of him with a relinquishing and parting with all that we have though they are never so gainful to us or amiable and lovely in our eye and in so doing we shall be made parttakers of him who is infinitely better then all we have to sell for his sake And this whole instruction as thus spoken unto and considered by us viz. That to the end we partake of Christ and those inriching and heave 〈…〉 treasures in him it is needful we buy them with selling all that we have though they appear never so goodlu and desireable may be of usefulness to us 1. To shew unto us the Reason why the flock of Christ is such a little flock and so few heartily joyn themselves unto him it is because they that will receive him and be his Disciples must sell all that they have which many will not do If men might have him and keep their sins and idols also many would flock unto him and be followers of him Yea many there are who call themselves and are called Christians who only cleave unto him by flatteries and are not indeed and in truth united to him as their head nor built on him as their foundation and so are not of his flock in a peculiar consideration But they are like those we read of who would eat their own bread and wear their own apparel only they would be called by his name to take away their reproch Isa 4. 1. The straitness of the gate is such that they are not willing to pass through it and this is that which maketh it so strait There is room enough for any man to enter but in entring he must leave all his own things behind him as hath been said And because of this many unreasonably take offence at Christ and will not come unto him that they may have life Joh. 5. 39. 40. Wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth unto destruction A man in walking therein may hold fast deceit and follow after and serve his lusts and abominations his surfetting drunkeness uncleanness covetousness hatred malice vain-glory his own righteousness c. And many there be therefore which go in thereat because strait is the gate and narrow is the nay which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it Matt. 7. 13 14. Yea many there he that are willing to part with some things yea with many things but yet there is some proper evil or way of iniquity which doth more easily beset them Heb. 12. 1. And which is most delighted in by them which they still retain and will not let go and part with that they may win Christ and be found in him Herod heard John Baptist knowing that he was a just man and an holy and observed him and when he heard him he did many things and heard him gladly Mark 6. 20. But still he held fast his beloved iniquity he would not put away his Brother's wife but because John told him it was not lawful for him to have her he laid hold on John and put him in Prison adding this above all his evils and would have put him to death before he did but that he feared the multitude Matt. 14. 2-10 Luke 3. 19 20. The young man that came to our Saviour and said unto him Good Master what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life He had done many things also and it might have been thought he would not have stuck at the straitness of the gate But yet when our Saviour saith One thing thou lackest yet sell all that thou hast and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven and come and follow me when he heard this he went away very sorrowful for he had great possessions Matt. 19. 16-24 Mark 10. 17 25. Luke 18. 18-27 So it is with many others also When the glad tidings of the Gospel are first declared to them they are ready to wonder at those gracious words and they are unto them as a lovely Song of one that can play well on an Instrument and hath a pleasant voice yea possibly the Gospel may have some impression upon them and they are made willing to part with some evils thereby and yet when this Gospel sheweth them the necessity of parting with all reproved and beginneth to draw them out of their elements they then forsake the Lord the fountain of living waters How zealous did those Jews appear to be who took shipping and followed Jesus as if they had been regardless of their own outward affairs and concernes And how were they inquiring of Christ what they should do that they might work the works of God that they might have that meat which endureth unto everlasting life And praying him Lord evermore give us the bread of life And yet when he told them what it was because it did not answer their expectation but reproved them and their other feeding how many were offended at Christ and went back and walked no more with him Joh. 6. 24-34-66 This is the condemnation that lign is come into the world and men loved darkness rather then light because their deeds were and were discovered by the light to be evil For every one that doth evil hateth the light neither cometh he to the light lest his deeds should be reproved and discovered Joh. 3. 19 20. Let this be considered by us that we miscarry not also after the examples of others which are recorded for our admonition 2. In that they that will have Christ and the unsearchable riches and righeousness of him must buy them with selling all that they have this sheweth unto us the mistake of many in their thoughts of the Doctrine of the Gospel How many are there that think and say this Doctrine of the Gospel is a smooth easie Doctrine a Doctrine of loosness and licentiousness If say they Christ died for all Then men may live as they list and do whatsoever is right in their own eyes and yet they shall be saved It seemeth by their thus speaking they conclude those that Christ died for may live as they list And so the Elect as they call them for whom only they say he died may do whatsoever is good in their own eyes Oh miserable mistake How ignorant are such persons of this sound Doctrine which is a Doctrine according to godliness This Doctrine indeed proclaimeth liberty to us and calleth us to liberty a gracious and glorious liberty only not to liberty for an occasion to the flesh Gal. 5. 1 13. It proclaimeth unto us a liberty from sin not to sin for this is a cursed liberty and yet it is that which their Doctrines make way for who are enemies to the grace of God in Christ to the world of mankind while they would lay it upon and charge others with it But herein Christ's Gospel meeteth with no other use in the world then himself did while he was here in his personal ministration The zealous ones
one and as thus furnished is giving himself to us in his Gospel and with himself all things that we might for the excellency of the knowledg of him suffer the loss of all things and count them but dung and dogs-meat that we might win him and be sound in him Now then doth not this render a man unworthy of him that shall preferr his own wisdom which is brutish his righteousness which is filthy his works which are empty and unprofitable his glory which is vain his Mammon which is false and uncertain and his pleasures which are 〈◊〉 and but for a little time to be injoyed before him who is altogether lovely only satisfying and inriching and who rendereth and maketh them eternally happy and blessed that receive and retain him Do not such men by observing lying vanities sorsake and deprive themselves of their own mercy Jona 2. 8. Are they not unworthy of him and worthy of the severest punishment that trample under foot the Son of God and count the blood of the covenant a common and profane thing Heb. 10. 29. Is not their sin herein like unto and yet much greater then was the sin of Esau who for one morsel of meat sold his birthwright Heb. 12. 16 17. Is not this justly the condemnation the cause of mens condemnation that Christ the true light hath come and men loved darkness rather then light to wit preferred their sins and idols before Christ in whom God hath taken up all his well pleasedness and whom he hath to loved that he hath given all things into his hand Ioh. 3. 19 35 36. Is not men's iniquity herein like that of the Iows who would not have this man to reign over them but rejected Christ and preserred a murderer before the Prince of life Acts 3. 14 15. And are not they unmeet for and unworthy of him who when called to the waters wine milk bread that which is good fatness to a feast of fat things refuse this because it must be bought though without money and price and yet willingly spend and weigh money for that which is not bread and labour for that which satisfieth not Isa 55. 1 2 3. Surely this is great unworthiness and unthankfulness a most foolish and unkind requital of his goodness who in his love and pity hath redeemed us and is now calling us to the injoyment of himself by his grace and it must needs provoke the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to anger that men so lightly esteem the Son of his love as to prefer lies before him who is the truth and empty appearances before the substance Yea they shall all be damned persisting herein who believe not the truth but have pleasure in unrighteousness 2 Thes 2. 