum fit aequaliter fit There is a Stamp of Divine Authority upon all Gods Commands and if I obey one Precept because God Commands I must obey all True Obedience runs through all the Duties of Religion as the Blood through all the Veins or the Sun through all the Signs of the Zodiack A good Christian makes Gospel Piety and Moral Equity kiss each other Herein some discover their Hypocrisie they will obey God in some things which are more facile and may raise their Repute but other things they leave undone Mark 10.21 One thing is lacking Unum deest Herod would hear Iohn Baptist but not leave his Incest Some will Pray but not give Alms others will give Alms but not Pray Matt. 23.23 Ye pay Tithe of Mint and Anise and have neglected the weightier things of the Law Iudgment Mercy and Faith The Badger hath one foot shorter than the other So these are shorter in some Duties than in other God likes not such partial Servants that will do some part of the work he sets them about and leave the other undone 4. Obedience must be sincere viz. We must aim at the Glory of God in it Finis specificat actionem In Religion the end is all The end of our Obedience must not be to stop the Mouth of Conscience or to gain Applause and Preferment but that we may grow more like God and bring more Glory to God 1 Cor. 10.31 Do all to the Glory of God That which hath spoiled many glorious Actions and made them lose their Reward is when Mens aims have been wrong The Pharisees gave Alms but blowed a Trumpet that they might have Glory of Men Matt. 6 2. Alms should shine but not blaze Iehu did well in destroying the Baal-worshippers and God commended him for it but because his Aims were not good he aim'd at setling himself in the Kingdom therefore God look'd upon it no better than Murder Hos. 1.4 I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the House of Jehu O let us look to our Ends in Obedience it is possible the Action may be right and not the Heart 2 Chron. 25.2 Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord but not with a perfect Heart Two things are chiefly to be eyed in Obedience the Principle and the End A Child of God though he shoots short in his Obedience yet he takes a right Aim 5. Obedience must be in and thorough Christ Eph. 1.6 He hath accepted us in the Beloved Not our Obedience but Christs Merits procure acceptance we must in every part of Worship tender up Christ to God in the Arms of our Faith Unless we serve God thus in Hope and Confidence of Christs Merits we do rather provoke God than please him As when King Uzziah would offer Incense without a Priest God was angry with him and struck him with Leprosie 2 Chron. 26.16 So when we do not come to God in and thorough Christ we offer up Incense to God without a Priest and what can we expect but severe Rebukes 6. Obedience must be Constant Psal. 106.3 Blessed is he who doth righteousness Be Col Gnet at all times True Obedience is not like an high Colour in a Fit but it is a right Sanguine It is like the Fire on the Altar which was always kept Burning Lev. 6.13 Hypocrites Obedience is but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a Season It is like plaistering Work which is soon washed off but true Obedience is constant Though we meet with Affliction we must go on in our Obedience Iob 17.9 The Righteous shall hold on his way We have vowed Constancy We have vowed to renounce the Pomp and Vanities of the World and to fight under Christ's Banner to the Death When a Servant hath entred into Covenant with his Master and the Indentures are sealed then he cannot go back he must serve out his time There are Indentures drawn in Baptism and in the Lords Supper The Indentures are renewed and sealed on our part that we will be Faithful and Constant in our Obedience Therefore we must imitate Christ who became obedient to the Death Phil. 2.8 The Crown is set upon the Head of Perseverance Rev. 2.26 He that keeps my works unto the end to him will I give the morning Star Use 1. This indicts such who live in a Contradiction to this Text they have cast off the Yoke of Obedience Ier. 44.16 As for the word which thou hast spoken to us in the Name of the Lord we will not hearken unto thee God bids Men pray in their Family they live in the total Neglect of it He bids them Sanctifie the Sabbath they follow their Pleasures on that day God bids them abstain from the Appearance of Sin they do not abstain from the Act They live in the act of Revenge in the Act of Uncleanness This is an high Contempt of God 't is Rebellion and Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft Quest. Whence is it Men do not obey God They know their Duty
Lenocinium the Load-stone to entice and draw the Love to God Ignoti nulla Cupido Such as know not God cannot love him If the Sun be set in the Understanding there must needs be night in the Affections Quest. 3. Wherein doth the formal Nature of Love consist Resp. The Nature of Love is in delighting in the Object Complacentia amantis in amato Aquin. This is our loving God our taking delight in him Psal. 37.4 Delight thy self in the Lord As a Bride delights in her Jewels Grace changeth a Christians Aims and Delights Quest. 4. How must our Love to God be qualified Resp. 1. If it be a sincere Love we must love God with all our Heart In the Text Thou shalt love the Lord thy God Becol Leuauca with all thy Heart God will have the whole Heart we must not divide our Love between God and Sin The true Mother would not have the Child divided Nor will God have the Heart divided it must be the whole Heart 2. We must love God propter se for himself for his own intrinsick Excellencies We must love him for his Loveliness Meretricius est amor plus annulum quam sponsum amare It is an Harlots Love to love the Portion more than the Person Hypocrites love God because he gives them Corn and Wine We must love God for himself for those shining Perfections which are in him Gold is loved for it self 3. We must love God with all our might In the Hebrew Text our Vehemency We must love God quoad posse as much as we are able Christians should be like Seraphins burning in Holy Love We can never love God so much as he deserves The Angels in Heaven cannot love God so much as he deserves 4. Love to God must be Active in its Sphere Love is an Industrious Affection it sets the Head a studying for God Hands a working Feet a running in the ways of his Commandements it is called the Labour of Love 1 Thess. 1.3 Mary Magdalen loved Christ and poured her Oyntments on him We think we can never do enough for the Person whom we love 5. Love to God must be Superlative God is the Quintessence of Beauty a whole Paradise of Delight and he must have a Priority in our Love Our Love to God must be above all things besides as the Oyl swims above the Water We must love God above Estate Relations great is the Love to Relations There is a Story in the French Academy of a Daughter who when her Father was condemned to dye by Famine gave him suck with her own Breasts But our Love to God must be above Father and Mother Matt. 10.37 We may give the Creature the Milk of our Love God must have the Cream The Spouse keeps the Juice of her Pomgranate for Christ Cant. 8.2 6. Our Love to God must be constant like the Fire the vestal Virgins kept in Rome which did not go out Love must be like the motion of the Pulse it beats as long as there is Life Cant. 8.7 Many Waters cannot quench Love not the Waters of Persecution Eph. 3.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rooted in love A Branch withers that doth not grow on a Root That Love may not dye it must be well rooted Quest. 5. What are the visible Signs of our Love to God Resp. 1. If we love God then our Desire is after him Isa. 26.8 The desire of our Soul is to thy Name He who loves God breaths after Communion with him Psal. 42.2 My Soul thirsts for the living God Persons in Love desire to be oft conferring together He who loves God desires to be much in his Presence He loves the Ordinances they are the Glass where the Glory of God is resplendent In the Ordinances we meet with him whom our Soul loves We have Gods Smiles and Whispers and some Fore-tasts of Heaven Such as have no desire after Ordinances have no love to God 2. The second Visible Sign He who loves God cannot take Contentment in any thing without him An Hypocrite who pretends to love God give him but Corn and Wine and he can be content without God But a Soul fired with love to God cannot be without him Lovers faint away if they have not a sight of the Object loved A gracious Soul can want Health but not want God who is the Health of his Countenance Psal. 43.5 If God should say to a Soul that intirely loves him Take thy Ease swim in Pleasure solace thy self in the Delights of the World but thou shalt not enjoy my Presence this would not content the Soul Nay if God should say I will let thee be taken up to Heaven but I will retire into a withdrawing Room and thou shalt not see my Face This would not content the Soul it is an Hell to want God The Philosopher saith There can be no Gold without the Influence of the Sun There can be no golden Joy in the Soul without Gods sweet Presence and Influence 3. The third visible Sign He who loves God hates that which would separate between him and God and that is Sin Sin makes God hide his Face it is like an Incendiary which parts chief Friends Therefore the Keneness of a Christians Hatred is set against Sin Psal. 119.128 I hate every false way Antipathies can never be reconciled one cannot love Health but he must hate Poyson So we cannot love God but we must hate Sin which would destroy our Communion with him 4. The fourth visible Sign is Sympathy Friends that love do grieve for the Evils which befall each other Homer describing Agamemnon's Grief when he was forced to Sacrifice his Daughter brings in all his Friends weeping with him and accompanying him to the Sacrifice in Mourning Lovers grieve together If we have true Love in our Heart to God we cannot but grieve for those things which grieve him We shall lay to Heart his Dishonours The Luxury Drunkenness Contempt of God and Religion Psal. 119.136 Rivers of Tears run down mine eyes c. Some speak of the Sins of others and make a laughing at them sure they have no love to God who can laugh at that which grieves his Spirit Doth he love his Father who can laugh to hear him Reproached 5. The Fifth Visible Sign He who loves God labours to render him Lovely to others he not only admires God but speaks in his Praises that he may allure and draw others to be in love with God She that is in Love will commend her Lover The Love-sick Spouse extols Christ she makes a Panegyrical Oration of his worth that she might perswade others to be in love with him Cant. 5.11 His Head is as the most Fine Gold True love to God cannot be silent it will be elegant in setting forth God's Renown no better sign of loving God than by making him appear Lovely and so drawing Proselytes to him 6. The Sixth Visible Sign He who loves God weeps bitterly for his Absence Mary comes weeping they
have taken away my Lord John 20.2 One cries my Health is gone another my Estate is gon but he who is a Lover of God cries out my God is gone I cannot enjoy him whom I love What can all Worldly Comfors do when once God is absent It is like a Funeral Banquet where there is much Meat but no Chear Iob 30.28 I went Mourning without the Sun If Rachel Mourned so for the loss of her Children what Vail or Pensil can shadow out the Sorrow of that Christian who hath lost God's sweet Presence Such a Soul pours forth Floods of Tears and while it is lamenting seems to say thus to God Lord thou art in Heaven hearing the Melodious Songs and Triumphs of Angels but I sit here in the Vally of Tears weeping because thou art gone O when wilt thou come to me and revive me with the Light of thy Countenance Or Lord if thou wilt not come to me let me come to thee where I shall have a perpetual Smile of thy Face in Heaven and shall never more Complain My Beloved hath withdrawn himself 7. The Seventh Visible Sign He who loves God is willing to do and Suffer for him He subscribes to God's Commands he submits to his Will First He subscribes to Gods Commands If God bids him Mortifie Sin Love his Enemies be Crucified to the World he obeys 'T is a vain thing for a Man to say he loves God and slights his Commands Secondly He submits to God's Will If God will have him suffer for him he doth not Dispute but Obey 1 Cor. 13.7 Love endureth all things Love made Christ suffer for us and Love will make us suffer for him It is true every Christian is not a Martyr but he hath a Spirit of Martyrdom in him He hath a Disposition of Mind to suffer if God call him to it 2 Tim. 4.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I am ready to be Offered up Not only the Sufferings were ready for Paul but he was ready for the Sufferings Origen chose rather to live despised in Alexandria than with Plotinus to deny the Faith and be great in the Princes Favour Rev. 12.11 Many say they love God but will not suffer the loss of any thing for him If Christ should have said to us I love you well you are dear to me but I cannot suffer for you I cannot lay down my Life for you we should have questioned his Love very much And may not the Lord question ours when we pretend Love to him but will endure nothing for his sake Use 1. What shall we say to them who have not a Dram of Love in their Hearts to God They have their Life from him yet do not Love him God spreads their Table every Day yet they do not Love him Sinners dread God as a Judge but do not love him as a Father All the strength in the Angels cannot make the Heart love God Judgments will not do it Only Omnipotent Grace can make a Stony Heart melt in Love How sad is it to be void of Love to God When the Body is cold and hath no heat in it 't is a sign of Death He is Spiritually Dead who hath no heat of Love in his Heart to God Shall ever such live with God that do not love him Will God lay an Enemy in his Bosom Such as will not be drawn with Cords of Love shall be bound in Chains of Darkness Use 2. Let us be perswaded to love God with all our Heart and Might O let us take our Love off from other things and place it upon God Love is the Heart of Religion the Fat of the Offering 'T is the Grace which Christ enquires most after Iohn 21.15 Peter lovest thou me Love makes all our Services Acceptable it is the Musk that perfumes them 'T is not so much Duty as Love to Duty God delights in therefore Serving and Loving God are put together Isa. 56.6 'T is better to Love him than to Serve him Obedience without Love is like Wine without the Spirits O then be perswaded to love God with all your Heart and Might To perswade to this Virgin Affection of Love 1. 'T is nothing but your Love God desires The Lord might have demanded your Children to be offered in Sacrifice he might have bid you Cut and Launce your Selves or lain in Hell a while but he only desires your Love he would only have this Flower Is this an hard Request to Love God Was ever any Debt easier paid than this Is it any labour to the Wife to Love her Husband Love is delightful Non potest Amor esse dulcis non esse Bern. What is there in our Love that God should desire it Why should a King desire the Love of a Woman that is in Debt and Diseased God doth not want our Love There are Angels enough in Heaven to Adore and Love him What is God the better for our Love It adds not the least Cubit to his Essential Blessedness God doth not need our Love yet seeks it Why doth God desire us to give him our Heart Prov. 23.26 Not that he needs our Heart but that he may make it better 2. Great will be our Advantage if we love God God doth not court our Love that we should lose it 1 Cor. 2.9 Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard the things which God hath prepared for them that love him If you will Love God you shall have such a Reward as exceeds your Faith God will betroth you to himself in the dearest Love Hos. 2.19 I will betroth thee unto me for ever in Loving-Kindness and Mercies Zeph. 3.17 The Lord thy God will rejoyce over thee with Ioy he will rest in his Love If you love God he will interest you in all his Riches and Dignities he will give you Heaven and Earth for your Dowry he will set a Crown on your Head Vespasian the Emperor gave a great Reward to a Woman who came to him and professed she Loved him God gives a Crown of Life to them that Love him Iames 1.12 3. Love is the only Grace that shall live with us in Heaven In Heaven we shall need no Repentance because we have no Sin no Faith because we shall see God Face to Face But Love to God shall abide for ever Love 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never faileth 1 Cor. 13.8 How should we nourish this Grace which shall out-live all the Graces and run parallel with Eternity 4. Our Love to God is a sign of his Love to us 1 Iohn 4.19 We love him because he first loved us By Nature we are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we have no Love to God we have Hearts of Stone Ezek. 36.1 And how can any love be in Hearts of Stone Our Loving God is from his Loving us If the Glass burn it is because the Sun hath shined on it else it could not burn If our Hearts burn in Love 't is a sign the Sun of Righteousness hath shined upon
but not the Bloody Axe Numb 23.21 He hath not seen Iniquity in Jacob He will not see Sin in his People so as to destroy them He sees their Sins so as to pity them he sees them as a Physician sees a Disease in his Patient to heal him Isa. 57.18 I have seen his Iniquities and I will heal him Every failing doth not break the Marriage Bond asunder The Disciples had great Failings they all forsook Christ and fled but this did not break off their Interest in God Therefore saith Christ at his Ascension Tell my Disciples I go to my God and to their God 7. If God be once our God he is so for ever Psal. 48.14 This God is our God Gnolam Vagned for ever and ever Whatever worldly Comforts we have are but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a Season Heb. 11.25 We must part with all as Paul's Friends did accompany him to the Ship and there left him Acts 20.28 So all our earthly Comforts will but go with us to the Grave and there leave us You cannot say you have Health and shall have it for ever You have a Child and shall have it for ever But if God be your God you shall have him for ever This God is our God for ever and ever If God be our God he will be a God to us as long as he is a God You have taken away my God saith Micah Iudges 18.24 But it cannot be said so to a Believer that his God is taken away he may lose all things else but cannot lose his God God is ours from everlasting in Election and to Everlasting in Glory 8. If God be our God we shall enjoy all our Godly Relations with him in Heaven The great Felicity on Earth is to enjoy Relations a Father sees his own Picture in his Child a Wife sees a piece of her self in her Husband We plant the Flower of Love among our Relations and the loss of them is like the pulling a Limb from the Body But if God be ours with enjoying God we shall enjoy all our pious Relations in Glory The gracious Child shall see his Godly Father the Virtuous Wiâ—e shall see her Religious Husband in Christs Arms and then there will be a dearer Love to Relations than ever was before though in a far different manner then Relations shall meet and never part and so shall we be ever with the Lord. Of the Commandments Exod. 20.1 I am the Lord thy God c. TO all such as can make out this Covenant-Union It exhorts to several things I. If God be our God let us improve our Interest in him cast all our Burdens upon him the Burden of our Fears Wants Sins Psal. 55.22 Cast thy Burden upon the Lord. Wicked Men who are a Burden to God have no right to cast their Burden upon him but such as have God for their God are called upon to cast their Burden on him Where should the Child ease all its cares but in the Bosom of its Parent Iudg. 19.20 Let all thy Wants lye upon me So God seems to say to his Children let all your Wants lye upon me Christian what doth trouble thee Thou hast a God to pardon thy Sins to supply thy Wants Therefore roul your Burden on the Lord 1 Pet. 5.7 Casting all your Care on him Whence are Christians so disquieted in their Minds they are taking care when they should be casting care II. If God be our God let us learn to be contented though we have the less of other things Contentment is a rare Jewel it is the Cure of Care If we have God to be our God well may we be contented I know whom I have believed 2 Tim. 1.12 There was Paul's Interest in God 2 Cor. 6.10 As having nothing yet possessing all There was his Content That such who have Covenant-Union with God may be fill'd with Contentation of Spirit consider what a rich Blessing God is to the Soul 1. God is Bonum Sufficiens a sufficient Good He who hath God hath enough If a Man be thirsty bring him to the Ocean and he is satisfied in God there is enough to fill the Heaven-born Soul He gives Grace and Glory Psal. 84 11. There is in God not only a sufficiency but a redundancy He is not only full as a Vessel but as a Spring Other things can no more fill the Soul than a Mariners Breath can fill the Sails of a Ship But in God is a Cornu-Copia an infinite fulness He hath enough to fill the Angels therefore enough to fill us The Heart is a Triangle which only the Trinity can fill 2. God is bonum Sanctificans a Sanctifying Good First He sanctifies all our Comforts and turns them into Blessings Health is blessed Estate is blessed he gives with the Venison a Blessing Psal. 132.15 I will abundantly bless her Provision He gives us that Life we have â—anquam arâ—abo as an Earnest of more He gives the little Meal in the Barrel as an Earnest of the Royal Feast in Paradise Secondly He sanctifies all our Crosses They shall not be destructive Pâ—â—ishments but Medicines they shall corrode and eat out the Venom of Sin they shall Polish and Refine our Grace The more the Diamond is cut it sparkles the more Gods stretching the Strings of his Viol is to make the Musick better 3. God is bonum seâ—ectum Choice Good all things sub sole are but baâ—â— sâ—abelli as Austin the Blessings of the Footstool but to have God himself to be ours is the Blessing of the Throne Abraham gave gifts to the Sons of the Coâ—â—ubines but he setled the 〈…〉 â—5 5 Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac God may send away the Men of the World with Gifts a little Gold and Silver but in giving us himself he gives us the very quintessence his Grace his Love his Kingdom Here is the Crowning Blessing 4. God is Bonum summum the chief Good In the chief Good there must be First Delectability it must have something that is delicious and sweet And where can we suck those pure quintessential Comforts which ravish us with Delight but in God In Deo quadam dulcedine delectatur anima imo rapitur At Gods Right Hand are Pleasures Psal. 16.11 Secondly In the chief Good there must be Transcendency it must have a surpassing Excellency Thus God is infinitely better than all other things 't is below the Deity to compare other things with it Who would go to weigh a Feather with a Mountain of Gold God is Fons Origo the Spring of all Entities and the Cause is more noble than the Effect It is God that bespangles the Creation that puts Light into the Sun that fills the Veins of the Earth with Silver other Creatures do but maintain Life God gives Life God infinitely out-shines all Sublunary Glory he is better than the Soul than Angels than Heaven Thirdly In the chief Good there must be not only Fulness but Variety where
Variety is wanting we are apt to nauseate to feed only on Hony would breed Loathing but in God is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all Variety of Fulness Col. 1.19 He is an Universal Good Commensurate to all our Wants He is Bonum in quo omnia Bona a Sun a Portion an Horn of Salvation He is called the God of all Comfort 2 Cor. 1.3 There is a Complication of all Beauties and Delights in him Health hath not the comfort of Beauty nor Beauty of Riches nor Riches of Wisdom but God is the God of all Comfort Fourthly In the chief Good there must be Eternity God is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He is a Treasure that can neither be drawn low nor drawn dry Though the Angels are still spending on him he can never be spent he abides for ever Eternity is a Flower of his Crown Now if God be our God here is enough to let in full Contentment into our Souls What though we want Torch-light if we have the Sun What if God deny us the Flower if he hath given us the Jewel How should this rock a Christians Heart quiet If we say God is our God and we are not content we have cause to question our Interest in him III. If we can clear up this Covenant-Union that God is our God let this chear and revive us in all Conditions To be content with God is not enough but to be chearful what greater Cordial can you have than Union with Deity When Jesus Christ was ready to Ascend he could not leave a richer consolation with his Disciples than this Tell them I go to my God and their God John 20.17 Who should rejoyce if not they who have an Infinite Alsufficient Eternal God to be their Portion who are as Rich as Heaven can make them What though I want Health I have God who is the Health of my Countenance and my God Psal. 42.11 What though I am low in the World if I have not the Earth I have him that made it The Philosopher comforted himself with this though he had no Musick or Vine-Trees yet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here are the Houshold Gods with me So though we have not the Vine or Fig-Tree yet we have God with us I cannot be Poor saith St. Bernard as long as God is Rich for his Riches are mine O Let the Saints rejoyce in this Covenant-Union To say God is ours is more than to say Heaven is ours Heaven would not be Heaven without God All the Stars cannot make Day without the Sun All the Angels those Morning Stars cannot make Heaven without Christ the Sun of Righteousness And as to have God for our God is matter of rejoycing in Life so especially it will be at our Death Let a Christian think thus I am going to my God A Child is glad when he is going home to his Father This was Christs comfort when he was leaving the World Iohn 20.17 I go to my God And this is a Believers Death-bed Cordial I am going to my God I shall change my Place but not my Kindred I go to my God and my Father IV. If God be our God then let us break forth into Doxology and Praise Psal. 118.28 Thou art my God and I will praise thee O infinite Astonishing Mercy that God should take Dust and Ashes into so near a Bond of Love as to be our God As Micah said Iudg. 18.24 What have I more So what hath God more What richer Jewel hath he to bestow upon us than himself What hath he more That God should put off most of the World with Riches and Honours and that he should pass over himself to us by a Deed of Gift to be our God and by virtue of this settle a Kingdom upon us O let us praise him with the best Instrument our Heart and let this Instrument be scrued up to the highest Peg Let us praise him with our whole Heart See how David riseth by degrees Psal. 32.11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoyce and shout for Ioy. Be glad there is Thankfulness rejoyce there is Chearfulness shout there is Triumph Praise is called Incense because it is so sweet a Sacrifice Let the Saints be Queristers in Gods Praises the deepest Springs yield the sweetest Water The more deeply sensible we are of Gods Covenant-Love to us the sweeter Praises we should yield We should begin here to eternize Gods Name and do that Work on Earth which we shall be always doing in Heaven Psal. 146.2 While I live will I praise the Lord. 5. Let us carry our selves as those who have God to be our God that is when we walk so that others may see there is something of God in us Live Holily What have we to do with Sin Is it not this that if it doth not break yet will weaken the Interest Hos. 14.8 What have I to do any more with Idols So should a Christian say God is my God what have I to do any more with Sin with Lust Pride Malice Bid me commit Sin as well bid me Drink Poison Shall I forfeit my Interest in God Let me rather Dye than willingly offend him who is the Crown of my Joy the God of my Salvation Of the Ten Commandments Exod. 20.2 The Land of Egypt c. THE Second part of Preface Who have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage Egypt and the House of Bondage are the same only they are represented to us under a different Expression or Notion I begin with the First Expression Who have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt Quest. Why doth the Lord mention this Deliverance of Israel out of the Land of Egypt Resp. 1. Because of the strangeness of the Deliverance God delivered his People Israel by strange Signs and Wonders by sending Plague after Plague upon Pharaoh blasting the Fruits of the Earth killing all the First-born in Egypt Exod. 12.29 And when Israel march'd out of Egypt God made the Waters of the Sea to part and become a Wall to his People while they went on Dry Ground and as he made the Sea a Cawsey to Israel so a Grave to Pharaoh and his Chariots Well might the Lord mention his bringing them out of the Land of Egypt because of the strangeness of the Deliverance God wrought Miracle upon Miracle for their Deliverance 2. God mentions Israel's Deliverance out of Egypt because of the greatness of the Deliverance God delivered Israel from the Pollutions of Egypt Egypt was a bad Air to live in it was infected with Idolatry The Egyptians were gross Idolaters they were guilty of that which the Apostle speaks of Rom. 1.23 They changed the Glory of the uncorruptible God into an Image made like to Corruptible Man and to Birds and Four-Footed Beasts and Creeping Things The Egyptians Worshipped instead of the true God First A Corruptible Man they Deified their King Apis forbidding all under pain of Death to say that he was a Man
makes Duty to be better To obey willingly shews we do it with love And this Crowns all our Services 2. There is that in the Law-giver as may make us willing to obey the Commandments viz. Gods Indulgence to us 1. God doth not require the Summum jus as absolutely necessary to Salvation He expects not perfect Obedience only requires Sincerity Do but act from a Principle of Love and aim at Honouring God in your Obedience and it is accepted 2. In the times of the Gospel a Surety is admitted The Law would not favour us so far but now God doth so indulge us that what we cannot do of our selves we may do by Proxy Iesus Christ is a Surety of a better Testament Heb. 7.22 We fall short in every thing but God looks upon us in our Surety and Christ having fulfilled all Righteousness it is as if we had fulfilled the Law in our own Persons 3. God gives strength to do what he requires The Law called for Obedience but though it required Brick it gave no Straw But in the Gospel God with his Commands gives power Ezek. 18.31 Make ye a new Heart Alas it is above our strength we may as well make a new World Ezek. 36.26 I will give you a new Heart God commands us to cleanse our selves Isa. 1.16 Wash ye make you clean But who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Job 14.4 Therefore the Precep◠is turn'd into a Promise Ezek. 36.25 From all your filthiness will I cleanse you When the Child cannot go the Nurse takes it by the Hand Hos. 11.3 I taught Ephraim also to go taking them by their arms 3. There is that in Gods Commandments which may make us willing they are not burdensome 1. For first a Christian so far as he is regenerate consents to Gods Commands Rom. 7.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I consent to the Law that it is good What is done with consent is no burden If a Virgin gives her consent the Match goes on chearfully If a Subject consent to his Princes Laws as seeing the Equity and Rationality in them then they are not irksome A regenerate Person in his Judgment approves and in his Will consents to Gods Commandments therefore they are not burdensome 2. Gods Commandments are sweetned with Joy and Peace Cicero questions whether that can properly be called a Burden which one carries with Delight and Pleasure Utrum onus appellatur quod laetitia fertur If a Man carries a Bag of Mony given him it is heavy but the Delight takes off the Burden When God gives inward Joy that makes the Commandment delightful Isa. 56.7 I will make them joyful in my House of Prayer Joy is like Oyl to the Wheels which makes a Christian run in the way of Gods Commandments so that it is not burdensome 3. Gods Commandments are Advantagious 1. The Commandments are preventive of Evil a Curb-bit to check us from Sin What Mischiefs should not we run into if we had not Affliction to humble us and the Commandment to restrain us Gods Commandments are to keep us within Bounds The Yoke keeps the Beast from stragling We are to be thankful to God for Precepts had not he set his Commandments as an Hedge or Bar in our way we might have run to Hell and never stop'd 2. There is nothing in the Commandment but what is for our good Deut. 10.13 To keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statues which I command thee for thy good 1. God commands us to read his word and what hurt is in this God bespangles the Word with Promises As if a Father should bid his Son read his Last Will and Testament wherein he makes over a fair Estate to him God bids us Pray And he tells us If we ask it shall be given Matt. 7.7 Ask power against Sin ask Salvation and it shall be given If you had a Friend should say Come when you will to me I will supply you with Mony Would you think it a trouble to visit that Friend often God commands us to fear him Lev. 25.43 But fear thy God And there is Hony in the mouth of this Command Luke 1.50 His mercy is upon them that fear him God commands us to believe and why so Believe and ye shall be saved Acts 16.31 Salvation is the Crown set upon the Head of Faith Good reason then we obey Gods Commands willingly they are for our good they are not so much our Duty as our Privilege 3. Gods Commandments are Ornamental Omnia quae praestari jubet Deus non onerant nos sed ornant Salvian Gods Commandments do not burden us but adorn us It is an Honour to be imployed in a Kings Service And so to be imployed in Gods by whom Kings reign To walk in Gods Commandments proclaims us to be wise Deut. 4.5 6. Behold I have taught you Statutes Keep therefore and do them for this is your wisdom And to be wise is an Honour I may say of every Commandment of God as Prov. 4.9 It shall give to thy head an ornament of Grace 4. The Commands of God are infinitely better than the Commands of Sin these are intolerable Let a Man be under the command of any Lust how doth he tire himself what Hazards doth he run to the endangering his Health and Soul that he may satisfie his Lust Ier. 9.5 They weary themselves to commit Iniquity And are not Gods Commandments more equal facile pleasant than the Commands of Sin Chrysostom saith true 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To act Virtue is easier than to act Vice Temperance is less troublesom than Drunkenness Meekness is less troublesom than Passion and Envy There is more difficulty in the Contrivement and Pursuit of a wicked Design than in Obeying the Commandments of God Hence a Sinner is said to travel with Iniquity Psal. 7.14 A Woman while she is in Travel is in pain to shew what pain and trouble a Wicked Man hath in bringing forth Sin Many have gone with more pains to Hell than others have to Heaven This may make us obey the Commandments willingly 5. Willingness in Obedience makes us resemble the Angels The Cherubims Types representing the Angels are described with Wings display'd to shew how ready the Angels are to serve God God no sooner speaks the Word but they are ambitious to obey How are they ravished with Joy while they are praising God! In Heaven we shall be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels by our willingness to obey Gods Commandments we shall be like them here This is that we pray for that Gods Will may be done by us on Earth as it is in Heaven Is it not done willingly there We must keep Gods Commandments constantly Psalm 106.3 Blessed is he who doth Righteousness at all times Our Obedience to the Command must be as the Fire of the Altar which never went out Lev. 13.6 It must be as the motion of the Pulse always beating The Wind blows off the Fruit
