Minister c. 5. Constantly to your ground the truth never forsake that 6. Strenuously improving your courage and strength to the utmost 7. Victoriously and triumphantly giving the glory to God Rev. 7.9 to 13. Thus Standing is a Gesture of 1. Attendance 2. Expectance 3. Business 4. Idleness These things premised and thus understood do aford us a sixth Use which may be prosecuted as the others before unto Information Exhortation Reproof and Comfort and this is from this tenth and last particular of the point viz. To stand Vse 6. The sixth Use informs us how short we be of this Animosity and Courage of heart the resolution of spirit which we have in other things and how apt to fail and be faint-hearted in the best business if it be opposed and easily to yield to any Temptation of Seduction Exhor This is of God there we must seek and the Goodness of our cause may confirm us and strengthen our hearts in the pursuance as Asa did against Idolatry upon hearing the Prophet Oded 2 Chron. 15.1 8 to 17. and Paul by the society of some brethren in the business that he did at Rome Acts 28.15 Thus we see how defective we are in setting upon this Warfare couragiously 2. Vnanimously thus we should stand against these enemies but how far do we fall short nay how much do we differ from this and walk contrary to it 1. How few take up arms in this case though all are engaged thereunto in Baptism and many other bonds 2. And of those few that do or at lest pretend so to do how do we differ in Opinions and act right crosly to this Unanimity Ap. These Divisions in Israel as those of Reuben Judg. 5.15 16. may well cause great and deep thoughts Impressions Heb. and searchings of heart We all profess to be of the Communion of Saints and should all agree in the Unity of the Spirit and of Faith Eph. 4.3 13. Of Love Psalm 133.1 Of Mind and Judgement 1 Cor. 1.10 as members of one body Ephes 4.15 16. But it is not so with us but far otherwise 3. We should stand and withstand in this War Vigilantly and watchfully to observe this enemies approach 1 Pet. 5.8 This concerns us all Ergo let us all say as Habakkuk Hab. 2.1 said I will stand upon my watch But how apt are we to neglect this 1. The Pastors of the people must do this Magistrates that Abuses abound not Ministers that Errours swarm not Ezek. 3. 2. Then it concerns all Mat. 24.42 and 25.13 Mark 13.33 34 35. Luke 12.37 28. and 21.36 And to shake off Security 1 Cor. 10.12 13. Luke 12.37 38. It must be conjoyned with 1. Sobriety 1 Thes 5.6 1 Pet. 4.7 and 5.8 2. Prayer Mat. 26.41 Watch and pray 3. Thankfulness Col. 4.2 4. Regularly every man in his rank and order 5. Constantly 6. Strenuously 7. Victoriously and triumphantly Now this Standing victoriously ushers in The seventh Vse of Consolation to all such as do overcome for great shall be their reward it may be otherwise with men but here it is sure because it is from God Take a view 1. To eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God Rev. 2.7 i.e. to enjoy perpetual happiness in heaven Rev. 22.2 to 6. Luke 23.43 Whither St. Paul was wrapt up 2 Cor. 12.4 All which was figured by the Tree of Life in Paradise Those that be faithful unto death shall have a Crown of life and 2. shall not be hurt of the second death Rev. 2.10 11. which death consisteth of the separation of the soul and body from God and sequestration of them both to eternal torments Mat 25.46 Though he must suffer this 3. To eat of the hidden Manna by spiritual Tast of me here and a Feast with me hereafter for ever in heaven he shall have a white stone full Absolution from all sinnes in the Judgement and a new Name assurance in this right and interest in these Honours 4. Power over the Nations Be joyned with Christ to judge them 1 Cor. 6.2 And the morning star the full fruition of my self Isa 14.12 5. To be clothed in white raiment Rev. 3.5 12 21. Not be blotted out of the book of Life but Christ will confess him before His Father and the Holy Angels 6. To be a Pillar shall have the name of God and of the new Jerusalem and a new Name Everlasting happiness be acknowledged to be the Child of God Be a free Denizen and be honoured for a King and a Conqueror like me Phil. 2.9.7 To sit with Christ in his Throne to reign with me in grace here and glory hereafter 8. To inherit all things Rev. 21.7 As a Christians work so a Christians Warfare is of great consequence and deserve a suitable consideration This Epistle treats of both this Text of the latter viz the Warfare This Scripture you know doth treat of a Christians Warfare Vers 10. to 19. And the Apostle having taught the Ephesians to walk and live in all Christian Piety He doth here exhort them to fight couragiously against our spiritual Adversary Now this advice of our Apostle doth consist of two parts 1. An Exhortation to the performance of the Duty enjoyned which is to withstand our spiritual Enemies V. 10 11 12 13. 