require this the Apostle cals a shew of Religion which is hypocrisie and so at this day among the Fryars they have a shew of Religion they take up worships which God doth dot require of which it may be said Who required those things of you the Galatians did observe dayes and months and years therefore the Apostle is afraid that he hath bestowed his labour in vain upon them Chap. 4.10 11. 3. What was the spirit of their discipline and government they did affect primacy the Apostles were no sooner removed out of the world but this spirit began to spring up yea while some of them lived John 3.9 2. That that spirit did affect and exercise tyranny casting out of the Church such Ministers as were more faithful 3 Epist John 9.10 Diotrephes would not receive John himselfe nor his brethren nor would suffer those that would that spirit hath been in the Church of Rome from that day to this A second part of their tyranny was in imposing upon them unprofitable courses unprofitable they were because they did perish in the using Col. 2.20 to 22. 3. There was a spirit of coveteousnesse in Ministers they did not savour the things of God but did relish wealth and ambition Jude 11. they follow the wayes of sin as Cain did In Cain there was first hypocrisie he offers a sacrifice and when he saw his brothers sacrifice accepted being offered in faith and his not there arose in him a spirit of wrath which ended in bloudshed such was the spirit of Popery in Queen Maries days Some walk in the wayes of Balaam the wayes of coveteousnesse putting stumbling blocks before the people and that for covetousnesse sake Thirdly some have the gainsaying spirit of Korah they gainsay the Ordinances of God like as he rose up against Mâ—ses and Aaron this spirit breathing in Antichristian teachers at this day was hatched in the Apostles time There was a spirit of Schism in the Apostles time some saying I am of Paul and I of Apollo c. 1 Cor. 1.12 and so at this time among the Papists Jude v. 19. Vse 1. See the diligence of Satan to sow tares even in the Apostles times therefore Ministers should watch diligently over their people that no such spirit be sown in their hearts Satan will creep in by dissension the affections being once distempered the judgement will soon be corrupted Wherefore Ministers and people should have a speciall care of dissension for if dissension creep in then soon will you have your worship shut up and then there will be a wofull wast of Religion 2. See the impudence of Heretiques that dare look God in the face and rise up among his many bright and glorious lights in the Apostles times but let no Christians be discouraged by this but rather the more encouraged to contend and strive for the faith of Christ 3. This should teach Schollars not to take any ancient doctrine for truth till they have examined it Though Peter was blessed for the testimony of Christ one part of the day yet he was sharply reproved the same day trust not any doctrine almost in regard of the antiquity of it for it may be Antichristianism though in the Apostles times 4. If we would be growing up in grace from day to day take we heed of the spirit of Antichrist of taking up the worship which God hath not commanded take we heed of hypocrisie a spirit of Popery a shew of devotion Come we to the Sacrament as if we would receive the power of the Lord Jesus vailed in much simplicity take we heed of the spirit of Cain Balaam and Korah gainsaying the Ordinances of God but walk we stedfastly in that Religion we have received 1 JOHN 4.4 Ye are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you then he that is in the world AS you had before in the former Verse a sign of the spirit of teachers so in these Verses you have a sign of the spirit of hearers which is double First Sign taken from victory which good hearers have got of bad teachers a good hearer is not overcome of bad teachers but he soon findes them out and overcomes them and this is argued from a double cause First They are of an higher off-spring then corrupt teachers are Secondly From the strength and excellency of their spirits above the spirits of worldly teachers Greater is he that is in you then he that is in the world False Teachers are set forth 1 By their Originall 2 By their false Doctrine He that knoweth God heareth us there is another sign of good hearers they did hear good teachers on the contrary He that is not of God heareth us not You see here First A difference between good and bad teachers good and bad hearers good teachers and good hearers are of God on the contrary bad teachers and bad hearers are of the World Secondly Here is a combat between good and bad teachers and a victory also Good hearers doe overcome bad teachers Thirdly You have the issue of the conflict good hearers overcome Fourthly The cause of the victory is the divine descent and excellency of their Spirit greater is he that is in good hearers then in bad teachers Fifthly Here is a congratulation little children you are of God Doct. That there is in the Church of God two sorts of teachers and two sorts of hearers some of God some of the world Quest Why are good teachers and good hearers said to be of God Answ 1. They are of God because they are of a divine Originall they are born from on high from the seed of the eternall God John 8.23 I am from above saith Christ and such are those that are regenerate they are descended from God whereas those that have no higher off-spring then flesh and blood are of the world 2. They both savour and relish that doctrine Rom. 8.15 They that are of the Spirit of God savour the things of God such as hold forth the mighty power of God veiled in humane frailties they are of God 3. He that is of God hath a place in the Church of God 1 Cor. 12.28 God sets the members of Christ in the Church this is a work of God ver 18. not any member of Christ but the Lord hath set him in that place as all men in the world cannot fit one member to the body but it would be both unprofitable and burthensome except God joyn it to the body so all the men in the world cannot put one member into the spirituall body except God put it in indeed those that are of the world they have a place in the Church too but yet they are not of the Church they are superfluous humors as Christ speaks of the Pharisees Mat 15.13 As it is never well with the body till the noysome humors be purged out so the Church will never be well till those superfluous humors are cut off Vse This
