bears witness against us of some great iniquities with us and of much stubborness in hiding and retaining them provoking such displeasure in such a gracious God and Saviour If he had given us over or left us in the hands of men and they had not spared nor pitied but been cruel to the utmost they could There might yet have been some room to have waved the reproof of instruction in it or to have strengthned our selves in a thought that there had been no such reproof in it to us or displeasure from God signified against us He might have ordered some light affliction to us and they might being also left to try them have added to our affliction as Zach. 1. 15. But what shall we say Himself hath done it and by himself The Lord that sees many things to provoke before he observe them against us yea though he prevents alwayes with opening the â—ar by gracious instructions in milder means yet is not quick to hear our murmurings disputings and hardning our hearts against the reproofs of instruction so graciously brought us nor is there with him any changeableness He is the same yet he the Lord. The Lord Gracious Merciful slow to Anger ready to forgive and that doth not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men even he hath made this breach upon us Who gave Jacob to the spoil and Israel to the robbers Did not the Lord Surely the Lord our Holy and Gracious One the glorious Lord would not have done it if we had not excâ—edingly sinned against him and with much and long stubborness refused to walk in his ways and to be obedient to his lawes Let us then search and try our wayes and turn unto the Lord. This leads us into the nâ—xt instruction propounded to be considered in the Text. 3 That the reason or procuring cause of such judgments from the Lord is our own iniquities Yea that usually there is found besides the more general evils some great iniquity of neglects and disorder in Gods peculiar people yea even iniquity and pollution in their holy things as the in-let to and procuring cause of such judgments on themselves and others We shall first give some general proof and demonstration of this point by other Scriptures And then speak particularly to the evil of sin or iniquity mentioned in the text as the reason or procuring cause of the breach made upon them First For the general proof and demonstration of this point by other Scriptures See Ezek. 33. After the Prophâ—t hath mentioned many great and crying sins as general and national evils such as The feeding on and rejoycing in forbidden and unclean things lifting up their eyes to their idols Gods that men make to themselves which indeed are no Gods as their wisdome strength â—iches honourâ— confederates the like Their shedding blood Their standing leaning or depending on their sword for defence and safety Working Ambition and Vnclâ—anness For which he threatens to dispossess them of the land and to lay the land most desolate c. verse 25. 28. He then adds verse 30. c. Also moreover or besides these great general and national evils The children of thy people still are talking against thee by the Walls and in the doors of the houses privately murmuring and speaking evil imagining deceit and seeking how to avoid the force and prevalency of his doctrine yet speaking one to another mean while Come I pray you and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord yea such they were as did sit before him as Gods people and did hear his words and with their mouth shew much love and he was to them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice c. Yet they were not doers of his words but was stil secretly murmuring and disputing against them and the reproofs of instruction in them for their heart went after their covetousness And for these with the former God farther threatens That when this namely the forementioned judgment cometh to pass They should also know that a Prophet had been among them as may seem by the want of them He would take away such in such an evil time when they should have stood in the gap to turn away Gods wrath and been instruments of comforting strength and teaching to them in their affliction Their condition should then be such as they should not see their signes nor should there be among them a Prophet or any that knoweth How long as Psalm 74. 9. I might here mention the evils complained of Isaiah 56. which is principally their general envy at God people by whom his house is rendred a house of prayer for all people the blindness greediness profaness and enmity of their watch-men who were Ring-leaders in those crooked pathes which are declared as fore-runners and procurers of such judgments as well as their multiplied idolatries and coveâ—ousness compare chap. 57. with chap. 56. Likewise the oppression fraudilence violence deceit and the like spoken of Mich. 6. as fore-runners of such judgments as the taking away righteous and good men from the earth and from among men chap. 7. But to these Scriptures having spoke more fully in the fore-said lamentation I shall here add no more Yet something more we shall briefly add to what is there also hinted of that plain declaration of the cause why many among believers were weak and sickly and many slept 1 Cor. 11. 