Grave and the Holy Ghosts descending upon the Earth This Day is perfum'd with the sweet Odour of Prayer which goes up to Heaven as Incense This Day the Manna falls that Angels Food this is the Soul's Festival Day on this Day all the Graces act their Part The other Days of the Week are most employed about Earth this Day about Heaven Then you gather Straw now Pearl Now Christ takes the Soul up into the Mount and gives it transfiguring Sights of Glory Now Christ leads his Spouse into the Wine-Cellar and displays the Banner of his Love now he gives her his Spiced Wine and the Iuice of the Pomegranate Cant. 8.2 The Lord doth usually reveal himself more to the Soul on this Day The Apostle Iohn was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day Revel 1.10 He was carried up in Divine Raptures towards Heaven This Day a Christian is in the Altitudes he walks with God and takes as it were a turn with him in Heaven 1 Ioh. 1.3 On this Day holy Affections are quickened The Stock of Grace is improved Corruptions are weakened On this Day Satan falls like Lightning before the Majesty of the Word Christ wrought most of his Miracles upon the Sabbath So he doth now The dead Soul is raised the Heart of Stone is made Flesh. How should this Day be highly esteemed and had in Reverence This Day is more precious than Rubies God hath anoynted this Day with the Oyl of Gladness above its Fellows On the Sabbath we are doing Angels Work our Tongues are tuned to God's Praises This Sabbath on Earth is a Shadow and Type of that Glorious Rest and Eternal Sabbath we hope for in Heaven when God shall be the Temple and the Lamb shall be the Light of it Rev. 21.22 23. EXOD. XX. 9 10. Six Days shalt thou labour and do all thy Work but the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of Work c. Six Days shalt thou labour God would not have any live out of a Calling Religion seals no Warrant for Idleness 'T is as well a Duty to labour Six Days as to keep Holy Rest on the Seventh Day Six Days shalt thou labour 2 Thess. 3.11 We hear there are some among you walking Disorderly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 working not at all Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Iesus that with Quietness they work and eat their own Bread A Christian must not only mind Heaven but his Calling While the Pilot hath his Eye to the Star he hath his Hand to the Stern Without labour the Pillars of a Common-wealth will dissolve and the Earth will be like the Sluggards Field over-run with Briars Prov. 24.31 Adam in Innocency tho he was the Monarch of the World yet God would not have him idle but he must dress and till the Ground Gen. 2.15 Piety doth not exclude Industry Six Days shalt thou labour Standing Water putrifies The Inanimate Creatures are in Motion The Sun goes its Circuit the Fountain runs the Fire sparkles And Animate Creatures Solomon sends us to the Ant and Pismire to learn Labour Prov. 6.6 Chap. 30.35 The Bee is the Emblem of Industry some of the Bees trim the Honey others work the Wax others frame the Comb others lie Sentinel at the Door of the Hive to keep out the Drone And shall not Man much more inure himself to labour That Law in Paradise was never yet repealed In the Sweat of thy Brows shalt thou eat Bread Gen. 3.19 Such Professors are to to be disliked who talk of living by Faith but live out of a Calling They are like the Lillies which toil not neither do they spin Mat. 6.28 'T is a Speech of Holy and Learned Mr. Perkins Let a Man be endued with excellent Gifts and hear the Word with Reverence and receive the Sacrament yet if he practise not the Duties of his Calling all is but Hypocrisie What is an idle Person good for What benefit is there of a Ship that lies always on the shore Or of Armour that hangs up and rusts To live out of a Calling exposeth a Person to Temptation Melancton calls Idleness Balneum Diaboli the Devil's Bath because he bathes himself with delight in an idle Soul We do not use to sow Seed in ground when it lies fallow but Satan sows most of his Seed of Temptation in such Persons as lie fallow and are out of a Calling Idleness is the Nurse of Vice Seneca an Heathen could say Nullus mihi per Otium Dies exit No Day passeth me without some labour An idle Person stands for a Cypher in the World and God writes down no Cyphers in the Book of Life We read in Scripture of eating the Bread of Idleness Prov. 31.27 and drinking the Wine of Violence Prov. 4.17 It is as well a sin to eat the Bread of Idleness as to drink the Wine of Violence An idle Person can give no account of his Time Time is a Talent to trade with both in our Particular and General Calling The slothful Person hides his Talent in the Earth he doth no good his Time is not lived but lost An idle Person lives unprofitably he cumbers the ground God calls the slothful Servant wicked Mat. 25.26 Thou wicked and slothful Servant Draco whose Laws were written in Blood deprived them of their Life who would not work for their Living In Hetruria they caused such Persons to be banished Idle Persons live in the Breach of this Commandment Six Days shalt thou labour Let them take heed they be not banished Heaven A Man may as well go to Hell for not working in his Calling as for not Believing So I pass to the next But The Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work Having spoken already of the Reasons of sanctifying the Sabbath I come now to that Question Quest. In what manner we are to sanctifie the Sabbath Resp. 1. Negatively we must do no Work in it that is expressed in the Commandment In it thou shalt do no manner of Work God hath enclosed this Day for himself therefore we are not to lay it common by doing any Civil Work As Abraham when he went to sacrifice left his Servant and the Ass at the bottom of the Hill Gen. 22.5 So when we are to Worship God this Day we must leave all worldly business behind leave the Ass at the Bottom of the Hill And as Ioseph when he would speak with his Brethren thrust out the Egyptians so when we would converse with God this Day we must thrust out all earthly Employments The Lord's Day is a Day of Holy Rest all secular Works must be forborn and suspended it is a prophaning the Day Nâ—hem 13.15 In these days saw I in Iudah some treading Wine-presses on the Sabbath and bringing in Sheaves as also Wine-Grapes and Figs and all manner of Burdens which they brought into Ierusalem on
will make thee keep it joyfully I will give thee those Enlargements in Duty and that inward Comfort as shall abundantly satisfie thee thy Soul shall overflow with such a stream of Joy that thou shalt say Lord in keeping thy Sabbath there is great Reward And I will cause thee to ride upon the High Places of the Earth That is I will advance thee to Honour ascendere faciam so Munster interprets it Some by the High Places of the Earth understand Iudaea So Grotius I will bring thee into the Land of Iudaea which is higher situated than the other Countries adjacent And I will feed thee with the Heritage of Iacob That is I will feed thee with all the delicious things of Canaan and afterwards I 'll translate thee to Heaven whereof Canaan was but a Type And another Promise Isa. 56.2 Blessed is the Man that doth this that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it Blessed is the Man in the Hebrew it is in the Plural Ashre Blessedness To him that keeps the Sabbath holy here is Blessedness upon Blessedness belongs to him he shall be blessed with the Vpper and Nether Springs he shall be blessed in his Name Estate Soul Progeny Who would not keep the Sabbath from polluting it that shall have so many Blessings entail'd upon him and his Posterity after him 2. A Conscientious keeping the Sabbath seasons the Heart for God's Service all the Week after Christian the more holy thou art on a Sabbath the more holy thou wilt be on the Week following EXOD. XX. 12 Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy Days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Having done with the First Table I am next to speak of the Duties of the Second Table The Commandments may be likened to Iacob's Ladder The First Table as the Top of the Ladder reacheth to Heaven it respects God The Second Table as the Foot of the Ladder rests on the Earth it respects Superiors and Inferiors By the First Table we walk Religiously towards God by the Second we walk Righteously towards Man He cannot be good in the First Table that is bad in the Second Honour thy Father and thy Mother In this 1. A Command Honour thy Father and thy Mother 2. A Reason annexed to it That thy Days may be long in the Land 1. The Command Honour thy Father Quest. Who is meant here by Father Ans. Father Verbum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken several ways the Political Ancient Spiritual Oeconomical Natural First The Political Father the Magistrate He is the Father of his Countrey he is to be an Encourager of Vertue a Punisher of Vice a Father to the Widdow and Orphan Such a Father was Iob Chap. 29.16 I was a Father to the Poor and the Cause which I knew not I searched out And as Magistrates are Fathers so especially the King who is the Head of Magistrates is a Political Father He is placed as the Sun among the lesser Stars The Scripture calls Kings Fathers Isa. 49.23 Kings shall be thy Nursing Fathers They are to nurse up their Subjects in Piety by their good Edicts and Examples and to nurse them up in Peace and Plenty Such nourishing Fathers were David Hezekiah Iosiah Constantine Theodosius It is happy for a People who have such nursing Fathers whose Breasts milk Comfort to their Children These Fathers are to be Honour'd For 1. Their Place deserves Honour God hath set these Political Fathers to preserve Order and Harmony in a Nation and to prevent those State-Convulsions which otherwise might ensue Iudg. 17.6 When there was no King in Israel every man did that which was right in his own Eyes A Wonder Prov. 30.27 2. God hath promoted Kings that they may promote Iustice. As they have a Sword in their Hand to signifie their Power so a Scepter an Emblem of Justice It is said of Marcus Aurelius Emperor That he allotted one Hour of the Day to hear the Complaints of such as were oppressed Kings place Judges as Cherubims about the Throne for distribution of Justice These Political Fathers are to be honoured Honour the King 1 Pet. 2.17 And this Honour is to be shown by a Civil Respect to their Persons and a chearful Submission to their Laws so far as they agree and run parallel with God's Law Kings are to be Pray'd for which is a part of that Honour we give them 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort that Supplications Prayers Intercessions be made for Kings that we may lead a quiet peaceable Life under them in all Godliness and Honesty We are to pray for Kings that God would honour them to be Blessings that under them we may enjoy the Gospel of Peace and the Peace of the Gospel How happy was the Reign of Numa Pompilius when the Swords were beaten into Plough-shares and the Bees made their Hives of the Soldiers Helmets Secondly There is the grave ancient Father who is Venerable for old Age whose Grey Hairs are resembled to the White Flowers of the Almond-tree Eccles. 12.5 These are Fathers for Seniority on whose wrinkled Brows and in the Furrows of whose Cheeks is pictur'd the Map of Old Age. These Fathers are to be honoured Levit. 19.32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary Head and honour the Face of the Old Man Especially those are to honoured who are Fathers not only for their Seniority but their Piety whose Souls are flourishing when their Bodies are a decaying 'T is a blessed sight to see the Spring of Grace in the Autumn of Old Age To see Men stooping towards the Grave yet going up the Hill of God To see them lose their Colour yet keep their Savour Such whose silver Hairs are crowned with Righteousness are worthy of double Honour They are to be honoured not only as Pieces of Antiquity but as Patterns of Vertue If you see an Old Man fearing God whose Grace shines brightest when the Sun of his Life is setting O honour him as a Father by reverencing and imitating him Thirdly There are Spiritual Fathers as Pastors and Ministers These are the Instruments of the New-Birth 1 Cor. 4.15 Tho you have Ten Thousand Instructors yet have ye not many Fathers for in Christ Iesus I have begotten you through the Gospel The Spiritual Fathers are to be honoured 1. In respect of their Office What-ever their Persons are their Office is honourable They are the Messengers of the Lord of Hosts Mal. 2.7 They represent no less than God himself 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ. Jesus Christ was of this Calling he had his Mission and Sanction from Heaven Ioh. 8.18 And this Crowns the Ministerial Calling with Honour 2. Ministers these Spiritual Fathers are to be honoured for their Work sake they come like the Dove with an Olive-branch in their Mouth they preach glad Tidings of Peace Their Work is to save Souls Other Callings have only to do with Mens Bodies or Estates but the Ministers
while they do any eminent Service for God seek themselves and so their very serving of him is a dshonouring him 4. We show Honour to our Heavenly Father by Celebrating his Praise Psal. 71.8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the Day Rev. 5.13 Blessing Honour Glory and Power be unto him that sits upon the Throne Blessing God is honouring of God It lifts him up in the Eyes of others it spreads his Fame and Renown in the World In this manner the Angels the Quiristers of Heaven are now honouring God they Trumpet forth his Praise In Prayer we act like Saints in Praise like Angels 5. We show Honour to our Heavenly Father by suffering Dishonour yea Death for his sake St. Paul did bear in his Body the Marks of the Lord Iesus Gal. 6.17 As they were Marks of Honour to him so Trophies of Honour to the Gospel The Honour which comes to God is not by bringing that Outward Pomp and Glory to him as we do to Kings but it comes in another way by the Sufferings of his People They let the World see what a good God they serve and how they love him and will fight under his Banner to the Death Thus you see how you are to Honour your Heavenly Father God is worthy of Honour Psal. 104.1 Thou art Cloathed with Honour and Majesty What are all his Attributes but Glorious Beams shining from this Sun He deserves more Honour than Men or Angels can give him 2 Sam. 22. I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised God is worthy of Honour Often times we confer Honour upon them that do not deserve it Many Noble Persons we give Titles of Honour to who are sordid and vicious they do no deserve Honour but God is worthy of Honour Neh. 9.5 Blessed be thy Glorious Name which is exalted above all Blessings and Praise He is above all the Acclamations and Triumphs of the Arch-angels O then let every true Child of God honour his Heavenly Father Tho the wicked dishonour him by their Flagitious Lives yet let not his own Children dishonour him Sins in you are worse than in others A Fault in a Stranger is not so much taken notice of as a Fault in a Child A Spot in a black Cloth is not so much observed but a Spot in Scarlet every ones Eye is upon it A Sin in the Wicked is not so much wondred at it is a Spot in black But a Sin in a Child of God here is a Spot in Scarlet this is more visible and brings an Odium and Dishonour upon the Gospel The Sins of God's own Children go nearer to his Heart Deut. 32.19 When the Lord saâ— it hâ— abhorred them because of the provoking of his Sons and Daughters O forbear doing any thing may reflect Dishonour upon God Will you disgrace your Heavenly Father Let not God complain of the Provocations of his Sons and Daughters let him not cry out as Isa. 1.2 I have brought up Children and they have rebelled against me So much for the First If our Earthly Father be to be honoured then much more our Heavenly Vse II. Exhort First Branch Doth God Command Honour thy Father and thy Mother Then let it exhort Children to put this great Duty in Practice be living Commentaries upon this Commandment Honour and Reverence your Parents not only obey their Commands but submit to their Rebukes You cannot honour your Father in Heaven unless you honour your Earthly Parents To deny Obedience to Parents entails God's Judgments upon Children Prov. 30.17 The Eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out and the young Eagle shall eat it Eli's Two Disobedient Sons were slain 1 Sam. 4.11 God made a Law that the Rebellious Son should be stoned the same Death the Blasphemer had Lev. 24.14 Deut. 21.18 If a Man have a stubborn and rebellious Son which will not obey the voice of his Father or the voice of his Mother then shall his Father and his Mother lay hold on him and bring him out unto the Elders of the City and all the Men of his City shall stone him with Stones that he die A Father once complaining Never had Father a worse Son than I have Yes saith the Son my Grandfather had A Prodigy of Impudence that can hardly be parallel'd Manlius when he was grown old and poor and had a Son very rich the old Father desired some Food of him but the Son denied him Relief yea disclaimed him from being his Father and sent him away with reproachful Language The poor old Father let Tears fall as Witnesses of his Grief But God to revenge this Disobedience struck this unnatural Son with Madness of which he could never be cured Disobedient Children stand in the place where all God's Arrows fly Second Branch Let Parents so carry it as they may gain Honour from their Children Quest. How may Parents so carry it towards their Children that their Children may willingly pay the Debt of Honour and Reverence to their Parents Resp. 1. If you would have your Children honour you 1. Be careful to bring them up in the Fear and Nurture of the Lord Ephes. 6.4 Bring them up in the Admonition of the Lord. You conveyed the Plague of Sin to them Ergo Endeavour to get them healed and sanctified Austin saith his Mother Monica travelled more for his Spiritual Birth than his Natural Timothy's Mother instructed him from a Child 2 Tim. 3.15 She did not only give him her Breast-milk but the sincere Milk of the Word Season your Children with good Principles betimes that they may with Obadiah fear the Lord from their Youth 1 King 18.12 When Parents instruct not their Children they seldom prove Blessings God oft punisheth the carelesness of Parents with Undutifulness in their Children It is not enough that in Baptism your Child is Dedicated to God but it must be Educated for God Children are young Plants which you must be continually watering with good Instruction Prov. 22.6 Train up a Child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it when he is old The more your Children fear God the more they will honour you 2. If you would have your Children honour you keep up your Parental Authority over your Children be kind but do not cocker them If you let them get too much Head they will Contemn you instead of Honouring you The Rod of Discipline must not be with-held Prov. 23.14 Thou shalt beat him with the Rod and deliver his Soul from Hell A Child indulg'd and humour'd in Wickedness will be a Thorn in the Parents Eye David cockered Adonijah 1 Kings 1.6 His Father had not displeased him at any time in saying Why hast thou done so And he afterward was a Grief of Heart to his Father and was false to the Crown ver 7 9. Keep up your Authority and you keep up
is capable of Communion with God of being Christ's Spouse 2 Cor. 11.2 That I might espouse you Virgin-Souls to Christ. It is capable of being Crown'd with Glory for ever O then carrying such precious Souls about you created with the Breath of God redeemed with the Blood of God what Endeavours should you use for the Saving of these Souls Let not the Devil have your Souls Heliogabalus fed his Lions with Pheasant The Devil is call'd a Roaring Lion feed him not with your Souls Besides the Excellency of the Soul which may make you labour to get it saved consider how sad it will be not to have the Soul saved It is such a Loss as there is none like it Because in losing the Soul you lose a great many things with it A Merchant in losing his Ship loseth many things with it He loseth Money Jewels Spices So he that loseth his Soul loseth Christ the company of Angels Heaven It is an infinite Loss and it is an irreparable Loss it can never be made up again Two Eyes but one Soul Chrys. O what Care should be taken about the Immortal Soul I would request but this of you that you would but take as much Care for the saving your Souls as you do for the getting an Estate Nay I will say this Do but take as much Care for the saving your Souls as the Devil doth for destroying them O how industrious is Satan to damn Souls How doth he play the Serpent in his subtile laying of Snares to catch Souls How doth he shoot Fiery Darts The Devil is never idle The Devil is a busie Bishop in his Diocess he walks up and down seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5.8 Now is not this a Reasonable Request to take but as much Care for the saving of your Souls as the Devil doth for the destroying them Quest. How shall we do to get our Souls saved Resp. By having them sanctified Only the pure in Heart shall see God Get your Souls in-laid and enamel'd with Holiness 1 Pet. 1.16 It is not enough that we cease to do Evil which is all the Evidence some have to show this is to lose Heaven by short shooting but we must be inwardly sanctify'd Not only the unclean Spirit must go out but we must be filled with the Holy Ghost Eph. 5.18 This Holiness must needs be if you consider God is to dwell with you here and you are to dwell with him hereafter First God is to dwell with you here God takes up the Soul for his own Lodgings Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your Heart Therefore the Soul must be Consecrated A King's Palace must be kept clean especially his Presence-Chamber The Body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6.19 then the Soul is the Sanctum Sanctorum how Holy ought that to be Secondly You are to dwell with God Heaven is an Holy Place 1 Pet. 1.4 An Inheritance undefiled And how can you dwell with God till you are sanctified We do not put Wine into a musty Vessel God will not put the New Wine of Glory into a sinful Heart O then as you love your Souls and would have them sav'd Eternally endeavour after Holiness by this means you will have an Idoneity and Fitness for the Kingdom of Heaven and your Souls will be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus EXOD. XX. 14 Thou shalt not commit Adultery God is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pure holy Spirit and hath an infinite Antipathy against all Uncleanness In this Commandment he hath entred his Caution against it Non maechaberis Thou shalt not commit Adultery The Sum of this Commandment is The Preservation of Corporal Purity We must take heed of running on the Rock of Uncleanness and so making Shipwrack of our Chastity In this Commandment there is something tacitly implyed and something tacitly forbidden 1. Something tacitly Implyed viz. That the Ordinance of Marriage should be observed 2. Something expresly Forbidden viz. The infecting our selves with Bodily Pollution Thou shalt not commit Adultery 1. Something Implyed That the Ordinance of Marriage should be observed 1 Cor. 7.2 Let every Man have his own Wife and every Woman have her own Husband Marriage is honourable and the Bed undefiled Heb. 13.4 God did institute Marriage in Paradise he brought the Woman to the Man Gen. 2.22 He did as it were give them in Marriage And Jesus Christ did honour Marriage with his Presence Iohn 2.2 The first Miracle he wrought was at a Marriage when he turned the Water into Wine Marriage is a Type and Resemblance of the Mystical Union between Christ and his Church Eph. 5.32 Concerning Marriage 1. There are General Duties 1. The General Duty of the Husband is to Rule Eph. 5.23 The Husband is the Head of the Wife The Head is the Seat of Rule and Government but he must rule with Discretion He is Head therefore must not rule without Reason 2. The General Duty on the Wife's part is Submission Eph. 5.22 Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord. It is observable the Holy Ghost passeth by Sarah's Failings he doth not mention her Unbelief but he takes notice of that which was good in her her Reverence and Obedience to her Husband 1 Pet. 3.6 Sarah obey'd Abraham calling him Lord. 2. Special Duties belonging to Marriage are Love and Fidelity 1. Love Eph. 5.25 Love is the Marriage of the Affections There is as it were but one Heart in two Bodies Love lines the Yoak and makes it easie Love perfumes the Marriage-Relation without which it is not Conjugium but Conjurgium it is like two Poysons in one Stomach one is ever sick of the other 2. Fidelity In Marriage there is a mutual Promise of living together Faithfully according to God's Holy Ordinance Among the Romans on the Day of Marriage the Woman presented to her Husband Fire and Water Fire refines Metal Water cleanseth Hereby signifying that she would live with her Husband in Chastity and Sincerity This is the First thing in the Commandment implied that the Ordinance of Marriage should be purely observed 2. The thing Forbidden in the Commandment i. e. Infecting our selves with Bodily Pollution and Uncleanness Thou shalt not commit Adultery The Fountain of this Sin is Lust. Since the Fall Holy Love is degenerated into Lust. Lust is the Fever of the Soul There is a two-fold Adultery 1. Mental Matth. 5.28 Whosoever looketh on a Woman to lust after her hath committed Adultery already with her in his Heart As a Man may die of an inward Bleeding so he may be damn'd for the inward boylings of Lust if they be not mortify'd 2. Corporal Adultery when Sin hath conceiv'd and brought forth in the Act. This is expresly forbidden under a Sub poena Thou shalt not commit Adultery This Commandment is set as an Hedge to keep out Uncleanness and they that break this Hedge a Serpent shall bite them Iob calls Adultery an heinous Crime
had put all the Creatures in a Limbeck and stilled out the Quintessence and behold All was Vanity Eccles. 2.11 Covetousness is a dry Dropsie the more a Man hath the more he thirsts Quo plus sunt potae plus sitiuntur aquae 3. Worldly things cannot remove Trouble of mind King Saul being perplexed in Conscience all his Crown-Jewels could not administer Comfort to him 1 Sam. 28.15 The things of the World will no more ease a troubled Spirit than a Gold Cap will cure the Head-ach 4. The things of the World if you had more of them cannot continue with you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isocr The Creature hath a little Honey in its Mouth but it hath Wings to fly away Glass Mettal These things either go from us or we from them What poor things are these to covet 2. Second Consideration The Frame and Contexture of the Body God hath made the Face to look upwards towards Heaven Os Homini sublime dedit coelumque tueri Iussit Ovid. Anatomists observe that whereas other Creatures have but Four Muscles to their Eyes Man hath a Fifth Muscle by which he is able to look up to Heaven And as for the Heart it is made like a Glass Viol narrow and contracted downwards but wide and broad upwards And as the Frame and Contexture of the Body teacheth us to look to things Above so especially the Soul is planted in the Body as a Divine Sparkle to ascend upwards Can it be imagined that God gave us intellectual Immortal Souls to covet only Earthly things What wise Man would fish for Gudgeons with Golden Hooks Did God give us Glorious Souls only to fish for the World Sure our Souls are made for an higher End to aspire after the enjoyment of God in Glory 3. Third Consideration The Examples of those who have been Contemners and Despisers of the World The Primitive Christians as Clemens Alexandrinus observes were sequestred from the World and where wholly taken up in Converse with God they lived in the World above the World Like the Birds of Paradise who soar above in the Air and seldom or never touch with their Feet upon Earth Luther saith That he was never tempted to this Sin of Covetousness The Saints of old tho they did live in the World they did trade in Heaven Phil. 3.20 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Our Conversation is in Heaven The Greek Word signifies our Commerce or Traffick or Burghership is in Heaven Enoch walked with God Gen. 5.24 His Affections were sublimated he did take a turn in Heaven every Day The Righteous are compared to a Palm-Tree Psal. 92.12 Philo observes That whereas all other Trees have their Sap in their Root the Sap of the Palm-tree is towards the Top. The Emblem of the Saints whose Hearts are above in Heaven where their Treasure is 3. The Third Remedy Covet Spiritual things more and you will Covet earthly things less Covet Grace Grace is the best Blessing it is the Seed of God 1 Iohn 3.9 The Angels Glory covet Heaven Heaven is the Region of Happiness 't is the most pleasant Climate Did we covet Heaven more we should covet Earth less They that stand on the top of the Alps the great Cities of Campania seem but as small Villages in their Eye If we could have our Hearts more fixed upon the Ierusalem above how would all Worldly things disappear and be as nothing in our Eye We read of an Angel coming down from Heaven who did tread with his right Foot on the Sea and with his left Foot on the Earth Rev. 10.2 Had we but once been in Heaven and viewed the Superlative Glory of it how might we in an holy Scorn trample with one Foot upon the Earth and with the other Foot upon the Sea Oh covet after Heavenly things There is the Tree of Life the Mountains of Spices the Rivers of Pleasure the Honey-comb of God's Love dropping the Delights of Angels the Flower of Joy fully ripe and blown There is the pure Air to breath in no Fogs nor Vapors of Sin arise to infect that Air but the Sun of Righteousness enlightens that Horizon continually with its glorious Beams O let your Thoughts and Delights be always taken up about the City of Pearl the Paradise of God Did we covet Heavenly things more we should covet earthly things less It is reported after Lazarus was raised from the Grave he was never seen to smile or be delighted with the World after Were our Hearts rais'd by the Power of the Holy Ghost up to Heaven we should not be much taken with Earthly things 4. The Fourth Remedy Pray for an Heavenly Mind Lord let the Loadstone of thy Spirit draw my Heart upward Lord dig the Earth out of my Heart teach me how to possess the World and not love it how to hold it in my hand and not let it get into my Heart So much for the Commandment in General Thou shalt not cover 2. I shall speak of it more Particularly Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife c. Observe here the Holiness and Perfection of God's Law It forbids the Motus primo primi the First Motions and Risings of Sin in the Heart Thou shalt not covet The Laws of Men take hold of the Actions but the Law of God goes further it forbids not only the Actions but the Affections Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House It is not said Thou shalt not take away his House But Thou shalt not covet it These Lustings and Desires after the Forbidden Fruit are sinful Rom. 7.7 The Law hath said Thou shalt not covet Tho the Tree bears no bad Fruit it may be faulty at the Root Tho a Man doth not commit Gross Sin yet who can say his Heart is pure There may be a Faultiness at the Root there may be sinful Covetings and Lustings in the Soul Vse Let us be humbled for the Sin of our Nature the Risings of Evil Thoughts coveting that which we ought not Our Nature is a Seed-Plot of Iniquity it is like Charcoal that is ever sparkling The Sparkles of Pride Envy Covetousness arise in the Mind How should this humble us If there be not sinful Actings there are sinful Covetings Let us pray for mortifying Grace which may be like the Water of Jealousie to make the Thigh of Sin to rot But to come to the Words more nearly Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House nor thy Neighbours Wife c. Quest. Why is the House put before the Wife In Deuteronomy the Wife is put first Deut. 5.21 Neither shalt thou desire thy Neighbours Wife neither shalt thou covet thy Neighbours House Here the House is put first Resp. In Deuteronomy the Wife is set down first in respect of her Value She if a good Wife is of far greater Value and Estimate than the House Prov. 31.10 Her Price is far above Rubies She is the Furniture of the House and this Furniture
it there can be no good Crop Some have Memories like leaking Vessels the Sermons they hear are presently gone and then there is no good done If Meat doth not stay and concoct in the Stomach it will not nourish Satan labours to steal the Word out of our Mind Mark 4.15 When they have heard Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the Word that was sown Our Memories should be like the Chest of the Ark wherein the Law was put 7. Reduce your Hearing to Practice Live the Sermons your hear Psal. 119.166 I have done thy Commandments Rachel was not content that she was Beautiful but her Desire was to be Fruitful What is a knowing Head without a fruitful Heart Phil. 1.11 Fill'd with the Fruits of Righteousness It is Obedience crowns Hearing That Hearing will never save the Soul which doth not reform the Life 8. Beg of God that he will accompany his Word with his Presence and Blessing The Spirit must make all effectual Ministers may prescribe Physick but it is God's Spirit must make it work Cathedram habet in Coelo qui corda docet in terra Aug. He hath his Pulpit in Heaven that converts Souls Acts 10.44 While Peter was speaking the Holy Ghost fell upon all them that heard It is said the Alchimist can draw Oyl out of Iron God's Spirit can produce Grace in the most obdurate Heart 9. ult If you would have the VVord work effectually to your Salvation make it Familiar to you discourse of the VVord you have heard when you come home Psal. 119.172 My Tongue shall speak of thy Word That may be one reason why some People get no more good by what they hear because they never speak one to another of what they have heard As if Sermons were such Secrets that they must not be spoken of again or as if it were a Shame to speak of matters of Salvation Mal. 3.16 They that feared the Lord spake often one to another and a Book of Remembrance was written Vse Caution Take heed as you love your Souls that the VVord become not ineffectual to you There are some to whom the Word preached is ineffectual 1. Such as Censure the Word in stead of judging themselves judge the Word 2. Such as live in contradiction to the Word Isa. 30.8 3. Such as are more hardened by the Word Zech. 7.11 They made their Heart as an Adamant And when Men harden their Hearts wilfully God hardens them judicially Isa. 6.8 Make their Ears heavy The Word to these is ineffectual Were it not sad if a Man's Meat should not nourish nay if it should turn to Poyson Oh! Take heed that the Word Preach'd be not ineffectual and to no purpose Consider Three things 1. If the Word Preached doth us no good there is no other way by which we can be saved This is God's Institution and the main Engin he useth to convert Souls Luke 16.31 If they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded tho' one arose from the Dead If an Angel should come to you out of Heaven and preach of the Excellency of the glorified Estate and the Joys of Heaven and that in the most Pathetical manner if the Word preached doth not perswade neither would you be wrought upon by such an Oration from Heaven If a damned Spirit should come from Hell and preach to you in Flames and tell you what a place Hell is and roar out the Torments of the Damned it might make you tremble but it would not convert if the Preaching of the Word would not do it 2. To come to the Word and not be savingly wrought upon is that which the Devil is pleas'd with He cares not tho' you hear frequently if it be not effectually He is not an Enemy to Hearing but Profiting Tho' the Minister holds out the Breast of the Ordinance to you he cares not as long as you do not suck the sincere Milk of the VVord The Devil cares not how many Sermon-Pills you take so long as they do not work upon your Conscience 3. If the VVord preached be not effectual to Men's Conversion it will be effectual to their Condemnation The VVord will be effectual one way or other if it doth not make your Hearts better it will make your Chains heavier VVe pity them who have not the Word preached but it will be worse with them who are not sanctified by it Dreadful is their Case who go loaden to Hell with Sermons But I will conclude with the Apostle Heb. 6.9 I am perswaded better things of you and things that accompany Salvation Matth. XXVIII 19 Go ye therefore and teach all Nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them We are still upon that Question in the Catechism Quest. What are the Outward Means whereby Christ communicates to us the Benefits of Redemption Answ. They are his Ordinances especially the Word Sacraments and Prayers I have spoken to the First The Word Read and Preached I now proceed to the Second II. The Way whereby Christ communicates to us the Benefits of Redemption is in the Vse of the Sacraments Quest. 1. What are Sacraments in general Resp. They are Visible Signs of Invisible Grace Quest. 2. Is not the Word of God sufficient to Salvation What need then is there of Sacraments Resp. We must not be wise above what is written This may satisfie it is God's Will that his Church should have Sacraments And it is God's Goodness thus by Sacraments to condescend to our weak Capacities Iohn 4.48 Except ye see Signs ye will not believe God to strengthen our Faith confirms the Covenant of Grace not only by Promises but by Sacramental Signs Quest. 3. What are the Sacraments of the New Testament Resp. Two Baptism and the Lord's Supper Quest. 4. But are there no more The Papists tell us of Five more viz. Confirmation Penance Matrimony Orders and the Extream Unction Resp. 1. There were but Two Sacraments under the Law therefore there are no more now 1 Cor. 10.2 3 4. 2. These two Sacraments are sufficient The one signifying our Entrance into Christ and the other our Growth and Perseverance in him 1. I begin with the First Sacrament Baptism Go ye therefore and Teach all Nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them Go teach all Nations The Greek VVord is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Make Disciples of all Nations If it be asked How should we make them Disciples It follows Baptizing them and teaching them In an Heathen Nation first Teach them and then Baptize them but in a Christian Church first Baptize them and then Teach them Quest. 5. What is Baptism Resp. In General it is a Matriculation or Visible Admission of Children into the Congregation of Christ's Flock More particularly Baptism is a Sacrament wherein the washing or sprinkling with Water in the Name of the Father Son and
