with it if it go into captivity into prison into noysom diseases into poverty reproach nay though they are surerely and infallibly shewed that it goeth to Hell yet they will go with it 5. By their dislike of holinesse and all the means teaching man to lead a holy life this is like fetters to the man possessed with an unclean spirit they break these cords as he brake them like the Sun to diseased eyes Job 24.13 like a Candle to him that hath stolne goods Ioh. 3.19.20 like the hand-writing to Baltazzar Dan. 5.5 no weed so unsavory to their Nostrils no Gall so distastefull to their Palates no noise so terrible to their Ears this is a stranger they will give it no entertainment an enemy they will make war against it Rom. 8.7 they watch an opportunity as Iudas to betray Christ as Esau to murder Iacob so they to betray to destroy this if possible they might it is as offensive to them as Mordecai to Haman nothing can give them contentment as long as this prospereth by which it is apparent that the natural mans disposition is altogether carnal Vse This may teach us not to wonder be astonish'd or dismayed to see the whole world lie in wickedness the greatest number of men carnally disposed their affections tending downward to things here below as the streams go down the Channel or the earth moveth down towards the Center not think it strange that the carnal world wonders after her own lusts as the Popish idolatrous world after their beast that they pursue the earth and the vanities of the same as Micah pursued his Idol that they lye overwhelmed in sin as once the world was overwhelmed with the deluge that Hill and vale high and low rich and poor learned and ignorant even all a few poor despised yet sanctified Souls excepted given unto covetousnesse and carnal lusts as the Prophet long since complained Ier. 6.14 that the broad way is full the narrow way hath few travellers that Baals house is full the seats in Gods house like the seats in Sauls house in the new Moon were empty yesterday and to day Sabbath after Sabbath that the world the earth riches honours pleasures are in great request heaven religion holinesse duties of sanctification in little or none at all Marvel not I say at this shrink not back from God leave not the Lord Iesus for this the three hundred Souldiers left not Gideon though many thousands went back from him Ioshua and Caleb turned not back from following the Lord though Israel besides did and perished let Peters resolution be your practise though all men forsake him yet go not you back from him be not moved be not shaken at the sight of the multitude of prophane persons for all men are earth and earthly and 1. They are ignorant and see no beauty no benefit no pleasure in the way of Godlinesse it is to them as a light under a bushel a fountain shut up Luke 19.42 these are like the Gods of whom Daniel spake Dan. 5.23 these are as Ier. 5.4 Psal 82.5.2 they are sick and cannot rellish the good things of God their Palate hath lost its taste bread is as gravell Wine as Gall a feast of the choisest heavenly delicates as the white of an Egg which hath no taste or unsavoury meat which cannot be eaten without salt Iob 6.6 what our Saviour said to Peter in one particular may be universally verified of every carnall man thou savourest not the things of God but of men and what Barzillai said to David in another case every carnall man may say of himself unto God I am old in sin and cannot taste the Word of the Lord and let not me be pressed to this and that duty of holines to follow the Lord with such preciseness but let me return to mine own way fashion delights c. 3. They are dead in sins and trespasses no more feeling of sin than a dead man of the disease no more sence of the working of Gods Word then feared flesh of the prickings of a needle as Psal 6.5 so there is no thought no remembrance of God among carnall men they have no thought of Heaven life eternall the way and means tending thereunto 4. They know not things of any better nature than the earth the Cattle know not any better thing than pasture in the field water in the brook and therefore never look after wine and other delicates so the naturall man knoweth nothing but this World not knowing the comforts of the Gospel the sweetness of Gods love the pleasantness of the peace of a good conscience think there is no clearer nor warmer sun no more pure nor pleasant streame no sweeter musick than peace and prosperity in this World the Woman of Samaria knowing no other water than such as was in Jacobs Well asked not water of life from Christ knew not what he meant when he spake of it the unsound Disciples knowing no other bread than that which nourisheth the body thought not upon the bread which nourisheth the soul unto life eternall 5. They are inconsiderate hasty and violent in the pursuite of their own projects in accomplishing their own purposes in running their own way in following their own counsell in fulfilling their own lusts therefore likened to the Adder Psal 58.5 the wild asse Ier. 2.24 mad men Jerem. 17.9 they have in heart to consider what the issue will be of all their evill doings though they set thornes yet they think they shall gather grapes though they serve sin yet they think the wages shall be eternall life though they sow to the flesh yet they hope to reap life everlasting thus Psal 36.1 and though they be like them Isa 65.4 like him Mar. 5.4 5. Though they have fellowship with the workers of the works of darkness though they be men of swinish condition and conversation though there souls be full of the breath of abominable things though they break the strongest bonds of Gods precepts wound themselves with many lusts as with swords and speares yet like them Isai 65.5 they spare not to think to say they are better than the dearest of Gods Children so highly are they opinionated of their own goodness so strongly are they wedded to their own afflections that all admonition is but as water upon a black Moor dew upon a rock it maketh no impression but as Solomon saith Prov. 27.22 Now this being the qualification order disposition bent and course of every naturall mans heart and life it is no marvell that the World is generally profane nor let any go back because there are so few that set and keep their feet constant in the way to life 2. Is this the condition of corrupt man since the fall of our first parents are they all earthly carnall full of sin then this may assure us that in this estate there is no salvation the naturall mans way will never lead him