29 30 31. It was as appears by comparing the verses 28. 31. For their not so discerning considering and looking into the Lords body that was broken for them and is now through sufferings entered into his glory As to examine themselves in that glass and judge themselves thereby as discovered and reproved in the light and powet of it and so for their pride and disorders that followed on that in-let to all disorder For so much is evident from his councel let a man examine himself so let him eat as that is pressed with this motive or reason For he that eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks Damnation present reproof and correction to himself not discerning the Lords body so much I say is evident 1 That the true way for a man rightly to examine himself is in the discerning the Lords body as declared in the glorious Gospel looking to and into that as the true glass that makes himself and all things else manifest in their right colours 2 That the want of or the wilfull neglect or shunning the so examining a mans selt in that glass the unwillingness to see and judge himself his own vileness and wretchedness the evil and shortness of his own wayes as therein discovered and reproved is that iniquity that renders him unworthy or unâ—eer and disorderly in his seeking and worshipping the Lord and makes him obnoxious to reproof from the Lords body the object acknowledged by him in those acts of worship and procures such corrections as followes For this cause many are
that life in him and so through the taste of his graciousness are as lively stones built up in him a spiritual house for him to dwell and walk in and so manifest himself in and through them Hebrews 3. 6. 2 Corinthians 6. 16. 1 Corinthians 3. 16 17. John 14. 21. 23. An holy Priest-hood to offer up by him Spiritual sacrifices of praise to God continually even the fruit of their lips confessing to his name as well as in doing good and communicating for with such sacrifices also God is well pleased Heb. 13. 15 16. A Chosen Generation a Holy Nation a Peculiar People that they should shew forth the praises of him that called them out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Peter 2. 4 5. 9 10. They are the Salt of the earth the light of the World let and preserved in it to shine as lights by holding forth the word of life in it in word and conversation so working out to others their own salvation Mat. 5. 13. 16. Phil. 2. 12. 16. Whence Timothy is instructed to be an example of believers in word and conversation c. 1 Timothy 4. 12. That they might all each in their place and according to their capacity be followers of him as he was of Christ and so together with him of Christ and his Apostles Hence also our Saâ—iour in John 17. Praying for such peculiar blessings as in which the persons prayed for might be sanctified through the truth to the ministration of it and holding it forth to the world which blessings he prayes not for for the world that they should be conferred on any man that is yet abiding in the state condition and way of the World such being not appointed of him to this service Yet he saith he prayes for those peculiar blessings not onely for those first messengers whom he sent immediately to that work of the Ministry as the Father sent him and to whom he gave the grace of Apostleship for obedience to the faith among all Nations nor onely to the more eminently gifted believers But in those prayers he also prayed for all those that in after Ages should believe through their word That they also might be one in this service in a secondary sence so as receiving it and their fitness to it in believing through the Apostles doctrine That they all might be one in will and design with the Father and Son and with his Apostle for carrying on this business that through him by meanes of them instrumentally the World might know and believe that the Father had sent Christ the Saviour of the World and loveth those that through his grace believe as he hath loved him or with such manner of love in a subordinate sense John 17. 9. 24. 2 The Priesthood being changed there is therein made of necessity a change also of the law for service There is verily a disanulling of the commandement going before for the weakness and unpâ—ofiâ—ableness of it For the law made nothing perfect but the bringing in of a better hope by the which we draw nigh to God If perfection were by the Levitical Priesthood under which the people received the law what farther need was there that another Priest should arise after the order of Melchizedeck c. There is therefore a change of the law for service 1. In respect of the persons unto whom their ministration of and about holy things is to be extended and amongst whom to be exercised 2. In respect â—â— the manner of their work or service in the charge committed to them yet in both it 's such as answers to those patterns and tipical reâ—â—mbâ—ances that was in theirs 1. As to the persons unto whom their ministry is to be extended and among whom to be exercised As their charge was to bear and keep the vessels of the Lord and to minister about holy things for and in the behalf of the whole Congregation of Israel after the flesh To whom was committed the Oracles of God the knowledge of which as given by the Prophets was by the Priests lips to be preserved amongst and unto them To whom also pertained the Adoption the Glory the Covenants the giving of the law the service of God and the promises Rom. 3. 