capacity Clearness is the grace of Speech 3. It s Compleatness This prayer contains in it the chief things that we have to ask or God hath to bestow VSE Let us have a great esteem of the Lords prayer let it be the model and pattern of all our prayers There is a double benefit ariseth from framing our petitions suitable to the Lords prayer 1. Hereby Error in prayer is prevented 'T is not easie to write wrong Copy we cannot easily err having our pattern before us 2. Hereby Mercies requested are obtained for the Apostle assures us God will hear us when we pray according to his Will 1 Iohn 5.14 and sure we pray according to his Will when we pray according to his pattern he hath set us So much for the Introduction to the Lords prayer After this manner pray ye II. The Prayer it self which consists of three parts 1. A Preface 2. Petitions 3. The Conclusion 1. The Preface to the prayer 1. Our Father 2. Which art in Heaven To begin with the first words of the Preface 1. Our Father Father is sometimes taken personally Iohn 14.28 My Father is greater than I But Father in the Text is taken essentially for the whole Deity This Title Father teacheth us to whom we must address our selves in prayer to God alone Here is no such thing in the Lords prayer as O ye Saints or Angels that are in Heaven hear us but our Father which art in Heaven Quest. In what order must we direct our Prayers to God Here is only the Father named may not we direct our Prayers to the Son and Holy Ghost Answ. Though the Father only be named in the Lords prayer yet the other two persons are not hereby excluded The Father is mentioned because he is first in order but the Son and Holy Ghost are included because they are the same in Essence As all the three persons subsist in one Godhead so in our prayers though we name but one â—â—rson we must pray to all To come then more closely to the first words of the Preface Our Father Princes on Earth give themselves Titles expressing their Greatness as High and Mighty God might have done so and expressed himself thus Our King of Glory Our Iudge but he gives himself another Title Our Father an expression of Love and Condescension God that he might encourage us to pray to him represents himself under this sweet notion of a Father Our Father Dulce nomen Patris The Name Iehovah carries Majesty in it the Name Father carries Mercy in it Quest. 1. In what sense is God a Father Resp. 1. By Creation it is he that hath made us Acts 17.28 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we are his Off-spring Mal. 2.10 Have we not all one Father Hath not one God Created us But there is little comfort in this for so God is Father to the Devils by Creation but he that made them will not save them 2. God is a Father by Election having chosen a certain number to be his Children whom he will entail Heaven upon Eph. 1.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He hath chosen us in him 3. God is a Father by special Grace he consecrates the elect by his Spirit and infuseth a supernatural principle of Holiness therefore they are said to be born of God 1 Iohn 3.9 Such only as are sanctified can say Our Father which art in Heaven Quest. 2. What is the difference between God being the Father of Christ and the Father of the Elect Resp. God is the Father of Christ in a more glorious transcendent manner Christ hath the primo-geniture he is the eldest Son a Son by eternal generation Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was Isa. 53.8 Who shall declare his generation Christ is a Son to the Father yet so as he is of the same Nature with the Father having all the incommunicable properties of the Godhead belonging to him But we are Sons of God by Adoption and Grace Gal. 4.5 That we might receive the adoption of Sons Quest. 3. What is that which makes God our Father Resp. Faith Gal. 3.26 Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus An Unbeliever may call God his Creator and his Judge but not his Father Faith doth legitimate us and make us of the Blood-Royal of Heaven Ye are the children of God by faith Baptism makes us Church-Members but Faith makes us Children Without Faith the Devil can show as good a Coat of Arms as we Quest. 4. How doth Faith make God to be our Father Resp. As Faith is an uniting Grace by Faith we have Coalition and Union with Christ and so the Kindred comes in being united to Christ the Natural Son we become Adopted Sons God is the Father of Christ Faith makes us Christs Brethren Heb. 2.11 and so God comes to be our Father Quest. 5. Wherein doth it appear that God is the best Father Resp. 1. In that he is most Antient Dan. 7.9 The antient of dayes did sit A figurative representation of God who was before all time This may cause Veneration 2. God is the best Father because he is perfect Matth. 5.48 Your Father which is in Heaven is perfect He is perfectly good Earthly Fathers are subject to infirmities Elias though a Prophet was a man of like passions Iam. 5.17 but God is perfectly good All the perfection we can arrive at in this Life is sincerity we may a little resemble God but not equal him He is infinitely perfect 3. God is the best Father in respect of Wisdom 1 Tim. 1.17 The only wise God He hath a perfect Idea of Wisdom in himself He knows the fittest Mediums to bring about his own designs the Angels light at his Lamp In particular this is one branch of his Wisdom that he knows what is best for us An Earthly Parent knows not in some intricate cases how to advise his Child or what may be best for him to do but God is a most wise Father he knows what is best for us he knows when Comfort is best for us he keeps his Cordials for fainting 2 Cor. 7.6 God who comforteth them that are cast down He knows when affliction is best for us and when it is fit to give a bitter potion 1 Pet. 1.6 If need be ye are in heaviness He is the only wise God he knows how to make evil things work for good to his Children Rom. 8 28. he can make a soveraign treacle of poyson Thus he is the best Father for Wisdom 4. He is the best Father because most loving 1 Iohn 4.16 God is love He who causeth bowels of affection in others must needs have more bowels himself quod efficit tale The Affections in Parents are but Marble and Adamant in comparison of Gods Love to his Children he gives them the cream of his Love electing Love saving Love Zeph. 3.17 He will rejoyce over thee with joy he will rest in his love
of God because no condemnation Rom. 8.1 No condemnation to them in Christ Iesus God doth not condemn them nor Conscience doth not condemn them Both Jury and Judge acquit them then no evil befalls them for nothing is really an evil but that which damns 10. If God be our Father this may make us go with chearfulness to the Throne of Grace Were a Man to petition his enemy there were little hope but when a Child petitions his Father he may come with confidence to speed The word Father works upon God it toucheth his very Bowels What can a Father deny his Child If a Son ask bread will he give him a stone Matth. 7.9 This may embolden us to go to God for pardon of Sin and further degrees of Sanctity We pray to a Father of Mercy setting upon a Throne of Grace Luke 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Spirit to them that ask him This did quicken the Church and add wings to Prayer Isa. 63.15 Look down from heaven ver 16. Doubtless thou art our Father Who doth God keep his Mercies for but his Children Three things may cause boldness in Prayer We have a Father to pray to and the Spirit to help us to pray and an Advocate to present our Prayers Gods Children should in all their troubles run to their Heavenly Father as that sick Child 2 Kin. 4.19 He said unto his Father My head my head So pour out thy complaint to God in Prayer Father my heart my heart My dead heart quicken it my hard heart soften it in Christs Blood Father my heart my heart Sure God that hears the cry of the Ravens will hear the cry of his Children 11. If God be our Father he will stand between us and danger A Father will keep off danger from his Child God calls himself scutum a shield A shield defends the Head guards the Vitals God shields off dangers from his Children Acts 18.10 I am with thee and none shall set on thee to hurt thee God is an hiding place Psalm 27.5 God preserved Athanasius strangely he put it into his mind to depart out of the house he was in the night before the enemies came to search for him As God hath a Breast to feed so he hath Wings to cover his Children Psal. 91.4 He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust God appoints his holy Angels to be a Life-guard about his Children Heb. 1.14 never was any Prince so well guarded as a Believer The Angels 1. are a numerous guard 2 Kings 6.17 The mountain was full of horses of fire round about Elisha The Horses and Chariots of fire were the Angels of God to defend the Prophet Elisha 2. A strong guard One Angel in a night slew an hundred and fourscore and five thousand 2 Kin. 19.32 if one Angel slew so many what would an Army of Angels have done 3. The Angels are a swift guard they are ready in an instant to help Gods Children therefore they are described with wings to show their swiftness they fly to our help Dan. 9.21 23. At the beginning of thy supplication the commandment came forth and I am come to thee Here was a swift motion for the Angel to come from Heaven to Earth between the beginning and ending of Daniels Prayer 4. The Angels are a watchful guard not like Sauls guard asleep when their Lord was in danger 1 Sam. 26.12 The Angels are a vigilant guard they watch over Gods Children to defend them Psal. 34.7 The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him There is an invisible guardianship of Angels about Gods Children 12. If God be our Father we shall not want any thing that he sees is good for us Psal. 34.10 They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing God is pleased sometimes to keep his Children to hard commons but it is good for them Sheep thrive best on short pasture God sees too much may not be good plenty breeds surfeit Luxuriant animi rebus secundis God sees it good sometimes to dyet his Children and keep them short that they may run the Heavenly Race the better it was good for Iacob there was a Famine in the Land it was a means to bring him to his Son Ioseph so it is that Gods Children sometimes see the Worlds emptiness that they may acquaint themselves more with Christs fulness if God see it be good for them to have more of the World they shall have it God will not let them want any good thing 13. If God be our Father all the Promises of the Bible belong to us Gods Children are called Heirs of the promise Heb. 6.17 A wicked Man can lay claim to nothing in the Bible but the Curses he hath no more to do absolutely with the Promises than a Ploughman hath to do with the City Charter the Promises are Childrens Bread the Promises are mulctralia Evangelii the Breasts of the Gospel milking out Consolation and who are to suck of these Breasts but Gods Children The promise of Pardon is for them Ier. 33.8 I will pardon all their iniquity whereby they have sinned against me The promise of Healing is for them Isa. 57.18 the promise of Salvation Ier. 23.6 the Promises are supports of Faith they are Gods sealed Deed they are a Christians Cordial O the Heavenly Comforts which are distilled from the Lembick of the Promises St. Chrysostome compares the Scripture to a Garden the Promises are the Fruit-Trees that grow in this Garden A Child of God may go to any Promise in the Bible and pluck Comfort from it He is an Heir of the Promise 14. God makes all his Children Conquerours They are born of God and are conquerours 1. They conquer themselves Fortior est qui se quam qui fortissima vincit maenia The Saints conquer their own Lusts they bind these princes in fetters of iron Psal. 149.8 Though the Children of God may sometimes be foiled and lose a single battle yet not the victory 2. They conquer the World The World holds forth her two Breasts of Pleasure and Profit and many are overcome by it but the Children of God have a World-conquering Faith 1 Iohn 5.4 This is the victory over the world even your faith 3. They conquer their Enemies How can that be when they oft take away their Lives 1. They conquer by not complying with them The three Children would not fall down to the Golden Image Dan. 3.18 they would rather burn than bow here they were Conquerours He who complyes with anothers Lust is a Captive he who refuseth to comply is a Conquerour 2. Gods Children conquer their enemies by heroick Patience A patient Christian like the anvil bears all strokes invincibly Thus the Martyrs overcame their enemies by Patience nay Gods Children are more than conquerours Rom. 8.37 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We
Preface which I shall but briefly touch on is which art in Heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God is said to be in Heaven not that he is so included there that he is no where else for the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain him ◠Kings 8.27 but the meaning is God is chiefly resident in the Empyrean Heaven which the Apostle calls the third Heaven 2 Cor. 12.2 there God doth most give forth his Glory to his Saints and Angels Quest. What may we learn from this that God is in Heaven Answ. 1. Hence we learn that we are to raise our Minds in Prayer above the Earth God is no where to be spoken with but in Heaven God never denyed that Soul his suit who went as far as Heaven to ask it 2. We learn from Gods being in Heaven his Soveraign Power Hoc vocabulo intelligitur omnia subesse ejus imperio Calvin Psal. 115.3 Our God is in the heavens he hath done whatever he pleased God being in Heaven governs the Universe and orders all Occurrences here below for the good of his Children When the Saints are in straits and dangers and see no way of relief he can send from Heaven and help them Psal. 57.3 He shall send from heaven and save me 3. We learn Gods Glory and Majesty He is in Heaven therefore he is covered with light Psal. 104.2 cloathed with honour Psal. 104.1 and is as far above all Worldly Princes as Heaven is above Earth 4. We learn from Gods being in Heaven his Omnisciency All things are naked and unmasked to his eye Heb. 4.13 Men plot and contrive against the Church but God is in Heaven and they do nothing but what our Father sees If a Man were on the top of an high Tower or Theatre he might thence see all the People below God is in Heaven as in an Tower or Theatre and he sees all the transactions of Men. The Wicked make wounds in the backs of the Righteous and then pour in Vinegar God writes down their cruelty Exod. 3.7 I have seen the afflictions of my people God is in Heaven and he can thunder out of Heaven upon his enemies Psal. 18.13 The Lord thundered in the heavens yea he sent out arrows and scattered them and he shot out lightnings and discomfited them 5. We learn from Gods being in Heaven Comfort for the Children of God when they pray to their Father the way to Heaven cannot be blocked up One may have a Father living in Foreign parts but the way both the Sea and by Land may be so blocked up that there is no coming to him but thou Saint of God when thou prayest to thy Father he is in Heaven and though thou art never so confined thou mayest have access to him A Prison cannot keep thee from thy God the way to Heaven can never be blocked up So I have done with the word Father I shall speak next of the Pronoun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Our Father In the first there is an Appellation Father in the second an Appropriation Our Father Christ by this word Our would teach us thus much That in all our Prayers to God we should act Faith Our Father Father denotes Reverence Our Father denotes Faith In all our Prayers to God we should exercise Faith Our Father Faith is that which baptizeth Prayer and gives it a name it is called the Prayer of Faith Iam. 5.15 without Faith it is speaking not praying Faith is the breath of Prayer Prayer is dead unless Faith breathe in it Faith is a necessary requisite in Prayer The Oyl of the Sanctuary was made up of several sweet Spices pure Myrrhe Cassia Cinamon Exod. 30.23 Faith is the chief spice or ingredient into Prayer which makes it go up to the Lord as sweet Incense Iam. 1.6 Let him ask in faith Mat. 21.22 Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive Invoco te Domine quanquam languida imbecilla fide tamen fide Lord said Cruciger I pray though with a weak Faith yet with Faith Prayer is the Gun we shoot with Fervency is the Fire that dischargeth it and Faith is the Bullet which pierceth the Throne of Grace Prayer is the Key of Heaven Faith is the Hand that turns it Pray in faith Our Father Faith must take Prayer by the hand or there is no coming nigh to God Prayer without Faith is unsuccessful If a poor Handicrafts-man that lives by his labour hath spoiled his tools that he cannot work how shall he subsist Prayer is the tool we work with which procures all good for us but unbelief spoils and blunts our Prayers and then we can get no Blessing from God A Prayer that is Faithless is Fruitless As Ioseph said You shall not see my face unless you bring your brother Benjamin with you Gen. 43.3 so Prayer cannot see Gods face unless it bring its brother Faith with it What is said of Israel They could not enter in because of unbelief Heb. 3.19 is as true of Prayer it cannot enter into Heaven because of unbelief This makes Prayer often suffer shipwrack because it dasheth upon the rock of Unbelief O sprinkle Faith in Prayer We must say Our Father Quest. 1. What doth praying in Faith imply Resp. Praying in Faith implyes the having of Faith the act implyes the habit To walk implyes a principle of Life so to pray in Faith implyes an habit of Grace None can pray in Faith but Believers Quest. 2. What is it to pray in Faith Answ. 1. To pray in Faith is to pray for that which God hath promised where there is no promise we cannot pray in Faith 2. To pray in Faith is to pray in Christs meritorious Name Iohn 14.13 Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name that will I do To pray in Christs Name is to pray in the hope and confidence of Christs Merit When we present Christ to God in Prayer when we carry the Lamb slain in our Armes when we say Lord we are Sinners but here is our Surety for Christs sake be propitious this is coming to God in Christs Name and this is to pray in Faith 3. To pray in Faith is in Prayer to fix our Faith on Gods faithfulness believing that he doth hear and will help this is a taking hold of God Isa. 64.7 By Prayer we draw nigh to God by Faith we take hold of him 2 Chron. 13.14 The children of Iudah cryed unto the Lord and this was the crying of Faith ver 18. They prevailed because they relyed on the Lord God of their Fathers Making supplication to God and staying the Soul on God is praying in Faith To pray and not rely on God for the granting our Petitions irrisio Dei est saith Pelican it is to abuse and put a scorn upon God By praying we seem to honour God by not believing we affront him In Prayer we say Almighty Merciful Father by not believing we blot out all his Titles again Quest. 3. How may we know
Cor. 15.10 I laboured more than they all One would think this had savoured of pride but the Apostle pulls the Crown from his own head and sets it upon the head of Free-Grace Yet not I but the grace of God which was with me If a Christian hath any assistance in Duty or victory over Temptation he rears up a Pillar and writes upon it Hucusque adjuvabit Deus Hitherto the Lord hath helped me Iohn Baptist transferred all the honour from himself to Christ he was content to be eclipsed that Christ might shine the more Iohn 1.15 He that comes after me is preferred before me I am but the Herauld the voice of one crying he is the Prince I am but a lesser Star he is the Sun I baptize only with Water he with the Holy Ghost This i◠an hallowing Gods Name when we translate all the honour from our selves to God Psal. 115.1 Not unto us O Lord not unto us but unto thy name give glory The King of Sweden wrought that Motto on the Battle at Lypswich Ista a Domino facta sunt The Lord hath wrought this Victory for us 9. We hallow and sanctifie Gods Name by obeying him How doth a Son more honour his Father than by Obedience Psal. 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. The Wise Men showed honour to Christ not only by bowing the knee to him but by presenting him with Gold and Myrrh Matth. 2.11 we hallow Gods name not only by lifting up our eyes and hands to Heaven and bowing the knee in Prayer but by presenting God with golden Obedience As the Factor trades for the Merchant so we trade for God and lay out our strength in his Service 'T was a saying of Reverend Doctor Iewell I have spent and exhausted my self in the labours of my holy Calling To obey is better than sacrifice The Cherubims representing the Angels are set forth with their Wings displayed to show how ready they are to do service to God To obey is Angelical to pretend honour to Gods name yet not to obey is but a devout complement Abraham honoured God by Obedience he was ready to sacrifice his Son though the Son of his Old Age and a Son of the Promise Gen. 22.16 By my self have I sworn saith the Lord because thou hast done this thing and hast not with-held thy Son thy only Son that in blessing I will bless thee 10. We hallow and sanctifie Gods Name when we lift up Gods name in our praises God is said to sanctifie and Man is said to sanctifie God sanctifies us by giving us Grace and we sanctifie him by giving him Praise What were our Tongues given us for but to be Organs of Gods Praise Psal. 71.8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day Rev. 5.13 Blessing honour glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the lamb for ever Thus Gods name is hallowed and sanctified in Heaven The Angels and Glorified Saints are singing Hallelujahs let us begin the work of Heaven here David did sing forth Gods Praises and Doxologies in a most melodious manner therefore was called the sweet singer of Israel 1 Sam. 23.1 Praising God is an hallowing of Gods name it spreads his renown it displayes the trophies of his excellency it exalts him in the eyes of others Psal. 50.23 Who so offereth praise glorifies me This is one of the highest and purest acts of Religion In Prayer we act like Men in Praise we act like Angels This is the musick of Heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zenoph this is a work fit for a Saint Psal. 149.5 6. Let the Saints be joyful let the high praises of God be in their mouths None but Saints can in a right manner thus hallow Gods name by praising him As every one hath not skill to play on the Viol and Organ so every one cannot rightly sound forth Gods harmonious Praises only the Saints can do it they only can make their tongue and heart joyn in consort Psal. 111.1 I will bless thee O Lord with my whole heart and Psal. 66.17 He was extolled with my tongue There was heart and tongue joyning in consort This hallowing Gods name by praise is very becoming a Christian it is unbecoming to murmur this is a dishonouring Gods name But it becomes the Saints to be Spiritual Quiristers in singing forth the honour of Gods name It is called the garment of praise Isa. 61.3 how comely and handsome is this garment of praise for a Saint to wear Psal. 33.1 Praise is comely for the righteous especially it is an high degree of hallowing Gods name when we can speak well of God and bless him in an afflicted state Iob 1.21 The Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. Many will bless God when he gives but to bless him when he takes away is in an high degree to honour God and hallow his name Let us thus magnifie Gods name Hath not God given us abundant matter of praising him he hath given us the nether and upper springs he hath given us Grace a Mercy spun and woven out of his Bowels and he intends to crown Grace with Glory This should make us hallow Gods Name by being trumpets of his Praise 11. We hallow and sanctifie Gods Name when we sympathize with him We grieve when his name suffers 1. We lay to heart his dishonours How was Moses affected with Gods dishonour he breaks the Tables Exod 32.19 We grieve to see Gods Sabbaths profaned his Worship adulterated the Wine of Truth mingled with Error 2. We grieve when Gods Church is brought low because now Gods name suffers Nehemiah layes to heart the miseries of Sion his complexion begins to alter and he looks sad Neh. 2.3 Why is thy countenance sad What sad when the Kings Cup-bearer and Wine so near O but it fared ill with the Church of God and Religion seemed to lose ground and Gods name suffered therefore Nehemiah grows weary of the Court he leaves his Wine and mingles his Drink with weeping This holy sympathy and grieving when Gods name suffers God esteems an honouring and sanctifying his name Hezekiah grieved when the King of Assyria reproached the living God Isa. 37.17 He went into his chamber and spread the letter of blasphemy before the Lord 2 Kin. 19.14 and no doubt watered the Letter with his tears He seemed not to be so much troubled at the fear of losing his own Life and Kingdom as that God should lose his Glory 12. We hallow and sanctifie Gods Name when we give the same honour to God the Son as we give to God the Father Iohn 5.23 That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father The Socinians deny Christs Divinity saying that he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bare Man This is to make him below the Angels Psal. 8.5 For the Humane Nature considered in se is below
much eclipsed Gods name Truly Gods own People have sinned enough to justifie God in all his severe actings against them VSE III. Of Exhortation Let us hallow and sanctifie Gods Name Did we but see a glimpse of Gods glory as Moses did in the Rock the sight of this would draw Adoration and Praise from us could we see God face to face as the Angels in Heaven do could we behold him sitting on his Throne like ◠Jasper-stone Rev. 4.3 we should presently at the sight of this glory do as the twenty four Elders Rev. 4.10 They worship him that liveth for ever and cast their crowns before the throne saying Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory honour and power That we may be stirred up to this great Duty the hallowing adoring and sanctifying Gods name consider 1. It is the very end of our Being Why did God give us our Life but that our living may be an hallowing of his Name Why did he give us Souls but to admire him and Tongues but to praise him The excellency of a thing is when it attains the end for which it was made The excellency of a Star is to give Light of a Plant to be Fruitful the excellency of a Christian is to answer the end of his Creation which is to hallow Gods name and live to that God by whom he lives He who lives and God hath no honour by him buries himself alive and exposeth himself to a Curse Christ cursed the barren Fig-tree 2. Gods Name is so excellent that it deserves to be hallowed Psal. 8.9 How excellent is thy name in all the earth Psal. 104.1 Thou art cloathed with honour and majesty As the Sun hath its brightness whether we admire it or no so Gods Name is illustrious and glorious whether we hallow it or no. In God are all shining perfections Holiness Wisdom Mercy He is worthy to be praised 2 Sam. 22.4 God is dignus Honore worthy of Honour Love Adoration We oft bestow Titles of Honour upon them that do not deserve them but God is worthy to be praised his Name deserves hallowing he is above all the Honour and Praise which the Angels in Heaven give him 3. We pray Hallowed be thy Name that is let thy Name be honoured and magnified by us Now if we do not magnifie his Name we contradict our own Prayers To say Hallowed be thy Name yet not to bring honour to Gods Name it is to take his Name in vain 4. Such as do not hallow Gods Name and bring revenues of honour to him God will get his honour upon them Exod. 14.17 I 'll get me honour upon Pharaoh Pharaoh would not hallow Gods Name Who is the Lord that I should obey him Well saith God if Pharaoh will not honour me I will get me honour upon him When God overthrew him and his Chariots in the Sea then he got his honour upon him Gods Power and Justice were glorified in his destruction There are some whom God hath raised to great Power and Dignity and they will not honour Gods Name they make use of their Power to dishonour God they cast reproach upon Gods Name and revile his Servants well they who will not honour God he will get his honour upon them in their final ruine Herod did not give Glory to God and God did get his Glory upon him Acts 12.23 The Angel of the Lord smote him because he gave not God the glory and he was eaten of worms 5. It will be no small comfort to us when we come to dye that we have hallowed and sanctified God◠Name It was Christs comfort a little before his Death Ioh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth Christs redeeming Mankind was an hallowing and glorifying of Gods Name never was more Honour brought to Gods Name than by this great undertaking of Christ Now here was Christs comfort before his Death that he had hallowed Gods Name and brought Glory to him So what a Cordial will this be to us at last when our whole Life hath been an hallowing of Gods Name we have loved him with our Hearts praised him with our Lips honoured him with our Lives We have been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the praise of his glory Eph. 1.6 At the hour of death all your earthly comforts will vanish to think how rich you have been or what pleasures you have enjoyed upon earth this will not give one dram of comfort What is one the better for an Estate that is spent But now to have Conscience witnessing that you have hallowed Gods Name your whole Life hath been a glorifying of him what sweet peace and satisfaction will this give That Servant who hath been all day working in the Vineyard how glad is he when evening comes that he shall receive his pay Such as have spent their Lives in honouring God how sweet will Death be when they shall receive the recompence of Reward What comfort was it to Hezekiah when he was on his Sick-bed and could appeal to God Isa. 38.3 Remember Lord how I have walked before thee with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight I have hallowed thy Name I have brought all the Honour I could to thee I have done that which is good in thy sight 6. There is nothing lost by what we do for God if we bring Honour to his Name he will honour us Honour is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist. As Balac said to Balaam Numb 22.37 Am not I able to promote thee to honour So if we hallow and sanctifie Gods Name is not he able to promote us to Honour 1. He will honour us in our Life 1. He will put honour upon our Persons He will number us among his Jewels Mal. 3.17 he will make us a Royal Diadem in his hand Isa. 62.3 he will lift us up in the eyes of others Zach. 9.16 They shall be as the stones of a crown lifted up as an ensign of glory He will esteem us as the cream and flower of the Creation Isa. 43.4 Since thou hast been precious in my sight thou hast been honourable 2. God will put honour upon our Names Prov. 10.17 The memory of the just is blessed How renowned have the Saints been in all Ages who have hallowed Gods Name How renowned was Abraham for his Faith Moses for his Meekness David for his Zeal Paul for his Love to Christ their Names as a precious Oyntment send forth a sweet perfume in Gods Church to this day 2. God will honour us at our Death he will send his Angels to carry us up with triumph into Heaven Luke 16.22 The beggar dyed and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosom Amasis King of Egypt had his Chariot drawn with four Kings which he had conquered in War but what is this to the Glory every Believer shall have at his Death he shall be carried by the Angels of God 3. God will put honour upon us after Death 1. He will put
Glory upon our Bodies We shall be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels not for substance but quality our Bodies shall be agile and nimble now our Bodies are as a weight then they shall be as a wing moving swiftly from place to place our Bodies shall be full of clarity and brightness like Christs glorious Body Phil. 3.21 The Bodies of the Saints shall be as Cloth dyed into a Scarlet colour made more illustrious they shall be so clear and transparent that the Soul shall sparkle through them as the Wine through the Glass 2. God will put Glory upon our Souls If the Cabinet of the Body shall be so illustrious of what orient brightness shall the Jewel be Then will be the great Coronation-day when the Saints shall wear the Robe of Immortality and the Crown of Righteousness which fades not away O how glorious will that Garland be which is made of the Flowers of Paradise Who then would not hallow and glorifie Gods Name and spread his renown in the World who will put such immortal Honour upon his People as eye hath not seen nor ear heard nor can it enter into the heart of man to conceive 7. Vlt. Such as do not hallow Gods Name but profane and dishonour it God will pour contempt upon them though they be never so great and though cloathed in Purple and Scarlet yet they are abhorred of God and their name shall rot Though the name of Iudas be in the Bible and the name of Pontius Pilate be in the Creed yet their names stand there for Infamy as being Traytors to the Crown of Heaven Nahum 1.14 I will make thy grave for thou art vile It is spoken of Antiochus Epiphanes he was a King and his name signifie◠Illustrious yet God esteemed him a vile Person to show how base the wicked are in Gods esteem he compares them to things most vile to chaff Psal. 1.4 to dross Psal. 119.118 and the filth that fomes out of the Sea Isa. 57.20 and as God doth thus vilely esteem of such as do not hallow his Name so he sends them to a vile place at last Vagrants are sent to the House of Correction Hell is the House of Correction which the Wicked are sent to when they dye Let all this prevail with us to hallow and sanctifie Gods Name Quest. What may we do to honour and sanctifie Gods Name Answ. Let us get 1. A sound Knowledge of God 2. A sincere Love to God 1. A sound Knowledge of God Take a view of his superlative Excellencies his Holiness his incomprehensible Goodness The Angels know God better than we therefore they sanctifie his Name and sing Hallelujahs to him and let us labour to know him to be our God Psal. 48.14 This God is our God We may dread God as a Judge but we cannot honour him as a Father till we know he is our God 2. Get a sincere Love to God A Love of Appretiation and a Love of Complacency to delight in him Iohn 21.15 Lord thou knowest I love thee He can never honour his Master who doth not love him The reason Gods Name is no more hallowed is because his name is no more loved So much for the First Petition MATTH vi 10 Thy Kingdom come A Soul truly devoted to God joyns heartily in this Petition Adveniat Regnum tuum Thy Kingdom come In which words this great Truth is implyed that God is a King he who hath a Kingdom can be no less than a King Ps. 47.7 God is King of all the earth And he is a King upon his Throne Psal. 47.8 God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness 1. He hath a Regal Title High and Mighty Isa. 57.15 Thus saith the high and lofty one 2. He hath the Ensigns of Royalty his Sword Deut. 32.41 If I whet my glittering sword He hath his Scepter Heb. 1.8 A scepter of Righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom 3. He hath his Crown Royal Rev. 19.12 On his head were many crowns he hath his Iura Regalia his Kingly Prerogatives he hath power to make Lawes to seal Pardons which are the Flowers and Jewels belonging to his Crown Thus the Lord is King And 2. He is a great King Psal. 95.3 A great King above all Gods He is great in and of himself and not like other Kings who are made great by their Subjects That he is so great a King appears 1. By the immenseness of his Being Ier. 23.24 Do not I fill heaven and earth saith the Lord. His center is every where he is no where included yet no where excluded he is so immensly great That the heaven of heavens cannot contain him 1 Kings 8.27 2. His greatness appears by the effects of his Power He made heaven and earth Psal. 124.8 and can unmake it God can with a Breath crumble us to dust with a Word he can unpin the World and break the Axle-Tree of it in pieces He pours contempt upon the mighty Iob 12.21 He cuts off the spirit of Princes Psal. 76.12 He is Lord Paramount who doth whatever he will Psal. 115.2 He weigheth the mountains in scales and the hills in a ballance Isa. 40.12 3. God is a Glorious King Psal. 24.10 Who is this King of Glory the Lord of Hosts he is the King of Glory He hath internal Glory Psal. 93.1 The Lord reigneth he is cloathed with majesty Other Kings have Royal and Sumptuous Apparel to make them appear glorious to the beholders but all their Glory and Magnificence is borrowed but God is cloathed with Majesty his own Glorious Essence is instead of Royal Robes and he hath girded himself with strength Kings have their guard about them to defend their Persons because they are not able to defend themselves but God needs no guard or assistance from others He hath girded himself with strength His own Power is his Life-guard Psal. 89.6 Who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord who among the Sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord God hath a prehiminence above all other Kings for Majesty Rev. 19.16 He hath on his vesture a name written Rex Regum King of Kings He hath the highest Throne the richest Crown the largest Dominions and the longest Possession Psal. 29.10 The Lord sitteth King for ever Though God hath many Heirs yet no Successors He sets up his Throne where no other King doth he rules the Will and Affections his Power binds the Conscience Angels serve him all the Kings of the Earth hold their Crowns and Diadems by immediate tenure from this great King Prov. 8.15 By me Kings reign and to this Lord Iehovah all Kings must give account and from Gods Tribunal there is no appeal VSE I. Br. 1. If God be so great a King and sits King for ever then it is no disparagement for us to serve him Deo servire est regnare It is an Honour to serve a King If the Angels fly swiftly upon the King of Heavens message Dan.
