of his Crown and defiling his Wives in the sight of the Sun when he and all the People went out of the City bare-foot weeping and ashes on their heads when they fled from Absolom If I shall find favour in his sight saith he he will bring me again and shew me both it meaning the Ark of God in which he much delighted and his Habitation but if he say I have no delight in thee lo here am I let him do with me what seemeth good in his sight 2 Sam. 15.25 26. With the like humility and patience he bore the cursings and revilings of Shimei and David said let him curse because the Lord hath said Curse David who then shall say why hast thou done it it may be the Lord will look upon mine affliction and that the Lord will require me good for his cursing this day 2 Sam. 16.7 to 13. How humbly did Hezekiah lay himself and Rabsecahs Railing and Blaspheming Letter before the Lord at the Siege of Samaria and see the event thereof by Gods wonderful delivering of the City by his own immediate hand 2 Kin. 19. How did Holy Job the mirrour of Patience and Innocence in his great affliction abase himself before the Lord when his Eyes were opened when he could justify himself to Man but not before God I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ear but now mine Eyes see thee wherefore I abhor my self in Dust and Ashes Job 42. to 7. How resolutely did the three Children with Faith and Patience submit to the fiery Furnace for the honour of God and his Truth Our God is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and he will deliver us out of thy hand but if not be is known unto thâ—e O King that we will not serve thy Gods nor worship the Image that thou hast set up Dan. 3.16 17 18. how couragiously did Daniel worship the Living God when forbid upon pain of being cast into the Lions Den and we see what glorious deliverance he had Dan. 6. Holy Stephen couragiously and patiently endured Martyrdom and kneeling down prayed for his Enemies Father forgive them they know not what they are doing Act. 7.60 The Holy Apostles were made spectacles of Men and Angels God hath set forth us the Apostles last as spectacles of Men and Angels and to the World 1 Cor. 4.9 The Cross of Christ was the glory of Paul and should be of all Men God forbid that I should glory in any thing save in the Cross of Christ Gal. 6.14 See the instances of the Apostles sufferings we are troubled on every side yet not distressed we are perplexed but not to despair persecuted but not forsaken cast down but not destroyed always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body for we which live are always delivered to death for Jesus sake that the Life of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh 2 Cor 4.8 9 10 11. See a farther instance of the Apostles suffering but in all things approving our selves as the Ministers of God in much patience in afflictions necessities in distresses in stripes in imprisonments in tumults in labour in watching in fastings in pureness of knowledge by long sufferings by kindness by the Holy Ghost by love unfeigned by honour and dishonour by evil report and good report as deceivers and yet true as unknown yet well known as dying and yet behold we live as chastned and yet not killed as sorrowful yet always rejoying as poor yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things 2 Corinthians 6.4 to 11. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one thrice was I beaten with Rods once was I stoned thrice I suffered Shipwrack a Night and a Day I have been in the Deep in peril by Water in perils by Robbers in peril by mine own Countrymen in perils by the Heathen in perils in the City in perils in the Country in danger in the Sea in perils by false Brethren often in weariness painfulness and watching often in hunger and thirst often in cold and nakedness 2 Cor 11.24 to 28. See the Instances of the Churches sufferings and great afflictions almost incredible and by Nature without Grace intollerable her sore runs in the night her friends not only left her but dealt treacherously with her and became her Enemies the Enemy spread his hand on all her pleasant things her people have given their pleasant things for Bread no sore like my sore desolate and faint delivered into their hands from whom she was not able to rise she was trodden as in a Wine press Priests and Elders gave up the Ghost for Famine Children and Sucklings swoun away in the Street and Women eat their Children of a Span long Enemies hiss and wag their Head and say we have swallowed her up this is the day we looked for and yet in all this she can with patience and submission say Why should the living Man complain man suffereth for his Sin all this is less than our iniquities do deserve Lam. 1. all chap. 2. all And thus justifieth the Lord and applieth to him by Prayer and Confession of Sin for Mercy the Holy Apostles also rejoyce in their afflictions that they are counted worthy to suffer for the testimony of Jesus and say in all this through Grace We are more than Conquerours and God forbid that we should glory in any thing save in the Cross of Christ Thirdly Promises of assistance as the greatest evils are alleviate and greatest extremities are lessened by hope and help of means and relief and as the most diseased persons in the most chronical and malignant Distempers are eased composed and half cured by the sight of a famous and approved Physitian and by his assurance or opinion that the Distemper they labour under is curable or that the Distemper which he can easily cure will not only work it self out but will also cure and cleanse the body of more gross and contagious humours which are more dangerous and infectious of the blood as Agues often cure Hectique and malignant Feavers which more invade and annoy the brain and endanger the Life so the blessed Lord Jesus Christ being the great Shepherd and Physitian of Souls in whom the Godhead dwelleth bodily not only knoweth as being omniscient but also has all power both in Heaven and Earth given to him hath not only the means in his own hand but by his Promises hath engaged himself by his faithfulness that he will heal help and deliver his People therefore faith in the Promises of God doth and should uphold his afflicted and discouraged People and these Promises are sure numerous and by Divine Wisdom and Love suited and proportioned to the exigence of his People in all cases either in Spiritual or Temporal maladies and these Promises answer to the twofold estate or condition of Man as he is
From the corruption of the Fountain Secondly From Scripture Thirdly From daily experience First From the corruption of the Fountain of our actions or performance of Duties It being already proved that Man having wilfully polluted and disordered the frame of Holiness Integrity and Knowledge in which he was created and poysoned the Heart and Affections from whence actions and performances do flow how can pure and full performances or duties be expected from thence Man being in his Heart and Thoughts polluted his Actions must be suitable to the pure all things are pure but unto them that are defiled is nothing pure but even their Mind and Conscience is defiled Tit. 1.15 This is of necessary consequence who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean not one Job 14.4 Wherefore we must conclude that so long as the Fountain of the Heart is defiled so must the actions and performances coming from thence be impure and weak and until Man be renewed in the Spirit of his Mind by regeneration in Jesus Christ he still remains corrupt and polluted until he be again revested with that holy Spirit and that a new heart be given to him by which again he may be enabled to walk in the Statutes of God to do them by vertue of that promise I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them Ezek. 36.26 27. Secondly Scripture is most clear that all the Actions of a Carnal Man such as are all the Issue of Adam until restored by Regeneration are sinful and unacceptable with God First His Thoughts are polluted and defiled and God saw that the wickedness of Man was great in the Earth and that every Imagination of the Thoughts of his Heart was only evil continually Gen. 6.5 Secondly His words are defiled and sinful but unto the wicked God saith what hast thou to do to declare my Statutes and take my Covenant in thy Mouth seeing thou hatest Instruction and casteth my Words behind thee Psal 50.16 17. Thirdly His Actions are all evil the Ploughing of the Wicked is sin Prov. 21.4 Fourthly The very Religious Actions or Performances of Duties of the Wicked are sinful The Sacrifice of the Wicked is an abomination to the Lord Prov. 15.8 He that turneth away his Ear from hearing the Law even his Prayer shall be an abomination Prov. 28.9 When ye spread forth your hands I will hide mine Eyes from you yea when ye make many Prayers I will not hear your hands are full of blood Isa 1.11 to 16. This point we may thus conclude that whatever flows from a Carnal Man whose Mind and Heart is defiled must be impure and unacceptable to God for that the Carnal Mind is enmity against God and is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be Rom. 8.7 Wherefore until the Fountain be purified and the imbred prejudice of the Heart be taken away and man be reconciled to God in Christ Jesus nothing coming from him can be acceptable with God Thirdly Experience clearly proves such disability in every performance Religion for most part is wrapt up in a bare exercise of outward actions of Devotion Formality Ceremony and customary performances are come in such repute that men easily deceive themselves and sit down at ease in these performances without searching into the frame of the Spirit towards God or examining the spring and motive of these Duties or scope and end of their Devotion not regarding whether these duties be undertaken and performed in obedience of the Command in Faith in Sense of Sin in Eye to the Glory of God or remorse for Sin in sense of self pollution and in a desire of renovation and assistance to perform and in every thing to deny our selves and depend on God by Faith but lull their Consciences for most part secure by having done what was customarily reputed religious performances Let a Man pretending to religion more than ordinary examine himself impartially he shall find such disorder of Thoughts in religious duties such narrow and scanty apprehensions