2. and 9. 4. Even so now The charge of the holy Priesthood whom the Father hath given unto Christ to minister unto him and keep his charge who is the great Apostle and High-Priest of our profession is to bear the vessels of the Lord and to minister about holy things for and in the behalfe of unto and amongst all Nations Unto the Apostles eminently this charge was committed to go into all the World to disciple the Nations to Christ baptizing them in his name preaching the Gospel to every creature of all the Nations small and great Jew and Gentile bond and free witnessing repentance and remission of sins to them and amongst them as in his name for them and that in baptizing them with their word or doctrine and also as an outward seal to that with water in his name and therein teaching them to observe as instructed moved and capacitated by his preventing Grace through their word all things that Christ had commanded them To them was committed the grace of Apostleship for obedience to the faith among all Nations for his name And unto all them that believe through their word in a secondary sense is this charge committed That they should shine as lights in the World as they have capacity and opportunity in their several places where they are set to keep that commandement without spot until the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ They ought not to account any man common or unclean or as left under that outward state of uncleanness which sometime remained on the Gentiles who are now made nigh by the blood of Christ Act. 1â— 28. Ephes 2. 13. 17. and 3. 1. 10. The Servants therefore as Servants not as Lords or Worldly Princes by a worldly power nor by the wrath of man are to indeavour the gathering them together as many as they finde both good and bad and the bringing them into his house to rejoyce with his People to eat of his Bread and drink of the Wine that he hath mingled Proverbs 9. 3 4 5. Matthew 22. 9 10. Romans 15. 6. 9. c. 2. As to the manner of their service in the charge commited to them whereas the service of the Levitical Priesthood was exercised in the tipes and patters of Heavenly things and so in offering such gifts and sacrifices as could never make themselves and therefore not the comers perfect as pertaining to the Conscience but stood onely in meats and drinks and divers washings and tipical rights and ceremonies imposed on them till the time of reformation they had a Worldly or Earthly Sanctuary and Vessels of the Ministry committed to their charge They had an earthly and tipical Ark and mercy seat all patterns and figures of the true and
the woman to whom our Saviour said It s not meet to cast the Childrens Bread to Dogs Truth Lord sayes she yet the Dogs eat the crums c. That being heartily considered will bring the into a better condition For God made him that knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him And he came to seek and to save that which was lost Oh! That men were willing to know that unspeakable gift of God and the infinite grace of God in it to every man that would deliver them from this disorder and confusion in which instead of building on Christ that onely true foundation which God hath laid they seek to lay a foundation of their own and would build Christ and his things upon it 3 There is an order of regularness to be observed in the manner of our seeking And so to seek the Lord after the Due Order is to walk according to that rule in all our seeking which is already delivered as that is grounded upon and opened by the word of the beginning of Christ which is the vision of all the foundation of all ordinances of divine worship and the key of knowledge for opening them the particular precepts concerning them and not to have our fear towards God taught by the precepts of men which is an evil found with all those worshippers or seekers to whom the vision of all is a sealed book who perceive not their ground in that nor receive their instructions from thence unto all their fear and worship but make the word of the Lord to them precept upon precept line upon line c. Isa 29. 11 13 with chap. 28. 12 13. To seek him after the Due Order as under this consideration is 1 To seek him fear or worship him remember and acknowledge him in his wayes Isaiah 64. 5. not to chuse our own wayes Isaiah 66. 3. or to receive our conversation in that respect from the customes or traditions of men or to be determined by their precepts That will render our worship vain unacceptable and fruitless Matthew 15. 9. 1 Peter 1. 18. But in the instruction and direction of the Apostles main Doctrine the preaching of the Cross to observe all things whatsoever our Lord and Saviour commanded them and hath delivered to us by them to remember them in all things in their word and doctrine and so to keep the ordinances as they have delivered them to us to stand fast in the grace of the Gospel by and into which we are called and so to hold the traditions which they have in his name delivered to us Matthew 18. 