Wind blowes no wonder Men go full sail in sin when the Devil the Prince of the Air blowes them Thus it is till the kingdom of Grace come Men are under the power of Satan who like Draco writes all his Lawes in blood 6. Till the kingdom of Grace comes a Man lyes exposed to the Wrath of God And who knowes the power of his anger Psal. 90.11 If when but a spark of Gods Wrath flyes into a Mans Conscience in this Life it is so terrible what then will it be when God stirs up all his anger So unconceivable torturing is Gods Wrath that the wicked call to the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from it Rev. 6. 1st The Hellish torments are compared to a fiery lake Rev. 20.15 other fire is but painted in comparison of this And this lake of fire burns for ever Mark 9.44 Gods breath kindles this fire Isa. 30.33 and where shall we find engines or buckets to quench it Time will not finish it tears will not quench it To this fiery Lake are Men exposed till the kingdom of Grace be set up in them 7. Till the kingdom of Grace come Men cannot dye with comfort only he who takes Christ in the armes of his Faith can look Death in the face with joy But it is sad to have the king of Terrors in the Body and not the kingdom of Grace in the Soul 'T is a wonder every Graceless person doth not dye distracted What will a Grace-despiser do when Death comes to him with a Writ of Habeas Corpus Hell followes Death Rev. 6.8 Behold a pale horse and his name that sat on him was death and hell followed him Thus you see what need we have to pray that the kingdom of Grace may come He that dyes without Grace I may say as Christ Matth. 26.24 It had been good for that-man he had not been born Few do believe the necessity of having the kingdom of Grace set up in their hearts as appears by this because they are so well content to live without it Doth that Man believe the necessity of a Pardon that is content to be without it Most People if they may have Trading and may sit quietly under their Vines and Fig-trees they are in their kingdom though they have not the kingdom of God within them If the Candle of Prosperity shine upon their head they care not whether the Grace of God shine in their hearts Do these Men believe the necessity of Grace Were they convinced how needful it were to have the kingdom of God within them they would cry out as the Jaylor Acts 16.30 What shall I do to be saved Quest. 3. How may we know that the Kingdom of Grace is set up in our hearts Answ. It concerns us to examine this our Salvation depends upon it and we had need be curious in the search because there is something looks like Grace which is not Gal. 6.3 If a man think himself to be something when he is nothing he deceives himself Many think they have the kingdom of Grace come into their heart and it is only a Chimera a golden dream Quam multi cum vana spe descendunt ad inferos Aug. Zeuxis did paint grapes so lively that he deceived the living birds There are many Deceits about Grace Deceit 1. Men think they have the kingdom of Grace in their hearts because they have the means of Grace they live where the silver trumpet of the Gospel sounds they are lift up to Heaven with Ordinances Iudg. 17.13 I have a Levite to my priest sure I shall go to Heaven The Iewes cryed Ier. 7.4 The temple of the Lord The temple of the Lord we are apt to glory in this the Oracles of God are committed to us we have Word and Sacrament Alas this is a fallacy we may have the means of Grace yet the kingdom of Grace may not be set up in our hearts we may have the kingdom of God come nigh us Luke 11.20 but not into us the sound of the Word in our ears and not the savour of it in our hearts Many of the Iewes who had Christ for their Preacher were never the better Hot clothes will not put warmth into a dead Man Thou may'st have hot clothes warm and lively Preaching yet be Spiritually dead Mat. 8.12 The children of the kingdom shall be cast out Deceit 2. Men think they have the kingdom of Grace set up in their hearts because they have some common works of the Spirit 1. They have great enlightnings of mind profound knowledge and almost speak like Angels drop'd from Heaven but the Apostle supposeth a case that after Men have been enlightened they may fall away Heb. 6. Quest. But wherein doth this illumination come short Answ. The illumination of Hypocrites is not vertual it doth not leave an impression of Holiness behind 't is like weak Physick that will not work The mind is enlightned but the heart is not renewed A Christian is all head but no feet he doth not walk in the wayes of God 2. Men have had convictions and stirrings of Conscience for sin they have seen the evil of their wayes therefore now they hope the Kingdom of Grace is come but I say convictions though they are a step towards Grace yet they are not Grace Had not Pharaoh and Iudas convictions Exod. 10.16 Quest. What makes convictions prove abortive wherein is the defect Answ. 1. They are not deep enough A Sinner never saw himself lost without Christ. The seed that wanted depth of earth withered Matth. 13.5 These convictions are like blossoms blown off before they come to maturity 2. These convictions are involuntary the Sinner doth what he can to stifle these convictions he drowns them in Wine and Mirth he labours to get rid of them as the Deer when it is shot runs and shakes out the arrow so doth he the arrow of conviction Or as the Prisoner that files off his fetters and breaks loose so a Man breaks loose from his convictions His corruptions are stronger than convictions 3. Men have had some kind of humiliation and have shed tears for their sins therefore now they hope the Kingdom of Grace is come into their hearts But this is no infallible sign of Grace Saul wept Ahab humbled himself Quest. Why is not humiliation Grace Wherein doth it come short Answ. 1. Tears in the wicked do not spring from love to God but are forced by affliction Gen. 4.13 as water that drops from the Still is forced by the fire The tears of Sinners are forced by Gods fiery Judgments 2. They are deceitful tears lachrymae mentiri doctae Men weep yet go on in sin they do not drown their sins in their tears 4. Men have begun some reformation therefore sure now the Kingdom of Grace is come But there may be deceit in this 1. A Man may leave his Oaths and Drunkenness yet â—â—ill be in love with Sin he may leave Sin
the Bible Object 5. Where the Kingdom of Grace comes it softens the heart but I find my heart frozen and congealed into hardness I can hardly squeeze out one tear Do Flowers grow on a Rock can there be any Grace in such a rocky heart Answ. 1. There may be grief where there are no tears The best sorrow is rational In your judgment you esteem sin the most hyperbolical evil you have a disgust and displacency against sin this is a rational sorrow and such as God will accept 2. A Christian may have some hardness in his heart yet not have an hard heart subjectum a praestantiori parte A field may have Tares in it yet we call it a field of Wheat in the best heart is a mixture of hardness yet because there is some softness and melting God looks upon it as a soft heart therefore Christian dispute not against thy self if thou canst find but one thing that the frame and temper of thy Soul be holy art thou still breathing after God delighting in him is the complexion of thy Soul Heavenly Canst thou say as David Psal. 139.17 When I awake I am still with thee As Colours laid in Oyl or a Statue carved in Gold abide so doth an holy complexion the Soul is still pointing towards God If it be thus with thee assure thy self the Kingdom of Grace is come into thy Soul be not unkind to God to deny any work of his Spirit which he hath wrought in thee VSE I. Of Exhortation Labour to find that this Kingdom of Grace is set up in your hearts while others aspire after Earthly Kingdoms labour to have the Kingdom of God within you Luke 17.21 The Kingdom of Grace must come into us before we can go into the Kingdom of Glory Motives 1. Motive This Kingdom of God within us is our Spiritual Beauty the Kingdom of Grace adorns a person and sets him off in the eyes of God and Angels This makes the Kings daughter all glorious 〈◊〉 Psal. 45.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. Grace sheds a glory and lustre upon 〈◊〉 Soul As the Diamond to the Ring so is Grace to the Soul An heart beautified with Grace hath the King of Heavens picture hung in it 2. Motive The Kingdom of Grace set up in the heart is our Spiritual Defence Grace is called the armour of light Rom. 13.12 It is light for beauty and armour for defence He who hath the Kingdom of Grace within him is strengthened with all might according to Gods glorious power Col. 1.11 he hath the shield of Faith the helmet of Hope the breast-plate of Righteousness This armour can never be shot through it fortifies a Christian against the assaults of Temptation and the terrours of Hell 3. Motive The Kingdom of Grace set up in the heart brings Peace with it Rom. 14.17 The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace There is a secret Peace breeds out of Holiness Peace is the best Blessing of a Kingdom Pax una triumphis innumeris melior The Kingdom of Grace is a Kingdom of Peace Grace is the root Peace is the flower grows out of it it is Pax in procella such Peace that no worldly affliction can shake The doors of Solomons Temple were made of Olive-tree carved with open flowers 1 Kings 6.32 in a gracious heart is the olive of Peace and the open flowers of Joy 4. Motive The Kingdom of Grace enricheth the Soul A Kingdom hath its riches A Believer is said to be rich in faith Iam. 2.5 how rich is he who hath God for his God who is heir to all the Promises Heb. 6.17 A Man may be rich in Bills and Bonds a Believer though he may say as Peter Silver and gold have I none Acts 3.6 yet he is rich in Bills and Bonds he is Heir to all Gods Promises and to be Heir to the Promise is better than to be Heir to the Crown 5. Motive When the Kingdom of Grace comes it doth fix and establish the heart Psal. 57.7 O God my heart is fixed Before the Kingdom of Grace comes the heart is very unfixed and unsettled like a Ship without a ballast like Quick-silver that cannot be made to fix but when the Kingdom of Grace comes it doth stabilire animum it fixeth the heart upon God and when the heart is fixed it rests quiet as in its center 6. Motive This Kingdom of Grace is distinguishing it is a sure pledge of Gods love God may give Kingdoms in anger but where ever the Kingdom of Grace is set up it is in love God cannot give Grace in anger The Crown alwayes goes with this Kingdom let us therefore be ambitious of this Kingdom of Grace Quest. How shall we do to obtain this Kingdom Answ. 1. In General Take pains for it We cannot have the World without labour and do we think to have Grace If thou seekest her as silver Prov. 2.3 A Man may as well expect a crop without sowing as Grace without labour We must not think to have Grace as Israel had Manna they did not plough or sow but it was rained down from Heaven upon them no we must operam dare take pains for Grace Our Salvation cost Christ blood it will cost us sweat 2. Let us go to God to set up this Kingdom of Grace in our hearts God is called the God of all grace 1 Pet. 5.10 Say Lord I want this Kingdom of Grace I want an humble believing heart O enrich me with Grace let thy Kingdom come and be importunate suitors As Achsah said to her Father Caleb Iosh. 15.19 Thou hast given me a south-land give me also springs of water So Lord thou hast given me enough of the World here is a South-land but Lord give me the upper springs of Grace let thy Kingdom come What is the Venison thou hast given me without the Blessing When we are importunate with God and will take no denyal then he will set up his Kingdom within us 3. Keep close to the Word preached the Word preached is virga virtutis the rod of Gods strength it is the great engine God useth for the setting up the Kingdom of Grace in the heart Rom. 10.17 Faith comes by hearing Though God could work Grace immediately by his Spirit or by the ministry of Angels from Heaven yet he chooseth to work by the Word preached this is the usual means by which he sets up the Kingdom of Grace in the heart and the reason is because he hath put his divine sanction upon it he hath appointed it for the means of working Grace and he will honour his own Ordinance 1 Cor. 1.21 What reason could be given why the Waters of Damascus should not have as soveraign vertue to heal Naamans Leprosie as the Waters of Iordan only this because God did appoint and sanctifie the Waters of Iordan to heal and not the other Therefore let us keep to the Word preached because the power of God goes along with it VSE
2. That it may encrease and flourish 3. That the Kingdom of Glory may hasten and that God would in his due time translate us into it 1. What this Kingdom of Glory is 2. What are the Properties of it 3. Wherein it exceeds all other Kingdoms 4. When this Kingdome comes 5. Wherein appears the Certainty of it 6. Why we should pray for its coming 1. What this Kingdom of Glory is Answ. By this Kingdom is meant that glorious Estate which the Saints shall enjoy when they shall reign with God and Angels for ever If a Man stand upon the Sea-shore he cannot see all the Dimensions of the Sea the length breadth and depth of it yet he may see it is of a vast Extension So though the Kingdom of Heaven be of that incomparable Excellency that neither Tongue of Man or Angels can express yet we may conceive of it to be an exceeding glorious thing such as eye hath not seen Concerning the Kingdom of Heaven I shall show What 1. It Implies 2. It imports 1. What it implies Answ. It implies A blessed Freedom from all Evil. 2. What it imports Answ. It Imports glorious Fruition of all good 1. What the Kingdom of Heaven implies Resp. It implies a blessed freedom from all evil 1. A freedom from the Necessities of Nature We are in this Life subject to many Necessities We need Food to nourish us Cloathes to cover us Armour to defend us Sleep to refresh us But in the Kingdom of Heaven there is no need of these things and it is better not to need them then to have them as it is better not to need Crutches then to have Crutches What need will there be of Food when our Bodies shall be made spiritual 1 Cor. 15.44 Though not spiritual for substance yet for qualities What need will there be of Clothing when our Bodies shall be like Christs glorious Body what need will there be of Armour when there is no Enemy what need will there be of Sleep when there is no Night Rev. 22.5 The Saints shall be freed in the Heavenly Kingdom from those Necessities of Nature to which now they lye exposed 2 In the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from the Imperfections of Nature Since the Fall our Knowledge hath suffered an Eclipse 1. Our Natural Knowledge is imperfect it is checkered with Ignorance There are many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hard Knots in Nature which we cannot easily unty Why the Sea should be higher then the Earth yet not drown it What way the Light is parted Iob 38.24 What is the reason of all the occult Qualities Sympathies and Antipaâ—â—â—es He who sees clearest hath a Mist before his Eyes Socrates said on his Death-bed there were many things he had yet to learn Our Ignorance is more then our Knowledge 2. Our Divine Knowledge is imperfect we know but in part said Paul 1 Cor. 13.9 though he had many Revelations and was wrapt up into the third Heaven We have but dark Conceptions of the Trinity Iob 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God our narrow Capacities will no more contain the Trinity then a little Glass-Vial will hold all the Water in the Sea we cannot unriddle the Mistery of the Incarnation the Humane Nature assumed into the Person of the Son of God the Humane Nature not God yet united with God We see now in aenigmate in a Glass darkly but in the Kingdom of Heaven the Vail shall be taken off all Imperfections of Nature shall be done away When the Sun-light of Glory shall begin to shine in the Heavenly Horizon all dark shadows of Ignorance shall flye away our Lamp of Knowledge shall burn bright we shall have a full knowledge of God though not know him fully 3. In the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from the toylsome Labours of this Life God enacted a Law in Paradise In the sweat of thy Brows thou shalt eat Bread Gen. 3.9 There is the Labour of the Hand in Manufacture and the Labour of the Mind in Study Eccl. 1.8 All things are full of Labour but in the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from our Labours 1. There needs no Labour when a Man hath got to the Haven he hath no more need of failing In Heaven there needs no Labour because the Saints shall have that Glory which they laboured for 2. There shall be no Labour Rev. 14.13 They rest from their Labours As God when he had finished the Work of Creation rested from his Labours Gen. 2.2 So when the Saints have finished the Work of Sanctification they rest from their Labours Where should there be rest but in the Heavenly Center Not that this sweet rest in the Kingdom of Heaven excludes all Motion for Spirits cannot be idle but the Saints Glorified shall rest from all wearisome Imployment it shall be a labour full of ease a Motion full of Delight The Saints in Heaven shall love God and what labour is that Is it any Labour to love Beauty They shall praise God and that sure is delightful When the Bird sings it is not so much a Labour as a pleasure 4. In the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from Original Corruption This is causa causati the root of all Actual Sin There would be no Actual Sin if there were no Original there would be no Water in the Stream if there were none in the Fountain Original Sin is incorporated into our Nature 't is as if the whole mass of Blood were corrupted This makes a Christian weary of his Life he offends that God whom he loves What would a Christian give to have his Chains taken off to be rid of vain thoughts How did Paul that bird of Paradise bemoan himself for his Sins Rom. 7.24 we cannot act either our Duties or Graces without Sin The Soul that is most refined and clarified by Grace is not without some dregs of Corruption but in the Kingdom of Heaven the Fountain of Original Sin shall be quite dryed up 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What a blessed time will that be never to grieve Gods Spirit more In Heaven are Virgin Souls there is Beauty which is not stained with Lust nothing enters there that defiles Rev. 21.27 5. In the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from all sorrows Rev. 21.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 There shall be no more sorrow Our Life here is interlarded with trouble Psal. 31.10 either Losses grieve or Law-suits vex or Unkindness breaks the heart We may as well separate moisture from Air or weight from Lead as Troubles from Mans Life Quid est diu vivere nisi diu torqueri Aug. but in the Kingdom of Heaven sorrow and sighing shall fly away Here the Saints sit by the Rivers weeping but one smile from Christs Face will make them forget all their Sufferings their Water then shall be turned into Wine their Mourning into Musick 6. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from the immodesty of
temptation Satan is not yet fully east into Prison but is like a Prisoner that goes under bail he walks about tempting he labours to trappan us into sin he is either laying of snares or shooting of darts Stat in procinctu Diabolus He laid a train of temptation to blow up the castle of Iobs Faith This is a great grief to a Believer to be followed with temptations to sin as it is for a Virgin to have her Chastity assaulted but in the Kingdom of Heaven the Saints shall be freed from the Red Dragon he is cast out of Paradise and shall be for ever lock'd up in Chains Iude 6 7. In the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from all vexing cares The Greek word for care 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comes from a Primitive that signifies to cut the heart in pieces Care discruciates the Mind it wasts the Spirits it eats out the comfort of Life Care is an evil spirit that haunts us Care to prevent future dangers and preserve present co 〈…〉 all care is full of fear and fear is full of torment 1 Iohn 4.18 God threatens it as a Judgment Ezek. 12.19 They shall eat their bread with carefulness Every Comfort hath its Care as every Rose its Prickle but in the Kingdom of Heaven we shall shake off this viper of Care What needs a Saint glorified to take any Care who hath all things provided to his hand There is the Tree of Life bearing all sorts of Fruit. When the Heart shall be freed from Sin the Head shall be freed from Care 8. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all Doubts and Scruples In this Life the best Saint hath his doubtings as the brightest Star its twinkling If there were no doubtings there would be no unbelief Assurance it self doth not exclude all doubting Psal. 26.3 Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes but at another time Psal. 89.49 Lord where are thy former loving kindnesses A Christian is like a Ship at Anchor which though it be safe yet it may sometimes be tossed upon the Water Sometimes a Christian questions his interest in Christ and his title to the Promise and these doubtings as they eclipse a Christians Comfort so they are a bearing false witness against the Spirit But when the Saints shall come into the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be no more doubtings then a Christian shall say as Peter Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his Angel and delivered me Acts 12.11 So now I know that I am passed from Death to Life now I am got beyond all Rocks I have shot the gulph now I am in my Saviours embraces for ever 9. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all society with the Wicked Here we are forced sometime to be in their company Psal. 120.5 Wo is me that I dwell in Mesech and sojourn in the tents of Kedar Kedar was Ishmaels Son whose Children dwelt in Arabia a profane barbarous People Here the Wicked are still raising Persecutions against the Godly and crucifying their eares with their Oaths and Curses Christs Lilly is among Thorns but in the Heavenly Kingdom there shall be no more any pricking bryar Matth. 13.41 The Son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend As Moses said Exod. 14.13 Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day ye shall see them again no more for ever So will God say Stand still and see the Salvation of God these your enemies that vex and molest you you shall see them again no more for ever At that day God will separate the precious from the vile then Christ will throughly purge his Floor he will gather the Wheat into the Garner and the Wicked which are the Chaff shall be blown into Hell 10. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all signs of Gods displeasure Here God may be angry with his People Though he hath the heart of a Father he may have the look of an enemy this is sad As when the Sun is gone the Dew falls when the Light of Gods Face is gone Tears drop from the Saints Eyes but in the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be no spiritual eclipses there shall never appear any tokens of Gods displeasure the Saints shall have a constant aspect of Love from God they shall never complain any more as Cant. 5.6 My beloved hath withdrawn himself 11. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all Divisions That which is the saddest thing in the World is to see divisions among them that are good 'T is sad that such as have one Faith yet should not be of one Heart Ephraim envies Iudah and Iudah vexeth Ephraim 'T is matter of tears to see those who are united to Christ to be divided one from another The Soldiers spear pierced Christs side but the divisions of Saints wound his heart but in the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be no vilifying one another or censuring Those who before could hardly pray together shall praise God together there shall not be one jarring string in the Saints Musick 12. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from Vanity and Dissatisfaction What Solomon saith of Wisdom Iob 28.14 The depth saith it is not in me and the sea saith it is not with me The same may I say concerning satisfaction every Creature faith It is not in me Take things most pleasing and which we promise our selves most content from still out the Spirits and purest Quintessence of them and we shall say as he did Eccles. 2.11 And behold all was vanity God never did or will put a satisfying vertue into any Creature In the sweetest musick the World makes either there is some string wanting or out of tune Who would have thought that Haman who was so great in the Kings favour He set his seat above all the princes of the provinces Esther 3.1 yet for want of the bowing of a knee he was dissatisfied but in the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from these dissatisfactions The World is like a Landskip you may see Gardens and Fruit-trees curiously drawn in the Landskip but you cannot enter into them but you may enter into the Joyes of Heaven Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord the Soul shall be satisfied while it bathes in those rivers of pleasure at Gods Right-hand I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Psal. 17.15 Thus you see what the Kingdom of Glory implyes Namely A Blessed Freedom from all Evil. 13. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from the Torments of Hell 1 Thess. 1.10 Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come 1. The multiplicity of these Torments In this Life the Body is usually exercised but with one pain the Stone or Head-ache but in Hell there is a diversity of Torments there is Darkness
to affright Fire to burn a Lake of Sulphur to choke Chains to bind the Worm to gnaw 2. The Torments of Hell will sieze upon every part both of Body and Soul the Eyes shall be tortured with the sight of Devils the Tongue that hath swore so many Oaths shall be tortured Luke 16.24 Send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue The Memory shall be tormented to remember what Mercies have been abused what seasons of Grace neglected the Conscience shall be tormented with self-accusations 3. In the pains of Hell there is no mitigation no mixture of Mercy In this Life God in Anger remembers Mercy Hab. 3.2 but in Hell there is no alleviation or lessening of the pains As in the Sacrifice of Jealousie Numb 5.15 God would have no Oyl or Frankincense put to it so in Hell there is no Oyl of Mercy to lenifie the sufferings of the Damned no Incense of Prayer to appease Gods Wrath. 4. In the pains of Hell there is no intermission The Poets feign of Endymion that he got leave of Iupiter alwayes to sleep What would the damned in Hell give for one hours sleep Rev. 14.11 They rest not day nor night they are perpetually upon the rack 5. In the pains of Hell there is no expiration they must alwayes lye scorching in flames of Wrath Rev. 14.11 The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever but in the Heavenly Kingdom the Elect shall be freed from all infernal torments Jesus hath delivered us from the Wrath to come A Prison is not made for the Kings Children Christ drank that bitter cup of Gods Wrath that the Saints might never drink it 2. In the Kingdom of Heaven there is a Glorious Fruition of all Good Had I as many Tongues as Hairs on my Head I could not fully describe this I may say as Iudg. 18.9 10. Heaven is called The excellent Glory 2 Pet. 1.17 I may as well span the Firmament or drain the Ocean as set forth the Glory of this Kingdom Caelum non habet Hyperbolem The Kingdom of Heaven is beyond all Hyperbole Were the Sun ten thousand times brighter than it is it could not parallel the lustre of this Kingdom Apelles Pensil would blot Angels Tongues would lessen it I can but give you the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or dark shadow of it expect not to see it in all its orient colours till you are mounted above the Stars But let us not stand afar off as Moses to behold this Canaan but enter into it and taste the honey Concerning the Fruitions and Priviledges of the Heavenly Kingdom 1. We shall have an immediate Communion with God himself who is the inexhausted Sea of all Happiness This Divines call The Beatifical Vision The Psalmist did triumph in that enjoyment he had of God in this Life Psal. 73.25 Whom have I in Heaven but thee If God enjoyed by Faith doth give so much Comfort to the Soul how much more when he is enjoyed by immediate Vision Here we see God but darkly through the glass of Ordinances but in the Kingdom of Heaven we shall see him face to face 1 Cor. 13.12 we shall have an intellectual sight of God i. e. we shall see him with the eyes of our mind we shall know God as much as the Angels in Heaven do Matth. 18.10 1 Cor. 13.12 We shall know as we are known We shall have a full knowledge of God though not know him fully as a Vessel in the Sea is full of the Sea though it holds not all the Sea To see and enjoy God will be most delicious in God are beams of Majesty and bowels of Mercy God hath all Excellencies concentred in him bonum in quo omnia bona If one Flower should have the sweetness of all Flowers how sweet would that Flower be All the beauty and sweetness which lyes scattered in the Creature is infinitely to be found in God therefore to see and enjoy him will ravish the Soul with delight We shall so see God as to love him and be made sensible of his Love and when we shall have this sweet Communion with God then God shall be all in all 1 Cor. 15.28 Light to the eye Manna to the taste Musick to the ear 2. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven with these eyes see the Glorified Body of Jesus Christ. This our Saviour makes a great part of the Glory of Heaven to view the Glory of his Humane Nature Iohn 17.24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That they may behold my glory When Christ was transfigured upon Earth it is said That his face did shine as the sun and his rayment was white as the light Matth. 17.2 If the Glory of his Transfiguration was so great what will the Glory of his Exaltation be Much of the Glory of God shines in Christ by vertue of the Hypostatical Union Col. 2.9 In whom dwells the fulness of the Godhead bodily Through Christs Humanity as through a bright mirrour we may see some beams of the Divine Majesty shine forth put a back of Steel to a Glass and you may see a Face in it Christs Humane Nature is as a back of Steel put to the Divine Nature through this we may see God and then our Capacities shall be enlarged to a wonderful degree to receive this glorious object and we shall not only see Gods Glory but some of his Glory shall be put upon us non tantum aderit Gloria sed inerit Bern. A Beggar may behold the Glory of a King and not be the happier but Christs Glory shall be ours We shall be like him 1 Iohn 3.2 we shall shine by his beams 3. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven enjoy the society of innumerable company of Angels Heb. 12.22 Quest. But is there not enough in God to fill the Soul with delight Can the sight of Angels add to the Souls happiness What need is there of the light of Torches when the Sun shines Answ. Besides the Divine Essence the sight of Angels is desirable much of Gods curious workmanship shines in the Angels the Angels are beautiful glorious Creatures and as the several strings in a Lute make the harmony sweeter and the several Stars make the Firmament brighter so the society with Angels will make the delight of Heaven the greater and we shall not only see the Angels with the glorified eye of our understanding but converse with them 4. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven have sweet society with Glorified Saints then the Communion of Saints will be illustrious O what a blessed time will it be when those who have prayed wept suffered together shall rejoyce together we shall see the Saints in their white Linnen of Purity and see them as so many Crowned Kings in beholding the Saints Glorified we shall behold an Heaven full of Suns Some move the Question whether we shall know one another in Heaven Surely our knowledge shall not be diminished but
increased It is the Judgment of Luther and Anselm and many other Divines that we shall know one another yea the Saints of all Ages whose Faces we never saw and when we shall see the Saints in Glory without their spots viz. their infirmities Pride and Passion this will be a glorious sight We see how Peter was transported when he saw but two Prophets in the Transfiguration Matth. 17.3 but what a blessed sight will it be when we shall see such a Glorious Company of Prophets and Martyrs and Holy Men of God How sweet will the Musick be when they shall all sing together in consort in the Heavenly Quire And tho' in this great Assembly of Saints and Angels one Star may differ from another in Glory yet no such weed as Envy shall ever grow in the Paradise of God then there shall be perfect Love which as it casts out Fear so also Envy though one Vessel of Glory may hold more than another yet every Vessel shall be full 5. In the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be incomprehensible Joy Aristotle saith Ioy proceeds from Vnion When the Saints Union with Christ is perfected in Heaven then their Joy shall be full all the birds of the Heavenly Paradise sing for Joy What Joy when the Saints shall see the great gulph shut and know that they are passed from Death to Life what Joy when they are as holy as they would be and as God would have them to be what Joy to hear the Musick of Angels to see the golden banner of Christs Love displayed over the Soul to be drinking that Water of Life which is quintessential and is sweeter than all Nectar and Ambrosia what Joy when the Saints shall see Christ clothed in their Flesh sitting in Glory above the Angels then they shall enter into the joy of their Lord Matth. 25.21 Here Joy enters into the Saints in Heaven they enter into joy O thou Saint of God who now hangest thy harp upon the Willows and minglest thy drink with weeping in the Kingdom of Heaven thy Water shall be turned into Wine you shall have so much felicity that your Souls cannot wish for more The Sea is not so full of Water as the Heart of a Glorified Saint is of Joy there can be no more Sorrow in Heaven than there is Joy in Hell 6. In Heaven there is honour and dignity put upon the Saints A Kingdom imports honour All that come into Heaven are Kings they have 1. a Crown Rev. 2.10 dabo tibi the Crown of Life Corona est insigne regiae potestatis This Crown is not lined with Thorns but hung with Jewels it is a never-fading Crown 1 Pet. 5.4 2. The Saints in Heaven have their Robes they exchange their Sackcloth for white Robes Rev. 7.9 I beheld a great multitude which no man could number clothed in white robes Robes signifie their Glory White their Sanctity And 3. They sit with Christ upon the Throne Rev. 3.21 We read 1 Kings 6.33 the doors of the Holy of Holies were made of Palm-trees and open Flowers covered with Gold an emblem of that victory and that garland of Glory which the Saints shall wear in the Kingdom of Heaven When all the Titles and Ensigns of Worldly honour shall lye in the dust the Mace the Silver Star the Garter then shall the Saints honour remain 7. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven have a blessed Rest. Rest is the end of motion Heaven is Centrum quietativum animae the blessed Centre where the Soul doth acquiesce and rest In this Life we are subject to unquiet motions and fluctuations 2 Cor. 7.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We are troubled on every side like a Ship on the Sea having the waves beating on both sides but in the Kingdom of Heaven there is Rest Heb. 4.9 How welcome is Rest to a weary Traveller When Death cuts asunder the string of the Body the Soul as a Dove flyes away and is at Rest. This Rest is when the Saints shall lye on Christs bosom that hive of sweetness that bed of perfume 8. The Saints shall in the Kingdom of Heaven have their Bodies richly bespangled with Glory they shall be full of Clarity and Brightness as Moses Face shined that Israel were not able to behold the Glory Exod. 34 30. The Bodies of the Saints shall shine seven times brighter than the Sun saith Chrysostome they shall have such a resplendency of Beauty on them that the Angels shall fall in love with them and no wonder for they shall be made like Christs glorious body Phil. 3.21 The Bodies of Saints glorified need no Jewels when they shall shine like Christs Body 9. In the Heavenly Kingdom is Eternity 't is an eternal fruition they shall never be put out of the Throne Rev. 22.5 They shall reign for ever and ever It is called the everlasting kingdom 2 Pet. 1.11 and an eternal weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4.17 The Flowers of Paradise of which the Saints Garland is made never wither If there could be a cessation of Heavens Glory or the Saints had but the least fear or suspicion of losing their Felicity it would infinitely abate and cool their Joy but their Kingdom is for ever the Rivers of Paradise cannot be dryed up Psal. 16.11 At thy right hand are pleasures for evermore The Kingdom of Heaven was typified by the Temple which was built with Stone covered with Cedar over-laid with Gold to show the fixed permanent state of Glory that Kingdom abides for ever Well may we pray Thy Kingdom come Having spoken of the Kingdom of Grace and how we may know that Kingdom is set up in our Hearts I am next speaking of the Kingdom of Glory or Heaven 1. What is meant by the Kingdom of Heaven 2. What are the Properties of this Kingdom 3. Wherein this Heavenly Kingdom excels all the Kingdoms upon Earth 4. When this Kingdom shall be bestowed 5. Wherein appears the Certainty and Infallibility of it 6. VVhy we should pray for the coming of this Kingdom 1. Quest. What is meant by the Kingdom of Heaven Resp. 1. It imports a blessed freedom from all evil 2. It implies a glorious fruition of all good 1. Immediate communion with God who is the inexhausted Sea of all Happiness 2. A visible beholding the glorified Body of Jesus Christ. 3. A glorious Vision of Saints and Angels 4. Dignity and Honour the Crown and white Robes 5. A blessed Rest. Quest. 2. What are the Properties or Qualifications of the Kingdom of Heaven Resp. 1. The Glory of this Kingdom is solid and substantial the Hebrew word for Glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a VVeight to show how solid and weighty the Glory of the Caelestial Kingdom is The Glory of the worldly Kingdom is Aery and imaginary like a blazing Comet or Fancy Act. 25.23 Agrippa and Bernice came with a great Pomp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a great Fancy Iob. 26.7 The Earth hangs like a Ball in the Air
