rich men and Rulers of the people see at large Micha 6. declaring the procuring cause of that Judgement of the good man perishing out of the earth such they were as that the good man being perished or taken away from among them the best of them was a Bryar and the most upright as a Thorn-hedge see Chap. 7. 3. 4 5. yea in Ezekiels time many of them did shew much love and respect to the Prophet while hee was among them and he was to them as a pleasant Song yet they would not regard his words to doe them or to suffer their saving operation in them for their heart went after their covetousnes and that is there given as the reason of the Judgement threatned in which they should know that a Prophet had been among them Ezek. 33. 30 33. 3 Others there are that through the knowledge of God in Christ have made some escape from them that live in errour and from the pollutions that are in the world through Lust and some of them have stood against many strong temptations and have tried those that say they are Apostles and are not and found them Lyars and yet after all this turn again with the Dogge to his vomit and with the Sow to her wallowing in the mire leaving their first love to that person and to the excellent knowledge of him Some with a more high hand then others turn from the holy Commandement after knowledge of the truth received and turning away their ears from the truth are turned aside to Fables even to such damnable Heresies as in which privily under pretence of magnifying him the Lord that bought them is denied by them others cleaving to and embracing this present world not continuing in but forsaking the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship not discerning or considering and remembring the excellency grace and vertue of the Lords Body that was broken for us and for such like iniquity God threatens the removing of their Candlestick Revel 2. 1 5. Now if yet we would judge our selves we should not be further judged of the Lord if when his hand is lifted up even to destroy and make an utter desolation yet if any take notice of it and say I have sinned and perverted that which was right and it profited mee not then he is gracious and saith Deliver him from going down to the pit for I have found a ransome If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and the bloud of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin but he that hideth his sin shall not prosper hee that being often reproved hardneth his neck shall suddenly fall and that without remedy and this leads us to the next Branch of instruction namely 2 That when God so strikes and yet none lay to heart or consider it it s an evidence of great hardnesse and wilful blindnesse in such a people and a sign and fore-runner of greater judgements The truth of this is evidenced in the fore-mentioned Scriptures yet for farther and more particular demonstration of it See also Isa 26. 9. Oh Lord when thine hand is lifted up they will not see it but they shall see and be ashamed c. Jer. 5. When God hath threatned and begun to make desolations as chap. â— Then he saith Run to and fro through the streets and broad places And see now if yee can finde a man if there be any that executeth judgement that seeketh the truth and I will pardon it And though they say The Lord liveth and swear by his Name surely they swear falsly O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth thou hast stricken them but they have not grieved thou hast consumed them but they have refused to receive correction they have made their faces harder than a rock they have refused to return and in this also the poor and rich did agree to break the yoke and burst the bands as Psal 2. Therefore a Lion out of the Forrest shall slay them A Wolf of the Evenings that comes privily to devour like that spirit of Antichrist and ministers of Satan Prophesied of to abound in the last days that come with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish privily bringing in damnable Heresies denying the Lord that bought them such an enemy shall spoyl and destroy them God shall send them strong delusions by giving permissive commission to Satan aâ— in the case of Ahah 1 King 22. 19 22. that they should beleeve a lye that they all might bee damned who beleeved not the truth but bad pleasure in unrighteousnesse Surely his soul shall be avenged on such a Nation as this See also Psal 78 64 65 c. What then shall wee say when in stead of laying it to heart and considering it and being grieved many rejoyce and sport themselves at such judgements as Micah 7. 8. Isa 57. 3 4. imagining they shall now have their desire and that the Righteous being taken away their name even the good name of God that was upon them shall perish as Psal 41. 5 6 7. and therefore encourage themselves in their evil wayes doctrines and practises faithful reprovers that were a terrour to them being ceased from them now they say as Psal 12. our tongues are our own who is Lord over us And now aâ— men delivered to do such abominations they speak vanity every one with his neighbour with a flattering lip and double heart thinking to prevail with their lip or doctrine now to root out the lip of knowledge encouraging themselves as if the foundations of the righteous were destroyed and therefore reproachfully saying to the poor that hath no helper but God and yet puts his trust in him where is now thy God thy hope thy confidence what can the righteous do Mic. 7. 