of mount Sion the church vnder the Gospel vpon the assemblies thereof a clowd smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fyre by night that al ChristiaÌ„ churches have froÌ„ him their directioÌ„ protectioÌ„ whiles in the ministerie of his word spirit he speaks vnto theÌ„ as in the clowdy pillar is their shelter against the teÌ„pest their shadow against the heat For which grace praise ye God in the Assemblies even the Lord ye that are of the fountain of Israel 13. Thus every Church is like mount Sion fair in situation the joy of the whol earth the citie of the great king in the pallaces wherof God is knowen for a refuge which he wil stablish for ever and where his people wait for his mercie in the mids of his temple And as the howse of Iaakob walketh in the light of the Lord which shineth in the face of Christ in which light they beleev that they may be the children of the light so also they even al nations and people which are saved walk in the light of the church which it hath fi oÌ„ the Lord who is her light everlasting her sun shield in whose light she seeth light This is yâ— citie of truth the mount of holines the secret and congregatioÌ„ of the righteous which looketh forth as the Morning fair as the Moon pure as the Sun terrible as an armie with banners It is the howse of the living God the gate of heaven the pillar ground of truth al the limits therof rouÌ„d about ar most holy the Lord hath stablished it the poor of his people wil shrowd theÌ„selves in it the glorie and honour of the nations shal be brought vnto it vpon al the glorie shal be a defence it shal be a quiet habitation a tabernacle that cannot be removed a kingdome that cannot be shakeÌ„ and the nation or kingdome that wil not serve it shal perish but the people that dwel therein shal have their iniquitie forgiven and from the day that this citie is builded the name thereof is THE LORD IS THERE The Lord blesse thee ô habitation of 〈…〉 holy mountaine Ier. 31. 23. CHAP. XVIII Of the coÌ„munion that the Saincts in al Churches have in things spiritual NOW as the faithful are thus coÌ„pact like living and precious stones in one holy Temple and meÌ„bers of one bodie so havethey fellowship togither in all Christian offices spiritual and humane ech with other do willingly coÌ„municate the manifold graces of God Their spiritual communion may be considered in three things First in al duties from themselves towards God as be prayses thaÌ„ksgivings prayers supplications c. which they powr out one with for an other Secondly in all graces given them of God as are the words of his covenant the coÌ„forts and seales of the same opened and applied for the helping forward and assurance of their salvation Thirdly in al duties among themselves one towards an other as counsels deliberations exhortations consolations admonitions rebukes censures and such like al which for the honour of God and their mutual good they carefully togither doe keep execute 2. Their coÌ„munion in the Worship of God is when at time and place appointed they al come togither to serve confesse and prayse the Lord and cal vpon his name For which as Israel of old had their assemblies wher the ministers of God publickly and solemnly vttered his prayses discoursing of al his wonderful works and giving vnto him the glory of his name made also their requests vnto God for their wants vnto al which al the people sayd Amen and praysed the Lord so also in the Apostles dayes Gods people had still their places of prayer for which holy exercise the Christians assembled in which they continued with one accord both men women Where the ministers of Christ gav themselves vnto this busines that minding the publick state of the church they might for with the same make requests giv thaÌ„ks in the eares vnderstaÌ„ding of the people which thervnto answered Amen These now ar not the praiers or praises-of him alone that speaketh but of the whol asseÌ„blie which atteÌ„d w th their ears asseÌ„t with their harts seal with their lips that part of publick administratioÌ„ coÌ„firming it also by signes and gestures beseeming such an action In these whither ordinarie or extraordinarie with fasting and humiliatioÌ„ of sowl vpoÌ„ special occasioÌ„s ther is a coÌ„munioÌ„ harmonie among the Saincts that with one mind one mouth doe praise God and their prayer cometh vp vnto heaven to his holy habitatioÌ„ And as the publick assemblies of the whol church so the more private meetings in families or of other friends for special causes is both comfortable to themselves and acceptable to the Lord for he had promised that wher ther is a syâ—phonie or agreemeÌ„t but of two oâ— his togither in earth to desire anything it shal be given them so much he respecteth the fellowship vnâ—nimitie of his people and theâ— gathering togither in his name 3. But when through distance of place or other just occasion they cannot or doe not come togither as also in their private prayers which they powr out before the Lord eyther some few togither oâ— ech one apart the faithful hav yet spiritual communion and benefit by praying one for an other while they remember and make mention of their brethren vnto God rejoycing and giving thanks for his blessings vpon theÌ„ desiring things that may benefit comfort them praying for deliverance from baÌ„ds or other afflictions for strength stabilitie in the truth for remission of syns or for other graces as the necessities of the Saincts do require for al whoÌ„ we are exhorted to pray with al manner