has heard the voice of my weeping Tears have a tongue and Grammar and language that our Father knoweth Babes have no prayers for the breast but weeping the mother can read hunger on weeping Object 3. But I am often so as I cannot weep weeping is peculiar to a man as laughing is and spirituall weeping is peculiar to the renewed man Ans. Vehemencie of affection doth often move weeping so as it is but spilt weeping that we can attain hence Ezechiah can but chatter as a crane and a swallow and moan as a dove Is. 38.14 Sorrow keepeth not alway the Road-way weeping is but the scabberd of sorrow and there 's often more sorrow where there is little or no weeping there 's most of fire where there is least smoak Object 4. But I have neither weeping one way or other ordinary nor marred Ans. Looking up to heaven lifting up of the eyes goeth for Prayer also in Gods Books Psal. 5.3 My Prayer will I direct to thee and I will look up Isa. 48.14 Mine eyes fail with looking upward Psal. 69.3 Because 1. Prayer is a pouring out of the soul to God and Faith will come out at the eye in lieu of another door often affections break out at the window when the door is closed as smoak venteth at the window when the Chimney refuseth passage Steven lookt up to Heaven Act. 7.55 He sent a Post a greedy pittifull and hungry look up to Christ out at the window at the neerest passage to tel a poor friend was coming up to him 2. I would wish no more if I were in Hell but to send a long-look up to Heaven there be many love looks of the Saints lying up before the Throne in the bosome of Christ the twinkling of thy eyes in Prayer are not lost to Christ elie Stevens look Davids look should not be registred so many hundred years in Christs written Testament Object 5. Alas I have no eyes to look up the Publican Luk. 18. looked down to the earth and what senses Spirituall have I to send after Christ. Ans. There 's life going in and out at thy nostrils Breathing is praying and taken off our hand as crying in Prayer Lam. 3.56 Thou hast heard my voice hide not thy ear at my breathing at my cry Object 6. I have but a heard heart to offer to God in Prayer and what can I say then wanting all praying disposition Ans. 1. Therefore pray that you may pray 2. The very aspect and naked presence of a deed spirit when there is a little vocall praying its acceptable to God or if an overwhelmed heart refuseth to come its best to go and tell Christ and request him to come and fetch the heart himself 3. Little of day light cometh before the Sun the best half of it is under ground Ro. 8.23 We our selves groan within our selves All is here transacted in our own heart the soul cryeth O when will my Father come and fetch his children When shall the Spousely in her Husbands bosome 4. If Christs eye but look on a hard heart it will melt it 5. I shew heer the Minimum quod sic the smallest of Prayer in which the life and essence of Prayer may breath and live Now Prayer being a powring out of the soul to God much of the affections of love desire longing joy Faith sorrow fear boldnesse comes along with prayer out to God and the heart is put in Christs bosome and it s neither up nor down to the essenc of sincere praying whether the soul come out in words in groans or in long-looks or in sighing or in powring out tears to God Job 16.20 or in breathing Object 7. What shall be done with half praying and words without sense Ans. This is the woman of Canaans case Piscator observeth an Elepsis of the word or Particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or because or for Have mercy on me my daughter is vexed she should have said because my daughter is vexed But the minde is hasty that she lets slip words so are broken Prayers set down in Scripture as Prayers Psal. 116.1 I love because the Lord hath heard my voice There 's nothing in the Hebrew but one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I love but he sheweth not whom he loveth it s a broken word because as Ambrose saith He loved the most desireable thing I have love he would say but its centure and bed is only God Psal. 6.3 My soul is sore vexed but thou O Lord how long That is a broken speech also Psal. 109.4 For my love they were my enemies in the Hebrew its 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vani Tephilla at ego oratio But I prayer or I was all Prayer as if I in soul and body had been made of Prayer The reasons of broken Prayers are often 1. The hastinesse of the affections not the hastinesse alwayes of unbelief Esa. 28.16 But often of Faith 2 Pet. 3.10 Love and longing for Christ have Eagles wings and love flyeth when words do but creep as a Snail 2. It cometh from a delique in the affections they are broken as a too high bended Bow that there 's a swooning and delique of words every part of a supplication to a Prince is not a supplication a poor man out of fear may speak Non-sense and broken words that cannot be understood by the Prince but non-sense in Prayer when sorrow blacknesse and a dark overwhelmed spirit dictateth words are well known in and have a good sence to God therefore to speak morally Prayer being Gods fire as every part of fire is fire so here every broken Parcell of Prayer is Prayer so the Forlorne son forgot the half of his Prayers he resolved to say Luk. 15.19 Make me as one of thy hired servants but v. 21. He prayeth no such thing and yet his Father fell on his neck and kissed him a Plant is a tree in the potency an infant man seeds of saving grace are saving grace prayer is often in the bowels and womb of a sigh though it come not out yet God heareth it as a Prayer Rom. 8.27 And he that scarcheth the hearts knoweth what is the minde of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Psal. 10.17 Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble Desires have no sound with men so as they come to the ear but with God they have a sound as Prayers have Then when others cannot know what a groan meaneth God knoweth what is under the lap of a sigh because his Spirit made the sigh he first made the Prayer as an intercessor and then as God heareth it he is within praying and without hearing Object 8. But are all my cryings in Prayer works of the Spirit Ans. The flesh may come in and joine in Prayer and some things may be said in haste not in Faith as in that Prayer Ps 77.9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious
all Ephraims prayer over again behinde his back 3. No answer from Christ is Hell to a Believer but to kisse and embrace hell because its Christs Hell is a work of much acceptance when you say He pray and die praying though I be never heard because praying is my dutie and Gods glory let me die in a dutie that glorifieth him 4. Wrestling addeth strength to armes and body praying and praying again strengthneth Faith customary running lengthneth the breath By much praying faith is well breathed Iacob is stronger in the morning when he hath prayed a whole night then at bed-time Gen. 32.26 The Angel said Let me go for the day breaketh And he said I will not let thee go till thou blesse me Then in the dawning he hath prayed harder and used his arms with greater violence then before by this hunger groweth fatter sense stronger it s here Eat and be hungry pray and desire more strongly to pray 3. Reasons of Gods not hearing prayer are 1. Superstitious and false worship Isa. 16.12 Moab wearied of his high places comes to his Sanctuary to pray but prevaileth not Wildfire cannot rost raw flesh 2. God hears not sinners Joh. 9.31 Let his prayer be sin Psal. 109.7 Yea the prayers of Britain are not heard nor their Solemn Fasts accepted for iniquity hath separated between God and us Es. 59.2 3. God heareth not whâ—n there 's a heart-love to vanity Psal. 66.18 Iob 35.15 4. God heareth not Malignants nor us when many are heart-enemies to the Cause Psal. 18.41 5. He heareth not bloudy men Es. 1.15 Now for the Saints sense maketh non answering a mercifull judgement it s here as in riches he is rich who thinketh himself rich and desireth no more So not to be answered is a plague but to find you are not answered and be sad for it hath much of Christ The Saints are heavier because God answereth not then because the mercy is denyed Quest. How shall we know we are answered Answ Hannah knew it by peace after prayer 2. Paul knew it by receiving new supply to bear the want of that he sought in prayer he is answered that is more heavenly after prayer 3. Liberty and boldnesse of Faith is a sign of an answered prayer The intercessor at the right hand of God cannot lose his own work his spirit groaneth in the Saints doth not my head accept what I set my heart on work to do Rom. 8.23 26 27. compared with Rev. 8.3 4. We are heard and answered of God when we are not heard and answered of God I pray for a temporall favour victory to Gods people in this battle they lose the day Yet I am heard and answered because I prayed for that victory not under the notion of victory but as linked with mercy to the Church and the honour of Christ So the formall object of my prayers was a spirituall mercy to the Church and the honour of Jesus Christ. Now the Lord by the losse of the day hath shewen mercy on his people in humbling them and glorifieth his Son in preserving a fallen people So he heareth that which is spirituall in my prayers he is not to hear the errors of them Christ putteth not drosse in his Censure of Gold 5. We are heard when ever we ask in Faith but let Faith reach no further then Gods will when we make Gods will our rule he will do his own will if he do not my wil it s to be noted That the creatures will divided from Gods will in things not necessary for Salvation and Gods glory is no part of Gods will and no asking of Faith Therefore Faith frequently in the Psalms prayeth and answereth Psal. 6. v. 4. compared with v. 9. Ps. 55.2 Attend unto me hear me v. 19. God shall hear and afflict them Ps. 57.1 Be mercifull unto me O God c. v. 3. He shall send from Heaven and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up Psal. 59. 1. Deliver me from mine enemies O my God 2. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity v. 10. The God of mercy shall prevent me God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies Psal. 60.1 O God thou hast cast us off thou hast scattered us c. But in the end vers 12. Through God we shall do valiantly The prophecying of Faith is not dead with the Prophets Faith seeth afar off as yet to see things that God shall do either by Himself or by Angels is an act of prophecy and differeth not in nature from the propheticall light of the Prophets now the light of Faith seeth as yet the same to wit that Christ shall raise the dead and send his Angels to gather in his Wheat into his barne especially hope of glory is Propheticall 6. Patience to wait on while the vision speak is an answer 7. Some letters require no answer but are meer expressions of the desires of the friend the generall Prayers of the Saints that the Lord would gather in his elect that Christ would come and marry the Bride and consummate the Nuptials do refer to a reall answer when our Husband the King shall come in person at his second appearance 1. Vse You take it hard that you are not answered and that Christs door is not opened at your first knock David must knock Ps. 22. 