of God such invasion of his Thoughts and Affections diverting him from the right and leading him to improper objects unruly interruptions such scanty performances and such uneasiness under these duties that Custom rather than Conscience and Conscience for Self if not carnal Interest at best than for Gods Glory and Salvation is the chief Impulse or Spring of such actions But as to the arraigning of the Affection before God whether placed on God or Lusts Faith on Christ for Justification and Salvation the work of Mortification unfeigned Repentance Christian Patience Charity Brotherly Love and new Obedience are Riddles not only hid from Carnal apprehensions and made mens duties but rather thought nusancies scare crows and enmity to the World and the flesh so that we must conclude that in nature we are without strengâ—h for any Righteous performances and that until the Law of the Members be brought under the Law of the Spirit we can do no good thing Rom. 8.6 For I know that in me that is in my Flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not Rom. 7.18 For I see a Law in my Members warring against the Law of my Mind and bringing me into Captivity to the Law of sin which is in my Members Chap. 7.23 Here we have a clear description and proof of mans natural Incapacity for doing any good and this Incapacity we must ascribe to the corruption of the Heart Affections which had its rise from sin in Adam Having cleared what Original Sin in Adam was and how his Posterity was tainted therewith and made liable to the fatal Consequences thereof we come in the third place to make some practical Inferences from thence First If from the premises it be an unquestionable truth that Adam was created in Perfection and Integrity and that he fell under the most detestable Apostacy and that in his Transgression were complicated all manner of Sins that Nature was polluted in him that all after Posterity are tainted with his guilt and made liable to the consequences of his Sin How little reason have the greatest and richest Men of the World to boast and how great reason have they to humble themselves upon reflection of their Pedigree For that their descent was from him who once was the most glorious absolute richest and only Soveraign on Earth who for his Pride Covetousness Ingratitude and Murmuring was forfeit degraded made miserable and debased That they are at best of corrupted adulterate and degenerate blood and extraction Scripture doth clearly explain this Cause Jerusalem to know her abominations thy Birth and thy Nativity is of the Land of Canaan thy Father was an Amorite thy Mother a Hittite Ezek. 16 23. This People was lineally of Abraham but had followed the Idolatry and wickedness of the Amorites and Hittites therefore are
with-hold the Churches lamentation How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Sion with a Cloud in his anger and cast down from Heaven to Earth the beauty of Israel and remembred not his foot-stool in the day of his anger what thing shall I take witness for thee what shall I liken unto thee O Daughter of Jerusalem what shall I equal unto thee that I may comfort thee O Virgin Daughter of Zion for thy breach is great like the Sea who can heal it Lam. 2.1 to the end How is the Gold become dim how is the most fine Gold changed the Stones of the Sanctuary are poured out in every Street the pretious Sons of Zion comparable to fine Gold how are they esteemed as Earthern Pitchers the work of the hands of the Potter Lam. 4.1 2 all And with the Holy King and Psalmist heavily lament wo is me that I sojourn in Meseâ—â— and dwell in the Tents of Kedar Psalm 120.5 This being the universal state of Misery to all Mankind as in the place before cited Man is born unto troubles as the sparks fly upward It being no more natural to the Sparks to come out of fire and fly up then to man born in Sin to meet with sorrow and misery and therefore all Men should Copy out the Prophets methods and wish Oh that my head were Waters and mine Eyes a Fountain of Tears that I might weep day and night for the slain of my People Oh that I had in the Wilderness a lodging place of way faring Men that I might leave my People and go from them for they be all Adulterers an assembly of treacherous Men and they bend their Tongues like their bows for lies but they are not valiant for the Truth upon Earth for they proceed from Evil to Evil and know not me saith the Lord take ye heed every one to his Neighbour and trust ye not in any brother for every Brother will utterly supplant and every Neighbour will walk with Slanders they weary themselves to commit Iniquity thine habitation is in the midst of deceit through deceit they refuse to know me saith the Lord Jer. 9.1 to 7. And should also with the Church arise cry out in the night in the beginning of the Watches pour out thy Heart like Water before the Face of the Lord lift up thy Hands towards him for the Life of thy young Children that faint for hunger in the top of every Street Lam. 2.19 And with the same Prophet Jeremiah Rachel weeping for her Children and refused to be comforted because they were not Jer. 31.25 Now if the holy Prophet was thus in an Agony of grief for the Sin and Misery of one Nation and People and the Church for her private state and the holy King for his uneasiness under such Companions how much more reason hath every Son of Adam not only to mourn for and bewail his private guilt and misery but also to lye low in self abasement humiliation repentance and bitter Complaints of the universal misery of all mankind as Sons of Wrath by Nature because of Sin This being the dismal Estate and Condition of Man by Nature in which is too great matter of mourning and lamentation methinks I hear the loud sounding of bitter groaning under the subjection and bondage of the Creation Rom. 8.22 And a voice grievously putting the question Is the plant of renown of Gods Creation utterly cut off Hath the Lord forgot to be gracious will he be favourable no more are his tender Mercies clean gone for ever Psal 77.7 8 9. Psal 85.5 Psal 89.46 In answer to which I was led to that place Thus saith the Lord refrain thy voice from weeping and thine Eyes from tears for thy works shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy and there is hope in thine end and thy Children shall come again to their own Land Jer. 31.16 17. And while in deep contemplation of this consolatory voice and plunged with reflections on Mans Incapacity to reconcile himself to God and of the apparent impossibility I was led to that of the Prerogative of God With Man this is impossible but with God all things are possible Mat. 19.26 And to that pretious Truth My Thoughts are not your Thoughts nor my Ways your Ways saith the Lord for as the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my Thoughts higher than your Thoughts and my Ways than your Ways Isa 55.8 9. And being further plunged in the deep contemplation of Mans Rebellion and of the Justice of God which requires Attonement for Sin and finding Man had nothing wherewith to come before the Lord to appease the wrath of an Omnipotent Holy and Dishonoured Majesty I was lost between the belief of his Faithfulness who had promised and the apparent impossibility I was carried to that Scripture Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began 2 Tim. 1.9 And to that other Scripture According as he hath chosen us in him before the Foundations of the World that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Eph. 1.4 In hope of Eternal Life which God that cannot lie promised before the World began Tit. 1.2 And to that other clear truth for as much as ye know that ye are not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold but with the pretious blood of Christ as a Lamb without blemish and without spot who verily was fore-ordained before the Foundations of the World but was manifest in these last times in you 1 Pet. 1.18 19 20. And being also carried to view that Scripture And I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy Seed and her Seed It shall bruise thy Head and thou shalt bruise his Heel Gen. 3.15 by all which I was brought to understand that the same Eternal Wisdom and Council of God whereby at first Man was created in the Image of God Gen. 1.26 27. by which the Fall of Man was foreseen the Restoration of Man to the same Image of God was also decreed from all Eternity by Gods Eternal goodness and free bounty and by means above the reach of Man to contrive or his power to accomplish viz. by Jesus Christs taking upon him the Humane Nature and shedding his blood to death to expiate the guilt of Mans Sin as in that of the forecited testimony of the Apostle Peter This then being the unfolding of that great mistery of Mans Redemption and Eternal Salvation by Jesus Christ as by Gods Grace shall be more fully explained in the ensuing Discourse If the reflection upon the miserable Estate of Man in the foregoing Description justly occasioned and called for from all men deep humiliation sorrow and repentance how great Reason have all Men with all adoration humility and thankfulness to cry out with the Holy Apostle Oh