could receive them for us from all eternity Secondly Dost thou give any thing to God offer up any obedience do it in the sight of thine own weaknesse and imperfection and so thou worshipest him through whom our lame sacrifices are acceptable Col. 3.17 for none but God could doe this for us Thirdly Dost thou want any thing seek unto God in the name of Jesus Christ and believe thou shalt receive it and so thou dost honour him John 16.23 24. for none but God can procure this for us Fourthly Doth Satan at any time tempt thee to doubt of thy reconciliation with God believe that Christ Jesus is God and therefore hath made full satisfaction and propitiation for thy sins 1 John 2.1 2. for God can fully do this for us Fifthly Dost thou doubt of the truth of any of the promises of God through unbeliefe believe they are Yea and Amen in him and so thou worshipest him 2 Cor. 1.20 for God can call things that are not as though they were Secondly In Dutyes of Repentance as First Dost thou at any time as thou oughtest continually remember thine old sin O! remember withall him whom thou crucifiedst by them was the Eternall God the Lord of glory and that will work a godly sorrow Zech. 12.10 to see him to abase himselfe for my sake Secondly Doth Satan tempt thee at any time to commit any sin O! remember thereby thou shouldest trample under foot the blood of the Son of God who hath saved thee from thy sins Heb. 10.29 1 John 1.1 That which we have heard c. As something of the word of life was eternall from the beginning so something was sensible which was 1 Heard 2 Seen and looked upon 3 Handled First For the meaning of this what is that of the word which first he saith we have heard They heard of him not a word of rumor but 1. His Doctrine John 6.68 2. The Testimony which his Father gave of him Mat. 17.5 6. 2 Pet. 1.17 Secondly What is that of the word which he saith we have seen 1. His Flesh John 1.14 2. His works especially his Miracles John 2.11 3. His Estate of First Humiliation 1. His poor and despicable life Mat. 8.20 2. His Agony Mat. 26.37 3 His Accusation and Arraignment Mat. 26.28 John 20.12 4. His Death John 19.26 5. His Buriall Mark 14. ult John 19. ult Secondly We have seen the Estate of his Exaltation 1. A glimps of it or preamble to it Mat. 17.2 3. 2 Pet. 1.16 2. His Resurrection John 20.8.20 3. His Ascension Acts 1.9 10. 4. His Sitting at the right hand of God Acts 7.55 Divers of these things seen St. John saw in a more familiar manner than the most of his Apostles Christ taking onely with him Peter and James and John to behold 1. His raising to life Jairus Daughter Mark 5.37 2. His Glory in the Mount Mat. 17.1 3. His Agony in the Garden Mat. 26.37 Thirdly What is that of the Word which he saith we have handled and that with our hands which addeth an Emphasis of Certainty as before 1. Before his Resurrection as familiarly conversing with him as when he taught Peter by the hand Mat. 14.31 When he washed their feet Joh. 13.5 When John leaned on his breast John 13.15 2. After his Resurrection John 20.25 27. Many observations might here be gathered concerning the certainty of the Apostles Doctrine who taught nothing but what they had so sensible knowledge and experience of but these I refer to the third verse Doct. He that was from the beginning truly God was in the fullnesse of time true man A plaine Doctrine you will say and well known to the meanest in this Congregation be it so yet it is fit to put you in remembrance of it 2 Pet. 1.12 13. Rom. 15.14 15. 2 Tim. 2.8 But you will say unto me Were it not much better to omit to speak of the person of Christ and rather to speak of the benefits we receive by him Justification Adoption Sanctification by the Spirit of God Faith Hope Love Repentance c. Take heed this be not one kind of spirituall Harlotry and adultery If you should see a Virgin affianced to a man to desire still to hear and speak of the gifts and presents he hath and will bestow upon her as Rings Bracelets Jewells c. and to have no minde at all to hear or speak of his person would you not say she loved his gifts and his tokens more than himselfe so here if we find our souls affected to Christ I would to God yea it were the joy of my heart if I could draw you to be in love with the Gifts and Graces of Christ our hearts are dead and dull even at the mention of them how much more at the mention of his person or nature yet thou that hast tasted of his bountifull Gifts and Graces be led on further willingly to hear and speak of his person Cant. 5.9 When the Daughters of Jerusalem had asked of the Spouse of Christ what her beloved was more than anothers beloved she in 8 verses following enters into a long and large and lovely description not of what he had given her but of his person especially seeing this part of his person his human nature is an excellent gift of God to us and the foundation of all the rest Yea what Doctrine soever John teacheth us in this whole Epistle tendeth to this end that our joy may be full which is a speciall benefit arising from all Chap. 1.4 Now the manhood of Christ is proved by two reasons First By the Titles given to him Secondly By the properties of a man agreeing to him First By the Titles given to him he being called 1 Flesh John 1.14 Rom. 1.3 Heb. 2.14 and this Flesh is not phantasticall but palpable John 20.27 2 Man Acts 17.31 3 Son of Man Luke 19.10 Acts 7.56 4 Seed of David 2 Tim. 2.8 Abraham Gal. 3.16 The Woman Gen. 3.15 5 Emanuel Isa 7.14 Mat. 1.23 Secondly By the Properties of a Man agreeing to him 1 Born of a Woman Mat. 1. ult 2 Hunger Mat. 21.18 and with it thirst John 19.28 3. Wearinesse John 4.6 4 Griefe and Sorrow Isa 53.3 4 10. Mat. 26.38 and from it weeping John 11.35 Sighing and groaning John 11.33 5 Bleeding and sweating Luke 22.44 6 Dying John 19.30 Now for the Reasons why Christ became man they are First That he might be a middle person or of a middle nature between the persons offending and the persons offended if he had still remained God he had been the person offended with us or if onely man then he had been the party offending and therefore that he might be of a middle condition it was needfull he should take upon him our nature Secondly That that nature of ours which had offended might make satisfaction if he had not taken on him our nature he could not have satisfied for our sins Heb. 2.16 Thirdly That he might be able to
of Christs propitiation that we shall see Gods face with joy we shall pray to him with comfort Joh. 14.21 He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father c. which shews that he will bring rhem together and there shall be a mutuall expression of love to one another and refâ—â—shment in one another God shall take comfort in us and we in him Rev. 3.20 for that Christ goes further in this case than any man can Absolom had offended his Father in slaying his brother Ammon well he flyes away from his Fathers Court Joab procures a Reconcilement but yet he could not satisfie for the blood he had shed he procured indeed so much that he was sent for home by the King but yet saith the King Let him returne to his own house he shall not see my face 2 Sam. 14.24 Joab could not satisfie for his blood and the King would not see his face so there wanted satisfaction and manifestation of the Kings favour well afterwards manifestation was procured but yet there wanted Propitiation because satisfaction could not be made but Christ hath not only procured favour but satisfaction and hath declared his favour towards us Now further Christ hath done this not only for the believing Jewes but all Christians all the World over for to whom doth he speake here why to little Children and what were they why they were Jewes as appears vers 7. who from the first giving of the Law were commanded to love one another now besides these weak Jewes the Apostle saith He is our propitiation including the Ministers of the Gospel and not only so but for the sins of the whole World Now the World is diversly taken in Scripture 1 World is