10-12 How shall they escape who neglect so great salvation Heb. 2. 3. Them that honour him who give unto him the precedency and preeminence in all things to whom the Father hath given it he will honour But those that despise him who preser Wives or Children or their own wisdom or righteousness or lives before him shall be lightly esteemed Mark 10. 29 30. 1 Sam. 2. 30. O Lord the hope of Israel saith the Prophet all that for sake thee shall be ashamed and they that depart from me shall be written in the Earth not in Heaven because they have for saken the Lord the fountain of living waters Jer. 2. 10-13 17. 13. 18. 14 15. Oh! That this may be so considered by us that we may not render our selves so foolish and demean our selves so unworthily as to love other things rather then him which is hatred of him Joh. 3. 19 20. But that we may so consider his infinite and incomparable worthiness that we may hate all for his sake that we may gain him and be made partakers of him and may abide in him that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming 3. Yea it is needful this Gold and White raiment be bought in the present time and opportunity therefore this gracious and faithful counsellour instructeth us to do it in the present time I Counsel thee to buy c. Behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Now is the Mart as it were in which these inriching commodities are set to sale and may be had and bought by us And if the present opportunity be neglected and let slip by us we may deprive our selves hereof and be guilty of the greatest folly and madness imaginable They were truly called foolish Virgins and were so with a witness who slumbred and slept when there was an opportune season for buying and afterwards while they went to buy the Bridegroom came and those that had formerly bought and were ready went in with him and the door was shut and these foolish ones were excluded Matt. 25. 6-12 What cause have we therefore to watch and redeem the time for we know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh Matt. 25. 13. Certainly our life-time is the only time allotted us for buying In the grave whither we are going there is no work nor device nor wisdom nor knowledg Eccles 9. 10. The night is then come when no man can work and our times are in the hand of the Lord and not in our own There is no man hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit and there is no discharge in that war but when he pleaseth he can take away our breath and then we return to our dust and in that day all our thoughts perish Oh! that we may therefore seek the Lord and this gold and white raiment while he and it may be found and whatever our hand findeth to do let us do it with our might Isa 55. 6. Eccles 9. 10. To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts Strive now to enter in at the straight gate for many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able Luk. 13. 24. Go to then ye that say to morrow we will buy we will seek after those heavenly treasures when we have more convenient season Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow for what is your life It is even as a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away but now hear counsel this gracious and needful counsel and be wise and refuse it not And do like that wise man spoken of Matt. 13. 44. The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that be hath and presently buyeth that field So let us do Walk we circumspectly not as fools but as wise redeeming the opportunity because the days are evil Ephes 5. 15 16. Let us in the present season and perpetually while we are here in this world buy the truth even Christ and those unsearchable riches
and everlasting Covenant Matt. 26. 28. Heb. 10. 29. 13. 20. 9. 15 16. Those great and precious promises appertaining to Life and godliness yea to this life and that to come are not only assured by the word of God and confirmed by his Oath which yet are two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lye and therefore might quicken and encourage lukewarm ones to flee for refuge to lay hold on that hope set before them but actually made firme by the blood of the Testatour who is also in the virtue thereof raised and as the forerunner entred into Heaven and is the Mediatour of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions under the first Testament they which are called may receive the promise of the eternal Inheritance He Mediateth and maketh Intercession for the taking away the iniquities of those that come to God by him and that the contents of that Covenant may be dispensed to them according to their needs and capacities God hath promised and Christ hath actually said and is the Amen to them Rev. 1. 18. Heb. 8. 6. and 9. 15. It may seem in that Jesus Christ doth first describe himself by this title of the Amen that these likewarme ones did not keep in believing remembrance the promises and the firmeness and immutability of them and certainty of their performance according to the tenour of them being ratified by such precious blood and ascertained by such a faithful and true witness and therefore they grew sluggish remiss and indifferent and there was a great abatement of their former fervency either fearing they should be left in sufferings or not provided for or dispensed unto according to their wants and therefore to recover them he telleth them his name is the Amen The consideration hereof is powerful to stirr up to diligence and to recover us from our decays to cause us that we shall not be slothful but followers diligent followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Heb. 6. 10 20. To strengthen us to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering and to consider one another to provoke to love and good works not forsaking the assembling of our selves together Heb. 10. 22 25. To ingage us to come out from amongst men and to be separate and not touch the unclean thing but to cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. 2 Cor. 6. 16 18. 7. 1. if these exceeding great and precious promises given to the Apostles to minister and ministred by them in and with the glorious Gospel be in us received and entertained by us and abound if they be suffered to dwell richly in us and to have their perfect work so as we limit them not nor hold them in unrighteousness they make us that we shall not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ They will provoke us to flee from and escape the corruption that is in the world thorow lust and besides giving all diligence thereto they will inable and stir us up to add to our faith virtue courage zeal resolution of spirit magnanimity to be as bold as lions and to virtue knowledg that we may use our fervour and zeal aright and that not about meat and drink and days and places and gestures in which the kingdome of God consisteth not but in contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints and to knowledg temperance to have sober thoughts of our selves of our knowledg vertue parts gifts attainments and to be temperate in our use of and exercise about the things of this world in which there may be excess and in our joys and griefs thereabout and to temperance patience patiently continuing in well doing in faith in virtue in knowledg in temperance c. Patiently induring whatever reproches and persecutions we may meet with in walking in Christ and in the exercise of those efficacies of his grace and resting in the Lord and waiting patiently for him and to patience godliness worshipping him in the spirit and rejoycing in Christ Jesus and having no confidence in the flesh and imitating and following him as dear children according to the light and instructions of his grace and to godliness brotherly kindness loving the brethren with delightful and peculiar manner of love not pretending we are right worshippers of God while we are without brotherly kindness to those borne of him For every one that loveth him that begat loveth them also that are begotten of him For if a man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a liar for he that loveth not his Brother whom he hath seen how can he love God whom he hath not seen and to brotherly kindness charity that free manner of love which is exercised towards others not because of somewhat lovely and amiable in them but from an higher reason and motive even from the constraining operation of the love of God in Christ and thence to have fervent charity among our selves and to love all men To these things will these precious promises confirmed by such precious blood enliven and quicken us if they be suffered to dwell richly in us for hereby we shall be made partakers of the Divine nature in union and fellowship with it interest in it usefulness of it and conformity to it 2 Pet. 1. 