how injurious slander and reproach is to the reputation of a Christian and how ill it is resented by the Spirit of God in Scripture for the Lord accounts his People so nearly related to himself that he will not have them injured so that he accounts the Injury done to them to be done to himself He that toucheth you toucheth the Apple of miâ—e Eye Zach. 2. and 8. There is that speaketh like the piercing of a Sword but the Tongues of the Wise is Health Prov. 12.18 And though Malice and Prejudice may raise a slanderous report nevertheless neither in mans esteem at long run nor in Gods account shall it have any weight but shall be wiped off in course of time although the Innocent and Godly may suffer for a time Lips of Truth shall be established for ever but a Lying Tongue is but for a moment Prov 12.18 19. Let such farther consider how detestable lying slandering and reproaching is to God Lying Lips are an abomination to the Lord but they that deal truely are his delight Prov. 12.22 We see that the railing Blasphemous Reproaches of Rabsecah and the great King of Assyria against the People of God is accounted by God against himself Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice and lift thine Eyes on high even against the Holy One of Israel By thy Messengers thou hast reproached the Lord and hast said c. 2 Kin. 19.22 23. read all and read chap 18. Let such further Consider What badge and brand of folly is put upon Peevish Uncharitable Narrow and Censorious Persons who either raise slanders or by reporting foment them He that hideth hatred with lying Lips and he that uttereth slander is a Fool in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin but he that refraineth his Lips is wise The Lips of the righteous feed many but Fools die for want of Wisdom It is a sport to a Fool to do mischief but a man of understanding hath Wisdom Prov. 10.18 to 24. Prov. 26.21.22 See the words By the blessing of the upright the City is exalted but it is overthrown by the Mouth of the wicked He that is void of Wisdom despiseth his Neighbour but a Man of understanding holdeth his peace a Tail-bearer revealeth Secrets but he that is of a faithful Spirit concealeth a Matter Prov. 11.11 12 13. Let all such remember that such reproaching slandering and defaming do more mischief to themselves at the long-run than to the Godly for that the Godly shall be justified by their Integrity both before God and Man and the malice of the wicked shall be retorted upon themselves The Righteousness of the upright shall direct this way but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness an Hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his Neighbour but through knowledge shall the just be delivered the righteous is delivered out of trouble and the wicked cometh in his stead Prov. 11.5 to 10. His own Iniquities shall take the wicked himself and he shall be holden with the Cords of his sin Prov. 5.22 23. Let such persons also consider the Character given in Scripture to the Malicious and Slanderers His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud under his tongue is mischief and vanity he sitteth in the lurking places of the Village and in the secret places doth he murder the Innocent his eyes are privily set against the poor he lyeth in wait secretly as a Lyon Psal 10 7. to 11. By which may be gathered that such are accounted treacherous and murderers in Scripture language But let us on the other hand observe and consider the event of all the prepensite malice of the wicked against the godly and we shall find it stored up to their own ruine He hath prepared against him Instruments of Death he Ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors Behold he travelleth with Iniquity and hath conceived mischief and brought forth falshood He made a Pit and Digged it and is fallen into the Ditch which he made His mischief shall return upon his own head and his violent dealing upon his own pate Psal 7.13 14 15 16. The Lord shall cut off all Lying Lips and the Tongue that speaketh proud things Psal 12.3 Let us observe what the Psalmist foretells shall be the end of slanderers and slandering Tongues Thy Tongue deviseth mischief Like a sharp Rasor working deceitfully Thou lovest evil more than good And lying rather than to speak righteousness Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful Tongue God shall likewise destroy thee for ever he shall take thee away and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place and root thee out of the land of the living Psal 52.2 to 6. Let us view the revilings and reproaches of God-almighty and his People by the King of Assyria and his Messengers in that 2 Kings 18. And the Judgments of God both on Messengers and their Master in that 2 Kings Chap. 19 The Spirit of God is so compassionate even to the offenders amongst his People that though he will not have sin and offencies amongst them go without chastizement yet will he have Mercy and and Charity to be so mixed with Justice that his People may not be reduced to despair in reference to Gods purpose toward them as in that famous place of his own Justice and Clemency For I will not contend for ever neither will I be always wroth Lest the Spirit should fail before me and the Soul which I have made For the Iniquities of his Covetousness was I wroth I have seen his ways and will heal him I will lead him also and restore comfort unto him and to his mourners Isa 57.15 to 19. In which we see Mercy so mixed with Justice Clemency and Bounty that Correction and Chastizement is only intended of God for the good and reclaiming of his People and not for their destruction We find also by Gods direction in the punishment of offences by Judges amongst the People of Israel the very number of stripes to be inflicted were appointed and not to be exceeded Forty stripes he may give him and not exceed least if he should exceed and beat him above these with many stripes then thy Brother should seem vile unto thee Deut. 25.3 Whereby it is clear that the Lord will not have the very Sinners amongst his People to be made contemptible by the inflicting of Justice upon them but will have the Rod only used to reclaim the stubborn and their name and reputation nevertheless to be kept up so as they neither despair in themselves or should be reproached by others if they could be reclaimed Prejudice and Passion will expose to contempt which is expresly cautioned against and implied in these words then thy Brother should seem vile unto thee This calls on all professing Religion for the Spirit of meekness compassion charity and tender heartedness even to such as are either under the Rod of affliction or taken under any infirmity to sin especially
Gen. 17.7 And that Prophet promised to Moses and I will raise them up a Prophet amongst their Brethren like unto thee and I will put my words into his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him Deut. 18.18 And he is that Prophet of whom the Apostle speaketh Of this Mans Seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Jesus Act. 13.22 And this is that rod out of the Stem of Jesse on whom the Spirit of the Lord doth rest The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the fear of the Lord he shall not judge after the sight of his Eyes nor reprove after the hearing of his Ears but with Righteousness shall he judge the Poor and Reprove with Equity for the meek of the Earth and shall smite the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth and with the breath of his Lips shall he slay the Wicked and righteousness shall be the Girdle of his Loyns and Faithfulness the Girdle of his Reins Isa 11. to 11. And this is that Prophet who hath received the Spirit in full The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath appointed me to Preach good tidings to the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captive and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God and to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them Beauty for Ashes the Oil of Joy for Mourning the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness Isa 61. to 4. He is the only true Sheepheard of the Sheep and entreth in at the Door to whom it is opened and the Sheep hear his voice and follow him he knoweth his Sheep calleth them by their Names and leads them into the true and good Pastures John 10. to 6. He is the infallible guide and teacher He is the Way the Truth the Light and Life and no Man cometh unto the Father but by him Joh. 14.6 He is the only true light that lightneth every Man that cometh into the World John 1.6 This then being the first step of Christs Mediation between God and Man to be their Teacher to instruct them their duty towards God by his infallible Spirit this should lead us again with the Apostle to cry out O the depth and infinite dimensions of the Love and Wisdom of God to sinners If we consider Mans Fall from his credulity in believing the lying suggestions of a fallen Angel in the Mouth of a Serpent and not believing of God and that to avoid mans splitting on this Rock God sends his infallible Spirit of Truth to guide them in all Truth and bring them under the Law of the Spirit by Regeneration and a new Life in Christ Jesus by putting his Spirit in them to make them walk in the Spirit and no more in the unprofitable course of this World in the Flesh and Lusts thereof and endoweth them with the Wisdom and Graces of his Spirit to perform to God new obedience as shall be shewen in examining of the Christian Duties as the conditions of this Covenant on Mans part how much should the consideration of this mystery of Love and Wisdom lead our anxious desires after attaining unto a large stock of this enriching and confirming Grace and to be endowed with the knowledge of the love of God in Christ Jesus by which poor Believers are not only retrieved from Sin and Wrath but are kept sure in Christs Hand from falling away from God as under the first Covenant John 17.6 to 13. The second branch of Christs Mediatory Office is to be a Priest and the Office of a Priest being to offer up Sacrifice for Sinners we shall consider how this agreeth to Christ and is performed by him the holy Apostle tells us That he that desireth the Office of a Bishop or Teacher desireth a good work 1 Tim. 3.1 And he also tells us that it is so honourable and sacred that no man taketh it to himself but he that is called thereunto as was Aaron Heb. 5.4 And therefore God in displeasure with Uzziah the great King of Israel for intruding into the Priests Office struck him with Leprosy to his death 2 Chron. 26.18 to end But none can claim better or so good a Title to the Priesthood as our great high Priest Jesus Christ who took not that honour to himself but it was given to him of his Father who said to him this day have I begotten thee and thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedeck Heb. 5.5 Psalm 110.4 Isa 7.13 14 15 16. And although he was Heir of all things and by whom the World was made and being the brightness of the Fathers glory and express Image of his person he was annointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows Heb. 1.2 3 9. And made the High Priest by the Council of Heaven for Mans Eternal Salvation and as he had this his call immediately from Heaven so he hath it with more transcendent eminency than other Priests in many considerations First The holy Apostle Paul tells us that all Priests taken from amongst Men are compassed about with Infirmities and Sins and as in compassion to others so also for their own as well as for the sins of others they are to offer up Sacrifices Heb. 5.1 2 3. ch 7.23 28. chap. 9.7 but this our great High Priest though in Compassion to us he took our nature upon him and was subject to natural Infirmities and in the Flesh was tempted with like Infirmities to succour such as were tempted yet without sin Heb. 2.16 17 18. chap. 4.15 However he is essentially holy for such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners and made higher than the Heavens who needeth not daily as these High Priests to offer up Sacrifice first for his own Sins and then for the People for this he did once when he offered up himself Heb. 7.26 27. Secondly All other Priests are made without an Oath but he with an Oath for those Priests were made without an Oath but this with an Oath by him that said to him the Lord Swore and will not Repent thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck and hath an unchangeable Priesthood Hebrews 7.21 24. Thirdly Other Priests are for a time his Priesthood is for ever and unchangeable as in the foregoing Scripture They were many Priests and not suffered to continue because of death but this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them for the Law maketh High Priests which have Infirmities but the word of the Oath