a pen-man this I can more than promise verbo Ministri that there is nothing in it for matter or manner either spurious or surreptitious nothing but what is genuine and the Authors own the immediate issue of his working brain and flowing from his own pen. This I shall promise the Reader if he shall like of what is in this Book I shall present him shortly with another of this Author In the mean time I refer this to thy serious reading and gracious benefiting who am From my Study at Stratcley in Armington Com. Devon Thy Servant in the Gospel JOHN WELDEN John 3. the 22. c. After these things came Jesus and his Disciples into the Land of Judaea and there he tarried with them and baptized c. THe Sun in the Firmament is never wearied but cometh forth like a mighty man rejoycing to run his race casting forth his bright and glorious beams in whatsoever circuit of the Heavens he moveth The Sun of righteousness Christ Jesus in like manner is never weary of well doing but his lips were alwayes dropping knowledge feeding Souls with heavenly understanding his Lamp was alwayes burning his cloud was alwayes distilling the dews of heavenly Doctrine in all companies on all occasions he like a faithfull Shepheard sought to gather home the straying sheep to Gods fold like a good guid to reduce the erring travellers into the right path like a carefull Physician to heal every diseased Soul No place no company but received some benefit by his presence having instructed Nicodemus in the Doctrine of Regeneration he came now into the Land of Judaea and there baptizeth After these thinges Iesus c. Our Saviour about the thirtieth year of his age came into the desart unto John to be baptized of him being baptized he was led by the spirit into the wilderness where he fasted fourty dayes and fourty nights from thence he returned to John in the desart at which time he called John Andrew Simon Peter Andrews brother from thence he returned into Galilee and in his journey called Philip and Nathaniel cometh to Nazareth where he was brought up and there after a few dayes being invited to a marriage he came to Cana where he wrought his first miracle after this he went to Capernaum and from thence to Ierusalem where he taught wrought a miracle and discoursed with Nicodemus about the point of Regeneration as we have largly set down in the beginnig of this Chapter From thence he came into the Territories of Iudaea and there baptized In the connexion of these words we have presented before us 1. The carefull and constant practise of Iesus Christ to win Souls to God and to communicate to them the knowledge of the truth 2. In the words we have his journeying into the Land of Judaea His attendants the Disciples His commoration or stay there he tarried His worke the administration of baptisme yet not by himselfe but by his Disciples as appears in Ioh. 4.2 Iesus himselfe baptized not but his Disciples I shall begin with the connexion of this history wherein we have discovred our Saviours constant practise and from thence draw this conclusion That we ought in all places to busy our selves in well-doing specially in endeavouring the conversion of Gods people As the clouds cause there dewes every day to distill more or less as the beast every day yeild their milk and the Stars continually send forth there light So must we according to our best abilities be alwayes doing good alwayes watering the Souls of our bretheren with the dewes of holy admonition with the milk of Gods word shewing the way of salvation to them by the light of the truth This charge the Apostle giveth Heb. 3.13 But exhort one another daily while it is called to day c. To this the promise of profiting is annexed Gal. 6.9 And let us not be weary of well doing For in due season we shall reap if we faint not And the Apostle will not have this duty in any case to be forgotten Heb. 10.24.25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works Not forsaking the assembling of our selvs together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching What Paul gave in charge to Timothy may in a more generall manner be given in charge to every Christian 2. Timoth. 4.1 2. I charge the therefore before God and the Lord Iesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine Be instant in thy calling in seeking the good of thy bretheren in season and out of season exhort rebuke reprove with all earnestnes and long suffering The grounds why we ought to busy our selves in well doing specially in endeavouring the conversion of Gods people are these Reas 1 Because thereby Sathan who 1. Pet. 5.8 as a roaring Lyon walks about seeking whom he may devoure shall be prevented of that advantage which otherwise he will get against us The flynig bird is hardly smitten with the Arrow the industrious and diligent person alloweth Sathan no time to tempt him when David was idle then the devil ensnared him 2. Sam. 11. Reas 2 Because we shall hereby thrive in the graces of the Spirit The seed by sowing is encreased the fire by burning is augmented so grace is encreased by exercise and holy industry what Solomon speaketh concermnig outward poverty or riches that he becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand but the hand of the diligent maketh rich Prov. 10.4 The same is true as to inward riches or poverty that a lazy slothfull heart becometh poore in grace but the diligent heart maketh rich in grace to this very purpose is that passage af Iesus Christ in the Luk. 8.18 take heed therefore how ye heare for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have This is the way to thrive in grace namely to exercise and improve it for the good of others for as Solomon saith Prov. 19.17 he that hath pity on the poor lendeth to the Lord and that which he hath given will he pay him back again Reas 3 Because we shall hereby prevent much evill deadnes and dulnes in our hearts vanity of thoughts idlenes of speech As the motion of the body prevents the cold the using of the plough-share prevents rust the moving of the water prevents putrifaction the manuring of the feild preventeth the growing of weeds thornes bryars Therefore is that of the Apostle Heb. 3.12.13 Take heed bretheren least there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God But exhort one another daily while it is called to day least any of you be hardned through the