4 9. Oh exercise we our selves to godliness to Christ who is the root and fundation of godliness for it is profitable unto all things having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. with chapt 3. 16. Oh! how effectual were the promises with the Patriarchs in former times when they were not so confirmed as now to make them forsake their Countrey Kindred and Fathers house To confess themselves strangers and pilgrims on the earth c. These believed caused Abraham the Father of the faithful not to consider his own body now dead neither yet the deadness of Sarah's Womb but was strong in faith giving glory to God and being fully perswaded that what God had promised he was able also to performe and therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him but for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him who hath performed the promise made to the fathers in raising Christ from the dead who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification Gen. 12. 1 3. Heb. 11. 13 16. Rom. 4. 16 25. with Act. 13. 32 33. Heb. 11. 17 19. The Apostle Paul to recover the Galatians from their wandrings setteth before them that Christ is the Amen to him the promises are made and in him confirmed and with him assured to those that receive him so as in being Christ's they are Abraham's seed and Heits according
even of all the Glory of God of which we came short by sinning against God he hath restored that which he took not away Heb. 9. 12. so as that in him there is helpfulness and Salvation for us when we have rendred our selves vile and brought our selves into a loathsome condition he is the fountaine of life of living waters of Grace and truth the treasury and store-house of all Gods fulness for us that he may dispense thereof to us according to our various wants and capacities and that of his fulness we may receive and Grace for Grace indeed he is the beginning and end of this new Creation the Author and finisher of the faith whose hands have laid the foundation and whose hands shall finish it and he shall bring up the top-stone with shouting and crying Grace Grace to it Rev. 1. 8 11. Zech. 4. 7 9 Heb. 12. 2. This is the Counseller the Counseller of peace that giveth this gracious and useful Counsel on him resteth the Spirit of Counsel and might and his name is Wonderful Counseller the Mighty God the Everlasting father the Prince of peace one who died for us and in his Cross and Testimony the Amen the faithful and True wiâ—ness of of the fathers graciousness and faithfulness and him in whom all the promises are established and ascertained and the beginning of the Creation of God one in whom is all help and healing for us Isa 11. 2 3. 9. 6. Oh that we may hear his Counsel and receive his instruction that we may be wise in the latter end Prov. 8 14 19 20. 2. We have next to consider and speak to the person or persons counselled both whom and what manner of Persons this blessed Counseller giveth this needful and good Counsel to 1. To whom and that is directly and expresly to the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans a Church still our Saviour calleth it though it was so greatly polluted that it was threatned to be spued out of the mouth of Christ And so the Corinthians to whom the Apostle writeth are called the Church of God at Corinth concerning whom or some amongst them the Apostle thus speaketh I fear least when I come I shall not find you such as I would and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not least there be debates envyings wraths strâ—â—es backbitings wisperings swellings tumults and lest when I come again my God will humble me among you and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornieation and lasciviousness which they have committed 2 Cor. 1. 1. wâ—th Chap. 12. 20 21. see also Gal. 1. 2. Rev. 3. 1 2. 2 Thes 2. 4. To the Angel of this Church he directly speaketh that is to their Messenger or Messengers Mal. 2. 7. Rev. 2. 24. to those that were over them in the Lord and did or should go before them in the word of the Lord Chap. 1. 20. and this Counsel is given to the Angel in the first place Because by their office and furniture they are Ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God and it is required of them that they be found faithful in communicating to others what is given and imparted to them for their good 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. They are set to watch for the Souls of others as they that must give an account Heb. 13. 17. And to them first to signifie that they are first to re-receive from Christ what they give and communicate to others they also are to be swift to hear slow to speak that they may speak his words they are first to hear what he speaketh to them and to eat his words consider them digest them meditate on them Receive in their Heart all the words he speaketh unto them in his Testimony and hear them with their ears and then go and speak to his people and cause them to hear his words that so they go not before they are sent for what have they worthy communicating but what they receive Ezek. 2. 7 10. 3. 1 3 10 11 17. Rev. 10. 9. And to them because they themselves might be polluted with this distemper and be lukewarm and through their slothfulness and negligence doing the work of the Lord negligently they might be some occasion of this distemper in the Church as our Saviour signifieth that while the servants also slept the enemy came and sowed tares Matt. 13. 25. And to them first might this Epistle be sent and counsel given that they might judge and take shame to themselves and receive reproof and be recovered and when they themselves did repent and were converted they might be instruments of returning restoring and strengthening their brethren as Luk. 22. 32. And yet also this counsel was given to the whole Church in Laodicea as appeareth in that Jesus Christ giveth instruction to John that what he saw he should write in a book and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia unto Ephesus and unto Laodicea Yea the instruction and counsel given to this Church is needful to be minded and considered by the residue of the Churches yea and to be heard by every one that hath an Ear as is signified Rev. 3. 22. He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches 2. And to what manner of persons this counsel is given we may be helped to see and understand in what followeth Vers 15. I know thy works By knowing here is not only meant a seeing and understanding what they were and of what nature for so he seeth and knoweth all things Joh. 21. 17. Nor at all an owning and approving them Indeed the word know doth many times signify approve as the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous he owneth it and will preserve it for ever as opposed to the perishing of the way of the ungodly Psal 1. 6. And so the Lord knoweth them that are his that come unto and abide upon the foundation of God 2 Tim. 2. 19. So 1 Cor. 8. 3. Joh. 10. 27. But in this sense he did not know their works for their works were not perfect before him as Rev. 3. 2. But hereby know is meant I take notice off and wistly observe thy works I consider them and the nature and quality of them In this sense it is often to be taken both as with respect to God and men So with respect to God and by him it is said Hos 13. 5. I did know thee in the Wilderness namely he did then take notice of them to provide for them and take care of them and rebuke and chasten them as need was So the Psalmist it seemeth useth considering and knowing as words of a like signification when he saith thou hast considered my trouble thou hast known my soul in adversities Psal 31. 7. So with respect to men As not knowing minding considering taking notice that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance Rom. 2. 4. So it is used in this sense in the beginning of every of the messages to the Churches And in that he saith I know I take notice of thy works he signifieth 1. That he doth not pass sentence upon men or their works he doth not approve or reprove till first he considereth their works he taketh notice of them and pondereth all their goings before he justifieth or condemneth Prov. 5. 21. Hence in every of the Epistles to the Seven Churches after he directeth them and giveth a description of himself he first saith I know thy works Rev. 2. 2 9 13 19. chap. 3. 1 8 15. The Lord is a God of judgment and by him Actions are weighed 1 Sam. 2. 3. So when the cry of Sodom was great and their sin grievous he saith I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it which is come unto me and if not I will know Gen. 18. 21. He is excellent in power and in judgment and in plenty of justice he will not afflict men do therefore fear him Job 37. 