we find an un-interrupted Peace upon Earth Either home-bred Divisions or Forreign Invasions 2 Chron. 15.5 There was no Peace to him that went out or to him that came in But the kingdom of Heaven is a kingdom of Peace there are no Enemiest o conflict with all Christs Enemies shall be under his Feet Psal. 110.1 The Gates of that kingdom alwaies stand open Rev. 21.25 The Gates shall not be shut at all to show that there 's no fear of an assault of an Enemy the Saints when they dye are said to enter into Peace Isa. 57.2 There 's no beating of Drums or roaring of Canons but the Voice of Harpers harping in token of Peace Rev. 14.2 In Heaven Righteousness and Peace kiss each other 6. The Kingdom of Heaven excels in Magnitude 't is of vast Dimensions though the Gate of the kingdom be strait we must pass into it through the strait Gate of Mortification yet when once we are in it is very large though there be an innumerable Company of Saints and Angels yet there is room enough for them The kingdom of Heaven may be called by the Name of that Well Gen. 26.22 Iacob called the Name of it Rehoboth for he said now the Lord hath made room for us Thou who art now confin'd to a small Cottage when thou comest into the Caelestial kingdom thou shalt not be straitened for room As every Star hath a large Orb to move in so it shall be with the Saints when they shall shine as Stars in the kingdom of Heaven 7. The Kingdom of Heaven excels in Unity all the Inhabitants agree together in Love Love will be the Perfume and Musick of Heaven as Love to God will be intense so to the Saints Perfect Love as it casts out Fear so it casts out Envy and Discord Those Christians who could not live quietly together on Earth which was the Blemish of their Profession yet in the kingdom of Heaven the fire of Strife shall cease there shall be no vilifying or censuring one another or raking into one anothers sores but all shall be tied together with the Heart-strings of Love there Luther and Suinglius are agreed Satan cannot put in his Cloven Foot there to make Divisions there shall be perfect Harmony and Concord and not one jarring String in the Saints Musick It were worth dying to be in that kingdom 8. This kingdom exceeds all Earthly in Joy and Pleasure therefore it is called Paradise 2 Cor. 12 4. for delight There are all things to cause Pleasure there is the Water of Life pure as Christal there 's the Honey-comb of Gods Love dropping 'T is called entring into the Ioy of our Lord Mat. 25.23 There are two things cause Joy 1. Separation from Sin Sin creates Sorrow but when this Viper of Sin shall be shaken off then Joy follows there can be no more sorrow in Heaven then there is Joy in Hell 2. Perfect Union with Christ Joy as Aristotle saith flows from Union with the Object When our Union with Christ shall be perfect then our Joy shall be full If the Joy of Faith be so great 1 Pet 1.8 then what will the Joy of Sight be Ioseph gave his Brethren Provision for the way but the full Sacks of Corn were kept till they came at their Fathers House God gives the Saints a Tast of Joy here but the full Sacks are kept till they come to Heaven not only the Organical Parts the outward Sences the Eye Ear Tast shall be filled with Joy But the Heart of a Glorified Saint shall be filled with Joy the Understanding Will and Affections are such a Triangle as none can fill but the Trinity There must needs be infinite Joy where nothing is seen but Beauty nothing is tasted but Love 9. This kingdom of Heaven excels all Earthly in self-perfection Other kingdoms are defective they have not all Provision within themselves but are fain to trafick abroad to supply their wants at home King Solomon did send to Ophir for Gold 2 Chron. 8.18 But there is no defect in the kingdom of Heaven it hath all Commodities of its own growth Rev 21.7 there is the Pearl of Price the Morning Star the Mountains of Spices the Bed of Love there are those sacred Rarities wherewith God and Angels are delighted 10. This kingdom of Heaven excels all other in Honour and Nobility it doth not only equal them in the Ensigns of Royalty the Throne and white Robes but it doth far transcend them Other Kings are of the Blood-Royal but they in this Heavenly kingdom are born of God Other Kings converse with Nobles the Saints Glorified are Fellow Commoners with Angels they have a more Noble Crown 't is made of the Flowers of Paradise and is a Crown that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5.4 they sit on a better Throne King Solomon 1 Kings 10.18 sat on a Throne of Ivory overlaid with Gold but the Saints are in Heaven higher advanced they sit with Christ upon his Throne Rev. 3.21 they shall judge the Princes and great Ones of the Earth 1 Cor. 6.2 This honour have all the Saints Glorified 11. This kingdom of Heaven excels all others in healthfulness Death is a Worm that is ever feeding at the Root of our Gourd kingdoms are oft Hospitals of sick persons But the kingdom of Heaven is a most healthful Climate Phisicians there are out of date no Distemper there no passing Bell or Bill of Mortality Luke 20.36 neither can they dye any more in the Heavenly Climate are no ill Vapours to breed Diseases but a sweet aromatical Smell coming from Christ all his Garments smell of Myrrh Aloes and Cassia 12. This kingdom of Heaven excels in Duration it abides for ever Suppose Earthly kingdoms to be more glorious then they are their Foundations of Gold their Walls of Pearl their Windows of Saphyre yet they are corruptible and fading Hos. 1.4 I will cause the Kingdom to cease Troy and Athens now lie buried in their Ruines jam Seges est ubi Troja fuit Mortality is the Disgrace of all Earthly kingdoms but the kingdom of Heaven hath Eternity written upon it it is an everlasting kingdom 2 Pet. 1 1â— 't is founded upon a strong Basis Goâ—s Omnipotency this kingdom the Saints shall never be turned out of or be deposed from their Throne as some Kings have been viz. Hen. VI. c. But shall reign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 How should all this affect our Hearts What should we mind but this kingdom of Heaven which doth more out-shine all the kingdoms of the Earth then the Sun out-shines the Light of a Taper 4. Quest. When this Kingdom shall be bestowed Resp. This Glory in the kingdom of Heaven shall be begun at death but not perfected till the Resurrection 1. The Saints shall enter upon the kingdom of Glory immediately after death before their Bodies are buried their Souls shall be Crowned Phil. 1.23 having a desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Member of his body then he is not perfect and if Christ may lose one Member of his Body why not as well all by the same reason and so he shall be an head without a Body but be assured a Believers Union with Christ cannot be broken and so long he cannot be hindred of the kingdom Iohn 17.12 what was said of Christs natural Body is as true of his Mistical Iohn 10.39 A bone of him shall not be broken Look how every Bone and Limb of Christs natural Body was raised up out of the Grave and carried into Heaven So shall every Member of his Mistical Body be carried up into Glory 7. We read of some who have been translated into this Kingdom Paul had a sight of it for he was caught up into the third Heaven 2 Cor. 12. and the converted Thief on the Cross was translated into Glory Luke 23.43 This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise By all that hath been said it is most evident That Believers have a glorious Kingdom laid up for them in reversion and that they shall go to this Kingdom when they dye There are none doubt of the certainty of the Heavenly Kingdom but such as doubt of the Verity of Scripture 6. Quest. Why we should so earnestly pray for this Heavenly Kingdom Thy Kingdom come Resp. 1. Because it is a kingdom worth praying for it exceeds the glory of all earthly kingdoms it hath Gates of Pearl Rev. 21.21 We have heard of a Cabinet of Pearl but when did we hear of Gates of Pearl In that Kingdom is the Bed of Love the Mountains of Spices there are the â—herubims not to keep us out but to welcome us into the Kingdom Heaven is a Kingdom worth praying for there 's nothing wanting in that Kingdom which may compleat the Saints happiness for wherein doth Happiness consist Is it in knowledge We shall know as we are known Is it in Dainty Fare We shall be at the Marriage-Supper of the Lamb Is it in rich Apparel We shall be clothed in long White Robes Is it in delicious Musick We shall hear the Quire of Angels singing Is it in Dominion We shall reign as Kings and judge Angels Is it in Pleasure We shall enter into the Ioy of our Lord. Sure then this Kingdom is worth praying for Thy Kingdom come Would God give us a Vision of Heaven a while as he did Stephen who saw Heaven opened Act. 7.56 We should fall into a Trance and being a little recovered out of it how importunately would we put up this Petition Thy Kingdom come 2. We must pray for this kingdom of Glory because God will not bestow this kingdom on any without Prayer Rom. 2.7 They who seek for Glory and Immortality and how do we seek but by Prayer God hath promised a kingdom and we must by Prayer put the Bond in suit God is not so lavish as to throw away a Kingdom on them who do not ask it and certainly if Christ himself who had merited Glory did yet pray for it Iohn 17.5 Now O Father Glorify me with thy own self How much more ought we to pray for the Excellent Glory who have this Kingdom granted as a Charter of Gods meer Grace and Favour 3. We must pray that the kingdom of Glory may come that by going into it we may make an end of sinning I think sometimes what a blessed time it will be never to have a sinful thought more though we must not pray Thy Kingdom come out of discontent because we would be rid of the troubles and crosses of this Life This was Ionahs fault he would dye in a pet because God took away his gourd Lord saith he take away my life too Ionah 4.8 But we must pray Thy Kingdom come out of an holy design that the fetters of corruption may be pulled off and we may be as the Angels those Virgin Spirits who never sin This made the Church pray Rev. 22.20 Veni Domine Iesu. 4. Because that all Christs enemies shall be put under his feet the Devil shall have no more power to tempt nor wicked Men to persecute the Antichristian-Hierarchy shall be pulled down and Sions Glory shall shine as a lamp and the Turkish strength shall be broken 5. We must pray earnestly that the kingdom of Glory may come that we may see God face to face and have an interrupted and eternal communion with him in the Empyrean Heaven Moses desired but a glimpse of Gods Glory Exod. 33.18 how then should we pray to see him in all his embroidered Robes of Glory when he shall shine ten thousand times brighter than the Sun in its Meridian splendour Here in this Life we do rather desire God than enjoy him how earnestly therefore should we pray Thy Kingdom of Glory come The beholding and enjoying God will be the Diamond in the Ring the very Quintessence of Glory And must we pray Thy Kingdom come how then are they ever like to come to Heaven who never pray for it Though God gives some prophane persons Daily Bread who never pray for it yet he will not give them a kingdom who never pray for it God may feed them but he will never crown them VSE I. Of Information 1. Branch From all this you see then that there is nothing within the whole sphere of Religion imposed upon unreasonable terms when God bids us serve him it is no unreasonable request he will out of Free-Grace inthrone us in a kingdom When we hear of Repentance steeping our Souls in brinish tears for sin or of Mortification beheading our king sin we are ready to grumble and think this is hard and unreasonable But do we serve God for nought Is it not infinite bounty to reward us with a Kingdom This Kingdom is as far above our thoughts as it is beyond our deserts No man can say without wrong to God that he is an hard Master though he sets us about hard work yet he is no hard Master God gives double pay he gives great vails in his service sweet Joy and Peace and a great reward after an eternal weight of Glory God gives the Spring flowers and a Crop he settles upon us such a Kingdom as exceeds our Faith Praemium quod Fide non attingitur Aug. Such as mortal eye hath not seen nor can it enter into the heart of man to conceive 1 Cor. 2.9 Alas what an infinite difference is there between Duty enjoyned and the Kingdom prepared What is the shedding of a Tear to a Crown So that Gods commands are not grievous 1 Ioh. 5.3 our service cannot be so hard as a Kingdom is sweet 2. Br. See hence the Royal Bounty of God to his Children that he hath prepared a Kingdom for them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys A Kingdom bespangled with Glory It is infinitely above the Model we can draw of it in our Thoughts The Painter going to draw the Picture of Helena as not being able to draw her Beauty
shall be installed into their Honour and have the Crown-Royal set upon their Head They have in the Kingdom of Heaven the quintessence of all delights they have the Water of Life clear as Chrystal they have all Aromatick Perfumes they feed not on the Dew of Hermon but the Manna of Angels they lye in Christs bosom that bed of Spices There is such a pleasant variety in the happiness of Heaven that after millions of years it will be as fresh and desirable as at the first hours enjoying In the Kingdom of Heaven the Saints are Crowned with all those Perfections which the Humane Nature is capable of The desires of the Glorified Saints are infinitely satisfied there is nothing absent that they could wish might be enjoyed there is nothing present that they could wish might be removed They who are got to this kingdom would be loath to come back to the Earth again it would be much to their loss They would not leave the fatness and sweetness of the Olive to court the Bramble the things which tempt us they would scorn What are golden bags to the golden beams of the Sun of Righteousness In the kingdom of Heaven there is Glory in its highest elevation in that Kingdom is Knowledge without Ignorance Holiness without Sin Beauty without Blemish Strength without Weakness Light without Darkness Riches without Poverty Ease without Pain Liberty without Restraint Rest without Labour Joy without Sorrow Love without Hatred Plenty without Surfeit Honour without Disgrace Health without Sickness Peace without War Contentation without Cessation O the happiness of those that dye in the Lord they go into this blessed kingdom and if they are so happy when they dye then let me make two Inferences 1. Infer What little cause have the Saints to fear Death are any afraid of going to a Kingdom What is there in this World should make us desirous to stay here Do we not see God dishonoured and how can we bear it Is not this World a valley of tears and do we weep to leave it Are not we in a Wilderness among fiery Serpents And are we afraid to go from these Serpents Our best Friend lives above God is ever displaying the Banner of his Love in Heaven and is there any Love like his Are there any sweeter smiles or softer embraces than his What newes so welcome as leaving the World and going to a Kingdom Christian thy dying day will be thy wedding day and dost thou fear it Is a Slave afraid to be redeemed Is a Virgin afraid to be match'd into the Crown Death may take away a few worldly Comforts but it gives that which is better it takes away a Flower and gives a Jewel it takes away a short lease and gives land of inheritance If the Saints possess a Kingdom when they dye they have no cause to fear Death A Prince would not be afraid to cross the Sea though tempestuous if he were sure to be Crowned assoon as he came at shore 2. Infer If the Godly are so happy when they dye they go to a Kingdom then what little cause have we to mourn immoderately for the death of Godly Friends shall we mourn for their preferment Why should we shed tears immoderately for them who have all tears wiped from their eyes Why should we be swallowed up of grief for them who are swallowed up of joy They are gone to their Kingdom they are not lost but gone a little before not perished but translated non amissi sed praemissi Cyprian They are removed for their advantage as if one should be removed out of a smoaky Cottage to a Pallace Elijah was removed in a fiery Chariot to Heaven shall Elisha weep inordinately because he enjoyes not the company of Elijah Shall Iacob weep when he knows his Son Ioseph is preferred and made chief Ruler in Egypt We should not be excessive in grief when we know our Godly Friends are advanced to a Kingdom I confess when any of our Relations dye in their impenitency there is just cause of Mourning but not when our Friends take their flight to Glory David lost two Sons Absalom a wicked Son he mourned for him bitterly he lost the Child he had by Bathsheba he mourned not when the Child was departed St. Ambrose gives the reason David had a good hope nay assurance that the Child was translated into Heaven but he doubted of Absalom he dyed in his Sins therefore David wept so for him O Absalom My Son my Son but though we are to weep to think any of our Flesh should burn in Hell yet let us not be cast down for them who are so highly preferred at Death as to a Kingdom Our Godly Friends who dye in the Lord are in that blessed estate and are crowned with such infinite delights that if we could hear them speak to us out of Heaven they would say Weep not for us but weep for your selves Luke 23.28 We are in our Kingdom weep not at our preferment but weep for your selves who are in a sinful sorrowful World you are tossing on the troublesome waves but we are got to the Haven you are fighting with Temptations while we are wearing a Victorious Crown Weep not for us but weep for your selves 8. Branch See the Wisdom of the Godly they have the Serpents eye in the Doves head wise virgins Matth. 25.2 their Wisdom appear in their choice they choose that which will bring them to a Kingdom they choose Grace and what is Grace but the seed of Glory They choose Christ with his Cross but this Cross leads to a Crown Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God Heb. 11.25 it was a wise rational choice he knew if he suffered he should reign At the day of Judgment those whom the World accounted foolish will appear to be wise they made a prudent choice they chose Holiness and what is Happiness but the quintessence of Holiness They chose affliction with the people of God but through this purgatory of affliction they pass to Paradise God will proclaim the Saints Wisdom before Men and Angels 9. Br. See the folly of those who for vain Pleasures and Profits will lose such a glorious Kingdom like that Cardinal of France who said He would lose his part in Paradise if he might keep his Cardinalship in Paris I may say as Eccles. 9.3 Madness is in their heart Lysimachus for a draught of Water lost his Empire so for a draught of sinful Pleasure these will lose Heaven We too much resemble our Grand-Father Adam who for an Apple lost Paradise many for trifles to get a Shilling more in the Shop or Bushel will venture the loss of Heaven This will be an aggravation of the Sinners torment to think how foolishly he was undone for a flash of impure Joy he lost an eternal weight of Glory Would it not vex one who is the Lord of a Mannor to think he should part with his stately Inheritance for a
Scandal or Apostacy 4. Men leave off pursuing the Kingdom of Heaven out of Timorousness if they persist in Religion they may lose their Places of Profit perhaps their Lives The reason saith Aristotle why the Camelion turns into so many Colours is through excessive fear When Carnal fear prevails it makes Men change their Religion as fast as the Camelion doth its Colours Many of the Iews who were great followers of Christ when they saw the Swords and Staves deserted him What Solomon saith of the Sluggard is as true of the Coward he saith there is a Lyon in the way Prov. 22.13 he sees dangers before him he would go on in the way to the Kingdom of Heaven but there is a Lyon in the way This is dismal Heb. 10.38 If any Man draw back in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if he steals as a Soldier from his Colours my Soul shall have no pleasure in him VSE III. Of Tryal Let us examine whether we shall go to this Kingdom when we dye Heaven is called a Kingdom prepared Matth. 25. Quest. How shall we know this Kingdom is prepared for us Answ If we are prepared for this Kingdom Quest. How may that be known Answ. By being Heavenly persons An earthly heart is no more fit for Heaven than a Clod of Dust is fit to be a Star there is nothing of Christ or Grace in such an heart It were a Miracle to find a Pearl in a Gold Mine and it is as great a Miracle to find Christ the Pearl of Price in an earthly heart Would we go to the Kingdom of Heaven are we heavenly 1. Are we heavenly in our Contemplations do our Thoughts run upon this Kingdom do we get sometimes upon Mount Pisgah and take a Prospect of Glory Thoughts are as Travellers most of Davids Thoughts travelled Heavens Road Psal. 139.17 Are our Minds heavenlâ—z'd Psal. 48.12 walk about Sion tell the Towers thereof mark ye well her Bulwarks Do we walk into the Heavenly Mount and see what a glorious Scituation it is Do we tell the Towers of that Kingdom While a Christian fixeth his Thoughts on God and Glory he doth as it were tread upon the Borders of the Heavenly Kingdom and he peeps within the Vail as Moses who had a sight of Canaan though he did not enter into it so the heavenly Christian hath a sight of heaven though he be not yet entred into it 2. Are we heavenly in our Affections do we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 set our Affections on the Kingdom of Heaven Col. 3.2 If we are heavenly we despise all things below in comparison of the Kingdom of God We look upon the World but as a beautiful Prison and we cannot be much in love with our Fetters though they are made of Gold our heart is in Heaven A Stranger may be in a Forreign Land to gather up his Debts owing him but he desires to be in his own Kingdom and Nation so we are here a while as in a strange Land but our desire is chiefly after the Kingdom of Heaven where we shall be for ever The World is the Place of a Saints Abode not of his Delight is it thus with us Do we like the Patriarks of old desire a better Country Heb. 11.16 This is the temper of a true Saint his Affections are set on the Kingdom of God his Anchor is cast in Heaven and he is carried thither with the Sails of Desire 3. Are we heavenly in our Speeches Christ after his Resurrection did speak of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God Act. 1.3 Are our Tongues tuned to the Language of the heavenly Canaan Mal. 3.16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often to one another Do you in your visits season your discourses with Heaven There are many say they hope they shall be saved but you shall never hear them speak of the Kingdom of Heaven perhaps of their Wares and Drugs or of some rich Purchase they have got but nothing of the Kingdom Can Men travel together in a Journey and not speak of the Place they are travelling to are you Travelers for Heaven and never speak a word of the Kingdom you are travelling to Herein many discover they do not belong to Heaven for you shall never hear a good Word come from them Verba sunt speculum Mentis Bern. The Words are the Looking-glass of the Mind they show what the Heart is 4. Are we heavenly in our Trading Is our Traffick and Merchandize in Heaven Do we trade in the heavenly Kingdom by Faith A Man may live in one place and trade in another he may live in Ireland and trade in the West-Indies so do we trade in the heavenly Kingdom They shall never go to heaven when they dye who do not trade in Heaven while they live Do we send up to Heaven Vollies of Sighs and Groans Do we send forth the Ship of Prayer thither which fetcheth in Returns of Mercy Is our Communion with the Father and his Son Jesus 1 Iohn 1.3 Phil. 3.20 5. Are our Lives heavenly Do we live as if we had seen the Lord with Bodily eyes Do we aemulate and imitate the Angels in Sanctity Do we labour to copy out Christs Life in ours 1 Iohn 2.6 'T was a custom among the Macedonians on Alexanders Birth day to wear his Picture about their Necks set with Pearl and Diamond Do we carry Christs Picture about us and resemble him in the Heavenliness of our Conversation If we are thus heavenly then we shall go to the kingdom of Heaven when we dye and truly there is a great deal of Reason why we should be thus Heavenly in our Thoughts Affections Conversation if we consider 1. The main end why God hath given us our Souls is that we may mind the kingdom of Heaven Our Souls are of a Noble Extraction they are akin to Angels a Glass of the Trinity as Plato speaks Now is it rational to imagine that God would have breathed into us such noble Souls only to look after sensual Objects Were such bright Stars made only to shoot into the Earth Were these immortal Souls made only to seek after dying Comforts Had this been only the end of our Creation to eat and drink and converse with Earthly Objects worse Souls would have served us Sensitive Souls had been good enough for us what need our Souls be rational and divine to do only that work which a Beast may do 2. Great reason we should be heavenly in our Thoughts Affections Conversation if we consider what a blessed kingdom Heaven is it is beyond all Hyperbole Earthly Kingdoms do scarce deserve the Names of Cottages compared with it We read of an Angel coming down from heaven who did tread with his Right Foot upon the Sea and with his Left on the Earth Rev. 10.2 Had we but once been in the heavenly kingdom and viewed the superlative glory of it how might we in an holy scorn trample with one Foot upon
would not come short of this Heavenly Kingdom let us be much in the exercise of Self-denyal Matth. 16.24 If any man will come after me let him deny himself He who would go to Heaven must deny self-righteousness Cavendum est a propria justitia Phil. 3.9 That I may be found in him not having my own righteousness The Spider weaves a web out of her own Bowels an Hypocrite would spin a web of Salvation out of his own Righteousness We must deny our Civility in point of Justification Civility is a good staff to walk with among Men but it is a bad ladder to climb up to Heaven We must deny our holy things in point of Justification Alas how are our Duties checkered with Sin Put Gold in the fire and there comes out dross our most golden services are mixed with unbelief Deny self-righteousness use Duty but trust to Christ. Noahs Dove made use of her wings to fly but trusted to the Ark for safety Let Duties have your diligence but not your confidence Self-denyal is via ad regnum there is no getting into Heaven but through this strait gate of self-denyal 2. The second means for the obtaining of the Kingdom is serious Consideration Most Men fall short of Heaven for want of Consideration 1. Consideration We should often consider what a Kingdom Heaven is 'T is called Regnum paratum a Kingdom prepared Matth. 25.34 which implyes something that is rare and excellent God hath prepared in his Kingdom such things as eye hath not seen nor ear heard 1 Cor. 2.9 Heaven is beyond all hyperbole In particular in this Coelestial Kingdom are two things 1. A stately Pallace 2. A Royal Feast 1. A stately Pallace 1. It is large and hath several stories for the dimensions of it it is twelve thousand furlongs Rev. 21.15 or as it is in some Greek Copies twelve times twelve thousand furlongs a finite number put for an infinite no Arithmetician can number these furlongs Though there be an innumerable company of Saints and Angels in Heaven yet there is infinitely enough room to receive them 2. The Pallace of this Kingdom is lucid and transparent 't is adorned with light 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The light is sweet Hell is a dark dungeon but the Pallace above is bespangled with light Col. 1.12 Such illustrious beams of Glory shine from God as shed a brightness and splendour upon the Empyrean Heaven 3. This Pallace of the Kingdom is well scituated for a good Air and a pleasant prospect There is the best Air which is perfumed with the odours of Christs Oyntments and a most pleasant prospect of the bright Morning-Star 4. The Pallace is rich and sumptuous it hath Gates of Pearl Rev. 21.21 it is enriched with white Robes and Crowns of Glory and this Pallace never falls to decay and the dwellers in it never dye Rev. 22.5 They shall reign for ever and ever 2. A Royal Feast It is called The marriage supper of the lamb Rev. 19.9 which Bullinger and Gregory the great understand of the magnificent Supper prepared in the Kingdom of Heaven A Glorious Feast it will be in respect of the Founder God the Glorified Saints shall feast their eyes with Gods Beauty and their hearts with his Love a delicious Feast it will be in respect of the festivity and holy Mirth What Joy when there shall be the Anthems and Triumphs of Glorified Spirits when Saints and Angels shall twist together in an inseparable union of Love and lye in each others sweet embraces a Royal Banquet it shall be where there is no surfeit because continually a fresh course served in The serious Consideration what a Kingdom Heaven is would be a means to quicken our endeavour in the pursuit after it What causeth Men to make Voyages to the Indies but the consideration of the Gold and Spices which are to be had there did we survey and contemplate the Glory of Heaven we should soon take a Voyage and never leave till we had arrived at the Coelestial Kingdom 2. Consideration How it will trouble you if you should perish to think you came short of Heaven for want of a little more pains The Prophet Elisha bid the King of Israel smite the ground six times and he smote but thrice and stayed 2 Kings 13.19 and he lost many Victories by it So when a Man shall think thus I did something in Religion but did not do enough I prayed but it was coldly I did not put coals to the Incense I heard the Word but did not meditate on it I did not chew the end I smote but thrice and I should have smitten six times had I taken a little more pains I had been happy but I have lost the Kingdom of Heaven by short shooting The consideration how terrible the thoughts of this will be that we should lose Heaven for want of a little more pains will be a means to spur on our sluggish hearts and make us more diligent to get the Kingdom 3. The third means for the obtaining this Kingdom is to keep up Daily Prayer Psal. 109.4 I give my self to Prayer Prayer inflames the affections and oyls the wheels of the endeavour Prayer prevails with God it unlocks his Bowels and then he unlocks Heaven all that have got to Heaven have crept thither upon their knees The Saints now in Heaven have been Men of Prayer Daniel prayed three times a day Iacob wrestled with God in Prayer and as a Prince prevailed this Prayer must be fervent else it is thuribulum sine prunis as Luther a Golden Censer without Fire O follow God with Prayers and Tears say as Iacob to the Angel Gen. 32.26 I will not let thee go except thou bless me Prayer vincit invincibilem Luther it conquers the Omnipotent Elijah by Prayer opened Heaven by ardent and constant Prayer Heaven is at last opened to us 4. If you would obtain the Heavenly Kingdom get a love to Heaven Love puts a Man upon the use of all means to enjoy the thing loved He that loves the World how active is he he will break his sleep and peace for it he that loves Honour what hazards will he run he will swim to the crown in Blood Iacob loved Rachel and what would not he do though it were serving a two seven years Apprenticeship for obtaining her Love carries a Man out violently to the Object loved Love is like Wings to the Bird like Sails to the Ship it carries a Christian full sail to Heaven Heaven is a place of Rest and Joy 't is Paradise and will you not love it Love Heaven and you cannot miss it Love breaks through all opposition it takes heaven by storm Love though it labour is never weary it is like the Rod of Myrtle in the Travellers hand which makes him fresh and lively in his travel and keeps him from being weary 5. If you would obtain the Kingdom of Heaven make Religion your business What a Man looks upon as
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a thing by the by he doth not much mind If ever we would have Heaven we must look upon it as our main concern Other things do but concern our livelyhood this concerns our Salvation then we make Religion our business when we wholly devote our selves to Gods service Psal. 139.18 we count those the best hours which are spent with God we give God the cream of our affections the flower of our time and strength we traffique in Heaven every day we are Merchants for the Pearl of price He will never get an Estate who doth not mind his Trade he will never get heaven who doth not make Religion his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his main business 6. If you would obtain the Kingdom of Heaven bind your hearts to God by sacred Vowes Vow to the Lord that by his Grace you will be more intent upon heaven than ever Psal. 56.12 Thy vowes are upon me O God A Vow binds the Votary to Duty he looks upon himself as obliged by his Vow to cleave to God Bees when they fly in a great Wind ballast themselves with little stones that they may not be carried away with the Wind so we must fortifie our selves with strong Vowes that we may not be carried away from God with the violent wind of temptation No question a Christian may make such a Vow because the ground of it is Morally good he vowes nothing but what he is bound to do by vertue of his Baptismal Vow namely to walk with God more closely and to pursue heaven more vigorously 7. If you would obtain the Kingdom embrace all seasons and opportunities for your Souls Eph. 5.15 Redeeming the time Opportunity is the cream of time the improving the seasons of Grace is as much as our Salvation is worth The Marriner by taking the present season while the Wind blowes gets to the haven by taking the season while we have the means of Grace and the wind of the Spirit blowes we may arrive at the Kingdom of heaven We know not how long we shall enjoy the Gospel the seasons of Grace like Noahs Dove come with an Olive-branch in their mouth but they soon take Wings and fly Though they are sweet yet swift God may remove the Golden Candlestick from us as he did from the Churches of Asia We have many sad symptoms Gray hairs are here and there upon us Hos. 7.9 therefore let us lay hold upon the present season they that sleep in Seed-time will beg in Harvest 8. If you would go to the Kingdom of Heaven you must excubias agere keep a daily Watch Mark 13.37 I say unto all watch Many have lost Heaven for want of watchfulness Our hearts are ready to decoy us into sin and the Devil lyes in ambush by his temptations we must every day set a spy and keep centinel in our Souls Hab. 2.1 I will stand upon my watch 1. We must watch our Eyes Iob 31.1 I made a covenant with my eyes Much Sin comes in by the eye When Eve saw the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes then she took Gen. 3.6 First she looked and then she lusted the eye by beholding an impure Object sets the heart on fire the Devil oft creeps in at the window of the eye Watch your eyes 2. Watch your Ear. Much Poyson is conveyed through the ear Let your ear be open to God and shut to Sin 3. Watch your Hearts We watch suspicious persons The heart is deceitful Ier. 17.9 Watch your heart 1. When you are about holy things it will be stealing out to vanity When I am at Prayer saith S. Hierom Aut per porticum deambulo aut de foenore computo either I am walking through Galleries or casting up Accompts 2. Watch your heart when you are in Company The Basilisk poysons the herbs he breaths on the breath of the wicked is infectious Nay watch your hearts when you are in good Company such as have some good in them yet may be some grains too light they may have much levity of Discourse and if no scum boils up yet too much froth The Devil is subtle and he can as well creep into the Dove as he did once into the Serpent Satan tempted Christ by an Apostle 3. Watch your hearts in Prosperity now you are in danger of Pride The higher the Water of the Thames riseth the higher the Boat is lifted up the higher that Mens Estates rise the higher their Hearts are lifted up in Pride In Prosperity you are in danger not only to forget God but to lift up the heel against him Deut. 32.15 Iesurun waxed fat and kicked It is hard to carry a full Cup without spilling and to carry a full prosperous Estate without sinning Turpi fregerunt saecula luxu divitiae molles Sen. Trag. Sampson fell asleep in Dalilahs lap many have fallen so fast asleep in the lap of Prosperity that they have never awaked till they have been in Hell 4. Watch your hearts after holy Duties When Christ had been Praying and Fasting then the Devil tempted him Mat. 4.23 After our combating with Satan in Prayer we are apt to grow secure and put our Spiritual Armour off and then the Devil falls on and wounds us O if you would get Heaven be alwayes upon your Watch-tower set a spy keep close centinel in your Souls Who would not watch when it is for a Kingdom 9. If you would arrive at the Heavenly Kingdom get those three Graces which will undoubtedly bring you thither 1. Divine Knowledge There 's no going to Heaven blindfold In the Creation Light was the first thing which was made so 't is in the new Creation Knowledge is the Pillar of Fire which goes before us and lights us into the Heavenly Kingdom 'T is light must bring us to the inheritance in light Col. 1.12 2 Faith Faith ends in Salvation 1 Pet. 1.9 Receiving the end of your faith Salvation He who believes is as sure to go to Heaven as if he were in Heaven already Acts 16.31 Faith toucheth Christ and can he miss of Heaven who toucheth Christ Faith unites to Christ and shall not the Members be where the Head is All have not the same degree of Faith we must distinguish between the direct act of Faith and the reflex act Affiance and Assurance yet the least seed and spark of Faith gives an undoubted title to the Heavenly Kingdom I am justified because I believe not because I know I believe 3. Love to God Heaven is prepared for those that love God 1 Cor. 2.9 Love is the Soul of Obedience the Touchstone of Sincerity By our loving God we may know he loves us 1 Iohn 4.19 and those whom God loves he will lay in his bosom Ambrose in his Funeral Oration for Theodosius brings in the Angels hovering about his departing Soul and being ready to carry it to Heaven asked him What that Grace was he had practised most upon Earth Theodosius
replyed Dilexi dilexi I have loved I have loved and strait-way he was by a convoy of Angels translated to Glory Love is a sacred Fire kindled in the breast in the flames of this Fire the devout Soul ascends to Heaven 10. If we would obtain this Heavenly Kingdom let us labour for Sincerity Prov. 28.18 Whosoever walketh uprightly shall be saved The sincere Christian may fall short of some degrees of Grace but he never falls short of the Kingdom God will pass by many failings where the heart is right Numb 23.21 True Gold though it be light hath grains of allowance Psal. 51.6 Thou desirest truth in the inward parts Sincerity is the sauce which seasons all our Actions and makes them savoury it is the ingredient into every Grace It is called Faith unfeigned 2 Tim. 1.5 and Love 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in sincerity Eph. 6.24 Coyn will not go currant that wants the Kings stamp Grace is not currant if it be not stamped with Sincerity Glorious Duties sowred with Hypocrisie are rejected when great Infirmities sweetned with Sincerity are accepted If any thing in the World bring us to Heaven it is Sincerity Sincerity signifies plainness of heart Psal. 32.2 In whose Spirit there is no guile The plainer the Diamond is the richer 1. Sincerity is when we serve God with our heart we do not only worship him but love him Cain brought his Sacrifice but not his Heart This is Gods delight a Sacrifice flaming upon the Altar of the Heart A sincere Christian though he hath a double principle in him Flesh and Spirit yet he hath not a double heart his heart is for God 2. Sincerity is when we aim purely at God in all we do The Glory of God is more worth than the Salvation of all Mens Souls A sincere Christian though he comes short in Duty yet he takes a right aim As the herb Heliotropium turns about according to the motion of the Sun so a Godly Mans actions do all move towards the Glory of God 11. If we would obtain the Heavenly Kingdom let us keep up fervency in Duty What is a dead form without the power Rev. 3.16 Because thou art luke-warm neither hot nor cold I will spue thee out of my mouth Fervency puts life into Duty Rom. 12.11 Fervent in Spirit serving God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Boyling over Christ prayed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet more earnestly Luke 22.44 When the Fire on the Golden Censer was ready to go out Aaron was to put more Coals to the Incense Praying with Devotion is putting more Coals to the Incense 't is not Formality but Fervency will bring us to Heaven The Formalist is like Ephraim a Cake not turned hot on one side and dough on the other In the external part of Gods Worship he seems to be hot but as for the Spiritual part of Gods Worship he is cold Oh if you would have the Kingdom of Heaven keep up heat and fervour in Duty Eliah was carried up to Heaven in a fiery Chariot if you would go to Heaven you must be carried thither in a fiery Chariot of Zeal 'T is violence takes the Kingdom of Heaven 12. If we would arrive at the Heavenly Kingdom let us cherish the motions of Gods Spirit in our hearts The Marriner may spread his Sails but the Ship cannot get to the Haven without a gale of Wind so we may spread the sails of our endeavour but we cannot get to the Haven of Glory without the North and South-wind of Gods Spirit blow how nearly therefore doth it concern us to make much of the motions of Gods Spirit motions to Prayer motions to Repentance 2 Sam. 5.24 When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry-trees that then thou shalt bestir thy self for then shall the Lord go out before thee So when we hear as it were a voice within us a secret inspiration stirring us up to good Duties we should then bestir our selves while the Spirit works in us we should work with the Spirit Many Men have Gods Spirit striving with them he puts good motions in their hearts and holy purposes but they neglecting to prosecute these good motions the Spirit is thereby grieved and being grieved withdraws its assistance and that assistance being gone there is no getting to Heaven Oh make much of the motions of the Spirit it is as much as your Salvation is worth The Spirit of God is compared to fire Acts 2.2 if we are careful to blow this spark we may have fire to inflame our affections and to light our feet into the way of peace If we quench the Spirit by our neglecting and resisting its motions we cut our selves off from Salvation The Spirit of God hath a drawing-power Cant. 1.4 The Blessed Spirit draws by attraction as the Loadstone the Iron In the preaching of the Word the Spirit draws the heart up to Heaven in holy longings and ejaculations Now when the Spirit is about thus to draw us let us take heed of drawing back left it be to perdition Heb. 10. We should do as Noah when the Dove came flying to the Ark he put forth his hand and took it into the Ark so when this sweet Dove of Gods Spirit comes flying to our hearts and brings a gracious impulse as an Olive-branch of Peace in its mouth O take this Dove into the Ark entertain the Spirit in your hearts and it will bring you to Heaven Quest. But how shall we know the motions of the Spirit from a delusion Answ. The motions of the Spirit are alwayes agreeable to the Word If the Word be for Holiness so is the Spirit The Spirit perswades to nothing but what the Word directs which way the tyde of the Word runs that way the Wind of the Spirit blows 13. We obtain the Kingdom of Heaven by uniform and chearful Obedience Obedience is the Road through which we travail to Heaven many say they love God but refuse to obey him doth he love the Princes Person who slights his Commands 1. Obedience must be uniform Psal. 119.6 Then shall I not be ashamed Lo Eboth I shall not blush when I have respect to all thy Commandments as the Son goes through all the signs of the Zodiack so must we through all the duties of Religion If a Man be to go an hundred Miles and he goes ninety nine Miles and there stops he comes short of the Place he is to travel to if with Herod we do many things that God commands yet if we lye in the total neglect of any duty we come short of the Kingdom of Heaven for Instance If a Man seem to make Conscience of duties of the first Table and not the duties of the second if he seem to be religious but is not just he is a Transgressor and is in danger to lose Heaven a good heart is like the Needle which points that way which the Loadstone draws so he moves that way which the Word
