and people of God have always done in former times 4. And this would be our comfort in the end USE III. The third Use is from the third particular of the Doctrine and it 1 Informs us what need we have of this Panoply of Armour 2. It blames us for not taking up and putting on the same but we choose rather to be naked amognst our enemies 3. It exhorts us to gird up our loins and to put on the Lord Jesus and This Armour of God 4. And comforteth us if we do it for then we need not fear though a thousand enemies did beset and environ us USE IV. The next Use is from the 4 5 6 7 and 8. particulars of the Doctrine 1. Informs us what need we have of 1. Serpentine Wisdeme against so many Wiles and Mysteries of Iniquity 2. And more then Sampsons strength to withstand such violent and strong assaults and temptations 3. Of Elishaes Army of Angels to help us to subdue such infernal power and Diabolical Adversaries Spiritual Wickednesses acting thus 1. Within us by evil Concupiscence and natural Corruptions as Rom. 7.2 Without us by Devils and wicked men of all sorts ranks and qualities 2. Blames us for not studying this Wisdome but rather delightin in folly 3. It perswades us to get all these viz. This 1. Wisdome 2. Strength and 3. Army In those ways which God himself hath prescribed to us 4. It will be our comfort if we do so USE V. The fifth Use is from the ninth particular and 1. Informs us of an evil Day 2. Blames us for putting it off far 3. Exhorts to prepare for it 1. Informs us 1. What to give for this field of Truth Mat. 13. which is the Churches Patrimony Riches and Crown And 2. How to love and prize the Communion of Saints 2. Blames us for being far from this in that we are so apt to be seduced and easie to entertain uncharitable thoughts of our brethren and friends 3. Perswades us to amend what is amiss in these respects 4. And comforteth us in so doing This is the tenth particular Thus you have heard the point observed from the thirteenth verse which is comprehensive of all the counsel in the three former verses 10 11 12. DOCT. Viz. That 1. The Church of God in her best condition 2. Had need to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his Might 3. And to be compleatly armed as it is here prescribed 4. That she may be able to stand withstand and stand i. e. To stand couragiously to withstand and resist strenuously and yet again to â—stand remain and overcome victoriously 5. The Manifold Wiles 6. And Mighty Oppositions and Assaults 7. Of so many and such potent Adversaries as are here specified in four Titles who do so environ invade and storm Her by acting and ensnaring 1. Within and 2. Without her 9. And especially in the evil day of 1. Our life by Afflictions Tribulations and Persecutions Or 2. Satans loosing by his furious Temptations to try her to the utmost and sift her as wheat 10. And that yet She may Stand fast and firm to the truth hold her ground and remain victorious in the end and for ever Or more briefly thus DOCT. 1. The Church of God at the best 2. Had need to be strong in the Lord. 3. And compleatly armed 4. That she may be able to stand and withstand 5. The manifold Wiles 6. And Mighty Assaults 7. Of so many and such potent Enemies 8. As do invade and storm Her 1. Within and 2. Without 9. And especially in the Evil day 10. And that yet she may stand and remain victorious 1. The proof of this point both by 1. Scripture and 2. Reason 2. And the Uses of it according to the proof of it have been in all suited to the several Branches and particulars of the Doctrine ☞ And because the proof of each particular of this point by Scripture or Instance doth carry the strength of a reason along with it I shall therefore conjoyn them both together and thus brieflâ— sum them up in these ensuing Pages 1. The Church of God in her beâ—â— condition why so Reas Because then when the Field is sown with Wheat the Enemy is most apt to sow Tares if we sleep Mat. 13.24 c. i. e. Not in the world but in the Church Vt periret dominica Messis and for instance Do but see and consider what is befallen 1. Rome once so famous for their Faith Rom. 1.7 8. Now apostatical antichristian abominable and damnable in her Doctrines 2. Those Churches planted and instructed by St. Paul in Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi c. 3. Those famous seven Churches of Asia in Rev. 2. and 3. Cap. 1. Ephesus 2. Smyrna 3. Pergamus 4. Thyatira 5. Sardis 6. Philadelphia 7. Laodicea 1. All over-sown with Errours by Seducers and false Teachers which the Apostles complain of in all their Epistles 2. Now all overflown with the Turk and become a den of Dragons 4. Those Churches of Germany the like befel them saith Zanchius Now how miserable 5. And ours of England how over-runne with Tares in these sad times of Toleration 2. The Church had need to be strong in the Lord c. and not to dread as 1. Moses and 2. The Lord himself intreated Joshua 1 Chron. 22.13 and 3. David his son Solomon Deut. 31.7 8. Josh 1.6 Reas Because the Church is but weak and can do nothing of her self without his aid What can the 1. House do to prevent its being broken into if the Householder sleep 2. The Field to prevent the sowing of Tares if the Owner or Keeper sleep 3. Or the Vine do if the hedge be pluckt up Isa 5. Ap. So what can the people do to prevent Errours if the Pastors sleep that are the Seeds-men of the Field the Vine-dressers of the Church What could the Church do in Asa Jehoshaphat and Hezekia's times without the Lord against such Armies of Ethiopians Ammonnites Assyrians Ap. But in this 1. The Church prevailed then viz. By the help of the Lord. 2. And David brought down the Giant 1 Sam. 17. the Impar congressus 3. And by Faith in Christ who did overcome John 16.13 And gives the victory 1 Cor. 15.57 the Church overcome the world 1 John 5.4 5. the Devil 1 Pet. 5 8 9. all Evil Rev. 12.10 11 17. 3. The Church had need to be compleatly armed with spiritual Armour of proof 1. Christ Rom. 13.14 2. The Armour of Light 3. The Panoply of the Text. Put Christ on as 1 Cor. 1.30 For he is Wisdom c. as 1. Apparrel in Wisdome Sanctification 2. Armour in his Righteousness Redemption for safety Rom. 13.12 Arma invictissima because of Light within the 1. Cause 2. Nature 3. Effects of it Of these see my Notes on Rom. 23.12 Reas Because This Armour is of vertue and efficacy 1. Not only to cover and defend us from 1. Gods Displeasure 2. Satans Malice
and suit with every mans particular necessity and every man is left to himself 2. In Publick a form of Prayer is very useful and convenient and agreeable with antiquity Set forms are appointed by Almighty God as of Blessing Numb 6.23 24 25 26. So set Psalms by David on special occasions So for Fasts And our Saviour prescribes his prayer as a Rule Mat. 6. And as a form Luk. 11. Of all prayers premeditated are the best Eccles 5.2 And of premeditated those allowed by publick authority are to be preferred All Christian Churches in the first and best times had their set forms And our own Liturgy both simply and comparatively is the best penned and allowed of by learned Doctors and Martyrs Yet Quaedam in pulchro corpore as Ja. Armachanus that reverend Primate of Armagh advised in several things and consider it was composed by men it is inferiour to the Scripture It is not to be rested upon as alsufficient to salvation This is to idolize it and so we may abuse the best things and make them pernicious to our selves that are precious To rest to much upon a form is in in the way to fall And for order a man may begin his Devotions with Confession Petition Thanksgiving as he sees cause In all be we sure our hearts be right and that the duty be performed with regular and true devotion of soul so shall we have acceptance with God and at last obtain eternal salvation Amen Thus of the things less Essential or Circumstantial in our Devotions viz. 1. Voice 2. Gesture 3. Place 4. Time 5. Forms and order of Prayers FINIS THE Dying Preachers Legacy 1 THES IV. I. Furthermore then we beseech you Brethren and exhort you by the Lord Jesus that as you have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God so ye would abound or increase more and more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Reliquum ergo Fratres rogamus vos obsecramus in Domino Jesu quemadmodum acceptistis a nobis quomodo oportet vos ambulare placere Deo ut abundetis magis Arias Mont. THE Exhortation of the Text foundeth like the words of an aged decaying or dying Apostle Philem. 9. or faithful Preacher of the Gospel chuse you whether who having spent the course of his life in giving light to others so that he may in a proportion assume the Motto of a wasted Lamp Torch or Candle which is lucendo pereo he having faithfully taught people the way to salvation shewing them how they ought to walk please God and so be happy for ever at last he doth assume the liberty of a dying man to crown all his former pains with a general precept of greatest concernment and which he would have take the deepest impression upon them viz. That what they had received and learned that they would retain be expert in increase in strength and abound in fruit more and more This text may be fitly styled The dying Preachers Legacy and whether the Preacher dye soon after or otherwise yet is the Counsel very useful for the living yea for all And in this short Legacy though one main thing be aimed at viz. Their increasing and abounding c. Yet upon the by you have three things more very observable so that the particulars of the Text in this verse are four 1. The Preachers labour and incessant work 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. His Love and passionate affection to the people viz. as to brethren and those of nearest and dearest relation 3. The peoples duty viz. In relation to the Preachers pains to receive learn and practise so as to walk as they ought and to live so that they may please God 4. A Christians Excellency which brings him to full maturity viz. To increase instrength and to abound in good fruit more and more These are the particulars of this Verse and of these in order In handling of which I shall take notice of the Original words as we pass to clear all to you 1. And now as to the first viz. The Preachers labour Thus as the old short-breathed Prophet Hosea I mean is very sententious as is evident to the judicious Reader Ap. So is our Apostle Every word hath its weight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 q.d. Reliquum ergo it remains therefore A man would think that the Apostle had said and done enough yea as much as could be done for their good yet here is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Remnant Futhermore something still to be added to what was done before Doct. I. A Preachers work is never at an end his labour is as long as his life Redit labor actus in orbem His motion is circular and the end of one work enters another As it is with the serular so with the Spiritual Husbandmen one business dispatcht makes way for the next something is still to be done though people be never so well instructed and grounded in the truth St. Peter thought so 2 Pet. 1.12 to 16. He would put them in remembrance whilest in this Tabernacle c. Dogmaticals must have Exhortationals And Doctrines must be put on to the life with strong perfwasions and for confirmation Reasons 1. Experience proves this For who sees not this that will see at all 2. The peacher feels it that understands his own work 3. The world sees it and knowes it well enough you need no more proof What Use shall we make of it Use 1. Of Information 2. Of Exhortation 3. Of Consolation Endless work must needs be very great and hard work It is a Proverb A light burden far carried is heavy sure then A heavy burden long carried cannot be light This needs no proof and such is the work that we speak of 2. If this work be so great no doubt something is due for it sure Pitty and Prayers at the least and some Encouragement is due from the people But I shall not examine this strictly because I spare you 1. Labans dealing with Jacob so good a servant was nothing commendable Gen. 31.36 to 42. 2. And their carriage I am sure was too bad towards the Apostle That accounted him an enemy because he told them the truth Gal. 4.16 They did fulfill that Proverb Veritas odium parit Only thus much let me say That Prophets Apostles the worthies of all Ages and the truly wise men of this age will tell you by woful experience That this great work and endless labour of the Ministry is little or not at all considered valued regarded or rewarded in the world otherwise then with as much neglect disdain and reproach as may be as Jer. 20.8 Ap. So that these sore labourers may sit down with those sad people or that sad Church and say as they Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease and with the contempt of the proud Psalm 123.3 4. Instance And so was Paul rewarded by many Humourists of his time Acts 13.50 and 16.22 23.