10. Psal 11. But our God who is our rock and foundation is in his holy Temple in his Son our very present help and strong Tower of defence to save us The Lords throne is in Heaven from whence his eyes behold his eye lids trye the children of men hee is a God by whom actions are weighed in an even ballance and though hee do not speedily execute judgement against evil works because hee delights in mercy and would not that any should perish but that all should come to repentance such his gracious affection towards sinners even rebellious ones in this day of his grace and patience yet all these things are laid up in store with him sealed up among his treasures and shall be brought forth when every secret thing shall bee brought to light and God shall manifest the counsels of the heart then no more patience or forbearance to bee exercised towards rebels the Lord shall laugh then at their calamity and mock when their fear commeth yea the Lord himself shall come and ten thousands of his Saints to execute judgement upon all and to convince all that are ungodly amongst them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed
manifested in Christ and yet perceives no such preciousnesse in Christ and his testimony as to move him according to his measure to count all things but losse for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ but easily listens to and admires the pretended excellencies of other spirits that lift not up the Son of Man according to the Apostles Doctrine but privily some other thing or work in his stead or embraces and cleaves to the things of this present world nor is moved with like love and compassion towards men from the grace in Christ beleeved nor united in heart with them that fear his Name and call upon him in truth to know and own them as brethren and strive together with them for the faith of the Gospel but hath left his first Love or else hath not yet so received the love of the truth as to save him let us not acknowledge his sayings to bee true that he doth so unfeignedly beleeve the truth as it is in Jesus for so we shall render God a Lyar and his Word without effect but let God be true and every man a Lyar for that grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men teacheth us That denying ungodlinesse and worldly lusts we should live righteously soberly and godly in this present world looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of the mighty God and our Saviour Let none of us therefore be moved to mean thoughts of the efficacy of the word of faith because we or others prove it not while we think and say we beleeve that thence we should slight that as vain and run to some other way to wait for the Spirit or for perfecting what was begun by the Spirit in the hearing of faith but let us judge our selves of wavering unconstancy or double mindednesse and of neglect of that so great Salvation and having itching ears after something sutable to our divers lusts and let us suffer our hearts by the grace of God while yet admonishing and striving with us to be more fixed trusting in the Lord without guile or waveringnesse seeking righteousnesse in Jesus through the knowledge and faith of him through which he gives all things pertaining to life and godlinesse Let us give more earnest heed to the things we have heard in the word of the truth of the Gospel least at any time we let them slip Consider that love of God to manward appearing in and through Christ saved the Apostles and so and therein they had the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost shed on them abundantly through Jesus Christ and that Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that beleeveth for therein is the righteousnesse of God revealed from faith to faith as it is written The just shall live by faith And to this answers the other descriptions of the righteous ones in this text They are merciful men or men of kindnesse or godlinesse Men filled and seasoned with the apprehension and perswasion of the mercies compassions and kindnesse of God to sinners to the unkind and evil and of that as discovered in the face of Christ where he is to be truly known and worshipped And so of his good will in Christ begotten through the word of truth to their faith and hope in him and joy in hope of the glory to bee revealed and patience in tribulations and thence moved and filled with bowels and mercies compassions and kindnesse answerable to that they beleeve and perceive to be in God towards others even towards all in blindnesse and distresse yea to the unkind and evil the love of Christ constraining them to perswade them to be reconciled to God in Christ and to seek â—heir good by all means within their capacity and with all earnestnesse knowing also the â—errour of the Lord because they thus judge That if one dyed for all then were all dead and that be dyed for all that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but to him this dyed for them and rose again yea hence also they are filled with delightful love of and desire of fellowship with those that call on the name of the Lord out of a pure heart and with bowels of mercies humblenesse of mind meeknesse and goodnesseone towards another and towards all men answerable to the kindnesse and mercies of God in Christ And so if we read it men of godlinesse it will come to the same for they are the right and true worshippers of God who worship the Father in spirit and truth and such the Father seeks to worship him they worship adore honour magnifie beleeve and trust in him in the Spirit that is in the light and power of and according to the testimony of Jesus and of Gods glory as shined in his face which testimony the Holy Ghost hath given and in it his evidence and demonstration of Christ and of the Father is And therefore when we are called upon to godlinesse or to worship God that testimony of Jesus is said to be the spirit of Prophecy in and according to which we are to worship Rev. 19. 