sometimes put for the frame of Nature as Act. 17.24 2 It is sometimes taken for the pleasure and profits of the World as 1 Joh. 2.16 3 It is sometimes put for the wicked of the World Joh. 15.19 4 It is sometimes taken for the Gentiles in opposition to the Jewes Rom. 11.12 5 It is sometimes taken for the Believers of the World 2 Cor. 5.19 though it may have further extent but here it is taken in opposition to Christian Jewes he is not only a propitiation for the Jewes but also for the believing Gentiles But further Christ is not only a Propitiation for his children but for the whole World that is the whole body of the Creation for as by Adams fall the whole World was cursed Christ by his death renewed the blessing to the World again the whole body of the Creation Rom. 8.20 therefore it is said the whole body of the Creation waites for the liberty which the Sons of God have A type of this we have in Noah Gen. 8.20 21. Noah being a Type of Christ and making attonement for the World by Sacrifice God smelt a sweet favour and doth promise that he would no more curse the earth for mans sake and that which was done by Type in him is perfectly procured by Christ all the creatures are encouraged to rejoyce in his Redemption because they are Redeemed in him Isa 44.23 All the creatures are become the servants of Christ subject to the dominion of Christ he hath bought them all Rom. 14.9 Christ is now Lord of all he hath bought not only us but our Ground and Cattle and Houses and our Children and he hath so purchased it that the world shall be a blessing to the Church the Tumults and Agitations and Disorders shall be for the good of his people Quest Whether hath Christ made any propitiation for the wicked for Reprobates how else for all the World Ans You must distinguish between such and the rest of the World in this they all agree that Christ is Lord over all wicked and good he hath bought all 2 Pet. 2.5 so that they are vassalls to be ruled by Christs Dominion he hath bought them for the Churches service to doe them good 2 I say that Christ hath laid down a sufficient price for all and thus much he hath procured Gods patience to forbeare them and his bounty to lead them to Repentance Rom. 2.45 yea he hath procured for them not only gifts fitting them for Magistracy and Ministry and the common Gifts and Graces of his Spirit but many sanctifying Gifts see Heb. 10.29 Quest Is Chriâ—â— then a propitiation for them Ans To makeâ— propitiation is required not only that such a satisfaction and reconciliation be propounded but that they lay hold on it as the sacrifices in the old Law who are they that had an attonement made by the sacrifice they offered only those that laid their hands on the head of the sacrifice Lev. 1.4 so then this is nothing for the propitiation of the Wicked they do not lay hold on the head of Christ they doe not take hold on him as an Advocate and propitiation therefore they are left inexcusable This point is likewise handled by Paul Rom. 3.25 2 Cor. 5.19 the whole world was out with God he purchased something for all Vse 2. It shews that it is a wicked opinion of the Papists that say the bread in the Sacrament is a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the World as they wrong Christ in his Advocation so also in his propitiation Heb. 10.10 if there had been need of another propitiation his had been insufficient but they ascribe this to the sacramentall bread to purgatory and they say afflictions are satisfactions for our sins and their own voluntary devotions are satisfactory as whippings and pilgrimages and fastings why if Christ be the propitiation there needs no more but him So also they wrong him in adding other Advocates as Angels and Saints especially the Virgin Mary Object You will say you allow one friend to pray for another here on Earth and to intreat God for him and may not Saints in heaven pray for us as well as Saints on Earth Ans 1. We have both commands and examples for the one Jam. 5. and Paul often desires the prayers of the church but we have none for the other 2 We desire none but such as know our cases to pray for us but it is uncertaine whether the Angells or Saints in Heaven knows us or our wants it is cartain they know not our thoughts 3 And when we desire other men here on Earth to pray for us we doe not make them Advocates as they do Angels and Saints 1 We do not desire them to pray in their own merits and name as they doe the Angels and Saints in Heaven 2 They pray to the Virgin Mary for graces miserere peecati c. and command thy Son to grant such and such things so they ask spirituall gifts of the Saints which is peculiar to God 3 They doe herein ascribe to them certain proper works make them Patrons of severall Countryes and part among them severall offices they pray to one for healing of one disease and to another for another Vse 2 If Christ be
walked as perfectly as hee did if wee could then wee had done no more than our duty God hath no cause to thank us and we deserve nothing Luke 7.9.16 Now what is our duty We ought to walk as he hath walked now a Servant looks not for thanks for his dayes work so we have not merited thanks for the works me have done and if when we have done what we can we have done but what we ought to do then we cannot do more than we ought and so are far from superarrogation and for satisfaction if our best works be our debts then we cannot satisfie for our sins by our duties suppose a man owed another a great debt and besides owed him all service for some great benefit for redeeming him from Captivity c. the doing of his service would not satisfie his debt because he owed him that besides so we were all Captives unto Satan and God through Christ delivered us and for that we owe to God all we have and if we were in debt besides by our sins all our service will not satisfie for our sins for wee owe that besides now one debt will not pay another Vse 2 Of direction and exhortation to all that desire to walk answerable to that knowledge they have do you desire to be in Christ and know you are in Christ Why conform your selves to walk as Christ walked if thou dost so thou maist keep a good Christmas all thy life thou shalt keep Christs honour all thy life in remembrance if thou walk as Christ walked therefore Christ died that we might dye unto sin 1 Pet. 4.1 2. whatever corruption is in you let it die in you mortifie pride and anger and uncleannesse and covetousnesse c. learn to dye to these and live to God make it your chiefest pleasure to do Gods will rise from all deadnesse and sluggishnesse of Spirit have you been unable to rule over your Spirits Now put on the Spirit of Kings over-rule your passions and corruptions rule your Families be as Priests to offer up sacrifices of prayer and praise and alms to offer up body and soul to Gods service every work do it in obedience to Gods Commandment do it with chearfullnesse and meeknesse do it to Gods glory and if you be called to suffer suffer Innocently not for any sinful carriage not for murther or theft c. but for Righteousnesse sake and then suffer patiently and meekly and whatever you suffer be sure that you profit by it by temptation by crosses by persecution c. learn obedience and so you shall walk