deceitfulness of sin Reas 4 Because we shall hereby much advance the Gospell and promote the welfare of Christs Kingdom the hiddē mysterie of Godliness shall be the more plainly opened the wayes of life more clearily manifested our bretherens understanding the better informed their cold hearts the more inflamed their unclean affections the more thoroughly purged their feeble faiths the better strengtned the good things of Gods Word the more sweetly relished The often speaking of this language makes it the better understood the often sounding of this Trumpet doth awaken the conscience the more throughly the often shining of this light doth make the way appear the more plain we can in nothing more honour the Gospell or benefit our bretheren than in seeking to perfect their conversion Vse This condemneth our negligence and sloathfulnes our dulnes and backwardnes in doing good in seeking the salvation of our bretheren How many places come we unto where we doe no good how often are we among our bretheren never labouring the welfare of their Souls what more frequent with us than like the Priest and Levite passing between Jericho and Jerusalem never reaching out the hand to help them that lye wounded with sin Luk. 10. to see them erre and not instruct them to see them sorrowfull and not comfort them to see them barren in grace never labouring to make them fruitfull Where is the Disciple that imitateth his Saviour in doing of good continually as he goeth up and down Where is the man that with Mordecay Esther 10.3 that seeketh the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed who with Nehemiah seeketh the welfare of Israel as it is in Neh. 2.10 Who is it that with Iob becoms eyes to the spiritually blind feet to the spiritually lame Iob 29.15 I was saith he eyes to the blind and feet to the lame c. Who is it that becometh a Father to the poor searching out the state of there Souls that breaketh the jawes of sin and plucketh the spoiled Soule out of the teeth of Sathan as Iob did in another case vers 16.17 of that 29. Iob I was saith he a Father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his teeth Whose bowells are so full of compassion to his bretheren that fitteth and prepared himself to cloath there Souls as Dorcas prepared garments to cloath there bodies Acts. 9.39 Who is it that seeketh his straying bretheren as the Shepheard his wandring sheep Eze. 34.12 Where is the Father in Law that with Lot Gen. 19.14 speakes to his sonnes in Law saying Vp get you out of this place for the Lord will destroy this Citie Where is the Father that with David gives incouragment to his children to go on in the Lords Work 1. Cron. 28.9 to know God and serve him with a perfect heart and willing minde Where is the Master of the family that with Abraham commands his houshold to keep the way of the Lord to doe justice and judgment Gen. 18.19 Where is the Minister that holdes not his peace day nor night that makes mention of the Lord and keepeth not Silence That gives him not rest till he establish and make Ierusalem a Praise in the earth as it is in Isa 62.6.7 Where is the bountifull Christian that doth in Spirituall things as Solomon chargeth we should do in temporall Ecl. 7. Who is he that cometh as Abigal to David 1. Sa. 25.25 28. Who redeemeth the time Who seeketh opportunity who imbraceth the offered occasions to do good If we examine our selves we may all lay our hands up our mouths and confess our selves guilty we have all more or lesse withheld the waters which should have refreshed the thirsty the light which should have guided the ignorant the food which should have fed the hungry the staff which should have sustained the weary c. And as long as we are thus slothfull and backward in this behalf it doth discover 1. That we have no bowels of compassion towards our bretheren Who can see his brother taken prisoner by the Prince of darkness led away captive in his chain wounded to the death with sin pressed down under the heavy burden of iniquity stript naked of the rich and pretious garment of true holines altogether defiled with the dirt and slime of Sin if he have any compassion in him and not seek to deliver him how can he chose but pray as the Church Act. 12.3 4 5 6. endeavour as the angell vers the 7.8 Shall Abram raise an army to deliver Lot Gen. 14.14 Will God have men to shew such compassion to an enemies oxe or asse Exo. 23.4 5. How much more to the Souls of our bretheren captivated by Sathan led astray by or sunke under the burden of sin surely this is the truest compassion the sweetest mercy the best kindnes to help the Souls of our brother out of the snare of Sathan according to that of St. Iude vers 22.23 And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with feare pulling them out of the fire c. Men think all the mercy appeareth in giving food for the belly apparell for the back but what is lands and revenews to one confined to perpetuall imprisonment what is food to the diseased who needeth Physick what mercy is this to trim the house and leave the inhabitant in prison I may say as the Lord in Isa 58.5 6 7. Is it such a fast as I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his soule Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush to spread sack-cloth and ashes under him willt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord Is not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bandes of wickednes to undo the hevy burdens and to let the oppressed go free and that ye breake every yoke Is it not to deale thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him and that thou hide not thy self from thy one flesh So is this the compassion the Lord looks on for a man now and then to feed cloth the hungry naked body is not this the compassion the Lord looks at to help thy brother off with his wicked bands to undo his heauy burdens to break his yokes c. 2. That we have no hearty and sanctified affection to our bretheren How can we say we love them if we seek not to remove sin from them read that place Lev. 19.17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour and not suffer sin upon him The love of Christ appeared not in making his servants rich or advancing them to worldly dignities for they are for the most part a poor despised people as it is in Zeph. 3.13 But his love appeared