10. and so they in that light and strength of the Spirit have their rejoycing in Christ Jesus The truth And have no confidence in the flesh Joh. 4. 23 24. 5. 23 24. Phil. 3. 3. and in this true worship and fear of the Lord they are made partakers of the Divine Nature in interest in it union or fellowship with it conforming to it so as by Christ through faith so as thereby they goe on purging themselves from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the fear of the Lord 2 Corinth 6. 16-18 7. 1. purifying their hearts through beleef of the truth and retaining the hope of it in them to unfeigned love of the brethren and to more freedome from the intanglements and cares of this world as those that are pressing after the mark of the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus which pure religion and undefiled brings forth its fruit in their visiting the Sick the Widdows and fatherlesse in their affliction and keeping themselves unspotted in the world so as they walking in the Spirit though they have flesh warring in them are by the light and power of the Spirit in the testimony of Jesus kept from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and so preserved blamelesse unto the day of Christ Rom. â— 8. 1-13 Gal. 5. And to this agrees that two-fold description of the Persons that shall ascend into the hill of the Lord and stand in his holy place Psal 24. 3 4 6. The first is He that hath clean hands and a pure hears that hath not lift up his soul to vanity nor sworn deceitfully for though there is none righteous no not one but all have sinned and are wholly polluted and unclean yet this truth remains for ever Without holiness no man shall see the Lord so that if there be
yea their worm dyeth not and their fire is not quenched nor is there any darkness or shadow of death in which the workers of iniquity may hide themselves O then it will appear that Blessed are all they that trust in him yea therefore from henceforth Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord they having part in the first Resurrection this second Death shall have no power on them On the other hand they that in death which terminates the gathering time and space of repentance are found out of the Lord dying in their sins they are then and thence for ever blotted out of the Book of Life cut off from all hopes of ever attaining or having part in the first Resurrection though they shall be all of them raised and made alive from the first death and then and therein brought to the clear sight and acknowledgement of the truth of the grace of God in the Lordship of Christ through his death sometimes and while it was due time bringing Salvation to them that which here they wilfully rejected when light came to them and which if it had been now received in its own light and power bringing Salvation would have been to their everlasting comfort in the quickning them to a new and living hope through the resurrection of Christ they shall then confess to the glory of God and clearing his Justice in judging them for ever according to the rule of his Gospel to a second and never dying death infinitely worse than the first and in sealing them up in Prison from the time of their filling up the measure of their sin of that nature which is at the utmost at the time of the end of their Natural life when he hath done striving with them and waiting to be gracious I say in his sealing them up in prison from such time to that dreadful Judgement Isa 45. 23. Phil. 2. 10 11. Rom. 3. 4. From which time they are shut up under the sentence and condemnation of that second Death and so in respect of their state and condition are from thence Trees twice dead pluckt up by the roots though the wrath in respect of the full and most dreadful execution of it on soul and body for ever is yet to come so that in death they perish for ever from the presence of the Lord and from his favour in which is life the wicked is driven away in his wickedness but the righteous hath hope in his death So then they that are fallen asleep in Christ are not perished or cut off for their parts no not from their union with Christ by vertue of which even their bodies that sleep in the dust shall bee first raised even to the resurrection of life yea they are from henceforth and more then ever blessed the day of their death infinitely better to them than the day that they were born We come next to consider in what sence such persons may be said to perish and when they so doe and this we shall finde explicated to us in the other expressions of this chastisement in this verse as compared with other Scriptures they are said to perish from the earth to cease and fail from among men that yet survive when by Death they are taken away from them they having no more a portion in any thing done under the Sun nor capacity of being helpful to the survivers in any knowledge wisdome or work for in death there is no remembrance or commemoration of him among the survivers in the Grave who shall give him thanks or praise him to others yet living or shew forth their hoping in his truth The living the living he shall praise thee saith Hezekiah as I doe this day the Fathers to the Children shall make known thy truth which explicates in what sence the dead praise him not nor hope for his truth that is they celebrate not his praises among the survivors nor are capable of exercising or shewing forth their hoping in his truth to them-ward or among them they cannot make known his truth to them and so not praise him as he did then the Fathers to the Children Eccl. 9. 