as Christ hath walked be stirred up to walk in imitation of Christ 1 Cor. 11.1 set this pattern before you to imitate him both now and all the year look upon Christ aime at him work as he did suffer as he did and so for Ministers walk faithfully help the weak bring back the stray comfort the distressed walk as Christ hath walked 1 JOHN 1.7 Brethren I write not a new Commandment unto you but an old Commandment which you have had from the beginning the old Commandment is the Word which ye have heard from the beginning FRom the 6th Verse the Apostle had taught It is the duty of all Christians to walk as Christ hath walked now this Commandment the Apostle amplifies verse 7.8 1 By denying the newnesse of it it is no new Commandment to presse upon all that will be saved it is no new Commandment 2 He admits it may be called new in some respects verse 8. In the seventh Verse we have these parts 1 A loving compellation Brethren 2 A denyal of the newnesse of this Commandment I write no◠〈◊〉 you a new Commandment 3 The antiquity of it 4 A declaration how it shall appear not to be new all the Doctrin which you have heard from the beginning is no other but this that all must walk as Christ hath walked Doct. The Ministers of Christ are to acknowledge even their little Children as their Brethren Compare this Verse with the first there he calls them little Children and here Brethren so Paul doth expresse himself thus Rom. 15.14 1 Cor. 2.1 2 Cor. 3.1 Reas Because he and they do partake in all things wherein Natural Brethren partake 1 They have the same God and Father that begets them Ephes 4.6 Jam. 1.17 18. 2 They have one Mother the Church Gal. 4.26 and he speaks of Jerusalem on earth though he calls it Jerusalem which is from above because it is above an earthly condition and John himself was a little Childe to some as they were to him Gal. 4.19 And so sometimes private Christians they do labour and travel in begetting children to God it is a wonder to see many times how some are put to pangs to beget their friends to God sometimes by Prayer by exhortation by reproof by all means they use much pains therefore the Church is called The Mother of us all because some in the Church beget us 3 They all partake in one Immortal Seed by which they are begotten unto God 1 Pet. 1.23 this immortal Seed for the Materiall part it is the Word for the Spiritual part it is the Spirit of God Joh. 3.5 so it is not so much the Letter of the Word as the Spirit of God whereby all are begot to God 4 They are all begotten to the same eternal inheritance 1 Pet. 1.3 and so they are all both Ministers and People called Brethren Vse 1. To teach Ministers so to look at their Spiritual Fatherhood as not to forget their Spiritual Brotherhood ver 1. he calls them little children not that Ministers should shew dominion over them as Lords over them 2 Cor. 1. ult 1 Pet. 5.2 3 4. so then their Fatherhood must not make them Lords but the name of Brotherhood must binde them to communion they have indeed a kinde of power but not to subdue their Spirits to them not to believe as they do or walk as they do only so far as they are like unto Christ 1 Cor. 11.1 otherwise Christians are not to be led by them Vse 2 This must teach both Ministers and People to maintain brotherly love and affection if you be Brethren Let brotherly love continue Heb. 13.1 1 Pet. 2.17 therefore what kinde of desire and comfort there is in brotherly Communion what mutual joy when they meet the same should be in Christian Ministers and People Now the fruits of Brotherly love are chiefly three 1 Unity that they should keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Col. 3.14 Ephes 4.3 2 Equality not to take away different respects but to make our selves equal to others in affection to conceive that though we have more gifts yet they may have lesse corruption they may not have so much grace but they may make better use of it Phil. 3.13 we should always conceive of others as equal or better than our selves 3 Spiritual Communion that is mutual dispensing of help one to
stand out against him God hath not given him liberty to pursue us unto death but if we stand out against him he will fly from us So it was with our Saviour first he tempted him about his Son-ship If thou be the Son of God command that these stones be made bread then he tempted him to presumption to cast himselfe down from the Pinacle of the Temple and then he tempted him with the glory of the World All these will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me but because our Saviour still resisted his temptations and Satan could not prevail he departed if a man stand out strongly Satan flies indeed if a man yield never so little he makes use of the least advantage and will presse it but if you stand fast and yield not he will be gone from you his very pride and insolency makes him scorne to trouble himselfe with any Creature he disdains to be overcome by him therefore he will depart Thus Joseph was strongly assaulted Gen. 39.9 but he resists and answers with much affection How can I doe this great wickednesse and sin against God He had long resisted and stood out against the temptations of his Mistresse and therefore she no more solicites him with that thing but takes another course falsly to accuse him to his Master and so caused him to be cast into prison 2. A Young-man may not onely put him to flight but he may also spoyl Satan that is he may take advantage by his assaults to grow more wary more holy more obedient more fruitfull and so he spoils Satan if a Christian enrich his spirit by the temptations he meets with he makes a spoile of Satan the riches of the Souldier is the spoil of the Enemy when young men stand fast and make a spoil of Satan and grow more humble and meek and obedient they shall so much the more overcome Satan Job was strongly tempted by Satan to blaspheme God but yet he stands fast and not onely so but takes occasion to blesse God Job 1.21 so when Satan tempts him by his wife see how he answers Job 2.10 Michal tempts David by deriding him when he danced before the Ark but he grew more zealous by it 2 Sam. 6.20 21. so John 3.26 They would have stirred up John to emulate Christ but that stirred him up to magnifie him more than ever he did before and give the most honourable Testimony of him Q. How come young men to overcome Satan 1. By the bloud of the Lamb his power is queld by the death of Christ 2. By the power of the Word that dwells in them v. 14. 