31.18 19 20. and Rom. 7.24 3. They cannot be separated from sin if Naaman go not into Jordan he cannot be cleansed 2 King 5. if the fan be not used the chaffe corne cannot be severed Math. 3.12 read also Iohn 15.3 and Ier. 23.29 4. They can never have experience of the happy estate of Gods servants of the good things that he hath provided for them that love him of the sweetnes of his Ordinances these cannot be as Psal 46.4 A river the streams whereof make glad the heart But as waters in a sealed fountaine these cannot be as Eccl. 11 7. Light which is sweet and pleasant But as light under a bushell as a treasure under the earth as an unknown language They cannot say with Ieremiah in the 15 Ier. 16. nor with David in the 119. Psal 72. 5. Their Consciences can never be truely pacified for the publication of reconciliation is by the ministrey as 2 Cor. 5.20 the stormy and tempestuous Sea of a troubled soule cannot be quieted they cannot be assured they shall be saved Rom. 10.17 Eph. 1.13 14. The streams of Gods loving kindnes flow not with an equall fullnes into all corners of the earth To some God affordeth his mercies his blessings spirituall as a river of great strength of much depth running for many ages together to others as a weake streame a shallow brooke soone dryed among some he erecteth the meanes of life as a Lamp full of oile giving much light shinnig very long to others as a Lamp with little oile giving a slender light soone gone out to some the means of life are as a Sommers day cleare glorious of long continuance to others as a Winters day more obscure more short as Joseph in the distribution of his meat and apparell among his bretheren gave five times as much to Benjamin as to any other of his bretheren So our God in the distribution of the meanes of life giveth five times as much to some nations to some particular places as to others Thus our Saviour in the first beginning of his ministry passed by Jerusalem like a traveller making a very small stay but in the Land of Judaea he tarried as a sojourner making a longer stay among them revealing himself more fully unfolding the mysterie of salvation more plainly from whence we may gather this Doct. 4 That the long continuance of the faithfull ministery of the Gospell is a very great blessing to any people As the continuance of the fiery Pillar was a great blessing to Israel Exod. 40.38 So is the continuance of the fiery and shining Pillar of the Gospell to all that are appointed to travell from Aegypt to Canaan As the continuance of the light shining in Goshen was a great blessing to Israel when Aegypt sat in darknes Exod. 10.23 So is the continuance of the light to any Nation or particular person or assembly when others are left in ignorance This is apparent by Gods gracious and comfortable promise made to the Gentiles Isa 60.11 20. Therefore the gates shall be open continually they shall not be shut day nor night that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles and that their Kings may be brought vers 20. The Sun shall no more go down neither shall the Moon withdraw it self for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light and the dayes of thy mourning shall be at an end And also to the Jewish Church as some conceive under the new Testament Isa 62.6 7. I have set Watch-men upon thy walls O Jerusalem which shall never hold their Peace day nor night ye that make mention of the Lord keep not silence and give no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth And this doth God put into the hand of his Church as a burning Lampe to give her light in the darke night of affliction Isa 30.20 21. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy teachers and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying This is the way walk ye in it when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left The reasons of the point are these Reas 1 Because it is a peculiar testimony of Gods love a powerfull argument of his mercy towards us in Christ A surer a sweeter a richer testimony of his favour than if he did turn the shallow streame of our outward prosperity into a deep river the barren tree of our earthly abilities into a fruitfull vine loaden from the top to the bottome with the choicest grapes As Abrahams reservation of the inheritance for Isaac was a greater Testimony of his favour than if he had given hin all the moveables bestowed on Ismael So Gods donation of the ministry of the Gospell the means of life eternall is a far greater favour than if he had given all the moveable and mutable wealth of the world Earthly things are but as favours bestowed upon a servant but the Gospell is a Jewell peculiar to the wise Jer. 3.14 15. Turn O Back-sliding children saith the Lord for I am married to you and I will take you one of a citie and two of a family and I will bring you to Zyon and I will give you Pastours according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding read also Isa 62.5 6. Reas 2 Because it is a gracious argument of Gods comfortable presence as the continuance of the fiery Pillar of the Arke were a blessed Signe of Gods presence among the men of Israel So is the continuance of the light of the Gospell unto us Where sacred assemblies are according to Gods Ordinance continued there Christ is present Math. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them and Rev. 1.13 in the midst of the 7 golden Candlesticks one like unto the Sonne of man cloathed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle Mat. 28.19 20. I am with you to the end of the world As the tree of life in the midst of the garden so is Christ in the middest of such assemblies affording them food and nourishment unto life eternall Reas 3 Because it is a peculiar end of Christs resurection a singular benefit of his ascension As it is a singular benefit of the rising of the Sun in the Firmament to give light to the inferiour parts of the world So it is a singular benefit of the ascending of the Sonne of righteousnes to give light to them that sit in darkenes He did not rise he did not astend to endow his flowers with earthly riches to make them rulers over nations but he ascended to pour the grace of his Spirit to endow men with graces to instruct his people as you have it Eph. 4.8 11 12. and John 16.13