bind them on thee as a Bride doth I will contend with them that contend with thee and I will save thy Children I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet Wine Isa 49.17 18 25 26. And in that famous place of the Holy Apostle There hath no temptation taken you but what is common to men but God who is faithful will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 And in that other famous place Thus saith the Lord refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears for thy works shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy and there is hope in thine end that thy Children shall come again to their own border Jer. 31.16 17. And as he is King so is he that merciful High Priest subject to the like infirmities of his Brethren and Sympathiseth with them and succors them under their temptations Heb. 2.17 18. chap. 4.15 chap. 5.2 And is able to save them to the uttermost Chap. 7.24 25 26. and in fine is universally concerned in all their troubles and difficulties in all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and bare them all the days of old Isa 63.9 And this his power and protection is not only in general but in all particular Cases of Afflictions and Troubles as shall be more particularly expressed in handling of the Priviledges of the New Covenant The third Branch of Princely power over Subjects is expressed in the exercise or extent of his bounty towards them and no King or Prince ever exercised such bounty or goodness towards his Subjects as Christ hath done and still doth to all such as believe in him and that in two respects First By shewing his free pardon of all their transgressions and sins by a full and general act of oblivion entered into the Records of Heaven by the Blood of Jesus I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins Isa 43.25 I have blotted out as a thick Cloud thy transgressions and as a Cloud thy sins return unto me for I have redeemed thee Isa 44.22 And that famous record of free love bounty and absolution from sin And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath he quickned together with him having forgiven all trespasses blotting out the hand writing of Ordinances that was against us and contrary to us and took it away nailing it to his Cross Col. 2.13 14. And not only by the pardon of Sin and thereby delivering from wrath to come and eternal misery But Secondly By raising lost man from the miserable state by Nature and Sin Ez. 16. To the highest pitch of honour glory and eternal happiness in making them Heirs of eternal Life and joynt heirs with Christ in Glory as many as received him he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe in his Name Joh. 1.12 13. and if Children then Heirs and Joint Heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them that they may be one even as we are one Joh. 17.22 What greater bounty can there be and what higher love can be expressed or can be equalled to that of Christ to Believers Greater love hath no man than this that a Man lay down his life for his friend but God commendeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5.6 to 11. All which is more particularly insisted on in the Doctrine of the New Covenant Thus when we see what a happy state is that of a Christian who can find themselves within that everlasting and sure Covenant of Peace and Eternal Happiness with Christ who is that infallible Prophet to teach his People and lead them in the way wherein they cannot err Isa 35.8 and that merciful High Priest who hath offered himself once for all a Sacrifice for Believers and is able to save to the uttermost and is that only Potentate and bountiful Prince rewards the Faith and Obedience of his People with Eternal glory from whence may be these clear uses and inferences of consolation to all such as believe in Jesus First Is Jesus Christ that infallible Prophet the Way the Truth and the Life John 14.6 to lead and instruct his people Is he wisdom himself Prov. 8.1 and all things are revealed unto him of the Father Is the Spirit given to him to bring glad tydings to his People even to the Prisoners of Hope Isa 61.1 2 3. doth he instruct and give Wisdom and Knowledge to all that asketh Jam. 1.5 Then what person can be so ignorant in any of the matters of God or between God and their own Souls but here they may have a promise of supply he who to Believers is all and in all is to them in the darkest circumstances their God and they are commanded to trust to him who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant and walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.10 And he is to them Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 Secondly Is Christ that glorious High Priest who once for all by his own blood hath entered into the holy place and obtained eternal Redemption for sinners Heb. 9.11 12. what reason is there for disquietude or doubting seeing he hath sacrificed himself for Believers even though the black Cloud of their Iniquities be as crimson and scarlet Isa 1.18 and though they may under temptation with Jacob and Israel say their way is hid from God and my Judgment is passed over from my God Isa 40.26 27 28. to end yet in him they ought to comfort themselves in this that the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the Earth fainteth not neither is weary there is no searching of his understanding he giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength Isa 40.28 29 30 31. And should under the Apostles consideration That we have not an High-Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are without sin comply with his exhortation let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.15 16. And with the same Apostle triumph in a holy rejoycing There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is
Gospel Luke 12.16 to 22. Let him consider Nebuchadnezzar's Fall from the height of Glory to a Brutal State Dan. 4. Let such men remember they are of the same Family and extraction with the poorest that they owe their Life Being and what they have to God and are eternally lost unless reconciled to God in Jesus Christ and that all men by Nature are under Wrath and Debtors to Gods Justice and if he should prove a rigorous exactor who could stand before him therefore they ought equally to have compassion on their Brethren Remember them that are in Bonds as bound with them and them which suffer adversity as being your selves in the Body Hebrews 13.3 Let such remember the Parable of that cruel servant whose Lord forgave to him his debt but he dealing cruelly with his fellow Servant his Lord fell on him and made him irrecoverably miserable Mat. 18.23 to end and these are Christs own words so likewise shall my Heavenly Father do also unto you if ye from your Hearts forgive not every one his Brother their Trespasses Mat. 18.35 It being so known a Truth and fatal to Mankind that all Men in Adam were concluded under Sin and Wrath and that woful experience as well as Scripture teach us That all men except Christ are frequently defiled with actual Transgressions And that no man acquainted with himself can be ignorant of this truth Psal 51.5 Eph. 2.3 Eecles 7.20 And that as all men in Adam are under the condemnation of Wrath and Justice so the only way of Salvation is by Faith in Jesus Christ Romans 5.18 19. Now that all naturally are under the state of Sin let us consider the duties incumbent for our recovery out of this condition and these are chiefly five First Trace Man what he is in his Estate of Nature Secondly Let us set Original Sin before us as a Beacon Thirdly Study Mortification Fourthly Study Repentance Fifthly Search into the promises of God and believe them The first Duty is to trace Man from his beginning of whom if we take a view we will find him soon after his Creation to fall from his Original Righteousness by breaking the command and eating the forbidden fruit And the Lord saw that the wickedness of Man was great in the Earth and that every Imagination of his Heart was evil and only evil continually Gen. 6.5 7. And see how he is described by the Prophet The Heart of Man is deceitful and desperately wicked above all things who can know it Jeremiah 17.9 See how Man is painted out in his natural defilement Thy Father was an Amorite and thy Mother a Hittite as for thy Nativity in the day that thou wast born thy Navel was not cut neither wast thou washed in Water to supple thee thou wast not washed at all nor salted at all no Eye pittied thee to do any of these things to thee to have compassion on thee but thou wast cast out on the open fields to the loathing of thy person in the day thou wast born Ezek. 16.3 4 5 c. See more of this under the head of original sin We are all as an unclean thing all our unrighteousnesses are as filthy-Rags we do all fade away as a Leaf and our Iniquities like a Wind have taken us away Isa 64.6 Behold I was shapen in Iniquity and in Sin did my Mother conceive me Psal 51.5 He is accursed of God for as many as are under the Law are under the Curse For it is written cursed is every Man which continueth not in every thing which is written in the Book of the Law to do them Gal. 3.10 Deut. 27.26 Secondly Set Original Sin as a Beacon before us The use of a Beacon is