3. By the power of the Spirit that is stronger in them than he that is in the world 1 John 4.3 4. Vse 1. Since young men may and doe so overcome the World it must teach young men to make this their glory to be fighting this spiritual battell there is no gifts they should so much please themselves in as in this Prov. 20.29 What a shame is it for young men to shew their strength in powring down strong drink and spend their strength upon women what a pittifull thing is it for young men to strive to overcome one another in drinking and gaming c. nay were they valiant in war yet how much more honourable is it to fight the Lords battells to over-wrestle our lusts when a young man shall single out that grand Captain the Devill and foil him in war that is truly honourable if Satan in a speciall manner strive to overcome you then strive you most against him stand out against him resist him and yield not to him and examine what spirituall battells you have had with Satan if none then your case is not good Vse 2. May hearten the feeblest Christians not to be discouraged with conflicts many a soul saith my corruptions are so strong and my lusts so powerfull I shall never be able to stand out against them and overcome them why St. John writes here to young men whose corruptions were strong and violent and yet he saith You have overcome the wicked one Vse 3. Of reproof to old men and children if they doe not overcome children are not come to and old men are past the dints of lusts therefore they may be the more ashamed if they be given to voluptuousnesse and gluttony and gaming and lying and company-keeping Children and old men their bodies are dead to such lusts Vse 4. It exhorts all though we cannot put Satan to death or captivate him yet what we may doe let us doe in every temptation let us stand fast and put him to flight and labour by temptations to spoil him let his temptations make you more humble and fruitfull and obedient this is the greatest honour of a Christian thus to put Satan to flight and spoil him 1 JOHN 2.13 The latter end I write unto you Babes because you have known the Father WE have heard of old men and young men now we come to his Apostolical writing to Babes Doct. Little Children even Babes may know God as their Father For the proof of this 1. I will shew it by Examples 1 Sam. 3 1. though at first he knew not yet from that time forward he knew God 2 Chron. 34. see it in Josiah so Timothy it is said that he knew the Scripture of a childe 2 Tim. 2.15 Luke 1.15 and our Saviour bears testimony of little children Suffer little children to come unto me for to such belongs the Kingdome of Heaven Mark 10.14 and that they were little ones we may see in that he took them in his armes as we use to doe infants and whereas the Anabaptists say he means not of these but of such as are of years but little children in grace this cavill is vain for otherwise his reason had been in vain for he might have said it as well of Sheep as little Lambs for such are Gods Servants but yet he never mentions such but onely these little ones that is little children There are Three grounds of the Regeneration of little children 1. From the Originall Sin that they are born in for they that are capable of sin are also capable of grace for no subject is capable of sin but it is capable of grace and the greatest part of their sin is the privation of grace which they are capable of Luke 1.15 Psal 58.3 2. From their interest in the Covenant they enter into a Covenant with God even from their childhood as we may see they brought their young Babes to enter into a Covenant with God Deut. 29.10 to 14. and so are capabâ—e of grace Joel 2.15 16. In times of great dangers in the Land God required little children and Bâ—bes to humble themselves for breach of the Covenant which implies they were in a Covenant indeed the Ninivets made their Beasts fast and their Children but they were Heathen and were not within the Covenant 3. Children are capable of the seals
of Antichrist so then the question is Where is this Spirituall Unction alas it is an hard thing for blinde natural men to know but yet as the Ambassador of Persia said Quot Senatores tot reges so where you see a company of Christians Quot Christiani tot reges so many Kings Priests and Prophets Psal 45.16 the children of the New Testament shall be answerable to the Fathers of the Old and shall be endued with suitable graces they are Princes in what part of the World soever they are Princes judging of things in difference indued with a Princely spirit to overcome the World and Sathan and their own Corruptions they have a Priestly Office to pray and instruct to sacrifice themselves and their Families to God c. therefore if you find such a company verily there is the Church of God and let not the Separatists say you have prophane persons among you We say though they be amongst us yet they are not of us and therefore that hinders us not from being the Church therefore whither should we go to seek the Church but where this Unction is Vse 3 For all you that have received this Unction it is not for Kings and Princes to be digging in the earth it is not for Priests and Prophets to be ignorant and blinde and dumbe 1 Cor. 6.1 to 7. Paul is confident that the meanest Christian is a Judge What a shame is it for a Christian at every temptation to be carried Captive What a shame is it for Kings to soyl and besmut themselves for Saul to cast away his shield was a vile dishonour so for Christians to be soyled and carried away with every temptation for you to cast away your shield as if you had not been annoynted is a great dishonour It becomes Christians to fight like Princes and to be victorious and to judge like Kings so walk as Priests of the high God know how to pray how to instruct your Families how to offer all your wayes to God all your Families you are not to be only holy day Priests but daily Priests Vse 4 It may teach every Christian that stands in need of healing or suppleing your stiff spirits you need balme and oyle for healing the wounds of your souls and suppleing and softning your stiff spirits why here is an unction that will heal thy wounds and soften thy heart intreat God that he would shed abroad his spirit into thy heart that he would heale thy spirit soften thy heart and chear thy soule look up to the holy one he is able to powre floods of consolation on thee and establish thy soul in peace do wee find our spirits hard and stiff and bound our spirits very straight and stand in need of a great deal of alacrity why yet this spirituall unction will so inlarge thee and supple thee that thou shalt find thy selfe helped and quickned that thou mayest do things not weakly but with power and life so if we find corruptions so strong that we know not how to overmaster them there is an unction from this holy one able to strengthen us against them intreat God therefore to power it down upon thy soul so doe you want power and life in Gods ordinances why in any need look up to him Vse 5 Here is a ground of much consolation that God is pleased to bestow such a mercy such a blessing as this upon us how are we bound to Christ that is pleased to annoynt us with the same oyntment wherewith himselfe was anoynted it is a ground of much consolation Christians are often called to great imployments which if they look on themselves they see themselves altogether unfit for such as Moses said send by whom thou wilt send but is not this unction able to make us Kings and Priests we know where to find supply and if God call us to more imployments that is our comfort that we have an unction which is able to fit us for every work and imployment God shall call us to Vse 6 Of exhortation to every Christian not to rest contented in an empty name of Christianity â—â—ll you get this spirituall unction rest not in any known strength but what you receive by this spirit otherwise you shall find much want of help Matth. 