By the delight it breedeth in the wayes of holines It hath made that which was once as an iron yoke to thy neck to become as a garment about thy back what was once as a thorney way to become a plain a smooth path what was once as a moate to thy eye is now become as the light a pleasant thing thereunto it is no more a trouble but meate and drinke to do thy Fathers will Iohn 4.34 Psal 40.8 1 John 5.3 all these places intimate as much Signe 3 By the firme Union holy Communion it doth work between Christ and thee it causeth thy heart to cleave to him as the heart of the bride cleaveth to the bridgroome as the stones in the building cleave unto the foundation with firmeness with affection it taketh thee out of the wild Olive and grafteth thee into the living vine it separateth thee from the World causeth thee to give a bill or divorce thereunto it maketh the World whom thou once entirely affected to become as a Husband that is dead and it doth contract thee unto Christ and whereas heretofore thou hast lived towards Christ as towards a stranger whom thou knewest not affectedst not regardedst not now you live to him as a wife to her Husband you know Christ converse with Christ open the secrecies of your Soul to him aske his counsell know the excellencie of his love towards you obey him delight in him meditate upon him study in all things how to please him Much more might be said but this will sufficiently discover it 4. Is the long continuance of the Gospel such a blessing then let us be carefull so to walke towards the Lord that it may shine like the Sun to the end of the World that it may be to us our posterity as an everlasting fountaine whose waters may never be dryed up that may shine like the fiery Pillar from one end of our jorney to another And for that end let us be carefull 1. To remove our transgressions far from us God will ever be our friend it we handle sin as an enemy if we cast this out of our bosome he will most graciously embrace us most abundantly communicate his mercies to us It is sin onely that causeth God to estrange himselfe from us to deprive us of his blessings the thornes and bryars occasion the Husbandman to withhold the soile from the vineyard the sower grapes cause God to pull down the hedge Isa 5.4 5 6. Ungodlines setteth God against us and us against his Ordinances if the Philistins love his Dagon the Arke cannot long continue if Ahab keep his resolution of going up to Ramoth Gilead Michaia shall surely lose his freedom 2. We must take heed of losing our first love we must not put our hand to the plough and look back we must not with Israel long again for the flesh-pots of Egypt but grow more and more in love with God and his wayes thirst more after Gods goodnes and God shall replenish you with his mercies 3. We must not grow weary of Gods Ordinances as Israel of their Manna as diseased stomacks of their food as soar eyes of the light as ulcerous bodies of a straite garment as bruised backs of a heavy burden But we must strive to take more delight and comfort therein to feel more sweetnes to perceive more efficacy to find a greater stability of faith thereby wrought The longer a man travelleth in the heate of the Sun the more his body is warmed the longer a man doth exercise in any trade the more contentement and delight he findeth in it make it then your delight Isa 58.13 14. Hunger and you shall be fed seek and you shall find But if we grow weary of the Ordinances as they in Amos 8.5 The Lord will remove the Ordinances as in vers 11. 4. We must not oppose reproach nor disgrace the Messengers of the Lord abuse the Kings Messengers he will send no more When Hanun abused his Messengers he sent no more in Kindnes abuse the Physitian and thou maist languish without cure Acts 13.45 46. Mar. 6.11 Let then their feet be beautifull Rom. 10.15 Let him be as one of a thousand Job 33.23 5. We must bring forth the fruits of the Gospel let it be as seed sowne in good ground as soile about the rootes of a good tree as milk from the Mothers breasts making the child grow 1 Pet. 2.2 Lastly Is the long continuance thereof such a blessing then the taking away thereof must needs be a curse if the one be a testimony of Gods favour the other must needs be a testimony of Gods anger Therefore likened to a famine what greater punishment than to be deprived of bodily sustenance Likened to the extinguishing of the light what more uncomfortable than to be left in darkenes This is our weapon what more dangerous than for a man to be left without any instrument of defence in the midst of his enemies These are the wells whence we draw the waters of salvation what more lamentable than to stop up the running streams which water the adjoyning countrey Therefore wretched is the condition of that people where this Lamp doth not shine of that vineyard where these dewes do not distill heavy is Gods indignation upon the people whose ears hear not the sound of the Gospel But more than miserable is the estate of such as have it and do not regard it The last thing here considerable is his action his work what he did He baptized not that he did it by his one hands but by others as appeareth in that place John 4.1 2. Yet he is said to do it To teach us Doct. That the efficacy of the Sacrament is not from the Minister but from Christ the Ordainer he must be a Minister called and Sanctified of God thereunto that doth administer it But yet it is the Lord that giveth efficacy unto it Moses smiteth the rock but it is the Lord that standeth before him and causeth the water to gush out Exod. 17.6 The Priests and the People compasse the walls of Jericho and sound the rams hornes but it is the Lord doth overthrow the citie Iosuah 6.16 It is Paul plants c. but God that giveth the encrease 1 Cor. 3.6 And this the Baptist acknowledged Math. 3.11 Reas 1 Because the ministers are but the instruments God is the chief agent they are but the rod in the hand of God the power is not mans but the Lords as in another case it is spoken 2 King 6.27 So if God do not help we cannot Our duty is to use the means it is Gods goodnes and mercy to give the blessing as Prov. 21.31 The Horse is prepared against the day of battle but salvation is of the Lord so faithfull and able ministers must be provided but yet the Lord giveth the blessing 1 Cor. 3.5 Reas 2 Because it is not mans but Gods Ordinance and the efficacy of every Ordinance dependeth