2. An Enumeration of the several parts of our spiritual Armour with which we must be furnished that we may be able to stand in this Conflict and to gain the Conquest in the end Vers 14 15 16 17 18. Parts The particulars are seven Of which the first five are Defensive especially and the two last are both Offensive and Defensive I. The Defensive parcels of this Armour 1. A Belt or Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. A Shield 5. An Helmet II. These parcels of this Armour which are both Offensive to the adversary and Defensive of our selves are 1. A Sword 2. Prayer Ap. These particulars do exactly describe the whole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a good Christian a True Believer Now before I enter upon the parculars let me premise this by way of Caution That we are not too scrupulously and curiously to enquire into the reason of the similitude why Truth is compared to a Military Belt or Girdle and Righteousness to a Breast-plate and so of the rest It being beside the Apostles purpose and intent so subtilly to apply the graces mentioned to such and such particulars But the drift of the Apostle is to teach us in general what vertues or rather gifts of the Holy Ghost Christians have need of that they may be able to stand firm against the manifold Wiles Snares Assauls and Temptations of their spiritual Enemies and to gain the victory at last Let us therefore modestly and briefly consider of these parcels of Armour severally and particularly in their order as they are enumerated to us by the Apostle beginning with the first viz. the Girdle of Truth I. Stand therefore Now
for the proof of this point I might add Arguments 1. Excellency of this sword and that both in the offensive and defensive properties of it 2. From the Author of it viz. The Spirit But these in the Application will have their further Amplification and Enlargement Ergo I descend to it Uses are Use I. The first Use informs us of the Excellency of this sword both for Offence and Defence to the Enemy and our selves I. For Offence to the Enemy See 1. Satan For with this our Saviour wounded the Devil Mat. 41. 2. The sins of great ones How plain were the Prophets with Kings Nathan Micaiah Ezek. 21.25 with King Zedekiah 3. Errours Heresies and evil Opinions 4. Self-Interests and Unrighteousness 5. And the unruly Transgressions of all But now 1. Satan will try many tricks and wiles as Balack did by Baalam 2. Great ones will endure no Controul like the Princes in Jeremy 3. Errour pleads the Spirit 4. Self-Interests and unrighteous innocence Jer. 2.35 3. And the cross Multitude the vulgarity are all for Tumults and Uproars as Acts 19.24 and are set on mischief as they Exod. 32.19 Thus concerning this sword of the Spirit You have heard that the Sword is either Material or Spiritual And this spiritual sword is either Essential and uncreated or Theological Doctrinal or Evangelical created and inspired and conveighed from God to men That this Doctrinal Word is good pure true gracious precious sound and healing Qui me sanum fecit seu valetudini restituit Pas Lex p. 713. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Doctrina sana 1 Tim. 1.10 The Apostle commands Timothy To hold fast the form of sound words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Exemplar seu expressam formam Habe teneto sanorum verborum quae a me audisti c. Arias Montan. Pas Lex p. 712. 7. This word is said to be quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword Heb. 4.12 which is applyed to 1. The Essential uncreated Word the Son of God 2. The Word of God and Christ to the world called the Rod and spirit of his mouth And 3. To the Word of God in the mouths of his Messengers 1. To subdue mens souls to the obedience of it 2. To be for evil or good death or life destruction or salvation to the obstinate or obedient Ap. And this is the work of Prophets Apostles and Ministers of Christ in all Ages which himself doth explain to them Ier. 1.7 At what instant I shall speak of a Nation ☞ Not that God doth repent out of over-sight or defect of fore-cast or mutability of mind as men do but when he revoketh the doom he had passed and stays the Execution what he had denounced when his own end is accomplished either in the Repentance of the wicked or perseverance of the godly c. to whom and to which end all the Menaces and Promises Threatnings and Encouragements of God are made All which Menaces and Promises are ever to be understood with the condition or reservation there expressed by Almighty God How absolute soever they appear or by us may be apprehended in their Terms or Words 8. You have also heard the praises of this Sword the Word of God out of Psalm 19.7.8 9. in fix particulars 9. And that it is usually compared to incorruptible seed in several Scriptures 10. And also the Arguments or Reasons of this point viz. That Doct. The word of God is the true