2. O my God I cry by day and thou hearest not and in the night season I am not silent The Lords Church Lam. 3.8 And when I cry and shout he shuteth out my prayer Sweet Iesus the Heire of all prayed with teares and strong cries once O my father againe O my father and the third time O my father ere he was heard Wait on dye praying faint not 2. Vse It s good to have the heart stored with sweet principles of Christ when he heareth not at the first It s Christ he will answer It s but Christs out-side that is unkinde SERMON XII And his Disciples came and besought him saying Send her away c. IN the Disciples we see little tendernesse no more but send her away she troubleth us with crying forsooth they were sore slain that their dainty ears were pained with the crying of a poor woman Why they say not Dear master her little daughter is tormented with the Divel and thou her Saviour answerest her not one word she cannot but break her heart we pray thee Master heal her daughter Doct. Naturall men or Christs Disciples in so far as tâ—erâ— is flesh in them understandeth not the mystery of sorrow and fervour of affection in the Saints crying to God in disertion and not heard 1. Naturall men jeer at Christ deserted Psal 22.8 He trusted in the Lord let him deliver him Heavy was the spirit of the weeping Church a captive woman at the rivers of Babylon yet see they mock them Sing us one of the songs of Sion 2. Even the Saints in so far as
love Christ. This truth is in it that in such a pain and sad condition of suffering as the damned are in sin despair or Gods hating of them excepted Saints can believe and love Christ Psal. 22.1 at least desire to have leave to love Christ for the evill of sinne may the evill of punishment cannot quench the love of Christ which is stronger then death then hell Cant. 8.6 7. The soul at the lowest condition is like the man who hath ingaged his lands for so great a sum as may be a Just price to buy the land and so in effect he hath sold the land but with a reversion he keepeth the reversion and so by Law within such a time he may redeem his morgaged inheritance The weakest of believers at his lowest ebbe keepeth the reversion of Christ He may by some grievous sinne be under such a terrible desertion as to put the inheritance of Heaven to a too great hazard of being lost and in appearance and in his own sense and in the sense of many all is gone yet then to say nothing of the invisible chain of Gods unchangeable decree of Election which the strongest armes of Devils and Hell cannot break there is fire under the embers sap and life in the root of the Oak tree God saith of the bud of this Vine tree though the man neither see nor hear it destroy it not for there is a blessing in it As touching the second The Question may be What remaineth for him in this condition to know his condition or what can he do I answer 1. When Christ hath left his bed and is gone he is to keep warm the seat that Christ was in I do not say that the Church Cant. 5.6 was at the lowest ebbe yet a desertion there was and a sad one But in this condition she openeth her heart to Christ I rose up to open to my beloved 2. vers 5. There be some droppings of Myrrhe from her hands some sense of Christ. 3. I called him but he answered me not there remaineth a faculty of praying 4. A love-sicknesse hence it is evident in the lowest and ebbest condition of a fainting faith there is something answerable to this and this is to love the smell of Christ that he hath left behinde him when he himself is gone it is to desire to behold with love and longing the print of his feet the chair of love that he sate in hence though you feel no work of sanctification his seat is kept by some spirituall meditations as to consider what a kinde of love it is that Christ hath bestowed on sinners for that he loved his own before he died for them his love being the cause why he died for them and still after the purchased Redemption he loveth them and intercedeth for them up at the right hand of God and this is as much as to say Christ hath loved you and repenteth not of his love love made him die for you and if it were to do again he would die over again for you Rom. 8.33 34. 1 Tim. 3.16 And suppose we that there were need that CHRIST should die twice or foure times or an hundred or millions of times and that he had ten thousand millions of lives and that our sins should have required that he should first die for one believer and then die again the second time for another and then the third time for another and so that hee must for every severall Elect person have died a severall death Love love should have put him upon all these deaths willingly and therefore if the beleever had ten loves as many loves in one as there be Elected men and Angels all had been too little for Christ and when the believer hath been serving and praising up in the highest Temple as many millions of ages of years or a tract of Eternity answerable to that duration of ages as the number of the sand on all the coasts in earth of all the stars in Heaven of all the flowers hearbs plants leaves of trees that hath been or shall be from the Creation of God to the taking down of the workmanship of Heaven and earth yet shal he be as much in Christs debt for this infinit love when that time is ended as when he first opened his mouth in the first breathing out of praises in the state of glory 2 He may turn over in his minde all the promises and the literall revolution of them in the minde though it be but a deed or act of the understanding and memory may cast fire on the affections in which there resideth a habit of grace though there be no fire in the bellows yet blowing with the bellows may waken up and kindle fire in the hearth where there is little The habit of grace is often as sparks of fire on the hearth under the ashes and may be kindled up and made a fire 3. When Faith is weakest and the soul under a winter and a dead eclipse its fit to keep the heart in a passive frame of receiving of him again as to sorrow for sin and to put to door unrepented sins as when the King goeth abroad sweep the Chamber for his return Missing of Christ longing for his return inquisition for him Watchmen saw ye him Love-sicknesse for him putteth the soul in a sweet passive capacity to receive him again Cant. 3.1 2 3 4 5. 