10. Psa 6. 5. Isa 38. 18 19. for otherwise in respect of themselves and to Godward the dead in Christ even in these respects doe live they retain their hope in death and joy in it yea they enter into a more full and peaceable enjoyment of it in spirit their spirits are made perfect each one walking in his uprightness and are still confidently expecting longing and waiting for that day of full Redemption even the redemption of their body and the judging and revenging their sufferings and wrongs on them that dwell on the earth crying Lord how long Prov. 14. 32. Isa 57. 2. Heb. 12. 23. Revel 6. 9 10 11. They are with Christ which to them is farre better as is shewed before but they are dead to us and can no longer in their persons be profitable to us which made the Apostles and Prophets in their longing desire of the good of all and for the furtherance of the Gospel among men and that the truth of it might remain with those that had received it so much desire to abide with them even to abide in the flesh in this body though so much to their own disadvantage preferring others good before their own in death they perish cease and depart from us and are out of capacity of being helpful to us And yet further These Scriptures The Righteous perisheth the good man is perished out of the Earth and so the cause of grief here lamented is not verified simply in the taking away one or diverse of the Righteous by death but when also they are taken away as such a time and in such manner as that there is none of like faithfulnesse to God and kindnesse to men left in the place or places where they lived to survive them or at least none in their room or stead But that if one or more of them be taken away there is so many the lesse of that Generation or Righteous Nation that keepeth the Truth left in the midst of the crooked and perverse Nation to shine as lights in the world Most sadly and fully is it verified when there is none left in the place or places whence they are taken and thus is this matter of lamentation explicated in the expressions of it in other Scriptures as Psal 12. 1. Help Lord for the godly man ceaseth the faithful fail from among the children of men so Micah 7. 1 2. Woe is mee for I am as when they have gathered the Summer fruits as the Grape gleanings of the Vintage no cluster c. The good man is perished out of the Earth and there is none upright among men Oh that the matter of this sad complaint were not too sadly verified amongst us and in this place at this time These things being thus opened wee shall briefly demonstrate and explicate the position That the
27. yea the commemoration of that as broken for us and the infinite grace and vertue of the sufferings sustained therein is the subject matter of his Discourse there The Lords Body in a secondary sence is his Mystical Body his Church those that through the tastes of his graciousness are built upon him in whom the poor and rich bond and free Brother of high degree and of low do meet together they being all in coming to him through the tastes of his grace and so in being baptized into him baptized into one Body and made to drink into one spirit Now that not discerning perceiving considering knowing or owning the Lords Body that the Holy Ghost charges upon men as their sin and God judges them for is not such weakness or ignorance as is of necessity through natural frailty or for want of means and discoveries vouchsafed but a wilful and rebellious not knowing discerning or taking notice of it in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit in the testimony of Jesus setting it before them and therein opening the eyes and lifting up the yoke of Natural thraldome Hos 11. This is the condemnation that when light comes men love darkness rather because their deeds are evil and reproved by the light Joh. 3. 19. And so when the righteous the true worshippers of God in Christ that are set as Lights in the world holding forth the word of Life in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power are lifting up the Son of Man in what hee hath done and is become for sinners and the infinite vertue and grace of his Personal sufferings and Sacrifice and therein shewing forth his vertues and praises and so in both preaching not themselves but Jesus Christ the Lord and rendring themselves servants to all for his sake beseeching alluring and drawing them in the light and power of his Spirit with them as Hos 11. Zach. 7. 9 12 13. 2 Cor. 5. 14 20. Phil. 2. 12 16. 1 Pet. 2. 9 13 c. even to the most High to consider the Lords Body and in the grace and power of its vertue and demonstrations to bee reconciled to God yet none at all will exalt him but are bent to back-slidings when so called allured drawn and wrought upon they will not know nor regard the Work of the Lord or the operation of his hands but despise both him and them for his sake neglecting so great Salvation This iniquity is found in many Branches as we shall see in this and the other Scriptures where these Judgements are bewayled and the reason of them given As 1 When by the righteous and merciful men the large extent of the infinite grace and vertue of the Lords Death is so commended and lifted up that the Lords House his Temple where he may bee worshipped and place of entertainment in his Son and with them that call upon him in truth is presented as a house of Prayer for all people where a rich Feast and Treasury of all things pertaining to life and godliness is prepared and set on the Table for them all that all through his grace might come in thither and eate of his Bread and drink of the Wine that hee hath mingled and that whosoever comes by him in the light and power of his drawings while his grace is bringing Salvation to them as it doth to all in due time might be accepted and therefore graciously inviting them all as in the Chapters before the text Isa 55. 