to take directions how to steer a right Course to avoid splitting on a Rock or danger or upon Invasion to avoid surprizal by Enemies how great reason hath Man in remembring his lost happiness by sin to avoid splitting on that Rock again Remember Lots Wife struck up into a Pillar of Salt for looking back to sinful Sodom Gen. 19.26 The Passover was appointed to remember the Israelites that the Lord by his Power had rescued them from their Bondage in Egypt Exod. 13.3 The Prophet Hosea in 7 8 9 10 11 12 and 13. chapters of his Prophecies holds forth to us the natural and rebellious frame of Mans Spirit which we should always have under our Eyes The third Duty incumbent is Mortification of all sins and corruptions actual and habitual of whatever quality or degree And that First by applying our selves to Christ by Prayer Wash me and I shall be clean purge me and I shall be whiter than Snow create in me a clean Heart and renew a right Spirit within me Isa 51.7 10. We being naturally defiled must be cleansed by him For he is made to us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 of this more at large hereafter Secondly Get a self loathing for sin we are all as an unclean thing from the sole of the foot to the top of the head and with holy Job abhor thy self and repent in Dust and Ashes Isa 1.6 ch 64.6 Job 42.6 Thirdly Get deep apprehensions of the Infinite and free love of God in Christ And that first in his early Mercy of Mans Redemption and Promise after Mans Fall it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Gen. 3.15 And admire his infinite goodness of free Mercy When we were without strength Christ in due time died for the ungodly God so loved the World that while we were yet Sinners and Enemies Christ died for us Rom. 8.5 6 9. This is that Emmanuel which was promised for Redemption of Sinners Isa 7.14 ch 11.1 ch 53. all The fourth Duty is Repentance which is a Godly sorrow for sin not to be repented of which according to the Apostles description hath these seven qualifications in it 2 Cor. 7.11 First Carefulness which is an Impartial discovery and searching into all the Thoughts and Actions concealing none nor conniving at any thing of Sin though as dear as right Eye or right Hand If thy right Hand offend cut it off if the right Eye offend pull it out it is profitable that one member perish rather than the whole Body He that loveth Father Brother or Child better than me is not worthy of me he that loseth his Life shall find it and he that saveth his Life shall loose it and he that taketh not up his Cross and followeth not me is not worthy of me Mat. 5.29 30. Mark 9.44 Secondly Clearing your selves That is not only to part with what Lusts we please and confessing what sins we are indifferent to part with but searching and condemning our selves according to the ballance of the Sanctuary To the Law and to the Testimony not by the level of affection and interest Isa 8.20 A Third is Indignation To hate every sin with an implacable prejudice even to hearing seeing touching handling or any
new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the Stony Heart out of your Flesh and I will give you a Heart of Flesh and I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them Ezek. 36. all He that spared not his own Son but freely gave him up to death for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Rom. 8 31. to the end I am persuaded that neither Death nor Life things present nor things to come nor Principalities nor Powers nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8.31 to the end Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened for every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Mat. 7.9 Thou calledst in trouble and I delivered thee I answered thee in the secret place of Thunder I proved thee at the Waters of Meribah Exod. 17.6 The People of God are his Temple and he dwells amongst them therefore he assists comforts and protects them For ye are the Temple of the living God 2 Cor. 6.16 Know ye not your own selves how that Christ is in you except you be reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 And are built upon the Prophets and Apostles Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a Holy Temple in the Lord in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God thorough the Spirit Eph. 2.20 21 22. Christ is as a Sun over his House whose House we are if we hold fast the confidence and rejoycing in the hope unto the end Heb. 3.6 Eye hath not seen Ear hath not heard neither hath it entered into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what good he hath prepared for those that wait on him 1 Cor. 2.9 The great Physitian of Souls hath not only offered his temporal Mercies in general afflictions but also hath proportionate his Promises to the particular Cases and Conditions of his People in their afflictions which may be chiefly in these First Under Sickness Weakness or Infirmities of Old Age. Secondly In Poverty Want or Oppression Thirdly Under Captivity Restraint or Imprisonment Fourthly Under Revilings Reproaches or Slanders Fifthly Under unkindness or forsaking from Friends or Relations First In Sickness or Weakness As it is Christs own saying in another sense what hath a Man profited if he gain the whole World and loose his own Soul So it may be said what comfort can a Man have of Honour Friends Riches and all other enjoyments of the World when by Sickness Infirmity or natural Decay and Weakness he is not able to find a relish of these Enjoyments his Palate is so out of order that all are insipid and tastless to him And as it s said by Christ What shall a Man give in exchange for his Soul what will not the greatest Misers the Lovers of Honour or Wealth give to ease the gnawing pains of a lingering and loathsome Disease when by sickness or pain all the Channels of Comfort are stopt and a Man can have no breathing but is tortured and racked by fainting fits or tearing pains how cheap would he sell all his pretensions to breath freely and he eased of his Pains and Sickness which drain all the Faculties from the Sensor Use of any other enjoyments And how miserable is the richest wisest most honourable and best related when the Heart is stunned with faintings and the body with torturing pains nevertheless this is the Christians comfort that there is Balm in Gilead and a Physitian in Israel and one who not for filthy lucre but one who of free love hath not only promised to cure them but also never to leave nor forsake them Heb. 13.5 Am I a God at hand and not afar off he is present when trouble is near Jer. 23.23 Behold I will bring it health and cure I will cure them and will reveal unto them the abundance of Peace and Truth I will restore health unto thee I will heal thee of thy wounds because they call thee an outcast saying this is Zion whom no Man seeketh after Jer. 30.17 Which are born by me from the Belly which are carried from the Womb even to your old Age I am he even to your hoar hairs will I carry them I have made and I will bear even I will carry and I will deliver you Isa 46.3 He alone hath that universal Medicine who hath â—hte Keys of Hell and Death and none can rescue out of his Hands of this David in his Affliction and Decay of Strength being sensible applieth himself to the proper Physitian I am a Wonder unto many but thou art my strong refuge cast me not off in time of Old Age forsake me not when Strength faileth now when I am Old and Gray headed forsake me not Psal 71.7 18. I have seen his Ways I will heal him I will restore Comforters unto his Mourners I create the fruit of the Lips Peace Peace to him that is afar off and to him that is near saith the Lord and I will heal him Isa 57.18 19. He maketh sore and bindeth up he woundeth and his Hands make whole Job 5.18 Come and let us return unto the Lord he hath torn and he will heal he hath smitten and he will bind us up after two days he will revive us in the third day he will raise us up and we shall live in his sight Hos 6.1 2. Behold the Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him and hope in his Mercy to deliver the Soul from Death and keep them alive from famine Psal 33. â—8 19. The Lord will strengthen him upon the Bed of languishing thou wilt make all his Bed in Sickness Psal 41.3 They cry unto the Lord in their trouble he saved them out of their distresses he sent his Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions Psal 107.19 20. Secondly In Imprisonment As all Afflictions for the time are grievous and not joyous Restraint or Imprisonment wants not its aggravations for that it restrains a Man from that freedom of Nature in converse which is most desirable by Man as the Philosopher defines him to be a sociable Creature It restrains him from the Comfort of such in whom he delights Relations Friends and Acquaintance It deprives him of the Improvement of his Talent for Religion or Vertue for God his own Family and Common-wealth It abridgeth his Comfort in other Enjoyments It lessens health creates sickness and oppresseth the vitals often to fatal effects and here in this House of Darkness the Lord appears to support his People by manifold Promises either of deliverance or his strength and presence to comfort and uphold them and often to