may give his Soldier Armour but not strength Faith partakes of Christs strength and Faith gets strength from the promise as the Child by sucking the Breast gets strength so doth Faith by sucking the Breast of the Promise hence Faith is such a wonder working Grace and enables a Christian to persevere 3. If you would hold out to the Kingdom set before your Eyes the Examples of those Noble Heroick Saints who have persevered to the Kingdom Vivitur Exemplis Examples have more influence upon us then Precepts Iob 23.11 12. My Foot hath held his steps Though the way of Religion hath Flints and Thorns in it yet my Foot hath held his steps I have not fainted in the way nor turn'd out of the way Daniel held on his Religion and would not intermit Prayer though he knew the writing was signed against him and a Prayer might cost him his life Dan. 6.10 The blessed Martyrs persevered to the Kingdom through Sufferings Saunders that holy Man said Welcome the Cross of Christ my Saviour began to me in a bitter Cup and shall I not pledge him Another Martyr kissing the Stake said I shall not lose my Life but change it for a better instead of Coals I shall have Pearls What a spirit of gallantry was in these Saints let us learn Constancy from their Courage A Souldier seeing his General fight valiantly is animated by his Example and hath new Spirits put into him 4. Let us add fervent Prayer to God that he would inable us to hold out to the Heavenly Kingdom Psal. 119.117 Hold thou me up and I shall be safe Let us not presume on our own strength When Peter cryed to Christ on the water Lord save me then Christ took him by the hand Matth. 14.30 but when he grew confident of his own strength then Christ let him fall O pray to God for auxiliary Grace The Child is safe when held in the Nurses armes so are we in Christs armes Let us pray that God will put his fear in our hearts that we do not depart from him and that Prayer of Cyprian Domine quod caepisti perfice ne in portu naufragium accidat Lord perfect that which thou hast begun in me that I may not suffer shipwrack when I am almost at the haven 3. Branch Let us press forward with the greatest diligence to this Kingdom And here let me lay down some powerful Perswasives or Divine Arguments to make you put to all your strength for the obtaining this blessed Kingdom 1. This is the great errand for which God hath sent us into the World to prepare for this Heavenly Kingdom Matth. 6.33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God First in time before all things and first in affection above all things Great care is taken for the atchieving Worldly things Matth. 6.25 To see people labouring for the earth as Ants about a Molehill would make one think this were the only errand they came about But alas what is all this to the Kingdom of Heaven I have read of a devout Pilgrim travelling to Ierusalem who passing through several Cities where he saw many stately Edifices Ware and Monuments he would say I must not stay here this is not Jerusalem So when we enjoy Worldly things Peace and Plenty and have our presses burst out with new Wine we should say to our selves this is not the Kingdom we are to look after this is not Heaven 'T is Wisdom to remember our errand It will be but sad upon a Death-bed for a Man to think he was busying himself only about trifles playing with a feather and neglected the main thing he came into the World about 2. The seeking after the Heavenly Kingdom will be judged most prudent by all Men at last Those who are regardless of their Souls now will before they dye wish they had minded Eternity more when Conscience is awakened and Men begin to come to themselves Now what would they give for the Kingdom of Heaven How happy were it if Men were of the same mind now as they will be at Death Death will alter Mens opinions then those who did most slight and disparage the wayes of Religion will wish their time and thoughts had been taken up about the excellent Glory At Death Mens eyes will be opened and they will see their folly when it is too late If all Men even the worst will wish at last they had minded the Kingdom of Heaven why should not we do that now which all will wish they had done when they come to dye 3. This Kingdom of Heaven deserves our utmost pains and diligence it is Glorious beyond Hyperbole Suppose Earthly Kingdoms more magnificent than they are their Foundations of Gold their Walls of Pearl their Windows of Sapphire yet they are not comparable to the Heavenly Kingdom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. If the Pavement of it be bespangled with so many bright shining Lights glorious Stars what is the Kingdom it self 1 Iohn 3.2 It doth not yet appear what we shall be This Kingdom exceeds our Faith How sublime and wonderful is that place where the blessed Deity shines forth in his immense Glory infinitely beyond the comprehension of Angels 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is a place of Honour there are the glorious Triumphs and sparkling Crowns In other Kingdoms there is but one King but in Heaven all are Kings Rev. 1.6 Every Saint glorified partaker of the same Glory as Christ doth Iohn 17.22 The glory thou hast given me I have given them 2. This Kingdom is a place of Joy Matth. 25.21 Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. To have a continual aspect of Love from Gods face to be crowned with Immortality to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels of God to drink of the Rivers of Pleasure for ever this will cause Raptures of Joy Sure it deserves our utmost pains in pursuing and securing this Kingdom Iulius Caesar coming towards Rome with his Army and hearing the Senate and People fled from it said They that will not fight for this City what City will they fight for If we will not take pains for the Kingdom of Heaven what Kingdom will we take pains for It was the speech of the Spies to their Brethren Iudg. 18.9 We have seen the land and behold it is very good and are ye still be not slothful to go and to enter to possess the land We have had a lively description of the Glory of Heaven we find the Kingdom is very good why then do we sit still Why do we not operam navare put forth our utmost zeal and industry for this Kingdom The diligence of others in seeking after Earthly Kingdoms shames our coldness and indifferency in pursuing after the Kingdom of Heaven 4. The time we have to make sure of the Heavenly Kingdom is very short and uncertain take heed it doth not slip away before you have prepared for the Kingdom Time passeth on apace Cito pede praeterita vita
It will not be long before the silver cord be loosed and the golden bowl broken Eccles. 12. The skin wherein the Brains are inclosed as in a bowl this golden bowl will soon be broken Our Soul is in our Body as the Bird is in the Shell which soon breaks and the Bird flyes out the Shell of the Body breaking the Soul flyes into Eternity We know not whether we shall live to another Sabbath Before we hear another Sermon-bell go our Passing-bell may go Our Life runs as a swift stream into the ocean of Eternity Brethren if our Time be so minute and transient if the taper of Life be so soon wasted or perhaps blown out by violent death how should we put to all our strength and call in help from Heaven that we may obtain the Kingdom of Glory If time be so short why do we wast it about things of less moment and neglect the one thing needful which is the Kingdom of Heaven A Man that hath a great work to be done and but one day for the doing of it had need work hard We have a great work to do we are striving for a Kingdom and alas we are not certain of one day to work in therefore what need have we to bestir our selves and what we do for Heaven to do it with all our might 5. To excite our diligence let us consider how inexcusable we shall be if we miss of the Kingdom of Heaven who have had such helps for Heaven as we have had Indians who have Mines of Gold have not such advantages for Glory as we they have the light of the Sun Moon and Stars and the light of Râ—ason but this is not enough to light them to Heaven But we have had the light of the Gospel shining in our Horizon we have been lifted up to Heaven with Ordinances we have had the Word in season and out of season The Ordinances are the pipes of the Sanctuary which empty the golden Oyl of Grace into the Soul they are scala ParAdisi the Ladder by which we ascend to the Kingdom of Heaven Deut. 4 7. What nation is there so great who hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for We have had Heaven and Hell set before us we have had Counsels of Friends Warnings Examples the Motions and Inspirations of the Holy Ghost how should all these spurs quicken us in our pace to Heaven Should not that Ship sail apace to the Haven which hath Wind and Tide to carry it The Tide of Ordinances and the Wind of the Spirit Surely if we through negligence miss of the Kingdom of Heaven we shall have nothing to say for our selves we shall be as far from excuse as from happiness 6. You cannot do too much for the Kingdom of Heaven you cannot pray too much sanctifie the Sabbath too much love God too much you cannot over-do In secular things a Man may labour too hard he may kill himself with working but there is no fear of working too hard for Heaven In virtute non est verendum ne quid nimium sit Seneca The World is apt to censure the Godly as if they were too zealous and did over-strain themselves in Religion Indeed a Man may follow the World too much he may make too much hast to be rich The Ferry-man may take in too many Passengers into his Boat to the sinking of his Boat so a Man may heap up so much Gold and Silver as to sink himself in Perdition 1 Tim. 6.9 but one cannot be too earnest and zealous for the Kingdom of Heaven there is no fear of excess here when we do all we can for Heaven we come short of the Golden Rule set us and of Christs Golden Pattern when our Faith is highest like the Sun in the Meridian yet still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is something lacking in our Faith 1 Thess. 3.1 so that all our labour for the Kingdom is little enough When a Christian hath done his best yet still he hath sins and wants to bewail 7 By this you may judge of the state of your Souls whether you have Grace or no by your earnest pursuit after the Heavenly Kingdom Grace infuseth a Spirit of activity into a person Grace doth not lye dormant in the Soul 't is not a sleepy habit but it makes a Christian like a Seraphim swift and winged in his Heavenly motion Grace is like fire it makes one burn in love to God and the more he loves him the more he presseth forward to Heaven where he may fully enjoy him Hope is an active Grace 't is called a lively hope 1 Pet. 1.3 hope is like the spring in the Watch it sets all the wheels of the Soul a running Hope of a Crop makes the Husbandman sow his seed hope of Victory makes the Souldier fight and a true hope of Glory makes a Christian vigorously pursue Glory Here is a Spiritual Touchstone to try our Grace by If we have the anointing of the Spirit it will oyl the wheels of our endeavour and make us lively in our pursuit after the Heavenly Kingdom No sooner had Paul Grace infused but presently Behold he prayes Acts 9.11 The Affections are by Divines called the Feet of the Soul if these Feet move not towards Heaven it is because there is no Life 8. Your labour for Heaven is not lost Perhaps you may think it is in vain that you have served God but know that your pains is not lost The Seed is cast into the Earth and it dyes yet at last it brings forth a plentiful Crop so your labours seem to be fruitless but at last they bring you to a Kingdom Who would not work hard for one hour when for that hours work he shâ—uld be a King as long as he lived And let me tell you the more labour you have put forth for the Kingdom of Heaven the more degrees of Glory you shall have As there are degrees of Torment in Hell Matth. 23.14 so of Glory in Heaven As one Star differs from another in Glory so shall one Saint 1 Cor. 15.41 Though every Vessel of Mercy shall be full yet one Vessel may hold morâ— than another Such as have done more work for God shall have more Glory in the Heavenly Kingdom Could we hear thâ— Saints departed speaking to us from Heaven sure they would speak after this manner Were we to leave Heaven a while and live on the Earth again we would do God a thousand times more service than ever we did we would pray with more Life act with more Zeal for now we see the more hath been our labour the greater is our reward in Heaven 9. While we are labouring for the Kingdom God will help us Ezek. 36.27 I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes The Promise encourageth us and Gods Spirit inableth us A Master gives his Servant work to
motion was reckoned among the unclean Lev. 11.30 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom Prov. 19.24 he is loath to pull it out though it be to lay hold on a Crown Non capit porta illa Caelestis torpore languidos Brugens The Devil himself cannot be charged with idleness 1 Pet. 5.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He walketh about An idle Soul stands in the World for a cypher and God writes down no cyphers in the Book of Life Heaven is no hive for Drones an idle person is fit for a temptation When the Bird sits still upon the bough then it is in danger of the gun one sits still in sloath then the Devil shoots him with a temptation standing water putrifies Heathens will rise up in Judgment against supine Christians What pains did they take in the Olympick Games they ran but for a Garland of Flowers or Olive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Chrysâ—stom and do we sit still who run for a Kingdom How can he expect a Reward that never works or a Crown that never fights Inertia animae somnus sloath is the Souls sleep Adam when he was asleep lost his Rib and when a person is in the deep sleep of sloath he loseth Salvation 16. Holy activity and industry doth enoble a Christian Labor splendore decoratur Cicero The more excellent any thing is the more active The Sun is a glorious Creature it is ever in motion going its circuit Fire is the purest Element and the most active 't is ever sparkling and flaming The Angels are the most Noble Creatures they are represented by the Cherubims with Wings displayed The more active for Heaven the more illustrious and the more do we resemble the Angels The Phenix flyes with a Coronet on its head the industrious Soul hath his Coronet his labour is his ensign of honour 17. It is Mercy that there is a possibility of Happiness and that upon our pains taking we may have a Kingdom by our Fall in Adam we forfeited Heaven why might not God have dealt with us as with the lapsed Angels they had no sooner sinned but were expell'd Heaven never to come thither more we may say as the Apostle Rom. 11.22 Behold the Goodness and severity of God To the Apostate Angels behold the severity of God that he should throw them down to Hell for ever to us behold the goodness of God that he hath put us into a possibility of Mercy and if we do but take pains there is a Kingdom stands ready for us how may this whet and sharpen our Industry that we are in a Capacity of Salvation and if we do but what we are able we shall receive an eternal weight of Glory 18. Our labour for the Kingdom of Heaven is minute and transient it is not to last long our labour expires with our life 't is but a while and we shall leave off working for a little labour an eternal Rest Who would think much to wade through a little water that were sure to be crowned as soon as he came at shore Christians let this encourage you you have but a little more pains to take a few Tears more shed a few more Sabbaths kept and behold an Eternal Recompence of Reward what are a few Tears to a Crown a few Minutes of time to an Eternity of Glory 19. What striving is there for earthly Kingdoms which are corruptible and subject to change With what Vigour and Alacrity did Hannibal's Soldiers continue their March over the Alps and craggy Rocks and Caesars Soldiers fight with Hunger and Cold. Men will break through Laws and Oaths they will swim to the Crown in Blood will they venture thus for earthly Promotions and shall not we strive more for an Heavenly Kingdom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost. This is a Kingdom which cannot be shaken Heb. 12.28 A Kingdom where there is unparallel'd Beauty unstained Honour unmixed joy a Kingdom where there shall be nothing present which we could wish were removed nor nothing absent which we could wish were enjoyed Sure if there be any Spark of Grace or true Generosity in our Breasts we will not suffer our selves to be out-striven by others we will not let them take more pains for earthly Honours then we do for that excellent Glory which will crown all our desires 20. How much pains do some Men take to go to Hell and shall not we take more pains to go to Heaven Ier. 9.5 They weary themselves to commit Iniquity Sinners hackny themselves out in the Devils Service What Pains do some Men take to satisfy their unclean Lusts they wast their Estates wear the shameful marks of their sin about them they will visit the Harlots house though it stands the next door to hell Prov. 7.27 Her house is the way to Hell What pains do others take in persecuting Holiness is the white they shoot at 'T is said of Antiochus Epiphanes he undertook more tedious Journies and went upon greater hazards to vex and oppose the Iews then any of his Predecessors had done in getting of Victories The Devil blows the horn and Men ride Posâ— to hell as if they feared hell would be full ere they could get thither When Satan had entred into Iudas how active was Iudas he goes to the High Priests from them to the Band of Soldiers and with them back again to the Garden and never left till he had betrayed Christ How industrious were the idolatrous Iews so fiercely were they bent upon their sin that they would sacrifice their Sons and Daughters to their Idol Gods Ier. 32.35 Do Men take all this Pains for hell and shall not we take pains for the Kingdom of Heaven The wicked have nothing to encourage them in their Sins they have all the threatenings of God as a flaming Sword against them O let it never be said that the Devils Servants are more active then Christs that they serve him better who rewards them only with Fire and Brimstone then we do God who rewards us with a Kingdom 21. The labour we take for Heaven is a labour full of pleasure Prov. 3.17 A Man sweats at his Recreation tires himself with hunting but there is a delight he takes in it which sweetens it Rom. 7.22 I delight in the Law of God in the inner Man Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I take pleasure Not only is the Kingdom of Heaven delightful but the way thither What delight hath a gracious Soul in Prayer Isa. 56.7 I will make them joyful in my house of Prayer While a Christian weeps there is joy drops with Tears while he is musing on God he hath such illapses of the Spirit and as it were such Transfigurations of Soul that he thinks himself half in Heaven Psal. 63.5 6. My Soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and my Mouth shall praise thee with joyful Lips when I remember thee upon my Bed c. A Christians work for Heaven is like a Bridegrooms work
after appear in an Eclipse to them 2. The Meditation of the heavenly Kingdom would much promote holiness in us Heaven is an holy place 1 Pet. 1.4 an Inheritance undefiled 't is described by Transparent Glass to denote its Purity Rev. 21.21 The contemplating heaven would put us upon the study of holiness because none but such are admitted into that kingdom Heaven is not like Noah's Ark into which came clean Beasts and unclean only the pure in heart shall see God Mat. 5.8 3. The Meditation of the heavenly Kingdom would be a Spur to diligence immensum Gloria Calcar habet 1 Cor. 15.58 alwaies abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your Labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. When the Mariner sees the haven he plies it harder with his Oars when we have a sight and prospect of Glory it would make us much in Prayer alms watching it would add wings to duty and make the Lamp of our Devotion burn brighter 2. If you have hopes of this Kingdom be content though you have but a little of the World Contentment is a rare thing 't is a Jewel that but few Christians wear but if you have a grounded hope of heaven it may work your heart to Contentation what though you have but little in Possession you have a Kingdom in Reversion Were you to take an estimate of a Mans Estate how would you value it by what he hath in his house or by his Land perhaps he hath little Money or Jewels in his house but he is a Landed Man there lies his Estate A Believer hath but little Oyl in the Cruse and Meal in the Barrel but he is a landed Man he hath a Title to a Kingdom and may not this satisfy him If a Man who lived here in England had a great Estate befallen him beyond the Seas and perhaps had no more Money at present but just to pay for his Voyage he is content he knows when he comes to his Estate he shall have Money enough Thou who art a Believer hast a Kingdom befallen thee though thou hast but little in thy Purse yet if thou hast enough to pay for thy Voyage enough to bear thy Charges to heaven it is sufficient God hath given thee Grace which is the Fore Crop and will give thee Glory which is the After-Crop and may not this make thee content 3. Branch If you have hope of this blessed Kingdom pray often for the coming of this glorious Kingdom Thy Kingdom come Only Believers can pray heartily for the hastening of the Kingdom of Glory 1. They cannot pray that Christs kingdom of Glory may come who never had the kingdom of Grace set up in their Hearts Can the guilty Prisoner pray that the Assisâ—s may come 2. They cannot pray heartily that Christs kingdom of Glory may come who are Lovers of the World they have found Paradise they are in their kingdom already this is their heaven and they desire to hear of no other they are of his mind who said if he might keep his Cardinalship in Paris he would lose his part in Paradise 3. They cannot pray heartily that Christs kingdom of Glory may come who oâ—â—ose Christs kingdom of Grace who break his Laws which are the Scepter of his kingdom who shoot at those who bear Christs Name and carry his Colours sure these cannot pray that Christs kingdom of Glory may come for then Christ will judge them and if they say this Prayer they are Hypocrites they mean not as they speak But you who have the kingdom of Grace set up in your hearts pray much that the kingdom of Glory may hasten Thy Kingdom come when this kingdom comes then you shall behold Christ in all his embroidered Robes of Glory shining ten thousand times brighter then the Sun in all it's Meridian Splendor When Christs kingdom comes the Bodies of the Saints that slept in the dust shall be raised in honour and made like Christs Glorious Body then shall your Souls like Diamonds sparkle with Holiness you shall never have a sinful thought more you shall be as holy as the Angels you shall be as holy as you would be and as holy as God would have you to be then you shall be in a better state than in Innocency Adam was Created a Glorious Creature but mutable a bright Star but a falling Star but in the Kingdom of Heaven is a fixation of Happiness When Christs Kingdom of Glory comes you shall be rid of all your enemies As Moses said Exod. 14.13 The Egyptians whom you have seen to day you shall see them no more for ever so those enemies who have plough'd on the backs of Gods people and made deep their surrows when Christ shall come in his Glory you shall see these enemies no more All Christs enemies shall be put under his feet 1 Cor. 15.25 and before the wicked be destroyed the Saints shall judge them 1 Cor. 6.2 Know ye not that the Saints shall judge the World This will cut the wicked to the heart that those whom they have formerly scorned and scourged shall sit as Judges upon them and vote with Christ in his judicial proceedings O then well may you pray for the hastening of the Kingdom of Glory Thy Kingdom come 4. Branch If you have any good hope of this blessed Kingdom let this make the colour come in your Faces be of a sanguine chearful temper have you a Title to a Kingdom and sad Rom. 5.2 We rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God Christians the Trumpet is ready to sound an eternal Jubilee is at hand when a freedom from Sin shall be proclaimed your Coronation day is a coming it is but putting off your clothes and laying your head upon a pillow of dust and you shall be inthroned in a Kingdom and invested with the embroidered Robes of Glory Doth not all this call for a chearful Spirit Chearfulness adorns Religion it is a temper of Soul Christ loves Iohn 14.28 If ye loved me ye would rejoyce It makes many suspect Heaven is not so pleasant when they see those that walk thither so sad How doth the heir rejoyce in hope of the Inheritance Who should rejoyce if not a Believer who is heir of the Kingdom and such a Kingdom as eye hath not seen When the Flesh begins to droop let Faith lift up its head and cause an holy jubilation and rejoycing in the Soul 5. Let the Saints long to be in this blessed Kingdom A Prince that travels in Foreign parts doth he not long to be in his own Nation that he may be Crowned The Bride desires the Marriage day Rev. 22.17 The Spirit and the bride say Come Even so come Lord Iesus Sure our unwillingness to go hence shows either the weakness of our Faith in the belief of the Heavenly Kingdom or the strength of our doubtings whether we have an interest in it Were our Title to Heaven more cleared we should need Patience to be
content to stay here any longer Again Our unwillingness to go hence declares we love the World too much and Christ too little Love as Aristotle saith desires Union did we love Christ as we should we would desire to be united to him in Glory when we might take our fill of Love be humbled that we are so unwilling to go hence Let us labour to arrive at that divine temper of Soul as Paul had Cupio dissolvi I desire to depart and be with Christ Phil. 1.23 We are encompassed with a body of sin should not we long to shake off this viper We are in Meseck and the Tents of Kedar in a place where we see God dishonoured should not we desire to have our pass to be gone We are in a valley of Tears is it not better being in a Kingdom Here we are combating with Satan should not we desire to be called out of the bloody field where the bullets of Temptation fly so fast that we may receive a victorious Crown O ye Saints breath after the Heavenly Kingdom Though we should be willing to stay to do service yet we should ambitiously desire to be alwayes sunning our selves in the light of Gods Countenance Think what it will be to be ever with the Lord are there any sweeter smiles or embraces than his Is there any bed so soft as Christs bosom Is there any such joy as to have the golden banner of Christs Love displayed over us Is there any such honour as to sit upon the Throne with Christ Rev. 3.21 O then long for the Caelestial Kingdom 6. Wait for this Kingdom of Glory It is not incongruous or improper to long for Heaven yet wait for it long for it because it is a Kingdom yet wait your Fathers good pleasure God could presently bestow this Kingdom but he sees it good that we should wait a while 1. Had we the Kingdom of Heaven presently assoon as ever Grace is infused then God would lose much of his Glory 1. Where would be our living by Faith which is the Grace that brings in the chief revenues of Glory to God Rom. 4.20 2. Where would be our suffering for God which is a way of honouring him which the Angels in Heaven are not capable of 3. Where would be the active service we are to do for God Would we have God give us a Kingdom and we do nothing for him before we come there Would we have Rest before Labour a Crown before Victory This were disingenuous Paul was content to stay out of Heaven a while that he might be a means to bring others thither Phil. 1.23 â— While we wait for the Kingdom our Glory is increasing Every Duty Religiously performed adds a Jewel to our Crown Do we desire to have our Robes of Glory shine brighter let us wait and work the longer we stay for the Principal the greater will the Interest be The Husbandman waits till the seed spring up Wait for the harvest of Glory Some have their waiting Weeks at Court this is your walting time Christ saith Pray and faint not Luke 18.1 so wait and faint not Be not weary the Kingdom of Heaven will make amends for your waiting I have waited for thy Salvation O Lord said that dying Patriarch Gen. 49.18 VSE V. Comfort to the people of God 1. In all their Sufferings The true Saint is as Luther saith Haeres Crucis heir to the Cross Affliction is his Dyet drink but here is that may be as Bezoar-stone to keep him from fainting these sufferings bring a Kingdom The hope of the Kingdom of Heaven saith Basil should indulcorate and sweeten all our troubles 2 Tim. 2.12 If we suffer we shall reign with him 'T is but a short fight but an eternal triumph this light suffering produceth an eternal weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4.17 1. A weight of Glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Things which are precious the more weighty the more they are worth the more weight is in a Crown of Gold the more it is worth 'T is a weight of Glory 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 An eternal weight of Glory Did this Glory last but a while it would much abate and imbitter the Joyes of Heaven but the Glory of that Kingdom runs parallel with Eternity God will be as a deep Sea of Blessedness and the Glorified Saints shall for ever bathe themselves in that Ocean One dayes wearing the Crown will abundantly pay for all the Saints sufferings how much more then when they shall reign for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 O let this support under all the Calamities and Suffering in this Life What a vast difference is there between a Believers Sufferings and his Reward Rom. 8.18 The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed in us For a few Tears Rivers of Pleasure for Mourning white Robes This made the Primitive Christians laugh at Imprisonment and snatch up Torments as so many Crowns Though now we drink in a Worm-wood Cup here is Sugar in the bottom to sweeten it 'T is your Fathers good pleasure to give you a Kingdom 2. Comfort in Death Here is that which may take away from Gods Children the terrour of Death they are now entring into the Kingdom Indeed no wonder if wicked Men be appal'd and terrified at the approach of Death they dye unpardoned Death carries them to the Goal where they must lye for ever without â—ail or Mainprize But why should any of Gods Children be so scared and half-dead with the thoughts of Death What hurt doth Death do to them but lead them to a Glorious Kingdom Faith gives a Title to Heaven Death a Possession let this be a Gospel-antidote to expel the fear of Death Hilarion that blessed Man cryed out Egredere Anima egredere quid times Go forth my Soul go forth what fearest thou Let them fear Death who do not fear Sin But let not Gods Children be over-much troubled at the grim Face of that Messenger which brings them to the end of their Sorrow and the beginning of their Joy Death is yours 1 Cor. 3.22 it is part of a Believers inventory Is a Prince afraid to cross a narrow Sea who shall be Crowned when he comes to Land Death to the Saints shall be an usher to bring them into the Presence of the King of Glory This puts Lilies and Roses into the ghastly face of Death and makes it look amiable Death brings us to a Crown of Glory which fades not away The day of Death is better to a Believer than the day of his Birth Death is aditus ad Gloriam an entrance into a blessed Eternity Fear not Death but rather let your Hearts revive when you think these ratling wheels of Deaths Chariot are but to carry you home to an everlasting Kingdom MATTH vi 10 Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven WE come next to the Third Petition Thy Will be done in Earth as it
of Gods Will Thy Will be done 3. By doing the Will of God we evidence Sincerity as Christ said in another sense Iohn 10.25 The works which I do bear witness of me So it is not all our golden words if we could speak like Angels but our works our doing of Gods Will which bears witness of our Sincerity We judge not of the health of a Mans Body by his high Colour but by the Pulse of the Arm where the Blood chiefly stirs so a Christians soundness is not to be judged by his Profession what is this high Colour but the estimate of a Christian is to be taken by his Obediential acting his doing the Will of God this is the best Certificate and Letters Testimonial to shew for Heaven 4. Doing Gods Will much propagates the Gospel this is the Diamond that sparkles in Religion Others cannot see what Faith is in the Heart but when they see we do Gods Will on Earth this makes them have a venerable opinion of Religion and become Proselites to it Iulian in one of his Epistles writing to Arsatius saith That the Christian Religion did much flourish by the Sanctity and Obedience of them that professed it 5. By doing Gods Will we show our Love to Christ Iohn 14.21 He that hath my commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me What greater Love to Christ than to do his Will though it cross our own Every one would be thought to love Christ but how shall that be known but by this do you do his Will on Earth Neque principem veneramur si odio ejus Leges habemus Isid. 'T is a vain thing for a Man to say he loves Christs Person when he slights his Commands Not to do Gods Will on Earth is a great evil 't is 1. Sinful 2. Foolish 3. Dangerous 1. It is Sinful 1. We go against our Prayers we pray Fiat voluntas tua thy will be done and yet we do not obey his will we confute our own Prayer 2. VVe go against our Vow in Baptism we have vowed to fight under the Lords Banner to obey his Scepter and this Vow we have oft renewed in the Lords Supper if we do not Gods will on Earth we are forsworn and God will indite us of Perjury 2. Not to do Gods will on Earth is Foolish 1. Because there is no standing it out against God If we do not obey him we cannot resist him 1 Cor. 10. â—2 Are we stronger than he Iob. 40.9 Hast thou an arm like God Canst thou measure Armes with him To oppose God is as if a Child should fight with an Arch-Angel as if an heap of Bryars should put themselves into a battalia against the Flame 2. Not to do Gods will is foolish because if we do not Gods will we do the Devils will Is it not folly to gratifie an enemy To do his will that seeks our ruine Quest. But are any so wicked as to do the Devils will Answ. Yes Iohn 8.44 Ye are of your Father the Devil and the lusts of your Father ye will do VVhen a Man tells a lye doth he not do the Devils will Acts 5.3 Ananias Why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye to the Holy Ghost 3. Not to do Gods Will is dangerous it brings a Spiritual Praemunire If Gods Will be not done by us he will have his will upon us if we obey not Gods will in commanding we shall obey his will in punishing 2 Thess. 1.7 The Lord Iesus shall be revealed with his mighty Angels in flames of fire taking vengeance on them that obey not his gospel Either we must do Gods will or suffer it 6. VVhatever God wills us to do is for our benefit Behold here self-interest As if a King commands his Subject to dig in a Mine of Gold and then gives him all the Gold he hath digged God bids us do his will and this is for our good Deut. 10.13 And now O Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God and keep the commandments of the Lord which I command thee this day for thy good It is Gods will that we should repent and this is for our good Repentance ushers in remission Acts 3.9 Repent that your sins may be blotted out It is Gods will that we should believe and why is it but that we should be crowned with Salvation Mark 16.16 He that believes shall be saved VVhat God wills is not so much our Duty as our Priviledge he bids us obey his voice and it is greatly for our good Ier. 7.23 Obey my voice and I will be your God I will not only give you my Angels to be your guard but my self to be your portion my Spirit shall be yours to sanctifie you my Love shall be yours to comfort you my Mercy shall be yours to save you I will be your God 7. To do Gods will is our Honour A Person thinks it an Honour to have a King speak to him to do such a thing the Angels count it their highest Honour in Heaven to do Gods will Servire Deo regnare est To serve God is to reign Non onerant nos sed ornant Salvian How chearfully did the Rowers row the Barge that carried Caesar to be imployed in his Barge was an Honour to be imployed in doing Gods will is insigne Honoris the highest ensign of Honour that a Mortal Creature is capable of Christs Precepts do not burden us but adorn us 8. To do Gods Will on Earth makes us like Christ and akin to Christ. 1. It makes us like Christ Is it not our Prayer that we may be like Christ. Jesus Christ did his Fathers will Iohn 6.38 I came down from Heaven not to do my own will but the will of him that sent me God the Father and Christ as they have but one Essence so but one VVill Christs will was melted into his Fathers Iohn 4.34 My meat is to do the will of him that sent me By our doing Gods will on Earth we resemble Christ nay we are akin to Christ and are of the Blood-Royal of Heaven Alexander called himself Couzen to the Gods what Honour is it to be akin to Christ. Matth. 12.50 Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in Heaven the same is my Brother and Sister and Mother Did King Solomon arise off his Throne to meet his Mother and set her on a Throne by him 1 Kings 3.19 such Honour will Christ bestow on such as are doers of Gods will he will salute them as his Kindred and set them on a Glorious Throne in the Amphitheatre of Heaven 9. Doing Gods will on Earth brings Peace in Life and Death 1. In Life Psal. 19.11 In keeping thy precepts there is great reward not only after keeping them but in keeping them when we walk closely with God in Obedience there is a secret Joy let into the Soul and how swiftly and chearfully do the wheels of the Soul move
when they are oyled with the Oyl of Gladness 2. Peace in Death VVhen Hezekiah thought he was about to dye what gave him Comfort this that he had done the will of God Isa. 38.3 Remember O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and have done that which is good in thy sight 'T was Augustus his wish that he might have an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an easie Death without much pain If any thing make our pillow easie at Death it will be this we have endeavoured to do Gods will on Earth Did you ever hear any cry out on their Death-bed that they have done Gods will too much no hath it not been that they have done his will no more that they come so short in their Obedience Doing Gods will will be both your Comfort and your Crown 10. If we are not doers of Gods will we shall be looked upon as contemners of Gods will Let God say what he will yet Men will go on in Sin this is to contemn God Psal. 10.13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God To contemn God is worse than to rebel The Tribes of Israel rebelled against Rehoboam because he made their Yoak heavier 1 King 12.16 But to contemn God is worse 't is to slight him to contemn God is to put a Scorn upon him and affront him to his Face and an Affront will make God draw his Sword Thus I have answered that Question why doing Gods will on Earth is so requisite 'T is as necessary as Salvation 4. Quest. In what manner are we to do Gods will that we may find acceptance The manner of doing Gods Will is the chief thing the Schoolmen say well Modus rei cadit sub praecepto the manner of a thing is as well required as the thing it self If a Man build an House if he doth not do it according to the mind of the Owner he likes it not but thinks all his Charges lost so if we do not Gods will in the right manner it is not accepted we must not only do what God appoints but as God appoints here lies the very Life-blood of Religion So I come to answer this great Question in what manner are we to do Gods will that we may find acceptance Answ. 1. We do Gods Will acceptably when we do Duties Spiritually Phil. 3.3 We worship God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Spirit To serve God spiritually is to do duties ab interno principio from an inward Principle The Pharisees were very exact about the external part of Gods worship how zealous were they in the outward observation of the Sabbath charging Christ with the breach of it but all this was but outward Obedience there was nothing of Spirituality in it then we do Gods will acceptably when we serve him from a renewed Principle of Grace a Crab-tree may bear as well as a Pear-main but it is not so good fruit as the other because it doth not come from so sweet a Root An unregenerate Person may do as much external obedience as a Child of God he may pray as much hear as much but his Obedience is harsh and sowre because it doth not come from the sweet and pleasant Root of Grace the inward principle of Obedience is Faith therefore it is called the Obedience of Faith Rom. 16.26 But why must this silver thread of Faith run through the whole work of Obedience Answ. Because Faith looks at Christ in every Duty it toucheth the Hem of his Garment and through Christ both the Person and the Offering are accepted Ephes. 1.6 2. We do Gods Will acceptably when we prefer his Will before all other if God wills one thing and Man wills the contrary we do obey Mans will rather than Gods Act. 4.19 Whether it be right to hearken unto you more then unto God judge ye God saith thou shalt not make a graven Image King Nebuchadnezzar set up a Golden Image to be worshipped but the three Children or rather Champions resolve Gods Will shall take place and they would obey him though with the loss of their Lives Dan. 3.18 Be it known unto thee O King that we will not serve thy Gods nor worship the Golden Image which thou hast set up 3. We do Gods Will acceptably when we do Gods Will as it is done in Heaven that is as the Angels do it To do Gods Will as the Angels similitudinem notat non aequalitatem Brugensis denotes thus much that we are to resemble them and make them our Pattern though we cannot equal the Angels in doing Gods Will yet we must imitate them a Child cannot write so well as the Scrivener yet he imitates the Copy in particular 1. We do Gods VVill as the Angels do it in Heaven when we do Gods Will Regularly sine deflexu we go according to divine Institutions not Decrees of Councils or Traditions this is to do Gods Will as the Angels they do it regularly they do nothing but what is commanded Angels are not for Ceremonies as there are Statute-Laws in the Land which bind so the Scripture is Gods Statute-Law which we must exactly observe the Watch is set by the Dial then our Obedience is right when it goes by the Sun-dial of the Word If Obedience hath not the Word for its Rule it is not doing Gods Will but our own it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Will-worship Deut. 12.32 The Lord would have Moses make the Tabernacle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the Pattern Exod. 25.40 If Moses had left out any thing in the Pattern or added any thing to it it would have been very provoking to mix any thing of our own devising in Gods worship is to go beside yea contrary to the Pattern Gods worship is the Apple of his Eye that which he is most tender of and there is nothing he hath more shewed his displeasure against then the corrupting his worship How severely did God punish Nadab and Abihu for offering up strange Fire Lev. 10.2 that is such Fire as God had not sanctified on the Altar whatever is not divinely appointed is offering up strange Fire There is in many a strange itch after Superstition they love a gawdy Religion and are more for the Pomp of Worship then the Purity this cannot be pleasing to God for as if God were not wise enough to appoint the manner how he will be served Men will be so bold as to prescribe him To thrust humane Inventions into sacred things is a doing our own will not Gods and he will say quis quaesivit hoc who hath required this at your hand Isa. 1.12 Then we do Gods Will as it is done in Heaven when we do it regularly we reverence Gods Institutions and observe that Mode of Worship which hath the Stamp of divine Authority upon it 2. We do Gods Will as it is done by the Angels in Heaven when we do it intirely sine mutilatione we do all Gods Will the Angels in Heaven