1 7. 56. 7 8. with Prov. 9. Mat. 22. 1 Tim. 2. 1 8. Ioh. 3. 14 15 16. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15 19 20 21. 6. 1 2. Yet men not only set light by it neglect so great Salvation make excuses and will not come but also wilfully close their eyes and harden their hearts against this grace of God that brings Salvation to all men and also like the Beasts of the Field come to devour forbidding the plaine and faithful preaching of the Gospel of Christ to the world that through him they might bee saved In which they please not God and are contrary to the good of all men and persisting in this wilful opposition of the grace of God in the Lords Death to all men they fill up the measure of their sin till wrath come upon them to the utmost 1 Thess 2. 15 16. And in this way of iniquity are found chiefly and as Ring-leaders the Generality of the Watch-men the Masters Teachers and builders that are approved by and of high account with men they come chiefly under this charge in the Chapter before the text Isa 56. 9 10 c. His Watch-men the Watchmen of their owne setting up and approving are blinde and ignorant not having learned truth as in Jesus but professing to be wise in Science falsly so called and thinking thereby to comprehend the things of God in Christ have erred from the faith and turned aside to vaine jangling the generality of them have in all Ages refused and set at nought that Stone which God hath made the foundation and head of the corner Psal 118. 22. Matth. 21. 42. with Chap. 22. 1 15. Joh. 3. 10. 14 15 c. Acts 4. 11 12. Job 7. 48 49. And where any of them doe see any truth in that Doctrine that exalts or lifts up the Son of Man and Gods glory in him yet they are dumb and will not confess it as Joh. 12. 42 43. Among the chief Rulers also many beleeved on him but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him least they should bee put out of the Sinagogue for they loved the praise of men more then the praise of God yea they generally love to flumber are loath to be stirred up and awakened to consider and set their hearts to that which might bee for their owne and others good but lying down to sleep doe reject and stop their ears against that knowledge of him that comes to awaken them to righteousness and discovers the falseness and vanity of their Dreams See further what follows of them in that Isa 56. with 1 Tim. 3 5. 2 Another sort there are that doe not so much or directly set themselves to oppose the Doctrine of the Grace of God in Christ or the preaching thereof yet will not diligently mind or consider it or the weight importance tendency and instructions of it but doe inwardly shun the light and power of it and harden their hearts against the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit in it because it discovers and reproves their deeds as evil not suffering grace to make them willing in the day of his Power so to receive the love of the Truth as that they might be saved by it doe wilfully reject and harden their hearts against the reproofs of the instruction of the Lords Voyce crying unto them discovering and reproving their Covetousness Oppression In-justice Violence least they should be converted and healed by it And in this are found chiefly the generality of the
and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Then the Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaketh proud things c. for to him belongeth vengeance their foot shall slide in due time c. Deut. 32. 34 35 c. Jude 14 15. In the mean time therefore let us look to him for counsel and see what use hee instructs us to make of this consideration when we shall see the daies so evil and iniquity thus abounding and evil men and deceivers waxing worse and worse by every warning and judgement Truly then 1 Let them alone withdraw from them reprove not a scorner lest hee hate thee for hee that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot though still as grace instructs wee may yet mourn in secret for their pride as Jer. 13. 17. And not bee hasty in desiring the woful day but let our prayer bee for them if yet there may bee hope even when God appears to bee rising up as one that will no more be intreated See Jer. 14 15. 2 If there be any that will hear be diligent and earnest in season and out of season in instructing and admonishing them while it is to day not to harden their hearts rebuke a wife man and hee will love thee and be yet wiser and with meeknesse instruct them that ignorantly oppose themselves c. 3 And let us together be admonished 1 In the way of his judgements to wait for the Lord quietly to bear his indignation because we have sinned and reverently listening to him and standing in awe before him under such testimonies of displeasure knowing that he is righteous and faithful as well as infinite in wisdome and power as hee hath manifested himself in that faithful witnesse setled for ever in Heaven and in due time hee will bring us forth and wee shall behold his righteousnesse Then she that is mine enemy shall bee ashamed Micah 7. 6. 