be more glorious Reas 4 Hereby they shall have the more comfort in their owne hearts he that doth good to many hath more joy then he that doth good to a few The Shepheard that gathereth home many a wandring Sheep to Gods fold the Embassadour that perswadeth many to peace the Physitian that healeth many diseased hath much cause of rejoycing So the Minister whose lips feed many hungry and thirsting Souls whose Doctrine like a cloud of much raine watereth a large field and like a painfull Husband-man gathereth many sheafs into Gods Garner hath cause of much joy and may say as Paul 1 Thes 2.19 20. For what is our hope our joy our crowne of rejoycing are not even ye c. Reas 5 Hereby they shall appear before the Lord at the last day with much comfort with the more boldnes It is a singular honour comfort to a Minister to be the instrument of many Souls salvation to be able to say as Isa 8.18 Behold I and the Children whom the Lord hath given me are for signes and for wonders in Israel c. None hath a better recompence Dan. 12.2 Wealth and honour will not comfort a Minister at the last day but the faithfull discharge of their calling the gaining of many Souls to God Use 1 This therefore condemneth them that have more regard to chose such places as will yeild most benefit to them not respecting what good may be done to the Church As in marriage the common quere is what portion not what piety what birth not what new birth what kinred on earth not what kinred with God what riches not what goodnes So it is often in Ministers choise of places what value is the benefice to what Summe amounteth the stipend not what people what number what quality what hope of doing good what hope of bringing honour unto God Making it manifest that they came into the Ministrey to live rather than to teach other men a new life to fatten themselves not to feed others to cloath themselves with the fleece though the devill take the flesh contrary to the charge of the Apostle 1 Pet. 5.2 Many men that would be loath to marry to an old wife of a barren wombe that would be loath to hew timber wherein is nothing but knobs to sowe in a field wherein is nothing but thornes bryars rocks quagmires yet if the maintenance be large will adventure upon a barren stoney-hearted untractable and unteachable people which in all probability will never hear and obey the Gospel 1. If the Minister must make such choise of the people it is behoofefull that the people should also be circumspect in their choise of their teachers They will not have their meate drest by a Leprous cooke they will not have their bodies cured by an unskillfull Physitian they will not be led in an earthly joruney by a blind guid they will not put their flock in his hands that cannot see the Lion when he cometh that cannot discerne the Sheepe from the goates And yet is it not straunge they will commit their Souls into the custody of one that is as the Prophet describes Isa 56.10 11. Blind guides dry breasts c. that take up their habitation under such as are clouds carried away with every tempest wells without water as it is in 2 Pet. 2.17 Or else commit their Souls to men of leud life whose Doctrine hath no authority in the peoples consciences God in his just judgment casting dung in their faces Mal. 2.3 9. Making their persons as unsavoury salt to be trodden under foot of men Matth. 5.13 Yet such men though they strengthen the hands of the wicked Ier. 23.14 Cause the Sacrifice to be abhorred 1 Sam. 2.17 Are a remarkable signe of Gods indignation Mic. 2.11 A curse to the people Mic. 3.6 Yet into the hands of such they commit their Souls their onely jewell whereas this should be their choisest care to settle themselves where the light of the Gospel shineth most clearely where this seed is sown most plentifully where the Minister buildeth with the right hand of sound Doctrine and with the left hand of a good Conversation where Life and Doctrine go together like fire and heate like oxen drawing well in one yoke like wind and tide carrying the Souls of the people speedily to the haven of eternall peace this was the care of the people here They came to the Baptist and were Baptized of him whence learne That it is the duty of the people carefully to frequent such places where they may most plenteously and effectually enjoy Gods Ordinances The people came here to the Baptist where was much water As the Eagles go farre for their prey Mat. 24.28 The Queen of the South came from farre to hear Solomon Math. 12.42 So must we to hear that wisedom of God which will make us wise unto salvation When we want it we must run to and fro to seek the Word Amos 8.12 As Jacobs sonnes went to Aegypt for corne Gen. 42.1 2. So must we for bread for our Souls Math. 3.5 Mark 8.1 2 3. It is Gods precept that men should seek the food of our Souls Isa 55.1 2 3. Reas 1 Because this is the means which God hath sanctified and ordained for the saving of their Souls the instrument by which he conveyeth into the hearts of his people the grace which doth accompany salvation This is the Jordan by which he washeth away the Leprosy of the people the waters of Abana and Pharphar have no power to doe it Eph. 5.26 This is the warlike weapon 2 Cor. 10.5 The Sounding Trumpet John 5.25 and 1 Cor. 3.5 1 Tim. 4.16 Reas 2 Because these are the food of their Souls as the Manna to Israel as the milk to the child 1 Pet. 2.2 As the dewes to the ground Isa 55.10 As the water out of the rock to the thirstly people in the Wilderness as the cake cruse of water to the Prophet in the strength whereof he went to Horeb 1 King 19. And therefore as men frequent the market where is store of bodily provision so must we the spirituall market where is spirituall provision for the Soul Because they are very dull and need after to be put in mind 2 Pet. 1.12 Their hearts are hard and have need of frequent dewes their Souls are filthy and have need of much washing the dross of iniquity sticketh very fast in them and they have need of much fire to purge them our understandings are blind and we have need of much light to shine into them we are apt to forget God and have need of often remembrancing Reas 4 Because we are prone to revolt and go back to loose our first love to forsake God and follow the Counsell of our owne hearts As Israel fell to Idols when Moses was in the Mount as the wise men knew not how to go forward when the light of the starr failed Joash fell to Idols as soone as Jehojada was