20. 1 Corinthians 11. 2. 2 Thessalonians 2. 14 15. Alwayes acknowledging as the commandements of the Lord the things so delivered by them 1 Corinthians 14. 36 37 By whom the preaching was fully made known that all the Gentiles might hear 2 Timothy 4. 17. and in the instruction and incouragement of the word heard come into his house and rejoyce with his people that call on him in truth and so to acknowledge him to pray unto him to remember him and wait on him and wait on him in his house with his people where his name is truly acknowledged as opportunity is vouchsafed in his ordinances as by the Apostles in his name delivered Romans 15. 9 10 11. 1 Timothy 2 4 8. Proverbs 9. 1 5. Matthew 22. 4 10. Luke 14. 17 23. For they have delivered to us the commandements of the Lord Both what to hear Mark 2. 24. viz. That which we have already heard even from the beginning in the word of the truth of the Gospel as by them delivered Hebrews 2. 1. with ch 1. 1 3. c. 1 Joh. 2. 24 27. 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. 2 Pet. 2. 12. to the end with ch 3. 1 2. c. And also how to hear Luke 8. 18. For the trying of all things in those prophecyings which are not to be despised but respected and attended by us as well as also for the tryal of every doctrine or spirit that may come to us viz. so as retaining and holding fast that which is good Even the good word or doctrine of Christ as already come in the flesh and so as having finished the works the father gave him to do on the earth and being received up into glory in that body prepared for him in our nature in which he bore our sins on the tree as they have delivered the same unto us cleaving to and holding fast that as the Touch-stone and Rule of Tryal compare that Luke 8. 18. with 1 Thessalonians 5. 20 21. 2 Timothy 1. 13 14 c. 1 John 4. 1 6. Likewise in the same name and so by the Lord Jesus they have given us full instructions and commandements how we ought to walk in all our remembrances and acknowledgment of him and approaches to him in his ordinances 1 Thess 2. 11 12. and 4. 1 2. c. And in any thing where they have not limitted or circumscribed us to this or that thing or form we are not to fall under the judgment or become subject to the ordinances of men such as touch not taste not handle not Coll. 2. 16 20 21. Yea they have instructed us how and in what cases we are to behold Israel after the flesh for our helpfullness in the understanding and use of ordinances as well as for example and admonition to us 1 Corinthians 10. 1 18. 2 In the manner of our seeking remembring and acknowledging him in his wayes It is after the Due Order Alwayes first and chiefly to mind the greater or more weighty matters of the law of the things declared in the Apostles doctrine or instructed to thereby and so required in precepts and not to neglect the lighter matters as they are called in comparison of the greater though there is nothing in Gods law doctrine or requirings that is in it self light but to observe them according to the instruction of and in subserviency to the greater and more weighty Matthew 23. 23. Luke 11. 42. Hosea 6. 6. As 1 The end of all ordinances is the greater thing in them and more weighty then the circumstances in the manner of observance and so to be minded and preferred as the Apostle signifies both of the law as given by Moses and also of the commandement of the everlasting God in the Gospel of Christ and things instructed to therein from the end of which commandement he saith Some having swerved or not ayming at that have turned aside to vain jangling desiring to be teachers of the Law and so urging precept upon precept though without any certain ground foundation or rule of harmony not knowing what they say nor whereof they affirm The great things of his law being strange things to them Hosea 8. 12. with 1 Timothy 1. 5 6 7. Now the great end of all ordinances is to Preach or witness not our selves to our selves or to him or to others
to perish and nigh to cutting off and burning For by means of his death he hath obtained power to forgive those sins that deserve a second death while it is yet to day that is before they be so finished in any as to procure the utter bloting out of their names out of the book of the living and so to save us from the wrath to come and hath received gifts for the rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them Hebr. 7. 27. 9. 15. 1 John 2. 1 2. 1 Thess 1 10. Psal 68 18 19. 20. And is therein able to save to the utmost them that come to God by him as well as to hold open the dore for rebellious sinners approach and that he might bring them back from all their wanderings to God And all this because this man continueth for ever in the name and majesty of God his Father to improve for us that one offering of his owne body by which he hath obtained plenteous redemption even the forgivenesse of sins and in which he liveeth to appeare in the presence of God for us Though good men are perished from us and being taken away by death can be of no more personall usefulnesse to us for the dead know not any thing nor have any more a portion in any thing that is done under the Sun and so no simpathy with us in our present joyes or griefes nor is there any more that they can doe for us by speaking to us or praying for us for there is no worke or devise nor knowledge or wisedome in the grave nor have the dead any capacity or opportunity to perfect any thing left undone under the Sun They cannot praise him or celebrate his truth to the living nor hope or seeke for it for them Eccles 9. 