10. And fret not our selves because of evil doers wait patiently on the Lord commit our way to him and hee shall bring it to passe despise not his chastisement neither faint when rebuked of him seeing it is the Lord The helpers taken from us were no otherwise helpers but in the Lord and hee hath not taken himself from us in whom is our help 2 When wee see how the reproaches and blasphemies of men are increased against him and do set themselves against the heavena let the consideration of it make us more willing to bear them seeing they are the reproaches of them that reproach him that fall on us and commit vengeance to him 3 Bee wee stirred up to cry mightily to God for help Help Lord for the godly man ceaseth the faithful fail from among the children of men they speak vanity every one with his neighbour with a flattering lip and double heart do they speak cry therefore with more earnestnesse to God in Christ 1 For pardon of our iniquities and healing of our distempers Psal 41. 4 5 and 38. 12 16 17 19. 2 For wisdome in the knowledge of him and those great things of his Law that may guide us in a plain path because of our enemies that watch for our halting Psal 27. 8 11 c. And to this purpose also 4 Let us redeem the present time yet left us and bee admonished by his judgements to awake to righteousnesse and not sin against him for it is a shame for us that wee are yet found so much without the knowledge of him what the summer past the harvest ended and yet wee not saved Jer. 8. 20. Oh that at least in this day before it bee wholly past wee did wisely consider our latter end yea the rather because the dayes are evil redeem the time and be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is and to that purpose take heed to our selves lest â—â— any time our hearts be overcharged with surfetting and drunkennesse or cares of this life and so the day of death and of judgement come on us unawares Be not drunk with Wine of earthly pleasures and cares wherein is excesse but be we filled with the Spirit speaking to our selves and one another in Psalms Hymns and spiritual songs c. not forsaking the assembling of our selves together as the manner of some it but exhorting one another and so much the more as wee see the day approaching and for our encouragement herein that we be not slothful but followers of them who through faith and patience do already in Spirit inherit the promises Mark the perfect man and behold the upright look upon him in the light of Gods testimonie there you shall see That the end of that man is peace And this brings us to the last instruction 3 That even in these sad judgements to the survivers there is special mercy and choice blessednesse to those so taken away and that to be considered also They are taken away from the evil or as we read it from the evil to come 1 They are then taken away from and do depart out of the flesh in its weak and corruptible state out of a vile or wretched body that had sin in it to be striven against as well as death upon it A law in the members warring against the law of the minde And shall not again return to it until it shall be renewed or given them in a new glorious and incorruptible state in the first resurrection 2 They are then taken from an evil generation that was continually vexing their righteous souls with their unlawful and ungodly doctrines and practises and so from all Satans temptations and batteries the accuser of our brethren is cast down from Heaven hee cannot reach the spirits of just men made perfect which are with Jesus and have finished their warfare their end is peace 3 They are taken from the evil and judgements to come as Lot was pluckt out of Sodome that they may bee out of danger of being defiled with the sins procuring such judgements that so they may not partake with them of their plagues yea that they may no longer plead for sparing and diverting such judgements Oh heavy judgement to the survivers yet therein the dead are blessed Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours combates and dangers and their works follow them Vse 1 This consideration instructs us that while they are in these mortal bodies they are not taken away from the evil though through grace delivered kept and daily getting escape from the pollutions and intanglements of it and victory in the continual combate yet they have sin in them as a Law in the members to strive against even unto blood to death and that continual leading them captive though they minding the things of the Spirit in the light and power of the grace vouchsafed are
not led captive by it yea hitherto they have not attained neither are they perfect they have not yet apprehended or laid hold of that for which they are apprehended of Christ Jesus but are pressing on to it expecting the full injoyment in soul and body in that blessed and first resurrection in the mean time in death they are taken away from the evil but not before though in a sense they are said to be perfect or upright ones that have their hearts fixed to seek righteousnesse in Jesus though much weaknesse and sinfulnesse be yet found in them they are perfect as opposed to waveringnesse or double-mindednesse and so in the way of righteousnesse in which is life and light increasing to the perfect day but in this day not arrived at their journies end not perfect as to attainment but still striving against sin in themselves as well as against it in others and so have fightings within and fightings without as also they are groaning under the burden of those weaknesses and that death that is yet upon them and in a sense raigning over them This should teach us not to be secure or sleep as do others but to be watchful and take heed to our selves lest at any time sin get advantage over us and we be hardened through the deceitfulnesse of it left at any time we be overcharged with surfetting and drunkennesse and cares of this life and so that day come on us unawates Put wee on the whole Armour of God that wee may be able to stand in this evil day Heb. 3. 