4. When the Church is in bed sleeping yet she is charged to open Cant. 5.2 to weep at the noise of Christs knock when you cannot rise is somewhat a prisoner may stir his legs and cause the iron fetters tinckle though he cannot get out there is some strength when we are bidden Heb. 12.12 Lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees Motion will make fire 5. Especially Christ sleepeth least when his childe is in a high feaver Love watcheth then most at the bed side SERMON XXIV THY Faith Faith is so Christs as the fountain and the cause that it is ours as agents moved and acted by Christ. Hence it s a foul errour to say that there 's no inherent Rightoousness in the Saints and no graces in the souls of believers but in Christ only There 's water even the spirit powred on the dry ground Isa. 44.3 Gods spirit put within us Eze. 36.26 27. The spirit of grace and of supplication powred on the house of David Zach. 12.10 A well within the saints springing up to life everlasting Joh. 4.14 The Father and the Son through the operation of Grace take up house in them Jo. 14.23 Such a new stock and plant of Heaven set in them as they have the Anointing dwelling in them 1 Joh. 2.27 The seed of God abiding in them 1 Joh. 3.9 Vnfained faith dwelling in Timothy 2 Tim. 1.5 Grace in them as fire under ashes 2 Tim. 1.6 And a new Divine nature 2 Pet. 1.4 An inward man 2 Cor. 4.16 Col. 1.27 Christ in
reason why Paul should obtain mercy then why thou or any other sinner like thee should obtain mercy there 's alike reason for me to have noble and broad thoughts of the rich Grace of Christ as for Abraham Moses David all the Prophets and Apostles to beleeve There was no greater ransom given by Christ to buy Faith and Free-grace for Noah Job and Daniel to Moses and Samuel then to poor and sinfull me it s one cause one ransome one Free-love If there had a Nobler and worthier Redeemer died for Moses and Paul then for you and me And another Heaven and a freer Grace purchased to them then to me I should have been discouraged Grace is Grace to thee as to meek Moses Christ is Christ to thee as to beleeving Abraham And farther The same Grace that is here is in Heaven 1. As Faith that is freely given us is the Conquest of the new heir Jesus Christ Joh. 6.44 Phil. 1.29 Eph. 1.3 So are all Christs Braclets about our neck in Heaven and the Garland of Glory the Free-grace of God it s the same day-light when the Sun breaketh forth out of the East and at noon-day in the highest Meridian though we change places when we dye we change not â—usbands 2. We stand here by Free-graâ—◠〈◊〉 5.2 Repentance and Remission of sins are freely given heer to Israel by the exalted Prince Christ Jesus Act. 5.31 Our tears are bought with that common ransome so the high Innes of the Royall Court of Heaven is a free and open house and no bill put upon the Inhabitants neither Fine nor Stent nor Excise nor Assessment nor Taxation all is upon the Royall charges of the Prince of the Kings of the earth there 's no more hire merit wages or fees there then here the income of glory for Eternitie and the life-rent of ages of blessednesse is all the good will of him which sitteth on the Throne Every apple of the tree of life is grace every sip every drop of the Sea and Riâ—ver of life is the purchase of the blood of the Lamb that is in the mids of them 3. They be as poor without Christ who are there as we are Glory is Grace and their dependency for ages of ages is that Rev. 7.17 That the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne does feed them and lead them unto living Fountaines of waters and God wipeth all teares away from their eyes Then they cannot walk there alone but as the Lamb leadeth them and if Christ were not there or if he should take Grace Glory and all his own Jewels and Ornaments from Moses and Enoch there should remain no more there but poor nature As good Angels do therefore not fall because in Christ the head of Angels they are confirmed and if they lacked this confirming Grace they might yet fall and become Apostate Devils so the glorified in Heaven do therefore stand and are confirmed in the inheritance not by Free-will there more then here but by immediate dependence of Grace on the Lamb whom they follow whethersoever he goeth Grace then for kinde is as good as Heaven Glory glory to our ransome-payer 3. Her little daughter was vexed she saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 she is exceedingly devilled or grievously tormented with a devill Then observe that common punishments of sin and sad afflictions doth follow justified persons as well as the wicked for it was a sad burthen to the mother that the Devill had such a dominion over her daughter yet the Text cleareth that she was a justified person as her instancy of praying adoring and great Faith even prevailing over Christ under sad trialls do manifestly evidence and we see the reasons that the Scripture alledgeth 1. That the gold of precious Faith and the upright