both He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and all power is given to him in Heaven and in Earth he hath the Keys of Hell and Death he openeth and no man shuts and he shutteth and no man openeth Rev. 1.18 He executeth Judgment for the oppressed who giveth food to the hungry the Lord looseth the Prisoner Psal 146.7 The Lord upholdeth all that fall and raiseth up all that be bowed down Psal 145.14 He made them to be pittied of those that carried them away Captives Psal 107.10 Then they cried unto the Lord and he delivered them out of their distresses such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of Death being bound in Afflictions Irons he brought them out of Darkness and the Shadow of Death and broke their Bonds asunder he sent his Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions Psal 107.6 10 14 20. The Lord heareth the Poor and despiseth not the Prisoners Psal 69.33 Thus saith the Lord I will bring again the Captivity of Jacobs Tents and have mercy on his dwelling place and the City shall be built upon her own heap and the Pallace shall remain after the manner thereof Behold I will bring them from the North Country and they shall come with weeping and with supplication will I lead them I will cause them to walk by the Rivers of Waters by a straight way wherein they shall not stumble for I am a Father to Israel and Ephraim is my first born he that scattered Israel will gather him as a Shepherd doth his Flock for the Lord hath redeemed Israel and ransomed him from him that was stronger than he Jer. 30.18 A Voice was heard in Rama Lamentation and bitter weeping Rachel weeping for her Children refusing to be comforted because they were not thus saith the Lord refrain thy Voice from Weeping and thine Eyes from Tears for thy Work shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy there is hope in thine end that they shall come again to their own Borders Jer 31 8 to 23. And the Heathen shall know that the House of Israel went into Captivity because they trespassed against me therefore hid I my Face from them therefore thus saith the Lord now will I bring again the Captivity of Jacob and have mercy upon the whole House of Israel I will be jealous for my Holy Name after that they have born their shame and all their trespasses that they have trespassed against me when they dwelt safely in their own Land and none made them afraid And I am Sanctified of them in the sight of many Nations Then shall they know that I am the Lord their God which caused them to be led into Captivity among the Heathen but I have gathered them into their own Land and have left none of them any more there neither will I hide my Face any more from them for I have poured out my Spirit upon the House of Israel Ezekiel 29.23 c. Behold I will gather them out of all Nations and all Countries whether I have driven them in mine anger and in my fury and in great wrath and will bring them again to this place and will cause them to dwell safely and they shall be my People and I will be their God and I will give them one Heart and one Way that they may fear me for the good of them and their Children after them Yea I will rejoice over them to do them good and I will most assuredly plant them in this Land with my whole Heart and with my whole Soul for as I have brought all this great evil upon this People so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them Jer. 32.37 to end Turn ye to the strong hold ye Prisoners of hope even to day do I declare unto you that I will render double unto you they shall be as the Stones of a Crown lifted up as an Ensign upon his Land for how great is his goodness how great is his beauty Corn shall make the Young Men chearful and the new Wine Maids Zach. 9.12 to the end Thus saith the Lord after seventy years be accomplished at Babilon I will visit you and perform my good words towards you and cause you to return to this place for I know the Thoughts that I think towards you Thoughts of Peace and not of Evil to give you an expected end you shall call on me go and pray and I will hearken unto you ye shall seek me and find me when ye seek me with all your Heart I will be found of you and turn away your Captivity and gather you from all the Nations and all places whither I have driven you and bring you again to the place whence I caused you to be driven away Captive Jer. 29.10 to 15. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return to Zion with everlasting Songs and Joy upon their Heads they shall obtain Joy and Gladness and Sorrow and Sighing shall fly away Isa 39.10 That thou may'st say to the Prisoners go forth to them that are in darkness shew your selves the Captives of the mighty shall be taken away and the Prey of the terrible shall be taken away Isa 49.5 25 26. read Isaiah 52. to 7. and Psal 102.19 and Isa 20. God setteth the solitary in Families and bringeth out those that are bound with Chains but rebellious are in a dry Land As we see from the foregoing Scriptures the manifold Promises of God for the delivery of his Prisoners of hope the same instruct us also of the Lords great Power and goodness in his delivering of his People in these respects First By giving to them a more lively appearance and discovery of himself under their confinement than formerly and affords them more patience and courage to bear their Afflictions and Confinements Prisons or places of Retirement and as at all times we should examine our case as to peace with God and seeing all afflictions are from God and Confinements especially for the good of such as wait on him we ought in Prison Houses to search our Hearts and try our Ways and seek out the Causes of Gods so dealing with us and by this means he maketh the darkest Prisons the happiest Lodgings by the effects it works on such as therein walk with God and seek reconciliation with him in Jesus Christ we see what clear revelations Jeremiah had when shut up in closest Prisons and Dungeons and with what undaunted Zeal and Courage for God he delivers the Message of God when he was most severely dealt with being supported by God against all discouragements see Jeremiah 32.2 and 3. chap. 33. and 1. ch 37.16 ch 38.4.5 and 6. chap. 39.16 17 18. ch 42.10 See the constancy of Zeal and Courage of the three Children when they knew the Law against them was irrepealable Be it known to the oh King we will not obey thee nor worship the Image which thou hast set up
Dan. 3.16 17 18. How did Peter filled with the Holy Ghost being in Prison maintain the Cause of Christ when being forbid to Preach any more in the Name of Christ thus reasoned Whether it be better to obey God or Man judge ye for we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard Acts 4.3 9. How joyful and chearful were Paul and Sylas in Prison after they had been soundly whipt for Preaching in the Name of Jesus by Praying and Singing of Psalms in the hearing of other Prisoners how are all the Books of the Histories of the Christians Persecutions as well under Heathenish as Roman Tyranny full of the chearfulness of Christians in their Imprisonment for Truth so as many have been offered their Lives who rather did chuse to suffer Death than to live and be under greater Temptation Secondly By making Enemies Mediators for his People and Instruments of their Deliverance the Lord put it in the Heart of Cyrus King of Babylon whose Ancestours had kept the Israelites Captive seventy years to send them back to Jerusalem with Instructions to rebuild the Temple at his Charge and restored to them the Vessels took out of the Temple Jeremiah was enlarged and delivered by the King of Babylon when he was imprisoned by his own Native Prince Jer. 39.11 12 15. Paul and Sylas were brought out of Prison by the same persons by whom they were shut up and the Jailor washed their wounds and entertained them in Prison Act. 16.26 Thirdly By delivering of his People by his own immediate Hand And the Angel of the Lord opened the Prison Doors and brought them forth and said to them go forth and preach to all People the words of this Life Act. 12.13 The same Apostle also delivered by an Angel the Doors and Iron Gates opening of themselves and his Chains falling off and he and Sylas delivered by an Earth-quake all which shew the Lords special care over his Prisoners of Hope which invites all such to a patient waiting on God Believing the Vision is for an appointed time and he that shall come will come and will not tarry He made them to be pittied of those that carried them captive Ps 106.46 The third case wherein Gods Promises do support his People is Poverty or which the Scriptures abound the Holy Jesus who is truth it self tells us That Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God Mat. 4.4 And that his special Providence and care is the only supply of his People as he câ—reth for the Lillies provides for the Ravens and Sparrows so taketh he care of his People however the Lords Promises to his People in Poverty are large When the Poor and needy seeketh Water and there is none and their Tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will hear them the God of Israel will not forsake them I will open Rivers in high places and fountains in the midst of the valleys I will make the Wilderness a Pool of Water and the dry Land springs of Water Isa 41.17 18. I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness and hidden Riches of Secret Places that thou mayest know that I the Lord which call thee by thy name am the God of Israel Isa 45.3 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters and he that hath no money come ye buy and eat without money and without price Isa 55.1 2. The Lord shall guide thee continually and satisfy thy Soul in drouth and make Fat thy Bones and thou shalt be like a Watered Garden and like a Spring of Water whose Waters fail not Isa 58.11 Though Poverty pincheth and Straights are sore Trials yet consider and believe Gods Providence and Care of his People at all times either in supplying their wants in his own time and way or blessing what they have and increasing a little to a great deal First In supplying their wants see the Lords supply of Ishmael when his Mother laid him out of her sight not willing to see him dye for want of Drink Gen. 21.16 to 21. The Lords feeding his People with Manna for Bread and Quales for Flesh from Heaven Exod. 16. The Lords making Water to arise out of the Jaw-bone of an Ass to preserve Sampson's Life Jud. 15.9 The Lords feeding of Elisha by sending of food to him by a Raven 1 Kin. 17. The Lords wonderful relieving the City of Samaria strongly besieged and opprest with Famine when Women did eat their own Children and in one Night brought it great plenty by his wonderful Providence 2 Kin. 7. all Secondly By blessing and encreasing a little to a great deal The little that a Righteous Man hath is better than the Riches of many wicked Psal 37.16 The wonderful encreasing of the Widow of Sarepta's Oil and Barrel of Meal to the feeding her self her Son and the Prophet Elisha many days when she thought to have starved for want 1 Kin. 19. The Lords preserving Elisha forty days and forty nights by two single Meals 1 Kin. 19. The Lords making a small quantity of Oil to encrease to many Barrels and thereby relieved the Widows two Sons who were to have been soâ—d for the payment of their Fathers debt 2 Kin. 4 all The Lord Jesus Christ his feeding of five thousand Men besides Women and Children with five Loaves and two small Fishes and after all were satisfied twelve Baskets full of Fragments were taken up Mark 6.42 43 44. And to conclude this point see what Omnipotency saith Prove me now saith the Lord if I will not open the Windows of Heaven and pour out a Blessing that you shall not have room to receive it Malachy 3.10 Fourthly The fourth Affliction or Trial of Christians in which God assisteth his People by his Promises is the unkindness unnaturality or changeableness of friends as this is a great trial yet it is the frequent Lot of Christians Christ the Lord of Glory was not only forsaken of his Friends but also betrayed by one of his own Disciples Job was charged with Hypocrisy by his three Friends and tempted by his Wife to Curse God David had his Throne Usurped by his own Son and his Wives defiled by him in the sight of the Sun Moses was accused of usurpation by his Brother Aaron and Sister Miriam Numb 11.4 and daily experience proveth that a Mans Enemies are those of his own House however the Lords Promises for Comfort and Support of his People under this Trial are many and almost numberless See that early Mercy of God to the Church as representing the state of all men by Nature in that often repeated place No Eye pittied thee to do any â—f these things to thee nevertheless he proves that kind Samaritan who takes pity and care when the Priest and Levite whose profession was to shew Charity passed by without Pitty or Care and sufficiently provides for the poor wounded Man Luke 10.30 to 39. See the Psalmists Case Thou hast put