Christians sword wherewith he doth defend himself and offend his spiritual adversaries I say the Reasons do arise from its own Excellency in the use of it And the Author of it viz. The Spirit of God Here the War is spiritual and so is the Enemy and so also is the Sword All are spiritual and Ergo Thus suited one to another in this Warfare ☞ But the Reasons will meet with a further illustration in the Application of this point To which now I do now descend 11. And the Uses of this point are of Information Doct. The Word of God is the sword of all the faithful wherewith to defend themselves and to offend their spiritual adversaries to withstand repel subdue and cut off all Satans temptations and other corruptions which war against our souls 1 Pet. 2.11 ☞ Now the Word of God is called The sword of the Spirit because 1. The Spirit maketh this Weapon to our hands 2 Pet. 1.21 For holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 2. This Sword slayeth our spiritual enemies Isa 11.4 3. It is so sharp that it pierceth to the dividing of the Soul and Spirit Heb. 4.12 of the Joynts and Marrow yea of the Heart 4. Because it is no carnal but a spiritual Weapon 2 Cor. 10.4 The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but mighty c. You have a brief account of what hath been already done we are now come to the Use improvement of the point You know upon this I entered the last day but I could only name some particulars to you not having time to prosecute any of them Of these therefore let me now speak a little more at large The spiritual Enemies I then named unto you were 1. Satan 2. The Sins of great ones 3. Errours Heresies and evil Opinions Self-interests and unrighteousness And 5. The unruly Transgressions and wickednesses of all people I. Use of Information This Use doth inform us of the Excellency of this Sword in the use of it both in the way of Offence and Defence to subdue and support 1. And for Offence the first enemy to be encountered with is 1. Satan He is a fierce cruel and crafty Adversary Of whom you have heard before vers 11 12. This is he that encountered our Saviour in the wilderness Mat. 4.1 In which Temptation you shall find him Proteus-like changing his skin and acting a threefold person but a Tempter he will be in every shape still aiming at evil and endeavouring to seduce men to sin 1. He will be an Hermit in the wilderness and will visit Christ as a friend to advise him not to fast over-long nor to hurt himself with hunger and mark here the 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Satanae the Devils entrance upon the ensuing Temptation 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christi the Risistance of Christ thereunto Christ had fasted long and was now an hungred and hereupon he takes occasion to begin The devil takes Christ at the weakest this is his practise still note Doct. As he did by Christ so he will do by all when we are weakest then he will be busie at work with us to seduce and destroy us 1. The Devil observed the preaching of John the Baptist Iohn 1.34 I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God 2. And that voice from heaven at the Baptism of Christ Mat. 3.17 Yet he doubted whether Christ was so indeed and Ergo now he comes to try and sift it out by this Temptation for saith he thou
refuse to receive him Quest If Princes confer Honours or Favours upon Subjects will it be well taken if they refuse it Ap. Oh do not you thus provoke the Lord Almighty What shall the highest give to the lowest the best to the basest and worst of Creatures the most honourable to the most despicable and shall these refuse Sure this is madness and folly and much more to receive what Satan gives Mat. 4.9 2. The End of giving which is our good this is quite frustrated where is no Receiver to make use of it If the clouds give never so much rain to the rocks or desert all is lost so is good Counsel to the obstinate ☞ So the Receiver if he receive never so much if it be not from a lawful Giver that hath power and right to give it is not so properly receiving as taking stealing or usurping A Thief c. takes many things but who gave them to him Neither God nor man will say to such As you have received of us for we gave you not such things Ap. Many such we have had in this Nation of late so in Spirituals Many take up new Opinions strange fancies and errours c. But neither God nor good men ever gave them But the great Tare-sower the devil Mat. 13.27 Ap. In all they sin extremely that frustrate God and gratifie the Devil in receiving his Tares Bane and Poison Thus our good which is the main end of giving and receiving is quite prevented and frustrated if both the Giver and Receiver be not right and good inse in donis 3. The Gift it self see to that whether it be good or bad Every good and perfect gift is from above James 1.17 A good gift tends to make the Receiver good also and a