mettall therein may be seen 1 Pet. 1.7 Afflictions are the servants and Pursevants of the accusing Law sent out to cause us lay hold by Faith on peace made and pardon purchased in Christ The hot furnace is the work-house of Christ in that fire he taketh away the scum the drosse the refuse of the true mettall that Faith may be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearance of Jesus Christ 2. Afflictions drive us to seeek God they being Gods fire-men and his hired labourers sent to break the clods and to plow Christs land that he may sow heaven there but Christ must bring new earth to the soyle In prosperity we come to God but in a common way as the grave man came to the Theater only that he might go out again but in trouble the Saints do more then come they make a friendly visit when they come also the prayers of the Saints in prosperity are but Summer prayers slow lazie and alas too formall in trouble they rain out prayers or cast them out in con-naturall violence as a fountain doth cast out waters both these are in one well expressed by the Prophet Isa. 26.16 Lord in trouble they have visited thee they powr out a prayer when thy chastening hand is on them Vatablus expoundeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Malmad A murmuring or prayer which trouble powreth out the Chaldee Paraphrast turneth it silentium silence because the conscience weakened is silent it is a Prophesie what Gods fire doth effectuate which you have Hos. 5.15 In their affliction they will seek me early 3. We must be made like Christ in the Crosse and the Crown 2 Tim. 2.12 and conform to him Rom. 8.29 Christ the corner stone though there was no sin in him yet before he was made the chief corner stone he was by death hammered Act. 4.10.11 12. And much more the stroakes and smiting of the Crosse must knock downe all the superfluity of naughtinesse and every height till by smoothing and chipping the childe of God be made a stone in breadth length proportion smoothnesse some way conforme to the first Copy and to Christ the samplar-stone There is a fourth reason but it s a controverted one the justified person may be afflicted for sin some teach that this is Popery to affirme that the justified bear the punishment of their sin because Christ only was wounded for our iniquity and did bear in his own body our sins on the Tree therefore say they respect seemeth to be had as one speaketh to sin not principally but secundarily and occasionally not as it offendeth God who by that one sacrifice is for ever pacified Heb. 10.14 Mat. 3. but as it offendeth and diseaseth the minds of the faithfull not that afflictions simply properly and immeditly do ease quiet and cure the conscience for their naturall effect is to deject and terrifie as appendixes of the Law but that they awaken and stir up our dulnesse to a lively apprehension of Christs Righteousnesse and so while God as a Father correcteth for sin sin hath not properly with God the nature of sin which is an offence of Divine justice
neither should we believe for this because we see with our eyes and hear with our ears even while we are in this life daily pieces and little parcels of Hell for we see and hear daily some tumbling in their blood thousands cut down of our Brethren Children Fathers Malefactors hanged and quartered Death in every house These these be little hells and little coals and sparkles of the great fire of hell and certain Documents to us that there is a Hell Yet we neither hear nor come to Christ. Nay suppose a Preacher come from Hel to the rich Gluttons five brethren Luk. 16. and should bring with him all the lashes and print of the whips of Satans Scorpions on back and side on thighs arms and legs and though he should bring up to us out of hell ten thousand damned and bring with him the fire the red coals of the Fury of God every coal as great as a mountain and offer them all to our eyes and ears senses such is the power of our deafnesse and blindnes that we should not believe For when many little hells work so little by length of time this one great hell should never bring us to hear and come to Christ. See how little we are affected with the blood of so many thousands of our own flesh in the three Kingdoms Alas our senses are confined within time The other thing observable is That it is good to be neer the place where Christ is It was advantage that the woman dwelt upon the borders of the Land where Christ was It s good for the poor to be a Neighbour beside the rich and for the thirsty to take up house and dwell at the Fountain and for the sick to border with the Physician O love the ground that Christ walketh on To be born in Sion is an honour Psal 87.6 because there the Lord dwelleth It s a blessing to hear and see Christ Mat. 13.16 we do not weigh nor duely esteem what a favour it is that Christ walketh in the midst of the golden Candlesticks that the voice of the Turtle is heard in our Land it s ours to build him a pallace of Silver For the sixth Article which is Her adoring of Christ it shall be spoken of in another place I hasten therefore to her Prayer SERMON VI. IN her Prayer as it is expressed by Matthew we have 1. The maner of it She cryed 2. The compellation or party to whom she prayeth O Lord thou son of David 3. The Petition Have mercy on me 4. The Reason For my daughter is vexed with a Devil She cryed The poor woman prayed as we say with good will with a bent affection Why is crying used in praying Had it not been more modesty to speak to this soul-redeeming Saviour who heareth sometimes before we pray then to cry out and shout For the Disciples do after complain that She cryeth so after them