the wise contriver of our Salvation fits his People for these eternal Mansions of Glory for as the Goldsmith doth purify his mettal by fire and furnace to bring it to the pure and true touch and as the Joiner by Plain and Chissel fashioneth his Wood for his Mortice even so the Lord who is of purer Eyes than can behold Iniquity by his Fatherly chastisements of trials and afflictions doth polish and fit his peoples Hearts and Affections and by blasting the glory of humane enjoyments he raiseth their desires to the heavenly enjoyments and fits and fashions them with suitable qualifications of holiness and having experienced the vanity emptiness and uncertainty of all earthly enjoyments their affections are wholly raised unto and set upon God alone The Prodigal had never thought of the plenty wealth or glory of his Fathers House or of returning thither had it not been that he was pinched and under straits The Church had not thought of returning to her first love had it not been that her Corn and Wine and the delicacies by which she entertained her self with and lived voluptuously were taken away Hos 2. The sixth thing to encourage Believers patiently to bear the Cross is the great prize of Eternal Life already spoken of But here it may be objected that the Doctrine of mortification self-denial and contempt of the World is a comfortless and melancholy Doctrine and Heaven seems only to be obtained on hard and dear terms and that the necessity of loosing all for Heaven will encourage the neglect of Heaven and induce men rather to take Solomons advice in taking pleasure and delight in the Creatures and therein to comfort themselves and thereby they will be the less anxious for Heaven Ecclesiast 11.9 Secondly This Doctrine seems contrary to the Scriptures which promises halcyon days to the Church and great Honour Wealth and prosperity and that Kings shall be her nursing Fathers and Queens her nursing Mothers and that the Saints shall Judge the Earth how then can this consist with the contempt of the World Thirdly This Doctrine seems desparagable and contrary to the Holy Just and good Nature of God to treat the best of his Friends and People with pinches Difficulties and Contempt and to suffer the wicked to enjoy their full delight and amongst Men it will be thought great ingratitude to treat the best of Friends worse than the worst of Enemies As it is most certain from experience and History from the beginning of the World and coming of Christ the People of God have been under the worst of Temporary Circumstances so it is likewise proved in the foregoing Discourse that this is their appointed Lot and this hath also been the stumbling of the Saints and particularly to David the wicked's constant oppulency quiet and prosperity made him much amazed Psalms 10. Psalm 17.9 to 15. Ps 37. Ps 73.3 to 17. Jer. 12.1 See what Holy Job the Patient and Wise saith on this Subject The Wicked become Old they are mighty in Power their Seed is Established in their Sight and Of-spring in their Eyes their Houses are safe from fear the wrath of God is not upon them their Bull gendreth and faileth not their Cow Calveth and casteth not her Calf they send forth their little ones like a Flock and their Children dance they take the Timbrel and Harp and rejoyce at the sound of the Organ they spend their Days in Wealth and in a Moment go down to their Grave wherefore they say unto God depart from us for we desire not the knowledge of thy war what is the Almighty that we should serve him and what profit have we if we Pray unto him Job 21.7 to 16. And the same Language was in use in the time of the Prophet Malachy And ye said it is in vain to serve God and what profit have we if we keep his Commandments and Ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts and now we call the proud Happy and they that work wickedness are set up yea even they that tempt God are delivered Mal. 3.14 For the full clearing and answering these Objections let us consider the things in Competition and Weigh them in the Ballance of the Sanctuary and these are chiefly two First The Enjoyments of this sensual Life and Being which are Temporary Secondly Things Spiritual which are Eternal First As God of his Heavenly Wisdom made the World for his own glory and by himself upholds the same and gives to whom he pleaseth what portion thereof he will so it is at his pleasure to recall what he giveth when he will so that Man is but a Sojourner in Earth and Tenant at Will for Life and all Human Enjoyments and Mans claim thereunto is extinguishable at his pleasure Secondly Let us consider the vast disproportion in value between things Temporal and things Spirital Solomon the Wisest and of greatest experience hath given us this Testimony on Record that all Human Enjoyments are but vanity and vexation of Spirit Ecl. 2. all The Apostle Paul in the foregoing Scriptures sheweth the emptiness and vanity of all that may be challenged for good or great in the World that all perish in the using 1 Tim. 6.7 to 17. The Holy Evangelist John gives us the like account 1 John 2.15 16 17. so that the whole that can be pretended to in this World is some present possession of Worlds vanities attended with uneasiness and discontent of Mind uncertainty in the Enjoyment all being subject to change at the plesure of God Thirdly Let us consider the Nature Value and Continuance of things Spiritual things Spiritual litterally understood imply something above the sensual Appetite and Perception and only to be apprehended and enjoyed by the Spirit Mind or Soul of Man the Nobler part and that is Eternal and not seen as described by the Apostle while we look not after things which are seen but after things which are not seen for that which is seen is Temporal but that which is not seen is Eternal 2 Cor. 4.18 In the next place we are to consider what are these Spiritual things which Transcend and are above sensual Enjoyments about which the Soul is only and principally exercised which may be briefly comprized in these four First Jesus Christ the Son of God and Saviour of the World Secondly All Spiritual Endowments and Graces given to the Saints and procured to them by Jesus Christ Thirdly The Sanctified Use of all Temporal and Spiritual Mercies bestowed on the Saints while in time Fourthly Eternal Life obtained and freely bestowed on the Saints by Jesus Christ As to the first God of his own free Will having Created Man in Holiness and Righteousness according to his own Image Gen. 3.6 Scripture and sad experience inform us that our first Parents and we in them have fallen from the Original State of Innocence in which they were Created and thereby the Venom of their sin hath infected and depraved Mans
the Eye being the more curious and choice Organ of Natural and Sensual Understanding and Delight the right Frame and Complexion thereof affords a Man the greatest Satisfaction of all Sensual Faculties and yet we see how frail and weak it is at best soonest and easiest wounded and diminished by Age or Accidents and must needs have supports by glasses in Old Age or otherwise and at last it wholy fails at Death whereby we find these two defects in it First It is but weak Secondly It altogether fails at Death The Silver Threads are cut and the Golden Bowl broken at the Well Ecl. 12. to 6. read all In these Considerations the godly have much the Advantage for when inlightned they are made of a spiritual Frame strong and vigorous as being built on Christ the Rock of Ages by Faith and when renewed in him and Translated into Glory can admit of no defect nor be subject to any Infirmity you hath he quickened who were once Dead in sin he hath quickened us together in Christ Eph. 2.1 As Christ being once raised from the Dead was reed of all further Natural Infirmities even so renewed Sinners even in this Life have the Cataracts and Scales of Natural Darkness taken off as spiritually enlightned and made partakers of the Divine Nature and are taught to see and understand the Mysteries of God and Godliness which the Natural Man knoweth not nor can understand to be Carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can he the Carnal Man receiveth not the things of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned but he that is Spiritual judgeth all things Rom. 8.6 7. for who have known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him but we have the mind of Christ 1 Cor. 2.14 15 16. Thus Christians having the Eyes of their Understanding enlightned they can see and understand distinctly for they walk and see by Faith and not by Sense and being here as to the World Strangers and not minding the World in a Carnal Method as Worldlings do and as dis interessed they do impartially make the more certain observation and judgment of things of this Life therefore we are always confident knowing that while in the Body we are absent from the Lord for we walk by Faith not by Sight we are confident and willing to be absent from the