23 24. And this is for instruction to us that we should not reprove or fault another till we consider what his works are and know and take notice that they are such as are condemnable by the light of the glorious Gospel but to be imitatours of Christ Jesus according to the instructions of his Grace 2. In that he saith I know thy works he signifieth his love to us and care of us such is his love and kindness towards us that he considereth our works that if they be not perfect before him and in his sight he may rebuke us and not suffer sin upon us Levit. 19. 17. So great is his charity towards us that he covereth our sins so as to seek and pursue our good and such is his charity that it leadeth him to take notice of our works that when need is he may reprove us and sanctify and cleanse us with the washing of water by the word So when he declareth his love and faithfulness towards Israel he saith I have been a rebuker of them all and addeth I know I take notice of Ephraim and Israel is not hid from me They will not frame their doings to turn unto the Lord. Hos 5. 2 4. 3. He herein gives us to understand whose works he knoweth especially and taketh notice of I know thy works their works that have had means and advantages He knoweth not in this sense mens works till he preventeth them with his goodness he looketh not to gather Grapes of Thornes nor Figs of Thistles he knoweth that in us as of us dwelleth no good thing and that our works must needs be evil and unprofitable before his Grace bringeth salvation to men as it doth to all men in due time Titus 2. 11. But when he hath vouchsafed some means and afforded some light to men then he looketh down from Heaven to see if there be any that understand and seek after God Psal 14. 2. He fashioneth mens hearts alike and then he considereth all their works Psal 33. 15. But especially when men are brought unto and planted in his Vineyard then he pondereth what their doings are He expecteth that there should be some return from them suitable to the means used pains taken and care exercised towards and about them So he saith for instruction to us also Behold mind this well and give attention to it these three years I come seeking Fruit of this Fig-tree Luk. 13. 7. So when he telleth us what he had done to his Vineyard that he fenced it and gathered out the stones thereof and planted it with the choicest Vine and built a Towre in the midst of it and also made a Wine-press therein he addeth and he looked that it should bring forth Grapes Isa 5. 1. 2. Matt. 21. 33 37. He taketh notice of them especially whether there be with them the work of faith and labour of love he expecteth that that earth which is so inclosed and ordered and which drinketh in the rain that oft cometh upon it should bring forth herbs meet for him by whom it is dressed even the work and labour of love that it may receive further blessing from God Heb. 6. 7 10. His eye is continually upon his Church and Churches as to preserve and deliver them from evil and to dispence to them whatever may fit them for fruitfulness before him that they may shew forth his praises who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light So to observe what impression his Grace hath upon them how it is received by them and what it produceth in them or whether it be received in vain That so he may rebuke and chasten them as he doth as many as he loveth Rev. 3. 19. You only saith he have I known of all the families of the earth therefore will I punish you for all your transgressions Amos. 3. 2. Hence when John in vision saw Christ in the midst of the Seven Candlesticks he saith his eyes were as a flame of fire Rev. 1. 14. To denote unto us the piercingness of them and that he is very exact and observant in his inspections amongst the Churches to see and take notice what their works are and to manifest the evil of what he doth reprove amongst them for answerable to the greater priviledges and advantages they have above others accordingly he doth expect more from them unto whom much is given of them shall much be required and to whom men have committed much of them they will ask the more Luk. 12. 48. 4. And here he signifieth what he knoweth and taketh notice of thy Works not their profession only Men may profess to know God trust in him love him cleave to him and yet in works deny him being abominable and disobedient and to every good work reprobate and void of judgment Titus 1. 16. Men may say they believe the Testimony of God concerning Christ yea they may be perswaded of the goodness and truth of it and have some love to it and hold it forth as their opinion and plead for it against opposers and yet not so receive the love of the truth as to be saved thereby or to suffer it to work effectually in them and to bring forth the work of faith and labour of love as it doth in those that heartily receive it and suffer it to dwell richly in them 1 Thes 1. 3. 2. 13. But what doth is profit my Brethren saith the Apostle though a man say he hath faith and have not works Faith if it have not works its proper works is dead being alone Jam 2. 14 26. They are not mens pretences and professions simply he taketh notice of but whether the word of God be received by them as it is in truth the word of God so as to work effectually in them to redeem them from their iniquities and turn them to God from
agreeth that in the Prophet Zephany Where after God had pronounced great evil on them that swear by the Lord and that swear by Malcham that halted between two Opinions and were lukewarm ones not singly sincerely and fervently serving and glorifying the Lord that their goods should become a booty and their houses a desolation that he would send a day of wrath trouble and distress and their Silver and Gold should not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath yet before he dealeth with them according to his threatnings and their deservings he saith Gather your selves together yea gather together O nation not desired before the decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaff before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you Seek the Lord all ye meek of the earth which have wrought his judgments seek righteousness seek meekness it may be you may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger Zephan 1. 4 18. 2. 1 3. See also Jer. 36. 3. Hos 9. 14 17. 11. 7 8. with chap. 14. 1. 2. Joel 2. 1 3. So in the Epistles to other of these Churches when he threatneth to remove their Candlestick out of its place and to fight against them yet he expresly or intimately counselleth them to remember from whence they were fallen to repent to do their first works that there might be a turning away of the evil pronounced Rev. 2. 5 16. his end while it is called to day in threatning and lifting up his hand is not firstly to execute the judgment threatned for that is his work his strange work but to awaken us out of our sleep to make us afraid that we might run together unto him prepare to meet him and turn to him that smiteth and seek the Lord of hosts and therefore he giveth good counsel to such as have greatly provoked him and incensed him against them and deserve to be abhorred by him and it is out of his pity and compassion that he thus threatneth before he punisheth and lifteth up his hand before he striketh this is out of faithfulness and not out of hatred to us that we might consider our selves and ways and fall down before him and turn from our iniquities that we may understand his truth and it is good and profitable for us to take notice of this and set our hearts to it for many times when God reproveth us in his word when he heweth us by his Prophets and slayeth us by the words of his lips in setting our sins in order before us or when he layeth his hand upon us and his judgments are as the light that goeth forth we have such evil thoughts of him and are so jealous and distrustful of his love to us that we are ready to think and say there is no hope the case is desperate we have loved strangers and after them we will go he hath forgotten to be gracious he hath shut up his tender mercies in displeasure and will be no more fayourable to us But now his gracious end in threatning and childing of us being known and considered by us would be powerful to incourage us to look toward his holy Temple and come into his house in the multitude of his mercies when we say we are cast out of his sight and are in deepest affliction and he threatneth to cut us off as Jonah 2. 