prayer and supplication in the spirit and for special persons to make more earnest suit to strive or wrastle togither with them by prayers to God for them This fellowship is comfortable to all that know the vse of prayer how much it prevaileth with God if it be ferveÌ„t Wherfore the Apostles did not only performe this dutie for others in their absence but themselves so earnestly desired it at the hands of al and trusted for help by it Also the Saincts that were before theÌ„ knew well and nourished this communion whiles they requested their brethren to pray vnto God for theÌ„ especially the prophets whose petitions were exceeding beneficial not onely to the church mem bers therof whom they sometime saved from death by this means but also for strangers so effectual with the Lord is the prayer of the Saincts and the odour therof as sweet incense before him and a token it was of
their roots as the trees of Lebanon dwelling vnder his shadow they revive as the corn and flourish as the vine and stil bring forth fruit even in their hoary age and God is their guid even vnto the death Yet then forsaketh he theÌ„ not but as when they lived they lived vnto him so now when they die they die vnto him are his peace cometh and they rest in their beds every one that walketh before him til their changing shal come and they be translated from death to life to see the king in his glory even God as he is to be satisfied with his image 31. For notwithstanding al this grace and communion that we have with God by faith we ar not perfect neyther shal be til we have attayned the resurrectioÌ„ of the dead here we see through a glasse darkly not face to face we know in part onely and doe grow in grace and knowledge dayly we behold the glory of the Lord with open face but as in a mirrour and ar changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord. VVe have first our infancie and are as babes in Christ after we are as yong men strong in faith and doe overcome the wicked one and proceed in riper years wexing old in faith and knowledge of him which is from the beginning thus our way shineth as the morning light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day and we walk on earth as did Abram in Canaan going and iourneying towardes the South 32. But of al the wayes means wherby we hav communion with God ther is none more lively powrful coÌ„fortable then Prayer wherby we converse with the Lord most neerly powr out our complaints as children into the bosome of their father praise his name ar heard answered of him to the glory of his grace the joy of our harts the increase of our faith with al vertues and fruits of the Spirit 33. The ground of this heavenly exercise wherby man is so bold as to come vnto the throne of grace and talk with God is his commaundment which sayth * Cal vpon me in the day of trouble I wil deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me Cal vnto me and I wil answer thee and shew thee groat mightie things which thou knowest not Moreover he willeth vs to be nothing careful but in al things to let our requests be shewed vnto him in prayer and suppplicatioÌ„ with giving of thanks yea to pray coÌ„tinually and in al things to giv thanks because this is the will of God in Christ Iesus towards vs. 34. To guide vs in this action he hath given vs outward instruction in his word that we may ask according to his will with assuraÌ„ce that whatsoever we so ask he heareth vs and we have the petitions that we desire of him He giveth vs also inward assistance by his Spirit which dwelleth in vs and is the Spirit of the adoption-of-sons wherby we cry Abba Father which spirit also helpeth our infirmities who know not what to pray as we ought and it self maketh requests for vs with sighes grones vnutterable Thus powring out vpon his people as he did promise the spirit of grace of supplications and furnishing them with gifts for this heavenly work he heareth granteth their requests as David sayth Lord thow hearest the desire of the poor thow preparest their hart thow bendest thyne ear 35. So when we cal vpon the Lord in our trouble and crie vnto our God he heareth our voice out of his temple our crie comes before him into his ears yea before we cal he answereth whiles we speak he heareth for by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place ask the Father in his name we shal receive that our joy may be full the spirit also maketh request for vs according to the will of God he that searcheth the harts knoweth what is the meaning of the Spirit and the odour of our prayers cometh vp as the sweet incense before him being perfumed with those odours that are offred with the prayers of al Saincts out of the Angels hand that Angel of the Covenant who is now at the right hand of God and maketh request also for vs. 36. Thus the Saincts have accesse vnto God and neer coÌ„munion with him in prayer though the wicked cal not vpon him or if they call he heareth them not Their golden vials are full of odours they delight in the Almighty and lift vp their faces vnto God they make their prayer vnto him and he heareth them they pay their vowes saying I will thank thee for thou hast heard me and hast been my salvation Blessed be God which hath not put back my prayer nor his mercy froÌ„ me 37. The fruits that come vntovs by this holy exercise are moe then can be told there being infinite occasions from day to day of making request to the Lord and filling our mouthes with new soÌ„gs of prayse for our salvations Admirable