Was Christ so difficile to be intreated The reasons of crying are 1. Want cannot blush the pinching necessity of the Saints is not tyed to the law of Modesty Hunger cannot be ashamed Psal. 55.2 I mourn in my complaint and make a noise saith David and Ezekiah Esa. 38.14 Like a Crane or a Swallow so did I chatter I did mourn as a Dove Job 30.28 I went mourning without the Sun I stood up and I cryed in the congregation 2. Though God hear Prayer onely as Prayer offered in Christ not because very fervent yet fervour is a heavenly ingredient in Prayer an arrow drawn with full strength hath a speedier issue therefore the Prayers of the Saints are expressed by crying in Scripture Ps. 22.2 O my God I cry by day and thou hearest not Ps. 55.17 At noon wil I pray and cry aloud Ps 18.6 In my distresse I cryed to the Lord Ps. 88.13 Vnto thee have I cryed O Lord Ps. 130.1 Out of the depths have I cryed Jon. 2.2 Out of the belly of Hell I cryed Psal. 28.1 Vnto thee will I cry O Lord my Rock Yea it goeth to somewhat more then crying Job 19.7 I cry out of wrong but am not heard Lam. 3.8 Also when I cry and shout he shutteth out my Prayers He who may teach us all to pray sweet Jesus Heb. 5.7 In the days of his flesh offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears he prayed with war shouts 3. And these prayers are so prevalent that God answereth them Psal. 34.6 This poor man cried and the Lord heard and saved him from all his fears Ps. 18.6 My cry came before him even to his ears the cry addeth wings to the prayer As a speedy Post sent to Court upon life and death Ps. 22.5 Our fathers cryed unto thee and were delivered Psal. 34.17 The righteous cry and the Lord heareth We all know the Parable of the poor Widow and the unrighteous judge if the oppressed be not delivered Christ and his Father and Heaven shall hear of it hence 4. Importunity in praying I will not let thee go saith Iacob to his Lord till thou blesse me So James calleth it chap. 5. v. 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prayer possessed with a spiâ—it but a good spirit-Prayer steeled with fervor of spirit so fervent that David is like the Post who layeth by three horses as breathlesse his heart his throat his eyes Ps. 69.3 I am wearie of my crying my throat is dried mine eyes fail while I wait for my God 5. There is violence offered to God in fervent prayer Exod. 32.10 Moses is answered when he is wrestling with God by Prayer for the people Now therefore let me alone that my anger may wax hot against them Let me alone is a word of putting violent hands in any there be bones and sinews in such prayers by them the King is held in his Galleries Cant. 7.5 Object But if so be that prayers must bee fervent even to vocal crying and shouting then I cannot pray who am often so confounded that I cannot speak one word Ans. So was the servant of God in a Spirituall kind of praying in uttering the Psal. 77. when he saith v. 4. Thou holdest mine eyes waking I am so troubled that I cannot speak yea groaning goeth for praying to God Psal. 102.20 The Lord looked down from heaven to hear the groaning of the prisoner Rom. 8.26 The spirit intercedeth for us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with sighes that none can speak Faith doth sigh prayers to heaven Christ receiveth sighs in his censure for Prayer words are but the body the garment the outside of Prayer sighs are neerer the heart-work a dumb beggar getteth an almes at Christs gates even by making signes when his tongue cannot plead for him and the rather because he is dumb Object 2. I have not so much as a voice to utter to God and Christ saith Cant. 2.14 Cause me hear thy voice Ans. Yea but some other thing hath a voice beside the tongue Psal. 6.8 The Lord
be grace Grace is not only singly in the Saints but Grace and peace must be multiplyed on them 4. The standing and prorogated intercession and advocation of Jesus Christ every day upon occasion of new committed sins 1 Joh. 2.1 2. and the golden Altar that hath been hot these 1600. yeers Rev. 8.3 4. with the fresh prayers of the Saints must have a daily use so long as Christ is in the Office of the great true and exalted high Priest now passed into the holy of Holiest and better it is that Christ act Grace again and again in heaven as we sin again and again on earth then that the act of our high Priests intercession had been all but one act on the Cross and the way to heaven was made long and falls there must be in the way to the end that I might lodge many nights and moneths by the way with my guide Christ and my expences and charges in the way might be free-Grace 5. Faith hath its work in our graduall mortification wee beleeve that Christ shall perfect what he hath begun so it was needfull that Winter and moneths of Spring and Summer go before our harvest and reaping of the fruits of the tree of life 6. Christ works in the lower kingdom as making the higher kingdom the copy and samplar of his working now it s most sutable for flowers and roses that must be transplanted to grow up in the high garden beside the tree of life and to blossome out glory for all eternity that they grow for a time in the land of Grace that they may take kindly with the soil so the lower and higher gardens of Glory and Grace differ not in nature what groweth in the one can wel grow in the other they cannot suit with the happinesse of that land except they have experienced the holinesse of continued Grace in this land and Christ maketh storms of sin to blow upon his young heirs for their Winter God keeping life at the root that they may be fitter for an eternally green flourishing Summer of Glorie and when