keep your ground the ground of Truth 1 Tim 3.15 For Nothing is more pernicious or dangerous in an Army then Ataxy and flinching or falling off from our Fellow-Souldiers or our places 3. Stand vigilantly and watchfully as Sentinels Be not secure but remember that of the Apostle Be sober 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour 1. Thus far the Exhortation proceeds viz. to the fourteenth verse 2. Then you have an enumeration of the several parts of this compleat Armour in the five next verses viz. Ver. 14 15 16 17 18. which are either 1. Defensive Or 2. Offensive 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Belt or Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. A Shield and 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2. Prayer Both which may be styled both defensive of us and offensive to the Enemy Of these I shall speak particularly if God will hereafter at present I am upon the Exhortation This Exhortation in the three former Verses is briefly repeated sum'd up and Epitomized in this thirteenth Verse and doth in the main strength of it affords us this DOCT. The Best of Men well grounded in the Truth most Eminent in Grace Or 1. The Church of God in her best condition when very well eastblished and throughly instructed in the Truth c. 2. Had great need of christian strength and courage in the Lord. 3. And of a compleat spiritual armour 4. To avoid and withstand resist strenuously and over come victoriously 5. The Manifold wiles And. 6. Mighty oppositions and assaults 7. Of powerful adversaries and enemies that are against her on every side 8. Environing and invading her every way 1. Within 2. And without 9. And especially in the evil day of Tribulation and Temptation 10. And That she may be able to stand and hold her own ground Stand fast in the Faith and hold firm to the Truth and so to become and remain victorious in the end This general point doth contain the strength of the whole Exhortation and doth reach every particular of the Doctrine before named and the proof and reasons of this point will be appliable to each particular 1. The Church in her best condition when well instructed c. For then 1. When the Field was sown with wheat then came the envious man and sowed Tares Mat. 13.24 to 31. among the Wheat i.e. Not in the world abroad but in the Church of God Vt periret dominica messis 2. When the Churches were planted and well instructed by the Apostle St. Paul in Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi c. 3. So also these seven famous Churches in Asia mentioned Rev. 2 3. Chap. how fast did Hereticks and Seducers start up and step in to trouble them and how doth he complain of them from time to time Rom. 16.17 18. 4. The like befel in Germany saith Zanchius in Epist p. 659. of which they had daily and woful experience 5. Is it not so in England now after 100. years establishment and instruction and upwards in K. Ed. 6. and Q. Elizabeths time what a multitude of Tares have been sown preached and printed and what a multitude of Errours Heresies and strange Opinions have sprung up and prospered in these sad times of Toleration Do but mark how apt this Field of the Church is to be sown and over-run with Tares For thus hath it befallen 1. Rome once so famous Rom. 1.7 8. for their Faith c. Is it not become Apostatical Antichristian and Damnable in their Doctrines 2. Those other Churches so much honoured with the other Epistles of our Apostle Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi Thessalonica c. Are they not a Den of Dragons the seat of the Turk 3. Those famous seven Churches of Asia brought to the liek pass which are so remembred Rev. 2. 3. Chap. 4. Germany once so sound in Doctrine is it not brought to Misery and Desolation almost upon the like account 5. England once the Glory of the Islands in the Earth for Religion c. what a Labyrinth and Confusion of Troubles Errours and evil Opinions do overflow Her and do threaten the like Ruine and Desolation to us 2. The Church in this Conflict had need to be strong and 1. Of a good courage and not to dread nor be dismayed 1. As David instructed Solomon his Son 1 Chron 22.13 2. As Moses yea and God himself instructed Joshua formerly Deut. 31.7 8. Joshua 1.6 7 9. Great atchievements must have great strength and courage to bring them to Accomplishment We are apt to be dismaid dicouraged and terrified at difficulties and had need therefore to rouze up our spirits the more as those Instructions both Affirmative and Negative to Joshua and to Solomon do import viz. To be strong and not to fear or be dismayed 2. Yet this strength and courage must be in the Lord and in the power of his Might As the Apostle speaks Phil 4.1.3 I can do all things through Christ c. And 1 John 5.4 5. This is the victory that overcometh the world even our Faith viz. whereby 1. We lay hold on Christ and apply his victory to us He hath overcome the world John 16.33 And given us victory 1 Cor. 15.57 And 2. Get strength from Him to go on in this spirtual warfare till we have fully overcome all Satans Temptations Rom. 16.20 The God of Peace shall bruise or tread down Satan under your feet saith St. Paul Even the Devil whom you are to resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Pet. 5.8 9. Ap. And thus by Faith you shall be Conquerors 1. Thus Christ in whom we believe is the principal Agent or Efficient And 2. Faith the instrumental cause of this victory For those Saints and Martys of old overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb i.e. by the vertue thereof not by any worldly power or strength and by the word of their testimony i.e. by bearing witness to the Truth which is called The Testimony of Jesus Rev. 12.10 11 17. because Christ was the Object of their Confession Constancy and Martyrdome 1. Thus whilest others Goliah like strengthen themselves in the Arm of flesh 2. The strength of the Godly is in the Lord and in the power of his Might as Davids was in that great encounter with the Gyant 1 Sam. 17.4 5 6 7 42 45. Although with a Gyant of nine foot in height and so armed yet David the Youth remained the Conquerour over this mighty Monster so do the Saints over Satan by this assistance and the Church at the best state had need of strength c. So also 3. She hath need of compleat spiritual Armour Armour of Proof that will not fail nor deceive Her such is the Armour prescribed in the Text v. 14. to 19. Which also is 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. Shield And 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2.