delight in duty he doth it rather out of fear of Hell then Love to God when he doth do Gods will yet it is against his will Virtus nolentium nulla est Cain brought his Sacrifice but grudgingly his worship was rather a Task then an Offering rather Pennance then Sacrifice he did Gods will but against his will we must be carried upon the wings of Delight in every Duty Israel were to blow the Trumpets when they offered Burnt-Offerings Numb 10.10 blowing the Trumpets was to show their Joy and Chearfulness in serving God we must read and hear the word with Delight Ier. 15.16 Thy Word was found and I did eat it and it was unto me the Ioy and Rejoycing of my heart A pious Soul goes to the word as to a Feast or as one would go with delight to hear Musick Sleidan reports that the Protestants in France had a Church they called Paradise because when they were in the House of God they thought themselves in Paradise The Saints flock as Doves to the windows of Gods House Isa. 60.8 who are these that flock as Doves to the windows not that a truly regenerate Person is always in the same chearful temper of Obedience he may sometimes find an indisposition and weariness of Soul but his weariness is his burden he is weary of his weariness he prays weeps useth all means to regain that alacrity and freedom in Gods Service that he was wont to have This is to do Gods will acceptably when we do it willingly 't is this crowns all our Services delight in duty is better then duty the Musician is not commended for playing long but well 't is not how much we do but how much we love Psal. 119.97 O how love I thy Law Love is as Musk among Linnen that perfumes it Love perfumes Obedience and makes it go up to Heaven as Incense this is doing Gods will as the Angels in Heaven do it they are ravished with delight while they are praising God therefore the Angels are said to have Harps in their Hands Rev. 15.2 as a sign of their chearfulness in Gods Service 4. VVe do Gods will as the Angels in Heaven when we do Gods VVill fervently sine remissione Rom. 12.11 Fervent in spirit serving God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Metaphor from vvater when it seeths and boils over so our Affections should boil over in zeal 〈◊〉 fervency the Angels serve God vvith fervour and intenseness the Angels are called Seraphims from an Hebrew word vvhich signifies to burn to shovv hovv the Angels are all on fire Psal. 104.4 they burn in Love and Zeal in doing Gods will Grace turns a Saint into a Seraphim Aaron must put burning Coals to the Incense Exod. 16.12 Incense was a Type of Prayer burning Coals of Zeal to show that the fire of zeal must be put to the Incense of prayer Formality starves Duty when we serve God dully and coldly is this like the Angels Duty without fervency is as a Sacrifice without fire we should ascend to Heaven in a fiery Chariot of Devotion 5. VVe do Gods VVill as the Angels in Heaven when we give God the best in every Service Numb 18.29 Out of all your Gifts ye shall offer of all the best thereof Numb 28.7 In the holy place shalt thou cause the strong Wine to be poured unto the Lord for a drink-Offering The Jews might not offer to the Lord wine that vvas small or mixed but the strong wine to imply that we must offer to God the best the strongest of our affections if the Spouse had a Cup more juicy and spiced Christ should drink of that Cant. 8.2 I would cause thee to drink of spiced Wine of the juice of my Pomgranate Thus the Angels in Heaven do Gods Will they serve him in the best manner they give him their Seraphick high stringed Praises he who loves God gives him the Cream of his Obedience God challenged the fat of all the Sacrifice as his due Lev. 3.16 Hypocrites care not what Services they bring to God they think to put him off with any thing they put no Cost in their Duties Gen. 4.3 Cain brought of the fruit of the Ground The Holy Ghost took notice of Abel's Offering that it was costly he brought of the Firstlings of his Flock and of the Fat thereof Gen. 4.4 bâ—t when he speaks of Cain's Offering he only saith he brought of the Fruit of the Ground Then we do Gods VVill aright when we do offer Pinguia we dedicate to him the best Domitian would not have his Image carved in VVood or Iron but in Gold God will have the best we have golden Services 6. VVe do Gods VVill as the Angels in Heaven when we do it readily and swiftly the Angels do not dispute or reason the Case but assoon as they have their Charge and Commission from God they immediately obey and to show how ready they are to execute Gods VVill the Cherubims representing the Angels are described with VVings to show how swift and forward they are in their Obedience it is as if they had wings Dan. 9.21 The Man Gabriel that was an Angel being caused to fly swiftly Thus should we do Gods VVill as the Angels assoon as ever God speaks the VVord vve should be ambitious to obey alas how long is it sometimes eâ—e we can get leave of our hearts to go to a Duty Christ went more readily ád Crucem then we to the Throne of Grace how many disputes and excuses have we is this to do Gods VVill as the Angels in Heaven do it O let us shake off this backwardness to Duty as Paul shook of the Viper nescit tarda molimina Spiritus sancti gratia Zeck 5.9 I saw two Women and the wind was in their wings VVings are swift but wind in the wings great swiftness such readiness should be in our Obedience as Peter assoon as ever Christ commanded him to let down his Net at Christs VVord he presently let down the Net and you know what success he had Luke 5.4 It vvas prophesied of such as vvere brought home to Christ Psal. 18.44 Assoon as they hear of me they shall obey me 7. We do Gods VVill as the Angels in Heaven when we do it constantly the Angels are never weary of doing Gods VVill they serve God day and night Rev. 7.17 thus must we imitate the Angels Psal. 106.3 Blessed is he that doth Righteousness at all times Constancy crowns Obedience non cepisse sed perfecisse virtutis est Cypr. our Obedience must be like the Fire of the Altar which was continually kept burning Lev. 6.13 Hypocrites soon give over doing Gods Will like the Chrisolite which is of a golden Colour in the Morning it is very bright to look on but towards Evening it grows dull and hath lost its splendor VVe should continue in doing Gods VVill because of that great loss that will befal us if we give over doing Gods VVill. 1. A loss of Honour Rev. 3.11
that no man take thy Crown implying if the Church of Philadelphia left off her Obedience she would lose her Crown viz. her Honour and Reputation Apostacy creates Infamy Iudas from an Apostle to be a Traytor it was a Dishonour 2. If we give over our Obedience it is a loss of all that hath been already done as if one should work in silver and then pick out all the stitches all a Mans Prayers are lost all the Sabbaths he hath kept are lost he doth unravel all his good works Ezek. 18.24 all his Righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned he undoes all he hath done As if one draw a curious Picture with the Pensil and then come with his Spunge and wipe out all again 3. A loss of the Soul and Happiness We were in a fair way for Heaven but by leaving off dâ—ing Gods VVill we miss of the excellent Glory and are plunged deeper in Damnation 2 Pet. 2.21 It had been better not to have known the way of Righteousness then after they have known it to turn from the Holy Commandment Therefore let us continue in doing Gods VVill Constancy sets the Crown upon the head of Obedience Thus you see how we are to do Gods VVill acceptably VSE I. Branch 1. See hence our Impotency we have no innate power to do Gods VVill VVhat need pray Thy Will be done if we have power of our selves to do it I wonder Free-willers pray this Petition 2. Branch If we are to do Gods Will on Earth as it is done by the Angels in Heaven see then the Folly of those who go by a wrong Pattern they do as the most of their Neighbours do if they talk vain on the Sabbath they do but as their Neighbours do if now and then they swear an Oath it is the Custom of their Neighbours to do so but we are to do Gods Will as the Angels in Heaven do the Angels do such things we must make the Angels our Patterns and not our Neighbours if our Neighbours do the Devils will shall we do so too If our Neighbours go to Hell shall we go thither too for Company 3. Branch See here that which may make us long to be in Heaven then we shall do Gods Will perfectly as the Angels do alas how defective are we in our Obedience here how far do we fall short we cannot write a Copy of Holiness without blotting our holy things are blemished like the Moon which when it shines brightest hath a dark spot in it But in Heaven we shall do Gods will perfectly as the Angels in Glory VSE II. Of Reproof 1. Branch It reproves such as do not Gods Will they have the knowledge of Gods will Knowledge they count an Ornament but though they know Gods Will yet they do it not 1. They know what God would have them avoid they know they should not swear Mat. 5.34 Swear not at all For this sin the Land mourns Ier. 23.10 Yet though they pray Hallowed be thy Name they profane it by shooting Oathes like Chain-Bullets against Heaven they know they should abstain from Fornication and Uncleanness yet they cannot but bite at the Devils Hook if he bait it with Flesh Iude 7. 2. They know what God would have them practise but they leave undone those things which they ought to have done they know it is the will of God they should be true in their Promises just in their Dealings good in their Relations but they do not the Will of God they know they should read the Scriptures consult with Gods Oracle but the Bible like rusty Armour is hung up and seldom used they look oftner upon a Pair of Cards then a Bible they know their Houses should be Palestrae Pietatis Nurseries of Piety yet have no Face of Religion in them they do not perfume their Houses with Prayer what Hypocrites are these to kneel down in the Church and lift up their Eyes to Heaven and say Thy Will be done yet have no care at all to do Gods Will what is this but to hang out a Flag of Defiance against Heaven and Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft 2. Branch It reproves those who do not Gods Will in a right acceptable manner 1. They do not Gods VVill intirely all Gods VVill they will obey God in some things but not in other as if a Servant should do some of your work you set him about but not the rest Iehu destroyed the Idolatry of Baal but let the golden Calves of Ieroboam stand 2 Kings 10.30 Some will observe the Duties of the Second Table but not the first Others make an high Profession as if their Tongues had been touch'd with a Coal from Gods Altar but live idly and out of a Calling these the Apostle complains of 2 Thess. 3.11 We hear there are some which walk among you disorderly working not at all Living by Faith and living in a Calling must go together This is an evil thing not to do all Gods VVill. 2. They do not Gods will ardently they do not put Coals to the Incense nor chearfully they bring their Sacrifice but not their heart this is far from doing Gods VVill as the Angels this loseth the Reward how can God like this to serve him as if we served him not how can God mind our Duties when we our selves scarce mind them VSE III. Of Examination Let us examine all our Actions whether they are according to Gods will The will of God is the Rule and Standard 't is the Sun-dial by which we must set all our Actions he is no good workman that doth not work by Rule he can be no good Christian who goes not according to the Rule of Gods will let us examine our Actions whether they do quadrare agree to the will of God Are our speeches according to Gods will Are our words savoury being seasoned with Grace Is our Apparel according to Gods will 1 Tim. 2.9 In like manner that women adorn themselves in modest Apparel not wanton and garish to invite Comers Our Diet is it according to Gods will Do we hold the golden Bridle of Temperance and only take so much as may rather satisfy Nature then surfeit it too much Oyl choaks the Lamp Is our whole carriage and behaviour according to Gods will Are we patterns of Prudence and Piety Do we keep up the Credit of Religion and shine as Lights in the world We pray Thy Will be done as it is in Heaven are we like our Pattern would the Angels do thus if they were on Earth would Jesus Christ do this thus is to Christianize this is to be Saints of degrees when we live our Prayer and our Actions are the Counter-pane of Gods will VSE IV. Of Exhortation Let us be doers of the Will of God Thy Will be done 1. It is our Wisdom to do Gods Will Deut. 4.6 Keep and do these statutes for this is your wisdom 2. It is our Safety Hath not Misery alwayes
Righteousness Heb. 12.11 This may make us submit to God and say Thy Will be done there 's kindness in Affliction it is for our spiritual profit 5. There 's kindness in Affliction in that there is no condition so bad but it might be worse when it is duskish it might be darker God doth not make our Cross so heavy as he might he doth not stir up all his Anger Psal. 78.38 He doth not put so many Nails in our Yoak so much Wormwood in our Cup as he might doth God chastise thy Body he might torture thy Conscience doth he cut thee short he might cut thee off The Lord might make our Chain heavier Is it a burning-Feaver it might have been the burning Lake Doth God use the Pruning Knife to lop thee he might bring his Axe to hew thee down Ezek. 47.3 The Waters were up to the Ankles Do the Waters of Affliction come up to the Ankles God might make them rise higher nay he might drown thee in the Waters this may make us submit quietly and say Thy Will be done because there is so much kindness in it whereas God useth the Rod he might use the Scorpion 6. There is kindness in Affliction in that your case is not so bad as others they are alwaies upon the Rack they spend their Years with sighing Psal. 31.10 Have you a gentle fit of an Ague others cry out of the Stone and Strangullion Do you bear the wrath of Men others bear the wrath of God you have but a single trial others have them twisted together God shoots but one Arrow at you he shoots a Shower of Arrows at others is there not kindness in all this We are apt to say never any suffered as we was it not worse with Lazarus who was so full of Sores that the Dogs took pity on him and licked his Sores Nay was it not worse with Christ who lived poor and died cursed May not this cause us to say Thy Will be done there is kindness in it that God deals not so severely with us as others 7. There is kindness in Affliction in that if we belong to God it is all the Hell we shall have some have two Hells they suffer in their Body and Conscience here is one Hell and another Hell is to come unquenchable Fire Iudas had two Hells but a Child of God hath but one Hell Lazarus had all his Hell here he was full of sores but had a Convoy of Angels to carry him to Heaven when he dyed Say then Lo if this be the worst I shall have if this be all my Hell I will patiently acquiesce Thy Will be done 8. There is kindness in that God gives gracious supports in Affliction if he strikes with one hand he will support with the other Deut. 33.27 Vnderneath are the everlasting Arms. There is not the least Trial but if God did desert us and not assist us with his Grace we should sink under it The Frown of a great Man the fear of a Reproach Peter was frighted at the Voice of a Maid Mat. 26.69 O therefore what Mercy is it to have Christ strengthen us and as it were bear the heaviest part of the Cross with us One said I have no ravishing Joys in my sickness but I bless God I have sweet supports and should not this cause submission to Gods Will and make us say Lo if thou art so kind as to bear us up in Affliction that we do not faint put us into what Wine-press thou pleasest Thy Will be done 9. There is kindness in Affliction in that it is preventive 1. God by this stroke of his would prevent some sin Paul's Thorn in the Flesh was to prevent his being lifted up in Pride 2 Cor. 12.7 As Affliction is sometimes sent for the punishing of sin so sometimes for the preventing of sin Prosperity exposeth to much evil 'T is hard to carry a full Cup without spilling and a full Estate without sinning Gods People know not how much they are beholding to their Affliction they might have fallen into some Scandal had not God set an Hedge of Thorns in their way to stop them what kindness is this God lets us fall into sufferings to prevent falling into Snares say then Lord do as it seems good in thy sight Thy Will be done 2. God by Affliction would prevent Damnation 1 Cor. 11.32 We are corrected in the World that we may not be condemned with the World A Man by falling into the Briars is saved from falling into the River God lets us fall into the Briars of Affliction that we may not drown in Perdition It is a great favour when a lesser punishment is inflicted to prevent a greater Is it not Clemency in the Judge when he lays some light Penalty on the Prisoner and saves his life so when God lays upon us light Affliction and saves us from wrath to come as Pilate said Luke 23.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I will chastise him and let him go so God chastiseth his Children and lets them go frees them from eternal torment What is a drop of sorrow the Godly tast to that sea of Wrath the Wicked shall be drinking of to all Eternity O what kindness is here may not this make us say Thy Will be done it is preventing Physick 10. There is kindness in that God doth mix his Providences Hab. 3.2 In Anger he remembers Mercy Not all pure Gall but some Honey mixed with it Ashurs Shoes were Iron and Brass but his Foot was dip'd in Oyl Gen. 33.24 Affliction is the shoo of Brass but God causeth the Foot to be dipp'd in Oyl As the Limner mixeth with his dark shadows bright Colours so the wise God mingles the dark and the bright Colour Crosses and Blessings The Body is afflicted but within is Peace of Conscience there is a Blessing Ioseph was sold into Egppt and put in Prison there was the dark side of the Cloud Iob lost all that ever he had his Skin was clothed with Boils and Ulcers here was a sad Providence but God gave a Testimony from Heaven of Iobs Integrity and did afterwards double his Estate Iob. 42.10 The Lord gave Iob twice as much Here was the goodness of God seen towards Iob. God doth checquer his works of Providence and shall not we submit and say Lord if thou art so kind mixing so many bright Colours with my dark Condition Thy Will be done 11. There is kindness in Affliction in that God doth moderate his Stroke Ier. 30.11 I will correct thee in Measure God will in the day of his East-wind stay his rough wind Isa. 27.8 The Physician that understands the Crasis and temper of the patient will not give too strong Physick for the Body nor will he give one Dram or Scruple too much God knows our frame he will not over-afflict he will not stretch the strings of his Viol too hard least they break and is there not kindness in all this may not this work our
their chrystal streams the Sun inlightens others with its golden beams the more a Christian is enobled with Grace the more he besiegeth Heaven with his Prayers for others If we are Members of the Body Mystical we cannot but have a sympathy with others in their wants and this sympathy sets us a praying for them David had a publick Spirit in Prayer Psal. 125.4 Do good O Lord unto those that be good Though he begins the Psalm with Prayer for himself Psal. 51.1 Have Mercy upon me O God yet he ends the Psalm with Prayer for others ver 18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion VSE III. It is matter of Comfort to the Godly who are but low in the World yet they have the Prayers of Gods people for them they pray not only for the increase of their Faith but their Food that God will give them Daily Bread He is like to be rich who hath several stocks going so are they in a likely way to thrive who have the Prayers of the Saints going for them in several parts of the World So much for this second word in the Petition Give us Thirdly The thiâ—â— word in the Petition is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This day We pray not give us Bread for a month or a year but a day Give us this day Quest. Is it not lawful to lay up for afterwards Doth not the Apostle say He who provides not for his Family is worse than an Infidel 1 Tim. 5.8 Answ. 'T is true it is lawful to lay up for Posterity but our Saviour hath taught us to pray Give us this day our bread for two Reasons 1. That we should not have carking care for the future We should not set our Wits upon the tenter or torment our selves how to lay up great Estates if we do vivere in diem if we have but enough to supply for the present it may suffice Give us this day Take no thought for to morrow Matth. 6.34 God fed Israel with Manna in the wilderness and he fed them from hand to mouth sometimes all their Manna was spent and if any one had asked them where they would have their break-fast next morning they would have said our care is only for this day God will rain down what Manna we need If we have Bread this day do not distrust Gods Providence for the future 2. Our Saviour will have us pray Give us bread this day to teach us to live every day as if it were our last We are not to pray give us Bread to morrow because we do not know whether we shall live while to morrow but Lord give us this day it may be our last day we shall live and then we shall need no more VSE If we pray for Bread only for a day Give us this day then you who have great Estates have cause to be thankful you have more than you pray for you pray but for Bread for one day and God hath given you enough to suffice you all your life What a bountiful God do you serve Two things may make rich Men thankful 1. God gives them more than they deserve 2. God gives them more than they pray for Fourthly The fourth thing in the Petition is Our bread Quest. Why is it called our Bread when it is not ours but Gods Answ. 1. We must understand it in a qualified sense it is our Bread being gotten by honest industry There are two sorts of Bread that cannot properly be called our Bread 1. The Bread of Idleness 2. The Bread of Violence 1. The Bread of Idleness Prov. 31.27 She eateth not the bread of idleness An idle Person doth vivere aliena quadra he lives at another bodies cost and is at their finding Prov. 1.25 His hands refuse to labour We must not be as the Drones which eat the honey that other Bees have brought into the hive If we eat the bread of Idleness this is not our own bread 2 Thess. 3.11 12. There are some that walk disorderly working not at all such we command that they work and eat their own bread The Apostle gives us this hint that such as live idly do not eat their own Bread 2. The Bread of Violence We cannot call this our Bread for it is taken away from others That which is gotten by stealth or fraud or any manner of extortion is not our Bread it belongs to another He who is a bird of prey who takes away the Bread of the Widow and Fatherless he eats that Bread which is none of his nor can he pray for a Blessing upon it Can he pray God to bless that which he hath gotten unjustly 2. It is called our Bread by vertue of our Title to it There is a twofold title to Bread 1. A Spiritual Title In and by Christ we have a right to the Creature and may call it our Bread As we are Believers we have the best Title to Earthly things we hold all in capite 1 Cor. 3.22 All things are yours by what Title Ye are Christs 2. A Civil Title which the Law confers on us To deny Men a Civil Right to their Possessions and make all common it opens the door to Anarchy and Confusion VSE See the priviledge of Believers they have both a Spiritual and a Civil Right to what they possess They who can say Our Father can say our Bread Wicked Men tho' they have a Legal right to what they possess yet not a Covenant right they have it by Providence not by Promise with Gods leave not with his Love Wicked Men are in Gods eye no better than usurpers all they have their Money and Land is like Cloth taken up at the Drapers which is not paid for but this is the sweet priviledge of Believers they can say our Bread Christ being theirs all is theirs O how sweet is every bit of Bread dip'd in Christs Blood How well doth that Meat relish which is a pledge and earnest of more The Meal in the barrel is an earnest of our Angels food in Paradise Here is the priviledge of Saints they have a right to Earth and Heaven Fifthly The fifth and last thing in this Petition is the thing we pray for Daily Bread Quest. What is meant by Bread Answ. Bread here by a Synechdoche speciei pro genere is put for all the Temporal Blessings of this Life Food Fuel Clothing Quicquid nobis conducit ad bene esse Aust. whatever may serve for Necessity or sober Delight VSE Learn to be contented with that allowance God gives us If we have Bread a competency of these outward things let us rest satisfied We pray but for Bread Give us our daily Bread we do not pray for superfluities not for Quails or Venison but for Bread that which may support Life Tho' we have not so much as others so full a Crop so rich an Estate yet if we have the staff of Bread to shore us up from falling let us be content most people are
grant a sinner a Reprieve yet he stands bound to eternal Death if the Debt be not forgiven 2. In what sence sin is the worst Debt Answ. 1. Because we have nothing to pay if we could pay the Debt what need we pray forgive us We can't say as he in the Gospel Have patience with me and I will pay thee all we can pay neither Principal nor Interest Adam made us all Bankrupts in Innocency Adam had a stock of Original Righteousness to begin the world with he could give God personal and perfect Obedience but by his sin he is quite broke and hath beggar'd all his Posterity We have nothing to pay all our Duties are mixed with sin and so we cannot pay God in currant Coyn. 2. Sin is the worst Debt because it is against an Infinite Majesty An Offence against the Person of a King is Crimen laesae Mojestatis it doth inhance and aggravate the Crime Sin wrongs God and so it is an Infinite Offence The schoolmen say Omne peccatum contra conscientiam est quasi Deicidium Every known sin strikes at the God-head The sinner would not only unthrone God but un-God him this makes the Debt infinite 3. Sin is the worst Debt because it is not a single but a multiplied Debt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forgive us our Debts we have debt upon debt Ps. 40 12. Innumerable Evils have compassed me about We may as well reckon all the drops in the Sea as reckon all our spiritual Debts we cannot tell you how much we owe. A man may know his other debts but we cannot number our spiritual Debts Every vain Thought is a sin Prov. 24.9 the thought of Foolishness is sin and what swarms of vain Thoughts have we The first rising of Corruption tho' it never blossom into outward Act is a sin then who can understand his Errors we do not know how much we owe to God 4. Sin is the worst Debt because it is an inexcusable Debt in two Respects 1. There is no denying the Debt 2. There is no shifting it off 1. There is no denying the Debt other debts men may deny if Money be not paid before Witness or if the Creditor lose the Bond the Debtor may say he owes him nothing but there 's no denying this debt of Sin If we say we have no Sin God can prove the Debt Psal. 50.21 I will set thy sins in order before thee God writes down our Debts in his Book of Remembrance and God's Book and the Book of Conscience do exactly agree so that this Debt cannot be denied 2. There is no shifting off the Debt other Debts may be shifted off 1. We may get Friends to pay them but neither Man nor Angel can pay this Debt for us If all the Angels in Heaven should go to make a Purse they cannot pay one of our Debts 2. In other Debts men may get a Protection so that none can touch their Persons or sue them for the Debt but who shall give us a Protection from God's Justice Iob 10.7 there is none that can deliver out of thine Hand Indeed the Pope pretends that his Pardon shall be mens Protection and now God's Justice shall not sue them but that is only a Forgery and cannot be pleaded at God's Tribunal 3. Other Debts if the Debtor dies in Prison cannot be recovered death frees them from debt But if we die in debt to God He knows how to recover it as long as we have Souls to strain on God will not lose his Debt Not the death of the Debtor but the death of the Surety pays a sinners Debt 4. In other debts men may fly from their Creditor leave their Countrey and go into forrain Parts and the Creditor cannot find them but we cannot fly from God God knows where to find all his Debtors Ps. 139.7 Whether shall I fly from thy Presence If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the utmost parts of the Sea there shall thy right hand hold me 5. Sin is the worst debt because it carries men in case of non-payment to a worse Prison than any upon Earth to a fiery Prison and the sinner is laid in worse Chains Chains of Darkness where the sinner is bound under Wrath for ever Quest. 3. Wherein we have the properties of bad Debtors 1. A bad debtor doth not love to be called to Account There 's a day comeing when God will call all his Debtors to Account Rom. 14.12 so then every man shall give an Account for himself to God but we play away the time and do not love to hear of the day of Judgment We love not that Ministers should put us in mind of our debts or speak of the day of Reckoning What a confounding Word will that be to a secure sinner redde Rationem Give an Account of your Stewardship 2. A bad debtor is unwilling to confess his debt he will put it off or make less of it So we are more willing to excuse sin than confess it How hardly was Saul brought to Confession 1 Sam. 15.20 I have obeyed the voice of the Lord but the People took of the spoil He rather excuseth his sin than confesseth it 3. A bad debtor is apt to hate his Creditor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Debtors wish their Creditors dead So wicked men naturally hate God because they think he is a just Judge and will call them to Account 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God-Haters The debtor doth not love to see his Creditor Vse 1. It reproves them who are loth to be in debt but make no reckoning of sin which is the greatest Debt they use no means to get out of it but run still further in debt to God We would think it strange if Writs or Warrants were out against a man or a Iudgment granted to seize his Body and Estate yet he is secure and regardless as if he were unconcerned God hath a Writ out against a sinner nay many Writs for Swearing Drunkenness Sabbath-breaking yet the sinner eats and drinks and is quiet as if he were not in debt what Opium hath Satan given men Vse 2. Exh. If Sin be a Debt 1. Let us be humbled The name of Debt saith St. Ambrose is Grave Vocabulum grievous Men in debt are full of Shame they lie hid and do not care to be seen A Debtor is ever in fear of Arrest Canis latrat Cor palpitat O let us blush and tremble who are so deeply indebted to God A Roman dying in debt Augustus the Emperour sent to buy his Pillow because saith he I hope it hath some Vertue in it to make me sleep on which a man so much in debt could take his Ease we that have so many spiritual Debts lying upon us how can we be at rest till we have some hope that they are discharged 2. Let us Confess our Debt Let us acknowledge that we are run in Arrears with God and deserve that he should follow
12.13 The Lord hath put away thy sin This could not but revive his heart and in token of joy he Anoints himself Philo saith it was an opinion of some of the Philosophers that among the Heavenly Sphears there is such a sweet Harmonious Melody that if the sound of it could reach our ears it would affect us with wonder and delight Sure he who is pardoned hath such a Divine Melody in his Soul as doth replenish him with infinite delight When Christ had said to Mary Magdalen Thy sins are forgiven he presently adds Go in peace Luk. 7.50 More particularly 1. Comfort God looks upon a pardoned Soul as if he had never sinned As the Cancelling a Bond nulls the Bond and makes it as if the Money had never been owing Forgiving sin makes it not to be where Sin is Remitted it is as if it had not been Committed Jerem. 50.20 So that as Rachel wept because her children were not so a Child of God may rejoice because his sins are not God looks upon him as if he had never offended Though sin remain in him after pardon yet God doth not look upon him as a Sinner but as a Just Man 2. Comfort God having pardoned sin will pass an Act of Oblivion Jer. 31.34 I will forgive their Iniquity and I 'll remember their sin no more VVhen a Creditor hath crossed the Book he doth not call for the Debt again God will not reckon with the Sinner in a Iudicial way VVhen our sins are laid upon the head of Christ our Scape-goat they are carried into a Land of forgetfulness 3. Comfort The pardoned soul is for ever secured from the wrath of God How terrible is God's wrath Psal. 90.11 Who knows the power of thine anger If a spark of God's Wrath when it lights into a Mans Conscience fills it with such horror as in the case of Spira then what is it to be always scorching in that Torrid Zone to lie upon Beds of Flames Now from this avenging Wrath of God every pardoned Soul is freed Though he may tast of the bitter Cup of Affliction yet he shall never drink of the Sea of God's Wrath Rom. 5.9 Being justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him Christ's blood quencheth the flames of Hell 4. Comfort Sin being pardoned Conscience hath no more authority to accuse Conscience roars against the Unpardoned Sinner but it hath nothing to do to Terrifie or Accuse him that is pardoned God hath discharged the sinner and if the Creditor discharge the Debtor what hath the Sergeant to do to Arrest him The truth is if God Absolve Conscience if rightly informed Absolves If once God saith Thy sins are pardoned Conscience saith Go in peace If the Sky be clear and no storms blow there then the Sea is calm If all be clear above and God shine with pardoning Mercy upon the Soul then Conscience is calm and serene 5. Comfort Nothing that befals a pardoned Soul shall hurt him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal. 90.10 No evil shall touch thee That is no destructive evil Every thing to a wicked Man is hurtful Good things are for his hurt His very blessings are turned into a curse Mal. 2.2 I will curse your blessings Riches and Prosperity do him hurt They are not mâ—nera but insidiae Sen. Golden snares Eccles. 5.13 Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt Like Haman's Banquet which did usher in his Funeral Ordinances do a sinner hurt they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Savour of Death 2 Cor. 2.16 Cordials themselves kill The best things hurt the wicked but the worst things which befal a pardoned Soul shall do him no hurt the Sting the Poison the Curse is gone His Soul is no more hurt than David hurt Saul when he cut off the Lap of his Garment 6. To a pardoned Soul every thing hath a Commission to do him Good Afflictions shall do him good Poverty Reproach Persecution Gen. 50.20 Ye thought evil against me but God meant it unto good As the Elements though of contrary qualities yet God hath so tempered them that they work for the good of the Universe So the most cross Providences shall work for good to a pardoned Soul Correction shall be a Corrosive to eat out sin it shall cure the swelling of Pride the Feaver of Lust the Dropsie of Avarice it shall be a Refining Fire to purifie Grace and make it sparkle as Gold 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrisostom Every cross-Providence to a pardon'd Soul shall be like Paul's Euroclidon or cross-wind Acts 27. which though it broke the Ship yet Paul was brought to shore upon the broken pieces 7. A pardoned Soul is not onely exempted from Wrath but invested with Dignity as Ioseph was not onely freed from Prison but advanced to be Second Man in the Kingdom A Pardon'd Soul is made a Favourite of Heaven A King may pardon a Traitor but will not make him one of his Privy-Council but whom God Pardons he receives into Favour I may say to him as the Angel to V. Mary Luk. 1.30 Thou hast found favour with God Hence such as are forgiven are said to be Crowned with Loving-kindness Psal. 103.3 4. Whom God pardons he Crowns Whom God Absolves he marries himself to Jer. 3.12 I am merciful and I will not keep anger for ever there is Forgiveness and in the 14th Verse I am Married to you and he who is Match'd into the Crown of Heaven is as rich as the Angels as rich as Heaven can make him 8. Sin being pardon'd we may come with humble boldness to God in Prayer Guilt makes us afraid to go to God Adam having sinn'd Gen. 3.10 I was afraid and hid my self Guilt clips the wings of Prayer it fills the Face with blushing but Forgiveness breeds confidence we may look upon God as a Father of Mercy holding forth a Golden Scepter he that hath got his pardon can look upon his Prince with comfort 9. Forgiveness of Sin makes our Services acceptable God takes all we do in good part A guilty person nothing he doth pleaseth God His Prayer is turned into sin but when sin is pardoned now God accepts our offering We read of Ioshua standing before the Angel of the Lord. * Ioshua was clothed with filthy garments Zach. 3.3 that is he was guilty of divers sins now saith the Lord Vers. 4. Take away his filthy Garments I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee and then he stood and Ministred before the Lord and his Services were accepted 10. Forgiveness of sin is the Sawce which sweetens all the comforts of this life As guilt imbitters our comforts it puts Wormwood into our Cup so pardon of Sin sweetens all it is like Sugar to Wine Health and Pardon Estate and Pardon relisheth well Pardon of sin gives a Sanctified Title and a delicious tast to every comfort As Naaman said to Gehazi 2 King 5.23 Take two Talents So saith God to the Pardoned Soul Take