dominion as King over subjects Isai 43.15 Reas 2 In regard of the right he hath in them they are the work of his hands he is the potter and they are the clay the Creatour and they the thing formed by him trees of his planting tabernacles of his building Joh. 1.3 Reas 3 In regard of the price he hath paid for them not gold and silver hay stubble but his owne blood 1 Pet. 1.19 1 Cor. 6.20 The Captivne being ransomed must live to him that did redeeme him 2 Cor. 5.14 Reas 4 In regard of the relation between them Christ is the head they the members Christ the Husband they the Spouse Christ the Prince they the subjects therefore these must above all things seek the honour of Christ as the Apostle saith of the wife 1 Cor. 7.34 Reas 5 Because the honouring of the Lord Jesus is more dear to Gods Servants than their owne lives neither honours riches pleasures nor successe in worldly undertakings is so delightfull to them as the glorifying of the name of the Lord Acts 20.24 Acts 21.13 Reas 6 Because this is the most ready way to do good unto our selves the seeking of Gods glory will interest us in Gods favour make us capable of Gods blessing give us comfort and courage in all estates and much boldnes in the day of the Lord Iesus 1 Sam. 2.30 Reas 7 Because this is that which God hath chiefly and peculiarly reserved to himselfe this is to the Lord as the crowne to the King though the Lord graunt us many favours yet he will not graunt us this this is as the apple of his eye no man must touch it Isai 42.8 therefore Psa 148.13 Vse This discovereth the iniquity of such as regard not what become of the honour of God Christ so themselves may have honour that regard not though the Sun of Gods glory be overshadowed with an everlasting Eclipse so the corrupt meteor of their vaine glory may shine the extinguishing of the shining Lamp of the Gospel the ruinating of the Walls of Syon the breaking downe of the hedges of Gods vineyard the plucking off the grapes which grow on the Lords vine the entring of the wild boare Psal 80.12 13 16. All this doth not trouble them so the trees in their owne Orchard flourish bud blossome beare who knoweth not that Satan is now let loose his chaine lengthned his fury and his indignation great Whose eyes do not behold that as Rev. 6.12 thorough the insolency pride of Antichrist the glorious Sun of righteousnes is eclipsed The Doctrine the Sacraments the Worship of God is made black with heresies superstitious Idols and the Church bloody with warres tyranny oppression persecution Who seeth not the bottomles pit is now opened the smoak ascending the smoaky Doctrine of the Pope arising like smoake out of a great fornace to obscure the Doctrine of life salvation by Christ Who seeth not a fearefull Apostacy the starres falling from heaven Doctours Bishops learned men like vanishing Meteors to fall to the earth the World the flesh earthly honours Idols Who can but see how out of this smoake of Popish Doctrine there comes forth a multitude of locusts Priests Jesuits Monks who like the locusts leape from earth to earth flying aloft in the aire savour not the things of God but onely the things here below like the locusts go together in great troups singing the sonnet of their prosperity leape and delight in idlenes enter the meadowes green pastures and eate up all the green things Who seeth not bow they incroach upon us as the Sea upon the earth when it hath eate thorough the banks as a fire upon the towne when it hath once fired one house as the frogs on the Land of Aegypt till they made it stinke Besides who heareth not the blaâ—phemies and hideous swearings who seeth not the swinish drunkenes the matchles pride who heareth not of the whoredomes fornicacions amoÌ„g us of the strang contempt of the Gospel by all which the name of God is blasphemed Rom. 2.24 yet who almost regardeth this whose eyes gush out as David did Psal 119.136 Whose countenance us sad as Nehemiahs was Neh. 2.3 4. Who rend his garment and his Mantle as Ezra did Ezr. 9.3 If but the hemme of our owne garment be touched but the least spot of disgrace cast on us we are much displeased disquieted but who layeth to heart the dishonour done to God If men may keep up their owne Dagon they care not what become of the Lords Arke 1 Sam. 5.4 5. If their Ship may row in a secure haven they care not if the Ship of the Church sink in a storme Amos 6.6 If they may be rich they care not though the Church be poore if they may be crowned with the earthly glory they care not who take the crowne of Gods praise from him like Gallio they care for none of these things if they may be at ease in Syon Amos 6.1 6. Whereby it is manifest that they are not Gods Children for a good Child seeketh his Fathers honour more than his owne that they are not the spouse of Christ for the Wife is grieved to see her Husband dishonoured that they love not the Lord Jesus delight not in the Gospel seek not that honour which cometh from God but that which cometh from men were it otherwise the losse of their owne peace plenty revenew praise would not be so offensive to them as to see God dishonoured but as these men grieve not to see God dishonoured forbeare not to rob him of his praise so the time is at hand wherein God will cover them with shame 1 Sam. 2.30 Ezek. 28.2 to 9. Dan. 5.22 23 24. 1 Sam. 2.29 2. Therefore this must occasion every one of us neglecting our owne selves thoughts ends to seek the honour and the glory of our God and give the Lord the praise due to his name let this be the prime desire of our Souls Psal 71.8 Let us long after this as much as ever Rahel did after Children Gen. 30 1. And as we are or will make it appeare that we are the Children of God so let us set our whole hearts and all our strength to glorify him for this doth God challeng by vertue of our sonneship and his owne dominion Mal. 1.6 and this let us make the choise of our endevours Mat. 6.33 this let us value before our owne life Joh. 12.27 28. yea let us desire life chiefly for this end Psal 118.17 and unto this let us frame all the abilities we do enjoy whether inward or outward Prov. 3.9 Let every talent be imployed to the advantage of our great Lord and Master let every creature become a string to sound out Gods praise Psal 113.1 2. Let soule and body like well yoaked oxen draw in this yoake let all the members of the one and all the faculties of the other like an army of well trained souldiers fight these battles let