is the force and valour of this actioÌ„ which peirceth the heavens and cometh vnto God and prevaileth with him in whatsoever we ask according to his will if we ask in faith waver not for he is neer to al that cal vpon him to al that cal vpon him in truth fulfilleth the desire of them that feare him vnto whoÌ„ he hath promised Open thy mouth wide and I wil fil it Herevpon Moses sayd What nation is so great vnto whom the Gods come so neer vnto them as the Lord our God is neer vnto vs in al that we cal vnto him for And if he be so neer vnto every one of vs let vs know also that it wil be our good to draw neer vnto him to say revive thou vs and we wil cal vpon thy name because thou hearest the prayer vnto thee shall all flesh come trust in him alwayes ye people pour out your harts before him for God is our hope our God wil hear vs. 38. By all these things many other the like we may see how God hath exalted the horn of his people which is a prayse for al his Saincts the sons of Israel a people neere vnto him vnto whom he hath given most great precious promises that by theÌ„ they should be partakers of the godly nature in that they flee the corruptioÌ„ which is in the world through lust with whom he so graciously coÌ„municateth his goodnes that they tast in this world of the powers of the world to come and oâ—e walk in the light of his face feel his holy presence with them Which presence although it be with every of his Saincts in al
that Gods servants ar ful of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgement and of strength to declare vnto the people their traÌ„gression and their syn an example wherof we may see in Saul who being full of the Holy Ghost set his eyes vpon Elymas the sorcerer and sayd O ful of al subtilty al mischief child of the Divil enimy of all righteousnes wilt thou not ceâ—se to pervert the straight wayes of the Lord Now therefore behold the hand of the Lord is vpon thee thou shalt be blind and not see the Sun for a season And this courage the Sainctes have even before Princes and potentates of 〈◊〉 earth 〈◊〉 â—ay be 〈◊〉 in Zechâ—â—â—ah son of Iehojada who being cloâ—â—ed with the Spirit and rebuking the transgressions of the people was therefore stoned with stones at the comandement of the king For the Hâ—ly Ghost teacheth them in that â—owr what they ought to say wherefore they are to take no thought how or what to answer but resting vpon the ayd of Gods Spirit do boldly say â— wil speak of thy testimonies Lord before kings and wil not be ashamed 14 But in the Saincts themselves the Spirit is most mighty in operation for the subduing and sanctifying of their affections and confirmation of their sowles and spirits in the love favour of God For whereas before time some of them were fornicators idolaters theves covetous extortioners or given to other like vices they 〈◊〉 washed they a 〈◊〉 they ar â—ustified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of God And wheras while they were fleshly having not the Spiriâ— they walked after the flesh and favouâ—ed the things tâ—â—â— of could not â—lease God but were subject vnto death now hee that raysed vp Christ from the Dead doth also quicken their mortal bodies because that his Spirit dwelleth in them and so is fulfilled that which in figure God sayd of old vnto Israel Ye shal know that I am the Lord when I have opened your graves ô my people and brought you vp out of your sepulchres and shal put my Spirit in you ye shal live Who then living in the Spirit do also walk in the Spirit and by it do mortify the deeds of the body not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh which they have crucified but bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit which are love joy peace long suffring gentlenes goodnes faith meeknes teÌ„perance for when the Spirit is powred vpon them from above then the wildernes becometh a fruitful feild aâ— sayth the Prophet 15. And God which hath promiseâ— to powr water vpon the thirstie â— stoods vpon the drie ground tâ— powr his Spirit vpon the seed â— his Church and his blessing vpoâ— their buds wil not onely give the Holy Ghost to them that desiâ— him but also continew his gifts â— graces for the assurance of theâ— harts so that they shall not labouâ— in vayn nor bring forth in fear because they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord their buds with them The love of God is shed abroad in their harts by the Holy Ghost which is giveÌ„ vnto them and by him are they sealed vnto the day of redemption the same Spirit beareth witnesse with their spirits that they are the Sonnes of God and hereby they know that they dwel in God and he in them because he hath given them of his Spirit which is as a pawn or earnest in their harts whereby they do not onely behold the glory of the Lord with open face but are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord. And this Spirit which they have received is not the Spirit of bondage to fear again as at the giving of the Law and looking vpon Moses face but is the Spirit of adoption-of-children whereby they cry Abba Father even the Spirit of his Son Christ which God hath sent into their harts because they also are sons and the blessing of AbrahaÌ„ is come vpoÌ„ them through Christ Iesus So Gods good Spirit leadeth them vnto the Lanâ— of righteousnes and this is a parâ— of his covenant with them thaâ— his Spirit which is upon them anâ— his words which hee hath put iâ— their mouth shal not depart out â— the mouth of them or their