bad gift to corrupt him as Bribes c. do which blind the eyes of the wise and pervert the words of the righteous Deut. 16.19 There be many gifts of that nature that serve to corrupt and pervert men But do you receive none such only let it be said of you as in the Text That you have received how you ought to walk and to please God This is to receive that which tends to your perfection and salvation 4. The Danger of not receiving good gifts from God when they are proffered and tendered to us And of receiving Evil from the Devil This sin doth sharpen the displeasure of God against us and doth aggravate his wrath exceedingly Prov. 1.20 24 c. When Wisdom shall cry after us for our good and we shall reject her Counsel this doth provoke God to rejoyce at our destruction and mock when our fear cometh Vers 26. whereas e contra He that hearkeneth unto wisdoms counsel and receives it shall dwell safely and be quiet from fear of evil vers 33. Note That refusing God makes way for the devil to enter and pervert us with his gifts This not-receiving but rejecting the good Counsel of God was the great sin of the old world and of Israel of old throughout the old Testament and brought woful miseries upon them 2 Chron. 36.15 16. And as of the old world and Israel so also in the New Testament for the rejecting of Christ and his word How are they rejected of God and become the scorn of Nations Indeed this hath been the sin of all Ages For when was the Word and Messengers of God more slighted then in this present age our times Never Thus you have had the point and the proof of it The Reasons from 1. The Giver 2. The End of Giving 3. The Gift it self And 4. The Danger c. I descend to Use which is of instruction and Lamentation Use I. Instructs us Be we very cautious both in giving and receiving as the point bids us this deserves our utmost care and heedfulness It is not for us to give a stone for bread a Scorpion for an Egg or for a fish a Serpent or poison instead of wholesome food Mat. 7.9 10 11. But to give as God gives And this caution opens a wide door of Lamentation for very many Givers and Receivers Look but upon two or three things of greatest concernment I. For matter of Doctrine and publick instruction Quest How many strange Doctrines and erroneous opinions if not blasphemous abominations have been vented and given forth in these times Time would fail me to speak of the particular Errours of the manifold Sects of these times I have formerly or lately given you in a parallel of erroneous persons viz. Of Papists Antient and latter Separatists and their mutual concurrence in divers particulars viz. Schism by a Separation Strangeness and uncertainty of Doctrine in them all alike Independency and uncontroulableness all are stubborn Anrichristianism which doth act it sel◠in a fierce opposition to the power of Magistracy and the Ministry in the right office use power and efficacy of the same to do good amongst men For this all their principles do very punctually agree against Magistracy whatsoever any of them pretend to the contrary And as for the Ministry as the Papists overthrow the power of it by concealing the Scriptures in a strange language and turning it into a sacrificing Priest-hood and preaching into Legends c. so do Separatists by a Jerobams Priest hood crying down all Maintenance and defaming Ministers with the vilest names of Baals Priests to render them odious to all c. But alas These that give forth such strange Doctrines consider not their own Errours nor do they think how they do rake up and revive the antiently confuted exploded and condemned Errors of former times and in many things outstrip them so prodigiously fruitful have our late times been in producing to the birth many monstrous conceptions of novel opinions and unheard of Abominations Yet nevertheless the inconsiderate despicableness of any the Givers or the badness of the gift yet such Teachers want not their Sectaries and Followers whose itching ears do readily and earnestly drink in and greedily devour any novel fancy though it be stark poison and banesul to their souls Ap. Such Troublers there were both of sound Doctrine and of the Church in the Apostles times whom the Apostle wisheth cut off Gal. 5.12 as rotten members whose practise was to creep into houses and lead captive filly women laden with sins and led with divers lusts 2 Tim. 3.6 7 c. These are wells without water c. who while they promise liberty they themselves as well as their hearers do become the Servants of corruption 2 Pet. 2.17 18 19. How sad will the account be when the Teachers can only say What I taught them out of my own heart did please their fancy and suited well with the times c. And the Receivers can only say Of these men I did learn to be unsetled in religion and by them was rolled from one opinion to another till I had quite lost the truth c. as many Quakers Ranters may truly say