Suplication and Prayer both which may be styled both offensive and defensive also For with the Word and prayer we do not only 1. Wound our enemy But 2. Defend our selves also against the crafty Wiles and violent Assaluts of our spiritual Adversaries ☞ 1. With this Sword the word of God our Saviour wounded the Devil and cut to pieces the Snares as well as repelled the violence of his various Temptations Mat 4.1 to 12. 2. And with this The manifold Errours Heresies and evil Opinions of all Ages have been refuted and ouerthrown 3. And with this the Reigning and Domineering Transgressions of many a sinner have been beaten down and slaughtered and as it hath been a sharp edged sword to cut down such things Ap. So it hath been as effectual to protect and preserve the servants of God from the danger of them all ☞ The like may be said of Prayer Both for 1. The Destruction of the Enemies of the Church temporal or spiritual 2. And for the procuring of Peace and Safety to the Church in several Exigents in all Ages 3. And all this strength courage and compleat Armour must be rouzed up and put on that she may be able to stand 4. To withstand and 5. Resist the Craftiness Wiles and Deceits 6. Mighty Assaults and also the Violence Rage and Fury 7. Of so powerful an Enemy as the Devil is 8. In both his Wiles to ensnare and Assaults to subdue and to stand holding fast the Truth and to gain the Victory and 9. So to remain in the Evil day 1. Affliction and Tribulation which befal all in the day of this Life 2. Temptation when Satan is let loose to tempt and try the most 3. Persecution by Antichrist Tyrants and Hereticks in several ages who have been instigated by Satan 1. To make Havock of the Church as Saul did Acts 9.1 2. Yea 2. To Infect Afflict and if it might totally to extinguish the Church and people of God that Israel might be as Psalm 83.4 forgotten Thus you have had the point opened and proved to you in the several branches and parts of it and each Part and Explination carries sufficient reason in it further to confirm the Doctrine and which Reasons are suited to every particular and may thus briefly be sum'd up Because REAS. 1. The Church in the best condition is very obvious to be sown with Tares of Seducers ☞ And had great need therefore to keep strict Watch to prevent this envious Adversary 2. The Church at the best is but very weak in her own strength and what member of the Church is not sensible of this ☞ Had she not need then to look up to the Lord for Aid and divine Assistance because without him she can do nothing of her self 3. The Armour is strengthening Armour it doth not only cover and defend but also infuseth Courage into the Soldier and enables him to fight 4. That she may Stand For how can Nakedness withstand an armed man 5. The Wiles of the Devil are very many and he acteth by divers Instruments For he is subtil 2 Cor. 11.3 and hath snares depths 1. Seeming Friends as Psalm 55.12 13 14. It was not an Enemy 2. Domestick Servants as Judas Psalm 41.9 John 3.18 cited by Christ 3. False Brethren as 2 Cor. 11.26 that will insinuate to know Gal. 2.4 their mind and then betray them How usual hath this been 4. By transforming himself as Satan doth into an Angel of 2 Cor. 11.12 13 14 15. light Either 1. By assuming a lightsome body like an Angel of Light Or 2. By suggesting such things as seem to savour of piety zeal and holiness Mat. 4. Ap. So his Ministers deceitful workers do By a fair outside c. and 2. By excellent pretences of zeal piety c. 6. Because Satans assaults and temptations are very violent and impetuous as it appeared by their prevalency over David Solomon Sampson Ap. If such Champions fell consider then what may befal us 7. Satan his army adherents and instruments are even innumerable and exceeding powerful like those Nimrod like Anshehashem 1. Before and after Noahs Flood Giants Gen. 6.4 10.8 9 10. 2. Like Anakims and Zamzumims Deut. 2.10 11 20. Tall Giants Noah and Aaron in Jehoshaphats 2 Chro. 20. Ethiopians and Lubians in Asahs time 2 Chron. 14.9.3 and Assyrrians in Hezekias 2 Chron. 32 and mighty potent as being 1. The Angel of the bottomless pit Revel 9. to 12. 2. The great Dragon the old Serpent called the Devil and Satan Rev. 12.9 3. The roaring Lion 1 Pet. 5.8 4. Prince of the power of the air Ephes 2.2 5. And King of Locusts Rev. 9.11 To name no more besides the Title given him in the verse before in the Text all which do argue an irresihable strength if we have not the aid of a powerful hand to help us against him 8. Because he doth invade and storm us with such snares attempts c. Both 1. Within us by inflaming Concupiscence and acting to do evil in our best services and in secret evil Lusts as well as 2. Without storming us with temptations to wickedness 9. Because all this he doth mostly in the evil day 1. Of tribulation affliction sickness and death Ap. And what work he makes then the diligent Visitors of sick beds and dying persons c. can well speak by woful experience Or 2. Of Temptation when he is let loose upon doubtful or despaiful souls For he hath his snares and depths 1 Tim. 3.7 2 Tim. 2.26 Rev. 2.24 10. Because if we stand not but either 1. desert our fellow-Soldiers Or 2. Yield our ground Or 3. Neglect our watch and lay down our resolution we are utterly undone we loose the day and our glory as Revolters have done These Uses are enlarged after Uses are suited to the several branches of the Doctrines and are of 1. Inform 2. Reproof 3. Exhort 4. Comfort USE I. 1. Informs how watchful and careful should the Leaders and Teachers of the Church be against those that sow Tares Cockle and Darnel against all Errours and Heresies repugnant to the Truth as the Primitive Churches were in their general Councels of Nice c. 2. Reproves the faults of them that neglect this as too many do Gallio-like not caring what Errours do arise so that they may sit at ease as the Romans and other Sects that leave no help either to prevent or extirpate Errours 3. Exhorts us to do our duty herein for how frequently is Vigilancy commanded and commended 4. And comforteth us if we do it This first Use is from the first branch or particular of the Doctrine USE II. The second Use is from the second Branch 1. Informs us that we are weak and do stand in great need of the aid of the Lord to help us 2. Blames us for not seeking it but for seeking after and resting upon other or Evil things that cannot stead or profit us 3. Perswades us to do it as the Church
Gilead where the best Balm is to be had and do use many Medicines yet we shall still remain incurable and irrecoverable 2. As it befel Babylon also Jer. 8.9 So that though we do howl and take Balm for this pain and would fain heal these things yet we cannot be healed 2. And I know we have the Scriptures the Oracles of God which are the best Balsam in the world to close and cure these wounds if we would admit them to be the Judge of our Controversies and that they were rightly applyed and made use of See Camerons Judge of Controversie 1. Melancthon that mirrour of Germany for learning and Moderation of spirit in his Time did mightily endeavour to unite the Romish and the reformed Churches 2. And Grotius a man of great learning and eminent in parts hath since of late industriously laboured in the same work to name no more for that work 3. Some others have endeavoured an Argreement betwixt the Sectaries of these times and the truly Orthodox Protestant Ministers and people of the Church of England Yet all endeavours in these cases have hitherto proved fruitless and in vain And no marvel For as Jehu said to Joram 2 Kings 9.22 what peace can there be whilest the Whoredoms of Jezabel and her Witchcrafts are so many Whilest men are still so obstinate and pertinacious in erroneous ways and opinions Yet no doubt there is a way left for healing and there might be a cure if all persons on each side would but patiently submit and yield to such things as are to be added or abated for the union of the whole the good cementing of the stones of our Christian Building till we all become an holy Temple in the Lord Ephes 2.20 21 22. Where you see our Foundation must be the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone and accordingly Ap. 1. If Rome would be content to part with her Idolatry Superstition and manifold Innovations 2. If all Sects would lay aside their unjustifiable Separation their censorious spirits and self-conceited opinions and let all be tried by the infallible Touch-stone of the Word of God then without doubt we might quickly meet and agree together But whilest all persist in their perverse opinions and vehement Animosities one against another There can be no peace amongst us But now if at last by any good means this blessed peace might be effected and that all the professed Christians in the world both of the East and West Churches were rightly reformed according to this rule of the Word and made suitable with the foundation Jesus Christ so that we were all become like those primitive Christians Acts 2.46 and 4.32 Of one heart and one soul of one mind and of the same Judgement 4. How joyfully then and with what abundant comfort which this fourth Branch of this 1. Use leads us to consider might we sing that Psalm 133. Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity c. This would be an oyl of Perfume and the dew of fruitfulness and blessing 2. How happily then should we live together as the Houshold of Faith the Communion of Saints in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace till we all become perfect in Jesus Christ and attain unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Ephes 4.3 13. 1. In the ripeness and perfection of Christs Mystical Body which shall be by 1. The Addition of all the Members And 2. The perfection of all graces in them when they shall be joyned to Christ their Head in the world to come and should All come to Mount Sion the City of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and an innumerable company of Angels Heb. 12.22 c. And shall be set down with Christ in his Throne according to his own gracious promise to his servants Rev. 3.24 And shall Reign with him for ever and ever Rev. 22.4 5. Note That 1. Antichrist began betime 2 Thes 2.7 2. Novatus Anno 250. 3. Donatus circa An. 320. 4 Anabaptists Anno 1520. 5. Brownists Anno 1580. 6. Independents yesterday As for the Quarrel betwixt Episcopacy and Presbitery I could never see other cause then in the Animosities of men which if laid aside the difference might soon be decided and the Controversie ended For I could never find but that 1. Episcopacy is a Presbytery elevated and advanced And 2. Presbytery rightly managed is an Episcopacy regulated Nor could I ever approve the total rejecting of the names Bishop and Episcopacy they being so often used in the New Testament and the name Bishop so honoured by our Saviour that He himself is styled the great chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls Heb. 13.20 1 Pet. 2.25 Thus you have heard the point and proof thereof with Reasons suited to the ten particulars contained therein We are upon Use and you have heard the first Use answerable to the first particular which hath 1. Inform'd us How great care should be taken of this Field Vine House the Church of God that it be not wrong'd by any Enemy 2. Exhorted us to consider the charge often imposed upon us to that end Act. 20 28 to 33. And how praise worthy the Primitive Fathers the Orthodox party in after-ages and the Reformed Churches of Christendome have been and are for thus doing 3. Reproved as very faulty all such as neglect this care of prevention or hinder the Church of the means of recovery out of Errours and Heresies if the Church should be sick of such Maladies as often Thus do 1. Papists 2. Antient Schismaticks and Hereticks as Novatians Donatists 3. Modern Separatists whether Anabaptists Brownists or Independents All which do agree in the three forenamed particulars viz. 1. Schism 2. Uncertainty or Obstinacy in unjustifiable Tenets And 3. Independency and Uncontroulableness 4. Comforted us If these great differences could be reconciled ☞ To the former three you may add a fourth Parallel betwixt Papists and Independents or the Papacy and Independency viz. Their Antichristianism which we do not fix upon the forehead of this or that particular Pope or Papist but upon the Papacy that status Papatus in which is involved the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Mystery of Iniquity that Antichrist who in pretence is most for but in practise most against the Lord Jesus Christ according to the signification of the preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies For or Against Ap. And who in a special manner doth act his Antichristianism in opposition to the power of Magistracy and Ministry in the right Office and Use Power and Efficacy of the same to do good 1. What they say against the Civil Power over the Church is evident 2. And for the Ministry though they may seem to advance it in external pomp great Honours plentiful provisions c. yet they have overthrown the right office best Use powerful Efficacy of it for the conversion of souls by 1.