seâ—â— or their seeds seed for ever Neithâ— wil he hide his face any more froâ— theÌ„ because he hath powred out his spirit upoÌ„ the hense of Israel as he hatâ— promised by his Prophet From aâ— which proceedeth vnto the Sainâ— vnspeakable peace comfort joy which they find and feel both â— the receiving of the word as the Apostle sayth ye received the worâ— in much affliction with joy of the holy Ghost in the obedience theâ— vnto in the kingdoÌ„ of God which is righteousnes and peace and joy in the holy Ghost 16. Amongst other benefits which the Spirit affordeth this is one special that it helpeth the Saincts infirmities in prayer who â—ls know not what to pray as they â—ught but the Spirit it self maketh request for them with sighs which cannot be expressed the request which he maketh is according to â—he wil of God who sercheth the â—arts and knoweth what the meaning of the Spirit is 17. But that the Saincts be not deceaved and led astray from the truth by any motion suggestion vision revelation or other means whatsoever as from the Spirit of the Lord our Saviour hath given vs a rule to discern the work of his Spirit from the delusion of Satan which is this that his Spirit speaketh not of himself but whatsoever he heareth he speaketh that he glorifieth Christ for he receiveth of Christs al things that the Father hath at Christs and sheweth it vnto Christians Therfore is he the Spirit of truth and leadeth into altruth because he teacheth nothing but according to the word of God which word is truth And by that word must al spirits be tried by it may be discerned the Spirit of truth from the Spirit of error and Iosua though he were ful of the Spirit oâ— wisdome yet was charged of God to attend vnto the book of the Law for his direction to obserâ—â— and doe according to al that was written therin 18. Finally the Spirit of God hath generally in all things wrought much and mightily in and by the Saincts With this was Bezaleel filled in wisdome and in vnderstanding in knowledg in al workmanship to find out curious works for the Lords Tabernacle with this were the seventy Ancients furnished for the goverment of Israel prophesied With the wisdom of this Spirit was Iosua full after that Moses had put his hands vpon him given him of his glory when he ordeyned him to be his successor in
to coÌ„tinew taking heed that they wer not vnequally yoked with infidels of the world nor commingled with open sinners in the church but to cast out the wicked from among them that they might be joyntly a sweet new lump as they were severally vnlevened loaves and so to serve the Lord as they might please him with reverence and feare keeping themselves from idols and vnspotted of the world 22. Thus hath God taught vs that all idolatrie whither of Paynims Iewes or Christians is the worship of Divils from it hath in all ages since the world began caled his elect that they shuÌ„ning the societie of the Serpent his seed might repair to the Lamb that standeth on mount Sion having his Fathers name written on their foreheads and follow him whither soever he goeth might walk in the light of the heavenly Ierusalem and there hav fellowship with the Lord and one with an other to their preservatioÌ„ from death the glory of God in their eternal life salvation CHAPTER IX How far we must avoyd coÌ„munion with Divils how farr with the wicked men FOrasmuch as Satan is an open professed adversarie of God men alwayes and al his endevours tend to the Lords dishonour and our destruction neither is there any bond of nature or otherwise between him vs that we should have entercourse with him or seek his good or peace for ever therfore are we absolutely forbidden all manner coÌ„munion with him in things spirituall or humane al which we may reduce vnto four heads 2. The first concerneth our faith that we give no credit to his word as did our first parents nor admit into our harts any of his doctrines or daÌ„nable heresies which ar called by the Apostle doctrines of Divils but that we hold fast the word of life taught vs of God in his scriptures onely avoyding al errors and lies in religion whither hethenish Iewish or antichristian for who soever be the instruments Satan is the Father of them and by them doth draw men vnto destruction 3. The second concerneth our outward cariage that we do not present our bodies or by any thing that we have give maintenance to his worship and service where or howsoever but as our bodyes and spirits ar the Lords so with them both to glorify and serv him onely and honor him with our substance fleeing al idolatrie which is Satans worship and outward communion therwith not vpon any pretense eyther of our own knowledge and inward dislike of the idol or the pleasing of others or winning them by this means to the fayth or avoyding of our trouble or presuming of the mercy of God or the like to participate in the service sacrifice of Divils God in his law gav this general precept for his people They shal no more offer their offrings to divils and in the Gospel we hav this instruction ye can not be partakers of the Lords table and of the table of Divils 4. The third concerneth al divilish arts wherby many meÌ„ hav fellowship with the damned spirits as Conjuring inchantment Witchcraft â—orcerie divniation charming necromantie and al other of the like nature Touching which Gods law forbiddeth two things 1. that no man should himself vse any such cursed craft many of which ar particularly named Deut. 18. 10. 