Christ consecrated himself through many afflictions that he might be an heir suitable for Glory he being brought through fire and water hot and cold and many changes to heaven and so came to eternall happinesse through many yeers continued holinesse it was not fit that Christ who was to make heirs like his rule and samplar should bring them to glory with a leap and a step from a justified condition to a glorified estate without an intervening progresse in sanctification and holinesse Christ understandeth well the fundamentall Laws of the higher City the new Jerusalem the frame of the government of that kingdom is that none be received as free Citizens of Glory but such as have served Apprentices Minors little children under Tutors to Grace and the way of holinesse he is of too short standing who cometh hot and smoking out from his lusts a justified sinner to step immediatly into Glory and so here is a stranger welcomed to heaven from hell a childe of Satan playing at the Devils fire side yesterday or the last hour now this day this same very hour must be inrolled amongst those who walketh with the Lamb in white Some Souldiers I grant are advanced to be high Commanders Per saltum by a leap but it s for some piece of rare service to the Prince and State and its like the repenting Theef in few hours space had been in three severall Kingdoms in the state of Nature the Kingdom of Darknesse and the Kingdome of Grace and that day with Christ in Paradise But this is I conceive rare and give me leave to say Princes at their Coronation do some extraordinary acts of Grace by priviledge of the new Crown that they may hansell the new Throne with acts of Mercy Christ was now in an act of pure unmixed Grace actually and formally redeeming the lost world on the Crosse and was now this day crowned by his Mother the Church and installed King-Redeemer of Saints and therefore would hansell Paradise with a sinner by a priviledge of matchlesse Grace there is but one example of it in all the Scripture 7. The way to heaven is sweeter that it should be here Nulla dies sine Linea that every day and hour that we sin as every hour we contract new debt Christs free Grace might have its daily flux the fountain opened to the house of David daily running renewed forgiveness going along with this day our daily bread hence these noble acts of Grace 1. Every sin the least omission by Law is hell Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 two sins must be two hells seven sins seven hells then multiplied sins to the number of the hairs of Davids head Psal. 40.12 and not sins only but innumerable iniquities must cause the account of Christs free Grace to swell and arise to a deliverance from two from seven from innumerable hells O Grace every day every hour So then the Rebell brought nine times a day twenty times a day for the space of fourty yeers by his Princes Grace from under the ax how fair and sweet are the multiplied pardons and reprivals of Grace to speak so Here is multitudes of multiplied redemptions here is plenteous redemption I defile every hour Christ washeth I fal Grace raiseth me I come this day this morning under the reverence of Justice Grace pardoneth me and so along while Grace put me into heaven The Lambs Book of life containeth not onely the names of those who are ordained for that blessed end of eternall life but also the means leading to the end then here are written all the sins alâ—â—he pardons of free Grace since the first Adam sinned O but the Book of life must be a huge Volume O how large and broad and long must the Accompts of the Grace of Christ be 2 We are not saved compleatly because justified but Rom. 8.23 We are expectants of the Divinity of immediate vision groan within our selves waiting for the Adoption the Redemption of our body v. 24. and are saved by hope In regard of Title we are saved compleatly but in another sense we are but Lords and Kings in Title only we are far from the Lands Rents Crown and our fathers house and so are not saved while our feet stand within the streets of the new Jerusalem 3. In this consideration we sigh in our fetters and bolts and sin remaineth in us for our exercise and humiliation that we may have an habituall ingagement to Iesus Christ and his Grace that soul loveth much to whom much is forgiven and especially when in sense and frequent experiences much and multiplied backslidings are forgiven Obj. 1. But justification is one indivisible act of Grace pardoning all sins past present and to come and is not a successive and continued act in progresse alwayes such as is sanctification for we are but once justified I answer by these following Assertions Asser. 1. There is a
spiritual capacities but for drops of grace Christ is disposed to give grace as a river it s too little to seek corn wine oyl from God he is more willing to give great things then small things to ask a feather a penny from a mighty Prince when he saith Ask what thou wilt to the half of my Kingdom and it shal be granted to thee is the undervaluing of the greatnesse of his Royal magnificence Ask what ye wil saith Christ of my Father in my name and it shall be granted Mens desires run upon removall of the Sword Peace Protection Plenty Traffiquing peaceable Seas Liberties of Parliament Subjects Peers Cities Little are mens desires improved in seeking Christ to dwel in the land and that the Temple of the Lord be builded all these suits are below both the goodnesse of the Lord and spirituall capacity of sanctified affections And God giveth to Carnall men that which their soul lusteth after but in his wrath SERMON XXVII Mar. 7.30 And when she was come to her