12 13. Luk. 21. 34. Ephes 6. 10 c. 1 Joh 1. 8 10. with chap. 2. 1. 2 The dead that dye in the Lord being then taken away from the evil it mindes us That the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to reserve the unjust unto the day of Judgement to be punished that so we may now look to the Lord and wait for the God of our salvation as Micah 7. 7 9. In his hand are all our times and wayes and with him is wisdome strength and faithfulnesse to deliver us from the evil of temptations while yet we are left among them and if hee see them too heavie for us he will either deliver us out or command restraint to the remainder of them that might not tend to his praise in our profit Psal 76. 9 10. 1 Cor. 10. 13. 2 Cor. 1. 10. 2 Pet. 2. 9. 3 This consideration also is an Antidote against immoderate mourning for them that sleep in Jesus as those without hope it speaks to all the surviving Brethren of such in the faith and patience of Jesus that they have not lost but for the present parted with such their Brethren and helpers of their faith and joy that they may enjoy them in a farre better manner for ever when the Lord comes he will bring them againe with him in the meane time they are taken away from the evil for which we have cause to rejoyce on their behalf and for our owne parts that are left behind for a while we know not how little a while that may be it cannot be long and this also we know He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all he abides or dwells in him whom also he hath raised from the dead to support and help us through him we shall doe valiantly it is he that treadeth down our enemies yea he will with his Son give us all things he doth and will keep us by his power or powerful Gospel through faith to the Salvation now ready to be revealed in the last time that we may also finish our course with joy 2 Cor. 1. 10. Psal 60. 12. Rom. 1. 16 17. 8. 32. 1 Pet. 1. 5. 4 Let this last consideration be of this further and general use to us all seeing the righteous hath hope in his death and the end of that man is peace seek righteousness and seek it in the Lord seek it by faith in Christ Jesus Seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon him while he is near we pray you in Christs stead be yee reconciled to God and as motives to it consider 1. He hath made his Son that knew no sin to be sin and a curse for us that wee might be made the righteousness of God in him Consider how great things he hath done for you in and through the cutting off the Messiah as Dan. 9. 24. 16 that he might be feared by you 1 Therein by executing the Judgement of this world on him as Joh. 12. 31 he hath finished the transgression that one offence and disobedience that brought in Sin and death Rom. 5. 12 18. and made an end of the sins that came in meerly thereby the guilt of all the sin and filthiness of the nature thence naturally and necessarily derived Jesus Christ hath by himself purged or taken away from before the Father and so finished and made an end of it in the Court he being taken from the Prison and from the Judgement therefore laid on him so that the Father will require no more paiments of that Debt nor goe to Law or Judgement with men according to that rule of Judgement but hath committed all Judgement to the Son that all men should honour the Son as the Saviour and Redeemer the Abollisher of their death and Deliverer of them from the curse of the Law even with the Same honour as they honour the Father as the great Creator of them all acknowledging the Redemption wrought and his Power over them as Lord and Saviour by means of death to bee of the same latitude that so though sin be in them and death upon them at the fruit of that first Transgression yet the sting thereof which is the Wrath of God on that account due the Curse of the Law being suffered and taken out by Christ no man shall perish for ever in or by that simply neither remains it as an Iron barre between God and them no man is necessarily kept out from God by that sinfulness and death yet remaining on them but may come to God by Christ the Mediator in whom the enmity is slaine the peace made and so the door opened and way made clear and the grace of God bringing Salvation to them through it Rom. 3. 23 24. Heb. 1. 3. Joh. 5. 22 23. Gal. 3. 13. Psal 107. 15 16. Ephes 2. 16. Col. 1. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 10. Tit. 2. 11. 2 Yea therein by making his Soul an offering for our sin and causing him to bear our sins in his owne Body to the Tree and in the vertue there of he hath made reconciliation for iniquity a Propitiation Purgation or Sin-offering for the taking away the following sins of the people and brought in everlasting Righteousness the Works which the Father gave him to doe on earth being once actually finished in that person the Sacrifice of his owne Body perfected through sufferings