25.1 to 10. the wife Virgins had their oyle continually ready and prepared whensoever Christ came but the foolish Virgins some oyle they had some common gifts and graces but they were spent and it was too late to seek for oyle when the Bridegroome came so do not only hear the Word but labour to find some oyle dropt into your souls that so in stormes you may find the life and comfort of the spirit 1 JOHN 2.20 But ye have an unction from the holy one and ye know all things IN these words the Apostle prescribes a means to preserve them against seducements and the first means is the unction they had received from the holy one which is a comparison from the legall oyntment this spirit of Grace should be as an Antidote against all Antichrists Now we come to speak of the vertue of this unction Doct. The little Children of God by vertue of the oyntment of the spirit of Grace they know all things So Verse 27. so that there is an abiding oyntment and so sufficient that they need not be taught more or better things than it will teach them For Explication 1 Consider the subject yee know all things This universality of Christian knowledge is amplified by the subject yee know all things 1 For the desire of their hearts they desire to know all things necessary to salvation Acts 10.33 this is the frame and disposition of a converted heart to know all things and so great is the desire of Gods Children to know this that they desire to know those things that are most against them 1 Sam. 3.17 Eli knowing by Samuels lingring that he had some terrible message yet he would know it and urged him by a curse to declare it and when he had told him yet saith he Good is the Word of the Lord so that a godly heart desires to know all the Will of God especially if it belongs to him though it be never so bitter it is contrary with a carnall heart few are willing to know all things especially if they be against them and crosse their lusts they would not know it so Mark 6.12 in Herod so Isa 13.10 they were men of that frame that would have the Prophet speak pleasing things Mal. 2.11 2 As in their desire so in the preparation of their hearts they know it so that if God reveal his Will at any time they have hearts ready to hear it and apprehend it better Joh. 10.4 5. there is a vertue in them whereby they discern betwixt the truth of Christ and false Doctrin so the noble Bereans were more noble because they received the truth with all readinesse and fear Acts 17.11 12. they searched the Scriptures so
of it if your souls desire it in good earnest God accepts of it as done so for your Families if you instruct them and strive to build them up you say it is in vain no truly God will be your reward So it may be a stay to Ministers that desire by all means to convert some and yet finde no fruit of their labours yet thou shalt have thy reward with thy God for if false Prophets that go about to seduce though they seduce not yet God accounts them seducers so God accepts of thy good will and endeavour as much as if thou hadst effected it Obj. Then we may easily flatter our selves and say I desire that my soul and all mine might do well A. If a man have a willing minde to a thing it will much comfort him if he do it and grieve him if he cannot performe it thou sayest thou wouldst have thy selfe and all thine do well is it thy greatest grief that thou canst not effect this and would it be thy greatest comfort if thou couldst then God accepts thy desire but if a man have only some lazie desires if it go well well and good if not he is not much troubled there was no right desire 1 JOHN 2.27 But the annoynting which yee have received of him abideth in you c. Doct. EVery Child of God even the least and the meanest have received the Vnction of the Spirit of this we heard vers 20. But something is to be considered in the varying of the words vers 20. he said they had it here he saith they have received it of him Doct. The Children of God receive this Vnction of the Spirit from God from the Father and from Christ John 14.16 17. John 16.13 Gods sending and our receiving are relata 2 Cor. 1.21 22. Gods giving and our taking mutually agree one to another and sometimes God the Father is said to send the Spirit and sometimes God the Son it is God that sends it but Christ that hath prayed that he would send it John 14.16 17. and by his Death and Ascension hath he purchased and procured the Spirit for us Acts 2.32.33 The Reasons why we must receive this Unction from God and from Christ Reas 1. Because of our selves what we have by Nature is a spirit of errour and falshood and corruption and therefore because we have no Unction from the first Adam no spirit that heales us and softens us and chears us we have no spirit that doth annoynt us but rather besmear us and daub us with base lusts therefore if we have any Spirit of Grace it is needfull that we should receive it from the second Adam 2 We receive it from the Father because by Christ we are made Sons and therefore have need of the spirit of Sons Gal. 4.4 5 6. all of us like Christ his eldest Son Gods Spirit is the mark whereby he owns us it is the earnest penny that we have Rom. 8.14 that we might be comforted therefore called the comforter John 16.13 the earnest penny and first fruits of eternal glory an earnest penny is part of the payment of the same nature with the whole this Spirit is part of the payment which we shall then receive in abundance now in a small measure we have now little love and faith c. but he will make perfect love perfect knowledge perfect strength 3 That Christ should give it is from his death whereby he purchased it Gal. 3.13 14. and by his Ascension he shed abroad his Spirit in our hearts as when Elias was ascending into Heaven he spread abroad his Mantle upon Elisha whereby he was cloathed with a double Spirit so when Christ ascended into Heaven he spread abroad his Mantle as it were his Spirit which every Christian taking is cloathed with the Spirit of Christ with the Spirit of gladnesse and holinesse Vse 1. Shews the wonderfull love of God even to the least and meanest of his Servants that not only gives us his Son to be our Redeemer but his Spirit to be our Sanctifier so large is God in his bounty no wonder then if he give us health and peace and friends and means and maintenance for he that gives us his Son and his Spirit will he deny us lesser things so that this is not only an expression of his love but an argument of our faith and consolation he that gives us his Son and his Spirit will give us all things Luke 12.32 Fear not little flock c. and no wonder for he hath given us the earnest here Vse 2. To teach Gods Children not to be proud of any Spiritual gift that God gives us 1 Cor. 4.7 if all we have we have received what have we to boast And let us not insult over others for they may receive the Spirit of Unction as well as we as Paul did though he were a persecutor so much lesse should we despise weaker Christians than our selves what if they have received but a little measure of faith and love and patience c. why that little is so much that it seals them up to eternall happinesse they have received so much that they are invested with the garment of Christ therefore let there be no striving or contention or contempt among Brethren seeing all have received this