See Jer. 22.13 to 20. How King Jeboiakim lived died and was ignomi iously buried Lands like Nahoths vineyard in Ahabs possession Estates Isa 10.13 14. See the Treasury of the Tyrants of Assyria and Provisions How many mens words and works do testifie to mens faces their unrighteousness Ap Of all which the Prophet hath spoken abundantly and we also now can testifie and evidence the unrighteousness of mens hearts and hands in their under takings and proceedings ☞ Sure they consider not that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against it Rom. 1.18 And that such shall not inherit the kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6.9 And in the end shall perish and receive the reward of unrighteousness 2 Pet. 2.12 13. In a word there is so much spoken in Scripture against those eminent Trees in the Garden of God that did so flourish and overspread and caused so much terrour in the land of the living Assyria and Egypt i.e. Unrighteousness and cruel men in places of Eminency and Authority that have caused so much Fear and Sorrow amongst the people of God that such may not only see cause to tremble but also foresee that they shall wither and fall and perish for ever Thus concerning this second piece of Armour viz. the Breast-plate of Righteousness you have heard the kinds of Breast-plates 1. Military 2. Mystical 4. Sacred 5. Spiritual and that righteousness is either Natural Legal Civil or Evangelical and what Righteousness is most applyable to this piece of Armour in the Text. Doct. Then you had the point propounded proved by Scripture thre reasons promoted further by six motives and demonstrated by evident signes or marks of Uprightness all which did conduce contribute to and complete the first Use of Exhortation The second Use of Reproof to such as dream of perfection in this life as grieve and wrong the righteous for Righteousness-sake as put away and make shipwrack of a good Conscience as practise unrighteousness in their stations and conversations these may expect the righteous judgement of God against them Now to close this part of Armour with a word of comfort the third Vse is of Consolation to all righteous persons observe that 1 God is righteous and loveth righteousness 2 His eys are upon the righteous for their good 3 His promises made to such are innumerable 4 His performance is sure 5 Their peace of Conscience is unspeakable 6 Their life is comfortable 7 Such can attend their great account with confidence 8 And their death-bed pangs are tolerable and do revive in them the hope of Heaven 9 They die in expectation of a glorious Resurrection 10 And after death there is a reward from them Psalm 58.11 A voice from heaven shall say Open the gates c and it shall be with them as with the wise Virgins Mat. 25.10 Then shall the righteous shine as the Sun in the kingdom of their Father for ever and ever Dan. 12.3 Touching this Christian Warfare which doth so much concern all you you know the Apostles Counsel in this Chapter Ver. 10. to 19. in nine Verses doth consist 1. Of an Exhortation ver 10. to 14. to put on our armour 2. An Information of the parts of our spiritual armour consisting of an enumeration of the several particular pieces necessary for us Ap. The former of these I have dismissed with the thirteenth Use I am now upon the second and have already spoken of two pieces of our spiritual Armour viz. the Belt or Girdle and 2. Breast-plate which I dismissed with the former verse This Verse doth present us with a third piece of Armour viz. And their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace For the better understanding whereof take a view of the words The Apostle doth proceed with elegant Metaphors Allusions and Simitudes taken from Soldiers preparations for War I. Feet in the natural sense and use you are well acquainted with that they are the lowest members of the body by which it is carried about from place to place and are the Instruments of motion Gen. 18 4. Angels John 1.35 Disciples Numb 20.19 Deut. 2.28 Israel passed on their feet c. And hence it was so usual with them to wash their feet after travail c. II. But sigurative Feet are usually put in Scripture for 1. The whole man Rom. 3.15 and 10.15 Swift to shed blood c. Psalm 119.101 105. My feet from every evil way 2. The Will and Affections Desires Care Purposes Endeavours and Actions Prov 4.26 Ponder the path of thy feet that thou slip not Eccles 5.1 Keep they foot when thou goest to the house of God c. 3. Our slips and sins of infirmity in which sense our Saviour saith John 13.10 He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet Ap. In the first sense the word Feet is used for the feet and legs up to the knees and in this sense we know it was and is usual for men to arm their feet and legs with greaves of brass as Goliah did 1 Sam. 17.6 to ward his Shins from darts blows and thrusts or or else with Boots or Shooes according to the kind of imployment Military or Civil that men are usually exercised in on horseback or on foot in their business In the three figurative senses named the phrase is properly applyable to the words of the Text and the matter in hand 1. If the Will and Affections as Feet the beginners of motion and action 2. And the whole man be thus furnished and shod as here 3. Then they will be the better able to withstand the mighty enemies before named yea and their own failings slips and infirmities and to stand in this Warfare till they become victorious over all The phrase of the Feet is sometimes othewise used and applyed as to 1. Pupillage as the Saints to God Deut. 3.33 and Paul at the feet of Gamaliel Acts 22.3 2. Subjection Psalm 8.6 As the Creatures are put under our feet 3. Meanness as of servants John 13.14 and of servile condition 4. Weak and contemptible means Isa 2.66 The feet of the poor shall tread down the high and lofty ones c. being just and upright persons But in these the phrase it is not so pertinent to this Text as the former three figurative senses though otherwise very useful II. Shod this is done corporally when shooes are put upon the feet as 2 Chron. 28.15 Ezek. 16.10 Mark 16.6 Or spiritually when the affections of the heart are strengthned with the preparation of the Gospel as in the Text to go through all difficulties in their way to Heaven which are many and sharp Can. 7.1 How c. i.e. her walking in holiness her Ornament defence III. With the preparation of the Gospel of Peace i.e. with a due preparation and readiness tum ad confessionem ad praedicationem Evangelii 1. Being ever ready to confess the Faith Rom. 10.10 with the mouth c. And to give an account
of the hope that is in us 1 Pet. 3.15 with meekness and fear 2. And to preach the Gospel when lawfully called thereunto 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. Rom. 10.14.15 You know that the whole course of our lives is often compared to a Way Walk or Journey and also to a Warfare and for either of these men do make such provision and preparation as is necessary and so we must do here as the Text here teacheth us the point is That Doct. We who are Christian Soldiers must make diligent preparation to profess and practise the Gospel and also to preach and publish the same as we shall be lawfully called thereunto ☞ This point doth consist of two branches The first of which concerns all and the second concerns only the Preachers of the Gospel We shall take them a sunder and begin with that which is universally necessary for all Christians viz. To profess and practise the Gospel of Christ. Exp. The Gospel is so called q.d. a Goodspel or Gods-Spell viz. of Christ Gal. 1.6 7. and 3.8 which was preached unto Abraham long since and it doth contain 1. The History and Narration of the things which Christ spake and did which are of excellent use for our Instruction Imitation and Consolation Mark 1.1 2. The whole Doctrine of the Word both of Law and Grace and whole matter of instruction to rule to guide us under Christ Who Mark 1.14 Came preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God And thus we stand bound and hear believe profess and practise the same 3. The glad tidings of remission of sins and eternal salvation the Doctrine of Free grace and obtaining righteousness by faith and teaching the true way how to attain perfect Righteousness and Eternal Life This was manifested of old in referrence to Christ to come to Abraham Gen. 12. In the Covenant Gal. 3.8 To us in respect to Christ already come Luke 2.10 Rom. 11.27 18. This is my Covenant c. as concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes c. This Gospel we are commanded frequently to hear and believe Mark 1.15 Acts 1.57 To yield obedience to it Rom. 16.17 16. Titus 2.11 12. And to walk uprightly according to the truth of it This is styled 1. Glorious 2 Cor. 4.4 1 Tim. 1.1 2. The power of God to Salvation Rom. 1.16 3. Childrens bread Mat. 15 26. Milk for babes 1. Pet. 2.2 4. The word of Gods grace Acts 14.2 5. The word of Faith Rom. 10.8 6. The Savour of his knowledge 2 Cor. 2.14 15 16. 7. The ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3 8. and of Reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.18 19. 