a dead Man to a living Thus a Child of God hath corruption join'd with Grace here is a dead Man tied to the living So hateful is this that a believer desires to die for no other reason more than this that death shall free him from sin Sin brought death into the World and death shall carry sin out of the World Thus you see in the opinion of the Godly sin is the most hyperbolical and execrable evil 4. Look upon sin in the comparative and it will appear to be the most deadly evil Compare what you will with it 1. Affliction 2. Death 3. Hell And still sin is worse First Compare sin with affliction there is more evil in a drop of sin than in a Sea of affliction 1. Sin is the Cause of affliction the cause is more than the effect Sin brings all mischief 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Chrysost. Sin hath sickness Sword Famine and all Judgments in the Womb of it Sin rots the name consumes the estate wastes the radical moisture as the Poets â—ain of Pandora's Box when it was opened it filled the World full of Diseases when Adam broke the Box of Original Righteousnes it hath caus'd all the Penal evils in the World Sin is the Phaeton that sets the World on Fire Sin turn'd the Angels out of Heaven and Adam out of Paradise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. Sin causeth Mutinies Divisions Massacres Jer. 47.6 O thou Sword of the Lord how long will it be ere thou be quiet the Sword of Gods justice lies quietly in the Scabbard till sin draws it out and whets it against a Nation so that sin is worse than affliction it being the cause of it the cause is more than the effect 2. God is the author of affliction Amos 3.6 Is there any evil in a City and the Lord hath not done it it's meant of the evil of affliction God hath an hand in affliction but no hand in sin God is the cause of every action so far as it is Natural but not as it is Sinful He who makes an instrument of Iron is not the cause of the Rust or Canker which corrupts the Iron So God made the Instrument of our Souls but the Rust and Canker of sin which corrupts our Souls God never made Peccatum Deus non fecit Austin God can no more act evil than the Sun can darken In this sense sin is worse than affliction God hath an hand in affliction but disclaims having any hand in sin 3. Affliction doth but reach the Body and make that miserable but sin makes the Soul miserable The Soul is the most noble part 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Macar The Soul is a Diamond set in a ring of Clay it is excellent in its Essence a Spiritual immortal substance excellent in the Price paid for it redeemed with the Blood of God Act. 20.28 it is more worth than a World the World is of a courser make the Soul of a finer spinning in the World we see the Finger of God in the Soul the Image of God To have the pretious Soul endangered is far worse than to have the Body endangered Sin wrongs the Soul Prov. 8.36 Sin casts this Jewel of the Soul over-board Affliction is but Skin deep it can but take away the Life but sin takes away the Soul Luk. 12.20 the loss of the Soul is an unparallell'd loss it can never be made up again God saith St. Chrysostom hath given thee two Eyes if thou losest one thou hast another but thou hast but one Soul and if that be lost it can never be repaired Thus sin is worse than affliction one can but reach the Body the other ruins the Soul is there not great reason then that we should often put up this Petition deliver us from evil 4. Afflictions are good for us Psalm 119.71 It is good for me that I was afflicted many can bless God for affliction Affliction humbles Lam. 3.19 remembring my affliction the Wormwood and the Gall my Soul hath them still in remembrance and is humbled in me afflictions are compar'd to thorns Hos. 2.8 these Thorns are to prick the Bladder of Pride Affliction is the School of Repentance Jer. 31.18 Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised I Repented The Fire being put under the Still makes the Water drop from the Roses the fire of Affliction makes the Water of Repentance drop from the Eyes Affliction brings us nearer to God The Loadstone of Mercy doth not draw us so near to God as the Cords of Affliction When the Prodigal was pinch'd with want then saith he I will arise and go to my father Luke 15.18 Afflictions prepare for glory 2 Cor. 4.17 This light affliction works for us an eternal weight of glory the Limner lays his Gold upon dark colours so God lays first the dark colours of affliction and then the Golden colour of Glory Thus Affliction is for our good but sin is not for our Good it keeps good things from us Jer. 5.25 Your sins have with-holden good things from you sin stops the current of Gods Mercy it precipitates men to ruine Manassehs affliction brought him to humiliation but Iudas his sin brought him to desperation 5. A man may be afflicted and his Conscience may be quiet Pauls feet were in the stocks yet he had the Witness of his Conscience 2 Cor. 1.12 the Head may ake yet the Heart may be well the outward Man may be afflicted yet the Soul may dwell at ease Psal. 25.13 the Hail may beat upon the Tiles of the House when there is Musick within in the midst of outward pain there may be inward peace Thus in affliction Conscience may be quiet but when a Man commits a presumptuous scandalous sin Conscience is troubled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by defiling the purity of Conscience we lose the peace of Conscience when Spira had sinned and abjured the Faith he was a terror to himself he had an Hell in his Conscience Tiberius the Emperor felt such a sting in his Conscience that he told the Senate he suffered death daily 6. In Affliction we may have the Love of God Afflictions are love tokens Rev 3.19 as many as I love I rebuke Afflictions are sharp arrows but shot from the Hand of a loving Father If a Man should throw a Bag of Money at another and it should bruise him a little and raise the Skin he would not be offended but take it as a fruit of love so when God bruiseth us with affliction it is to enrich us with the Golden Graces of his Spirit all is love but when we commit sin God withdraws his love 't is like the Sun overcast with a Cloud nothing appears but anger and displeasure When David had sin'd in the matter of Vriah 2 Sam. 11.27 the thing that David had done displeas'd the Lord. 7. There are many encouragements to suffer affliction God himself suffers with us Isa. 63.9 In all their afflictions he was afflicted God
is none of his making 'T is a Monster of the Devils Creating 2. The Torments of Hell are a burden only to the sinner but sin is a burden to God Amos 2.13 I am pressed under you as a Cart is pressed that is full of Sheaves 3. In Hell-Torments there is something that is Good There is the Execution of God's Justice there is justice in Hell but sin is the most unjust thing It would rob God of his Glory Christ of his Purchase the Soul of its Happiness So that it is worse than Hell Fifthly Look upon sin in the manner of its Cure it cost dear to be done away The Guilt of sin could not be removed but by the Blood of Christ he who was God must die and be made a Curse for us before sin could be remitted How horrid is sin that no Angel or Arch-Angel nor all the Powers of Heaven could procure the Pardon of sin but it cost the Blood of God If a Man should commit an Offence and all the Nobles should kneel upon their Knees before the King for him but no Pardon could be had unless the King's Son be Arraigned and suffer Death for him all would conceive it was an horrible Fact that must be the cause of this such is the case here the Son of God must die to appease God's Anger for our sins O the Agonies and Sufferings of Christ 1. In his Body his Head Crown'd with Thorns his Face spit upon his Side pierced with the Spear his Hands and Feet nailed Totum pro vulnere Corpus 2. He suffered in his Soul Mat 26.38 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My Soul is exceeding sorrowful unto Death He drank a bitter Cup mingled with Curses which made him tho' he were sanctified by the Spirit supported by the Diety comforted by Angels sweat great Drops of Blood and cry out upon the Cross My God why hast thou forsaken me All this was to do away our sin view sin in Christ's Blood and it will appear of a Crimson Colour Sixthly Look upon sin in the dismal Effects of it and it will appear the most horrid prodigious Evil Rom. 6.23 The Wages of sin is Death that is the Second Death Rev. 21 8. Sin hath shame for its Companion and Death for its Wages A wicked man knows what sin is in the Pleasure of it but doth not know what sin is in the Punishment of it Sin is Scorpio pungens it draws Hell at the heels of it This hellish Torment consists of two Parts 1. Poena damni the Punishment of Loss Mat. 7.23 Depart from me It was a great trouble to Absalom that he might not see the Kings face to lose Gods Smiles to be banished from his Presence in whose Presence is fulness of Joy how sad and tremendous this word Depart saith Chrysostom is worse than the fire Sure sin must be the Greatest Evil which separates us from the Greatest Good 2. Poena sensus the Punishment of Sence Mat 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Why might sinners plead Lord if we must depart from thee let us have thy Blessing no Go ye Cursed But if we must depart from thee let it be into some place of Ease and Rest no go into fire But if we must into the fire let it be but for a little time let the fire be quickly put out no go into everlasting fire But if it be so that we must be there let us be with good Company no with the Devil and his Angels O what an Evil is sin All the Torments of this Life are but Ludibrium Risus a kind of sport to Hell-Torments what is a burning Fever to the burning in Hell It is call'd the Wrath of the Almighty Rev. 19.15 The Almighty God inflicts the Punishment therefore it will be heavy a Child cannot strike very hard but if a Giant strike he kills with a Blow To have the Almighty God to lay on the stroke it will be intolerable Hell is the EMPHASIS of Misery The Body and Soul which have sinn'd together shall suffer together and these Torments shall have no Period put to them Rev. 9.6 They shall seek Death and shall not find it Rev. 24.11 And the Smoak of their Torment ascendeth for ever and ever Here the wicked thought a Prayer long a Sabbath long but how long will it be to lie upon Beds of Flames for ever this word ever breaks the Heart Thus you see sin is the most deadly and execrable Evil look upon it in its Original in its Nature in the Judgment and Estimate of the Wise look upon it comparatively it is worse than Affliction Death Hell look upon it in the manner of Cure and in the dismal Effect it brings Eternal Damnation is there not then a great deal of Reason that we should make this Prayer Deliver us from Evil Vse 1. Branch I. Is Sin such a deadly pernitious Evil the Evil of Evils See then what it is we are to pray most to be delivered from and that is from Sin Our Saviour hath taught us to pray Deliver us from Evil. Hypocrites pray more against Temporal Evils than Spiritual Pharaoh pray'd more to have the Plague of Hail and Thunder to be remov'd than his hard Heart should be removed Exod. 9.28 The Israelites pray'd Tolle Serpentes Take away the Serpents from us more than to have their sin taken away Numb 21.8 The Hypocrites prayer is Carnal he prays more to be cured of his Deafness and Lameness than of his Unbelief More that God would take away his Pain than take away his sin But our Prayer should be Deliver us from Evil. Spiritual Prayers are best hast thou a diseased Body Pray more that the Disease of thy Soul may be removed than thy Body Psal. 41.4 Heal my Soul for I have sinned The Plague of the Heart is worse than a Cancer in the Breast Hast thou a Child that is crooked Pray more to have its Unholiness removed than its Crookedness spiritual Prayers are more pleasing to God and are as Musick in his Ears Christ hath here taught us to pray against sin Deliver us from Evil. II. Branch If sin be so great an Evil then admire the Wonderful Patience of God that bears with Sinners Sin is a breach of God's Royal Law it strikes at his Glory now for God to bear with sinners who so provoke him it shews admirable Patience well may he be called The God of Patience Rom. 15.4 It would tire the Patience of the Angels to bear with mens sins one day but what doth God bear How many Affronts and Injuries doth he put up God sees all the Intreagues and horrid Impieties committed in a Nation Ier. 29.23 They have committed Villany in Israel and have committed Adultery even I know and am a Witness saith the Lord. God could strike men dead in their sins but he forbears and respites them My thinks I see the Justice of God with a
in sin it is only to the Body the bruitish Part the Soul is not at all gratified by the Pleasure Luk. 12.19 Soul take thy Ease He might more properly have said Body take thy Ease The Soul cannot feed on sensual Objects 4. In short that Pleasure men talk of in sin is their Disease some take pleasure in eating Chalk or Coals this is from their Disease So when men talk of Pleasure in eating the Forbidden Fruit it is from the Sickness and Disease of their Souls they put bitter for sweet Isa. 5.20 O what folly is it for a Cup of Pleasure to drink a Sea of Wrath Sin will be bitter in the end Prov. 23.31 32. Look not on the Wine when it is red when it gives his Colour in the Cup at last it bites like a Serpent Sin will prove like Ezekiels Rowl sweet in the Mouth but bitter in the Belly Mel in Ore Fel in Corde ask Cain now how he likes his Murder Achan how he likes his golden Wedge O remember that saying of Austin Momentaneum est quod delectat aeternum quod Cruciat The Pleasure of sin is soon gone but the sting remains IX Branch If Sin be so great an Evil then what Wisdom is it to depart from Evil Iob 28.28 To depart from Evil is Vnderstanding To sin is to do foolishly therefore to depart from sin is to do wisely Solomon saith Prov. 29.6 In every Transgression there is a Snare Is it not Wisdom to avoid a Snare Sin is a Deceiver it cheated our first Parents instead of being as Gods they became like the Beasts that perish Psal. 49.20 Sin hath cheated all that have medled with it is it not Wisdom to shun such a Cheater Sin hath many fair pleas and tells you how it will gratifie all the Senses with Pleasure But saith a gracious Soul Christ's Love is sweeter Peace of Conscience is sweeter what are the Pleasures of Sin to the Pleasures of Paradise Well may the Saints be call'd Wise Virgins because they spie the Deceits that are in sin and avoid the Snares The Fear of the Lord that is Wisdom and to depart from Evil is Understanding X. Branch If Sin be so great an Evil then how justifiable and commendable are all those Means which are used to keep Men from sin How justifiable are a Ministers Admonitions and Reproofs Titus 1.13 Rebuke them sharply 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cuttingly a Metaphor from a Chirurgeon that searches a Wound and cuts out the Proud Flesh that the Patient may be sound So God's Minister comes with a cutting Reproof but it is to keep you from sin and to save your Souls Si Meritò objur gaverit te aliquis scito quia profuit Sen. Esteem them your best Friends who would keep you from sinning against God If a man were going to poison or drown himself were not he his Friend who would hinder him from doing it All a Ministers Reproofs are but to keep you from sin and hinder you from Self-Murder all is in Love 2 Cor. 5.11 Knowing the Terror of the Lord we perswade men 'T is the Passion of most to be angry with them that would reclaim them from sin Amos 5.10 They hate him that rebuketh in the Gate Who is angry with the Physician for prescribing a bitter Potion seeing it is to purge out the peccant Humour 'T is Mercy to Mens Souls to tell them of their sins And surely those are Priests for the Devil 2 Chr. 11.15 who see men go on in sin and ready to drop into Hell yet never pull them back by a Reproof nay perhaps flatter them in their sins God never made Ministers as false Glasses to make bad Faces look Fair. Such make themselves guilty of other mens Sins 11. Inference If sin be so great an evil the evil of evils then see what a bad choice they make who choose sin to avoid affliction As if to save the Coat from being rent one should suffer his Flesh to be rent It was a false charge that Elihu brought against Iob Chap. 36.21 Thou hast chosen iniquity rather than affliction This is a bad choice Affliction hath a Promise made to it 2 Sam. 22.28 but sin hath no Promise made to it Affliction is for our good but Sin is not for our good it would intail Hell and Damnation upon us Spira chose iniquity rather than affliction but it cost him dear He at last repented of his choice He who commits sin to avoid suffering is like one that runs into a Lions Den to avoid the stinging of a Gnat. 12. Inference If sin be so great an evil see then what should be a Christians great care in this life to keep from sin Deliver us from evil Some make it all their care to keep out of trouble they had rather keep their Skin whole than their Conscience pure But our care should be chiefly to keep from sin How careful are we to forbear such a Dish as the Phisician tells us is hurtful for us it will bring the Stone or Gout Much more should we be careful that we eat not the forbidden fruit which will bring Divine Vengeance 1 Tim. 5. 22. Keep thy self pure It hath been always the study of the Saints to keep aloof off from sin Gen. 39.9 How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God Psal. 19.13 Keep back thy Servant from presumptuous sins It was a saying of Anselm If Sin were on one side and Hell on the other I would rather leap into Hell than willingly sin against my God O what a Mercy is it to be kept from sin We count it a great Mercy to be kept from the Plague and Fire But what is it to be kept from sin 13. Inference Is sin so great an evil see then that which may make us long for Heaven when we shall be perfectly freed from sin not onely from the outward Acts of sin but from the in-being of sin In Heaven we shall not need to pray this Prayer Deliver us from evil What a blessed time will it be when we shall never have a Vain Thought more Then Christ's Spouse shall be sine macula ruga without spot or wrincle Ephes. 5.27 Now there 's a Dead Man tied to the Living we cannot do any Holy Duty but we mix Sin we cannot Pray without Wandring we cannot Believe without Doubting But then our Virgin-Souls shall not be capable of the least tincture of Sin but we shall all be as the Angels of God In Heaven we shall have no Temptation to sin The Old Serpent is cast out of Paradise and his fiery â—arts shall never come near to touch us 2. Vse of Exhort And it hath Two distinct Branches 1. Branch To all in General If Sin be so great and prodigious an evil Then as you love your Souls Take heed of sin If you tast of the Forbidden Fruit it will cost you dear it will cost you Bitter Tears it may cost you lying in Hell
the Soul as Angels as Heaven God hath laid out much Cost upon it and if it perish he should lose all his Cost When Xerxes destroyed the Temples in Greece he caused the Temple of Diana to be preserved for its beautiful Structure The new creature is God's Temple adorned with all the Graces which he will not suffer to be demolished Riches take Wings Kings Crowns tumble in the Dust Nay some of the Graces may cease Faith and Hope shall be no more but the new creature abideth for ever 1 Iohn 2.27 5. The Misery of the unregenerate creature Dying so I may say of him as Christ said of Iudas Mark 14.21 It were good for that Man if he had not been born Better have been a Toad a Serpent any thing if not a new creature The old Sinner must go into old Tophet Isa. 30.33 Damned Caitiffs will have nothing to ease their Torments not one drop of Honey in all their Gall. In the Sacrifice of Iealousie there was to be no Oil put to it Numb 5. In Hell there is no Oil of Mercy put to the Sufferings of the damned to lenifie them Therefore get out of the Wild Olive of Nature labour to be new creatures lest you curse your selves at last A sinful Life will cause a despairing Death Quest. What shall we do to be new Creatures Answ. 1. Wait on the Ordinances The Preaching of the Word is the Seed of which the new Creature is formed This is the Trumpet which must make the dead in Sin come out of their Grave 2. Pray earnestly for the new Creature Lord thou hast made me once make me again What shall I do with this old heart It defiles all it toucheth Urge God with his Promise Ezek. 36.26 A new Heart will I give you Say Lord I am as the dry Bones but thou didst cause Breath to come into them Ezek. 37.10 Do the same to me breath a supernatural Life of Grace into me Vse 4. Thankfulness Let such as are new creatures stand upon Mount Gerizim blessing and praising God Ascribe all to the Riches of God's Love set the Crown upon the head of free Grace God hath done more for you than if he had made you Kings and Queens Though you have not so much of the World as others you are happier than the greatest Monarchs upon Earth and I dare say you would not change with them The Apostles seldom speak of the new Creation but they join some thankful Praises with it 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be God who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope Col. 1.12 Giving thanks to the Father who hath made us meet for the inheritance in light The new creature is a sign of Election a badge of Adoption What distinguishing Love is this that God should make any of us new creatures when he hath left the greatest part of the World to perish in their Sins Such as are Paterns of Mercy should be Trumpets of Praise Of the Government of the Tongue Jam. 3.6 And the Tongue is a Fire a World of Iniquity THE Apostle Iames in this Scripture describes the Evil of the Tongue The Tongue is a Fire a World of Iniquity 1. It is a Fire It burns with intemperate heat it causeth the Heat of Contention it sets others in a Flame 2. A World of Iniquity It was at first made to be an Organ of God's Praise but it is become an Instrument of Unrighteousness All the Members of the Body are sinful as there is bitterness in every Branch of Wormwood but the Tongue is excessively sinful full of deadly Poison vers 8. Doctr. The Tongue though it be a little Member yet it hath a World of Sin in it The Tongue is an unruly Evil. We put Bitts in Horses Mouths and rule them but the Tongue is an unbridled Thing It is hard to find a Curbing bitt to rule the Tongue There is a World of Sin in the Tongue The Devil makes use of Men's Tongues for the promoting most of the Wickedness which is in the World I shall show you some of the Evils of the Tongue I. The Evil Tongue travel a little over this World is the silent Tongue It is wholly mute in Matters of Religion it never speaks of God or Heaven as if it cleaved to the roof of the Mouth Men are fluent and discursive enough in other Things but in Matters of Religion their Lips are sealed up If we come into some People's Company we do not know what Religion they are of whether Iews or Mahometans for they never speak of Christ they are like the Man in the Gospel who was possessed with a Dumb Devil Mar. 9.17 II. The Evil Tongue is the earthly Tongue Men talk of nothing but the World their Wares and Drugs or their rich Purchace Son 's of the Earth they have the Serpent's Curse lick the Dust. Ioh. 3.31 He that is of the Earth speaketh of the Earth as if all their Hopes were here and they looked for an earthly Eternity these have Brutish Minds Seneca being asked of what Country he was answered that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Citizen of this World So many are Citizens of this World all their Discourse and Traffick is here Their Speech bewrays them III. The Evil Tongue is the hasty or angry Tongue They have no command of Passions but are carried away with them as a Chariot with wild Horses I know there is an Holy Anger when we are angry with Sin Christ had this Anger when they made the Temple a place of Merchandice Ioh. 2.15 That Anger is without Sin which is against Sin but that is an Evil Tongue which is presently blown up into exorbitant Passion this Tongue is set on Fire from Hell Isaiah's Lips were touched with a Coal from the Altar Isa. 6. His Tongue was set on Fire from Heaven but the angry furious Tongue is set on Fire from Hell When the Tongue is on Fire it is the Devil that lights the Match Eccles. 7.9 Anger rests in the Bosom of Fools It may be in a Wise Man but it rests in a Fool. More are drunk with Passion than Wine Hierome Water when it is hot soon boils over So when the Heart is heated with Anger it soon boils over in fiery and passionate Speeches 1 King 19.12 after the Earthquake a Fire but God was not in the Fire So I may say of the Fire of rash Anger God is not in this Fire Grace heats the Heart but cools the Tongue makes it meek and calm Passion transports it oft disturbs the use of Reason Brevis Insania and if Reason cannot act much less can Grace Rashness of Anger hinders Holy Duties Hot Passions make cold Prayers A wrathful Spirit is unsuitable to the Gospel It is a Gospel of Peace and it is sealed by the Spirit who came in the Form of a Dove a meek peaceable Creature Thou who art given much to Passion whose Tongue is often set
is it to do well a while and then by Apostasie to unravel all As if a Limner should with his Pencil draw a fair Picture and then come with his Spunge and wipe it out again 6. Consider the Examples of such as have continued their Progress unweariably in a Christian course The Apostle sets before our Eyes a Cloud of Witnesses Heb. 12.1 Being compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses let us run the Race that is set before us let us run it with celerity and constancy How many Noble Martyrs and Confessors of old have walked in the ways of God though they have been strew'd with Thorns they scorned Preferments laughed at imprisonments and their love to Christ burned hotter than the Fire Polycarp when he came before the Proconsul and he bad him deny Christ he replyed Octoginta fexannos illi inservii c. I have served Christ these 86 years and he hath not once hurt me and shall I deny him now Tertullian saith such was the constancy of the Primitive Saints that the Persecutors cryed out Quae miseria est haec What a Misery is this that we are more weary in tormenting than they are in enduring Torment Let us tread in their steps who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises 7. It will be our Comfort on our Death-bed to review a well-spent Life It was Augustus's wish that he might have an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a quiet easie Death If any thing make our Pillow easie at Death it will be this that we have been unweariable in God's Work This will be a Death-bed Cordial Did you ever know any repent at Death that they have been too Holy Many have repented that they have followed the World too much not that they have prayed too much that they have repented too much What hath made Death sweet but that they have finished their Course and kept the Faith 8. Think of the Great Reward we shall have if we do not give over or grow weary and that is Glory and Immortality 1. This Glory is ponderous 't is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4.17 The Weight adds to the Worth the weightier a Crown of Gold is the more it is worth 2. It is satisfying Psal. 17.15 I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness This Glory will abundantly recompense all our Labours and Sufferings The Joy of Harvest makes amends for all the Labour in sowing O what an Harvest shall the Saints reap It will be always reaping time in Heaven and this reaping will be in the due season So the Apostle saith in the Text we shall reap 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in due Season The Husband-man doth not desire to reap till the Season he will not reap his Corn while it is green but when it is ripe So we shall reap the Reward of Glory in due Season When our Work is done when our Sins are purged out when our Graces are come to their full growth then is the Season of reaping Therefore let us not be weary of well-doing but hold on in Prayer Reading and all the Exercises of Religion we shall reap in due season if we faint not To keep us from fainting know that the Reward promised is very near Rom. 13.11 Our Salvation is nearer than when we believed We are but within a few Days March of the Heavenly Canaan It is but a few more Prayers and Tears shed and we shall be perfected in Glory as that Martyr Dr. Taylor said I have but one Style more to go over and I shall be at my Father's House Stay but a while Christians and your Troubles will be over and your Coronation-Day shall come Christ who is the Oracle of Truth hath said Behold I come quickly Rev. 22.20 And yet Death 's coming is sooner than Christ's Personal coming and then begins the Saints Blessed Iubile Quest. What Means shall we use that we may not wax weary in a Christian course Answ. 1. Let us otium excutere shake off Spiritual Sloath. Sloath saith there is a Lyon in the way He who is sloathful will soon grow weary he is fitter to lie on his Couch than to run a Race It is a strange Sight to see a busie Devil and an idle Christian. Answ. 2. If we would not grow weary let us pray for persevering Grace It was David's Prayer Psal. 119.117 Hold thou me up and I shall be safe And it was Beza's Prayer Domine quod Coepisti perfice c. Lord perfect what thou hast begun in me that I may not suffer Shipwrack within sight of the Haven That we may hold on a Christian Course let us labour for Three persevering Graces 1. Faith Faith keeps from Fainting Faith gives a Substance to Things not seen and makes them to be as it were present Heb. 11.1 As a Perspective-Glass makes those things which are at a distance near to the Eye so to Faith Heaven and Glory seem near A Christian will not be weary of Service that hath the Crown in his Eye 2. The Second persevering Grace is Hope Credula vitam spes fovet Hope animates the Spirits it is to the Soul as the Cork to the Net which keeps it from sinking Hope breeds Patience and Patience breeds Perseverance Hope is compared to an Anchor Heb. 6.19 The Christian never sinks but when he casts away his Anchor 3. Persevering Grace is Love Love makes a Man that he is never weary Love may be compared to the Rod of Mirtle in the Traveller's Hand which refresheth him and keeps him from being weary in his Journey He who loves the World is never weary of following the World he who loves God will not be weary of serving him That is the Reason why the Saints and Angels in Heaven are never weary of Praising and Worshiping God because their Love to God is perfect and Love turns Service into Delight Get the Love of God in your Hearts and you will run in his Ways and not be weary Of knowing to do Good and not to do it James 4.17 To him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is Sin THE Apostle in the former Verses had met with a Sin common in those days a sinful Boasting among Men. Ver. 13. Go to now ye that say to day or to morrow we will go into such a City and buy and sell and get gain whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow you may be in your Graves before to morrow for what is your Life it is even a Vapour A Vapour being an Exhalation it cannot continue long as it is raised by the Sun so it is dispersed by the Wind Such is your Life a Vapour a short Breath a flying Shadow it appears 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a little time and then vanisheth Well might they say what need we be taught such a plain Lesson who knows not all this that Life is a Vapour and that we ought not to
sin be sober in your attire savoury in your speeches grave in your deportment obey your Fathers voice Open to God as the Flower opens to the Sun As you expect your Fathers Blessing obey him in whatever he commands First and Second Table Duties A Lutenist that he may make sweet Musick toucheth upon every String of the Lute The Ten Commandments are like a ten stringed Instrument touch upon every String obey every Command or you cannot make sweet Melody in Religion Obey your Heavenly Father though he commands things contrary to Flesh and blood 1. When he commands to mortifie Sin that Sin which hath been dear to you Pluck out this right eye that you may see the better to go to Heaven 2. When he commands you to suffer for him be ready to obey Acts 21.13 every good Christian hath a Spirit of Martyrdom in him and is ready rather to suffer for the Truth than the Truth should suffer Luther said he had rather be a Martyr than a Monarch Peter was Crucified with his Head downwards as Eusebius Ignatius called his Chains his Spiritual Pearls and did wear his Fetters as a Bracelet of Diamonds This is to carry it as Gods Children when we obey his voice and count not our lives dear so that we may show our love to our Heavenly Father Rev. 12.11 They loved not their lives to the death 6. If God be your Father show it by your chearful looks that you are the Children of such a Father Too much drooping and despondency disparageth the Relation you stand in to God What though you meet with hard usage in the World you are now in a strange Land far from home it will be shortly better with you when you are in your own Country and your Father hath you in his Armes Doth not the Heir rejoyce in hope Shall the Sons of a King walk dejected 2 Sam. 13.4 Why art thou being the Kings Son lean Is God an unkind Father are his Commands grievous Hath he no Land to give to his Heirs Why then do Gods Children walk so sad Never had Children such Priviledges as they who are of the Seed-Royal of Heaven and have God for their Father they should rejoyce therefore who are within a few hours to be crowned with Glory 7. If God be our Father let us honour him by walking very holily 1 Pet. 1.16 Be ye holy for I am holy A young Prince asking a Philosopher how he should behave himself the Philosopher said Memento te filium esse Regis Remember thou art a Kings Son do nothing but what becomes the Son of a King So remember you are the adopted Sons and Daughters of the high God do nothing unworthy of such a Relation A debauched Child is the disgrace of his Father Is this thy Sons Coat said they to Iacob when they brought it home dip'd in blood Gen. 37.32 so when we see a person defiled with Malice Passion Drunkenness we may say is this the Coat of Gods adopted Son Doth he look as an Heir of Glory 'T is a blaspheming the Name of God to call him Father yet live in Sin Such as profess God is their Father yet live unholily they will slander and defraud these are as bad to God as Heathens Amos 9.7 Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians to me O children of Israel saith the Lord The Ethiopians were uncircumcised a base ill-bred People when Israel grew wicked they were no better to God than Ethiopians Loose scandalous livers under the Gospel are no better in Gods esteem than Pagans and Americans nay they shall have an hotter place in Hell O let all who profess God to be their Father honour him by their unspotted lives Scipio abhorred the embraces of an Harlot because he was the General of an Army Abstain from all Sin because you are born of God and have God for your Father 1 Thess. 5.22 Abstain from all appearance of evil 'T was a saying of Augustus An Emperor should not only be free from Crimes but from the suspicion of them by an holy Life you would bring Glory to your Heavenly Father and cause others to become his Children Est pellax virtutis odor Causinus in his Hieroglyphicks speaks of a Dove whose Wings being perfum'd with sweet Oyntments did draw the other Doves after her The holy Lives of Gods Children is a sweet perfume to draw others to Religion and make them to be of the Family of God Iustin Martyr saith that which converted him to Christianity was the beholding the blameless Lives of the Christians 8. If God be our Father let us love all that are his Children Psal. 133.1 How pleasant is it for brethren to dwell together in unity 'T is compared to Oyntment ver 2. for the sweet fragrancy of it 1 Pet. 2.17 Love the brotherhood Idem est motus animae in imaginem rem The Saints are the walking pictures of God if God be our Father we love to see his picture of Holiness in Believers we pity them for their Infirmities but love them for their Graces we prize their Company above others Psal. 119.63 it may justly be suspected that God is not their Father who love not Gods Children though they retain the Communion of Saints in their Creed yet they banish the Communion of Saints out of their Company 9. If God be our Father let us show Heavenly mindedness They who are born of God do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 set their Affections on things that are above Col. 3.2 O ye Children of the high God do not disgrace your high birth by sordid Covetousness What a Son of God and a slave to the World What spring from Heaven and buried in the Earth For a Christian who pretends to derive his pedigree from Heaven yet wholly to mind Earthly things is to debase himself as if a King should leave his Throne to follow the Plough Ier. 45.5 Seekest thou great things for thy self As if the Lord had said what thou Baruck thou who art born of God akin to Angels and by thy Office a Levite dost thou debase thy self and spot the silver wings of thy Grace by beliming them with earth Seekest thou great things seek them not The Earth choaks the Fire Earthliness choaks the Fire of good Affections 10. Vlt. If God be our Father let us own our Heavenly Father in the worst times stand up in his cause defend his Truths Athanasius owned God when most of the World turned Arrians If Sufferings come do not deny God He is a bad Son who denyes his Father Such as are ashamed of God in times of danger God will be ashamed to own them for his Children Mark 8.38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous generation of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with his holy Angels So I have done with the First Part of the Preface Our Father II. The Second Part of the
nor Vncircumcision but a new Creature We are for new Things we love new Fashions and why not new Hearts But People are full of Prejudices against the new Creature Object 1. If we are new creatures there must be so much strictness in Religion so much praying and watching as discourageth Answ. 1. Is there any thing excellent to be obtained without Labour What pains is taken in searching for a Vein of Silver or seeking for Pearl Men cannot have the world without labour and would they have Salvation so 2. The Labour in Religion bears no proportion with the Reward What are a few tears shed to a weight of Glory The Soldier is content to wrestle with difficulties and undergo a bloody Fight for a glorious Victory In all Labour for Heaven there is Profit 'T is like a Man that digs in a Gold-Mine and carries away all the Gold 3. Men take more pains to go to Hell What pains doth an ambitious man take to climb to the Pinacle of Honour Tullia rid over the dead Body of her Father to be made Queen How doth the covetous man tire himself break his sleep and his peace to get the World Thus some Men take more pains in the Service of sin than others do in the pursuit of holiness Men talk of pains in Religion when God's Spirit comes into one it turns Labour into Delight 'T was Paul's Heaven to serve God Rom. 7.22 The ways of Wisdom are pleasantness Prov. 3.17 'T is like walking among Beds of Spices which cast forth a sweet Perfume Object 2. But if we leave our old company and become new creatures we shall be exposed to many Reproaches Answ. Who are they that speak evil of Religion but such as are evil Male de me loquuntur sed mali said Seneca Besides is it not better that Men reproach us for being good than that God damn us for being wicked Mat. 5.11 Blessed are ye when men shall revile you Stars are nevertheless glorious though they have ugly Names given them as the Bear and the Dragon A Saint's Reproachs are like a Soldier 's Scars honourable 1 Pet. 4.14 If ye are reproached for the Name of Christ a Spirit of God and of Glory rests upon you While Men clip your Credit to make it weigh lighter they make your Crown heavier Having answered these Objections I come now to re-assume the Exhortation Above all things labour to be New Creatures MOTIVES 1. In this true Christianity doth consist it is not Baptism makes a Christian Many are no better than baptized Heathens The essential part of Religion lies in the new creature Rom. 2.29 Circumcision is that of the Heart Every thing hath a Name from the better part we call a Man a Reasonable Creature because of his Soul which is the more noble part so one is called a Christian because he acts from a Principle of the new creature which the carnal man doth not 2. It is the new creature fits us for Communion with God We cannot converse with God till then Birds cannot converse with men unless they had a Rational Nature put into them nor can Men converse with God unless being made new creatures they partake of the Divine Nature Communion with God is a Mystery to most Every one that hangs about the Court doth not speak with the King All that meddle with holy Duties and as it were hang about the Court of Heaven have not communion with God 'T is only the new creature enjoys God's Presence in Ordinances and sweetly converses with him as a Child with a Father 3. The necessity of being new creatures 1. Till then we are odious to God Zech. 11.8 My Soul loathed them A Sinner is to God worse than a Toad a Toad hath no Poyson but what God hath put into it but a Sinner hath that which the Devil hath put into him Acts 5.3 Why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye A wicked Man is possessed with an evil Spirit One man is possessed with the Devil of Pride another with the Devil of Malice This must needs make Persons odious to God to be possessed with the Devil Thus it is till we become new creatures 2. Till we are new creatures our Duties are not accepted with God they are but wild Grapes 1. Because God accepts no man but where he sees his Image The new creature is call'd the renewing of God's Image Eph. 4.24 When they brâ—â—ght Tamerlane a Pot of Gold he asked what stamp it had on it And when he saw the Roman stamp on it he refused it So if God doth not see his own Stamp and Image on the Soul he rejects the most specious Services 2. Duties of Religion are not accepted without the new Creature because there is that wanting which should make them a sweet Savour to God The holy Oil for the Tabernacle was to be made of several Spices and Ingredients Exod. 30.23 Now if any of these Spices had been left out it had not been pleasing The unregenerate Man leaves out the chief Spice in his Duties and that is Faith And Heb. 11.6 Without Faith it is impossible to please God Faith lays hold on Christ and so is accepted 3. Such as are not new creatures but grow upon the Stock of old Adam get no benefit by Ordinances They are to them as Diascordium in a dead Man's Mouth they lose their virtue Nay not only Ordinances do them no good but hurt It were sad if all a man did eat should turn to poison The Word Preached is a Savour of Death 't is not healing but hardning Nay Christ himself is accidentally a Rock of offence 1 Pet. 2.7 The Wicked stumble at a Saviour and suck death from the Tree of Life 4. Without being new creatures we cannot arrive at Heaven Rev. 21.27 There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth Heaven is not like Noah's Ark that received clean and unclean A Sinner is compared to Swine 2 Pet. 2.22 And shall a Swinish Creature tread upon the Golden Pavement of Heaven Indeed the Frogs came into King Pharoah's Court but in Heaven there is no entertainment for such Vermin 'T is only the new creature qualifies us for Glory This consecrates the Heart and only the pure in heart shall see God The new creature elevates the Soul as the Loadstone elevates the Iron A Soul renewed by Grace is fit to ascend to the heavenly Glory 4. The Excellency of the new Creature 1. the Nobility 2. The Immortality I. The Nobility The new Creature fetcheth its Pedigree from Heaven 't is born of God God counts none else of the Blood Royal it enobles a man's Spirit he aspires after the Favour of God and looks no lower than a Crown The new creature raiseth one to honour he excells the Princes of the Earth Psal. 89.27 and is Fellow-Commoner with Angels II. The Immortality The new creature is begotten of the incorruptible Seed of the Word and never dies It lasts as long as