2 4 7. It was not out of ill will or hatred to this Church that he threatneth to spue them out of his mouth but out of love and compassion to them and therefore vers 19. he saith As many as I love I rebuke viz. sharply reprove when and as they need it and chasten be zealous therefore and repent Oh that we may so set our hearts to and diligently consider this that at such a time as this when he is pronouncing evil and threatning to break us in pieces and destroy his places of the assembly we may return to him from whom we have wandred with the whole heart and not feignedly and lift up our hearts with our hands to God in the Heavens who is gracious and merciful and ready to repent of the evil pronounced Oh that we may yet turn unto him from all our iniquities and idols that he might turn again and have compassion upon us and delight to do us good and make us glad according to the days where in he hath afflicted us and the years wherein we have seen evil 2. In that he saith Thou art poor and miserable and wretched and blind and naked I counsel thee to buy c. He giveth us to understand that thosE persons are truly and verily poor that are with out and distitute of this Gold that is to be bought of the faithful and true Witness they are naked indeed and in the account of God that have not this White raiment whatever they may have of this worlds goods treasure cloathing or accomodations these do not truly and indeed inrich and cloath a man Though a man had an house full of that Gold and Silver that cometh out of the Earth yet alas he may be miserable enough for all this it is Christ and those treasures in him that are the true riches the true Mammon which is substantial and durable Luke 16. 9 11. It is the Mammon of unrighteousness uncertain riches that which perisheth and deceiveth which our wisdom so highly esteemeth and leadeth us to set our hearts and affections on and covet after greedily all the day long these riches below are not real substance hence the Proverb saith Labour not to be rich cease from thine own wisdom wilt thou setthine eyes upon that which is not which hath no real being or sure continuance for richeâ— certainly make themselves wings they flee away as an Eagle towards Heaven Proy 23. 4 5. It is that wisdom only that is from above that causeth those that love her to inherit substance and she will fill their Treasures Prov. 8. 10 21. And so persons here may be blind and naked indeed that are without Christ though they have never so much of Philosophy of that Science which is falsely so called and though they are cloathed with never so costly Apparel and glorious array the wisdom which is from beneath which is natural and earthly will not open the eyes of our understandings to know Gods name or his Sons name this will not render us wise in the account of Christ for the Wisdom of this World is foolishness with God nor can we cover the shame of our nakedness in his sight Let us then not lift up our selves by these things Jer. 9. 23. 1 Cor. 1. 29 31. But this more properly appertaineth to what followeth 3. In that he councelleth these miserable ones to buy he intimateth to us that not only such as are sensible of their condition are counselled invited and called upon to come to Christ the fountain of
gave his onely begotten son There was nothing of worth or worthiness in the world to move him so to do for all the world was become guilty before God and subject to his judgment By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin Rom. 3. 19. 5. 12. All were become ungodly sinners and enemies and so great unworthiness was found with them yet he loved them and so loved them as to give his Son to be the Saviour thereof because he himself is charity the fountain and original of love 1 Joh. 4. 8-10 Thus also it is in a measure with those that have known and believed the love that God hath towards the world and so are born of God The charity they are instructed to put on It is such a manner of love as is towards another without any goodness or worthiness in the party loved yea notwithstanding great unloveliness be found in him and it is begotten and moved and exercised from an higher motive and from a reason without him namely from the love of Christ and God in him 2 Cor. 5. 14. 1 Joh. 4. 7. I say unto you that hear That God is love and how he hath manifested it Love your enemies bless them that curse you c. Luk. 6. 27. This being put on and walked in the exercise of will cover the multitude of sins so as still to be seeking the good of the party loved 1 Pet. 4. 8. And indeed in putting on charity we put on all the other garments before spoken of and therefore above all things this is to be put on by us In putting this on we shall put on humility for Charity vaunteth not it self is not puffed up 1 Cor. 13. 4. It taketh no notice of its doing or works so as to be hindred from pursuing the good of another but it leadeth one to humble himself to that end as it was eminently found in Christ such was his Charity as that though he was rich for our sakes he became poor that through his poverty we might be inriched 2 Cor. 8. 9. He humbled himself and became obedient to death c. Charity doth not behave it self unseemly as those that want humility do in proclaiming their own goodness knowledge c. Philip. 2. 3-7 In putting on this we shall put on zeal and fervency in looking upon and indeavouring the good of others that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ and hence this is called fervent Charity 1 Pet. 4. 8. And is so fervent and hot as that many waters cannot quench it neither can the flouds drown it it is even strong as death And casteth out all fear that hath torment in it Cant. 8. 6 7. 1 Joh. 4. 18. In putting on this we put on bowels of mercy kindness c. it filleth with bowels of pity and compassion towards others Charity seeketh not her own but the profit of others that they may be saved Charity is kind 1 Cor. 13. 4 5. Hence our Saviour first instructeth his Disciples to love and then to do good to lend to be merciful not to judge not to condemn to give forgive c. As signifying love includeth and leadeth to all mercy and kindness and acts of it Luke 6. 27-38 Charity openeth the bowels of our compassion on sight of the needs and necessities of others 1 Joh. 3. 16-18 In putting on Charity we put on also meekness and gentleness in bearing injuries unkindnesses and ill requitals from others and in being long-suffering toward them and not presently turning away from them though they be dull of hearing unteachable untractable yea though they are froward evil and incensed against us and are enemies to us because we tell them the truth and indeavour their good and profit Charity suffereth long and is kind all the while it is not easily provoked thinketh projecteth surmiseth no evil it is even blind and leadeth those that are filled with it to demean themselves as blind ones Who so full of Charity as Christ And who saith God is blind as my servant or deaf as my messenger that I sent who is blind as he that is perfect and blind as the Lords servant seeing many things but thou observest them not c. Isa 42. 19 20. So also Charity beareth all things indureth all things all burdens cast upon it and yet Charity never faileth 1 Cor. 13. 5-7 8. All is included in one word Thou shalt love c. Gal. 5. 13 14. Rom. 13. 8-10 2 And by the fruits of righteousness and so by those White garments are meant those more outward the works and acts of love and mercy exercised unto others so receiving and holding fast the Grace of God as that in its efficacies and outward works it may be seen and beheld of all men Acts 11. 23. Holding forth the word of life in word and conversation as our Saviour instructeth his Disciples Let your light so shine before men that they seeing your good works may glorifie your father which is in Heaven Mat. 5. 16. This is an Ornament which becometh such as profess godliness even good works 1 Tim. 2. 9 10. And to that end the Grace of God moveth and instructeth us to cast off the works of darkness such as rioting and drunkenness chambring and wantonness strife and envying which are the garments of darkness proceeding from our ignorance and blindness these are to be cast off as an unclean filthy and dishonourable garment and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ in the efficacies of his righteousness believed Rom. 13. 12-14 And so we are instructed to put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts viz. to put off and put away lying anger wrath malice blasphemy filthy communication stealing c. and to beclothed outwardly with love peace humility mercy temperance sobriety and to have our speech always with Grace seasoned with Salt both which namely good words and works tend to adorning the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things Ephes 4. 22 31. Col. 3. 5-8 9. 15. 4. 5 6. Tit. 2. 10-12 And so by this White raiment is meant the righteousness which Christ hath wrought and compleated for all without them and which he is become through and by means of his personal abasement and sufferings and the fruits thereof both those more inward and outward 2. Why this raiment is said to be White and what is imported therein 1. In general we may say in this expression there is allusion and reference unto the Garments that the Priests and Levites did wear and were clothed with and in which they did then minister which Moses the Mediator of that old Testament or Covenant was appointed to make or cause to be made Exod. 28. 39-43 Levit. 16. 4-23-32 So it is said the Levites when they ministred were arayed in white linen 2 Chron. 5. 12. And now the Priesthood being changed there is made of necessity a change also