11. but man or woman that had such spirits should die the death 2. also that none should seek vnto such for instruction or counsel in any matter for so they should forsake the living God turne to the dead Wherefore this transgression is noted for one of the two causes of King Sauls death that he sought and asked counsel of a familiar spirit by a witch at Endor and asked not of the Lord. And as Christ would not have the Divils to beare witnes of him so neyther would the Apostles suffer a mayd which had a spirit of Divination to acknowledge them to be the servaÌ„ts of the most high God and preachers of the way of salvation Finally not onely these evil arts and practisers of them but all books or writings or other meanes which may nourish the same are to be shunned abolished as the practise of the ChristiaÌ„s that burned their books of curious crafts doth teach vs. 5. The fourth head concerneth Satans tentations suggestions provocations vnto evil whereby he dayly solliciteth every maÌ„ vnto syn al which we ar taught of God carefully to resist giving no place to the Divil but by faith to quench al his fyery darts and being armed with the whole armour of God to stand fast in the evil day and in our prayers to desyre that we may be delivered from that Wicked one Herein al the Saincts while they live on earth come short of their duty and too often do admit of fellowship with the Divil by reason of the corruption of nature and infirmity of the flesh but by faith in Christ we overcome and triumph and shal in the end have full redemption from all these evils 6. Thus are we taught of God to resist Satan and avoyd al manner fellowship with him to the vtmost of our power because all his endevours are against vs for evil neyther can we work in him any good by any meanes at any time But the estate of wicked men is otherwise to be considered because they and we are all one flesh and blood are al placed of God to live together in this world and enioy mutually his coÌ„mon blessings as the light of the sun the rayn fiuits of the earth and other creatures besides our civil societie in common weales so that we cannot avoyd all medling with them except we should go out of the world as the Apostle teacheth Also of many of them there is hope that they may be coÌ„verted froÌ„ their evil wayes which by all good gentle meanes we should procure Howbeit of siÌ„ners ther is difference to be made for some are yet vncaled to the knowledg and faith of Christ others are caled and do professe one commoÌ„ faith in Christs Church with vs but walk vnworthie of the same and some have departed from the faith and obedience wherevnto they were come and are cast out of the church delivered vnto Satan Of our special dutie to such as being in the church do transgresse it resteth to be spoken hereafter here I wil treat of wicked men in general 7 Concerning whom wee are taught of God not to communicate with them in any evil action as not to run with the thief nor partake with the adulterer not to walk in the way with those that lay wayt for blood nor keep company with drunkards or gluttons nor have fellowship with any other their vnfruitful works of darknes but reprove them rather and avoyd them especially their spiritual religious actions as
into very heaven and obteyned eternal redemption So the Lord took away the iniquitie of his land in one day as he had promised for the ransom was most precious even of infinite value effect seeing by the vnion of the God head with the manhood in this our High-priests person it was the blood of God himself as the scripture speaketh wherewith we are purchased Thus Christ hath reconciled vs that were enimies vnto God by his death and hath put away syn by the sacrifice of himself for he was the ‡ Lamb of God that taketh away the syn of the world and the prophesie of Abraham was fulfilled God wil provide him a Lamb for a burnt offring my son 12. Touching Christs Intercession as he prayed for his church when he was on earth and his Father heard him alwayes so now being ascended and set at the right hand of God he stil maketh request for vs being therefore entred into very heaven to appear now in the sight of God for vs. Whose prayer as it is pure and perfect so prevaileth it with God and is of vnspeakable efficacie to make vs to be accepted For the Father loveth the Son and accepteth him better then he did his servant Iob when he prayed for the trespassers This is that Angel the Angel or messenger of the covenant that hath a golden censer much odours which he offreth with the prayers of all Saincts vpon the golden altar that is before the throne the smoke of which odours with the prayers of the Saincts goeth vp before God out of the Angels hand and vnto his requests which hee maketh for his afflicted people the Lord answereth good and comfortable words Thus our high sacrificer having the names of the whole Israel of God as it were graven vpon two precious stones and embossed in gold beareth vs vpon his two shoulders for a remembrance and presenteth vs pure holy just before the Lord. 13. The things towards vs which ar his Blessing and the fruits that folow he graciously communicateth as a merciful faithful high priest touched with the feeling of our infirmites being raysed vp vnto vs of God and sent to Blesse vs in turning every one of vs from our iniquities And as at the end of his ministery vpon earth he lifted vp his hands and blessed his disciples and then was taken from them into heaven so continewing stil a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek who met Abrahā blessed him he stil blesseth the children of Abraham giving and applying the promises of the Gospel vnto the harts and consciences of his people even the favour protection of God the light of his countenance and his peace So the blessing of Abraham cometh on vs through Christ Iesus who is that promised seed in whom al nations ar blessed and whom God hath set to be Blessings for ever Thus Christ by Sacrifice hath merited by Intercession obteyneth and by Blessing bestoweth and distributeth vnto vs the love graces of God his Father even all things perteyning to life and godlines that we being partakers of his peace may again blesse God even the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which hath blessed vs with all spirituall blessings in heavenly thinges in Christ as the Apostle sayth 14. The cōmunion of this Blessing is more particularly to be discerned in that honour of Priesthood which is given to al Christians the seales of Gods grace and love towards vs in Christ. For he hath made vs Priests vnto God even his Father and we as lively stones are made a spiritual howse a holy priesthood to offer vp spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. For first applying him vnto our selves by Faith his suffrings death burial are ours his righteousnes resurrection and glorious victory over syn Satan Death and Hel ours so that we by the blood of Iesus may be bold to enter into the holy place though the Levitical Priests might not enter into the shadow thereof at al times by the new living way which hee hath prepared for vs through the veyl that is his flesh even boldly may we goe vnto the throne of grace that we may receiv mercy and finde grace to help in tyme of need Presenting vnto God his Father and ours this Lamb that was slayne for our syns who is our surety and our sacrifice by whose stripes wee are healed by whose death we are restored to life by whose body once offred we are sanctified vpon whose head wee have layd the burden of our syns and by whose curse we are made the heyres of blessing and of all the riches of Gods grace 15. We also giv vp our own bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable vnto God which is our reasonable serving of God so the heavenly Ierusalem is filled with the Flocks of men as the earthly once was with Flocks of holinesses or sacrifices external Our spirits being contrite our harts humbled and broken for our syns ar the sacrifices of God also which he wil not despise By Christ we offer the sacrifice of Praise alwayes to God that is the fruit or calves of our lips which confesse his name and magnify him with thanksgiving this also pleaseth the Lord better then oxe or heiffer that beareth hornes that parteth the hoof Our almes and offrings for relief of the poor especially the ministers of the Gospel of Christ are an odour that smelleth sweet a sacrifice acceptable pleasant to God Finally if we be powred out as a drink offring vpon the sacrifice service of the faith of Christs church do resist vnto blood striving against syn we have cause to rejoyce for precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saincts the ‡ soules of such rest vnder the altar til the Lord holy and true doe avenge their blood on thē that dwel on the earth 16. This honour of Priesthood which no man can take to himself nor any other thing except it be given him frō heavē Christ giveth vnto vs of his rich grace by his word spirit For as by the preaching of the Gospel he is dayly described in our sight and among vs crucified so we by the ministerie of the Gospel are made an acceptable offring vnto the Lord being sāctified by the Holy Ghost His word is a sharp two edged sword and divideth a sunder the sowl and the spirit the joynts and the marow by it we are taught to mortify our members which are on earth his spirit is as fyre where with we being baptised doe also mortifie the deeds of the bodie that we may live give our selves vp vnto God for a living sacrifice The afflictions
is renewed and we lift vp the winges as the Eagles our flesh is as fresh as a childs strength is increased in our sowles and being now as widowes divorced froÌ„ our syns delivered from that law and returned to our Fathers howse like the Priests daughters we eat of our Fathers bread as we did in our youth we shal feel no more hunger nor thirst neyther shall the heat smite on vs nor the sun God wipeth al tears froÌ„ our eyes there is no more death nor sorrow nor crying nor payn for the first things are passed 10 Having thus after long seeking found him whom our sowlloveth we take hold vpon him and leav him â—ot til we hav brought him home vnto vs and after this nights wrastling with the Angel we wil not let him goe vntil he blesse vs and giv vnto weak Iaakob the new name of Israel for that by strong faith we have power with God prevaile having wept and prayed vnto him And now he putteth in our mouth a new song of prayse vnto our God our tongues sing joyfully of his justice our sowles do bless him which hath pardoned al our iniquities healed al our infirmities redemed our life from the pit and crowned vs with mercy and compassions And because we beleev therfore we speak and say We shal not die but live and declare the works of the Lord the Lord hath chastened vs sore but hath not delivered vs to death Wherfore after our agonies conflicts with death terrors within and fears round about we repose in Christ our redemer who hath taken away our syns vaÌ„quisht al our foes