5 10. Psal 6. 5. Isa 38. 18 19. Yet the Lord liveth and blessed be the God of the Rock of our Salvation 2 Sam. 22. 47. Psal 18. 46. For because he liveth for ever in that body in which he once dyed for us therefore also they that sleepe in Jesus and we that waite for him shall live together with him in a like consideration even in these bodyes that are now vile which then shall be fashioned into the likenesse of his glorious body yea therefore all shall be raised and stand before his judgement-seate to receive in their bodies according to the things done in them whether good or bad And therefore also they that waite on him shall not be ashamed but though they heere passe through the vally of the shaddow of death and may sit in darknesse as the fruit of their owne wayes yet looking to him he will be a light to them and his rod and staffe shall comfort and uphold them For he is able to uphold support preserve and deliver them when all other helpers and Saviours fail from them even yet to preserve his Church in the world as a people to his praise when their power is gone though those pillars be removed which were a strength to them and their enemies thought were their only foundations whence they encourage themselves saying if the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do But our God our Rock of salvation foundation and high Tower is in heaven he dyed once and â—an dye no more but is alive for evermore and hath the keyes of Hell and Death yea the Lord is in his holy Temple God hath set his King upon his holy Hill of Sion Therefore saith Micha I will looke unto the Lord I will waite for the God of thy salvation For 3 My God saith he will heare me He is ready to save to forgive and heale he delights in mercy that pleaseth him he hath no pleasure in the death of any or that any should perish but that they should come to repentance and be saved And therefore will not be wanting in seasonable admonitions to rebellious ones while it is to day yea will make his rods and reproofes powerfull to the awaking unto his righteousnesse to the giving wisdome and opening the eare to discipline and turning at his reproofe will farther power out his spirit and make knowne his words as is shewed before yea he the Lord of the harvest will yet raise up and thrust forth many more faithfull labourers into his vinyard if yet we be willing to be humbled under his mighty hand and seeke it of him after the due order for because of his infinite compassions kindnesse and pitty to man-ward that they may heare of the things that concerne their peace and learne to know and seare his name therefore he will not make his peculiar people an utter desolation in the carth bâ—t will preserve a Seed to serve him in their generation for the good of others Psalm 22 30 31. and 103. 1 7. 8. c. and 145. John 17. 15 20. Yea therefore the Lord will not forsake his people for his great names sake because it hath pleased the Lord to make them his people onely feare the Lord and serve him in truth with a perfect heart for consider how great things the Lord hath done for you 1 Sam. 12. 22. 24 For 4. These things considered will instruct incourage strengthen and admonish not to forsake him though all this evill be come upon us nor fly to any other mountaine or refuge for help but to fly to him trust in him and resigne our selves to his government for truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and from the multitude of Mountaines truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israell yea he that is our God is the God of salvation and to God the Lord belong the issues from death Jeremiah 3. 23. Psalm 68. 20. And they that know thy name will trust in thee for thou Lord never forsakest them that seek thee Psalm 9. 10. But as for such as will still go on in their trespasses not regarding the work of the Lord nor the operation of his hands but still persist in their falling away and turning aside unto their crooked paths the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity he shall destroy and not build them up But peace upon Israel Psal 28. 5. and 125. 5. and 68. 20. 1 Sam. 12. 25. Heb. 10. 38 Seek we therefore the Lord and his strength seek his face evermore remember his marvelous works that he hath done his wonders and the judgements of his mouth he is the Lord our God his judgements are in all the earth Psal 105. 4 5 7. FINIS Post-Script WHereas in page 20. speaking of the examining a mans selfe and so eating the Supper of the Lord to which we are instructed 1 Cor. 11. 28. I have written That it is not to search for know or take notice of the goodnesse of our owne frames or qualifications as things rendâ—ring us worthy or by which we may come nâ—r in this case or to such an end are we so to examine or