whom shine ye as lights c. Philip. 2. 13 14 15 16. To the same purpose the Apostle Peter beseecheth the believers as strangers and pilgrims to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the Soul and to have their conversation honest among the Gentiles that whereas they speak against them as evil doers they may by the good works which they shall behold glorifie God in the day of visitation 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. Mat. 5. 15 16. 4. This Raiment is said to be white to signifie unto us that it is raiment of praise and beauty of rejoycing and gladness it betokeneth and occasioneth joy and rejoycing as opposed to that clothing and those garments werewith persons usually cover themselves when they are in heaviness affliction and sadness and when they have cause of sorrow and mourning This appeareth to be the meaning of the expression in Eccles 9. 7 8 9. Go thy way eat thy bread with joy and drink thy Wine with a merry heart for God hath already accepted thy work even those works wrought in God in Immanuel Joh. 3. 21 let thy Garments be always white as a token of joy and mirth and let thine head want no Oyntment live joyfully c. And so on the contrary when men are mournful they walk in black as Mal. 3. 14. What profit is it that we have walked mournfully or in black And indeed this raiment is beautiful and joyous and that which may cause putter on and wearer of it to rejoyce at all times especially in that plenteousness of redemption in Christ through his bloud even the forgiveness of sins and in that everlasting righteousness which he hath brought in and compleated and which he giveth to the buyer Yea when they are in heaviness through manifold temptations yet believing what Christ hath done and is become they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 6-8 Rom. 15. 14. 14. 17. This the Garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness which Christ is appointed to give to them that mourn in Zion Isa 61. 1-3-10 The beautiful Garments which Zion is called upon to put on and therefore to awake awake instead of those dirty dusty dejected ones wherewith they were clothed in times of affliction and sadness and in this they may rejoyce continually in that righteousness of Christ which shall never be abolished but shall remain for ever and ever and most fully shall they do so when they are made compleatly partakers of it Isa 52. 1 2-7 with Chap. 51. 4-9 So much is imported in that vote and desire Let thy Priests be clothed with righteousness with white ralment and let thy Saints shout for joy that only joy inwardly but outwardly also express and testifie it Psal 132. 9-10 So when in our types the Levites were arayed in white linen their work was with joyfulness to praise and thank the Lord because he is good for his mercy endureth for ever 2. Chron. 5. 12 13. And surely they have not oâ— by faith and in usefulness this white and and rejoycing raâ—ment that lye under discouraging and disquâ—ering sadness and heaviness as if there were no forgiveness in Christ for them no robe of righteousness prepared to cover the shame of their nakedness and who are complaining and judging and speaking hardly of the God of our righteousness instead or praising him and making mention of his righteousness even or his onely 5. VVhite raiment signifieth that raiment where with those that overcome are clothed and which God giveth to them that run with patience the race set before them as a token of his approbation of them and Testimony of his well-pleasedness with them So he that hath the seven Spirits of God saith He that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment Rev 3. 4 5. And it is said VVhite robes were given unto every one of them that were slaâ—n for the word of God and for the Testimony which they held Rev. 6. 9-11 And they also who came one of great tâ—â—butation who shall hunger no more neither thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on them or any heaâ— Chap. 7. 9-7 And this is the raiment which the Lambs Wile hath on for the consummation of the Marriage with the Lamb and with which his victorious Army shall be arayed Chap. 19. 7 8-11-14 And this is that White raiment this Church and Angel is instructed to buy And to seek glory honour and immortality by a patient continuance in well-doing Rom. 2. 7. To them who forsake all for Christs sake that they may win him and follow him in the regeneration God now giveth the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ and the raiment of victorers by faith 1 Cor. 15. 57. 1 John 5. 4 5. And will give it compleatly in Spirit to them who are faithful unto the death and in the first resurrection they shall have it gloriously in Soul and body re-united On such like accounts this raiment is said to be white and such manner of instructions are contained in the expression 2. We have in the next place to inquire into and consider the end why this Angel and Church is counselled to buy this white raiment which is also a Motive and Argument used to stir up to fervency in buying viz. that thou mayst be clothed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear in which end is signified unto us 1. That those that have not this excellent and durable clothing here commended and counselled to even the righteousness of God by saith and the fruits thereof those that part not with and suffer not the loss of all things for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ that they may win him and be found in him they have a shameful nakedness upon them This is true generally as with respect to all mankind as they are and while they reman in their natural estate and condition God did indeed at first make man in his Image after his likeness and gave him dominion over the works of his hands in this lower part of his Creation Gen. 1. 26 27. God made man viz. Adam and all mankind in him upright Eccles 7. 29. He Created them in righteousness and holiness Ephes 4. 23 24. Col. 3. 10. He made him a little lower then the Angels and Crowned him with glory and honour the Glory of God was upon him in that righteousness holiness purity innocency and integrity that was upon him and in that dominion given to him Psal 8. 5. Rom. 3. 23. 1 Cor. 11. 7. The Law of God was in his heart and there was in him a natural bent and inclination to love and live to the Lord his God with all his Heart Soul mind and strength and to love his neighbour as himself And then while they were in honour and in this upright and honourable condition though they were naked as with respect to any clothing or covering from without there was no shame upon them and they
though they wash them with Nitre and take to them much Sope yet their iniquity is marked before the Lord. Jer. 2. 20-22 Isa 66. 17. Though they should wash themselves with Snow water and make themselves never so clean yet God will plunge them into the ditch again their own clothes will make them to be abhorred Their coverings will but make them more shameful Job 9. 30 31. He hath declared that our works and our righteousness shall not profit us our Webs shall not become Garments nor shall we be able to cover our selves with our own works Isa 57. 12. 59. 6. By the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in the sight of God Rom. 3. 19 20. This covering will appear too narrow to wrap our selves in when the Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim Isa 28. 13-15 20 21. We cannot make our Peace with God by any Sacrifices or works of our own nor establish to our selves such a righteousness as will render us acceptable before God but those that sought after righteousness as it were by the works of the Law they attained not righteousness they obtained not what they sought after Rom. 9. 31-33 10. 2 3. 11. 7. Hence saith the Apostle We who are Jews by nature and not sinners of the Gentiles not so notoriously wicked as they knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the faith of Jesus Christ the word of faith heartily believed even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and noâ— by the works of the Law for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified Gal. 2. 15 16. If righteousness could have come by the Law then Christ died in vain Gal. 2. 