house she found the Devil gone out and her daughter laid upon the bed BEcause I hast to an end and shall not now refute the dream of Papists from this collecting the lawfulnesse of their bastard confirmation and of confirming children by the unhallowed blessing of the Prelate only observe the case of the child Mark saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cast in a violent manner in a bed for this is not to be a bed of rest and security as some Papists collect but to expresse how violent Satan is in his last farewell as when he is to be cast out Mark 9.20 When the possessed childe is brought to Jesus and when he saw him straightway the spirit tare him and he fell on the ground and wallowed foaming The Devil and the unclean spirits are not thrown out of a person or Land but they must rage and foam 1. The Lord saith Zach. 13.2 I will cut off the names of Idols out of the land and they shal be no more remembred and I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirits to passe out of the land But this cannot be done but with great violence vers 3. The father and the mother shall thrust through with a sword the false Prophet even their own son ere he be put out of the land The Devil will not be removed without blood sweating and great violence when the unclean spirits of men given to curious Arts and the Idoll Diana is preached down in Ephesus Acts 19.18 That whole great City was full of wrath and they cry out Great is Diana of the Ephesians 19. And the whole City was filled with confusion When Christ cometh to the Crown and the Throne Jews and Gentiles the Kings and Rulers of the earth Herod and Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel are gathered together Act. 4.25 26 27. The word Psal. 2.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rageshu it is to make a great tumult as a furious multitude gathered together that maketh a noise as the noise of a troubled sea therefore some not without reason say the sons of Zebedeus are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Benairegesci Sons of Thunder Luke Acts 2. useth the word after the 70. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which Budeus expoundeth of fierce and wilde horse and certainlie Christ is Crowned upon Mount Zion with garments rowled in blood this is a spoiling of and a triumphing over principalities and powers Christ dyed the black Crosse with red blood when he performed this noble act of Redemption Col. 2.14 15. So when Christ entreth in any soul to dwell there he must first binde the Devil And then spoyle his house Mat 12.29 What wonder is it that multitudes of heresies and sects and many blasphemous and false ways arise now when the Lord is to build up Sion Satan when Christ is to saile and his Kingdom a coming Kingdom as we pray raiseth up storms and winds in the broad Lake of Brimstone to drown the Church of God Christ hath not fair weather when he goeth to Sea Mat. 8.23 24. Yet his journey is lawfull When Christ is upon Acts of his Priesthood and standeth at the great high Altar with his Censer of gold to offer up the prayers of the Saints to God he casteth fire with the same Censer down upon the earth and there be then Thundrings Lightnings and Earthquakes and hence followeth terrible judgements upon the earth as hail fire mingled with blood and a mountain burning with fire and the third part of the Sea becomes blood and a clear burning star like a Lampe called Worm-wood making the third part of the Waters bitter doth fall from Heaven which is as much as when Christ is upon Acts of mercy toward his people pestilent Heresies of the Popish Clergy and others darkneth the third part of the Sun and Moon that is of the light of the Gospel Rev. 8.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. Even as when our Lord Jesus standeth to intercede for the people and to pray for fallen Ierusalem which is as a firebrand plukt out of the fire Satan standeth at his right hand his working hand to hinder him Zach. 2.1.2.3 2. This resolveth to many their state Many are free of the Devil I thank God saith one I know not Satan nor any of his works I have peace Satan did never tare me nor cause me to fall to the earth nor doth he torment me But this is a fearful condition 1. It is an Argument of a false peace When the strong man is within the house is in peace not to be tempted of the Devil is the greatest temptation out of Hell and if there be any choise of Devils a raging and a roaring Devil is better then the calme and sleeping Devill when the Devil is within he sleepeth and is silent and the house or soul he is in is silent and there is a Covenant with death and Hell Isa. 28.15 Now Hell keepeth true to a naturall man for a time Cessation of Armes between the soul and Satan is security for a time but it s not peace The Devils warre is better then the Devils peace Carnall hypocrisie is a dumbe and silent thing but its terrible to be carried to Hell without any noise of feet The wheels of Satans chariot are oiled with carnall rest and they go without ratling and noise the Devil carrieth few to hell with shouting and crying suspect dumb holines when the Dog is kept out of doors he howles to be in again the Covenant of Satan to Eve sin and you shall not die standeth with all men by nature till Jesus Christ break peace between us and Satan 2. Contraries meeting such as hot and dry fire and cold and moist water they conflict one with another and where Satan findeth a sanctified heart he tempteth with much importunity as at one time Christ findeth three mighty temptations and he departeth from him onely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