Body and be present with the Lord 2 Cor. 5.9 The Saints have yet a further excellency in their sight for when they are Spiritualized in this Life and the natural ignorance taken off by their ingraftment in Christ when these Silver Threads are cut they are enlightned with the knowledge and sight which fails not and united to Christ that first and Original Light and their knowledge is eternal and unextinguishable and augmented to the seeing not only in part as in this Life but to know as they are known and to see as they seen eternally in the Heavens that they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that they may be perfect in one We know in part and we Prophesie in part but when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away when I was a Child I spoke as a Child I understood as a Child I thought as a Child but when I became a Man I put away Childish things for now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known 1 Cor. 13.9 10 11 12. In this side of time our Eyes are blurred with Sorrow and Grief and our sight marred but in the Translation all Tears shall be wiped away from our Eyes there shall be no night there they shall need no Candle nor light of Sun or Moon for the Lord giveth them Light Hence plainly may appear the great difference between the Lusts of the Eyes in a Carnal Man and the Transcendent excellencies of the sight of the Saints in glory for that the Carnal Eye of the Body can only reach sensual Objects and that under great Infirmities and Weakness but the Spiritual Light reacheth Heavenly Objects and that in full extent and continues its strength to all Eternity The last thing which makes up the Worlds glory and excellency is the Pride of Life by which may be understood all Worldly Honour Credit Titles and Preferments which do chiefly consist either in naked Titles of Honour or Titles with Preferment and Benefit attending them in both which respects we shall find that of the glorified Saints infinitely excell all that can be pretended from the World Worldly Titles of Honour of the Highest Elevation or Degree as Dukes Kings Emperors and such like are splendid in Carnal Fancy but having no intrinsick value depending only upon the frothy Opinion of others the professors thereof may fall from them into more Contempt than they were in esteem by reason of their Titles Power and Glory as daily experience teacheth but the Saints are Sons and Heirs of God and joynt Heirs with Jesus Christ and their Names Titles and Dignities are entred in the Records of Heaven and they are Sealed with Truth that cannot lye The grace and calling of God is without Repentance To him that overcometh will I give a New Name better than the Name of Sons and Daughters the Name of God and the City of God which cometh down from Heaven this is more Honourable than that of the Order of St. George or St. Andrews or any of the most splendid Dignities on Earth Rev. 3.12 These Titles are not only glorious though not made up of the vain and flattering notions of Carnal fancies and outward gaity and shew but are also accompanyed with the richest Preferments and greatest profit such as are thus dignified with the Name of God on them are in the Presence Chamber continually before the Throne of God Day and Night and he that sitteth on the Throne dwelleth amongst them they shall Hunger no more neither Thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on them or any Heat Rev. 7.15 16 17. Though these be not eminent Titles yet not all and what the richest greatest and most generous Princes on Earth cannot give the Lord gives to the Saints he makes them Sons and Heirs of his Everlasting Glory he that overcometh shall inherit all things and he shall be my Son and I will be his God Rev. 21.7 If ye be risen with Christ then are ye Heirs according to his promise and joynt Heirs with Christ and because ye are Sons God hath sent forth this Spirit of his Son into your Hearts whereby ye cry Abba Father wherefore thou art no more a Servant but a Son and if a Son then
holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble Spirit to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the Heart of the contrite ones for I will not contend for ever neither will I be always wroth for the Spirit should fail before me and the Souls which I have made Isa 57.15 16. From whence we may have these two Lessons First A Lesson of Caution Humiliation and Watchfulness to the Godly and Penitent Secondly An advice against censoriousness and rash judging of others First As to Godly and Penitent hast thou upon serious enquiry into thine own Heart Affections and Conversation found that Godly sorrow and repentance for sin spoken of 2 Cor. 7.9 10 11. And explained in this ensuing Discourse Page And hast found Faith warranting thee to believe that Christ Jesus who knew no sin is made sin for thee 2 Cor. 5.21 And thou made the Righteousness of God in him and that the Hand-writing of Ordinances of Gods Justice as to thee is by him blotted out Col. 2.13 14. Then consider First What thou art called unto That as ye have learned Christ Jesus so walk ye in him Hath he made thee Righteousness who was dead in trespasses and sins not by thine own work of Righteousness but of his Grace and by his Power of Regeneration art thou justified not by the Law of thy Works but by Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ Romans 3.27 28. T hy works are only Obedience Faith and Holiness which are given to thee by him and though they neither have justified nor can justify thee they are thy duties and what thou canst do is but duty and thou shouldst account thy self an unprofitable Servant as to God Luke 17.10 And though in the acceptance of God through Jesus Christ thou art accounted Righteous thou must continue in holy duties in all manner of conversation and must not continue in Sin that Grace may abound but as being dead to sin and crucified in Christ thou shouldest walk in newness of life to the destruction of the body of Death that we may live with Christ Let not therefore Sin reign in your Mortal bodies that you should obey it in the lusts thereof neither yield ye your Members as Instruments of unrighteousness to Sin but yield unto God as those that are alive from the dead and your Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto God and sin not because thou art not under the Law but under Grace Rom. 6. to 16. Secondly Art thou in thy apprehensions renewed to God and hast a loathing sense of Corruptions is the Bond-woman of Sin and Satan cast out by the power of Regeneration and Grace leave not thy house empty but get it freshly stockt with increase of Grace consider what Christ saith of the Man out of which the Devil was cast out that if he find the House empty he will return with seven Devils worse than himself and the last state of that man will be worse than the first Luk. 11.24 25 26. Be instant therefore in Prayer to God for increase of Grace and Guard against old favourite Lusts and Corruptions that they return not again to entangle thee to Folly take the Apostles advice be sober be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Pet. 8.9 Thirdly Art thou Righteous to God by Christ Jesus not by thine own works and power be humble in the sense of thy own incapacity and insufficiency for any good in thy self and say with that holy Apostle For I know that in me that is in my Flesh there dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good that I know not for the good that I would I do not but the evil which I would not that I do for I find a Law that when I would do good evil is present with me O wretched man that I am Who shall deliver me from the Body of this death Rom. 7.18 to 25. And be deeply sensible of the weakness and imperfection of all thy Graces and Attainments as rotten Garments and menstruous Clouts as in and from thee and that in thy self there is no soundness but uncleanness from the sole of the Foot to the top of the head Isa 1.6 Ch. 64.6 Secondly As to censoriousness and rash judging the Scripture tells us that offences must come but wo to them by whom they come Luke 17.1 And as none are more obnoxious to be slandered reviled and evil reported of and be treated censoriously and uncharitably than the Godly this they may remember for their Comfort and Patience that the Disciple must not expect better entertainment than his Master nor the Servant than his Lord and as Christ was reviled with being a friend to Publicans and Sinners a Wine-bibber and a Drunkard and that he did cast out Devils by Belzebub the Prince of Devils Luke 7.32 33 34. So may the Children of God contentedly sit down under the uncharitable constructions of the Enemies of Truth after the example of Christ who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2.21 22 23. As the Children of God when they do well and suffer for it are called to suffer patiently as following Christs example in the foregoing Scripture so the uncharitable and censorious Rabsecahs whose business is to ridicule the Truth of God disparage Religion and load the zealous for God with reproach and infamy Isa 36. Chap. 37.8 to 14. should do well to remember that uncharitable censoriousness is a great sin against God and to take on them to charge the Professors of Religion with Hypocrisy is assuming to themselves the Prerogative of God of knowing mens Hearts which alone is the peculiar power of God Jer. 11.20 ch 17.9 10. Psal 7.9 1 Sam. 16.7 Man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh on the Heart No Man can charge another with any Sin but if he search into his own Heart and Ways he may find himself guilty of that same or worse Sins wherewith he chargeth his Brother wherefore he should take Christs directions first To take the beame out of his own Eye before he challenge the Mote in his Brothers Eye and not to Judge least he be Judged Mat. 7. to 6. Let such consider how much a narrow uncharitable and censorious Spirit is contrary to that love tenderness and charity which is commanded and recommended in Scripture Rom. 2. all and that if any brother or professor of truth be fallen under any sin that he be reclaimed in the Spirit of meekness and not treated with bitter invectives and reproaches 2 Cor. 2.7 and that self-humiliation is the best means of anothers conviction and the true Christian duty For whoso exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Luk. 14.11 Let such consider