21. Nor can any hide their sin and shame by any outward professions and practices by their being hearers only of the word of truth and making a trade of hearing by their prophecyings in Christs name oâ— casting out Devils or doing many wonderful works in his name or by their eating and drinking in his presence and using and observing his ordinances Those that would cover themselves with those things will appear to be workers of iniquity notwithstanding such like clothings of themselves for they cover themselves with a covering but not of Gods Spirit and so even add sin to sin Mat. 7. 22-24 Luke 13. 24-27 Isa 30. 1. Oh! that we may all so consider the unprofitableness and insufficiency of all our own works of righteousness and of our coverings of our selves that we may cease from confiding and trusting in them and may seek the Lord and in him seek righteousness in whom God hath prepared it for us and for all And this leadeth us to the next thing viz. 3. This white raiment that is to be bought of this gracious and faithful Counsellor is that wherewith we may be clothed so as the shame of our nakedness may not appear We cannot cloth our selves nor cover the shame of our own nakedness as is before said But there is excellent raiment prepared for all men by him who gave himself an Offering and a Sacrifice for a sweet smelling Savour to God And so much might be typically signified by Gods covering and clothing our first parents when they had sinned and thought to have hid their shame with fig-leaves like whereto are all our coverings and hidings of our shameful nakedness Gen. 3. 7. The Lord God after he in denouncing the curse on the Serpent had promised That the seed of the woman should break the head of the Serpent And after Adam in closing therewith and belief thereof called his wives name Evah clothed the man and the woman with Coats of Skins probably with the Skins of the beasts that were offered by faith in Sacrifice to type out and point forth that our clothing and covering must be prepared and made by the Lamb of God which he prepared himself for a Burnt-Offering and by his Sacrifice who is sacrificed for us and thereby indeed is white raiment prepared for us and for all as is before shewn Gen. 3. 15-21 22. Now then in this instruction contained in the end proposed to move us to buy this White raiment viz. that thou mayst be clothed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear is further signified unto us 1. That this raiment is proper and sufficient to cover the shame of our nakedness so as it appear not namely the righteousness which Christ hath brought in and compleated through his personal abasement and sufferings who in the virtue thereof is raised again and which he himself is become and it doth cover their shame that have it and put it on even from the face of the Lord viz. there is contained herein the forgiveness of our sins and blotting them out so as they shall no longer be remembred or retained in Heaven and giving unto and making them partakers of forgiveness by faith that believe on Christ for this is the blessedness the believers on his name do receive To Christ give all the Prophets witness as the sum and end of their Testimony that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive the forgiveness of their sins Acts. 10. 43. And by him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses Acts 13. 39. If we in belief of his goodness and of the truth of his Testimony in reproving and discovering our vileness and sinfulness confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all unrighteousness 1 Joh. 1. 7-9 And this forgiveness of sins as it is an imputing righteousness without works so it is expressed by covering sin even as David describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered Rom. 4. 6 7 8. with Psal 32. 1 2-5 To the same purpose also the Psalmist speaketh when he acknowledgeth to the praise of Gods Grace and as a ground of incouragement to desire his further mercy Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people thou hast covered all their sins Psal 25. 2. And indeed the righteousness of Christ which he hath brought in and is become is to this end a compleat clothing and covering for all our shame inasmuch as there is contained therein both an acquittance and justification from the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness aswell as also plenteous redemption even the forgiveness of mens following and personal sins in which they sin after the likeness and similitude of Adams transgression yea and in him there is perfect innocency integrity immortality and eternal life which the believer is now receiving by faith and in some first-fruits of the Spirit but the adoption the redemption of the body and the Harvest of the Spirit is to
possessed of That which is said of Wisdom may be said of this also it is more precious then Rubies and all the things we can desire are not to be compared herewith Man knoweth not the price thereof neither is it found in the land of the living It cannot be gotten for Gold neither shall Silver be weighed for the price thereof it cannot be valued with the Gold of Ophir with the precious Onyx or the Saphire c. Prov. 3. 13-15 8. 10 11. 16. 16. Joh. 3. 31. Jam. 3. 17. It is even the Lord himself and what is treasured up in him and all nations are before him as nothing and they are counted to him less then nothing and vanity To whom then shall we liken him or what likeness shall we compare unto him Isa 40. 15-18-25 46. 5 6. The world and all the things thereof and all we injoy and are possessed of are not to be compared to this unsearchably rich treasure which we are here counselled to buy Cant 8. 7. 2. And it also appeareth that by buying is not meant parting with any thing as a valuable consideration if we consider what manner of persons they are that are counselled to buy to wit such as had no worth or worthiness in them such as were indigent worthless creatures such as were wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked and therefore such as could give nothing in exchange for this excellent commodity that might in the least be valuable therewith or comparable thereto And elsewhere such are invited to buy that have no money nor price Isa 55. 1 2. Luke 14. 21. 3. And it further appeareth that this is not meant by buying because it is highly provoking to God to think that we can purchase the gift of God with any thing we have as a valuable consideration This was the great and hainous iniquity of Simon Magus to think that the gift of God might be purchased with money And therefore Peter said unto him Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter for thy heart is not right in the sight of God Act. 8. 18-23 2. But this is called and compared to buying 1. Because we must part with somewhat that we may be made partakers of Christ As in in buying any commodity a man must part with one thing for another so here We must part with what we have even all that we have of our own We must be like the wise Merchant who when he had found one Pearl of great price he went and sold all that he had and bought it Matt. 13. 44-46 So must we do we must part with and forsake all we have that we may have this Gold and white raiment As to say We must at first and always let go our Pride and high thoughts and conceits of our selves and of our being in a good condition already and without Christ This was the great and fundamental evil found with these as is before noted they said they were rich and increased with goods and had need of nothing and hereby they grew remiss and lukewarm and therefore unless this evil and high conceit of themselves were abstained from and parted with by them how could they with fervency seek the Lord Hence this faithful and gracious counsellour instructeth and admonisheth them Vers 19. Be zealous and repent and the latter is needful to the former And so it is as if he should say that you may with earnestness and intention of spirit seek to know and be made partakers of Christ and those durable riches in him needful it is that you repent change your minds let go your proud and lofty thoughts and conceits of your selves and of the goodness of your present condition that you may seek the Lord the Lord himself and that substantial preparation in him Forsake your unrighteous thoughts without which you cannot return to the Lord with whom is plenteous redemption Isa 55. 1-6 7. Wash your hearts from wickedness how long shall vain thoughts lodge within you Jer. 4. 14. This haughty concert of the goodness of their present condition was that which hindered the leaders of the people in â—orâ—eâ— times from coming to Christ as the rest and refreshing and directing others thereto because they thou â—â—t the evil should not overtake nor prevent them They had made a covenant with Death and with Hell were they at agreement they were not afraid of death or hell they were in an happy estâ—te already Isa 28. 