8. The Word of Truth Ephes 1.13 9. Of life Phil. 2.16 10. The Doctrine which is according to godliness 11. The form of sound words 2. Tim. 1.13 12. The good word of God Heb. 6.5 Reasons which may be added to these honourable appellations of the Gospel are because by this we are begotten to God 1 Cor. 4 15. And in it we have our legacy of peace and salvation Isa 52.7 and of all things conducible thereunto This requires Faith Love Repentance Self-denial Crucifying the flesh a new Creature the putting off the old man and putting on the new man Thus we have heard what the Gospel is viz. it is good tidings and what it doth contain How we ought to hear believe and obey it walking uprightly according to the truth of it and that from divers motives wrapt up in the manifold Honourable Appellations wherewith God hath crowned it in reference to our great benefit by it and these do induce the main Reasons by which we are induced hereunto And likewise we have heard what it doth require of us that we may be saved Concerning all the particulars which it doth require It doth concern us to enquire whether our selves or our Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ walking worthy of the Lord who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light and also unto his Kingdom and Glory and of our heavenly Vocation wherewith we are called Ephes 4.1 Ap. If we walk regularly answerable to any one of these then we are rightly said To walk worthy of them all or else we walk worthy of none of them I. To walk as it becometh the Gospel is to lead a life agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that because 1. The Gospel may not be evil spoken of through us young women must be so qualified that the word of God be not blasphemed Titus 2.5 So also Propfessors and Instructers of others must take heed of breaking the Law lest the name of God be blasphemed through us Rom. 2.17 as those Captives of Israel profaned the name of the Lord among the Heathen Ezek. 36 19 2. The Gospel may be adorned by them in all things as those good servants did Titus 2.9 10. And those whom the Apostle so exhorteth 3. And that we may be exemplary to others and instruments of their Conversion This is to walk as becomes the Gospel and those that do walk so shall be blessed Gal. 6.16 Have peace and salvation at the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2.11 12 13. For the grace of God i. e. the Gospel that bringeth salvation hath appeared c. II. To walk worthy of the Lord is in a conformity to his Image our relations to him as of a good Wife to so worthy a husband dutiful Children to so good a Father loyal Subjects to such a Magnificent King who is the blessed and only Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6.15 Ap. Every of which doth conclude us in all the Duties of each Relation and doth discover unto us the Iniquity Folly and Misery of all such who do desert this husband for any other or disobey so good and tender a Father or rebel against and revolt from this blessed Potentate and do become voluntary Subjects to the prince of darkness you will all say This is a bad change yet how many are guilty of all these transgressions referring to each relation and do make this change usually III. To walk worthy of the holy and heavenly Vocation which Christ hath given us by the Gospel wherewith we are called by Christ in the Gospel and by which we receive the Spirit whereby we are sealed to the day of Redemption Ephes 4.30 This Vocation or Calling is holy and heavenly because it is a voice descending from heaven infusing heaven into us here and inducting us into heaven at the last all which it doth effect by calling us to Holiness which it begetteth and cherisheth in us here and crowneth with perfection for ever in Heaven This Vocation is either external by the Preachers or internal by the Spirit as Acts 2.10 Both are the fruit of Gods Free Grace and of his love to mankind And this holy Calling teacheth us how to walk worthy of the Lord and this Vocation it self and the Gospel
Heresies Know but acknowledge not the Truth of it as Atheists Epicures Know and acknowledge but appy not Threatnings Precepts Promises c. to themselves nor do conform to it Men are moved with nothing to be and do as they should Men are apt to except against the Preacher who must speak by Rule but are not so apt to submit to the Word which will find out mens faults and discover their obliquities do what they can Rep. This piece of Armour is usher'd in with a Preface and put off with singular praise of the admirable effects 1. Above all in our esteem principally in reference to the whole man All our other Armour of all which it is defensive and comprehensive 2. The Shield a shield is either artificial political spiritual or divine viz. God himself 3. Quench i.e. extinguish and utterly destroy 4. All the fiery darts i.e. Temptations Lusts Incentives c. 5. Of the wicked i.e. of Satan and all his Instruments Doct. Faith is the Christians Shield to repel the darts of the Devil Reasons from Promises and in it self by which we have Son-ship Union Justification Assurance Sanctification and Evidence of Heaven and all future good Ap. Apply these to every dart Use I. The first Use of Reproof is to Unbelievers who want this Shield these either know not or acknowledge not or apply not the word nor conform to it Many are guilty of this and this is a grievous sin for it 1. Hinders the Word of God and works of Christ c. Heb. 4.1 2. Defiles all in us and to us Titus 1.15 3. Makes that we cannot please God Heb. 11.6 4. But depart from God Infidelity is the ground and fountain of all disobedience bedience Heb. 3.12 5. And persecute his servants as Acts 14.2 the Jews did God taxeth it in the Jews that believed not his Word Psalm 106.24 Christ upbraideth it Mat. 8.26 And as the Jews entred into Canaan but were broken off so God will punish it with his absence and with torments John 3.18 Luke 12.46 Eve and the old World Lots sons Egyptians Israelites were all undone by it ☞ If we were but almost perswaded as Acts 26.28 he to be Christian and did we thereupon cry as he Mark 9.24 Help mine unbelief there were hope of us that we might become Believers but whilst the Thief and three thousand were so soon converted we do still remain in unbelief Gutta cavat lapidem vel vi vel saepe cadendo Ap. But neither force nor frequency of the Word prevail with us and hardness of heart through unbelief will bring destruction Thus you know who are Unbelievers what Unbelief is how hainous a sin it is in the fruits and effects thereof and how dreadful in the end and punishment of it II. This Use doth also reprove all presumptuous persons that think they have a Buckler when all proves to be but a shield of painted paper or fig leaf which can do us no good in a storm of Temptation no more than Adam and Eves clothing of fig-leaves could shelter them from the injury of a cold Winter-season Gen. 3.7 And here likewise we are to consider What it is whence it springs how sinful it is the fruits of it and the end of it I do now proceed to the last piece of the defensive Armour which is the fifth in order viz. The Helmet Exp. The words are few and plain only observe that an Helmet is a piece of Armour fitted for the defence and safery of the head which we commonly call an Head-piece Now a Helmet or Head-piece of Armour is either 1. Artificial wrought by the hands some skilfulful Work-man and fitted for the heads defence They were made antiently of Brass or Copper since of steel and iron and that for the hardness soundness and durableness of the mettal Aes enimest maxime durabile it will abide blows without yieldance and with such do soldiers use to arm their heads as Goliah did and David assaied 1 Sam. 7.5 38. 2. Spiritual and this is the Helmet in the Text and this is ascribed to Almighty God by the Prophet He put on Righteousness as a Breast-plate and an Helmet of Salvation upon his head c. Isa 59.7 Though these things are to be understood far otherwise of God then of us though the Apostle here doth allude unto these terms for the Prophet there doth describe God as a man of Arms putting on his Armour and fitting himself for the performance of some notable Exploits and great atchievments and the meaning is That God doth undertake the care of his peoples Warfare in their deliverance from miseries temporal and eternal and in the subversion and destruction of their enemies that his power justice regard of his own glory and tender affection to his people shall as evidently appear and be seen as goodly raiment and glistring armour upon the body of one that weareth it Psalm 93.1 and 94.1 2. and 98.2 Ap. And have we no experience of this in our deliverances from the Rump Lambert and Sectarian party and Restitution of Government But as this Text is applyable to us so this Helmet doth point and direct us to some particular grace singularly useful for us in our Way and War to salvation and this grace is hope of salvation 1 Thes 5.8 ☞ And this hope of salvation purchased by Christ by whose merits we are saved and may lift up our selves heads as being already victorious in the combate which we are to fight is as an Helmet of defence and glory to us Ap. And in this sense Hope is stiled the Helmet of salvation both here in the Text and also in that place 1 Thes 5.8 and thus you have the meaning of the words which being thus understood gives us this Doctrine viz. that A Christians hope is to him an helmet of Salvation so that as a Soldier doth arm his head with an helmet against cuts and knocks and other hurts which it may else meet with so doth a true Christian arm and fence his heart and mind the principal Essential part of man against the manifold furibundos insultus Diaboli piscator in Isa 59.7 furious assaults of the devil This hope we must take up and make use of in this Warfare ☞ Now concerning this Grace of hope something must be spokon for Explication Confirmation and Application of the point Now 1. for Explication Defin. Spes est extensio appetitus in appetibile Aquin. Hope is an extension or inlarging of the desire after something desireable thus say the Schoolmen This reacheth hope in the general and this hope is varied and may be either good or bad according to the nature of the appetite and object of the same Divines come nearer and says as Augustine Hope is a desire after something which we do believe we may attain to or of some excellent good thing cum fiducia obtinendi with confidence of obtaining it and this Object of our Hope is attended with four
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