put Satan to flight renewed our peace and quieted our consciences and then we reioyce and say My soul return vnto thy rest for the Lord hath been bountiful vnto thee 11. Then giveth he vs to see how in all these troubles and torments we have most neer coÌ„munion with Christ and are by them made coÌ„formable vnto him for he was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities innumerable troubles compassed him the syns of the elect which by imputatioÌ„ were his took such hold vpon him that he was not able to look vp for the Lord layd vpon him the iniquitie of vs al though he had done no wickednes neyther was any deceyt in his mouth yet the Lord would break him and make him subject to infirmities so that he felt terrour and anguish and heavines in his sowl even vnto the death his sweat in his agonie was like drops of blood trickling down to the ground and his cry vnto his God was why hast thou forsaken me And we in our afflictions do but drink of his cup and are baptised but with his baptisme that after we have suffred with him we may also reign with him by many tribulations must we enter into his kingdome And he that was thus smitten of God humbled even to the death thus troubled in sowl and left of his Father for a seasoÌ„ fouÌ„d an yssue out of al tentations not for himself alone but for vs whose surety he was who therefore have this hope for an anker to our sowles that as we now suffer with him so shal we also reign with him notwithstanding that for the present we are brought into the dust of death 12. After this admiring the mercies of our God and the vnserchable depth of his counsels who worketh turneth al things even our own syns vnto our good who leadeth vs in such wayes and wildernesses wher fyrie serpents and scorpions are drought without water which maketh vs folow him when his way is in the sea and his pathes in the great waters and his footsteps ar not knowen in al which dangers he defendeth vs afterwards bringeth vs into his rest we say the Lord dwelleth in a dark clowd Verily thou ô God hidest thy self ô God the saviour of Israel how vnserchable ar thy judgements and thy wayes past finding out Then minding our frayl estate in this flesh how we are sold vnder syn do trespasse against God every day and cannot do the good that we would we abase our hornes vnto the dust and by repeÌ„tance do die dayly washing Christs feet with our tears knowing that notwithstanding the communion that wee have with him here by faith yet are we but strangers and pilgroms on earth and whiles we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord whiles our flesh is vpoÌ„ vs we shal be sorowful and whiles our soule is in vs it shal mourn Therefore strengthening our weak hands and comforting our feeble knees we make streight steps vnto our feet being careful circumspect least Satan further circumvent vs seeking to make an end of our salvation with fear trembling giving all diligence to ioyn vertue with our faith and to make our caling and election sure for behold the righteous have for their syns recompence in the earth and are scarcely saved where then shal the vngodly synner appear but we which beleev in Christ exspect with patience our ful redemtion as we have cast our burden on the Lord and coÌ„mitted our poor selves vnto him so we are perswaded that he is able to keep that which is coÌ„mitted vnto him against that day even to keep vs that we fall not and to present vs faultles before the presence of his glory with joy where we shall alwayes behold his face and being quite freed from our syns from al possibilitie of ever synning more shal perpetually serve and honour him with his Angels at his right hand where pleasures ar for evermore He that walketh in darknes hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord stay vpon his God Isa. 50. 10. CHAPT XV. Of the coÌ„munion that the Sainctes have in this life with Angels The name of Angel which is in English a MesseÌ„ger is in the scriptures attributed 1. to our Lord Christ 2. to the spiritual creatures in heaven 3. and to some certaine men on earth imployed in the message and service of God 2. Christ is the Angel whom God sent to bring Israel out of Aegipt in whome Gods name is and is therfore caled the Angel of his Face or Presence even the Face of God it self the Angel of the CovenaÌ„t whom the Israelites desired the Angel that delivered Iaakob from al evil the Angel that dwelt in the bush whiles it burned and was not consumed who was the God of Abraham Isaak Iaakob the Angel Iehovah who emboldned Gedeon to battel against the Madianits and was with him in the same the Angel with the golden censer that giveth many odours to the prayers of all Saincts and out of whose hand the odours with the prayers goe vp before God in his throne