Unction Vse 3. Have you received the Spirit then so walk in him rooted and established in him Col. 2.6 7. why have you received it but that you may pray and preach and buy and sell in this Spirit therefore let every one so walk that he may expresse that he hath received the Spirit of God Gal. 5.25 as yee have received the Spirit so walk in him put forth the life of the Spirit in every employment not your own spirit but shew forth the grace of him which hath called you out of darknesse into his marvellous light Doct. 2. The Spirit which the Children of God have received of him dwells in them for ever John 14.16 17. it is an in-dwelling and abiding Spirit 1 Cor. 3.6 6.29 Ephes 2.20 21 22. the Spirit of God builds a Tabernacle in you and dwels in you Reas 1. Now the Spirit is said to abide in us because having knit us to Jesus Christ we are become of his flesh and bone now it were both a dishonour and unseemly for Christ to have any livelesse dead member therefore that God might make us serviceable unto him he continues his Spirit to us that may inliven us 2 God that gives us this earnest penny would have it continue with us till the payment be compleat 3 The same reason that moves God to give us his Spirit moves him to continue it to us we have as much need to be like God in our whole course as at first and have as much need of assurance of Glory Phil. 1.6 the same God that begins the work will also continue it to us Vse 1. A ground of trial of our estates if we have no spirit
of a Christian is the way of Truth and goodnesse but the wayes of the wicked are deceitfull and will certainly seduce us but a Christian hath fellowship with the Spirit of Truth Vse 2. It must therefore stir up men to labour to be partakers of this excellent Spirit this Spirit of truth the way of righteousnesse will not deceive us It may be many times by following the Spirit we run into dangerous wayes the way of truth is a straight narrow way but it is a safe way keep your way and it will keep you the Spirit of Christ will carry you on strongly Jer. 20 10. men thinke that Christians walk in dangerous wayes set like Christ on the top of a pinacle but we shall find that these wayes of truth will not fail us but lead us on to eternall happinesse therefore get this Spirit of Truth Vse 3. A ground of comfort to all them that have received this Spirit this Spirit will not deceive you if Gods Spirit were not in you you were of all men most miserable but we have a Spirit that will not fail us as Policarpus said These eighty six years have I served Christ and he never deceived me therefore now I will not leave him Doct. 6. The anoyntment of Gods Spirit teacheth us our perseverance in Christ i. e. doth assure us that we shall abide in him Rom. 8.16 17. The same Spirit beareth witnesse with our Spirits two Spirits bear witnesse Gods and ours and both co-witnesse our adoption our spirit that is our renewed regenerate Spirit for Gods Spirit would not joyn with our corrupt Spirit but with our renewed Spirit and this makes us become the Sons of God for there is a manifold difference between the fruits of the Spirit and the flesh but besides this renewed Spirit of ours Gods Spirit witnesseth the other indeed was the fruit and effect of Gods Spirit but Gods Spirit it selfe is some lively and comfortable witnesse which speaks more clearly and fully than the created graces of God in us if you would speak of an immediate work of the Spirit it doth it by such peace of Conscience and joy as passeth understanding Phil. 4.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it shall so guid your hearts this peace that Gods Spirit immediately poures into the heart is without understanding and the witnesse Gods Spirit gives to our spirits makes us that we never doubt more as formerly 2 It works in us joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1.8 there is such a witnesse as fills our hearts with glorious Consolation Rom. 14.17 and this fills our souls so that a man tasts of the first fruits of Heaven in his light we shall see light Psal 36.8 9. there are certain times when God sends this into our spirits and that is usually in the end of many Conflicts God abundantly recompenseth our work 3 Sometimes when we are preparing for some great triall then God sends some more special help of his Spirit as it was with our Saviour when he was to be tempted forty dayes immediately before he had a testimony from Heaven Thou art my beloved Son c. presently after he was led into the Wildernenesse to be tempted of the Devill Matth. 4. and as the Angels rejoyce at our conversion Luke 15.10 so when God hath any great Temptation for us he poures down more enlargement and comfort of the Spirit so when Christ was to be Crucified he was a little before gloriously Transfigured and when he came riding to Jerusalem exulting and rejoycing presently after he went to be Crucified Rom. 5.8 and often in the midst of tribulation so oft after Afflitions and Conflicts God comes to comfort us with happy enlargements 1 Pet. 4.14 not onely a spirit of grace but a spirit of glory as it did on Steven Acts 6. ult 1 John 3. ult hereby we know that we abide in Christ even by the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.9 10 11 12. Reas 1. From the names and titles given to the Spirit in Scripture three names all which witnesse this truth 1 It is called the Comforter Joh. 14.16 17. not so much comforting us in outward Crosses but specialy because he comforteth our hearts by assuring us we are Sons and Daughters of God and Heirs of life for else it were not above the world for the world can comfort us in temporall things but here is a comforter that far transcends the world 2 The Spirit is called the seal and earnest of our inheritance Ephes 1.13 14. Ephs 4.30 2. Cor. 1.21 now a seal hath a three-fold use 1 It hath an use to keepe secret or distinguish 2 Not only so but to confirme us in all Leases Bonds Covenants so the Spirit not only keeps us sure and distinguisheth us from all Hypocrites but seales us by confirming the happinesse of our estate present and future 3 It is a seal alluding to the seals of Princes wherein their person is pourtrayed so this Spirit is the very Character of Gods Image and fashions us after the Image of God and hereby he confirms and establisheth all the Promises to us 2 Cor. 1.20 and Ephes 6. the Article shews that not only the gift of the Spirit but the person of the Spirit witnesseth 3 He is called the earnest whereof three Uses 1 It bindes and asures a man 2 An earnest is part of the payment though small in regard of the whole so the Spirit of grace is part of the payment and shall remain with us till the full payment 3 Because it abides with us after the whole payment Vse May serve to comfort the hearts of all that have received the Unction of the Spirit they have an assurance of their state of Grace here and Glory hereafter Obj. How comes it to passe then that so many Christians are so troubled 1 There is a double Reason First Sometimes by imaginary causes when there is no such cause as 1 In case of desertion we think we have quenched and grieved the Spirit and therefore it hath left us but God doth not assure us that the Spirit in a full and glorious measure shall abide in us but some fruites of it shall alwayes remain 2 Sometimes outward Crosses and Afflictions make us doubt as David Psal 73. surely I have cleansed my heart in vain 3 Sometimes Melancholy may so distemer us that we will hardly be perswaded of that whereof we have no cause to doubt Secondly There are some real Causes as 1 If we live in any known sin that breaks the very bones Psal 51.8 deprives us of the vigour of the Spirit 2 The high prizing of earthly contentments when we exceedingly delight our selves in Husbands or Wives or Children which much benumbs and dims the light of the Spirit Matth. 13.44 45. when a man so prizes this Pearl he keeps it with him in comfort 3 The proud frame of our spirit hinders our peace we are all naturally of proud â—ofty spirits and if God see not in us an