accord This you may descerne 1. By the soundnesse the fulnesse holiness of their knowledge in the matter of life and salvation for as the Sun ruling the world is full of light the Sea watring the earth is full of Waters so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge therefore called starres Rev. 1.16 And light Mat. 5.14 Guides Acts. 8.31 Shepheards Ephes 4.11 Captaines 2 Tim. 2.3 Stewards Lu. 13.52 And it is Gods ordinance Mal. 2.7 Gods promise Jer. 3.15 The contrary to this is an argument men are not sent Hos 4.6 Jer. 2.8 2. By the holinesse and integrity of their conversations Kings send not rebels to reclaim others they who are tainted with the Plague themselves are very dangerous Physitians no man will willingly take Physick from them but Lu. 4.23 therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity Mal. 2.5 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12 And therefore our Saviour Matth. 5.16 and Isaiah was cleansed Isa 6.5 And Paul proposeth himselfe and the rest for an example Phil. 3.17 The contrary to this argueth want of commission Jer. 23.14 1 Sam 2.17 Mat. 5.3 3. By the fervency of their Zeal affections they must be full of courage comming forth as it is said of the Sun like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber rejoycing like mighty men to run the race which God hath set them being like burning iron warming them that are about them thus the word as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones Jer. 20.9 Examples hereof wee have in Eliah 1 Kings 18.21 Zacharias 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist Mat. 3.7 In Stephen Acts. 7.51 In Paul Acts. 34 20. The want of this is taxed Matth. 7.29 and Rev. 3.16 4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine such as God sendeth delivereth Gods message good nurses give wholesome milke to the children good Stewards give not gravell but good bread to the family thus 2 Tim. 2.15 They give every man his portion out of Gods word knowledge to the ignorant reproofe to the obstinate comfort to the afflicted encouragement to the opposed and 1 Pet. 4.11 Tit. 1.9 And then Jer. 23.22 But the contrary hereunto Mica 2.11 Lam. 2.24 5. By their industry in their calling expressed by the similitudes of Husband-men builders 1 Cor. 3.6 9. Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 It was prophesied Isa 62.5 Charged 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 4.15 Practised 1 Cor. 15.10 But the want of this discovereth want of commission Isa 56.10 6. By their griefe to see men sinfull as a good Physitian to see his patient diseased a loving Nurse to see her childe sick thus 2 Pet. 2.8 Jer. 9.1 Jer. 13.17 Psa 119.136 But Acts. 4.2 7. By their seeking of the Glory of God and the good of his Church more then themselves or their owne good 2 Cor. 4.5 2 Cor. 12.14 1 Cor. 10.33 1 Thes 2.19 But 2. Pet. 2.3 These meeting together in a Minister are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants 8. By their constancy in their calling and religious and holy conversation such as God sendeth are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle like the sluggard that would not walke because there was a Lion in the Street like the sloathfull man that would not sow because it was cold they grow not weary of the work of the Lord their calling is a delight no trouble their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them and therefore as Eccles 11.6 So they sow in the morning in the Evening are constant in imbracing every occasion looking unto God for a blessing though they fish long with Peter catched nothing yet at Christs command they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last they know that God hath severall houres for mens conversion some at the third some at the sixth hour some at the ninth hour some at the last hour of the day so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling and if none convert by their labours yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitlesse Jsa 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors and blazing starrs shining for a season and then fall to ground but like the sun they are constant in their care this was Gods charge to Jeremy Jer. 15.19 20 21. And it was his practise Jer. 20.9.10 This was Pauls resolution Acts. 20.24 And this he verified 2 Tim. 4.7 This the Apostles also manifested it was within them as a fire not to be quenched as a streame not to be stopped Acts. 4.19.20 But Apostacy from God either in doctrine or conversation may justly call into question their commission Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer Philimon verse 24. afterward proved an Apostaticall lover of the world 2 Tim. 4.10 And Rev. 12.4 Faithfulnesse to the end in the Ministeriall calling is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission and that hee hath sent them for the good of his people Thus of his authority Next let us looke upon his Alsufficiency Authority without ability is like a sword without a hand ability without authority is like a hand without a sword both insufficient both of little use but where both concurre they make a man compleat to fulfill the calling hee hath undertaken therefore that the Baptist might the better move the more effectually perswade the hearts of his disciples to imbrace beleeve and build upon Christ he commendeth him not onely by his authority whom God hath sent he speaketh the word of God but also by his Alsufficiency for God hath not given the spirit by measure Some extend these words to Gods abundant common dispensation of all good things why being the fountaine of all goodnesse doth largely poure out his blessings and yet is not emptied any more then the Sun of his light by Shining or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth he that draweth out of a vessel what he giveth commeth at length to the bottome but he that dippeth out of the Sea never commeth to the bottome the abilities of the creatures are soone like a little vessell drawne dry but God never giveth so much but there is a great fulnes in him at the last as there was at the first his hand is never short that it cannot help his arme is never weary that it cannot give assistance it is never low water but alwaies full Sea with this goodnesse a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures a powerfull load-stone to draw men to God from the world a singular encouragement to men to relye upon God as on a sure foundation which will never sinke to draw nigh to God as to the fountaine of living waters which will most certainely refresh us as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit bearing new fruit every month an admirable comfort to Gods children that their God is their stay and their