nor an exquisite Image or picture perfected in one day but with many Reiterated strokes cuts or carvings So the old Adam in us is not so soon slain Nor the new man so soon made up to perfection in us I have done with the substantials of devout Prayers Now as to the Circumstances of Voyce Gesture Place Time Formes of prayer and Order briefly 1. For Voyce I say publick prayer must be Vocal for the Minister is the mouth of the people Psalm 116.18 1 Cor. 4. But private prayer need not be so alwayes as we do see in the Examples of Moses and Hannah Yet the Voice is often used to very good purpose even in private prayers though not to advertise God of any thing or before to whom desires are manifest Yet to excite our Devotion as Austin and to consecrate our tongues to the praise of God to which purpose they were made Jam. 3.9 To lend our tongues to the holy Ghost in praising God and to restrain the motion of our wandring minds But in all our prayers let us be sure that our hearts do lead the way in our Vocal expressions and petitions least that be objected againstus as Esiay 29.19 Mat. 15.8 For God is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Spirit leads us in prayer to God Tertullian Non orat clamor sed pectoris intimus ardor c. 2. Avoid Battologie which is more for ostentation then intention of mind short prayers are most effectual if from the heart 3. Groans Sighs and Tears have their use Fletus Deus citius audit quam preces For the Gesture of the body in prayer this hath been very various in the prayers of holy and devout men Nor doth the Scripture confine us by any certain Rule all Gesture being sanctified hereunto For we finde some kneeling upon their Knees in prayer with Solomon and David and Christ St. Stephen St. Peter St. Paul 1 Kings 8.54 2 Chron. 6.13 Dan. 6.10 Luke 23.41 Acts 7.60 Acts 9.40 See Psalm 95.6 O come let us c. Falling prostrate upon their faces with Elijah and our Saviour Christ 1 Kings 18.42 Mat. 26.30 Standing upright as Christ and the penitent Publican as well as the proud Pharisee John 11.41 Luke 18.13 See Mark 11.25 Sitting with Elijah and David 1 Kings 19.4 2 Sam. 7.18 Lying on bed with old Jacob David Hezekiah and all sick persons confined to the Bed Psalm 6.6 2 Kings 20.2 3. Lifting up their eyes with Confidence in God as Christ did Matth. 14.19 Mark 7.34 John 11.41 Not daring to look up but rather casting them down with smiting upon the breast out of the serious sense of sinnes as the Publican did Luke 18.13 Spreading abroad their hands with Moses Solomon and those of Judah and Jerusalem Exod. 9.29 1 Kings 8.22 54. 2 Chron. 6.13 29. Esay 1.15 Walking in the field or in flight from Enemies as Isaac and David from Sauls fury and Martyrs from cruel and bloody persecutors Gen. 24.63 2 Sam. 15.31 32. Jehosaphat riding in his Chariot in a Battel 2 Chron. 18.31 Yet although there by not a set-Rule prescribed in Scripture for the Gesture Yet Right Reason will teach us to use such Grave and Reverend Gestures as may best expresse our fear of God and excite and suit with our affections in several cases as to lift up our Eyes in hope of Gods mercie and cast them down in bewailing our sinnes c. that our Bodies may conform with our Minds In publick Assemblies let us conjoin with the Church and in private prayers use such gestures as the zeal of our souls doth suggest Such Gestures Quos ardor animi imperat Being ever mindful of St. Augustines Rule That what things are not against Faith nor good Manners and have something in them conducing to better Life wheresoever we find them we do not only not disallow of them but do commend and imitate them August III. For Place for private prayers All places are warranted for private prayers John 4.21 1 Tim. 2.8 I will that men pray every where lifting up holy hands c. But that place is fittest that is freest from distraction farthest from suspition of hypocrysie For publick prayers before the Law the Patriarchs found out places where they built Altars c. which were for the convenience of the place or upon some special manifestation of God Gen 8.20 and 13.18 and 28.16 17 18. Under the Law the Tabernacle the Temple both for the Ark of the Covenant and a Type of the Messias 1 King 8.48 Dan. 6.10 11. Besides they had many Synagogues for prayer in the cities of the Levites Under the Gospel Religion is not bound to a place For our Saviour prayed in the wilderness Mount in the Temple and Synagogues Peter on the house top Paul on the sea shore The primitive Christians in the Cemeteries under better Emperours holy Houses till driven out by persecution which Decius and Dioclesian did demolish and destroy Then sumptuous Temples were raised in and after Constantines time by divers Emperours and Bishops c. True it is that in After-times divers superstitions crept in but these being purged and removed we may make use of the places as they did in the time of Constantine c. make use of Temples abused to Idolatry when the Idols were cast out and the Idolatry purged away And such places and Sumptuous Fabricks we now make use of for Order and Decency and Conveniency not for the holiness of the place per se sed tantum relative as it is imployed and used in the worship and service of God IV. For Time Non adsemper Times have turns for several business are occasional or ordinary We are not tyed to any one set hour for private prayers 1. It is not for us to err with the Euchytae the Euchites that would only pray but contemned all other Ordinances He that will do nothing else but pray as they did shall pray nothing at all to purpose They might as well conclude eating alway from that place 2 Sam. 9.10 where David said of Mephibosheth He shall cat c. as so to pray contiinually 2. Nor with the worlding that can find a time for all things but for Prayer and Devotions can spare no time at all For Prayers as they are 1. Occasional 2. Ordinary as daily Prayer like the morning and evening sacrifice of old 3. Or Extraordinary in extraordinary times of danger and distress c. And in such cases eminent men have prayed three times a day as did David Psal 55.17 and Daniel Dan. 6.10 However it is for us Non segnescere not to be dull and slothful and negligent in prayer The Ingress and Entrance of the morning our refreshings at our meals and the close of the evening do all invite us to be mindful of this duty of Prayer 5. And lastly Touching forms of Prayer you must still distinguish betwixt private and publick 1. In private prayer it is impossible for any form to answer
stirreth up her nest fluttereth over her young spreading abroad her wings takes bears about her young upon them so the Lord alone did lead them c. He advanceth them to the high places of the earth fed them with the encrease of the Field with honey and oyl butter and milk with the fat of Lambs and Rams and Goats with the chiefest wheat and they drank of the purest wine And thus would he do by us all did not our sins turn away and withhold good things from us Jer. 5.25 Reasons of this point are in Respect of God our selves others the meanes used 1. God All souls are his Ezek 18.4 and most precious in his sight and in themselves he calls for the heart Prov. 23.26 and what profit is it to win the world and lose his soul Mat. 16 26. His glory is most advanced by winning souls which is a main motive to excite us to use our best art and skil to effect it The question will not be how much credit or profit but how many souls we have gained to God by the Gospel Thus in respect of God 2. Our selves Because it is for our Credit profit Credit see Prov. 11.30 The fruit of righteousnesse is a Tree of life and he that winneth Souls is wise That wins them to God from evil to good whether by councel or example or both the verse is an Allegory made up of familiar Metaphors of a Tree yea of life to which he is resembled a comparison drawn from Hunters Fishers and Fowlers 1. It is for the credit of trees to be like that tree Psalm 1.3 and those Eze. 47.12 Or that tree Dan. 4.10 11 12. which did so flourish were a shadow shelter and yielded so much fruit to many to sustain them and such an One is he that righteous man that winneth Souls such a Man is stiled a Tree of life in allusion to that Tree Gen. 2.9 and 3.22 because God hath planted them blessed them and enabled them to do much good to others 1. As to the similitude or comparison to Hunters Fishers c. Our Saviour when he called his Apostles stiles and makes them fishers of men Mat. 4.19 He taught them the Ministers dutie by their own trade as Psalm 78.71 72. like those fishers upon the holy waters Ezek. 47.10 the world is the Sea Unbelievers fishes Ministers the Fishermen the Gospel the Net Nor are any kind of fish sinners excepted from this fishing Gal. 3.28 See the Annotations on both places cited It is for the credit of the Fisher that he catch much c. Ap. If by Light and Life we gaine men to God Luke 5.5 6 7. John 21.3 like Salt do season the Souls of many This is the highest credit and comfort of a Pastor it is not applause credit or profit which they aim at but to gaine upon good ground this praise Quod artem norint animas ad Deum convertendi T. Cartwright James 5.19 20. For if any do err from the Truth and one convert him Esay 5.19 20. 2. Profit For this makes for the great good of the Teacher Dan. 12.3 They that be thus wise or such Teachers shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament and they that turn many to righteousnesse as the Stars for ever and ever they shall enjoy an incomprehensible and exceeding and eternal weight of glory a rich Recompence for all their labours 2 Cor. 4.7 3. Others This is the greatest good we can do for them viz. to win them to God for this delivers the captives of Sathan into the liberty of the sons of God that 's woful this a joyful and blessed Liberty 2 Tim. 2.25 26. Restores and revives men from Diseases Death the Graves of corruption unto light and life and perfect health raiseth from the dust and dunghil c. to the new Jerusalem from the lowest station to the highest condition Psalm 113.7 8. Ap. Should men do so by us we should valew the courtesie O be perswaded that he does you the best turn that aimes endeavours most for the good of your Soules 4. The meanes used the more it savors of kindnesser the more like it is to prevail Man should be so ingenious as to be won with Love rather then forced with Rigor Facilius ducimur quam trahemur we are more easily led then drawn and enforced when the hearer cannot but fee Love in the lookes of the Teacher affection in his Face compassion in his countenance and the zeal of his heart in his hearty expressions c. how can it but enter and pierce the heart and rend like Nailes fastened in a sure place and make him be perswaded that all is spoken for his good Sure where the patient is well perswaded of the love an skill of his Physitian the Potion is like to have the better working the physick to be the more prevalent Ap. So it is here all Councel will do the better and have the kinder working if you be but perswaded of the love and good will of the Teacher which indeed is inexpressible and unutterable ☞ For faithfull Pastors I am sure may proportionably make use of that saying of the Apostle Phil. 1.8 God is my Record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. A most affectinate expression conjoin'd with a serious attestation of Record of Almighty God who searcheth the heart and the most exquisite and Excellent Regulation of true Christian affection viz. that it was in the Bowels of Jesus Christ Not a carnal but a spiritual affection it was for Christs sake and because they were in him that he loved them so well and it was according to Christs to his mind and his example in whom are the most tender Bowels of affection and who therein as in all other Excellencies is the most absolute pattern of the utmost perfection see Mat. 9.36 You have heard the Point and the proof of it I do now descend to use Use is of Reproof and that to both sorts viz. To the Agents and Preachers when they are either too dull or diverted to a wrong course To the Patients or Hearers when they are either too hard or disaffected with what is cordially intended for their good 1. The Agents edge is too dull when Minister or others neglect this duty and have no respect to this winning way What opportunities have many upon the souls of their Friends c. and Neighbours which yet neglected and how many Ministers as well as others are as carelesse as Cain or Gallio the Deputy and as ready to ask the question with Cain Am I my brothers keeper Gen. 4.9 Acts 18.17 Ap. The Countrey rues this and many souls lost by this neglect But if you have a Form of publick worship and service of God if that be performed is it not enough and have not Ministers and people done their dutie sufficiently c. Answ I answer and I pray mistake me not for I am