12-15 and this hindred the Jews from entertaining Christ and his Gospel they thought they were whole already and that eternal life appertained to them they had it in the Scriptures assured to them and they knew all already and took it hainously that they should be reproved or faulted for any thing or that the goodness of their condition should be suspected hence they came not to Christ that they might have light life and righteousness Matt. 9. 10-12 Joh. 5. 39 40. 9. 40 41. Luke 11. 45. God doth in due time give grace to us that we might have our high thoughts of our selves subdued and that we might hate them Oh! that it may be received by us to such end and purpose Jam. 4. 5 6 7. 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. So also we must let go and forsake our double mindedness and halting between two opinions This Angel and Church were somewhat polluted herewith they were lukewarm and neither cold nor hot they were not so cold as to leave off all professed waiting upon Christ and use and observance of his ordinances nor so hot as to be chastly and singly for him to be for him and for him only which is a very sad and nauseous distemper and very loathsome and provoking to Christ Jesus and therefore needful it is that we cleanse our selves in the light and strength of God's grace here-from And indeed this is the consequent of pride and high conceits of our selves and of the goodness of our conditions and of our attainments and injoyments as hath been foreshewn and as also appeareth in Jam. 4. 5 6-8 The grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men cometh first to save us from our pride and high thoughts of our selves and then and therewith instruction is given to cleanse the heart from couâ—le-mindeâ—ness This double-mindedness as it is very 〈◊〉 and dangerous so also it is very frequent and ordinary amongst many professours who have a great form of godlineâ—s upon them They have some appearance of love for the grace of God in Christ to man-ward and they will come to hear the Gospel in and amongst the Societies of God's people and seem to take delight therein And yet also they have love to and an heart for those differing and contrary doctrines which deny the grace of God to mankind or confess it not speak it not out openly and all are honest and godly men with them both those that declare and contend for the faith of the common salvation
after Jesus Christ Col. 3. 5. So much our Saviour signifieth in what he speaketh to the multitudes by occasion of the first bidden guests refusing to come to the Supper prepared for them when they were once and again invited He turned and said unto them if any man come unto me and in coming hate not his Father and Mother and Wife and Children and Brethren and Sisters yea and his own life also which is more then all to us and harder to be parted with Job 2. 4. he cannot be my Disciple c. Luk. 14. 24-27 He that loveth Father or Mother more then Christ is not worthy of him and he that loveth Son or Daughter more then him is not worthy of him And he that taketh not his Cross and followeth after him is not worthy of him Matt. 10. 37-39 Luk. 9. 59-62 Joh. 12 25 26. Those who will indeed be joyned to the Lord and be spiritual Levites and so be one spirit with him must be herein like to Levi of old who said unto his Father and Mother I have not seen him neither did he acknowledg his Brethren nor know his own Children Deut. 33. 8 9. 'T is needful to our partaking of and having fellowship with him in his riches and inheritance that we be like-minded in a sense with the Father he hath given unto Christ the pre-eminence in all things and amongst all persons so also it is necessary that we in our hearts loves and esteems should so honour him as to prefer him before our chiefest joy and before our nearest and most beloved friends injoyments and relations And if we so honour him not we shall be looked upon as despisers of him and such as set lightly by him and shall also be lightly esteemed of him Col. 1. 18. Isa 13. 11 12. 1 Sam. 2. 30. Yea Not to inlarge any further hereto particularly we must sell and part with all that we have as is before said all our own things that we may have and obtain this gold tried in the fire and this white raiment for clothing and covering the shame of our nakedness Our sins and idols must be let go and abstained from We must forsake and bid farwel to all we have that we may be the Disciples of Christ Luk. 14. 26-33 We must sell all that we have with the wise man and merchant that we may be made partakers of this Pearl of great price and treasure of invaluable worth Matt. 13. 44-46 We must deny and renounce our selves daily as Christ said to the People and his Disciples also our wisdom wills designs enterprises affections and lusts our own righteousness our confidences consolations hopes for Heaven our pride and desires of vain glory our covetousness intemperance uncleanness anger wrath c. We must lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness that we may receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save our souls We must cast off the works of darkness that we may put on the armour of light and abstain from rioting and drunkeness chambering and wantoness strife and envying that we may put on the Lord Jesus Christ Matt. 16. 24 26. Mark 8. 34-36 Luk. 9. 23-25 Jam. 1. 21. Rom. 13. 12-14 Titus 2. 11 12. 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. Col. 3. 1-5 6-8-12 And this is the first Reason why this winning Christ and obtaining this durable riches and righteousness in him is called and compared to buying here and elsewhere because we must part with and sell somewhat for him and those excellent treasures in him to wit all that we have 2. This gaining Christ and that preparation in him is also called and compared to buying because that which we must part with though it be indeed nothing worth yet we have naturally a goodly and high esteem thereof it is naturally highly valued by us and of very great account with us through our blindness and ignorance We are by nature and first birth empty and void of all spiritual understanding though we would be wise yet we are born like a wild Asses Colt hence we are ready to mistake to call evil good and good evil to put light for darkness and darkness for light To make an Idol of Christ and God in him and to prefer broken Cisterns before the fountain of living waters We are strongly inclined to be highly esteeming and valuing our own things which we must sell and let go that we may have Christ and those unsearchable riches of him especially such things as are commendable amongst men and which are the object of the desires of the mind as to say particularly The wisdom of this world is of high account amongst men and men are apt to glory herein as if it were some goodly thing Though it is and is declared to be foolishness with God and every man by his knowledg is bruitish and like a beast 1 Cor. 3. 3. 19. Jer. 10. 14. 51. 17. Yet this is unto a man in his natural condition as his right eye this is that which he is most tender of and most highly prizeth and he looketh upon it as a most useful and beneficial thing both for knowing and finding out God in the wisdom of God and for glorifying him to others though he is much mistaken herein 1 Cor. 1. 21. Matt. 18. 9. And those that have more of it then others and are rich in this wisdom and knowledg look upon themselves in the injoyment hereof as happy persons yea as the only blessed ones and judge and give forth others to be accursed Joh. 7. 47 49. And are ready to say as they did the law shall not perish from the Priest nor Counsel from the wise Jer. 18. 18. Doubtless as is before said this is one of the great Idols and Gods of the world and too much and too often set up also in the temple of God to the polluting and defiling it which men adore and worship and lift up themselves by and make their boast of and upon every occasion ask counsel of this stock and this staff declareth to them So also the works and doings of the flesh which are wrought by the wisdom and strength thereof our own righteousness according to the Law this is highly esteemed amongst men and men are apt to confide herein and think on this account eternal life appertaineth to them This is even their life their riches their gain though in truth it be nothing worth for we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy raggs Isa 64 6. Thus it was with the Apostle Paul when he had his confidence in the flesh he was alive once without the Law he thought himself to be in a very good and happy condition Rom. 7. 9. His own righteousness which was of the Law was gain to him before the righteousness of God without the Law was believed and received by him Phil. 3. 4-7-9 And thus it was more generally with the Pharisees they trusted in themselves