still waters of comfort and consolation such a man will goe out conquering and to conquer and in prospering to prosper 2. This should instruct the people of God to search the Scriptures daily that so they may be the better able to try the spirits of their Ministers labour they also to try their own hearts 3. To exhort people to be earnest with God that they may be endued with his Spirit Try the spirits Doct. That the people of God are first 〈◊〉 try the spirits of thâ—â—r Ministers before they trust them they must first try the 〈◊〉 Beloved Try the spirits as if he would take them by 〈…〉 exhort them to try the spirits of their Ministers try how they 〈…〉 whether they do◠〈…〉 mighty power of God in humanâ—â—â—â—ties Def 〈◊〉 not prophesie try all thing◠〈◊〉 laâ—â—â—st that which is good 1 〈…〉 you 〈…〉 your hearts from 〈…〉 Spirit 1. By trying the 〈…〉 â—ut honour upon it 〈◊〉 doth not try a small piece of money but if 〈…〉 a great piece he will try this 2. In so doing you â—â—ll keep your hearts from 〈…〉 â—he Spirit Acts 17 〈…〉 of Berea when they 〈◊〉 heard Pau◠〈◊〉 whom they might have believed if they had known him 〈◊〉 they 〈…〉 the Scriptures daily 〈◊〉 such things as he preached 〈◊〉 so or no finding his doctrine true they believe it and 〈◊〉 of them belived it was not 〈◊〉 counted a Conventicle for them to meet together to see what they could â—â—member of of what they had heard 〈…〉 was it counted any disgrace for great men to be conversant in good dutieâ— What is it 〈…〉 Spirits 〈◊〉 â—heir Ministers They must try the spirit of a mans Person Calling Doctrine Applâ—â—â—ions 1. There mayâ—â— a false spirit of a mans person Matth. 7.15 16. 2. 〈◊〉 spirit of their Callings Christ saith to John and James You know not of what spirit you are Luke 9.55 56. yet they were pillars of â—â—e Church Gal â—â— 9. men of excellent gifts and graces one of them was this John which wrote this Epistle you know not what spirit you are proving of what calling you are of your calling is the same with mine now he tels them That he came not to destroy but to save as for Eliah and Elisha they were Ministers of vengâ—â—â—â—e Ministers of the law they might curse but 〈…〉 seek to save â—ry the spirit of their doctrine for they may be sometimes carryed away with 〈…〉 truth 〈…〉 spirit of errour Mat. 16.16 compared with 〈…〉 receive 〈…〉 the Kingdome of Heaven was he therefore kept from 〈◊〉 No he spake with a 〈◊〉 spirit in the morning 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 spirit in the afternoon he rebuke◠〈◊〉 Master and what saith Christ to him then Get thee behinde me Satan 4. You must try the spirit of â—â—eir application Bad Ministers 〈◊〉 misapply the 〈…〉 â—od they will make 〈◊〉 hearts of 〈…〉 God would not haâ—â— made 〈◊〉 Ezek. 13 2◠〈…〉 mis-apply the Word of God like Job 〈◊〉 47. â— 7 8. they spake from a spirit of truth but not from a spirit of 〈…〉 when you shall see a man to 〈…〉 like courses 〈…〉 apply the prâ—mises but rather 〈…〉 to him and 〈…〉 you may not apply â—â—reatnings to â—â—ounded conscience for 〈…〉 speak a right of God Belieâ—◠〈…〉 Answ 〈◊〉 believe is 〈…〉 of the truth Heb. 11. â—â— 2. To apply 〈…〉 1 John 1.21 3. Wâ—â—ust to it 〈…〉 There are two things in a promise 〈…〉 truth and trust upon the gâ—â—â—â—â—esse Psa◠〈◊〉 â—4 Reas 1. Taken from 〈…〉 of God by the neglect of this duty 1 Kings 20 3◠〈…〉 the Prophet spake whether he spake in the name of the Lord or 〈◊〉 hearkned not to the word of the Prophet therefore a Lyon slew him 1 Kings 13.15 to 25. on the contrary 2. From the danger in regard of the Prophets themselves Matth. 7.15 2 Pet. 1.2 3. Rev. 18.13 Reas 2. From the easinesse of Prophets to delude Gods people 1. Because the 〈◊〉 great store of false Prophets 1 Kings 22.21 22 23. a man is easily deceâ—â—d by a multitude 2. They may delude by their calling many men may think surely their Minister is right 3. From the hyâ—â—crisie of their Ministers Matth. 7.15 They come to you in sheeps cloathing but inwardly are ravening Wolves Vse 1. To refute the Doctrine of the Church of Rome they would keep men in ignorance thinking it to be the Mother of Devotion 2. This 〈◊〉 â—â—ir up all the people of God to search the Scriptures that so they may 〈◊〉 the spirit of their Ministers do not take every thing as true from your Minister because he is your Minister no though he be a man that fears God but try his spirit try every word follow him from first to last if you doe not try the Word you will not trust it so that all that is delivered to you is â—â— water spite upon the ground How shall I try the spirit of our Minister 1. Try them by the Word of God Esa 8.20 acquaint your heart with the Word of God Heb. 5. alt 2. Labour for the oyntment of the Spirit of God 3. Consider whether it make you more conformable to the Word of God or no whether it make you obey the Word of God more carefully then before whether it make you more like to Christ if it work these effects it is the Word of God that is preached Doct. That many false Prophets even in the dayes of St. John the Apostle were gone out into the world There 〈◊〉 severall false Prophets as Ecclesiastical storiâ— relate What is a false Prophet He is not every one that teacheth false doctrine for we know but in part and prophesie but in part 1 Cor. 13.9 to 12. 〈…〉 â—art we may prophesie falsly A false Prophet then is such a one that preacâ—â—h some doctrin that overthroweth the doctrine of the Christian faith when he doth seduce others to believe false doctrine whoâ—â— words fret as a Canker 2 Tim. 2.17 18. 1. When men preach such doctrine as cannot be delivered without peril without damnation except they afterwards repenâ—â— 2 〈◊〉 2.1 2 3. Such are called ravening Wolves â—atth 7.15 they destroy both the souls and bodies of those that believe them they root up the Church of God like wild Boars 2. They seduce others to believe the 〈◊〉 2 Pet. 1.1 2 3. they sell such mens souls for nought 〈◊〉 it 's said They should deceive if 〈◊〉 were possible the very elect 〈◊〉 24.24 3. Such as 〈…〉 of their errours and yet will not yeeld Tit. 3 10 11. such are to be 〈◊〉 being perverted and sin being damned of their own souls a man iâ—â—hen convinced when he will â—light the poiâ—â—â—n which he is convinced and if you hold him to it that he cannot start 〈◊〉 he will fall out with you 〈◊〉 Apostle â—sheth that such men were even cut off Gal. 5.17 〈…〉 only have divisions among Christians that so the spirits of his faitâ—â—es may â—e