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
To prevent these miserable miscarriages consider well what and how you hear receive as our Saviour adviseth Luke 8.18 Take heed how c. Do as these noble Bereans did Acts 17.11 Receive c. with readiness of mind and search the Scriptures c. and try the spirits 1 Joh. 4.1 By the Touch-stone of Gods Word as Christ commands us John 5.39 Search the Scriptures and we must prove all things 1 Thes 5.21 And the Angel of Ephesus did try them that said They were Apostles but were not so but only liars Rev. 2.2 Thus must you do you must not believe every Teacher which will tell you he hath a Revelation c. For false Teachers will boast of the spirit but try whether they be of God by inspiration revelation or any lawful mission or commission try all by the rule of the Word and you shall be safe Thus much for the first great fault concerning giving and receiving in matter of Doctrine and publick instruction The next fault which is of very great concernment is in the Education of youth The miscarriage in which is almost incurable Education often mends or marres the man for ever What a charge doth God give frequently to the Jews concerning the Education of their Children How they should season them with the principles of true Religion and teach them what the Mysteries of God in their Sacraments Sacrifices c. did mean and what these things upon them by catechizing from time to time 2. And how doth Solomon carry on all the Counsel of his Book of Proverbs in the way of a Fathers instruction to a son Besides there have been Volumes written by worthy men concerning this Subject of the Education of youth yet nevertheless all that hath been commanded written or done in this case how great is the neglect of all sorts of persons generally in the performance of this good work to posterity whereby often times it befalls that multitudes of youths do receive in their tender yonger years and contract such habits as are very difficult to be cured by the best advised counsels reproofs or corrections that can be given so that oft it becomes their own destruction Look a little amongst the several ranks and degrees of men even the most eminent have been to blame in this As K. David was in the Education of an Absolom Adonijah His too much tenderness bred his grief and their smart in the end See 2 Sam. 14.25 1 King 1.6 He was in all likelihood affected with their beauty that he neglected his duty to rebuke them for their faults and you know what befel them both in the end This also was old Elies fault though otherwise a good man 1 Sam. 2.22 29. 3.13 Yet he said more to them then many in these times will do Look upon our Gentry and let them consider what Education Some they devote to travel in which for want of a good Tutor or Remembrancer sometimes they loose their Religion and perhaps Morality too See Bishop Hall's Quoâ—vadis c. Others being bred idle at home because ordinary imployments are thought too low and other things are too high for them to reach These may say Nos numeri sumus fruges consumere nati Some Gentry I doubt not do see and rue this miscarriage As for the Vulgarity for the most part they give such Education that the Children can only say I received and learned of my Parents to curse and smear and lye and steal c. and to be Telluris inâ—tile pondus good and fit for nothing but destruction a sad account this is but too true of multitudes so far are Men from acting the part of Timothies Ancestors O that this might be mended among us and we should be happy Most men are very apt to make great provision for their posterity and to leave rich portions of these earthly Treasures and Possessions to their Children But how few are solicitous to see the Image of Christ the Truth and growth of Grace the power of godliness imprinted and stamped upon and really ingrafted into their off-spring and posterity those under their Charge as the Apostle did Gal. 4.19 who did travel in birth of them until c. Men look upon Earthly Portions and possessions as things very desirable durable and of long continuance But heavenly graces the true Treasure and things of that Nature they look upon them as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as meer Notions vapors and vanishing Clouds and are ready to question whether there be any Reality or durable substance in them yea or no. Ap. Yet Experience doth instruct us daily how changeable and perishable the portions and possessions of this world have been and still are For how many mighty ones both in place and state in great dignity and abundance of superfluity of all things that you might think nothing could impair them have been brought down whilest mean men by the blessing of God have been Advanced not as many of late were but upon good ground and just desert To conclude When Pastors and Parents and all others concerned in this way of giving Councel and Instruction Education and Directions for the right ordering of Life when all these I say can give a clear account to God that all that they have done and given in that kind hath been right and according to Rule and hath been received and accepted accordingly O how good is it and comfortable both to Givers and Receivers and how bad is it when it is otherwise When Evil hath been given and Evil received and the Evil of eternal misery is the event of all Be we all warned each man do his duty and we all shall be happy The Pastors Labour Love have been handled in the two former parts of this Verse we are now upon the third particular viz. the peoples duty in which are four considerable particulars viz. a giver a receiver a walk and the manner and end of walking I have conjoyn'd the two first because Relative actions into one point Doct. Giving and receiving are mutual actions quae ponunt tollunt se invicem And Christians must take great care in both This was proved by Reasons drawn from the Giver end of giving gift it self and the danger of not receiving c. Vses were of Instruction to be very cautious in giving and receiving for lamentation in mis-giving and receiving especially in two Cases 1. Of doctrine and publick instruction and exhortation which hath marvellously miscarried of late and that because although the Doctrine delivered and given forth to others be never so vain and Erroneous and the Teacher never so inconsiderable or unreasonable yet multitudes of people drink in the doctrine of such Teachers as the thirsty earth doth Rain how hurtful and banefull soever it be to their poor deluded and dead souls 2. In the case of education of Youth which is miserably neglected in these our Times by almost all degrees ranks and sorts of
I live Job 27.6 This was Jobs resolution in the depth of his affliction Whatsoever did befal him he would be sure to hold to his uprightness which is the thing that pleaseth God And this was his practise both before and after his Affliction Hereupon the Lord doth justifie him to the devil and to the whole world Job 1.8 before his affliction and to his friends after his affliction preferring Iob before his friends and making Job an instrument of quenching or pacifying Gods wrath kindled against them Job 42.7 You need no more instances Else Daniel is the next 2 Daniel might be the next instance if you needed more for you know how his true piety and innocency armed him against the accusations of his enemies against the virulency of the Kings Idolatrous decree and against the violence of the devouring Lions so that he had no hurt by all Whilest the wickedness of his adversaries exposed them to present destruction Dan. 6.11 5. When death approacheth which is appointed to all Heb. 9.27 Think what stead This way of pleasing God will stand you in at that time how undaintedly may such look death in the face and chear themselves in their approaching change Inst How did Hazekiah upon his death-bed as he thought comfort himself in this That he had walked before God in Truth and with a perfect heart Isa 38.3 And that he had done that which was good in the sight of God For the righteous hath hope in his death Prov. 14 32. But to all others especially death may be fully styled The King of Terrours Job 18.14 6. Think of that dreadful day of Judgement mentioned Mat. 25.31 to the end 2 Thes 1.7 8 9 10 11. 