let theÌ„ reap their carnal things which sow vnto them spiritual For God which willed Israel to beware that they forsakt not the Levite as long as they lived vpoÌ„ the earth because he had neyther part nor inheritance with them but was busied in teaching them the law other ministerial actioÌ„s for which the Lord himself would be his inheritance hath also ordeyned that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel And seing for the service of Christ in that warfare they intangle not themselves with the affayres of life because they would please him that hath chosen theÌ„ to be soldjers they should have their wants supplied by the church that they be not forced to war at their own cost but may â—aâ— of the milk of the flock which they feed be made partakers of al their goods which wil not onely be an incouragement to them in their ministerie but also turne to the great good of such as reliev them as it is written ye shal give vnto the Priest the first of your dough that he may cause the blessing to rest vpon thy howse And togither with them the poor the strangers the fatherlesse and the widowes as was the manner in Israel are also to be releived to them we must open the hand and lend sufficient for their need and that without grief of hart and eveÌ„ freely looking for nothing again but expecting a blessing reward from God Pilgroms and strangers are to be harboured our brethren in boâ—â— to be remembred as though we were bound with them the nake to be clothed the hungrie sowl filled the sick and distressed to be visited tended and comforted and al other good works which are to be done vnto al men especially to them which are of the howshold of faith For these works of mercy are better then sacrifices they are odours that smel sweet a sacrifice acceptable and pleasant to God who can make all grace to abound towards vs that we alwaies having al sufficiencie in all things may abound in every good work to an everlasting memorie of our justice the prayers of the Saincts for vs with prayse and thanks vnto God for his vnspeakable gifts These humane duties are so vnited vnto true religion as God of old coÌ„manded them on his Sabbathes and solemn feasts Christ hath ordeyned Deacons in his Church and other Helpers for this ministration besides the general care of all the faithful and on every first day of the week which were dayes of the churches asseÌ„blies such care provisioÌ„ for the poor was made yea when occasion so required the Christians sold their possessions goods and parted them to all men as every one had need which work the Apostles themselves a while looked vnto Good therefore and comfortable is it for all the Saincts that have this worlds good to do good and to distribute because with such sacrifices God is well pleased that they be rich in good works and ready to communicate that with the godly Tyrians their occupying and their gain may be holie vnto the Lord whiles they hoord it not vp nor keep it in store but let it be for them that dwel before the Lord for food clothing by this meanes laying vp in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may obteyn eternal life 10. Concerning other ChristiaÌ„ offices special regard must be had in al our actioÌ„s of reverence lov for towards superiours the aged men must shew al honour in giving them their titles of dignitie when they speak or write vnto them rising vp and bowing down before them for honour sake they may not rebuke but exhort them as fathers they are to giv them the vpper places and suffer them first to speak in causes And they again ar kindly to intreat the yonger sort as children and as brethren yet as they may deserv sharply to rebuke also Amongst al ther should be in behaviour seemlines courtesie in giving honour to goe one before an other saluting kissing and embracing of freinds as ther is occasion In words softnes meeknes and gentlenes towards all without bitternes or wrath clamorous or evil speaking even then giving good words blessing when we ar reproched In actions dealing freindly simply faithfully neither by force oppressing nor by fraud deceiving our brethren in any thing ready to give lend or pleasure them any way and vnto everie honest action easy to be intreated rejoycing with them for their joy mourning for their sorow Nourishing good wil by affability sociablenes lowly cariage love-feasts and rejoycing togither that the bond of peace may by al good and lawful meanes be preserved amongst vs during life and when we are parted by death the living to cary and accompany the dead vnto the grave 11. In this maner men carying themselves towards God whom they serv with reverence and with fear and adore in spirit and truth also to their neighbours with whoÌ„ they ar coupled in peace and amitie the blessings of the Lord as the rayn showrs from heaven ar powred vpon them his own tabernacle and gracious presence and the joyful showt of a king is among them and he wil glorifie the place of his feet Against al forreyn enemies he wil defend them making the barrs of their gates strong salvation wil he set for walles bulwarks even himself wil be a wall of fyre round about them that they shal dwel in the tabernacle of peace in sure dwellings and in safe resting places He will cloth them with garments of salvation wil cover them with the robe of righteousnes adorn them with his graces as a bride garnisheth her self with her jewels Here wil he make vnto al people a fest of fat things and ful of marow a feast of wines fined and purified feeding them with the fat of wheat and filling them with honey out of the rock Sion shal be a crown of glorie in the hand of the Lord and a royal diademe in the hand of her God and as a bridegrome is glad of the bride so wil he rejoyce over her and she againe shal joy in him prayse his name because he hath exalted the horn of his people which is a prayse for al his Saincts even for the sons of Israel a people near vnto him Pray for the peace of Ierusalem let them prosper that love thee Psal. 122. 6. CHAPT XX. How the coÌ„munion and peace of the Saincts is hindred by enemies without ALthough the Church hath received such grace and glorie from the Lord God her Sun and sheild that she may wel be an astonishment to the