Jesus in that his most holy Body being made perfect through sufferings is the anoynted Prince and Saviour for to give us repentance and forgiveness of sins and he hath confirmed the Promises to the Fathers and given forth the testimony and revelation of himself and the Fathers glory in him in full and as it must stand till his Second appearing At which Great Day all the things behind shall even so bee fulfilled as declared in this dispensation of the fulness of times in the meane time God hath spoken to us in these last dayes by his Son and in and with and according to this word is the influence of the light and power of his Spirit poured out on all Flesh on all the Nations reproving the World and leading Beleevers into all truth the Father having glorified him for the calling the Nations in the preaching peace to them by vertue of the peace made for them by his bloud Isa 55. 4 5. Matthew 28. 18 19. 1 Tim. 2. 5 6 7. 2 In and with this consideration of the great things he hath done Rich provision of all things pertaining to life and godliness in him for us behold him also in his faithfulness in all his Work and Office appointed him it is according as it hath been manifested in that which he hath already done therefore that to be remembred as a standing witness of it as Isaiah 50. 4 5 to the end so Hebrews 12. 2. he that failed not in that will not fail in any thing that he is appointed and impowred to for us in the vertues of that either in his appearing in the presence of God for us or in the Name of the Father giving good things to us that through him we might be saved See also the Fathers face in his Good and upright is the Lord therefore will be teach sinners in the way and then it follows The meek that is those sinners that in his first and preventing teachings are melted and turne in the light and power of his reproofs those will he guide in judgement and further teach his way Psalme 25. 8 9. like that John 16. 8 9 10 13. he fails not Isa 4â— but makes his Judgements as the Light that goeth forth he is all the day long while by any means he is calling to behold him stretching out his hand Isaiah 65. 1 2. Hosea 6. 5 6 7. his goodness is leading to Repentance even those that are not led by it Romans 2. 4 5. Isaiah 48. 17 18. Psalm 81. He is drawing with the cords of a man the demonstrations of a Saviour in a body prepared for him through sufferings made perfect and glorified with the Fathers owne self and with he bands of love the displayings of his love and glory in that face of Christ and therein lifting up the yoke of thraldome naturally on the Jewes while he sets meat before them and this even to such as break his bands and cast away his cords from them Hosea 11. John 3 14 15 16. Psalm 2. Jeremy 5. 5. Zach. 7. 11 12. Ezek. 24. 11. 13. Psalm 81. and in turning at his reproof he will pour out his Spirit further and make known his words Proverbs 1. 23. hee hath now no pleasure in the death of any Sinner yea behold he stands ready to accept of all commers And in every Nation he that feareth God and worketh Righteousnesse is accepted with him to him give give the Prophets Witnesse that through his Name whoseever beleeveth in him shall receive remission of sins and the end of that man is peace Consider also as further Motives to press us to haste and diligence in Learning Righteousnesse the present opportunity only is ours wherefore the Holy Ghost saith To day if yee will hear his voyce harden not your hearts If once the good man of the House that by such Providences as is the subject of this Discourse appears as rising up if once he bee risen up and have shut the door against any of us it will then be too late And this also wee know wee must all dye and doe see that the natural life is a very Bubble presently broken by the least blast of God and the gathering time terminates with that at farthest After death the Judgement shall bee according to the things now done in the Body good or evil according to the rule of the Gospel Let all move us to consider and receive instruction while it is to day learn Righteousnesse by his Judgements and for our direction herein Hee hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to doe justly in receiving his Testimony concerning Christ and as that gives ground perswades and strengthens in the supernatural Light and Power with which it is evidenced and made nigh thee so through it beleeving on him that justifieth the ungodly as Romans 4. 10. to love mercy accept receive and drink downe the mercy and pitty of God to man-ward as manifested in and through Christ bringing Salvation as Hosea 6. 6. with Matth. â— 13. reject not the grace of God in Christ the love of the Truth that comes to save your souls and walk humbly with thy God acknowledging our owne vilenesse wretchednesse and deadnesse in sins and trespasses ascribing Righteousnesse to our Maker receive the Sentence of Death in our selves that wee may learn to trust in him that raiseth the Dead lift not up our imaginations high thoughts or purposes against the evidence and demonstration of Christ the instructions reproofs and requirings of that Murmur not among your selves but with meeknesse receive the ingrafted word that is able to save your souls and in the light and strength of it be yee doers of it in all the fruites of Righteousnesse Justice Mercy and humility in your whole demeanour towards God and mâ—◠〈◊〉 that Grace of God that brings Salvation to all men hath appeared teaching us that denying ungodlinesse and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world looking for that blesseâ— hope c. The Lords voyce crieth unto the City the man of wisdome shall see â—â—â— name hear yee the Rod and who hath appointed it Mich. 6. 8 9. FINIS ERRATA PAge 2 l. 1. r. significant p. 6. l. 26. adde he is guilty of all p. 8. ◠〈◊〉 jawer p. 19. l. 3 â— for in r. from p. 17. l. 1. r. beleeve p. â—7 l. 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 l. 23. adde the p. 48. l. 29. r. jawes