2 Pet. 3.10 11 12. When all shall appear before God to give an account c. Think who then shall stand in the Judgement with confidence and comfort sure none but the righteous the rest shall be rejected 7. Hell and the miseries thereof which are prepared for the wicked And from which such as please the Lord shall be delivered 8. Heaven and the Glory thereof into which they only shall enter whose ways do please the Lord Rev. 22.14 The rest shall be excluded Rev. 21.8 22.15 But c. These may serve you as useful meditations throughout the course of your lives These you may enlarge and apply accordingly till you attain to salvation which God grant to you all Amen You know the parts of this Text which are four viz. 1. The Preachers Labour 2. His Love 3. The Peoples Duty And 4. A Christians Excellency From the first three particulars you have had four Doctrines 1. A Preachers work is endless 2. His Love to the people is pathetical using all most affectionate ways and means to win men to God 3. Giving and receiving are mutual Actions â—uae ponunt tollunt se invicem without one of them the other cannot be and Ghristians must be very cautious and careful in both viz. What they give and what they receive 4. A Christians life is to be ordered so That he may please God These two points you had from the third particular viz. The peoples duty in these words viz. That as you have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God The particulars of these points may be further and more largely epitomised I am now come to the fourth particular of this Text which contains the Excellency of a Christian and is the main drift and aim of the Apostle viz. That they would abound more and more and indeed this is the end and aim of the Preachers labour and Love and of your hearing receiving and learning of us how to walk and to please God All tend to this main end That as you have learned to be Christians and to walk accordingly so you should increase in stature excell in strength and abound in good fruit more and more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth signifie and import so much for no Tree can abound with fruit more and more except it have stature and strength to support and produce the same Ap. Now in the Apostles sense you as you are Christians are the Trees Grace is the sap your christian conversation is the good fruit in which you are to increase excell and abound more and more q.d. Tou have learned of us to become Christians you have received Grace to that purpose Now let your practife express what fruit you are to produce and that in great abundance then you are right These things premised and rightly understood afford us this Doctrine Doct. The Excellency of a Christian doth appear in his conversation in his increasing and abounding in good the more he doth increase in stature after the likeness of the image of Christ the more strength he doth gain in the habits of Grace and the more he doth abound in good works which is the fruit of his hearing and learning of his growth and strength in the habits of grace the more excellent he is Thus you have in this point the main drift of the Apostle and of all the faithful Ministers of the Gospel And in this point you have the Acts Object and Result 1. The Acts are increasing and abounding the word signifies both for the same word here translated to Abound is in the tenth verse next following translated to Increase more and more 2. The Object that which is good viz. Grace and the fruits thereof Grace both habitual and actual For as we are to increase in the habits of true saving-Grace so are we to abound in the Acts Works and good Fruits of those blessed Seeds and Habits of Grace in us 3. The Result of both is That this is the Excellency of a Christian viz. To be strong in the habits and rich in the good works of Grace And thus much the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth import also which is translated to Exceed 2 Cor. 3.9 And to Excel 1 Cor. 14.12 For as he that groweth and increaseth doth exceed another man in stature So he that multiplieth and aboundeth doth excel another in good works the Acts and Fruits of Grace Thus the point remains firm viz. Doct. That a Christians increasing in grace and abounding in good is his Excellency as well as his Duty True it is that he is bound hereto And as true it is that he is blessed herein this is the Apex of his Excellency the Top-stone of perfection and concludes in everlasting Glory in Heaven Now for the clearing of this so weighty a point I should use this method viz. To give you in some Scripture-proofs to confirm it Instances and Examples further to illustrate it Arguments and Reasons to strengthen it A view of the Grace which you are to increase in And also of those good works in which you are to abound And then descend to Application which afford us several Uses viz. Of Information Reprehension Exhortation Examination and Consolation
Use I. Informs us how wanting we be in performing good works how wicked we be in producing and practising so much evil as provokes the curse of Christ Use II. Of reproof to men of all ages babes old and young for that having so much means they continue so weak sick and wicked as they do and produce no better fruit Use III. Exhorts men of Eminency and Authority and all men to labour for proficiency which to effect prune and lop off superfluities which hinder growth and fruit viz. Idleness Pride Worldliness Custome of smaller sins and ill company Make use of such things as further Increase and Fruitfulness viz. Industry Humility heavenly Mindedness Conscience of all duty and Gods Society All which are soveraign Antidotes against Dwarfishness and Barrenness and then provide for growth and fruit thus Get the Spirit and let the Vine-dressers be diligent Make use of Ordinances and Means Exercise your Graces and use good company Use IV. Of Examination teacheth us to try whether we Increase or not Use V. Of Comfort But alas When can all this be done Not in a moment or in one hour c so that I am at a stand what to do the acceptance of me and my labours of late and the manifold exceptions against both my sickness and weakness neither considered nor pitied have put me almost upon the resolution of the Prophet Jer. 20.8 9. viz. To preach no more for as he so have I been rewarded c. But that I have a glorious God and Father in heaven that design'd me to this work from my birth a gracious Redeemer that doth command me often to feed his Sheep John 21.15 16 17. A blessed Spirit that doth encourage and strengthen me hereunto That many Souls are to be edified and instructed I have a Conscience to be discharged as in the sight of God A great Account to be answered and cleared And a Soul to be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus And but that the Word of God is as a fire burning in my heart with zeal for his glory and the good of souls I had been utterly discouraged long since in our confused times But a necessity is upon me yea woe is to me if I preach not the Gospel 1 Cor. 8.16 Therefore with the Prophets Isa 62.1 Jer. 4.19 I will not nor I cannot hold my peace for Sions sake for your souls sake till your righteousness appear in brightness and that you do grow on to perfection in some good measure Therefore though aged and weak I shall resolve with aged St. Peter not to be negligent to put you in remembrance of the things that concern your salvation though you know them and be established in the present truth 2 Pet. 1.12 13 14 15. Now to pursue our premised and intended Method I hope I need not produce many particular proofs For the whole Scripture aims at this and perswades us to grace and to the fruits thereof by many Arguments 1. Yet to give you in a few for many St. Peter layes a strict charge upon us for the root 2 Pet. 3.17 18. Beware of being misted c. But grow in grace c. Auxanete implies Motion and Augmentation Growth and Increase a progress to a fulness and abundance 2. And for the fruit our Apostle is as serious 1 Cor. 15.58 Be ye stedfast c. Always abounding 3. And for both the Apostle tells us That this is the main end of the work of the Ministry and the manifold gifts of God upon men viz. For the edifying of the body of Christ unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ vers 13 14. That we be not children c. But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the Head Christ c. and may receive increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Ephes 4.12 to 17. 4. And answerable hereunto are our Apostles incessant prayers for the Colossians Col. 1.9 10 11. That they might be filled with the knowledge of Gods will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that they might walk worthy of the Lord c. being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God strengthened with all might by his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness And this is a passing from strength to strength fath to faith and from glory to glory 1. From strength to strength Psalm 84.7 i e. Never weary but encreasing in strength and courage till they came to Mount Zion to Gods House so doth the Christian till Heaven From Faith to Faith Rom. 1.17 Not to several kinds of Faith but from one degree of faith to another till it do attain its full accomplishment in Life Eternal From glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 i.e. From glory begun upon Earth by Grace to glory consummated and perfected in the glory of Heaven Thus much for Scripture proof 2. I shall add a few instances of either sort proficients non-proficients men of stature and Dwarfs fruitful and barren 1. For the first sort Christ is the incomparable president and most transcendent pattern in this for he encreased in wisdom and stature c. Luke 2.5 2. For stature he encreased by little and little as Children do and that Lege humanae naturae by the course of Nature Enthyminus And for Wisdom although the fulnesse of the Godhead did dwell in him bodily Col. 1.19 and that God gave him the Spirit beyond measure John 3.34 Yet because he assumed a reasonable Soul as well as an humane Body the Deity thereto united was so vailed that the graces thereof discovered themselves by certain degrees according to the nature of his humane Faculties so he is said to encrease And he encreased in Wisdome Experimentally for though he was a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered Heb. 5.8 ☞ As God he was absolutely perfect and needed no encrease but as Man consisting of an humane Body and Reasonable Soul and as a man obvious to sufferings he is said to encrease in wisdom and stature c. But this first is an instance beyond Example a President that admits no parallel incomparable 2. Come we to a second that reflects more upon us viz. The Thessalonians that were here exhorted to this duty how are they commended 2 Thess 1.3 4. in that the Apostle gives thanks to God for them that their Faith grew exceedingly and that their Charity towards each other abounded so that the Apostle c. did glory in them in the Churches of God c. Oh how well were it if all people would give their Teachers cause thus to glory but these Examples are Rare 1. Their faith encreased in regard of the Object when they apprehended more profound Mysteries of faith then before Subject When more confirmed in the Mysteries apprehended and that we give a more full Assent unto them without any staggerings or